With speculations of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi government announcing early state election started doing the rounds, the political atmosphere in Telangana has got all charged up. By Ashish Pandey: With speculations of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi government announcing early state election started doing the rounds, the political atmosphere in Telangana has got all charged up. After the visit of Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a mega "Telangana Praja Garjana (roar of Telangana people) rally at Sangareddy, some 65 kilometres away from Hyderabad today. advertisement Rahul is expected to train his guns on the BJP-led NDA government and the TRS-run state government for their 'failures' on several fronts during his rally. According to Congress leaders, Rahul will reach the Begumpet Airport in the afternoon and garland a statue of late PM Rajiv Gandhi. He will also greet Congress leaders at different places in the city before leaving for the Ambedkar Stadium in Sangareddy, the site of the rally. HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF VENUE The venue is historically significant as the Ambedkar Stadium is the same place where former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed a public meeting in 1979 and led the Congress back to power in the 1980 general elections. She contested from Medak Parliamentary seat, of which Sangareddy is an assembly segment, and got elected to the 7th Lok Sabha in 1980. The state Congress unit has made elaborate arrangements for the rally and its leaders are expecting the participation of over 2 lakh people for the mega rally. The party has also mobilized 10 leaders from each of the 8,560 gram panchayats in the Telangana State for the public meeting. Speaking to India Today, State Congress unit President Uttam Kumar Reddy said that people in the country had elected new governments in the country and state in 2014 elections with high hopes. However, both the BJP government at the Centre and the TRS government in Telangana had disappointed the common man by failing to deliver on the tall promises that they made to the people. It is expected that Rahul will speak about the dictatorial and anti-democratic attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). He will also expose how Modi and KCR have been pushing agriculture and farmers into a crisis situation. Also read | Rahul Gandhi emulates Indira in Sangareddy. Can he repeat 1980 for Congress in 2019? Also read | Fundamental failure: Rahul Gandhi slams NDA over GDP numbers, rise in unemployment Also read | To counter BJP's outreach in south India, Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh this week advertisement ALSO WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- You dont usually go to a rock show for an impassioned speech about respecting authority, but Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan broke with tradition at the Boston Calling Festival over the Memorial Day weekend to remind his fans of the importance of military and law enforcement. Its worth noting Keenan himself is an Army veteran. As artists, we interpret and report, thats our job. We are merchants of emotion. We have the privilege to do that because of active and former law enforcement and military defending our right to do so, he told the crowd. Those of you who are law enforcement and military, your job is to defend our right to act like whining, entitled snowflake aholes, myself being one. Snowflakes, your job is to respect them fucking doing that for you. Divided we fall. Dont believe the hype dumb-dumbs, were all in this together. Whilst Mr. Kander is now the 2nd toughest guy on the MSNBC talk show circuit next to Rachel Maddow . . . SecState Kobach attempts to ride Prez Trump's coattails and a wave of conservative media boner pill advertising broadcast support all the way to a dead end job as Kansas Governor. Voter photo ID is tonight's partisan slap fight and reason for a great deal of political self-righteous indignation despite the fact that fewer andWhile this topic isn't as interesting or rewarding as trying toand possibly win a cash prize . . . That doesn't mean it's not important.Example:Better still . . . The crisis works its way back to the Kansas City metro given that former Missouri SecState Kander and current Kansas SecState Kobach are at the center of the debate . . .Courtesy of a narrator who is refreshingly more unlikable than either one of these politicos,Checkit even though toward the end it kinda comes off like a leftover Kander campaign commercial...Finally, Midtown denizens might notice that all of these strong-arm legislative tactics are also employed by progressive Democratic Party hypocrites in their effort to rig the current toy train streetcar vote in one last laugh that relates back to the horrible Kansas City discourse.You decide . . . Follow-Up To TKC Corporate Fight Coverage New Kansas City Coalition Watchdogs TIF Spending - And May Go To November Ballot Disappointed in the city of Kansas City's priorities on tax breaks for development, a coalition of community groups on Wednesday announced a new watchdog group and threatened to get an incentive cap on the November ballot. A newly-formed organization of Kansas City and St. Boring JoCo Meeting Battle ACLU of Kansas: Shawnee Mission School District policy is 'unconstitutional' The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas this week blasted new Shawnee Mission School District guidelines that restrict those making public comments at board meetings from speaking about specific district employees or students, calling the requirement "unconstitutional." Show-Me Voter Rage Democrats, civil rights groups decry Missouri's voter ID law, which takes effect June 1 A day before Missouri's new voter ID law takes effect, a coalition of civil rights groups and Democratic politicians warned Wednesday that the law could disenfranchise minority voters and older people. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, whose office oversees elections, scoffed at the concerns, arguing that "if you're a registered voter, you'll be able to vote." Kansas City Drama Coverage Based On Nazi Love Letters, A UMKC Professor's Play Shows Life During Wartime Did Nazis fall in love? Of course they did, though it may be hard to associate the idea of that emotion with a society that committed human atrocities. But as the Third Reich was rising, individuals in Germany fell in love with each other just like people all over the world fall in love every day. Hottie Cowtown Sound Local trio soothes the ears of KC as they prepare to release new album KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Based out of Kansas City - Olivia Fox is a folk/pop trio that uses classic folk instrumentation, vocals and harmonies to modern beats and synth pads. Lauren Flynn, Tiffany Smith and Aubrey Callahan make up the band, and on Wednesday the trio stopped by the FOX 4 studio to showcase their soothing songs. hotness encourages us to keep up to date and offer just a peek at this collection of Kansas City MSM news and topics for consideration . . .And this is thefor right now . . . Kansas House committee considers selling off tobacco assets to help fix budget deficit The House budget committee scrutinized a measure Thursday selling bonds backed by tobacco litigation settlements to help fill the next two fiscal years' projected $900 million dollar deficit. Gov. Sam Brownback floated a similar proposal in the 2016 legislative session, but it was met with resistance. Andover Republican Sen. Cancer cash is the last refuge of this state comping with broken supply side promises and equally repugnant high-tax solutions. Take a look: "Before spending a lot of money on putting streetcar tracks in, wouldnt it make sense of offer express bus service between the City Market and Berkley Park? Then there could be an accurate assessment of the demand for public transportation between those two points. "Maybe it is a situation where the developer wants a tourist attraction to help his tax abated project in the Riverfront area. If that is the case, shouldnt the developer pay for the entire project rather than the overtaxed citizens of KCMO?" Local voters are picking their battles and a rather useless bit of toy train extension is so far unchallenged . . .Nerveless anoffers an important suggestion . . .You decide . . . Gov. Sam Brownback isn't saying whether he would sign a bill being debated by the Senate on Thursday that would keep guns out of mental health and public hospitals. Some senators said Brownback would sign House Bill 2278, while others said he would veto it after an amendment supported by the National Rifle Association was defeated. One year down, many to go: KCPS Superintendent Mark Bedell rates his first year KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It was March 2016 when 41 Action News traveled to Baltimore to meet the new Kansas City Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Mark Bedell. He had never been a superintendent before but had a resume that began in the classroom. Credit where it's due . . . Over the past year, this local leader has avoided any major scandal, the school board has been mostly quiet and there has been a tiny bit of progress toward accreditation. Read more: CELEBRATE COUNCIL DUDE SCOTT WAGNER FILING HIS PAPERWORK FOR HIS KANSAS CITY MAYORAL RUN!!! Election season is already underway for Kansas City power players who understand that every vote in this dirty little town is decided long before ballots are cast.To wit . . .Screenshot from the MO Ethics site to prove the point . . .Councilman Wagner currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem and starts his campaign effort with a paltry $20K. However, he's the only viable contender for Mayor from the Northland - Kansas City's fastest growing enclave.He joins Councilman Scott Taylor (no relation) and Councilman Jermaine Reed (also no relation) in their quest to take over the City Hall top job.Meanwhile, Council Dude Quinton Lucas will announce soon and every denizen of the LGBT community is lobbying Council Lady Jolie to think beyond the tiny 4th District that she hasn't been too concerned about anyhoo . . .What have we learned from all of this early competition???Now is the time to lean on Council for favors, cash and other fun stuff given that the race is on to line up a job for next election season and local politicos are, obviously, already feeling the heat.Developing . . . A few weeks after the official launch of the China-Greece Cultural Exchanges and Cultural Industry Cooperation Year in Athens Greece and China can learn a lot from each other by joining forces in culture, Greek Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou told Xinhua. A few weeks after the official launch of the China-Greece Cultural Exchanges and Cultural Industry Cooperation Year in Athens, the Greek official talked about the prospects of Greek-China collaboration in this field and culture's role in facilitating and promoting relations among peoples. She shared her experience from her three visits to China and her dream about bringing younger generations closer to Greece's rich cultural heritage. An acclaimed actress and director specializing in ancient Greek drama, Koniordou first visited Beijing in 2004 with the National Theater of Greece to perform "Antigone" of Sophocles. She will never forget the standing ovation the audience gave to the Greek artists, she said. In 2014 and 2015 she was invited by Shanghai Theater Academy to do a workshop on ancient Greek drama and then direct a performance of ancient Greek drama by third-year students. "We believe that our ancient culture, Greek tragedy is part of the world heritage now and can really throw a light to different cultures. It is not just Greek," she told Xinhua. Wonderful experience "So we applied this play into Chinese reality and that was a wonderful experience," she said. Koniordou started learning Chinese for this course and gradually discovered more and more links between the two countries. She found analogies in culture, philosophy and art, and felt like home in her Chinese world. "We believe that there are a lot of things that we can learn from each other. When I was in Shanghai the proof that we have so much in common is how I communicated especially with the younger generation, but also the teachers and the faculty in a very immediate way," she noted. "We had no barrier in our communication and this was wonderful. I felt we have so many things that we can exchange," she stressed. For Koniordou, the Greece-China Cultural Exchanges and Cultural Industry Cooperation Year offers a great opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties in the cultural sector and pave the way for the enhancement of collaboration in other fields in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. She sees culture as a vital bridge supporting creative dialogue, understanding and the welfare of citizens. "We are now in a position that the whole world is re-evaluating its course. We want to know where we want to head as humanity, what kind of world we want to live in. So this is a very important moment and we believe that culture is a way to help us understand who we are and where we want to go," the Greek official said. Sustainable growth "Also culture can really connect with sustainable growth, can be connected with the welfare of the citizen," she underlined. "This is what we are trying to do in Greece, to connect culture with the education of the younger generation. Because it is very important for each generation to know the value of culture and to know what it can offer to their lives," Koniordou said. On Sino-Greek connection through culture, the framework is already there, she noted, referring for example to two MOUs signed recently on co-production of films and the translation of literary works. The two sides also plan exchanges of treasures between museums, theater and musical exchanges, as well as collaboration in restoration and preservation of antiquities and the battle against illicit trafficking of cultural heritage treasures, she said. "We really look forward to knowing Chinese culture and the different expressions of Chinese culture in Greece. I think the Greek people are very interested in this. I felt also the same in China," Koniordou said. The Greek minister believes that culture can help make the world a better place. "Greece is going through a difficult period, but we need to stress the importance of keeping open this dialogue and exchange of culture, because we believe that in difficult moments citizens and we see this happening now in Greece want to connect with their identity more than ever," she stressed. Source: Xinhua 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 Greek government wants to persuade shipowners and shipping-insurance companies based in London to move their European Union headquarters to Greece as the U.K. prepares to exit the bloc. Were in contact with five large ship-insurance brokers who are considering various EU member countries for the transfer of their headquarters, Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis said in an interview in Piraeus, Greeces biggest port. Kouroumblis declined to name the firms as the talks are private. Well meet by the latest in June to discuss the terms theyd like in order to choose Greece, he said. The government has also asked U.K.-based Greek shipowners to consider returning their headquarters to Greece after Brexit, even though the country can offer little in the way of financial incentives given its tight financial situation, the minister said. Greece will instead attempt to appeal to the shipowners patriotism, he said. Greece is the worlds largest ship-owning nation, accounting for over 16 percent of the global merchant fleet ahead of Japan and China, according to the United Nations. Greek-owned vessels account for 22 percent of the world fleet and 50 percent of the EUs maritime carrying capacity, Kouroumblis said. The government wants Piraeus to become one of the worlds largest shipping centers and a modern maritime cluster, Kouroumblis said. We want to create a service center for shipping in Piraeus, he said. Cruise Operations Shipping contributes around 7 percent to Greeces economic output, and the government also wants to boost shipping-related activities like vessel repair and sees opportunities from cruise operations and yachting at regional ports, especially for so-called home porting, where cruises begin and end at a given harbor, Kouroumblis said. Greece hosted over 4 million cruise ship passengers in 2015, making it the third-most popular destination in Europe after Italy and Spain. Direct spending from cruise activities brought in 489 million euros ($547 million), according to the latest data from the Cruise Lines International Association. Since Greece needs to improve infrastructure to accommodate new ships with capacity of more than 4,000 passengers, the government will ask cruise operators to invest in those ports that interest them in return for incentives, including favorable port fee arrangements, Kouroumblis said. Theres already interest in Santorini, Lavrio and Katakolon, he said. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, MSC Cruises SA and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd all feature Santorini on their summer schedules. The shipping ministry is also working with the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission to attract Greek shipowners to the Athens exchange, rather than other bourses, to issue a bond. Theres interest from two or three large Greek shipping companies, Kouroumblis said. Well perhaps see the first such bond issue in September. Source: bloomberg.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 By India Today Web Desk: Comedian Kapil Sharma was taken to a hospital yesterday after he complained of uneasiness. According to reports, Kapil's blood pressure had shot up, which was why he was feeling unwell. Also read: Salman Khan comes to the rescue of The Kapil Sharma Show; here's how The comedian was supposed to shoot with actor Paresh Rawal, who was going to make an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show for promoting his upcoming flick Welcome to London, but the shoot couldn't take place after Kapil was rushed to a nearby hospital. advertisement But fans can take a breather as the issue is not serious. TKSS's Kiku Sharda told The Times of India that Kapil is feeling a lot better now. "Yes, Kapil was feeling uneasy so he was taken to the hospital and was admitted. But there's nothing to worry. He is fine now," said Kiku. --- ENDS --- The forum took place on 24 and 25 May in the city of Serres Approximately half of the employees in the construction of TAP natural gas pipeline are in Greece which has the largest part of the pipeline from the Greek-Turkish borders to Italy, said the chief of the project for Greece Rikard Scoufias addressing the Forum for the Balkans and Black Sea Cooperation. "TAP is a dream that is becoming reality thanks to the work of the 5,200 persons in the three countries that host the pipeline, 2,500 of them are working in Greece", Scoufias said who said that TAP is a tangible example of cooperation in the energy sector between countries, enterprises and communities. A work that contributes to the supply of natural gas and the increase of energy sources for Europe along with growth, job positions and new opportunities to the hosting countries. The forum took place on 24 and 25 May in the city of Serres. 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 Two people were killed when a gunman opened fire in a private school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reports said adding that children were not present in the school at the time. The vicitms are two teachers at the Kingdom School, said a report. The shooter is believed to be a former teacher of Iraqi origin who has been laid off. The victims were a Saudi national and a Palestinian national, said Talal al-Maiman, the chairman of Kingdom Schools. A third person was injured in the rampage. It is with regret that the administration building of Kingdom Schools witnessed this morning a shooting incident by an Arab national who was dismissed from the school four years ago on the basis of anger issues and an unstable personality, he was quoted as saying by Reuters. The gunman fled the scene after opening fire on a group of teachers and employees, 3Alyoum reported. There has been a shooting at Kingdom School in Riyadh, shooter still at school. School closed, no children present. Please avoid area, the US embassy said on Twitter. It added: Ongoing security incident at Kingdom School as of 3:00pm local time. Please avoid area due to heavy police presence. Saudi Arabian schools are currently closed for the summer holidays, which started before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The Kingdom School is attended by many children of expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. The school is around 25 minutes from the embassy and many American citizens have children studying there. For any aircraft, landing is one the most challenging part of the work for pilots. And not all areas around the world offer the best conditions for an airport. Here are 11 of the world's most challenging airports in Europe. 1. Akureyri Airport (Akureyri, Iceland) Pilots are prohibited from landing at Akureyri Airport unless theyve received special training on a flight simulator or are familiar with the airports conditions. Its complex terrain calls for a high rate of descent that most pilots are not accustomed to. Along with the islands volcanic activity, one of the main challenges is a steep descent into high-terrain as well as maneuvering within a tight valley. 2. Courchevel Airport (Courchevel, France) At an elevation of 2,010 meters, Courchevel Airport has Europes highest tarmacked runway, which is only 537 meters long. Only turboprop planes may land there, and most commercial aircraft and private jets are prohibited due to safety concerns. Landing at this airport requires a Qualification of Sight license that fewer than 100 pilots have. Pilots must navigate through mountainous terrain while making a steep descent before hitting the uphill gradient of the runway. 3. Gibraltar International Airport (Gibraltar) This airport requires pilots to cross Winston Churchill Avenue, a public street that connects to neighboring Spain. The street must be closed to cars whenever planes land or take off. The challenging terrain makes non-standard visual approaches necessary, and irregular winds around the area often cause turbulence. 4. Heathrow Airport (Longford, U.K.) Because Heathrow is one of the worlds busiest airports, pilots must navigate through heavy traffic while in the air and when taxiing on the ground. 5. Innsbruck Airport (Innsbruck, Austria) Pilots must land their aircraft in a mountain valley while avoiding a peak that stands almost 2,438 meters high. The surrounding terrain makes wind shear and turbulence serious concerns for pilots. 6. London City Airport (London, U.K.) London City Airport was designed with business aviation in mind; however, recent infrastructure developments have led to more nearby skyscrapers, which make it difficult for pilots to land here. The airport can accommodate aircraft up to regional-sized jets, and takeoffs and landings must be performed at a five-degree angle, which is much steeper than the European standard of three degrees. Special certification and aircraft configuration is required. 7. Madeira Airport (Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal) Pilots flying into Madeira Airport may have almost 3,000 meters of runway to land on, but the runway is partially built on a platform above the ocean. The rocky terrain and high winds surrounding the area do not make landing any easier for pilots. 8. Svalbard Airport, Longyear (Svalbard, Norway) Svalbard Airport is the worlds northernmost commercial airport, located on a Norwegian island in the Arctic Ocean. Its surrounded by steep terrain, which makes landing difficult for pilots. The most risky phenomena are high winds and slippery runways due to frequent adverse winter conditions. As a result, it requires specific procedures, and limitations apply. 9. Ataturk Airport (Istanbul, Turkey) In recent years, the Ataturk Airport has seen a rapid increase in flights, which has not been accompanied by increased capabilities in air traffic control or airport infrastructure. It features challenging approaches such as non-standard descent angles and a non-standard go-around procedure because of crossing arrivals. 10. Airports in the Greek Islands Many airports in the Greek islands experience a high volume of traffic in the summer holiday period. Most of them are not equipped with precision guidance technologies, despite weather conditions that are sometimes quite challenging, including crosswinds, turbulence and thunderstorms. 11. Airports in the Mediterranean Airspace Many airports in the Mediterranean airspace suffer from frequent local thunderstorms during the summer. - TradeArabia News Service US President condemned the terror attack in Kabul, in which at least 90 people were killed, describing it as "barbaric". Donald Trump condemned the terror attack in Kabul, describing it as "barbaric". (Photo: Reuters) By Press Trust of India: US President Donald Trump spoke with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani and condemned the terror attack in Kabul, describing it as "barbaric". At least 90 people were killed and hundreds wounded when a massive truck bomb ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter during rush hour, in the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since 2001. "He condemned the attack, which occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, underscoring the barbaric nature of the terrorists who are enemies of all civilised peoples," the White House said in a readout of the telephonic conversation between the two leaders. advertisement Conveying condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the blast, Trump commended the bravery of the first responders, who worked quickly to support the wounded. "He also commended Afghan security forces for their steadfast efforts to defend their people from enemies who would seek to deny them the security and prosperity," the White House said. According to the White House, the United States Embassy is working with Afghan and coalition partners to assist the victims and help the National Unity Government pursue those responsible for the attack. Strongly condemning the deadly bombing, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson offered his deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured. ALSO READ | Kabul bomb blast death toll hits 80, over 350 others injured in suicide attack near Indian embassy ALSO WATCH | Huge blast near Indian embassy in Kabul, many feared killed --- ENDS --- About Marigot Bay Resort & Marina is a Caribbean resort in Saint Lucia that overlooks the beautiful Marigot Bay. This luxury resort offers stunning views and outstanding accommodations. Marigot Bay Resort & Marina is designed to provide visitors with the highest standard of personalized, detail-oriented service. Arguably the most beautiful Bay in the Caribbean, Marigot Bay is the vacation of your dreams. So book your stay today and come experience pure bliss in paradise. Walking Vacation Specialist Offers Expanding Selection of European Guided Walking Tours (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - May 31st, 2017 - The growing demand for soft adventure vacations from active professionals and aging baby boomers who still feel the spring in their steps has created exceptional opportunities for companies like The Blue Walk, a Florida-based guided walking tour specialist. The company offers small group walking vacations throughout France, Italy, Greece, and England, with experienced guides who lead enthusiasts along the blue coastlines, picturesque villages and scenic open spaces of some of the worlds most beautiful destinations. The Blue Walk also offers themed art, yoga, and wine appreciation tours led by experts in their fields. The groups stay in boutique hotels and luxury resorts along the way, depending on the itinerary. Todays travelers are more active, eager to immerse themselves in the environment, culture, and uniqueness of the places they visit, said Jeannette Candau, co-owner of The Blue Walk. A walking tour lets them experience our destinations from a personal level, rub shoulders with the locals, see nature first-hand, all while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers who take pleasure in doing the same things they do. The Blue Walk concept began on the French Riviera, where its founder was impressed with the coastal walking trails and beauty of the area. The company, originally founded as Cruise, Tour, Travel! in 2011, started with a special tour of the French Riviera, expanding its program as the popularity of its tours grew. Today, co-owners Jeannette Candau and Suzy Schutz carry on the traditions of bringing unique, authentic experiences to their clients, delivered with the highest level of creativity and care. While their tours are led by experienced guides and experts in their fields, Jeannette and Suzy are also active participants. They personally oversee many of their tours, talking with their clients, evaluating the guides and places visited. This allows them to gain valuable, first-hand insight into ways to continuously enhance the experience, as well as explore opportunities for new and unique tours. The Blue Walk is about immersing yourself in healthy and spiritually elevating experiences, seeing the beauty and wonders of the world all in a safe and supportive environment of like-minded people, said Jeannette. Every tour is a voyage of discovery, where people experience some of the worlds most serene surroundings; where you can breathe in the fresh air of the countryside or inhale the rich history of a storybook village, look up at a big, open sky, or gaze out at the endless expanse of tranquil blue waters. For more information, contact The Blue Walk toll-free at 551-258-3955 or visit them online. ### By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Includes DGPs comments) Srinagar, Jun 1 (PTI) In yet another success, the security forces today killed two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, hours after a police party was targeted in Sopore area of north Kashmir at their behest. The security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore in Baramulla district at around 3.30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. advertisement During the searches, the two militants opened fire on the forces, triggering a gun-battle, he said. Director General of Police S P Vaid said the slain militants were locals who belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen and were behind an attack on a police party. "Yesterday, a grenade attack was carried out on a police deployment party in Sopore town in which four policemen were injured," Vaid told reporters. "The description of assailants and CCTV footage helped in identifying and arresting two persons, including one who had hurled the grenade at the police party," the DGP said. He said during interrogation, the arrested persons provided information about the hideout of the militants at whose behest they had carried out the attack. "The security forces laid a cordon around the area. As they were closing in on the house where the militants were hiding, they (militants) opened fire. The security forces retaliated, leading to death of the two militants," the police chief said. He said the slain militants were identified as Aijaz and Basharat. PTI MIJ AKK AKK --- ENDS --- Clearing the UPSC civil services examination, that too in the first attempt, is nothing short of every aspirant's dream. This year, Amritsar's Anmol Sher Singh Bedi had his wish come true by securing the all India second rank. By India Today Web Desk: Clearing the UPSC civil services examination, and that too in the first attempt, is nothing but a sort of every aspirant's dream. This year, Amritsar's Anmol Sher Singh Bedi had his wish come true by securing the all India second rank in the UPSC examination in the first attempt. Among male candidates he has obtained the first rank and is more than happy. advertisement 23-year-old Anmol now wants to join Indian Foreign Service (IFS). "India is growing by leaps and bounds. I want to play a pivotal role in it," he said. He further said that he was on cloud nine and that it's a miracle as he had never imagined this will happen. He said that he hasn't worked as hard as people normally do as they prepare for three to four years for the toughest exam of India. He said, ''You can say that luck favoured me with some minute amount of hard work''. As per an HT report, Anmol said, ''This is a dream come true. Since my childhood, I have aimed to be a bureaucrat.'' (Read: UPSC Results 2017: Kashmiri boy overwhelmed, ranks 10th among toppers) He added that he used to study around eight hours a day. "I didn't stick to any particular strategy. I just remained consistent," he said. Anmol said he never let his motivation level come down. "Even low scores at times during school days didn't bog me down," he added. He completed his class 12th from Spring Dale School, Amritsar and pursued computer engineering at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan. Anmol's father Dr Sarabjit Singh Bedi is an a teacher at Guru Nanak Dev University, Jalandhar and his mother Jassi Bedi works with an NGO. The boy gives credit to his family, especially his sister Gursimran Kaur Bedi, for his stupendous performance. "They were the guiding lights," he added. His father said that Anmol has been a topper throughout his academic tenure. "He was always keen on appearing in UPSC examination," said Bedi. Read: Success may be delayed, not denied, says UPSC Civil Services 2016 topper Nandini K R Read: UPSC Civil Services Results 2016: Meet the top 3 rank holders --- ENDS --- A US Air Force veteran convicted of attempting to join Islamic State, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Wednesday after delivering an impassioned speech in which he maintained his innocence. A US Air Force veteran convicted of attempting to join ISIS, was sentenced to 35 years in prison. (Picture for representation. Photo: Reuters) By Reuters: Tairod Pugh, a US Air Force veteran convicted of attempting to join Islamic State, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Wednesday after delivering an impassioned speech in which he maintained his innocence and decried what he called the United States' racism and Islamophobia. "I am a black man. I am a military man. I am a Muslim man," Pugh said at his sentencing hearing in Brooklyn federal court. "I protected this country and the Constitution. And my service was repaid by dishonoring my name." advertisement Pugh, who spoke for about half an hour before US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis cut him off, said he had done nothing wrong, and was treated unjustly because of his race and religion. "My only regret is that it's taken me so long to recognize how frightened and racist my country has become," he said. But Garaufis said jurors had ample evidence to convict Pugh last March, including Islamic State propaganda videos found on his laptop and posts he wrote on Facebook supporting the extremist organization. "This isn't about whether you're Muslim or Christian or Jewish," the judge said. "This is about whether you're going to stand up for your country, or betray your country, which has done so much for you." "You've made your choice, sir," Garaufis continued, immediately before imposing the sentence. "I have no sympathy." Pugh's attorney, Susan Kellman, said after the hearing that Pugh would appeal his conviction and sentence. Pugh, 49, was found guilty after a week-long trial of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization, and obstruction for destroying four portable electronic storage devices after his detention in Turkey. Prosecutors said Pugh bought a one-way plane ticket from his home in Egypt to Turkey in 2015 planning to cross the Syrian border into territory controlled by the Islamic State. He was detained in an Istanbul airport by Turkish authorities, found carrying maps of Islamic State territory and border crossings into Syria. Prosecutors also pointed to a letter addressed to his wife, found on his laptop, in which he vowed to fight for Islam. Pugh said on Wednesday he intended to fight the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, not join the Islamic State. Pugh served as an avionics specialist in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990 and later worked as an Army contractor in Iraq from 2009 to 2010, according to federal prosecutors. ALSO READ | Days into Ramadan, car bomb in Baghdad kills 13, Islamic State claims responsibility ALSO READ | How ISIS lures youth with women, meat, chocolates to recruit in Kerala. An India Today exclusive advertisement ALSO WATCH | Pro-ISIS graffiti in Delhi University campus triggers protests, DUSU files complaint --- ENDS --- Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 1 The Barnala police today raided the infamous chit fund company, Crown Credit Cooperative Societys office at Nehru Shopping Complex and seized seven computers and record of the company here. Earlier, the police had sealed these offices on May 24. Today, a team of the Barnala police led by ASI Ranjit Singh visited Nehru Shopping Complex with search warrants issued by the District Courts, Barnala.The police broke open the locks of the shops and seized the computers and other documents. Ranjit Singh, investigating officer from Barnala, said, We have seized seven computers and some files including documents regarding the Crown Credit Cooperative Society. Technical teams will investigate the matter by accessing the computers. According to information, there were four separate cases against the Crown Credit Cooperative Society in which 42 complainants alleged that a fraud of Rs 6.97 crore had been committed in Barnala. Two separate cases have been registered in Amritsar and four in Bathinda. The Amritsar police had arrested Sandip Kaur, an accomplice of Jagjit Singh, director, Crown Credit Cooperative Society, in May. The Barnala police had taken custody of Sandip Kaur on production warrant and she revealed about the offices of the society. Today, the Barnala police has also checked shop nos. seven and eight from where Jagjit Singh used to print a monthly magazine, Punjabi Screen. Punjabi Screen had shifted from this building. The Barnala police did not inform the local victims of the society about todays action. The victims are not satisfied with the ongoing investigation of the local police. Harpreet Singh, a victim, said, Almost all key players of the chit fund company are missing. The police should make efforts to arrest Jagjit Singh, director of the company, and his accomplices Sangeeta Sharma, Lucky and Jaswinder Singh. ASI Ranjit Singh said, The investigation is progressing. We will not spare anyone found guilty. Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 31 The all-day long protest by chemists and druggists had left patients and their attendants high and dry, as they failed to find medicines prescribed to them from the market. Though the government-run Jan Aushadhi stores and pharmacies dispensed medicines, as these outlets do not stock a wide array of medicines prescribed by doctors, general patients also faced trouble at these stores. City residents demanded that the government should learn a lesson from the result of the strike and make such arrangements so that health services are not crippled in future. The government needs to take some steps. Otherwise, chemists could affect services at any time in future, said Ranjit Singh of Rani Ka Bagh area avenue. The protest call by the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists this time was so effective that none of the chemists opened their shops even late in the night. It was only in the morning that the shops were opened and medicines were made available to the patients. The patients could not get all medicines prescribed by the government doctors at the government hospitals as the Jan Aushadhi stores have a restricted list of medicines. As doctors prescribe medicines based on the need of the patients, sometimes most of them have to purchase from the open market, said Kulwant Singh, another resident. The chemist association members stated that they were forced to protest as the government had ignored all memorandums given by their leaders. Civil Surgeon Dr Pradeep Chawla said, We had consulted the association representatives on this issue and they had accepted they would not force closure of medicine shops inside the nursing homes. Most of the nursing homes have their own stores. He said the essential medicines were usually available at the hospitals. However, he added that the general OPD patients had faced problem, but it is the state government which can make such pre-emptive arrangements. Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 1 The Niti Aayogs proposal to proceed for strategic disinvestment of the ailing national carrier Air India has invited criticism from within the saffron organization. RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has voiced stiff resistance to the idea, issuing a warning of major confrontation if the Centre moved in the direction of the Aayogs suggestion of exiting the aviation business all together. The BMS is planning nationwide protests against the Aayogs various proposals and interference and encroachments in the working of different ministries. BMS general secretary Virjesh Upadhyay says the government needs to put an immediate stop to the thinking of privatising Air India or be prepared for a major confrontation with stakeholders. The BMS is planning nationwide protests around June 22-23 against the Niti Aayogs encroachment in all the ministries. If this does not stop, Upadhyay said, they would escalate protests and gherao Parliament during the winter session. What is happening with the Air India is the fallout of economic policies of all governments since Independence and all political parties are equally responsible. Air Indias case should not be considered in isolation, the public sector needs to be evaluated in totality. The public sector is a social obligation which needs to be nourished with compensation and promotion, he said. Recently, the Niti Aayog advised the government to find a buyer for the beleaguered airline and write off its debts and liabilities. Supporting the thought, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also pitched for the divestment, stating that the airline had a market share of 14% but debts worth Rs 50,000 crore. The Civil Aviation Ministry also said it was looking at possible alternatives to make the airline viable. The ministry officials say any decision, either way, was the prerogative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, Air India employees also threatened to launch a campaign to oppose the move. The national carrier has been in the red since its merger with Indian Airlines and is surviving on Rs 30,000-crore bailout package given by the previous Congress-led UPA government in 2012. Vijay C Roy Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 1 Successive failure of cotton crop, waterlogging and high taxation acted as deterrent for the Punjab-based ginning industry. As a result, in the past 10 years more than 85% of the units have been closed. According to data, there were around 422 units in 2007, each having a daily processing capacity of 150 bales. This number has now been reduced to 52 units in 2017 having processing capacity of 125 bales per day. Ginning industry is a seasonal industry and is in production for 4-5 months. The industry is in a shambles and it needs government intervention. The cotton belt comprising Malout, Bathinda, Gidderbaha, Fazilka, Kotakpura, Jaito and Muktsar used to be a hub of cotton ginning industry. But now the number of units has been reduced to 52 from 422 in 2007, which suggests that the industry is on a ventilator and needs immediate support, said Bhagwan Bansal, president, Punjab Cotton Ginners Association. Ginning industry in North India, especially in Punjab, is not doing well as the cotton crop in both Punjab and Haryana had a successive failure at least for five times in the past 10 years. At the same time, prices are also not favourable for the business because of high taxes in Punjab as compared to neighbouring Haryana and Rajasthan. Punjab charges 2% market fee on cotton which used to be 4% till 2012. Compared to Punjab, Haryana charges 1.6% market fee while Rajasthan charges 0.80% for new units and 1.60% for the existing units, he added. According to ginners, another area of concern is waterlogging in most of the cotton-producing belt that led to fall in the area. According to the ginners, there is a vast scope for the ginning industry in Punjab as there is a demand of 65 lakh bales by the textile industry whereas the annual production by the ginning industry in the state is only 9.5 lakh bales. The rest of the raw material is imported from outside the state. Naresh Bansal, another industrialist, said to revive the industry, the government must lower the market fee and bring it on a par with Rajasthan i.e. 0.80%. Also, since it is a seasonal industry and we have to pay minimum charges for electricity which is around Rs 1 lakh per month. Over the years because of shortage of raw material, our working has been reduced to four months from five months earlier. So, the government must waive the electricity charges to give fillip to the industry. Top sources have told India Today that western countries in the past two weeks have been making discreet enquiries seeking opinion of civil society, intellectuals and journalists over what is now being referred as Salafi culture. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: The rise of Islamic radicalization in Kashmir Valley is the latest worry, not just for India, but also for the western world. Top sources have told India Today that western countries in the past two weeks have been making discreet enquiries seeking opinion of civil society, intellectuals and journalists over what is now being referred as Salafi culture. advertisement Last week, sources say two American diplomats were in Srinagar. They met journalists, BJP minister Sajjad Lone, Ishaq Tramboo, Khurram Pervez and Pervez Imroze and Prof Siddique Wahid, ex-VC of Islamic varsity Awantipora to get a sense of transition phase of Kashmir militancy and current phase of the unrest. Sources also said that Norwegian ambassador had also visited Srinagar and met chief minister, Governor and journalists. The ambassador also visited a Gujjar dominated village in Kangan. He visited a school in Kangan and also went to DPS school in Srinagar. On Monday, two Swedish diplomats flew down to Srinagar and met with Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rohit Kansal. NEW AREA OF CONFLICT FOR ISLAMIC RADICALIZATION A source privy to the conversation said that "the diplomats want to know whether Kashmir will be new area of conflict for Islamic radicalization. After Iran, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and even Pakistan, will this be a new worry for the world." Though, India has always said Kashmir is an internal matter, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism has caused some alarm bells ringing in the western world. In mid March, Zakir Musa, Hizbul Mujahideen commander donning an Afghani cap, wearing what appears to be a jacket, was seen making a video appeal to protesters "inciting them to pelt stones on security forces in the valley." Musa speaks in Urdu, "When ever, we are fighting with gun or throwing rocks, this should not be for nationalism, but for Islam." In his latest video before quitting as Hizbul chief, he said, "His blood would be sacrificed - not for azadi, but for Islam." The chants at every stone pelting is with "la illah ila allah", not very uncommon earlier, but with radicalization tint, now it is. The statement itself has led to a lot of churning with even United Jihad Council distancing itself from Musa and what appeared to be a threat to separatists. In Noorpura, Zakir Musa's father Abdul Rashid 56, works as Assistant Engineer in irrigation department in Pulwama, tells us how Musa was not very religious. That he barely even managed to pray even during "jumme ki namaz" (Friday prayers). In his third semester in Chandigarh's Ram Devi Jindal College, he picked up guns leaving a note for his grief stricken parents in Tral. advertisement WESTERN COUNTRIES WATCHING DEVELOPMENTS IN KASHMIR Highly placed sources told India Today that Western countries are watching developments in Kashmir very closely. Sources say that Kashmir is largely known for its Wahabi culture, a moderate culture where Muslims in valley have for centuries visited shrines. A Kashmiri Muslim is comparatively modern compared to their counterparts, the women are working, marrying often into their 30's and often a driving force at homes. Sources in the security establishment are watching whether the larger population will go with the hardline faction. The rise of Islamic radicalization with youth motivated by religion who see Kashmir as part of the global jihad -- the raising of ISIS flags in valley a sign of this. In Kulgam, there are Pakistani flags, a girl draped in a burqa, a student of class 10th in government high secondary school which was partially burnt down during the unrest, raises her voice says "Islam is the best. We are better doctors, engineers, and gunmen. This is because we are Muslims." This even as she is egged on by her school-mates. The foot prints of Jamiat-e-ahle Hadith are strongly visible everywhere. From 1000 mosques a decade ago, there are 3500 mosques. Sources believe that the new daunting structures are built with the intention to spread hardline Islam or Salafi culture. The money many believe even routed through Saudi Arabia, through the hawala route, though this has not been proved yet. advertisement As Kashmir insurgency rages on for close to three decades, many feel, there is a decisive transition. The battleground Kashmir remains same, but the goalpost has changed from the Azadi sloganeering to Islamic fundamentalism. ALSO READ: Who is Zakir Musa? Why Hizbul Mujahideen distanced itself from his 'Islamic Kashmir' remark Will chop off your heads, hang them in Lal Chowk: Hizbul warns Hurriyat leaders ALSO WATCH THE VIDEO: --- ENDS --- Sandeep Dikshit PRINCESS Mako of Japan, the first grandchild of the revered Japanese Emperor Akihito, landed in Thimphu on Friday for a leisurely nine-day visit. The Princess and her grandfather are not peripatetic by nature. Kantei, the Japanese PMs office, carefully choreographs their foreign tours to derive the maximum diplomatic and strategic mileage. The Emperor visited India after 50 years in 2013 to mark a turning point in ties with New Delhi. The Princess visit to Bhutan may be one such moment. Almost the entire Japanese diplomatic corps of the region will be in attendance to sniff at the opportunities in Bhutan where India has been the only player. But the times are changing. Bhutans previous PM had displayed a predilection for lending an ear to Chinese endearments that included a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council. India has already milked the easier parts of Bhutan for its hydroelectric potential. The onset of competitive politics in Bhutan has made eviction and displacement to make way for more hydel projects politically risky. Indias payment for electricity from Bhutan has been the single largest source of its income. But as this incremental addition tapers off, India will be well served by Japan stepping in to keep the Chinese away. The tango with Japan, which has its own axe to grind with China, is in full swing in India. It makes up for the shortfall that comes due to Indias suspicions about Chinese investment intentions. It now appears to take wings in the region, riding on shared hostility and strategic doubts between Japan and India about Chinas One-Belt One-Road initiative. Japan usually follows the American lead in developing ties with third countries. It was quick to read the signals of greater proximity between New Delhi and Washington from the 2005 Indo-US nuclear deal. In two years it had begun two mega rail-industrial corridor projects in India that will transform the railways much more than Union Minister Suresh Prabhus exertions for the past three years. The friendly overtures by PM Narendra Modi encouraged Japan to put the Bullet Train project in high gear and shed its nuclear-related diffidence last year to sign a civil nuclear agreement. Like the Bullet Train project in India, PM Modi is predisposed to symbolic splashes in the wider region. He has given new life to the ambitious Chabahar Port in Iran coupled with a railway line to the Afghan border, sought to lease an island from Seychelles for developmental purposes, inserted India into Mauritius Project Trident to tighten its coastal security, flagged mega economic projects in Sri Lanka and inveigled Maldives into a tighter security embrace. The rash of such regional partnerships along with the declaration of dominating the Indian Ocean by 2020 is Indias answer to preserve its preeminence in the region against Chinas siren song of repairing the regional infrastructure deficit of wide roads, sprawling ports and power stations. The launch of the SAARC satellite was also aimed at keeping China away from poaching on the neighbours space segment as well as counter-pose South Asian unity of common cultural bonds against exclusivist and inward looking Chinese values. Modis recent declaration of intent of a land bridge between Africa and Asia could be the biggest feather in the Indo-Japanese extra-regional partnership. Indias overtures to island nations off Africas eastern coast such as Seychelles and Mauritius, besides conversations on utilising the US Deigo Garcia military base, give India bragging rights that could be the building block to avoid a morganatic marriage in the absence of a fat purse like Japan. A lukewarm US can be a hitch. After meeting Xi Jinping, Donald Trump seems to have lost the appetite for keeping China occupied in its periphery. He could even be willing to lend an ear to Chinese complaints about an evolving gang up in its backyard between India, Australia, Japan and Korea. In such a scenario, Japan and India can show that their emerging alliances elsewhere in the region are independent of a desire to counter China. And that their joint ventures around China the Pacific Corridor seeking to connect India to Vietnam via Thailand and Myanmar or the emerging forays in Bhutan and Iran (Chabahar) are part of the overall plan to step up their influence and not restricted to checking Beijings expansionism. But India and Japan need more countries than just themselves to pose a meaningful presence in Africa. Or even in Iran where Tehrans investment expectation in the Chabahar free trade area is massive. Modi may have begun getting more countries interested when he met three potential partners this week Spain, Germany and France all of whom are Africas original colonialists, being members of the caucus that divided the continent (that explains why most national boundaries in Africa are straight lines) in the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century. Even if Europe comes on board, Modis Asia-Africa growth corridor is years behind Chinas OBOR. The Japanese do keep aside a small but generous purse for social welfare activities around the world, though they meticulously sniff a project for commercial gains before committing funds. The media may have feted Modi for propounding the Asia-Africa growth corridor project at the Africa Development Bank meeting in Gujarat. We were pointedly informed that this was the first time AfDB staged its annual get-together outside the African continent. But Modis plans may have to be corrected for over-allowance. Hadnt he called Egypt a natural bridge between Asia and Africa? Little has moved on that front for the past one year. Manmohan Singh held two substantially more top heavy India-Africa Forum summits but there was hardly any breakthrough. China has huge investible resources and is an export tiger. Its OBOR corridors also lessen its existentialist fears of all its trade being blockaded at the narrow Malacca Straits. Modis forays, with Japan in tow, do not have any major economic underpinning in contrast. In Africa, they could sink into oblivion like former President APJ Abdul Kalams Pan-African e-network project that was once billed as a transformational project. This is because African nations are now well practiced in detecting the outsiders hunger for natural resources under the guise of charity. Unlike China, India is yet to craft a well-thought-out external trade strategy. It is further handicapped by continuously falling exports. In his three years in office, Modi has enjoyed a more than fair share of headlines. But the efforts to rival China with a parallel OBOR, even though a tantalising and tempting proposition, has to be tested with the global capacity and appetite to absorb more trade routes and landing stations. Gargi Parsai BY giving out contradictory signals on taxing farmers' income, the government is testing the waters on a controversial issue. The first sign came in the Economic Survey 2016. More recently, Niti Aayog Member Bibek Debroy called for taxing agriculture income and raised the pitch with extended interactions in the media. It was, however, swiftly followed by a rebuttal from Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. As the opposition went public on the issue, the Niti Aayog distanced itself from Debroy's comments. Had it been the previous UPA government, one could perhaps have observed that the right hand did not know what the left was doing. But in the NDA government, which has centralised decision-making processes, it is clearly a well-thought-out strategy. Spurt in suicides The issue is sensitive not because agriculturists are a sacred cow. Farmers have been in distress for long borne out by the spurt in farmers suicides in the post-liberalisation period and they do not earn enough to be taxed. The terms of trade for agriculture have deteriorated, average farm growth rates have been dismal and investment is shrinking. From 30 per cent in 1990-91, the agriculture sector share in the GDP came down to 14.5 per cent in 2010-11. One cannot push under the carpet the fact that unpaid farm loans and consecutive droughts have triggered a fresh spurt in farmers' suicides. Between 1995 and 2014, an estimated three lakh farmers are reported to have committed suicide. Of the 13.8 crore farmers in the country, nearly 87 per cent have a landholding of less than one hectare (2.4 acres). With only around 40 per cent of agriculture land under assured irrigation, majority of farmers are dependent on the monsoon. In recent years, parts of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have become water scarce due to recurring drought. The government's intent to double farmers' income by 2022-23, is in a way, an admission that their present income is not tax worthy. The government has not put out any estimates on farmers' incomes. This is a major grouse of farmer organisations such as the Bhartiya Kisan Union, which seek income parity for farmers with government employees. After the Seventh Pay Commission, the lowest annual salary in the government is what a farming household will perhaps make in five years. As per the 70th round of National Sample Survey for 2012-13, the average household income in Punjab from crop farming was estimated at Rs 10,862 per month. But even this is not enough to give a decent living. Punjab has seen a spurt in farmers' suicides and is now clamouring for waiver of farm loans. Households in debt Significantly, the survey found that over half of farm households were in debt. The average amount of outstanding loan was the highest in Kerala (over Rs 2 lakh), followed by Andhra Pradesh and Punjab. Not only this, the minimum support price (MSP), meant to ensure a basic output price to farmers, is based on data that is three years old. But former Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) Chairman T. Haque maintains that prices are now set after taking into account "latest projections". He, however, agrees that if the output prices fall below a three-year average, farmers should be compensated. But that never happens and majority of farmers have to perforce accept whatever is given. This is only to emphasise that farmers are at the mercy of markets and middle-men. No government has paid heed to the recommendation of the 2006 report of the National Commission on Farmers that called for fixing the MSP for crops at 50 per cent more than the weighted average cost of production (C2). The BJP has promised as much in its 2014 Lok Sabha election manifesto and Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh would have us believe that the steps to enhance farmers' income is a move in that direction. Be that as it may, there have been several studies to look at the feasibility of taxing farm income based on agriculture produce and not land revenue. But the most talked about is the K.N. Raj Committee report of 1972 which recommended that non-agricultural and agricultural incomes be aggregated to check evasion of taxable income. However, the fact is that the average operational landholdings have diminished progressively. According to the Agricultural Census 2005-06, less than one per cent large landholdings are of 10 hectares and above. Given the uncertainties, even they do not cross the taxation threshold. With a growth rate of minus 0.2 per cent in 2014-15 in agriculture and allied sectors, 0.8 per cent the next year and an estimated 4.4 per cent in 2016-17, the average farm growth rate during the Modi Government has been 1.6 per cent. This scenario hardly calls for taxmen to breath down the farmers' neck. Low growth & high input The government would do well to look elsewhere to expand its tax base given the unabated farmers suicides, heavy dependence on monsoon, low growth, high input costs, inadequate incomes, exploitation by money lenders and middle-men, harsh bank credit norms and volatile markets. If the concern is about non-agriculturists using the farm sector as tax shield for laundering funds, the government should go after industrialists who run corporate farms and have "diversified" into agriculture/horticulture/floriculture. The noose should also tighten around MNC seed companies, mega exporters, agri businesses and influential politicians who pass off their non-agriculture income as farm income and claim tax exemptions, resulting in leakages of crores of rupees. Will the Finance Minister bite the bullet and ensnare such entities instead of going after tillers? The writer is an award-winning, senior journalist based in New Delhi . Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 1 Environment Minister Imran Hussain today directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take strict action against a private biomedical waste management facility at Karnal Road for violations of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. During a site inspection, Hussain, who was accompanied by senior officers of the DPCC, noticed serious violations and expressed concerns over non-compliance of the prescribed norms by Biotic Waste Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a common biomedical waste management treatment facility at Small Scale Industry Area, GT Karnal Road. Such violations pose a serious risk to the health and safety of people in the city, he said. Serious violations of rules were found in collection, handling, disposal and management of biomedical waste by the facility owner by the minister and the DPCC officers, said an official. The handling of biomedical waste coming from hospitals, dispensaries, laboratories, animal houses, veterinary institutions, blood banks etc. requires a lot of caution as guided by the prescribed rules. The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 have been superseded by Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 which came into force on March 28, last year. These rules are aimed at improving collection, segregation, processing, treatment and disposal of biomedical wastes in an environment-friendly way. The day had got off to a rocky start with the Rajasthan High Court asking the state government to pursue declaration of cow as the national animal. But by the evening, Justice Mahesh Chand Sharmas explanations of his judgment had reduced the mornings order into a jumbled source of mirth, ridicule, horror and dismay, all at once. Between the judgment and multiple bytes that he gave to TV, it was understood that he had spoken from conscience, and cited scriptures extensively to reach his fantastical insights in zoology as well as the piousness of cows and peacocks. What had clearly not been referred to was the law, or the established principles of science. Conjectures as to the motives of the Judge speaking way beyond the purview of the case at hand large number of deaths at a cow shelter could be many. To trust his word, it could well be a case of his personal faith and spirituality. It is an alarming thought that court judgments get based on personal beliefs, and not the laid down statutes. The case of Justice Karnan may suggest other explanations, but the Rajasthan Judge was retiring on the day of his outlandish observations, which means he has successfully completed his term as a Judge without being called out for his approach to jurisprudence. The litigants whose fortunes got decided at his hands are entitled to ask what kind of justice was dispensed to them. But what is most disquieting is the possibility that the Judges observations may have been made out of a felt need to be seen and heard in line with the larger discourse of cow politics championed by the ruling dispensation, both at the Centre and in Rajasthan; a belief that such demonstrated allegiance would lead to benefits. Many individuals in positions of eminence have indicated more than a willingness to submit to the politics of religion. The judiciary had thus far not given such obvious hints. It is now incumbent upon the judiciary itself to set the record straight in this case, lest it should become precedence. Putting up a brave face, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has downplayed concerns over growth slowdown. Experts commenting on the economy growing at 6.1 per cent in the January-March quarter unanimously pin the blame on demonetisation. While India has lost the claim to being the world's fastest growing economy, Jaitley asserts that we have restored the credibility of the Indian economy through decisiveness and tough policies. At his press conference on Thursday he went on to recall advantages of demonetisation: digitisation, expansion of the tax base and less use of cash in deals. He may, however, be reminded that demonetisations original goals were a little different: end to corruption, black money and terror funding. Growth rate slipped to 7.1 per cent in a year when monsoon was normal from 8 per cent when drought had hit large parts of the country. If calculated without indirect taxes, the GDP growth turns out to be the lowest in two years. Besides, even this dismal data does not accurately reflect the pain demonetisation caused in the informal sector, where massive job losses were reported. While admitting growth was flagging even before the notebandi, Jaitley proffered explanations for the less-than-rosy situation that marks the Modi government's three years in office: global trade shrank, big economies turned protectionist and geopolitical uncertainties in the last three years. It was not all that bad after all. Cheap oil provided the government a cushion. Taxes were hiked. Instead of stimulating growth, the taxpayers money was put into vote-winning populist schemes. The note ban in November 2016 had hit an economy growing steadily in a difficult environment. Instead of providing a stimulus, the government caused a self-injury with demonetisation. The Finance Minister should have been honest enough to concede that something has gone wrong indeed. Jaitley mentions GST among the governments achievements. GST would have happened long back had the BJP not scuttled the plan when the UPA proposed it. Secondly, it is too early to count GST benefits. Oratory or rhetoric cannot replace hard data. When the third-quarter GDP numbers came, Prime Minister Modi had mocked Harvard economists for distrusting peoples hard work. It will be interesting to watch how he responds now. Vishal Joshi Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, June 1 Himanshu Jain of Jind had turned down a lucrative corporate job offering Rs 22 lakh per annum to prepare for the civil services exam. He said he had doubted his decision at one point of time, but had no regret today. A postgraduate from the International Institute of Information Technology in Hyderabad, Jain was ranked 44th in the all-India UPSC exam. He had attempted the UPSC exam on two previous occasions. Since then, he had been concentrating on studies for the exam. His father has shoe-manufacturing units at Footwear Park in Bahadurgarh. He credits his uncle Dr Anil Jain for motivating him to crack the civil services exam. As Himanshu reached his hometown this afternoon, he was given a grand reception by his family, friends and prominent citizens of Jind. After completing my course, I had a major opportunity in the corporate sector. I took a risk by rejecting an offer to work with an MNC. It finally materlised due to the constant support of family members, said the 24-year-old today. He is interested in working on child labour and education for deprived sections of society. He is fond of developing computer applications, playing chess and painting. HAVE NO REGRETS Vishal Joshi Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, June 1 Himanshu Jain, a Jind boy, had turned down a lucrative corporate job offer of Rs 22 lakh per annum only to prepare for Civil Services examination. Jain said at one point he doubted his decision but today he has no regret. A postgraduate from IIIT, Hyderabad, Jain is positioned 44th in all India ranking of UPSC exams. He had unsuccessfully attempted UPSC exam on two earlier occasions. Since then he was concentrating on studies for the exams. His father has shoe manufacturing units at Footwear Park in Bahadurgarh. Jain credits his uncle Dr Anil Jain for motivating him to crack Civil Services exam. As Jain reached hometown this afternoon, he was given a grand welcome by his family, friends and other prominent citizens of Jind city. After completing course from IIIT, I had a major opportunity in the corporate sector. I took a risk by rejecting an offer to work with an MNC and it finally materlised due to the constant support of family members, said the 24-year-old Jain on Thursday. He has an interest to work on child labour and education for deprived sections of society. Jain is fond of developing computer applications, playing chess and painting. Tribune News Service Dharamsala, June 1 The state in charge of BJP Mangal Pandey, who was on a visit to Dharamsala today, attacked Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. He said that Virbhadra Singh would not resign as Chief Minister even if he was sentenced to jail. BJP state in charge went a step further. He said, Virbhadra Singh was like a demon in a Dev Bhumi. The Chief Minister has been using the official helicopter of the state and spending lakhs on trips to Delhi. He was taking trips to Delhi to fight cases against him and not for the welfare of the state. It was wastage of public funds, he said. When asked about the probability of Union Minister for Health JP Nadda being projected as a CM candidate for the forthcoming Assembly elections, Mangal Pandey refused to comment. The veteran BJP leader and party MP from Kangra, Shanta Kumar also said that the Chief Minister should resign due to various cases registered against him. Corruption was a culture in Congress and other leaders in party from state like Sukh Ram and Asha Kumari have also been sentenced by courts in corruption cases. The present state government has lost the mandate to rule due to rampant corruption, which were bringing bad name to the state, Shanta Kumar said. Mangal Pandey, who was on his first visit to Dharamsala after taking over as state in charge of the party, was welcomed by the party leaders led by former minister Kishan Kapoor at the Kachehri crossing today morning. Later he held meeting of party workers in Dari. During the meeting, Mangal Pandey urged party workers to sink their differences and work unitedly to ensure BJP victory in the forthcoming Assembly elections. The sources here said that Mangal Pandey was gathering information from the workers at the ground level regarding the winning ability of various candidates. Besides Kishan Kapoor, former minister and Shahpur MLA, Sarween Chaudhary and former MLA Sanjay Chaudhary were also present in the workers meeting. Mangal Pandey had yesterday visited Nurpur and Jawali areas where he had met the warring factions of the BJP. Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 1 Two local militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in an encounter with security forces in north Kashmirs Sopore sub-district on Thursday morning. The two slain militants, the police said, were instrumental in the grenade attack on a police party yesterday in Sopore town that left four policemen injured. The militants were killed in a joint operation which was launched in the wee hours by the J&K Police, Armys 22 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPFs 92, 177 and 179 battalions at Sopore, some 55 km from here. As the forces were zeroing in on a suspected house after a specific input, the militants hiding there opened fire, resulting in injuries to two Army men, who were evacuated to a hospital. The militants were asked to surrender, but they opened fire. In the encounter that followed, two militants were killed, said Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Muneer Ahmad Khan said. Two AK-47 rifles and other ammunition were recovered from the site. The two slain militants were identified as Basharat Ahmed Sheikh of Bomai, Sopore, and Aijaz Ahmad Mir of Brath Kalan. The police said the two militants had planned the grenade attack. The two militants had assigned two persons to hurl the grenade. We were able to identify one grenade thrower who was caught on a CCTV camera. The grenade thrower was arrested during a raid and we got a clue from him about the militants, a police officer in north Kashmir said. The local sources said the militants had appeared at the funeral of a slain militant and given a gun salute. They said that Aijaz had been studying law through the distance mode before he went underground last year. The SBI gave Rs 5,97,99,400 to the ATM outsourcing agency Writer Safeguard, out of which Rs 5,26,40,300 were deposited in the ATMs, while the remaining Rs 71,59,100 was never deposited anywhere and the outsourcing company employees kept that cash with themselves. By Siraj Qureshi: On November 8, 2016, when PM Narendra Modi announced the ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, it was a state of panic all over, from common man, to the highest financial circles, including the banks. For over a month, people were lined up at the ATMs and banks to withdraw cash and keeping this in mind, SBI and other banks had accelerated the rate of restocking the ATMs and branches with cash. advertisement In this period, the SBI gave Rs 5,97,99,400 to the ATM outsourcing agency Writer Safeguard, out of which Rs 5,26,40,300 were deposited in the ATMs, while the remaining Rs 71,59,100 was never deposited anywhere and the outsourcing company employees kept that cash with themselves. Now the SBI has informed the company about this scam and filed an FIR against the employees of the company for fraud. A senior SBI official told India Today that the outsourcing company was responsible for the filling of cash in the ATMs and in November-December 2016, the company had been given extra responsibility for an accelerated rate of restocking ATMs due to the cash crunch everywhere. In this period, some company employees did not deposit the entire cash they were assigned and kept some of it with themselves. This scam came out when the bank conducted an internal audit. The SBI, which operates the currency chest in Agra, has now named six employees of Writers Safeguard company including Gaurav, Shani, Rishi, Mohit, Vinay and Vijay. The company security in charge Sudhir Kumar Singh has also filed a complaint in the police station Rakabganj against these six employees. A senior police official told India Today that the entire incident is highly dubious as the bank has filed a FIR after sitting on the so-called scam for four months and even then, the bank has only given the names of those employees it has its doubts upon, with no addresses which were quite irregular. However, the police is conducting an inquiry and the company is being contacted for the whereabouts of these employees. The reality of this incident will soon be revealed. Also Read: Demonetisation: How much of banned currency notes was deposited after November 9? RBI to declare in next quarter --- ENDS --- Jammu/Islamabad, June 1 The Indian Army on Thursday killed five Pakistani soldiers in retaliatory firing on the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Army sources said. The firing took place in Bhimber and Battal sectors, the sources said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Meanwhile, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today held a meeting in Jammu and Kashmir and discussed issues of logistics improvement, mobilisation and security review on LoC area. Gen Rawat and some senior Army officers arrived at Badamibagh Cantonment area in Srinagar this morning for a routine day-long visit. Earlier in the day, Pakistan summoned India's deputy high commissioner here and "condemned the unprovoked" ceasefire violation by India along the Line of Control that, it claimed, killed two civilians and injured five others. Read more: Foreign Office said in a statement that India resorted to firing in Battal, Jandrot and Kotli sectors. "The Director General (South Asia & SAARC), Dr Mohammad Faisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, J P Singh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces on June 1," it said. The Foreign Office said the "deliberate targeting" of civilians is contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws. "The Director General urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC," it said. Agencies Srinagar, June 1 Army Chief General Bipin Rawat arrived here on Thursday to review the security situation and operational preparedness of the armed forces posted in Kashmir and along the Line of Control. Gen Rawat and some senior Army officers arrived at Badamibagh Cantonment area this morning for a routine day-long visit, an Army official said. He said the purpose of the Army Chiefs visit was to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the Valley. The Chief of Army Staff is being briefed by Corps Commander and other top officers about the situation in the Valley, especially after killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat. He will also be briefed about the situation along the Line of Control in the wake of reports of activity at infiltration launch pads on the other side of LoC, the official added. Meanwhile, a General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed, while two others, including a BSF jawan, were injured today as Pakistan violated ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. PTI Jammu, June 1 A General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed while two others, including a BSF jawan, were injured as Pakistan on Thursday violated the ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army retaliated to the ceasefire violations. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) One civil GREF labour was martyred, and one GREF driver injured in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. One Head Constable of BSF received splinter injury in Krishnagati sector. He is out of danger, Defence Spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. Read more: Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 0730 hours, he said. Pakistani troops also opened fire and shelled posts along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 0740 hours, he said. The reports said there has been firing along the LoC in Balnoi and Mankote sectors too. The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on, he said. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. On May 17, the Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on May 15 and 16. The Pakistani Army had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. PTI Amruta Fadnavis, the banker wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has demanded exemption from levying the GST on sanitary napkins prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs). There is a raging debate about making sanitary napkins tax-free, which are set to be taxed at 12 per cent under the upcoming tax regime. Recently, the womens wing of the NCP launched a signature campaign to press for its demand of making sanitary pads tax-free. I personally feel that self-help groups which make sanitary pads, the non-branded ones, should not fall under the 12 per cent tax bracket, Amruta said at the launch of her new single Phir Se here last night. In the music video, she features alongside megastar Amitabh Bachchan. The single has been composed by Jeet Gangulii, arranged by Abhijit Vaghani and written by Rashmi Virag. Half of the profits earned from the video will go to farmers relief fund. PTI New Delhi, June 1 AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dhinakaran, allegedly involved in the Election Commission bribery case, was granted bail by a Delhi court on Thursday. His close aide Mallikarjuna, who was also arrested in the case, was also granted the relief by Special Judge Poonam Chaudhary. The court granted the relief to the two, saying they were no longer required for custodial interrogation. They have been asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and two sureties of the like amount. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The court directed them not to try to influence the witnesses or tamper with evidence. It also observed that the public servants, who were to be allegedly lured, had not been identified. The court directed the two not to leave the country without its prior permission and asked them to surrender their passports. They were also asked to join the investigation as and when required by the probe agency. Dhinakaran, who was arrested by Delhi Police Crime Branch on April 25, had sought bail on the grounds that there was no reason to keep him in custody and no public servant was made an accused in the case, though he was booked on graft charges. His plea was opposed by the police, which had said that he had conspired with others to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process through corrupt means and practices. Mallikarjuna, who was also arrested on April 25, sought bail on the grounds that no recovery was made at his instance and he had joined the investigation even though no summons was issued to him by the police. His bail application was also opposed by the police. Alleged middleman in the case Sukesh Chandrashekar and alleged hawala operator Nathu Singh are in judicial custody till June 12. Co-accused Lalit Kumar, who was also alleged to be a hawala operator, is in judicial custody till June 5. The court had on May 22 dismissed the bail plea of Chandrashekar saying it was not appropriate to grant him bail at this stage as it was a serious crime and he could tamper with the evidence. Earlier, the police had sought the consent of Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar for taking voice samples but both of them had refused. Dhinakaran was arrested here on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe unidentified Election Commission (EC) officials to get the undivided AIADMKs two leaves election symbol. His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the RK Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported in the media. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who was elected from the constituency. The EC had frozen the AIADMKs symbol after two factions of the party--one led by Dhinakarans aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam--staked claim to it. Dhinakaran has been accused of allegedly arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels. Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50-crore deal between Dhinakaran and Chandrashekar. PTI Kathmandu, June 1 Satyarup Siddhanta only discovered he was at the centre of an Everest fraud when he spotted news of how a couple whose false claim to have scaled the worlds highest peak had set off a debate about how mountaineering feats are authenticated. The Indian couple had doctored his summit photo, superimposing their own faces to support their claim, and were awarded an official summit certificate from the Nepal authorities before other climbers raised doubts. Ascents of many of the worlds highest peaks are validated based largely on trust, a system that has until now worked within the close-knit community of high-altitude climbing. But as the numbers heading up Everest have boomed, many are questioning whether summits need to be validated more scientifically. For an Everest summit, climbers have to provide the Nepalese or Chinese authorities with a photo from the top and a report from the team leaders and government liaison officers stationed at base camp. In 2016, Indian couple Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod provided just that, before other climbers said their story and photos didnt add up. In one photo, Tarakeshwaris face had been superimposed on Siddhantas, the colour of his boots changed and Indias national flag pasted over his hands. In another, Siddhanta had been replaced by Dinesh. I looked at their photo and immediately recognised the people around, Siddhanta said. I took out my own photo to compare. I was shocked, it was my photo. The couple were stripped of their summit certificate and banned from Nepal for 10 years. A record 509 paying clients headed to Everest at the beginning of this spring climbing season hoping to make it to the summit. Standing at the top of the 8,848-metre mountain adds a star to a climbers resume, and many go on to forge careers as motivational speakers and authors. But the growth has diminished the exclusivity of Everest and created a new pressure to summit, particularly for those who have been sponsored or raised money for their climb. Climbing was never a competitive sport, but now there is so much pressure to find some way to be the first. Theres the pressure to find sponsors and then the pressure to be special, said German journalist and climber Billi Bierling. That has resulted in climbers sometimes offering bribes for authentication of a failed climb. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, one of the oldest operators in the Himalayas, said his company had received such offers, but turned them down. We would not jeopardise our reputation for a single climber. AFP Simran Sodhi Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 1 Russia today said its ties with India were trust-based and could not be diluted because of its growing relationship with Pakistan or any other country. This statement by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, today was the latest indication that Moscow would, while maintaining its historical ties with Delhi, also try and balance out its growing relationship with Islamabad. The two countries signed an agreement for setting up of two units of Kudankulam nuclear power plant. The General Framework Agreement and credit protocol for units 5 and 6 are being seen as a major outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Russia visit. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) In an interaction with a news agency in St Petersburg, the Russian President refused to get critical of Pakistan. Asked whether Russia would use its influence to stop Pakistan from indulging in terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, We will always support India in its fight against terrorism. I believe Pakistan is taking immense steps to stabilise the situation in the country. Putins comments assume great significance as these came on a day when PM Modi is in St Petersburg for the India-Russia Summit. He was more emphatic on defence co-operation as an example of special India-Russia ties, particularly in the sensitive field of missile technology that other countries have been reluctant to share. I dont think we should push figures here in our military cooperation because it has an unprecedented level in its volume and quality. (But) there is no other country in the world that we have such deep cooperation (with) in delicate areas such as missiles, and we benefit with cooperation with India. And this results from our trust-based relations with India, Putin said. PM Modi, who arrived in Russia last night, reached out to his hosts with great warmth and thanked Putin for co-operation in getting India full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The next SCO meet is scheduled to be held in Astana in a weeks time where both India and Pakistan would be accepted as full members. In the Vision Statement released at the end of the talks between the two leaders, Russia expressed its support for Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenar Arrangement and for a permanent seat for India in a reformed United Nations Security Council. With reference to the Afghan crisis, the statement said both countries would work towards achievement of national reconciliation in Afghanistan. The statement spoke strongly on the need to combat terrorism: We urge all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to defence ties. We will work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation, said the statement pointing to the first-ever Tri-services exercises INDRA-2017 to be held this year. A total of five agreements were signed after the talks. At Rs 8,999, Yu Yureka Black finds itself in an incredibly competitive segment of the market currently dominated by the likes of Xiaomi and Motorola. By Shobhit Varma: The Yu Yureka Black marks the comeback of Micromax's sub brand Yu in India after a long lean period. The company last launched a smartphone in India back in August 2016 and is betting big on the Yureka Black to recapture lost glory (and marketshare). At Rs 8,999, the smartphone finds itself in an incredibly competitive segment of the market currently dominated by the Xiaomi Redmi 4 and Redmi Note 4. advertisement The Yu Yureka Black is all about its looks. Yu aims to set the smartphone apart from the crowd on the virtue of its stunning all black design which looks sleek, stealthy and suave. Yes, the piano black mirror like finish on the back is an absolute fingerprint magnet but it looks extremely premium. In fact, one wouldn't be remiss to think the smartphone costs quite a bit more than it actually does. Black seems to be the trend these days with OnePlus releasing a matt black version of the OnePlus 3T and Xiaomi launching a pretty stunning all black version of the Redmi Note 4 . Even the recently launched Redmi 4, which retails for Rs 6999, features an all black finish which looks quite sleek. Capitalising on the black craze, the entirety of the Yureka Black, including the sides, top and the rear panel are finished in black lending it a very sleek and stealthy look. The handset also comes with a fingerprint sensor which is embedded into the home button up front. There are two silver coloured antenna lines running across the top and bottom of the rear panel which add much needed contrast. On the top, there is a bulging rear camera unit, underneath which is the dual LED flash. Even the camera features a silver color surround which adds class to the proceedings. The polished metal back is very reflective The top and bottom panels of the rear panel are made of plastic and while that does detract from the experience a little bit, it is quite forgivable considering the smartphone's affordable price tag. As the back has a glossy mirror finish, it is incredibly reflective and is also very susceptible to scratches - in my two days of use, the back is already quite scratched up. A case is recommended if you want to keep the sleek looks intact. In terms of specifications, the handset is quite well equipped for the price. It is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 430 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 505 GPU. It is great to see Yu equip the Yureka Black with a Snapdragon processor which are generally more efficient than their MediaTek counterparts. During my limited testing, the smartphone surprised me with how well it tackled day to day tasks - crushing through web browsing, social media use and taking the occasional picture with ease. Even games like Subway Surfers and Temple Run 2 ran reasonably well. How the smartphone performs under intensive use and whilst running heavy games like Modern Combat 5 will have to wait for the full review. advertisement The UI is also very close to stock Android and is quite snappy and responsive. The settings pane, notification shade and the notifications themselves have thankfully been left more or less unchanged. The home screen however has seen a completely new coat of paint, whose appeal will depend completely on a user's personal tastes. The smartphone comes with a pretty nifty feature that allows users to draw gestures like O for the camera and M for the music player on the lockscreen. The smartphone also comes with a one handed mode which is nifty but a bit redundant as the smartphone is actually quite easy to use with one hand thanks to its compact dimensions. However, the occasional bugs and niggles rendered the software experience a bit sour. For example, there were times when the icons would just not open upon a touch and the widgets screen would open up instead. The fact that Yu's app center displays ads for applications on the notification screen detracts from the overall experience a little bit. advertisement All in all, the software is a major improvement from the one found on the Micromax Evok Note which suffered from a lot of inconsistencies, bugs and quirks. The Yu Yureka Black comes with a 5-inch fullHD display which is a step up from the 720p panel found in its primary competitor - the Xiaomi Redmi 4. The display is quite decent for the price - the brightness levels are more than adequate, viewing angles are decent and colors are vivid. The color temperature is a little on the warmer side, which might or might not be a negative depending on a user's tastes. When it comes to optics, the smartphone comes with a 13MP rear camera with a Sony IMX258 sensor, an aperture of f/2.0 and a dual LED flash. In my limited testing, the rear camera seemed above average - images taken indoors are surprisingly good, low light shots tend to have a little bit of noise but the details are intact. The camera seemed to struggle in situations with extreme light variations. Also the camera struggles to focus on its own but locks on easily when you touch the screen to focus. advertisement The 8MP front camera is also decent and fairly usable for taking selfies for social media use. However, images appear a bit too sharpened (which might be due to the overtly vivid display) and noise is a little bit on the higher side. For the price, the cameras of the Yureka Black seem to hold its own. However, the final verdict will have to wait for the review. All in all, the Yureka Black looks like a solid package from Yu with a super sleek and stealthy design, a nice and crisp display, good performance and above average cameras. Details regarding performance, battery life and the cameras will have to wait till the full review. The Yureka Black is in all honesty quite an impressive attempt by the Indian smartphone manufacturer and looks set to become a viable alternative to the Xiaomi Redmi 4. Also Read: YU Yureka Plus review: More pixels at the cost of speed Also Read: Micromax Yu Yureka review: The best smartphone under Rs 10,000 --- ENDS --- New Delhi, June 1 Infiltration by militants from Pakistan has come down to a large extent after India conducted surgical strikes on the terror hubs across the Line of Control, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. Addressing a gathering of central police and paramilitary personnel during a BSF investiture ceremony here, the Home Minister also asked security personnel to be cautious against using and forwarding unverified social media content. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) There used to be infiltration by militants from Pakistan. But I can say after surgical strikes, incidents of infiltration have come down to a large extent. I compliment both the army and the BSF for ensuring border security, Singh said. Read more: The strikes were conducted by the army at terror launch pads across the LoC in September last year. He said the forces, especially the Border Security Force (BSF), should stay more alert against the cross-border smuggling of fake Indian currency notes and drugs. Speaking about dangers of the social media, the minister said the enemy is spreading rumours and false information using tools like Facebook and WhatsApp. It is seen that the personnel and officers use and put such information or videos on their Facebook page or Whatsapp. You should not forward such items, unless it is authentic and in the interest of the country as you not only protect our borders but also the countrys unity and integrity, he said. The Home Minister said the government was working to fully deploy a Comprehensive and Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to secure the frontiers by using radars, lasers, camera and other command and control devices. We are trying to secure our borders effectively...by putting a three-tier system which will be like deploying a border guarding force (like BSF), an intelligence network and police presence behind this. This is being integrated on our borders in a fast mode, he said. Calling the BSF as Indias First Wall of Defence, he said that in the last few years the border guarding force had come out of the shadows of the army and registered its independent identity at the borders (Indo-Pak). Earlier, the BSFs valour used to go along with that of the army but in the last few years you have done exceptional work, Singh said. The Home Minister reiterated that it is his desire that the family of every jawan, who laid down his life in the line of duty, of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) must get a minimum compensation of Rs 1 crore. I urge all DGs (Directors General) of the CAPFs to inform me of any such case where the family is not able to get the minimum of Rs 1 crore aid. I will try all that I can to ensure that this amount is provided to the families, Singh said. He said his ministry had launched a special web portal in this context and that many people had come forward to contribute to the families of the slain jawans and officers. The minister also talked about launching of special apps (mobile applications) for the personnel of these forces to register and get resolution for their grievances. While every jawan or officer should get their grievances resolved through the established forum that you have in your respective forces, all such cases that come to the home ministry will be reviewed by me at least once a month, he said. Singh said he had a special attraction towards the army and uniformed forces since his early days, but god destined him to be at this place (as a politician and home minister). PTI Chennai, June 1 Mystery shrouds the death of a 30-year old employee of a software company who was found dead in a restroom in its campus near here. Police on Thursday said they have registered a case of 'unnatural death' after Infosys employee Illayaraja Arunachalam was found dead on May 30 night in the restroom at the company's campus in Mahindra World City, Singaperumal Koil, about 50 km from here. "We have booked a case of unnatural death and are investigating. We cannot share any other information right now, police said. Expressing grief over the death of its employee, Infosys said police were investigating the matter. Currently we have no information on this matter as the police are investigating the case. We are saddened by the loss of our employee in Chennai. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in the hour of grief", the company said in a statement. PMK Youth Wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss claimed several doubts had been raised about the death and demanded that the state government order a judicial inquiry into the matter. In a statement, he said the family of the deceased had stated that there was mystery in the death. He also demanded that the company and the state government pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of Arunachalam. Police said the body of Arunachalam, who hailed from Tindivanam, about 130 km from here, was sent to his native after an autopsy was conducted at the Chengleput Government Hospital. PTI Islamabad, June 1 Pakistan said on Thursday that it would not executive former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav until he exhausts his right to legal recourse. "Irrespective of ICJ's stay, Jadhav will remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the COAS (army chief) and later with President," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) He said the Indian petition at the International Court of Justice was about Jadhav's entitlement to consular access. "It is not about whether the ICJ can act as a Court of Appeal from Pakistani legal proceedings. That is why Barrister Khawar Qureshi informed the Court that India cannot obtain from the Court what it is seeking. He also told the Court that India is using media to create false impression about the case." The spokesperson said India had failed despite reminders to provide information sought on January 23 by Islamabad on the basis of Jadhav's confession of spying and fomenting terror in Pakistan. He termed the ICJ stay on Jadhav's hanging as "nothing but usual". The ICJ has stayed the execution of Jadhav, who has been awarded capital punishment by a Pakistani military court on charges of fomenting terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi. His death sentence has sparked a diplomatic standoff between the two countries. IANS New Delhi, June 1 Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused Pakistan of scuttling the environment that must exist for bilateral talks between the two neighbours even as he asserted that Kashmir situation was better than it was being perceived. He further said that while India had taken several significant steps to ease tensions, Pakistan responded with terror attacks at Pathankot, Uri and mutilating the bodies of Indian soldiers. "The Government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situation in the past... The fact that our Prime Minister dropped in at Lahore at a social function in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family steps intended to ease the tension. "But each one of these have been responded by, let us say, a Pathankot or a Uri or by mutilation of two of our soldiers. And, therefore, that environment which must exist for a talk has been successfully prevented by Pakistan," Jaitley said, addressing the press as Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked three years of being in power at the Centre. Jaitley said the Indian Army and the BSF were "dominating" the Line of Control (LoC) regardless of where the troubles are being created by foreign insurgents or domestic terrorists. "The security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure on them, and the results, some of which are evident almost on a daily basis... The situation in Kashmir is better than the impression," he said. The Indian Army had last week said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting "some damage", days after two of Indian soldiers were beheaded. Read more: Read more: J&K: Two militants killed in Sopore gunfight Labourer killed, two injured as Pak troops shell LoC posts in J&K Infiltration from Pakistan came down post surgical strikes: Rajnath Jaitley accuses Pak of scuttling environment for talks It had 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. Admitting that the situation in challenging in South Kashmir, he said it is normal in the rest of the state and recently the two-day meeting of the GST Council was held in Srinagar. PTI Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, June 1 An indefinite strike by Maharashtra farmers, the first of its kind in the country, began on a violent note with protesters stopping milk and vegetable supplies to major cities in the state. According to the police, trucks carrying milk and vegetables were stopped along all major roads by protesters and their contents emptied on the streets. Tankers carrying milk to Mumbai from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara were stopped and content spilled on the highway, the police said. They, however, added that no complaint was filed in that regard. In Ahmednagars Kopargaon area, trucks carrying vegetables were set on fire. In Nashik (epicentre of protests), Dhule, Sangamner and Nagpur, trucks carrying fruits and vegetables were vandalised and those transporting the produce were also beaten up, the police said. An umbrella group of farmers under the Kisan Kranti Morcha earlier said its members would peacefully stop those trying to transport their produce to Mumbai and other cities. However, the situation turned violent within hours as younger members of the morcha hit the roads to prevent trucks from leaving villages. Even trucks from outside Maharashtra bringing agricultural produce to cities like Mumbai and Pune were damaged by protesters. At most places, policemen remained mute spectators as the administration did not want to antagonise farmers. The morcha has put forward a number of demands including waiver of loans and a minimum support price for their produce in addition to 100 per cent subsidy for drip irrigation. A meeting between the morcha representatives and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis failed on Wednesday morning and the farmers resolved to press ahead with their strike. Retailers in Mumbai said they had stock of vegetables and milk for a couple of days and the supplies would be hit if the strike continued beyond a couple of days. Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and other cities will run out of milk, fruits and vegetables in the next couple of days, farm leader and Lok Sabha Member Raju Shetti said. Visakhapatnam, June 1 A 21-year-old sailor was found dead with bullet injuries on-board the Navy vessel INS Rana in Visakhapatnam today. A spokesman of the Eastern Naval Command said there was no clue yet on whether the sailor Vikash Yadav, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, shot himself or if his gun went off accidentally. "A Board of Inquiry is being constituted to investigate the incident," the spokesman added. "Vikash, an electrical mechanic of power class 1, sustained a bullet injury while on duty as security sentry in the early hours today. He was immediately shifted to the navy hospital where he was declared brought dead," the Navy spokesman said. Vikash hailed from Bhind and was unmarried. No case is registered yet over the incident with the Visakhapatnam city police, a senior official said. PTI Islamabad, June 1 Days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed Kulbhushan Jadhavs death sentence, Pakistan today said the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals. Foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria released a statement which he claimed was aimed at addressing certain misrepresentations/false statements/allegations made in the Indian media following the ICJs provisional order of May 18 in the Jadhav case. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Zakaria asserted that irrespective of the ICJs stay, Jadhav would remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and later with the Pakistan President. He accused the Indian Government of misusing the media to create a false impression of winning Jadhavs case in the ICJ. Jadhav, 46, was in April sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on charges of involvement in espionage and sabotage activities. PTI Vijay C Roy Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 1 Punjab Irrigation and Power Minister Rana Gurjit Singh has denied any links with Amit Bahadur, his Rs 26-crore sand mine successful-bidder cook, but documents show that he, his family-owned company and brother received a loan of Rs 5.79 crore in 2015-16 from a company in which Amit Bahadur was shown as a director. As per the records with The Tribune, the Minister received a loan of Rs 50 lakh, the family-owned company Rana Polycot Ltd received a loan of Rs 3.84 crore and his brother Rana Ranjit Singh (co-founder of Rana Group) received Rs 1.45 crore as loan from Flawless Traders (P) Ltd. The loan was given by the company in 2015-16 for business purposes. Bahadur was director of Flawless Traders till March 21, 2017. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) According to the 2015-16 balance sheet of the company filed with the Registrar of Companies, Flawless Traders through its cash reserves raised through inter-corporate interest-free loans also invested around Rs 22.48 crore by purchasing shares in the family-owned companies of the Minister Rana Polycot Ltd Rs 15.28 crore, Lakshmiji Sugar Mills Co Ltd Rs 7.09 crore, and Rana Sugars Ltd Rs 10.55 lakh. Surprisingly, the company did not transact any business during the year, as per the company directors report to the shareholders. According to the 2014-15 and 2015-16 balance sheets, the company stated zero income and claimed it did not transact any business during the year. Even with zero income, Flawless Traders had total long-term liabilities of Rs 51.84 crore, which is an un-secured interest-free loan as on March 31, 2016. The 2014-15 and 2015-16 filing does not show the sources from where the money was raised. According to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) records, the total paid-up capital of Flawless Traders was Rs 1 lakh as on March 31, 2016. Paid-up capital is the amount of money received from shareholders or promoters in exchange for shares of stock. The shareholders PV Mohan and Ajay Inder Majithia each are having 50 per cent stake in the company. Each was having 5,000 shares, with a share valued at Rs 10. According to the RoC filing, as on March 31, 2016, the registered address of PV Mohan was shown as 5809, Sector 38 (West) in Chandigarh and Majithias as 89, Sector 28-A. While PV Mohan sold the house around three years back, Majithia vacated the house around four years ago, neighbours told The Tribune. Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 1 Capt Amarinder Singhs Council of Ministers does not seem to be on the same page with regards to the proposed debt waiver and debt relief for more than 31 lakh farmers. At least three ministers voiced their opinion against the proposed scheme during the meeting of the Cabinet held earlier this week. These ministers were reportedly of the opinion that the proposed debt relief would serve little purpose, as the agriculture advances disbursed each year in Punjab were to the tune of Rs14,000 crore. Thus, by the end of the Congress governments five-year tenure, the farm debt would again stand at Rs70,000 crore, and the party would be unable to reap political benefit out of the scheme. One of the ministers said that if debt was waived, farmers would keep on availing loans, which incidentally was being given rather large-heartedly by private banks which had enhanced the limits of the small and marginal farmers manifold to fulfil their priority sector lending targets. Sources said that during the discussions, at least two ministers also expressed their apprehension regarding the delay and reported dilution of the debt waiver scheme, which now appears to be more likely a debt relief. One of the ministers reportedly said that the watered-down version of the debt relief one of the major poll promises that helped the party get a major chunk of the rural votes would draw more flak for the government, especially now that it had been caught in the controversy regarding the e-auction of sand mines. Sources said Capt Amarinder listened to his ministers, but said he was awaiting the final report from an expert committee before a decision was taken. Interestingly, though a reference to Congressmen getting mired in the sand mining controversy was made, no one is reported to have discussed the matter regarding senior Cabinet minister Rana Gurjit Singh. Sources said the expert committee headed by Dr T Haque on dealing with farm loan waiver is likely to come up with two suggestions either the government gives a relief of Rs1 lakh each to small and marginal farmers or waives loan of up to Rs5 lakh of small and marginal farmers. Will raise debt issue in Parliament: Akali MP New Delhi: The SAD will highlight the plight of Punjab farmers, including their alleged betrayal by the Congress government, in Parliament during its forthcoming session. SAD chief whip in Lok Sabha and Anandpur Sahib MP Prem Singh Chandumajra alleged that Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh was showing a lack of sincerity on his poll promise to waive farmers loans. Asking the CM to explain the governments stand on the issue, he said: Amarinder cannot be allowed to turn his back on the farmers. TNS Kurki ban misleading, say farmers Chandigarh: Days after the state Cabinet announced to abolish Section 67(A) of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, paving way for discontinuation of the practice of kurki, farmer unions claimed that the move would serve no purpose as the section has been practically redundant for the past over three decades. Farmer leaders claim that the scope of kurki (term used in local parlance to attach loan defaulters property) was still there as government did not abolish Section 63(C), which provided for recovery of loan by attaching and auctioning the defaulters property. TNS Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 1 With the important aspect of trail of money missing from the terms of reference of the Justice Narang Commission, it seems that the Congress government has set the course of investigation against Power Minister Rana Gurjit Singh even before it has started. The commission has been set up to investigate irregularities in the sand mining auction following an expose by The Tribune. The panel will inquire: Whether the terms and conditions of the bid were adhered to, qua Saidpur Khurd and Mehadipur, while awarding the tender of these two mines to Amit Bahadur and Kulvinder Pal Singh; whether Minister Rana Gurjit Singh has in any manner influenced the price bid at which these two mines were awarded; whether the bidders were bidding on behalf of the minister; whether the minister has received any undue financial benefit or gain from the award of the two mines; and whether there has been any loss to the state revenue by awarding the mines to these bidders at the given price. However, there is no mention of probe into financial transactions. The entire information about bidders is required to be put in public domain by the commission for ensuring transparency. The terms mention only two persons, Amit Bahadur and Kulvinder Pal. It is silent on the other two employees Balraj Singh and Gurinder Singh. Gurinder Singh bagged a quarry in Rampur Kalan village in Mohali district for Rs 4.11 crore and Balraj Singh got the mining contract at Bairsal village for Rs 10.58 crore. However, Balraj failed to deposit the remaining bidding amount. Another important point raised by the Opposition parties is the relation between Ranas and Justice Narangs family. They claim that Justice Narangs son is a lawyer and has represented Ranas nephew in a criminal case. Justice Narang refused to comment on the issue and Rana Gurjit has dismissed it as a non-issue. In entire episode of appointing judicial commission, in claim of Opposition parties there seems a merit that Rana has been given a judge of his choice. So the final outcome will be on expected lines like judicial commission constituted in past government to probe the textbook purchase scam. Is it possible to have a fair investigation with the minister holding his position, ask SAD and AAP leaders. AAP leaders to meet Guv Sangrur: AAP state convener Bhagwant Mann on Thursday accused Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh of trying to hush up the matter pertaining to the allotment of mining contracts to the former staff of Cabinet Minister Rana Gurjit Singh. Mann said all senior AAP leaders would meet the Governor on Friday for seeking action against Rana. Moot Questions SPECIAL interest attaches to the eloquent and impressive plea for the uplift of India's women, which Shrimati Kumari, Lajjawati, Honorary Vice Principal of the Kanya Mahavidyalya Jullundur put forward at the Bradlaugh Hall on Thursday. In introducing the lecturer, Lala Hansraj, who presided, paid a tribute to the great work in female education that was being done by Lala Dev Raj and his co-workers and pointed to the significance of the sacrifice made by the lady lecturer who after receiving education at the Kanya Mahavidyalya was serving the institution in an honorary capacity for the work of uplift of her sisters. The lecturer in the course of her speech referred to India's great and glorious past and said her future could be correspondingly great and bright if her sons and daughters did their duty. Dehradun, June 1 Army Education Corps (AEC) celebrated its 97th Raising Day at the IMA here today. IMA Commandant Lt-Gen SK Upadhya conveyed his best wishes to all ranks and families of AEC and lauded the role of corps towards strengthing academic aspect at the academy. Brig Rajveer Singh, head of the Academic Department, IMA, extended his best wishes to the personnel of AEC and asked all ranks of the corps to re-dedicate themselves to the cause of education in the Army. TNS Beijing, June 1 India and Pakistans admission as full members to the Beijing-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the political and security groupings summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced today. The member states of the SCO are accelerating the MoU procedures with the two countries and everything is going well, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. We hope India and Pakistan become full members at the Astana summit (on June 8-9). We also expect that the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries, Hua said. The political and security grouping - headquartered in Beijing - was founded in 2001 and comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, besides China as full members. It is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. During the 2015 summit in Ufa, Russia, the SCO formally adopted a resolution starting the process to admit India and Pakistan into the organisation as full members. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Obligations to join the organisation at last years summit in Tashkent. The Chinese foreign spokesperson also hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan as full members would help improve their bilateral relations. PTI Whats Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a political and security grouping headquartered in Beijing It was founded in 2001 and comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, besides China as full members It is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status How will it help India India and Pakistan likely to improve bilateral relations after becoming full members of the SCO Marawi/Manila, June 1 An air strike on Islamist rebels holed up in a southern Philippine city killed 11 government troops, the armed forces said on Thursday, in a major blow to the countrys bid to end its biggest internal security crisis in years. The bombing accident happened on Wednesday when one of the two planes bombing rebel positions missed its target in the heart of Marawi City, where ground troops have been battling pro-Islamic State militants holed up in buildings for nine days. The incident came during what was the first offensive deployment of fixed-wing aircraft in the nine-day operation, aimed at flushing out the Islamist gunmen who have defied expectations by clinging on through days of ground assaults and helicopter rocket attacks. Reuters Despite the U.S. Department of Commerce last year finding that low-price Chinese truck tires being dumped on the U.S. market should be subject to tariffs, the International Trade Commission voted earlier this year against imposing tariffs. One retread company is leading the charge to petition the White House to address the issue. After networking with other companies in the retread industry ahead of the North American Tire & Retread Expo in New Orleans last month, Marangoni Tread North America researched the issue and created an online petition. If it gets 100,000 signatures by June 25, according to the company, the White House will review it and provide a response. The petition asks President Trump to fill the vacant seat on the six-member International Trade Commission. One of the commissions members, Dean Pinkert, recused himself from the truck tire investigation last year, and has since vacated his seat on the board. Marangoni, which says it created the petition on behalf of all of us that are in retreading and related industries believes Pinkerts absence undoubtedly impacted the final determination. The resulting vote was 3-2 against tariffs. If Pinkert had voted as he had previously, for tariffs, the result would have been a tie and that would have meant the tariffs would have been imposed, according to Marangoni. The vote came as a major surprise to the industry following a Commerce Department investigation that determined there was a problem. In its preliminary determination last June, the Commerce Department said it found that commercial truck and bus tires imported from China are benefitting from subsidies from the Chinese government. The whole industry was led to believe that the ITC ruling was going to be in favor of imposing tariffs and duties. And when it didnt, it was quite a surprise, Bill Sweatman, president and CEO of Marangoni Tread North America, told HDT in an interview. The Marangoni petition says more than 60,000 U.S. jobs in the retreading and related industries are threatened as a result of the February 22 ITC ruling and also notes the environmental benefits of retreading. As Sweatman said, retreading has an economic as well as an environmental positive impact. The real cheap, three-belt, non-retreadable Chinese truck tires are impacting both the economy as well as the environment. The problem is that some fleets will buy the low-price Chinese tires, which generally do not have high-quality casings that are retreadable, rather than buying high-quality tires and retreading them. If you dont have a good retreadable casing, then those tires become one-time-use tires that have to be disposed of, Sweatman explained. Economically and environmentally that is the wrong thing to do. "We ask trucking fleets to compare the cost after running the [cheap Chinese] product, he added. Many of them have returned to premium new tires that are retreadable. We think in the long term that the market is going to reject these tires from China that are less quality. He noted that Marangoni and the rest of the retreading industry are not asking or expecting the government to give the retreading industry favorable treatment, but simply are seeking fair, free trade." Were all about fair trade, but those tires are coming in here at less than fair value. The president could not overturn the decision, explained Ron Elliott, marketing and communications manager for the retread company, but the appeal is to go back and have it before the commission with all six members instead of the original five. We want to create enough buzz that it will get to the White House to alert the president that this is a huge problem. It not only directly affects 60,000 jobs, but theres also a trickle effect of upwards of 200,000. HDT sister publication Modern Tire Dealer dug through the ITCs report and reported that the commissions findings indicated that even though there was evidence of significant underselling of Chinese truck and bus tires from 2013 to 2015, during the same time period, dropping raw material costs were a major factor in the price of tires. Due to the magnitude of the decline in raw material costs, we do not find that the subject imports depressed U.S. prices to a significant degree. Those interested can sign the petition at www.na.marangoni.com . A full version of the petition can be found here. 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 ... The Salvation Army will celebrate National Doughnut Day on Friday, June 2, alongside Merritts Bakery in Tulsa. To celebrate National Doughnut Day, a day first established by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938, The Salvation Army is inviting Tulsa to visit Merritts Bakery for doughnuts and is asking those who enjoy a doughnut on National Doughnut Day to share a photo on any social media using #GivingIsSweet, according to a news release. Merritts created a specially designed shield-shaped filled doughnut to recognize The Salvation Army and the Donut Lassies. Orders for these special doughnuts may be made at any Merritts location until 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Each Merritts Bakery location is also helping The Salvation Army celebrate the national food holiday by giving 20 percent of all doughnut sales Friday to the nonprofit. These funds will help send the 50 children living at The Center of Hope homeless shelter to summer camp. This years National Doughnut Day marks 100 years since The Salvation Armys Donut Lassies served the delicious treats to American soldiers on the front lines during World War I. The Salvation Army Donut Lassies are often credited with popularizing the sweet treat in the United States when the troops returned home from war. The doughnut now serves as a symbol of the services and comfort The Salvation Army provides to more than 25 million people each year. A World War I Donut Lassie will be at the 3202 E. 15th St. Merritts location from 7-9 a.m. Friday. Merritts Bakery locations include 3202 E. 15th St., 101st Street and Riverside Drive, and 71st Street and Garnett Road. The stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other National Doughnut Day specials Donut Hole, 3305 S. Peoria Ave: Customers can celebrate National Doughnut Day with a free glazed doughnut all day from 6 a.m. to midnight Friday; no purchase necessary, and limit one per person. Customers can also be entered to win a goodie basket with more than $50 in exclusive Donut Hole products, including a Donut Hole T-shirt, variety of gourmet dipped doughnut holes, a one-pound bag of Mecca Coffee beans, mini doughnuts and a Donut Hole gift card; raffle tickets are issued with any purchase. Livi Lees Daylight Donuts, 411 E. Broadway St., Sand Springs: All Livi Lees Daylight Donuts locations will be donating 25 percent of its doughnut sales to the Salvation Army youth camps. To keep the celebration going, the Sand Springs location at 411 E. Broadway St. will be open from 7-11 p.m. to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Hurts Donuts, 111 S. Detroit Ave.: Blue Domes 24-hour doughnut shop will be honoring the military by donating a portion of its sales Friday to benefit the Oklahoma Veterans Project. Military men and women can receive a 20 percent discount every day with military ID. Krispy Kreme, 10128 E. 71st St.: Customers can receive a free doughnut powdered, filled or hot original glazed while supplies last; no purchase necessary. OKLAHOMA CITY - More than 50 people will lose their jobs when a milk products plant straddling the Oklahoma/Missouri border closes within the next year. The Milnot plant in Seneca, Missouri, is owned by Ohio-based Eagle Family Foods Group LLC. The company recently announced the plant closing as part of consolidation measures, which will move all of the company's milk production to its El Paso, Texas, plant. Any decision that results in the closing of a facility and the elimination of positions is extremely difficult, Eagle Foods CEO Paul Wagstaff said in a statement. We took great care to consider all alternatives, but this consolidation is necessary to ensure the long-term health and competitiveness of our milk business. Eagle Foods will work with local organizations, like the Central Equity Milk Cooperative, to make the plant closing as smooth as possible, the company said. The company has not announced information about the timing or sequence of the closure yet, although it said the Milnot plant will close by June 2018. The latest phase of a resurfacing project on U.S. 75 has led to more frustration for morning commuters and a nightmare for Jenks police trying to prevent crashes and possible road-rage incidents. Weve got a lot of people who are angry, Jenks Police Sgt. Jason Jackson said. Everybody needs to be patient. When people arent patient, thats when road rage happens, he said. Jackson said that since the most recent phase began Tuesday reducing northbound traffic to one lane between the Jenks Main Street and 81st Street exits motorists have been driving on the highways shoulder and committing other traffic violations during the morning rush hour. There are literally more violators than we can pull over, he said, adding that the Jenks Police Department had three officers doing nothing but pulling drivers over for traffic violations in a half-mile of the construction area Wednesday morning. People may think this is a revenue-generating thing, but its not. This is a huge safety issue, Jackson said. Police have been issuing six to 10 tickets each morning during rush hour since the newest work began Tuesday, he said. On Wednesday morning, officers also handled a crash in the construction area and made an arrest, he said. The citation for passing on a shoulder in a construction zone is $149, he said. The shoulder area is where our equipment and crews are working, so when people drive in the shoulder, it creates a whole new level of danger, said Kenna Mitchell, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The $4.7 million project includes resurfacing the northbound and southbound lanes of a nearly six-mile stretch of U.S. 75 from near the western Interstate 244 junction (Red Fork split) to near the Creek Turnpike/Oklahoma 364 junction. Traffic enforcement on the affected stretch is done by Jenks and Tulsa police, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman Dwight Durant. The Jenks city limits include the area between the Creek Turnpike interchange and 91st Street. The project is in the Tulsa city limits between 91st Street and the I-244 junction. Jackson said Tuesday mornings change, when the highway was first reduced to one lane in the latest phase, caught many motorists off guard. I think people now know that it is there, and they are trying to find alternative routes, he said. But there are still a lot of people who are in a hurry and need to learn to be patient. Tulsa police spokeswoman Officer Jeanne MacKenzie said the Tulsa Police Departments stepped-up construction-zone traffic enforcement, announced recently, likely will include U.S. 75. Police said no warnings will be issued and penalties can range from $150 to $500 and/or jail time. This (stepped-up enforcement) is not just for other drivers but for the construction workers, MacKenzie said. The project began April 10 and is expected to be completed in three to four more weeks, weather permitting, Mitchell said. Theyre actually a little bit ahead of schedule, she said. Just a few more weeks for drivers to go. If people can see the portions that are already done and remember how the highway used to be, just a little more patience and it (the entire stretch) will be so much better, she said. The contractor is Becco Contractors Inc. On average, about 55,600 vehicles per day travel that stretch of U.S. 75, according to ODOT traffic counts in 2015, the most recent data on its website. Future lane and ramp closures will be announced in the Traffic Advisories section on odot.org as they are scheduled, the agency said. Drivers can sign up to receive daily traffic advisories by clicking the Sign Up For News & Alerts link on the main page of the website. After being escorted out of the hospital, the man got into his vehicle and rammed into a security vehicle. He then sped toward the security officers, attempting to hit them, and the officers "fired one shot each at the vehicle in self-defense," Saint Francis said in a press statement. The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation awarded a $2.3 million grant this week to the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences to improve health care in rural Oklahoma. The majority of the money, $1.8 million, will be used to underwrite service lines for mental health and addiction medicine through Project ECHO, which connects rural providers with specialists at the OSU center in west Tulsa. The remaining funds will be directed to the Rural Oklahoma Network. We are grateful to the trustees of the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation for recognizing the vision of our new Project ECHO program targeting mental health and addiction services in rural areas of Oklahoma, said OSU-CHS President Kayse Shrum. Project ECHO will connect rural providers with OSU-CHS specialists via computer, smartphone and tablet for weekly video conferences centered on treating complicated conditions. Through Project ECHO, rural providers can acquire the knowledge to treat many of their patients in their hometowns without having to refer their patients to an urban health-care setting many miles away, Shrum said. Rural providers will not be charged for the service. Services lines dedicated to pediatric obesity and HIV/hepatitis C are among those in development in addition to mental health and addiction medicine. The Rural Oklahoma Network, which is receiving $500,000 from the grant, is a practice-based research network that facilitates the development of peer learning among rural clinicians and providers, OSU researchers and community partners. The funding will allow it to expand into 10 additional counties. We are always looking for opportunities to find transformational ways to help our community, said Judy Zarrow Kishner, president of the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation. The work OSU Center for Health Sciences is doing to advance care delivery in rural Oklahoma will have a rippling effect for generations to come. My parents believed in giving where they saw a need, and OSU-CHS has identified a crucial need in rural Oklahoma to make medical care and medical knowledge more accessible. There are a few days every summer that Niva Grayson hates. Theyre the days the program director at North Mabee Boys & Girls Club has to go to the freezer to check for bread and ham to thaw. If the kids are lucky, theres mayo. Some days its only two children who dont have anything for lunch, Grayson said, but on others its as many as eight. No one wants bland sandwiches, but its all Grayson and the rest of the clubs staff have to offer. But when Tulsa Public Schools Summer Cafe starts each year, Grayson knows she can get everyone at the club fed. Its why she considers the summer meals program vital. Some parents didnt bring any lunch for their kids in this past week, she said. Weve been scavenging for some donated food in our center, but we dont even have that much. It really helps that the food bank is there. Grayson brought children from the North Mabee Boys & Girls Club to the Summer Cafe kickoff at Disney Elementary School on Wednesday. Although the children spent time playing hopscotch and checking out Tulsa Fire Departments Ladder 27 truck, all Grayson cared about was their meal of hot dogs, chips, ice cream and smoothies. Until Summer Cafe started at North Mabee on Thursday, children at the club depended on donated food if they couldnt bring their own lunch. Now Summer Cafe offers lunch at the club weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Aug. 18. Not only does Summer Cafe provide meals at some programs like North Mabee, but its also an option for parents to get their kids fed outside the house. Heather Jones, a mother of four from west Tulsa, takes her children to Robertson Elementary School for breakfast and lunch in the summer. Its amazing because we dont have to prepare as much food at home or have the same cost of food at home with four kids, Jones said. Im so thankful that they do it, because (Robertson Elementary) is right down the street from us. Wednesdays kickoff event was part of a broader strategy to raise awareness about Summer Cafe, which is free, requires no documentation and is available to any child under 18. Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist spoke at the kickoff event along with State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. Gist said the federally funded program is part of the districts approach to summer vacation. Learning doesnt take a vacation in the summer, and we know we need to provide enrichment and academic opportunities for our students in the summer, Gist said. But hunger doesnt take a vacation, either. In order for our children to learn, they need to be well nourished. In addition to the 70 Summer Cafe locations around Tulsa, multiple sites will offer free meals to children this summer through similar federally funded programs in the Broken Arrow and Union school districts. Grayson said she does her best to tell more families about the program, and each year, she said, the lunches cant come soon enough. Weve literally like five kids that havent brought any lunch this summer, Grayson said. The program really helps take the burden off of us, because otherwise were always trying to figure out, What about the kids who didnt eat today? What are we going to feed them? The memory of Terence Crutcher, an unarmed black man shot and killed by a white Tulsa police officer in September, was very much alive Wednesday evening as the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation launched its eighth annual national symposium. The three-day event brings together community leaders and scholars from across the nation to explore issues of racial reconciliation. Julius Pegues, chairman of the board of the center, said recent events in Tulsa make this an opportune time to have the symposium. The Crutcher shooting, and the trial at which Police Officer Betty Shelby was acquitted, have created a difficult time for Tulsas African-American community, he said. Theyve gone through this several times, and it has a detrimental effect on the community. They really expected justice and didnt think they got it. We do this event every year because we have a mission, and we also have a vision for the city of Tulsa, Pegues said. The vision is to turn racial discord, social discord, into social harmony. Thats our vision, he said. And weve got plenty of discord now, based on the Crutcher decision. In this city we need to talk about race. The only way were going to overcome these problems is that we have some dialogue. Pegues said the symposium sessions Thursday and Friday at the Hyatt Regency downtown will look at reconciliation through the lens of art and culture, and will not directly address the Crutcher/Shelby case. But over the next few weeks, he said, the center will sponsor a series of dialogues dealing with the case. The symposium kicked off at the John Hope Franklin Park, built in memory of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. Yvonne Thompson said she came to Tulsa to participate in the symposium and to support everything the reconciliation park stands for. Jean Neal, with the John Hope Franklin Center, instructed participants to walk, some taking a northern route and some a southern route, from the park to the nearby Greenwood Cultural Center. She said the walk will show the world that we are one Tulsa. ... Weve been divided long enough. Hundreds of participants made the trek to the Greenwood Cultural Center, where Pegues and others, standing in front of the 1921 Black Wall Street Memorial, read a list of businesses that were destroyed in the riot. Mary Williams led that group in a chant, Heroic hearts build courageous communities. All of you are heroic hearts, she said. Dewayne Dickens, John Hope Franklin Center board member, said, We cannot forget the past. We have a responsibility to remember those who sacrificed, who stood up, who lost lives. When we dont remember them correctly, we are in essence contributing to the same violence that hurt them. Moises Echeverria, president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, said he came out because we are becoming more polarized. Its important to come together and show that regardless of our differences, were going to stand side by side and get to know each other. This is one of the events in our city where we can say: I care; I may not know all the answers, but Im here and Im willing to look forward to the future with hope, knowing that Ive been part of the reconciliation process. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum told the crowd inside the Greenwood Cultural Center that the John Hope Franklin Center represents the commitment that our community has now, in 2017, to reconciliation. Politics is not the right venue for reconciliation. Reconciliation that occurs in politics only happens after it has occurred in peoples hearts, he said. Now in Tulsa we have a commitment from the elected leadership, from our faith communities, and throughout our city to acknowledge the issues You cannot fix a problem unless you first acknowledge that it exists, and has existed for too long. Bynum said that when he began his term as mayor, an old table in a hallway at City Hall caught his attention and he moved it into his office. When he took his grandfather, former Tulsa Mayor Robert J. LaFortune, to see the office, LaFortune recognized the table and said as a newly elected street commissioner, he had sat at that table in 1964 and voted to desegregate all Tulsa facilities. Now, Bynum said, he gets to sit at that same table and work with African-American city leaders to make a better Tulsa. All Souls Unitarian Church, joined by Tulsa musicians, presented a musical, A Soulful Journey, Black History in America Through Music. The keynote speaker was Kimberly C. Ellis, scholar of American and Africana Studies at Purdue University, who wrote her dissertation on the Tulsa Race Riot. She started the All Eyes on Tulsa Campaign, seeking reparations for the survivors of the Race Riot, and was on the litigation team that sought a hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court. Registration is required for most of the symposium sessions, but two are open to the public: the Arts in the Park program at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, at John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, and the closing ceremonies at 3 p.m. Friday. Last year NSW Fair Trading warned consumers to steer clear of HerFashionBox.com, a start-up which featured last year on TENs Shark Tank. Now investigators from the federal workplace watchdog have alleged owner Kathleen Purkis undercut the pay of three employees by more than $40,000. It is alleged she either grossly underpaid workers or paid them nothing at all. Documents have been filed in the Federal Court. The law prohibits the exploitation of workers by characterising them as interns or as doing work experience when they are fulfilling the role of an employee,Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said. Such workers must be paid minimum employee entitlements. Shark Tanks Janine Allis and Andrew Banks agreed to chip in $200,000 in exchange for 16% of the business last year. Purkis did not respond to requests for comment by either News Corp or Fairfax. A wave of comedies hitting our screens from Monday will put multicultural Australia back in the spotlight -on three different networks. Here Come the Habibs with their zany Lebanese-Australian family returns to Nine, Ronny Chieng: International Student turns the spotlight onto foreign students on ABC while The Family Law features a dysfunctional Asian-Australian family on SBS. ABC2 is also hoping to confirm Aaron Chen Tonight as a replacement for John Conway Tonight, due to illness, soon. They may not be firsts but the fact three are dropping at once should prove complementary. They remind us Australia has a long history of ethnic-based humour with characters such as Con the Fruiterer, Effie, films like Theyre a Weird Mob and comedies including Acropolis Now, Home Sweet Home, Housos, Fat Pizza, Legally Brown. Theres still a long way to go, and Indigenous comedy is notably a decidedly late arrival to primetime, but were about to get an amusing reminder that social observation and political points can sometimes best be made through comedy. After all, the ability to laugh at yourself is an intrinsically Australian quality, no matter where you were born. Here Come the Habibs 8pm Monday on Nine Ronny Chieng: International Student 9pm Wednesday on ABC The Family Law 8:30pm Thursday June 15 on SBS Lyon's second straight penalty shoot-out success in a UEFA Women's Champions League final means they have equalled FFC Frankfurt's record of four European titles. Having already matched Frankfurt's six final appearances by making it to Cardiff, Lyon knew victory would also take them level with the German side on a quartet of wins. Coincidentally, Frankfurt also reached six finals and four wins when they beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 two years ago. Two French teams making the final means they have now totalled eight appearances, overtaking Sweden and behind only Germany's 14. However, despite Lyon's triumph, Germany are still five victories clear of France, their clubs having lifted the trophy nine times in the 16-year history of the competition. In the UEFA Women's Champions League era since 2009/10, however, France are level at 4-4 with Germany in wins, and 8-7 up on final appearances 2014 runners-up Tyreso from Sweden the only exception in either category. Highlights Lyon make it four inCardiff Finals (winners in bold) UEFA Women's Champions League 2016/17: Lyon (FRA) 0-0, 7-6 pens Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 2015/16: Wolfsburg (GER) 1-1 aet, 3-4 pens Lyon (FRA) 2014/15: FFC Frankfurt (GER) 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 2013/14: Tyreso (SWE) 3-4 Wolfsburg (GER) 2012/13: Wolfsburg (GER) 1-0 Lyon (FRA) 2011/12: Lyon (FRA) 2-0 FFC Frankfurt (GER) 2010/11: Lyon (FRA) 2-0 Turbine Potsdam (GER) 2009/10: Lyon (FRA) 0-0 aet, 6-7 pens Turbine Potsdam (GER) UEFA Women's Cup 2008/09: Zvezda-2005 (RUS) 1-7 agg Duisburg (GER) 2007/08: Umea (SWE) 3-4 agg FFC Frankfurt (GER) 2006/07: Umea (SWE) 0-1 agg Arsenal (ENG) 2005/06: Turbine Potsdam (GER) 2-7 agg FFC Frankfurt (GER) 2004/05: Djurgarden (SWE) 1-5 agg Turbine Potsdam (GER) 2003/04: Umea (SWE) 8-0 agg FFC Frankfurt (GER) 2002/03: Umea (SWE) 7-1 agg Fortuna Hjrring (DEN) 2001/02: Umea (SWE) 0-2 FFC Frankfurt (GER) 2015: Frankfurt's fourth win Most wins By club FFC Frankfurt (GER)/Lyon (FRA) 4 Turbine Potsdam (GER)/Umea (SWE)/Wolfsburg (GER) 2 Arsenal (ENG)/Duisburg (GER) 1 By country Germany 9 France 4 Sweden 2 England 1 Most final appearances By club FFC Frankfurt (GER)/Lyon (FRA) 6 Umea (SWE) 5 Turbine Potsdam (GER) 4 Wolfsburg (GER) 3 Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 2 Arsenal (ENG)/Djurgarden (SWE)/Duisburg (GER)/Fortuna Hjrring (DEN)/Tyreso (SWE)/Zvezda-2005 (RUS) 1 By country Germany 14 France 8 Sweden 7 Denmark, England, Russia 1 (2006 final counts as two German appearances, 2017 counts as two French appearances) Yan Shen, a UH Moores School of Music graduate, will perform piano during the 2017 Texas Music Festival. A piano player since the age of five, Yan Shen was truly a prodigy. At the encouragement of teachers in her native China, she pursued a career as a professional pianist that has given her the opportunity to perform competitively at concert venues across the globe. Armed with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree earned in 2015 and a Certificate in Music Performance awarded this year from the University of Houston Moores School of Music, Shen will join an ensemble of orchestra fellows and renowned guest conductors from around the world during the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival 2017 (TMF). She will play Shostakovichs Symphony No. 5 in D Minor at the opening, Saturday, June 10, and will help close out the festival on July 1 with Rachmaninoffs Symphonic Dances. This will be Shens third time participating in TMF, but as someone who is used to playing on her own, she admits finding a way to blend in with an orchestra is both challenging and exciting. You have performed at the festival twice, so its safe to say you are a veteran. How will this year be different for you? The differences between this year and the last two years are the repertories. They have more variety than before. For example, we have a short opera performance with the marvelous soprano Cynthia Clayton, professor at the Moores School, on the opening night. We are also playing more outreach performances. One will be part of our weekly series at Houston Methodist Hospital. What advice would you give new fellows coming in to what is a pretty intensive orchestral training program? I would tell them to study the score and listen to the recordings carefully so they will already know the music and the specific parts they need to play. And try to get used to different conducting styles quickly, since we have different conductors every concert. They are all very unique in demonstrating music. What goes through your mind when you are playing piano? I try to be more focused on the music itself. You need to have a map in your mind of the music, structurally and emotionally. Playing with an orchestra is totally different because you need to listen the other sections of the orchestra and communicate with the conductor. What are your plans after the festival? I have concerts in China, which include a short concert tour in Hong Kong. I plan to teach privately and play some chamber concerts. I have plans to do a tour in Europe as well. I just want to keep playing as long as I can. The Texas Music Festival concerts and institutes will take place June 6-July 1 at the Moores Opera House on the UH campus and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands. The schedule, along with information about guest artists and orchestra fellows, is on the TMF website. President receives the recipients of the Foroige Annual Youth Citizenship Award Maxwells Dublin When Diarmaid Geever first heard that 200 Syrians would be arriving in Ballaghaderreen, like many other people in the community he was surprised that his small town in the West of Ireland had been chosen as their new temporary home. However after thinking about it and discussing it we decided we would like to help welcome the Syrians. With several teenagers amongst the first group of 80 Syrians arriving in Ballaghaderreen in March, the local youth group, Foroige, decided to create a welcome poster with information about them and a message of welcome. They wrote an invitation to the Syrian teenagers to spend an evening with the group, and created a folder of individual welcome messages which were all then translated into Arabic. Finally, they put together some welcome packs, which included Cadburys chocolate, Irish rugby hats, and handmade friendship bracelets all included. The Syrians were delighted says Theresa Geever, the Club Leader, with their new neighbours immediately accepting the invitation. Theyre just regular teens, they are the same as us except they have been forced to leave their homes and country. Everyone was a little apprehensive at first but name tags had been made before hand for everyone which really helped the introductions. Once names were pronounced, smiles followed and the ice was broken. For the first gathering, the Foroige members made scones and cakes, and tried to come up with activities where the language barrier wouldnt be an issue. They did some made clay modeling, and played games such as connect four, and availed of the pool table in the centre. The group were the recent winners of the overall Aldi Foroige Citizenship Award 2017, and had the opportunity to travel to Aras an Uachtarain this week, where President Michael D. Higgins thanked the Foroige volunteers for their warmth and creativity in making the Syrian refugees feel at home. However, for the volunteers, says Diarmaid, the motivation to respond was simple. Theyre just regular teens, they are the same as us except they have been forced to leave their homes and country. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Mark Dybul, Executive Director of The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. UNHCR/Susan Hopper GENEVA UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today signed an agreement intended to improve health services for refugees and other displaced communities. This new agreement will strengthen UNHCRs humanitarian response - focusing on public health and education as well as emergency care. Our focus remains on working together to provide specialized health care for refugees and the communities hosting them, said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. This partnership ensures refugees have access to treatments for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. The agencies are already working together in Rwanda, where UNHCR is implementing a grant of US$2.09 million from the Global Fund to address health needs for Burundian refugees. Further discussions are also underway to expand joint activities in the Middle East and East Africa. We need to better connect pieces of the humanitarian response within the larger development continuum, said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. This framework promotes innovation and advancing efforts that make sense and that work. For more information: The Global Fund - Marcela Rojo, [email protected], +41 79 540-2667 UNHCR Babar Baloch, [email protected], +41 79 513-9549 Nigerian refugees returning from Cameroon wait to register at Banki camp in northern Nigeria. UNHCR/Romain Desclous UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is stepping up its response as large numbers of refugees return from Cameroon to north-eastern Nigeria. More than 12,000 refugees returned in the month of May, with 1,800 returning in just one day early last week. Refugees are arriving to difficult conditions in the town of Banki, some 100 kilometres southeast of Maiduguri and just inside Nigeria. Though returns have dropped significantly since last week with only 24 coming back on Monday - we are nonetheless concerned as Banki is already hosting a large population of nearly 45,000 internally displaced people, and is far from ready to receive such large numbers. The decisions to return are being taken by refugees themselves people variously cite difficult conditions at Cameroons Minawao camp or the need to be back for the farming season. The refugees also organize their own transport. In Banki, and also at nearby towns where people are hoping to head, humanitarian access is very limited and largely dependent on the availability of military escorts. As most returnees are still unable to travel onwards to their home villages where security remains uncertain, there is a pressing need for additional land for more shelter and other facilities at the IDP site. People are having to sleep alongside their few possessions in the open. In the absence of cooking fuel many are burning plastic. Sanitation is a major worry too as what is available cannot serve the number of people in the site. There is little separation between areas for washing clothes and ablutions. With little or no drainage system at water collection points, and the incoming rainy season, the risk of waterborne disease is great. UNHCR and the government of Nigeria have alerted the refugees in Cameroon that such rate of returns are a strain on the few existing services and create a new emergency for which the response capacity is very limited. UNHCR and our partners in Banki are doing what we can, given difficult circumstances, to improve conditions both there and in other areas that returnees are seeking to reach such as Gwoza which lies further south of Banki. Plastic sheeting is being provided and some 1500 emergency shelters are under way along with non-food aid kits. Currently food aid is an urgent need and we are appealing to other humanitarian partners to come forward with additional expertise and help. On March 3 UNHCR, with the governments of Cameroon and Nigeria, signed a Tripartite Agreement aimed at facilitating voluntary returns. The objective and purpose of the tripartite agreement is to ensure that returns comply with international standards. The situation in Nigeria and Cameroon is part of a wider displacement crisis in the Lake Chad Basin that has displaced over 2.7 million people, including some 210,000 Nigerian refugees into neighbouring countries. As of mid-May, 96,000 of these were registered as being in Cameroon. UNHCR is monitoring the situation on both sides of Nigerias border with its neighbours and we continue to urge all countries in the region to allow safe haven and asylum procedures to all those in need. Taking into account the security constraints, UNHCR has started strengthening presence in border entry points for better monitoring and reporting. Media contacts: June 1 2017 John Meunier, one of the architects behind Glasgows A-listed Burrell Museum now emeritus professor of architecture at Arizona State University, has issued an 11th hour plea to John McAslan & Partners to re-think their plans despite approval already having been granted by Glasgow City Council.The 66m project has been necessitated to carry out urgent repairs to the ailing 1983 structure which has been hit by extensive water ingress through the roof, presenting an opportunity to greatly increase the display space on offer as part of these works, allowing 90 per cent of the 9,000 objects to go on display four times the number which can be put on show currently.To achieve this however McAslan proposes significant alterations to the building fabric, principally the main entrance and Hutton Rooms, sparking fears that the buildings status as a 2oth century landmark could be imperiled.In a letter to the architects Meurnier wrote: The issue for me is the long term and whether it retains its status as one of the best 20th century works of architecture in Scotland, superbly matching the architecture to the works of art, while continuing to honour the intentions of its progenitor (William Burrell)."For it to do that a lot more has to be retained, including the extended entry sequence of graduated spaces, and the programmatic requirement of the will that the restored Hutton Rooms be retained.There is obviously a lot more to discuss, including the careful insertion of elevators as all three levels come into play, but my main message is to mess around with the basic, experience, logic and composition of the original building as little as possible, and to exercise architectural creativity to meet your new goals in a way that sustains the material and formal language of the original.McAslan & Partners have rebuffed the approach however, stating that the changes are required to arrest a decline in visitor numbers. Paddy Pugh, director of conservation and planning at architects McAslan, responded: Beyond repairing/replacing the roofs, facades and building services, the principle architectural changes are designed to improve access into and around the building. Opening Reception for Wyoming Art Party Exhibition June 9 at UW The Wyoming Art Party will host an opening reception for Topophilia, featuring the works of three artists, Friday, June 9, from 5-7 p.m. at the University of Wyoming. The exhibition, on display June 9-Aug. 23, and the reception, free to the public, are in the UW Visual Arts Building Gallery, located on the corner of 22nd Street and Willett Drive. The Wyoming Art Party (WAP) is an organization started by two local Laramie artists, June Glasson and Meg Thompson, whose mission it is to organize art projects and shows that connect individuals throughout Wyoming. According to WAPs website, the artists work in different regions, disciplines -- fine arts, writing, music and craft -- and are from different backgrounds, with the goal of creating work that represents art in Wyoming as it is, rather than as it is thought to be. WAP organizes inclusive projects to celebrate the innate creativity of local community. Topophilia is a loving reconfiguration of the mythology of our American West through studio practices and collaborative projects, says Diana Baumbach, UW art associate professor. Drawing inspiration from objects, place and Western identity, Topophilia artists Glasson, Thompson and Adrienne Vetter make work both individually and with community-based practices created through WAP. The exhibition features an archive of objects and documentation from past community projects by WAP alongside a curated selection of the artists individual studio work. They describe Topophilia as a strong sense of place, which often becomes mixed with a sense of cultural identity among certain people and a love of certain aspects of such a place. For more information about WAP, visit the website at www.wyomingartparty.com. The Wyoming Art Party community events have been supported and funded by Laramie Main Street Alliance, Wyoming Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Guthrie Family Foundation, private donations and volunteer support. The UW event can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/369316336798907. For more information about the opening reception and exhibition, call Baumbach at (307) 766-3049 or email dbaumbac@uwyo.edu, or call Thompson at (307) 399-7259. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mango saplings can be planted anytime except April and May. In every row, 30 feet gap between the plants should be maintained. Dig a pit of 2 x 2 feet and keep the pit as such (usually, for dense planting 15 feet gap is adequate but he has provided 30 feet instead). Keep the grafted sapling in the middle of the pit and fill it with soil, allowing the grafted part to be half a foot deep in the pit. The pit can be covered with layers of soil, dry leaves, and agriculture waste. Provide water to the saplings by drip irrigation and ensure that there is precise watering, neither in excess nor inadequate. First five months after planting there is no need to provide the plants with any fertilizers. On the sixth month, provide each plant with 3 kg of farm yard manure. After six month of planting, plough the soil for once and then there is no need for it for its lifetime. Performance artist Annie Saunders performs 'Cleaning' from Holoscenes, a performance-installation in Times Square in New York. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP) The transparent aquarium, in which performers somersault, dive and react as the tank rapidly fills, empties and re-fills with water, cost upwards of US$750,000 and is the brain child of an artist wanting to raise awareness about climate change. The 12-tonne glass unit will periodically flood and drain from Thursday to Saturday as part of the World Science Festival, as a rotating cast of performers respond creatively to the changing levels of water. The "Holoscenes" installation has already exhibited in London, Miami, Sarasota and Toronto, but its creator said Times Square - "the most famous public space in the world" - was the perfect setting. "I wanted to actually move 3,500 gallons of water very fast with a human body in the midst of it, because I think that makes people feel something in their gut," said Lars Jan, artistic director of the Early Morning Opera performance and art lab. With nearly 450,000 people a day estimated to pass through Times Square, the beating heart of Manhattan crammed with advertising boards next to New York's famed theatre district, the organisers are hoping for a big response. "Climate is the focus of our footprint here this year," said Brian Greene, co-founder of the World Science Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary and designed to change public perception of science. US media reports saying that Trump intends to pull the United States out of the Paris Accord are "very disturbing," Greene said. "Science is something that should unite the world," he said. "And for people to not feel connected to these vital ideas, that is disastrous for the future," he added. Jan said he was inspired by images of flooding from around the world and paid tribute to hydraulic engineers, performers, designers, artists and scientists who had collaborated for years on the project. "I think it's short-sighted to think too much about the Trump administration," he told reporters. "On whatever side of the political aisle you happen to be on, we need to think about changing fundamentally our habits in order to adapt to the realities of climate science. So I hope this is a small part in that conversation," he said. The festival also features an interactive dance floor in Times Square that translates human movement into electrical power, lighting up a monitor depending on how much energy the dancers put into their performance. Enormous demand for air conditioners brings major Japanese companies to Vietnam Leading Japanese electronics corporation Panasonic is ready to manufacture air conditioners in Vietnam, where it already has a consumer electronics factory. Panasonics plans to ramp up its air conditioner business in Southeast Asia, where rising incomes are fuelling demand. Panasonic Vietnam said in a statement that its investment scale and timing schedule are not finalised at the moment, but will be completed soon. Panasonic looks to earn $6 billion from global air conditioning sales by March 2019. The Japanese market will account for 40 per cent of this however. Vietnam is the second biggest market for air conditioners in Asia, after Indonesia. Another big name in air conditioning, Daikin, received an investment certificate last year for the $100 million project in Thang Long II Industrial Park. Ly Thi Phuong Trang, a representative from Daikin Air Conditioning Vietnam JSC, said the project is on track and expected to see operation in April 2018, with a capacity of 500,000 units per year. Japanese firms like Daikin and Mitsubishi chose Vietnam for their new plants because nearly all Daikin and Mitsubishi air conditioners in Vietnam are currently imported from Thailand, where their production facilities have been operating at full capacity. Vietnams infrastructure development coupled with increasing investment in the industrial and commercial sectors are responsible for the higher demand for air conditioners in the country. The development of major cities, growing construction activities in the hospitality and tourism sectors, and growing government investment are expected to propel demand for air conditioners in Vietnam to even greater heights. In residential areas, split system air conditioners are popular, as one unit can service multiple residences. A report released by the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA) on the demand for air conditioners in major countries around the world also said that the demand for both residential and commercial air conditioners is rising sharply in Vietnam. Some of the leading air conditioner manufacturers operating in Vietnam include LG Electronics, Gree, Samsung, Midea, Hitachi, Toshiba, Nagakawa, Mitsubishi, and Carrier. Last year, Samsung Vina Electronics Co., Ltd. said Fifty percent of air conditioners sold globally are split system air conditioners. The total value of the segment is worth $74 billion. Vietnam is a very promising market for this segment, which has seen many advanced technological developments recently. Seven years ago, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation established a Vietnamese company to co-ordinate sales of air conditioning systems, home appliances, and automated products. The Japanese company has primarily conducted sales in Vietnam indirectly through distributors, and has only recently shifted to direct sales. Due to Vietnams remarkable growth prospects, Mitsubishi Electric is now classifying the country as a priority market, and has decided to establish a local company to co-ordinate sales, the manufacturer said in its announcement. While competition for greater market share is stiff, some countries in the region are moving to tighten environmental regulations. Vietnam has also raised awareness of energy consumption standards for air conditioners. The move could be a boon for Japanese air conditioner manufactures who already have competitive energy-saving technologies on the shelves. The lights at the Eiffel Tower were switched off on May 31, 2017, to honour the victims of a bomb attack in the Afghanistan capital Kabul. (AFP Photo) "The Eiffel Tower will again go dark from midnight tonight to show Paris's solidarity with Kabul," Mayor Anne Hidalgo said in an earlier Twitter post. "After Baghdad, Kabul has been the victim of a barbaric attack. Solidarity and thoughts for the victims and their loved ones," she wrote. The iconic monument's lights had already been turned off on Tuesday night after a series of suicide blasts in Baghdad killed at least 42 as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan got underway. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack which struck Kabul's diplomatic quarter on Wednesday at rush hour, which left at least 90 people dead and hundreds more wounded. Paris regularly dims the Eiffel Tower, an emblem of the city, to show its solidarity with victims of terror attacks. European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. ( Francois Lenoir source: REUTERS ) The summit in Brussels could mark a dramatic shift in global politics, with the EU taking over from the United States in working with China to fight climate change. Signalling a new level of cooperation, the two sides will stress the "highest political commitment" to implement all aspects of the historic 2015 agreement, according to a copy of a draft joint statement seen by AFP on Wednesday (May 31). The EU-China summit follows a tense international tour by US President Donald Trump in which he spurned pleas by his European counterparts to adhere to the deal. US media reported on Wednesday that Trump had decided to pull his country out of the accord but the unpredictable US tycoon indicated he would keep the world guessing for another few days. "We will issue a joint statement on climate change that will stress that China and the EU ... will implement the agreement," the senior EU official told reporters on Wednesday, on condition of anonymity. "The Paris Agreement will continue with full force of implementation even if the US pulls out," he added. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Brussels late Thursday for talks with EU president Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker, with climate change at the top of the agenda. "The EU and China consider the Paris Agreement as an historic achievement further accelerating the irreversible global low greenhouse gas emission and climate resilient development," the draft joint statement said. "The EU and China underline their highest political commitment to the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement in all its aspects," according to the nine-page draft. They will "significantly intensify" their political, technical, economic and scientific cooperation on climate change and clean energy to help the world shift to an economy based on low greenhouse gas emissions. 'NEW DRIVER' Hoping to make the climate fight a "main pillar" of their bilateral partnership, including economic relations, the two underlined that their cooperation will fuel job creation, investments and economic growth, the statement said. Europe and China will also expand their cooperation on developing carbon markets, so-called emissions trading systems. "If US-China climate cooperation gave birth to the Paris Agreement, now it is up to EU and China to defend and enhance it," said Li Shuo, climate policy advisor of Greenpeace East Asia. "The pair has the potential to become the new driver for international climate diplomacy," Li said in a statement. Former US president Barack Obama and the Chinese leadership were instrumental in building momentum toward the climate deal. It was signed by 196 countries that set themselves goals to minimize carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. If the United States, by most measures the world's second-biggest polluter after China, were to pull out or reduce its goals, efforts to reduce the global temperature increase might fail. But European officials insisted that the deal would remain on track. "I understand that if they decide to pull out it will be disappointing but I really don't think this will change the course of mankind," European Commission vice president for energy, Maros Sefcovic, said at a briefing. "Despite this possible rollback of the US administration, Europe is ready for the leadership (on climate change) and we will definitely provide it," he added. EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action Miguel Arias Canete said the world could count on European climate leadership. "No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward. More on Friday," Canete tweeted. " Non-Vietnamese citizens signed purchase contracts and paid big money, but could not obtain pink books." Kai Marcus Schroter General director of HTM Management Consultancy Co. Ltd. Kenneth Atkinson, executive chairman of Grant Thornton Vietnam, told VIR that the governments housing and real estate laws, which came into effect in July 2015, created a lot of excitement and interest among foreign investors, but the buzz is waning. This should have been a real driver for sales, especially in resort and coastal areas. It should have been a driver for further growth in the tourism sector, boosting the return visitor market that Vietnam lacks compared to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Atkinson said. He highlighted that there are still a number of grey areas which need clarification if the market buzz is to return to the levels first observed after the introduction of the policy. One of those grey areas is ownership surrounding military land, as it now seems the government is saying foreign ownership of housing that rests on military land will not be permitted. Whilst the government should be free to determine which projects are eligible to sell leases to non-Vietnamese citizens, the rules should be clear, Atkinson said. If some developments are not going to be eligible to sell long term leases on 30 per cent of units to non-Vietnamese citizens, then this should be made public before the developers begin selling, he said. Atkinson also expressed concerns over foreign ownership in developments that are on land which may be reclassified as a military land in the future. This really is an issue which should have been addressed when the laws were passed for projects under development and at the time of licensing for projects licensed subsequent to the passing of the new laws, he added. Unclear real estate laws inhibit non-Vietnamese homebuyers Photo: Le Toan Another issue now surfacing is the fact that a local owner cannot sell to non-Vietnamese citizens, only a non-Vietnamese citizen can sell to another non-Vietnamese citizen. There appears to be no logical reasoning for this with respect to developments where sales to non-Vietnamese citizens have not reached the 30 per cent limit for apartments, or 10 per cent limit for land plots. Atkinson also stated that there are no clear guidelines on how the remittance of sales proceeds are to be monitored, as funds used for purchasing a property are not required to be invested through a direct investment account. As a non-Vietnamese citizen, and I think I speak for the majority, we look for complete clarity in the regulations in terms of ownership rights, how to remit and return purchase monies and sales proceeds, and how taxes on gains are calculated, Atkinson said.. We also look for an environment where there cannot be retroactive changes in laws or regulations, and clarity about the procedures for renewing 50 year leases upon expiry, he said. Kai Marcus Schroter, general director of HTM Management Consultancy Co. Ltd., highlighted that non-Vietnamese citizens are faced with many difficulties when buying houses. I think that it is quite ok for a country to regulate and restrict foreign ownership of land, but this process must be clear and transparent, he said. Vietnam has a right to protect its security and to restrict access to land. But I have never understood why any non-Vietnamese citizens who have just entered the country on a valid visa and stayed for the first time in the country are treated the same way and have the same rights as non-Vietnamese citizens who have lived here for a long time, have invested here, and even have Vietnamese families here, he added. Schroter added that the latter has certainly proven their love and commitment to the country, and they are certainly no security threat. The first should be restricted from buying property, the second should be rewarded with easy access, simple procedures, and quick documentation of land purchase (pink books), he said. As decreed by the government, local departments of construction are responsible for publishing which properties are restricted from foreign ownership over concerns of security and national defence. When the decree was passed, the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security failed to follow through and to submit this information to the local departments of construction, creating loopholes and problems for non-Vietnamese citizens, Schroter said. Non-Vietnamese citizens signed purchase contracts and paid big money, but could not obtain pink books. Without a pink book, the purchase is in fact worthless, he said. Schroter suggested the government of Vietnam work harder to enforce the decrees they have passed, and protect the rights of non-Vietnamese residents and citizens alike, to ensure equal and fair treatment. The definition of restricted or security areas should be very narrow (for example military bases), and applied indiscriminately to both Vietnamese citizens and permanent residents, he concluded. Workers make textile and garment products at Hansol Vina Co Ltd in Bac Giang Provinces Tan Yen District. - VNA/VNS Photo Tran Viet The event, held by the MoIT and the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (MUTRAP), sought feedback on a draft plan on Viet Nams industrial restructuring for 2017-20. The plan is expected to be submitted to the Government for approval in June. Le Tien Truong, General Director of the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group, said much data on the textile and garment industry in the draft was incorrect such as labour productivity, added value and imports. Therefore, the plan is unreliable and should be overhauled. The plan hasnt defined an industrial restructuring process, he noted, saying that the plan says labour productivity must be raised by 5 per cent to improve competitiveness, without mentioning any processes to realise that target. Meanwhile, Viet Nam ranks fifth among the countries with highest labour productivity in fibre and textile production. It follows China in terms of labour productivity in garment manufacturing. To promote textile-garment productivity, update technology and equipment should be updated. If the plan named improving manpower management and training as the key solution, it would be the wrong move, Truong said. Nguyen Tue Anh, Deputy Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said the MoITs plan needs to clarify bottlenecks and their causes in the development of industries so as to devise effective solutions. Director General of the ministrys Planning Department Duong Duy Hung admitted that a clearer plan which points out major bottlenecks and details restructuring is necessary in order to use resources efficiently. The MoIT will gather more opinions to fine-tune the draft, he added. Industrial production value in Viet Nam has surged by nearly 3.5 times from VND350 trillion (US$15.4 billion) to VND1,170 trillion ($51.5 billion) over the last 10 years. It makes up about 31-32 per cent of the countrys GDP, according to the MoIT. In recent years, electronics, textile-garment and footwear have become key exports, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the countrys total export revenue. However, MoIT Deputy Minister Cao Quoc Hung said the country still ranks 101st among 143 countries in terms of per capita added value in processing and manufacturing industries. Industrial labour productivity is still outpaced by developed nations and other countries in the region. This is a problem with Viet Nam in the initial stages of industrialisation. Therefore, the draft plan on industrial restructuring has been built to promote substantive industrial restructuring, he noted. Investors from around the globe look to invest in Vietnams most attractive sectors, Photo: Le Toan Ample opportunities As the Vietnamese economy develops and consumerism booms, foreign investors are taking a fresh look at private equity (PE) investments in the country. Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, said that Vietnam is an emerging story of economic development and integration, which naturally draws in PE investors. Vietnam is now a sweet spot for investors, as it is leading the impressive growth of Southeast Asia. The country has a young and growing population, who are potential consumers of the future, and we see the government pushing to equitise large state-owned enterprises (SOEs), said Mobius at last weeks AVCJ forum on PE ventures. At the event, which was held for the first time by AVCJ in Ho Chi Minh City, PE funds from Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, the US, and Europe expressed their enthusiasm about Vietnam-based PE investments. The most attractive sectors are consumer-related, including consumer goods, retail, healthcare, and logistics. A study from Grant Thornton Vietnam, published back in March, also revealed that the Vietnamese market is considered the second-largest in terms of potential in Southeast Asia for PE investors. Interestingly, PE investors in Vietnam seem to be attracted to firms that derive their revenue from domestic spending rather than export-focused companies. Pete Vo, managing director of CVC Capital Partners, said that his fund has been actively looking for Vietnamese PE deals for the past three years. Vietnamese companies have reached the necessary maturity level for small PE investments from overseas. Stable macroeconomics are another incentive for us to come here, said Vo. He added that Vietnam is now a priority market for CVC Capital Partners, especially small- and medium-sized firms with strong growth potentials. A way in and out Due to their long-term nature, PE investments require extensive due diligence. In Vietnam, investors particularly focus on the firms leaders and information transparency. Entrepreneurship in Vietnam only started in the 1990s, so most of the current CEOs are also the founders who built the company from scratch. Besides growth potential, we look for a strong management team who can move the firm forward and is open to due diligence, said Dominic Picone, managing director of TPG Capital. Picone added that this is particularly important when evaluating state-owned enterprises (SOEs). PE investors want to make sure that an equitised SOE has become a private entity and operates its business based on market rules. Investors also praised the increasing savviness of Vietnamese firms, as they are now willing to hire professional advisers to help with negotiations and due diligence. Concerning exit strategies, fund managers say there is no one-size-fits-all option. Andy Ho, chief investment officer at VinaCapital, said that an increasingly profitable exit choice for PE investors in Vietnam is secondary sales. He noted a dramatic surge of Japanese, Korean, and Thai buyers, who clamour to purchase fast-growing Vietnamese firms to gain access to the domestic market. Lingering concerns Despite their overall optimism about Vietnamese PE deals, investors still pointed out some potential hindrances. The most significant issue is Vietnams small equity market, which makes it difficult for PE investors to exit via initial public offerings. The Vietnamese stock market currently takes up only 40 per cent of the countrys GDP, and liquidity remains low. Wed like to see the equities market grow in size and liquidity. A more mature market will provide us with a wider range of exit options, and interested buyers have more ways to buy stakes in their favourite company, said Paul DiGiacomo, managing director at BDA Partners. It is also noteworthy that 97 per cent of Vietnamese private firms are either small or very small. On one hand, this means that these firms have significant growth potential, but on the other, tiny companies have fewer chances of attracting large investment funds from overseas. Pete Vo from CVC Capital Partners elaborated that many foreign funds would be happy to pour $100-$250 million into their favourite private firms. In Vietnam, however, most PE deals range from only $5 million to under $100 million, making it hard for large investors to set up a Vietnam-focused PE fund. Finally, foreign exchange volatilities also affect the strategy of PE investors. Andy Ho from VinaCapital stated that to offset the annual devaluations of the VND, PE investors have to set very high internal rates of return, ranging from 25 to 30 per cent. However, the VND has been quite stable for the past eight years, especially in 2016. We believe that the State Bank of Vietnam has been working hard to keep the VND stable, and we look forward to seeing steady rates in the future, Picone from TPG Capital said. Nguyen Thi Thu Van, permanent deputy chairwoman of the Viet Nam Youth Federations Central Committee, said the "Support Farmers Price Subsidy to Consumers" programme would help farmers to sell their unsold pigs at reasonable prices.- VNS Photo The programme aims to sell pork at subsidised prices to stimulate consumption, Nguyen Thi Thu Van, permanent deputy chairwoman of the federations Central Committee, said. Many activities have been undertaken to support farmers overcome the difficulties caused by a sharp decrease in pig prices, but the situation has not improved much, she said. To run until the end of June, the programme includes many activities like fairs and setting up booths to sell pork at subsidised prices in five provinces and cities, HCM City, Dong Nai, Can Tho, Binh Phuoc and Binh Duong. Through its website at www.porkpork.vn, the programme will buy pigs from farmers at VND30,000 a kilo and sell at a price of VND35,000, but buyers have to buy pieces of pork weighing 18-20 kilogrammes, Nguyen Tuan Khoi, managing director of DSF, said. Van said the initial purpose of the programme is to help pig farmers sell their unsold products, while in the long term it aims to encourage farmers to continue breeding to prevent a shortage of pork and help them breed pigs based on plans and market demand and production chains to ensure quality. She also called for co-operation and support from businesses, especially those involved in farming pigs and processing pork, and locals. Tran Tien, deputy general director in charge of the animal feed business at C.P Viet Nam, the first company to support the programme, said after cutting pig feed prices by VND200 per kilogramme, the company is now set to increase pork sales at supermarkets. It would also increase processing of ready-to-eat products like sausages and others, he said. It has cold storage space to rent out for storing pork, he said. His company is willing to supply pork without profits to fairs under the programme to stimulate demand, he said. The programme also calls on enterprises, especially those that are members of the federation, and the Viet Nam Young Entrepreneur Clubs in provinces and cities that have kitchens for workers to consume more pork. Oil giant ExxonMobil is facing increasing pressure from shareholders to account for the cost of climate change policy, and invest more in renewable energy. (AFP/SPENCER PLATT) The proposal, backed by 62.3 per cent of shareholders, urges Exxon to come clean on what tougher public policies - in line with the Paris accord on curbing global emissions - would mean for its portfolio. The advisory vote came as President Donald Trump weighs whether to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement. Exxon chief executive Darren Woods, who praised the Paris accord but argued the shareholder proposal was unnecessary, said the oil giant would consider its policy position in light of the vote. Exxon has for years successfully beaten back previous shareholder votes on climate change, but some leading institutional investors signaled they were considering changing their stance following pressure from activist investors. Environmentalists have argued that Exxon's petroleum-dominated portfolio could become uneconomic under tougher climate policies, and the company has not thoroughly analysed this risk. They call on Exxon to invest more in renewable energy and less in oil. The proposal, submitted by the New York State Common Retirement Fund, seeks an annual assessment of Exxon's assets under different policy scenarios, including those that limit temperature increases to under two degrees Celsius, consistent with the 2015 Paris accord. Exxon had argued that its planning already took into account the possibility for stricter climate policies and that oil would remain a vital source of global energy for years to come, even under the toughest policy scenarios. Woods said during his presentation at the meeting, that even under the Paris accords, some US$11 trillion in new oil investment would be needed. Park Chul Ho, director of KOTRA Hanoi, giving the opening speech The conference is part of a cooperation programme between South Korean company IBCT and some Vietnamese government agencies including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Hung Yen Department of Information of Telecommunications. Dang Hoang Can, chairman of VKFA, speaking at the conference IBCTs teleconference solutions use mobile devices and applications that operate on the basis of the Internet of Things as well as hardware already available in conference rooms, thus helping decrease investment in teleconferencing. IBCT aims to provide teleconferencing services to all government agencies in Vietnam as part of the companys corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Cho Ja Young, general director of IBCT, outlining the advantages of the company's teleconferencing solutions Teleconferencing helps save time and money, making it convenient for people to join conferences from different locations. KOTRA is an agency under the South Korean government that promotes foreign trade and investment relations. KOTRA Hanoi provides wide-scale support to South Korean companies doing business in North Vietnam, including investment consultancy, market research, as well as legal and tax consultancy. KOTRA encourages and supports the CSR activities of South Korean companies. Since 2011 the agency has been handing out the annual CSR award to South Korean companies that contribute to the community and welfare of Vietnamese employees. IBCT was set up in 2014 as a 100 per cent South Korean-owned information technology company. The company has joined many projects of the Vietnamese government. Spotify targets launching in Vietnam and Thailand before going public Shifting focus in Spotifys Asia strategy According to TechCrunch, Spotify is looking to step up its game in Asia by launching its music streaming service in Vietnam and Thailand and seriously considering expansion in India, perhaps even within the year. While Spotify declined to comment on its plans in Vietnam and Thailand to TechCrunch, it has started hiring for music editor positions in both countries. The move is considered a precursor to launching services, as the company followed a similar strategy in Indonesia in 2015. Then, it started hiring for the exact same post in October and launched its service within six short months. The positions will likely be headquartered at Spotifys Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore and based on the events in Indonesia, the music streaming service might be launched within 2017 alreadythough there is little to justify the six-month timeframe. Spotify is one of the largest music streaming services in the world, with more than 100 million registered and 50 million paying subscribers. The companys service is available in 60 countries worldwide, though significant markets in Asia remain unexplored. The company was reported to have financial difficulties as it decided to streamline its business model before going public without actually staging an IPO. At the time, they chose to push the move off to 2018, but Snaps and other successful IPOs signified ideal market conditions to forge ahead. This likely lead to Spotify shifting focus from India to easier markets, like Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. In India, Spotify would meet significant competition from iger Global-backed Saavn and Times Internets Gaana, as well as Apples iTunes (available since 2015) and Google Play Music that arrived just this year. Despite the Indian markets sheer size and the significant monetary benefits of seizing just a small slice of the market, Spotifys management likely found following the path of least resistance their best bet to boost performance before going public. Digital music in the world Internet statistics portal Statista Inc. offers insightful data on the global and Vietnamese digital music industrys performance that can be utilised to understand Spotifys choice of entering Vietnam and Thailand as well as the challenges ahead in its unexplored Asian market pockets. According to Statistas database, the global digital music industrys three largest markets are the US, Europe and China. While the US and Europe signify largely developed economies with high per capita incomes, an undoubtedly vital factor in peoples choice of accessing online musical content, China is a budding market with lower incomes and rampant semi-legal streaming and downloading alternativesfeatures widely shared by Vietnam, Thailand, and even India, that could serve as a basis of comparison. Indeed, many network operators offer free 3G data for music streaming, liberating gigabytes of memory on mobile phones in exchange for subscribing for monthly data plans and subscribing to music streaming services, like that of Spotify, for a fixed charge or simply downloading a free application that features third-party advertisements. Recent years show a marked change in digital consumption habits both in the US and Europe, and to some degree, in China as consumers are departing from downloading their favourite tunes to streaming them online. This broke the 13-year growth series of music download sales that began in 2003 with Apples iTunes, as now that there is bandwidth, internet speed, and mobile internet accessibility, streaming is a better choice. The global digital music market was about $9.2 billion in 2016, and accounted for 11 per cent of the global digital media market. Combined, the US, Europe, and China cover 81 per cent of the global digital music market, with a cumulated amount of $7.4 billion. Of this, the US is the peerless champion in digital music consumption, standing at $4.2 billion in 2016. The size of the European market was $2.3 billion in 2016, and China is $0.4 billion, far below its peers. In the case of wealthy US and European consumers, the one-off payments and subscriptions seem to be worth the extra storage, as more and more of them choose to stream music instead of downloading it. According to Statista, from now till 2021, revenue from streaming will increase at a 17.2 and 11.39 per cent rate in the US and Europe, respectively, while revenues from downloaded tracks will fall by 8.9 and 10.36 per cent, annually. It is interesting to note how music streaming accounts for 67 per cent of the digital music market in Europe, far outstripping the US 56 per cent. In China, on the other hand, both streaming and downloading are going through the roof, growing by 21.19 and 33.29 per cent on annum, respectively. Nevertheless, based on the sheer differences in market size, China is far from catching up with the US and EU within a foreseeable time, as its revenue is poised to hit the $1 billion mark by 2021, while the US and EU are pretty much over that threshold by their individual sectors already. China is also different from the US and Europe markets in that the willingness to pay for digital music is very low, as most music is streamable for free on semi-legal alternatives. On the other hand, 92 per cent of the market is generated by mostly ad-based streaming, at least partially thanks to the fact that Chinese consumers arrived to the market equipped with better devices than the US and European pioneers some 13 years ago, with ready access to smoother technological solutions. Also a feature shared by Spotifys newest coming markets, a constant thorn in the side of music streaming and downloading service providers on the Chinese market is the abundance of free streaming services operating in constant violation of property rights. A one-time payment or monthly subscription for unlimited music streaming might sound nice for US and European customers who can easily afford these prices than Chinese customers. While doubtlessly, service providers are making an effort to tailor service fees to regional purses, prices in China remain above the affordable for the wide Chinese population, leading to ample demand for illegal streaming and downloading, and downward pressure on the charges of legally operating providers. Digital music industry in Vietnam Spotify is bound to find similar issues in Vietnam, Thailand, and India as the generally outlined issue in China. As Vietnamese telecommunications firms are busy rolling out 4G and enhancing 3G services and the majority of internet users are connected through mobile devices, the market seems ready for renowned music streamers to enter. To step further into the grounds of speculation, Vietnamese consumers are likely to pose higher demand for streaming than for downloading their favourite tracks, as their devices are mostly capable of handling 3G (and, with time, 4G), provided that network operators will accommodate this demand. While per capita incomes are on the uptake and the countrys economic prospects are rosy, Vietnamese consumers may not be ready to spend big on streaming music, given easy content piracy and freely accessible illegal streaming platforms. Similar to the $1.5 average revenue per internet user in China, Vietnamese users spend about $1.3 per person. As it stands, copyright infringement and the violations of intellectual property rights make Vietnam a difficult market. Just last October, nhacSO.net, one of the three biggest music streaming websites in the country, stopped operations as consumers are moving towards other models, which are unlike the one that nhacSO.net provides, as a manager of FPT Telecom said in an interview with ICTnews, also reported by VIR. Spotify will have to take on Vietnam's largest music streamers to succeed During its eleven years of operation, nhacSO.net grew up to be the leading music streaming site, to be then taken over by Zing mp3 (operated by VNG Corporation) and Nhaccuatui (NCT Corporation) in 2010. To this day, Zing mp3 and Nhaccuatui are doing well, ranking as the 7th and 23rd on the list of top 25 most visited websites in Vietnam compiled by reachingvietnam.com. However, officially operating subscription-based or ad-supported unlimited access music streaming services have only a limited user penetration (not counting internet radio and video streaming). In 2017, the figure was only 3.5 per cent, and is forecasted to grow to 4.2 per cent by 2021. The market size, similarly, is relatively small: in 2017 Statista expects a total market revenue of $3 million. The market is forecasted to see a compound annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent until 2021, when revenue will be $4.1 million. What Spotifys success rides on in Vietnam (and indeed in Thailand and India, as well) is creating a package strong enough to force open Vietnamese users purses, which might prove insanely difficult. The company will not only need to come up with a library of tracks fitting local tastes (one that will contain an unparalleled variety of not only Vietnamese songs, but Korean and Japanese content) and land a deal with mobile operators to offer free data for music streamingessentially starting a turf-war with Hong Kongs PCCW Media that launched the music streaming brand MOOV that offers (arguably) the largest K-pop collection in Vietnam and is freely accessible for Vietnamobile 3G subscribers for only $3 a month. And far be it from me to say MOOV is king of the marketit is relatively obscure, looming in the background behind Zing mp3, Nhaccuatui, Nhac Vui, Keeng, and Nhac DJ. At the least MOOV may provide a sensible starting point from which Spotify can improve for success. Shares rose in both local markets on Thursday morning, lifted by investor confidence following the meeting between the Prime Minister and the US president. - Photo doanhnhansaigon.vn The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.49 per cent to end at 741.46 points. It had fallen by a total 1.1 per cent over the past two days. The HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange advanced 0.37 per cent to close at 94.26 points. It had gained 0.7 per cent on Wednesday. Around 115 million shares worth VND2.15 trillion (US$95.5 million) were traded on both local bourses. Market sentiment was positive after Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met US President Donald Trump on early Thursday morning. At the meeting, the two leaders pledged to actively promote mutually beneficial and growing economic ties to bring greater prosperity to both countries, which indicates further investment from the US into Viet Nam. During the PMs US visit, a number of agreements have been signed between Vietnamese and American businesses, valued at $10 billion. In the stock market, two-third of the 30 largest companies by market capitalisation advanced on Thursday morning, including dairy producer Vinamilk (VNM), Vietcombank (VCB) and Kinh Bac City Development Holdings (KBC). At the other end, shares of domestic steel producers such as Hoa Sen Group (HSG) and Hoa Phat Group (HPG) suffered from profit-taking after they rose strongly on Wednesday, following the imposition of tariff by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on imported coloured steel products. The afternoon session starts at 1pm. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Kosovo's political parties have started campaigning for the June 11 parliamentary election. Nineteen parties, five coalitions and backers of two citizen initiatives will be seeking support from 1.8 million voters. There are 120 seats in parliament at stake, 20 of them reserved for ethnic Serbs and other minorities. The election is being held about a year earlier than scheduled because Prime Minister Isa Mustafa's government lost a no-confidence vote. The most contested issues will be two agreements signed in 2015: a border demarcation deal with Montenegro and one with Serbia that gives more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. The United States and the European Union will deploy election observation teams. The U.S. Embassy in Pristina strongly condemned "anyone attempting to influence the election process or the voters' choices'' following "credible allegations of intimidation related to the election.'' The embassy said political candidates, journalists and their families had been threatened "across multiple regions of Kosovo.'' Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. That has been recognized by 114 countries but not by Belgrade. Macedonia's parliament has elected a new center-left coalition government led by former opposition leader Zoran Zaev, ending a six-month political stalemate. Lawmakers voted 62-44 just before midnight Wednesday to confirm a 26-member Cabinet proposed by Zaev, who leads the Social Democrat party. Five lawmakers abstained and nine were absent. Zaev was sworn in as prime minister by the parliament speaker immediately after the vote. Zaev formed an alliance with two small ethnic Albanian parties to control 62 of parliament's 120 seats after his party finished second in December elections that produced a hung parliament. About a quarter of Macedonia's population is ethnic Albanian, and inter-ethnic tensions brought the former Yugoslav republic near civil war in 2001. Under the coalition deal, nine Cabinet portfolios are held by ethnic Albanians, including justice and European integration. The country has been roiled by political crisis since early 2015, sparked by a massive wiretapping scandal which left Zaev's party and the formerly governing VMRO-DPMNE conservatives with irreconcilable differences. Macedonia has been without an elected government since December, when former prime minister Nikola Gruevski's conservative party won elections but fell short of a parliamentary majority. The 42-year-old Zaev has pledged to focus on the economy, strengthening public institutions and joining the European Union and NATO. He wants to start negotiations with the EU and NATO ``as soon as possible.'' Macedonia was granted EU candidate status in 2005. Neighboring Greece has blocked Macedonia's accession to NATO due to a long-running dispute regarding Macedonia's name, and has raised objections to its joining the EU. The U.S. state of Ohio filed a lawsuit Wednesday against five prescription drug manufacturers, saying they used deceptive practices that fueled an opioid addiction epidemic. These drug manufacturers led prescribers to believe that opioids were not addictive, that addiction was an easy thing to overcome, or that addiction could actually be treated by taking even more opioids, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. They knew they were wrong, but they did it anyway. Five companies The state wants the companies to stop misrepresenting the drugs, to pay damages for the amount of money the state spent on excessive opioid prescriptions and resulting addiction treatments for patients, and to reimburse patients as well. The lawsuit names Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions, Allergan, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and its subsidiary Cephalon, and Johnson & Johnson with its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals. A Janssen statement called the lawsuit legally and factually unfounded and said the company has acted appropriately and responsibly. Purdue said it shares DeWines concerns about the opioid crisis and wants to work together on a solution. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says opioids are most commonly given for moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or injury, but that in recent years there has been an increase in their prescription for chronic pain despite serious risks and the lack of evidence about their long-term effectiveness. Tens of thousands died Opioids, including prescription varieties, and heroin killed a record 33,000 people in the United States in 2015, according to the CDC. Ohios lawsuit says 2.3 million people, or nearly 20 percent of its population, were prescribed an opioid drug last year, and that the drugs are the main source of unintentional overdose deaths in the state. It called the opioid crisis in the state catastrophic. Because they know prescribing doctors and other health care providers rely on drug companies statements in making treatment decisions, drug companies must tell the truth when marketing their drugs and ensure that their marketing claims are supported by science and medical evidence. Defendants broke these simple rules and helped unleash a health care crisis that has had far-reaching financial, social and deadly consequences in the state of Ohio. Crisis across US The effects of the opioid crisis have been felt across the United States, and Ohio is not the first to sue drug companies. Kentucky settled a lawsuit with Purdue in 2015, while a group of 27 states did so with Purdue as well in 2007. Oregon also reached a settlement with another drug maker, Insys, in 2015. U.S. President Donald Trump pledged during his campaign last year that he would fight the opioid epidemic, which has ravaged many of the rural areas and small towns where Trump received strong support. The president has created a drug addiction task force, but critics of the budget proposal he unveiled last month said his planned cuts in government spending would hurt the opioid epidemic fight. Trumps spending plan would slash funding for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy by 95 percent, eliminating its drug-free communities and high-intensity drug trafficking programs that each have bipartisan congressional support. Philippine military officials said Thursday one of their airstrikes meant to hit Islamic State-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi instead killed 10 soldiers and wounded seven others. "The coordination was not properly done so we hit our own people," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters. The errant bombing was one of several airstrikes the military conducted Wednesday as troops on the ground tried to dislodge the militants. The violence in Marawi erupted last week when security forces tried to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called leader of Islamic State in the Philippines, and the fighters responded by taking over parts of Marawi and taking hostages. Hapilon is one of the most wanted terrorists listed by the United States, which has posted a $5 million reward for his arrest. The fighting in Marawi has killed at least 95 militants, 30 security forces and 19 civilians. Lorenzana said Thursday eight of the militants killed were foreigners, including Chechen and Arab fighters. An al-Shabab military commander has defected and surrendered to Somali government forces, authorities in Mogadishu said. Minister of Information Abdirahman Omar Osman confirmed on Twitter that Bishar Mumin Farah had surrendered Wednesday in the south-central part of the country, in Hiran region. A Somali general who interviewed the defector told VOA the al-Shabab commander had been sent to Hiran, a large and populous area of central Somalia, "in order to execute attacks during the holy month of Ramadan." General Mohamed Ahmed Tredice said Farah left his camp around 1 a.m. Wednesday and surrendered to government troops at sunrise. He also handed over two AK-47 automatic rifles and ammunition. "He is a young man who had been brainwashed," but who eventually realized that al-Shabab's activities were evil and that he no longer wanted to be a part of the militant group, the general said. Relatives contacted Before deciding to defect, Farah had been in contact with some of his relatives who are members of the government forces. They were among the troops that received him Wednesday. Farah is the first high-profile member of al-Shabab known to have defected since early April, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo offered a two-month amnesty to members of the extremist group. Several "foot soldiers," rank-and-file members of al-Shabab, had turned themselves in previously. Before coming to Hiran region, security sources told VOA Somali, the defector had been al-Shabab's deputy commander of militias in Harardhere, the biggest town controlled by the militant group in Mudug region, in north-central Somalia. Tredice said Farah also had been a deputy commander of al-Shabab units in three other parts of the country in Hiran, the Middle Shabelle and Galgudud regions. Estimates of Hiran's population range up to and above 1 million, but like much of the demographic data available for Somalia, are highly uncertain. The government's Population Estimation Survey in 2015 listed Hiran's total population at above 500,000, with the majority of the region's people either nomads or rural dwellers. The commander of the Somali army's 52nd Battalion said Farah's surrender clearly would be a setback for the militants. "We welcomed him," he added, "but we'll transfer him to the relevant government agencies, intelligence and the courts." May 31, 2017: More than 90 people are killed and 300 wounded when a truck filled with explosives detonates near the German embassy in Kabul. March 8, 2017: Thirty-one people are killed and 87 wounded when insurgents disguised as doctors attack a military hospital with a suicide bomb, automatic weapons and grenades. January 10, 2017: Twin suicide bombings near parliament in Kabul kill more than 30 people and injure some 80 others. November 21, 2016: At least 32 people are killed and more than 80 wounded in a suicide bombing of a Shiite mosque in Kabul. July 23, 2016: At least 80 people are killed and 200 more wounded when a bomb claimed by Islamic State explodes during a peaceful protest rally. By Mike Hove The annual prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is set to kick off next month. A number of Zimbabweans have been selected for this program and will be studying at several different institutions in the United States. Last year there were 60 fellows from Zimbabwe. Nkanyeziyethu Malunga, the founder of GANU, a fashion textile company based in Bulawayo, is one of the young Zimbabweans set to participate in this years program. Malunga, who is happy about being granted an opportunity to be part of the program, says she hopes to sharpen her skills in fashion design and related activities. She always works hand in hand with elderly people in Zimbabwe. In my opinion what made them select me for this fellowship is the beautiful fashionable clothing I produce while working alongside the elderly. Their knowledge on the textile industry has not only elevated the quality of work I produce, but it has also helped me produce amazing clothes for the disabled. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the brainchild of former United States president Barack Obama. The program started in 2010 as the Young African Leaders Initiative before rebranding to the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. It is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. In 2017, the Fellowship will provide up to 1,000 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home. The fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. In 2016, fellows represented all 49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. They also represent diversity across the continent as 66 fellows identified as having a disability, thirty percent came from rural areas or towns of fewer than 100,000 people, and fifty percent of fellows were women. Each Mandela Washington fellow takes part in a six-week Academic and Leadership Institute at a U.S. college or university in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management. Following the academic component of the Fellowship, the fellows visit Washington, D.C., for a Summit featuring networking and panel discussions with U.S. leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. One hundred selected fellows remain in the United States to participate in a six-week Professional Development Experience with U.S. non-governmental organizations, private companies, and governmental agencies that relate to their professional interests and goals. Upon returning to their home countries, fellows continue to build the skills they have developed during their time in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, four Regional Leadership Centers, the YALI Network, and customized programming from USAID, the Department of State, and affiliated partners. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Chief Minister Hosts Receptions For Child Support Teams This week, the Chief Minister has hosted two receptions for those involved in providing support to children in our local community. On Tuesday evening, around forty Childline volunteers were invited on to the terrace at No6 where Mr Picardo, along with Ministers Neil Costa and Steven Linares, thanked them both individually and collectively for all their efforts. The volunteers explained to him that, in the last year, nearly 400 young people have been helped by the 365-day helpline service and that Childline also provided the invaluable Appropriate Adult service and Positive Parenting courses. The following evening the Chief Minister used the No6 Cabinet Room to host members of the Children's Services from the Social Services department of the Care Agency. In an informal social setting Mr Picardo chatted to them about fostering, adoption and the problems of youth offending in Gibraltar. They also discussed various important Child Support initiatives which will be announced in the next few weeks. The Chief Minister also thanked Ministers Neil Costa and Samantha Sacramento, the two Ministers who had provided such strong leadership for the Care Agency during the last five years. "On these two evenings I have been delighted to meet some of the unsung heroes, or, in most cases, unsung heroines of our community," said the Chief Minister. "We would be deluding ourselves if we thought that Gibraltar was immune to social problems and I am incredibly impressed with the work these people have done, and are continuing to do, both as Childline volunteers and as Civil Servants of the Care Agency. In both cases, their caseloads are emotionally demanding and stressful so I was pleased to be able to meet them all and to personally thank them, from the bottom of my heart, for their efforts and their commitment." Gibraltar Port Authority Staff Complete Port Security Training The Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) have announced that two members of staff have recently completed a training course for Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO). Port Officers Paul Howard and Stefan Rothwell attended the course, held in conjunction with Gibdock, focusing on port and maritime security. The course was run by Teamwork Security, a UK based company, certified by the Department for Transport (DFT). It covered all aspects of security including planning, security management and awareness, appertaining legislation, ISPS documentation, and emergency preparedness. Both officers are now fully qualified as PFSO, forming an integral part of the GPAs security team within the Port. CEO and Captain of the Port stated that the importance of security at one of the main points of entry into Gibraltar in the current security climate is self evident. "We continue to ensure that personnel charged with responsibility in this key area are provided with the necessary training and personal development to do their job." House of Cards Chapter 62 Season 5 Episode 10 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next Previous Episode Next Episode Robin Wright as Claire Underwood. Photo: David Giesbrecht/Netflix Friends, Im worried about Doug. What weve seen of his dwelling is certainly better lit than his gloomy Sadness Caves of seasons past, but his voice, like his spirits, just keeps getting lower and growlier. This dude is spinning out, and I have a feeling that his loyalty will do him in. When it finally comes out that Doug has been blunt-force-trauma-ing his way through the Underwoods Official List of Enemies, Frenemies, Inconvenient Prostitutes, and Other Assorted Loose Ends, do you think Frank and Claire are going to protect Mr. Stamper? Doug is the loosest end of all. Doug starts falling apart in this meeting with Nathan, who says Lisa is basically clean. Shes just a girl in her 20s trying to make it to 30, like a rom-com heroine. Nathan, theres a bite to your tone that we might need to discuss, Doug says in a very biting tone to a man who is speaking in a totally calm and normal way. Later, he just goes ahead and stalks Lisa, which really brings me back to a marginally more innocent time in this show, when Doug was all about that weird, spooky lurk. Remember how Doug lurked? A good lurk used to satisfy Doug for days. Now, he has to escalate his lurks to awkward confrontations that force a scrappy, hardworking single lady like Lisa to ditch all her groceries in the street so she can run away from him. Early in the episode, we confirm that there was an American onboard that Russian vessel, and he froze to death while drowning in the ocean. Claire wants the body to get lost in transit, for sentimental reasons. (She knows his dental records will confirm his identity.) Now, did we need to see that Game of Thronesesque photo of his icy, ocean-wrecked face? Apparently! Tom is also lurking, while Claire handles this secret business, because he has no friends, no family, no apartment, no independent interests, not even a gym membership no, he ceases to exist beyond the walls of the White House. You know when you freeze to death, the last thing you feel is extreme heat? THOMAS. Claire is in the middle of a war crime. Now is not the time for your unfun facts. Save it for the underside of a Snapple cap. Meanwhile, Jane Davis is already a one-woman supplier of all the best lines on this show. She brings with her a complicated, mostly secret history of connections to just about everyone important in D.C. and beyond. Whose side is she on and what, exactly, does she want? All Claire wants is Janes intel to take down the ICO Big Bad at large. But Jane says she cant deliver on that until she knows what Aidan told Petrov, and Aidan isnt revealing that information just yet. Jane also makes a play to hire LeAnn, and LeAnn dutifully reports back about this to Claire, who declines to reemploy her. The weirdest game Jane is playing involves an impending gas attack. A tragic one, to be sure you know, if it happens that would all but require the U.S. government to send in 30,000 soldiers. In other words, the declaration-of-war committee would have to go back to debating, well, a declaration of war, and wouldnt have the time to devote to Frank. Obviously, any sane person in House of Cards, that means Cathy would respond to this news with, Well, if we know theres going to be an attack, shouldnt we try to prevent it? Jane presents a different case to every single person she talks to and feigns surprise whenever given information she already knows. Claire grills Mark about Jane, while Frank grills Jane about Mark, in a neat little sequence that cuts back and forth between the interviews. Both are coy as hell, but generally acknowledge that the other person is ruthless. Which of them is the more slippery character, you think? Also in the category of new faces I could get used to: this plucky, young Alex Romero, who no longer wants to be a whip. What I want is for Francis Underwood to go to jail, he tells Mark, who it turns out is an ally from years ago. Mark claims he wants to help Romero plan out the next eight years, but I have yet to trust a single thing Mark says to anyone, anywhere. Romero also seems skeptical, even though Mark (what a surprise) has dirt on him dirt he declines to share with the Underwoods, for now. Later, we see Romero and Mark having some loud and profanity-laced confrontation, wherein Mark loses his cool and threatens to out Romero for his collusion with Conway about the committee. Frank is hustling hard on that stationary bike, either because (1) he is metaphorically trying to stay ahead of his demons, or (2) he wants to stay fit for liaisons with his personal trainer. But he also points out to Claire that Tom doesnt really have a reason to be here anymore, does he? Claire wants Tom to be a consultant, lol. It would be subtler if she just gave him a neon sign to wear that said BOYFRIEND OF FLOTUS/VP. But if Frank really wants Claire to not want Tom around, he shouldnt be such a dick to her all the time. As Claire and Frank strategize, Frank starts to make the same mistake hes always making: He underestimates his wife. Claire knows everything, so Frank would be smart to remember and respect that. Instead, he says condescending things like, I know what Im doing, Claire. Ive been president before, as if she does not know exactly how he became president, and also as if she has not occupied that very same office. Franks attitude just pushes Claire further away from him and closer to Tom. In bed, Claire asks Tom to tell her the worst thing hes ever done. Steal my dead friends novel and take all the credit, my B is not what he says. Instead, he says he pretended to love someone when he didnt. I swear on sweet Cashew that I then wrote in my notes: Imagine if Claire were like, Cool, Im an accomplice to SO many murders, you dont even know. And then, as Zoe Barnes dies and doesnt breathe, SHE ACTUALLY TELLS HIM THAT. I mean, not everything. But she does say, Francis killed Zoe Barnes. Francis killed Peter. And so many more are gonna die. CLAIREEEEEE. Tom tells her to stop. You dont scare me, he says. I should, Claire replies. I agree! Tom should be scared, and also let her keep going! The body count is higher than you know. In his continued idiotic campaign to ignore Claires wisdom, Frank refuses to heed her advice, and talks to Garrett Walker the POTUS to his VP before Garrett goes to testify before the committee. It is not a friendly chat. You stole the presidency from me, Garrett says, reminding Frank that he won by a landslide. I remember him as a largely ineffective and unconvincing president who never knew what he was supposed to do, but sure. Franks pep talk did the opposite of whatever it was intended to do, because even though Garretts attorney tells him to plead the Fifth, Garrett came to play. Did Frank Underwood have some boring and convoluted deal with Chinese billionaires in order to rig the election? It appeared to me, he was one of its chief architects, Garrett said. It was his idea. Mark, who had but one job, gets booted from the room as Frank and Claire watch Garrett destroy them onscreen. Theyll let you know if they need you, buddy. Dont toss those turtlenecks just yet. Sean, the rogue reporter that he is, finds Meredith Lee, the former HHS secretary who Doug strong-armed into editing the transplant list so Frank could bump Anthony Moretti from the top spot. Then he meets up with Seth to spill his (correct! Stick with it!) instincts about Lee. Seth, in turn, tells Claire. I dont know why hed make any of this up, he says. Sean scores a quick visit to the White House, where Claires best response not her swiftest, honestly is, If what youre saying is true, Doug Stamper saved my husbands life. Sean makes a play for a White House job; Claire has Seth escort him out. Sean is at least doing better than Herald Tom, who fired him. Tom realizes that this bulletin board that hes left in full view of everyone in an unlocked office is missing a key piece: the photo strip of Rachel and Lisa. Did he seriously not scan and make copies of everything on that board? It isnt backed up on the cloud somewhere? WHAT A DUMB-DUMB. Go directly to sloppy-journalist jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200 or a prepaid flip phone. LeAnn sees Aidan and gives him a gun she has stashed in her car, because shes so Texas. The next time we see Aidan, he is dead, and theres blood splattered all over the hotel pillows. The final shot of the episode is so good: Jane shreds the frozen dead Americans file, then Aidans file, and we hear the mechanical sounds of erasure continue as the credits roll. Jessica Chastain at Cannes. Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Emily Yoshida: Where were you when Jessica Chastain dropped the hammer on the Cannes Film Festival? I was so jet-lagged that I dont really remember, but I do remember feeling like some small part of my nagging, never full-blown Cannes Blues had been voiced. Youve likely seen the video by now: Chastain, during the jury press conference after the awards ceremony, discussing the experience as a whole. This is the first time Ive watched 20 films in 10 days, and I love movies, and the one thing I really took away from this experience is how the world views women, she said. It was quite disturbing to me, to be honest. She goes on to discuss the limited roles for women, and shes not lying: Outside Best Director winner Sofia Coppolas The Beguiled, it was a tough year for actresses in the Cannes competition. But perhaps the more surprising thing this year is that someone and a famous actress on the jury, no less said something about it, surrounded by a throng of press. But how did the 70th festival stack up against previous years? Was it worse than usual? This is only my second Cannes, but just by scanning through previous lineups I see scores of female-dominated (if not directed) films, including Clouds of Sils Maria, Elle, Carol, and The Handmaiden, but also plenty of dry stretches. There were also a whopping three female-helmed films in the competition this year (The Beguiled, Lynne Ramsays You Were Never Really Here, and Naomi Kawases Hikari), which is sadly above average*. But these are all kind of pathetic precedents and maybe not the most useful to measure against. Maybe we should just start on a gossipy note: What films do you think irked Jessica (and/or you) the most? Kyle Buchanan: Of the competition films Jessica watched, I think she may be referring to three French movies where the women are little more than glorified sex objects. Two of them are Redoubtable, about Jean-Luc Godards marriage to the much younger Anne Wiazemsky, and LAmant Double, a nonstop kinky sexfest that practically opens on a womans spread vagina. I had a lot of fun with the latter, which is directed with trashy exuberance by Francois Ozon, but its gender politics are hardly forward-thinking. As for Michel Hazanaviciuss Redoubtable, while I loved Louis Garrels amusing take on Godard, I was frustrated by how little Hazanavicius cared about Wiazemsky, even though the movie is ostensibly based on her story. In nearly every scene, she hangs off Godards arm, gazes at him adoringly, or undresses for his pleasure. Stacy Martin, who plays Wiazemsky, imbues the role with a certain je ne sais quoi, but shes not treated as much more than a beautiful bracelet. The third French film in question, Rodin, is so stultifyingly dull that it doesnt deserve much ink, but it treats Auguste Rodin as a sculpting stud and Camille Claudel as his flibbertigibbet groupie. Pass. But all three of those films are French, and Jessica implied that she saw films from all over the world that gave her pause in the way they treated women. Part of me wonders whether she was subtweeting Andrey Zvyagintsevs Loveless, which her jury actually awarded the third-place prize to. Though acclaimed by most critics, I found that this kidnap drama looked at women with unusual scorn: While the men in the film suffer stoically and do their best to locate a missing child, the two primary female characters scroll through Instagram, nag their love interests, take too many selfies, and lie in bed so that the camera can consider their artfully posed bare legs. When I brought this up to other viewers, they usually replied, Well, the film treats everybody badly. That may be true, but the female characters are subject to considerably more condescension than the men. Jada Yuan: I was in the press conference room, along with Kyle, when Chastain threw down, and while I applaud everything she said, I also remember wishing shed been more specific and had really taken individual films or even individual tropes to task. Maybe thats too much to ask from an actress whos already making a surprisingly undiplomatic statement about her experience on the festival jury at a press conference for said festival, but its hard for me to get behind this impulse we seem to have to put Chastain up on a pedestal and cheerlead for her when the three other female members of the jury French director Agnes Jaoui, Toni Erdmann director Maren Ade, and Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing all made similar points that arent getting any attention. Yes, Chastain is pretty, famous, American, and smart, and makes a good mouthpiece for the issues (though Fan Bingbing, arguably, has more global reach than anyone on the jury other than Will Smith). It just feels like a real-life continuation of Chastains criticism about how selective this business is in which womens stories it will tell. I loved how Fan came out, banners raised, for Sofia Coppolas The Beguiled, and said theyd given her Best Director both for her female viewpoint and the beauty of its craft and storytelling, but not just because she was a woman. Jaoui emphasized that directors should constantly ask themselves if their films are meeting the Bechdel test. But it was Ade who, to me, painted the most vivid picture of the industry, talking about how after a while of always being surrounded by men doing this job, that the impression comes up that this is not a very good job for a woman, and that unless that changes, well be missing a lot of stories not only about women, but about male characters that could possibly be more interesting and different than what weve already seen, if written with a female hand. But back to the gossipy analysis. A lot of the point of Redoubtable is to ape Godards early work, which included plenty of languid shots of naked women. Though I agree with Kyle that its supposed to be a behind-the-scenes story told from the point of view of the directors very, very young wife, Anne Wiazemsky, it spends a lot more time leering at Stacy Martins body than presenting Wiazemsky as anything much than an object of desire. LAmant Double is great fun, but its female characters existence is oriented entirely around her sexual obsession with twins played by Jeremie Renier. Im less down on Lovelesss treatment of women; I think by the end, you get the sense that Maryana Spivaks Zhenya is as harsh and detached as she is because Russian society has given her little choice but to attach herself to a man to escape her circumstances. In the end, I walked away with an appreciation for her strength amid overwhelming hopelessness. I would, though, add to the list Good Time, the American crime drama from indie-darlings Josh and Ben Safdie, in which the only significant female characters are Jennifer Jason Leigh as a hysterical shut-in and Taliah Webster as a rebellious 16-year-old, both of whom blindly adore Robert Pattinsons bank robber character and become his collateral damage. Ruben Ostlunds Palme dOr winner, The Square, too, has only one female character with a substantial part, Elisabeth Mosss art-world journalist. And while she does get to do some funky acting with a monkey, all of her scenes are oriented around her relationship with a man, we never see her speak to another woman, and this is a major, ongoing gripe for me she joins the long, irksome tradition of female journalist characters who sleep with their subjects. Related Stories The Bests and Worsts From This Years Cannes Film Festival Even the movies by the two female directors in competition have women issues. In Lynne Ramsays You Were Never Really Here, the young girl whom Joaquin Phoenixs hammer-wielding vigilante spends the entire movie trying to rescue literally has nothing to do but be blonde and innocent. Then what are we to make of Coppolas The Beguiled, which is all about how the dynamics in a group of women change as soon as Colin Farrells hot Union soldier enters their midst? I know Coppolas intent was to remake the 1971 Clint Eastwood film from a female perspective, but how does the Bechdel test even work in this scenario, when seven women are getting copious screen time and all they do is talk about a man? Kyle Buchanan: I did appreciate, though, that The Beguiled eventually critiques the power structures that pit women against each other for mens benefit: Once the women really start comparing notes and putting their heads together, fuckboys of Virginia had better watch out. Do we think Chastain might also have been levying some criticism at Noah Baumbachs The Meyerowitz Stories? I heard some grumbling that the film spends so little time on the women of its titular family, treating them as side stories to the men played by Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, and Dustin Hoffman. Baumbach half-heartedly offers an in-film explanation for it the women are simply better-adjusted than the men, and thusly less available as conduits for conflict but I found myself remembering Baumbachs terrific female characters in Margot at the Wedding with longing. Emily Yoshida: I think you guys are right on with most of your guesses for the worst offenders, and I will just chime in to say that anyone who thought the men got it as bad as the women in Loveless are out of their minds. I also can see the case for Meyerowitz, but Elizabeth Marvel packs such a memorably brittle punch as the lone Meyerowitz sister that its hard for me to watch that movie and think Baumbach left his female characters out to dry. I always bristle a little at the idea of scoring every item on a filmmakers resume against some kind of quota Baumbach, Ramsay, and the Safdies, to name a few, have given more screen time and depth to female characters in the past. This time, they just swung the other way. On an individual level, this isnt what Id call unfortunate, it just happens. If Coppola had come to Cannes this year with Somewhere, wed have even fewer notable female performances to choose from. The changes that I think Chastain and we are calling for are on the macro level, because of the basic odds that Chastain pointed out: If you have more female directors or black directors, or Hispanic directors you are more likely to get more complexity across the board. Cannes tendency to grandfather in a lot of competition vets shot them in the foot this year, because so many of those vets werent telling stories about women. And when you look at a lot of those vets mostly white and male that doesnt seem like such a coincidence. So Im interested in what kind of action some of these jury members actually end up taking, and how open Thierry Fremaux is to change. Im thrilled by the idea of a Will SmithPark Chan-wook coalition for diverse filmmaking, but will there be room for exciting new voices in film if the competition is pre-populated with whatever Michel Hazanavicius and Michael Haneke come up with that year? Jada Yuan: I actually spoke with Park Chan-wook at the closing night party after the awards major life highlight and got to tell him how much I loved The Handmaiden, which played in competition at Cannes last year. And he responded with the saddest thing Ive ever heard: But it didnt win anything. The idea that Park Chan-wook thinks that his monumental achievement (by far my favorite film of 2016) is somehow diminished because the Cannes jury didnt see fit to give it a prize breaks my heart. He also told me that he and Smith had been talking about diversity all festival. The coalition is theoretical, but, man, would it be amazing. When I think back on the Cannes movies that have stuck with me over the years, almost all were ones like Parks that hadnt been on my most-anticipated list before the festival: Robin Campillos 120 Beats Per Minute this year; The Handmaiden and Na Hong-jins The Wailing (which for some arbitrary, genre-prejudicial reason wasnt in competition) last year; Jia Zhangkes Mountains May Depart and Jonas Carpignanos Mediterranea (buried in the Critics Week sidebar) in 2015; Abderrahmane Sissakos Timbuktu and Force Majeure (also not in the main competition) from a Swedish director named Ruben Ostlund Id never heard of in 2014; Blue Is the Warmest Color the year before that. You get the drift. This festival does have the potential to elevate exciting new voices on a global stage, but often it does not offer those voices its main competition stage. Imagine the shake-up if Chloe Zhaos The Rider, Jonas Carpignanos A Ciambra, or Leonor Serrailles Jeune Femme, which all won big prizes in the Directors Fortnight and Un Certain Regard sidebars or even films from old-guard but diverse voices like Takashi Miikes Blade of the Immortal or Agnes Vardas Visages, Villages, which played out of competition had taken the slots that went to Ozon or Baumbach (who I didnt really think needed to be in competition). Dont expect it to happen any time soon, though. Part of what makes the Cannes competition go round are big stars to walk that famed red carpet and French films that will get covered by French media. The publicity machine can handle two or three movies filled with unknowns, but not more. So changing the makeup of the lineup is going to require a joint effort: More big stars ought to make a pledge like Nicole Kidmans to work with a female director every 18 months; men who direct ought to take Chastains criticisms to heart and examine their depictions of women; and Thierry Fremaux and his programmers need to make a serious effort to overhaul how they choose movies. As much as Cannes loves scandal, having a jury as disappointed in the main selection as this one was is not a good look. *This post has been updated to include Naomi Kawases Hikari, the third female-directed film that played in competition at Cannes. Hailee Steinfeld. Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Paramount is putting together a Transformers cinematic universe, and Hailee Steinfeld is in talks to lead Bumblebee, a spinoff slated for release in June 2018. Steinfeld would play a tomboy and after-school mechanic, according to The Hollywood Reporter, in the movie set to be directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings) from a script by Christina Hodson (Shut In). Bumblebee would focus on the yellow autobot that has been one of the series main characters. The Transformers cinematic universe has been gestating for some time: Outside of the four successful Michael Bay movies (and the upcoming Transformers: The Last Knight), Akiva Goldsman led a writers room focused on expanding the series with prequels and spinoffs. Could a female-focused spinoff earn a cameo from Transformers original after-school mechanic, Megan Fox? House of Cards Chapter 63 Season 5 Episode 11 Editors Rating 5 stars * * * * * Previous Next Previous Episode Next Episode Patricia Clarkson as Jane Davis. Photo: David Giesbrech/Netflix It only took ten hours, but weve finally got ourselves a FIVE STAR episode of this fine series! Chapter 63 gives us everything House of Cards does best: constantly shifting power dynamics, questionably legal usage of technology, honest-to-goodness progress on the murder-mystery front, old secrets coming back to destroy reputations and possibly lives, ill-advised sexual encounters, stone-cold breakups of couples I never shipped anyway, eerie parallels to our current political situation that simultaneously feel far more absurd and relatively grounded in comparison, and Claire Hale Underwood being an absolute legend. Lets make like a rejected Doug Stamper showing up all vulnerable at LeAnns apartment and do this thing. Herald Tom is slumming it yet again on cable news, swinging by Rachel Maddows show alongside Seth to talk about the latest scandal smacking the Underwoods down: Chinese money influencing the election and Franks facilitation thereof. Foreign funds in an U.S. presidential election? CAN U IMAGINE. Seth uses this opportunity to call Garrett a disgruntled former president, as if Garrett was a middle manager who got fired from a Kinkos for showing up stoned to work. Tom expects articles of impeachment will be drawn up any day now, and it turns out he is not wrong. Mark, Claire, Frank, and Doug are assembled in the Oval. Mark says impeachment is inevitable and advises Frank to go the censure route, which means letting the House Republicans impeach him to give those Senate Democrats cover, and then letting the Democrats throw everything but a criminal charge at him. Frank has the sneaking suspicion he cant trust Claire, but he doesnt know who shes working with behind his back or what exactly shes plotting, if anything. Frank would rather just destroy Garretts credibility so the case crumbles, but easier said than done. Of course, Frank is appalled that Claire thinks he would be okay with this whole plan. I think Frank is just feeling like an idiot because this particular series of events never occurred to him. As long as were on the subject of idiots: I didnt think Franks boyfriend could be worse than Claires boyfriend, but I didnt really know Eric yet, now did I? First Eric starts talking like some sketchy palm reader, telling Frank that his fate is sealed. Then he makes the objectively moronic claim that Frank doesnt have to worry about what happens because even if youre impeached and convicted, youll still make history. Can someone please sit Eric down with a history book and point out that inclusion therein is not, in and of itself, a worthy aspiration? Eric also refers to Frank as Francis, which is Claires thing. As the kids on Downton Abbey used to say, hes being too familiar. Finally, Eric has this total romantic meltdown where he just up and yells, I LOVE YOU, YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT in a public park (?!?!?) while all the Secret Service agents just ride around pretending not to hear. For this indiscretion, among others, Frank abruptly discards him. I love Claires reaction to discovering hes gone: He did have a facial expression I wont miss. A sort of permasmile. Its creepy. All-mighty Claire takes a break from the proceedings to stare us down. Just to be clear, its not that I havent always known you were there. Obviously there is nothing that Claire does not know. Its that I have mixed feelings about you and Im ambivalent about attention. So many of this seasons fourth-wall breaks have been insufferable, masturbatory ramblings about the nature of power and/or redundant descriptions of things we can already see onscreen. Im relieved to see this tactic put to worthy use. Claire is the person who hides her inner life from everyone, so theres a lot more value to hearing her secret asides than there is from hearing Franks. Frank summons Nathan and Doug to the Oval with a plan: Theyll record every phone call coming in and out of the White House, look in on every computer, tap every cell phone, and have all this stuff stream into a satellite office where Doug can watch everyones every move, like A on Pretty Little Liars. (Frank would be right at home in Rosewood, now that I think about it.) Frank also requests a livestream. Claire also knows, which adds a great, thrilling tension to everything she says and does: She knows shes being watched. What is her performance telling us? Does she ever slip and forget that shes never not seen? The FBI swings by LeAnns apartment to investigate Aidans death. The gun that was used to kill him which we saw on the hotel bed is missing, so somebody messed around with that crime scene since the last time we saw it. Frank and Claire tell Mark that theyre open to the censure plan, although now with this Mohammad news out there, itll be a lot more challenging. Mark tells Claire to stay out of this as much as possible, which sets Frank off. Who is Mark really working for, anyway? Dont get paranoid, Francis, Claire says. If not now, when? is Franks excellent reply. Probably doesnt help that even his former allies are asking him to resign, to save everyone the trouble of impeaching him. He also tells Claire that its time to set aside their personal lives, and even though you know I hate when anyone tells Claire what to do, I approve of this message. Claire finds Tom in the kitchen of the residence, because he of course has nothing else to do and nowhere else to be. Claire basically quotes Frank in her breakup: Theres just no place for you here anymore. I wonder how she feels about the fact that she just told Tom that Frank murdered Zoe and Peter Russo; maybe this is all part of some bigger plan shes orchestrating? Because if she wants Tom to have no hard feelings and go quietly into that good single life, she has a real funny way of showing it. She ends the conversation by telling him, I kid you not, You can finish your coffee. Ice cold, Underwood. (Then again, maybe she was just acting it all out for Franks benefit.) Doug doesnt trust Claire, naturally, and hes tailing Tom because Frank asked him to. Claire catches him in the act and oh-so-kindly alerts Doug to the fact that she knows about the Morettis. Your behavior shows poor judgment, Doug, and could be a liability for the president. Doug takes this opportunity to confess to the transplant widow who plot twist! has known this entire time. Im not fucking you because I like you. Im fucking you because I hate you. Doug is so angry that for the first time in his entire adult life, his voice rises above his signature whisper-growl and he shouts at her to get out of his car. He goes to LeAnns apartment for wound-licking purposes. Do they not realize her laptop is open or do they not care that Frank can see them having sex? This whole episode is a very fun and twisted game of forgetful public servant, savvy manipulator of public perception, or low-key exhibitionist? Wherever we look lately, there Jane is. Shes crashing Cathys lunch with her lawyer to be real nosy about the situation at the White House, shes having secret stairwell sidebars with Claire to tell her its important that you can walk away from anything that happens to Frank. As for Cathy, she keeps a good poker face with POTUS, does a theatrical defense of him to Romero, but then slips Romero a Post-it affirming that she will, in fact, testify and turn on Frank in exchange for immunity. Cathy is the only almost-good person in this whole bunch. The sun rises on another leak: A source deep within the White House confirms POTUS Underwood used questionable intelligence to justify voting center closures which threw the election into chaos. Hoo-boy. Frank tells Cathy to make a fake paper trail; Cathy nods listlessly, then hightails out of the Oval to make her deal ASAP. At least Frank will always have Doug, who fesses up to futzing around with the donor list. Frank, in character as ever, is not at all disturbed by the death he inadvertently caused. Hes just touched by Dougs everlasting devotion, the truest love in all of House of Cards. Meanwhile, those Herald reporters are getting their hands on some valuable information via USB by way of a singing birthday card, from some unknown source in the White House. Tom has Angela leak the latest damning tidbit remember that Mohammad whom the Underwoods raided before the election? Yeah, he wasnt the ICO one to a little blog Id almost forgotten about. Yes, Slugline is back! Glad to see that little scrappy corner of the internet wasnt one of the many casualties of the Underwood administration. Sean didnt get his Herald job back, but he has found himself a new gig, or so he claims: Hes now deputy press secretary at the White House. Near the end of the episode, Claire is in the bathroom rehearsing: The president didnt bring me in. I wasnt in the room. She is not especially convincing as an ignorant, yes-woman of a wife. Frank, feigning sleep, is listening. But he cant put one over on Claire. Not now, not ever. I didnt know anything about it. Hows that, Francis? In the crypt, at the Crypt Sessions. Photo: Andrew Ousley You almost certainly werent there in the crypt where the mezzo-soprano sang morbid lullabies and songs of murder so few people were. (Living people, anyway.) Had you been tempted, you would probably have been excluded; the 50 slots were snapped up almost as soon as the concert was announced. Even so, you might want to hear about one of those sensitively programmed miniature events in which music and architecture almost meld. The musical life of New York takes place not only, or even mostly, in its great halls and juggernaut institutions, but also in repurposed corners, for crowds that numbers in the dozens. This city is powered by a dearth of real estate and a surfeit of talent, which is why even such tiny events can seem outsize why, for instance, Daniela Mack, whose amber voice usually billows through vast halls and opera houses, found herself keeping company with ghosts in a stone chamber below the Church of the Intercession in Harlem. Underground music among tombs has a natural appeal: The crypt below St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, too, hosts a popular jazz festival. Here, the gothic vaults that harbor the ashes of the dead also enliven sound, coating melodies in a reverberant glow while leaving a core of clarity. In this finale of the Crypt Sessions second season, Mack joined with tenor Joseph Gaines and pianist-composer Kevin Puts for perfectly calibrated hour-long concert that made old music sound vivid and a new work sound as if it had been there all along, just waiting to be revealed. Mack opened with Brittens A Charm of Lullabies, the sort of bewitchingly sinister tunes that would make a sensitive child sit up shrieking. Quiet! Sleep! or I will make Erinnys whip thee with a snake, begins the 17th-century text of the fourth song, which Britten sets against a shivering piano. Gaines, a tenor with a light, dangerously honed voice and a diabolical stage presence, sang Tel jour telle nuit, Poulencs setting of verse by the symbolist poet of Paul Eluard. An empty shell, a lost flag, nocturnal glimmerings Gaines didnt miss an opportunity to give each syllable and image its full portion of creepiness. These English and French fantasies on decay served as mood-setters for an excerpt from Elizabeth Cree, a new opera by Puts and librettist Mark Campbell that squeezes enough ghoulish horror out of Victorian London to suggest a pendant to Sweeney Todd. With a score full of diabolical music-hall numbers and dreamy, seductive arias about butchery and woe, the opera promises a macabre romp. (It receives its world premiere at Opera Philadelphia in September.) The Crypt Sessions were created by Andrew Ousley, a classical music publicist who first walked into the room last year and instantly thought of three sublimely tragic pieces he wanted to hear there: Beethovens Op. 132 String Quartet, Arvo Parts Spiegel im Spiegel, and When I Am Laid in Earth, the Purcell aria known as Didos Lament. He finally got to hear that last song when Mack offered it up as an encore, and it was surely worth the wait. She intensified its luscious love of death with the dark radiance of her voice, then sent her small but grateful audience back above ground. The People cover that may have ruined it all. On Wednesday, People published a cover story about Jennifer Garner, who, as you may know, recently filed for divorce from Ben Affleck. People has been covering the Garner/Affleck breakup since the couple officially separated two years ago, and by keeping the stories positive (and boring), the tabloid has nabbed exclusive after exclusive along the way. When Garner and Affleck first announced their split, they went directly to People with a joint statement. This happy symbiotic relationship may be all over now, however, based on Garners negative response to Wednesdays cover story. The People cover has all the trappings of an exclusive. Theres a big, smiling portrait of Garner and a juicy headline that suggests the subject will reveal all inside: JENNIFER GARNER: Life After Heartbreak. The story itself, though, has no official quotes from the star. Instead, People went to inside sources for pretty mundane information about Garner: Affleck was the love of her life, she will date eventually but not yet, shes focused on her children. Its nothing we havent heard before. So why frame it like an exclusive interview? Its especially odd considering Garner and Affleck have happily provided exclusive interviews to People in the past. The normally social-media averse Garner took to Facebook to express her displeasure with this apparent breach of protocol. Her statement is charming and polite but crystal clear: I did not pose for this cover. I did not participate in or authorize this article. Oh shit! People! What do you have to say to that? A People spokesperson released this semi-firm statement to E! News: People covers Hollywood stars beloved by our audience, and our story on Jennifer Garner is fair and truthful. To be clear, it does not include rumors and does not say shes pregnant. We wish her well. Tabloid accuracy fluctuates constantly, of course, but for the last few years, you could bet on the Bennifer-People accord. Garner and Affleck would give People exclusive statements and stories, and in return, People would find pleasant euphemisms for Afflecks bad behavior or ignore it completely. We have been operating under the assumption that any People story about the Bennifer divorce was at least tacitly approved by the couple, but after yesterday, all bets are off. Will Garner find a new tabloid for her exclusives? Will Affleck follow suit? Can you believe anything you read? Garner has actually done some savvy work here. By disavowing this one story, she is casting doubt on the suggestion that she would ever work with a tabloid behind the scenes on any story. As Celebitchy put it this morning: In a way its genius because it makes [Garner and Affleck] seem like victims of the gossip press when theyve been using it to their advantage for so long. The remaining question: Now that Garner is walking away from People, what will Peoples editors do with all the information they surely have but have not published about Affleck and the divorce? Though Samantha Bee has been one of the 45th presidents most vocal critics, last night the Full Frontal host seemed to finally understand his supporters. Last night for five blessed hours, Donald J. Trump made America truly great, Bee said, referring to the hours when the commander-in-chief had not yet deleted his now-infamous covfefe tweet. This is what happens when you abstain from your phone for nine days, Bee said, referencing Trumps trip abroad. You ejaculate just like that. Excerpt from Wonder Woman. Photo: DC Entertainment/ George Perez; Bruce Patterson; and Tatjana Wood As 1986 dawned, the most famous woman in superhero fiction was in trouble, and not the fun kind. Wonder Woman faced a deadlier villain than any preening megalomaniac or gimmicky sadist: irrelevance. For almost four decades, there really had been almost no memorable Wonder Woman stories, recalls Paul Levitz, comics historian and longtime executive at the characters publisher, DC Comics. Stories were just sorta there for the month. It was unusual for one of the legendary characters of the comics field to have that long a dry spell. Then, along came George. If you stick around for the end of the credits at this weekends Wonder Woman, youll see a list of comics creators the producers wish to thank for cooking up ideas that influenced the film. One name appears at the top of that list, bigger than all the others and given the pride of an extra line break: George Perez. If youve achieved a certain level of comics geekdom, youll know full well why thats the case. Thirty years ago, Perez a writer and artist of astounding talent became the man who reinvented Wonder Woman and told what is arguably still her greatest story. His influence resonates loudly at the multiplex. To be fair, Perezs name isnt technically the biggest one for a comics person in the credits that honor, appropriately, goes to the guy who unveiled the character in 1941, William Moulton Marston. Marstons story and that of his Wonder Woman tales have been told at length, thanks in large part to the efforts of writer Jill Lepore in her acclaimed 2014 book The Secret History of Wonder Woman. But Perezs impact on the picture should not be underestimated. When a fan recently asked Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins during a Twitter Q&A which comics storyblines most influenced the script, she only cited one creator other than Marston, and it was Perez: The original Marston run, of course. The George Perez run. Then lots of things from here and there. Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) May 24, 2017 What made the work of this man, far more unsung in the mainstream than contemporaneous peers like Frank Miller and Alan Moore, so powerful, and in what ways is that power reflected onscreen in Wonder Womans solo box-office debut? The answers lie in a tale that hasnt been told until now, but one well worth exploring if you want to understand not only the films roots, but also the history of a pivotal era in American comic books and, most important, if you want to understand what makes this iconic character tick. Photo: DC Entertainment/ George Perez; Bruce Patterson; and Tatjana Wood The story begins in a time of crisis. In the early 1980s, DC had struggled with a problem that was alienating readers both old and new: continuity. In superhero comics, stories accumulate over time, meaning Superman will recall fights that readers consumed years prior, and what Batman does in one story might affect Green Lantern in another one. Its a genius concept for stoking obsession, but its also a dangerous one, in that decades of continuity can lead to convoluted and contradictory character histories that are near impossible to follow. No character suffered from the ailments of continuity more than Wonder Woman. First introduced in 1940s tales that formed a kind of pop-culture feminist urtext, she had been depicted as a lasso-wielding warrior named Diana from an advanced society of ancient Amazons on a place called Paradise Island. She was a liberated woman before people generally spoke of such things, possessing an array of superpowers ranging from super-strength to ESP, as well as a curious fondness for bondage. She comes to the world of men to fight Nazis alongside a military love interest named Steve Trevor and best friend Etta Candy, a mouth-stuffing, plus-size woman who provided comic relief. It was as wonderful as it was eyebrow-raising. Those early stories were simple enough, but over time, they were revised and rethought over and over to the point of near insanity. Readers learned that the WWII Diana actually lived on an alternate-reality planet called Earth-2, and that there was another Diana that theyd retroactively been reading about for the past few years. They perused multiple retellings of her origin story that rewrote not only her narrative but the nature of her powers, and that couldnt be easily reconciled with one another. Then she lost her powers entirely and became a mortal woman who trained under a racist caricature named I Ching. Then she became an Emma Peelesque super-spy for a while. It was enough to make your tiara spin. As 1985 dawned, Wonder Woman was decrepit in a way that her main peers, Superman and Batman, werent. As a result, she was something of a redheaded stepchild within DC, rarely met with enthusiasm by those assigned to her. The character was an important part of DC history and legacy, recalls Wonder Woman editor Karen Berger, but it wasnt the one that writers and artists flocked towards. Lucky for Wonder Woman, DC was looking to wipe the slate clean across their entire publishing line. Enter 1985-6s Crisis on Infinite Earths, a mega-event in which the DC multiverse was destroyed and replaced with a fresh, streamlined version. Old versions of characters would die and, phoenix-like, rise again as young figures whose origins made sense and who had been reimagined as Platonic ideals of themselves. Crisis required an artist (well, technically, a penciler artwork in comics is typically done by a penciler, an inker, and a colorist, but pencilers are regarded as the leading visual force) who could rise to the task and had a name that would generate enthusiasm from readers. There was an obvious choice: Perez. A stunning renderer of both minute detail and expansive spectacle, an innovative creator of page layouts and a master of facial acting, Perez was one of the best draughtsmen in the industry, having made a name for himself on a series called The New Teen Titans. Alongside Titans writer Marv Wolfman, Perez knocked it out of the park on Crisis and was at the top of his game. That Perez-drawn mini-series utterly changed the DC pantheon. In its wake came writer-artist John Byrnes seminal The Man of Steel, a stark new vision of Superman that flew off the shelves. Similarly, new versions of other characters sprung up across the DC lineup. Even beyond the books affected by Crisis, it was a time of reevaluation at DC: Moore and artists Dave Gibbons and John Higgins were publishing the superhero deconstruction Watchmen, and Frank Miller was writing and drawing the now-legendary Batman tale The Dark Knight Returns with artists Klaus Janson and Lynn Varley. Everything was up for grabs, nothing was fixed. So with Supes and Batsy being taken care of in those aforementioned titles, the next step seemed natural, says Levitz: It couldnt hurt to relaunch Wonder Woman. Initially, editor Janice Race and writer Greg Potter were tasked with brainstorming ideas for this reboot. Potter came up with some interesting notions, such as the idea that the Amazons might actually be reincarnations of dead women throughout history and that the main story could be set in Potters native Boston, turning Beantown into Dianas own Metropolis or Gotham City. But the brew wasnt quite ready as Perez recalls, it wasnt progressive in the way the Marston tales had been and female staff were not all that happy with it. Perez, hearing that Wonder Woman was getting a new look, thought he might have something to add. Oddly, Uber-geek Perez had not grown up as a Wonder Woman fan. Most of the stuff I read, unfortunately, was not the series in her heyday, he says. A man with feminist leanings, he found a lot of her narratives irritating on gender grounds: The stories were rather silly. She was basically the male concept of what a female hero was, with the stereotypical trait that they gave to a lot of their female characters, in which she was worried more about having a date than saving the world. He only found himself intrigued by her when he started actually working with her in his pre-Crisis days. He did a stint on the series about super-team the Justice League of America, of which she was a member, and grew fond of her. But the tipping point came during a New Teen Titans story that brought the titular titans to Paradise Island. Wolfmans story had the squad going up against the Titans of Greek mythology. A light bulb went off in Perezs head. Prior to that story, hed seen creators depict Wonder Woman as a female Superman, but all of a sudden, he saw what made her stand apart: Shes not an alien or a god; shes a myth. She was more of a fantasy character, he says. That was the background of the Wonder Woman character, which I felt was also the thing that made her unique as a character, and I thought that it had been downplayed in order to make her more of a standard superhero. So when Perez got the green-light to co-write (with Potter) and draw Wonder Woman, he set out to go hard on the classical-mythology angle and spent months researching texts on the subject. He decided to rename Paradise Island as Themyscira, the home of the Amazons of classical Greek myth. There would be gods of Olympus meddling in the affairs of mortals. There would be deliberately ornate speeches about virtue and fate. There would be an explanation of why a character from a Hellenistic civilization would have the Roman name Diana. There would be no super-spying or cheap romance-novel swooning. This would be a Wonder Woman who deserved the first word in her name. But the second word would be just as important: This was to be a series that addressed the perils and peculiarities of the ways women are treated in the world. He wanted to talk about domestic violence, about discrimination, about misogynistic ageism, and to not make Diana a sex object. That latter part wasnt easy, given that he wanted to keep the classic, skimpy Wonder Woman costume mostly intact, but he still made changes at the margins: He got rid of her costumes high heels, for example. After all, he says, That didnt make sense in an island full of Amazons, particularly with no sense of what the fashions were on the outside world. Perez says Berger the new editor on the project after Race had left it in its prenatal stage was a huge influence and a vital sounding board, perpetually providing that extra point of view from a womans side of the story. He says he wanted the character to be an arch-feminist, but also a humanist a believer in the fundamental good of all humans, whatever their gender. As Berger recalls, George strove so hard to really make it a comic that women would wanna read, too, especially young women. That was unusual for a guy whod been doing superhero comics his whole life. I was impressed by that. Armed with this philosophy of wonderment and womanhood, Perez got to work, and DC built up the anticipation throughout 1986. They released a poster with Diana flying across text that declared FIRST THE DARK KNIGHT. THEN, THE MAN OF STEEL. NOW, DC DOES IT AGAIN. GEORGE PEREZ, GREG POTTER, AND BRUCE PATTERSON the inker INTRODUCE THE NEW WONDER WOMAN. COMING NOVEMBER 6TH. When that day rolled around, the first issue hit stands, bearing one of the all-time great comics covers: Dianas frame taking up much of the page in a modified version of Da Vincis Vitruvian Man, wrists crossed above her voluminous black locks. A pantheon of female gods looms in the clouds around her head, Themyscira thrums below, women warriors on horseback stand at the ready below that, and two women one Dianas mother, the other a masked mystery stand in profile next to a massive spear and shield. It was grandeur incarnate, like a funnybook version of an ancient mural. Photo: DC Entertainment/ George Perez; Bruce Patterson; and Tatjana Wood The story inside was just as overwhelming, and retains its power to this day. Indeed, it kicked off a 14-issue arc that remains the best possible introduction to the character for the uninitiated. What The Dark Knight is to the Caped Crusader and Grant Morrison and Frank Quitelys All-Star Superman is to the Man of Steel, Perezs first pair of interlinked story arcs is to the third member of the DC Comics trinity: a self-contained story with a beginning, middle, and end that nonetheless leaves you with a hunger for more tales about the axiomatic figure you just read about. From the very first page, the story declares itself unafraid to be bold and idiosyncratic. It begins with an obscure quotation from French historian Ferdinand Lot: The gods are dead, killed by the one god. Between the men of the new and those of ancient times there will no longer be a thought in common. There is no specific meaning ascribed, but it suggests that the story were about to read will defy Lots assertion and show what it looks like when the gods are proven to be real and their emissary arrives among these men of the new. However, we dont get that right away, nor do we even get the present tense. The first scene takes place in 30,000 B.C. and centers around a primordial case of domestic violence. A caveman, humiliated that he lost a fight with a sabertooth tiger, returns to his cave and takes out his anger on his mate, killing her then sees some kind of energy shoot out of her into the heavens. Its a surreal beginning, one wholly free of superheroes or any kind of traditional superhero iconography. Female Superman, this story aint. We soon learn that the energy was the womans soul, traveling to the underworld, where it lies in a kind of storage until a group of female Greek deities concoct a plot to improve humans. That plan involves taking all of these female souls who saw their lives cut short by mans fear and ignorance and rebirthing them in physical form as a new race of noble women who will inspire humanity by their good example: the Amazons. Of course, not everyone on Olympus (stunningly rendered by Perez as a kind of gravity-defying, perspective-screwing M.C. Escher wonderland) is onboard with this plan, and the god of war, Ares, declares that he will fix humanity through terror and battle. This conflict, between fear and inspiration, forms the core of the subsequent saga. And what a saga it is. We learn of the Amazons ostracization by xenophobic humans; we see their battle with the arch-misogynist Heracles, during which they to go war and feel great shame at having resorted to violence; we see the Amazon queen, Hippolyte, long for a child and get one by molding it out of clay thats blessed by the gods; we see the child receive the name Diana for mysterious reasons; we see Diana tested in combat against a gun that the Amazons possess for similarly mysterious reasons; and we see the fateful day when Steve Trevor crash-lands on Themyscira, giving the women their first glimpse of a man since Heracles. Wisely, Perez chose to make Steve middle-aged, in order to prevent him from being a love interest that brings Diana into a cheap love story. Instead, he brings her the prospect of entering mans world or, as Perez renamed it, Patriarchs World. She is granted permission to travel to our civilization after the goddess Athena appears to the Amazons and says Diana has a special destiny away from the island. The god Hermes guides her and Steve to Massachusetts as the next step in her path toward destiny. I wont spoil how the story plays out, but suffice it to say that, although its definitely a story about superpowered derring-do, it feels like no other super-tale ever told. Potter left the book after a couple of issues and was replaced by co-writer Len Wein, but Perez remained the driving force, and his array of story beats were groundbreaking and fascinating. A working, middle-aged mother, the academic Julia Kapatelis, becomes Dianas best friend, and the comic explicitly talks about the obstacles faced by older women. Another new friend, a revamped and toned-down Etta Candy, struggles believably and un-sappily with body-image issues. When Wonder Woman makes her debut on the world stage, she is openly religious, drawing scorn from Christian fundamentalists and atheists, alike. The name Diana, the fact that her costume has elements of the American flag, and the existence of the gun on Themyscira are all explained with a cracking good twist. Its a swirl of thrills and surprises. And its gorgeous. Perez is a master of the comics medium, using it to tell stories in ways that film and prose never could. Sure, hes grippingly good at capturing nuanced facial expressions and action poses, and he can illustrate minute details of background and foreground like no one else, but his most remarkable strength comes in his layouts. Perez will do things like show a series of conventional panels depicting fiery battle but overlay onto them a massive, page-sized fist clenching a glimmering blade and bearing a bracelet with a shattered chain, thus forcing your eye to move not just left-to-right, but center-to-periphery and, as the narrative loops around the fist and accoutrements, trace your gaze over different details of the central image. Photo: DC Entertainment/ George Perez; Bruce Patterson; and Tatjana Wood Or take, for example, a page in which Ares has a startling vision and is moved to tears. The bottom portion of the page has a nine-panel grid three by three and youre tempted to think you should read it by going across the first row, then across the next row, then down to the final one. But relax your gaze and youll see that it can also be read as a series of columns, with each stack of three showing three aspects of the same moment from different perspectives. Its all easy to consume, yet still experimental for the practice of sequential art, especially within the superhero corpus. Photo: DC Entertainment/ George Perez; Bruce Patterson; and Tatjana Wood By the end of that 14-issue introductory saga, weve seen Diana become wholly unlike the brooding Batman or the grinning Superman. She is something else something compatible with those two, but still separate. Shes less of a superhero than she is a kind of holy ambassador. She told me she did not believe the point of her mission to Mans World was to become a costumed crimefighter, a character muses of Diana at one point. That, she said, implied violence condoned by society in the name of order. Apparently, crime is unknown on Paradise Island, and order there is a state of mutual respect and love. Diana believed her true destiny was to teach the world the Amazon way. That she did throughout Perezs 62-issue tenure on Wonder Woman. For most of it, he was just writing it: Im just not fast enough to maintain a monthly schedule of drawing, he tells me. He started getting fill-in pencilers to work with his layouts during the second half of that first big story, then stopped doing art altogether after the 24th issue. Though the entire run is regarded as a classic, its those first 14 issues that remain the most compelling and accessible, in that theyre available in a single, recently issued volume called Wonder Woman by George Perez Vol. 1. If youre looking to get into the character before the film or want to dive into her printed adventures afterward, that book should be at the top of your shopping list. Related Stories Movie Review: Wonder Woman Is a Star Turn for Gal Gadot Its legacy can be seen throughout the movie, though less in overt references than in a general tonal and thematic similarity. Jenkinss film relies heavily on the mythological notes that Perez first sounded, diving into Amazonian and Olympian history and naming Dianas homeworld as Themyscira. As is true in the first Perez story, Ares is presented as Dianas ultimate opposite, like the Joker is to Batman or Lex Luthor is to Superman. But perhaps the greatest similarity comes in the fact that Wonder Woman is presented as something of a noble fish out of water, new to our world yet passionately involved in saving it. As one character in Perezs run puts it while describing Diana, I realized then what an amazing contradiction she is. On the one hand, natures innocent, her very voice like a warm, comforting breeze. On the other hand, desperate energy, forever searching for proper outlets. She is, in short, the living seed of change. As anyone who sees Gal Gadots Diana, alternatively confused and indignant, plow through Europe can tell you, thats a spot-on description of the big-screen incarnation of comics most famous woman. For his part, Perez is excited to see what happens to Diana at the cineplex. Thats unusual for him. He left the book in 1992 largely because his beloved Karen Berger had to go on maternity leave though some creative differences also came into play and hes studiously avoided paying attention to the character ever since. Its my nature and its my flaw, the 62-year-old says. If I dont like the persons taste, I say, Oh my god, they ruined it, and if their taste is better than mine, I feel kind of betrayed, as well. But hes making an exception for the film, which he plans to see in his native Florida after its release. (He was invited to screenings in New York and L.A. but couldnt make the trip.) Today, the Perez saga isnt remembered as universally as its contemporaneous Batman and Superman epics. Perhaps its because the dialogue is somewhat stilted and unnatural but thats a feature, not a bug, as the story is trying to evoke the marble-built formality of the classics. Perhaps its because theres very little in it thats revisionist or deconstructionist but just because something embraces genre tropes doesnt mean its not ambitious. Or perhaps its simply due to the fact that Wonder Woman isnt a character who is as globally beloved as her caped peers. But if Wonder Woman, the movie, succeeds, the time might be ripe for a Wonder Woman revival. If so, Wonder Woman by George Perez Vol. 1 deserves to fly off the shelves. There have been many creators who have done Diana justice Gail Simone, Greg Rucka, Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, and Phil Jimenez all leap to mind but they all did their creating in the wake of Perezs resuscitation of the icon. So much of where the character is now in DCs pantheon and DCs storytelling really owes its debt to what George did, says Berger. Levitz is in agreement: I think the legacy of the run isnt so much innovation in the story. The legacy was proving that the character could be the center of good stories for the modern world. As for Perez himself, he sees his impact in two anecdotes. One was meeting Marstons granddaughter, who, in Perezs retelling, told him, You honor my grandfather. The other was when a female writer told him she had read his run and was surprised to find out it had been written by a straight man. These are the compliments I truly truly relish and made me say, Okay, I made a difference, he says. The fact that people are still referring to it now, that people who are complimenting or praising the movie are saying it keeps the spirit of the Wonder Woman that I defined? Thats a great legacy, yknow? When I mention a ballet about dancing confections, chances are youll immediately think of The Nutcracker, the perennial Christmas favorite penned by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1892. In fact if I were to ask most people to name any ballet at all, that would be the one. With its memorable music and family-friendly plot theres a good reason that its so well known. This year, however, the American Ballet Theater is doing its best to revive a similar ballet that, with luck, could become a family favorite. If it does, it will have had quite a journey. In English, its called Whipped Cream (in the original German, Schlagobers). Its the story of children indulging at a candy shop and then one of them having to visit the doctor because of it. Richard Strauss composed the two-act ballet in the early 1920s and its first public performance was in May 1924 at the Vienna State Opera. If you know anything by Strauss, its probably his symphonic poem Thus Spake Zarathustra, famous as the initial fanfare in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. But his ballet was very poorly received, in part because it bore a superficial resemblance to The Nutcracker and this was, after all, Vienna not St. Petersburg. Plus the public mood was wrong: It was only a few years after the end of World War I and the collapse of the Hapsburg Empire, and this work was extravagant, opulent, juvenile and wildly expensive. I cannot bear the tragedy of the present time, Strauss wrote in the 1920s. I want to create joy, I need it. But Vienna wanted none of it. One of Strauss biographers called the performance a ghastly flop. In hopes of keeping at least some of the music alive, Strauss turned it into an orchestral suite, but this, at least when performed a few years later in England, was no better received. There is talk of Straussian decline, and well there may be on the evidence of this suite, an English reviewer grimly wrote in 1933 when the piece was performed in Manchester. Perhaps our musical tastes are more solid than decorative, he mused. But tastes can change. The new ABT production of the ballet premiered in March in Costa Mesa, California, to great reviews; the Los Angeles Times called it a bewitching success. Last week it moved to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City and again the reaction was jubilant. The New York Times said it was a triumph on many levels and said Strauss music is abundantly, delectably satisfying, laden with varied dance rhythms and succulent melodies. In addition, the sets and costumes turned the evening into a rising wave of visual glee. Are our ears and sensibilities that different from decades ago? Perhaps. Were also more familiar with this productions surrealist-inspired sets and its striking visual impact. Acclaimed ABT principal ballerina Misty Copeland bowed out of the California production because of an injury, but will dance in the production at the end of June which will bring more welcome attention to this curious artifact from another time. Yes, theres a great deal of surface similarity to The Nutcracker. Theres a Prince Coffee, a Princess Tea Flower and a Prince Cocoa. But, of course, the music is different and theres no seasonal reference that would keep it welded to the Christmas season. If it could somehow enter the repertoire, it would at least give ballet audiences another family-friendly production that could introduce more people to the world of ballet. Dallas-based DBG Investments has secured a permit to build an eight-story Marriott Springhill Suites on Interstate 35, a development that will include a three-story parking garage and amenities that include a rooftop deck and bar. The hotel will feature 133 suites and carries an estimated cost of $17.4 million, according to the permit. EP Construction of Oklahoma City will build the hotel at 115 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway, a site now occupied by Executive Inn and Suites, a budget hotel belonging to DBG that will be demolished. The Executive Inn is scheduled to close July 2. It is going to create quite a change in the skyline, towering over most everything there now, said Bobby Horner, inspections supervisor for the city of Waco. He said the citys Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to allow a variance for the hotel in a zoning category, C-3, that otherwise allows only four stories. Horner compared the proposed height of the hotel to that of Clifton Robinson Tower at I-35 and University Parks Drive. There is a need for more hotel rooms, and this is a high-quality brand, an upgrade to what is there now, city planning director Clint Peters said. The rooftop will provide a great view of the river, and the entire development should make an attractive addition. He said the city asked developers to ensure that the architecture of the parking garage would blend with the look of the hotel. We also had them prepare mock-ups to illustrate the sight lines to ensure the garage would not detract from the view of the hotel from either the Baylor campus or downtown, Peters said. Demolition of hotel Lauren Wirzer, who will manage the Waco project for EP Construction, said in a phone interview that asbestos abatement and demolition of the existing hotel would begin within weeks. Around the first part of August, we will proceed with construction of the new hotel, and were projecting completion in 18 months, said Wirzer, adding he will rely heavily on local subcontractors. Wirzer said EP Construction has completed other projects for DBG Investments, including construction of the 111-suite Hilton Home2 Suites in College Station and a Comfort Inn in Austin. The Waco property will be very nice, with that restaurant and bar on the eighth floor, an indoor/outdoor pool and the separate garage adjacent to the hotel, Wirzer said. Arjun Demla, an associate with DBG Investments, could not be reached for comment on the status of the hotel. Were really excited about the project, and the city of Waco has been very gracious to work with us, he said during an interview in March of last year, announcing the partnerships plans. Its a good time to be in Waco. Everything is growing. Peters said the Springhill Suites planned for I-35 would include features and finishes not typically found in Springhill-branded properties at 300 locations around the country. Another Springhill Suites operates locally in Woodway. The new Springhill Suites will replace a hotel built in the mid-1980s that has been called several names over the years, including Lexington Inn, Americas Best Value and Executive Inn and Suites. This will be a nice addition, Waco City Manager Dale Fisseler said. DBG Investments has not requested economic development incentives to proceed with its venture, he said. Megan Henderson, executive director of City Center Waco, said the hotel and parking garage impress her on several levels. Eight stories really makes a statement. Thats the kind of density Waco has not seen downtown in decades, she said. It definitely is a step in the right direction. Im excited about its visibility from Interstate 35 and the message it sends about the direction in which our downtown development is headed. Walkway use She said creating a concentration of people, including visitors and tourists who may want to walk to attractions, is important in the development of a central city. She said those staying at the hotel may use the walkway improvements along University Parks Drive, between I-35 and Franklin Avenue. This is a good example of how public investment in infrastructure and private development work together to create a functional downtown district, she said in a phone interview. Carla Pendergraft, director for marketing at the Waco and Heart of Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the community needs the additional hotel rooms the new Springhill Suites will provide. We have 4,000 rooms in the market, and we have been among the top five cities for hotel occupancy for the past two years, Pendergraft said. For the first three months of this year, we were at 69.9 percent, behind only Austin, Dallas and El Paso. The state average is 64.1 percent, and many cities are in the 50s. Magnolia effect She said increased demand for hotel rooms is part of the Magnolia effect, referring to the popularity of Magnolia Market at the Silos, Sixth Street at Webster Avenue, that attracts an average of 22,000 visitors a week, many from outside Texas. Of course, Baylor University is still a huge generator for the market, and we have a busy roster of conventions, she said. But if I had to name one major factor for the growth, it would be Magnolia. She added, We are underbuilt for hotel rooms, and the ones we have, we keep full. And though Springhill Suites will have much nicer rooms than the property on that site now, Waco will not see a sizable increase in its hotel base. Were trading 133 rooms for 114 rooms, which is almost a wash. McLennan County officials have filed a notice to seize and forfeit a limousine that police say was used by the owner to traffic in illegal drugs and prostitution. In a civil forfeiture proceeding filed Wednesday in 74th State District Court, the McLennan County District Attorneys Office gave notice of intent to seize and forfeit a 2007 Chrysler 300 touring limousine and a Samsung cellphone belonging to Mark Reese. Reese, 65, of Waco, has been under investigation by the Waco Police Departments Drug Enforcement Unit for several months for reportedly selling drugs and transporting prostitutes through his limousine service, according to an affidavit filed to support the seizure. Waco police arrested Reese May 18 on a delivery of a controlled substance charge after they say he sold them a gram of methamphetamine. The affidavit states Reese and two others also were arrested Feb. 1 on charges of possession of more than 4 ounces of cocaine. Reese was indicted on that charge May 24. Reese was operating the limousine at the time, and over 4 grams of cocaine was found, according to the affidavit. On May 18, three undercover officers arranged for Reese to pick them up in his limo at a downtown hotel. One of the officers asked Reese about buying cocaine, and Reese said he could get some for $50 a gram. However, after Reese was unable to get in touch with his connection, he told the officers he could get them methamphetamine for the same price. Reese drove to a home in the 3500 block of Trice Avenue, and the officer handed him $50. Reese took the money and returned with a crystal-like substance that later tested positive as methamphetamine. Two officers arrested Reese after pulling the limo over later that evening. The forfeiture notice lists Ally Financial Inc. of Dallas as a lien holder on the limousine. Prosecutors routinely forfeit vehicles and other items they allege have been used in the commission of felonies. The vehicles are typically auctioned, and the proceeds are used by law enforcement. The Curtiss JN-4D Jenny is possibly North Americas most famous World War I aircraft. It was a twin-seat, student-in-front-of-instructor, dual-control biplane. Its tractor propeller and maneuverability made it ideal for initial pilot training, and was widely used during World War I to train beginning pilots, with an estimated 95 percent of all trainees having flown a JN-4.In 1917, Congress allocated $640 million to build more of these trainers because at that point there were only 32 airplanes in the Army in which only 10 or 12 were serviceable. Flying a 100-year-old aircraft is not like flying anything thats in the air today; theres no dynamic stability, said Dorian Walker, Chairman of Friends of Jenny, a group that is dedicated to building and flying these aircraft. It has big wings, which is good if you lift, but its got a lot of drag. So youve got two things that are normally associated with flying that are working against each other. Drag and lift. So youre kind of battling those elements. Three members of the Friends of Jenny group built the aircraft that will fly at the airshow in just 14 monthsa remarkable task since it had to be built from scratch and by matching up designs that would work safely for todays aviation environment. To build one of these airplanes is amazing on so many levels, said Dorian. Its amazingly frustrating because theres no list of, well this is what you do next. It starts with a process. The process is research and trying to understand what went into making itand then once youve done that you say, well, what about plans? Are there any plans? Retired Lt. Col. Gary Wickliff, Treasurer & Board of Directors for Friends of Jenny explained how they acquired the plans from the Smithsonian, but even that was tricky. Like with any plans, theyll change a number somewhere so if you dont catch it youll be trying to find a number that doesnt exist anymore. You may have the new number or the old number and you just have to know where to supersede it, he said. Ultimately, the Jenny was built in three different phases. The main project was started in Kentucky, the wings were built in Lebanon, Tenn., and the plane was put together and painted in Tompkinsville, Ky., and flown there for its initial flight. They kept the original wood airframe, but built a contemporary engine to the original specs and acquired some updated aviation technology. However, like the original, there are no brakes and no tail wheeljust the tail skid which was used as a brake. The air frame is exactly what people wouldve seen 100 years ago. For the test flight, the Jenny was brought into a 1,200 foot grass median between a runway and a taxiway. At the end of the median, on the other side of the runway, was a pond of water and on the reverse side was a hill was woods. You think about flying this for the first time, and the courage it takes. You cant go out and get lessons on how to fly this, so when you strap yourself in the first time you dont know exactly what to expect. It takes a lot of courage and good aviation skills that have to be brought to bear, said Wickliff. Myron Callaham, Board of Directors with Friends of Jenny, said It gives you a great respect for the early aviators because everything they did was for the first time, and many times didnt know what to expect, so it took a lot of courage to push the envelope. Dorian added, This is the 21st Century, so you dont fly planes without brakes and you certainly dont take off on that short of a field with a conventional type airplane. I sat in there and got the crank up and listened to the engine. I had a lot of questions about what was about to happen, but the one thing that calmed my nerves and boosted my courage was the relentless number of hours, time and commitment of all those who had come to bring this icon of aviation to this particular moment. And, guess what? It flew! A lot goes into planning a trip in the Jenny. They choose a route that has runways that are close to the prevailing wind at the time that theyre flying. The wind and the weather can change in any moment and they have to be ready to adjust their travel plans. And, since the Jenny was built as a trainer, it only has a 24 gallon fuel tank and it burns about 11 gallons an hour, maybe more depending on the wind, so it will take about half a day with two refuel stops before arriving to Scott. Dorian said, I really believe in the notion that you need to understand your past, look at what worked and what didnt work as a foundation for building a better future. The more we know about the past, maybe the better we can build that future. Were delighted to be coming to the airshow and open house. Were praying for good weather and delighted to be a part of the 100th Anniversary of Scott Air Force Base [inpost_galleria thumb_width=200 thumb_height=200 post_id=29739 thumb_margin_left=3 thumb_margin_bottom=0 thumb_border_radius=2 thumb_shadow=0 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) id= random=0 group=0 border= show_in_popup=0 album_cover= album_cover_width=200 album_cover_height=200 popup_width=800 popup_max_height=600 popup_title=Gallery type=yoxview sc_id=sc1496319301152] [the day of President Trump's inauguration - a coincidence or an attempt to bury a news story? wonders Merpel], and statutory instruments (SIs) for Scotland and the rest of the UK [i.e. secondary legislation] were drafted to implement the P&I Protocol. Shortly before the SIs were due to be considered by the Westminster and Holyrood legislatures, Theresa May announced her intention to call a general election, stalling the passage of the SIs. These are now unlikely to pass before the Holyrood and Westminster summer recesses begin on 30 June and 20 July respectively - thereby delaying UK ratification. Aldgate Tower [April Fool! cries Merpel]. ( see for example the [Switzerland and others: watch this space] A big query is whether the UK would need a mechanism to allow a reference to the CJEU to participate in the UPC, and what that mechanism might be [not to mention the political acceptability of such a reference mechanism ...] Pascoe opinion here. A big query is whether the UK would need a mechanism to allow a reference to the CJEU to participate in the UPC, and what that mechanism might be Michael Froehlich Michael Froelich was up next to explain the practical aspects of the UP system. He noted that a European patent would remain to be granted by the EPO in the usual way - it is only after grant that a patent can be converted to a UP. The claim set must be identical for all participating territories. Michael observed that UPs do not replace EPs, they co-exist with both EPs and national patents (for example, EPs will live on in Switzerland and other non-participating countries). Michael Froelich was up next to explain the practical aspects of the UP system. He noted that a European patent would remain to be granted by the EPO in the usual way - it is only after grant that a patent can be converted to a UP. The claim set must be identical for all participating territories. Michael observed that UPs do not replace EPs, they co-exist with both EPs and national patents (for example, EPs will live on in Switzerland and other non-participating countries). On costs, the renewal fees have been set at the level of the top 4 countries' renewal fees combined (i.e. Germany, UK, France and the Netherlands - given that Italy was not participating at that time). The cost advantages of a UP are significant, particularly when invalidation and translation costs for classical EPs are taken into account. Further, there are administrative benefits for users - one single renewal fee, one set of deadlines, one payee etc. Michael explained that the EPO is currently finalising technical implementation of the UP, and the procedure for filing requests for UPs will be fully automated. There will be a new "Register for Unitary Patent Protection", which will form an integral part of the EP Register. There are three official languages for entries on the register. Michael demonstrated the new register by reference to a series of screen shots, which showed the information available to users of the new system (e.g. date of request for unitary effect, decision on request, date of registration of the UP, date of legal effect). Helpfully, the new register also displays the relevant territories for each unitary patent. Michael pointed out that UPs will vary with territorial coverage depending on the ratification dates for relevant countries. Michael then covered some current UP initiatives at a European and national levels: 1. Possible EPO "sunrise period" Michael explained that the EPO is considering allowing users to file requests for unitary effect 3 months before the system goes live (this would coincide with the opt-out provisions). The aim is to allow for a smooth transition to the UP system. No decision has yet been taken - watch this space for a decision. 2. Supplementary Protection Certificates The agreements do not provide for a unitary SPC. Given the commercial importance of SPCs, the European Commission ultimately envisages a unitary SPC, however, this may not be achievable in the short term. Pending the creation of a unitary SPC, the Commission is expect to clarify (by way of a communication) that national SPCs can be obtained on the basis of a UP. 3. National validity deadlines What happens if a patentee applies for conversion to a UP but that request is rejected after the deadline for a national patent has passed? The Select Committee is considering this issue. There seems to be momentum for a 'safety net' approach, whereby national deadlines should be held open until after the outcome of a unitary conversion request (Sweden, Finland, Netherlands and Germany are in the process of taking steps to implement a safety net). 4. Double protection of unitary patents and national patents? The relevant regulations leave the question open as to whether double-protection of an invention is possible through both a unitary patent and a national patent. The vast majority of countries have opted not to allow double-patenting (for example, an offending UK national patent can be revoked by the Comptroller). However, Germany is lifting the prohibition on double-protection, and other participants are wondering whether to follow suit. One issue to avoid with double-patenting is double-enforcement. In Germany, a new provision provides for an 'estoppel defence' so that national proceedings would be dismissed by the German Courts where UPC proceedings are pending (or have already been decided) that cover the same subject matter. Next up in part 2 - Tim Frain and Q&A session The report of this excellent AIPPI seminar will be posted in two parts.Up first was Alan Johnson to identify some of the short and longer term implications of the Brexit referendum on the UP/UPC. He noted that the Brexit question does not just affect the UK - it affects the whole UP/UPC system given that the UK is one of the 3 mandatory countries and the host of a central division of the UPC. Before the referendum result, the UK had made real progress on implementing enabling legislation, and it was on track for ratification in accordance with the timetable. Between 23 June and 28 November 2016, there was little progress, and Alan was as surprised as anyone when the UK government gave an unconditional 'yes' to the UP/UPC project at the end of November by setting out its intention to ratify the agreements. Following that announcement, the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities was laid before Parliament on 20 Jan 2017Given the requirement for 10 countries (in addition to the UK, Germany and France) to ratify before the new system comes into force, Alan noted that other countries are not yet ready for the provisional application phase () (e.g. Austria, Bulgaria and Portugal). Germany appears ready, but the question is whether it will proceed given continued uncertainty regarding the UK's involvement. The PAP phase is an important one, and includes adoption of the draft rules and judicial preparations. In light of the above, there are two likely possibilities - either the project remains on schedule, or there is a delay of around 3-4 months. This could mean that the new system goes live on 1 April 2018What happens as regards the UK's involvement? There are several options:Alan noted that before Brexit, it was widely assumed that one had to be a member of the EU to participate in the new system under the legal framework. Now, the general consensus seems to be that the UK can participate even after it leaves the EUAlan noted that the UPCA has no exit provisions. If the UK joins and then leaves the UP/UPC system, would there be an implementation period?Alan mooted a potential hybrid option. The UK may opt to stay within the UPC (on the basis that it is an international rather than a European Court), but exits the unitary patent component given that a UP constitutes a European right. Would this hybrid solution be politically more palatable?It is difficult to second guess the UK government's position, but historically every UK government has been in favour of the UPC/UP on the basis that it is good for industry. Considerable time and money has been expended in getting to this point. Would the UK government really proceed with ratification with a view to leaving again in 18 months' time? On this basis, Alan optimistically predicted that the UK would make at least efforts to remain part of both the UPC and UP system. However, the current uncertainty is likely to continue for the next 12-18 months, and so users must plan with all options in mind. Internet service providers such as Telstra, Optus and TPG have been handed a discount on the price they pay for bandwidth over the National Broadband Network, but there's one condition. Under the new NBN pricing plan, service providers will be rewarded with reduced wholesale charges, provided they increase the average amount of data capacity they provide to their customers. The model, to take effect from Thursday, is in direct response to Australia's surging data usage. Last year the nation downloaded a record 2.5 billion gigabytes of data. NBN-connected homes are downloading 1.2 times the national fixed-line average. BHP's board is expected to select a new chairman at its June meeting to replace long-serving former Ford Motor Co boss Jac Nasser, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The world's largest miner, under pressure from US-based activist investor Elliott Management over its strategy, has been searching for a replacement since Mr Nasser announced his impending retirement in October. Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles had been assisting with a search that included internal and external candidates, the sources said. They declined to be named because the process is not public. The big five banks' threat to pass on the federal government's bank levy to consumers would cost customers less than $10 a year, a new report has found, as the Coalition's battle with the banks moves through its third week. The report from the progressive think tank The Australia Institute is likely to be seized on by the Turnbull government a day after it wrote the $6.2 billion levy into law. The institute found that if the banks followed through on the threat to pass the cost of the levy to shareholders via reduced dividends then it would cost the average superannuation balance $7 a year. Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong Wong, a former climate change minister, said President Trump's decision was a "deep disappointment" and an international climate agreement must include the United States and China, the world's biggest emitters. "The Prime Minister should be absolutely clear with the US administration about Australia's views. He should continue to press them to reconsider this decision. He should continue to press them for constructive US leadership on this point," she told ABC radio. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was said to have been a key internal advocate for staying in the Paris agreement. As head of ExxonMobil, Mr Tillerson expressed support for a carbon tax. US Secretary of Defence James Mattis has called climate change a threat to global stability that needs to be addressed. Asked if the Australian government would directly express its disappointment with the US delegation, Mr Frydenberg told ABC radio: "I think you'll hear that from Julie Bishop, you'll hear that from the Prime Minister and you hear that from me." He said it was "clearly preferable" to have the US at the table as the world tackles climate change. "It's important to have all of the major emitters of the world participating in agreements like this. But Australia will do its part. We represent about 1.3 per cent or 1.4 per cent of the world's emissions and if you count up all of those countries who have emissions production under 2 per cent, that makes up 40 per cent of the total international emissions profile." But, he insisted, the agreement remained "very meaningful" - even with the US withdrawing. "You have more than 190 countries that signed on and in record time, 146 countries have ratified. So even without the US, around 70 per cent of the world's emissions are covered by that agreement," Mr Frydenberg said. The US represents approximately 16 per cent of global emissions, and China approximately 30 per cent. The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to the Paris agreement overnight. Australia has committed to emissions cuts of 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Mr Mackenzie, head of the Australian-based global mining giant, told ABC's 7.30 program on Thursday night that he personally told Mr Trump it was possible to be pro-coal and stay in the Paris agreement. "Remaining in a coalition that accepts the science of climate change and looks at a number of measures to reduce it and stay within two-degree warming is better than nothing," he said. He described a global carbon tax as "the best way" to reduce carbon emissions by driving the market to cleaner sources of energy. Climate change - which scientific consensus has found to be driven by human-generated greenhouse gas emissions - gradually lifts air and ocean temperatures, making weather patterns more unpredictable, intensifying natural disasters, raising sea levels and undermining critical environmental processes. Polling released by the Lowy Institute found 54 per cent of Australians agree that global warming is a "serious and pressing" concern that should be addressed, "even if this involves significant costs". A further thirty-seven per cent said it should be addressed in a "low cost" way because it is gradual. But the One Nation leader, who has maintained support for the mining project itself, said she had asked Resources Minister Matt Canavan to build the line "as a piece of national infrastructure". Pauline Hanson has said she will not support public funds being loaned to Adani to build a train line from the Galilee Basin to the Queensland coast. Credit:Andrew Meares The rail corridor, which would run from the central Queensland coal basin to the Abbot Point port on the state's coast, has been deemed a key feature of Indian mining company Adani moving forward with its project. Pauline Hanson has told the Turnbull government to build the billion-dollar Galilee Basin coal line itself, announcing she would oppose a "foreign multi-national" from owning the crucial infrastructure. "This approved rail corridor will eventually connect to the national line, so it should be owned by the Australian people, not a foreign multi-national," she said in a statement. "This railway could make the Australian people hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Adani are here to build a coal mine, not a gold mine. "This is a railroad that should belong to the people. We should build it, own it, control it and make sure no future government can give it away." The rail corridor is seen as a crucial piece of infrastructure in opening the Galilee Basin up to mining, with both GVK Hancock and Clive Palmer's Waratah Coal having earmarked projects in the region. But the lack of infrastructure in the remote regions is one of the reasons projects have been stalled. The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility board is considering granting a concessional loan to Adani to build the project. Police have arrested a man in connection with an alleged one-punch attack in the foyer of Box Hill Hospital which left a Melbourne surgeon and father of two fighting for his life. In the latest of a series of recent attacks on the state's health workers, cardiac and thoracic surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann suffered life-threatening injuries after allegedly being punched in the head on Tuesday night following a verbal altercation. Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann is aged in his 40s and is the father of two young children. It is believed he was on his way home at the end of his shift and became concerned about people smoking near the hospital doors when the assault occurred. It's easy for Perth residents to take a trip to KFC for granted - but for those based in regional WA, a 'chicken run' can often mean travelling up to five hours just to sate that craving for a bucket of popcorn chicken and chips. For Port Hedland residents the closest KFC store is more than 200km away in Karratha and so Jodie Gandolfo's Colonel-loving friends were full of excitement when she told them she was doing the five-hour round trip. How far would you go for a bucket of KFC? "I was travelling to Karratha for an appointment and decided to make a weekend out of it," she said. Armed with specific requests for popcorn chicken, zinger meals, wicked wings, buckets of chicken and some thermal bags to keep the goods warm and $300, Ms Gandolfo called the Karratha store and placed her order on Saturday afternoon. At least 34 bodies have been found at a Philippine casino resort that was attacked by a gunman, local TV quoted Manila's fire department as saying, with most dying from smoke inhalation. The gunman who burst into a popular hotel casino in Manila early on Friday morning, firing shots, setting gaming tables alight and sparking panic, was later found dead at the complex, police say. The man's motive was likely robbery and that the incident was not terror- related, Philippine police say. A further 54 people were injured as they stampeded from the Resorts World Manila building in the Philippine capital after the attack by a "tall foreign-looking" gunman with a moustache, police said. Prominent among those promises was the claim that Rouhani would facilitate the release of the Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who have been under house arrest without charge or trial since 2011. The presidential administration put forth no evident effort toward that end, and the political prisoners are evidently no closer to release today. Nevertheless, Rouhani repeated the same claim in his reelection campaign, adding that a stronger mandate would make the release more achievable. Rouhani reportedly distanced himself from that promise soon after his election, using a speech at one Friday prayer session to insist that the release of any prisoners would depend upon the decisions and actions of separate authorities, including the hardline head of the Iranian judiciary. The Reuters report points out that that figure, Ali Larijani, has explicitly criticized Rouhani over his promises regarding the Green Movement leaders. But the same report also indicates that Rouhanis base of supporters are not letting go of the issue, as demonstrated by the fact that they repeatedly interrupted his reelection acceptance speech with chants referring to Mousavi and Karroubi. In this sense, Rouhani is facing pressure from both sides. But his early moves to draw back from recent promises underscore the fact that he has more to lose from the regimes hardliners than from the population of the country. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the ultimate authority in all matters of state, gave some indications that he preferred Rouhanis hardline challenger for the presidency, Ebrahim Raisi. But in urging the public to go to the polls, Khamenei also indicated that he was fearful of another uprising like the 2009 Green Movement, this time driven either by the disputed election of the avowedly hardline candidate, or the perception of illegitimacy that would follow overall low voter turnout. Some believe that there was in fact low turnout in this election, despite the regimes claim that upwards of 70 percent of eligible voters participated. The opposition group known as the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran organized a boycott in the weeks ahead of the election, and reform-minded citizens had told the international press that they saw no real prospects for change under the second term of a Rouhani presidency. The PMOI claims that the high official figures were the result of deception and vote tampering. And interestingly, Rouhanis hardline critics have deliberately lent credence to this interpretation of events, not in order to dispute the legitimacy of the election as a whole, but rather to claim that Rouhanis alleged 20-point margin of victory was actually smaller. EA Worldview reported upon this phenomenon on Tuesday and quoted Raisi himself as accusing unspecified officials of tampering with the numbers of peoples participation. This is one indicator that the hardline faction, newly organized in opposition to Rouhanis reelection campaign, is not going to allow its voice to be diminished. And seeing as that faction has the implicit backing of the supreme leader, especially in the area of relations between Iran and the Western world, it is highly unlikely that the Iranian president would be able to seriously pursue a reform agenda, even if he truly wanted to. Foreign relations was the sole subject of so-called reform during Rouhanis first term, insofar as he successfully pursued a nuclear agreement with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany. Much of the international reporting on the May election described it as a referendum on this accomplishment, and Rouhanis hardline challengers sought to emphasize his failure to turn the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action into seriously positive economic outcomes for the Islamic Republic. This is another subject that Rouhani will face domestic pressure over, as indicated by an Associated Press report describing a gathering of angry protestors outside of the central bank in Tehran on Monday. According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the protest was violently dispersed. But it is far from being the only of its kind, and such protests may very well proliferate if economic prospects come to be regarded as another of Rouhanis twice-broken promises. UPI reported on Tuesday that Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh had declared that new international investment deals would be inked by the end of July, before Rouhani finishes his second term. The same report noted that some financial analysts had declared that Rouhanis reelection would make the further opening of the Iranian market much more likely. But even if this is the case, it is by no means a guarantee that investment capital will make its way to the Iranian people. One reason why the hardline faction of Iranian politics appears to be having such early success in reasserting its voice after an electoral defeat is because it is backed by the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is estimated to control upwards of half the Iranian GDP, as well as multiple media outlets. The hardline opposition to Rouhanis engagement with foreign nations is largely motivated by the fear that foreign companies will begin to take away market share from the IRGC. But over the short term, the IRGC may benefit disproportionately from new investments, provided that those foreign entities are doing business with currently leading Iranian firms. On its own, the Rouhani administration does not have the power to halt these trends. And given the speed of its capitulation to some hardline talking points, it may not have the interest, either. But other forces could have an impact on the extent to which the IRGC and other hardline entities benefit from foreign investments. And this could in turn have an impact on the ability of the IRGC to crack down on protests like those which have been seen outside the central bank and at Rouhanis own victory rally. On Sunday, the New York Times reported upon the status of relations between Iran and the United States in the wake of the nuclear agreement and the subsequent election of US President Donald Trump. It pointed out that a great deal of rhetoric is passing back and forth between the two countries but also that Trumps assertive policy on Iran has not gone as far as halting a post-JCPOA agreement between Iran Air and Boeing, and that he has also not undermined the JCPOA by refusing to grant the recurring sanctions waivers required by the deal. This, according to the Times, leads to a situation in which the Iranians are still trying to feel out Trumps long-term intentions. But the Trump administration has taken some clear steps in the direction of limiting how money can be allocated in the Islamic Republic. Specifically, he has ordered the State Department to review the prospect for designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization, and the US Senates Foreign Relations Committee has approved sanctions legislation that would extend all anti-terror sanctions to the hardline paramilitary organization. It is possible that these measures could diminish the pressure being exerted on the Rouhani administration by the hardline factions, thereby leaving it to face up to the rising tide of pressure from the civilian population and either act upon their demands or prove himself to be uninterested in reform, regardless of his promises. It came as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, recently re-elected to a second term, and was addressing the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Associated Press reported that thousands of people gathered outside the United Nations to protest Irans human rights abuses, executions, and the 1988 massacre of more than 30,000 prisoners. Speakers for the Resolution included former Democratic vice Presidential candidate, Senator Joe Lieberman, and Sir Geoffrey Robertson, former Head of UN war crimes tribunal for Sierra Leone. Robertson wrote a report on Irans 1988 massacre, published on the United Nations Arts Initiative. The resolution condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners and [calls] for justice for the victims. It adds that over a 4-month period in 1988, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out the barbaric mass executions of thousands of political prisoners and many unrelated political groups. [A]ccording to a report by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, the massacre was carried out pursuant to a fatwa, or religious decree, issued by then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, that targeted the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI), also known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK). The resolution quotes one of Irans own senior former officials, the late Hussein Ali Montazeri, a grand ayatollah who served as Khomeinis chief deputy, who said the 1988 massacre was the greatest crime committed during the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us. Accordingly, in 1988, the Islamic Republic executed the thousands of prisoners who had even slight affiliations with the main opposition movement Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), because of their political beliefs. The victims were buried in mass graves in Iran after they were shot or hung over a period of just a few months. Amnesty International reported on November 2, 2007, between 27 July 1988 and the end of that year, thousands of political prisoners [in Iran], including prisoners of conscience, were executed in prisons nationwide. Noted by H.Res. 159, Those personally responsible for these mass executions include senior officials serving in the current Government of Iran; [P]risoners were reportedly brought before the commissions and briefly questioned about their political affiliation, and any prisoner who refused to renounce his or her affiliation with groups perceived as enemies by the regime was then taken away for execution. Accordingly, thousands of people, including teenagers and pregnant women, imprisoned merely for participating in peaceful street protests and for possessing political reading material, many of whom had already served or were currently serving prison sentences, were among the victims. Stated in the congressional resolution, [P]risoners were executed in groups, some in mass hangings and others by firing squad, with their bodies disposed of in mass graves. According to Amnesty International, the majority of those killed were supporters of the PMOI [MEK], but hundreds of members and supporters of other political groups . . . were also among the execution victims. The resolution further states, The later waves of executions targeted religious minorities, such as members of the Bahai faith, many of whom were often subjected to brutal torture before they were killed. It add The families of the executed were denied information about their loved ones and were prohibited from mourning them in public. The resolution mentions a recently disclosed audiotape, where Hussein Ali Montazeri can be heard to say that the 1988 mass killings were the greatest crime committed during the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us. Amnesty Internationals report concluded, there should be no impunity for human rights violations, no matter where or when they took place. The 1988 executions should be subject to an independent impartial investigation, and all those responsible should be brought to justice, and receive appropriate penalties The resolution says, The current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly aware of, and later publicly condoned the massacre. The Montazeri audiotape was released by Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeris son, Ahmad, a moderate cleric, who posted the confidential audio of his father on his website. He was ordered by the intelligence to remove it, and was later arrested. On the tape, Montazeri states, You [Iranian officials] will be in the future etched in the annals of history as criminals. The greatest crime committed under the Islamic Republic, from the beginning of the Revolution until now, which will be condemned by history, is this crime [mass executions] committed by you. Ironically, the people Montazeri is addressing and warning on the tape appear to enjoy high positions currently. They include: Mostafa Pourmohammadi was appointed by the Hassan Rouhani to be justice minister. After the release of a tape, Pourmohammadi defended the commission of the massacre and said he is proud to have carried out Gods commandments in killing the political opponents. Ebrahim Raeisi was appointed as the head of Astan Quds Razavi, which has billions of dollars in revenues. Hussein Ali Nayeri is now the deputy of the Supreme Court of Iran. In his memoir, Montzari writes that he told Nayeri to stop the executions at least in the month of Moharram religious holidays, but according to the BBC, Nayeri said, We have executed so far 750 people in Tehran we get the job done with [executing] another 200 people and then we will listen to whatever you say. These people are only few of those who were involved in the 1988 massacre. They have been awarded more senior positions, power, and money. Montazeri warned them, Beware of 50 years from now, when people will pass judgment on the leader (Khomeini) and will say he was a bloodthirsty, brutal and murderous leader. The message from Irans ex-heir Supreme Leader highlights the methods that the officials of the Islamic Republic use to oppress the opposition. Executions or brutal punishments are common, as Iran ranks top in the world when it comes to executions per capita. Crimes against humanity continue to occur. These are the means that the government uses to silence the opposition. Human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) must conduct investigations, and bring those who have committed and continue to commit these crimes to justice. Calls for justice are increasing. Those who commit crimes against humanity should be held accountable. Congress must follow up on the recent Congressional resolution. Within the framework of the Capacity Building Programme, the World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from CCF Korea, organized a National Workshop on Rules of Origin for the Palestinian Customs Administration. This Workshop was conducted at the Regional Training Center in Amman, Jordan from 21 to 25 May 2017, and was attended by 20 officials and managers from Palestine Customs. Palestine has taken steps to accede to the Agadir Agreement, currently linking Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. Furthermore, Palestine is part of the Pan-Euro-Med Convention between the EU, EFTA members, Faroe Islands, Turkey and Mediterranean countries participating in the Barcelona process. Topics discussed during the Workshop included the key concepts for proper origin determination, and a number of related operational issues, such as the establishment of an efficient organization, provision of effective training and private sector outreach. During the Workshop, the WCO facilitators presented the Revenue Package initiatives, including the Guidelines on Preferential Origin Verification, Origin Certification and Advance Rulings, which have been designed to assist WCO Members in bringing the provisions in Free Trade Agreements into smooth operation. The WCO Comparative Study on Preferential Rules of Origin and the Database of preferential trade agreements were also presented. Participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the lack of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to administrative cooperation. Discussions also emphasized the importance of verifying the originating status of goods, rather than merely checking the authenticity of the Certificate of Origin. During the Workshop, participants were eager to deepen their knowledge on the practical application of Rules of Origin and actively participated in practical exercises. The knowledge and experience gained from the Workshop will assist the Administration in the correct application of Palestines Free Trade Agreements with other countries and will help Palestine benefit from the regional economic integration. The Workshop concluded successfully with positive feedback from participants who greatly appreciated the insights and experiences shared during the event. Although the nation initially disavowed the supposedly fabricated comments, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani apparently contradicted this move and reiterated his embrace of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the weekend. On Saturday, he spoke by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who had been elected to a second term of office earlier in May, on promises of further engagement with the world beyond Irans borders. Al-Thani reportedly indicated that he would take these promises seriously and direct his officials to make a concerted effort to expand relations with Tehran. The Arab News report on the latest communications suggest that Qatars Arab neighbors are annoyed by the incident, in keeping with the initial reaction to earlier comments posted to Qatari state media. Indeed, this is to be expected, as it comes at a time when relations are growing recognizably tenser between Iran and most of the Gulf Arab states, driven by actions and rhetoric on both sides of the divide. Those relations reached a new level the weekend before last, when US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia for the Arab Islamic-American Summit. The presidents first official overseas trip also took him to Israel, where he repeated the critical commentary on the Iran situation that has become a familiar feature of his administration, thereby influencing traditional allies in the Middle East region. This past Sunday, US Defense Minister James Mattis appeared on CBS Televisions Face the Nation and, when questioned on the matter, stood by his former description of Iran as a centerpiece in virtually all of the crises in that part of the world. Mattis remarks also called attention to the solid grounds upon which Arab animosity toward the Islamic Republic is built, pointing out for instance that high levels of the Iranian government had been involved in the attempted assassination of a Saudi ambassador in New York in 2011. But there are more recent and more broadly significant factors at hand in Iranian-Arab tensions, including the deepening Iranian involvement in regional conflicts, some of which place Iranian proxy forces on the very borders of Saudi Arabia and its allies. Irans support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen has divided the country into segments controlled by the Shiite militant group and by the duly elected President Abed Rabu Mansour Hadi. With a Saudi-led coalition backing the government, the conflict has long been seen as a Saudi-Iranian proxy war. This perception has been steadily reinforced, in part by the incursion of Houthi rockets into Saudi territory. Iran has been credited with expanding the depth of these incursions by providing the rebels with missile technology. Several Iranian vessels have been turned away by an international blockade when they were discovered trying to send weapons to the militants, but other shipments have no doubt made it through, in whole or in part, using small fishing boats as relays. Facts like these help to justify the perception among many Arab leaders that they need to bolster their military capabilities and alliances to stave off a growing Iranian threat. This perception may have been a guiding principle during Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia, which led to over 300 billion dollars in trade agreements, including 110 billion dollars worth of arms sales. Naturally, this move drew the ire of Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whom the Daily Mail quoted as calling Saudi Arabia the milking cow of the United States, in a public address delivered to mark the start of Ramadan. The supreme leaders speech referred to the US and other Western powers as infidels, thus underscoring the close relationship between Irans animosity toward Western, secular governments and its animosity toward regional countries that have traditionally been allied with the US. In this way, the speech may also be seen as casting further doubt upon Rouhanis promises of broader engagement with the world. Indeed, the Daily Mail notes that Rouhani himself echoed the supreme leaders tone regarding US-Saudi relations, saying for instance that Mr. Trumps visit to Riyadh was a show with not political or practical value. Khamenei also used his Ramadan speech to criticize Irans regional adversaries for alleged misallocation of funds. They are close with the infidels and offer the enemy the money they should be using to improve the lives of their own people, he said. But this is a criticism that is regularly levied against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and this week was arguably a particularly inopportune time for Khamenei to attempt to invoke it against regional rivals. This is because a Voice of America News report pointed out on Sunday that the Syrian government had confirmed earlier reports of its request for the Iranian government to begin directly supervising and handling the payroll of thousands of Shiite militants fighting in that countrys civil war. Iran has already been deeply involved in that war, as well as the conflict in Yemen, spending untold quantities of money on the combat operations of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as the costs associated with recruiting, arming, and providing logistical support for militant proxy groups, some of which have publicly declared allegiance to Tehran and its supreme leader. Critics of the Iranian regime, including domestic activists and the exile network of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, have used these ongoing expenditures as grounds for accusing Tehran of neglecting its own people at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from years of nuclear-related sanctions. Economic protests have become fairly common place in Iran during recent months, despite the persistent crackdowns being carried out by the security state against activists, journalists, and others. With the presidential election still a very fresh memory, the Associated Press reported that a crowd had gathered outside of the central bank building in Tehran on Monday, to protest for the return of money to citizens affected by a years-old banking scheme. Such protests reportedly recur on a semi-regular basis, even after previous iterations are violently suppressed. The NCRI underscored the fact that female participants in the latest rally were physically attacked when Iranian security forces sought to disperse them. In the past, the NCRI has also reported upon protest gatherings that specifically drew attention to the wasteful spending of Iranian finances on unpopular foreign wars. The emerging arrangement would add to that financial burden by having the Iranian government pay the salaries of at least 10,000 foreign fighters, according to analysts. The pro-opposition Syrian news website Zaman Al Wasel puts the precise figure at 88,733 individuals. Meanwhile, Tehran has already offered salaries and promises of a place in the Iranian job market for Afghan refugees and emigrants who have agreed to enlist in IRGC-led militant groups bound for fighting in Syria, Iraq, and/or Yemen. Voice of America News associates all of these efforts with a longstanding Iranian ambition for the creation of unified regional army under its own command. In August, IRGC officer Mohammad Ali Falaki boasted that this goal had already begun to come to fruition where Syria was concerned. And much earlier, several other Iranian officials had boasted of their control over multiple Arab capitals, namely Beirut, Baghdad, Damascus, and Saana. Naturally, the pursuit of regional unification under an Iranian banner is dependent upon the acquisition of more territory by Iranian proxies, as well. And as reported by Reuters, this is something that some of those forces claim to have recently accomplished in Iraq with their capture of several formerly ISIL-held villages along the border with Syria. The precise location underscores the effort to tie multiple countries together with Iran-backed militias as the binding agent. And this in turn can be expected to add to the motivation for both the Gulf Arab states and the Trump White House to push back against such Iranian influence. In addition to arms sales to bolster the defenses of stable allies in the region, there have also reported efforts to hamper Irans advance in the midst of the multilateral conflict against ISIL. US-backed forces have evidently already forced Iran to re-draw a planned route linking Tehran, through Iraq, to Damascus. And they may now be taking aim at preventing that route from taking shape at all. Meanwhile, as the conflict between Iran and its traditional adversaries continues to take shape, some countries stand to be caught in the middle, where they may face the challenge of choosing one side to back, or else struggling to remain out of the conflict. For instance, the government of Pakistan has a long history of cooperation with the US and its allies, yet a leading foreign policy advisor to the Pakistani Prime Minister recently said that they do not want to do anything to make Iran unhappy at any cost. Sartaj Aziz added that Pakistan intends to strengthen relations with Iran, but this comes at a time when the country has also committed to participating in the Saudi-led alliance against terrorism. For the time being, Pakistan intends to avoid conflict between these two goals, but over time this may become impossible as Saudi-Iranian tensions approach a breaking point. So says an article by Track Persia, a Platform run by dedicated analysts who spend much of their time researching the Middle East, who add, Dohas interference is similar to Irans interference in the internal affairs of several countries. Qatars interference by its positions on several regional issues is on record at various points in time, and contribute to the escalation of regional crises and deterioration of alliances with the other Gulf countries. In regards to Palestinian, Doha supported the Hamas coup against the Palestinian Authority, and deepened the Palestinian division. It has also highlighted its relations with Israel, although the latter considered Hamas as a terrorist organization, says Track Persia. In the Syrian crisis, the support of Qatar was evident it helped extremist organizations like al-Nusra front (currently known as Jafash) with money, weapons and media exposure. Qatar went against the moderate opposition in Syria by doing this. Qatars support for al-Nusra Front makes Dohas role unclear as a mediator three years ago between al-Nusra and Hezbollah in the liberation of Lebanese soldiers. The Emir of Qatar described Hezbollah as a resistance movement, which went against the Gulfs classification of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Track Persia says, Moreover, Qatar did not hide its support for the Muslim Brotherhood. It welcomed its fugitive members and took a public stance against the Egyptian government that came into power after overthrowing the Muslim Brotherhood. They add that, Qatar is also playing a contradictory role in Yemen, in terms of its participation in the operation Decisive Storm and supporting the legitimate government in public, while at the same time, supporting the Houthi militias and their allies in secret. Supporting the militias in Yemen comes within the framework of Qatars cooperation with Iran, helping the latter survive till now in Yemen. Qatar recently called for a review of relations with Iran, as it represents a major power on the regional and Islamic levels. In 2010, Doha refused to use the US military base against Iran, and in 2015, Qatar defended the US nuclear deal with Iran, announcing that it was the first country to support and encourage the settlement. The deal, struck between Iran and a group of world powers, was supposed to curtail the countrys nuclear program. This has not happened. Trask said that instead of investing in its conventional forces, Iran is building up its special operators that lead, manage and control proxy forces. He said: If anything, increased defense dollars in Iran are likely to go toward increasing that network, looking for ways to expand it. Weve already seen evidence of them taking units and officers out of the conventional side that are working with the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) in Syria. Were going to stay focused on these proxies and the reach that Iran has well past Syria and Yemen but into Africa, into South America, into Europe as well. Many people were concerned about the Iran nuclear deal before it was signed, expressing fears that Iran would take the money that would be freed up and use it on spreading terrorism across the region. It turns out that these fears were founded as this is exactly what is happening. The deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), gave Iran access to between $50 billion and $150 billion of assets that were previously frozen. This was a real chance for Iran to improve its economy and the social conditions that had deteriorated to terribly low levels. However, the regime put the money towards propping up Bashar al Assad in Syria and funding militias. Iran has sent around 10,000 Shia militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to battle in Syria on its behalf. Many experts warn that Irans commitment to keeping Assad in power in Syria should not be underestimated. It appears that Iran will be there for as long as it takes and will put as many resources as possible into it. It is also improving its ballistic missile program according to intelligence reports. James Mattis, the US Defense Secretary, said during a visit to Saudi Arabia that Iran is involved, in one way or another, in all the conflicts in the Middle East. He said: Well have to overcome Irans efforts to destabilize yet another country and create another militia in their image of Lebanese Hezbollah. WSU EAST Hosts FyreCon June 1, 2017 OGDEN, Utah Dragons, aliens and worlds beyond imagination will come together on June 8-10 as the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology at Weber State University hosts FyreCon, a convention dedicated to the creative side of fantasy and science fiction. Rob Carlos, artist The convention, which is the first of its kind in Northern Utah, connects young artists with professionals working in the field of fantasy and sci-fi to help give them the tools to take the next step as writers and artists. There are a lot of writing conferences out there, some basic and some more advanced, and for a young writer these can be too costly to attend, said DawnRay Ammon, FyreCon creator. We wanted a conference that could bring in established professionals to help young writers and artists develop their craft without blowing their budgets. The convention will be held at WSU Davis (2750 N. Park Blvd., Layton). It will feature writers and artists such as New York Times bestselling author David Farland; Toni Weisskopf, editor and the publisher of Baen Books; New York Times bestselling author Larry Correia; Heather Theurer, award-winning artist whose themes include religious symbolism, fantasy realism, equine and wildlife, and reworking of Disney characters; Philo Barnhart, film animator, known for his work on feature-length films, including Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid; Michael R. Collings, author, literary critic and poet with several published volumes of science fiction poetry; and Rebekah R. Ganiere, award-winning author and screenwriter. In addition to limited-capacity master classes that provide focused time with featured artists, a specific track has been set up so students can receive personalized instruction. We have been working hard to make this conference available to young artists, said Dana Dellinger, director of WSU's Center for Technology Outreach. One of the convention tracks is dedicated to students, and will incorporate students from the WSU PREP program. We hope it will be a fun learning experience that helps our students develop proper communication skills needed to succeed." Cost is $50 for general admission, $10 for students and $45 with military ID. Registration prices vary by day. In addition to multiple vendors, books for participants have been donated by the following vendors: Shadow Mountain Publishing, Simon & Schuster, Baen Books, Tor Publishing, The Kings English Bookshop, Pioneer Book, and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Visit fyrecon.com to register. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Advertisement By WestKyStar & Friends of McCracken Co. Library Jun. 01, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By WestKyStar & Friends of McCracken Co. Library Jun. 01, 2017 | 08:31 AM | PADUCAH, KY The Friends of the McCracken County Public Library will commemorate 25 years of service to the Library and community during its annual membership meeting at 9:30 am on Monday, June 5 in the Librarys meeting room. The celebration will include drawings for door prizes, recognition of past and present Friends of the Library leadership, and a guest speaker, Library Director Susan P. Baier. Current Friends members will be presented book bags as a token of appreciation. Homebound and Outreach Services Librarian Cathy Edwards will be honored for receiving the Kentucky Public Library Associations 2017 James Harrison Award for Outstanding Bookmobile/Outreach services. The membership meeting will also involve initial plans for the 2017 Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale at St. Paul Lutheran Church. This years book sale will fall on Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22. For more information about the Friends of the Library, contact President Paula Franklin at 270-331-3970 or visit the Librarys website at www.mclib.net/friends . Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | 09:36 PM | BENTON, KY A two vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon in Marshall County claimed a man's life. Kentucky State Police say the crash happened around 4 pm at the intersection of Highway 641 and Church Grove Road, near Benton. Troopers said 29-year-old Tommy Redell of Calvert City was attempting to cross Highway 641 from Church Grove Road. At the same time, a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Harold M. Thomas of Hardin was traveling south, approaching the Church Grove Road intersection. Troopers said Redell failed to yield the right of way to Thomas and the vehicles collided in the intersection. Thomas was transported by ambulance to Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Redell was pronounced dead by the Marshall County Coroner's Office. Troopers said alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the collision and both drivers are believed to have been wearing their seatbelts. Everyone agrees that Iran resorts to the utmost violence in the region and directs high-level sectarian wars. There is a mass movement against the Iranian regime in the region. This regime will only be contained through pressure imposed by the regional coalition. We must take advantage of this collective policy against the Iranian regime since without such a measure Iran will not be influenced and will not retreat from its position. This regime is killing the people of Yemen, is in war against the people of Iraq and Syria. This policy of taking on Iran as a single party has failed. This regime will not be impacted through such a practice. Iran seeks to portray its image as Islamic and a friend of the Arab nations. However, it uses all its killings and violence against the Arabs. Iran has launched sectarian wars against all Muslims, including Arabs. By The Associated Press May. 30, 2017 | 06:40 AM | PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, a onetime U.S. ally who was ousted as Panama's dictator by an American invasion in 1989, died late Monday at age 83. Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela wrote in his Twitter account that "the death of Manuel A. Noriega closes a chapter in our history." Varela added, "His daughters and his relatives deserve to mourn in peace." Noriega ruled with an iron fist, ordering the deaths of those who opposed him and maintaining a murky, close and conflictive relationship with the United States. At the apex of his power he wielded great influence outside the country as well thanks to longstanding relationships with spy agencies around the world, said R.M. Koster, an American novelist and biographer of Noriega who has lived in Panama for decades. After his downfall, Noriega served a 17-year drug sentence in the United States, then was sent to face charges in France. He spent all but the last few months of his final years in a Panamanian prison for murder of political opponents during his 1983-89 regime. JULY 19TH: ONE OF THE MOST TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT HENDERSON COUNTY HISTORY: COMMEMORATION SET FOR PIEDMONT FLIGHT 22 CRASH ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MID-AIR COLLISION AND CRASH 11:30AM IN FRONT OF THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE ON JULY 19TH 82 DIED IN THE COLLISION AND CRASH THAT GRANITE MARKER COMMEMORATING THE CRASH AND EACH OF THE VICTIMS STANDS ABOUT 100 YARDS WEST OF SITE OF THE CRASH IN THE PARKING LOT OF UNITED FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AT 101 JACK STREET IN HENDERSONVILLE Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Crash of Piedmont Airlines Flight 22 July 19, 2017 Hendersonville, NCOn July 19, 1967 at 12:01pm Piedmont Airlines Flight 22, a Boeing 727, and a Cessna 310 were involved in a midair collision over Hendersonville, NC. All occupants of Flight 22, including 74 passengers and five crew members, along with the three occupants of the Cessna were killed. The Cessna disintegrated in the air and the Boeing 727 crashed in a wooded area between Interstate 26 and Camp Pinewood. Hundreds of people witnessed the collision and crash. The rescue squad, county fire departments, police, sheriffs deputies and medical personnel responded immediately. The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes and Rescue Squad members began the grim task of searching the dense smoke-filled woods for survivors. It quickly became apparent that there were none. The Henderson County Rescue Squad let the recovery efforts with assistance from over 400 volunteers from throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. It was through the first responders sacrifice and dedication to service that Henderson County was able to recover. Federal officials gave high praise to the responding Fire and Law Enforcement departments and the Rescue Squad for their organization and professionalism. The Henderson County Rescue Squad received commendations from the US Senate, Piedmont Airlines, the US Department of Transportation and the Governor for the Volunteers bravery during the disaster. The Henderson County Heritage Museum, in conjunction with the Henderson County Rescue Squad, will conduct a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the crash on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 11:30am in front of the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hendersonville. The public is invited to attend this free event. Speakers will honor the 82 lives lost in the crash and also honor the emergency response from Henderson County and Western North Carolina. Paul Houle, author of The Crash of Piedmont Airlines Flight 22: Completing the Record of the 1967 Midair Collision near Hendersonville, North Carolina, will also speak about the crash and the improvements made in airline safety as a result. There will also be a display of historic photos from the event, video accounts from eye witnesses and a piece of fused metal from the crash. According to Mark Shepherd, Captain, Henderson County Rescue Squad, This was one of the largest disasters ever to hit Western North Carolina. It also caused one of the largest emergency responses in area history. The following historical photographs are available from the Associated Press per your editorial agreement: 670719020 & 6707190309. Henderson County Heritage Museum The Henderson County Heritage Museum, found within the Henderson County Historic Courthouse, seeks to preserve history and a sense of place. Consisting of six rooms, approximately 2000 square feet, the Museum spaces are designed for flexibility, capability, and versatility. This Museum collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits a collection of historical and cultural artifacts. This Museum promotes appreciation for the people who have created and developed this county. The Heritage Museum partners with other organizations that focus on history and community and provides services, upon request, to groups and individuals. The Heritage Museum is open Wed-Sat 10-5 and Sun 1-5. Admission is free. The big news emanating from Spain this morning is that Atletico Madrid have had their transfer ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Back in January of last year, Atleti (along with rivals Real Madrid) were banned from signing players for two consecutive transfer windows for breaching FIFA regulations over the registration of minors. The club appealed, but CAS have today stuck by their original decision, leaving Diego Simeones side unable to sign anybody until January of 2018. El TAS mantiene la prohibicion de inscribir jugadores hasta el 1 de enero de 2018 https://t.co/LyjTGyQ1Ah Atletico de Madrid (@Atleti) June 1, 2017 Technically, Atletico can still sign as many players as they want, they just cant register them to play in competitive, FIFA-recognised matches until the January transfer window opens. In a defiant statement released via their official website, Los Rojiblancos barked: This ruling is unfair and causes an irreparable damage to our club. We wish to reiterate that we have been sanctioned despite our strict compliance with Spanish legislation. We are totally confident in our current squad, with which we qualified for the Champions League for the fifth consecutive year and with which we have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. We have the commitment of players and staff to continue competing at the same level next season despite this decision that obviously harms us. Together, the team, the club and the fans, we will continue fighting for our goals. Cor blimey. Its like it was written by Diego Simeone himself. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Winnipeg Food Truck wfp.to/foodtruck17 Slowly, but surely Winnipeg is starting to look like a city with a bit of a food-truck culture. Mind you, nobody is going to mistake Broadway with the food-truck heavy downtown in Austin, but even a few years ago there were extremely limited options when it came to eating anywhere but at a restaurant. We still dont have the critical mass to be called a food-truck city, but we are seeing more adventurous menus being offered to Winnipeggers who are desperate to make the most out of every moment outside this summer. Back with its annual food-truck guide, Peg City Grub has done most of the hard work by offering up a quick description of selected food trucks, links to appropriate social-media channels and a quick note on the trucks current location. In many cities, trucks are on the move every day, but that doesnt really happen here so its always a good idea to check before heading out for your favourite food-truck dish. Some of the trucks in the guide this year are Vice/Munchies approved Hot Rods Filipino Grill, the farm-to-table Little Truck on the Prairie, John Hughes themed PVGs Breakfast Club, which serves up fancy grilled cheese sandwiches and breakfast, and newcomer Tamale Time, whose Salvadoran menu of pupusas and tamales will be hitting the road in late May. 90+ Celebrities You Should Be Following on Snapchat Jason Halstead / Winnipeg Free Press Files Crowds line up for food trucks on Broadway. wfp.to/popsugar90 While you might not want to Snapchat your day in real time, the app also gives you an insiders look at many celebrities lives (at least what they want to show you). Snapchat doesnt make it easy to find people using the service, so Pop Sugar has identified more than 90 celebrity accounts you need to follow. Video of the Week: Katy Perry Bon Appetit (Official) ft. Migos wfp.to/katyperry Red-hot Atlanta trio Migos shows up in Katy Perrys latest over-the-top video for her single, Bon Appetit. Riding the line between soft club tracks and top-40 radio (there isnt much of a difference anymore), Perrys cut is deep with sexual innuendo, so it isnt a surprise when Migos slides into the track at the breakdown to deliver its instantly now-recognizable flows. Draped in the latest designer fashion and swag that costs more than most peoples houses, the southern crew is at the bleeding edge of fashion, culture and music right now, so its both artistically and financially smart for Perry to have the trio guest on her track. youtube Track of the Week: Future Mask Off (Kendrick Lamar remix) wfp.to/maskoffremix Laced over a Metro Boomin flute-centric melody and tight drums, man of the moment Kendrick Lamar jumped on a remix of Futures Mask Off that debuted last week on New Yorks influential Hot 95. Tracing Futures rags-to-riches story, fans seem split whether Lamars distinct flow and wordplay fits with the vibe Future created on the track. Previously the duo collaborated on Buy the World from Mike WiLL Made-Its 2014 mixtape Ransom and on a remix from 2013. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After hinting for months that subsidies for chiropractic services could be cut, the Progressive Conservative government has gone ahead and slashed funding by $4.8 million. The Manitoba Chiropractors Association informed its members of the cuts, which will see provincial funding capped at a maximum of seven visits annually instead of 12, in a hastily convened meeting Wednesday night. Although the news wasnt exactly a surprise, spokesman Dr. Greg Stewart said the association is worried the cuts will disproportionately hurt seniors, working Manitobans, and low-income residents. There are currently more than 280 chiropractors working in Manitoba. Fotolia/TNS The Manitoba Chiropractors Association is worried the cuts will disproportionately hurt seniors, working Manitobans, and low-income residents. Were concerned about having these patients actually being driven into more expensive care, specifically emergency rooms, he said. In March, the provincial government indicated it might cut chiropractic funding in an attempt to tackle a massive budget deficit. In 2016, the government spent almost $12 million on the service as part of a five-year funding agreement signed by the former NDP government and set to last until March 31, 2020. The decision to cut would have been in keeping with other provincial governments as Manitoba is the only one across Canada that offers broad coverage for chiropractic patients. On one hand, we can safely say this is a problem of access, said Stewart. On the other hand, we do applaud the government for continuing to see value in support of funding for chiropractic care. Under the new provincial decision, chiropractors would bill the province $8.20 per patient visit starting immediately, down from $12.30. However, that amount would go up to $10 on April 1, 2018. Despite the cuts, Stewart said the association still anticipates the majority of Manitobans will be able to access the care they need. The associations studies show 75 per cent of patients are treated in seven visits or less, meaning the funding cut from 12 visits to seven likely wont be an issue for many patients. A spokesperson for Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen declined to comment Thursday, citing Manitobas Election Financing Act, which restricts what government officials can and cant say during a byelection period. jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/05/2017 (1989 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Lake St. Martin First Nation was expected to celebrate another milestone today, with the planned arrival of the first of nearly 200 new pre-fab homes for the flood-ravaged Interlake community. Matix Lumber Inc., a local building supply company that also specializes in building homes and commercial buildings for northern and remote communities, is building 190 homes for the Ojibway community, whose land and homes were badly damaged during the 2011 flood. With the first home now ready to be delivered, the company invited Lake St. Martin residents, band officials and federal and provincial government representatives to a 9 a.m. event at its Headingley lumber yard to celebrate the first home leaving the business. Supplied The Matix lumber yard and some of the homes in various stages of construction that will be moved to Lake St. Martin. Matix spokesperson Sue Matic said Wednesday the three-bedroom house is being moved to Lake St. Martin on a flatbed trailer and was expected to arrive by late afternoon. It takes about five hours, she noted, adding crews will work until the next morning to place the home on its foundation. Beginning Monday, two homes are expected to be delivered each week. Matic said the company made a commitment to deliver all 190 homes by Nov. 30 and it intends to keep that promise. These people have been waiting six years to go home so we are going to be on time. This community is going home. She admitted it wont be easy completing that many homes in such a relatively short period of time. Its a lot of hard work. Were all here 14 or 15 hours per day making sure this project runs smoothly, she said. But its within our wheelhouse. Thats why we got the job, Im sure. She said Matix beat out at least 10 other competitors for the Lake St. Martin contract, and landing it was a real coup for the five-year-old firm. I think this is the first time anybody has built 190 (ready-to-move) homes for one community. Its kind of a unique situation, I think, and I dont know that it will happen often or again. She likened their home-building operation to a production line, with dozens of homes in various stages of construction in their lumber yard at any given time. Theyre completed and theyre moved the next day. Theyre never completed and then left sitting and waiting (to be delivered). Sixty Lake St. Martin residents are also helping with the construction of the homes. Every single trade has a community member learning from them and contributing, Matic said. Mike Deal / winnipeg free press files Residents of Lake St. Martin First Nation were forced to flee in 2011 because of severe flooding. By fall, the community will finally have a place and houses to call home. We also have a couple of lead carpenters from Lake St. Martin who are doing a lot of the framing (work). She said the residents not only get to learn and/or practise new skills, they also get to help rebuild their community. There is a lot of pride, she added. They know who theyre building these houses for, and theyre helping to move their people home. Lake St. Martin Chief Adrian Sinclair could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The homes will all be move-in ready, and include models with three to five bedrooms. Matic said families got to select their own floor plan, interior finishes and and any special features, such as wheelchair ramps or grab bars in the washrooms. We worked very closely with the community to make sure the community is getting the homes they need, she said. Whatever the requirements are for them to be able to live comfortably in these homes. Matic said her father, Tony, and her brother, Michael, are also heavily involved in the company. In addition to building ready-to-move homes, Matix has built a variety of commercial buildings such as convenience stores, gas bars and band offices for northern communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. Its been an interesting five years, Matic said, noting the company started out with a staff of five and now employs more than 150 people. murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. For much of the past year, journalists, political commentators and opposition MLAs have castigated Premier Brian Pallister for the amount of time he spends at his vacation home in Costa Rica. There have been concerns about the duration and frequency of his visits and whether the premier is able to maintain meaningful contact with his office while in Central America. Pallister has responded in part by dialing back the number of trips he takes. However, in recent weeks it has been apparent this premier desperately needs some time off. In fact, for the sake of his government and his own state of mind, it might be best for all involved if he took a time out. And he might as well do that somewhere he will be guaranteed peace and quiet, such as Costa Rica. Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun Files Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister dialed back the number of trips he takes to Costa Rica following backlash. In the last month or so, whenever he is under attack by the NDP, Pallister has developed a tendency to blow his top. Longtime friends and associates liken the sudden flashes of anger to the way he competed during his storied career as a fastball pitcher: if a hitter did something to make him angry, he threw the next pitch high and inside. These days, the premiers anger is being sparked by opposition taunts regarding Costa Rica. But other issues have been effective at getting the premiers goat, such as outrage over his governments decision to cut funding to the North Point Douglas Womens Centre. When it was learned last week the womens centre was going to lose $120,000 acquired through the Neighbourhoods Alive program, the sparks began to fly. The NDP did not hold back, accusing the premier of being anti-woman, anti-indigenous and all-around anti-Point Douglas. In response, Pallister unleashed a torrent of anti-NDP rhetoric in what appeared to be a deliberate effort to divert attention away from the issue at hand. In several instances, most involving exchanges with New Democrat MLA Nahanni Fontaine, Pallister completely lost his cool. It was the same situation a couple of weeks back, when Pallister got into it with New Democrat MLA Andrew Swan over his apparent lack of contact with the office while he was in Costa Rica. Militant Tories may easily dismiss the opposition antics and likely love Pallisters willingness to mix it up, but its important to remember a lack of composure is never a positive attribute for a politician. The reality is the time you spend insulting your political enemies is time youre not actually explaining your side of the argument. The womens centre funding is an excellent case in point. It has proven extremely difficult to get a straight answer from the Tory government on exactly what happened. In debate, neither the premier nor his ministers have provided an adequate explanation other than accusing the NDP of deliberately misrepresenting the situation. We do know the womens centre was told earlier this year its Neighbourhoods Alive funding had run out and was not being renewed. Moreover, the centre was told it could not reapply. That is unusual in and of itself given many organizations do reapply and expect to get the money. The province announced last fall it was taking a pause on new applications for funding under this program. That does not explain why existing recipients such as the womens centre werent allowed to reapply. It all raises questions about whether Neighbourhoods Alive is being curtailed, wound down or whether this one organization was being singled out for some political reason. Further complicating matters is an announcement made in March that the province was providing $7.5 million in new funding for community resources such as the womens centre. A provincial spokeswoman said the womens centre will receive nearly $240,000 over three years from this new stream of funding, along with support from other unaffected streams of funding. If the womens centre found out in February it wouldnt be receiving Neighbourhoods Alive money, why did it take so long for the issue to be raised by the NDP? It could be that this is just an attempt to disrupt the byelection campaign and tilt the playing field to the NDP, which is desperate to retain the seat. On the other hand, if there is nothing nefarious in this decision, then why has it been so difficult for the Tory government to explain its rationale for not allowing the womens centre to reapply and confirm the future of Neighbourhoods Alive? Pallisters refusal or inability to effectively explain this decision, and his insistence instead of blowing his lid, created an opportunity for the opposition to make political hay. And hay they have made. The premier should not be surprised about any of the NDPs tactics because, before forming government, he was as good as any opposition leader at summoning mock outrage and crocodile tears to score political points. What he may not know quite as well is that the antidote to opposition chicanery is not bombast and petulance. Only clear and unambiguous facts, delivered in a calm and reasoned tone, can defuse opposition efforts to manufacture a controversy. Pallisters current tribulations remind us not everybody is cut out to be a political leader. The hours are long, and the stress is relentless. Political leaders must toil in a forum where the insipid, silly and obtuse often thrive. In other words, its not a job for someone with a lack of self-control. The most successful political leaders almost universally demonstrate a capacity for maintaining their cool when all others around them are losing theirs. After 13 months on the job, Pallister needs to be reminded keeping his cool is an essential part of the job. Perhaps a bit of time poolside in Costa Rica will help him keep his cool on a more consistent basis. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba could face a nursing shortage before long, the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union warned Thursday. Sandi Mowat said a report released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information is cause for concern and that the province is well overdue for health human resource planning According to the data, the number of nurses with active licences in Canada grew just 1.3 per cent in 2016, the second slowest year since CIHI began tracking in 2002. In Manitoba, that growth was even slower at just 0.8 per cent. In the last decade, the number of regulated nurses in the province has grown by nearly 14 per cent compared to a national increase of about 18 per cent. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Executive director of the Manitoba College of Nursing Katherine Stansfield Im very concerned that the actual labour market is not going to keep pace with whats required for nurses in the future, Mowat said. More than a quarter of the provinces nurses are more than 55 years old, she said, meaning impending retirements coupled with slow growth could leave a gap. However, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba doesnt appear to share Mowats concerns, focusing instead on what its executive director sees as the reports positives. Whats really encouraging about this data is that the inflow is bigger than the outflow, Katherine Stansfield said, We still continue to attract more nurses to Manitoba. Last year, more than 1,000 nurses registered in Manitoba, while just 916 let their provincial registration lapse. While the growth has slowed, Stansfield said she thinks its significant that the number of Manitoba nurses under the age of 35 is almost the same as the number older than 55. We think thats a strong sign of the sustainability of the profession, she said. When we look at our Manitoba data we really do see kind of a stable picture. There are several factors that impact growth, according to Andrea Porter, a health workforce information manager with CIHI. Chief among them is how many people are graduating with nursing degrees and how many of those graduates will write the exam to obtain a licence. Its important to track the nursing force, Porter said, because regulated nurses make up half of the countrys health-care workforce, and that has a huge impact on how Canadians are able to access health services. And while the number of nurses is growing faster than the general population, it is not growing as fast as the rest of the health-care workforce. So, Porter said, we are seeing this slowdown. By Mowats recollection, it has been more than a decade since a health human resource meeting took place in Manitoba and the province attempted to figure out its short- and long-term nurse staffing needs. Its time for another, she said. After all, the Canadian Nurses Association estimates the country will be short 60,000 nurses by 2022. Already in Manitoba, Mowat said, We do have a little bit of a nursing shortage. jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The federal governments in Canada and the U.S. need to start directly spelling out deterrents to potential asylum seekers, Premier Brian Pallister said Wednesday. Go to the Somali community in Minneapolis and speak about the dangers, he told reporters. The reports are very, very tragic that a 57-year-old woman died trying to get into Manitoba, Pallister said, and repeated what hes been saying for months: Ottawa is failing to act and is not taking a national approach to deal with the issue. We have to ensure something like this doesnt occur again. This is not a Manitoba-only problem, Pallister said. Its not only illegal, but is endangering the people who engage in it, he added. Ive communicated repeatedly to the federal government. I would have hoped some action would have ensued long before now. Pallister said he sees no evidence Ottawa has tried to work with the U.S. on the issue. Asked if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should personally ask U.S. President Donald Trump to change his policies toward immigrants and refugees, Pallister replied, Absolutely. The premier said about 620 asylum seekers have crossed into Manitoba since Jan. 1, triple the previous high in any year. Theres a continued flow, he said. Pallister said Manitobans feel conflicted over the asylum seekers. We are the home of hope, he said, but, We dont want to see people placed at risk. Those would-be immigrants who have waited years to try to be accepted into Manitoba feel betrayed by asylum seekers, three-quarters of whom stay in Manitoba, he said. The fair thing to do is to use the system that has been set up for refugees, the premier said. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. When we visit the dentists office, the individuals working there are not all dentists. The reasons for this are obvious: we want to free up the professionals so they can focus on providing the services only they can perform. In our police forces, on the other hand, trained and qualified police officers are required to perform tasks that have nothing to do with their essential duties chores for which their expertise is not at all required, from routine administration to non-essential procedures. Can we really afford such a mismatch between duties and qualifications in our police services? Governments are constantly reviewing their spending. Most public entities, including municipalities that deliver policing services, have seen their budgets shrink. At the same time, we are seeing a reverse trend for our police service costs, even while crime rates are declining. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES A recent study forecast an increase in policing costs in Canada of 61 per cent per capita between 2011 and 2025. In fact, the authors of The Economics of Canadian Policing: Five Years Into The Great Recession, are even projecting an increase in policing costs in Canada of 61 per cent per capita between 2011 and 2025. Labour costs are skyrocketing and can account for up to 90 per cent of police budgets. This growth rate is clearly unsustainable. We need to think differently and review how we deliver police services, while keeping the safety of Canadians at the heart of our concerns. Currently, police officers perform support functions that could easily be carried out by other people, including private security guards. Consider detention services and transportation, or the waste represented by having a police officer direct traffic or carry out administrative support tasks. Let us be clear: outsourcing police support services does not mean security guards performing work that requires full policing power. Instead, having other people, including security guards, perform support duties allows police officers to focus on their core duties, and therefore, better protect the public. It makes far more sense to have them use their specialized skills in the areas that are most important to our citizens, instead of tying them up in administrative duties. Canadas private security industry is mature enough to perform police support functions. The sector is subject to strict regulations that have professionalized it over the past few years, and there are now more than 140,000 licensed guards available and willing to help. Credible monitoring organizations have been implemented, ensuring that this sector performs professionally. In his note on January 2015, Mathieu Bedard of the Montreal Economic Institute demonstrated that outsourcing auxiliary tasks to the private sector could generate substantial savings in some cases exceeding 50 per cent. Police services in Lincolnshire, U.K., provide a good example. Outsourcing non-core duties to private security guards has led to a 20 per cent decrease in operating costs and a 14 per cent decrease in the countys crime rate. The reason is simple: by outsourcing non-essential duties, police officers can concentrate on core duties, such as keeping the public safe and investigating crime. To get similar results here, we need to thoroughly review tasks and duties to clearly identify what can be turned over to others. We need to approach this collectively authorities, unions and industry leaders. Next, it is important to introduce a competitive bidding process that is based on well-defined objectives that are clearly communicated to the industry. This will allow for optimal resource management: agility, flexibility and compliance with key performance indicators. The result? Our trained and qualified police officers will be focused on performing work for which they are uniquely qualified, supported by security officers and guards. This will lead to an increased efficiency and quality of services, better cost control and more motivated police forces. It is time for governments to take a fresh look at how to provide the best possible police services at a cost that taxpayers can afford. The government of Ontario has already said it wants to review its legislation. Lets hope this initiative spreads across the country. On this topic, a world-class conference on security will be hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on May 31 and June 1, 2017, in Ottawa, titled New Era of Public Safety and Security: Innovating the Service Delivery Model. This will be an informed discussion on how to keep our policing services sustainable and on the opportunity to have the private sector assist with police support services. This security-oriented event will be a first of its kind in Canada, and could help develop new policies to provide better security at an affordable cost. Perrin Beatty, a former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister, is now CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Christian Paradis is a senior vice-president at Garda World, a privately owned security service provider. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. At the recent G7 Summit in Sicily, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a 30-minute pull aside with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss issues on the Canada-U.S. agenda. And there is certainly no shortage of trade irritants to exchange notes on. We talked about how the positive relationship between Canada and the United States is one that we have to enhance and strengthen for the benefit of both of our citizens, he said plainly. But as the more dependent partner in this key bilateral relationship, what else could he say? The critical challenge for any Canadian prime minister is crafting the right approach for managing our political and economic relations with our most important ally. As former deputy prime minister John Manley once quipped, You cant get too close to the United States. But you cant get too far from them, either. JONATHAN ERNST / POOL / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 summit in Taormina, Italy. It is most assuredly not an easy tightrope to walk diplomatically. Any prime minister wants to establish a good working relationship and personal rapport with the U.S. president irrespective of party, policy and personality differences. Yet he or she needs to be cognizant of the fact that Canadians dont want their prime minister to fold like a cheap suit when confronting a U.S. president. As Trudeau himself remarked to reporters, Im not going to lecture another country on what they should do, nor would I have my positions determined by anyone outside of Canada. OK. But how exactly does that play out in terms of Canada-U.S. relations? Pierre Elliott Trudeau tended to take a harder line mostly behind closed doors with respect to U.S. presidents such as Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. But he was careful not to criticize them in public or to pick fights with them at international gatherings such as the G7, NATO or even at the United Nations. Former prime minister Brian Mulroney was a huge fan of telephone diplomacy with U.S. presidents and building a strong personal bond between the two leaders. It wasnt always successful, but he did manage to make gains in terms of Arctic sovereignty (and nuclear-powered submarines), acid rain and continental free trade. The problem came when Mulroney pushed the friendship envelope too far as he did at the March 1985 Shamrock Summit in Quebec City, when he and president Reagan were seen arm-in-arm and singing together When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Needless to say, Canadians were not impressed with this buddy-buddy approach. They surmised, rightly or wrongly, that Mulroney would not be able to stand up to Reagan and thus would sell out Canadian interests in order to stay in the good graces of the Reagan White House. The point was clear: Canadians are deeply uncomfortable with the notion of a Canadian prime minister being too cosy with a U.S. president. Former prime minister Jean Chretien took a slightly different approach than Mulroney to bilateral relations. He said that his relationship with the U.S. would be cordial and respectful, more businesslike, and that it would be friendly without being friends. He made a point of saying that, unlike Mulroney, he wouldnt call the U.S. president by his first name. Chretien was successful in getting U.S. president Bill Clinton to negotiate a softwood lumber deal, an airlines Open Skies agreement, some moderation in U.S. policy toward Cuba and a commitment to speak forcefully about the need for a united Canada before the 1995 Quebec referendum. However, his relationship with president George W. Bush was said to be strained beyond repair and thus the bilateral agenda effectively stalled. So with the tricky NAFTA renegotiations set to resume, and with a raft of potential trade landmines scattered about, Trudeau will be severely tested in the coming months. He must be careful, first and foremost, that he doesnt come across as ingratiating or, even worse, sycophantic. He may have to find some middle ground between the Mulroney and Chretien approaches while staying clear of his fathers tougher line. But there is no how to book on the shelf that can pinpoint a strategy or style that can guarantee success for Canada. What is for sure, though, is that Trudeau does not want to be perceived as weak or vacillating, caving in to U.S. pressure or doing Trumps bidding. To have that perception firmly cemented in the minds of Canadians over the next two years would certainly cost him the 2019 federal election. Peter McKenna is professor and chair of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/05/2017 (1989 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The looming arrival of Uber and other ride-booking services in Manitoba can be described as many things. Welcome and a necessary alternative and about bloody time would probably be among the sentiments expressed by those who believe Uber and its like are exactly what this provinces ride-for-hire clientele needs. On the other hand, defenders of and direct stakeholders in the existing taxicab industry are likely more inclined to view Ubers almost-inevitable intrusion as unfair and unwanted and unjustified. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Independent MLA Mohinder Saran. And in the course of debating the ride-booking concept that has already taken hold in many cities across Canada and around the world, each of those descriptions could be employed with at least some level of justification. But heres one thing the Uber-arrival imbroglio most certainly is not: Racist. That, however, was the preposterous charge levelled by independent MLA Mohinder Saran this week during the estimates hearings of Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke. In reference to the Pallister governments introduction of the Local Vehicles for Hire Act (Bill 30), which would dissolve the Manitoba Taxicab Board and transfer its responsibilities to individual municipalities, Mr. Saran said the legislation, which would increase the likelihood of Ubers arrival in Manitoba, amounts to discrimination against the South Asian community, whose members control about 90 per cent of the local taxicab business. In remarks published in Manitoba Hansard, Mr. Saran said, This is totally unfair for the owners, especially. Ninety per cent of (those) people are East Indian. Its discrimination on the East Indian, and we will fight up to tooth and nail, and we would not let it happen does not matter if we have to go on hunger strike, well do it. There are coincidental facts at play here. The potential arrival of Uber, as well as ride-booking competitors such as Lyft, will have a profound impact on the traditional taxicab industry in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. And the local taxicab business is driven by a predominantly South Asian population that would be adversely affected by increased competition. But thats as far as it goes. Ubers presence (or absence) in this market has no more to do with race than it does in the hundreds of cities from Amarillo to Toronto to Melbourne to Minsk that it already serves. Ride-booking services represent an efficient, increasingly popular and routinely controversial business model that has overturned traditional thinking, skirted regulatory enforcement and preyed ruthlessly on old-school taxicab industries that remain bound by long-established legislation. Rather than being an expression of ethnic discrimination, the governments inclination to allow Uber on our streets is a reaction to public demand inspired by years of frustratingly inconsistent service from the traditional taxicab sector. That its arrival in Manitoba might also deliver a well-aimed poke at a cultural group that has consistently supported the NDP could only be viewed as an unintended bonus for our uber-competitive premier. Uber and its smartphone-era contemporaries are very, very bad news for the taxicab sector. Their arrival has been fought, some would even say tooth and nail, in every locale in which theyve sought to do business. And the battle to block Uber in Manitoba, as ill-fated as it is surely destined to be, has only begun. Its a fight that will be loud and nasty and will produce many casualties. But to suggest the Uber invasion is motivated by anything other than pure profit motive is ill-considered, ill-tempered and unnecessarily inflammatory. Mr. Sarans questionable judgment continues. He should retract his racism charge. Winona County SWCD welcomes Sara Rother to the district for a summer-long apprenticeship position. She will work alongside staff on projects such as Aquatic Invasive Species monitoring in trout streams, installing informational signs at boat launches, and designing agricultural best management practices (BMPs). Rother was hired through the Conservation Apprenticeship Academy, a program of Conservation Corps Minnesota that has placed 33 apprentices in SWCDs throughout Minnesota to learn hands-on skills in managing soil and water resources. She will work out of the Winona County SWCD office in Lewiston through mid-August. [May 31, 2017] Global Menopausal Hot Flashes Market: Top Drivers and Forecasts by Technavio Technavio market research analysts forecast the global menopausal hot flashes market to grow at a CAGR of close to 3% 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/20170531006242/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global menopausal hot flashes market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) The market study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global menopause hot flash market for 2017-2021. The widely-offered treatments include selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), HRT, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). 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 menopausal hot flashes market: Change in lifestyle Rise in disposable income Growing awareness about hygiene Change in lifestyle In recent years, there has been a significant change in the lifestyles of people characterized by unhealthy food habits, consumption of alcohol, and smoking. Smoking has antiestrogen effects in women that can contribute to early menopause. Several studies suggest that women who smoke may start menopause a year or two earlier than women who do not smoke. Women who lead a sedentary life seem to suffer more from hot flashes. "Increasing stress levels may lead to a hormonal imbalance in women. A decline in the hormonal levels can lea to early menopause. Thus, with an increase in the number of menopausal symptoms due to lifestyle changes globally, the demand for menopausal solutions in the market will increase," says Amber Chourasia, a lead analyst at Technavio for health and wellness research. Rise in disposable income The disposable income is increasing globally, especially at a fast rate in some countries on the Pacific Rim, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. In 2015, more than 57% of the women were working in the US, creating a financial boost in the overall household income. This enables consumers to spend more on women's health solutions. Furthermore, financial opportunities for women in urban areas have resulted in the shift from rural to urban areas. This significantly brings in a change in lifestyle with an increase in spending on menopausal solutions bought through online and retail outlets. Therefore, an increase in awareness among people about the availability of solutions for vasomotor symptoms in the market along with a rise in disposable income leads to growth in the sales of menopausal products, which can boost the opportunities for manufacturers during the forecast period. Growing awareness about hygiene There is a notable rise in awareness about health and hygiene among women compared with the last decade. Due to increasing globalization and awareness of healthy living, the women's health segment has witnessed substantial growth globally. The increase in awareness can be attributed to several factors such as an increase in education among the female population along with a rise in the number of working women that has led to increased awareness of women's health products and treatments, such as HRT. In South America, the demand for hot flashes solutions has been observed across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The trend can be attributed to an ever-increasing number of working women population and the growing preference for hygiene and convenience products, which are fueling the demand for menopausal symptoms solutions in South America. "Factors such as an increase in the educated female population and the increase in the working female population have led to increased awareness of the benefits of menopausal solutions," says Amber. Browse Related Reports: Global Physiotherapy Market 2017-2021 Aesthetic Market in US 2017-2021 Global Sports Supplement 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 outdoor gear, lab equipment, and agricultural equipment. 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 Technavio is 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 [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170531006242/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Buffalo County Board of Supervisors supported a plan to use state grant funds to employ two positions in a new community justice services (CJS) program. Buffalo and Pepin counties share a circuit court judge and received a $112,000 grant from the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice to provide alternative treatment services to offenders. The state justice department recommended that Buffalo and Pepin counties hire two people to work with offenders a program coordinator and case manager. The county board said budgeting projections carried sufficient funds to hire a case manager to work 62.5 percent of full-time. The case manager would be supervised by the CJS coordinator. The two counties have an oversight panel called Buffalo and Pepin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee. The Pepin County Law Enforcement Committee and Buffalo County Finance Committee also are involved in program budgeting decisions. In other business, the county board reappointed Wendy Kleinschmidt, Linda Smith, Elden Schlesser and Joette Gillett to the county health, human services and veterans committee. John Kriesel, chairman of the committee, described the appointments as good, solid and valuable members of the committee. A financial technology company ranked Buffalo County first among the top 10 counties in Wisconsin in best overall value index. Minnesotans working in Wisconsin will get both short- and long-term tax relief from work done by the 2017 Legislature. For tax year 2017, Minnesota residents working in Wisconsin will be eligible for an income tax reciprocity tax credit, furthermore, provisions in the 2017 tax bill direct the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue to resume negotiations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for a new tax reciprocity agreement. The predicted cost of the tax credit would be about $8 million for the 2017 tax year. It will be paid from the states general fund and be distributed by the Department of Revenue much like a tax refund. Around 80,000 workers travel between the states about 56,000 are Wisconsin residents working in Minnesota and 24,000 Minnesotans who work in Wisconsin. Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, introduced the Senate bill to return to negotiations with Wisconsin. Miller said that a reciprocity agreement between the states would resolve issues created by filing multiple tax returns, as well as the states differing tax rates. Thats one of the biggest frustrations I hear, Miller said. Miller also said he thinks they have removed the main stumbling block in the negotiations. The process has been a long and frustrating one, beginning when former Gov. Tim Pawlenty ended reciprocity with Wisconsin in 2009, following years of haggling over payments and timing. Wisconsin had been late with payments for taxes prior to Pawlenty canceling the arrangement, and since that time they have been unable to come to an agreement to reinstate the reciprocity arrangement. Wisconsin eased the tension in 2011 when it paid Minnesota $59.7 million. Wisconsin had made concessions, agreeing to pay Minnesota quarterly estimates instead of a settlement after tax season, and cooperated in studies released in 2013 of the numbers of residents crossing state lines for work and the revenue impact on both states. In 2015, the last year they tried to negotiate a new deal, a Minnesota demand for a $6 million payment to recoup what it projected as lost revenue in a new deal was a deal-breaker. According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue study in 2013, that $6 million was created when some Minnesota residents ended up paying higher taxes to the Minnesota. Minnesota has a limitation on the credit for taxes paid to other states, which Wisconsin doesnt have. Wisconsin, for its part, said at that time it should only be required to pay the amount of income taxes from Minnesota residents, which they estimated to be $69 million. Miller said now the Legislature has said it would fund the difference and there wouldnt be a requirement for it in a reciprocity agreement. Thats why Im more optimistic now than I have been in the past that the states can work out a new agreement, Miller said. The negotiations for a new reciprocity agreement havent started yet, Miller said, but they will have to move swiftly through the summer to complete it in time. In order for the proposed start time in for tax year 2018, they would have to come to some agreement by September or October of this year. Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, introduced the original House version of the tax credit in last years tax bill which did not become law. Davids said wasnt overly optimistic about the chances for a new arrangement with Wisconsin, and said if the two states arent able to come too an agreement Minnesota could make the tax credits permanent law. If we can do it, great, Davids said. If not (taxpayers) still get the relief they need. Wisconsin Department of Revenue deputy secretary Eileen ONeill said in a statement Thursday that they were encouraged by the Minnesotan Legislatures recent actions. ONeill said they looked forward to talking between the two states departments to see if there is a potential for a new agreement. Wisconsin supports reinstating reciprocity so people who live in one state and work in the other only need to file a return in their home state, ONeill wrote. Men are about three times more likely than women to wind up in the Buffalo County Jail. The 26-cell county jail in Alma had 493 bookings, all but 131 of them men, according to 2016 reports released by the county sheriffs department. Sheriff Michael Schmidtknecht said the county jail averaged 13 inmates daily in 2016, highs and lows ranging from an overcrowded 30 on a day last October and 5 as the lowest count. Buffalo County Board Chairman Douglas Kane asked for information about recidivism rates of people booked into jail. Schmidtknecht filed a report with the county board that said the sheriffs department emergency 911 and sheriffs dispatch center received over 46,000 calls last year. Calls included 2,079 emergency-911 calls and an average 127 phone calls received daily. More 911 calls were placed from cellular phones than landlines, 1,239 to 827. The dispatch center provides communication services to three police departments, six fire departments, three First Responder units and up to five ambulance services. The sheriffs department responded to 568 traffic accidents in 2016, three of them resulting in deaths. Schmidtknecht said the sheriffs department underspent its 2016 budget by $190,814. The department cost $2.43 million last year. The department received $131,754 in revenue from sources other than property tax, including $65,000 in state aids and grants. Future challenges over the next five years were listed in a report to the county board, including: Inmate costs for both healthcare and mental health issues. Staffing shortfalls in area of night patrol supervision and investigations. Retention of current members of sheriffs office. Impact if sentenced inmates were charged daily fees or jail processing fees. Keeping current with equipment technology. Working with new criminal justice services program. Increased investigation training, calls for service and officer safety. The sheriffs department management staff includes a sheriff, chief deputy, investigator, jail administrator, jail sergeant and administrative assistant. The department employs eight patrol deputies, Logan Olson, Mike Osmond, Ryan Howell, Jake Laehn, Sheyann Wieczorek, Nic Scholl, Joseph Bresette and Mitch Zastrow. Jail correction/911/radio communication officers include Beatrice Gleiter, Wes Weaver, Will Thomas, Kasondra Serum, Sadie Gunderson, Pauline Glentz, Ceil Novinski, Nick Huebner, Les Loewenhagen and Emily Walter. I just kept telling him, Youre not alone. Were here. What you did was total kindness. Youre such a beautiful man. Im sorry the world is so cruel. Those were the words of train rider Rachel Macy to fellow Portland, Ore., passenger Taliesin Namkai-Meche on Friday as he lay bleeding from a stab wound to the neck. He was one of three men whod been trying to prevent a belligerent passenger, Jeremy Christian, from verbally assaulting two young women, one black and the other wearing a hijab. He was screaming that he was a taxpayer, that colored people were ruining the city, and he had First Amendment rights, Macy told The Oregonian newspaper. One of Christians targets, 16-year-old Destinee Mangum, told CNN Christian had demanded she and her friend get out of his country and go back to Saudi Arabia and that we basically werent anything and that we should kill ourselves. But three white men stepped forward to protect them. Two of them were stabbed to death after Christian pulled out a knife. Namkai-Meche, a 23-year-old who graduated a year ago from college, was one. He had long, wavy blond hair, a beard and a bright smile. Rick Best 53, an Army veteran, city employee and father of four was the other. A 21-year-old, Micah Fletcher, was also stabbed but survived. The story inspires such conflicting emotions: On the one side, horror and outrage for the hatred against innocent bystanders and the violence toward those asking for civility. On the other side, gratitude and optimism for the love and protection the men showed the girls. We always talk of the need to not sit silent in the face of racist or sexist or homophobic attacks. But these men put their bodies between the victims and the abuser and paid with their lives. They were peacekeepers and bridge-builders with a very different view from Christians of what it means to be a white man. They obviously hadnt bought into the narrative gaining currency on alt-right websites that depicts white men as victims of multiculturalism and feminism, which has led to a surge of aggressive and intolerant behavior against minorities, including the death in Maryland of 23-year-old Army Lt. Richard Collins III, who was black. Police say Christian has no known history of mental health problems, suggesting that his motivation was pure hatred. Charged with multiple counts, including aggravated murder, the 35-year-old has been known to post pictures and messages on Facebook promoting white supremacy and degrading Jews, Muslims, women and transgender people. In a video, he appears at what was billed as a free speech march draped in the U.S. flag and giving a Nazi salute. He reportedly chanted the N-word at the march. Yet in a post, he threatens to hurt anyone who calls him a racist. He calls himself White and a Nationalist for Vinland, an apparent reference to a Viking settlement in Newfoundland resulting from a Leif Erikson expedition to North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus got here. Apparently obsessed with fascism and devoted to Christ, he posted, If Donald Trump is the Next Hitler then I am joining his SS with references to protecting Christianity. The Southern Poverty Law Center counts 972 active hate groups in America. It says anti-Muslim groups have increased nearly 200 percent since 2015, to 101. One of the two most influential, ACT for America, has successfully lobbied members of Congress to support bills on national security, the SPLC says. The Facebook group Alt-Reich Nation attacks African-Americans, Asians and other minorities. The 22-year old Maryland college student charged with stabbing Collins at a bus stop reportedly is a member. The FBI is investigating Sean Urbanskis actions as a hate crime. In response to the Portland killings, Trump tweeted they were unacceptable and that, the victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Thats a positive step, but he needs to do much more. He could start by examining his divisive campaign and policies. A U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on hate crimes earlier this month heard of a rapid increase in anti-Muslim crimes in particular. Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota and other Democrats suggested Trumps statements about Islam and association with the likes of chief White House strategist Stephen Bannon have emboldened racists and other bigots. Bannon is affiliated with the alt-right movement, which SPLC describes as a set of far-right ideologies, groups and individuals whose core belief is that white identity is under attack by multicultural forces. It blames feminism for undermining men. Bannon advocated for Trumps ban on refugees and on visitors from seven Muslim-majority countries, now on hold by the courts. Now he could be given a key role in a White House war room Trump is said to be planning to contain the Russia crisis. Its not hard to see how these extremist philosophies find their way into laws. The Texas Legislature passed a bill allowing adoption agencies to bar prospective parents who are gay, single or of a religion they find objectionable, but the session ended before it was signed into law. But instead of feeling helpless, lets remember the courage and compassion of Taliesin Namkai-Meche, Rick Best and Micah Fletcher, draw inspiration from it, and commit to fighting hate with narratives of peaceful coexistence. Devils Lake State Park officials hope to cut wait times for visitors entering the property on busy weekends by expanding the parks entrances. Park Superintendent Steve Schmelzer said additional lanes are being added to the parks north and south shore entrance roads in an effort to keep traffic flowing through the area over the busy summer months. Its going to be used for vehicles that are just driving through, he said. Typically when weve had two lanes, weve sold tickets out of the second lane on busy weekends, and then it kind of backs things up. The park takes in about 2 million visitors annually, with an influx coming throughout the summer camping season. The parks two-lane entrance roads historically have been used to separate two groups of people making their way into the park. Visitors who already have a vehicle admission sticker keep to the right, and those who dont have a pass stay in the left lane to eventually purchase one from a vendor window. During busy weekends, visitors often confuse the lanes, creating backups and long wait times to enter the park. When the park must use two lanes to sell tickets, Schmelzer said the third lane will cut down on backups by allowing park visitors who already have their stickers to pass through. While Memorial Day weekend was busy for the park, Schmelzer said hes unsure how many visitors it hosted. He added that major incidents and backups along the roadways were limited. Construction on the entrance roads began in the week leading up to Memorial Day. Schmelzer said the roadwork was started in anticipation of the summers influx of visitors. He said he expects the increase in traffic to continue this weekend, as the park hosts visitors free for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Free Fun Weekend promotion. During the event, which runs Saturday through Sunday, visitors can enter Devils Lake State Park at no cost. State parks public affairs manager Paul Holtan said the DNR hosts the free, annual event at all of its parks to showcase the states natural sites for people who may be unfamiliar with them. In addition to free admission, the DNR also waives trail passes and fishing license requirements for the weekend. Devils Lake State Park visitors can fish without a trout stamp as well. We hope that by encouraging people to come out and visit, it will entice them to come back later and purchase an annual or daily sticker, Holtan said. The same goes for fishing if people havent fished for awhile, now they can go out and try it. Schmelzer said roadwork will not be completed by the weekends free attractions. He added that the construction likely will be completed by July. Schmelzer said hes still unsure of the total project cost, as hes waiting on bids for road paving. He said special funding for the project was provided by the Bureau of Parks and Management. When Bill Clinton defeated George H.W. Bush, the Republican Party was declared by the media to be on life support. When Barack Obama defeated John McCain, the Republican Party was declared dead. I dont want to speak too prematurely here, but the Democrats just might want to make sure that isnt the grim reaper looking over their collective shoulders. Last week, Greg Gianforte was accused of assaulting a reporter from The Guardian at his campaign headquarters. This was the opportunity the Democrats needed to seize this seat in a special election to prove that Donald Trumps agenda was wrong for America. The next day, Gianforte won the day with nearly a 24,000 vote margin. With the low population of Montana, thats not even close. While the left keeps looking for ways to discredit the Trump presidency, they keep overlooking the obvious. Trump was an asset, not a hindrance, to Gianfortes campaign and the Democrats are now zero out of three in special elections since Trumps inauguration. If you have been watching these races with any interest, which most folks arent, the national media has closely covered these races and has made every attempt to use them to demonstrate Trumps failure as a president after just four months in the Oval Office. The best argument they can muster is that in each race the Republican should have won by more. It is flawed logic when you consider a candidate in an open seat rarely outperforms the former incumbents tallies from previous elections. Since President Obama was first inaugurated in 2009, Democrats have lost more than a thousand seats from the White House all the way down to local dog catcher. Since the election of Trump, they have now lost at least three more. This is an eight-year trend that far exceeds the rise of President Trump to political power. This is very different than the one-cycle loss by Republicans after heavy wins by strong candidates in Clinton and Obama. This is the kind of market trend that would have major corporations firing CEOs and scrambling to solve the crisis. But this isnt what the left is doing. They are upping the ante on all of the same tactics that have delivered them to this place at this time. The magic of Obama doesnt transcend the overall rejection of the change his progressive policies delivered. Instead of regrouping and analyzing what programs and policies they should now embrace to embolden their party, they have mostly conspired to continue doing the same old thing. Rather than messaging how they might save Obamacare, they bash the GOP for attempting to dismantle it. Its is not relative to them that these Republicans campaigned to do just that; to them its a failure in people understanding the nuances of taking their money and giving it to someone else. And, of course, lets not forget Russia. They have yet to embrace the fact that the Russians were in fact attempting to manipulate the election and neither the FBI nor the CIA has yet to find any evidence that Trump, or his campaign team, were conspiring to harm Hillary Clinton. The reality is that every news outlet in America is also digging into this case and even they havent found anything the FBI doesnt already know. Who can blame the left for following this narrative? When former CIA Director John Brennan testified on Capitol Hill last week, all of the major news outlets were quick to report that campaign aides had in fact talked to Russian operatives. The outlets failed to report that Brennan also testified that these same aides likely were not aware the Russians might be attempting to manipulate them nor did he have evidence they were working together. The Russian news story continues to be the focus of the Democrats and their propaganda arm in the national media. Thats OK. They continue to focus on a narrative that isnt winning and distracts them from the messaging they should be doing to win back America. Of course, the Democrats also dont believe were intelligent enough to understand what they are selling us a progressive socialist ideology that clearly has been rejected by the American voter. Rather than retool their strategy, theyve developed talking points on how to talk down to American voters. I say they keep it up. Soon theyll have more than the grim reaper looking over their shoulder. Theyll be overseeing their own demise as the Democrat Party. President Donald Trumps budget is being called dead on arrival by members of Congress from both political parties. Lets put that in perspective. President Barack Obama couldnt get a budget through Congress, either, and routinely received just as much opposition from his own fellow Democrats as he did from Republicans. Moral of the story: Congress is out to lunch when it comes to making the tough choices necessary for any budget. Instead, Congress just keeps passing what is known as continuing resolutions, funding the government a few months (or, sometimes, weeks) at a time. Thats why Americans keep hearing all this regular nonsense about shutting down the government. Its the sword Congress holds over its own head to remind members they must do something or the government runs out of money. This time around, though, its a bit different. And we give Trump some credit for that. Yes, the budget submitted by the Trump administration is an outlier and, without a doubt, Congress will drop it in the trash. That doesnt mean the budget has no value as an instructional tool. It takes certain promises Trump made a big bump in defense spending, for example and tries to plug that in by offsetting costs with cuts in other programs. Usually, the federal flimflammers wont do that. They just juggle numbers and massage projections to suggest citizens can have everything they want and the money will just magically appear. News flash: It doesnt. Thats why the annual budget deficit and the overall national debt continue to explode. You cant spend more money than you have without borrowing enormous sums. So Trumps budget proposes eye-popping cuts to domestic programs ranging from Medicaid to food stamps to block grants to the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes for Health. Enacting anything resembling that budget would bring out the pitchforks and torches among the people. So, lets consider this an object lesson in reality. Why is it that federal budgets for decades have funded more programs than tax revenues can support? Answer: Because the American people want the benefits without the inconvenience of paying for it. They want rich people to pay for benefits for everybody else. Not surprisingly, rich people object. Members of Congress ever mindful of trying to keep everybody happy in order to win re-election came up with this solution: Borrow trillions to give people the benefits they want, and cut taxes so people with lots of money are happy about it. The bill will come due, and the rickety financial house will fall, but probably not for years. At least the Trump budget presents an apocalyptic picture of reality that comes into focus when one begins to realize people cant always have what they want if they are not willing to pay for it. What that means is a culprit contributing to the federal budget mess is the guy staring back at you in the mirror. Americans have come to believe the government ought to be the go-to place for solving every societal problem. Eager-to-please politicians on the campaign trail always are happy to agree. In the process, our wants have exceeded our means. We dont want to accept that, either, so we howl in unison at any budget plan that fails to deliver. Each year the hole gets deeper. One day, it will cave in. JUNEAU A 28-year-old Beaver Dam man made his initial appearance in court Wednesday on charges of theft from two Beaver Dam businesses. Corey J. Landsee appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Commissioner Steven Seim who placed Landsee on a $1,000 signature bond. He is charged with three felony counts of theft and one felony count of identity theft. If found guilty of the charges, he could be sentenced to 36 years in prison and fined $85,000. According to the criminal complaint, Beaver Dam police first spoke to Landsee after his cousin reported Dec. 7 that Landsee had used her debit card without permission to purchase $533 in merchandise. In addition Landsee is accused of two incidents at the BP Gas Station, 1112 Madison St., Dec. 31 and Jan. 3; and an incident at Coyote Gas and Liquor, 1300 N. Spring St., Jan. 4. Around 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, an employee at the BP Gas Station said she had been robbed. The employee described the suspect and said he did not make a threat using a weapon. According to the criminal complaint, the man told her to empty the cash register and then left with the money. During the evening of Jan. 3, another employee at the same BP Gas Station reported that a man with a bandana over his face requested that she give him all the money in the till. The employee gave him the money but observed him as he left and saw him run toward Lakecrest Drive. According to the criminal complaint, the employee at Coyote Gas and Liquor contacted police at 8:40 p.m. Jan. 4. In this incident the man did not display or threaten with a weapon, but told the employee to give him the money. She handed him bills in lower denominations. Landsee was in jail Jan. 13 and sent a request slip to talk to a Beaver Dam detective. Landsee asked to talk to an officer about the theft because his mothers phone was left with his cousin for a loan she had given him in the past. According to the criminal complaint, Landsee confessed to taking the money at BP Gas Station and Coyote Gas and Liquor. He allegedly told the detective he used it to buy cocaine. Landsee was convicted of felony bail jumping in August 2015. Landsees preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 13. [May 31, 2017] Box Reports 30 Percent Revenue Growth for Fiscal First Quarter 2018 Box, Inc. (NYSE:BOX), a leader in cloud content management, today announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, which ended April 30, 2017. "Companies around the world are in the midst of digital transformation. The winners will be organizations that use technology to power new ways to connect and collaborate around their information," said Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box. "Box's cloud content management platform is a powerful change agent for our 74,000 paying customers worldwide. Our strong fiscal first quarter results are a solid foundation for the year as we focus on innovation and our global go-to-market objectives to seize our massive market opportunity." "Our strong revenue and billings growth, in combination with generating positive free cash flow, demonstrates our competitive differentiation and the strength of our business model," said Dylan Smith, co-founder and CFO of Box. "With our leadership position in cloud content management, loyalty of our install base, and roadmap for continued innovation, we are well positioned to achieve our $1 billion revenue target." Fiscal First Quarter Financial Highlights Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was a record $117.2 million, an increase of 30% from the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Deferred revenue as of April 30, 2017 was $224.3 million, an increase of 30% from April 30, 2016. Billings for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $99.6 million, an increase of 31% from the first quarter of fiscal 2017. GAAP operating loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $40.0 million, or 34% of revenue. This compares to GAAP operating loss of $38.6 million, or 43% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Non-GAAP operating loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $16.6 million, or 14% of revenue. This compares to a non-GAAP operating loss of $22.7 million, or 25% of revenue, in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $0.30 on 131.5 million shares outstanding, compared to a GAAP net loss per share of $0.31 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 on 124.9 million shares outstanding. Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $0.13, compared to non-GAAP net loss per share of $0.18 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 totaled $8.5 million. This was a $12.8 million improvement compared to net cash used in operating activities of $4.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Free cash flow in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 was $4.0 million, a $20.2 million improvement compared to negative $16.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics discussed in this press release, please see the section titled, "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Key Metrics," and the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures and certain key metrics to their nearest comparable GAAP measures at the end of this press release. Business Highlights since Last Earnings Release Grew paying customer base to more than 74,000 businesses, including new or expanded deployments with leading enterprises such as Komatsu, McDonald's, Morningstar, Inc., Saipem, State of Nevada, Unitedhealth Group and the United States Forest Service. Announced that Box was positioned as a Leader in "The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Content Management- Business Content Services, Q2 2017" report by Forrester Research. In partnership with IBM, added the United Kingdom to Box's robust data residency offering, Box Zones. Customers are now able to store data locally in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Launched Box KeySafe with Amazon Web Services' (AWS) GovCloud to enable government agencies to self-manage encryption keys, providing control and visibility into their data residing in the cloud. Announced that the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has authorized Box as a trusted platform at the Department of Defense (DoD) SRG Level 4, allowing the DoD to use Box for export-controlled data, privacy information, as well as other controlled unclassified information. Introduced a new Groups experience to make provisioning individual users and groups around the right content easier than ever. Introduced a new resource-based pricing model for Box Platform. Customers will pay only for resources based on expected consumption, offering both flexibility and predictability to meet the needs of businesses and organizations of all sizes. Announced that AWS users can license Box Platform on the AWS Marketplace, easily integrating Box Platform APIs into their applications and leveraging their existing AWS payment terms. Launched the Box for Workplace by Facebook integration, which makes it easier for teams using Workplace to share ideas and collaborate on their content in Box. Expanded integration with Google, including building on Hangouts Chat, a communication app built for teams in G Suite. Announced Fujitsu as an official Box reseller in Japan. The reseller relationship enables Fujitsu, a leading Japanese information and communication technology company, to help accelerate sales of Box in the country. Outlook Q2 FY18 Guidance: Revenue is expected to be in the range of $121 million to $122 million. GAAP and non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of ($0.32) to ($0.31) and ($0.13) to ($0.12), respectively. Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 132 million. Full Year FY18 Guidance: Revenue is expected to be in the range of $502 million to $506 million. GAAP and non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of ($1.25) to ($1.21) and ($0.48) to ($0.44), respectively. Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 134 million. All forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures contained in this section titled "Outlook" exclude estimates for stock-based compensation expense, intangible assets amortization and certain legal settlement and related costs. Box has provided a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP earnings per share guidance at the end of this press release. Webcast and Conference Call Information Box's management team will host a conference call today beginning at 2:00 PM (PT) / 5:00 PM (ET) to discuss Box's financial results, business highlights and future outlook. A live audio webcast of this call will be available through Box's Investor Relations website at www.box.com/investors for a period of 90 days after the date of the call. The access details for the live conference call are: + 1-877-201-0168, (U.S. and Canada), conference ID: 83210484 + 1-647-788-4901 (international), conference ID: 83210484 A telephonic replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the call and will run for one week. The replay can be accessed by dialing: + 1-855-859-2056 (U.S. and Canada), conference ID: 83210484 + 1-404-537-3406 (international), conference ID: 83210484 Box has used, and intends to continue to use, its Investor Relations website (www.box.com/investors), as well as certain Twitter accounts (@boxhq, @levie and @boxincir), as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Information on or that can be accessed through Box's Investor Relations website, these Twitter accounts, or that is contained in any website to which a hyperlink is provided herein is not part of this press release, and the inclusion of Box's Investor Relations website address, these Twitter accounts, and any hyperlinks are only inactive textual references. This press release, the financial tables, as well as other supplemental information including the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures and certain key metrics to their nearest comparable GAAP measures, are also available on Box's Investor Relations website. Box also provides investor information, including news and commentary about Box's business and financial performance, Box's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, notices of investor events and Box's press and earnings releases, on Box's Investor Relations website. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Box's expectations regarding the size of its market opportunity, the demand for its products, its investments in go-to-market efforts, its ability to scale its business and drive operating leverage, its ability to achieve its long-term revenue target of $1 billion, expectations regarding its ability to maintain positive free cash flow for the full fiscal year ending January 31, 2018, profitability, recent and planned product introductions and enhancements, benefits of such product introductions and enhancements, and success of strategic partnerships, as well as expectations regarding its revenue, GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share, the related components of GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share, and weighted average basic and diluted outstanding share count expectations for Box's fiscal second quarter and full fiscal year 2018 in the section titled "Outlook" above. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including: (1) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (2) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (3) factors related to Box's intensely competitive market, including but not limited to pricing pressures, industry consolidation, entry of new competitors and new applications and marketing initiatives by Box's current or future competitors; (4) the development of the Cloud Content Management market; (5) risks associated with Box's ability to manage its rapid growth effectively; (6) Box's limited operating history, which makes it difficult to predict future results; (7) the risk that Box's customers do not renew their subscriptions, expand their use of Box's services, or adopt new products offered by Box; (8) Box's ability to provide timely and successful enhancements, new features and modifications to its platform and services; (9) actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in Box's services or any breaches of Box's security controls; and (10) Box's ability to realize the expected benefits of its third-party partnerships. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Box's financial results is included in the reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and in other filings Box makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017. These documents are available on the SEC Filings section of Box's Investor Relations website located at www.box.com/investors. Box does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. About Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Key Metrics To supplement Box's consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, Box provides investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures and other key metrics, including non-GAAP operating loss, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss per share, billings and free cash flow. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics, please see the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measure and certain key metrics to their nearest comparable GAAP measures at the end of this press release. Box uses these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Box's management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics provide meaningful supplemental information regarding Box's performance by excluding certain expenses that may not be indicative of Box's recurring core business operating results. Box believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics in assessing Box's performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics also facilitate management's internal comparisons to Box's historical performance as well as comparisons to Box's competitors' operating results. Box believes these non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and (2) they are used by Box's institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of Box's business. A limitation of non-GAAP financial measures and key metrics is that they do not have uniform definitions. Further, Box's definitions will likely differ from the definitions used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore comparability may be limited. Thus, Box's non-GAAP measures and key metrics should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, in the case of stock-based compensation expense, if Box did not pay a portion of compensation in the form of stock-based compensation expense, the cash salary expense included in cost of revenue and operating expenses would be higher, which would affect Box's cash position. Non-GAAP operating loss and non-GAAP operating margin. Box defines non-GAAP operating loss as operating loss excluding expenses related to stock-based compensation ("SBC"), intangible assets amortization, and as applicable, other special items. Non-GAAP operating margin is defined as non-GAAP operating loss divided by revenue. Although SBC is an important aspect of the compensation of Box's employees and executives, determining the fair value of certain of the stock-based instruments Box utilizes involves a high degree of judgment and estimation and the expense recorded may bear little resemblance to the actual value realized upon the vesting or future exercise of the related stock-based awards. Furthermore, unlike cash compensation, the value of stock options, which is an element of Box's ongoing stock-based compensation expense, is determined using a complex formula that incorporates factors, such as market volatility, that are beyond Box's control. For restricted stock unit awards, the amount of stock-based compensation expenses is not reflective of the value ultimately received by the grant recipients. Management believes it is useful to exclude SBC in order to better understand the long-term performance of Box's core business and to facilitate comparison of Box's results to those of peer companies. Management also views amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of the cost associated with an acquired company's developed technology and trade names, as items arising from pre-acquisition activities determined at the time of an acquisition. While these intangible assets are continually evaluated for impairment, amortization of the cost of purchased intangibles is a static expense, one that is not typically affected by operations during any particular period. Box further excludes expenses related to certain litigation because they are considered by management to be special items outside Box's core operating results. Non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per share. Box defines non-GAAP net loss as net loss excluding expenses related to SBC, intangible assets amortization, and as applicable, other special items. Box defines non-GAAP net loss per share as non-GAAP net loss divided by the weighted average outstanding shares. Box excludes expenses related to certain litigation because they are considered by management to be special items outside Box's core operating results. Billings. Billings reflect, in any particular period, (1) sales to new customers, plus (2) subscription renewals and (3) expansion within existing customers, and represent amounts invoiced for all products and professional services. Box calculates billings for a period by adding changes in deferred revenue in that period to revenue. Box believes that billings help investors better understand sales activity for a particular period, which is not necessarily reflected in revenue as a result of the fact that Box recognizes subscription revenue ratably over the subscription term. Box considers billings a significant performance measure and, after adjusting for any shifts in relative payment frequencies, a leading indicator of future revenue. Box monitors billings to manage the business, make planning decisions, evaluate performance and allocate resources. Box believes that billings offers valuable supplemental information regarding the performance of the business and will help investors better understand the sales volumes and performance of the business. Although Box considers billings to be a significant performance measure, Box does not consider it to be a non-GAAP financial measure given that it is calculated using exclusively revenue and deferred revenue, both of which are financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow. Box defines free cash flow as cash provided by (used in) operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, principal payments of capital lease obligations, and other items that did not or are not expected to require cash settlement and that management considers to be outside of Box's core business. Box specifically identifies adjusting items in the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. Historically, these items have included restricted cash used to guarantee a significant letter of credit for Box's Redwood City headquarters. Box considers free cash flow to be a profitability and liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business that can possibly be used for investing in Box's business and strengthening its balance sheet, but it is not intended to represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures. The presentation of non-GAAP free cash flow is also not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures and certain key metrics to their nearest comparable GAAP measures. About Box Box (NYSE:BOX) is the cloud content management company that empowers enterprises to revolutionize how they work by securely connecting their people, information and applications. Founded in 2005, Box powers more than 74,000 businesses globally, including AstraZeneca, General Electric, P&G, and The GAP. Box is headquartered in Redwood City, CA, with offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. To learn more about Box, visit http://www.box.com/. BOX, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) April 30, January 31, 2017 2017 (unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 183,691 $ 177,391 Accounts receivable, net 82,767 120,113 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14,836 10,826 Deferred commissions 12,776 13,771 Total current assets 294,070 322,101 Property and equipment, net 117,568 117,176 Intangible assets, net 140 543 Goodwill 16,293 16,293 Restricted cash 26,781 26,781 Other long-term assets 9,023 10,780 Total assets $ 463,875 $ 493,674 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 13,829 $ 6,658 Accrued compensation and benefits 16,329 30,415 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 20,034 17,713 Capital lease obligations 15,663 13,748 Deferred revenue 208,615 228,656 Deferred rent 1,084 751 Total current liabilities 275,554 297,941 Debt, non-current 40,000 40,000 Capital lease obligations, non-current 24,644 21,697 Deferred revenue, non-current 15,700 13,328 Deferred rent, non-current 45,329 44,207 Other long-term liabilities 2,804 1,769 Total liabilities 404,031 418,942 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 13 13 Additional paid-in capital 985,313 960,144 Treasury stock (1,177 ) (1,177 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (91 ) (120 ) Accumulated deficit (924,214 ) (884,128 ) Total stockholders' equity 59,844 74,732 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 463,875 $ 493,674 BOX, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 Revenue $ 117,222 $ 90,155 Cost of revenue(1)(2) 32,723 27,859 Gross profit 84,499 62,296 Operating expenses: Research and development(2) 33,534 26,907 Sales and marketing(2) 70,663 59,472 General and administrative(1)(2) 20,281 14,509 Total operating expenses 124,478 100,888 Loss from operations (39,979 ) (38,592 ) Interest expense, net (279 ) (176 ) Other income, net 16 441 Loss before provision for income taxes (40,242 ) (38,327 ) (Benefit) provision for income taxes (156 ) 248 Net loss $ (40,086 ) $ (38,575 ) Net loss per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.30 ) $ (0.31 ) Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share, basic and diluted 131,469 124,932 (1) Includes intangible assets amortization as follows: Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 Cost of revenue $ 365 $ 1,420 General and administrative 39 39 Total intangible assets amortization $ 404 $ 1,459 (2) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 Cost of revenue $ 2,468 $ 1,512 Research and development 9,160 6,524 Sales and marketing 7,740 5,230 General and administrative 3,578 2,823 Total stock-based compensation $ 22,946 $ 16,089 BOX, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $ (40,086 ) $ (38,575 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 9,572 12,084 Stock-based compensation expense 22,946 16,089 Amortization of deferred commissions 4,990 4,771 Other 22 108 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 37,346 41,927 Deferred commissions (2,784 ) (2,257 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets, current and noncurrent (2,541 ) (227 ) Accounts payable 7,182 266 Accrued expenses and other liabilities (10,967 ) (26,698 ) Deferred rent 530 2,510 Deferred revenue (17,669 ) (14,229 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 8,541 (4,231 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Maturities of marketable securities - 6,586 Purchases of property and equipment (784 ) (10,976 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 27 4 Net cash used in investing activities (757 ) (4,386 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Payment of borrowing costs - (93 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net of repurchases of early exercised stock options 2,456 2,246 Proceeds from issuances of common stock under employee stock purchase plan 8,881 9,016 Employee payroll taxes paid related to net share settlement of restricted stock units (9,114 ) (4,768 ) Payments of capital lease obligations (3,736 ) (949 ) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (1,513 ) 5,452 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 29 114 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 6,300 (3,051 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 177,391 185,741 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 183,691 $ 182,690 BOX, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP DATA (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data and Percentages) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 GAAP operating loss $ (39,979 ) $ (38,592 ) Stock-based compensation 22,946 16,089 Intangible assets amortization 404 1,459 Expenses related to a legal verdict(1) - (1,664 ) Non-GAAP operating loss $ (16,629 ) $ (22,708 ) GAAP operating margin (34 ) % (43 ) % Stock-based compensation 20 18 Intangible assets amortization - 2 Expenses related to a legal verdict(1) - (2 ) Non-GAAP operating margin (14 ) % (25 ) % GAAP net loss $ (40,086 ) $ (38,575 ) Stock-based compensation 22,946 16,089 Intangible assets amortization 404 1,459 Expenses related to a legal verdict(1) - (1,664 ) Non-GAAP net loss $ (16,736 ) $ (22,691 ) GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.30 ) $ (0.31 ) Stock-based compensation 0.17 0.13 Intangible assets amortization - 0.01 Expenses related to a legal verdict(1) - (0.01 ) Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.13 ) $ (0.18 ) Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted 131,469 124,932 GAAP net cash used in operating activities $ 8,541 $ (4,231 ) Purchases of property and equipment (784 ) (10,976 ) Payments of capital lease obligations (3,736 ) (949 ) Free cash flow $ 4,021 $ (16,156 ) (1) Included in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. BOX, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP REVENUE TO BILLINGS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 30, 2017 2016 GAAP revenue $ 117,222 $ 90,155 Deferred revenue, end of period 224,315 172,184 Less: deferred revenue, beginning of period (241,984 ) (186,413 ) Billings $ 99,553 $ 75,926 RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET LOSS TO NON-GAAP NET LOSS PER SHARE GUIDANCE (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2017 For the Year Ended January 31, 2018 GAAP net loss per share range, basic and diluted $(0.32-0.31) $(1.25-1.21) Stock-based compensation 0.19 0.77 Intangible assets amortization - - Non-GAAP net loss per share range, basic and diluted $(0.13-0.12) $(0.48-0.44) Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted 131,964 133,595 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170531006274/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] May 12, 10:02 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of Highway 16 and 60 and BB in the town of Elba. May 13, 12:24 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Highway 151 in the town of Columbus. May 13, 2:44 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a smoke/odor investigation on West James Street in the city of Columbus. May 14, 3:23 a.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Highway A in the town of Hampden. May 15, 11:04 a.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to an alarm activation on Farnham Street in the city of Columbus. May 15, 11:53 a.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with no injuries on Highway 151 in the Town of Columbus. May 15, 4:27 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to mutual aid Reeseville Fire Dept with a water tender for a house fire. May 17, 8:20 a.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a smoke/odor investigation on Hibbard Street in the city of Columbus. May 22, 12:17 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to assist EMS on West James Street in the city of Columbus. May 23, 5:24 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Highway 151 in the town of Elba. May 24, 1:34 p.m. The Columbus Fire Department responded to assist EMS on North Ludington Street in the city of Columbus. Total fire calls for 2017: 65 CAMBRIA A Wisconsin corn mill that exploded late Wednesday night was reprimanded by federal safety inspectors six years ago for not taking precautions against dust explosions, a major hazard in handling grain, records show. Firefighters also had responded to a fire at the facility two days before the blast, although its too soon to know whether the two incidents are related. The explosion at the Didion Milling Plant in Cambria, about 45 miles northeast of Madison, leveled much of the sprawling facility and left two workers dead and a third still missing Thursday night. Nearly a dozen other employees were taken to area hospitals, some with very severe injuries. Authorities had not released any of the workers names. The cause of the blast remained unknown late Thursday, Cambria Fire Chief Cody Doucette said. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators were on the scene. Sixteen employees were working when the blast was reported around 11 p.m. Wednesday, Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards said. The plant processes corn for ethanol and other uses. Five people were taken by helicopter to UW Hospital in Madison where four were in the hospitals burn center, while the fifth was in the trauma and life-support center, hospital spokeswoman Emily Kumlien said. She declined to disclose any of the patients conditions. Divine Savior Hospital in nearby Portage received six people hurt in the blast. Four were treated and released, but one was transferred to the burn unit at UW Hospital and another person was admitted to Divine Saviors intensive care unit, hospital spokeswoman Haley Gilman said. Explosion levels a corn mill and rocks a community in Cambria As the wrecked Didion facility smoldered through Thursday, many Cambria residents were taking stock of how closely they were connected to the tragedy. Emails sent to several company officials Thursday and a voicemail left for Vice President of Sales Jeff Dillon werent returned. A note posted on the companys website said the company would be closed until further notice. In a statement Thursday, Didion Vice President of Operations Derrick Clark asked for the communitys prayers, saying the company is a tight-knit family. The fire was contained by early Thursday and there were no evacuations in the area, Cambria Village President Glen Williams said, although schools in the Cambria-Friesland district closed Thursday because of the incident. Past violations The company faced fines from OSHA in 2011 for failing to install equipment to protect workers from dust that can ignite and explode. An OSHA inspection report said Didion didnt keep its corn processing facility free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with dust explosion, deflagration or other fire hazards. Six filters set up to collect dust in the facility werent equipped with explosion protective systems and conveyor equipment wasnt properly bonded to ducts that are used to control particulate matter, inspectors said then. Records show Didion paid a $3,465 fine and the case was closed in September 2013. OSHA hasnt cited the plant for anything since, records show. The records also show that in 2011 OSHA informally settled without fines several citations alleging Didion didnt provide adequate respiratory protection for employees. The company also faced sanctions for environmental violations. In 2010 Didion agreed to pay the state $1.05 million to settle state Department of Justice lawsuits alleging the company violated air and water pollution regulations dozens of times over the previous decade. The air violations related to inadequate measures to prevent dust from escaping the plant and polluting the air outside. The water violations concerned pollution from Didions nearby ethanol operation. Despite Didions history of environmental violations, the state helped the company win $5.6 million in stimulus funding to expand its milling and ethanol facilities, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism has reported. Grain storage and processing can be hazardous. While one of the biggest risks involves workers being engulfed in grain silos, grain dust is the main source of explosions in processing and storage operations, according to OSHA. The dust can burn or explode if enough becomes airborne or accumulates on surfaces. Overheated machine bearings, motors, misaligned conveyor belts, welding and cutting are typical ignition sources. A small explosion can shake loose caked dust, creating dust clouds that ignite in a much larger secondary blast. In the last 35 years, over 500 grain dust explosions have been recorded at grain handling facilities in the U.S., killing more than 180 people and injuring more than 675, according to OSHA. Site of earlier fire On Monday, two days before the blast, firefighters from four area departments responded to a fire in a dryer system at the plant, Doucette said. Firefighters were on the scene for more than four hours, he said. The fire occurred in a different section of the plant, Doucette said, adding its too early to know whether it might be related to Wednesdays explosion. Thats for investigators to determine, he said. Didion employs about 225 people in facilities in Jefferson, Columbia and Green Lake counties. Construction of the Cambria milling facility, for the manufacture of value-added products such as corn grits, cornmeal and corn flours, was completed in 1991. Volunteers, emergency crews and others worked tirelessly to respond to the crisis, some refusing to leave until everyone could be accounted for, Doucette said. We train for the worst. This is the worst of anything I could imagine, Doucette said. When you pull up to a scene like that thats something you never hope to see. Company officials were cooperating fully with the investigation, Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards said. Didion, the Didion family, the staff from Didion have been upfront, extremely helpful, he said. The Red Cross was assisting family members and others affected by the tragedy, including providing licensed mental health professionals, at the First Presbyterian Church, where a prayer vigil was held Thursday evening. A fund for the victims and their family has also been established at National Exchange Bank in Cambria. Commencement will go on as scheduled at the nearby Cambria-Friesland High School at 7 p.m. Friday after emergency crews declared the area sufficiently stable. But the ceremony will be unusual in one key respect, Superintendent Tim Raymond said: Attendees will be invited to contribute money or non-perishable food for those affected by the blast. State Rep. Keith Ripp, R-Lodi, whose 42nd Assembly District includes Cambria, thanked emergency responders for their quick response to the tragedy. This small rural village is bonded together by their strong local community, and any loss or injury to a neighbor will impact the entire area, Ripp said in a statement. Associated Press reporter Todd Richmond, State Journal reporter Steven Verburg and Capital Newspapers reporter Lyn Jerde contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) Now that President Donald Trump is pulling the United States out of the international agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, what does that mean for the rapidly heating Earth? Here's a guide to what's in the Paris agreement, what's going on with global warming, and what might happen if the rest of the world keeps fighting man-made climate change and the U.S. stays partially or completely on the sidelines. WHAT IS THE PARIS AGREEMENT TRYING TO DO? The 2015 agreement aims to prevent the Earth from heating up by 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) since the start of the industrial age. But the world has already warmed about 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the Industrial Revolution, so this is more about preventing an additional 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit of warming. HOW? Each nation submitted its own goals for curbing heat-trapping emissions. Those pledges added up to preventing 117 billion tons of carbon dioxide from being put into the air by 2030, analysts calculate. The U.S. set a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 at 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels or about 1.6 billion tons of annual emissions. A study last year in the journal Nature Climate Change said America will probably only reach four-fifths of that goal. For China, the No. 1 polluter, having overtaken the United States, the goal was for emissions to peak by 2030 and then start dropping, reducing the amount of carbon pollution per person to about 60 percent of 2005 levels. Some recent signs show that Chinese carbon emissions may have already flattened out, a decade earlier than expected. China accounts for nearly one-third of the pledged reductions. The Paris accord was agreed upon by 197 countries and so far has been ratified by 147 parties, which includes the European Union. That put the deal in effect. The goals are voluntary. There is no climate court. All that's required is a plan and reporting on progress toward the plan. WHAT ARE THE U.S. OPTIONS? The U.S. could stay in the agreement and work toward fulfilling its pledges. It could stay in the accord and not hit its goals. It could stay in the pact and change its target, probably by lowering it. Or it could pull out of the agreement altogether. It takes at least a year and possibly up to 3 years for a nation to withdraw from the pact. No matter what the U.S. does, the Paris agreement remains in effect. THE SCIENCE The world is warming, with the last three years the hottest on record. This year is on track to be the second-warmest, behind 2016. Sea levels are rising. Sea ice in the Arctic is at record low levels. Glaciers worldwide are melting, as are parts of Antarctica. Plants and animals are changing in their growing and migration habits because of shorter and milder winters. Extreme weather in many places has increased. All but a very few scientists say the overwhelming majority of warming is man-made, as do dozens of scientific academies and professional societies. Scientists have known since the 19th century that burning coal, oil and gas spews carbon dioxide into the air, which then acts like a blanket to trap heat on Earth. Carbon dioxide stays in the air for 100 years, and about one-fifth of what has accumulated in the atmosphere came from the U.S., more than any other country. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITHOUT U.S. COOPERATION? The Associated Press interviewed dozens of scientists and consulted computer simulations, and they say without the U.S. pledges, the dangerous 2-degree rise is nearly inescapable. But they also say that even with the U.S. doing its share, preventing that warming is going to be unlikely and will require even more cuts than contained in the Paris agreement. University of Oklahoma meteorology professor Jason Furtado said blowing past the 2-degree mark would be a potential "tipping point" that would lead to "a new and irreversible state in the climate system." One computer simulation one that many other scientists say is too much of a worst-case scenario calculates that if the U.S. increases carbon dioxide emissions and the rest of the world hits its targets, America's added carbon pollution will be responsible for about half a degree of warming (0.3 degrees Celsius). Other scientists look at market forces and see the United States still cutting emissions because the nation is already shifting toward cleaner fuels such as cheaper natural gas, solar and wind. Solar power employs more people in the U.S. than coal. "The U.S. pulling out of Paris will not stop the fight against global warming, since almost all other countries are committed to it," said German climate scientist Stefan Rahmstorf. "But it could delay it and any delay could be detrimental, as stopping global warming before critical tipping points are crossed is a race against the clock." Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy The Legislatures budget committee approved raises for prosecutors, public defenders and judges Wednesday, though not at levels requested by those groups. The Joint Finance Committee also rejected Gov. Scott Walkers proposal to eliminate the Parole Commission, instead cutting the commission from eight to four members and reducing staff positions from nine to six. To address a prosecutor shortage, the budget committee created an 11-member state prosecutor board, similar to an existing public defender board. The board would submit budget requests and advise the Legislature on allocating resources for the states 72 district attorney offices. It would cost $225,000 a year, but be mostly paid for by transferring funding from the State Prosecutors Office housed within the Department of Administration. District attorneys had asked for pay raises and 96 additional prosecutor positions at a cost of $14 million over two years to keep up with large caseloads and increasingly complex cases. Attorney General Brad Schimel voiced support for the additional positions. Walkers proposal included no additional positions, but added about $3.7 million for a 6.2 percent average annual salary increase for assistant district attorneys and a 1.3 percent annual salary increase for assistant public defenders. The committee modified the proposal to give state public defenders a 1.83 percent increase. State Public Defender Kelli Thompson raised concerns that the disparity in raises will make it harder to attract and keep public defenders. Meanwhile, a coalition of lawyers called on the state to raise the reimbursement rate for private-sector public defenders from $40 per hour the lowest in the nation to $100 per hour. Democrats on the budget committee proposed increasing state public defender pay by a similar amount to district attorneys, using $3.6 million in undesignated funds from the Attorney Generals budget. Republicans rejected the proposal. Judicial salary boost Republican lawmakers rejected Walkers proposal to increase judicial salaries and to create a new process for approving future pay increases, similar to how state employee raises are approved. Instead, the committee approved a 2 percent salary increase in September 2018 and another 2 percent increase in May 2019, similar to raises for other state employees. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack asked for a 16 percent salary increase for judges and justices over two years. Current annual wages for Wisconsin judges are $131,187 for circuit court, $139,059 for the appellate court and $147,403 for the Supreme Court, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The state ranks 38th in Supreme Court and circuit court pay and 33rd in appellate court pay among the states when adjusted for cost of living, according to the National Center for State Courts. Wednesdays meeting is the only one scheduled this week for the 16-member budget committee, sandwiched between Memorial Day weekend and the state Democratic Party convention that begins Friday. The committee has yet to take up some of the most contentious issues, including transportation, K-12 education and taxes. Republicans remain divided on how to pay for roads. Two years ago the budget committee wrapped up its work in the first week of July. In the previous two budgets it finished in early June. The governor and Legislature must adopt a balanced biennial budget by July 1. If if does not, spending will continue at current levels. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said Wednesday the committee could wrap up its work over the next two weeks. Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said Fitzgerald might be a little optimistic, but well see. The Republican leaders of Wisconsin's budget-writing committee remain staunchly opposed to Gov. Scott Walker's plan to implement self-insurance for state employees, citing a new analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. But while Joint Finance Committee co-chairs Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, say the memo bolsters their argument against the proposal and raises new concerns, Walker's administration says it proves the move would save the state money. The LFB analysis, released Wednesday, projects the state would save about $47 million over the 2017-19 budget period by switching to self-insurance. That's about $13 million less than the estimate contained in Walker's budget proposal. The $47 million figure is a midpoint estimate in a range of $30 million to $64 million in savings. "We just disagree with the governor that were foolish not to take the savings," Darling told reporters, reaffirming the committee's plans reject the proposal. Walker and his administration have made a strong push to convince legislators to approve the plan. The governor told reporters on Tuesday he doesn't know "why anyone would walk away from tens of millions of dollars of proven savings." Officials in Walker's administration held a press conference last week warning lawmakers they would need to find $103.4 million in budget savings to offset the impact of rejecting the self-insurance plan. The governor's administration submitted self-insurance contracts to the Joint Finance Committee earlier this month that they say would save the state a guaranteed $60 million during the 2017-19 budget period. But on Friday, they said the cost of rejecting the proposal would be larger than that due to $22 million in Affordable Care Act fees that would be avoided under self-insurance and $21.4 million in costs from health insurance premium increases. The administration has budgeted for 7 percent premium increases, but new projections put the hike closer to 10 percent without a switch to self-insurance, officials said. The new LFB memo revises the estimated Affordable Care Act fee to $18 million. According to the analysis, health insurance premiums for state employees increased by an average of 3.7 percent per year over the last nine years. Removing two potential outlier years would put the average increase at 5.3 percent per year. "Governor Walkers budget reforms government to make it more accountable to the taxpayers," said Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel in a statement. "While the LFB uses lower estimates, they conclude the savings from self-insurance are real and amount to tens of millions of dollars." A key point of contention in the dispute is the state's health insurance program reserves, which grew by $63 million last year. At the end of last year, program reserves exceeded the maximum recommended level by $18 million. The state Group Insurance Board's consulting firm recommended those reserves not be tapped into in 2016 or 2017 in order to build a "solid starting reserve" as the state prepared to move to self-insurance. But Nygren and Darling said they plan to request an audit of the state health plan. "If they have all of this growth and these huge reserves, why didnt they give the money back to the consumer?" Darling asked. The lawmakers said they believe they can find a similar amount of savings to the $60 million initially projected in Walker's proposal by making changes to insurance plan designs. Walker's budget directs that $60 million to fund a portion of a $649 million boost in per-pupil aid for K-12 education and a portion of pay and benefit increases for University of Wisconsin employees. Under the self-insurance model, the state would contract with insurers and third-party administrators to pay for public employees' medical bills directly rather than pay premiums to insurance companies. The state would move from paying premiums to 18 HMOs across the state to contracting with six health insurance companies to administer the self-insurance program in four regions north, south, east and west statewide. Self-insurance is the "best option to save the most taxpayer dollars, avoid an ObamaCare tax, and provide the least disruption to state employees," according to a Department of Administration news release. Department of Employee Trust Funds spokesman Mark Lamkins has said without the approval of self-insurance, the only way to reach the savings target would be to freeze insurer premiums or shift "significant costs" to state and local government employees. "I believe that plan design change can save an equal amount of money to what the governor proposed and not even be short by $13 million," Nygren said. "Take it to the bank." Information is taken from the records of the Portage Police Department and does not represent a comprehensive list of police activity. Each individual named in this report is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Between 7:27 a.m. May 23 and 7:55 a.m. May 30, police responded to 276 calls. New Pinery Road: Police on May 23 at 10:30 a.m. responded to a reported vehicle accident where Terri Ann Gerrits, 46, of Portage, was cited for hit-and-run of property after striking a mailbox. West Cook Street and West Wisconsin Street: Police on May 23 at 10:52 p.m. stopped Steven Ford Jr., 43, of Portage, who was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense. Moto Mart: Police on May 23 at 11:25 p.m. responded to an incident where Anthony Trotta, 57, of Poynette, was arrested and issued a citation for disorderly conduct. Dunn Street: Police on May 24 at 7:27 a.m. stopped Matthew T. Jones, 27, of Portage, who was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a third offense. Wayne Bartels Middle School: Police on May 25 at 2:11 p.m. responded to a reported incident between two 14-year-olds involving a knife. A Portage girl was referred to Columbia County Health and Human Services for reckless endangerment. Caledonia Street and West Highway 33: Police on Friday at 3:13 a.m. stopped Nicholas Shamy, 26, of Portage, following a driving complaint. Shamy was arrested and cited for operating a vehicle without a license as a first offense and operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a first offense, registering 0.131 on a preliminary breath test. West Oneida Street: Police on Friday at 11:14 a.m. responded to a report of a vehicle accident involving two vehicles, in which Austin Giese, 19, of Baraboo, was cited for unsafe backing. West Howard Street: Police on Friday at 11:21 p.m. responded to a reported vehicle accident in which Ryan Vesely, 30, of Wisconsin Dells, had reportedly struck a parked vehicle on the side of the road. Vesely was arrested and cited for unsafe lane deviation, driving without proof of insurance and operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a first offense, registering 0.14 on a preliminary breath test. Fort BP: Police on Saturday at 2:02 a.m. encountered Nicholas Kleifgen, 34, of Oxford, and Jenna Stahmer, 29, of Endeavor, who were each cited for carrying an open intoxicant in a vehicle. West Oneida Street: Police on Saturday at 3:09 a.m. responded to a reported vehicle accident involving an overturned car that had collided with a parked truck, which in turn hit another parked vehicle. A witness identified Kelsey Gruter, 27, of Portage, as exiting the car after the collision. Gruter was located and arrested, cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated as a second offense and misdemeanor bail jumping, registering 0.179 on a preliminary breath test. Interstate-39: Police on Saturday at 6:39 a.m. stopped Lindsey R. Peterson, 28, of Montello, who was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense and driving without proof of insurance. DeWitt Street and East Carroll Street: Police on Saturday at 4:16 p.m. stopped Kurtis Kelly, 38, of Milwaukee, who was cited for seatbelt violation and operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense. Moto Mart: Police on Sunday at 2:34 a.m. responded to a report of suspicious driving, where Nanette Hulka, 30, of Portage was arrested and cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a first offense, registering 0.12 on a preliminary breath test. West Wisconsin Street and West Edgewater Street: Police on Sunday at 4:27 p.m. responded to a vehicle collision where a vehicle traveling south on East Wisconsin Street, turned onto East Edgewater Street, striking another vehicle turning onto East Edgewater. Dakota Reid, 18, of Oxford, was cited for failure to yield at an uncontrolled intersection, operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a third offense and possession of drug paraphernalia. West Wisconsin Street: Police on Sunday at 6:48 p.m. responded to a domestic disturbance where a 29-year old Portage man was arrested and cited for domestic disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia. West Marion Street: Police on Monday at 12:20 p.m. inquired regarding a possible warrant where Ashley Van Tassel, 27, of Portage and Daniel Duerst, 34, of Brooklyn, Wisconsin, fled the scene, but were later apprehended, each arrested for violation of probation and cited for resisting an office and criminal trespassing. Wauona Trail: Police on Monday at 9:35 p.m. responded to a report of possible gunshots, later suspected to be caused by fireworks at the fairgrounds. A cell phone was found at the scene, leading to a 16-year old Portage boy who, following a search of the residence, was referred to Columbia County Health and Human Services for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and possession of schedule-2 medications. The teen also received a municipal ordinance citation for obstructing an officer and illegal use of fireworks. West Highway 33 and Caledonia Street: Police on Tuesday at 12:41 a.m. stopped Alonte James Penn, 22, of Madison, who was cited for driving 12 miles per hour over the speed limit and following a field sobriety test, arrested and cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated as a first offense. East Wisconsin Street: Police on Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. stopped Katrina Rupnick, 28, of Portage, who reportedly initially identified herself as her sister. Rupnick was cited for obstructing an officer, operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a third offense and driving without carrying a drivers license. West Cook Street: Police on Tuesday at 3:42 a.m. responded to a report of a person banging on the front door of the Historic apartment building. Jason A. Murphy, 23, of Madison, was issued a municipal ordinance citation for disorderly conduct. City of Hope Presents New Studies at 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting City of Hope physicians and researchers will present their latest research on blood stem cell transplants for HIV patients, immunotherapies, unique treatment options for older adults battling breast cancer and other topics during the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) 2017 Annual Meeting June 2 to 6 in Chicago. More than 38,000 oncology professionals and others will attend the conference to learn about the latest scientific research on cancer treatment, detection and prevention. "The annual ASCO conference brings together the brightest minds in the international cancer community to announce exciting, new research discoveries, and discuss the most effective treatments and prevention efforts," said Steven T. Rosen, M.D., Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director's Distinguished Chair and City of Hope's provost and chief scientific officer. "City of Hope patients benefit from the latest research and discussions that are shared at the ASCO meeting as an important part of our commitment to saving lives, fighting cancer and finding better cures." Allogeneic blood stem cell transplants for HIV-infected patients Abstract # 7006 Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) for hematologic malignancies in human immunodeficiency virus infected (HIV) patients (pts): Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN 0903)/AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC-080) trial. Tuesday, June 6, 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. McCormick Place, Room E450ab Because of persisting immune system abnormalities, even effectively treated HIV-infected patients are at a much higher risk of developing blood cancers, like acute leukemias and lymphomas. Patients with HIV infection have a risk of blood cancers that may be up to 25 times higher than uninfected individuals. "City of Hope is a pioneer in the treatment of HIV-infected patients with blood cancers and was one of the first institutions in the world to perform autologous, or self-to-self, blood stem cell transplants for HIV-infected patients with lymphoma," said Joseph Alvarnas, M.D., City of Hope director of value based analytics and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. For many patients, however, effective treatment of their leukemia or lymphoma requires a different kind of blood stem cell transplant: an allogeneic transplant that uses a matched sibling or unrelated individual as the stem cell donor, Alvarnas added. HIV infection has been traditionally viewed as an absolute disqualification for this type of transplant. Blood and marrow transplants are used to treat patients with blood cancers, but using this treatment approach for HIV patients has been regarded as too risky due to the presumed higher risk of fatal infections. A study led by City of Hope investigators working in collaboration with the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) changes this paradigm. In the BMT CTN 0903 trial, 17 HIV-infected patients - who also had either acute leukemia, high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma - received transplants from either matched sibling or unrelated donors. Eight patients received full-intensity chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, while seven received reduced-intensity chemotherapy prior to transplant to help eradicate their blood cancer cells and prepare the recipient to receive the donor cells. The trial was designed to determine the safety of transplant for HIV-infected patients. The primary study end-point was mortality due to the transplant measured at 100 days. In addition to assessing early survival, patients were assessed for late survival, control of HIV infection and recovery of T cell immunity after transplant. At the 100-day mark, all patients had survived the transplant. Thirteen patients were in complete remission, and four patients had a blood disease that had returned or worsened. Eight patients achieved "complete chimerism," such that only their donors' DNA was measured in their blood or marrow. At one year, overall survival was 57 percent. Eight patients died due to relapse or progression of their blood cancer or due to therapy-related toxic effects like graft-versus-host disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome and liver failure. Based upon the study not demonstrating an increased risk of death over that expected for non-HIV-infected patients, the authors of the trial concluded that allogeneic blood stem cell transplant "should be considered the standard of care for HIV patients who meet usual eligibility criteria." City of Hope was one of the leading accruing institutions in the trial, and Alvarnas served as the study's senior author. The trial was performed in collaboration with the AIDS Malignancy Consortium and funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients experienced fewer side effects with immunotherapy drug blinatumomab than chemotherapy Abstract # 7032 "Exposure-adjusted adverse events (AEs) comparing blinatumomab to standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r ALL) from a randomized phase III study." Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy drug that can work against relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but as more patients receive the treatment, what types of side effects is the drug causing as compared to standard of care chemotherapy? In a randomized trial led by Anthony Stein, M.D., co-director of the City of Hope Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research and clinical professor of hematology and hematopoietic cell transplantation, 405 patients received standard of care chemotherapy, or blinatumomab, which can activate a person's own disease-fighting T cells to attack the leukemic cells, as an intravenous infusion for up to five cycles. Each cycle lasted 28 continuous days with two weeks off the treatment. The trial took place across 101 medical centers in 21 countries. Patients who received blinatumomab had fewer fevers, less anemia, lower platelets counts and lower white blood cell counts than those who had chemotherapy. Blinatumomab patients also had less neurologic side effects and experienced less infections compared with chemotherapy patients. Cytokine release syndrome, or a fever that occurs due to the immunotherapy drug, was more frequently reported in blinatumomab patients than in chemotherapy patients. "Blinatumomab has emerged as a better treatment option for many ALL patients and with less severe side effects," said Stein, noting that previous trial results published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 36 percent complete remission rate for blinatumomab patients and 16 percent for chemotherapy patients after 12 weeks of treatment. Median overall survival was 7.7 months versus four months, respectively. "Blinatumomab causes side effects that are manageable, so this is very hopeful news for ALL patients." Effective treatment for older adults with metastatic breast cancer Abstract # 10035 "A phase II trial of older adults with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) receiving nab-paclitaxel: Melding the fields of geriatrics and oncology." Saturday, June 3, 1:15 to 4:45 p.m. McCormick Place, Hall A In the past, many clinical trials have excluded older patients or only included a small number of them. Oftentimes, it's unknown how their cancer will respond to chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, and what the side effects will be. A phase 2 City of Hope-led clinical trial targeted adults over the age of 65 who had metastatic breast cancer and took the chemotherapy drug, nab-paclitaxel, to assess how well they tolerated and responded to the drug. A geriatric assessment and toxicity calculator were also key components of the trial. Prior to receiving nab-paclitaxel, the patients underwent a geriatric assessment, which took into account physical activity, other diseases, medications, mood, social support and other variables. Developed by City of Hope's Arti Hurria, M.D., The George Tsai Family Chair in Geriatric Oncology, and colleagues, the geriatric assessment was then used to calculate a "toxicity risk score," or the drug's impact on a patient's body. For the study, 40 City of Hope and Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center patients (mean age 73) received an average of six cycles of nab-paclitaxel (each cycle was given for three weeks straight and then the patient had one week off). Patients were closely monitored for side effects such as neuropathy, or the loss of feeling in the hands and feet. A third of the patients had a complete or partial response to the drug, or their cancerous tumors reduced in size. There were no cases of severe neuropathy. Although 13 patients were hospitalized during the trial, the toxicity risk score helped doctors predict which patients would require hospitalization, as well as which would potentially have better health outcomes during chemotherapy. "One of the most interesting findings is that patients who had a high toxicity risk score using our calculator were most likely to experience severe toxicity than those with a low toxicity score," said Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis, a City of Hope fellow who is the study's first author. "By using the geriatric assessment and toxicity risk score, doctors can help weigh the risks and benefits of therapies in older adults." A larger City of Hope-led trial enrolling 500 patients is also currently examining how well older adults with breast cancer tolerate several chemotherapy drugs, and also incorporates the geriatric assessment and toxicity risk score. Soto noted that the Alliance for Clinical Trials is already incorporating the geriatric assessment in some of their trials. COH29 trial featured at ASCO Abstract # TPS2600 "A phase I study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and anti-tumor activity of oral COH29, a novel ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) inhibitor in adult patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors." Monday, June 5, 8 to 11:30 a.m. McCormick Place, Hall A An ongoing phase 1 trial that features COH29, a promising cancer drug being developed at City of Hope, will be featured as an ASCO trials in progress abstract. City of Hope's Joseph Chao, M.D., an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, will discuss the trial, which is enrolling patients with solid tumors, including breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, stomach and lung cancers. Patients whose disease is treatment-resistant to standard therapies, or for which no other treatment options exist, are eligible for the trial. City of Hope has conducted preclinical studies with the chemotherapy drug, which inhibits activity of an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), thus preventing cancer cells from copying themselves and dividing. By designing the drug to better target RNR, researchers also hope that COH29 will produce fewer side effects than other chemotherapy drugs currently available, and that cancer cells are less likely to develop resistance to the agent. Novonco Therapeutics Inc. is sponsoring the COH29 trial. More details about the trial can be found at the clinical trials.gov website. About City of Hope City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 48 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world. City of Hope is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with community clinics throughout Southern California. It is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation, diabetes and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs based on technology developed at the institution. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170531006479/en/ [June 01, 2017] Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market Poised to Grow at 5.1% CAGR During 2017 to 2022 and Reach $1.7 Billion in 2022, Signal Connector Likely to Remain the Most Dominant Product Type During the Forecast Period DETROIT, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body Aircraft, Wide-Body Aircraft, Very Large Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aviation, Helicopter, and Military Aircraft), by Application Type (Avionics & Control Systems, Interior & IFE, Engine, Landing Gear, Airframe, and Others), by Product Type (Signal, Power, RF Connectors, Fiber Optics, Ethernet, and Others), by Shape Type (Circular, Rectangular, and Others), by Sales Channel Type (Direct Sales and Distributor Sales), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2017-2022. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160831/402975LOGO ) This 240-page strategic report, from Stratview Research, studies the connectors market in the global aerospace & defense industry over the period 2011 to 2022. The report provides detailed insights on the market dynamics to enable informed business decision making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market. The Connectors Market in the Global Aerospace & Defense Industry: Highlights As per Stratview Research, the global aerospace & defense connectors market offers a healthy growth opportunity of 5.1% CAGR during the forecast period of 2017 to 2022 and reach an estimated $1,713.2 million in 2022. The author of the report stated that increasing production rate of commercial and regional aircraft, such as B737, A320, A350XWB, and C Series; upcoming aircraft and introduction of variants of existing aircraft, such as C919, MRJ, B737Max, A320neo, and E-2 Jets; rising global aircraft fleet; need for lower MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) cost, high demand for the advanced avionic systems, and advancement in the connectors technology are the major growth drivers of the global aerospace & defense connectors market. The research's findings suggest that narrow-body and wide-body aircraft are likely to be the growth engines of the global aerospace & defense connectors market during the forecast period of 2017 to 2022. Wide-body aircraft is projected to witness the highest growth during the same period, driven by increasing demand from Asia-Pacific and Middle-East regions. B777, A330, B787, and A350XWB are the major aircraft generating a healthy demand for connectors. In terms of product type, signal connector is likely to remain the most dominant product type in the market during the forecast period. Signal connectors, fiber optics, and RF connectors are estimated to witness impressive growth rates during the forecast period, driven by the demand for high-performance connectors which are faster, lighter, and have increased functionalities and power efficiencies. Based on shape type, circular connector is expected to remain the most dominant type during the forecast period, driven by its preference in a wide array of applications. As per the study, North America is projected to remain the largest market for connectors during the forecast period whereas, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Commencement of commercial aircraft OEMs' assembly plants in China, increasing demand for military aircraft; and upcoming indigenous commercial and regional aircraft, such as Comac C919 and Mitsubishi MRJ, fueled by increasing passenger traffic are likely to drive the demand for connectors in the region. Amphenol Corporation, TE Connectivity, ITT Corporation, Esterline Technologies Corporation, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Glenair Inc., Bel Fuse Inc., Smiths Group Plc, Rosenberger Group, and Radiall Inc. are the dominant players in the global aerospace & defense connectors market. Long-term contracts and an advancement in the technlogy are the key strategies adopted by major players to gain a competitive edge in the market throughout the globe. Click Here for Free Sample on the 240-Page Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market Report Features This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report: - Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis. - Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis. - Market trend and forecast analysis. - Market segment trend and forecast. - Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc. - Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities. - Emerging trends. - Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players. - Key success factors. This report studies connectors market in the global aerospace & defense industry and has segmented the market in six ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the six ways in which the market is segmented: Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Aircraft Type: - Narrow-Body Aircraft (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Wide-Body Aircraft (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Very Large Aircraft (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Regional Aircraft (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - General Aviation (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Helicopter (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Military Aircraft (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Application Type: - Avionics and Control Systems (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Interiors and IFE (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Engine (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Landing Gear (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Airframe (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Others (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Product Type: - Signal (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Power (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Radio Frequency (RF) Connectors (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Fiber Optics (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Ethernet (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Others (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Shape Type: - Circular (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Rectangular (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Others (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Sales Channel Type: - Direct Sales (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) - Distributor Sales (Regional Analysis: NA, Europe, APAC, and RoW) Global Aerospace & Defense Connectors Market by Region: - North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico) - Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Spain, Russia, and Rest of the Europe) - Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific) - Rest of the world (Country Analysis: Middle East, Latin America, and Others) Stratview Research has number of high value market reports in the global aerospace & defense industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports: Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Aerospace & Defense Industry Some of our other premium market reports in the aerospace & defense industry: Global Aerospace & Defense Ducting Market by Aircraft Type, by Application, by Pressure Type, by Materials Type, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2016 - 2021 - Global aerospace & defense ducting market was estimated at $1.7 Billion in 2015, and is likely to grow with a CAGR of 5.9% over the next five years to reach $2.5 Billion by 2021. - Increasing revenue per passenger kilometer due to growing worldwide economy and passenger traffic, increasing commercial and regional aircraft deliveries, increasing share of wide body aircraft in aircraft deliveries, and increasing commercial aircraft fleet size are some of the major growth drivers of the aerospace & defense ducting market. - The market is moderately consolidated with more than two dozen players active in the market and top five players capturing close to 52% of the market in 2015. Global Aerospace Galley Trolley Market by Aircraft Type, by Platform Type, by Trolley Type, by Fit Type, by Region; Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2016 - 2021 - Global aerospace galley trolley market was estimated at $220 Million in 2015, and is likely to grow with a CAGR of 5.6% over the next five years to reach $322 Million by 2021. - Increasing commercial and regional aircraft deliveries, increasing wide body aircraft share in the total commercial aircraft deliveries, and growing commercial aircraft fleet size are some of the major growth drivers of the aerospace galley trolley market. - The global aerospace galley trolley market is highly consolidated with top 5 players captured 83% of the market in 2015. About Stratview Research Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas. We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies. Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making. For any enquiries, Contact: Ritesh Gandecha Stratview Research E-mail: [email protected] Direct: +1-313-307-4176 Feel free to drop an enquiry with us in the below page and our team will get back to you very soon: http://www.stratviewresearch.com/register.php [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Charles Perdrisat is named co-recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Prize Outstanding Nuclear Physicist: Charles Perdrisat is professor emeritus in William & Marys Department of Physics. Jefferson Science Associates recently named Perdrisat a co-recipient of its 2017 Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Prize. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, announced today that William & Mary physicist Charles Perdrisat is a co-recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Prize. The award will be presented to Perdrisat and co-recipient Charles Sinclair during a ceremony to be held at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) in Newport News. Jefferson Lab is a world-leading nuclear physics research laboratory managed and operated by Jefferson Science Associates for the U.S. Department of Energy. JSA board vice chairs Jerry Draayer and Karl Williams, applauded the selection panels choice, noting that the scientific and technical contributions made by Perdrisat and Sinclair in the field of beam polarization dynamics have been recognized by their peers and evidenced in the strong recommendations both received with their nominations. In a letter supporting Perdrisats nomination, Stanford University/SLAC professor Stanley Brodsky said, [Perdrisats] leadership of the polarization transfer studies in electron-proton scattering has been a truly extraordinary achievement. Jefferson Lab Director Stuart Henderson welcomed the news, saying, This joint award is quite fitting as both recipients have made exceptional contributions to unraveling the structure of the nucleon, through pioneering measurements in the case of Prof. Perdrisat, and through the development of key technologies that was essential to enabling those measurements, in the case of Dr. Sinclair. Perdrisat, a professor emeritus in the William & Mary Department of Physics, holds the Doctor of Natural Science degree from the Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich. Prior to joining the faculty at William & Mary in 1966, he served as a visiting professor at the Federal Institute of Technology and the Institut de Physique Nucleaire, in Orsay, France. He has been involved with the Jefferson Lab science program since the mid-1990s. Perdrisat was named a fellow of the American Physical Society in 1992. He is the recipient of the 2017 Tom W. Bonner Prize in Nuclear Physics from the American Physical Society in recognition of his work on experiments at Jefferson Lab. The JSA Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Award, established in 2011 and awarded biennially, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions including technical achievements in experimental and/or theoretical research related to the nuclear physics program at Jefferson Lab. The award, funded through the JSA Initiatives Fund Program and managed by the JSA Programs Committee, is presented at Jefferson Lab during the annual Users Group meeting. The Users Group comprises scientists from the U.S. and abroad who use Jefferson Labs facilities to conduct experiments. The panel charged with making the selection for this years award was chaired by Robert McKeown, deputy director for science and technology at Jefferson Lab, and Governor's Distinguished CEBAF Professor of Physics at William & Mary. W&M ranks high in NYT report on affordability W&M is Virginias top-ranked public university in New York Times review of high-performing colleges and universities William & Mary is among the nations leading colleges and universities when it comes to a commitment to access and affordability for low and middle-income students, according to a recent report from the New York Times. The annual College Access Index (CAI) looked at three factors; the percentage of students who qualify for Pell grants, graduation rates, and the net price for low- and middle-income students. Only 170 schools met the standards to make it to the CAI. W&M ranked 15th among the nations public colleges and universities and 56th overall. The CAI ranked William & Mary the No.1 public university in Virginia. It is gratifying to be recognized for the commitment William & Mary has made to making the university more affordable for Virginias low- and middle-income families, said Provost Michael R. Halleran. Weve seen real progress thanks to the investment in need-based aid for in-state students made possible through the William & Mary Promise. Were also pleased to see a ranking that looks seriously at a schools net price how much students and their families actually pay to attend and graduation rates as key factors. This years CAI, published on May 25, looked only at colleges with a five-year graduation rate of at least 75 percent. A score was assigned to each school based on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants multiplied by the graduation rate, and the average net price for students with annual family incomes of $35,000-$75,000. Net price is the actual out-of-pocket cost of college for students and their families after financial aid and scholarships are factored in. According to the reports website, Together, the index measures how many lower-income students graduate from a college and how much they must pay to attend it. Overall, public universities from the Commonwealth performed well on the CAI. With a total of four making the list, Virginia was second only to California, which had six. William & Mary, which was ranked 77th on the CAI in 2015, has made strides in recent years to increase economic diversity among its student body. In 2013, the Board of Visitors adopted the W&M Promise, a new financial model with a four-year tuition guarantee. Since that time, in-state financial aid available for undergraduates has more than doubled to $25.3 million annually. Since the adoption of the Promise, W&Ms average net price for Virginia families making $75,000 or less annually has dropped by more than 20 percent. Additionally, William & Mary is the only public institution in Virginia that has replaced all loans with grants for students whose families make $40,000 or less annually. These students graduate without any burden of student-loan debt. William & Mary consistently ranks high for its graduation rates. In the most recent data by the National Center for Education Statistics, W&M has the second-highest four-year graduation rate of any public university in the United States at 82 percent, more than double the national average of all schools public and private. While noting the progress under the W&M Promise, Halleran emphasized that William & Mary is committed to doing more to improve economic diversity across campus. Currently, the percentage of in-state undergraduates who are Pell recipients is 14.6 percent, while the percentage of out-of-state Pell recipients is just 6 percent. The university has set a 2020 goal to increase by 50 percent the number of admitted in-state undergraduates who come from households earning $60,000 or less. In addition, need-based scholarships are the top priority of For the Bold, William & Marys current fundraising campaign. This report is validation of the progress weve made under the William & Mary Promise, but we know we have much more work to do, Halleran said. William & Mary offers the best undergraduate experience in the country, and we want everyone who is admitted here to have the opportunity to attend. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian statesman and conservatist who dominated European and German affairs between 1860 and 1890 until his forced resignation in 1890. Bismarck had a substantial influence on Europe in the 20th century especially in the unification of the German Empire. Bismarck was known for his skillful leadership and his masterful strategies which he employed during wars against Austria, France, and Denmark. 5. Early Life Otto von Bismarck was born on April 1st, 1815 in Schonhausen in the province of Saxony, Prussia. He was born to Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand von Bismarck, a former Prussian officer and junker estate owner, and Wilhelmine Luise Mencken. Bismarck had two siblings, an older sibling Bernhard, and a younger sibling named Malwine. Bismarck was fluent in several languages including German, French, Polish, English, Russian, and Italian. Bismarck attended Johann Ernst Plamann's elementary school and studied at Graues Kloster and Friedrich-Wilhelm secondary schools before studying law at the University of Gottingen from 1832 to 1833. Between 1833 and 1835, Bismarck enrolled at the University of Berlin. While Bismarck was in Greifswald as an army reservist in 1838, he studied agriculture at the University of Greifswald. 4. Career Bismarck desired to become a diplomat and began his practical training as a lawyer in both Aachen and Potsdam. After chasing after two English girls, his career was jeopardized and Bismarck took an unauthorized leave. Following the death of his mother, Bismarck returned to Schonhausen to run the family estate. Before that, he had served in the army for a year, becoming an officer in the Landwehr. Bismarck's political career began in 1847 at the age of 32 when he was chosen as a representative at the newly established Prussian legislature. 3. Major Contributions Bismarck was considered the founder of the German Empire, and for nearly three decades he helped shape the fortune of Germany by playing a significant role in the country's unification. Bismarck's charismatic leadership at home and his diplomacy earned him the title of 'Iron Chancellor.' During his tenure as Chancellor of Germany, Minister President of Prussia, and Foreign Minister of Prussia, Bismarck introduced progressive reforms such as the conception of the modern welfare state. He also initiated the implementation of pension schemes for the old, accident insurance, and the national healthcare services. Most importantly Bismarck played a pivotal role in maintaining peace at all times by balancing power systems. 2. Challenges Throughout his career, Bismarck faced numerous challenges from all corners. When France was defeated in the 1870 battle of Sedan, Bismarck was afraid that France would seek vengeance against Germany in the future. Bismarck resorted to ensuring that France was isolated in Europe by signing several treaties with different nations. Bismarck was consistently opposed by several political parties in Germany for his methods and policies, especially the socialists who were a vehement opposition. Germany was also economically divided which created a lot of issues, and Bismarck made a few internal reforms which saw the establishment of the Reichsbank and Reichsmark, a new coin. 1. Death and Legacy Following years of health problems, Bismarck died in Friderichsruh on July 30th, 1898. He was 83 years old when he died. His body is entombed in the Bismarck Mausoleum. The most significant legacy left behind by Bismarck is the unification of Germany when the country existed as a cluster comprising of Free Cities and numerous separate principalities following the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. As a result of the unification, Germany became one of Europe's most powerful nations. His legacy is remembered throughout Germany in the form of the bestseller books that were written about him, buildings named in his honor and the numerous statues and monuments erected in the countryside, towns, and cities of Germany. 5. Structure The CIA has a director as well as an executive office and five major departments within the organization. They are The Directorate of Digital Innovation, The Directorate of Analysis, The Directorate of Operations, The Directorate of Support, and The Directorate of Science and Technology. All 21,575 staff can be organized under these positions and a diagram of the CIA's structure can be found here. The President of the United States holds the ultimate authority over the CIA and any covert operations in other countries must be approved by the president. 4. Membership Across the globe, the CIA employs an estimated 21,575 staff. Robert Baer, who is an acclaimed political author as well as an ex-CIA agent, stated that employees would usually take a polygraph (lie-detector) test every 3 to 5 years to ensure they were not concealing anything from the organization. The CIA also has its own "university", holding 200 to 300 training courses per year which consists of new employees as well as experienced staff. The facilities used for these courses, as well as for later training, have been located in Virginia, USA since the 1950s. To become an employee of the CIA you must undergo vigorous training and constant aptitude tests, which can be very demanding on a human's psyche. 3. Objectives The official motto of the CIA is: "The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence." The CIA also has an unofficial motto: "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32). The modern CIA has evolved from an organization that gathered and analyzed intelligence to that of a broad organization that works to tackle many problems. These issues include counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, counterintelligence, and most recently cyber intelligence. 2. Founding After World War 2, President Truman of the United States signed a document called the National Security Act. This document and subsequent policy were created due to how seemingly unprepared the United States was during Pearl Harbor, as well as the realization that the Soviet Union was also preparing similar policy domestically and internationally. Consequently, the CIA originally started as an organization that would distribute foreign intelligence and analysis to the United States government in the aftermath of WWII. The CIA came into formal existence on September 18, 1947. 1. Present State Today, the modern CIA aims to "collect, analyze, evaluate, and disseminate (distribute) foreign intelligence" both domestically and internationally. The CIA is involved in covert operations in countries such as Russia, China, Cuba, North Korea, and Iraq among others. Some of the activities the CIA has been involved with since its inception include locating Osama Bin Laden, attempting to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro during the Cold War, the mass surveillance of the internet and emails, as well as being a part of the disturbing torture allegations during the presidency of George W. Bush. Although the accurate budget of the CIA has never been officially released, some estimates put the figure upwards of $15 billion. The CIA is constantly depicted in fictional works such as movies, television, and books which have somewhat glamorized the organization. The head of Government in Croatia is the Prime Minister of the country who is nominated by the country's President. The country comprises of 20 other government members who serve as either government ministers or deputy prime ministers or both. The government members are selected by the prime minister and confirmed by the Parliament also known as Sabor. The government of Croatia exercises its executive authority in accordance to the legislation and the Croatian Constitution enacted by Parliament. The Term Government Of Croatia The term government, locally known as Vlada in Croatia, is used to refer to the executive branch. The terminology is used in dialogues by the press and the government - it is the governmental branch responsible for governing the nation. The terminology can also be used when referring to the three branches of government collectively, encompassing the legislature, the judiciary and other branches of the government, including civil servants, which make up the state of Croatia. The Structure And Power Of The Croatian Government The Prime Minister (PM) heads the executive authority of Croatia which is the government. Currently, the Prime Minister has four deputy prime ministers who are elected by the Sabor. The deputy prime ministers also serve as ministers in the government together with 16 others who with the approval of the Sabor are appointed by the PM. Each minister is therefore responsible for heading a particular ministerial post such as the Foreign Affairs. The deputies together with the prime minister form an inner cabinet. The primary responsibility of the inner cabinet - also known as the core cabinet - is to supervise and coordinate the work of the ministers on the PM's behalf. If the Croatian prime minister becomes incapacitated, the first deputy takes the place of the PM. The Croatian government's executive branch is responsible for proposing a budget, guiding the country's internal and foreign policies, legislations and executing the laws. The official government residence is located at the Banski dvori in Zagreb. Occasionally, the cabinet holds its meetings elsewhere within the country, but usually, the meetings take place at the Banski dvori. The Operations Of The Croatian Government In Croatia, government meetings are publicly held. However, the government may decide what sessions or part of a session to hold privately. If the prime minister is not available, he or she may assign any one of his deputies to represent him or take over the entire task. The legal minimum number of government members required to be present during a government session is the majority. For big decisions such as uniting with other nations, changes to the Croatian Constitution, changing the Croatian border, calling a referendum, transferring any part of the Croatian sovereignty to supernational organizations, or dissolving parliament, a majority vote of two-thirds is required. However, most decisions are made by taking a simple majority vote. If the government of Croatia is unable to meet, the inner cabinet can act in place of the government during emergencies. The Current Government Of Croatia The current Croatian Constitution was adopted in 1990, establishing the present form of government. As of October 10, 2016, Andrej Plenkovic has been the Prime Minister of Croatia. The prime minister has four deputies and they are Ivan Kovacic, Martina Dalic, Davor Ivo Stier and Damir Krsticevic. Three of the government ministers are independent politicians while the rest are from either the Bridge of Independent Lists (MOST) or the Croatian Democratic Union. Government of Georgia The government of Georgia is carried out under a semi-presidential representative democracy. This country held its first democratic republic elections in 1990. Beginning in 2007, politicians here have been debating whether or not to change the governmental framework to a constitutional monarchy. Currently, the country is headed by the president and prime minister. Government powers are separated into 3 specific branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This article takes a closer look at each. Executive Branch The executive branch of government is led by the president and the prime minister. The president is elected by the general population to serve a 5 year term. The person in this position serves as the Head of State and appoints the prime minister to office. Additionally, the president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and ensures that government ministries are operating within the guidelines of the Constitution. The president also represents the country in international affairs and negotiations, appoints ambassadors and diplomats, and recommends justices to serve on the highest court of the judicial branch. The prime minister is the head of the Cabinet of Ministers. The person in this position is also referred to as the Head of Government and works to ensure that the Ministers of the Cabinet carry out all legislation as enacted by the legislative branch. Some of the Ministries of Georgia include: Justice, Agriculture, Corrections, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Defense. Legislative Branch The legislative branch of government is made up of the Parliament of Georgia, a unicameral legislative body. Parliament consists of 150 members, which are elected by the general population to serve 4-year terms. Of these seats, 77 are elected based on proportional representation and 73 are elected based on single-member district plurality. This legislative body is responsible for drafting new legislation and for guiding national and foreign policy. It manages executive branch duties within constitutional regulations. Within Parliament, members are divided into special committees that work to address specific public issues. These committee members draft and propose new legislative actions that are debated and decided upon by all members after a committee reading. Currently, the Georgian Dream political party holds majority representation in Parliament with 115 seats. This party is supported by the Industry Will Save Georgia party (1 seat) and opposed by 4 parties: European Georgia (21 seats), United National Movement (6 seats), Alliance of Patriots of Georgia (6 seats), and the Independent party (1 seat). Judicial Branch The judicial branch consists of the hierarchy of courts found within Georgia. The two highest courts are the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court oversees cases and administration of the lower level courts. It acts as the final court of appeals in the country. Justices of this court are recommended by the President and voted on by the members of Parliament to serve a term of at least 10 years. The Constitutional Court hears cases concerning constitutional interpretation, separation of government powers, and issues of human rights. Nine judges make up its bench; 3 of these judges are appointed by the president, 3 are appointed by Supreme Court justices, and 3 are elected by Parliament. Government Of Guatemala The government of Guatemala is a representative democratic republic. This governmental framework means that the general population votes for individuals to represent their interests in politics. This country is led by the President, who is both Head of State and Head of Government. In 1985, Guatemala established its Constitution, which defines a separation of governmental powers through the creation of 3 branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. This article takes a closer look at each one. Executive Branch Of The Government Of Guatemala The executive branch of government is headed by the President of Guatemala, who is elected by the general population to serve a 4-year term. The presidency is limited to one term. The President is responsible for making sure that the executive branch, made up of ministries, is carrying out the legislation passed by the Congress of Guatemala. Additionally, the President acts as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and negotiates international treaties and relations. The Vice President, who serves below the President, may run in elections as a presidential candidate after spending 4 years out of the Vice Presidential office. Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Guatemala The legislative branch of government is made up of the Congress of Guatemala. This unicameral legislative body has 158 members, who are elected by the general population for a term of 4 years. Each member is selected based on party-list proportional representation, 31 of whom are elected from a national list. The other 127 congressional deputies are elected to represent the 22 departments of Guatemala. The number of deputies from each department is based on its population size. The Department of Guatemala, where the capital is located, is divided into 2 districts and has the largest representation in Congress with 30 members. Congress is responsible for drafting, reading, and introducing new legislation and policies. These bills are then negotiated and voted on. If passed, bills go on to the President to be signed into law. While serving in Congress, members may decide to change political parties or remove themselves from one political affiliation in order to establish a new political party. Currently, 95 seats are held by political parties in support of the government and 63 in opposition. The supporting political parties include: Renewed Democratic Liberty (44 seats), Todos (18 seats), Patriotic Party (17 seats), National Convergence Front (11 seats), and CREO-Unionist Party (10 seats). Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Guatemala The judicial branch of government works independently of the legislative and executive branches. It is tasked with ensuring laws are followed concerning a number of cases. The highest courts of the country are the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeals and is overseen by a panel of 13 judges. Supreme Court justices serve for 5-year terms and decide on a President for each term. The President of the Supreme Court is in charge of managing trial judges from around the country. The Constitutional Court is responsible for hearing cases that involve constitutional interpretation. It is overseen by a panel of 5 judges, who serve 5-year terms. Each judge acts as the President of the court for 1 year during their term. The Constitutional Court judges are elected by the following bodies: the President (1), Congress (1), Supreme Court (1), Superior Council of the Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala (1), and Bar Association (1). Hungary is a country in Central Europe located in the Carpathian Basin. With a population of about 10 million people, Hungary is classified as a medium-sized member state of the European Union. Hungary transitioned from communism to democracy and then to capitalism as a result of economic stagnation, political tension, and changing relations within the Warsaw Pact countries. It emerged as an independent country after World War I. The politics of the country take place under a parliamentary representative democratic republic. Hungary has 18 counties, 23 urban counties, and one capital city. Politics Of Hungary Hungary is an independent and a constitutional state and has been a parliamentary republic since 1989. Hungarian politics take place under a parliamentary representative democratic republic. The political system in the country operates under a framework reformed in 2012. The Constitution of Hungary is the Fundamental Law of Hungary. The constitution guarantees human dignity, separation of power, the structure of the state, and highlights the rule of law. Hungary has been a multi-party state since the fall of communism. The country has held seven parliamentary elections since the first multi-party elections in 1990. The constitution of Hungary recognizes three levels of government; the executive, legislature, and judiciary. All the three branches work independently without the influence of the other. The president of Hungary is the head of state while the prime minister is the head of government. Executive Branch Of The Government Of Hungary The executive branch comprises of the president, prime minister, and cabinet ministers. The executive powers are exercised by the government of Hungary. The executive branch is the principle organ of public administration. The president (who plays largely a ceremonial role) is elected by the parliament for a five-year term. He is the supreme authority of the Hungarian armed forces. The president also nominates the prime minister who must be approved by the Members of Parliament. Traditionally, the prime minister has been the leader of the largest party in parliament. The premier appoints cabinet ministers who must first appear before a consultative open hearing by a committee of parliament and voted by the parliament before they can be formally appointed by the president. He holds the exclusive right to dismiss any cabinet minister while the cabinet itself account to the Parliament. Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Hungary The legislative branch comprises of both the parliament and the government. The National Assembly of Hungary comprises of 199 members elected to a four-year term. The parliament is the highest organ of state authority responsible for initiating laws and approving legislations sponsored by the prime minister. The parliament elects the president and approves the nomination of the prime minister. The National Assembly also approves the cabinet ministers before they are formally appointed by the president. The cabinet is also responsible to the National Assembly. Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Hungary The judicial system of Hungary is divided between courts with civil and administrative courts. The civil courts consist of local courts, regional courts, and Supreme Court. The police and border guards are responsible for enforcing the law. the Supreme Court, Attorney General, and the Chief Prosecutor are completely independent of the executive. The Ombudsman office exists to protect the people on the non-judicial matters. The Prime Minister of Mauritius is the head of the government of the country. The country's executive power is exercised by the government of the Republic of Mauritius. The Prime Minister is responsible for managing the main agenda of the government and directing its Ministers. Mauritius was ranked number one for good governance by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance in 2015. Out of 167 countries, Mauritius was ranked 18th worldwide by the Democracy Index in 2015 compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit which measures the state of democracy. The Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Mauritius Mauritius has a unicameral parliamentary system which is made up of 70 members who are elected by 21 constituents, Rodriguez Island being one of them. Until 1992, the National Assembly was known as the Legislative Assembly when Mauritius became a Republic. Under the Constitution of Mauritius, the Parliament comprises of both the President and the National Assembly. The country's parliament emulates the system of parliamentary democracy in Westminster where Parliament members are elected during regular general elections by the first past the post system. 62 of its 70 members are elected to serve a term of five years. The other eight members who are referred to as 'the best losers' are appointed by the Electoral Supervisory Commission to ensure that religious and ethnic minorities are equally represented. The Mauritanian government is principally responsible to the National Assembly. Also, the Prime Minister can only remain in office for as long as he or she can retain the support of a majority of its members. The Executive Branch Of The Government Of Mauritius The country's cabinet of ministers is the official council whose main responsibility is to advise the President of Mauritius in major decision making. The Prime Minister is head of the cabinet which comprises of 23 ministers plus the Attorney General who is also considered a member of the cabinet. The Constitution of Mauritius provides a cabinet which is appointed by the President following each general election and falls under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Whether directly or indirectly elected the cabinet minister is supposed to be a member of Parliament, the Attorney General is the only exception, but he or she can only vote in parliament if elected as an MP. Under the discretion of the President and on the Prime Minister's the Attorney General is appointed to the cabinet. The Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Mauritius In the country, the administration of justice is in the hands of the judiciary whose mission is to maintain a competent and independent judicial system which safeguards rights and freedom of the citizens and upholds the rule of law. The country's judicial system consists of a single structure which comprises of two parts which are the subordinate courts and the Supreme Court. The head of the judiciary is the Chief Justice. Local Governments Of Mauritius In Mauritius, each town, city, district, and village is administered by local authorities for local government. Local authorities include village councils, municipal councils, municipal city council, and the district council. At present, the country is battling the UK and the US over ownership of the Chagos Archipelago which includes the Diego Garcia Island which is currently used as a naval base by the US. Dont Drive Under The Influence Summer Crackdown on Drink & Drug Driving Begins This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 1st, 2017 Motorists who risk their lives and the lives of others whilst driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol will be targeted by police this summer. Today sees the launch of a month-long campaign which will see all four Welsh police forces increase the pressure and focus on those driving under the influence of drink or drugs. As part of the campaign, which is being led by Gwent Police, officers across Wales will be on heightened alert to spot anyone driving under the influence. During the summer 2016 campaign, 9532 breath tests were carried out across Wales, with 306 returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take the breath test. 199 drug tests were carried out, with 131 testing positive for illegal drugs. In North Wales, officers carried out 3958 breath tests with 78 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide. Inspector Dave Cust, North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit said that driving under the influence of drink or drugs can have truly devastating consequences. He continued: The lighter evenings and warmer weather are great reasons to get together with friends and family. We want people to enjoy themselves but to stay safe and responsible by not getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. As part of this all Wales campaign, officers will be patrolling the roads throughout June, carrying out roadside breath tests. Our officers also carry kits that can detect illegal drugs, making us more equipped than ever to take action against those who are putting themselves and the safety of others at risk. Using intelligence received from the public well be ready for action to keep the road network safe, whether it be at night or the morning after. Taking just one chance and getting behind the wheel, when you are under the influence of drink or drugs can have truly devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and others road users. Please plan ahead and ensure that if you are out having a drink, you have a safe and reliable way of getting home. Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch said: Road Safety Wales partners are committed to educating people about the consequences of drink and drug driving and fully support the police during this seasonal campaign and throughout the year. Choosing to drive when impaired by alcohol and/or drugs is dangerous and unacceptable. Drivers should be under no illusion if they get behind the wheel whilst under the influence they not only risk their licence, receiving a fine and a prison sentence, but they are risking lives too. Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night. Our message is clear, never drive under the influence of drink or drugs, even the morning after. Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 100 years ago, June 1, 1917 MATTOON -- The total list of victims from Saturday's tornado has reached 59, including Mrs. Ella Lyons, who passed away last night; Charles Gullion, who died this morning; and John Roberts, who died this afternoon. Roberts, 30, was in an automobile with four other employees of the A.C. Loomis Construction Co. The men had been working on the state aid road pavement extension on the north road to Charleston. The other four were injured... GREENCASTLE, Ind. -- Scores of letters and papers have been picked up here that were blown from Mattoon and Charleston in Illinois, more than 80 miles from Greencastle. An 8-page booklet from the Coles County Chautauqua in Charleston was found on a farm just west of Greencastle. A farmer living six miles north of the city found a letter and a post card addressed to men in Mattoon. Another found a picture of two boys in a buggy taken in front of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Mattoon. 50 years ago, 1967 MATTOON -- The Coles-Cumberland Medical Society has gone on record as favoring the creation of an "area hospital" to provide adequate medical facilities for residents in a two-county area. The action took place at the group's regular meeting attended by about 30 physicians at the U.S. Grant Motor Inn. Dr. Stanley W. Thiel, resident of the organization, said the group was not in favor of expanding either Mattoon Memorial Hospital or Charleston Community Hospital. Dr. Thiel said it is inefficient to maintain two small hospitals. Construction of a larger area hospital would be more logical, he said... MATTOON -- A rural Mattoon soldier was reported wounded in Vietnam on Sunday as a result of hostile action. Hospitalized is Pfc. Darwyn E. Nelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Nelson of Rural Route 2. Nelson was admitted to the 85th Evacuation Hospital, APO, San Francisco. He sustained a leg injury when a "friendly grenade" exploded while on a combat operation, according to a telegram received by his parents. He is a 1964 graduate of Mattoon High School. 25 years ago, 1992 CHARLESTON -- Ampad plant Manager Tim Buford will be mayor of Mattoon for a day and Dr. Luke Burchard will try his hand at journalism, thanks to the May Merriment benefit dinner and auction. More than 200 people attended the annual affair at Eastern Illinois Universitys Union Grand Ballroom Saturday evening. YMCA Executive Director Rob Wilkinson said yesterday it appears the Y is close to its goal of netting $25,000 from the event. Buford paid $275 for a key to the city, a savings bond and to be mayor of Mattoon for a day. Burchard is contemplating what to write in his version of On the Square. Journal Gazette editor Harry Reynolds donated space in his newspaper column for the high bidder to sound off about whatever he wanted. Burchard, a family physician, paid $200 for the opportunity to write a newspaper column MATTOON -- First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, a $266 million bank holding company headquartered in Mattoon, has announced the consolidation of five of its subsidiaries into one bank. Named First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, the new organization includes the former First National Bank of Mattoon, State Bank of Sullivan, Cumberland County National Bank of Neoga, First National Bank and Trust of Douglas County and Charleston Community Bank. The combination makes First Mid-Illinois the areas first truly regional banking organization and allows customers to do their banking business at any of its 10 locations in five communities, said Daniel E. Marvin Jr., president and chief executive officer CHARLESTON -- Juan Herrera took the lead and gave Mark Monahan the baton. And then it was over. Arcolas 1600-meter relay team of Ryan Petty, Dusty Ingram, Herrera and Monahan made the final event of the IHSA Class A Boys State Track Meet its own, winning with a time of 3:27.65, putting the finishing touches on a banner day for the Purple Riders. Arcola scored 18 points and finished 10th in Class A. 100 years ago, June 2, 1917 MATTOON -- Red Cross workers have made such progress that plans to reduce the force are being made. Three members of the force will be sent away tonight and three more probably will leave Sunday. Thirty-eight new cases of families affected by the storm came to the attention of the relief organization on Friday. This brings the total list to 251 families. The Red Cross made arrangements so far for 24 funerals at a cost of $1,095. W.G. Sawin, head of the food relief committee, provided baskets of food Thursday for 1,184 people... CHARLESTON -- It is impossible to describe the scene in the northern part of Charleston, from Madison Street to Olive and from the Coles County Fairgrounds extending far beyond the eastern limits of the town, destruction is evident as far as one can see by standing on the Big Four Railroad platform and looking in any direction. Homes are leveled to the ground, 34 people have been killed and about 300 injured. Property damage to the amount of $1 million has been wrought and 2,500 people are homeless... MATTOON -- As a class, the employees of the Big Four Railroad shops suffered quite as heavily as anyone in the storm of last Saturday, the figures showing that in the car department alone 66 homes of these employees were destroyed, while the dwellings of 26 others were damaged by the high winds. 50 years ago, 1967 MATTOON -- Terry Ramsey was flying high last Sunday -- one of the most important days in his 17 years. Terry, the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Ramsey of Rural Route 4, was awarded Eagle Scout rank, received his pilot's license and was presented the God and Country Award at the First Christian Church, any one of which is enough to be proud. But the Sunday ceremony also included presentation of his pilot's license. He has been taking lessons from Don Pankey at Coles County Memorial Airport since 1965. State law requires that people be at least 17 to get a pilot's license. Terry received his four days after his 17th birthday on May 21... MATTOON -- A third mail pouch, stolen with two others on Monday night from the New York Central passenger station, was recovered at 2:30 p.m. yesterday. Postmaster Leonard Finnegan said a crew fished the pouch out of the Kaskaskia River at the first bridge north of Skyline Springs about seven miles north of Mattoon on the 19th Street Road. The bag was empty, Finnegan said, but about 30 pieces of mail were found along the road... MATTOON -- Rt. Rev. Msgr. Daniel F. Daly, pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, observed his 50th Jubilee in the priesthood today. Father Daly, 74, is a native of Ireland. After ordination into the priesthood in Ireland, he came to the United States in 1917. He served at parishes in three Illinois communities before coming to Mattoon in 1945. 25 years ago, 1992 MARTINSVILLE -- City Council members on Tuesday received a community agreement three years in the making that outlines the citys role in permitting, constructing and operating the states proposed low-level nuclear waste disposal facility. The agreement addresses some of the Martinsville officials concerns about the sites safety requirements and economic assurances in allowing the facility to be built on 187 acres north of Martinsville, perhaps as early as next year. City Council member Tom Toner said the agreement assures the community the facility will pose no threat to the community CHARLESTON -- About 50 people have submitted applications to be the next executive vice president of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce. Eli Sidwell, search committee chairman, said he was encouraged by the number of resumes received by the June 1 deadline. The new executive vice president will assume his or her duties between July 1 and Aug. 1, depending on the persons availability OAKLAND -- At age 18, Mark Eskew has his first and Norton Knolls first hole-in-one this season. The recent Kansas High School graduate used a 7-iron to ace the 120-yard par-3 No. 8 hole. Jeff Martin, Wayne Freeman and Andy Houk witnessed the shot. The latest claim by Greater Manchester Police that suicide bomber Salman Abedi acted alone is part of a cover-up launched by the Conservative government and the intelligence agencies to conceal their responsibility for the May 22 atrocity that claimed 22 lives. On Tuesday evening, Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson of the north-west counter-terrorism unit issued a statement claiming, Our enquiries show Abedi himself made most of the purchases of the core components [of the bomb] and what is becoming apparent is that many of his movements and actions have been carried out alone during the four days from him landing in the country and committing this awful attack. The portrayal of Abedi as a lone wolf flatly contradicts numerous previous statements by Prime Minister Theresa May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the police and media that he was part of a sophisticated terror cell that required mobilising the army onto Britains streets to prevent a second attack. So far, police have made 16 arrestswith 11 still in custodyunder the Terrorism Act. In Libya, Abedis father and brother were also arrested, with allegations that his brother was planning his own attack on behalf of ISIS. But according to Britains anti-terror police, Abedi simply acted alone. Jacksons statement followed one by Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police. He told BBC Radio Manchester, Theres been a lot of reporting and people commenting that he was reported to us on a number of occasions. Hopkins dismissed such reports, stating that Abedi was known to police only over relatively minor matters, including receiving stolen goods, theft and a minor assault. He made no attempt to refute numerous reports that two people who knew Abedi at college had called the governments anti-terror hotline five years ago reporting their concerns. They told the hotline of Abedis statements that being a suicide bomber was okay, and two community leaders also reported Abedi for his extremist views. According to the Daily Telegraph, Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, reported Abedi two years ago because he thought he was involved in extremism and terrorism. Even if Hopkinss ludicrous statement was true, it would mean only that information in the possession of MI5 was not passed to the police. According to the Mail on Sunday, [T]he FBI told MI5 that Abedi was part of a North African Islamic State cell plotting to strike a political target in the UK. The FBI reportedly passed these warnings to MI5 in January, after placing Abedi on a terrorist watch list in 2016. An unnamed security source told the Mail, Following this US tip-off, Abedi and other members of the gang were scrutinised by MI5. It was thought at the time that Abedi was planning to assassinate a political figure. The Mail claimed then, without a shred of credibility, [N]othing came of this investigation and, tragically, he slipped down the pecking order of targets. Now the official story is that no alarm was even raised with the police authorities in Manchester! Regardless of whether Abedi was alone in the days leading up to his attack, it is beyond dispute that he operated as part of a larger terrorist network and was able, with the assistance of the British government and intelligence agency, to move freely in and out of two of the worlds war zones, Libya and Syria. The only explanation for why he was allowed to slip through the net is that, like other Islamists that are useful tools of Britains foreign policy intrigues and regime change operations, he was a protected asset. Rather than a lone wolf, he was one among many such political creatures of the British state apparatus. For years, members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), including Abedis father, were active in Manchester. They were allowed to recruit in return for their role in opposing the Gaddafi regime in Libya. Many were then allowed to travel to Libya in 2011and had control orders lifted and their confiscated passports handed back to themso they could fight in the US/UK regime-change operation. The local leader of the LIFG in Manchester, Abd al-Baset Azzouza bomb making expertlived on the same street as Abedi. The Daily Mail reported in September 2014 that Azzouz, with a reported 200 to 300 militants under his control in eastern Libya, was named as an al Qaeda operative and trainer skilled in bomb-making by the US State Department. Salman Abedi emerged from this milieu and ended up, like others of his generation, supporting ISIS in Syria. His deadly attack is most likely blowback from the temporary shift by Britain towards targeting ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria. UK intelligence have stated that Abedi was not on a list of 3,000 suspected jihadi supporters they claim to be monitoring closely, but only among 20,000 that are generally known to them. Again, this is not credible. None of the covert operations of the secret services involving Islamist terrorists can have proceeded without the direct knowledge and involvement of the government. In 2014, then-Home Secretary Theresa May said that new laws would be enacted to deny citizenship to Britons fighting in Syria and Iraq. She told the Daily Telegraph, New banning orders for extremist groups would be introduced that fall short of the legal threshold for terrorist proscription, as well as for new civil powers to target extremists who seek to radicalise others. People who insist on travelling to fight in Syria and Iraq will be investigated by the police and security services. For those who have dual nationality, I have the power to strip them of their citizenship and exclude them from the country. May warned, [A]ny British national who returns from Syria and Iraq faces prosecution here for participating in terrorist activities abroad. Just three years later, after travelling freely to Libya and Syria, Abedi was allowed back into the country, no questions asked, to carry out his bombing. The newspaper and broadcast media have joined in this cover-up by faithfully repeating the GMPs claims. Yet a Guardian article published Tuesday morning stated, On the day after the Manchester attack, investigators had concluded that Abedi was no lone actor. They believed he required considerable support in carrying out the attack. It continued, The first clue was the device itself. Forensic scientific analysts told how it had been crafted with cunning. The shrapnel was evenly spaced to inflict maximum damage and it had a back-up detonation system. ... The second clue emerged less than 24 hours after the attack. Intelligence from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre at MI5 headquarters confirmed there was a risk of a follow-up attack. The article included a statement from the brother of Zuhair Nassrat, one of those arrested in the police investigation. Speaking about Abedi, whose university tutor has confirmed had severe learning difficulties, Nassrat said, The Libyan community in Manchester dont believe in any way that he was by himselfhe had not got the capability. He [Abedi] does not have it in him, he is not smart enough. Andrew Scheer was elected last Saturday as the new leader of the Conservative Party, Canadas Official Opposition, in a membership vote. His victory, largely thanks to appeals to social conservatives and a brazen defence of former Prime Minister Stephen Harpers hard-right record, brings an end to a campaign which saw the Conservatives move still further right. Scheer, a Saskatchewan MP and former House of Commons Speaker, has cast himself as Harper with a smile. On the 13th ballot he secured 51 percent support, in an electoral system that gave each constituency equal weight irrespective of the number of Conservative voters. He defeated Maxime Bernier, a self-avowed libertarian and Harper cabinet minister who had led on all previous 12 ballots. Scheers campaign drew on the militarism, xenophobia and low tax policies espoused by Harper during his decade in power. In his victory speech, he denounced the decision of the Trudeau Liberal government to withdraw Canadian fighter jets from the Mideast war in Syria and Iraq, and vowed to send them back. The Liberal decision to withdraw the jets had nothing to do with opposition to the US-led war. Rather, it was part of a recalibration of Canadas role, which led to a tripling of the number of Canadian Special Forces deployed to Iraq. Scheer invoked the threat posed by radical Islamic terrorism as justification for his call for Canada to resume a combat role in Iraq. Under Harper, such rhetoric was used to justify the imposition of authoritarian surveillance laws like Bill C-51, which have handed vast new powers to Canadas intelligence agencies, and to whip up Islamophobia so as to split the working class. Scheer also pledged that a Conservative government would balance the budget within two years of taking office, which would require sweeping social spending cuts, and that he would eliminate the Liberals carbon tax, the centerpiece of the current governments climate change strategy. The carbon tax is a big-business proposal, supported by much of the oil industry. Nevertheless, all but one of the 13 Conservative candidates still standing when the votes were tabulated last week denounced it as an intolerable restraint on Canadas energy industry. Although Scheer laid claim to Harpers mantle, his victory does not mean the Conservatives are simply following Harpers agenda, as right-wing as that was. The leadership campaign saw the Conservatives shift still further to the right and even openly flirt with extreme right-wing and fascistic forces. This was above all shown in the leadership bid of Kellie Leitch, a Harper cabinet minister who styled herself as Canadas Donald Trump. Leitch advocated all immigrants and visitors to Canada be screened for Canadian values, and attended meetings at which leaders of racist and Islamophobic groups spoke. In the most notorious of these incidents, Leitch spoke with members of the Rise Canada group, a far-right organization which claims that Canada is threatened with an Islamic takeover and Sharia creep. For his part, Bernier declared that he was ready to deploy the army to prevent the relatively small number of refugees crossing by land from the US into Canada. The increase in illegal border-crossings since the beginning of the year has been driven by the Trump administrations vicious anti-immigrant crackdown. The leadership race was also pushed further to the right by the intervention of the oligarch and reality TV star Kevin OLeary, who entered the leadership race in January, only to endorse Bernier when he concluded that he could not win. Boosted by overwhelmingly favourable press coverage, OLeary advocated a program of unbridled wealth accumulation and attacks on workers rights. Just days before entering the race, he stated that the federal government should sell seats in the Senate, Canadas upper house, to raise money. Ultimately OLearys campaign floundered amid concerns that his unabashed flaunting of his wealth could prove a political liability. His failure to embrace Harpers claim that Canada is a warrior nation also raised questions among Conservatives over his commitment to military spending hikes and a leading role for Canada in NATO. Founded in 2003 out of a merger between the populist Canadian Alliance and a much weakened Progressive Conservative Party, the new Conservative Party spearheaded the drive of Canadas elite to push politics sharply right and more in line with the agenda of militarism and unbridled social reaction being pursued by their US strategic partners and economic rivals. Harper dramatically expanded Canadas aggressive imperialist foreign policy in wars from Afghanistan to Libya and Syria. This was combined with sweeping social spending cuts, attacks on democratic rights, and the adoption of a battery of anti-worker laws that effectively criminalized strike action by Canada Post, railway, airline and other workers governed by federal labour law. However, after a decade in power, Canadas ruling elite became increasingly concerned that Harpers hard-right program, including his anti-immigrant appeals, were becoming a lightning rod for mounting popular opposition. They thus opted for a change of course in 2015, swinging behind Justin Trudeau and his Liberals, who, with appeals to identity politics and close collaboration with the trade union bureaucracy, have moved forward with their agenda of austerity and war, but in new packaging. Despite the corporate medias portrayal of Scheer as something of a moderate, he joined in the further shift to the right that characterized the entire Conservative leadership campaign. He was one of the first in the Conservative caucus to embrace Brexit, following last Junes referendum in the UK. Scheer, as Macleans columnist Paul Wells noted in a column this week, is an ardent admirer of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, and is determined to complete the levelling of what remains of the welfare state. An opponent of abortion rights and gay marriage, Scheer also based his candidacy on an appeal to the partys most socially conservative elements. On the final ballot, he won most of the support that had previously gone to the fourth-place finisher, Brad Trost, who had cast himself as the voice of social conservatism in the Conservative Party. Trost is expected to receive a prominent position in Scheers leadership team. Although he has vowed not to reopen these issues, Scheer has repeatedly stated that he would permit Conservative MPs to present private members bills on abortion and same sex marriage, and allow a free vote on such matters. In his victory speech, Scheer said that he would deny federal funds to universities that do not abide by free speech principles. This is an appeal to far-right groups, including anti-abortion activists and anti-Islamic terror groups, that have been prevented from speaking at universities due to widespread student opposition. Berniers defeat has been largely attributed by the media to his call for the dismantling of the supply management system in Canadas dairy and poultry-farming sectors, which cost him support in his home province of Quebec. But other elements of Berniers radical free market agenda were no less significant. Maclean s magazine reported that Berniers team confirmed on the eve of Saturdays vote that his health care policy would have meant an end to the Canada Health Act, a piece of legislation introduced over 20 years ago to placate popular opposition to the privatization of health care. Berniers proposal to remove the federal government from the health care sector was likely recognized even in Conservative circles as being so unpopular at present as to make them unelectable. Bernier sought to marry his radical free market policies with a more moderate stance on social issues, including same sex marriage and abortion rights. This raised the ire of the partys social conservative constituency, who backed contenders like Trost and gave their second preferences to Scheer. Scheer also enjoyed a substantial advantage within the Tory parliamentary caucus, receiving the backing of 24 MPs compared to Berniers eight. The Liberal government reacted to Scheers selection as Conservative leader by denouncing him as a social conservative and continuator of Harpers legacy. Such criticism rings hollow, however, given the Trudeau governments ongoing adherence to the fiscal framework imposed by almost a decade of Conservative austerity, their continuation of aggressive military interventions abroad and their maintenance of draconian legislation implemented on the pretext of the war on terror. The European Union (EU) announced last month that its Generalised Scheme of Preference Plus tariff concession (GSP+) would be restored for Sri Lanka, effective from May 19. The facility was originally granted after the Asian tsunami disaster in December 2004. GSP+ was withdrawn in 2010 on the pretext that President Mahinda Rajapakses government violated human rights during its communal war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Initiated by the US as well as the EU, the real reason for the removal of GSP+ was to pressure Rajapakse to end his governments close relations with China. Addressing a Colombo meeting on the eve of the EU announcement that GSP+ would be restored, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe claimed that the tariff concessions would help overcome the countrys serious economic problems. Wickremesinghe declared that Sri Lankas balance of payments and debt servicing issues could be resolved by increasing exports with the regaining of GSP+. The tariff concession, he continued, would be a significant landmark and the beginning of an export-oriented economy. Between 2005 and late 2009, when Sri Lanka had GSP+, exports to the EU increased from $US1.8 billion to $2.4 billion. After the GSP+ concession was withdrawn in 2010, export growth dropped and reportedly led to 25 garment factories being shut down and about 25,000 jobs eliminated. Wickremesinghes attempts to paint the tariff concession as a panacea are absurd. Regaining GSP+ was a key pledge to big business by President Maithripala Sirisena and Wickremesinghe during their election campaigns two years ago. Their administration has worked with the EU powers to restore the facility. The EU decided to reinstitute GSP+ for two main reasons. Firstly, while the government continues to obtain financial support from China, Colombo has agreed to fall into line with the geo-strategic agendas of the US, EU and India. Secondly, European corporations want greater access to cheap labour under conditions of the ongoing global economic downturn. Most of the giant retail corporations source their goods from countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Indonesia and China. The EU remains Sri Lankas main export market, with more than 30 percent of the countrys annual merchandise sold to Europe, and the biggest single market for Sri Lankas apparel exports. Colombo hopes that GSP+ will enhance this trade. While restoring the GSP+ facility, the EU has demanded that Sri Lanka ratify and implement 27 international conventions it previously signed. These include conventions on various social and political rights. The EU wants Colombo to remove its draconian prevention of terrorism laws (PTA) and protect the right of workers to join trade unions. The government has pluses and minuses in defending human rights, the EU ambassador to Sri Lanka, Tung Lai Margue, said in announcing the restoration of the tariff concession. These statements are completely hypocritical. The EU, like the US and other imperialist powers, are notorious for their war crimes and violation of human rights. They all backed the communal war waged by successive Colombo governments against the LTTE and only began raising human rights issues when Beijing emerged as Sri Lankas main source of investment and military hardware. With the GSP+ we will have access to 6,000 products while looking at new product ranges in the apparel and fisheries sector, Wickremesinghe said. But several economists rejected this rosy picture. The estimated increase in exports from GSP+ for the rest of 2017 will be just over $300 million. Sunday Times economist Nimal Sandaratne wrote on May 21 that exports would not expand rapidly because of manufacturers inability to immediately enhance their production capacity. According to the Daily Mail on May 18, the semi-government Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) warned that structural limitations, such as labour shortages, are also are a barrier. A factor in the shortage of labour is the low wages paid by companies. Increasing production capacity, above all, depends on attracting investment. Sri Lankas foreign direct investment (FDI), however, halved to $300 million in 2016, from $600 million the previous year. The fall was a result of international financial volatility and investors looking for more profitable production facilities. While Sri Lankan exports to EU countries will not attract any duty because of GSP+, other countries enjoy similar concessions, such as Armenia, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay and the Philippines. Enticing foreign investment and gaining greater market share is a ruthless, cut-throat affair and can be achieved only by lowering real wages and driving down working conditions. The Daily Mirror article highlighted the austerity measures imposed by Sri Lankas economic rivals. This means that similar or more stringent measures must be implemented in Sri Lanka. Whereas Sri Lankas competitors, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, are embarking on large-scale economic reform agendas, Sri Lankas relative reticence restricts its potential for growth, the newspaper warned. In 2015, Vietnam, Pakistan and Cambodia had higher EU export earnings than Sri Lanka. That year, Vietnams apparel exports to the EU were $3.9 billion, Pakistans $2.9 billion and Cambodias $3.7 billion, compared to Sri Lankas $2.4 billion. The trade unions, which politically endorsed Sirisena and Wickremesinghe and helped them come to power in 2015, have worked closely with Colombo and the EU to regain GSP+. Union leaders even lobbied the EU, claiming they were pushing for concessions from companies for the benefit of workers. Their main concern, however, was to demonstrate to investors that the unions were needed to control workers and boost profits. The unions involved in the lobbying included the Free Trade Zone and General Services Union, the ruling United National Party (UNP)-controlled Independent Employees Union and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-affiliated Inter-Company Employees Union. JVP parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti accompanied Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva to Brussels to convince EU parliamentarians. Veteran pseudo-left MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara joined them. The delegation assured European big business their investments would be safe and highly profitable. The GSP+ will not resolve the economic crisis but will lead to even greater attacks on workers wages and basic rights. Foreign and domestic companies in Sri Lankas free trade zones are already stepping up their assault, demanding higher productivity, slashing conditions and increasing their use of contract and casual workers. Mehring Books is pleased to announce that it is running a special sale from June 1 to June 14. During this time we are offering steep discounts on both classic works and newer titles. Among the titles being featured are books by David North, chairman of the international editorial board of the World Socialist Web Site including; A Quarter Century of War, the US drive for global hegemony 19902016 , The Frankfurt School, postmodernism and the politics of the pseudo left, A Marxist Critique and The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century. Marking the centenary of the Russian Revolution, Mehring Books is offering the classic film documentary Tsar to Lenin on DVD (with subtitles in 14 languages) for $12.95 along with free US shipping. The Russian Revolution bundle featuring Tsar to Lenin and The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century is just $29.95. Be sure to get your copy of the lecture Why Study the Russian Revolution? by David North for just $2.95. Trotskys History of the Russian Revolution is discounted to $28.00! 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Vandenberg, the phrase expresses the conception that, whatever the internal divisions over foreign policy, they must be subordinated to the united front the US political establishment presents to the world. Under no circumstances should an American political leader traveling abroad denounce the head of state. This principle was explosively thrown overboard by Arizona Senator John McCain on Tuesday. Speaking in Australia before high-ranking state and military officials, including two former prime ministers, McCain delivered a damning indictment of Donald Trump and called upon the Australian government to defy his administration. I realize that some of President Trumps actions and statements have unsettled Americas friends, he said. They have unsettled many Americans as well. There is a real debate underway now in my country about what kind of role America should play in the world. And frankly, I do not know how this debate will play out. What I do believe, and I do not think I am exaggerating here, is that the future of the world will turn, to a large extent, on how this debate in America is resolved. Imagine for a moment that the roles were reversed. If a high-ranking Australian government official came to the United States to denounce the Australian prime minister before American officials, it would legitimately be interpreted to mean he was soliciting support for the removal of the current head of his own government. As a senior senator, former Republican presidential candidate, chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, an admirals son and former military officer himself, with countless private connections to the military, McCain is speaking as one of the most powerful figures in American politics. He continued: I know that many of you have a lot of questions about where America is headed under President Trump. Frankly, so do many Americans But it has many decent, capable peopleJim Mattis, H.R. McMaster, John Kelly, Mike Pompeo, Dan Coats, Rex Tillersonpeople who deserve your support, and need it. The figures named by McCain include three generalsSecretary of Defense James Mattis, National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster and Secretary of Homeland Security John Kellyalong with CIA Director Mike Pompeo, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and the former Exxon Mobil CEO and current secretary of state, Rex Tillerson. Significantly, McCain left out the vice president, Mike Pence. If this is what McCain says in public about the American president and head of his own party, what is he saying in private? He began his remarks by noting that, over the previous several days, he had met with Prime Minister Turnbull and his team, as well as opposition leaders and Australian diplomats, parliamentarians, [and] military officers. He likewise no doubt spoke with admirals and generals from the US Navy and Marines. McCains selection of Australia is not an accident. The US is stepping up its confrontation with China and stands on the brink of war with North Korea. It sees Australia as a critical strategic ally in the unfolding conflict in the Asia/Pacific theater. Washington has been deeply involved in every aspect of Australian politics, including the removal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975 and the ouster of Kevin Rudd in 2010. Acknowledging that what is really in question, then, is Americas judgment, McCain acknowledged, I realize there is much to criticize. He then proceeded to side with the Australian government against the policies of the United States. I know Australia is now talking with Japan and others about moving forward with the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership] despite Americas withdrawal. I would strongly encourage that, he said. So I would urge you to keep at it. And hopefully, someday in the future, under different circumstances, America will decide to join you. In what cannot simply be dismissed as a coincidence, an editorial appearing in the New York Times the next day used nearly identical language. Decrying the collapse of US foreign policy, the Times praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron just days after the two leaders had launched political broadsides against the Trump administration. The Times concluded ominously, For now, it looks as if it is up to Ms. Merkel and Mr. Macron to keep the [NATO] alliance alive and relevant, at least until Mr. Trump wakes up to the need for American leadership or until another, wiser president replaces him. The people to whom McCain and the Times are making their appeal know what such language means: The knives are out at the highest level of the American state. Political division on this scale can emerge only under conditions of the most acute social crisis. Powerful factions in the US state believe the policies of the Trump administration threaten a complete breakdown of Washingtons global authority and hegemonic interests. They are at the same time concerned over increasingly explosive social conditions within the US, and the fact that the ability of the ruling elite to contain these contradictions is gravely undermined by the precipitous decline of Americas global prestige. The conflict rending the American state is between two reactionary factions, each engaged in conspiracies and prepared to use unconstitutional means to reach its ends. Such an atmosphere creates the conditions for the emergence onto the political scene of the working class, which cannot remain a bystander in this war between contending right-wing sections of the ruling elite, much less side with one or the other. As McCain and his collaborators seek alliances among different groups of imperialists, American workers must seek allies among the international working class and pursue their own revolutionary and socialist strategyfor jobs, an end to war and the defense of democratic rights. Thursday, June 01, 2017 ABQ Congressional Candidates Multiplying Fast, Gators Feed On Ramo Guv Rumor And "The NM Inquisition" Laughs At La Politica Former NM Dem Party Chair Deb Haaland, attorney Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez, ABQ City Councilor Pat Davis, ABQ physicist Dennis Dinge, attorney Damian Lara and Edgewood town councilor And there are two more waiting in the wings, including former US attorney Damon Martinez and possibly a former aide to US Senator Jeff Bingaman. That would take us to eight. But expect the sorting out to be fast and furious. Given the low name ID of these candidates, party insiders peg the cost of a successful run for the nomination will run at least $1 million and up to $1.5 million. Not many will be able to reach that bar. GATORING RAMO The Alligators came climbing out of Tingley Beach when they read our report about businessman and foreign affairs consultant Joshua Cooper Ramo making some phone calls to top politicos in which he wondered about running for the '18 Dem Guv nomination. Never mind that it's a longshot Ramo would actually run. Behind every possible political move, the Gators dig deep. For example, Joe, You didn't mention that Joshua Cooper Ramo is the cousin of Amanda Cooper, the step-daughter of Senator Tom Udall and longtime state political consultant. Amanda's mother, Jill Cooper Udall, is related to Joshua's mother, Roberta Cooper Ramo. And remember how Sen. Udall was considering a run for Governor before Michelle Lujan Grisham decided to run. Just sayin'. Hmm. Joshua as the stalking horse for Tom Udall? Well, that's what you get when you tell the Alligators that it's all over for the Dem nomination and that a Grisham win is a done deal. That's like taking fresh meat from their jagged teeth. By week's end the Ramo family and a variety of others were making mince meat of the Ramo rumor, saying emphatically he was not running for Governor. Considering he lives mainly in New York, (although he does have a place in Santa Fe as well) you would not expect him to make a bid. NOT AS EXPECTED A The scholarship program is rapidly fading away in a state besieged by austerity. But that's New Mexico these days. News that should have folks up in arms and demanding change and accountability is treated "as expected." And that's how you get an economic death spiral in which the the young lead the pack in THE NM INQUISITION Danger and Sheridan throw piles of comedy and satire at the state's top politicos, fake news, the "real" news doled out by the NM mainstream media and much more. As NMIQ says, "Laugh at the headlines, stay for the Fake News!" It's sharp writing and quick wit for those who like their La Politica a bit on the wild side. And if you're reading this, that's you. Enjoy. OFF HIS ROCKER Gary, what do you mean you're "finally" In June, Gary Johnson will embark on what he calls his greatest physical challenge yet: riding the Continental Divide from Banff, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies to Antelope Wells in the desert of Southern New Mexico. The former two-term Republican governor and two-time Libertarian presidential candidate is taking part in the Tour Divide, a nearly 2,800-mile race. Johnson, 64, said that he may be finally, completely off my rocker. He said he expects to be on his mountain bike for eight to nine hours a day for something like 40 days. Gary has been "off his rocker" for as long as we can remember, but we've got to give it to him. No one is going to put this peripatetic senior athlete in a rocking chair. THE BOTTOM LINES On our big Wednesday blog we called Ray Powell the state land commissioner. He, of course, is the former commissioner. The current commissioner is Republican Aubrey Dunn. . . And we said in the first draft that there are two women on the ABQ city council. There are three--Councilors Gibson, Pena and Jones. WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR Calling all New Mexicans! New Mexico First invites you to THE policy event of the year on June 7th. U.S. Senators Tom Daschle and Trent Lott will headline the event and highlight important issues facing our state! Bipartisanship awards will be given to Rep. James Smith, Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richards, Rep. Jim Dines and Sherman McCorkle. Buy tickets here. This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. ( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2017 Will we reach double digits? That's the question for the Dem nomination for the ABQ congressional seat being vacated by Rep Michelle Lujan Grisham who is seeking her party's '18 Guv nomination. A year before the primary we already are up to six congressional contenders. They are:Former NM Dem Party Chair Deb Haaland, attorney Antoinette Sedillo-Lopez, ABQ City Councilor Pat Davis, ABQ physicist Dennis Dinge, attorney Damian Lara and Edgewood town councilor John Abrams And there are two more waiting in the wings, including former US attorney Damon Martinez and possibly a former aide to US Senator Jeff Bingaman. That would take us to eight.But expect the sorting out to be fast and furious. Given the low name ID of these candidates, party insiders peg the cost of a successful run for the nomination will run at least $1 million and up to $1.5 million. Not many will be able to reach that bar.The Alligators came climbing out of Tingley Beach when they read our report about businessman and foreign affairs consultant Joshua Cooper Ramo making some phone calls to top politicos in which he wondered about running for the '18 Dem Guv nomination. Never mind that it's a longshot Ramo would actually run. Behind every possible political move, the Gators dig deep. For example,Hmm. Joshua as the stalking horse for Tom Udall? Well, that's what you get when you tell the Alligators that it's all over for the Dem nomination and that a Grisham win is a done deal. That's like taking fresh meat from their jagged teeth.By week's end the Ramo family and a variety of others were making mince meat of the Ramo rumor, saying emphatically he was not running for Governor. Considering he lives mainly in New York, (although he does have a place in Santa Fe as well) you would not expect him to make a bid. newspaper report said the stunning drop for state funding of lottery scholarships--from 90 to 60 percent of tuition--was "as expected." Say what? How many of the 26,000 higher ed students getting lottery funding were expecting a drop that will add over $700 a year to their tuition? We're they all eagle-eyed and watching the legislative session? Of course not. Their jaws are dropping over the news and some of them may not be able to go to classes because of the massive drop in lottery aid.The scholarship program is rapidly fading away in a state besieged by austerity. But that's New Mexico these days. News that should have folks up in arms and demanding change and accountability is treated "as expected." And that's how you get an economic death spiral in which the the young lead the pack in leaving the state Thankfully, not all of the talented youth are leaving. We ran into a couple of them who are among the best and brightest--and funniest. Danger Varoz (he swears that's his real name), Sheridan Kay Johnson and a large supporting cast have been garnering plenty of attention and accolades for their new political satire series "The New Mexico Inquisition" or "NMINQ." The program airs on their Facebook and other social media like YouTube as well as public access TV.Danger and Sheridan throw piles of comedy and satire at the state's top politicos, fake news, the "real" news doled out by the NM mainstream media and much more. As NMIQ says, "Laugh at the headlines, stay for the Fake News!"It's sharp writing and quick wit for those who like their La Politica a bit on the wild side. And if you're reading this, that's you. Enjoy.Gary, what do you mean you're "finally" off your rocker Gary has been "off his rocker" for as long as we can remember, but we've got to give it to him. No one is going to put this peripatetic senior athlete in a rocking chair.On our big Wednesday blog we called Ray Powell the state land commissioner. He, of course, is the former commissioner. The current commissioner is Republican Aubrey Dunn. . . And we said in the first draft that there are two women on the ABQ city council. There are three--Councilors Gibson, Pena and Jones.This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) SUWANNEE COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A man who as a teen confessed to killing four neighbors in Rhode Island now faces an attempted murder charge for stabbing an inmate at Suwannee County prison. According to a court document, Craig Price, now 43, attacked an inmate on April 4 with a 5-inch homemade knife at the Suwannee Correctional Institution. During the attack that authorities say lasted over 20 seconds, the inmate managed to escape from Price and ran out of the cell. Price eventually caught up with him, tackling him and continuing to stab him. Documents say that it took two officers and two other inmates to restrain Price. The inmate "suffered two stab wounds to the head, two stab wounds to his back, and one stab wound to his chest, according to the documents. According to ABC6 News, Price now faces an attempted murder charge. ABC6 News also reports that Price had previously confessed to killing four of his Warwick neighbors in 1989. They say he was just 15 years old at the time. They say that this isn't the first time Price has been in trouble behind bars. ABC6 News reports that he got two years added to his sentenced after he stabbed a Florida prison guard in 2009. The Associated Press reports that Price is set to be arraigned Aug. 30 in Florida but it's unclear if he has an attorney. MIDWAY, Fl. (WTXL) -- The unsettled weather keeps at it, with warm and humid mornings coupled with hot and muggy afternoons. A stalled front to our north will continue too allow an air mass rich in moisture content to move into the northern Gulf of Mexico. This will likely lead to greater rain opportunities to finish the work week and start the weekend. Thursday: Skies will likely start off partly sunny to mostly cloudy yet again, with morning lows on the mild side (numbers in the lower 70s). The afternoon is expected to be warm and humid, with highs in the upper 80s. Rain coverage will likely be isolated in nature (30%), though more storms may pop up when compared to yesterday. Beach and Boating forecast information, as well as a look at your Thursday Tide Times, is below: Friday through Sunday: More moisture is forecast to move into our region, and the cold front to our north will be slow to move, gradually dropping south and losing strength. Regardless, it will help keep our area in an unsettled pattern through the weekend, with scattered showers and storms possible each and every day (40% coverage). Expect morning lows to be in the lower 70s with highs in the upper 80s each day. Monday and Tuesday: More tropical moisture is expected to move into the Gulf. This will likely travel close to our region, increasing rain coverage further. In addition, another front will likely organize and push to the east, gradually pushing all of the unsettled weather with it. Expect morning lows in the lower to mid 70s, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Storm coverage will likely be scattered to numerous (50-60% overall). Wednesday: Models hint that gradual clearing may occur by next Wednesday, allowing more sunshine to dominate. Showers at this point appear to be isolated, with highs back to near 90. You can catch the forecast on WTXL Sunrise starting at 5:00, as well as WTXL Midday at Noon. Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse has your forecast at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 this evening. Plus, you can get the Storm Team Forecast every 10 minutes on Channel 27.3 Weather NOW. Remember to follow the ABC 27 Storm Team on Social Media. Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/abc27stormteam/) Twitter (http://twitter.com/abc27stormteam) China is willing to work with the United States to realize balanced development of trade and investment, a research report by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. You can read the full text of this article if you: Select an option Log In Buy Article Content & Permissions Access through Ovid If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. Since Israels inception in 1948, the Arab-Palestinians mark Nakba Day . Nakba, the Arabic term for catastrophe, represents much more than just the physical creation of the modern State of Israel in 1948, which Palestinians decree as the cataclysmic disaster. It is also the Palestinian process of refusing to accept the fact that a sovereign Jewish state could even be allowed to come into being. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Over the years, one of the greatest ironies is that Arab members of Knesset have repeatedly proposed establishing an official Nakba Day. Although the Knesset's Ministerial Committee on Legislative Affairs eventually banned these proposals, they indicate how ingrained 1948 is in the Arab psyche. To the Knesset's credit, there was an understanding that marking the Nakba is harmful and propagates the notion that Israel's birth was illegitimate. Nakba is what has allowed Arab countries to treat their own brethren as bargaining chips rather than human beings whose suffering and deprivation they could have alleviated (Photo: AFP) But what is the Nakba all about? On the one hand, the very idea that an Arab-Israeli MK could propose Nakba be celebrated as a national holiday highlights the extent and openness of Israeli society; even ludicrous idea can be raised in its parliament. On the other, such a proposal would require Israeli society to forget what Zionism is all about. Moreover, the Nakbas vitality is embedded in the existence of Arab-Palestinian refugees who serve as a permanent reminder of the original sin of 1948. Nakba is also what has allowed Arab countries to treat their own brethren as bargaining chips rather than human beings whose suffering and deprivation they could have alleviated. Lets take Lebanon. Arab-Palestinians amount to approximately 450,000 refugees registered in 12 camps run by UNRWA, where Lebanese authorities have no jurisdiction. The Palestinians have been caught in a perfect storm, where they can rationalize and blame their condition on Lebanon and Israel in tandem, yet Israel is guiltier given its sole responsibility for the Nakba. While Palestinians are prohibited from working in most professions and from owning property, it is never seen as an outgrowth of Lebanese policy or Arab politics at large. Claudio Cordone, UNRWAs country director, of course claims that Palestinians in Lebanon feel trapped in a political limbo and see an almost total lack of meaningful political prospects of a solution to their perceived displacement from Palestine. Sheikh Mohammad Muwad, a Palestinian imam in Sidon, was quoted as saying that they starve us, so we go back to Palestine. They deprive us, so that we go back to Palestine. Well, go ahead, send us back to Palestine! Let us go to the border, and we will march back into Palestine, no matter how many martyrs we must give. Its a statement that is analogous to the ones heard for decades, for example in 1949 when UN's Economic Survey Mission reported on a visit to Gaza in 1949: "In one of the camps, the refugees staged quite a demonstration. A large sign had been printed in English on which were the following, numbered as indicated: 1. Send us back home. 2. Compensate us. 3. Maintain us until we are refreshed. Just what they had in mind by 'refreshed' I leave to your imagination." Syrian-Palestinians who fled that civil war have protested outside UNRWA's offices in Lebanon, asking for help. But the double standard is critical to Palestinian identity; the Nakba narrative mandates the creation of a Palestinian state only in Israel, while everything beyond those borders should be a constant reminder that there is no option for resolution outside of "Palestine." UNRWA's success has been in transforming itself into the guardian of the refugees' isolation, preserving the uniqueness of the Palestinian refugees' identity as an entity that cannot be assimilated into any Arab country, but only into what is perceived as Palestine. This dependency prevents the refugees from directly getting involved in local politics, leaving UNRWA as their only voice in the "Arab wilderness." In 2007, shortly after the Hamas takeover of Gaza, Ahmed Jammal, a father of five from Gaza, exclaimed inside an aid center in Gaza City that we now have only God and then UNRWA. This perceived theological bond has enshrined the fact the no Palestinian leader will ever get the mandate to give up the right of return or UNRWAs role, and this is the Nakba at its core. Since 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day Wara war for Israels survivalthere has been significant growth in commemorations reminding the world of Palestinian statelessness and refugeeness. It is a reminder that anniversaries should celebrate growth and not paralysis. Comedian Kathy Griffin has lost her decade-long gig ringing in the new year for CNN, as she recieves a barrage of criticism over a video she posted displaying the likeness of US President Donald Trump's severed and bloody head. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter CNN, which had called the images disgusting and offensive after Griffin posted the video on Tuesday, announced Wednesday it would not invite her back this year for the Times Square live New Years Eve special she had co-hosted annually since 2007 with CNNs Anderson Cooper. Kathy Griffin in the video "For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in," Cooper tweeted on Tuesday. "It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate." A New Mexico casino has also canceled a performance by Griffin, who was scheduled to perform at Route 66 Casino, operated by Laguna Pueblo, on July 22. Squatty Potty, a Utah-based bathroom products company, said in a statement Tuesday that it has suspended an ad campaign featuring Griffin. We were shocked and disappointed by the video, said Bobby Edwards, the companys CEO. It was deeply inappropriate and runs contrary to the core values our company stands for. I am a true supporter of free speech, but feel Kathy crossed the line, Edwards added. I regret having to make these decisions, but have no choice. Kathy Griffin's decapitation video (Credit: Kathy Griffin) X In the video, a straight-faced Griffin was shown slowly lifting the bloody head. She originally described the project, which she did with photographer Tyler Shields, as an "artsy fartsy statement" mocking the commander in chief. "I sincerely apologize," Griffin said in a follow-up video. "I went way too far. The image is too disturbing. I understand how it offends people." In her apology video, Griffin asks her fans for forgiveness and says she has asked the photographer to remove the images. "I made a mistake, and I was wrong," she stressed. The video had apparently been removed from Shields' blog by late Tuesday. A publicist for Shields did not respond to a request for comment. Kathy Griffin (Photo: AP) Griffin's video caused a wave of backlash, with Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former US President Bill Clinton and former US Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, calling it "vile and wrong," and Minnesota Senator Al Franken, who has an event scheduled with Griffin on July 7, said the image was "inappropriate and not the kind of thing that should be part of our national discourse." Griffins video made Trump seethe. Tweeting Wednesday morning, he said Griffin should be ashamed of herself for creating the video. My children, especially my 11-year-old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! First lady Melania Trump issued a statement of her own: 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. The video also attracted the attention of the US Secret Service, which monitors all threats against the president. In a statement, the Secret Service indicated that it could look further into the episode. "We don't have the luxury of knowing a person's intent," it said. "Each alleged or perceived threat has to be investigated thoroughly which taxes Secret Service manpower and resources that could be utilized elsewhere." (Translated & edited by Lior Mor) Within days of capturing east Jerusalem and the West Bank in the Six-Day War, Israel was already examining options regarding the future, ranging from Jewish settlement-building to the creation of a Palestinian state. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter As the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the war nears on June 5, recently unearthed documents detailing the post-war legal and diplomatic debate have been declassified, and underline how little progress has been made toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Akevot, an Israeli NGO researching the conflict, has spent thousands of hours over two years gaining access to the declassified, often dog-eared, documents, and building a digital record of them. Defense Minister Moshe Dayan in a press conference following the Six-Day War (Photo: AP) "One of the things we realized early on was that so many of the policies related to current day Israeli government activities in the occupied territories have roots going back to the very first year of occupation," said Lior Yavne, founder and director of Akevot. "Policies that were envisaged very early on, 1967 or 1968, serve government policies to this day." Over the duration of the Six-Day War, Israel took over 5,900 square km (2,280 square miles) of the West Bank, the walled Old City of Jerusalem and more than two dozen Arab villages on the city's eastern flank. It also conquered the Golan Heights from Syria, and Sinai and the Gaza Strip from Egypt. For the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry, though, the thorniest questions in 1967 surrounded how to handle the unexpected seizure of the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and the 660,000 Palestinians living there. 'The war never ended' A little over a month after the war ended on June 10, 1967, senior Foreign Ministry officials had drafted a set of seven possibilities of what to do with the West Bank and Gaza. They considered everything from establishing an independent, demilitarized Palestinian state with its capital as close as possible to Jerusalem, to annexing the entire area to Israel and even handing most of it over to Jordan. The authors explained the need to move rapidly because "internationally, the impression that Israel maintains colonial rule over these occupied territories may arise in the interim". IDF soldiers in Jerusalem during the Six-Day War (Photo: AP) While the document analyzes in detail the idea of an independent Palestinian state, it presents most positively the case for annexation, while also clearly stating its "inherent dangers". Option four, listed as "the graduated solution," is the one perhaps closest to what exists to this day: a plan to establish a Palestinian state only once there is a peace agreement between Israel and Arab nations. "The Six-Day War actually never ended," said Tom Segev, a leading Israeli historian and author of 1967Israel, the War, and the Year that Transformed the Middle East. "The seventh day has lasted ever since for the last 50 years. And it is affecting both us and the Palestinians ... every day, every minute." The continued question of the settlements Perhaps the trickiest and most legally nuanced discussions following the Six-Day War were around Israel's responsibilities under international law, and whether it could build Jewish settlements in the areas it had conquered. Palestinians and many countries consider Israel's settlements on land they seek for a future Palestinian state as illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical, biblical and political links to the West Bank and east Jerusalem, as well as security considerations. After the Six-Day War, Israel annexed east Jerusalem and has considered ever since all of Jerusalem as its "indivisible and eternal capital," while Palestinians consider east Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestine. Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Israel has consistently violated UN resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention in its actions in occupied territory, particularly in Jerusalem. Paratroopers at the Western Wall during the Six-Day War (Photo: Bamahane) "All these measures ... can't change the fact that Jerusalem is an occupied city, just like the rest of Palestinian lands," he said. Theodor Meron, one of the world's leading jurists who at the time was a legal adviser to the Foreign Ministry, wrote several memos in late 1967 and early 1968 laying out his position on vis-a-vis settlements. In a letter sent to the prime minister's political secretary, Meron said: "My conclusion is that civilian settlement in the administered territories contravenes explicit provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention". Meron, who now lives in the United States, set his arguments out over several pages, but they boiled down to the fact that Israel was a signatory to the Geneva Convention, which prohibits transferring citizens of an occupying state onto occupied land. "Any legal arguments that we shall try to find will not counteract the heavy international pressure that will be exerted upon us even by friendly countries which will base themselves on the Fourth Geneva Convention," he wrote. The only way he could see settlements being legally justifiedand even then he made clear he did not favor the argumentwas if they were in temporary camps and "carried out by military and not civilian entities". While in the early years settlements were militaristic and often temporary, the enterprise now has full government backing, houses some 350,000 civilians in the West Bank and has the hallmarks of permanence. L to R: Def. Min. Dayan and IDF Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin following the Six-Day War (Photo: David Rubinger) Meron declined to respond to specific questions from Reuters. But in an article this month in the American Journal of International Law, he expressed concern about "the continued march toward an inexorable demographic change in the West Bank" and US President Trump's appointment of David Friedmana man who has raised funds for settlementsto be the US ambassador to Israel. There is, Meron wrote in the journal, a growing perception in the international community that "individual Palestinian human rights, as well as their rights under the Fourth Geneva Convention, are being violated." What's in a name Immediately after the war, almost no element of Israel's land seizure went unexamined, whether by the military, the Prime Minister's Office, the foreign ministry, naming committees or religious authorities. In a memo on June 22, 1967, Michael Comay, political adviser to the Foreign Ministry, wrote to the ministry's deputy director-general saying they needed to be careful about using phrases like "occupied territories" or "occupying power" because they supported the International Committee of the Red Cross's view that the local population should have rights under the Fourth Geneva Convention. "There are two alternatives: Using the term TERRITORIES OF THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT or TERRITORIES UNDER ISRAEL CONTROL," he wrote. "Externally, I prefer the second option." Even now, the government avoids talking about an occupation, suggesting instead that the West Bank is "disputed territory". For decades they were bitter rivals, but history forced them to work side by side. Each of them may have understood the importance of the other, but that did not stop them from getting into bitter fights time after time. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Yedioth Ahronoth publishesfor the first time everthe so-called "reconciliation paper," signed between Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres in 1995, three months before Rabin would be assassinated. Rabin (R), Peres (C) and Arafat (L) receiving the Nobel peace prize (Photo: Getty Images) The document details a working arrangement between the two in the event that Rabin got elected to an addition term as prime minister in the elections that were due to be held in 1996. According to the agreement, Peres would not run against Rabin in return for being made foreign minister. Rabin, for his part, agreed to coordinate all moves with the Palestinians and countries in the region with Peres, as well as provide access to any secret documents he was privy to. The one who helped make the deal possible was Giora Eini. The son of a former Mapai official and an attorney, Eini was a confidant of both Rabin and Peres and acted as mediator between the two. Eini's influence on the two first appeared during one of the ugliest spats between Rabin and Peres, on September 12th, 1993, at the ceremony marking the signing of the Oslo Accords. The ceremony was being planned at the White House by then-US President Bill Clinton. Rabin had originally planned not to take part. "Let them remember that Peres was there with Arafat when everything collapsed," he said. Pereswho was holding secret negotiations with the PLO at the timeapparently agreed with the notion that Rabin should stay home. "I deserve it," he apparently said. Copy of the handwritten note However, in the end, Rabin was convinced by the Americans to attend and participate in the ceremony. When Peres heard the news that Rabin was attending, he apparently picked up the phone and called Eini, saying, "This man is ruining my life and hasn't left me alone for 16 years." The document was written in Rabin's handwriting, who also refused to give Peres a copy of the letter, suspecting that he would leak the document and "distort its meaning." The existence of the document is mentioned in the recently published biography "Yitzhak RabinSoldier, statesman, leader" written by Professor Itamar Rabinovich. However, even the signing of the document proved to be a squabble between the two. On November 4, 1995, months after the document was prepared and signed, Eini reached Rabin's house in Tel Aviv only to complain that Peres informed him that the agreement was null and void as a result of Rabin's refusal to transfer Nativ, which coordinated the activities of the Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union, to Peres's responsibility at the Foreign Ministry. The letter, with Peres and Rabin's signatures Eini proposed as a compromise that the overall responsibility for Nativ would remain under the authority of the prime minister, with the practical responsibility would be handed over to Peres and the Foreign Ministry. Rabin begrudgingly agreed. At the fateful peace rally, in what would soon become Rabin Square under tragic circumstances, Eini approached Peres and tried to sell him on the compromise he had agreed with Rabin. Peres initially reacted with rage, saying, "What did I do to him that he hates me so much?" He hissed. "I will not take any more insults on his part." In the end, however, Eini persuaded him to agree. Then-deputy defense minister Peres (L) and IDF chief of staff Rabin (Photo: GPO) Following the rally and the singing of "Shir LaShalom," (Hebrew for "the song for peace"), Eini informed Rabin that Peres had agreed to the compromise, only for Rabin to respond, "Why were you so quick to end it? You could have waited a week and let him sweat," said Rabin before walking to his car, where Yigal Amir was waiting for him. MANILA -- Militants of at least five nationalities were among eight foreigners killed while fighting alongside Islamist militants against government troops in the southern Philippines, Manila's defence minister said on Thursday. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a news conference that fighters who were Saudi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Yemeni and Chechen among the dead found in Marawi City over the past week . There were eight foreigners killed who were known to be fighting with the rebels, he said. BEIRUT -- An air strike by the US-led coalition has killed the founder of the Islamic State propaganda media outlet Amaq in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zor, his brother said in a Facebook post on Tuesday. The post said the strike killed Rayan Meshaal and his daughter in their home in the city of al-Mayadin. Reuters could not independently confirm whether Meshaal had been killed. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the Israeli embassy Wednesday protesting visits to the al-Aqsa Mosque by what it called "extremists under the protection of the Israeli Police." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In the letter, the Jordanians claimed the visits had taken place repeatedly over the course of a week. Jordan had also previously issued a harsh statement condemning "settlers" for "defiling al-Aqsa." Al-Aqsa Mosque (Photo: Shutterstock) Additionally, the Jordanians demanded that the Israeli government "stop these attacks and provocations immediately and honor Jordan's role in sponsoring the holy sites of Islam in Jerusalema role Israel recognized in the peace treaty between the two countries." Furthermore, it continued, "This behavior is tantamount to provoking Muslim feelings and constitutes a violation of Article 9 of the peace treaty between the two countries." Jordan claims that Israel, as the "occupying power of east Jerusalem," has obligations under international law, international humanitarian law, the Hague Convention of 1907, the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Hague Convention of 1954 relating to the protection of cultural property in a state of armed conflict. The Jordanians warned in the letter that this behavior was damaging to relations between the two countries and were undermining efforts to reduce tension and preserve the historic status quo in the al-Aqsa Mosque. ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's military has accused India of attacking Pakistanis in border towns in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. In a statement, the military said three villagers were wounded early Thursday by small arms and mortar fire from the Indian side of the border in violation of a ceasefire agreement. The statement says Pakistani troops returned fire. There was no immediate comment from India. Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, was elected vice president of the organization's 72nd General Assembly. Danon, who was elected at the United Nations headquarters in New York as the representative of the WEOG, will assume his role this coming September when the General Assembly meets. As part of his new role, Danon will hold meetings of the General Assembly and will take an active part in determining the agenda of the deliberations. "I am proud to represent Israel in this important role," Danon said in response. "We have proved once again that Israel can take part in any role in the UN and the obsessive attempts to prevent Israel from winning its rightful place will not work." Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev (Likud) is threatening to pull government funding from the Israel Festivalperhaps one of the most important and prestigious international events in Israelover displays of nudity in performances. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "I didn't hear anything about 'nude shows' in the budget items," wrote Regev on her Facebook page. "I do not intend to fund nude shows using the state budget." Nudity for art In recent years, Regev has frequently attacked and confronted Israeli artists, especially those deemed to be leftwing supporters. However, this time, Regev is coming out against the festival itself, which was previously supported by the government to the tune of NIS 4.3 million following performances by non-Israeli artists invited to the event. In a letter sent to the festival's General Director, Eyal Sher, Regev said, "First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the development of the Israel Festival in recent years and its transformation into an international festival and an important center of culture and creativity. However, I was surprised to hear that full nude performances will be held this year as an integral part of the performances offered to the Israeli public." Regev went on to explain that such a display was inimical to core Israeli values. "A fully nude performanceeven when it is part of artistic expressionis contrary to, and violates, the basic values of the Israeli public and the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state," she said. Specifically, Regev is referring to two works incorporating nudity that are slated to appear in the festival: The theatrical piece "And what will I do with this sword?" by Spanish artist Angelica Liddell and "Pindorama," by Lia Rodrigues of Brazil. "Pindorama" by Lia Rodrigues Rodrigues is due to speak at the opening event of the festival and emphasizes that festival directors have the right to make their own artistic choices. However, Regev cited "freedom of funding"a term often employed by Regev in many of her recent struggles, which allows her to refrain from allocating state funds to the festival for performances she defines as contrary to the values of the state. "The state's budget cannot be used for activities that harm society's values and identity," wrote Regev. "As is customary in American law and in other countries, there is no connection between freedom of expression and creative freedom, which are important and protected rights, and the imposition of a financial obligation on the state in relation to any artistic work." Regev's behavior has raised ire in artistic circles, with many claiming that she is attempting to harm freedom of expression and creativity in order to advance a political agenda. Miri Regev "It's a criterion that has nothing to do with art," said actor Dror Keren. "There is censorship and conditions dictated from above, 'Do this, or you won't get money.' Naked art does not hurt the public's feelings. No one forces 'the public' to see something it doesn't want to, and there are all kinds of 'publics.' This type of censuring harms the public and the need for art and the human body is not something to be ashamed of, hide or censor." In response to Regev, festival director Sher said, "As the minister noted in her letter, the festival's performances, which have an element of nudity, are indeed an integral part of the artistic program. It should be emphasized that these performances are abstract performances, meaning, they do not exist in the open public space, and we clearly and prominently note in the program that they include nudity, precisely because we take into account the public that may not be interested in these performances." (Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg) With Israels population on course to pass the 10 million mark by the end of 2024, according to new figures published this week, real estate experts say that the country is heading for a severe housing crisis if the government fails to implement a series of fundamental changes in its approach. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The new research by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), entitled Israels Population Forecasts until 2065, concludes that by that 2065, the number of Israelis will stand in excess of 20 million. But with forecasts of an increasing population combined with a shortage of housing, experts are thinking up news ways for governments to fill the gap to meet the growing demands. High-rise towers in Tel Aviv (Photo: Yaron Brener) City planner Professor Rachel Alterman, for example, highlights that the current rate of building is on the decline and that the number of high-rise towers is not on the on the up. The towers are not the correct answer for Israeli citizens, Alterman argued in an interview with Ynet. There are better solutions to take advantage of the land. For example, building smaller buildings next to one another will allow for an even smarter exploitation of the land. In addition to construction we need to remember that there is also a need to dedicate resources to other usescommerce, education and recreational activities. While conversations with other officials in the in the field reveal disagreements in the correct approach, they also paint a clear picture. In order to meet the demands to supply roofs over peoples heads, a significant change is required in the character of buildings and the way we are used to. The numbers that are presented by the CBS create the necessity for construction of at least 500,000 apartments in the next seven years and 1.5 million apartments within the next 20 years, says Chaim Feiglin, the CEO of a real estate company dealing with construction and development of residential, commercial, industrial, office and hi-tech projects. We are talking about unrealistic numbers if you work according to the existing time schedule. Feiglin added that the government needed to immediately establish three metropolitan cities containing high-rise buildings that would satisfactorily cater for the demand for residential, commercial areas, public housing and the high quality of life required today and for the foreseeable future. In practice, it is possible to build three cities on just one percent of the open space in Israel. Unless this is immediately implemented the housing crisis will only get worse, he warned. The building of new metropolitan cities...will contribute about a third of the demand for housing in the future. But unlike Professor Alterman, architect Guy Miloslevski posits that the first step to making the change is putting a complete stop to the construction of detached housing. You have to stop or at least significantly limit the building of detached houses, including in the periphery. There we are facing a phenomenon of the disappearance of open space, Miloslevski said. In addition, high-rise construction needs to go to the next level. Miloslevski emphasized that high-rise construction is necessary mainly due to the shortage of land in large cities and predicted that it will reach its peak over the next decades, both in the scope of construction of the towers and in the height of the towers themselves. There is no need to rule out building high-rises in the peripheryalso buildings that are 10-15 stories high will increase building density. It has to be remembered that the costs of development in the periphery are high and the building and high-rise construction reduces the total cost of the project, he said. The main change that many expert officials agree needs to take place is increasing the number of stories in a high-rise from 20 to 40. Last December Israel's parliament gave final approval to the 2017-2018 state budget that the Finance Ministry says will reduce the cost of living, tackle a housing crisis, and boost economic growth and productivity. The Israel Police has launched an investigation into posters put up Wednesday calling on ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students required to draft into the IDF to murder female soldiers with the rifles they receive in the military. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter As for the draft decree, the decree of annihilation. Drafting boys and girlsdie and do not transgress, was written on the placards that were displayed around the ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood of Mea Shearim. The posters content signals a significant escalation in the levels of incitement, which thus far has already been characterized by assaulting Haredi soldiers, protests and burning effigies of ultra-Orthodox soldiers. Jerusalem Faction stage protest Dear yeshiva student. If they take you by force to the army of destruction, you are permitted and must do all of the following things, it states before listing murderous instructions. Take the rifle you have received, kill every female soldier next to you and give her the privilege of killing her rather than letting her transgress. Kill every commander who keeps you by force, kill every recruiter, his seducer and accomplice. Kill yourself out of a decree to not transgress. The authenticity of the inciting message is still not known but the police have said that upon discovering their distribution around the IDF-hostile neighborhood, they immediately turned to the State Attorney's Office to seek permission for opening an investigation into incitement to violence. "With the approval to open an investigation due to the seriousness of the things that were written and publicized, Jerusalems local commander instructed the central unit to launch an investigation, a police statement said. The poster The statement also noted that The police did not receive any request to approve the Jerusalem Faction conference which is planned to take place on Thursday in Jerusalem in the area belonging to the municipality. The Jerusalem Faction is a fringe group of Haredi radicals whose tactics and outlook have been rejected by the mainstream ultra-Orthodox community. In addition, the IDFs new chief spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronen Manlis wrote on social media, condemning the latest intensification in the minority sects incitment tactics. The call for the killing of soldiers and commanders in the IDF is serious incitement and crosses a red line, Manlis wrote. The IDF will continue to carry out its missions and obligations for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens and to implement mandatory conscription without fear or trepidation." Former Panamanian military dictator Manuel Noriega, who died earlier this week at the age of 83, had secret ties to the Israeli defense establishment and provided assistance in countless top secret Mossad operations, as exclusively revealed by Yedioth Ahronth, Ynet's print publication. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Mike Harari, who was the head of the Mossad's special operations unit Caesarea for many years, was the one who established and managed Israel's ties to the dictatorship. The genesis of the secret ties can be traced back to 1968, when Harari travelled to Panama. "Panama is a land of duty free, no taxes, and there is a presence of 180 international banks, including immense international development and investments," Harari told me in a series of conversations in 2014, several months before his passing. It was the last interview, and one of only two, he had agreed to give. Manuel Noriega (Photo: AP) During that trip, Harari decided to relent to the constant hassling of a local collaborator to meet with a Panamanian major who was at the time in charge of airport security, one Omar Torrijos. The meeting lasted for 12 hours, during which Harari learned of the admiration in Panama towards the State of Israel and particularly towards its most Israeli symbolMoshe Dayan. This meeting marked the beginning of a close friendship. On October 11, 1968, Torrijos staged a military coup and took over control of Panama. From that point on, the country was completely open to Israeli intelligence agencies. "Torrijos didn't get money from us," Harari stressed. "I don't have a problem paying $100,000 to a local asset, but I won't pay a dollar to a country's ruler. He didn't need our money anyway, he had enough money to fund us, but we helped him in other ways." The Mossad made sure Torrijos and his family received the best medical care Israel could provide and even helped locate the father of his Jewish wife Rachel, who disowned his daughter for marrying a non-Jew. Harari and the Mossad convinced the father, who was in the US, to forgive his daughter and organized an emotional family reunion, held under the auspices of Moshe Dayan. Torrijos was overjoyed and grateful to his guardian angels in the Mossad. Manuel Noriega, Torrijos's head of intelligence, knew about the cooperation with Israeli intelligence. He succeeded Torrijos after the latter met his end under mysterious circumstances and maintained the close ties with Harari and his people. Manuel Noriega with Mike Harari during a visit to Israel in the 1980s It would be safe to assume that thanks to Noriega, countless of Israeli intelligence operations went ahead that without him would have been difficult and perhaps impossible to carry out. Harari admitted that neither Torrijos nor Noriega were saints, adding that allegations of arms and drugs trafficking, along with stories that they tortured and assassinated their opponents "were not completely farfetched." On the other hand, he stressed that Israel "was never involved in those matters, and they both made absolutely sure we did not come into contact with anything of the kind. What can you do? In this kind of business, you can't be too picky about choosing your friends." Harari retired from the Mossad in 1980. Then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin tried to convince him to stay, but Harari insisted. Begin conditioned his retirement on Harari remaining in the Mossad reserves and continuing to manage the covert ties with the rulers in Panama. Begin attached significant value to ties, viewing them as a strategic asset for the State of Israel, which had "critical importance" for state security. At the same time, Harari launched some private business endeavors in Panama in the field of irrigation and maintained his connections with its rulerswho consistently voted in support of Israel at the UN, an issue of great importance at the time. Manuel Noriega (Photo: AP) In the middle of the 1980s, relations between the leadership in Panama and the United States began deteriorating, leading President George H. W. Bush to invade Panama and take control of the canal. But before that happened, senior US officials asked Israeli Prime Minister Itzhak Shamir, on Bush's behalf, to recruit Harari as a mediator between Panama City and Washington. Harari revealed to me that he formulated a compromise deal in which Noriega would step down quietly and be allowed to immigrate with his money to another country, where he could seek shelter. "In the end, because of infighting in the Panama regime, the entire initiative collapsed, and the unnecessary war broke out," Harari said. Harari in his home (Photo: Ilan Sapira) The US invaded Panama in 1989 and sought out two wanted peopleManuel Noriega and Mike Harari. The Mossad veteran was wanted by the US because the Americans were convinced he was Noriega's closest advisor. The US unjustly accused Harari of involvement in Noriega's drugs and arms trafficking and later announced it had captured both men during the invasion. This, too, was false. Noriega had indeed been captured and served a life sentence in US prison. Harari, however, managed to escape "in an Israeli submarine that came to rescue him"or so the Americans believedand returned to his home in Tel Aviv. Noriega upon his arrest by the US (Photo: AP) In reality, Harari was able to escape the Americans through land with the help of local collaborators. But the stain on his reputation, as one who was allegedly involved in Noriega's criminal endeavors, bothered Harari immensely to his dying day. This, in all likelihood, was what led him to speak with me so candidly about his life, something that was clearly not easy for someone like him. He entered the Defense Ministry exactly one year ago. Thats also exactly what he said would happen before the last elections, before choosing not to join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus new coalition and not to be part of his future government, which he definedwithout bothering to moderate his commentsas the embodiment of opportunism. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter After the elections, he sat in the opposition, from where he issued insights not only about the government in general but also about its individual members: He called the prime minister a liar, a fraud and a crook, and treated former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon with undisguised contempt. Yaalon was an excellent soldier, Avigdor Lieberman said without hesitating about the man who was once the IDF chief of staff. As defense minister, Lieberman clarified, no one takes him seriously. In April 2016, only a month before replacing Yaalon in the spacious bureau on the 14th floor at the Kirya base in Tel Aviv, he further explained why he wasnt satisfied with his performance. If I were defense minister, he said, I would give Mr. Ismail Haniyeh 48 hours: Either you return the bodies or youre dead. Is Defense Minister Lieberman the new version, or will the bad boy suddenly emerge again? (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) And before we could say Jack Robinson, if I may use the famous cliche, Knesset Member Lieberman raised his hand, swore allegiance to the State of Israel and became the Netanyahu governments defense minister. And the only thing he brought along to the bureau, after bidding farewell to most of his fiery statements, was the public support he had expressed for Elor Azaria, the soldier who was convicted of killing a wounded Palestinian terrorist in Hebron. Initially, Lieberman had said that Azaria should be releaseddespite the harsh accusations. In his favor, it should be noted that he bade farewell to this statement too after the court handed down its ruling, when he said that the judges decision must be respected. His arrival at the Defense Ministry was accompanied by quite a big shock and quite a few concerns , to put it mildly. Like a bull in a china shop, a senior officer said shortly after the decision, and there were those in the media who likened his appointment as defense minister to appointing Al Capone as the American attorney general. But Avigdor Lieberman, like only Avigdor Lieberman knows how to do, surprised everyone. A year after the appointment, not only is Ismail Haniyeh alive and kicking in Gaza, but many of Liebermans militant declarations have been dissolved and washed away. A little over a month after he took office, Turkish aid Ship Lady Leyla docked quietly and safely in Ashdod. It was nothing like the Marmara affair. Thousands of tons of humanitarian equipment were unloaded from the ship and transferred to the Gaza Strip. The defense budget was finalized by Lieberman vis-a-vis Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, skipping the regular ritual of discussing funds for gym shoes on the one hand, and shutting down units on the other hand. The decision to extend Chief of Staff Gabi Eisenkots term to four years was issued quietly without humiliating him, like his predecessors had done. And he did it in January 2017, a month before Eisenkot completed his first two years in office, and just before the chief of staff underwent surgery for the removal of a localized cancer growth. He also approved appointmentsstarting with Major-General Aviv Kochavis appointment as deputy chief of staffhardly intervening with the chief of staffs recommendations. He ended the affair involving Rabbi Yigal Levinstein of the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli in an instant, doing what no one before him before him had done, when he dismissed the rabbi after it was revealed that he had told army recruits that religious girls who join the army go in Jewish and wont be Jewish at the end of their service. Lieberman has also shown an interest, according to sources in his office, in relatively marginal social issuesdischarged soldiers and the enlistment of Haredim and Christians. In addition, he has maintained a relative calm in Judea and Samaria and in the strip, contrary to his impassioned comments in the past, which serves as another live example of the famous saying that what you see from this side looks different from the other side, and vice versa. In between, however, behind closed doors, in the two Kirya towers, one has to wonder, or maybe even feel slightly anxious, if there are any Lieberman surprises in store. In other words, is Defense Minister Lieberman the new version, or will the bad boy suddenly emerge again? BEIRUTThe founder of the Islamic State group news agency was reportedly killed with his daughter in an airstrike last week in eastern Syria, Syrian activists said Thursday. The militant group itself has not reported the death of the founder of Aamaq news agency, Baraa Kadek. Activists said Kadek was close to the ISIS leadership, gaining their trust and reportedly meeting with the enigmatic leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. His brother, Hozaifa, and former friends reported his death, saying he died in suspected airstrike by the US-led international coalition against ISIS that hit his home in Mayadeen town in Deir el-Zour province. President Donald Trump has temporarily waived a law requiring the US to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Trump's move to renew the waiver for six months keeps the US embassy in Tel Aviv for now. Trump has said he's reviewing whether to fulfill his campaign promise to move it to Jerusalem. Trump visiting the Western Wall (Photo: AP) Trump was facing a Thursday deadline to renew the waiver or see the State Department lose half its funding for its overseas facilities. Presidents of both parties have renewed the waiver every six months for years. The US says its policy on Jerusalem hasn't changed and that Jerusalem's status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians. In a statement issued by the White House: "While President Donald J. Trump signed the waiver under the Jerusalem Embassy Act and delayed moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, no one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the President's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance. "President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend America's national security interests. But, as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating, "Israel's consistent position is that the American embassy, like the embassies of all countries with whom we have diplomatic relations, should be in Jerusalem, our eternal capital. "Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem. "Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate today's expression of President Trumps friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future." The Palestinians praised Trump's decision not to move the US Embassy, saying it strengthens the chances of peace. President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, said the decision is an "important positive step" that illustrates the US seriousness about promoting peace. The Palestinian ambassador to Washington, Hussam Zomlot, said the move "gives peace a chance." Zomlot said: "We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace." A senior Israeli official expressed disappointment over Trump's decision and is accusing the US of caving in to Arab pressure. Cabinet Minister Yuval Steinitz said the refusal to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital makes no sense. Steinitz is a confidant of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Steinitz told Israel's Army Radio station: "I think the time has come to put an end to this farce. Everybody recognizes Israel as the capital of Israel. When Trump comes here, he goes to Jerusalem, not Tel Aviv." When told that Trump said he will move the embassy later, Steinitz said: "I hope that happens before the Messiah comes." He said leaving foreign embassies in Tel Aviv is "a surrender to unfair Arab and Muslim pressure." Jordan has welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to delay moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to contested Jerusalem. The pro-Western kingdom had warned that such a move was a "red line" that it would bolster extremists if crossed. More than half of Jordan's citizens are of Palestinian descent. Jordanian government spokesman Mohammed Momani said Thursday that "we strongly welcome the decision and highly value the message it is sending." Momani says the president's decision shows "how much the administration values the advice of its allies" and that the focus must be on relaunching serious Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. President Vladimir Putin insisted Thursday that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking and said Moscow will wait out the current political storm in the US to forge constructive relations with President Donald Trump, whom he praised as a straightforward person with a "fresh set of eyes." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Russian leader acknowledged the possibility that some individual "patriotic" hackers could have mounted some attacks amid the current cold spell in Russia's relations with the West, but scoffed at allegations that hackers could influence the outcome of elections in the United States or Europe. Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of leading international news agencies, Putin also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in cyberattackshe didn't specify whichcould have been falsified in an attempt to smear Russia. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have shattered Moscow's hopes for a detente with Washington. Putin said the "Russo-phobic hysteria" makes it "somewhat inconvenient to work with one another or even to talk." "It's having an impact, and I'm afraid this is one of the goals of those who organize it are pursuing and they can fine-tune the public sentiments to their liking trying to establish an atmosphere that is going to prevent us from addressing common issues, say with regard to terrorism," the Russian leader said. Putin said Russia had been encouraged by Trump's campaign statements in which he lamented Russia-US ties being at a historical low and promised to improve them. He added that Moscow still hopes to forge a constructive dialogue with Trump. Putin predicted "this will end, sooner or later," adding that "we are patient, we know how to wait and we will wait." The Russian president praised Trump as "a straightforward person, a frank person." Putin added that while some see Trump's lack of political background as a disadvantage, he sees it as beneficial because "he has a fresh set of eyes." Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the outcome of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so." He noted that Russia can work constructively with any German leader, adding that he had good ties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel despite some differences. Russian meddling was also a concern in France, with Putin publicly expressing his sympathy for President Emmanuel Macron's rivals in the campaign. Macron's aides claimed in February that Russian groups were interfering with his campaign, and a document leak hit Macron's campaign in the final hours of the French race. Moscow has strongly denied all allegations of election meddling. Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, can't sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign," he said. "No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America." Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, it was "theoretically possible" that Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. "Hackers are free people, just like artists who wake up in the morning in a good mood and start painting," he said. "The hackers are the same, they would wake up, read about something going on in interstate relations and if they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia. Russia's relations with the West have been at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis. The US and the EU have slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Putin said Thursday that economic restrictions against Russia have had "zero effect." He predicted that the current strain in relations will ease, because "it's counterproductive and harmful." Touching on tensions in the Pacific, Putin said Russia's military deployments on a group of Pacific islands also claimed by Japan have been caused by concerns about the US military buildup in the region. The four islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of the World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Putin said the US will likely continue to build up its missile shield in the region even if North Korea agrees to curb its nuclear and missile programs, in the same way it has continued to develop missile defenses in Europe despite a deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions. WASHINGTONFormer FBI Director James Comey will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on June 8 as part of its probe into alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election and possible collusion with President Donald Trump's campaign, the committee said on Thursday. It said Comey would testify in an open session at 10 a.m. (1400 GMT), followed by a closed session. The former FBI chief, who was fired by Trump on May 9, is expected to testify on conversations he had with Trump in which the president reportedly asked him to drop an investigation into former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn. Information gathered by police in Minister Aryeh Deri investigation revealed the depth of the connection between billionaire Mikhael Mirilashvili, his son Yitzhak and the suspect. Among other things, the information indicated unusual involvement by Deri in the process of electing the chief rabbi of Lod. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter For more than a year, Lod has had no state-appointed chief rabbi. Mayor Yair Revivo set his sights on appointing Rabbi Meir Biton, who is of Moroccan descent and affiliated with the Shas movement, while Deri and Shas have been actively pushing for the election of a rabbi of Georgian origin who is affiliated with billionaire Mirilashvili. One of the suspicions investigated is the transfer of large amounts of money from Mirlashvili and his son to an association headed by Deri's wife. Lod mayor The municipality of Lod claimed that Deri used his people to put tremendous pressure on Shas representatives in the city, among others, to appoint Rabbi Yitzhak Mozgarshvili as chief rabbi of the city. Documents pointing to the apparent connection between Deri and Mirilashvili in the matter were also passed on to the state comptroller in order to show how Deri allegedly sought to help Mirilashvili. A committee of 24 representatives elects the chief rabbi of the city. Twelve of the representatives are elected by the city council, which elected its representatives about a year ago: six by the minister of religious affairs and the mayor, and six other representatives are elected from within the city's synagogues. These 12 representatives were selected a few months ago. Rabbi Biton was supported by the mayor and most of the council factions and it seemed he had an absolute majority. Mirilashvili Mikahel and Yitzhak with Deri (Photo: Yaacov Cohen, Kol Hazman website) But the Lod municipality claimed that shortly before the elections that Deri and his men decided to intervene in the process, with the aim of dismantling the municipal coalition and bringing about the election of Rabbi Muzgarshvili. After realizing that his deputy and coalition partner Eliahu Maman of Shas intended to support Muzgarshvili, Mayor Revivo announced that he was dismissing him. In the minutes of one of the meetings, Revivo threatened that he would appeal to the state comptroller and to the attorney general to intervene in the proceedings. According to testimonies from officials in Lod, some of whom were transferred to the police, businessmen and interested parties spoke with the members of the selection committee and the council members, and tried to influence them to replace their representatives on the committee, so that the support would be transferred from Rabbi Biton to Rabbi Muzgarshvili. Mayor Revivo threatened the Ministry of Religious Affairs that he would appeal to the High Court of Justice if they did not convene the committee to elect the city's rabbi. Deri addressed the investigation for the first time this week. At the memorial ceremony for his mother, Deri thanked those present: "Thank you for everything that is happening, for the whole investigation and for everything that is happening. We have no complaints. Just thank you. We ask for nothing and we are not complaining, just thank you." A group of feedlot operators in the state has asked a federal judge to declare the Nebraska Livestock Brand Act unconstitutional and to prevent the state from enforcing it. The Nebraska Beef Producers Committee, a nonprofit group representing cattle producers with feedlots across the state, filed a civil complaint against the Nebraska Brand Committee and executive director William Bunce in U.S. District Court on Tuesday. "The evolution of the cattle industry has rendered the regulatory scheme codified in the Brand Act ineffectual and obsolete in its ability to protect the interests originally intended by the Legislature," said Lincoln attorney Katherine Spohn. The Nebraska Brand Committee, which is named in the suit, has about 100 employees and records ranchers' brands, inspects cattle to verify ownership and investigates missing livestock and cattle rustling. Bunce, who has led it since late last year, said Wednesday afternoon that the lawsuit hadn't yet reached his desk and that, due to the newness, it would be inappropriate to comment on it at this point. He said he would study the case and look for resolution. Spohn, who represents the beef producers, said when the Legislature formed the Brand Committee in 1941, cattle theft was a serious concern. To address the vulnerability of cattle being stolen from large, open cow-calf operations, lawmakers designated a portion of the state, roughly the western two-thirds of Nebraska, as a brand inspection area. The Brand Act requires cattle being moved outside the brand area or sold within it to be inspected. But, Spohn said, waiting for inspectors leads to weight loss to cattle, lost profits and sometimes lost contracts. Some of the delays can be avoided by becoming a registered feedlot. But that costs money, too. She argued the evolution of the cattle industry has rendered the act ineffectual and obsolete. Cattle producers who operate feedlots now use things like electronic identification devices and ear tags, along with brands, to track and identify animals, reducing the risk of thieves passing off stolen cattle as their own, Spohn said in the lawsuit. She said the Brand Committee's own records show a 60 percent drop in cattle recovery in less than a decade and, of the 1,915 head of cattle recovered in the past two fiscal years none had been stolen. All had strayed, according to reports on the Brand Committee's website. "For members of the NBPC, brand inspections come at a high cost: cattle operations owned by members of the NBPC vary in size, with some members paying between $75,000 and $90,000 in brand inspection fees for 2016," Spohn said. She said Nebraska Beef Producers Committee members derive no benefit from the fees, nor does the public. Spohn said the Brand Act also puts an excessive burden on interstate commerce for those who buy and sell cattle inside and outside of the western Nebraska brand area. Kansas, Texas and Iowa have similar cattle industries, she said, yet only Nebraska requires mandatory brand inspections for all beef producers in a particular part of the state. Last year, a July report released by the state auditor raised questions about the management of the brand inspection agency at the time. In response, the governor-appointed board that oversees it proposed sweeping policy changes and hired Nebraska Interactive, the state's computer application designer, to develop web-based bookkeeping software in an effort to modernize its operations. YORK -- The trial for a man accused of first degree sexual assault of a child has been postponed. Anthony s. Hoy, 26, a former resident of Adams County, has already pleaded not guilty. His trial was postponed as the discovery process is still underway and a different attorney has been assigned to his defense. Hoy is accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old child over a period of time, as indicated in court documents. The York Police Department conducted the investigation because the assaults allegedly took place in York. Also involved in the investigation was the Nebraska Child Advocacy Center. No further details of the case can be published due to the graphic details included in court documents and in an effort to protect the identity of the child. During earlier proceedings, Judge James Stecker explained to Hoy that the charge against him is a Class 1B felony which carries a possible maximum sentence of 15 years to life in prison. The case is being prosecuted by the Nebraska Attorney Generals office. The current attorney representing Hoy is Christina Marroquin. She is the fourth attorney to be assigned to Hoys case since it began. YORK An arrest warrant has been issued for Robert Marti, 34, of Lincoln, as he failed to appear for a status hearing in York County District Court. His attorney, York County Public Defender Nancy Waldron, told Judge James Stecker that she doesnt know where her client is. York County Attorney Candace Bottorf asked for a bench warrant to be issued. He was ordered to appear, he doesnt appear, so his bond is revoked and a warrant is issued, said Judge James Stecker. Marti has already pleaded not guilty to possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and possession of concentrated cannabis. Marti is prohibited from possessing a deadly weapon because he is a convicted felon. The case began when the York Police Department received a report that a man was very nervous, dancing around and constantly itching like he was high on methamphetamine at Wal-Mart. It was also noted that the man was trying return items but was denied because he had been flagged as a fraud risk from past return issues. When police arrived, they noted that he was constantly scratching and moving rapidly as if he was dancing in place in a very odd manner. When they asked him about the nature of his issues, they also discovered that there was a non-extradition warrant for Marti out of Oregon for marijuana charges. They allegedly found him to be in possession of a THC vaping device, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a knife. They also found him to be in possession of $831 in cash, although he had allegedly told them he was trying to return items to the store because he needed gas money. He has been charged with a Class 3 felony and a Class 4 felony. Judge James Stecker earlier explained to Marti that with the Class 3 felony he could be facing up to four years in prison and with the Class 4 felony the maximum possible sentence is two years in prison, if he is convicted. Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump talked trade with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a White House visit on Wednesday and welcomed the signing of business deals worth billions of dollars and the jobs they would create. The U.S. Commerce Department announced 13 new transactions with Vietnam worth $8 billion, including $3 billion worth of U.S.-produced content that would support more than 23,000 American jobs. These include deals for General Electric Co worth $5.58 billion for power generation, aircraft engines and services, its largest-ever combined sale in Vietnam. Caterpillar Inc and its dealer in Vietnam also agreed to provide generator management technology for more than 100 generators in Vietnam, the company said. "They (Vietnam) just made a very large order in the United States - and we appreciate that - for many billions of dollars, which means jobs for the United States and great, great equipment for Vietnam," Trump told reporters at the White House. The Commerce Department estimate of the deals was considerably less than the $15 billion figure given by Phuc during a speech at the Heritage Foundation, adding that most of the total involved the import of U.S. equipment. Communist Vietnam has gone from being a Cold War enemy to an important partner for the United States in the Asia-Pacific, where both countries share concerns about China`s rising power. Phuc told Trump the relationship had undergone "significant upheavals in history" but that the two countries were now "comprehensive partners." Phuc`s meeting with Trump makes him the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White House under the new administration. TRADE FRICTION However, while Hanoi and Washington have stepped up security cooperation in recent years, trade has become a potential irritant, with a deficit widening steadily in Vietnam`s favor, reaching $32 billion last year, compared with $7 billion a decade earlier. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said it was important to shrink the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam but noted that the southeast Asian country of 80 million people was the fastest-growing market for U.S. exports, rising 77 percent since 2014 to $4.4 billion. "The growth of the middle class and the increasing purchasing power in Vietnam are further incentives to strengthening our long-term trade and investment relationship," Ross said. Trump, who has had strong words for countries with large trade surpluses with the United States, said he would be discussing trade with Phuc, as well as North Korea. Washington has been seeking support to pressure North Korea to drop its nuclear and missile programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States. Hanoi has said it shares concerns about North Korea. In his Heritage speech, Phuc welcomed Trump`s plans to attend the November APEC summit in Hanoi. He called it a sign of U.S. commitment to the region and "an important occasion for the United States to assert its positive role." In a reference to somewhat warmer ties between Washington and Beijing under Trump, who has been courting China`s support on North Korea, Phuc said Vietnam welcomed good relations between the two powers, but hoped these would serve the interest of other nations in the region too. He urged Washington and Beijing "to act with full transparency and in a responsible manner so as not to impact negatively the region and relations among other nations." Vietnam`s government said on its website Trump and Phuc had agreed to promote defense ties and discussed the possibility of U.S. vessels, including aircraft carriers, visiting Vietnamese ports. It said they had expressed concern about the South China Sea, where Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei are involved in maritime disputes with China, which claims nearly all the strategic waterway. Taiwan also stakes a claim. "They emphasized that parties must not take actions accelerating tension such as the militarization of disputed structures," it said, an apparent reference to China`s construction work. "NICE, BUT NOT ENOUGH" Murray Hiebert, a Southeast Asia expert at Washington`s Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that while the Trump administration welcomed new business deals with Vietnam, its view was they were "nice, but not enough." "They want Vietnam to bring some ideas about how to tackle the surplus on an ongoing basis, he said. On Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressed concern about the rapid growth of the deficit with Vietnam. He said it was a new challenge for the two countries and he was looking to Phuc to help address it. The deficit is Washington`s sixth largest and reflects growing imports of Vietnamese semiconductors and other electronics products in addition to more traditional sectors such as footwear, apparel and furniture. On Tuesday Vietnam`s trade minister, Tran Tuan Anh, presented Lighthizer with suggestions to address some U.S. concerns, such as advertising on U.S. social media, electronic payment services and imports of information security and farm products, Vietnam`s trade ministry said. Vietnam was disappointed when Trump ditched the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, of which Hanoi was expected to be one of the main beneficiaries, and focused U.S. trade policy on reducing deficits. District of Columbia: Hillary Clinton went a step further Wednesday in blaming her election loss to Donald Trump on cyber attacks by Russia, saying Americans including associates of the Republican president likely had a hand in the effort. The Democratic nominee in last year`s bitterly fought White House race addressed a technology conference in California and spoke at length about the campaign of "disinformation" against her that she said was led by Moscow, and influenced the outcome of the campaign. "The Russians, in my opinion, and based on the intel and counter-intel people I`ve talked to, could not have known how best to weaponize that information unless they had been guided," Clinton told the Recode conference, referring to an avalanche of false information, social media bots and hacks of Clinton campaign emails. Some of those people helping the Russians, she said, had access to "polling and data information." Asked by a moderator who those individuals might be, Clinton said: "We`re getting more information about all of the contacts between Trump campaign officials and Trump associates with Russians before, during and after the election. So I hope that we`ll get enough information to be able to answer that question." "I`m leaning Trump," she said of the connections. "I think it`s pretty hard not to." The Republican president struck back in a tweet late Wednesday, criticizing his election opponent for not taking responsibility for her loss. "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC," he said. He was referring to Clinton`s assertions during her talk that false news about her was widely spread on Facebook, and that she was hamstrung because the Democratic Party did not have a sophisticated data operation, unlike the well-funded Republican Party data system. Several US congressional committees have launched investigations into Russia`s efforts to influence the 2016 election and its possible coordination with Trump campaign aides or associates. The Department of Justice has appointed a former FBI director as a special counsel to head a separate, independent investigation. Clinton, who ruled out a new election bid, said the best example of such coordination took place a month before the vote, when hacked emails from Clinton`s campaign chief John Podesta were released by WikiLeaks within an hour after disclosure in the press of a damning video of Trump using demeaning and vile language about women. "They had to be ready for that, and they had to have a plan for that and they had to be given the go-ahead; `OK, this could be the end of the Trump campaign. Dump it now,`" she said. As she had done previously, Clinton also chalked up her defeat to actions by then-FBI director James Comey, who she said dealt her campaign "a tremendous hit" when he briefly re-opened an investigation into her use of a private email account and server just days before the election. "He dumps that on me on October 28, and I immediately start falling," she said. While she said she takes "responsibility" for her loss, Clinton still appeared reluctant to embark on serious and public self-criticism of her campaign loss. Despite losing the indirect but all-important state-by-state electoral college count, "I won three million more (popular) votes than the other guy," she said. Patna: The horriffic murder of 12-year-old Nancy Jha in Bihar's Madhubani district has shook the state. Nancy was kidnapped from Madhubani on May 25, following which the family filed a missing complaint with the police. The girl's body was found on May 28 in the same village near a river bank. The brutality of the attackers sent shivers down the spine of the family members and the villagers. When Nancy's body was traced, it was found that her wrists were cut, her throat slit and acid was poured all over the body. Reports say that Nancy's kidnappers abducted the girl so that her aunt's marriage could be stopped. However, this didn't happened and the marriage ceremony took place on May 26 as scheduled. Unhappy with the marriage and in fear of being caught, the minor girl was killed. Two people have been arrested in connection with the case. Chennai: Fire service personnel on Thursday were still battling to douse the flames that have engulfed a multi-storied textile showroom - Chennai Silks - here, police said. The top four floors of the Silks Building collapsed on Thursday morning, owing to sustained intense heat while thick dark smoke continued to billow out of the building. The Tamil Nadu Police has declared the area as unsafe and cordoned off the busy T. Nagar locality which in turn has affected the business of other organisations for a second day. More than 150 fire service personnel have been deployed to douse the fire. There have been no casualties reported. The fire broke out early Wednesday early morning. Narrow roads and the absence of easy approach hindered the fire service personnel's efforts to put out the flames early. The cause of the fire is said to be an electric short circuit. Officials said the showroom had stocked plastic items and clothes. The building had false ceilings which are easily flammable. The stock-in-trade in the textile showroom is estimated to be worth several crores. Joint Director (Fire) Sahul Hamid is also present at the spot. Emergency phone lines 104 and 108 can be used for assistance. Ambulances have been made available for nearby residents who have respiratory difficulties. As many as seven ambulances are currently at the spot with oxygen services. Precautionary measures are being taken to douse the flame. (With Agency inputs) New Delhi: The Congress party on Thursday castigated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders for roughly handling their ex-party inmate Kapil Mishra and asserted that the incident had damaged the sanctity of the state assembly. Congress leader P.L. Punia condemned the incident and said," To maintain the sanctity of the house, such incidents should not have taken place. And the incident was highly condemnable." Treading the same path, another Congress leader Tom Vadakkan urged for security for Mishra who had turned a whistle blower of the Kejriwal government. "Kapil Mishra has become a whistle blower for the AAP government. I would say that he should be given security because AAP will create a situation where Mishra is silenced," said Vadakkan. Mishra was roughed up in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday by the AAP MLAs after he accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain of corruption. New Delhi: Suspended AAP MLA Kapil Mishra, who was kicked, punched and slapped allegedly by AAP MLAs inside Delhi Assembly yesterday, will visit 'Rajghat' on Thursday to seek strength from the Father of the Nation. Mishra yesterday said that bullets were fired at Rahul Sharma, the whistle-blower who has filed the first corruption case against the Bansal family linked to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, after he was attacked inside the sate assembly. Mishra also stated that by God's grace Rahul Sharma is safe and an FIR has been lodged in the matter. Bullets fired at Rahul Sharma who filed 1st corruption case agnst Bansal Family relatives of Kejriwal. God is kind. He is safe. FIR Lodged Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) May 31, 2017 Kapil Mishra wrote on Twitter that he will visit Rajghat on Thursday at 9 pm to seek strength from Mahatma Gandhi. , , ... 9 Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) May 31, 2017 Earlier in the day, Kapil Mishra was marshalled out of Delhi Assembly after a scuffle broke out between him and other AAP MLAs. He later alleged that he was allegedly kicked, punched and slapped by AAP MLAs in the presence of Arvind Kejriwal. Kapil Mishra had accused Kejriwal of taking Rs 2 crore from health minister Satyendar Jain while also claiming that Jain settled a land deal worth Rs 50 crore for the CMs brother-in-law. Mishra had alleged Kejriwal and two of his associates have tried to shield former chief minister Sheila Diskhit in a water tanker scam. New Delhi: A day after the Rajasthan High Court suggested that cow should be declared a national animal, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Thursday dived into the debate, suggesting that goat should be declared as `national sister'. Taking to Twitter, Singh said Mahatma Gandhi had said that goat's milk was healthy, hence the animal should be declared 'national sister'. The AAP leader's comment has not gone down well with Twitterati, who trolled him badly. Here is the tweet Singh posted: This is how Twitterati responded: ..... (@mrsanjay04) June 1, 2017 Don't you feel ashamed with such tweets. Dr. L. D. Mago (@LDMago2) June 1, 2017 " " " " !! (Dolli) (@desh_bhkt) June 1, 2017 Dhirendra Singh (@dps9453227841) June 1, 2017 Ratan Dev Sadh (@ratan_sadh) June 1, 2017 , AAP EVM Badass (@Divyam1995) June 1, 2017 On Wednesday, Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma said in a 145-page order that the cow should be declared a national animal and its killers be sentenced to life imprisonment. Greater Noida: Two unidentified people opened fire at the car of Rahul Sharma, who had alleged a "scam" in the Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi involving a relative of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to Sharma, a resident of Gaur City in Greater Noida near Delhi, as he and his cousin were travelling towards Ghaziabad around noon, two people on a motorcycle overtook their car near Gaur International School. "They fired at the front windshield of the car and fled. As they were wearing helmets, I could not see their faces," said Sharma, the founder of the Roads Anti-Corruption Organisation, an NGO. He claimed that the attack was a fallout of the cases lodged by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on the basis of his complaint alleging irregularities in the grant of contracts for roads and sewer lines in Delhi in 2015. Sharma had earlier submitted a complaint to the ACB alleging that he was getting threats since he had raked up the issue of the PWD "scam". Police said a case was registered at the Bisrakh police station in Greater Noida in connection with the attack on Sharma and they were scanning the CCTV footage obtained from the area to identify the accused. Sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra tweeted about the attack on Sharma. "Bullets fired at Rahul Sharma who filed 1st corruption case against Bansal Family, relatives of Kejriwal. God is kind. He is safe. FIR Lodged(sic)," he posted. Three separate FIRs have been registered by the ACB in connection with the alleged PWD scam, including one against a company owned by Kejriwal's late brother-in-law Surender Kumar Bansal. The FIRs are against three companies -- Renu Constructions, owned by Bansal, and two other firms owned by Kamal Singh and Pawan Kumar respectively. Sharma had alleged that Bansal's firm was involved in financial irregularities in connection with the construction of a drainage system in north-west Delhi's Bakoli village, the contract of which was awarded to it in April, 2015. He had also alleged that the bills sent to the PWD for the "incomplete" works were "false and fabricated". "The company had obtained a contract for works which were never completed, but the payments were cleared. Even the process of bidding was manipulated," the complaint dated January 9 read. The invoices prepared by the company and purportedly obtained by the complainant through a Right to Information (RTI) application from the PWD were sent to the Sales Tax department for verification. Sharma had claimed that the Sales Tax department had informed him in writing that the invoices were false and fabricated. New Delhi: Awaiting his daughter's body outside a hospital's mortuary, the father of Manjula Devak, who committed suicide under mysterious circumstances in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi campus on Tuesday, said on Wednesday that it was a mistake to educate her. Manjula was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her room at 7:38 pm in Nalanda Apartments in the IIT campus on Tuesday. Manjula Devak, a Ph.D. student in water resources, had tied the knot with Ritesh Virha in 2013, but the couple had been living separately for more than a year now. While no suicide note was found from the flat, Manjula's family alleged that her in-laws were not in favour of her pursuing higher studies. They also accused her in-laws, who reside in Bhopal, of demanding Rs 20-25 lakh dowry. However, they are not sure what led the 27-year-old to end her life. Talking to Hindustan Times on Wednesday, the father said: It was a mistake to educate my daughter and send her to IIT. I should have saved all the money for her dowry. We got our daughter married early because their horoscopes had matched perfectly, HT quoted her father as saying. Manjulas mother Seema alleged that Ritesh was forcing her daughter to leave her studies and begin a business with him. After quitting jobs in Delhi and Mumbai, Ritesh stayed with her at the campus apartment for about a year, Seema told the daily. He was troubling Manjula to get around Rs 20-25 lakh to start his business. I asked my daughter if she wanted a divorce but she was worried about the familys reputation, she added. Manjula, a civil engineer, had earlier worked in the US but returned to join IIT Delhi in 2011. Her family members have recorded their statement in front of a sub-divisional magistrate. Manjula's friends have also recorded their statement in front of the SDM. Police have seized her laptop and are scanning her calls detail records. New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said that the government has restored the credibility of the economy during the last three years of coming into power. Addressing a press conference on 3 years achievement of the Narendra Modi government, FM Jaitley said, We have shown decisiveness, even the ability to take difficult decisions. Stating that the government took key initiatives to reduce scope for corruption and discretion in governance, Jaitley added that the government has also leveraged market mechanisms to bring benefits to the deserving. Jaitley added, he firmly believes that Goods and Services Tax (GST) will usher in a revolution in taxation administration. Government is in full preparedness for rolling out of GST. In Srinagar meeting of GST Council, all ministers were in favour of keeping 1st July date. Further, responding to a media query on demonetisation, he said that some slowdown was visible even prior demonetisation. New Delhi: A parliamentary committee may postpone calling RBI governor Urjit Patel on the issue of demonetisation, as BJP members expressed their unavailability this month. Patel is scheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on June 8 for a second briefing on demonetisation. "BJP members including Ajay Sancheti, Nishikant Dubey and Shivkumar Udasi expressed their unavailability in June. Dubey said he is ill and will be out of the country for treatment," a source said adding Patel may be called in July. Patel had also sought exemption from the panel expressing his inability to appear on May 25, as he was busy drafting the monetary policy. The panel had already questioned Patel on January 18 on the move to ban notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. Patel is appearing before the panel after former prime minister Manmohan Singh prevailed upon the BJP MPs on the panel who were opposed to summoning the RBI Governor again. During the meeting, the members from opposition parties also raised the issue of slump in GDP growth to 6.1 per cent and blamed demonetisation for it. Opposition MPs during the meeting said that demonetisation has impacted the economy severely and worst affected are the rural areas, a source said. The members also questioned the heads of public sector banks on rising NPAs, and digitisation after demonetisation. New Delhi: South-Sudanese model Nyakim Gatwech has become the latest Internet sensation, all thanks to her mesmerising beauty. The 24-year-old diva has now been called the 'Queen of Dark' online and her social media images are going viral like crazy. Nyakim has proved to the world that beauty knows no boundaries. She is a fine example of the notion that prettiness has got nothing to do with the complexion of a person. "So my new nickname is Queen of the Dark and I love it I'm so thankful and grateful to all the amazing people showing me love and support and writing such powerful articles about me.. we are all beautiful in whatever shade of skin color God create us in. So why should the be dark bad? Embrace and love who you are and world would as well!!" Nyakim wrote online. Check out some of her most charming pictures: A post shared by Nyakim Gatwech (@queenkim_nyakim) on Jan 14, 2017 at 12:35pm PST A post shared by Nyakim Gatwech (@queenkim_nyakim) on Jan 23, 2017 at 12:16pm PST A post shared by Nyakim Gatwech (@queenkim_nyakim) on Mar 1, 2017 at 12:45pm PST A post shared by Nyakim Gatwech (@queenkim_nyakim) on May 2, 2017 at 9:53am PDT A post shared by Nyakim Gatwech (@queenkim_nyakim) on May 12, 2017 at 5:02pm PDT In an era where people make desperate attempts to lighten and whiten their skin, Nyakim is breaking the stereotypes and emerging as a role model to many. Kabul: The first cargo flight of the Afghanistan-India air corridor to take Afghan goods to India will leave Kabul for New Delhi on June 15, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace on Thursday. The Afghanistan-India air corridor plan has entered implementation phase, a project which was initiated by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani last year, Pajhwok news agency reported. The project entered operationalisation stage on Wednesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CEOs of Ariana Airlines and Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) in the presence of Ajmal Ahmady, senior economic advisor to the President of Afghanistan and other officials. Ariana CEO Captain Nadir Omar announced the dates for the first two cargo flights to New Delhi. According to Omar the first flight will depart Kabul for New Delhi on June 15 while the second flight will depart from Kandahar on June 20. The air corridor programme, which is funded by the Afghanistan government, will help the private sector export their goods to India by air under an incentivised programme. The plan, initially announced during the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in December last year by the principals of the two countries, is intended to further improve bilateral ties through developing sustainable trade linkages. The current volume of trade between the two countries stands at roughly $350 million, and the governments of the two countries intend to increase this to $1 billion in the coming 3 years. New Delhi: Vyapam whistle-blower Dr Anand Rai has claimed that the question papers of 2017 entrance exam for MBBS course of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) were leaked. Dr Rai said all evidence related with AIIMS paper leak have been sent to AIIMS Director. The Vyapam whistle-blower requested the AIIMS head and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refer the case to the CBI for further inquiry. Dr Rai also shot a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with AIIMS question paper leak. On his official twitter account, Dr Rai claimed that AIIMS MBBS Entrance Question Paper was leaked from MC Saxena College in Lucknow. AIIMS took congisance of media reports of screen shots of computer screen that are circulated in the social media. AIIMS released a press note saying, "AIIMS takes these reports very serioulsy and has constitued a committe to look into the matter. The administration is also in contact with government agencies in this regard. Immediate and further necessary action shall be taken once the facts are ascertained." Rai, in a series of tweets, posted images of question papers of the entrance examination which was held across the country on 28 May. He said that he had received the question paper snapshots from a source who claimed these were leaked from M C Saxena College in Lucknow when the online test was on. The Vyapam scam relates to alleged irregularities in job recruitment and admissions by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board. AIIMS mbbs entrance morning slot paper also leaked pic.twitter.com/atPmI9WhTN Dr. Anand Rai (@anandrai177) May 31, 2017 New Delhi: Amid a legal battle over alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav at the ICJ, Pakistan has now sought information about its missing former army officer, Lt Col Mohammed Habib Zahir from India. According to the ToI, Pakistan has written a letter to the Indian Mission seeking information about Zahir, who went missing from Nepal on April 6. Reports in the Pakistani media had earlier alleged that India had abducted Habib in order to secure Jadhav's release, however, this is for the first time that Islamabad has officially raised the issue with the Indian Mission. While Indian officials claim that they have no clue about Habib, the Pakistan government sources believe that he is in the custody of Indian intelligence agency RAW. Meanwhile, an investigation into Habib's disappearance is still on in Nepal. The Pakistani authorities have earlier contacted Nepal's Foreign Ministry seeking its help in locating Habib. Habib, who had in past worked with ISI, went missing shortly after he arrived at Lumbini from Kathmandu. Habib's family claims that he had been offered a job with a UN agency in Nepal and was promised a salary of $ 8,500 per month. However, unverified media reports claimed that he was on a "secret" ISI mission to Nepal. Pakistan's decision to raise Habib's disappearance officially with India comes at a time the two countries are locked in a legal battle at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the death sentence awarded to Jadhav by a Pakistan military court. New Delhi: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused Pakistan of scuttling the environment that must exist for bilateral talks between the two neighbours. At the same time, he asserted that Kashmir situation was better than was being perceived He further said that while India has taken several significant steps to ease tension, Pakistan responded by terror attacks at Pathankot, Uri and mutilating the bodies of Indian soldiers. "The government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situation in the past... The fact that our Prime Minister dropped in at Lahore at a social function in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family, were all steps intended to ease the tension. But each one of these have been responded by, let us say, a Pathankot or a Uri or by mutilation of two of our soldiers. And, therefore, that environment which must exist for a talk has been successfully prevented by Pakistan," Jaitley said, as per PTI. Addressing the media on completion of three years of the PM Modi government, Jaitley said the Indian Army and the BSF are "dominating" the Line of Control (LoC) irrespective of where the troubles are being created by foreign insurgents or domestic terrorists. "The security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure on them, and the results, some of which are evident almost on a daily basis... The situation in Kashmir is better than the impression," he said. The Indian Army had last week said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting "some damage", days after two of Indian soldiers were beheaded. It had 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. Admitting that the situation in challenging in South Kashmir, he said it is normal in the rest of the state and recently the two-day meeting of the GST Council was held in Srinagar. Meanwhile, two militants who were holed up in a house at Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district were killed in an encounter with security forces today. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3:30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the two militants opened fire on the forces, triggering the gun-battle, he said (With PTI inputs) Guwahati: A senior Congress leader on Thursday brushed aside chances of JD(U) joining hands with BJP following Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's recent luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as only "dreams". "BJP and BJP's friends are dreaming about it," All India Congress Committee Senior Spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad said at a press conference here. He was replying to a query on the possibility of JD(U) joining hands with their old ally BJP again. A day after he skipped a luncheon meeting of opposition parties called by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Kumar had met Modi on May 27 amid the buzz about growing bonhomie between the two leaders. Modi had hosted a luncheon in honour of his visiting counterpart from Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth, which was also attended by Kumar, triggering political speculation about their growing proximity. Ahmad lauded the JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar and gave its example to stop the victory march of BJP. "In UP, if Mayawati ji had joined us in the alliance with Samajwadi party, the result would have been different. "We should have an alliance there like that in Bihar," the Congress leader said. Ahmad, however, dismissed the point that Modi's popularity has not gone down and cited example of recently held elections in five states. "In the polling of five states, BJP were defeated in three. Of course, they had an astounding victory in UP and Uttarakhand. Anti-Modi parties must unite. "We have been successful in stopping the BJP from implementing anti-people laws like amending the Land Acquisition Bill only because of a united opposition," he added. Ahmad also criticised the government for "completely failing on national security front", both internally and externally. New Delhi: The government is considering a new law on voluntary out-of-court settlements to ease the massive load of cases on the judiciary. At a recent meeting of a task force on improving India's ranking in the World Bank report on "Ease of doing business", representatives of the Department of Legal Affairs in the law ministry were asked "to take necessary steps to introduce a stand-alone law to regulate pre-litigation voluntary mediation". The task force's meeting -- the second so far -- discussed the need for legislation on mediation on the lines of a similar law in Singapore. According to the minutes of the April 18 meeting, it was observed that the World Bank report mentioned financial incentives for those opting for mediation, such as refund of court fees and other benefits such as rebates in income tax. The law secretary of the Delhi government informed the task force that pre-litigation mediation centres had been established to handle petty cases such as neighbourhood and family disputes. Of the 47,000 cases referred to the centres, 17,000 were settled at the pre-litigation stage through mediation. As of now, the mediation process is mostly used to settle marital disputes, but the new legislation could encourage settlements in areas such as landlord-tenant and industrial disputes which form a major chunk of litigation. In February last year, the law ministry had mooted a note on similar lines, backing a new law on mediation. "There is no legislation to back the mediation process in the country...The lack of any statutory backing to the mediation process is a cause of concern/apprehension in the minds of the parties regarding the validity/enforceability of the outcome of mediation. Therefore, some parties may prefer the lawyer-dominated, formal judicial process," it said. Out-of-court litigation is expected to help reduce the burden on courts in a country where over 3 crore cases are pending. Moscow: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving in St. Petersburg, as part of his four-nation tour, the officials from both the sides have begun to iron out details and language of possible bilateral agreement for building Unit 5 and 6 of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi has come to Russia for an annual summit with President Vladimir Putin during which the two sides are expected to sign a host of agreements, including the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant. The last two units of the Kudankulam power plant are expected to be built in collaboration with a Russian company. If successful, the deal will be the centrepiece of the meet in which 12 other agreements are likely to be inked. Further, the meeting between PM Modi and President Vladimir Putin is expected to help boost trade and resolve tensions over shifting alliances. Shortly after his arrival, PM Modi had tweeted that he looked forward to a fruitful engagement with the Russia side. Reached the historic city of St. Petersburg. Looking forward to a fruitful visit aimed at cementing India-Russia relations. pic.twitter.com/0vZTiS0euh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2017 Kundankulam Nuclear Deal The reactors are being built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex, according to PTI. The two sides are expected to ink 12 agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centerpiece of the summit, the second time in eight months after their last bilateral in Goa in October 2016. If signed, the two units of the plant, with capacity to produce 1000 MW of electricity each, will significantly boost the country's nuclear power generation. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6,780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a General Framework Agreement on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Ministers Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. Indias traditional ties with Russia dating back to the days of Soviet Union have been complicated by Moscows growing economic and political alliances with China and Pakistan. However, Pankaj Saran, Indias ambassador to Russia, told said Indias relations with Russia are independent of its ties with Pakistan. What will PM Modi do in Russia Modi had arrived in stormy weather in St. Petersburg - the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad. The Prime Minister will begin his three-day Russia sojourn with a visit to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for some 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Modi will then be received by President Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian presidents official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides. On Friday, Modi will be the Guest of Honor at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being attended by a host of political and business leaders from around the world. Its the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the economic and business summit. Some 60 Indian CEOs are attending the summit, and India has also set up a 'Make in India' pavilion in addition to hosting round tables and an exclusive India-Eurasia economic and business breakfast. Trade between the two nations stands at $7.8 billion, down from $10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to $30 billion in the next five years. Beijing: India and Pakistan's admission as full members to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the political and security grouping's summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced today, while hoping that they would "strictly follow" its charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan as full members would help improve their bilateral relations. "Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO," Hua told a media briefing here. She confirmed that the lengthy process of their admission into the group, which took years until China gave its nod, was over and the two countries would become full members at the grouping's summit to be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 8-9. Besides Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif are expected to be present at the summit. Speculation is also rife that Modi and Sharif may also meet on the sidelines of the summit. "The member states of the SCO are accelerating the MOU procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well," Hua said. "We hope India and Pakistan as the full members at the Astana summit (on June 8-9). We also expect the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries," Hua told reporters. Founded in Shanghai in 1996, the group at present comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It mostly acts as a China-dominated security group specially focussing on Central Asia. India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the grouping. In the 2015 summit in Ufa in Russia, the group had formally adopted a resolution which started the procedure to admit India and Pakistan into the SCO. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Obligations to join the organisation in last year's summit in Tashkent. Russia has pushed for India's membership into the grouping in the last few years while China backed the entry of its ally Pakistan. The first ever expansion of the group comes at a time Indo-Pak tensions are high and relations between Beijing and New Delhi were beset with strains over the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Beijing also has not shown any signs to relent on its stand to block India's admission into Nuclear Suppliers Group, (NSG) and the UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar. The SCO becomes one platform for the leaders of the three countries to meet. India and China are already members of BRICS, (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The 9th BRICS summit would be held in Chinese city Xiamen in September this year. SCO focussed its attention in combating terrorism in Central Asia and specially at the borders of Xinjiang, China's Uygur Muslim province where Beijing is battling against separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). "Now the member states of the SCO are accelerating the legal process on the MOU implementation. Everything is going on smoothly. Now the SCO will complete the first membership expansion since its establishment. It will become regional organisation with largest coverage involving the biggest population" with the admission of India and Pakistan, Hua said. The population of China and India, world's most populous countries, will help to make it an international grouping covering largest population. The China-led SCO comprising six member states focuses mostly on security related issues like counter terrorism cooperation in Central Asia. It comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. Hua said in the UFA summit of the SCO in 2015, the member countries of the SCO had launched the process to accept the membership of India and Pakistan. The SCO is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence - sharing, counter- terrorism operations in Central Asia. St Petersburg: India and Russia on Thursday concluded a pact for setting up the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant with Moscow's help in Tamil Nadu after overcoming initial hurdles to finalise the strategic deal. The General Framework Agreement (GFA) and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant are seen as a major outcome of the annual summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The reactors will be built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled 'A vision for the 21st Century' said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an "energy bridge". It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. "We welcome the conclusion of the the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant," said a vision document issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We will strive to build an 'energy bridge' between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency," it said. The two countries also said that there has been a "steady and demonstrable" achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of India's largest energy hubs. "Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation," as per the document. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India's "Make In India" initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India" signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle, as per PTI. Meanwhile, in a joint statement, PM Modi after talks with President Vladimir Putin said today, "We decided on Action Plan to speed up cooperation between India and Russia." "Signing of agreement on units 5 and 6 of Kudankulam Nuclear Plant will further strengthen India-Russia ties. India-Russia defence cooperation is being given a new direction," he added. Also, India and Russia today asked all countries to stop cross-border movement of terrorists and asserted that a decisive collective response from the international community without "double standards and selectivity" was required to combat terrorism. PM Modi said that India welcomes Russia's unconditional support in the fight against cross-border terrorism. He added that the views of the two countries are similar on the problem in whichever form it exists, whether in Afghanistan, the Middle East or Asia-Pacific. "India and Russia stand together on terrorism and the new challenges to security," he said. "We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons," the two countries said in the St Petersburg declaration titled 'A vision for the 21st century'. India and Russia asserted that they will continue efforts to combat international terrorism, which poses a great threat to the maintenance of peace and security. Sharing my remarks at the joint press meet with President Putin. https://t.co/lBUk2sFg6R @KremlinRussia_E June 1, 2017 (With Agency inputs) New Delhi: An Indian parliamentary delegation on a visit to Sweden has sought from the Scandinavian nation partnership in combating international terrorism, emphasising its dangers, especially in the south Asian region. The 10-member delegation led by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia visited the north European country with an aim of "promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries". During the visit, which concluded on Wednesday, Ahluwalia "emphasised on the threat posed by international terrorism, especially in the South Asian region, and the need for the international community to join hands to combat this global menace, including its state sponsorship and funding," according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Thursday. Stressing the gravity of the menace, Ahluwalia said the perpetrators were not small-time anarchists but "well-educated, well-motivated, well-trained, well-armed, well-connected and well-funded terrorists". The minister expressed New Delhi's gratitude to Sweden for its "unequivocal" championing of India's candidature for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The minister sought Sweden's support for the Global Convention against International Terrorism at the UN. Chittagong: The Indian Navy continued providing relief assistance to Cyclone Mora-hit areas of Bangladesh and rescued 33 Bangladeshi fishermen who were afloat in the sea for over 36 hours on Thursday, an official said. The 33 fishermen were washed into the sea by the cyclone, and had been adrift when they were spotted floating in water by Indian Naval Ship Sumitra. "These fisherman were fortunately spotted by alert crew of INS Sumitra, 96 nautical miles south west of Chittagong," Indian Navy Spokesperson Captain D.K. Sharma said. The ship`s crew jumped into action and rescued them, and they were brought ashore on Thursday. "They were rescued by the Marine commandos on board the ship in a daring operation. The commandos jumped into the sea to rescue the fishermen as the boats could not be lowered on account of the rough sea," the spokesperson said. The Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh on Thursday handed over relief material to the 33 rescued Bangladeshi nationals. Another Indian Navy ship, INS Gharial is also reaching Bangladesh with relief material. India also sent three ships - INS Kirch, INS Shardul and INS Jalshwa - for relief and rescue operations in Sri Lanka, which was also hit by Cyclone Mora. India also sent smaller boats, teams of divers, doctors and medical assistants, medicines, drinking water and other relief material to Sri Lanka. St Petersburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage at the Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery here, a reminder of the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives during the nearly 900-day Siege of Leningrad, as St Petersburg was then known, during the Second World War. Modi laid a wreath at the cemetery where the bodies of about half a million Russian people, including 420,000 civilians, are laid to rest. These people died mostly due to cold and starvation because of the siege laid by the Nazis from September 1941 to January 1944. Modi also signed the visitor's book at the memorial. The Prime Minister arrived in Russia on Wednesday on the third leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe. Later on Thursday, he will hold the 18th India-Russia annual bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. India and Russia are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties this year. On Friday, Modi will attend, for the first time, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. From Russia, he will leave for France on the fourth and final leg of his tour and hold his first meeting with newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Before Russia, the Prime Minister visited Germany and Spain. New Delhi: In a rare gesture, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday broke protocol and hugged BSF constable Godhraj Meena who has suffered 85 per cent disability after militants' bullets hit him during an attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur in 2014. Meena's bus, part of a Border Security Force convoy, was ambushed by militants on August 5, 2014 near the 'narsu nalah' area in Udhampur with a heavy gunfire. The citation of the 44-year-old trooper said he was on guard duty in the bus and his bravery, acute presence of mind and accurate fire kept the two militants at bay and thwarted their attempts to enter and target the about 30 personnel onboard. Meena, who is not able to speak properly as one bullet had pierced through his jaw, received a thunderous applause from the officials and jawans when the home minister pinned the gallantry medal on his chest. Even before Meena could accord the mandatory salute, the home minister hugged and patted him and saw him off from the dais with a firm and long hand shake. BSF officials said as per protocol, the home minister, after pinning the medal and handing over the citation, has to shake hand with the awardee and the person moves ahead after according a salute to him. "What we saw today is rare, very rare. This is only in very special cases like that of Meena who has suffered 85 per cent disability after the attack. He is not able to talk and walk properly but despite this he dons his uniform with pride," a senior officer said. The officer said Meena has now been deputed for conducting administrative duties. This retaliation had led a total of four BSF personnel, including Meena, being decorated with gallantry medals. The others included constable Subhendu Roy, driver Daljit Singh and constable Rocky who was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra'. Later, during his speech, Singh said he was proud of Meena's bravery and grit. He also awarded the police medal for gallantry (posthumous) to the wife of the constable and cook of the BSF unit Sanjay Dhar. Dhar was posted at the 'Pittal' border post along the Indo-Pak International Border in Jammu and laid down his life while saving his friend who had got injured in an unprovoked firing incident by Pakistan on July 16, 2014. Singh, during the annual investiture ceremony of the BSF, also awarded gallantry medals to a total of seven troops of the border guarding force for their daredevil actions during ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border and while handling attacks by militants in Jammu and Kashmir. He also decorated five personnel of the 41st battalion of the force for undertaking an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker in 2014, where the team killed two Maoists. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is known for reaching out to people in distress via microblogging website Twitter. On Wednesday, she assured a Pakistani man of a medical visa so that his two-and-a-half-month-old infant, who is suffering from a heart disease, can be brought to India for treatment. Swaraj's assurance came after the child's father brought the matter to her notice on Twitter. Overwhelmed by the support he received from the minister, Ken Sid, an engineer from Lahore, hailed India through his tweets. Ken said 'Jai Hind' to express his gratitude. Maam i cant express my feeling. i am so thankful to you for what you have done for me and my son. I really appreciate govt of india.jay hind, Ken tweeted. On May 24, Ken took to Twitter and posted a picture of his son Rohaan. Why my bud suffers for medical treatment!! Any answers Sir Sartaaj Azeez or Ma'am Sushma??, asked Ken. "The child will not suffer. Please contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa," Sushma Swaraj responded. No. The child will not suffer. Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa. pic.twitter.com/4ADWkFV6Ht https://t.co/OLVO3OiYMB Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 31, 2017 The Pakistani man today added: It is heartening to see humanity prevailing despite many differences. Thank you all for your efforts. Humanity prevails! God Bless everyone! Ken Sid (@KenSid2) June 1, 2017 A man named Ravi Kumar had also written to Swaraj, saying that the infant needed immediate treatment and had sought her intervention in the matter. Srinagar: The Indian Army on Thursday killed five Pakistani troopers in a counter offensive strike along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district's Nowshera sector and Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. Six Pakistani soldiers were also said to be injured in the strong retaliatory fire from the Indian side. Pakistan today violated the ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army retaliated to the ceasefire violations. "One civil GREF labour was martyred, and one GREF driver injured in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. One Head Constable of BSF received splinter injury in Krishnagati sector. He is out of danger", Defence Spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 0730 hours", he said. Pakistani troops also opened fire and shelled posts along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 0740 hours, he said, as per PTI. The reports said there has been firing along the LoC in Balnoi and Mankote sectors too. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on", he said. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. On May 17, the Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on May 15 and 16. The Pakistani Army had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. The Army on May 26 foiled an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) LoC in Uri sector in Kashmir and killed two of the intruders. On May 1, two Indian soldiers were killed and their bodies mutilated in a BAT attack in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: In yet another incident of ceasefire violation, the Pakistan Army fired indiscriminately at Indian Army posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera and Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch early Thursday. The Indian Army retaliated strongly to Pakistan's unprovoked firing. The Pakistan Army fired at the Indian posts with small arms, automatics and mortars. The gunfight is still going on.ing details about the exchange of fire, Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said, "Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing and shelling on our positions on the LoC in Rajouri district's Nowshera sector and Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch." The Indian Army on Monday evening killed two Pakistani troopers in a counter offensive strike on the LoC in Kashmir's Uri sector to foil a Border Action Team (BAT) attack from the Pakistani side. New Delhi/Nagpur: Lauding the Indian Army`s swift action in neutralizing two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir`s Sopore district, the defence experts on Thursday said this offensive mode of the security forces will help in flushing out terrorists from the Valley. Defence expert P.K. Sehgal said it was a huge achievement for the forces to gun down the terrorists despite the strong support provided by the locals to these terrorists in Sopore. "Sopore has people who are by and large sympathetic towards Pakistan. They provide terrorists both safe haven as well as logistics support. To that extent, flushing them out is a huge achievement for the security forces. It is apparent that we have been able to take them out despite locals giving them all kind of support," Sehgal told ANI. Sehgal reiterated that the offensive mode of the Army has helped in successfully achieving such operations. "Recently, the Indian Army has gone on offensive. Across Kashmir, operations have been launched to flush out terrorists, both foreign as well as indigenous. On a specific intelligence, last night around 2.45 a.m., an encounter began between the RR and police on the one side, and the terrorists on the others. As per latest news, two have been gunned down," he added. Resonating similar sentiments, another defence expert Sunil Deshpande owed the success to good intelligence. "This is the outcome of good intelligence by our Army. The terrorists are hiding in the Valley, and what is needed is a good intelligence network because of which we can secure information and take action. Hereafter, our forces will have to be very vigilant," he said. Two terrorists were killed in the Sopore encounter that started in Nathi Pora area of Jammu and Kashmir late last night.It was a joint operation by the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police. Two AK-47, five magazines, 107 live rounds, two pouches, Rs. 2,000 in cash, two rubber stamps and paraphernalia have been recovered from the two slained terrorists. Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid on Thursday revealed that two militants, who were killed this morning in an operation by the security forces in Baramulla district's Sopore area, belonged to terror group Hizbul Mujahideen. The J&K Police identified the two terrorists, who were instrumental in throwing a grenade on its men on Wednesday in Sopore town in which four policemen were injured, as Aijaz Ahmad Mir of Brath Kalan and Basharat Ahmad Sheikh of Bomai Sopore. "The two terrorists were eliminated in a joint operation with 22 Rashtriya Rifles, 92, 177 and 179 battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)," a spokesperson said. Meanwhile, the DGP said: "The description of assailants and CCTV footage helped in identifying and arresting two persons, including one who had hurled the grenade at the police party". Vaid said during interrogation, the arrested persons provided information about the hideout of the militants at whose behest they had carried out the attack. "The security forces laid a cordon around the area. As they were closing in on the house where the militants were hiding, they opened fire. The security forces retaliated leading to death of the two militants," the DGP said. He said both slain militants were locals and belonged to the Hizbul Mujahdieen. The bodies have been handed over to their families. (With Agency inputs) Kannur: Kerala Police on Thursday arrested eight persons who had recently butchered a calf in in broad daylight and distributed its meat to public, in protest against Centre's ban on sale of cattle for slaughtering. According to ANI, the police arrested eight youth, members of the Congress Youth Wing including former IYC Kannur Parliament constituency committee Rijil Makutty, for killing a calf. The alleged public slaughter of the 18-month-old calf had triggered severe protest across the country and infuriated the right-wing members. The calf was reportedly butchered in an open vehicle allegedly by Youth Congress workers who raised slogans against the Centre's decision to ban sale of cattle for slaughter. Kerala Police had later booked some Youth Congress activists in this regard. The brazen act was committed in front of a huge crowd in Kannur on Saturday during the 'Beef Fest' held by the Left and Congress in Kerala to protest against the Centre's ban. The Central government has banned the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter. Kerala BJP president Kummanam Rajasekharan, who posted the video of the the gory incident on twitter, called it "cruelty at it peak" and said no normal person can behave in this manner. On the basis of a complaint from Yuva Morcha district General Secretary CC Ratheesh, police had registered a case against Rijil Makulti, a Youth Congress worker, and others under Section 120 A of the Kerala Police Act, police sources said. Rijil Makulti also later told a television channel, "We don't regret our act. This was done as part of our protest." The offence deals with slaughtering any animal in a way that causes annoyance or inconvenience to the public and is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to five thousand rupees or with both. Mumbai: Kapil Sharma was admitted to a hospital in Andheri on Wednesday after he complained of uneasiness, a report suggests. The star comedian had to be admitted to the hospital owing to low blood pressure. He is fine now. The channel airing The Kapil Sharma Show confirmed the new to Bollywoodlife.com. Sharma is recovering and is stable but he may not be able to attend the Dadasaheb Phalke Award event which is scheduled to be held today. He has been honoured with the coveted award for the second time. Heres wishing Kapil speedy recovery. New Delhi: Ace comedian-turned-actor Kapil Sharma was admitted to a hospital in Andheri on Wednesday after he complained of uneasiness, reportedly. The comedian was shooting an episode of his popular showThe Kapil Sharma Show when he felt uneasy. According to India.com, Kapil's sister Pooja Devgan in an interview with a leading daily talked about her brother's health condition. She has been quoted as saying, I wasnt aware of this news until I read it today in the newspaper. Immediately, I called up Kapil but couldnt speak to him as he was sleeping. Then I spoke to my mom and she told me that he is feeling better. She added, Kapil did not want to worry us with his health problems and so he chooses not to inform us about being hospitalised. He has been suffering from high blood pressure for the past few months but now he has been diagnosed with low sugar too. We all are very much worried about his health. Maybe, he is not taking good care of his health because of continuous work schedule. I will be visiting him soon. Here's wishing Kapil a speedy recovery! New Delhi: Desi girl Priyanka Chopra is a newsmaker but lately she found herself courting controversies owing to Twitter posts. First, it was the pictures with Prime Minister Narendra Modi which created a ruckus as Twitterati blamed her being dressed inappropriately. And after that what landed her in trouble was the post on Holocaust Memorial pictures. What happened was that PeeCee visited the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin with brother Siddharth shared the pictures on Twitter. However, Tweeples fired the actress for posting such a post and called it 'insensitive' which made the 'Baywatch' star delete her posts from the micro-blogging site. Here's what some of the Twitter users posted: Is it respectable for @priyankachopra to be taking selfies at the #Holocaust Memorial? pic.twitter.com/BKPpJOAsE7 Sara Muzzammil (@SaraMuzzammil) May 30, 2017 Priyanka Chopra took selfies at the Holocaust memorial.. is this a another attention seeking stunt ??? Shouldn't have done that .. sahil (new acc ) (@DeepikasWarrior) May 31, 2017 Mumbai: Priyanka Chopra recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Berlin and took to her social media accounts to share images from the meeting! However, she was soon trolled for wearing a short dress and showing legs to the PM. Varun Dhawan has something to say about it! According to a report in India.com, Varun said, The actor said, She is someone we all should be proud of in our country. She is making our country proud abroad and all this is very stupid. Social media trolling is not something that needs to become a national issue. Heres the photograph that created the unpleasant buzz! The former Miss World decided to remove her Instagram post that showed her sitting cross-legged in front of the PM but responded to the trolls by posting a cryptic photograph! Legs for days.... #itsthegenes with @madhuchopra nights out in #Berlin #beingbaywatch A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 30, 2017 at 4:23pm PDT PeeCee was in Berlin to promote her debut Hollywood flick Baywatch. And thats when she learnt that the PM was in the country. Thank you for taking the time to meet me this morning @narendramodi Sir. Such a lovely coincidence to be in #berlin at the same time. pic.twitter.com/vLzUSH5WR1 PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) 30 May 2017 Well for the uninitiated, the Desi girl was nominated by the PM as one of the celebrities to create awareness about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or the Clean India Campaign a couple of years back. Priyanka had contributed her bit towards the PMs pet project by cleaning up a locality in the citys Versova region. New Delhi: Hundreds of thousands of central government employees, waiting anxiously for the update on allowances as recommended by the 7th Pay Commission might heave a sigh of relief on Thursday. As per media reports, the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) will screen the suggestions of the Ashok Lavasa committee report before they send it to the Cabinet for approval. The Cabinet secretary had earlier set the deadline to look into the report on the allowances committee for June 1 adding that the update might be announced soon. A Business Today report further said that once the E-CoS deliberate on discussions, it will consolidate the report and table it before the Union Cabinet latest by Friday (June 2). The Lavasa Committee on April 28 suggested modifications in some allowances applicable universally to all employees and also for those in specific categories, including railways and defence, after examining the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. In the month of April, the Union Cabinet approved important proposals relating to modifications in the 7th CPC (Central Pay Commission) recommendations on pay and pensionary benefits in the course of their implementation. The benefit of the proposed modifications will be available with effect from 1st January, 2016, i.e., the date of implementation of 7th CPC recommendations. With the increase approved by the Cabinet, the annual pension bill alone of the Central Government is likely to be Rs 1,76,071 crore. There are about 47 lakh central government employees. While recommendations of the CPC on pay and pension were implemented with the approval of the Cabinet, allowances continued to be paid at old rates. The CPC had recommended that of a total of 196 allowances, 52 be abolished altogether and 36 be abolished as separate identities by subsuming them in another allowance. Jaipur: Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi University, Rajasthan on Thursday released Rajasthan PTET Result 2017 on June 1, 2017 at ptet2017.com. MDSU published the PTET 2017 result at 1 pm today. Pre Teacher Education Test (PTET) 2017 declared the integrated BA/B.Sc B.Ed entrance test results. Steps top check PTET Result 2017: -Visit the above-mentioned official site -Click on the results link -Enter your details correctly -Your results will be displayed on your screen -Download your results for further use About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University Ajmer is a prominent affiliating university in the state of Rajasthan. Established on August 1, 1987, after the bifurcation of the University of Rajasthan, the University was positioned as a University for Colleges. Apart from being an affiliating university, the University was supposed to support teaching and research in its affiliated colleges. Later, as per the requirement of UGC, teaching departments were created at the campus in March 1990 and teaching was introduced during academic session 1991-92 with some nonconventional and professional postgraduate courses. Subsequently in the year 2000, teaching of conventional postgraduate programs was introduced on the campus, with specializations that were not available in colleges of the city of Ajmer. Today, the University offers 147 programs of learning including 1 Certificate, 7 Diploma, 1 Advanced Diploma, 23 graduate degree, 2 PG Certificate, 15 PG Diploma, 3 Advanced PG Diploma, 51 PG degree, 14 M. Phil. and 30 Ph.D. programs. At the teaching departments of the University campus 63 academic programs viz. 11 Ph.D., 7 M. Phil., 30 postgraduate degrees, 3 Advanced PG Diploma, 6 PG Diploma, 2 PG Certificate, 2 graduate degrees, 1 diploma and 1 certificate are being offered at currently. Washington/Chennai: In yet another historic moment, an international research team, including scientists from India, on Thursday announced the third detection of gravitational waves -- ripples in the fabric of space and time which were first predicted by Albert Einstein more than a century ago. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US made the detection on January 4 this year, demonstrating that a new window in astronomy has been firmly opened. Gravitational waves pass through Earth and can be "heard" by the extremely sensitive LIGO detectors. As was the case with the first two detections, the waves were generated when two black holes merged to form a larger black hole. "Our handful of detections so far is revealing an intriguing black hole population we did not know existed until now," said Northwestern University's Vicky Kalogera, a senior astrophysicist with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC). The new detection, called GW170104, occurred during the ongoing second observing run of the Advanced LIGO detectors which began on November 30 last year. The first direct observation of gravitational waves was made in September 2015 during the first observing run. A second detection was made in December 2015. The third detection is described in a new paper accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review Letters. The publication has 40 authors from 11 Indian institutions. IIT-Madras recently joined the LSC as one of the participating institutes, under the leadership of Dr Chandra Kant Mishra. The Chennai Mathematical Institute has also been contributing to the activities under the leadership of Dr K.G. Arun. The group at IIT-Madras is involved in modelling the gravitational wave sources such as the ones which have been detected by the LIGO detectors so far as well as testing the consistency of the detected gravitational wave signals with the predictions of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The third and latest detection points to merging black holes that are twice as far away from Earth as the two earlier pairs -- about three billion light-years away. This time, the two black holes were unequal in size, one significantly lighter than the other. They merged into a black hole whose size is in the middle of the other two merged black hole pairs. "Now we have three pairs of black holes, each pair ending their death spiral dance over millions or billions of years in some of the most powerful explosions in the universe. In astronomy, we say with three objects of the same type you have a class. We have a population, and we can do analysis," Kalogera added. The newfound black hole, formed by the pair's merger, has a mass about 49 times that of our sun. This fills in a gap between the masses of the two merged black holes detected previously by LIGO, which had solar masses of 62 (first detection) and 21 (second detection). "We have further confirmation of the existence of black holes that are heavier than 20 solar masses, objects we didn't know existed before LIGO detected them," said David Shoemaker of MIT, the newly elected spokesperson for the LSC. India is also working towards setting up its own LIGO observatory. The move received in-principle approval from the cabinet in February last year and has made rapid progress towards the plan to join these exciting scientific observations in 2024. LIGO-India will greatly enhance the scientific capabilities of the international network of observatories for astronomy, primarily by enabling precise pointing to the location of the gravitational wave events in the sky. Scientific and engineering teams at IPR Gandhinagar, IUCAA Pune and RRCAT Indore are actively engaged in the pre-construction activities of LIGO-India. Chennai: Fire service personnel on Thursday were still battling to douse the flames that has engulfed a multi-storied textile showroom - Chennai Silks - here, police said. The top four floors caved in on Thursday morning owing to sustained intense heat while thick dark smoke continued to bellow out of the building. Declaring the area unsafe, the police have cordoned off the busy T.Nagar locality which in turn has affected the business of other organisations for a second day. Over 150 fire service personnel have been deployed to douse the fire. Narrow roads and the absence of easy approach hindered the fire service personnel`s efforts to put out the flames early. The fire broke out early Wednesday early morning. The cause of the fire is said to be an electric short circuit. Officials said the showroom had stocked plastic items and clothes. The building had false ceilings which are easily flammable. The stock-in-trade in the textile showroom is estimated to be worth several crore. Chennai: Father of young Infosys techie Swathi S, who was brutay murdered by a jilted lover, has fiercely opposed to a movie that has reportedly been made around her murder. The trailer of the Tamil movie 'Swathi Kolai Vazhakku' (Swathi Murder Case), directed by Ramesh Selvan, was released this week and posters have emerged in the city. Swathi's father Santhana Gopala Krishnan, who is a retired central government employee, has approached the city police and has filed a complaint against the filmmakers. "It is not fair or legal," he told the police saying that producers didn't even bother to ask for the family's consent. In the complaint, the victim's father also questioned the intention of making the movie around her daughter's death and expressed his fear that facts about his daughter could be twisted in the movie. According to the media report, the producer didn't show the movie to Swathi's father before releasing the trailer. At the launch of the movie, director Ramesh Selvan said that the movie was shot in the actual locations where the crime and the investigations took place, right down to the city's railway station and the house where Ramkumar, the man arrested for killing Swathi, stayed. Ramkumar committed suicide in police custody in September last year by putting a live wire in his mouth. On June 24 last year, young Infosys techie Swathi S was found dead in a pool of dead at a busy railway station in Chennai. According to police, Swathi died after a savage attack by a stalker who stabbed her repeatedly with a sickle. Chennai: Mystery shrouds the death of a 30-year old employee of a software company who was found dead in a restroom in its campus near here. Police on Thursday said they have registered a case of 'unnatural death' after Infosys employee Illayaraja Arunachalam was found dead on May 30 night in the rest room at the company's campus in Mahindra World City, Singaperumal Koil, about 50 km from here. "We have booked a case of unnatural death and are investigating. We cannot share any other information right now", police said. Expressing grief over the death of its emplyee, Infosys said police were investigating the matter. "Currently we have no information on this matter as the police is investigating the case. We are saddened by the loss of our employee in Chennai. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in the hour of grief", the company said in a statement. PMK Youth Wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss claimed several doubts had been raised about the death and demanded that the state government order a judicial inquiry into the matter. In a statement, he said the family of the deceased had stated that there was mystery in the death. He also demanded that the company and the state government pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of Arunachalam. Police said the body of Arunachalam, who hailed from Tindivanam, about 130 km from here, was sent to his native after an autopsy was conducted at the Chengleput Government Hospital. Tiruchirappalli: Two persons, wanted in connection with a murder case, were allegedly hacked to death by an unknown gang, on the Cauvery river bank near here on Thursday police said. The accused, Vincent and Senthil, who were out on bail were proceeding in a bike, when a gang came in a car and knocked them down before hacking them to death, they said. Police believe the crime could have been to avenge the murder of one Panjabakesan in Thanjavur, two years ago. Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested one person out of the three for allegedly gang-raping a lady at the King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. The other two are still absconding. The accused have been identified as liftman Vinay, Santosh and Shivkumar (arrested), reported news agency ANI. The victim, hailing from Hardoi, was accompanying her husband, who had been admitted at the KGMU. At around 10:30 pm on Wednesday, she was approached by the liftman, who took her to his room on the pretext of bringing food for her. The other two accomplices were already present. The trio made her a hostage and allegedly gang-raped her. The woman then filed a complaint and police are making all their efforts to nab rest of the accused. The incident took place just a few days after a video showing a group of men heckling and harassing two women in Rampur went viral on social media. Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday assured the victims of the Jewar case of prompt justice and directed the officials concerned to solve the case and take action against the culprits at the earliest. The CM, who met the victims of the Jewar case in Bulandshahr, directed the officials to take strict action against the culprits, so that no one could dare commit any such crime in the state again. Adityanath said his government "will not compromise" on law-and-order, adding that there was "no place for crime and criminals" in Uttar Pradesh. Giving a patient hearing to the victims, he assured them of prompt justice and all possible help. Besides an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Adityanath also announced assistance in education, security and financial help to the women of the family. The local MLA, Dhirendra Singh, who accompanied the victims, told the chief minister that criminal activities were rampant around the Yamuna Expressway. He said several incidents of loot and other crimes had taken place in the area in 2015 and 2016, but either FIRs were not filed or even if a complaint was lodged, no proper investigation was carried out subsequently. The shocking Jewar incident had occurred last week when eight members of a family were travelling to Bulandshahr to pay a visit to a relative at a hospital. The women of the family had alleged that five persons raped them at gunpoint in a field off the Yamuna Expressway and one of the four men travelling with them was shot dead after he objected to the sexual assault. Manila: Eleven Philippine soldiers were killed and seven others injured in a "friendly fire" incident in the city of Marawi, defence officials said on Thursday. Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told the media here that the soldiers were killed and wounded in airstrikes aimed at Islamist militants on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "One of our SF-260 aircraft was conducting an airstrike (when) the last ordnance round it (fired) went wayward for an unknown reason and accidentally hit our ground forces," Padilla said. "This is a case of friendly fire. It was an accident." "Maybe the coordination was not properly done so we hit our own people. We don't know yet what exactly happened," he added. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the military is sending more troops to Marawi to fight the remaining 50 to 100 extremists still holed up in the embattled city. The ongoing clashes have so far killed over 90 militants, including at least eight foreign fighters, 19 civilians and 36 security personnel. On May 23, heavily-armed militants attacked Marawi -- which has a population of about 200,000 people -- when the military was searching for an Abu Sayyaf leader hidden in the city. Kabul: As many as 19 Taliban insurgents were gunned down on Thursday during a 24-hour operation conducted by security forces in Afghanistan`s southern Helmand province. According to Khaama Press, the operations were conducted in the vicinity of Garamser and Sangin districts.Officials said at least six militants were killed by the Afghan Special Forces (ASF) in the Jagrum and Karezak areas of Garamser district. The Afghan forces also conducted operations in the outskirts of Sangin district, leaving at least three militants dead and four others wounded, the officials said. Helmand is one of the volatile provinces of Afghanistan. Taliban insurgents actively operate in various districts of the province. It only took four days -- four days! -- but President Donald Trump finally extended his sympathies to victims of the murderous knife attack on a Portland, Ore., light-rail train by an alleged white supremacist. "The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable," he tweeted Monday morning. "The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them." If you missed it, that may be because the tweet curiously appeared on the POTUS Twitter account, which has 18 million followers, not the president's personal account, @realDonaldTrump, which has 30.9 million followers. Pardon me, but I can't help but wonder whether the president would have taken as long with his sentiments or sounded as perfunctory if the murder suspect had been a Muslim. Or an illegal immigrant. Just wondering. I'll get back to that suspect. First, let's talk about those who deserve to be talked about: the three uncommonly courageous heroes who came to the aid of two teenaged girls who were being bullied and harassed by an alleged white supremacist, police said, for "religiously and racially motivated reasons." One of the teens is black. The other was wearing a hijab. Three white men came to their aid, witnesses told police, and the suspect violently attacked all three. Two of the men died. Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23, was a 2016 graduate of Portland's Reed College in economics who worked at a local consulting firm, according to the Portland Oregonian, and had just purchased a house. Before Namkai-Meche was carried away on a stretcher, an eyewitness told the Oregonian, he had a last message: "Tell everyone on this train I love them." The second fatality was Ricky John Best, 53, a retired U.S. Army platoon sergeant and father of four who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and worked as a technician for the city's government. A Republican, according to news accounts, he ran in the nonpartisan Clackamas County commissioner's race and refused to take campaign contributions -- a gesture that some locals in my experience would call is a "very Portland thing" to do. The third hero, Micah David-Cole Fletcher, survived with knife wounds described as serious but not life-threatening. Fletcher, 21, is a Portland State University student and poet who won a 2013 competition, ironically with a poem that opposed prejudice against Muslims. His mother on Saturday described his condition as "really bad" with a broken jaw and a long puncture wound in his neck that barely missed a jugular vein. The suspect in this deadly mayhem was identified as Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, of North Portland, Oregon, whom police and civil rights advocacy groups described as having a history of racist, Islamophobic and other extremist remarks. Conservatives have taken some comfort out of reports that Christian was a Bernie Sanders supporter. But, as the Southern Poverty Law Center's profile of him notes, Christian's Facebook page shows "an individual all over the political spectrum" who also holds some racist and other extremist beliefs. In video posted on Twitter by Oregon freelance journalist Mike Bivins, Christian can be seen prancing around at an April free speech march in Portland, wearing an American flag like a cape and waving Nazi salutes while yelling racial slurs and threats about Muslims, Jews and "fake Christians." Other participants at that march, which was organized by conservatives, can be heard disavowing association with him. That's fair. But it took some cheek, in my view, for white nationalist alt-right leader Richard B. Spencer to try to distance himself from Christian, too. "The #PortlandStabbing was a saddening event," he tweeted, "and I condemn the actions of Jeremy Joseph Christian." Sure, Spencer sounds more rational and articulate than Christian, but that's not saying much. Both have advocated breaking up the United States into separate regions for different races in a bizarre white nationalist version of the late Elijah Muhammad's dream of a black nation for his Nation of Islam. This is the company that President Trump also keeps, whether he realizes it or not. He should learn from the Portland heroes. When he responds more quickly and passionately to victims of Islamic terrorism, for example, than he does to domestic anti-Islamic terrorism, he becomes less of a problem solver and more of a problem. Beijing: China on Thursday hailed the first extradition of a fugitive suspect from the United States under the Trump administration as a "major achievement" resulting from talks between the two countries` leaders in April. The suspect, only identified by his surname Zhu, was shown on live national television stepping off a United Airlines flight at Beijing airport flanked by two Chinese police officers, his head covered with a black hood. The Ministry of Public Security said in a statement Zhu was suspected of crimes involving the "violation of personal rights". A key plank of President Xi Jinping`s sweeping anti-corruption campaign has been the drive to repatriate overseas fugitives suspected of corruption and economic crimes through widely publicised operations dubbed "Fox Hunt" and "Sky Net". But China has had limited success in securing cooperation from western countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia, where many of its most-wanted reside, largely because of what those governments see as a lack of transparency and due process in Chinas judicial system. The ministry said Zhu fled to the United States in April last year, prompting Chinese police to request an Interpol "red notice" for his arrest. Zhu was detained in January by U.S. immigration authorities after overstaying his visa, paving the way for his repatriation. China`s Foreign Ministry said it had no information about the case and the U.S. embassy in Beijing declined to comment. Zhu`s case was a "major achievement" and "model example" of the greater cross-border law enforcement cooperation agreed upon during April`s summit at Mar-a-Lago between U.S President Donald Trump and Xi, the Ministry of Public Security said. That meeting of minds, it said, would enable "next steps" to be taken to strengthen cooperation in areas including cyber security and cross-border law enforcement. The United States extradited businessman Yang Jinjun in September 2015 to face bribery and graft charges, while China`s most-wanted corruption suspect, Yang Xiuzhu, voluntarily returned from the United States in November last year. In April, China asked Interpol issue a "red notice" for Guo Wengui, a billionaire businessman who lives in New York who has made corruption allegations against senior Communist Party leaders and their families. Washington: Congressional investigators are probing whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions had an additional meeting with Russia`s Ambassador to the US during the 2016 presidential campaign, a media report said. Investigators are requesting additional information, including schedules from Sessions, a source with knowledge of the issue told CNN on Wednesday night. They are focusing on whether such a meeting took place on April 27, 2016, at the Mayflower Hotel here, where then-candidate Donald Trump was delivering his first major foreign policy address. Prior to the speech, then-Senator Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended a small VIP reception with organisers, diplomats and others. In addition to the Congressional investigators, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also seeking to determine the extent of interactions the Trump campaign team may have had with Kislyak during the event as part of its broader counter-intelligence probe of alleged Russian meddling in the election. However, neither the Congressional investigators nor the FBI have concluded whether the Mayflower private meeting took place, reports CNN. Sessions has previously failed to disclose meetings with Russian officials. During his confirmation hearing on January 10, Sessions testified that he "did not have any communications with the Russians" during the campaign. He also said in a written statement submitted to the Senate judiciary committee that he was not in contact with anyone linked to the Russian government during the election. However, Sessions has not listed two Kislyak meetings that he disclosed in March on the security forms he submitted this year. Manila: Militants of at least five nationalities were among eight foreigners killed while fighting alongside Islamist militants against government troops in the southern Philippines, Manila`s defence minister said on Thursday. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a news conference that fighters who were Saudi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Yemeni and Chechen among the dead found in Marawi City over the past week . There were eight foreigners killed who were known to be fighting with the rebels, he said. New Delhi: Infiltration by militants from Pakistan has come down to a large extent after India conducted surgical strikes on the terror hubs across the Line of Control, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thurday. Addressing a gathering of central police and paramilitary personnel during a BSF investiture ceremony here, the home minister also asked security personnel to be cautious against using and forwarding unverified social media content. "There used to be infiltration by militants from Pakistan. But I can say after surgical strikes, incidents of infiltration have come down to a large extent. I compliment both the army and the BSF for ensuring border security," Singh said. The strikes were conducted by the army at terror launch pads across the LoC in September last year. He said the forces, especially the Border Security Force (BSF), should stay "more alert" against the cross-border smuggling of fake Indian currency notes and drugs. Speaking about dangers of the social media, the minister said the "enemy" is spreading rumours and false information using tools like Facebook and Whatsapp. "It is seen that the personnel and officers use and put such information or videos on their Facebook page or Whatsapp. You should not forward such items, unless it is authentic and in the interest of the country as you not only protect our borders but also the country's unity and integrity," he said. The home minister added the government was working to fully deploy a Comprehensive and Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to secure the frontiers by using radars, lasers, camera and other command and control devices. "We are trying to secure our borders effectively...By putting a three-tier system which will be like deploying a border guarding force (like BSF), an intelligence network and police presence behind this. This is being integrated on our borders in a fast mode," he said. Calling the BSF as India's 'First Wall of Defence', he said that in the last few years the border guarding force has come out of the shadows of the army and registered its independent identity at the borders (Indo-Pak). Earlier, the BSF's valour used to go along with that of the army but in the last few years you have done exceptional work, Singh said. The home minister reiterated that it is his desire that the family of every jawan, who lays down his or her life in the line of duty, of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) must get a minimum compensation of Rs 1 crore. I urge all the DG's (Directors General) of the CAPFs to inform me of any such case where the family is not able to get the minimum of Rs 1 crore aid. "I will try all that I can to ensure that this amount is provided to the families," Singh said. He added his ministry has launched a special web portal in this context and that many people have come forward to contribute to the families of the slain jawans and officers. The minister also talked about launching of special apps (mobile applications) for the personnel of these forces to register and get resolution for their grievances. "While every jawan or officer should get their grievances resolved through the established forum that you have in your respective forces, all such cases that come to the home ministry will be reviewed by me at least once a month," he said. Singh said he had a "special attraction" towards the army and uniformed forces since his early days, but god destined him to be at this place (as a politician and home minister). New Delhi: Pakistan author Sabyn Javeri has always been fascinated by women leaders, not only political but from across all spheres, and her debut novel is a dark noir-meets-pacy courtroom drama that unravels the mystery of a Benazir Bhutto-like assassination. "Nobody Killed Her" is a tale of intense friendship between two ambitious women - Prime Minister Rani Shah's and her close confidante Nazneen Khan or Nazo Khan - and unfolds in a country steeped in fanaticism and patriarchy. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and political machinations, the novel, published by HarperCollins India, is about love, loyalty, obsession and deception. "People describe it as a political thriller but I would term it as feminist fiction," says Javeri. Though the novel talks of an assassination of a prime minister, the author says no character is inspired by any real-life person. "The only part that it is inspired is the fact that there is an assassination," she asserts. Javeri had a deep interest in women leaders - how they came to power and held on to power. "I was interested in female leadership not just in politics but other fields as well. We had women leaders like Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher and on the other, we had also those like Leila Khaled and 'bandit queen' Phoolan Devi. "It was really interesting to see what they had in common. All these women were in powerful positions but these were different kinds of powerful positions, very different from their usual roles," Javeri told PTI in an interview. On the characters in her novel she says they are real only in the sense that they are flawed. "They are not perfect. To base it on one person would be very boring. I think what makes it interesting is that I have looked at lots of different elements that people have in common. Like Indira Gandhi's transition from being the daughter of an idealist leader to someone desperate to hold on to power. "I was interested in Margaret Thatcher, how when she rises in power, she thinks she is the queen. Her mannerism changed, she started dressing like the queen, speaking like the queen," she says. Javeri, who lives between London and Karachi, also says she was interested in Benazir's unapologetic manner about having children. "She is perhaps the only prime minister who had children during office. I took a little bit from everyone's life and used my imagination for my book." Javeri adopts a slightly different style of writing. Each chapter has two parts ? one a very brief account of the court heating which is basically hard facts and the other an interpretation by Nazo Khan of what had happened and what it looks like "I wanted to experiment with these two narratives ? the lawyer's statement and Nazo Khan's narrative," she says. Washington: A Washington D.C.-based environmental group has called a last-minute protest on Thursday to oppose President Donald Trump's expected withdrawal from the Paris climate deal. The protest, organised by 350 DC group, was announced on Wednesday night and is set to follow Trump's announcement on Thursday of whether the US will remain a party to the 196-nation agreement aimed at curbing the effects of climate change, The Hill magazine reported. So far, about 470 Facebook users had committed to going to the protest and more than 1,000 were 'interested' in attending. Trump is reportedly leaning toward a withdrawal from the deal, a move that would signal the President's strongest effort yet to unravel former President Barack Obama's environmental policies. "This decision sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the world that the US doesn't honour its commitments," the Facebook event page for the protest reads. "The Paris Agreement was signed by 196 countries and is the backbone of international action to tackle the greatest challenge facing our civilization: climate change." At the G7 Summit last week, Trump declined to pledge his support for the climate accord, breaking from the group's other leaders and irking some, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who called climate talks with Trump "unsatisfying". Colombo: Three people drowned today when their makeshift raft capsized in Sri Lanka, which has been hit by its worst flooding in 14 years. Police said the victims, who included a mother and her 14-year-old son, had ignored official warnings not to venture outdoors because they had a funeral to attend. The drownings in Nagoda in the country's south follow the deaths of 203 people from Friday's heavy rains, most of them buried under landslides. "We have appealed to the people not to go out to check their flooded homes without proper safety gear," navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge said. "These are avoidable deaths." Among the 203 people killed on Friday were 45 school children, officials said. Another 95 are still listed as missing. The Disaster Management Centre said the situation across the country was improving and thousands of security personnel were working on relief and recovery operations. Sri Lanka announced yesterday that it will tighten construction laws, saying many landslide victims would have survived had their homes not been built on slopes. Decades of illegal construction had worsened the flooding by blocking drains and eliminating natural rainwater stores, including marshland. The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said. Monsoon rains last year also caused flooding and landslides, killing more than 100 people. Al Hoceima: Thousands of people have demonstrated in northern Morocco for the sixth straight night as protesters demand the release of the leader of a popular movement in the neglected Rif region. The Rif has been shaken by social unrest since the death in October of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, 31, who was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season. Initial protests in the fishing port of Al-Hoceima triggered a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment. Nasser Zefzafi, who has emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on Monday after three days on the run. Late Wednesday, between 2,000 and 3,000 protesters once again took to the streets of Al-Hoceima, shouting slogans such as "We are all Nasser Zefzafi" and "corrupt state". "Arrest us, we are all activists," read one banner. Although fewer demonstrators turned out than the previous night, the protest appeared better organised, with volunteers in fluorescent jackets including women marshalling the crowd. The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with Morocco`s central authorities, and was at the heart of Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011. Cilia Hirani, a member of the Popular Movement, told AFP that everyone in the Rif "believes in freedom, in humanity and in social justice". "If you imprison our leaders, we will resist and we will resist until our demands, which are rights in democratic countries, are granted," she said. Anti-riot police were at the latest protest, following clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the weekend, but the crowd dispersed at around midnight without incident. Zefzafi was detained along with others on Monday for "attacking internal security", after a warrant for his arrest issued Friday sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants. A new video of Zefzafi has been posted on social networks, apparently recorded shortly before his arrest, in which he says: "My brothers, the moment is very sensitive... Stay peaceful, above all." State media and politicians have remained largely silent about the events, but the local branches of three parties including the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a joint statement warning of a "serious situation" and criticising the response of the authorities. Out of around 40 people reported arrested on Friday, including core members of Al-Hirak, 25 have been referred to the prosecution. Their trial began Tuesday but has been pushed back to June 6 at the request of their lawyers, who have complained their clients were ill-treated during their detention. Seven suspects were released on bail and another seven were freed without charge. Ankara: Turkey's military killed six members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in air strikes in northern Iraq on Thursday, the army said in a statement. Turkish warplanes hit the Avasin-Basyan region in northern Iraq, killing PKK militants believed to be in preparation of an attack, the military said. The PKK, which has carried out a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state, has camps in the mountains of northern Iraq, near the Turkish border. It is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union. A ceasefire between the Turkish state and the PKK broke down in July 2015 and the southeast subsequently saw some of the worst violence since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984. Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has termed the hacking allegation of US presidential elections as fictious invented by the Democrats in a first reaction from the country's top leader. The allegation of rigging of US elections by Russia has been dominating the world headlines even as the US House has ordered a probe into the charges. The Russian leader dismissed the allegations in an exclusive interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro published on Tuesday. The allegations were driven by the "desire of those who lost the US elections to improve their standing," Putin said in the interview. "They want to explain to themselves and prove to others that they had nothing to do with it, their policy was right, they have done everything well, but someone from the outside cheated them," he reportedly said. "It's not so. They simply lost, and they must acknowledge it," AP quoted the Russian leadear as saying in the interview. And the person who won was closer to the people and had a better understanding of what people wanted," the Russian leader said in a reference to President Donald Trump. Puting stressed that it would be irrational to influence the US vote since the American president cannot unilaterally shape policies. "Russia has never engaged in that, we don't need it and it makes no sense to do it. "Presidents come and go, but policies don't change. You know why? Because the power of bureaucracy is very strong," he added. BLACK ELK PEAK, S.D. The bond between a famous writer and a Native American holy man has been celebrated with a commemorative hike. A group of people with the John G. Neihardt State Historic Society in Bancroft hiked Tuesday on Black Elk Peak with Myron Pourier, a descendant of holy man Black Elk. Neihardt's book "Black Elk Speaks" recounts Black Elk's childhood story in which he had a vision of being transported to the top of the mountain. The book has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and serves as a window into Lakota Sioux history and spirituality. "This is all about one race the human race under one flowering tree," Pourier said. Amy Kucera, executive director of the Neihardt society, said she's done the hike multiple times. "There's a unity and a holiness to all of life that was expressed by Black Elk and Neihardt," Kucera said, "And I feel that when I'm here." The hike also commemorated a federal naming board's decision last year to rename the peak from Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak. Pourier said he hopes to raise money and get approval to place a statue of Black Elk and a plaque listing details of his life at the beginning of the most popular trail to the peak. St Petersburg: President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia was ready to sell Turkey advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and had discussed the matter with Ankara, the TASS news agency reported. TASS said Putin made the comments to international media at an economic forum in St Petersburg. Washington: The White House on Thursday reiterated that President Donald Trump continues to favour and support a strong alliance between the United States and Israel, and added that his decision to delay the moving of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem should not be seen as dilution of that support. In a tweet, Michael C. Short, senior assistant to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, said, "...the question is not if that move happens, but only when. "Elaborating on the issue, the Office of the White House Press Secretary said President Trump signed the waiver under the Jerusalem Embassy Act and made the decision to delay the shifting of the embassy to "maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend America`s national security interests." The Office of the White House Press Secretary said that the president has always been consistent about his intention to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and it was only a question of timing to go ahead with it. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. With the purpose of boosting tourism flow, Armenia is launching a targeted tourism policy for Russia and Iran. In an interview with ARMENPRESS, deputy chairman of the state tourism committee Mekhak Apresyan said active programs are underway in both directions. First a bit about international exhibitions. Weve already participated in the international exhibition in Tehran, and we plan to participate in the Leisure exhibition in Russia. We are already engaged in discussions with Armenian private companies, as well as the Russian side, Apresyan told ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of e-marketing, Armenia has participated in the e-exhibition of Profi Travel in Russia. With the participation of Armenian tourism officials, companies and representatives of the public sector, Armenias tourism opportunities were presented to the Russian audience, as well as local peculiarities, and specific tourism results of the Armenian market. Apresyan noted that their programs were rather well received. The Wine Days in Yerevan gained great interest among Russian tourists, it coincided with the May holidays and active tourism flow from Russia was recorded during those days, he said. Works continue, and exploratory visits with Iran have been organized for this year. The same is planned with Russia. A film about Armenia has already been produced, which will air on the Russian Auto Plus TV channel. The film tells about the Armenian duduk, carpet-making and the cuisine. Apresyan said they are engaged in works in other directions as well. Namely in the direction of Persian Gulf Arab countries, the Far East, European and other countries. Journalistic visits are planned soon from the Philippines, Russia and the US. An agreement has been reached with Brussels Airlines to organize the reporters introductory visits from Belgium and other EU countries. Apresyan also mentioned that the e-marketing is being emphasized, and the official Armenia.travel internet portal is already being updated. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan released a congratulatory letter on June 1 International Day for Protection of Children, the Presidents Office told ARMENPRESS. "Beloved children, I cordially congratulate you on June the 1st - the International Children's Day. May this day and other days of your life be full of endless happiness and laughter, songs and fun, realization of cherished dreams and miracles. Our aim is to do everything possible to make your childhood pass in peaceful and developing Motherland, so that you grow up healthy and happy surrounded by immense warmth and care, get qualitative and contemporary education. I once again congratulate you - dear children, your parents and grandparents on this wonderful holiday and wish all of you robust health, greatest success and all the best", the president said in the statement. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Bipartisan leaders of the US Senate Banking Committee announced a plan on Wednesday to enhance sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine and Syria, as well as alleged internet intrusions in the U.S, according to Bloomberg. Panel Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho and top Democrat Sherrod Brown of Ohio said their bill would authorize "broad" new sanctions targeting sectors of Russias economy including mining, metals and railways, Bloomberg reported. It would codify and strengthen existing sanctions included in executive orders affecting Russian energy projects and debt financing in key economic sectors, the senators said in a press release. "Despite existing sanctions, Russia remains a hostile, recalcitrant power, deploying its military, cyber-enabled information espionage activities, and economic tactics to harm the United States and drive a wedge between it and its allies, the committee statement said. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Wednesday that if United States President Donald Trump follows through on pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate-change agreement, he'd "have no choice" but to stop advising the White House, Politico reported. "Don't know which way Paris will go, but I've done all I can to advise directly to POTUS [President of the United States], through others in WH & via councils, that we remain," Musk tweeted. Musk followed up with a tweet saying, "Will have no choice but to depart councils" if Trump pulls out of the Paris deal backed by nearly 200 other countries. Trump is expected to withdraw the U.S. from the climate agreement, according to various media reports. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Besime Konca, opposition lawmaker of Turkeys HDP Peoples Democratic Party, who was once again detained, has been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months imprisonment, Diken news agency reported. The MP was sentenced on charges of being a member of an armed group and propaganda for terrorist organization. Konca was detained back in December of 2016, however several months later the court released her. A few weeks following her release, she was again detained on May 29 in Batman airport. A total of 11 lawmakers of the HDP party are currently jailed. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Former US Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says Russian president Vladimir Putin wants to bring down the US. In an interview with Variety, Clinton said the technological forces that conspired to sabotage her presidential bid in 2016 are still very much at play. I think its important to learn the real lessons from this last campaign, she said. The forces arent just interested in influencing elections and politics. Theyre going after the economy and our unity as a nation, she said. Clinton spoke in great detail about how a massive Russian-led misinformation campaign scuttled her chances with the help of social networks that werent properly empowered to combat fake news. It is important that Americans, that people in tech and business understand that Putin wants to bring us down, she warned. He is an old KGB agent. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan addressed a congratulatory message on the International Day of Protection of Children on June 1, the Ministry told Armenpress. The message says: Dear children, Dear parents, I congratulate you on the International Day of Protection of Children. I want that all children grow up in families, receive the parents love and warmth, by becoming the ones will create bright future. This holiday once a year enables all of us to draw our attention on the current issues of the protection of children, develop new ideas which will serve base for new reforms and programs. Every state agency, each member of the public is responsible for the protection of children, thats why all our decisions related to them must be child-oriented and directed towards ensuring dignified life and future for them. Children need daily care and warmth, and although today the state properly ensures the care of children who are in critical situation, the warmth and love received in a family are irreplaceable. It is not coincidental that todays ongoing reforms in child protection field are aimed at ensuring every childs right to live in a family. I once again congratulate you on this holiday, wish you health, happy childhood and bright day. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2017) kicked off in St. Petersburg, reports Armenpress. The Forums major topic is the search of new balance in global economy. 12.000 participants, including ministers from 39 countries and 870 heads of companies arrived in St. Petersburg to take part in the Forum. More than 100 events will be held on the sidelines of the Forum. The central event of the Forum will be the plenary session which will be attended by Russias President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Kern. During the plenary session the global economic trends, contemporary topics of international agenda will be discussed. The SPIEF-2017 major events will be held from June 1 to 3. Last years Forum was attended by over 12.000 people from 130 countries. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Armenias Parliament Ara Babloyan addressed a congratulatory message on the International Child Protection Day, the Parliament told Armenpress. Dear children, I warmly congratulate you on Day for Protection of Children. Each of you has the right to live happily - we should help it to become a possibility. There is a natural force of dreaming inside each of you - we should support it to become reality. We should do our best so that each day of your childhood leaves pleasant memory in you and your happiness knows no limits. Children, irrespective of their location, regardless of their social and physical condition, should never feel the lack of family warmth and care, should never have the feeling of being disregarded and forgotten, should never be upset or lose their faith and trust towards the future, should see their rights protected. Parental love and care should always be present where it is mostly necessary in the form of attention and support. It is symbolic that it is June 1 that has been proclaimed to be the Global Day of Parents by the UN. Once again congratulating on Day for Protection of Children, I wish you, dear children, healthy and peaceful childhood, bliss and success through all the stages of life. Let each of you be not only your parents pride, but also that of your country and nation, the Parliament Speakers message reads. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan addressed a congratulatory message on the International Day of Childrens Protection, the Yerevan Municipality told Armenpress. The message reads: Dear children, Today the world marks the International Day of Childrens Protection, which we have rightly turned into a holiday for children. I cordially congratulate all of you, my little friends! We, the adults, have always particularly appreciated everything related to you; we do our best to ensure your carefree and safe childhood, to provide you with good education so that your dreams come true and you can justify your parents hopes and our expectations we have in your regard. Dear children, Be sure that Yerevan Municipality does its best to make your everyday life more interesting and your surroundings more convenient and beautiful as its an important condition in the issue of formation of future citizens. I am sure that each of you really loves our Yerevan, and I want you to treat our big home with love and care as a careful owner as this is your home indeed and your are its future owners. I wish you a carefree childhood, my little friends! Be healthy and happy! YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. During todays Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan congratulated new Justice Minister Davit Harutyunyan on participating in the governments session in his new post. Mr. Harutyunyan, we congratulate you. You have a great burden and mission in this new post, the PM said. Earlier the PM had introduced the newly appointed Justice Minister to the ministrys staff on May 30. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Executive Director of the Development Foundation of Armenia (DFA) Armen Avak Avakian and CEO at Shaula International LLC Fabio Lenzi signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting Armenias business opportunities and investment environment in Italy through the companys efforts, the DFA told Armenpress. Giovanni Ricciulli, Ambassador of Italy to Armenia, attended the signing ceremony. The Foundation grants Shaula International LLC a status of DFA official representative in Italy. In its turn, Shaula International LLC assumes responsibility to present Armenias business environment, privileged trade regimes to Italian companies, as well as to establish base for firm practical ties for the businessmen of both sides. It is a consulting company, focused on attracting investments to Armenia. We need to talk with a business language to Italian business community in order to better and completely understand their business needs: the signing of this MoU with a company that has successful business consulting experience in Italy is the first step of it, DFA Executive Director Armen Avak Avakian said. We are ready to implement this initiative with all efforts to attract more investments and businessmen to Armenia, to boost export and tourism, CEO at Shaula International LLC Fabio Lenzi said. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. During the June 1 Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan tasked to submit a schedule and list of participating officials for organizing expanded format consultations in Armenias provinces, in accordance to provincial priorities. We have to hold consultations similar to Cabinet meetings in Governors Offices on the issues of the given province, Karapetyan said. The PM suggested holding the consultations on Saturdays, in order for the weekly business regime to remain unchanged. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. A Baku court has remanded reporter Afghan Mukhtarli in custody for three months. Mukhtarli was recently kidnapped from Tbilisi and forcibly taken to Baku. Elchin Sagidov, the reporters attorney, told Turan news agency that his client is charged for resisting a border guard with force. Mukhtarli on the other hand, says he hasnt even seen that border guard, and that the people who arrested him were wearing Georgian police uniforms. His attorney said they will appeal the courts ruling. A large crowd of activists greeted Mukhtarli with a round of applause outside the court on May 31. Afghan Mukhtarli is a known critic of the Azerbaijani authorities policies. Since 2015, he was forced to settle in Tbilisi. He disappeared two days ago, and later appeared in Baku and was jailed. He said that he was kidnapped from downtown Tbilisi by unknown people wearing civilian clothing, who were speaking Georgian. He was forced into a car and taken out of Georgia, heavily battered, blindfolded and taken to another vehicle. He was then forced to a third vehicle, already on the Azerbaijani border, where he heard the kidnappers talk in Azerbaijani. The kidnappers framed him by putting a large amount of cash in his pocket, and now he is charged with smuggling and illegal border crossing. His attorney has already met him, and said that his client has bruises on his face. Afghan told his attorney that he has severe pain in the chest area, presumably fractured ribs. Georgian authorities, including the countrys president Giorgi Margvelashvili expressed concern over the kidnapping of the journalist. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. French Ambassador to Armenia H.E. Jean-Francois Charpentier regrets the closure of OSCE Yerevan Office, reports Armenpress. He said not only France, but also several countries really are upset over that decision. The Office was carrying out very important and interesting work, and it not only was implementing right management and successful work in democracy field, but also it included wide range of spheres, such nature protection, economy and etc. In this sense I attach importance to the recent visit of OSCE Secretary General to Armenia. He met with the countrys high-ranking leadership, a number of issues were discussed which will allow to continue the cooperation in future as well, the French Ambassador said. OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier announced on May 18 that the organization has to launch the closing process of the OSCE Yerevan Office since consensus was not achieved over the Offices further mandate. The OSCE Yerevan Office was opened in 2000. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Government proposes the Parliament to hold extraordinary session on June 7, at 11:00, reports Armenpress. Vahe Stepanyan, acting Minister-Chief of the Government Staff, presented the draft decision during the Government session on June 1. Issues related to making amendments in the Laws on Corruption prevention and Corruption prevention agency, Alert system, Criminal Code of Armenia, making changes and amendments in the Code of Administrative Offenses, as well as a number of other issues will be included in the session agenda. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Government discusses visa liberalization issue for citizens of several countries to Armenia, Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan said at the Government session, reports Armenpress. Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan asked the Deputy FM whether the Government has a list of countries to which providing visa-free regime will be desirable with the goal to boost tourism. The Deputy FM said in response: The visa liberalization issue for several countries is being discussed. The results of the discussions will be presented to the Government. At the same time the Government approved the bill on lifting visa requirements for Qatari citizens. The decision comes as the multilateral cooperation and ties between Armenia and Qatar are progressing yearly. The number of both tourists and business travelers from the region is increasing. Currently, Qatar Airways is operating flights to Yerevan, and increasing the number of flights is being mulled. The significant growth of Qatari tourist visits to Armenia is also seen. The main visits are tourism oriented, however interest exists for real estate, agriculture and healthcare investments also. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani defense ministry has released yet another disinformation, mentioning that their military has destroyed a command vantage point and a surveillance system in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The defense ministry also posted a poorly staged footage of the so-called destruction. The defense ministry of Artsakh said it urges to view Azerbaijans disinformation as yet another product of the bright imagination of the countrys military-political propaganda. A relatively calm situation is maintained in the frontline. RACINE City Plan Commissioner Mario Martinez doesnt understand how anyone could oppose the plan to add a cooperative grocery store, Wild Root Market, to Racines north side. I cant imagine that anybody would be against this, Martinez said. Youre against better food consumption? Youre against better health? Martinezs sentiment dominated Wednesdays Plan Commission meeting, as several community members and elected officials showered the future grocery store with praise. The commission approved a zoning change for the stores property, 500 Walton Ave., that would allow the store. But the commission deferred granting a conditional-use permit so that the city could go over final site concerns before the commissions next meeting on June 14. Every speaker during Wednesdays public hearing voiced support for Wild Root, which plans to open next summer. One speaker was Robert Powaser, who lives nearby, who said hes heard from many of his neighbors who share in that support. The neighborhood needs an area to go to to shop, Powaser said. It really fills a gap for a neighborhood that really needs something like this. I think it will draw from a wide area, being a co-op. Connie Molbeck, a co-op member, said she lives in Caledonia and and doesnt go to the food desert that is Racine for grocery shopping. Once Wild Root moves in, Ill be shopping in Racine, she said. Another member, Sharon Locke, was short and sweet with her comment. The 920 members of the co-op are anxiously waiting for your approval, she said. We want to offer nutritional foods for the community. Its as simple as that. Both 12th District Alderman Henry Perez and County Supervisor Monte Osterman lent their support for the market as well. Perez praised Wild Roots job potential and location. Food has been a big concern in this community, Perez added. People have to travel without having the availability or transportation to go back and forth. On the County Board, Osterman represents the neighborhood where Wild Root plans to open. You know what we had 30 years ago? Neighborhood grocery stores, all over the place, he said. Heres an opportunity to bring one back. Next steps Wild Root still has two hurdles left to clear for final approval. The first is approval of the markets conditional-use permit, which is dependent on various site issues identified by the city. Those issues include everything from improvements to utilities, to screening of the stores proposed delivery area to providing paint samples. The goal is to have solutions to those by the June 14 Plan Commission meeting, said Matt Sadowski, the citys principal planner. If that moves forward as planned, a public hearing will be held at the June 20 City Council meeting, after which the council will vote on the markets permit and zoning. If you ask Martinez, getting that final approval shouldnt be a problem. My hopes are that this would be the catalyst of something in the city so that well have more options, he said. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of a Council of Europe project, the Armenian Ombudsmans activities, as a national mechanism for prevention of torture, were proposed for introducing in other countries. Tunisian and Moroccan officials will soon arrive in Armenia on a special visit with the purpose of studying the Armenian experience in prevention of torture and developing or introducing this mechanism in their countries. The visit is currently being prepared. After these visits, the Armenian Ombudsman will depart for Tunis and Morocco. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. H.E. Jean Francois Charpentier Ambassador of France to Armenia, has no doubt that the EU-Armenia agreement will be signed. The agreement is the result of a rather specific and long negotiations process. It is quite comprehensive, and I hope that it will be signed during the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels in November. The agreement has first of all an important role in establishing political balance in the region, the Ambassador told a press conference. He said France has always supported the Armenia-EU talks. Speaking about the April 2 parliamentary election of Armenia, the Ambassador said that the election process passed in a peaceful and calm environment, mentioning that the opposition did not dispute the results. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenias minister of economic development and investment Mr. Suren Karayan says he is convinced that not only will the government keep its pre-election promises, but it will surpass its promises regarding attracting investments. After todays Cabinet meeting, reporters asked the minister what steps have been taken during the past five months aimed at the 830-840 million dollar investment programs which were announced by the PM. The minister said: Our ministry is monitoring within the framework of 460 million dollar investment programs. The results of five months arent known yet, but 130-140 million dollar investments have been made in 4 months. But all programs are in process. There isnt a single investment program which hasnt been launched. Asked if theyll be able to keep their pre-election promise, the minister said they indeed will. We wont simply keep, we will surpass our promises. I have great hopes, he said. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on June 1 visited the House-Museum of Charles Aznavour where the Museums key handover ceremony to Aznavour Fund was held, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress. President Sargsyan delivered speech at the event: Dear friends, Dear Charles, I am very happy to be here today, in this good, warm atmosphere, in the House-Museum of Charles Aznavour, the presence of which in Yerevan is an honor not only for Yerevan, but also for our whole public. Yerevan is rich of beautiful historical-cultural places, cultural centers, but this House-Museum enriches Yerevan, gives new impetus to our cultural life. Charles Aznavour has no need to be presented: he is already well-known, Maestro, and we are happy that we are your contemporaries, that we can regularly enjoy your art and performances. Indeed, you not only sing, you also perform since each song of yours is a complete performance. Today Aznavour is a legend, a walking legend, and that legend belongs not only to France, Armenia, the Armenian people, but also to all humanity. The Armenina-French relations are linked with thousands of ties, and one of the vivid proofs of this is that the last three Presidents of France - Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, visited Armenia, moreover, Hollande visited three times, two of which during his Presidency. I hope the newly-elected President Mr. Emmanuel Macron will continue this tradition, and we together with you will welcome him in this House-Museum. I wish you health, long life so that you will manage to enjoy your art. I am very thankful that you agreed to have House-Museum in Yerevan. Its an honor for us, and be confident that we will bear that honor with dignity. Thank you and congratulations. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be solved not by the OSCE Minsk Group, but by the conflicting countries, H.E. Jean Francois Charpentier Ambassador of France to Armenia told a press conference. The Minsk Groups mission is to take measures which will enable to find this solution. The OSCE Minsk Group has always been in an active and functional state in the negotiations process, the Co-Chairs have been in active contact with each other and with the FMs of the two countries, the Ambassador said, emphasizing that everything must be done in order for the solutions to be found as soon as possible, which will be acceptable for both conflicting sides. According to him, in humane and political terms also it is not possible to continue living in conditions of mutual insults and ceasefire violations. Speaking on the recent statement of the Co-Chairs, the Ambassador mentioned that both this statement, and the preceding ones were addressed. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS/ARTSAKHPRESS. In regard to the May 31 disinformation and threats of the Azerbaijani propaganda machine and other issues of public interest, ARTSAKHPRESS had an interview with Colonel Senor Hasratyan, the head of the information and PR department of the Artsakhi Defense Army. ARTSAKHPRESS Mr. Hasratyan, yesterday on May 31 the Azerbaijani side released a statement on Artsakhi ceasefire violations and at the same time on shelling their settlements. Is there any accuracy in this information? Colonel Hasratyan Ive already had the occasion to answer this question and I have completely denied Azerbaijans agitprops May 31 and other disinformation. This is mainly in regard to the statements related to the made up and circulated accusation and imaginable success of the Azerbaijani defense ministrys press service, where the Azerbaijani side in one case attributes the ungrounded accusations of shelling their settlements to the Armenian forces, and in another case thunderously state that they have destroyed one firing positions of the adversary on the same and caught a surveillance device by special measures Regarding the destruction or catching of the firing position and the surveillance device, let me say that this information is nothing but a typical example of Azerbaijani primitive propaganda. Regarding the shelling of peaceful settlements, I have to say that this kind of a tactics doesnt have anything to do with the Armenian side neither in todays neither peace nor war conditions, but even during the most heated and violent combat operations, something I cant say about Azerbaijan. Moreover, in order for you to clearly understand the baseless and misleading essence of the Baku military agitprops provocative statements, let me notify that on April 30 and overnight April 31 no single ceasefire violation with the use of mortar weapons were recorded from the conflicting forces. ARTSAKHPRESS In addition to the accusation, the Azerbaijani side said in its statement that in case of continuation of such provocations of the Armenian side their artillery will open fire on Armenian settlements deeper from the frontline. What will you say in this regard? Colonel Hasratyan Making this kind of loud statements after false accusations is the typical style of the Azerbaijani agitprop. The number one task of our army is ensuring the complete security of our people, and we are ready for this at any moment in any event, especially that the Armenian Army has not only professional soldiers, but also opportunities surpassing the adversarys armaments and strategic-technical characteristics. The Azerbaijani agitprop must at least understand one thing very clearly making loud statements all the time in the information arena doesnt mean succeeding in the real battlefield. The experience of wars, including our war experience, shows this. ARTSAKHPRESS And in the end, taking this opportunity, one more question. What is the reason of changing the frequency of daily statements regarding the tactical situation on the frontline? Colonel Hasratyan Lately, the media is quite often asking this question to the Armys Command, and specifically to the press service. Let me try to present my view briefly in this regard. All of us, and especially reporters covering the Army, must realize one thing very clearly, that those decisions which are being made in our Armed Forces, are deeply thought through, and they stem from not the necessity of satisfying public interest, but are exclusively related to solving strictly important issues of strategic essence. This is one of the important peculiarities of the military, which each of us must realize and respect. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. H.E. Artashes Tumanyan, Armenias Ambassador to Iran had a meeting with Modammad Reza Pur Ebrahim, chairman of the economic committee of the Iranian Parliament, and the committees members. The foreign ministry told ARMENPRESS the Armenian Ambassador briefed the officials on Armenias economic opportunities, the most developed branches (IT, telecommunications, jewelry production, engineering services, banking system, service etc), and the advantages of the business environment. The sides discussed several directions of the Armenian-Iranian economic cooperation enhancement of commercial turnover, mutual investments, increasing efficiency of information works, development of the Black Sea Persian Gulf transportation corridor etc. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Vice-Speaker of Armenias Parliament Arpine Hovhannisyan on June 1 hosted Special Envoys for Eastern Partnership of Foreign Ministries of EU member-states Latvia, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia and Sweden, headed by Ambassador Dusan Dacho, the Special Envoy of the MFA of Slovakia, which currently holds the EU presidency, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress. Welcoming the EU Envoys in the Parliament, Arpine Hovhannisyan attached importance to Armenia-EU cooperation and the ongoing programs in Armenia within the frames of Eastern Partnership. She also talked about the ongoing anti-corruption reforms, stating that the Parliament will soon discuss the bills on creating corruption prevention agency and the whistleblower protection. Coming to parliamentary elections, the sides attached importance to the reforms made in Armenias electoral system. During the meeting Arpine Hovhannisyan presented in-detail the development process of Judicial Code, the guarantees on ensuring independence of judges. She also presented the draft law on Domestic Violence. At the end of the meeting both sides attached importance to the Armenia-EU comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement which will be signed in November. EU special envoys highly appreciated the progress recorded in the past 18 months in Armenia, considering it as a good base for strengthening democracy and developing protection of human rights. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani media outlets posted footage allegedly firing at Armenian targets. Military exercises, seemingly artillery exercises, are currently underway in Azerbaijan. During these exercises, they install some targets and shoot them. Azerbaijan is presenting these as Armenian targets, just the way they do in other actions, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, spokesman of Armenias defense minister said. According to him, the border situation is calm, the usual daily few shots happen. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. The investigative committees Yerevan department launched criminal proceedings on a stabbing incident involving foreigners. On May 31, law enforcement agencies were notified that two Iraqi nationals have been hospitalized with stab wounds. Law enforcement agencies launched immediate actions and determined the crime scene, the motive and the identity of the perpetrator. According to preliminary data, the foreign nationals were stabbed at 21:00, May 31, during an altercation with another Iraqi citizen in an apartment of Yerevan. The stabber had fled the scene. The court issues an arrest warrant for the suspect. He is currently wanted. YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. The Eurasian economic partnership will kick off by the cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and China, but will be open for other partners, Armenpress reports First Russian Vice-Premier Igor Shuvalov announced. We have started talks with the PRC over the Eurasian economic partnership. We think that this partnership should kick off by the cooperation between China and EEU member states. Afterwards, the partnership will be open for others, he said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2017), giving a speech during the Valdai Club session dedicated to globalization. We hope that the entire Eurasian continent will be a great integration unit. It will also be rather flexible, Shuvalov added. YEREVAN, 1 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 1 June, USD exchange rate is up by 0.30 drams to 482.00 drams. EUR exchange rate is up by 1.49 drams to 539.36 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.02 drams to 8.50 drams. GBP exchange rate is down by 1.35 drams to 617.78 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price is down by 24.22 drams to 19567.63 drams. Silver price is down by 0.14 drams to 267.63 drams. Platinum price is down by 300.66 drams to 14582.36 drams. LAS VEGASTrigg Laboratories, makers of the Wet Lubricants family of products, has opened a new corporate headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Las Vegas after 28 years of manufacturing premium sexual wellness and consumer healthcare products in Los Angeles. We are excited to join the business community of Las Vegas, said Michael Trigg, founder and CEO of Trigg Laboratories. Our brand new facility will allow us to continue to do what we do bestdevelop and manufacture innovative, high-quality products that consumers love and trust. After announcing their move at the end of 2015, Trigg Labs has been diligently working to ensure that the new 70,000 square feet of space will allow the company to grow exponentially. The new headquarters are in the Blue Diamond Business Center at 4220 W. Windmill Lane, bringing up to 100 new jobs to the area. Company President Sean Smith and CFO Simone Buntin, met with the Secretary of State and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to discuss the future of Trigg Labs and their opportunity for growth. We were welcomed with open arms by the state of Nevada and feel fortunate to have such a strong support system and successful platform to operate our business in Las Vegas, says Smith. Trigg Labs manufactures personal lubricants, massage oils and other sexual health and wellness products, including private label products, the full line of Wet lubricants, and Inttimo by Wet aromatherapy massage oils. With a wide array of lubricants including Wet Elite, Wet Organics, Wet Naturals, Wet Platinum and Wet Flavored, Wet has designed a product for every desire. These lubricants are gentle, long-lasting, sugar-free, and latex safe. All products manufactured at Trigg Laboratories use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Products are also tested in compliance with the FDA's strict Medical Device Quality System Regulations (QSR) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), which ensures exceptional integrity, consistency and quality. Trigg Laboratories products are currently available in nearly 70 countries worldwide. In the U.S. and Canada, products are widely available through food, drug and mass market retailers, as well as novelty and boutique stores. Its bittersweet to be moving on from where our company began. We are humbled by our growth over the past 25 years and are proud of our accomplishments. But the time has come for us embark on this exciting new chapter and see how we can make an even bigger splash in Las Vegas, said Trigg. For more, visit StaysWetLonger.com. PRAGUEXHamster.com is offering support to former University of Manchester professor Nick Goddard, who was released from his teaching position after his porn past came to light. Goddard was expelled from his teaching job earlier this year after officials learned he performed for more than a decade in blue movies, using the name Old Nick while working as a chemical engineering lecturer at the school. To help Goddard, XHamster is sponsoring YouTube lectures by Goddard, who has more than 30 years of experience in the chemistry and biosensors fields. The story of Professor Goddard touches us and we want to support him in his post-academic career, said Roman Volkov, PR rep for XHamster. Sponsoring his series of lectures is the best way to acknowledge his career and support the idea of a permissive society. We believe Nick Goddard's series of youtube lectures can bring more knowledge to people. The series of lectures was produced in Prague by young Czech production company XCZECH.com, headed by CCO Jan Dudek. We were very proud to work with a great personality as is Professor Goddard, Dudek said. Our goal was to make lectures that would be understandable for everyone. We believe Professor Goddard deserves recognition regardless of his porn career. We believe in an idea of the permissive society where everybody can express his sexuality freely. View Goddard's lectures on YouTube here, here, here, here, here and here. 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. Tom Campbell Even without television, telephones or telegraphs word spread quickly throughout the colonies about the fighting that took place between the British and Colonials at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. We love reminders of these "shots heard round the world," but too frequently fail to recognize the equally significant event that occurred here in North Carolina.The first formal declaration of American Independence took place on May 20, 1775, when the Mecklenburg Committee of Safety drafted the Mecklenburg Resolves. That document declaredgoing on to say that henceforth governmentLast week the North Carolina House of Representatives met in the old House Chambers of our Capitol to remember that event 242 years ago. The Capitol was the seat of state government, housing both chambers of our legislature, the Governor and other state officials from 1840 (following the fire of the previous Capitol) to 1963, when the Assembly moved to new quarters on Jones Street.Current House members were once again reminded what it must have been like to conduct "the people's business" in these poorly lit, ill-equipped quarters that had fireplaces for heat and windows for air conditioning. There were no microphones or electronic display boards revealing votes, few offices for leaders or rooms for committee meetings. Cramped seating forced more collegiality and communication. Of necessity, fewer closed-door meetings, greater public access and shorter sessions resulted from this uncomfortable environment.My father was first elected to the NC House in 1967, and I remember that lawmakers were still getting adjusted to the more spacious facility in which all the House and Senate were quartered. Each representative had a tiny office; newer members were often housed in the basement. Unless you were an important committee chair, two or more legislators shared secretarial services and the legislative staff was a mere shadow of that found today. For many years lawmakers took rooms at the old Sir Walter Hotel and when it closed many moved out Hillsborough Street to the new Hilton. Frequent legislative receptions found members from both chambers and political parties socializing with each other, developing friendships and working together on legislation. Legislative sessions were held in odd-numbered years, there were fewer bills introduced or passed and only when state budgets grew larger and issues more complex did lawmakers institute the so-called "short session" to revise the budget, but this even-year review generally required only three or four weeks.North Carolina still followed the colonial era tradition of electing citizen-legislators who served a term or two, then returned home to assume the role former President Harry Truman described as more important, that of being a U.S. Citizen.Our state flag memorializes the date of the Mecklenburg Resolves, and return visits to the old Capitol help remember the way our government operated for more than 100 years. Things have changed dramatically over the years but we all benefit from reminders of our past. Often, knowing where you came from helps to bring perspective to where you are and where you might be headed. ECUs College of Education has been awarded a $1.19 million, five-year grant to help produce additional math and science teachers to combat a shortage of STEM teachers. Here, students at Williamston Middle School study flatworms. (Photos by Cliff Hollis) The grant also will fund research on the challenges of teaching math and science in rural, low-wealth and high-need schools, which are prevalent in eastern North Carolina. Recent graduates from the ECU College of Education participated in a weeklong summer institute in 2016 for elementary school science teachers. A five-year, $1,192,468 million grant will help East Carolina University's College of Education provide scholarships for additional math and science teachers in eastern North Carolina as well as gain insight into their early teaching experience.The National Science Foundation Noyce Grant, named for famous physicist Dr. Robert Noyce, will provide 30 scholarships for ECU students to earn science or mathematics licensure and a master's degree. Noyce advocated for improving public education in mathematics and science before it was known as STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).The grant also will fund research on the challenges of teaching math and science in rural, low-wealth and high-need schools, which are prevalent in eastern North Carolina, to better prepare future math and science teachers at ECU and other universities, said Dr. Anthony "Tony" Thompson, associate professor of mathematics education in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Instructional Technology Education.said Dr. Grant Hayes, dean of the College of Education.This is the second Noyce Grant awarded to ECU. The first - funded from 2009 through 2015 - produced 40 new mathematics and science teachers (15 math, 25 science), Thompson said.The latest award comes at a critical time because of the severe shortage of mathematics and science teachers across the state and nation, particularly in eastern North Carolina, he said.Thompson said.Noyce Scholars are required to have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or science education and a degree in a STEM field such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics or engineering. As such, faculty in ECU's Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences are partners in teacher preparation. Two biology faculty members, Heather Vance-Chalcraft and Claudia Jolls, have been involved in the success of both grants.A large number of Noyce scholarships will go to students who would not be able to become teachers without assistance, he said.Thompson shared some examples of how the scholarship could help. For instance, a student might decide to become a math or science teacher while getting a degree in biology or mathematics. Taking additional courses would add an extra year to the undergraduate program and cost more. Or, if a person already has a degree in chemistry or engineering and wants to go back to school to become a science or math teacher, but doesn't have the finances to do so.Thompson said.Scholars also are required to teach in rural, low-wealth schools for one year for each semester of financial support after graduation.Thompson said.Previously, 70 percent of the ECU Noyce Grant scholars stayed to teach in eastern North Carolina and all but one remained in the state, he said.For more information on the NSF Noyce Grant program, visit http://nsfnoyce.org/ Kathy Manos Penn I'm writing this column from Black Mountain, where my sister has a charming vacation cottage. It's my good fortune that both of my sisters own vacation homes; the other sister has a condo on Saint Simons Island.Black Mountain was the perfect midway point for meeting friends from Virginia for what we planned as a five-day stay. It turned out I was the only one able to stay the whole time, so I've wound up happily ensconced in the cottage by myself for a day and night.The rain is falling now as it has been almost the entire trip. The first evening was rain free, so we enjoyed cocktails in the porch rockers before walking to the Black Bear Tavern in the Village of Cheshire, the community where my sister's cottage is.Day two we had a huge breakfast in the same tavern, where I tried "Goldilocks," a delicious layered dish of grits, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, tomatoes, and cheese. Then we toured the small town of Black Mountain despite the rain. We ducked in and out of shops, spending most of our time perusing the earring selection in Seven Sisters and the olive oils, vinegars, and spices in Spice it Up. While we girls were busy with jewelry and seasonings, the boys entertained themselves in the hardware store.With the rain still coming down, an afternoon nap was in order. The cottage is nestled among trees, rhododendrons and mountain laurels and the sound of the rain through the open windows lulled me to sleep in no time.That evening we made the easy 20 minute trip to Asheville to eat at Rezaz, a Mediterranean restaurant in the Biltmore Village. I had visited the restaurant years ago on a girls trip, and it was just as I remembered it. The grilled octopus appetizer and red snapper entree were superb.We four kept checking the weather forecast, hoping it might change, but no such luck, so day three, we headed back to Asheville, determined to tour parts of it rain or shine. Luckily for us, the forecast was wrong, and the rain held off. I know you're wondering if we ever do anything besides shop and eat, but with hiking plans out the window, indoor activities filled our time.We started at Early Girl Cafe for breakfast, where we were surprised to find the lamp and hitching posts outside cloaked in knitted outfits. One friend labeled them legwarmers, and that's the perfect description.Next, we visited Woolworth Walk, an old Woolworth store transformed into booths of art and jewelry plus a soda fountain. I've long admired the digital art of Cynthia Decker, and in her booth, I found the perfect piece to bring home. Titled "The Introvert," its image of a cat, a dog, and books is made for my office.Amazingly, it was my friend Charlie who was most interested in our final Asheville stop, Tops for Shoes, where he found two pair of shoes as did his wife.After naptime followed by cocktails on the porch, we headed to Black Mountain Bistro for yet another fine dinner, and we topped off the evening with a fire in the outdoor fireplace and more wine. That last bit of sipping is likely why I'm spending today reading, writing, and snoozing in front of the indoor fireplace, "[listening] to the rhythm of the falling rain," as the song goes. I'd say it's another perfect day. Today, the children will start arriving at the rabbit patch. It feels like Christmas Eve, but it looks like May. The sun is not yet over the barn, but already Christian and I have loaded a pick up truck with things like old lamps and broken chairs. He is on the way now, to dispose of them at a landfill, twenty minutes from here. I got at least two acres mowed after work, yesterday-so there is that to finish, and linens to wash.The refrigerator is bumping full of things for the picnic on Monday-so is the top of the freezer. There are many tasks at hand, besides the mowing, but today, I feel propelled to accomplish them . . .because the children will be gathered around the same table, once again.There are five of them. I have four sons, one daughter and one grandchild, Lyla. All of my adult life, I have been raising children. Brant, my oldest is thirty-five and Christian my youngest, is twenty-four (as of recently). It has taken me a long time to get used to the fact, that they all "grew and flew". I mourned pitifully for a good while. The farmhouse got bigger, all of a sudden- and the clothes were always folded. I did not know how to cook or even shop at the grocery store, anymore, as there was less than an army to feed.. Friends said that a grandchild, would make a difference . . .and as it turns out, they were right. Lyla is just two . . .and she has made a wonderful difference.I find it notable, that all of the work that is necessary, today, does not cause me to grumble. Instead, I find myself humming as I go about the chores. I know it is due to the arrival of my family-but I think I ought to adopt this practice under lesser circumstances, as well. Humming is certainly better for the spirit than grumbling. This inspires me to remember that I can perform the same chores , on any given day, in the state of mind, that I choose. Today is surely easier than most, to consider that.I have always believed that the heart and the mind are so closely entwined- and that is why, we must often search, to distinguish their separate contributions in situations. "As a man thinks in his heart..." comes to mind and proves to be true. It is beneficial to have a happy heart . I always teach young children this concept. I say that when you are troubled about something, to try quickly to remember something you are glad about. A few years back, I had an awful knee injury. It was painful and took a long while to heal. As I was walking between buildings at school, the pain became about unbearable. I stopped, wondering how to proceed, when two little children seeing my despair, came running. I did not want to alarm them. Children have such compassionate hearts. I fought tears just to remain standing there. I just could not take a step. I explained to them, that I was waiting for the hurt to go away, when one of them piped up and said-"Quick! think of something you are glad about!" This was no small task at that particular moment. But, I said- "I am glad it is not raining."- and I was.Today does not require such lofty effort. I will hang the sheets on the line and be glad of sunshine. I will scrub floors and give the animals a bath. I will mow where roses abide . . and beside the fields of sage and I will probably sing an out-of -season rendition of "Joy to the World", as I do so.Dear Diary, The children are coming home.! Czech President Zeman: Let us sell weapons anywhere. It should not bother us where they end up 1. 6. 2017 cas cteni 1 minuta Czech armaments industry is an industrial sector like any other and should be exporting its products anywhere in the world, said Czech President Milos Zeman. He added that the Czech Republic should not be bothered if Czech weapons are then re-exported into conflict areas. Zeman said this on the occasion of the opening of the IDET armaments trade fair in Brno. According to Zeman, Czech armament exports are often hampered by the official licensing policy because "it limits, in absolutely unsuitable ways, our export to various non-embargoed countries under the pretext that they might be re-exported to less safe countries." "I always say, this is not our problem," said Zeman. "We export weapons into safe countries and it is up to them what these safe countries then do with these weapons." Various Czech arms manufacturers complain that it is difficult for the to export weapons abroad due to fierce global competition and local restrictions. The problem for them is that unlike many other post-Soviet countries, the Czech Republic adheres to the regulations which ban the export of weapons to problematic regions. Source in Czech HERE 0 By Eric Auchard TALLINN, Estonia (Reuters) - Veteran espionage researcher Jon DiMaggio was hot on the trail three months ago of what on the face of it looked like a menacing new industrial espionage attack by Russian cyber spies. All the hallmarks were there: targeted phishing emails common to government espionage, an advanced Trojan horse for stealing data from inside organizations, covert communication channels for grabbing documents and clues in the programming code indicating its authors were Russian speakers. It took weeks before the lead cyber spying investigator at Symantec, a top U.S. computer security firm, figured out instead he was tracking a lone-wolf cyber criminal. DiMaggio won't identify the name of the culprit, whom he has nicknamed Igor, saying the case is a run-of-the-mill example of increasing difficulties in separating national spy agency activity from cyber crime. The hacker comes from Transdniestria, a disputed, Russian-speaking region of Moldova, he said. "The malware in question, Trojan.Bachosens, was so advanced that Symantec analysts initially thought they were looking at the work of nation-state actors," DiMaggio told Reuters in a phone interview on Wednesday. "Further investigation revealed a 2017 equivalent of the hobbyist hackers of the 1990s." Reuters could not contact the alleged hacker. The example highlights the dangers of jumping to conclusions in the murky world of cyber attack and defense, as tools once only available to government intelligence services find their way into the computer criminal underground. Security experts refer to this as "the attribution problem", using technical evidence to assign blame for cyber attacks in order to take appropriate legal and political responses. These questions echo through the debate over whether Russia used cyber attacks to influence last year's U.S. presidential elections and whether Moscow may be attempting to disrupt national elections taking place in coming months across Europe. The topic is a big talking point for military officials and private security researchers at the International Conference on Cyber Conflict in Tallin this week. It has been held each year since Estonia was swamped in 2007 by cyber attacks that took down government, financial and media websites amid a dispute with Russia. Attribution for those attacks remains disputed. THE SMOKING GUN "Attribution is almost never a clean, smoking-gun," said Paul Vixie, creator of the first commercial anti-spam service, whose latest firm, Farsight Security, helps firms track down cyber attackers to identify and block them. Raising the stakes, a mystery group calling itself ShadowBrokers has taken credit for leaking cyber-spying tools that are now being turned to criminal use, including ones used in the recent WannaCry global ransomware attack, ratcheting up cyber security threats to a whole new level. In recent weeks, ShadowBrokers has threatened to sell more such tools, believed to have been stolen from the U.S. National Security Agency, to enable hacking into the world's most used computers, software and phones. (http://reut.rs/2rmTZmm) "The bar for what's considered advanced is lowered as time goes by," said Sean Sullivan, a security researcher with Finnish cyber firm F-Secure. The Moldovan hacker's campaign to steal data and resell it on the web came to light only after infections popped up last year at a major airline, an online gambling firm and a Chinese automotive software maker, which are all customers of Symantec products used to secure their business networks. Igor appears to have targeted the auto-tech company to steal its car diagnostics software, which retails for around $1,100 but Igor sold for just a few hundred dollars on underground forums and websites he had created. His aims in trying to break into the airline and gambling firm remain a mystery. Considering the audacity of this attack, the financial rewards for Igor are pretty low, DiMaggio wrote in a blog post on his findings to be published on Wednesday. As a threat, Symantec rates Trojan.Bachosens as a very low risk virus, in part because the attack singles out only a handful of specific firms rather than the wide-ranging, random attacks used by many cyber criminals to scoop up the greatest number of victims. "I think those days are over when we can say in black and white: We know this is an espionage group," DiMaggio said. The Symantec researcher has not reported Igor to local authorities, calculating that exposing the methods of the attack will be enough to neutralize them. (Editing by Peter Millership) By Ju-min Park and Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of a new ballistic missile controlled by a precision guidance system and ordered the development of more powerful strategic weapons, the North's official KCNA news agency reported on Tuesday. The missile launched on Monday was equipped with an advanced automated pre-launch sequence compared with previous versions of the "Hwasong" rockets, North Korea's name for its Scud-class missiles, KCNA said. That indicated the North had launched a modified Scud-class missile, as South Korea's military has said. The North's test launch of a short-range ballistic missile landed in the sea off its east coast and was the latest in a fast-paced series of missile tests defying international pressure and threats of more sanctions. Kim said the reclusive state would develop more powerful weapons in multiple phases in accordance with its timetable to defend North Korea against the United States. "He expressed the conviction that it would make a greater leap forward in this spirit to send a bigger 'gift package' to the Yankees" in retaliation for American military provocation, KCNA quoted Kim as saying. South Korea said it had conducted a joint drill with a U.S. supersonic B-1B Lancer bomber on Monday. North Korea's state media earlier accused the United States of staging a drill to practise dropping nuclear bombs on the Korean peninsula. The U.S. Navy said its aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Carl Vinson, also planned a drill with another U.S. nuclear carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, in waters near the Korean peninsula. A U.S. Navy spokesman in South Korea did not give specific timing for the strike group's planned drill. North Korea calls such drills a preparation for war. Monday's launch followed two successful tests of medium-to-long-range missiles in as many weeks by the North, which has been conducting such tests at an unprecedented pace in an effort to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the mainland United States. Such launches, and two nuclear tests since January 2016, have been conducted in defiance of U.S. pressure, U.N. resolutions and the threat of more sanctions. They also pose one of the greatest security challenges for U.S. President Donald Trump, who portrayed the latest missile test as an affront to China. "North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbor, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile ... but China is trying hard!" Trump said on Twitter. PRECISION GUIDANCE Japan has also urged China to play a bigger role in restraining North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's top national security adviser, Shotaro Yachi, met China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, for five hours of talks near Tokyo on Monday after the North's latest test. Yachi told Yang that North Korea's actions had reached a new level of provocation. "Japan and China need to work together to strongly urge North Korea to avoid further provocative actions and obey things like United Nations resolutions," Yachi was quoted as telling Yang in a statement by Japan's foreign ministry. A statement from China's foreign ministry after the meeting made no mention of North Korea. North Korea has claimed major advances with its rapid series of launches, claims that outside experts and officials believe may be at least partially true but are difficult to verify independently. A South Korean military official said the North fired one missile on Monday, clarifying an earlier assessment that there may have been more than one launch. The test was aimed at verifying a new type of precision guidance system and the reliability of a new mobile launch vehicle under different operational conditions, KCNA said. However, South Korea's military and experts questioned the claim because the North had technical constraints, such as a lack of satellites, to operate a terminal-stage missile guidance system properly. "Whenever news of our valuable victory is broadcast recently, the Yankees would be very much worried about it and the gangsters of the south Korean puppet army would be dispirited more and more," KCNA cited leader Kim as saying. (Reporting by Jack Kim and Ju-min Park; Additional reporting by James Pearson in SEOUL, Ben Blanchard in BEIJING, and Elaine Lies in TOKYO; Editing by Dan Grebler and Paul Tait) 3D Printing GE Donates 3D Printers to Hundreds of Schools, Colleges As part of the GE Additive Education Program run by General Electric (GE), more than 400 K12 schools and eight higher education institutions across the United States will receive free 3D printers, metal printing machines and other supplies to help students build skills in computer-aided design and additive manufacturing. GE plans to send a desktop polymer printer package comprised of the Polar 3D and XYZprinting printers to primary and secondary schools later this year, according to a news release. These schools will also receive a two-year license to use the accompanying STEAMtrax curriculum; six rolls of filaments per printer; and a hands-on module kit called Tinkering with Turbines. Image: Concept Laser. Additionally, the company chose eight colleges and universities to receive metal printing machines (retailed at about $250,000 each) made from Concept Laser: Auburn University; Boston University; Iowa State University; North Carolina State University; Ohio State University; University of Cincinnati; University of New South Wales; and the United States Naval Academy. The GE Additive Education Program is working to develop pipelines of future workforce talent to the additive manufacturing industry worldwide. At the beginning of the this year, GE committed to investing $10 million over the next five years to educational programs aimed at developing future additive talent. The next application window for the program opens during the first quarter of 2018. Further information is available on the GE Additive Education Program site. ISTE | Q & A Steve Hargadon Wants Tech and Individuals to Revolutionize Education The creator of Classroom 2.0 and ed tech enthusiast will lead three sessions at the ISTE conference in San Antonio. Steve Hargadon wants a revolution in education. He is the founder and director of the Learning Revolution Project, a social networking website for educators, as well as a vehicle for online and in-person educational conferences. Steve Hargadon The North Carolina ed tech enthusiast started the first modern social network for educators, called Classroom 2.0, which preceded Facebook and Twitter by several years. During the ISTE conference in San Antonio, TX, Hargadon will present at Hack Education: The Unconference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24; Global Education Day, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, June 25; and the poster session The Global Education Conference from 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25. THE Journal spoke with Hargadon about social networking for educators, unconferences and hacking education. THE Journal: What is the Learning Revolution Project? Steve Hargadon: I started the first modern social network for educators called Classroom 2.0. Ning was a project for people to start their own social network. When I started Classroom 2.0, I worked for Ning as a consultant. We started with tens of thousands of teachers in the network, and there was great value for teachers connecting with other teachers, students connecting with other students. It was a highly participative, collaborative work. We started the Global Education Conference, which was over five days, 24 hours a day, with over 60 keynotes. Rather than having small select groups and speakers, you could have lots of people participate with Classroom 2.0 and those online conferences. This was pre-Facebook, pre-Twitter, with one of largest audiences of educators. With my library audience, with museum curators and professionals, with homeschoolers, we created a space to talk about learning. Intriguingly, one aspect of Facebook and Twitter today is people are withdrawing from those, because they reduce the ability to connect deeply. Two out of four of my kids have stopped using Facebook. The Learning Revolution is an attempt to bridge the conversations on learning. Im surprised at how we lost the ability to have those deep conversations. THE Journal: What is an unconference? Hargadon: An unconference is several dozen alternate meeting cafes. We put up posters around. People write topics, vote on the topics that are of interest to you. If the popular ones conflict you put all of those into a grid. Its conversations. Somebody says I want to talk about mobile devices and learning, or blogging for students. People go to the ones they want to go to, holding an hour of conversation. People who created the Ed Camp movement were going to EduBloggerCon. People would gather in the morning and come up with ideas. That was the early EduBloggerCon [which has since become ISTE Unplugged]. It was a day of hacking intellectual hacking. We talked about agency and education. At the time, agency was not a word we used often when talking about education. Learning Resources Hobsons Intersect Connects High School Counselors with College Admissions Ed tech company Hobsons has introduced new functionality into Naviance, a K-12 college and career "readiness" program that helps counselors match up student strengths and interests with their post-secondary goals. "Intersect," as the new feature is named, allows college admissions offices to publish information about their institutions to the high school users of Naviance and connect through a new "counselor community." On the high school side, counselors can use the functionality and the community to extend their network of college admissions contacts. The community also enables direct messaging to individual and groups of counselors. The goal is to help colleges recruit the best-fit students to their institutions. While the community is currently being promoted primarily to Naviance customers, the company reported that later this summer it would open access to all high school counselors. At the same time, it will launch the next version of RepVisits, a service created by a counselor that it acquired a few months ago. RepVisits facilitates scheduling of high school visits with college admissions representatives. Both the community and RepVisits will have free memberships and be available through the Hobsons website. "The Hobsons Counselor Community allows our university to have a conversation with one of the most important influencers in the college search: the high school counselor. Just like with a prospective student, having an ongoing dialogue about our university with the school counseling staff allows them to get a more complete picture about what we have to offer and more importantly, allows the high school counselors to form a clearer picture about which students at their school would be a good fit at our university," noted Michael Brown, director of admission for Heidelberg University in Ohio, in a press release. "Finding a university that is a good fit for the student is what the college search is all about." Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Beirut, June 1, 2017Suhaib al-Heeti, a reporter for the independent Asia Satellite Channel in Iraqs western Anbar province, was killed on May 30 in a suicide attack in the northern Anbar city of Heet, according to news reports, his employer, and the Iraq Observatory for Press Freedoms. He was at least the second journalist to be killed while working in Iraq in 2017. Ruba Gamiyya, senior news producer at Asiasat TVs Beirut office, told CPJ that Al-Heeti was killed covering a candlelight vigil in central Heet for the victims of a truck bomb that exploded near a popular ice cream shop in Baghdads Karrada district the night before. The journalist was killed when a man detonated explosives strapped to his body at a checkpoint near a school, killing himself, Al-Heeti, and at least 16 other people, according to news reports. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, media reports said. TV journalist Suhaib al-Heetis death covering a vigil for the victims of another suicide bombing underscores the incredible dangers journalists, like all civilians, face in Iraq, CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington, D.C. Al-Heeti covered general news in Anbar province, reporting on teachers protests, snow storms, and the plight of street children, for example. He also worked as a freelancer for the private satellite channel Al-Fallujah TV, the manager of the broadcasters Facebook account, who did not identify himself by name, told CPJ. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, June 1, 2017Authorities in Kyrgyzstan should ensure the safety of independent journalist Ulugbek Babakulov, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Babakulov, who has been the target of intense criticism from lawmakers and pro-government media since he criticized nationalist social media posts in an article last week, has received death threats on social media, according to his editor. On May 23, Babakulov, who also contributes to the Kyrgyz news website Zanoza, wrote an article for the Moscow-based, regional news website Fergana analyzing Kyrgyz-language social media posts and concluding that they incited hatred against the countrys ethnic Uzbek minority, using ethnic slurs and urging the slaughter of ethnic Uzbeks and the establishment of a pure Kyrgyz state. On May 27, the state-owned Public Television and Radio Company (OTRK) broadcast a TV program that labeled Babakulov an instigator of ethnic hatred and an enemy of Kyrgyzstan. Two days later, an article on the pro-government website Gezitter.org branded Babakulov a separatist. Today, members of parliament urged the government to strip Babakulov of his citizenship, the news website 24.kg reported. Kyrgyz authorities are responsible for freelance journalist Ulugbek Babakulovs safety and for upholding his right to report and to express himself without fear of retaliation, CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. We call on Kyrgyzstans security forces to investigate the threats to Babakulovs life as serious crimes, and we call on Kyrgyz lawmakers to retract their calls to strip him of his citizenship. Daniil Kislov, chief editor of Fergana, told CPJ that he fears for Babakulovs safety. Apart from many attacks in the Kyrgyz- and Russian-language, state-controlled, and pro-government media, Ulugbek has been receiving death threats on social media, Kislov said. He and his family have been under surveillance. Two days ago, unknown people came and photographed his house when Ulugbek was not at home. His wife got scared. We are afraid he is not safe. In a March 2017 open letter to Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev published on Fergana, Babakulov, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, criticized increased government pressure on independent media. Atambayev has repeatedly criticized independent outlets, including Fergana and Zanoza. In March 2017, he specifically accused Babakulov and other journalists of pouring dirt on Kyrgyzstan in exchange for foreign money. The prosecutor generals office filed criminal charges against Zanoza, two of its journalists, and the Kyrgyz-language service of the U.S.-government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on charges of insulting the president, according to CPJ research. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, June 1, 2017Moroccan authorities should lift any restrictions on Algerian journalist Djamel Alilats ability to enter Morocco following his May 30 deportation, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police arrested Alilat as he left a protest he was covering in northern Morocco two days prior, according to the journalist and other news reports. Three plainclothes police officers arrested Alilat, a reporter for the daily French-language Algerian newspaper Al-Watan, as he left a protest in Al-Nador, in northern Moroccos Rif region. The demonstration was led by Al-Hirak al-Shaabi (The Peoples Movement), an anti-corruption movement, Alilat wrote in Al-Watan after his return to Algeria. Police held Alilat for more than 36 hours in the towns police station and questioned him about his work, he and other news outlets reported. Police then escorted him to the airport in Casablanca and deported him to Algeria, Alilat and Algerias state news agency reported. We call on Moroccan authorities to allow journalists, regardless of their country of origin or their employer, to freely cover important events, including protests in the Rif, said Sherif Mansour, Middle East and North Africa Coordinator. Alilat arrived in Morocco on May 26 to cover the protests, Al-Watan director Omar Belhouchet told the Algerian broadcaster Al-Shorouk TV yesterday. The Rif region has been the site of protests since October 2016, when a fishmonger was crushed to death inside a garbage truck while trying to retrieve fish police had confiscated from him, according to news reports. Protests organizers, including activist Nasser Zefzafi, have been arrested on charges of insulting the Kingdoms figures, making provocative speeches, and creating disturbances, according to media reports. Morocco and Algeria have strained relations, in part because of Algerias support for the independence of the Western Sahara region, which Morocco considers to be its southern provinces. RACINE - Racine police who asked the public for help in locating a St. Catherine High School student who was missing after school Wednesday now say the teen was found unharmed. Taylor Sadowski, 15, was released from school and was missing until just after 7 p.m. Wednesday. Police released the information on their Facebook page about 4:15 p.m. in an effort to locate the teen. Police said she is considered a runaway and located her in Illinois. It's that time again! Jim Cramer rang the lightning round bell, which means he gave his take on callers' favorite stocks at rapid speed: Lumentum Holdings (LITE): "Now, optical components are some of the most dangerous stocks in the world. This company had a fabulous quarter, but you know what, I need you to take some off the table. I am too nervous because they tend to be hit or miss." Momo (MOMO): "Yeah, you know, we did the rating on the Chinese stocks last week and it didn't make the cut for us. We really still like Alibaba (BABA), by the way. That's the one that we're saying is fine." Mindbody (MB): "I want you to take a little off the table. The stock's gotten exceedingly rich in the last few months and then you can let the rest run." Yahoo (YHOO): "It can still go higher. It's a sum-of-the-parts situation. It's really kind of like a mutual fund now, but it's undervalued versus what its parts are worth. You can hold on to it." GW Pharmaceuticals (:GW2-FF): "I'll tell you, as more states legalize marijuana, I get more and more worried about GW Pharma because a lot of people are going to end up buying it legally in states and they're not going to be able to think that they can get the pills. There's a very narrow use right now allowed for GW Pharma, so I am not going to tell you to load the boat up here." Applied Materials (AMAT): "That sector is very hot, but Lam [Research] (LRCX) is the one that I am most comfortable with." In response to Cramer's analysis, GW Pharmaceuticals told CNBC that looking at the company's business prospects through the lens of marijuana legalization is incorrect. "GW's business is focused solely on the development of medicines approved by the FDA, prescribed by physicians and made available through health insurance," the company said in an emailed statement. "GW's approach to developing FDA-approved medicines will, in our opinion, lead to the only cannabinoid options that will be reimbursed through insurance. In contrast, users of artisanal marijuana products are required to pay for their products out of pocket." Story continues GW stressed that its treatments are designed to address unmet needs in patients with severe, "treatment-resistant" conditions like epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The company added that its cannabinoid medicines, like its phase 3 drug Epidiolex, should not be confused with herbal, recreational marijuana. Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com More From CNBC When Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence early Monday morning, he was given the "Romberg Alphabet," according to the police report. The inclusion in the police report, obtained by TMZ, caused a stir because, according to police, when Woods was asked if he understood the directions, he said, "not to recite the entire national anthem backwards." According to the report, after being read the directions again, Woods was able to pass the test. The detail caused some confusion as many wondered how Woods would recite the alphabet backwards. However, the Romberg Alphabet, contrary to public perception, does not require a person to recite the alphabet backwards. Instead, as attorney Mark Hulsey IV of Ludwig and Associates explained to the Orlando Sentinel's Roger Simmons, the Romberg Alphabet is a simpler task. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. "The Romberg Alphabet test during a DUI investigation, administered often in Florida, is to state the alphabet forwards, not backwards, and to do so without singing or using voice inflections/rhyming. It is a non-standard test and despite a large public misconception, is not asked to be recited backwards." Sometimes, as Simmons notes, a driver may be asked to recite the alphabet starting from a letter other than A. Here's the police report on Woods being asked to do the Romberg Alphabet: "During the Romberg Alphabet instruction phase Woods was swaying front to back. Woods was asked if he knew the entire English Alphabet from A-Z to which he stated he did ... After finishing the instructions, Woods was asked if he understood the instructions to which he stated he did. Woods was asked what the instructions were, to which he stated "not to sing the national anthem backwards" to which I repeated it to ensure that I heard Woods correctly. Woods was then again read the instructions to which he stated he understood and said to repeat A-Z making sure he gets each one correct. Woods began to walk off and seemed as if he was lost. Woods asked what we were doing to which I again repeated the instructions. Woods correctly recited the alphabet." Story continues According to the report, Woods was given the Standard Field Sobriety Test, which includes the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, which asks drivers to follow a moving light with their eyes; the walk-and-turn test, which asks drivers to walk heel-to-toe along a straight line; and the one-leg stand, which asks drivers to hold one leg six inches off the ground while counting aloud. Woods was also asked to put his finger to his nose, which tests response time and ability to follow instructions, took a breathalyzer (he blew a 0.00), and a urine test. After his arrest, Woods released a statement saying he had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications" and that alcohol was not involved. NOW WATCH: John Cena reveals how he stays in incredible fighting shape More From Business Insider Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. On Tuesday, JetBlue Flight 915 from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to San Francisco was diverted to Michigan after a lithium-ion battery in a device in a passenger's bag caused a fire. It's an occurrence that exposes one of the major dangers experts have associated with the Trump administration's ban on large electronics in the cabins of certain airliners. The Airbus A321, with 158 passengers and crew on board, landed safely at Gerald Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids around 8 p.m. local time. According to the airline, the decision to divert was made after "reports of smoke emitting from a carry-on bag holding an electronic device." However, airport authorities say the fire onboard the aircraft had been extinguished by the time the plane landed. JetBlue Flt#915 f/JFK-SFO landed w/o incident here shortly after 8pm after reports of a lithium fire onboard. Airport FD responded (cont) FlyGRFord (@FlyGRFord) May 31, 2017 "On May 30, JetBlue Flight 915 from New York's JFK to San Francisco diverted to Grand Rapids, Mich., following reports of smoke emitting from a carry-on bag holding an electronic device," JetBlue said in a statement. "The flight landed safely, and the aircraft was inspected by maintenance crews before customers continued on to San Francisco." There have been persistent concerns about the increased risk of cargo fires caused by lithium batteries in the bellies of commercial airliners. "Lithium-ion batteries are inherently volatile," Michael Mo, the cofounder and CEO of KULR Technology, told Business Insider earlier this year. "It's statistics. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when, one of these things blow." (cont) 158 people on board are all safe, no injuries and fire was out before the plane landed at GRR. FlyGRFord (@FlyGRFord) May 31, 2017 According to Mo, who specializes in thermal-management systems for batteries, it's better for the batteries to be in the cabin as opposed to the cargo hold. He said that when a fire happens, "it's better to have humans nearby to react and put out the fire." Story continues This is what seems to have happened onboard Flight 915. Fortunately for JetBlue, no injuries have been reported, and the flight was able to carry on to San Francisco after the airport's fire department cleared the aircraft. Our Fire Department cleared the scene, no injuries and all clear for JetBlue Flt#915. Plane is fueled up, & will be back en route to SFO FlyGRFord (@FlyGRFord) May 31, 2017 The Trump administration's laptop ban has been in place since March and covers nonstop flights to the US from 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The Department of Homeland Security is evaluating an expanded ban that would include nonstop flights from Europe, but no formal decision has been made. NOW WATCH: Banning laptops from plane cabins could make flying more dangerous here's why More From Business Insider An oil pump is seen operating in the Permian Basin near Midland, Texas, U.S. on May 3, 2017. Picture taken May 3, 2017. REUTERS/Ernest Scheyder (Reuters) By Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices fell by one percent on Wednesday, as rising output from Libya added to concerns about increasing U.S. production that is undermining OPEC-led production cuts aimed at tightening the market. Brent crude futures , the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $51.30 per barrel at 0657 GMT, down 54 cents, or 1 percent, from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $49.15 per barrel, down 51 cents, or 1 percent, from their last settlement. Traders said the price declines were a result of higher output in conflict-torn Libya, which was adding to a relentless rise in U.S. production. Libya's oil production is expected to rise to 800,000 barrels per day (bpd) this week, state-run National Oil Corporation said on Monday. That would likely boost its exports. Shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon shows that, excluding pipeline exports, Libya shipped out an average of 500,000 bpd of crude oil so far this year, compared with just 300,000 bpd shipped on average in 2016. Libya's rising production and exports add to soaring U.S. output, which largely thanks to shale oil drilling has jumped by more than 10 percent since the middle of last year to over 9.3 million bpd , close to top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. "Libyan and shale oil production seems to have occupied the mind of traders overnight. That's consistent with my sense that this is all about inventories and the associated supply overhang in crude oil markets at the moment," said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at futures brokerage AxiTrader. Rising output from the United States and Libya undermines efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers including Russia to tighten an oversupplied market by cutting production by around 1.8 million bpd until the end of the first quarter of 2018. Story continues Russia's May oil output was 10.94 million bpd, in line with its commitments to cut production, according to sources on Wednesday. The cuts, which have been in place since January and were initially due expire in June, have so far not had the desired effect of substantially drawing down excess inventories. Libya is an OPEC member, but it was exempt from the cuts. The United States is not participating in the self-imposed production cuts. To rein in the global fuel supply overhang, bloated inventories need to be drawn down, analysts say. "Stocks are at least 170 million barrels above the 2011-15 average. Hence coming near that figure in the next few weeks appears to be optimistic," said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of energy consultancy Trifecta. (Reporting by Henning Gloystein; Editing by Richard Pullin and Sunil Nair) RACINE A Racine man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and it all started allegedly after a picnic over the Memorial Day weekend. Aaron S. Lawrence, 35, of the 1500 block of Holmes Ave. was charged Thursday with three counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a child, a felony. According to the criminal complaint: Lawrence allegedly waited for the teen's family to go to bed before fondling the victim in front of a bonfire and after an earlier picnic with her family Saturday. According to police, he allegedly told the victim to not tell anybody because he could "get in trouble" and "get in some legal issues," the report stated in part. Then on Memorial Day Lawrence allegedly returned and sexually assaulted the victim when she was alone watching TV. As of Thursday afternoon Lawrence remained in the Racine County Jail, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Lawrence has passed convictions for theft and drug charges which has lead to jail time four separate times since 2000. According to the criminal complaint Lawrence allegedly was convicted of sexual assault when he was a juvenile. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 8. If convicted Lawrence could see up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Brazil oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., aka Petrobras PBA recently inked a deal to offload Pasadena Oil Refinery in Texas and some of the companys assets in Africa. Notably, the company had paid $1.2 billion to acquire the refinery but divested it for $200 million only. Petrobras, which is still grappling with several corruption lawsuits, is also charged with bribery allegations associated with the purchase price of the refinery. Reportedly, the refinerys previous owner had paid bribes to Petrobras officials for the acquisition of the plant. The new owner of the refinery is also likely to face legal charges as two litigation cases have been filed against the Pasadena Oil Refinery by Harris County and environmental groups for violating Texas air and water acts. The refinery faced criticism for being one of the most poorly managed and contaminated facilities in Texas for various accidents and emission releases over the years. However, the sale of the refinery could bring Petrobras closer to its $21 billion divestment goals for 20172018. In a separate release, Petrobras informed that a Federal Court in Sergipe, Brazilrecently lifted a suspension order which had put a hold on the companys plan of divesting one of its subsidiaries, BR Distribuidora. The divestment had been halted as the court believed that the company should have been more transparent in its business related dealings information. However, Petrobras is reworking on its asset sale plans which are reviewed by several internal committees and submitted to the authorized bodies for approval. The news bought relief as it will help to reduce the companys huge debt load. Pedro Parente, CEO of Petrobras, has announced several turnaround measures. These initiatives are expected to reduce the enormous debt burden under which the company has been reeling of late. Petrobras 20172021 business plan aims to deleverage the company by reducing capital investment. The company is focused on unloading its secondary and non profitable businesses and shift to profitable projects like deep water drilling. Petrobras has garnered $13.6 billion since 2015 by divesting its oil fields, pipelines and other assets. From 40 assets worth $42 billion, Pedro Parente has set aside refineries for sale which are expected to reduce the debt load of about $120 billion the highest among the publicly traded oil companies. Zacks Rank and Key Picks Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Petrobras is an integrated energy firm operating in the exploration, refining, marketing, transporting, distribution and biofuels segments. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The company has outperformed the Zacks categorized Oil & Gas Emerging Markets Integrated industry quarter to date. During the aforesaid period, shares of Petrobras have increased almost 0.21% while the broader industry fell around 3%. Better-ranked players in the broader energy space include Bellatrix Exploration Ltd BXE, McDermott International, Inc. MDR and Penn Virginia Corporation PVAC. All the three companies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Bellatrix reported positive earnings surprise of 58.54% in the trailing four quarters. McDermott posted positive average earnings surprise of 387.5% in the preceding four quarters. Penn Virginia posted positive average earnings surprise of 36.67% in the preceding four quarters. The Best & Worst of Zacks Today you are invited to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" free of charge. From 1988 through 2015 this list has averaged a stellar gain of +25% per year. Plus, you may download 220 Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells." Even though this list holds many stocks that seem to be solid, it has historically performed 6X worse than the market. See these critical buys and sells free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report McDermott International, Inc. (MDR): Free Stock Analysis Report Bellatrix Exploration Ltd (BXE): Free Stock Analysis Report Pembina Pipeline Corp. (PBA): Free Stock Analysis Report Penn Virginia Corporation (PVAC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Soros says the European Union is now in an existential crisis, surrounded by hostile powers Billionaire financier George Soros said Thursday the European Union is in an "existential crisis" and needs to be reinvented in the face of growing threats. "The reinvention would have to revive the support that the European Union used to enjoy," the Hungarian-born Soros said at the Brussels Economic Forum. Such reinvention would have to review the past and explain to European citizens what went wrong and then make proposals to make things right. Soros welcomed a German idea to cut European funds aimed at reducing income inequalities at the regional level for those countries disrespecting the rule of law. Both Hungary and Poland, which are net recipients of the so-called cohesion funds, have been criticized by European institution for their weak standards with regards to the rule of law. Hostile powers Soros said Europe needs to overcome the current "existential crisis" by fighting together against the rise of anti-European sentiment, xenophobic feelings and surrounding "hostile powers." "Putin's Russia, Erdogan's Turkey, Sisi's Egypt and the America that Trump would like to create if he could, but can't," the U.S. financier added when talking about hostile powers. He called for an update of European treaties to make the EU work better and allow a "multitrack" bloc where countries would have a wider variety of choices when it comes to integration. Don't get distracted by Brexit European politicians should not get distracted with the upcoming EU exit negotiations with the U.K. and continue their work to regain the trust of EU citizens, Soros told the audience. "Brexit will be an immensely damaging process, harmful to both sides. Most of the damage is felt right now, when the European Union is in an existential crisis, but its attention is diverted to negotiating the separation from Britain," he said. "The European Union must resist temptation to punish Britain and approach the negotiations in a constructive spirit. It should use Brexit as a catalyst for introducing far-reaching reforms," Soros said. Story continues The investor believes that the divorce process could take as long as five years to but during that time the EU has the chance "to transform itself into an organization that other countries like Britain would want to join." Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. WATCH: Bottom-up pressure from EU citizens can save the bloc: Soros More From CNBC By Roberta Rampton and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump discussed trade with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a White House visit on Wednesday and welcomed the signing of business deals worth billions of dollars and the jobs they would bring. General Electric Co said earlier it had signed deals with Vietnam worth about $5.58 billion for power generation, aircraft engines and services, its largest ever single combined sale with the country. "They just made a very large order in the United States - and we appreciate that - for many billions of dollars, which means jobs for the United States and great, great equipment for Vietnam," Trump told reporters at the White House. Phuc said on Tuesday he would sign deals for U.S. goods and services worth $15 billion to $17 billion during his Washington visit, mainly for high-technology products and for services. Communist Vietnam has gone from being a bitter adversary of the United States during the Cold War to an important partner in the Asia-Pacific, where both countries share concerns about China's rising power. Phuc told Trump the relationship had undergone "significant upheavals in history," but that the two countries were now "comprehensive partners." However, while Hanoi and Washington have stepped up security cooperation in recent years, trade has become a potential irritant, with a deficit widening steadily in Vietnam's favor, reaching $32 billion last year, compared with $7 billion a decade earlier. Trump, who has had strong words for countries with large trade surpluses with the United States, said he would be discussing trade with Phuc, as well as North Korea. Washington has been seeking support for efforts to pressure North Korea to drop its nuclear and missile programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States. Hanoi has said it shares concerns about North Korea. Story continues Analysts said that while the Trump administration welcomed new business deals with Vietnam, it wants to see moves on trade. Murray Hiebert, a Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said the view was that deals were "nice, but not enough." "They want Vietnam to bring some ideas about how to tackle the surplus on an ongoing basis, he said. On Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressed concern about the rapid growth of the deficit with Vietnam. He said it was a new challenge for the two countries and he was looking to Phuc to help address it. The deficit with Vietnam - Washington's sixth largest - reflects growing imports of Vietnamese semiconductors and other electronics products in addition to more traditional sectors such as footwear, apparel and furniture. Vietnamese Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh presented Lighthizer on Tuesday with suggestions to address some U.S. concerns, such as advertising on U.S. social media, electronic payment services and imports of information security and farm products, Vietnam's trade ministry said. Vietnam also urged the United States to remove an inspection program for catfish, speed import licenses for its fruit and make fair decisions on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on Vietnamese products, the ministry said. Vietnam was disappointed when Trump ditched the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, of which Hanoi was expected to be one of the main beneficiaries, and focused U.S. trade policy on reducing deficits. Phuc's meeting with Trump makes him the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White House under the new administration. It reflected calls, letters, diplomatic contacts and lower-level visits that started long before Trump took office in Washington, where Vietnam retains a lobbyist at $30,000 a month. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton, David Brunnstrom and David Lawder; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Jonathan Oatis) If youre a typical full-time worker, you might take a week of vacation this summer, tack on a couple of long weekends and save a few days of leave for the winter holidays. Overall, youll be on the job about 230 of the 250 working days in 2017. But if youre a member of Congress, youve only got about 30 working days till the end of Julyand then youre off for five weeks. Youll be back in Washington after Labor Day, but off at least one week per month after thatand at least two in December. Overall, Congress will be in session about 145 of the 250 working days in 2017. Congresss cozy schedule has unmistakable implications for President Trumps ambitious economic agenda. Trump said recently that his tax-reform plan is ahead of schedule, but that can only be true if the schedule calls for a vote on a final bill in mid to late 2018. The original plan was to have a bill by this Augustwhich is virtually impossible at this point. Its increasingly unlikely Congress will produce a tax bill in 2017, and a health care bill to repeal or replace Obamacare may never materialize. Pundits love to focus on the fractious politics of such issues, but the most overlooked problem is Congresss limited legislative capacity. As you put more and more things on the agenda, it reduces the amount of attention you can really pay to any one of them, says Molly Reynolds, a governance expert at the Brookings Institution. You can run into a problem with bandwidth. Heres a breakdown of Congresss working days per month in 2017, based on the calendar generated by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.): Members of Congress work other days in addition to those when Congress is in session. Most months include at least one week off from Washington duties, so members can return home and meet with constituents, if they choose to do so. Members of Congress dont get a fixed amount of vacation but take it whenever they wishwith voters deciding every two or six years if their elected officials have a suitable work ethic. Story continues [Read: Why Trump gets a B on the economy, so far] Those days spent back in the home districts are days Congress is not legislating, which is one reason it takes so long for committees to draft bills. The Bipartisan Policy Group publishes a Healthy Congress Index assessing the legislatures effectiveness and recommends that Congress spend about 165 working days in Washington per year. The latest tallies show that the House fell short by 52 days per year and the Senate by 34 days. It doesnt help when there are multiple big bills to work on. Different committees work on different issues, but theres also overlap that limits how much a single committee can get done. The Senate Finance Committee, for instance, is key to legislation on both tax reform and health care (because of taxes related to Obamacare). That can make a single committee a legislative bottleneck. And before Congress even gets to tax reform and health care, it will have to pass a budget for the fiscal year that begins October 1, itself a big undertaking likely to consume most of the working days until then. After October 1, there will be a scant 36 legislating days on Congresss calendar. Congress employs about 10,000 staffers, including legislative drafters and many other aides, but that number is down from nearly 12,000 in the early 1990s. And the explosion of technology has made many issues Congress deals with more complicated than they once were, just as in the private sector. Theres a case to be made that Congress doesnt have the staff capacity to do all its work, says Reynolds, while at the same time, the policymaking environment is becoming more complex. Trump has also harmed the prospects for his legislative agenda by firing FBI Director James Comey amid the bureaus probe of Russian interference in US elections. The Russia controversy has generated probes in both the House and Senatetaking up more legislative timewhile pushing Trumps approval rating below 40%. An unpopular president loses the ability to twist arms in Congress when crucial votes are needed, since members can oppose him with limited blowback from their own constituents. When Barack Obama became president in 2009, it took Congress nearly a year and a half to draft the legislation that became the Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010. The last big tax reform to make it through Congresssigned by Ronald Reagan is 1986was more than 10 years in the making. Trump, by contrast, seems to think hell be signing legislation of similar magnitude at some point during the next few months. Hes likely to be bigly disappointed. Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com Read more: Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman CLEARWATER, Fla., May 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit mental health watchdog group established by the Church of Scientology and Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, is hosting a workshop on Advanced Mental Health Directives in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness month at 6:30pm on June 14th at their center located at 109 N. Fort Harrison Ave in downtown Clearwater. The free workshop is free and will be delivered by attorney Mrs. Carmen Miller who held the position of Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Circuit for many years in Tampa, and is now in the private sector specializing in cases of those who are involuntarily committed under the Baker Act. It is estimated that as many as 5 million elders are abused each year and that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported.[i] An Advanced Mental Health Directive (AMHD) is a little known resource that can be used by individuals to protect their rights if they become incompetent to make decisions.[ii] Known as a Declaration, Florida law allows a person to write instructions on what if any mental health care they wish to receive including hospitalization, psychiatric drugs, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and experimental procedures. According to Federal Medicare records, over 20,000 Americans received electroshock in 2014 under Medicare, which Americans are eligible for when they reach 65 years of age.[iii] Of interest is that the percentage of elderly receiving ECT jumps dramatically for those who are eligible for Medicare from 3.4% of those under the age of 65 years receiving ECT to 15.6% for those 65 years of age and older.[iv] CCHR is bringing attention to the subject of elder abuse under the mental health law, especially the unnecessary involuntary psychiatric examination of seniors as well as the use of ECT on vulnerable adults, stated Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida. This workshop will educate people on their rights and how a declaration can protect them from unwanted and even dangerous psychiatric drugs and procedures like ECT. For more information on the workshop or the protection of elder rights under the mental health law please call 727-442-8820 or visit www.cchrflorida.org. About CCHR: Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHRs mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who brought the terror of psychiatric imprisonment to the notice of the world. In March 1969, he said, Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the free world tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of mental health. For more information visit, www.cchrflorida.org [i] How many older Americans are abused? https://www.ncoa.org/public-policy-action/elder-justice/elder-abuse-facts/ [ii] Psychiatric Advanced Directives in Florida http://www.nrc-pad.org/states/florida-faq [iii] Petition to Ban ECT Device use on Elderly https://www.change.org/p/ban-electroshock-ect-device-being-used-on-children-the-elderly-and-vulnerable-patients [iv] Variation in ECT use in the United States https://www.researchgate.net/publication/15444308_Variation_in_ECT_use_in_the_United_States praveensingh07 wrote: Hello, I am would like to know my chances for admit in target B-Schools (Insead, LBS, Judge, IIM-A.B.C, Nanyang, NUS) Profile : Indian Male 33 years old. Scores/ Grades : 10th standard - 75% 12th standard - 78% Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Communication) from state government Engineering college, 2007 73% (Honors, In top 10%) GMAT1 [Feb 2017] - 650 (Q-47 V-33 IR-5 AWA-4) GMAT2 [April 2017] - 710 (Q-50 V-35 IR-4 AWA-4) Work Experience [9+ years, Almost all is International experience in Japan] 1. Trainee Engineer in Indian subsidiary of Japanese firm (Jaipur, India) 8 months. 2. Embedded Systems trainer for new college graduates in Tokyo, Japan, 5 months (Same Japanese firm) 3. Embedded Design Engineer in Japanese firm(same Japanese firm) (Client : Hitachi) 2 Years - I worked in R&D department of Hitachi for the development of next generation high end video camera. 4. Moved to another Japanese firm and worked as System Engineer(Client : various big Japanese makers), 5 Years, Tokyo, Japan : My worked involved the following tasks : A. Trainer for Japanese customers regarding implementation of high end Microprocessors, FPGA and SoCs in their products. B. Technical support C. Pre-sales - Traveled across Japan with sales persons D. Technical training to young sales persons and engineers. 5. Moved to Indian Engineering firm as Project leader(Client : Toshiba, Power generation and transmission): 8 months, Tokyo, Japan - I supervised 5 members offshore development team in India and served as principal contact between client and offshore team for project delivery, business development and various issue resolution. 6. Moved to another Indian Engineering service firm (Client : Big Japanese maker for Building automation system) as Program manager, Tokyo, Japan : Currently working in above mention firm since Nov, 2015. I am supervising 4 offshore project managers (Indirectly 15 members offshore development team in India) and responsible for all the project deliveries, hunting for new business opportunities with in various departments of the same client and business sustainability. Community Engagement : 1. Working with NGO for generating donations to educate underprivileged children. 2. Regularly participate in local Japanese social events 3. Helping foreigners in Japan, who lack Japanese language ability, in finding accommodation, medical services and schools for their children. Post MBA goals : Product management and then move to strategic management role in the same Industry (Electronics - Consumer/Industrial). Target Companies : Qualcomm, Xilinx or major product company in same industry. I am concerned about my higher age and low AWA and IR score. I am not willing to retake the GMAT exam, as I want to apply in this fall, R1 round and need 2-3 months for Introspection, School research, Alumni networking and most important high quality essays. Regards Praveen Nisha Trivedi mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant 35 positive reviews on GMATClub, 2020 Top 20 of admissions consultants across the industry per P&Q: https://poetsandquants.com/2020/08/26/best-mba-admission-consultants-of-2020/ Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/ Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More Hi, and thanks for writing! To address your concerns:- Regarding GMAT, I wouldn't worry too much about your AWA and IR scores - AWA is acceptable at 4.0+ and for IR, this is a new measure so the programs don't have a hard and fast rule for what type of score they expect. On the overall score - given your competitive demographic, having a 730+ would help at INSEAD and LBS since these are the most competitive on your list- Regarding age/work exp., the average #s of years of experience is about 4-7 years - since you have over 9 years, you'd have to make a very strong case for why NOW is the right time for an MBA.Hope that helps! Let me know of any other questions_________________ Thank you guys a lot for your answers.I have quite a lot experience - all the time I was working and studying. However it was mainly as a CEO and was expected to be the decision maker. Somehow this restricts my options to learn from other people - especially when working mainly with construction workers. This means that my short-term goal is to find environment full of ambitious people that I can meet and learn from.So let me share my current thoughts.Babson appears to be too risky - it is worth it only if I want to stay there for a while. I prefer traveling and can not find the motivation to fight for it.IE haves another advantage - It would give me the option to learn Spanish. I would be really happy if by the end I have some considerable knowledge in the language. The program still looks amazing - the humane-centered innovation and the design of experiences is awesome and futuristic. Still a great risk too. I would love to spend a year in Madrid!RSM - I am trying not to consider the financial part of the programs but there is still an advantage here. In addition it is a proven program and involves consultancy preparation and nice electives. Rotterdam looks a bit small but I guess it is enjoyable with so many internationalsESADE - When not considering the financial part - it is the most expensive. However - 3 continents and 2 diplomas sounds amazing. On the other side, the exact program looks like it is made a bit more to be desirable rather than to be useful. I doubt getting in-depth knowledge for 15 weeks anywhere. Still it is only the second year of the program and I also doubt the coordination between the 3 universities.Unfortunately, I am still far away from making the decision and actually have no favorite. I am trying to evaluate also my personal benefits and the career opportunities after.IE - I like the values of the university and guess I would fit well there. However, I am not sure how much of what is on paper is true. I will also learn some Spanish and knowing English, German and Spanish looks great on paper too. My biggest doubts here are about how consultancy recruiters are going to translate Customer Experience and Innovation. Guess I can get a project management certificate in the meantime so I can help them a bit?RSM - I guess the people will be a whole lot of different here. I don't intend on studying a lot of language there though. Looks great for recruiters, not sure about general consulting though. Still, I will travel a lot from there and visit everything in at least 500km radius.ESADE - Definitely a lot of experience, a lot of culture shock/pleasure. Looks good for consulting. Won't learn a lot of language though. China is appealing. Virginia not that much. I can stay in Barca a bit more though.I really never expected that I am going to have to choose from these four. Totally not prepared for it. The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere just put smiles on the faces of a little girl and her family for graduating as the best student in his school. Apostle Chinyere was said to have given the girl a new home because of her brilliance in school. He added that the flat was given so that other students in his school would strive for excellence and compete among themselves in the coming year. He made this information available by posting the pictures on the churchs Facebook handle with the caption: Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere with the family of his student Precious Ndubuisi READ ALSO: Check out this cute baby-boy who was born 50 years after Biafra Independence (photos) Best graduate of OPM Free school receives 2 bedroom flat and 1 bedroom flat. The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries OPM Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere has presented a two flat bungalow (one bedroom flat and two bedroom flat) to Precious Ndubuisi, the best graduating student of its free primary school in Port Harcourt. The General Overseer of OPM Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere(m) posing with the Ndubuisi family after handing over to them the documents of the house. Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere while presenting the house to the family of Precious Ndubisi stated that the house gift was one his gesture to improve the quality of education in OPM school. He stated that he want students in the school to be very competitive among themselves stating that through such the creativity of the students would be unraveled. He also promised to furnish the house for the Ndubuisi family. Two bedroom bungalow given to the Ndubuisi family I said that first; I want to be giving a plot of land to the best graduating student. So when I was looking for a land to buy for the pupils, so I started thinking that if you give a poor widow a plot of land, there are two things, either they sale it or farm on it and this people have accommodation problem. So what do I do, I said instead of getting the land, why dont buy a house and I decided to buy the house. It is a one bedroom flat and two bedroom flat, so that she and her family can stay in one bedroom flat and rent the two bedroom flat. If she wants we can build a shop for her to start selling something. All these are coming from church offerings and tithes. Female also bring blessing. You dont abandon a widow because she has only girls. Women are blessing from God. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala is a blessing and so many other persons. This girl is not related to me. I am from Abia State and they are from Elibrada in Emohua Local Government of Rivers State. Is not that OPM is giving the house to his own family members. As long as you are a Christian, you are my family, he stated. He added that church offerings and tithes should be used for the welfare of church members and not to be used by the Pastors." PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Meanwhile, the best graduating student of OPM Nursery and Primary School, Precious Ndubuisi thanked God for using the General Overseer of OPM to bless her family. She said that life has been very difficult for them since the death of her father in 2013. Precious Ndubuisi stated that her family is having serious accommodation problems before the gift of this house from OPM. See full post below: Watch Legit.ng video below: Source: Legit.ng A set of photos of a female police officer that surfaced on social media has been getting a lot of attention from Nigerians. The beautiful lady has been tagged as the most beautiful female police officer in the Nigerian Police Force due to her gorgeous and presentable photos. She shared some photos of herself looking regal and radiant in her different police uniforms which showed off her curvy figure. Miss Tijani Adetoun has been showered with a lot of praises on social media and from the photos gathered by Legit.ng we can see why she got so much praises. Meet the most beautiful female police officer in Nigeria READ ALSO: Brave Nigerian lady Dennis Dooshima talks about her life as a firefighter (photos) The Abuja-based young ladys beauty would compel criminals to surrender arms once she steps into the room. It could be that Nigerians are taken by her beauty because it is not common for women in the Nigerian Police Force to be so young. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Tijani Adetoun the most beautiful police officer Officer Adetoun looking beautiful in her uniform Most beautiful officer looking radiant off duty Meet female Nigerian taxi driver interviewed by Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng On Saturday, May 27, a new feather was added to his honourary caps of Apostle Johnson Suleman as the National Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) recognized his strength of achievements and presented him with the Integrity Man of The Year award. Legit.ng gathered that this category of award is the highest honour the body will be giving any celebrity. However, within three months Apostle Suleman bagged four awards for his commitment and the integrity of his character. Apostle Johnson Suleman READ ALSO: Young man threatens to beat, kill lady for refusing to appear in a music video (photos) In February, 2017, a group of Nigerian Bishops and youth association, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the umbrella body of youths across Nigeria, Edo State chapter, honoured Apostle Suleman. In February, 2017, Nigerian Bishops gave Suleman an award for demonstrating excellence in prophetic Gospel, social welfare and general caring. Also, the youth group honoured him as the Patron of NYCN, Edo chapter, for his qualities as friend of the youths, ambassador for peace and development of the state and role model to young people across the country. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Meanwhile, Apostle Suleman just completed a two-day Apostolic tour of North London which was held between Monday, 29 and Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the RUACH City Church and was attended by thousands of believers. Watch Legit.ng video below: Source: Legit.ng It was another sizzling hot one for the Spanish leg of Vans Shop Riot. Tetuan Skate Plaza is perhaps the rawest of street courses Spain has to offer; 9 brave skate shops gathered under the blistering heat to once again battle it out. Four shop teams stood out amongst the rest and it wasnt long before locals, Welcome, Sk8land, The Cabin and Southpark were left to riot. The semi finals saw The Cabin face off against Sk8land in what perhaps was the best riot of the day. Powerful skateboarding and consistent trick landing was the theme throughout from both teams, making it a hard decision for the judges who called Sk8land the winners after some deliberation. In the final, The Cabin would face rivals Welcome who defeated Southpark in the other semi final. With two evenly matched teams, Sk8land vs Welcome would be a classic, but not before The Cabin and Southpark battled it out for third place. The Cabin from Torremolinos, Madrid would walk away with a check of 300 and the bragging rights for this year. In the final Sk8land were up first, but having skated all day in the soaring heat, and with the final runs being 5 minutes, the skateboarding suffered. It was left to a battle of wills and eventually Welcome was the last shop standing. Welcome earned their spot in the European finals and pocketed a healthy 1000 check as a bonus. Finally, we had the NIXON best trick contest where the whole park could be used. It was Cristian Estrada from Ola Skate Shop, Cadiz, that got himself a nice new custom Nixon Shop Riot watch for his outrageous Backside 360 down the giant stair set. The Riot heads to Northbrigade Skatepark, Germany next on the 10th June. Follow all the action from Vans Shop Series 2017, from qualifiers to finals at vansshopriot.com. Results: 1. Welcome Skate Shop 2. Sk8Land 3. The Cabin Nixon Best Trick Contest Winner: Cristian Estrada (Ola Skate Shop) Backside 360 down the giant stair set. A human hand can find a tool without looking, or put down a glass of water without spilling. But for robots, these actions are harder than they seem. That is because using a hand requires a sense of touch. Veronica Santos leads the Biomechatronics Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles. "So, for example, how hard am I squeezing this object? What forces are required at my fingertips so that I can do these very fine dexterous manipulations of handheld objects?" Santos and researchers are designing robot hands that do not just hold things. The robot hands can also feel when to let go, says Kenny Gutierrez, a graduate student. "It's waiting for contact with the table before it decides to let go of the box." The researchers have created a mechanical finger that senses many of the same things human fingers do. Santos says the device is equipped with a sensor that provides information about what the fingertip is touching. The information can include the objects temperature, internal fluid pressure and movement. Making robots more gentle and sensitive to touch is a popular research area. Engineers at New Yorks Cornell University, for example, built a robot that can identify when a tomato is fully grown. Its sense of touch comes from light shining through its clear rubber skin. Cornell engineering professor Robert Shepherd says this technology costs less than high-tech electronic skin. Scientists at China's Harbin Institute of Technology have made artificial skin with electronic hairs that feel pressure much like human hairs do. It can feel something as soft as a tissue. Researchers are now working to add a sense of touch to artificial arms and legs. Im Jill Robbins. Arturo Martinez and Steve Baragona reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted their report for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Now it's your turn. What do you think about these robots that can sense through touch? Have you ever used a robot at work or school? Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story squeezing v. to force or create pressure, especially on opposite sides fingertip n. the end of a finger dexterous adj. done with mental or physical skill manipulation n. the act of operating skillfully; the act of operating, using or moving something table n. a piece of furniture with a flat surface and usually four legs The United Nations humanitarian chief says Yemen has the largest food crisis in the world. Stephen OBrien told the U.N. Security Council this week that more than 17 million people in Yemen struggle every day to find enough food to eat. He warned that 7 million of them are one step away from famine. Yemens civil war started more than two years ago. Government forces are fighting Houthi rebels. OBrien noted that the food crisis is man-made. He blamed the conflict for famine, disease and death. The fighting has affected food production, especially agriculture and fishing. Food prices have increased. One in four Yemenis cannot pay for food from local markets. Gulf Arab supporters of the government have blocked Yemens main port. The blockade has slowed delivery of humanitarian aid and fuel. Yemenis are at risk of getting infected with diseases because of the famine. Currently, Yemen is trying to keep cholera from spreading. OBrien said that cholera has affected an estimated 60,000 people and killed 500 people. He said it may cause another 150,000 cases over the next six months. OBrien said the civil war is responsible for the latest outbreak of cholera. He praised the United Nations and its humanitarian partners because they are trying to contain the spread of the disease. In addition, less than 45 percent of Yemens medical centers are operational. And the end of the conflict is not in sight. U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed told Security Council members that the country is far from a comprehensive agreement. Ahmed said that the main parties are not willing to accept or discuss compromises that are needed for peace. He said their unwillingness is extremely troubling. Ahmed said that he failed to get an agreement to stop an attack on the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. The port is the main entry point for fuel and humanitarian aid. Also, over one million government workers have not received wages in months. That has forced families into poverty. It has added to Yemens economic crisis. The special envoy has not escaped the violence. His vehicle was attacked in Sanaa while traveling from the airport to the U.N.s offices. U.N. officials have called for an investigation into the incident. Im Dorothy Gundy. Olivia Liu adapted this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story famine n. an extreme lack of food; a great shortage of food delivery n. the act of taking something to a person or place outbreak n. a sudden start or increase of fighting or disease comprehensive adj. covering completely party n. a person or group taking part in an action We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Intel is starting to show what its upcoming Compute Card modules can do. The company has been stuffing PCs into smaller and smaller packages over the past few years, and thats culminated in a device thats not much larger than a credit card. First unveiled at CES earlier this year, Intel announced this week that the first Compute Stick devices are due to start shipping in August. And the company is providing the first real-world demonstrations of the platform for journalists at Computex in Taiwan. The Intel Compute Card isnt designed to work as a standalone computer the same way that the companys NUC or Compute Stick devices are. Instead, its a module that you can be used to turn a docking station into a PC, a dumb TV into a smart one, or a media player into an upgradeable device, among other things. It could also work as a computer module that you can carry with you throughout the day: slide it into a desktop dock at work or school, then take it home and put it in a laptop dock to access all your files, applications, and settings. Here are a few of the concepts/early designs Intel is showing off: LG, ECS, Sharp, and Dell are showing displays that become all-in-one Windows 10 desktops when you add a Compute Card. Smart Tech is showing a convertible laptop/tablet hybrid. Intels Port Jefferson dock adds all the ports youd need to use the Compute Card as a desktop computer. Theres also a cash register prototype and a a rugged PC/router designed for use outdoors. Since each system relies on a removable card, it should be possible to upgrade hardware after you buy it. Or you could change operating systems or user environments by swapping out cards, allowing multiple people to use the same laptop, desktop, or display docking station with their own personal Compute Cards. Youll most likely end up buying a Compute Card from the same company that makes a laptop/desktop/display dock for it rather than buying one from Intel. And its not entirely clear at this point if a module bought for a Dell device, for example, will work with an LG dock. While each Compute Card will have a standard interface, I wouldnt be surprised to see some device makers try to lock down their system with DRM and/or a slot that only accepts cards with a specific shape. At launch Intel will offer Compute Modules with Celeron N3450, Pentium N4200, Core M3-7Y30, or Core i5-7Y57 chips. Each module supports 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 and has 4GB of DDR3 RAM. The Celeron and Pentium models are based on Apollo Lake architecture and feature 64GB of eMMC storage. The Core/Kaby Lake-Y versions have 128GB of SSD storage. Prices are expected to range from about $140 to $450. MobileGeeks has a brief video showing some of the Compute Card-powered devices including a laptop, a convertible model, a tablet for use in medical environments, and a small desktop computer-style dock. Update: Roland Quandt has also posted a pretty great hands-on video that, among other things, shows whats inside the case of a Compute Card: via Toms Guide, Engadget, The Inquirer, MobileGeeks, and PC Watch Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new study in Biological Psychiatry may pave the way for treating alcohol addiction by reducing motivation to drink, rather than by altering the effects of alcohol itself. Led by Drs. Kasia Radwanska and Leszek Kaczmarek of the Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland, the study reports a new mechanism behind alcohol seeking behavior. When people think about drugs to treat alcoholism, their first thought is usually a drug that stimulates or blocks a receptor for a chemical messenger. However, the new study highlights a process that changes brain activity by altering the network of proteins that surrounds nerve cells. This network of proteins, called the extracellular matrix, provides active support for the development and activity of nerve cells. The functions of the matrix are regulated, in part, by enzymes that break down matrix proteins; one of these enzymes is matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). In the study, while mice had free access to alcohol to establish addiction-like behavior, those missing the enzyme MMP-9 (MMP-9 KO) drank just as much as normal mice. However, first author Dr. Marzena Stefaniuk and colleagues found that MMP-9 KO mice were less motivated to obtain alcohol when its access was restricted, and less persistent to seek alcohol during withdrawalbehaviors normally characteristic of addiction. The researchers were able to restore the impaired motivation by replacing MMP-9 in the central amygdala, a part of the brain's emotional center that has also been implicated in alcohol dependence. "Interestingly, in human alcoholics, the MMP-9 gene polymorphism that leads to a higher MMP-9 production correlates with greater motivation to drink alcohol," said Dr. Kaczmarek, referring to their analysis of 167 alcohol-addicted males compared with 199 control males, also included in the new study. Using a clinical assessment of alcoholism behavior, the researchers found that addicted people with a T allele in the MMP-9 gene continued to drink alcohol despite the negative consequences more frequently than patients with a C allele. The findings further support the role of MMP-9 in motivation for alcohol. "Matrix metalloproteinases play critical roles in brain function and disease that have only recently received intensive study," said Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry. "The exciting study by Stefaniuk and colleagues implicates them in alcohol use disorders, but they are likely to play roles quite broadly in psychiatric disorders. It will be important to determine whether these proteins may be targeted therapeutically." In previous studies, MMP-9 has been demonstrated to be mandatory in the central amygdala for formation of appetitive memory traces via synaptic plasticitythe structural and physiological alteration of synapses, the connections that facilitate communication between neurons. Indeed, the loss of MMP-9 in mice impaired structural and physiological alcohol-related alterations in the central amygdala, leading the authors to suggest MMP-9-dependent synaptic plasticity in this brain region as a new mechanism behind alcohol craving. "In aggregate, these findings point to MMP-9 as a novel therapeutic target in fighting alcohol addiction," said Kaczmarek. More information: Marzena Stefaniuk et al. Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Synaptic Plasticity in the Central Amygdala in Control of Alcohol-Seeking Behavior, Biological Psychiatry (2017). Journal information: Biological Psychiatry Marzena Stefaniuk et al. Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Synaptic Plasticity in the Central Amygdala in Control of Alcohol-Seeking Behavior,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.12.026 Cancer cell during cell division. Credit: National Institutes of Health The first analysis of nearly 19,000 de-identified genomic records from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) international data-sharing initiative known as AACR Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) was published today in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the AACR. In addition to the genomic analysis, the report includes examples of how the AACR Project GENIE genomic data can be used to facilitate clinical research, including: Analysis showing that more than 30 percent of the samples had mutations that are clinically actionable, meaning that they are suggestive of a specific treatment that is either already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or is being tested in clinical trials. Analysis showing that the rate at which patients with samples in the AACR Project GENIE registry would match with arms of the NCI-MATCH trial reflected the actual accrual rates for the trial. Details of two additional studies underway that are linking certain genetic characteristics of metastatic breast cancer with clinical and pathological features of the tumors, as well as with patient outcomes. "There has been a lot of discussion about the potential of data-sharing initiatives to accelerate the pace of progress against cancer," said Charles L. Sawyers, MD, FAACR, who is the AACR Project GENIE Steering Committee chairperson and an author on the paper. "This paper shows that AACR Project GENIE has made the first steps to delivering on this promise. "We are particularly excited by the clinical actionability analysis," continued Sawyers, who is also chairperson of the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. "Prior studies looking at how often tumor genome sequencing identifies a clinically actionable mutation have yielded variable results, leading some to question its clinical utility. The huge number of samples in our study and the high rate of clinical actionability give us confidence that tumor genome sequencing can have an important role in clinical care." AACR Project GENIE is a multi-phase, multi-year, international data-sharing project that was launched by the AACR in partnership with eight global academic leaders in clinical cancer genomics in November 2015. Just over a year later, in January 2017, the AACR Project GENIE consortium made public nearly 19,000 de-identified genomic records collected from patients who were treated at the eight international institutions participating in the first phase of the project. "This paper describes the AACR Project GENIE consortium and provides a landscape overview of the first public GENIE data release," said Ethan Cerami, PhD, director of the Knowledge Systems Group and lead scientist in the Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and an author on the paper. "By showing that we can share data across multiple institutions in the United States, Canada, and Europe to obtain results none of the institutions could have obtained alone, we have put AACR Project GENIE at the forefront of data-sharing efforts to accelerate scientific discovery and ultimately improve patient care." The paper provides detailed information about the data collected at the different institutions, highlighting that even though the types of sequencing and size of the gene panels used at the individual institutions differ and are evolving over time, the data can be compared across institutions. The high-level analysis of the nearly 19,000 de-identified genomic records made public by the consortium also shows many similarities with the data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The paper also highlights several differences with TCGA data, which the authors speculate are a result of a greater proportion of the AACR Project GENIE records coming from patients with recurrent or relapsing disease. The eight institutions who participated in AACR Project GENIE phase 1 are: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston; Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Paris-Villejuif, France; The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, on behalf of the Center for Personalized Cancer Treatment, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto; University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee. Teenage pregnancy rates have dropped in areas of the country most affected by government cuts to spending on sex education, according to a new study. In recent years local authorities in England have been forced to make significant cuts to public expenditure, with one particular health target affected: reducing rates of teen pregnancy. In a new study published in the Journal of Health Economics, Professor David Paton from Nottingham University Business School and Liam Wright, a research Assistant at the University of Sheffield, looked at whether a decrease in sex education had led to an increase in teen pregnancy. Between 2007 and 2015, the under-18 conception rate in England almost halved, with some stating that this was due to the 1999 Teenage Pregnancy Strategy. Running until 2010, the strategy saw hundreds of millions of pounds distributed to local authorities with the aim of expanding access to birth control and sex and relationships education. These services were subject to significant government cuts, with spending falling by over 70 per cent since 2008. Writing about the study for The Conversation, Professor Paton said: "Contrary to expectations, we found that if anything, cuts have led to fewer teen pregnancies. "Our analysis compares changes in teenage pregnancy rates with changes in annual expenditure on teenage pregnancy services for 149 English local authorities between 2008 and 2014. The extent and timing of cuts varied significantly across areas. This meant we were able to test whether areas that reduced spending the most experienced smaller declines in pregnancy. Approach with caution "To our surprise, we found the opposite. Authorities making bigger cuts saw relatively larger decreases in both birth and abortion rates among teenagers. The effect was not huge a 10 per cent reduction in expenditure was associated with a decrease of just 0.25 per cent in the under-18 conception rate but it was strongly significant." Professor Paton concludes: "Policymakers need to use some caution when interpreting our results. We find that cuts to teenage pregnancy services, to date, have not increased conceptions. If the least effective projects have been cut first, it may be that further cuts to services would have different effects. Perhaps there will also be long-term consequences that we have not yet been able to observe. Though economic theory and evidence suggest reduced access to contraceptives will have worse effects in the short term. "Most importantly, it may not be possible to generalise the finding that cuts in public expenditure can be achieved without negative consequences. For example, Oxford University's Rachel Loopstra and colleagues recently concluded that cuts to local authority spending on housing services and social care have contributed to increases in homelessness and in old-age mortality rates. "This begs the question: why have teenage mothers been disappearing so quickly? One factor brought up in our research, and in previous research, is improvements in educational attainment something which tends to increase aspiration and make early pregnancy less attractive. "Another, more speculative, explanation is the rise of "generation sensible" (possibly abetted by the growth of social media and lower childhood exposure to lead in petrol). Many countries, including the US, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, have seen decreases in teenage pregnancy similar to the UK. Teenagers in these countries now smoke and drink less, take fewer drugs, and are less likely to commit crimes. Sex may be another risky activity they are turning away from. A study of Senegalese women showed that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was more likely to develop into cervical pre-cancer in women living with human immunodeficiency virus. The study is published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, by Hilary K. Whitham, PhD, MPH, a research associate at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. While most HPV infections are cleared by the body's immune system, persistent HPV infection can lead to the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Previous research has indicated that HIV-positive women face an increased risk of HPV infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer compared with HIV-negative women. In order to increase understanding of the way HPV infection progresses, and to compare its progression in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women, Whitham and colleagues analyzed data from six studies conducted from 1994 to 2010 in Senegal, where HIV is endemic. They followed 1,320 women for an average of two years, testing them for HPV and cervical abnormalities approximately every four months. At each clinic visit, women were characterized as normal, HPV-positive, or HSIL (HPV-positive with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, a precancerous lesion that may progress to cervical cancer if untreated). The study showed that HIV-positive women had higher rates of acquiring HPV, and lower rates of clearing HPV infection, than HIV-negative women. Women whose immune systems were compromised by HIV were also more likely to have HPV infection progress to pre-cancer, the study indicated. For instance, HIV-positive women were 2.55 times more likely to have their HPV infection progress to HSIL than HIV-negative women. Whitham explained that as HIV ravages the body's immune system, "HPV goes unchecked, replicating quickly and developing abnormal lesions which can progress to cancer." "The study suggests that in countries like Senegal in West Africa, where cervical cancer screening is not widely available, HIV-positive women may benefit from targeted cervical cancer prevention efforts," Whitham said. "In areas where cervical cancer screening is not widely available and HIV prevalence is high, these findings highlight that targeted screening of the high-risk HIV-positive population may provide an important step in cervical cancer prevention," Whitham said. "These results also highlight that HPV vaccination of young women prior to HIV infection is an important preventive measure." Whitham said she expects that the results of this study would be similar in women from other countries, especially other sub-Saharan African nations with high HIV rates. However, she said, further studies would be required to confirm the findings and to account for behavioral differences between populations such as smoking, birth control use, and age at first sexual activity. Whitham said a limitation of the study is that much of the data predated the widespread use of anti-retroviral therapy, which limited the researchers' capacity to analyze the effects of those treatments on HPV progression. She added that as HIV-positive women now live longer due to anti-retroviral therapy, they may face further increased risk of cervical cancer due to additional time to acquire HPV and for pre-cancerous lesions to progress to cervical cancer. This highlights the importance of developing cervical cancer prevention strategies in areas where HIV is endemic, Whitham said. Musashi-1 protein is generated in large quantities by neural stem cells of the developing human brain. Chevali et al. find that the presence of Musashi-1 greatly increases production of Zika virus, making neural stem cells particularly vulnerable to cell death following viral infection. Loss of this irreplaceable cell population results in microcephaly, which is common in Zikaexposed babies. Credit: Generated by the Gergely lab A study published today in Science shows that the Zika virus hijacks a human protein called Musashi-1 (MSI1) to allow it to replicate in, and kill, neural stem cells. Almost all MSI1 protein in the developing embryo is produced in the neural stem cells that will eventually develop into the baby's brain, which could explain why these cells are so vulnerable to Zika. Since 2016 thousands of children across South America have been born with microcephaly, which causes abnormally small heads, after their mothers became infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy. The overlap between Zika cases in pregnant women and an increase in babies born with microcephaly strongly suggested that the virus targets stem cells in the developing human brain, but why and how has remained a mystery. Today's study is the first to associate MSI1 with microcephaly and the Zika virus. Dr Fanni Gergely from the University of Cambridge said: "The development of a healthy human brain is an incredibly complex process that relies on stem cells and the coordinated actions of many genes. We've shown for the first time this interaction between Zika and MSI1 - with MSI1 getting exploited by the virus for its own destructive life cycle, turning MSI1 into the enemy within. We hope that in the future this discovery could lead to ways of generating potential Zika virus vaccines." Dr Mike Turner, Head of Infection and Immunobiology at Wellcome said: "This is the first study to show a clear link between a specific protein, the Zika virus and microcephaly. This new finding really helps to explain why neural stem cells are so vulnerable to Zika infection and I hope this can be a first step in determining how we could stop this interaction and disease. It will also be interesting to investigate whether this protein is involved in other viruses, such as Rubella, that can also access and impair the developing human brain." An infographic providing details about the symptoms and prevalence of Zika virus. Credit: Carla Schaffer / AAAS Researchers from the University of Cambridge studied a variety of cell lines, including human neural stem cells, to investigate how Zika virus infection can lead to microcephaly. They suspected that MSI1 - an RNA binding protein - might be important in this process because it is involved in regulating the pool of neural stem cells that are required for normal brain development. The researchers show that when the Zika virus enters these stem cells, it hijacks MSI1 for its own replication and damages the cells in at least two ways. Firstly, MSI1 binds to the Zika virus genome allowing it to replicate and making the cells more vulnerable to virus-induced cell death. When the researchers infected cells that had been rendered unable to produce MSI1, virus replication was significantly reduced, as was cell death, indicating that the presence of MSI1 is required for efficient Zika replication. Secondly, they showed that MSI1 also disrupts the normal development programme of neural stem cells. In cells infected with Zika virus MSI1 binds to the virus genome in favour of its normal targets in the cell. The virus essentially acts like a 'sponge', preventing MSI1 from working correctly and altering the expression of many genes involved in neuronal development. In both of these scenarios, neural stem cells, which are crucial for normal neural development, are lost, leading to microcephaly. To confirm that MSI1 is important to grow a normal size brain, the scientists demonstrated that MSI1 is mutated in individuals with a rare type of inherited microcephaly (autosomal recessive primary microcephaly) unrelated to Zika infection. These results collectively suggest that neural stem cells need MSI1 to generate enough neurons for normal brain size, but the presence of MSI1 also increases the vulnerability of these cells to Zika infection, leading to the death of the population which ultimately results in microcephaly. Credit: University of Rochester Medical Center People with severe mental illness are more than four times more likely to be arrested than other adults and account for nearly 20% of today's U.S. prison population. Behind bars, they often wait months to receive appropriate treatment, if any, studies show. To tackle this growing national concern, varied approaches have been tried and tested in cities across the country, but results have been mixed at best. Now, an intervention born in Rochester, N.Y., has been shown for the first time to reduce the population's criminal convictions, jail time and hospitalizations by roughly 50 percent. Additionally, the modelwhich hinges on active collaboration and shared problem-solving between mental health and criminal justice systemshas proven to keep mentally ill individuals in treatment twice as long as the study's comparison program. In a three-year, randomized-control study conducted by clinical researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Department of Psychiatry, the Rochester Forensic Assertive Community Treatment model (R-FACT) withstood rigorous examination and now holds promise for cities across the United States. The peer-reviewed study, supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, was published online today in Psychiatric Services, a journal of the American Psychiatric Association. "Our research suggests that it's possible to prevent criminal recidivism among people with even the most severe mental illnesses and substantial criminal histories." says study principal investigator, J. Steven Lamberti, M.D., a professor of Psychiatry in URMC's Department of Psychiatry. "We found that by combining the expertise of mental health and criminal justice professionals in a certain way, we can promote both individual health and public safety." Co-investigator, Robert L. Weisman, D.O., professor of Psychiatry and forensic psychiatrist on the URMC study team, notes that R-FACT "promotes patient engagement in treatment and community tenure through collaboration with criminal justice partners. Such efforts will likely have large beneficial downstream effects for this population." With the continued support of his Psychiatry Department chair and senior author Eric Caine, MD, and an equally dedicated team of colleagues, Lamberti has relentlessly devoted nearly 25 years to finding a way to keep mentally ill individuals from languishing in prisonsa trend that coincides with the downsizing of U.S. psychiatric hospitals in the 1980s.The Rochester Psychiatric Center (RPC), for example, once housed as many as 3,000 patients, but serves only about 100 today. For many years, Lamberti believed the solution to the high rate of incarceration among the mentally ill (often involving the same individuals with repeated incarcerations in Rochester's Monroe County Jail) was simply to provide better mental health treatment With county funding in 1995, he assembled what was then considered the "gold standard" of community mental health treatmentan assertive community treatment (ACT) team composed of culturally diverse psychiatric clinicians, social workers, and s case managers who made "house calls" across the Rochester area. Many other American cities, he would learn, developed similar outreach programswhich were later shown in studies to be effective at reducing hospitalizations, but not criminal involvement. In fact, to Lamberti's dismay, ACT teams' close monitoring of offenders and timelier reporting of criminal infractions to the justice system actually resulted in higher recidivism rates. It was a talk given by a criminologist at a national conference that caused Lamberti to channel his energies in a new direction. His attention turned toward understanding the multiple and unique "criminogenic risk factors" of mentally ill individuals, such as antisocial personality, criminal thinking, social support for crime, and substance abusecoupled with psychiatric issues like psychosis, paranoia, cognitive impairment and traumaand how this combination makes people more vulnerable and less responsive to standard correctional intervention. "If we want to fix the problem, we have to understand it," says Lamberti. "People with severe mental illness have much higher rates of criminogenic risk factors, along with other issues that affect how they relate to others. The key to preventing recidivism is to engage these individuals in specific interventions that target the things driving their involvement with the criminal justice system." But engaging individuals in treatmentespecially those resistant or fearful of itis the hardest part, says Lamberti. After several years of research, trial-and error, multiple studies and focus groups, what evolved under Lamberti's direction was the Rochester FACT prototype which uses legal leverage to engage individuals in mental health treatment that systematically targets their criminogenic risk factors. Getting judges, lawyers, probation officers, and other criminal justice professionals to "buy-in" to the program is key, Lamberti says. "Legal leverage isn't about making threats to force compliance, or simply reporting infractions," says Lamberti. "It's about the appropriate, respectful use of legal authority to guide people toward engagement. It also requires getting mental health and criminal justice professionals to problem-solve together, and to consider therapeutic alternatives to punishment. Our clients are men and women who feel demoralized and discouraged, they are at their very lowest point, and they need more rewards than sanctions." Rochester City Court judge (7th Judicial District) Hon. Jack Elliott, one of two judges who participated in the study, says the key elements that made the program work were the intensive level of communication between him and the R-FACT team members, the program's comprehensive approach, and the fact that individuals could be seen immediately by a mental health provider upon court recommendation. "Prior to that, so many people had to wait six weeks or more for an appointment," says Elliott, who now presides over the Monroe County Mental Health Court and the Rochester Drug Treatment Court. "That's what they were used to. But with FACT, they're in treatment within a week. The treatment provider was always there in court and they had a feeling that someone was actually looking out for them. I would meet with the treatment team before and after the court appearance and get straight information about how each person was doing. If they were doing well, I could reinforce that, give them praise, and if they were screwing up, I could really address them in a very factual way. I could hone in on it. But the big thing was getting them immediate access to the right treatment." Elliott, who was a public defender for several years before becoming a city court judge, says it will take a high level of trust and understanding between mental health and criminal justice systems for the program to be transplanted elsewhere successfully. Lamberti and his colleagues worked diligently with the Rochester court system for several years to develop that level of rapport. "We have a totally different lingo," Elliott says. "It took some time for them to get used to how the court system works, and vice versa. Mental health is very touchy-feely, and this is a court and you have to be accountable. I take a different tone in here. Which is why I think it works. Steve calls it therapeutic jurisprudence. It does come down to the judge in many cases. I don't think what I do is all that special. Treat people decently, give them a chance, find humor when I can and try to be understanding. You have to get a judge who's willing to do that. But with this type of work, I feel like you can really make a difference in changing people's lives." An antibody from a human survivor (light blue or turquoise) is shown inactivating the Lassa virus surface protein. The work shows how to engineer vaccine strategies to elicit protective immune responses. Credit: Ollmann Saphire Lab Before Ebola virus ever struck West Africa, locals were already on the lookout for a deadly pathogen: Lassa virus. With thousands dying from Lassa every yearand the potential for the virus to cause even larger outbreaksresearchers are committed to designing a vaccine to stop it. Now a team led by Staff Scientist Kathryn Hastie and Professor Erica Ollmann Saphire at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has solved the structure of the viral machinery that Lassa virus uses to enter human cells. Their study, published June 2, 2017 in the journal Science, is the first to show a key piece of the viral structure, called the surface glycoprotein, for any member of the deadly arenavirus family. Importantly, the new structure provides a blueprint to design a Lassa virus vaccine. "This was a tenacious effortover a decadeto conquer a global threat," said Ollmann Saphire, senior author of the new study. Arenavirus Structure Had Never Been Seen Before This story starts with a young graduate student in San Diego and leads all the way to Sierra Leone, to a unique hospital where Lassa fever victims arrive by the thousands every year. When Hastie joined Ollmann Saphire's lab as a graduate student in 2007, she told her thesis committee she wanted to solve the structure of the assembled arenavirus glycoprotein, something never done before. "Maybe it was my graduate student naivete, but I thought it sounded interesting," said Hastie. "The thesis committee looked at her and said, 'good luck!' " Ollmann Saphire remembered. In biology, solving a structure means determining its shape in 3D. Hastie planned to solve the structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein using a technique called x-ray crystallography, in which researchers prompt protein molecules from a virus to align and form a crystal. When x-rays hit the electrons in the crystal, they create a diffraction pattern that reveals the organization of the crystal and the molecular structure of the protein that formed it. By solving the structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein, Hastie hoped to create a map of the target on the virus where antibodies need to attacka key step in developing a vaccine. X-ray crystallography depends on having a stable protein, yet all the Lassa virus glycoprotein wanted to do was fall apart. The problem was that glycoproteins are made up of smaller subunits. Other viruses have bonds that hold the subunits together, "like a staple," Hastie said. Arenaviruses don't have that staple; instead, the subunits just floated away from each other whenever Hastie tried to work with them. Another challenge was to recreate part of the viral lifecycle in the laba stage when Lassa's glycoprotein gets clipped into two subunits. "We had to figure out how to get the subunits to be sufficiently clipped and where to put the staple to make sure they stayed together," Hastie said. Meeting Patients in West Africa As Hastie tackled those challenges from her lab bench in San Diego, staff at the Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone labored on the front lines of the ongoing fight against Lassa. Until the 2014-15 Ebola virus outbreak, Kenema was the only hospital in the world to have a special ward dedicated to treating hemorrhagic fever viruses. Staff at the clinicfrom the nurses to the ambulance driversare all Lassa survivors, which gives them immunity to the disease. Scientists at TSRI have a long-term collaboration with Kenema as part of a research program run by Tulane University. "We have an excellent working relationship with them," said Hastie. Through this program, their Tulane collaborators, particularly James Robinson's group, provided the TSRI scientists with antibodies from survivors of Lassa fever. These antibodies could inactivate the virus and have been found to provide lifesaving protection to animal models. These are the kinds of antibodies researchers are hoping to elicit with a future Lassa virus vaccine. In 2009, Hastie got to visit Kenema on a trip with Ollmann Saphire. Driving up to the hospital, the team saw the staff laundry hanging outside. Inside, scientists and staff were hard at work treating patients and studying Lassa. "I had been working on the project for two years with very little success at that point," Hastie said. "Going to West Africa showed me how important it was to keep going." The molecular structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein trimer provides the blueprints to develop necessary vaccines. Credit: Christina Corbaci, TSRI Like Ebola virus, Lassa fever starts with flu-like symptoms and can lead to debilitating vomiting, neurological problems and even hemorrhaging from the eyes, gums and nose. The disease is 50 to 70 percent fataland up to 90 percent fatal in pregnant women. In between her hours studying samples in the clinic lab, Hastie visited nearby villages, where she met ecologists investigating how rodents spread the disease. In one village, locals gave the team a goat as a thank-you gift for their efforts to fight the disease. Both Hastie and Ollmann Saphire found it bizarre that Lassa strikes so many people every year without making news headlines. "Studying Lassa is critically important. Hundreds of thousands of people are infected with the virus every year, and it is the viral hemorrhagic fever that most frequently comes to the United States and Europe," said Ollmann Saphire. "Kate's study needed to be done." Success in Solving the Structure It took several more years before Hastie saw promising results, but her perseverance paid off. By creating mutant versions of important parts of the molecule, she engineered a version of the Lassa virus surface glycoprotein that didn't fall apart. She then used this model glycoprotein as a sort of magnet to find antibodies in patient samples that could bind with the glycoprotein to neutralize the virus. At last, she solved the structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein, bound to a neutralizing antibody from a human survivor. Her structure showed that the glycoprotein has two parts. She compared the shape to an ice cream cone and a scoop of ice cream. A subunit called GP2 forms the cone, and the GP1 subunit sits on top. They work together when they encounter a host cell. GP1 binds to a host cell receptor, and GP2 starts the fusion process to enter that cell. The new structure also showed a long structure hanging off the side of GP1like a drip of melting ice cream running down the cone. This "drip" holds the two subunits together in their pre-fusion state. Zooming in even closer, Hastie discovered that three of the GP1-GP2 pairs come together like a tripod. This arrangement appears to be unique to Lassa virus. Other viruses, such as influenza and HIV, also have three-part proteins (called trimers) at this site, but their subunits come together to form a pole, not a tripod. "It was great to see exactly how Lassa was different from other viruses," said Hastie, 10 years after starting the project. "It was a tremendous relief to finally have the structure." This tripod arrangement offers a path for vaccine design. The scientists found that 90 percent of the effective antibodies in Lassa patients targeted the spot where the three GP subunits came together. These antibodies locked the subunits together, preventing the virus from gearing up to enter a host cell. A future vaccine would likely have the greatest chance of success if it could trigger the body to produce antibodies to target the same site. Ollmann Saphire couldn't be prouder of her former student and long-time collaborator. She explained that Hastie accomplished something unique in structural biology. "TSRI has an institutional expertise in understanding viral structures and antibodiesand in designing vaccines," said Ollmann Saphire. "This study goes even further. The research started from scratch with the native, wild-type viruses in patients in a remote clinicand went all the way to developing a basis for vaccine design. And the work was done almost entirely by one woman." Moving Forward with a Lassa Vaccine The next step is to test a vaccine that will prompt the immune system to target Lassa's glycoprotein. "There's a tremendous global interest," Ollmann Saphire said. "I think the world woke up when they saw the scale of the Ebola outbreak." As director of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Immunotherapeutic Consortium, Ollmann Saphire is already coordinating with her partners at Tulane and Kenema to bring a vaccine to patients. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), an international collaboration that includes the Wellcome Trust and the World Health Organization as partners has recently named a vaccine for Lassa virus as one of its top three priorities. "The community is keenly interested in making a Lassa vaccine, and we think we have the best template to do that," said Ollmann Saphire. She added that with Hastie's techniques for solving arenavirus structures, researchers can now get a closer look at other hemorrhagic fever viruses, which cause death, neurological diseases and even birth defects around the world. Structural biology has recently opened new doors in vaccine design, the researchers explained. Efforts to stabilize the surface protein of HIV-1 and respiratory syncytial virus, for example, are also leading to improved immunogens that can be recognized by the most potent antibodies. Ollmann Saphire added that the Department of Energy-supported beamlines, such as 12-2 at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), which provided the x-ray beam used to finally determine the Lassa virus glycoprotein structure, and recent detector upgrades are essential for on-going advances in structural biology. More information: K.M. Hastie el al., "Structural basis for antibody-mediated neutralization of Lassa virus," Science (2017). Journal information: Science K.M. Hastie el al., "Structural basis for antibody-mediated neutralization of Lassa virus,"(2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aam7260 Becoming a parent doesnt necessarily deter adults from smoking marijuana, a University of Washington study has found. Other factors influence continued use. Credit: University of Washington Adults who smoke marijuana often cut back after becoming parentsbut they don't necessarily quit. The influence of a significant other and positive attitudes toward the drug overall, in addition to the onset of parenthood, also are factors in whether someone uses marijuana. It's a changing landscape for marijuana use, as laws ease and cultural acceptance growsin Washington state and elsewhere around the country. Against that backdrop, the study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group (SDRG) aims to present information about marijuana use among parents and nonparents alike. "When it comes to adults, we don't know long-term consequences of moderate marijuana use in the legal context, so that we cannot say that we absolutely must intervene," explained Marina Epstein, a UW research scientist and lead author of the study. "However, when it comes to parents, their use is strongly related to their children's marijuana use, and that is a significant problem, since adolescent marijuana use can be harmful. Our study wanted to prepare us to build effective interventions for all adults if it becomes an issue." The study, published online May 19 in Prevention Science, surveyed 808 adults (parents and nonparents), a group the SDRG first identified as fifth-graders at Seattle elementary schools in the 1980s as part of a long-term research project. For the marijuana study, participants were interviewed at specific intervals over a 12-year period, ending when most participants were 39 years old. That survey concluded in 2014two years after marijuana was legalized in Washington. A parent-only subset of 383 people was surveyed at separate times, ending in 2011, just before the statewide vote that gave rise to pot shops. Women and people of color made up approximately half the big study pool; of the parent subsample, about 60 percent were women, and an equivalent percentage were people of color. The increasing availability of marijuana, along with shifting societal opinions about it, lends a timeliness to the findings and provides potential for further study, Epstein said. What factors affect behavior, especially among parents? Past studies have linked parenthood with decreased marijuana use; what makes this one different is the examination of other influences, too, and how those might inform intervention strategies. More than half of Americans now support legalizing marijuana, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center report, and data from 2014 indicate a majority of Americans view alcohol as more damaging to a person's health than pot. Meanwhile, concerns about the health effects of marijuana tend to focus on children and teensyears when the brain is still developing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute on Drug Abuse stress the potential for long-term cognitive impairment, problems with attention and coordination and other risk-taking behaviors due to heavy marijuana use. For those reasons, medical professionals recommend that parents avoid using marijuanaor drinking heavilyaround kids to prevent modeling the behavior. The UW research found that, in general, a greater percentage of nonparents reported using marijuana in the past year than parents. At age 27, for example, 40 percent of nonparents said they had smoked pot, compared to about 25 percent of parents. By participants' early 30s, their marijuana use had declined, but a gap between the two groups remained: Slightly more than 16 percent of parents said they smoked pot in the past year, while 31 percent of nonparents reported the same. But the study also showed that participants who started using marijuana as young adults were much more likely to continue to use into their mid- to late 30s, even after they became parents. Having a partner who used marijuana also increased the likelihood of participants' continued use. Those trends were true of both parents and nonparents, demonstrating the impact of attitudes and the behavior of others, Epstein said. "This shows that we need to treat substance use as a family unit. It isn't enough that one person quits; intervention means working with both partners," she said. "We also need to tackle people's positive attitudes toward marijuana if we want to reduce use." And while the health risks to adults are being debated, the focus on children can be a driver for prevention campaigns, Epstein said. More information: Marina Epstein et al. Predictors of Adult Marijuana Use Among Parents and Nonparents, Prevention Science (2017). Marina Epstein et al. Predictors of Adult Marijuana Use Among Parents and Nonparents,(2017). DOI: 10.1007/s11121-017-0801-5 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Men and women experiencing problems with gaming machines (slot machines) display the same signs that their habit is out of control. However, the two sexes differ in how they handle the distress that accompanies their addiction. Women tend to be more emotional and more likely to cry or to look depressed when losing. Men may angrily channel their distress into striking or even kicking their gaming machine. These are the findings of researchers at the University of Adelaide, the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) and Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. The study is published in Springer's Journal of Gambling Studies. The data used in the paper were obtained from two recent large studies conducted in Australia of regular gamblers. Together the two surveys yielded a total sample of 1185 (580 men and 605 women). Of these, 338 were classified as problem gamblers. Men and women were found to show the same problem gambling symptoms, but some "red flags" of distress were more prevalent among the sexes. Males were more likely than females to report anger and frustration when losing. They more readily displayed aggression in their play, kicking and striking their gaming machines or playing them roughly. They often engaged in territorial stand-over tactics to scare customers away from machines that they claimed as theirs, and could be impolite towards venue staff. Women were much more likely to display visible signs of distress such as crying, or other visible signs of sadness and depression. "Signs of distress are likely to be more commonly seen indicators for female patrons while signs of anger or aggression may be more likely to be observed for males," says Anna Thomas, Manager of the AGRC. Thomas advises gambling venue staff to view any unusual behaviours such as aggression towards machines, attempts to borrow money or ask for credit, or a decline in grooming in female patrons as definite "red flags". "Behaviours that are most clearly distinctive of gambling problems in male patrons included clear and visible signs of distress, asking for loans from a venue and attempts to conceal their presence in venues from family and friends. For female patrons, asking a venue for a loan or a noticeable decline in personal grooming are particular indicators of which staff should take note," Thomas adds. The results more broadly show that the behaviour of female problem gamblers is generally more differentiated from other lower risk gamblers. "This suggests that it may be easier to detect variations in behaviour for female gamblers than for males," says Thomas. "It also means that staff may need to spend more time watching potential male problem gamblers before they can be confident that they are displaying behaviour that is different from other male gamblers." The researchers advise that staff be trained to better identify behavioural indicators, to interpret these as a whole within the greater context, and on how to confidently use such information in their interaction with patrons. Some of this training might include a focus on gender differences and diversity in gamblers. More information: Paul Delfabbro et al, Gender Differences in the Presentation of Observable Risk Indicators of Problem Gambling, Journal of Gambling Studies (2017). Journal information: Journal of Gambling Studies Paul Delfabbro et al, Gender Differences in the Presentation of Observable Risk Indicators of Problem Gambling,(2017). DOI: 10.1007/s10899-017-9691-5 University of Aberdeen researchers have developed a list of core outcomes for prostate cancer patients and doctors. Credit: University of Aberdeen Prostate cancer patients and doctors could get much-needed guidance on treatment options and their consequences thanks to a new 'checklist' developed by the University of Aberdeen. Researchers have created a list of the most important potential outcomes of treatments aimed at curing prostate cancer. Medical professionals may find it difficult to use the results of current prostate cancer medical trials to decide on best treatments for patients because each trial focusses on a different specific outcome and measures it in a different way. There is also a large number of different treatments for prostate cancer, which complicates things further. "At the moment, we are effectively comparing apples and oranges when it comes to prostate cancer studies," explains chief investigator, Thomas Lam, a consultant urological surgeon at NHS Grampian and an honorary senior clinical lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. "Some studies only look at incontinence, some look only at erectile dysfunction, others will look at different outcomes, and they often have different scales of success and failure. As a result it is incredibly difficult for patients and surgeons to make informed decisions about which treatments will yield the best results for them personally." Funded by CRANES (Cancer Research Aberdeen and North East Scotland), the three-year study carried out a systematic review of hundreds of prostate cancer trials from all over the world. Researchers were surprised to find dozens of different ways to define and measure the same outcomes making it very difficult to compare and contrast the findings of different studies looking at the same treatments After completing the review of existing trials, the research team held extensive interviews with patients, and then asked those patients and medical professionals including urologists, cancer specialists and specialist nurses to complete a large online questionnaire. This was followed up by a meeting with a sample of the patients and medical professionals to review the questionnaire results and vote on the final list of outcomes. More than two thirds of the participants were prostate cancer patients, which makes the study truly unique in the prostate cancer setting. As a result of the research, in conjunction with patients and healthcare professionals, the team were able to produce a list of 19 core outcomes which every localised prostate cancer trial should record. This set of outcomes applies across all treatments aimed at curing prostate cancer, including surgery to remove the prostate, external radiation and active surveillance (ongoing monitoring of the condition). One of the patient volunteers who contributed to the study, Andrew Mackie from Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, lost both his father and grandfather to prostate cancer and he too was diagnosed with the disease in 2013. Andrew was given the option of 'watch and wait', or go ahead with surgery by his doctor. Given his family history, he opted to have the surgery. "It was a relatively straightforward choice for me, as I had lost my father and grandfather to prostate cancer," Andrew explains. "But for many men, it's a choice they would struggle to make because despite the support from medical staff and cancer charities, the information is not clear. There didn't exist a clear indication of the number of people who might be affected by erectile dysfunction or urinary issues, etc. They couldn't say, 'if you go down this route, studies say 50% of people have this or that outcome'. "That's where this study comes in. It will ensure that there are these core outcomes for future trials and analysis of interventions so people can make a more informed decision about what route to take." Dr Steven MacLennan, Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen adds: "This is the first step in standardising the outcomes we use to demonstrate how effective treatments are in prostate cancer research - ultimately helping men with prostate cancer and the doctors who treat them make a more informed choice about treatment options. "There are research trials being done comparing treatments for prostate cancer all the time, but the outcomes they are recording are not all uniform and so it is difficult to compare like for like. If all trials record the same outcomes in the same way, it will be far easier for patients and surgeons to interpret the data and understand clearly what their options are with regards to treatment and what the likely side effects could be." Mr Lam adds: "This is a solution made for patients by patients, in equal partnership with surgeons, cancer specialists, nurses and numerous other specialists. "Different treatment options have different outcomes. One might lead to increased chance of incontinence, but better sexual function, another might result in better quality of life, and there are many more. Everyone has different priorities, and we want patients to be able to decide what the most important outcomes are for them and choose treatment that will meet their needs. This core outcome list is the first step towards us achieving that." Gladys Sangster from CRANES, who funded the research, said: "CRANES is pleased to support the work and its next phase, all of which I'm sure will benefit the people of north-east of Scotland and beyond." It is hoped the next phase of research will involve looking at standardising the way these 19 core outcomes should be measured. More information: Steven MacLennan et al. A core outcome set for localised prostate cancer effectiveness trials, BJU International (2017). Steven MacLennan et al. A core outcome set for localised prostate cancer effectiveness trials,(2017). DOI: 10.1111/bju.13854 Almost a quarter of adolescents in Austria are currently suffering from a mental health problem - First Austria-wide epidemiological study, 27 mental health problems recorded. Credit: Medical University of Vienna A reported 23.93 percent of all adolescents in Austria are currently suffering from a mental health problem, and over a third of all adolescents have had a mental health problem at some stage in their lives. That is the central finding of the first Austria-wide epidemiological study into the prevalence of mental health problems in Austria, conducted under the supervision of Andreas Karwautz and Gudrun Wagner at MedUni Vienna's Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in collaboration with the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Health Promotion Research and published in a leading child and adolescent psychiatry journal. This study is not only the first to cover the whole of Austria but also unique in its range: For the first time in the world, 27 mental health problems were recorded, on application of the DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders - US classification system) and this involved questioning around 4,000 adolescents aged between 10 and 18 from throughout Austria, nearly 500 of these in one-on-one interviews. A total of 340 Austrian schools took part. "The commonest type of problems are anxiety disorders, followed by psychological and neuronal development problems and depressive disorders," summarises child and adolescent psychiatrist Karwautz. When it comes down to the details, there are marked gender differences. While male adolescents are three times more likely to suffer from psychological and neuronal development disorders (e.g. ADHS/Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Syndrome) than girls and six times more likely to suffer from behavioural disorders (e.g. impulse control), twice as many female adolescents suffer from anxiety disorders and ten times as many from eating disorders compared with males. Only one in two seeks help Another finding of the study: Less than half of those adolescents that had suffered from a mental health problem at least once in their lives so far sought professional help from a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Whether or not they go to see the relevant specialist depends largely upon the specific problem: around 63 percent of the questioned adolescents with ADHS had been to see a specialist, barely 20 percent in the case of eating disorders and even fewer in the case of suicidal behaviour disorders (16.7 percent) and non-suicidal, self-harming behaviour (10.0 percent). According to Karwautz, this is partially due to the stigma that still persists around mental health problems and the associated high inhibition threshold to confide in a doctor, lack of understanding about mental health problems on the part of caregivers, so that the manifest problem often goes unrecognised, but also to the lack of sufficient child and adolescent psychiatrists and associated institutions in Austria, since this was only recognised as a specialism 10 years ago. Says Karwautz: "Currently there are 26 child and adolescent psychiatrists registered with health insurers for the whole of Austria and 0.04 beds per 1,000 inhabitants. Since the specialism was recently defined as being under-subscribed, it is hoped that more training places will be provided, since this is a prerequisite for ensuring that there are sufficient practitioners in future. This can only be achieved if healthcare providers, political structures and professional societies pull together." Karwautz is appealing to parents in particular to seek the help of a child and adolescent psychiatrist if they notice significant changes in their child's behaviour: "If you notice a change in behaviour or your child becomes extremely withdrawn or develops tics, you should have them seen by a specialist. And very importantly: the earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis for the future." Expert help is available! The study was the result of a joint initiative between MedUni Vienna and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Health Promotion Research (which has meanwhile ceased its activity) and was funded from "Common Health Goals" within the framework pharmaceutical contract, a cooperative agreement between the Austrian pharmaceutical industry and the social insurance system. More information: Gudrun Wagner et al. Mental health problems in Austrian adolescents: a nationwide, two-stage epidemiological study applying DSM-5 criteria, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2017). Gudrun Wagner et al. Mental health problems in Austrian adolescents: a nationwide, two-stage epidemiological study applying DSM-5 criteria,(2017). DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-0999-6 People are wearing face masks to prevent and control acquisition and transmission of influenza during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Credit: Demet/Flickr, CC-BY Immunizing children and the elderly, after the high-risk individuals, will have the greatest overall benefit when there are limited vaccine resources, saving both lives and money, according to a study published in PLOS Computational Biology by Nargesalsadat Dorratoltaj of the Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Tech, and colleagues. When vaccine supplies are limited, public health officials are often required to prioritize which populations have the greatest need for immediate immunization. Guidance on priorities based on different outcome criteria is either lacking or confusing. To get a more realistic measure of how targeted vaccination efforts benefit society at large, the Virginia Tech research team developed a "synthetic population" that works, moves, and mixes with others much like a real community. The extra level of detail in this simulation allowed researchers to capture an epidemic's indirect or social effects, such as how one person's vaccination may lower their family and co-workers' risk of infection. Previous studies have either focused on only homogeneous populations or private benefits of vaccination or a single metric for measuring the financial and medical effectiveness of vaccine priorities. The new model revealed that the overall financial impact of vaccination is much greater than scientists had previously assumed. "Depending upon the severity of influenza, the "return on investment" can increase from 3 to 7 times if we factor in how the immunity of vaccinated individuals indirectly benefits their contacts in the community by blocking the chain of transmission," said study co-author Achla Marathe. The researchers provide a framework that can be used to study different vaccine priority orders and different outcome metrics such as the total number of infections, total dollars gained, risk of death, total deaths, risk of death among children or adults, etc. "Attack rates among the children are higher than among the adults and seniors during influenza outbreaks, due to their larger social contact network and homophilous interactions in school," said senior author of the study Kaja Abbas. "Based on return on investment and higher attack rates among children, we recommend prioritizing children and seniors after high-risk subpopulations for influenza vaccination during times of limited vaccine supplies." Looking forward, the research team will apply this modelling framework to other urban and rural regions to inform policymakers how financial and medical benefits can be optimized through targeted vaccination strategies. More information: Dorratoltaj N, Marathe A, Lewis BL, Swarup S, Eubank SG, Abbas KM (2017) Epidemiological and economic impact of pandemic influenza in Chicago: Priorities for vaccine interventions. PLoS Comput Biol 13(6): e1005521. Journal information: PLoS Computational Biology Dorratoltaj N, Marathe A, Lewis BL, Swarup S, Eubank SG, Abbas KM (2017) Epidemiological and economic impact of pandemic influenza in Chicago: Priorities for vaccine interventions.13(6): e1005521. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005521 Electron microscopic image of a single human lymphocyte. Credit: Dr. Triche National Cancer Institute Changes in immune activity appear to signal a growing brain tumor five years before symptoms arise, new research has found. Interactions among proteins that relay information from one immune cell to another are weakened in the blood of brain cancer patients within five years before the cancer is diagnosed, said lead researcher Judith Schwartzbaum of The Ohio State University. That information could one day lead to earlier diagnosis of brain cancer, said Schwartzbaum, an associate professor of epidemiology and member of Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, focused on gliomas, which make up about 80 percent of brain cancer diagnoses. Average survival time for the most common type of glioma is 14 months. Symptoms vary and include headaches, memory loss, personality changes, blurred vision and difficulty speaking. On average, the cancer is diagnosed three months after the onset of symptoms and when tumors are typically advanced. "It's important to identify the early stages of tumor development if we hope to intervene more effectively," Schwartzbaum said. "If you understand those early steps, maybe you can design treatments to block further tumor growth." While widespread blood testing of people without symptoms of this rare tumor would be impractical, this research could pave the way for techniques to identify brain cancer earlier and allow for more-effective treatment, Schwartzbaum said. Schwartzbaum evaluated blood samples from 974 people, half of whom went on to receive a brain-cancer diagnosis in the years after their blood was drawn. The samples came from Norway's Janus Serum Bank. Because of previous research - including her own on the relationship between allergies and brain cancer - Schwartzbaum was interested in the role of cytokines, proteins that communicate with one another and with immune cells to spark immune responses. Schwartzbaum's previous work found that allergies appeared to offer protection against brain cancer. In this study, Schwartzbaum evaluated 277 cytokines in the blood samples and found less cytokine interaction in the blood of people who developed cancer. "There was a clear weakening of those interactions in the group who developed brain cancer and it's possible this plays a role in tumor growth and development," Schwartzbaum said. Cytokine activity in cancer is especially important to understand because it can play a good-guy role in terms of fighting tumor development, but it also can play a villain and support a tumor by suppressing the immune system, she said. In addition to discovering the weakening of cytokine interactions in the blood of future cancer patients, the researchers found a handful of cytokines that appear to play an especially important role in glioma development. The results of this study must be confirmed and further evaluated before it could translate to changes in the earlier diagnosis of brain cancer, but the discovery offers important insights, Schwartzbaum said. "It's possible this could also happen with other tumors - that this is a general sign of tumor development," she said. iflix has launched iflix Africa, which will be headquartered in Cape Town and trade as iflix (as opposed to iFlix). The Malaysian streaming video company plans to launch its service in South Africa in Q3 2017. iflix is focused on the lower end of the streaming market, and aims to partner with mobile network operators. It also plans to launch in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, with iflix Africa increasing the companys global footprint to 23 territories. The establishment of iflix Africa represents an incredibly exciting step in iflixs growth story. There is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift the way a billion people consume and enjoy content, said Mark Britt, iflix CEO. In March 2017, iflix announced the completion of a funding round worth over $90 million to support its international expansion. Now read: DStv Now streaming coming to more customers UK government freezes over 18 billion pounds worth of Russian assets Borrell calls for retooling EU infrastructure for rapid transport of military equipment to East European Council President Michel calls on EU member states to jointly purchase gas to reduce fuel prices Greece accuses Turkey of profiting from the suffering of other countries under sanctions USAID official says she personally saw how democracy, economic development are progressing in Armenia (VIDEO) Spain court sentences civilian to prison for spreading fakes Armenian Embassy in Russia issues statement on Azerbaijan's actions Indian company to supply 155mm self-propelled artillery guns worth $155mln to Armenia Japanese minister caught in scandal for talking about death penalty France changes its ambassador to Azerbaijan UN General Assembly draft resolution requires Russia to pay reparations to Ukraine Belarusian State Border Committee: Poland creates tense situation on border Joint meeting of Armenian National Assembly and Russian State Duma Committee takes place Iranian President says attempt to destabilize country fails Deputy: Russian side is informed about importance of withdrawal of Azerbaijani units from the territory of Armenia State Duma deputy: We can't imagine Russia without Armenia Georgian PM and Armenian Ambassador discuss cooperation issues Bali is short of armored limousines for G20 summit participants FLYONE ARMENIA to start flights between Yerevan, Dubai Kyodo: Emperor of Japan revealed to have prostate hyperplasia Iranian intelligence urges Saudi Arabia not to test Tehran's strategic patience Kazakhstan intends to ship 1.5 mln tons of oil via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline Former Ombudsman: 2,700 ha of Kapan community of Armenia's Syunik Province are under occupation by Baku Armenia to ratify cooperation agreement with China Japan and the US begin major joint exercise Armenia soldier sustains gunshot wound from Azerbaijan shooting Armenia legislature speaker receives deputy chair of Russia State Duma Committee for CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration PM: If anyone thinks peace agenda is peaceful annihilation of Armenia or Karabakh Armenians, they are sorely mistaken Armenia Premier: We have 16 missing persons since September 13 military aggression by Azerbaijan Bitcoin is trading just above $16,000 Armenias Pashinyan: Spreading of fake news by Azerbaijan becomes prelude to new aggression Armenia PM: Azerbaijan, with its practices, reminds of Al Qaeda and Islamic State, which discredit Islam PM: Armenia, Karabakh propose Azerbaijan to create demilitarized zone Pashinyan: There is no Armenia army in Karabakh All 10 fallen soldiers transferred on October 27 by Azerbaijan to Armenia are identified, buried Pashinyan: Armenia is going to present new proposal to Azerbaijan $25M allocated to Armenia MOD Biden says he will discuss Ukraine conflict at G20 summit Pashinyan: Armenia has no obligation to construct new roads Pashinyan: Aliyev not only threatens but is already preparing genocide of Karabakh Armenians Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan president is attempting to create invented grounds for closing Lachin Corridor Erdogan tells what relations between Turkey and Armenia depend on Iran says it has developed first hypersonic ballistic missile Armenias Pashinyan: Russia peacekeepers are deployed in Karabakh indefinitely FM Lavrov to head Russia delegation at G20 summit Erdogan: Ankara continues mediation efforts to resolve Ukrainian crisis Armenia to get 100mn loan to fund budget deficit IAEA head: Talks on Iran's nuclear program ended inconclusively Armenia PM: Aliyev grossly violated tripartite written agreement of Sochi This year 320 people seek asylum in Armenia, 213 are from Ukraine Erdogan speaks on trusting relationship with Putin Gold prices remain stable Ombudsperson in Brussels, reflects on top Azerbaijan leaderships policy of Armenophobia Indonesian authorities: Putin won't come to G20 summit in Bali World oil prices falling Washington demands part of Israeli Arrow 3 for sale to Germany, be produced in the U.S. Armenia Security Council chief meets with Lithuania officials Armenia FM heading for Paris Egypt launches Tax Free system for foreign tourists Washington, Brussels don't approve German plan to resume transatlantic trade talks Newspaper: Armenias Mirzoyan makes it clear to Blinken that wording Artsakh should be included Newspaper: Armenia parliamentary opposition decides to return to legislative body Polar and brown bear hybrids may appear in Yakutia due to climate change Volkswagen releases office chair with electric motor and klaxon Israel reveals Pulcinella secret, admitting that it used drones not only for surveillance Chinese woman makes dresses for her daughter out of trash bags 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 WASHINGTON, DC - A senior member of the U.S. House Transportation Committee has warmly welcomed discussions between Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) regarding the establishment of direct flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Yerevan (EVN). Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA), a nationally respected legislator with a long track record of leadership on a broad array of ANCA-backed policy priorities, represents Californias 32nd Congressional District, home to the ANCA San Gabriel Valley chapter and a large and active Armenian American community. I am encouraged that the ANCA and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) have begun a welcome dialogue on establishing a direct LAX to Yerevan flight, shared Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, I look forward to lending my support to this creative initiative to explore how to directly connect Armenia with Los Angeles. I commend the ANCA and LAWA for taking the first steps in this regard, she added. The Congresswoman, who serves on the Transportation Committee's Aviation Subcommittee, is a leading national voice on aviation issues. This Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, infrastructure, labor, commerce, and international issues. All programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), except for research activities, are within the purview of the Subcommittee. Earlier this month, the ANCA met LAWA officials about launching direct flights between the United States and Armenia, an ANCA policy priority that will - in addition to saving travelers time and inconvenience - substantially boost tourism, increase business travel, expand cargo traffic, and strengthen U.S.-Armenia bilateral economic relations. The discussions with LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint and Deputy Executive Director and Chief of External Affairs Trevor Daley provided an opportunity for a positive and constructive exchange of views about the practical steps needed to establish direct air service between LAX and Zvartnots Airport (EVN) in Yerevan. The ANCA was represented by Chairman Raffi Hamparian and long-time community leader Zanku Armenian, who has extensive experience in the commercial aviation industry, having worked with each of the major U.S. airlines on bilateral aviation agreements and a range of aviation-related regulatory and policy issues. The ANCA is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a public-private partnership regarding establishing U.S. to Armenia flights, involving U.S. airlines and relevant government agencies, among them the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and Transportation Security Administration. These direct flights would include both passenger and cargo traffic. The Azerbaijani side, which was outraged by a fair position of Cypriot authorities over the Karabakh conflict, is trying to take counter measures. Within the framework of his official visit to Cyprus, Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan met with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. Following the meeting, the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry distributed a release, which states: The sides touched upon the Cyprus problem and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. According to the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, drawing parallels is wrong, as unlike Northern Cyprus, occupied by Turkey, Artsakh is the historical territory of Armenians. This quote became a reason for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's representative to complaint and then to try to neutralize the statement of the Foreign Minister of Cyprus. To this end, the Azerbaijani news agency haqqin.az has addressed the Cypriot political scientist Petros Kareklas. The last allegedly redirected the appeal to the Cypriot Foreign Ministry and received a response, as a result of which the news agency published a refutation. The Foreign Minister of Cyprus categorically denies that he made such a statement at a meeting with the Defense Minister of Armenia or in other place, Kareklas said. Beyond the question, whether political scientist has a right to undertake the functions of the press service of the ministry, there is something more important. The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus did not even think about denial of the information. No way of retracting back anything he said. So the idea that we might issue a balanced or pro-Azerbaijani statement is unsubstantiated, the ministry said. A year after Nagorno-Karabakhs April 2016 violent flare-up, Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer to war than at any point since the 1994 ceasefire, the report of the International Crisis Group says. According to the experts, both sides seem to recognize the danger that in case of escalation two major regional powers, Russia and Turkey, which have treaties with, respectively, Armenia and Azerbaijan, will be engaged. While violence remains at a relatively low boil, any escalation quickly could spin out of control, and the danger of more deadly fighting involving highly destructive weaponry is real. Failure to contain a future escalation likely would result in heavy casualties coupled with foreign intervention. Troop deployment from any of the regional powers would deeply impact Armenia and Azerbaijan, and their sovereignty, at a time when both have just celebrated 25 years of independence, the report notes. Armenia concerned about Nagorno-Karabakhs security and angered by Bakus increased assertiveness insists on a lowering of security risks before launching substantive talks. At the same time, Azerbaijan is frustrated with the longstanding status quo and concerned that additional security measures could further cement it. According to the analysts, the coordinated actions of Russia, France and the U.S.with the strong involvement of their leadershipare the best way to prevent the resumption of war. [] [T]hey also should press Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders to tone down hostile rhetoric, soften their negotiating positions and acknowledge privately, but also publicly that this conflict ultimately will only be resolved through negotiations, not by force, the authors conclude. How Protective Eyewear Has Changed Dramatically Over the Decades Today's safety eyewear can be so lightweight and comfortable that at times workers don't even notice they are wearing it once it's on. Protective eyewear has come a long way since it was first invented in 1880. P. Johnson's patented "eye protector" used two layers of semi-opaque cloth. His goal was to have firemen, furnace-men, and others exposed to bright lights use them to reduce the intensity. However, his "eye protector" did not yet offer any impact protection. Today, safety eyewear is worn by those working in the manufacturing, construction, and medical industries to protect their eyes from impact, particles in the air, glare, and, in some cases, harmful ultraviolet light rays. In honor of National Safety Month, below is an overview of the history of vision protection leading up to 2017, where recent and continued advances in safety eyewearfrom style and fit to functionalitygive great reasons for workers to want to wear modern day protective eyewear. The History of Safety Eyewear In 1903, French scientist Edouard Benedictus made a clumsy mistake that led to his invention of safety glass. He was climbing a ladder in his laboratory to retrieve reagents from a shelf when he knocked a glass flask to the floor. He heard the glass shatter but then, to his astonishment, discovered that the pieces of the broken flask still hung together, essentially in their original contour. Benedictus inspected the situation and found the flask had recently held a solution of cellulose nitrate, a liquid plastic. Although it had evaporated or been washed out of the flask, it appeared to have deposited a thin coating of plastic on the flask's interior. Shortly thereafter, when reading a story in the Paris newspaper about a recent rash of automobile accidents in which drivers were seriously injured by shattered glass windshields, Benedictus had the idea to experiment with the liquid plastic by using it to coat glass and thereby create safety glass that could be used in automobile windshields. Meanwhile, around the same time in the United States, America's first teacher of optics, Julius King, grew concerned about industrial eye injuries. As a result, his company set up an industrial safety and eye protection department and, in 1909, the Julius King Optical Company developed the first safety goggle in collaboration with American Optical. They were called SANIGLAS. This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Safer Soap: A Look at Harmful Ingredients Found in Hand Cleansers According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 40 percent of workers will suffer from occupational dermatitis at some point in their working lives. People often read food labels to ensure a product they're consuming doesn't contain harmful ingredients such as preservatives, trans-fats, and artificial sweeteners. But, have you ever looked at the ingredients in your hand soap? If you're using an industrial hand cleanser, the label likely lists petroleum distillates as an ingredient. Petroleum distillates are hydrocarbon solvents produced from crude oil and include mineral spirits, kerosene, white spirits, naphtha, and Stoddard solvents. These solvents are produced in oil refineries at the same time as automobile fuel, heating oil, and chemical feedstocks. Many industrial cleansers use them for the removal of heavy oil and grease, tar, and waxes, meaning you could be washing your hands with them. Scary Side Effects Petroleum distillates can have a negative effect on the body if they come in contact with the skin. Short-term exposure can cause skin irritation, but the effects from long-term exposure are even scarier. Prolonged exposure to petroleum distillates is known to cause skin drying or cracking, a condition known as dermatitis. This occurs because the solvents defat pathways around the skin cells, causing inflammation and skin dehydration. Some manufacturers even place warning labels on their products, prompting users to use caution. For example, in 2001, the Zep Manufacturing Company issued a warning regarding its liquid hand cleanser, product 0925, which stated, "Skin which is repeatedly defatted by contact with this product may be more susceptible to irritation, infection or dermatitis."1 In addition to contact dermatitis, petroleum distillates are often contaminated with carcinogens which are absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to harmful levels of toxins in the body. In fact, the European Union banned certain petroleum distillates in cosmetics and personal care products due to concern surrounding these possible human carcinogens.2 This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Safety Eyewear for Computer Vision Syndrome Computer work is more visually demanding than any other type of office work. As providers of safety eyewear, we are often asked about eye health problems of individuals related to computer or tablet usage. In todays industry, computer use and use of digital devices is not limited to the office worker, but occurs in every shop floor, laboratory, and other production facility. Manufacturing and industrial operations have computers or other digital screen devices in almost all aspects of their operations. Workers and employers now have to be concerned with the eye injuries traditionally associated with production and also with the effects of computers, which cause Computer Vision Syndrome. Computer Vision Syndrome"CVS" or Digital Eye Strainoccurs because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them. CVS is a health issue recognized by the American Optometric Association that can cause eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision, as well as burning, itching, and dry eyes due to prolonged computer, tablet, cell phone, and other digital screen device usage. Computer work is more visually demanding than any other type of office work. Images on a computer screen differ from the kind of image the eye is used to seeing with printed materials. Unlike printed text, each image or letter on the computer screen is made up of small pixels of light that are brightest in the center and become dimmer toward the edge of the pixel. In addition, when viewing a computer screen, unconsciously the eyes repeatedly attempt to rest by shifting the focus of the eyes to a point somewhere beyond the screen. As a result, the eyes must constantly refocus back to the computer screen. This constant switch between screen and relaxation point creates eyestrain and fatigue. Other issues with digital screens take a toll, as well, including screen resolution and contrast, the refresh rate of the image and flicker, screen glare, and the distance and angle of the screen. This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Welcome Changes for ASSE Look for the rebrand to start rolling out in the first quarter of 2018 with a refreshed website. Assuming the House of Delegates vote this month and then the members' vote go as expected, the American Society of Safety Engineers, ASSE, will soon have a new name, a new global brand and logo, a fresher website, and a new taglinein all, a rebirth of this very important organization. And so, in that spirit, let's welcome the American Society of Safety Professionals. I'm 100 percent in favor of the new name, the new logo, the "Working together for a safer, stronger future" tagline, and of maintaining the word "American" in the 105-year-old association's name even though it has members and sections in several other countries. This is sure to be one of the hottest topics of conversation for those of us who will be in Denver this month to attend the Safety 2017 conference. ASSE already has asked members and key stakeholders for their opinions about the changes and says this new name came out on top among six candidate names. The House of Delegates will vote June 19, then an electronic vote by members will be open for 45 days. At 37,000 members and growing, the society wants to unify under a single global brand, to increase its recognition beyond members to industry leaders, to deepen its relationship with current members, and to be better positioned to attract and retain younger professionals. "The Board of Directors believes our future is now," said outgoing President Tom Cecich, CSP, CIH. "Changing our name and logo are bold, significant proposals that we believe will position our organization for the future." Look for the rebrand to start rolling out in the first quarter of 2018 with a refreshed website. In this case, change is good, I saybring it on! This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. This is the fourth in a five-part Madison365 series highlighting Wisconsin residents of Latino heritage who have accomplished great things and made a real impact in business, education, government, media and the nonprofit sector. Read Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here. Para leer en espanol, haga clic aqui. Michael Hernandez Michael Hernandez is Principal of Madison East High School, one of the most diverse schools in the state and a focal point of Madisons east side community. In 2015, the former Sherman Middle School principal was given the Roberto G. Sanchez Award which honors an individual, group or organization that has demonstrated leadership in advancing educational and career opportunities for Latinos. He has three masters degrees that he earned at California State University in San Bernardino, California. He is currently working on his doctorate at Edgewood College. Previously, he earned his bachelor of science degree in education at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Jose Delgado Jose Delgado is a giant in the electrical utility industry in the Midwest. After 27 years at Wisconsin Electric Power Co. (now We Energies) starting as an electrical engineer and ending as Vice President of Electric System Operations, Delgado was named to head up the formation of American Transmission Company, the first multi-state transmission-only utility in the United States. The Marquette alum has served on a wide variety of national and regional committees and councils overseeing and supporting the electrical industry. He was a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and of the Marquette University School of Engineering National Advisory Council. He has served on the Board of Forward Wisconsin, the United Community Center and the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. He is currently a member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Teresa Mercado Teresa Mercado is executive director of Mexican Fiesta, the largest Latino festival in the Midwest, and the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation that it funds. Her festival will celebrate its 44th year Aug. 25-27, as more than 85,000 people will descend on the Summerfest grounds to celebrate Mexican culture through food, music, dance and family activities. To date, the foundation has provided more than $1.3 million in scholarships for Latino students in Wisconsin. In recognition of her efforts, United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) named Teresa Hispanic Woman of the Year in 2015. Ana Baez Ana Baez is a bilingual counselor at the states largest bilingual high school, South Division in Milwaukee. She works to help students achieve their full potential through a variety of career panels, college preparation, National Academy Foundation programs in health sciences and one-on-one guidance. The daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants grew up in Milwaukee and attended the University of Wisconsin as a PEOPLE scholar. She earned a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a Certificate in Chicano/Latino Studies and went on to earn her masters degree in 2008, always with an eye toward returning to Milwaukee to serve the community. While a student at UW, she was one of nine co-founders of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma, the fastest-growing Latina-based multicultural sorority. Gary Ballesteros Gary Ballesteros currently fulfills two roles for Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation: First, as vice president, law, he leads a team of 16 lawyers and paralegals around the globe supporting the companys go-to-market strategies, navigating all the challenges that come with $6 billion in annual sales. Second, as ombudsman, he also serves a critical role in the companys culture of ethics and integrity. The ombudsman has a direct reporting authority to the Board of Directors and is empowered to investigate any claims or allegations of misconduct within the company. The ombudsman maintains a variety of hotline reporting mechanisms that can be accessed anonymously by any employee worldwide, and he also manages a staff of investigative personnel and counsel who investigate any reported violations of the Rockwell Code of Conduct. Mayor Jason Gonzalez Mayor Jason Gonzalez is the first Latino and first millennial mayor of Fitchburg, the growing and increasingly diverse suburb of Madison. He was also the first Latino on the Fitchburg Common Council when he was elected in 2013 and unexpectedly unseated the incumbent mayor earlier this year. A Madison-area native and UW alum, Gonzalez is a criminal defense attorney. A shiny new counter service doughnut shop is opening on Friday, June 2 in the former home of Goldcoast Subs at 2264 N. Prospect Ave. A grand opening is planned for mid-June. But first, it will host a soft opening Thursday, June 1 from 7 a.m. to midnight or, we suspect, until they run out of fresh, hot doughnuts. Donut Squad is owned by two recent UW-Milwaukee graduates, Bobby Kaid and Moe Dakwar, and they wont serve just any run-of-the-mill doughnuts. Kaid notes that doughnuts will come in three categories: traditional (yeast or cake doughnuts with frosting, glaze, powdered sugar or fillings); specialty (doughnuts topped with less traditional items like sour patch kids, Oreo cookies, candies and a variety of popular cereals); and specialty filled (examples include a Boston cream doughnut which features Nutella, chocolate and crushed Reeses Peanut Butter Cups). On a daily basis, customers can look forward to a core of regular doughnut flavors, along with special limited edition doughnuts. Moving forward, they also plan to add doughnut sandwiches filled with ice cream, hopefully in time for their grand opening. On the beverage side, Donut Squad will serve Colectivo coffee, juices and a variety of bottled drinks. Milkshakes and smoothies are also on the docket in the future. Tentative hours for Donut Squad are Sunday through Wednesday 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Kaid says theyll be testing out the waters during their first few weeks in business, but they anticipate serving through bar time on weekends. Follow the Squad for doughnut porn and flavor updates on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Warby Parker is opening a new retail location in Milwaukees Historic Third Ward neighborhood. According to several sources, the popular eyeglasses company will assume the former Kit and Ace retail space, 315 N. Broadway. Currently, Vibrant Body Company is occupying the spot with a short term, pop-up bra shop for the next several weeks. A spokesperson for Warby Parker wouldn't confirm an exact location but said, via email, "We are planning to open a store in Milwaukee in the upcoming months, but lease confirmation and additional location details have yet to be finalized." This would be the first Warby Parker location in Wisconsin. There are three retail locations in the Chicago area. Since its founding in 2010, the eyewear startup has raised $215 million and opened 51 stores. Warby Parker has recently launched in Washington D.C., Portland and Philadelphia. In January, the company said it planned to open 25 new locations this year. Warby Parker allows customers to select up to five styles online, which are delivered to their homes and tested out for free. For every pair sold, the company donates a pair of glasses to people in need through the nonprofit VisionSpring. Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more information as it becomes available. The animation above shows how white light from a galaxy going through a prism gets decomposed into all its colorsjust like a rainbow. The figure shows how the different colors end up in different positions. In this example violet/blue toward the bottom, orange/red toward the top. At each color, we have an image of the galaxy. Credit: University of Minnesota A new citizen science project, led by astronomers at the University of Minnesota, is asking volunteers to help them with web classifications of galaxy spectra to find "baby" galaxies that are giving birth to new stars. The project, named Galaxy Nurseries, marks the 100th project and 10-year anniversary of Zooniverse, the world's largest and most popular people-powered research platform. "To celebrate the 100th project of Zooniverse, we are issuing a special challenge to the public to help us complete this new project in just 100 hours," said Claudia Scarlata, lead researcher on the Galaxy Nurseries project and University of Minnesota physics and astronomy associate professor. "Without help from the public, this project could have taken our team a year to complete the 40 classifications for each object." The Zooniverse online platform runs on support from volunteers, which now number in the hundreds of thousands worldwide. These volunteers act as armchair scientists, helping the team with their online research from the comfort of their own homes. Funded by NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the main goal of this new Galaxy Nurseries project is to discover thousands of new baby galaxies in the distant Universe using the light they emitted when the Universe was only half of its current age. Accurately measuring the distances to these galaxies is crucial, but this is not an easy task. To measure distances, images are not sufficient, and researchers need to analyze galaxy spectra. A spectrum is produced by decomposing the light that enters a telescope camera into its many different colors (or wavelengths). This is similar to the way that water droplets split white light into the beautiful colors of a rainbow after a storm. The horizontal rainbows above show the spectra for the two objects on the left. The beautiful spiral galaxy at the center of the image is seen at it was 4 billion years ago. Researchers can say this because they see an emission line from hydrogen in its spectrum (indicated with an arrow). This emission line allows them to measure the galaxys distance. Credit: University of Minnesota This project uses the Wide Field Camera 3 carried by the Hubble Space Telescope to capture both images and spectra of hundreds of regions in the sky. The data allows researchers to find new galaxies (from the images) and simultaneously measure their distances (using the spectra). Researchers find galaxies by identifying features called "emission lines" in galaxy spectra. Emission lines appear as peaks in the spectrum and are produced when the presence of certain atomic elements in a galaxy (for example oxygen, or hydrogen), cause it to emit light much more strongly at a specific wavelength. "The real trick is finding the emission line features in the galaxy spectra," Scarlata said. "Like many modern scientific experiments, we have written computer code that tries to identify these lines for us, but because our automatic line finder is only a machine, the code produces many bogus detections. It turns out that the visual processing power and critical thinking of people is much better than a computer in this case." With help from Zooniverse volunteers, the researchers can eliminate the false positives and find galaxies that are some of the youngest and smallest that have ever been discovered. Citizen scientists receive a tutorial on the Zooniverse platform before beginning their work. Together, the citizen scientists will examine more than 10,000 images from the Hubble Space Telescope. If citizen scientists are unsure about their classifications, the platform includes a discussion forum feature where they can talk with other citizen scientists. "These classifications from citizen scientists will also be used to create a next-generation galaxy and line detection algorithm that is much less susceptible to being fooled and generating spurious detections," Scarlata said. "The work of all of these citizen scientists will be very valuable for the new NASA missions launched in the next decade." Researchers find galaxies by identifying features called emission lines in galaxy spectra. Credit: University of Minnesota To begin classifying images for the Galaxy Nurseries project, visit the Zooniverse website. Zooniverse co-founder and University of Minnesota physics and astronomy associate professor Lucy Fortson said this new project highlights the great work of Zooniverse and citizen science. "Over the past 10 years, the volunteers on Zooniverse have enabled a tremendous amount of science to be accomplished, including more than 100 peer reviewed papers," Fortson said. "But what amazes me the most is the dedication of our volunteer community. As we launch our 100th project, it is a real message of hope that so many people are interested in participating in the process of science." Although it began as an astronomy platform, Zooniverse now features a number of international projects, covering fields ranging from humanities and biology, to the hugely popular ecology initiative, Penguin Watch. Zooniverse is led by the University of Oxford and Chicago's Adler Planetarium in close collaboration with the member institutions of the Citizen Science Alliance, with particular leadership from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Portsmouth. "Over the past 10 years, the volunteers on Zooniverse have enabled a tremendous amount of science to be accomplished, including more than 100 peer reviewed papers," Fortson said. "But what amazes me the most is the dedication of our volunteer community. As we launch our 100th project, it is a real message of hope that so many people are interested in participating in the process of science." Although it began as an astronomy platform, Zooniverse now features a number of international projects, covering fields ranging from humanities and biology, to the hugely popular ecology initiative, Penguin Watch. Perdigao scientists study valley meteorology and the "wake" of the wind turbine in the background. Credit: Perdigao Experimental Group Over the past month, researchers have descended on Portugal's Vale Do Cobrao near the Spanish border to study the valley's wind flow patterns. The international project, known as Perdigao after the closest town, is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and involves more than 50 atmospheric scientists. They're working to better understand how wind moves over variable terrain. The project began on May 1 and will continue until June 15. "The Perdigao field experiment is an impressive effort that involves U.S. researchers and their colleagues in Europe," said Nick Anderson, program director in NSF's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences, which funds Perdigao. "Data from Perdigao's instrument array will improve our understanding of wind flow over complex terrain, with benefits to weather forecasting and wind energy." The United States and the European Union have expressed interest in increasing wind energy shares of their respective total energy consumption. Doing so will require updated models for a more detailed and accurate understanding of wind flow in natural settings, scientists say. The research promises to improve assessments of wind resources in Europe and elsewhere, and to help determine optimal sites for building wind turbines. Scientists at the Perdigao site are using an existing, full-scale turbine to study interactions of the turbine with varying wind flows and topography. Vale Do Cobrao, which stretches between two parallel ridges, is a mosaic of farmland, vegetation, canyons, gullies and a river. The valley's wind flow is usually perpendicular to the ridges, but can reverse and build to powerful gusts. The researchers' instruments are collecting data on wind flow, including velocity, turbulence, temperature, moisture and radiation. The Perdigao project is a paradigm shift from previous field studies, according to Harindra Fernando, principal investigator of the study for the U.S. group and a scientist at the University of Notre Dame. The release of a meteorological instrument called a radiosonde, which ascends tens of kilometers. Credit: Perdigao Experimental Group "Perdigao is a leap forward from the early wind flow experiments conducted in the late 1970s," Fernando said. "Those studies focused on wind flow over a single hill. The resulting data have been, and continue to be, heavily used today." Perdigao's U.S. group includes researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder, Cornell University, the University of Oklahoma, University of California, Berkeley, and the Army Research Laboratory. The NSF-funded National Center for Atmospheric Research is providing equipment and logistical and scientific data support. Perdigao capitalizes on recent technological advances in remote sensing. It includes 30 scanning and profiling units to map the valley's atmosphere, Fernando said. Researchers will map the flow field in greater detail using improved models and a new understanding of wind flow based on the new data set. Along an estimated 4-mile-long, 1-mile-wide swath of the valley, researchers have set up an array of instruments, including approximately 50 towers ranging in height from 10 to 100 meters. The towers are equipped with sonic anemometers to measure air flow and turbulence. Thermistor arrays, microwave radiometers and an Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) measure temperature structure. LI-COR systems measure carbon dioxide and water vapor, while radiometers measure the incoming, outgoing and net radiation. The scientists have set up remote sensors that use technology such as SODAR (SOnic Detection And Ranging), LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and wind profilers to capture flow measurements. In addition, four to 16 radio soundings are being deployed to map the atmospheric structure in and above the valley. Additional equipment will track fine-scale turbulence, pressure perturbations, lower atmospheric meteorological profiles and acoustic levels. By the end of the project, the scientists will have obtained the most advanced wind flow data to date. The head of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt (R) and US President Donald Trump speak to the media in the Rose Garden of the White House President Donald Trump's dramatic decision to pull out of the 195-nation Paris climate accord deals a dramatic blow to US world leadership and international cooperation. Amid shock that the world's richest economy had turned its back on a deal seen by many as the last best hope of slowing global warming, other nations promised to step up. But Washington's superpower shoes will be hard to fill, and Trump's decision will further alienate an already nervous Europe and a suspicious China. The United States never ratified a previous climate agreement, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, undercutting its credibility and power to effectively curtail carbon emissions. But when the world met again in 2015 to build a more ambitious accord, the then US administration of Barack Obama championed an ambitious stance. US diplomatic and economic muscle was vital in getting emerging powers and growing polluters like India on boardand on striking a deal with China. Secretary of State John Kerry was on hand on December 12, 2015 to shepherd the hotly debated text through to agreement in Paris at an emotional ceremony. And in April 2016 he sat with his granddaughter on his knee at the United Nations to join every other country in the world save Syria and Nicaragua in signing on. On Thursday, Kerry was furious at the damage he feels the US pull-out will do to the planet and future generationsbut also at the blow to American prestige. "This is an unprecedented forfeiture of American leadership," he declared in a statement from his office at the Carnegie Endowment. Trump's decision, he warned, "will cost us influence, cost us jobs, and invite other countries to walk away from solving humanity's most existential crisis. "It isolates the United States after we had united the world," he added. Washington alone The first signs of that new isolation were not long in coming. France, Germany and Italy issued an immediate statement dismissing Trump's vague offer to negotiate a new accord with better guarantees for US industry. The European Commission moved to secure the abandoned leadership of the climate change fight to Brussels, pledging that the world "can count on Europe." And a spokesman for United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed "major disappointment." President Donald Trump on climate change "It is crucial that the United States remains a leader on environmental issues," said the official, Stephane Dujarric. But the ease with which Trump shrugged off US commitments that took months of hard effort to agree on reflects a weakness in Obama and Kerry's victory. While they managed to persuade India, China and other emerging giants to sign on to the deal, they knew they would never get the US Senate to ratify it. The consensus deal that they sought was not, therefore, a treaty that bound their successors. In effect, the accord rested on Washington maintaining faith. Trump, in step with much of the Republican Party and large numbers of voters, was already skeptical of any measures that would restrict traditional US industry. But his White House also includes those such as influential strategy chief Steve Bannon, who reject any notion of international oversight on US governance. Abdicating responsibility Observers quickly saw the fingerprints of Bannona self-declared "economic nationalist"on Trump's speech tearing up the accord. Trump alleged that the rest of the world had applauded the Paris deal for "the simple reason that it put our country ... at a very, very big economic disadvantage." "Foreign leaders in Europe, Asia and across the world should not have more to say with respect to the US economy than our own citizens and their elected representatives. "Thus our withdrawal from the agreement represents a reassertion of America's sovereignty," he declared, to applause from his senior team. This is in line with Trump's criticisms of the NATO alliance and the NAFTA free trade zone, or his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks. His "America First" vision, as outlined by former oil executive Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, puts US job creation ahead of building foreign partnerships. But the better trade deals Trump says he wants to pursue will require winning the trust of bruised foreign leadersand may include clauses on environmental regulation. And if Washington won't lead, who will? "The Trump Administration has said its primary economic interest is in jobs, innovation and competitiveness," said Richard Morningstar, former US ambassador to the EU and now director of the Global Energy Center at the Atlantic Council. "By this action we are ceding leadership on climate and new technologies to China and Europe," he said, warning: "The President's decision to withdraw from Paris is a huge mistake. There is no upside." And, as Samantha Gross of the Brookings Institute warned: "Our withdrawal also opens up a geopolitical space in climate leadership that may or may not be filled." 2017 AFP The stakes on climate change have never been higher as Earth's average global temperature scales new heights, sea ice retreats and extreme weather events become more frequent As President Donald Trump prepares to announce whether he will pull America out of the 2015 Paris Agreement sanctioned by his predecessor and nearly 200 other world leaders, the stakes on climate change have never been higher. Earth's average global temperature is scaling new heights, sea ice is retreating, extreme weather events have become more frequent and species are increasingly under threat, say scientists. A summary of the evidence: 1.1 degrees In 2016, Earth's average surface temperature hit a record level for the third consecutive year since records began in 1880. The global average temperature was about 1.1 degree Celsius (1.98 Fahrenheit) higher than the pre-industrial era. This is when mankind's mass burning of coal, and later oil and gas, started hiking levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The 21st century has already seen 16 of the 17 hottest years on record. Some of the world's biggest cities may be as much as eight degrees Celsius (14.4 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter by 2100, said a recent study. Melting ice Arctic summer sea ice shrank to 4.14 million square kilometres (1.6 million square miles) in 2016the second-lowest after 2012, when it reached 3.39 million km2. The Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer as early as 2030. In parts of Arctic Russia, temperatures were 6 C to 7 C higher than the long-term average. Graphic showing key points of the Paris agreement, enshrining a slew of green commitments, including limiting temperature rises and emissions goals On the other extreme of the world, Antarctica, sea ice last year hit its lowest extent ever recorded by satellites. High-altitude glaciers, meanwhile, declined in surface area in 2015 for the 36th year in a row. 400 parts per million The atmospheric concentrations of the three most potent greenhouse gasescarbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)all hit new highs in 2016. For the first time on record, in 2015, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere averaged 400 parts per million (ppm). Most climate scientists agree that greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere must be capped at 450 ppm of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) for a fighting chance to limit average global warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial levels. This is the cap enshrined in the Paris Agreement. Fossil fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions are thought to have remained stable in 2016 for the third consecutive year, even as the global economy grew. But to stay on target for 2 C, they need to decline. Meanwhile, scientists are also worried about a rise in levels of methane, which has a far more potent warming effect than CO2. The rise is so far unexplained. But one feared source is melting Arctic permafrost, which could eventually release billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. 70 millimetres Sea level rise, caused when ice melts and warmer water expands, appears to be accelerating, according to the latest data. Climate change is increasingly threatening animals and plants while scientists warn parts of Australia's Great Barrier Reef may never recover from an unprecedented second straight year of bleaching The average ocean level was 70 millimetres (2.75 inches) higher in 2015 than in 1993, having risen as much as 30 percent faster in the 10 years to 2015 than in the previous decade. The pace is likely to pick up further as ice sheets and glaciers shed mass, threatening the homes and livelihoods of tens of millions of people in low-lying areas around the world. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in January the global average sea level could be between 0.3 and 2.5 metres (one foot to 8.2 feet) higher by 2100. On current trends, meltwater just from the Antarctic ice sheet could contribute to a metre of lift, according to one study. Extreme events The WMO says there are demonstrable links between man-made climate change and some extreme events, especially heatwaves. The number of climate-related extreme eventsdroughts, forest fires, floods, major storm surgeshas doubled since 1990, research has shown. The intensity of typhoons battering China, Taiwan, Japan and the Korean Peninsula since 1980, for example, has increased by 12 to 15 percent. Natural disasters drive about 26 million people into poverty every year, says the World Bank, and cause annual losses of about $520 million (463 million euros). 1,688 species Of the 8,688 species of animals and plants listed as "threatened" on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List, 19 percent1,688 specieshave been negatively affected by climate change. Scientists warn that parts of Australia's Great Barrier Reef may never recover from an unprecedented second straight year of bleaching. 2017 AFP This image shows the structure of berkelium in oxidation state +IV. Researchers used the new Berkeley Lab algorithm to calculate the absorption spectrum and confirm what what several experimental results have been hintingthat the element berkelium breaks form with its heavy element peers by taking on an extra positive charge when bound to a synthetic organic molecule. This property could help scientists develop better methods for handling and purifying nuclear materials. Credit: Bert de Jong, Berkeley Lab Glow-in-the-dark objects seem magical when you're a kidthey can brighten up a dark room without the need for electricity, batteries or a light bulb. Then at some point you learn the science behind this phenomenon. Chemical compounds called chromophores become energized, or excited, when they absorb visible light. As they return to their normal state, the stored energy is released as light, which we perceive as a glow. In materials science, researchers rely on a similar phenomenon to study the structures of materials that will eventually be used in chemical catalysis, batteries, solar applications and more. When a molecule absorbs a photonthe fundamental particle of lightelectrons in the molecular system are promoted from a low-energy (ground) state to a higher-energy (excited) state. These responses resonate at specific light frequencies, leaving "spectral fingerprints" that illuminate the atomic and electronic structures of the system being studied. In experiments, the "spectral fingerprints" or absorption spectrum, are measured with state-of-the-art facilities like the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). In computer simulations, these measurements are typically captured with a quantum mechanical method called Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT). The computational models are critical in helping researchers make the most of their experiments by predicting and validating results. Yet despite its usefulness, there are times when TDDFT cannot not be used to calculate the absorption spectrum of a system because it would require too much time and computer resources. This is where a new mathematical "shortcut" developed by researchers in Berkeley Lab's Computational Research Division (CRD) comes in handy. Their algorithm speeds up absorption calculations by a factor of five, so simulations that used to take 10 to 15 hours to compute can now be done in approximately 2.5 hours. A paper describing this method was published in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation (JCTC). And the new approach for computing the absorption spectrum will be incorporated in an upcoming release of the widely used NWChem computational chemistry software suite later this year. New Algorithms Lead to Computational Savings To study the chemical structure of new molecules and materials, scientists typically probe the system with an external stimulustypically a laserthen look for small electronic changes. Mathematically, this electronic change can be expressed as an eigenvalue problem. By solving this eigenvalue problem, researchers can get a good approximation of the absorption spectrum, which in turn reveals the resonant frequencies of the system being studied. Meanwhile, the corresponding eigenvector is used to calculate how intensely the system responded to the stimulus. This is essentially the principle behind the TDDFT approach, which has been implemented in several quantum chemistry software packages, including the open-source NWChem software suite. While this approach has proven to be successful, it does have limitations for large systems. The wider the energy range of electronic responses a researcher tries to capture in a system, the more eigenvalues and eigenvectors need to be computed, which also means more computing resources are necessary. Ultimately, the absorption spectrum of a molecular system with more than 100 atoms becomes prohibitively expensive to compute with this method. This plot shows how the absorption spectrum of a p3b2 molecule computed by the Lanczos algorithm matches with the real-time TDDFT result. Credit: Chao Yang, Berkeley Lab To overcome these limitations, mathematicians in CRD developed a technique to compute the absorption spectrum directly without explicitly computing the eigenvalues of the matrix. "Traditionally, researchers have had to compute the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of very large matrices in order to generate the absorption spectrum, but we realized that you don't have to compute every single eigenvalue to get an accurate view of the absorption spectrum," says Chao Yang, a CRD mathematician who led the development of the new approach. By reformulating the problem as a matrix function approximation, making use of a special transformation and taking advantage of the underlying symmetry with respect to a non-Euclidean metric, Yang and his colleagues were able to apply the Lanczos algorithm and a Kernal Polynomial Method (KPM) to approximate the absorption spectrum of several molecules. Both of these algorithms require relatively low-memory compared to non-symmetrical alternatives, which is the key to the computational savings. Because this method requires less computing power to achieve a result, researchers can also easily calculate the absorption spectrum for molecular systems with several hundreds of atoms. "This method is a significant step forward because it allows us to model the absorption spectrum of molecular systems of hundreds of atoms at lower computational cost." says Niranjan Govind, a computational chemist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who collaborated with the Berkeley Lab team on the development of the method in the NWChem computational chemistry program. Recently Berkeley Lab scientists used this method to calculate the absorption spectrum and confirm what several experimental results have been hintingthat the element berkelium breaks form with its heavy element peers by taking on an extra positive charge when bound to a synthetic organic molecule. This property could help scientists develop better methods for handling and purifying nuclear materials. A paper highlighting this result appeared April 10 in the journal Nature Chemistry. "The experimental results were hinting at this unusual behavior in berkelium, but there wasn't enough experimental evidence to say yes, 100 percent, this is what we're seeing," says study co-author Wibe Albert de Jong, a CRD scientist. "To be 100 percent sure, we did large computational simulations and compared them to the experimental data and determined that they were, indeed, seeing berkelium in an unusual oxidation state." This new algorithm was developed through a DOE Office of Science-supported Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) project focused on advancing software and algorithms for photochemical reactions. SciDAC projects typically bring together an interdisciplinary team of researchers to develop new and novel computational methods for tackling some of the most challenging scientific problems. "The interdisciplinary nature of SciDAC is a very effective way to facilitate breakthrough science, as each team member brings a different perspective to problem solving," says Yang. "In this dynamical environment, mathematicians, like me, team up with domain scientists to identify computational bottlenecks, then we use cutting-edge mathematical techniques to address and overcome those challenges." More information: Jiri Brabec et al. Efficient Algorithms for Estimating the Absorption Spectrum within Linear Response TDDFT, Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation (2015). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.5b00887 Journal information: Nature Chemistry Huge ice blocks breaking off the Antarctic shelf could release vast amounts of water, significantly raising ocean levels An expanse of ice roughly the size of Delaware is close to breaking off from the warming Antarctic ice shelf to form one of the world's largest-ever icebergs, scientists said Thursday. On the day President Donald Trump is to announce whether or not the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement to limit climate change, satellite data showed that the West Antarctic Larsen C shelf is poised to shed an ice block measuring about 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 square miles). "The rift in Larsen C is likely to lead to one of the largest icebergs ever recorded," said Swansea University in Wales, whose scientists are monitoring the creeping crack. The rift, which is threatening to carve off a finger-shaped iceberg about 350 metres thick, expanded by 17 kilometres (11 miles) in six days, leaving just a 13-kilometre thread attaching it to the main ice sheet. "The timing of calving is probably very close," a university statement said. "There appears to be very little to prevent the iceberg from breaking away completely." An ice shelf is a floating extension of a land-covering ice sheet. Larsen C is the most northerly of the Antarctic ice shelves, as well as the largest. The calving of the iceberg would see it lose about a tenth of its total area, shrinking it to its smallest size on record. On its own, the huge ice cube would not add to sea level rise. But its detachment may render the remainder of the Larsen C shelf unstable and vulnerable to collapse, which would release vast amounts of water, scientists say. Latest shelf to fall If all the glaciers held back by Larsen C were to run into the ocean, the global water mark would increase by about 10 centimetres (four inches), the researchers said. The West Antarctic ice sheet holds enough frozen water to raise the average sea level by about six metres (20 feet). Two smaller shelves on the eastern side of the Antarctic peninsula have already collapsed. The first, Larsen A, was lost in 1995. Seven years later, the Larsen B shelf followedat 3,250 square kilometres, it was the size of Rhode Island. The Larsen B event had no precedent since the end of the last Ice Age some 12,000 years ago, according to glaciologists. "It is widely accepted that warming ocean and atmospheric temperatures have been a factor in earlier disintegrations of ice shelves elsewhere on the Antarctic Peninsula," the Swansea team said. Antarctica is one of the fastest warming places on the planet, they added, "a feature which will certainly not have hindered the development of the rift." Ice shelves break up naturally, but global warming is thought to have accelerated the process, though this has not been scientifically proven. Scores of countries committed to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which calls for efforts to cap global warming at "well under" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial era levels. Temperatures have already increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius from those levels. On the campaign trail, Trump threatened to "cancel" the global pact, and he has said he will announce his final decision later Thursday. 2017 AFP When haze built up in the atmosphere of Archean Earth, the young planet might have looked like this artists interpretation a pale orange dot. Credit:NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center/Francis Reddy We know little about Earth's surface temperatures for the first 4 billion years or so of its history. This presents a limitation into research of life's origins on Earth and also how it might arise on distant worlds as well. Now researchers suggest that by resurrecting ancient enzymes they could estimate the temperatures in which these organisms likely evolved billions of years ago. The scientists recently published their findings in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "We need a better understanding of not only how life first evolved on Earth, but how life and the Earth's environment co-evolved over billions of years of geological history," said lead author Amanda Garcia, a paleogeobiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. "A similar co-evolution seems certain to be the case for any life elsewhere in the Universe." Garcia and her colleagues focused on the history of Earth's surface temperatures. Rocks offer many clues to deduce temperatures over the last 550 million years in the Phanerozoic Era, when complex, multicellular life took off, including that of humans. However, few such "paleothermometers" exist for the earlier Precambrian Era, spanning the Earth's formation 4.6 billion years ago and the rise of life. Earlier geological evidence has suggested that 3.5 billion years ago, during the Archean Eon, the oceans were 131 to 185 F (55 to 85 C). They cooled dramatically to current average temperatures of 59 F (15 C). Scientists made these estimates by examining oxygen and silicon isotopes in marine rocks.Quartz-rich rocks in the seabed, known as cherts, have higher levels of the heavier oxygen-18 and silicon-30 isotopes as the seawater gets colder. In principle, the ratio of heavier to lighter oxygen and silicon isotopes can shed light on ancient temperatures. The image on the left depicts what Earth might have looked like more than 3 billion years ago in the early Archean. The orange shapes represent the magnesium-rich proto-continents before plate tectonics started, although it is impossible to determine their precise shapes and locations. The ocean appears green due to a high amount of iron ions in the water at that time. The timeline traces the transition from a magnesium-rich upper continental crust to a magnesium-poor upper continental crust. Credit: Ming Tang/University of Maryland But such paleo-thermometers do not adequately take into account how these rocks or the ocean might have changed over the course of billions of years. Perhaps the isotopic ratios in seawater varied over time in response to physical or chemical alterations, such as water flows off the land or from hydrothermal vents. Given the uncertainties, Garcia and her colleagues sought an independent measurement of seawater temperatures in the Precambrian that centers on the behavior of biological molecules. The scientists examined an enzyme known as nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK), which helps manipulate the building blocks of DNA and RNA, as well as many other roles. Versions of this protein are found in virtually all living organisms, and were likely vital to many extinct organisms as well. Previous research found a correlation between the optimal temperatures of protein stability and an organism's growth. By comparing the molecular sequences of versions of NDK in a variety of contemporary species, researchers can reconstruct the versions of NDK that might have been present in their common ancestors. By synthesizing these reconstructions, scientists can experimentally test these "resurrected" ancient proteins to find the temperature that stabilizes the protein and deduce from that the likely temperature that supported the ancient organism. Scientists estimate when ancient enzymes might have existed by looking at their closest living relatives of their host organism. The greater the number of differences in the genetic sequences of these relatives, the longer ago their last common relative likely lived. Scientists use these differences to gauge the age of biomolecules such as the reconstructions of NDK. Previous research had reconstructed ancient enzymes to deduce past temperatures, but some of these enzymes may have come from organisms that lived in unusually hot environments, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which would not be representative of the wider ocean. Instead, Garcia and her colleagues sought to reconstruct NDK from land plants and photosynthetic bacteria living in the upper sunlit depths of oceans, presumably far away from boiling hot springs. Microbial reefs called stromatolites are examples of biological structures found as far back as 3.7 billion years ago. Credit: Pamela Reid, Ph.D., University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Their research suggests that Earth's surface cooled from roughly 167 F (75 C) about 3 billion years ago to roughly 95 (35 F) about 420 million years ago. These findings are consistent with previous geological and enzyme-based results. Garcia said such a dramatic cooling is hard to fathom, emphasizing how scientists need to remember how different conditions were in the past when figuring out how life evolved over time. "It requires a lot of effort to envision a world that does not seem to fit with the common sense of our current Earth conditions." Future research could reconstruct versions of NDK from more organisms, as well as other enzymes, giving more evidence to support the method. Such research could help "in solving big questions about the early evolution of life and Earth's environment," she said. More information: Amanda K. Garcia et al. Reconstructed ancestral enzymes suggest long-term cooling of Earth's photic zone since the Archean, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702729114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This story is republished courtesy of NASA's Astrobiology Magazine. Explore the Earth and beyond at www.astrobio.net . The massive craters were formed around 12,000 years ago, but are still seeping methane and other gases. Credit: Andreia Plaza Faverola/CAGE A new study in Science shows that hundreds of massive, kilometer-wide craters on the ocean floor in the Arctic were formed by substantial methane expulsions. Even though the craters were formed some 12,000 years ago, methane is still leaking profusely from the craters. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and of major concern in our warming climate. "The crater area was covered by a thick ice sheet during the last ice age, much as West Antarctica is today. As climate warmed, and the ice sheet collapsed, enormous amounts of methane were abruptly released. This created massive craters that are still actively seeping methane " says Karin Andreassen, first author of the study and professor at CAGE Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate. Today more than 600 gas flares are identified in and around these craters, releasing the greenhouse gas steadily into the water column. "But that is nothing compared to the blow-outs of the greenhouse gas that followed the deglaciation. The amounts of methane that were released must have been quite impressive." Siberian craters small in comparison A few of these craters were first observed in the 90s. But new technology shows that the craters cover a much larger area than previously thought and provides more detailed imaging for interpretation "We have focused on craters that are 300 meters to 1 kilometre wide, and have mapped approximately 100 craters of this size in the area. But there are also many hundred smaller ones, less than 300 meters wide that is" says Andreassen. Several hundred of craters in the area. Over one hundred of them are up to one kilometer wide. Credit: K. Andreassen/CAGE In comparison, the huge blow-out craters on land on the Siberian peninsulas Yamal and Gydan are 50-90 meters wide, but similar processes may have been involved in their formation. The Arctic ocean floor hosts vast amounts of methane trapped as hydrates, which are ice-like, solid mixtures of gas and water.These hydrates are stable under high pressure and cold temperatures. The ice sheet provides perfect conditions for subglacial gas hydrate formation, in the past as well as today. Unbearable pressure builds up Some 2000 metres of ice loaded what now is ocean floor with heavy weight. Under the ice, methane gas from deeper hydrocarbon reservoirs moved upward, but could not escape. It was stored as gas hydrate in the sediment, constantly fed by gas from below, creating over-pressured conditions. The study area is in Bjrnyrenna close to the Arctic archipelago Svalbard. Credit: K. Andreassen/CAGE "As the ice sheet rapidly retreated, the hydrates concentrated in mounds, and eventually started to melt, expand and cause over-pressure. The principle is the same as in a pressure cooker: if you do not control the release of the pressure, it will continue to build up until there is a disaster in your kitchen. These mounds were over-pressured for thousands of years, and then the lid came off. They just collapsed releasing methane into the water column" says Andreassen. Similar processes are ongoing under ice sheets today Major methane venting events such as this appear to be rare, and may therefore easily be overlooked. "Despite their infrequency, the impact of such blow-outs may still be greater than impact from slow and gradual seepage. It remains to be seen whether such abrupt and massive methane release could have reached the atmosphere. We do estimate that an area of hydrocarbon reserves twice the size of Russia was directly influenced by ice sheets during past glaciation. This means that a much larger area may have had similar abrupt gas releases in the overlapping time period " says Andreassen Gas hydrate is a solid, ice-like mixture of water and gas, often methane. Also known as ice that burns, the hydrate concentrates energy of natural gas, and when set on fire, can burn for a long time. Credit: CAGE Another fact to consider is that there are reserves of hydrocarbons beneath the load of West Antarctica and Greenland ice sheets today. "Our study provides the scientific community with a good past analogue for what may happen to future methane releases in front of contemporary, retreating ice sheets" concludes Andreassen. More information: K. Andreassen el al., "Massive blow-out craters formed by hydrate-controlled methane expulsion from the Arctic seafloor," Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aal4500 Journal information: Science Provided by CAGE - Center for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Climate and Environment Credit: Monash University Australian bred Frigatebirds that migrate to Southeast Asian waters risk unacceptable levels of mercury contamination, according to a study led by a Monash University biologist. The research, published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, focused on two species of seabird that bred in Australian waters but migrated to Southeast Asia in the non-breeding period. The findings have serious implications for other species including humans using marine resources in Southeast Asia. The researchers found that some of the sampled birds had feather mercury concentrations far exceeding those known to be harmful in other birds. "Our findings highlight the need for tighter mercury emission regulations in southeast Asia," said lead study author, Dr Rowan Mott, a researcher in the Monash School of Biological Sciences. "Tighter regulations would minimise the potential threat to frigatebirds and other species dependent on marine resources including humans," he said. The research team used seabirds as 'bio-monitors', and assessed environmental trace metal concentrations in the eastern Indian Ocean, between North Western Australia and Indonesia. "We've been able to show that heavy metal burdens namely mercury in these birds almost certainly arises from Southeast Asia," said Dr Rohan Clarke, a study co-author also from the Monash School of Biological Sciences. "Mercury emission policy and enforcement must improve in southeast Asia," he said. Two breeding colonies in the eastern Indian Ocean were sampled: Ashmore Reef and Adele Island. Both locations support large breeding colonies of Lesser Frigatebirds, small numbers of breeding Great Frigatebirds, and are recognised by Bird Life International as Important Bird Areas. The researchers looked for mercury contamination in the feather samples of 74 birds. "The results implicate mercury contamination in the marine areas of southeast Asia, and the South China Sea in particular, as a potential threat to seabirds," Dr Mott said. "The findings highlight the difficulty conserving species that range widely and cross international borders," he said. More information: Rowan Mott et al. Post-breeding dispersal of frigatebirds increases their exposure to mercury, Marine Pollution Bulletin (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.03.050 Journal information: Marine Pollution Bulletin This image shows the configuration of NICER's 56 X-ray mirrors that will gather scientific observations and play an instrumental role in demonstration X-ray navigation. Credit: NASA Nearly 50 years after British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell discovered the existence of rapidly spinning neutron stars, NASA will launch the world's first mission devoted to studying these unusual objects. The agency also will use the same platform to carry out the world's first demonstration of X-ray navigation in space. The agency plans to launch the two-in-one Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, or NICER, aboard SpaceX CRS-11, a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station to be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. About a week after its installation as an external attached payload, this one-of-a-kind investigation will begin observing neutron stars, the densest objects in the universe. The mission will focus especially on pulsarsthose neutron stars that appear to wink on and off because their spin sweeps beams of radiation past us, like a cosmic lighthouse. "The timing of this launch is apropos," said Keith Gendreau, a scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who led the mission's development also involving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Naval Research Laboratory, and universities across the U.S. and in Canada. Although the team had completed and delivered the refrigerator-sized payload equipped with 56 X-ray telescopes and silicon detectors ahead of schedule last summer, a launch opportunity did not become available until 2017. Soon after the 50th anniversary of Bell's discovery on July 25, the NICER team should have collected enough data "to make a little bit of a splash," added NICER Deputy Principal Investigator Zaven Arzoumanian, referring to scientific conferences this year, including one celebrating Bell's detection of regularly pulsing signals that later were identified as rotating neutron stars. Physical Extremes Because of their extreme nature, neutron stars and pulsars have engendered a great deal of interest since their existence was theoretically proposed in 1939 and then discovered in 1967. These objects are the remnants of massive stars that, after exhausting their nuclear fuel, exploded and collapsed into super-dense spheres about the size of New York City. Their intense gravity crushes an astonishing amount of matteroften more than 1.4 times the content of the sun or at least 460,000 Earthsinto these city-sized orbs, creating stable, yet incredibly dense matter not seen anywhere else in the universe. Just one teaspoonful of neutron star matter would weigh a billion tons on Earth. Artist's concept of a pulsar (blue-white disk in center) pulling in matter from a nearby star (red disk at upper right). The stellar material forms a disk around the pulsar (multicolored ring) before falling on to the surface at the magnetic poles. The pulsar's intense magnetic field is represented by faint blue outlines surrounding the pulsar. Credit: NASA "The nature of matter under these conditions is a decades-old unsolved problem," Gendreau said. "Theory has advanced a host of models to describe the physics governing the interiors of neutron stars. With NICER, we can finally test these theories with precise observations." Although neutron stars emit radiation across the spectrum, observing them in the energetic X-ray band offers the greatest insights into their structure and the high-energy phenomena that they host, including starquakes, thermonuclear explosions, and the most powerful magnetic fields known in the cosmos. During its 18-month mission, NICER will collect X-rays generated from the stars' tremendously strong magnetic fields and from hotspots located at their two magnetic poles. At these locations, the objects' intense magnetic fields emerge from their surfaces and particles trapped within these fields rain down and generate X-rays when they strike the stars' surfaces. In pulsars, these flowing particles emit powerful beams of radiation from the vicinity of the magnetic poles. On Earthas Bell discoveredthese beams of radiation are observed as flashes of radiation ranging from seconds to milliseconds depending on how fast the pulsar rotates. To Demonstrate X-ray Navigation Because these pulsations are predictable, they can be used as celestial clocks, providing high-precision timing, like the atomic-clock signals supplied through the Global Positioning System, also known as GPS. Although ubiquitous on Earth, GPS signals weaken the farther one travels out beyond Earth orbit. Pulsars, however, are accessible virtually everywhere in space, making them a valuable navigational solution for deep-space exploration. Using the same NICER hardware, the mission also plans to demonstrate the viability of autonomous X-ray or pulsar-based navigation, which has never been demonstrated before. In an experiment called the Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology, or SEXTANT, the team will use NICER's telescopes to detect X-ray light emitted within the pulsars' sweeping beams of radiation to estimate the arrival times of the pulses. With these measurements, the team will use specially developed algorithms to stitch together an onboard navigational solution. If an interplanetary mission were equipped with such a navigational device, it would be able to calculate its location autonomously, largely independent of NASA's Deep Space Network, which is considered to be the most sensitive telecommunications system in the world. The two-in-one mission is scheduled to launch on June 1, 2017, at 5:55 p.m. EDT aboard SpaceX's eleventh contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station. If successfully launched on June 1, the payload will arrive at the space station in the Dragon spacecraft, along with other cargo, on June 4, 2017. Credit: NASA "Our primary goal is science," Gendreau said. "But we can use the same pulsar measurements to demonstrate X-ray navigation. It's rare that we scientists get to develop a multi-purpose experiment such as this one. It's all coming together." X-ray Communications Possible However, X-ray navigation using NICER's pulsar timing data is not the only technology the team would like to demonstrate. In another potential first, the team wants to demonstrate X-ray based-communications, or XCOMa capability that could eventually allow space travelers, including spacecraft, to transmit gigabits of data per second over interplanetary distances. Central to this potential demonstration is Goddard's Modulated X-ray Source, or MXS, which the NICER team developed to calibrate the payload's detectors and help test the algorithms needed to demonstrate X-ray navigation. This device generates X-rays with rapidly varying intensity, turning on and off many times per second to simulate, for example, a target neutron star's pulsations. To show XCOM, the team would fly a space-qualified MXS to the International Space Station and deploy it on an external experiment pallet about 166 feet away from NICER. During the experiment, the team would encode digital data in pulsed X-rays using the MXS and transmit the data to NICER's receivers. "We have most of the hardware completed," said SEXTANT and XCOM Project Manager Jason Mitchell. "We just need a few more resources to finish the job." If the team succeeds in flying MXS perhaps next year, "the resulting demonstration could be game-changing," Mitchell added. In addition to promising gigabit-per-second data transmission speeds across vast distances, X-ray communications would enable communication with hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft. "This is a very interesting experiment that we're doing on the space station," Gendreau said. "We've had a lot of great support from the science and space technology folks at NASA Headquarters. They have helped us advance the technologies that make NICER possible as well as those that NICER will demonstrate. The mission is blazing trails on several different levels." Innsbruck physicists have observed an intriguing oscillatory back-and-forth motion of a quantum particle in a one-dimensional atomic gas. Credit: Florian Meinert A ripe apple falling from a tree has inspired Sir Isaac Newton to formulate a theory that describes the motion of objects subject to a force. Newton's equations of motion tell us that a moving body keeps on moving on a straight line unless any disturbing force may change its path. The impact of Newton's laws is ubiquitous in our everyday experience, ranging from a skydiver falling in the earth's gravitational field, over the inertia one feels in an accelerating airplane, to the earth orbiting around the sun. In the quantum world, however, our intuition for the motion of objects is strongly challenged and may sometimes even completely fail. What about imagining a marble falling through water oscillating up and down rather than just moving straight downwards? Sounds strange. Yet, that's what experimental physicist from Innsbruck in collaboration with theorists from Munich, Paris and Cambridge have discovered for a quantum particle. At the heart of this surprising behavior is what physicists call 'quantum interference', the fact that quantum mechanics allows particles to behave like waves, which can add up or cancel each other. Approaching absolute zero temperature To observe the quantum particle oscillating back and forth the team had to cool a gas of Cesium atoms just above absolute zero temperature and to confine it to an arrangement of very thin tubes realized by high-power laser beams. By means of a special trick, the atoms were made to interact strongly with each other. At such extreme conditions the atoms form a quantum fluid whose motion is restricted to the direction of the tubes. The physicists then accelerated an impurity atom, which is an atom in a different spin state, through the gas. As this quantum particle moved, it was observed to scatter off the gas particles and to reflect backwards. This led to an oscillatory motion, in contrast to what a marble would do when falling in water. The experiment demonstrates that Newton's laws cannot be used in the quantum realm. Quantum fluids sometimes act like crystals The fact that a quantum-wave may get reflected into certain directions has been known since the early days of the development of the theory of quantum mechanics. For example, electrons reflect at the regular pattern of solid crystals, such as a piece of metal. This effect is termed 'Bragg-scattering'. However, the surprise in the experiment performed in Innsbruck was that no such crystal was present for the impurity to reflect off. Instead, it was the gas of atoms itself that provided a type of hidden order in its arrangement, a property that physicist dub 'correlations'. The Innsbruck work has demonstrated how these correlations in combination with the wave-nature of matter determine the motion of particles in the quantum world and lead to novel and exciting phenomena that counteract the experiences from our daily life. Understanding the oddity of quantum mechanics may also be relevant in a broader scope, and help to understand and optimize fundamental processes in electronics components, or even transport processes in complex biological systems. The study is published in the journal Science. More information: "Bloch oscillations in the absence of a lattice" Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aah6616 Journal information: Science Quantum encryption using single photons is a promising technique for boosting the security of communication systems and data networks, but there are challenges in applying the method over large distances due to transmission losses. Using conventional optical amplification doesn't help as this disrupts the quantum link between sender and receiver, but physicists in Europe have found a solution heralded photon amplification and put it to the test. The team, which includes researchers from the University of Geneva and Delft University of Technology, has demonstrated the technique over a simulated distance of 50 km, reporting its results in the journal Quantum Science and Technology. The work is published as part of a focus issue on the theme of quantum cryptography and quantum networking. "In classical communication, amplifiers are used to regenerate the signal. However, in the quantum regime this adds too much noise and destroys the coherence of the quantum states," explained Robert Thew, who co-leads the Quantum Technologies Group at the University of Geneva. "In our experiments, we overcome this limitation by exploiting a teleportation-based approach, which can be thought of as a lossless channel." Today, when we send sensitive information over the internet, we rely on hard-to-solve mathematical expressions to protect our data from eavesdroppers. However, this approach is vulnerable to attack in the future as computers become more capable of finding answers to these numerical problems. To get around the issue, physicists have been busy developing alternative schemes for secure key generation based not on mathematical expressions, but on the quantum behaviour of single particles of light photons. What's more, not only are these techniques impossible to crack through conventional means, they also warn of eavesdropping. These are so-called quantum keys. As the researchers highlight, one of the major applications of heralded photon amplification is for so-called device-independent quantum key distribution an approach aimed at certifying the security of a connection with minimal assumptions about the system itself and the technology that is exploited. At the heart of the approach is the conceptually simple idea of sending a single photon on a 50/50 beam-splitter to generate entanglement. Repeating the process in succession and monitoring the output from single photon detectors provides the building blocks for studying quantum communication protocols. Taking this a step further, it's possible to distribute the entanglement between two locations, generating a unique key for encrypting data transmission. "The single photon, or path entangled, scheme we are using is also closely connected to quantum repeaters in terms of how entanglement is distributed in these long distance and fully-quantum network solutions," commented Thew. "Our next step is to develop compact and more efficient heralded photon sources that can be more easily deployed, allowing us to push these sorts of experiments into real-world networks." More information: F Monteiro et al. Heralded amplification of path entangled quantum states, Quantum Science and Technology (2017). DOI: 10.1088/2058-9565/aa70ad Credit: CC0 Public Domain (Phys.org)A pair of professors, one with Charles Darwin University, the other Southern Cross University, both in Australia, has published a Comment piece in the journal Nature decrying the chaotic state regarding the classification of complex organisms. In their paper, Stephen Garnett and Les Christidis contend that failure to regulate taxonomy in the coming years could cause serious problems for conservation efforts directed towards preserving biodiversity. At the root of the problem, the authors point out, is that there is no single definition for the word "species"they have found there exist approximately 30 definitions for the word, which allows scientists, politicians and other entities free reign to use it in whatever context they choose to meet their specific needs. But that, they note, puts at risk the validity of research efforts and provides fertile ground for those seeking to usurp conservation efforts for financial gain. They offer cannabis as an example: Some "species" offer the high users seek, while others do notchanging the classification could have legal ramifications both for those convicted of using it or going forwardshould some species be legal and others not? There is also the case of killer whalessome have suggested breaking them into three distinct species, but if that happens, would all three remain protected from hunters? Another example is separating the Florida panther from the North American cougar. Doing so could allow those seeking to buy protected land in Florida for development purposes an opportunity if wording in state laws suddenly ceases to protect areas where the big cats live. What needs to happen, the authors suggest, is for a single body to take ownership of taxonomyone capable of creating a definition for the words that are used to describe plant and animal groups. They suggest further that the proper group should be the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), and they offer a four-step process for how it could be done: The IUBS would need to agree to take on such a role, a taxonomic commission would have to be created to agree on rules, subcommittees would need to be created to deal with organism subsets, and finally, a judicial committee would need to be created to serve as the final arbiter when disputes arise. More information: Stephen T. Garnett et al. Taxonomy anarchy hampers conservation, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/546025a Journal information: Nature 2017 Phys.org Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Credit: NIH/NIAID John Innes Centre scientists are among an international team who have discovered a new class of compounds that target bacteria in a unique way. The JIC team, along with scientists from GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi, have reported that the new class of compounds inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and show activity against some drug-resistant strains in the laboratory. Antibiotics are an essential component of modern clinical care, used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. However, the dependence on antibiotics and their widespread misuse has led to bacterial pathogens evolving resistance to an ever-wider range of treatment options. The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria has brought a marked increase in the number of untreatable infections, and tackling this problem constitutes one of the major global challenges facing humanity. This research, carried out by scientists from Professor Tony Maxwell's group at the John Innes Centre and partners in the pharmaceutical industry, was reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Professor Dale Sanders, Director of the John Innes Centre, said, "This discovery highlights the impact of partnership work between leading pharmaceutical companies and our innovative plant and microbial scientists." The collaborative research was facilitated by the ENABLE (European Gram-negative Antibacterial Engine) consortium, part of the EU-funded Innovative Medicines Initiative's 'New Drugs for Bad Bugs' (ND4BB) programme. The new research reveals that the compounds inhibit a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase in a different manner to other known gyrase inhibitors. Professor Tony Maxwell, a project leader in Biological Chemistry at the John Innes Centre, explained: "Bacterial chromosomes are tightly coiled, but for bacterial cells to replicate these coils must 'unwind' so that the DNA code can be accessed and copied. DNA gyrase creates a cut in the DNA, which allows it to uncoil before the cut ends are reconnected. This creates the opportunity for DNA-replicating enzymes to access the DNA. "Inhibiting DNA gyrase is lethal for the bacterium because it can no longer replicate its DNA." Compounds that act on DNA gyrase are not new; in fact, a common and extremely effective class of existing antibiotics called 'fluoroquinolones' is among a number antibiotics that do exactly that. However, most of the antibiotics which act against DNA gyrase work in a similar way, meaning that when bacteria evolve resistance to one, they may also be resistant to the others of the same class. But the newly discovered compounds inhibit DNA gyrase in a completely different way. Postdoctoral scientist Dr Thomas Germe explained: "Unfortunately, many dangerous bacteria have already developed resistance to fluoroquinolones, so these may not be successful in treating some resistant infections."After screening a collection of compounds, one compound known at this stage as 'Compound 1' was found to inhibit DNA gyrase in a new way." "Fluoroquinolones work by blocking DNA gyrase at the point at which it interacts with DNA. Compound 1, however, doesn't interfere with the DNA at all; rather it binds to a 'hinge pocket' in the other side of the enzyme's structure, which prevents the enzyme from swinging into the correct position to do its job." But the discovery doesn't end there. Professor Maxwell said: "Structural analysis revealed that if the chemical structure of Compound 1 was modified slightly, it would fit more tightly into the 'hinge' region of the DNA gyrase enzyme. This led to 'Compound 2', which is better DNA gyrase inhibitor, Both Compounds 1 and 2 prevent the growth of bacterial strains that are resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the laboratory." "Although the work on this compound series was stopped due to toxicity, this discovery shows that we can continue to identify novel compounds working in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry and it highlights the importance of collaborative effort, including European-funded collaboration." More information: Pan F. Chan et al. Thiophene antibacterials that allosterically stabilize DNA-cleavage complexes with DNA gyrase, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1700721114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Eurasian oystercatcher. Credit: Andreas Trepte, www.photo-natur.net Rising sea levels and more frequent flooding events may drive coastal nesting birds around the world to extinction, a team of international researchers say following their 20-year study of Eurasian oystercatchers. Lead researcher Dr Liam Bailey from The Australian National University (ANU) said one of the main reasons for the strong decline in birds that used coastal habitats was because they had shown no response to tidal floods, which are predicted to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. He said this view was corroborated by other international research. "Sea level rise and more frequent flooding are major drivers of this steep decline in coastal birds," said Dr Bailey, a PhD graduate from the ANU Research School of Biology. "Our study species, the Eurasian oystercatcher, lives in an area where flooding is becoming more common, posing a threat to the survival of the population. "Our study found no evidence that Eurasian oystercatchers have increased the elevation of their nests, even among birds that lost a nest during a flood. Factors including the presence of predators or unsuitable vegetation might discourage birds from nesting higher." The team will investigate other possible strategies that birds may use to avoid flooding, such as encouraging birds to lay their nests earlier in the year when floods are less common. A recent study using thousands of bird surveys along the east coast of the United States found consistent declines in coastal marsh birds. "Researchers predict that rising sea levels and increased flooding events may drive the saltmarsh sparrow, a coastal species in the US, to extinction, possibly even within the next 20 years," Dr Bailey said. "Like the Eurasian oystercatcher, this species does not appear to be adapting to the changing tidal conditions." A similar study in Europe showed strong declines in coastal bird species along the coast of Northern Europe. "Our work is part of a growing amount of research that shows the vulnerability of coastal bird species. These species may need additional conservation focus in the future," he said. The research is published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. Linaria becerrae has flowers with a long and straight spur, which are uniform in colour and intensely violet, except for a yellow spot at the entrance to the tube of the corolla. Credit: Manuel Becerra Surprisingly, there are still plant species waiting to be discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. Some are detected thanks to the latest study methods, and others, such as Linaria becerrae, are described when reinterpreting species which are already known. This new plant had been classified by mistake for 176 years in Malaga. The genus Linaria has about 150 species distributed throughout Europe, North Africa, and central and western Asia, but its main centre of diversity is in the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb. It is there that exclusive plants are found, discovered during the last two centuries, with very small distribution areas, sometimes threatened with extinction. In Spain, in 1841, the Swiss botanist Pierre Edmond Boissier described the species Linaria salzmanii, which was named in honour of the botanist Philipp Salzmann who contributed to the knowledge of Iberian flora. Thanks to the material from Guejar Sierra in Granada that Boissier analysed, it was determined that the plant was typical of sandy substrates, often dolomitic (rocky), and was found in the provinces of Granada, Malaga and Jaen. But, in his visit to our country in 1837, the scientist never actually came to check the presence of the species near the town of El Chorro, in the western part of the province of Malaga, due to the likely existence of bandits. This has led to an error that lasted for almost two centuries. Scientists from the universities of Granada and Almeria have now carried out an exhaustive analysis of the populations of this species, and have observed that the plants found in Malaga differ significantly from those found in Granada: they have flowers with a long and straight spur, which are uniform in colour and intensely violet, except for a yellow spot at the entrance to the tube of the corolla (the area called the palate), with subtle violet veins. "These and other considerations led our team to the description of the new species, Linaria becerrae. By mistake, it had previously been considered that the species described by Boissier was that of Malaga," explains Gabriel Gabrielto, one of the authors of the study published in Phytotaxa and a researcher at the University of Granada, to SINC. The plant has been named in honour of the botanist from Malaga, Manuel Becerra Parra, who had already recorded the differences between the Linaria species in the province of Malaga, and promoted this work. A plant in need of protection At present, the original population of Linaria salzmannii has disappeared due to the construction of the Canales dam, and Linaria becerrae is now considered exclusive of the west of the province of Malaga, where it lives in areas bordering the protected natural area of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a well-known tourist site. The species forms communities of rapidly developing grasses in sandy substrates resulting from the decomposition of molasses (conglomerates and detrital sandstones). "Although it is frequent in this area, the reach of this type of substrates is very small, so it should be part of the catalogue of protected species," suggests Blanca, for whom there are still species to be discovered not only by misinterpretations as in the case of this Malaga plant, but also for the detection of new organisms thanks to resolute methods of study. In fact, with the application of molecular biology or the existence of exhaustive reference works to better detect any novelties, the team that has described L. becerrae has recently published five new species in eastern Andalusia: Tragopogon lainzii, Galatella malacitana, Sisymbrium isatidifolium, Rivasmartinezia cazorlana and Teucrium teresianum. More information: GABRIEL BLANCA et al. Linaria becerrae (Plantaginaceae), a new endemic species from the southern Spain, and remarks on what Linaria salzmannii is and is not, Phytotaxa (2017). DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.298.3.5 Nicole Guzman-Smith, post-doctoral fellow who discovered the first-known case of cancer in an ancient skeleton from Central America, working in staff scientist Richard Cooke's lab at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Credit: Sean Mattson, STRI A new report by Smithsonian archaeologists and colleagues in the International Journal of Paleopathology identifies a bone tumor in the upper right arm of an adolescent who was buried in about 1300 AD in a trash heap at a site in western Panama called Cerro Brujo or Witch Hill. The reason for what appears to be a ritual burial in this abandoned pre-Colombian settlement is unknown. "Based on the analysis of a tooth from the individual, we think he or she was buried about 150 years after the settlement was abandoned," said Nicole Smith-Guzman, post-doctoral fellow in staff scientist Richard Cooke's lab at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. "And based on the fact that the body was tightly wrapped in the fetal position and buried face down with two clay pots and a shell trumpet like those still used by indigenous Ngabe people in this area today, we consider this a ritual burial." STRI archaeologist Olga Linares (1936-2014) and Anthony Ranere, professor emeritus at Temple University, discovered the burial in 1970, during a study funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Linares proposed that the first inhabitants of Cerro Brujo were farmers who had fled to the site, about 3 kilometers from the Caribbean coast, from the nearby Chiriqui highlands when Volcan Baru erupted in approximately 600 AD. Linares and Ranere found evidence that the site was inhabited twice, once from about 600 AD and a second time between 780 and 1252 AD. Computed tomography (CT scan) of right humerus. Left image shows a horizontal slice through the cancerous lesion. Credit: Nicole Guzman-Smith The burial in question, in the largest of five ancient trash pits at the site, may have been placed there because it was the site where the individual's ancestors lived. A large town site nearby, Sitio Drago near Boca del Drago on Isla Colon, excavated by UCLA archaeologist Tom Wake was occupied from roughly 600 AD until 1410 AD. Smith-Guzman is a bioarchaeologist who analyzes ancient bones to look for signs of health problems. In looking at the remains from the site 46 years later, she was surprised to find evidence of cancer in the upper right arm of an individual who was probably 14-16 years old. She took the bones to the Centro Radiologico Metropolitano in Panama City and also to the radiology department at Punta Pacifica Hospital. "As far as we know, this is the first case of cancer in ancient human remains reported from Central America," Smith-Guzman said. "Both osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, the two most likely cancers in this case, are most common in children and adolescents. Most of the published cases of these cancers in the past were from adultsprobably due to the poor preservation of non-adult skeletal remainsmaking this find especially rare." Graphic representation of the burial's skeletal preservation shows bones that were present in black. Credit: Nicole Smith-Guzman Most of the other examples of bone cancers are from places in the world with much more extensive collections of archaeological material. This form of cancer typically leaves a very characteristic "sunburst" pattern in the bone. The bones also show evidence of anemia that may have been a result of the cancer or of another inflammatory or metabolic disease. Three dimensional models of the humerus, one from a CT scan and the other from photogrammetry, are available in a program called Sketch Fab and in the supplementary material included in the article for use by other archaeologists and health professionals. Shell trumpets like the one at the site made from an Atlantic triton shell (Charonia variegata) are used in the balseria ritual practiced by Ngabe peoples in this region of Panama. The Ngabe believe that a disruption of the balance between the natural and supernatural worlds can lead to sickness when a malevolent spirit enters the body during a dream to steal the soul. Traditionally, when a person was sick, a Ngabe shaman, called a Sukia, would attempt to heal a patient using herbal remedies such as Hoffmannia longipetiolata, a plant still used in Ngabe communities as an analgesic. Smith-Guzman will use DNA analysis, in collaboration with geneticists at the University of Gottingen, to learn more about the ancestry of the individual and the type of cancer s/he suffered from. More information: Nicole E. Smith-Guzman et al, A probable primary malignant bone tumor in a pre-Columbian human humerus from Cerro Brujo, Bocas del Toro, Panama, International Journal of Paleopathology (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.05.005 In this Jan. 28, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Trump, who blasted Hillary Clinton for using a personal email server, might be a walking magnet for eavesdropping and malware if he is using an unsecured cellphone to chat with foreign leaders. Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to counterparts around the world, urging them to call him directly to avoid the red tape of diplomatic communications. The practice has raised concern about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander-in-chief's communications. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) President Donald Trump, who blasted Hillary Clinton for using a personal email server, might be a walking magnet for eavesdropping and malware if he is using an unsecured cellphone to chat with foreign leaders. Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to counterparts around the world, urging them to call him directly to avoid the red tape of diplomatic communications. The practice has raised concern about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander-in-chief's communications. In today's world of cyber espionage, cellphone security experts say such a policy is not only unorthodox, but dangerous. Voice calls can be intercepted. A cellphone's signals to nearby phone towers can give up its precise location. Even cellular networks are vulnerable. And knowing someone's number makes it easier to infect a phone with malware. "Hillary Clinton's email server was like Fort Knox compared to Trump just carrying around a regular cellphone," said Andrew McLaughlin, former deputy chief technology officer for the Obama administration. "That's how bad the vulnerabilities are." Running against Clinton for the presidency, Trump repeatedly criticized his rival for using a non-government email account while she was secretary of state. Trump argued that Clinton should not be given access to classified information because she would leave it vulnerable to foreign foes. But Trump may be running into problems of his own. He has urged the leaders of Canada and Mexico to call him on his cellphone, according to former and current U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the practice. Trump, who disdains working through official channels, also exchanged numbers with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two spoke after France's election earlier this month, according to a French official, who would not comment on whether Macron intended to use the line. All the officials demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal the conversations. Neither the White House nor Trudeau's office responded to requests for comment. Trump administration officials also wouldn't say what type of cellphone the U.S. president was using or describe any security upgrades it might include. "I think it's a really bad idea," said Matthew Green, who teaches at the Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute and previously served as senior technical staff member at AT&T Laboratories. Green said cellular phones are not terribly secure and the communications traverse a cellular network with well-known vulnerabilities. He was referring to the Signaling System 7, which links mobile phone networks. If a phone has been hacked, a person can listen and monitor the device even if the president is using an encrypted phone. Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat with a degree in computer science, sent a tweet to the president Wednesday: "Please do not use your cellphone for sensitive calls. SS7 flaw in networks allows foreign intel to monitor conversations." When former President Barack Obama wanted to continue using his Blackberry, U.S. security officials gave him a modified one that allowed him limited use with enhanced security. The White House said at the time that Obama was permitted to keep his Blackberry through a compromise that allowed him to stay in touch with senior White House staffers and a small group of personal friends. "What we ended up with was a military-grade, encrypted phone that had the microphone ripped out," said McLaughlin, who thinks the White House communications office has prevailed upon Trump to use some kind of phone with enhanced security. He suggested one with strong encryption, disabled location services and one that talks with a military network instead of commercial cell services. McLaughlin also said it's possible that the number that Trump is giving to world leaders rings to someone else's phone, who then transfers the call to the president, a system that could protect Trump from anyone trying to monitor his communications. 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. A view of a cliff near Tarabuco, in Bolivia. The sedimentary rocks of the Triassic are red whereas the grey rocks at the top of the cliff reveal the sill. Credit: Herve Bertrand At the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, 200 million years ago, some 60 percent of species living on Earth disappeared. Scientists suspected that magmatic activity and the release of CO2 were responsible for this environmental disaster. To corroborate this, one would need to find and to precisely date traces of this activity and make sure that it coincides with this mass extinction. The precise determination of this timing has been achieved by scientists at the University of Geneva, and is published in Nature Communications. Scientists have often linked the annihilation of life at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary with the emission of gas during the volcanic activity of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, a huge volcanic province that erupted around the same time. Geological studies, however, have questioned this hypothesis since the flood basalt eruptions from the igneous province are too young to be responsible for the mass extinction. The scientists, among them a team from UNIGE, therefore went to look for traces of magmatic activity that may be older, proving the role of magmatic activity in mass extinctions that hit the history of the Earth during this period of time. The geologists identified large areas covered by flood basalts assigned to the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), which extends over several million km2 from Northern to Southern America, and from Europe to Africa. They also discovered vertical fissures that extend over hundreds of kilometres and large intrusions. "We therefore erected the hypothesis that these fissures and intrusions are older or coeval to the mass extinction at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, and we have verified this applying our high-precision dating techniques", explains Joshua Davies, research fellow at the Department of Earth Sciences of the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva (UNIGE). The basalts enclose the mineral zircon in tiny quantities, which itself contains uranium. Uranium has the particularity of disintegrating itself over time into lead at a known rate. "It's because of this, by measuring relative concentrations of uranium and lead, we can determine the age of crystallization of minerals in a rock to about 30'000 years, which is extremely precise for a period of time 200 million years ago", adds Urs Schaltegger, professor at the Department of Earth Sciences of the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva (UNIGE). To carry out precise age determinations is a complicated exercise, only around four laboratories are capable of at this level of precision, among them the laboratory at UNIGE. The geologists were particularly interested to date basalts that can be found in the Amazonian sedimentary basin, an huge reservoir of coal and oil. And indeed, the results of their age determinations confirm that the age of these basalts correlates with the mass extinction at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary. This result allows the scientists to link this magmatic activity with the thermally induced release of immense volumes of CO2 originating from coal and hydrocarbons which likely caused the climate change the drove the disappearance of 60 percent of the species that were living at this time. More information: J.H.F.L. Davies et al. End-Triassic mass extinction started by intrusive CAMP activity, Nature Communications (2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15596 Journal information: Nature Communications PHOTO: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Former transport minister Lui Tuck Yew has been appointed as Singapores ambassador to Japan, almost two years after he retired from politics. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the 55-year-olds appointment in a press statement on Thursday (1 June). Luis portfolio includes appointments as the Housing and Development Boards chief executive officer (2005-06) and as chief executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (2003-05). From 1999-2003, he also served as the Chief of Navy and held the rank of Rear-Admiral. Lui entered politics in 2006, going on to serve as a minister in the education, communications and foreign ministries. But his most high-profile appointment was as Minister for Transport from 2011 to 2015, where, among other projects, he oversaw the construction of the Downtown Line. But his tenure was also marked by the increasing frequency of MRT breakdowns, including two major disruptions in December 2011, which affected more than 200,000 commuters. Lui stepped down from his post in August 2015, noting in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that while the public transport system had improved, Large scale or prolonged disruptions still happen more frequently than is acceptable. In a letter to Lui in 2015, PM Lee praised him for taking on a very difficult job as Transport Minister, adding, You served with distinction and dedication in all your postings. You will be missed. SKOPJE (Reuters) - Macedonia's lawmakers on Wednesday evening endorsed a new government led by Social Democrats which is expected to steer the way out of a two-year-long political crisis and bring the country closer to membership in the European Union and NATO. Nearly six months after parliamentary elections on Dec. 11, 62 out of 120 deputies voted in favour of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev's government. Forty-four lawmakers voted against and five abstained. "I can state that the new government has been elected," the parliament speaker, Talat Xhaferi, said after the vote. Zaev vowed to step up economic reforms and pledged to speed up the country's bid to join the European Union and NATO, but opposition parties said his goals would be difficult to achieve. During the debate leading up to Wednesday's vote, which began on Tuesday, a deputy of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE, Dimitar Stevanandzija, said Zaev made "promises that are unreal and absurd. The government will be hoping to lead Macedonia out of its worst political crisis since 2001, when Western diplomacy brought it back from the brink of civil war during an ethnic Albanian insurgency Macedonia has been without a functional government since 2015, after a wiretapping scandal brought down the previous administration. Zaev's Social Democrats have formed a coalition with parties representing the country's ethnic Albanians. Efforts to advance towards membership of the EU and NATO have stalled due to a row with Greece over Macedonia's name, which it shares with a northern Greek province. Of the 25 ministers in Zaev's government, seven are ethnic Albanians, who make up one-third of the country's population. Macedonia has domestic ethnicity issues to tackle. As part of the coalition deal, an ethnic Albanian was elected last month to be parliament speaker. That prompted protests by nationalists who stormed the parliament building and beat some deputies including Zaev. (Reporting by Kole Casule; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte angrily hit back Wednesday at Chelsea Clinton for criticising remarks he made about rape, using vulgar language while referring to her father's infidelities as American president. Duterte on Friday told soldiers they could rape up to three women, in a speech aimed at reassuring them of his full support as they enforced his newly imposed martial law on the south of the Philippines. "Not funny. Ever," wrote the daughter of ex-US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton on her Twitter account. In a second post she wrote: "Duterte is a murderous thug with no regard for human rights. It's important to keep pointing that out & that rape is never a joke." At the end of a long speech to naval officers and their families on Wednesday, Duterte said he was just being sarcastic as he took aim at people who criticised his rape remarks but particularly Clinton. "These whores, they hear 'rape'. Like, like Chelsea, she slammed me. I was not joking, I was being sarcastic. Listen to the speech. I do not laugh at my own jokes," said Duterte, 72. "I will tell her, when your father, the president of the United States, was screwing Lewinsky and the girls in the White House, how did you feel? Did you slam your father?" Duterte was referring to Bill Clinton's acknowledged affair with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. Duterte then accused American soldiers of raping women in the Philippines and Japan, without giving details, before returning to Clinton. "You Americans, like Chelsea, be careful because you live in a glass house," he said, as he asked the Clinton scion what her reaction was when she first heard of the Lewinsky scandal. Duterte, who uses profanities regularly, also attracted controversy last year when during an election campaign speech he said he had wanted to rape a "beautiful" Australian missionary who had been murdered in a Philippine prison riot. The Australian and American ambassadors to Manila voiced their disapproval at those comments, but Duterte reacted furiously then while insisting he had been taken out of context. Duterte also frequently launches obscenity-filled tirades against critics of his drug war, which has seen thousands of people killed and led to warnings from rights groups that he may be orchestrating a crime against humanity. Duterte last year called then US president Barack Obama a "son of a whore" for criticising the drug war. By Tom Allard and Neil Jerome Morales MARAWI/MANILA (Reuters) - An air strike on Islamist rebels holed up in a southern Philippine city has killed 11 government troops, the armed forces said on Thursday, in a major blow for a military struggling to end its biggest internal security crisis in years. The accident happened on Wednesday when one of two planes bombing rebel positions missed its target in the heart of Marawi City, where ground troops took on pro-Islamic State militants in a tenth day of fierce street battles. The bombing error came during the first offensive deployment of fixed-wing aircraft in the operation, aimed at flushing out the Islamist gunmen who have defied expectations by clinging on through days of ground assaults and helicopter rocket attacks. "Sometimes in the fog of war a lot of things could happen. Accidents happen, like this," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a news conference. "It's very sad to be hitting our own troops," he added. "There must be a mistake somewhere, either someone directing from the ground, or the pilot." The little-known Maute group has been a fierce enemy of a military with superior firepower and greater troop strength. The government fears the brazen attack and its resilience could strike a chord with the Islamic State leadership in the Middle East and win its endorsement as its Southeast Asian affiliate. The deaths of the soldiers takes the number of security force members killed to 39, with 19 civilians and 120 rebel fighters killed in the Marawi battles. Lorenzana said Saudi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Yemeni and Chechen militants were among eight foreigners killed, in what experts say is a sign the Philippines could become a regional hub for extremism that Manila may not have the capability to contain. An exodus of residents from mainly Muslim Marawi started on May 23, when the Maute rebels ran amok, torching and seizing buildings, capturing police weapons and vehicles, taking hostages, and freeing jailed rebels. The military added 21 armoured vehicles and a third battalion of troops to the operation on Thursday. Lorenzana said air strikes might be suspended, describing the rebels as a small force that "cannot hold that long". HUMAN SHIELDS Bombardments by OV-10 light attack aircraft were carried out for over an hour early on Thursday. Troops engaged rebel snipers, as helicopters circled, identifying targets. The military said rebels were using women and children as human shields. Ghazali Jaafar, a leader of the Muslim separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, appealed to the Maute to free Christians including a Catholic priest, Teresito "Chito" Soganub, being held hostage. "This is what our religion Islam tells us, please, release him now, immediately," he said on television. The standoff is the biggest challenge of Rodrigo Duterte's 11-month presidency. He fears Islamic State's "terrible ideology" will spread on Mindanao, an island of 22 million people, and has warned it could become a haven for extremists fleeing Iraq and Syria. Duterte said the Maute group was being given too much credit, and that the occupation of Marawi was the work of Islamic State, and planned long ago. "The rebellion in Mindanao, it's not Maute, it's purely ISIS," he said. The air strikes are targeting locations where the military believes the so-called emir of Islamic State and point man in the Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon, could be hiding. The capture or killing of Hapilon would be a much-needed boost for the military. Islamic State flags around Marawi have been spotted by the media. Images have been circulated widely online of smiling fighters dressed in the black attire typical of Islamic State, posing with trophies that include stolen government weapons and armoured vehicles hit by rocket-propelled grenades. A video posted on the website of Islamic State's Amaq news agency shows mostly young fighters, and the bodies of dead soldiers inside a vehicle. The authenticity could not be independently verified. Military spokesman Restituto Padilla said the accidental bombing would not deter the government from defeating the militants. "The risk ... is very much in the heart of every soldier," he said. "He knows where we are entering into. But the mission continues." (Additional reporting by Manuel Mogato, Karen Lema, Enrico Dela Cruz and Manolo Serapio Jr in MANILA; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Andrew Bolton) Yahoo file photo A traffic police officer has died after an accident on Thursday morning (1 June) along Serangoon Road. The accident occurred at about 10.40am near Kinta Road while the officer was performing traffic patrol duties. A police statement said Staff Sergeant Nadzrie Bin Matin was conveyed to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died. He was 29 years old. The 52-year-old driver of the vehicle involved in the accident has been arrested for a negligent act causing death. Investigations are currently ongoing. The police are appealing to members of the public not to circulate videos or images of the deceased out of respect for his family. Nadzrie joined the Singapore Police Force in 2009 and was posted to the Traffic Police after he had completed his training. Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck expressed his deepest condolences to the family. He said, I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Staff Sergeant Nadzrie. He was a dedicated and well-liked officer. We will do everything possible to assist his family during this difficult period. More Singapore stories Woman who cheated elderly man of over $200,000 for Lee Kuan Yew charged Yishun harassment case: We are scared she will take revenge Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Cable One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides data, video, and voice services in the United States. The company offers residential data services, a service to enhance Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. It also provides residential video services, such as local networks; local community programming that includes governmental and public access; and other channels, as well as digital video services, including national and regional cable networks, music channels, and an interactive and electronic programming guide with parental controls. In addition, the company offers premium channels that offer movies, original programming, live sporting events, and concerts and other features; and advanced video services, such as whole-home DVRs and high-definition set-top boxes, as well as TV Everywhere product, which enables its video customers to stream various channels and shows to mobile devices and computers. Further, it provides residential voice services comprising local and long-distance calling, voicemail, call waiting, three-way calling, caller ID, anonymous call rejection, and other features, as well as international calling by the minute services. Additionally, the company offers data, voice, and video products to business customers, including small to mid-markets, enterprises, and wholesale and carrier customers. As of December 31, 2021, it served approximately 1.2 million residential and business customers in 24 states through its Sparklight, Fidelity, and Clearwave brands. Cable One, Inc. was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. 5 Nepalis injured in Kabul attack that killed 80 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has confirmed that five Nepalis were among the injured in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, the Afghan capital, on Wednesday in which 80 people were killed. As many as 350 people were reported wounded in the massive explosion. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) earlier in May reported that the federal government is meeting its annual targeted goals of awarding small business contracts. However, the feds missed the mark on contracts awarded to women entrepreneurs. 2016 Small Business Procurement Scorecard U.S. Government Small Business Contracting Goals According to the latest SBA Procurement Scorecard (PDF), which summarizes federal small business contracting efforts for fiscal Year 2016 (FY16), the federal government surpassed its statutory goal of awarding 23 percent of contracts to small businesses. The government awarded small businesses 24.34 percent of its federal contracts to small businesses in FY16, the agency reports. Thats an percentage totaling $99.96 billion in contracts an increase of over $9 billion from FY15. This is the fourth year in a row the government has achieved its target for small business federal contracts. Washington hit the mark for small business contracting for the first time in 8 years back in 2014. I am pleased to report that for the fourth year in a row, the federal government has exceeded its small business contracting goal, said Linda McMahon, SBA Administrator, in an official release. It is a win-win for federal agencies to get small business contracts into the hands of the innovative small business owners that create jobs in their communities and help to fuel the nations economy. But while the government met the goal for contracts awarded to women entrepreneurs last year, it missed the mark this year on all prime contracts awarded to women-owned small businesses. Federal Government Misses Contracting Goals for Women Entrepreneurs For women entrepreneurs, the contracting goal in FY16 was 5 percent. The government managed 4.79 percent, representing $19.67 billion. Federal agencies, however, exceeded their subcontracting goals for women-owned and small disadvantaged businesses. Meanwhile, the federal government achieved its highest ever percentage of contract dollars awarded to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO) small businesses: 3.98 percent for a total of $16.34 billion in contracts. Federal government contracting goals are measured as a percentage of all government contract awarded. The SBA serves as the champion for small businesses, publishing scorecards showing whether the government as a whole and individual agencies meet their small business contracting goals. The American Small Business League has disputed the SBAs annual Small Business Procurement Scorecard, saying the SBA has been falsifying the governments 23 percent target compliance by using inaccurate budgeting figures. Still, the SBA scorecard provides a good starting point to figure out the state of federal small business contracting in the country. Overall, SBA graded seven federal agencies A+, 11 received a grade of A, four received a grade of B and one agency received a grade of C. A+ represents the highest score of at least 120 percent. If you run a quick service restaurant in New York City (NYC), youll soon have to deal with a series of new regulations passed into law by the nations largest city. NYC Fair Work Week Laws The legislation, known as the NYC Fair Work Week laws, are meant to provide a safety net to workers who often have to deal with difficult and unpredictable schedules. But they could possibly lead to complications for business owners, many of which are independent franchisees. The first law requires employers to make schedules available to their employees at least 14 days in advance. Any changes made after that point would require a fee of between $10 and $75 paid to the worker, depending on the situation. The second law states that workers need to get at least 11 hours off in between shifts. And if employers want those workers to clock back in sooner, theyll need to pay an extra $100. This is mainly aimed at ending the practice of having employees close up shop at night and then having to immediately open again the next morning. The third law requires employers to offer additional shifts to existing employees before hiring additional help. This is meant to give more chances for part time workers to gain extra hours and work toward becoming full time employees. And the final law allows workers to deduct part of their salary and donate it to non-profits. This allows workers to support groups that fight for them by having their employers send that money to organizations directly. Employees and rights groups count these new regulations as a big win, of course. We deserve fair and predictable schedules. No more permanent on call and no more clopenings #FightFor15 #FairWorkWeek pic.twitter.com/gqQ5JcHpYX Fight For 15 (@fightfor15) May 11, 2017 But restaurants and business associations arent quite as pleased. This legislation unfortunately is going to hurt these quick service establishments, many of which are franchises and are owned by what you would deem small business owners, said Kevin Dugan, regional director of the New York State Restaurant Association, in an interview with Reuters. What does a startup need to survive and thrive? Start-ups often need access to regular capital, a range of structural resources and professional mentoring in order to survive. Finding all of those tools in one place is incredibly difficult. Thats why more and more startups are turning to business incubators for support. What is a Business Incubator? Business incubators are organizations that offer startups shared operation space. In doing so, entrepreneurs enjoy a collaborative work environment with invaluable mentoring and networking opportunities, funding support and shared equipment. In short, they offer fledgling young companies a warm, safe place to grow and prosper. Incubators have been around for quite a while, but the concept only began to gain traction in the 1980s after an influx of higher education institutions decided to launch school-affiliated business incubators in order to offer students better employment prospects. Fast-forward a couple of decades, the sound reasoning behind the founding of those university incubators has led to the creation of thousands of new, diverse incubators across the globe. Most of Americas top incubators are industry-specific. For example, the Houston Technology Center specializes in supporting energy start-ups, the Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives in Worcester focuses on biotechnology and The Incubator in Chicago centers on technology companies. That being said, there are plenty of non-industry-specific business incubators, too. Incubators like The Research Park at the University of Illinois and the MGE Innovation Center in Madison, Wisconsin are recognized as two of Americas top incubators because they place emphasis on what theyre able to offer tenants rather than who it is theyre offering those resources to. What Does a Business Incubator Offer? Because the vast majority of startups lack the experience and networks required in order to grow, business incubators seek to offer entrepreneurs a range of essential resources and skills development programs. Every business incubator is different, but the vast majority provide companies with marketing assistance, market research and analytics tools, access to accounting professionals, access to loan facilities or grant programs and legal advice. Bearing in mind that a huge number of incubators continue to enjoy affiliation with area colleges and universities, tenants can also typically expect some sort of access to higher education resources perks normally include discounted access courses or library access. Incubators also run loads of workshops on all the basics like business etiquette, management, presentations and pitches. What is the Goal of a Business Incubator? Simply put, the goal of a business incubator is help your startup succeed. Most incubators are non-profit organizations that select tenants on a non-competitive basis. They receive their funding from government or lottery grants, donations and rent you pay as a tenant. They provide both virtual and on-site tactical support if and when you need it, and they gauge success based upon the success of their tenants. Incubators have plenty of hybrid cousins, like accelerators, that are far more intensive and profit-driven but as cheesy as it may sound, incubators are genuinely there to help. What are the Benefits of a Business Incubator? Based on the typical offerings, the implications for a startup taking up residence at a business incubator are clear. Unrivalled access to funding, mentors, skills development programs and a collaborative work environment can make a world of difference to your success. There are less obvious benefits, though. Unlike accelerators, incubators dont put a time stamp on their support programs. That means you arent bullied into growing too quickly, and are free to scale and expand at your own pace. Likewise, business incubators dont ask for equity in your company in return to access for resources. That means you reap all the benefits without having to hand over a piece of your company in the process. What are the Drawbacks of a Business Incubator? Incubators do have a couple of drawbacks, too. Because most incubators are non-profit organizations, they generally cant offer you the sort of access to capital you might enjoy from an accelerator or wooing an angel investor. Furthermore, business incubators arent quite as intensive as accelerators which means the support you receive from an incubator will be a bit more ad hoc and spaced out. An incubator is a place your company will generally live and grow for years on end, and so if you want instant results, an incubator might not be for you. Yet by and large, incubators are invaluable safe havens that the vast majority of start-ups should seek to benefit from. Incubators arent for everyone, but theyre definitely worth checking out. Remember to do your homework, though. Just like any other organization, no two incubators are alike, and some are undeniably better than others. Theory June 1, 2017 Tithi Bhattacharya In 1990, I watched the Polish film maker Krzysztof Kieslowskis Blind Chance (1981/1987) without registering the paralyzing potential of a particular scene. The protagonist, Witek, meets an old Communist by chance on a train. As a result of that meeting Witek decides to join the Communist Party. Later, again by sheer chance, he runs into an ex-partner, also his first love. A beautiful, tender and fierce sex scene follows. In the calm of the after, Witek, almost absentmindedly, whistles the Internationale. His partner murmurs something approvingly. And then Witek says How would you like it if I sang this everyday? The young woman recoils. She knows he has joined The Party. She leaves the room and his life. For many years that scene haunted me and it is only recently that I am beginning to understand the contours of my unease with and attraction to it. The woman approved of the Internationale but recoiled from the organization that claimed to embody its spirit the Party. There is a traumatic split here between the history qua memory of the working class and the organization of the working class, which is supposed to be the guardian of that memory. I am of course aware that in Kieslowskis native Poland, the Party and the bourgeois State were braided in a particular relationship that does not apply to our times. Yet, our current conjuncture invites a renewed rethinking of two historical imaginaries: first, what is class memory? To ask this question is really to reopen a discussion on what is class struggle and, more specifically, how does our collective memorialization of struggles past inform our relationship to struggle in the present. Second, and relatedly, who can be this struggles archivist? And this is a question of organizational form: what form can emerge out of such struggle, and try or fail to shape it. What is Class Memory? If we think of the events and moments that have invoked the category of class for us in recent times, we would confidently list the movements around Bernie Sanders, Jeremy Corbyn, Trumps election, the unexpected Brexit vote, more recently both Marine Le Pen and Melenchons rise in popularity in France. These examples, we would further say, encapsulate what the left have long called class polarization. The working class announcing its brutal political maladjustment in inviting radically opposed visions of our possible collective futures. But why are these moments of class-ness as opposed to anything else? What kind of political rhetoric and historical correspondence make us identify them as class? First, there is the rhetoric of the protagonists themselves. Sanders, Corbyn and Melenchon have all made open or gestural nods to that one word banished for so long in our Cold War-neoliberal world: socialism. What could be more evocative of class-ness than the very invocation of the word socialism? However, beyond this rather easy congruity, I would urge us to reflect a bit further, for this impressionistic class-ness appears to encompass both poles of mobilization: From Trump to Sanders and from Melenchon to Le Pen (indeed, recently the BBC Radio 4, April 19, 2017 interviewed a French worker who said he was torn between voting for Melenchon and Le Pen). What lends these moments their class-ness is thus their implicit identification with economic issues. The fact that this is implicit is of significance to my argument and we will come that later. But first lets examine briefly the multiple ways in which the appeal of all these moments lie in an economic argument. First there is the obvious and explicit attack on austerity. Both Trump (at least during his campaign), and Marine Le Pen have attacked globalization, international trade deals, and discussed the economic misery of their native working class. Jobs, conditions pertaining to jobs, lack of jobs and the specificity of jobs are inscribed all over the movements generated from both poles of the political spectrum, to which were added traditional social democratic issues such as healthcare (Corbyns defense of the NHS), education (Bernies free college plan) and as Marine Le Pen herself characterized Brexit: reindustrialization. What is significant for our argument is that this intense and anxious economic discourse, from both the right and the left does not actually use the category of the working class, or even the term class, as its analytical or operational pivot. The discourse, however, does have a pivot and it is as powerful as class: it is the nation, all the way from Make America Great Again to Unbowed France. The Marxist Lefts own specific historical training enables us to nominate this current rhetorical and political move, rightly, as a class discourse. Let us go back to our original identification challenge, this time to try to list recent movements and discourses that we, on the Left, have not listed as evocative of class, or class as metonymically standing in for the economic. Now several apparently discrete categories of movement appear before us. We can name Black Lives Matter under race, the movement for Trans rights or reproductive justice under gender, the BDS movement under anti-imperialism and so on. Not only have we not given these movements the blessing of class or class struggle we have, on occasion, analytically (as opposed to politically) counterposed these as movements of identity as opposed to class struggle. Power of Redemption This is the kind of historical training we need to rethink in the current conjuncture, as it is neither useful nor Marxist. Given that, in the last four decades neoliberalism has either smashed or chipped away at workplace organizing and organizations, as a left we should have expected struggle to erupt away from the point of production. The fact that these are not directly about wages, or work, does not invalidate them as class struggles in the Marxist sense. Indeed, I submit that at the current moment it is these struggles that contain the power of redemption over the discourse of economic deprivation discussed above. How? First, if we turn to the so called economic rhetoric of what has been called the populist right and the renewed Social Democratic Left, as we noted, it is firmly anchored to the nation. That race and/or immigration will be the weak links for the populist Right is perhaps no surprise, but they remain unhealed wounds for the renewed Social Democratic left. Melenchon is bound to laicitie and its attendant Islamophobia; Bernie has been consistently wrong on Palestine and other imperial policies; and even Corbyn, the best of them all, is not for the complete abolition of borders. Without reducing the complexities and contradictions of this tendency, we can broadly say that it is predicated upon anti-austerity politics combined with a national anti-elitism. National borders remain the chains that bind their possibilities. If these were the politics proclaimed by such mass parties, in say the 1980s, the Far Lefts demarche would almost be predictable. Unfortunately there is, for the first time in decades, a Far Right anti-austerity and anti-elitism on offer, and if the Social democratic left seeks to cohere its economy-as-class discourse around the nation state, the Right can do that job with far more passion and conviction and hence far more successfully. For the Far left, especially the Marxist Left, then, questions of oppression, i.e. race, gender, immigration, and questions of internationalism cannot be something we do in addition to class struggle but ought to be the redemptive levers to prise apart two sets of political forms: one, the economic nationalism on offer from the Far right and the Social Democratic Left; and two: the oppression politics of the 1 per cent, that came from the Centrist neoliberals for the last few decades, whose claim hinges on the idea that it is participation in, not rejection of, capitalist structures that is best route out of oppression. More women Presidents, more vegans in the IDF. The obsessive religiosity of identifying struggles around workplace issues as the only ones worthy of our attention is not only doomed to failure in this moment when union density is at a historic low, but this political methodology does not bear up either to Marxist theory or to actual labour history. Even for workplace struggles, our imagination and hence theory has been too often narrowed to what our early Marxist predecessors might have called economistic thinking. For instance, it is important to remember that the enormous success of the CIO and the combativity of the working class in this country was not predicated upon the issues of wage raises or money benefits but rather conditions of work in the shop. Writing reflectively about the CIO in the 1960s republished recently by Viewpoint the Black radical labour organizer James Boggs wrote that the CIO movement gave the American public its first real taste of class consciousness and social thinking, establishing for the first time the idea of democracy on the job, in the factories, the offices it has established a framework within which Negroes could fight for equality inside the plant. It has done the same for women workers. If Boggss excellent Pages from a Negro Workers Notebook were to be summarized as a twitter hashtag it would read: unions need to build social power. Or: unions need to establish themselves both in the workplace and in society. Let us dwell on this concept, for it is relevant to our argument about broadening the definition of class struggle and expanding the understanding of the economy. One of the many uses of social reproduction theory and the way many of us have applied it to our current moment has been, not, as many of its critics wrongly think, to draw our attention away from the point of production, but rather to demonstrate the imbricated relationship between the spaces of production of commodities and spaces of production of labour power. Social Reproduction Theory is particularly useful in illuminating the relationality of capital and hence has the capacity to indicate vital strategies for confronting it in our times. Applying Social Reproduction Theory to James Boggs observations above, we could say that at a time when labour organizing was weak or non-existent at the point of production, creative organizing in non-work spaces, in working-class communities, neighbourhoods, and churches, created organizational and insurrectionary traditions that helped build working class confidence and power and ultimately assisted in building in the workplace. Differently put, social reproduction theory is governed by a politics of reconfiguration of lived experience and forms of human life within capitalist social relations. The relationality of capital is particularly central to social reproduction theory and has specific valence to the argument we are making here about an expanded notion of class struggle. Capitalism does not just produce commodities, but in order to do so in a continuous sequence, it also needs to reproduce capitalist social relations. But every site of reproduction is a doubling where twin possibilities exist: that of reproduction of existing relations and the interruption of such relations. Thus every struggle that challenges the reproduction of existing social relations, whether by demanding that the police be disarmed or borders be opened, has the internal potential to take general form, irrespective of whether they began within the workplace or without. In an angry letter to Paul Lafargue and Laura Marx in 1870, Marx engages with Bakunin thus: the working class must not occupy itself with politics. They must only organize themselves by trades-unions you see what a caricature he has made of my doctrines! The ass has not even seen every class movement as a class movement, is necessarily and was always a political movement. The equating of Bakunin with certain equine species aside, what does Marx mean here of class movement as political movement? He elaborates on the concept further a year later in a letter to Friedrich Bolte: Every movement in which the working class comes out as a class against the ruling classes and tries to coerce them by pressure from without is a political movement The attempt in a particular factory or even in a particular trade to force a shorter working day out of individual capitalists by strikes, etc. is a purely economic movement. On the other hand, the movement to force through an eight-hour, etc., law, is a political movement. When we write the memory of class struggle of our era shall we abandon the struggle for Palestine, antiracism and feminism to the margins of our chronicle and await the purely magical workplace struggle to emerge out of a vacuum? Or shall we try again to reread Marx and think about the relationality of struggle? If the latter, then to be the chroniclers of this memory we need archivists appropriate for the task, or organizational forms that do not envisage the future only as an endless repetition of the past or try to squeeze social reality into a convenient Marx or Lenin quotation. Marx urges us to expect new organizational forms during social movements. If these movements, he wrote in the same letter to Bolte presuppose a certain degree of previous organization, they are in turn equally a means of developing this organization. Organizations that are simply the inheritors or guardians of the past may not be that archivist, as the past may have been too ruinously cleaved from the present. Those organizational forms that can force a futural anticipation onto the past will perhaps be our first Maroon shelters from where a new horizon of expectations can be forged. No significant changes expected after election of new members. Font size: A - | A + The new composition of the Judicial Council may start a new chapter in the Slovak judiciary, is how Supreme Court President Daniela Svecova saw the recent election of eight new members to the top judicial body overseeing the operation of Slovakias courts. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Not everybody, however, shares this opinion after considering the results. All eight successful candidates were nominated or supported by the Slovak Judges Association (ZSS), a professional organisation, and none of the nominees from the independent judiciary reform initiative, For an Open Judiciary (ZOJ), were elected. One of the new council members had previously been the right-hand man to the former controversial Supreme Court president, Stefan Harabin. We were expecting that representatives of various opinion groups would be elected to the council, said Peter Wilfling, a lawyer with the legal think tank Via Iuris, in a Facebook comment. He believes that diversity of opinions contributes to the Judicial Councils better operation and to the judiciary as a whole. The vote on May 23 initiated further changes in the 18-member Judicial Council where judges altogether have nine representatives. The ninth representative of judges, Supreme Court Justice and ZOJ vice-chair Dusan Cimo, was elected in November 2014. Election confirms the regions importance A total of 1,195 judges voted for the new members of the Judicial Council, who will be officially appointed on June 1. The new members are: Milos Kolek from Trnava Regional Court; Lenka Prazenkova from the Supreme Court; Erika Zajacova from the Trencin Regional Court; Martin Michalansky from the Kosice Regional Court; Marcela Kosova from the Bratislava Regional Court; Jan Burik from the Zilina Regional Court; and Pavol Pilek from the Nitra Regional Court. The last of the eight new members is Supreme Court Judge Daniel Hudak, the former right-hand man to Harabin. Read also: Read also: Results of Judicial Council election announced Read more The result of the vote confirms the importance of the regional self-governments, as the candidates with support in the local councils of judges in the regions mostly won, said the current Judicial Council chair Jana Bajankova. Meanwhile, ZSS head Juraj Sopoliga expressed his optimism about the strong participation of the judges in the election. He also praised the experience of the successful candidates in solving the problems that the judiciary is currently facing, earned by managing administration and self-administration of the courts and ZSS bodies, the SITA newswire reported. The independent association loses While ZSS-supported candidates were successful in the vote none of the five judges nominated by ZOJ were elected. The association said it respects the results, expressing hope that the winning candidates will be respectable representatives of all judges with the aim to fulfil the ideals of rule of law and a trustworthy judiciary. Following the poor result, the chair of the ZOJ association, Katarina Javorcikova, offered her resignation from the post, saying that the association was not able to win the support of the judges with its current programme and values. However, the ZOJ board expressed its support for Javorcikova at its May 25 meeting and asked her to stay in the post until autumn when new leaders of the association will be elected, Cimo wrote in an official statement. The members will also discuss the future of ZOJ at that meeting. One of the basic aims will be to win more support from judges while keeping our value priorities, according to the statement. Read also: Read also: Rights of Harabins critic violated, court says Read more New members should be monitored One of the reasons why ZOJ did not convince enough judges might have been that they prefer the current regional principle of representation in the council, said Jan Hrubala, an unsuccessful candidate and a judge of the Specialised Criminal Court, in an interview with the Sme daily. It might also have been the result of the recent initiative by Via Iuris, which had launched a website on which it introduced the candidates for the Judicial Council and gave them a chance to promote themselves, Hrubala said. The practice from abroad suggests that Slovakia should get used to similar, open initiatives, but that it is an unfamiliar step for Slovak judges, who usually follow instructions from the traditional judicial association, ZSS, he added. With their decision, Slovak judges sent a signal that should be analysed closely, Wilfling commented. He pointed out in an interview with Sme that Sopoliga, for example, in the past defended Harabin against his critics, one of which was ZOJ. Since mostly candidates who have not previously publicly commented on the state of the judiciary were elected, it will be important to watch their steps in the Judicial Council, Wilfling wrote in his Facebook comment. With press reports The first shot has been fired in the regulation war that will shape the future of Europe. Font size: A - | A + The 110-million fine that the European Commission imposed on Facebook for violating its anti-monopoly rules is a symbolic start. It marks the moment when offices in Europe embraced a new type of economic and public space and started protecting it. It will result in a years-long regulation war that we have not seen in Europe for decades. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement So far, Facebook has behaved like an early 20th century chemical company that recklessly extracted raw materials and then poured the harmful wastewater into the nearest river. The only difference is that Facebook does not extract raw materials from the ground but rather information from peoples privacy. It does not leak toxic substances into the environment but it leaks toxic thoughts into the collective consciousness. At the same time, just like a chemical factory, it produces useful values for clients and profit for itself. This is not how business should be done A century ago chemical companies really leaked toxic waste into rivers, generating profits for themselves but transferring the burden from their business onto society. But then authorities said this is not how business is done. Gradually, rules have been put in place that ordered companies to bear the costs of protecting the environment they make use of, like installing filters, for example. Obviously, businesses did not like the rules and claimed this is not how business can be done. But over time they conceded to bear the costs, adjust their prices and lower their margins. Real costs of Facebook Facebook and Brussels-based regulators are now about to embark on a similar struggle. It turns out that high profits can be generated by pouring waste into virtual space. How big is the portion of profit that Facebook earns by letting society bear its costs? We are not able to calculate a concrete sum. But we can say that Facebook has an above-standard high margin. That is, the amount of money they keep out of every euro they earn after they pay all the salaries, electricity fees and other costs, is quite high. In the first quarter of 2017 that margin stood at almost 39 percent, almost double that of Apple or Google in the same period. In practice, Facebook returned revenues worth over 3 billion dollars in that quarter. To compare, the median margin in the Slovak economy in 2015 (the most recent complete data from big companies) was under 3 percent, based on FinStat calculations. Slovak IT companies recorded margins of approximately 8 percent, carmakers around 2 percent, 20-times less than Facebook. The high margin does not automatically mean that the company is acting immorally. Innovative firms and startups are able to work much more effectively than their old-fashioned competition, thanks to the technology they use. Facebook can continue being an exceptionally well managed and effective company. However, it should be noted that the second type of companies with high margins are non-regulated monopolies able to dictate whatever prices they want to the entire market. It could be done better But the margins of Facebook show that the company has enough room to afford compromise steps to protect the environment it does its business in. There is more and more evidence that Facebook is currently harming the wellbeing of the society and its clients. The company also admits that it is being used as a tool to bend democracy. It is starting to be safe to say that Facebook (not unlike the onetime chemical factories) is doing little to protect its environment from the negative impact of its business. The profit margins of Facebook allow it to do more. The company could, for instance, better check if popular posts are true, or give up part of their income from advertising by reducing the amount of popular but toxic content. Both steps are feasible, but they would interfere with the revenues of Facebook and the company will not take them unless they must. The logical result is that authorities will push Facebook to spend part of their income on the protection of society. How to protect the customer It is a natural reaction of every company to protect their margin and if authorities force Facebook to increase costs, it will try to make their clients bear them. While the chemical company would increase the prices of its products, Facebook could start selling more privacy data from users or adjust advertising rates. Costs would increase, but the margin would remain the same. Under normal circumstances, competition prevents companies from making their clients bear additional costs. The trouble is that Facebook has no competition anymore. There are other social networks, but none of them is quite as big as Facebook. The company understood early enough which competitors it needed to buy, to also buy their users linked with the kind of social links it was unable to imitate. Instagram was the network of young people, and WhatsApp linked people through their phone numbers. Thanks to these two acquisitions Facebook now de facto has a monopoly control over social networks - and the public space on the web. New space for regulation That brings us back to the fine from the European Commission. What was basically said was that the company lied when it purchased WhatsApp and promised not to link it with its own data. Brussels claims Facebook broke that promise and is trying to blow up its already dominant social network. The fine from the EU, along with the pressure from Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, is a sign that regulators are starting to understand the monopoly of Facebook on public space. They also know, based on their experiences with technological monopolies, that the market is unable to push such a company to act responsibly and fair towards its customers. They are trying to calculate how much harm Facebook is causing. The result will show a monopoly company that abuses and harms its environment while having high profits. The result will be a long and ugly regulation war for social networks. Ondrej Podstupka is deputy editor-in-chief at the Sme daily. Sme AgriBusiness Boot Camp a blueprint for success Laxman Paudel, a resident of Dang, used to serve as a policeman. During the decade-long insurgency (1996-2006), he was forced to quit his job due to pressure from the Maoists. The Constitutional Court's approval of the cancellation of the infamous amnesties has largely united coalition and opposition politicians in praise of the decision. Font size: A - | A + After 19 years and several failed attempts, a major trauma for this country has finally been healed, Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska (of coalition Most-Hid) said on May 31 in response to the ruling by the Constitutional Court earlier that day that Meciars amnesties can be scrapped. Zitnanska highlighted the fact that the move was made in unison by the government, parliament, the president [Andrej Kiska], and now the court. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The agreement by the top constitutional institutions on the way of abrogating the amnesties shows that were still capable of communicating and reaching agreement in key moments and on important issues, the minister wrote on her social media account. Her party boss, Most-Hid chair Bela Bugar, added that the scrapping also affirms the meaning and existence of the party. Read also: Read also: The Constitutional Court approves scrapping Meciars amnesties Read more The decision opens the door for implementing some justice for the victims, President Andrej Kiska said, as quoted by the Sme daily. He also said that he expects the forthcoming trial to determine who is responsible for the abduction of then-presidents son Michal Kovac, Jr. to Austria. Prime Minister Robert Fico (the coalition Smer party) views the concensus as proof that the solution adopted by the governing coalition was appropriate and fully aligned with the values of the Constitution. Once again, those who suspected us of mischief were wrong, he said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Other members of Smer, the largest coalition party, have also welcomed the courts ruling. According to MP Erik Tomas, the courts verdict is a clear answer to all speculators who doubted the honesty of the initiative sponsored by the prime minister and the governing coalition. Not everoyne is expressely positive Parliamentary Speaker Andrej Danko (of the coalition SNS party) gave a more ambivalent response. He said he respected the decision and was glad that the coalition came up with a solution that has been confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Danko praised the legal framework of the coalitions proposal to revoke the amnesties and contrasted it with oppositions proposals, which he called tragicomic. He also cautioned that this may be just half of the test, as those negatively affected by the ruling may turn to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Im calling on all the overjoyed people to realise that we may see a review by the ECHR, should the people involved choose to involve them, the speaker of parliament said, as cited by TASR. But it is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel, and the trauma may be healed, he said. Danko said that the earlier attempts to abolish the amnesties may have been made by people with insufficient legal knowledge or weaker determination to continue the case. The opposition OLaNO-NOVA party considers the abolition of what it called Vladimir Meciars immoral amnesties to be a victory for justice. Our gratitude goes to all those who have sought the abolition of the amnesties for many years, the party said, according to the newswire. The opposition parties have proposed their abolition on several occasions, but it was only public pressure that forced the governing coalition to act. The party highlighted the contributions made by its MP Jan Budaj and by Anna Remiasova, the mother of Robert Remias, a police investigator who had been murdered in 1996. Fellow opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) MP Martin Poliacik also embraced the courts decision, describing the immoral amnesties as a stain on Slovakias history. Read also: Read also: Coalition finds a way to scrap Meciars amnesties Read more Experts, witness embrace the decision The NGO Via Iuris also welcomed the verdict. The fact that the Constitutional Court came to their decision within the set 60-day period and confirmed that the amnesties issued by Meciar as acting president in 1998 are at odds with principles of a democratic and legal state can be viewed as a positive signal to the public, the NGO stated. Were glad that the Constitutional Court has affirmed that if a state body is suspected of committing a crime against citizens, it cannot secure impunity for the perpetrators forever, said lawyer Peter Wilfling of Via Iuris. The NGO went on to say that the Constitutional Court's ruling was in line with the statements of international conventions and courts that prohibit the granting of amnesty in cases concerning abductions and inhumane crimes. Similar amnesties have been nullified in several countries around the world, with international bodies often recommending this action. Oskar Fegyveres, a former member of the Slovak Intelligence Service who was involved in the abduction but later distanced himself from the event, said in an interview for the Sme daily that May 31 is a day which gives closure to all that happened in the late 1990s. Fegyveres had served as a liaison for Remias. The main witness in the case maintains that SIS was behind the abduction and said that he is ready to repeat his testimony. Read also: Only when the institutions that report on and interpret the nations collective memory are free from political interference can the country come to terms with its past. Font size: A - | A + Two seemingly unrelated news stories hit the headlines in Slovakia in recent days. A group of MPs, most of them from parties in the ruling coalition, proposed an amendment to the law governing the Nations Memory Institute (UPN), the main effect of which would be to force its current director to leave within months. And another group of MPs, sitting on parliaments culture and media committee, heard from candidates applying to lead the public-service broadcaster, RTVS. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement While there is no formal connection between these two organisations, both deal with collective memory, by reporting on facts and evidence, past or present, that affect the lives of people in this country. As such, both are or should be on the front line in the battle to combat fake news and distorted historical narratives. Read also: Read also: Vote coming soon on RTVS director Read more The election of the new general director of RTVS, scheduled to take place in parliament in mid June, is already subject to political pressure. Unfortunately for the broadcaster and its management, such pressure is not unprecedented. This time around, there are concerns, not entirely unfounded, that if the wrong candidate is selected for the post, the institution might regress to the infamous period in the 1990s, when it served as little more than the mouthpiece of the government. True, these are not the 1990s, and Vladimir Meciar is long gone, but if we look across the borders to Hungary or to Poland, it is clear that public-service media are still vulnerable to political interference. Read also: Read also: MPs propose changes to the management of Nations Memory Institute Read more Besides, much more is at stake here than just the need for RTVS not to succumb to local political pressures. All media, and perhaps the public-service broadcaster most of all, must recognise their responsibility to be a lighthouse for people navigating the stormy waters of the internet, where actual facts and hoaxes float around side by side. Most of the candidates who presented their plans for RTVS to the committee do not appear to realise that this is why it will be crucial for the broadcaster to retain or even increase its trust among the audience. The current RTVS director Vaclav Mika is one of the few who do, and that is also why local experts on media believe him to be, while not perfect, the best of the available candidates. The UPN faces a similar challenge, particularly in Slovakia, where historical revisionism is an integral part of every extremist platform. The websites that spread hoaxes directed against Slovakias transatlantic orientation are very often the same ones that praise the wartime Slovak state, a Nazi puppet. People who have faced charges for praising that regime, or for denying the Holocaust, now sit in the Slovak parliament. According to the law applicable to the UPN, the responsibility of the institute is, among others, to analyse the causes and the ways how freedom is lost, the expressions of fascist and communist regimes and their ideologies. With fascism on the rise across Europe, this task is more urgent than ever. It is therefore crucial that the institute is independent and does not go back to being a refuge for historians who regard their role as to act as apologists for Slovakias wartime state, or who interpret the archives of the totalitarian-era intelligence services based on what suits the politicians in power. While the current director of the UPN, Ondrej Krajnak, has had difficult relations with his employees and is certainly not a perfect manager, he was installed in the position with 105 votes in parliament, which suggests a consensus between the opposition and the coalition, and the institute under his watch has been doing what it is supposed to, rather than sweeping inconvenient facts under the carpet. Countries like Slovakia that have experienced more than one totalitarian regime over the past century, dont just need to deal with that legacy. They need to be ever-vigilant for signs of the re-emergence of anything similar. Neither Slovakias past, nor its present, need be a source of shame; rather they should be accounted for accurately and fairly so that the Slovak people are reconciled with their collective past and well-informed about their present. The UPN and RTVS are central to this. We need to learn from history is a cliche, as is the media need to gain the trust of people. But sometimes cliches are true. Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues and human interest stories. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years. By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador wants to negotiate a payment plan with oil service companies owed more than $2 billion (1.55 billion pounds) and expects to begin talks with main creditor Schlumberger in coming days, its new oil minister told Reuters on Wednesday. Ecuador's economy has struggled since the 2014 collapse of oil prices and a devastating earthquake last year that killed some 670 people and cost an estimated $3 billion. The smallest member of OPEC has built up debts for oilfield services that Schlumberger, which is owed about $1 billion, has described as causing "considerable financial stress." Oil Minister Carlos Perez, a former Halliburton executive named by new President Lenin Moreno this month, expressed confidence the situation would be resolved. "In the case of Schlumberger it is a holistic conversation, in which we will review rates, part of the debt with them, and additional investments," he said in an interview in his office in the mountainous capital Quito. Perez said the conversations would probably start this week. "We have to reach payment agreements with companies, be it with (central bank notes) or other types of bonds, and another part in cash," he said. Ecuador last month gave Schlumberger $150 million in central bank notes that can be used to pay taxes, as part of efforts to pay down its debt with the company. Ecuador also has debts with Halliburton , Sinopec and smaller local providers, Perez said. A Schlumberger spokesperson said the company was optimistic about the Moreno government and open to negotiation of contracts but that it expected proof that debt that has accumulated over 22 months will be paid. The Andean country also wants to propose a broad renegotiation of contracts with service companies, based on international crude prices, to stimulate investment, Perez said. "One of the things we're trying to include is indexing the contracts to the WTI prices," he said. Perez also expects oil production in Ecuador to ramp up to about 700,000 barrels per day, up from around 535,000 bpd currently, in the next four years. He cautioned that would depend on the scale of investments. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Sandra Maler and Bill Trott) (Writes through with new sourcing, details) MOSCOW, June 1 (Reuters) - A consortium of Russian, Chinese and UAE funds are buying a minority stake in Eurasia Drilling , the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying on Thursday. The sovereign funds are thought to be taking a minority stake of 13-15 percent in Eurasia, Russia's largest oilfield services company by metres drilled. "I can confirm that we are acquiring a minority stake, and a United Arab Emirates investment fund and our Chinese partners will be in this deal," RDIF's Kirill Dmitriev was quoted as saying by Interfax. Dmitriev said he hoped Saudi Arabia would also invest in the company, Interfax reported. He did not give any details on the size of the stake. The consortium comprising the RDIF, the Russia-China Investment Fund (RCIF) established by RDIF and the China Investment Corporation, and the UAE co-investors said earlier on Thursday they had agreed the principal terms of the deal. As part of an economic forum in St Petersburg, Dmitriev presented a statement to a meeting of international investors chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sources close to the talks told Reuters in March that RCIF and Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's state fund, were considering buying a minority stake in Eurasia Drilling. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; Writing by Vladimir Soldatkin and Jack Stubbs; Editing by Andrew Roche) By Margarita Antidze TBILISI/BAKU (Reuters) - An independent Azeri journalist has been abducted in Georgia and forcibly taken to neighbouring Azerbaijan where he was detained in custody, his lawyer said on Wednesday, in a case condemned by rights activists. Afgan Mukhtarli, an investigative journalist and human rights activist who had been living in the former Soviet republic of Georgia since 2015, went missing on Tuesday evening. Early on Wednesday, a few hours after the abduction, lawyer Elchin Sadigov told reporters that Mukhtarli had been kidnapped in the Georgian capital Tbilisi by a group of unknown men, beaten up and taken forcibly to the Azeri-Georgian border, where he was detained by Azeri police. The journalist was charged by the Azeris with illegal border crossing and smuggling, Sadigov said. "Afgan Mukhtarli said that as they crossed the border, 10,000 euros were put in his pockets," Sadigov added. Azerbaijan's prosecutor general's office said that the journalist was detained "after illegally crossing the border with a large sum of money." The court in the Azeri capital Baku late on Wednesday ordered Mukhtarli's pre-trial detention for three months. "Mukhtarli's arrest was a political order of Azeri authorities and he was punished for his critical articles," the journalist's other lawyer, Osman Kazimov, told Reuters. He said the lawyers would appeal the court's ruling. Georgia's Interior Ministry said it had launched an investigation into the illegal abduction of the Azeri journalist. "Communication with the Azeri side is under way," the ministry said in a statement. London-based human rights watchdog Amnesty International said that Mukhtarli "should be immediately and unconditionally released and protected from torture and other ill-treatment." "This is a deeply sinister development in a country (Azerbaijan) known for its long crackdown on journalists and human rights defenders," Amnesty said in a statement. "It seems that the Georgian authorities were also complicit in Afgan Mukhtarli's abduction and forced return to Azerbaijan." The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights said he was "appalled" by the abduction. "Azerbaijan's authorities must release Mr. Mukhtarli without delay and ensure that he fully enjoys his human rights, including the protection from torture and ill treatment," Nils Muiznieks said in a statement. Several dozen journalists rallied in Tbilisi on Wednesday in support of their Azeri colleague. Rights groups accuse Azeri authorities of muzzling dissent and jailing opponents. Baku denies the charges, saying its population enjoys freedom of speech and access to opposition media. Several rights activists and journalists have been imprisoned in Azerbaijan in recent years on charges including illegal business activity, tax evasion and hooliganism. Their lawyers have dismissed their trials as politically motivated. (Additional reporting by Nailia Bagirova in Baku, editing by Dmitry Solovyov, Alison Williams and G Crosse) By Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia has cut off internet access nationwide until at least June 8 to try to stop cheats from posting high school exam papers on social media, a government official said on Thursday. Hundreds of thousands of students will take the tests throughout the Horn of Africa country with Grade 10 exams taking place from May 31 until June 2, and Grade 12 tests from June 5 until June 8. Last year, exam papers were widely posted online, prompting the government to reschedule the tests, which are the main public exams for 16- and 18-year-olds to secure places at university and on vocational courses. "The shutdown is aimed at preventing a repeat of leaks that occurred last year," Mohammed Seid, public relations director of Ethiopia's Office for Government Communications Affairs, told Reuters. "We are being proactive. We want our students to concentrate and be free of the psychological pressure and distractions that this brings." Mohammed did not give a precise date regarding when the shutdown would be lifted, but added it would last throughout the exam period. He said only access to social media outlets was cut off and that services such as airline bookings and banking requiring internet access remained intact. A Reuters witness confirmed that WiFi and cellular internet access has been cut off. Access at embassies and international organisations remained intact. It is not the first time that Addis Ababa has pulled the plug on the internet. At the height of protests in late 2015 and 2016, Ethiopia imposed a blanket ban for weeks before disrupting only social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. At that time, rights group Amnesty International slammed the disruption as an "intent on stifling expression and free exchange of information". Critics say Ethiopia, an important Horn of Africa ally of the West sandwiched between volatile Somalia and Sudan, often clamps down on freedoms under the guise of national security. The government denies the accusations. (Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Editing by Alison Williams) NIAMEY (Reuters) - Gunmen killed six security agents in southwestern Niger, a security source and local resident said, in an area near the Malian border where jihadists have been increasingly active. The attackers opened fire on a security post in the town of Abala, about 150 km (90 miles) northeast of the capital Niamey, at around 7 p.m. (1800 GMT) on Wednesday, killing four national guard troops and two gendarmes, a security source told Reuters. "Just when everyone was preparing to break the Ramadan fast, we heard shots in the town. The exchange of fire lasted almost two hours," a school teacher in Abala told Anafi, a local radio station. Militants and criminal gangs have long operated around the vast, desert border between Mali and Niger, even after a French-led military intervention pushed insurgent groups back from northern Mali in 2013. Earlier this year, Niger declared a state of emergency along a portion of the border where Wednesday's shooting took place. Abala is home to a camp for refugees who have fled violence in Mali. Repeated attacks in the Tillabery region near the border have led authorities to impose a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Several French soldiers from a regional counter-terrorism operation were wounded on Thursday morning in a mortar attack on a United Nations' peacekeeping camp in northern Mali. Further south, Niger also faces threats from the Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram. Niger security forces killed 57 Boko Haram militants in April who had attacked a village in the southeastern Diffa region. (Reporting By Boureima Balima; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Edward McAllister and Robin Pomeroy) By Eveline Danubrata and Stefanno Reinard JAKARTA (Reuters) - A proposed Indonesian tobacco law will roll back regulations to discourage smoking in a country that already has one of the highest smoking rates in the world and open the floodgates to advertising aimed at teenagers, a health ministry official said. If the bill initiated by the parliament is passed, companies will no longer have to put grim pictures on cigarette packs of lung cancer or other diseases linked to smoking, said Mohammad Subuh, director-general of disease prevention and control at the health ministry. Under existing regulations, 40 percent of the front and back of a cigarette pack must contain a "health warning" in the form of pictures and text. Under the tobacco bill, reviewed by Reuters, cigarette packs would not be required to have a specific portion dedicated to health-related pictures. Cigarette businesses that put up advertisements, either in electronic, printed or outdoor media, do have to include a health warning that is "written with clear alphabets, easily read and proportionate." School and playground areas would be designated as "no- cigarette-smoke zones" instead of "no-cigarette zones", which would allow cigarettes to be sold or displayed there, Subuh said. "Indonesia is the most liberal country for the tobacco industry," said Subuh, who oversees the health ministry's tobacco control efforts. "Let's not open again the opportunities for the industry to lure teenagers to party with cigarettes. It's like jumping from a helicopter without a parachute," he said in an interview. OUTPUT INCREASE Last year, 54.8 percent of males between 15 and 19 years old were smokers in Indonesia, more than double the percentage of smokers in 2001, according to the health ministry. The price of a pack of cigarettes in Indonesia can be less than $2. A shocking video of a toddler reportedly puffing up to 40 cigarettes a day on the island of Sumatra went viral around seven years ago, firing up anti-tobacco activists who said it underscored the problem of underage smoking in Indonesia. "Indonesia is terrifying because it has among the most baby smokers in the world. From elementary school until high school, the smoking rate is also one of the highest," the health ministry's Subuh said. Indonesia is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region that has yet to ratify or be a party to the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which seeks to protect against the harmful consequences of smoking. The tobacco bill mainly aims to sharply increase cigarette output in Indonesia, already the world's fourth-biggest producer, at a time when other Asian countries are taking measures to curb smoking. Proponents of the bill say it would safeguard a vital economic sector that employs millions of people and contributes nearly 10 percent of state revenues. "We don't mind some regulations, as long as they are not excessive," said Abdus Setiawan, a board member at the Indonesia Tobacco Growers' Association. Setiawan said he already considers emblazoning cigarette packs with the message that "smoking kills" to be "excessive." To become law in Indonesia, the tobacco bill has to be agreed between the government and the parliament. President Joko Widodo agreed in March to start discussions on the bill with the parliament, but it is unclear when the president will make a decision. $17 BILLION INDUSTRY Indonesia, a country of 250 million and the biggest economy in Southeast Asia, is attractive for major cigarette companies at a time when growth is slowing in more developed markets. Indonesia produced 269.2 billion cigarettes in 2015, while the total market was valued at 231.3 trillion rupiah (13.49 billion pounds), according to research firm Euromonitor International. Philip Morris International Inc and British American Tobacco PLC have controlling stakes in local cigarette makers PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk and PT Bentoel Internasional Investama Tbk, respectively. Other major domestic players include PT Gudang Garam Tbk and privately held Djarum Group. Regulations for the industry have been poorly enforced and some companies target young Indonesians with new products such as fruit-flavored cigarettes or clever advertising, activists say. "A lot of advertisements here send the message that if you don't smoke, you're not macho, you're not cool," Muhammad Khanavi, a 14-year-old student, said on the sidelines of an anti-smoking event to mark World No Tobacco Day on Wednesday. (Editing by Ed Davies and Bill Tarrant) By Denis Pinchuk and Andrew Osborn ST PETERSBURG/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that elements of a U.S. anti-missile system in Alaska and South Korea were a challenge to Russia and that Moscow had no choice but to build up its own forces in response. Putin, speaking at an economic forum in St Petersburg, said Russia could not stand idly by and watch while others increased their military capabilities along its borders in the Far East in the same way as he said had been done in Europe. He said Moscow was particularly alarmed by the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile system to South Korea to counter a North Korean missile threat and to reported U.S. plans to beef up Fort Greely in Alaska, a launch site for anti-ballistic missiles. "This destroys the strategic balance in the world," Putin told a meeting with international media, the start of which was broadcast on state TV. "What is happening is a very serious and alarming process. In Alaska, and now in South Korea, elements of the anti-missile defence system are emerging. Should we just stand idly by and watch this? Of course not. We are thinking about how to respond to these challenges. This is a challenge for us." Washington was using North Korea as a pretext to expand its military infrastructure in Asia in the same way it had used Iran as a pretext to develop a missile shield in Europe, charged Putin. RUSSIAN RESPONSE Putin said the Kurile Islands, a chain of islands in the Far East where Moscow and Tokyo have rival territorial claims, were "quite a convenient place" to deploy Russian military hardware to respond to such threats. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said last year Russia planned to deploy some of its newest missile defence systems and drones to the islands, part of a drive to rearm military units already stationed there. He has also spoken of Russia building a military base there. "I don't agree that we are unilaterally starting to militarise these islands," said Putin. "It is simply a forced response to what is happening in the region." Any talk of demilitarising the islands could only occur once tensions in the entire region had been reduced, he said. Tokyo and Moscow have long been locked in talks over the contested islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Putin said Russia was alive to the danger that Japan might allow U.S. troops to deploy there if it struck a deal to hand over some of the islands to Tokyo's jurisdiction. "Such a possibility exists," said Putin. Russia did not want to worsen already poor relations with Washington by fuelling what he described as an arms race, but Putin said the United States was still consumed by what he called an anti-Russian campaign. "How will the situation develop? We don't know," said Putin. (Additional reporting by Dmitry Solovyov and Maria Kiselyova; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Alexander Winning) Deepak Thapa has been a fortnightly columnist with The Kathmandu Post since 2009, writing on a range of topical social and political issues. MOSCOW/CHISINAU (Reuters) - Russia has ordered five Moldovan diplomats to leave the country within three days, in retaliation for the expulsion of five members of its embassy in Moldova earlier this week, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. On Monday, Moldova's pro-European Union government expelled five Russian diplomats, a move the ex-Soviet country's Moscow-backed president Igor Dodon says has led to the worst crisis in bilateral relations in 25 years. Russia hopes "Chisinau becomes aware of the counter-productive nature of its unfriendly actions," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement announcing the tit-for-tat expulsions from Moscow. Moldova has been ruled by a succession of pro-EU administrations but Dodon's election in late 2016 reflected a loss of trust in its leaders as well as Russia's increasingly assertive influence over former Soviet states. The Moldovan authorities have not explained their decision to expel the Russians, but earlier on Wednesday Prime Minister Pavel Filip said there were "good reasons". "It was a matter of the country's national interests and the state security of Moldova," he said in a statement. "We are in favour of good relations with Russia, but this relationship should be built of mutual respect." (Reporting by Alexander Winning and Alexander Tanas; Writing by Dmitry Solovyov and Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Catherine Evans) MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's top search site Yandex has decided to close its offices in the Ukrainian cities of Kiev and Odessa, the company said on Thursday. The decision was announced after Ukraine's State Security Service raided Yandex's Kiev and Odessa offices on Monday, accusing the company of illegally collecting Ukrainian users' data and sending it to Russian security agencies. Yandex said it had been added to a sanction list by the Ukrainian authorities and its bank accounts had been blocked, making it impossible to pay salaries to its local staff. "That's why we decided to close the offices in Kiev and Odessa, we will offer our team the opportunity to continue working in other Yandex' offices in other countries," the company said in a statement. Ukraine imposed sanctions on Yandex and several other Russian Internet firms last month and blocked access to their websites, saying it wanted to guard against cyber threats. More than 450 Russian firms have been blacklisted by Kiev since Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ensuing pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and; Jack Stubbs; Editing by Jack Stubbs) Indian DSP among seven detained in Doti Nepal Police have arrested a team of Indians led by Indian DSP Nagraj from Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality in the district on Wednesday night. Aditya Birla Groups domestic textiles division has chosen Publicis India as its creative brand partner for its linen fabrics brand Linen Club. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch. The brand will be managed by the agencys Mumbai office. Commenting on the appointment, Satyaki Ghosh, CEO, Domestic Textiles, Aditya Birla Group, said, We have been pioneers in linen in the country, and Linen Club has been a market leader since its introduction back in 2000. We are seeing more competition now, which is always good. As leaders, our efforts must stay focussed on growing the category and the brand. To partner us effectively on this journey, we saw in Publicis India a partner who shares our passion. We look forward to working with the best minds at the agency to take us to the next level. Commenting on this victory, Srija Chatterjee, Managing Director, Publicis India, said, We couldnt be happier to have a brand like Linen Club as part of our ever-growing portfolio. Linen Club is the leader in its space and now is just the right time to give it a fresh voice, one that is relevant today, and we are ecstatic that we have been chosen to have this new conversation. Elaborating on this win, Bobby Pawar, MD & Chief Creative Officer, Publicis India, said, Its always a delight when you meet a client thats as creatively inclined as you are. We cant wait to collaborate with the team. In the coming months, well see some great work coming out for Linen Club. Expressing his view on the account win, Nakul Chopra, Senior Advisor, Publicis India, said, We are honoured to have been chosen to partner Linen Club. Our legacy with fashion & apparel combined with some of the new tools and techniques at our disposal will prove invaluable in taking the brand to the next level. Linen Club is a pioneer, and we will strive for the communication to reflect that. Launched in 2007, Linen Club offers a wide range of linen fabrics, custom tailoring as well as ready to wear apparel for men. Recently theyve also launched a line for women. Linen Club offers 100% pure linen made from the finest European flax from Belgium and France. Everyuth Naturals releases a unique and disruptive brand ad for its newly launched variant, Tulsi-Turmeric Facewash. The core idea of the campaign has been conceived and executed by J Walter Thompson, Mumbai; which created around a simple insight pimples and breakouts happen; its only normal. There is no need to panic, it suggests, because it is NOT the end of your world Many communications in the beauty category rely on the panic caused by sudden skin breakouts or the loss of confidence, due to a fall from that picture-perfect idea of beauty. The brand understands that there will be a lot of people who will give unwanted beauty advice. Therefore, in an effervescent, relatable manner it asks you to ignore them and go on doing the things you love while Everyuth Naturals does its duty of taking care of your skin woes. Video: The TVC confidently steps out of beauty molds and shows the protagonist poking fun at her pimple, and not letting her skin problems stop her in any way. Truly the right message to be sent out by beauty brands to young, impressionable minds. The TVC uses stand-up comedy as a means to reach out to the new age, social-media savvy youth. Commenting on the campaign, Tarun Arora, COO, Zydus Wellness said; Our numerous consumer studies and immersions led us to the trend that the young girls of today while impressionable and under peer pressure, are still being brave and experimentative. There is an inherent desire among these girls to not succumb to any pressure, chart out their own unique journey and pen their own life stories. It brought us to a very strong synergy between the core natural proposition of the brand Everyuth Naturals and being natural and following your heart attitude of the consumers. Commenting on the concept of the campaign; Tina Sachdev, VP & Executive Creative Director, JWT Mumbai said; Unlike the damsel in distress often portrayed in advertising focussed on pimples, Everyuth reflects the upbeat young girl who isnt hiding her face in acute embarrassment every time her skin breaks out in a pimple. Instead she happily gets people around her breaking into laughter with her own wry observations of people and their response to her skin issues. The idea of using a stand- up comedian we felt is fresh for a category still dominated by a problem solution format. JICA provides office equipment to CBS Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal provided office equipment to Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) to support pilot survey of National Economic Census 2018 on Thursday. Team ZTE, powered by Publicis Media and Publicis Communications, has bagged the entire media planning and buying mandate for ZTE Mobile. ZTE plans to launch a whole range of new products in India. ZTE Corporation is a Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company and also the worlds leading mobile phone manufacturer. The company has made several Android smartphones and tablets. While the company mainly sells products under the ZTE brand, it is also an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). One of ZTEs recent mobile launches is the Hawkeye. The smartphone was launched in January 2017. Mayoori Kango, Managing Director of Performics.Resultrix, part of Publicis Media India, commented, We are pleased to have won the media planning and buying business of ZTE Mobile in India. ZTE is an ambitious, high-tech, result oriented company, operating in a space that is dynamic and exciting. We will further fuel their expansion plans, by helping them forge deep connections with consumers, across all the right touch-points and platforms. Our strong play in areas such as technology, data, content, and analytics, coupled with powerful tools and rich consumer insights, led to us bagging this business. In the past few months, as a group, we have made significant investments in machine-learning and artificial intelligence, and this has further enhanced our offering. We will harness all our experience in the telecommunications sector to drive market share for ZTE. Sachin Batra, Chief Marketing Officer, ZTE, added here, We are excited to have found a strategic partner that shares our enthusiasm and vision for the brand and offers the best of both qualitative and quantitative thinking. Team ZTE impressed us early on with their strong, highly differentiated offering and compelling live ROI proposition. They are focused on the entire customer journey, generating real-time strategies and returns on media and marketing investments. Team ZTE comes with extraordinary analytical and media targeting capabilities. Their passion, vision and dedication made them the right partner for our growth plans. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. India is soon expected to overtake the US as the worlds second-largest smartphone market after China. Smartphone shipments in India grew 18 per cent last year, compared to just 3 per cent globally. As TV consuming habits change, new avenues are explored both from the standpoint of technology and innovation. At this juncture, when there is convergence of knowledge and technology across media, Programmatic TV is the gateway to success for TV advertising industry. Programmatic in television refers to traditional television and Video on Demand distributed by cable operators and satellite networks. Programmatic advertising has predominately been used in digital media and proven to be highly accountable and extremely effective for the advertiser. Zee Melt 2017 saw a gripping debate on Day 1 on whether programmatic will be able to reinvent TV advertising? The Panel was moderated by Bhaskar Das, President and Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Zee Unimedia. The panelists included Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited; Anita Nayyar, CEO - India & South Asia at Havas Media; Nick Burfitt, Global Director & MD - APAC, Kantar Media; Neel Murthy, Product Sales Specialist, Apps & Display at Google; and Rajendra Khare, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director SureWaves. SureWaves MediaTech had announced its programmatic Television Advertising Marketplace Skynet in India last month by trying programmatic in television in the southern parts of India. Bhaskar Das kicked off the session with an important question on where programmatic stood in the Indian context. While stating that programmatic has brought accountability and return on investment (ROI) as well as put quantity over quality, Tarun Katial noted that a lot of quantity buyers had not actually delivered anything substantial. We are not in the business of accumulating GRPs, but selling our product and connecting with our consumers. A brand is eventually in the business of building communication. That cannot be subjected to just numbers of CPRP or GRP number as there is more to media buying than just numbers, he said. While explaining that is very important to understand programming in television first as it is very confusing but far more understood in the digital domain, Anita Nayyar remarked that applying programmatic in television is going to be very difficult because programmatic in the digital domain has a production inventory which is not available in television at all as digital is the buyers market. When we talk about programmatic whether in digital domain or traditional television domain, it is all about audience planning now, she noted. Agreeing with Tarun Katial and Anita Nayyar that it cant be just quantity in programmatic but it has to be quantity with quality, Rajendra Khare was of the opinion that any meaningful programmatic solution has to be able to prefer quality buying and make it simple. In the traditional television media, a lot of buying happens wherein it is pre understood that this is what the broadcaster wants to see and this is what the buyer side of agency has agreed to buy or wants to buy. Nick Burfitt ascertained that programmatic has various definitions and it is an opportunity for the television industry to fight back against digital, which is accountable, countable, automated and measurable. For television to have all those measurements, programmatic will help in achieving it. When asked why broadcasters should take up programmatic, Tarun Katial affirmed that, Programmatic has its advantages and is a progressive step towards CPRP and GRP buying, but I firmly believe there will always be enough room for human intelligence and quality picks that you do or decide to make on daily basis for you to be able to deliver pure quality impact. Fortunately or unfortunately, India does not practice Programmatic Television yet and we do not have firsthand experience to decide whether we like it or not. While Rajendra Khare observed that programmatic is not just about numbers and that it will do really well for the television market, Neel Murthy considered programmatic to be a small piece of the puzzle that the industry is trying to solve in India and so it will be worth watching how things unfold for programmatic in television. On a concluding note, Anita Nayyar said, Despite programmatic in digital still being in its early stages today in a lot of parts of the country, when it hits television, agencies will be freed of time as things will be automated and clients will be happy. If we were to adapt it, I dont know if and how it will happen, but it will make everyone happy. Google is bringing the Google Store to Puerto Rico today as the online shop has now gone live for consumers in the region. This means Puerto Rico residents will be able to get their hands on some of the same products that you can buy in other regions like the U.S. This includes the Pixel and Pixel XL, though it is worth noting that the product availability of some stuff is limited or non-existent when comparing to whats available elsewhere. For example, the Google Store Puerto Rico has the transparent and colored cases for the Pixel and Pixel XL but not the live cases, which means theres no access to the KISS Live Cases that landed on the Google Store in the U.S. earlier today. That said there is a fair amount of stuff that can be purchased within the region, like Samsungs Chromebook Plus, the Daydream View headset and the replacement face pads, and some chargers and cables for the phones. What is notably absent are the Android Wear smartwatches that you can find elsewhere. The LG Watch Sport and the LG Watch Style are two watches which you can pick up in the U.S., but the Android Wear category of the Google Store in Puerto Rico is not even available, with no word on when or if Google plans to officially launch this section of the Google Store in that country at some point in the future. Although the amount of items that are available is not as expansive as the Google Store in other locations, the launch in Puerto Rico shows that Google is still keen on launching the online store in other areas around the globe. At the moment there isnt any talk of what products they may bring to the Google Store next, but those within the country can already grab a Pixel and some accompanying accessories as the stock seems to be available for much of the items shown. This is excluding the limited edition Blue color of the 32GB Pixel, which is already out of stock, or perhaps was never in stock to begin with. In either case, if you live in Puerto Rico and have been waiting to get your hands on some of this stuff, nows your chance. Googles Live Cases now include KISS artwork options. It seems like its been a while since Google released any new live cases on the Google Store, so these new cases definitely help to bring them back into the limelight a little bit. As before users can pick which phone they want to create a Live Case for so its not just limited to the Pixel and Pixel XL, as it also includes the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P. Once the category for the case is chosen you pick your phone type that you want to create a case for and continue with choosing which design you want and go from there. As noted above KISS cases are located in the Artwork category. In total there are twelve different KISS-inspired options for fans to choose from although because the designs are slightly customizable by allowing consumers to zoom in or out on the design as well as rotate it to meet their personal tastes, technically there are a lot more options than just twelve choices. This includes a few different designs that have just the KISS logo on them, but many of them will have depictions of the different band members, with a few having the faces of all of them along with the logo, so there should really be something to cater to just about anyone thats a KISS fan. Of course, its worth noting that since you can create Photo Live Cases, you could really just pick any old image of KISS that you like and use it for the Photo case, though choosing one of the KISS-themed Artwork Live Cases will allow it to come with a matching wallpaper that is uniquely designed in an artwork style, so the design can be seen on both the screen of the device as well as the back when the case is being used. Googles case maker has a built-in 3D-view so you can spin the case around and see what it looks like from all angles as well as catch a glimpse of the matching wallpaper, which will definitely be a huge benefit if youre looking to spend $40 which is what the Live Cases will cost. Right now, over on Amazon, AUKEYs dual-port car charger is on sale for just $6.99. Thats down from its current price of $10.99. However you can only take advantage of that price when you use the promo code AUKEYCC7 at checkout. Theres no word on how long this promo code will be available for, so youll want to take advantage of this now. This car charger from AUKEY is a dual-port charger. It does not support Qualcomms Quick Charge functionality, but it does support AUKEYs AiO technology. This is proprietary technology that the company uses to charge your phone as quickly as it can safely. The two ports output up to 4.8A, which is about 2.4A each. Thats on par with Quick Charge 2.0 speeds, but not up to the Quick Charge 3.0 speeds that most newer smartphones take advantage of. This is a pretty small car charger and its also made of metal, which makes it look pretty good in the car. Its also eligible for Amazon Primes free shipping. If you are not a member of Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and take advantage of unlimited two-day shipping as well as the many other perks that Amazon Prime includes. Advertisement Buy the AUKEY Dual-Port Car Charger Sign Up for a Free Trial of Amazon Prime Amazon has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the mid-90s, taking the title of the largest U.S. retailer by market capitalization from Walmart in 2015, more than half a decade after becoming the biggest e-commerce company on the planet. The Seattle, Washington-based firm is still maintaining its industry lead to this date due to a number of factors, but largely thanks to bots. While consumers associate Amazons name with the companys robust retail and delivery network, the e-commerce giant managed to dominate this field primarily through its technological advancements, many of which revolve around bots. As autonomous network programs that are highly automated in nature, bots or robots are a key tool for contemporary e-commerce companies that rely on them to keep their rivals and their prices under surveillance while simultaneously trying to prevent their competitors from doing the same. Todays e-commerce market is largely an arms race in bot tech, with all major players in the industry trying to innovate in this field in an effort to undercut their competitors without giving them the chance to match their prices by essentially keeping them in the dark about their endeavors. As it turns out, Amazon is the leading company in this field and its currently utilized proprietary bot technology can hardly be fooled or matched by that of its competitors. Walmarts engineers can likely attest to that fact, seeing how Amazon recently managed to tweak its website to indirectly disable their bot network that was surveying Amazon.com and cataloging its prices a few million times per day. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer had its bot network rendered useless for weeks in early 2017 and ended up paying for access to Amazons data from another source, industry insiders claim. This turn of events not only led to Walmart spending more money on tracking Amazons prices but also likely resulted in a significant number of lost sales seeing how the company was unable to automatically adjust its prices based on those of Amazon for weeks. Advertisement While the e-commerce giant denied leading an active campaign against its rivals bot networks, a company spokesperson recently confirmed that human traffic is prioritized over robots when necessary, without clarifying on the matter. In practice, Amazons January move that prevented Walmart from automatically surveying its prices likely earned the company a lot of money at the expense of its competitor, and as the firm keeps evolving its technology, keeping up with its anti-bot techniques while simultaneously preventing its own bots will become an increasingly difficult task for its rivals, some industry watchers believe. Amazons prowess in this field is even more impressive in light of the fact that the company refrains from using CAPTCHA solutions still the most efficient method of stopping bot traffic because it believes they annoy a significant portion of its customers. As Amazon keeps evolving its crawling and anti-crawling technology, its competitors are investing an increasing amount of resources to surveying its website, with some industry insiders claiming that as much as 80 percent of clicks on the companys product listings comes from bots. Despite the overwhelming amounts of bot traffic hitting its website, Amazon is seemingly still the leading force in this field, as evidenced by the fact that not a single one of its rivals has yet found a viable strategy to consistently undercut it in an automated manner. As long as thats the case, the Seattle-based company will likely continue dominating the e-commerce sector mostly unchallenged, though time will tell whether some of its competitors or an emerging startup manage to disrupt that successful business model. Ruth Porat, the Chief Financial Officer of Googles parent company Alphabet, has highlighted the need to continuously innovate in order to keep the tech giant relevant and successful. According to Porat, the companys main focus at this point is to develop new technologies and services that will transform certain aspects of our daily lives. These new technologies is seen mainly through the evolution of user experience, with the tech giant recently doubling-down on virtual assistants like the Google Assistant and smart home devices like Google Home. All of these devices, along with other new services that Google is pushing, were developed with an emphasis on machine learning and artificial intelligence. The Alphabets CFO also stated how they are pushing machine learning to other fields like healthcare, life sciences, and job markets. Recently, the tech giant collaborated with medical institutions around the world in order to develop machine learning tools for diagnosis and monitoring of cancer metastasis. In the job market, machine learning has also been used to develop a service that will match companies with potential employees that satisfies the job requirements. In its continuing pursuit of innovation and growth, the tech giant has been involved in the acquisition of numerous companies over the years. Some of the companies Google acquired in the past has been instrumental in ensuring the dominance of the tech giant. A successful acquisition Porat highlighted is YouTube, with the video platform currently contributing a substantial portion of the companys advertising revenue. Given the companys focus on services that transform user experience, Google has sacrificed some of its projects that do not contribute substantially to the goal. One of the more high-profile sacrifices is the Google Fiber, which recently saw a slowdown in roll-out across the United States. Porat stated that Google Fiber did not provide the transformative impact it was initially expected to deliver and instead was put on hold to reassess its strategy. Alphabets CFO also emphasized the need to protect its intellectual property, which is a key issue bundled with its transformative efforts. An example that comes to mind is the recent court case filed by its subsidiary Waymo against Uber over the issue of stealing intellectual property related to self-driving vehicles. Porat mentioned that filing lawsuits will only be done when the company has no other options available. On the second day of the fourth annual Code Conference at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) partner, Ms. Mary Meeker, delivered her Internet Trends 2017 report that provides some detailed insight into the state of the global internet market. This years report focuses largely on emerging markets, with India alone taking up 55 slides out of a total of 355. The report talks about the astronomical growth in the countrys internet user-base over the past few years and claims that the total number of internet users in the country grew 40-percent year-on-year (YoY) in the first quarter of this year. The report also seeks to identify some of the challenges faced by the internet industry in the country because of aging infrastructure, bureaucratic red tape, and low public investments. Meeker also reflected on how new technologies like smartphones and tablets are enabling poorer sections of the Indian society bridge the internet literacy gap with their more affluent counterparts. While the reduction in the average selling prices (ASP) of smartphones and tablets has definitely allowed more people to connect to the World Wide Web in recent times, another factor that has helped drive this trend are the falling prices of high-speed internet connections with last years launch of the countrys latest wireless carrier Reliance Jio. According to the report, the internet user base in India currently stands at 355 million, making it the second-largest globally after China. About 72 percent of internet users in the country are less than 35 years old, and more than 35 percent of them are in the 15-24 age bracket. The report also states that despite the recent slowdown in the countrys smartphone market, the industry continues to grow faster than any major market worldwide. India is currently the second-largest smartphone market after China and grew by 15 percent YoY in Q1, 2017. Chinese companies have been some of the main beneficiaries of that growth, going from a mere 15-percent market share in Q4 2014 to more than 50 percent in the last quarter. The ASP of smartphones has declined from over $200 in 2012 to less than $150 in 2016 and is expected to come down further over the course of the next few years. The price of high-speed LTE data has also reduced significantly with the entry of Reliance Jio, allowing people to download more apps, stream more music, and watch more videos on the go. Another notable fact outlined by the report is that the Google Play Store saw more app downloads from India than from the U.S. last year, marking the first time any country other than the U.S. has taken the top spot on that list. WhatsApp remains the most-downloaded app in the country, followed by Facebook messenger, ShareIt, Truecaller, and Facebook. YU has just introduced its new budget smartphone, the YU YUREKA BLACK. For those of you who do not know, YU is an India-based company which tends to release really affordable smartphones for the Indian market. The YU Yureka was the companys first smartphone, and it was announced back in January 2015, and the YUREKA BLACK is kind of its successor, at least based on its name, read on. The YU YUREKA BLACK is a metal-clad smartphone, which comes with a front-facing fingerprint scanner, and a set of on-screen keys. Its main camera protrudes a bit on the back, and truth be told, this handset looks kind of similar to the OnePlus 3(T). Anyhow, YU claims that the phones fingerprint scanner can unlock the device in only 0.2 seconds, and that fingerprint scanner actually doubles as a home key as well. The YU YUREKA BLACK features a 5-inch fullHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with Cornings Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top of it. The device packs in 4GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable internal storage, while it is fueled by the Snapdragon 430 64-bit octa-core processor, and the Adreno 505 GPU for graphics. A 3,000mAh non-removable battery is also a part of this package, and there are two SIM card slots on the inside of this phone (2 x nano SIM). A 13-megapixel shooter (Sonys IMX258 sensor, PDAF) is placed on the back of this phone, along with a dual-LED, dual-tone flash. An 8-megapixel camera can be found on the front side of the YU YUREKA BLACK, and this phone offers 4G LTE connectivity as well. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow comes pre-installed on the YU YUREKA BLACK, and were looking at an almost stock build of Android here. This is YUs first smartphone announcement this year, the last phone that was announced before this was one the YU Yunique Plus back in August last year. The YU YUREKA BLACK comes in Chrome Black color with a glossy finish, while it is also available in a Matte Black color variant. The phone is priced at Rs. 8,999 ($140) in India, and it will become available for purchase on June 6, exclusively from Flipkart, for those of you who are interested. Majority govt formation process set to start today The process to form a majority government is set to start on Thursday as the seven-day deadline given by President Bidya Devi Bhandari to pick a consensus prime minister ended on Wednesday. Nepal requests India to cut energy prices Nepal has requested India to consider lowering the price of electricity supplied through the cross-border transmission lines of Bihar state. Parenting and well-being The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has identified the issue of parents as one of the most important global issues for the general well-being of families. In 2012, the UNGA passed a resolution and marked June 1 as the Global Day of Parents in order to honour parents worldwide. Two international law firms have announced new tie-ups, one in Singapore and Brunei; the other crossing the Atlantic. Eversheds Sutherland has merged with Harry Elias Partnership to form a new firm operating in Singapore and Brunei after many years of working closely.Eversheds Harry Elias is live as of 1st June 2017 and has 29 partners, over 80 fee-earners and more than 170 people. The firms managing partner is Philip Fong.Eversheds Harry Elias will be among the top 10 largest law firms in Singapore and is the only international law firm to have an office in Brunei Darussalam. Through this merger Eversheds Harry Elias will become a significant player in the ASEAN region, Fong said.Meanwhile, UK-based firm Bond Dickinson, which also has an association with a German law firm, has announced a merger with US firm Womble Carlyle.The firms launched a strategic alliance a year ago but will now take the next step by creating a new entity known as Womble Bond Dickinson with 420 partners and more than 1000 lawyers.Both firms will continue to operate as separate legal entities with their own management but the new entity will have four members from each LLP on its board.The managing partner of Ashursts Melbourne office has been appointed president of ARITAS, the professional body for restructuring and insolvency practitioners in Australia and for those working in the field of business reconstruction and corporate and personal insolvency.Ross McClymont is the first lawyer to be appointed to the role, to which he brings 25 years experience in his specialty; restructuring, insolvency, distressed investment, debt trading and debt recovery matters."I am delighted to be the first lawyer appointed as president. I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and our members to further ARITA's mission of supporting restructuring and insolvency professionals and to promote the ideals of the profession to the public at large, McClymont said.International law firm Skadden has appointed 25 lawyers to counsel, effective 1st June 2017.In Asia Pacific there are two promotions, corporate lawyers Olivia Odell in Hong Kong and Yuting Wu in Shanghai. Most of the lawyers promoted are in the firms US offices with some in London. Ireland is still bound by maintenance and champerty laws and hence cannot allow third-party litigation funding, the Supreme Court of Ireland said in a recent decision.The court considered a rare leapfrog appeal of an April 2016 High Court judgment , which rejected the funding agreement between Persona Digital Telephony and Harbour Fund III as unlawful.Persona has been fighting the nations 1996 award of a second mobile phone licence to Esat Digifone, but is unable to pursue legal action without financial backing. It urged the High Court in 2015 to classify its agreement with Harbour as not in violation of maintenance and champerty rules when the litigation funder, which also backs lawsuits in Australia and New Zealand , agreed to fund the legal action.Citing laws that are still in force, including the 14th-century Statute of Conspiracy and the Maintenance and Embracery Act of 1634, the Supreme Court said that the torts and crimes of maintenance and champerty have been retained in Ireland.It also said that while the laws on the issue have ancient roots, there are recent cases regarding the offence. The court found that Personas agreement with Harbour, which has no connection to the plaintiffs other than the funding pact, cannot be exempted from the long-standing law. It said that funding by parties with interest in an organisation involved in litigation is a different matter.Champerty remains the law in the State. It has been described clearly in recent cases. A person who assists anothers proceedings without a bona fide independent interest acts unlawfully, wrote Chief Justice Susan Denham.She said that to change the status quo, there needs to be a change in legislation, or possibly a successful constitutional change. The chief justice also said that legislative analysis will better determine whether Ireland should have third-party litigation funding.The court was asked not to be seduced into changing the law in the interests of what the court may perceive to be just. It may be said that in light of modern issues, such as Ireland being an international trading state, issues arising on international arbitrations, and in the Commercial Court, it might well be appropriate to have a modern law on champerty and the third party funding of litigation. However, that is a complex multifaceted issue, more suited to a full legislative analysis. This is re-enforced by the retention of the old statutes by the [Statute Law Revision Act of 2007], and by the work of the [Law Reform Commission], Denham wrote.She said that the issues raised by the plaintiffs are issues for the Oireachtas, where parameters may be established, and the law developed, but not in an ad hoc, piecemeal, method. 1 June 2017 10:42 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijan Armed Forces units have captured a video surveillance device installed in one of the Armenian army's positions at the line of contact of the Armenian-Azerbaijani troops, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on May 31. During the preliminary investigation it was revealed that the device was a hand-made as it consisted of a balloon (probe), a small parachute, a camera installed inside the foam box, various antennas with transmitters and wires. "This once again confirms that the statements of the military and political leadership of Armenia about allegedly equipping the posts on the line of confrontation with the most modern video surveillance equipment of American production are nothing more than a myth and are designed for the internal Armenian audience," noted the Ministry. For more than two decades, Armenia and Azerbaijan are in a state of war following Yerevans aggression, ethnic cleansing policy and illegal territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenia keeps under control over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions in a brutal war in the early 1990s. Despite a fragile ceasefire agreement signed in 1994, Armenia keeps violating armistice with Azerbaijan. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 13:37 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijan Armed Forces units have destroyed a protected command-and-observation post, as well as optical devices on an observation tower of Armenian Armed Forces on the contact line of the troops, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on June 1. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. within the OSCE Minsk Group have produced no results so far. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Armenia keeps constantly violating armistice with Azerbaijan. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 16:28 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Although today Azerbaijani children are surrounded with comprehensive care by the state and society, the Nagorno-Karabakh left an indelible mark in the life of many Azerbaijani children. Unfortunately, the rights of many Azerbaijani children to live freely in their homeland have been violated, and it has not been possible so far to ensure all rights of refugee and IDP children. Chairperson of Azerbaijan State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs Hijran Huseynova made the remark at a meeting of the PACE Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development in Baku on June 1. She went on to say that no one in the world ignores these rights and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized by all. However, the aggressor country Armenia, which violated rights of Azerbaijani children, deprived them of their lands and homes, still does not respect international law and does not want to withdraw its armed forces from the occupied territories. 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. Huseynova stressed that 193 Azerbaijani children were killed during the Nagorno-Karabakh war, while the number of injured children is hundreds. She stressed that during the war years, Azerbaijan has managed to release 210 children from the captivity and hostage-taking. 61 children went missing, 27 are still in Armenian captivity. Unfortunately, despite the announcement of the ceasefire in 1994, the killings of Azerbaijani children by Armenians continue to this day, Huseynova said. Since the fragile ceasefire, 32 children were the victims of Armenian terror - 13 of them were killed and 19 were wounded, said Huseynova. From time to time, residents of the frontline settlements of Azerbaijan get wounded or killed in their homes or on their farms due to frequent ceasefire violations by the Armenian armed forces. The Armenian militaries do not hesitate to kill the innocent children. For instance, in March 2011, nine-year-old Fariz Badalov was shot in the head by an Armenian sniper while playing in the courtyard in Aghdam region. In July of the same year, 13-year-old Azerbaijani girl Aygun Shahmaliyeva fell victim to the Armenias inhumane and immoral policy in the Alibayli village. She tragically died as a result of the explosion of a toy with an explosive device, which the Armenian side deliberately dropped into the river flowing to the village. Back in 1994, other two Azerbaijani children died for the same reason. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Prez Bhandari calls on parties to form majority govt President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday called on the political parties represented in the Legislature-Parliament to form a majority government as per Article 298 (3) of the constitution, the Office of the President said. 1 June 2017 18:22 (UTC+04:00) By Muna Al Gurg The desire to make a difference is born of a fundamental belief in something greater than ourselves, and by the concern that we all have for the wellbeing of our fellow humans. As an Arab woman, I find it impossible to sit back and watch or worse, turn away as parts of the Middle East suffer through such a difficult time in the regions already troubled history. Millions of innocent people have been displaced from their homes, and millions more are being driven across national borders into an uncertain and unstable future. Their need for help is clear. To be sure, we can only do so much as individuals. But by uniting around common goals, we have the power to create effective initiatives, and improve lives. And I have always believed that education and social entrepreneurship are two areas where we can have the greatest sustainable, long-term impact. Together, these sectors create opportunities at every level of society, from refugees who are unable to complete their studies, to professionals seeking to further their career prospects or pursue an innovative vision. The ongoing conflict in Syria has driven a vast number of refugees into camps that have evolved from temporary dwellings into makeshift cities. A prime example is the Zaatari Camp in Jordan, which now hosts 80,000 residents; but similar camps can be found in Lebanon and other countries around the region. Mass forced migration is not just a challenge for Syrias immediate neighbors. As refugee flows have turned a local crisis into a global issue, Europes political, economic, and social fabric has been tested, too. When refugees are torn away from their daily lives, they lose the chance to pursue an education. To address this problem, organizations such as the Unite Lebanon Youth Project (ULYP) are now identifying children from refugee camps who have the potential to complete their formal education and influence those around them. With an education, these young people will be better equipped to effect positive change in their communities, now and in the future. The ULYP has close ties to prestigious institutions such as the American University of Beirut, which has long been regarded as an incubator for successful entrepreneurs in the region. The ULYP, which I support by funding annual scholarships, acknowledges that education is neither the only solution nor a quick fix. Accordingly, the project takes a long-term approach, and makes investments in individuals who one day could benefit larger communities. After all, it is better to teach people to fish than simply to feed them. Similarly, after someone has been empowered with the knowledge and financing to start their own company, they can start thinking about the greater good at which point the true value of entrepreneurship becomes apparent. Entrepreneurship is powered by dreams and aspirations, vision and ideas. And although financial support is important, it is not the only ingredient in the recipe for success. Entrepreneurs also need access to talented mentors and support networks. It was with this idea in mind that I joined the board of Endeavor UAE, a global nonprofit from the United States that empowers entrepreneurs around the world. Endeavors beneficiaries are not run-of-the-mill businesspeople, but rather those with the potential to become role models. We support individuals who can inspire their colleagues and peers, and improve their communities. Not every entrepreneur will be successful. But by giving the brightest young business leaders financial support and access to a global network of mentors, we can help them realize their potential to transform the economies of entire countries. Moreover, this creates a virtuous circle, because todays entrepreneurs can identify the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and furnish them with the capital they need to change lives in the future. I have always believed that with success comes a responsibility to think about the wider world. In July 2015, I returned to my alma mater, the London Business School, to launch a scholarship that will support students in the MBA and Executive MBA programs. In the same way that a Palestinian or Syrian refugee might complete their studies through the ULYP, or a young innovator might receive guidance through Endeavor, I hope that LBS students will be empowered to build a better future for us all. We live in an ever more interconnected global economy, and on an increasingly unequal and unstable planet. Our goal should not be just to make money, but also to make a difference. Copyright: Project Syndicate: The Best Investments We Can Make --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 11:35 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed an executive order on May 31 setting up an 11-man task force that will work to speed up the establishment of free economic zones. The President appointed Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis Valeh Alasgarov as head of the task force. Under the presidential order, the task force shall submit within three months a final draft law on the creation of free economic zones to the head of state. President Aliyev signed a decree on March 17, 2016, on measures to create a free trade zone type special economic area covering the territory of the Baku International Sea Trade Port in the Alat township of Bakus Garadagh District. The free trade zone is expected to bring up to $1 billion just in the first few years. Special tax and customs policy, which will be pursued in the territory of the free trade zone will also stipulate further development and simplification of a number of procedures. FTZ will be located within the grounds of the new port, covering an area of 100 hectares. Since the new port is being built at the major railway juncture connecting the North-South and the East-West railway lines in Azerbaijan, FTZ will also have rail access. Serving as a multimodal transit logistics hub, the new port and FTZ will become a major consolidation and distribution centre in Central Eurasia that provides a wide range of value added services. Moreover, seeking to become the largest logistics zone in the Caspian region, the FTZ will offer comprehensive logistics services to its residents and international clients, serving as a major regional intermodal distribution hub. Taking into account that many manufacturers now prefer to put the final touches onto their products at the distribution centres, such as FTZs nearby consumer markets, the provision of value added logistics services at the FTZ becomes an even more compelling prospect. This would not only generate significant non-oil trade for Baku Port at Alat and Azerbaijan in whole, but would establish it as a regional logistics leader with all three main services of import/export, transit shipment and logistics. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 16:05 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The 24th International "Caspian Oil and Gas 2017" exhibition and conference, the largest oil and gas event of the Caspian region, is underway in Baku. The exhibition has brought together about 300 companies from 30 countries, while Italy, one of the top trade partners of Azerbaijan, is participating in the exhibition with its national pavilion. The Pavilion, organized by Italian Trade Agency in Baku and supported by the Economic Development Ministry of Italy, is among the biggest at the exhibition featuring 15 exhibitors. B.A.G.G.I SRL, Bulk SRL, Cometto Industrie SPA, Drillereye, Drilmec, Geros SRL, Parmaprogetti SRL, Pneumoidraulica ENG SRL, SA Fire Protection SRL, Sir Meccanica SPA, [email protected] SRL, Tappi Stampati SRL, Valvitalia SPA, Valvotubi IND SRL and Vimex SRL are the Italian participants representing various fields of the oil and gas sector. Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Baku Aniello Musella, in an exclusive interview with Azernews, spoke about their expectations from the Caspian Oil&Gas exhibition and shared his views about the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy. There is a strong relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy, stressed Musella. Italy is the biggest importer of oil products. Azerbaijan has a positive trade balance with Italy and this market is very important for Italian companies. We have very well established companies here in Azerbaijan, he said, adding that there is still a lot to do and this is great opportunity for Italian companies. Speaking of the Italian exhibitors, Musella stressed that the companies represent two different categories - medium and small. There are 15 companies here. They have very specific technology advantages in their own segment of activity. Some of them are already suppliers of big companies that were awarded the projects. That is, some of them are subcontractors. These kinds of companies expect to find out opportunities from the big projects. Thats why our pavilion organizes meeting with representative of SOCAR and BP in order they can present the projects going on. So each company presents its own technologies that can help business to be further developed, he said. As for the major Italian companies, Musella explained that these companies deal directly with SOCAR and BP and other major companies, so they go ahead in a way by themselves. Speaking of the expectation of the trade growth between the two countries, Musella said that Italy expects a lot from the diversification of the Azerbaijani economy. We know that the economy is focused 95 percent on oil and gas sector, so we expect a lot from the economic diversification, from other sectors like agro industry, infrastructure, lifestyle and fashion sector, because these areas are advantage for Italy, he said. The newly-appointed director also could not hide his surprise on what he saw in Baku. I was amazed when I first came to Baku to see so many mono brand shops of Italian fashion companies like Dolce Gabbana, Armani and etc. But still there is a lot to do. We expect a lot from diversification of the local economy. We expect that this diversification will take place soon, so new opportunities rather than oil and gas sector will be developed, he noted. Luca Princivalle, Export Manager of Geros SRL engaged in the production of electrical materials, talking to Azernews said that the companys goal is to find importer/distributor of the companys products here in Azerbaijan. Valeriano Barrila, a representative of SA Fire Protection SRL, the company with almost 40 years of experience in manufacturing of fire protection systems, said that the company expects to identify local partner in order to approach the market. Marco Astrologo, Export Sales Manager of Parmaprogetti SRL , the company producing induction heating equipment for the oils and gas industry, said that he is in Baku both as an exhibitor and visitor because the exhibition gives the chance to get in touch with the procurement department of many of the contractors EPS companies constructing here. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 17:39 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The construction of SOCARs carbamide plant in Sumgait city is completed by 95 percent, Plants President Khayal Jafarov told reporters on the sidelines of the 24th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference on June 1. The engineering work and procurement of equipment have been completed by 100 percent, construction work - by 89 percent, civil engineering work - by 97 percent, installation of equipment - by 75 percent, according to him. It is planned to complete all work and start adjustment and commissioning of the plant by the end of 2017, he said, noting that production of carbamide will start in the first half of 2018. The production capacity of the plant will be about 650,000-660,000 tons per year. About 150,000-200,000 tons of carbamide is planned to be supplied to the domestic market . The remaining volumes will be exported, in particular to Turkey, Georgia and the markets of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea countries. South Koreas Samsung Engineering won the tender for the construction of the carbamide plant. Samsung Engineering acts as a general contractor of the plants construction, but it has no license for production of carbamide and ammonia, which will be by-product in the carbamide production process. Therefore, the relevant licensing agreements were signed with Haldor Topsoe company (Denmark) for production of ammonia and Stamicarbon B.V. company (the Netherlands) for production of carbamide. Production at the plant will be environmentally friendly. The entire control system will be fully automated and will meet the highest requirements, including in terms of safety. The carbamide plant will need 1.5 million cubic meters of gas per day to full capacity. The commissioning of the plant will cease dependence of Azerbaijan on the import of nitrogen fertilizers, and it can be confidently asserted that in 2018 carbamide will become one of the weighty items of Azerbaijan's non-oil export. The carbamide plant will strengthen the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan, and due to the localization of production will allow to spend the saved currency for other needs. It is extremely important that significant volumes of carbamide production contribute to the increase of the export potential of the country, which will bring additional revenues to the budget and give impetus to the development of the non-oil sector. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 12:50 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova YARAT Contemporary Art Space will host a group exhibition on June 7. The expo "Suns and Neons above Kazakhstan" will bring together Azerbaijani and Kazakh artists. YARAT reported that the exhibition aims to deconstruct a romanticized image of Kazakhstan as a vast and largely unpopulated geography that for decades played upon the collective imagination. It addresses various narratives of national history, from a post-colonial to a critical perspective, while discovering, mapping and voicing changing attitudes and concerns across generations. The exhibition explores the shifts and breaks within the construct of Kazakh national and cultural identity during a short timespan of its independence. It is an exhibition of Suns and Neons, of landscape and cityscape. Of artists dealing with history and nation building and an emerging generation concerned with private life and the emancipation of the individual within the isolated reality of city life, the message reads. Suns and Neons above Kazakhstan brings together seminal works of the 1990s and the early 2000s, by artists Erbossyn Meldibekov, Bakhyt Bubicanova, Galim Madanov and Zauresh Terekbay, Almagul Menlibayeva, Yelena Vorobyeva and Viktor Vorobyev, Rustam Khalfin, Said Atabekov, Maria Vilkoviskaya and Ruth Jenrbekova as well as new commissions by emerging artists: Asel Kadyrkhanova, Nurakhmet Nurbol, Suinbike Suleimanova, Alexander Ugay and Gaisha Madanova. Visual arts were introduced in Kazakhstan with Soviet art schools, established in the 1930s as a form of nation building. Through the 1940s, many practitioners of the avant-garde (then fallen out of favor) were deported to Kazakhstan, resulting in a surprising and mostly undocumented emergence of a non-conformist art scene. This continued through the 50s till the early 90s with strong connections to the Moscow and Leningrad non-conformist and conceptualist circles. With the break of the Soviet Union, a radical shift took place in the Kazakh art scene. Some practices continued the conceptualist line looking at their own position as part of a Central Asian narrative, while a younger generation searched for a new language. These artists raised questions on postcolonial Central Asia, which found itself in between the revival of national and ethnic imagery and forced processes of identity construction. Playing with provocation, humor, irony and romanticism artists explored the contradictory moments within the rhetoric of authenticity, addressing national independence, recent history and social identity. Since 1991, like other CIS countries, Kazakhstan went through various socio-economic shifts radically changing its cultural fabric. An emerging generation of artists, growing up during the booming 2000s, did not experience the nationalistic euphoria of the 1990s and do not romanticize their country's past or heritage. They are the new city kids, aware of global networks and social media, resisting confinement and societal designations around them. Their concerns are much more individual and their works draw both from illusions and disillusionments, hope and disappointments of life entrapped within the city. This exhibition is curated by Bjorn Geldhof. Assistant curator is Anna Fech Research Anna Fech, Suad Garayeva, Bjorn Geldhof The event is organized with the support of the Eurasian Cultural Alliance. Work time : Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00 until 20:00. Admission is free. YARAT is an artist-founded, not-for-profit art organisation based in Baku, Azerbaijan, established by Aida Mahmudova in 2011. YARAT (which means 'create' in Azerbaijani) is dedicated to contemporary art with a long-term commitment to creating a hub for artistic practice, research, thinking and education in the Caucasus, Central Asia and surrounding region. YARAT comprises the YARAT Art Centre, ARTIM Project Space, YARAT Studios, YAY Gallery and an extended educational programme. For more information, please contact: Hokuma Karimova Telephone: +99 450 2746747 Email: [email protected] --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 14:22 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan's National Art Museum has opened its doors to a new photo exhibition. The exhibition, dedicated to Azerbaijan's majestic nature features 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 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. 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 photos feature all regions of Azerbaijan. In addition, we tried to show the different landscapes including the desert zone, and the highlands. A great attention was paid to hard-to-reach areas", said exhibition's curator Rustam Huseynov. "It's no secret that the majority of viewers see the work of photographers mainly in electronic format. The photo on the camera display, the mobile phone screen and the printed image creates two completely different experiences," he added. The exhibition will run until June 2. Entrance is free. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 18:17 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Further preservation of the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is unacceptable, said Jean-Francois Charpentier, the French Ambassador to Armenia. The diplomat noted that the OSCE Minsk Group is always active in the negotiation process; the mediators are always in touch with each other and with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Armenian media reported. Charpentier recalled that the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will visit the region in approximately ten days. The decision should be made by the parties to the conflict; the Minsk Groups mission is to facilitate the adoption of this decision, the diplomat said during a press conference on June 1. Everything possible needs to be done to find a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible. Charpentier also noted that it is impossible to live with ceasefire violations both from human and political points of view. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. within the OSCE Minsk Group have produced no results so far. Despite the fragile ceasefire agreement, Armenia keeps violating armistice with Azerbaijan. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 10:12 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Azerbaijan has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Afghan capital, Kabul. We strongly condemn heinous Kabul attack. Our hearts and minds are with families of victims. We wish speedy recovery to the wounded, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry tweeted May 31. Earlier today, an explosion occurred in the Afghan capital in an area where foreign embassies are located, killing nearly 90 people and injuring more than 380 others, including several German embassy staff. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 10:21 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The Expert Council of the Baku International Policy and Security Network (Baku Network) and the European expert platform, Baltic Forum, signed a partnership agreement. The document was signed by Head of Baku Network Elkhan Alasgarov and Director of Baltic Forum Alexander Vasilevs during an international conference in Riga, Latvia. The signing ceremony was also attended by President of Baltic Forum Janis Urbanovich and Deputy Director of Baku Network Gulnara Mammadzadeh. Speaking of traditions of friendship and cooperation between Latvia and Azerbaijan, the sides expressed their desire to contribute to the consolidation, development and strengthening of relations of the two countries intellectual elites. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 09:42 (UTC+04:00) A conference titled Youth of Europe and Mediterranean Sea against extremism and intolerance: Which opportunities for the future has been held at Mayor Office in Paris, Azertac reported. The event brought together Head of Azerbaijan`s Permanent Mission to UNESCO Anar Karimov, UNESCO Deputy Director General Engida Getachew, Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. Head of Azerbaijan`s Permanent Mission to UNESCO Anar Karimov highlighted Azerbaijans development, and said Azerbaijan has turned into one of the fastest developing countries of the world in the last years. He noted Azerbaijan is historically tolerant country and spoke about the country`s role in intercultural dialogue. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz SSF-N Chair Yadav lashes out at RJP-N Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N) Chairman Upendra Yadav on Wednesday lashed out at the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal, a unified force of six Madhes-based parties, saying it was formed at the behest of foreign forces. 1 June 2017 16:44 (UTC+04:00) By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the sail away ceremony of the residential blocks and the topsides units of the technological equipment platform constructed for the Shah Deniz Stage 2 platform to Shah Deniz contract area in the Caspian Sea on June 1. More gas than envisaged will be produced from the Shah Deniz field, said President Ilham Aliyev addressing a meeting with the Shah Deniz 2 project staff. I congratulate you on this wonderful event. This day will go down in history, because today, we officially announce the opening of the topsides units of the Shah Deniz platform. In a few days, these giant facilities will be sent to the sea and installed on the Shah Deniz field, noted the Azerbaijani president. This is a big historic event, said President Aliyev, adding it is very gratifying that these giant facilities have completely been built in Azerbaijan. He noted that several years ago, particularly, when the contract for the Shah Deniz field was signed, it was impossible to imagine this. I would like to note that the Shah Deniz contract was signed 21 years ago in June during the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition. And after 21 years, we celebrate this historic day. All these facilities have been built in Azerbaijan. According to the information provided to me, majority of those who worked in the construction of these facilities 90 percent are citizens of Azerbaijan, added the president. This means that over the years, a great human potential has been formed, he said. This, of course, will strengthen the energy potential, economic potential of our country, because 16 billion cubic meters of gas as well as enough condensate will be additionally produced as part of the Shah Deniz 2 only. Contracts have been signed on all the natural resources that are to be extracted, they have buyers, and they will be sent to the world markets through the Southern Gas Corridor, which is under construction, said the president. He emphasized that each implemented project TANAP, TAP, Southern Gas Corridor, Shah Deniz 2, the construction of the platforms, the recent opening of a semi-submersible drilling rig named after Heydar Aliyev is separately a historic event. But, looking at them in general, we see what a great potential has been created in Azerbaijan, added President Aliyev. The Azerbaijani president noted that this is indeed a historic day. Twenty-one years after the signing of the contract on Shah Deniz, today, we celebrate a day of historic significance. Today, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to BP our strategic partner that has been a close friend of Azerbaijan for many years. The signing of the Contract of the Century in 1994 was the beginning of our cooperation. There are many companies that since then have worked together with us and continue to work, said President Aliyev. To remind and inform you, I would like to say that then Azerbaijan signed a contract on Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli with a consortium of foreign oil companies, and BP was one of them. It had a big share and there was a big partnership that continues today with certain changes, added the president. The head of state noted that special relations with BP are based on the fact that since then the company has been an active player in Azerbaijans energy market and the global energy market. From that time until today, many other contracts have been signed that turned our partnership into a strategic partnership. Shah Deniz is one of them. The next are the shallow waters and others. This is a good indicator of partnership. We trust BP. I am sure that BP also trusts Azerbaijan. Otherwise, they wouldnt have invested so many funds in our country, said President Aliyev. He said Gary Jones, BP regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, noted yesterday and today that the investment space is number one in the activity of BP Azerbaijan. This further strengthens our cooperation, added the president. Ilham Aliyev said there is work underway to extend the term of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli contract. I hope this will take place soon. Our partnership at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli will continue until 2050. I am confident that gas output at Shah Deniz will be more than the estimated. We called the Azeri-Chirag the Contract of the Century, but now I speak of the contract of centuries. I would like to once again express gratitude to all our partners for the investments put in Azerbaijan and the successful activity, to the partners of Shah Deniz and the companies that built this unique facility. The international team working in Azerbaijan is helping the development of our country. I think the host country is creating a unique atmosphere of cooperation between the local company SOCAR and foreign investors. I congratulate you once again. I wish you success in the upcoming years. Thank you, said the Azerbaijani president. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 12:58 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The capital assets of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Assistance Fund exceeded 82.414 million manats ($48.494 million) as of June 1, 2017, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported. The ministry also noted that the Funds dollar account has accumulated over $212,873, the euro account reached 7,436 euros, while the ruble account made up 5,000 rubles. The Armed Forces Assistance Fund, established in 2002, targets to ensure development of the Armed Forces in accordance with the contemporary requirements, strengthening the material and technical base and financing the necessary social measures. The Armed Forces Assistance Fund is formed on the basis of voluntary donations of individuals and legal entities and at the expense of the other donations not prohibited by the national legislation. The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces. Today, Azerbaijani Army is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading in the region, which is equipped with modern military machinery. Azerbaijan leaves behind many CIS and regional countries to take its place among the first 70 strongest militaries of the world, according to the U.S.-based Global Firepower survey center. Azerbaijan provides the national Army with sufficient military budget every year. Defense spending of Azerbaijan determined in the state budget for 2017 made up 2.64 billion manats ($1.5 billion), which exceeds the spending for 2016. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 15:56 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The parliamentary diplomacy plays a special role in the development of Azerbaijan-Colombia relations, said Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov as he met with the Colombian Senate`s First Vice President Daira de Jesus Galvis Mendez and Chairperson of Colombia-Azerbaijan Friendship Group, Senator Teresita Garcia Romero. The senators hailed their meetings with Azerbaijan`s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, Foreign Minister Mammadyarov and Azerbaijani MPs on the sidelines of the 5th International Humanitarian Forum in Baku. Mammadyarov thanked the Colombian Senate for supporting of Azerbaijan`s just position on resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Colombia is the second country in Latin America [the first country is Mexico], the Senate of which adopted a resolution condemning the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia and assessing the events in Khojaly in 1992 as an act of genocide. A resolution on the 25th anniversary of Khojaly Genocide signed by the Colombian Vice President, head of the foreign relations and national security commission as well as senators was presented to the Azerbaijani Minister. Previously, Mammadyarov was received by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, who stressed that Azerbaijan is the most powerful country of the region. Elmar Mammadyarov also met with his Colombian counterpart Maria Angela Holguin on May 31. The sides talked about the importance of exchange of high level visits for enhancing the contacts at the various levels between the governments and holding a political dialogue in a regular basis. In this regard, the ministers particularly pointed out that establishment of diplomatic missions has served as an added impulse for dynamism of bilateral cooperation. Mammadyarov noted that the trade turnover between the two countries does not meet their potential and the establishment of a joint working group on trade and economic cooperation can be useful for the development of bilateral economic relations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 June 2017 00:04 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova Azerbaijan fulfills the obligations under the international conventions on the protection of children's rights, said Vice-Speaker of the Milli Majlis [Parliament] speaking at a roundtable on "My voice - my rights: discussion in parliament." Recalling that June 1 is being celebrated as the International Children's Day,Bahar Muradova noted that Azerbaijan treats children's rights with the same attention and respect as it does with all human rights. Muradova stressed that one of the main priorities of the Azerbaijani state is to ensure the health and education of children, creating equal opportunities for them. The Vice-Speaker emphasized that one of the steps taken for the children's better living was the announcement of 2009 as the Year of the Children in Azerbaijan. She noted that this year will be held the Children's Forum. Muradova added that the proposals to be voiced at this Forum and the raised issues will be taken into account in the further work of the Parliament. The protection of children's rights is a priority for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has joined numerous international conventions on childrens rights. Particular attention is paid to cooperation with UNICEF. The UNICEF Country Programme for 2016-2020 will support Azerbaijan in its efforts to accelerate the realization of childrens rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to contribute to the results related to child and adolescent rights stipulated in the Azerbaijan 2020: Look in the Future Concept of Development, as well as other sectoral policies and strategies. The Azerbaijani legislation has plenty of serious grounds for the realization of children's rights, formation of children as a healthy and educated people, protection of their all social rights, development of juvenile justice and implementation of the childrens economic policy. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 11:03 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The 24th International Caspian Oil & Gas Conference, the largest oil and gas event of the Caspian region, kicked off in Baku on June 1. Energy Minister Natig Aliyev, addressing the event, said that Azerbaijan is giving significant impetus to ensuring energy stability in Europe, Azerbaijans said. He further said that Azerbaijan has been successfully cooperating with foreign partners in the oil and gas sector and implementing various big projects for 24 years. As a result of this cooperation, the development of such largest oil and gas fields in Azerbaijan, as Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz started, he noted. Azerbaijan is implementing projects that have become vital for Europe, he added. Thats because the diversification of energy sources plays a major role in Europes security, and Azerbaijan is ready to play this role. The exhibition has brought together 289 companies from 30 countries. Today, Caspian Oil & Gas demonstrates the most ambitious achievements of Azerbaijan in the field of oil production, scientific and technical research, the implementation of major projects. The current exhibition reflects the natural potential of the whole country; many stands convey the atmosphere of the historical transformations of Azerbaijan. The expositions are attracted by the main thematic sections - innovative technologies in the field of oil production and transportation of energy resources, provision of oil and gas storage systems, existing and future oil and gas projects in the region. The companies demonstrate a wide range of equipment, services, innovative technologies, platforms and floating drilling rigs, laying pipes and providing pipeline security systems, and services. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 11:43 (UTC+04:00) By Sara Israfilbayova The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) will play an important role in diversification of Europes energy sources, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy at US Department of State Robin Dunnigan said in Baku May 31. Dunnigan made the remark while addressing a reception dedicated to the 24th International "Caspian Oil and Gas 2017" exhibition took place in Baku, Azertac reported. An open dialogue is important for implementation of such a major project, which involves numerous countries and partners, according to her. Dunnigan noted that during the meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the sides discussed the U.S.-Azerbaijan cooperation. She said the support of the U.S. for the SGC project was also voiced at the meeting. Dunnigan further added that the sides also stressed the mutual interest in cooperation in all areas. The SGC is one of the biggest construction projects with a value of $40 billion which aims to improve the energy security of the EU and diversity its energy supply routes, and creates 30 thousands new jobs for host countries. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage. As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline. Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Robert Cekuta told about the importance of the exhibition. The 25th anniversary of bilateral U.S.-Azerbaijan relations is also the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijans reemergence in the global arena, said Cekuta. The envoy further stressed that as the US president said in his letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the Gas and Oil Exhibition, Azerbaijan is a valuable partner of the U.S. Our countries work together for the prosperity of Azerbaijanis, said Cekuta. We are working together in combating terrorism. As President Donald Trump said earlier in his letter, the US strongly supports the parties in peaceful resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, added the envoy. UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts, in turn, said that UK remains the biggest investor in the Azerbaijani economy. Today, there are 400 British companies working in Azerbaijan in different spheres, she said, stressing that Azerbaijan remains to be a priority for UK in all sides from security to tourism. Speaking of the Oil and Gas Exhibition opened today in Azerbaijans capital, Baku, she said it underlines the strong relations between the two countries. The 24th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference 2017, as well as the 7th Caspian International Power and Alternative Energy Exhibition kicked off May 31 at Baku Expo Center. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 14:31 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Azerbaijan has produced 428.4 million tons of oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea since November 1997, said Khoshbakht Yusifzade, first vice president of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR. He made the remarks during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku on June 1. He added that investments and operating costs for the entire period of the ACGs development have exceeded $42 billion. ACG is a super-giant field located about 100 km east of Baku. It is the biggest producing oil field in the Caspian Sea and covers an area of more than 432 square kilometers. The field lies in water depths of between 120 and 170 metres. The depth of the reservoir is 2,000-3,500 metres. A contract for developing the ACG field was signed in 1994. The proven oil reserve of the block nears 1 billion tons. The shareholders of the project are BP (operator, 35.78 percent), Chevron (11.27 percent), Inpex (10.96 percent), AzACG (11.65 percent), Statoil (8.55 percent), Exxon (8 percent), TPAO (6.75 percent), Itocu (4.3 percent) and ONGC (2.72 percent). In December , 2016, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and BP-operated Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) signed an agreement on future development of the ACG field. The agreement will cover the development of the field until 2050 and will add significant resource development potential. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 15:52 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Over the last two decades, Statoil company has invested more than $6.5 billion in Azerbaijan, making it the second largest investor in the country, said the company's executive vice-president Lars Christian Bacher. "Azerbaijan has been an important part of Statoil's international strategy over the past two decades," he said during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. Bacher noted that since the entry of Statoil in Azerbaijan in 1992, this country has been a key arena for the company's international goals. "Through a turbulent and volatile time in global affairs, Azerbaijan has proved to be a place with a stable business environment, which makes it attractive for foreign investments," he added. Bacher expressed a compliment to Azerbaijani government for providing a predictable business environment. He expressed confidence that companies like Statoil and resource-rich countries like Azerbaijan can work together to come up to a new approach in addressing the challenges in the oil and gas industry. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 18:03 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Energy Minister Natig Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is giving significant impetus to ensuring the energy stability in Europe. Aliyev, addressing the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku on June 1, said that Azerbaijan has been successfully cooperating with foreign partners in the oil and gas sector and implementing various big projects. As a result of this cooperation, the development of such largest oil and gas fields in Azerbaijan, as Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz started, the minister said. He stressed that the country is implementing projects that have become vital for Europe. Thats because the diversification of energy sources plays a major role in Europes security, and Azerbaijan is ready to play this role, he added. First Vice President of Azerbaijans State Oil Company SOCAR Khoshbakht Yusifzade, in turn, informed the participants that the work on the project of developing Stage 2 of Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas condensate field has been completed by 93 percent. He said that two wells are being drilled at the field, adding that work at another well is under completion. Being one of the main components of the large-scale Southern Gas Corridor project, Shah Deniz 2 is expected to add a further 16 bcm per year of gas production to the approximately 9 bcm per year produced by Shah Deniz Stage 1. "The South Caucasus Pipeline Expansion Project has been completed by 85 percent. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) has been constructed by 72.4 percent, Yusifzade stated. The section of the pipeline stretching to the city of Eskisehir will be commissioned in the middle of 2018, according to the vice president. TANAPs section stretching to the border with Greece is planned to be commissioned in 2019," he added. Azerbaijan has become the initiator of the Southern Gas Corridor project, designed to bring Caspian gas to energy-hungry Europe. In 2018, the gas will reach Turkey and in early 2020 customers in Greece, Bulgaria and Italy will start receiving gas from Shah Deniz. BP Vice President for the Southern Gas Corridor Joe Murphy, while speaking at the event, stressed that as many as $66 billion were invested by BP and partners in Azerbaijans oil and gas projects. Most of the strategic projects had been implemented in Azerbaijan under BP-Azerbaijan cooperation, which spans more than 20 years and is to be continued with the ongoing Shah Deniz 2, ACG and Southern Gas Corridor projects. And one must not forget the success of BTC, which allow to carry Azerbaijani oil to the world. Statoil Companys executive vice-president Lars Christian Bacher, in his turn, pointed out that over the last two decades, his company has invested more than $6.5 billion in Azerbaijan, making it the second largest investor in the country. He noted that since the entry of Statoil in Azerbaijan in 1992, this country has been a key arena for the company's international goals. "Through a turbulent and volatile time in global affairs, Azerbaijan has proved to be a place with a stable business environment, which makes it attractive for foreign investments," Bacher added. Total's Vice-President of Europe and Caspian Region Bernard Clement, for his part, informed about the French companys intention to create a joint venture with Azerbaijan's SOCAR on the Absheron field development project. Total and SOCAR will have 50 percent share in this company each," he said. Clement noted that the company will become operational in 2017 and pointed out that Absheron has the potential to produce three or four times more than it will produce in the first phase of development. "We have agreed with SOCAR on two key objectives: fast development of the field in order to bring gas as fast as we can; and to use the existing facilities as much as we can in order to reduce the cost," he added. SOCAR and Total signed a framework agreement in late 2016 on the main contractual and commercial principles regulating the program for the first phase of development of the Absheron field. SOCAR geologists assume that the reserves of the Absheron field amounts to 350 billion cubic meters of gas and 45 million tons of condensate. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 12:41 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Turkey has ratified the agreement on energy cooperation with Pakistan, says a message posted on the website of Turkeys Resmi Gazete (Official newspaper). The agreement between Turkey and Pakistan was signed in Ankara on September 13, 2013. Under the document, the two countries plan to jointly produce iron ore, as well as build thermal power plants. Earlier, Pakistan's largest province Punjab and a leading Turkish energy company inked an agreement for the construction of a 200-megawatt solar power plant and another 100-megawatt power plant in Bahawalpur. Pakistan and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1947 and are strategic partners. Both countries are part of the Group of Eight Developing Islamic Countries (D-8). Expansion of cooperation with Pakistan will open access for Turkish companies to the Chinese market and the CPEC project the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The CPEC is a multi-billion-dollar project including a network of rail, roads, and gas pipelines to connect China to Pakistan's southwestern deep-sea Gawadar port to provide the shortest route for Chinese goods to reach the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. Data of the Turkish Statistical Institution shows that the total trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan increased to $7.75 billion in the last decade, marking a 218 percent hike compared to$2.43 billion in the period of 1997-2006. Last year, Turkey exported $347 million to Pakistan while the total value of exports to Pakistan was $2.39 billion between 2007 and 2016. In 2016, Turkey imported $263 million from Pakistan while the country's total imports from Pakistan were recorded as $5.36 billion in the period of 2007-2016. -- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 13:27 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Turkmenistan plans to increase the natural gas export volume to China up to 38 billion cubic meters (bcm) this year from 35 bcm in 2016, Chief Executive of state gas company Turkmengas Myrat Archayev told Reuters on May 31. Turkmenistan annually exports about 30-35 billion cubic meters of gas per year to China via a pipeline built with Beijing funds, and hopes to double these volumes by 2020. Turkmenistan is a landlocked country and thus it is dependent on pipelines to export its gas on world markets. The three main export routes include Central Asia Center Pipeline (CAS) to Russia, Central Asia China pipeline (CACP) and two routes to Iran which are Korpedzhe-Kurt Kui (KKK) and Dauletabad-Sarakhs-Khangiran pipelines. China is Turkmenistans biggest customer, followed by Iran and Russia. Turkmenistan lost Russia as a customer one year ago, and has since provided gas only to China and Iran. Turkmenistans relations with Iran were also seriously damaged by the gas dispute over Irans debts. For now, the Central Asian nation plans to maintain supplies to Iran at 7 bcm this year, the same as in 2016. The Islamic Republic has major natural gas fields in the south but has imported gas from Turkmenistan since 1997 for distribution in its northern provinces, especially during the winter. Turkmenistan began to look for alternative consumers in the European and Asian markets. Discussions on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) have been ongoing for the past 20 years. While there have been recent developments, TAPI faces major financing and security challenges. Alongside TAPI, Turkmenistan showed interest in supplying gas to Europe via connecting to the Southern Gas Corridor. Among the Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan has the largest natural gas reserves and the worlds sixth largest reserves that amount 13.7 tcm. -- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 16:22 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Turkey will inspect Russian producers of meat and dairy products for possibility of opening its market for Russia, Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Alexei Gruzdev said on the sidelines of SPIEF-2017. "We are in constant contact with our Turkish colleagues and we are considering the expansion of trade relations, including in the sphere of agriculture. Work is underway to certify the enterprises producing both dairy and meat products. This is the standard procedure for the Rosselkhoznadzor," he said answering the question on whether Turkish counterparts plan to inspect Russian enterprises for access to the Turkish market. Minister of Agriculture Alexander Tkachev said earlier that lifting of the embargo on the supply of Turkish vegetables should be discussed in parallel with the abolition of Turkeys restrictions on dairy and meat products from Russia. The Russian-Turkish trade has been facing significant difficulties since 2016 when Russia introduced a food embargo against Turkey in response to the downing of a Russian warplane over Syria. Many restrictions have been recently removed in accordance with agreements reached with Russia following the results of the talks between Turkish Prime minister Binali Yildirim and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in Istanbul. SPIEF has been held since 1997, and since 2006, it has been held under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation. Over the past 20 years, the forum has become a leading global platform for representatives of the business community to meet and discuss the key economic issues facing Russia, emerging markets, and the world as a whole. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 23:53 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Passenger flow on charter flights from Russia to Turkey will quickly recover and is expected to reach the level of 5 million people per year, Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 1, TASS reported. "It's too early to predict any concrete figures, but it may reach about five million," he said, adding "life is changing dynamically, but if nothing super-ordinary happens, then we will come out with these figures." Chartered flights between Russia and Turkey were suspended from November 2015 through to August 2016 in the wake of an attack by the Turkish Air Force on the Sukhoi-24 bomber jet of the Russian Aerospace Force in the Syrian airspace. The bomber was engaged in the Russian antiterrorist operation in Syria. In August 2016, after the President of Turkey apologized for the incident and negotiations between the two leaders, the parties decided to start the restoration of ties. Russian experts from the Transport Ministry studied and inspected the safety of Turkish airports and sent a corresponding report to the government. On August 28, 2016, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on lifting the ban on charter air services between Russia and Turkey. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 17:42 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $500-million loan for the construction of housing in Uzbekistane. The Bank has approved a results-based loan of $500 million to support the construction of up to 29,000 new affordable housing units in nine regions across Uzbekistan as part of the State Affordable Rural Housing Program. Ministry of Economy of Uzbekistan will administer the program which will be implemented through three Uzbek banks Ipoteka Bank, National Bank of Uzbekistan, and Qishloq Qurilish Bank and by the state engineering company Qishloq Qurilish Invest, ADB reported. Affordable housing in Uzbekistan is in high demand in rural areas, according to the message. In August 2011, ADB issued a multitranche loan worth $500 million to support the construction of housing in Uzbekistan. Through these funds, 41,500 houses were built in the countrys rural areas. Since joining ADB in 1995, Uzbekistan has received 63 loans totaling $5.7 billion, including two private sector loans totaling $225 million, $6 million in equity investment, $200 million in guarantees, and $74 million in technical assistance grants. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 June 2017 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova There are many beautiful villages in Azerbaijan. Each village has its own characteristic beauty be it abundant in history or full in nature. A small, stone-built village of Ilisu, located at the northwest tip of Azerbaijan in the Gakh region, is a great place to visit at any time of year, especially in summer. Ilisu, located along the banks of the Kurmuk and Hamamchay rivers 12 km from the administrative centre of the region and 1,400 m above the sea level, is one of the most ancient settlements in Azerbaijan. The beauty of the location and the spirit of the people is a real attraction. Walking opportunities abound. The area has numerous historical monuments and is known for thermal waters and wonderful waterfalls. The most well-known of them is Ram-rama waterfall. It starts in Latlar spring high in the mountains, with 70 meters high it is considered to be the highest waterfall in Azerbaijan. Local residents of Ilisu call the waterfall the diamond in the crown of the village. During severe winter season the waterfall freezes and mysterious landscape emerges. Actually, Ilisu is a state nature reserve that covers an area of 54,000 hectares and is home to hundreds of plants, animals and birds, some of which are included on the Red Book. The area around the village has many historic monuments, including ancient Albanian Christian churches of the 4th-5th centuries. Professional climbers can risk and mount Jinligala's top on the edge of an abyss, which has access only from one side. The emblem of the village, Sumug fortress, is a four-storey defense tower commanding a great view of the surrounding areas. The 17th century Great Bridge over the Kurmuk River was built when Ilisu was a capital of a sultanate. Egg-yolk was used as solidifier of the bridge and for this reason the bridge is believed to be still in usable condition. Favorable natural conditions make the place a perfect destination for mountain climbing and hiking, fishing and hunting. You can also make a tour of the neighborhoods on horseback. Moreover, there are several restaurants which offer delicious Ilisu cuisine. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Sean Bryan cant wait to get to the Cannes Lions festival this year. And its not just because he has high hopes for McCann New Yorks groundbreaking Fearless Girl campaign and its work for brands like Godiva, Microsoft and Nespresso. I love it every year. But this year in particular is going to be an interesting year, says the agencys Chief Creative Officer. One reason for his enthusiasm is that he believes creativity in advertising is reaching new heights, Bryan explains in this interview with Beet.TV. I actually think the industry is better at doing what really matters than weve ever been, at least in my time. He points to the rise of long-form storytelling and the impact it can have on cultural conversations. It all starts with being able to determine who will be watching such messaging and what theyre going to be interested in. If you want to hold somebodys attention for two minutes, three minutes or even longer you need to be telling them a story providing some news, some information that is going to be rewarding to them, says Bryan. Its a different kind of storytelling. Hes not suggesting that traditional 30- or 60-second commercials cannot command consumers attention, citing an effort for Nespresso coffee machines starring George Clooney and a host of actors from classic films. As a sixty its fantastic because you really get to enjoy all the great scenes from all the great movies we wanted to see growing up, Bryan says. In terms of cultural impact, McCann New York touched off considerable debate when it helped client State Street Financial Advisors install a bronze sculpture of a defiant-looking young Latina woman dubbed Fearless Girl directly in front of the iconic Charging Bull on Manhattans Wall Street. I could have put together a miniseries about that thing and what it did in the world, Bryan says. Thats whats really exciting. You have these ideas and then to actually see what happens when people see them and interact with them and how they impact the conversation around, for example, women and finance. Then there is the agencys campaign for Lysol, a venerable brand that has traditionally existed in the functional as opposed to emotional mode. It involved an installation under the landmark Brooklyn Bridge about how mothers in nature are the biggest bad asses there are, he says. We are talking to people about stuff they care about. Were making brands matter and making them relevant in peoples lives. And were doing it in different way. This segment is part of the Beet.TV lead-up to the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. 2017. The series is presented by Storyful. For more from the series, please visit this page. First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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. Vote View Results Whatever your vacation style couple, family, big group cruises to La Romana give you the chance to play on some of the Caribbeans most beautiful beaches and lush terrain. This captivating slice of Dominican Republic tropics is found on the islands southeast coast, and your Carnival cruise to La Romana takes you right there. Comb the cobblestone streets of a re-created medieval village, hunt for craft treasures, and soak in the pampered luxury of Casa de Campo, the 7,000-acre resort conveniently located next door. Its this mix of culture, shopping and fun in the sun that makes cruises to the Dominican Republic not to mention La Romana some of the best bets in the Caribbean. 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. Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 218,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,481.5 megawatts of generation capacity and 8,892 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. The Gas Utilities segment distributes natural gas to approximately 1,094,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming; owns and operates 4,732 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines; 41,644 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines; six natural gas storage sites; and approximately 50,000 horsepower of compression and 515 miles of gathering lines. The company also constructs and maintains gas infrastructure facilities for gas transportation customers; and provides appliance repair services to residential utility customers, as well as electrical system construction services to large industrial customers. In addition, it produces electric power through wind, natural gas, and coal-fired generating plants; and coal at its coal mine located near Gillette, Wyoming. The company was incorporated in 1941 and is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. Analysis: What does it mean for a charity to call itself Christian? When the charity Christian Aid unveiled its most recent logo, there was consternation among some conservative Evangelicals because the design increased the size of the word 'aid' and decreased the word 'Christian'. Around the same time, the charity ran an advert that provocative declared: 'Christian Aid doesn't just give Christians aid. That wouldn't be very "Christian", would it?' The anxiety was focused on this question: what does it mean for a charity to call itself Christian? Four of Britain's largest international Christian aid agencies are Christian Aid (annual turnover 107m in 2015-16), World Vision (95m), Tearfund (72m), and Cafod (53m). Gone are the days when it is acceptable for a charity to use aid as a 'front' for evangelism. Charities depend on the trust of their supporters, who would be scandalised by such a practice in a way that previous generations may not have been. Agencies also have to safeguard their staff, who may be working in areas of religious or ethnic conflict where apparently favouritising one community over another could put their lives at risk. Indeed, the Red Cross Code of Conduct, to which all four agencies are signatories, spells out: 'Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality ... Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint'. So big donors such as the Department for International Development (DfID) or the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, insist on non-discrimination, to ensure equal access to aid. However, this approach is being challenged. An increasingly visible issue in the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia is religious persecution. Can persecuted Christians expect solidarity from their wealthier Western brothers and sisters? Yes and no. People who are persecuted for their faith are sometimes materially poor, but not always. While the larger Christians agencies may have previously helped victims of religious persecution, albeit below the radar, these days they are keen to stress their commitment to non-discrimination, especially if much of their income comes from donors who require it. This has prompted the religious activist Nina Shea in the US and the Lord Carey, the former archbishop of Canterbury, to accuse their respective governments and UN of failing Middle Eastern Christians threatened by Islamic State. In their separate interventions, in the Wall Street Journal and the Telegraph respectively, they said the non-discrimination policy meant aid did not reach Syrian and Iraqi Christians. According to Lord Carey, Christians were 'not to be found in UN camps ... invariably run by Muslim officials who are often hostile to minorities'. While the UNHCR and DfID deny this, the vast scale of the UN's operation in Iraq and Syria makes investigation virtually impossible. There are smaller, specialist charities such as Open Doors or the Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need, which exist to support Christians who are persecuted rather than to alleviate poverty. These organisations are less likely to apply for grants from donors who require them not to favouritise. Any religious aid agency operates in tension between the ideals of their supporters, the complex realities of suffering, and a secular market-place that may be wary of Christian beliefs and practices, especially regarding sexual ethics. This is why charities may emphasise their religious ethos to some audiences and play them down to others. Some Christian charities effectively adopt the maxim of St Francis of Assisi: 'Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.' For example, Christian Aid's Head of Church Advocacy, Policy and Public Affairs, Dionne Gravesande, told Christian Today: 'We believe that every human being is created in the image of God, and should have a life of dignity and worth. Our essential purpose is to expose the scandal of poverty.' Cafod said in a statement: 'We don't preach ... We believe our values are best shown through working for justice and an end to poverty.' How explicit should a religious charity be? Pope Benedict XVI feared that the spiritual dimension of Catholic aid work could be lost amid secular approaches to charity. Archbishop Paul Cordes, the head of the Vatican's charitable arm, said at the start of Benedict's papacy in 2005: 'Sometimes, Christ's message is reduced to that which interests public opinion: justice, peace, and quality of life. It is rare when one speaks about sin, love of God and eternal life.' Later, in 2009, he added that helping the poor was the means by which to bear Christian witness, and that it was important not to absorb the priorities of 'organisations alien to the Church'. This did not go down well among all Catholic aid experts, not least with the head of the international Catholic aid network Caritas, Lesley-Anne Knight. She did not share his views, and it was apparently this that led to her not being re-appointed in 2011 for a second term in office. Another question for religious charities is whom they should employ, or work with. Tearfund says it aims to employ Christians, both in the UK and overseas, 'to reflect values we want to see in our programmes'. Christian Aid requires its senior UK staff to be Christian; Cafod requires only its CEO to be Catholic, but both agencies naturally attract many Catholic or Christian staff. Christian Aid argues that in the field, by employing people irrespective of faith, they can 'help people in Muslim countries that other NGOs, who only work with Christian organisations, can't always reach'. This question whether to have as partner organisations only Christian organisations or some non-Christian ones has sometimes proved divisive: it caused a split in Tearfund's ethical trading operation in the 1970s, with Tearcraft (now defunct) insisting on working only with Christian partners and its founder Richard Adams leaving to form Traidcraft, to work also with non-Christians. Peter Keegan, government relations manager of World Vision UK, says that while World Vision mainly employs Christians, what is most important are shared values, namely 'justice, love and hope'. He adds: 'We know that God can work through all people ... and often find that as a Christian organisation we are able to build strong relationships of trust with local faith leaders and communities of all faiths.' Keegan cites a pastor and an imam in Sierra Leone who, after attending the charity's training, worked together to educate their respective congregations how to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. So Christian charities operating both in multi-faith and secular environments wear their faith identity in different ways according to how they understand their mandate and tackle the complex question: 'What would Jesus do?' Archbishop Welby: Don't be cynical about politicians, pray! The Archbishop of Canterbury has used an appearance on Thought For The Day to call for citizens across the UK to show respect for politicians. Justin Welby was appearing on the flagship Radio Four slot less than a week ahead of the UK General Election. 'I confess that I am less and less cynical about politics,' said the Archbishop. 'Beneath the shouting and spin I rather think on the whole that there are very decent human beings trying to be effective in making our country better, even making the world better.' Welby is a member of the House Of Lords and seen as an effective political operator himself. Suggesting that the vast majority of politicians are motivated by good intentions, he said, 'We all want our life to count, a sense of it having been worthwhile... for me as a Christian, it engages me with the God that makes all the difference.' The Archbishop then talked about Thy Kingdom Come the ten day prayer project currently underway. 'Some people will think 'oh, more sky fairy stuff',' said the head of the Worldwide Anglican Communion clearly referring to a classic atheist response to prayer. 'But around the world, in places of peace or trouble, in suffering or security, in wealth or poverty, Christians will be praying this as they seek to live God's purpose for them.' Referring to recent terror attacks on concert-goers in Manchester and Coptic Christians in Egypt, Archbishop Welby said there is one response we can all make 'Praying They Kingdom Come is a statement of hope,' he said. Christian candidates in the spotlight: The most interesting battle in the General Election 2017 With the General Election 2017 just days away Christian Today is zooming in on some crucial battleground seats where Christian candidates are in the spotlight. The east London seat of Bermondsey and Old Southwark is one of the more unusual seats in the 2017 General Election. For the first time in decades it is there is a genuine choice on offer between the main parties. But in Bermondsey, the two candidates are remarkably similar. Sitting MP Labour's Neil Coyle faces the Lib Dem's Simon Hughes who he ousted at the 2015 election after 32 years in parliament. Both men are looking to grasp hold of the centre ground with Coyle desperately trying to distance himself from his leader Jeremy Corbyn. 'It's me on the ballot here, not Jeremy Corbyn. I've fought on the issues I think are a priority for local people... Jeremy Corbyn isn't going to be PM and Tim Farron isn't going to be PM. We're not choosing a PM. I'm fighting to create a more centrist Labour Party across the whole country,' he said in a debate in early May according to Southwark News. Both men are also boasting of their anti-Brexit credentials with 73 per cent of residents voting Remain. Despite Coyle's strong opposition for Brexit, Corbyn is as only half-heartedly campaigning to stay in the EU. Hughes said: 'If Labour had put in half the effort we had done with campaigning against Brexit, we wouldn't be in this mess.' Both men are also strong Christians. Coyle is defending of 4,489 majority after capitalising on the Lib Dem's capitulation in 2015. Talk of a supposed Lib Dem fightback is failing to materialise with polls showing support stagnating or even reducing. It will take all of Hughes' 32 years of experience to turnaround his fortunes. And given he has just turned 66, this may be his last chance to do so. 'Dodgy allies': Why won't Theresa May publish a report on jihadist funding in the UK? Theresa May is being urged to publish a report on Saudi funding of extremism in the UK after the second attack by a British-born terrorist in two months. Both the Manchester bomber Salman Abedi and the Westminster knife man Khalid Masood were born and radicalised in the UK. In 2015 then Prime Minister David Cameron promised a review of how extremism is funded in Britain. But eighteen months later there is no sign of the report and the Home Office have admitted it may never be published, according to the Guardian. The review was launched as part of a deal with the Lib Dems in exchange for supporting the extension of British airstrukes in Syria and is likely to be highly sensitive. It is thought to focus on Saudi Arabia' role in funding jihadi groups in the West. Lib Dem's foreign spokesman Tom Brake claims the Conservatives are 'worried about upsetting their dodgy allies in the Middle East'. In a letter to the Prime Minister on Wednesday he said: 'It is not secret that Saudi Arabia in particular provides funding to hundreds of mosques in the UK, espousing a very hard-line Wahhabist interpretation of Islam. 'It is often in these institutions that British extremism takes root.' Wahhabism is particular strand of Islam that developed in the Gulf in the 18th century under Ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-92). Finding political support from Muhammad Ibn Saud, whose dynasty went on to rule the Saudi Arabian peninsula, Wahhabism grew in strength and power despite is relatively recent innovation. In many ways Wahhab's aims were similar to Martin Luther's reforming zeal for Christianity 200 years earlier in the 16th century. He sought to return to Islam's scriptures as the sole source of authority and urged people to study the texts for themselves rather than relying on imams and social leaders. He also raged against a culture of venerating saints, urging shrines to be destroyed. Typical Wahhabi mosques are plain, without much flamboyant decorations - much like many churches emerging from the Protestant reformation. Wahhabism has increased in its violence and extremism since its puritanical beginnings as it has become a major political force in the Middle East. In the 20th century with the help of vast revenue of petroleum exports, the Saudi ruling classes began funding Wahhabi mosques and schools, known as madrassas, in the West. Since then the US State Department estimates more than $10 billion of Saudi money has gone into strengthening Wahhabism's strongholds in Europe and the US. In July 2013 Wahhabism was named by the European Parliament in Strasbourg as the main source of global terrorism. But the Tory government sees Saudi Arabia as a major ally in the Middle East against its more volatile neighbours in Yemen, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Picking up on this position, Brake told the Prime Minister: 'You will agree with me that the protection of our country, of the British people, is the most important job of any government. Certainly, more important than potential trade deals with questionable regimes, which appear to be the only explanation for your reticence.' He added: 'If the Conservatives are serious about stopping terrorism on our shores, they must stop stalling and reopen investigations into foreign funding of violent extremism in the UK.' Pastor and his wife plead guilty to defrauding summer food programme for low-income children Robbie Wilkerson, the founding pastor of New Birth Christian Center church in Chicago, Illinois, and his wife, Tasha, are both set to spend some time in prison along with three of their associates after they plead guilty to defrauding a summer food program for low-income children on Tuesday. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of Illinois announced in a press release that Pastor Wilkerson pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering while his wife pled guilty to theft of government funds. Wilkerson, his wife and associates were indicted in 2015 for embezzling approximately $450,000 they received to operate the 2010 Summer Food Service Program. The embezzled amount was more than one-half of the funding for the program. The implicated associates working with the 2010 summer food program had previously entered guilty pleas for one count of theft of government funds each. They are: Anthony Hall, 54, an NBCC pastor of Downers Grove, Illinois, who served as business administrator; Richard Shumate, 51, a program operations manager and his wife, Evelyn, 48, who worked as an assistant for the program. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals to low-income children during the summer months when schools are not in session. In Illinois, the State Board of Education administers the program funding provided by the Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, the New Birth Christian Center's food program was one of the largest recipients of Summer Program funds in the state of Illinois. In 2010, Pastor Wilkerson submitted a total operational budget to the ISBE of $446,440 on behalf of his church. This included $250,000 for food and $26,400 for administrative costs. The budget also in said the program would be administered at 34 sites in the Chicago area. Robbie Wilkerson admitted, however, that he submitted, or caused to be submitted, approximately $714,000 in false and fraudulent claims to ISBE, which is more than $250,000 above the 2010 budget. Those claims said approximately 267,000 meals were served to low-income children but an investigation revealed that fewer than 100,000 meals were served while up to $450,000 was funneled into the pockets of the defendants. The pastor and his wife confessed to taking more than $100,000. Some $60,000 in direct payments were made to the couple even as Tasha was being paid as an employee of Youth Outreach Services in Chicago. Some $10,000 was given directly to relatives while $20,000 in cash and other withdrawals were made from the church's bank account. They also used $46,000 to purchase real estate in Chicago and $37,109 to buy a house in Memphis, Tennessee, for the pastor's parents. Both the pastor and his wife are scheduled for a sentencing hearings on Oct. 6, 2017. The government will recommend the pastor serve 37 months and ordered to pay restitution of at least $400,000. A sentence of five months in prison and another five months in home confinement plus the payment of restitution is being recommended for Tasha. Calls made to New Birth Christian Center church by The Christian Post on Wednesday went unanswered. This article was originally published in The Christian Post. Pat Robertson's son says End Times prophecy about Israel is being fulfilled Gordon Robertson, president of CBN and son of Pat Robertson, recently released the new docu-drama "In Our Hands," and says he sees end times prophecy being fulfilled with the nation of Israel. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War, CBN documentaries brought "In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem" to theater audiences on May 23 for a one-night screening through Fathom events. The first screening of the film instantly became a top-grossing Fathom event and is now headed for a June 1 and June 6 encore. The film brings to life the miracle battle of paratroopers' hard-won victory at Ammunition Hill that reclaimed Jerusalem's Old City and the Western Wall. "In Our Hands," narrated by Robertson, shows how Old testament prophecy was fulfilled during the six-day war and "The 700 Club" co-host says he is seeing Scripture being fulfilled in Israel once again. "One of the bad parts about prophecy in the Old Testament is the prophecy that all the nations in the world will gather against Israel," Robertson told The Christian Post. "In my absolute amazement the U.N. passed a resolution in December of 2016 condemning Israel and calling its ownership of East Jerusalem a blatantly illegal occupation. We're seeing the set up for that, for me we're in the time where we wait for the appearing of Elijah." "The next thing to happen in the periodic time clock is the restoration of Israel and all the events in the Valley of the vision in Ezekiel 37 is God promising that He would put His Spirit in them," he added. "We're seeing the beginnings of that." Robertson expressed his amazement in seeing the parallel between the Israel spoken of in Exodus and Israel now. He explained that as seen in the Old Testament when God took people who were enslaved for 400 years and made a great nation God is doing the same thing again. "Here in Israel today, It's known as the start-up nation, it's known as an incredible place of innovation and all of this coming from a population of 6 million, a country the size of New Jersey. Yet the innovation pouring out of that nation today is absolutely miraculous," Robertson maintained. "We're seeing that evidence and we're seeing a spiritual birth of the orthodox community not just in Israel but all around the world. It's growing and growing rapidly so things are happening and we need to understand from a prophetic point of view, a biblical point of view this is exactly what God promised, that there would be a flowering of Israel once again." "The first time He created that nation, some pretty amazing things happened and a wonderful book was written," he stated. "I'm looking forward to the new things God is going to do with Israel." "In Our Hands" details the story of Israel's 55th Paratrooper Brigade and how Israeli Defense Forces risked everything to take back their homeland. For more information on the movie, click here. This article was originally published in The Christian Post. Pro-life 'born again Christian' Madeleine Runkles, pregnant at 18, defends herself after graduation ceremony ban The 18-year old pregnant student banned by a conservative Christian school from taking part in its graduation ceremony for having pre-marital sex has written a lengthy defence of her position in the Washington Post. Heritage Academy in Maryland drew a storm of protest including from pro-life groups when it refused to allow Madeleine Runkles, to walk in the graduation procession. Now, Runkles has defended herself in the newspaper, saying: 'I'm only 18 years old, and I'm about to have a baby boy in the fall as a result of my deliberate failure to adhere to a pledge of chastity I signed at my school...My Christian faith is...extremely important to me, so I involved myself at my church working in the nursery, helping out with Vacation Bible School and helping my mom with meals for church bus drivers on Sunday mornings.' Runkles outlined how she considered having an abortion but realised she 'couldn't go through' with it because of her faith. 'I am a born-again Christian, one who made a mistake with a very visible consequence,' she wrote. 'Even though I grew up knowing abortion was wrong, I also knew that it would make things easier for me no one would know what I had done, and I could get on with my life. I had seen women being forgiven who admitted to having abortions, while women who kept their babies seemed to be harder to forgive. But the more I thought about abortion, the more I knew I couldn't go through with it. In my view, abortion is taking a life. And I couldn't do that.' She described telling her understanding parents that she was pregnant before being unexpectedly barred from attending the college or taking part in its graduation ceremony. 'I broke down in a grocery store parking lot with my mom, and I cried as I told her the truth. She looked at me and said: "I'm not mad at you, I'm not upset with you. You're gonna be fine, and we're gonna make it through this." I still had to work up the courage to tell my dad, but when I finally did the day I received my acceptance letter to Bob Jones he reacted just like my mom: "It's going to be okay, sweetie," he said, "God is in this somewhere, we just need to find where He is in all of this." 'Unfortunately, my school didn't feel the same way...I wouldn't be allowed on campus until after the baby was born. I would be allowed to receive my diploma, but I would have to take all my classes at home, and wouldn't be allowed to walk at graduation.' Runkles went on to make a Christian case against her college's position. 'When girls like me who go to pro-life schools make a brave pro-life decision, we shouldn't be hidden away in shame,' she wrote. 'The sin that got us into this situation is not worth celebrating, but after confession and forgiveness take place, we should be supported and treated like any other student. What we are going through is tough enough. Having to deal with the added shame of being treated like an outcast is nothing that any girl should have to go through.' She described the aggressive reaction she received as a result of the publicity surrounding the case, which 'many' feared would damage the college's reputation. 'Many of the people in my town and at my school who had supported me and my family have turned on us since I went public, feeling that all the scrutiny was hurting Heritage Academy's reputation. We started getting nasty emails, angry posts on social media and rude remarks in person. People who had been supportive before are now telling me to shut up, suck it up and grow up. Because of the volume of anger from the community, my parents have decided to keep my brother and me at home for the rest of the school year.' She concluded: 'I want other girls in my position to know you don't have to give in to pressure or fear of judgment...My school could have made an example of how to treat a student who made a mistake, owned up to it, accepted the consequences, and is now being supported in her decision to choose life. But they didn't. It is my hope that the next Christian school will make the right decision when the time comes.' Theresa May urged to appoint religious freedom ambassador to fight persecution Theresa May has come under pressure from Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates over efforts to fight religious persecution around the world. Both Labour and the Lib Dems are promising to create a specialist religious freedom ambassador to raise the issue with countries around the world, but the Conservatives have failed to follow suite. Championed by Labour's faith envoy Stephen Timms, the party's manifesto vows to create 'dedicated global ambassadors for women's rights, LGBT rights and religious freedom to fight discrimination and promote equality around the world'. Speaking to Christian Today at a hustings on international development on Wednesday night Timms accused the Tories of not prioritising religious freedom. 'It ought to be back at the top [of the agenda],' he told Christian Today. 'If you look at what is happening to Christians and the churches in Egypt in just the last week its terrible. There are a lot of Christians around the world suffering in a way that wasn't the case 10 or 15 years ago. 'And there are a lot of other religious minorities suffering as well the Yazidis and many others. 'The appointment of a dedicated religious freedom ambassador whose role was to protect religious freedom around the world would be a very powerful move raising this up the list of priorities for the UK and saying to others around the world this is an issue we feel very strongly about.' Claire Mathys, Lib Dem candidate for Mitcham and Morden, agreed. 'I think we should be playing a much a bigger role [fighting persecution]. The UK should appoint a dedicated global ambassador for religious minorities,' she told Christian Today. 'I think having an ambassador for religious freedom would really help to raise awareness domestically and play a crucial role in how we communicate abroad in terms of the messages it sends when we are dealing with other countries.' The Prime Minister has spoken about the importance of religious freedom in the UK, saying Britian should be confident about the role of Christianity in public life. 'We should treasure the strong tradition that we have in this country of religious tolerance and freedom of speech,' she said in her Easter message. 'We must continue to ensure that people feel able to speak about their faith, and that absolutely includes their faith in Christ. 'We must be mindful of Christians and religious minorities around the world who do not enjoy these same freedoms, but who practise their religion in secret and often in fear. 'And we must do more to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practise their beliefs openly and in peace and safety.' The manifesto pledges to 'expand our global efforts to combat extremism, terror, and the perpetration of violence against people because of their faith'. But if offers no concrete action on how to do this and both Timms and Mathys warned about a lack of commitment. Violence, John Smyth And The Gospel When a story as horrifying as John Smyth's begins to be told, it's only natural to ask the question "Why?" Smyth's behaviour his alleged grooming and savage, repeated beatings of young Christians over many years was exposed in Channel 4 news reports. But why did it take so long to come out? Why did he get away with it for so long? Why did those affected say nothing? And what drove him to it in the first place? It's natural to ask the questions, but a rush to answer them is unhelpful, to say the least. Even in this age of instancy, it's best to take a while to think things through. However, even after a few days, some questions at least begin to take on more definition, and they are around whether there were particular factors in play that facilitated Smyth's abusive behaviour. For the avoidance of doubt, asking these questions isn't about explaining what he did, or God forbid excusing it. This behaviour is wicked, full stop. But if we don't ask the right questions, we don't learn anything. One question is around whether there's something about abusive behaviour in religious circles that makes it harder to deal with. I suspect the answer is that there is. We've seen it also in the shocking revelations from Australia about Catholic clergy and in many similar stories. The sense of group identity can be very strong and the appeal to an omnipotent authority by his representatives on earth is very hard to defy. Furthermore, the Church has more to lose, because it's all about goodness: you mustn't compromise the "witness", so you end up trying to preserve a reputation at the expense of justice. The tendency to close ranks is undeniable though inexcusable. When Smyth's behaviour came to light in the early '80s it was not reported to police, a course of action no one now defends. The reasons for this are no longer clear were the Iwerne Trust and Winchester College trying to protect the victims? But the general principle applies: groups protect themselves. Christians, with their profound sense of human insufficiency and the grace of God, ought to be predisposed to challenge this groupthink. We are not. Another question is around theology. Bishop Alan Wilson blamed the abuse on the "violent theology" espoused at the so-called "Bash Camps" at the Iwerne summer schools he didn't say so precisely, but he clearly has in mind the penal substitutionary theory of the atonement, in which God punishes Jesus instead of punishing us. Another bishop, Guildford's Andrew Watson, revealed he had himself been a victim of Smyth, but said: "I would also like to express the concern of myself and some of my fellow survivors that we are seen as people and not used as pawns in some political or religious game. "Abusers espouse all theologies and none; and absolutely nothing that happened in the Smyth shed was the natural fruit of any Christian theology that I've come across before or since. It was abuse perpetrated by a misguided, manipulative and dangerous man, tragically playing on the longing of his young victims to live godly lives." This is clearly true, and as David Robertson has said, evangelical theology is not to blame for sadistic abuse: "the violence of the cross negates and destroys the violence of the world". I'm not sure, though, that this lets theology entirely off the hook. I am of exactly the age and evangelical background though I am neither Anglican nor public school educated, so wouldn't have been at Iwerne to recognise the sort of theological language that was around in the late '70s. Some of it was indeed spiritually unhealthy, with an undue focus on punishment and the wrath of God and a luxuriating in the graphic physical details of the scourging and crucifixion. When blood and excruciating pain are just part of your religious language, there may be consequences. Acknowledging this is not the same as saying it's "responsible" for what happened (and it doesn't amount to a critique of penal substitution, either) but it ought to be part of some institutional soul-searching. However, I was not there (and neither was Alan Wilson). Still another question is around elitism. Those who attended the Iwerne Trust's Bash Camps were from Britain's public schools there's an irony about the term, as they were, and to a large extent are, reserved for those with a lot of money. These young men and it was definitely male, as Anne Atkins made clear in her comment piece for the Telegraph were a class apart, groomed for leadership in Church and state. They were the future evangelical officer class. One of them was the future Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. (Attempts to imply he knew about it are silly mischief-making if not worse.) At one level, this is a troubling reminder of that old class system we are gradually leaving behind. But it also reminds us of what happens when people feel they're part of an elite, of whatever kind: being special means being set apart, and once you set people apart it's easier to persuade them that different rules apply. That's a routine tactic for abusers, because it's so effective, and the response to it should be a holy democracy: no one is special, because everyone is. In his heartfelt statement, the Bishop of Guildford pleads for he and his fellow sufferers to be "seen as people and not used as pawns in some political or religious game". This is very important, and nothing that's written about them, or Smyth, should deny their individuality. Many of them have carried heavy burdens all their lives. They cannot be judged by those who haven't been through what they went through; we should have nothing but compassion and respect. At the same time the wider Church has to learn from what happened to them, because it might happen again. We should not close ranks to protect our reputation. We should not allow anyone to portray God as violent and wrathful. We should not connive at the creation of a spiritual elite, in whatever context. We are all children of God, and the ground is level at the foot of the cross. Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods. Will 'Thy Kingdom Come' fill the churches? Wrong question, says the Archbishop of Canterbury Thy Kingdom Come is an extraordinary thing. It started in a small way last year, but this year the initiative aimed at involving Christians in prayer for conversions has exploded, sometimes literally; one church let off a rocket as a way of symbolising the ascent of their prayers to heaven. It's the same idea as incense, though a lot more dramatic. The event began on Ascension Day last week and is due to finish on Sunday, Pentecost. It has drawn in hundreds of thousands of people across the world, in 85 countries. On social media it has reached more than 3 million people. No fewer than 35 Church of England cathedrals are participating; Norwich, for instance, distributed candles to 400 parishes that committed to praying. Daily vidoes have been viewed 2 million times and almost 300,000 resource packs have been ordered. There's no doubt that it's caught people's imaginations. But what's behind it, and how should we assess its worth? It's the brainchild of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. He spoke to journalists at Lambeth Palace this morning of his own reaction to the surprising enthusiasm for the project. 'For me it is a renewal of a sense of the faithfulness of God,' he said. 'We went into this last year expecting something small and low-key and it acquired a lot of momentum, and we expected this year to be much the same. But somehow the act of Christians turning to God within their own traditions seems to have liberated a renewal of prayer on a global basis. 'And [there's] that sense of God demonstrating that when we turn to him in Christ we are embraced more warmly than we could begin to imagine.' For him, giving permission to Christians to do things their own way has been crucial. The days when the Church of England could issue diktats instructing people how to do things have gone. Partly due to lack of resources from the centre, churches have been liberated to be creative. So Welby speaks of the 'enabling of a vision that touches people's imagination without being too prescriptive about how to live it out'. Another of the strengths of Thy Kingdom Come perhaps lies in the title itself, which lends itself as Welby is eager to stress to more than just evangelism. That provided the initial impetus to the initiative and is still at its core, but he says churches are praying and acting far more widely than that. God, he says, 'prods you into something more expansive'. When people start praying, he says, 'they don't separate out the witness to the good news of Jesus Christ from the witness through action, through prayer for the world, particularly after Manchester. And so it's become very much more holistic, so there's a real Kingdom theology in there as well as a clear missiology.' But at its root, this is a movement of prayer for conversions. While there are good and encouraging stories to tell of conversions and growth, the fact remains that in the UK at any rate, many churches are in a parlous state. They have seen years of decline, aging congregations and indifference among their communities. And though it's easy to feel, in the midst of a purposeful and engaging campaign like Thy Kingdom Come, that the tide can be turned and the churches can be filled again, the reality on the ground looks rather different. So should the campaign be judged not just on how good it makes people feel, but on whether these prayers for conversion are actually answered? It is, he acknowledges, a fair question but the answer, while thoughtful and entirely honest, is not altogether straightforward. The numbers engaged are not a test for success, he says. 'We simply start by saying, is there something to celebrate in people's involvement? Because celebration is very much part of the Christian tradition. And yes, there's a lot to celebrate. It doesn't mean it's a success, it means there's a lot to celebrate. That people are engaging with God in prayer is good news.' But does it work? 'The nature of prayer is that in prayer we are changed by engagement with God. In God's extraordinary grace and love and kindness through Jesus Christ we see the world changed when we pray. Now how that happens or in what ways that happens I think there's a million different answers. 'One of the ways is that people are stirred up to pray and then when they pray they are stirred up to act by the fact that they've been touched by the Spirit of God as they prayed.' He instances Isaiah 6, where the prophet recounts a vision of God and responds by saying, 'Here am I, send me.' Second, he says, 'we are very clear that we are praying for people to come to faith in Christ. When and how is partly in the hands of God because it's the work of the Holy Spirit, not our work that opens people's eyes to the love of God in Jesus Christ, but partly in our hands because we then need to be clear, sensitive, loving witnesses to Jesus Christ in the way we behave. 'But how people and when people come to faith, who knows? And we will wait and see what happens. But we can do do no more as the Church than encourage and enable and facilitate people to meet with Jesus Christ through the Spirit, called by the Father, and then encourage them to respond by loving action in service to the world and witness to Jesus Christ. Then frankly, the rest is God's problem.' One of the tasks of the Archbishop of Canterbury particularly an archbishop in our times is to be a bringer of hope to the Church. Often that means articulating, carefully and credibly, the reasons why it makes sense to keep behaving like Christians, and for instance putting imagination and creativity, time and energy, into such an apparently unproductive activity as prayer. Welby's initiative and the measured, thoughtful way in which he is able to defend its rationale and make it seem not just reasonable but essential is an indication of his ability to connect faith with real, lived experience. Thy Kingdom Come has created a remarkable mosaic of spiritual activity. Prayer labyrinths, 24-hour prayer session, candlelit prayer, prayer balloons and kites, street parties, psalm drumming, prayer tepees there's seemingly no end to the creative energy that's been unleashed. Will it work, in terms of converting people? That's both the point and not the point: we want it to and we're praying it will. But, in Welby's words, that's God's problem. Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods The ratio of doctors to health-care workers in America is one to 16. Of those 16 workers, only six are directly involved in patient care; the rest are administrative staffers. Yet doctors spend an increasing amount of time filling out paperwork and complying with government regulations that detract from the time they have to spend with patients. Its no wonder that productivity in the American health-care system is poor, frustrating patients and doctors and driving up costs. One solution may be direct primary care (DPC), a model in which medical practices dont take insurance. Instead, patients pay a monthly membership fee in return for unlimited primary care, sometimes including discounted drugs, basic diagnostics, and enhanced physician access. Doctors devote more time to patient care and less to paperwork. By not chasing insurance reimbursement, DPC practices spend less on overhead and keep their costs downmembership fees average about $100 a month. At the same time, patients are encouraged to purchase catastrophic insurance or high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to cover more serious illnesses. Physicians in DPC settings have no incentive to refer patients unnecessarily to expensive specialists but every incentive to manage chronic illnesses more effectively, potentially delivering better care at lower cost. A recent report from Business Insider found that the average visit time in a DPC practice is 3060 minutes, as opposed to 1316 minutes at a standard family practice. This patient focus extends beyond the office, as DPC physicians tend to offer telemedicineconvenient access to a doctor through Skype or FaceTimeas part of membership. Think of it as a blend of high-touch with high-tech. Direct-care practices can also work well when paired with high-deductible health plans, which are increasingly common. The average deductible for employer-based plans in 2016 was $1,478; 51 percent of all covered workers were enrolled in plans with a deductible of at least $1,000. The concern about HDHPs is that they can discourage patients from seeking routine care. One study found that about 30 percent of adults with an HDHP went without needed medical care because they could not afford it (compared with just under 20 percent of those with deductibles under $1,500). The low monthly fee and enhanced services that DPC practices offer could bring much of this care into the reach of patients with HDHPs or those who couldnt afford to buy traditional, comprehensive insurance plans, with high premiums. If direct-care plans could be funded out of health-savings accounts (HSAs,) they could become even more affordable, especially when paired with ultra-low-premium catastrophic coverage. Counting direct-care fees against the deductible would ensure that patients dont face double jeopardy later if they need to access the insurance benefit for high-cost services, while still giving patients an incentive to seek out affordable-care options. States and the federal government can both take steps to make direct care more attractive. States should free DPCs from being classified as risk-bearing entities, which means they get regulated and licensed as insurers; instead, states should require DPCs to maintain clear information about what services they offer within their monthly fee, and to ensure that patients understand that DPCs dont cover specialist or hospital-based care. The Internal Revenue Service should make it clear that DPC practices arent insurance, and are eligible for HSA payments, including through Medicare HSAs. The federal government has already demonstrated a willingness to classify DPCs as separate entities: the Affordable Care Act (known commonly as Obamacare), classifies DPCs as a primary-care service, not health insurance. Harmonizing Obamacare and IRS regulations would be a big step in the right direction. With these fixes in place, patients will be able to pair direct care with lower-premium HDHPs, or catastrophic coverage, and use health-savings accounts to cover costs. With patients paying for routine services out of pocket, and physicians encouraged to bundle services together at competitive prices, direct-care options can bring more market forces to bear on health care. Critics argue that if more doctors move to a direct-care model, seeing fewer patients, patients who cant afford to pay the monthly fees will struggle to find providers. This argument ignores the potential for technology or practice redesign to drive greater efficiencies and productivitythrough the use of nurse practitioners, for example, or telemedicine. Advanced nurse practitioners could also be allowed to open DPC practices, creating another affordable option. Blended practices could emerge, too, that provide enhanced services for an affordable fee, while still accepting most insurancelike One Medical. Others, like Iora Health, could carve out primary care for a flat fee from employers. As the direct-care model grows, bumps in the road are inevitable. Qliance, one of the first major DPC practices, recently announced that it would be shutting down after ten years, citing overwhelming financial difficulties. Qliances collapse raises an important point: while small DPC practices are flourishing, implementing this model at a larger scale may be more challenging, given the need for large upfront investments to invest in infrastructure, like health IT. Larger markets require larger, more sustainable funding. One potential solution is for DPC practices to contract with state governments to provide primary-care services for municipal employees. The Philadelphia-based R-Health recently began a pilot program along these lines, partnering with New Jersey to provide DPC services to the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP). R-Health aims to enroll 60,000 people in the first three years. A similar proposal is under consideration in Michigan, which would include direct care in its Medicaid program. The pilot initiative aims to enroll 2,400 Medicaid recipients; the bills cosponsors estimate that, if expanded to the states 2.4 million Medicaid beneficiaries, the DPC model could reduce Medicaid costs by as much as 20 percent annually while increasing access to care (Medicaid programs typically pay less to doctors, and many physicians limit the number of Medicaid patients they see as a result). The question is simply whether DPC services can manage larger, more complex populations with diverse health-care needs. Were about to find out. If Republicans succeed in reforming Medicaid through per-capita caps, which give states a fixed amount of funding per enrollee in each Medicaid category (healthy adults, women and infants, disabled, and the elderly), direct-care practicescombined with other market reformscould be a cost-effective strategy for states to provide additional basic health-care at an affordable price. Overall, the future looks bright for DPCs: more than 600 direct-care practices are operating in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Laws classifying DPCs as non-risk-bearing entities have passed in 19 states, most recently in Colorado, which is home to 10 percent of the nations DPC practices. Since January, bills have been introduced in the House and Senate that would clarify the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to pay direct-care fees with health-savings account dollars. And investors are taking notice: Iora Health, a Boston-based DPC practice that contracts with employers to provide direct primary-care benefits to their employees for a flat per-person fee, recently secured $75 million in venture funding. Direct primary care isnt a silver bullet for what bedevils American health care, but it is an important innovation that could help improve access, reduce unnecessary administrative costs, and encourage the use of more time- and labor-saving technology. Washington and the states should level the playing field and let patients and consumers decide for themselves if the model meets their needs. Photo by Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images Even before President Trump had completed his announcement that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Accord on climate change, howls of disbelief and outrage went up from proponents of the agreement. But the critical dynamic underlying the 2015 Accord, willfully ignored by its advocates, is that major developing countries offered commitments for emissions reduction that only mirrored their economies existing trajectories. Thus, for instance, China committed to reaching peak emissions by 2030in line with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratorys prior analysis. India committed to improving its emissions per unit of GDPat a rate slower than that metric was already improving. President Obama, meanwhile, pledged America to concrete and aggressive emissions cuts that would require genuine and costly change. As I wrote in National Review at the conclusion of the Paris conference in December 2015: The full scope of the catastrophe will emerge only in the years to come. One of the agreements few binding provisions is a requirement for countries to gather and review their commitments and their adherence to them every five years. Given the caliber of the pledges, that promise of review has little value; countries that promised to proceed on their existing trajectories will pass with flying colors. But the United States, whose commitments far exceed what even the aggressive Obama agenda is expected to produce, will be the nation off track. Sure enough, a recent headline from Inside Climate News blares, China, India to Reach Climate Goals Years Early, as U.S. Likely to Fall Far Short. That is, China and India are reaching the goal of proceeding along their unaltered course, while the U.S. is falling short of a very high bar. One might think this prima facie evidence of the agreements folly, but Jonathan Chait of New York magazine instead links to it as proof that the Rights criticism of Paris has proven incontrovertibly false. Citing data from Climate Action Tracker, he avers that India, which had promised to reduce the emissions intensity of its economy by 3335 percent by 2030, is now on track to reduce it by 4245 percent by that date. China promised its total emissions would peak by 2030an ambitious goal for a rapidly industrializing economy. It is running at least a decade ahead of that goal. Chait concludes, The factual predicate upon which the American right based its opposition to Paris has melted away beneath its feet. However, Climate Action Trackers own analysis of Indias Paris commitment in December 2015 determined, according to our analysis, with the policies it already has in place, India will achieve an emissions intensity reduction of around 41.5% below 2005 levels by 2030. India committed to less than business-as-usual, has proceeded with business-as-usual, and now wins applause from Chait for beating its worthless commitment. Its easy to slim down to 180 pounds, if you weigh 175 to begin with. Likewise, in December 2015, it was Climate Action Trackers view that under a scenario with currently implemented policies, Chinese CO 2 emissions are likely to peak around 2025. The New York Times reports that Chinese emissions may have peaked in 2014, just as the nations leaders were formulating their international pledge. Is it more likely that the Chinese inadvertently made a pledge they could meet without trying, or that Chait has fallen for a pledge that was formulated such that it would have to be met? The giveaway for the Paris charade is the refusal to set baselines. If nations are to hold one another accountable for progress on greenhouse-gas emissions, surely they must agree on a starting point from which to progress. Yet the framework for Paris pointedly omitted this requirement. Countries could calculate their own baselines however they chose, or provide none at all. Now, per Chait, the pledges have themselves become baselines, and each country receives applause or condemnation in inverse proportion to its seriousness. Even failing on ones commitment is acceptable, so long as the right things get said. Carbon Market Watch reports that despite all of the fanfare that went on at the time, it seems that there are currently only three European Union countries pursuing climate policies that put them in line with the agreements made at the Paris Climate Change Talks. Angela Merkel said that she finds the G7s discussion of climate change very difficult, but not because her nations emissions have risen the last two years. Her difficulty arises from those ugly Americans unwillingness to keep up appearances. Later this week, we will be treated to the spectacle of a statement backed by all 28 EU states, [in which] the European Union and China will commit to full implementation of the Paris Climate Agreementundoubtedly accompanied by lamentations that the United States has disrupted the charade by walking off stage. How the world misses President Obamas enthusiasm for a debating society that delivers no substantive action, or even a useful framework for assessing results, only a forum for bashing America. Such nerve, our nation has, to excuse itself from that pastime. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images NCVOS latest Civil Society Almanac paints a cautiously optimistic picture. For the second year in a row, income has risen slightly, in real terms, to over 45bn. Earned income is up and income from government is holding steady. Expenditure, staff numbers and reserves have also risen modestly. So the overall picture the Almanac paints is one of stability. For the most part, not much has changed from last year. Rapid growth was always unlikely, and the absence of widespread decline is reassuring. The UKs largest charities are overstating their free reserve levels and could theoretically operate for only three months without further income, according to exclusive research conducted for Charity Finance magazine. Accountancy firm BDO looked at the reserves policies the top 50 charities in the haysmacintyre / Charity Finance Charity 100 Index, but excluded two of the largest grantmakers from its analysis because they distorted the figures. The stated free reserves of the 48 charities combined was 1.8bn. But when BDO looked through the accounts it recalculated the figure at 1.5bn, which is 19 per cent less than the charities' stated amount. In an article for Charity Finance magazine, published today, Don Bawtree, head of not-for-profit at BDO, writes that the discrepancy is due to variations in charities reserves methodologies. For example, five organisations include fixed assets within their reserves, accounting for a combined 75m overstatement. Other differences arise, he says, due to charities mistakenly deducting pension deficits, not matching borrowing to assets and including restricted funds in their reserves. Grantmaking charities Wellcome Trust and the Childrens Investment Fund Foundation UK were excluded from BDOs research as they were deemed of such size that they distorted the findings. The remaining 48 charities were found to hold total funds of 18.2bn, of which 4.6bn is unrestricted, including 2.7bn in fixed assets. Their combined unrestricted expenditure is 6.9bn. Bawtree says that once fixed assets are excluded, this theoretically means these charities could operate for three months without any further income. SORP review Bawtree concludes from his organisations research that it is not often clear exactly what the free reserve is, or what the target is. To help rectify this, he suggests the updated SORP should include free reserves as an officially defined term, and make reserves disclosures a mandatory requirement. He suggests the SORP and other guidance should be specific in its presenting requirements for free reserves and other recommendations including: The free reserve calculation should be set out within the annual report, probably in table form, so that it clearly reconciles to the accounts; Fixed asset funds should be identified as a designated fund; Where there is any sort of contingency/operational fund, there should be a more clearly stated expectation that the balance of the free reserve will be used quickly; Guidance should encourage charities to operate to a range of free reserve, not an exact amount; Charities should disclose their actual funding requirement under defined benefit schemes. He writes that a more consistent approach would improve comparability and enable trustees to ensure their charity has a sound free reserves benchmark. Marks & Spencer has today pledged to raise 25m for charities focusing on cancer, heart disease, mental health issues and dementia by 2025, as part of a new programme. According to a statement released by M&S, the retailer has today launched its new sustainability plan Plan A 2025, which it says will support 1,000 communities, help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives and would convert the entire organisation into a zero-waste business by 2025. As part of this plan, M&S have pledged to raise 25m for various charities tackling a multitude of issues, including cancer, heart disease, mental health problems, loneliness and dementia. Broad range of charities A spokeswoman for M&S said that charities including Breast Cancer Now, Macmillan Cancer Support and Frazzled Cafe will benefit from the 25m figure, as well as "others yet to be announced". M&S has also said it will enter into a new collaboration with Oxfam GB over the next three years. The partnership will focus on the UK and India to develop a deeper understanding of the connection between sourcing practices and human rights impacts. Oxfam will compile an independent report, while M&S will develop a programme of actions and report annually on progress from next year. M&S staff have also pledged to complete one million hours of work-time community volunteering as part of the new programme. Steve Rowe, chief executive of M&S, said: Marks & Spencer has been at the forefront of social change for 133 years and were determined to play a leading role in the years ahead. Plan A 2025 will help us build a sustainable future by helping our customers live healthier lives, supporting the communities they live in and we source from and looking after the planet we all share. We believe we can engage all of our 32 million customers, 85,000 colleagues and 200,000 shareholders in the plan that becomes a mass voice for sustainable change. M&S to provide 1m for Power to Change As part of the new programme, Marks & Spencer has entered into a partnership with lottery-backed community funder Power to Change. The collaboration will provide up to 1m to community businesses and will also offer local businesses in seven locations access to skills and mentoring programmes. Power to Change will help M&S to deliver its pilot programme in Birmingham, Liverpool, Rochdale, Bradford, Norwich, Middlesbrough and Newham, and will be on top of the 3m investment already made in these areas by Power to Change. M&S will also be launching pilots in three other seperate locations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In Fundraising Magazine Power to Change will also work with M&S to identify needs in different parts of the country, support the growth of community business, and drive local economic change. Vidhya Alakeson, chief executive of Power to Change, said: We are extremely proud to team up with M&S and invest in making communities even stronger and more resilient." More than 1,000 staff and over 40 projects have been transferred today from Lifeline Project, which is in the process of winding up, to Change Grow Live. It emerged last month that Lifeline Project, a 60m Manchester-based drug and alcohol charity, was on the brink of collapse and that CGL had been approached to take on some of its services. Lifeline Project employed around 1,300 people at the time of its collapse. The charity was set up in 1971 and operates across England. Its income has risen quickly in recent years; from 20m in 2012 to just over 60m in 2016. Almost all its income was in the form of contracts to deliver substance misuse services. According to its most recent accounts almost 70 people were employed in either management and policy development or central administration and business development. The rest of its workforce was tied to project activity. CGL has taken on all of Lifeline's central and support staff and other providers are expected to take on some projects. The move is likely to make CGL one of the UK's 20 largest charities. Weve transferred as much as possible In an updated statement today Mike Pattinson, executive director at CGL, said: CGL has been invited by Lifeline to help end the uncertainty facing their service users and staff. Over the past weeks we have worked collaboratively with Lifeline management to transfer as much vital service provision as possible. From today, 1 June 2017, CGL is taking over the operation of many of the services provided by Lifeline. We have transferred in over 1,000 staff and over 40 service delivery contracts. From Charity Finance magazine This allows these services to continue to exist without withdrawing vital treatment and support, ensuring that the minimum possible risk is caused to service users lives. Service users can expect the same level of treatment and care. Referrals can continue as normal and contact details for services will stay the same for the time being. Editor's note: after receiving additional information this story has been updated to include that other providers could take on some of Lifeline's projects and that all support staff have been transferred to CGL. Civil Society Media is hosting its Charity People & Culture Conference on 20 September. For more information, and to book, click here Pullmantur Cruises today confirmed it will deploy the Sovereign in the Brazilian market for the 2017-2018 cruise season. The Spanish cruise line said it was still working on distribution, but it is believed R11 will be the main outlet for Pullmantur sales in Brazil. The Sovereign will sail from both Santos and Rio, with most cruises offered at four nights. Special sailings for Christmas, New Years and Carnival will be one-week cruises, according to a statement sent to press in South America. I had dinner with a friend and colleague last night. We talked about what is top of mind for both of usin my case, that includes college debt. My friend had aspirations of becoming a corporate law attorney. This was her dream and she did everything right to get thereexcept funding for dream jobs wasnt readily available. My friend paid for her college education herself, and while she excelled in undergrad, the thought of taking on the expense of higher education was daunting. What she did instead, like so many other bright young people, was to follow an affordable and steady career path in financial services, where she is thrivingbut its not the path that she truly wanted. The point iswere killing dreams. Recently, I read that the state of New York is going to start offering free public college tuition programs this fall. I was thrilled. I mean, if a college student is able to graduate with less than $35,000 in debt, he or she is lucky. But college is looking more and more like a bad investment; according to a new report, college debt has become a $1.3 trillion industry, with 42 million folks footing the bill. Im a dreamer. I think college debt is a dream killer. We tell our kids to work hard in high school, apply to a good college, go on to grad school or medical schoolgo be a scientist, a doctor, a professor. We tell our kids that they can be whatever they want to be. I did everything I was supposed to do, says Chad Downing, a 29-year-old doctor from California. Chad has a student loan balance of about $400,000. I dont like to think about the loans, I have selective amnesia, but once Im done with my residency, Ill be more than half a million in debt, he laments. Chad knows that he will be working for free for a decade, because the typical doctor doesnt earn a full-time salary until 10 years after they graduate. So when I read about New Yorks free public college tuition program, I thought, This is progress, though reading through the fine print, I realized that this particular form of progress is limited. New Yorks plan has the caveat of the Excelsior Scholarship, which is a work and residency obligation that kicks in after students graduate. Scholarship recipients will have to live and work in New York State after graduation for the same number of years they received Excelsior Scholarships, or their grants will turn into loans. In other words, if you study to become an engineer in New York and then get a gig in California, you had better think twice about moving. One of the big reasons that a college degree gives you so much earning power is because it allows you to compete in a national labor market. Ive heard about the plan in New York, and Im actually moving there to do my residency. I have to stay for five years and work for a publicly run hospital. Ill be making about $60,000 a year, Chad said. At the end of the day this deal will pay for 50 percent of my loan, which is good, but if I miss one payment the deal is off and, honestly, that doesnt make much of a dent. Chads story, like my friends, is all too familiar; according to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 20162017 school year was $33,480 at private colleges and $9,650 for state residents at a public colleges. Most financial aid can cover books and other expenses, but often a student can only work part-time, so in the end, according to the same source, a four-year college degree including housing, books, and food at a private college will run an undergrad around $200,000 to earn, while an undergrad degree from a state school will cost roughly $98,000. Housing, food, and other living expenses are not actually costs of attending college, since people must pay for these things whether or not they are in college. However, a very significant cost of going to college is forgone earnings from time devoted to school instead of to the labor market. Without adequate earnings, many students struggle to meet daily expenses. How is that type of debt encouraging our brightest minds to continue their education? Without the weight of student loan debt, more college graduates might buy houses rather than renting. They might buy cars, spend more on healthy food, and travel more. In essence, they could contribute more to the economy. My daughter was accepted into the grad program of the Yale University of Art School, and she didnt want to go because the $40,000 a year debt would crush her as a young artist, said Carol Marvin of Salinas, CA. I told her to take out the loans and by the time she was done we would find a way as a family to pay the debt. I hope we do. Thats a big gamble for the entire family. The more I read, the more I realize that New York isnt offering free collegeit isnt even offering free tuition, and as Chad now understands, doing everything his teachers and parents told him to do to get ahead might not pay off. On paper, going to college to be a doctor is a horrible investment, he said. You have to be willing to climb into a hole and I think thats dissuading a lot of intelligent people from going into medicine. If I knew back then that I would be this much in debt, I dont know if I would have chosen to be a doctor. We need scientists, doctors, and professors. We need dreamers of all aspirations. Dreams have requirements. And therein lies the problem with the current status of a U.S. college education. This is top of mind for me. I intend to make demonstrable progress in the next 24 months, but Im not going to solve this on my own. Let me know if you can help. I can be reached at shana.richardson@sertech.com. Should your credit union compensate its board of directors? That was one of the topics discussed in the CUES Podcast Episode 24. Matt Fullbrook, manager of the Clarkson Centre for Board Effectiveness at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and faculty member at CUES Governance Leadership Institute, has studied credit union board compensation and shared some of his findings. One interesting trend: Years ago, when the topic of board compensation was discussed at CUES Governance Leadership Institute, most attendees said they were directly opposed to board compensation. However, now most attendees support it at least philosophically, even if they wouldnt compensate at their own credit union. The primary motivator for compensating board membersCU or otherwiseis you want to attract the best people, says Fullbrook. For a complicated organization like a credit union, which includes liability risk for the board members, its a lot to ask somebody to commit to being on a board when youre not paying them, he says. The NCUA said Tuesday it banned three former credit union employees who were convicted of embezzlement, theft or fraud. The federal agency also banned a fourth former credit union employee who was not convicted of a crime but consented to a prohibition order from participating in the affairs of any federally insured credit union. Michael A. LaJoice, a former CFO of the merged Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union in Clarkston, Mich., pleaded guilty to fraud in March. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and three years supervised release. He was also ordered to pay more than $17.7 million in restitution. Clarkston Brandon Community CU was merged into the $3.5 billion Michigan State University Federal Credit Union in East Lansing. Nicole A. Wombacher, a former employee of the $11.9 million Your Choice Federal Credit Union in Altoona, Pa., pleaded guilty to theft and receiving stolen property. She entered into an accelerated rehabilitative disposition program and was sentenced to one year in prison. She was ordered to pay $10,802 in restitution, according to the NCUA. Aviva plc provides various insurance, retirement, investment, and savings products in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and internationally. The company offers life insurance, long-term health and accident insurance, savings, pension, and annuity products, as well as pension fund business and lifetime mortgage products. It also provides insurance cover to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses for risks associated with motor vehicles and medical expenses, as well as property and liability, such as employers' and professional indemnity liabilities. In addition, the company provides investment management services for institutional pension fund mandates; and manages various retail investment products, including investment funds, unit trusts, open-ended investment companies, and individual savings accounts for third-party financial institutions, pension funds, public sector organizations, investment professionals, and private investors. It markets its products through a network of insurance brokers, as well as MyAviva platform. The company was formerly known as CGNU plc and changed its name to Aviva plc in July 2002. Aviva plc was founded in 1696 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Informa plc operates as an intelligence, events, and scholarly research company worldwide. It operates through five divisions: Informa Connect, Informa Intelligence, Informa Markets, Informa Tech, and Taylor & Francis. The Informa Connect division delivers specialist content and live experiences through in-person and virtual events, and digital platforms and services that enables businesses and professionals to meet, connect, learn, and share knowledge. This division operates events in the finance, biotech and pharma, and other specialist markets, including food and hospitality, marketing, and pop culture. The Informa Intelligence division offers critical data and specialist intelligence to businesses in the areas of pharma, finance, and maritime. The Informa Markets division connects buyers and sellers and supports the flow of business and trade in various specialist markets. Its major brands help businesses meet, discover products, trade and grow through major exhibitions, virtual events, digital marketplaces, and specialist content and data services. The Informa Tech division offers research, media, training, and events that inform, educate, and connect businesses and professionals working in technology. The Taylor & Francis division commissions, curates, produces, and publishes scholarly research and reference-led content in specialist subject areas, which assists to advance research and enabling knowledge to be discovered and shared. This segment houses teaching guides, videos, case studies, and approximately 18,000 book chapters and journal articles. The company was formerly known as T&F Informa plc and changed its name to Informa plc in August 2005. Informa plc was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan. Read More Voya Financial, Inc. operates as a retirement, investment, and employee benefits company in the United States. The company's Wealth Solutions segment offers tax-deferred employer-sponsored retirement savings plans and administrative services; and individual retirement accounts, and other retail financial products and services, as well as financial planning and advisory services. This segment serves corporate, education, healthcare, and other non-profit and government entities, as well as institutional and individual customers. Its Investment Management segment provides fixed income, equity, multi-asset, and alternative products and solutions to individual investors and institutional clients through its direct sales force, consultant channel, banks, broker-dealers, and independent financial advisers. The company's Health Solutions segment offers stop loss, group life, voluntary employee-paid, and disability products through consultants, brokers, third-party administrators, enrollment firms, and technology partners to mid-sized and large businesses. The company was formerly known as ING U.S., Inc. and changed its name to Voya Financial, Inc. in April 2014. Voya Financial, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is based in New York, New York. Tidewater Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore marine support and transportation services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels worldwide. It provides services in support of offshore oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production, as well as windfarm development and maintenance, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, and seismic and subsea support; geotechnical survey support for windfarm construction; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying. The company operates and charters deepwater vessels, including platform supply and horsepower anchor handling tug supply vessels for use in transporting supplies and equipment from shore bases to deepwater and intermediate water depth offshore drilling rigs and production platforms; towing-supply vessels for use in intermediate and shallow waters; and crew boats, utility vessels, and offshore tugs to transport personnel and supplies from shore bases to offshore drilling rigs, platforms, and other installations. It also operates offshore tugs for use in tow floating drilling rigs and barges; and assisting in the docking of tankers, as well as in pipe and cable laying, and construction barges. The company serves oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production companies; mid-sized and smaller independent exploration and production companies; foreign government-owned or government-controlled organizations, and other related companies; drilling contractors; and other companies, such as offshore construction, windfarm development, diving, and well stimulation companies. As of December 31, 2021, it owned 135 vessels. Tidewater Inc. was incorporated in 1956 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The first day of Computex Taipei 2017 opened up in expectation of 130,000 visitors attending to learn about the latest developments of the technology industry. With the Innovex expo alone featuring 272 start-ups its easy to see that the industry isnt standing still. Kicking off the CPX Conference was a series of keynotes on the topic of Future Technology Trends by some of the industrys leaders. The very first of these speakers was ARMs very own President of Intellectual Property Group, Rene Haas. Click here to read more ... PLDAs complete line of PCIe 4.0 products to be exhibited at the upcoming PCI-SIG Developers Conference in Santa Clara, CA on June 7-8, 2017. SAN JOSE, Calif., June 1, 2017 -- PLDA, the industry leader in PCI Express interface IP solutions, today highlighted recent PCIe 4.0 milestones, including information and feedback gleaned from its PLDA Design Days event in Shanghai, as well as its achievements from Aprils PCIe-SIG Compliance Workshop testing. As PCIe 4.0 nears its expected version 1.0 release, many systems are already running at PCIe 4.0 16GT/s speed and numerous projects are in the design process. This wave of adoption was underscored during the recent PLDA Design Days - Shanghai event, where over 100 PCIe designers and experts gathered to share PCIe 4.0 best practices and knowledge. In addition, earlier in April, the latest PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop provided the first PCIe 4.0 interop tests between systems. PLDAs Gen4SWITCH platform was a key technology enabler for interop testing at this workshop, demonstrating its use as a System and as an Endpoint card. During System interop testing, the PLDA Gen4SWITCH has been the key enabler platform for PCIe 4.0 tests, enabling other members to validate their platform's link stability at PCIe 4.0 speed and/or optimize parameters like lane margining. Additional tests were performed using the PLDA Gen4SWITCH as an Endpoint card, with effective interop results at PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 4.0 x1 lane bandwidth. PLDA Gen4SWITCH was 100% successful during these tests at PCIe 4.0 speed. One of the critical interop tests was executed in conjunction with a Mellanox ConnectX configured in PCIe 4.0 x16 architecture for InfiniBand 100Gbps Ethernet adapter. According to Gilad Shainer, vice president of Marketing at Mellanox Technologies, The PCI-SIG Workshop 101 was definitely a major step before the first release of PCIe 4.0 specification. The interop tests performed with the Mellanox PCIe 4.0 x16 InfiniBand 100Gbps Ethernet adapter and PLDA Gen4SWITCH confirmed that the link was stable at PCIe 4.0 x4 speed and could optimize lane margining for the application. Arnaud Schleich, CEO of PLDA, remarked: PCIe 4.0 architecture is expected to deliver the added speed and functionality that todays market craves and the PLDA Design Days event confirmed its already high rate of adoption. By actively participating in PCI-SIG Compliance Workshops and hosting field training events, such as Design Days, PLDA is at the forefront of PCIe 4.0 architecture deployment. More Information: For more information on PLDAs complete line of PCIe 4.0 products, including its Gen4SWITCH IP, please visit PLDA at PCI-SIG DevCon 2017 (Booth 12) or www.plda.com. For information on the PCI-SIG Developers Conference 2017, please visit https://pcisig.com/events/pci-sig-developers-conference-2017 To discuss your specific project needs, please contact PLDA at sales@plda.com. About PLDA PLDA has been successfully delivering PCI and PCI Express IP for more than 20 years. With over 6,200 licenses, PLDA has established a vast customer base and the worlds broadest PCIe ecosystem. PLDA has maintained its leadership over four generations of PCI Express specifications, enabling customers to reduce risk and accelerate time to market for their ASIC and FPGA-based designs. PLDA provides a complete PCIe solution with its IP cores, FPGA boards for ASIC prototyping, PCIe BFM/testbench, PCIe drivers and APIs. PLDA is a global company with offices in North America (San Jose, California) and Europe (France, Italy, Bulgaria). Mediclinic International 's litany of long-term margin challenges and slower medium-term volume growth in Abu Dhabi were behind Credit Suisse slashing its earnings forecasts and downgrading its recommendation to 'neutral'. The Swiss bank cut its earnings per share forecast for the next three financial years by 17-23%, putting it 10-11% below the consensus, due to a litany of concerns: the pound's appreciation, shift to less profitable outpatient treatments and medical reimbursement cuts in Switzerland, slower revenue recovery in Dubai from stiffer competition, volume slowdown in South Africa due to constraints imposed by health insurers, lower associate income from its share in Spire Healthcare and higher depreciation and amortisation charges. In Abu Dhabi, CS expects only a gradual recovery after a 15% loss of patient volumes in the last year, which it feels is "only partly explained" by the THIQA card issue. Last month as it reported final results, Mediclinic said it expected "gradual improvements" in the troubled Abu Dhabi business. Analysts, which cut their target price to 840p from 985p as they moved down from the previous 'outperform' rating, said the stock should still receive good support from its substantial property backing. While margins will be under long-term pressure, particularly as payers target lucrative revenue streams, the analysts felt the South Africa group can partly counter this through cost containment and improved capital efficiency. There are further risks to the shares, including possible equity issuance to fund acquisitions in emerging markets or a full takeover of Spire, Swiss reimbursement reform shifting cases out of hospitals to less lucrative outpatient settings, further sterling volatility, a potential South African competition enquiry, though there remains potential upside from a UAE margin recovery. Investec's Ian Gordon hailed Barclays's decision to dispose of the majority of its stake in its African unit, reiterating that it was the broker's preferred large-cap UK lender. The analyst also urged the lender's directors to use its robust capital position to call its costly $2.65bn of preference shares, which carried an 8.125% coupon. Tuesday night's divestment also underpinned his expectation for a "material step-up" in the 2018 dividend. "We regard Barclays capital position as robust, and as such, it is now time to deploy that capital strength to boost earnings. Calling the prefs would cost c.25bps of CET1 capital, but save a 0.2bn p.a. coupon cost," the analyst said. Overnight, Barclays said it would sell a 33.7% slice of Barclays Africa - more than had originally been expected - reducing its holding in the lender to 14.9%. Given the current regulatory framework, that should allow it to de-consolidate the unit from its balance sheet freeing it from the requirement to hold a capital buffer equivalent to full-ownership, Gordon said. Hence, Barclays's common equity Tier 1 ratio, the main gauge of a lenders' capital strength, would rise by 73 basis points. Together with the disposal of its Egyptian unit, which itself would add another 10bp to its CET1 ratio, the lender's capital buffers would increase to 13.3%. Gordon reiterated his 'buy' recommendation and 245.0p target price on the shares, pointing out how they were trading on just 0.7 times their first quarter 2017 tangible net asset value. The latter led him to say that Barclays was Investec's preferred large-cap UK lender. Chinese and European officials are expected to reiterate their commitment to the Paris climate accord on Thursday, while Donald Trump reportedly prepares to pull the US out of the agreement. World leaders were left frustrated last week when six leaders from the G7 summit reaffirmed their support for the accord, while Trump claimed he needed more time to consider the implications. The joint statement from China and the EU is expected to arrive after another summit in Brussels on Thursday, and will be seen as a major rebuff to the Trump administration. A draft of the document has been seen by several mainstream media outlets. "The EU and China consider the Paris agreement as an historic achievement further accelerating the irreversible global low greenhouse gas emission and climate resilient development," the statement says. The joint statement from China and the EU is expected to arrive after another summit in Brussels on Thursday "The Paris Agreement is proof that with shared political will and mutual trust, multilateralism can succeed in building fair and effective solutions to the most critical global problems of our time." It goes on to add that both the EU and China reaffirm their "highest political commitment" to the accord, which pledges to limit the global rise in temperatures related to emissions. The vast majority of world nations have backed the major climate agreement, with Syria and Nicaragua the only states from the 197 entitled to be in the pact that have rejected it. Trump is due to make an announcement on Thursday afternoon confirming whether the US will continue to support the agreement or not. Luxury shoe retailer Jimmy Choo said it has trading strongly in the year to date, in line with management's expectations, with strong growth in all categories. In a trading update ahead of the AGM later on Thursday, it said the men's division remains the "star performer", while the company's fragrance licence is also performing well. Since the start of the year, it has opened six stores and completed eight renovations in a busy period in its store development programme. The company said it continues to see strong progress in Asia and Japan with good development in EMEA and the USA, where we it has been encouraged by the progressive development of its online business as it rolls out Omnichannel services. Meanwhile, the group's planned joint ventures in the UAE and South Korea remain on track for the second half of the year. Chairman Peter Harf said: "The prospects for the business are stronger than ever. As a result of the investment we have made, we see significant opportunities for growth ahead of the market and margin expansion. Pierre and his team have made remarkable progress in nurturing the brand DNA, in strengthening the business execution and enhancing the overall client experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for another strong set of results and for their continued hard work and commitment." At 0900 BST, the shares were up 0.6% to 198.70p. Ahead of its agreed merger, Micro Focus International confirmed that US-based HP Enterprise Software saw margins improve but sales continue to drop off in the second quarter. HPE Software, which has been spun off by Hewlett Packard Enterprise into a vehicle called Seattle SpinCo as preparation for its separation, reported second quarter of $685m, down 11% year over year, or down 9% at the underlying level. Reported operating profits of $181m for the quarter represented an improvement in the operating margin to 26.4% from 24.8% in the same period last year, "predominantly driven by the team's continued focus on disciplined cost controls". Micro Focus noted that the year-on-year improvement was over 10 points when adjusted for one-time items last year including the disposal of Tipping Point. This lifted reported operating profit to $335m for the first half half, representing an improved operating margin of 23.8% from 21.1%. Growth in software as a service revenues of 3% were outweighed by declines in licence and professional services of 29% and 17% respectively, "as the team works through the transition to Micro Focus". For the six months of the year to 30 April, total revenue from HPE Software fell 10% to $1.4bn, while the fall is only 5% if adjusted to take account of divestitures and changes in currency exchange rates. In early May Micro Focus had seen its shares drop after reporting initial indications that earnings at HP Enterprise Software had softened ahead of the planned merger, with preliminary estimates that revenue was down around 10% in the quarter to 30 April, on a reported basis and after adjusting for the disposal of Tipping Point. Micro Focus executive chairman Kevin Loosemore said the company was encouraged by the early progress that HPE Software's management was making on implementing operational efficiencies, as well as the speed of change in the business. Whilst the short term decline in licence is disappointing it is not unusual given the level of change being undertaken. Last week, the company's shareholders voted to approve the deal, which will constitute a reverse takeover by Micro Focus of HPE Software, and the proposed return of up to $500m to investors. Rolls-Royce has won an order to supply low-emission gas engines for Norwegian ferry operator, Torghatten Nord. The FTSE 100-listed enginer maker will supply 15 gas engines to Torghatten Nord to power five LNG ferries operating between Bergen and Stord. Since the introduction of our first marine gas engines ten years ago, Rolls-Royce has delivered more than 700 gas engines on land and at sea accumulating over 25m running hours of operating experience," said Kjell Harloff, Rolls-Royce's vice president for marine engines. "We have proved that the Bergen lean-burn, pure gas, medium-speed engine range, combined with efficient hull designs, can help customers, like Torghatten Nord, cut their ships emissions and fuel bills significantly. All 15 engines are C26:33L9AGs, a generating set with nine cylinders in-line, able operate on variable speed to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. Two of the vessels will be built at the VARD Brevik, yard in Norway whilst the other three will be built at the Tersan Shipyard, Turkey. The vessels are expected to enter service in January 2019. The IT shutdown that led to chaos for British Airways was caused by an uncontrolled return of power following an outage that physically damaged servers at its data centre, the airline has said. About 75,000 passengers were affected as flights were cancelled following the incident on Saturday morning. The carrier was unable to resume a full schedule until Tuesday and many passengers are still without their luggage. Guardian The UK has slumped to the bottom of the league table of advanced economies after Canada registered stellar growth in the first three months of the year. Canada was the final member of the G7 to report its growth figures, which confirmed the UK as officially the joint worst performing member so far this year. The announcement marked a significant decline for the UK economy, which a year ago was outshining Germany, the US and Japan. In February it was announced that Germany had pipped the UK as the fastest-growing G7 nation during 2016 by 10 basis points. Guardian The Murdoch brothers have held secret talks with Ofcom in a bid to persuade the regulator to wave through 21st Century Foxs planned 11.7bn takeover of Sky. It is understood that Sharon White, chief executive of Ofcom, has met James and Lachlan Murdoch in London in the last week to discuss the proposed deal. Rupert Murdoch, their father, was not present. Both sides have sought to keep the meeting out of the public eye amid swirling political controversy. Telegraph Takeaway technology firm Deliveroo is offering its drivers the option to be paid for each order they deliver, rather than per hour - a move which the company hopes will reinforce the riders status as self-employed contractors, rather than employees. Riders protested last year against a plan to impose a similar contract, and now the company is making it voluntary instead. Telegraph The Trump administration has given its strongest signal yet that it will restart free-trade talks with the European Union, with the US commerce secretary saying that such a move makes sense. Wilbur Ross said it was no mistake that America had withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal but not the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership talks with the EU. The Times The American paints and coatings group stalking Azko Nobel, the owner of Dulux paints, must make a formal takeover offer by the end of today or walk away. PPG Industries, which has been rebuffed by Azko Nobel three times, has failed to secure an extension to its June 1 deadline from the Dutch regulator. PPG had asked the regulator for an extension until June 14. The Times Greece: progress, challenges and the way forward Speech by Benoit Cure, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at a conference organised by The Economist: Greece: a comeback to the financial markets? A glimpse into Europes financial landscape, Frankfurt am Main, 31 May 2017 Thank you for inviting me to speak here today. The topic of this conference is very timely. As you know, in recent weeks the Greek authorities have made significant progress in adopting measures to finalise the second review of the ESM programme. Discussions on medium-term debt measures and a new IMF programme are ongoing and expected to be concluded in the weeks ahead. In my short remarks this morning, I will explain why timely clarity on debt measures and debt sustainability is important not only to restore trust in public finances but also to help rebuild confidence in the Greek economy more generally, and the financial sector in particular. But I would first like to focus on one element of the Greek adjustment programme where I believe the ECBs advice is of particular relevance the financial sector strategy. Financial sector reforms are a key element of macroeconomic adjustment programmes, for one simple reason: any sustainable economic recovery needs to be supported by an adequate supply of credit. Without credit, firms may not be able to invest in productive capital, create new employment or cover ongoing expenses. A healthy credit supply is also important for our monetary policy to filter through to households and firms: it is one of the main ways in which we can affect bank lending conditions and, ultimately, price developments. Indeed, the broad-based and solid recovery we are currently observing in the euro area economy owes much to our policy measures having been effective in repairing the bank lending channel that is, in overcoming credit supply restrictions and in bringing bank lending rates down to levels consistent with our monetary policy stance. Greece is a sad exception, unfortunately. Bank loans to the domestic non-financial private sector have contracted in every quarter since end-2008 and by a cumulative 28% up until the end of last year. And although the level of loans to the private sector has stabilised recently, rates on loans to firms are still some 250 basis points above the current euro area average. Main challenges for the Greek financial sector This means, of course, that there is still important work to do to allow credit to become a net contributor rather than an impediment to growth in Greece and to allow the Greek economy to reap the full benefits of the firming and broadening euro area recovery. But still, we have seen progress. The situation of Greek banks has improved in several ways since the summer of 2015 when the third programme was negotiated. Capital adequacy, for example, has been strengthened from CET1 ratios of around 11% in the third quarter of 2015 to around 16-17% at the end of last year, following the successful recapitalisation of the four main banks in late 2015. Bank governance has also improved, as shown by the significant changes in the composition of Greek bank boards over the past year. And, importantly, bank profitability recovered in 2016 after years of substantial losses. The average return on assets improved from -1.9% in 2015 to 0.1% in 2016, based on continued operations. What, then, are the main obstacles that still need to be overcome? I would argue that they are mainly related to the fragile state of banks balance sheets on both the asset and liability sides. Let me start with the asset side. As you know, non-performing loans (NPLs) are a problem in many euro area countries. But in Greece 45% of all bank loans are non-performing. They severely depress the profitability of banks and their ability to extend new, productive loans to firms and households. Decisive and rapid action is therefore needed. The roadmap was drawn up last year when ECB Banking Supervision agreed with the four main Greek banks on a 50% reduction in their NPL stock by the end of 2019. Progress so far has been broadly in line with agreed targets, but NPL objectives for this year and the next two years are ambitious. A step change in NPL resolution activities will be needed in particular after the weak performance in the first months of 2017 that was, in part, also due to the uncertainties related to the delay in the second review. But I am happy to see that the Greek authorities recently passed several important pieces of legislation to support NPL resolution. Full and timely implementation of these reforms in the months ahead will be crucial to support the required step change in NPL resolution efforts. Let me highlight three elements that are of particular importance: First, the overhaul of the out-of-court workout framework. This element is of particular importance in Greece, where many firms are heavily indebted both to banks and the state. Second, legal provisions to facilitate debt restructuring agreements by reducing the liability of the individuals involved. And third, after many delays, a framework for electronic auctions for the recovery of claims. An electronic auction platform has become increasingly important as physical auctions have essentially come to a standstill, which has caused significant losses for creditors, debtors and the economy as a whole. Let me now briefly turn to the liability side of banks balance sheets. Deposits are the cornerstone of any sound banking system. A stable deposit base allows banks to engage in maturity transformation and to extend credit to the real economy. So far, however, there is no evidence of a sustained return of private deposits in Greece. Since the summer of 2015, when capital controls were imposed, private sector deposits have only recorded a modest 2.5% increase. They remain some 25% below their levels at the end of 2014 before deposit outflows accelerated noticeably. The upshot is that Greek banks still rely to a significant extent on central bank funding. Although recourse to our facilities, including emergency liquidity assistance, has fallen from 41% of total assets in June 2015 to around 21% of assets today, total central bank funding still amounts to more than 35% of Greek GDP. Part of the reduction in central bank funding is attributable to improved access to wholesale financing. This is certainly good news. Greek banks have gradually returned to the interbank market and were able to perform repo transactions with a wide range of mostly international counterparties also thanks to the ECB, in June last year, reinstating the waiver affecting the eligibility of Greek government-related assets for Eurosystem monetary policy operations. But for credit to become a vital source of economic growth in Greece again, a lot will depend on banks being able to regain the trust of private depositors and rebuild stable funding lines in wholesale funding markets. Of course, this is not only in the hands of banks. Broader macroeconomic stabilisation is essential, as I will explain in a second. But banks need to contribute actively to this process by making further progress in repairing the asset side of their balance sheets that is, by reducing the amount of non-performing loans. Debt sustainability and the public sector purchase programme Restoring confidence, of course, also means dispelling uncertainty about the sustainability of Greek government debt and this brings me back to my opening remarks. I think we all agree that uncertainty about high public debt levels has undermined confidence in the Greek economy in general, and the financial system in particular. In this respect, we regret that no clear definition of debt relief measures was reached at the last Eurogroup meeting. Discussions are ongoing, but in my view it is important that an agreement is reached at the Eurogroup meeting on 15 June. According to the framework agreed in May last year, debt measures would be implemented in mid-2018, at the end of the programme. But being sufficiently clear on the measures today would help frontload many of the beneficial effects, in particular the rebuilding of confidence of both the international and domestic community in the ability of the Greek economy to return to a path of normality and stability. Clarity about debt measures is also a necessary condition for Greek government bonds to be potentially eligible under the ECBs public sector purchase programme (PSPP). In June last year, the Governing Council clarified that it would examine possible purchases of Greek government bonds under the PSPP, taking into account the progress made in the analysis and reinforcement of Greeces debt sustainability, as well as other risk management considerations. Any decision by the Eurosystem will be taken independently and autonomously. This means that one important element in our deliberations is our assessment of the sustainability of Greeces public debt. But we can only make an informed assessment if we have a clear view of the nature and extent of the envisaged debt measures. Then we can assess how much they would contribute to the sustainability of Greek debt. In other words, we need a sufficient degree of specificity. And as for any other decisions, we will look at all the relevant information. The IMFs debt sustainability analysis will be an important input in this respect. Concluding remarks Let me conclude. To bring the Greek programme to a successful conclusion it is essential that the Greek authorities continue to show a serious commitment to the goals set and measures taken in the context of the programme. Only with such a commitment can all stakeholders be confident that reforms will be strengthened in the aftermath of the programme and not reversed. At the same time, other stakeholders have to do their part to put in place the conditions that will ultimately allow the Greek banking system to fully recover and to enable the country to return to the financial market. These efforts are not only about Greece they are also about the euro area as a whole. Based on currently available information, Greece is the only euro area country whose economy contracted, albeit marginally, at the start of this year, despite the cyclical recovery becoming increasingly solid and broad-based thanks in large part to our monetary policy measures, which have led to a pronounced easing of financing conditions and a convergence of funding costs across countries. But convergence will only be achieved if all euro area countries are involved. I therefore encourage all parties to continue working hard on making the programme a complete success. Thank you. Deep in the soils of permafrost lurks unknown and archaic bacteria that could potentially spawn viruses and disease that the human race has never been exposed to, at least, not in the recent history of penicillin. But with climate change rapidly heating up the poles, the permafrost is melting away, and we may have to face whatever is beneath the ice. There are few cases of deadly bacteria emerging from the ice, but in one case a 12-year-old boy from Yamal Peninsula in the Arctic Circle died from anthrax poisoning, which was believed to come from a thawed carcass of a reindeer that died 75 years ago after contracting anthrax. As ice melts, it enters bodies of water that are used for drinking water, which is why scientists are worried about unknown disease the ice may be harboring. Permafrost is a very good preserver of microbes and viruses, because it is cold, there is no oxygen, and it is dark, evolutionary biologist Jean-Michel Claverie told BBC. Pathogenic viruses that can infect humans or animals might be preserved in old permafrost layers, including some that have caused global epidemics in the past. The biggest concern is that the hosts of disease like bubonic plague, Spanish flu and smallpox are buried very near the surface of the ice. As a consequence of permafrost melting, the vectors of deadly infections of the 18th and 19th Centuries may come back, Boris Revich and Marina Podolnaya wrote in a 2011 study, especially near the cemeteries where the victims of these infections were buried. One such burial site is in Siberia, where one town lost 40 percent of its population to smallpox. Its a haunting thought, but the ice is melting in the area where they were buried and its not impossible that the disease lives beneath the ice. Scientists have revived dormant bacteria from corpses that are thousands of years old. In 2005, NASA brought to life bacteria that were in a frozen Alaskan pond for 32,000 years. With just a little heat, the ice melted and the bacteria began floating around. Melting ice isnt the only threat to bringing these microbes back to life. Shipping and offshore drilling could also disrupt these frozen environments. At the moment, these regions are deserted and the deep permafrost layers are left alone, Claverie said. However, these ancient layers could be exposed by the digging involved in mining and drilling operations. If viable virions are still there, this could spell disaster. The biggest fear is that these bacteria wont be affected by modern-day antibiotics because the medicines werent designed to tackle that type of bacteria. Essentially, its possible that we wouldnt be able to keep up with the influx of an emerging bacteria without proper treatments put into place. It would be like starting from scratch. The risk for such a epidemic is unknown, but it could be anywhere from scarlet fever to your regular seasonal flu. But, there is enough evidence to show that scientists should be giving extra attention to the area of study and putting safeguards in place in the off chance that our next glass of water contains a deadly pathogen. By Lisa Hymas With President Donald Trump reportedly poised to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, right-wing media are encouraging the move by misleading about the accord. Theyre claiming that it is a job killer and anti-Western, that it would lead to economic devastation and that it amounts to an international regulatory scheme. But leaving the Paris agreement would go against the overwhelming will of the U.S. business sector, not to mention the American public and the global community. Many of the most powerful corporations and institutional investors in the U.S. are calling on Trump to stay in the pact, as are some of his fellow Republicans. Dropping out of the global climate accord will satisfy only a handful of coal and mining interests and Trumps most ideological aides and backers. Oil and Coal Companies That Support the Paris Agreement ExxonMobil, the nations biggest oil company, is in favor of the Paris agreement. The firms CEO, Darren Woods, sent Trump a personal letter urging him to keep the U.S. in the agreement. Woods predecessor, Rex Tillerson, now secretary of state, has also argued for remaining in the climate deal. Other major oil companies that want the U.S. to stay in the agreement include BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Shell. Many oil companies believe a concerted push for climate action will give them the opportunity to sell more natural gas, which emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal when burned to produce electricity (though leaks in natural gas drilling and transport infrastructure can neutralize that climate advantage). Even one major coal company, Cloud Peak Energy, is asking Trump to stay in the accord. By remaining in the Paris agreement, albeit with a much different pledge on emissions, you can help shape a more rational international approach to climate policy, Cloud Peak CEO Colin Marshall wrote Trump in a letter. Marshall argued that remaining in the Paris agreement could encourage support for technologies that reduce and capture CO2 emissions from coal plants. Two other coal companies, Peabody Energy and Arch Coal, have not publicly called for staying in Paris, but they have reportedly told administration officials that they would not object to remaining. Fortune 500 Corporations That Support the Paris Agreement At least 69 Fortune 500 companies have voiced support for the Paris accord. Twenty-five large U.S. companies, including digital powerhouses Apple, Facebook and Google, recently ran full-page ads in major newspapers urging Trump to remain in the climate accord. Continued U.S. participation in the agreement benefits U.S. businesses and the U.S. economy in many ways, they wrote in the ad, including by strengthening competitiveness, creating jobs, markets and growth and reducing business risks. Separately, more than 1,000 companies, big and small, signed a letter calling for the U.S. to realize the Paris agreements commitment of a global economy that limits global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Altogether, businesses backing the Paris climate agreement represent more than $3.7 trillion in annual revenues and employ nearly 8.6 million workers, according to Ceres. Here are some of the Fortune 500 companies that signed onto the ads or letter or have otherwise expressed support for Paris: Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Berkshire Hathaway, Campbell Soup, Citigroup, Dow Chemical, DuPont, eBay, Facebook, Gap, General Mills, General Motors, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, Google, The Hartford, HP, Hilton, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, Microsoft, Monsanto, Morgan Stanley, Nike, NRG, Energy, PG&E, Salesforce, Staples, Starbucks, Symantec, Walmart and Wells Fargo Major Institutional Investors That Support the Paris Agreement More than 280 institutional investors that together manage more than $17 trillion in assets, including Allianz Global Investors, CalPERS and HSBC Global Asset Management, recently signed a letter emphasizing their strong support for the Paris agreement. The implementation of effective climate policy mechanisms and the regular monitoring of outcomes is vital for investors to make well-informed investment decisions that can also better support governments in delivering their national commitments and priorities, they wrote. Republicans Who Support the Paris Agreement More than a dozen Republicans in Congress support staying in the climate deal. Rep. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, who advised Trump on energy issues during the campaign, has been outspoken in calling for the U.S. to remain in the pact. He and eight other Republican representatives sent Trump a letter in April asking him to stay in the agreement but withdraw the countrys emissions-cutting pledge and replace it with a weaker one. The U.S. should use its seat at the Paris table to defend and promote our commercial interests, including our manufacturing and fossil fuel sectors, they wrote. Our engagement must prevent the development of harmful policies which undermine economic growth and energy security here and abroad. Other Republicans have voiced support for the Paris deal without calling for rolling back U.S. emissions-cutting goals. Given the trillions of dollars in cleaner energy investments and countless good-paying American jobs that would result from remaining in the Paris agreement, I again urge President Trump to make sure our country keeps its commitment to lead, Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida, said. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina recently argued that Trump should not take the country out of Paris: If he does withdraw, that would be a definitive statement from the president that he believes climate change is a hoax, Graham said on CNNs State of the Union. It would be taken as a statement that climate change is not a problem; is not real. So that would be bad for the party, bad for the country. George P. Shultz, who served as secretary of state under Ronald Reagan and secretary of the treasury under Richard Nixon, recently co-authored a New York Times op-ed titled The Business Case for the Paris Climate Accord. And three Republicans who headed up the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during GOP administrations recently argued in a Washington Post op-ed that joining the international effort to fight climate change, via the Paris agreement, is the prudent path forward, adding, With no seeming clue as to whats going on, the president seems to have cast our lot with a small coterie of climate skeptics and their industry allies rather than trying to better understand the impact of increased greenhouse-gas emissions into the atmosphere. His policy of willful ignorance is a bet-the-house approach that is destructive of responsible government. The Trump administration, too, has members who have been arguing for remaining in the climate deal, including Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis, economic adviser Gary Cohn, and the presidents daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Trumps son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner have also called for staying in but renegotiating or changing the standards of the agreement. Widespread Support for the Paris Agreement Across the Board As Media Matters noted last week, a number of newspapers, from The New York Times to USA Today to The Virginian-Pilot, have run editorials calling on Trump to keep the U.S. in the Paris deal. More than two-thirds of American voters support staying in the accord, according to a recent survey. And nearly every nation on Earth195 in totalsigned on to the agreement. The only exceptions are Syria and Nicaragua. Pulling the U.S. out of the Paris deal would not only isolate the country from the international community, but also isolate the Trump administration from the business community. For a president who claims to be all about jobs and the economy, its an unwise move. Reposted with permission from our media associate Media Matters for America. The widening crack in Antarcticas Larsen C Ice Shelf has grown even longer. An iceberg the size of Delaware is now precariously hanging on to the main ice shelf by 8 miles of ice. Scientists with the Antarctic research group Project Midas report that the rift lengthened by another 11 miles between May 25 and May 31 2017the largest jump since January when the crack was 12 miles. Until recently, the crack was running parallel to the edge of the ice shelf but it took a significant turn towards the ocean, indicating that the time of calving is probably very close, the Project Midas team wrote. As Project Midas scientist Martin OLeary explained to Newsweek, [Until now] the rift has been growing more or less parallel to the ice front, so the amount of ice connecting the berg to the shelf has been more or less constant. However, this time around the rift has curved towards the front, so theres now only 13km [eight miles] remaining. The rift has now fully breached the zone of soft suture ice originating at the Cole Peninsula and there appears to be very little to prevent the iceberg from breaking away completely, Project Midas wrote. After it finally breaks off, the Larsen C ice shelf will lose more than 10 percent of its area, leaving the ice front at its most retreated position ever recorded. This event will fundamentally change the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula, the team stated. We have previously shown that the new configuration will be less stable than it was prior to the rift, and that Larsen C may eventually follow the example of its neighbor Larsen B, which disintegrated in 2002 after a similar rift-induced calving event. Calving events are normal, as NASA explained, but calving that happens faster than a shelf can re-advance can mean trouble for an ice shelf. As EcoWatch reported previously, two previous sections of the Larsen ice shelf have broken off and disappeared into the sea. Larsen A collapsed in 1995. Then in 2002, Larsen B began to rapidly break apart. Within six weeks, a 1,235 square mile chunk of ice slipped away, which scientists attributed to warmer air temperatures. Prior to that, the Larsen B ice shelf had been stable for 12,000 years. Its unclear if Larsen C will respond in a similar ways. Project Midas is monitoring the development of the rift and will assess its ongoing impact on the ice shelf. The loss of this portion of the ice shelf will not raise sea levels since it is already floating on the water. However, as these ice shelves disintegrate, the land-locked glaciers they hold back may begin sliding into the sea. If all of the ice the Larsen C ice shelf holds back slides into the ocean, it will raise sea levels globally by four inches. Canadian energy company Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is not budging on its plans to dump nuclear waste less than a mile from Lake Huron, despite objections from hundreds of communities in the U.S. and Canada that fear water contamination. The utility issued a lengthy analysis on Friday reaffirming its favored option to bury low to intermediate radioactive waste at the Bruce Power nuclear complex near Kincardine, Ontario. OPG assures that the lake would not be threatened since the waste would be encased in rock. The Bruce Site is the safest, most appropriate site for a Deep Geological Repository (DRG), company spokesperson Kevin Powers told CBC News. The repository would contain 200,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste products buried 2,230-feet underground. Powers told Michigan Radio that other sites options would be too expensive (about $3 billion more than the current site), take between 15-30 years to develop and would provide no additional safety. Trucking the waste to another location could risk also radiological accidents and pollution, the analysis found. The Great Lakes provide drinking water for nearly 40 million people. Opposition group Stop The Great Lakes Nuclear Dump calculated that 217 communities on both sides of the border have passed resolutions expressing opposition to OPGs proposed nuclear waste dump. Burying this nuclear waste anywhere in the great lakes basin is completely inappropriate, Beverley Fernandez, spokesperson for the group, told CBC News. Its not up to us to decide where this should go, but we know one thing for sure: The last place it should go is right beside our drinking water. According to the AP, Canadian environment minister Catherine McKenna is expected to decide this year whether to approve the plan. In a statement to be released Friday, the EU and China will reaffirm support for the accords and present a joint strategy to reduce global emissions and lead the energy transition. At a joint press conference with German chancellor Angela Merkel this morning ahead of a two-day EU-China summit, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said climate change was not invented by China and that China will shoulder [its] international responsibility. Russia also reaffirmed support for the Paris accords ahead of President Donald Trumps decision, saying that the Kremlin attaches great significance to the deal. Should the U.S. exit the deal, it would be in lonely company: only Syria and Nicaragua have not signed on to the deal. While the overwhelming reaction has been critical of the enormous geopolitical, environmental, public health, national security, environmental justice and economic implications of Trumps exiting the agreement, some analysts argue that a U.S. exit could ultimately be beneficial for the accords survival and success globally. As reported by Politico, Trump could roll back U.S. climate policy and quit the non-binding goals of the agreement. However, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker emphasized that leaving the agreement entirely would not be easy. The climate deal says: It takes three, four years after the treaty took effect last November to exit the agreement, Juncker said. That means the idea that you can simply disappear into thin airthat wont happen. The law is the law, and everyone has to stick to it, Juncker added. Not everything which is law, and not everything which is written in international treaties, is fake news. You got to stick to that. As the Washington Posts Chris Mooney and Brady Dennis reported Wednesday, 147 nations that have formally joined the agreement account for more than 80 percent of the planets greenhouse gas emissions. They said: A U.S. withdrawal would remove the worlds second-largest emitter and nearly 18 percent of the globes present-day emissions from the agreement, presenting a severe challenge to its structure and raising questions about whether it would weaken the commitments of other nations. China and the EU are planning not only to work together, but to lead the world as the U.S. steps down, The Guardian reported. No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward, EU climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete told The Guardian. Our successful cooperation on issues like emissions trading and clean technologies are bearing fruit. Now is the time to further strengthen these ties to keep the wheels turning for ambitious global climate action. For a deeper dive: General global reaction: Washington Post, The Guardian, WSJ, The Atlantic, Boston Globe. International emissions infographic: New York Times. EU and China: Reuters, Bloomberg, The Guardian, Politico, FT. China: Reuters. Russia: CNBC, Reuters, The Independent. Nicaragua and Syria: Washington Post, CNN, The Guardian, USA Today, Washington Post (renewables). International legal implications: Reuters. Is the deal better off? Slate, Susan Matthews analysis, Washington Post, Chelsea Harvey analysis, Reuters, Richard Beales column, The New Republic, Emily Atkin analysis, Politico, Sara Stefanini analysis, The Hill, Ken Ward op-ed, Quartz, Akshat Rathi analysis. Commentary: Washington Post, Ishaan Tharoor analysis, Newsweek, Andrew Hammond op-ed For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News. Michael Leonardi July 1 marks Canada Day when many Canadians celebrate the unification of three colonies into their country on the same date in 1867. In Ontario, droves of people head off to their summer cottages and vacation get-a-ways on the shores of the Great Lakes for the holiday weekend. Lake Hurons sandy beaches and beautiful aquamarine waters attract many visitors from all over the world. But this year, many First Nations were not celebrating the stripping of their sovereignty rights and desecration of their lands. Those heading to the Saugeen Shores area and the town of Southampton this past weekend were greeted Saturday by the second annual Walk the Talk peaceful protest march against not one, but two permanent underground nuclear dumps less than a mile away from Lake Huron. North Americans gathered and marched in protest of the planned nuclear waste dump last weekend in Southampton, Ontario. More than 500 citizens from across North America gathered at the Southampton, Ontario, flagpole on High Street by the lake. They gathered to voice their opposition to nuke dumps on these beautiful shores and to the continued production of this dangerous and deadly waste. They walked several kilometers through the town and along the beach to heighten awareness and bring attention to this diabolical plan, orchestrated largely in secret by local and national authorities and a deceitful industry, to bury low level, intermediate and high level nuclear waste underground and less than a mile away from this important fresh water source. They gathered to push back against a corrupt political leadership from the local level to the upper levels of dirty energy frontman Stephen Harpers disastrous national government. They marched to say no to an industry that has been lying and deceiving the public about the dangers of nuclear energy and radiation exposure for decades. They walked to promote real renewable wind and solar energy alternatives. Surely the question that comes to many is why on Earth would anyone in their right mind consider the shores of Lake Huron for the first permanent nuclear dump in North America? Lake Huron sits to the north of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario and the water of this lake flows southward and eastward, eventually connecting to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Great Lakes account for 21 percent of the worlds fresh water resources, or a little over one fifth, and to many native American cultures and First Nation peoples, the Great Lakes are considered the sacred heart of Turtle Island. So, why would anyone consider dumping radioactive poisons that will remain deathly dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years next to such an integral part of the our Great Lakes ecosystem? The answer begins with the human folly of siting what is now the worlds largest nuclear energy producer in this very same location. The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station operated by Ontario Power Generation. The Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, with its eight currently operating reactors, is now the largest operating nuclear power plant in the world and fifth largest operating power producer of any kind. When all reactors are operating, it produces 7,276 megawatts a year. It sits directly on the shores of the lake on a sprawling 2300 acre complex that is also home to the Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF), an above ground interim waste storage area for the low level and intermediate level radioactive waste for all 20 of the nuclear reactors operated by Ontario Power Generation. WWMF stores tons of radioactive wastes in 11 different buildings and has the capacity to burn thousands of pounds of this waste every day. Thats right, much of this low level and intermediate-level waste is actually being incinerated sending deadly cancer-causing radionuclides into the atmosphere while leaving growing piles of radioactive ash in their wake, and this has been going on for decades. Greenpeace has noted that incineration of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste does not destroy metals or reduce radioactivity of wastes. In theory, all but a small fraction of radioactive and metallic emissions from incinerators can be captured with well-maintained, high efficiency filters. However, the small particles that escape are more readily absorbed by living organisms than the larger ones filtered. The Canadian nuclear industry, like its counterparts in nuclearized countries around the world, was born promoting the myth that nuclear energy is safe, green and too cheap to meter. A visit to Bruce Power Visitors Center is an immersion into the contradictions we are faced with regarding our energy choices and their repercussions. To arrive to the center, you must pass fields of wind generators in every direction. One hundred fifteen wind turbines make the surrounding wind project one of the largest in Ontario, but the turbines are owned by Enbridgethe same Enbridge that pumps tar sands from the scorched earth of Alberta through a web of spill prone pipelines to be refined in Sarnia, Detroit, Toledo and other points south. Solar trackers also dot the landscape as farmers invest more and more into the harvesting of renewables. Wind turbines in Ontario near Lake Huron, with power lines running from the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station in the background. The center itself is a series of stations and displays extolling the fairy tale of a happy marriage between nukes and the natural world. There are several large murals, one depicts wildlife, first nations, early settlers and the nuclear reactors all harmoniously existing side by side. Another mural shows people boating and fishing in the shadow of the power plant with the words Radiation is all around us, sprawled across the top and manipulative phrases meant to lull people into considering the cancerous reality of radiation exposure as harmless. The Canadian nuclear industry promotes its Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors as a safe, accident proof method of boiling water that is as innocuous as a mother producing milk, with no harmful side effects. The visitor center at Bruce Power employs the best propaganda the industry can muster in several interactive stations promoting nuclear as the safest and most reliable form of energy while devaluing the role renewables could play in a much safer energy economy. The realities of the dangers posed by the CANDU reactors and the inordinate amount of high-level radioactive fuel they produce are outlined in this May 1 interview with Arnie Gunderson of Fairwinds Energy Education and Dr. Gordon Edwards, president of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility titled Nuclear Contamination Knows No Borders. CANDU reactors are constantly releasing the known cancer-causing radionuclide tritium into the environment and the levels of tritium in both Lake Ontario and Lake Huron are on a steady increase. Despite a litany of problems with the CANDU design, the industry has done a good job convincing Canadians that they should have no fear of this fail-safe reactor design. With what is now the worlds largest nuclear power plant steaming away on the shores of Lake Huron and a pile of deadly and poisonous radioactive waste that is decades high and growing, Ontario Power Generation is now pushing to transform Lake Huron into a nuclear sacrifice zone. Their plan is to dig out two, what they call Deep Geological Repositories (DGRs), less than a mile away from the Lake and 680 meters below the surface to bury low level, intermediate-level and high-level radioactive waste permanently in shafts carved out of limestone. This is an experiment that has never been done anywhere else in the world and yet just as the nuclear industry tells us that radiation is harmless, we are to believe that this waste will remain safely out of harms way under the Lake for hundreds of thousands of years to come. Recently, it has come to light that government officials from local mayors all the way up to the current president and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Michael Binder, held secret meetings with an association of nuclear power companies called the Nuclear Waste Management Organization charged with locating a dump site. The meetings were held under the guise of the Deep Geological Repository Community Consultation Advisory Group, which consists of a quorum of eight mayors of communities in Bruce County, from 2005 to the fall of 2012. Many of these meetings took place before the public was even made aware of the possibility of siting a high-level waste dump in Bruce County and while the process for siting the low and intermediate level waste dump was still ongoing. According to documents uncovered by the local group, Save Our Saugeen Shores, Binder, who is a political appointment of the Harper government and chairs what is supposed to be Canadas neutral nuclear watchdog, warned participants at a meeting on September 30, 2009, of environmental and anti-nuclear groups who have the project on their agenda. You havent seen anything yet. It seems that Binder had already made up his mind about the validity of the low and intermediate level waste dump as well, stating he hoped their next meeting with him would be at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the low and intermediate-level waste DGR. Secret meetings between industry, government officials and the nuclear oversight commission are a definite slap in the face to democratic transparency, if not downright illegal, said Jutta Splettstoesser, a resident and farmer from Kincardine. The timing of this discussion is troublesome, says Cheryl Grace, a spokesperson for Save Our Saugeen Shores, the group which accessed the information. Whats troubling is the secrecy exhibited by the mayors who were elected to serve the public, not the nuclear industry. We can find no evidence that the mayors, meeting as a county council, felt the need to discuss these issues in a public forum. In our own experience with Saugeen Shores council, the council regularly goes around the table and each councillor reports on their activities between council meetings. Mayor Mike Smith, who attended these meetings with the nuclear industry, never saw fit to inform his council and the public about these discussions and meetings. Either that or he did so in a separate secret forum, making all of this even more troubling for our community. Fortunately, ground has not yet been broken on either of these ill conceived nuclear waste dumps and resistance is growing as word gets out despite Ontario Power Generation and the Canadian Nuclear industrys best efforts to keep a lid on the project. Locally, citizens groups plan on challenging the legality of the secret meetings and the collusion demonstrated between the mayors of Bruce County and the nuclear industry prior to public knowledge of the dump siting process. Any serious political opposition party with a little clout can use the obvious industry bias exhibited by the chair of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to further expose the Harper governments marriage to dirty energy. Harper already faces sinking popularity and credibility, protecting the nuclear industrys profit motives in this case has international ramifications for the health and sustainability of the entire Great Lakes region. Even in the U.S., with all its problems of transparency and nuclear malfeasance, an uncovering of such industry bias by an NRC commissioner as was exhibited by Michael Binder would end in his forced resignation or removal, coupled with criminal prosecution. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, which is an organization of mayors and other elected officials from more than 100 Great Lakes cities and representing over 16 million people, came out in opposition to the DGR 1 for low-level and intermediate level waste in May. Seventy seven percent of these mayors voted to oppose the dump at this time, stating that, When dealing with a resource as valuable as the freshwater here, why take the risk of putting the site so close to the shore. Whatever the geology might be in the location, it just seems to make much more sense to have the site as far away as possible from such a major source of fresh water and concluding the limited time to review the record and prepare comments, the limited outreach to the broader Great Lakes and St. Lawrence community, and the consideration of only one site that is one kilometer from Lake Huron leads us to conclude that the project should not move forward at this time. The Michigan State Senate also recently passed a resolution opposing the low and intermediate level nuclear dump and calling for the U.S. congress to intervene to ensure that international agreements are upheld. The resolution also declared that elected officials in Michigan are more engaged in the process to site a dump and that Michigan standards must be adhered to, declaring no dump site of this nature is to be located within ten miles of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, the Saint Marys River, the Detroit River, the St. Clair River or Lake St. Clair. Michigan standards also exclude sites located within a 500-year floodplain, located over a sole source aquifer, or located where the hydrogeology beneath the site discharges groundwater to the land surface within 3,000 feet of the boundaries of the site. We encourage Canada to consider similar siting criteria. The Macomb County commissioners also passed a resolution opposing the siting of the DGR 1 or any other dump so close to the shores of any Lake in the Great Lakes Basin. Groups are organizing at the grassroots level and they need your support. The Ontario Power Generation and the Canadian government would like us to think that the DGR 1 for low and intermediate-level waste is a done deal, but its not! The time is now to raise your voice on this important issue. The only answer to the problem of nuclear waste is to stop producing it, however the nuclear industry is gunning for a deep geological repository as a solution to nuclear waste storage so they can promote nuclear expansion. Activists and residents are working with Indigenous Nations and environmental groups across borders and oceans to call on our governments to stop producing it now, said Zach Ruiter of GE-Hitachis Uranium Secret in Toronto. No safe, permanent solution has yet been found anywhere in the world for the nuclear waste problem. A petition by the Stop the Great Lakes Nuclear Dump citizens group is circulating via the internet that can be signed to stop the low and intermediate level dump. The following groups provide more information on how to actively participate in stopping these nuke dumps on the shores of Lake Huron: Save Our Saugeen Shores, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, Northwatch and Ontarios Green Future. Visit EcoWatchs NUCLEAR page for more related news on this topic. HOW SHOULD THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY AGENCIES DEAL WITH NUCLEAR WASTE WORLDWIDE? Gone are the fevered dreams that Ivankas moderating influence or Elons persuasive position as an economic advisor will amount to anything beyond optics for Trump on the Paris agreement. Replacing it is the knowledge that our commander-in-chief will gladly shoot us in the collective foot if it means appeasing Presidents Bannon and Putin. So we can stop pretending that maybe Trump would be responsive to facts and figures on the economic reality of the energy transition, like the 1.2 million clean energy jobs in states that voted for him (the only ones anyone ever thought he would even remotely value). We can stop imagining a world where Trumps one constantlieswill work in our favor (he broke so many other campaign promises, why not this one?). We can stop living in denial and entertaining the possibility of a presidential pivot on climate. Now, the climate community can start the full-throated backlash. First up is a twitter storm today at Noon (ET), where folks will rally digitally to demand we #ActOnClimate. An emergency rally on the north side of the White House is set for 5 p.m. After that, we can expect further statements from New York City and California that despite federal inaction, local governments remain committed to emission reductions. And, of course, lawsuits. Lots of lawsuits. (An approach already showing some progress on energy efficiency regulations). Internationally, countries can stop treating Trump like the president of an allied country, and instead consider him one of the petrostate autocrats with whom he got along so well. China and the EU have already started, with a joint summit and statement coming Friday that will take revenge on Trump, according to a headline from Euractiv. That attack is well-warranted: If Trump pulls out of Paris, the U.S. will be even worse on climate action than ExxonMobil. Wednesday, while we were all banging our heads against our desks, Exxon shareholders voted to force the company to be more transparent about the risk it faces from climate change and how its business model aligns with the worlds efforts to meet the Paris goals. But what about coal? Surely this will be a boon the coal industry, the one group that pushed Trump to leave Nope. Coal stocks fell on news of the possible pull-out. Paris is a global potluck, where every nation decided what it could bring to the party. But instead of bringing the burgers Obama promised, Trumps decided to show up empty-(small) handed. Though maybe thats better than if he brought Trump steaks and covfefe Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) thinks that if climate change is a real problem then God can fix it. The Republican congressmen, who has been handsomely rewarded by Big Oil, made the remarks at a town hall in Coldwater, Michigan on Friday. I believe theres been climate change since the beginning of time, he said. I believe there are cycles. Do I think man has some impact? Yeah, of course. Can man change the entire universe? No. Why do I believe that? Well, as a Christian, I believe that there is a creator in God who is much bigger than us. And Im confident that, if theres a real problem, he can take care of it. Walberg, who has a dismal lifetime score of 4 percent from the League of Conservation Voters national environmental scorecard, is one of many climate deniers in Washington. I read scientists, editors an equal number at the very least that say just the opposite that this is something thats gone on for eons, that we go through these cycles, he once said. Meanwhile, Walbergs party leader, President Donald Trump, is reportedly planning to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris agreement on climate change. Check out Walberg statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMxTUhLp8qc The future of the world's coral reefs hangs in the balance, but it is not too late to save them, according to a major study published today in the prestigious journal, Nature. Scientists say that the reefs we know today are changing rapidly as they struggle to cope with the combined impacts of global warming, overfishing and pollution. "The reefs of the future will be radically different from today or 30 years ago," says Professor Terry Hughes, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (Coral CoE). He led the study on reef futures and their capacity for rapid shifts. "But, if we take the right steps immediately, we can -- and must -- secure a future for reefs, recognising that the possibility of restoring them to their former condition is no longer possible." "Current approaches to protecting coral reefs are failing because too often we ignore the real reasons for their decline," says co-author Professor Josh Cinner, also from the Coral CoE. "We need to understand why they are declining, and encourage changes in human behaviour to sustain reefs for the future." "It's death by a thousand cuts," remarked co-author Professor Jeremy Jackson, from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. "Reefs suffer simultaneously from dredging, overharvesting, pollution, sewage, sediments, and steadily increasing temperatures." These combined elements are transforming reefs into new configurations, where the mix of species is rapidly changing. According to the scientists, navigating this transition will require radical shifts in the science, management and governance of reefs worldwide. "We can't save every species or turn back history," Prof. Hughes explained. "The challenge now is to steer reefs into the future, to ensure that they remain fully functional, and to retain their ability to support the livelihoods and wellbeing of the 100s of millions of people who depend on them." Professor Steve Palumbi, Director of Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station, adds, "Coral species themselves are changing, evolving, adapting at a huge scale. Their ability to change rapidly is an asset for us - the corals that live on warmer reefs now may be better prepared for future conditions. And every asset we have is important to use," he said. "The window of opportunity to save reefs remains open, but it is closing rapidly," the scientists say. "One degree of average global warming has already caused three global coral bleaching events, so +1.5 or +2C will radically change reefs for centuries to come." The scientists base their future vision on the COP21 Paris agreement. Reefs will run the gauntlet of climate change over coming decades as ocean temperatures continue to climb. However, some areas will warm less than others, and under the COP21 Paris Agreement, the most extreme future temperature rises and severe impacts of ocean acidification will be avoided. Prof. Hughes is emphatic about the importance of COP21 to reefs: "They'll be different, but recognisable as coral reefs. However, if COP21 fails badly, coral reefs as we know them today will be destroyed." These findings are presented in a major article published in an Insight on Biodiversity in this week's Nature. ### PAPER The paper can be found at: http://nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/nature22901 IMAGES A selection of photos and videos for use with credit as listed: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ee5cg2by7z27ojy/AACdLOyyoLOB_v17mP2fk5VTa?dl=0 CONTACTS FOR INTERVIEWS Prof. Terry Hughes Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Phone: +61 (0)400 720 164, +61 (0)7 4781 4000 Email: Terry.Hughes@jcu.edu.au Prof. Joshua Cinner ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Phone: + 61 (0)417 714 138, +61 (0)7 4781 6751 Email: Joshua.Cinner@jcu.edu.au Prof. Jeremy Jackson Senior Scientist Emeritus, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Director Emeritus, Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA Phone: +1 (858) 518 7613 Email: jeremybcjackson@gmail.com Prof. Stephen Palumbi Director of the Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, USA Phone: +1 (831) 655-6210 Email: spalumbi@stanford.edu Ingrid van de Leemput Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands Phone: (+31) 0317 489701 Email: ingrid.vandeleemput@wur.nl Melissa Lyne Communications Manager, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Phone: +61 (0)415 514 328 Email: Melissa.lyne@jcu.edu.au In the Big Data era, many scientific and engineering domains are producing massive data streams, with petabyte and exabyte scales becoming increasingly common. Besides the explosive growth in volume, Big Data also has high velocity, high variety, and high uncertainty. These complex data streams require ever-increasing processing speeds, economical storage, and timely response for decision making in highly uncertain environments, and have raised various challenges to conventional data analysis. With the primary goal of building intelligent systems that automatically improve from experiences, machine learning (ML) is becoming an increasingly important field to tackle the big data challenges, with an emerging field of Big Learning, which covers theories, algorithms and systems on addressing big data problems. Bayesian methods have been widely used in machine learning and many other areas. However, skepticism often arises when we talking about Bayesian methods for Big Data. Practitioners also criticize that Bayesian methods are often too slow for even small-scaled problems, owning to many factors such as the non-conjugacy models with intractable integrals. Nevertheless, Bayesian methods have several advantages. First, Bayesian methods provide a principled theory for combining prior knowledge and uncertain evidence to make sophisticated inference of hidden factors and predictions. Second, Bayesian methods are conceptually simple and flexible, where hierarchical Bayesian modeling offers a flexible tool for characterizing uncertainty, missing values, latent structures, and more. Moreover, regularized Bayesian inference (RegBayes) further augments the flexibility by introducing an extra dimension (i.e., a posterior regularization term) to incorporate domain knowledge or to optimize a learning objective. Finally, there exist very flexible algorithms (e.g., Markov Chain Monte Carlo) to perform posterior inference. In a new overview published in the Beijing-based National Science Review, scientists at Tsinghua University, China present the latest advances in Bayesian methods for Big Data analysis. Co-authors Jun Zhu, Jianfei Chen, Wenbo Hu, and Bo Zhang cover the basic concepts of Bayesian methods, and review the latest progress on flexible Bayesian methods, efficient and scalable algorithms, and distributed system implementations. These scientists likewise outline the potential development directions of future Bayesian methods. "Bayesian methods are becoming increasingly relevant in the Big Data era to protect high capacity models against overfitting, and to allow models adaptively updating their capacity. However, the application of Bayesian methods to big data problems runs into a computational bottleneck that needs to be addressed with new (approximate) inference methods." The scientists overview the recent advances on nonparametric Bayesian methods, regularized Bayesian inference, scalable algorithms, and system implementation. The scientists also discuss on the connection with deep learning, "A natural and important question that remains under addressed is how to conjoin the flexibility of deep learning and the learning efficiency of Bayesian methods for robust learning", they anticipate. Finally, the scientists make the comment that "The current machine learning methods in general still require considerable human expertise in devising appropriate features, priors, models, and algorithms. Much work has to be done in order to make ML more widely used and eventually become a common part of our day to day tools in data sciences". ### This research received funding from the National 973 Project (2013CB329403), NSFC Projects (Nos. 61620106010, 61621136008, 61332007), and the National Youth Top-notch Talent Support Program. See the article: Jun Zhu, JIanfei Chen, Wenbo Hu, Bo Zhang Big Learning with Bayesian Methods Natl Sci Rev (May 2017), DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwx044 https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwx044 The National Science Review is the first comprehensive scholarly journal released in English in China that is aimed at linking the country's rapidly advancing community of scientists with the global frontiers of science and technology. The journal also aims to shine a worldwide spotlight on scientific research advances across China. What happens to a cane toad's internal chemistry when it has to shed its skin to replace worn out skin cells? A new University of Queensland study has revealed that these tough and poisonous amphibians have developed a secret technique to protect their vital internal balances of salt and water when they are moulting. PhD student in UQ's School of Biological Sciences' ECO-Lab, Nicholas Wu said frogs and toads were able to exchange gas, water and salt through their permeable (porous) skins. "Our study showed that the skin becomes slightly leaky during the shedding process, allowing salts to leak out of the skin and water to flow in. "To make sure their internal salt level is balanced, toads increase their active re-uptake of salts through the skin, and increase the number of transport proteins responsible for the uptake of the salts." The Cane toad (Rhinella marina) is a native of South and Central America introduced to Australia in 1935 to control the cane beetle. However, the toads have since multiplied rapidly, and with a current estimated population of 200 million, have caused large environmental detriment, including the death of quolls, snakes and lizards. Mr Wu said over time the cane toad's skin wore out, so to maintain its health and functionality, it was regularly removed, and replenished. The process of removing the superficial dead skin layer occurred in all animals and was known as shedding, moulting or sloughing. Physiological changes of the skin function had been observed during sloughing. However, the role of sloughing on these changes in association with regulating the animals' salt and water balances had been little studied. The research team, including co-authors UQ researchers Professor Craig Franklin and Dr Rebecca Cramp, examined cane toads from the University's St Lucia campus and measured salt loss across their skin and how the salt-transporting properties of the skin changed when the toad replaced old skin with new. The study also considered the role of the deadly skin-attacking chytrid fungus, which is affecting amphibian populations world-wide. The researchers said that other skin-sloughing amphibians might suffer if they begin sloughing their skins more frequently while trying to rid themselves of such infections. ### The research is published in the Journal of Experimental Biology doi:10.1242/jeb.151738 Bottom Line: A study of Senegalese women showed that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was more likely to develop into cervical pre-cancer in women living with human immunodeficiency virus. Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Author: Hilary K. Whitham, PhD, MPH, a research associate at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Background: While most HPV infections are cleared by the body's immune system, persistent HPV infection can lead to the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Previous research has indicated that HIV-positive women face an increased risk of HPV infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer compared with HIV-negative women. How the Study Was Conducted and Results: In order to increase understanding of the way HPV infection progresses, and to compare its progression in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women, Whitham and colleagues analyzed data from six studies conducted from 1994 to 2010 in Senegal, where HIV is endemic. They followed 1,320 women for an average of two years, testing them for HPV and cervical abnormalities approximately every four months. At each clinic visit, women were characterized as normal, HPV-positive, or HSIL (HPV-positive with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, a precancerous lesion that may progress to cervical cancer if untreated). The study showed that HIV-positive women had higher rates of acquiring HPV, and lower rates of clearing HPV infection, than HIV-negative women. Women whose immune systems were compromised by HIV were also more likely to have HPV infection progress to pre-cancer, the study indicated. For instance, HIV-positive women were 2.55 times more likely to have their HPV infection progress to HSIL than HIV-negative women. Whitham explained that as HIV ravages the body's immune system, "HPV goes unchecked, replicating quickly and developing abnormal lesions which can progress to cancer." Author Comment: The study suggests that in countries like Senegal in West Africa, where cervical cancer screening is not widely available, HIV-positive women may benefit from targeted cervical cancer prevention efforts, Whitham said. "In areas where cervical cancer screening is not widely available and HIV prevalence is high, these findings highlight that targeted screening of the high-risk HIV-positive population may provide an important step in cervical cancer prevention," Whitham said. "These results also highlight that HPV vaccination of young women prior to HIV infection is an important preventive measure." Whitham said she expects that the results of this study would be similar in women from other countries, especially other sub-Saharan African nations with high HIV rates. However, she said, further studies would be required to confirm the findings and to account for behavioral differences between populations such as smoking, birth control use, and age at first sexual activity. Limitations: Whitham said a limitation of the study is that much of the data predated the widespread use of anti-retroviral therapy, which limited the researchers' capacity to analyze the effects of those treatments on HPV progression. She added that as HIV-positive women now live longer due to anti-retroviral therapy, they may face further increased risk of cervical cancer due to additional time to acquire HPV and for pre-cancerous lesions to progress to cervical cancer. This highlights the importance of developing cervical cancer prevention strategies in areas where HIV is endemic, Whitham said. ### To interview Hilary Whitham, contact Julia Gunther at julia.gunther@aacr.org or 215-446-6896. Funding & Disclosures: This study was funded by the University of Minnesota's Doctoral Dissertation Award and grants from the National Institutes of Health. Whitham declares no conflicts of interest. Follow us: Cancer Research Catalyst http://blog.aacr.org; Twitter @AACR; and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/aacr.org About the American Association for Cancer Research Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 37,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 108 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with nearly 21,900 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit http://www.AACR.org. A new study points to a number of genes that may underlie the loss of flight in the Galapagos cormorant. Intriguingly, the genes are analogous to those associated with some bone disorders in humans. The evolution of loss of flight is one the most recurrent limb modifications encountered in nature, and a phenomenon that Darwin cited as an argument in favor of natural selection. He proposed that loss of flight could evolve as a result of positive selection for larger bodies or as a result of relaxed selection due to the absence of predators. To gain a better understanding of the genetics underlying the loss of flight, Alejandro Burga et al. analyzed the genomes of the Galapagos cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) - which, exhibiting stunted wings, is the only flightless cormorant - and three other species of cormorant. In the Galapagos cormorant but not the other species, they found enrichment for genes that are associated with human developmental disorders, including those affecting limb development, such as polydactyly, syndactyly, and duplication of limb bones. Many of these disorders are related to abnormal production of cilia, the antennae of cells. The researchers then studied two of the genes, Ift122 and cux1, by editing them into mice and roundworms, respectively. In the mice, expression of cux1 disrupted the differentiation of chondrocytes, cells essential to bone growth, while in the roundworms, Ift122 expression impaired cilia function. The authors propose that these genes resulting in bone and cilia deficits may have been positively selected in the Galapagos cormorant, as shorter wings could be an advantage during diving by decreasing the buoyancy of the bird. A Perspective by Kimberly L. Cooper discusses these finding in greater detail. ### An international team of researchers has made a third detection of gravitational waves, ripples in space and time, in a discovery that provides new insights into the mysterious nature of black holes and, potentially, dark matter. On 4 January this year, the team intercepted the minute gravitational waves from a binary black hole system three billion light years away undergoing its final death throes to form a larger black hole about 50 times the mass of the Sun. The research is published in Physical Review Letters. The Australian National University (ANU) is one of the leading Australian institutions supporting the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) project. Professor Susan Scott from the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE) said the discovery provided the first evidence that black holes in binary systems may not be aligned. "This means that the two black holes could be spinning in opposite directions, which provides a tantalising clue as to how the binary system may have formed," said Professor Scott, who is also a Chief Investigator of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav). "It's possible that this is a binary system of black holes formed in the early Universe that contributes significantly to the dark matter in the cosmos. "This heavy stellar-mass binary black hole system was at a much greater distance than the first two gravitational wave events, at some three billion light years away. "This discovery highlights the need to continue improving the sensitivity of our detectors to see further and further out into the Universe." ANU scientists designed systems to improve the duty cycle of the LIGO detectors so that more time can be spent searching for gravitational waves. Researchers Dr Bram Slagmolen and Dr Robert Ward from RSPE are working on further improvements to the instruments so the team will be able to detect other types of events such as gravitational waves radiated by neutron stars, which are made when giant stars explode and their cores collapse. "We hope to detect continuous gravitational waves from neutron stars, which is good motivation to develop advanced technologies including quantum-squeezing optical devices to search for these fainter sources of gravitational waves," said Dr Ward, who is also a member of OzGrav. ANU and the University of Melbourne are leading OzGrav's search for gravitational waves from neutron stars using LIGO data. ### FOR INTERVIEW: Professor Susan Scott ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering M: +61 450 522 939 E: Susan.Scott@anu.edu.au Dr Robert Ward ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering M: +61 477 027 467 E: Robert.Ward@anu.edu.au FOR MEDIA ASSISTANCE: Will Wright ANU media team T: +61 2 6125 7979 M: +61 478 337 740 E: media@anu.edu.au LIGO is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and operated by MIT and Caltech, which conceived and built the project. Financial support for the Advanced LIGO project was led by NSF with Germany (Max Planck Society), the U.K. (Science and Technology Facilities Council) and Australia (Australian Research Council) making significant commitments and contributions to the project. More than 1,000 scientists from around the world participate in the effort through the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, which includes the GEO Collaboration. LIGO partners with the Virgo Collaboration, a consortium including 280 additional scientists throughout Europe supported by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), and Nikhef, as well as Virgo's host institution, the European Gravitational Observatory. Additional partners are listed at: http://ligo.org/partners.php. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence funding scheme. OzGrav is a partnership between Swinburne University (host of OzGrav headquarters), the Australian National University, Monash University, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, and University of Western Australia, along with other collaborating organisations in Australia and overseas. A recent study conducted at Baycrest Health Sciences has uncovered a crucial piece into why playing a musical instrument can help older adults retain their listening skills and ward off age-related cognitive declines. This finding could lead to the development of brain rehabilitation interventions through musical training. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience on May 24, found that learning to play a sound on a musical instrument alters the brain waves in a way that improves a person's listening and hearing skills over a short time frame. This change in brain activity demonstrates the brain's ability to rewire itself and compensate for injuries or diseases that may hamper a person's capacity to perform tasks. "Music has been known to have beneficial effects on the brain, but there has been limited understanding into what about music makes a difference," says Dr. Bernhard Ross, senior scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute (RRI) and senior author on the study. "This is the first study demonstrating that learning the fine movement needed to reproduce a sound on an instrument changes the brain's perception of sound in a way that is not seen when listening to music." This finding supports Dr. Ross' research using musical training to help stroke survivors rehabilitate motor movement in their upper bodies. Baycrest scientists have a history of breakthroughs into how a person's musical background impacts the listening abilities and cognitive function as they age and they continue to explore how brain changes during aging impact hearing. The study involved 32 young, healthy adults who had normal hearing and no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. The brain waves of participants were first recorded while they listened to bell-like sounds from a Tibetan singing bowl (a small bell struck with a wooden mallet to create sounds). After listening to the recording, half of the participants were provided the Tibetan singing bowl and asked to recreate the same sounds and rhythm by striking it and the other half recreated the sound by pressing a key on a computer keypad. "It has been hypothesized that the act of playing music requires many brain systems to work together, such as the hearing, motor and perception systems," says Dr. Ross, who is also a medical biophysics professor at the University of Toronto. "This study was the first time we saw direct changes in the brain after one session, demonstrating that the action of creating music leads to a strong change in brain activity." The study's next steps involve analyzing recovery between stroke patients with musical training compared to physiotherapy and the impact of musical training on the brains of older adults. With additional funding, the study could explore developing musical training rehabilitation programs for other conditions that impact motor function, such as traumatic brain injury. Research for this study was conducted with support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, which supported research staff and equipment. Dr. Ross' work is setting the foundation to develop hearing aids of the future and cognitive training programs to maintain hearing health. ### About Baycrest Health Sciences Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides excellent care for older adults combined with an extensive clinical training program for the next generation of healthcare professionals and one of the world's top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute. Baycrest is home to the federally and provincially-funded Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector, and is the developer of Cogniciti - a free online memory assessment for Canadians 40+ who are concerned about their memory. Founded in 1918 as the Jewish Home for Aged, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. For more information please visit: http://www.baycrest.org About Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute The Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences is a premier international centre for the study of human brain function. Through generous support from private donors and funding agencies, the institute is helping to illuminate the causes of cognitive decline in seniors, identify promising approaches to treatment, and lifestyle practices that will protect brain health longer in the lifespan. Capacitors, electronic components that store and quickly release a charge, play an important role in many types of electrical circuits. They'll play an equally important role in next-generation spintronic devices, which take advantage of not only electron charge but also spin -- the tiny magnetic moment of each electron. Two years ago, an international team of researchers showed that by manipulating electron spin at a quantum magnetic tunneling junction -- a nanoscale sandwich made of two metal electrodes with an insulator in the middle -- they could induce a large increase in the junction's capacitance. Now, that same research team has flipped the script on the phenomenon, known as magnetocapacitance. In a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, they show that by using different materials to build a quantum tunneling junction, they were able to alter capacitance by manipulating spins in the opposite way from "normal" magnetocapacitance. This inverse effect, the researchers say, adds one more potentially useful phenomenon to the spintronics toolkit. "It gives us more parameter space to design devices," said Gang Xiao, chair of the physics department at Brown and one of the paper's coauthors. "Sometimes normal capacitance might be better; sometimes the inverse might be better, depending on the application. This gives us a bit more flexibility." Magnetocapacitors could be especially useful, Xiao says, in making magnetic sensors for a range of different spintronic devices, including computer hard drives and next-generation random access memory chips. The research was a collaboration between Xiao's lab at Brown, the lab of Hideo Kaiju and Taro Nagahama at Japan's Hokkaido University and the lab of Osamu Kitakami at Tohoku University. Xiao has been investigating magnetic tunneling junctions for several years. The tiny junctions can work in much the same way as capacitors in standard circuits. The insulator between the two conducting electrodes slows the free flow of current across the junction, creating resistance and another phenomenon, capacitance. But what makes tunneling junctions especially interesting is that the amount of capacitance can be changed dynamically by manipulating the spins of the electrons within the two metal electrodes. The electrodes are magnetic, meaning that electrons spinning within each electrode are pointed in one particular direction. The relative spin direction between two electrodes determines how much capacitance is present at the junction. In their initial work on this phenomenon, Xiao and the research team showed just how large the change in capacitance could be. Using electrodes made of iron-cobalt-boron, they showed that by flipping spins from anti-parallel to parallel, they could increase capacitance in experiments by 150 percent. Based on those results, the team developed a theory predicting that, under ideal conditions, the change in capacitance could actually go as high as 1,000 percent. The theory also suggested that using electrodes made from different types of metals would create an inverse magnetocapacitance effect, one in which anti-parallel spins create more capacitance than parallel spins. That's exactly what they showed in this latest study. "We used iron for one electrode and iron oxide for the other," Xiao said. "The electrical properties of the two are mirror images of each other, which is why we observed this inverse magnetocapacitance effect." Xiao says the findings not only suggest a larger parameter space for the use of magnetocapacitance in spintronic devices, they also provide important verification for the theory scientists use to explain the phenomenon. "Now we see that the theories fit well with the experiment, so we can be confident in using our theoretical models to maximize these effects, either the 'normal' effect or the inverse effect that we have demonstrated here," Xiao said. ### The work was supported by the National Science Foundation (DMR-1307056), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), 15H03981), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Dynamic Alliance for Open Innovation Bridging Human, Environment and Materials) and the Center for Spintronics Research Network at Tohoku University. Release issued jointly Brown University, Tohoku University and Hokkaido University (Boston)-- Experiencing stress-related mental health issues following deployment exposures increases risk of reduced well-being in other life domains in the years following military service for veterans. Gender plays an important role in these associations. The findings, which appear in Clinical Psychological Science, have implications for better understanding the challenges female and male veterans face upon returning from service and may lead to ways care can be optimized with consideration of the role gender may play. According to the researchers, previous studies have shown a relationship between the development of mental health issues, particularly PTSD, and decreased functioning and satisfaction with family and work for veterans. However, gender often has been overlooked as a variable, and the role of particular deployment stressors have not been extensively examined. "Our study illustrates the complex interplay between specific military exposures, mental health, and subsequent post deployment well-being between the genders," explained lead author Brian Smith, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and research psychologist in the Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System. In this study, which was completed at the VA Boston Healthcare System, 522 male and female Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans completed two surveys. The first was completed within two years of separation from military service, and included questions about veterans' military experiences as well as their current mental health. The second survey was completed approximately three and a half years later and included questions about functioning and satisfaction in the domains of work, romantic relationships and parenting. The researchers concluded that each of the deployment stressors examined--warfare exposure, military sexual harassment and family stressors--had implications for veterans' subsequent functioning and satisfaction in the areas of work and family. In addition, these exposures were often indirectly linked to functioning and satisfaction via mental health. Interestingly, the links differed between men and women. While PTSD symptoms played an important role for both genders, depression played a role as well, especially for female veterans. For example, PTSD linked all three deployment exposures and subsequent functioning and satisfaction in romantic relationships for men, while both PTSD and depression played significant roles for women. However, it is important to note that there were some similarities in risk as well. In the context of parenting, PTSD linked deployment exposures with reduced functioning for male and female veterans alike, and depression was the most important link in predicting lower satisfaction. In addition, there was evidence for direct effects of military exposures on work and family quality of life. Again, some differences between males and females were found. For example, family stressors during deployment were directly associated with increased risk for parental impairment for female veterans, whereas for men the effect was only indirect through PTSD. These findings support the position that men and women may experience different military exposures and react in different ways. "This understanding of risk for reduced well-being, including the role of gender differences, may provide further important insight as to how to best cater post-military services to veterans' unique needs following military service," added Smith. "From a clinical perspective, these findings suggest that services aimed at addressing returning veterans' reintegration into work and family life might pay particular attention to male and female veterans' experiences while deployed, as well as their current mental health." ### Funding for this study was provided by two Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research and Development Service grants: "Validation of Modified DRRI Scales in a National Sample of OEF/OIF Veterans" (DHI 09-086), Dawne Vogt, Principal Investigator, and "Work and Family Functioning in Women Veterans: Implications for VA Service Use" (IIR 12-345), Dawne Vogt and Brian Smith, Principal Investigators. Los Alamos, N.M., June 1, 2017 - A long-lasting lake on ancient Mars provided stable environmental conditions that differed significantly from one part of the lake to another, according to a comprehensive look at findings from the first three-and-a-half years of NASA's Curiosity rover mission. While previous work had revealed the presence of a lake more than three billion years ago in Mars' Gale Crater, this study defines the lake's chemical conditions and uses Curiosity's powerful payload to determine that the lake was stratified. Stratified bodies of water exhibit sharp chemical or physical differences between deep water and shallow water. In Gale's lake, the shallow water was richer in oxidants than deeper water was. "We're learning that in parts of the lake and at certain times, the water carried more oxygen," said Roger Wiens, a planetary scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and co-author of the study, published today in the journal Science. "This matters because it affects what minerals are deposited in the sediments, and also because oxygen is important for life. But we have to remember that at the time of Gale Lake, life on our planet had not yet adapted to using oxygen--photosynthesis had not yet been invented. Instead, the oxidation state of certain elements like manganese or iron may have been more important for life, if it ever existed on Mars. These oxidation states would be controlled by the dissolved oxygen content of the water." "These were very different, co-existing environments in the same lake," said Joel Hurowitz of Stony Brook University, lead author of the report. "This type of oxidant stratification is a common feature of lakes on Earth, and now we've found it on Mars. The diversity of environments in this Martian lake would have provided multiple opportunities for different types of microbes to survive." Whether Mars has ever hosted any life is still unknown, but seeking signs of life on any planet, whether Earth, Mars or more-distant icy worlds, begins with reconstruction of the environment to determine if it was capable of supporting life. NASA is using Curiosity to explore habitable environments on the ancient surface of Mars. Over more than 1,700 sols (martian days, which are 24 hours, 39 minutes long), Curiosity has traveled more than 16 km from the bottom of Gale crater part way up Mount Sharp near the center of the crater. Los Alamos National Laboratory developed the laser-shooting Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) instrument that sits atop Curiosity in conjunction with the French space agency. Los Alamos' work on discovery-driven instruments like ChemCam stems from the Laboratory's experience building and operating more than 500 spacecraft instruments for national security. Scientists are using all the data collected by ChemCam and other on-board instruments to put together a more complete picture of the geological history of Mars. ### About Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWXT Government Group and URS, an AECOM company, for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns. Philadelphia, PA, June 1, 2017 - A new study in Biological Psychiatry may pave the way for treating alcohol addiction by reducing motivation to drink, rather than by altering the effects of alcohol itself. Led by Drs. Kasia Radwanska and Leszek Kaczmarek of the Nencki Institute, Warsaw, Poland, the study reports a new mechanism behind alcohol seeking behavior. When people think about drugs to treat alcoholism, their first thought is usually a drug that stimulates or blocks a receptor for a chemical messenger. However, the new study highlights a process that changes brain activity by altering the network of proteins that surrounds nerve cells. This network of proteins, called the extracellular matrix, provides active support for the development and activity of nerve cells. The functions of the matrix are regulated, in part, by enzymes that break down matrix proteins; one of these enzymes is matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). In the study, while mice had free access to alcohol to establish addiction-like behavior, those missing the enzyme MMP-9 (MMP-9 KO) drank just as much as normal mice. However, first author Dr. Marzena Stefaniuk and colleagues found that MMP-9 KO mice were less motivated to obtain alcohol when its access was restricted, and less persistent to seek alcohol during withdrawal -- behaviors normally characteristic of addiction. The researchers were able to restore the impaired motivation by replacing MMP-9 in the central amygdala, a part of the brain's emotional center that has also been implicated in alcohol dependence. "Interestingly, in human alcoholics, the MMP-9 gene polymorphism that leads to a higher MMP-9 production correlates with greater motivation to drink alcohol," said Dr. Kaczmarek, referring to their analysis of 167 alcohol-addicted males compared with 199 control males, also included in the new study. Using a clinical assessment of alcoholism behavior, the researchers found that addicted people with a T allele in the MMP-9 gene continued to drink alcohol despite the negative consequences more frequently than patients with a C allele. The findings further support the role of MMP-9 in motivation for alcohol. "Matrix metalloproteinases play critical roles in brain function and disease that have only recently received intensive study," said Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry. "The exciting study by Stefaniuk and colleagues implicates them in alcohol use disorders, but they are likely to play roles quite broadly in psychiatric disorders. It will be important to determine whether these proteins may be targeted therapeutically." In previous studies, MMP-9 has been demonstrated to be mandatory in the central amygdala for formation of appetitive memory traces via synaptic plasticity -- the structural and physiological alteration of synapses, the connections that facilitate communication between neurons. Indeed, the loss of MMP-9 in mice impaired structural and physiological alcohol-related alterations in the central amygdala, leading the authors to suggest MMP-9-dependent synaptic plasticity in this brain region as a new mechanism behind alcohol craving. "In aggregate, these findings point to MMP-9 as a novel therapeutic target in fighting alcohol addiction," said Kaczmarek. ### Notes for editors The article is "Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Synaptic Plasticity in the Central Amygdala in Control of Alcohol-Seeking Behavior," by Marzena Stefaniuk, Anna Beroun, Tomasz Lebitko, Olga Markina, Szymon Leski, Ksenia Meyza, Anna Grzywacz, Jerzy Samochowiec, Agnieszka Samochowiec, Kasia Radwanska, and Leszek Kaczmarek. It appears in Biological Psychiatry, volume 81, issue 11 (June 2017), published by Elsevier. Copies of this paper are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact Rhiannon Bugno at biol.psych@utsouthwestern.edu or +1 214 648 0880. Journalists wishing to interview the authors may contact Leszek Kaczmarek, Ph.D., at l.kaczmarek@nencki.gov.pl. The authors' affiliations and disclosures of financial and conflicts of interests are available in the article. John H. Krystal, M.D., is Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, Chief of Psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital, and a research psychiatrist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. His disclosures of financial and conflicts of interests are available here. About Biological Psychiatry Biological Psychiatry is the official journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, whose purpose is to promote excellence in scientific research and education in fields that investigate the nature, causes, mechanisms and treatments of disorders of thought, emotion, or behavior. In accord with this mission, this peer-reviewed, rapid-publication, international journal publishes both basic and clinical contributions from all disciplines and research areas relevant to the pathophysiology and treatment of major psychiatric disorders. The journal publishes novel results of original research which represent an important new lead or significant impact on the field, particularly those addressing genetic and environmental risk factors, neural circuitry and neurochemistry, and important new therapeutic approaches. Reviews and commentaries that focus on topics of current research and interest are also encouraged. Biological Psychiatry is one of the most selective and highly cited journals in the field of psychiatric neuroscience. It is ranked 5th out of 140 Psychiatry titles and 11th out of 256 Neurosciences titles in the Journal Citations Reports published by Thomson Reuters. The 2015 Impact Factor score for Biological Psychiatry is 11.212. About Elsevier Elsevier is a global information analytics company that helps institutions and professionals progress science, advance healthcare and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 35,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com Media contact Rhiannon Bugno Editorial Office, Biological Psychiatry +1 214 648 0880 biol.psych@utsouthwestern.edu Surprisingly, there are still plant species waiting to be discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. Some are detected thanks to the latest study methods, and others, such as Linaria becerrae, are described when reinterpreting species which are already known. This new Malaga plant had been classified by mistake for 176 years. The genus Linaria has about 150 species distributed throughout Europe, North Africa, and central and western Asia, but its main centre of diversity is in the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb. It is there that exclusive plants are found, discovered during the last two centuries, with very small distribution areas, sometimes threatened with extinction. In Spain, in 1841, the Swiss botanist Pierre Edmond Boissier described the species Linaria salzmanii, which was named in honour of the botanist Philipp Salzmann who contributed to the knowledge of Iberian flora. Thanks to the material from Guejar Sierra in Granada that Boissier analysed, it was determined that the plant was typical of sandy substrates, often dolomitic (rocky), and was found in the provinces of Granada, Malaga and Jaen. But, in his visit to our country in 1837, the scientist never actually came to check the presence of the species near the town of El Chorro, in the western part of the province of Malaga, due to the likely existence of bandits. This has led to an error that lasted for almost two centuries. Scientists from the universities of Granada and Almeria have now carried out an exhaustive analysis of the populations of this species, and have observed that the plants found in Malaga differ significantly from those found in Granada: they have flowers with a long and straight spur, which are uniform in colour and intensely violet, except for a yellow spot at the entrance to the tube of the corolla (the area called the palate), with subtle violet veins. "These and other considerations led our team to the description of the new species, Linaria becerrae. By mistake, it had previously been considered that the species described by Boissier was that of Malaga," explains Gabriel Gabrielto, one of the authors of the study published in Phytotaxa and a researcher at the University of Granada, to SINC The plant has been named in honour of the botanist from Malaga, Manuel Becerra Parra, who had already recorded the differences between the Linaria species in the province of Malaga, and promoted this work. A plant in need of protection At present, the original population of Linaria salzmannii has disappeared due to the construction of the Canales dam, and Linaria becerrae is now considered exclusive of the west of the province of Malaga, where it lives in areas bordering the protected natural area of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a well-known tourist site. The species forms communities of rapidly developing grasses in sandy substrates resulting from the decomposition of molasses (conglomerates and detrital sandstones). "Although it is frequent in this area, the reach of this type of substrates is very small, so it should be part of the catalogue of protected species," suggests Blanca, for whom there are still species to be discovered not only by misinterpretations as in the case of this Malaga plant, but also for the detection of new organisms thanks to resolute methods of study. In fact, with the application of molecular biology or the existence of exhaustive reference works to better detect any novelties, the team that has described L. becerrae has recently published five new species in eastern Andalusia: Tragopogon lainzii, Galatella malacitana, Sisymbrium isatidifolium, Rivasmartinezia cazorlana and Teucrium teresianum. ### Reference: Blanca, Gabriel; Cueto, Miguel; Fuentes, Julian. "Linaria becerrae (Plantaginaceae), a new endemic species from the southern Spain, and remarks on what Linaria salzmannii is and is not" Phytotaxa 298(3): 261-268 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.298.3.5 Mach 2017 Cholesterol, a naturally occurring compound at the lung surface, has been shown to have a clear effect on the properties of this nanoscale film that covers the inside of our lungs. Cholesterol levels in this system may affect the lung's function, according to researchers at Lund University in Sweden who have published a new study on the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties. The new findings provide new insights into this vital physiological system. The zone in the lung where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between the body and the air we inhale are called the alveoli. Now, in a joint study, researchers in chemistry and medicine at Lund University have more closely examined the thin film of proteins and fats that stabilises and protects the alveoli. This film, known as surfactant, also affects the transport of various molecules between the air and the body's blood vessels. "Our study addresses the effect of cholesterol on the surface of the alveoli. We have obtained astonishingly clear results", says Emma Sparr, professor of chemistry at Lund University. Cholesterol constitutes a natural ingredient in the thin surfactant that covers the inside of our lungs, but it is almost completely absent from the clinical preparations used in healthcare to treat premature babies. "In very premature babies, the film on the surface of the alveoli has not had time to develop completely. Although we administer surfactant drugs, usually extracted from pig's lungs, to good effect in the acute phase, we still see pronounced long-term damage to the lungs of these extreme premature babies", says Marcus Larsson, a physician and researcher at Lund University's Faculty of Medicine. In the current study, the researchers used advanced NMR technology, or nuclear magnetic resonance, to map how cholesterol affects the molecular structure of the thin film in the alveoli. The method enabled the researchers to extract completely new molecular information and to compare the appearance of the structure with and without cholesterol. "This difference in the molecular structure of the film could be very significant to its function; both the transport of substances and the mechanical properties could be influenced by this", says Emma Sparr. She now hopes that the research study will contribute to elucidating the significance of cholesterol for the surface of the alveoli and that resulting knowledge about this bodily surface layer can support the development of new clinical methods. "The effect of cholesterol on the surface of the alveoli is very clear and could eventually be included in the clinical preparations, which makes good sense as our own bodily surfactant contains this substance in quite significant levels", says Marcus Larsson. ### The study in question is a collaboration between researchers from Lund University and the University of Halle in Germany. In a new study published in Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, a team from Michigan Technological University calculated the cost of combusting coal in terms of human lives along with the potential benefits of switching to solar. Health Impacts Tens of thousands of Americans die prematurely each year from air pollution-related diseases associated with burning coal. By transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the US, up to 51,999 American lives would be saved at $1.1 million invested per life. "Unlike other public health investments, you get more than lives saved," says Joshua Pearce, a professor of materials science and electrical engineering at Michigan Tech. "In addition to saving lives, solar is producing electricity, which has economic value." Using a sensitivity analysis on the value of electricity, which examines the different costs of electricity that varies by region throughout the country, saving a life by using solar power also showed potential to make money -- sometimes as much as several million dollars per life, says Pearce. "Everybody wants to avoid wasting money. Just based off the pure value of electricity of the sensitivities we looked at, it's profitable to save American lives by eliminating coal with solar," he explains. Pearce worked with energy policy doctoral student Emily Prehoda on the study, and their main goal was to better inform health policy. They gathered data from peer-reviewed journals and the Environmental Protection Agency to calculate US deaths per kilowatt hour per year for both coal and solar. Then they used current costs of solar installations from the Department of Energy and calculated the potential return on investment. Pearce and Prehoda also analyzed the geographic impact of coal-related deaths. "Here, we have solid numbers on how many people die from air pollution and what fraction of that is due to coal-powered plants in each state." Power of Solar To fully replace all the coal production in the US with solar PV, it would take 755 gigawatts -- a significant increase compared to the 22.7 gigawatts of solar installed in the US currently. The total cost of installing that much solar power totals $1.5 trillion, but that investment is figured into Pearce and Prehoda's calculations, and is a profitable investment. As Pearce sums it up: "Solar has come down radically in cost, it's technically viable, and coupled with natural gas plants, other renewables and storage, we have ways to produce all the electricity we need without coal, period." He says resisting the rise of solar energy is akin to if computer manufacturers kept using vacuum tube switches instead of upgrading to semiconductor transistors. "My overall take away from this study," Pearce says, "is that if we're rational and we care about American lives -- or even just money -- then it's time to end coal in the US." Next Steps The World Health Organization reports that millions die each year from unhealthy environment, air pollution notably the largest contributor to non-communicable diseases like stroke, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses and heart disease. Future work can expand this study globally. "There's roughly seven million people who die globally from air pollution every year, so getting rid of coal could take a big chunk out of that number as well," Pearce says, adding that another goal of future research is to dig deeper into the life cycles of coal production as this study only looked at air pollution related deaths. Doing so will continue to illuminate the multiple positive impacts of solar power and its potential to do more than keep the lights on. ### WASHINGTON, D.C. June 1, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced more than $6.6 million for 10 grants to combat childhood obesity, a public health issue that affects one in five school-aged children. The funding is made possible through NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. "Healthy habits start with families," said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. "With these NIFA investments, we are helping at-risk families make lifestyle changes that will add up to a lifetime of better health for their children." AFRI is America's flagship competitive grants program for foundational and translational research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. The AFRI Childhood Obesity Prevention Challenge Area supports projects to gain a better understanding of the factors behind childhood weight gain, to develop and expand effective interventions, and to train more parents, caregivers, and educators to promote childhood obesity prevention. Fiscal year 2016 grants include: University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, $148,163 University of Connecticut, Mansfield, Connecticut, $149,996 New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, $800,000 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, $800,000 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina $988,645 Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, $150,000 Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $978,383 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, $900,000 Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, $800,000 American University, Washington, D.C., $900,000 Among these FY16 projects is an online educational program offered by Rutgers University to help parents promote healthy eating and home environments among preschool-age children. Vanderbilt University will develop and test a smartphone application that provides culturally appropriate shopping and nutrition education for low-income women with young children. More information on these projects is available on the NIFA website. To date, NIFA has invested more than $168 million through the AFRI Childhood Obesity Prevention Challenge Area. Among previously funded projects, Colorado State University is conducting an education and extension project to improve health behaviors of 4-year-old children in five Head Start centers across eastern Colorado. The project measures preschoolers' willingness to try new foods and encourages more physical activity. Researchers are also developing mobile applications to improve parent-child interaction related to healthy eating and exercise. Among results to date, the program has trained 57 Head Start educators, it has also increased preschoolers' motor skills and prevented weight gain in children who were overweight or obese at the beginning of the program. A Cornell University project is improving the lunch room experience by examining how environmental changes affect the selection and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Researchers analyzed consumption patterns by using tray waste data at 24 urban, rural, and suburban middle school cafeterias in New York State. Study finding suggest that environmental changes - such as decorating the cafeteria with healthy food posters, or offering vegetables at every service area - could result in a greater increase in selection and consumption of healthy items such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. By helping children develop better eating habits at school, this project can help reduce calorie intake and improve nutrition. NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and promotes transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. NIFA's integrated research, education and extension programs support the best and brightest scientists and extension personnel whose work results in user-inspired, groundbreaking discoveries that combat childhood obesity, improve and sustain rural economic growth, address water availability issues, increase food production, find new sources of energy, mitigate climate variability, and ensure food safety. To learn more about NIFA's impact on agricultural science, visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAimpacts. ### One, two and now three historic waves have come from deep space -- confirmed again by a chirping sound that was like music to the soul for the worldwide group of scientists waiting for it. An international research team, including Northwestern University scientists and engineers, today (June 1) announced the third detection of gravitational waves -- ripples in the fabric of space and time, first predicted by Albert Einstein more than a century ago. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) made the detection Jan. 4, 2017, demonstrating that a new window in astronomy has been firmly opened. Gravitational waves pass through Earth and can be "heard" by the extremely sensitive LIGO detectors. As was the case with the first two detections, the waves were generated when two black holes merged to form a larger black hole. The long-awaited triumph in September 2015 of the first-ever direct observation of gravitational waves completed Einstein's vision of a universe in which space and time are interwoven and dynamic. The third and latest detection points to merging black holes that are twice as far away from Earth as the two earlier pairs -- about 3 billion light-years away. And this time the two black holes were unequal in size, one significantly lighter than the other. They merged into a black hole whose size is in the middle of the other two merged black hole pairs. "Our handful of detections so far is revealing an intriguing black hole population we did not know existed until now," said Northwestern's Vicky Kalogera, a senior astrophysicist with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), which conducts research related to the twin LIGO detectors, located in the U.S. "Now we have three pairs of black holes, each pair ending their death spiral dance over millions or billions of years in some of the most powerful explosions in the universe. In astronomy, we say with three objects of the same type you have a class. We have a population, and we can do analysis." Kalogera is director of Northwestern's astrophysics center, CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics) and the Erastus O. Haven Professor of Physics and Astronomy in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She leads Northwestern's LSC group, which includes Shane L. Larson, research associate professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern and an astronomer at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and Selim Shahriar, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering. One postdoctoral fellow, five graduate students and five undergraduate students also are involved in the LIGO research. "Northwestern is a unique research center of astrophysics," Kalogera said. "We excel at the theoretical astrophysics and high-performance computer simulations needed to make predictions for how massive stars form black holes and also how binary black holes merge into a single object. At present, Northwestern is the only place in the world that is home to researchers working on all possible formation paths of these binary black holes. We are at the forefront of this fast-moving area." For all three detections, Northwestern scientists have been involved in the core data science that allows the researchers to weigh the black holes, figure out how heavy they are and determine how fast the black holes are spinning around their own axes, before and after the mergers. "Once again, the black holes are heavy," Larson said. "The first black holes LIGO detected were twice as heavy as we ever would have expected. Now we've all been churning our cranks trying to figure out all the interesting myriad ways we can imagine the universe making big and heavy black holes. And Northwestern is strong in this research area, so we are excited." The third detection is described in a new paper accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review Letters. "With the third confirmed detection of gravitational waves from the collision of two black holes, LIGO is establishing itself as a powerful observatory for revealing the dark side of the universe," said David Reitze of Caltech, executive director of the LIGO Laboratory and a Northwestern alumnus. "While LIGO is uniquely suited to observing these types of events, we hope to see other types of astrophysical events soon, such as the violent collision of two neutron stars." The latest finding solidifies the case for a new class of black hole pairs, or binary black holes, with masses that are larger than researchers believed possible before LIGO. The newfound black hole, formed by the pair's merger, has a mass about 49 times that of our sun. This fills in a gap between the masses of the two merged black holes detected previously by LIGO, which had solar masses of 62 (first detection) and 21 (second detection). "We have further confirmation of the existence of black holes that are heavier than 20 solar masses, objects we didn't know existed before LIGO detected them," said David Shoemaker of MIT, the newly elected spokesperson for the LSC. "It is remarkable that humans can put together a story and test it, for such strange and extreme events that took place billions of years ago and billions of light-years distant from us." The new detection, called GW170104, occurred during LIGO's current observing run, which began Nov. 30, 2016, and will continue through the summer. LIGO's observations are carried out by twin detectors, one in Hanford, Washington, and the other in Livingston, Louisiana. LIGO made the first detection of gravitational waves in September 2015 during its first observing run since undergoing major upgrades in a program called Advanced LIGO. The second detection was made in December 2015. (The LIGO detectors were offline for nearly a year, from January to November 2016.) In all three cases, each of the twin detectors of LIGO detected gravitational waves from the tremendously energetic mergers of black hole pairs -- collisions that produce more power during the instant before the black holes merge than is radiated as light by all the stars and galaxies in the universe at any given time. The recent detection is the farthest yet, with the black holes located about 3 billion light-years away. (The black holes in the first and second detections are located 1.3 and 1.4 billion light-years away, respectively.) There are two primary models to explain how binary pairs of black holes can be formed, and both models are being studied at Northwestern. In one model, the black holes come together later in life within crowded stellar clusters. The black holes pair up after they sink to the center of a star cluster. In this scenario, the black holes can spin in any direction relative to their orbital motion. Fred Rasio, the Joseph Cummings Professor in Weinberg College's department of physics and astronomy, leads the Northwestern research group studying this formation path, in collaboration with Kalogera. The other model proposes that the black holes are born in the same binary system: they form when each star in a pair of stars explodes, and then, because the original stars were spinning in alignment, the black holes remain mostly aligned, even if not perfectly aligned. Kalogera leads the Northwestern research group studying this formation path. GW170104 hints that at least one of the two black-hole spins might be misaligned with the binary orbit, mildly favoring the formation theory of dense stellar clusters. Northwestern research is at the forefront of these key scientific questions. ### The LIGO Laboratory is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by Caltech and MIT, which conceived and built the observatory. The NSF led in financial support for the Advanced LIGO project, with funding organizations in Germany (MPG), the U.K. (STFC) and Australia (ARC) making significant commitments to the project. More than 1,000 scientists and engineers from around the world participate in the effort through the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, which includes the GEO Collaboration. LIGO partners with the Virgo Collaboration, which is supported by Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) and Nikhef, as well as Virgo's host institution, the European Gravitational Observatory, a consortium that includes 280 additional scientists throughout Europe. Additional partners are listed at: http://ligo.org/partners.php. The European Physical Journal E - Soft Matter and Biological Physics (EPJE) has awarded Iranian physicist Ramin Golestanian the 2017 EPJE Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Lecture Prize. Golestanian was selected for his outstanding theoretical contributions to the physics of microswimmers and their hydrodynamic interactions which have led to a series of exciting new discoveries and stimulated the development of the field of active matter. This is the sixth time this prestigious prize, named after the Nobel laureate who founded EPJE, has been awarded. The EPJE Pierre-Gilles de Gennes lecture will be delivered by Golestanian during the 10th Liquid Matter Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, which takes place from 17-21 July 2017. Ramin Golestanian completed his PhD at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS) in Zanjan, Iran, under the remote supervision of Mehran Kardar from MIT. He followed with an independent postdoctoral research fellowship at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Before joining the University of Oxford in 2010 as professor of theoretical condensed matter physics, he held academic positions at IASBS and the University of Sheffield. His broad research interests include nonequilibrium statistical physics, soft matter, and biological physics. Golestanian is renowned for his work on active matter and, in particular, for his role in developing microscopic swimmers and active colloids. He is recipient of the Holweck Medal of the Societe Francaise de Physique and the Institute of Physics, and is the author of over 130 articles in peer reviewed journals. He recently edited a special issue on active matter in EPJE together with physicist Sriram Ramaswamy. The EPJE Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Lecture Prize is sponsored by the European Physical Journal (EPJ) co-publishers, which consist of the Italian Physical Society (SIF) and the publishers EDP Sciences and Springer. It is awarded to outstanding scientists for their contribution to soft matter research. The European Physical Journal E publishes papers describing advances in the understanding of physical aspects of soft matter and biological systems. This includes reports of experimental, computational and theoretical studies and appeals to the broad interdisciplinary communities including physics, chemistry, biology and materials science. The European Physical Journals are international peer-reviewed publications covering the whole spectrium of pure and applied physics, including related interdisciplinary subjects. They are a continuation of Acta Physica Hungarica, Anales de Fisica, Czechoslovak Journal of Physics, Fizika A, Il Nuovo Cimento, Journal de Physique, Portugaliae Physica and Zeitschrift fur Physik. The EPJE Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Lecture will be given on Thursday 20 July at 9:00am (CET) during the 10th Liquid Matter Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia. ### Springer is a leading global scientific, technical and medical portfolio, providing researchers in academia, scientific institutions and corporate R&D departments with quality content through innovative information, products and services. Springer has one of the strongest STM and HSS eBook collections and archives, as well as a comprehensive range of hybrid and open access journals. Springer is part of Springer Nature, a global publisher that serves and supports the research community. Springer Nature aims to advance discovery by publishing robust and insightful science, supporting the development of new areas of research and making ideas and knowledge accessible around the world. As part of Springer Nature, Springer sits alongside other trusted brands like Nature Research, BioMed Central and Palgrave Macmillan. Visit http://www.springer.com and follow @SpringerNature LA JOLLA, CA - June 1, 2017 - Before Ebola virus ever struck West Africa, locals were already on the lookout for a deadly pathogen: Lassa virus. With thousands dying from Lassa every year--and the potential for the virus to cause even larger outbreaks--researchers are committed to designing a vaccine to stop it. Now a team led by Staff Scientist Kathryn Hastie and Professor Erica Ollmann Saphire at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has solved the structure of the viral machinery that Lassa virus uses to enter human cells. Their study, published June 2, 2017 in the journal Science, is the first to show a key piece of the viral structure, called the surface glycoprotein, for any member of the deadly arenavirus family. Importantly, the new structure provides a blueprint to design a Lassa virus vaccine. "This was a tenacious effort--over a decade--to conquer a global threat," said Ollmann Saphire, senior author of the new study. Arenavirus Structure Had Never Been Seen Before This story starts with a young graduate student in San Diego and leads all the way to Sierra Leone, to a unique hospital where Lassa fever victims arrive by the thousands every year. When Hastie joined Ollmann Saphire's lab as a graduate student in 2007, she told her thesis committee she wanted to solve the structure of the assembled arenavirus glycoprotein, something never done before. "Maybe it was my graduate student naivete, but I thought it sounded interesting," said Hastie. "The thesis committee looked at her and said, 'good luck!' " Ollmann Saphire remembered. In biology, solving a structure means determining its shape in 3D. Hastie planned to solve the structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein using a technique called x-ray crystallography, in which researchers prompt protein molecules from a virus to align and form a crystal. When x-rays hit the electrons in the crystal, they create a diffraction pattern that reveals the organization of the crystal and the molecular structure of the protein that formed it. By solving the structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein, Hastie hoped to create a map of the target on the virus where antibodies need to attack--a key step in developing a vaccine. X-ray crystallography depends on having a stable protein, yet all the Lassa virus glycoprotein wanted to do was fall apart. The problem was that glycoproteins are made up of smaller subunits. Other viruses have bonds that hold the subunits together, "like a staple," Hastie said. Arenaviruses don't have that staple; instead, the subunits just floated away from each other whenever Hastie tried to work with them. Another challenge was to recreate part of the viral lifecycle in the lab--a stage when Lassa's glycoprotein gets clipped into two subunits. "We had to figure out how to get the subunits to be sufficiently clipped and where to put the staple to make sure they stayed together," Hastie said. Meeting Patients in West Africa As Hastie tackled those challenges from her lab bench in San Diego, staff at the Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone labored on the front lines of the ongoing fight against Lassa. Until the 2014-15 Ebola virus outbreak, Kenema was the only hospital in the world to have a special ward dedicated to treating hemorrhagic fever viruses. Staff at the clinic--from the nurses to the ambulance drivers--are all Lassa survivors, which gives them immunity to the disease. Scientists at TSRI have a long-term collaboration with Kenema as part of a research program run by Tulane University. "We have an excellent working relationship with them," said Hastie. Through this program, their Tulane collaborators, particularly James Robinson's group, provided the TSRI scientists with antibodies from survivors of Lassa fever. These antibodies could inactivate the virus and have been found to provide lifesaving protection to animal models. These are the kinds of antibodies researchers are hoping to elicit with a future Lassa virus vaccine. In 2009, Hastie got to visit Kenema on a trip with Ollmann Saphire. Driving up to the hospital, the team saw the staff laundry hanging outside. Inside, scientists and staff were hard at work treating patients and studying Lassa. "I had been working on the project for two years with very little success at that point," Hastie said. "Going to West Africa showed me how important it was to keep going." Like Ebola virus, Lassa fever starts with flu-like symptoms and can lead to debilitating vomiting, neurological problems and even hemorrhaging from the eyes, gums and nose. The disease is 50 to 70 percent fatal--and up to 90 percent fatal in pregnant women. In between her hours studying samples in the clinic lab, Hastie visited nearby villages, where she met ecologists investigating how rodents spread the disease. In one village, locals gave the team a goat as a thank-you gift for their efforts to fight the disease. Both Hastie and Ollmann Saphire found it bizarre that Lassa strikes so many people every year without making news headlines. "Studying Lassa is critically important. Hundreds of thousands of people are infected with the virus every year, and it is the viral hemorrhagic fever that most frequently comes to the United States and Europe," said Ollmann Saphire. "Kate's study needed to be done." Success in Solving the Structure It took several more years before Hastie saw promising results, but her perseverance paid off. By creating mutant versions of important parts of the molecule, she engineered a version of the Lassa virus surface glycoprotein that didn't fall apart. She then used this model glycoprotein as a sort of magnet to find antibodies in patient samples that could bind with the glycoprotein to neutralize the virus. At last, she solved the structure of the Lassa virus glycoprotein, bound to a neutralizing antibody from a human survivor. Her structure showed that the glycoprotein has two parts. She compared the shape to an ice cream cone and a scoop of ice cream. A subunit called GP2 forms the cone, and the GP1 subunit sits on top. They work together when they encounter a host cell. GP1 binds to a host cell receptor, and GP2 starts the fusion process to enter that cell. The new structure also showed a long structure hanging off the side of GP1--like a drip of melting ice cream running down the cone. This "drip" holds the two subunits together in their pre-fusion state. Zooming in even closer, Hastie discovered that three of the GP1-GP2 pairs come together like a tripod. This arrangement appears to be unique to Lassa virus. Other viruses, such as influenza and HIV, also have three-part proteins (called trimers) at this site, but their subunits come together to form a pole, not a tripod. "It was great to see exactly how Lassa was different from other viruses," said Hastie, 10 years after starting the project. "It was a tremendous relief to finally have the structure." This tripod arrangement offers a path for vaccine design. The scientists found that 90 percent of the effective antibodies in Lassa patients targeted the spot where the three GP subunits came together. These antibodies locked the subunits together, preventing the virus from gearing up to enter a host cell. A future vaccine would likely have the greatest chance of success if it could trigger the body to produce antibodies to target the same site. Ollmann Saphire couldn't be prouder of her former student and long-time collaborator. She explained that Hastie accomplished something unique in structural biology. "TSRI has an institutional expertise in understanding viral structures and antibodies--and in designing vaccines," said Ollmann Saphire. "This study goes even further. The research started from scratch with the native, wild-type viruses in patients in a remote clinic--and went all the way to developing a basis for vaccine design. And the work was done almost entirely by one woman." Moving Forward with a Lassa Vaccine The next step is to test a vaccine that will prompt the immune system to target Lassa's glycoprotein. "There's a tremendous global interest," Ollmann Saphire said. "I think the world woke up when they saw the scale of the Ebola outbreak." As director of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Immunotherapeutic Consortium, Ollmann Saphire is already coordinating with her partners at Tulane and Kenema to bring a vaccine to patients. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), an international collaboration that includes the Wellcome Trust and the World Health Organization as partners has recently named a vaccine for Lassa virus as one of its top three priorities. "The community is keenly interested in making a Lassa vaccine, and we think we have the best template to do that," said Ollmann Saphire. She added that with Hastie's techniques for solving arenavirus structures, researchers can now get a closer look at other hemorrhagic fever viruses, which cause death, neurological diseases and even birth defects around the world. Structural biology has recently opened new doors in vaccine design, the researchers explained. Efforts to stabilize the surface protein of HIV-1 and respiratory syncytial virus, for example, are also leading to improved immunogens that can be recognized by the most potent antibodies. Ollmann Saphire added that the Department of Energy-supported beamlines, such as 12-2 at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), which provided the x-ray beam used to finally determine the Lassa virus glycoprotein structure, and recent detector upgrades are essential for on-going advances in structural biology. ### In addition to Ollmann Saphire and Hastie, authors of the study, "Structural basis for antibody-mediated neutralization of Lassa virus," were Michelle A. Zandonatti of TSRI; James E. Robinson and Robert F. Garry of Tulane University; Lara M. Kleinfelter and Kartik Chandran of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; and Megan L. Heinrich, Megan M. Rowland and Luis M. Branco of Zalgen Labs. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants 1U19AI109762-01, R21 AI116112 and contract HHSC272200900049C) and an Investigators in Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. A new report by Smithsonian archaeologists and colleagues in the International Journal of Paleopathology identifies a bone tumor in the upper right arm of an adolescent who was buried in about 1300 AD in a trash heap at a site in western Panama called Cerro Brujo or Witch Hill. The reason for what appears to be a ritual burial in this abandoned pre-Colombian settlement is unknown. "Based on the analysis of a tooth from the individual, we think he or she was buried about 150 years after the settlement was abandoned," said Nicole Smith-Guzman, post-doctoral fellow in staff scientist Richard Cooke's lab at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. "And based on the fact that the body was tightly wrapped in the fetal position and buried face down with two clay pots and a shell trumpet like those still used by indigenous Ngabe people in this area today, we consider this a ritual burial." STRI archaeologist Olga Linares (1936-2014) and Anthony Ranere, professor emeritus at Temple University, discovered the burial in 1970, during a study funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Linares proposed that the first inhabitants of Cerro Brujo were farmers who had fled to the site, about 3 kilometers from the Caribbean coast, from the nearby Chiriqui highlands when Volcan Baru erupted in approximately 600 AD. Linares and Ranere found evidence that the site was inhabited twice, once from about 600 AD and a second time between 780 and 1252 AD. The burial in question, in the largest of five ancient trash pits at the site, may have been placed there because it was the site where the individual's ancestors lived. A large town site nearby, Sitio Drago near Boca del Drago on Isla Colon, excavated by UCLA archaeologist Tom Wake was occupied from roughly 600 AD until 1410 AD. Smith-Guzman is a bioarchaeologist who analyzes ancient bones to look for signs of health problems. In looking at the remains from the site 46 years later, she was surprised to find evidence of cancer in the upper right arm of an individual who was probably 14-16 years old. She took the bones to the Centro Radiologico Metropolitano in Panama City and also to the radiology department at Punta Pacifica Hospital. "As far as we know, this is the first case of cancer in ancient human remains reported from Central America," Smith-Guzman said. "Both osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, the two most likely cancers in this case, are most common in children and adolescents. Most of the published cases of these cancers in the past were from adults--probably due to the poor preservation of non-adult skeletal remains--making this find especially rare." Most of the other examples of bone cancers are from places in the world with much more extensive collections of archaeological material. This form of cancer typically leaves a very characteristic "sunburst" pattern in the bone. The bones also show evidence of anemia that may have been a result of the cancer or of another inflammatory or metabolic disease. Three dimensional models of the humerus, one from a CT scan and the other from photogrammetry, are available in a program called Sketch Fab and in the supplementary material included in the article for use by other archaeologists and health professionals. Shell trumpets like the one at the site made from an Atlantic triton shell (Charonia variegata) are used in the balseria ritual practiced by Ngabe peoples in this region of Panama. The Ngabe believe that a disruption of the balance between the natural and supernatural worlds can lead to sickness when a malevolent spirit enters the body during a dream to steal the soul. Traditionally, when a person was sick, a Ngabe shaman, called a Sukia, would attempt to heal a patient using herbal remedies such as Hoffmannia longipetiolata, a plant still used in Ngabe communities as an analgesic. Smith-Guzman will use DNA analysis, in collaboration with geneticists at the University of Gottingen, to learn more about the ancestry of the individual and the type of cancer s/he suffered from. ### Smith-Guzman, N.E., Toretsky, J.A., Tsai, J, and Cooke R. G., 2017. A probable primary malignant bone tumor in a pre-Colombian human humerus from Cerro Brujo, Bocas del Toro, Panama. International Journal of Paleopathology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.05.005 A computer's ability to predict a patient's lifespan simply by looking at images of their organs is a step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to new research led by the University of Adelaide. The research, now published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, has implications for the early diagnosis of serious illness, and medical intervention. Researchers from the University's School of Public Health and School of Computer Science, along with Australian and international collaborators, used artificial intelligence to analyse the medical imaging of 48 patients' chests. This computer-based analysis was able to predict which patients would die within five years, with 69% accuracy - comparable to 'manual' predictions by clinicians. This is the first study of its kind using medical images and artificial intelligence. "Predicting the future of a patient is useful because it may enable doctors to tailor treatments to the individual," says lead author Dr Luke Oakden-Rayner, a radiologist and PhD student with the University of Adelaide's School of Public Health. "The accurate assessment of biological age and the prediction of a patient's longevity has so far been limited by doctors' inability to look inside the body and measure the health of each organ. "Our research has investigated the use of 'deep learning', a technique where computer systems can learn how to understand and analyse images. "Although for this study only a small sample of patients was used, our research suggests that the computer has learnt to recognise the complex imaging appearances of diseases, something that requires extensive training for human experts," Dr Oakden-Rayner says. While the researchers could not identify exactly what the computer system was seeing in the images to make its predictions, the most confident predictions were made for patients with severe chronic diseases such as emphysema and congestive heart failure. "Instead of focusing on diagnosing diseases, the automated systems can predict medical outcomes in a way that doctors are not trained to do, by incorporating large volumes of data and detecting subtle patterns," Dr Oakden-Rayner says. "Our research opens new avenues for the application of artificial intelligence technology in medical image analysis, and could offer new hope for the early detection of serious illness, requiring specific medical interventions." The researchers hope to apply the same techniques to predict other important medical conditions, such as the onset of heart attacks. The next stage of their research involves analysing tens of thousands of patient images. ### Media Contacts: Dr Luke Oakden-Rayner Radiologist and PhD student School of Public Health The University of Adelaide luke.oakden-rayner@adelaide.edu.au Professor Lyle Palmer Professor of Genetic Epidemiology School of Public Health The University of Adelaide lyle.palmer@adelaide.edu.au Experts, charities, the media and government confuse the public by speaking "different languages" on climate change, a new study says. The research team focussed on Colombia and likened climate change communication to a "broken phone". They said information from the government was often presented to the public in a "very technical way" and rarely included any type of call to action. Meanwhile, academics rarely discussed the issues with people outside academia, and messages from non-profit organisations were "lost in the middle of the information agenda of traditional media". "The article is the first effort to identify how climate change is communicated in Colombia from different sectors," said co-author Dr Dunia H. Urrego, of the University of Exeter. "We wanted to understand what challenges and opportunities the country faces due to climate change. "It is clear from our research that development plans and public policy decisions at national, regional and local level increasingly require clear and accurate information." The report found that the Colombian government and media were both failing to stimulate interest in climate change and explain how it would affect people's daily lives. Universities and non-profit organisations were failing to attract media attention for their research and communication strategies, the report added. "The recent peace agreement in Colombia has increased international and UK interest in research in Colombia, a possibility that has hitherto been limited by the armed conflict," said Dr Urrego. "For this reason, academic production relevant to climate change and conservation in Colombia is likely to increase in the coming years. "This creates the perfect opportunity to outline a science communication strategy that is effective at impacting levels of society beyond academia, including the general public, the government and the communities directly affected by climate change". The authors suggest that scientists who produce information on climate change should estimate the levels of understanding that Colombians have about the issue. They also suggest the government and academics should try to measure how much the information they release affects people's actions. And they advise that successful communications strategies developed by non-profit organisations should be replicated by similar organisations, the government and academics. "It is hoped that this effort will open spaces for dialogue that stimulate the reflection and importance of the topic of climate change," said first author Luisa Fernanda Lema Velez from Fondo Accion, an NGO based in Bogota. ### The authors -- all of whom are Colombian -- also include Daniel Hermelin, of EAFIT University in Colombia, and Maria Margarita Fontecha, a journalist and sustainable development practice masters student at the University of Florida in the US. The study, published on Oxford Research Encyclopaedias, is entitled: "Climate change communication in Colombia" and is an invited publication from guest editor Dr Saffron O'Neill of the University of Exeter. Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel gene defect that causes a hereditary blistering disorder of the skin, epidermolysis bullosa, in dogs. Epidermolysis bullosa, found in the Central Asian Shepherd dog breed, occurs also in humans due to an identical gene found in both canines and humans. Hereditary blistering disorders of the skin are found with varying severity in both humans and animals. A symptom typical of all disease types is fragile skin that is easily damaged, followed by blistering and abrasion of the skin. This is caused by a defect in or deficiency of the structural proteins of the skin. "The project got its start when blistering in the skin and mucosal membranes was detected in different parts of the body in newborn littermates of Central Asian Shepherd dogs. This finding aroused suspicions of a hereditary blistering disorder of the skin," says researcher Marjo Hytonen, a member of the research group led by Professor Hannes Lohi. Pathological tests conducted by the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira confirmed the diagnosis as epidermolysis bullosa. In genetic studies conducted by gene researchers at the University of Helsinki, the gene defect causing the disease was found in the COL7A1 gene. The gene is responsible for producing collagen, an important component in preserving the elasticity of the skin. This finding helped specify the diagnosis as the dystrophic form of the recessive blistering disorder of the skin known as epidermolysis bullosa. Four different structural types of the disease are known: simplex, junctional, dystrophic and Kindler syndrome. "Immunostaining conducted with skin samples collected from dogs with the disorder proved that the functional form of the protein, or collagen, was absent from the skin of these dogs," says Kati Dillard, a veterinarian at the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira. "Collagen has an important job in anchoring the two layers of the skin together. Due to the absence of the functioning protein, the skin layers are easily detached," clarifies Julia Niskanen, a researcher at the University of Helsinki. Identifying the gene defect enables the identification of those dogs used for breeding that carry the defect, which, in turn, makes it possible to effectively eradicate the disorder from the entire breed. ### A new study showing how interventions by community pharmacists can help asthma patients achieve better asthma control could have major cost benefits for health services around the world. The economic burden of asthma is estimated to be 72 billion annually in the 28 countries of the European Union. The research, led by a team from the Medway School of Pharmacy (part of the University of Kent and University of Greenwich in the UK), found that community pharmacists who carry out a review with asthma patients of the way they use their medicines had a beneficial effect on patients' asthma control. The study showed that this benefit was cost-effective compared with usual care methods. The research involved one of the largest ever trials of a community-pharmacist intervention for asthma, with 283 pharmacists and 1,263 patients in Italy taking part. The intervention, known as I-MUR, is a private, structured interview between pharmacists and patients, looking at five areas: asthma symptoms; medicines use; attitude towards medicines; adherence; and identification of pharmaceutical care issues. In the trial, pharmacists were randomly assigned to receive immediate or delayed (by three months) training in I-MUR intervention. After three months, patients who had received the intervention were 76% more likely to have achieved good asthma control compared with patients in the other group. Principal investigator, Andrea Manfrin, said that the I-MUR intervention led to a reduced average number of active ingredients among patients' medications (from five to four), improved self-reported adherence and established a clear link between asthma control and adherence to treatment. The economic analysis, conducted by the London School of Economics (LSE), adopted a 'willingness-to-pay' threshold of 30,000 (25,300) per quality-of-life year gained, in line with the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); the researchers' analyses showed that, at the conclusion of the study after nine months, the probability that the intervention was more cost-effective than usual care reached 100%. ### The research, entitled A cluster randomised control trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Italian medicines use review (I-MUR) for asthma patients (Andrea Manfrin, Janet Krska and Trudy Thomas (Medway School of Pharmacy/universities of Kent and Greenwich) Michaela Tinelli, LSE) is published in the journal BMC Health Services Research. See: https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-017-2245-9 For further information contact Martin Herrema at the University of Kent Press Office. Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879 Email: M.J.Herrema@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 Notes to editors 1. Italian Medicines Use Review (I-MUR) for asthma patients has become the first nationally funded pharmacy service in Italy and it is now being considered for implementation in other respiratory conditions and healthcare systems. 2. 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 (http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/partnerships/eastern-arc.html). 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. - Long wait times have been a persistent issue for families waiting to see an autism specialist, with waits often exceeding a year. Additionally, children with autism living in rural areas have added costs associated with traveling long distances for health care. To address these issues, ECHO Autism, a University of Missouri program, has been successfully training primary care providers to diagnose and manage autism spectrum disorders. Now, Kristin Sohl, associate professor of child health and the director of ECHO Autism, is preparing to expand the program with ECHO Autism partner sites serving Alabama, Alaska and under-served Navajo communities in New Mexico and Arizona. ECHO Autism also is set to expand globally through partner sites in Kenya. In the past year, Sohl has conducted autism specific trainings for ECHO Uruguay. "Since the initial studies of ECHO Autism, nearly 250 health providers have received training on best-practice care," Sohl said. "The program effectively increases the capacity for health care in underserved communities, which means that families can get the answers they need without traveling or waiting to see a specialist." Launched in March 2015, ECHO Autism is a partnership between the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, MU Health, and the Missouri Telehealth Network Show-Me ECHO program. ECHO Autism clinics are conducted using high-quality, secure video conferencing technology to connect participating primary care clinics to a panel of experts. Initial studies of the program have found that participating primary care providers demonstrated significant improvements in confidence across all sectors of health care for children with autism, including screening and identification, assessment and treatment of medical and psychiatric conditions, and knowledge of and referral to available resources. "The success we have seen in Missouri and in other areas where ECHO Autism has been replicated means that this model can work in even more remote areas," Sohl said. "Expanding the program from Africa to Alaska will help families around the world." Micah Mazurek, associate professor of health psychology in the School of Health Professions, and Rachel Brown, professor of clinical psychiatry in the MU School of Medicine, co-authored the recently published paper, "ECHO Autism: using technology and mentorship to bridge gaps, increase access to care, and bring best practice autism care to primary care," which was featured in Clinical Pediatrics. ECHO Autism is modeled after Project ECHO at the University of New Mexico. ### The program has received support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the state-funded Missouri Telehealth Network, Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Leda J. Sears Charitable Trust and WellCare Innovation Institute. On January 4, 2017, at 11:11:58 CET, scientists observed gravitational waves--ripples in the fabric of spacetime--for the third time. The twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors--located in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington--detected the gravitational wave event, named GW170104. The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) and the Virgo Collaboration published a report describing the discovery and its implications on June 1, 2017 in the journal Physical Review Letters. Gravitational waves carry information about their origins and about the nature of gravity that cannot otherwise be obtained. Physicists on the LIGO and Virgo teams concluded that, as with LIGO's first two historic detections, the final moments of a black hole merger produced the gravitational waves that LIGO observed on January 4, 2017. LIGO's first detection, on September 14, 2015, resulted from a merger of two black holes about 36 and 29 times the mass of the sun. In contrast, the black holes that created the second event were relative flyweights, tipping the scales at 14 and eight times the mass of the sun. The third and most recent detection lies in the middle, resulting from a merger between two black holes, more than 31 and 19 times the mass of the sun, respectively. The merger produced a single, more massive black hole that is slightly less than 49 times the mass of the sun, and transformed the remaining mass into gravitational energy. "The observation and interpretation of yet another LIGO signal, GW170104, confirms the success of our theoretical program to model binary black holes," said Alessandra Buonanno, a UMD College Park Professor of Physics and LSC principal investigator who also has an appointment as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam, Germany. Buonanno has led the effort to develop highly accurate models of gravitational waves that black holes would generate in the final process of orbiting and colliding with each other. "For the third LIGO signal we could gather some evidence that at least one black hole might be rotating in a direction misaligned with the overall orbital motion--a spin configuration favored by some astrophysical formation scenarios of binary black holes" Buonanno added, noting that her team made substantial improvements to their methodology throughout 2016, in between LIGO's observing runs. The newly detected merger occurred approximately 3 billion years ago, making it more than twice as old (and more than twice as distant) as the first two events, which occurred 1.3 and 1.4 billion years ago, respectively. Based on the arrival time of the signals--the Hanford detector measured the waves 3 milliseconds before the Livingston detector--researchers can roughly determine the position of the source in the sky. The first detection of gravitational waves, announced on February 11, 2016, was a milestone in physics and astronomy. It confirmed a major prediction of Albert Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity and marked the beginning of the new field of gravitational wave astronomy. "The latest detection adds to the diversity of black hole merger events we've been able to observe directly," said Peter Shawhan, an associate professor of physics at UMD and an LSC principal investigator who serves as Data Analysis Committee Chair for the LSC. "We're conducting a census of black holes in binary systems in our universe and we expect to discover other types of signals too. Besides just counting them, we can learn from their properties how they were born and how they evolved." The researchers also looked for an effect called dispersion, which is known to occur when light waves in a physical medium such as glass travel at different speeds depending on their wavelength. This is how a prism creates a rainbow, for example. Einstein's general theory of relativity forbids dispersion from happening in gravitational waves as they propagate from their source to Earth. LIGO did not find evidence for this effect in GW170104. "Even for this new event, which is about two times farther away than our first two detections, we could not find any evidence that gravitational waves disperse as they travel in the fabric of space-time," Buonanno said. "Einstein still seems to have been right about the true nature of gravity," Shawhan added. The new detection occurred during LIGO's second observing run, which began November 30, 2016, and will continue through August 2017. The LIGO-Virgo team is continuing to search the latest LIGO data for signs of space-time ripples from the far reaches of the cosmos. They are also working on substantial technical upgrades for LIGO's third run, scheduled to begin in late 2018, with help from the nearly completed Virgo detector in Italy collecting data simultaneously. ### The research paper, "GW170104: Observation of a 50-Solar-Mass Binary Black Hole Coalescence at Redshift 0.2," by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration, was published online June 1, 2017 in the journal Physical Review Letters. About LIGO and Virgo The LIGO Laboratory is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and operated by Caltech and MIT, which conceived and built the Observatory. The NSF led in financial support for the Advanced LIGO project with funding organizations in Germany (MPG), the U.K. (STFC) and Australia (ARC) making significant commitments to the project. More than 1,000 scientists from around the world participate in the effort through the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, which includes the GEO Collaboration. LIGO partners with the Virgo Collaboration, which is supported by Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) and Nikhef, as well as Virgo's host institution, the European Gravitational Observatory, a consortium that includes 280 additional scientists throughout Europe. Additional partners are listed at: http://ligo.org/partners.php. Media Relations Contact: Matthew Wright, 301-405-9267, mewright@umd.edu University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences 2300 Symons Hall College Park, MD 20742 http://www.cmns.umd.edu @UMDscience About the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland educates more than 7,000 future scientific leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programs each year. The college's 10 departments and more than a dozen interdisciplinary research centers foster scientific discovery with annual sponsored research funding exceeding $150 million. Finnish and British researchers have revealed how laughter releases endorphins in the human brain. The more opioid receptors the participants had in their brain, the more they laughed during the experiment. The recent results obtained by researchers from Turku PET Centre, the University of Oxford and Aalto University have revealed how social laughter leads to endorphin release in the brain, possibly promoting establishment of social bonds. Social laughter led to pleasurable feelings and significantly increased release of endorphins and other opioid peptides in the brain areas controlling arousal and emotions. The more opioid receptors the participants had in their brain, the more they laughed during the experiment. - Our results highlight that endorphin release induced by social laughter may be an important pathway that supports formation, reinforcement, and maintenance of social bonds between humans. The pleasurable and calming effects of the endorphin release might signal safety and promote feelings of togetherness. The relationship between opioid receptor density and laughter rate also suggests that opioid system may underlie individual differences in sociability, says Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from Turku PET Centre, the University of Turku. - The results emphasise the importance of vocal communication in maintaining human social networks. Other primates maintain social contacts by mutual grooming, which also induces endorphin release. This is however very time consuming. Because social laughter leads to similar chemical response in the brain, this allows significant expansion of human social networks: laughter is highly contagious, and the endorphin response may thus easily spread through large groups that laugh together, tells Professor Robin Dunbar from the University of Oxford. The study was conducted using positron emission tomography (PET). The participants were injected with a radioactive compound binding to their brain's opioid receptors. Radioactivity in the brain was measured twice with the PET camera: after the participants had laughed together with their close friends, and after they had spent comparable time alone in the laboratory. The findings were published on in the scientific journal The Journal of Neuroscience. ### The research was funded by the Academy of Finland and the European Research Council The showy lionfish, a predator with venomous spines that has invaded Caribbean coral reefs, has found a new market to exploit: the "twilight zone," an area of ocean that lies below traditional SCUBA diving depths, where little is known about the reefs or the species that inhabit them. Researchers from the University of Washington and Smithsonian Institution have reported the first observed case of lionfish preying upon a fish species that had not yet been named. Their results, published May 25 in PLOS ONE, may indicate an uncertain future for other fish found in the largely unexplored deep-ocean coral reefs. "Lionfish aren't going anywhere, and we are faced with the fact that they are permanent residents on Caribbean reefs," said lead author Luke Tornabene, curator of fishes at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle and an assistant professor at the UW's School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. "The hope is that the learning curve is quick and other fish realize lionfish are predators. Right now, studies have shown some prey species to be pretty naive." The scientists discovered the new fish, which they named Palatogobius indendius (Ember goby), while on several submarine dives off the coasts of Curacao and Dominica. The new species described in the paper has a bright orange stripe down its spine and schools together in masses of about 100 fish -- starkly different behavior from most gobies that hide as individuals in holes or cracks in the reef, making the new species an easy target for lionfish attacks. From a submarine, they recorded footage of a lionfish cornering, attacking and eating this new species. Lionfish employ hunting tactics that are unfamiliar to native reef-dwelling fish, such as using their long fins to slowly stalk and push prey into a corner. They also shoot jets of water out of their mouths to disorient their prey, and scientists have even recorded lionfish making a "roaring" sound to communicate and potentially ward off would-be predators. The scientists are concerned that lionfish are now swimming to deeper reefs -- down to nearly 250 meters (about 800 feet) below the surface off Curacao -- and likely eating fish that live in those largely unexplored parts of the ocean. "Once we discovered invasive lionfish -- sometimes in huge numbers -- inhabiting barely explored deep reefs, our concern was that these voracious predators might be gobbling up biodiversity before scientists even know it exists. This study suggests that they are doing just that," said co-author Carole Baldwin, curator of fishes at the National Museum of Natural History. The good news is the goby species being eaten by the lionfish appears to be abundant throughout the Caribbean. The researchers have observed it in large numbers on many submarine trips around the region. But almost a third of the fish species along deep reefs haven't yet been named, and they could be at risk if lionfish continue to raid the area. "The other species still undescribed on these reefs are very rare and occur in lower abundances than our new species. If they are getting eaten by lionfish, they may be in more trouble than the Ember goby," Tornabene said. "There are still many coral reef fish species that are waiting to be described -- and some of them will inevitably end up in the guts of lionfish." As coral reef ecosystems around the world decline because of climate change, pollution, disease, coastal development and overfishing, the deep-water reefs hold a promise of refuge for species that are able to survive in deeper water. The presence of an invasive predator like the lionfish, which likely came to the Caribbean from an aquarium release off Florida in the early 1990s, could be devastating if they are eating native fish and exploiting the ecosystem with no known predators to keep them in check. The researchers are one of only three teams of biologists in the world collecting specimens in the twilight zone parts of the ocean, and this team is the only one using a submarine to catch and study fish. They have taken about 150 dives to Caribbean reefs using a 6.5-ton submersible with two robot arms that stuns fish for capture by spraying water or anesthetic, then catches them using a vacuum hose. "From inside a submarine, it's really hard to catch a small fish that is swimming, and it requires incredibly skilled pilots and scientists and a lot of patience," Tornabene said. "We've been able to do it with such success that we have come back from each trip with thousands of specimens." This summer, they will test a different submarine that can go to depths of more than 800 meters (about 2,700 feet) off the coast of Honduras. The researchers plan to look inside the stomachs of lionfish captured in deep water to see what, in fact, they are eating. It's possible they may find other new species, Tornabene said, and probably more of the new goby they recently discovered. They also are analyzing the genetics of this new fish from different parts of the Caribbean to see how connected different deep-reef systems are to one another. ### The research was funded by a number of Smithsonian Institution grants and awards, and by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. For more information, contact Tornabene at ltorna1@uw.edu and Baldwin at baldwinc@si.edu. Video footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfB4lD18btM Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskXP72s9 Related paper: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0177179 A study published today in Science shows that the Zika virus hijacks a human protein called Musashi-1 (MSI1) to allow it to replicate in, and kill, neural stem cells. Almost all MSI1 protein in the developing embryo is produced in the neural stem cells that will eventually develop into the baby's brain, which could explain why these cells are so vulnerable to Zika. Since 2016 thousands of children across South America have been born with microcephaly, which causes abnormally small heads, after their mothers became infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy. The overlap between Zika cases in pregnant women and an increase in babies born with microcephaly strongly suggested that the virus targets stem cells in the developing human brain, but why and how has remained a mystery. Today's study is the first to associate MSI1 with microcephaly and the Zika virus. Dr Fanni Gergely from the University of Cambridge said: "The development of a healthy human brain is an incredibly complex process that relies on stem cells and the coordinated actions of many genes. We've shown for the first time this interaction between Zika and MSI1 - with MSI1 getting exploited by the virus for its own destructive life cycle, turning MSI1 into the enemy within. We hope that in the future this discovery could lead to ways of generating potential Zika virus vaccines." Dr Mike Turner, Head of Infection and Immunobiology at Wellcome said: "This is the first study to show a clear link between a specific protein, the Zika virus and microcephaly. This new finding really helps to explain why neural stem cells are so vulnerable to Zika infection and I hope this can be a first step in determining how we could stop this interaction and disease. It will also be interesting to investigate whether this protein is involved in other viruses, such as Rubella, that can also access and impair the developing human brain." Researchers from the University of Cambridge studied a variety of cell lines, including human neural stem cells, to investigate how Zika virus infection can lead to microcephaly. They suspected that MSI1 - an RNA binding protein - might be important in this process because it is involved in regulating the pool of neural stem cells that are required for normal brain development. The researchers show that when the Zika virus enters these stem cells, it hijacks MSI1 for its own replication and damages the cells in at least two ways. Firstly, MSI1 binds to the Zika virus genome allowing it to replicate and making the cells more vulnerable to virus-induced cell death. When the researchers infected cells that had been rendered unable to produce MSI1, virus replication was significantly reduced, as was cell death, indicating that the presence of MSI1 is required for efficient Zika replication. Secondly, they showed that MSI1 also disrupts the normal development programme of neural stem cells. In cells infected with Zika virus MSI1 binds to the virus genome in favour of its normal targets in the cell. The virus essentially acts like a 'sponge', preventing MSI1 from working correctly and altering the expression of many genes involved in neuronal development. In both of these scenarios, neural stem cells, which are crucial for normal neural development, are lost, leading to microcephaly. To confirm that MSI1 is important to grow a normal size brain, the scientists demonstrated that MSI1 is mutated in individuals with a rare type of inherited microcephaly (autosomal recessive primary microcephaly) unrelated to Zika infection. These results collectively suggest that neural stem cells need MSI1 to generate enough neurons for normal brain size, but the presence of MSI1 also increases the vulnerability of these cells to Zika infection, leading to the death of the population which ultimately results in microcephaly. ### This study was funded by Wellcome and Cancer Research UK. Contact Emily Pritchard Media Officer, Wellcome E: e.pritchard@wellcome.ac.uk T: 020 7611 8248 Notes to editors This paper will be published online by the journal Science on Thursday 1 June 2017. http://science.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aam9243 (will go live after embargo lifts). About Wellcome Wellcome exists to improve health for everyone by helping great ideas to thrive. We're a global charitable foundation, both politically and financially independent. We support scientists and researchers, take on big problems, fuel imaginations and spark debate. About Cancer Research UK * Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. * Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. * Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every donation made. * Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. * Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK's ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. * Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. * Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1022 or visit http://www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Thursday, June 1, 2017 A new book on effective philanthropy, Confident Giving: Sage Advice for Funders, written by Kris Putnam-Walkerly, President of Putnam Consulting Group, Inc., has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2017 International Book Awards. The book is based on her humorous and insightful blog posts that bring out the triumphs and tragedies of grantmaking. It also supplies philanthropists with a wealth of provocative ideas to transform their practices. Philanthropists who read Confident Giving will be better able to identify worthy programs to support when they heed the recommendations of Putnam-Walkerly, who advises and speaks to foundation boards, funder networks, and philanthropy associations. "As a philanthropy advisor, my goal is always to help funders transform their strategies and expand their impact. It's exciting to see Confident Giving being used as resource to achieve this goal," said Putnam-Walkerly, who was also recently selected as one of America's Top 25 Philanthropy Speakers by Philanthropy Media and The Michael Chatman Giving Show. Other finalists included Bono and leaders of the Ford Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Awards are one of the largest mainstream book award competitions in the United States, and have been awarded for the past 14 years. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of American Book Fest, said this year's contest received over 1,500 entries from authors and publishers around the world. About Confident Giving: Using a refreshing combination of common sense and wit, the book helps readers learn how to: Transform their giving for greater impact Deal effectively with real-life hurdles funders face every day Define their personal journeys as philanthropists Approach grantmaking with an abundance mentality In her concise, compelling volume, Kris brings inspired wisdom that stands out among the field's thought leaders. Confident Giving is available in print and Kindle. The book has 155 pages. The price is $14.95. The ISBN is 978-0-692-61891-2. The book can be ordered at Amazon.com. About Kris Putnam-Walkerly Kris Putnam-Walkerly, MSW, is a nationally recognized global philanthropy advisor and president of Putnam Consulting Group, Inc. For over 18 years, top philanthropies have requested Kris's help to transform their giving and catapult their impact, including designing strategies that achieve results, streamline operations, assess impact, and allocate funds. Her clients include the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, and California HealthCare Foundation, among dozens of others. She's helped more than 50 foundations and philanthropists strategically allocate and assess over $300 million in grants and gifts. A thought leader in transformational philanthropy, Kris is the author of "Confident Giving" and the forthcoming book, "Delusional Altruism," and is a frequent contributor in the publications of leading philanthropy associations including the National Center for Family Philanthropy, Foundation Center, Southeastern Council on Foundations, Exponent Philanthropy, and AsianNGO Magazine. She provides expert commentary about philanthropy in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Seattle Times, Washington Examiner, Entepreneur.com, BusinessWeek.com, and others. Kris's success as a global philanthropy advisor has earned her a place in the 2017 Million Dollar Consultant Hall of Fame, a rare honor, which has only seventy-five members worldwide. Prior to forming Putnam Consulting Group, she was a grantmaker at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and an evaluator at the highly esteemed Stanford University School of Medicine. Place Your Advert Register or sign in to advertise your job A computer programme that can detect whether farm animals or pets are in pain has been developed by scientists at Cambridge University. The researchers have developed an AI system which uses five different facial expressions to recognise whether a sheep is in pain, and estimate the severity of that pain. The results could be used to improve sheep welfare, and could be applied to other types of animals, such as rodents used in animal research, rabbits or horses. Building on earlier work which teaches computers to recognise emotions and expressions in human faces, the system is able to detect the distinct parts of a sheep's face and compare it with a standardised measurement tool developed by veterinarians for diagnosing pain. Severe pain in sheep is associated with conditions such as foot rot, an extremely painful and contagious condition which causes the foot to rot away; or mastitis, an inflammation of the udder in ewes caused by injury or bacterial infection. Both of these conditions are common in large flocks, and early detection will lead to faster treatment and pain relief. Reliable and efficient pain assessment would also help with early diagnosis. Facial expression As is common with most animals, facial expressions in sheep are used to assess pain. The Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale (SPFES) is a tool to measure pain levels based on facial expressions of sheep, and has been shown to recognise pain with high accuracy. However, training people to use the tool can be time-consuming and individual bias can lead to inconsistent scores. Left: Localized facial landmarks. Right: Normalized sheep face marked with feature bounding boxes (Photo: University of Cambridge) In order to make the process of pain detection more accurate, the Cambridge researchers behind the current study used the SPFES as the basis of an AI system which uses machine learning techniques to estimate pain levels in sheep. Professor Peter Robinson, who led the research, normally focuses on teaching computers to recognise emotions in human faces, but a meeting with Dr McLennan got him interested in exploring whether a similar system could be developed for animals. "There's been much more study over the years with people," said Robinson, of Cambridge's Computer Laboratory. "But a lot of the earlier work on the faces of animals was actually done by Darwin, who argued that all humans and many animals show emotion through remarkably similar behaviours, so we thought there would likely be crossover between animals and our work in human faces." Feeling the pain According to the SPFES, when a sheep is in pain, there are five main things which happen to their faces: their eyes narrow, their cheeks tighten, their ears fold forwards, their lips pull down and back, and their nostrils change from a U shape to a V shape. The SPFES then ranks these characteristics on a scale of one to 10 to measure the severity of the pain. "The interesting part is that you can see a clear analogy between these actions in the sheep's faces and similar facial actions in humans when they are in pain - there is a similarity in terms of the muscles in their faces and in our faces," said co-author Dr Marwa Mahmoud, a postdoctoral researcher in Robinson's group. "However, it is difficult to 'normalise' a sheep's face in a machine learning model. A sheep's face is totally different in profile than looking straight on, and you can't really tell a sheep how to pose." 500 photographs of sheep To train the model, the Cambridge researchers used a small dataset consisting of approximately 500 photographs of sheep, which had been gathered by veterinarians in the course of providing treatment. Early tests of the model showed that it was able to estimate pain levels with about 80% degree of accuracy, which means that the system is learning. While the results with still photographs have been successful, in order to make the system more robust, they require much larger datasets. The next plans for the system are to train it to detect and recognise sheep faces from moving images, and to train it to work when the sheep is in profile or not looking directly at the camera. Robinson says that if they are able to train the system well enough, a camera could be positioned at a water trough or other place where sheep congregate, and the system would be able to recognise any sheep which were in pain. The farmer would then be able to retrieve the affected sheep from the field and get it the necessary medical attention. "I do a lot of walking in the countryside, and after working on this project, I now often find myself stopping to talk to the sheep and make sure they're happy," said Robinson. Farms across the UK will be opening their gates to the public and hosting open days on Sunday 11 June to showcase what is involved in farming and the impact it has on people's lives. The event is part of Linking Environment and Farming's Open Farm Sunday. Event manager Annabel Shackleton saying it gives the public the 'rare opportunity to see farming in real life.' "Modern farming is incredibly diverse and impacts on all of us, from the clothes we wear to the medicines we take and the food we eat." The first Open Farm Sunday took place in 2006 and since then over 1.8 million people have attended farms from Cornwall to Orkney. Just one of the farms involved, Lower Treginnis farm said it is great to be hosting the event. "Last year was a great success, with over 500 people visiting, and we're hoping for good weather again and a great turnout," said Huw Thomas. Organisers say this year, farms all over the country are again invited to take place - demonstrating the everyday work farmers do including harvesting food, and showing the latest technology they use for sustainability. 'Misunderstood industry' Dan Jones, farm manager at Lower Treginnis Farm told the Western Telegraph: "It's so beneficial for children to experience a day on the farm, and free events like this enable families who may have never been on a farm before to give it a go. The mostly free events will offer a range of activities from tractor trailer rides, farm walks and bug hunts, to feeding lambs, sheep shearing and milking demonstrations. The technology and science behind farming and food production will also be a focus; providing visitors with a fascinating insight into the world of farming. LEAF said: "This so often misunderstood industry has a vital role in not only producing safe nutritious food, but also using the latest science and technology to farm sustainably that means increasing production whilst managing the environment for wildlife and enhancing our natural resources for generations to come." Writing for the Yorkshire Post, dairy farmer Eddie Andrew said he would encourage more farmers in Yorkshire to host the event. "The positive feedback we get from visitors on the day is so rewarding. We love to show how we farm, share the truth about farming, and let people see, hear, touch, smell and have a go at many things, like growing grass and planting a pasture. "It is a fabulous opportunity for people anywhere to visit their local farm." The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is on the hunt for eight young farmers to star in roles representing British farming in one of the most popular historic civic pageants in the world. The NFU is looking for a group of young farming champions from across England and Wales to join the Worshipful Company of Farmers and New Holland in this years Lord Mayors Show to help take the Back British Farming message into the heart of the City of London. In addition, one passionate British farming supporter is being sought to join in and help spread the word. The 802nd parade takes place on Saturday 11 November and includes most of the 110 livery companies along with more than 7,500 participants, 200 horses, 20 marching bands, dancers, performers, armed forces and Modern Livery Companies. Last year, the parade saw the culmination of the farming industrys push to Celebrate Great British Food, which during 2016 has included Back British Farming Day, Red Tractor Week and British Food Fortnight. 'Perfect platform' NFU Vice President Guy Smith said that having young farmers at the Lord Mayors show provides the 'perfect platform' to engage with the crowds and inform them about the role of farming. He said: We are hoping this competition will help to showcase another group of young farmers whore all passionate about what they do. Richard Bower, chairman of the NFUs Next Generation Policy Forum, was part of the NFU group of young farmers in the Lord Mayors Show two years ago. He said: Being asked to represent British farming at the Lord Mayor's show in 2015 is something I will never forget. Showcasing our fantastic industry in the capital city is so important and the support my fellow young farmers and I received from the public on the day was amazing. If you get the chance to do this then grab it with both hands. There are some fantastic young farmers out there doing great things, so please get nominating. The government is being urged to adopt a 'proportionate' response to new long-term antibiotic targets, as the formal negotiation process gets underway. In early June, the National Pig Association (NPA) and the Pig Veterinary Society will submit a joint pig industry proposal to the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) alliances Targets Task Force. The final targets, expected to run from a baseline of 2015 until 2020, will be announced in October. Following a reduction in antibiotic use in 2015, a further significant drop is also expected to be announced for last year. Figures released show at the beginning of 2014, 37% of all feed for young pigs contained antibiotics, this halved towards the end of 2016. 'Drastic reductions' Commenting one year on from the publication of NPA's widely praised Antibiotic Stewardship Programme, senior policy advisor Georgina Crayford said targets for future reductions must take into account the health and welfare needs of the pig herd. She said: "We have been given the task, supported by the government, of proposing a reduction target and, as we gain a much better picture of antibiotic usage on UK pig farms through eMB-Pigs, we want to make this challenging, yet achievable. "Our proposal will reflect this and we are confident we can agree a satisfactory outcome with Defra, as they have been supportive of our approach from the start. "All parties recognise that drastic reductions over a short space of time could be disastrous for pig health and welfare. "The pig industry is absolutely committed to using antibiotics responsibly, as shown by progress made under our stewardship scheme. "But the changes to infrastructure and management practices on pig farms needed to achieve sustainable usage reductions will require time and investment and support from Government and the supply chain." Antibiotic Stewardship Programme progress Antibiotic data covering more than two-thirds of 2015 pig production is now on the eMB-Pigs database, enabling a robust usage estimate to be made Entering data onto eMB-Pigs is to become a requirement of the Red Tractor pork scheme from this autumn Official Government figures showed sales of antibiotic products licensed for pigs-only were down 24% in 2015, with sales for pigs and poultry down 10 per cent The figures also confirmed low usage of Critically Important Antibiotics (CIAs) and low resistance to these Numerous examples of pig companies, farmers, vets and the allied industries working together to use antibiotics more responsibly For, example, figures supplied by the feed industry showed the proportion of feed for young pigs containing a prescribed antibiotic fell from 37% at the beginning of 2014 to 18% by the end of 2016, with two thirds of the reduction taking place last year Some businesses and individual farms have stopped all in-feed medication and switched to targeted water medication or use of vaccination as an alternative Practical advice is being made available to farmers and to improve pig health and reduce antibiotic use via industry bodies, such as AHDB Pork, supply chain companies and publications Efforts are being made to improve education across the industry, including the introduction of specific content on responsible antibiotic use to the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe and Responsible Use of Veterinary Medicines Work is being done to find alternatives to antibiotics, such as through autogenous vaccination, bacteriophage technology and advanced genetic techniques. Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has published its Election Asks highlighting the need for future government policy to be 'fully rural proofed'. Focusing on the most pertinent issues currently affecting rural areas, ACREs General Election Asks 2017 calls for a suite of rural, social and economic measures, to address the question of how European investment will be replaced or replicated following the United Kingdoms exit from the EU. The paper also sets out 10 rural policy solutions for the new government. The document calls on the government to ensure the best deal possible is on offer for Englands rural communities. ACRE says the decision to leave the EU provides 'new opportunities to develop a more resilient future' post Brexit. In particular, the network urges the creation of a suite of Rural, Social and Economic Development measures based upon building growth in rural businesses as part of future industrial policy, with a new community-owned approach to local investment in rural enterprise. This would replicate key EU funded investment programmes such as the LEADER programme, EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and certain aspects of the ERDF (European Rural Development Fund), which have provided capacity to grow rural businesses. 'Flourish and thrive' Richard Quallington, ACRE CEO commented: There are many examples of the positive action taken by government to support rural England in recent years, but further work is needed to ensure that all rural communities flourish and thrive. We welcome the news that the unique challenges facing rural areas have been reflected in party manifestos, however we still believe that the provision of appropriate support and investment must continue to be at the heart of any future government policy. For over 90 years our 38 ACRE Network members have supported rural residents, community groups, charities and business to adjust and adapt to the challenges they have faced. And today we continue to help rural communities to address need by providing practical support, by spreading good practice and by celebrating the many wonderful things achieved by enterprising residents who live in some of Englands smallest and most isolated communities. Other farming manifestos In the Conservative manifesto, they pledge to bring 'sustainable growth' to farming communities, create a new agri-environment scheme and introduce mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses. Labour has also launched their manifesto. The manifesto pledges an end to the badger cull, a ban on neonicotinoids and the promotion of cruelty free farming. The Liberal Democrats has unveiled their manifesto, saying that UK farming will be in 'huge danger' of leaving EU. They propose a second referendum. Welsh political party Plaid Cymru has also released their manifesto, calling for a Brexit deal which best represents Welsh agriculture. Ukip's manifesto has called for the UK to create a Single Farm Payment (SFP) as a replacement for the CAP. The SNP are pledging to 'protect' the Scottish agri-food industry by fighting to stay as a member of the EU's single market. Numerous rural organisations have released their own manifestos, including the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, the CLA, the Soil Association, the Tenant Farmers' Association, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the British Veterinary Association, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the Ulster Farmers' Union, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) and the Countryside Alliance. Global tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PM 1.90%) has found surprising success with its iQOS heated-tobacco product. What's come as an even greater surprise is the extent to which the company has embraced the concept of reduced-risk products. Philip Morris has explicitly said that it sees a world where its traditional cigarettes no longer exist, and it has moved aggressively to roll out the iQOS platform in test markets like Japan. Now, though, competitor British American Tobacco (BTI 0.86%) is looking to make its competing heated-tobacco product, glo, available in the island nation. That's setting BAT and Philip Morris up for a battle royal that could say a lot about the staying power of iQOS and its first-mover advantage. What BAT is doing British American Tobacco has made aggressive moves to further the worldwide commercialization of its glo product. In Japan, BAT is currently available in limited test markets, but the company has said that it intends to expand its offerings to the Osaka market in early July, and also in areas close to Tokyo. With the desire to open flagship stores in Tokyo and Osaka promoting the product, BAT is looking for a nationwide launch by the end of 2017. In addition, earlier this month, the company launched the product in Canada, where it has the slightly different name, i-glo. The initial focus was on the Vancouver market, but BAT intends to move eastward into other provinces in the months to come. Plans to expand into the South Korean market later this summer will also involve a head-to-head battle with iQOS, which Philip Morris also intends to release there in the near future. Why Japan is so important There are several reasons why Japan has emerged as the first battleground for heated-tobacco products like glo and iQOS. The most important has to do with the regulatory environment in Japan, because liquid-based e-cigarettes aren't allowed in the island nation. That gives the heat-not-burn method that iQOS and glo both use a competitive advantage compared to jurisdictions that allow both heated tobacco and liquid-based e-cigarettes side by side. The other reason Japan is so important is that the early results from testing there have been strong. Philip Morris has seen market share for its iQOS platform soar into the high-single-digit percentages after just a short period, demonstrating the commitment that customers have toward the prospect of switching from traditional cigarettes to a potentially lower-risk alternative. The fact that consumers are making the switch -- sometimes from rival cigarette makers -- explains why British American is wasting no time getting its competing product up and running. What should Philip Morris expect? The big question mark, though, is what Philip Morris International should expect in its other markets. BAT has made it clear that it wants to lead in what it calls the Next Generation Product category, which includes not only heated tobacco, but also its Vype brand of liquid-based vapor products. Philip Morris has also demonstrated its commitment to a wider range of reduced-risk products, but the momentum that iQOS has gained makes it the natural go-to product for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the pending merger of BAT and Reynolds American (RAI) could mean a fight over the lucrative U.S. market. Philip Morris has given rights to commercialize iQOS in the U.S. to former parent Altria, and its recent application with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) attempts to push forward with making the product available to American consumers. Part of BAT's thought process in making the merger offer to Reynolds was the ability to share next-generation product expertise, and that showed the importance of the area to British American. For now, Philip Morris will simply continue along the path it has already planned, with the goal of making iQOS as big a product line as possible. In the long run, British American's competitive efforts were inevitable. That doesn't necessarily mean that it will be successful in supplanting Philip Morris' first-mover advantage, but it does mean that the initial period of unchallenged dominance for iQOS is coming to an end. It's not easy to blow my mind. But earlier this week, I sat down and read a research report by RethinkX. I've been picking up the pieces of my consciousness ever since. I'm now convinced that I -- and you -- will probably never buy another car again. Ever. No -- seriously! I won't bury the lead: The report convincingly argues that in just 13 years, 95% of all passenger miles traveled on U.S. roads will be provided by fully autonomous fleets of electric vehicles. This is a very different forecast than most mainstream predictions, which posit that such a transition will take a generation or two. What's the source of that significant disagreement about the pace of change we can expect? According to the ReThinkX authors, here's the crux of the matter: Mainstream analyses predict that individual vehicle ownership will continue as the principal consumer choice ... due to a number of reasons, including the belief that "we love our cars" (like we loved our horses), and the fact that these analyses do not perceive the extent of cost savings from switching to TaaS [Transportation as a Service]. The authors predict that using TaaS (i.e., Uber without drivers) will reduce costs of transportation by up to 90%! And this transition will start before the decade ends. What will send those costs plummeting so dramatically, practically overnight? There are three key factors: Higher vehicle utilization: Instead of sitting in our garages and driveways, and being used (on average) 4% of the time, TaaS cars will be used 40% of the time, spreading costs out more. Much higher lifetime miles for vehicles: For several reasons, they posit that the average TaaS car will last for 500,000 miles; The current average for consumer owned vehicles is 140,000. Ancillary cost declines: There will be massive drops in what we pay for insurance (machines are safer drivers), maintenance (thanks to technological advances and simpler engines), and fuel (no more internal combustion engines). The obvious boon Disruption like this offers some huge advantages. Here are the primary ones outlined by the authors: For your household: The average family will see a boost in disposable income of $5,600 per year. The average family will see a boost in disposable income of $5,600 per year. For the American economy: Major productivity gains will be realized because people will be able to work while traveling. GDP could increase by between $500 billion and $2.5 trillion. Major productivity gains will be realized because people will be able to work while traveling. GDP could increase by between $500 billion and $2.5 trillion. For the government: We'll see a steep drop in costs associated with infrastructure, and huge income from selling land no longer needed for transportation. We'll see a steep drop in costs associated with infrastructure, and huge income from selling land no longer needed for transportation. For the disadvantaged: There will be a virtual elimination of transportation costs, opening up opportunities for employment, and increased mobility for senior citizens. There will be a virtual elimination of transportation costs, opening up opportunities for employment, and increased mobility for senior citizens. For the environment: Carbon emissions will be drastically reduced. Obviously, those are very exciting prospects. Between insurance, gas, and car payments, my own family spent over $7,000 on transportation last year. Seeing that number potentially fall below $1,000 would drastically accelerate our path to financial independence. But there's a dark underbelly to this forecast The plight of some oft-overlooked segments of the American population was thrown into sharp focus by the 2016 presidential election. As a former high school teacher in a rural town, I could see where many of those unhappy voters were coming from: Their communities were often crumbling before their very eyes. Unfortunately, these same populations could suffer the most from the coming swift transition in transportation. Why is that? Cuts in manufacturing: In the U.S., millions of people are employed in car and auto parts manufacturing. With the shift to TaaS, the number of vehicles on American streets is expected to drop from 247 million to 44 million, meaning large numbers of those jobs could disappear. In the U.S., millions of people are employed in car and auto parts manufacturing. With the shift to TaaS, the number of vehicles on American streets is expected to drop from 247 million to 44 million, meaning large numbers of those jobs could disappear. Cuts in fossil fuel demand: The shale energy boom helped energize local economies in several American regions. That business has slumped since the price of oil fell; a major shift to electric vehicles means oil likely won't see a comeback. The shale energy boom helped energize local economies in several American regions. That business has slumped since the price of oil fell; a major shift to electric vehicles means oil likely won't see a comeback. Cuts in the number of driving jobs: Most of us don't fully appreciate just how many people are employed as drivers. This graphic from NPR offers a telling illustration of the point. The RethinkX paper suggests that Uber, Lyft and Didi are the companies with the greatest potential to win in the coming environment. But what of Ford (F 5.93%) and General Motors (GM 5.54%) two of the country's bigger employers? Their recent investments in autonomous driving might be too little too late if the U.S. driving fleet shrinks by 80%. And then, there's the Middle East. On the one hand, that already unstable region will become far less important to America as our need for oil diminishes. On the other, it could become significantly more destabilized, and it's impossible to tell how far the repercussions of that could travel. Consider that Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iran, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Algeria, Russia, and Nigeria all counted on oil rents to provide over 10% of their GDP as recently as 2014. We have no idea what will happen... and that's OK Recently, I read a story about how a large segment of economists thought the U.S. economy would be ruined due to high unemployment when baby boomers entered the workforce in the late 1960s. As more and more people looked for work, the reasoning went, competition would be sky high, and many would be left without jobs. The first-order prediction -- that there would be an influx of young workers -- was correct and easy to forecast. But second-order assertions -- how we would react -- are just about impossible to predict. If you find yourself worrying about what will happen as the pace of change accelerates, that's important to remember. The most helpful mental/emotional stance I think one can take in the face of such rapid change is illustrated by an ancient Taoist story about a farmer's interpretation of his luck. This version of the tale comes from Alan Watts' The Watercourse Way: There was a farmer whose horse ran away. That evening the neighbors gathered to commiserate with him since this was such bad luck. He said, "Maybe." The next day the horse returned, but brought with it six wild horses, and the neighbors came exclaiming at his good fortune. He said, "Maybe." And then, the following day, his son tried to saddle and ride one of the wild horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. Again the neighbors came to offer their sympathy for the misfortune. He said, "Maybe." The day after that, conscription officers came to the village to seize young men for the army, but because of the broken leg the farmer's son was rejected. When the neighbors came in to say how fortunately everything had turned out, he said, "Maybe." Will the rapid adoption of autonomous electric car fleets be a boon for Americans and the U.S. economy, or cause dangerous upheaval. The only honest answer is: "Maybe." If a company is looking for a sensor solution, such as to identify a certain substance in the production process, it often has very individual requirements. This starts with the substances to be accounted for to the number of required sensors up to the speed of the production process. In most cases, a one-size-fits-all solution is not sufficient, and several suppliers are needed in order to develop the optimal individual solution. This is where MIRPHAB comes in: In the pilot line, leading European research institutes and companies from the MIR environment have joined forces to provide customers with tailor-made offers from a single source. Interested parties can address a central contact person, who then compiles the best possible solution from the component portfolio of the MIRPHAB members according to the modular principle. In order to strengthen the European industry in the long term and expand its leading position in chemical analysis and sensor technology, the development of the individual MIR sensor solutions within the framework of MIRPHAB is supported by EU funding. This significantly reduces the investment costs and, thereby, the entry threshold for companies in the MIR area. In combination with the virtual infrastructure which has been developed in the course of MIRPHAB, high-quality MIR sensor solutions are therefore also of interest to companies for whom the costs and development efforts have previously been seen as being too high. In addition, MIRPHAB gives companies access to the latest technologies, enabling them to gain an edge over the competition as an early adopter. Customized MIR laser source A central component of the MIRPHAB sensor solutions is being provided by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF in Freiburg in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden. The Fraunhofer IAF is introducing the technology of quantum cascade lasers, which emit laser light in the MIR range. In this type of laser, the wavelength range in which the light is emitted is spectrally very broad and can be customized during manufacturing. In order to select a specific wavelength within the wide spectral range, it has to be chosen via an optical diffraction grating and coupled back into the laser chip. By rotating the grating, the wavelength can be tuned continuously. The grating is produced at the Fraunhofer IPMS in miniaturized form in so-called Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) technology. This makes it possible to oscillate the grating at a frequency of up to one kilohertz and to thereby tune the wavelength of the laser source up to a thousand times per second over a very wide spectral range. The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen is also involved in MIRPHAB in order to make the production of lasers and gratings more efficient and to optimize them for pilot series production. With its expertise, it transforms the production of the rapidly-tunable MIR laser into industrially applicable production processes. Process analysis in real time At present, numerous applications in the field of spectroscopy are still in the visible or near infrared range and use relatively weak light sources. MIRPHAB offers solutions based on infrared semiconductor lasers. These have a significantly higher light intensity, thereby enabling completely new applications. As a result, up to 1,000 spectra per second can be recorded with the MIR laser source, which, for example, enables the automated monitoring and control of chemical reactions and biotechnological processes in real time. MIRPHAB is therefore making an important contribution to the factory of the future and Industrie 4.0. More than 6,000 livestock entries are expected at this months Royal Highland Show, as Scotlands flagship farming event continues to go from strength to strength. The event will be held just a fortnight after next weeks general election, and Scotlands future relationship with the UK and the rest of Europe is likely to be among the topics of conversation at the four-day show on 22-25 June. But away from politics, livestock will take centre stage. Entries will include 2,031 sheep the highest number for 10 years at the Ingliston showground on the outskirts of Edinburgh. See also: Boost your benefits from showing livestock Leading the way is the Beltex section with 216 entries, with the Texels close behind with 201, an increase from 148 in 2016. With 144 entries, the Aberdeen Angus are set to dominate the cattle lines this year especially as, for the first time in 40 years, the Angus World Forum returns to the UK. As a key part of the forum, the show is seen as a great opportunity to celebrate this world-class native breed. Show manager David Jackson said: We continue to increase numbers, and introduce new classes, with amazing support from our exhibitors. And with about 180,000 prize money at stake, we will see some fierce competition for a winning-class placing. Food and farming As always, the Highland will be a celebration of Scottish food and farming. It is being held weeks after the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland reported a 779,000 increase in its annual income to 7.85m for the year ending 30 November 2016. Recent years have seen the Royal Highland Show undergo something of a revival. Last year, it welcomed a record 189,000 visitors and generated 47m for the Scottish economy. This year, organisers hope attendance figures will be even higher. The society is forging ahead with an ambitious investment programme in the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston. Its vision is to create the best outdoor event space in Scotland. Society chairman Keith Brooke said great strides are being made towards achieving its goal. The society is committed to being a dynamic and progressive organisation playing a supportive and influential role in a thriving rural economy, said Mr Brooke. He added: This robust financial position will enable the society to fulfil its charitable aims. Numbers in the dairy section are higher for 2017, possibly reflecting a more optimistic year in the industry. There are 120 entries, up 10 from 2016. The Holsteins have the highest number entries with 44, up from 28, and the Ayrshires have seen a resurgence with 29 entries, up from 18 in 2016. The Marquette Hotel will soon complete a $25 million transformation and conversion to Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the collection"s first hotel in Minnesota. The Marquette Hotel will join Hilton"s global portfolio of hotels handpicked for their unique character and personality, appealing to curious travelers seeking authentic experiences. Owned by JMI Realty and managed by HEI Hotels and Resorts, the hotel is slated to complete its renovations and make the transition to Curio Collection in June 2017. Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis at 710 Marquette Avenue, the hotel"s redesign and conversion will be focused on showcasing the history of Minneapolis while paying homage to the explorer, Jacques Marquette. With proximity to Target Field, Target Center, Orpheum Theatre, and Orchestra Hall, the hotel"s neighborhood is central to the bustling tourism and business neighborhoods. A full redesign by Mark Zeff Design will serve as the backdrop to the 282 updated guestrooms as well as a new lobby, food and beverage outlets, public spaces, and more. The lobby features the brand"s signature open-concept spaces and a carefully selected collection of inviting furnishings, modern designs, and textures that evoke the feeling of a well-curated art gallery. Ambient lighting and cozy seating invites travelers to relax in chic surroundings, while also creating an effortless space in which to conduct a business meeting or connect with friends over cocktails. Throughout the hotel, layers of deep gray, charcoal, and vibrant blue tones create a stylish look, showcasing a timeless design that is contemporary and sleek. Every one of the 282-guestrooms and suites have been updated to incorporate monochromatic themes, with clean lines and hardwood floors with soft wood accents of marble and crisp white linens are used to craft a look that"s both refined and elegant. The guestrooms offer the guest a tranquil retreat with spacious facilities and amenities including a seating/lounge area, incredible views, large windows, grand bathroom, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf products, mini-fridge, robes, slippers, safes, Acca Kappa and Archive bath amenities as well as a unique entrance area with closet and dressing space. Room categories include: Standard, Junior Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Presidential Suite and the Foshay Suite that range in size between 450 and 1,200 square feet. Signaling one of the biggest changes at the hotel will be the addition of Jacques, the new signature restaurant at the Marquette that will hold a street-level entrance on Marquette Avenue South for locals and visitors alike. The 2,000-square-foot space will seat 76 in the restaurant and 16 at the bar. A nod to Jacques Marquette, the restaurant will boast a seasonal menu with Italian-Mediterranean influences. Guests can expect seasonal pasta preparations and pizzette along with a variety of modern classics. A creative cocktail program will pay tribute to Minneapolis and its cultural contributions to the world at large, and an atmosphere perfect for business lunches and special occasions. From sweet rhubarb in the Beebopareebop cocktail to the earthy, beet flavor of the Iron Range cocktail, guests will taste the flavor of the Northland while hearing the story that inspired the crafting of the drink. In addition, Jacque"s will feature classic French cocktails as a nod to Pere Marquette, the hotel"s namesake, and classic Italian cocktails to complement the restaurant"s Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Replacing Basil"s will be Jolliet House, named after explorer Louis Jolliet, a native explorer of the Mississippi River alongside Jacques Marquette. Jolliet House will feature a tasteful breakfast menu, lounge, and flexible dining options for guests and larger groups. Hotel website The Kimpton Aertson Hotel will open this month in Nashville on the corner of 21st Avenue and Broadway in the new mixed-use complex Aertson Midtown. The opening will mark the brand"s arrival in Music City as it expands its presence in the Southeast. Across 17 floors, the hotel"s design from Gensler will pay homage to the nearby university"s namesake Cornelius Vanderbilt and his Dutch ancestor Jan Aertson from the 1600s. The hotel will host 180 guestrooms, including 12 spacious suites. Contemporary art will anchor the property in authenticity, including handknotted painted ropes from artist Orly Genger at the front desk. The open-concept living room will evoke industrial and organic qualities with herringbone tiled floors, reclaimed wood ceilings, and a cascading curtain of river stones installed before a double-sided fireplace. Modern American brasserie Henley will open adjacent to the living room as well. More than 6,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space will be located on the eighth floor across four different spaces. The 3,630-square-foot Patterson Ballroom will be equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large wraparound private outdoor terrace. A 24-hour fitness center, eighth-floor outdoor swimming pool, and Woodhouse Day Spa will arrive as well. Hotel website General Manager Aaron Coburn brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to his new role as general manager, having previously served as a key member of the propertys opening management team. Coburn has not only contributed a strong proven hospitality leadership skills, but also a deep food and beverage background to the ART. Coburn grew up in a culinary family, working at his familys restaurant, and later matriculating through culinary and business school. After several years at premiere properties including Montage Laguna Beach in California, Coburns passion for the outdoors brought him to Colorado and previous food, beverage and operations management roles including at the Lodge and Spa Cordillera; Madeline Hotel and Residences and eventually, the ART, where he has been elevated to his new role. He will be integral in ensuring the ART continues to remain on the forefront of hospitality in Downtown Denver. Marriott International recently announced plans to use prefabricated guestrooms or bathrooms in 50 hotels in 2017, which accounts for more than 10 percent of the company's "Select Brand" developments in North America this year. As North America's leading manufacturer of prefab bathrooms, and an established Marriott approved vendor, Oldcastle SurePods is poised to participate in many of those projects. SurePods leaders and staff showcased the benefits of modular bathrooms to thousands of hotel owners at the Marriott CONNECT conference held in Los Angeles in early May. "The advantages of SurePods are summarized by 4 S's speed, simplicity, superior quality and safety," said Bill Seery, Director of Business Development for Oldcastle SurePods. "Hotel developers regularly shave two months or more off their construction schedule by using our bathrooms, while providing a high-end space for their guests." Interior of an Oldcastle SurePods prefab bathroom for AC Hotels by Marriott Photo by Oldcastle SurePods "Construction is the next frontier for innovation, and modular is leading the way," said Eric Jacobs, Marriott International's Chief Development Officer of Select Brands, North America, in a news release. SurePods has been building bathrooms for Marriott new hotel projects since 2006, and to-date has built over 2,000 bathroom pods for Marriott branded hotels. In addition to use in 5-star hotels, the company's bathroom pods have been used in a range of projects from public housing to assisted living. About Oldcastle SurePods Oldcastle SurePods is the leading provider of prefabricated bathrooms in North America. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and lean manufacturing technology, Oldcastle SurePods works with customers from design to installation to produce custom, ready-to-install bathroom pods for hotels and multi-unit residential projects. Replacing on-site bathroom construction, bathroom pods accelerate the construction timeline, improve overall quality and eliminate the punch list for the bathroom, which is the most problem-ridden part of a construction project. Oldcastle SurePods is part of Oldcastle, one of the largest manufacturers of building products in North America. http://www.oldcastlesurepods.com/ The entire equity stake of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG (Vienna House) has been acquired by Vienna House Capital. In the months since the contract signing in mid-February, the agreement was prepared for closing, subjected to an antitrust review and confirmed on 31 May 2017. Vienna House Capital is the Austrian subsidiary of Thailand's U City PCL (U City) with headquarters in Vienna. In addition to the entire equity stake, the acquisition also included seven hotel properties and the operating company for andel's by Vienna House Cracow, which had been owned by the Warimpex Group and partially by UBM Development AG. These properties were incorporated into the Vienna House Group. The total transaction amounts to approximately EUR 335 million. All of the acquired hotels were already under management by Vienna House. U City is a listed Thai commercial property company. Its largest shareholder is the family-operated BTS Group (BTSG), one of Thailand's top publicly listed companies with a market capitalisation of EUR 2.7 billion. With the family of Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas and his son Kavin Kanjanapas (CEO), Vienna House has found a strategic partner who shares the company's vision for the hotel industry and who supports Vienna House's business objectives. "The deal will strengthen the capital structure of Vienna House to secure further investments in international growth, in the business architecture and in pioneering services. That means that our strategy will focus on growth through management and lease agreements but also through suitable purchases of individual properties or entire portfolios. Another strong focus of mine will be on strategic asset management and acquisitions," explains Rupert Simoner, CEO of Vienna House. The management board consists as before of Rupert Simoner, Chief Executive Officer, and Martin Ykema, Chief Operating Officer with the new additions of Johanna Weichselbaumer, Chief Financial Officer, and Daniel Ross, Chief Investment Officer. Weichselbaumer, who has been with the group for over 25 years, plays a substantial role in the transaction process. In his dual function as CIO of Vienna House and BTSG, Ross will work with Simoner to further grow the company through investments in portfolio expansion. The transaction was managed by Credit Suisse on the seller's side and the auditing company Ernst & Young on the buyer's side. Vienna House was assisted by BDO Austria GmbH. "I can only express my greatest praise for all companies involved," says Simoner, adding: "Lead manager Credit Suisse and Robert Ehrenhofer (Director Head Corporate Advisory Austria) delivered an outstanding performance, always keeping an eye on the common goal of successfully concluding this extensive transaction with all participating companies." The new supervisory board consists of: Ann Piyaporn Phanachet (Chairwoman and U City CEO), John Westoby (Vice Chairman and U City Hospitality Director), Jonathan Wigley (Member of the Board and AHS Hotels CEO) and Sayam Siwarapornskul (BTSG Chief Legal Officer). The following properties will be incorporated into the Vienna House Group: Vienna House Amber Baltic Miedzyzdroje, andel's by Vienna House Lodz, angelo by Vienna House Katowice, Vienna House Easy Chopin Cracow, Vienna House Diplomat Prague, angelo by Vienna House Pilsen, angelo by Vienna House Bucharest and the operating company for andel's by Vienna House Cracow. All other lease and management agreements will remain unaffected. About BTS Group Holdings and U City PCL : BTSG is a listed Thai conglomerate with a market capitalization of THB 102.0bn (EUR 2.7bn) and the 26th largest company in Thailand by market capitalization. BTSG is a constituent member of the SET50 Index (blue chip), MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index and FTSE4Good Emerging Index (companies that demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices). www.btsgroup.co.th; press contact: Mr. Daniel Kastner, [email protected] U City PCL is a listed Thai commercial property developer with 30 years of experience and a market capitalization of THB 16.8bn (EUR 453mn). U City's strategy is to acquire or develop recurring income properties near mass transit lines both locally and overseas. On 20th April 2015, BTSG acquired a 35.64%, stake in U City when it sold land plots and a hotel to U City in exchange for shares of the company. Betina Welter Head of PR & Brand Communication +43 1 333 73 7355 Vienna House I'm often asked, "How many people in an organization does it take to create a culture focused on Customer Amazement?" The short answer is: all of them. But, the process has to start somewhere. Usually it's at the top with leadership. But sometimes it can come from someone inside the organization at a different level. I refer to that person as The Force Within. That person delivers Amazement within the larger group, which may not necessarily be operating at the same standard as he or she is. I wrote about this in my book The Cult of the Customer (Wiley 2008), and the example I used was that of an airline employee. He stood out, compared to many of his co-workers, as a person willing to do anything within his power to take care of his customers. By coincidence, Ted Janusz, one of our master trainers at Shepard Presentations, just flew to a speaking engagement and shared a story about the captain of the jet who was a perfect example of The Force Within. With all the negative press that United Airlines has been getting over the last month or so, this is a very refreshing and positive story. It happened to be Mother's Day on his flight from Columbus to Chicago. Pete the Pilot that's what we'll call him came out from the safety of his cockpit and grabbed the microphone to make an announcement. He wished all the moms on board a Happy Mother's Day. He mentioned his wife and his two boys back home, and recognized what a struggle it was for the moms to pack up the kids, find a parking space, struggle through security, and lug all the stuff the family needs onto the plane. He ended his address by saying, "We've done some things wrong, for which we take responsibility. But it's my personal mission to change your mind and the media's mind about how you view us. Welcome to United." Ted landed in Chicago and thanked Pete. His extra effort stood out. However, as noticeable as the effort was that Pete made to give his customers the best experience possible, Ted couldn't help but notice that other airline employees he encountered during the remainder of his trip weren't making the same effort. For them, it was as just "business as usual." Not every employee of United Airlines, or any business for that matter, is going to have access to a PA system to make the kind of announcement that Pete did. But, even a smile and warm greeting can go a long way to make a customer feel acknowledged and even appreciated. Maybe your organization is truly customer-focused. Operating at Pete the Pilot's level in such an organization therefore would make you part of a Force of Many. There are many other businesses that aren't quite at this customer service rock star level. But that doesn't mean if you work for such an organization that you can't be like Pete, operating as a Force Within. That force is positive. It's very much appreciated by customers. And, like enthusiasm, it's contagious. Shep Hyken is a customer service expert, keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling business author. For information contact or www.hyken.com. For information on The Customer Focus customer service training programs go to www.thecustomerfocus.com. Follow on Twitter: @Hyken (Copyright MMXVII, Shep Hyken) Shep Hyken Shepard Presentations, LLC. View source The hospitality industry is the global provider of choice. All around the world, guests choose where to travel, how to get there, where to eat and sleep, what attractions to see. There are many factors that drive these decisions, of course, but every travel decision leads to another, and a myriad of subsequent choices will eventually be made. Hotels undisputedly understand the critical role that choice, and the appeal of endless guest options, plays in the travelers' decision-making process. After all, hotels make it their business to provide potential guests with as many choices as possible. Hotels set themselves apart competitively by offering distinctive room types and lush amenities, dog-friendly atmospheres, Zen lifestyle packages with yoga mats and serene spaces, and gluten-free and vegan-friendly menus. These are available options guests can choose from to help minimize the disruptions caused by traveling. And when you look at innovation in the technology space, it takes guest options and competitive opportunities for hotels even further. Mobile apps, keyless entry software, digital newspapers and room service robots have become all the rage in recent years-and they are all geared to ultimately influence the guest's choice to book with the brand family. In fact, choice is even one of the cardinal themes embedded in nearly every brand ethos. A quick look around the Internet and words like "unique," "memorable," "diverse," and "curated collection" are frequently used to describe any given portfolio of hotel brands. Company credos "No matter your travel style, there's a Sonesta to suit you" and "Brands to fit every lifestyle and occasion" from the likes of Sonesta and Hilton, respectively, further exemplifies just how much value hotel organizations place on appealing to every type of traveler. From high-touch luxury properties to low-touch limited service facilities to vacation timeshares, the choices are all there-and they fulfill virtually every possible guest need. All of these aforementioned guest options, incentives and choices are ultimate reflections of an overall brand strategy. However, choice shouldn't be a message embodied only within the vivid description of a brand promise, its contemporary lounges or the high-tech amenities and ultra-modern guestrooms. For organizations with a unique portfolio of hotel brands, choice also needs to be a primary theme that permeates into every one of their properties' revenue strategies-and it needs to be supported by advanced revenue technology. Here are some considerations for how hotel organizations can identify the ideal revenue technology for executing a cohesive, profitable and productive revenue strategy across their entire portfolio. It Starts With Choosing the Right Technology The first step in developing a unique revenue strategy that supports the needs of an entire portfolio is identifying the flexible technology capable of doing so. While many brands are recognized for their consistent brand standards and unique business vibes, every property-regardless of its branding-will have its own market environment and guests that differentiate it from its sister properties. For many hotel organizations around the world, selecting the right technology for one single property can be a significant undertaking. So when it comes to choosing the best technology for multiple hotels in different markets with different needs and different guests, it can become nothing short of a daunting and pedantic business decision. The importance of selecting the right technology for a portfolio of hotels has such far-reaching impacts, in fact, that Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson recently cited it as potentially the biggest risk in their industry merger with Starwood. But what exactly makes this first step just so complex? Well, for starters, hotel organizations need advanced revenue technology that adapts to a broad range of markets, brand categories and guest personas to meet the different demands within their wide portfolio. Differences in market environments and brands means there are also differences in property technology requirements, hotel pricing and inventory strategies and staff. It is essential that hotel organizations evaluate any impacts of technology, whether nuanced or grossly significant, when looking for their ideal technological fit. Thinking through existing technology requirements, it's critical to evaluate how revenue technology can integrate with current systems. If hotel technologies can't seamlessly integrate together, it often results in eventual financial implications down the line, which may require upgrading or changing technology. It's important that organizations select technology that communicates well with a variety of their other hotel systems, such as a PMS, CRS or channel manager. This is not only a critical component for sharing and communicating data back and forth between software, but it also significantly improves overall hotel productivity by reducing manual procedures and human errors. There are also analytical aspects that help hotel organizations drive a unique and profitable revenue strategy. Some of these considerations include high-performance forecasting capabilities; granular data and decisions that can be broken out by different departments, segments, room types, day parts and rate codes for multiple hotels; predictive analytical tools for understanding how changes impact their revenue strategy; advanced pricing and inventory controls that maximize revenue opportunities; and emerging data sources such as reputation, competitive performance, rate shopping and value of demand that are integrated into unique decision outputs for each hotel within every portfolio. All of these different aspects lend themselves to the choices hoteliers have when evaluating their potential for analytical capabilities. It Layers in Strategic Pricing & Industry Data Profitable hotel pricing is a passionate topic of conversation for hoteliers at all levels of the organization, and when it comes to finding the right strategy for multiple hotels, there are different strategies for how hotels can effectively use rate to increase profits. This is important to remember when selecting technology for an entire portfolio because a one-size-fits-all pricing approach won't be the optimal option for every property in the portfolio. This is a large reason why revenue technology needs to offer hotels different pricing and inventory strategies. Here are some considerations hotels use to establish their ideal pricing strategy, and why the right technology needs accommodate all of these unique facets: What are guests looking for at each hotel brand and in each market? Is there a specific type of rate that guests prefer? Some regions or audiences may be used to a certain pricing processes and changing it may cause dissatisfaction or lost clientele. For example, some guests like knowing how their stay breaks down in cost by each day. In this case, technology that can determine and automate daily pricing strategies would be an ideal choice. Other guests in other markets or hotel brands could largely prefer the simplicity provided by one rate for their entire stay. In these cases, technologies that deploy length-of-stay pricing strategies would be the best fit. There are alternative considerations that also identify the need for different portfolio pricing options. For example, a hotel with airport transient guests averaging one-night stays is often a better fit for daily pricing strategies. Luxury destination hotels, on the other hand, often see longer lengths of stay. As a result, a flexible or length-of-stay pricing strategy would be a better fit for them. If an organization's revenue technology can't accommodate all of the different pricing needs for their hotel segments, they might be forced to have different technology for different hotels, or use a one-size-fits-all pricing strategy that doesn't drive optimal profits. Industry data also gives hotels a tremendous opportunity to refine and customize their revenue strategy for their brands and respective markets. Most hotels have some type of technology that tracks basic shopper activity on their website; however, it's been fairly limited when forecasting demand. This is where the availability of travel intent data - and its strategic implementation - has become a critical focus point for developing unique revenue strategies. This market intelligence gives hotels personal and human-focused insights, such as shoppers' ages and hobbies, so they can market strategically with better ad placements, customized experience packages and personalized offers. To efficiently use this new data, hotels are incorporating the practice of 'futurecasting,' which encourages them to analyze how and why outcomes occurred. It fuses traditional revenue management data with demand intelligence for better insight into what drives people to book, and what their ideal price is in every selling channel. Using this powerful data in this kind of strategic fashion allows hotels to offer more attractive and personalized choices for their guests. It Depends on Having the Right People & Processes Having the ideal revenue technology, pricing approach and industry data are no doubt critical pieces of a profitable revenue strategy, but they all rely on having the right people in place to support and oversee the execution. Organizations also have to choose who's going to implement their revenue strategies-an onsite revenue manager at each property, a cluster manager overseeing multiple hotels, or perhaps even an outsourced team of revenue professionals that can take over the heavy lifting. Thoroughly planning for potential changes in technology or revenue strategy requires a comprehensive development plan. Hoteliers can begin this process by focusing on improving their data collection, as well as planning and implementing better business practices. To execute effective revenue strategies for every hotel within their portfolio, organizations could also consider whether they need to add new leaders, redesign job roles and responsibilities, or develop higher standards of skills and capabilities. When it comes to the embodiment of choice throughout organizational branding and culture, hotels all around the world are leading the charge and they're not going to be usurped from that throne any time soon. And when it comes to developing a unique revenue strategy to support an entire hotel portfolio, having different choices for technological capabilities, pricing approaches and organizational structures is another prevailing theme that continues to reign king. Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from www.HotelExecutive.com About IDeaS IDeaS, a SAS company, is the world's leading provider of revenue management software and services. With over 30 years of expertise, IDeaS delivers revenue science to more than 18,000 clients in 145 countries. Combining industry knowledge with innovative, data-analytics technology, IDeaS creates sophisticated yet simple ways to empower revenue leaders with precise, automated decisions they can trust. Results delivered. Revenue transformed. Discover greater profitability at ideas.com. For well over a decade, the members of the hotel industry's preeminent think tank, "LIIC The Lodging Industry Investment Council," are annually surveyed to develop a list of the major hotel investment opportunities and challenges for the coming year. This exhaustive survey results in the LIIC Top Ten; a highly regarded profile of investment sentiment and attitudes for the lodging industry for the forthcoming 12 months. Altogether, the members of LIIC represent direct acquisition and disposition control of well over $40 billion of lodging real estate. Members are highly active and have the pulse of the market, with 45% of LIIC hotel investors having successfully purchased a hotel in the last 12 months and an additional 16% having made offers but not been the winner. Moreover, 76% plan to sell a hotel over the next 24 months. The hospitality industry's most influential investors, lenders, corporate real estate executives, REIT's, public hotel companies, brokers and significant lodging equity sources are represented on the Council. LIIC serves as the leading industry think tank for the lodging business (www.liic.org). Mike Cahill, LIIC co-chairman, produced this year's survey (www.mikecahill.com). Mr. Cahill is CEO and Founder of HREC Hospitality Real Estate Counselors, a leading international hotel and casino brokerage and advisory firm (16 offices nationwide) specializing in lodging property sales, debt financing, consulting, appraisals and litigation support (www.hrec.com). Nate Shartar and Alexander Cammarata, Associates in HREC's Denver office, assisted throughout the process. 2017 Top Ten LIIC Survey Results Hotel Real Estate: Forecasting Clear Skies with Some Clouds and Slightly Cooling Temperatures: Overall, the 2017 LIIC Survey is more positive than 2016 and starkly different than the peak year survey in 2015. Responses reveal a calmness, compared with wide spread nervousness in April 2016. Chinese investment is expected (36%) to slow slightly and Brexit's impact on US hotels is considered slight. Private Equity followed by Listed REITs are predicted to dominate the purchase of Upscale to Luxury hotels; while, Regional Owner/Operators are projected to dominate the purchase of Economy to Upper Midscale hotels. Movement in the Hotel Real Estate Cycle? : Most investors (68%) believe we are still in the extra innings of the current cycle which began in 2009; however, an astute, highly intelligent minority (32%) believe we have begun a new cycle. Projections for the US economy are positive, with 60% forecasting GDP growth averaging greater than 2% over the next 24 months. Asset Pricing Bid/Ask Settles, Values Flat to Maybe Increasing : Over the next 12 months, 54% project that lodging real estate values will be flat in comparison to 2016. However, a sizable group (36%) forecast a slight increase in values (up to 5%). Favorite investment target, Upper Upscale lodging properties. 2017's Greatest Threats to Hotel Investment ?: The top three threats on the horizon: New Lodging Supply: 90% of LIIC members cited new hotel supply as the current and dominant top investment concern. Hypocritically, 81% are building new lodging assets. Increasing Interest Rates: With interest rates increasing gradually up to 100bps over the next 24 months, sellers need to understand the impact on asset pricing for hotels they are looking to sell. Government Mandated Minimum Wage Increases: Investors (28%; down from last year) are threatened by government mandated minimum wage increases and the corresponding impact on hotel operating costs (74% anticipate a gradual negative impact over the next five years). Hotel Transaction Market Continues Slight Cooling : 52% of responders forecast the total dollar volume of U.S. hotel transactions in calendar 2017 will be down relative to year-end 2016 and 22% believe volume will be flat. Similarly, 46% believe the number of assets sold to be down; while, 32% anticipate the number of assets sold to be flat. Hotel Debt Available, Yet Less Favorable: Hotel investors are "debt leery" causing 56% to seek refinancing of existing debt over the coming year even though 52% believe the optimum refinance window closed in the last six months. Owners have more concern with interest rate increases on senior debt than lender's available leverage percentages. Lodging Development Marches Along : Investor attitude stays positive on the concept of building new lodging properties. As to developing hotels, 66% of LIIC responds "yes, if you are selective about product and markets". Respondents are putting their money behind their votes, with 81% of relevant LIIC members having new hotels actively under development. Want to Buy a Hotel? Quantity and Quality : Quantity: 42% of investors believe that a "below average quantity" of hotels are available for purchase closely followed by 44% at "average quantity." Quality (desirability to purchase): 52% believe the quality is average and 28% suggest negatively "slightly worse than 2016". Markets NOT to Invest in?: LIIC members were asked which of the top 25 markets they "would not consider buying a hotel" in: Houston, TX (64%), Nashville, TN (32%), Detroit, MI (28%), New York, NY (28%), St. Louis, MO-IL (28%)Sleeper where to buy? New Orleans! Not one vote against recorded. Marriott and Starwood Merger? If you own a Starwood branded hotel, 36% surprisingly believe the value of Starwood lodging investments have increased specifically due to the merger. On the other hand, the primary concern (22%) stressing hotel owners is decreasing negotiating leverage with Mega Marriott going forward. LIIC Bonus Questions : Looking forward, the "hotel investment illuminati" predict: Buyers paying package (5 or more hotels) premium? Maybe not anymore, 53% say no and 47% yes. Congrats to the 13% of LIIC members that last year predicted the Trump Presidential victory; interestingly, 44% now say the Trump Administration is positively affecting hotel ownership. When staying at a hotel on a multiple day business trip, LIIC's greatest "Pet Peeves" are (1) painfully slow internet, (2) uncomfortable bedding, and (3) noise (hallways, PTACs, and outside traffic). Other "Peeves" include paparazzi, breakfast not starting early enough, and the cost of items in the snack shop being too expensive. For additional information, please contact: LIIC The Lodging Industry Investment Council www.liic.org Co-Chairmen Riu Purchases the 'Edificio Espaa' Building in Madrid The hotel chain has reached an agreement with the Baraka Group to buy 100% of the building where it will open its first urban hotel in Spain The RIU hotel chain has reached an agreement with the Baraka Group to purchase the 'Edificio Espana' outright and subsequently carry out the necessary refurbishments to turn it into the first Riu Plaza urban hotel in Spain. After purchasing the building from Wanda, the Baraka Group has sold the property on to RIU Hotels & Resorts. RIU has always shown immense interest in this project. 'It had always been part of our strategic plan to open a Riu Plaza hotel in Spain and this opportunity in Madrid, in such an unbeatable location and emblematic building, surpasses all expectations,' say Carmen and Luis Riu, CEOs of RIU Hotels. 'After several months, the operation progressed to the point where RIU could buy the building outright, an opportunity that, after examining it in depth, we havent wanted to pass up,' explain the directors. The Baraka Group Chairman Trinitario Casanova is to be in charge of the 15,000m commercial area which will include department stores. As was announced at the beginning of the year, the future 4-star Riu Plaza hotel will occupy 24 of Edificio Espana's 27 floors, with 650 rooms, while the rest will be given over to retail. The hotel will also contain over 1,800m of space for events, with an open-plan room measuring 1,500m with 6m high ceilings, turning it into a unique venue in the centre of Madrid. It will also have two restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool next to the Sky Bar and an additional 900m of space for events. RIU currently has six Riu Plaza hotels around the world. The first opened its doors to guests in Panama City in 2010 and since then has been joined by the Riu Plaza Guadalajara in Mexico, the Riu Plaza Miami Beach and Riu Plaza New York Times Square in the United States, the Riu Plaza Berlin in Germany and more recently, the Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, in Ireland. Thoughts for owners and operators to achieve a winning strategy During the course of a negotiation in relation to a hotel management agreement ("HMA") there are many issues to be identified, negotiated and resolved. Some issues seem to come up more regularly than others and seem to take a disproportionate amount of time to deal with to the satisfaction of both owners and operators. In this series we will focus on a number of issues which fall into this category. In this edition we take a somewhat different tact. Increasingly we are observing owners going down the path of an operator selection as opposed to conducting negotiations with only a single operator. Like most other aspects of hotel management agreement negotiations, thought needs to be given by both operators and owners to each stage in the selection process. From an owner's perspective an operator selection can be significantly more time consuming and costly than a single operator negotiation. There is also the risk that the owner and its advisers can "lose sight of the forest for the trees" and make significant decisions based on relatively insignificant matters with the result that the best operator for the particular opportunity may not be selected. Operators need to be mindful of the impact of competitive tension and the realisation that the true adversary in such negotiations in all likelihood is the group of other potential operators - as opposed to the owner. Furthermore, an operator selection should give an operator who may not be "front of mind" for a particular opportunity the chance to participate in the process and ultimately demonstrate through sheer determination and enthusiasm that it is in fact the best operator for such opportunity. Since we are based in Australia, we will approach the questions below from a broadly Australian perspective. However, the good news is that we have 17 offices in Asia Pacific and many more around the world to answer any jurisdictional specific questions that may arise from the discussion below. Question Discussion When does the process start for an operator? If an operator is not approached to participate in an operator selection in circumstances where it considered it should have been, the question should be asked as to why not and detailed enquiries should be undertaken of the owner and its advisers to fully understand how this occurred. Operators, and particularly their development executives, should be constantly engaging with consultants who are regularly engaged to undertake operator selections to lay the groundwork to achieve the degree of familiarity which can on occasion be the precursor to an invitation to participate in an operator selection. The cost of not being "front of mind" with such consultants could be the loss of a prestigious and potentially very lucrative opportunity. Are there circumstances where an operator selection may not be appropriate? The primary benefit of an operator selection is the opportunity for an owner to methodically compare the offerings of a number of potential operators and benefit from the competitive tension that such a process engenders. However, before embarking on the process, serious thought should be given to whether there is one operator which has "stand out" attributes for a particular offering such that the benefits of operator selection are not present. Embarking on an operator selection process in this circumstance results in needless time being devoted to the process and potentially significant incremental costs. Worse still, the process may dissuade the obvious operator from participating or dropping out before the process is finalised. What are the negotiation strategies from an owner's perspective? Be strategic - what are you ultimately seeking to achieve from the negotiation Be commercial - pursue the commercially significant issues and accept the peripheral issues Be bold - propose approaches which depart from accepted methodology ( e.g operator employs hotel staff/operator participation in proceeds on sale of the Hotel) When should an owner be and not be prescriptive about key commercial terms? This is always a difficult decision and it is unclear whether ultimately there is a right or wrong way to proceed. For example should an owner specify the quantum of base and incentive fees it is seeking to pay or ask proposed operators to specify what they would be prepared to accept. In our experience, being prescriptive is significantly more popular. What are the negotiation strategies from an operator's perspective? Be flexible and reasonable Be aware of local market nuances Don't make unreasonable promises (e.g projections) What negotiation strategies are at play when seeking to broadly compare international operators against local operators? International operators bring multi-jurisdictional brands and reservation systems Domestic operators generally have lower overhead costs and potentially more sophisticated local market knowledge Is the process of comparing operators science or art? The vast majority of operator selections proceed on the basis that each of the relevant commercial terms (e.g term, fees, termination provisions etc) are scheduled in a form which makes for easy comparison between competing proposals. A savvy operator should consider unique or differing aspects of its proposal to minimise the risk that its offering is commoditised. However in the process of comparing such commercial terms, it should not be overlooked that each operator will bring a distinctive operating style to the Hotel and a favourable operating style needs to be given appropriate weight when considering the range of commercial terms on offer. In this vein, operators should not assume that an owner and its advisors will know every aspect of what is distinctive about each operator's offering. Whose hotel management agreement template to use? We are aware of one instance where an owner of a "trophy" hotel proposed that an owner drafted a hotel specific management agreement be used. Owners who proceed in the conventional manner and agree to use operator template agreements, which we consider will be the overwhelming majority, should review such agreements carefully as part of the selection process and identify any potential "commercial" issues in the template (e.g. some template agreements include a first right of refusal to acquire the hotel in favour of the operator). When in the process should the field of potential operators be reduced? An owner should always maximise the competitive tension between potential operators and defer reducing the field of potential operators until all significant commercial terms have been extensively negotiated. An owner should only go exclusive with one potential operator when it considers that the benefits of competitive tension has been totally exhausted. Once exclusivity is granted, negotiations should be finalised as quickly as possible. Whilst such exclusive negotiations progress, the owner should maintain contact with other shortlisted operators just in case negotiations with the front runner falter. A final comment Human interaction between personnel representing the owner and the operator lie at the heart of successful hotel operations. Both owners and operators should always remember that they are going to be in business with each other for a long time. From the earliest point in time (which can be some time before the selection process even begins), a potential operator should seek to build a positive human relationship with its owner counter-parts. The hard work which lies at the core of owner comments such as: "we can work with these people" "they have taken the time to get to know us" "we are not being treated like just another item on the conveyor belt - they make us feel special" can make the difference between success and failure. About Baker & McKenzie Founded in 1949, Baker & McKenzie advises many of the worlds most dynamic and successful business organizations through more than 11,000 people in 77 offices in 47 countries. The Firm is known for its global perspective, deep understanding of the local language and culture of business, uncompromising commitment to excellence, and world-class fluency in its client service. Global revenues for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2014, were US$2.54 billion. Eduardo Leite is Chairman of the Executive Committee. (www.bakermckenzie.com) Greg Liddell Named General Manager for Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has recently announced the appointment of Greg Liddell as General Manager of the Group's flagship, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Taking the helm of the 141-year-old Grande Dame, Mr Liddell who has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry is no stranger to the Land of Smiles. He began his career with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2009 as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai. He was appointed General Manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong in 2012 where the property was awarded numerous accolades including Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for 3 consecutive years during his tenure, and Forbes Five Star Ratings in Hotel, Restaurant and Spa; one of the only three hotels in greater China to achieve this prestigious recognition. In 2014, Mr Liddell joined Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona where he has been instrumental in positioning the property as the city's premier hotel for service excellence and culinary destination. An Australian national, Mr Liddell studied and worked in Sydney, before embarking on his hospitality career to Asia. Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Mr Liddell held various senior management positions including General Manager of Aman Resorts, and Group General Manager of Karma Resorts where he was responsible for resorts Bali, Indonesia and Koh Samui, Thailand. Commenting on his most recent appointment, Richard Baker, Executive Vice President, Operations Asia said "With many years of valuable experience in key locations, coupled with his undoubted commitment to legendary service, Greg is well positioned for his important new role in Bangkok". HFTP Announces Keynote Speakers and Opening Party for HITEC Toronto Worlds largest hospitality technology exposition and conference adds four recognized innovators to education program Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producer of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), has added four keynote speakers to this year's education program: Dave Berkus, super angel, author and entrepreneur; Alex Tapscott, CEO at Northwest Passage Ventures; Kevin Rosen, Esq. CIPP/US, partner at Shutts & Bowen, LLP; and Robert Villanueva, executive vice president at Q6 Cyber. Opening Keynote and Party. On Monday, June 26, 2017, Dave Berkus will take the HITEC Toronto stage from 4:305:30 p.m. to discuss technology and its impact on the job market. Berkus is one of the nation's most prolific angel investors with over 137 early stage technology investments. He is the creator of BERKONOMICS.COM weekly insights for entrepreneurs and investors. Berkus is an author and in-demand speaker at national and international events sharing stories and wisdom related to entrepreneurs, building boards of directors, trends in technology and valuing young corporate enterprises. Berkus is also an inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. Following the Opening Keynote, HFTP will host the "A Night in Toronto" Opening Party from 6:30 9:00 p.m. at the Muzik Event Center. Attendees will enjoy delicious snacks, drinks and music as they mingle and get ready for the busy week ahead. Additionally, the Opening Party will feature an emulator touch screen DJ, giant light bright, digital graffiti wall and surfboard simulator. Opening Party entry information is detailed on the HITEC Toronto website. Tuesday Keynote. On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, Alex Tapscott will present from 8:3010:00 a.m. to inform HITEC attendees about the blockchain revolution. Tapscott is a founding member at IMF's High Level Advisory Group on Fintech, as well as the co-author of the critically acclaimed best-seller "Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money Business and the World." Tapscott is focused on the impact of emerging technologies on business, society and government, and is a passionate advocate for innovation, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. Closing Keynote. On Thursday, June 29, 2017, Kevin Rosen, Esq. CIPP/US and Robert Villanueva will present from 2:153:15 p.m. on cybercrime. Rosen is a member of the Financial Services Practice Group and the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Taskforce at his current West Palm Beach office. He focuses his practice on cybersecurity, privacy, data security, securities regulation and financial regulation. Villanueva currently leads the Cyber Threat Intelligence Division of Q6 Cyber after spending 25-years working for the United States Secret Service, where he specialized in transnational cybercrimes, access device fraud, network intrusions and identity theft data breaches affecting the private sector. This year's larger North American event HITEC Toronto will take place from June 26-29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. HITEC Dubai, the third and final HITEC of 2017, will take place from November 14-15 at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE in partnership with Naseba. In 2018, HFTP will bring back HITEC Amsterdam on April 11-14 in addition to HITEC Houston on June 26-29. About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global nonprofit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry's problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world's only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry. For more information about HFTP, email membership@hftp.org or download the HFTP/HITEC media kit via the HFTP website. Interstate Hotels & Resorts announces the launch of the Asia Investment Group, becoming the leading Asia practice team with dedicated resources to deliver exceptional hotel management services to Asian owners seeking to invest in hotels in the U.S and Europe. Interstate Hotels & Resorts announces the launch of the Asia Investment Group, becoming the leading Asia practice team with dedicated resources to deliver exceptional hotel management services to Asian owners seeking to invest in hotels in the U.S and Europe. With this division's rapid growth, the Asia Investment Group has already achieved critical mass with over 11,000 hotel rooms to date. Interstate's dedicated team proactively identifies opportunities to optimize hotels' profitability and asset values by working closely with ownership groups, providing personalized asset management services, and specialized financial reporting services through IHR1 - Interstate's business intelligence platform. The development team possesses significant experience in Asia - including China - and in the U.S., with a deep understanding of Asian owners' needs and preferences. The team specializes in providing services for owners which includes deal sourcing, acquisition due diligence, financing and brand selection to hotel management services. Additionally, Interstate's owner-focused Asia practice team includes a dedicated bilingual, California-based team that is fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Cantonese. Interstate Hotels & Resorts Asia Investment Group: Jackie Lee, Don Li, and Tina Chang. Interstate's Asia Investment Group includes Jackie Lee, vice president of development and acquisitions and Tina Chang, vice president of asset management, and is led by Don Li, head of Asia investment group. With Interstate for three years, Li has cultivated strong relationships with Asian capital partners and assists foreign owners with U.S. and European hotel acquisitions, brand evaluations, site selection, developing repositioning strategies, and renovations. Before joining Interstate three years ago, Li served as CEO of Swiss International Hotels & Resorts (China) where he led an elite team to develop the next generation of luxury hotels characterized by Swiss quality and efficiency in greater China. Jackie Lee joined the group to assist Li with development efforts after having worked in Shanghai for Interstate China for five years. As part of the Asia Investment Group, Lee assists both foreign and U.S. owners manage all aspects of the hotel development process, including acquisition, brand selection, renovations and ongoing management of their assets in order to meet their financial performance objectives. Tina Chang, a recent addition to the team, brings extensive corporate accounting, finance and asset management knowledge from her previous role as Director of Hotel Accounting at Sunstone Hotel Investors. Chang is responsible for maximizing hotel owners' investments by overseeing hotel operations as an in-house asset manager for the Asia Investment Portfolio. She works closely with ownership groups, brands and Interstate's operations team to proactively identify opportunities to optimize hotels' profitability and asset values. "Interstate is uniquely qualified to add exceptional value and service for Asian owners seeking to invest in the U.S. and Europe," said Leslie Ng, chief investment officer for Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "Our success and growth in this niche segment is due to our talent, experience and resources that drive results for Asian hotel investors." It has emerged that only a quarter of State agency posts announced by the Department of Jobs to deal with Brexit have been filled to date. Stephen Donnelly, who is Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Brexit, has critcised the Government for its inaction on preparing State agencies for the fallout associated with Brexit. The preparation undertaken by Minister for Jobs Mary Mitchell OConnor for Brexit has been woefully inadequate to date," Stephen Donnelly tellls Hot Press. The Minister informed him that only 12 of the 39 posts in Enterprise Ireland have been filled, only 1 of 10 posts at the IDA and no additional staff are in place in either Science Foundation Ireland or the Health and Safety Authority. "The Government committed to providing a 50 additional posts to prepare Ireland for Brexit, but now we find that only 13 staff are actually in place," he points out. The TD continues: The Irish Exporters Association recently described Irish businesses as being 'woefully unprepared' for Brexit. Despite 15 in 20 companies believing that they will be impacted, only 3 in 20 have done anything about it. Unfortunately the State itself is not leading by example as it is leaving key posts unfilled as we head towards Brexit. "Despite it being almost a year on from the referendum the Government has not yet woken up to the reality of the economic impact that Brexit will have on every region in Ireland. Their failure to properly resource and staff our State agencies means that we are also ill-prepared to capitalise on the few potential gains that are to be had because of Brexit. The lack of urgency by the Government in preparing State agencies for Brexit is deeply disappointing." Stephen Donnelly, who was the focus of the 'Hot Press Interview' back in January, said that Fianna Fail is now calling on Minister Mitchell OConnor to "act urgently to address this shortfall". He urged her to provide "monthly updates" to the Dail on recruitment. "With only 22 months left in the Article 50 negotiations, and no deadline in place for future trade talks, Irish businesses cannot be allowed to go without the supports they need," he concludes. About Webcast Our employees make important financial decisions at work, such as choosing health care, life insurance, and how much to save for retirement. At the same time, they are busy juggling multiple prioritiesmaking it difficult for many to manage their day-to-day personal finances. As a result, many employers are seeing increased employee stress, borrowing from retirement plans, and garnishments. Join our thought leaders from Harvard, Home Depot, Benz Communications, and DoubleNet Pay as we discuss best practices and lessons learned on successfully implementing a comprehensive financial wellness program. DoubleNet Pay founder and CEO Brian Cosgray will lead the session. He'll be joined by Harvard behavioral economist Dr. Brigitte Madrian, Home Depot Benefits Director Brant Suddath, and Benz Communications Chief Strategist and founder Jennifer Benz. About the Speakers: Dr. Brigitte Madrian is the Aetna Professor of Public Policy and Corporate Management at the Harvard Kennedy School. Before coming to Harvard in 2006, she was on the Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School (2003-2006), the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (1995-2003) and the Harvard University Economics Department (1993-1995). She is also a research associate and co-director of the Household Finance working group at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Dr. Madrians current research focuses on behavioral economics and household finance, with a particular focus on household saving and investment behavior. Her work in this area has impacted the design of employer-sponsored savings plans in the U.S. and has influenced pension reform legislation both in the U.S. and abroad. She is also engaged in research on health, using the lens of behavioral economics to understand health behaviors and improve health outcomes; in the past she has also examined the impact of health insurance on the job choice and retirement decisions of employees and the hiring decisions of firms. Dr. Madrian received her Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and studied economics as an undergraduate at Brigham Young University. She is the recipient of the National Academy of Social Insurance Dissertation Prize (first place, 1994) and a two-time recipient of the TIAA-CREF Paul A. Samuelson Award for Scholarly Research on Lifelong Financial Security (2002 and 2011). Brant Suddath has been the Director of Benefits at Home Depot since 2006 and has over 19 years of experience in the benefit industry. He is currently responsible for leading, developing, and implementing strategic direction of U.S. employee and executive benefits programs and initiatives that are aligned with company objectives. Prior to joining Home Depot, Brant worked for Hewitt Associates for 10 years where he was responsible for a business group of 250 associates serving 25 large outsourcing client relationships. Brant is a recognized guest speaker for numerous national benefit conferences and has been quoted in a number of publications including: Bloomberg Business Week, Pensions and Investments, Workforce and Employee Benefit News. Brant is a Board member of the Covenant Christian School in Smyrna GA, a Business Advisory Board Member at Bright Horizons, a member of the Aon Hewitt Benefits Delivery Client Council and a member of the Client Advisory Council for Financial Engines. He has a B.A in Economics from the University of Georgia. Jennifer Benz is Founder and CEO of Benz Communications, a boutique consulting and marketing firm headquartered in San Francisco. She has been on the leading edge of employee benefits for nearly 15 yearsstarting with early adopter consumer driven health plans and now with innovations in wellness, social media and health care reform. A well-known expert, Jen recently testified before the Department of Labors ERISA Advisory Council regarding retirement education, and was named one of Workforce Magazines Game Changers. Jen serves as the program chair for the HR Executive Health and Benefits Leadership Conference, and is widely quoted in publications, including Employee Benefit News, Human Resource Executive, The Conference Board Review and Workforce. She speaks and writes as an authority on the changing benefits landscapeparticularly the areas of health care reform, social media and the critical role of effective communication. At Benz Communications, Jen leads a team of 25 and serves Fortune 500 companies, including several of Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work For. They create results-focused and data-driven communication strategies and campaignsincluding custom websites, videos and print materialsthat have won top honors from Business Insurance, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Profit Sharing Council of America, Employee Benefit News and others. By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s). The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are running out of time as they pursue a new gaming facility they say will protect jobs and revenues. Lawmakers in the Connecticut House passed a bill to authorize the facility . But the Senate has yet to act with only about a week left in the legislative session. In hopes of sweetening the deal, the tribes have offered $25 million upfront to the state, The Hartford Courant reported. The amount would not be considered a license fee for the new facility, an idea that has been suggested, but instead would be deducted from the tribes' future revenue sharing payments, the paper said. They share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state as part of existing gaming agreements. Additionally, the tribes are supporting a provision to authorize slot machines at non-Indian betting parlors, the paper reported. That would presumably affect the exclusivity promised to the tribes in their agreements but they have been willing to address that issue in exchange for the casino. The New England Casino Race: Tribal and commercial gaming facilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island The tribes plan to build the facility in East Windsor. They chose the site to compete with a $950 million commercial casino going up about 13 miles away in Springfield, Massachusetts. The tribes are pursuing the casino outside of the framework of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act so federal approval is not needed for it. The site in East Windsor will not be taken into trust either. Read More on the Story: Time Grows Short and Tribes Agree to Add Slots for Waterbury, New Haven and Bridgeport (The Hartford Courant 6/1) An Opinion: Editorial: Close casino deal (The New London Day 5/31) Join the Conversation Related Stories Shortage of Native American physicians creates concerns, elicits calls for action By Charlie ClarkCronkite News PHOENIX Dena Wilson never doubted what she wanted to do with her life while growing up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Her mother worked at the Indian Health Service as a social worker, and aside from a brief desire to be a bird in kindergarten, Wilson knew she wanted to become a doctor. Wilson attended Chadron State College in Nebraska and then the University of Washington for medical school. After that, she pursued a cardiology fellowship at the University of Arizonas medical center, and she worked for a native cardiology program in Northern Arizona before coming to Phoenix to work for the Indian Health Service. Just growing up, receiving care in the Indian Health Service, knowing there was such a shortage, and never seeing any other native providers, this was something I wanted to do, Wilson said. Wilson belongs to an exclusive club. Not only is she the lone cardiologist working for the Indian Health Service in Phoenix, but shes also Native American, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe. Of the nearly 19,000 graduates of medical school last year in the U.S., only 31 were Native American. Here in Arizona, theres an estimated 13,542 physicians statewide, and only 107 were Native American thats less than 1 percent, according to a database by the Association of American Medical Colleges using 2013 numbers. Experts said the shortage of Native American doctors in Arizona in which there are more than 350,000 Native Americans is concerning because it impacts the effectiveness of health care delivery overall, as well as the research into health disparities. Dr. Dena Wilson has known shes wanted to become a physician since growing up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Photo by Megan Bridgeman / Cronkite News Doctors advocate for diverse workforce Historically, Native Americans have faced more health problems when compared with other Americans. Native Americans die at higher rates in several categories, including chronic liver disease, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory disease, and they have a life expectancy rate 4.4 years less than all other U.S. races, according to the Indian Health Service The Indian Health Service, which provides health services to about 2.2 million of the nations estimated 3.7 million Native Americans, suffers from serious staff shortages. Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office added it and other Native American programs to the high-risk list , meaning its viewed as highly vulnerable to fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. But how do these disparities in health outcomes relate to a lack of Native American physicians? A lot of people think why should that matter? said Dr. Lukejohn Day, the director of clinical gastroenterology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at the University California, San Francisco. Day also is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe. What a lot of studies have shown is a diverse health care workforce supplies better provider patient communication, follow ups and treatment adherence, Day said. Also, what weve seen is the more diverse a workforce is, the more research there is on health care disparities. And then theres the people part of the equation. People tend to comply better when they feel their physicians have a better understanding of who they are and where they come from, said Dr. Mary Owen, director of the Center of American Indian and Minority Health at the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. Owen, who also serves on the board of directors for the Association of American Indian Physicians, added that people from diverse backgrounds are more likely to go back and serve in those communities. What I try to provide to my patients is a familiarity and understanding of their day-to-day challenges, said Wilson, the doctor from the Phoenix Indian Health Service. I grew up on the reservation, and I understand that just going to the grocery store to get healthy ingredients to make a healthy meal is a challenge sometimes. In Arizona, theres an estimated 13,542 physicians statewide, and only 107 were Native American thats less than 1 percent, according to a database by the Association of American Medical Colleges using 2013 numbers. Photo by Megan Bridgeman / Cronkite News Shortage isnt a new problem From 2012 to 2016, of the nearly 55,000 medical school graduates in the U.S., only 101 were Native American, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Owen said there are a lot of reasons why Native Americans dont go into medicine. To get into medicine requires so many different pieces of a puzzle to come together, Owen said. It requires a strong background in science and math, strong communication skills and societal awareness. Pulling all those together from a group of people that have had trauma as long as we have. We dont have all the resources that other people take for granted in medicine. Owen said officials and community leaders need to make improvements to elementary and high school education for Native Americans, and they need to reach out earlier to Native students. Day echoed a similar sentiment. If you are hitting them in college and medical school, it might be too late, he said. Reach out at the high school and junior high level, and I think that makes a much bigger difference. Another challenge exists in the medical school selection process. Owen said medical schools have a tendency to focus on things like test scores instead of recognizing what a candidate brings to the table thats not reflected on an application. Wilson said while her medical school did a great job recognizing the strengths she cultivated through her upbringing, she said the fixation on test scores can be a real problem. Its not just about knowledge, Wilson said. Yeah, you have to have knowledge, Im not saying everyone can get into med school and become a doctor. But just because you didnt score the highest on your MCATs doesnt mean you should be excluded. Then theres the fact that just getting into medical school isnt enough. To survive, one needs a lot of support. Wilson said one of her biggest challenges was dealing with loneliness. Not only was she a woman in a male-dominated speciality, but she also was a minority. She said running into another Native American was rare. For me, sometimes just going home and being back home with my community, I needed that to recharge my batteries, Wilson said. Despite the obstacles, Owen said she is optimistic that more Native American physicians will soon enter the fold, but she added that medical schools must look at students in a more holistic fashion. All these states should have a much higher number, she said. Locally, the University of Arizona is trying to do its part. There are 23 American Indian students enrolled at the University of Arizonas two college of medicine programs in Tucson and Phoenix, according to the university. Additionally, the school also has programs aimed at recruiting and preparing Native students for a career in medicine. These include a pre-admissions workshop with the Association of American Indian Physicians, the Indians Into Medicine grant from the Indian Health Service, and the Navajo Nation Future Physicians Scholarship Fund, which helps up to seven Navajo scholars per year pursue a medical degree from the university. Join the Conversation Akbayan condemns this latest horrendous remark of President Rodrigo Duterte making light of rape in front of our troops. While the President and his allies might defend his statements as an attempt at levity, rape can never be considered as a joke especially when rape, as he has illustrated with his depraved humor, is utilized as an implement of war.Although such statements of blatant misogyny and sexism are not the exception but the rule for Duterte, such utterances should never be normalized. It is without a doubt that Dutertes previous remarks, starting from the time he was still a presidential candidate when he joked about the rape and murder of a foreign missionary, to the overt misogyny he and his allies have applied towards vocal women critics, has served to lower the bar for the presidency. However such statements from our public servants should never be countenanced, whether in the private or public spheres.It should also be pointed out that his statement, while intended to elicit laughter from similarly degenerate minds among those in the audience, serve to goad our soldiers to commit a war crime. As a son of Mindanao and a son of a Marcos critic, he should be aware of the numerous atrocities that the Marcos military committed against many Mindanaoan women.But it seems, we cannot expect Mr. Duterte to desist from making those remarks on the grounds that as the highest official of the country he is sworn to protect the human rights of every citizen. He has practically spat on the idea of human rights, threatened human rights defenders, and has defended law enforcement officials who have violated human rights. Yes, there is little to expect from him in that regard.However, as the first Mindanaoan president, he should be more prudent in his choice of words when addressing our troops currently deployed to fight terrorism under the auspices of martial law in Mindanao. Obviously the current Armed Forces of the Philippines while not perfect, is not the same Marcos-era AFP, but their commander in chief seems to be pining for them to be otherwise.Yes, we dont presume Duterte respects women. But even he and his allies should admit that goading our troops to rape as a punchline for a joke, is too sick even for him.Machris Cabreros, Akbayan President Asia Bangladesh Navy Searches for 81 Fishermen Still Missing After Cyclone Mora Abul Kashem, 70, a Rohingya refugee shows his house destroyed by Cyclone Mora at the Balukhali Makeshift Refugee Camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh on May 31, 2017. / Mohammad Ponir Hossain DHAKA, Bangladesh Bangladeshs navy was searching for 81 fishermen still missing on Thursday after more than 63 were rescued from the Bay of Bengal following a devastating cyclone which killed several people and left thousands homeless. Still 81 fishermen are missing out of 144 fishermen. Bangladesh Naval Force have rescued 33 and Indian Naval Force rescued 30, said Mostaque Ahmed, head of the Coxs Bazar Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association. Cyclone Mora, with winds of up to 135 kilometers (85 miles) per hour and heavy rain, hit southeast Bangladesh around Coxs Bazaar and the border with neighbouring Burma on Tuesday, leaving thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees hunkered down in ruined camps. The Rohingyas have fled from their homes in northwest Burma to escape communal violence and a Burma Army crackdown. The Bangladeshi government has estimated that in all, there are about 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh following a new influx last October, when the Burma Army launched an offensive in response to insurgent attacks. Authorities in Coxs Bazar and neighbouring Chittagong district evacuated 350,000 people from low-lying areas before the storm roared in from the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. Though the fishermen were rescued, most of the boats, the main instrument for our survival are totally damaged and it is not possible to get them replaced quickly as we are not solvent, Ahmed told Reuters by phone from Coxs Bazar. Still we are grateful to the government as now the air force with helicopters is searching the remaining missing fishermen. Cyclone Mora formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off Indias southern tip, killing 202 people in recent days, authorities said. Burma Abducted Karenni Journalist Regains Consciousness Maw Myar Oo on assignment. / Kantarawaddy Times / Facebook RANGOON An ethnic Karenni journalist who was abducted last Friday remains in the hospital and has not yet spoken about what happened to her on that day. Maw Oo Myar is a full-time reporter at the Kantarawaddy Times in the Karenni State capital of Loikaw and a presenter for the Democratic Voice of Burmas weekly Karenni language TV program. In the early evening of May 26, she was stopped by two men in a car as she drove a motorbike with a colleague on the Demoso Loikaw road, who reportedly forced her into the vehicle and drove off. Around one mile down the road, the car was found to have crashed, and both the men and Maw Oo Myar were found unconscious. Her colleagues brought her to the Demoso hospital at 5:30 p.m. on May 26, where she was then transferred to Loikaw general hospital later that evening. One of the men was identified as U Sein Win, and the name of the other individual has not yet been released. They were detained and are being questioned, the police said. U Sein Win is not a lawmaker but is a member of a Karenni State parliamentary committee and was reportedly acquainted with the victim. She is conscious now, but she still cannot speak well, and she seems afraid of seeing the strangers, but there are no external injuries, said Maw Oo Myars colleague from the Kantarawaddy Times, who spoke to The Irrawaddy on the condition of anonymity. The news about the incident first appeared when the Kantarawaddy Times announced it on its Facebook on Sunday, informing the public that the reporter was still unconscious at the time. Police have accepted a complaint filed by Maw Oo Myars family, of reckless driving and forced abduction, but are still waiting for the medical report so that the case can be filed before the court, according to the Demoso police. Byar Reh, the police second lieutenant from Demoso Myoma police station said that although the reporter is now conscious, she cannot yet articulate what happened. Therefore, we could not get her statement. Only after she gives her statement can we proceed, Byar Reh told The Irrawaddy. Kayah Htae, an editor at Kantarawaddy Times, told The Irrawaddy that she found it despicable that Maw Myar Oo was put in this situation. We want the case to be tackled without any prejudice, she said. Maw Oo Myar covers a range of news about Karenni States peace process, parliamentary news, politics, womens issue, land, business and public health. These stories are published twice a month in the Kantarawaddy Times journal. Burma Police Arrest ATM Theft Suspect Ayeyarwady Bank Branch No. 1 on Strand Road in Mon States Moulmein. / Hintharnee / The Irrawaddy MOULMEIN, Mon State Police have arrested a suspect in the case of several ATM withdrawals with a forged card from Ayeyarwady Bank branches in Moulmein. We arrested him around at his home around 7 p.m. on May 30. We seized a forged ATM card and a real ATM card from Ayeyarwady Bank, police captain Maung Maung of the Moulmein Central Police Station confirmed. After checking CCTV footage, police suspected Kaung Myat Ko Ko, 22, living in Moulmeins Mayangone Township, and subsequently made the arrest. Police handed him over to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Kaung Myat Ko Ko is suspected of withdrawing more than 1.5 million kyats (US$1,100) from Ayeyarwady Branch No. 1 on Strand Road as well as some 1.2 million kyats ($900) from Branch No. 2 in Zaykyo Ward between March and May. The suspect was arrested one week after assistant general manager Daw Yu Yu Aung of Ayeyarwady Bank filed the case of theft and forgery with the township police station. Police Captain Maung Maung said the suspect, if found guilty, was likely to be charged under the Electronic Transactions Law in addition to laws covering theft and forgery. Burma Shwedagon Pagoda Suspends Ticket Price Hike Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon. / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Shwedagon Pagodas board of trustees has suspended its plan to increase entrance fees for foreigners from 8,000 kyats to 10,000 kyats. The board planned to increase the fees from the beginning of June, but the Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA) told the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture that the new rate would impact package tour operators, as packages had been sold a year in advance. The ministry told the board that proposals regarding admission fees in cultural heritage zones must be made to the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library six months in advance and approval to such proposals must be sought from the ministry. In a statement on Wednesday, the UMTA urged member companies to prepare calculations for the new prices for their future packages. From Jan. 1 to April 30 this year, 40,789 foreign touristsmostly from Thailand, China, Germany, France and Japanvisited the pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Burma, which receives 1,360 visitors and US$182 in donations from foreigners on average per day. The pagoda is ranked seventh out of 15 attractions on TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Landmarks for 2017. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. Burma SNLD Leaders: Govt Insistence on Non-Secession Deprives Shan of Dignity Sai Nyunt Lwin, secretary of the SNLD, speaks to reporters in Rangoon on Thursday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy RANGOON The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the biggest ethnic political party in Shan State, has asked the government to remove term non-secession from the Union from any future peace accord concerning the political sector. At the most recent session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference, the Union Peace and Dialogue Joint Committee laid out basic principles for discussion by some 700 delegates concerning a future federal state. Thirty-seven were agreed to in a signed accord at the end of the six-day session, but four were left for future talks. In total, the principles covered politics, security, economics, social issues, as well as land and the environment. Yet discussions reached a stalemate in the political sector over the concept of secession. By using [the term non-secession], it will block political paths. But, by not using it, it will open political paths. It will hurt our peace process if we use it, said Sai Nyunt Lwin, secretary of the SNLD, in a press conference on Thursday at their office in Rangoon. Our disagreement does not mean our Shan will secede from the UnionWe keep trying to see how we could stay all together in the Union, he said. Another SNLD leader, Sai Kyaw Nyunt, said that he suspected other ethnic political parties also disagreed with the government and militarys use of the term non-secession at the peace conference, but that they had chosen not to speak out, thinking the objection would suggest that they did not want peace. In the 1947 Panglong conference, SNLD leaders pointed out that secession was discussed as an option. The current Panglong conference should honor that spirit, they said, adding that to not give them any agency in deciding their own future deprives groups like the Shan of their dignity. If we wanted to secede from the Union, we would not have been cooperating with the central government since 1947. We came to join the Union, but, we now feel that we were kicked in the back, Sai Nyunt Lwin said. He said that the Shan have had opportunities to have our own independence, but opted to join a Union with other groups. This was our Shan dignity, he added. But, now they order us not to secede. The government will hold a Union Peace Conference session once every six months, based on the framework of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). The SNLD leaders pointed out weaknesses in the conferencea lack of inclusivity, and an inability for many states and regions to hold national level political talks. Many ethnic armed groups in Burma have not yet signed the NCA, and could not fully participate in the Union Peace Conference, most notably, members of the Northern Alliance and United Nationalities Federal Council. Sai Nyunt Lwin and Sai Kyaw Nyunt said that they are worried that the government and militarys insistence on using the term non-secession could further alienate these groups from joining the peace process. Guest Column The Telecommunications Law, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press A public campaign for the amendment of Article 66(d) in Rangoon on Jan 22. / The Irrawaddy I have learned that problems should be solved so as not to make them worse. We have noticed a worrying trend that individuals are being detained under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law for insulting state leaders. In addition, we have found that it is frequently third parties, and not the victims themselves, who are filing charges under this law. The Telecommunications Law is made up of 19 chapters and 89 sections, chapter 18 detailing offenses and penalties. The Telecommunications Law was enacted under the previous Thein Sein government. It has, and is, being used to stifle political dissent and should be brought before Parliament to discuss its repeal or amendment under the new NLD government. While there are other issues with the Telecommunications Law, this discussion is focused on Article 66(d) due to its increasing popularity over the last year. Chapter I of the Telecommunications Law is inclusive of definitions, among these, Telecommunications is defined as The transmission or reception of information in its original or modified form by wire, fiber optic cable or any conducting cable or by means of radio waves, light rays, or other forms of electromagnetic transmissions; and Telecommunications Network as A system that utilizes any telecommunication technology to connect a network of communication facilities, telecommunication equipment, computers, any peripherals used in conjunction with any or more of the above, through a compatible system and equipment by means of any form of wired or wireless communication technology. With these two definitions in mind, the Telecommunications Law, section 66(d) states: 66 Whoever commits any of the following acts, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term extending to a maximum of three years, and shall be liable to fine or both: [] (d) Using a telecommunication network to extort, threaten, obstruct, defame, disturb inappropriately influence or intimidate. At present, those who use telecommunication tools like email, messaging services and social media in Burma must carefully review the news they share before doing so. If individuals post on social media, it is available to be recorded and used as evidence in a legal case. If individuals want to criticize government or military leaders, it should be done so through proper channels, rather than through insults, dirty language, and personal attacks. Without taking these precautions, individuals are at risk, as Article 66(d) has quickly and unexpectedly become a tool used to stifle those who speak out. The government should not act against such minor cases such as defamatory social media posts. If the government would like to prevent such statements, it should educate and encourage the population to constructively criticize government policy and actions rather than insult individual members of the government on a personal level. The provisions of Article 66(d) are already enacted in other criminal legislation. For instance, Article 500 of the Penal Code detailing defamation is one example. The differences lie in the punishment. The Telecommunications Law states [] three years or a fine or both; the Penal Code states [] two years or with fine or both. On conviction, the penalties are more severe under the Telecommunications Law. Article 66(d) is an unnecessary provision in the Telecommunications Law. Its punishments are severe in relation to the crime, and there are other laws within Burmese domestic legislation that cover the same issues. Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law should be removed. It is better for the countrys future if we try to solve problems by discussing them patiently while fostering a culture of democracy and requiring reform from all sides. Arrests should only be made if there is no other choice. There are many disadvantages behind the arrest of an individual. If an individual is arrested, he has lost, and the country has also lost, due to the use of the national budget. After an arrest, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure the basic needs and healthcare of the detained individual. Burma is unable to allocate enough funding to prisons. If sufficient food, medical treatment and general conditions are not adequate, the dignity and health of prisoners will decline. It is possible that prisoner lives will be at risk from the conditions they are subjected to. One major problem in Burmese prisons is the issue of overcrowding. This is in part due to an imbalance between crimes and punishments. Many prisoners are serving harsh sentences for minor crimesfor example, those incarcerated under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law. One of the main intentions of prison reform policyaddressing prison condition issues, is negatively affected by the inability to allocate sufficient money to prison reform, which perpetuates the cycle of inadequate prison conditions. One of the major issues is that the Burmese populations knowledge of the law is weak. Burma needs to provide awareness more widely to the people regarding the law. It cannot be assumed that 51 million people have knowledge of the legal system if they only have access to information the government states in the media. While exercising the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, everyone needs to take personal responsibility not to insult others. Bo Kyi is the joint secretary for the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Chang Selected for Economics Research Fellowship Hsin-Jou (Lily) Chang 18 June 1, 2017 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Hsin-Jou (Lily) Chang 18 (Tainan, Taiwan) has been selected for the Mark A. Israel 91 Endowed Summer Research Fund in Economics. The endowed gift provides the opportunity for a student to spend the summer conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty member. Israels endowed gift provides a $4,000 stipend for the student. An economics and international business double major, Chang will investigate how refugees who have resettled in the United States perform economically in comparison to natives and economic immigrants, which is defined as those who leave their country because of bad economic conditions, not due to fear of persecution. The goal is to analyze whether refugees are disadvantaged when assimilating in the labor market of their destination countries when compared to the natives and economic immigrants, said Chang. She said her interest in the topic of refugees can be attributed to two reasons. First, President Donald Trump's executive order has triggered global debates on the subject. Secondly, this past spring Chang studied abroad in Germany, a country who initially voiced strong support for refugees during the recent migration crisis in Europe. During my time abroad, I had the chance to get better insights on the refugee crisis in the country and work with local economists on the subject, she said. Her project builds on a paper she wrote in the Labor Economics course, where she focused on labor market assimilation comparisons between Vietnamese refugees and other immigrant groups in the U.S. Her results showed that Vietnamese refugees received lower wages in the first decade upon arrival in the U.S., but over time their earnings exceeded those of economic immigrants, as shown by data from 2010 to 2014. Outside of the classroom Chang is active on campus, serving as vice president of Cross-Cultural Connections, co-editor in chief of the Undergraduate Economic Review, and member of Student Senate, Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity and Kappa Delta sorority. After graduation from Illinois Wesleyan she plans either to attend graduate school for a degree in economics or law school specializing in corporate law. She said the Israel research opportunity allows her to strengthen her research skills as well as her critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities and to prepare her for more advanced academic research and graduate-level coursework. Changs research mentor is Robert S. Eckley Distinguished Professor of Economics Michael Seeborg. Israel said working in close collaboration with Seeborg and other economics professors including Bob Leekley and Margaret Chapman to conduct real, topical economic research when he was a student was a highlight of his Illinois Wesleyan experience. Though this gift, Im giving one student per year a chance to realize a similar experience, which just seems like the right way to pay something back for all that those experiences did for me, said Israel. Each year Israel, who holds a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University, receives a copy of the students final paper and provides feedback and other insights to students, according to economics faculty. Student Shares Study Abroad Experiences with High Schoolers Crystal Ocampo-Fernandez 18 June 1, 2017 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Crystal Ocampo-Fernandez 18 spent the first part of her summer break going back to school. Over two days in May, Ocampo-Fernandez made seven presentations on her semester studying in Russia to nearly 200 students at Argo Community High School, her alma mater, in Summit, Ill. An International Studies major at Illinois Wesleyan, she spent the fall 2016 semester in St. Petersburg, Russia, thanks in part to the U.S. Department of States Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward study abroad or internship program costs. The program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or internships abroad, gaining a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector. Ocampo-Fernandez said her family and her high school advisor, Cynthia Haack, played critical roles in her successful application to college. Ocampo-Fernandez said she wanted to share her insight of the importance of going to college, taking opportunities and studying abroad with students at Argo Community High, where 60 percent of students are low income, according to the Illinois Report Card. Crystal Ocampo-Fernandez tells Argo Community High School students how the Gilman Scholarship helped finance her semester in Russia. In each presentation, Ocampo-Fernandez displayed mementos from her trip, showed dozens of photos and shared anecdotes about her IWU experiences, both on campus and in Russia. I decided to take the leap of going to college but especially studying abroad, she told the students. She spoke of finding support in friends, family and professors in her first years at IWU, and the importance of getting past the Im too proud or scared to ask for help phase as a first-generation college student. She said Argo students asked meaningful questions, but one especially touched her. In one of the honors courses, a very shy, overwhelmed young boy worriedly asked, so I dont have to have straight As to got to college? and I told him that 4.0 GPAs were great, but were absolutely not necessary to go to college and become successful, Ocampo-Fernandez recalled. I reassured him that when the time came, there were several colleges and universities that would happily offer him a place at their institutions. At Illinois Wesleyan Ocampo-Fernandez has served as student representative to the Universitys Curriculum Council; student representative on several search committees; Student Senate Civic Engagement Commissioner; president and secretary of the Spanish and Latino Student Association; student coordinator for the Action Research Center; Residential Community Advisor for Munsell Hall and Residential Assistant for Dodds Hall. Several Illinois Wesleyan students have received Gilman International Scholarships since its inception more than 15 years ago. International Studies major Ayrren Calhoun of Homewood, Ill., is the most recent. She has been awarded the Gilman Scholarship for 2017 and will also study in Russia. Reddit Email 659 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | As Trump seems likely to pull out of the Paris Climate accord, he will be creating several kinds of leadership vacuum. One is a vacuum of global political leadership. Another is a vacuum of corporate and technological leadership. In short, renouncing American commitments on Climate is likely the death knell of the long American century stretching from the US entry into WW I in 1917 to its centenary today. It was a good run, but maybe electing Trump created a reverse snowball effect. The European Union and China are preparing a joint communique declaring climate change an imperative more than ever. This is the first time the two have made a joint public policy commitment together. The German ambassador to the US, Peter Wittig, is clearly alarmed by Trumps direction. He said in an interview yesterday, When it comes to the international order, there should be no vacuum. If we lose American leadership, others will step in. The recent belt and road conference in Beijing was a reminder that China is ready to step into a possible vacuum that the U.S. might be leaving. Germany is already Chinas biggest trading partner in Europe. Far right Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi of India has also pledged support for the Paris accord even if the US pulls out. There are possibilities for an extensive expansion of European trade with India, assuming it can reassure investors there wont be ex post facto taxes or problems with repatriating profits. India was actually once taken over by a Western corporation so its lawmakers do not have libertarian tendencies. On the issue of economic leadership, if governments set emissions reduction goals they encourage their engineers and scientists to make breakthroughs in things like solar power. Trump is about to deprive the US of an impetus to excel. - Related video: The Young Turks: Trump Pulls Out Of Paris Climate Deal Reddit Email 54 Shares By Dina El-Rifai | (Otherwords.org) | The war on terror has killed millions of innocent people. You dont have to be a bad Muslim to oppose that. All right, America. We need to have a talk. The president recently returned from Saudi Arabia, where he gave his Muslim hosts a speech about the threats of radical Islamist terrorism. Because Trump steered slightly clear of his usual vitriol toward Muslims hes repeatedly claimed in the past that Islam hates us, and never misses a chance to complain about Radical Islamic Terror some folks in the media credited Trump for not saying anything overtly Islamophobic. Even liberal-leaning outlets like The Atlantic and Vox judged the speech politically correct and uncharacteristically inoffensive, respectively. They seem to have missed the fact that Trumps language, while perhaps less direct than what he says to crowds of his supporters in the United States, was still drenched in the demonization of Muslims. And worse, the speech pointed to an escalation of militarism and violence against Muslim communities. In other words, some folks are missing the forest for the teleprompter. Trump may have sounded more polite, but he advanced the same divisive ideas that make all of us less safe. Right-wing extremists are increasingly visible in the U.S. from Dylann Roof in South Carolina to the man in Portland who recently stabbed three people for defending Muslims on a train. Yet Trumps speech still characterized violence and extremism as an exclusively Muslim phenomenon. Indeed, Trump seemed to cast the Middle East as the home and source of all terrorism, calling whole groups of people there barbaric criminals and foot soldiers of evil. For this reason he insisted that Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden to defeat terrorism and send its wicked ideology to oblivion. But since when is bombing people into peace a thing? After all, the U.S. dropped 20,000-plus bombs on Muslim-majority countries just in the past year, and has terrorized and killed millions in the name of a war on terror. This country runs torture camps like Guantanamo and strips people of their civil and human rights. Who are we to define good and evil? Yet once again, the worlds 1.7 billion Muslims are being divided into good Muslims and bad Muslims. The good Muslims, according to this idea, support those war on terror policies that result in the expansion of violence against mostly innocent people. The bad ones dont and so were called terrorists. But Trump went a step further by defining good Muslims as the wealthy ones in business with the United States (or himself). Trump valorized those who will profit off the violence that he calls for, including through a $110 billion arms deal for Saudi Arabia to buy American weapons. Those weapons will be used in Yemen, where a Saudi-led bombing campaign has killed more than 10,000 people and left 7 million civilians facing starvation. So in his supposedly more polite and presidential speech, Trump defined whole groups of people as barbarians, and those who profit off the destruction and death of those people as civilized beacons of peace and goodness. This isnt some new, miraculously un-Islamophobic Trump. Just because his speechwriters know how to modify his word choice doesnt change the hateful, violent, dangerous, anti-Muslim message that calls for the destruction of entire communities. Dina El-Rifai is a Policy Fellow at the American Friends Service Committee. Distributed by OtherWords.org. Via Otherwords.org Related video added by Juan Cole: Times of Oman: Mayor to Muslims Portland stands by you' Reddit Email 158 Shares Sophia Dingli | (The Conversation) | Yemen and its people are engulfed by utter devastation. In the two-plus years of the conflict between the Houthi movement and its allies, including ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and an interim government supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, more than 10,000 people have died and not just because of violence. Two thirds of Yemens 26m people live with the reality of famine, with around 7m already suffering from acute malnutrition. Of this number, more than 3m face acute malnourishment. In these conditions, a child under five dies every 10 minutes. Whats more, the World Health Organisation is sounding the alarm over a new cholera outbreak in the country, which has killed hundreds of people and put some 150,000 at risk. While its true that both sides of the conflict have inflicted innumerable harms on Yemeni civilians, the overwhelming force of the Saudi coalition, backed and supplied by the US and the UK, has received the bulk of the attention, at least in the Western media. This is partly because of reports that the Saudis have used US- and UK-manufactured and internationally banned cluster bombs against civilians, which have drawn the ire of human and civil rights campaigners and concerned legislators on both sides of the Atlantic. The problem is that focusing on Saudi excesses, as most Western coverage does, seriously simplifies the situation. An even bleaker future For starters, the ongoing famine is mostly the result of the Saudi coalitions ongoing naval blockade, which targets not just weapons but also the food imports on which Yemen is almost entirely dependent. The fixation on Western involvement also overlooks the actions of the Houthis, who have contributed to the crises underway today not least via their protracted ground operations and siege of the city of Taiz. Meanwhile, Yemens economy has all but collapsed, and its financial institutions are seriously mismanaged. This means that even where food is available, people cannot afford to buy it. The situation could deteriorate further yet. The Saudis and their allies have long been preparing an attack on the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida, so far a crucial supply route and lifeline for Yemenis, and have requested direct US military aid. In response to that request, a bipartisan group of members of Congress wrote to Donald Trump and his defence secretary, James Mattis, demanding that they end the USs support for the Saudi campaign. The same members have threatened to take legislative action to insist on congressional oversight of the USs role in the conflict. Meanwhile, the UNs Special Envoy in Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, is now trying to bring about an agreement between parties to the conflict which would prevent military clashes in Hodeida and ensure aid can still get in. But the conflict has become so intractable that his chances of success probably arent high. At the same time, Trumps multi-billion dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia, his rollback of Obama-era civilian protections against drone strikes, and the botched raid against al-Qaeda in the village of al-Ghayil on January 29, coupled with the British Conservative governments unchanged stance on the conflict, do not bode well for Yemenis. Instead, the Yemeni people are being treated as little more disposable pawns on the chessboard of Gulf geopolitics. This attitude is replicated in the Gulf among the Saudis and their allies, as well as their enemies the Iranians and for that matter, by Yemeni politicians too. Moral outrage versus politics On returning from a visit to Yemen, Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated in exasperation: Men with guns and power inside Yemen as well as in regional and international capitals are undermining every effort to avert an entirely preventable famine, as well as the collapse of health and education services for millions of children. His statement perfectly graps the root of Yemens misery. Politics, Machiavelli taught us, often overrides moral concerns; indeed, it has a logic of its own. Shared moral principles, including the principles that absolutely prohibit the wilful production of famine, often arent enough to shape the actions of powerful actors as they pursue their interests. This is especially true in a conflict that receives relatively little attention from the outside world. What can change this? The answer, in part, is not spasmodic expressions of moral outrage, but politics. People need to put consistent pressure on their elected representatives in the UK and US to amend, stop or examine their governments behaviour and to pressure their regional allies into resolving the conflict. The complication, of course, is that Yemens tragedy is taking place in a country relatively inaccessible to the press and unfamiliar to Western audiences. What is more, global powers may have little to no influence on their regional allies, especially in the context of a rapidly changing global distribution of power. Still, activists are persisting, and governments are not completely AWOL. They might yet be able to offer Yemenis some sort of lifeline, whether via effective investment in the emergency food program or through actively supporting Cheikh Ahmets attempts to prevent a catastrophe at Hodeida. These may look like small victories, but for millions of Yemenis, they are a matter of life and death. They are testament to a simple truth: justified moral outrage is all very well, but without political action, it does not save lives. Sophia Dingli, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Glasgow This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Related video added by Juan Cole: Reddit Email 87 Shares TeleSur | Health ministry spokesman Ismael Kawoosi said: They are still bringing bodies, and wounded people to hospitals. A powerful vehicle bomb has hit the diplomatic area of the Kabul. The blast reportedly claimed the lives of at least 80 people and injured another 350. Civilians are said to make up a large number of the casualties. The bomb, which struck near the German embassy in Zanbaq Square, was so strong it blew out windows and doors hundreds of meters away. It detonated in the diplomatic quarter at about 08:25 local time during rush hour. Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid, told Reuters that the explosion had taken place close to the German embassy, but added it was hard to say what the exact target is. Since there are many other important buildings in the area, including the presidential palace and a number of embassies. Improvised ambulances transported the wounded away from the scene, as frantic relatives gathered at the site to try to locate loved ones. Images of the area showed dozens of charred vehicles among the more than 50 that were reportedly destroyed. Health ministry spokesman Ismael Kawoosi said: They are still bringing bodies and wounded people to hospitals. The interior ministry has called on residents to donate blood, saying there was a dire need. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he strongly condemned the cowardly attack in the holy month of Ramadan targeting innocent civilians in their daily life. Indian PM Narendra Modi also tweeted his condemnation, saying: Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured. The Taliban and the Islamic State are the main suspects. However, the Taliban promptly issued a statement denying any involvement, while the Islamic State remains mum. The IS claimed last months suicide bomb attack on the Nato convoy near the U.S. embassy, which killed eight civilians. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban condemned untargeted attacks that caused civilian casualties. Their spring offensive detailed that their main focus would be foreign forces, targeting them with a mix of conventional, guerrilla, insider and suicide attacks. The U.S. has approximately 8,400 troops in Afghanistan and 5,000 Nato allies. Recent Kabul attacks 8 March 2017 More than 30 people killed after attackers dressed as doctors stormed Sardar Daud Khan military hospital 21 Nov 2016 At least 27 dead in a suicide bomb attack on Baqir ul Olum mosque during a Shia ceremony 23 July 2016 At least 80 people killed in twin bomb blasts targeting a rally by the Shia Hazara minority in Deh Mazang square 19 Apr 2016 At least 28 dead in a huge explosion close to the Afghan defence ministry building 1 Feb 2016 20 killed in a suicide bomb attack at police headquarters 7 Aug 2015 At least 35 people dead in separate bomb attacks across the capital Tags Via TeleSur - Related video added by Juan Cole: France 24 English: Afghanistan: Scores killed as huge explosion rocks Kabuls diplomatic quarter VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSX-V:BSR) (Bluestone or the Company) is pleased to announce that further to the Companys press releases dated January 11, 2017, February 7, 2017, February 28, 2017 and April 20, 2017, the Company has closed the acquisition of the Cerro Blanco Project and the Mita Geothermal Project located in Guatemala from Goldcorp Inc. (Goldcorp), effective May 31, 2017. Concurrent with the closing, the proceeds of the previously completed $80 million private placement financing were released from escrow. In addition to the Cerro Blanco and Mita Projects, Bluestone has acquired a right of first refusal with respect to the purchase of certain assets and equipment at Goldcorps Marlin mine, also located in Guatemala. As part of the transaction consideration, Bluestone paid Goldcorp a USD$2 million non-refundable deposit to be applied against future purchases of Marlin assets. Bluestone has also acquired access to Goldcorps geological exploration database for Guatemala. For further details regarding the transaction, refer to the Companys AIF effective May 12, 2017 which is available on Sedar.com. John Robins, Chairman and Interim CEO, stated: Todays closing of the acquisition of the Cerro Blanco Gold Project and the Mita Geothermal Project from Goldcorp transforms Bluestone into a leading development stage gold company focused on the prompt advancement of one of the world's highest grade undeveloped gold projects that is fully permitted for production. We look forward to integrating the Cerro Blanco team and workforce within the Bluestone team and also look forward to developing the Cerro Blanco project in cooperation with our local community partners and government stakeholders. Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, Goldcorp received approximately USD$20 million in cash (which includes the USD$2 million non-refundable deposit for the Marlin assets), a 1% net smelter return royalty on production, the right to receive 3,099,160 common shares of Bluestone (which will represent 4.9% of Bluestones issued and outstanding common shares), and 258,805 common share purchase warrants. Goldcorp will also receive an additional USD$15 million in cash within 6 months of the commencement of commercial production at Cerro Blanco. Following closing, Bluestone has approximately CAD$49 million in working capital which will be allocated towards the exploration and development of the Companys assets in Guatemala. Upon conversion of the previously issued subscription receipts and convertible notes into common shares, Bluestone will have 63,248,163 common shares and 5,281,739 share purchase warrants outstanding. Lorito Holdings S.a.r.l. and Zebra Holdings and Investments S.a.r.l., two companies controlled by a trust settled by the late Adolf H. Lundin will hold 19,867,000 common shares representing approximately 31.4% in aggregate of the outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, CD Capital Natural Resources Fund III L.P. will hold 10,666,333 common shares representing approximately 16.9% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. About Bluestone Resources Inc.: Bluestone owns a 100% interest in the Cerro Blanco Gold and Mita Geothermal Projects located 160 km southeast of Guatemala City in Guatemala. Cerro Blanco is one of the world's highest grade undeveloped gold projects that is fully permitted for production. The Cerro Blanco Project economics as disclosed in the Company's press release dated February 7, 2017 announcing the results of its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and updated mineral resource estimate for Cerro Blanco indicate a rapid pay-back, high margin, underground mining project with robust economics in the current gold price environment. At a gold price of US$1,250/oz, the Cerro Blanco base case estimate generates an after-tax net present value at a 5% discount rate of US$317 million and an internal rate of return of 43.9%. The proposed mine is expected to operate over a nine year mine-life with total gold and silver production of approximately 952,000 ounces and 3,141,000 ounces, respectively. Initial capital expenditures to fund construction and commissioning is estimated at US$170.8 million. The all-in sustaining cash costs (as defined per World Gold Council guidelines, less corporate general and administration costs) is estimated to be US$490 per ounce of gold produced. Cautionary Language The PEA is preliminary in nature, 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, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed by John Robins, CEO of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 1, 2017) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:JG)(OTCQB:JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has concluded an agreement with Sumiko Resources Exploration & Development Co., Ltd. ("SRED") to manage and operate its drilling programs in Japan. To support this contract, Japan Gold has agreed to purchase three diamond core drill rigs that will be operated by SRED. SRED, founded in 1963, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., a major non-ferrous metal mining and smelting company based in Japan. SRED offers consulting services for resource exploration and environmental investigation using geological, geophysical exploration and related technologies including drilling. SRED was instrumental in the prospecting, development and exploitation of the Hishikari Mine, Japan's largest and highest grade operating gold mine. John Proust, Chairman and CEO of Japan Gold, commented, "We are very pleased to partner with SRED in this new venture. Their experience and reputation in Japan is unsurpassed and will be particularly valuable as we seek to unlock the potential of our large project portfolio. Undoubtedly, this partnership will enhance the capability and credibility of Japan Gold Corp." In conjunction with the SRED contract, Japan Gold has agreed to purchase three portable diamond core drill rigs from PT. Promincon Indonesia ("PMC") for $544,000. PMC manufactures a range of portable diamond core drill rigs and is an established diamond core drilling contracting company incorporated in Indonesia. A director and officer of Japan Gold has a controlling interest in PMC. The purchase was approved by the independent members of the Japan Gold Board of Directors and is a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The purchase is exempt from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements pursuant to sections 5.5 (a) and 5.7 (1)(a) respectively of MI 61-101. Acquisition of the two PMC400 drill rigs and one PMC700 drill rig will give the Company independence and flexibility on the timing and execution of its drill programs. Also, the Company sees cost saving benefits of owning its own drill rigs. The compact nature of these diamond core drill rigs allows for rapid set-up, move and the remediation of drill sites. They also have a smaller environmental footprint when compared to conventional equipment. The drill rigs have been proven and tested in similar geological environments. The PMC400 and the PMC700 drill rigs can core-drill to depths of over 400 meters and 700 meters in NQ core size respectively. About Japan Gold Corp. Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused solely on gold and copper-gold exploration in Japan. The Company has applied for 173 prospecting rights licenses in Japan for a combined area of 57,337 hectares over eleven separate projects. Thirty-two of the applications have been granted as Prospecting Rights. The applications cover areas with known gold occurrences and a history of mining, and are prospective for both high-grade epithermal gold mineralization and gold-bearing lithocaps, which could indicate the presence of porphyry mineralization. Japan Gold's leadership team has decades of resource industry and business experience, and the Company has recruited geologists and technical advisors with experience exploring and operating in Japan. More information is available at www.japangold.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . June 1, 2017 / TheNewswire / Vancouver, British Columbia - Guyana Goldstrike Inc. (the "Company" or "Guyana Goldstrike") (TSXV: GYA) is pleased to provide a progress report on the Company's achievements for its shareholders and potential new investors. Peter Berdusco, Guyana Goldstrike's President and CEO, commented: "We are extremely proud of our accomplishments that have been achieved to date. We have successfully completed the acquisition of the Marudi Gold Project and financed the Company through a private placement to execute on its corporate strategy and business plan. We are now advancing Marudi and will continue to update our shareholders and investors as the project moves forward." Acquisition and Call to trade In a news release on March 3, 2017 the Company announced it had completed the acquisition of Romanex Guyana Exploration Ltd. ("Romanex"). Romanex is a privately-held mineral exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Guyana. Romanex holds a one-hundred percent interest in the Marudi Mountain mining license (the "Marudi Gold Project" or "Property") located in Guyana, South America. Following completion of the acquisition, the Company changed its name to "Guyana Goldstrike Inc." Trading in the common shares of the Company began on March 21, 2017 after the completion of final filings with the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is now listed as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer under the new symbol "GYA". Romanex is now a fully owned Guyanese subsidiary of Guyana Goldstrike fulfilling all operational activities on the Property. Financing The Company announced in a news release on March 17, 2017 that it had completed a non-brokered private placement of 8,885,235 units at a price of 20 cents per unit for gross proceeds of $1,777,047. Each unit consists of one common share of the company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional common share of the company at a price of 30 cents per share for a period of 24 months. Management Guyana Goldstrike has assembled a strong well-rounded management team with extensive mining experience in Guyana. The Company's most recent addition was announced in a news release on March 24, 2017 with the appointment of Rodney Stevens as an independent director of the Company. Mr. Stevens is a CFA charter holder with over ten years' experience in the capital markets, first as an Investment Analyst with Salman Partners Inc., then as a merchant and investment banker. While at Salman Partners, Mr. Stevens became a top-rated analyst by StarMine on July 17, 2007 for the metals and mining industry. About the Marudi Gold Project The Marudi Gold Project, a permitted mining license consisting of approximately 13,500 hectares, located 230 Km from the town of Lethem in southern Guyana. Over $30MM USD in historic exploration has been spent on the Property (which includes 42,000 Meters of diamond drilling). There is good infrastructure in place, easily accessed with an all season road through an open savannah. The property was acquired in 1998 by Vannessa Ventures from Sutton Resources/Barrick, and then further acquired by Guyana Frontier Mining where the project was partially funded by Teck Resources. The Marudi Gold property contains a historic non-compliant resource estimate of 880,000 ounces of hard rock gold "Au". There exists strong potential to increase the hard rock ounces through further exploration on the open areas of the development sites. This information is taken from a report prepared in March 2004 by consulting geologists for Vannessa Ventures (Guyana) Ltd. The information contained in the report is based on estimates from two main development sites: Mazoa Hill consisting of 760 Koz of Au at 5 g/t based on 4.7 million tonnes and Marudi North consisting of 120 Koz of Au at 2.7 g/t based on 1.4 million tonnes. The information was derived from surface expressions and average grades from bore holes where the results were greater than 1 part per million. The other information is not known and the historic estimates does not use the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) classifications and for that reason additional work would need to be done to upgrade or verify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Historic Estimates The historic estimates contained in this news release should not be relied upon. These estimates are not National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant. While the Company considers these historical estimates to be relevant to investors as it may indicate the presence of mineralization, a qualified person for the Company has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101 and the Company is not treating these historical estimate as a current mineral resource. About Guyana The Republic of Guyana is located in South America between Venezuela and Suriname. The country is English speaking under British Common Law with a democratically elected government. It has an established mining act and rich history of gold production. In 2013, 458,000 ounces of gold were produced by operators mining in the country. The Guiana Shield belt has 110 million ounces of gold inventory and is world-recognized as a premier gold region. With geological continuity with West Africa, the shield is highly prospective and very under-explored. Two mines have recently declared the commencement of commercial production in 2016: Aurora deposit (Guyana Goldfields) and the Karouni deposit (Troy Resources). Qualified Person Locke Goldsmith, M.Sc., P. Eng, P. Geo, Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager for Guyana Goldstrike, acts as the Company's Qualified Person for technical disclosure in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Goldsmith has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NioCorp or the Company) (TSX:NB) (OTCQX:NIOBF) (FSE:BR3) announces recent developments regarding its Elk Creek Superalloy Project (the Project). The Company reconfirms its current plan to issue a press release conveying the top-level results of the Project Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) by the end of the second calendar quarter of 2017. The NI-43-101 compliant report containing the details of the Feasibility Study is expected to be released within 45 days of public release of the Feasibility Studys top-level results. The Company announces that elements of the Feasibility Study related to engineering and materials characterization work have recently increased beyond earlier estimates. The Company now estimates that the total cost of completing the Feasibility Study has increased by approximately US$0.8 million above the estimate provided in the Companys financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Total estimated cost of the Project Feasibility Study is approximately US$33 million, of which approximately US$32 million had been spent as of March 31, 2017. As previously disclosed, the Companys current planned operational needs require additional financing. In that regard, the Company previously announced a bought deal short form prospectus offering of units on May 16, 2017 (the May 2017 Offering). The settlement of the May 2017 Offering, and the Company's receipt of proceeds therefrom, will not occur until (i) the Company files a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 to register the resale of the securities underlying the units and (ii) such registration statement is declared effective. Any delay in the settlement of the May 2017 Offering, or the Company's inability to settle the May 2017 Offering, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or prospects. The Company announces that results from its mine backfill material testing program have demonstrated backfill strengths that exceeded the design criteria set as part of the Elk Creek mine design. Backfill testing is the final material testing program required prior to release of the Projects Feasibility Study. Backfill is used to fill voids that are created by underground mining. NioCorp plans to utilize a material comprised of waste material (tailings) produced during the Superalloy production process combined with fly ash and/or cement. Incorporating mining waste material into backfill operations helps to reduce the amount of tailings that have to be stored in above-ground impoundments. Updates to capital expenditure and operating expenditure estimates included in the October 2015 Preliminary Economic Assessment (Oct. 2016 PEA), however, depend upon a number of factors and will not be determined until all remaining work is complete on the Feasibility Study. The Company reiterates its previously announced expectation that it expects to receive U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) authorization, on or before June 19, 2017, for construction of all of the Projects proposed 33-mile waterline from the Project site to the Missouri River except the mine water outfall mechanism to be located in the River. This waterline authorization is expected to be granted under the USACEs Section 404 Nationwide Permit program, which does not require a case-specific environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), such as an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Company also reiterates that, in line with previous announcements, its proposed underground mine, surface processing facilities, and tailings impoundment are estimated to result in zero permanent impacts to any federally jurisdictional waters, and thus the Company does not anticipate a need for a discretionary permit from the USACE or NEPA-level analysis such as an EA or EIS. The Company announces that it has been notified by the USACE that additional authorization will be required under Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act (33 USC 408) (Section 408) for the mine water outfall mechanism in the Missouri River. The USACEs Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project (BSNP) includes a series of rock revetments located along the banks of the Missouri River. The proposed outfall structure would be constructed adjacent to these revetments. Section 408 authorization is designed to ensure that the diffuser structure does not adversely affect USACE regulated structures currently in the River, such as these BSNP structures. The 408 authorization only involves the outfall structure itself, and not the waterlines discharged water, which is governed by State of Nebraska permitting authorities. The 408 authorization may require a case-specific environmental analysis, such as an EA or an EIS, or it may be able to proceed under categorical exclusion provisions in the USACEs Section 408 program, which would not require completion of either an EA or an EIS. NioCorp is working with the USACE to determine how to most efficiently proceed with this permitting process. Qualified Persons: David Stone PE, of MineFill Services, Inc., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the engineering of the Elk Creek project mine backfill system, and has read and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Brian Osborn, BSc., CHMM, of Olsson Associates, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the environmental permitting of the Elk Creek project, and has read and approved the technical information contained in this news release. About NioCorp NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor and medical implants. SEXSMITH, AB--(Marketwired - June 01, 2017) - Angkor Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ANK) (OTC PINK: ANKOF) ("Angkor" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of a focused and a regional exploration program on Angkor's 100% owned Oyadao South license with its partner, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC"). The focused exploration program will consist of a drill program, a geophysical survey and surface geology on the Halo copper porphyry style target. The initial diamond drill program will consist of approximately 1,200 metres of HQ3 drilling designed to support the interpretation of the Company's previous IP program. Three 400 metre drill holes are planned along the IP lines in the centre of the most prospective area of the Halo porphyry style system. The holes are intended to better determine where to follow up with an additional drilling program planned for later this year. Drilling is expected to commence June 10. The regional exploration program will consist of geochemical sampling and geological mapping in areas considered prospective for copper porphyry style mineralization. Areas with identified airborne magnetic anomalies are targets of interest to the Company, especially where intrusions also occur. Of particular focus is a 13 square kilometre area about 4.5 kilometres northwest of Angkor's Halo prospect. The target area includes a magnetic anomaly as do most copper porphyry style mineralization systems. "The Angkor-JOGMEC team is looking for more copper porphyry style systems like Halo in the area as they seldom occur alone," said Dennis Ouellette, Angkor's Exploration Manager. A total investment of US$3 million in exploration over a 3 year period has been committed by JOGMEC under a Joint Exploration Agreement ("JEA") with Angkor. The JEA gives JOGMEC the option to acquire 51% of the Oyadao South license from Angkor. ABOUT ANGKOR GOLD CORP. ANGKOR Gold Corp. is a public company listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange and is a leading mineral explorer in Cambodia with a large land package and a first-mover advantage building strong relationships with all levels of government and stakeholders. ABOUT JOGMEC JOGMEC was established in February 2004, following the integration of the former Japan National Oil Corporation and Metal Mining Agency of Japan. It is an Independent Administrative Agency under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, with a mandate of investing in exploration minerals projects worldwide to help secure a stable supply of natural resources for Japanese industry. JOGMEC has equity capital of 892 billion Yen (CDN $10.8 billion) at May, 2017. Dennis Ouellette, B.Sc, P.Geol., is a member of The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA #104257) and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). He is the Company's Exploration Manager and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this document. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2022 / Aclara Resources Inc. (" Aclara " or the " Company ") (TSX:ARA) is pleased to announce its financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Details of the Company's financial results are contained in the unaudited interim... Read More A private German aid agency has started a new project to help North Koreans, especially farmers, in the country's western provinces, a U.S. broadcaster said Wednesday. Welthungerhilfe (World Hunger Aid) has secured a US$1.45 million fund necessary for the project from the European Union, Voice of America said, citing the agency's spokeswoman Simone Pott. The core of the project is to teach residents in Pyongan and Hwanghae Provinces to make compost, manage weeds and increase livestock production, as well as to improve sanitation and nutrition, the broadcaster said. "The project, which will run until February 2020, will benefit some 2,000 households at collective farms and some 300 people working in social welfare organizations, including hospitals and kindergartens there, the broadcaster said. Welthungerhilfe has worked in the North since 1997, spending tens of millions of dollars on projects designed to improve food, sanitation and water supply. At present, the agency is actively carrying out projects to produce vegetable seeds, manage greenhouses and prepare for disasters. (Yonhap) The leaders of South Korea and Japan agreed Tuesday on the need for more sanctions and pressure on North Korea, saying now is not the time for dialogue with the recalcitrant state, according to the South's presidential office. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe reached the conclusion during a 20-minute phone conversation one day after the North's new ballistic missile test, Moon's spokesman Park Soo-hyun said. "I agree with the prime minister's words that now is not time for dialogue with North Korea, but a time to heighten sanctions and pressure," Park quoted Moon as saying. The president added, however, that the ultimate goal of sanctions and pressure is to bring Pyongyang back to negotiations on its complete denuclearization, the spokesman said. "That is why the international community must on the one hand respond firmly and on the other hand continue to send the message that dialogue is possible if North Korea gives up its nuclear development," Moon said, according to Park. On Monday, North Korea launched a Scud-type short-range missile from its east coast. The South Korean and U.S. militaries said it flew around 450 kilometers. (Yonhap) By Park Si-soo A North Korean defector who worked in South Korea as a journalist has gone missing at a border town between China and the North, according to reports. He is believed to have been kidnapped to the North, according to South Korean news outlets, citing unidentified sources. The man, 60, was visiting Yanji in China's Jilin Province for reasons unknown. He defected to Seoul in 2011 and has worked at an online news outlet specializing in North Korea. He has reportedly been out of contact since Monday morning. "There was no problem in contacting him until Sunday, but it's been impossible since 7 a.m. Monday," Yonhap News Agency quoted a family member as saying. "He has made overseas trips many times, but we have never experienced a situation like this." South Korea's foreign ministry is trying to find him, with cooperation from Chinese police. By Park Si-soo Two North Koreans were found dead in a hotel in Moscow on Saturday, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported Monday. They were found in different rooms but the cause of their deaths appears the same: acute heart failure. Their names, jobs or purpose of visit to Moscow are unknown. Police are reportedly investigating, but no further information is available. Participants at the Jeju Forum take photos of President Moon Jae-in delivering a video message during the opening ceremony at the International Convention Center in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Thursday. / Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island South Korea will take the initiative in security issues on the Korean Peninsula, President Moon Jae-in said Thursday. Speaking through a video link at the opening ceremony of the 12th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, Moon also said he can help mend North Korea's relations with both South Korea and the U.S. through a two-track strategy of dialogue and pressure on Pyongyang. "We will take the lead in dealing with Korean Peninsula issues without relying on the role of other countries," he said. "In cooperation with relevant countries, including the U.S. and China, we will bring North Korea out to dialogue through persuasion and pressure and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue as well as improve inter-Korean relations and U.S.-North Korea relations." Moon delivered the message to the forum that was initiated in 2001 during the progressive President Kim Dae-jung's term. Moon is expected to inherit the inter-Korean policies of Kim and his successor Roh Moo-hyun. Moon, also a former human rights lawyer, said he was especially interested in the two sessions on human rights at the Jeju Forum. The session, "Why They Suffer: A Reality Report on North Korea's Human Rights," took place Thursday, attracting international experts on Pyongyang's human rights abuses. The other session, "The Jeju April 3 Incident, Human Rights and Peace of Women and Minorities in East Asia," will be held Friday. It will deal with the South Korean government-led massacre of civilians who were branded as "communist rebels" on Jeju Island. "Now Jeju Island is healing the remaining vestiges of confrontation and conflict, and opening a new age of peace and coexistence," he said. "This is the spirit of the Jeju Forum seeking peace and common prosperity in Northeast Asia." Won Hee-ryong, chairman of the Organizing Committee and governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore delivered congratulatory speeches afterwards. Meanwhile, Moon Chung-in, the presidential advisor on unification, foreign and security affairs led a closed-door session later Thursday. Among the 75 sessions, many took place on Wednesday. The three-day forum will run until Friday. By Choi Ha-young Tak Hyun-min Tak Hyun-min, an adjunct professor at Sungkonghoe University who recently joined Cheong Wa Dae, is under fire for his sexist remarks in his book published in 2007. In the book titled "Guidebook of Men's Mind," he wrote, "It's like a terror attack against men if a woman with a flat chest wears a tank top." He also wrote, "When wearing skimpy clothes, don't wear something else that covers it, " and "If a woman uses a condom when having sex, it makes me doubtful of her sincerity." On Friday, he apologized on his Facebook saying his views toward women have changed compared to a decade ago, but women's groups are calling for his resignation. All opposition parties across ideological stances are up in arms over his vulgar remarks. The People's Party called for the executive officer's resignation. "The book is not a guidebook, but a compilation of defamations against women," party spokeswoman Kim Yoo-jung said Monday. Justice Party spokeswoman Rep. Chu Hye-seon blasted him on the same day saying "The sentences are obviously sexual violence." Appointment of Tak is drawing flak particularly due to President Moon Jae-in's election pledge. Unveiling his pledges on gender equality, then liberal candidate vowed to be a "president for women." In line with his promise, he tapped female figures on high-ranking posts as a symbolic step to break the glass ceiling, for example, Kang Kyung-wha for foreign minister and Pi Woo-jin for minister of patriots and veterans affairs. "Gender equality in the true sense means beyond gender balance in the Cabinet," Chu said. "The most important factor is sharing a gender equal perspective among members." The conservative Bareun Party pointed out the double standards of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, whose female lawmakers keep silent. "Tak even made the sexist remarks in public, showing that he considers a woman nothing more than a plaything. However, the liberal lawmakers remain silent," party spokeswoman Jo Young-hee said Monday. Tak directed commemorative performances of ex-President Roh Moo-hyun, Moon's lifelong friend, and popular a progressive podcast program that lampooned conservative President Park Geun-hye. While the largest opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) is also raising its voice against the appointment, the far-right party attitude a case of the pot calling the kettle black. The party's former presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo made news during his campaign because of his sexist remarks. The LKP, however, kept advocating him even after it was found that he was involved in an attempted rape during his college days. By Chen Shih-chung Disease knows no borders. Only by working together, leaving no one out, can we adequately address the challenges of emerging infectious diseases, which have been made all the more complex by the effects of globalization on our health environment. As influenza viruses are constantly evolving and circulating in humans, as well as a number of animal species, the specter of a potential influenza pandemic haunts us constantly. Outbreaks of avian influenza and novel influenza have repeatedly threatened global health security in the past few years. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has continuously urged nations to invest more in the development and implementation of various pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions against pandemic influenza. Taiwan was devastated by the 2003 SARS outbreak. Many of our frontline healthcare workers became infected while caring for patients, and unfortunately, some perished, including a nurse, then in her third trimester of pregnancy. Several hospitals were closed, more than 151,000 people were quarantined at home, a travel advisory was issued, and schools were closed. We paid a heavy price to learn that disease indeed respects no national borders and to recognize the importance of international collaboration in tackling the threat posed by infectious disease. At that time, Taiwan not being a WHO member, we did not receive timely information about the SARS virus and related disease control information. We were dependent on the expertise generously shared by the US CDC on how to control the outbreak. It was not until the SARS outbreak spread to Heping Hospital that the WHO finally dispatched experts to Taiwan. This was the first such assistance the organization had provided us in 31 years. SARS was a reminder to the WHO and the international community that they could not afford to leave Taiwan out in the cold. This led them to ponder ways of bridging this gap in the global health network. In the post-SARS period, our public health officials and experts were invited to participate in WHO SARS conferences. Following the issuance of the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response guidance document, Taiwan established a national stockpile of influenza antiviral drugs in 2003, formulated a national influenza pandemic preparedness and response plan in 2005, and created a prepandemic stockpile of A/H5N1 vaccines for human use in 2007. In addition, we set up a three-tier preparedness plan that includes efforts by the central government, local governments, and healthcare institutions to maintain a 30-day stockpile of personal protective equipment. We also established a communicable disease control network, designating six pandemic response hospitals across Taiwan. Since 2005, we have been invited to attend certain WHO technical meetings on influenza, where we are able to exchange experiences with experts from around the world. Also, Taiwan was included in the framework of the WHO's International Health Regulations (2005) in 2009, establishing a direct liaison with WHO headquarters so we could report major public health events directly to the WHO. Thanks to having these direct communication channels, Taiwan was able to effectively implement various control measures during the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009. We practiced real-time surveillance, promptly notified the WHO, and shared genetic information on the H1N1 influenza virus with the international community. Further, we were able to obtain the vaccine strain to domestically produce a vaccine and reached a national vaccination coverage rate of over 70 percent, effectively reducing H1N1-associated mortality and preventing the further spread of the virus domestically and abroad. Taiwan confirmed the world's first human case of H6N1 avian influenza in 2013 and promptly shared genetic information on the virus with the international community. Earlier this year, we identified a human H7N9 case imported from China. Genetic data showed that the virus was highly pathogenic for poultry and had a mutation associated with resistance to commonly used antivirals. Besides reporting the case information and the test results to the WHO through the National IHR focal point, we submitted sequencing data to GISAID within three days of identifying the case and voluntarily shared the virus strain with WHO-collaborating influenza centers in the United States and Japan within a month. The sequencing data can serve as reference for the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System to select seasonal influenza vaccine strains. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan was glad to be able to share its experience, provide recommendations on the clinical management of H7N9, and offer other information that can serve as important reference for WHO antiviral stockpile guidelines. Besides the continued occurrence of H5N2 avian influenza outbreaks in Taiwan, the highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus, with a mortality rate of 70 percent, and which has infected 17 people in mainland China, was found among poultry in Taiwan earlier this year. Although no human case of H5N6 has been found in Taiwan, due to our proximity to China and relevant migratory bird routes, we will continue to closely monitor avian influenza virus activity in an effort to prevent poultry-to-human transmission of the virus. It is regrettable that political obstruction has resulted in Taiwan often being refused attendance at technical meetings of the WHO. This situation has created grave difficulties in Taiwan's efforts to collaborate with the international community on disease prevention. We are profoundly disappointed that the WHO has failed to abide by its constitution and has ignored widespread support in the international community for Taiwan's participation in WHA conferences the World Health Assembly (WHA) is that part of the WHO that plans health policies instead bowing to political pressure from a certain member by excluding Taiwan from that body. The WHO is a professional, international health organization. It is obliged to abide by the principles espoused in its Constitution, particularly the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health for all people, regardless of race, religion, political belief, or economic or social condition. This right to health is the foundation underpinning the WHO's previous invitations to Taiwan to participate in the WHA and, on an equal basis, in WHO activities and technical meetings. We urge the WHO and related parties to acknowledge Taiwan's longstanding contributions to the international community in the areas of public health, disease prevention, and the human right to health, as well as the healthcare partnerships it has forged with WHO member states. Taiwan is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the WHO to deal with the challenges of disease control. The WHO should recognize the legitimacy and importance of Taiwan's participation in the WHO and its Assembly. To bridge the gap in the global disease prevention network, Taiwan needs the WHO, but the WHO also needs Taiwan. Dr. Chen Shih-chung is minister of health and welfare, Republic of China (Taiwan) By Emmanuel Ainebyoona President Yoweri Museveni has blamed government officials for delaying the construction of the specialized hospital at Lubowa in Wakiso District and also warned individuals claiming ownership of the land whose title is in governments custody. Presiding over the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the 264-bed capacity international specialized hospital of Uganda on Thursday afternoon, Museveni blamed officials from the Ministry of Health, Finance and office of the Attorney General for frustrating the investor, FANASI an Italian firm owned by Enrica Penetti. Speaking sarcastically, the president wondered why negotiations by government officials with the investor took five years while it took him one afternoon to discuss and conclude the whole project with Ms Penetti. Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng acknowledged the negotiation delays but said it was as a result of the hardships in changing the details of the land title and also agreeing on the hospital designs which was a requirement for financing. According to Dr Aceng, the hospital project is a Public Private Partnership whose memorandum of understanding indicates that government will assume ownership after a period of ten years. The proprietor which is FINASI will run the facility for a period of 10 years, they will be responsible for the human resources, the treatment of patients and the maintenance after ten years the hospital reverts back to government, Dr Aceng explained. All government officials who are referred abroad will access services from this facility but for the private patients they have a right to choose on whether to come here or go abroad but it will be cheap to save transport and accommodation costs, she said. He has however assured Ms Penetti that the land title for 30 acres of land in Lubowa where the hospital is to be constructed is with government. He said the land used to be a coffee plantation belonging to a British Company known as Mitchell Courts but was later bought by government for the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), an HIV/Aids Centre. We took 30 acres of this land to construct this hospital. There is no way anybody can successfully claim this land, he said while warning individuals who claim government land to frustrate government programmes. President Museveni observed that the establishment of this specialized hospital in the country will cut unnecessary costs of US$186 million dollars annually that Ugandans incur to travel to China and India to access medical treatment of complicated sicknesses. Financial hemorrhage of US$186 million dollars for treatment abroad every year from Ugandans is a free donation equivalent to 90 percent loss, which should be eliminated, he said. Irvine, CA Chinese caregivers for pregnant Chinese women who traveled to the US to give birth so their babies would have instant US citizenship are suing an alleged "birth tourism center," in a Chinese caregivers for pregnant Chinese women who traveled to the US to give birth so their babies would have instant US citizenship are suing an alleged "birth tourism center," in a California overtime lawsuit, claiming they were paid low wages and denied overtime. Six Chinese immigrant caregivers, including two from Orange County, on May 2, 2017 filed a lawsuit, Case No. 30-2017-00917998,in Orange County Superior Court for California wage violations, alleging that the Xin Xi Du Month Center forced them to work more than 70 hours per week for less than minimum wage and refused to pay overtime wages.Chan and other defendants in the California overtime lawsuit operate a business under the name of XXD that "solicits pregnant Chinese national women" to pay a substantial fee to be transported from China to the US, where their local transportation, medical care, housing, food service and housekeeping are provided until the women give birth, according to the complaint.The alleged tourism birth center was seen as an opportunity for a better life for some expectant Chinese mothers."Southern California is home to a cottage industry for so-called birth tourists who travel here from China to give birth so their babies will have instant US citizenship under the 14th Amendment," which would provide easier access to US universities, medical care and the chance for the parents to apply for a green card when the child turns 21 years old," according to a story reported about the lawsuit in the"The Xin Xi Du Month Center, which has had bases in Irvine and Rowland Heights, is one of an unknown number of centers that cater to wealthy visitors from China, organizing transportation, medical care, housing, food service and shopping trips until the women give birth, said attorney Sam Wu, who is representing the caregivers," the Orange County Register reported.Some of the workers were tricked into signing leases for apartments for the pregnant women and then were left facing the bills and lawsuits from landlords when the company stopped paying the rent, according to the complaint.The caregivers "were required to work seven days per week for at least 10 hours per day," according to the lawsuit. "The plaintiffs were never allowed any break time either for meals, or a general break as mandated by California law. Plaintiffs were never paid hourly wages, regular or overtime, but were instead paid a daily wage."According to the lawsuit, all the workers' hours went unrecorded, since the employers had no mechanism or time clock to keep track of hours worked.The workers seek damages of $1 million for unpaid minimum and overtime wages, among other claims. By Benjamin Jumbe The government has expressed commitment to increasing access to clean and safe water across the country. Currently, only 67% of Ugandans can access clean and safe water leaving out 33% of the population. On the other hand, Uganda has 79% sanitation coverage leaving out 21% of the population. Speaking at the launch of the second Uganda WASH media awards initiative, the minister of water and environment Sam Cheptoris said the government is pushing to have 100% coverage by 2020. He said as part of measures to ensure increased access, he had directed National Water and Sewerage Corporation to reduce the cost of a Jerican of water for the rural population to 50 shillings. Meanwhile the Project officer of the national hand washing Initiative Sarah Rubereti Omodi said the awards are aimed at promoting coverage of WASH issues in the media. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 1, 2017 Earlier this month, WPP media management arm GroupM appointed Maxus CEO Lindsay Pattison chief transformation officer. At the time, the firm indicated she would retain her responsibilities at the media agency, while charged with managing change across the entire GroupM operation. Well, that set-up lasted exactly 15 days. So much change is being planned at the organization, with much of it driven by cost pressures, that Pattison will now devote full time to transformation duties. The agency she used to run Maxus is being folded into MEC. The yet-to-be-named merged entity which GroupM said would be a $1 billion enterprise based on revenue will be run by Tim Castree, the former Publicis media veteran appointed CEO of MEC last November. How the new entity takes shape will be disclosed in the coming months. advertisement advertisement MEC, with nearly 130 offices around the world, has clients such as LOreal and Vodafone. It lost AT&T, one of it biggest clients, last year. The smaller Maxus has 70 offices and has clients such as NBC Universal and Barclays, which is in review. In part, the merger of the two agencies is an efficiency move to free up resources for additional changes, which are already being implemented. Digital agency Essence, which GroupM acquired control of in late 2015, is being expanded into a fuller-service agencyproviding both digital and traditional media services with a larger geographical footprint. The aim is to bulk up the agency so it is robust enough to lead a number of key GroupM client relationships, as yet undisclosed. Christian Juhl, CEO, Essence will continue to lead the charge there for now. GroupMs portfolio will now comprise three global media agency networks: Mindshare, MediaCom and the new company, which is expected to have a name by the end of the year. Each entity has more than $1 billion in annual revenues, along with the digital-first agency Essence. GroupM indicated that more change is in the works, with new investments planned for all of its agencies and its [m]PLATFORM data and technology capabilities. Were committed to improving our service to clients, stated Kelly Clark, who rejoined GroupM as global CEO last October. These moves will give us greater focus, help us innovate and improve our speed of delivery. Commenting on the moves, industry analyst Brian Wieser of Pivotal Research said in a client note they represent the need for scale to drive ongoing margin improvements, and the need for differentiation to drive longer-term organic revenue growth. Those are big challenges, Wieser noted, as clients are trying to reduce costs wherever they can, including the amounts they spend with agencies. Media agencies are generally the most important business units of global agency holding companies, as they typically represent the bulk of organic revenue growth and profit expansion produces. Industry pressures, he added, disproportionately impact media agencies. Wieser said the newly merged GroupM agency, which is a scale move, would be the third-largest global media agency in the industry by headcount, behind Omnicoms OMD and Dentsu Aegis Carat, citing data from ComVergence. Enhancing Essence is more about differentiation than scale, Wieser added. For Essence, this appears to represent an effort to firmly establish a business best known as Googles media agency as a new fourth and relatively differentiated pillar of Group. Differentiated positioning is going to be increasingly important for every media agency division, given the successes of Omnicoms Hearts & Sciences with AT&T and P&G wins in the United States in particular. "What we think will be an improved position from Publicis media agencies as competencies associated with Sapient are embedded in those businesses over time. by Larissa Faw , June 1, 2017 While joking that his French accent is even worse than that of his predecessor Maurice Levy, new Publicis Groupe CEO/Chairman Arthur Sadoun outlined his vision today, which is Day One in his new role. The briefing came in a video to staffers. "I would like to make sure my first words are for you," said Sadoun in his introduction video, which is available in Spanish, Russian, Portuguese and Chinese. The bar is set very high," Sadoun told the troops, noting that his predecessor increased the value of the company in the last 30 years by about a hundred times. We are one of the top three communications companies in the world and we should be proud of what we achieved together." Sadoun discussed his three top initiatives -- transformation, culture, and building a client-centric organization -- to prepare Publicis for the future. "If we are to be honest, we are facing some strong headwinds," he said. advertisement advertisement The initial focus is designed to "bring back the kind of growth we deserve, to adapt our core structure to this new economy, and to make our company future-proof," Sadoun said. He is eager to transform Publicis from a holding company to what he calls a "platform." His definition of this new platform includes an agile and dynamic company without silos that creates new value for clients. Sadoun stressed that he does not intend to change anything accomplished by the previous leadership team, including the Power of One initiative launched 18 months ago. Instead the intent is to further build upon that so-called "client-centric" transformation. And to do so Publicis will appoint more than 100 group client leaders to "employ the right resources at the right time, no matter where they are, with no P&L issue," he says. Publicis is also developing leadership teams in its top 20 countries to ensure that greater collaboration is taking place at a local level. We are one of the very few who can really make this transformation a reality, he says. Meanwhile, Publicis Media is launching the Next Generation Board, a new youth-targeted initiative to cultivate new talent. Launched across 15 markets including the U.S., the UK, major European countries, India, Mexico, Australia, China, and Russia, the teams will work with Publicis Media's global executive group to bring new perspectives and insight to the organization. The members of these new boards have been identified as potential future leaders. Our next generation of leaders are the future of this company. It is vital that they play a significant role in creating Publicis Medias future, from both a talent and client perspective," says Steve King, CEO, Publicis Media. by Mike Azzara , Op-Ed Contributor, June 1, 2017 Being a fast-follower may not work when it comes to artificial intelligence. Thats a potentially huge problem for the vast majority of companies the mainstream of American and global businesses that have watched and waited as wave after wave of new technologies emerged over the course of the last 20 years. From the PC to local networks to the Internet to cloud, mobile and social. For each of those tech waves you could turn out fine if you waited, learned from the pioneers in your industry, and then followed quickly with the benefit of their lessons. Common principles emerged from early adopters of cloud computing, the mobilization of work, and the socialization of business that enabled fast-followers to start out, on day one, at a much higher level of implementation sophistication than their predecessors. But with learning technologies like AI, youre not the only one who needs to learn lessons the technologies need time to learn, too. And every companys situation is different, especially when it comes to marketing. While there will certainly be lessons learned that raise the floor in terms of foundational AI/machine learning technology infrastructure, it simply does not stand to reason that application-level progress of company A (or companies A through Y) will be of any benefit to company B (or Z). A very closely related challenge that many companies are running into as they consider AI initiatives is the toddler problem, according to Mike Nicholas, a founder of Born, the new AI-focused agency subsidiary of MDC Media Partners launched in November 2016. The toddler problem is this: AI programs start out as dumb models that must learn on the job in order to achieve greatness. The machine learning algorithms that today can determine, in fractions of a second, the best route for you to take across town, or across the continent, began their artificial lives as empty-headed toddlers. They tried and failed, tried and failed, etc., and each time learned a bit and became a little bit better. The more times they tried, the more they learned. After billions or even trillions of tries interactions theyre faster and smarter than any program anyone could have written. Remember how challenged newborn Siri was to understand what we were saying? Well now theres a $249 pair of headphones that will simultaneously translate real-time spoken language among English, French, Spanish, and Italian.* The toddler problem is a big concern for brands because it leads to a chicken-and-egg problem (sorry to mix metaphors). AI requires a lot of data i.e., interactions. You need thousands or millions of interactions before your AI agent (or chatbot) gets super-smart. The only way to get all those interactions is by exposing your toddler-level AI to customers and letting them hack away at it. That, Nicholas says, stops most brands dead in their tracks. No way will I let a 3-year-old represent my brand! But then it wont get smart. Marketers who are used to fine-tuning their work to perfection before letting it into the light just cant wrap their heads around this problem. Fans of human brain physiology and evolution will note that this is the same phenomenon which, in humans, requires our species to have a far, far longer childhood than any other species on earth. One approach some businesses are trying is to stand up an internal AI to support customer service reps. That way, the rep becomes a human filter between the AIs recommendation and the customer, ostensibly preventing the stupidest mistakes from damaging the brand. The AI learns through interactions with the customer-facing humans. The challenge here, though, is getting enough interactions, quickly. The brands with the guts to release toddler AIs to the world will get a first-mover advantage that probably overcomes all but the worst reputation-damaging screw-ups from the toddler. As my AI Insider column partner, Sarah Fay, pointed out in her keynote talk at MediaPosts Marketing AI conference, when you think about it and when you do the math first-mover advantage in the AI era will be virtually impossible to overcome. Which brings me back to my opening sentence: Being a fast-follower may not work when it comes to artificial intelligence *Sci-fi subplot note: I try hard to convince people to read science fiction to learn about new technologies, since so many of the geeks inventing the stuff grew up reading it and are now trying to build what they read. With regard to the universal translator, Star Trek" got there first (though by calling for the invention in 2151, it missed the mark by more than 125 years). But The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy got there funniest: "The Babel fish is small, yellow, leech-like, and probably the oddest thing in the universe. It feeds on brain wave energy, absorbing all unconscious frequencies and then excreting telepathically a matrix formed from the conscious frequencies and nerve signals picked up from the speech centres of the brain, the practical upshot of which is that if you stick one in your ear, you can instantly understand anything said to you in any form of language: the speech you hear decodes the brain wave matrix." By Ruth Anderah Court has further remanded the suspects accused of conniving to murder former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi up to 15th June, 2017 when they return for further mention of the charges against them. The 20 suspects appeared at Nakawa Magistrates Court this morning before Grade one Magistrate Noah Sajjabi to know the stage of investigations into the matter. However, state prosecutor Rachael Nabwire informed Court that investigations are ongoing. They face 5 counts including murder, terrorism and aggravated robbery. They are said to have shot dead Kaweesi, his body guard Kenneth Erau and driver Godfrey Wambewa as the trio drove in the official Uganda Police vehicle to work at Kulambiro in March this year. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 1, 2017 Music streaming site Napster and Japan's e-commerce company Rakuten on Thursday announced plans to partner and take their combined services into the Japanese market. The collaboration will give Seattle-based Rhapsody's Napster the support needed to power the playback of songs and curated playlists -- and give music lovers access to 20 million tracks from global independent music labels by the fall of 2017 -- as part of its ongoing commitment to support a variety of artists through the Rakuten Music service, which competes with services like Spotify. "Were seeing the emergence of a new era of on-demand streaming in Japan," said Brian Ringer, Napsters chief technology officer, in a statement emailed to Search Marketing Daily. Streaming services are beginning to gain momentum In Japan, although the majority of music listeners are still using CD media and not streaming. Rhapsody late last year also struck a similar deal with iHeartMedia in the U.S. advertisement advertisement Recommendation and search engines have been known to fuel growth in the music industry. Last year, overall music revenue grew by 11% to more than $12 billion -- the highest jump since 2009, according to Mary Meeker's Internet Trends report presented on Wednesday. The report notes that Spotify equals about 20% of the global music industry streaming revenue, with data gathered from a combination of Spotify and the IFPI 2017 Global Music Report. Spotify users listen to 41 artists per week, and more than 40% owe that amount to a recommendation or search engine supported by data and algorithms. The Financial Times estimates that at about $3 billion in sales annually, Japan is the world's second-largest music market, only just behind the U.S. by Chase Martin , June 1, 2017 Smart home Wi-Fi connectivity and control may be consolidating into a single network solution for consumers using certain smart home products. Samsungs Connect Home smart Wi-Fi system, which was introduced at a launch event earlier this spring, is set to hit the market later this week. For the first month of pre-orders, Best Buy will be the exclusive retailer, according to Samsung. In addition to connecting to and managing smart home devices, the increasing number of connected devices within homes also requires faster Wi-Fi, according to Bill Lee, vice president of smart home product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. Todays smart homes have the power to deliver simple and efficient automation, but as families stream more content and buy more connected devices, its a struggle to get fast, reliable and extendable Wi-Fi coverage, Lee said in a statement. With Samsung Connect Home, were redefining the whole home network to finally offer families a simple solution that expands Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home while offering the ability to monitor, automate and control smart devices using Samsung SmartThings, he stated. Connect Home is a mesh network system that utilizes multiple Wi-Fi units placed throughout a house to create an in-home, scalable network. The system can be configured using Samsungs Connect smartphone app, which guides users through placing the units in the most effective locations, according to Samsung. The app also includes connected device management capabilities, such as setting parental controls and granting guest access to the network. Samsungs system appears to be similar to other mesh and smart Wi-Fi network options on the market, such as Google Wi-Fi and Securifis Almond 3 smart home router. However, Samsung says the system is the first to combine full-home Wi-Fi coverage with the capabilities of a SmartThings hub to connect to and control smart devices from a single system. Securifis Almond 3 smart home router supports 30 smart home plugs, sensors and light bulbs from multiple brands, including GE and Philips, along with one device from Samsungs SmartThings ecosystem, according to Securifi. Typically, consumers are required to add a hub to their home network in order to control smart devices. This convention, which generally requires different hardware depending on the brand of smart home product, has led to a fragmented market of smart home product ecosystems. On the security side, Samsung has integrated hardware-based security technologies and automatic firmware updates. Outdated software and firmware has been a widely noted area of concern for security professionals when addressing IoT security. Connect Home systems are available individually or in sets of three. Sets of three can provide Wi-Fi coverage in homes up to 4,500 square feet, according to Samsung. Samsung also developed a Pro version of Connect Home, which can deliver speeds roughly twice as fast as the base version. Metal Bulletins weekly price assessments for rebar and wire rod exports out of Latin America, including Brazil, were both unchanged on Friday May 26 compared with May 5, at $440-450 per tonne fob. Traders attributed this price stability to difficulties in selling volumes in the export market. Early in May, Brazil-based long steel producer Gerdau urged the Brazilian government to update the so-called Reintegra programme to increase the competitiveness of local steel products in the external market. The plan grants industrial companies tax credits equivalent to a percentage of their exports. The Reintegra programme would improve companies profitability in the export market, Gerdau ceo Andre Gerdau Johannpeter said on May 4. On average, our export profitability has been very low, but sometimes the margin was negative. Gerdau continues to export, however, despite the adverse market conditions, in order to keep its mills operating, as the domestic steel demand in Brazil remains weak. Otherwise, we would have to cut production levels and close units, Johannpeter added at the time. But the current devaluation of the Brazilian currency against the US dollar, as a result of the continuing political crisis in the South American country, could favour export movements in the short term as it increases the competitiveness of domestic goods in external markets, according to local sources. The Brazilian Real was trading at 3.24 Reais to $1 on May 31, against 3.17 Reais to $1 on April 28, according to Brazils central bank. The poor consumption levels in the country have also contributed to keeping import volumes at very low levels. Brazilian long steel import volumes fell by 5.40% year-on-year in April, according to the latest figures released by national foreign trade ministry MDIC. Imports of non-alloy long steel goods reached 15,944 tonnes, down from 16,855 tonnes in April 2016. Over the same period, rebar imports in Brazil declined by 17.71%, to 1,221 tonnes, while imports of wire rod were down by 49.68%, to 1,418 tonnes. Meanwhile, Metal Bulletins monthly price assessment of domestic rebar in Brazil was steady month-on-month on May 5, at 3,250-3,410 Reais ($997-1,046) per tonne delivered. The name of the assessment will be changed to Brazil export slab $ per tonne fob main port, from the previous Latin America export slab $ per tonne fob main port. This will be more reflective of the market, since only Brazilian companies export relevant volumes of the product in the region. Also, the specifications for the new assessment will be changed to 200-300mm thickness with lot sizes of 20,000-70,000 tonnes, instead of 200-260mmm thickness with lot sizes of 500-5,000 tonnes, thus offering a better benchmark price. The current series will be discontinued and replaced with the new one. The consultation period for this proposed change will end on July 2, with changes taking place from July 3. If you have any comments on this proposal, please contact Ana Paula Camargo by email to: pricing@metalbulletin.com. Please add the subject heading FAO: Ana Paula Camargo. Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops and provides a portfolio of healthcare products worldwide. The company offers peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and additional dialysis therapies and services; intravenous therapies, infusion pumps, administration sets, and drug reconstitution devices; remixed and oncology drug platforms, inhaled anesthesia and critical care products and pharmacy compounding services; parenteral nutrition therapies and related products; biological products and medical devices used in surgical procedures for hemostasis, tissue sealing and adhesion prevention; and continuous renal replacement therapies and other organ support therapies focused in the intensive care unit. It also provides connected care solutions, including devices, software, communications, and integration technologies; integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies to help diagnose, treat, and manage a various illness and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening, and physical assessment; surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories. In addition, the company offers contracted services to various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Its products are used in hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, and patients at home under physician supervision. The company sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through independent distributors, drug wholesalers, and specialty pharmacy or other alternate site providers in approximately 100 countries. It has an agreement with Celerity Pharmaceutical, LLC to develop acute care generic injectable premix and oncolytic molecules. Baxter International Inc. was incorporated in 1931 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. Newell Brands Inc. designs, manufactures, sources, and distributes consumer and commercial products worldwide. It operates in five segments: Commercial Solutions, Home Appliances, Home Solutions, Learning and Development, and Outdoor and Recreation. The Commercial Solutions segment provides commercial cleaning and maintenance solutions; closet and garage organization products; hygiene systems and material handling solutions; and home and security, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms products under the BRK, First Alert, Mapa, Quickie, Rubbermaid, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, and Spontex brands. The Home Appliances segment offers kitchen appliances under the Crock-Pot, Mr. Coffee, Oster, and Sunbeam brands. The Home Solutions segment provides food and home storage; fresh preserving; vacuum sealing; and gourmet cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and home fragrance products under the Ball, Calphalon, Chesapeake Bay Candle, FoodSaver, Rubbermaid, Sistema, WoodWick, and Yankee Candle brands. The Learning and Development segment offers writing instruments, including markers and highlighters, pens, and pencils; art products; activity-based adhesive and cutting products; labeling solutions; and baby gear and infant care products under the Aprica, Baby Jogger, Graco, NUK, Tigex, Dymo, Elmer's, EXPO, Graco, Mr. Sketch, NUK, Paper Mate, Parker, Prismacolor, Sharpie, Waterman, and X-Acto brands. The Outdoor and Recreation segment provides outdoor and outdoor-related products under the Campingaz, Coleman, Contigo, ExOfficio, and Marmot brands. It serves warehouse clubs, department and drug/grocery stores, mass merchants, home centers, office superstores and supply stores, contract stationers, and distributors, e-commerce, sporting goods, specialty, and travel retailers. The company was formerly known as Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and changed its name to Newell Brands Inc. in April 2016. Newell Brands Inc. was founded in 1903 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. By Ssebuliba Samuel As Kenyas general elections draw close, fuel companies in Uganda have increased their stocks in anticipation of possible stock-outs. In 2007 during presidential elections, Kenya was dragged into bloody chaos which caused fuel scarcity in the region and Uganda was no exception. According to Hans Paulsen the outgoing Vivo Energy Managing Director, the company is ready for any emergency and enough fuel has already been stocked. Meanwhile Hans Paulsen has today concluded his three year term at the helm of Vivo Energy, officially handing over to Gilbert Assi as the new Managing director Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. engages in designing, building, overhauling, and repairing military ships in the United States. It operates through three segments: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Technical Solutions. The company is involved in the design and construction of non-nuclear ships comprising amphibious assault ships; expeditionary warfare ships; surface combatants; and national security cutters for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. It also provides nuclear-powered ships, such as aircraft carriers and submarines, as well as refueling and overhaul, and inactivation services of ships. In addition, the company offers naval nuclear support services, including fleet services comprising design, construction, maintenance, and disposal activities for in-service the U.S. Navy nuclear ships; and maintenance services on nuclear reactor prototypes. Further, it provides life-cycle sustainment services to the U.S. Navy fleet and other maritime customers; high-end information technology and mission-based solutions for Department of Defense (DoD), intelligence, and federal civilian customers; nuclear management and operations and environmental management services for the Department of Energy, DoD, state and local governments, and private sector companies; defense and federal solutions; and unmanned systems. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Newport News, Virginia. Owens Corning manufactures and markets insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Composites, Insulation, and Roofing. The Composites segment manufactures, fabricates, and sells glass reinforcements in the form of fiber; and glass fiber products in the form of fabrics, non-wovens, and other specialized products. Its products are used in building structures, roofing shingles, tubs and showers, pools, flooring, pipes and tanks, poles, electrical equipment, and wind-energy turbine blades applications in the building and construction, renewable energy, and infrastructure markets. This segment sells its products directly to parts molders, fabricators, and shingle manufacturers. The Insulation segment manufactures and sells insulation products for residential, commercial, industrial, and other markets for thermal and acoustical applications; and glass fiber pipe insulation, flexible duct media, bonded and granulated mineral fiber insulation, cellular glass insulation, and foam insulation products used in construction applications. This segment sells its products primarily to the insulation installers, home centers, lumberyards, retailers, and distributors under the Thermafiber, FOAMULAR, FOAMGLAS, Paroc, Owens Corning PINK, and FIBERGLAS Insulation brand names. The Roofing segment manufactures and sells aminate and strip asphalt roofing shingles, oxidized asphalt materials, and roofing components used in residential and commercial construction, and specialty applications, as well as synthetic packaging materials. This segment sells its products through distributors, home centers, lumberyards, retailers, and contractors, as well as to roofing contractors for built-up roofing asphalt systems; and manufacturers in automotive, chemical, rubber, and construction industries. Owens Corning was incorporated in 1938 and is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the company marketed approximately 301 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States, Canada, and in 20 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Alibaba Group Holding Limited is an eCommerce and Internet technology giant headquartered in the People's Republic of China. Its core platform, Alibaba.com, is the worlds 3rd largest eCommerce platform by sales. The company, through its vast network of subsidiary companies, provides the infrastructure and marketing to help merchants of all sizes develop their brands and to connect with customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company also aids other businesses with a vast array of digital and logistical solutions with a reach that spans the globe. Alibaba was co-founded by Jack Ma in 1999 when it became clear the Internet and digitization were the future of commerce. Mr. Ma is a billionaire investor, businessman, and philanthropist who believes in an open and free-market economy. The company went public in September 2014 with an IPO on the NYSE. The IPO set a record with its valuation of $25 billion and the company is now worth more than $225 billion and ranked among the 10 most valuable companies by market cap. Alibaba is also ranked 5th largest globally in regards to its work in AI, and it owns the world's largest B2B, B2C, and C2C eCommerce portals. In 2022, Alibabas Singles Day event brought in $139 billion to set a new one-day record. The principal purpose of Alibaba Group Holding Limited is to open the Chinese market and connect it to the world. The company operates through seven segments including China Commerce, International Commerce, Local Consumer Services, Cainiao, Cloud, Digital Media and Entertainment, and Innovation Initiatives and Others. The companys eCommerce platforms include Taobao Marketplace, Tmall, Alimama, 1688.com, Alibaba.com, Aliexpress, Lazada, Trendyol, and Daraz. Taobao Marketplace is a social-media eCommerce platform while Alimama is a monetization platform for entrepreneurs. 1688.com and Alibaba.com are wholesale marketplaces where individuals and businesses can connect with bulk items and the remainder are eCommerce retail platforms and search engines targeting specific markets. In addition, the company also operated a retail chain called Freshippo and Tmall Global which is an import platform for eCommerce. Other digital services provided by Alibaba include Taoxianda, which is a digital integration service for FMCG goods and grocery retailers, and Cainiao Network which is a logistical services platform complemented by Ele.me, a delivery and services platform. Alibaba also supports the infrastructure of the Internet with a range of products and services that include computing, storage, network, security, database, big data, and IoT connectivity. This segment includes a suite of cloud-based services such as Alibaba Pictures and content platforms that provide streaming media. Block, Inc. is the parent company to a host of digital financial solutions including Square. The company was founded in 2009 by Jack Dorsey (also founded Twitter) and Jim McKelvey as a solution to a problem faced by McKelvey. Mr. McKelvey was unable to complete a transaction because he was unable to accept credit cards and that provided inspiration for Mr. Dorsey. The firm was founded in St. Louis but now has no official headquarters, instead choosing to do most work remotely or from one of several key hubs. That decision was made in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when it became clear telecommuting was a solution that worked. The original Square app provides a multitude of payment and POS solutions that include hardware and software. The hardware includes the iconic Square card mag-stripe reader that can be plugged into any tablet or smartphone as well as many other solutions. The software enables sellers to turn their smart devices into POS on a temporary or permanent/dedicated basis. The company went public in 2015 when it IPOd on the NASDAQ stock exchange and then later decided to change its name to Block to better represent the business. Today, Block, Inc. operates as a network of businesses that are working together to expand access to the economy. The core brands are Square, CashApp, AfterPay, Weebly, Tidal, Spiral, and TBD. The Square brand encompasses all the core business including but not limited to hardware and its related software. The CashApp business is a money transfer solution that is working to make money more available and universally acceptable. Afterpay is a buy-now-pay-later service. Weebly is an eCommerce and web hosting service for small and medium-sized businesses. Tidal is a platform for musicians and artists to connect with fans and monetize their brands. Spiral is the firm's cryptocurrency division and TBD is a division focused on crypto, specifically building a crypto platform. Block, Inc. stunned the market in 2020 when it began to purchase Bitcoin. Then Square, the company purchased Bitcoin in two transactions for a total of $210 million. The holdings amount to 8,027 Bitcoins which were worth $154.75 million in October 2022. The purpose of Spiral is to fund open-sourced applications that encourage and facilitate the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Mr. Dorsey remains the CEO and chairman of Block, Inc. The company employs more than 8,500 individuals across its footprint and netted $17.66 billion in revenue for 2021. Mr. Dorsey is also the companys largest shareholder with about 10% of the shares. The following companies are subsidiares of DaVita: Aberdeen Dialysis LLC, Accountable Kidney Care LLC, Adair Dialysis LLC, American Fork Dialysis LLC, American Medical Insurance Inc., Animas Dialysis LLC, Arcadia Gardens Dialysis LLC, Ashdow Dialysis LLC, Atlantic Dialysis LLC, Austin Dialysis Centers L.P., Barnell Dialysis LLC, Barrons Dialysis LLC, Barton Dialysis LLC, Bastrop Dialysis LLC, Beachside Dialysis LLC, Beck Dialysis LLC, Bellevue Dialysis LLC, Bemity Dialysis LLC, Beverly Hills Dialysis Partnership, Birch Dialysis LLC, Bladon Dialysis LLC, Bliss Dialysis LLC, Bohama Dialysis LLC, Bowan Dialysis LLC, Braddock Dialysis LLC, Bridges Dialysis LLC, Brimfield Dialysis LLC, Brook Dialysis LLC, Brownsville Kidney Center Ltd., Brownwood Dialysis LLC, Bruno Dialysis LLC, Buckhorn Dialysis LLC, Buford Dialysis LLC, Bullards Dialysis LLC, Bullock Dialysis LLC, Calante Dialysis LLC, Campton Dialysis LLC, Canyon Springs Dialysis LLC, Capes Dialysis LLC, Capital Dialysis Partnership, Capron Dialysis LLC, Carlton Dialysis LLC, Carroll County Dialysis Facility Inc., Carroll County Dialysis Facility Limited Partnership, Cascades Dialysis LLC, Caverns Dialysis LLC, Cedar Dialysis LLC, Centennial LV LLC, Central Carolina Dialysis Centers LLC, Central Georgia Dialysis LLC, Central Iowa Dialysis Partners LLC, Central Kentucky Dialysis Centers LLC, Channel Dialysis LLC, Cheraw Dialysis LLC, Chicago Heights Dialysis LLC, Chipeta Dialysis LLC, Churchill Dialysis LLC, Cinco Rios Dialysis LLC, Clark Dialysis LLC, Clayton Dialysis LLC, Cleburne Dialysis LLC, Clinica Central do Bonfim S.A., Clinton Township Dialysis LLC, Clyfee Dialysis LLC, Columbus-RNA-DaVita LLC, Conconully Dialysis LLC, Continental Dialysis Center Inc., Couer Dialysis LLC, Court Dialysis LLC, Cowell Dialysis LLC, Cowesett Dialysis LLC, Crossings Dialysis LLC, Crystals Dialysis LLC, Cuivre Dialysis LLC, Culbert Dialysis LLC, DC Healthcare International Inc., DNP Management Company LLC, DPS CKD LLC, DV Care Netherlands B.V., DV Care Netherlands C.V., DVA Healthcare - Southwest Ohio LLC, DVA Healthcare Renal Care Inc., DVA Healthcare of Maryland LLC, DVA Healthcare of Massachusetts Inc., DVA Healthcare of New London LLC, DVA Healthcare of Norwich LLC, DVA Healthcare of Pennsylvania LLC, DVA Healthcare of Tuscaloosa LLC, DVA Holdings Pte. Ltd., DVA Laboratory Services Inc., DVA Renal Healthcare Inc., DVA of New York Inc., DaVita - Riverside II LLC, DaVita - Riverside LLC, DaVita - West LLC, DaVita APAC Holding B.V., DaVita Brasil Participacoes e Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Care (Saudi Arabia), DaVita Dakota Dialysis Center LLC, DaVita Deutschland AG, DaVita Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DaVita El Paso East L.P., DaVita Germany GmbH, DaVita HK Holdings Limited, DaVita HealthCare Brasil Servicos Medicos Ltda., DaVita International Limited, DaVita Nefromed Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Nephron Care Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Rien Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita S.A.S., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Asa Sul Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Distrito Federal Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Guarulhos Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Jardim das Imbuias Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Taubate Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia de Araraquara Ltda., DaVita Sp. z o.o., DaVita Sud-Niedersachsen GmbH, DaVita Transrim Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita UTR Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita VillageHealth Inc., DaVita of New York Inc., Dallas-Fort Worth Nephrology L.P., Damon Dialysis LLC, Dialysis Holdings Inc., Dialysis of Des Moines LLC, Dialysis of Northern Illinois LLC, Dierks Dialysis LLC, Dolores Dialysis LLC, Dome Dialysis LLC, Doves Dialysis LLC, Downriver Centers Inc., EURODIAL - Centro de Nefrologia e Dialise de Leiria S.A., East End Dialysis Center Inc., East Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Ebrea Dialysis LLC, Edisto Dialysis LLC, Eldrist Dialysis LLC, Elgin Dialysis LLC, Elk Grove Dialysis Center LLC, Empire State DC Inc., Etowah Dialysis LLC, Ettleton Dialysis LLC, Eufaula Dialysis LLC, Falcon LLC, Family Health Care of Central Florida, Fanthorp Dialysis LLC, Federal Way Assurance Inc., Fields Dialysis LLC, Five Star Dialysis LLC, Fjords Dialysis LLC, Flagler Dialysis LLC, Flamingo Park Kidney Center Inc., Forester Dialysis LLC, Freehold Artificial Kidney Center L.L.C., Fremont Dialysis LLC, Frontier Dialysis LLC, Fullerton Dialysis Center LLC, GDC International LLC, Gambro Healthcare, Ganois Dialysis LLC, Garner Dialysis LLC, Garrett Dialysis LLC, Gaviota Dialysis LLC, Gebhard Dialysis LLC, Genesis KC Development LLC, GiveLife Dialysis LLC, Glassland Dialysis LLC, Glosser Dialysis LLC, Goliad Dialysis LLC, Grand Home Dialysis LLC, Greater Las Vegas Dialysis LLC, Greater Los Angeles Dialysis Centers LLC, Green Country Dialysis LLC, Green Desert Dialysis LLC, Griffin Dialysis LLC, Groten Dialysis LLC, Harmony Dialysis LLC, Hart Dialysis LLC, Hawn Dialysis LLC, Healthcare Partners, Helmer Dialysis LLC, Hennepin Dialysis LLC, Hewett Dialysis LLC, Hilgards Dialysis LLC, Hochatown Dialysis LLC, Home Kidney Care LLC, Honeyman Dialysis LLC, Houston Kidney Center/Total Renal Care Integrated Service Network Limited Partnership, Hummer Dialysis LLC, Hunter Dialysis LLC, Huntington Artificial Kidney Center Ltd., Hyde Dialysis LLC, IDC -International Dialysis Centers Lda, ISD Bartlett LLC, ISD Corpus Christi LLC, ISD I Holding Company Inc., ISD II Holding Company Inc., ISD Las Vegas LLC, ISD Lees Summit LLC, ISD Renal Inc., ISD Schaumburg LLC, ISD Spring Valley LLC, ISD Summit Renal Care LLC, Iroquois Dialysis LLC, Jacinto Dialysis LLC, Jenness Dialysis LLC, Kamiah Dialysis LLC, Kanika Dialysis LLC, Kavett Dialysis LLC, Kenai Dialysis LLC, Kershaw Dialysis LLC, Kidney Home Center LLC, Kimball Dialysis LLC, Kingston Dialysis LLC, Kinnick Dialysis LLC, Kinter Dialysis LLC, Kiowa Dialysis LLC, Knickerbocker Dialysis Inc., Lakeshore Dialysis LLC, Landing Dialysis LLC, Landor Dialysis LLC, Lassen Dialysis LLC, Leasburg Dialysis LLC, Leawood Dialysis LLC, Lees Dialysis LLC, Legare Development LLC, Liberty RC Inc., Lifeline Pensacola LLC, Lifeline Vascular Center-Albany LLC, Lincoln Park Dialysis Services Inc., Livingston Dialysis LLC, Llano Dialysis LLC, Lofield Dialysis LLC, Logoley Dialysis LLC, Lone Dialysis LLC, Long Beach Dialysis Center LLC, Lord Baltimore Dialysis LLC, Lory Dialysis LLC, Lourdes Dialysis LLC, Lyndale Dialysis LLC, MVZ DaVita Alzey GmbH, MVZ DaVita Aurich GmbH, MVZ DaVita Bad Aibling GmbH, MVZ DaVita Bad Duben GmbH, MVZ DaVita Cardio Centrum Dusseldorf GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dillenburg GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dinkelsbuhl GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dormagen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Duisburg GmbH, MVZ DaVita Elsterland GmbH, MVZ DaVita Emden GmbH, MVZ DaVita Falkensee GmbH, MVZ DaVita Geilenkirchen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Gera GmbH, MVZ DaVita Iserlohn GmbH, MVZ DaVita Monchengladbach GmbH, MVZ DaVita Neuss GmbH, MVZ DaVita Niederrhein GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Aachen Alsdorf GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Berlin-Britz GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Hamm-Ahlen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Prenzlau-Pasewalk GmbH, MVZ DaVita Rhein-Ahr GmbH, MVZ DaVita Rhein-Ruhr GmbH, MVZ DaVita Schwalm-Eder GmbH, MVZ DaVita Viersen GmbH, Madigan Dialysis LLC, Magney Dialysis LLC, Magoffin Dialysis LLC, Makonee Dialysis LLC, Marlton Dialysis Center LLC, Marseille Dialysis LLC, Mason-Dixon Dialysis Facilities Inc., Mazonia Dialysis LLC, Mellen Dialysis LLC, Melnea Dialysis LLC, Memorial Dialysis Center L.P., Meridian Dialysis LLC, Mermet Dialysis LLC, Milltown Dialysis LLC, Minam Dialysis LLC, Minneopa Dialysis LLC, Mountain West Dialysis Services LLC, Mulgee Dialysis LLC, Nansen Dialysis LLC, Natomas Dialysis LLC, Nauvue Dialysis LLC, Navarro Dialysis LLC, Nephrology Medical Associates of Georgia LLC, Nephrology Practice Solutions LLC, New Bay Dialysis LLC, Nicona Dialysis LLC, Norbert Dialysis LLC, Norte Dialysis LLC, North Austin Dialysis LLC, Northwest Physicians Network, Oasis Dialysis LLC, Ohio River Dialysis LLC, Okanogan Dialysis LLC, Olive Dialysis LLC, Ordust Dialysis LLC, Owyhee Dialysis LLC, Palo Dialysis LLC, Palomar Dialysis LLC, Panther Dialysis LLC, Parkside Dialysis LLC, Pattison Dialysis LLC, Patuk Dialysis LLC, Pearl Dialysis LLC, Pendster Dialysis LLC, Percha Dialysis LLC, Pershing Dialysis LLC, Pfeiffer Dialysis LLC, Philadelphia-Camden Integrated Kidney Care LLC, Physicians Choice Dialysis LLC, Physicians Choice Dialysis Of Alabama LLC, Physicians Dialysis Acquisitions Inc., Physicians Dialysis Ventures LLC, Physicians Dialysis of Lancaster LLC, Physicians Management LLC, Pible Dialysis LLC, Pinson Dialysis LLC, Pittsburgh Dialysis Partners LLC, Piute Dialysis LLC, Plaine Dialysis LLC, Platte Dialysis LLC, Pluribus Dialise - Benfica S.A., Pluribus Dialise - Cascais S.A., Pluribus Dialise S.A., Prairie Dialysis LLC, Prineville Dialysis LLC, Purity Dialysis, RMS Lifeline Inc., RNA - DaVita Dialysis LLC, RV Academy LLC, Ramsey Dialysis LLC, Rayburn Dialysis LLC, Red Willow Dialysis LLC, Redcliff Dialysis LLC, Refuge Dialysis LLC, Renal Center of Beaumont LLC, Renal Center of Fort Dodge LLC, Renal Center of Lewisville LLC, Renal Center of Morristown LLC, Renal Center of Newton LLC, Renal Center of Port Arthur LLC, Renal Center of Tyler L.P.L.L.L.P., Renal Center of West Beaumont LLC, Renal Center of the Hills LLC, Renal Life Link Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - California Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Illinois Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Mid-Atlantic Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Northeast Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Southeast LP, Renal Treatment Centers - West Inc., Renal Treatment Centers Inc., Renal Ventures Management LLC, RenalServ LLC, Riddle Dialysis LLC, River Valley Dialysis LLC, Rocky Mountain Dialysis Services LLC, Rollins Dialysis LLC, Roose Dialysis LLC, Rophets Dialysis LLC, Roushe Dialysis LLC, Routt Dialysis LLC, Royale Dialysis LLC, Rusk Dialysis LLC, Rutland Dialysis LLC, SAKDC-DaVita Dialysis Partners L.P., Saddleback Dialysis LLC, Sahara Dialysis LLC, San Marcos Dialysis LLC, Santiam Dialysis LLC, Sapelo Dialysis LLC, Saunders Dialysis LLC, Seabay Dialysis LLC, Secour Dialysis LLC, Sensiba Dialysis LLC, Shadow Dialysis LLC, Shayano Dialysis LLC, Shelling Dialysis LLC, Sherman Dialysis LLC, Shetek Dialysis LLC, Shining Star Dialysis Inc., Siena Dialysis Center LLC, Simeon Dialysis LLC, Skagit Dialysis LLC, Soledad Dialysis Center LLC, Somerville Dialysis Center LLC, South Central Florida Dialysis Partners LLC, South Fork Dialysis LLC, Southern Hills Dialysis Center LLC, Southlake Dialysis LLC, Southwest Atlanta Dialysis Centers LLC, Sprague Dialysis LLC, Springpond Dialysis LLC, Star Dialysis LLC, Stevenson Dialysis LLC, Stewart Dialysis LLC, Stines Dialysis LLC, Storrie Dialysis LLC, Sugarloaf Dialysis LLC, Sun City Dialysis Center L.L.C., Sunapee Dialysis LLC, Sunset Dialysis LLC, TRC - 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Read More The official cheer song for TEAM GHANA, ahead of the forthcoming All-African Games scheduled to be held in Congo-Brazzaville September 4-19, 2015. Veteran actor, Kofi Adjorlolo, disclosed Wednesday that he is disappointed over his botched marriage plans with 26-year-old actress, Victoria Lebene. The 61-year-old speaking on Starr Chat said he was aware of the trolls his relationship with Ms Lebene generated but he was not perturbed. I take things very easy. Im not someone who rushes and get farcy over thingsthat has actually kept me all these years, he told Starr Chat host Bola Ray adding, so when it all started I refused to be farcy over all these things. The news of Mr. Adjorlolo and Ms Lebene breakup went viral May 25, 2017 after the latter revealed that it was over between the two. According to her, she had been going through a lot since the news of her relationship with the veteran actor hit the spotlight, noting that her father S.P Victor Mekpeh, a retired Chief Superintendent of the Ghana Prison Service had been against their relationship. I just think that I want to make it up to my father and the reason is that, he hasnt been in agreement with the wedding and the whole marriage thing going on between me and Kofi Adjorlolo. It is something that has always been at the back of my mind that my father is not in support of it. So I have decided to make my father proud and to let him know that I have listened to him and I dont want the marriage to come between me and my father because he is one of the reasons why I am who I am today, said Lebene in a recent media interview. Commenting on their breakup for the first time, Mr. Adjorlolo said I realized that Lebeneapparently we could relate to each other so nicely but for the unfortunate breakup. Asked whether he is sad he is not marrying the 26-year-old; he said she is so fine. The word is not sad but I think I will rather say Im disappointednot sad but disappointed. I cant be sad. Barely weeks after the breakup between popular Ghanaian actor, Kofi Adjorlolo and Victoria Lebene Mekpah, the actor has landed himself a new damsel. The veteran actors latest woman is 21-year-old Nikita Stephens. 21-year-old Nikita Stephens Nikita, deemed to be a student has been seen with Mr. Adjorlolo on several occasions since his relationship with Victoria ended. The 61-year-old actor was recently in the news for dating 26-year-old Victoria which ended abruptly. Victoria has said she ended the relationship with the veteran actor because her father disapproved of it because of the age difference. The announcement by the two that they had intentions to marry raised eyebrows because of the age difference. Since her relationship with Mr Adjorlolo, a widower, became public, Victoria, has had to constantly parry concerns about the viability and propriety of the relationship, with many alarmed at the gap between their ages. More than 40 years the popular actors junior, Victoria said she truly loved Mr Adjorlolo and they were set to tie the knot soon. Mr. Kofi Adjorlolo and Victoria Lebene Mekpah But Mr. Adjorlolo in an interview with Starr Chat Wednesday said he is unfazed by concerns of people concerning his love life. If Ghanaians were concerned about the age difference between Mr. Adjorlolo and Victoria then the veteran actor has responded in a classical style by going for a younger, sexy Nikita. The gruesome murder of late Captain Maxwell Mahama, leader of the platoon from the Ghana Armed Forces detailed to protect a mining company at Denkyira-Obuasi, has attracted the fury of Ghanaians who have called for justice for the late officer. Since Tuesday, social media has gone was awash with anger as Ghanaians demand the arrest of the murders of the father of two, and President Nana Akufo-Addo has promised to deal with the culprits. A number of Ghanaian celebrities have joined a #justiceformahama campaign to bring the culprits to book. A lot of the celebs took to their social media platforms to vent their spleen over the unfortunate killing of Captain Maxwell Mahama. Below are posts by some celebs : Lydia Forson: Please read!!! An innocent life was taken away by some residents in the Central Region because they mistook him for an armed robber. They killed this innocent man who was stationed there to serve and protect them because some saw him with a gun and immediately thought he was a thief. They lynched and burnt him alive; Im even tearing up writing that. How do people think sometimes? And they were led by their assembly man who didnt ask for verification nor did he think to send him to the police station if he really thought he was a thief. Just a few days ago, he was laughing with his old school mates and having a good time, I was giving them grief for not being invited to the gathering and we all had laughs about it. Now more than ever, I wish Id been there, seeing that it was my last opportunity to see him. Mob justice must stop! The police and courts are there for this very reason, that an innocent man doesnt doesnt suffer the fate of a guilty one. Even if you believe a person to be a thief, what does that make you the murderer? Are we to treat you the same way seeing that your crime is worse?? These people must pay!! He left behind a wife and two young children. #Justice4Adams #MobJusticeMustStop Yvonne Okoro: #justiceforadams just found out that hes my classmates cousin, shes been sobbing uncontrollably culprits must be held accountable..thanks @lydiaforson for throwing light on this senseless killing. Prince David Osei: So Pissed and Sad..How?Ghana why?Even If you suspected this soldier to be a thief must you the youth of a community take the law into your own hands and stone him to death? What kind of lawlessness, inhumane, barbaric evil act is this? I am in tears, damn! I know this guy met him before all the people behind this devilish act must be apprehended fast, including the assembly man. After watching the video of him being lynched cant just understand why the youth did this and recorded it.. An innocent soldier is killed for trying to stop illegal mining? HOW? #GhanaWakeUpJustice4AdamNow #R .I.P Soldier Nana Ama McBrown: My condolences. R. I. P Captain. God will not forget your wife and kids #JusticeForMahama #Sad #Ghana #Brimm . DBlack: This story just broke my heart My heart goes out to his wife, children and his family #RIPCaptainMahama Abeiku Santana: My twin brother as you affectionately call me Im so sad ! I have been devastated by the fotos and video that is circulating on social media. I ate with you, your wife and children not too long ago, you told me how tough it is operating in the galamsey areas. Max, Rest In Peace . Kaakie: This whole evil act has made me sad, such that nothing excites me here on media platforms. How? I mean how can a captain, an honourable man for that matter be killed in a disgraceful manner due to greed and personal interest. Such rubbish! That assembly man, the lady who lit the Captain up and those ladies who claimed to have seen a thief. Should be killed in this very manner. They should also be strip naked and stoned. Inf act, the abandoned firing square of the military must once again be used. No one should dare talk about human right! Did u think of human right when u took this bundle of joy from his wife?, from his two little children?, even his mother. He been the only child. Oh Ghana! What was his crime? Been a soldier??? Do we even need assembly men, what are their use to todays generation. Useless people stand for useless positions and they think they are suddenly the law ooohhh how I wish they can put them up in a square where every Ghanaian, even children will flog them all. #justice4captainmahama James Gardiner: Dont we have conscience anymore? Who said we had the right to take the law into our own hands as civilians and take away someones life! Then why are there laws? What were the security institutions set up for? The same selfless person who laid down his life to protect us at all cost didnt even get protection! I am ashamed, battered and angry! Our laws must work! The people must be brought to book! My heart goes out to the friends and family of Captain Mahama. Due to some psychopathic peoples foolishness and stupidity, this brave and handsome young man left behind a beautiful family of two lovely kids and a beautiful wife. May your soul rest in uttermost solemnity! #justiceformahama . Darlington Michael Seddoh: This is a beautiful family and the whole world would agree with me. I'm in tears as this family has been robbed off their father and a husband. This young man, a soldier in Ghana went jogging early morning and the community lynched and murdered him, the excuse is that he was carrying a gun on him, so that made him an arm robber?. Ghana must grow up; in this day and age when Christianity has grown in our hearts we still kill ourselves. I plead with all Ghanaians to desist from spreading videos of his death, respect his family, this could happen to any of us .RIP Captain Maxwell Mahama Majid Michel: This will stop! The church, indeed ,has failed.! This is when the church must realise that we are not doing enough work. Our reach is far from enough. People still live in bondage and they must be free from this bondage. May the Lord hold the hearts of Maxwell's family. #rip #LEADERSHiP Bismark The Joke: It can happen to anyone , WHY Ghana WHY. Hmmmm. Sad. May your humble soul RIP Captain #RIPCaptainMahama By Francis Addo (Twitter: @fdee50 Email: [email protected] ) The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Catherine A. Afeku, last Saturday held a meeting with actors and actresses at the Miklin Hotel in Kumasi to discuss problems facing the movie industry in the country. Madam Afeku, addressing the gathering, promised that she will dialogue with stakeholders to find common grounds to promote local movies on the private TV stations. She reiterated the challenge of censorship which goes contrary to the government's policy of unfettered media freedom. Nevertheless, the minister hinted the possibility of supporting the private sector to secure a TV licence solely dedicated to showing Ghanaian movies, thereby, boosting promotion and offering competition to the telenovelas. She also affirmed her ministry's commitment to complete the regional theatre in order to support the industry in the Ashanti Region. Madam Afeku further assured members that her ministry would ensure that any decision taken would premiere on their concerns raised and in the best interest of the industry. Mark Okraku Mante, Agya Koo, Augustine Abbey (Idikoko), Salinko, Matilda Asare, Michael Afrane and others were present at the meeting. They applauded the ministry for its timely intervention and promised to work hand in hand to project the image of Kumawood in the eyes of Ghanaians. The Nollywood industry has witnessed lots of sorrows in the past months and years that questions have been arising on what the real problem is that lot of stars are passing away due to one illness to the other but things are being put in place. Secretary to Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Jude Orhorha, in an exclusive chat with Nollywoodgists.com stated that the guild is working towards salvaging the situation. Speaking about the welfare of families of deceased actors who are registered under AGN, he explained that the guild is working towards ensuring that either an ailing actor or families are entitled the medical care from the National Health Insurance scheme. In his words, Individually, some actors, have been doing that they have been visiting the families of the deceased and all that but for Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) our major task is that whatever financial problems they are going through we will try in our own little way. Like the National Health Insurance scheme, this is a plan in progress that will enable the actor whether alive or dead, the family will continue to enjoy the benefits of the health insurance. AGN is almost there as we are already signing the various forms. The uncle of the Captain Maxwell Mahama, young military officer lynched by Denkyira-Obuasi residents on Monday said, the family wants justice to bring a closure to his gruesome killing. Prof. Fred Mark Bagonluri says it is unfortunate a man who has sworn to defend his country had to die in such a manner. A man who decides to save his nation has to die in war, and not murdered by the very citizens that he swore an oath to protect and defend against both internal and external aggression. For him to die in this manner challenges my citizenship, he said. Prof. Bagonluri to Joy FM the family is struggling to deal with the loss of the Captain who was on his way to being promoted to a Major soon. Captain Maxwell Mahama who is with the 5 Battalion Infantry was reportedly lynched while he went jogging at dawn on Monday. He was allegedly stoned and burnt by the youth of the area who mistook him for an armed robber. Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul says government will investigate thoroughly the killing, which he describes as weird. The circumstances under which this officer was murdered callously has not yet been established so I will urge that we dont draw conclusions until a thorough investigation has taken place". He said the circumstance surrounding the killing is weird because the deceased was armed. If it was the normal Ghanaian way of shouting jolour [thief] then straight away the officer would have wasted some people if he knew they would kill him. It is clear the way he was murdered, the villagers might not have raised the thief syndrome of shouting. They may have hit him without him knowing what their intentions were," the Minister said. According to him, investigations are ongoing but to prevent any reprisal attack, the military high command upon his advice moved two officers and 35 men to join the platoon to carry out the investigations. Mr Nitiwul said the Military Police; Defence Intelligence, Regional Police Commander and the officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are on the ground to see to the investigations. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Mantrac Ghana Limited has introduced a special rental service for contractors known as Rent-To-Own. The new service offers customers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of using brand new equipment without committing to an outright purchase. RENT-TO-OWN offer gives contractors the option to buy the Machine after six months of renting. This applies to Brand New Cat Machines and Certified Used Machines with the latest CAT technologies. Up to 80% of the rental payments made can be directed towards purchasing the machine and the price of the machine is locked to its purchasing price on the first day of renting. Explaining this unique offer, the Managing Director of Mantrac Ghana, Mr. Emad Adeeb said RENT-TO-OWN service is tailored to contractors who want to own the legendary Cat equipment without going through the hassle of upfront payment or getting bank guarantee thereby providing them with extra financial breathing room. As the sole authorized dealer for the past 80 years we understand our customers and believe this is one of the best solutions with low financial risks backed by a full warranty and insurance on the Machine. Mr. Adeeb further indicated that the RENT-TO-OWN offer comes with minimum operational risks for contractors since the machines will be replaced immediately in case of unscheduled down time or failure. This offer is available through Mantrac Ghana is Nationwide offices in Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and Tarkwa. Our Branch offices are equipped with state of the art workshops, service bays and parts warehouse to provide matchless after sales product support to all customers. About Mantrac Ghana Mantrac Ghana Limited is the sole authorized Caterpillar Dealer in Ghana. Since the establishment of the company in 1937, Mantrac has supplied and supported Caterpillar products in many sectors of the Ghanaian economy such as construction, mining, forestry, material handling and power generation. Mantrac Ghana Limited is part of the giant Mantrac Group, which holds the Caterpillar dealerships in Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Iraq and in the Western Siberia region of Russia. Being part of an international network gives a competitive edge in product delivery and service support. This is further enhanced by our well located export sales office, Unatrac Limited, in the United Kingdom. Our carefully selected and well-trained, multicultural team of over 600 professionals, work through a network of four branches, located in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tarkwa. Our success is driven by our people and their unrelenting focus on delivering results applying innovative technologies to provide a 360 degrees support to the construction and mining industries in Ghana. Mantrac Ghana is celebrating 80years of Caterpillar dealership in Ghana from 1937 to 2017 after it has evolved from Gold Coast Machinery and Trading (GCMT), a division of United Africa Company since 1937, to Tractor & Equipment (T & E) and finally to Mantrac Ghana Limited, part of the giant Mantrac Group since 1996.Media Contacts: Accra, May 31, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has stressed the need for multilateral development banks to offer Africa nations deals with risk re-allocation to trigger investments and to ensure debt sustainability and growth. He said because investors made decisions on the basis of their perception of risk and uncertainty, it was important that development finance institutions offered financial instruments like guarantees and insurance, to be deployed to trigger additional investments. 'For example, a 700 million US Dollar World Bank Group guarantee enabled us to mobilise 7.9 billion US dollars of private investment. These are the kind of deals that should happen more often in Africa, as development finance institutions partner with private capital,' he said at the opening of the 2017 World Bank Development Financing Forum in Accra on Wednesday. 'Our actions are only a part of the equation. We need risk re-allocation instruments from the multilateral developments banks. It brings into sharp focus the subject matter of this conference: leveraging development financing and partnerships to attract private capital to finance infrastructure development in mainly developing and distressed countries in line with the new thinking, referred to as 'From Billions to Trillions: Transforming Development Finance'. The two-day event, aimed at unlocking private investment in African markets, is the third in the series of annual events convened by the World Bank group, and the first to be hosted outside Europe. It brings together stakeholders that can change the risk-return landscape in the least developed countries and to explore ideas, initiatives and partnerships to make economies successful. Commending the World bank group for convening experience and knowledge from across West Africa and beyond at the Forum, President Akufo-Addo said the moves underscored the importance of regional cooperation in the agenda of transformation. He said: 'The failure of one country will negatively affect the success of all. This is why my government applauds the members of the International Development Association, IDA, for a strong replenishment that scales up support to countries in fragility, and invests in private sector through their bold move to establish a 2.5 billion US dollar Private Sector Window. 'Through the Window, public finance will be used to catalyse private investments in low-income countries, and, in particular, in economies that are under stress of conflict and fragility. Several of these countries are in this region of West Africa,' he noted. President Akufo-Addo Stressed the need for synergy between public and private sectors, development finance institutions and multilateral development banks, in order to catalyse additional private finance for development. 'There is one thing that the public and private sectors need to do more of and where we are all equally responsible: to mobilise the good power of finance, we need to cooperate more and we need to cooperate smartly. Amidst all the complexity of the 21st century world, our inter-dependence requires such cooperation. 'This spirit is captured in the adinkra symbol associated with this conference: 'Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo', representing co-operation and inter-dependence. The public and private sectors need each other, need to understand each other and adapt their strategies in order to contribute to each other's success. 'Help me, so I can help you'. That is the literal meaning of the adinkra symbol,' he said. He called on multilateral development banks such as the World Bank Group to facilitate partnerships and create the platforms that generate ideas and 'nurture these to success, just like you will do here in Accra.' 'Building partnerships takes time and commitment, and their rewards often only show after a long time has passed. The World Bank Group, African Development Bank and other multilateral financing institutions can help lower the transactional costs for the public and private sectors to enter into partnerships and alliances. As a shareholder and a client of the World Bank Group, I ask you to continue to invest and improve in that role.' GNA By Ken Sackey, GNA Ho, May 31, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has called on accountants to help fight corruption in the country. He said it is their responsibility to 'protect the public purse with integrity and transparency' towards building a transparent and accountable economy. The Vice-President said this in a speech read on his behalf at the 2017 Annual Accountants' Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) held under the theme: 'Transformation of Ghana's economy @ 60'. Dr Bawumia said chartered accountants play active roles in the decision making process of organizations and urged them to be 'catalysts of positive influence who must eschew acts that hurt our public finance management objectives and arrangements.' 'Transforming Ghana's economy requires the collective efforts of professional accountants who must not be silent but rather voice out any acts of financial impropriety perpetrated by public office holders,' he said. Dr Bawumia commended the Institute for adopting and implementing the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as the basis for preparing and presenting financial statements of public accounts in the country, adding that this was helping government allocate resources effectively. Mr Benjamin Kpodo, Member of Parliament for Ho Central, said the accounting profession is confronted with issues of 'image maintenance' and asked them work towards reflecting 'integrity and accountability.' He appealed to government to ensure that only qualified and well trained accountants are appointed to head finance departments in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as well as educational institutions to curb corruption. He said Senior High Schools, in view of the proposed free education policy, needed chartered accountants as a matter of urgency to manage funds to be allocated under the policy. Mr Christian Sottie, ICAG President, described the 'galamsey' menace facing the country as an act of corruption and appealed to the citizenry to heed the President's call to end the practice. GNA By Sumaiya Salifu Saeed/ Samuel Akumatey, GNA Accra, May 31, GNA - Renowned business gurus and politicians at a panel discussion at the Third World Bank Development Finance Forum, in Accra, have agreed that energy is the main challenge to Africa's rapid socio-economic development and transformation. They stated that the solution to Africa's energy challenge was the responsibility of both Governments and the private sector. They are Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana's Finance Minister ; Mr Joaquim Levy, World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer; Mr Aliko Dangote, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group ; Mr Abdourahmane Cisse, Budget Minister of the Ivory Coast; and Mrs Helen Tarnoy, Managing Director, Aldwych International Limited. The panelists are of the view that regional integration would play a very critical role in addressing the continent's energy needs and they are optimistic that harnessing the continent's renewable natural resources, such as the abundant sunlight for energy generation would serve the purpose. According to the World Bank, in Africa today, more than 500 million people live without electricity. In fact, fewer than one in five Africans was connected to the power grid in 2012, and despite a modest increase from 32 per cent to 35 per cent between 2010 and 2012, the rate of electrification continues to be too slow to keep pace, with the rapid population growth on the continent. Mr Ofori-Atta said energy was crucial for a nation's socio-economic development so Ghana was supplying power to her neighbouring countries. He said integration was a real issue because whatever happened to a country would have repercussions Mr Dangote, for his part, stated that the energy generation capacity of 48 Sub-Saharan Africa countries with a population of one billion, was equal to that of Spain, which had a population of 46 million. He said for Africa to develop, there was the need for adequate power generation to facilitate the growth of industries. He said despite the fact that 65 per cent of the world's arable lands were in Africa; the continent still imported huge tonnes of cereals, such as rice annually. He said the Dangote Group, as part of efforts to address the poverty situation on the continent, would be providing assistance to maize farmers. 'My own dream is that both the private sector and the public sector would team up to get our people out of poverty,' Mr Dangote stated. Mrs Tarnoy also said a vibrant informal sector of the economy would support the growth of the formal sector. Mr Cisse stated that over the past few years the Ivory Coast had increased its energy generation by 40 per cent and as part of enhancing regional integration, they were exporting power to their neighbouring countries. He said one of the critical issues facing the continent was demography; explaining that creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youth was a very big challenge. Mr Levy, however, said the World Bank was hopeful that extreme poverty would be eliminated by 2030. The forum, the maiden one to be organised by the World Bank in Africa, brought together public and private sector leaders from around the world to explore innovative approaches to radically increase private sector investment in Africa's priority sectors. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo opened the forum, which is being attended by 300 participants. It aims to contribute to the development of a pipeline of projects and programmes by offering a pre-investments platform for the public and private sectors to explore market-building alliances and opportunities. This year's event focuses on critical sectors of Africa such as Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Manufacturing and Technology. GNA By Iddi Yire/Doris Ablordey, GNA Our country is once again mourning the death of an illustrious son,Captain Maxwell Mahama.It's shocking!And even more shocking as captain Mahama of the 5 Battalion of infantry was a victim of a mistake of an unjustified mob justice. He was lynched by some locals of the Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region of Ghana whilst on military detachment in the area.In what can be described as inhumane enough,his body was burnt after being stoned to death by the locals who claimed they mistook him for an armed robber.What a misthinking!What kind of heart do these people have.Such heartless rapscallions! Whilst I join the rest of Ghanaians to commiserate with the family;especially,the wife and children of this hero of our time,I wish to employ all well meaning Ghanaians to join the call for the necessary justice to be served in this case.It's probably,the biggest gift we can offer as fare-thee-well to the soul of our late brother.This case should not end like any of the other cases. But come to think of it,do you really think this is the first time a mob has taken the law into their own hands and visited such untimely death on well meaning citizens of our land?In this era of rule of law(not rule of mob) and nearly strengthened institutions of state,do you really think it's necessary for a mob to take the law into their own hands and commit such acts with impunity? Today,the rather painful murder of our brother is making all the news headlines and attracting attention because of one reason-he was a dignified army officer.He was an asset to our nation.You know how we respect soldiers in Ghana! But as we still continue to mourn,have you ever wondered the number of people who have suffered similar ill-fate in the name of so-called mob justice?Maybe they are in tens,thousands and millions.I guess you didn't hear or you didn't "saw".I just guess such cases have not been witnessed in your community whilst we look on,and some times endorsed such acts.Beat him! Kill him!He is the criminal in the town!They have been albatross on our neck for so long a time...."So kill am;beat am". Probably,you didn't hear of their cases because,they didn't command respect in society.They were ordinary people like you and I.They were tagged by self acclaimed law enforcement agencies as the "usual thieves", and killed instantly.Maybe because of a goat,sheep,fowl,bicycle,motto inter alia.Maybe you didn't hear of these cases not because you didn't want to hear but because, these people were presumed as commoners in society. You deliberately forgot the common biblical proposition,"All men are created equal." But come to also think of it,....Why do you think a mob will take the law into their own hands and commit such atrocious acts with immunity? It's simple!Lack of trust in our justice system.You will often hear such people say,sending such victims to the court or police station for proper interrogation and fact funding will amount to freeing them automatically.It will amount to no punishment, although, such people may be found culpable of such crimes.This is usually the cliche. Permit me to state here that,this is where our institutions must wake-up to the realisation that they are letting society down by their actions and inactions.Anarchy and destruction with impunity would continue to be the order of the day insofar as societal perception of our institutions of law continue to sink.It's just a wake-up call to our institutions,especial of law. We don't want any startling revelations by Anas Aremeyaw Anas again.We don't want any vigilantism any longer:Invincible Forces,Delta Forces, Azorka Boy's,Bolga Bull Dogs must take a cue.Let our institutions work and win back public trust,else... Indeed,the gruesome murder of the humble servant of our land,Captain Maxwell Mahama of blessed memory has thought us a bitter lesson.Unfortunate as it is,but it has sounded the wake-up alarm for us all to begin to discourage mob justice from our society.The law must take its cause no matter the confidence so lost in same.We make the law and the law make us.Hence,the law mirrors society.Let's build the law the way we want it. Join the campaign to end mob justice now!Remember,it could be you! I pray,however,that justice is served to the family of late Captain Maxwell Mahama. May the good Lord bless us all. The writer is a teacher by profession,a freelance journalist,youth advocate,blogger/writer and a student at the University of Ghana Business School pursuing Bachelor of Science in Administration with a major in Public Administration. Read more of his works on ( ananpansah-ab.blogspot.com ). ANANPANSAH,B ABRAHAM(AB) (The Village Writer) 0241129910/0200704844 I have read on social media the decongestion exercise in Tamale Metro and its accompanying praises and frustrations. As an Organizational Development Professional, I will like to draw the attention of city authorities to certain key issues that could have guided their action. Available literature shows that, despite the advances in modern retailing, millions of people throughout the world still make their living partly or wholly through selling goods on the streets. This is particularly the case in urban cities. A vibrant array of traders selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to clothes, traditional medicine, food and even furniture is what characterizes African cities. Ongoing privatization and increasing youth unemployment in the country continue to impact on the size, nature and dynamics within the informal economy in general and street trading in particular. In fact, the location of the various transport stations is problematic to vehicular movements in the Metropolis. This problem cannot be solved by simply decongesting street traders. It will be advisable that, the initial agreement between GPRTU and Tamale Metropolitan Assembly be re-looked at. I understand the agreement was to move the Central transport yard to Datooyili to make way for the Taxi rank to settle so as to make way for traders and buyers at the current Taxi rank to be used as car park. The Assembly should facilitate this arrangement by ensuring that any other transport operator, be it O. A, VVIP, VIP, Royal VIP among others are part of the relocation plan to ensure fairness and equity. To succeed in this relocation plan, the assembly should make by-laws that will require land owners using domestic plots in running commercial transport activities in the Metropolis to properly go for authorization. Once this is done, the number of vendors can fluctuate from one season to the next, one day to the next, and even during a single day. This is because some vendors only sell in the morning, afternoon or evening; and others sell only during certain seasons. Some may move from one location to another during the day, appearing to settle at each; while others may change what they sell from one season, month or day to another. Also, a regulated and levied station for the tricycle (yellow-yellow) operators should be looked at since they have become nuisance to the Metropolis. What then should be done to reduce street traders or pedestrian traffic in the Metropolis? Facilities should be created for street traders to indicate the extent to which they are incorporated into urban plans. Street traders need shelter from the elements, places to store their goods, and ablution facilities. In many of the countries for which there is information, there seems to be an approach in which markets are built to house traders. Although street traders are often desperate for facilities, too often local authorities pay scant attention to the importance of revenue generated from levies issued to traders. Transberg Hansen outlines how the local authority in Lusaka built a city market that opened in 1997 and, for the reasons outlined above, many years later remains empty. There is much more of a tradition of markets in West Africa. In their study of markets in Dakar, Senegal and Accra Ghana, Lyons and Snoxell (2005b) point to more successful municipal efforts to provide and manage market space. A careful analysis of the impact of the satellite markets at Lamashegu, Kukuo, Guu Naayili and Kakpagyili as they were developed by successive mayors of Tamale could be the basis in assessing the need for a new market in the Metropolis. (Charmes 2000) stated that, The informal sector as a whole is estimated to account for 60 per cent of all urban jobs and over 90 per cent of all new urban jobs. After home-working, street trading is estimated to account for the largest share of these jobs. Going forward, the Assembly should device proper means of licensing of street traders to be used as an inclusionary or exclusionary tool. Licensing street trading gives traders the right to operate. If traders are to have a securer livelihood and invest both in their economic activities and their trading areas, security of tenure is critical. Licensing and site allocation are key components in better management of public spaces. The critical issue, however could be, how many licenses as a proportion of the total number of traders are issued. Lyons and Snoxell suggest that in Nairobi, Kenya there were 7000 licenses and formal sites even though it was estimated that there were 500 000 street traders operating in the city (2005a:1078). Given that in many African countries demand is constrained, there is a direct trade off between the numbers of licenses and sites allocated and individual earnings of traders. There are very few examples of cities doing careful calculations of the carrying capacity of streets. In assessing Keith Harts (1973) original anthropological work in Accra, Ghana, during which the term informal sector was first coined, made much reference to small-scale distribution (1973:71-3). He justifies a disproportionate focus on this due to its significance in urban economic life (1973:72). His work drew international attention to the phenomenon, challenging the notion of the urban unemployed and underemployed in cities like Accra constituting a passive exploited majority with informal activities having little autonomous capacity to generate growth in the incomes of the urban poor (1973:61). His detailed description and analysis of the multiple economic activities of the urban poor and the important part they played in supplying many of the essential services in Accra constituted a serious challenge to the way development economists had previously approached employment issues in the developing world. I entirely agree with a question he pose do we want to shift the emphasis of income opportunities in the direction of formal employment for its own sake or only to reduce participation in socially disapproved of informal activities and those in informal occupations whose marginal productivity is too low? (1973:82). Trends in street trading over time are integrally linked to urbanization, migration and economic development processes. Therefore, the decision to hurriedly decongest the city without recourse to the above economic implications on the livelihoods of street traders and revenue generation by the Assembly deviates from the call on the informal sector to employ. Alhassan Mohammed Hafiz Organizational Development Professional 0501 5525 51 01.06.2017 LISTEN We the members of Modern Women of Wisdom International (MWOW) are still in a state of shock and devastation when we read another story of a clear case of Mob attack of disturbing proportions meted out to Captain Mahama of the Ghana Armed Forces by some people in Denkyira-Obuasi. A vibrant Soldier, a father and a breadwinner with a promising future was lynched because he was *PERCEIVED* to be an armed robber by some people who have no knowledge or whatsoever in Forensic Criminology. His aggressors did not only beat him to death but burnt him as well. We were taken aback when we saw a WOMAN lighting a match on the helpless body of the late Captain as residents of the neighbourhood just looked on without any form of intervention with some taking pictures. As an Association of Women who have promised to extend charitable hands to the less privileged in the society, We are totally embarrassed by the villainous actions of the "woman in yellow" who is seen in a footage lighting a match on the lifeless body of our former soldier. Nobody found it necessary to call the police because it is not a norm to do so in Almighty Denkyira-Obuasi. Indeed, anybody who dared to call the police could have tasted the wrath of the agitated people as death was the best option to them at that critical moment. This barbaric act should not happen in any civilised society of which ours is part. We call on the Ghana Police as a matter of urgency to scoop this woman in yellow out and prosecute her to serve as a deterrent to some evil women who have vowed to be rebel leaders instead of becoming peacemakers in the society. The Police must leave no stone unturned by bringing all the perpetrators of this heinous act to book. It is sad to know a section of Ghanaians still do not appreciate the role of the police. They do not even know when to assist the Police with important information they would need in their investigations. This is the more reason some people do not even know that when there is a mob attack, they must intervene or even call on the Police. We call on the NCCE, Civil Society Groups, the Gender Ministry, the Ministry of Information, the Ghana Police Service etc to educate Ghanaians on the repercussions of mob attacks. If instances of instant justice are not stopped, we shall continue to have innocent persons lynched callously. We urge Ghanaians to have confidence in the Police Service and trust them to enforce the law the shortcomings in the integrity of the institution from previous experiences, notwithstanding. LONG LIVE GHANA, LONG LIVE MWOW. SPOKESPERSONS Ama Adoma- 0542870342 Nana Akosua Takyiaw- 0240988300 Nana Ama Asantewaa -0244933893 I am extremely terrified and remain in a state of discombobulation over the state of lawlessness that has suddenly engulfed a nation of high democratic credentials which has over the years earned the accolade "beacon of democracy in Africa". It appears absolutely unfathomable, how a whole nation with long standing democratic structures and institutions have been scornfully enraged by a certain group of lawless hoodlums, who in the eyes of the public domain, commit reprehensible acts with impunity. The whole nation is now in a state of insecurity since the law seems inadequate to protect the citizenry. Indeed, interesting days!! Though I am fully aware of the numerous incidents of lawlessness in this country, never did I anticipate that such lawlessness could be extended to a dedicated young man who has committed his life to giving us security in this country. No less a person, than a whole military man, being murdered and mutilated beyond recognition by heartless men and women who think that this country is now a country without laws and common sense. May the humble soul of Captain Adams Mahama rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen. One thing that came to mind after hearing of this murderous event is that, does bad precedents become a seed of discord planted in society? In other words, when we allow people to commit crime and go unpunished, then others take solace in same. That is what the law of effect summarily means. Today we are all wailing and crying over spilt milk and others probably shearing crocodile tears. Does this untimely and late lamentation enough to stop similar gruesomeness? Absolutely No!! The fact is that we have had enough of such incidents of violence. Such precedents are now manifesting themselves in a different dreadful manner and we are hypocritically crying and sitting aloof in response. As I tune to the radio and television stations, the big English is being spoken, the blame game adequately ignited, paper security analysis being elucidated, all amounting to empty and ugly cacophony. The fact is that the man is dead and gone, leaving his family in such an uncontrollable state of emotional instability. When can we execute all the "plenty talk"? The seeming unending "parroting" by those who are supposed to be the enforcers of the law is exceedingly excruciating. People who have committed reprehensible acts are being set free by authorities using "funny legal jargons" as a cover up yet we say we abhor crime. The country is being awarded the noble prize of violence and lawlessness. Yes! We deserve it as a country but Adams Mahama does not deserve it. The chronology of such acts speak ill of a country which is globally known for its harmony, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and hospitality. Any democracy that leads to the murder of innocent, committed and patriotic citizens can better be described in my view as "democracy of abundant lawlessness anchored in mediocrity". The bitter truth is that state institutions have virtually collapsed perhaps because of the politics of vindictiveness, dishonesty, discrimination and extreme parochialism. The pain we are going through is self inflicted. Period!! It does appear that people have loss confidence in the state and everybody is now a security within their tents. Hmm.. That is indeed sardonically lugubrious and highly acrimonious of a state governed by leaders and laws, to reverse a thousand mile steps to an era of primitivism and barbarism in this civilized works of the 21st century. Even in the animals world, the lion who is a carnivore doesn't go about drinking the blood of others in this manner. How then can people on daily basis rape the laws without any fears? I don't think we are living under a curse!! Mob actions cannot and can never be an option but our institutions are silently marketing and selling it and the unscrupulous "human-dogs" are buying it. It is very painful but that is the results of our unrepentant political rhetorics, hypocrisy, double standard and mediocrity. Upholding the laws with such reluctant posture, rob off the very sanctity of the laws without which the law becomes "loss" as in our current situation that we have loss a dedicated and committed soul. Very very sorrowful!! When will leadership in Africa ensure sanity in our so called democracy? We cannot always be preachers of the law and breakers of the law at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not by this saying any leader has contributed directly to the death of Adams Mahama, but our actions and inactions in the recent past are not deterring enough to stop such deliberate unnatural disasters. A country of less than 30million people with such an internal security challenge, if we are ever bedevil with external attacks, who shall lead the command? Well, God save us. I plead with Ghanaians to give our last confidence to the security agencies and for that matter government to swiftly bring those culpable of this disdainfully inhumane act, to book. If those criminals are allowed to go unpunished in the name of nolle prosequi, then I can optimistically speculate that there is a looming homicide in the days ahead, that nobody can exonerate themselves from the dire ramifications. When the state fails to offer its citizenry security, the last resort may be revenge, natural justice. May be that is what our country is waiting for!! According to Martin Luther King Jnr "if we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class and our nation: and the means we must develop a world perspective..." We better regain our cherished values and attitudes or we shall perish and live not a second time to think of what is justifiably morally acceptable in our society. I pray for the soul of my brother, Captain Adams Mahama, his family especially his lovely wife and two children. May the Good Lord give them enough strength to strive over this heartless torture meted out to their father. It is my firm believe that the soul of Adams Mahama shall not give the perpetuators rest till justice is given him. Amen.......... Denis Andaban [email protected] The 2016 co-winner for the Tigo Digital Change-makers competition, Ernestina Appiah, has organized a one-day coding session for over 400 school children drawn from basic and Junior High schools in the Greater Accra Metropolis. Themed Ghana Code Day Ernestina brought together app developers from Mobile Web Ghana, Leti Arts among several other experts to teach the children various applications including Scratch, HTML, and CSS to develop a games and web pages. They were joined by the Deputy Minister for Communications and Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Vincent Sowah Odotei. Commending the team of volunteers for the initiative, the Deputy Communications Minister said it was in line with governments policy to use Community Information Centres across the country to encourage digital inclusion. Government has a broad policy of ensuring universal access to ICT-enabled products and services. We plan to re-develop all 194 Community Information Centres across the country so every district would have a place where children can learn about ICT, beyond what they are taught in various basic schools, he revealed. In response, the convenor and Tigo Change-maker, Ernestina Appiah, asked for support from the Ministry of Communication so she could scale-up the event and reach more children. Maseru (Lesotho) (AFP) - The southern African mountain kingdom of Lesotho holds a snap election on Saturday, with experts predicting another fractious coalition government, unlikely to tackle its dire levels of HIV-AIDS and unemployment. The vote is the third general election since 2012 in the country known as Africa's Switzerland where years of political in-fighting have stymied attempts to fight poverty. Lesotho, with a population of about two million people, is surrounded by South Africa, which relies on it for essential water supplies to Johannesburg and other cities. Parliament was dissolved in March when Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili lost a vote of no confidence after his seven-party coalition government broke up within two years of being formed. His predecessor, Thomas Thabane, came to power in 2012 but fled to South Africa in 2014 following an attempted putsch by the army. That crisis led to early elections in 2015. Mosisili and Thabane are again the leading candidates to emerge from complex post-vote negotiations to become the next prime minister. "A coalition is the most likely outcome, but it is unlikely to be a successful one," Charles Fogelman, a specialist on Lesotho politics at the University of Illinois, told AFP. Thomas Thabane came to power in 2012 but fled to South Africa in 2014 following an attempted putsch by the army "Both of the previous coalitions have collapsed under the weight of succession and power battles, and it is hard to imagine future coalitions not doing the same." Mosisili's party, the Democratic Congress (DC), is forecast to ally with the Lesotho Congress of Democracy (LCD) and the Popular Front for Democracy (PFD). Thabane's party, the All Basotho Convention (ABC), and the Alliance Democrats (AD) of Monyane Moleleki, a former minister of police, are also vying to form a possible coalition government. Old rivals trade barbs Thabane, who said his life was in danger when he fled in 2014, returned to Lesotho in February. "Some soldiers plotted to kill me at the instruction of Prime Minister Mosisili... but now I am back and ready to take over government powers," Thabane told supporters at his final election rally. A police officer walks past the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission warehouse Mosisili used his own final rally to accuse Thabane of running away to seek foreign protection and of "chowing through the public's money while sitting there doing nothing." Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Letsie III, who has no formal power, and it has a mixed parliamentary system. Eighty lawmakers are voted in by constituents, while another 40 seats are distributed proportionally. A party needs more than 61 of the 120 seats available to rule without being forced into a coalition. Reflecting frustration at the country's politics, voter turnout has declined sharply from 66 percent in 2002 to just 46 percent in 2015. Analysts like Fogelman have called for electoral reforms to boost support for democracy and to avoid ill-fated coalition governments that survive only a few years. The 2014 attempted coup against Thabane was allegedly led by army chief Tlali Kamoli. Soldiers attacked police headquarters, looted weapons and killed one officer. There were successful coups in 1986 and 1991. Motlamelle Kapa, a political analyst at the National University of Lesotho, said that politics were being undermined by the security forces. "There needs to be a total depoliticisation of the security agencies, which are often used to fight political battles," Kapa told AFP. "The security forces are at the core of the country's political challenges. They tend to side with individuals." South Africa is often criticised for allegedly interfering in Lesotho, which gained independence from Britain in 1966. The country, which suffers a 22.7 percent adult HIV rate, exports textiles but many citizens seek work in South Africa. Lesotho citizens, known as Basotho, are famed for their horse-riding skills, and many people in rural areas use ponies as their daily mode of transport. 01.06.2017 LISTEN Ghana is a Republican sovereign State which won her independence on 6th March,1957 through the fiat and instrumentality of a selfless leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The country is modify by Mother (Mother Ghana). The reason behind this modifier shall be elucidated one day to all cherished readers. Mother Ghana, as we usually called, occupies an area of 238,540 sq. km and can be found on the West Coast of Africa. She is boarded by Burkina Faso on the Northern part, the Republic of Togo on the Eastern part, on the western side is Cote d' IVoire and the Southern part of the Coast-line of Ghana, is the Atlantic Ocean. Mother Ghana is a famous country that gained the notoriety of immeasurable peace. Ghana has been an epitome to most countries within West Africa and beyond because of her uncompromising peaceful nature. She is highly cherished, respected and has lots of bilateral relationship with myriad of countries. Mother Ghana until now, has enjoyed uninterrupted peace and unity since her independence. She however, for sometimes now, seems to be going a tangent that makes democracy unattractive. The recent happenings in the country has made democracy inimical to Ghanaians. The long established peace in the country is being speedily deteriorated because of leadership and institutional failures. Mother Ghana is fast loosing leadership credibility because of partisan politics. It is an incontrovertible fact that partisan politics is rated so high that common sense seems to be lost in handling issues that requires common sense. This has pricked me to advocate for the organization of funeral ceremony to morn the death of common sense in Ghana to elicit citizens sympathy in order to reshape our ways of behaviour. The constantly consistent failure of Ghanaians to wipe their uncontrollably fast flowing bloody tears is because we lack visionary leaders. I mean leaders who can envisage the future to preclude their electorates from what we are experiencing now. Let me set the records straight. And am not by this saying everybody should agree with me. But this is my view on the recent untoward distasteful happenings in the country. I believe that things wouldn't have reached this level if our leaders and institutions were responsible enough to have dealt drastically with the 'minor cases' that started early this year. I mean the attacks on the ordinary citizens in offices by invincible forces. This opened the floodgate that gave way to all the happenings in the country. Let me state that the genesis of the recent calamity that befalls Mother Ghana, is the negligent, lack of vision, deliberate belittlement of these barbaric acts perpetuated by these people. Yes, one may not fathom but trust me, there is a linkage to that since the perpetrators were left unpunished. You and I know very well that punishment is meted out to change undesirable behaviours and also deter others from toeing that line. Once people committed those dastardly heinous acts and went away freely, it motivates others to follow suit resulting in our endless tears flowing. It is a fact that most people gained more courage and hope when a group manhandled a newly appointed regional security coordinator and went unpunished. The surprising thing is that the perpetrators were unlawfully freed from the court by Delta force that seems more powerful than the security and judiciary institutions. This is unprecedented in the history of Ghana. Hmmmm it is a bitter truth that multifarious incidents that happened not quite long have a link up to the recent gruesome lunching of an innocent soul, a peace maker, a young, humble, kind and peaceful man whose duty was to provide security to the very people who betrayed him. Talk about the release of the Delta force who stormed a court and freed their fellow party affiliates. Talk about the Somanya brouhaha. The list goes on inexhaustible. One may not be far from right to argue that leadership and institutional failure to handle these 'minor casas' seriously, has graduated to the death of a selfless, committed and dedicated military man. Mother Ghana is bleeding indeed. Is this the country Dr. Kwame Nkrumah left behind? Is this the Ghana we all know? Oh Mother Ghana! You are being dragged into the gutters by parochially motivated leaders. You are being disgraced by unscrupulous people who don't worth forgiveness. Hmmmm this is so pathetic. It is my prayer that the death of Captain Mahama Adams Maxwell will bring a total halt to the increasingly sadden change of Ghana into a violence, lawless and insecure country where all these incongruous behaviours are showing their ugly heads. But let me state for a fact, though I do not hope for that, that yesterday was the attacks on ordinary Ghanaians. Today, it is attack of a military man. Tomorrow, it may be you the politicians or any other high profile person from the country. We all have a role to play. Let's play our parts well for a better Ghana. It is a sacrosanct responsibility for us all to ensure that proper justice is done to these callous perpetrators. I am calling on all Ghanaians to distant ourselves from mob action. We must not resort to lawlessness to seek for justice. I also want to use this opportunity to make a clarion call on leadership and the various institutions to naturally deal with issues as they may deserve. Our common sense must not be sold out to or replace with partisan politics for this will always be the results; lamentation and grieving over a spilled milk, shearing crocodile's tears when we are not unaware of what we are doing. I can still recall in chapter fourteen(14) of the ruling party's 2016 manifesto, first paragraph, "Ghanaians are becoming increasingly concerned about their security, due to the increasing levels of crime and lawlessness under the Mahama-led NDC government. Today Ghanaians do not feel safe. The Mahama-led NDC government has failed the people of Ghana in terms of the security of the country and its citizens. Our existing laws are largely not enforced, and when they are, they are done selectively, often with much interference from the executive". The statement above indicates how passionately concern the president regarding to security issues in this country. It also demonstrates the president's awareness of lawlessness in the country. I therefore, in the light of that want to conclusively state by adding my voice to the numerous voices calling on the president and the state institutions to swiftly act to forestall security and hope in the citizens of Mother Ghana. They should ensure that the existing laws are enforced without any selectivity or political favouritism. If that is not done alacritously, I foresee total mayhem in no a long time. May Captain Mahama Adams rest in perfect peace. I fervently pray that God protects and give the wife and children sufficient space within them, to contain this heavy blow. May He favours them in all their entire lives. [email protected] 0240371356 01.06.2017 LISTEN Although governments have promised sustainable development by 2030 by adopting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but tobacco triggered pandemics threaten to stall or even reverse the progress made. Tobacco is a major risk factor of killer non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardio-vascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, among others. In addition to devastating health, tobacco is also linked to poverty, hunger, adverse environment impact, catastrophic economic impact, and stalling human development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tobacco industry and the deadly impact of its tobacco products cost the worlds economies more than US$ 1 trillion annually in healthcare expenditures and lost productivity. In India, the direct and indirect costs of tobacco are over INR 1,04,000 crores every year. "It worsens health inequalities and exacerbates poverty, as the poorest people spend less on essentials such as food, education and health care" said Professor (Dr) Rama Kant, WHO Director General's Awardee and former national President of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI). "Over 7 million (70 lakhs) deaths occur globally every year due to tobacco use. If business as usual continues, then tobacco deaths are projected to shoot up to 8 million (80 lakhs) every year by 2030 - which will fail us on SDGs. India's National Health Policy 2017 promises to reduce premature deaths due to NCDs by 25% by 2025 - a target we will miss if we fail to prevent tobacco diseases and avert tobacco deaths. Each tobacco related disease and death can be averted. Effective tobacco control can save lives and the mountainous economic burden can instead be used for human development" Added Prof Rama Kant, President of Lucknow College of Surgeons and former Director of Tobacco Cessation Clinic at King George's Medical University (KGMU). "The Sin Tax Reform Law of Philippines is primarily a health measure with revenue implications, but more fundamentally, it is a good governance measure. The Sin Tax Law helps finance the Universal Health Care program of the government, simplified the current excise tax system on alcohol and tobacco products and fixed long standing structural weaknesses, and addresses public health issues relating to alcohol and tobacco consumption" said Michelle Reyes, Technical Advisor, International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union). Raising taxes on tobacco products is an evidence-backed tool to reduce tobacco use, said Reyes. "We appeal to the Indian government to levy highest Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all tobacco products including Beedi" said Professor (Dr) Rama Kant. Over 180 governments are obligated for implementing the global tobacco treaty (WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control), raising taxes is one of its provisions too. The global tobacco treaty also empowers governments via FCTC Article 5.3 to protect public health policy from tobacco industry interference. In November 2016, governments had agreed to expand the expertise and case studies available to file legal and civil suits against Big Tobacco. The decision, which advances Article 19 of the global tobacco treaty, opens the door for governments to sue the industry and recoup millions of dollars for the health care costs associated with tobacco use. "It could also provide precedents for people to pursue legal liability for other industries that affect public health and the environment, like the fossil fuel industry" said Cloe Franko, Senior International Organizer, Corporate Accountability International. To date, a handful of countries have utilized the principles contained in Article 19. For instance, Canadian smokers recently won a $15 billion payout from the industry, after an historic 17-year legal suit. PROGRESS MADE ON TOBACCO CONTROL BUT NOT ENOUGH "Government has made considerable progress in advancing tobacco control despite industry interference and other challenges. But this progress is too small to match the required scale to prevent every tobacco disease and avert tobacco deaths. For example, we have to ensure that our tobacco cessation services reach out to every tobacco user and help with tobacco quitting. No child or youth or any person of any age should begin tobacco use. Our health system should detect, diagnose, treat and cure each of the tobacco related diseases and avert premature deaths. Are we truly prepared to walk the talk on tobacco control and sustainable development?" asked Rahul Dwivedi, who leads Vote For Health, a citizens' alliance for health and gender justice. 'BUSINESS AS USUAL' WILL FAIL US ON #SDG "Urgent, intensified and unprecedented efforts are mandatory if we want to turn the tide of tobacco pandemic and make sustainable development a reality for every human with 'no one left behind'. Failure to act will only serve tobacco industry's markets. We have no choice but to ensure endgame of tobacco so that progress on each of the 17 SDGs can be accelerated without hindrance" said Shobha Shukla, Executive Director of CNS and Advisor to Vote For Health. "Coordination between specific health programmes and inter-sectoral collaboration is fundamental to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We cannot end TB unless we also reduce tobacco use. We cannot avert premature deaths caused by NCDs unless we decimate tobacco. Progress on each of the 17 SDGs is entwined and interdependent on each other. All different health and non-health sectors need to unite for tobacco endgame" rightly stressed Shobha Shukla, who has taught in India's prestigious Loreto Convent for several decades. Bobby Ramakant, CNS (Citizen News Service) (Bobby Ramakant is the Director (Policy) at CNS (Citizen News Service) and recipient of the WHO Director General's WNTD Award 2008. Follow him on Twitter @bobbyramakant or visit: www.citizen-news.org) It just a common knowledge that the social structures ( institutional setting ) of developed countries is averagely similar in nature. That is to say, if you live In France, you can deductively conclude that the institutional setup in France for example is almost the same as that of United States of America albeit with little but insignificant difference. I surmise the force behind institutional setting similarity is efficiency drive. It may sound strange that in France, it is the police which processes and issues identity cards, passports also in charge of processing and issuance of residence and working permits to its citizens and foreigners. Simply put, it is the police which is directly in charge of identification of nationals and non nationals because the police means business with regard to data collection and immigration control The police in my country, Ghana is charged to fight "petty" crimes/offences and apparently mediate disputes. The role of the police in Ghana compared with that of police in developed countries, or rather what exactly should the job of the police be, ours is a joke. In any case, isn't it completely preposterous for the police service fixated to combat goat thief, even armed robber and be relatively lenient to those who commit institutional fraud and political malfeasance in corridors of power? Those 'criminals' are, in my opinion are the baddest --for lack of exact english word for it - though admitting that goat thieves and armed robbers are society vils too The police - with the reference of intelligence service - is regarded as the most powerful institution in the developed countries, sometimes more powerful than the executive branch of government, even above the president, the reason why the police wouldn't hesitate to arrest the president should he breach the laws despite the fact that member of executive branch is usually the over all boss, in effect the minister of interior. The police in Israel will soon arrest and arraign before court the wife of PM, Benjamin Netanyahu for opulence and extravagant use of state resources, is just one more example. This will only be a mirage in the apart of the world we live Our fight against institutional or corporate corruption, political malfeasance is not working because, the so-called big men have apportioned themselves more powers than the anti-corruption institutions have and these institutions appear weak in front of them, inevitably unable to confront them head on. Institutional setting, the 'system' ( where police service is directly used to fight corruption ) in United States of America is not different from those of European countries, neither are those of Canada, Australia, Japan, infact all developed countries, if you wish, advanced democracies. In US, District Attorney Office or the DA Office is synonymous to yet to be established Independent/Special Prosecutor office in Ghana What I don't know is whether we have sufficient resources to establish Independent Prosecutor offices nationwide, may be no but in US, DA office is obviously in every district nationwide. But whether is DA or Special/Independent Prosecutors Office. They are prosecutors and without the work of the police, they are worthless. In other words, prosecutors office is the organ that examines the evidence gathered by the police to verify whether the evidence is enough or not to indict a suspect and arraign him/her in court. We aren't developed countries but we want efficiency hence my suggestion to create "police office" to fight corruption instead prosecutors. Rather the so much expected prosecutor office is likely to fail when not properly designed and implemented Meanwhile some suggested that ensuring the Independence or autonomy of these anti-corruption institutions is key to fighting corruption. That is good suggestion anyway but no matter how much the independence and autonomy of these institutions are guaranteed, a third party is likely to corrupt them. On the other hand some suggested pay rise and the use of technology. Well, to some extent yes but insignificant degree in fight against corruption. I vouch for the use of the police to fight corruption. To buttress my point, the actions of FBI during pre and post electoral era in US in recent days until President Trump fired the director of FBI is indication that the police/FBI doesn't not necessarily have to take directives from government officials. Not even from Attorney General Department who were political appointees from Obama Administration and needless to say Obama was supporting Hilary Clinton Even as President Trump fired James Comey, FBI director, the new director, just as it was done to Hilary Clinton, will pick up from where his predecessors left the investigation to link Trump's administration with Russia and possible impeachment, the so-called the 'direction where the investigation is leading'. This is happening while Trump is the president. The FBI/police doesn't have to take orders from president or nobody else, the police has to do what is good for the country. That exactly is my point, our anti-corruption institutions have failed ( rampant corruption persists ) because they have been intimidated by big and powerful people in our society Apart from to combat crime or corruption, what makes police different from civil anti-corruption institutions, the police has the sacred responsibility to enforce law and order and corruption can trigger civil strife, can't afford that so it tackles corruption from its root Agobodzo Richard You can contact me via [email protected] or www.facebook.com/Agobodzo Richard 01.06.2017 LISTEN In a short contribution titled "Biafra Without Our Consent?" which appears to have gone viral on social media, the celebtated and respected thespian Miss Kate Henshaw wrote as follows: "I think the current generation of 'Biafrans' are the most funny people I hve ever seen. How dare you sit in your home or offices and draw your Biafra map and include places like Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, etc as part of your empire? Did you consult them? Did you seek their opinions? You are forcing people to join a country whose commander in chief you have already anointed- Nnamdi Kanu; whose currency you have already decided- Biafra Pounds; whose official religion you have already adopted- Judaism; whose God you have already chosen- Chukwu Abiama? Do you not realize that you are doing to those people the same thing you accuse the British and Nigeria of doing to you? For carving my state into your 'Biafra' and renaming it without my permission and consultation, I have a moral duty to stand against you with everything I have. I am not standing against you because I do not want your freedom; I stand against you because I love mine too. I don't stand against you because you don't have a right to your country; I stand against you because I have the same right. I stand against you because your map is an insult to me and my freedom to choose were I belong. Be warned!" Since she has not publicly denied it I assume that this beautiful and talented actress really is the author of these words. That being the case my response is as follows. Miss Henshaw and those that think like her are being disingenious and unduly hostile to Nnamdi Kanu and the concept and spirit of Biafra. She has made a point that appears to be valid but that point is based on a false premise. That premise is that the southern minorities would be compelled or obliged to be part of Biafra without their consent. This is false. It is not true. The truth is that each of the bordering ethnic nationalities, and even the Igbo themselves, must and will have their own referendum before going anywhere. It is entirely up to them what they do and where they go. They cannot and will not be forced to go with Biafra if they choose not to do so. And neither can they be forced to remain in Nigeria if they choose to leave. Everything that is done must and will be based on the free and fair expression of the will of the people. That is the basic point that needs to be grasped and clearly understood. Miss Henshaw's fear is therefore baseless. Yet we cannot leave it there. We must consider the wider issues that her concerns have raised. We must learn to be clear-headed and strategic in our thinking and actions. We must know what we wish to achieve and we must learn from history. The cost of petty bickering, division, undue rivalry, pettiness and age-old suspicions amongst the southern ethnic minorities and southerners generally is extreemly high. It has cost us virtually everything and it has stripped us naked and bare before our enemies and adversaries. Someone is fighting for the freedom of his people and you lend your voice to rubbishing that person and that cause? That cannot be right and neither is it reasonable or fair. The sooner that we southerners get it into our skulls that there must be unity between us the better. Without that unity we are nothing and we shall continue to fail and falter. Yours truly has attacked and joined issues with the Igbo in a series of literary debates and articles in the past perhaps more than anyone else but now I know better. Now I know that historical and intellectual debate is one thing and political expediency and pragmatism is another. Now I know that we are fighting a collective cause and that we have a collective adversary and oppressor who seeks to destroy and devour us all. Now I know that when my Igbo or southern neighbour's house is burning, even if we are barely on speaking terms, it is in my own interest to help him to put it out before that fire spreads to mine. Now I know that the "handshake across the Niger" that the late and great Ikemba, Colonel Emeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, the former Head of State of Biafra, once spoke about is the only way forward. Now I know that whether we like to admit it or not Igbo and Yoruba co-operation, understanding and unity is a fundamental pre-requisite to the freedom and emancipation of the entire south. Now I know that the more I attack my Igbo brothers the more I weaken myself, my Yoruba people and the south generally from the incessant and relentless attacks, humiliation and indignities that we collectively receive from the ruling core Muslim Hausa-Fulani north. Now I know that what fuels and feeds northern hegemony and subjugation more than anything else are the petty rivalries and divisions between the southern ethnic nationalities. And it has made us utterly powerless and hopelessly weak. The end-result is that we have all been turned into pliant and cowardly slaves. This has been the case since 1960 and it will continue into eternity if we don't sit up, grow up and set aside our many mutual suspicions and differences. The Biafrans are simply asking for their own country and for an affirmative referendum to give it legitimacy. No-one can be made to join Biafra against his or her will or by force. It appears to me that this is obvious. In any case did Miss Henshaw or her forefathers give their consent to becoming a Nigerian in 1914 when the amalglamation took place? Where is her sense of outrage about that? Did she warn the British or the north about that and did she promise to attempt to fight them because of it? Were we not all just herded into Nigeria like cattle at the time? Were those of us from the south not just lumped together with a north that the British described as our "poor husband" whilst we were described as their "rich wife?" Have we not been raped, sodomised, cheated, battered and butchered by that poor husband ever since? Have we not been turned into second class citizens and slaves in our own country? Has Miss Henshaw protested about that and has she expressed her outrage and "warned" our collective oppressors as well? Does she not feel a sense of revulsion and outrage about that? Or is her outrage and warning reserved only for her fellow southerners? The people of Biafra are fighting for the self-determination of their own Igbo people and anyone or any other group that wishes to join them. Is that a crime? Would you seek to deny them that right and instead join sides with their oppressors and keep them in Nigeria by the usage of state-sponsored terror, guile, deceit and tyranny? I do not accept the notion that the Biafrans seek to compel anyone or any group of people to leave Nigeria with them if they do not wish to do so. That would be unacceptable and it is not their intention. Unlike Nigeria, being part of or joining Biafra is not by compulsion but rather a matter of choice. And that choice can only be made in a free and fair referendum. If you do not wish to be part of Biafra and leave Nigeria then dont join them and instead stay in Lugard's "happy" contraption. That is your right and your prerogative. Yet the truth is that with or without you the Biafrans will achieve their objectives and realise their dreams and aspirations as long as it is God's will and the desire of the Igbo people. Whatever you and your people choose to do, either to go with Biafra or stay in Nigeria, do not allow yourself to be used by the retrogressive core north, the primitive forces of oppression and the asinine peddlars of lies, ignorance and falsehood to destroy someone else's yearning for freedom from oppression and aspiration for liberty. I say this because such an aspiration, yearning and quest is not only noble and pure but also deeply courageous. It is an aspiration that we should mirror and admire and not attempt to rubbish or belittle. This is all the more so because it has been paid for by the blood and suffering of many that have been killed over the last 50 years for daring to voice it, including many young people and many children. If Miss Henshaw's Efik ethnic group had suffered just 10 per cent of what the Igbo have been subjected to since 1966 they would have agitated to leave Nigeria long ago or perhaps been driven into extinction by now. That is the bitter truth. Finally let me say this: whether anyone likes it or not Nnamdi Kanu symbolises the Biafran struggle today. He has earned it by the suffering he has endured, by the immense courage that he has displayed and by the gargantuan risks that he has taken. He has energised his people and inspired and brought hope to millions of Igbo youth all over the world. He has given them back their pride and self-respect which is something that no other leader has managed to do since the end of the civil war. This is a beautiful thing and I wonder why anyone that lays claim to being enlightened or educated would attempt to besmirch or denigrate him? Why try and demean him or discredit and belittle the views that he and his followers hold so dear? Whether anyone likes it or not the truth is that Nnamdi Kanu speaks for millions. And many other ethnic nationalist groups in the south and Middle Belt have precisely the same aspirations and dreams of emancipation and freedom that he espouses, enunciates, epitomises and holds so dear. The challenge that they are faced with is that, unlike the Igbo, they have yet to produce a leader like Nnamdi Kanu that can unite and rally them together under one banner and lead them to the promised land. What happened on Monday morning to Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama a platoon commander deployed to a tiny mining town called Denkyira Obuasi in the central region of Ghana would give police and investigators a heck of time to get to the bottom. Good news is we already know how it happened, when it happened, and where it happened. Indeed weve seen the heart wrenching imagesthe stone-faced crowd, the baton/machete wielders, the stone/block throwers, the fire-setters/ burners, the videographers, the onlookers/bystanders including those that hurled insults and added salt to injury. Weve heard and listened to the horrid and outrageous accounts, some of them as bizarre as the word itself. Weve seen the bylines and read the screaming headlines. And the tributes continue to pour from daylight to twilight. . But thats not enough. We still have a puzzle that hangs around our necks like an albatross. What precipitated the devastating event on that fateful Monday morning remains unknown. And it appears to be a jigsaw that would linger for months to come. That doesnt sound pleasant but heres why. Information gathering is mosaic. Connecting the dots is time consuming plus it demands huge resources and energy. Also given the murkiness of this murder case I am afraid things might not move as fast as we envisage. And that concern or fear has been confirmed by the District Police Commander of the hotspot. Yesterday, ASP Osei-Adu Agyemang told Joy News an Accra-based radio that the huge presence of the military personnel at the community in the wake of the incident had forced the residents to flee the town. The presence of the military has forced the residents to flee their home, which is thwarting police efforts at getting witnesses to give them credible information and to what led to the death of the officer. Our fear now is the soldiers storming Denkyira Obuasi and most of the people leaving town. It will take time for police to take the possible witnesses to help us speed up investigations, he said. The Police have called for the withdrawal of the military from the town and also accused them of hindering investigations into the incident. In the meantime, Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has described the incident as weird promising that government will investigate the murder thoroughly. The circumstance under which this officer was murdered callously has not yet been established so I will urge that we dont draw conclusions until a thorough investigation has taken place". According to him the circumstance surrounding the killing is eerie because the deceased was armed. If it was the normal Ghanaian way of shouting jolour [thief] then straight away the officer would have wasted some people if he knew they would kill him. It is clear the way he was murdered, the villagers might not have raised the thief syndrome of shouting. They may have hit him without him knowing what their intentions were," the Minister said. In fact at its fluid stage and even 48 hours later many had questions like these: Why did he put himself in a harms way, a place notoriously known for lynching? Well, its been established that wasnt the first time he was undertaken such exercise. He knew the terrain. And I think he knew where he was going. Therefore, the account that he stopped by on the way to make an enquiry from some women, to me was an afterthought. I think the supposed women knew who Maxwell was. And knowing where he was heading to they quickly informed the Assemblyman who in turn mobilised the mob to carry out the dastardly act. So I think he was sort of ambushed. But as agile as he was and given the fact that he was armed he quickly fired warning shots when he sensed danger. That move, I believe gave him a little leeway to run for his life but as fate would have it the wolves outran him. Did they have or gun or guns at the time? No, I dont think so, even though one eyewitness claimed they fired multiple gunshots. I bet they would have killed him instantly the moment he pulled his trigger. Be reminded their mission was to kill and not to spare or pamper him. Did he have an ID to prove he was a soldier? Ye he did have an ID and also had a cell phone on him. The irony is his attackers didnt mind his identity card. They saw him as enemy, someone who was denying them their livelihood. Their lifeline is Galamsey and he who is against it is viewed as enemy r # 1. Danger was all around him. The atmosphere was unfriendly and mercy had petered out. He was between the sea and hard rock. And hed to withdraw all the stamina, faith and hope hed put at the bank as the mob pursued him. Sometimes Good Samaritans are difficult to come by when danger looms. There was one on a motorbike who could have rescued Captain Mahama but he wasnt Good Samaritan. Maybe he was used as a decoy or maybe not. The account by the Okada rider that he feared for his life and couldnt move the bike after several pleas by Maxwell (as he recounted) must not be bought. That account smacks foul to say the least. From his account, Captain Maxwell had outrun the irate crowd and theyd to use a car to get him. Was he coming from behind him or at the opposite direction? Or was it stationed? If it came from the same direction then it could be that theyd asked him to pretend he was given him a ride. I told him I could not move the motorbike because I was afraid the people might attack me too looking at the way they were coming at him. So he moved from my bike and started running but they chased him with a vehicle. Before they got to him, he was shooting to scare the people away and the bullet hit me in the process, said the bike rider. So why did he stop in the first place? Why didnt he move? I believe Maxwell would have shown him his ID. Here this is me; I am a military officer not a rogue, not a criminal, not an armed robber as theyre chanting. I could hear him say that repeatedly. Beware of Eyewitness Account Many high profile cases have either gone unsolved or become cold due in part to eyewitnesses accounts. Around May/June 1999 a cab driver was killed by his passenger at Roman Ridge near PAWA House in Accra. The incident happened on Saturday morning between 7:30-8:00. It had been witnessed by several passengers onboard a tro-tro vehicle that tailed the taxi. I got a phone call while preparing the major news bulletin at 8 am. I rushed from the newsroom to the scene which was less than a block away to Choice FM premises. The killer had bolted with the taxi. The victim laid in a puddle of blood. And eyewitnesses told their varied accounts. To cut a long story the suspect had managed to drive the taxi to Kumasi (a 4-hour journey) without been apprehended. Some eyewitnesses had given the police wrong information--- the car make, colour, registration number all didnt match the one the suspect had taken away. See, in a well-planned or premeditated murder cases Investigations take longer than expected And I am pretty sure things would not be easy in this case. In a related development security analyst, Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning has expressed anxiety about the general acceptance and glorification of violence and mob justice among Ghanaians. Dr. Aning is worried about the general belief by a section of Ghanaians that they will not be punished when they offend the laws. His comments followed the widespread condemnation that had greeted a mob action by the youth in Denkyira-Obuasi, who lynched the commander of a military detachment to the area claiming he was an armed robber. Like many Dr. Anning does not see a clear pathway to correcting this way of the Ghanaian thinking anytime soon. If we cannot use the law to serve as deterrencethis is what we see. There is absolutely no clear pathway because, as a nation, we dont see [violence] as an existential threat to us at all and therefore, we need to do something about. And that is why we have allowed all these threats against our institutions to go on, he said. So the embers of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahamas death might be fading but there remain many unanswered questions. 01.06.2017 LISTEN An Igbo Socio-Cultural group, Nzuko Umunna, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Igbo people worldwide in their activities to mark the May 30thBiafra at 50 celebrations. The group which commended the IPOB, MASSOB, BIM and such other organizations for the very peaceful and civil manner they mobilized and conducted themselves on the day, also hailed the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and all the South East governors for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the Remembrance Day. In a statement jointly signed by the groups Coordinator, Mazi Ngozi Odumuko and the Secretary, Paschal Mbanefo, the prominent Igbo group noted that unlike in the past, this years strategy ensured a string of non-violent yet very effective activities. The statement noted that the level of compliance with the sit-at-home directive while highly satisfactory and commendable, has shattered a lot of myths and fallacies about Igbo and their unity, adding that never would Ndigbo forget the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for them. The statement further thanked all Nigerians for their show of support and solidarity, and promised that Nzuko Umunna would work with all other necessary bodies to make subsequent commemorations in the years to come more massive. The statement in full: 30th May, 2017, made it exactly 50 years after the civil war, otherwise known as Biafran war, broke out. While it has become a tradition to remember our heroes who paid the ultimate price in the defence of Igboland during the war, the commemorations before now had been fraught with avoidable clashes between some Igbo youth and law enforcement agents. The commemorations, to say the least, had always been marked in an atmosphere of tension, mutual suspicion and forceful suppression of the people who were mostly attacked by the Nigerian forces even without provocation, leaving behind it trails of tears, sorrow and blood. It was on this basis that it was decided that this years commemoration be marked with a sit-at-home directive. As an Igbo socio-cultural group, we were highly delighted at the level of compliance with the sit-at-home directive despite not being enforced in any way except through moral suasion. IPOB, MASSOB, BIM and such other groups must be commended for this rare feat. We are also very delighted with the commemoration of the day by Ndigbo and their friends worldwide including Europe, America, Asia, Australia and other African countries where the day was marked in carnival-like atmosphere. We must not fail to sincerely appreciate the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and all the South East governors for their cooperation and show of statesmanship while the Day lasted. All these have shattered the myths and fallacies spread about the Igbo, their businesses, unity and solidarity. The support, understanding and effusive show of solidarity by all Nigerians to the cause was humbling. This has gone a long way to show that freedom is a universal cause and that tribute to fallen heroes is a natural human endeavour. Based on the foregoing, we commit to working even closer with all stakeholders in ensuring a more massive and more memorable Remembrance Day subsequently. Thank you. Signed: Paschal Mbanefo Ngozi Odumuko Secretary Coordinator The grisly murder of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama stands as the worst form of mob cruelty, and wanton disregard for the sanctity of human life and the law that seems to be gradually taking hold of contemporary Ghanaian society. The NPP-USA Branch joins the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, and former President John Dramani Mahama in offering condolences to the Mahama family. The death of Capt. Adam Mahama is a national loss, and everything must be done to establish once and for all that mob (in)justice, as well as disregard for human life and the law have no place in our body politic. As much as we understand the present high emotional state of the general public, we encourage all Ghanaians to remain calm while security officials work to bring the perpetrators to account for their crime. In this endeavor, residents of Denkyira-Obuase have a moral and civic responsibility to readily cooperate with, and assist police investigators by providing the necessary information about the perpetrators, including their whereabouts, to ensure the speedy resolution of this matter. NPP-USA welcomes President Akufo Addos resolve to make sure that individuals involved in the murder of Capt. Adam Mahama are brought to face the full rigors of the law. However, as the President indicated in his inaugural address, no President, no Parliament and no government, can singlehandedly and successfully undertake the challenges that confront our nation; instead, we the citizens must join forces with the government especially, to stem the gradual erosion of civility, respect for human life, law and order. A critical first step is for us to come together as Ghanaians from all backgrounds and of all persuasions, to seek justice and to fight this insidious descent into the kind of mob mentality that has prematurely taken Capt. Adam Mahamas life. This is a necessary step toward honoring the life and work of our compatriot, and healing our national conscience. While we work together to console the Mahama family, and come to terms with this gut-wrenching tragedy as a nation, it is important to resist any who will want to capitalize on our collective loss for selfish political ends. The death of Capt. Adam Mahama and the attendant pain for his family and for the larger Ghanaian society cannot, and should not be politicized. The heinous act which took our brother's life is a sad example of deviant social behavior which requires a decisive and collective effort to nip it in the bud. Capt. Adam Mahama stood for Ghana, and we must reciprocate by focusing on seeking justice and the national interest. Issued by: NPP-USA Public Relations Team The Military High Command is expected to hold a crunch meeting with all its officers following the murder of a Captain in the Central region. Captain Maxwell Mahama was lynched and burnt by an irate mob at Denkyira-Obuasi after he was mistaken for an armed robber. So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of the military captain. Acting Chief of Defense Staff Major General Obed Akwa told the media the meeting will urge officers to remain calm and not retaliate the murder of their colleague. Nobody involved in this act will escape justice; so that is the assurance I will like to give. I will be meeting all ranks in Burma Camp for an all-round durbar. It is our intention to proceed to Takoradi to meet all ranks of that garrison to convey similar sentiments, he said. Meanwhile, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday commiserated with the family of the deceased captain. He also pledged the states support for the funeral and the welfare of the late Captains family. Background The late Captain was murdered in cold blood at Denkyira Obuasi on Monday May 29, 2017. He was with the 5 Infantry Battalion (5BN) at Burma Camp, Accra but on detachment duties at Denkyira Obuasi where he was lynched and burnt to death in an alleged case of mistaken identity. According to his subordinates, he was seen jogging along the main road and as he stopped by to ask some women for directions, the women saw a pistol on him. The women who were alarmed by the discovery of the pistol on Captain Mahama mistook him for an armed robber thereby alerting their assembly member who allegedly organised some men to lynch him and even burnt him in the process. Kigali (AFP) - Rwanda's media regulator has said the election body does not have the mandate to regulate social media use by presidential candidates, a measure seen as an assault on free speech. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) ruled last month that once campaigning starts on July 14, any social media updates by presidential candidates must be submitted to them for pre-approval. However, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) which oversees the media, said in a statement late Wednesday that the NEC had "no mandate to regulate or interrupt the use of social media by citizens." "RURA as the statutory regulator has not had any discussions with NEC on this subject and would like to reaffirm the right of citizens to express themselves on social media ... while respecting existing laws," wrote spokesman Anthony Kulamba. The ruling created a furore, with opposition leaders seeing it as a bid to block criticism of President Paul Kagame while US ambassador Erica Barks-Ruggles said it was a "very, very serious limitation on the freedom of expression." The measure even raised eyebrows within government, with Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo writing on Twitter: "No offence to Rwanda NEC but Rwandans should express themselves freely on social media in election season." Since the end of the 1994 genocide in which around 800,000 mostly Tutsi people died, Rwanda has been praised for its stability and economic performance. However, it often comes under fire for a lack of political freedom. Rwanda is constitutionally a multi-party system but there is practically no opposition within the country. All recognised parties generally support the policy decisions made by the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) -- with the exception of the small Democratic Green Party which was the only one to object to 2015 constitution changes allowing Kagame to seek re-election. Only four candidates have declared their intention to run against Kagame in the August 4 poll. Kagame has been in charge since taking power at the head of a rebel army in 1994 and has already served two seven-year terms as president. Kagame won previous elections with well over 90 percent of the vote. Accra, May 31, GNA - Dr Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University has urged fellows of the Young African Leaders Initiative's Mandela Washington Fellowship, to focus on perfecting their character since their characters determined the destinies of nations and organisations. He said the character of Africa's leaders defined the character of their nations, which in turn, determined the destinies of the nations. Giving the keynote address at the opening of the Mandela Washington Fellowship West Africa Conference in Accra on Wednesday, Dr Awuah noted that it was critical for leaders to start out thinking not only about their personal interests but about the common good. 'that we begin by not thinking only about our knowledge and our skills, but focus on our character, that we think not only about the intellectual capabilities in the organisations that we run but about the cultures of the organisations we run,' he stated. Drawing on lessons he had learnt practising the five guiding principles of martial arts (Shotokan Karate dojo kun) over the past 30 years, namely: Seek Perfection of Character, Be Faithful, Endeavour, Respect Others, and Refrain from Violent Behaviour. Dr Awuah said the character of leaders trickled down to the nation and became the destinies of the nation and said the affirmation of the principles had stayed and helped him, not only in being fit but also in other parts of his life. He explained that it was important to always seek perfection of character as perfection in itself was impossible and difficult to define. Values that formed character such as humility, patience, courage, loyalty, honesty, generosity, among others, were difficult to define, thus seeking to perfect them will transform the leader and people around them. He also stressed the need for leaders to respect others, including their opponents as well as themselves and refrain from violent behaviour. This, he explained, meant refraining from violent thoughts, actions, habits and formed character, which determined their destiny. He also the need for Africa to build its human capital as it was the most important thing to focus on for any leader in Africa. He said this was important because societies did not advance on the basis of raw materials, but on the basis of human endeavour. 'So to the extent that we can enhance the capabilities of all Africans, then we will be a transformational continent.' Mr Robert Porter Jackson, Ambassador of the United States to Ghana, said the MWF could help to transform the Africa continent. He said while transforming Africa would not be an easy task, 'leaders were those who refused to give up in the face of challenges or obstacles and who searched for solutions'. He said the fellows were in the position, to take advantage of innovation to address the many economic, social, political and technological challenges that Africa faced. 'Innovation is what is needed to change the face of the continent. Fortunately, as young people, you are almost hard-wired to be more receptive to innovations-to new ideas and procedures- than those of us who have been around a little longer,' he stated. Ambassador Jackson said the focus of the conference: 'Promoting Regional Development in Africa through Innovation and Leadership' was relevant as the United States was keen on promoting regional development, through the USAID and to see West African nations trading more among themselves. 'Without a doubt, united West Africa will have the economic, political and social clout to act and compete on the world stage' he stated. The two-day conference is the third Mandela Washington Fellowship West Africa regional conference and is aimed at fostering continued networking among fellows, promoting opportunities for ongoing professional development, and involvement in community services. It also reminds fellows of their roles as change agents and leaders. The MWF is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative and brings about 1000 young African professionals from across the continent to US Universities for six weeks of leadership training. GNA By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA 01.06.2017 LISTEN Accra, May 31, GNA - Professor David Ofori-Adjei, former Rector of the College of Surgeons and Physicians, has advised stakeholders in the health sector to ensure that health research supports productive interventions that challenge inequalities and address policy gaps. He said for effective policy implementation of research recommendations, it was necessary to link research to impacts, costs and benefits whereas policy makers must ensure reframing policy issues to fit the research. Professor Ofori-Adjei said this at the opening ceremony of the two-day bi-annual National Health Research Dissemination Symposium 2017, organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Ghana Health Service and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He encouraged practitioners to strive to make research fit into the national health agenda in order to become useful sources for policy models rather than remain dormant on the shelves. The symposium, which was the second to be funded by USAID on the theme: 'From Research to Policy and Practice: Evidence-based Decision Making for Equitable Improvements in Health Status'' brought together 200 researchers, policymakers, senior health service professionals and development partners. It focused on translating research findings into policy and practice to empower Ghana's health research institutions to live up to their mandate of generating data to inform decision-making in priority areas such as new-born and child health; malaria, nutrition; and family planning. Prof. Ofori-Adjei said researches on improving the healthcare system should align with real needs of government in terms of will, skill and resources and factor in concerns of civil society and the private sector. He, however, bemoaned the weak capacity of state systems to absorb findings and recommendations of well-conducted researches due to lack of funding to implement them. Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, the Minister of Health, in a speech read on his behalf, said low income countries including Ghana faced additional challenges to using research evidence like weakness of the health systems and lack of professional regulation, structured platform for exchange of information between researchers and policy makers, and access to evidence. He, therefore, reiterated government's commitment to strengthening health institutions and mechanisms that could promote interactions between researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders who could influence the use of research findings. Madam Akua Kwateng-Addo, the USAID/Ghana Director of Health, Population and Nutrition Office, said health research should not only generate knowledge but should be the basis for healthcare interventions. She said: 'We at USAID Ghana are committed to addressing Ghana's most challenging health problems through research, introduction and scaling up of evidence-based solutions'. GNA By Kwamina Tandoh/Deborah Apetorgbor, GNA The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has warned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to politicize the death of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama. Speaking to DAILY GUIDE yesterday, he said, The tears of the Armed Forces, the family of the deceased are not yet dried up and so whoever seeks to politicize this painful incident should stop it. Captain Mahama, whose gruesome death at the hands of persons suspected to be galamsey operators at Denkyira Oboase in the Upper Denkyira East District of the Central Region, stunned the nation last Monday, has attracted political remarks from the NDC. The General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, yesterday asked President Akufo-Addo to resign over the incident, among other rather regrettable comments seen as lacking the deference required at this time. This is not the time to resort to the dirty politics some political parties are noted for, the minister cautioned, adding that the death of such a fine and promising officer is too painful to be treated as such. Sounding pained, Mr Nitiwul observed, Captain Mahama died on national duties and the best we can do for his memory as a nation is to correct all the wrongs that have transpired in the past. Galamsey, the lynching of suspects among others, should be stopped in memory of Captain Mahama. The least the country can expect from a party that recently handed over power is to be responsible at this period. As Ghanaians, he said, we should not let the death of the young officer die without sufficient action taken to correct our mistakes through politicization. Most serious national issues that are politicized end up not going nowhere and therefore soon put on the back burners. This way nothing is done about them to obviate future recurrence. We don't want Mahama's death to go in that direction, the defence minister pointed out. Continuing, he said, We are mourning the painful death of Captain Mahama and would not brook any attempt at watering this sad episode with cheap politics. He underscored, The NDC and for that matter, any political party, can do politics but not with the death of Captain Mahama. This is too big for the Armed Forces. If they want to do politics let them go ahead but Captain Mahama's death. This is too painful for the NDC to jump into it. I am calling on the elders of the NDC to put a stop to this politicization of a sad development. By A.R. Gomda A former military officer, Peter Kwabena Ntiedu, has revealed that he was nearly killed by a mob at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western Region in 2010. According to him, during his time in the town, he decided to board a taxi to meet a friend while off duty. However, the taxi driver quickly made a call to some persons within the community that he had seen a heavily built man he believed was an armed robber and asked them to rush down and lynch him. Within minutes, he said, several people wielding offensive weapons were moving towards him. He added that some even poured petrol on him in order to set him alight, however, he drew upon his skills from military training to outsmart the mob and escaped danger. Speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM on Thursday, 1 June in connection with the murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama on Monday, May 29 by irate youth of Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region on suspicion that he was an armed robber, Mr Ntiedu said: I was sent to a village in Sefwi Wiawso on national assignment. At a point I decided to board a taxi to a location to meet a friend. I was not on duty that particular day and so I wasnt in uniform but I had my ID card on me. I didnt know what the driver saw on me but he quickly called his people that he had seen an armed robber and so they should come and lynch me. Within few minutes several people including men and women wielding sticks, cutlasses, stones and other weapons came to the area and attempted to lynch me but I managed to calm a few of the people who initially rushed on me and showed them my ID card that I was a soldier. I thought at that point the only thing that could save me was my ID card and so I brought it out to show to them but that even angered them because they were convinced that I was lying and that I was indeed an armed robber, so they quickly poured petrol on me to burn me. But it was only God that saved me. I was able to use the skills I had acquired to outsmart the crowd and run away. The Board of the Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC) paid a courtesy call on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday. The delegation to Flagstaff House, led by Kofi Boateng, a former Managing Director of Tex Styles Ghana Ltd and current Chairman of the Board of GNBCC, included board members of GNBCC, its General Manager, Tjalling Yme Wiarda and several prominent representatives. Acting Ambassador Caecilia Wijgers represented the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The GNBCC congratulated Dr Bawumia on his first months in office and welcomed the private sector-oriented approach adopted by the current government. The Netherlands is currently Ghana's fifth largest export destination, third largest import partner, and among its biggest investment partners. The GNBCC signaled its readiness to partner the government in implementing its pro-business reform agenda and expressed the hope that this would lead to strengthened private sector engagements between the Netherlands and Ghana. A trade mission that GNBCC had facilitated earlier this month on food processing technologies and packaging, once again demonstrated the vast opportunities for further trade and investments between the two countries. GNBCC also shared some concrete examples of challenges perceived by its members. Among these were the risks of counterfeit and smuggling to Ghana's textile industry, facilitation of the production of energy from waste and challenges related to the ports, such as the costs of clearing goods and the relatively long processing times in Tema. The GNBCC invited the Vice President to the closing ceremony on 3rd August on the theme, 'New Business Challenge', a unique and annual business case competition organized by GNBCC in which 20 Ghanaian and 20 Dutch students work together in mixed teams on solutions for companies to further promote trade and investments between the Netherlands and Ghana. In his response, the Vice President, who shared some of the measures the government was already taking to this effect, expressed his interest to continue the dialogue with the GNBCC on a more regular basis. With members such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Unilever Ghana, Wienco, Vlisco Group, Vivo Energy, Dutch & Co, PwC Ghana and IOI Loders Croklaan, the GNBCC serves as a bilateral Chamber of Commerce for Ghana and the Netherlands. It represents the business interests of both Ghanaian and Dutch companies and renders business development and support services to its members. A business desk report We are saddened by the politicization of the murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama by some personalities of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), even as our shocked nation is yet to come to terms with the reality of the criminality. Displaying such insensitivity just so they can project their political agenda is to state the least appalling and so uncaring, especially in the early days since the gruesome murder took place. The tears are justifiably still flowing uncontrollably from the tear-ducts of his young family, the Armed Forces and the entire nation, but the cheap politicians see this solemn moment as another opportunity to play out their buffoonery. How painful and irresponsible! The young officer died in the line of national duty and for some cheap politicians to engage in what is now being manifested in the media can only be described as unfortunate. There could not have been a better gauge of the quality of some political parties in this country. Even before the tears of the Armed Forces and the families of Captain Mahama are dried from their cheeks, the bad guys have jumped into the political gutters with all manner of irresponsible and tendentious remarks. Why would they want to do this to the memory of the deceased even before he is interred? Elsewhere in this edition the Defence Minister has said it all about the need for all to tread cautiously on the subject under review. We have very serious moral challenges in the country, which must be tackled if we must move forward as a people. Lynching a suspect on mere suspicion, when the police station should have been the most appropriate place to turn to, does not cast our society in good light. Shouldn't this be an auspicious even though painful opportunity to as the minister pointed out, address these challenges? The galamsey issue should not be allowed to be an albatross around the neck of the nation indefinitely. The murder of Captain Mahama should jolt us to take action against it and pronto. These are what we should be talking about now and not needlessly jumping into the matter with a view to reaping cheap political leverage. Such a painful death which has thrown the young family of the Captain into an indescribable state of melancholy does not deserve this nonsense from idle politicians. If there is anything the family needs now, it is support, words of encouragement and prayers. Anything outside these has no place in the scheme of things. We could not agree more with the Defence Minister. As for the NDC General Secretary, even though we would have rather he is ignored, knowing his penchant for nonsensical remarks most of them bordering on pranks we think on this score telling him to shut up would be most appropriate. The murder of the Captain is far from being over-flogged. Until the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to book, it is only justifiable to continue commenting on the subject, more so when diabolic politicians seek to mess the solemnity which the moment deserves. There is no shortage of church-goers and Mosque-goers in the country, yet acts which are in opposition to the tenets of the great faiths continue to be perpetrated by people as the nonsense from the NDC. Akwantufuo Media Services UK unreservedly condemns the gruesome killing of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama by some natives of Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region. As we console the families affected and the whole of Ghana, we would want to throw our unflinching support to the authorities to exercise all given powers to get to the bottom of this. Mob Action and instant justice have been with us for a pretty long time. In as much as we condemn these acts, we would want to reiterate that, if we want to stop future occurrences, we must look beyond such acts and take a wholistic look at all possible reasons that push people to take the laws into their own hands. This should take us to the roots of our problems for lasting solutions. The pain exhibited by the entire nation on the death of Captain Mahama should be a catalyst for us to look into all possible causes of such gruesome acts in our country and necessary steps taken to address them. Once again, our thoughts are with the families of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama Signed Papa Smiley Niamey (AFP) - At least 44 migrants, including women and babies, were found dead after their vehicle broke down in the desert of northern Niger while on the way to Libya, local officials said Thursday. "The number of migrants who died in the desert is 44 for now," said Rhissa Feltou, the mayor of Agadez, a remote town on the edge of the Sahara that has become the smuggling capital of Africa. Last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 335,000 migrants heading northwards out of Niger. The Red Cross, which said "at least 44 migrants have died", has dispatched a team to the site "to gather information" on the circumstances. A security source who asked not to be named said "the sub-Saharan migrants, including babies and women, died of thirst because their vehicle broke down". In early May, eight migrants from Niger, five of them children, were found dead in the desert while on their way to Algeria. Also in May, soldiers on patrol in northern Niger rescued around 40 migrants from various west African countries who had been abandoned in the desert by people-smugglers they had paid to get to Libya. The group included people from The Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal and Niger, all of them hoping to reach the Libyan coast and from there cross the Mediterranean to Europe. Libya has long struggled to control its 5,000 kilometres (3,000 miles) of southern borders with Sudan, Chad and Niger, even before the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi. In the chaos that followed, traffickers stepped up their business, with tens of thousands of people each year making the perilous crossing to Italy just some 300 kilometres away. Germany and Italy last month called for an EU mission to be installed on the border between Libya and Niger to reduce the migrant flow. By mid-April this year, Italy had registered nearly 42,500 migrants coming by sea, 97 percent of them arriving from Libya. Beijing (AFP) - China on Thursday rejected allegations that two of its diplomats working in Uganda were involved in the trafficking of ivory from the African country. The Chinese embassy officials are suspected of helping move ivory from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, using Uganda as a transit point, Ali Munira, a spokeswoman for Uganda's top anti-corruption body, told AFP this week. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has ordered a probe into possible collusion between the country's wildlife agency and the diplomats, Munira said. But China dismissed reports of the allegations as "totally unfounded". "We have rigorous regulations and laws on governmental officials, embassy members, and visiting groups to forbid them from buying or engaging in (smuggling) activities," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. But she added: "We will punish them if they are found to be engaged in such activities." Poaching has risen sharply in recent years across Africa, fuelled by rising demand in Asia for ivory and rhino horn, coveted as traditional medicine and a status symbol. Uganda is a major transit country for the illegal trade. China announced in December that it would ban all ivory trade and processing by the end of 2017, a move hailed by conservationists as a "game changer" for African elephants. More than 35,000 elephants are killed across Africa every year for their tusks. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned the ivory trade in 1989. But China permits the resale of ivory bought before the 1989 ban -- and also has a stockpile purchased with CITES approval in 2008, which it releases for sale with certification. No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results The media has an important role in many aspects of development, ranging from governance through to inclusion, empowerment, and peace and youth involvement. It is a key vector that can help give practical meaning to concepts because it educate, inform and entertain the public. This overview of the role of the media for instance explains why UNESCO in 2015 debated for the recognition and inclusion of the media as a relevant actor in the Sustainable Development Goals. However, it was evident that, the role of the media can be very critical in ensuring the success of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which was launched by the UN in 2016, since a target of goal 16 highlights on access to information. Though, the impact of the media globally in creating, moulding and reflecting public opinion for development to thrive is recognized with much precedence attached to it, tracking and measuring the commitment of the media to the discourse has been a major challenge for actors in the sector over the years. However, this among other critical issues of interest emphasize the need for effective media monitoring to scientifically research and measure the media commitment to advocating for development in the society. Decades ago, media monitoring in Africa, mostly consisted of a simple clippings service that delivered news updates to clients and PR firms on a regular basis. For instance, media monitoring organizations such as Centre for Media Analysis (CMA), a leading Ghanaian agency and Meltwater, a South African organization originally began just as tools to monitor and catch media mentions. As the years progressed, both client needs and technologies became more sophisticated, which resulted in media monitoring companies providing scientific analysis of the media contents to accurately measure PR efforts. In recent times, Instead of just monitoring contents in both traditional and non-traditional media, some research organizations have ventured into mentoring and advocacy services. One of such organization is the Institute of Africa Media Monitoring Intelligence and Advocacy (IAMMIA-Africa), a media research NGO. The NGO recently conducted scientific research on how the media report on suicide news stories and how African media presents the continent`s image to the western world which triggered public discussions in the media. Undoubtedly, the impact of effective media mentoring in the development of Africa cannot be underestimated as it has greatly promoted most corporates strategic communication, advocates for the media to operate within the ethics, and encourages firms to monitor contents online and in social media to enable them leverage their competition. The truth is always a bitter pill to swallow. But it must be told no matter who it points its accusing finger to. We have all witnessed the many diabolic acts of lawlessness that has become the norm in the Ghanaian society. There are several crimes that are sometimes committed in the full glare of law enforcement and government authorities without any serious response. Corruption is perpetrated by high ranking government officials with clear impunity, Pastors insult, lie and steal from their churches without regard; Judges collect bribes and free hard core criminals. There was a lot of hullaballoo, some were dismissed; some were interdicted; some were exonerated but the harm had been done. We lost confidence in the judiciary. The rule of law had become the rule of lawlessness. A precedent had been set. Some Radio presenters spew forth rubbish on airwaves and threaten the lives of judges. Three able bodied young men sat in their comfortable chairs and dedicated their time to threatening and casting insinuations on judges. For their gross disrespect towards the dispensers of the law, they were incarcerated. Like the Holy Ghost, the then President of Ghana granted them amnesty in the name of party loyalty and opened the gates of freedom unto them. A precedent had been set. Only a few months ago, a young lady was brutally attacked by a bunch of men who menacingly stripped her naked, slapped and kicked her at various sensitive parts of her body. As fathers, husbands and brothers we were shaken to our very core about the inhumanity of our fellow brothers. The poor lady lost consciousness and the men still had no mercy. They pried her legs open and took photos of her private parts, they slapped and kicked her private parts, alas, a man penetrated her with his disgustingly dusty feet. What sorts of creatures have we turned into? No one was really punished. A precedent had been set. Ghanaians hoped and prayed, we were given a new President in the name of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo. You will expect that if your party is in power you will set the example by supporting the agenda of your leader. Lawlessness continued unabated by the same people who cried for change. At the very seat of government, a group of rowdy security operatives decided to relieve a unformed policeman of his vehicle and set upon him with total abandon. There was hue and cry. Nothing came out of it. A precedent had been set. Hooligans with the excuse that their party is in power began marauding various towns around the country, seizing offices, toilet facilities, toll booths and vehicles with an excuse that they are securing it for government, their leaders looked the other way. In fact we condoned it with the explanation that the other party also did the same. A precedent had been set. The President, with the powers vested in him by the constitution of the 4th republic appointed ministers and other officials to carry out his mandate, yet the same people who claim to love the president, openly denigrated his authority by rejecting and sometimes beating his appointees. As if that was not enough, when their hired underlings were arrested and arraigned in court, the vigilante group, Delta Force, decided to go haywire. They practically destroyed court property and set their accomplices free to the chagrin of the entire nation. They even had the effrontery to hold a press conference to explain their actions. They had honorable Members of Parliament and ministers backing them. They were rearrested, but properly released due to lack of evidence. Another precedent had been set. Sadly politics has been allowed to permeate every aspect of our lives and we conveniently justify our failures to one political party or the other. When are we going to take responsibility as citizens? Before politics God had bestowed upon us thinking minds, are we saying politicians took over our ability to think for ourselves? Mob Violence in Ghana: Mob violence has become part of the culture in Ghana. We have practiced that for decades. Once you are accused of being a thief, you virtually lose your dignity as a human being without regard to due process. There is a notion that the police are not committed to effectively deal with supposed criminals so instant justice is the best way forward. Almost every child in Ghana can recount the number of times they have witnessed the brutal beatings of a thief Dr. Mensa Otabil said it best, the respected man of God said Ghanaians have a disrespect for law and order. The only thing is that in this case it happened to somebody with visibility so we are worried but we will go back to the same culture which is the culture of disrespect for life and to rules and procedure. You cannot say they [the mob] have not gone to school, we cannot say they do not know human rights but in that circumstance, they chose to exhibit that behavior, he added. Growing up in Tema, Community 4, I witnessed many examples of this. I clearly remember a time when an accused thief was so badly beaten that when he was eventually let go he could barely move. He eventually made his way to a water reservoir to perhaps drink some water, but it was too late, he was found dead the next morning. Not a single person was questioned or arrested for this crime, it was another long tale of foolish cases Canning of School Children The beating of school children in our classrooms in Ghana is archaic and must be stopped. The tired excuse that it is the best form of discipline is illogical, it is simply wrong. As a victim of many of these beatings, I can say that made no difference in my life, other than the hatred it instilled in me for the perpetrators of this form of child abuse. I still harbor animosity for anyone who crossed the line when they beat me till date. There is a clear correlation that those who are abused as children, are prone to abuse others. Without going so much into the psychology, I will argue that if you become immune to the suffering of others, including animals it is very easy to hurt them. The very reason psychologists become concerned when someone abuses an animal is because the lack of empathy for an animal is equally transferable to human life when the opportunity presents itself. Think about it. Last year, a bunch of youngsters in a town in Accra invaded a school and brutally assaulted teachers because a teacher had whipped a student. It was only by the grace of God that no one was seriously hurt. Many people were surprised to see a woman light a fire on the deceased body of Captain Adam Mahama. They wondered how cruel she could be to do such a wicked act to an innocent man. But she felt emboldened because she was in the mist of likeminded people who were watching to see who could inflict the worst form punishment on the Armed Robber. They dehumanized an innocent man just to make it easy to brutalize him to death. We must begin by teaching our future generation the power of love and empathy. There are so many constructive ways of disciplining a child; so yes you can Spare the rod and save a child. What are the Solutions? It is high time Ghanaians started pointing fingers at ourselves instead of always blaming others. When we steal money from our employers, when we cheat the people who try to help us, when we litter the environment, when kill in the name material possessions, when we abuse power because it is our turn to eat, when we marginalize the poor, when we abuse our so called new found wealth, when we waste essential capital on vanity, when we trample on the rights of others because we feel we are better. Nevertheless, when we dehumanize each other, innocent men like Captain Adam Mahama gets killed. We thank God for the life of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama. He gave his life to the service of his country; our payback was not only ungrateful, it was dastardly and cruel. Lets change the way we think and act. There are laws to protect us, let us simply agree to follow the laws. Respect for rules is the first step to our transformation as a country, without that, no amount of economic intervention would help Ghana. May the demise of Captain Mahama light a perpetual flame in our hearts to become better citizens for mother Ghana. May we swear to make his wife and children believe in an even better Ghana. May we give his family swift justice. Let the poignant words of our national Coat of Arms reflect in our livesFreedom and Justice. May the Dear Captain Rest in Perfect Peace. Fred K. Kyeremeh & Kwasi Ntem Mensah Kinshasa (AFP) - International and local rights groups called on the UN on Thursday to open an urgent inquiry into the months-long violence that has swept central Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving over a million homeless. "The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) should urgently establish a commission of inquiry into the situation in the central Kasai region," said a coalition of 262 Congolese and nine international NGOs, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The central Kasai region has seen a major spike in violence since September when government forces killed a tribal chief and militia leader called Kamwina Nsapu who had rebelled against President Joseph Kabila. Since it began, the unrest has claimed more than 400 lives and forced more than 1.2 million people from their homes, UN figures show. Unconfirmed local figures put the number of dead as high as 3,000. The UN has also reported finding 40 mass graves, with two of its researchers investigating the violence abducted and killed. "The violence in the Kasai region has caused immense suffering, with Congolese authorities unable or unwilling to stop the carnage or hold those responsible for the abuses to account," said Ida Sawyer, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "An independent, international investigation is needed to document the abuses, identify those responsible, and help ensure justice for the victims." The NGOs' call came just days ahead of an HRC meeting in Geneva that begins on June 6. 'Don't expect anything' In May, the UN Security Council expressed doubts about Kinshasa's ability to independently probe the murder of the UN experts. Since September 2016, the provinces in Democratic Republic of Congo's central Kasai region have been ravaged by clashes, with the violence forcing many to seek safety in neighbouring Angola Last week, the Congolese public prosecutor said he was investigating allegations that former development minister Clement Kanku may have been linked to the murders. "We cannot expect anything from such national investigations," Rostin Manketa, who heads the Kinshasa-based rights group Voice of the Voiceless, told AFP. Kabila himself went to Kasai on Tuesday on his first trip there since the violence erupted. On Monday, the European Union also expressed deep concern, saying the crisis in Kasai "has reached an exceptional level in security and humanitarian terms and as regards human rights." It also imposed sanctions on nine Congolese officials, including the intelligence chief and several ministers, some of whom are accused of serious rights violations in Kasai. The UN children's fund has warned that the violence has put nearly 400,000 children at risk of dying of hunger in Kasai due to disrupted food supplies. The unrest has also sent thousands of people fleeing to neighbouring Angola where UN figures in mid-May showed some 20,000 people were sheltering. Tensions have also been mounting across the vast mineral-rich nation of 71 million people since Kabila refused to step down at the end of his mandate in December. 01.06.2017 LISTEN A young man has been shot dead in the troubled Upper Denkyira West District in the Central region. The body of the deceased was found at Modaso, a farming community near Denkyira Obuasi. The body has since been sent to the Diaso hospital for autopsy. The MP for the area Hon. Samuel Djan who confirmed the incident in an interview with a local radio station in the area further observed that five people have been arrested in connection of the murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama. This comes barely a week after a Captain in the Ghana Armed Forces, was brutally murdered in the area. The ghastly killing of Captain Mahama of the 5 Infantry Battalion at Burma, Camp on detachment duties at Denkyira Obuasi in alleged case of mistaken identity drew wide condemnation across the country with President Akufo-Addo vowing to ensure that those culpable face the full rigour of the laws of the country. So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the dastardly actas the military High Command is expected to hold a crunch meeting with all its officers following the death of the young officer. Students displaying placards showing menstrual hygiene practices during the launch of the campaign Half of adolescent girls in the country have no knowledge about menstrual hygiene practices before their first period, a Ghana Education Service (GES) report has stated. The report further indicated that 95 percent of the girls sometimes miss school for about a week due to menstruation, resulting in poor performance. This was disclosed at the 'Be Amazing' campaign launch aimed at educating girls, boys and other stakeholders about menstrual hygiene management as a means of promoting girls education in the country. The campaign which coincided with the commemoration of the 2017 Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Day was organised by GES in collaboration with UNICEF and the High Commission of Canada to Ghana. It was themed, 'education about menstruation changes everything'. Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, Minister of Education, in a speech said, The government is committed to building a strong country that harnesses the talents of all young people, especially females. Their education is critical to the development of the country. Dr Prempeh emphasized the need for a coordinated effort from various stakeholders to rally support for the programme. Let us all 'Be Amazing' by playing our part in breaking taboos and managing issues associated with menstruation so our girls can feel free to pursue their education so that we all can have an amazing Ghana, he added. Ag. Deputy Director General, GES, Cynthia Bosomtwe Sam, stated that the research revealed significant consequence of limited knowledge about menstrual hygiene practices for girls and society in general. She said the campaign would, therefore, provide support for girls to enable them to manage their menstrual hygiene practices while in school. David Duncan, UNICEF Ghana Chief of Water Sanitation Hygiene (WASH), said the UN agency's programmes seek to achieve high and immediate impact on children's health, education and protection. He, therefore, pledged the continuous support of UNICEF to ensuring that the campaign is successfully implemented. Through 'Be Amazing' campaign, the rights of girls to education will be protected and promoted, he said. This year's MHM Day celebration was observed with several activities, including the unveiling of several communication materials like flip charts, tri-fold flyers, video messages and an MHM website. By Abigail Owiredu-Boateng Information reaching DAILY GUIDE indicates that the Yendi Hospital in the Northern Region is likely to start the deadly cash-and-carry system due to arrears owed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The facility has not been paid their NHIA arrears for the past one year, thereby, affecting health delivery in the hospital. This has mounted pressure on the hospital since most of their clients who visit the hospital are health insurance card holders. The hospital is virtually broke and cannot afford to purchase packs of gloves and health materials for effective health delivery at the facility. The facility serves as the only referral point for the eastern corridor and its surrounding districts. The current water crisis in Yendi is also compelling the hospital to be buying about six tanks of water daily for their operations, thereby, putting pressure on their finances. The Yendi Hospital Public Relations Officer (PRO), Alhassan Wemah, told DAILY GUIDE that the NHIA owes the hospital for about a year now without even a single part payment issued to them to run the operations of the hospital. According to him, the facility will be forced to start a cash-and-carry system even though it is not permitted to attend to clients and take money as cash. Sometimes, we cannot even attend to our clients due to the pressure on us by the suppliers, the facility is totally broke, we can't even buy gloves, he revealed. The PRO of the hospital appealed to government to intervene into the matter to enable the facility to settle their suppliers the money they owe them. FROM Eric Kombat, Yendi Seventeen patients of the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) have so far benefited from the 'One For Life' project of Awake Water, a subsidiary of Kasapreko Group of Companies. The patients who underwent various degrees of heart surgeries were fully funded by the project which gives one pesewa for every small bottle of Awake Water bought and two pesewas for the big bottle to the centre to support needy patients. Eunice Adjei Bonsu, director of water and carbonated soft drinks, disclosed that the latest donation which is for the first quarter of the year 2017 brings to a total of GH350,000 cash injected into the Ghana Heart Foundation in the last year and quarter. She said apart from donating to the foundation, the company has decided to do personal follow-ups with the patients and give them packs of water every month. Mrs Bonsu, thus, urged the public to support the 'One For Life' project by purchasing Awake Water so more people can benefit. Dr Lawrence Agyeman Sereboe, Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, commended Awake Water for being consistent with their side of the project by donating on time to the foundation. He stated that there is a list of needy patients waiting to benefit from the donation, adding that the team at the centre was doing everything possible to ensure patients are well. Dr Sereboe mentioned that the project is growing, as more people keep coming to the centre requesting for assistance, hence reiterating the earlier call for the public to support the project by buying more Awake Water. By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri Three Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian have been arrested by the Kyebi Police for allegedly engaging in illegal mining at Segyemase, near Kyebi in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region. The suspects-Leo, Xing, Xun and Douglas Abu, who are currently in Police custody assisting investigations, were mining openly despite the government's ban on illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey across the country some months ago. The arrest was aided by the taskforce of the East Akim Municipal Assembly sub-committee on Environmental, Mining and Agriculture and the Police during a familiarization tour on Wednesday. The suspects were caught mining at a concession near the farms of Kofi Portophy, the chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, at Segyemase. A member of the committee, Kwame Aseidu Bekoe narrated to DAILY GUIDE that as at the time of the arrest the Chinese were relaxing and eating their favorite meals while their Ghanaian employees were busily working. The Kyebi Ahenbronumu Assembly man added that when they saw them, they decided to run away, but the police officers managed to grab four of them, adding that four Ghanaians fled. The Police also managed to retrieve an excavator from the mining site. The East Akim Municipal Assembly members and the Okyenhene Taskforce have been tasked to reclaim uncovered pits for the past two months. So far they have managed to cover over 180 acres of land in the municipality. The suspects would be put before court on Thursday. From Daniel Bampoe, Segyemase The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has lauded the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) for sustaining the Teachers Fund over the years. He disclosed this while speaking at the launch of the 20th Anniversary of the GNAT Teachers Fund under the theme, '[email protected]: Invest to benefit today and secure tomorrow.' Activities linedup for the year-long celebration include donations to orphanages, health walk, clean-up exercise, blood donation, quiz, radio interviews, symposium and a float and durbar. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum said that teachers hold societies together through the role they play, adding that the teachers fund was an innovation that had greatly benefited many people. I therefore urge members of this fund to keep on in good fate with the hope that generations of teachers will benefit from the fund and also serve as a selling point for young ones who have the desire to be in the teaching profession, he said. David Ofori Acheampong, GNAT General Secretary, said that the fund, which was approved in 1998 by the then National Delegates Congress and was implemented with an initial amount of 10 pesewas per member at the time is now worth more than GHC745 million. The fund started with the initial objective of providing retirement supplement by investing the monthly contributions to generate good returns for members and has grown to provide other essential services to members, he said. Asare George Yamoh, Chairman-TF Board of Directors said, that the fund would reduce interest on loans, strengthen district GNAT secretariat, establish a call centre and others to enhance its financial position and fortunes of its members. One of the most impressive income streams of the Fund is rental income from the GNAT Heights and its success has compelled the fund to construct a seven storey multi-purpose office complex at North Ridge. All parcels of unoccupied lands to the west and south of the Fund Secretariat have been acquired by the fund for this impending project, he added. By Abigail Owiredu-Boateng Justice Victor Jones Dotse, a Judge of the Supreme Court has expressed worry over the upsurge of pornographic materials in the society. He stated that the decadence in society has reached alarming proportions, the reason to reverse the trend. There are too many pornographic materials on the market. The decadence in society is such that we have to be alarmed and decide to control it. The Chairman of the Election Adjudication Task Force Committee made the disclosure at the launch of a book titled: One Big Mistake You Must Avoid in Accra. Justice Dotse's comments came days after another Supreme Court judge, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah had expressed similar sentiments over the decline of standards and normality because of the dumping of telenovelas on Ghana's screens. In the 18 chapter book, the author, Rev. Moses Ansah-Barnor Ankrah discusses in detail the mistakes of Biblical personalities and relates their experiences to the lives of the contemporary Christian. In a speech, the judge of the apex court noted that the author who is also the Head of Budget at the Judicial Service has taken the biblical stories which we are so familiar with and woven the book around the ups and downs of all the celebrated biblical stories. Justice Dotse added: and he gives you the conclusion to choose either to go with them when they are going up or to come with them when they are going down. According to Justice Dotse, most of the mistakes the book talks about are things we continue to do today on daily basis; we choose it as a line of least resistance because we want to impress. Citing biblical figures like Sampson, Abraham, David and Goliath, he stated that humans fail to make introspection when faced with challenges adding that we are rather encouraged by physical might and achievements. He stated that life should have its own ups and downs Don't try to jump the queue, don't rush, your appointed time by God will come. He contended that all the celebrated biblical stories of heroes and heroines went up at one time and came down the other time arguing that we who are learning should avoid their mistakes. Rev. Ansah-Barnor said history is filled with examples of people who were once rich but became poor; people who were winners but became losers because they were relaxed and forget that success is more difficult to manage than failure. He said what you sent out comes back to you; you are free to choose but you are not free from the consequence of your choice. One big mistake a person could make is to ignore the mistakes of othersmany of us, what our mothers and fathers did which did not help them, we of this generation are still doing them even more, he said. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson ALBION The Bosch Community Fund recently awarded more than $50,000 in grants to Noble County school districts. In a news release, Bosch said the grants will increase students access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and environmental sustainability programs and activities. Michael Sagan, plant manager, Bosch Albion facility, presented the grant awards to local school district representatives during a special ceremony at the Bosch Albion Production Plant. The purpose of the Bosch Community Fund grants is to enhance STEM education for local schools and invest in the future of our communities. It is truly wonderful to see the students of Albion benefiting from these grants, Sagan said in the news release. The grants supply tools for educators to increase engagement and learning for hundreds of Albion-area students. School districts awarded grant funding include East and West Noble school districts and Central Noble Community School Corp. Through the grants, students in grades K-12 will have access to new learning spaces to help facilitate hands-on learning experiences, science laboratory programs, programmable robots, support for a VEX IQ robotics platform, Destination Imagination program, STEM summer camps and local technology teams, which assist with solving technology problems for staff and students, and teach leadership, communication and collaboration skills. Grant awards through the Bosch Community Fund have made it possible for our schools to supply extended and hands-on learning to our students, which enables them to gain real-world STEM experiences, Troy Gaff, Central Noble superintendent, said in the news release. This funding will give Albion additional resources to allow educators to provide the tools to expand the mindset of students, teaching them the importance of creative learning and initiatives. Since 2012, the Bosch Community Fund has provided $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Noble County. 01.06.2017 LISTEN For the first time in the historic event of our hard earned country ,we are faced with decisions on what to do today and what to avoid tomorrow. May those innocent lives that has suffered injustice of public mob rest in perfect peace. The untimely death of Capt. Max Adams Mahama has put many of us to ask if indeed Ghana has grown to the level where it's citizens understand the rule of law! There has always been public education by the police to avoid such unwarranted barbaric act ,yet our pains and anger fails us the citizens anytime such incidence surface. Will such heinous crime stop today after what we all consider as painful. Many of such nefarious boorish incidents has happen at the blind side our world. Could it be that we have lost trust in the criminal justice of the citizenry. Are we sad for the soldier because of his ,handsomeness, his family ,his profession or because of his rank as captain in the reputable institution or because as a nation we are tired of such uncouth acts of the citizens. Our sight today even tastes what our tongue should have but we have still not noticed the direction our foot travel. What then is the remedy to curb such fiendish infelicitous act of the natives of our nation. What assurance is our legal system going to provide us to ensure that our ears will not hear for sorrow to engulf the many families and us all again. Hmmmm!!!! My God. It could have been me. It could have been you. Who is safe from today? May their souls rest in perfect peace. Please pardon me to rest my pen till we meet again. Daniel Yaw GERALDO. Niamey (AFP) - Six members of the Niger security forces were killed when heavily-armed attackers ambushed a military position near the border with Mali, a security source told AFP on Thursday. "There are six dead in this terror attack," he said, indicating that the assault in the southwestern town of Abala was carried out on Wednesday evening by "heavily-armed men" who arrived in 14 all-terrain vehicles. Four of the dead were national guards and two of them military police, he added, saying the attack happened at 7:00 pm in the evening. The source said the security forces were still engaged in a gunbattle with the attackers, with "military aircraft" engaged in "a search and sweep operation to hunt down" any further gunmen. Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum and several other officials went to the town on Thursday to attend a funeral for the victims, he said. Abala, which is located in the western Tillaberi region, was one of the areas where a state of emergency was declared in March following a spate of deadly attacks blamed on jihadists from Mali. Last week, two police officers and a civilian were killed in an attack on a police post in the same region. The state of emergency was imposed following a string of attacks in Tillaberi and the neighbouring region of Tahoua targeting army posts and refugee camps. Officials have blamed the violence on Malian jihadists linked to the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) group. These include an attack in October which killed 22 soldiers during a daring assault on a refugee camp and another attack in February which left 16 soldiers dead and another 18 wounded. Under the state of emergency, Niamey closed a dozen rural markets and banned the movement of vehicles in many western areas in order to crack down on cross-border infiltrations from its restive neighbour. 01.06.2017 LISTEN IDEO Foundation, a local Non-governmental organization is to establish an Eco Industrial Park at Agona in Ashanti Region for the training of artisans and absorption of the youth into gainful employment. To this end, the NGO has in consultation with the Agona Traditional Council acquired 150 acres of land for the project. The proposed park will comprise vehicle assembly plant, an industrial and technical zone, with artisans and engineering firms, a commercial zone with malls and shops, training facility for artisans, a residential area and a green zone with waste for energy plants and renewable energy generators, as well as health and educational facilities and recreational centres. Mr. Robert Ayertey, a co-founder of the IDEO Foundation and chairman of Zone 31 of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG), explained that the proposed Eco Industrial Park would provide resources and facilities to enhance the skills of the youth and artisan community and develop and maintain industrial communities for artisans and technical trainees. He said the Park would also provide technical workshops, automobile assembling and mechanical plan for education and economic activities and provide employment, accommodation facilities and social amenities for the developed industrial communities. The IDEO Foundation founder said a concept on the Eco Industrial Park has been developed and would soon be launched to woo prospective investors. He noted that if the project gets the appropriate push, it could be fully implemented within a year to achieve its stated objectives. Mr. Ayertey has, therefore, appealed to the government, investors, NGOs and the general public to partner with IDEO Foundation and support the various initiatives to come to fruition. Mr. Aryertey, who is seeking re-election for the position of GNAG Zone 31 chairman, said the project would give legs to his life-long ambition to train more artisans from the youth bracket to earn decent living. The past five years, Mr. Ayertey has been offering assistance to students of the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) at the Ayertey Alignment Services at Abrepo Junction. Mr. Ayertey said further that IDEO Foundation in collaboration with the National Executives of GNAG has created a website and a database to sell GNAG to the international community for the growth of the association. According to him, the database concept has been accepted by the Council of Indigenous Business Associations (CIBA) for which acceptance IDEO Foundation is preparing for the registration and creation of website and database for its members. He said IDEO Foundation is also considering training members of GNAG in the field of ICT, book keeping, entrepreneurship and teaching and learning of foreign languages as English and French to eliminate language barrier in the businesses. As a result, a six classroom block with office and store has been acquired at Medoma in the Kwabre East district for the training programmes. Mr. Ayertey lauded the one district, one factory concept of the government and hoped his initiative under project will give a boost to the 'one district, one factory' policy and help reduce youth unemployment drastically in the country. From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi 01.06.2017 LISTEN The Minority in Parliament has urged the House to prevail on the Minister for Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, to provide detailed information on the famous US$2.25 bond. A motion moved by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, yesterday, also requested for the full complement of documentation related to the issuance, the participants, the utilisation of the proceeds, and the currency in which the bond was settled. The Minority recently held a press conference to demand a full scale parliamentary probe into how some persons they refer to as very close friends of Ken Ofori-Atta purchased ninety five percent of Ghana's recent US$2.25 billion bond. Ato Forson, Minority Spokesperson on Finance, alleged that the bond was conveniently prepared for the Minister's friends and business partners to have easy access, and enjoy the high eighteen percent to nineteen percent interest on it. Honourable Trevor Trefgarne is also a Director of Franklin Templeton, which is the main participant in the recent bond issue. Putting this apparent fact together, we have a reason to believe that there was a relational interest between our Finance Minister and his good friend Trevor Trefgarne, which creates a potential lack of transparency and a conflict of interest. As we all know, the Constitution of the Republic provides, unequivocally, that a public officer should not put themselves in a situation where their private interest conflicts with their public obligation. There is no record available to us to the effect that the Finance Minister made known publicly his relational interest that conflicts very much so, in the interest in his company with Trevor Trefgarne, to the extent to which the relation might have potentially affected the decision to sell majority of the bonds to Franklin Templeton, he noted in the statement. On Monday, April 3, 2017, the government stated it was successful in the auction of a total of $2.25 billion in four bonds. The first two bonds, totaling US$1.13 billion, was issued at 15 and 7 years period, with the same coupon of 19.75%. In addition, the Ministry of Finance raised the cedi equivalent of US$1.12 billion in 5 and 10 year bonds, via a tap-in arrangement, a move the Minority had since cried foul over. The Minority filed a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the United States of America over the bond, which was issued in April 2017. According to the Minority, the petition will lead to investigations by the US regulatory body into the bond issuance, in which a US registered company, Franklin Templeton, purchased 95 percent of 15-year and 7-year bonds. The SEC will, primarily, be investigating suspected conflict of interest and insider trading, which are violations of US law by the Hon. Trevor G. Trefgarne, who is a Director of Franklin Templeton and a Board Chairman of Enterprise Group a company owned and founded by the Finance Minister of Ghana, Hon. Ken Ofori Atta, a statement from the Minority explained. It emerged that the Council of State allegedly met the Minority to negotiate the bond, an allegation the Council of State rubbished categorically in a statement issued by the acting Secretary to the council, Mrs Peace A.P. Okantey. As if that was not enough, the Minority wants the Minister to provide detailed information on the bond, a request the House approved, and directed that the Minister provide the information in a week's time, though he can seek an extension. Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps minutes after the day's sitting, Mr Ato Forson expressed shock over the issue, indicating that the Minister was causing financial loss to the state through the controversial bond. According to the Minority, the country would have been better off with $330 million in a year, if he had not decided to go this tangent. Currently, 91 days Treasury Bond, as at 17th of April, is traded at 16.35 per cent. The 182 days Treasury Bond is traded at 16.70 per cent. But, what surprises me, is that the Finance Minister decided to go for a long-term debt of 19.75 per cent to switch off a debt of 16.35 per cent. In fact, his action is woefully causing financial loss to the state, he remarked. He continued that from his circulation, Ghana would have been better off if she had decided to rollover the existing Treasury Bond, which is being traded at 16.35 per cent, instead of going for 19.75 per cent. By Maxwell Ofori, Parliament House [email protected] The second Pricing-window for the month of May 2017 saw all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) reviewing pricing at the pump downwards by an average of 1.39% and 2.16% for Gasoline and Gasoil respectively as projected by IES. The institutes MarketScan indicates that the selling average price per litre for Gasoline and Gasoil is Ghs3.89 and Ghs3.86 respectively. Currently, Star Oil sells the cheapest Gasoline at Ghs3.799 whilst Frimps Oil, Glory Oil, Pacific and Puma Energy are selling the cheapest gasoil on the local fuel market. World Oil Market Prices Indices Benchmark Brent crude price rebounded within the last 15 days rising from a average figure of $50.17 per barrel to $53 per barrel, with the announcement of OPEC extending production cuts of 1.8 million barrels per day for another nine months up to June 2018. Figures published by Standard & Poors Platts for Gasoline and Gasoil on the international market suggests an increment within the period under review. Global Gasoline prices rose from $510.28 per metric tonne to $544.00 per metric tonne, a percentage change of six point six. And in a similar fashion, Gasoil price rose from $432.60 per metric tonne to 458.27 per metric tonne; a change of 5.93%. Local Forex and Fuel Stock Per data gathered from the banking industry in the last two weeks, the U.S. Dollar traded stronger against the Ghanaian Cedi. The Cedi closed at an average of Ghs4.27 per dollar from an opening of Ghs4.22, representing a depreciation of 1.18%. At the close of the window, the stock of fuels held in tanks across the various terminals rose slightly above the previous figures, and that the combined stock of Gasoline and Gasoil can meet four weeks on national demand. PROJECTIONS FOR JUNE 2017 FIRST PRICING-WINDOW Based on the depreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi by 1.18%, crude oil average price increase of $2.83 per barrel, Gasoline and Gasoil prices increasing by $33.72 per tonne and $25.67 per tonne respectively; consumers should expect higher prices at the pump in the first Pricing-window for June 2017. The Institute for Energy Security (IES) foresees the impending increment likely to erode the gains made by consumers over the past four weeks at the pump. However, it would count as a relief for both Bulk Oil Distributors (BDCs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Signed: RICHMOND ROCKSON Principal Research Analyst - IES Contacts: 0244871916/0555990054 Former President John Mahama has cautioned against the politicisation of the murder of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama by some youth in the Central Regional town of Denkyira-Obuasi. The former President said the incident is a national tragedy that should prompt all citizens to rally around the family of the deceased. During a visit to the slain soldiers family to commiserate with them over the loss Thursday, Mr Mahama said all the perpetrators must be dealt with to set the right tone in the country. Late Captain Adam Mahama If the justice system is working in Ghana then the law must take it course, the former President is reported to have said. The conscience of Ghanaians was stirred with the brute murder of a senior military officer, Captain Mahama at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region. The Captain was killed on Monday after some residents claimed they mistook him for an armed robber. He had a weapon on him, which incensed the residents, it was reported. He fell unconscious after he was severely beaten and stoned. He was later set ablaze. Vice President Dr Bawumia at the residence of the slain soldier The incident has been roundly condemned by Ghanaians with tributes pouring in. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said his government will ensure the prosecution of all those involved in the murder. The father of the slain soldier, Captain Retired Adam Mahama said his sons death should serve us a wake-up call to all Ghanaians to discard the dastard cases of instant justice. My sons lynching should be the last that we, human beings will do against a person we suspect to have committed a crime, he told Kojo Yankson on Joy FMs Super Morning Show Thursday. At least seven people are in the custody of the police in the Central Region in connection with the murder. They are, William Baah (the Assemblyman of Denkyira Obuasi), Bismark Donkor, Phillip Badu, Kofi Nyame, Anthony Amoah and Kofi Badu. NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia In its statement of condemnation, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) blamed President Akufo-Addo for the death of the soldier. NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia said a cloud of terror has been hanging over the country since the President was sworn in. From the beating up of a serving police officer at the Flagstaff House to the beating up of a Regional Security Coordinator, the disruption of a court process, the burning of toll booths, and the molestation of civil servants, the lawless culture of impunity has now reached the doorstep of the Ghana Armed Forces, he told Asempa FM Wednesday. Although former President Mahama did not make reference to the NDCs statement, he said the last thing Ghanaians should do is to politicise the murder. He registered his discontent with the rate at which accusing fingers are quickly pointed at one party or the other whenever incidents like this happen. Mr Mahama called on the security agencies to expedite investigations into the murder to bring the culprits to justice. The former President was accompanied by Professor Kwesi Botchwey, a relative of the wife of the deceased and former Defense Minister, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor. Meanwhile, the police have appealed to the public to volunteer information about the murder. Persons with any information have been asked to report to the nearest station or call the Police on 18555 (MTN and Vodafone), 0302-773906, 0302787373 or 191 (all networks). Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers 01.06.2017 LISTEN By D. I. Laary/Mohammed Abdul Rashid Accra, June 1, GNA - Professor SKB Asante, Executive Director of the Centre for Regional Integration in Africa (CRIA, has called for full participation of citizens in the continental and sub-regional integration process for rapid economic growth. He expressed worry that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) integration agenda had largely been left to heads of member states without looking at how to involve people at the grassroots. 'There is insufficient participation of such key actors as civil society, private sector or the business community and the various development partners in the integration process,' he noted, adding it had contributed largely to slow process of the sub-regional bloc's integration. The West African heads of states and government over 40 years committed themselves to ECOWAS integration process, but Professor Asante said: 'There is the lack of progress in mainstreaming ECOWAS integration programmes, arrangements and protocols.' He was speaking at the Regional Integration Issues Forum (RIIF), on the ECOWAS Day. It was on the topic: 'Bringing west African Integration home for National development.' He expressed confidence that Ghana would continue to provide leadership to ensure the realisation of continental and sub-regional integration agenda. Mr Victor James Gbeho, Former President of the ECOWAS Commission, noted that ever since slavery and colonialism were introduced into the continent, Africans and the people of African descent everywhere had yearned for freedom and unity. He said: 'Six decades after independence, we are still chasing unity and economic integration' with countries like Ghana designating a Ministry for integration, 'there is still no head way. 'At this meeting, we shall find out what has been in the way of rapid progress and hopefully be able to chart the way forward for policy makers.' The CRIA seeks to empower regional and national policy makers, productive sector groups, citizens and other stakeholders to make well-informed policy choices for inclusive implementation of national and sub-regional development programmes in Africa. Discussants called for the setting up of a monitoring mechanism to monitor activities in member states and also track those protocols Ghana has ratified for dissemination to the public to understand the agreements. GNA Kyeremase (E/R), June 01, GNA - The Eastern Regional Cocoa Service Extension Officer, Mr. Rabdy Boitey, has called for cocoa farmers to give strong support to the artificial pollination programme introduced to boost crop yield and returns. He said it was in their own interest - to assist the farmer to obtain not less than 10 bags of cocoa per acre. He was speaking at a farmers' rally held at Kyeremase in the Birim Central Municipality. Mr. Boitey said the other high point was that it could help the farmer to determine the number of bags of cocoa they could harvest from their farms. He also used the occasion to highlight the need for farmers to protect water bodies and said, that was important to ensure that there was water for irrigation of their farms. Mr. Benjamin Donkor, an award winning cocoa farmer, encouraged the youth to take to cocoa growing, indicating that, it was rewarding. He said it was time farming was seen as a business with good returns. The Asamankese Cocoa District Officer, Mr. Isaac Adu, said the purpose of the rally was to provide a platform for stakeholders in the industry to discuss ways of increasing cocoa production. The farmers appealed for the improvement of roads in the area for smooth evacuation of cocoa. They also want a borehole constructed for the Kyeremase clinic and the cocoa office at Akroso re-opened to enable them to get access to services and technical support. GNA By Edmund Quaynor, GNA Wa, May 31, GNA - The Upper West Regional Secretariat of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of government assisted second cycle schools has appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to treat the PTAs as independent bodies. It said the GES seemed to have considered the PTAs as a department of the schools operating under the head of the institution thereby issuing directives that violated the authority of the PTAs as independent entities. A statement signed by Raymond D. Bayor, the Chairman of the Upper West Regional Parent-Teacher Association and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the GES had issued a 'directive that mandates school heads and their accountants who are ex-officio members to be signatories of the PTAs accounts instead of the constitutionally elected executives'. The Secretariat urged the GES to desist from the act and appealed to it not to interfere with the approval of PTA projects, saying: 'the deliberation and approval of projects by parents was enough for implementation'. The statement said the non-interference of GES in PTA project approval would ensure swift implementation of PTA projects and cut down expenses inquired through follow-up on GES to approve projects. The statement alleged that Madam Patricia Ayiko, the Upper West Regional Director of Education had said that the GES did not recognise PTAs at the district, regional and national levels. 'This stance is an attempt to marginalise the PTAs in order to free ride parents. 'If what the Regional Director said is the true posture of the GES towards PTAs, then it is most unfortunate because it is the school PTAs that came together to form the Regional and National Council of PTAs', the statement pointed out. Madam Ayiko in her reaction, acknowledged the contributions of the PTAs to the development of the schools, but confirmed that the directive was from the former Minister of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. According to the directive, the GES did not recognise the existence of PTAs at the district, regional and national levels rather it recognised PTAs in schools. She also explained that a directive from Mr Jacob A. M. Kor, the former Director General of Education, which sought to streamline the administration of PTA levies and fees ordered all heads and accountants of institutions to be signatories to the PTA account. Madam Ayiko bemoaned the attitudes of some purported executives of the Upper West Regional PTA who directed PTAs of government assisted institutions to pay an amount of 250 Ghana Cedis into an MTN mobile money account as registration fees in order to 'enjoy the full rights and benefits under the umbrella of the National Council' of PTA. That, she said, was unacceptable since there was no recognised body called the Upper West Regional PTA. She however urged the district, regional and national PTA secretariats to put in efforts to be officially recognised by the GES. GNA By Philip Tengzu, GNA 01.06.2017 LISTEN Accra, May 31, GNA - A Survey Findings by the Institution of Economic Affairs (IEA) has called on government to strengthen the security agencies in its effort to fight crime in promote safety. It said government should expedite actions on appointing the independent prosecutor to deal with corrupt public officers. Dr Eric Osei-Assibey, a Senior Economist IEA, presenting the findings on expectation of Ghanaians on the new government said the citizenry expected government to create more jobs as one of the high priorities while building infrastructure was the least for them. He said majority of the people considered government to introduce free education but the urban areas prefer more quality education than free. 'The higher the educational level of the people, the higher they think quality education is a priority,' he added. He said some regions such as Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions expected government to focus more on quality education. He said the survey revealed that, some Ghanaians expected the government to build more infrastructure, others called for revision or review of the National Health Service Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and improvement on quality health service. He said the critical issues that government must address were sanitation, improvement of water to various households, ending of 'dumsor' and also reduce utility bills. 'People are concern more on the cost of utilities, electricity in particular and expect government to find a way to reduce the cost of these utilities,' he added. Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Research Fellow at IEA, said government should create the enabling environment for more jobs to be created and accelerate the implementation of its policy on one district one factory and planting for foods and jobs. He said the rising cost of utility bills has been a burden to the populace, so the government should constitute a body which would investigate, review and improve billing systems in Ghana. He urged government to review and strengthen the NHIS to deal with all bottlenecks, corrupts practices and inefficiencies that have stalled the smooth running of the scheme. 'In the area of education, government should not compromise on quality while putting measures in place to promote free education at the senior high level,' he added. He said the priority of some Ghanaians was in the area of fighting against corruption and they expect government to concentrate on investigating corruption and punish public institutions involved. Mr Justice Emile Short, Senior Fellow at IEA said Ghana was confronted with several socio-economic issues which include the rising cost of utilities, unemployment, limited access to affordable health care, unreliable power supply, crime and corruption. He said following the release of the 2017 budget the IEA in partnership with the Centre for International Private Enterprise took a survey to investigate and to seek the opinion of the public on the expectations on the new government, he added The findings of the survey which covers the areas such as the economy, environment, education, health and governance Mr Short said the result provided is an opportunity to access whether the policy priority of the government was in line with the expectations of Ghanaian people. 'It is the IEA's hope that the survey findings will guide the new administration's policy and prioritization process and shape government programme for the year 2017,' he said. GNA By Morkporkpor Anku/ Theophania Dzadza, GNA Accra, May 31, GNA - The Newly Elected Executive of the Ghana Actors Guild (GAG), on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture to formally introduce themselves and to congratulate her on her appointment. Mr Samuel Fiscian, the President of GAG, said the visit was the first since their election and her appointment and also to assure her of their commitment towards improving the film industry in the country. He said the new leadership was looking towards working to attain a well-organised and rebranded GAG that would be attractive to all performers and Ghanaians. He said 'we have got a task to fulfil and as new leaders we would be working towards just that. Believe and have confidence in us so that we will be able to deliver to your expectation.' Mr Fiscian, however, noted that they could not achieve that alone, but would be counting on the Minister and her team for support and direction. He however appealed to the Minister to work on getting them a befitting office space to enable them to work efficiently. Mrs Catherine Abelema Afeku, Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, welcoming the team congratulated them on their appointment saying that leadership was key in every Organisation. She said they needed to work together as a team in order to be able to achieve their target, saying that, there are lots of problems in the creative arts industry and they needed to work closely. 'We the creative arts industry are one people, we have to merge to get better results'. Mrs Afeku noted that government was also putting up a creative arts secretariat where all industry players would have an office space to operate effectively and efficiently. She urged the team to find creative ways of showcasing what they have. 'We need to get a dedicated movie platform or channel that would showcase our products as well as create a creative arts insurance for all players in the industry to serve as a support to us in times of need.' The sector Minister later assured the team of government's support to their course, appealing to them to find creative ways of solving the internal problems of industry players. GNA By Hafsa Obeng, GNA Cape Coast, June 1, GNA - Seven persons arrested in connection with the lynching of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama were on Thursday remanded into prison custody by a Cape Coast Magistrate's court. The plea of the suspects who have been charged with murder were not taken and would remain in custody till Monday June 19 for the police to further conduct investigations into the matter. Two of the suspects, William Baah, the Assembly member and one Yaw Anor turned themselves in to the Diaso Police and were subsequently arrested while the others were arrested upon intelligence gathered by the Police. The counsel for the accused persons, George Benard Shaw did not oppose to the prosecution's request to remand them. A charged crowed who trooped to the court premises, rained insults and hooted at the suspects as they were being escorted by the Police to prison. The Police had a tough time preventing the angry crowd from having direct contact with the suspects but some managed to slap some of them before the police vehicle moved away. Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) Hilarious Avonyoh pleaded with the court presided over by Ms Rita Amoaniwah Edusah to remand the accused for two weeks to enable the police complete their investigations. According to him, all the suspects were residents of Denkyira-Boase near Diaso while the deceased was a military officer stationed at the fifth Battalion Infantry (5BN) and a member of the military detachment stationed at Diaso in the Upper Denkyira West Constituency. ASP Avonyoh told the court that in the morning hours of Monday May 29, Captain Mahama was jogging on the Dominase -Denkyira -Boase road and upon reaching Denkyira -Boase, a false alarm was raised for being an armed robber. He said the youth in the area including the suspects attacked and brutally murdered him. GNA By Afedzi Abdullah/ Isaac Arkoh, GNA 01.06.2017 LISTEN By Christabel Addo/Agnes Ansah-GNA Accra, June 1, GNA - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the Ministry of Health (MOH) to include tobacco control in the national Policies, Plans and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation frameworks. It also encouraged the full implementation of the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which is the world's most powerful tool to tackle tobacco's negative impact on development, by adopting measures such as rising taxes, to reduce demand for the drug. Dr Owen Kaluwa, the WHO Country Representative, made the call on Wednesday, at the commemoration of the 2017 World No-Tobacco Day in Accra on, which was on the theme: 'Tobacco-a threat to development.' He said the year's theme stemmed from the fact that tobacco posed a major barrier to sustainable development, with widespread impact on health, poverty, global hunger, economic growth, gender equality, environment, education, finance as well as governance. He said the strengthening of key policy measures for the control of illicit trade in tobacco and its products, as well as increased support for other economically viable alternative crop production as part of an effective and comprehensive strategy to restrict youth access was crucial for the achievement of the SDGs. He suggested that the revenue generated from such high taxes for governments, could be used to finance universal health coverage, health promotion as well as other development programmes. 'Globally, tobacco kills more that 7.2 million people per year, with over 80 per cent from low-or middle-income countries. In the African Region, about 146,000 adults aged 30 and above die every year from tobacco-related diseases,' he said. Mr Kaluwa said up to half of all tobacco users would die prematurely from the related causes, while on the average, users would lose 15 years of their lives, making the drug use one of the leading preventable risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer and chronic lung diseases, as well as diabetes. In Ghana about three million people used tobacco with the three northern regions recording the highest, while four per cent of junior high school students were also found to be involved in the use of the drug. He said tobacco control was seen as one of the most effective means to achieve the SDG target 3.4, of achieving one-third reduction by 2030, of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, and also a unique and cost-effective solution to the numerous challenges posed in areas including health, labour, agriculture, and trade. According to him, for the African Region, the cost of healthcare from tobacco smoking was 3.5 per cent of the total health expenditure each year, but apart from the heavy economic burden that tobacco use imposes on the nation and decreased productivity, it worsened health inequalities and exacerbated poverty, as the poorest people sent less on essentials like food, education and health care. The tobacco industry, he said, was increasingly targeting women and girls, who often worked on the farms, while children of families who cultivated the drug, were involved in child labour, exposing them to green tobacco sickness and health hazards from pesticides, smoke and the inhalation of its dust. Mr Kaluwa said countries could benefit from successfully controlling the tobacco epidemic by protecting their populations to reduce the impact on national economies. He said it was part of the aim of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to ensure that 'no one was left behind'. Dr Kyei- Faried, a Director and the Focal Point at the Tobacco Control Unit of the Ghana Health Service, said the theme was a step in the right direction since the country was aiming to attaining the SDG Three, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for, all at all ages. He said his outfit would embark on a massive education and sensitisation campaign as well as join in a Global Youth Tobacco Survey to find out smoking habits among students in order to put proper measures in place to curb it, and further mount pressure on the government to increase taxes on tobacco products in order to reduce its demand. He said a number of initiatives and interventions including the ban of smoking in public places were already in place, whereas education and awareness creation were still on-going to ensure attitudinal change. GNA Kumasi, June 01, GNA - Ghanaian journalists have been encouraged to make radical shift towards effective use of data to influence policy-decision making. Mr. Valentijn Venus, Executive Director of Ujuici Laboratories, a Netherlands-based Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) firm, said they needed to build the capacity, skills and expertise in data journalism. He was addressing a day's workshop held in Kumasi on the use of CHEETAH, an ICT platform developed by Ujuici, to improve the agricultural value chain for increased productivity. The programme was organized by Borderless Alliance, an NGO. The platform has been so designed to facilitate interaction and information-sharing among major stakeholders - farmers, drivers, traders, consumers and the media. The goal is to break down barriers impeding agricultural growth, particularly post-harvest losses, which accounts for about 33 per cent of food production loss in Africa. Mr. Venus identified poor road infrastructure, lack of processing and packaging technologies, and storage systems as major challenges that needed to be tackled in the sub-region. The situation, he noted was further aggravated by illegal toll stops and police controls, which tended to put pressure on profit margins. He indicated that the CHEETAH platform was currently being used on pilot basis to monitor activities on the Accra-Ouagadougou trade corridor. He said it had so far engaged in excess of 200 truck drivers selected from the various transport associations across the sub-region, alongside graduate students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to assess whether the platform could inform effective post-harvest management decisions and policies. GNA By Stephen Asante/Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA 01.06.2017 LISTEN Sunyani, June 1, GNA - Prices of fruits have fallen in the Sunyani Municipality, the Ghana News Agency market survey has observed. Traders at the Nana Bosoma Central market told the Ghana News Agency Market Survey team that the sharp down turn in the prices were due to the bumper harvest being experienced. They, however, appealed to government to find alternative methods for the storage of the fruits, as huge quantities of the produce get wasted in every crop season. The traders said the market price of a size of watermelon which used to sell between GHE10.00 and GHE15.00 has dropped to GHE5.00 and GHE1.00. Madam Naomi Sarpong, one of the traders, said despite the reduction in prices of watermelon, sales were still poor. The market price of five balls of oranges and tangerines has also dropped from GHE5.00 to GHE1.00. The price of mangoes, according to Miss Linda Kyere, another trader, saw a significant reduction in the bumper season, but jumped gradually as the demand for the fruit became high. Initially a bucket of mangoes was selling at GHE1.00 but the current price of five balls of mangoes is being sold at GHE5.00. Ms Kyere expressed optimism that government's proposed one-district-one-factory project would help address the recurrence in post-harvest losses of fruits and other crops. She appealed to her colleagues to come together and form an association so that they could easily get both financial and technical support for their business. Ms Kyere also expressed concern about poor security at the market saying this is contributing By Daniel A Ashietey/Christopher Tetteh, GNA Former President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to eschew lawlessness in the wake of the grisly murder of an army captain in Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region by marauding residents. Captain Maxwell Mahama was on Monday brutally lynched and charred to death after he was allegedly mistaken as an armed robber. He was with 5 Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces, Burma Camp Accra but on detachment duties at Denkyira Obuasi where he was savagely killed. President Mahama who visited the family of the fallen officer Thursday June 1, 2017 to commiserate with them disclosed that he is deeply traumatized by the dastardliness of the act. This is a tragedy that nobody expects at a time like this. Maxwell was a very fine officer, very respected in the army, said the former Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. He had a very bright career ahead of him and unfortunately to die this way is totally unacceptable. The military institution that sacrifices a lot to defend us and for those who are to defend us to become the victims of ourselves, for us to inflict this kind of death on them is unacceptable completely, he said in a melancholic tone. Urging swift action in apprehending the committers of the said gruesome act, Mr. Mahama who is an uncle to the fallen captain said If we are able to find out who did it and properly prosecute them and apply the penalty, I believe that it will serve as a deterrent to people who engage in mob justice. If this happens Maxwells death will not have been in vain. But, he warned if the perpetrators get away with it then the impunity will continue. And the question I ask myself is how many more innocent people havent died through this kind of barbaric gestures. Its never been our culture to kill humans in this wicked way. I believe that everything should be done to stamp it out. Seven remanded Meanwhile, the Cape Coast Magistrate Court presided over by Her Ladyship Rita Amoaning Adusei remanded into police custody the seven suspects being held for the murder of Captain. Six people were arrested while the assemblyman for the area who allegedly ordered the killing of Captain Mahama reported himself to the Police Wednesday after he had earlier fled the area. On Thursday, the police sought the remand to aid them complete their investigations. The accused are William Baah, Assemblyman and teacher 36, farmer Yaw Antwi 32, farmer Bismarck Donkor 36, farmer Kofi Badu 29, farmer Kofi Nyame, 29, Anthony Amoah, 23, Okada operator and Philip Badu, 30, a prison assistant. Prosecution was led by ASP Helinious Ayonyo and the defense lawyer is George Bernard Shaw. The seven suspects have been charged with murder and will reappear on the 19th of June this year. In a related development one of the suspects on the run has been shot dead by unknown assailants. His lifeless body was found at Modaso, a farming community near Denkyira Obuasi and it had since been sent to the Diaso hospital for autopsy. Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam is reported to rise to a towering 35 meters high and at its maximum capacity would be at 192 meters above sea level. Kashimbila, the host town, 7 kilometers away from the dam is 163 meters above sea level. The stones and gravel for the construction of the dam come from Kashimbila. No royalties are paid to the community. Mgbe 1, Mgbe 2, Birama, Lanke, Manga, Alang, Malumshe attend council meetings in the dilapidated council hall in Kashimbila. No road in Kashimbila is paved by the dam project. Rolbin Michael has indicated that Kashimbila should not expect anything from the project. SCC Nigeria PLC executing project on behalf of Aurecon.com is building an ultra modern residential complex for the permanent workers of the dam. The company does not pretend that it is going to improve on the standards of living of the community. Aurecon.com has flooded many communities, and for the 150 years that these communities would be under water, they have been told not to expect anything from the company. Rolbin Michael recently asked Chief Musa zakari to stop people from fishing on the dam and wait for the governor of Taraba State to authorize them. The community has always lived by fishing and farming. After flooding their farms and homes, they are being asked to also stop fishing to survive. Some children in Kashimbila still attend classes under trees. Even those who have classrooms do not look like children from a community hosting a mega project. The communities around the dam still live below the poverty line. Kashimbila is the only town in this part of the Takum Local Government Area to still be hosting the Muslim Fulani community. This area is a flash point of the Fulani farmers crises that has rocked the central belt of Nigeria for some months. The Jukun make no pretense that they are going to finish with the Fulani who are raping, killing their members and destroying their crops. More dispossessed people are pouring unto the streets of Kashimbila thanks to the multipurpose dam project. The Tiv from Benue State have had quite many bloody encounters with the Jukun of Kashimbila who have burned down kilometers of Tiv houses and occupied the space. The Tiv are lying in readiness to stop any Fulani crossing into their territory. Chief Musa zakari, with very strong family links to Esu in the Cameroons, has been playing a pacifying role calling on the communities to coexist peacefully. For how long he succeeds in this daunting balancing role will be tested by the Internally Displaced Persons flooding his town from the submerged villages upstream. Fon Christopher Achobang Social Commentator, Human rights activist The Cameroons Former President John Mahama 01.06.2017 LISTEN Former President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians not to politicize the death of the late Military Officer, Captain Maxwell Mahama. His call comes after the opposition National Democratic Congress blamed President Akufo-Addo for the incident. Mr. Mahama on Thursday, June 1, visited the family of the late military officer to console them and also asked Ghanaians to treat the incident as a national tragedy. Earlier, Mr. Mahama tweeted, My heart goes out to my brother, Capt. Chubby Adam Mahama (Rtd.) on the murder of his son, Capt. Maxwell Mahama. Mr. Mahama expressed regret over the unfortunate death while he consoled the family. Mr Mahama said all the perpetrators must be dealt with to set the right tone in the country. The Captain was killed on Monday after some residents claimed they mistook him for an armed robber. He had a weapon on him, which incensed the residents, it was reported. He fell unconscious after he was severely beaten and stoned. He was later set ablaze. The incident has been roundly condemned by Ghanaians with tributes pouring in. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said his government will ensure the prosecution of all those involved in the murder. -Adomonline 01.06.2017 LISTEN The notion of culture is up for a debate. The claim by the clergyman, Mensah Otabil, that the act of lynching is an embedded cultural practice among Ghanaians has ruffled many feathers with continuing backlash on social media regarding the claim. One of those who disagree with Mensah Otabil is a lecturer in Sociology, Nana Obiri Yeboah, who views the practice as universal and not a reflection of Ghanas culture (Please follow the link http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Lynching-not-cultural-Lecturer-disagrees-with-Otabil-543329 ). In this piece, I argue that the act of lynching and mob justice are part of the Ghanaian culture and we must find ways to eradicate these practices than being in a state of denial. The question is: what is culture? I will be direct and simple. Culture is a way of life of a group of people. Meaning that the food we eat, the way we dress, the ways in which we respond to emergency situations, the way we speak, and even the way we raise our children are all products of culture, because there are shared values in the ways in which we conduct these things. Do all humans speak? Yes; all humans do speak. More confined, both the Ghanaian and the American speak English, right? But I guess they speak it with different twangs, invoking different social realities with varying nuances and implications. It is these variations in twangs, nuances, and implications that send scholars and students of communication across cultural lines on that wild goose chase to want to unravel those nuances for comparative purposes. In another example, both Ghana and the United States have health services that respond to emergency situations. But when the late P.V. Obeng, just like our late President Atta Mills, was taken ill, we all saw what happened to him. Our emergency response systems are also products of culture. Chances are that as an ordinary citizen here in America, if I should fall ill suddenly requiring a rapid deployment of emergency services, the emergency response to my need for rapid evacuation will be faster than what a Ghanaian president will receive in Ghana. What I am trying to point out here is that culture is everything and everything is culture. But in spite of its expansive reach, bringing under it aegis everything on its way, cultures are contextualized in space and time. Thus, the claim by Nana Obiri Yeboah that that lynching is a universal practice and not a reflection of Ghanas culture is a pitfall in cultural analysis that hinges on the erroneous assumption that culture is timeless and homogeneous. Moreover, there is a certain defensive tendency on the part of many Africans, not just the Ghanaian, to view a critique of any aspect of our varied cultures as recessive to be an attack on the totality of our so-called peace-loving cultures. While agreeing with Nana Obiri Yeboah that the practice of lynching is Biblical and unlimited to the African, I take exception to the attempt to lampoon the clergyman for hitting the nail right on its head. First, akin to the speaking example given, it is an acceptable fact that lynching is a historical phenomenon recorded in the Bible. The reader of American history would also appreciate that gory era in American history when the practice became an acceptable cultural norm among White Supremacists who did it gleeful even in the daylight. Does America continue with the practice in contemporary times? Nope! It will be anachronistic to see a community in America engaging in the practice today because the laws of America have changed to make the practice illegal. Even within the socio-cultural context, two observations can be made. First, individuals, including Blacks, have the right to bear arms and can defend themselves, so they would fight back any attempt to lynch them. Second, why lynch when by the push of a button the job can easily be done? The point is that the social context in conjunction with the laws of the land have made it impossible for lynching to flourish in America. Beyond the social context and the protection of the law, another important question is: when lynching was rife among White Supremacists in America, was it a representation of the totality of American culture? Nope! At the same time that White Supremacists embarked on those dastardly acts, there were other White groups who joined forces with the abolitionist in their quest to stop the practice and completely remove the scourge of Jim Crow from the American social life. To the extent that the practice was not universal even in the American context, we would label it as a subculture. Subcultures are part of larger cultures, particularly when members of these cultural groups have beliefs and practices that are at variances with the beliefs of the larger culture. From my argument so far, the reader can appreciate the fact that Obiri Yeboah erroneously attempted to bring lynching under the aegis of the universal, evading the contextual time and space factors, which are important to the understanding of the issues. One of the first lessons in any good cultural communication class (Culture 101) is the appreciation of the dynamism of culture. So we cannot define culture without emphasizing that it is not timeless or statistic. Thus, the common saying: culture is dynamic. It goes through changes for good or for bad. Interestingly, there are some who are even questioning whether the practice existed before colonialism, suggesting that it must have been a contamination from colonial domination. If even we agree that lynching is a product of colonial contamination (which is erroneous anyway), colonialism has come and gone. What have we done to eradicate the practice among us? I thought culture was to be dynamic, allowing for changes? The mistake people make about the expression that culture is dynamic is that they think cultures naturally refine themselves toward the good. It is a misperception. Particularly in the case of lynching, we must accept that we have evolved into the very depraved, if the assumption is that it did not exist in the past. Let us take a look at the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Modern, the Postmodern, and the Post-postmodern. These are philosophical epochs that are historical and associated with certain cultural practices regarding even how knowledge is produced, evaluated, what is accepted or rejected as knowledge. Knowledge itself a product of culture. But knowledge of forms have themselves not been static through the ages. At one point, the earth was seen to be flat. But this knowledge and the cultural practices associated with it were dislodged with a new discovery that the earth is spherical. To this extent, we can agree that even knowledge as a cultural product is not timeless or static. Too many commentators fell into the trap of Obiri Yeboah by arguing that Ghanaian culture has no room for such practices as lynching and mob justice. But we can pardon the uninitiated for such comments. Those comments are part of cognitive misapprehension that is constructed on the erroneous impression that my culture is infallible and intolerable to the negative. It is the ways of the uncritical mind. Female genital mutilation, mob justice, lynching, etc., are all negative cultural practices. To the extent that they are at variances with the larger culture, we will call them subcultures. Should these practices become rampant, as we are seeing, threatening to alter the acceptable norms and practices of the larger culture, they become countercultures that must be confronted or those negative cultural practices become the order of the day. As I started working on this piece, there was another case of an alleged witch stoned to death (Please follow the link http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Witch-stoned-to-death-by-family-543360 ). How does this not justify the claim of the clergyman that due to the visibility of the late Captain Maxwell Mahama, this issue has received national attention? On a normal day, I can stand anywhere in Accra Central anytime of the day and shout thief and reactions akin to the mob lynching of Maxwell Mahama would be replicated. In the 1990s, I witnessed people stoned to death because someone had accused them of using mystical means to take away their male genitalia. As recently as my last visit to Ghana five years ago, I witnessed the lynching of an alleged thief to death in Dansoman, a suburb of Accra. What is even more horrifying about the practice is that our university campuses are not exempted from it. In 1998, at Commonwealth Hall in University of Ghana, Legon, I watched students marched an alleged mobile phone thief through the streets of the University naked to a site called Gono. My inquiries revealed that the idea of the exercise was to exorcise him of the spirit of stealing. That was not without whips, slaps, and bodily harm to the alleged thief. Recent cases: On May 31, 2011, Amina was arrested and stripped naked on University of Ghana campus by male students because she was alleged to have stolen from another student ( http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Woman-thief-stripped-naked-and-molested-by-University-students-206122 ); another case of an unnamed individual March 11, 2015 ( https://ugfile.com/gono-is-gradually-returning-to-legon-campus-4-years-after-the-amina-case/ ); an alleged thief beaten on University of Ghana campus for robbing Chinese students iphone on March 21, 2017 ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJl9ln64Gf4 ). These are just a few cases that I have sampled on University of Ghana campus to illustrate the point. Now, what business do we have in trying to challenge and discredit the assertion of Otabil? To the extent that these are not isolated incidents, it is a national shame that in 2017 we still engage in these barbaric behaviors gleefully and attempt to find universal justification for their occurrences. From the conceptual perspective, the erroneous analysis of Nana Obiri Yeboah is not uncommon in the academy. The tendency exist among some scholars to erroneously apply Hofstedes cultural dimensions in ways that suggest that culture is static, homogenous, and uniformly distributed. Culture is not static, timeless, and homogenous. Even though there is evidence of lynching and mob justice both in the Bible and in American history, space and time contextualized these practices. At best, we can view culture as a process of sense-making, through which culture is created, recreated, and sustained through complex symbolic interactions that are nuanced in our expressive consciousness. What are our rituals about justice? What stories are told about such rituals? What are the values embedded in such rituals? To the extent that there are still these occurrences among us, we have no business in challenging those who dared called a spade by its name. Even though a subculture that has existed for a long time, due to the increase in violence across the country, the clergyman was right in labeling the practice part of the Ghanaian culture. As much as I wish mob justice and lynching were not part of the catalogue of negative cultural behaviors or practices that Ghanaians indulge in, the facts speak for themselves. The only way we can avoid the label is to work assiduously to ensure that these negative practices are stamped out of our society once and for all. This would require respect for the laws of the land, equipping our security services to act swiftly in apprehending and dealing with those who engage in the practice, and most of all using the classroom as a platform to confront these barbaric behaviors amongst us. Finally, to argue that the practice is universal and not part of the Ghanaian culture is unacademic and atavistic. We must confront it ferociously as we are confronting the man who dared labeled it a Ghanaian cultural practice. Prosper Yao Tsikata, Ph.D. 01.06.2017 LISTEN Living in Zuozugu (a small community in the Tamale Metropolitan District) until recently was a challenge. More difficult was it for an average peasant farmer who could barely make ends meet. The rains hardly set in and the unavailability of stable irrigation facilities makes farming a non-sustainable income generating venture. This obviously puts the children in these families at the receiving end since parents cannot adequately fend for themselves and provide the needs of their children especially their educational needs. In view of this social issue, SOS Childrens Villages Ghana embarked on a project tagged SOS 100 children go to school project as part of its Family Strengthening Programme. Sanatu Inusah, a proud mother of four and wife of Inusah Wumbei recounts her families encounter with the project. She beams with smiles as she takes us through the impact and positive footprints this project has made not only in the life of her family but the entire Zuozugu community. Prior to this project, most children in our community were not in school because parents could not afford educational materials. They either accompanied their parents to the farm or migrated to neighboring communities in search of non-existent opportunities Sanatu recounts. Sanatu recalls the ordeal she went through in convincing her husband Inusah who was bent on giving out their first daughter Fatimata Inusah into early marriage. I proposed she joins her colleagues to trade in a neighboring town in Kumasi says Sanatu. This was her own way of addressing their inability to provide learning materials for their daughter. Indeed, the situation at Zuozugu until the introduction of the project was disheartening. The only community based school was a three unit dilapidated structure that could hardly accommodate the children from Kindergarten to JHS. The lack of trained teachers was a challenge and the few who were available had to teach the children under trees. This discouraged children from going to school. SOS 100 Children go to school project was introduced in 2011 to address this problem. Its footprint thereof has left lasting impressions on the children and beneficiary families. The first major intervention of the project was to provide school bags, sandals, books and other writing materials. The impact was immediately seen as school enrollment increased and eventually led to overcrowding at the only school found within the community. To address this, the Organization in collaboration with partners built a six unit classroom block immediately to address the issue of overcrowding in the school. Obviously excited by the impact the project has made in her familys life, Sanatu had this to say My children are in school because of this intervention. The first child Fatimata Inusah is in Al-Khartoum Senior High School outside the community, the second Rashida Inusah is in Bagabaga Junior High School and the last two Asana and Fuseina Inusah are in primary six at Zuozugu community school. A clear case of the footprints of SOS 100 children go to school project. Also, many residents in the community describe the project as a lifesaving one which has helped them in their dire moment. The District Chief Executive for Denkyira-Boase in the Central region Daniel Appianing has been relieved of his post, StarrFMonline.com has learnt. It is unclear the reason for his dismissal, but Starr News sources say it is linked to his comments following the killing of Captain Maxwell Mahama by residents of the Boase Township Monday. Mr. Appianing, who is the current NPP constituency chairman for Upper Denkyira West, has maintained in media interviews that the slain soldier was part of a military team protecting Chinese illegal miners in the community, . There is a large number of military personnel protecting the Chinese and the lynched soldier is alleged to be part of it, in fact, he is said to be the leader I am shocked they are not briefing you very well but rather claiming they are here to fight galamseyers, he told Starr News. The comments have caused an uproar with many Ghanaians calling on the president to dismiss him. Meanwhile, the Cape Coast Magistrate Court presided over by Her Ladyship Rita Amoaning Adusei remanded into police custody the seven suspects being held for the murder of Captain. Six people were arrested while the assemblyman for the area who allegedly ordered the killing of Captain Mahama reported himself to the Police Wednesday after he had earlier fled the area. On Thursday, the police sought the remand to aid them complete their investigations. The accused are William Baah, Assemblyman and teacher 36, farmer Yaw Antwi 32, farmer Bismarck Donkor 36, farmer Kofi Badu 29, farmer Kofi Nyame, 29, Anthony Amoah, 23, Okada operator and Philip Badu, 30, a prison assistant. Prosecution was led by ASP Helinious Ayonyo and the defense lawyer is George Bernard Shaw. The seven suspects have been charged with murder and will reappear on the 19th of June this year. Geneva (AFP) - A dire lack of aid funds in the strife-torn Central African Republic risks leaving a vacuum that armed groups will fill, dashing hopes of peace, the UN said Thursday. Aid workers have already been forced to scale down their activities and food rations have been cut in half, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the country, Najat Rochdi, told reporters. "The window of opportunity to prevent the crisis from further escalation risks being shut very soon," she warned. Unless aid workers were given the funding to do their work, she said, "Entire areas of the country (will be) abandoned and armed groups will (fill the) vacuum." One of the world's poorest nations, CAR has been struggling to recover from a civil war between the Muslim and Christian militias that started in 2013. But just as the country looked set to begin turning the page on years of bloodshed, a flare-up of sectarian violence last month killed more than 100 people. Another 100,000 were forced to flee their homes in the past two weeks, according to UN numbers. More than 500,000 people are now internally displaced in CAR. The same number have fled the country. Aid funding meanwhile is dramatically low. The UN humanitarian agency has received only a quarter of the $400 million it requested for CAR this year. "With ... the 25 percent level of funding, and with the new outbreak of violence, it is very difficult to pretend that as a humanitarian community we are up to" the task, Rochdi told reporters in Geneva. 'Heartbreaking decisions' Funding shortfalls had "very real, very severe consequences" in a country where half the population relies on aid, she warned. Two thirds of the population has no access to clean water and nearly 40,000 children under five suffer from severe, acute malnutrition, she added. "We are making some very heartbreaking decisions," Rochdi said, warning that the lack of aid was diminishing the chance of peace. "Unless humanitarian actors are given the means to make a significant and lasting difference, tens of thousands of the most vulnerable people will be cut off from aid," she said. Increasing aid was the only way of "saving the peace", she insisted. British charity Oxfam's country director in CAR, Ferran Puig, agreed. Aid groups have been forced to spend their limited resources responding to emergency needs after attacks like the ones last month in the central town of Bria and the southeastern town of Bangassou, he said. But that means other priorities are being ignored. Among the programmes being shelved are ones aimed at protecting children from recruitment by armed groups, "something that brings more instability," Puig told reporters. CAR descended into bloodshed in March 2013 following the overthrow of leader Francois Bozize by Seleka rebels, which triggered the country's worst crisis since its independence from France in 1960. Workers of Shanxii Mining Company in Gbane are afraid that, if the ban on the operations of the Mining Company prolongs, the illegal Miners who are still operating and sneaking into the underground space created by Shanxii, will collapse the mine. According to a suspended worker, Rockson Edusei, hundreds of illegal miners, have taken over the underground space; entering from unapproved routes and are busily stealing the ore the underground workers gathered before the suspension. He said the illegal Miners in Gbane who have decided to flout the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources ban, are fast blasting the underground support pillars, as well as the equipment we left down there. The illegal miners are deliberately destroying all the electrical fittings underground and fighting the few Shanxii Staff who have been deployed to pump out water to prevent flooding of the underground space. He told the Daily Guide, a day after the entire workers on suspension, had called on the Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources to lift the ban, for Shanxii Mining Ghana Limited, to start work and also prevent the mine from caving in. On May 31, about 500 suspended workers of Shanxii Mining Ghana Limited, a Mining Support Provider, met the media over their state of living after they were suspended due to the ban placed on Shanxii by the Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources. At the Press Conference at Gbane, the workers said they are living under severe hardship since the Company was asked them to go home. A section of the Staff of Shanxii Situation at Gbane- many traps According to the workers their entire life depended on their earnings from the work they did with Shanxii Mining Ghana and therefore keeping Shanxii out of operation for long will, account to keeping them and their families hungry for long. Shanxii Mining Ghana Limited was asked to suspend its operations on May 4, 2017 over allegations of deaths and frequent accidents. The workers said many of the deaths allegations being leveled against Shanxii happened in illegal pits and not Shanxii pit, Those people making these allegations, know the truth and they know why they are always attacking and lying about Shanxii Mining Ghana Limited. We are aware that the galamsey miners died in their own pits. Mr. Rockson Edusei who read the Workers' statement at the Wednesday May 31, Press Conference, said the workers are reliably informed that, some high powered team was sent down to investigate the allegations and the Team completed its work on May 10, but to date, nothing has been heard from the Ministry, neither has Shanxii called them back to work. Every day, some of us walk to the administration, demanding information on when we shall return to work. All we get as responses from our management is that, We are waiting for the honorable Minister to determine. The Workers added. -Ebro Bruce-Quansah, Gbane, Talensi Greetings Mr President, Mr President, let me first remind you of what Van den Haag wrote years ago which was supported later by writings by other renowned philosophers - instances are conceivable in which a minority's attempt to coerce the majority even by violence seems justifiable in a democracy, let alone in other systems of government. If we revert to the, fortunately imaginary ,case in which a democratic majority authorises the wanton killing of a minority group, illegal self defense of the group to be killed would be morally justifiable. So would insurrectionary action by other citizens to assist those to be killed. The powers conferred on you by the constitution which makes you the most powerful person in the country comes with huge responsibilities and must be executed decisively and fairly. The death of Maxwell Mahama must end vigilantism in the country, this the time to act decisively on this phenomenon. The lynching and brutalities being meted out to innocent citizens is becoming prevalent because of our over glorification of vigilantism and other unconventional activities by hoodlums in the name of offering protection for our political parties, resources in our communities, lands and our political godfathers. I am sure you've had the opportunity of watching the videos. Imagine your child suffer this inhuman ordeal in the hands of hoodlums. These mad dogs in our communities get their motivation from actions and activities of the politicians who always assure them of protection in case they law catches up with them. The new concept is the entry of nolle prosequi by the state to save these hoodlums from proper prosecution. The principle of nolle prosequi has become a strange bedmate of the present Attorney General. The Ministry now uses the principle to protect the party's well wishers from prosecution culminating in the display of impudence we recording in this noble country. If your Attorney General continue to use this principle arbitrarily,there is no denying fact that we shall continue to witness abuse of power as she and her henchmen including yourself, try to protect friends and allies of your political party. Setting free those hoodlums ( delta force operatives) who proudly threatened your person and government on air, was wrong and opened the system up to the wrongs we witnessing. In most civilised countries or jurisdictions a criminal proceedings can be nolled when the charges cannot be proved, or if the the prosecutor is no longer of the opinion that the accused is guilty. Do you really think those hoodlums who were set free via the nolle prosequi entered by your AG, were innocent of of the charges leveled against them.? And the AG didn't see the danger in that attitude displayed by those hoodlums inside the courtroom? Mr President, gradually Ghana is becoming a failed state, citizens are losing confidence in the system,the masses are gradually becoming powerful than our laws and have started giving signs of their readiness to inflict serious bruises on our fragile democracy. Fanatics on your side will struggle shamelessly to play out the negative political consequences but with your experience in politics I don't think you will downplay the possible hitches these activities could bring to your government and your presidency. Politicising this critical issue is not the best approach but we cannot effectively give this matter the best treatment without reminding you of what you told the galamsey operators during your campaign. You assured them of your support if they elected you into office. President Mahama on the other hand advocated for the introduction of a well structured small scale mining operation to regulate activities of the galamsey operators. Your Vice - Presidential candidate together with some Npp executives travelled to China to solicit for campaign funds from godfathers of these Chinese galamsey operators in China, all these actions emboldened the galamsey operators who saw your party and executives as their natural allies. These operators and all others who engage in illegal businesses ( activities) and deals always establish vigilante groups to protect their activities hence the incessant calls to disband vigilantism in Ghana to enable our security agencies to operate freely from unnecessary interruptions. Your AG is protecting vigilante groups, party executives daring you, executives telling us they are the financiers of these hoodlums and party them billions of cedis to facilitate their operations, your Acting General Secretary confidently told us the Npp will forever support and protect these groups, from Kintampo to Kumasi all the criminals who engaged in those nefarious activities were protected by the AG and party executives. These groups have extended their operations to our regions and districts recruiting more hoodlums in the name of protecting the Npp. Mr President, you now have the opportunity to disband vigilantism in Ghana, time to bring us together, time to tell the world you are in charge of your government and time to begin the process of protecting our democracy from anything untoward. 01.06.2017 LISTEN Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI, Omankrado of Ekumfi Otuam in the Central Region, has expressed her sincere condolences to the Mahama family, the wife and the Army unit of the late Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was lynched by angry residents of Denkyira-Obuasi this week. In a statement issued at her Silver Spring residence in Maryland, United States, Nana Afenyi, known in private life as Peggy Bartels, noted that the death of Capt. Mahama is a great loss to the whole country and appealed to the Ghana Armed Forces to exercise restraint in the handling of the crime. She commended President Nana Akufo Addo for the swift manner he responded to the murder of Captain Mahama and his assurance to the nation that the culprits of the heinous crime would be dealt with as the laws of the country demand. Nana Afenyi asked the residents to volunteer information to the Police for a speedy investigation and trial of perpetrators of the murder of Captain Adam Mahama. Captain Mahama was jogging on Monday dawn, May 29, 2017, when some residents of Denkyira-Obuasi perceived him for an armed robber and lynched him and burnt his body. Al-Hoceima (Morocco) (AFP) - A general strike Thursday gripped the northern Morocco city of Al-Hoceima, rocked by nearly a week of protests demanding the release of the leader of a popular movement. The strike that saw nearly all of the shops in the city centre shuttered came after thousands of people demonstrated in Al-Hoceima for sixth straight night since Friday. Al-Hoceima is in the neglected Rif region, which has been shaken by social unrest since the death in October of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri. The 31-year-old was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season. Since then protests have snowballed in the port of Al-Hoceima, sparking a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment. Nasser Zefzafi, who emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on Monday after three days on the run. Late Wednesday, between 2,000 and 3,000 protesters once again took to the streets of Al-Hoceima, shouting slogans such as "We are all Nasser Zefzafi" and "Corrupt state". "Arrest us, we are all activists," read one banner. Although fewer demonstrators turned out than the previous night, the protest appeared better organised, with volunteers in fluorescent jackets including women marshalling the crowd. Initial protests in the fishing port of Al-Hoceima triggered a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with Morocco's central authorities, and was at the heart of Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011. Cilia Hirani, a member of the Popular Movement, told AFP that everyone in the Rif "believes in freedom, in humanity and in social justice". "If you imprison our leaders, we will resist and we will resist until our demands, which are rights in democratic countries, are granted," she said. 'Stay peaceful' Najib Ahamjik, often referred to as the movement's number two, remains at large but continues to use social media to call for "mobilisation". Nawal Benaissa of the Popular Movement or Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi during a protest in Al-Hoceima on May 31, 2017 Nawal Benaissa, one of the public faces of the Popular Movement, was among three young women on Wednesday who urged protesters to demand "freedom for prisoners". On Thursday morning, she said she was called in to the police station in Al-Hoceima and questioned for calling on Wednesday on citizens to observe a general strike. The 36-year-old mother of four was seen leaving the building again a short time later. By mid-afternoon most of the shops in the city centre were shuttered, apparently in response to Benaissa's call for a strike. Policemen were deployed on the main square and police vans were stationed in side streets, empty of pedestrians save for small groups of youths. "Anyone who threatens shopkeepers who are still open will be arrested," a local official warned. Anti-riot police were present at Wednesday's protest, following clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the weekend, but the crowd dispersed at around midnight without incident. Zefzafi was detained along with others on Monday for "attacking internal security", after a warrant for his arrest issued Friday sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants. A new video of Zefzafi has been posted on social networks, apparently recorded shortly before his arrest, in which he says: "My brothers, the moment is very sensitive... Stay peaceful, above all." State media and politicians have remained largely silent about the events, but the local branches of three parties including the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a joint statement warning of a "serious situation" and criticising the response of the authorities. Out of around 40 people reported arrested on Friday, including core members of Al-Hirak, 25 have been referred to the prosecution. Their trial began Tuesday but was pushed back to June 6 at the request of their lawyers, who have complained their clients were ill-treated during their detention. Seven suspects were released on bail and another seven were freed without charge. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, has said there is the need for the trial of persons arrested for allegedly killing Captain Maxwell Mahama to be televised. According to him, the matter has generated intense public interest, a situation which makes it mandatory for the public to witness the trial on television. So far, seven persons suspected to be involved in the murder have been remanded in police custody. The seven were arraigned Thursday morning at a Magistrate Court in Cape Coast where police prosecutors, led by ASP Avornyo, prayed the court to remand the accused persons to appear again on Monday June 19 as investigations into the gruesome murder continue. They were arrested by a joint military and police taskforce deployed to the area on Tuesday to find the killers of the late captain. Counsel for the accused, George Bernard Shaw, did not oppose the request by the prosecution. Speaking on this development on the floor of Parliament on Thursday June 1, Mr Nkrumah, who is also a Deputy Minister of Information, said: Mr Speaker, my personal desire will be that the trial and sentencing of the person responsible for this act is carried live on national television. Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama was lynched by irate youth of Denkyira Obuasi on suspicion that he was an armed robber after a group of people he asked for direction spotted a gun on him. -Classfmonline Former President John Mahama ordered the supply of 43 specialised vehicles worth more than $9m barely eight days to the handing over of power, documents sighted by Joy News has revealed. The document signed by former Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Salifu Osman giving approval for the use of the vehicle by the President, Vice-President, First Lady and others. Photo: Break-down of the allocation for the specialized vehicles The cars are capable of firing rounds of ammunition and is designed to withstand the effects of a hand grenade. All four sides of the passenger compartment and the roof of the vehicle are protected using high-quality armour steel and glass defeating a NATO ball ammunition, the supplier Shell Speciality Vehicles. Photo: The interior of a type of B6 armoured vehicle. In a letter addressed to Executive Director of local company Amalgamated Security Services Ltd Mr. O.K Tweneboah-Kodua, National Security granted the company approval to 'import and clear' the said vehicles. The letter dated 30, December 2016 contained an expectation that the vehicles are to arrive within 40 days. Details of the specification of the B6 Armoured vehicles Joy News can confirm, although the vehicles are ready to be delivered, the fleet are stuck in Dubai. The Akufo Addo government has placed an indefinite moratorium on the purchase of new vehicles for the running of the presidency and ministries of state but that decision could potentially result in the payment of judgment debt. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com 01.06.2017 LISTEN Accra, June 1, GNA - Mr Kodzo Hamenya Keglo, the Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Action Movement, has emphasised the group's commitment towards propelling the vision of the party for victory in 2020. Mr Keglo blamed the defeat of the party in the 2016 polls on the failure of some party members to respect the advice of notable leaders and members of the party. He said: 'Until the party addresses their attitude of not taking the advice of the party members a similar occurrence would happen come 2020 elections.' At a press conference organised in Accra on Wednesday, the Spokesperson commented on the ongoing investigations of the party's defeat. He said after the demise of the Late President John Evans Atta Mills, the John Mahama-led administration underperformed and failed to propel the vision of the party to maintain the seat in 2016. Mr Keglo said the party was voted into power out of pity during the 2012, as Ghanaians felt sympathetic for the party due to the sad death of the former President, adding that, 'the governance of the party did not merit the victory. ' He explained that there were series of cankers in the party after the demise of former President Mills which included misappropriation of public resources, incompetence and corruption. 'The Ghanaian voters only voted for us because they felt pity for us due to the sad death of our former President. It was not because they liked our system of governance'. Mr Keglo said the Action Movement was resolute to make suggestions to the party to correct the cankers to prepare the party adequately for 'victory 2020'. He observed with regret, the failure of the party to eradicate the menace before the 2016 polls and stated that, until it identified and addressed the evils, the 'party cannot make progress come 2020'. 'You cannot approach issues the same way and expect to make any difference.' Mr Keglo said some robust measures must be put in place to resolve the problems to foster the way forward for elections 2020. He described the party's defeat as 'a miserable loss' and that the Action Movement would not sit unconcerned for the party to face such difficulties come 2020. The Spokesperson said the youth of the party was poised to rebuild the party by clearing all sorts of mischiefs, disrespect, disunity and indecency. He emphasised that the group would work tirelessly to name and shame the militants who are against the party's progress with evil deeds and called on government to investigate and prosecute anyone who would be found culpable in connection with corruption. 'It doesn't matter whether the person belongs to NDC or any other party the law must work and clamp down on corruption to protect the public purse'. GNA By Amadu Kamil Sanah/Gideon Ahenkorah, GNA 01.06.2017 LISTEN Wa, June 1, GNA - The Wa Community Development Vocational/Technical School is in dire need of a functional and reliable source of potable water to meet growing demand. At present, the daily ritual of students either queuing in front of an old borehole in the school or carrying jerry-cans and gallons walking long distances in search of water has become a matter of concern to not only the students but also the teachers living within the school campus. Expressing their frustrations to the Ghana News Agency in front of a rusted borehole on campus, the students said the situation sometimes 'breeds petty squabbles among themselves as they struggle to beat time for classes'. 'The situation is also impacting negatively on our studies and called for help from government and benevolent organisations to address the water challenge', the students said. Ironically, just close to the old borehole is another borehole which looked much newer but has broken down for many months. Madam Mary Nuorbesier, Headmistress of the school, said the frequent breakdown of the boreholes especially the one that was a bit new has become a burden on the school in terms of cost of repair. She said there are plans to convert one of the boreholes into a mechanized borehole to relieve the students from the struggle of pumping but the absence of funds has not led to the fruition of the goal. Madam Nuorbesier said the little support the school used to get from the Wa Municipal Assembly was not forthcoming following the merging of the Departments of Social Welfare and Community Development. Madam Mary said authorities at the Assembly claim the school was no longer under the Assembly, hence its inability to assist the school. She said at present, the school needed a boys' dormitory and some classroom infrastructure as its population had increased to more than 300 students. The Headmistress said the school regardless of whatever alignment is still a government school and pleaded for assistance from the Municipal Assembly and other benevolent institutions to address its challenges. She appealed to government to pay attention to the other Vocational and Technical Schools that were not under the GES for a holistic development of vocational and technical education in the country. GNA By Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA Following session that went into a three day overtime, the Minnesota Legislature delivered on several promises from both this and last year. The House and Senate broke the late session logjam and sent several bills to the governors desk including an nearly $1 billion bonding bill, a $648 million tax bill, a $300 million transportation bill and $483 million in new education money before adjourning at 3 a.m. Friday. Several bonding projects approved by the GOP controlled legislature were on the wish lists of area legislators. The Winona State University Education Village will receive funding if Gov. Dayton signs the $997 million dollar bonding bill into law. Winona State University will receive $25.3 million for Phase Two of the Education Village Project. This provides funds to finish renovation of three buildings and create new labs and classrooms to provide practical training experience and better prepare teachers for the field. Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, called the project which would have been funded last year had the Legislature passed a bonding bill a huge improvement. Pelowski said the project would continue the tradition of teacher education that WSU is known for. The completion of Winona State Universitys Education Village will continue to allow Winona States Teacher Education Program to be a 21st century teacher education facility, Pelowski said in a statement. Another long sought-after funding goal was reached with inclusion of funding for repair of the Lanesboro Dam. The dam, originally built in 1868, has deteriorated physically and leaks in several places, worrying Lanesboro residents that a failure could endanger life and proplerty, as well as negatively impact tourism and the environment. The $3.6 million project was included in the 2017 bill after being turned down several times. Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, said in a statement that funding for dam project was the result of a long series of compromises and hard work. We worked very hard with the Governors Office to find common ground and in doing so we have approved proposals that will benefit many in Houston and Fillmore Counties, Davids said. Southeast Minnesota residents will also benefit from inclusion of a provision for tax reciprocity with Wisconsin in the tax bill, tax credits for student debt, and tax relief for rural communities bonding for school improvements. The reciprocity proposal would simply reimburse Minnesotans working in Wisonsin to offset higher Wisconsin income taxes, which they have been paying since reciprocity was ended in 2009. The predicted cost of the reciprocity would be about $8.6 million in its first year. Funds will come from the states general fund and be distributed by the Department of Revenue much like a tax refund. Both Davids and Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, were supporters of the reciprocity measures. Davids had proposed previous reciprocity bills, and had been involved in negotiations with Wisconsin officials before moving forward with this approach. Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, said the school referendum tax relief would amount to a potential 40 percent property tax reduction for rural landowners if their school district approves a school bond levy. Draszkowski called a provision that excludes the first $100,000 of business property tax from the State General Tax a godsend and a significant step to helping every small business in the state. Miller listed as successes for the session the allocation of $116 million for local road improvement grants and $56 million for the local road improvement program. He also pointed to funding for the Education Village and Lanesboro Dam as achievements for this session. Its been a long, unpredictable journey to get to this point, Miller said. Words simply cant explain how happy I am to get full funding for these projects that are so incredibly important to our region and the state of Minnesota. The bills were the result of of compromise on both sides of the aisle, though Pelowski said they could have been achieved in a more positive way. He pointed to the proliferation of bargaining in private and a lack of use of the conference committees as almost a total breakdown of the legislative process. There was way too much behind closed doors, Pelowski said. It has to be more open. Other legislative moves which could affect Southeast Minnesota include: Sunday liquor sales: Starting July 1 liquor stores throughout the state will be allowed to open Sunday for the first time in state history, ending a 159-year-old tradition of frustrated barbecuers. Election equipment replacement: Local government units have the potential to see some help from the state, which $7 million included in the budget to replace aging voting equipment, a problem noted by many smaller and rural areas specifically. Water infrastructure funding: A goal of Gov. Mark Daytons, the infrastructure spending includes $40 million will be used for wastewater and $15 million for drinking water infrastructure improvements along with another $11 million for flood hazard mitigation projects. Adeiso (E/R), June 01, GNA - The Upper West Akim District Education Director, Mr. Moses Tetteh Ponortey, has encouraged teachers to do more to help school children to acquire reading skills. He indicated that reading a book every day by pupils was the way forward to improve performance and achieve academic excellence. He was speaking at a 'Reading Festival' organized by the Ghana Education Service (GES) with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) at Adeiso. It was held under the theme 'Reading for fun and enjoyment' and was used to distribute reading materials to the pupils. Mr. Ponortey said research had shown that 'a child or pupil's ability to read helps him or her to have better understanding in all the other subjects'. He added that the inability of many students to pass their examination was because they 'are not able to read and to understand the questions'. He appealed for increased support by way of donation of reading materials for supply to schools. The second runner up of the '2016 Ghana's Most Beautiful', Miss Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, promised to ensure that books donated by UNICEF to schools in the district got to them to achieve the intended purpose. The Krontihene of Adeiso, Barimah Addo Yeboah, urged parents to invest in their children's education and to constantly monitor their academic performance to bring out the best in them. GNA By Benjamin Akoto, GNA Gbane (U/E), June 1, GNA - Five hundred suspended workers of the Shaanxi Ghana Mining Company Limited have appealed to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr John Peter Amewu, to lift the ban to enable them return to work. The Minister last month called for the temporary suspension of the company's underground operations to allow for thorough investigations into the alleged death of seven miners in the area. However, the workers led by their Spokesperson, Mr Edusei Rockson, at a press conference organized in Gbane, pleaded with the sector Minister to expedite action in its investigation to pave way for them to return to work. The workers said life was becoming unbearable for them and their families as many of them could not settle their children's school fees and provide for the upkeep of their families. 'We are pleading with the sector minister to expedite action in his investigation and to grant us permission to resume work. It is unfortunate that we have been pushed out of employment without any hope in sight. We want to emphasise that we together with our families and dependents want our work back and not the deportation of legitimate investors as it is being demanded by some uninformed groups within our community', the workers said. The workers, who alleged that the suspension of work has paved way for illegal miners to invade the mining pits to steal ore, said this could cause the pits to cave in and collapse on the minors who were taking advantage of the situation. They called on the authorities to ensure that the mining pits used by the illegal miners to gain access to the Company's concession are sealed. The Chinese Shaanxi Mining Company has been providing mining support service to the Yenyeya and Pubortaaba small scale mining groups since January 2007. GNA By Samuel Akapule, GNA Sacramento, CA Today, a measure seen as an important step toward preventing social media motivated attacks sailed through the State Assembly with strong bipartisan support. AB 1542, becoming better known as Jordans Law, is intended to increase the consequences not only for attackers but also any accomplices who aid and abet in the video-recording of assaults such as to share on social media. The idea came to the bill author, Democratic Assemblymember Matt Dababneh, after a constituent, San Fernando Valley resident Jordan Peisner, was viciously assaulted by a stranger last December while outside a fast food restaurant. A friend of the assailant recorded the incident to post on social media and was not charged. Jordan suffered severe physical injuries, including a blood clot in his brain and permanent hearing loss. Following the vote Ed Peisner, Jordans father, shared, I am hopeful that this bill will become law and help prevent other families from experience the pain that my family has endured. It is my mission to turn this mess into a message and todays vote signifies a huge step in the right direction. Authored by Majority Leader Calderon, AB 1127, which would require baby diaper changing stations be installed in mens and womens restrooms in restaurants, department stores and other frequently visited public buildings and businesses, also made it past the Assembly. Currently, there are no state laws mandating that such places provide diaper changing stations in restrooms, although those that do tend to provide them only in womens restrooms. The bill now moves to the California State Senate. Governor Jerry Brown View Photos Sacramento, CA While President Donald Trump has been mulling whether to withdraw the US from the Paris accord agreement on climate change, Governor Jerry Brown says California will continue its carbon cutting goals. Governor Brown is headed to China this week to build foreign support for carbon reducing policies. Brown tells the Associated Press that California will work with governments around the world to combat climate change even if President Trump rolls back environmental regulations. President Trump has argued that environmental policies have had a negative impact on businesses, and has indicated that a rollback could help grow the economy. Trump says he will announce his decision regarding the Paris accord this afternoon. It is another recent case of the federal government and the State of California heading in opposite policy directions. This will mark Browns second trip to China as Governor. He is scheduled to speak at a conference of global energy ministers about Californias actions to combat climate change and encourage overseas government leaders to take similar steps. - The Nigerian health minister, Isaac Adewole has announced 9 new regulations in the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act - This regulations are to be implemented by the federal government led by Yemi Osinbajo, the acting president - The announcement was as the world marks 2017 World No Tobacco Day On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, the world marked the World No Tobacco Day. As part of the commemoration of the day, Isaac Adewole, Nigerias Health Minister announced 9 regulations in the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act that would be implemented by the federal government. The Act which was signed into law in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan aims at reducing Tobacco use in the country. World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that tobacco kills over seven million people annually, and is an increasing risk factor in non-communicable (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancers and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease. According to Premium Times, Mr Adewole, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology said the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act had been slow because the draft regulations need the National Assembly approval. Below are the regulations listed by the minister to be implemented: 1. Prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to and by anyone below age 18. 2. Ban of sale of cigarettes in single sticks; cigarettes must be sold in packs of 20 sticks only. 3. Smokeless tobacco shall be sold in a minimum of a pack of 30 grammes. READ ALSO: Osinbajo invites Saraki, Dogara to Aso Rock for signing of 2017 budget 4. Ban of sale or offer for sale or distribution of tobacco or tobacco products through mail, internet, or other online devices. 5. Prohibition of interference of tobacco industry in public health and related issues. 6. Prohibition of smoking in anywhere on the premises of a child care facility, educational facility, and healthcare facility. Other places where smoking is prohibited include: playgrounds, amusement parks, plazas, public parks, stadia, public transport, restaurants bar, and other public gathering spaces. 7. Prosecution of owner or manager of any of the places listed above who permits, encourages or fails to stop smoking in the above listed places. READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu thanks supporters for complying with sit-at-home order 8. Prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship of any kind. 9. Compliance with specified standards for content. PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV Legit.ng earlier reported that with President Buhari away, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has signed into law two bills from the National Assembly. These laws will ultimately facilitate access to more affordable credit for Nigerians. The bills which have now become Acts are the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act, 2017 (otherwise known as Collateral Registry Act) and the Credit Reporting Act, 2017. Watch this Legit.ng video on President Buhari's achievements as President according to Nigerians: Source: Legit.ng The trend of African presidents traveling out of their countries for treatment abroad has been condemned since it speaks volumes about the state of healthcare facilities and the medical systems in their home countries. Some presidents have become known for doing this on regular basis. Legit.ng has compiled a list of some of them: 1. President Muhammadu Buhari President Buhari with his wife, Aisha President Buhari spent seven weeks in the UK between January and March receiving medical care for an undisclosed ailment, and returned there in May for further treatment. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 60, has been running the country in his absence as Acting President. READ ALSO: Leave President Buhari alone - Afenifere warns Governor Fayose 2. Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Angola President, Dos Santos, who is 74, has held power since 1979, making him Africas second-longest serving leader after Equatorial Guineas Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Hes spent most of this month in Spain on a private visit that Foreign Minister Georges Chikoti confirmed was taken for medical reasons, before returning to Angola on Monday. READ ALSO: Buhari's aide should advise him to go back to his farm - Fayose's aide 3. President Robert Mugabe Robert Mugabe with his wife, Grace Mugabe Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe is 93 years old and has held power since 1980. He is one the worlds oldest serving rulers who have refused to hand over power. PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on Legit.ng TV Mugabe and his aides have said hes as fit as a fiddle, but hes visibly frail and has traveled frequently to Singapore to undergo medical treatment. Watch this Legit.ng video on President Muhammadu Buhari's presidency and achievements: Source: Legit.ng FORT ATKINSON, Wis. Ralph E. Sanders, 91, Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully Sunday, May 28, 2017, at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center, Johnson Creek, Wis. Ralph was born Jan. 22, 1926, in Hillsboro, the son of Joseph and Helen (Corn) Sanders. Ralph graduated from La Crosse Central High School in January of 1944 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a proud veteran of World War II, serving from 1944-1946. Ralph was a 60 mm. gunner with Company C, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Division. He was awarded four Battle Stars and a Purple Heart for his heroic service. Ralph graduated in 1950, from La Crosse Technical College and worked for several Wisconsin Companies as a new product design engineer specializing in designing stainless steel milking equipment. He also worked in sales and as an engineer consultant. Ralph married Rose Marie Schaefer in 1946. She predeceased him in 1951. Two children, Kay and Craig, were born to that union. Ralph married Jacqueline (Jackie) Vicky Richter Aug. 1, 1953. During their 63 years of marriage they have enjoyed raising the children; traveling in their motor home to country and blue grass music festivals, where they made many long lasting friends; and being active in several social organizations. Ralph was a member of the Fort Atkinson American Legion, Fort Atkinson Disabled Veterans-Blackhawk Chapter 39 and the Fort Atkinson First Congregational UCC. Ralph is survived by his wife, Jackie; his son, Craig (Gwen), North Carolina; sister, Bessie Fjelstad; and brother, Kenneth. He is also survived by Jackies family; nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his first wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kay; and brothers, Charles, Sidney and Roger. The family would like to thank the medical community for their kind and dedicated care that extended Ralphs life, especially Dr. David Ciske, Internal Medicine, 20 S. Park; Dr. Steven Cattapan, Pulmonary, 202 South Park; Dr. Robert Hegeman, Hematology, 1 South Park and Nurse Practitioner Karen Huseby-Moore, Hematology, 1 South Park, all with UWHealth. They would also like to thank Rainbow Hospice for the compassionate care and comfort they provided in Ralphs last days as well as special friends, Jeanne Stark and Joe Slaney for their support. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, at the First Congregational UCC, 31 West Milwaukee Ave., Fort Atkinson, with Pastor Chris Buckingham-Taylor officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at a later date in the Onalaska Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational UCC in Fort Atkinson or Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek. The Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is serving the family. www.dunlapmemorialhome.com. - Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived Calabar, the capital of Cross Rivers state - Security was reportedly beefed up in the city in anticipation of his visit Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived Calabar, the capital of Cross River state on a visit on Thursday, June 1. Legit.ng gathered that security in the state has been reportedly beefed up to ensure the safe visit of the Acting President. The city has also been redecorated and streets allegedly repainted so the state capital could wear a new look for Osinbajo, The Sun reports. READ ALSO: Buhari's minister under fire for saying Nigeria cannot be restructured now Osinbajo at Calabar Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state yesterday, May 31, told pressmen that the stage was set to receive Osinbajo. Ayade said: We are working day and night to ensure that the Acting President takes a guided tour around the Ayade industrial park, Calabar International Convention Centre, Monorail and Power plant among others to see all we have accomplished within two years and the galaxy of our achievements within the limits of what we have." Below are some images of the Acting President's visit in Calabar. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo received a very warm welcome on his arrival in Calabar READ ALSO: Nigerian woman sent out of Turkish airplane for allegedly attacking a flight attendant (Video) Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is in Calabar READ ALSO: See the 850 rounds per minute General Purpose Machine Gun Navy allegedly used to destroy Calabar police station Acting President Yemi Osinbajo received in Calabar READ ALSO: Buhari's minister under fire for saying Nigeria cannot be restructured now Acting President Yemi Osinbajo arrives Calabar Meanwhile, Osinbajo has invited Senate president, Bukola Saraki and speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, to Aso Rock for the signing of the 2017 budget. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The meeting between Osinbajo and the leadership of the National Assembly is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 1. Ita Enang, the senior special assistant to the president on legislative matters, officially informed the leadership of the National Assembly that Osinbajo will sign the budget on Thursday, June 1. A source reportedly revealed that: "Enang informed the leadership of the senate that acting president would be sign the budget tomorrow at 9am. So, the presiding officers are expected to be there. Watch Legit.ng video of Osinbajo giving a speech during the Biafra at 50 anniversary day: Source: Legit.ng - Honourable Leo Ogor is of the opinion that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has no clear cut policy - According to him, the present administration was voted for because Nigerians thought they would do better than the previous ones - He said the President Buhari-led APC government has not fulfilled any of the promises it made to Nigerians The minority leader in the House of Representatives, Honourable Leo Ogor has said the Muhammadu Buhari administration has no clear cut economic policy. Ogor, who represents Isoko Federal Constituency in Delta state, made the comment on popular breakfast show, Sunrise Daily on Channels Television today, June 1. He said: "This government has no clear-cut economic policies. The primary responsibility of every government is the security and welfare of it's citizens. We voted this government because we expected them to do better than the previous administration. This government made so many promises and they have not been able to keep one. If a government has a programme which we think is laudable, it must be given some level of legal framework." PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Ogor also decried the high level of crime across the country especially as regards kidnapping, lamenting that Nigerians are no longer safe. Watch the video of the interview below: READ ALSO: Buhari's government is for criminals - Dino Melaye Meanwhile, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, has described Fayoses call for President Muhammadu Buharis resignation as misplaced. Speaking on Channels TV, the presidential media aide said the governors statement was borne out of desperation for publicity. Watch the Legit.ng TV vox pop where Nigerians choose who they would vote for between Buhari and Fayose. Source: Legit.ng I hate to raise the credibility issue at a time when that virtue already is under fire on so many fronts: When trust is eroding faster than polar ice caps as global warming wraps its fiery fingers around the planets throat When pitched political battles about the future of health care lob grenades of uncertainty into the lives of people whose existence already is fragile Into this mistrusting milieu enters grandson Patrick with his homemade birthday card for his mom, Melissa, twisting the truth to take the edge off of Father Times relentless march. Something you need to know about Patrick is that his artistic creativity shows so much promise that his name someday could be as revered as those of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh. Oh, perhaps thats the hyperbole of a proud grandfather who thinks his grandkids are better than other folks, as some (totally obnoxious grandparents) are wont to do. So Ill scratch van Gogh from the list partly because I didnt want to endanger the 8-year-old lads ear, and partly because the Dutchman would be the odd man out. Inserting Patrick among the portfolios of Michelangelo and da Vinci will keep the honors among Italian stallions. Kate and I recently visited Patrick, his three brothers Vincent, Jack and Luke, who complete my Four Horsemen and their aging parents in Gods Waiting Room of Florida. Much of the time, Patrick was churning out hand puppets with such intensity he was busier than an Everglades gator chomping its way through a Wisconsin chickencue. Patrick crafted them with such creative faces and ingenious touches for mouths, hair, eyes and puppeteer features that they conjured up comparisons with Jim Henson in my mind. But before I get too wrapped up in chronicling Patricks skills perhaps the prideful boasting of a PapaMike about a grandson whose middle name is Michael Ill return to the original topic of this post-truth world. Patricks card started off factually enough, saying Happy 47th birthday, followed a multicolored exclamation point. Then he veered into the realm of fake news, crossing out the 47th, with the explanation: wait let me fix that and replaced it with 27th. I would imagine that Melissa, who normally frowns on lies, smiled in this case, accepting the deception with a grin. Patricks ability to bend the truth into flattery shows a lot of potential that his boyish charm will evolve to the level of being a rather rakish raconteur. Melissas staunch opposition to lying is rivaled only by her reluctance to let anybody see her crying. Indeed, Ive seen her tear up only a few times and even then, she fought against them with the ferocity of a mama bear defending her cubs. (Cant WAIT to see the waterworks when my Four Horsemen hoof it into the world not to be mean, just to see her fight for self-control.) I wasnt there when Melissa opened the card, but I can imagine the streaming tears when she read Patricks other message on it: I have loved you ever since the first day I met you. How cool is that? Hell, Ive got to admit that I got a little choked up when I beheld that tender tiding so well crafted, so straight from the heart and with an element of truth that surpasses all human understanding. How is it possible for a boy to imagine that, as an infant, he loved Mom so completely, so innocently, from the moment he emerged? At the same time, how is it not possible for him to love his mother as she loves him? And how can you blame a little shaver for shaving a few years or decades from Moms age? Patricks path in life is even more impressive, considering the fact that a doctor had told Melissa during pregnancy that the infant had died in the womb and scheduled a dilation and curettage procedure. Melissas stubborn streak sprang to life when she got home, and she canceled the procedure luckily, as the doctors initial diagnosis was wrong. If she had not stood her ground Of course, the card had the obligatory family portrait, but I bet Melissa initially didnt even notice that through the tears. Leave it to Patrick, who was just declared the second grades Kid of Character for the year for being safe, respectful and responsible at his school, to pick the perfect time to cast responsibility to the winds and tell a little white lie. Legit.ng came across the touching testimony of a young man who had to reestablish his commitment to God after going through trying times. Are there times when you may have doubted the existence of a 'higher being' that created you or directs your life? This young man did, and finally found a reason to recommit himself after one of life's experiences caused him to make his way back to his creator. Francis Vincent Olowu took to Facebook to share how staying in a cell for about 14 days caused him to reexamine his life and finally learn how to give glory to God instead of attributing his life successes to his own hard work. Francis Vincent Olowu was a backslider before a stint in a police cell made him recommit to God Sharing his experience on Facebook, Francis wrote: "I was talking to a friend yesterday and he was like "I saw your post on Facebook and I understand people do get emotional when they are in trouble hence saying things... Hope it's real" Note: This is a long post but I will plead you read to the end. I made a post where I acknowledged God and lots of reactions came up so I think I should make some clarification to what you don't know yet. For my gist to make sense, I'll quickly want you to know that I was a Christian before I backslid into the world after taking the WORD-POISON and I have realized my mistakes not to you but to my God and found my step back to Him. Things were going well through God's blessing and I was taking all the glory such as "I made it, I just bought my car" instead of "God did it, I bought a new car". Who I be to take God's glory? READ ALSO: Catholic bishop missing, suicide note found in car Then the trials begin and instead of trusting in God, I was trusting in my strength, knowledge and friends to help out. Though I tried all my efforts and friends also did their best but without the key ingredient; GOD, in the hustle, I was just running after shadows and my friends best yielded no result. Then I was arrested for debt by Federal SARS to live with hardened criminals, the likes of kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualist, cultists just to mention few, tortured, starved for 15 days and I had to beg for garri to survive. This man Jerry Akinbila, was my cellmate and the first to show me mercy by giving me garri to drink and I will eat in tears everyday. Thanks for the love in there Sir Jerry. I was opportuned to be in a Cell where they preach and pray almost all the time and 3 days after being in the cell, the Man of God in the cell preached using the Prodigal Son. I have heard the story before but in that condition, I saw myself in the story. I had everything, my Father was so kind to bless me with whatever I wanted before I deviated and decided to start doing it on my own. I took my portion and was living well until it all finish. I had the opportunity of going back to Daddy (God) when things are going down, but no I was adamant. READ ALSO: Omega Power Ministries pastor builds house for best graduating student in his school (photos) But I thank God, he decided to chastise me because He loves me and I found myself in that situation, I cried bitterly after God revealed those things to me as we prayed that day. Asked for His forgiveness and found the peace I have lost for a very long time. The cell became a comfort zone and revelation center for me as I grew my love for God. Then he said "No one comes to me unless my Father draws him"... Father drew me and kept me in there to stand firm before coming out. To those saying" Did he mention God?", I wasn't an Atheist neither have I ever questioned the existence of God, the only things I do is tackle and argue the word of God which I've been fed with all my life by trying to disqualify its authenticity and purge it out of my heart. I was only against bible teaching then just because I wanted to run away from the truth I know. But they say lies can live for years, but TRUTH shall always prevail. So I am not just acknowledging God but also acknowledging Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and I am not ashamed of it. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App You can be whoever you want to be; atheist, moralist, agnostics, or whatsoever. Things might be going proper for you, you might try to buy yourself happiness and feel you are enjoying life than the so called Christians. You might even try as hard as you can to proof the Bible wrong, the thing is, the Word had been there before you were born, many people had tackled it from day one. They are gone and are never remembered as we all will die but the Word still lives and continues. There is no risk in believing, forget the threat of Hell first, stop trying to prove its existence. The world on its own is vanity, the happiness we find in it is vanity, your folly is vanity so is your wisdom. Your smartness will die with you so will your brilliance. What lives forever is your innermost peace of Good relationship with God. I have decided to follow Jesus... It's my choice and there is no turning back either in poverty or in riches. And I trust him to guide and grow my love for his Words day by day. Happy New Month." Nice one! Meanwhile, see this Biafra supporter who says he is God: Source: Legit.ng - Top dignitaries in Owerri West LGA have reportedly dissociated themselves from Uche Onyeagocha - The elders decided to disown Onyeagocha who is from the local government because of his alleged misunderstanding with Governor Okorocha Former lawmaker, Uche Onyeagocha, has reportedly been disowned by people from his local government due to an alleged fight with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state. According to a Facebook user, Jones Fcc Onwuasoanya, the people of Owerri West LGA, including top politicians, traditional rulers, business men and women, religious leaders and other opinion leaders in the LGA have approached Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to dissociate themselves from the 'noisemaking' Hon. Uche Onyeagocha. Okorocha at the meeting. Onwuasoanya claimed that the delegation which compromises all the stakeholders in the LGA and led by Lady Ugochi Nnanna Okoro stopped short of describing the former federal lawmaker as a prodigal son and wasted space in the Owerri West political leadership. READ ALSO: Buhari's government is for criminals - Dino Melaye Elders at the meeting. The elders reportedly claimed that Uche Onyeagocha is a political liability in the LGA, while describing his period in political offices as complete wastage to the people of the LGA. They informed the governor that Onyeagocha's presence in the governor's cabinet and political family was a serious disadvantage which has been finally corrected by the grace of God. Owerri elders allegedly disown one of their own, Uche Onyeagocha over 'fight' with Okorocha The delegation reportedly claimed that anyone from their LGA who opposes Okorocha's government is an enemy of their LGA, as Owerri West and indeed the entire Owerri zone has not had it better in all areas of governance. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app They praised the governor for defending the interest of Owerri zone and giving them a sense of belonging through massive infrastructural revolution, allowing the people access to all perks of democracy and improving the living standard of the ordinary people. They also assured the governor of their continued support and loyalty. Recall that Legit.ng reported that fight between Onyeagocha and Okorocha escalated after Onyeahocha , a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged that Okorocha was grooming Uche Nwosu, his son-in-law who also doubles as the Chief of Staff (CoS) to take over as governor in 2019. Onyeagocha, human rights lawyer, said that was the reason the governor established a movement named Ugwumba Movement and appointed Uche Nwosu to run it. Watch this video as Nigerians speak of the possibility of having a younger president: Source: Legit.ng - Fifteen officials have been confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) of INEC - Before their confirmation, all the nominees were cleared by the police, DSS and Code of Conduct Bureau - The remaining 12 nominees aree still undergo screening by the panel The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, June 1, confirmed the appointment of 15 officials as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Senator Suleiman Nazif, the chairman of the committee, while presenting the report, said all the nominees were cleared by the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services and the Code of Conduct Bureau. READ ALSO: Buhari's minister under fire for saying Nigeria cannot be restructured now He added that the remaining 12 nominees were still under screening by the panel. The Senate president, Bukola Saraki, complimented the work of the chairman and hopes the officials perform by improving the electoral process. Watch the video of Senate's plenary session today June 1. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Muhammadu Buhari sent names of 27 nominees to the Nigerian Senate to be approved as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). Saraki confirmed reception of the letter and read it out to his colleagues on the floor of the Upper House of legislature during plenary on Thursday, March 23. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app The letter was dated February 27, 2017 and was actually written by the acting president at the time Vice president Yemi Osinbajo. Legit.ng team hit the streets to ask Nigerians if they can list a few achievements of the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Below is what they had to say. Source: Legit.ng Hamburg Hills Farm will host this years Vernon County Dairy Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The farm, which is owned and operated by Tim and Lisa Servais, is located four miles northeast of Chaseburg. The parcel of land was owned by the Streigel family until 1971, when Tims parents, Jim and Gloria Servais, purchased the property. Jim and Gloria raised four children Tim, Jeff, Jennifer and Annemarie on the farm. After graduation, Tim stayed in the agriculture industry, first as a milk truck driver and later working full time with his father. In 1991, Jim and Tim formed a partnership that later became Hamburg Hills Farm. The herd, which started at 25 cows, was expanded to 120. After Tim and Lisa were married in 1994, they built a second home on the farm. Then, in 2004, Tim and Lisa purchased the farm from Jim and Gloria. After that they expanded the herd to 200 cows and five employees. Today, Tim and Lisa live and work on the property with their children, Zach, 19, Sabrina, 17 and Jackson, 14. Tim and Lisa converted their farm to certified organic in 2007, supplying milk to Organic Valley. Converting to organic was a bit of a learning curve, Tim, said, but Lisa said the change proved to be a good move for the cows and their family. Since 2007, Tim and Lisa have purchased adjoining land to expand their barns and milking parlors. They currently farm about 1,300 acres half owned and half rented and they milk about 365 cows and have 17 employees under the Hamburg Hills Farm umbrella. The Servaises said the most rewarding part about farming is after winter ends each year. Everything comes alive in the spring, and it rubs off on you when you are out in the middle of it, Lisa said. The least rewarding part? The long, hard winter days, when they plow snow for hours just so they can get their work done. Carrying the weight of all the layers of warm clothes really adds to the effort it takes to get everything done as well, Tim said. Tim and Lisa hope their children decide to come back to the farm after they finish their education, but they also know the importance of working off the farm to be sure that coming back to the family farm is right for them. Our three children have always loved the farm, which makes things easier all the way around. They understand that when you are working with animals, there are things that just have to be done and they also feel some of the same reward that we do on the farm, Lisa said. The family is eager to host Saturdays breakfast. This has been on Jims bucket list of things to do for quite a while, and we are very pleased to have been awarded the opportunity to host a terrific event like this, Lisa said. - Aisha Alhassan, minister of women affairs, has disclosed the federal government's agenda in educating the women nation wide - The government agenda is not only for the woman who has abandoned their schools to get married but every woman - Alhassan said that the education of female children is very important and because of that the leaders should encourage parents to send them to school Aisha Alhassan, minister of women affairs, has said federal government would establish special schools for women who dropped out to get married. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhassan on Thursday, June 1, appealed to religious and traditional leaders to continue supporting ongoing efforts to boost the enrolment of the girl-child into schools nationwide. ''All women that married at early age will have the opportunity to continue with their education from their husbands houses. Aisha Alhassan, minister of women affairs, has said federal government will establish special schools for women who dropped out to get married READ ALSO: Senate confirms President Buhari's 15 INEC REC commissioners, 12 others pending The schools will be in two categories so as to avoid problems emanating from the establishment of the schools. The first category is for those who started their schooling but due to one reason or the other dropped out. The other category is for the Adult Literacy classes that will be established in all local governments to assist women attain certain literacy level. In the Adult literacy schools, the women will also be empowered with skills training during their lessons. The women will be trained how to make soap, local soft drink, candle, pomade, cake, local hair dressing, tailoring and other small businesses. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The minister told newsmen on Thursday in Katsina.Alhassan appealed to religious and traditional leaders to continue supporting ongoing efforts to boost the enrolment of the girl-child into schools nationwide. The minister said that the education of female children was very important and because of that the leaders should encourage parents to send them to school. Legit.ng recalls that the federal government had said it would establish an Information Communication Technology (ICT) University in the first quarter of 2017. This was disclosed by the minister of communications, Adebayo Shittu on Monday, December 26 in Abuja. Watch this Legit.ng TV Video of a man saying snakes are always found within the school premises: Source: Legit.ng - The naval operatives used a General Purpose Machine Gun to attack a Police station in Calabar - Two policemen identified as Sergeant Odudu and Corporal Emmanuel Mbang were shot dead at close range Indications have emerged that Nigerian naval officers used a General Purpose Machine Gun to destroy a section of the Akim Police Barracks in Calabar, Cross River state capital, Punch reports. Legit.ng reported that an altercation between an unidentified naval rating and a police officer was the genesis of the trouble. The Naval officer was allegedly shot in the left shoulder by a policeman over a traffic offence. READ ALSO: BREAKING: Court strikes out Independence Day bombing charge against Charles Okah Legit.ng also reported that the situation brought about an attack on the Police station by some Naval officers. Wikipedia describes a general-purpose machine gun as "an air-cooled, belt-fed weapon with a quick change barrel that can be used in a variety of roles, from bipod- or tripod-mounted infantry support Punch reports that two policemen identified as Sergeant Odudu and Corporal Emmanuel Mbang were shot dead at close range while a third policeman simply identified as Ibiam was shot in the left eye. Samson Inok, an eye witness while reacting to the incident said some naval officers came out of a nearby gutter and shot the policemen who were trying to escape from the Police Station. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Inok said: The navy operatives came out from the gutter and started shooting at a very close range with their guns while a GPMP which was mounted some distance away was firing at the station. This is not an ordinary gun that they use for this kind of small clash. Those that shot the policemen came out from the gutter. They accessed the police station through the underground water drainage channel. The policemen that died were shot at a close range by naval personnel that emerged from the gutter. They were running out for safety thinking that the naval men were far away. Wikipedia describes a general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) as "an air-cooled, belt-fed weapon with a quick change barrel that can be used in a variety of roles, from bipod- or tripod-mounted infantry support, to deployment as a helicopter door gun, or a vehicle-mounted support weapon. Modern GPMGs fire full-power rifle cartridges such as the 7.6251mm NATO, 7.6254mmR, 7.554mm French, 7.555mm Swiss, 7.9257mm Mauser, etc." Recall that Legit.ng reported that three policemen were reportedly burnt to death, following a clash between the police and some officers of Nigerian navy in Calabar, Cross River state capital, on Tuesday. Wikipedia describes a general-purpose machine gun as "an air-cooled, belt-fed weapon with a quick change barrel that can be used in a variety of roles, from bipod- or tripod-mounted infantry support According to witnesses, the attack began shortly after 8.30 p.m., and was still underway as at 10.19 p.m. at Akim Divisional Headquarters. The police station is still burning as we speak, a horrified witness said. But when contacted, Naval spokesperson, Suleiman Dahun,claimed that he was not aware of the development as at 10.26 p.m. Below is a Legit.ng video in which Acting President Yemi Osinbajo delivers a speech on the Biafra war. Source: Legit.ng - About 44 migrants, including women and babies died while crossing to Libya - They died after their vehicle broke down in the desert of northern Niger - About six people survived when they walked to a remote village to get help Not less than 44 migrants, including women and babies died of thirst while on their way to Libya. Legit.ng gathered that local officials on Thursday, June 1, said the migrants died after their vehicle broke down in the desert of northern Niger. According to Lawal Taher, the department head for the Red Cross in the Bilma region six survivors walked to a remote village where they said those they were travelling with, mostly from Ghana and Nigeria died. READ ALSO: See the General Purpose Machine Gun Navy used to destroy Calabar police station Rhissa Feltou, the mayor of Agadez, a remote town on the edge of the Sahara that has become the smuggling capital of Africa, confirmed the death toll of 44. The Red Cross dispatched a team to the site to gather information on the circumstances. In a previous report by Legit.ng a ship crammed with almost 1,500 African migrants finally docked in Naples, Italy, on Sunday, May 28, after being blocked for two days due to tight security arrangements at the G7 summit. The migrants had been rescued in the Mediterranean sea aboard small and shaky vessels while trying to reach Europe. PAY ATTENTION: Get more videos on Legit.ng TV They included 207 women, 22 among them pregnant, and over 140 children of varying ages. Their sheer numbers meant they exceeded the ship's capacity of just 600 people. Watch this Legit.ng video below: Source: Legit.ng - Badoo cult group have allegedly butchered a family in Ikorodu - The cultists also killed a pregnant woman, removed and went away with her foetus in the process The dreaded Badoo cult group terrorising the people of Ikorodu in Lagos state has struck again. The group according to reports have murdered a family of five including a pregnant woman at Itamaga behind radio in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state. READ ALSO: See the General Purpose Machine Gun Navy used to destroy Calabar police station Reports also have it that the attack came on the early morning of May 28th. The cult members also allegedly killed the pregnant woman, opened up her womb and went away with her foetus. One of the family members, an SS3 student, a survivor of the attack is said to be battling for her life at a specialist hospital (names withheld). The cult members also allegedly killed the pregnant woman, opened up her womb and went away with her fetus According to the Nation, the assailants used mortar and pestle to smash their victims heads. The group have been terrorising Ikorodu for quite some time now. In a strong condemnation of the killings, Rasheed Fatuga, coordinator, Ikorodu Ambassadors, urged the government to address the issues of Badoo urgently. He said: How long will this continue, what is their mission and purpose? Why kill families? What for? What gain? So sad! A kitchen mortar is a device used to prepare ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding them. It is shocking and sad to see that Badoo gang hasnt been neutralised. What happens in a community where constituted authorities cannot provide security of lives and properties? What is the function of the Ikorodu Police Divisions when they cannot give us peace of mind? What is the essence of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad patrolling Ikorodu 24/7 looking for only Yahoo-Boys up and down? And where are the Ikorodu Youths, that are supposed to take the Badoo issue as their priority, talk about it on social media every time, forward the news to the Lagos State Governments platforms, stand up against these negligible acts? They are nowhere to be found. Instead, they are busy carrying posters of politicians on their heads, politicians/leaders that are responsible for all this suffering in the first place. Kudos to the Vigilante Group of Ikorodu, they have been awesome, but they cannot do it all. They dont have the resources. We need to re-orientate and equip them. We use this opportunity to call on our community, religious and political leaders to neutralise this ugly situation as soon as possible. Also we are calling on Ikorodu indigenes/ambassadors all over the world, muslim community, christian associations, traditional worshippers, market men, women and all mothers in Ikorodu to stand up now. Remember, POSTERITY is watching you all, he said. Legit.ng recalls that the residents of Ibeshe, a community in Ikorodu, are in serious fear and great panic after a serial 'ghost' killer popularly known as Badoo wiped out an entire family on Tuesday, April 11. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app Legit.ng also recalled that the incident which happened at about 1.00pm in the community was perpetrated by Badoo who stoned a man, his wife and their son to death inside their own house. The activities of this serial killer had been an item in the community before now as he reportedly defiled underage children as well as young newlyweds. Elsewhere in Lagos, family members of the woman killed by stray bullet are still morning their departed mother. Watch the video by Legit.ng: Source: Legit.ng CAMBRIA A Wisconsin corn mill that exploded late Wednesday night was reprimanded by federal safety inspectors six years ago for not taking precautions against dust explosions, a major hazard in handling grain, records show. Firefighters also had responded to a fire at the facility two days before the blast, although it's too soon to know whether the two incidents are related. The explosion at the Didion Milling Plant in Cambria, about 45 miles northeast of Madison, leveled much of the sprawling facility and left two workers dead and a third still missing Thursday night. Nearly a dozen other employees were taken to area hospitals, some with very severe injuries. Authorities had not released any of the workers' names. The cause of the blast remained unknown late Thursday, Cambria Fire Chief Cody Doucette said. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators were on the scene. Sixteen employees were working when the blast was reported around 11 p.m. Wednesday, Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards said. The plant processes corn for ethanol and other uses. Five people were taken by helicopter to UW Hospital in Madison where four were in the hospital's burn center, while the fifth was in the trauma and life-support center, hospital spokeswoman Emily Kumlien said. She declined to disclose any of the patients' conditions. Divine Savior Hospital in nearby Portage received six people hurt in the blast. Four were treated and released, but one was transferred to the burn unit at UW Hospital and another person was admitted to Divine Savior's intensive care unit, hospital spokeswoman Haley Gilman said. Explosion levels a corn mill and rocks a community in Cambria As the wrecked Didion facility smoldered through Thursday, many Cambria residents were taking stock of how closely they were connected to the tragedy. Emails sent to several company officials Thursday and a voicemail left for Vice President of Sales Jeff Dillon weren't returned. A note posted on the company's website said the company would be closed until further notice. In a statement Thursday, Didion Vice President of Operations Derrick Clark asked for the community's prayers, saying the company is a tight-knit family. The fire was contained by early Thursday and there were no evacuations in the area, Cambria Village President Glen Williams said, although schools in the Cambria-Friesland district closed Thursday because of the incident. Past violations The company faced fines from OSHA in 2011 for failing to install equipment to protect workers from dust that can ignite and explode. An OSHA inspection report said Didion didn't keep its corn processing facility "free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employees were exposed to the hazards associated with dust explosion, deflagration or other fire hazards." Six filters set up to collect dust in the facility weren't equipped with explosion protective systems and conveyor equipment wasn't properly bonded to ducts that are used to control particulate matter, inspectors said then. Records show Didion paid a $3,465 fine and the case was closed in September 2013. OSHA hasn't cited the plant for anything since, records show. The records also show that in 2011 OSHA informally settled without fines several citations alleging Didion didn't provide adequate respiratory protection for employees. The company also faced sanctions for environmental violations. In 2010 Didion agreed to pay the state $1.05 million to settle state Department of Justice lawsuits alleging the company violated air and water pollution regulations dozens of times over the previous decade. The air violations related to inadequate measures to prevent dust from escaping the plant and polluting the air outside. The water violations concerned pollution from Didion's nearby ethanol operation. Despite Didion's history of environmental violations, the state helped the company win $5.6 million in stimulus funding to expand its milling and ethanol facilities, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism has reported. Grain storage and processing can be hazardous. While one of the biggest risks involves workers being engulfed in grain silos, grain dust is the main source of explosions in processing and storage operations, according to OSHA. The dust can burn or explode if enough becomes airborne or accumulates on surfaces. Overheated machine bearings, motors, misaligned conveyor belts, welding and cutting are typical ignition sources. A small explosion can shake loose caked dust, creating dust clouds that ignite in a much larger secondary blast. In the last 35 years, over 500 grain dust explosions have been recorded at grain handling facilities in the U.S., killing more than 180 people and injuring more than 675, according to OSHA. Site of earlier fire On Monday, two days before the blast, firefighters from four area departments responded to a fire in a dryer system at the plant, Doucette said. Firefighters were on the scene for more than four hours, he said. The fire occurred in a "different section" of the plant, Doucette said, adding it's too early to know whether it might be related to Wednesday's explosion. "That's for investigators to determine," he said. Didion employs about 225 people in facilities in Jefferson, Columbia and Green Lake counties. Construction of the Cambria milling facility, for the manufacture of "value-added" products such as corn grits, cornmeal and corn flours, was completed in 1991. Volunteers, emergency crews and others worked tirelessly to respond to the crisis, some refusing to leave until everyone could be accounted for, Doucette said. "We train for the worst. This is the worst of anything I could imagine," Doucette said. "When you pull up to a scene like that that's something you never hope to see." Company officials were cooperating fully with the investigation, Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards said. "Didion, the Didion family, the staff from Didion have been upfront, extremely helpful," he said. The Red Cross was assisting family members and others affected by the tragedy, including providing licensed mental health professionals, at the First Presbyterian Church, where a prayer vigil was held Thursday evening. A fund for the victims and their family has also been established at National Exchange Bank in Cambria. Commencement will go on as scheduled at the nearby Cambria-Friesland High School at 7 p.m. Friday after emergency crews declared the area sufficiently stable. But the ceremony will be unusual in one key respect, Superintendent Tim Raymond said: Attendees will be invited to contribute money or non-perishable food for those affected by the blast. State Rep. Keith Ripp, R-Lodi, whose 42nd Assembly District includes Cambria, thanked emergency responders for their quick response to the tragedy. "This small rural village is bonded together by their strong local community, and any loss or injury to a neighbor will impact the entire area," Ripp said in a statement. Associated Press reporter Todd Richmond, State Journal reporter Steven Verburg and Capital Newspapers reporter Lyn Jerde contributed to this report. United States European Union 7 other developed countries 28 countries, including Britain Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland 8 billion metric tons CO2 4 U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 1850 2014 All other countries China India 8 billion metric tons CO2 Including Russia, U.S.S.R., Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and more than 100 others 4 U.S. U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 1850 2014 Developed economies Other countries United States European Union 7 other developed countries 28 countries, including Britain Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland 8 billion metric tons CO2 4 U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 1850 2014 All other countries China India 8 billion metric tons CO2 Including Russia, U.S.S.R., Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and more than 100 others 4 U.S. U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 1850 2014 Developed economies Other countries United States China 8 billion metric tons CO2 4 U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 India European Union 28 countries, including Britain U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 All other countries 7 other developed countries Including Russia, U.S.S.R., Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and more than 100 others Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 Developed economies Other countries Developed economies Other countries United States China 8 billion metric tons CO2 4 U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 India European Union 28 countries, including Britain U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 All other countries 7 other developed countries Including Russia, U.S.S.R., Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and more than 100 others Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 Developed economies Other countries United States China 8 billion metric tons CO2 4 billion U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 India European Union U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 All other countries 7 other developed countries U.S. U.S. 1850 2014 1850 2014 Including Russia, U.S.S.R., Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and more than 100 others Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland The United States, with its love of big cars, big houses and blasting air-conditioners, has contributed more than any other country to the atmospheric carbon dioxide that is scorching the planet. In cumulative terms, we certainly own this problem more than anybody else does, said David G. Victor, a longtime scholar of climate politics at the University of California, San Diego. Many argue that this obligates the United States to take ambitious action to slow global warming. But on Thursday, President Trump announced the United States would withdraw from a 195-nation agreement on climate change reached in Paris in 2015. The decision to walk away from the accord is a momentous setback, in practical and political terms, for the effort to address climate change. An American exit could prompt other countries to withdraw from the pact or rethink their emissions pledges, making it much harder to achieve the agreements already difficult goal of limiting global warming to a manageable level. It means the United States the country with the largest, most dynamic economy is giving up a leadership role when it comes to finding solutions for climate change. It is immoral, said Mohamed Adow, who grew up herding livestock in Kenya and now works in London as a leader on climate issues for Christian Aid, a relief and development group. The countries that have done the least to cause the problem are suffering first and worst. 30 billion metric tons 25 OCO2 emitted worldwide Between 1850-2014 Rest of world 20 India China 15 Russia Other developed 10 European Union Developed economies 5 Other countries United States 1850 1900 2000 1950 30 billion metric tons 25 CO2 emitted worldwide Between 1850-2014 Rest of world 20 India China 15 Russia Other developed 10 European Union 5 Developed economies Other countries United States 1850 1900 2000 1950 30 billion metric tons CO2 emitted worldwide Between 1850-2014 25 India Rest of world 20 China 15 Russia Other developed 10 European Union Developed economies 5 Other countries United States 1850 1900 1950 2000 CO2 emitted worldwide Between 1850-2014 30 billion metric tons 20 Rest of world China Russia 10 European Union United States 1850 2014 Developed economies Other countries CO2 emitted worldwide Between 1850-2014 30 billion metric tons 20 Rest of world China Russia 10 E.U. United States 1850 2014 Developed economies Other countries 30 billion metric tons 25 CO2 emitted worldwide Between 1850-2014 Rest of world 20 India China 15 Russia Other developed 10 European Union 5 Developed economies Other countries United States 1850 1900 1950 2000 Some backers of the agreement argued that the large American role in causing climate change creates an outsize responsibility to help fight it, including an obligation to send billions of dollars abroad to help people in poorer countries. The Obama administration pledged $3 billion to an international fund meant to aid the hardest-hit countries. Only $1 billion of that had been transferred to the fund by the time President Trump took office on Jan. 20. On Thursday, he pledged to walk away from the balance of the commitment, though Congress may have the last word. Mr. Trump argued that meeting the terms of the Paris accord would strangle the American economy and lead to major job losses. Many in the manufacturing and fossil fuel industries lobbied for the United States to leave the pact, but corporate opinion has been deeply split. Leaving the Paris deal was a central Trump campaign pledge. While the United States is historically responsible for more emissions than any other country, it is no longer the worlds largest single emitter of greenhouse gases. China surpassed the United States a decade ago, and its emissions today are about double the American figure. Some of Chinas emissions are from the production of goods for the United States and other rich countries. But the United States has been burning coal, oil and natural gas far longer, and today the country, with just over 4 percent of the worlds population, is responsible for almost a third of the excess carbon dioxide that is heating the planet. China is responsible for less than a sixth. The 28 countries of the European Union, taken as a group, come in just behind the United States in historical emissions. China has four times as many people as the United States, so the Chinese still burn far less fossil fuel on average than Americans less than half as much, in fact. The typical American also burns roughly twice as much as the average person in Europe or in Japan, and 10 times as much as the average person in India. Per person carbon emissions in 2014 16.2 metric tons CO2 United States 15.1 Canada 11.9 Russia 9.6 Japan 8.9 Germany 7.5 China 6.5 Britain 4.7 France 3.8 Mexico 2.6 Brazil 1.7 India 16.2 metric tons CO2 United States 15.1 Canada 11.9 Russia 9.6 Japan 8.9 Germany 7.5 China 6.5 Britain 4.7 France 3.8 Mexico 2.6 Brazil 1.7 India The Trump administration made clear months ago that it would abandon the emissions targets set by President Barack Obama, walk away from pledges of money to help poor countries battle global warming, and seek to cut research budgets aimed at finding solutions to climate change. Experts say the climate crisis has become so acute that every country has to pitch in to help solve it, with no room for emissions in developing countries to reach the high levels that have been typical of rich countries. One of the political breakthroughs that led to the Paris agreement was that nearly all the nations of the world came to grips with that reality and agreed to do what they could to help solve the problem. The agreement recognized that the poorest countries could not afford to do much on their own, which is why they were promised extensive financial and technical help. Energy experts say that poorer countries may be able to develop their economies without depending entirely on fossil fuels, with new technologies like renewable power and electric cars plunging in cost and opening the possibility of a widespread cleanup of the worlds energy system. Nobody really wants barrels of oil or tons of coal, said John D. Sterman, a professor of management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a founder of a think tank called Climate Interactive. They need a warm, dry, safe place to live, and access to healthy food, and lighting when its dark. If it turns out that those goods can really be provided with clean energy, that may be the economic opportunity of the 21st century and increasingly, countries like China and India seem to see things that way. Recent analyses by Climate Action Tracker, an alliance of European think tanks, suggest that both countries are on track to beat the targets they set in the Paris agreement, even as the United States backs away. The New York Times asked Climate Interactive to calculate when Americans would have run out of fossil fuel if the nations population had somehow, at the beginning of the industrial era, been allocated a share equal to those of the rest of the worlds people. The calculation was premised on limiting emissions enough to meet international climate goals. Saturday 4) 9 A.M. The Garden of England Its hard to imagine a more pleasurable food emporium than the Goods Shed, an 1830s-era former railway depot now home to a restaurant, farmers market and a food hall thats filled to the rafters with fiercely locavore, reasonably priced delights. Stuff your reusable shopping bag with delectable Kentish treats from Murrays General Store. Then sit by the arched windows and enjoy a build your own English breakfast as the trains roll by. 5) 10 A.M. World Heritage In addition to Canterbury Cathedral, Canterburys Unesco designation covers two other remarkable (and less-visited) venues. St. Augustines Abbey was founded in the late sixth century by St. Augustine (not the more famous of-Hippo one), whom the pope had sent to re-Christianize southern England. Slow-walk through the atmospheric ruins, then march uphill to the tiny St. Martins Church. As you catch your breath in the peaceful churchyard, ponder this: St. Martins is widely considered to be the oldest still-in-use church in the English-speaking world. The grounds of St. Augustines Abbey. Credit Andy Haslam for The New York Times 6) Noon; When in Canterbury Learn all about Durovernum Cantiacorum (Roman-era Canterbury) and yes! try on a toga at the pint-size Canterbury Roman Museum. Then head to Pret a Manger, the popular British chain, for a freshly made sandwich and a far older delight. There is a hidden cellar here, and the masonry walls, according to Marion Green, an education officer at the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, are evidence of a substantial Roman building that could be a high status townhouse. Staff members will take you on a tour if theyre not busy. Fire up your smartphones flashlight function and watch your head. 7) 1 P.M. The Shoppers Tale In an ancient city, three of the finest shops call out to the past. Sir hes a baronet Robert Sherston-Baker, owner of the Chaucer Bookshop, has mixed feelings about his secondhand-book stores all-but-inevitable name. Its rather a bore, he said, and anyway we never seem to have enough Chaucer. Ask instead about his 16th-century Bibles (costing thousands of pounds) and old Canterbury maps. Next up is Vinylstore Jr, a vinyl records store opened last year by Nick Pygott, a devoted fan of the band Dinosaur Jr., whose previous, seemingly only-in-England job was as commercial manager of a castle. Then head to the vintage clothing shop Revivals, opened in 1988 by Debbie Barwick, a former horse racing commentator who is now an eagle-eyed acquirer of estates, collections and theater wardrobe departments. Thanks to Downton Abbey, the regular pilgrimages of in-the-know Londoners and a Canterbury student population hungry for the latest in old things, Ms. Barwicks lovely shop has never been busier, even if everything here comes with a gentle caveat: People then were a lot smaller than what they are now. Even the men. The Marlowe Theater, a first-rate regional stage. Credit Andy Haslam for The New York Times 8) 3 P.M. The Stone Ages I first saw Canterbury Cathedral from the air, as a student pilot on a flight high above Kent in 2002. The architectural majesty of the worldwide Anglican Communions mother church remains as pleasing a landmark as any Ive seen, one thats maintained by 24 masons, some of whom may never work anywhere else (its no surprise that Canterbury has a Freemasonry museum). You could spend a day exploring the cathedrals peaceful, collegelike Precincts, or grounds; while inside the quiet enormity of the cathedral, take a guided tour to make the most of your visit. Leave time to attend Choral Evensong, which David Flood, the cathedral organist and master of the choristers, describes as the central event of the day for both the Cathedral community and all its many guests thats you. 9) 7 P.M. Youve Arrived A reservation at the Michelin-starred Sportsman in Seasalter, an aptly named coastal village about 10 miles from Canterbury, requires French Laundry levels of dedication. Weekend tables may book up eight months in advance. Yet when I pulled in late last winter, the place was so unassuming that I asked my taxi driver to wait while I confirmed the address. Inside, too, its an ordinary English seaside haunt nautically themed paintings, a dartboard while the ever-changing menu is simply glorious. We started with Whitstable oysters (2.95 each) and slip soles (small Dover soles) in smoked salt butter (10.95; the salt is from the nearby beach), then veered inland for the pork belly with crackling (19.95). Instead of wine, the chatty guy behind the bar the co-owner, Philip Harris, I later realized suggested a Master Brew (3.60) by Shepherd Neame, a Kentish brewery said to be Britains oldest. This is what we all grew up on, he said with a full-bellied laugh. And look what it did to us. real patriots think (Image by Paul Glover) Details DMCA Yet we should respect those who fought for their country. And we should also respect those who thought for their country. As Major General Smedley Butler, winner of two Congressional Medals of Honor, wrote : "War is a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses." The first defense of the nation is defense against war. Since World War II the United States has fought wars not of defense but of empire, for oil and raw materials. President Eisenhower said as the United States became involved in Vietnam: "Now let us assume that we lose Indochina. The Malayan peninsula... would be scarcely defensible--and tin and tungsten that we so greatly value from that area would cease coming" (8/4/1953). This is unpopular to repeat, since millions of American families now depend on war for employment and respect. President James Madison wrote of standing armies: "Throughout all Europe, the armies kept up under the pretext of defending, have enslaved the people" (6/29/1787). President Jefferson said, "The Greeks and Romans had no standing armies, yet they defended themselves. [They] took care to put into the hands of their rulers no such engine of oppression as a standing army" (9/10/1814). President George Washington himself warned that "A large standing Army in time of Peace hath ever been considered dangerous to the liberties of a Country..." (5/2/1783). Today the Pentagon and weapons makers need wars to justify jobs. Thus the Pentagon does not conquer enemies; it creates enemies. As President Eisenhower said before leaving office, "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed" (4/16/1953). Therefore, for the past 40 years, I've supported the troops by helping expand an American economy that enables people to raise families by living for America rather than dying. I've started organizations that help make America greater and safer through energy efficiency, urban agriculture, community currencies, regional health systems, co-op businesses, green cities. Such efforts make it likelier that the children of today's soldiers will not become soldiers, that their children will not kill other children, and that other countries will admire America rather than fear us. Newspapers once again filled with ads on Memorial Day thanking soldiers for "defending our freedom." Even the president claimed American troops "died in war so we could live in peace." This pernicious myth endures despite being sadly outdated. Like the leaches used by medieval doctors, we are told we are bleeding for our own good. Closer scrutiny reveals the high cost in lives, resources, and false hopes for peace. Arlington National Cemetary (Image by m01229) Details DMCA The last good war to defend our freedom was WWII, the one against Germany that the U.S. entered reluctantly because so many Americans admired Nazis. Only after Japan's attack did the U.S. join in the war. The Korean War was fought to contain communism, then we turned the country over to a dictator. Vietnam sacrificed tens of thousands of American boys to preserve capitalist free markets, supported by their dictators. Only WWII was fought against another country that attacked the U.S. The U.S. does not intervene or invade countries in our own defense or to protect our freedom. The U.S. more often intervenes in other country's internal conflicts to install repressive dictatorships, such as Sukarno in Indonesia, the Shah in Iran, Gemayel in Lebanon, Armas in Guatemala, Rhee in South Korea, Kasavubu in the Congo, Shishakli in Syria, and Pinochet in Chile. In none of these cases was freedom in the U.S. threatened. These wars were fought for U.S. economic and political interests, and in some cases, we helped remove freely elected officials. The U. S. has the second largest standing army in the world, almost two-thirds as large as China's with four times the population. It spends $600 billion a year on the military, while China spends $216 billion, and the second most powerful military in the world, Russia, spends $85 billion. The U.S. Navy has 10 aircraft carriers, more than the rest of the world combined, 3,700 aircraft, and 288 battle force ships. China is second with fewer than half the U.S. forces. The U.S. Air Force is the most technologically advanced in the world with 5,638 aircraft, and 450 ICBMs. Russia is second with 3,000 bombers and 4,500 fighters. Our country is not threatened by foreign militaries. Additionally, the U.S. maintains 800 military bases in 80 countries, while Britain, France, and Russia have a mere 30 bases combined. Our model is not the democracy of classic Athens but that of the Roman Empire, updated to control economies rather to occupy. Today U.S. military forces are fighting active wars in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan. The U.S. Special Operations Command is involved in 134 major counterterrorism operations. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, such operations involve military, diplomatic, and informational and/or economic objectives employing military capabilities. This hardly protects freedom at home. War has become a major product of America. It consumes more than half the yearly budget and expenses keep rising. Wars generate profit for investors and protect the economic interests of giant American corporations. In Afghanistan, war is a major expense that goes to pay these corporations. While claiming to be protecting peace, the mere presence of U.S. military provokes opposition. In support of these fabrications, U.S. economic interests must sell patriotism and nationalism to the American people to justify the expense of maintaining an outsized military. With the ruling Republican party devotes itself to the freedom of a few individuals to make as much money as possible, the military budget is the main way for the government to provide jobs, and a multiplier effect to increase national economic well-being. Unfortunately, business interests are not willing to pay taxes to take care of the damaged soldiers who return home. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates almost 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Psychological surveys find that almost 300,000 veterans, or 11 to 20 of every 100, have PTSD. Vietnam was particularly bad for veterans. While some 58,000 died in Vietnam, a VA memo reported 300,000 deaths of veterans between 1965 and 1981. More conservative estimates show that 70,000 and 100,000 vets died from suicide, agent orange and related illness. In 2016, a VA study found 20 veterans a day committing suicide in the U.S. Many troubled veterans are cast adrift after military service. In the past, citizens volunteered for military service, and the draft was only for national emergencies. Because so many people protested the Vietnam war, the military became an all-volunteer force, with inductees given incentives of up to $40,000 to enlist and collect salaries. Military training involves breaking down the individual to become part of a unit and indoctrinated with military propaganda to promote loyalty and unquestioned obedience. The U.S. now has a mercenary army, much like that of Rome. The U.S., with the world's most powerful military, a huge military investment, control by self-serving business interests, American leaders desperately promote the patriotic myth of "defending our freedom." In fact, our army is little more than an enforcement arm of U.S. business interests. It is outrageous that Carrier is planning on laying off hundreds of workers right before Christmas, after receiving a $7 million tax break courtesy of Donald Trump and Mike Pence. During the campaign, Donald Trump made a 100 percent commitment to prevent United Technologies from shipping 2,100 jobs from Indiana to Mexico. All of us need to hold Mr. Trump accountable to make sure that he keeps this promise. It is not good enough to save some of these jobs. We cannot rest until United Technologies signs a firm contract to keep all of these good-paying jobs in Indiana without slashing the salaries or benefits workers have earned. Let's be clear: This company which is owned by United Technologies is not going broke. It makes billions in profits and receives billions more in defense contracts from the Pentagon. In 2014, United Technologies gave its former CEO (Louis Chenevert) a golden parachute worth over $172 million. If Donald Trump was really serious about saving these jobs, he would make it clear to the CEO of United Technologies that if his firm wants to receive another defense contract from the taxpayers of this country, it must not lay off these workers. We need to send a very loud and very clear message to corporate America: the era of outsourcing is over. Instead of offshoring jobs, the time has come for you to start bringing good-paying jobs back to the United States of America. Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Kall's well-researched book integrates knowledge from philosophy to economics and ecology. He shows us how, all over the world and across many fields of endeavor, we humans are organizing new and rewarding ways of acting for the common good. His book is both idealistic and realistic and gives us a vision of what we all most need -- hope for the future" Mary Pipher, psychologist, and #1 New York Times best-selling author of Reviving Ophelia and Writing to Change the World Trump promised to negotiate the widely loathed trade deal, which would be great -- except he's giving corporations even more power to offshore jobs. Like rose blossoms, a politician's promises can be beautiful when they burst into full, glorious bloom -- only to fade over time and, petal by petal, fall away. Take Donald Trump's glorious pledge last year to renegotiate the NAFTA trade deal and provide a "much better" deal for working families who lost manufacturing jobs as a result of it. Beautiful! This particular blossom is what convinced many hard-hit former factory workers to vote Trump into the White House. But the bloom is now off Trump's rosy promise, and it looks like working families will get nothing but thorns from him. A recently leaked copy of Trump's NAFTA plan reveals that, far from scrapping the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, White House negotiators are goosing it up with even more power for multinational corporations. P1010972 (Image by BorderExplorer) Details DMCA In particular, it includes new "investor incentives" to offshore thousands more of our middle-class jobs. Where did this come from? Right out of last year's discredited and defeated Trans-Pacific Partnership, a scam intended to enthrone corporate supremacy over our own laws. Indeed, the 500 corporate executives and lobbyists who essentially wrote that raw TPP deal have quietly been huddling with Trump's team to draft the plan for this "new" NAFTA, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen reports. What about those working people Trump promised to help? They're locked out, not even allowed to watch the negotiations, much less have a say in them. The same goes for consumers, environmentalists, and farmers. Even members of Congress are being left in the dark, allowed no voice in shaping the deal. But I'm guessing that the six Goldman Sachs executives Trump brought in to run our economic policy do have a say, along with his daughter and son-in-law who oversee both our government and the extended Trump family's global business empire. It's the same old NAFTA story: Corporate powers are at the table -- and you and I are on the menu. Franklin Lamb Amidst the rubble of Aleppo As this observer meanders through the ruins of war-torn Aleppo these days, he develops a feeling that somehow he ought to be wearing a hospital gown with gloves so as not to contaminate crushed ancient artifacts as he tries to avoid stepping on them. One feels obliged to avoid contaminating a cultural heritage crime scene. It requires a few hours for a fascinating walking tour and briefing of the most damaged 2nd millennium BC ancient city of Aleppo that has sustained more than four years of intense bombardment and jihadist destruction, in order to acquire a sense of what's left and how much of the old city might possibly be significantly restored. Walking through the rubble of Aleppo's ancient Souks. Photo: Maher Jalloum. (Image by Franklin P. Lamb) Details DMCA One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo has long been the urban, commercial and cultural center of northwestern Syria. Its role as a commercial hub and a trade center and Silk Road route reached its peak during the 16th-18th centuries AD. Given the recent cessation of hostilities in this area, one can now climb up to the Aleppo citadel which rises at least 50 yards above the surrounding area and dates at least to the 10th century BC or earlier as my escort explains. The Aleppo Citadel has changed hands during the war with damage to the remains of Hittite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ayyubid period buildings. Much of the heaviest damage observed in Aleppo is concentrated in the area immediately south of the citadel. This area contains government buildings, such as the Ministry of Justice headquarters, a police headquarters, and the Grand Serail of Aleppo, which was the main government building in the city under the French Mandate. Other historic structures that were damaged and destroyed include the Hammam Yalbougha an-Nasry (late 15th century), the Khusruwiye Mosque (mid-16th century), and the Carlton Citadel Hotel (19th century). By 14 July 2014, the Carlton Citadel Hotel and several adjacent structures had been completely destroyed, while the Khusriwiye Mosque, the Ministry of Justice building, and the police headquarters had been heavily damaged. Between 14 July 2014 and 10 August 2014, the Khusriwiye Mosque was almost completely destroyed, leaving a crater 40m in diameter where the building formerly stood. Similarly, a second 40m crater eliminated the east wing of the Grand Serail. The dome of the public bathhouse was also destroyed. View of the destroyed Carlton Hotel opposite Aleppo's Citadel. Photo: Maher Jalloum, May 2017. (Image by Franklin P. Lamb) Details DMCA Director of the World Heritage Sites department at the DGAM, Lina Qtaifan has commented that photos provided by the local community document that at least 130 properties around Damascus Citadel have sustained damage ranging from partial to full with the southern area opposite the Citadel's gate being the most damaged, including the al-Sultaniya Mosque, Carlton Hotel, al-Shouna Inn, and al-Jdaideh area, which is an old antique district located next to the Old City in Aleppo. Ms. Qtaifan reports that the damage caused to the area around the Citadel is due to recurring terrorist attacks, particularly by digging tunnels and detonating explosives inside them around the citadel and that there are great concerns over the entirety of the Old City, which is listed as being endangered among World Heritage sites. Meanwhile DGAM regularly forwards reports to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), among others, documenting the damages to cultural heritage sites in Aleppo. Between 7/19/2012, until 12/20/2016, Aleppo has been at the frontline of the continuing conflict during which government and opposition forces have continued to clash in and around the city. Today, destruction is visible throughout the site. Debris is blown across the area and blocks of structures have been reduced to rubble. Many are large and built with durable materials, such as stone, brick, and mud brick adobe, suggesting intense bombing caused their obliteration. The destroyed structures include historic mosques and madrassas, government buildings, and civilian structures. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from robertreich.org Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump arrived in London on horseback for Paddy Power, London, UK, 13th March 2017(satire image) (Image by TaylorHerring) Details DMCA Say you're Vladimir Putin, and you did a deal with Trump last year. I'm not suggesting there was any such deal, mind you. But if you are Putin and you did do a deal, what did Trump agree to do? 1. Repudiate NATO. NATO is the biggest thorn in your side -- the alliance that both humiliates you and stymies your ambitions in the Baltics and elsewhere. Trump almost delivered on this last week by pointedly not reaffirming Article 5, which states that an attack on one NATO ally is an attack on all. 2. Antagonize Europe, especially Angela Merkel. She's the strongest leader in the West other than Trump, and you'd love to drive a wedge between the U.S. and Germany. Your larger goal is for Europe to no longer depend on the United States, so you can increase Russia's influence in Europe. Trump has almost delivered one on this, too. Now Merkel even says Europe can no longer depend on America. 3. Reject the Paris accord on the environment. This will anger America's other allies around the world and produce a wave of anti-Americanism -- all to your advantage. Nothing would satisfy you more than isolating the United States. Seems like Trump is about to deliver on this one, too. 4. Embarks on a new era of protectionism. Or at least anti-trade rhetoric. This will threaten the West's economic interdependence, and loosen America's economic grip on the rest of the world. Trump is on the way to delivering on this one. 5. End the economic sanctions on Russia imposed after the annexation of Crimea and Russian backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine. No delivery on this as yet, but you understand why. Trump has got to cope with all the suspicion in the U.S. over the deal he made with you to win him the presidency. Once that dies down, he'll end the sanctions. (In the meantime, he'll hand back to you two diplomatic compounds that were taken by the U.S. in late December as punishment for Moscow's interference in the 2016 presidential election.) And what did you agree to do, Vlad? Not only help him win the presidency, but also shut up about it so he wouldn't be impeached and then convicted of treason. In other words -- if you did do a deal -- Trump is still in the process of delivering on his side of it, as are you. That's the art of the deal. Pakistan is reconsidering its position on the so-called 41-nation Islamic military alliance, led by Saudi Arabia, to avoid straining its relationship with neighboring Iran, according to Pakistan media reports. The military alliance was to be commanded by General Raheel Sharif, the former commander-in-chief of Pakistan army who retired from the Pak army last year. Its decision comes after statements by Saudi authorities at the Arab Islamic-US summit in Riyadh on 20-21 May suggested that the military alliance was meant primarily to counter Iran, the media report said, adding that the Riyadh summit focused on isolating Iran -- which was kept out of the summit. The officials argued that the Pakistan government in-principle agreed to be a part of the initiative if its sole purpose was to fight terrorism. It was believed that the government had joined the alliance when in April it allowed General Sharif to leave Pakistan to lead the alliance. But the officials said a final decision will be made once the terms of reference (ToRs) of the alliance are finalized. The ToRs would be finalized during a meeting of the defense ministers of the participating countries in Saudi Arabia soon. Pakistan, according to the officials, would recommend that the military alliance should have a clear objective, that is to fight terrorism. Any deviation from this goal, they added, will not only undermine the alliance but lead to more divisions in the Muslim world. "We are very clear that we will join this alliance only to fight terrorism," the officials emphasized. Defense minister Khawaja Asif on the floor of the National Assembly has said that Pakistan would withdraw from the alliance if it turns out to be sectarian in nature. Pakistani lawmakers have said that they do not want their country to be part of any sectarian alliance as it also goes against the country's constitution. Pakistan's two main opposition parties -- Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan People's Party -- have been calling for maintaining "neutrality" in the Arab-Iran rivalry. But given the longstanding strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is unlikely to completely withdraw from the alliance. Iran has expressed its reservations regarding the appointment of the former army chief, retired Gen Raheel Sharif, as head of the Saudi-led 41-nation so-called Islamic military alliance, saying it is not 'satisfied' with the coalition. Iran expresses concern "We are concerned about this issue... that it may impact the unity of Islamic countries," Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Mehdi Honardoost, was quoted as saying. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency quoted Honardoost as saying that Pakistan had contacted Iranian officials before issuing the no-objection certificate (NOC) to Gen Sharif to lead the Saudi alliance. "But that does not indicate that Iran is satisfied with this decision or it has accepted the same," the envoy said. The ambassador proposed that all important Islamic countries come together to form a "coalition of peace" in order to resolve their issues "rather [than] forming a controversial military alliance". A controversial appointment The appointment of General Sharif as the leader of the military alliance sparked debate over how the move will impact Pakistan's foreign policy, and whether it was fully sanctioned by parliament. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. [Note for TomDispatch Readers: John Feffer's wide-ranging and unsettling look at Asia's future (and ours) should be a reminder that you need to get your hands on his remarkable new dystopian novel, Splinterlands. In this Dispatch Book, a "geo-paleontologist" named Julian West looks back from the year 2050 on a world shattered by the unexpected rise of nationalism and the devastation of climate change. Of it, Mike Davis has written: "John Feffer is our twenty-first-century Jack London and, like the latter's Iron Heel , Splinterlands is a vivid, suspenseful warning about the ultimate incompatibility of capitalism and human survival." When you buy the book, you'll not only get a great, if chilling, read, but also give a bit of much appreciated extra support to this website. Or, if you're in a truly generous mood, for a $100 donation ($125 if you live outside the USA), you can still get a signed, personalized copy of Splinterlands from the author. Check out our donation page for the details. Tom] In case you hadn't noticed, as in the Middle East and Europe, we're in a new Trumpian age in Asia. If you want to confirm that, check out the recently leaked transcript of an April 29th phone conversation between the American and Philippine presidents (published in full at the Intercept). Donald Trump launches the call with a bonding gesture, comparing his own sleepless habits to those of Rodrigo Duterte. ("You're just like me. You are not a person who goes to bed at all. I know that, right?") He then implicitly makes another comparison between the two of them, congratulating the Philippine president on his anti-drug program in which he has loosed police and paramilitaries to kill at will, resulting in more than 7,000 extrajudicial executions across his country. "I just wanted to congratulate you," says Trump, "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." You can feel, I think, his yearning for the powers of an autocrat in that statement, as well as his long-term obsession with the war on drugs. When Duterte responds by decrying drugs as the "scourge of my nation," Trump, in his typical fashion, takes a backhanded whack at his predecessor. ("I... fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that...") Only then, in full tough-guy mode, does he move on to scourges of his own, bringing up the North Koreans and bragging -- while leaking what was undoubtedly classified information -- that the U.S. has two nuclear subs cruising somewhere off the Korean coast: "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 [North Korean leader Kim Jong-un] could be crazy so we will see what happens." In other words, the American president is boasting about being ready for nothing less than nuclear war in Asia, even as he tries to get Duterte to call Chinese President Xi Jinping to put further pressure on Kim. All in all, it was quite a performance and yet consider it but a toe in the water when it comes to what used to be proudly labeled an "American lake." (As a Tin Pan Alley song title of the World War II era put it, "To Be Specific, It's Our Pacific.") If you want to take the full plunge into the cold waters of that ocean and of our Asian future -- and believe me, it's not what you imagine -- then follow TomDispatch regular John Feffer, author of the dystopian novel Splinterlands, into an era that may be anything but bright for the United States, China, or other Asian lands. Tom Goodbye Pacific Pivot, Hello Pacific Retreat Who Will Take America's Place in Asia? By John Feffer Asia has been the future for more than a generation. When Americans try to glimpse what's to come, images of the Pacific Rim flood the imagination. For movie audiences in 1982, the rain-soaked Los Angeles of Blade Runner looked like downtown Tokyo. By 2014, the City of Angels in the Spike Jonze film Her had more of a Shanghai vibe. This upcoming October, with the release of Blade Runner 2049, Los Angeles will likely resemble Seoul. Off-screen as well, Asia has been almost as good as a time machine. When I was coming of age, it was the place to go for anyone hankering for the next big thing. After college, a number of my classmates traveled to Japan to strike gold teaching English. Today, recent grads are more likely to visit the big cities of South Korea and China, or head further south to Singapore and Malaysia. They all come back, as I did in 2001 after three years in Asia, with stories of the future: bullet trains, otherworldly urban landscapes, the latest electronic gizmos. So, it's not surprising that when foreign policy elites think about what will replace a U.S. superpower in relative decline -- speculation that has grown more feverish in the Trump era -- they, too, look East. But no longer to Japan, which is passe', or South Korea, which has also perhaps peaked. Instead, they tremble before China, which has already surpassed the United States in gross economic output, while steadily enhancing its military capabilities. It seems like the only country remotely capable of challenging the United States as the world's sole superpower. The anxiety of declining U.S. influence became so intense during the Obama years that the notion of a Group of Two (G2) gained considerable currency: if we can't beat 'em, went the thinking at the time, then maybe we should join 'em. However seriously intended such a proposal to co-rule the world with China might have been, the Obama administration never followed up beyond agreements on climate change and bilateral investment. Ambitious and impatient, Beijing decided to strike out on its own. It has unveiled a twenty-first-century, industrial-strength version of the post-World War II Marshall Plan with which the U.S. once put a devastated Europe back on its feet. China's vision, however, focuses on the building up of all the countries on its periphery and some even further afield, as it tries to draw the whole Eurasian continent into its sphere of influence. Although it's expected to provide an estimated $1 trillion to more than 60 countries, this "One Belt, One Road" plan is anything but a charity mission. It will direct a major influx of resources to Chinese construction companies, bring minerals and energy to Chinese factories, and promise a better potential return on investment than U.S. treasury bonds. Some infrastructure projects will also allay security concerns, like the energy pipelines to be built through Myanmar that will bypass the watery bottleneck of the Malacca Straits where a determined adversary could potentially shut off 80% of Beijing's oil imports. The victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 elections has only deepened anxiety over China's ascendance among Washington's policymakers and pundits. During his campaign, Trump frightened both the neocons and more conventional militarists with his talk of avoiding military entanglements overseas. As president, he has pledged to boost military spending but seems to have no idea of how to use all the Pentagon's new toys other than to bomb the stuffing out of the militants of the Islamic State. Nor does Trump care a whit about the soft power the United States has traditionally used to cultivate international support. For instance, Washington had long promoted international financial institutions and free trade agreements, but Trump has railed against the "false song of globalism." China, meanwhile, is positioning itself to become the new overlord of global capitalism, even going so far as to set up a parallel international financial system to realize its vision. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which began operations in January 2016 without the support of the United States or the European Union, will function like the World Bank in providing financing for China's various building projects abroad. Whereas Beijing controls less than 5% of the votes at the World Bank, it commands 28% of the shares in the AIIB. Although still a small operation compared to China's commercial banks, it will be quite capable of scaling up if the opportunity arises. The contrast between Beijing and Washington has become even sharper around climate change. Trump's denial of global warming -- he once labeled it a Chinese "hoax" -- has whetted the Beijing leadership's appetite for global influence. As one of its top climate change negotiators said shortly after Trump won the November election, "China's influence and voice are likely to increase in global climate governance, which will then spill over into other areas of global governance and increase China's global standing, power, and leadership." All of this is part of a larger trend of power flowing from West to East. In 2010, North America and Western Europe were responsible for 40% of the global gross national product. By 2050, that share, the Economist Intelligence Unit estimates, will fall to 21%, with Asia's share rising to a commanding 48.1%. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). I have always believed that using animals in experimentation is not only cruel but useless and unnecessary. In this day and age, I had hoped we had progressed beyond this barbarity, but it is obvious that we haven't. Recently I received an e-mail from Justin Goodman of the White Coat Waste Project. His org recently exposed the Stokes Veteran Center in Cleveland as one of only four V.A. facilities in the country to use tax dollars on painful and deadly experiments on dogs. I am not at all proud of this stat. In fact I find it reprehensible. They asked us to contact Senator Sherrod Brown to bring his voice in committee to reject this cruel funding. I believe the Senator is compassionate and will do what he can in this regard. Then today, on All Creatures, I was reminded of the bus ride in 1983 when Greater Clevelanders and others throughout the land came to protest the cruelty being perpetrated on innocent primates at the four primary centers in the U.S. Even celebrities came to lend their voices of protest to this cruelty. Sadly, to my knowledge - these terrible places of animal suffering still exist. At least I know that the University of Wisconsin-Madison does, and they even have a building named for Harry Harlow who was arguably one of the most sadistic and brutal vivisectors who ever lived. Britt Lund of PRISM People for Reason and Science wrote a review of Rick Bogle's book, "We All Operate the Same Way." In his book, Bogle exposes not only the barbarity practiced at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but he helps us to "understand the complete lack of scientific credibility, empathy, humanity, and legitimacy that defines the vivisector mindset." Lund also mentions something of which I was completely unaware of and that is that his group is working to close down the Eunice Shriver Baby Primate Lab at the University of Washington. I had previously only associated her with great regard and the Special Olympics. Sadly, this new information disappoints hugely and, worse, allies her with a cause that promotes the experiments of Harry Harlow and his cohort Harry Waisman. Understandably, Bobby and Maria Shriver protested that their mother knew nothing of what she helped to fund. However, this supposition was completely debunked in Bogle's book where he writes that both Shrivers were involved in pushing for more experimentation with tangible results. Obviously, the Shrivers should have done more to investigate where they were putting their money. Just how hard would it have been to find out that the primate experimentations of Harlow or Waisman had nothing to do with human babies? Despite their supposed ignorance, Eunice's institute continues to fund the same kind of experiments at the Eunice Shriver Baby Primate lab at the University of Washington. Obviously, Maria and Bobby Shriver either don't care or approve of this primate cruelty. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from ourfuture.org The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed what was already apparent: The revised House Republican health-care bill will still deprive millions of Americans -- 23 million in the CBO estimate -- of health insurance. Senate Republicans are devising their plan in secret, because it too will likely deprive millions of health coverage. During the campaign, Donald Trump pledged, "I am not going to cut Medicaid"; now Trumpcare and his budget would slash it by 45 percent. In contrast with Republican horrors, Obamacare has grown in popularity, but premiums are rising as insurance companies consolidate monopolies in various states and Trump works to sabotage it. Surely, now is the time for progressives to wage a fierce campaign for Medicare for All. Americans are more than ready. A January poll by the Pew Research Center found that 60 percent of Americans surveyed agree that the government should be responsible for ensuring health care for all, with support at its highest levels in a decade. An April Economist/YouGov poll found 60 percent of Americans favored "expanding Medicare to provide health insurance for every American." Support was consistent across lines of race, age, and income. Fifty-eight percent of self-identified independents and 60 percent of moderates were in favor. Forty-six percent of Republicans and 43 percent of self-described conservatives signed on as well. The popularity of expanding Medicare is surprising, given how little support it has received from the political class. In 2016, Bernie Sanders stumped for it, but Hillary Clinton dismissed it out of hand, arguing it "will never, ever come to pass." Democratic leaders in the House and Senate want Democrats to defend Obamacare, not talk about Medicare for All. Even the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which has championed single-payer health care, decided not to include it in its 2017 budget. Churchill is erroneously quoted as saying that "Americans will always do the right thing, only after they have tried everything else." On health care, we've pretty much exhausted "everything else." ACA still leaves over 20 million without health insurance, and leaves Americans to the tender mercies of entrenched insurance and drug companies. The House Republican bill would leave 51 million Americans without health insurance by 2026. It "saves money" largely by depriving people of health insurance or leaving them with inadequate plans that don't cover preexisting conditions. With Trump's draconian budget, Republicans would put about half of the 70 million who receive Medicaid at risk, despite that fact that a vast majority of Americans and over 40 percent of Republican voters say that Medicaid expansion is important to them or their family. Republicans are likely to pay a big price politically in 2018 if they actually try to defend depriving millions of working and poor people of health insurance while using the savings to finance obscene tax cuts for the rich. Now, with the Republican debacle as backdrop, support for fundamental reform has picked up. Democratic state legislators in California are on the verge of passing a state single-payer plan, although Governor Brown remains skeptical. In January, Representative John Conyers (D-MI) reintroduced a single-payer bill that would create a publicly financed universal health-care system funded by a payroll-tax increase, tax hikes on the rich, and a financial-transactions tax. Conyers now has 104 cosponsors, with the backing of unions and progressive groups. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Earlier this week, a video that perfectly encapsulated the hypocrisy of American foreign policy made the rounds on the internet. Watch as Stuart Jones, a high-level acting official in the State Dept, is asked why they criticize Iranian elections but never Saudi Arabia: pic.twitter.com/RLkKGn48Z7 Alex Emmons (@AlexanderEmmons) May 30, 2017 Yowza, that's not a good look. This is about as disastrous an answer as you can come up with. Walking away would have been a better answer. Curling into the fetal position and crying would have been better. Screaming STRAIGHT CASH HOMIE! then throwing the microphone at the journalist who asked the question would have been superior. Quite literally anything other than that response would have been a better option, since his silence told the whole story. But don't blame Stuart Jones for this excruciating clip, point the finger at the last half century of American foreign policy. How the hell are you supposed to diplomatically answer that question and still have it make sense? Saudi Arabia and Iran are the chief exporters of terrorism across the globe, and our official position is that one of those governments is bad and the other is good. Wahhabism is an archaic form of Islam that interprets the Koran literally, and this is the religion that the Saudi ruling family enforces. Another term for it is Salafism, and it is mostly used when discussing terrorist groups like al-Qaeda or ISIS. Simply put, two of the greatest threats to mankind were borne from the same ideology that our friends enforce. We sell arms to the Saudi ruling family, and then they turn around and funnel cash and weapons to insurgent groups that destabilize the region. Iran does this too, as the two nations are fighting proxy wars across the middle east, yet somehow Iran is the only bad actor here. It's pretty obvious how a big part of Iran's aversion to the United States is our hypocritical and unadulterated support for their enemy. Well, that and the fact that the CIA admitted they were behind the 1953 Iranian Coup that eventually lead to today's brutal regime. 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 were Saudis. Osama bin-Laden was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. This isn't difficult to wrap your head around. Their government relies on the United States to remain a regional hegemon through oil and arms sales, but the logical conclusion of the ideology espoused by the Saudi royal family leads to the destruction of the United States, as Ted Galen Carpenter wrote a couple months after 9/11: Saudi Arabia enlisted in the fight against terrorism only in response to intense pressure from the United States following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Even then, its cooperation has been minimal and grudging. For example, Riyadh has resisted Washington's requests to use its bases in Saudi Arabia for military operations against Osama bin Laden's terrorist facilities in Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia harbored, trained, and dispatched terrorists to murder Americans, and then dragged their feet in aiding our mission to hunt down the perpetrators behind the worst attack on American soil since World War II. And these guys are supposed to be our friends? Our relationship with the Saudi royal family is the perfect demonstration of how central oil and arms sales are to American foreign policy. What makes this relationship extra insane is the fact that we are not as reliant on Saudi Arabian oil as our actions make it seem. We import over three times as much oil from Canada as we do from Saudi Arabia. Mexico and Venezuela are almost as important as the Saudis to our oil trade. American oil production now stands at or near the highest levels in decades according to William O'Keefe, former COO of the American Petroleum Institute. All indications are that the United States could withstand a decline in the oil imports that underpin our relationship with the Saudis, yet this option doesn't even seem to be on the table. While Saudi Arabia has the second largest oil reserves on the planet, Iran isn't far behindcoming in at fourth place. If oil is the lone reason for maintaining our relationship with a toxic partner in the Saudis, why wouldn't we be able to trade with Iran? They also fund terrorist groups that attack western targets. But this is far too much logic for our State Department to handle on this issue, as demonstrated by their hilariously incomplete Annual Report on Assistance Related to International Terrorism. Two years prior to the 9/11 attacks, the Saudi Kingdom's Grand Muftiwho is appointed by the Kingwrote in his book: [t]he attack of the Christian crusaders is today at its most intenseThe Muslim whose mind has not been corrupted cannot bear to see the infidels wielding authority[t]herefore such a Muslim strives [to] his utmost to expel and distance themeven if he has to sacrifice his own life, or his most cherished possession for this cause. The official Saudi government textbook states that Muslims must show the infidels rudeness and violence, and wage Jihad in the way of Allah without fear of the Infidels and hypocrites, or terror of their arms and numbers. Yet in the state department's Annual Report on International Terrorism, Saudi Arabia isn't even mentioned, while Iran gets its own section. If a political science 101 student submitted this report by the State Department as their own, they would fail. America's position on Saudi Arabia is so hypocritical that it likely creates more terrorists than it destroys. By saying that one terrorist sympathizer is bad while another is good, all while expressing completely uncritical support of Israel's apartheid-style governance of Palestinians, the United States practically writes the recruitment catalogs for ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, etc. In response to a terrorist attack that was orchestrated by a man raised in Saudi Arabia and carried out primarily by Saudi Arabians, we invaded Afghanistan to overthrow the Taliban who were harboring bin-Laden and his cohorts, and take a wild guess as to who funds the Taliban. Leaked State Department cables show that Hillary Clinton was very aware that our friends are really our enemies, writing: More needs to be done since Saudi Arabia remains a critical financial support base for al-Qaida, the Taliban, LeT and other terrorist groups. Donors in Saudi Arabia constitute the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide. To recap: in 2009, the Secretary of State said that Saudi Arabia is the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups, yet in 2016, the State Department released a report on financial assistance to terrorism that did not include Saudi Arabia. I'd fall over laughing if I wasn't boiling with rage right now. So let's bring this back full circle to our friend Stuart Jones, and watch this poor man defend the indefensible again. Watch as Stuart Jones, a high-level acting official in the State Dept, is asked why they criticize Iranian elections but never Saudi Arabia: pic.twitter.com/RLkKGn48Z7 Alex Emmons (@AlexanderEmmons) May 30, 2017 Knowing what he knows, how could you reasonably espouse this gargantuan level of hypocrisy? Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. The latest addition to the Juliana lineup is the Strega, a burly bike with 170mm of travel and a namesake that translates to "witch" in Italian. While witch may be an odd choice of name given the fact that this is a women's bike, the story behind the name sheds light on how the Strega came to be. To find out more about the bike, the idea behind the Strega and the relationship between Santa Cruz and its sister brand, Juliana, we were invited out to Sospel, France, before heading to Trioria in Italy for three days of riding what Santa Cruz and Juliana are calling their most niche bike to date. Juliana Strega Details Wheel size: 27.5'' Travel: 170mm front and rear 64.5 or 65-degree head angle Full carbon frame and swingarm Low standover height CC and C carbon frame options Sizes: XS, S, M MSRP: From $4,499 - $9,399 USD Available: June 15 www.julianabicycles.com Intended use: shuttling, park days, gnar Wheel size: 27.5'' Travel: 170mm front and rear 64.5 or 65-degree head angle Full carbon frame and swingarm Low standover height CC and C carbon frame options Sizes: XS, S, M MSRP: From $4,499 - $9,399 USD Available: June 15 The Strega Geometry and Suspension Santa Cruz bikes has always been about doing niche things, you only have to look at the model line to see how many nichey bikes we have that overlap each other and so we thought, 'Well you cant get any more niche than doing 170mm, unless we went full V10,' and so this is about as niche as it gets, I mean this is the longest travel trail bike that is attempting to target a womens audience specifically and, honestly, we like the idea of just sticking a stick in the ant's nest so people will be saying, Why are they doing that, how many of those things do they think theyre going to sell, who are they targeting? but it was a hell of a lot of fun doing it and a hell of a lot of fun working on the marketing campaign and we think it will appeal to a certain amount of people and its not a business driver, its really about an exploration in marketing and trying to open up Santa Cruz bicycles to more people. Will Ockelton, Global Marketing Director, Santa Cruz Riding the Strega The 170mm Strega is the longest travel bike Juliana has ever offered, with 20mm more travel than the Roubion, the women's specific version of the Santa Cruz Bronson. Its suspension design borrows elements from Santa Cruz's V10 downhill bike, with the metric rear shock sitting low in the frame. The RockShock Super Deluxe shock has been custom tuned for lighter riders, and each frame size gets an appropriately sized dropper - 100mm on the extra-small, 125mm on the small, and 150mm on the medium. The frame also features a bolt-on shuttle guard and downtube protector with the added bonus of a shock fender to keep your frame and shock protected against the mud and the inevitable abuse it will face on the trail. Certain models of the Strega will also come equipped with Santa Cruz's own Reserve carbon wheelset developed in-house and offered with a lifetime warranty. Juliana's women's specific grips and saddle are found across the line, and every model comes with a short stem and wide bars that can be trimmed to suit a rider's preferred dimensions.There's no denying that the Strega is the Nomad but branded for women, neither Santa Cruz nor Juliana are trying to shy from that fact, but there's more to it than just a different paint job. Juliana know that the Strega won't be for all women, but it's women's specific in the fact that it's marketed and branded for women; you can't market the same thing to different people and expect them to get it. Rest assured if the Strega is your thing you won't be burned at the stake or dipped in a river if you take a liking to it.The name 'Strega' originates in Triora, a small medieval town in Italy with a gruesome history. While riding there during the bikes development process the Santa Cruz / Juliana team began to uncover the history of the witch trials that took place. Also known as the town of the witches, Triora was alleged to be one of the last places in Europe to perform witch trials, and over a period of several years following a time of famine, witchcraft was blamed as the source of the misfortune the people suffered, and the trials began. The women were tortured and burned, suffering all sorts of horrors at the hands of the Inquisition; they were seen as outcasts of society, different from the masses. This is where the idea for the name 'Strega' comes from, but rather than being condemned, Juliana felt that being different should be celebrated, and the theme of the witches stuck.The Strega's head angle can easily be adjusted from a slack 65-degrees to an even slacker 64.5-degrees by changing the orientation of the small flip chip in the lower link. In terms of the suggested rider height for different models, Juliana have sized their XS as being for riders at 4'8" to 5'1" the S for riders between 5'0" to 5'5" and the M at 5'5" to 5'8".All models of the Strega will come with either a RockShox Super Deluxe R or RockShox Super Deluxe RCT and with either the Rockshox Yari RC, RockShox Lyric RC or RockShox Lyric RCT3. With seven models available in the lineup there's a wide range of components packages, with prices starting at $4,499 USD and going up to $9,399. In keeping with the witch theme, all of the bikes come in 'Wicked,' a matte green color.At 5'9" I rode a medium bike equipped with a RockShox Super Deluxe RCT and a 170mm Lyrik RCT3, along with SRAM Code RSC brakes, a 12-speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain and Santa Cruz's own Reserve 30 carbon wheelset. The Strega looks like a short-travel downhill bike, and at times it certainly felt like it; it was planted even over the rockiest terrain, giving me confidence often only allowed to me when I'm riding my downhill bike. Over the course of three days, we rode a range of tracks from natural, fresh-cut singletrack to wild, steep switchbacks and plenty of technical terrain in between with some man-made stuff thrown in for good measure. There was little time to test the full capability of the bike on the climbs, though we managed to get the odd section in. Although this bike is more than able, for me it felt much longer and slacker than what I'm used to, but it was still easy enough to climb.This bike really comes into its own on the downs, and at times it almost felt that I had to fight to slow it down so that I was riding it, not being taken for a ride; it just wants to go once you point it at the descents. Dropping into the steeper stuff I found that even when I was leaning quite far over the rear I didn't feel as if I was anywhere near the tire, and I was able to get behind the bike and center my weight to maneuver around some super tight switchbacks. A mixture of riding blind and being pushed on by the confidence the Strega gave me got me down what was quite possibly one of the wildest trails I've ever ridden, plunging straight down the side of a mountain into what felt like 40 switchbacks. It wasn't fast, it wasn't exactly stylish, but combined with the powerful brakes and low standover, the Strega and I got down in one piece, and I had the biggest grin on my face.The Strega was great fun, and after three days of riding, I had a good feel for what it was capable of and what trails it performed best on, though as always, more time to form a more rounded opinion wouldn't hurt. It really is a niche bike suited to certain riding; it's not going to be the best choice for long climbs, it won't perform to its full potential on everything, but if you're willing to work for it (or have the benefit or an uplift or a chairlift), it's hard to beat its performance on the descents. A traffic stop in Asan on Tuesday resulted in the discovery of more than $27,000 worth of crystal meth and $175,000 cash. Police officers conducted a traffic stop and identified the operator of the vehicle as 40-year-old Benjie Bio Bustillo. A search of the vehicle resulted in police finding 30 grams of meth hidden under the bed liner of the vehicle and $5,500 in cash in Bastillo's possession, according to police. Court documents indicate police obtained a search warrant and raided Bustillo's Agat home resulting in the seizure of another 24 grams ounces of meth, 20 grams of marijuana and $170,000 in cash. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Mandana Task Force Guam Police Department spokeswoman Capt. Kim Santos said the department's Mandana Task Force was responsible for the search warrant. Bustillo was arrested and charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 11:22:01 Paris, 1st June 2017 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, held yesterday its 'Atos Quantum' Scientific Council meeting. 'Atos Quantum' is the first industry program in Europe to develop quantum computing solutions that offer unprecedented computing power, while anticipating future cybersecurity challenges. Held at Les Clayes-sous-Bois in the Paris region - at Atos' global R&D headquarters dedicated to supercomputing - the members of the Scientific Council reviewed the first achievements of the program since its launch in November 2016. A world-renowned Scientific Council The 'Atos Quantum' Scientific Council is made of universally recognized quantum physicists and mathematicians: Alain Aspect, professor at the Institut d'Optique Graduate School and Ecole Polytechnique, Universite Paris-Saclay; David DiVincenzo, Alexander von Humboldt Professor, Director of the Institute for Quantum Information at RWTH Aachen University, Director of the Institute for Theoretical Nanoelectronics at the Juelich Research Center; Artur Ekert, Professor of Quantum Physics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford; Lee Kong Chian Centennial Professor and Director, Centre of Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore; Daniel Esteve, Research Director, CEA Saclay, head of Quantronics; Serge Haroche, Professor at University of Lyon Claude Bernard, Head of the Henri Poincare Institute CNRS/UPMC, Fields Medal laureate. Save the date for the Atos Technology Days on 4th July The members of the 'Atos Quantum' Scientific Council reviewed with satisfaction the first major developments presented by Atos, which will be revealed on 4th July in Brussels (Belgium) during the 'Atos Technology Days'. At the end of the 'Atos Quantum' Scientific Council meeting, Thierry Breton, Chairman and CEO at Atos, said: "The changes that quantum physics will lead to in the IT space will have significant effects over the coming decades, both in terms of computing power and cybersecurity. As an industry leader in Europe, Atos is committed today to lay the foundations for the IT of the future, providing researchers worldwide with solutions enabling them to take advantage of the innovative opportunities provided by quantum computing. We are proud of the work done by our research teams, who are supported by a world-renowned Scientific Council, which enables us to fully play our part in what is likely to be a major evolution in our industry." Over the coming years quantum computing will be able to respond to the data explosion caused by Big Data and the Internet of Things. With breakthrough targeted computing acceleration capacities, it will also help foster new advances in deep learning, algorithmics and artificial intelligence. To continue developments in these areas, Atos will also set up several partnerships with universities and research centers across the globe. *** 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. Press contacts: Terence Zakka | terence.zakka@atos.net | +33 1 73 26 40 76 | @Mr_Zakka Sylvie Raybaud | sylvie.raybaud@atos.net | +33 6 95 91 96 71 - @Sylvie_Raybaud This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: ATOS via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 15:00:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 389 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Copper Creek Gold Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Copper Creek Gold Corp. (TSX Venture:CPV). has issued a press release with the following headline:Corporate UpdateTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Copper Creek Gold 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/Copper Creek Gold Corp.Source: Copper Creek Gold Corp. (TSX Venture: CPV, ISIN: CA21665V2021, WKN: A1JVJS)Date: June 01, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Copper Creek Gold 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: 2017-06-01 20:08:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 400 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Flexible Solutions International Inc--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Victoria, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Flexible Solutions International Inc (NYSE MKT:FSI). has issued a press release with the following headline:FSI Announces Full Results of San Diego WaterSavrTM TrialTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Flexible Solutions International Inc, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Flexible Solutions International IncSource: Flexible Solutions International Inc (NYSE MKT: FSI, FWB: FXT, ISIN: US33938T1043, WKN: 541522)Date: June 01, 2017Time: 2:07 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Flexible Solutions International Inc and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 09:49:02 Prefaced by Mr A Shokin, President, Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs International SOS and Enhesa Launch White Paper on Investing & Operating in Russia: How to Mitigate Occupational Health Risks and Achieve Regulatory Compliance International SOS Suzanne Withers Group Head of PR t +44 (0)20 8762 8494 / m +44 (0)7825 425 500 suzanne.withers@internationalsos.com International and regional organisations operating in Russia face a number of unique challenges when trying to comply with the regions health and safety regulations. The legal framework is complex and combines acts dating back to the USSR with modern legislation from various federal and regional agencies, offices, administrations and other government authorities. A lack of clear understanding of the requirements and non-compliance can lead to serious violations, accidents, legal action, financial penalties and reputational damage. To help organisations gain insight into the risks, International SOS, the worlds leading medical and travel risk management company, has partnered with Enhesa, a global environmental, health and safety consultancy, providing EHS regulatory compliance assurance support to industries worldwide, to produce the new White Paper: Investing and Operating in Russia. How to Mitigate Occupational Health Risks and Meet Regulatory Compliance. Evgeniy Lubalin, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, comments, Organisations have both a moral and legal responsibility to provide a Duty of Care to their employees anywhere they do business and recognising and understanding regional Occupation Health standards and requirements is the first step to achieving compliance. While some of Russias regulations in regards to Duty of Care, are similar to many countries, there are several that are not standard for the EU, US and other countries. For instance, there is a requirement to provide employees in certain environments with milk during every shift, regardless of shift length. Also, every employee under the age of 18 must undergo a mandatory medical examination regardless of the type of work and working conditions. In partnering with Enhesa, our White Paper provides valuable insight to this essential area of knowledge for organisations operating in Russia. Tjeerd Hendel-Blackford, Head of Thought Leadership at Enhesa, comments, Compliance is key to the successful foundation of any business. Russia has a complex legal framework and failure to adhere to regulations can be detrimental and costly. Identifying and implementing models to ensure compliance and best practice are crucial. It results in a high standard of safety for the workforce as well as protection for an organisation from disruption due to workforce injuries, and potential legal action. The White Paper addresses the most complex and contradictory legal requirements pertaining to occupational health and safety, harm prevention, current common law practices and provides guidance on the problems employees face in this field. It outlines the potential occupational hazards, the requirements for medical examinations and employers responsibilities to its worker. It also includes four case studies with examples of legal cases focusing on workplace accident and psychological damage. Lastly, it contains a best practice example of social responsibility focusing on high quality workplaces, including state-of-the-art production processes and high standards of safety and protection. To read the full paper click here. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706010056 MARKETINGbuks, LLC and Blackwrist Interactive, LLC Join Forces to Increase Consumer Awareness of CENNIX and TrackJAR MARKETINGbuks helps businesses grow and make a creative impact in todays marketing landscape. PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 21:26:03 Press Information MARKETINGbuks, LLC 11237 Piper Peak Lane Dave Halabuk Managing Partner / CEO 7027732089 email http://www.marketingbuks.com # 410 Words 11237 Piper Peak LaneManaging Partner / CEO7027732089 Las Vegas, Nevada June 1, 2017 MARKETINGbuks, a Las Vegas-based Marketing Agency providing marketing communication services to small and medium-sized businesses; today announced they have entered into a marketing services agreement with Blackwrist Interactive. MARKETINGbuks will lead the communications strategies intended to increase consumer awareness, and sales of CENNIX Compliance and Audit Automation and TrackJAR Employee Interaction Management software. Creative communications and advertising, including digital and social media initiatives, will jump start the process.CENNIX ( www.cennix.com) is a new tool for Casino Operators that manages the compliance requirements imposed by Gaming Regulators. CENNIX is a cloud-based solution that streamlines the implementation process and enables distribution, compilation, and management of multi-department communications. It also tracks out-of-date responses to Minimum Internal Controls (MIC) and allows clients to create custom controls that can be managed separately from gaming controls, adding tremendous value for organizations who have compliance needs through the enterprise.TrackJAR is an Employee Interaction Management System consisting of a comprehensive set of tools that help manage the relationship between employees and your company. Since TrackJAR was built from the ground up, it is cloud-ready and self-hosting. Key features include compendium management, recruiting site, training management, certification and licensing capabilities, badging, points/disciplinary functions, application communications, employee portal and much more."I am thrilled to be working with Robert and appreciate his confidence in my ability to create the well-deserved awareness of the innovative software products developed by Blackwrist Interactive, said Dave Halabuk, Managing Partner of MARKETINGbuks, LLC.Robert Willis, Blackwrist Interactive, LLC President stated, "Developing products that businesses can use to increase efficiency and accuracy through automation is our specialty. I am excited to be working with Dave Halabuk and his team at MARKETINGbuks to have their understanding of the casino and hospitality industry and their marketing capabilities take us to the next level." About Blackwrist Interactive, LLCBlackwrist Interactive is a software development company that specializes in the casino and hospitality industries. For more information, visit the company's website at www.blackwrist.com About MARKETINGbuks, LLCBased in Las Vegas, Nevada, MARKETINGbuks helps businesses grow and make a creative impact in todays marketing landscape through brand strategy, innovative ideas, efficient communication and digital marketing. Simply put, we manage the complex tasks of planning, strategy, creating and implementing an effective marketing solution for our clients. For more information, visit www.marketingbuks.com or contact Dave Halabuk, the Managing Partner at MARKETINGbuks at Dave.Halabuk@marketingbuks.com or 702.773.2089. PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 14:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 383 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for 92 Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, BC (FSCWire) - 92 Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:NTY). has issued a press release with the following headline:92 Resources Corp. Updates Metallurgical Program for the Hidden Lake Lithium ProjectTo 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 92 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/92 Resources Corp.Source: 92 Resources Corp. (TSX Venture: NTY)Date: June 01, 2017Time: 8:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of 92 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: 2017-06-01 14:03:01 SMITHFIELD, Va., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Pini Group's packaged meats companies in Poland. These companies will be operated by Animex Foods, one of the largest food producers in Poland and part of Smithfield Poland, which is owned by Smithfield Foods. The acquisition includes Pini Polska, a meat processing and packaging plant; Hamburger Pini, a case ready meat plant; and Royal Chicken, an investment project currently in development. "This acquisition aligns with Smithfield's strategic growth plans by strengthening our vertically-integrated supply chain in Poland and increasing our production of high-quality packaged meats products. It also capitalizes on existing opportunities for us to expand in areas with very attractive market dynamics and to develop scale over time," said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. "This is a win-win for Smithfield, as well as Poland's agricultural industry. This move will help the Polish meat industry become more competitive across European and international markets." Smithfield Poland will now employ nearly 9,240 people, including approximately 240 former Pini employees, which will solidify the company's position as the largest employer in the Polish food industry. The closing followed approval from the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) in Poland and completion of due diligence. As per the agreement, transaction details such as purchase price and terms will not be disclosed. About Smithfield Poland Smithfield Poland operates Polish food companies including Animex Foods, Agri Plus and Agri Plus Feed. Employing 9,000 people and working with more than 2,300 hog farmers, Smithfield Poland controls the entire food production process "from farm to fork." Smithfield Poland is owned by Smithfield Foods, Inc., which is a subsidiary of WH Group, a Hong Kong-based and publicly traded company with shareholders around the world. About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield(R), Eckrich(R), Nathan's Famous(R), Farmland(R), Armour(R), John Morrell(R), Cook's(R), Kretschmar(R), Gwaltney(R), Curly's(R), Margherita(R), Carando(R), Healthy Ones(R), Krakus(R), Morliny(R) and Berlinki(R). Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 12:59:01 Sterlite Tech unveils power-packed new introductions in smarter optical communication technologies and fibre-to-the-home solutions Sterlite Tech Brings All New Smarter Network Offerings to ANGA COM 2017 Sterlite Technologies Ltd Corporate Communications Sumedha Mahorey, +91. 22. 30450404 sumedha.mahorey@sterlite.com or Investor Relations Vishal Aggarwal, +91. 20. 30514000 vishal.aggarwal@sterlite.com Sterlite Tech [BSE: 532374, NSE: STRTECH], an end-to-end global technology leader in smarter digital networks, unveiled new optical communication technologies and integrated capabilities in designing, building and managing smarter digital networks at ANGA COM 2017. As proud partners to global telecom operators in Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Asian markets, Sterlite Tech has a focused business spanning smarter products, services and software solutions with operators in more than 100 countries. The new customised, high-quality smarter network introductions this year include: FTTX Smarter Network Kit: Released by Susanne Stengade, CEO, 6X International, Denmark, Sterlite Techs highly reliable FTTX Smarter Network Kit addresses the needs of customers by providing fastest connectivity to the last-mile revenue generating users in hours, instead of days. The solution is based on the simple approach of plug and play, with highest reliability and performance. Indicium Lite Cable: Launched by Sean Pillans, Head of Access Engineering, Liberty Global, Indicium Lite Cable is suitable for outdoor FTTH deployments in less densely populated areas. The small inner modules in the cable are designed to be cut at one point in the network and retracted to another, where these can be fed or blown through micro-ducts, directly to the customer premises. This solution helps in efficient deployment with zero fibre cuts. Atlas Lite Cable: Unveiled by Christian Aasheim, CEO, Melbye Skandinavia AS, Atlas Lite Cable features ultra-compact, light-weight cable designs, containing maximised fibre capacity. This product family is versatile and finds application across access, FTTX, Drop and/or fibre to the desk links. These cables can be blown using compressed air in pre-installed micro ducts for long distance links. Olympus Lite Cable: Launched by Luca Facchinetti, Director, Metallurgica Bresciana, Italy, this cable is suitable for hazardous or heavy construction zones including heavy traffic area, wind farm developments, pipelines, oil and gas fields, heavy industrial sites and a variety of additional harsh environments. Mainly used for Metro rail / Railway networks which employ products complying with major industry standards including BS EN 50200, BS 8434-2:2003. This product has safety at its core and meets the customers individual specification safety like data transmission security by maintaining circuit integrity under fire conditions, withstanding ultra-high temperatures and long service life. Highlighting the new launches at ANGA COM 2017, Dr Badri Gomatam, Chief Technology Officer, Sterlite Tech, said, Our new products and solutions have been designed and developed in close engagement with all our key customers and considering their requirements for smarter network technologies that address the growing demands for higher bandwidth and last-mile connectivity. Highlighting the role Sterlite Tech is playing in the European market, Ankit Agarwal, Head - Global Sales, Telecom Products, said, With our integrated knowledge and expertise in designing, building and managing smarter digital networks, we are partnering leading global telecom service providers and municipalities to realise the European Commissions aggressive targets to create a Gigabit society through ultra-fast internet access by 2025. With our innovative and future-proof range of fibre connectivity solutions, telecom operators and ISPs can realise this vision, and enable smarter network roll-out in Europe and other geographies. Visitors to the Booth E8, Hall 7 can experience these new high-quality offerings and the full range of the Companys integrated capabilities of smarter products, services and software that enable delivery of smarter digital networks. About Sterlite Technologies: Sterlite Technologies Ltd [BSE: 532374, NSE: STRTECH], is a global technology leader that designs, builds and manages smarter digital networks. Sterlite Tech engages in six continents and more than 100 countries, with a digital networks focused business panning across products, services and software optical communication products, network & system integration services and OSS/BSS software solutions. The Company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India, China & Brazil, and aims to transform everyday living by delivering smarter networks. With a strong portfolio of over 146 patents, Sterlite Tech is home to Indias only Centre of Excellence for broadband research. Projects undertaken by the company include intrusion-proof smarter data network for the Armed Forces, rural broadband for BharatNet, Smart Cities development, and establishing high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. For more details, visit www.sterlitetech.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706010057 PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-01 11:03:02 PITTSBURGH, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TeraRecon (www.terarecon.com), a leader in advanced visualization and enterprise medical image viewing solutions, today announced the acquisition of machine learning company, McCoy Medical Technologies, (www.mccoymed.com), at the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine's Annual Meeting (SIIM17) in Pittsburgh, PA. Initially called WIA Corporation, a new company has been formed to provide simplified access to artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with a focus on integrations that connect the work of individual end users, machine learning researchers, open source organizations and diagnostic imaging companies. The company's products include a developer platform and a vendor neutral API interface for integration partners designed to streamline the distribution and hospital implementation of evidence-based practices and trained machine learning algorithms. The McCoy platform allows users anywhere to access cloud-based algorithms without requiring access to the algorithm code or training data to protect PHI and developer intellectual property. As part of the transaction completed earlier this week, the new independent company retains the McCoy Medical advisory board, including three world-leading imaging informatics experts and serial entrepreneurs: Dr. Eliot Siegel, Dr. Paul Chang and Dr. Khan Siddiqui. Dr. Siegel shared, "This decade has seen a proliferation of extremely impressive applications leveraging machine learning, especially for computer vision. Today, there is a real need for simpler, standards-based channels to socialize, access and apply these technologies. The TeraRecon and McCoy venture holds great potential to be among the first to develop and commercialize their offerings in the form of a truly open platform community. This kind of approach is exactly what is needed for the amazing innovations in AI to achieve widespread utilization." Jeff Sorenson, TeraRecon President and CEO, said "The new company's platform is open to everyone, from individual physician-inventors, to research institutions, and the world's largest PACS vendors alike. Together, this new company becomes a catalyst to join the various AI communities together." He continued, "Our goal is to incubate and accelerate a new kind of AI platform that allows a proven algorithm to be productized in 20 minutes." Misha Herscu, McCoy CEO, commented, "This transaction results in a company with a unique combination of technology, healthcare-specific expertise and commercial reach. We look forward to meeting with potential collaborators and partners at SIIM17 and introducing these new possibilities." The acquisition is aligned with the main interests of the SIIM17 conference attendees. The keynote address, titled "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Medical Imaging's Next Frontier", focuses on the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the medical imaging industry and the many uses of AI in healthcare. Visit WIA Corporation and TeraRecon June 1st-3rd during SIIM17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Booth #603, as well as at the Society of Vascular Surgery's 2017 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California at Booth #510. About McCoy Medical Technologies (www.mccoymed.com) McCoy Medical Technologies provides a developer platform and API interface for algorithm developers, partners and end users. McCoy facilitates the streamlined distribution and hospital implementation of evidence-based practices and trained machine learning algorithms via a vendor neutral distribution platform. The McCoy platform allows users anywhere to access cloud-based algorithms without requiring access to the algorithm code or training data to protect PHI and developer intellectual property. McCoy assists research institutions and emerging AI companies in the translational and commercialization processes, starting with rapid deployment via a scalable, secure, cloud-based infrastructure. McCoy also works with distribution partners, including TeraRecon, to make algorithms on the platform available to a very wide footprint of hospitals and, ultimately, to physicians. Press Inquiries: US: 1-413-320-6636 | info@mccoymed.com About TeraRecon (www.terarecon.com) TeraRecon is the largest independent, vendor neutral medical image viewing solution provider with a focus on advanced image processing innovation. TeraRecon's solutions advance the accessibility, performance, clinical functionality and medical imaging workflow throughout many areas of the healthcare ecosystem. The company provides world class advanced visualization 3D post-processing tools, as well as a spectrum of enterprise medical image viewing, diagnostic interpretation, image sharing, cloud, interoperability and collaboration solutions. TeraRecon is a privately held company with its world headquarters in Foster City, California with major offices in Frankfurt, Germany; Tokyo, Japan; Acton, MA, and Durham, NC. Press Inquiries: US: 1-650-372-1100 | info@terarecon.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: TeraRecon, Inc via Globenewswire 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. In August 2016, Atlanta based Mark Spain Real Estate office opened its first branch office in Athens, Ga. due to Mark Spain's strong ties to the area, thanks to his UGA alma mater. Within nine months, the small team had achieved the 100-closing mark. By: Mark Spain Real Estate Mark Spain Real Estate, 1731 Meriweather Dr., Suite 107, in Bogart, 706-608-8500 Contact TC McClenning, @RealtorPR Top Cat Creative Services ***@topcatcreative.com TC McClenning, @RealtorPRTop Cat Creative Services End -- In 2016, Mark Spain Real Estate, founded by its namesake and University of Georgia Terry School of Business graduate Mark Spain, wanted to venture beyond its metro Atlanta reach. This reach, while not insignificant, with more than $3 billion in career residential real estate sales over approximately 20 years and sales in 2016 averaging 5.2 homes per day, Spain's Athens ties made the city the clear first choice for expansion.In August 2016, the Mark Spain Real Estate office opened on Meriweather Drive, in front of the Jennings Mill Country Club off the Oconee Connector. The office launched with just two agents and has multiplied to 12 sales associates since opening. This is an experienced team of agents comprised of Athens natives who know the area extremely well and are very knowledgeable about the local real estate market. Every month, the Athens team is posting a new record high for sales, showing revenue growth.In late April, the Mark Spain Real Estate Athens office crossed the 100-closing milestone for its branch office since opening. Now in its ninth month of operation, the office is approaching the $30 million mark for total gross sales and closed its 121st transaction last week. As Director of Sales for the Athens office, Heather Pitts says they are making steady improvements every month, such as adding three agents to the team this month, and will eventually nearly double the current staff of 12 to a total of 20 real estate agents.The current Athens team already has more than 75 years' combined real estate sales experience. This is then backed up by Mark Spain and the 115+ team members in Atlanta who have already laid the groundwork of customer service, marketing, social media and numerous other systems in place to be a full-service agency while remaining an independent, locally based and owned real estate company."We have quickly made our mark and impact on the Athens market. We bring a level of knowledge and experience unmatched by most agencies," explains Ms. Pitts. "Agents know that if a Mark Spain Real Estate agent is on the other end, we will get the deal closed and it will be a professional experience."The team atmosphere, instead of the internal competitive structure of the typical real estate agency, must be working. Mark Spain Real Estate was honored in March of this year with the AJC Top Places to Work ( http://www.ajc.com/ top-workplaces/ ) award. The top 150 small, medium and large metro Atlanta workplaces were selected based upon employee feedback, recognizing those employers who have invested as much in their employees' well-being as they have in tangible company perks, thereby earning the loyalty and respect of their employees in the process."I am so pleased Athens was our first expansion location and that we have received such a positive reception from both the real estate community and the general public alike," says Mark Spain, who is based out of the company's headquarters in Alpharetta. "It's given us the feedback we needed to continue with our expansion plans. We just opened a much-needed office in Henry County to serve the counties immediately south of Atlanta."The Mark Spain Real Estate Athens office is located at 1731 Meriweather Drive, Suite 107, in Bogart. To learn more about the company or the active Athens or Atlanta real estate markets, call 706-608-8500 or visit www.markspain.com . The Mark Spain Real Estate app is also available as a free download at apps.markspain.com.MSRE is a leading, Georgia based, independent real estate firm. Prior to forming the company in January 2016, Mark Spain and his team were annually the No. 1 large team for sales production with the Atlanta Realtors Association for more than 10 consecutive years and annually appeared in the top 25 of the REAL Trends/list of America's top 1,000 agents and teams. In 2016, MSRE achieved 1,842 home sales for total gross sales of $443 million. This was over 600 homes more than the team's total closings in 2015. Gross sales also sharply increased by $160 million, year-over-year. In 2016, Mark Spain surpassed $3 billion in collective gross sales for his career while heading his namesake brokerage. In addition, his firm became the No. 1 most reviewed on Zillow in the entire United States.MSRE was named to the exclusive Inc. 5000 in late 2016, a list considered to be the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. Companies such as Microsoft, Domino's Pizza, Pandora, LinkedIn, Yelp and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on Inc. 5000. In April 2017, MSRE was honored as one of the fastest growing private firms in Georgia when it was named to thePacesetter Award list. In addition, Mark Spain, himself, is the only metro Atlanta real estate agent to be personally endorsed by Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul frequently seen on ABC'sVisit YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHlADsoO15Y)to see the 30-second testimonial. Germany Kent has been chosen as a presenter for this year's International Trailblazer Awards recognizing some of Atlanta's most prominent individuals. Contact Star Stone Press ***@starstonepress.com Star Stone Press End -- Media personality and philanthropist, Germany Kent will be sharing the stage with some influential people next month at the International Trailblazer Awards.Germany, a multi-faceted trailblazer, is an actress, producer, social activist and professional speaker, who is also a social media etiquette expert, trusted media resource and multiple award-winning and bestselling author.The International Trailblazer Awards recognizes ordinary people doing outstanding things in the community while raising funds to send children to college.2017 Honorees include Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Brent Grimes, Greenleaf's Lamman Rucker, DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams, Fairfield Baptist Church Pastor Michael Benton, Apostle Tim Atunnise, Atlanta Voice Publisher Janis L. Ware, Junior Chef Lauryn Strong, Marine Veteran Col. William Cunningham, and Veteran Newscaster Ken Watts.To learn more about the International Trailblazer Awards, visit their website at http://www.Jabyinc.com In her book, "You Are What You Tweet", Germany teaches people how to create a happier, healthier life. The book, which has garnered international attention, has been featured by multiple bloggers and TV outlets and has received praise from K-12 educators, college professors, government officials, parents, and students. The award-winning book has the versatility to impact wide audiences and has left its mark.For her professional accomplishments, Germany has been honored with a Global Philanthropy Award from Empower Magazine, featured in Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, The Examiner and countless others. She has been named one of the Top 100 women in social media marketing and one of the Top 100 individuals to follow on Twitter. Germany was recently named to the Hall of Fame at North Panola High School, becoming the first person to be inducted.The International Trailblazer Awards are scheduled for July 16 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur, Georgia.To book Germany Kent as a speaker for your next event, contact Star Stone Press. Bahmas airline is one of the most popular regional airlines that you will come across in the Bahamas. It is an headquarters in the Nassau Contact jolly ***@cheapflighto.net jolly End -- Bahamas airline operates 32 destinations. Parent company of Bahamsair is Bahamian Government.You can book the flights by visiting the website or by using the Bahams airlines resevations phone number. If you choose to book by way of website you will have to visit the official website and then fill in the details in certain fields that are given therein.If you choose Bahamas airlines resevations phone number then an agent will get in touch with you and will verbally ask you for all the details required to book a ticket. The options that you will get will be the same that you get on the website even when you are using the Bahamas resevations phone number as well.If there is a change in your travel plan you can re-schedule your flight with by dropping a mail to Bahamas airline or by calling up the Bahamas booking phone number. Bahamas airline maintains a ecelelnt customer support team. They recruit the finest people that are highly skilled and duly trained. Their end goal is to meet the utmost customer satisfaction and nothing less. Therefore all you have to do is to tell them about your query or an issue that you are facing. You will definitely get a resolution within 24 hours of you intimating them about the query or issue. So in case of a reschedule too you will get proper assistance.For other issues also you can contact the customer care for issues such as refund issues, lost baggage issue, online check-in, Unable to redeem offers or milesThey will very patiently try to work everything in your favor. Not only this you can also pre-book your meals on the flight. They have a wide variety of menu available on flight. It is definitely one of the most hospitable flights across the world and is usually preferred by the Bahamas nationals for its good service, on time arrivals and departures. On June 1, 2017 the Japan Rail Pass launched new eligibity requirements for Japanese Nationals. By: Japan Rail Pass Contact Japan Rail Pass ***@jrailpass.com Japan Rail Pass End -- Japanese nationals, who have resided permanently outside of Japan for at least 10 years, will now be able to purchase and exchange their Japan Rail Pass. They will need to have a valid Japanese passport and written proof obtained from the embassy or diplomatic representative office of Japan in the foreign country where they live that they have been living legally in the country for at least 10 years.What documents do Japanese nationals residing overseas need to purchase JR Pass?From June 1, 2017, Japanese nationals residing overseas can once again purchase the JR Pass, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. They need both a valid passport and written proof they have been residing outside of Japan for at least 10 years. To prove the latter, they will need to show one of the following documents:1. Copy of your Overseas Residential Registration issued by the embassy or legation of Japan in the foreign country where you live (limited to an Overseas Residential Registration with a date of acceptance at least 10 years earlier)2. Certificate of Overseas Residence issued by the embassy or legation of Japan in the foreign country where you live (limited to a Certificate of Overseas Residence with a date at least 10 years earlier as the date on which your address (or place of temporary residence) was established as your present address)3. As a special case limited to the USA, Brazil, and Canada, the Permanent Resident Card issued by these 3 countries can be used as written proof until further notice (limited to a Permanent Resident Card confirming your stay in the relevant country for 10 years or more).Please keep in mind:a) In regard to (1), if a single copy of your Overseas Residential Registration verifies that any family members living with you in the country have stayed for 10 consecutive years or more, such a document is valid for those family members.b) Concerning children (under 12 years of age) whose stay in the country is less than 10 years at the time of purchase of an Exchange Order, if a single copy of the Overseas Residential Registration stated in (1) verifies that they live together with the applicant whose stay in the country is 10 consecutive years or more, and if they also use the JAPAN RAIL PASS together with that applicant, their eligibility requirements are satisfied.c) The copy of the Overseas Residential Registration and the Certificate of Overseas Residence are only valid for 6 months after the date of issue.d) You cannot use a photocopy of your written proof to purchase an Exchange Order or to exchange your Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS. e) Definition of "10 years or more": At the time of purchase of an Exchange Order, a date in the same month 10 years earlier or before is valid. (Example) In the case of the purchase of an Exchange Order on June 1, 2017, a date any time in June 2007 or earlier is valid. (A date between June 1 and June 30, 2007 is deemed as "June 2007" and valid.) f) You can purchase an Exchange Order and exchange it for a JAPAN RAIL PASS only if you can present any one of the written proof described in the above (1) to (3).More information on the website https://www.jrailpass.com Transworld Denver Brokers Receive Prestigious Designations Through the IBBA By: Transworld Business Advisors of Denver Contact Rachael Holstein ***@tworlddenver.com Rachael Holstein End -- At the end of 2016, Al Fialkovich, Transworld Denver's Managing Director, received his Certified Business Intermediary designation, igniting a fire amongst the Transworld Denver Brokers that was not quenched until today! Earlier in May of this year, a number of the Transworld Denver Business Brokers sat for their Certified Business Intermediary exam at the annual International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) conference. As explained by the IBBA website, "The Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) is a prestigious designation exclusive to the IBBA that identifies an experienced and dedicated business broker. It is awarded to intermediaries who have proven professional excellence through verified education as well as an exemplary commitment to the industry."After working diligently within the industry, closing a number of deal transactions and spending countless hours studying for the exam, it is with great pleasure that Transworld Denver would like to announce that the following business brokers received their CBI designations through the IBBA: Jessica Fialkovich, President Chris Cantwell, Business Broker Gregg Kunz, Business Broker Matt Prescott, Business Broker Ross Haymes, Business BrokerTransworld Denver is truly proud of our teams continued commitment to excellence within the business brokerage industry. Our successes never come without sincere gratitude for the State of Colorado and its many small businesses, their owners and the professionals who are part and parcel to our being able to conduct business every day - thank you, Colorado!Transworld Denver ( http://www.tworlddenver.com ) is the top business brokerage firm in Colorado. The brokerage team has the most and widest range of business listings for sale in Colorado; serving over 200 sellers and buyers annually. Transworld assists visionary entrepreneurs in the buying and selling of businesses and specializes in helping family-owned and closely held businesses with their strategic plans for the future. Transworld's aim is to be a trusted professional for customers by going above and beyond their expectations of our service offerings. Cording Real Estate Group (Cording) together with Warburg-HIH Invest Real Estate (Warburg-HIH Invest), has acquired an additional office property for the Benelux Commercial Real Estate Fund, jointly launched at the end of December 2016. The asset is the Van Bylandt Huis, at Benoordenhouts... Photos: Rene de Gilde [] If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Adele Griffins work as an assistant editor in childrens books two decades ago inspired her to write her own middle grade and young adult novels, two of which have been named National Book Award finalists. Her newest novel, Be True to Me, is set on Fire Island in the fictional community of Sunken Haven; it follows teenage girls Jean and Fritz as they compete for the affections of a handsome newcomer named Gil. Griffin spoke with PW about the significance of the books 1976 setting, the powerful nature of privilege, and our enduring fascination with stories of first sexual experiences. Having written nearly 30 books, has your approach or writing process changed? How does it vary depending on your audience or the format of the book? Theres always an inspiration anchor for me. I love setting and writing about prickly relationships. In Be True to Me, Fritzs family is one style of an American dream and Jeans family is another. Splitting the first-person narrative (which Ive done before) and setting the voices against one another allowed me to project each girls influences and prejudices. Discussions of unlikeable characters always seem to happen with my books. I want to make my characters vital and complex enough to strike that chord with readers. Thats a theme that continues to fascinate me. I have a four- and nine-year-old, so I can test middle grade on them! I read a lot of middle grade and picture books out loud, so I find myself hearing and thinking about pace, dialogue, and the sound of words. Youve written everything from beginning chapter books to retellings to a documentary-style biography. Where do you begin when starting a new project? Do you feel that you gravitate towards a certain type of story or character? When I think about 1976, I remember, as a character, my babysitter Maggie. She would come over with James Taylor albums under her arm and this denim poncho bag full of secrets, like her mentholated cigarettes and Bonne Bell lipstick. She would talk about her crush on Mick Jagger, boys, and parties. She taught us to play gin rummy. I thought she was so fabulous. I cant identify her as any of the characters in Be True to Me, but she was a romantic jumping-off point. When I saw how my six-year-old was reacting to her babysitter when [my family] was on Fire Island one summer, I was drawn back to that time. My nostalgia sparked. I imagined the teens of Sunken Haven and a haunting, memorable summer that would cast a shadow over their adult lives. Moments cast a spell. From there, it becomes a big game of connect the dots. How did you develop the setting of Sunken Haven? Did you have a connection to Fire Island already? Many Fire Island communities in 1976 were homogenous vacation retreats, which I wanted to set against the exuberant spirit of gay culture in the Pines [another Fire Island town] at that time. I wanted to make it a memoir of two eras and that very uneasy relationship the two [very different types of communities] had with each other. It felt very metaphorical to think about freedom and the bicentennial and what freedom meant to each community. I first visited Fire Island as an adult. Being a mom, observing all these young kids, I realized that the more things change the more they stay the same. I wanted to write a story about that awful or awkward or bizarre or lovely teen milestone experience of losing your virginity and what it signifies. What it gives and what it takes away. What we tell ourselves about it. We are as interested in those answers today as we were 40 years ago. Why set the novel in 1976 specifically? I had read a book called Tom Bianchi: Fire Island Pines: Polaroids 1975-1983, which was about the gay experience in the 1970s. It had beautiful pictures of men who would leave New York City for Fire Island, where they could be free to be out in a time when you couldnt be out. It was so different from the very socially conventional communities on Fire Island. I thought it would be interesting to set one community against the other, then create all kinds of suspicion and unease. I was writing [Be True to Me] during Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco and was thinking about the hard road to that point, how we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before. The idea of there being a gate separating the two different communities, juxtaposing convention against the bohemian and artistically free, made Fire Island such a strange place. A strange place to be young. A strange place to be gay. The novel is told in the alternating perspectives of straight-laced, wealthy Jean and free-spirited, army brat Fritz. Why did you choose to focus on these two perspectives? It goes back to the idea of internal contradiction. I had a real sense of Gil [a southerner who comes to Sunken Haven to earn the respect of his previously estranged family]; he was my most autobiographical character because I felt like such an imposter growing up. I was the financial aid kid trying to be at the Great Gatsby party. Hes the obvious next voice and I felt a really deep understanding of him, but it felt more logical to do just the girls because I had a gendered understanding of them. It was always Jean and Fritz and then Gil, the silent other piece of the puzzle. Be True to Me is as much a story of deep female friendship as a love triangle. Both Jean and Fritz are vying for the attention of Gil, the newcomer. What is it about the teen love triangle that continues to draw in readers? This is my first antagonistic relationship between two girls, but it was really important to me to balance the scale by incorporating a friendship [between Fritz and Julia, her longtime best friend]. That was the real challenge. Im a sucker for a good teen love triangle, but I felt some hesitation in doing only that female rivalry story. So, even as I wrote the lore and competition between Jean and Fritz I was always layering in the Julia and Fritz friendship, balancing the scales. Be True to Me is as much a story of deep female friendship as a love triangle. Can you speak about the ways in which privilegeand the lack of privilegeinform the choices of the characters in Be True to Me? I recently reread The Great Gatsby. Its an unusual book about privilege. Its gorgeous in some ways, but I found I had misremembered so much of it. I had remembered it as a very free book, full of people acting without fear of consequence. I really wanted to catch that feeling in Be True to Me. Yet, when I reread The Great Gatsby as a grown woman, I also saw the deep gender inequalities and infuriating and devastating social standards within. That line from Daisy, that she hopes her daughter grows up to be a beautiful fool, is so awful, but you know where shes coming from historically. Jean and Fritz have limited options that come into play when fighting over Gil. Definitions of what you could and could not do were very narrow. Its breathtakingly sad that we are still fighting these fights today. Did you always envision the events of Be True to Me to span only the length of a summer? Yes, and yet my third act was so hard. In a summer so much can happen. You can really change and redefine and completely redirect. I wanted the story to be a bracketed, finite piece of time. I like to imagine Jean looking back on this summer. I always wrote with the idea of this story being Jeans memory. In fact, Jean is in my next book, 12 years later. Is your next book a companion to Be True to Me? No, its a totally different story. Its set in the 1980s. Jean is an art teacher, ancillary in some ways, but shes back. Sexuality and first sexual experiences are both important elements of this story. Why is including scenes like these for teen readers important to you? People talk about the loss of their virginity. It never becomes something that we dont all sit around and talk about. I remember every moment of my own experience and what my friends told me about theirs. It becomes storytelling. You tell your story over and over again through your life. In Be True to Me, I thought it would be interesting to have both Fritz and Jean experience their first sexual experience, because it means different things for different people. Can you talk a bit about your role on the advisory board of 826NYC? I was on the board of directors for four years and am now on the advisory board. I am always interested in what 826NYC is doing because I love their programs and outreach. 826NYC is a great way to connect with the Brooklyn community, to connect with like-minded people who want to help and young people doing really cool things. Im also on the board of directors at the MacDowell Colony, which is the oldest arts colony in America. We develop fellowships in dance, music, writing, long-form journalism, and so much more. Its all encompassing. Amazing things happen at MacDowell. You recently created OMG Bookfest with a group of middle grade authors. What motivated you to launch this project? We were all at my house on New Years Day talking about festivals, fairs, and author visits really boring our spouses. Sarah Mlynowski said she wanted to start a festival and already had a name. Sarahs a really magic person, she made it all seem so fun and possible. We all wanted to be part of it. It was organic and spontaneous. We wanted this to be really fun for readers. We love writing books for the middle grade audience and connecting with kids. With OMG Bookfest we can create memories kids can hold on to. What projects are you working on next? Im currently editing my YA book thats set in 1988. Im also working on a middle grade novel about a girl who moves to the country from the city and has to use her city smarts to adapt. I also want to push ahead with more OMGs! I loved the time we spent in Columbus and am excited to visit another community for a day of storytelling and celebration of middle grade. Be True to Me by Adele Griffin. Algonquin Young Readers, $18.95 June 13 ISBN 978-1-61620-675-8 Since making her debut in Llama Llama Red Pajama in 2005, Anna Dewdneys plucky heroine has endeared herself to fans young and old. Though the beloved author-illustrator died of brain cancer in September 2016 at the age of 50, her creative output continues with the posthumously published Little Excavator. Due from Viking on June 6 with a 250,000-copy print run, this picture book introduces a small-scale excavator who saves the day when the big rigs tasked with transforming a vacant lot into a community park are too large to put the finishing touch on the job. Dewdney found the inspiration for Little Excavator in her own backyardliterally. While she and her longtime partner, Reed Duncan, were restoring their 19th-century farmhouse in southern Vermont, they discovered the stone foundation of an old mill on the property. It was completely overgrown, and we did some work on it to make sure it didnt fall in on itself, and to maintain its integrity and beauty, Duncan told PW. Because the foundation walls were very tall and the structure had a deep recess that was hard to access, the big machines were too large for the space, so the contractor brought in a small excavator. The sight of the little machine being lowered into the foundation and getting the job done ignited Dewdneys creative spirit. Anna obviously was familiar with big construction machinery, but she hadnt realized they made little machines, Duncan said. She thought it was very cute. Seeing it in action sparked the idea of this story, and it unfolded from there. Though Duncan acknowledged that seeing a finished copy of Little Excavator evoked mixed feelings, the experience is more sweet than bitter. Anna loved this project dearly, and was really happy with the book, he said. She had been able to complete it and knew that the wheels were in motion at Viking to produce it, and that made her very happy. Im very excited about this book as well. He is also pleased to be able to deliver some good news when friends and fans tell him they cant wait to see Dewdneys final book. When I hear that, I am very thankful that this is not Annas last work, he explained. She always had a huge number of projects in various stages of completion, and when we learned she was sick, and realized how sick she was, she and I went through most of her projects. Maybe they were just text, maybe just paintings, or maybe just sketches, but she explained her vision for them to me. We made a road map for each one, knowing that if there was a way we could bring it to publication with integrity, wed do it. Over the past few months, Duncan, who for almost two decades was Dewdneys first reader and sometimes collaborator, has organized and archived her work, which includes material that dates back to the mid-1980s and projects she was working on in her final days. There are many ideas that arent fully formed, but are ready to be developed, he noted. I want to respect Annas work for being her workI want to be clear about that. That said, she and I worked so closely together for such a long timeboth in life and on her booksI feel pretty confident about taking something thats nine-tenths of the way there to a reasonable and legitimate conclusion. And were so fortunate to have such a wonderful publishing team at Penguin, who worked closely with Anna for many years and know what she would want. Looking Backand Forward A key player on that team is Tracy Gates, Vikings editorial director for picture books, who has been Dewdneys editor since acquiring Llama Llama Red Pajama in 2004. The two met in the late 1980s, when Gates was an editorial assistant for Patricia Lee Gauch at Philomel, and author Tasha Tudor introduced Dewdney to Gauch as an aspiring artist and writer. Anna came to visit our offices, and we totally hit it off, as people and creative types, Gates recalled. We kept in touch over the years; Anna would send me projects, and I would encourage her. She was busy raising a family in Vermont, and needed some time to create her master work. The editor knew that that time had arrived when Dewdneys agent, Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency, submitted Llama Llama Red Pajama to her. I realized immediately that Anna had totally perfected her poetic rhyming voice, she said. The text scans perfectly, and is joyous, funny, and comforting at the same time. I knew she had finally nailed her art style as well. I was so sure about this book that I did something I dont normally do: I went to the marketing department and said, Youve got to pay serious attention to this book! They, and readers, certainly did: Dewdneys debut book and its sequels have sold more than 12 million copies in North America alone. Gates recalled Dewdneys more recent excitement about Little Excavator, which the editor praised for having the same read-aloudability as the Llama Llama books, adding, It was clear from the get-go she was just in love with this story. Its messagethat everyone has an important job they can dowas very important to Anna. And she liked the idea of creating this new character. Anna always wanted to spread her wings. Viking has two more Dewdney titles that are scheduled for publication: Llama Llama Gives Thanks (August), a Thanksgiving-themed board book; and Llama Llama Loves to Read (May 2018), a picture book that captures this characters excitement about learning to read. Looking to the future, Gates said, Reed and I will be working very closely, along with the art department, to make sure that only the best of Annas work is published. Having worked with her for so long, I feel confident deciding selectively what to publish. Annas work is very important to all of us, and no one will ever take the publication of any of it lightly. Noting that Dewdney was so prolific creatively that it was hard for her to keep up with her ideasshed have to have lived for two thousand years to turn them all into books, Duncan looks forward to helping to bring more of her material to life. Yet he knows it wont be an entirely uplifting process: It is obviously hard at times, and I know I will be sad for the rest of my life. But to see the expression on kids faces when they hear Annas books read to them is pretty specialand I am thrilled and feel honored to be able to continue sharing her work with them. Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney. Viking, $17.99 June ISBN 978-1-101-99920-2 BookExpo will honor PEN America with its seventh annual Industry Ambassador Award on June 1. The Industry Ambassador Award recognizes, according to a release, "major innovators and creative leaders in the field that make the book industry better for all constituents." Past recipients include the Childrens Book Council, John Ingram, and James Patterson. "The industrys readiness to stand as a force for open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas is vital," PEN America executive director Suzanne Nossel said in a statement. "PEN America is proud to be honored by our colleagues and friends at this critical moment in the fight to defend free expression." Nossel will accept the award at the Javits Center on Thursday during "The First Amendment Resistance," a panel hosted by PEN America that will focus on the role of the publishing industry in upholding free speech and giving a platform to controversial writers and views. "As an organization committed to the defense of free expression, PEN America is a particularly timely and deserving honoree for this years Industry Ambassador Award," BookExpo event director Brien McDonald said in a statement. PEN America has built on its nearly 100-year history of supporting imperiled writers worldwide to position itself as a vital thought leader, uncompromising advocate, and fearless defender in the face of new assaults on creative freedom and the freedom to write." The furthest thing from Ben Blums mind in August 2006 was that his 19-year-old cousin Alex Blum, whom Ben was very close to and admired for his loyalty, his intelligence, and respectful nature, would become an armed bank robber in Tacoma, Wash. In order to make sense of this shattering event, Ben spent the following years researching and writing Ranger Games: A Story of Soldiers, Family, and an Inexplicable Crime (Sept.). Unlike Ben, a mathematics prodigy and research scientist in the private sector, Alex had one goal in life: to become a U.S. Army Ranger, the elite, special operations branch of the Army tasked with complex, direct-action raids against enemy combatants. Alex achieved his goal, but on the day before his deployment to Iraq, he inexplicably decided to rob a bank along with two other Army Rangers and two men known only to the ringleader, all of them armed. Ben and the extended Blum clan of successful, educated people were shocked, suddenly caught up in what seemed to be a classic American tragedy. Theres no more American crime than bank robbery, with its antiestablishment spirit and history of flamboyant outlaws, says Ben. Though the ringleader of this crime was a charismatic Canadian, everyone involved were living out American fantasies and encountering the consequences when those fantasies came up against reality. Alex accepted a plea deal and told the judge that he thought the bank robbery was a game, a kind of initiation training exercise to become a U.S. Ranger. Everyone believed him, and Alex served only 16 months in prison. Ben worked to clear his cousins name and planned to write Ranger Games with Alexuntil he finally confessed to lying to the family, Ben learned. Alex had willingly agreed to rob the bank after becoming enthralled by a senior Ranger, Specialist Luke Sommer, with dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship, a dynamic cultlike figure who conceived of, planned, and carried out the crime. We were all deceived by Alex. Shocking events tend to look more predictable in retrospect, Ben adds, and Alexs involvement in the bank robbery is no exception. After spending years thinking about his story, I can see faint threads of causality going back not just to Alexs character, but to our familys character. The cousins grandfather served in WWII and witnessed the devastation at Normandy. The image of war that filtered down to Alex included a dangerous edge of romantic lawlessness to it, Ben recalls. Still, I think the most important factor is that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, Ben says. He might well have become a great soldier rather than a felon if he had never come into contact with Specialist Sommer. While writing the book, Ben interviewed Sommer in prison, where he remains. In addition, Ben talked to some of the bank employees on duty that day, and others connected to the robbery. He also interviewed Alex. I had no journalistic experience back then, and was terribly naive about nonfiction, Ben says. I thought Alex would simply tell me what had happened to him, and I would render it into nice sentences. But as I began to encounter conflicting information and facts, working together became untenable. He almost abandoned the project, but Jonathan Lethem, his writing teacher at NYU, recommended Ben to editor Bill Thomas at Doubleday. This led to a book deal. Ive emerged from [the project] with a new appreciation for the power of reckoning honestly with a story, for both the journalist and the subject. Alex and I have learned a lot from each other and remain good friends. Today, 34 p.m. Ben Blum will sign Ranger Games galleys at the Penguin Random House booth (1921). Probably the most useful takeaway from The Future of Book Publishing panel, held Wednesday at the Javits Center, was that the future of the industry isnt some faraway possibility. Its actually taking place all around us, right now. Panelists touched on recent industry data citing the continuing strength of the physical book (both its sales and its social character) as well as the growing importance (and continued neglect) of backlist titles and the maturation of self-publishing from a disruptive, maverick effort into a legitimate professional publishing category. Although most of this information has been offered at one digital/publishing convention or another over the last five years or so, it doesnt hurt to remind the industry (again) that examples of its future are among us. Follet/Baker & Taylors David Culley outlined changes in the library market and Follets long-term role in everything from creating learning software for colleges to running college bookstores (more than 1,200 currently) to developing software for libraries that can recommend popular titles. Sourcebooks publisher Dominique Raccah highlighted the durability of print books. Books are not like music or magazines or anything else; theyre different, she said. Raccah noted the growing sales of print books (61% of Sourcebooks sales are print backlist) and the unique capabilities of the print format for sharing, whether as a gift or a conversation starter. Reading is growing, she said, and teens and millennials prefer print to e-books. On top of it all, she said, theres been an explosion of writing and the unprecedented growth of self-publishing that offers new ways to connect book and writers to readers. Although virtual and augmented reality applications for the book industry remain in their infancy, tech writer and author Dave Ewalt joked that the technologies will destroy books completely! But he also explained that AR platforms like the New York Times 360 video journalism and the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, will offer authors and publishers a whole new way to process information and tell stories. He noted that technology platforms like AltspaceVR have the ability to bring groups of people together in virtual space and may signal the future readings and even digital sales as the technology continues to develop. Like most book industry symposiums, the panel stressed the importance of innovation, of turning competitive threats into opportunities to create new markets and new customers. Indeed the presentation by Renee Mauborgne, coauthor of best selling business title, Blue Ocean Strategy, reinforced that concept with a pretty good anecdote. Mauborgne noted that upon meeting her copanelist, Dominique Raccah, here at the show, Raccah immediately thanked her and outlined how Blue Ocean Strategy had transformed Sourcebooks. Raccah, who is also PWs Publishing Person of the year, had distributed the book to staffers at Sourcebooks and used it as a model for her own innovative strategies at the company. The future of book publishing is going on right now at Sourcebooks. In a room packed with hundreds of booksellers, the editors participating in this years Adult Editors Buzz Panel were so persuasive in talking up the six forthcoming releases that the galley giveaway following the presentation turned into a scrum reminiscent more of BookCon than BookExpo, with audience members stampeding to the back of the room to snatch up novels which, if they had one thing in common, involved flawed protagonists battling obstacles that were too often of their own making. Disclosing that she has always been fascinated by handsome, sophisticated, erudite sociopaths, Jackie Cantor, senior editor at S&S/Scout Press, described Liz Nugents Unraveling Oliver (August) as a thriller with a protagonist, a man seemingly without a conscience, who commits an act of violence against his wife. Oliver is the ultimate con man, Cantor said, But Nugent manages to make [him] someone you will care about. Comparing Stay With Me (August) by Ayobami Adebayo to The Handmaids Tale, Knopf senior editor Jennifer Jackson described it as the story of a Nigerian woman whose fertility comes to be the most important thing in her life, so essential that she will risk everything to become pregnant. The female spirit in this book is vibrant, it is alive, it is white hot, Jackson said. Turtle, the 14-year-old daughter of a survivalist in My Absolute Darling (Sept.) by Gabriel Tallent is going to be held in readers hearts for generations, Riverhead Books editor-in-chief Sarah McGrath predicted, describing the novel as a tale of suspense that will consume, challenge, and change readers. Calling The World of Tomorrow (Sept.) by Brendan Mathews an Irish Kavalier and Klay, the novel is, Little Brown senior editor Ben George said, both a love letter to pre-World War II New York City and a testament to the idea that everybody has a story; everybody matters. And, he added, despite it clocking in at 552 pages, it reads like a book half its length with an ending that has made early readers cry. Im a sucker for sibling stories, Putnam editorial editor Sally Kim said, Especially stories about adult siblings who are re-negotiating their relationships. The Immortalists (Jan. 2018) by Chloe Benjamin, about four children who are told by a fortune-teller of the dates of their deaths, tells the story of each over the next five decades. The Woman in the Window (Jan. 2018) by A.J. Flynn is a taut, pristine Hitchcockian thriller, Morrow executive editor Jennifer Brehl said, about a woman who spends her time drinking and spying on her neighbors. The twists and turns of this story will take your breath away, she said. A real-world twist to the story: Flynn is a pseudonym for her colleague, executive editor Daniel Mallory. It surprised the hell out of all of us, Brehl said. Carla Gray, the executive director of marketing at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, died unexpectedly earlier this week. She was 52. Gray grew up in Washington, Conn., attended Trinity College, and lived in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. She spent 20 years with HMH, initially joining the publisher as a telephone sales representative after working as a bookseller in various stores around New England. "The world has lost a great champion of the written word, a tireless advocate for authors, and a dear friend of booksellers across the country," said Bruce Nichols, senior v-p and publisher of HMH. "HMH has lost a beloved colleague of 20 years. We will miss Carla every day." Gray is survived by her mother, Helen Gray. One day after a massive truck bombing that killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 400 in Kabul's diplomatic quarter, no group has stepped forward to claim responsibility. A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, flatly denied responsibility for the May 31 attack and said the group condemned any untargeted attacks that caused civilian casualties. But Reuters reported that Afghanistan's main intelligence agency, the National Directorate for Security, believes it was carried out by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network with assistance from Pakistan -- a charge also leveled by some former Afghan officials. Neighboring Pakistan has condemned the "terrorist attack" in a statement from the Foreign Ministry voicing solidarity with Afghanistan. No word was heard from the extremist Islamic State group, which has previously staged major attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and was behind other high-profile attacks in Kabul this year, including one on a military hospital in March that killed more than 50 people. The gruesome killings prompted an outpouring of sympathy and outrage from around the world. The UN Security Council condemned them as "heinous and cowardly," and urged all countries to cooperate with the Afghan government in identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The 15-member council also reaffirmed on May 31 that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, a statement said. WATCH: Dozens Killed In Huge Kabul Blast Kabul police said the explosives were hidden in a tanker truck that exploded in the Wazir Akbar Khan area during the morning rush hour. Many of dead and wounded were women and children, the Afghan government said. The Health Ministry warned that the toll could rise as more bodies were pulled from the debris. Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Najib Danish told RFE/RL that more than 50 vehicles were either destroyed or damaged. Several houses were also damaged, Danish said. "We are very sad for the killed and wounded people," said Jawid, a Kabul resident. "It is inhumane to commit such acts of terror even during [the holy month of] Ramadan and cause such distress and grief." The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission said Afghan security forces had blocked the truck before entering the heavily protected Green Zone where many foreign embassies as well as its headquarters are located, suggesting the explosion may not have reached its intended target. Many of the dead and wounded were Afghan civilians but foreign nationals were also injured, and the blast prompted widespread condemnation. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani slammed the attack as a "war crime." U.S. President Donald Trump called Ghani to offer his condolences and support, the Afghan presidents spokesman said. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement that "the United States strongly condemns todays deadly attack in Kabul." "In the face of this senseless and cowardly act, the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering; the United States stands with the government and the people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity for their country," the statement said. Nine Afghan guards at the U.S. Embassy were killed and 11 American contractors wounded in the attack, the State Department said. One other Afghan guard was reported missing. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said employees at the German Embassy were injured and one Afghan security guard was killed. The BBC said an Afghan driver was killed and four of its journalists were injured. Iran's official news agency, IRNA, said the residence of the Iranian ambassador was heavily damaged and part of the diplomatic compound was destroyed. The French, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Kazakh embassies reportedly sustained some damage too, but no staff injuries were reported. The NATO statement praised "the courage of Afghan Security Forces, especially the police and first responders." Amnesty International called the attack "a horrific act of violence and a heartbreaking reminder of the toll that Afghan civilians continue to pay in a conflict where armed groups deliberately target them and the government fails to protect them." The blast was the latest in a series of attacks in the Afghan capital. Kabul province had the highest number of casualties in the first three months of 2017 as a result of multiple attacks in the city, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa Former U.S. FBI Director James Comey is scheduled to testify on June 8 before a congressional panel investigating allegations of Russian interference in last years presidential election, the Senate Intelligence Committee said. A committee statement on June 1 said Comey will testify in a public hearing. It also said Comey will meet with senators in a private session later in the day. Comey was fired on May 9 by U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. media reports have since said that Comey may have been pressured by Trump while leading the FBI to end the bureaus investigation into matters related to alleged Russian interference in the presidential election. The Senate panel is conducting one of several investigations into Russian actions during the U.S. presidential campaign, with the House and Justice Department also carrying out probes. Based on reporting by AP and AFP Moldova and Estonia have expelled Russian diplomats in the aftermath of major espionage cases. Estonia last month hosted the world's largest-ever cyberdefense exercises. Ukraine is investigating the Russian Internet giant Yandex for illegally collecting data on local citizens. The Ukrainian parliament is moving to restrict the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church. And the Czech Republic and Finland have set up new centers to combat Russian disinformation. Seven decades after George Kennan's famous essay, The Sources Of Soviet Conduct, laid the groundwork for the U.S. Cold War policy of containment, a new policy of containment is beginning to take shape in Europe. And Russia's neighbors and Moscow's former vassal states in Eastern Europe are leading the way. Which isn't surprising. They know best how the Kremlin operates, after all. Vladimir Putin's regime has long been waging a shadowy, nonkinetic war on its neighbors and on the West. It has weaponized business, finance, corruption, organized crime, religion, cyberspace, and information as part of a concerted effort to undermine Western institutions. And containing this threat requires some outside-the-box thinking. This is not just a job for defense ministries and intelligence services. It requires a whole-of-government approach, including law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Russia's 21st-century, nonkinetic political war on the West requires a 21st-century, nonkinetic form of containment. Russia's neighbors get this. And we can all learn a lot from them. Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered Russian troops to withdraw from the west bank of the Dnieper River in the partially occupied Kherson region of Ukraine, another retreat amid a number of setbacks for Moscow on battlefields in Ukraine's east and southeast. 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. "Begin to pull out troops," Shoigu said at a televised meeting with the commander of Russian troops in Ukraine, Army General Sergei Surovikin, on November 9, adding that the withdrawal must be implemented in "the nearest future." "The lives of the Russian military personnel are always a priority for us. We must also take into account threats imposed on the civilian population and make sure that all civilians who chose to leave can do so," Shoigu said. "We also need to start withdrawing the troops and undertake all necessary measures to secure the move of military personnel, arms, and equipment to the other side of the Dnieper." Kherson was the first city fully captured by Russia during what Moscow calls a "special military operation" and the only regional capital controlled by the Russians since the offensive began on February 24. Ukraine's forces for weeks have been capturing villages as they advance toward the city, and Kremlin-installed leaders in Kherson have been evacuating civilians. Earlier on November 9, the Moscow-installed deputy head of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, died in a car crash. Shoigu's order came after Surovikin said it was impossible to deliver supplies to the city of Kherson and other areas on the western bank of the Dnieper River. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian forces were strengthening their positions "step by step" in the south. "There is a lot of joy in the information space today, and it is clear why, but...the enemy will make no gifts to us," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Zelenskiy, said earlier on Twitter that the Ukrainian side sees "no signs that Russia is leaving Kherson without a fight." Part of the Russian group remains in Kherson city, he said, adding that additional reserves are being sent to the region. Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, are "liberating territories based on intelligence data, not staged TV statements," he said. Zelenskiy has suggested that the Russians could fake a retreat in order to lure the Ukrainian Army into an entrenched battle in Kherson city. Speaking to reporters in Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden said Moscow's order to withdraw from Kherson was "evidence of the fact that they have some real problems with the Russian military." Moscow and Russian-installed officials in Kherson have said for weeks that they are evacuating residents of Kherson -- both the city and the region -- to "other parts of the Russian Federation" for their safety. Ukraine has said the Russian move amounted to their forced deportation. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the withdrawal announced by Shoigu is "part of an overall pattern or picture we have seen over the last month that Russia has absolutely lost the momentum." But Stoltenberg also cautioned against underestimating Russia. "They still have capabilities," he said in an interview with Sky News during a visit to London. "We have seen the drones. We have seen the missile attacks. It shows that Russia can still inflict a lot of damage." Kherson is considered by many military analysts as the most important of the four partially occupied Ukrainian regions that Russia announced as annexed in September. It controls both the only land route to Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula and the mouth of the Dnieper River that bisects Ukraine. Earlier on November 9, Russia 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 were 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. 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 people were not injured. Zelenskiy vowed Ukraine will not surrender a single centimeter of our land in Donetsk, where heavy fighting has been under way, and he thanked Ukrainian troops who are holding positions in the Donbas region. The epicenter of the battle for the industrial region of Donetsk is around the towns of Bakhmut, Soledar, and Avdiyivka. "The activity of the occupiers remains at an extremely high level -- dozens of attacks every day," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address late on November 8. "They are suffering extraordinarily high losses. But the order remains the same -- to advance on the administrative boundary of the 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 deemed as sham by Kyiv and its Western allies. Fighting had been going on there between the Ukrainian military and Russian-backed separatist forces since 2014, the same year Russia illegally annexed Crimea. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and CNN TBILISI -- Georgia's opposition United National Movement party is calling for the interior minister and State Security Service chief to resign over what activists say was the cross-border abduction of an Azerbaijani investigative journalist. Lawmaker Salome Samadashvili said in parliament on May 31 that Georgian authorities bear full responsibility for the fate of Afqan Muxtarli, who disappeared in Georgia on May 29 and turned up in custody in Azerbaijan the next day. Muxtarli had lived in self-imposed exile in Georgia since 2015. His lawyer Elcin Sadyqov says his client was abducted in Tbilisi, tied up in a car, beaten by Georgian-speaking men in civilian clothing, and brought across the border into Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani Prosecutor-General's Office spokesman Eldar Sultanov said on May 31 that Muxtarli was detained on suspicion of illegally crossing the border, and that a large amount of cash was found in his possession. He said that Muxtarli resisted police. Sadyqov said he saw bruises on Muxtarlis face and forehead. His client complained of "severe pain" and said he thought that his ribs were broken, the lawyer added. International rights defenders and Western governments have criticized Azerbaijan's government for what they say have been persistent clampdowns targeting independent journalists and rights defenders. President Ilham Aliyev, who has been president of the oil-rich South Caucasus nation of almost 10 million people since shortly before his long-ruling father's death in 2003, has shrugged off the criticism. Germany temporarily suspended deportations of failed asylum seekers to Afghanistan following a massive truck bombing in Kabul. Chancellor Angela Merkel said on June 1 that the majority of deportations would remain on hold until the Foreign Ministry had completed a review of the current security situation in Afghanistan, which is expected to happen by July, and the German Embassy in Kabul was functioning again. A May 31 bomb blast killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 400 in Kabul's diplomatic quarter, where the German Embassy was badly damaged. Following the attack, Germany canceled a plane that was to take deportees to Kabul. Merkel said the moratorium on deportations would not apply to criminal offenders, asylum seekers who were considered a security threat in Germany, and those refusing to be formally identified by authorities. The program under which rejected asylum seekers voluntarily returned to Afghanistan will continue, she added. In the past, most Afghans whose asylum bids were rejected were allowed to remain in Germany due to the security threat in Afghanistan. But last year, Berlin decided to designate parts of the country safe for return. Based on reporting by dpa and AFP Hillary Clinton has said that she believes U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign gave guidance to the Russian government in its efforts to influence last year's election. The former Democratic presidential candidate said that the Russian government wanted to spread disinformation about her, but it "could not have known how best to weaponize that information unless they had been guided...by Americans and guided by people who have polling and data." "We're getting more information about all of the contacts between Trump campaign officials and Trump associates with Russians before, during, and after the election," she said, and may soon find out who gave Russia the guidance. Her comments came a day after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin both said Democrats who lost the election were responsible for inventing allegations about collusion between Russia and Trump's campaign. Trump responded to Clinton's remarks on Twitter, saying that "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate." Clinton said that during the campaign, there was a "marriage" between people who spread false stories on the Internet, particularly on Facebook, and Republicans who had polling data breaking down the characteristics and leanings of U.S. voters. Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- A court in Kazakhstan has convicted prominent actor-director Tunghyshbai Zhamanqulov and handed him a suspended sentence in a politically charged embezzlement case. On June 1, the court in Almaty found Zhamanqulov guilty of "misuse or embezzlement" of state budget funds allocated to shoot a film. He was given a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence, fined 3.4 million tenges ($10,850), and barred from holding posts at state organizations for five years. Several co-defendants also received suspended sentences. Zhamanqulov had pleaded not guilty. He was detained on November 2 and charged with embezzling some 70 million tenges ($223,000). Zhamanqulov's detention came weeks after he publicly alleged that Culture Minister Arystanbek Mukhamediuly was involved in corruption. He also supported several women who had accused Mukhamediuly of sexual harassment, allegations rejected by the minister. Zhamanqulov, 68, starred in 33 films and became well-known by playing a main character in the popular satire show Tamasha in the 1970s. Authorities in Macedonia say the health minister in the outgoing government, Nikola Todorov, was shot at on June 1 outside the ministry as he headed there to hand over the post to the new minister. The Interior Ministry said the gunman targeted Todorov, who escaped unharmed. It said the suspected assailant, a 57-year-old man, was detained on the spot. The shooting came a day after Macedonia's parliament voted in a new center-left coalition government led by former opposition leader Zoran Zaev, ending a protracted political standoff. Lawmakers voted 62-44 just before midnight to confirm a 26-member cabinet proposed by Zaev, who leads the Social Democratic Union, and Zaev was sworn in as prime minister immediately after the vote. Todorov is a member of the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE party, which dominated former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski's government. In a statement to RFE/RL, new Health Minister Arben Taravari said he did not go to the ministry after being informed about the incident. The handover ceremony had been scheduled for around noon. Macedonia's parliament has elected a new center-left coalition government led by former opposition leader Zoran Zaev, ending a six-month political stalemate. Lawmakers voted 62-44 just before midnight on May 31 to confirm a 26-member cabinet proposed by Zaev, who leads the Social Democrat Union. Five lawmakers abstained and nine were absent. Zaev was sworn in as prime minister by the parliament speaker immediately after the vote. Zaev promised his government would step up economic reforms and speed up the country's bid to join the European Union and NATO. With his ascendance, the 11-year rule of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party comes to an end. VMRO-DPMNE followers have been unhappy with the governing coalition's appointment of ethnic Albanians to be speaker of parliament as well as to serve in nine cabinet posts. Zaev formed an alliance with two small ethnic Albanian parties to control 62 of parliament's 120 seats after his party finished second in December elections that produced a hung parliament. About a third of Macedonia's population is ethnic Albanian, and ethnic tensions brought the former Yugoslav republic close to civil war in 2001. Heather Nauert, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, congratulated Zaev and said the United States stood ready to help the country carry out reforms that strengthen the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom, and government accountability. The European Union also welcomed the move. "The EU is ready to support the work that the new government, as well as the opposition, will do to constructively implement all parts of the Przino agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities," EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement, referring to an accord among Macedonian leaders brokered by the EU last year. "This is also essential to bring the country back on its European integration path, a process that the citizens clearly want and deserve," Mogherini said. In a statement, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he spoke with Zaev and congratulated him. "We agreed on the importance of addressing urgently needed reforms, including on good governance and the rule of law," Stoltenberg said, adding that such reforms will benefit all citizens of Macedonia and will "further advance the countrys Euro-Atlantic aspirations." In a separate development, authorities in Macedonia said the health minister in the outgoing government, Nikola Todorov, was shot at on June 1 outside the ministry as he headed there to hand over the post to the new minister. The Interior Ministry said the gunman targeted Todorov -- a member of the VMRO-DPMNE party -- who escaped unharmed. The suspected assailant was detained on the spot. With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and dpa Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic has said that the Kremlin has a secret list of Montenegrin officials who are banned from entering Russia due to the small Balkan nation's participation in Western sanctions over Ukraine. Earlier this week, Montenegro's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Podgorica to protest over the brief detention of a deputy from the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists at a Moscow airport. Montenegrin media have recently reported that Markovic is on the Kremlin's secret list of officials who are not allowed to enter Russia. Markovic told parliament on May 31 that he knew about the list, but didn't know who is on it. "Such attitude against a country which wants to self-determine its future is disappointing," Markovic said. "I have never registered such a level of destruction, primitivism. It reflects the character of [the Russian] regime." "We will certainly not falter on our [pro-Western] commitment," he added. The Kremlin declined to comment on Markovic's remarks. In 2014, Montenegro imposed sanctions against Russia, embracing European Union penalties over Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea that include an entry ban for some officials. Moscow initially retaliated by banning food imports from Montenegro but has said it reserves the right to impose further sanctions. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and TASS The December crash of a Russian military passenger jet plane that killed 92 people, including members of a renowned army musical ensemble, was likely caused by pilot disorientation, Russian media have reported. Russian state news agency TASS quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying an investigative commission set up after the crash found that it "could have been caused by spatial disorientation [situational unawareness] of the pilot." TASS reported that the commission, composed of officials from the Defense Ministry, transport agencies, and the Tupolev aircraft manufacturer, ruled out the possibility that safety violations or "external factors" caused the crash. Russian officials had previously said there was no evidence of an explosion on board the Defense Ministry Tu-154 when it crashed in the Black Sea about a minute after takeoff from Sochi on December 25, killing all on board. Among the dead were members of the Aleksandrov Ensemble, widely known as the Red Army Choir, who were to perform at a Russian air base in Syria. The head of a Russian charity, Yelizaveta Glinka, known as Dr. Liza, was also killed. Based on reporting by AP and TASS A Russian court has ordered the release of an activist who was forcibly committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2015 after making online calls for the establishment of a "Urals people's republic." A district court in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk ruled on June 1 that Aleksei Moroshkin poses no threat to society and must be released, his lawyer Andrei Lepyokhin said. Lepyokhin said that Moroshkin was to be released 10 days after the ruling was pronounced. Moroshkin was tried after he posted calls for the creation of a Urals people's republic, echoing Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine who call the areas they control "people's republics." While Moscow backs the separatists in Ukraine, calls for the separation of any part of Russia from the country are illegal and draw the ire of officials. Also in 2015, Moroshkin was charged with vandalism for painting the blue-and-yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag on a bust of the Soviet Union's founder, Vladimir Lenin. He could still face prosecution on that charge. With reporting by OVD-Info Russia says it has for the first time used its Iskander-M tactical ballistic-missile systems out of the country during military exercises in Tajikistan. Colonel Yaroslav Roshchupkin, an aide to the commander of Russia's Central Military District, said on June 1 in the city of Yekaterinburg that an Iskander ballistic missile hit a simulated terrorist camp located 15 kilometers from the Tajik-Afghan border. Roshchupkin said Uragan (Hurricane) rocket systems were also used in the May 30-June 1 Dushanbe-Antiterror 2017 drills conducted by the Antiterrorism Center of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a loose grouping of former Soviet republics. Tajik Defense Ministry spokesman Faridun Mahmadaliev told RFE/RL that the exercises were being held under general supervision of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security. Mahmadaliev added that a total of 4,500 Tajik and Russian military personnel were taking part in the maneuvers. Russia sent 2,000 troops as well as 30 planes and helicopters. Russia has about 7,000 troops stationed at three facilities that are considered part of a single Russian base in Tajikistan. With reporting by TASS and Interfax Russias ambassador to NATO says Moscow will respond to the alliance's military deployment in Eastern members. Aleksandr Grushko was speaking in Brussels on June 1, as NATO countries are deploying some 4,600 troops to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. NATO describes the deployment as a deterrent move in the face of a more-assertive Russia after its illegal 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Moscow accuses the alliance of threatening its security. "NATO is building a new military security situation that we cannot ignore, that we should address using our own military instruments," Grushko told journalists. Grushko insisted that "NATO's movements will not be left without a response in terms of military planning," without indicating what kind of measures Russia might take. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters Moscow authorities have rejected opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's request to hold an anticorruption march and rally in the heart of Moscow on June 12. City security department chief Vladimir Chernikov said on May 31 that instead of Tverskaya and Okhotny Ryad, major streets near the Kremlin, the mayor's office is proposing that Navalny hold the demonstration at one of two locations further from the city center. Chernikov told journalists that if held on the central streets where Navalny had sought permission to stage them, the march and rally might disrupt events connected to Russia Day holiday celebrations. Navalny has said earlier that activists in 212 cities across Russia plan to hold demonstrations on June 12 regardless of whether permission is granted, citing what he said was the right of citizens to demonstrate on Russia Day. The Kremlin foe and anticorruption crusader is seeking to build on momentum after organizing nationwide anticorruption protests on March 26 that drew unexpectedly large crowds. Navalny is trying to get on the ballot for a March 2018 election in which President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to seek and secure a new six-year term. Based on reporting by MK.ru and RosBalt A Stockholm arbitration court has sided with Ukraine in three preliminary rulings in a long-running dispute between Moscow and Kyiv over natural gas. Ukraine's Naftogaz energy company signed a 10-year gas-purchase contract with Russian gas giant Gazprom in 2009 after being cut off from Russian deliveries in the middle of the winter heating season. Ukraine later said the contract had unfavorable terms and sought to win back $18 billion that it argues it overpaid to Gazprom in 2011-15 after being charged "nonmarket" prices. Gazprom dismissed Ukraine's claims and demanded $37.1 billion to compensate for the volumes of gas Naftogaz allegedly failed to buy under the terms of a disputed "take-or-pay" provision of the contract. The take-or-pay provision requires Ukraine to purchase a set amount of gas and pay for the volumes it does not buy. But the Stockholm arbitration court on May 31 sided with Ukraine on the take-or-pay issue, Naftogaz said, and the court also agreed that Ukraine has a right to resell the gas it imports from Gazprom. A third ruling found that Naftogaz "is entitled to a market-reflective adjustment of the price formula," the Ukrainian company said. Based on reporting by AFP, TASS, and Interfax The Power Vertical is a blog written especially for Russia wonks and obsessive Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It offers Brian's personal take on emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today. Check out The Power Vertical Facebook page or Follow @PowerVertical The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. WASHINGTON -- U.S. allies and rivals alike have decried President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement and spurned his offer to try to renegotiate the accord. "We are firmly convinced that the agreement cannot be renegotiated," the leaders of France, Germany, and Italy said in a joint statement on June 1 that added Trump's decision was "regrettable" and called on the rest of the world to "speed up action to combat climate change." French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump personally in a phone call late June 1 that "nothing was renegotiable" and the two countries would have to confine their joint efforts in the future to projects outside of climate change, French officials said. "There is no plan B because there is no planet B," Macron said in a televised address afterward. "We will not renegotiate a less ambitious accord. There is no way." European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called Trump's decision "seriously wrong," while even the closest U.S. allies in Britain, Germany, and Japan expressed "regret" and "disappointment" that the world's second-largest greenhouse-gas emitter chose to opt out. China, which even before Trump's decision had pledged to work with European countries to recommit to the climate accord, called the U.S. withdrawal a "global setback," according to state news agency Xinhua. Xinhua disputed Trump's assertion that withdrawing will preserve U.S. jobs, but said, "One can only assume that Trump has very good reasons to leave the Paris agreement, and that he knows the implications of U.S. retreat from the landmark deal." Russia said that while it "respected" Trump's decision, it would not consider abandoning the accord. "Russia is committed to the agreement, as its elaboration was really painstaking," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS. "It's wrong to claim the Paris agreement is lopsided or unprofitable or takes account of the interests of only one group of countries." Mixed Domestic Reaction At home in the United States, Trump got a mixed reaction, with Republicans in Congress praising his boldness in defying 194 other countries that joined the agreement and rejecting what they called a "raw deal" for the United States. But Democrats deplored his move as "tragedy for the environment" and an "abdication of leadership" on the world stage. Trump's decision to immediately suspend U.S. compliance with the agreement leaves the United States isolated on the premier global environmental issue, in the company of only two other small countries -- Syria and Nicaragua. Many U.S. state governors and city mayors quickly pledged to try to counteract Trump's move by combining efforts to adhere to emissions reductions the United States originally committed to under the presidency of Barack Obama. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called Trump's abandonment of the agreement he helped to negotiate "self-destructive," and "an unprecedented forfeiture of American leadership which will cost us influence...and invite other countries to walk away from solving humanity's most existential crisis." Former Vice President Al Gore, a champion of environmental causes, denounced Trump's "reckless and indefensible action," which he said "undermines America's standing in the world." Paris, And Pittsburgh Too In explaining his decision to walk away from the rest of the world, Trump proclaimed that "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris." But he got blowback even from the mayor of Pittsburgh, which during the 20th century made its mark as a major producer of steel but today touts itself as a "green" city that is committed to environmental and technological progress. "Pittsburgh stands with the world and will follow the Paris agreement," the city's mayor, Bill Peduto, tweeted, noting that Trump's Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, got 80 percent of the vote in his city. "It's now up to cities to lead." Trump, who got overwhelming support in the rural areas of the United States where coal is mined, had stressed the detrimental impact on the economy from the accord, which he said would cost millions of U.S. mining and manufacturing jobs. He called the decision to pull out a "solemn duty to protect America and its citizens and restore U.S. "sovereignty" over its own economy and governance. "Foreign leaders in Europe and Asia should not have more to say with respect to the U.S. economy than our own citizens and their elected representatives," he said. "The bottom line is the Paris accord is very unfair, at the highest level, to the United States," he said. "The agreement is a massive redistribution of United States wealth to other countries." Trump said he was ready to negotiate with other countries on new terms that would enable the United States to reenter the agreement, or negotiate an "entirely new transaction" on more favorable terms. "If we can [strike a new deal], that's great. If we can't, thats fine," he said. Pulling out of the climate accord fulfills a major campaign promise Trump made last year at a time when other pledges he made to repeal and replace Obama's health-care law and cut taxes are stalled or languishing in Congress. Obama said the pullout will hurt Americans and the U.S. standing in the world, but expressed confidence that U.S. states, cities, and businesses will fill in the vacuum left by Trump by sticking with their commitments to curb climate change. EU Climate and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said, "Today is a sad day for the global community, as a key partner turns its back on the fight against climate change." But he said "the world can continue to count on Europe for global leadership in the fight against climate change." During a Group of Seven summit in Italy last week, all the major industrialized countries except the United States had reaffirmed their "strong commitment" to the implementation of the agreement. The EU's Juncker said he had told Trump during the summit that withdrawing from the accord wouldn't be easy and will take years. "The Americans can't just leave the climate protection agreement," he said. "Mr. Trump believes that because he doesn't know the details." With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa Authorities in Uzbekistan have selected an artist to create a sculpture of the late former President Islam Karimov, and that person is 72-year-old Ilhom Jabbarov, a native of the Tashkent region. Jabbarovs previous statues are among the best-known works of contemporary art in Uzbekistan: the statues of Amir Timur in Tashkent and Samarkand, as well the statues of the Lamenting Mother and the Happy Mother in Tashkent. Few could argue Jabbarovs talent or ability. But the choice is a bit ironic. Karimov knew Jabbarov personally. Considering how many of Jabbarovs sculptures are displayed in cities around Uzbekistan, it would be fair to say Karimov had an appreciation for Jabbarovs works. But Jabbarov is an artist, and his vision of how his creations should look conflicted with Karimovs on at least two occasions. Jabbarov envisaged his statue of 13th-century ruler Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu, the last of the Khwarazm shahs, as mounted on a horse. Karimov felt that only 14th-century conqueror Amir Timur, who Karimovs Uzbekistan declared to be the father of the Uzbek nation, deserved to be immortalized on horseback. The president prevailed, and the statue in Urgench is of the last Khwarazm shah standing. But about four years ago, Karimov wanted another work dedicated to the defenders of Uzbekistan -- the soldiers -- and he wanted a colored flag of Uzbekistan to be part of the work. Jabbarov refused, and shortly thereafter his fortunes plummeted. He lost his car, his home, and some felt he was headed for prison. His fame may have saved him from incarceration, but his presence apparently was no longer welcome in Tashkent, so he went into the hills outside Tashkent and took up beekeeping. That is where Jabbarov stayed until Karimov's death was announced in September and the selection committee for a sculptor to immortalize the late president decided Jabbarov was the man for the job. Reports said there were 58 artists competing for the commission. There were sculptors not only from Uzbekistan but also South Korea, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Germany, Italy, and Australia. There is not much information about the selection committee, beyond that the head of the committee was Abdulla Aripov, who was deputy prime minister when he was chosen for this duty. Qishloq Ovozi has mentioned Aripov before. He was in charge of information systems and telecommunications in Uzbekistan from 2002 to 2012, and when Karimovs eldest daughter, Gulnara, was targeted by investigators over suspicious multimillion-dollar transactions with foreign telecommunications companies, Karimov sacked Aripov. Karimov's successor, Shavkat Mirziyaev, brought Aripov back from political exile. Aripov is prime minister now. So a man whom Karimov fired has helped select a man Karimov humbled and essentially exiled to build a statue to Karimov. Shukhrat Babajanov of RFE/RLs Uzbek Service contributed to this report The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL. A Moscow court has postponed the verdict in the trial of Natalya Sharina, a librarian who is charged with inciting hatred in a case that is steeped in the confrontation between Moscow and Kyiv and has been denounced by rights activists. Meshchansky District Court spokeswoman Yulia Bocharova said the judge will pronounce the verdict and sentence on June 5 instead of June 1. No reason was given. Russian authorities have charged Sharina, the former head of Moscow's Ukrainian Literature Library, with inciting ethnic hatred and embezzlement. The hate-crime charge stems from the Russian state's claim that her library's collection included books that are banned in Russia as extremist, including works by Ukrainian ultranationalist Dmytro Korchynskiy. Sharina was detained in October 2015, amid growing animus between Moscow and Kyiv over Russia's seizure of Crimea and support for armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. In April 2016, investigators additionally charged her with embezzlement, claiming that she used library funds to pay for her legal defense in a separate extremism case against her that was dismissed in 2013. Her lawyer said the authorities had "trumped up" new charges after realizing their initial case against his client was too weak. Sharina, who is under house arrest, has rejected all the allegations as politically motivated. The respected Russian human rights group Memorial considers her a political prisoner. On May 29, the state prosecutor asked the judge to find Sharina guilty and give her a five-year suspended sentence, which would mean she would not be imprisoned. With reporting by TASS and Interfax DC Toyota Innova Crysta Lounge Ultimate spells pure opulence. While Toyota Innova is itself a highly comfortable vehicle, the Crysta badge has brought with it a luxury tag. DC Design has now taken this comfort and luxury to the next level with Lounge Ultimate giving it an even more majestic appeal. The car was on display at the 2018 Auto Expo. DC Design, the Indian design company, founded in 1993 and headed by Dilip Chabbria unveiled Toyota Innova Crysta Lounge Ultimate which is the newest addition to the DC Lounge catalogue. The custom is based on Toyota Innova Crysta and even while prices have not been made official, it is estimated to start at INR 4.95 lakhs excluding the donor vehicle which carries a price tag starting from INR 14.20 21.4 lakhs. Exteriors receive new bumper design with sideboards and wheel arch cladding while the DC logo is prominently positioned on its front grille. Interiors are seen with premium fittings in wood, gloss black, chrome and aluminum. It gets stripped of its cabin seats, interior trim and floors of second and third row with two captain seats added with all the power and levers as one would note in the first class cabin of an aircraft. Seats are done up in premium white leather and infotainment system consists of a large TFT display which is centrally positioned. It also gets HVAC vents, a folding table and a mini refrigerator. DC Design has also presented some optional features among which are starlight roof liner and automatic window sun-blinds. The modified Toyota Innova Crysta sees no change in engine specifications and continues to be powered by 2TR-FE 2.7 liter 4 cylinder petrol engine mated to a 5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission, 2GD-FTV 2.4 liter 4 cylinder diesel mated to a 6 speed manual and 1GD-FTV 2.8 liter 4 cylinder diesel mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission. Microorganisms play a crucial role in forming beachrock, a type of rock that forms on the beach and protects low-lying reef islands from erosion, a new study involving University of Queensland research has revealed. Professor Gordon Southam of UQ's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences said the findings threw new light on an area of coastal ecology that had been little studied, but could help protect islands such as in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. "These results are of interest because beachrock could be used as a natural coastline stabilisation strategy on sand reef cays, and in turn, protect the unique habitats that reef islands support," Professor Southam said. He said of all the coastal environments that would be influenced by sea-level rise and increased cyclone intensity, sandy beaches on low elevation coral reef cays were among the most vulnerable due to their susceptibility to erosion. "Changes to reef islands will have negative implications for the existence of reef cay environments, which host vital sea turtle and bird rookery habitats," he said. "Beachrock -- consolidated carbonate beach sediment in the intertidal zone -- forms naturally on many tropical beaches and reduces the erosion rates of these beaches when compared to unconsolidated sand. "In spite of the critical role beachrock plays in stabilizing some reef cay shores, the mechanism of beach rock formation is still incompletely understood." Co-author Professor Gregory Webb said in this investigation beachrock was synthesised in the laboratory using beach sand and beachrock samples from Heron Island on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The researchers conducted aquarium experiments in which natural beach rock formation conditions were simulated, with one experiment influenced by beachrock microbes and the other, lacking these bacteria. The resulting materials were then analysed in the Australian synchrotron in Melbourne, and the analysis showed the fundamental role these bacteria play in initiating beachrock formation. Professor Southam said the results provided a better understanding of the role of microorganisms in beachrock generation, and could guide future studies examining on site beachrock formation. In the field of criminology, it is well established that men engage in more crime than women. Now, a new study from the University of Pennsylvania published in the journal Criminology, addresses the incomplete understanding of why males are more criminal than females by examining gender differences in biological functioning and behavior. It is the first study to demonstrate that men's lower resting heart rate partly explains the higher rate of criminal offending. Olivia Choy, who graduated this month with a Ph.D. from Penn's Department of Criminology in the School of Arts & Sciences and is joining Nanyang Technological University as an assistant professor in July, conducted the research in Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor Adrian Raine's lab. The study, "Explaining the Gender Gap in Crime: The Role of Heart Rate," complements traditional theoretical accounts of the gender gap and has implications for the advancement of integrative criminological theory in public health and law enforcement. Researchers examined data from a longitudinal study that measured the heart rate of participants at age 11 and found that heart rate partly explains gender differences in both violent and nonviolent crime assessed at age 23. Prior studies have shown that people with low resting heart rates seek stimulation to raise their level of arousal to a more optimal one. This stimulation-seeking theory converges with a fearlessness theory arguing that these people have a low level of fear and may be more likely to engage in antisocial behavior, which requires a degree of fearlessness. "We think cardiovascular functioning partly explains sex difference in crime," Raine said, "because low heart rate is a marker for other mechanisms like lack of fear and stimulation-seeking." Raine holds appointments in Penn's School of Arts & Sciences and Perelman School of Medicine. advertisement "One way to get that stimulation is by engaging in antisocial behavior," said Choy. "Obviously, you can engage in prosocial behavior, say, for example, like skydiving, but another major theory connects low levels of arousal to low heart rate, reflecting a low level of fear in individuals. To commit a crime, you do need a level of fearlessness, so these are two major explanations for why we see this relationship between low heart rate and antisocial behavior." To test their hypothesis that a low resting heart rate partly mediates the relationship between gender and crime, the researchers examined data from a longitudinal study of 894 participants. Resting heart rate at 11 years of age was examined alongside self-reported and official conviction records for overall criminal offending, violence, serious violence and drug-related crime at 23 years of age. A low resting heart rate partially mediated, or explained, the relationship between gender and all types of adult criminal offending, including violent and nonviolent crime. The mediation effects were significant after controlling for body mass index, race, social adversity and activity level. Resting heart rate accounted for 5 to 17 percent of the gender difference in crime. Building on the limited number of studies that have been conducted to test theories of the gender gap empirically, the researchers examined the mediation effects on different types of crime in addition to overall criminal offending. Data were obtained from a subsample of participants involved in the Mauritius Child Health Project. The original sample consisted of 1,795 children born in 1969-1970 who were recruited into the study from the island of Mauritius when they were 3 years old. When they were 11 years old, the children were given a major psychophysiological test. When they were 23 years old, assessments on their level of adult criminal offending in the past five years were made. "We assessed criminal offending through self-reports," Choy said, "and looked at criminal conviction records obtained through district courts. This allowed us to look at gender, whether that predicts heart rates at age 11 and whether heart rate is associated with crime at age 23." Choy added that the gender gap in crime is seen across time and across cultures. Differences in heart rates among male and female children are seen as early as 17 months of age: "You see it from 1 to 79 years, and even in newborn males who have lower resting heart rates than females." 23.93% of all adolescents in Austria are currently suffering from a mental health problem, over a third of all adolescents have had a mental health problem at some stage in their lives. That is the central finding of the first Austria-wide epidemiological study into the prevalence of mental health problems in Austria, conducted under the supervision of Andreas Karwautz and Gudrun Wagner at MedUni Vienna's Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in collaboration with the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Health Promotion Research and published in a child and adolescent psychiatry journal. This study is not only the first to cover the whole of Austria but also unique in its range: For the first time in the world, 27 mental health problems were recorded, on application of the DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders -- US classification system) and this involved questioning around 4,000 adolescents aged between 10 and 18 from throughout Austria, nearly 500 of these in one-on-one interviews. A total of 340 Austrian schools took part. "The commonest type of problems are anxiety disorders, followed by psychological and neuronal development problems and depressive disorders," summarises child and adolescent psychiatrist Karwautz. When it comes down to the details, there are marked gender differences. While male adolescents are three times more likely to suffer from psychological and neuronal development disorders (e.g. ADHS/Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Syndrome) than girls and six times more likely to suffer from behavioural disorders (e.g. impulse control), twice as many female adolescents suffer from anxiety disorders and ten times as many from eating disorders compared with males. Only one in two seeks help Another finding of the study: Less than half of those adolescents that had suffered from a mental health problem at least once in their lives so far sought professional help from a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Whether or not they go to see the relevant specialist depends largely upon the specific problem: around 63% of the questioned adolescents with ADHS had been to see a specialist, barely 20% in the case of eating disorders and even fewer in the case of suicidal behaviour disorders (16.7%) and non-suicidal, self-harming behaviour (10.0%). According to Karwautz, this is partially due to the stigma that still persists around mental health problems and the associated high inhibition threshold to confide in a doctor, lack of understanding about mental health problems on the part of caregivers, so that the manifest problem often goes unrecognised, but also to the lack of sufficient child and adolescent psychiatrists and associated institutions in Austria, since this was only recognised as a specialism 10 years ago. Says Karwautz: "Currently there are 26 child and adolescent psychiatrists registered with health insurers for the whole of Austria and 0.04 beds per 1,000 inhabitants. Since the specialism was recently defined as being under-subscribed, it is hoped that more training places will be provided, since this is a prerequisite for ensuring that there are sufficient practitioners in future. This can only be achieved if healthcare providers, political structures and professional societies pull together." Karwautz is appealing to parents in particular to seek the help of a child and adolescent psychiatrist if they notice significant changes in their child's behaviour: "If you notice a change in behaviour or your child becomes extremely withdrawn or develops tics, you should have them seen by a specialist. And very importantly: the earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis for the future." Expert help is available! The study was the result of a joint initiative between MedUni Vienna and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Health Promotion Research (which has meanwhile ceased its activity) and was funded from "Common Health Goals" within the framework pharmaceutical contract, a cooperative agreement between the Austrian pharmaceutical industry and the social insurance system. A new study by an international team of scientists, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, warns that many large fish species, including many of the sharks and rays of Europe, are threatened with extinction. Confirming the findings of previous studies, the scientists highlight regional differences in fish stock status in Europe and point to overfishing in the Mediterranean. Marine fish play an important role in marine ecosystems, but are also a major food source for marine animals and humans. The new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that the bigger the fish, the more likely it is to be threatened with extinction. This is because they are more susceptible to threats such as overfishing because they grow slower, take longer to mature, have fewer offspring and are in higher demand for food consumption and recreational fishing. The research team studied the status of commercial fish stocks all around Europe to assess the extinction risk of fish. The JRC contributed to the study by analysing stock assessment data of commercial fish stocks in the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean stock assessment data were produced by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), a Commission expert group for which the JRC acts as the secretariat and provides expertise in stock assessments. Geographical discrepancies: Mediterranean worst off The scientists found significant geographical discrepancies: a much higher fraction of the fish stocks were overexploited and depleted in biomass in the Mediterranean, compared with the northeast Atlantic. None of the 39 assessed Mediterranean fish stocks examined were classed as sustainable. Hake (Merluccius merluccius) is of particular concern: of the 12 examined hake stocks in the Mediterranean, 9 have exploitation rates that are over five times higher than the rate in line with maximum sustainable yield. Scientists say that this is linked to how the areas are managed, how fishing quotas are set and how fish stocks are monitored. They also remind that the Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed sea with a much longer history of human impacts compared with the Atlantic. At present, the Mediterranean is heavily impacted, in addition to fishing, by multiple stress factors ranging from temperature increase and acidification to habitat modification and pollution in the coastal areas. Larger fish species threatened with extinction The study stresses that while most of Europe's commercial fish stocks are not yet threatened with extinction, most of the larger fish species are, particularly sharks and rays. In addition to these, the large fish species that are threatened include six species of sturgeon, the northern wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus), blue ling (Molva dipterygia), the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), the Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and (wild) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). "This study highlights two major issues for Europe's fish: the threats to large fish species, including sharks and rays, and the severe overfishing in the Mediterranean, which is in contrast to the improving picture in the northeast Atlantic. In the northeast Atlantic, there are catch limits in place, coupled with rigorous fisheries monitoring and enforcement schemes. In the Mediterranean there is a larger number of fishing vessels using multiple gears, there are largely no catch limits, and management is carried out mainly through some spatial and temporal restrictions to fishing, which are often poorly enforced. The Commission recently launched the MEDFISH4EVER strategy to improve the state of Mediterranean fish stocks, which is obviously a step to the right direction," said JRC researcher Paris Vasilakopoulos, co-author of the study, who contributed to the analysis of the Mediterranean fish stock assessment data. Greater efforts to conserve our large fish species are essential as the loss of these large, ecologically important species could have consequences that cascade to other levels which include important commercial species, particularly in the overfished southern European stocks. MedFish4Ever In recent years, the European Commission has taken a number of initiatives to redress the balance between harvesting activities and productivity of the stocks. Modern EU rules against overfishing apply domestically, and the Commission works closely with non-EU Mediterranean countries through international channels like the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and the Barcelona Convention. In parallel, a number of conservation actions are now being developed through regions-specific initiatives for the Adriatic-Ionian and for the western Mediterranean. A positive sign also comes from the recent Declaration on the sustainability of Mediterranean fisheries signed by 15 fisheries ministers of riparian countries (MedFish4Ever). The countries in question undertake to improve fisheries governance in the region by upgrading data collection and scientific evaluation, establishing an ecosystem-based fisheries management framework and developing a culture of compliance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. This new 10-year long partnership, which could still extend to even more countries, is set to bring us closer to our goal of a healthy and productive Mediterranean Sea. Researchers at Heidelberg University have gained new knowledge on the possible biological function of patellamides. In laboratory experiments, they were able to demonstrate that this natural product displays important catalytic activity in combination with copper(II). The team of scientists headed by chemist Prof. Dr Peter Comba developed a special method to determine whether this activity can also be observed in the patellamide-producing organisms. This means that stable copper(II) patellamide complexes could be confirmed in living cells -- which would imply that these compounds can act as catalysts. It may even point to a new type of enzyme. Patellamides were first isolated in 1981 from the ascidian Lissoclinum patella. Today, scientists know that they are not produced by the ascidian itself but by its symbiont, the blue-green algae Prochloron. In earlier laboratory experiments, the Heidelberg researchers already proved that patellamides bind two copper(II) ions to form a complex that functions, among others, as a catalyst for the absorption of carbon dioxide. Based on these findings, the researchers now want to find out, if the catalytic activity of the dinuclear copper(II)-patellamide compounds also plays a role inside the Prochloron cells -- that is, whether they could be a new type of enzyme. Therefore, Dr Annika Eisenschmidt explored the stability of the complexes in blue-green algae as part of her doctoral thesis. She prepared an artificial patellamide with a so-called fluorescence marker, which causes the modified patellamide to illuminate. The fluorescence is extinguished, however, as soon as the patellamide binds copper(II). Because Prochloron can only be isolated from the Great Barrier Reef and the cells are observed to merely stay alive for one week after collection, the method was first tested on a related algae. The researchers subsequently expanded their experiments in cooperation with colleagues in Australia. It was thus possible to isolate the Prochloron cells on site together with the host, the ascidian Lissioclinum patella. The artificial, fluorescing patellamides could then be introduced into the cells. The result: As previously observed in the test tube, the fluorescence extinguished when copper(II) was added to these cells. According to Peter Comba, this demonstrates that stable copper(II)-patellamide complexes are formed inside the Prochloron cells. The scientists will now attempt to identify the exact structure of these complexes in living cells. "If the compounds are dinuclear, as we observed in our laboratory experiments, then they could actually have important functions as enzymes," emphasises the chemist. In a new study published in Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, a team from Michigan Technological University calculated the cost of combusting coal in terms of human lives along with the potential benefits of switching to solar. Health Impacts Tens of thousands of Americans die prematurely each year from air pollution-related diseases associated with burning coal. By transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) in the US, up to 51,999 American lives would be saved at $1.1 million invested per life. "Unlike other public health investments, you get more than lives saved," says Joshua Pearce, a professor of materials science and electrical engineering at Michigan Tech. "In addition to saving lives, solar is producing electricity, which has economic value." Using a sensitivity analysis on the value of electricity, which examines the different costs of electricity that varies by region throughout the country, saving a life by using solar power also showed potential to make money -- sometimes as much as several million dollars per life, says Pearce. "Everybody wants to avoid wasting money. Just based off the pure value of electricity of the sensitivities we looked at, it's profitable to save American lives by eliminating coal with solar," he explains. advertisement Pearce worked with energy policy doctoral student Emily Prehoda on the study, and their main goal was to better inform health policy. They gathered data from peer-reviewed journals and the Environmental Protection Agency to calculate US deaths per kilowatt hour per year for both coal and solar. Then they used current costs of solar installations from the Department of Energy and calculated the potential return on investment. Pearce and Prehoda also analyzed the geographic impact of coal-related deaths. "Here, we have solid numbers on how many people die from air pollution and what fraction of that is due to coal-powered plants in each state." Power of Solar To fully replace all the coal production in the US with solar PV, it would take 755 gigawatts -- a significant increase compared to the 22.7 gigawatts of solar installed in the US currently. The total cost of installing that much solar power totals $1.5 trillion, but that investment is figured into Pearce and Prehoda's calculations, and is a profitable investment. As Pearce sums it up: "Solar has come down radically in cost, it's technically viable, and coupled with natural gas plants, other renewables and storage, we have ways to produce all the electricity we need without coal, period." He says resisting the rise of solar energy is akin to if computer manufacturers kept using vacuum tube switches instead of upgrading to semiconductor transistors. advertisement "My overall takeaway from this study," Pearce says, "is that if we're rational and we care about American lives -- or even just money -- then it's time to end coal in the US." Next Steps The World Health Organization reports that millions die each year from unhealthy environment, air pollution notably the largest contributor to non-communicable diseases like stroke, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses and heart disease. Future work can expand this study globally. "There's roughly seven million people who die globally from air pollution every year, so getting rid of coal could take a big chunk out of that number as well," Pearce says, adding that another goal of future research is to dig deeper into the life cycles of coal production as this study only looked at air pollution-related deaths. Doing so will continue to illuminate the multiple positive impacts of solar power and its potential to do more than keep the lights on. Havana, May 28, 2017 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Brahim Ghali, and his Cuban Counterpart, Raul Castro, have discussed in Havana cooperation between the two nations. Cuban President Raul Castro received Friday the President of the Republic, Brahim Ghali, who is on an official visit in Cuba. During the fraternal meeting, both leaders agreed on the will to continue developing the historic bonds of solidarity, cooperation and brotherhood that unite the two nations. They also exchanged views on issues on the international agenda. President Castro reaffirmed that the question of Western Sahara requires an effort to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions so as to ensure the self-determination of the Saharawi people and the exercise of their legitimate right to live in peace on their territory. Meanwhile, President Ghali thanked Cuba's support for the just struggle of the Saharawi people. (SPS) 062/090/TRA External Link Policy Hyperlinks to a website are allowed only if the website is sponsored, supported, or partnered by the U.S. Department of State; is educational in nature; or is another Government website, including those sites sponsored by State or local governments. The U.S. Department of State will not allow any hyperlinks to any websites that advocate hate, bias, or discrimination, or which contain information or hyperlinks associated with partisan political activity. Links may be made to our website from personal and organizational web pages. We request that you link to our site rather than downloading portions of it to another web server, so that viewers will see the most up-to-date information. Information Disclaimer The www.state.gov website serves as the State Departments portal of information on U.S. foreign policy and information about the State Department. It is managed by the Bureau of Global Public Affairs. 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Our privacy policy explains our information practices when you provide PII to us, whether collected online or offline, or when you visit us online to browse, obtain information, or conduct a transaction. PII may include: your name, email, mailing and/or home address, phone numbers, or other information that identifies you personally. We do not require you to register or provide personal information to visit our website. The PII you provide on a Department website will be used only for its intended purpose. We will protect your information consistent with the principles of the Privacy Act of 1974 , the E-Government Act of 2002 , and the Federal Records Act . Personally Identifiable Information As a general rule, the Department does not collect PII about you when you visit our website, unless you choose to provide such information to us. Submitting PII through our website is voluntary. By doing so, you are giving the Department your permission to use the information for the stated purpose. However, not providing certain information may result in the Departments inability to provide you with the service you desire. If you choose to provide us with PII on a Department website, through such methods as completing a web form or sending us an email, we will use that information to help us provide you the information or service you have requested or to respond to your message. The information we may receive from you varies based on what you do when visiting our site. Generally, the information requested by the Department will be used to respond to your inquiry or to provide you with the service you request. When this information is requested, the reasons for collecting it, a description of the Departments intended use of the information, how to grant consent to use mandatorily provided information, and how to grant consent for other than statutorily mandated uses will be fully described in a separate customized Privacy Notice. This customized Privacy Notice will either appear on the web page collecting the information or be accessible through a hyperlink (link) prominently displayed immediately above or below the information request. Email Many of our programs and websites allow you to send us an email. We will use the information you provide to respond to your inquiry. We will only send you general information via email. You should be reminded that email may not necessarily be secure against interception. Therefore, we suggest that you do not send sensitive personal data (such as your Social Security number) to us via email. If your intended email communication is very sensitive, or includes information such as your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number, you should instead send it by U.S. mail. Another alternative may be submission of data through a secure web page, if available. Electronic mail messages that meet the definition of records in the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) are covered under the same disposition schedule as all other Federal records. This means that emails you send us will be preserved and maintained for varying periods of time if those emails meet the definition of Federal records. Electronic messages that are not records are deleted when no longer needed. Categories of information the Department collects on its websites are further described below. Automatically Collected Information We collect and temporarily store certain information about your visit for use in site management and security purposes only. We collect and analyze this information because it helps us to better design our website to suit your needs. We may also automatically collect information about the web content you view in the event of a known security or virus threat. This information includes: 1. The Internet domain from which you access our website (for example, xcompany.com if you use a private Internet access account, or yourschool.edu if you connect from an educational domain); 2. The Internet Protocol (IP) address (a unique number for each computer connected to the Internet) from which you access our website; 3. The type of browser (e.g., Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome) used to access our site; 4. The operating system (e.g., Windows, Mac OS, Unix) used to access our site; 5. The date and time you access our site; 6. The Universal Resource Locators (URLs), or addresses, of the pages you visit; 7. Your username, if it was used to log in to the website; and 8. If you visited this website from another website, the URL of the forwarding site. We may share the above information with our employees or representatives with a need-to-know in the performance of their official duties, other Federal agencies, or other named representatives as needed to quickly process your request or transaction. This information is only used to help us make our site more useful for you. Raw data logs are retained temporarily as required for security and site management purposes only. More information about how we share information can be found in our Privacy Act Systems of Records Notices. Third-Party Websites and Applications The Department uses social media websites and other kinds of third-party websites. The Department uses social media websites to interact with foreign constituencies and engage in public diplomacy worldwide. Social media websites are used to publicize embassy and Department events, and engage with members of the public in foreign countries. The Department also uses web measurement and customization technologies to measure the number of visitors to our websites and their various sections and to help make our websites more useful to visitors. In such cases, the third-party application may request an email address, username, password, and geographic location (e.g., State, region, or ZIP code) for account registration purposes. The Department of State does not use third-party websites to solicit and collect PII from individuals. Any PII passively collected (i.e., not solicited) by the third-party website will not be transmitted or stored by the Department; no PII will be disclosed, sold or transferred to any other entity outside the Department, unless required for law enforcement purposes or by statute. The Department uses various types of online surveys to collect opinions and feedback from a random sample of visitors. Primarily, state.gov uses the ForeSee Results American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) online survey on an ongoing basis to obtain feedback and data on visitors satisfaction with the state.gov website. This survey does not collect PII. Although the survey invitation pops up for a random sample of visitors, it is optional. If you decline the survey, you will still have access to the identical information and resources at the state.gov site as those who do take the survey. The survey reports are available only to state.gov managers and other designated staff who require this information to perform their duties. The Department may use other limited-time surveys for specific purposes, which are explained at the time they are posted. The Department retains the data from the ACSI survey results as long as needed to support the mission of the state.gov website. GovDelivery The Departments Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA) uses the GovDelivery service to deliver email bulletin messages to self-subscribed users. GPAs Office of Global Web Platforms serves as the executive agent for the Departments GovDelivery Service and controls who at the Department has access to send email bulletins, create or delete topics. GovDelivery is a web-based e-mail subscription management system that allows a member of the public (user) to subscribe to news and information on www.state.gov. The GovDelivery user selects specific topics that interest them. Whenever information on that topic is made available by the Department, the user that has subscribed to that topic receives an email. The users subscription profile consists of their email address and the topics they wish to receive email updates for. The user may customize and manage their subscription profile in order to receive exactly the types of information they desire, and they may cancel their subscriptions at any time. Users engaging the Departments GovDelivery system expect privacy protections while interacting with the Department. We will only use the email addresses provided by the users to send email messages related to the topics selected by the user in the GovDelivery system. We will not use the GovDelivery service to: 1) send email messages not related to the topics selected by the user; 2) actively seek personally identifiable information; and 3) search for or by personally identifiable information without a waiver from our Privacy Office. To the extent a user posts or sends personally identifiable information to the Departments GovDelivery system, we will use the minimum amount necessary to accomplish a purpose authorized by statute, executive order, or regulation. Neither the Department nor GovDelivery may share a users subscription profile (including email address) without a waiver from the Privacy Office. Information Collected for Tracking and Customization (Cookies) A cookie is a small file that a website transfers to your computer to allow it to remember specific information about your session while you are connected. Your computer will only share the information in the cookie with the website that provided it, and no other website can request it. There are two types of cookies: Session: Session cookies last only as long as your web browser is open. Once you close your browser, the cookie is deleted. Websites may use session cookies for technical purposes such as to enable better navigation through the site, or to allow you to customize your preferences for interacting with the site. Session cookies last only as long as your web browser is open. Once you close your browser, the cookie is deleted. Websites may use session cookies for technical purposes such as to enable better navigation through the site, or to allow you to customize your preferences for interacting with the site. Persistent: Persistent cookies are saved on a users hard drive in order to determine which users are new to the site or are returning, and for repeat visitors, to block recurring invitations to take the ForeSee satisfaction survey. If you do not wish to have session or persistent cookies stored on your machine, you can turn cookies off in your browser. You will still have access to all information and resources at Department websites. However, turning off cookies may affect the functioning of some Department websites. Be aware that disabling cookies in your browser will affect cookie usage at all other websites you visit as well. Security The Department takes the security of all PII very seriously. We take precautions to maintain the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the information we collect at this site. Such measures include access controls designed to limit access to the information to the extent necessary to accomplish our mission. We also employ various security technologies to protect the information stored on our systems. We routinely test our security measures to ensure that they remain operational and effective. We take the following steps to secure the information we collect: Employ internal access controls to ensure that only personnel who have access to your information are those with a need to do so to perform their official duties. Train appropriate personnel on our privacy and security policies and compliance requirements. Secure the areas where we retain paper copies of the information we collect online. Perform regular backups of the information we collect online to ensure against loss. Use technical controls to secure the information we collect online including, but not limited to: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption Firewalls Password protections Periodically test our security procedures to ensure personnel and technical compliance. Employ external access safeguards to identify and prevent unauthorized access by outsiders that attempt to hack into, or cause harm to, the information contained in our systems. We hold our contractors and other third-party providers to the same high standards that we use to ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information they may have access to in the course of their work completed on behalf of the Department. Interaction With Children Online The Department is committed to the protection of childrens online privacy. The Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) governs information gathered online from or about children under the age of 13. Verifiable consent from a childs parent or guardian is required before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from a child under age 13. If a Department website intends to collect information about children under 13 years old, COPPA-required information and instructions will be provided by the specific web page that collects information about the child. The web page will specify exactly what the information will be used for, who will see it, and how long it will be kept. Visiting Other Websites Our website contains links to international agencies, private organizations, and some commercial entities. These websites are not within our control and may not follow the same privacy, security, or accessibility policies. Once you link to another site, you are subject to the policies of that site. All Federal websites, however, are subject to the same Federal policy, security, and accessibility mandates. Additional information is available in the Departments External Link Policy and Disclaimers. Privacy Policy Contact Information We welcome feedback if you have any questions regarding our privacy policy or the use of your information. The Departments privacy compliance materials are available at Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) and Systems of Records Notices (SORN). For additional information about our Privacy Policy, please contact us at privacy@state.gov or mail us at: Office of Global Information Services Privacy Office A/GIS/PRV State Annex 9 U.S. Department of State Washington, DC 20006 Updated November 1, 2018 Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe The only land-based Aegis anti-aircraft/missile system in existence (in New Jersey) is being taken apart, packed into 60 large (40 foot) shipping containers and sent to Romania where Aegis will be put back together and be operational some time in 2015 as an anti-missile system. The U.S. is building two more ground-based Aegis systems; one in Poland and one in Hawaii. All three, including new Aegis components for two of them and needed missiles (24 per location) and launching hardware for all of them will cost $2.3 billion. The U.S. also wanted to put silos for the GBI (Ground Based Interceptors) in Romania but Russia was very much against this as they saw it as diluting the intimidation effect of their ICBM force. The GBI project was put on hold but may be revived. The GBI is a 12.7 ton ballistic missile that delivers a 64 kg (140 pound) "kill vehicle" that will intercept a ballistic missile before it begins its descent into the atmosphere. The GBI kill vehicle attempts to destroy the incoming missile, while avoiding decoys. The U.S. already has GBIs deployed in Alaska and California. The GBI can receive target information from a variety of source, mainly a large X-band radar and space based sensors (that can detect ballistic missiles during their initial launch.) Each GBI costs over $100 million (up to several hundred million dollars, depending on how many are built and how you allocated development costs.) The GBI can intercept ballistic missiles launched from as far away as 5,000 kilometers. Back in 2010 Romania agreed to base American anti-missile systems on its territory. It was assumed this would include a land based Aegis system. At that time Israel also expressed an interest in buying a land based version Aegis, but that deal fell through. Since the land based Aegis in Romania will belong to the United States it was decided to use the land based development version of AEGIS for this since this New Jersey facility was still operational. With so many Aegis systems at sea, development work can be done on those. The U.S. has long sought to put anti-missile systems in Eastern Europe to protect against ballistic missile attacks from Iran. Russia has opposed this and sees it as a subterfuge to weaken the effect of Russian ballistic missiles attacking European targets. Most Europeans dont know what to make of that, but East European countries (like Romania) that spent 1945-89 as involuntary Russian vassal (or satellite) states, do see a need for protection from Russian missiles. So far, Aegis has achieved an 83 percent success rate during live test firings. So now many countries want Aegis ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) ships for protection. The Aegis system was designed to operate aboard warships (cruisers and destroyers that have been equipped with the special software that enables the AEGIS radar system to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles). Currently, the U.S. Navy has 30 ships with the Aegis anti-missile system. There are over 100 American and foreign warships equipped with Aegis, but less than half of them had the software mods and anti-missile missiles that enable them to shoot down ballistic missiles and low-orbit satellites. Converting an Aegis ship to Aegis ABM costs about $15 million, mainly for new software and a few new hardware items. This is seen as a safe investment. To knock down ballistic missiles, Aegis uses two similar models of the U.S. Navy Standard anti-aircraft missile, in addition to a modified version of the Aegis radar system, which can now track incoming ballistic missiles. The anti-missile missile is the RIM-161A, also known as the Standard Missile 3 (or SM-3). It has a range of over 500 kilometers and max altitude of over 160 kilometers. The Standard 3 is based on the anti-missile version of the Standard 2 (SM-2 Block IV). This SM-2 missile turned out to be effective against ballistic missile warheads that are closer to their target. One test saw a SM-2 Block IV missile destroy a warhead that was only 19 kilometers up. An SM-3 missile can destroy a warhead that is more than 200 kilometers up. But the SM-3 is only good for anti-missile work, while the SM-2 Block IV can be used against both ballistic missiles and aircraft. The SM-2 Block IV also costs less than half what an SM-3 costs. The SM-3 has four stages. The first two boost the interceptor out of the atmosphere. The third stage fires twice to boost the interceptor farther beyond the earth's atmosphere. Prior to each motor firing it takes a GPS reading to correct course for approaching the target. The fourth stage is the nine kg (20 pound) LEAP kill vehicle, which uses infrared sensors to close on the target and ram it. Iraqi SOF (Special Operation Forces) are the new role models for young men in Iraq. This is because in May Iraq revealed that during the eight month battle to drive ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) out of Mosul the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) cleared 54 percent of the 110 square kilometers that was fought over. This was no surprise to most Iraqis who noted that ISOF personnel were present in most of the media video and pictures showing the fighting, especially coverage of newly liberated parts of the city. Then there were online messages from ISOF members or, more frequently, friends of family. The government soon admitted the obvious, that the ISOF were assigned to the most difficult tasks in the battle despite the fact that the total strength of the ISOF is about 20,000 and at least a quarter of them were fighting in Mosul at any given time. The total size of the attack forces was about 100,000 troops but only about a quarter of those came under fire and wherever the defenders were numerous and determined, thats where you would usually find SOF troops called in to deal with it. Casualty data was not released during the fighting but it appears the ISOF took heavy casualties (over a thousand dead and many more wounded). Most of the casualties were wounds that were not disabling and there were cases of ISOF operators checking themselves out of the hospital and making their way back to their units before their wounds were fully healed. That in itself is a sign of good morale and the word got around. The ISOF men in Mosul (and earlier in Anbar and elsewhere) became national heroes even though their names and pictures were rarely released to protect them from Islamic terrorist reprisals. The heavy casualty rate among the ISOF was no secret and the military would sometimes admit (and military analysts local and foreign confirmed) that the battle took longer in part to minimize civilian and ISOF casualties. Nevertheless ISOF appears to have lost several thousand troops to disabling injuries (mainly) and death in action. ISOF needs to replace those losses and recently ISOF conducted a three day online recruiting campaign. The response was much heavier than expected, with more than 300,000 applications posted before the campaign ended. Most of those who pass the various levels of physical, mental, psychological and background check screening will enter the Special Operations Academy for 23 weeks of intense basic and advanced training, which normally over a third of recruits fail. At the end of that training there is a large field training exercise that eliminates more recruits (who are usually offered jobs in other areas of the military of police). ISOF expects the next year or so will see even higher quality new operators coming out of the academy. The Special Operations Academy graduates 4,500 operators a year and all the training is done by Iraqi veterans. There are still American and foreign special operations troops there to advise the Special Operations Academy staff and Jordan provides specialist training in its own special operations training centers. But the trainers are basically experienced ISOF operators passing on what they know to new recruits. ISOF expects to be fighting ISIL and other Islamic terror groups for another year or more. Then there is the threat from Iran, which was allowed to arm, train and lead Shia militias that now contain over 40,000 fighters, many of them seen as more loyal to Iran than Iraq. That remains to be seen, and if that does turn out to be a problem the loyalty and capabilities of ISOF will be a deciding factor. The ISOF did note that the recruiting drive brought in candidates from all minorities, including Kurds and Christians, along with more Sunni Arabs. This is significant because most military units tend to be all one group (Shia, Sunni, Kurd and so on) or another. Until now that tended to produce less effective troops led by corrupt officers. That is not the case with ISOF. In the past that meant these partisan military units were easy recruit for a military takeover or rebellion. But the universal appeal of the ISOF, as shown by the varied backgrounds of the new ISOF recruits is a positive sign that Iraq wont slide into another ethnic/religious war. The war in Sudans Nuba Mountains region and Blue Nile state continues. Diplomats now refer to the war as the Two Areas in Sudan. The fight in Blue Nile state receives some coverage since refugees from the conflict show up in South Sudan. Members of the rebel SPLM-N manage to provide some information on government and rebel operations in Blue Nile state. However, over the last three months, the Sudanese government has largely succeeded in isolating the Nuba Mountains area. Foreign reporters have next to no access to the region. The government has limited cell phone access so locals are not able to provide information on a consistent basis. When anyone (local or foreigner) tries to fill the void the government accuses them of being aligned with the rebels. Meanwhile, peace talks between the SPLM-N and the government are once again on hold because the government has rejected SPLM-N requests for safe routes to supply food and other aid in both areas. In early May the SPLM-N asked the U.S. to link any reduction in sanctions on the Sudan government to the issue of essential aid and lawlessness and government atrocities in the Two Areas. The SPLM-N is also experiencing internal political difficulties. SPLM-N senior leaders recently accused a faction of attempting an internal coup. May 30, 2017: The Sudanese government has tightened its ban on agricultural and animal product imports from Egypt and through Egypt. Earlier this month Sudan accused Egypt of providing support to anti-Sudan rebel groups. May 29, 2017: A new senior officer has assumed command of the UN peacekeepers in South Sudan. Rwandan Army Lieutenant General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi is now in command of the peacekeeping operation. He has served as Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Army (2012-2015) and Force Commander of the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The UN has authorized up to 17,000 peacekeepers in South Sudan. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find nations willing to provide troops for this. May 28, 2017: An American doctor serving in Sudans Nuba Mountains region has won a major international award for exceptional efforts in delivering aid. Dr. Tom Catena received the Aurora Prize in Armenias capital, Yerevan. The prize includes a $100,000 award for Catena and a donation of one million dollars to organizations Catena designates. May 25, 2017: Japan has withdrawn its peacekeepers from South Sudan. For almost five years Japan maintained a peacekeeping contingent of about 350 soldiers in South Sudan. In March the Japanese government said it would withdraw the contingent partly because of politics back home but also because of the corruption and chaos in South Sudan that seemed to resist every effort to fix it. May 23, 2017: Sudan accused Egypt of supporting anti-Sudan rebels in Darfur. Sudan claimed that their security forces had recently seized Egyptian armored vehicles that were in the hands of guerrilla forces fighting in southern Darfur. Egypt denied the accusation. May 22, 2017: South Sudan declared a unilateral ceasefire with rebels. South Sudan also promised to release political prisoners. However the government show no signs of reaching a new political agreement with the rebels (mainly SPLM-IO) much less revive the August 2016 peace agreement. May 21, 2017: The UN and several international relief agencies now estimate that one million people in South Sudan are on the verge of starvation. Three months ago a famine was declared in several regions in South Sudan. The UN has asked for another $1.4 billion in contributions to aid refugees in South Sudan. Some of that money would go for food and water. May 18, 2017: The UN is not having a lot of luck deploying an additional 4,000 peacekeepers (as a Regional Protection Force or RPF) in South Sudan. The Security Council authorized the increase eight months ago but the South Sudan government is making it difficult to bring in the foreign troops and increase the UN force from 13,000 peacekeepers to 17,000. May 17, 2017: Critics of Sudans so-called National Dialogue are once again calling the process a charade. The National Dialogue, which began in 2014, is supposed to engage opposition parties and rebel groups and provide the basis for a peaceful political resolution to Sudans numerous internal conflicts. Supporters of the National Dialogue disagree. They point out that the effort has produced a comprehensive document with 994 recommendations provided from across the political spectrum. May 16, 2017: South Sudan continues to shake up the military. The main chage is that the army will be divided into three separate organizations: a ground force (army), an air force and a naval unit. May 14, 2017: A joint Ethiopia-Sudan military force has begun patrol operations to curb drug trafficking, slaving and animal theft along the Ethiopia-Sudan border. The joint force will also patrol parks and game reserves in the border area. May 12, 2017: In South Sudan the president claims that former army Chief of Staff General Paul Malong is refusing orders to return to the capital, Juba. The president fired Malong on May 9 and Malong immediately left Juba, heading for his home state, Northern Bahr al-Ghazal state (northwest South Sudan). The president suggested that foreign interests were supporting Malong. The president then promoted the commander of his presidential guard unit, Marial Chanuong, to the rank of lieutenant general. The UN noted that Chanuong was accused of being involved in several massacres committed against ethnic Nuer. The presidential guard unit is known as the Tiger Battalion. May 10, 2017: South Sudan appointed General James Ajongo as the new chief of staff of the army. The prior commander, General Paul Malong, was fired on May 9 and no reason was givenl. Malong was a long time supporter of the president and in 2005 he helped create the unit that became South Sudans presidential guard unit. May 9, 2017: Sudans defense minister met with Turkeys defense minister in Istanbul. Sudan wants help developing its defense industrial base. South Sudan said that it is planning to take offensive action against rebel forces in Kajo-Keji and another parts of Imatong state (Greater Equatoria region) May 7, 2017: A rescue raid organized by France, Chad and Sudan has freed a kidnapped French citizen and arrested the five kidnappers who were hiding out in Sudans Darfur region. The Frenchman, who worked for a mining company, was kidnapped in Chad in March and the kidnappers demanded a ransom. The Sudanese government said that Sudan had coordinated the rescue operation with French and Chadian intelligence services. France has a troop contingent of 1,000 soldiers deployed in Chad. May 6, 2017: In February South Sudanese General Thomas Cirillo Swaka criticized his own governments deliberate violence against civilians and then resigned as deputy chief of staff of the army. Cirillo accused the government of circumventing official government acquisition procedures to supply Dinka tribe militias with weapons. The government denied his accusation. Cirillo, an ethnic Bari, recently announced he has enlisted several thousand fighters to oppose the government, which is led by an ethnic Dinka. Cirillo said that if South Sudan is to have peace, the Dinka incumbent must be removed as president. May 5, 2017: Sudanese and Egyptian relations are deteriorating. Sudan recently banned the importation of several Egyptian products, including fish, fruits and vegetables. Egypt responded to the ban by raising residency fees for Sudanese living in Egyptian territory. Now Sudan is threatening to apply the principle of reciprocity to Egypt if Egypt deports Sudanese citizens. On April 25 Egypt deported two Sudanese journalists when they arrived in Cairo, claiming the men were on a blacklist. One of the real problems is the presence of Egyptian security personnel in the disputed Halayeb triangle area. Egypt contends the Sudanese government is creating a crisis for political reasons. May 4, 2017: UN peacekeeping officials in South Sudan said an unidentified group attacked a UN peacekeeping base in the town of Leer (Unity state, or, in the new configuration, West Upper Nile state). UN peacekeepers from Ghana did not suffer any casualties as theydefeated the assault. The attack occurred at night and observers said the attacking force appeared to come from the direction of a town controlled by forces loyal to the South Sudan government. South Sudan rebel leaders said its forces did not attack Leer, which is located in an area where the Nuer tribe is the dominant ethnic group. In a separate statement, UN officials in South Sudan accused pro-government forces of launching an offensive near Aburoc (Upper Nile state) causing 40,000 to 50,000 people to flee the violence. May 2, 2017: Judges in South Sudan declared a nation-wide strike to protest poor working conditions. May 1, 2017: In Juba 35 more British troops arrived to provide UN peacekeepers with engineering and medical support. There are already 200 British soldiers serving in the South Sudan peacekeeping force. Surface Web, Deep Web, Dark Web Difference for dummies Lately, weve been coming across plenty of news stories that talk about the web and being true to the media roots, quite a few terms end up getting lost in translation when the news gets into unknown territory. This isnt restricted to just the news, even mainstream media has expanded its horizons with a fair number of shows and films venturing into the cyber security and hacking. All this while having a positive effect on the spread of information, also results in the spreading of incorrect information especially so when it comes to terms such as deep and dark web being used liberally. The back story Before we get into the details, a little backstory to help us understand the origins of these terms. The first thing that a layman needs to know, is that the internet and the web, are two different entities. The Internet was created by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) in the 1960s. Many of you may have read about the internet would know that emails and message boards existed even before the web came into being these services used the internet. The World Wide Web as we know it was developed nearly 3 decades later at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), the particle physics research lab near Geneva, Switzerland. The web consists of HTML and HTTP protocols that are used by browsers to communicate with servers. This web that was initially created to enable particle physicists to share data sets runs on top of the internet in the same way that voice gets transmitted over phone lines. The Surface Web An ideal way to understand the classifications of the web is to consider it to be like an ocean. The surface web is akin to the surface of the ocean, the part that is easily visible and accessible that is accessible through Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. The deep web will then be a layer below the surface that needs you to have a scuba diving suit and the dark web will be the layer even below the deep web the bottom part of the ocean that one needs submarines to access. The surface web has been part of the world wide web right since the first browser was invented. A simpler way to put this across is that the surface web contains everything that is publicly accessible via a search engine. This is the part of the web you access when you read an article on a news site, buy something from Amazon or watch a cat video on YouTube. It is long considered to make up only 5% of the entire world wide web. A number that seems minuscule but just goes to how much data exists on the web today. The Deep Web is generally considered to be anywhere between 500 to 5000 times larger. In perspective, there are roughly twenty terabytes (TB) of data and roughly one billion documents on the surface web compared to 7,500 terabytes (TB) of discovered data and almost 600 billion discovered documents on the deep web. (Scuba) Suit Up Deep Web The Deep web in essence is exactly opposite to the Surface web in that it contains data that cannot be discovered by a search engine. The data in the deep web is still publicly accessible, though you will need special access to this data in the form of access credentials ( a username and password ). A good example of the data in the Deep Web is the pin you generate to access your bank account or your Gmail inbox. As you can see, both of these are easily accessible but still need special permissions. Despite the term being used to make us feel like its a sinister place, we would not have been able to use the Web without the deep web. This is the part of the web that contains our medical records, financial records, social media files, and plenty other important information that we would not want to be accessible by a Google search. It is this need of security that brought about a need for a partition in the world wide web to keep a portion of the web secure. Time for the submarine Dark Web The Dark Web is a part of the Deep Web with the one exception that it was specifically designed NOT to be accessible by normal web browsers. The technology needed to make the Dark Web a reality was created by US Military Researchers in the 90s and is still funded by them. The technology was created to allow intelligence agencies to send and receive data anonymously. Christened the Onion Router the name coming from the application layer encryption within a communication protocol stack; many layers representing the layers of an onion it quickly had its name shortened to TOR. With this information, comes another question, if it was created by the US Military, why is it accessible to anyone? The answer to this is simple, how do you hide anonymous messages when you have nothing to hide behind? The more people used anonymous messaging, the harder it would be for counter-intelligence agencies to identify the messages intended for the US Military. Another perceived benefit of this was to allow individuals living in countries with an oppressive regime a way to communicate without facing its consequences. A good idea, however, we today find the dark web being used for illegal activity by individuals using the cover of anonymity. Which is why people are warned to enter the dark web at their own risk. Resources: CambiaResearch Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Telecom Argentina S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Argentina and internationally. The company offers telephone services, including local, domestic, and international long-distance telephone services, as well as public telephone services; and other related supplementary services, such as call waiting, call forwarding, conference calls, caller ID, voice mail, itemized billing, and maintenance services. It also provides interconnection services, such as traffic and interconnection resource, dedicated Internet access, video signals transportation in standard and high definitions, audio and video streaming, dedicated links, backhaul links for mobile operators, data center hosting/housing services, dedicated links, layer 2 and layer 3 transport networks, video links, value-added services, and other services. In addition, the company offers mobile telecommunications services, including voice communications, high-speed mobile Internet content and applications download, online streaming, and other services; and sells mobile communication devices, such as handsets, Modems MiFi and wingles, and smart watches under the Personal brand. Further, it provides internet connectivity products, including virtual private network services, traditional Internet protocol links, and other products; data services; and programming and other cable television services. The company was formerly known as Cablevision S.A. and changed its name to Telecom Argentina S.A. in January 2018. Telecom Argentina S.A. was founded in 1979 and is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Tesla. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images In February, a female engineer at Elon Musks car company Tesla revealed that she was suing the company for pervasive harassment that ranged from allegedly allowing inappropriate sexual behavior to paying her less than her male counterparts. Now, the Guardian reports Tesla has fired the engineer, AJ Vandermeyden, in a move her attorney alleges was clear retaliation. Though Vandermeydens discrimination lawsuit against Musks company was filed in the fall, she went public with the allegations in a February article with the Guardian. In her suit, Vandermeyden alleges she had been catcalled and harassed by male employees, and that even though she complained about the inappropriate behavior (and also about alleged pay discrimination), Tesla didnt take steps to address her complaints. At the time, Vandermeyden told the Guardian, Its shocking in this day and age that this is still a fight we have to have. This week, according to the Guardian, Vandermeyden was fired from the company. Her attorney, Therese Lawless, told the Guardian that Vandermeyden originally filed her suit in an attempt to force the company to comply with the law. But now, Lawless said, Somebody is trying to instill in employees that when they speak out about matters they are legally allowed to speak out about, they too will be fired. In a statement, Tesla confirmed the dismissal, but stated that a neutral third-party expert conducted an investigation into Vandermeydens allegations and found them to be without merit. Per the Guardian: Despite repeatedly receiving special treatment at the expense of others, Ms Vandermeyden nonetheless chose to pursue a miscarriage of justice by suing Tesla and falsely attacking our company in the press, a Tesla spokesperson said. After we carefully considered the facts on multiple occasions and were absolutely convinced that Ms Vandermeydens claims were illegitimate, we had no choice but to end her employment at Tesla. Lawless told the Guardian that Vandermeyden found the firing to be absolutely shocking and that she is devastated as a result. Her attorney said the engineer plans on filing a retaliation complaint against the company. It is illegal in the state of California for an employer to retaliate against an employee who asserts her rights, including her rights to receive equal pay as her male colleagues, Lawless said. OTTAWAThe daughter of two Canadian winery owners being held by Chinese authorities over an alleged customs valuation dispute says the case should serve as a warning for other Canadians hoping to do business in China. Amy Chang is in Ottawa this week pleading with federal politicians for help in getting her parents released from custody in Shanghai, where the two were arrested in March 2016 while visiting their business suppliers and agents. John Chang and Lan-Fed (Allison) Lu, who own two wineries in British Columbia and one in Ontario, were put on trial behind closed doors last Friday at the Shanghai High Peoples Court on charges of smuggling. They are accused of under-reporting the value of the wine they export to China. For their 23-year-old daughter, its been a nightmare that she hopes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can bring to an end. This should never have happened, Chang said Wednesday as she prepared to meet separately in Ottawa with Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair to press her case. There should not have been a trial; there shouldnt even be a conviction. Chang, who was in a different Chinese province and immediately fled to Taiwan when she heard of her parents being arrested, said she had yet to hear about the outcome of their trial. But she said there is no justifiable reason why the Chinese government has criminalized a commercial dispute, and shes hoping the prime minister can sway Chinese authorities to drop the case against them. If this is an issue regarding undervaluation, then they can let me know and we can deal with this diplomatically, said Chang, who along with more than 60 employees is now operating her familys business, the Lulu Island Winery based in Richmond, B.C. Theres no need to have Canadian citizens detained overseas and imprisoned. Trudeau, who has been pushing for closer trading ties with China, was unavailable to meet Wednesday with Chang, having just returned from Europe. Still, Chang said she hoped for a meeting with him later in the week. A Global Affairs spokesperson said the department is closely following the case. We have raised our concerns at a high level with Chinese authorities, Jocelyn Sweet said in an email. Canadian officials are in contact with the relevant Chinese authorities, and are providing consular assistance to Mr. Chang, Ms. Lu, and their family. Chang said that assistance has amounted to one visit every three months from Canadian consular officials in China. The department also offered Chang a meeting with Omar Alghabra, the parliamentary secretary to Global Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland. Lulu Island Winery has appealed to the government, arguing that the detention is a violation of Chinas international trade obligations under the World Trade Organizations valuation agreement, and therefore a matter of Canadian national interest. The winery has also called on Canadas international trade and justice ministers to demand their Chinese counterparts secure permission for Chang and his wife to return to Canada while the customs dispute is resolved. Chang said she has only been able to communicate with her father through a lawyer in Shanghai. He has been incarcerated with no direct access to his family, and both his physical and mental health have been deteriorating since his arrest, she said. Her mother, Lu, was also initially held in custody but was released in January on the condition she not leave China. Lus Canadian passport was confiscated and she must report regularly to Chinese authorities. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read more about: SHARE: SEATTLEWal-Mart Stores Inc. is testing a program that sends store employees to deliver online orders at the end of their shifts, a new push by the worlds biggest retailer to use its large physical footprint to match Amazon.com Inc.s convenient options for web purchases. Workers can opt in to earn extra money by making deliveries using their own cars. Theyre assigned packages based on where they live so the route aligns with their commute home, the company said Thursday in a blog post. Walmart didnt specify how the employees will be compensated. The test began at three locations in Arkansas and New Jersey. Walmart is tapping into its 4,700 U.S. stores and more than a million retail employees as it seeks to redefine itself in an age of e-commerce dominated by Amazon, which offers delivery of some products in as little as an hour in some cities. Online spending will increase by 16 per cent this year more than four times the pace of overall retail to reach $462 billion (U.S.), according to eMarketer Inc. Read more:Walmart to invest in online expansion, store openings Walmart faces challenges as profit falls Online shoppers look for a system that delivers the goods END About 90 per cent of the U.S. population lives within 16 kilometres of a Walmart and the company is using those locations as shipping hubs to compete with Amazon on the last mile of delivery the most expensive part of getting goods to customers. By using existing workers in their own cars, Walmart could create a vast network with little upfront cost, similar to how Uber Technologies Inc. created a ride-hailing service without owning any cars. Imagine all the routes our associates drive to and from work and the houses they pass along the way, said Marc Lore, who took over Walmarts e-commerce operation last year after the retailer purchased his startup, Jet.com, for $3.3 billion (U.S.). This test could be a game-changer. Many online orders in tests have been delivered overnight using store employees, Lore said, showing how the initiative could also be used to narrow delivery times. The lines between Internet and brick-and-mortar commerce are blurring as retailers including Amazon try to accommodate a variety of shopping preferences. Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart offers free two-day delivery on millions of items to compete with Amazons standard delivery time. It also lets customers buy groceries online and pick them up at stores and offers discounts to online shoppers who pick up items at stores rather than having them delivered. Amazon, meanwhile, has stepped up its experimentation with physical locations. Its slowly opening physical bookstores in big cities around the U.S., which double as showrooms for Amazon gadgets such as its Kindle readers and Echo voice-activated speakers. The company opened two drive-in grocery pickup kiosks in its hometown of Seattle earlier this month, its first attempt to match the click-and-collect options rolled out by Walmart and other big-box competitors. Read more about: SHARE: Chinese millennials are becoming the worlds biggest beauty queens, thanks to the power of the Internet. Makeup and grooming tips proffered by popular lifestyle bloggers are inspiring women in their late teens to early 30s to splurge 585 yuan ($116) on a Tom Ford lipstick and 1,350 yuan on an eight-gram compact of La Mers illuminating foundation powder online. That demand helped drive a 20-per-cent jump in Estee Lauder Cos.s sales in China in the quarter through March, making it the New York-based groups fastest-growing cosmetics market. In the past, Chinese women didnt put on foundation, mascara and eye shadow, said Fabrice Weber, Estee Lauders Asia-Pacific president, in an interview in Hong Kong. Today, its perfectly OK. Millennials are completely uninhibited to think I need to look stunning. Weber credits that to the power of social media. Millennials, or people in the 18-to-30-year age bracket, contribute about 35 per cent to 40 per cent of Estee Lauders sales in China, he said. Thats a larger proportion of sales than millennials account for on average globally. Remarkably, millennials are prominent buyers of the companys most expensive brands. Sales growth in China, as well as in the travel retail segment boosted by Chinese tourists abroad, will help Estee Lauder as it catches up to industry leader LOreal SA in the country. In the premium cosmetics segment where Estee Lauder positions its products, the company has a 14-per-cent market share, while LOreal leads with a 21-per-cent share, according to data by researcher Euromonitor International. Retail cosmetics sales for all companies will total $7.4 billion (U.S.) in China in 2021 from $4.3 billion (U.S.) last year, forecasts Euromonitor. Fuelling growth are social media websites, such as Weibo, Youku, iQiyi and Tudou, that women are increasingly turning to for tutorials on everything from shading eyes to highlighting cheekbones. Summer scent In Shanghai, a blogger who goes by the name Annie_uu shares dozens of images of herself, cosmetics, fashion accessories and holiday snaps every few days on Weibo with her 650,000 followers. Among her recent touts are SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which she used to prevent a sunburn during a trip to Arizonas Grand Canyon, a Dior lipstick inspired by actress Jennifer Lawrence and Estee Lauders Jo Malone perfume, which she told followers on May 20 is the smell of summer, and it makes you think of London. International cosmetics brands are rushing to China now, fighting fiercely for the market, especially the young customers, said Catherine Lim, a retail analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence in Singapore. Compared with their more sophisticated peers in Japan and the U.S., millennials in China have lower brand loyalty and are more easily influenced by beauty bloggers to try out new products, she said. Estee Lauders growth in the worlds biggest consumer market follows an expansion overseas and its purchase of independent beauty brands that are driven by social media, including Too Faced for about $1.45 billion (U.S.) last year. In China, it supplies more than a dozen makeup brands, including Bobbi Brown and La Mer. The company expects its cosmetics sales in China to overtake Japan this fiscal year, spurred by demand for Tom Ford lipsticks and Jo Malone fragrances. Chinese women have evolved very rapidly from being skin-care-centric, Weber said. Now, they are evolving into big users of fragrance and makeup. Its moving China in the lead of Japan. The company, which traces its roots to 1946, when Estee and Joseph Lauder founded it in New York City, now sells some of its products on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s Tmall online shopping platform. Shares of Estee Lauder, run by chief executive officer Fabrizio Freda, have risen 23 per cent in New York this year. Thats outperformed the S&P 500 Indexs gain of 7.7 per cent. In China, consumers shifting to e-commerce have helped fuel a 70-per-cent surge in third-quarter online revenue. Purchases in China conducted over the Internet account for less than 10 per cent of revenue, but that proportion will probably double within four years, Weber said. When the Paris-trained Weber assumed his current role in 2007, only two of Estee Lauders 30 brands were in the Chinese market. Now we have 16 brands, he said. Theres huge opportunity. Read more about: SHARE: Hillarys back. And theres gonna be blaming. Many people on either side of the American political divide are none too thrilled about it. Shes back from her unexpected presidential defeat, back from walking the woods in Chappaqua, N.Y., and back from the political purgatory that all defeated presidential candidates are supposed to remain in long enough to emerge as respected emeritus figures. I just wish shed go away, says a Democrat friend of mine who knocked on doors for her. Ride into the sunset gets mentioned hopefully a lot. U.S. President Donald Trump, Tweeter-in-Chief, whipped up another angry tweet about Clinton this week, calling her a terrible candidate who now blames everybody but herself, after Clinton, 69, in a fascinating interview at a California tech conference, pointedly accused his campaign of colluding with the Russians to defeat her. If shes not going to, as interviewer Kara Swisher bluntly put it, sunset yourself then, most thinking goes, Clinton should at least humbly accept blame for a defeat that has plunged America, under Republican Donald Trump, into conflict, chaos and confusion. Nope. As Donald Trump might say, not gonna happen. Read more: Hillary Clinton launches Onward Together, political group designed to challenge Trump agenda Hillary Clinton opens up about what cost her U.S. election Instead in her most recent interview, Clinton was feisty, sarcastic and definitely unbound (very casual too, in patterned pants and flats). And while she was careful to say, I take responsibility for every decision I made, Clinton also provocatively added, but thats not why I lost. Instead she blamed the Russians, the intervention of former FBI chief James Comey and misogyny When a man gets more successful, hes more likeable, Clinton said. When a woman gets more successful, regardless of personality, shes less likeable. Cant argue with the above. She blamed bots, she blamed the Democratic National Committee and their antiquated digital strategy, she blamed the media for focusing on the nothingburger of the email scandal involving her use as Secretary of State, of a private server. And in a jaw-dropping moment, Clinton even claimed to be the victim of a very broad assumption that I was going to win. Oh dear. Guess shes given up on trying to be likeable. Yet, in a perverse way, Hillary Clinton in defeat but not retreat, is coming across as more authentic, brave and formidable than she did on the campaign trail. She was always there, but not always willing to risk revealing all sides of herself. Certainly shes angrier now, but as she wisely pointed out, an angry woman is a hard sell politically. Everywhere she goes, women tell Hillary Clinton how much they admire and are grateful to her for her lifetime of political work. Clintons decision to speak out comes as both the investigation into Russian interference in the election, and pointed post-mortems about her defeat, are escalating. A new bestselling book about her ill-fated campaign Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, paints a punishing picture of a campaign of infighting, mismanagement and a remote and unrelatable Clinton. It may evolve into a television series. Shattered is riveting but it also betrays its mean-spiritedness, for instance describing a white suit Clinton wore to accept the nomination as one that seemed to scream Im pure of heart. Really? Another book, The Destruction of Hillary Clinton, by academic Susan Bordo, blames her defeat on sexism, an eternity of witch-hunts against her and desertion by millennials who couldnt see why they should vote for an aging white privileged woman even if she would be the first female president. I think its a combination of all these factors that led to Hillary Clintons defeat, plus the ingenious and even terrifying way Donald Trump was able to harness bigotry, sexism and economic anxiety to bulldoze his way to the White House. In a poignant profile of Clinton by writer Rebecca Traister in New York Magazine, the author points out the obvious: Some of the current pummeling of Clinton, and the reluctance to allow her to vent, is partly because her Election Day loss was not just hers but the nations. Its also true, as Traister writes, that the election tapped into unresolved and still largely unexplored issues around women and power. Meanwhile probably unlike many women who supported her, Hillary Clinton told New York magazine she hasnt seen a therapist to process her defeat because thats not the way she rolls. There have been amusing references to her mildly drowning her sorrows. Her daughter Chelsea, who cheerfully but persistently trolls the Trump administration on Twitter, told The View that her mom was getting by with a little Chardonnay maybe and a lot of Charlotte, thankfully, mentioning her 2-year-old daughter. I wish Clinton could be clearer about her own lapses shes always had an inability to come clean about mistakes, whether its calling Trump supporters deplorables or failing to fully court certain key states. If she did, it would make her thoughts about misogyny, the Comey interference and Russian meddling even more resonant. Was she really such a terrible candidate? I won three million more votes than the other guy did is her answer. Maybe in the book she is writing she will subject herself to deeper analysis than admitting, I was not a perfect candidate. We wont know how to rank the reasons Clinton lost until the Russian investigation is complete. In the meantime, Clintons got her popular vote win, her gritty decision that she has nothing more to lose by speaking her mind, her fans and her family. And sure, why not, a glass or two of Chardonnay. Judith Timson writes weekly about cultural, social and political issues. You can reach her at judith.timson@sympatico.ca and follow her on Twitter @judithtimson Read more about: SHARE: A common acne medication called minocycline has been shown to delay the progress of multiple sclerosis for patients in the early stages of the disease, according to a new study by Canadian researchers. The discovery is a game changer because the drug is safe, affordable and could affect newly diagnosed patients worldwide, said Dr. Luanne Metz, lead author of the study published Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine. Its the first cheap drug available for treating very early MS (multiple sclerosis), said Metz, whos also a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgarys Cumming School of Medicine. There are several generic forms of it and its available worldwide, she told the Star. Theres no reason that we can imagine that the price of this drug would be ramped up because of this indication. Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, with about 1 in 340 living with the autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin. As a result, the usual flow of signals along nerve fibres is interrupted or distorted. The generic drug minocycline brand name is Minocin reduces inflammation and damage to the myelin. The research was led by clinicians and scientists at the universitys Hotchkiss Brain Institute. The Phase 3 clinical trial included 142 participants with early signs of possible MS, between the ages 18 and 60, at 12 MS clinics across Canada, in cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax. The selected participants had experienced a first attack of possible MS known as a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), in which early signs suggestive of MS appear on a brain MRI. Common symptoms last many days and include reduced or lost vision in one eye; double vision; or numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs and/or arms. Many patients will go on to experience a second attack, confirming an MS diagnosis, within six months. The researchers randomized study participants to receive 100 mg twice daily of the oral drug minocycline or a placebo. Over six months of treatment, about twice as many people in the placebo group developed MS, compared with those who took minocycline. In absolute numbers, 61 per cent of the 70 participants in the placebo group developed MS, compared with 33 per cent of the 72 people taking the acne drug. (Minocycline) decreases the likelihood of getting MS in that six-month period, said study author V. Wee Yong, whos also a professor in the universitys Department of Clinical Neurosciences. While working in his lab about 18 years ago, Yong discovered that it seemed minocycline could effectively reduce immune cells from attacking the brain. He then collaborated with Metz to do further research. The findings are significant, Yong says, because using minocycline to treat patients with early signs of MS costs about $600 a year, compared with current injectable therapies that can be more than $20,000 per year and are as effective. The only approved treatments for those with CIS are injectables, so this provides an oral option, he says. And because minocycline has been around for 50 years, he says doctors can prescribe it without further approval from Health Canada to be used as an off-label prescription for CIS. Across Canada, drug coverage varies from province to province. In Ontario eligible MS patients have their treatment covered through the public Ontario drug benefits program or private insurance. For an affordable medication that is oral and can be given immediately, I think this is very important, Yong said. For those living in countries that do not have access to these medications because of expense, the fact that one can get minocycline relatively inexpensively and quickly, that for me is what defines this study. The trial was funded by the MS Society of Canada and its affiliate Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation. Sylvia Leonard, interim president and CEO of the MS Society of Canada, lauded the researchers efforts in taking an idea from bench to bedside. Were so encouraged by the results of this trial because the people who are living with MS and are going to benefit from this . . . they are going to be provided with a safe and beneficial treatment option as early as possible in the disease progress, so thats pretty exciting. SHARE: VANCOUVER Skwachays is the traditional name of the area at the head of False Creek where spring waters once flowed and attracted elk, sturgeon and salmon, and where bog cranberries and wild rice once flourished. Now the name, pronounced skwatch-eyes, adorns Skwachays Lodge, an aboriginal hotel and gallery that sits on West Pender St. where Gastown, Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside meet. The backstory: Your travel dollars will be well spent at Skwachays Lodge, which proudly describes itself as Canadas first aboriginal arts hotel and a boutique hotel that is making a difference. It was previously a healing lodge but opened in its current incarnation in 2014 as a social enterprise thats run by the Vancouver Native Housing Society. Profits from the hotel and adjoining art gallery are plowed into subsidizing 24 artists who live and work within the lodge. The rooms: Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, urges the envelope that contains my room key fob and welcome letter. Six First Nations artists working with six interior design firms created 18 unique rooms here and mine was #507, the King Salmon Suite and the work of artist Richard Shorty and Porada Design. People, like salmon, will always return home, even if it means swimming upstream against all odds, the hotel explains. Shortys bold Spawning Salmon painting over the beds headboard is the centrepiece here to tell you to pay your respects to the king of fish and remember that you can call this place home. The art gallery: Theres a lot of interest in indigenous culture and the original history of Canada, explains general manager Maggie Edwards on a tour of the Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Art Gallery, which is in the lobby between the reception desk and welcome room. Coast Salish art is very popular and people want to make an impact with their money. Most of the artists set their own price in this Fair Trade gallery, but pricier works are sold by consignment. The gallery represents several hundred artists. The totem: No other urban Canadian hotel can boast of a dramatic 12-metre totem pole on its roof. I could actually touch the bottom of the Dreamweaver Pole from my balcony. Its a story pole, topped by three watchmen that act as the lodges sentinels and guardians. It features a raven (symbolizing creation and knowledge) holding and protecting the light of the moon, a man (signifying that this story is about the work being done by man), an eagle (far-seeing) and a bear (strong and protective). Inside the hotel, the floors have also been themed as important animals raven, eagle, bear, wolf and orca. The food: The hotel is across from the International Village Mall and steps from all kinds of great restaurants, like Save On Meats, but start the day with the free grab-and-go breakfast in the Kayachtn (the Salishan word for welcome) Room. Theres bannock and other baked goods by Skookum Catering to eat at the communal totem table with its beaver house image by Haida artist Eric Parnell. You can lounge by the fireplace and TV and drink free coffee, tea and Vivreau water (hot, cold and sparkling) any time. Theres also regional wine and Canadian craft beer. The extras: Skwachays has all the boutique bells and whistles, like plush linens, Plasma HD TVs, free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio docking stations, in-room safes, Spirit Bear Coffee and toiletries by Mother Earth Essentials. The sixth floor is home to a rooftop sweat lodge and aboriginal smudge room ceremony where locals and visitors can purify their bodies and spirits by burning sacred plants. My favourite touch: Chasing my dreams and soaring with the eagles doorknob tags to say whether youre sleeping or out exploring and want the room made up. Rooms run $189 to $249 during peak season, and $129 to $189 during off-peak season. Suites are $275 to $370. Jennifer Bain was hosted by Tourism Vancouver and Destination B.C., which didnt review or approve this story. Read more about: SHARE: SAN ANTONIO, TEX.If youve ever wanted to learn the best way to fry chicken, get the perfect wilt on collard greens or bake the fluffiest buttermilk biscuits, San Antonios hottest food neighbourhood is the place to be. Its a steamy Saturday morning, and both locals and food-curious visitors alike have flocked to the Many Flavors of Texas class at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) San Antonio. The public class is one of about 80 offered per year at the school, ranging from two-hour demos to five-day boot camps. We are put to work, juggling measuring cups, spice jars and sticks of butter. Its an aggressive menu, but theres a method to the madness, says chef Justin Ward, who tells us not to get too hung up on following recipes. Cooking is about emotions, sensations. Measuring takes out all the fun. The five-hour class ends, deliciously, with a communal feast featuring Dr. Pepper pork ribs, Gulf Coast seafood boil and smoky baked beans. From there, were free to explore the rest of Pearl, a thriving community on the northern edge of San Antonio, in which the culinary school serves as a hub. The urban campus inspired the Emily Carr University of Art and Design on Vancouvers Granville Island also has full-time studies, and its students often work or do internships in nearby restaurants, creating an environment of culinary innovation. Its transformed a city where you only found Tex-Mex food into one that can compete with cities like Austin and Chicago, says CIA San Antonio managing director Fernando Salazar. Pearl is . . . full of restaurants and bars and activity ranging from a coffee shop to a jazz club. It has been a game changer for the city. In addition to CIA San Antonio, this unique planned neighbourhood is home to the fabulous Hotel Emma, 11 chef-driven restaurants, seven cafes and bars, 14 independent shops, a twice-weekly farmers market and more than 400 rental apartments. It sits on nine hectares along the northern reach of the San Antonio River that had been home to the San Antonio Brewing Association (later renamed the Pearl Brewing Co., hence the name) for more than a century. When the brewery closed in 1999, the property seemed destined to be razed, says Pearls chief marketing officer Elizabeth Fauerso. But in stepped local billionaire philanthropist Christopher Kit Goldsbury, whose company purchased the site in 2001. He saw in the defunct brewery the potential for a revitalized food-centric neighbourhood, says Fauerso. Work immediately began on the vision of turning the longtime industrial area into a thriving urban village, with the first business opening its doors in 2006. The areas first year-round farmers market began in 2009 and CIA San Antonio came soon after in 2010. Beer production has also restarted on the site, with last years opening of Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, a beautifully designed craft brewpub. We saved and preserved all of the old equipment, materials and ephemera from the original brewery, says Fauerso. We want to put these elements of Pearl history back to work. I can see that history while walking around Pearls mostly pedestrian brick streets. A footbridge is made from an old conveyor system, CIA San Antonios outdoor kitchen is a repurposed fermentation tank, and Hotel Emma has reworked a piece of bronze from an antique bottle capper into a show-stopping chandelier. The hotel, which is owned by Goldsbury and is housed in the original brewing building, opened in 2015 and has been named one of Travel + Leisures Best New Hotels on the Planet in 2016. Hotel Emma was the missing puzzle piece. It feels like San Antonios living room as opposed to a luxury property that you could find in any market, says Fauerso. Its a truly unique environment that embodies South Texas history and culture. Guests are greeted in the well-stocked library (curated by author and urban planner Sherry Kafka Wagner) with seasonal nibbles and La Babia, a handcrafted margarita inspired by a Goldsbury family recipe from northern Mexico. The decor blends industrial chic with relaxed, rancher style think rough southwestern weavings with wrought-iron installation pieces. Sitting right on the river with direct access to the River Walk and river taxi system, the hotels 146 rooms are lovely but its the neighbourhood-enhancing amenities that really make it stand out. The Sternewirth bar lounge hops with well-heeled patrons, Larder is stocked with house-butchered meats and fine-food provisions, and Curio covers the fashion-seeking shoppers, selling super-soft cashmere ponchos and handmade silver jewelry. Steps from the hotel and steps from each other are myriad other shops that make Pearl shine. The Twig Book Shop is an independent bookstore with heart that also has an awesome selection of Texas and San Antonio titles. The Tiny Finch stocks an eclectic mix of handcrafted home and fashion goods and is a gifting treasure trove. The Sporting District is a one-of-everything mens store that celebrates southern sartorial traditions think bowties and straight razors. There are also plenty of places to park your bags and refuel. Specializing in traditional French baking, Bakery Lorraine makes the perfect croissants and a mean latte. For something more substantial, Cured focuses on regional ingredients and makes all its preserved foods from the lamb chorizo to the gingerbread mustard in house. One of the latest additions to Pearls culinary family is Botika, an Asian-Peruvian concept restaurant run by chef Geronimo Lopez, a former instructor at CIA San Antonio. He mixes South American flavours with Asian favourites, for creations such as crab and maize sushi rolls or short rib egg noodles. Pearl has been such a commercial and community success that a different development company hopes to revamp Lone Star, another underused brewing district just south of downtown. The precedent set by Pearl is encouraging more preservation, more revitalization and more investment in assets that are uniquely San Antonio, says Fauerso. In the meantime, the combination of food, foresight and historical fascination helped turn an old shell into a shiny Pearl and its just waiting for you to enjoy. Emma Yardley was hosted by Visit San Antonio, which did not review or approve this story. When you go Get there: It can be about a six-hour journey from Toronto to the San Antonio International Airport, with an easy connection through Dallas or Houston. Air Canada has just launched a daily nonstop flight (about 3-1/2 hours) from Toronto to San Antonio. Ticket prices vary. Get around: The airport is only a 15-minute drive from the business district. There are a number of car-rental companies at the airport, a public VIA Metropolitan Transit bus route and Uber to get you to the pedestrian-friendly downtown area. When to go: San Antonio has a humid sub-tropical climate, which means winter, spring and fall are comfortably warm (with some cool days and rain mixed in) but summer can get quite hot. The highest temperature ever recorded was 44C in September 2000. Do your research:visitsanantonio.com, traveltexas.com SHARE: MONTREALThe day-to-day activities of Karla Homolka are once again causing a stir in Montreal after a media report said the convicted killer has been allowed to volunteer at an elementary school. Local media captured images and photos of Homolka using a purse to hide her face Wednesday morning as she dropped off her children outside a private Christian elementary school in Montreals Notre-Dame-de-Grace neighbourhood. On Tuesday, City News reported that Homolka had occasionally volunteered at the school, including supervising a field trip and bringing her dog into the classroom to interact with children. A spokesperson for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which runs the school, told the station that Homolka was not a regular volunteer and was not allowed to be alone with the children, which would have required a criminal-background check. The school did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Canadian Press. In the early 1990s, Homolka and her then-husband, Paul Bernardo, were convicted of crimes related to the rape and murder of two schoolgirls, Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy. Bernardo was declared a dangerous offender and sentenced to life in prison while Homolka struck a deal with prosecutors in 1993 to serve 12 years in prison for manslaughter. She had earlier told investigators that Bernardo abused her and made her a reluctant accomplice to the killings although it was later discovered through videotape evidence she had a far more active role than she led on. A lawyer who represents the French and Mahaffy families says its still a kick in the gut for them to hear reports of Homolka seemingly living a normal life with her husband and children. These are joys the French and Mahaffy families will never enjoy because of Karla Homolkas participation with Paul Bernardo to murder their children, Tim Danson said in a phone interview. Danson said hes convinced Homolka was never rehabilitated and shouldnt be allowed to work with children. I think shes dangerous and I certainly wouldnt take the chance with my kids to be around her, he added. Homolka was released in 2005 after serving her full sentence and has since changed her name a number of times. The fact Homolka had moved back to Quebec with her husband, Thierry Bordelais, was confirmed in October 2014 by her younger sister Logan Valentini during testimony at Luka Rocco Magnottas high-profile murder trial. News of her whereabouts have generated headlines several times, most recently in 2016 when some residents of Chateauguay, south of Montreal, expressed concern over a report that she was living in the town. The latest report came up in Ottawa on Wednesday, where politicians were questioned on Homolkas reported activities. The new Conservative leader says the justice system needs changes in the wake of a media report that convicted killer Karla Homolka volunteered at a Montreal elementary school. Andrew Scheer raised the issue in question period Wednesday. Montreal MP Marc Miller said he was concerned by the report but wouldnt jump to conclusions, saying only it was something the government would be looking into. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair raised the question of whether it might be time to forgive and move on. Everybody is going to have to take their own stock of that and ensure that first and foremost that the security of their kids is taken care of, Mulcair said on Wednesday. Beyond that, it becomes a question of forgiveness, he added, pointing out that Homolka had paid her debt to society. If youre ensuring the safety of the kids, beyond our revulsion at the horror of the crime, is there any room for atonement and forgiveness? he asked. SHARE: WOODSTOCK She had become overwhelmingly angry about the direction of her career and life and said God was urging her to kill. On Thursday, former nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer pled guilty to murdering eight elderly patients at the three long-term care facilities where she worked between 2007 and 2014, and at a private house. When Justice Bruce Thomas of Superior Court asked if she was admitting to fatally injecting her victims with insulin for no medical reason, she replied: Yes, your honour. Wettlaufer also pled guilty to attempting to kill four other people, and to two charges of aggravated assault. She is now one of the most prolific serial killers in Canadian history. The judge will deliver Wettlaufers sentence at the end of June, when family members and friends will be given the opportunity to read victim impact statements. Family members in the packed courtroom sobbed as Wettlaufer quietly responded guilty as the names of each of the victims were read aloud. Some left in tears as details of the murders were aired throughout the day, first by an agreed statement of facts that took several hours for the prosecutor to read aloud and then through a two-and-a-half-hour videotaped confession with police. Court heard Wettlaufer felt anger and pressure building inside her regarding her third victim, Second World War veteran James Silcox. Silcox, 84, was often confused and frequently made inappropriate comments at his home, Caressant Care, according to nurses who cared for him. She let the niece of Helen Young, 90, cry on her shoulder after she gave the senior a fatal insulin injection. She said that one night she snapped inside after Young told her she wanted to die. Wettlaufer told investigators she felt a red surge and thought, OK, you will die. Wettlaufer told police she overdosed attempted-murder victim Michael Priddle, 63, because it was his turn to go and he often talked of wanting to die. Priddle had Huntingtons disease and needed a checkup every half hour. She told investigators that Huntingtons is a terrible disease and she injected Priddle with insulin one night after feeling a surge. Describing the surge to police, Wettlaufer said, This must be God because this man isnt enjoying his life at all. Wettlaufer said she gave Helen Matheson, 95, a slice of blueberry pie and ice cream the night she died. She had four bites and praised the crust. Wettlaufer felt Matheson, who had dementia but was lucid that night, seemed to be wanting to die, adding she did not struggle when she was given her fatal needle and that she got a laughing feeling after injecting Matheson with insulin. Wettlaufers final murder victim, Arpad Horvath, 75, spat, kicked and yelled at Wettlaufer the day she killed him at the Meadow Park home in London, court heard. Wettlaufer told investigators she decided enough is enough. Horvath fought back when she attempted to give him two doses of insulin but Wettlaufer got it in him eventually. Im angry. Im pissed off . . . and I cant forgive this woman for what she did, Horvaths son said after court adjourned Thursday. When I lost my father the first time, a part of me died, but the second time, my heart was ripped right out of my goddamn chest. The investigation into Wettlaufer began last September after police became aware of information she had given to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. After being released from CAMH, Wettlaufer agreed to speak with Woodstock police and willingly appeared before a judge. She was diagnosed with adult anti-social behaviour, major depressive disorder and mild opioid/alcohol dependence, court heard. In the videotaped interview with detectives, she said she used drugs to fuel her own addiction including drugs from a safe where deceased patients medication was kept. Wettlaufer said she was sober for all the killings and wasnt experiencing psychosis or hallucinations. Court heard that Wettlaufer told several people about the murders to different degrees of detail before she spoke to police and CAMH staff, but most didnt tell authorities or didnt believe her. She told a young nursing home employee that she had found God, who she considered the source of her urges, and that God had forgiven her. Wettlaufer, whose 10-year marriage ended in 2007, studied nursing for three years, including courses in palliative and senior care. Autopsies were performed on only two of the victims. The rest were cremated. Redacted court documents released in March which were filed by police in an application to obtain records have indicated Wettlaufer was fired in 2014 from a nursing home in Woodstock, where some of her alleged victims lived, after an incident in which she allegedly incorrectly medicated and over-medicated a resident who experienced distress as a result. In a letter of termination cited in the documents, the Caressant Care nursing home said the alleged incident was part of a pattern of behaviours that are placing residents at risk. The homes director of nursing also told police Wettlaufer was dismissed for how she handled insulin, the documents show. Records from the College of Nurses of Ontario show Wettlaufer was first registered as a nurse in August 1995 but resigned Sept. 30, 2016, one day after Woodstock police began investigating her, and is no longer a registered nurse. On Thursday, The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario called for a public inquiry into the deaths of Wettlaufer's victims. We need to get to the bottom of what happened, how it happened and what we can learn from an organizational, regulatory and system perspective to ensure nothing like this ever happens again, Doris Grinspun, RNAO CEO, and the groups president, Carol Timmings, said in a statement. We want no stone unturned in this effort. The Victims Related stories: Elizabeth Wettlaufer was fired over medication error, yet continued to work as a nurse Inside the troubled life of Elizabeth Wettlaufer, the nurse on the night shift With files from Star staff and The Canadian Press Recap: Elizabeth Wettlaufer pleads guilty to murder Read more about: SHARE: Justin Trudeau clearly has the constitutional right to push forward on a major pipeline expansion on the British Columbia coast. The Constitution is one thing. Politics is another. We may yet see how much political capital the prime minister is willing to spend in proceeding with his approval of Kinder Morgans Trans Mountain expansion that would transport bitumen from Alberta to tankers in Burnaby. He would have to buck the opposition of British Columbias soon-to-be-installed NDP government, backed by the Green party, and there would be major ramifications for the federal Liberals climate change bona fides, their pledge of Indigenous reconciliation, the future of Trudeau ally Rachel Notley in Alberta, even the future of the federal NDP. Its hard to see Trudeau going to the ramparts to support a pipeline that faces opposition from a B.C. NDP premier, John Horgan, and a number of Indigenous communities. His constitutional power has been rarely used in modern history and would likely play poorly in Quebec where another pipeline faces wide opposition. It would do severe damage to his political brand. This weeks announcement that the NDP-Green alliance will use every tool available to stop the Kinder Morgan expansion has ratcheted up tension between British Columbia and Alberta and will embolden opponents of the plan. The $7.4-billion project would triple the capacity of the existing line and would increase tanker traffic on the coast sevenfold. Notley needs an international market for Alberta bitumen. Horgan and Green leader Andrew Weaver need to defend their coast. In the May 9 election in British Columbia, confirmed by late-month recounts, some 57 per cent of voters cast a ballot for change, leaving Liberal Christy Clark heading to a confidence vote in the legislature she is certain to lose. Voter motivation is always worthy of debate, in this case the motivation of the 40.28 per cent who cast ballots for the NDP and the 16.84 per cent who voted for the Greens. Voters cast their ballots for parties offering a suite of policies and federally, there has already been debate whether voters gave Trudeau a mandate to pull jets out of the fight against Daesh or how many voted for electoral reform. But there are clues in British Columbia. In ridings that would feel the potential impact of the Kinder Morgan expansion, voters overwhelmingly went to the NDP. Trudeaus social licence now comes with voting data. So, whats in Horgans tool box? It will likely include, at very least, a new provincial environmental assessment. Opponents feel the National Energy Board report on the project was deficient. It could mean delaying or withholding a number of provincial permits the company still requires. Horgan and Weaver can demand Kinder Morgan fulfil all 37 conditions appended to Clarks certificate of approval. There are also 19 legal challenges to the expansion. The new government could choose not to defend one of them brought by a B.C. First Nations community. The province has the right, some would say obligation, to protect, assess and regulate any interprovincial pipelines, said Chris Tollefson, a law professor at the University of Victoria. It is certainly entitled to protect its interests. Horgan could essentially run out the clock, making the provincial approval so time-consuming and onerous that Kinder Morgan might find the expansion no longer worth its while. Further complicating Trudeaus support, the NDP-Green partnership agreement says a foundational piece of their relationship is support for the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Whether or not this would mean Indigenous vetoes over such projects, this government-in-waiting has clearly signalled Indigenous communities will have more power over the fate of future projects. Trudeau risks B.C. Liberals seats in the next election if he muscles Kinder Morgan through. Also at risk is an understanding between Trudeau and Notley in which Trudeau promised a pipeline approval in return for Notleys environmental initiatives. Indeed, if Kinder Morgan is blocked, Notleys own political future becomes murkier. This internecine NDP battle in the West also has huge ramifications in the federal leadership race. Essentially, the candidates will have to become Horgan New Democrats or Notley New Democrats. Most are leaning toward Horgan. The others will find they cannot equivocate. The fragility of this B.C. agreement means it is always in danger of collapse. But if it holds, we are about to see how a provincial vote can lead to political dominoes falling across the country. Tim Harper writes on national affairs. tjharper77@gmail.com , Twitter: @nutgraf1 SHARE: OTTAWAJohn Tory is bringing his beef with Queens Park to Parliament Hill. The Toronto mayor was in the capital Thursday to try and project a common front with the federal government and a host of other municipal leaders in his spat with Ontario over funding for priority transit projects and social housing. Tory wants Premier Kathleen Wynne and her Liberal government to match the billions expected from Ottawa as part of its multi-year infrastructure and housing investment push. The problem is that as the federal government comes in the front door, it would seem the government of Ontario is trying to scuttle out the side door, Tory told the Star. You have to put them in constraints to keep them at the table, and they certainly wont step up and commit to the funds necessary to build those projects. And I wonder why, Tory said. The mayor has accused Wynnes government of shortchanging the city for months, memorably despairing in January that hes treated like a little boy asking Queens Park for money, after the province blocked the citys plan to put road tolls on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway. Earlier this month, Wynne defended her governments contributions to transit and housing in Toronto, citing billions spent on projects such as the Spadina subway extension. The province is also looking to build Canadas first high-speed rail line, which would eventually run from Windsor to Toronto, pledging $15 million for an environmental assessment. The question of funding has gained intensity as the federal government pledges $186 billion over 12 years for transit, housing and other infrastructure projects. At issue Thursday, when Tory attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Mayors meeting in Ottawa, was an effort to create a new finance-sharing scheme for major transit projects. The idea that Tory supports, along with the mayors of Montreal, Edmonton, Ottawa and others, would see the provinces and Ottawa each fund 40 per cent of a projects cost, with the relevant city kicking in the remaining 20 per cent. Tory said he wants to see this 40-40-20 formula for big ticket Toronto transit projects like the downtown relief line, Eglinton East LRT and Waterfront network. The city expects to get some $5 billion from the federal government to build new transit in the coming years, and Tory essentially wants Queens Park to match this. Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi said Thursday that he recognizes the fiscal constraints on Canadian municipalities, who have traditionally paid a third of the cost of large projects. He said he would work with the provinces to find the appropriate level of funding they can contribute. The work that we want to do as a federal government (and) the outcomes that we want to achieve are not possible if we dont have a strong working relationship with our provincial partners, he said. Meanwhile, Tory also criticized the provincial government for a lack of funding toward social housing in Toronto. The 2017 provincial budget did not include any money for the $2.6 billion repair backlog at Toronto Community Housing, while this years federal budget promised more than $11 billion over 11 years. We need help, and we need the partnership of all three governments to make sure our most vulnerable residents are housed properly, Tory said, adding that on both housing and transit, he feels the federal government and municipalities can pressure the provinces to pull out their wallets. I think thats going to have a powerful positive effect. But the outcome, well have to see. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAPollution costs Canadians tens of billions of dollars every year, according to a new report that is billed as the first comprehensive review of the startling economic toll of everything from city smog to road salt runoff. Published Thursday by the not-for-profit International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the report says that poor air quality alone cost the economy $36 billion in 2015. While a lack of data for some pollutants barred them from giving an overall estimate, the reports authors contend that its very likely they would add tens of billions to the annual cost meaning the yearly price could be well over $50 billion. Were talking big bucks here big, big bucks being sucked out of the economy, said Robert Smith, a senior associate with the IISD who authored the study with his colleague, Kieran McDougal. The public needs to know these costs are what they are, Smith said. The report, titled Cost of Pollution in Canada: Measuring the impacts on families, businesses and governments, surveys studies that have slapped price tags on various forms of pollution. As Smith explained, the IISDs methodology was scrutinized and approved by the Conference Board of Canada. Their cost estimates are considered conservative given the lack of costing research for possibly significant pollutants, he said. Scott Vaughan, the IISD president and CEO, said the report should be a signal to government that the cost of pollution is a big issue. He added that Ottawa is in the midst of reviewing Canadas Environmental Protection Act, suggesting that some changes may be needed to address the high cost of pollution. This is a significant economic cost across the country, he said. That really hits home. In the report, Smith and McDougal defined pollution as anything released into the environment by human activity. This includes car exhaust, sewage, crude oil spill off, greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizers, waste heat, noise, light and chemicals like pesticides, plastic additives and flame retardants. They argue that pollution is taking a toll on human health and the environment, as well as farming output and the economy at large. It is leading to higher health-care costs and more expensive raw materials, food and public services, the report says. The report highlights health-related costs that stem from how air particulates and other pollution can make people sick and cause deadly disease. Because of prior research on air pollution, Smith said they were able to pin a figure into the health cost category: the report says pollution added $39 billion in 2015. Pollution is also adding to the bills from treating dirty water, lost labour output from people getting sick, honeybee deaths and reduced agricultural output, the report says. Governments must also pay to clean up oil spills and other contamination. Another example of pollution costs relates to lost wealth: pollution causes the depreciation of property values on polluted lakes, for instance. The report calls for more research so that Canadians can have a better idea of how much pollution is actually costing them. Areas where more research needs to be done include on the cost of greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, the health effects of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, and fertilizers and other runoff that promote the growth of vegetation and algae blooms in bodies of freshwater. The costs are high. The costs are real. The costs are going to be ongoing, and we dont know enough about the costs, so we better get on with understanding them better, Smith said. THE COST OF POLLUTION $345 million to $3 billion: noise pollution $1.6 billion: heat waves and extreme weather $800 million: lost labour $56 million: lost recreational activities $11 billion: road maintenance from street salt $96 million: reduced farm output $3.8 to $4 billion: algae blooms in Lake Erie SHARE: ST. ANDREWS, N.B.The Atlantic Salmon Federation is urging Ottawa to take a more aggressive approach with Greenland where salmon migrate from Canada and are harvested as returns continue to decline. A federation report released Thursday said 2016 returns for North American Atlantic salmon were 27 per cent lower than the previous year, and may indicate further declines in 2017. The population estimates were based on data from Canada, the U.S., and Greenland. The report said grilse Atlantic salmon that return to spawn after only one year at sea saw the greatest decrease: 31 per cent lower than 2015. Federation president Bill Taylor said the federal government needs to urge Greenland to reduce its salmon fishery. Salmon stocks migrate north from Canadian rivers to feeding grounds off the Arctic country, where 27 tonnes of salmon were harvested last year, down significantly from 56 tonnes in 2015. We need to take a much more stronger, aggressive approach with Greenland, said Taylor ahead of a meeting next week of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization an intergovernmental organization that includes Canada, the U.S., Denmark, the European Union, Norway and Russia. We have to figure out a way to get that Greenland commercial fishery to the lowest level possible. The federal Fisheries Department did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday. Taylor said although most of the salmon in Greenlands waters migrate from Canada, international laws stipulate the Arctic country can harvest those salmon. Greenlands quota for this year is set at 45 tonnes. But he said Canada and other NASCO members could take a stronger position with Greenland, and that Ottawa should think outside the box. Perhaps there are quotas shrimp quotas, halibut quotas that Canada shares with Greenland up in the northern part of the North Atlantic that could be exchanged ... for giving up part of their salmon catch, Taylor suggested. But the federation is also urging Canadian anglers and First Nations groups to exercise caution by releasing the fish alive or allowing more fish to pass upriver. Those two groups harvested about 135 tonnes of Atlantic salmon in 2016, it said. We have to practice what we preach. We have to lead by example, said Taylor. Canadians have to stop killing so many fish ... If we expect the Greenlanders to cut back, we better kill fewer fish. Taylor also noted fishermen in coastal Labrador and St-Pierre and Miquelon a French archipelago south of Newfoundland are intercepting and harvesting salmon as they return to North American rivers. The federation is urging those regions to limit their harvest. In the United States, Atlantic salmon numbers remain critically low, the federation said. It said a total of 636 Atlantic salmon protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act were counted in all American rivers last year. Angling is completely closed. Rivers in eastern Cape Breton, the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy fared better on average than the United States, but extirpation remains a possibility if aggressive conservation and recovery actions are not taken to reverse the decline, a release from the federation said. Read more about: SHARE: An internal memo from the ousted Toronto Community Housing boss to city staff warns of the risk of hundreds of millions of dollars in costs, financial losses and a lack of information with the developing plans to remake the corporation. The memo, obtained by the Star through a freedom of information request, reveals the direction city staff planned to take implementing one of Mayor John Torys signature plans ahead of a report expected later in June. It also highlights tensions between the city and housing agency over those plans, which have been delayed for months and reveals concerns Toronto Community Housing officials and tenants have not been properly consulted. The memo, written by now former CEO Greg Spearn, contained several significant concerns, including financial implications of breaking up the company totaling more than $700 million in legal fees and loan default alone. Read more: Tory should commit city money to fixing the social housing problem, then ask the province for help: James Planned closure of hundreds of social housing units called 'failure' of governments as waiting list grows Greg Spearn out as head of Toronto Community Housing Toronto Community Housing units set to close despite residents pleas More than 20 pages of the memo forwarded to the city were censored by Toronto Community Housing, an agency of the city, before being released to the Star. Separately, the Star obtained an uncensored version of the memo, which shows that some of the more troubling passages of the memo were blacked out for public view, leaving unanswered questions about who wanted that information kept secret and why. The Star has published the uncensored, 35-page version below. Moving ahead at this time without a more detailed analysis of the financial, operational and tenant impacts could pose significant risks for both the city, and TCHC, and especially for tenants, Spearn wrote to deputy city manager Giuliana Carbone and copied to city manager Peter Wallace and other senior staff March 17. Spearn recommended the process be slowed to allow for informed and meaningful dialogue. It would be helpful to our joint effort if TCHC could have a more continuous insight into the citys evolving thinking regarding our future mandate, the memo reads. Careful provision of information, consultation and meaningful responses are necessary, and as such we feel this cannot be achieved in the time frame outlined. Those passages were blacked out in the official version sent to the Star, with TCH claiming the passages were exempt from disclosure because they were deemed to be advice to government and protected under provincial access to information laws. Spearn, who left the corporation as interim CEO abruptly in April after, the Star reported, he was said to no longer be in the running for the permanent top job, could not be reached for comment. He has not spoken publicly since his departure. In January 2015, shortly after his election, Tory announced a task force on Toronto Community Housing led by former mayor Senator Art Eggleton to explore restructuring the corporation, improving the lives of tenants and stabilizing the housing providers finances as it faced a $2.6-billion repairs backlog. A year later, the task force recommended the largest shakeup in the corporations nearly two-decade history. A series of 29 recommendations included splitting up the company, creating a non-profit arm to focus on tenants and hiving off some units to other social housing providers in the city. At city hall, Torys executive committee directed staff to return in spring 2016 with an overall approach and again in fall 2016 with a full implementation plan. The committee requested staff report back on financial risks and impacts related to the final recommendations. But when a city staff report, entitled Tenants First as the plan has become known, returned in July, it asked council to agree to move forward with a plan that would carve out an undetermined number of TCHs 58,500 units to a new non-profit corporation and other non-profit housing providers in the city. That report did not contain any financial analysis of that direction. It recommended staff return with that analysis and a more detailed plan at the beginning of 2017. Spearns memo outlines that city staff are considering carving out a third of the corporations units by transferring the entire seniors portfolio some 14,000 units and 67 buildings to a new entity with linkages to the citys long-term care division and also transferring 5,000 additional units to existing social housing providers. Spearn also explained that whatever is left of the corporation may experience difficulty repaying debt after assets are transferred. Much of TCHs debt is not tied to a specific building, the way a mortgage is. Removal of these assets without substantive improvements to the current funding model will have significant negative consequences for the remaining portfolio that is already strained, Spearn wrote. In fact, transferring the seniors units elsewhere would put TCH in a worse financial position by about $22 million annually, Spearn said. This is in part, he wrote, because the seniors units see fewer late rent payments then the rest of the portfolio. Though the units represent just 25 per cent of the asset base, they are responsible for 38 per cent of TCHs net operating income. The memo also focuses on concerns that a plan to consult tenants just a month before the first implementation report was scheduled to be released was not enough time for meaningful consultation. And it details, at length, possible labour relations issues with up to 500 staff affected, impacts on pensions and collective agreements. Cityspokesperson Wynna Brown said in an email that a range of options are still being considered. As part of our due diligence process, staff are considering all risks associated with asset transfers and any other recommendations being contemplated, she wrote. Brown said the city has requested information from TCH, including comprehensive financial, capital, operating, and asset information and a review of their processes and procedures. Spearn memo View document on Scribd The mayors task force held four public consultations and the Tenants First team has held eight consultations across the city. A tenants advisory committee, she said, has been meeting weekly. A statement from Torys spokesperson Don Peat said the mayor believes we need to do better for TCHC tenants, noting ongoing pressure on the province to contribute a third of the funding $864 million for necessary repairs. He also believes we need to take action to fundamentally change TCHC, and he looks forward to seeing the final report on Tenants First later this month. Kevin Marshman, who replaced Spearn as interim CEO in April, said in an emailed statement: Toronto Community Housing supports the Tenants First report and the citys goals to implement changes that will improve how we deliver services to tenants, our housing and our finances. The March memo identified considerations on the early draft direction. Since then, discussion on Tenants First has evolved. The uncensored memo: Through a freedom of information request, the Star received a copy of the memo former TCHC CEO Greg Spearn sent to senior city managers. The document the Star received was censored. The Star separately obtained an uncensored version of the memo, available here. We have highlighted the passages and pages that were blacked out. SHARE: The Toronto Island will continue to have limited access until at least July 31, extending the previous estimate by one month. The announcement is another blow to Island businesses who rely on a limited summer season, and will now likely see little business on the typically lucrative Canada Day holiday as more than 40 per cent of the Island continues to be covered in water. The decision, announced Wednesday means 300 permits affecting 90 groups or individuals will be cancelled. It also affects 350 summer campers, as well as July weddings planned for the Island, and trips by community groups, according to the city. Shawnda Walker, the spokesperson for Centreville Amusement Park, remains optimistic in the face of the unprecedented challenges. We would be absolutely shocked if Centreville is still closed at the end of July, she told Metro, explaining that the amusement parks area of the island is in better shape than most, but theyre going week-to-week. News of the Islands continued closure comes after a positive report on projected Lake Ontario water levels. The analysis, by the International Lake OntarioSt. Lawrence River Board (ICJ), showed the lake could return to pre-flooding levels by mid-to-late-June. But the optimistic projections are based on median scenarios and historic data. The worst case scenarioa repeat of the previous record rainfall from 1952could mean that the lake doesnt return to pre-flooding levels until mid-August. In addition to the Island, all of Torontos 11 beaches have significant water coverage, according to the city. Much of the recovery along the shoreline will rely on the ICJ releasing a massive amount of water into the St. Lawrence. If the ICJ can continue the outflow like they are, then that can get us there, said Toronto Region Conservation Authority waterfront specialist Nancy Gaffney. Gail Faveri, the Canadian secretary for the ICJ, explained that while Lake Ontario is at record highs, the commission is responding by releasing a nearly unprecedented amount of water into the St. Lawrence. We are releasing an awful lot of water right now, she said, describing a battle between nature and engineering. The commission is releasing the maximum of 10,200 cubed metres of water per second. It has only done this twice before, in 1993 and 1998. Releasing any more water would make it unsafe for boats, added Faveri. SHARE: A feature Toronto Life article about the nightmare reno of a Parkdale crackhouse has inspired a big backlash on social media. Critics say the first-person story of a family buying a three-storey corner lot is clueless, out-of-touch and classist. Parts of the article refer to anti-capitalist graffiti left in the home, and the challenge of evicting tenants. Read more: Toronto Lifes reno from hell shines a light on the housing plight of the poor in Parkdale: Keenan Metro reached out to Catherine Jheon, the writer of the article. In an email, she wrote: My article was meant to be about a renovation and our fairly dramatic mistakes along the way. I have listened to the feedback. I understand why the story and my insensitive descriptions triggered anger around real issues of affordable housing, homelessness and more. I'm going to take some time to reflect on everything that has happened. Read more: Garage becomes a working art studio Bathroom renovation picks up pink theme Anatomy of a bathroom renovation The article also spurred local man Todd Ferguson to start a tongue-in-cheek GoFundMe campaign to support Parkdales brave gentrifier family to help them through their real estate turmoil. Metro had an interesting conversation with Ferguson whose tongue remained firmly in cheek throughout. This interview has been condensed and edited. Metro: What was your initial reaction to the Toronto Life article? Ferguson: My first reaction was shock and outrage! That these people would have to go to that much trouble to build up their real estate portfolio in Toronto. M: And you dont think thats fair. F: Certainly not. Imagine having to get rid of some of your real estate portfolio to buy a seven-figure mansion in Parkdale. That is something that should be within the reach of all Torontonians. M: Clearly its not. Why did you want to create this GoFundMe campaign? F: Sir, I am but a humble member of the Toronto elite the better class of this fine city. And I felt compelled to support this young struggling family in their efforts to establish a pioneering civilizing front in the wilds of Parkdale. I dont know if youre aware of this, sir, but even as we speak there are lawless savages in Parkdale refusing to pay rent to a corporate landlord. M: Lawless savages? F: Lawless savages. I dont know how else to describe someone who refuses to obey the law (and) pay rent merely because nothing in the apartment functions properly and is infested with rodents. M: Dont they have a right to a roof over their head too? F: Im sure youll agree with me that society has no obligation to pay for peoples living. I mean, its a shame we got rid of poor houses several years ago, because then theyd have a place to go. But Id encourage these people to take the example of the Humphreys-Jheon family and pull themselves up by the bootstraps, possibly with the help of a wealthy uncle thats willing to loan them a six-figure amount. M: So your solution is that the squatters who formerly resided in this Parkdale house should find a wealthy uncle, too. F: They could do that, or perhaps they could save money for a place to call their own if they stopped spending on avocado toast. M: So then the squatters are in that position because of bad life choices? F: Im absolutely saying that its because of bad life choices. They cant point their fingers to society and blame society for their ills. M: So far youve raised more than $1,800 on the GoFundMe campaign. F: Oh, thats good news. My butler hasnt updated me on this. There is a little bit to go. Unfortunately, if we dont reach the $730,000 goal I will be contributing the proceeds in four equal portions to Toronto agencies that apparently advocate for the rights of tenants in housing matters. Its a way to placate the riff-raff, if you will. M: How will you be proving that youll be donating the proceeds? F: Well sir, Id like to point out that Im a man of my word anyone at the country club will be able to tell you that. Second of all, I plan to close this campaign down after a few weeks, and then Ill have my chauffeur drive me to either the Humphreys-Jheon residence, or to the four agencies, where Ill be personally delivering the cheque. M: What would you want to pass on to the Humphreys-Jheon family? F: I would want the Humphreys-Jheon family to know that the Toronto elite stands with them in their attempt to establish a pioneering wedge in the lawless wasteland that is Parkdale. If the crowdfunder to support the Humphreys-Jheon family doesnt reach its $730,000 goal, the money will be distributed evenly between Parkdale Community Legal Services, The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, The Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations, and ACORN Canada, says creator Todd Ferguson. SHARE: Toronto Life magazine has a particular knack for generating social media hate-fests by documenting the luxurious predilections and pitfalls of a certain class of Torontonians: the young and the clueless, you could say. There was Tony, the 31-year-old big spender whose manifesto for generation spend documented why he didnt plan to buy a house and instead spent many thousands of dollars on bottle service and weekend jet-setting while living with his parents. There was the financial profile of the magazine intern/shoe salesperson whose annual income from work was $7,800 (and income from her parents was $39,500) who spent money on manicures and a downtown apartment. There was the Almost Rich feature on how hard it is to get by on $200,000 per year in Toronto because after the cleaning lady, $400 a month on creams and lotions and $800 a month on wine, you barely have enough left to gas up the Mercedes. Read more: Parkdale reno story inspires social media backlash Its the details that really get the proletarian revolutionary blood pumping. Take the most recent story, this week, detailing one couples Parkdale reno from hell, which sparked an online uproar as reported by my colleague David Hains of Metro. Theres the fact the author spent $560,000 on a crumbling Parkdale rooming house for her family to live in without looking at it first. Theres their disdainful attitude to the poor people living in it that they have to kick out. Or that she and her husband hired a toothless drifter riding by on his bicycle to act as their contractor (and paid him to go away after he almost completely collapsed the foundation). Or that they complain of having to squeeze their family into the condo they also owned during renovations. Or that they were able to rely on a six-figure loan from a family friend to get it all done. The icing on the cake: another magazine feature this spring by the same author details how they bought an island cottage on their line of credit during the same period, and mentions they also own land in Mexico. So, heres the thing, obviously: it sounds like they had some self-inflicted rough patches in their renovation project. But whats described here as hell sounds a lot like living the high life to most of us. Like so many so-called problems Toronto Life profile subjects raise, this seems to be a case of been up so long it looks like down to me. And amid the avalanche of snark shes been buried under since it was published, the author of the piece seems to appreciate that. My article was meant to be about a renovation and our fairly dramatic mistakes along the way. I have listened to the feedback. I understand why the story and my insensitive descriptions triggered anger around real issues of affordable housing, homelessness and more, writer Catherine Jheon wrote to Hains. Im going to take some time to reflect on everything that has happened. I roll my eyes with the best of them. I enjoy sneering at insensitive obliviousness. Look at those details and just try to keep your eyebrows level. But I also think, let he who has not evicted low-income tenants from a slummy apartment house to undertake a barely competent renovation to make a home for his family cast the first stone countertop. Like many others in this city, I have done exactly that with less dramatics than Jheon, and less of a financial cushion to fall back on. But still. Its a common thing increasingly common in this city. And that is of course the real problem, the real source of anger and resentment about a story like this: the context. The real issues of affordable housing, homelessness and more that Jheon mentions. Lets take a look at some recent stories many right there in the same neighourhood as that Toronto Life reno that have generated rather less of an uproar. Rooming houses like the one the couple in the story bought have traditionally made up a big percentage of the affordable housing stock in Parkdale a rare very low end of the market available for people who are very hard to house. But a study from the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust last month shows theyre an increasingly endangered species. In the past decade, they found, 28 rooming houses have been converted to single-family homes, leaving rooms for 347 fewer people. In the years to come they believe 59 more such houses, home to 818 people, are at imminent risk of being lost. The City of Toronto is in the midst of studying its rules around rooming houses, with an eye to making them legal in more places across the city, and to upgrading the living standards of the ones that already exist. But in Parkdale, one of the few places theyve thrived, the market is driving towards eliminating them. And there are few other places to take up the slack they leave. The tenants of lower-rent market apartments in Parkdale towers owned by Metcap Living Management Inc. are in the midst of a rent strike, demanding both repairs to their units and an end to above-guideline rent increases the landlord is justifying by citing capital repair costs mounting on aging buildings. The units, Vic Natola of Parkdale Community Legal Services told the Star when the strike kicked off, are a disaster, and the rent increases are displacing an entire neighbourhood in the name of profit. Meanwhile, public housing across the city and in Parkdale is falling apart. Documents reported on by the Star late last month show that every Toronto Community Housing project in Parkdale over 1,200 units in all is expected to be in poor or critical condition by 2021. You want to talk about a reno from hell situation, look at the affordable rental housing options in Toronto. Half of public housing units across the city will be in a critical condition of deterioration within five years if they dont get shuttered first. Meanwhile a new report from the Wellesley Institute says the 170,000 apartment tower rental units in the inner suburbs, the main form of relatively moderate-rent housing available for low- and modest-income families, is threatened by increasing disrepair and affordability problems. Half of highrise tenants in high-poverty neighbourhood buildings reported poor building conditions, according to one study cited by the Wellesley report. That affordable places for our poorest residents to live in houses, in private rental buildings, in public housing are either disappearing or falling apart is a crisis thats been unfolding before our eyes in slow motion. Those details are ones more disturbing than any wine budget reported by Toronto Life. Edward Keenan writes on city issues ekeenan@thestar.ca . Follow: @thekeenanwire SHARE: Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service have been accused of wide-ranging sexism in a proposed class-action lawsuit containing allegations of gender-based bullying, violence and sexual misconduct. The suit, which is seeking more than $165 million on behalf of all past and present female members of the Waterloo police and their families, alleges women on staff have been subjected to unwanted sexual advances, career sabotage and personal attacks during their time on the force. The Waterloo Police Services Board said it views the proposed class-action as inappropriate and said it will challenge the suit, while noting that the Police Services Act would have been the appropriate means to deal with the allegations. None of the allegations has been tested in court. The suit names both the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board and Waterloo Regional Police Association as defendants. The suit, filed on Wednesday, alleges that long-standing negligence and disregard for emotional distress in the force resulted in widespread institutional discrimination based on gender. According to a statement of claim, the two lead plaintiffs in the case allege the sexist culture dates back to the late 1980s. Waterloo Police Chief Bryan Larkin said some of the allegations have only just come to the attention of the force. Others, he said, have already been dealt with through an investigation by an independent law firm. The statement of claim alleges the police force is mired in a culture that both allows and condones verbal, physical and sexual attacks against its female staff. The WRPS and the WRPA perpetrated the systemic and institutional gender-based discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault, by failing to properly punish the wrongdoers and deter the insidious behaviour, it alleges. In many cases, they promoted and rewarded the wrongdoers in face of the wrongful conduct, all of which served to force the victims into isolation, subjected them to further trauma, and, in many cases, catapulted the victims towards an early departure from their chosen careers. The statement contains detailed allegations from present-day employee Angelina Rivers, and Sharon Zehr, who worked on the force for 2.5 years starting in 1988. Both women have agreed to be named as representative plaintiffs in the class action. Rivers said her career began auspiciously in 2006 and that she enjoyed several years in a positive work environment, but alleges things began to change in 2013. She alleges male officers began refusing to provide her backup when in dangerous situations and she would get her ass kicked if she persisted in reporting her safety concerns. Male officers began circulating rumours that she was having an affair with a fellow officer, prompting her immediate superior to send her sexually explicit texts in the middle of the night, Rivers alleges. Those texts stated that Rivers should have pursued a sexual relationship with her boss instead and contained open requests for naked pictures of Rivers, the statement alleges. When she persisted in speaking up, Rivers alleges her superiors reassigned her to an undesirable position and began forcing her to account for every minute she spent on the job, including time used for washroom breaks. Rivers ultimately filed a formal complaint, prompting the force to hire a lawyer to investigate her allegations. According to the statement of claim, the lawyer found that Rivers was sexually harassed and that superior officers openly admitted to trying to protect her alleged harasser. Rivers has now taken the matter before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. According to Zehrs account, numerous officers allegedly sexually harassed or assaulted her during her tenure on the force. The statement of claim alleges one officer drove her to a remote area and demanded oral sex. Zehr reported the incident, but was later paired with the same officer on patrol while the force took no steps to address her complaint, the statement alleges. Different officers allegedly licked her earlobe during a briefing, tried to kiss her at a work party, and undid her bikini top while she was helping out at a summer cleanup. On another occasion, Zehr alleges five different officers tried to forcibly drag her into a mens changing room. She said she grabbed onto a door and asked to be left alone, but alleges the men only stopped when a superior officer asked them to. She further alleges acts of bullying, accusing officers of removing key equipment from her police vehicle, setting alarms to prank her, and rear-ending her car on purpose. The statement said Zehr ultimately left the force, but continued to feel traumatized when her future security-related positions brought her into contact with officers from the force. The constant exposure to gender-based discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault, combined with the discriminatory and degrading culture created by the male members of the WRPS greatly impacted Ms. Zehrs mental and physical health, the statement said. For safety reasons, in December 2015, Ms. Zehr sold her home and moved out of the Waterloo Region entirely. SHARE: Voters in Sault Ste. Marie will pass judgment Thursday on Premier Kathleen Wynnes government in a byelection that comes in the wake of her hydro rate cuts and promises for a $15 minimum wage. New Democrats are looking to win back the riding, taken by Liberal David Orazietti in 2003. He quit Wynnes cabinet in December to start a new career closer to home and spend more time with his family. While the result wont change the balance of power at Queens Park, it comes with politicos already gearing up for next Junes provincial election. All three major party leaders have campaigned in Sault Ste. Marie, with New Democrat Andrea Horwath and Progressive Conservative Patrick Brown earning the most frequent-flyer points by a wide margin. Its going to be tough, Wynne said candidly when asked about her partys chances. It took the Liberals, who have been struggling in most public opinion polls, several months to nail down a candidate. A former one-term mayor, Debbie Amaroso, is hoping to hold the seat for the Liberals against city councillors Ross Romano for the Progressive Conservatives, and Joe Krmpotich for the NDP. The message I get from the people of Sault Ste. Marie is theyre not looking to re-elect a Liberal, Horwath told reporters at Queens Park. Theyve seen jobs being lost, theyve seen young people not being able to find opportunity, theyve seen their hospital services erode, theyve seen a real serious downturn all while the current Liberal government has been in office. After spending last weekend in Sault Ste. Marie, Horwath flew back Tuesday to campaign with Krmpotich, turning her guns mainly on Romano and the Conservatives. Brown, who went to law school at the University of Windsor with Romano, moved to temper expectations at Queens Park before heading back to Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday afternoon for a final campaign push. This is a longtime Liberal-NDP seat. I dont think, frankly, since Bill Davis, have PCs elected a member here. This has been viewed as a safe Liberal seat . . . but I believe there is an appetite for change throughout the province, Brown said. Our candidate last time finished a distant, distant third and I think, like weve seen everywhere in every byelection, were going to see significant growth for the Progressive Conservative party. Deputy premier Deb Matthews cautioned against reading too much into the results after the polls close at 9 p.m., but said she hopes the 25 per cent hydro rate cut and new initiatives on the minimum wage and three weeks of vacation for people in jobs more than five years will resonate with voters. Byelections are always tough for government. Thats a well-known fact, she said. They are not reflective of the election that we are about to have in a year. Advance polls in the riding saw 3,065 voters cast ballots, Elections Ontario said, down from the 3,966 who did so in Sault Ste. Marie during the 2014 provincial election. There are almost 63,000 eligible voters in the riding, and a total of seven candidates are running. Read more about: SHARE: The French police officer who was killed in an April terror attack on the Champs-Elysees was posthumously married to his partner in an unusual ceremony, French media reported Tuesday. The Paris newspaper Le Parisien said the wedding between Xavier Jugele and his partner Etienne Cardiles happened in Paris on Tuesday. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and former French president Francois Hollande attended the private wedding, Le Parisien reported. France is one of the few countries in the world where posthumous marriage is legal. Jugele was one of three police officers shot on Pariss famous boulevard in the April 20 attack, which came three days before the first round of Frances presidential election. The attack, which was carried out with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, was claimed by Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL. Read more: Paris gunman spent 14 years in prison but showed no signs of radicalization Daesh claims responsibility for attack that killed Paris police officer Jugele, who would have turned 38 in May, was the sole officer to die in the attack. He was one of the officers who raced to the Bataclan concert hall the night three armed men with suicide bombs stormed a show and slaughtered 90 people on Nov. 13, 2015. He returned to the concert venue for its reopening a year later with a concert by Sting, telling People magazine at the time how happy he was to be here to celebrate life. To say no to terrorists. The shooter who killed Jugele, identified by police as Karim Cheurfi, was shot dead by police in the attack. Cheurfi was born in Paris. He had been arrested as recently as February. A note defending Daesh was found near his body. Cardiles, who at the time had been in a civil union with Jugele, gave a moving tribute to his slain partner at a national memorial on April 25, saying the shooter would not have my hatred. I have no hatred, Xavier, because it is not like you and does not fit with what made your heart beat nor what made you a guardian of the peace, Cardiles said. At the same memorial, then-president Francois Hollande posthumously named Jugele a knight in Frances Legion of Honour, one of the countrys highest honours. He had worked in the Paris area as a police officer since 2011. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Paris police departments public order and traffic division. Jugele also was a member of a French association of LGBT police officers. Photographs of the memorial captured an emotional Cardiles shaking the hand of then presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron. There are about 50 requests for posthumous marriages annually in France, Le Parisien reported. Requests for posthumous marriages are granted by the French president Macron under exceptional circumstances. With files from The Associated Press SHARE: WASHINGTONAs soon as his cab arrived in a Daesh safe house in December 2015, his lawyers say, Mohamad Khweis realized he had made a huge mistake. The 27-year-old American, a native of Fairfax County, Va., fled the group three months later and was captured by Kurdish forces in Iraq. Now, as his trial begins this week in federal court in Alexandria, a jury will weigh whether a mistake of that gravity can be forgiven under terrorism laws. Khweis, prosecutors say, quite clearly committed the crimes of which he is accused. He knowingly offered himself up as a fighter for a bloodthirsty terrorist group. He conspired with Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, facilitators online to do so. And he handled weapons while he was there. The defendant gave himself to (Daesh), prosecutor Dennis Fitzpatrick told jurors in his opening statement, the most lethal terrorist organization in history. Defense lawyers counter that theres no proof Khweis ever committed or advocated any act of violence. He became intrigued by what he read online about Daesh and had hoped to explore its territory in Syria on his own, they say, but instead was conscripted. From that point forward, ISIS took control of him, defence attorney Jessica Carmichael said in her opening statement. When a young person makes a stupid and naive decision, we will ask that he be allowed to change his mind before any harm occurs. The case is unusual for several reasons. Khweis successfully travelled to Daesh territory, as few Americans have, and was completely unknown to authorities before his capture. FBI agents have testified that they learned of his existence from a video posted by a Kurdish fighter on Twitter. When he returned Khweis chose to go to trial, when the vast majority of terrorism defendants plead guilty. The trial is expected to stretch for about two weeks. Jurors already have watched videos of a Kurdish army captain and counterterrorism official who testified at an earlier hearing, and are expected to hear testimony from FBI agents who interrogated Khweis in Iraq. Khweis is considering whether to testify on his own behalf. He is charged with providing material support to the terrorist group, conspiracy to provide material support and possessing a firearm in a crime of violence. Khweis, Carmichael said, was a smoker and a drinker who lived with his parents and relied on their insurance and cellphone plans. While with Daesh, she said, he performed menial tasks: buying groceries, taking out the trash, getting lunch. He touched guns, she said, only when he moved them to sit on a couch. He was asked to be a suicide bomber because he had no skills, according to Carmichael, and agreed only because he thought he might be killed as a spy if he did not. But prosecutors say Khweis showed a sophisticated understanding of the terrorist group he joined. Before leaving for Syria, Khweis quit his job as a bus driver in the Washington area and sold his car, driving a rental to Baltimore International Airport. He stopped in London and Amsterdam to avoid detection, prosecutors said. When he landed in Turkey, he took a bus to a border town and contacted Daesh facilitators on Twitter. Khweis used a handle that included the phrase greenbird, a reference to martyrdom. In a direct message, he asked one facilitator to communicate on the encrypted program Telegram. On his phone, FBI agent Ryan Lamb testified Wednesday, Khweis had several apps to enable encrypted messaging and private browsing. The defendant was good at tradecraft, Fitzpatrick said. But Khweis failed to wipe the data from two of his three phones. He left records of his trip abroad and evidence that while in Turkey he looked at numerous Daesh websites that featured images of armed fighters, dead bodies and violent attacks. He also looked at pages involving several radical preachers who have justified the use of violence. He searched Google for common Arabic phrases and for Arabic nicknames meaning the American and the Canadian. He also looked up How to pray for beginners. According to prosecutors, the car that took Khweis from Turkey to Syria also held three French recruits and one Tunisian, who bragged about the deadly terrorist attack that had just occurred in Paris. Khweis was shuffled from safe house to safe house, eventually being taken to Mosul for religious training. He met Russian fighters and helped treat injured soldiers, according to prosecutors. Eventually he was taken to TalAfar, not far from the Syrian border. It was from there that he fled and landed in Kurdish hands. He ran into the arms of U.S. law enforcement, Carmichael said. Mohamad was happy to tell them whatever they wanted to know. Daesh documents discovered during the Iraqi armys recapture of Mosul this year and produced in court show Khweis filled out a form to join Daesh and is listed on a spreadsheet as a fighter for the group. However, the form does not indicate that he underwent weapons training or had been assigned to an army. Khweis turned down multiple offers of plea deals, prosecutors said in a court hearing last week. Defense attorney John Zwerling said in court that Khweis has always been willing to co-operate but didnt want to admit to something he feels he didnt do. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONThe Trump administration is moving toward handing back to Russia two diplomatic compounds, near New York City and on Marylands Eastern Shore, from which its officials were ejected in late December as punishment for Moscows interference in the 2016 presidential election. Then-President Barack Obama said Dec. 29 that the compounds were being used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes, and gave Russia 24 hours to vacate them. Separately, Obama expelled from the United States what he said were 35 Russian intelligence operatives. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Early last month, the Trump administration told the Russians it would consider turning the properties back over to them if Moscow would lift its freeze, imposed in 2014 in retaliation for U.S. sanctions related to Ukraine, on construction of a new U.S. consulate on a certain parcel of land in St. Petersburg. Two days later, the U.S. position changed. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at a meeting in Washington, that the United States had dropped any linkage between the compounds and the consulate, according to several people with knowledge of the exchanges. In Moscow on Wednesday, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Russia was taking into account the difficult internal political situation for the current administration, but retained the option to reciprocate for what he called the expropriation of Russian property, if these steps are not somehow adjusted by the U.S. side, the news outlet Sputnik reported. Senior Tillerson adviser R.C. Hammond said that the U.S. and Russia have reached no agreements. He said the next senior level meeting between the two governments, below the secretary of state level, will be in June in St. Petersburg. Before making a final decision on allowing the Russians to reoccupy the compounds, the administration is examining possible restrictions on Russian activities there, including removing the diplomatic immunity the properties previously enjoyed. Without immunity, the facilities would be treated as any other buildings in the United States and would not be barred to entry by U.S. law enforcement, according to people who spoke on the condition anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic matters. Any concessions to Moscow could prove controversial while administration and former Trump campaign officials are under congressional and special counsel investigation for alleged ties to Russia. Changes in the administrations official posture toward the compounds come as Russian media recently suggested that Kislyak, about to leave Washington after serving as ambassador since 2008, may be proposed by the Kremlin to head a new position as UN undersecretary general for counterterrorism. Kislyak, who met and spoke during the campaign and transition with President Donald Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trumps White House adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and others, is known to be interested in the post. His replacement as ambassador, current Deputy Foreign Minister Anatoly Antonov, was confirmed last month by the Russian Duma, or parliament. Officials in Moscow said Russian President Vladimir Putin will officially inform Trump of the new ambassador when the two meet in July, at the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. It will be Trumps first meeting with Putin as president. The UN General Assembly must first approve establishment of the counterterrorism slot, part of a larger UN reorganization and the first new post at that level for decades. Russia will almost certainly claim the slot as the only member of the five permanent members of the Security Council without one of its nationals in a senior UN position. Jeffrey Feltman, a former senior U.S. diplomat, is currently undersecretary-general for political affairs; comparable jobs for peacekeeping, humanitarian affairs and economic affairs are held, respectively, by nationals from France, Britain and China. Secretary General Antonio Guterres will decide who fills the new job, although both Russia and the United States are expected to make their views known. Kislyak has repeatedly rejected descriptions of him in the U.S. media as a spy. Asked whether U.S. intelligence considered him to be one, James Clapper Jr., the former director of national intelligence, told CNN Sunday that, Given the fact that he oversees a very aggressive intelligence operation in this country the Russians have more intelligence operatives than any other nation that is represented in this country, still even after we got rid of 35 of them and so to suggest that he is somehow separate or oblivious to that is a bit much. The Russian compounds a nearly six hectare estate on Long Island, and several buildings on secluded acreage along the Corsica River on Marylands Eastern Shore have been in Russian possession since the days of the Soviet Union. According to a Maryland deed in 1995, the former USSR transferred ownership of the Maryland property to the Russian Federation in 1995, for a payment of one dollar. Russia said it used the facilities, both of which had diplomatic immunity, for rest and recreation for embassy and UN, employees, and to hold official events. But U.S. officials dating back to the Reagan administration, based on aerial and other surveillance, had long believed they were also being used for intelligence purposes. Last year, when Russian security services began harassing U.S. officials in Moscow including slashed tires, home break-ins and, at one point tackling and throwing to the ground a U.S. embassy official entering through the front of the embassy the Obama administration threatened to close the compounds, former Obama officials said. In meetings to protest the treatment, the Obama administration said that it would do so unless the harassment stopped, and Moscow dropped its freeze on construction of a new consulate to replace the one in St. Petersburg, considered largely unusable because of Russian spying equipment installed there. Russia had earlier blocked U.S. use of a parcel of land and construction guarantees in the city when sanctions were imposed after its military intervention in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. The threat of closing the compounds was not pursued. In late December, after U.S. intelligence said there had been election meddling, and in response to the ongoing harassment in Moscow, Obama ordered the compounds closed and diplomats expelled. We had no intention of ever giving them back, a former senior Obama official said of the compounds. Trump, then at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, appeared to disparage the Obama administration sanctions, telling reporters, I think we ought to get on with our lives. Surprisingly, Russia did not respond. It later emerged that Flynn, in a phone conversation with Kislyak, had advised against retaliation and indicated that U.S. policy would change under the Trump administration. The Kremlin made clear that the compound issue was at the top of its bilateral agenda. Russia repeatedly denounced what it called the seizure of the properties as an illegal violation of diplomatic treaties. On May 8, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, Thomas Shannon, travelled to New York to meet with his Russian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on what the State Department described as a range of bilateral issues and what Russia called irritants and grievances. Ryabkov brought up the compounds, while Shannon raised St. Petersburg and harassment, suggesting that they deal with the operation of their diplomats and facilities in each others countries separate from policy issues such as Syria, and proposing that they clear the decks with a compromise. Russia refused, saying that the compound issue was a hostile act that deserved no reciprocal action to resolve, and had to be dealt with before other diplomatic problems could be addressed. In an interview with Tass, Ryabkov said Moscow was alarmed that Washington carries on working out certain issues in its traditional manner, particularly concerning Russias diplomatic property in the states of Maryland and New York. Two days later in Washington, Tillerson told Lavrov that the United States would no longer link the compounds to the issue of St. Petersburg. Immediately after their May 10 meeting at the State Department, Tillerson escorted Lavrov and Kislyak to the Oval Office. There, they held a private meeting with Trump. The night before the president had fired FBI Director James Comey, who was then heading an FBI investigation of the Russia ties. Comey, Trump told the Russians, was a real nut job, and his removal had taken off the Russia-related pressure the president was under, the New York Times reported. Later in May, the Justice Department appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller III as special counsel to oversee the federal investigation. In a news conference at the Russian Embassy after his meetings with Tillerson and Trump, Lavrov said of the compound closures, Everyone, in particular the Trump administration, is aware that those actions were illegal. The dialogue between Russia and the U.S. is now free from the ideology that characterized it under the Barack Obama administration, he said. Read more about: SHARE: UNITED NATIONSLeaders from around the world maintained a defiant front Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in English before switching to French, said he believed Trump was making a mistake, then extended an offer to Americans: Tonight, I wish to tell the United States: France believes in you, the world believes in you. I know that you are a great nation. I know your history, our common history. To all scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, responsible citizens who were disappointed by the decision of the president of the United States, I want to say that they will find in France a second home. Miguel Arias Canete, the European Unions commissioner for climate, said Trumps decision had galvanized us and promised that this vacuum will be filled by new broad committed leadership. Read more: Donald Trump, who calls climate change a hoax, pulls U.S. from the worlds plan to stop it McKenna deeply disappointed in Trumps decision to leave Paris accord Everything you wanted to know about Trumps decision on the Paris climate pact, but were afraid to ask The leaders of France, Germany and Italy swiftly issued a statement expressing regret and rejected Trumps assertion that he would renegotiate the deal. We therefore reaffirm our strongest commitment to swiftly implement the Paris Agreement, including its climate finance goals, and we encourage all our partners to speed up their action to combat climate change, the statement read. Christina Figueres, the former UN official who led the negotiations, said that under the agreement the United States cannot even submit its intention to withdraw until November 2019, after which the process would take a year. You cannot renegotiate individually, she said. Its a multilateral agreement. No one country can unilaterally change the conditions. In his comments Thursday, Trump took aim at the Green Climate Fund designed to help poor nations deal with the havoc of climate change, calling it a vast scheme to redistribute wealth. Figueres described the fund as a political message of help from rich countries to poor countries that have done little to wreck the atmosphere. Mayors from Sweden to Australia pushed back against the U.S. announcement. Whats heartbreaking is the damage governments can do in a short time when theyre in power, said Clover Moore, the mayor of Sydney. But where national action falters, as we see in the USA tonight, we see more and more city governments stepping up to provide the leadership we urgently need. Mary Robinson, a former UN special envoy for climate change, said in a biting statement: The U.S. reneging on its commitment to the Paris Agreement renders it a rogue state on the international stage. Before the announcement, UN envoys from rich and poor countries alike said they were sticking to the agreement, with or without the United States. New diplomatic alliances were forming, with Europe, India and China pledging to uphold their end of the deal. Even some of Washingtons most reliable allies warned that the United States would find itself isolated on the international stage. Arias Canete insisted the Paris Agreement will endure, and he said the world can continue to count on Europe for global leadership in the fight against climate change. Premier Li Keqiang of China, in Berlin for meetings with Chancellor Angela Merkel, said Thursday before Trumps decision that his country remained committed to the fight against climate change and to participating in international efforts for a greener world. China, the worlds biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, stands to gain international credit for standing by the Paris Agreement, but it would not be able to fill the void on its own if the United States abandoned the treaty. China will continue to uphold its commitments to the Paris climate agreement, Li said, confirming a position his country agreed to alongside the United States in 2014, in what proved to be a watershed moment for the ultimate passage of the landmark accord the following year. Merkel, who welcomed the Chinese commitment as encouraging, has been a leader in the global push for climate action since 1992, when she played a crucial international role in the passage of the worlds first climate treaty, the Kyoto Protocol. She pointed to future co-operation between Brussels and Beijing, making clear the similar intention in Europe to move ahead with potential partners to fill any vacuum created by Washingtons absence. Merkel and Indias leader, Narendra Modi, pledged their support for the climate accord during meetings in Berlin on Wednesday. The Paris Agreement entered into force in the General Assembly hall last November, just days before the U.S. presidential election. And it was at the UN this week that the isolation of the United States was palpable. Several Western diplomats said they could not fathom why the White House would join the tiny clique of nations like Syria and Nicaragua that had not signed the accord. The last time the United States standing had fallen so low was during its invasion of Iraq, several said. Humanity is at a fork in the road, said Kai Sauer, the ambassador from Finland. One hundred and ninety countries going on one path, and the United States, Syria, Nicaragua going on another? It seems a bit strange. This definitely also changes how we are looking at the United States. Read more about: SHARE: BERLINAs U.S. President Donald Trump contemplates withdrawing from a landmark agreement on global warming, Premier Li Keqiang of China said Thursday that his country remained committed to the fight against climate change and to participating in international efforts for a greener world. China will continue to uphold its commitments to the Paris climate agreement, Li said, confirming a position his country agreed to alongside the United States in 2014, in what proved to be a watershed moment for the ultimate passage of the landmark accord the following year. Step by step, and very arduously, together with other countries, we will work toward the goals set by global leaders in 2015, Li said, standing beside Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany in Berlin. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Merkel, who welcomed the Chinese commitment as encouraging, has been a leader in the global push for climate action since 1992, when she played a crucial international role in passage of the worlds first climate treaty, the Kyoto Protocol. The German leader pointed to future co-operation between the Brussels and Beijing, making clear the similar intention in Europe to move ahead with potential partners to fill any vacuum created by Washingtons absence. Trump said on Twitter that he would announce his decision on whether to pull out of the Paris Agreement, which calls on just about every country to take measures to address climate change, at 3 p.m. Thursday in Washington. China actively participated in this process in the past years and joined or signed every agreement concerning this, Li said. We say in China, Our words count, and our actions must be successful, and China will uphold its responsibility to protect the climate, Li said, adding that Beijing was closely following international developments on the issue. He did not directly mention Trump or reports of the discussions in Washington. After Berlin, Li will head to Brussels for a summit meeting with European Union leaders. They are expected to announce a number of measures deepening joint co-operation on climate protection. The EU and China recognize the importance of developing global free trade and investment, and promoting the multilateral rule-based system to allow the full development of the low greenhouse gas emission economy with all its benefits, reads the text of a joint statement on climate change and clean energy that the Europeans and Chinese are expected to announce Friday. In a message apparently aimed directly at Trump, the Europeans and the Chinese were also expected to call on all parties to uphold the Paris Agreement and to strengthen efforts over time, in accordance with the purpose and provisions of the agreement, according to the statement, which was seen Wednesday night by The New York Times. Climate change, the Chinese and the Europeans were expected to warn, has detrimental impacts on water, food and national security, and those factors have become a multiplying factor of social and political fragility, and constitute a root cause for instability, including the displacement of people. Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced the warning. Climate change is a global challenge and there is no country that can stay aloof, Hua said at a regular news briefing in response to a question about a possible U.S. withdrawal. The Paris accord was a hard-won outcome and it distilled the broadest consensus of international society. In Moscow, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin of Russia expressed a similar sentiment. The spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that Russia thinks highly of the Paris Agreement, The Associated Press reported, adding that there was no viable alternative and that putting it in place effectively would depend on the key signatories. China, the worlds biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, stands to gain international credit for standing by the Paris Agreement, but it would not be able to fill the void on its own if the United States abandoned the treaty. The leadership in Beijing would turn to Europe and to other developing countries to strengthen co-operation in cutting greenhouse gas pollution and preparing to cope with a hotter planet, said two experts who have advised the Chinese government. If the United States does withdraw, the system of global climate governance wont totally collapse, but it will be shaken, said Zhang Haibin, a professor at Peking University who studies international environmental politics. The international community may expect China to play a leading role, he said. But in my view, China doesnt have the capacity to single-handedly play the role of global hero. Instead, well need to work closely with the European Union and the Basic countries, he said, referring to a negotiating bloc that includes Brazil, South Africa, India and China. Collective leadership will be more important, he said. In the months before Trumps announcement, Chinese officials repeatedly urged the United States to stay in the climate treaty. The Paris accord came together in 2015 after years of fractious negotiations and a near breakdown of talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009 that left bitterness between Chinese leaders and the Obama administration. Over the past decade, Chinese leaders have placed a higher priority on reining in pollution after decades of galloping industrial growth. Chinas unwelcome status as by far the worlds biggest greenhouse gas emitter, as well as public anger over smog, has pushed the government to cut pollution from fossil fuels as a slowdown in industry helped cut demand for coal. In 2016, China released about 10.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and industry, a decline of 0.7 per cent compared with 2015, according to the Global Carbon Budget, an international research consortium. The United States emitted 5.4 billion tons, but measured per person, its emissions are much higher. Initial measurements suggest that Chinas total emissions dipped again last year. Last week, Chinas president, Xi Jinping, held a meeting of senior Communist Party officials to find ways to reconcile climate change and economic growth. Our countrys economic and social development has achieved historic successes, Xi said at the meeting, according to an official account. At the same time, our rapid growth has led to the accumulation of a great many environmental problems, and thats become a clear weak point, and an acute problem leading to intense public complaints. Formally abandoning the Paris accord would probably take the United States three or four years, giving other governments some time to regroup, said Zou Ji, a professor of environmental policy at Renmin University in Beijing, who has advised the Chinese government on climate change policy and negotiations. China, the European Union, India and other major powers will still be there, and theyll form a new leadership array, Zou said. Given its national strength and status as a developing country, and its traditional foreign policy, it will be very difficult for China to step forward and say, Im the leader. But China cant deny that it will have a leading role. Read more about: SHARE: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order keeping the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv rather than move it to Jerusalem as he promised during last years campaign, aides said Thursday, disappointing many Israel supporters in hopes of preserving his chances of negotiating a peace settlement. Trump made no mention of his pending decision during a visit to Jerusalem just last week and waited to announce it until almost the last minute he could under law, underscoring the deep political sensitivity of the matter. The order he will sign waives for six months a congressional edict requiring the embassy be located in Jerusalem, after which he will have to consider the matter again. The decision is the latest shift away from campaign positions upending traditional foreign policy as Trump spends more time in office and learns more about the trade-offs involved. He has reversed himself on declaring China a currency manipulator, backed off plans to lift sanctions against Russia, declared that NATO is not obsolete after all, opted for now not to rip up President Barack Obamas nuclear agreement with Iran and ordered a punitive strike against Syria that he previously opposed in similar circumstances. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump In this case, Trump may invite the wrath of powerful supporters like Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas casino magnate and Republican donor who is close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and owns a newspaper in Israel. Some hard-line Israel backers have privately expressed concern that Trump has not lived up to his campaign pledges because he has been seduced into thinking he may reach the ultimate deal that has eluded every other president. Trump began backing away from his promise to move the embassy shortly after taking office when King Abdullah II of Jordan flew to Washington without a White House invitation to buttonhole the new president at a prayer breakfast and explain what he viewed as the consequences. The king warned that a precipitous move would touch off a possibly violent backlash among Arabs, all but quashing any hopes of bringing the two sides together. Trump has also urged Netanyahu to hold off on provocative housing construction in the West Bank pending peace talks, despite appointing David M. Friedman, a staunch supporter of such settlements, as his ambassador to Israel. But the president pleased many in Netanyahus right-leaning coalition by abandoning automatic support for a Palestinian state unless both sides agree. Read more: Trump seriously considering moving embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Pence says The embassy question has assumed enormous symbolic significance over the years. The United Nations once proposed that Jerusalem be an international city, but after Israel declared statehood in 1948, it took control of the western portion of the city while Jordan seized the eastern side. During its 1967 war with Arab neighbors, Israel wrested away control of East Jerusalem and annexed it. In May, Vice President Mike Pence said that the White House continues to give "serious consideration" to moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Over the 50 years since then, Israel has declared that Jerusalem is its eternal capital and would never be divided again, even as it has built more housing in the eastern parts of the city intended for Jewish residents over the objections of the Palestinians and much of the international community. Most of its main institutions of government are based in Jerusalem. Like every other country with a diplomatic presence in Israel, the United States has kept its embassy in Tel Aviv to avoid seeming to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital at the expense of Palestinians who also claim it as the capital of a future state of their own. The United States does have a consulate in Jerusalem that mainly deals with Palestinians but could be converted on a temporary basis into an embassy until a permanent site is found and a full-fledged facility constructed. Like Trump, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both promised to move the embassy as presidential candidates only to drop the idea once they got into office. In 1995, Congress passed a law requiring the embassy be moved to Jerusalem by 1999 or else the State Department would have its building budget cut in half. But lawmakers included a provision allowing a president to waive the law for six months if determined to be in the national interest. So every six months since 1999, Clinton, Bush, Obama and now Trump have signed such waivers. Trump had promised that he would be different and presented himself as the best friend Israel would ever have in the Oval Office. During the campaign, he said he would move the embassy fairly quickly and on the eve of his inauguration reiterated his commitment by telling an Israeli journalist, You know Im not a person who breaks promises. But he has become enamored of the idea that he, unlike all of his predecessors, could be the one to finally negotiate a permanent peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, and he was persuaded that an embassy move would hinder that. The president has assigned Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser, and Jason Greenblatt, his former personal lawyer, to lead the peace efforts. Anticipating that Trump would back off the embassy move, some in Netanyahus coalition hoped that the president at least would say during his trip last week that Jerusalem was Israels capital, but he did not do that. Trump did visit the Western Wall, the holiest Jewish prayer site in the country, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so an act that some interpreted as indirect recognition since the wall is in a part of the city that Israel took control of during the 1967 war. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONNews broke Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump is nearing a decision about whether to yank the United States from the Paris climate agreement. The news unleashed a backlash on Twitter among some politicians and pundits, who framed the supposed recklessness of a withdraw by highlighting the two other countries whose leadership refused to sign the accord Syria and Nicaragua. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump The message was clear: The U.S. once a world leader who sat at the front of the class has relegated itself to the back of the room with the worlds perceived outliers. Some commenters noted that even Uzbekistan, a one-time Paris holdout that is home to one of the worst ecological disasters on the planet, signed the climate agreement last month. Nice company, one Twitter user wrote. Elite club, another chimed. #Shameful. The problem with the comparison to Syria and Nicaragua, and the implicit developed world condescension it contains, is the glaring absence of context. Syria didnt sign the agreement because the country remains locked in a protracted civil war that the United Nations estimates may have displaced 12 million people and resulted in more than 250,000 deaths. Nicaraguan leaders, on the other hand, said they declined to enter the agreement not because they didnt want to abide by new emissions standards, but because those standards werent strict enough and didnt require enough sacrifice from wealthier countries with larger economies, according to Reuters. At a UN climate meeting last year, Paul Oquist, head of the Nicaraguan delegation also complained about the agreement restricting his countrys ability to litigate over climate disagreements. Nor is it either ethical or congruent to invoke human rights in the Agreement and at the same time to ask developing countries to renounce their legal rights including the right to compensation for damages and the right to litigate over legal responsibilities, Oquist said. Meanwhile, the Central American nation of six million is en route to becoming a green energy powerhouse, according to NPR. Blessed with 19 volcanoes, high winds and plenty of water, Nicaragua, for more than a decade, has been in the process of gradually transforming its economy in an effort to reduce the countrys dependence on foreign oil, NPR reported. That dependence meant that market fluctuations led to 12-hour blackouts that paralyzed the country and brought the economy to a halt. The decision was made that we had to begin shifting toward renewable energy, Gabriel Sanchez, who works for the business promotion agency ProNicaragua told NPR. A set of policies was put in place that would allow renewable energy projects to be developed in Nicaragua. By 2015, renewables were generating about half of Nicaraguas electricity, but government officials claim that number is on track to reach 90 per cent by 2020, according to the World Bank. Renewables constitute just 13 per cent of the United States energy production. In the region, Nicaragua is second only to Costa Rica in terms of the share 21 per cent of renewable, nonhydraulic energy in the region, the Bank reported. The energy output of its geothermic resources is considered the best in Central America. As The Washington Posts Chris Mooney and Brady Dennis reported Wednesday, more than 190 nations agreed to the accord in December 2015 in Paris, and 147 have since formally ratified or otherwise joined it, including the United States representing more than 80 per cent of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions. A U.S. withdrawal would remove the worlds second-largest emitter and nearly 18 per cent of the globes present-day emissions from the agreement, presenting a severe challenge to its structure and raising questions about whether it would weaken the commitments of other nations, Mooney and Dennis reported. At last years meeting, Oquist called upon developed countries to increase their levels of ambition for mitigating climate change for future generations, Mother Earth and life itself. Nicaragua will not sign the Paris Agreement and hopes that other countries will put pressure on the developed countries to increase their levels of ambition to avoid a world of 3 C which will lead to disastrous increases of 4 C to 6 C in developing countries, he added. This must be NOW, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, since 2025 the Paris Agreement target is too late. Read more about: SHARE: U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce a pivotal decision Thursday on whether to keep the United States in the Paris climate agreement, a landmark accord reached in 2015 between 195 countries that seeks to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change by curbing global greenhouse gas emissions. The White House says it has not yet reached a final decision on Paris, and hundreds of corporations and world leaders are lobbying the United States to stay in the pact. Within the administration, some senior officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have warned the president that the diplomatic blowback from leaving could be severe. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump A U.S. withdrawal would not scuttle the Paris accord, but it could seriously weaken global efforts to avoid drastic climate change. Heres a primer on how the Paris agreement works and what could happen if the United States leaves. What does the Paris climate deal actually do? Under the Paris agreement, every country submitted an individual plan to tackle its greenhouse gas emissions and then agreed to meet regularly to review their progress and prod one another to ratchet up their efforts as the years went by. Unlike its predecessor treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris deal was intended to be non-binding, so that countries could tailor their climate plans to their domestic situations and alter them as circumstances changed. There are no penalties for falling short of declared targets. The hope was that, through peer pressure and diplomacy, these policies would be strengthened over time. Under the deal, the Obama administration pledged to cut domestic greenhouse gas emissions 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025 as well as to commit up to $3 billion (U.S.) in aid for poorer countries by 2020. (The United States has delivered $1 billion to date.) China vowed that its emissions would peak around 2030 and that it would get about 20 per cent of its electricity from carbon-free sources by then. India would continue to reduce its carbon intensity, or CO2 output per unit of economic activity, in line with historic levels. While the current pledges would not prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the threshold deemed unacceptably risky, there is some evidence that the Paris deals soft diplomacy is nudging countries toward greater action. A recent study from the Grantham Research Institute found that the mere existence of the accord had prodded dozens of countries to enact new clean-energy laws. How would the United States withdraw from Paris? Because the deal is non-binding, there are no penalties if the United States pulls out. The Trump administration can invoke the accords formal withdrawal mechanism, which takes four years though U.S. officials could stop participating in any future climate talks immediately. A future administration could, if it chose, rejoin. More radically, the Trump administration could withdraw from the underlying United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signalling a withdrawal from all UN-sponsored climate discussions. It is not yet clear which option the Trump administration would choose, if it decides to leave. Who else has left the Paris deal? If the United States does leave, it would join Syria and Nicaragua as the only two countries not participating in the accord. Read more:Dont compare Trumps Paris decision to Nicaraguas theyve embraced renewable energy: Analysis The United States could also face serious diplomatic repercussions for leaving. Europe, China and other countries may threaten to withhold co-operation on issues the Trump administration cares about. In a more extreme case, other countries could decide to impose carbon tariffs on the United States. What would withdrawal mean for U.S. climate efforts? Whether or not the United States leaves Paris, the Trump administration will keep trying to dismantle the Obama administrations domestic climate policies, including the Clean Power Plan to curtail emissions from power plants, and various regulations on methane leaks from oil and gas operations. Those rollbacks are still far from assured, however, and environmentalists plan to challenge them in court. Pulling out of Paris will not mean the end of all domestic efforts to reduce emissions. States like California and New York plan to keep pursuing their own programs to clean up power plants and vehicles. And the private sector is already shifting toward cleaner energy: Cheap natural gas and renewables will continue to drive the retirement of coal plants. But the United States will be doing far less about global warming than it otherwise might have done. A recent analysis by the Rhodium Group estimated that, under Trumps policies, U.S. emissions will now most likely fall 15 to 19 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025, rather than the 26 to 28 per cent that the Obama administration pledged. What will this mean for the fight against climate change? Withdrawal by the United States could seriously undermine global efforts to tackle global warming but much will depend on how other countries react. Leaders in Europe, China and India have insisted that they will carry on tackling global warming without the United States. But the precise shape of future climate talks remains an open question. One possibility is that, with the worlds second-largest emitter pulling out, other countries may feel inclined to relax their own plans to curb greenhouse gases. Even in places like Europe, you have industry groups worried about competitiveness, said David G. Victor, professor of international relations at the University of California, San Diego. A U.S. withdrawal, he notes, makes the politics in other countries that much harder. Developing countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines may be more reluctant to tackle their emissions if the United States pulls back on promised aid to help them adjust to the worst effects of climate change. Not everyone is so pessimistic, however. Luke Kemp, a climate policy expert at Australian National University, suggests that other countries may choose to redouble their pursuit of cleaner energy in the face of Trump administration recalcitrance. In the short term you could see a galvanizing effect, he said. China, the worlds largest emitter, is poised to assume a dominant role in future talks. The country is investing heavily in wind, solar and nuclear power in an attempt to level off its once-insatiable coal consumption. But it is unclear how far Chinas leaders will go in pressuring other countries to raise their ambitions. In the past, China has argued against rigorous transparency standards to review nations progress. Whats next? The rest of the world will have a lot of heavy lifting ahead of it: Current pledges, when added up, put the planet on pace to warm 3 degrees Celsius or more above pre-industrial levels, an outcome with a far greater risk of destabilizing ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, higher levels of sea-level rise, more destructive heat waves and droughts, and the loss of vital ecosystems like coral reefs. One final variable: A future U.S. administration could always change course on climate policy and even try to rejoin the agreement once Trump is out of office. Other countries are constantly judging each others positions in the world, Victor said. If it looks like this administration is only going to last for four years, you might see other countries continue to push along on climate and not give up on the U.S. just yet. Read more about: SHARE: PARISA French prosecutor opened an investigation Thursday into a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, putting the new leader under growing pressure to clean up his own government after he campaigned to improve ethical standards in politics. Macron stayed awkwardly silent after the announcement of the investigation into Territorial Cohesion Minister Richard Ferrand, an early ally who played a pivotal role in the presidential campaign. The investigation comes at a bad time for Macron and his government, as they are striving to get a majority in parliament in two-round legislative elections this month to push through his pro-business, pro-EU agenda and just as Justice Minister Francois Bayrou detailed the first major bill of Macrons presidency Thursday, a law intended to clean up corruption in politics. Read more: Macron holds extremely frank talks with Putin, wont give an inch on certain issues Macron makes his mark in debut on world stage Ferrand is notably suspected of past business practices that benefited his romantic partner during the time when he led an insurance company. After saying there were no grounds for an investigation, the prosecutor in Brest in western France reversed course and said it is opening a probe. The U-turn follows a drumbeat of media reports and questions about a possible conflict of interest before and after he became a lawmaker in 2012. Ferrand has also acknowledged hiring his son as his parliamentary aide for a few months. The prosecutors statement said police will investigate whether there are grounds to potentially charge Ferrand for property crimes, lack of probity and violating insurance codes. Ferrand acknowledged the facts in a statement this week, but denies any wrongdoing. Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe have stood behind him so far. While visiting the western region of Brittany, a stronghold of his disputed minister, Macron refused to answer questions from journalists on the case Thursday. The prime minister stood by his line that Ferrand can retain his position as minister as long as he isnt given preliminary charges. At this early stage of the judicial proceedings, Ferrand cant be charged. Only an investigating judge could hand Ferrand preliminary charges, but the prosecutor hasnt yet decided to appoint one. Even if Ferrand is found to have done nothing wrong legally, his image is tainted and threatens to taint that of the new president. Macron won the election in part on promises to renew French political practices and figures from top to bottom. Calls for Ferrands resignation or dismissal have come from all political sides and also from civil society. Frances leading anti-corruption association, Anticor, urged the minister to resign in order to not interfere with Macrons efforts to moralize political life. Whatever the outcome of the judicial inquiry, Anticors president, Jean-Christophe Picard, told BFM television, His political accountability is already at stake. From the far-right to far-left of the political spectrum, several politicians stressed that the minister now has no other choice than to resign, saying the credibility of the government in its fight for higher standards of transparency and ethics is at stake. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said that there has been at least a moral breach in Ferrands case. Conservative lawmaker and former magistrate Georges Fenech said that if Macron doesnt get Ferrands resignation within the hour, he will no longer be credible. The leader of the Socialist lawmakers in the outgoing parliament, Olivier Faure, said it would be preferable for Ferrand to resign because he doesnt want the political climate be polluted by the case. Raquel Garrido, a spokesperson for former far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, denounced a culture of impunity. Even in Macrons political movement Republic On The Move, some voices are starting to rise to raise doubts about maintaining Ferrand in the government. Government spokesperson Christophe Castaner acknowledged Wednesday that some experienced government members used to have practices from the former world that are legal, but not tolerated anymore by French public opinion. Ferrands situation is not the only embarrassing case for Macron less than a month after he won the presidential election. European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez, a former European Parliament member, also is under investigation after a far-right lawmaker claimed that a batch of fellow French members of the European body, including de Sarnez, used their EU aides for political activities in France instead of making them work at parliament. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAEnvironment Minister Catherine McKenna says Canada is deeply disappointed with the U.S. decision to pull out of the Paris climate-change agreement. But McKenna says the agreement remains a good deal for Canada and for the rest of the world. McKenna was responding to Donald Trumps announcement that the U.S. is pulling out of the landmark 190-country agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, although the president says the U.S. would try to renegotiate the deal. McKenna says Canada will co-host with China and the European Union a ministerial summit here in September to advance action on the Paris agreement. She plans to meet with her U.S. counterpart in Italy next week, where she will seek clarity on the U.S. position. Read more: Donald Trump, who calls climate change a hoax, pulls U.S. from the worlds plan to stop it A huge crack across one of Antarcticas largest ice shelves is nearing its breaking point Everything you wanted to know about Trumps decision on the Paris climate pact, but were afraid to ask McKenna says Canada needs to keep working with U.S. governors who are taking action on climate change, as well as the business community, noting that no single administration can stop progress. By abandoning the worlds chief effort to slow the tide of planetary warming, Trump was fulfilling a top campaign pledge. But he was also breaking with many of Americas staunchest allies. As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris accord, he told a news conference. Of renegotiating the U.S. re-entry to the accord, he said, If we can, great. If we cant, thats fine. Under former president Barack Obama, the U.S. had agreed to reduce emissions to 26 per cent to 28 per cent of 2005 levels by 2025 about 1.6 billion tons. But Trump said the agreement disadvantaged the U.S. to the exclusive benefit of other countries, leaving American businesses and taxpayers to absorb the cost. Dale Marshall of Environmental Defence issued a statement calling Thursday a bleak day for climate change and global diplomacy, but also expressing confidence the accord would survive the U.S. pullout. Withdrawing from the Paris agreement will result in the U.S. becoming isolated on the global stage, Marshall said. Renewable energy prices will continue to fall as innovation continues and alternative forms of energy gain traction, he continued. And a diminished U.S. role in research and development will mean opportunities elsewhere, he added. Canada should continue to move forward with ambitious action on climate change in order to seize these economic opportunities and help fill the void left by the U.S withdrawal from the Paris agreement, Marshall said. The Canadian government should implement the pan-Canadian framework on climate change, and work with U.S. states, other like-minded allies in the U.S., and climate champions from around the world to further propel the clean energy revolution and show continued leadership on climate change. Read more about: SHARE: CANBERRA, AUSTRALIAA Malaysia Airlines plane returned to Australia after a mentally ill passenger threatened to detonate a bomb and attempted to enter the cockpit before he was tackled and tied up by passengers, police said Thursday. The 25-year-old Sri Lankan man had been discharged from a Melbourne psychiatric hospital on Wednesday before buying a ticket on the late-night flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said. Flight 128 was about 10 minutes into a flight from Melbourne when the man walked from his economy seat to the cockpit door clutching an electronic device and threatening to blow up the plane, creating panic among passengers. Passengers subdued him and tied him up with belts. At that point, he was essentially trussed up, Ashton told reporters. Ashton described the device the man carried as an amplifier-type instrument. Passenger Andrew Leoncelli described it as a Boombox portable music player. He was saying: Im going to the blow the f-ing plane up, Im going to blow the plane up, Leoncelli told Australian Broadcasting Corp. He was agitated, is the best description 100 per cent, he was agitated. He added: Two or three brave, young Aussies have taken him on and got him to the ground. Police Superintendent Tony Langdon credited the flight crew with also playing a part in tackling the man. We believe that the actions of the passengers and crew were quite heroic, Langdon said. The Airbus A330-300 carrying 337 passengers returned to the airport about 30 minutes after takeoff. Passengers were kept on the plane for 90 minutes after landing and the plane was searched for potential bombs at a remote part of the airport, Ashton said. Police wearing body army took the man off the plane. They have determined he had no terrorist links or associates, Ashton said. Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews offered government support for the passengers stranded by the ordeal. I dont think any of us have a true understanding of the trauma, just how frightening this experience would have been, Andrews said. Andrews cautioned against governments responding to the drama by banning mentally ill passengers from flying. We want to be very careful not to be driving people away from getting the care they need, he said. We dont want to be stigmatizing any more than mental illness is already stigmatized. The man, who is studying to be a chef in Australia on a student visa, would likely appear in court later Thursday on charges related to endangering a plane or making a false threat, Ashton said. Such charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The airline said the incident would be investigated. Malaysias state-owned airline has had two recent high-profile disasters. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over the Ukraine in 2014 with the loss of all 283 passengers and 15 crew. And Flight 370 with 238 people aboard disappeared four months earlier. It is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean but has not been found. Read more about: SHARE: MARAWI, PHILIPPINESA Philippine bomber plane accidentally killed 11 soldiers and injured seven others, security officials said Thursday, as troops struggled to end a bloody siege by 500 Daesh-aligned extremists in a southern city, one of the boldest militant attacks in Southeast Asia in years. The plane was making a bombing run over militant positions in Marawi city on Wednesday when one bomb accidentally hit army troops locked in close battle with extremists who had taken cover in buildings and houses, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. The plane had made three successful bombing runs before making the error, he said. Its painful, its very sad to be hitting our own troops, Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a news conference in Manila. Sometimes, in the fog of war, a lot of things could happen. Read more: Trapped civilians seek food, water as Philippines siege continues Filipinos tell of rampage against non-Muslims amid battle for city held by Daesh-inspired militants 200 people, including children, held hostage in the Philippines, priest says Precision-guided bombs were used earlier in airstrikes in Marawis urban areas, but the military ran out of the high-tech munitions and used conventional ones in Wednesdays bombing run, he said. Military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano ordered an investigation. Lorenzana said about 500 militants, including foreign fighters, joined the siege of Marawi, a mosque-studded city that is the heartland of the Islamic faith in the southern Philippines. About 50 to 100 militants were putting up the strongest stand in buildings across a bridge from Marawis city hall, where hundreds of reinforcement troops were deployed. Snipers and buildings that obstructed cannon fire were making it difficult for troops to end the siege, said Lorenzana, who had wanted to end the crisis by Friday. A total of 120 militants have been killed in the fighting since May 23, when a failed government raid to capture one of Asias most-wanted militants, Isnilon Hapilon, triggered the siege of the city by the rebels. Twenty-five of the dead militants have been identified as Filipinos, according to military officials. Eight others were foreign fighters, including a Chechen, a Yemeni and several Malaysians and Indonesians, Lorenzana said. President Rodrigo Duterte said he ordered troops to wipe them out, everyone. If you shoot him in the head, shoot him again in the heart to be sure, the tough-talking Duterte said in a speech. At least 25 soldiers, five policemen and more than 24 civilians have been killed in the clashes, Lorenzana said. Duterte declared martial law in the Mindanao region, the southern third of the Philippines, to crush the insurrection, and poured in troops backed by airstrikes, artillery fire and armoured vehicles. More than 3,000 soldiers, marines and air force personnel are involved in the fighting, backed by more than 30 assault aircraft, military officials said. The unrest has boosted fears that violent ideology from Deash, also known as ISIS or ISIL, is gaining a foothold in the countrys restive southern islands, where Muslim separatist rebellions have raged for nearly half a century. This thing that we see today is the first time that any terror organization in Southeast Asia has taken the bold step to actually overtake an entire territory, said Jasminder Singh, a senior terrorism analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He said the siege will actually become more of a template and motivation for other terrorist organizations who believe they can actually take on government forces. Officials said troops have cleared about 90 per cent of Marawi, a scenic lakeshore city with a population of more than 200,000, many of whom have fled to crowded evacuation camps in outlying towns. About 2,000 people are believed to still be trapped in houses near the fighting, while about 1,000 others have been rescued by police and soldiers from villages that have been cleared of armed extremists, the officials said. The squalor in the shelters, lack of privacy and shock of the violence moved some displaced residents to tears. Okie Rasul, a fruit vendor and mother of eight, blamed the militants for the uncertainties her family now faces. They fled their home last week amid the horrifying staccato of gunfire and explosions, leaving behind $270 worth of fruit for their business that she bought with a loan. We lost everything, our home and my business, Rasul told the AP as she waited to receive a pack of food and water in an overcrowded emergency shelter in Balo-i town near Marawi. The only things we saved are the clothes were wearing, but at least were all alive. Read more about: SHARE: On May 11, Jim Cramer, host of the CNBC show Mad Money, belittled the marketing strategies of struggling department store Macys by comparing their efforts to that of the Polish Army during the 1939 German invasion. Macys is like the Polish Army in World War Two it tried to field cavalry against German tanks and it did not end well, he said. Cramers comments drew a fiery response from the Polish Embassy in Washington, who took great offence to his unnecessary, inaccurate, and insensitive allusion to what is arguably the most prevailing myth of the Second World War the charging of German tanks by Polish cavalry. The true story behind the myth is as follows. On Sept. 1, 1939, a Polish Cavalry regiment operating along Polands northwestern border attacked a column of unsuspecting German infantry. The invaders were quickly scattered, but before the Poles could celebrate, a squad of German armoured vehicles appeared on the scene and inflicted heavy casualties on the horsemen with their canons and machine guns. The next day, war correspondents were brought to the scene and told that the Poles had charged German tanks. Despite no one actually having witnessed the supposed charge, seemingly overnight the story spread across the globe and was quickly accepted as true. Both Time Magazine and The New York Times described the incident in hyperbolic detail; high ranking German officers recalled it in their memoirs; and even Winston Churchill mentioned it in his history of the Second World War. Even among military and academic circles, the myth persists to this day. A 2005 issue of The Canadian Army Journal featured an article on leadership doctrine titled Cavalry Charging Panzers, which of course referenced the myth as if it were historical fact. How is it possible that such a blatant, unsubstantiated historical fallacy remains so ingrained in the popular understanding of the worlds most famous conflict? For many, the fact that Poland would employ cavalry at all in a modern conflict like the Second World War, suggests that the Poles were so hopelessly backward as to make Napoleonic-style cavalry charges against tanks seem plausible. Poland did indeed field a large cavalry arm in 1939, but so did every other combatant country. Horses were a cheap alternative to motor vehicles, which were expensive to produce and maintain. Like his counterparts in other armies, the Polish cavalryman was trained to use his horse for mobility and maneuverability, and fight dismounted whenever possible. Cavalry charges did occur during the Second World War, but they were few a far between. The last charge in U.S. military history took place in 1942 in the Philippines, and possibly the last charge ever was carried out that same year by an Italian regiment in the Soviet Union. Another reason for the myths popularity is the success of German propaganda, which seized on the story as an exemplification of the superiority of the German Wehrmacht. Perhaps the most notorious example was the pseudodocumentary Kampfgeschwader Lutzow, which featured staged footage of Polish cavalry charging panzer tanks. After the war, Poland found itself on the wrong side of the Iron Curtain, and as a result has been largely left out of Western histories of the conflict. Oftentimes what little is mentioned just mirrors the German propaganda narrative of an outdated Polish Army crumbling helplessly before the German blitzkrieg. Footage from Kampfgeschwader Lutzow has even found its way into Western documentaries as supposedly authentic footage. But it would be inaccurate to say the myth persists to this day purely due to historical amnesia or revisionism. The image of Polish cavalrymen, charging to certain death in defence of country and tradition, has also been romanticized in the decades since the Second World War both in Poland and abroad. In his acclaimed novel The Tin Drum, German author Guther Grass, depicts the Polish cavalryman as a modern day Don Quixote (Pan Kichot), so brilliantly galloping against steel tanks as if they were windmills. Even Oscar-winning Polish director Andrzej Wajda played on the theme in his 1959 film Lotna, which very controversially depicted the mythical charge, even at one point showing a Polish cavalryman futilely striking the barrel of a tank with his sabre. The son of a cavalry officer, Wajda knew that he was depicting a myth. The scene is not trying to convey a historical fact, but rather the death throes of a 3,000-year-old military tradition, destroyed by the modern wars of technology. It is for this final reason that the myth of Polish horsemen charging German tanks will arguably never be fully dispelled. As Cramer illustrated, the myth is no longer about decrying Poland and its military history, but a metaphor for the ending of an era, and the advent of new ways of thinking. Alex Zakrzewski is a Toronto-based freelance writer specializing in military history. He is currently working on a book about the First World War. SHARE: The images of the aftermath of the Manchester attack have been devastating: families stricken with grief for children lost, a countrys sense of safety and security shattered. As Canadians, we are able to mourn the lives lost in Manchester last Monday because our media shows us their faces and tells us their stories an attention hardly ever accorded to those living under the daily terror of the war on terror initiated by the United States. We see the girls killed while attending an Ariana Grande concert in the U.K., but not the wedding parties pulverized by missiles in Yemen, or the mourners targeted by strikes on funerals in Pakistan, or the patients obliterated by bombs hitting hospitals in Afghanistan. Our hearts break for the families bereaved in terror attacks in Western countries, but generally do not register the pain of Iraqi mothers whose babies have life-threatening birth defects caused by toxic American weaponry, or of children whose close relatives have been incinerated by drones. (As many as 1,407 civilians, including 307 children, have been killed by U.S. drones alone in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen, as documented by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.) The same week as the atrocity in Manchester, airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition killed more than 100 civilians, including 42 children, in Syria; and a U.S. navy SEAL raid in Yemen killed five civilians, including a 70-year-old partially blind man, according to London-based human rights organization Reprieve. How many in Canada were even aware of these other atrocities, let alone familiar with the names and faces and stories of the victims? We profile the casualties of Muslim terror in Europe and North America in heart-rending, humanizing detail their ages, their ambitions, their loved ones but do not even bother to keep track of the total number of Muslim civilians dead in the name of fighting terror. The best estimate, from the U.S. group Physicians for Social Responsibility, is that between 1.3 million and 2 million people were killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in the first 10 years of the war on terror alone (this figure excludes the toll in Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Syria). Perhaps more than 4 million Muslims have died because of Western interventions in the Middle East and South Asia since 1990, but it is impossible to know for sure. Western victims of terror are grieved as individual, irreplaceable fatalities; Muslim victims of the war on terror arent even recorded as an accurate statistic. We all know the war on terrorism kills more civilians than terrorism does; but we tolerate this because it is their civilians being killed in places we imagine to be far away, writes NYU professor Arun Kundnani. These are the privileges of belonging in the West: of feeling normally invulnerable to the types of destruction our militaries rain down on others, of not needing to know or care about the consequences of the violence our countries derive profit from. (The U.S., Canada, France, and the U.K. are the biggest exporters of arms to the Middle East.) We are left perpetually asking why they hate us is it because of our freedom? Our pop music? while being kept systematically ignorant about the grievances produced by the militarism of our government and its allies. But as the U.S. Defense Science Board concluded in a report for the Department of Defense in 2004: Muslims do not hate our freedom, but rather, they hate our policies. Before the invasion of Iraq in 2003, British intelligence services warned that the threat [of terrorism] will be heightened by military action against Iraq ... reflecting intensified anti-US/anti-Western sentiment in the Muslim world. Non-state terrorism has increased almost fivefold since the war on terror began in 2001, causing 29,376 deaths globally in 2015 (90 per cent in countries destabilized by conflict) while the war on terror itself has expanded to engulf more and more of the world as its battlefield. Mainstream Canadian media coverage and commentaries artificially disconnect acts of non-state terrorism from this broader context of the brutalities of state counterterrorism. This sustains the myth that their violence is exceptionally aggressive, senseless, fanatic, and indiscriminate, while ours is all defensive, rational, liberatory, and precise. But on both sides of the war on terrors pretend line between they who are barbaric and we who are civilized, it is innocents who bear the heaviest burden of suffering. Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst based in Toronto. She writes in the Star every other Thursday. SHARE: The suicide truck bombing that blew a crater in downtown Kabul on Wednesday, killing at least 90 people and wounding some 400 more, was among the most devastating attacks of a war whose purpose becomes less and less clear as the years go by. Since it began in 2001, the conflict has taken tens of thousands of civilian lives, claimed thousands of NATO military casualties, including 158 Canadians, displaced more than a million Afghans and cost trillions of dollars. And for all this, what has been gained? Today, the Taliban is resurgent, reaching into nearly half the country; Al Qaeda and Daesh are growing stronger. Afghanistans security forces are bloodied and reeling, its political leadership fractious and corrupt. Heroin remains the countrys top export. Peace and stability look ever more remote. In recent months, alliance commanders have pointed to the growing chaos in the country as reason for NATO nations to add more troops. At last weeks NATO summit in Brussels, the organizations secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, asked member countries, including Canada, to send reinforcements for the 13,450 allied troops currently training and assisting the embattled Afghan forces. Read more: Trudeau faces Trump pressure to return to Afghanistan: Walkom U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the request, weighing a so-called mini surge of 5,000 military personnel. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for his part, has wisely shown little enthusiasm. Some will no doubt cite this weeks tragic bombing as further proof of the need for increased military support. Rather, in the face of the latest attack and the larger intractability of the Afghan nightmare, NATO leaders should carefully consider whether, after 16 largely fruitless years, more of the same really makes sense. Why, after all, would a few thousand extra troops make a decisive difference now? At the missions height, the NATO alliance had more than 100,000 military personnel stationed in Afghanistan. Even that massive force did little to bring stability to the country. Moreover, the stated purpose of the proposed surge would be to buttress ongoing efforts to train Afghan soldiers. Yet this training appears to have done little to prepare local security forces for the fight against militants who continue to outmatch them. The problem, according to the U.S. Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction, stems from pervasive government corruption. Its not at all clear what more training and assisting could do to address the root of the Afghan military malaise. Alliance leaders long ago gave up on the anachronistic dream of some sort of military resolution to the conflict. Ideally, the surge would serve to buy time for a political truce between the Taliban and the Afghan government. But that, too, seems unlikely in the current context. After all, it would require diplomatic guidance from the U.S., whose president, despite his purported deal-making prowess, lacks any experience or demonstrated expertise in international relations. It would require a good-faith effort on the part of Afghanistans compromised leadership. And it would require the cooperation of Pakistan, which continues to complicate matters for its northern neighbour by supporting various militant groups fighting there. Military solutions have done little to improve the situation in Afghanistan and theres no reason to think thats going to change now. Alliance leaders have yet to articulate a new strategy that gives confidence that a better outcome is possible. Until they do, Trudeaus caution seems the wisest course and not just for Canada. Read more about: SHARE: On June 1, 2016, United (UAL) - Get Free Report began non-stop San Francisco-Singapore service, then the longest Boeing 787 flight in the world as well as the longest scheduled flight by any U.S. carrier. The flight seems to have gone well -- well enough that United said it will add another, even longer Boeing (BA) - Get Free Report 787-9 flight to Singapore, this time from Los Angeles. Service will begin Oct. 27, pending government approval. At 8,700 miles, Los Angeles-Singapore would become the third-longest flight in the world as well as the longest U.S. origination flight and the longest Boeing 787 flight. "San Francisco-Singapore has done extremely well and there has been a chorus of passengers within the L.A. basin asking for non-stop service to Singapore," said Patrick Quayle, United vice president of international network. The demand is primarily from business passengers bound for Singapore, Quayle said, adding, "Singapore is a great global economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia." Passengers who want to fly beyond Singapore can board flights on Singapore Airlines, which like United is a Star Alliance member. On the San Francisco-Singapore route, about 70% of the traffic originates in the U.S., which is unsurprising since Singapore Airlines also operates between the two cities, utilizing an Airbus A350. Currently, according to OAG, the world's three-longest flights are Qatar's 9,026-mile Doha-Auckland flight aboard a Boeing 777; Emirates' 8,819-mile Dubai-Auckland flight aboard an Airbus A380 and Qantas' 8,576-mile Sydney-Dallas flight, also aboard an A380. Fourth is San Francisco-Singapore, which is 8,435 miles. (United has the mileage at 8,446, differing by 11 miles from the OAS measurement). The Boeing 787-9 has the longest range among Boeing's 787 family. At 8,700 statute miles, Los Angeles-Singapore is at the top end of the range, Quayle said. United will operate the aircraft with 252 seats in two classes. The first 787-9 flew its first commercial flight for ANA in August 2014. Besides its vast distance, United's planned new flight is noteworthy because it underscores the carrier's commitment to not only operate the country's best trans-Pacific hub at San Francisco International Airport, but also to operate an extremely competitive trans-Pacific hub at Los Angeles International Airport. On the West Coast, United has San Francisco, Delta (DAL) - Get Free Report has built a trans-Pacific hub at Seattle and American (AAL) - Get Free Report has been focused on building its primary trans-Pacific hub at LAX. At LAX, American is the top carrier in terms of market share, with a 19% share between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2017, according to airport statistics. Delta has a 17% share and United has 14%. As for international market share, American is first, Delta is second, Air Canada is third and United is fourth. Nevertheless, over the Pacific, United will serve five destinations: Shanghai, Tokyo Narita, Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore. American serves six: Shanghai, Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Auckland, Sydney and Hong Kong. Delta serves three Pacific markets: Shanghai, Tokyo and Sydney. Three top executives -- Scott Kirby, Andrew Nocella and Quayle - left American for United early in 2016. While at American, Kirby spoke regularly of the need to build a trans-Pacific presence at LAX, given that United and Delta were focused on building more-exclusive hubs farther north. Now, United is challenging American on trans-Pacific routes at LAX, where American's ability to gather more passengers - through April 30, it had 4.8 million to United's 3.6 million - is less significant than it might be because LAX is the country's leading origin and destination airport. "We're the only airline with both San Francisco and LAX as Asia Pacific gateways," Quayle said. "They are the best two airports for Asia Pacific. "United has a rich history in Los Angeles and we're deeply committed to it," he said. "We have a sizable presence there - a strong local presence and a great flow network - and we are further expanding on it." Read More Trending Articles: This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Restaurant Brands Int'l (QSR) - Get Free Report -owned fast food giant Burger King has pulled an overseas ad campaign that requested burger lovers in Belgium "crown" the restaurant the country's true ruler, the Reuters reports. The ad stunt angered the European nation's living monarch, Kind Philippe, who was crowned in 2013. The brand's ad, which launched in Belgium this month, asked: "Two kings. One crown. Who will rule? Vote now." Those that clicked on King Philippe were then hit with a series of questions including "are you sure, he won't cook you fries." Representatives of the King on Monday asked its local Burger King unit to explain the ad, Reuters noted. Shares of Restaurant Brands were lower by 3.02% to $59.81 this morning. Retail's downturn giving you the blues? Jim Cramer has a list of retailers that are currently oversold, giving investors a leg up one of the market's most volatile sectors. Metamaterial Technologies, a Canadian materials and photonics firm, has signed a $5.5 million agreement with Lockheed Martin (LMT) - Get Free Report, marking Lockheed's first solar investment in Canada. MTI implements the latest achievements in optical science, metamaterials, semiconductors, and nanofabrication. Its patented solar technology has been engineered to collect, trap and absorb solar light from all directions at wide angles, significantly improving efficiency, removing the need to track the sun. "We are pleased to see our ITB investment going to a great Canadian global innovator such as Metamaterial Technologies Inc. Their work in the field of smart materials and in developing a disruptive solar application suitable for flight is an example of what Canadian technology offers the world," said Charles Bouchard, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Canada. 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. Occidental Petroleum Corporation is an international oil and gas giant founded in 1920 to explore for oil in California. The company made its name in the early 1960safter discovering the Lathrop Gas Field in Lathrop, California. The company expanded into chemicals manufacturing in 1968 and then in 1972 it became a pioneer in the quest to extract oil from shale. In 1993, the company made a historic move by exiting its coal operations, and then it did so again when it embraced a lower carbon future. The company worked to realign its goals with a carbon-free future in 2021. After extensive review, new carbon emission targets were laid out along with a plan that the Transition Pathway Initiative recognized as being 1 of 3 coming from major oil companies that could realistically result in net-zero emissions by 2050. Since then the company has laid interim goals that include net zero from operations and energy by 2040 and no routine flaring by 2030. Today, Occidental Petroleum is an integrated energy company with operations in the US, the Middle East, Africa, and Columbia along with some other smaller operations. The company operates a network of best-in-class production, delivery, and storage facilities with operations centered in the US. On a net basis, the companys US operations accounted for more than 75% of the total in 2022 with 19% from Middle East operations and the remainder from Columbia and elsewhere. The company engages in the oil & gas business as an explorer, producer, and mid-stream infrastructure operator. The company operates through three segments that include Oil and Gas, Chemicals, and Midstream & Marketing. The oil and gas segment explores for oil, develops new fields, and produces hydrocarbon liquids, gasses, and condensates. The chemicals segment manufactures a range of chemicals including chlorine, potassium chemicals, and vinyl. The midstream segment transports, stores, and markets hydrocarbons. It is the 6th largest oil and gas producer in the US by market cap. The company attained the position after its acquisition of Anadarko Petroleum in 2019, the 4th largest oil and gas acquisition at the time. Berkshire Hathaway became Occidental Petroleums largest shareholder in mid-2022. The firm had purchased more than 26% of the shares as of 10/14/2022 and had regulatory approval to purchase up to 50% of the company in total. Xylem Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and servicing of engineered products and solutions for the water and wastewater applications in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Water Infrastructure, Applied Water, and Measurement & Control Solutions. The Water Infrastructure segment offers various products, including water, storm water, and wastewater pumps; controls and systems; filtration, disinfection, and biological treatment equipment; and mobile dewatering equipment under the Flygt, Godwin, Wedeco, Sanitaire, Leopold, Wedeco, and Xylem Vue brand names for the transportation and treatment of water. The Applied Water segment provides pumps, valves, heat exchangers, controls, and dispensing equipment systems under the Goulds Water Technology, Bell & Gossett, A-C Fire Pump, Standard Xchange, Lowara, Jabsco, Xylem Vue and Flojet brand names for residential and commercial building services, and industrial water applications. The Measurement & Control Solutions segment provides smart meters, networked communication devices, and measurement and control technologies, as well as critical infrastructure technologies. It also offers software and services, including cloud-based analytics, remote monitoring and data management, leak detection, condition assessment, asset management, and pressure monitoring solutions, as well as testing equipment and managed services. This segment sells its products under the Pure, Sensus, Smith Blair, WTW, Xylem Vue, and YSI brand names. The company markets and sells its products through a network of direct sales force, resellers, distributors, and value-added solution providers. Xylem Inc. was formerly known as ITT WCO, Inc. and changed its name to Xylem Inc. in May 2011. The company. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York. The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking segments. The company offers personal deposits, such as checking, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases. It also provides credit cards and payments; real estate secured lending, auto finance, and consumer lending services; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, and advice to retail and institutional clients through direct investing, advice-based, and asset management businesses; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking products and services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to corporations, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,061 branches and 3,381 automated teller machines (ATMs) in Canada, and 1,148 stores and 2,701 ATMs in the United States, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. It has a strategic alliance with Canada Post Corporation. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. San Francisco is considering a ban on delivery robots, those cute little boxes on wheels that are being tried out in Washington by Starship Industries and now in San Francisco byMarble. A supervisor used the same words I have used on TreeHugger in Sidewalks are for people. Should we let the robots steal them? April Glaser writes in Recode: If youre a city councillor and youve got a device coming in to reduce congestion by taking vans off the roads, reduce pollution, increase convenience, and reduce cost while assisting the elderly and disabled by delivering groceries to their door, it ticks a lot of boxes. Our streets and our sidewalks are made for people, not robots, said Supervisor Yee in an interview with Recode. This is consistent with how we operate in the city, where we dont allow bikes or skateboards on sidewalks.... Yee worries that the robots arent safe, saying that seniors, people with disabilities and children wont be able move out of the way quickly enough as these machines roll down city sidewalks at walking speed. Marble/ This is a big robot. Quoted in the Guardian, The CEO of the robot company doesnt want to pick up his marbles. We care that our robots are good citizens of the sidewalk, he says. Weve taken a lot of care from the ground up to consider their need to sense and intuit how people are going to react. Marble/ so much room between the table and the tree. But as I wrote earlier, I, for one, do not welcome our new sidewalk overlords, and suspect that they will take over the sidewalks the way cars took over the roads, that soon a few more feet of pavement might be taken away from pedestrians to provide space for robot lanes, and that once again, pedestrians will get screwed by the new technology. We all know the story about how a hundred years ago, roads were shared. People walked in them, kids played in them, vendors set up pushcarts in them. Then along came the car, the invention of jaywalking, and people were pushed off the roads onto sidewalks. Then more cars came and they even took away most of the sidewalks to widen the roads. Starship Industries One Roboticist working with Starship (maker of this smaller robot) says We can get this technology out sooner than self-driving cars because its not going to hurt anybody. You cant kill a pizza. You can ruin it but thats not a disaster. But you can interfere with older walkers and people with limited mobility. And really, we are already fighting over scraps, now we have to fight with robots? Sidewalks are for people. As Miss Peggy Lee sang so many years ago, in Pick up your Marbles and go home. - Former Devolution and planning CS Anne Waiguru revealed on live TV that neither her nor any of her family reads the papers - She also explained that no one in her family sits down to watch local TV saying that the news in Kenya is biased - Waiguru also complained of being an innocent victim of media wars which had inadvertently pushed her off the her off the government Anne Waiguru, a Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat hopeful stoked a fire on social media when she said that she doesn't watch local TV. READ ALSO: Raila SOUNDS strong warning to those behind the expensive SGR project Waiguru who is a former Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary also revealed that no one in her family buys or read newspapers. Anne Mumbi Waiguru In her explanation, Waiguru says that the papers and especially media houses in Kenya are on a retainer and are used as puppets by people who want to push agendas. READ ALSO: Raila will make his wife the Deputy President- Moses Kuria She gave an example of how her whole NYS debacle has been blown up by the media while other corruption cases had been ignored. She gave an instance of Gladys Boss Shollei, Mike Sonko, Evans Kidero and Kipchumba Murkomen all who had been cleared by the IEBC to run for office. She explained that she was being witch-hunted by selfish people who were not keen on her getting back to the office. READ ALSO: Waiguru explains why Raila 'HATES' her Her statement about not reading the papers brings a similar incidence to mind when president Uhuru lightly said that newspapers should be used to wrap meat. Watch Kenyans react to the Kalonzo-Muthama rivalry. Have anything to add to this article? Let us know on news@tuko.co.ke Source: TUKO.co.ke - DP Ruto's 2022 presidential ambitions continue to hold center stage before the 2017 election has been held - Another name was fronted to deputise him, bringing the total to 7 - Among them are two women who might end up being Kenya's first deputy president Another name has been fronted as a possible running mate for Deputy President William Ruto for when he announced his presidential bid in 2022. Speaking in Eldoret on Wednesday, May 31, Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke said strategies were already in place to ensure a sitting cabinet secretary will be picked. We have all the plans put in place to ensure that Jubilee Party wins by a land slide in 2017, and President Uhuru is a done deal. Our focus is on 2022 and Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa will be DP Rutos running mate, said Waluke as quoted in the Standard on Thursday, June 1. READ ALSO: 7 police officers killed in terror attack Deputy President William Ruto READ ALSO: Raila Odinga to JAIL those behind expensive SGR project DP Rutos presidential ambitions has been the talk of many in political circles as questions arose on who will be his running mate and his chances of actually succeeding President Uhuru. Among the names fronted for his deputy include Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua, and quite possibly, former Gatanga member of parliament Peter Kenneth. READ ALSO: NASA co-principals on the receiving end as Ababu Namwamba EXPOSES their 'dirty secrets' Water CS Eugene Wamalwa with President Uhuru READ ALSO: We are not saying Diamond is not the father but just look at these pictures and name the dad Others are Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and Senators Kindiki Kithure and Kiraitu Murungi who expressed interests in deputising William Ruto. According to past TUKO.co.ke reports, Balala indicated that he would capitalize on Jubilees 2013 pre-election pact void that failed to name Rutos deputy. Install TUKO App To Read News For FREE Kirinyaga gubernatorial candidates Martha Karua and Ann Waiguru READ ALSO: As you create funny memes about Jimmy Gait, this is what he pulled off last weekend (video) Political analyst also went on record to claim Ruto will either pick Anne Waiguru or Martha Karua as his deputy- basically, the candidate who won the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat. Kabogo was fronted by a section of Members of County Assmbly from Kiambu to be Rutos running mate because, according to them, Kabogo is the senior most politician from Mount Kenya region after President Uhuru. Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke Watch what Kenyans think of Muthama's sinister role in NASA: Source: TUKO.co.ke - A lawyer in Uganda wants Ivan's grave to be opened up - According to the lawyer, Ivan's was buried with money which is a legal tender and no one is allow to horde it - Ivan died a week ago following a heart attack which was blamed on various things including loss of property to a conman It seems like Zari Hassan and the family of late Ivan Ssemwanga wont just get a break. Ivans death has been marred with a lot of controversy with his ex-wife Zari Hassan being in the middle of it all. Now, word reaching TUKO.co.ke indicates that a lawyer in Uganda has petitioned the high court to have Ivan Ssemwangas grave dismantled after he was buried with several notes of money. READ ALSO: This BEAUTIFUL message from Julie Gichuru will warm you Madaraka day Ivan's grave Ugandan media reports that Tugume Gideon allegedly wants the grave to be opened and wants the money removed claiming that the money is a legal tender and should not be locked with anyone. READ ALSO: Female artist attacks Kenyans after getting money: where were you when all I had was a dream? Ivans crew, who call themselves the Rich Gang, littered the billionaires grave with hundreds of notes before the body was lowered in. The tycoon was buried Tuesday, May 30, at his home in Kayunga, Uganda during the event attended by the who is who and socialites. READ ALSO: Popular prophet reveals who will win between NASA and Jubilee in the August Elections Ivan died a week ago following a heart attack which was blamed on various things including loss of property to a conman. Also during the ceremony, members of the Rich Gang where Ivan was a leader popped champagne on the grave a thing that left many shocked. Watch what people think of Muthama's role in NASA: Have anything to add to this article or suggestions? Share with us on news@tuko.co.ke Source: TUKO.co.ke Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Eight employees of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services have been referred In May, seven Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 141 were wounded in Donbas. NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said this during his visit to Marinka and Krasnohorivka on Wednesday, the press service of the National Security and Defense Council reported. "In May, as a result of military provocations, seven Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 141 servicemen were wounded. One of the latest trends is the use of 152mm self-propelled artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems to shell the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at a distance of up to 20 km from the line of demarcation," he said. ish The European Parliament voted in favor of providing Ukraine with temporary autonomous trade measures outside the provisions of the deep and comprehensive free trade area. The legislative resolution was supported by 475 MEPs, 102 members voted against, 61 members abstained, an Ukrinform own correspondent reports. The document determines that additional trade preferences for Ukraine include the introduction of zero customs duties on certain types of agricultural products and manufactured goods, particularly, oats, honey, corn, as well as 23 types of commodity goods, including fertilizers, shoes, some metals and electronic equipment. At the same time, the wording of the decision will be finalized in process of negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. On the eve of the vote, European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom criticized the position of the European Parliament on this issue, noting that the proposed trade preferences contain a number of restrictions. ol The official launch of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative project has taken place in the premises of the club of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on Thursday. As an Ukrinform correspondent reports, the project aims to strengthen capacities of the newly created anti-corruption institutions and to strengthen external control over the reform process on part of the Verkhovna Rada, the civil society and the media. "We officially launch the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative project, providing significant EU support programs for the fight against corruption. I am grateful that the Danish International Development Agency has already begun implementation of the program. The EU advisory mission also starts to involve the international experts in this program. This shows an integrated approach to this work," EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said during the launch of the initiative. "I am very happy to come to Ukraine when the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU comes into force. This will happen in ten days. This is a very big achievement for the EU, which shows that the reforms are advancing, particularly, in the area of tackling corruption." According to Hahn, corruption remains the main factor that hinders the development of Ukraine. ol As a result of the trade blockade of Donbas, Ukraine lost 1% of economic growth. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this during his visit to Mariupol, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Ive said that this blockade, which took place, was held in the interests of the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, due to this blockade we lost 1% of economic growth," the Head of Government said. At the same time, he promised that a solution would be found to support the economic growth that was observed last year for the first time after several years of decline. ish Ukraine has called on Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe to demand the release of professor Ivan Kozlovsky, who was detained by militants in Donetsk more than a year ago. Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe Dmytro Kuleba made the relevant statement during the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the website of the mission reports. In particular, the Ukrainian diplomat appealed to the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Nils Muiznieks. He also informed the CoE members about the Kozlovsky case, in particular, about the long-term detention behind bars and the recent unlawful decision on his further deprivation of liberty. "Dmytro Kuleba called on the Commissioner to intervene in this case and to demand, using his powers in this field, to release professor Kozlovsky, ," the statement reads. As Ukrinform reported, Kozlovsky was detained on January 27, 2016 after he had left his apartment to take out the garbage. The so-called military tribunal of the "Donetsk Peoples Republic" delivered a judgment and sentenced Ukrainian scientist Ihor Kozlovsky to 2 years and 8 months of imprisonment. ol You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close UNICEF/UN064131/Paleykov For photos and video visit: http://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AMZIFLNZ0_H GENEVA/NEW YORK, 1 June 2017: At least 2.7 million children live in residential care worldwide, according to a new estimate by UNICEF. Yet the figures, published today in Child Abuse & Neglect, are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, with wide gaps in data collection and accurate records found in the majority of countries. In residential care, such as institutions or orphanages, children who are already vulnerable due to family separation are at increased risk of violence, abuse and long-term damage to their cognitive, social and emotional development, said Cornelius Williams, Associate Director of Child Protection at UNICEF. The priority is to keep children out of residential care and with their families, especially in the early years. UNICEFs new estimate is based on data from 140 countries. Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia was found to have the highest rate worldwide, with 666 children per 100,000 living in residential care, over 5 times the global average of 120 children per 100,000. Industrialized countries and East Asia and the Pacific region have the second and third largest rate with 192 and 153 children per 100,000 respectively. UNICEFs study emphasizes that many countries still lack a functional system for producing accurate figures on the number of children in alternative care. In many countries, official records only capture a small fraction of the actual number of children living in residential care and children in privately owned centres are often not counted. It is critical that governments keep more accurate and comprehensive listings of all existing residential care facilities, as well as regularly undertake thorough counts of children living in these facilities in order to help strengthen official records, said Claudia Cappa, Statistics Specialist at UNICEF and co-author of the study. That way we will be able to measure the breadth of the problem and work with governments to respond effectively. Research shows some of the key risk factors that result in children being placed in residential care include family breakdown, health issues, poor or unequal provision of social services, disability and poverty. Governments are urged to reduce the number of children living in residential care by preventing family separation where possible, and by seeking homes for children in family-based care such as foster homes. Stronger investment in community-based family support programmes is also needed, UNICEF said. ### Notes to Editors: The article is available to view for free from 1 June until 31 August 2017. For a PDF of the article, please contact hwylie@unicef.org UNICEF/UN01837/Sarafian BANGUI/DAKAR/NEW YORK, 1 June 2017 Two planes carrying vital supplies for thousands of families displaced by violence in the Central African Republic were finally able to land earlier today in Bangassou, UNICEF said, after weeks of intensified conflict had blocked the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the southeast. The planes, which left the capital Bangui on Thursday morning, were carrying 5.6 tons of emergency supplies including soap, blankets, mats, water buckets and cooking material for distribution to 800 households on Friday. The supplies, provided by UNICEF, will be distributed by the organization ACTED. Weve been trying to reach thousands of families in dire need of humanitarian assistance for over a week now, but the roads have become far too dangerous because of escalating violence, said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF Representative in Central African Republic. Given how critical the situation had become in the southeast, the only option was an airlift to get lifesaving supplies to children and families in these hard to reach areas. Recent clashes between armed groups have hit civilians hard in Bria, Bangassou, Alindao, Mobaye and other villages across the southeast region, leaving 300 people dead and 200 injured, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. An estimated 100,000 people have fled their homes in search of safety, in what is the countrys largest population displacement since 2014. In Bria, the vast majority of the inhabitants 40,000 people out of a total population of 47,000 have already fled, with most of them being children. In the hardest hit areas, roads are accessible only under UN military escort due to violence and insecurity, and truck drivers are reluctant to transport supplies, fearing for their lives. UNICEF continues to call on all armed groups to give aid workers free and unimpeded access to civilian populations, so that life-saving supplies and services can be provided without delay. UNICEF also fears that the latest wave of violence could unravel previous commitments made by armed groups to release all children and refrain from any new recruitment. In May 2015, leaders of 10 armed groups in CAR signed a commitment for the release of children. Since then, more than 7,000 children have been released from their ranks. UNICEFs humanitarian response for children in the Central African Republic is 30 per cent funded for 2017. Out of US $46.3 million requested, less than US $14 million has been received. ### Note to editors: download photos, video and b-roll here: http://uni.cf/2qGfIq9 UNICEF/M.Gonzalez LUANDA, Angola 1 June 2017 More than 9,000 children who have arrived at two temporary reception centres in Dundo, northern Angola, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) need urgent support, UNICEF said today. To date, more than 25,000 people have arrived in Angola, having fled violence in the Kasai province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNICEF, together with provincial authorities and other partners, is providing assistance to children and their families who arrive at the camps after days, often weeks of travelling on foot. Many children have witnessed violent attacks, others have sustained severe wounds caused by bullets or crude weapons. "The protection of children, nutrition, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as prevention of disease, have been UNICEFs immediate concerns and actions since the arrival of refugees in Lunda Norte, says UNICEFs Representative in Angola, Abubacar Sultan. UNICEF and partners are working around the clock to provide affected children with life-saving interventions in health, water and adequate sanitation services. Reaching children with immunisation against viruses such as measles is vital to reduce the risk of outbreaks. In addition to the immediate life-saving interventions, UNICEF is taking action to protect 200 children who have arrived at the camps in Angola without their families. UNICEF has trained social welfare workers to register children who arrive in the camps unaccompanied or separated from their families. Registration is critical to ensure the safety of children and protect them from trafficking, abuse and exploitation. By registering children, there is also a greater chance that they can be reunited with their families. Reuniting these children with their families is a priority, says UNICEFs Abubacar Sultan. UNICEF and partners have identified temporary placement of the unaccompanied children in a friendly and protective environment while efforts are made to trace their biological families. UNICEF remains committed to ensuring that the rights of children are realized and protected under all circumstances. Additional UNICEF support in the field: In response to the appeal of the Government of Angola, UNICEF has also provided the provincial authorities of Luanda Norte with supplies to support families accommodated in both camps. Materials include water treatment and purification supplies, family reintegration kits, educational and child recreation kits, essential medicine against malaria and diarrheal diseases, tents, blankets, as well as posters and leaflets on disease prevention. To meet peoples needs in water and sanitation, UNICEF has supported a daily supply of potable water to the camps, installed water tanks and monitored water quality to prevent water-borne diseases. UNICEF has trained volunteers to construct 50 gender-segregated latrines, not only to protect the dignity and ensure the safety of refugees - particularly girls and women - but also to prevent open defecation that can cause outbreaks such as cholera and other epidemic diseases. Health is a key challenge for children whose bodies and immune systems have been weakened by walking long distances, combined with lack of regular food and water intake. UNICEF has trained health professionals to assess acute and chronic malnutrition in children under five and to support vaccination campaigns. Dozens of volunteers have been trained by UNICEF in environmental sanitation, safe defecation, health promotion and disease prevention; and awareness-raising campaigns are reaching several hundreds of families every day. ### Photos and b-roll from refugees reception centres available here: http://uni.cf/2qswpoV UNICEF/UNI48590/Nooran NEW YORK/BANGKOK/KATHMANDU, 1 June 2017 At least 1.3 million children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance across the Bay of Bengal region following severe weather over the past six days, UNICEF has warned. Devastation wrought by Cyclone Mora in Myanmar and Bangladesh, and torrential monsoon rains across Sri Lanka have left children homeless and in need of protection, nutrition and health services. Children who have had their lives upended by brutal storms, severe flooding and landslides, are now threatened by a lack of safe drinking water, inadequate hygiene services and limited access to healthcare, said Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF Director of Emergency Programmes. We must move quickly to ensure that services and supplies are in place to keep children safe and to stem the spread of communicable diseases like diarrhea, cholera or respiratory infections. UNICEF is particularly concerned about children and families who were already displaced and living in precarious conditions before the bad weather struck this includes some 74,000 Rohingya refugees who recently crossed into Bangladesh and were sheltering in an area badly affected by Cyclone Mora, and 120,000 displaced people in Myanmars Rakhine State. The sad reality is these children have now been hit by double humanitarian crises, said Fontaine. Displaced Rohingya children in Myanmar and Bangladesh, for example, were in many cases already struggling to access essential services even before the storm struck. Its imperative that we reach these vulnerable and marginalized groups as well as those living in poor communities who will be far more susceptible to fallout from these storms with the support they need. The destruction caused by the storms in each of the three countries has been brutal. Initial reports from Myanmar indicate severe damage from Cyclone Mora to villages, schools and shelters accommodating displaced people in Rakhine and Chin states. While in Bangladesh, Cyclone Mora has affected around 2.8 million people in vulnerable coastal districts. In Sri Lanka, flash floods and landslides from monsoon rains have so far affected more than 631,000 people, displacing at least 77,000. UNICEF and its partners are ramping up efforts to provide children and families from all communities devastated by the storms in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar with lifesaving services and support, regardless of their ethnicity, religion and citizenship status. This includes: Bangladesh: pre-positioned supplies in heavily hit areas of Coxs Bazar and Chittagong, including hygiene kits, water purification tablets, plastic buckets, squatting plates and tarpaulins for approximately 11,000 people. Myanmar: assessments to gather information on damages and needs in central and northern Rakhine and Chin states where landslides have disrupted major supply routes. UNICEF has pre-positioned plastic buckets, water purification tables, and tarpaulins and is working to provide supplies to get temporary learning spaces configured as the school year is just beginning. Sri Lanka: distribution of 1,260 10-litre jerry cans, 1,000 tarpaulins and 100,000 water purification tablets to affected communities, and support for Government child protection efforts. ### Cambodias ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat has been ranked as the worlds top tourism landmark in TripAdvisors Travelers Choice awards. Other sites included in the listings were the Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi, the Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba in Spain, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and the Taj Mahal in India. Long Kosal, a spokesman for the Apsara Authority, the government agency that runs Angkor Wat, said Cambodia should be proud of the award. This is the Khmer nations pride, because Angkor Wat is not only part of the prosperous heritage of Cambodia, but it has also become the heart and soul of the nation, he said. He added that the Apsara Authority was working hard to preserve the temples. Ang Kim Eang, founder of the Great Angkor Tour company, said the award would bolster tourism as more people became aware of the temples. He added that it was important to educate tourists about how to behave while visiting the sacred site as visitor numbers continued to rise. They don't have any knowledge. They did not pay respect to the Buddha statues while they are visiting. We are worried especially when it is crowded, he said. He said the number of Chinese tourists are increasing rapidly and hoped that better ties with China and Chinese companies would help to continue this trend. Last year, some 2.2 million tourists visited the temple complex, Kosal said, bringing in more than $62 million to government coffers. So far this year, about 950,000 tourists have visited Angkor Wat. Until November 2015, the complex was leased to a company owned by Sok Kong, a petroleum magnate close to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party. Cambodia has said it expects to be able to move from importing nearly all of its electricity from neighboring countries to a net electricity exporter by 2030. Victor Jona, director general of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, told reporters on Wednesday that Cambodias major hydropower projects, such as the Lower Sesan II, and coal-fired power plants meant the country could be in a position to sell electricity to Mekong countries in the near future. In the past, we thought that having relied on energy imports for 80 percent of our needs was too much. But from now until the future by [2030], we expect and imagine that we could release our energy back to the region, he said. A new project by a Malaysian developer, Cambodian Energy II, for a 135 megawatt coal plant in Preah Sihanouk province will help meet this goal, he said. The project has seen investment from General Electric, which is building an emissions monitoring system at the plant and supplying equipment, such as turbine systems. Wouter Van Wersch, CEO and president of General Electric in the Asean region, said the plant would help reduce Cambodias dependence on electricity generated by hydro, and we are very excited to play a role in the rebalancing of the energy base and making this a key pillar for the long-term sustainable growth of the country. Cambodia still experiences regular electricity shortages. In 2015, supplies were cut to most of the country due to a technical error in the supply from Vietnam, leading to a public apology from Prime Minister Hun Sen. William Heidt, U.S. Ambassador, said human rights concerns over the new coal plant had been discussed with the Cambodian authorities ahead of the signing event on Wednesday. We handled, we talked with the Cambodian government about human rights issues. We talked with about all sorts of issues. But I think the fact is that its now becoming a very interesting market for American companies, and GEs presence here reflects that, he said. Due to the shortage in energy, Cambodia has opened its doors to foreign investors to build large-scale hydropower and coal projects across the country, attracting criticism from environmentalists and human rights campaigners who accuse the developers of a range of crimes, from illegal deforestation to land grabbing. At this annual commemoration for those who died during the Khmer Rouge regime, the Cambodian-American community in Long Beach, California, hope to heal past wounds. At a commemoration ceremony on April 20, Melissa Hem, whose parents fled the regime, said its beyond words. Nothing you can say in a sentence sums up what its done to our community, our families, and our generation moving forwards; and pretty much all we can do is recognize it and heal. The gathering was the third organized by California Senator Ricardo Lara, Congressman Alan Lowenthal and Assemblyman Patrick ODonnell. For me it was important because I also came from an immigrant background where we dont necessary always trust the government and I want to make sure that government came to our Cambodian American community, Lara said. And so now the community gets all involved in this event as you can see its a tremendous success and my goal is that when I leave, this event continues to flourish without me and its become now a point of pride for the city of Long Beach and for the Cambodian American community here. Participants spoke of how the Khmer Rouge regime had affected their families and the community, and ways in which people had sought healing. ODonnell said the gathering was a triumph and acknowledgment of a tragedy. That tragedy that happened so many years ago in Cambodia still lives with us in this community today, he added. So tonight is about acknowledging our Cambodian community, acknowledging the love we have for each other and the tragedy that the Cambodian community has suffered. The Khmer Rouge regime controlled Cambodia between April 17, 1975 and January 1979 and is blamed for the deaths of some 1.7 million people. It was an important day for our Khmer community, said Rithy Hanh, a community member who attended the ceremony. This is like wishing the souls of Khmers who died to live a happy life in heaven. It reminds everybody that even though they live in the US, they should not forget that time [of atrocity]. Rithy was born on the Thai-Cambodian border after his parents fled the regime. Its not too late after 42 years to get this recognition, said Jonathan Nhean, a community activist and actor. From now on we have to spread the word to the world about this atrocity. We should not forget or hide it because it was a cruel act that affected the whole population. Long Beach City Hall has allocated a plot of land for the construction of a memorial to the killing fields. Many Cambodians who moved to the United States after the Khmer Rouge takeover suffer from the post-traumatic effects of conflict, according to research by Marshall and Colleagues in 2005. I think part of our trauma is that we feel forgotten, said Hem, a nurse. Were not recognized. She said that there was little mention of the atrocities in Cambodia in U.S. history textbooks, despite about a third of the population having died under the regime. So I think having an event like this, not only helps us to be visible, but it helps to heal us as a community, bring us together and allow us to have pride and have a voice with each other. Lowenthal said: To come to this country with nothing, nothing, after the genocide and now theyve created a striving wonderful community as you can see in two generations, and three generations of Cambodian Americans in this room and Im so proud to represent them. They are the American dream and American success story. The CPP has Phnom Penh on its mind. In the run-up to commune elections on June 4, the ruling party has been busy promising residents of the capital to resolve long-running land disputes, award them land titles, and build them better roads. Prime Minister Hun Sen even announced this week he would join a pre-election parade and rally in Phnom Penh on June 2, marking the first time in nearly 20 years he has participated in outright election campaigning. And CPP campaigners have been reminding city-dwellers that they owe improvements in urban infrastructure and quality of life directly to the ruling party. People are living in happiness, both physically and mentally, senior party administrator Say Chhum told thousands of attendees at a rally on the fast-growing Koh Pich island development to launch the partys campaign in Phnom Penh. But beneath the optimistic rhetoric lurks the fact that Phnom Penh has long been one of the CPPs toughest electoral battlegrounds, voting against the ruling party in all but one national election since 1993. Its best performance in the capital might have been the 2012 commune elections, when it won all 96 communes in Phnom Penh. But shortly afterward, the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party merged to form the CNRP. The next year, the new party stunned the CPP in national elections. It also won 58% of total votes in Phnom Penh and claimed 7 of the capitals 12 parliamentary seats. Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the ruling party, acknowledged that the CPP was put on alert by its poor performance in Phnom Penh and other parts of the country in 2013, and considered the loss a rebuke by voters. Since then, he said, the party had been working to strengthen service provision in the capital and across the country. But the problem may be deeper than that. One reason for the CPPs struggles in Phnom Penh, analysts say, is that the capital is now home to the most sophisticated and educated population in the country, including growing numbers of young people who flock here to take advantage of education and work opportunities. Phnom Penh had 1.5 million residents as of the 2012 census, but it is growing so fast due to migration from the provinces that it is now believed to be around 3 million, according to Ou Virak, head of the Future Forum, a policy think tank in Phnom Penh. And urban and rural populations in Cambodia are fundamentally different. Whereas people in rural Cambodia tend to accept fatalistically decisions made by authorities, inhabitants of the capital more often do not accept misgovernment and a ruling party that is able to provide solutions for peoples small and big problems, Markus Karbaum, a German political scientist specializing in Cambodian politics and economics, wrote in an email. He noted that people in cities have easier access to information about the development projects and governance issues that affect their daily lives. But just as important, he said, was the fact that the CPPs political power largely derives from mobilizing deep-rooted patronage networks that are more effective in rural areas than urban ones. Because of this, he predicted that the CNRP would not only achieve a landslide victory in Phnom Penh, but also make significant inroads in other urbanizing areas of the country. In urban settlements the CPPs strategies to exercise influence and control voters are much less pronounced than in rural areas, he wrote. When people are also self-confident and able to scrutinize autocratic leaders (due to an increased level of education), the probability that they vote for the CNRP is considerably high. But winning the growing capital, and finding a way to lure more sophisticated voters, will be crucial to the CPP in the future. The battle over the 105 commune chief and 899 commune councilor positions up for grabs in the June 4 election will be one of the first big tests of its appeal. There are a lot of reasons they are not doing well in Phnom Penh, said Ou Virak. One, the population of Phnom Penh, if you look at the demographics, many of them are actually wage earnersmost of them are now in the middle-class, lower-middle-class income bracket which means they have food on the table. When you have to put food on the table, your mind cant wander outside thatfood is all you can think about when you dont have anybut when you do, there are so many things you can think about. This is a challenge for the CPP. Ou Virak noted that, for the first time in Cambodias history, the majority of the populationaround 60%were now wage earners rather than farmers, and had different concerns, including job creation and employment opportunities. The number of farmers is actually a lot less than 40 percent, and that is a new reality, he said. People inside the CPP seem aware that the stakes are high. Municipal Governor Pa Socheatvong has recently touted a number of initiatives for urban beautification, including banning dogs from public parks, installing hundreds of CCTV cameras and removing ATMs from some public places. But his ideas have drawn widespread derision from Cambodians on social media, who have mocked his seeming obsession with minutiae. Last month, his idea to remove all automotive garages was blasted by none other than Hun Sens sister, Hun Sinath, who wrote on her Facebook page that he was burning votes with the initiative. Mr. Hun Sen also stepped in to block the governors idea to improve traffic congestion in the capital by restricting car imports into Cambodia, writing on his own Facebook page that he would not agree to the proposal. Pa Socheatvong declined a request for comment, saying any interview he gave about his work as governor would only be complimenting myself since it was contrary to human nature to be self-critical in public. Several voters interviewed this week, however, were not entirely complimentary. Hok Chhayleng, a 22-year-old engineering student, is a case in point. He said he had noticed and appreciated the transformation of the city over the past decade. But he also felt that leaders were not taking voters problems seriously. Sometimes it seems ridiculous, like they have a childish way of working. We face difficulties like congestion on our roads that remains unsolved, but he chose to address other problems, like wiping out ATMs and chasing dogs in public parks, Hok Chhayleng said. In his home commune of Teuk Laak III, he said, local CPP officials were also unresponsive to constituents needs. They are unfriendly and unconcerned with our needs, and we often feel helpless. Preap Nart, 24, a student who lives in Stung Meanchey commune in the capitals southwest, said he was also frustrated. Like the voters described by Karbaum, he is paying attention to national-level issues as well as local problems. He cited the 2015 beating of opposition lawmakers by pro-government thugs and the use of state-employed district security guards to disperse demonstrations in Phnom Penh, often violently. These are unacceptable. Although this is just a commune election, I am thinking of change, he said. Still, the CPPs message is undoubtedly getting through to many. 45-year-old stone-carver Khun Visal said he was proud that the city looked like a powerful and wealthy capital, with tall buildings springing up across the skyline. Development is moving forward step by step, like this is an emerging country, said Khun Visal, crediting the ruling party for the change. Sok Eysan, the CPP spokesman, said he was confident that this message would resonate. He argued that if the CNRP performed well in Phnom Penh, it was due to peoples dissatisfaction with the CPP rather than any real strength of the opposition. We have already put in place the in-depth reforms to enhance quality of public service for the people, and the people are satisfied with the CPP, which has been honest in acknowledging that they had flaws in governance and improve them on time at peoples wishes, he said. But Morn Phalla, chief of the CNRPs municipal executive committee, disagreed. He said the citys population was highly receptive to the oppositions call for change. He said the CNRP would improve services in the capital and eliminate the use of unpopular district security forces to police protests. People in Phnom Penh, who are educated, well-off, well-informed, analytical and wise, will continue to support and vote for the CNRP, he said. While the biggest names in a movie tend to score top billing, a film's overall success often depends on the chemistry of the entire ensemble rather than just one or two stars. Its been almost a year since families in Khaob village have had a road connecting their homes to the outside world. New construction has blocked the old village road, and villagers say they are very angry after complaints to the local authority, controlled by the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, went unanswered. Villagers now hope that a new commune chief will be elected who will hear their concerns. Hin Phanith, 29, says the lack of a simple piece of infrastructure such as a road has badly affected the local economy. People dont have road access to the farms, he said. Ek Ben, 28, the young opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party candidate standing in the election against the experienced CPP candidate Prum Saron, 77, said he was not interested in gaining personal power. The important thing is that he can help people in the village or commune, Phanith said. Nhim Sanom, 44, a farmer, said the old road had been blocked by construction carried out by people with connections to the commune chief and was political. For nearly a year, there has been no road to homes. So I need a new commune council. The current commune chief does not solve the issue for me. Therefore, I need to vote for another commune chief, he said. They [commune authorities] know that I am for the CNRP. They hate my family because of this. So they dont solve the problem. They discriminate against villagers since they know my family supports [the CNRP], he added. The CPP won the majority of seats in the 2012 commune elections, securing more than 8,000 of the nearly 11,500 council seats up for grabs. The opposition only won 40 of the 1,633 commune chief positions. 2017 local votes are expected to offer a preview of 2018's nationwide vote. Here, in Kampong Speu province, the CNRP won only one commune out of 87. Saron, the incumbent commune chief in Rorka Thom, said he had passed on the villagers requests to the governor, adding that the case would likely go to court. I tried twice and reported this to city governor and they went to meet villagers, he said. Hun Many, the youngest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen and an MP in Kampong Speu, took to Facebook this week to urge people in the province to vote CPP. Voting for the CPP is to give the opportunity for our CPP commune candidates to continue implementing the policy of developing villages, communes, serving the people and maintaining stability, peace, he said. Ben, meanwhile, hopes he can gain enough votes to win. I think the job [commune chief] teaches people. What they can do, I can do, too, and even better than them, he added. If I am elected as the commune chief, I will prioritize this road solution. I will completely find the suitable solutions, he said. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. A leading U.S. congressman is urging the Trump administration to stay engaged in Africa, especially as famine, political instability and terrorism impact several countries. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce points to Africa's one billion consumers as potential markets for US products and projects. VOA 's Mariama Diallo reports. The head of a New York-based advocacy group has called on President Donald Trump and his older daughter to help secure the release of three men who reported labor violations at a Chinese company that makes shoes bearing the Ivanka Trump brand. "We appeal to President Trump, Ivanka Trump herself, and to her related brand company to advocate and press for the release of our activists," Li Qiang, executive director of China Labor Watch, the men's employer, said Wednesday. The Ivanka Trump brand has declined to comment. The White House and Ivanka Trump's lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Calls to provincial police in China were not answered. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she was unaware of the situation and declined to make further comments. Hua Haifeng and two other labor activists, Li Zhao and Su Heng, had been covertly investigating labor conditions at two Chinese factories that make shoes for Trump and other brands, in the cities of Ganzhou and Dongguan. They disclosed preliminary findings to China Labor Watch, indicating workers at the factories had been subject to extremely long hours. Hua was arrested in Jiangxi province on suspicion of illegally using eavesdropping equipment; he and the other two men disappeared Saturday and were last seen in Ganzhou, in southern Jiangxi province, China Labor Watch reported Tuesday. The arrest and disappearances came amid Chinese President Xi Jinping's crackdown on the country's advocacy groups and civil society. In the past year, dozens of human rights activists have been detained in China. The global human rights group Amnesty International called for the release of the three men if they are being held only for investigating possible labor abuses at the factories, which are owned by Huajian International. "Activists exposing potential human rights abuses deserve protection, not persecution," said Amnesty International spokesman William Nee. "The trio appear to be the latest to fall foul of the Chinese authorities' aggressive campaign against human rights activists who have any ties to overseas organizations, using the pretense of 'national security.' " The relationship between the Trump family and China has received widespread attention since last year's presidential campaign. While Trump has accused China of taking coveted manufacturing jobs from the U.S., the Trump family has sought to benefit financially from the Chinese market. Trump recently obtained more than 75 trademarks in China. The family of Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump's husband, is attempting to raise money from Chinese investors for a real estate venture. Afghanistan Thursday mourned the victims of a massive truck bomb that blew up Wednesday in the diplomatic section of the countrys capital, killing at least 90 people and wounding more than 400 others. The bomb ripped through the central Wazir Akbar Khan area of Kabul, home to foreign diplomatic missions and government offices, damaging dozens of vehicles and surrounding buildings. Afghan officials said the explosives were packed in a sewage tanker. Most of the casualties were civilians, but the dead included Afghan security guards at diplomatic sites. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack. Afghans blame Haqqani network The Afghan Intelligence agency, NDS, in a brief statement, has blamed the Haqqani network, which allegedly is based in neighboring Pakistan and fighting alongside the Taliban. The NDS also asserted that Pakistans spy agency, ISI, helped in planning the attack. Afghan officials have blamed Islamabad previously for facilitating insurgent attacks in their country, charges Pakistani officials deny. The Taliban has denied involvement, saying the insurgent group has nothing to do with Wednesdays bombing or any attacks that target civilians. The insurgents have lately intensified attacks on Afghan security forces, killing and wounding scores of them. Islamic State has claimed attacks against high-profile Afghan targets in recent months, including a deadly suicide raid on the countrys largest military hospital in Kabul in March. Afghan native and Indiana University professor Nazif Shahrani told VOA he is not surprised by the bombing. It shows that the government is not very much in control of security issues and there are also concerns that infiltration within the government security structure by these terrorist organizations may be in place, he said. It is not surprising but its tragic, and the fact that government cannot do much about it is even more tragic. Damage The bombing happened in an area not far from the German embassy. Pictures circulated on social media showed the blast turned a portion of the diplomatic mission into ruins. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said an Afghan security guard was among those killed and that a number of employees were wounded. The French, Turkish and Iranian embassies are also among missions that suffered material damage. Japans Foreign Ministry says two of its embassy employees, both Japanese nationals, were slightly injured in the Kabul bombing while minor damage was also caused to the building. A U.S. State Department spokesman said 11 U.S. citizens working as contractors in Afghanistan were injured. The explosion mostly devastated a nearby building, housing the main office of Roshan, the leading telecommunications service provider in Afghanistan. Afghan security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and international troops arrived at the site to assist in rescue efforts. Reaction Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned Wednesdays blast as an inhuman and cowardly attack against innocent civilians in the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. The White House said U.S. President Donald Trump called Ghani to express his condolences and condemn the bombing, saying that the attack happening during Ramadan underscores the barbaric nature of the terrorists who are enemies of all civilized peoples. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the bombing as morally reprehensible and an outrage, particularly during the month of Ramadan. NATOs U.S.-led Resolute Support military mission said the attack demonstrates a complete disregard for civilians and reveals the barbaric nature of the enemy faced by the Afghan people. Neighboring Pakistan also denounced the terrorist attack, saying it has caused damage to the residence of Pakistani diplomats and staff and inflicted minor injuries to some. The people and government of Pakistan extend their heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the government and the people of Afghanistan and the bereaved families, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman. The latest violence comes as President Ghani is set to host a conference of neighboring and regional countries in Kabul next week to discuss ways to end an increasingly deadly Afghan conflict. Angkor Wat has triumphed across the centuries to emerge at the world's top tourism landmark in TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice awardsfor the second time since 2015. The travel website used what else? an algorithm to determine the winners, which were determined by taking into account the quantity and quality of reviews and rankings for landmarks worldwide gathered over a 12-month period. WATCH: Angkor Wat voted top travel site Angkor Wat scored 33,000 5-star reviews with comments that included must see, magnificent and WOW! along with admonitions to bring comfortable shoes and bottled water to explore the 250 square kilometers of Angkor Archaeological Park, which includes Angkor Wat and hundreds of other temples. This is the Khmer nation's pride, because Angkor is not only part of the prosperous heritage of Cambodia, but it has also become the heart and soul of the nation, according to Long Kosal, a spokesman for the government's Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA). Built between the years 802 and 1431, the city of Angkor was the center of the Khmer empire in what is now Cambodia, until it was toppled by internal power struggles, foreign invasion and climate change. 'Unique concentration of features' A complex of temples, basins, dikes, reservoirs and canals, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Angkor was, according to World Archaeology, the most extensive urban complex in the pre-industrial world. Angkor topped the 2015 TripAdvisor landmarks list, and last year Lonely Planet, another travel site, gave the temples of Angkor the top spot. Ang Kim Eang, founder of the Great Angkor Tour Company, said the most recent award, which was made on May 23, will bolster tourism as more people become aware of the temples. But he cautioned that it was important to educate tourists about how to behave while visiting the sacred site, as visitor numbers continue to rise. Code of conduct To prevent damage to the complex, the APSARA provides a code of conduct with video on its site. They don't have any knowledge, he said. They did not pay respect to the Buddha statues while they are visiting. We are worried especially when it is crowded. Lisa Delpy Neirotti, a George Washington University professor who is director of the masters of tourism administration program, on Wednesday told VOA Cambodia the way you preserve a cultural heritage site is that you put caps on admission. I did see that they doubled the admission prices in 2016, which is one way to control capacity. For foreign tourists, the price of a one-day pass increased from $20 to $37, a three-day ticket from $40 to $62 and a seven-day pass from $60 to $72. Cambodians enter without charge. Golden Gate Gate Bridge top US landmark In 1993, when Agkor Wat was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, there were 7,650 recorded visitors. Last year, 2.2 million tourists visited the temple complex, Kosal said, bringing in more than $62 million to government coffers. So far this year, about 950,000 tourists have visited Angkor Wat. In April, 63,541 Chinese tourists visited the complex, far in excess of the 17,217 South Koreans and 12,660 visitors from the United Kingdom, according to government statistics. Until November 2015, the complex was leased to a company owned by Sok Kong, a petroleum magnate close to the ruling Cambodian People's Party. Since then, it has been under government control. The 2017 TripAdvisor awards honored 706 landmarks in 82 countries, with the Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba in Cordoba, Spain, St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, and the Taj Mahal in India occupying the next four positions. The 80-year-old Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco holds 11th place worldwide and is the top-rated U.S. landmark. Bangladeshs navy was searching for 81 fishermen still missing Thursday in the Bay of Bengal after a devastating cyclone killed several people and left thousands homeless. Of 144 fishermen missing, the Bangladesh Naval Force rescued 33 and Indian Naval Force rescued 30, said Mostaque Ahmed, head of the Coxs Bazar Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association. Cyclone Mora, with winds up to 135 kph (85 mph) and heavy rain, hit southeast Bangladesh around Coxs Bazar and the border with neighboring Myanmar Tuesday, leaving thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees hunkered down in ruined camps. The Bangladeshi government estimates that there are 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh following a new influx last October, when the Myanmar army launched an offensive in response to insurgent attacks. Authorities in Coxs Bazar and neighboring Chittagong district evacuated 350,000 people from low-lying areas before the storm roared in from the Bay of Bengal Tuesday. Though the fishermen were rescued, most of the boats, the main instrument for our survival are totally damaged and it is not possible to get them replaced quickly as we are not solvent, Ahmed told Reuters by phone from Coxs Bazar. Still we are grateful to the government as now the air force with helicopters is searching the remaining missing fishermen. Cyclone Mora formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off Indias southern tip, killing 202 people in recent days, authorities said. In the hot and humid town of Caicara, in the heart of Venezuela, some 20 piers jutting out of the vast Orinoco river gather mildew and rust. Brazilian construction company Odebrecht was meant to build an 11-km (seven-mile) bridge in the town the longest in the South American country in 2011, but the project ground to a halt a year ago. Now, a handful of workers do basic maintenance work. The bridge, meant to link the towns of Caicara and Cabruta, is just one of several abandoned Odebrecht projects deteriorating under the Caribbean sun and dogged by corruption allegations. Odebrecht has left at least 23 multimillion dollar projects unfinished or stalled in Venezuela, according to company and government documents, interviews with over two dozens workers, and site visits. Late last year, Latin America's largest engineering company admitted to paying hundreds of millions of dollars of bribes in 12 mostly Latin American countries in exchange for contracts. The unfolding scandal has already led to the downfall of high-ranking officials across the region. On Thursday, Brazil's attorney general will share information from plea bargain deals by dozens of Odebrecht executives with relevant countries. According to a leniency agreement with U.S. authorities, which was made public in December, Odebrecht and its representatives paid some $98 million in bribes to officials and intermediaries in Venezuela between 2006 and 2015 the highest amount outside Brazil. Cash-strapped Yet many of the company's projects in Venezuela ground to a halt even before the Odebrecht scandal exploded, likely due to lack of payment from the cash-strapped socialist government, sources said. "All the state's projects are paralyzed, not only Odebrecht's," said Wilmer Nolasco, a lawyer and president of Venezuela's largest construction union, speaking in an office in Caracas adorned with a statue of late leftist leader Hugo Chavez. Odebrecht's stalled projects include the Caicara project, one other huge bridge, subway lines, a train to link dormitory towns with Caracas, hillside cable cars, an agricultural project, an overhaul of the country's main airport, and a hydroelectric dam. Nolasco, whose powerful SUTIC union works on several of Odebrecht's projects, says that in some cases the Salvador, Brazil-based company stopped receiving payments two years ago and subsequently pulled the plug on building. "The state hasn't paid Odebrecht," said Nolasco, citing meetings in which Odebrecht asked the government to pay. The Venezuelan unit of Odebrecht said in a statement sent to Reuters that the completion times for its projects are "within what is normal for contracts of that nature." "The flow of payments responds to the availability of resources assigned annually for the execution of each project," it said in the statement. "The works currently being executed have timeframes compatible with those budgets." Venezuela's public works and communications ministries did not respond to requests for comment. Odebrecht has not formally left Venezuela, nor has the government of Nicolas Maduro canceled its contracts. But Odebrecht's projects are under the protection of the National Guard and other government personnel, according to a Reuters witness, and company logos have been erased from the gates of their camps. Maduro in February vowed his administration would finish the projects, though none of them have been reactivated. As a consequence, some 200,000 jobs have been lost, according to union estimates. Some of the works will also have to be redone partially because of flooding or because the cement has oxidized, project engineers told Reuters. "This is basically lost," said one worker, pointing to a pile of materials for the construction of line 2 of the Los Teques subway near Caracas, already six years behind schedule. Some 20 workers scour the tunnels to drain water that threatens to flood them. Risky friendship Odebrecht arrived in Venezuela in 1992 to build a mall in the oil hub of Maracaibo near the Colombian border. It grew steadily but it was not until 2003, with the election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil, that it began a string of mega-projects in Venezuela. After 2003, Odebrecht won 32 projects worth some $40 billion in Venezuela, according to official numbers. Brazilian rivals Queiroz Galvao, Camargo Correa and Andrade Gutierrez received a total of eight. Even when Ecuador's former leftist president Rafael Correa kicked out Odebrecht in 2008, accusing it of a scam after a hydroelectric dam it built had severe problems, Chavez publicly defended the company. "Odebrecht is a friendly company and in Venezuela it's behaved itself extraordinarily well," Chavez said at the time. While Odebrecht largely completed its works on time until 2007, it then began to delay completion dates, according to government and company records and interviews with engineers that worked on the projects and with Odebrecht personnel. Anti-corruption campaigners accuse Odebrecht and complicit state officials of prioritizing personal gain. "Seeing the quantity of unfinished works and the privileges this company was given, we suppose it was better to receive bribes than to see the works through," said Mercedes de Freitas, local head of anti-corruption campaign group Transparency International. The majority of projects also ended up costing several times their initial price, according to documents on the projects seen by Reuters and speeches by officials. One part of the Caracas hillside gondola system cost $262 million, five times that of a similar project in the Colombian city of Medellin, though the Venezuelan line is shorter and flatter. The construction of a bridge over Lake Maracaibo in the west of the country is only 17 percent completed but has cost three times the original budget, according to the documents and speeches. Opposition investigates Odebrecht and its petrochemical unit Braskem in late December agreed to pay at least $3.5 billion, the largest penalty ever in a foreign bribery case, after pleading guilty in a U.S. federal court in Brooklyn. In mid-February, Venezuela's state prosecutor's office raided the headquarters of Odebrecht in Caracas. It has not given details of what it found. The opposition-led National Assembly in February began an investigation into possible embezzlement of some $16 billion in negotiations between the Venezuelan government and Odebrecht, according to preliminary inquiries. The report says six Odebrecht projects were subject to overpricing, commissions, bribes, and poor planning, and also ran over budget. That was just the tip of the iceberg, the head of the congressional comptroller's commission, Juan Guaido, told Reuters. "Venezuelans paid seven times more to contract Odebrecht," said Guaido, basing his estimate on preliminary investigations by his team. Guaido said the majority of Odebrecht's 32 projects were directly assigned, via binational agreements, instead of public tenders as in other Latin American countries. The House intelligence committee says it is issuing subpoenas for Michael Flynn and Michael Cohen President Donald Trump's former national security adviser and his personal lawyer as well as their businesses as part of its investigation into Russian activities during last year's election. In addition to those four subpoenas, the committee issued three others to the National Security Agency, the FBI and the CIA for information about requests that government officials made to unmask the identities of U.S. individuals named in classified intelligence reports. The subpoenas were announced Wednesday as the special counsel overseeing the government's investigation into possible Trump campaign ties to Russia has approved former FBI Director James Comey testifying before the Senate intelligence committee, according to a Comey associate. At a Wednesday briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said inquiries about the Russia investigation must be directed to Trump's longtime personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz. It marked the first time the White House had officially acknowledged that outside counsel had been retained. Calls and emails to Kasowitz's New York firm were not returned Wednesday. The Comey associate, who wasn't authorized to discuss details of the testimony and spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to discuss the content of Comey's planned testimony. The associate did say that Robert Mueller, appointed by the Justice Department earlier this month to lead the government's inquiry, is allowing Comey to make certain statements. Lawmakers are likely to ask Comey about his interactions with Trump as the bureau pursued its investigation into his campaign's contacts. Associates have said Comey wrote memos describing certain interactions with Trump that gave him pause in the months after the election, including details of a dinner in which he claimed the president asked him to pledge his loyalty, and a request to shut down the investigation of Flynn. A spokesman for Mueller, a former FBI director, declined to comment. Mueller's separate probe could conceivably look at the circumstances surrounding Comey's firing. Congress is currently out of session. It resumes next Tuesday. No date for Comey's testimony has been set. The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Comey planned to testify before the Senate committee after Memorial Day, but the approval from Mueller to do so could indicate that date is fast approaching. A spokeswoman for the committee's chairman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., said the committee welcomes Comey's testimony, but declined to comment further. The House panel pursuing its own investigation of the Trump campaign and possible Russia ties has also sought information from Comey, asking the FBI to turn over documents related to his interactions with both the White House and the Justice Department. Subpoenas were approved Wednesday for Flynn and his company, Flynn Intel Group, and Cohen and his firm, Michael D. Cohen & Associates. Cohen, who'd earlier refused a request for information saying it was "not capable of being answered," told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he would comply with subpoenas, should they be issued. He said he has "nothing to hide." Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations that his campaign collaborated with Russia ahead of the presidential election. Early Wednesday morning, the president tweeted `"Witch Hunt!" in reference to testimony by Comey and former CIA director John Brennan before Congress on the topic. Also Wednesday, a Justice Department official confirmed that Mueller had named a top Justice Department official to his team. Andrew Weissmann had been head of the criminal division's fraud section since 2015. The longtime Justice official previously served as FBI general counsel under Mueller. He began his career with Justice in 1991 at the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York. He later joined and ran the Enron Task Force. 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. The business relationship between China and Europe is showing several contradictory trends as Beijing seeks to protect its own state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and its leaders seek foreign investments promising further liberalization in rules. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was in Berlin on Wednesday calling for joint efforts to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation. On the same day, a European industry body in China expressed concerns about discrimination against foreign investors and painted a bleak picture of investment growth by Europe-based companies. Li's itinerary, which includes a visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, comes in the midst of rising political demand for ensuring reciprocity in business dealings with China. Some European countries are asking the EU to make laws enabling them to closely scrutinize Chinese investments and weed out the dubious ones. The discussion in itself shows that there is a lot of frustration in Europe on the lack of reciprocity, said Mats Harborn, president of the European Chamber. We have open bets for Chinese investments while for us to go to China is a whiling road, so this is causing now political discussions in Europe, he said. Given such political conditions, Li's agenda may seem very ambitious unless China is ready to offer major trade-offs. He is trying to persuade European leaders to accord the status of market economy to China, and relax their actions on the dumping of Chinese goods. He also wants the EU to grant a certificate of airworthiness for a China-developed large passenger plane, the C919. Thomas Gatley, analyst at Beijing-based Gavekal Dragonomics, said the central government in Beijing does make some efforts to open up investment sectors by tweaking the negative list. But these actions are not implemented on the ground. We have seen some measures in the form of revised negative list, slowly sub-sector by sub-sector, China opening up to foreign investment in the official capacity, Gatley told VOA. But the (foreign) firms continue to find that when they try to operate in these previously closed areas, there is a lot of de facto barriers to success. That continues to be the substance of complaints by foreign companies. European companies have reported much better performance in China in the past year. Harborn said this had to do with the government's stimulus package in 2016, and there are questions if the high growth scenario will continue in the coming months. Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist for Capital Economics, said the Chinese economy showed signs of recovery in 2016 because of a generous flow of credit by financial institutions. But this may not continue as the government is cracking down on risky lending. We had quite a sharp slowdown in credit over the past half year, particularly since the start of the year, they have been cracking down quite hard on financial risks on bank and financial institutions, Evans-Pritchard told VOA. A business confidence survey conducted by the European Chamber revealed over 60 percent of its member-companies regard China's slowing economy as the number one cause for concern. This is a significant change from past years when the focus of complaints was discriminatory treatment of foreign companies and regulatory controls. But several members of the Chamber continue to worry about discrimination, saying environmental enforcement agencies are still a lot tougher with foreign companies than they are with local ones. Another new source of worry for foreign firms is the increasing competitiveness of Chinese companies, which is something that will increase with time as Beijing goes about implementing the China 2025 plan to push the local industry into using the next generation of technology. European companies in China acknowledge that Chinese companies are getting increasingly innovative. Rather than a challenge, this should be perceived as an opportunity, said Denis Depoux, Roland Berger Co-Head for Asia. The European Union should continue accession negotiations with Turkey but a reintroduction of the death penalty would clearly put an end to the process, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday. Turkey abolished the death penalty in 2004 as part of a campaign for EU membership. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said he will approve its reinstatement if parliament submits such a proposal or if the measure is backed in a referendum. I am not of the opinion that the accession negotiations with Turkey should be stopped now, Juncker said in Berlin during a debate with students about the future of Europe. Juncker offers a warning European officials should still try to convince Turkey that it was in its own interest to adopt reforms and move towards Europe instead of turning away from the continent and its values, Juncker said. If Turkey will ever become a member state, I do not know, Juncker said. He said he recently made clear in a long conversation with Erdogan that a reintroduction of the death penalty in Turkey would be a red line in accession talks. I told him: If you reintroduce the death penalty, then it's time to end, Juncker said. Tensions are high Tensions between Turkey and the EU are high over rights and security issues, but the bloc depends on the help of NATO ally Ankara on migration and the conflict in Syria. After meeting European Council President Donald Tusk and Juncker last week in Brussels, Erdogan was quoted as saying he had been presented with a new 12-month timetable for renewing ties. U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes is facing complaints of launching his own investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election after recusing himself from leading the committee's Russia probe in April. Aides to Democratic committee members have complained that Nunes, a Republican, has begun investigating allegations that senior members of President Barack Obama's administration improperly "unmasked" the identities of Trump associates who were caught communicating with Russian officials. The aides maintain Nunes failed to consult with Democrats when he subpoenaed the CIA, FBI and the National Security Agency (NSA). Congressional sources said the subpoenas requested the intelligence agencies to provide details of any requests made by two top Obama administration officials and the former CIA director to "unmask" the names of Trump campaign advisers inadvertently captured in top-secret foreign communications intercepts. Named in the subpoenas were former national security adviser Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power and former CIA Director John Brennan. President Donald Trump seized Nunes' subpoenas as an opportunity to tweet that the Obama administration had committed wrongdoing. The CIA has declined to comment on the subpoenas. The FBI and the NSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. laws and intelligence regulations require the concealment of any American names picked up in foreign communications intercepts unless senior officials request their disclosure for law enforcement or intelligence purposes. Several U.S. officials speaking on the condition of anonymity have told Reuters that all such requests by Obama's administration were properly vetted and appropriate. Nunes' subpoenas were not cited in a bipartisan House Intelligence Committee announcement Wednesday that the panel approved subpoenas in connection with the Russia probe for Trump's first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, and Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen. The panel also authorized subpoenas for Flynn's and Cohen's companies, Flynn Intel LLC and Michael D. Cohen and Associates PC. "As part of our ongoing investigation into Russian active measures during the 2016 campaign, today we approved subpoenas for several individuals for testimony, personal documents and business records," Republican Congressman Mike Conaway and Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, who are leading the committee investigation, said in a joint statement. Conaway replaced Nunes as the Republican leader of the committee probe after Nunes recused himself. Democrats had questioned Nunes' ability to lead an impartial probe into Russian attempts to influence the election in Trump's favor. They questioned Nunes' credibility after he first informed Trump, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and journalists he had viewed documents showing Trump associates had been caught up in surveillance before telling committee Democrats. It was later disclosed that Nunes, a close ally to the president, secretly viewed the documents at the White House, after Trump made unsubstantiated claims that Obama ordered a wiretap of Trump Tower in New York in an attempt to quell suspicions that Russia assisted his campaign. European leaders expressed dismay and anger in equal measure Thursday at President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States, the world's second-worst polluter, from the landmark Paris climate accord. They saw it as rebuke and warned it would make it harder to slow the pace of climate change. Government officials in several major European capitals said the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 agreement would further strain a Western alliance they worry is unraveling. Others said the move would affect America's standing in the world and undermine the country's traditional global leadership role as it breaks with virtually every other nation on the issue of climate change. The European Union's climate change commissioner, Miguel Arias Canete, said the announcement "has galvanized us rather than weakened us, and this vacuum will be filled by new, broad, committed leadership. Europe and its strong partners all around the world are ready to lead the way." The president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, said: "It is a matter of trust and leadership. This decision will hurt the U.S. and the planet." 'Small' America Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the liberal group of lawmakers in the European Parliament, tweeted a report on the impact of rising sea levels on Hawaii, adding: "Make America small again." And Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, tweeted that the city hall there "will be illuminated with green to affirm our will to implement" the Paris Agreement. Environmental NGOs were scathing in their reaction. Greenpeace said: "By withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, Trump has turned the U.S. from a climate leader into a climate deadbeat." The leaders of Germany, France and Italy issued a joint statement expressing regret at the decision. European leaders lobbied Washington with mounting urgency in recent weeks, imploring the Trump administration not to break with the agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Ever since Trump blasted the accord during the 2016 presidential campaign, saying it would cost the U.S. economy trillions of dollars with no tangible environmental benefit, European leaders have been bracing themselves for him to fulfill his pledge to break with the Paris pact. They made strenuous efforts to dissuade Trump last month at the Group of Seven summit in Sicily, where a frustrated German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted the isolation of the U.S. in climate change discussions as a matter of 6-1. Economic argument In March, European leaders pursued a new tactic with Canadian and U.S. business support by making an economic argument, warning that if the U.S. withdrew, it would miss out on commercial opportunities in clean growth and lose out in energy innovation and clean-energy job creation. Even at the 11th hour, efforts to dissuade Trump continued. Senior European policymakers tweeted to him, asking him not to break with the pact. And alarmed lawmakers in the European Parliament warned "climate change is not a fairy tale." Just before Trump's withdrawal announcement Thursday, a Vatican official, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, warned the break would be a "disaster for everyone," but would be seen by the pontiff as a "slap in the face." "Saying that we need to rely on coal and oil is like saying that the Earth is not round," the bishop said. He and some other European officials blamed the fossil fuel industry in the U.S., saying it has an outsized influence on the Trump administration. At their first ever meeting last month, Pope Francis handed Trump a signed copy of his 2015 encyclical calling for protection of the environment from the effects of climate change. The accord, agreed on by nearly 200 countries in 2015, aims to cut emissions blamed for global warming. The United States committed to reducing by 2025 its own emissions by 26 to 28 percent compared with 2005 levels. Scientists have said a U.S. withdrawal from the pact could speed up the effects of climate change. Chinese officials said the move would damage trust among leading powers in multilateral negotiations. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said his country would honor its commitments on climate change. "China will continue to implement the promises made in the Paris accord," Li said. Legal response Some European policymakers are now turning their focus to how they could obstruct the U.S. withdrawal by pursuing legal avenues. On Wednesday, Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission president and a lawyer, said at a conference of the Confederation of German Employers in Berlin that "the Americans can't just get out of the agreement," adding that "it takes three to four years" to pull out. Other European policymakers want to explore ways of enticing American energy innovators and climate researchers to relocate to Europe, using tax advantages and government subsidies to attract them. And some are advocating the imposition of carbon taxes on U.S. exports to EU nations. But leaders of Europe's nationalist populist parties cheered the abandonment of the pact. Britain's Nigel Farage tweeted: "Trump keeps election promise to ditch the Paris climate accord and everyone is shocked. It's called democracy." China and the European Union on Friday will seek to save an international pact against climate change that U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be set to pull out of. As China emerges as Europe's unlikely global partner on areas from free trade to security, Premier Li Keqiang will meet top EU officials at a summit in Brussels that will also discuss North Korea's missile tests. In a statement backed by all 28 EU states, the European Union and China will commit to full implementation of the Paris Agreement, EU and Chinese officials said. The joint statement, the first between China and the EU, commits to cutting back on fossil fuels, developing more green technology, and helping raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer countries cut emissions. "The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever," the statement, by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and China's Li, will say. "The increasing impacts of climate change require a decisive response." China asked that the annual summit, normally held in mid-July, be brought forward to press home President Xi Jinping's defense of open trade at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, in response to Trump's protectionist stance. But Trump's plan to follow through on a campaign pledge to withdraw from the Paris accord, agreed on by nearly 200 countries in 2015, is now dominating, diplomats said. China, which overtook the United States as the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2007, is ready to support the European Union, despite tensions on other issues from human rights to trade, according to China's ambassador to the EU, Yang Yanyi. "China and the EU need to steadfastly adhere to the Paris agreement," Yang said in a written briefing to reporters. The warmer EU-China relationship, partly spurred by Trump, is despite a long-running spat with Beijing on what Europe sees as China's dumping of low-cost goods on European markets. "No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward," Miguel Arias Canete, the European commissioner who has led climate talks with Beijing, said of the Paris accord. Free-trade forerunner? While China needs the EU's technical know-how to fight the pollution blighting its cities, the European Union is looking to Beijing to take action against emissions blamed for increased droughts, rising seas and other effects of climate change. Still the European Union remains cautious about the direction of its second-largest trading partner, concerned by China's steel exports, its militarization of islands in the South China Sea and a turn toward authoritarianism under Xi. EU officials say they will bring up the South China Sea in the talks on Friday, but they will be wary to avoid a repeat of last year's tense EU-China summit in Beijing, which failed to agree to a joint statement because of the maritime issue. China's claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The EU also wants an investment treaty with China to open the huge Chinese market to European companies and remove onerous rules forcing them to share know-how. A senior Chinese official said China is determined to open up and reach a deal, which is seen as a forerunner to a possible future free-trade accord. Former National Security Advisor's Michael Flynn's consulting firm reportedly signed a $530,000 lobbying contract last year to promote Turkish interests, including a documentary that was never completed. The Wall Street Journal first reported this week the documentary, which was shelved in November, was to discredit Fethullah Gulen, the exiled cleric whom Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has accused of masterminding last year's coup attempt. Flynn Intel Group was paid by Turkish businessman Ekim Alptekin to "polish the country's image after a botched military coup," the Journal reported. Production of the documentary was underway as Flynn campaigned for President Donald Trump throughout the United States. The company's contract with the businessman has placed Flynn in legal jeopardy. The contract is drawing scrutiny by U.S. officials conducting several investigations into Flynn's business activities. Flynn, who resigned under pressure as Trump's national security adviser in February, failed to inform the federal government until March that his firm was paid to represent the Turkish government. Numerous probes into Flynns activities Flynn is now the subject of criminal, congressional and military probes into allegations of improperly concealing his financial links to Turkey and Russia. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the alleged ties influenced Flynn's decisions as an advisor to Trump. The report said work on the documentary began last summer, shortly after the failed military coup in Turkey. It also said Flynn's company signed a three-month contract with Turkish businessman Ekim Alptekin a few weeks later. Flynn Intel Group hired Rudi Bakhtiar, a former CNN anchor, former VICE News correspondent, and also a former correspondent for VOA's Persian Service, to do on-camera work for the documentary. Bakhtiar said she was given the impression the film would be an objective news documentary. David Enders, a former VICE News employee, told the Journal that the head of Flynn's company, Bijan Kian, attempted to conceal the company's role in the documentary's production. The latest disclosures about Flynn's work on behalf of Turkey comes as he is under investigation for any possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence last year's U.S. presidential election. Nadia Murad made an emotional return on Thursday to the Yazidi village in northern Iraq where she was captured and sold as a slave by Islamic State, three years ago. She broke down in tears as she approached the school where the militants rounded up the population of Kojo and separated the men from the women, part of a series of crimes the United Nations described as a genocide against the Yazidi minority. We hoped our fate would be to be killed like the men instead of being sold and raped by Syrians, Iraqis ... Tunisians and Europeans, Murad said after composing herself, speaking from the roof of the school in presence of journalists. Today the village is surrounded by mass graves, said Murad, who received the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought, along with another Yazidi woman, Lamiya Aji Bashar. Advocate for women's rights Murad, now 24, was taken in the summer of 2014 to Mosul, Islamic State's de facto capital in Iraq. She escaped in November 2014. She told her story to the U.N. Security Council in 2015 and since then she has become active as an advocate for the Yazidis and for refugee and women's rights in general. Kojo recently taken back from IS Bashar, now 19, was captured in the same raid as Murad and also kept as a sex slave. She was badly disfigured and blinded in one eye when a landmine went off as she fled. More than 3,000 women are believed still held captive by IS, according to the community's leaders. Kojo is one of the villages recaptured over the past few days by Popular Mobilization, an Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitary force trained by Iran. U.S.-backed Kurdish forces dislodged Islamic State from other Yazidi villages in the Sinjar region in 2015. Mosul is about to fall to a U.S.-backed Iraqi offensive. Yazidi victims want investigation The Yazidis are a religious community of about 400,000, whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions. Islamic State militants consider them devil worshippers. International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who represent Murad and other Yazidi victims, is lobbying the Iraqi government and the international community to allow a United Nations investigations into Islamic State's crimes. All we want, Murad said in Kojo, is people to save 3,000 women in the Daesh prisons and to document our graves. The May 20 killing in Maryland of Richard Collins, an African-American college student with a bright future, has been called by some a lynching. Two men in Oregon who died May 26 while defending a black woman and a Muslim woman from verbal abuse have been called heroes. Those incidents are just the most recent in a rising tide of violent activity attributed to white supremacists. Christian Picciolini knows why many young people join the "white power" movement. "Identity, community, sense of purpose," he said. He should know: He helped build a white nationalist group in Chicago in the 1990s known as the Chicago Area Skinheads. He became a skinhead leader and recruiter, even spreading the white supremacist message through music in skinhead punk bands known as White American Youth and Final Solution. Now, having shed his extremist beliefs and his ties to his white power cohorts, he reaches out to other people seeking to leave the movement, and those tempted to join. Looking for 'place to belong' Picciolini helped found the nonprofit organization Life After Hate, which helps individuals, friends and family affected by extremist groups. Former members of those organizations ally themselves with those seeking help. They share their experiences and the lessons they learned, including how to fill the personal needs that Picciolini says are often the real motivation to join a hate group. Picciolini said recruits to white power groups aren't just drawn in by the ideology. "It's always because 'I wanted some place to belong,' " he said. He knows this because it was his own experience and because, by his own estimate, he's talked with nearly 1,000 other people about their experiences with extremist groups. He said one of the most important parts of the rehabilitation process, when helping a person change the way he thinks about the object of his prejudice, is one-on-one contact with a member of the group he thought he hated. "That's usually when the magic happens," Picciolini said, "when people realize that the vision in their head, that the fear that they had, doesn't match reality." Helping people fill personal needs doesn't always sound like a viable way to fight extremism. But last year, the Obama administration took a chance on it, allotting $10 million in grants to groups that aim to stop extremists through prevention and personal intervention, a process dubbed Countering Violent Extremism. Picciolini's group found out in January, just a few days before the new president was inaugurated, that Life After Hate had been given a $400,000 grant to develop an online way to reach out to teens at risk of joining extremist groups. The idea was to hook those teens up with former members of violent extremist groups who grew disillusioned, dropped out and now are ideal counselors for at-risk youth who are reaching the same crossroads. Silence on funds Although the grants were supposed to be disbursed within 30 days of the announcement of the winners, there has been no official word from the Trump administration on when or whether those funds will appear in mailboxes. Several groups, Life After Hate among them, have said publicly that they have heard nothing more about whether to expect the money. The Reuters news agency published a story in February quoting sources in the Trump administration as saying the Countering Violent Extremism funding might be rerouted to programs focused solely on overseas groups such as Islamic State. (The program falls under the Department of Homeland Security, which has not answered repeated VOA requests for comment.) But a study by the George Washington University's program on extremism says the number of white nationalists and self-identified Nazi sympathizers on Twitter has multiplied more than 600 percent since 2012. The study says Twitter announced in August that it had shut down 360,000 accounts for promoting terrorism in its crackdown on IS-related material. But white nationalists continue to promote their views "with relative impunity," the study says. While many experts agree that domestic extremism is a growing problem, not all agree on how to stop it. Nicole Nguyen, assistant professor of social foundations of education at the University of Illinois-Chicago, told WTTW public television that after studying CVE for more than a year, she didn't think it was a sound policy for public schools. "There are a lot of alienated and bullied kids in America who don't commit acts of violence," she said last week. "There are tons of devout religious people who never commit violent extremism. So how is it that we're coming to filter out who we think might actually be a terrorist?" Comparison to profiling In a column in the magazine Psychology Today, experts Alice LoCicero and Wesley Boyd said last year that CVE programs "include attempts, with no basis in evidence, to predict who might someday become violent due to a passionate investment in a cause." They, too, argue that attempts to stop extremism before it starts amount to profiling, a practice critics say is both inefficient and harmful to minorities that already face prejudice. Still, Life After Hate, whose participants self-select, is somewhat different. Nguyen said that while self-selection removes some of the problems with CVE, "Life After Hate is more of an exception than a norm." While this year's money is in limbo, the Trump budget for fiscal 2018 has wiped out the entire $50 million CVE program at a time when, its supporters argue, the need for preventive and rehabilitative measures is higher than ever. "Before the election in November, we were getting maybe one to three requests [for help] per week," Picciolini said. "Now, we get one to four requests per day." For Roseleine Duperval, the U.N. mission to stabilize Haiti will always remind her of one thing: her 8-year-old daughter, who she says was fathered by a Uruguayan peacekeeper. Duperval is among a group of Haitian women who embarked on a long, largely fruitless journey to try to force peacekeepers who they say fathered their children to contribute to their upbringing. While some have succeeded with their paternity claims, barely any have secured any form of child support. "Since I became pregnant, he never sent money," said Duperval, who still has identity documents she says her daughter Sasha Francesca's father left behind, apparently because he wanted to be legally recognized as the father. "I have to call friends all the time to help me support my [child]." The paternity and child support issue is another awkward legacy of the 13-year U.N. mission, known as MINUSTAH, which is winding up in October after being sent in to stabilize a country riven by political turmoil. The mission introduced a cholera epidemic that killed about 10,000 people and has also been dogged by accusations of sexual assault. Paternity cases in recent years have confirmed seven children in Haiti as having had U.N. peacekeepers as their fathers, according to figures released on the peacekeeping body's conduct and discipline website. More than two dozen Haitian women are still pursuing paternity claims, second only to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the number of claims against a U.N. mission worldwide since 2010, according to U.N. data. The cases also highlight a lack of accountability, critics say, since many of the women's paternity claims are never confirmed either way. Even when paternity is proven, the process rarely delivers any financial support for mothers. Under the United Nations' "zero-tolerance policy" against sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual relationships between peacekeepers and residents of countries hosting a U.N. mission are strongly discouraged. However, the world body says its peacekeeping arm does not take responsibility for financial assistance to children fathered by peacekeepers. It says the peacekeepers' countries, or the fathers themselves, must organize payment. In practice, that often means mothers must raise children alone in some of the world's poorest, most troubled nations. "If you ignore the problem of paternity long enough, it will go away," said Sharanya Kanikkannan, from the New York-based advocacy group Code Blue, which aims to end impunity for sexual abuse by U.N. personnel. "Missions move on; children grow up." Waiting for answers A Reuters reporter interviewed four women in the Haitian seaside town of Port-Salut, who had, along with their children, undergone DNA tests with a view to establishing paternity. They said U.N. officials tracked them down in 2014 by asking members of the local community who claimed to have given birth to "MINUSTAH babies" to come to the capital, Port-au-Prince, for tests. Ismini Palla, spokeswoman for U.N. peacekeeping in New York, confirmed the DNA tests took place. She said the United Nations facilitated tests but did not provide them. It was not immediately clear who provided or paid for the tests. The four women's samples were sent to Uruguay, the country of origin of the supposed fathers. Uruguayan authorities were tasked with locating the men and conducting their own DNA tests, Palla said. Of the four Port-Salut women interviewed by Reuters, DNA testing proved two of the Uruguayan peacekeepers were the fathers, Palla said. However, the other two claims, including Duperval's, could not be confirmed because the Uruguayan military was unable to locate the alleged fathers, Palla said. All four women Reuters interviewed said the United Nations had never communicated to them the test results. Palla disputed this. Mixed legacy Haitian lawyer Mario Joseph represents 10 women, including Duperval, who say they had children with U.N. peacekeepers. He said he planned to file a lawsuit against the United Nations in Haitian courts for child support, although it was not clear when. "The United Nations, which promotes human rights, does not respect the rights of Haitians," said Joseph. Worldwide, U.N. peacekeeping missions have faced 111 paternity claims, according to U.N. data. Only 17 claims worldwide have been confirmed, including the seven from Haiti. Figures are not publicly available from before 2010. The United Nations has pledged fresh efforts to increase support to victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, like a report presented by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February that vowed to put victims first. But the United Nations has announced actions against sexual abuse before, and critics question whether the proposed measures will address underlying issues. "These aren't people who are asking for charity," said Kanikkannan, from the Code Blue group. "These are people who are asking for rights." Graduation day at Brooklyn College in New York City was marked by confetti guns blasting thousands of scraps of yellow paper over the heads of the 4,000 graduates, symbolically transforming them from students into alumni. "We go to the real world now," said Benash Khanu, a psychology major who is looking to land her first job. "It's scary, but it's life." The commencement speaker was a man whom many Brooklyn students had championed in his quest to become president -- Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. In his address to the students, Sanders imparted what he called a "simple" message: "Think big, not small, and help us create the nation we all know we can become. Entering a "hot mess" Students graduating across the United States this spring entered secondary school at the beginning of the eight-year presidency of Barack Obama, a relatively youthful figure at the time whose rhetoric about tolerance, equality and money for the nation's needy was popular on most college campuses. They are concluding their formal education as a very different president Donald Trump begins his first term with a determined effort to reverse many of Obama's policy achievements. "Our nation right now is a hot mess, said Brooklyn graduate Alexandria Dass, who is entering the job market as an accounting major. But I feel like our generation -- Millennials and Generation Z -- we're going to make things better." 'Modern day Reagan' Nearly eight hours away, at the world's largest Christian college, Liberty University, students see their future differently. Kimberly Burgess, who will go on to law school, credits the Trump administration for the best U.S. job market in a decade. Burgess and her millennial friends see Trump as a modern-day version of former Republican president Ronald Reagan and say he is "focusing on things that really matter." The nearly 3 million college graduates entering the work force this year have the best chance in the past 10 years of getting a job. A careerbuilder.com survey found that three out of four employers are hiring the new graduates and nearly 40 percent will offer beginning salaries of $50,000 a year or higher. Political tips & snips In his freshman year, Liberty University student Dan Carr picked up a pair of scissors, thinking he could save his friends some money by cutting their hair. By senior year, the government major had become a student barber with 300 customers. On graduation morning, Josh Close sat in the chair with a plastic cape draped over his shoulders, in the makeshift barbershop in Carr's tiny apartment bathroom. Friend Sam Stone watched as he awaited his turn. The three discussed politics under a series of Trump campaign posters. Stone, who will continue his studies as he works at the university, pointed to the robust economy, which has only recently bounced back completely from the 2008 collapse. "I feel people are a lot more confident that they can get a job immediately after college," Stone said. But Close, who has an insurance job waiting for him, worries about a nation led by President Trump. "He is not exactly the mender of wounds, and tends to inflame them." Guess who's coming to dinner At a graduation ceremony at the University of Texas at Austin, fireworks lit the sky as students held up their hands with the index and little fingers raised to symbolize the horns of their mascot, a longhorn steer. The commencement speaker, retired Dallas police chief David Brown, urged the graduates to mend America's racial divides. "Invite someone home to dinner who doesn't look like you," he said. The message hit home for advertising major Erasto Renteria, an ethnic Mexican who grew up along the Texas-Mexico border. He hopes the class of 2017 has the skills to change the country. "A lot of people are divided. I think we need to get back to caring about one another," he said. 'It's our time' The message was also welcomed by Saha Jamshed, a Muslim who was born in Afghanistan. She's been in the U.S. for 35 years and considers herself an American, yet fears discrimination. She wants others to know that she will use her masters degree to "devote my career to benefiting the country." A similar idealism animated students at the University of Southern California, where Jay Woo has just graduated with a degree in cinema. Woo recalled numerous classroom conversations about diversity and unity at the Los Angeles institution, and said that is what all graduates should contribute to the world. "It's our time as young leaders to show the way of what the future is holding," he said. Michael O'Sullivan, Ramon Taylor and Tina Trinh contributed to this report. The House intelligence committee said Wednesday it is issuing subpoenas for former national security adviser Michael Flynn and President Donald Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as well as their businesses, as part of its investigation into Russian activities during last years election. In addition to those four subpoenas, the committee has issued three others, to the National Security Agency, the FBI and the CIA, for information about requests that government officials made to unmask the identities of U.S. individuals named in classified intelligence reports, according to a congressional aide. The subpoenas were announced as the special counsel overseeing the governments investigation into possible Trump campaign ties to Russia has approved former FBI Director James Comey to testify before the Senate intelligence committee, according to a Comey associate. Watch: Spicer: 'Best Messenger Is the President Himself' At a Wednesday briefing, press secretary Sean Spicer said inquiries about the Russia investigation must be directed to Marc Kasowitz, another of Trumps personal attorneys. It marked the first time the White House had officially acknowledged that outside counsel had been retained. Calls and emails to Kasowitzs New York firm were not immediately returned Wednesday. Comey testimony The Comey associate, who wasnt authorized to discuss details of the testimony and spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to discuss the content of Comeys planned testimony. The associate did say that Robert Mueller, whom the Justice Department appointed earlier this month to lead the governments inquiry, is allowing Comey to make certain statements. Lawmakers are likely to ask Comey about his interactions with Trump as the bureau pursued its investigation into his campaigns contacts. Associates have said Comey wrote memos describing certain interactions with Trump that gave him pause in the months after the election, including details of a dinner in which he claimed the president asked him to pledge his loyalty, and a request to shut down the investigation of Flynn. A spokesman for Mueller, a former FBI director, declined to comment. Muellers separate probe could conceivably look at the circumstances surrounding Comeys firing. Congress is currently out of session. It resumes next Tuesday. No date for Comeys testimony has been set. The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Comey planned to testify before the Senate committee after Memorial Day, but the approval from Mueller to do so could indicate that date is fast approaching. A spokeswoman for the committees chairman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., said the committee welcomes Comeys testimony, but declined to comment further. House investigation The House panel pursuing its own investigation of the Trump campaign and possible Russia ties has also sought information from Comey, asking the FBI to turn over documents related to his interactions with both the White House and the Justice Department. Subpoenas were approved Wednesday for Flynn and his company, Flynn Intel Group, and Cohen, and his firm, Michael D. Cohen & Associates. Cohen, who had refused an earlier request for information, saying it was not capable of being answered, told the AP Tuesday that he would comply with subpoenas, should they be issued. He said he has nothing to hide. The subpoenas sent to government agencies were related to Trumps complaints that Obama administration officials had asked, for political reasons, to be told the names of Trump associates documented in intelligence reports. Officials only unmask the identities of Americans for certain reasons, for example, if the name of a person is needed to understand the intelligence being provided. Another senior committee aide said any subpoenas related to the unmasking issue would have been sent by committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., who recused himself from the Russia investigation after being criticized for being too close to the White House. The committee aide, who wasnt authorized to discuss the issue and spoke only on condition of anonymity, said the action would have been taken without agreement from the Democratic minority on the committee. Trump dismisses allegations Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations that his campaign collaborated with Russia ahead of the presidential election. Early Wednesday morning, the president tweeted Witch Hunt! in reference to testimony by Comey and former CIA director John Brennan before Congress on the topic. Mueller adds to team Also Wednesday, a Justice Department official confirmed that Mueller had named a top Justice Department official to his team. Andrew Weissmann had been head of the criminal divisions fraud section since 2015. The longtime Justice official previously served as FBI general counsel under Mueller. He began his career with Justice in 1991 at the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of New York. He later joined and ran the Enron Task Force. The department official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to publicly announce the appointment. Using a work-from-home facility, Swati Sharma worked for a few months after her baby was born six years ago but quit when her company withdrew the option. They wanted people to come to work everyday, it became very difficult, she said, pointing out that child care facilities near her home in New Delhi did not have high standards. Stories of women leaving jobs are common: An estimated 20 million Indian women have dropped out of the workforce over the last decade, both in sprawling cities and the vast countryside where fewer women now work on farms. Its a staggering number that researchers are trying to decode. Indian economy is robust Despite Indias buoyant economy, female employment has fallen dramatically over the last decade. Only 27 percent of women are in the workforce compared to about 40 percent in the mid-1990s. That is less than many lower-income countries like neighboring Bangladesh or other emerging economies like Brazil. A World Bank study released recently says India needs to reverse the declining rates of women in the labor market to push growth. The study said 3 of every 5 prime working age Indian women (26-45 years old) are not economically active. Higher incomes play role But not all the reasons are negative. An era of high growth has increased household incomes and propelled millions of families into the middle and upper middle class. The relative household affluence has given many women the option to drop out of the workforce. In the lower-income strata, better incomes for farm and construction labor have also resulted in many poor families in rural areas educating girls. As a result, the number of those between 15 and 25 years in school and college has doubled to 30 percent. Many of these young women who were working before perhaps out of necessity are now in school and building up their human capital, said Frederico Gil Sander, senior economist at the World Bank in New Delhi. More jobs needed for the well-educated However not all women stay at home because there is a dearth of suitable opportunities. If you survey women, many of the women they want to work, but the fact is that not enough jobs are being created that women can take up, Sander said. In an urbanizing country, while large cities offer regular jobs in services and manufacturing, similar avenues are not available in smaller towns. Garima Verma, 32, for example, quit her job a year ago because she wanted a break. But some months later she moved from New Delhi to Jaipur and says that finding a suitable job in a smaller city has not been easy. Lesser (opportunities) I would say as compared to metros definitely, she said. Indian workplaces can be unfriendly to women But even in booming urban centers, women often find it hard to stay the course, partly because most Indian companies have rigid work structures and reliable child care facilities are few and far between. Sairee Chahal, founder of SHEROES, a portal for women job seekers, said in an era of global competition, extended work hours have become the norm at most workplaces. And patriarchal attitudes in a conservative society do not help. Firms are very unwelcoming around the need for flexibility, maternity is still considered a challenge. And while women have made it to the workplace, men have not picked up stuff at home and that continues to burden women at home, Chahal said. A need for more high tech jobs The low participation of women in the workforce is especially surprising in a country where a large number of college graduates are women women like Garima Verma and Swati Sharma, who both have college degrees. Even highly educated women are not working and this is in a way a form of a brain drain, Sander said. Only 34 percent of women with either a diploma or college degree are working. Pointing out that this includes a large number of women graduates in science and technology, the World Bank said India needs to create opportunities to tap this human capital. Swati Sharma, for example, would like to return to work once her 6-month-old baby is a little older, but with working conditions in companies too challenging, she is taking a course so that she can teach the only option left for me, she said. The World Bank said the key to closing the gender gap is to create more jobs, especially regular salaried jobs that are flexible and can be safely accessed by women. But that is unlikely to happen anytime soon, warns human resources professional Chahal, and reversing the declining trend poses many challenges. We do have women who are educated basically all set and nowhere to go, all set and no doors opening for you, she said. Major investors put U.S. industry on notice Wednesday that climate change matters, even as reports emerged that President Donald Trump plans to withdraw the United States from an international pact to fight global warming. A number of large institutional fund firms including BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, supported a shareholder resolution calling on ExxonMobil to share more information about how new technologies and climate change regulations could impact the business of the worlds largest publicly traded oil company. The proposal won the support of 62.3 percent of votes cast. The victory, on such a wide margin, was hailed by climate activists as a turning point in their decades-long campaign to get oil and gas companies to communicate how they would adapt to a low-carbon economy. Major investors see major risk With major investors now seeing climate change as a major risk, activists said U.S. corporations will have to be more transparent about the impact of a warming planet even if the United States withdraws from the 2015 Paris climate accord, as Trump promised during his presidential campaign. Economic forces are outrunning any other considerations, said Anne Simpson, investment director for sustainability at the California Public Employees Retirement System, one of the sponsors of the resolution. She credited big investors in Exxon for the change, since at least some of them switched their votes after last year when a similar measure won just 38 percent support. We have seen a sea change in their viewpoint, she said. Many top investors now consider their votes on shareholder proposals on merit, rather than considering it a test of loyalty to management, she said. Among Exxons top investors, Vanguard Group and BlackRock opposed last years call for climate change reporting. A spokeswoman for Vanguard, which has about 7 percent of Exxons shares, declined to comment on its voting this year. A person familiar with the matter said funds run by BlackRock, which holds about 6 percent of Exxon shares, voted in favor of the climate resolution. Filings showing their exact votes are not due for months. But both fund firms and others have taken steps since last year to make it easier to support climate resolutions. Doug Holt, a spokesman for Exxons ninth-largest investor Northern Trust Corp, said it voted in favor of the proposal, citing its own guidelines updated in 2016. Vote from the street The investment firms approach reflects a new interest in climate matters among their own investors, who have stuffed money into so-called green mutual funds and other vehicles that use environmental factors in their stock picking. Wall Streets priorities have shifted the terms of debate at a number of other energy and utility companies. A majority of shareholders voting at Occidental Petroleum Corp and PPL Corp called for similar reports on the risks of climate change. Votes on two more of the measures are scheduled for June 7 at Devon Energy and at Hess. Michael Crosby, involved in corporate outreach for the Midwest Capuchin Franciscans, a religious order, said Wednesdays vote was a rejection of Exxons arguments it already provides enough detail on its outlook. The Street is saying, you have to give better evidence, Crosby said. Exxon and the Paris deal After the measure passed, Exxon Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods said its board would reconsider its climate communications. The activists now face the task of maintaining alliances with leaders like Woods who opposed their resolutions but who in some cases support the 195-nation Paris agreement. Exxon said in a March 22 letter to the White House that the Paris deal is an effective framework for addressing the risks of climate change. Trump had at least one ally at Exxons meeting in Dallas, Steven Milloy of Potomac, Maryland, who urged other investors to support his resolution that would make it harder to file proposals like the one on climate change. Milloy said management should show less concern for climate issues, which he called misplaced, and cited Trump as a model. For the first time we have a president who actively opposes climate hysteria, Milloy said. According to Exxon, Milloys proposal received support from 1.6 percent of votes cast. The Islamic State group has begun blocking off streets around the Grand al-Nuri Mosque in western Mosul as it prepares for a final battle against the Iraqi military. Residents in the area told The Associated Press and Reuters they have seen dozens of IS jihadists shutting down streets near the mosque and ordering those families in the area to leave their houses, apparently in preparation for a coming fight. The al-Nuri mosque in Mosuls Old City holds a symbolic meaning for the IS fighters because it is the place where the jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his only public appearance in 2014 to declare an Islamic caliphate on land the group controlled in Iraq and Syria. The mosque is the site of an 840-year-old minaret known as the crooked minaret due to its slight lean that was saved from destruction only after local residents formed a human chain around it to keep IS from blowing it up. The groups black flag has been flying at the top of the minaret since then. "Daesh's fighters know that the mosque is the most important target and they are preparing for a major battle there," Hisham al-Hashemi, a consultant for several Middle Eastern countries, told Reuters. Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition, have removed IS jihadists from all but 12 square kilometers of Mosul, containing the remaining fighters in the Old City, where they have been preparing to make their last stand. As the IS jihadists continue to lose ground, they've started using civilians as human shields, and killing those who attempt to flee the city. The United Nations estimates there are about 100,000 civilians still trapped in areas under IS control. Nearly 40 years ago, a respected doctor wrote a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine with some very good news: Out of nearly 40,000 patients given powerful pain drugs in a Boston hospital, only four addictions were documented. Doctors had been wary of opioids, fearing patients would get hooked. Reassured by the letter, which called addiction "rare" in those with no history of it, they pulled out their prescription pads and spread the good news in their own published reports. And that is how a one-paragraph letter with no supporting information helped seed a nationwide epidemic of misuse of drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin by convincing doctors that opioids were safer than we now know them to be. On Wednesday, the journal published an editor's note about the 1980 letter and an analysis from Canadian researchers of how often it has been cited more than 600 times, often inaccurately. Most used it as evidence that addiction was rare, and most did not say it concerned only hospitalized patients, not outpatient or chronic pain situations such as bad backs and severe arthritis that opioids came to be used for. 'Key bit of literature' "This pain population with no abuse history is literally at no risk for addiction," one citation said. "There have been studies suggesting that addiction rarely evolves in the setting of painful conditions," said another. "It's difficult to overstate the role of this letter," said Dr. David Juurlink of the University of Toronto, who led the analysis. "It was the key bit of literature that helped the opiate manufacturers convince front-line doctors that addiction is not a concern." Hospital databases were so limited in 1980 that researchers can't be confident there weren't more problems, or cases discovered after patients were discharged, Juurlink said. The letter was written by Dr. Hershel Jick, a drug specialist at Boston University Medical Center, and a graduate student. "I'm essentially mortified that that letter to the editor was used as an excuse to do what these drug companies did," Jick told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday. "They used this letter to spread the word that these drugs were not very addictive." Jick said his letter referred only to people getting opioids in the hospital for a short period of time and had no bearing on long-term outpatient use. He also said he testified as a government witness in a lawsuit years ago over the marketing of pain drugs. Use grew in the 1990s when drugs like OxyContin came on the market, and more people using opioids for chronic pain developed dependence. New note The new editor's note in the journal says: "For reasons of public health, readers should be aware that this letter has been 'heavily and uncritically cited' as evidence that addiction is rare with opioid therapy." The journal's top editor, Dr. Jeffrey Drazen, said, "People have used the letter to suggest that you're not going to get addicted to opioids if you get them in a hospital setting. We know that not to be true." The journal also published a report from Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, pledging to work to develop new ways to reverse and prevent overdoses, to treat addiction, and to find novel, nonaddictive drugs for chronic pain. In the next six weeks, NIH will hold three workshops with drug company leaders to identify next steps, Collins said. The goal is to cut in half the usual amount of time to develop new treatments a target borrowed from the Cancer Moonshot project launched by former Vice President Joe Biden to make a decade's worth of progress toward cures in half that time. Other partnerships Details have not been worked out, but it could resemble similar partnerships on Alzheimer's, diabetes and some other diseases where scientists from government and industry determine pressing needs, develop a work plan and split the cost, Collins said. "Industry's interest in this has been muted until recently," Collins said. Now, "they feel the responsibility and the opportunity to take part in this and they're not going to stand back and watch." With the Food and Drug Administration wanting to speed work on new pain drugs, "the stars are aligning," Collins said. "I think we can make real progress now." Last month, Eric Treene, a career prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, found himself facing intense questioning. Treene, the department's special counsel on religious discrimination, was testifying on religious hate crimes before a Senate panel when Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota quizzed him about what he saw as mixed messages coming from the Trump administration. During a tense five-minute exchange, Franken, an unabashed Trump critic, repeatedly posed a variation of this question: What "message" does the presence of controversial Trump strategist Stephen Bannon in the White House send to "those who commit hate crimes?" "The message that I feel strongest as a prosecutor and an attorney for the Department of Justice is the consistent message that I've gotten from the attorney general [Jeff Sessions] to pursue hate crimes, to continue doing the work we're doing," Treene said. "That's not the question I asked," Franken shot back as he continued to grill Treene about Bannon, a former editor of the right-wing website Breitbart News, seen by some critics as a purveyor of hate speech. No policy change seen Treene sidestepped the question, maintaining that there has been no change in the Department of Justice's policy on prosecuting hate crimes, despite the change of administration. The exchange illustrated the degree to which Trump's appointment of controversial figures such as Bannon and Sessions to senior positions and his own campaign statements about Muslims and other minorities have shaped views of his administration's stance on hate crimes and discrimination. "With [Sessions'] history, you have to raise questions about the department's true and honest pursual of hate crime prosecutions when it seems to run counter in a lot of ways to what the administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have said in the past," said Ryan Lenz, a senior investigative writer with the Southern Poverty Law Center. Justice Department officials say theyre pursuing hate crimes and civil rights cases just as aggressively as they did under the last administration. Career officials' role "The decisions whether to charge a case are made by career officials," said a senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "All of those decisions what cases to charge, what cases to open, what cases to close are made by the same career employees who were here six months ago." Under former President Barack Obama, the Justice Department made civil rights a law enforcement priority, carrying out nearly two dozen investigations of police departments accused of excessive force and racial profiling, and charging more than 250 individuals with hate crimes during his first seven years in office. The Trump administration has prioritized fighting violent crime and enforcing immigration laws. And Sessions has set out to undo a series of Obama-era Justice Department policies that have irked critics, from pausing reforms imposed on police departments accused of civil rights violations to easing restrictions on mandatory minimum sentences. Sessions says these measures are key to boosting law enforcement morale and public safety, but advocates say they're a rollback of civil rights. "All the signals from the Justice Department say that they're backing off," said Ngozi Ndulue, director of criminal justice for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP. Justice officials say Sessions has directed the Civil Rights Division to pursue hate crimes as part of the attorney general's campaign against violent crime. Treene said he's been encouraged to "vigorously" pursue cases on behalf of Muslims and others. And the senior government official said the department has opened new hate crime investigations and "a number of police shooting and police misconduct cases" since January 20, when Trump was inaugurated. Number of cases 'on par' According to a VOA review, the Justice Department has announced 18 hate crime cases, including four new ones, and 26 civil rights cases, including four new ones, since Trump took office. The number of new hate crime cases appears to be on par with the number in previous years. "If you look at our stats, we probably charge 20 cases a year, maybe one or two a month," the official said. Critics like Lenz said the Justice Department has not done enough to investigate and prosecute rising hate crimes since the election. Officials say they investigate every case, and that any slowdown since January is to be expected as personnel turn over. "It has nothing to do with priorities," the official said. Criminologist Brian Levin of California State University-San Bernardino said that historically, a change of administration has led to a change in law enforcement priorities, affecting the level of investigations, staffing and prosecution of civil rights cases carried out by the Department of Justice. "We saw prosecutions decline under President [George W.] Bush and increase under President Obama, for example, although there is usually a lag in data, as some early cases in an administration that were prosecuted were actually opened under a previous administration," Levin said. The Kushner Cos. engaged in a bit of creative mapmaking to qualify one of its buildings in a booming New Jersey waterfront neighborhood across from Manhattan for a federal visa-for-investment program targeting struggling areas. Emails obtained by The Associated Press show that the family of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner placed its 65 Bay Street building in Jersey City in a map stringing together three dozen other areas, some with high unemployment. The map was included in a 2015 application to the EB-5 visa program that allows overseas investors to obtain U.S. residency in exchange for investments of $500,000 or more in rural areas or those with high unemployment. The maps are legal, and many other developers engage in the practice. But the practice is one of the reasons the EB-5 visa program has come under criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. James Yolles, a spokesman for the Kushner Cos., declined to comment. The Kushner property is co-owned by developer KABR Group. A person at KABR said no one was available to comment late in the day and an email was not immediately answered. The special maps were reported earlier by The Washington Post. The building at 65 Bay Street has licensed the Trump name from the president's company, and is better known as "Trump Bay Street." It received millions from wealthy overseas investors through the EB-5 program. The Kushner Cos. was recently pitching to potential EB-5 investors in China for another Jersey City property. Called One Journal Square, it is a planned 79-story two tower complex in a struggling area of the city. The company is seeking 300 wealthy Chinese to invest a total of $150 million. Jared Kushner's sister, Nicole Kushner Meyer, created a stir in March after reports she had mentioned her brother, a senior adviser to Trump, in a presentation in China. Marketing materials for the event also cited the Kushner family's "celebrity" status. The Kushner Cos. said Meyer's intention was not to use the connection to the White House to lure investors. Jared Kushner stepped down as CEO of the Kushner Cos. when he joined the White House. His lawyer has said that he has sold his stake in One Journal Square. To handle the mapmaking for Trump Bay Street, the Kushner Cos. turned to Evans, Carroll & Associates, an economic consultancy in Boca Raton, Florida. On May 6, 2015, Evans emailed the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development requesting that it review a proposed map stretching over two dozen census tracts. The map formed an odd shape, with some relatively low unemployment areas separated by a few miles to high unemployment ones. By the end of the month, came New Jersey's reply: The areas included in the map, called a Targeted Employment Area, had an overall unemployment rate of 9.8 percent high enough to qualify for the EB-5 program. The unemployment rate for the single census tract that includes 65 Bay Street was not mentioned in the emails, but has typically been much lower, according to Dave Evans of Evans, Carroll & Associates. Evans said the unemployment rate last year for the census tract that includes 65 Bay Street averaged 1.3 percent. In order to qualify for EB-5 financing, a building needs to be in a Targeted Employment Area with unemployment 150 percent above the average U.S. rate. Critics have faulted the EB-5 program for failing to bring investment into poor communities as intended. By gerrymandering together rich geographic areas with poor ones, developers have managed to win approval from economic development authorities for luxury projects in Manhattan, California's Beverly Hills and Miami's South Beach. Earlier this year, Evans, Carroll & Associates emailed New Jersey state officials again for Kushner's One Journal Square project, too. That proposed map encompasses far fewer census tracts, just six, and in a more struggling area of Jersey City, one with an average unemployment rate of 8 percent. The state agency wrote back four days later confirming the numbers. Karla Bardinas, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, said state officials had no power over the mapmaking process. "Developers propose the maps of Targeted Employment Areas and the department merely verifies if the unemployment rate in the proposed area meets the federal criteria," she said in an emailed statement. The ultimate decision of whether the maps qualify, she said, lies with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The U.S. must remain active in Africa, which is in the midst of three famines and ongoing political instability, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said during a recent hearing in Washington. Our engagement in Africa is in the strategic interest of the U.S. not only to address urgent humanitarian aid, but also to advance economic, political and security interests," Congressman Ed Royce, a Republican from California, said. "Now is not the time to pull back." Africa, with some of the fastest-growing economies in the world and nearly a billion consumers, offers huge potential as a U.S. trading partner, Royce said. The California congressman, a Republican, added: "With three famines looming on the African continent and ongoing political instability in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere, the U.S. must remain active and engaged." The top Democrat on Royce's committee, Congressman Eliot Engel of New York, said he is worried that after "robust engagement" for 16 years, during the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, "U.S. policy toward Africa is suddenly gone adrift. Engel cited several diplomatic missteps, including an incident in April when Secretary of State Rex Tillerson invited African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki to Washington, but then canceled the meeting at the last minute. He also noted the African Global Economic and Development Summit, held in California in March: of nearly 60 guests from Africa invited to attend, none appeared, because "not a single citizen of an African country was granted a visa by the State Department." Royce said he is pleased that Mark Green, the former U.S. ambassador to Tanzania, was named to lead the U.S. Agency for International Development, but that the delay in appointing an assistant secretary of state for African affairs, is a concern. The House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman also has asked the State Department to explain how deep budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration won't impede programs aimed at fostering good governance and economic growth and bolstering counterterrorism efforts in Africa. "Too many African countries are off the democratic track" already, Royce noted. Seven of Africas fastest-growing economies have averaged between 5.5 and 8.5 percent GDP growth in recent years, according to World Bank data. Royce said that makes engagement in Africa more critical than ever. In his opening statement at the May 18 hearing, Royce cited a news report that China's activity in Africa "may be the largest global trade and investment spree in history. On Wednesday, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta launched a new passenger train service funded by China - a $3.3 billion project connecting Mombasa, East Africa's biggest port, and Nairobi, 480 kilometers away. For its part, the U.S. Congress passed several laws last year that provide aid or support throughout the continent. Among them were a program to bolster power and electricity projects, another to combat illegal poaching and trafficking of animals that funds extremist groups, and programs to respond to food emergencies and to promote trade and investment opportunities. "Within Africa, the AGOA (Africa Growth and Opportunity Act) ... has definitely offered African countries an opportunity, and countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Lesotho and Swaziland, they have all embraced that and have quite strong export markets to America at the moment, Mark Goliath of the Industrial Development Corporation in South Africa said at a recent trade show in Cape Town. For sub-Saharan Africa in particular, however, AGOA's own figures show a 30.4-percent decline in trade with the United States since 2014 - from $52.3 billion down to $36.4 billion. Professor Mohamed Saliou Camara of Howard University in Washington, a native of Guinea, told VOA that African governments seek international partnerships that will benefit them, but at the same time they rely too much on foreign aid and easy loans from foreign creditors. "They are out to look for partners and allies to protect and advance their interests," the chair of Howard's graduate department of African studies told VOA. "...We tried to play the East versus the West" during the Cold War. And after the Cold War, we are trying again to play a new West versus a new East - 'China-India,' as they call it - versus America, and so on. The reality is Africa and its dependency on foreign aid [and] on foreign debt has to change." Those who seek backing from the new U.S. administration must calibrate their language, Camara said: "Donald Trump is a businessman and the U.S. president. Lets talk business to Donald Trump and lets see whats going to happen. Lets talk business to China. Lebanon's Interior Ministry banned the new "Wonder Woman" film from cinemas on Wednesday because an Israeli actress plays the lead role, a ministry source and a security official said. Lebanon considers Israel an enemy country and the Ministry of Economy and Trade oversees a boycott of any business transactions concerning Israel. The movie was set to premiere in most of Beirut's major cinemas on Wednesday night, after private showings had been held the day before. The distributor for Warner Brothers in the region said the public release screenings were cancelled a few hours in advance. The ministry source said they had issued an order to ban the movie, which stars former Israeli army soldier Gal Gadot, based on a recommendation from the General Security directorate. "It's very frustrating," said Tony Chacra, managing director of the distributor Joseph Chacra and Sons. "The movie has nothing to do with Israel." They had already gained permission to show it in Lebanon, he said. "It cost money and advertising ... Everything was going normally until a few days ago when a campaign began." Chacra said various Arab countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, would screen the movie. "They are not harming anyone by banning it ... except the distributor," he added. "They are making the movie theaters lose, the employees, the Lebanese economy ... What did they get out of this?" The Israeli actress also appeared in the movie "Batman v Superman" and in sequels of "Fast and Furious", all of which played in Lebanese theaters. "Thank God the film was banned, and we pledge to work on banning any similar films," said Samah Idriss, a founder of the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon that lobbied for barring the movie. The campaigners denounced Gadot on Facebook for serving in the Israeli military. Idriss, whose group had unsuccessfully campaigned to stop "Batman v Superman" last year, described the ban as "a victory." Israel fought a month-long war with its Lebanese foe Hezbollah in 2006, and has targeted the Shi'ite armed group with strikes in Syria in recent years, but there has been no major direct confrontation. The 2006 war killed around 160 Israelis, most of them troops fighting inside Lebanon, while 1,200 people in Lebanon, mostly civilians, died in Israel's military barrages. A U.N.-monitored ceasefire has largely held since the 2006 war, which also displaced a million people in Lebanon and nearly 500,000 in Israel. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement played a major role in ending Israel's 1982-2000 occupation of Lebanon. In the United States and many other parts of the world, this is a worrisome time for LGBT activists, as the pace of civil rights victories has grown uneven and reports of anti-LGBT violence and persecution surface relentlessly. In the past two months, there have been large-scale detentions of gay men in Nigeria and Bangladesh, and chilling 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. More than 70 countries continue to criminalize gays' sexual activity. Taiwan is now on track to become the first territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, due to a May 24 court ruling. Worldwide, gay and lesbian couples can marry in only 22 of the world's nearly 200 countries. No nation in Eastern Europe is among them, and there is only one in Africa: South Africa. Collectively, recent developments have changed the way some lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists are viewing the annual Pride Month events coming up in June. It's usually a time of celebration, but this year InterPride, which helps organize Pride events worldwide, says people should participate ``to tell the world that they will not be silent in the face of oppression.'' A large-scale "Equality March" is planned for June 11 in Washington, D.C. Its organizers say anti-LGBT rhetoric and continuing discrimination warrant a mass mobilization. "2017 is very different," said InterPride's president, Sue Doster. "After years of progress on many fronts, we now have fervent opponents of LGBTQ equality in control of every branch of the U.S. government." Activists in the U.S. rejoiced in 2015 over a Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Yet most U.S. states still lack statewide laws banning discrimination against LGBT people, and majority Republicans in Congress show no interest in passing a Democratic-backed bill that would provide nationwide non-discrimination protections. While still pushing for further gains, activists have expended much energy playing defense as state legislators, mostly Republicans, introduced scores of bills this year viewed at hostile to LGBT rights. Most of the measures failed, but some have been signed into law, including bills in South Dakota and Alabama protecting faith-based adoption organizations that refuse to place children with gay parents. A similar bill has reached the governor's desk in Texas. At the federal level, LGBT activists were dismayed when President Donald Trump's administration revoked federal guidelines advising public school districts to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. Several of Trump's high-level appointees, as well as Vice President Mike Pence, are viewed by activists as long-term opponents of gay-rights advances. "He's taken our chief enemies and put them in charge of our government," said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "It's a devastating reversal of our progress over the last decade." Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. government made LGBT rights an important part of its foreign policy. Griffin says the Trump administration is not sustaining this approach, to the alarm of activists abroad. "There is zero leadership on the global stage," he said. On his initial overseas trip as president, Trump stopped first in Saudi Arabia and made no public mention of human rights issues, including the kingdom's policies criminalizing homosexual activity. "We are not here to lecture," he said. Activists complain that the Trump administration has said relatively little about the reported abuses of gays in Chechnya, in contrast to strong statements by Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain. Among recent events that have alarmed LGBT and human rights activists: In Indonesia, animosity toward the LGBT community has been whipped up by anti-gay comments from Cabinet ministers and other public figures. In the capital, Jakarta, police detained 141 men in a May 21 raid on a gay gym and sauna. On May 23, on orders from an Islamic Shariah court, two men received more than 80 lashes of the cane for having sex together; hundreds of onlookers jeered at them. In Bangladesh, authorities made 27 arrests in a May 19 raid on a group of gay men at a community center near the capital, Dhaka. Last year, a leading LGBT activist, Xulhaz Mannan, was hacked to death in Dhaka by suspected militants. In Nigeria, police arrested more than 50 young men celebrating a gay wedding in April. Nigerian law bans gay marriage; violators can be punished by up to 14 years in prison. In Moldova, President Igor Dodon spoke out against an LGBT parade organized in the capital city, and said he did not consider himself to be president of the Eastern European country's gays. In El Salvador, multiple killings of transgender women drew the attention of the United Nations human rights office, which urged Salvadoran authorities to investigate. Graeme Reid, director of Human Rights Watch's LGBT Rights Program, says the setbacks for LGBT people interconnect with gains achieved on their behalf. "That's the paradox of this time in which we live," he said. "The two are related: the progress and the mobilization of forces in opposition to that progress." In Romania, for example, lawmakers wary of the spread of same-sex marriage elsewhere are seeking to amend the constitution to explicitly state that marriage is a union between a man and woman. Slovenia recently began recognizing civil partnerships for same-sex couples after voters in a referendum overwhelmingly rejected a bill to legalize full-fledged same-sex marriage. Phillip Ayoub, a professor of politics at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said LGBT people in eastern Europe have been concerned by the rise of populist and nationalist political movements in Poland, Hungary and elsewhere that depict LGBT activism as a threat to family values. Yet he noted that Hungary recognizes same-sex partnerships, and Poland recently had a transgender woman serving in Parliament. Countries that have balked at embracing same-sex marriage include several widely viewed as welcoming to LGBT people. Australia provides extensive protections and rights to LGBT people. But recent attempts to legalize same-sex marriage have been bogged down over whether there should be a national plebiscite on the issue or whether Parliament alone should decide. Germany recognizes registered partnerships of same-sex couples, but has not moved to full-fledged marriage equality due to opposition from Merkel's Christian Democratic Union. France is among 13 Western European nations that has legalized same-sex marriage, yet last October tens of thousands of people marched in Paris to oppose it. In Mexico, same-sex marriage has been the focus of bitter debate and legal complications for several years. It's been formally legalized in about a dozen states and cities, including Mexico City, but most of the 31 states have not taken that step. The Philippines, one of the most LGBT-friendly nations in Asia, grants no legal recognition to same-sex couples. The speaker of the House, Pantaleon Alvarez, has yet to follow through with a promise to introduce a bill that would legalize civil unions. Jessica Stern, executive director of the global LGBT-rights group OutRight Action International, said activists worldwide must keep pressing for expanded rights even when governments resist or delay. "The answer isn't to say we give up because we live in a time of backlash," she said. "We have to work twice as hard." A French prosecutor opened an investigation Thursday into a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, putting the new leader under growing pressure to clean up his own government after he campaigned to improve ethical standards in politics. Macron stayed awkwardly silent after the announcement of the investigation into Territorial Cohesion Minister Richard Ferrand, an early ally who played a pivotal role in the presidential campaign. The investigation comes at a bad time for Macron and his government, as they are striving to get a majority in parliament in two-round legislative elections this month to push through his pro-business, pro-EU agenda and just as Justice Minister Francois Bayrou detailed the first major bill of Macron's presidency Thursday, a law intended to clean up corruption in politics. Ferrand is notably suspected of past business practices that benefited his romantic partner during the time when he led an insurance company. After saying there were no grounds for an investigation, the prosecutor in Brest in western France reversed course and said it is opening a probe. The U-turn follows a drumbeat of media reports and questions about a possible conflict of interest before and after he became a lawmaker in 2012. Ferrand has also acknowledged hiring his son as his parliamentary aide for a few months. The prosecutor's statement said police will investigate whether there are grounds to potentially charge Ferrand for property crimes, lack of probity and violating insurance codes. Ferrand acknowledged the facts in a statement this week, but denies any wrongdoing. Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe have stood behind him so far. While visiting the western region of Brittany, a stronghold of his disputed minister, Macron refused to answer questions from journalists on the case Thursday. The prime minister stood by his line that Ferrand can retain his position as minister as long as he isn't given preliminary charges. At this early stage of the judicial proceedings, Ferrand can't be charged. Only an investigating judge could hand Ferrand preliminary charges, but the prosecutor hasn't yet decided to appoint one. Even if Ferrand is found to have done nothing wrong legally, his image is tainted and threatens to taint that of the new president. Macron won the election in part on promises to renew French political practices and figures from top to bottom. Calls for Ferrand's resignation or dismissal have come from all political sides and also from civil society. France's leading anti-corruption association, Anticor, urged the minister to resign in order to "not interfere" with Macron's efforts to "moralize" political life. "Whatever the outcome of the judicial inquiry," Anticor's president, Jean-Christophe Picard, told BFM television, "His political accountability is already at stake." From the far-right to far-left of the political spectrum, several politicians stressed that the minister now has no other choice than to resign, saying the credibility of the government in its fight for higher standards of transparency and ethics is at stake. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said that "there has been at least a moral breach'' in Ferrand's case. Conservative lawmaker and former magistrate Georges Fenech said that "if Macron doesn't get Ferrand's resignation within the hour, he will no longer be credible." The leader of the Socialist lawmakers in the outgoing parliament, Olivier Faure, said it would be "preferable" for Ferrand to resign because he doesn't want the political climate be "polluted" by the case. Raquel Garrido, a spokeswoman for former far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, denounced a "culture of impunity." Even in Macron's political movement Republic On The Move, some voices are starting to rise to raise doubts about maintaining Ferrand in the government. Government spokesman Christophe Castaner acknowledged Wednesday that some experienced government members used to have practices from the "former world" that are legal, but not tolerated anymore by French public opinion. Ferrand's situation is not the only embarrassing case for Macron less than a month after he won the presidential election. European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez, a former European Parliament member, also is under investigation after a far-right lawmaker claimed that a batch of fellow French members of the European body, including de Sarnez, used their EU aides for political activities in France instead of making them work at parliament. Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi likely purchased most of the key bomb components himself and many of his actions were carried out alone, according to British police investigating the attack. Officers in the northern English city have arrested 16 people since the attack in a packed concert hall killed 22 children and adults and injured 116 others last week. "Our inquiries show Abedi himself made most of the purchases of the core components and what is becoming apparent is that many of his movements and actions have been carried out alone during the four days from him landing in the country and committing this awful attack," said Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit. Police have been probing Abedi's last movements by delving into his phone calls and watching his movements on closed-circuit television. "We have also have a good understanding of the likely component parts of the bomb and where these came from," said Jackson. Officers are still trying to determine whether Abedi was part of a wider network, which could not be ruled out yet. They are also keen to find out why he kept going back to the Wilmslow Road area of Manchester and to find the blue suitcase he used during those trips, Jackson said. Police also raided a property in Rusholme, central Manchester, on Wednesday as part of their investigation. A 21-year-old man who was arrested at an address in Nuneaton, central England, a week ago was released without charge. Ten men remain in custody for questioning, police said. Developments in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday include President Donald Trump criticizing congressional probes of alleged links between his campaign and Russia, as well as truncated White House press briefings, fired National Security Advisor Michael Flynn agreeing to turn over some documents to a Senate committee, and covfefe anyone?: WATCH: Kushner, Merkel top questions at contentious press briefing White House Truncates Media Briefing, Leaving Questions Unanswered -- The White House spokesman, during a truncated, off-camera briefing Wednesday, brushed aside a question about a report that fired FBI Director James Comey plans to testify publicly that President Donald Trump pressured him to end an investigation into a top Trump aide's ties to Russia. Trump Assails Congressional Probes of His Campaign's Links to Russia -- U.S. President Donald Trump again assailed the congressional probes into his campaign's links to Russia on Wednesday, claiming opposition Democrats were blocking the testimony of one of his former aides looking to clear his name. "Witch Hunt!" Trump declared in one comment on his Twitter account. Flynn to Provide Senate Committee Documents in Russia Probe -- U.S. President Donald Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has agreed to hand over documents to the Senate intelligence committee in connection with its investigation into Russia's efforts to influence last year's U.S. presidential election. Flynn had previously refused a subpoena from the committee, with his lawyers asserting the request was too broad in what it was seeking. Activist Seeks Trumps' Help in Freeing Labor Investigators in China -- The head of a New York-based advocacy group has called on President Donald Trump and his older daughter to help secure the release of three men who reported labor violations at a Chinese company that makes shoes bearing the Ivanka Trump brand. Man With Weapons, Ammo Arrested at Trumps Washington Hotel -- A guest at President Donald Trumps Washington hotel has been arrested after police found guns and ammunition in his car. Bryan Moles was detained by Washington police early Wednesday morning at Trump International Hotel. The hotel is just blocks from the White House. Police say they found a handgun, a rifle and about 90 rounds of ammunition, after they received a tip. CNN, Other Entities Drop Comedian Kathy Griffin Over Trump Photo -- Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump admonished Kathy Griffin Wednesday for appearing in a photograph holding a reproduction of a severed, bloody head that resembled him, the comedian has lost a lucrative television job. Cable News Network (CNN) terminated an agreement with Griffin to co-host its New Year's Eve coverage, after stating earlier in the day the image was disgusting and offensive. House Committee Subpoenas Flynn, Cohen; Comey to Testify -- The House intelligence committee said Wednesday it is issuing subpoenas for former national security adviser Michael Flynn and President Donald Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as well as their businesses, as part of its investigation into Russian activities during last years election. Social Media Rushes to Define Trump's 'Covfefe' Tweet -- A midnight tweet from President Donald Trump has social media trying to find a meaning in the mysterious term "covfefe." Trump tweeted just after midnight on Wednesday: "Despite the constant negative press covfefe." The tweet immediately went viral and became one of the president's more popular posts before it was taken down after nearly six hours online. Trump poked fun at the typo, tweeting around 6 a.m., "Who can figure out the true meaning of "covfefe" ??? Enjoy!'" Canada Urged to Scrap US Pact After Woman Dies Trying to Cross Border -- Canadian politicians and refugee advocates urged the government on Wednesday to scrap a U.S. pact that has spurred asylum seekers to cross the border illegally after a woman trying to walk into Canada was found dead of possible hypothermia. Trump's Loss is Li's Gain as Berlin Rolls Out Red Carpet for China's PM -- China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang arrived in Berlin on Wednesday at the start of a European tour, poised to jump into the global climate change leadership gap left by U.S. President Donald Trump's impending withdrawal from the Paris climate pact. China's number two official was received with military honors at Chancellor Angela Merkel's office, becoming the second leader of a rising Asian giant to visit in as many days after India's Narendra Modi. Trump Hails Signing of Deals Worth 'Billions' With Vietnam -- U.S. President Donald Trump discussed trade with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a White House visit on Wednesday and welcomed the signing of business deals worth billions of dollars and the jobs they would bring. General Electric said earlier it had signed deals with Vietnam worth about $5.58 billion for power generation, aircraft engines and services, its largest ever single combined sale with the country. Gulf Arab Row Rattles Trump's Anti-Iran Axis -- Just 10 days after President Donald Trump called on Muslim countries to stand united against Iran, a public feud between Qatar and some of its Gulf Arab neighbors is jolting his attempt to tip the regional balance of power against Tehran. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are incensed by Qatar's conciliatory line on Iran, their regional archrival, and its support for Islamist groups, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, which they regard as a dangerous political enemy. European Commission Chief Upbraids Trump on Climate Stance -- The European Commission president on Wednesday said that it was the "duty of Europe" to stand up to the U.S. if President Donald Trump decided to pull his country out of the Paris climate change accord. Jean-Claude Juncker said that "the Americans can't just get out of the agreement," adding that "it takes three to four years" to pull out. Trump Nears Decision on Whether to Pull Out of Paris Climate Accord -- President Donald Trump is close to a decision on whether to pull the United States out of the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Accord. At his only appearance of the day, a photo session with visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Trump deflected questions about his decision, saying only, You are going to find out very soon. He said he had been hearing from a lot of people both ways as he considers his options. World Risks 4-year Legal Gray Zone if Trump Quits Climate Pact -- The United States could influence or even disrupt work by other nations to combat climate change until late 2020 even if President Donald Trump quits a global agreement, legal scholars said on Wednesday. Trump will honor a campaign pledge to pull out of the 195-nation Paris Agreement, a source briefed on the decision told Reuters on Tuesday. Trump tweeted he would announce his formal decision over the next few days. A Guide to Global Warming, Paris Pact and the US Role -- If President Donald Trump pulls the United States out of the international agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, what could that mean for the Earth? Here's a guide to what's in the Paris agreement, what's going on with global warming, and what might happen if the rest of the world keeps fighting man-made climate change and the U.S. stays partially or completely on the sidelines. AP Explains: Kushner and the Back Story of Back Channels -- Jared Kushner's reported attempt to establish a "back-channel" line of communication between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential transition team is proving divisive, even if such talks aren't unusual. A look at what constitutes back-channel diplomacy, some examples from history and the risks and benefits of such informal communications. Trump's Cellphone Diplomacy Raises Security Concerns -- President Donald Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly, an unusual invitation that breaks diplomatic protocol and is raising concerns about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander in chief's communications. Clinton: False Stories on Facebook Helped Trump Win Election -- Hillary Clinton on Wednesday said hoaxes and false news stories on Facebook contributed to her loss in last year's U.S. presidential election, adding to a list of factors she blames for her defeat. The former Democratic candidate said earlier this month that interference by Russian hackers and then-FBI director James Comey helped tip the election to Republican President Donald Trump. WATCH: White House press secretary on 'fake news' Trump Frustrated by 'Fake News' That Overlooks His Accomplishments -- White House spokesman Sean Spicer abruptly walked out of his press briefing Tuesday as journalists shouted questions after him, highlighting the increasingly adversarial relationship between the Trump administration and the reporters who cover it. After a testy 20-minute question-and-answer session, Spicer told the jam-packed White House briefing room that President Donald Trump was frustrated with the number of "fake news" stories being reported, while news about his accomplishments during his just-completed foreign tour was downplayed. Mexico to Review Rules of Origin to Help NAFTA Renegotiation -- Mexico's foreign minister says the country is "inevitably" set to review rules of origin when renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, giving a boost to President Donald Trump's manufacturing push. The rules dictate how much U.S. content a product assembled in Mexico must have in order to escape tariffs when being imported into the United States. Currently set at 62.5 percent for the auto industry, that number could increase. Snowden Says Democracy Under Threat by Attacks on Fake News -- Democracy and political legitimacy are increasingly under threat from attacks by politicians like U.S. President Donald Trump on fake news and free speech, former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden told a conference on Tuesday. Haley Represents Another Side of 'America First' Policy -- Nikki Haley crouched low in the trailer of an 18-wheeler, taping up a box of lentils and wheat for besieged Syrians, her hands-on diplomacy a world apart from the gleaming new NATO headquarters where President Trump was debuting his "America First" doctrine overseas. US Starts Providing Weapons to Syrian Kurds -- The United States said Tuesday that it had begun distributing arms to Syrian Kurdish militia members battling to help retake Raqqa from Islamic State, moving ahead with a war plan that has angered NATO ally Turkey. Pentagon spokesman Major Adrian Rankine-Galloway said the Kurdish fighters received small arms and vehicles from the U.S. military. He said he thought the arms were distributed earlier Tuesday. The owners of a Mexican hotel using the name Hotel California on Wednesday said a trademark infringement lawsuit by the Eagles, whose song "Hotel California" is arguably the band's most famous, should be dismissed. Hotel California Baja LLC, which runs the Todos Santos hotel in Baja California Sur, said the band long ago waived its trademark rights, having waited four decades to assert them since releasing the song "Hotel California" on a 1976 album with the same name. The owner said it "flatly denies" the Eagles' "baseless contention" that the 11-room hotel seeks to mislead travelers into thinking the property is associated with the band. "Any alleged use of plaintiff's trademarks is not likely to cause confusion, deception or mistake as to association, connection, sponsorship, endorsement, or approval of plaintiff," the owner said in a filing in Los Angeles federal court. Lawyers for the Eagles were not immediately available for comment. In their May 1 lawsuit, the Eagles said the defendant encourages guests to believe their hotel is associated with the band, including piping its music through a sound system, to sell T-shirts and other merchandise. The hotel is located about 1,000 miles (1,609 km) south of San Diego and 48 miles (77 km) north of Cabo San Lucas. It was named Hotel California at its 1950 opening, underwent some name changes, and later revived the original name after a Canadian couple, John and Debbie Stewart, bought it in 2001. U.S. District Judge Gary Klausner scheduled a conference in the case for Aug. 21. The album "Hotel California," won the 1977 Grammy Award for record of the year. The case is Eagles Ltd v Hotel California Baja LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 17-03276. Suspected al-Shabab militants killed a teacher and abducted another as they burned down a school late Wednesday in northeastern Kenya. The Kenyan MP from the region Musfafe Abdirashid told VOA's Somali Service a number of militants entered Fafi village, about 90 kilometers east of Garissa town, and created havoc. They killed one local teacher and abducted another one; also they have destroyed telecommunication masts to disrupt communications," Abdirashid said. We have informed government security forces about the attack and KDF forces were deployed to the area this morning, he added. A local reporter says the militants also burned a police car and injured three policemen who were tracking them after the attack in Fafi. Attacks by al-Shabab militants in Kenya have risen sharply in the last few weeks. On Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for a roadside bomb in coastal Lamu County that killed five security personnel. The Somalia-based militants have been active in Kenya since the government deployed troops to Somalia six years ago. Left drenched and near destitute by a cyclone that hit Bangladesh a day earlier, thousands of Rohingya refugees hunkered down in the ruins of their camps on Wednesday, waiting for help after a night in the rain. At least seven people were killed and 50 injured by Cyclone Mora, according to Mohammad Ali Hussain, the chief administrator of Cox's Bazar district, a sliver of land in southeast Bangladesh bordering Myanmar. The border area that bore the brunt of the storm is home to refugee camps for Muslim Rohingyas who have fled from their homes in northwest Myanmar to escape communal violence and Myanmar army crackdowns. "Initial reports suggest damage to shelter in camps sheltering Rohingya refugees, is severe," the Office of the U.N. Resident Coordinator for Bangladesh said. 350,000 evacuated ahead of storm The Bangladeshi government has estimated that in all, there are about 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh following a new influx last October, when the Myanmar army launched an offensive in response to insurgent attacks. Authorities in Cox's Bazar and neighboring Chittagong district evacuated 350,000 people from low-lying areas before the storm roared in from the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. But most Rohingyas remained in their flimsy shelters in the camps when the storm struck, with priority given to evacuating only the most vulnerable, like heavily pregnant women. Omar Farukh, a community leader in Kutupalong camp one of several camps for Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar described the misery of those left behind. "We have passed a difficult time. We had no tin or plastic sheets above our heads and almost all of us passed the night in the rain," Farukh told Reuters by telephone. "We tried to save our belongings, whatever we have, with pieces of plastic sheet." A senior U.N. official working in Cox's Bazar said there had been no reports of deaths in the camps, only some injuries. Floods, landslides in Sri Lanka The cyclone formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off India's southern tip, killing 202 people in recent days, authorities said, adding 96 people were missing. An Indian navy boat rescued 33 Bangladeshis at sea off Chittagong, and recovered one body, the Indian mission in Dhaka said. It was not clear if the people had been on a boat that sank or were washed into the sea by a storm surge. Further south, 10 fishermen were rescued and taken to hospital on the island of Kutubdia, said Sojan Chowdhury, officer-in-charge at the island's police station, but 134 fishermen and nine fishing boats are still missing, Mostaque Ahmed, head of the Cox's Bazar Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association, told Reuters. Airports, ports reopened Transport and communications were in chaos in northwest Myanmar, state media there said. Camps for internally displaced Rohingya in Myanmar suffered extensive damage, and there were pockets of damage in the broader community, but no reports of casualties, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. When the storm hit Bangladesh it brought wind gusting up to135 kph (85 mph) and heavy rain. By daybreak on Wednesday the storm had died down with only a steady rain falling. Airports and ports reopened. Most 'rickety houses' damaged Rohingya community leader Farukh said aid agency officials had visited the Kutupalong camp to see what was needed. A relief worker who had visited the Balukhali camp estimated that one in four huts there had been damaged but there were no serious injuries and people had begun repairs. Beyond the camps, officials were also assessing the damage elsewhere in Cox's Bazar. The chief administrator said 17,500 houses had been completely destroyed and 35,000 partially damaged in the district. Almost all rickety houses in the district were completely or partially destroyed by the cyclone. Not only Rohingya houses, Hussain said. Communications, power lost in India The cyclone lost some of its force as it moved inland and across the eastern border into India. Strong wind and heavy rain battered houses, brought down electricity lines, and damaged telecommunication towers in India's Mizoram state, cutting communications and power. The Meteorological Department said the weather system was very likely to continue to move north-northeast and weaken into a cyclonic storm and later into a depression. Other northeastern Indian states had received heavy to very heavy rainfall since Tuesday evening. Pakistan's senate demanded to know why the administration had sent its former army chief to head what some called an anti-Iran Arab military coalition, despite a 2015 parliamentary resolution that the country would maintain neutrality in regional conflicts. Senator Farhatullah Babar, who had called this issue to attention, said in the session Thursday that the strong anti-Iran sentiments expressed at a recent summit in Riyadh made it clear the coalition was "not against terrorism, it's against Iran." He was referring to a summit hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh late last month and attended by dozens of Muslim heads of state, along with the president of the United States. While the stated agenda was terrorism, strong anti-Iran rhetoric permeated key addresses, as well as the final declaration. In his speech, President Donald Trump said Iran gave terrorists safe harbor, financial backing, and the social standing needed for recruitment and asked other nations to help isolate it. King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia accused Iran of expansionist aspirations, criminal practices, and interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Concluding declaration The summit's concluding declaration blamed Iran for instability in the region and said the leaders committed to firmly confront the subversive and destructive Iranian activities inside their countries and through joint coordination. Babar said the summit seemed to send out a message that Iran was the root cause of terrorism, that it was not part of the Muslim world, and that it would be isolated. He also demanded to know why Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's administration failed to fulfill its commitment to place the terms of reference of the military coalition before the parliament before they were rectified. Political rhetoric Defending his government's position, Sharif's chief foreign policy adviser Sartaj Aziz tried to dispel the idea that the coalition was anti-Iran. The statements made at the summit, he said, were political rhetoric and had nothing to do with the terms of reference of the military coalition, which had yet to be finalized. He promised to place the terms before the parliament as soon as they were ready. The focus of the alliance is still counter terrorism, he said. Chairman Raza Rabbani responded that the anti-Iran statements came from the Saudi king himself. To expect that he who plays the flute is not going to be calling the shots is being a little optimistic, he said. Aziz also told the Senate that members of the coalition would be free to decide which activity they wanted to participate in. The choice, he said, ranged from political consultation, intelligence sharing, capacity building, counter narrative, and military cooperation. Senate assured Aziz assured the Senate that the presence of General Sharif would not affect Pakistan's foreign policy. Which led to the chairman asking, Has the government disowned General Raheel Sharif? and demanding to know how the administration planned to distance itself from military intervention in a country if its former army chief was heading the military alliance. I agree that the Riyadh conference has widened the sectarian divide, Aziz acknowledged, but asserting the presence of Sharif likely would have a neutralizing impact. Out of control Aitzaz Ahsan, another senator belonging to the opposition People's Party, told VOA that Aziz's responses were an effort to conceal the fact that things went out of their control. [The government] joined an alliance without knowing what the alliance was all about. It went to a conference without knowing what the ultimate declaration of the conference would be. States don't do that, Ahsan said. He added that General Sharif probably still did not know what he had committed to. Parliament was clear, according to Ahsan, that Pakistani troops could not be committed to any foreign adventure at all on behalf of any Muslim state fighting another Muslim state. An exception for holy cities The only exception was the defense of Mecca and Medina, the two cities considered holy in Islam, he noted. Saudi Arabia initially announced the military coalition in December, 2015. It started off with 34 members but has expanded to 40. Defense ministers of the member states were supposed to meet and develop programs and mechanisms of the coalition, though the meeting has not yet taken place. When General Sharif's name originally appeared as a candidate to head the military coalition, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khwaja Asif said the government would discuss this issue in parliament before allowing him to go. That never happened. Israel's finance minister met with the Palestinian prime minster in the West Bank city of Ramallah this week in the wake of President Donald Trump's recent visit to the region, Israeli and Palestinian officials said Thursday. It's the first such meeting between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials in Ramallah since 2014, when U.S.-mediated peace talks collapsed. Moshe Kahlon's office said on Thursday that he and Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai of the Israeli defense body COGAT met with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah this week. The office said they discussed the goodwill gestures Israel approved ahead of Trump's visit, aimed in part at laying the groundwork for restarting peace talks. The measures include construction permits for Palestinians in parts of the West Bank that had previously been off limits, economic concessions and expanded hours at the Jordan border crossing. Palestinian government spokesman Yousif al-Mahmoud confirmed the meeting and added that the focus should be on the political solution to the conflict and that economic incentives are not enough. South Sudan's President Salva Kiir is no longer running the national dialogue. Dialogue co-chairman Angelo Beda said Thursday the president relinquished his position as patron, and the process is now in the hands of all South Sudanese. The president initiated the dialogue late last year, saying it would end the ongoing conflict and address other problems facing the country. Many observers inside and outside the country criticized Kiir's decision to put himself in charge of the dialogue he announced in December. Beda said when the president swore in the 92-member steering committee late last month, he decided to give up his role as patron so that citizens would have more faith in the process. He has relinquished patronage over this process because of the criticisms that have come around, and has left it free for us. We the two chairpersons should see to it that we are the ones moving with it ahead, Beda said. Co-chairs named to lead process He said he and Abel Alier, the other co-chair of the dialogue's steering committee, will open the process to all South Sudanese, so they can speak out honestly and without fear. To talk about the grievances all over among the 64 tribes, either with the government or among themselves. They are going to discuss the war, they are going to discuss the conflicts, they are going to discuss the killings either for cattle rustling or for land or by the government's army, which is supposed to protect us and is killing us, Beda added. Beda said the president has taken other positive steps to create a conducive environment for the dialogue, including changing the leadership of both the army and the ministry of finance, and releasing political detainees. But he said President Kiir also should extend an invitation to rebel leader Riek Machar. Although he has said Riek specifically should not come, we are not going to lose hope. There are many things he said he wouldn't do and he did them through persuasion, Beda said. Addressing religious leaders in Juba Thursday, Beda said faith groups have a key role to play in helping South Sudanese reconcile and heal their grievances. Religious leaders ready to help Reverend Apolo Alfred, secretary general of the Africa Inland Church of South Sudan and Sudan, said religious leaders are more than happy to deliver the message of peace throughout South Sudan. As soon as we go out of here on Sundays we shall convey the message of peace, the message of reconciliation, the message of unity, the message of oneness of this country, the same people, the same brothers and sisters. If there's something we share and talk it over as children of one family, said Rev. Alfred. Joseph Marial, director of education at South Sudan's Islamic Council, says his faith also promotes peace and reconciliation. We want our people to come together with our Christian brothers and others who don't even have a religion. We want peace to be in the whole country, Marial said. Security a concern Roy Samson, a member of Mothers' Union at the Christian Brotherhood Church in South Sudan, said religious leaders should do their best to reach all the people of South Sudan, and the government should secure the states outside of the capital. They say we have to deliver the national dialogue to all the areas in South Sudan all the way down to the grassroots, but now even me myself I cannot reach my village because of insecurity; all the roads are blocked. You cannot go even to the nearest place outside of Juba, Samson said. When the national dialogue's steering committee was sworn in, it signaled the official launch of the dialogue. Grassroots, regional and national meetings and consultations are expected to begin soon. Rolling Stones fans are sure to get some satisfaction from an upcoming auction to benefit a pair of Connecticut charities that help autistic adults. The Stamford Advocate reports that Stones guitarist Keith Richards and his wife, Patti Hansen, are donating items from their Manhattan apartment to benefit the Prospector Theater and Sphere Inc., both based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Hansen's nephew has received services from the organizations. The couple lives in nearby Weston. The 73-year-old Richards' guitars and flamboyant stage costumes aren't on the auction block. Instead, items for sale include Italian, French and English furniture, Persian carpets, paintings, Waterford crystal and even a skull-motif china tea set. The auction is being handled by Stair Galleries in Hudson, New York, on June 24. The preview begins June 10. Forensic scientists this month will start trying to identify the remains of Argentine soldiers buried in anonymous graves on the Falkland Islands after the country's 1982 conflict with Britain, the head of the mission said on Thursday. There are 123 such graves in Darwin Cemetery in the South Atlantic, one of which contains multiple bodies, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives overseeing the mission said at a news conference. The ICRC has been interviewing families of dead Argentine soldiers since 2012 and around 100 have consented to DNA testing. "I hope we will succeed in matching some of the graves," head of the mission Laurent Corbaz said. "The plaque on the graves should not remain 'Argentina soldier known only by God.'" In Britain's two-month-long war to reclaim the Falklands, 255 British and about 650 Argentine soldiers died, and it is still a sore point for Argentina. Argentina's President Mauricio Macri has adopted a softer tone than his predecessor Cristina Fernandez but he has not relinquished Argentina's claim to the islands it calls Malvinas. Argentina and Britain signed an agreement in December to try to identify the soldiers, splitting the $1.5 million cost. The team will consist of ICRC forensic scientists as well as two experts each from Argentina and Britain. Exhumation and bone sampling is to begin on June 19 and will likely continue into August, Corbaz said, assuming one to three bodies per day can be analyzed and reburied. The ICRC chose the southern hemisphere winter to avoid interfering with tourism and sheep farming, Corbaz said. DNA comparisons and analysis will be done at a lab in Cordoba, Argentina, and a final report should be ready by the end of the year, he added. Families will be informed of a match in an interview. Retired British Army Colonel Geoffrey Cardozo, who then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered in 1983 to recover the dead from various points on the island and set up Darwin Cemetery, will accompany part of the ICRC mission, Corbaz said. "Fortunately he is still alive and accepted to accompany us for the first week" to help explain how he organized the cemetery, he said. Three U.S. Republican senators Wednesday criticized a law enacted by Egypt to regulate the work of nongovernmental organizations as a sign of a draconian crackdown on human rights. The measure, issued Monday after being ratified by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, restricts NGO activity to developmental and social work and introduces jail terms of up to five years for noncompliance. Egyptian lawmakers said the law was necessary to protect national security. The government has long accused human rights groups of taking foreign funds to sow chaos, and several are facing investigation over their funding. McCain and Graham President el-Sisis decision to ratify the draconian legislation ... that regulates the work of nongovernmental organizations is the latest sign of a growing crackdown on human rights and peaceful dissent in Egypt, Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said in a joint statement. McCain, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Graham said the U.S. Congress should in response strengthen democratic benchmarks and human rights conditions on U.S. assistance for Egypt. Rubio statement That sentiment was echoed by Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who said the law would have a terrible impact on Egypts ability to make reforms and would have implications for U.S.-Egypt relations. This law is a direct attack on independent civil society in Egypt, Rubio said in a statement. Egypt is one of Washingtons closest allies in the Middle East, receiving $1.3 billion in U.S. military aid annually. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Sisi after a meeting in Saudi Arabia last week, saying the Egyptian leader had done a tremendous job under trying circumstance. A military trial opened Tuesday in South Sudan for 20 soldiers accused of murder and rape in an attack on international aid workers last year. Thirteen of the suspects, all in military uniform, were in court in Juba to hear the charges against them: murder, rape, torture and looting during an attack last July on the Terrain Hotel complex in the South Sudanese capital. The chief military prosecutor said the accused could face the death penalty if found guilty. Proceedings began at the Giada Barracks in Juba. Four of the defendants wore insignia of the Tiger Brigade, the country's presidential guard. Lieutenant General Mangar Buong, an assistant chief of defense forces for administration, finance and personnel, said the trial proves the Sudan People's Liberation Army does not condone human-rights abuses. The trial is the first known prosecution of government forces members on rape charges. The chief prosecutor, Colonel Abubakar Mohammed Ramadhan, asked the Terrain Hotel's manager to describe what happened last July 11. Witness Michael Woodward said 50 to 100 armed soldiers, along with a vehicle-mounted machine gun, broke through the gates of the hotel and burst inside after overpowering security guards: "They started vandalizing and shooting. During this time, another group started stealing the vehicles. A total of 18 were stolen, nine belonging to the hotel. At around 4:30 p.m., physical attacks ... started. This included the murder of one man, John Gatluak, working with Internews. They gang-raped at least five women workers for international organizations," Woodward testified. Fight against impunity Prosecutor Philips Anyang told VOA's South Sudan In Focus that the trial marks a step forward in the fight against impunity in South Sudan. "It is a great gesture because this case has been going on for almost a year, and the whole world has been waiting for it. The start today gives us a green light that there is hope for justice at some stage," Anyang said outside the courtroom. Human Rights Watch has corroborated the hotel manager's testimony that female aid workers were threatened at gunpoint and raped. A report by the rights group said terrified aid workers called for help from United Nations troops stationed 1,200 meters away from the Terrain complex, but there was no response. The defense attorney in the military proceedings, First Lieutenant Peter Malual Deng, asked for further trial sessions to be postponed until he could familiarize himself with details of the case. His request was granted, and the trial is due to resume June 6. Some skeptical of progress Some analysts are not convinced the military trials will mark an end to impunity for crimes committed by soldiers. Amnesty International researcher Elizabeth Deng said there were crucial flaws in Tuesday's proceedings, and that holding the trial in Juba's chief military barracks could have an intimidating effect on victims of the attacks who might be called to testify. "We oppose the use of military courts for crimes against civilians," Deng said. "And in fact, the SPLA Act itself provides that whenever a military personnel commits an offense against a civilian or civilian property, the civil court shall assume jurisdiction over such offense," Deng noted. Seven months ago, the army said it had arrested more than 70 soldiers suspected of committing various crimes last year during a period of unrest that included the Terrain Hotel attack. No convictions or sentences for those men has yet been announced, however; authorities say a lack of evidence has hampered their investigations. Neither did the Amnesty International researcher agree a trial would mark a step toward accountability for the armed forces. For one thing, she said, the venue Juba's military barracks could foster an atmosphere of intimidation. "For people who lived in Juba, we know that this is where the violence in December 2013 broke out," Deng said. "That Giada [military barracks] is notorious as a place for detention and forced disappearance and torture. And that it is a place filled with military personnel. "So when you have the alleged perpetrators who are members of the military themselves, it is extremely unlikely that victims or witnesses would feel comfortable and safe participating in, attending [or] giving testimony that takes place within the military barracks." Many foreign victims of last year's outbreak of violence are no longer in South Sudan, Deng noted, adding: "It will take a special commitment and effort to contact them and to ensure their availability, whether by scheduling them to come to South Sudan or allowing them to testify via video link. So I think this will require a prosecution that is really committed and diligent." Some contestants traced letters on their palms, while other word whizzes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee searched the ceiling for inspiration on Wednesday as they edged closer to the $40,000 top prize. The youngest-ever competitor, Edith Fuller, who turned 6 on April 22, was among the 259 youths still spelling at midday from a starting field of 291. "It feels really exciting," Fuller, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, told reporters who asked what it was like to be the youngest speller at the 90th national bee. Wearing a navy blue dress with a black bow in her wavy blond hair, Fuller said she planned to compete again next year "if I don't win this time." Her mother said she quizzed her daughter on words up to five times a day but limited each session to 20 minutes. "She does all the work in her mind," said Annie Fuller, who home-schools her daughter. "The spelling did come as a surprise because we never explicitly tried to teach our children spelling." Before the lunch break on Wednesday, Edith Fuller successfully spelled the word nyctinasty, which describes the movement of plants, causing the crowd at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center to burst into applause. Others who also moved on to the next round at the Washington-area resort correctly spelled words such as gneiss, brachiopods and dactylology, while some struck out on the words quokka and toile. The competition for the spelling specialists, ages 6 to 15, concludes with finals Thursday. More than 11 million youths competed in earlier spelling bees in all 50 U.S. states, U.S. territories from Puerto Rico to Guam, and several nations, from Jamaica to Japan, contest officials said. New rules this year are aimed at preventing tie endings like last year's, when joint winners both got $40,000 cash prizes. Bee officials will administer a Tiebreaker Test to all spellers in the competition at 6 p.m. (2200 GMT) Thursday. It will consist of 12 spelling words, which contestants will handwrite, and 12 multiple-choice vocabulary questions. If it is mathematically impossible for one champion to emerge through 25 rounds, officials will declare the speller with the highest tiebreaker score the winner. If there is a tie on the test, judges will declare co-champions. Syria's conflict is tilting to the east of the war-wracked country, where Syrian army forces and Shiite allies this week launched several offensives in the desert bordering Iraq and the U.S.-led coalition conducted a series of airstrikes. One strike Wednesday killed a senior Islamic State propagandist. U.S.-backed Sunni rebels also have been mounting raids along the Syria-Iraq border. Syrian government officials claim to have inflicted heavy losses on IS since Wednesday with attacks by the regimes Republican Guard to the west of Deir al-Zor and by the Syrian Arab Armys 104th and 123rd brigades in prolonged skirmishes in the citys al-Rishdieh and al-Hawiqah districts. The attacks mark a surge in the regimes weeks-long military offensive in eastern Syria, which has coincided with repeated hints by the leaders of Iranian-backed Iraqi Shiite militias that they may decide to cross the border, move into Syria and link up with the forces of President Bashar al-Assad. The militias have been redoubling their efforts to clear IS fighters from villages on the Iraqi side of the border. The military movements not only are squeezing Islamic State and hindering the jihadists from going back and forth across the border, which in the past they have used to great tactical advantage, according to analysts. They also appear to be tied to a jockeying for position among rival local forces backed by different powers, raising the specter of Syria's partition, dividing the country into zones of influence. Aron Lund, an analyst at The Century Foundation, a U.S.-based research institution, says the moves are not just about driving out IS from eastern Syria, but preventing rivals from filling the void. The presence of foreign embeds and air cover for many of the forces now fighting in Syria Russian and Iranian troops on Assad's side, Americans with the Kurds, Turkish special forces among some rebels, Jordanian and American or even Norwegian advisers among other rebels is another driver of the eastward motion, Lund said. As the Islamic State contracts, Assad and some of his rivals are hurrying to grab as much as they can of the Euphrates and border areas, while they are still in play, he added in an email to VOA. Some U.S. analysts argue that the push eastward by Assads forces which escalated after May 4 Russian-brokered "peace talks" in the Kazakh capital of Astana that saw Moscow, Tehran and Ankara sign off on a cease-fire for four western and southern Syria territories is part of a Damascus-Tehran plan to block the United States and any proxy forces from expanding into eastern Syria. These movements suggest that pro-regime forces intend to insert themselves into the campaigns against IS in Raqqa city and Deir al-Zor province - thereby preempting long-term expansion by the U.S. in eastern Syria, said Chris Kozak of the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based research institution. The institute has warned that a linking of Assads forces with Iraqs Iranian-backed militias would strengthen Tehrans hand in both Syria and Iraq across the Levant, undermining the Trump administrations stated aim of opposing the expansion of Iranian influence in the region. It has advocated that the U.S. refocus its campaign against IS in Syria toward Deir al-Zor province as a long-term base for operations against both IS and the Russo-Iranian Coalition in Syria. Airstrikes, launched by both the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian regime, as well as Iraqi government warplanes, continued to pummel parts of eastern Syria into Thursday, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based watchdog that relies on a network of activists inside Syria for its information. The observatory had no details on casualties, but last week, the U.N.s human rights chief warned of a rising toll of civilian deaths in both Deir al-Zor and Raqqa, the one-time de facto capital of IS. Zeid Raad al-Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called in a statement for all air forces operating in Syria to take greater care to distinguish between legitimate military targets and civilians. His statement came after reports of at least 35 civilian deaths in an airstrike on al-Mayadin, a town held by the jihadists near Deir al-Zor. Some of the civilians were thought to be family members of foreign IS fighters. Many of the groups fighters have been massing in Syrias Euphrates basin area after fleeing from other fronts in both Syria and Iraq. Spokesmen for the U.S.-led coalition say they try to be careful to avoid civilian casualties in airstrikes, but are faced with challenges because jihadists are mixed in with civilians and use them as human shields. On Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in an interview with CBS the Pentagon was doing everything humanly possible to avoid noncombatant casualties as it pursued annihilation tactics against IS. Some NGOs say the civilian death toll is likely to climb amid President Donald Trumps accelerated pace of combat. The U.S.-led coalition has officially acknowledged responsibility for more than 450 civilian deaths since its bombing campaign began in 2014, including 105 in Mosul, Iraq in March. Emmanuel Rutema couldn't keep the smile off his face as he tested out his new prosthetic arm and promptly knocked himself on the nose. "Be careful with your face!" the hospital prosthetist told the boy whose grin just grew wider. Rutema is one of four Tanzanian children with albinism visiting the United States to get prosthetic limbs to replace those hacked off in brutal superstition-driven attacks in their East African homeland. At Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia on Tuesday, three of them got the new limbs that will help them do everyday tasks most people take for granted. Rutema, the oldest at 15, speaks with difficulty. His attackers chopped off one arm and the fingers of the other hand and tried to pull out his tongue and teeth. Also getting prosthetics were Baraka Lusambo, 7, and Mwigulu Magesa, 14, each of whom lost parts of their arms in attacks. People with albinism live in danger in Tanzania, where their body parts are used in witchcraft and can fetch a high price. Superstition leads many to believe they are ghosts and bad luck. Albinism is a congenital disorder affecting about one in 20,000 people worldwide who lack pigment in their skin, hair and eyes, but it is more common in sub-Saharan Africa and affects about one Tanzanian in 1,400. The Tanzanian children are getting treatment in the United States with support from the Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF), a New York-based charity that hosts children from around the world who have been injured in conflict or disaster. Threats and murder Elissa Montanti, founder of GMRF, called the children from Tanzania "gentle souls." "When they come here, they have lost so much. They have lost part of their youth and part of their dignity," Montanti told Reuters at the Philadelphia hospital. "We put them back together. When they go back, they have a stronger sense of empowerment. I see such a difference." For these children, this is the second trip to the United States for prosthetics and they leave next week. They first came two years ago, and they have returned for larger limbs because they have grown. They could return again for larger equipment. Their new arms are attached with shoulder harnesses, and the elbows and fingers are controlled with cables. Within minutes, Lusambo, the youngest, was clowning around, using his new hand to erect a tower of plastic building blocks and chomping on a candy lollipop. Magesa was more serious, and stood stiffly as the prosthetist tugged at his harness straps and tightened its buckles. Asked what he would be doing at home in Tanzania with his new arm, he said: "Washing clothes." The children attend boarding school and live in so-called safe houses in Tanzania. They rarely go out in public because it frightens them and could put them in danger, said Ester Rwela, a social worker with the charity Under the Same Sun who came with them to the United States. United Nations officials estimate at least 75 albinos were killed in the east African nation between 2000 and 2015, but fear the number of reported attacks represent just a small fraction of the total, as most are secretive rituals in rural areas. Under the Same Sun runs a public awareness campaign to dispel notions that the bodies of people with albinism have special powers or should be sacrificed for their limbs. Superstition holds that having a piece of a person with albinism can bring luck finding a well-stocked fishing site or a plentiful gold mine or bring a victory in politics, Rwela said. "What we are fighting with is the mindset of the people," she said. "When a witch doctor says, 'Bring me a part of an albino and you will be successful,' they go and do it. Someone can be educated, but they believe in superstition to be successful." U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Thursday he was confident that Congress would raise the federal debt limit "before there's an issue" with U.S. creditworthiness, and he pledged that the Trump administration's tax reform plans would be paid for. "We're going to get it increased," Mnuchin told Fox Business Network about the debt limit. "The credit of the United States is the utmost. I've said to Congress they should do it as quickly as they can. But we are very focused on working with them and I'm confident we'll get there before there's an issue." Mnuchin said last week that he wanted a "clean" debt ceiling increase before the start of Congress' summer recess in early August. Mnuchin said that it "makes no sense" to view the Trump administration's tax reform plans through a "static" budget analysis that does not account for economic growth effects. He has previously pledged that increased economic growth would generate more revenue to offset lower tax rates. "We're about creating economic growth, we're about broadening the base and we're going to make sure that this is tax reform, not just tax cuts, and that they're paid for," Mnuchin said. Gunmen shot dead a Venezuelan judge at a street barricade in the latest fatality of two months of anti-government unrest that has seen at least 61 people killed, authorities said on Thursday. Nelson Moncada, 37, was killed and stripped of his belongings as he tried to get away from the roadblock on Wednesday night in Caracas' El Paraiso district, the scene of regular clashes, the state prosecutor's office said. It was unclear why Moncada had been targeted. There was violence around the capital on Wednesday after security forces forcibly broke up tens of thousands of opposition supporters marching on government offices downtown, and skirmishes continued into the night. Protesters frequently block roads with trash and burning tires, sometimes asking passers-by for contributions toward a self-styled "Resistance" movement against President Nicolas Maduro. Some local news sites said the incident in which Moncada was killed appeared to be a robbery while others noted he had presided in the controversial case of Bassil Da Costa, a protester shot during another wave of anti-Maduro demonstrations in 2014. Victims from the violence then and this year have included supporters on both sides, bystanders and members of the security forces. El Paraiso has seen nightly clashes between demonstrators, pro-government gangs and National Guard soldiers. Venezuela's opposition is demanding new elections to replace the unpopular socialist president whom foes accuse of wrecking the OPEC nation's economy and of becoming a dictator. Maduro, 54, calls them coup-mongers seeking his violent overthrow with U.S. support akin to the short-lived toppling of his predecessor Hugo Chavez in 2002. While the state prosecutor's office has noted 61 deaths in protests and lootings that began in early April, Venezuela's state ombudsman Tarek Saab put the figure at 65. At a news conference, he noted there had been arrests or warrants issued for 35 members of the security forces over the fatalities. Rights campaigners say 3,000 people have also been arrested, of whom nearly half remain behind bars. Venezuela's pro-government Supreme Court ordered opposition leader Henrique Capriles on Wednesday to avoid roadblocks in the Miranda state that he governs, or face jail. Miranda includes part of the capital Caracas, and the volatile towns of San Antonio de Los Altos and Los Teques, where anti-government street barricades have been common. The 44-year-old lawyer narrowly lost a 2013 vote to Maduro after Chavez's death from cancer, and has been at the forefront of this year's protests, calling for civil disobedience. Authorities have already barred Capriles from running for new political posts for 15 years, on allegations of "administrative irregularities" that he denies, potentially hobbling another bid to run in 2018 when the next presidential vote is due. The United Nations warns a new spiral of escalating violence in the Central African Republic is threatening to wipe out progress made since 2013 toward peace and reconciliation. Renewed fighting between Christian anti-Balaka militia and the ex-Seleka Muslim rebels in mid-May continues to take a heavy toll. The United Nations reports more than 100,000 people have fled their homes, more than 100 have been killed and hundreds of others wounded. The U.N.'s humanitarian coordinator for C.A.R., Najat Rochdi, says the peace dividend people were beginning to enjoy has all but disappeared. She warns worse lies ahead if the humanitarian and protection needs of the people continue to be forgotten by the International community. Today, they face the imminent risk that their communities, the entire country slides back into the abyss of conflict and violence, causing new suffering and jeopardizing all fragile gains and peace dividend, she said. Rochdi says the international community urgently needs to step up its support. She says money is desperately needed to provide humanitarian aid to millions of people in the C.A.R. living on a knifes edge. She warns little time is left to stabilize the situation in the country. Otherwise, a last window of opportunity risks being shut very soon and the armed groups will fill the vacuum and gain more legitimacy, gain more power. But, then it means that we abandon the population and we abandon the communities to be the hostage of those armed groups, she said. Rochdi says half of the countrys population of 5 million depends on international aid for survival. She says two out of three people do not have access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation or health care. She says the C.A.R.s children have some of the highest levels of chronic malnutrition in the world. The U.N. official notes aid agencies are unable to provide the needed help because the United Nations has received only 25 percent of its $400 million humanitarian appeal. Afghan officials are blaming Wednesday's massive truck bombing that killed more than 100 and injured over 400 in the Afghan capital on the Taliban-affiliated and al-Qaida-linked Haqqani network. Here's what is known about the group: What is the Haqqani network? The Haqqani network is a militant group that continues to fight Afghan and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Afghan officials and international terrorism authorities consider it the most lethal terrorist group in Afghanistan. It has been blamed for some of the deadliest violence in the country, including attacks on embassies in Kabul, the Afghan parliament building, local residents and U.S. military bases. When was the network founded? Jalaluddin Haqqani, a former anti-Soviet commander in Afghanistan, formed the network. In 1995, he pledged allegiance to the Taliban, which emerged a year earlier from a network of madrassas in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The network became a component of the Taliban and helped it capture the capital, Kabul, in 1996. Haqqani was appointed minister of tribal affairs, a position he held through 2001, when the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan ousted the Taliban. Haqqani is believed to have studied in the Dar al-Ulum Haqqaniyaa madrassa in Pakistan, which is widely known for links to, and has publicly expressed sympathies for, the Taliban. One of his two wives is from the United Arab Emirates. He is held in high regard in largely Sunni Gulf Arab states. Who leads the network? Because of ill health, Haqqani handed over operational control of the group to his son, Sirajuddin, who also acts as deputy leader of the Taliban. Khalil al-Rahman Haqqani, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist, is a major fundraiser for the network. He has reportedly engaged in weapons training and distribution by the network, according to a Stanford University research paper on the group. Anas Haqqani, Jalaluddin Haqqani's son from his Emirati wife, is in Afghan custody and has been sentenced to death by a local court. The Taliban has warned of "disastrous consequences" if Anas is executed. Where is the network based? The group is reportedly based in Miram Shah, a town in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in northern Pakistan where it operates base camps for conducting activities, including weapons acquisitions, training of suicide bombers and logistical planning for military operations, according to media reports. Kabul and U.S. officials have long accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence of covertly providing sanctuaries to the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. Pakistan denies any links. How large is the network? According to various estimates, the number of group members ranges from 3,000 to over 10,000. The network is reportedly well-funded with support from various sources, including from wealthy Arab Gulf individuals. Haqqani and his sons have frequently traveled to the Arab Gulf countries to solicit funds. Haqqani, who speaks fluent Arabic, established personal connections with many individuals and organizations in the Arab Gulf region. The network has also generated funds through criminal activities such as smuggling of Afghan mineral supplies. How is the network linked to militant groups? In addition to its Taliban ties, the network has forged alliances with several militant groups, including al-Qaida, Tehreek-i-Taliban in Pakistan, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has been accused of orchestrating a 2008 attack in India that killed 166 people. The network is believed to be holding several Western nationals, including two faculty members of American University who were abducted from Kabul last year. What are the possible links to Wednesday's bombing? "The attack has a signature of the Haqqani network," Marvin Weinbaum, an analyst at the Middle East Institute in Washington, told VOA's Urdu service. "They've pulled off some of the most dramatic attacks on Kabul over the last several years. So in that sense, you cannot separate this from the Taliban in general, because Sirajuddin, who heads the Haqqani network, is effectively the military commander of the whole Taliban. ... Of course, the Afghans will identify Haqqani because that's the link to, and they want to pin this on, ISI. Whether or not they were involved is another matter. At least that much is clear that it probably was Haqqani network." Ariana, a local Afghan TV channel, reported that two senior members of the Haqqani network executed the bombing with the help of a Pakistani army general, a former Pakistani diplomat in Kabul. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria, in his weekly news briefing on Thursday, described the Afghan claim of Pakistan's involvement in the Kabul attack as "baseless." "We dismiss Afghanistan's allegations over the Kabul bomb attack," he said. The White House on Wednesday disclosed a group of former lobbyists working in President Donald Trump's administration who have been issued ethics waivers, following a request from the U.S. government's ethics agency. The list of at least 11 waivers includes White House adviser Kellyanne Conway and Trump's Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, according to a chart issued on the White House website. Conway is permitted to "participate in communications and meetings involving former clients which are political, advocacy, trade or non-profit organizations," while Priebus, a former Republican National Committee chairman, is allowed to have communications and meetings with the RNC, the document says. Shortly after taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order barring lobbyists who joined the administration from working on issues related to their prior work. But the administration has the power to grant waivers to particular hires, exempting them from that restriction. Also on the list is Michael Catanzaro, a special assistant to the president and a former oil and gas lobbyist, who is cleared to weigh in on energy policy. Daniel Epstein, associate counsel to the president, "may provide legal advice to the White House Office or any agency of the executive branch and to take positions adverse to Cause of Action Institute." Shahira Knight, a special assistant to the president who formerly worked for Fidelity, a financial services company, "may participate in broad policy matters and particular matters of general applicability relating to tax, retirement and financial services issues." Andrew Olmem, a special assistant to Trump who worked as an attorney to the Senate Banking Committee during the financial crisis, is cleared to join meetings with former clients involving Puerto Rico's fiscal issues, along with a wide range of activities involving financial regulation. Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), had promised in a letter on Friday that the White House would comply with a request from the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to provide information on which former lobbyists are working in the administration. Mulvaney said in the letter that the administration was not seeking to impede efforts by OGE to obtain that information, despite earlier protests from Walter Shaub, the agency's director. Shaub, an appointee under President Barack Obama in the final year of a five-year term, had requested in April copies of waivers the Trump administration granted to former lobbyists now appointed to positions in the government. Those requests were sent to agencies across the administration, seeking waivers that would allow former lobbyists to work on issues they had been involved with as paid advocates. But OMB requested a stay of that request, prompting a fierce response from Shaub. He called the request "highly unusual" and said his agency has the authority to take "corrective action proceedings" against agencies that refuse its requests. In his Friday response, Mulvaney said the requested stay was not an attempt to stifle OGE efforts but rather to provide more time to "ensure sufficient consideration was given to legal questions." "OMB has never sought to impede OGE," he wrote. Mulvaney closed the letter by saying the OMB did not grant any lobbyist waivers itself. The world pays the least attention to humanitarian crises when they force Africans from their homes, dashing hopes of peace, hindering reconstruction and increasing the risk of radicalization, an aid agency said Thursday. Central African Republic topped the Norwegian Refugee Council's (NRC) annual list of neglected displacement crises. It was followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, the Palestinian territories, Ukraine, Myanmar and Somalia. "The fact that most of these people do not turn up at our doorsteps gives us no right to close our eyes to their suffering, and does not remove our responsibility to assist," NRC Secretary General Jan Egeland said in a statement. "Economic support to alleviate humanitarian crises must be given based on needs, and not ... geopolitical interests." Limited political will to achieve peace, scant media attention and a lack of aid funding mean crises are likely to worsen and trigger even more displacement, the NRC said. Chronic conflict involving militias in countries such as Central African Republic and Congo could drive more and more people into armed groups, said Richard Skretteberg of the NRC. "When you combine limited state presence in much of these countries, mass displacement, and a lack of protection and aid for civilians, this creates a fertile breeding ground for radicalization," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Rebuilding and working towards peace are difficult when so many people are displaced," the NRC senior adviser added. 1 million people displaced One in five Central Africans about a million people is displaced, and at least 100,000 were newly uprooted last month in some of the worst violence between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian militias since conflict began in 2013. Spreading ethnic violence in Congo has forced more than 1.5 million people to flee their homes within the country this year more than triple the number uprooted within Syria and five times the number within Iraq, according to the NRC. The United Nations has received just a fifth of the $812.5 million sought in the humanitarian appeal for Congo this year,and 25 percent of the $400 million requested for Central African Republic, the U.N.'s Financial Tracking Service shows. Africa's arid Sahel belt, which stretches from Senegal to Eritrea and lies south of the Sahara desert, topped the NRC's index last year, followed by Yemen and Libya. Zimbabwes 93 year-old president Robert Mugabe is expected to hit the campaign trail this week as the country prepares for crucial elections in 2018. According to NewsDay newspaper, Mr. Mugabes election campaign is being spearheaded by party youth and not war veterans, widely seen to be aligning with a Zanu PF faction said to be led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who allegedly harbors presidential ambitions. The newspaper quoted several members of the partys Youth League who confirmed that they are currently preparing for the nationwide rallies. Zanu PF Youth League political commissar, Innocent Hamandishe, said, Instead of organising a million-man march, the league has decided that we will take the president to the provinces. Mr. Mugabe, who has been in power for more than 37 years and is facing some nagging health issues, will be the oldest ever presidential candidate at 94 next year to run in a national presidential poll. Zanu PF is gripped by factionalism pitting Mnangagwa and another group said to be led by the presidents wife, Grace Mugabe, who allegedly wants to succeed her husband. Mnangagwa and Mrs. Mugabe have in the past dismissed reports that they want to succeed the Zimbabwean leader. Zimbabwe is currently facing serious cash shortages due to diminished foreign direct investment, lack of capital to revamp companies, subdued production and related issues. Opposition parties are in the process of crafting coalition designed to unseat Zanu PF. An unnamed employee of federal contracting giant Booz Allen Hamilton temporarily left sensitive government passwords exposed online last week, raising questions about the McLean companys cybersecurity practices after drawing scrutiny for the way top secret data was mishandled in two earlier, high-profile cases. The leak was discovered when an unaffiliated cyber analyst named Chris Vickery happened upon the passwords while trying to guess Internet addresses that might be used in certain Web servers. His company Upguard published his findings in a Wednesday blog post. Booz Allen Hamilton and its government customer, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, both said that the passwords could not have been used to access classified information. The agency says it invalidated the affected passwords immediately after being notified of the incident. A Booz Allen Hamilton spokesman described the incident as an isolated mistake made by one employee. It appears that this is an individuals mistake, spokesman James Fisher said. While any incident of this nature is unacceptable and we hope to learn from it, so far we see this event as having limited impact. Fisher declined to name the employee, citing personnel rules, saying only the company is taking appropriate action. Cybersecurity experts decried the leak, arguing that leaving government passwords unprotected online could give hackers a point of entry to other networks, even if they didnt provide direct access to classified databases. If an outsider like Vickery could find the information by trying random Web addresses, a hacker could just as easily do the same. Its just straight up sloppiness, laziness, and really not adhering to policies, said Bob Wandell, vice president of services at Nehemiah Security, a Tysons-based cybersecurity company. The passwords in question were stored on an Amazon cloud server, which organizations use to host and share projects. Individuals and organizations can rent storage space online and share access through common Web addresses, or URLs, similar to filesharing services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. (Amazon founder Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Hackers are constantly scanning the whole cloud environment they do this repeatedly just to wait for someone to make a mistake like this, said Tim Prendergast, a cloud security expert with cybersecurity firm Evident.io. I think were going to see more of these over time as cloud computing continues to accelerate its growth. The findings are the latest blow for Booz Allen Hamilton, which has come under scrutiny in recent years after employees leaked highly classified information to the public. Edward Snowden, whose 2013 disclosures of classified National Security Agency information upended a number of government surveillance programs, was a Booz Allen Hamilton contractor. More recently, a longtime Booz Allen Hamilton employee named Harold Martin III was charged with hoarding a massive cache of classified NSA data in his home and car. The leaks brought to light Wednesday appear to be much less consequential. Its possible the employee wanted to avoid the hassle of frequent log-ins while working on a project. They probably did it for convenience, Vickery said. Thus far we have no reason to believe it was a purposeful leak. That Amazons cloud server was being used to service a contract with a U.S. intelligence agency is indicative of a broader shift happening across the government, as data and applications move off individual computers and internal networks and into less costly and more adaptable cloud-based systems. Capitalizing on that shift within the government is a key component of Booz Allen Hamiltons business strategy. AUTOMOBILES Germany says Audi cheated on emissions Audis emissions scandal flared up again Thursday after the German government accused the carmaker of cheating emissions tests with its top-end models, the first time Audi has been accused of this kind of wrongdoing in its home country. The German Transport Ministry said it has asked Volkswagens luxury division to recall about 24,000 A7 and A8 models built between 2009 and 2013, about half of which were sold in Germany. The ministry said the affected Audi models with Euro-5 emission standards emit about twice the legal limit of nitrogen oxides when the steering wheel is turned more than 15 degrees. It is the first time that Audis top-of-the-line A8 sedan has been implicated in emissions cheating. The ministry said it has issued a June 12 deadline for Audi to come up with a comprehensive plan to refit the cars. The 80,000 3.0-liter vehicles affected by Volkswagens emissions cheating scandal in the United States included the Audi A6, A7 and Q7 models, as well as Porsche and VW vehicles. Reuters TECHNOLOGY Uber posts huge loss; finance chief to leave Uber posted a $708 million loss in the most recent quarter and said that its head of finance is leaving. He is the latest executive to depart in what has been a tough year for the ride-sharing company. Uber said its first-quarter loss was narrower than the $991 million loss it posted in the previous quarter. It had revenue of $3.4 billion, up 18 percent from the final quarter of last year. Even before the announced departure of finance head Gautam Gupta, Uber was struggling. The San Francisco company recently lost its head of communications, president and other senior executives amid allegations of sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace. Chief executive Travis Kalanick had to apologize after a video of him arguing with an Uber driver was made public. And the Justice Department is looking into allegations that Uber used an app to thwart authorities who were trying to determine whether the company was following local regulations. The company this week followed through on threats to fire star autonomous-car researcher Anthony Levandowski, whose hiring touched off a trade-secrets fight with Waymo, the former self-driving car arm of Google. Waymo has alleged that Levandowski downloaded documents containing its trade secrets before he left the company to found a start-up later bought by Uber. Associated Press Also in Business More than 65 percent of recalled Takata air bag inflaters in the United States have not been repaired, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said, urging automakers to speed up the pace of repairs. Nelson said only 15.8 million inflaters out of 46.2 million recalled to date have been repaired through mid-May, though recalls began in 2015. The affected inflaters can explode with excessive force, unleashing metal shrapnel inside cars and trucks. They have been blamed for at least 16 deaths. The boards of Linde and Praxair have voted to merge, creating a $73 billion global industrial gases leader in what is likely to be the last in a wave of combinations that has resulted in a highly consolidated market. The deal combines U.S. firm Praxairs operational efficiency and strength in the Americas with the leading technology of Germanys Linde and its strong presence in Europe and Asia. U.S. factory activity ticked up in May after slowing for two straight months and private employers stepped up hiring, suggesting that the economy is regaining speed after struggling at the start of the year. The Institute for Supply Management said its index of national factory activity ticked up to a reading of 54.9 last month from 54.8 in April. From news services Coming today 8:30 a.m.: Employment data. 8:30 a.m.: International trade data. SOCIAL MEDIA Clinton says Facebook hoaxes influenced vote Hillary Clinton on Wednesday said hoaxes and false news stories on Facebook contributed to her loss in the presidential election, adding to a list of factors she blames for her defeat. The former Democratic candidate said this month that interference by Russian hackers and then-FBI Director James B. Comey helped tip the election to Donald Trump. Speaking at the Code tech conference near Los Angeles, Clinton said that fake stories spread on the social network influenced the information that people relied on. The other side was using content that was just flat-out false and delivering it in a very personalized way, both sort of above the radar screen and below, Clinton said during an onstage interview. Facebook could not be reached for comment. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said just after the November election that it was crazy to think that fake news on the site had influenced the election. But in December, Facebook said it would introduce tools to prevent fake news stories from spreading. Reuters PHARMACEUTICALS Mylan may have overcharged U.S. The federal government may have overpaid drugmaker Mylan by as much as $1.27 billion between 2006 and 2016 for its EpiPen allergy treatment, the Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday. The amount is nearly three times a proposed settlement the company announced in October. The analysis on the EpiPen payments, which was conducted by the HHS Office of Inspector General, was released by Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which launched a probe of EpiPen pricing last year. A Mylan representative said the drugmaker continues to work with the government to finalize the settlement. The company, already under fire for steep price increases on the devices, said in October that it had agreed to settle with the government for $465 million after it was accused of improperly classifying EpiPen with the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program as a generic treatment. Reuters Also in Business Ross Ulbricht, 33, the accused mastermind behind the underground Silk Road website for the sale of illegal drugs, failed to persuade a federal appeals court to overturn his conviction and life sentence. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in Manhattan on Wednesday rejected Ulbrichts claim that he was denied a fair trial because he could not introduce evidence of corruption by two federal agents involved in his probe. It also rejected Ulbrichts claim that his prison term of life with no parole was too long. Jurors in February 2015 found Ulbrich guilty of helping to enable drug sales using the virtual currency bitcoin. Health insurer Aetna plans to move its headquarters out of Hartford, Conn., a move that could put more pressure on a state facing a huge revenue slump. Chief executive Mark Bertolini said Wednesday that the company is in negotiations with several states for relocation. We remain committed to our Connecticut-based employees and the Hartford campus, and hope to have a final resolution by early summer, he said. Aetna has about 6,000 employees in Connecticut, the majority based in the Hartford area. Americans retreated from signing contracts to buy homes in April for the second straight month, a possible sign that a declining number of homes on the market are stifling sales. The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that its pending home sales index fell 1.3 percent in April to 109.8, after slipping 0.9 percent in March to 111.3. The number of properties for sales has plunged 9 percent over the past year to 1.93 million, according to the association. McDonalds is expanding the number of restaurants available to deliver Big Macs and fries by 1,000 this week, bringing the total to more than 2,000. New locations include the New York metro area, Seattle, Denver and more. Chief executive Steve Easterbrook said Wednesday the fast-food giant will have 3,500 restaurants on the UberEats app by the end of June. The chain announced two weeks ago that McDelivery through the UberEats app was available in 1,000 U.S. locations. Easterbrook said McDonalds was encouraged by early delivery results, particularly with younger customers. From news reports Coming today 8:30 a.m.: Labor Department releases first-quarter productivity data. 10 a.m.: Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates. 10 a.m.: Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for May. 10 a.m.: Commerce Department releases construction spending for April. All day: Automakers release vehicle sales for May. The Virginia race for governor is proving a worthy attention-getter. Thats largely thanks to last years presidential election. Because the only other state choosing a governor in 2017 (New Jersey) doesnt offer a competitive race, Virginias contest stands as an early test of the tectonic political forces generated by Donald Trumps defeat of Hillary Clinton. National Republicans want to see if Trumps unconventional appeal is something that can be imitated, or if more mainstream candidates can harness the disaffected white working-class voters who helped put him into office. And theyll be looking at the divisions within their own party, from tea party activists to deficit hawks, to see which way they break toward Trump or away? The three Republicans running for the partys nomination in the June 13 primary election seem to represent different threads within the party. Prince William County Supervisor Corey A. Stewart is trying to out-Trump Trump, gaining social media play with provocative statements and a campaign built on preserving Confederate monuments. State Sen. Frank Wagner (Virginia Beach) is a 25-year veteran of the General Assembly who plays up his insider experience and offers pragmatic plans that include raising taxes to fund transportation projects. And Ed Gillespie, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, is playing it straight down the middle a little wary of Trump but promising tax cuts and a conservative agenda. Gillespie has a significant lead for the nomination in both poll numbers and cash on hand. On the Democratic side, the party is playing out all its angst over its future direction as former congressman Tom Perriello mounts an upstart, neo-populist campaign against establishment favorite Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam. Current Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, is prohibited by the state constitution from serving consecutive terms. Northam is his chosen successor, backed by almost every Democratic elected official in the state. Perriello has drawn in far more national money than Virginia money and is using endorsements from Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to fuel a call for young progressives to take over the party. Northam has more cash on hand, but polls show the two running neck-and-neck in a contest thats going to hinge on who comes out to vote on primary day. So here they are, all five candidates for Virginia governor, making their case in their own words. These interviews have been lightly edited for clarity. State Sen. Frank Wagner (R) State Sen. Frank Wagner, 61, was born in England while his father was stationed there for the Air Force but grew up in Arlington. He earned a degree in ocean engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a salvage diver. After leaving the service in 1982, he settled in Virginia Beach and started a ship repair yard. He sold that in the early 1990s, won a seat in the House of Delegates in 1991 and has been in the state Senate since 2001. He now co-owns Davis Boatworks in Newport News. Wagner, who is married and has four daughters, lives in Virginia Beach. Wagner has run on his experience in the General Assembly and criticized his Republican opponents for promising to cut the state budget and lower taxes. He says the state already has a lean budget, having closed a $1.2 billion shortfall just this year, and low tax rates. Wagner advocates raising Virginias gasoline tax and using that money to pay for transportation improvements. He also believes the state should create a route for high schools to win accreditation for vocational training, instead of just academic performance, and launch extensive job and technical training programs. Wagner is opposed to abortion in all cases with the exception of rape or if the mothers life is endangered. Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, 57, grew up on Virginias Eastern Shore, the son of a nurse and a local judge. A graduate of Virginia Military Institute and Eastern Virginia Medical School, he served eight years in the Army, including a stint overseas treating Operation Desert Storm casualties. After leaving the service, he worked as a pediatric neurologist. He served in the state Senate from 2008 to 2014, when he was sworn in as lieutenant governor. Northam has stressed his ability to reach compromise with the Republican-controlled legislature and points to his success in passing a smoking ban in restaurants in a state rooted in the tobacco industry. He also played a key role in raising concerns about a Republican bill that, as originally proposed, would have required most women to undergo an invasive transvaginal ultrasound before having an abortion. As a candidate for governor, Northam has proposed a plan to make college more affordable. It would provide a free associates degree in exchange for a year of public service, such as working for government or a nonprofit. He has called for stricter gun control, including universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. He has vowed to promote gay rights, preserve access to abortion and make preschool more affordable for low-income Virginians. Northam and his wife live in Norfolk and have three children. Ed Gillespie (R) Ed Gillespie, 55, grew up in New Jersey, where he worked in his parents grocery store. His first job in politics was as a Senate parking lot attendant, but the Catholic University graduate wound up serving as counselor to President George W. Bush. He has also been a prominent Washington lobbyist and chairman of the Republican National Committee. His first bid for elected office came in 2014, when he came close to unseating Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). As a candidate for governor, Gillespie has touted a plan to cut income taxes by 10 percent over three years. He has proposed plans for improving government efficiency and ethics, including a ban on personal use of campaign funds. He also vows to reject federal overreach, secure and strengthen the Second Amendment, and protect innocent human life. He opposes abortion except in cases of rape, incest and when the mothers life is at risk. Gillespie and his wife live in Mount Vernon and have three children. Tom Perriello (D) Former U.S. congressman Tom Perriello, who represented central and south Virginia in Congress from 2009 to 2011, grew up in a small community outside Charlottesville. Perriello, 42, graduated with an undergraduate and law degree from Yale University before going to Africa to work for the international prosecutor for war crimes in Sierra Leone. He later co-founded nonprofits devoted to international activism and mobilizing religious voters for progressive causes. After losing his reelection bid for Congress, Perriello led the advocacy arm of the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank, and later served in the State Department as an appointee of President Barack Obama. He is a bachelor who lives in Alexandria. Perriello surprised many state Democrats when he announced in January that he was mounting a late challenge to Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for the partys gubernatorial nomination. As a candidate, Perriello has positioned himself as a policy-oriented progressive who supports free community college, paid family leave and universal pre-kindergarten and opposes a planned natural gas pipeline. His economic platform and vow to take on corporate monopolies helped secure endorsements from national progressive groups and figures, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Perriello has fended off criticism about conservative stances he took while serving in Congress, including on guns and abortion. Corey Stewart (R) Corey A. Stewart has served as chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors since 2006, a perch he used to help lead a crackdown on illegal immigration in 2007. He is one of a few Republicans elected countywide in Northern Virginia and has won four elections in the Washington exurb that has rapidly grown and diversified. Stewart, 48, practices international trade law by day and helps businesses with exports. He grew up in Minnesota and relocated after law school to Virginia, where he now lives in Woodbridge with his wife and two sons. Stewart is running for governor on a social conservative and populist platform that includes deporting immigrants living in Virginia illegally, phasing out the income tax, outlawing abortion without exceptions and slashing state spending. He has attracted controversy by his embrace of the states Confederate heritage and opposition to removal of Confederate statues. He has welcomed support from white supremacists and others on the far right. Stewart has derided political correctness and says he admires President Trumps style of blunt talk without apology. He chaired Trumps presidential campaign in Virginia in 2016, until he was fired for staging an unauthorized protest against the Republican National Committee. When was the last time you stayed up late because you just had to finish a thriller? If youd asked me that question a couple of weeks ago, I probably would have reached back to the first time I read Ken Folletts Eye of the Needle or Geoffrey Households Rogue Male two classic World War II suspense novels. Now, though, Id add the name of a completely different kind of novel: Heather Gudenkaufs Not a Sound, a woman-in- trouble tale that kept me reading till the birds started chirping. Not a Sound, by Heather Gudenkauf (Park Row) Theres minimal blood and zero sexual depravity in Gudenkaufs psychological suspense story (although there is a faithful dog vulnerably trotting around just to amp up the anxiety). In terms of style, think Mary Higgins Clark or Lisa Scottoline, accented with a dash of inspiration from that vintage Audrey Hepburn movie Wait Until Dark. Thats the one where Hepburn plays a blind woman who outwits the bad guys by forcing them to meet her on her own turf: namely, her apartment, which shes thrown into pitch-black darkness by breaking all the lightbulbs. (As I said, this is a vintage movie.) Like Hepburns character, Gudenkaufs heroine, Amelia Winn, is physically challenged: a near fatal encounter with a hit-and-run driver destroyed the tiny bones and neural pathways of her inner ear and rendered her profoundly deaf. Its been two years since that accident, which caused lots of collateral damage. Amelias marriage crumbled and she lost her job as an emergency room nurse. She fell into depression and alcoholism and lost contact with her beloved stepdaughter. In retreat from the world, Amelia moved out to a fishing cabin owned by her father deep in the Iowa forest. [Denise Mina looks inside the mind of a psychopath in The Long Drop] There, slowly and painfully, Amelia has willed herself back to life. Shes sworn off alcohol and has become adept at sign language and lip reading. On the morning the story begins, she has an interview lined up for a clerical job at a cancer center. Perhaps best of all, Amelia has gained a companion in Stitch, a 3-year-old, 55-pound Slovakian rough-haired pointer who serves as her hearing dog. Stitch and Amelia begin every day with exercise and, so, on this brisk fall morning, theyre paddling together on the river. But when Stitch jumps off the paddleboard, swims to the riverbank and freezes in place, that peaceful riparian interlude shatters. Floating beneath a watery carpet of leaves is a corpse. As a nurse, Amelia has seen plenty of dead bodies, but her professional cool cracks when she looks down into the blue eyes of Gwen Locke, a former nursing colleague and friend. Amelia summons the police on her cellphone and waits in silence, depending on Stitch to alert her to danger. As the shock wears off, Amelia recalls that Gwen had tried several times to reach out to her, most recently in a birthday email in which Gwen mentioned a conflict at work. The author Heather Gudenkauf (Morgan Hawthorne) Curious, Amelia begins asking questions about Gwens work situation an investigation complicated by Amelias profound deafness. Gudenkauf, who identifies as hearing-impaired, vividly depicts the obstacles of communicating and sussing out information, particularly over the phone. Heres Gwen, for instance, making a simple call with the aid of a captioned phone to reschedule that job interview: I take a deep breath. Though its hard to explain, the anxiousness I feel when I speak into the receiver rivals that of having to sleep in a dark room. Yes, hello, I begin, concentrating on modulating the volume of my voice and the enunciation of my words. . . . Because I cant hear myself I dont know how loudly or softly Im speaking. Usually I rely on clues from the facial expressions of the listener like if they lean in to hear me better or if they cringe because Im too loud for the situation. Talking by phone takes away those physical cues. As Amelias investigation widens, sinister stuff starts happening out at her cabin: Shadowy figures lurk in the forest; someone breaks in and leaves a cruel calling card. Even something as routine as Sketchs nighttime potty breaks become knuckle-biting, since Amelia must unlock her door and usher Sketch out into the dark. Meanwhile, the murder suspects multiply: Amelias angry ex-husband; her distant neighbor who wants to turn the river into an outdoor adventure center; even Amelias new sort-of boyfriend. [Best mystery books and thrillers of 2016] Which brings us to the excellent climax of this inventive suspense story. Heres a tiny snippet of the beginning of the end. Amelia is hiding on the second floor of her cabin: I try to steady my breathing, close my eyes and lay my cheek against the hardwood and spread my fingers flat against the floor. He knows I cant hear him. But I feel each step he takes. I feel the tremor in my jaw first. Its barely perceptible, but its there. It slowly spreads to my fingers. I try to be patient. The vibration grows stronger with each of his footfalls. Hes coming. Try to go to sleep after reading that paragraph. Just try. Maureen Corrigan, the book critic for the NPR program Fresh Air, teaches literature at Georgetown University. Q: I have two cast-concrete arches across the front of my townhouse, as do my neighbors. My pair cracked some years ago, and I had them patched. But the rebar inside the concrete continues to rust and expand, breaking the patch even more. How can I replace the arch? Washington A: You probably have issues beyond just replacing the arches, said Roger Becker, the vice president for technical services at the P recast/Prestressed Concrete Institute , after taking a look at the photos you sent. Becker, who has credentials as a professional engineer and a structural engineer, worries that there is inadequate or perhaps nonexistent waterproofing on the balconies above the arches. On the brick, I see all kinds of white mineral deposits, he said. And underneath the balcony slab, there are a lot of mineral deposits. Mineral deposits point to underlying moisture because they form as moisture moves through the masonry. At the surface, the water evaporates, and a mineral crust is left behind. Adding to Beckers concern is the amount of rust visible in the rebar in one of the photos. The rust may be compromising the structural strength of the arches, he said. But, he added, its possible that the arches are purely decorative features and that the weight of the balconies is borne by the walls behind the arches. A reader has heard a dripping sound coming from this fireplace. The chase cover has been replaced twice, but the problem persists. (Reader photo) Becker suggested that you work with your condominium association to hire an engineer, preferably a structural engineer, to assess not only the arches but also the balcony slabs and waterproofing. It doesnt pay to ask how to replace the arches until you deal with the waterproofing, he said. A structural engineer can also offer advice about whether the arches can be salvaged or must be replaced. If they need to be replaced, Becker suggested getting several bids from companies that specialize in forming precast-concrete features. It would probably be a custom job, he said. Q: I live in a 1994 single-family house that has a prefab fireplace. About two years ago, I started hearing a dripping sound in the fireplace when it rained. Despite two new chase covers and inspections from three companies, the drip evolved into water actually coming into the firebox. I hired a company to check the chimney again, and it decided that the new chase cover and work by the previous company was all wrong. The new company ordered another cover, added a storm collar and changed the cap. I continue, however, to hear this dripping sound when it rains. Recently, when I thought I heard water hitting metal, I placed a paper towel in the fireplace and left it there for several days when it rained. The paper towel came out stained. The last company refuses to even come back to see whether it missed anything because it contends that it covered everything. What else can I do? Oh, I didnt mention that in addition to paying lots of money for the work done so far, I have also had the roof and siding checked and contacted the manufacturer of the fireplace, but it offered nothing of substance. There are no visible signs of water damage inside the house. Hyattsville A: If its just a little water and it happens only in a big storm, perhaps wind is the culprit. It could be raining sideways, said Mike Taylor, one of the owners of Acme Stove, a fireplace shop in Rockville (301-309-1998; acmestove.com). Chimney caps are, by necessity, not closed at the top, just covered with a roof. So there is plenty of room for windblown droplets to get inside the chimney during a strong storm. A little moisture that gets in this way isnt necessarily a problem, Taylor said. But the fact that the last company wont come back for a recheck raises a concern that perhaps it didnt do the work correctly. For peace of mind, you might want to invest in one more inspection. Taylor said his company refers calls about chimney problems to American Professional Chimney in Hyattsville (301-453-7496; americanprofessionalchimney. com). Office manager Catherine Wilson said the company charges $75 for an inspection but waives that fee if it winds up doing a repair. Inspectors look for places where leaks usually start: an ill-fitting cap or a hole in the siding or in the chase cover on top. Chase covers are typically aluminum or steel, both of which can corrode enough to create pinholes, Wilson said, which is why American Professional Chimney installs only stainless-steel chase covers. But sometimes, she said, everything checks out okay and a little water still gets in. It could just happen, Wilson said. Grace Fremuth, 24, teacher, and Hanyu Chwe, 22, research assistant. (Daniele Seiss/ ) Interviews by Ellen Ryan Hanyu Chwe, until recently a Californian, calls himself a sci-fi/fantasy nerd who plays drums in a rock band, dances, hosts house parties and says, I havent been awkward since 2014. He bets he could beat Barack Obama at one-on-one ball. Grace Fremuth is an eclectic local who says she owns no formal attire and named her car Wanda the Honda. She eschews meat but loves Slurpees. Theyre both tall and chatty. They met at Agora near Dupont Circle. Grace: It was a nice little pick-me-up to have on a Monday. Since I had never met a Hanyu before, and since Im interested in both men and women, I didnt know which gender I was going to meet until I entered the restaurant. That definitely added to my anticipation. Hanyu: I walked from home and was a little bit early. I wore a relatively formal shirt, a button-down; ironing it was an adventure. Grace: I was going to be on time with two minutes to go until 7, but Hanyu was right there. Hanyu: She was pretty attractive. Taller than I expected. She had cool earrings. Grace: Hes very tall and Im also tall, so that was nice. Dressed well. He had a nice smile. Friendly aura. Im not really one to care much about clothes, to be honest, but he had nice shoes. Hanyu: Because it was a blind date, I was thinking, Lets not be awkward. My goal was to establish that Im not a crazy person, to build up a sense of rapport before any romantic stuff per se. Grace: We were both good conversationalists. We talked about social stratification in science-fiction novels. Then about our parents and where we come from and college and our different experiences of missing it or not missing it. Hanyu: I learned she was a third-grade teacher, which is awesome. I asked a lot about her kids and whats it like. And [we discussed] privilege and hierarchies and how we see the world. Also, I told a pickle story, and she had a pickle story, and ... we told multiple stories just about pickles. Grace: We both realized this is something to have fun with rather than get worried about. We asked each other questions, answered questions, and it was pretty natural. Hanyu: One of the best things is we both laughed a lot. It was a laugh-heavy dinner not jokes but telling funny stories. We had a good rapport that way. Grace: Were both into jazz and funk music, me as a concertgoer and he as a drum player. We were both excited for the funk parade this weekend. Hanyu: Its an all-day thing. Maybe well meet up there. Grace: Hanyu said he likes meeting new people. That was nice, because in D.C., people can just stick to their cluster. Hanyu: She mentioned that she had been to Greece with her mom recently, so we let her take the lead on ordering. Shes vegetarian, which Im not. I was pretty happy ordering a bunch of vegetarian stuff. Grace: He mentioned that his friend told him about some fancy cocktails they had. He ordered like a blackberry champagne fizz. I picked some fig cocktail and later a cucumber one. Hanyu: We were outside under an awning. It started to rain a lot, and it was cool seeing the lighting with the sun and the clouds. The setting felt ideal. Grace: Everyone was like, Oh my goodness, do you want to go inside? And both of us were like, Its just rain; it wont hurt us. It made really funky lighting once it cleared up, which was an added bonus. Hanyu: There was no overt sexual/romantic subtext. It felt like we were becoming good friends. Grace: The most you could say is neither of us were nervous about eye contact, but I wouldnt say there was any flirting. Hanyu: When the check came, it seemed the natural thing to do was to go. Grace: We hugged goodbye. For me, hugs are just friendly. I put my name in his phone. Hanyu: I said Id see her on Saturday, and thats it. Rate the date Grace: 3 [out of 5]. Was there romance for me? No. But hes an enjoyable person. Hanyu: 4. Im open to it but not head over heels. Update They did not meet at the parade. Sounding as despondent as a resident of death row, White House press secretary Sean Spicer slogged through the daily briefing on Wednesday, making little news except for news about the briefing itself. As news briefings go, it really was brief less than 12 minutes from Spicers opening statement to his abrupt departure. It was also oddly circumscribed by a White House edict banning TV cameras. Audio only, the White House decreed, turning an event regularly aired on live television into something out of the golden age of radio. The day before, Spicer railed against fake news and huffed out of the briefing room. On Thursday, there was even less. There was no briefing at all. All of which raises a question: Oh, whats the point? Whats the purpose of assembling 70 or so journalists (in a room that seats 49), and letting them ask questions that arent really answered? Whats the deal with not showing the White Houses public face to the public itself? Whose interest is served by this kind of non-exchange of non-information? (Nicki DeMarco/The Washington Post) As bad news has piled up around him, the president himself has suggested canceling the press briefings outright. Doing so would end a long, not-always-noble tradition of give-and-take between the press mob and the presidents representatives. Journalists have reported from the White House grounds on a regular basis since the 1880s, first in 1881 when President James A. Garfield was shot by an assassin and lingered near death for more than two months. Grover Clevelands private secretary, Daniel Lamont, established the tradition of having a White House aide regularly answer reporters questions in the mid-1880s, according to historian Martha Joynt Kumar. Cleveland had a good reason for offloading the responsibility: Reporters had hounded him while he was on his honeymoon in 1886 with his 21-year-old wife, who had been his legal ward since she was 11. Since then, the United States has been unique among democratic countries in holding a daily briefing that is both on the record and on camera, said Josh Earnest, President Barack Obamas press secretary. Even the British, Earnest says, dont televise the prime ministers twice-daily news briefings or put them on the record, that is, directly attributable to a named individual. As a Washington institution, the press briefings have established certain pecking orders (the TV reporters sit in the front row and ask the most combative questions), and made celebrities out of both dogged reporters (Sam Donaldson, Helen Thomas) and loyal briefers (Ari Fleischer, Dana Perino). As a trustworthy source of sound bites and TV clips, the briefings have been essential in establishing the days news whether it be the Clinton administrations comments on a blue dress or the Bush White Houses official justifications for invading Iraq. The Trump White House considered tinkering with the status quo even before it was even the Trump White House. There was discussion among officials about moving the briefings off the White House grounds (hasnt happened); about rearranging the briefing-room seating (hasnt happened); and about holding fewer briefings than previous administrations (seems to be happening). Maybe theres a more effective way of delivering the news and having a more, you know, appropriate adult conversation with the media, Spicer said in December. To be sure, the briefings may never have had as high a profile as they did in the first two months of the Trump administration. The daily sessions were a great public curiosity, widely covered via live streams and live cable news. Saturday Night Live built its most memorable sketches around Spicers alleged abuse of the press, elevating not just Spiceys profile but that of pixel-stained wretches like Glenn Thrush of the New York Times, too. Spicer also innovated in fitful ways, giving valuable question time to Trump-friendly talk-show hosts piped into the briefings via Skype and handing out media credentials to conspiracy peddlers. Perhaps by design, however, the evidence so far suggests that the daily briefings have declined as an important source of information about what the president is thinking and planning each day. Reporters yell questions as White House press secretary Sean Spicer walks out of Tuesdays daily press briefing. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Most obviously, Trump has shown that prefers to be his own PR man. His tweets have been his signature mode of communication, backed by semiregular interviews and sporadic news conferences. A fire hose of leaks from unnamed officials has filled in the parts of the picture that Trump refuses to address (among the frequent leaks: that Spicers days as press secretary are numbered). Far worse, the briefings themselves have at times become untrustworthy sources of information. Both Spicer and assistant press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders have made assertions in Trumps behalf that the boss himself has contradicted within hours. The continuing embarrassment of these press encounters, as well as the stream of adverse news, makes cutting back the briefings a seemingly useful strategy for the White House. Fewer briefings and audio-only sessions will produce fewer clips of Spicer answering (or deflecting) questions about Russian election interference and ongoing investigations. No briefings at all will enable Trump to dictate his own message, without the risk that his press secretary will have to explain it all to reporters. Some Trump supporters may find that prospect appetizing. But it disappoints and scares those interested in accountability and transparency. Earnest, now an NBC analyst, said its valuable for our democracy to have a senior official explaining and defending the president on a daily basis. Rather than a burden, he said, the Trump administration should relish the briefings as a platform to make its case. One thing we know is that for all his complaints about journalists, President Trump cares a lot about what they say about him, Earnest said. A daily briefing is a particularly effective venue for influencing the way journalists are talking and writing about the administration. . . . Its an opportunity to tell the White House press corps and the rest of the world what hes up to and why the course hes chosen is the best way to go. If the briefings were to end, the real loser would be the country, said Peter Baker, the New York Times veteran White House reporter. It would be . . . one more chip away at the foundational idea that people in power should be answerable to the public. While the briefings can be an exercise in futility for anyone seeking straightforward answers (a statement that predates Trump, Baker notes), the more important consideration is that the briefings are literally the only time a White House can be forced to respond to questions on the record on a regular basis. Without a daily briefing, White House aides would simply hide behind anonymity to answer only the questions they want to answer, while ignoring those that may be uncomfortable or challenging, which would further a culture of secrecy and impunity in Washington. The Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College in Manhattan. The building was a wedding gift from Sara Delano Roosevelt to future president Franklin and his wife, Eleanor, in 1908. (Beth J. Harpaz/AP) While President Trump is only the second native son of New York City to occupy the White House, the citys energy has drawn many other presidents. The sites associated with them often are overshadowed by better-known attractions. Still, they offer a glimpse of the citys past and its constant evolution. Here they are, by neighborhood: Gramercy Park: As an adult, Theodore Roosevelt the first New Yorker to occupy the White House lived at Sagamore Hill on Long Island. But until age 14 he lived at 28 E. 20th St. The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace is a recreation of the original brownstone, which was torn down in 1916. Visitors can gain a sense of Roosevelts presence from the pint-size maroon velvet chair in the library (with horsehair the covering of choice, the other chairs were too scratchy for someone still in short pants) to the crib in an upstairs bedroom. Most of the furnishings are from the original house or were provided by family members. A ground floor exhibit showcases the 26th presidents enduring interest in natural science, along with his Rough Rider uniform and other items. The family moved uptown in the early 1870s. Kalustyan's specialty food shop on Lexington Avenue was once home to President Chester A. Arthur. (Richard Drew/AP) Murray Hill: Chester A. Arthur, a native of Vermont, practiced law in New York City and later became collector of the Port of New York, a patronage post. He lived at 123 Lexington Ave. (between 28th and 29th streets), taking the oath of office as 21st president in the five-story Romanesque Revival building after James A. Garfield was assassinated in 1881. The national historic landmark is now Kalustyans, a specialty food store, and there are apartments on the upper floors. The 58-floor Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue combines offices, condominiums, retail stores and restaurants. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Fifth Avenue: Though he was born in Queens, the sitting presidents Trump Tower, at 725 Fifth Ave. between 56th and 57th streets is in a neighborhood of high-end retailers and luxury hotels. (Its also a short walk from the location of Theodore Roosevelts teenage home at 6 W. 57th St.) The sleek, 58-floor skyscraper combines offices, condominiums, retail stores and restaurants, with the last two open to the public. These days, heavy security and crowds predominate in and around the building. There are Jersey barriers adjacent to the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue and on side streets, while the New York Police Department maintains stanchions on the sidewalk in front of the building to facilitate the flow of pedestrian traffic. Upper East Side: Springwood, the famed family home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, is in Hyde Park, New York. But after he married Eleanor (Theodore Roosevelts niece) in 1905, his widowed mother bought two adjoining brownstones at 47 and 49 E. 65th St. as a wedding present, and had them demolished and rebuilt behind a single facade. The family moved in three years later. As president-elect, FDR met with prospective cabinet members in the library among them Frances Perkins, who became the first woman appointed as labor secretary. At her interview, she introduced the idea of old-age insurance, now known as Social Security, to the incoming 32nd president. The Roosevelt House now houses the Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, but is open to the public for tours. The site of the brownstone rowhouse at 3 E. 66th St., where Ulysses S. Grant lived after the 18th presidents departure from the White House, is marked with a plaque. His residency there was marred by bankruptcy and a diagnosis of throat cancer. Nonetheless, the site is where he wrote his memoirs, published by Mark Twain, to provide for his family. After Grant died in 1885, the family wanted a New York City burial, even though it took a dozen years to raise the money and construct the memorial. The General Grant National Memorial, known as Grants Tomb, is about four miles west on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River at 122nd Street and Riverside Drive in Morningside Heights. Morningside Heights: Barack Obama transferred from Occidental College in Los Angeles to Columbia University in 1981. The future 44th president is reported to have lived at several locations in the city for about four years during and after college, including a circa-1905 terra cotta building at 622 W. 114th St., where filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille lived from 1906 to 1913. His first apartment in the city is reported to have been at 142 W. 109th St., in a third-story walk-up. After that, he lived in a mottled gray building at 339 E. 94th St. that he described in Dreams From My Father as part of the shifting border between East Harlem and the rest of Manhattan. Lower Manhattan: George Washington may be synonymous with Mount Vernon, but he is also an enduring presence in New York City. Following the Revolutionary War, he bid farewell to his officers in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl St. He returned to New York City following his election as the countrys first president in 1789, when the city became the nations temporary capitol. He took the oath of office and governed from what was then New York City Hall, now the site of the Federal Hall National Memorial. The four-story Greek Revival building at 26 Wall St., dwarfed by the adjacent skyscrapers, gives visitors a sense of the relative scale of colonial and modern-day Manhattan. Make your way past tourists taking selfies with the statue of Washington, an 1882 addition. Former president Barack Obama lived at 339 E. 94th St. (second from right) while he was in college. (Bebeto Matthews/AP) Washington, his family and his slaves lived for 10 months until February 1790 at the Samuel Osgood House on the corner of Pearl and Cherry streets, now at the approach to the Brooklyn Bridge. Osgood, whose papers are in the collection of the New York Historical Society, noted the houses lavish furnishings in his correspondence. The site of the Federal-style mansion, demolished in 1856, is marked with a plaque. Later in 1790, the family moved to the more spacious Alexander Macomb House. The brick Federal townhouse at 39 and 41 Broadway was demolished in 1940; a plaque marks the site. By August of the same year, the government had left New York for Philadelphia to await the completion of the District of Columbia. Zipkin is a writer based in New York City. Her website is amyzipkin.com. Find her on Twitter: @amyzipkin. More from Travel: Hamiltons New York The oddest museums in New York City In unusual New York City venues such as restaurants the taste for classical music expands Their advocacy results in big, embarrassing airline fines. Theyve helped create federal agencies that make air travel safer. And theyve brought competition and transparency to the skies. They are the unsung heroes of the airline industry, fighting to make air travel better for the average passenger. And while the names of these consumer advocates may not be familiar to the average passenger, you might want to thank them the next time your flight goes smoothly. For example, if youve wondered whos behind all those Transportation Department airline fines, you can thank Ben Edelman, at least in part. He has filed dozens of complaints and has shown air travelers how to negotiate the federal governments often confusing complaint system. There was no Web page describing this process, and correspondingly little ability for any aggrieved consumer to figure out how to file such a complaint, says Edelman, an associate professor at Harvard Business School. You can see Edelmans guide to navigating the system on his website: benedelman.org/dot-complaints/. [The best consumer-friendly travel regulations youve never heard of] Complaining to the DOT can be far more effective than calling an airline or sounding off on social media. It compels a top airline lawyer to give an official, on-the-record response, followed by a considered evaluation and ruling by the agency. Edelman has papered the department with complaints including an airline failing to honor a price quote and misrepresenting a contract. His queries have resulted in fines, most notably a $100,000 consent order against Air Europa for misrepresenting carrier-imposed surcharges as taxes during the online booking process. Paul Hudson may not be a household name, but you can credit him for persuading the government to federalize aviation security by replacing private security operated by airlines and airports with the Transportation Security Administration. Hudson, who was called to consumer advocacy after Ralph Nader spoke at his law school in 1973, is now the executive director of FlyersRights.org, a nonprofit organization that advocates for air travelers. If you havent heard of FlyersRights.org, maybe youve been the beneficiary of one of the regulations it has spearheaded, such as the Tarmac Delay Rule, which fines airlines for keeping passengers parked on the taxiway for more than three hours. The organization also has its fingerprints on nearly every piece of airline legislation that has come through Washington in the past decade. Hudson describes his quest as a lonely battle. Corporations have billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of professional advocates who outnumber and outspend public-interest advocates by well over 1,000 to 1, he says. (Disclosure: I co-founded an advocacy organization called Travelers United that often works alongside Hudson on airline causes. Hes right; we are vastly outnumbered.) Its a no mans land, agrees Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, which represents corporate travel managers, but often advocates for causes that benefit individual travelers as well. [Will the rash of recent viral videos have a lasting impact on airline regulation?] If you enjoy flying on JetBlue or any of the other airlines that were founded after 1996, you can credit Mitchell for that experience, at least partially. In 1996, after the Valujet crash in the Everglades, the major airlines vowed to never again allow a low-fare carrier to gain a foothold at a major hub airport. They launched scorched-earth, predatory competitive strategies against low-fare carriers, recalls Mitchell . Start-up airline applications to DOT dried up. In 1997, his organization launched a three-year campaign that persuaded the airlines to back off. This enabled potential airline investors to once again have some confidence that DOT was policing predatory practices and helped lead to funding for JetBlue, Mitchell says. If you can easily find the name, number and email address of a manager of an airline or any travel company you can thank Jeremy Cooperstock. Hes the guy behind one of the original airline gripe sites, Untied.com. Over the years, Cooperstock, an associate professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering at McGill University in Montreal, has helped tens of thousands of United Airlines passengers. Most vexing to United is that he published the names and email addresses of some of the airlines senior management, an act that is not necessarily protected under Canadian law. United sued Cooperstock in 2012 and obtained an injunction from the Quebec Superior Court, barring him from providing passengers with the names or contact information of any United personnel other than those designated by the airline. In a parallel lawsuit brought against Cooperstock in the Federal Court of Canada, United asked the judge to order Cooperstocks domain, which predates Uniteds own website, to be transferred to the airline. Untied.com continues to receive more complaints than the U.S. Department of Transportation against United Airlines and reports of outrageous mistreatment of Uniteds passengers, Cooperstock says. Even if the airline prevails, Cooperstock has already made a significant impact. The Internet is now filled with sites that publish executive contacts, including my own. This unlikely team of college professors, lawyers and former executives has already helped more air travelers than can be counted. At a time when deregulatory winds are blowing across the airline industry, their efforts are needed more than ever. They probably wont be talking heads on cable TV, but you can rest assured that they will be working quietly in the background to ensure that your passenger rights are respected. Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Email him at chris@elliott.org. Brandon Todd campaigns to be re-elected for Ward 4 Council at the Sala Thai restaurant in Washington, D.C., May 25, 2016. Todd was mayor Bowser's former director of constituent services. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) A D.C. Council member who assured the public last month that he had completely accounted for and properly reported campaign contributions at the center of a city audit failed to meet the deadline and has been ordered to pay $5,100 in fines. D.C. Council member Brandon T. Todd (D-Ward 4) did not produce deposit slips explaining the origin of $83,000 deposited in his 2015 special-election campaign account, according to the Districts Office of Campaign Finance. Todd also did not give auditors documents they requested to show who made more than $68,000 in deposits through Pay-Pal to his successful campaign for the seat left open by the election of Mayor Muriel E. Bowser. Todd did not respond to a phone call or email seeking comment but a spokesman for his campaign said the council member plans to appeal the fine and that he filed additional documents last month weeks after the conclusion of the investigation, and 15 months after auditors first requested them that will clear up questions. We have provided all supporting documents to substantiate every campaign contribution and expense, said Everett Hamilton, the Todd campaigns former spokesman. Open government groups scoffed at the campaigns latest assertion but focused most of their criticism on the Districts Office of Campaign Finance. They said the election regulator had weakened city election laws by fining Todd a paltry $5,100 for widespread and flagrant violations. [Audit: D.C. Council member cannot substantiate $100K in contributions] The maximum possible fine for losing track of approximately $100,000 in campaign contributions is $5,100? said Public Citizens Aquene Freechild. The District of Columbia needs ethics and campaign finance reform now more than ever. Public Citizen called on D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine to investigate Todds campaign fundraising. Even some of Todds colleagues on the D.C. Council questioned if the fine was commensurate with the violations identified by the citys election regulator. D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) who chairs the committee that oversees the Office of Campaign Finance, said he will hold a July hearing on proposed reforms and expects conversations at that time will include a review of Mr. Todds campaign finance reports. Allen said he is particularly interested in reviewing fines. In my mind, the fines are certainly supposed to be at a level that are either a deterrent or a punishment to bad behavior by candidates and campaign committees, Allen said. The Office of Campaign Finance identified major gaps in Todds campaign records more than a year ago but did not make their findings public until after Todd ran and ultimately won a contested follow-up election to a full, four-year term. Auditors said Todd stymied investigators repeatedly, missing deadlines to provide additional information and then asking city auditors to forward questions to an accountant in Florida. However, the citys elections regulator this week chose the least costly way to fine Todd, according to documents. Todd, for example, could not provide deposit slips for 456 separate contributions totaling $83,187. For each violation, he could have been charged $50 per day. Instead, the Office of Campaign Finance bundled the missing deposit slips as one violation. Because the office waited a year to issue a final audit report, it also began the meter on fines on March 30th. It stopped the clock 17 business days later when agency attorneys closed the matter and concluded Todd could not produce the documents. Todd was fined $50 a day for 17 days, for a total of $850. The campaign was similarly fined $50 a day for each of five other classes of violations, including incomplete records of $68,000 in credit card deposits and $6,000 in expenditures the committee failed to report. By comparison, the Office of Campaign Finance has in other recent cases, levied fines of $50 for each day that a campaign files after a reporting deadline. Todds filings were mostly on time but riddled with errors and incomplete information, according to the audit records. The office did not appear to contemplate additional fines for subsequent deficiencies in Todds amended campaign filings, including more than $85,000 in previously unreported contributions. In an email to constituents on May 12th, Todd said he took responsibility for errors but had corrected them. The time it took the campaign to file amended contributor and expense information was longer than the high standard I set for the campaign, Todd wrote. As of this week, all expense and contributor activity is completely accounted for and properly reported. [More: Brandon Todds 2016 campaign filings also contain errors ] After an immigration roundup in Virginia this spring, federal officials announced that they had captured a former lieutenant in a Somali national-security agency notorious for human-rights abuses. But retired federal agents tell a different story about the thin, bespectacled father who has been sitting in an immigration jail since late March. They say he is a confidential FBI informant who risked his own safety to save American lives and should have received a Green Card. Instead, he faces deportation to a country where his history of spying for the United States could get him killed. The man, whose name is being withheld by The Washington Post out of concern for his safety, prevented a major terrorist attack on a U.S. embassy in Africa, uncovered support networks for some of the 9/11 hijackers and probed the killings of U.S. servicemen in Somalia, according to confidential affidavits from retired federal agents shared with The Post. Hes getting a raw deal, said Richard J. Lauria, a former immigration special agent assigned to the countrys Joint Terrorism Task Force. He went above and beyond, and he shouldnt be in the position that he is now. The mans case illustrates the powerful leverage that the U.S. government wields over foreign informants and witnesses and the trade-offs for both sides. The government has long offered special visas to immigrants who provide critical information about terrorism or criminal organizations, even if those immigrants are here illegally or have criminal records themselves. The visas lead to a Green Card or U.S. citizenship. But critics say the United States often does not keep its side of the bargain, leaving people such as the Somali man in legal limbo as long as they cooperate and at risk of deportation when they stop. [Federal court blocks deportation of Afghan special visa recipient] The man became an informant to avoid deportation after being arrested for criminal immigration fraud in 1998. He continued that work off and on for nearly two decades, even as he accumulated minor criminal charges. He is now middle-aged with U.S.-born children. He said he told his latest FBI handlers early this year that he would not work for them anymore. Shortly afterward, he was arrested. U.S. officials say immigrants are not entitled to an S visa known derisively as the snitch visa in exchange for their work. And they say informants who commit new crimes may disqualify themselves from the program. There are strict statutory requirements, Department of Justice spokesman Peter Carr said last week. Neither a law enforcement agency nor a federal prosecutor has the authority to guarantee an alien that they will receive an S visa. Because immigration files are kept secret, the full record of the Somali mans case was not available for The Post to review. The FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to give details about his work for the government or why he was arrested after 20 years in the United States. ICE spokeswoman Carissa Cutrell said the man has convictions for felony immigration fraud and multiple misdemeanors, adding that she could not provide additional information because the man refused to sign a waiver. Congress created the S visa program in 1994, a year after the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York. The government sets aside 200 visas a year for informants and witnesses who provide information about criminal organizations and 50 a year for immigrants who assist terrorism investigations. A law enforcement agency must sponsor immigrants for S visas, with the approval of the Department of Justice, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Since 1995, nearly 900 immigrants, and 750 of their relatives, have received S visas for exposing criminal enterprises, according to federal statistics and the Congressional Research Service . But only six visas have been given to terror informants or witnesses since the program began. Five visas were issued in 1995 and one was given out last fiscal year, in addition to six visas for relatives of those individuals. In Georgia, attorney Tracie Klinke said she has had at least two cases in which clients were promised visas for aiding criminal investigations, including drug trafficking, but never received them. A former client from India who busted an immigration-fraud ring ended up terrified that he would be deported to the same country as the people he helped put in jail. Hassan Shibly, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Florida, said the FBI routinely recruits Muslim immigrants as informants but rarely follows through with promises to help their immigration cases. Immigrants, especially those who are not U.S. citizens, are prime targets because they [U.S. officials] have more leverage, he said. [Immigration officials tried to deport family that risked their lives for America] The Somali mans path from immigration violator to government informant living in Northern Virginia began on a wintry day in 1995, when he landed at Bostons Logan International Airport using a fake Swedish passport he bought for $500, court records show. He applied for asylum, lost and was expelled from the United States. He returned to the United States, married and applied for asylum again, using his real name. Immigration agents checked his fingerprints, discovered the old case and arrested him for felony immigration fraud in 1998. Lauria, the now-retired federal agent, said he recruited the man to investigate Somali war criminals who were being smuggled from Kenyan refugee camps to the United States and Canada. Court records say the man faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, not to mention deportation, but after he pleaded guilty, a judge sentenced him to one years probation. For the next two decades, on and off, the man helped the FBI and other agencies investigate extremists and terror plots. He wore hidden microphones to coffee shops, shopping malls, taxi stands and clubs, Lauria said. He told no one, not even his wife, what he was doing. She feared he was having an affair because he would stay out all night. Tim Clemente, a retired FBI special agent, said in an affidavit that the man exposed terror groups financial networks in the United States and elsewhere. The investigations led to arrests and saved lives, the affidavit said, particularly in the case of the planned attack on an unnamed U.S. embassy in Africa. Clemente wrote that it is very likely that many, many people would have been killed if the man had not helped. Lauria said that before he transferred to another federal agency in 2001, he submitted a thick packet recommending the man for an S visa. But Lauria and others moved on, and now Lauria says he fears that the visa request fell through the cracks. In 2012, Lauria and Clemente wrote the affidavits urging an immigration judge to grant the man legal residency. In my eyes, Clemente wrote, the man truly is an American hero. In an interview, Lauria said the mans days would be numbered if he were deported. [Immigration arrests soar under Trump] The man says he told the FBI two weeks before his arrest that he would no longer be an informant. On March 26, ICE arrested him and said he had been a second lieutenant in command of the Somali National Security Service, an organization known for human rights abuses, rape, torture and extrajudicial killings. The man denies that he was ever in the Somali National Security Service. His U.S. criminal record includes the 1998 immigration fraud felony and, according to ICE, multiple misdemeanors. Court records show misdemeanor convictions in 2015 for prescription-drug possession and at least two pending charges: an arrest last year for obtaining money under false pretenses and a January charge for shoplifting. Justice Department officials said there are many reasons informants and witnesses might not receive an S visa, including failure to maintain a clean record. But Lauria and others said the man should have been a U.S. citizen by now, which would protect him from deportation. On April 21, the man appeared via video in immigration court at a bond hearing. Clemente and a third retired federal agent, who gave his name only as Brian, were in the room, ready to testify on his behalf. The judge considered closing the proceedings to the public. The Post objected, but the judge ultimately ruled that the man was not eligible for a bond hearing because of his criminal record. His next appearance is in June. They are using this as a leverage for me to continue to cooperate, the man said in an interview before the April hearing. Or otherwise, were gonna send you back to Somalia, where I will definitely be killed. Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report. THE DISTRICT Lawsuit seeks more info in Seth Rich case An Arlington-based legal investigative unit filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to force D.C. police to turn over information gathered in last years fatal shooting of Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich. The Profiling Project, headed by lobbyist and lawyer Jack Burkman, along with law students at George Washington University, filed the suit in D.C. Superior Court in hopes it can gain access to surveillance video from a camera at the Flagler Market, near where Rich was killed; the D.C. Medical Examiners report on the death; and the forensic ballistic report. As part of the lawsuit, Burkman is asking that D.C. police release the information within 10 days. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine. Rich, 27, was shot July 10, 2016, in the Districts Bloomingdale neighborhood. D.C. police have repeatedly said that they think Rich was killed in a random robbery attempt, but several conspiracy theories have emerged about his death. No arrests have been made. Brad Bauman, a spokesman for the Rich family, said in an email Wednesday that the family was not affiliated with Burkman or his lawsuit. The family remains completely confident in the Metropolitan Police Departments handling of the case, Bauman said in a statement. Keith L. Alexander Man, 25, is fatally shot in Northeast D.C. A 25-year-old man was fatally shot Tuesday night in the Carver-Langston neighborhood of Northeast Washington, according to D.C. police. The victim was identified as DeAndre Riley of Southeast Washington. Police said the shooting occurred about 7:25 p.m. in the 1800 block of Benning Road NE, and that the wounded victim managed to walk several blocks before collapsing in the 700 block of 18th Street NE. No arrest has been made. Peter Hermann MARYLAND Man found dead in home is identified Police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old man found dead inside his Hyattsville home with trauma to his body, Prince Georges County authorities said. The man was identified as Matthew Mickens-Murrey. Officers, responding to a welfare check call, found Mickens-Murrey Tuesday at his home in the 5400 block of Newton Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The region has had more than 90 homicides this year, according to tracking by The Washington Post. Of those, 32 have been in Prince Georges County. Victoria St. Martin VIRGINIA Some fees to go away at Reston Town Center The owner of Reston Town Center plans to allow free parking during weeknights, a response to a backlash in the Northern Virginia community over recently imposed fees that drove one restaurant group to sue for damages. Starting Monday, visitors to the town center will be able to park free anytime after 5 p.m. on weeknights and for one hour if they arrive before then, Boston Properties announced Wednesday. Parking at the Reston Town Center is free on weekends, holidays and for special events. At all other times, the fee is $2 per hour. The new rules, plus planned upgrades to payment kiosks, will address the primary concerns expressed by the community while still supporting the original goals of paid parking: protecting the parking rights of RTC tenants and visitors and augmenting revenue dedicated to community reinvestment, Boston Properties said in a news release. Antonio Olivo Correction: Earlier versions of this story transposed the number of congressional seats controlled by Democrats after the 2012 election. Democrats controlled six of the states eight seats before the election, and seven of the eight after the election. Seven individuals challenging Marylands 6th Congressional District as unconstitutional are asking a federal court to overturn the states voting map or block officials from using it in the 2018 election. John Benisek, a resident of Williamsport, and other residents allege that gerrymandering by Maryland Democrats during the 2010-2011 redistricting process violated their First Amendment rights, diminishing the ability of Republicans to elect candidates of their choice for the congressional seat now held by Rep. John Delaney (D). Plaintiffs attorneys deposed some of the states leading Democrats, including former governor Martin OMalley, who said he felt a responsibility to make the seat more winnable for Democrats. The seat was held at the time by Roscoe Bartlett (R), and OMalley led the redistricting effort. On Wednesday, the attorneys filed a motion asking a three-judge panel with the U.S. District Court in Maryland to declare the map unconstitutional or issue a preliminary injunction blocking the state from enforcing it, arguing that any further delay risks irreparable injury with respect to the forthcoming 2018 election. The plaintiffs are arguing that Democratic state officials who designed the district relied heavily on advanced mapping software, voter-registration data and voting history to give an advantage to their party. When asked whether he thought the revised district would help Democrats, OMalley said in his deposition that it was certainly my hope, and it was part of my intent. OMalley said state legislative leaders who took part in the redistricting process, including House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert), had the same intentions. But Miller and Busch, in their depositions, said they did not seek to flip the district to the Democratic column. I voted for and supported what I would believe was in the best interest of the citizens of the state, Busch said. Miller and Busch said they were largely unfamiliar with the data given to their staffs during the redistricting process, including metrics showing the chances of Democrats winning districts under various configurations. I didnt even review it, Miller said. It wasnt important to me. In redrawing the 6th Congressional District, state officials moved more than 360,000 residents out of the district and a roughly equal number of people into it. Before the change, Republicans made up nearly 47 percent of registered eligible voters within the boundaries, compared with about 36 percent for Democrats. After the new lines were enacted, Republicans made up 33 percent of registered eligible voters in the district, compared with 44 percent for Democrats. The Cook Political Reports partisan voter index, which estimates the propensity for districts to vote Democratic or Republican, showed that the 6th Congressional District flipped from an R+13 in 2010 to a D+2 in 2011, the largest swing in the nation that year. There is no plausible explanation for the wholesale geographic, demographic, and political reshuffling of the Sixth District other than the attempt to dilute Republican votes to make it impossible for them to reelect Roscoe Bartlett, the plaintiffs attorneys said. Bartlett, who had consistently won reelection in the district by double-digit margins over two decades, lost the 2012 election to Delaney. The result gave Democrats seven of Marylands eight congressional seats. They previously controlled six. The plaintiffs attorneys claim that many constituents in and around the 6th District have been chilled from participating in the political process, not only because they feel that voting is a lost cause in light of gerrymandering, but also because they feel disconnected from their congressional district. During the depositions, Miller was asked about talking points his staff had provided for various speaking engagements at Democratic events. One of the items said the revised 6th District gives Democrats a real opportunity to pick up a seventh seat in the delegation by targeting Roscoe Bartlett. Another memo said: If asked about redistricting, keep it simple. Were going to do our best to help Democrats, while following all of the applicable federal and state constitutional and statutory requirements. Miller played down the talking points, saying he generally speaks off the cuff during speeches. He described the notes as political rhetoric designed to inspire Democrats and not necessarily guiding principles for the redistricting process. The case is Benisek v. Lamone. WASHINGTON, DC - David Trone, founder of Total Wine & More and a former congressional candidate is giving $100,000 to provide legal assistance to any Montgomery County resident affected by President Trumps proposed travel ban. (Marlon Correa/El Tiempo Latino) Potomac wine executive and likely 2018 candidate David Trone announced a $100,000 grant Thursday through his private foundation for legal assistance to Montgomery County families who may be affected by President Trumps proposed ban on travel to the U.S. from six Muslim-majority countries. The David and June Trone Family Foundation said the money is going to the Catholic Legal Immigration Network to hire an attorney. Other grants of unspecified amounts will go to Interfaith Works, CASA and the Montgomery Chapter of the ACLU. The Trump administration's action is an attack on the basic freedoms Americans hold dear and an affront to all of us, Trone said in a statement. June, our children and I are committed to doing whatever is needed to protect the rights of our neighbors affected by this outrageous policy. According to the statement, the money will pay for legal help if and when the ban goes into effect. Last week a federal appeals court kept in place a lower-court injunction against the ban, which would temporarily freeze issuance of visas to citizens of Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Trones foundation has made numerous large donations local institutions, including $2.5 million last month to Suburban Hospital. Trone, co-founder of Total Wine & More, spent a record $13 million of his own money in last years 8th Congressional District Democratic primary, losing to then-State Sen. Jamie Raskin. He is expected to become a 2018 candidate for either Montgomery County Executive or Marylands 6th Congressional District seat if incumbent Rep. John Delaney (D) opts to run for governor. Delaney is expected to announce his plans sometime this month. Thursdays grant announcement came from Alex Koren, who is listed as vice president of Hickman Analytics, the polling and political consulting firm Trone used in 2016. March for Truth organizers are hoping to make one message stick long after the protest on Saturday ends: Investigate Trump. People are expected to protest in more than 100 cities around the world, calling for an independent and impartial investigation into alleged connections between Trumps presidential campaign and Russia. In the nations capital where there will be a rally but no actual march organizers plan to take an aerial photograph of protesters on the Mall arranged in the form of the words Investigate Trump. There does appear to be a lot of smoke, and when theres smoke, theres typically fire, said Jordan Uhl, one of the protests organizers. The best way to determine what has occurred is for a fair and impartial investigation to occur. [Washingtons portable toilet industry is flush, thanks to Trump] Thousands gather on the Mall for the March for Science on April 22 in Washington. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Uhl said he expects about 5,000 people to attend the D.C. event, with a similar number expected in New York. Smaller groups of protesters are expected in cities such as Kansas City and Seattle, as well as Munich and Lima, Peru. The march is the latest in demonstrations since Trumps election. The National Park Service, which oversees the Mall and the area in front of the White House, says it has seen an increase of more than 25 percent in requests for permits to protest on the Districts federal land compared with this time last year. The March for Truth in the District is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. near the Washington Monument. It originally was slated for Lafayette Square in front of the White House, but Uhl said interest has ballooned in the past few weeks, so the location was moved to a bigger space. Speakers at the rally will include Linda Sarsour, an activist and one of the organizers of the Womens March on Washington, and Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.). The rally also will include poets and speakers from progressive groups sponsoring it, but the speaking portion of the event will be short, Uhl said. [How an activist pulled off projecting messages onto the Trump International Hotel] We want to have it more of a rally feel with lots of chants, he said. We dont want to bore people with speakers. In New York, participants will meet at 9 a.m. at Foley Square and march along Broadway. Actress Rosie ODonnell and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) are expected to be among the speakers, said Shannon Stagman, one of the organizers of the New York march. There is an undeniable tie to the president in New York, Stagman said. We kind of own him in a way, and its important to make our feelings known. D.C. police arrested a 36-year-old man Wednesday and charged him in a fatal shooting May 22 in Southeast Washington, authorities said. Chad E. Hawthorne of Southeast Washington was charged with second-degree murder while armed in the killing of Antonio Bassett, 35, also of Southeast. Police said the shooting occurred about 4:45 a.m. inside a home in the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Police did not discuss a motive. D.C. police are seeking help in identifying this young girl. (D.C. police ) D.C. police are seeking help in identifying a young girl who was found Wednesday night wandering a street alone in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Northwest Washington. A police officer first saw the child about 10:15 p.m. in the 2900 block of 14th Street NW, in front of a large apartment building and one block south of the Columbia Heights Metro station. A police spokeswoman said the girl spoke primarily Spanish, and interviewed through an interpreter said she did not know where she lives or her parents names. Police do not know her name. The child is described as Hispanic and between 2 and 5 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. When found, she was wearing black pants, a white tank top and blue sandals. Anyone with information is urged to call police at 202-727-9099, the Youth and Family Services Division at 202-576-6768, or 911. Then-Del. Nathaniel T. Oaks (D) at a hearing in the House of Delegates in Annapolis on Feb. 9, 2009. (Glenn Fawcett/AP) A Maryland state senator accused of taking bribes in exchange for helping a business obtain government development funds was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday. Sen. Nathaniel T. Oaks, 70, has been charged with nine counts of wire fraud and violations of the Travel Act, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney for the District of Maryland and the FBI. [Md. senator charged with bribery on Friday returns for final day of legislative session] Oaks (D-Baltimore) took more than $15,000 from a business person looking to secure contracts in the city starting in 2015, law enforcement officials said. In exchange, Oaks wrote letters on the businesss behalf with his official letterhead and drafted a bill to help the company obtain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds and $250,000 in state funds for a project, court filings state. The business person turned out to be a confidential informant who recorded meetings with Oaks outlining the exchanges for the FBI, investigators said. Oaks and the informant used the code word lollipop to talk about $1,000, investigators said. [Code word lollipop: That was bribe cue for Maryland state senator, investigators charge] An attorney for Oaks could not be immediately reached for comment. Oaks is the third current or former Maryland legislator to be charged criminally this year. Del. Michael L. Vaughn (D-Prince Georges) resigned in January shortly before being charged in a wide-ranging bribery scheme involving the local liquor board. Former delegate William A. Campos (D-Prince Georges) pleaded guilty in the bribery case. Oaks has not resigned from his position. Oaks has been a Maryland legislator for nearly 30 years. He faces up to 105 years in prison if convicted. A noose was found Wednesday in a public gallery at the National Museum of African American History and Culture museum, the second such incident on Smithsonian grounds in less than a week, officials said. David J. Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, said in an email announcement that he had to share deeply disturbing news that the rope was found in an public exhibition space Wednesday afternoon. It was in the Segregation Gallery on the second floor of the history galleries. The Smithsonian family stands together in condemning this act of hatred and intolerance, especially repugnant in a museum that affirms and celebrates the American values of inclusion and diversity, Skorton wrote. Skorton added that the incident is being investigated by U.S. Park Police. Spokeswoman Sgt. Anna Rose said that police are investigating but she provided no further details. Police officials said a noose was found hanging from a tree Saturday on the grounds of the Hirshhorn Museum. [Noose found hanging in tree at Hirshhorn Museum] The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity a symbol of extreme violence for African Americans. Todays incident was a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face, Lonnie Bunch III, the museums founding director, said in a statement. This was a horrible act, but a stark reminder of why our work is so important, Bunch said. Authorities closed a portion of the galleries for nearly three hours as police and the Smithsonian Office of Protection Services investigated, Bunch said in an email to staff. Jose Daniel Estrada is accused of sexual battery in cases involving two young girls at a middle school in Falls Church, Va. (Courtesy of Falls Church Police) A Virginia math teacher pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery in a case involving two female students at a middle school in Falls Church and could face up to 10 years in prison. Jose Daniel Estrada, 36, of Clifton taught at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and was accused of inappropriately touching two girls who were students at the school in incidents that go as far back as fall of last year, officials said. He is expected to be sentenced in August. [Falls Church middle school math teacher charged with sexual battery] Theo Stamos, the commonwealth attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church, said the plea helps spare the young victims the trauma of having to testify in court. She also said in a statement that crimes like these deeply unsettle a community. School officials first learned of one of the incidents in January. An 11-year-old girl said Estrada had inappropriately touched her when they were sitting side-by-side going over her grades in his classroom. He put his arm around her and touched her breast. She said she told him to stop, but he then touched her inappropriately over her clothes. He tried to block her from leaving the classroom, but she said she eventually managed to escape. Her mother notified school officials as soon as the girl told her of the incident. Estrada was placed on leave with pay from the school and an investigation began. Officials said they learned in February of another victim, a 12-years-old who said Estrada had inappropriately touched her while she was doing work at her desk in the back of his classroom. She said it had happened almost every day since last November, but she was afraid to tell anyone, according to prosecutors. She finally told her mother in February after kids on her bus were talking about why Estrada was not at school. Her mother contacted authorities. The girl later told an official from a social services agency: He was my favorite teacher Why would he do that to me? In a statement, Falls Church Police Chief Mary Gavin praised the courage of the two, young victims who came forward to tell adults of the incidents. She did exactly what she should have done she fled and told adults right away, Gavin said in a statement of the girl who came forward in January. She is a remarkable person, and I admire her tenacity and bravery; as well as the second student who also came forward. Gavin said she also appreciated that adults said to these children, I believe you and Its not your fault and then reported the incidents to authorities. An official with Falls Church City Public Schools said Estrada had been an employee since July 2015. After he was arrested in February, the school board voted unanimously to not renew his contract, according to John Brett, a Falls Church Schools spokesman. The school system has also filed a petition with the Virginia State Board of Education asking that Estradas teaching license be revoked, to eliminate the possibility of his return to a classroom in another school division, Brett said in an email. Brett said Estrada underwent a routine background check and vetting through the school systems human resources department, along with fingerprinting and background checks with the FBI, Virginia State Police and Child Protective Services. His references were checked and he went through interviews, plus his immediate past supervisor was interviewed and asked specifically about [his] interactions with students and staff members. The school system said it received no information indicating there had been problems or issues in either regard. A woman who walked out with someone elses $15,000 fur from the coat room at the MGM National Harbor has pleaded guilty to theft. Rosa Aviles, 46, was sentenced to a day in jail, 31 hours of community service and a year of unsupervised probation after entering her guilty plea in Prince Georges County Circuit Court last week. Aviles, of Southwest Washington, was at the MGM casino in January and checked in a black-and-white checkered jacket into a coat room, according to court documents. [A $15,000 mink coat vanished from MGM National Harbor casino. Heres how it was found.] Hours later, Aviles returned to collect her coat, but the attendant could not find it, court records state. The clerk then allowed Aviles to enter the coat room to find her jacket, after which Aviles selected a full-length gray mink coat and claimed it was hers, police said. Surveillance footage from the casino showed Aviles walking out of the MGM wearing the coat. The fur coat was reported missing by a diner at Fish, the Jose Andres seafood restaurant inside the MGM, according to a search warrant issued for Aviless address. [Burglars beware: High-tech, crime-fighting liquid is silent and invisible witness to theft] Months later, a Prince Georges County police officer who worked in the same government building as Aviles recognized her from surveillance photos detectives distributed as part of their investigation. Police searched Aviless home in March and found the missing coat in her room, court documents state. When reached by phone on Wednesday, Aviles said she wasnt sure what to say and said she would need to speak to her attorney. Her attorney did not respond to an email and phone call requesting comment. In a gentrifying city where residential rents and home sale prices have risen dramatically, several D.C. Council members want their colleagues to consider a novel approach to dealing with a stubborn byproduct of the prosperity. The problem is the Districts ever-worsening shortage of affordable housing for low-income families. And part of the solution, some council members say, might lie in Washingtons sluggish commercial real estate market. The city has a growing surplus of empty office space, including more than 14 million square feet of unused commercial property downtown, about double the vacancy rate of a decade ago. Now, officials are wondering if there is a financially viable way to turn some of that idle space into rent-subsidized apartments. Commercial real estate experts say it cant be done. Or at least they seriously doubt it. But Council member Robert C. White Jr. (D-At Large) is brimming with optimism. The owners of these buildings are really at a loss for new tenants, said White, who has proposed forming a task force to study the possibility of redeveloping swaths of empty office space including in steel-and-glass canyons downtown into low-cost apartments for struggling renters whose housing options are severely limited. The idea, unrefined so far, indicates how creative, or desperate, the city has become in trying to provide more housing for its poor. Eight other council members have added their signatures to a bill recently filed by White that would establish such a study group. There is ample opportunity for the government to extend a hand to these owners and tell them that we want to partner with you and help convert your property to productive use, White said in an interview. I think theyd jump at the chance. The Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington, which represents building owners, said it supports a task force study. But the association seemed less confident than White about whether a wholesale conversion of high-priced commercial property into inexpensive housing would be economically feasible, pointing out that a significant investment of public money would be required. Which means it might also be politically untenable. The effort would involve the use of local tax abatements, financing incentives and other sizable government contributions, said Kirsten Williams, the organizations vice president for governmental affairs. Although a few big cities elsewhere in the country have tried to create more affordable housing by repurposing vacant office space, she said, those projects, to her knowledge, have been small-scale and experimental. The District would definitely be a leader if it did this in a big way, Williams said in an interview. Later, in a statement, she cautioned, It is imperative that the task force review all of the legal, regulatory and zoning challenges that must be addressed. It would be up to the task force to figure out whether a public-private partnership could be formed. The study group would include a low-income renter, an office building owner, representatives of a philanthropic organization and a nonprofit development corporation, various city officials, a structural engineer and several people involved in providing and advocating for the creation of affordable housing. As for vacant office space, real estate experts say there is plenty of it available. While gentrification has transformed the Districts residential landscape since the start of the 21st century, driving up housing prices, the citys commercial real estate sector has fallen into a funk in the past decade, adversely impacted by the post-2008 recession and by major changes in workplace culture and office technology. Only Chicagos business district and Manhattan have more square footage of unused office space than downtown Washingtons 14.4 million, according to the most recent quarterly report by Jones Lang LaSalle, or JLL, a giant commercial real estate brokerage. Those two cities, each much larger than Washington, have far more total office space, meaning their vacancy rates are lower than the Districts 12.5 percent. That figure is essentially twice what it was 10 years ago, said John Sikaitis, a D.C.-based managing director of JLL, referring to Washingtons vacancy rate. Along with staff reductions in a leaner economy, the most profound disruption to the market has been technological innovation, said Scott Homa, JLLs director of office research. Just the amount of telecommuting that were seeing now. And the fact that files have been digitized. Law firms dont need big libraries anymore, for instance. Theres more workplace mobility, people being able to share desks. And since the mid-aughts, with millennials entering the workforce in huge numbers, the office dynamic has really changed, Homa said. Whereas an older, established workforce would value the privacy of closed walls, you have a mentality with the newer generation thats built on the sharing economy. Theres less interest in physical separation. He and Sikaitis said that one of the problems with converting empty office space into affordable housing in the District is that the kinds of buildings that would lend themselves to such a project are also the types with the lowest vacancy rates buildings classified by developers and brokers as Class B and Class C, meaning they were mostly constructed before the 1980s and offer fairly low-cost leases. These buildings, largely occupied by small businesses and nonprofit groups, have an overall vacancy rate of less than 10 percent. The relatively low value of the buildings might make them financially suitable for conversion, Sikaitis said. But the owners would have little incentive to cooperate in such a plan because they already have sticky tenants who like the affordability of the space. The highest-priced office buildings for tenants, the citys new and gleaming Trophy Class buildings, also have a low vacancy rate. And even if they didnt, Sikaitis said, turning such a building into subsidized housing would not be financially feasible. The types of buildings called Class A, constructed in the 1980s and 90s, have the highest vacancy rate, about 15 percent overall. These buildings also make up the biggest share of the citys commercial real estate market, about 35 percent, the JLL executives said. Class A buildings are typically sprawling structures, occupying entire city blocks, and were constructed before the dawn of high-speed Internet and the trend toward open, collaborative work environments, Homa and Sikaitis said. They were designed for companies with hallways and private offices, hundreds of filing cabinets, scores of clunky machines and other space-taking relics of the pre-digital age. This type of building is probably the kind that would be targeted by an effort to turn vacant office space into low-cost housing, the two executives said. But the math just doesnt work, Sikaitis said. At any part of the core of downtown, youre talking about values at the level of at least $200 per square foot, and in excess of $450 per square foot depending on the location, he said. My guess is the city would probably not be willing to do that when you can create affordable housing in other parts of the city for $50 or $100 per square foot. Or, lets be honest about it, $15 or $20 per square foot in some areas of the city. Council member White, though, is undeterred. Now 35, White grew up in the 4400 block of 15th Street NW, just above Columbia Heights, in a rowhouse that his grandfather bought for $14,000 in the 1960s. Our block was mostly dilapidated houses when I was a kid, he recalled. By the time I was in high school and college, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, before Id seen other neighborhoods gentrifying, the houses on our block were very quickly being renovated by new owners. So this block that, for me, looked run-down when I was young, all of a sudden it started looking like something I could never afford. He said his grandfathers old house is worth about $1 million today. And he imagines how that sort of change, all over the District, impacts poor people. We as a city do a lot to try to address the problem of affordable housing, White said. But the tools we have at our disposal clearly fall short of our needs. So I think we really have to think hard and find new ways to deal with this issue. The Hwasong 12, a new type of ballistic missile, is launched from an undisclosed location in North Korea in this May 14 photo distributed by the North Korean government. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) The U.N. Security Council will vote on Friday on a U.S. and Chinese proposal to blacklist more North Korean individuals and entities after the countrys repeated ballistic missile launches, diplomats said Thursday. The draft resolution would sanction four entities, including the Koryo Bank and Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean Peoples Army, and 14 people, including Cho Il U, who is said to head North Koreas overseas spying operations. If adopted, they would be subjected to a global asset freeze and travel ban. The measures could have been agreed by the councils North Korea sanctions committee behind closed doors, but a public vote would amplify the bodys anger at Pyongyangs defiance of a ban on ballistic missile launches by the United Nations. The United States had been negotiating with Pyongyang ally China for five weeks on possible new sanctions. The pair reached agreement and circulated the draft resolution to the remaining 13 council members on Thursday. It was not immediately clear if Russia would support the draft resolution after the United States on Thursday imposed its own sanctions on two Russian firms for their support of North Koreas weapons programs. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow was puzzled and alarmed by the U.S. decision and that Russia was preparing retaliatory measures, Russian media reported. The Security Council first imposed sanctions on Pyongyang in 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs and has ratcheted up the measures in response to five nuclear tests and two long-range missile launches. North Korea is threatening a sixth nuclear test. The Trump administration has been pressing Beijing aggressively to rein in North Korea, warning that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the U.N. Security Council on April 28 that it needed to act before North Korea does. Just hours after the meeting, chaired by Tillerson, Pyongyang launched yet another ballistic missile. Within days the United States proposed to China that the Security Council strengthen sanctions on North Korea over its repeated missile launches. Traditionally, the United States and China have negotiated new sanctions before involving the other council members. Since then Pyongyang has launched several more ballistic missiles, including a short-range one on Monday that landed in the sea off its east coast. Also Thursday, the United States blacklisted nine companies and government institutions, including two Russian firms and three people, for their support of North Koreas weapons programs. The United States has struggled to slow North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, which has become a security priority given Pyongyangs vow to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. Washington has worked to step up both unilateral and international sanctions in an effort to cut off funds and supplies to the reclusive state. The measures announced by the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Ardis-Bearings, which it said is based in Moscow, and its director, Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin, for acting as a supplier to a North Korean trading company involved in the countrys missile and weapons of mass destruction programs. Another Russian firm, Independent Petroleum, and a subsidiary were blacklisted for signing a contract to provide oil to North Korea and shipping over $1 million worth of petroleum products to North Korea, Treasury said. The Treasury also sanctioned a major North Korean zinc company, the Korea Zinc Industrial Group, and the Korea Computer Center, which it said is a state-run information technology research center that generates foreign currency for the North Korean government through programming and software development. The center is said to have offices in Germany, China, Syria, India and the Middle East, Treasury said. A North Korean intelligence official, Kim Su Kwang, was also sanctioned. The Treasury said he had worked undercover at a U.N. organization in Europe. The steps freeze any funds the individuals or companies may have in the United States and bar Americans from dealing with them. BAHRAIN Court orders breakup of key opposition group A court in Bahrain ordered the countrys last main opposition group, Waad, dissolved and its property confiscated Wednesday in the latest blow to reformers and dissenting voices in the Middle Eastern island nation. The Justice Ministry had alleged that Waad had incited acts of terrorism, promoted the violent overthrow of the Sunni-led government and glorified convicted terrorists and saboteurs. The government used similarly broad wording to dissolve the countrys largest Shiite opposition group, al-Wefaq. Bahrain is a majority-Shiite nation ruled by a Sunni monarchy. A State Department official said the United States is deeply concerned by the court decision and urged the government to reconsider the judicial action. Two smaller opposition groups remain active, but Waad was seen as the last major opposition group functioning in Bahrain. The secular group included both Shiite and Sunni activists. Associated Press YEMEN UAE-allied forces gain control of Aden airport Forces backed by the United Arab Emirates have taken over the airport in the southern Yemeni city of Aden, according to Yemeni security officials, further fueling tension between internationally recognized President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the UAE. The officials said one soldier from among the forces guarding the airport died in clashes Wednesday morning. The UAE contributed forces to a Saudi-led coalition that secured Hadis return to Yemen after his exile in 2014. Hadi had been forced to flee the capital, Sanaa, when it was seized by Shiite rebels, and Aden later became his temporary seat of power. However, tensions have grown between Hadi and the UAE over control of Adens airport, the main gateway to Yemens second-largest city. UAE-led forces have made several attempts to seize the airport. Hadis supporters accuse the UAE of aiding groups attempting to create an independent government in southern Yemen, which would allow the UAE to maintain a permanent presence in the south. Associated Press Court rules against Navalny in libel suit: A Moscow court has ruled in favor of billionaire Alisher Usmanov in his libel suit against Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Usmanov sued Navalny over his investigation into Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedevs alleged secret wealth. Navalny published legal documents showing that Usmanov and other Russian billionaires transferred lucrative assets to a charity foundation run by a former Medvedev classmate. The judge ordered Navalny to remove his YouTube documentary about Medvedevs alleged wealth and publish a retraction. From news services Gretchen McCulloch is the former resident linguist of The Toast. Covfefe from a typo in a late-night Trump tweet about negative press covfefe has been taking the Internet by storm. Retweeted more than 127,000 times and liked more than 162,000 times before it was deleted, the tweet spawned Photoshops, T-shirts and even an unusually self-deprecating response from the president himself as users searched for the words meaning. President Trumps strange linguistic style has previously been described as full of non sequiturs, incoherent or simply characteristic of oral rather than written language and, of course, he isnt even the first recent public figure to tweet a weird keysmash. But in this case, theres a further complication: No one can agree on is how to pronounce covfefe. Is it cov-fee-fee? Cov-fef-ay? Cov-feef? Something else? And why is it so hard to squeeze in the v? Fortunately, linguistics has an answer. A starting point is the way we normally decide how to pronounce an unfamiliar word. Usually, we try to draw analogies with English words we already know. For example, we knew how to pronounce -ly from words like slowly, so it isnt too hard to figure out how to pronounce bigly. But sometimes this approach runs into problems. In this case, there just arent any common English words ending in -efe. A wild-card search on the very comprehensive dictionary aggregator OneLook yielded the following list of words: jefe, fefe, efe, hefe, okeefe, hogrefe, keefe, reprefe, tefe and kefe. Pretty obscurefe. So we have to search further afield. Maybe we go for the Spanish word jefe, meaning boss. Maybe we look to a different vowel, as in fife or cafe. Maybe we look to other spellings of the /f/ sound at the end of a word, like ff as in fluff, gaffe and coiffe. The problem is that none of these is a close analogue, making it unsurprising that several Twitter polls have found that people are strongly split. But it looks like the lack of -fefe endings wont remain true for long. People have started smashing covfefe together with other words to refer to the covfefe meme. There now exists the threadfefe (a thread about covfefe), an exorfefe (an exorcist of the word covfefe), a presifefe (president) and the slogan If u think youre above covfefe youre part of the probfefe. Depending on how long it takes until we reach peak covfefe, these could remain simple portmanteau words made by blending the sounds and meaning of two other words, like how Brexit came from Britain and exit. Or, -fefe could become its very own libfix a fragment of a word that turns into an affix (i.e. a prefix or suffix) with its own specific meaning. This is how -gate got liberated from Watergate to refer to any scandal. Now what about v? Again, a problem: The only vf words in English are compounds or acronyms, such as lovefest or IVF, for in vitro fertilization. It feels oddly difficult to say /v/ and /f/ right next to each other. Theres a good reason for that too, but you need to play along. Put your hand on your throat and say /vvvvv/ and /fffff./ Alternate back and forth. Dont whisper: Covfefe doesnt care if youre getting weird looks on the busfefe. Can you feel how /vvvv/ makes your throat vibrate, but with /ffff/ its silent? Now try it again with /sssss/ and /zzzz./ Turning on and off your vocal cords as between /ffff/ and /ssss/ vs. /vvvv/ and /zzzz/ is slightly tricky and normally we try to avoid it. This is secretly true every time you add an -s to make a plural in English. The spelling hides the pronunciation, which changes between /s/ and /z/ to avoid making your vocal cords switch. So if you pronounce it cov-fe-fe, youll pluralize it cov-fe-fezzz. If you pronounce it cov-feef, youll pluralize it cov-feefsss even though we cant agree on the vowels, we all find the switching hard! The difficulty of pronouncing covfefe may even have had a positive side effect, spurring floods of people onto social media to debate about how it was pronounced and make up creative -fefe wordplays. Typos, whether careless or deliberate, often lead to humor. And covfefe encapsulated a particular moment: a fun, communal way of letting off steam in an era when a late-night Trump tweet could lead to things much worse than a weird-looking typo. OUR CITY is in mourning, our communitys anger is real, and the timing and subject of these events can only exacerbate an already difficult situation. So said Portland, Ore., Mayor Ted Wheeler in explaining why in the aftermath of the deaths of two good Samaritans controversial rallies planned for this month shouldnt be held. Mr. Wheelers concern for the raw feelings of his community is understandable, but he is completely off-base in trying to block the planned rallies and dangerously wrong in his reading of the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Wheeler unsuccessfully appealed to federal officials to revoke a permit granted to a group to hold a pro-Trump, free-speech rally Sunday at a downtown federal government plaza. His request that a permit not be granted for a June 10 anti-Muslim rally was made moot when organizers opted Wednesday to cancel the rally and encourage participants to attend a similar event in Seattle instead. The mayor characterized the rallies as alt-right and said hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment. Actually, as was pointed out by legal scholars and free-speech advocates, Mr. Wheeler is wrong about how constitutional protections of free speech have been interpreted by the courts. Speech, no matter how vile or distasteful, is protected in the United States. It can be banned only if it meets the legal threshold of threat or harassment. It would have been far better for Mr. Wheeler to have followed the advice of the Oregon ACLU and reached out to rally organizers to explain why it might be in the communitys best interest to postpone the events. Not only are public passions still aroused about the deaths of two men who tried to protect two young women from anti-Muslim insults, but Portland has become the scene of rising tensions and clashes between extremists from both ends of the political spectrum. Perhaps it is naive to think that organizers of Sundays rally might have actually listened to the mayor and allowed Portland to mourn the loss of those two fine men without further upset. Sadly, though, decency these days seems to be in short supply in Americas political debate. The most recent example was the stunt by comedian Kathy Griffin, who evidently thought it was humorous to portray the beheading of an American president. It was somewhat comforting that Ms. Griffin was widely condemned (including by some of the most ardent critics of President Trump) and that she responded with an abject apology. If only the provocateurs in Portland could be so moved. Most of the conservative Republicans opposed to President Trump are writers and policy specialists. Few are politicians or, perhaps more precisely, few of the conservative politicians who see Trump as a danger to the nation are prepared to say so in public. So does this mean that the writerly anti-Trump right is ineffectual? Not at all. But we may be approaching a time when the gutlessness of the GOPs leadership moves these restive conservatives to abandon their traditional loyalties altogether. It would not be the first time that a group of thinkers opened the way for political realignment. History, its said, sometimes rhymes. The anti-Trump distemper on the right has some of the rhythms and sounds of an earlier intellectual rebellion in the mid-1960s involving an uneasy group of liberals. They remained staunch supporters of Franklin Roosevelts New Deal but worried about what they saw as liberal excesses and the overreach of some Great Society policies. Over time, this collection of magazine- and university-based rebels among them Irving Kristol, Nathan Glazer, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Daniel Bell and Norman Podhoretz came to be known as neoconservatives. They were not party bosses, but they sure knew how to write essays. The history of this movement, well-told in books by Peter Steinfels, Justin Vaisse and Gary Dorrien, is winding and complicated. Some of the neocons never abandoned liberalism or the Democrats. This category includes Bell and Moynihan, who eventually served with distinction as a Democratic senator from New York. Glazers views have always been hard to pigeonhole. Others (notably Kristol and Podhoretz) moved steadily toward old-fashioned conservatism. By the beginning of this century, neoconservatism came to be associated more with a muscular foreign policy than with its initial focus on domestic issues. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post) What cannot be doubted is that the neocons helped prepare the ground for Ronald Reagans political revolution. Will the anti-Trumpers (a fair number of them philosophical descendants of neoconservatism) have a comparable impact? Much depends on whether their critique of Trump carries into a broader critique of contemporary conservatism and the Republican Party. This is already starting to happen. My Post colleagues Michael Gerson and Jennifer Rubin are representative. Gerson recently wrote: The conservative mind, in some very visible cases, has become diseased, while conservative institutions with the blessings of a president . . . have abandoned the normal constraints of reason and compassion. Rubin charged Republicans with practicing intellectual nihilism and proposed that center-right Americans . . . look elsewhere for a political home. David Frum of the Atlantic, another eloquent anti-Trump dissident, wrote about the broken guardrails of American democracy back in 2016 and argued that the conservative guardrail had snapped because so much of the ideology itself had long since ceased to be relevant to the lives of so many Republican primary voters. Instead of a political program, conservatism had become an individual identity. Conservative talk radio host Charlie Sykes criticized his side for indulging conspiracy theories going back to the Bill Clinton years and for empowering the worst and most reckless voices on the right. He did not pull his punch: This was not mere naivete. It was also a moral failure, one that now lies at the heart of the conservative movement. Evan McMullin, who ran as an independent conservative against Trump in 2016, explicitly raised the prospect of realignment in a tweet over the weekend: In our Trumpian era, is there any longer a traditional right and left? Or are there only those who fight for liberty and those against it. Another factor could push the anti-Trump conservatives out of their ideological home: attacks on them from one-time comrades. Writing recently on National Reviews website, author and radio host Dennis Prager described the anti-Trump right as a very refined group of people who live in a cultural milieu in which to support Trump is to render oneself contemptible at all elite dinner parties. Fighting words! Like the intellectuals of a half-century ago who developed qualms about liberalism but insisted they were still in the liberal camp, conservatives standing against Trump today still see themselves as being true to their old loyalties. But eventually, a large cadre of those liberal dissenters accepted that they were, in fact, neoconservatives. Something similar may be happening in the other direction as members of the anti-Trump right, battling against immoderation, irrationality and irresponsibility, become ever more distant from their old allies. Lets call them neo-moderates. They, too, could emerge as a major force in our politics and make a difference in our history. Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Keegan Stephan is a writer, political organizer and law student in New York City. Last week, a white supremacist allegedly stabbed two men to death and severely wounded another who tried to intervene as he hurled racial slurs at a black woman and a Muslim woman. Yet one of the most shocking aspects of the incident was where it occurred: Portland, Ore. Many Americans consider the city to be a progressive utopia, to the point of televised parody. The truth is far more complicated. I went to high school outside Portland, and I encountered more overt white supremacy there than anywhere else. Progressive politics and discrimination are not mutually exclusive. Many classmates who would have described themselves as progressive expressed white supremacist ideals, often in violent terms. Without diversity, overt racism often goes unchecked. And where it goes unchecked, it persists. While Portland is indeed progressive on many political issues, it is still the whitest large city in America and thats by design. Before becoming a state in 1859, Oregon passed laws that prohibited slavery but also required all African Americans to leave the territory. It simply wanted no black people. It went so far as to make the crime of being black punishable by floggings until the perpetrator left. Thus, when Oregon joined the union, it joined not as a free state or a slave state, but as a no-blacks state, the only state to do so. Even as the rest of the country began to extend rights to African Americans after the Civil War, Oregon held fast to its racist origins. When the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870, giving black men the right to vote, Oregon was one of only a few states not to sign on, and refused do so until 1959. While the 14th Amendment was passed in 1868, granting citizenship and equal protection of the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, Oregon did not ratify it until 1973. The state left on the books anti-miscegenation and other laws that clearly violated the equal protection clause well into the 20th century. Until 2002 , the Oregon constitution even insisted that no free Negro, or mulatto . . . shall come, reside, or be within this State, or hold any real estate. Technically, these laws were unconstitutional despite Oregons refusal to ratify the 14th Amendment, and anyone prosecuted under them should have been able to successfully overturn their conviction. Yet their existence still served to intimidate; the weight of the states criminal-justice system stood behind them, as Portland proved just as willing to enforce Jim Crow-style segregation as the Deep South, even banning black people from public swimming pools into the 1960s. The possibility of successfully challenging the application of these racist laws in federal court, even for those with the means to do so, offered little comfort. I was lucky enough to live across the street from Judge Belton Hamilton, the first black federal administrative law judge in the state. (A black justice still has not been appointed to Oregons highest state court.) One of the kindest and most generous men Ive ever met, Hamilton told me that he never felt safe living in the state under these laws. He told me that he had to draft legislation in order to legally marry his wife (a Japanese American woman) and to buy his house in our small suburb. But although Hamilton may have helped to rewrite the laws, he never successfully changed the hearts of all our neighbors. I remember his house being vandalized regularly growing up. I remember helping him pick toilet paper out of his trees and scrub swastikas off of his stone walkway in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As tragic as last weeks murders were, they should shock no one. In a state that sought to exclude black people entirely, and that openly discriminated as long as the Jim Crow South, no one should be surprised that violent, white-supremacist ideologies still flourish. In the 1920s, Oregon had the largest Ku Klux Klan membership per capita of any state; in the 1980s, white nationalists chose Portland as a place to establish themselves in the Northwest; in 1988, a skinhead, egged on by two others, beat Nigerian immigrant Mulugeta Seraw to death with a bat; in 2016, a white supremacist was charged with a hate crime after mowing down a black teenager named Larnell Bruce with his SUV; just two months before this latest attack, ProPublica and BuzzFeed found that Oregon has recently had more documented hate crimes than any other state. A white nationalist rally is still slated to take place just two weeks after this latest double slaying. In this painful moment, I hope Portland does not uncritically insist that this was an isolated incident. I hope that it seizes this moment when the citys hearts and minds may actually be open to critical analysis and radical change and attempts to seriously address the deep-seated white supremacy in its midst. In his May 29 op-ed, Impeachment remains an uneasy choice, Robert J. Samuelson asserted, We should be wary, because if the power to impeach is abused, it threatens to weaken or shatter the bipartisan loyalty that now exists toward the larger political system. Impeachment, however, is a political solution that is used to address political crises, not legal concerns. President Andrew Johnson was impeached because he fired a Cabinet official, which was his right under the Constitution. (The law Congress passed to bar Johnson from firing Cabinet officials was later deemed unconstitutional.) All Senate Democrats voted to acquit Johnson, a Democrat, while most Republican senators voted to convict him. President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, was impeached ostensibly because he had an inappropriate relationship with an intern. All Senate Democrats voted to acquit Mr. Clinton, while most Senate Republicans voted to convict him. In fact, days before the 2016 election, senior Republican members of Congress threatened to impeach Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton if she won the presidency. Impeachment at the federal level is limited to federal officeholders who have committed high crimes and misdemeanors during their tenures. It should be noted that the former secretary of state held no public office when congressional Republicans made these statements in November 2016. Meanwhile, Republicans hardly made a peep about impeaching Ms. Clinton when she was secretary of state. By this metric, President Trump could be impeached for having orange hair. At least he meets the minimum requirement of being a current federal officeholder while having orange hair. Jay D. Krasnow, Arlington Robert J. Samuelson worried that an impeachment investigation would damage the integrity of the election results, but what about the integrity of the Constitution? Through his vast business holdings, President Trump has likely been in violation of the Constitutions prohibition against the president receiving emoluments (payments) from foreign governments since Day One. Mr. Trump was given a chance to resolve these conflicts before he took office, but he chose to put his private interests ahead of the public good, in violation of the Constitution. And he has committed the impeachable offense of obstruction of justice by apparently interfering with federal criminal investigations. These problems do not go away if we ignore them or defer them to an indefinite future. Nor are they partisan matters. The Constitution is not a technicality; it is the bedrock of our republic. Ron Fein, Newton, Mass. The writer is legal director of Free Speech For People. Robert J. Samuelson was dead-on when he wrote that impeachment should not be used to address political differences or to remedy election outcomes that we regret. However, he was misinforming readers in suggesting that impeachment would overturn the results of an election or reverse its outcome. A Trump impeachment would place Vice President Pence in the Oval Office, not Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton or anyone else. In an era in which the White House denies facts by excoriating The Post, among other mainstream news outlets, as reporting fake news, it is particularly critical that The Post get its facts straight. Mr. Samuelson and his editors should know better. Curtis Chip Loeb, West Windsor, N.J. THE UNITED STATES should stand for free trade and, consistent with that policy, exercise its right of redress when other nations try to gain unfair advantage. Fighting back can be tricky, though; Washington has to be careful not to create new problems in the process of dealing with existing ones. Case in point: The Trump administration recently began an investigation into the national security threat allegedly posed by imports of two metals, steel and aluminum, that are undeniably crucial to the manufacture of military hardware. The chief target here is China, whose vast, bloated government-backed industries are flooding the world market with cheap product, threatening the viability of U.S. producers. That, in turn, could create not only economic woes for those companies, but also a dangerous level of dependency for U.S. war-fighters. The basic complaint against China that it is pumping out exports from money-losing plants and propping them up with cheap loans is sound. Indeed, one of the last acts of the Obama administration was to file a complaint about this at the World Trade Organization. By invoking its national security interests, the Trump administration seeks to shield any retaliatory measures it may adopt behind an exception to global free-trade rules. Its an aggressive tactic presidents have used only 26 times since Congress authorized it 55 years ago, in a law called Section 232. And investigations pursuant to that law have resulted in sanctions only twice, against oil imports from Libya and Iran in the early 1980s. Theres just one problem: Section 232, necessarily aimed generally at U.S. imports, is not optimally targeted at the specific challenge of Chinese dumping. As it happens, Chinese aluminum accounted for only 8.5 percent of foreign supply (by weight) to the U.S. market in 2016, down slightly from 2015. Meanwhile, imports from Canada accounted for more than half. Now, buying aluminum from Canada, an ally so close that U.S. law actually defines its factories as part of this countrys National Defense Technology and Industrial Base, cannot plausibly be considered threatening to national security. Yet the legal operation of Section 232 is such that imports from both countries must be investigated before the U.S. governments ultimate ruling. Canada is not pleased about being bracketed with China in this context and we dont blame our northern neighbor. Quite apart from the unfriendly symbolism, Ottawa cannot prudently rule out the possibility of tariffs or other measures, even though those are, in fact, highly unlikely to result when the investigation concludes, roughly a year from now. The aluminum lobby, which urged the Trump administration to use Section 232, would probably oppose any sanctions against Canadas producers, precisely because the U.S. and Canadian industries are so intertwined. The Trump administration, like the Obama administration before it, has a legitimate complaint against China on aluminum. The best way to prosecute its case, however, would be through a broad coalition of countries in support of the U.S. position. Sideswiping Canada through the invocation of Section 232 actually works in the opposite direction. Thats not hard-nosed; its shortsighted. Todd Stern, a visiting lecturer at Yale Law School, was U.S. special envoy for climate change from 2009 to 2016. President Trump has made a colossal mistake in deciding to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement. There is simply no case for withdrawal, other than a desire to double down on an ill-informed campaign promise, while the case for staying in is overwhelming. But damaging as it is, this decision is not the beginning of the end for efforts to contain climate change. The world decided in Paris to confront the climate threat, and it is not turning back. Around the world, climate change is a metastasizing danger, for some countries even an existential threat. It was understood in the years leading up to the Paris negotiation that the climate challenge could be met only with a new kind of agreement premised on concerted effort by all. That agreement ambitious, universal, transparent, balanced was reached in Paris, with the help of U.S. leadership every step of the way. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post) Trumps suggestion Thursday that he is willing to renegotiate the deal to make it fairer to the United States doesnt pass the straight-face test. The Paris agreement for anyone who actually understands it is entirely fair to the United States. The idea that 194 other countries will listen to Trumps insulting Rose Garden blather and say, Sure, lets sit down and negotiate a new deal is ridiculous. Instead, Trumps decision will be seen as an ugly betrayal self-centered, callous, hollow, cruel. The ravages of climate change have been on display in recent years in the superstorms, floods, rising sea levels, droughts, fires and deadly heat waves that will only get worse as the carbon index mounts. Vulnerable countries will look at the United States, the richest power on Earth, the largest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, and think even if they do not say how dare you? [Trump just did something terrible and destructive. The GOP must own the consequences.] President Barack Obama once said to business leaders, in a Roosevelt Room meeting I attended, that climate change was the one threat, other than nuclear weapons, with the potential to alter the course of human progress. A near-consensus of major U.S. companies urged the Trump administration to stay in the agreement because they know climate change is real, that the Paris agreement is a good and balanced deal, that their own concerns on matters such as intellectual property and trade will be defended only if U.S. negotiators are at the table and that turning the United States into a climate-change pariah will be bad for business, for access to markets and for investment. But our chief-executive president decided to leave U.S. business in the lurch. All this is more than disappointing. And watching the so-called internal battle on this issue play out between determined antagonists on the one side and diffident, sotto voce defenders on the other was downright depressing. But lets be clear: This is not the end of the line. This is a call to arms. Countries wont follow Trump out of the Paris climate agreement and over a cliff. They wont give Trump the satisfaction of canceling the agreement, as he promised during his campaign. They will want to show that they can carry on without the United States. And they know too well that climate change is real and that if the Paris regime fell apart, theyd just have to build it again. They will hold on to the hope that the current administration will be a one-term wonder. It is true that, in the longer run, it would be difficult for the Paris regime to produce accelerated action at the level that is needed without the United States. But other countries will probably bet that the United States will come back. [The big political takeaways on the U.S. exiting the Paris agreement] Progressive U.S. states and cities also have a crucial role to play, not only in extending the good work they are already doing on climate change, but also by sending a clear and resounding message to the global community: that while Trumps Washington may have gone dark on climate change, inspired centers of innovation and commitment are lighting the way forward all over the country. In states such as California and New York, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Illinois and North Carolina, and in New England; in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New Orleans, among many others. These entities account for a sizable chunk of both U.S. gross domestic product and carbon emissions. They may not be able to get the United States all the way to our 2025 Paris emissions target, but they have the potential to go far. Private companies, too, have been instrumental in driving the clean-energy revolution, pursuing the massive economic opportunities presented by the need to decarbonize our energy system. And consumers are increasingly demanding that companies not only provide desirable products or services, but also stand as good corporate citizens. Finally, for citizens, it is time to hold our leaders accountable at all levels of government. Protecting our nation, our children and our American heritage should not be optional for an elected leader. Nor should preserving Americas singular standing in the world. Thursday was not a good day for climate change, and it was not a good day for the United States. Nothing we say now can change that. But it is a day that needs to be remembered as the visible moment the rear-guard opposition went too far. It is a day to spark action and resolve. It is a day that needs to count. ON MONDAY, the journal Nature Climate Change published a study finding that global warmings effects on major world cities could be far more devastating than previously understood. Some cities, it found, could be a staggering 14.4 degrees warmer on average by the end of the century, causing a 10.9 percent decline in gross domestic product as people work less, air and water quality declined, and more energy was needed to cool buildings. On Thursday, President Trump took a major step toward making this dystopia a reality. In announcing that he will pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, Mr. Trump dealt a blow to the effort to slow climate change but not only that. By joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only nonparticipants in the most consequential diplomatic effort of this century, he also dealt a blow to the U.S. leadership that has helped promote peace and prosperity for the past seven decades under Republican and Democratic presidents alike. Under their guidance, the United States acted with selflessness and enlightened self-interest. The traits reflected in Mr. Trumps decision are self-defeating selfishness, insecurity and myopia. A variety of factors contributed to the nations post-World War II economic boom, but prominent among them was energetic internationalism. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which obliged countries to meet regularly and discuss improving the atmosphere for global trade, was one of the spectacularly successful U.S.-backed institutions that helped gradually remove barriers to economic exchange and innovation. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post) The Paris agreement had the promise to be the 21st centurys GATT, providing a framework in which countries would regularly convene and in which each nation would be expected to offer what more it could do to advance an essential global goal that no country could achieve alone not freer trade, in this case, but heading off climate changes worst effects. The agreement bore an American stamp. It was fairer and more flexible than previous attempts to strike a global climate deal, with particular sensitivity to U.S. concerns that emissions limits not be imposed on any country. The agreement was the worlds best hope to ensure that big developing nations such as China and India did their share, addressing GOP concerns that these countries would refuse to sacrifice along with the United States. It did not lock in exactly how the United States and other nations would help. Rather, it created an international expectation of voluntary commitments from every nation, enforced by diplomatic pressure. All of Mr. Trumps arguments for withdrawing, in other words, are unfounded. He could have adjusted, even minimized, the U.S. commitment without trashing the framework. The president said Thursday that the United States might rejoin the Paris agreement after a period of renegotiation. But given the extent to which other nations already accommodated American demands, the prospect of a radically different treaty is fanciful. So what tangible benefit does this irrational decision bring to Americans? None. None at all. BY MANY measures, Virginia is among or nearly among the 10 wealthiest states, yet its stinginess when it comes to giving the commonwealths least advantaged young children a leg up in early education is a long-standing disgrace. It appears not to trouble most lawmakers in the General Assembly that the state, ranked 14th in median household income, spends less to promote access to prekindergarten for children from needy families than 28 other states. The disgrace is compounded by the fact that state funding per child enrolled in pre-K has plunged by more than 20 percent since 2010, suggesting that Republicans who control the purse strings in Richmond are callous to the issue. That impression is reinforced by a prominent Republican, Corey A. Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and a candidate in the current GOP gubernatorial primary. In my view, it amounts to taxpayer-funded day care, he said of Virginias pre-K program, as reported by The Posts Michael Alison Chandler. Its a parents responsibility to take care of their own kids during the day until kindergarten. Mr. Stewarts view is at odds with the thinking of the vast majority of educators and contradicts clear research showing that pre-K programs give children, particularly those from disadvantaged families, a lift in reading-readiness, socialization and other skills critical to success in school and life. However, his remark is not surprising given the pattern of indifference in Prince William. With nearly 89,000 students, the county has the states second-largest (and nations 35th-largest ) school system but long ago turned its back on the plight of poor 4-year-olds who might enroll in pre-K. In 2013, just 4 percent of the 1,663 low-income Prince William children eligible for the states preschool program were enrolled in pre-K just 72 children in all, thanks in part to a dearth of local funding to supplement state appropriations. Last year, the figure dropped to a meager 2 percent 32 children out of the 1,609 who were eligible. Very few localities in Virginia, even poor rural ones, do less than Prince William, whose Republican officials have defended its policy, citing the systems rapid growth and overcrowded classrooms. In fact, the real culprit in Prince William is its leaders apathy. The state is to blame for its meager funding, which enables some localities, especially in expensive areas such as Northern Virginia, to beg off the supplemental funding needed to provide high-quality pre-K spaces for every eligible child. Still, some jurisdictions have made strides in recent years. In Fairfax County, which has the states biggest school system, nearly two-thirds of roughly 2,500 needy children are enrolled in state-funded pre-K; three years ago, just more than half of those eligible were enrolled. Other states with Republican-controlled legislatures, including Oklahoma and Iowa, do a much better job providing pre-K for disadvantaged children, thereby increasing their chances of success. Meanwhile Virginia, and localities such as Prince William, just shrug. Of all the reasons Hillary Clinton thinks she lost the 2016 election to President Trump, the least among them was the state of the Democratic National Committee. That it was a mess long before she became a candidate was well known. That she did nothing about it sooner was her own mistake. But had she done so, it probably would have made no difference in the outcome. Clinton appeared in public Wednesday at a conference sponsored by Recode, where she was interviewed at length by Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg. Her bottom line about 2016 was summed up with this comment: I take responsibility for every decision I made, but thats not why I lost. Her main takeaway was that she lost in large part because of Russian interference, hacking and meddling, because of possible collusion by Trump campaign associates (she walked right to the edge of the line in directly accusing Trump of having been an active colluder) and because of conditions beyond her control (for example, that letter from James B. Comey that brought her email issue back to center stage in the final week of the campaign). Based on the discussion with Swisher and Mossberg, she has spent many hours deep in the weeds of the 2016 campaign, analyzing data from a variety of sources and replaying events so that now, nearly seven months later, it is as if all this happened yesterday. She is fluent in the vernacular of how the Russians interfered, tossing out comments about bots that are just out of control and the proliferation of fake news through social media as she long has done with details of health care or Third World microlending practices. Her complaints about the Russians are understandable, and the multiple investigations swirling around the president, his campaign and his White House are testament to the importance of a full unearthing of what happened and whether the Trump team or people close to the campaign were active or passive players in the drama. Whether they will ultimately prove the primary cause of Clintons defeat is a different question. Hillary Clinton speaks in New York on April 6. (Mary Altaffer/AP) Clinton has made up her mind about one basic question. She believes the Russians had help. The Russians could not have known how to weaponize information to have maximum impact on the election unless they were guided by Americans and guided by people who had polling and data information. That conclusion, she said, was based on the intel and counterintel people Ive talked to. One example she cited was the timing of leaks of campaign chairman John Podestas emails by WikiLeaks just hours after the infamous Access Hollywood video was made public in early October. She called the contents of those emails anodyne and typical of the internal communication in a hard-fought campaign. Nonetheless, the emails generated a stream of stories that campaign aides at the time described as a troubling drip, drip, drip of distractions. [Clintons post-election appearances focus on President Trump] It was, however, Clintons decision to cite the DNC as a sore spot that caught many Democrats by surprise and that, in the hours since her appearance, has generated lots of private comment and commentary by erstwhile Clinton allies, who cannot understand why she decided to make a public fight out of this. One problem for Clinton as she was beginning her 2016 candidacy was a time warp about the way things were or should have been. Her perspective about the role of the DNC and the Democratic Party apparatus was shaped by experiences from Bill Clintons campaigns in 1992 and 1996 and his (and her) approach to the party. In those days, the DNC was a more robust and battle-ready institution, and Bill Clinton as candidate and president paid attention to it. President Barack Obama did not. Under Obama, the DNC was neglected and left to atrophy. The DNC has not played any dynamic role except just on a rare occasion since Obama was president, said a former party official. Obamas two campaigns were built largely separate from the DNC. Data produced by Obama for America and its various other names was proprietary and not readily shared with the party. Compounding the problem was the selection of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.) as DNC chair. She was an ever-present spokeswoman for the Democrats but, as a part-time chair, not a party builder in the tradition of several past DNC leaders. All this was well known to Clintons 2016 campaign team, if not to her personally. The DNC was a problem that no one wanted to address. Obama was not interested in taking responsibility for the situation heading into the 2016 campaign, and Obamas advisers did not have the desire to try to push aside Wasserman Schultz early in the 2016 cycle, believing that it wasnt worth the pain. Wasserman Schultz was forced out only after hacked emails from inside the DNC were leaked on the eve of the Democratic National Convention. At that point, the Clinton team was insistent that she go. Before that, they let the situation fester. In the early stages of the Democratic nomination contest, the DNC appeared to be far more an ally to Clinton than a hindrance. Certainly Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and his team (and the others who ran against Clinton) saw the DNC as doing whatever it could to help the former secretary of state. Why else, they argued, would the DNC limit the number of debates in 2015 and then schedule several of them on Saturday nights? (One answer: Broadcast networks preferred Saturdays to avoid messing with their weeknight prime-time programming, while cable networks loved weeknights.) [Former DNC staffer contests Clintons claims] Before and throughout the nomination process, the DNC was an island of neglect. But it was Clintons blunt words that surprised and disturbed people Wednesday. What happened when she became the nominee? I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party, Clinton told Swisher and Mossberg. I mean, it was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, its data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money into it, the DNC, to keep it going. Partially true. The DNC was short of funds and her campaign did have to put a significant amount of money into the operation. But all that was foreseeable long before she became the nominee. Theres no doubt the DNC was a shell of what it could have been and should have been, said a Democrat who worked there in the past. But this person added, If I could think of all the problems at the DNC, the data was not at the top of the list. Clinton drew a comparison to what Trump inherited from the Republican National Committee and what was available to her campaign from the DNC. He is basically handed this tried and true, effective foundation, she asserted. She was correct that what the Republicans had built for 2016 was far better than what existed four years earlier. Under then-RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, the Republicans had spent millions to improve what had been an inferior data operation. Trump was lucky to have it. But Clintons criticism was misplaced, according to knowledgeable Democrats. Clintons advisers had decided two things: first, to take full control of data operations all the modeling and analytics for the 2016 campaign and not to count on the DNC to take the lead. And second, they nonetheless chose to rely on the data foundation that existed at the time at the DNC, which some Obama campaign veterans believed was shaky from the start. In the end, the Clinton campaign models proved to be faulty, as her team learned on election night as they watched first Florida and then North Carolina and then the Upper Midwest fall to Trump. That was not the fault of the DNC, and Clintons lament, in the eyes of many Democrats, was a needless and potentially harmful attempt to deflect criticism and point fingers at things that were not fundamental to her defeat. The White House and a Russian state-owned bank have very different explanations for why the banks chief executive and Jared Kushner held a secret meeting during the presidential transition in December. The bank maintained this week that the session was held as part of a new business strategy and was conducted with Kushner in his role as the head of his familys real estate business. The White House says the meeting was unrelated to business and was one of many diplomatic encounters the soon-to-be presidential adviser was holding ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration. The contradiction is deepening confusion over Kushners interactions with the Russians as the presidents son-in-law emerges as a key figure in the FBIs investigation into potential coordination between Moscow and the Trump team. The discrepancy has thrust Vnesheconombank, known for advancing the strategic interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin and for its role in a past U.S. espionage case, into the center of the controversy enveloping the White House. And it has highlighted the role played by the banks 48-year-old chief executive, Sergey Gorkov, a graduate of the academy of the Federal Security Service, or FSB, the domestic intelligence arm of the former Soviet KGB, who was appointed by Putin to the post less than a year before his encounter with Kushner. [Jared Kushner now a focus in Russia investigation] (Thomas Johnson/The Washington Post) Either account of the meeting could bring complications for a White House undergoing intensifying scrutiny from a special counsel and multiple congressional committees. A diplomatic meeting would have provided the bank, which has been under U.S. sanctions since 2014, a chance to press for rolling back the penalties even as the Obama administration was weighing additional retaliations against Moscow for Russias interference in the U.S. election. A business meeting between an international development bank and a real estate executive, coming as Kushners company had been seeking financing for its troubled $1.8 billion purchase of an office building on Fifth Avenue in New York, could raise questions about whether Kushners personal financial interests were colliding with his impending role as a public official. VEB, as Vnesheconombank is known, did not respond to a list of questions about the Kushner meeting and the institutions history and role in Russia. The bank declined to make Gorkov available for an interview. [Russian ambassador told Moscow that Kushner wanted secret communications channel with Kremlin] Gorkov could draw new attention to the clashing story lines Friday, when he is scheduled to deliver public remarks to an economic conference in St. Petersburg. Gorkov, cornered Wednesday by a CNN reporter on the sidelines of the conference, responded no comments three times when asked about the Kushner meeting. The Kushner-Gorkov meeting came after Kushner met with the Russian ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislyak, in early December. At the meeting, Kushner suggested establishing a secure communications line between Trump officials and the Kremlin at a Russian diplomatic facility, according to U.S. officials who reviewed intelligence reports describing Kislyaks account. President Vladimir Putin, right, meets with Vnesheconombank Chairman Sergey Gorkov at the Kremlin in August. (Michael Klimentyev/Sputnik via AP) The bank and the White House have declined to provide the exact date or location of the Kushner-Gorkov meeting, which was first reported in March by the New York Times. Flight data reviewed by The Washington Post suggests that the meeting may have taken place on Dec. 13 or 14, about two weeks after Kushners encounter with Kislyak. A 19-seat twin-engine jet owned by a company linked to VEB flew from Moscow to the United States on Dec. 13 and departed from the Newark airport, outside New York City, at 5:01 p.m. Dec. 14, according to positional flight information provided by FlightAware, a company that tracks airplanes. The Post could not confirm whether Gorkov was on the flight, but the planes previous flights closely mirror Gorkovs publicly known travels in recent months, including his trip to St. Petersburg this week. After leaving Newark on Dec. 14, the jet headed to Japan, where Putin was visiting on Dec. 15 and 16. The news media had reported that Gorkov would join the Russian president there. White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks and Kushners attorney said Kushner intends to share with investigators the details of his meeting with Gorkov. Mr. Kushner was acting in his capacity as a transition official and had many similar discussions with foreign representatives after the election, Hicks told The Post in a statement this week. For example, he also started conversations with leaders from Saudi Arabia that led to the Presidents recent successful international trip. The bank this week told The Post that it stood by a statement it issued in March that, as part of its new investment strategy, it had held meetings with leading world financial institutions in Europe, Asia and America, as well as with the head of Kushner Companies. Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said that the banks activities have nothing to do with the Kremlin. Peskov, like Trump, has frequently dismissed revelations about the meetings as fake news and a witch hunt. Officially, VEB is Russias state economic development bank, set up to make domestic and foreign investments that will boost the Russian economy. Practically speaking, according to experts, the bank functions as an arm of the Kremlin, boosting Putins political priorities. It funded the 2014 Sochi Olympics, a project used by Putin to signal that Russia holds a key role on the world stage. VEB has also been used to promote the Kremlins strategic aims abroad, experts say, financing projects across the Eastern bloc. Basically, VEB operates like Putins slush fund, said Anders Aslund, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Center and a Russia expert who follows the banks activities. It carries out major Kremlin operations that Putin does not want to do through the state budget. Before the United States imposed sanctions, VEB sought to extend its international reach to draw more investment to Russia. Among those named by the bank to an advisory board for a new global fund was Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of the Blackstone Group and now an outside adviser to the Trump White House. Schwarzman declined to comment through a spokeswoman, who said the funds advisory board has been inactive. Gorkov was named to head VEB in February 2016, after eight years as a senior manager at Russias largest state-owned bank, Sberbank. While Gorkov was a deputy head of Sberbank, it was one of the sponsors of the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow produced by Trump, who owned the pageant. Gorkovs personal relationship with Putin is unclear. Some Russia watchers described Gorkov, who was not seen as being especially close to the Kremlin before his appointment, as an unlikely diplomatic link between the Kremlin and the Trump administration. I can think of many back channels that one might cultivate to have close, discreet, indirect communications with Putin. VEBs Gorkov would not make my list, said Michael McFaul, who was the U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama. Other observers suggested that Gorkov, the recipient of a service to the Fatherland medal, may have earned Putins trust as a discreet go-between. He indeed is an FSB academy graduate, and for the Kremlin today it is a sign of trustworthiness, said Andrey Movchan, who heads the economic program at the Carnegie Moscow Center think tank. VEB has played a role in Russian espionage efforts in the past, serving as the cover for a Russian operative convicted last year of spying in New York. According to court documents, Evgeny Buryakov posed as the second-in-command at the banks Manhattan office for at least three years while secretly meeting dozens of times with a Russian intelligence officer who tasked him with gathering intelligence on the U.S. economic system. The court records show that Buryakovs handlers were also recorded discussing attempts to recruit an American whom government officials have confirmed was Carter Page, an energy consultant who later served as an informal adviser to Trumps campaign. Page has said he assisted the FBI with its investigation into the spy ring and provided the Russians no sensitive information. The court documents show that the FBI recorded a conversation in which one of Buryakovs handlers described hearing an intelligence officer tell Buryakovs VEB boss that Buryakov worked for a Russian intelligence service. VEB paid for Buryakovs legal fees after his arrest, the court documents show. The Russian Foreign Ministry at the time blasted the charges and accused the U.S. government of building up spy hysteria. Buryakov was sentenced to 30 months in prison but was released in April for good behavior. He was immediately deported to Moscow. Efforts by The Post to reach Buryakov through family members were unsuccessful. VEB, along with other Russian state-owned institutions, has suffered financially since 2014, when the United States imposed economic sanctions following Russias incursion into Crimea. Gorkovs meeting with Kushner took place at a time of major changes within the bank. On Dec. 21, VEB announced that its proposed 2021 development strategy which Gorkov dubbed VEB 2.0 had been approved by its supervisory board, which is chaired by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. As a result of the sanctions, U.S. companies are prohibited from lending the bank money or buying equity in the institution, an attempt to drain resources from the Russian economy. The sanctions would not prohibit Kushner from conducting a business negotiation with VEB or even prevent the Russian bank from investing in a U.S. firm. Experts on Russias security services said that it would have been unlikely for Gorkov to meet with Kushner and not discuss sanctions. Gennady Gudkov, a reserve colonel in the FSB who is now a leader of a small opposition party, said that Russian business leaders are looking for ways to lobby for the softening of sanctions. This activity is constant, Gudkov said in an interview. They are trying however they can, even informally, to lower the sanctions. In late December, Gorkov told Russian state television that he hoped the situation with sanctions will change for the better. In February, Gorkov met with Putin to update him on the banks status. We are confident of its future, he told the Russian leader, according to a transcript released by Putins office, asserting the bank had many new deals in the works. Good, Putin said. Brittain, Helderman and Hamburger reported from Washington. Natalya Abbakumova in Moscow and Alice Crites in Washington contributed to this report. The Justice Department faces potentially significant and recurring problems in its handling of sexual harassment claims, the agencys watchdog said Thursday, weaknesses that are watering down enforcement of its zero-tolerance policy toward employee misconduct. Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz, in a harsh report on how managers in Justices Civil Division handle accusations of workplace sexual harassment, found systemic issues and inconsistent policies for tracking, investigating and reporting cases. As a result, it said, there were weak, often inequitable penalties for employees with documented misconduct. Investigators found that employees accused of improper behavior, from inappropriate touching to demeaning comments and relationships with subordinates, were punished only with oral counseling, written reprimands, transfers or title changes. In some cases, record keeping was so poor with cases kept on paper files that investigators had trouble reconstructing events. And supervisors routinely failed to report sexual misconduct to human resources officials and agency leaders. Attorneys who were more valued by managers received lighter discipline, the inspector general found. And even as they faced investigation or discipline, some attorneys received performance awards. These cases sent a message to colleagues that misconduct is not taken seriously, the report said. Horowitz, who as director of a council of inspectors general is the dean of federal watchdogs, took the unusual step of releasing his report with an accompanying alert to Justice Department leaders to quickly strengthen their responses. The issue has dogged at least one other agency, the Interior Department, where widespread harassment in the National Park Service has prompted an agency-wide survey of 70,000 employees to gauge the extent of the problem and the effectiveness of the governments response. Horowitz issued his alert based on his offices investigations of inappropriate behavior not just in the Civil Division but in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service. In spite of the strong position that the Department has taken against harassment in the workplace, the [inspector generals office] has consistently identified potentially significant and recurring issues concerning the components handling of sexual harassment and misconduct allegations and their enforcement of the Departments zero tolerance policy, Horowitz wrote in a seven-page Management Advisory to Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein. Rosenstein pledged in his response to review the inspector generals concerns. It is fortunate that there are relatively few substantiated incidents of sexual harassment, but even one incident is too many, We will review the Inspector Generals recommendations and consider whether additional guidance is required to ensure that all misconduct allegations are handled appropriately, in support of our goal of a workplace in which everyone is treated fairly, he wrote. Horowitz described a weak response to misconduct cases in the 1,400-employee Civil Division, which defends the administration from lawsuits and represents the government in noncriminal matters. Most of the employees are attorneys. The repeated nature of the alleged misconduct in these examples demonstrates that local handling of such issues is not ensuring that harassment is eliminated in a manner that is prompt and effective, as the zero tolerance policy requires, Horowitz wrote. He noted that the agency leaves it to the employee to self-report any discipline to security officials when the employees security clearance is up for renewal, another troubling issue. The report found relatively few reported cases in a review covering five years, with 11 allegations. But investigators laid out a pattern of what they characterized as weak enforcement. For example, a male attorney accused of groping two female colleagues received a written reprimand for inappropriate touching but no further discipline, even though he had been disciplined before for sending inappropriate emails of a sexual nature, the report said. In another case, a male attorney was accused on two occasions of peering into the offices of female attorneys who were pumping breast milk. The second allegation was not reported to human resources officials. Then, a supervisor accepted the male attorneys explanation of the incident as an honest mistake and imposed on him an informal disciplinary action of oral counseling, the report said. If the incident had been reported higher up the management chain, investigators said, the discipline would likely have been stronger. The Civil Divisions decision to leave the handling of allegations to the discretion of its supervisors risks that important facts and allegations will not receive appropriate attention from agency leadership, the report concluded. Investigators found that in several sexual misconduct cases, attorneys who were high performers received weaker discipline than others. We determined that in general the penalties for substantiated allegations, including ones we found to be serious, were nothing more than written reprimands, title changes, and reassignment for cases in which the subjects of the allegations were supervisory/senior attorneys, the report said. Even in cases that implied criminal behavior, the Civil Division chose not to impose more serious discipline, report the allegations to the inspector generals office or investigate further, the report said. President Trump is still undecided but leaning toward withdrawing the United States from the landmark Paris climate agreement, White House officials said Wednesday, a move that would honor a campaign vow but risk rupturing global alliances and disappointing both environmentalists and corporate titans. Although officials warned that Trumps thinking could shift before he announces his decision Thursday, a U.S. exit from the climate pact could have severe ramifications internationally. It could raise doubts about the commitment of the worlds largest economy to curbing global warming and make it more difficult to hold other nations to their environmental commitments. All but two countries Nicaragua and Syria signed onto the 2015 accord, which was a signature diplomatic achievement for President Barack Obama. The Paris agreement has long divided the Trump administration, with the president taking much of the spring to make up his mind amid an intense campaign by both sides to influence his decision. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Ivanka Trump, the presidents daughter and adviser, are among those who have urged him to stay in the deal. White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt have pushed for a withdrawal, which wouldnt actually be finalized until near the end of Trumps term. [Whatever Trump decides on Paris, he has already taken the U.S. out of the climate game] Although the White House signaled that Trump was likely to announce an exit from the Paris accord, it made no public announcement Wednesday. Trump tweeted that he would announce his decision Thursday at 3 p.m. in the White House Rose Garden. The president has a history of changing his mind at the last minute, as he did in deciding not to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement after aides had suggested he would. All day, senior administration officials cautioned that Trump had not yet made a final decision on the climate pact and the president himself seemed eager to maintain the suspense. Youre going to find out very soon, Trump told reporters Wednesday, in response to questions during a brief Oval Office appearance with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Asked whether he had been hearing from CEOs trying to persuade him, Trump said, Im hearing from a lot of people, both ways. More than 190 nations agreed to the accord in December 2015 in Paris, and 147 have since formally ratified or otherwise joined it, including the United States representing more than 80 percent of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions. The United States is the worlds second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Under the Paris agreement, the United States promised to reduce its emissions 26 percent to 28 percent below their 2005 levels by 2025. As of 2015, emissions were 12 percent lower, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, at left in Saudi Arabia on May 21, has urged Trump to remain in the Paris climate agreement so that the U.S. can influence the negotiations. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) [These experts say it may actually be best if the U.S. left the Paris climate agreement] Hard-line conservatives have sought to convince Trump that meeting this target would be harmful to the bottom lines of U.S. businesses and would jeopardize manufacturing jobs, especially in the Midwest and other regions where Trump found deep support in last years election. They also have argued that staying in the Paris agreement could be used as a legal tool by environmental groups seeking to fight Trumps environmental policies. In addition, a group of 22 Republican senators including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wrote to Trump urging a clean break from the Paris agreement. But Tillerson and other internationalists have argued that it would be beneficial to the United States to remain part of negotiations and meetings surrounding the agreement as a matter of leverage and influence. A broad range of outsiders have lobbied Trump to remain part of the global pact, from former vice president Al Gore to Pope Francis. The administrations debate has triggered an outpouring of lobbying from corporate America as well, as Apple, ExxonMobil and other major companies have strongly supported the accord. [Just dont call it climate change: How the government is rebranding in the age of Trump] During Trumps maiden foreign trip last week, a number of European leaders sought to persuade Trump of the magnitude of the climate change crisis and the importance of American leadership to address it. Gary Cohn, the National Economic Council director, told reporters last week that Trump wants to do the right thing for the environment. He cares about the environment. But he also cares very much about creating jobs for American workers. He added, If those things collide, growing our economy is going to win. The president ran on growing our economy. As a candidate, Trump railed against the Paris accord and pledged to scrap it, as part of his America First agenda to promote economic nationalism and disentangle the United States from international agreements that he considers harmful. Trump also said he thought climate change was a hoax. Asked by a reporter Wednesday whether he still believes so, the president said only, Thank you, everybody. News reports Wednesday that Trump was expected to withdraw from the Paris accord sparked swift and strong reactions. Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and a member of a White House manufacturing jobs advisory board, tweeted that if Trump does exit, he would have no choice but to end his affiliations with the administration. Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee and one of Trumps finalists for secretary of state, tweeted, Affirmation of the #ParisAgreement is not only about the climate: It is also about America remaining the global leader. Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo.) said leaving the Paris agreement would amount to an abdication of American values. This would be yet another example of President Trumps Putting America Last agenda last in innovation, last in science, and last in international leadership, Bennet said in a statement. Others cheered the notion that Trump might soon kill the climate agreement that had been an Obama legacy item. President Trumps decision sends a strong message to the environmentalist movement: no longer will the United States be strong armed by their scare tactics intended to harm our economy and inhibit economic growth, David McIntosh, president of the Club for Growth, a conservative political action group, said in a statement. [Financial firms lead shareholder rebellion against ExxonMobil climate change policies] A party that has fully joined the accord, as the United States has, cannot formally withdraw for three years after the agreement was entered into force in 2016 and that is capped by an extra year-long waiting period. Under those rules, Trump could not complete a U.S. exit from the agreement until Nov. 4, 2020 the day after the next presidential election. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he tried to explain to Trump during their climate discussions last week that withdrawing from the pact was no simple task. Not everything in international agreements is fake news, Juncker said Wednesday. He added, This notion, I am Trump, I am American, America First and Im going to get out of it that wont happen. We tried to explain that to Mr. Trump in Taormina in clear German sentences. It seems our attempt failed. Taormina is the Sicilian resort town where the Group of Seven leaders met last week. Trump also could opt to withdraw from the more foundational U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, which laid the groundwork for the Paris deal and was signed by President George H.W. Bush and ratified by the Senate in the early 1990s. But that is a more radical move, which would further withdraw the United States from all international climate change negotiations. The Trump administration already has rolled back key Obama administration initiatives through executive action, including the EPAs Clean Power Plan, which was a key part of the U.S. promise through the Paris agreement. These policies have made it highly unlikely that the United States could honor its Paris pledge to sharply cut carbon dioxide emissions. That leaves Trump with two clear choices: withdraw from the Paris agreement or revise the U.S. emissions targets downward to a more achievable level while remaining in the pact. A downward revision would certainly prompt criticism from the international community, but not nearly so much as an abandonment. The Paris agreement is, after all, the first global accord on climate change action that has managed to unify both developed and developing nations behind a single framework to cut emissions. Moreover, the accord is flexible in the sense that it does not mandate that any nation achieve any particular level of emissions cuts. Rather, every nation under the agreement pledges to do the best it can, and to participate in a process in which nations will regularly increase their ambitions over time. The ultimate goal of the Paris agreement is to hold the warming of the planet to well below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming above the temperatures found in the preindustrial times of the late 1800s. The Earth is already about one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than it was at that time, scientists have determined, and current and near future emissions seem quite likely to take the planet past 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming decades. Recent research has highlighted that above 2 degrees, major threats could ensue for Earth systems ranging from coral reefs to the planets vast ice sheets. Michael Birnbaum in Brussels contributed to this report. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) observes demonstrators massed across the street from his office in Vista, Calif., on May 30. (Mike Levin via AP) Outside San Diego, a 14-year incumbent climbed atop the roof of his district congressional office to photograph protesters opposed to his support for a Republican health-care bill. Just up the highway in Orange County, a 28-year incumbent mused about his belief in a conspiracy about a Democratic National Committee staffer slain in Washington last year. And across the continent, in northern New Jersey, an eight-year incumbent faced a hostile crowd at a town hall, winning loud applause only when he denounced President Trump. These are strange times for some longtime House Republicans. After years, sometimes decades, coasting to reelection in traditional GOP strongholds, these lawmakers find themselves under fire from angry constituents swept up in organized efforts to oppose Trump. And in some cases, they are already seeing Democratic opponents line up against them for an election 17 months away. Collectively, Democrats are much more focused on dozens of seats held by relatively new Republicans who have never run into the head winds of midterm elections with their partys president facing deep unpopularity. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) But Democrats have also turned a powerful spotlight on a collection of veteran GOP lawmakers whose districts have changed underneath them, even while these districts continued, all the way to 2016, to reelect their representatives by wide margins. Theres Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), who told The Washington Post over the weekend that he hoped the conspiracy theory concerning the slaying of a DNC staffer might be true. First elected in 1988, Rohrabacher won reelection by almost 17 percentage points last fall, even as Trump lost the district to Hillary Clinton. And theres Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.), who despite winning all five of his congressional races by more than eight percentage points is running as one of the most outspoken anti-Trump Republicans on Capitol Hill. Thats in large part because his district, in the states wealthy, well-educated suburbs, swung from favoring Mitt Romney by more than six percentage points in 2012 to backing Clinton over Trump last year. [His district voted for Clinton, but this Republican congressman isnt worried] History would seem to favor these entrenched Republicans as familiar figures in their districts. But history has also shown that when the House majority changes hands, a large chunk of the losses tends to come from these members of the old guard. In some cases, they lose touch with their districts over time. Just as often, they have never run modern campaigns and their political operations have grown too rusty to contend with a shifting political landscape. The most famous of all was the stunning defeat of Rep. Thomas Foley (D-Wash.) in 1994, the first sitting House speaker to lose reelection, during a wave election in which Republicans won 54 seats and reclaimed the majority for the first time in 40 years. That year also brought down the sitting chairmen of the Ways and Means Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Twelve years later, as Democrats swept back into the majority, their victories included the defeat of a 30-year incumbent from Iowa, Republican Jim Leach, and a 26-year veteran from South Florida, E. Clay Shaw Jr., who two years earlier had won with 63 percent of the vote. And in 2010, en route to a 63-seat gain and the majority, Republicans claimed the political scalps of the Democratic chairmen of the Armed Services, Budget and Transportation committees among the veterans swallowed up by that wave. Veterans of those prior waves wish that their incumbents had gotten as early a scare from the opposition party as Republicans are feeling this cycle. The GOP has fought like mad just to hold seats in deeply red districts in two special elections, with two more on the horizon. That sort of warning sign did not come until well into 1994, 2006 and 2010. Republicans think these elections, plus protests at town halls, will get their longtime incumbents prepping for next years potential climate. Weve been pretty aggressive with making sure theyre ready, said Matt Gorman, communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee. There are 40 House Republicans sitting in districts where Trump received less than 50 percent of the vote; 23 of those districts actually favored Clinton. Of those 40 lawmakers, 14 will have served at least a decade by the time of the November 2018 midterms. Out of the 14 GOP veterans in vulnerable districts, only Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has faced a tough campaign in the past five elections, having fought to win a bitter contest last year by less than one percentage point. None of them have faced credible, well-funded challenges in the last decade, wrote David Wasserman, editor for House races at the independent Cook Political Report. And ironically, this could make them more vulnerable in a wave scenario than less senior but more recently battle-tested GOP colleagues. Clinton even weighed in on the opportunity this week at the annual Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. Lets look at the House, she said. We have to flip 24 seats, okay? I won 23 districts that have a Republican Congress member. Seven of them are in California, Darrell Issa being one. If we can flip those, if we can then go deeper into where I did well, where we can get good candidates, I think flipping the House is certainly realistic. Its a goal that we can set for ourselves. Democrats point to two recent moves by senior Republicans to suggest that shaky political instincts are at work within the GOP. On Tuesday, Issa, the former high-profile chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, had a brief encounter with hundreds of protesters outside his office, leading him to retreat indoors and then up to his roof to take pictures. Issa told the local news media that he had wanted to address the group but was rebuffed. Still, the incident became something of a laugh line on the local TV news broadcasts. Earlier this spring, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-N.J.), the new chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, sent a fundraising letter to a local banker that included a handwritten note letting him know that one of the ringleaders of liberal activists worked for him. That prompted accusations that the 26-year incumbent, who regularly coasts to reelection, was threatening a constituent. GOP strategists brushed off Issas rooftop move as a goofy incident that will not resonate with voters. They think Frelinghuysens family lineage, dating to the Continental Congress, will insulate him from any Trump fallout. Republicans do have time to shore themselves up but that also means these veteran lawmakers have time to make more mistakes. The biggest advantage for these Republicans is that the election is still 18 months away and there is still time to batten down the hatches, Wasserman wrote. But sometimes, errors cascade. Read more from Paul Kanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. 1 of 14 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad D.C. developers eschew traditional for modernist styles View Photos Condos reflect architectural influences from New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. Caption Condos reflect architectural influences from New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. Construction is nearly completed on Westlight, a luxury condo at 23rd and L streets NW in Washington that illustrates developers move from traditional to modernist architectural styles. Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. With a rusty-looking metal exoskeleton crisscrossing over a glass and metal base for one building and a glass-and-metal design mimicking the shape of bricks on a wall across the street, the Atlantic Plumbing condos in Northwest Washington were a unique vision of futuristic, industrial design in the city. Then came Westlight at 23rd and L streets NW, the luxurious project from developer EastBanc. When the high-end 71-unit condo building opened for sales in November, a line of campers settled around the block to wait for hours for the opportunity to sign a contract to live in the glassy creation, designed by Mexico-based architect Enrique Norten and opening later this spring. And just a few weeks ago, another modern residential project designed by an out-of-towner debuted. When Ditto Residential finished its most recent condo project on the 1500 block of 6th Street NW, designed in a glassy, breezy style by Chicago-based architect Brad Lynch of firm Brininstool + Lynch, developers were stunned by how quickly buyers snapped them up. We had no amenities, not even parking, Ditto Residential founder Martin Ditto said. We priced it at the top of the market, and we found buyers in 48 hours. I thought: What just happened? [People waited overnight for an appointment for a luxury condo they may not be able to buy] What Ditto believes is that the tastes of buyers in the District have evolved to embrace modern architecture, which, he said, is more fluid; it embraces open floor plans and the space is more flexible, and natural light is more abundant. What were seeing is a real appetite for avant-garde and contemporary, modern spaces. Weve predicted for years that people would start to demand exceptional design, and I think weve arrived at that moment, said Ditto. Units at Atlantic Plumbing have open living areas. (Benjamin C Tankersley/For The Washington Post) Principals at JBG concur. The behemoth development firm, responsible for countless residential projects throughout Washington, is going on more than a hunch. According to JBG partner Kai Reynolds, the firm holds numerous focus groups in neighborhoods where they have plans for a development. We show images, and weve seen a really strong tendency toward modern architecture, particularly because it was contrasted with historic, said Reynolds. The juxtaposition between modern and whats in place is a striking difference that people find attractive. People are gravitating away from the crown molding and the traditional look, said Mei Mei Watts Venners, EastBancs director of sales for the recent Westlight project. They want natural light, they want windows. The urban marketplace has changed. Inspiration from other major cities In historic Washington, a residential development boom from more than a century ago dictates the look of much of the residential architecture. Walking around Shaw, said Reynolds, every single building is a 2 -story brick rowhouse that was built in the early 1900s. The early 1900s were a boom time in Washington, when prolific developer Harry Wardman built out neighborhoods such as Bloomingdale, Columbia Heights and Woodley Park with hundreds of rowhouses and dozens of apartment buildings and hotels. Brick abounds. [Luxury condo building to rise in D.C.s West End] Now that another development boom is underway, developers are starting to realize that contemporary designs are appealing to some high-end buyers more than recreations of the past. For many years, until the last six or seven years, there was not a lot of new residential product being delivered in the market in general. The actual addition to the stock is a new phenomenon, said Brian Coulter, a managing partner at JBG. Were not trying to copy what is there, because, frankly, the craftsmanship would be really difficult to copy in todays world. And we are always looking for variety. On a trip to Seattle, JBG developers found Miller Hull, the Seattle-based architects they eventually tapped to design the Shay, a modern project at 9th and U streets NW in Washington. (Courtesy of JBG) The design of the 7770 Norfolk apartments in Bethesda includes glass railings , textured bronze and metal paneling. (Courtesy of JBG) For inspiration, the JBG developers embark on field trips to cities that have evolved more quickly or differently than Washington, Reynolds and Coulter said, including Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Vancouver, Toronto and London. On a trip to Seattle, they found Miller Hull, the Seattle-based architects they eventually tapped to design the Shay, a modern project at 9th and U streets NW. Thats what Miller Hull had done in Seattle and Chicago, said Coulter. They went into historic neighborhoods and plopped down a very striking piece of modern architecture. When envisioning the Atlantic Plumbing project, Reynolds felt that the area north of U Street could be similar to the Meatpacking District in New York City. We went to the Meatpacking District and walked around and there were a couple buildings we really liked, and we found out Morris Adjmi had been the architect of those buildings thats how we found him, said Reynolds. We brought him down here and told him our vision, and he really got the same feeling as you get standing on some of those corners in the Meatpacking District and Tribeca. So he proposed these designs, which are a modern take on warehouse buildings. [Over-the-top amenities are a given in todays luxury condo buildings] Ditto similarly brought in Lynch, whose 6th Street project was his first in Washington. Lynchs firm was established in Chicago in 1989, and is inspired by a Chicago-style architecture established by 20th-century Chicago modernists such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Lynch is awesome, said Ditto, and were happy and proud to partner with his group. We also work with Mark McInturff, traditionally a high-end single-family architect, and Chuong Cao of Dep Design, who works mainly in the commercial world. To me, partnering with a diverse set of designers brings a sophistication to new development in D.C. Glass and steel Materials such as glass and metal are more expensive to use than masonry, and the prices reveal the cost of construction: At Atlantic Plumbing, condos ranged from the upper $300,000s to $1.9 million; at Westlight, from $625,000 to $4.4 million; and at Dittos 6th Street project, from $995,000 to $1,249,000. With the price per square foot at the top of the market, the modern units are sometimes smaller, and the abundance of light helps the spaces feel open. Lindsay Reishman, an agent and senior vice president at Compass, brought several clients to Westlight. One client was looking at the penthouse, and the price came out to $1,500 per square foot I told them, I cant point to a comparable sale, Reishman said. In looking at recent sale numbers in Washington, Reishman points out that 60 percent of the condo sales of more than $1 million in the 20001 Zip code which covers much of Shaw, the U Street neighborhood near Atlantic Plumbing, and stretches to Columbia Heights classify as modern. Developers like Ditto know that for their projects to succeed, buyers have to be willing to pay a premium for the space, said Reishman. Its still not New York City or Miami, where people pay a real premium for design. But there is a willingness to pay a little bit, and its enough to justify the effort for developers. Construction is underway on Westlight, a high-end condo development at 23rd and L streets NW in Washington that illustrates modernist architecture style. (Renderings courtesy of Eastbanc) A few years ago, modern buildings had a harder time finding buyers to meet their higher price point. The Lacey, for example, is a glassy, modern condo project that went up on 11th Street NW in 2009. Though the design won awards, the developers needed to go through several waves of price reductions before selling all the units. Georgetowns 22 West was another pioneer in the modern residential world. The glass condo building, designed by Washingtons Shalom Baranes for EastBanc, went up in 2008. At the time, said Watts Venners, the project presented the community with something new and boggled some minds. At 22 West, we had to educate the consumer about the building, said Watts Venners. People werent sure about it. Now, with Westlight, we have people coming to us and saying, Oh, we want to be in this building! Inside out Dittos 6th Street project, an infill on a rowhouse-lined block in Shaw, faced limitations, such as a lack of any side windows. As a natural-light focused modern designer, Lynch maximized the light flow within the living space through a mix of glass walls and interior design. We designed the kitchen on the side so that you can still see through, Lynch said, with the living room on one end and the dining room on the other, and floor-to-ceiling windows at the front and back. We tried to anticipate whats coming next in terms of natural light. The experience inside of these modern units is a major draw, agrees Reynolds. A big theme in all of these is the increase in glazing material, as you move more modern, said Reynolds, and where there is glass, there are views, and natural light. We spend a lot of time thinking about looking from the inside out. It looks good from the outside, but it looks really good from the inside. For Amanda Skura, a resident at Atlantic Plumbing, the modern architecture was a big reason for seeking a home there. Growing up, I always wanted to be an architect, said Skura, who works in software development. The light is just amazing. I rarely have the blinds closed in the living room, and rarely need lighting on, even when it starts to get dark. Living in the streamlined unit also necessitated overhauling her furnishings. Before, Skura was drawn to cozy, puffy Pottery Barn-style furniture; in her new place, the cushy style didnt quite work. The pieces felt so oversized, she said. I was in over my head. Skura found an interior designer, Stacy Wallace, who specializes in working in contemporary spaces, to help her out. We paid careful attention to scale to make sure nothing overwhelmed or detracted from the architecture, said Wallace. The furnishings we choose for Amanda have clean lines and graphic forms, and some finishes reference the industrial components of the building. Generally, said Wallace, modern architecture lends itself to smaller, more streamlined items. Everything is very flat, very right-angled, said Wallace. Because most designers in Washington are still focused on traditional styles, she said, I usually find pieces in New York or online. I go to New York about every two months to look for inspiration. Wallace added, There is some competition from up-and-comers [in the modern interior design space], but not a lot of competition from the big-name established designers here, who still focus on traditional styles. The Atlantic Plumbing condos in Northwest Washington are a unique vision of futuristic, industrial design in the city. (Benjamin C Tankersley/For The Washington Post) Opposition to modern design As the modern trend marches on, some detractors exist. When D.C.-based architect Eric Colbert first presented a modern glass-and-steel design for an apartment building at 5333 Connecticut Ave. in 2013, the neighbors balked. They objected to it initially, Colbert said. Unlike other buildings on Connecticut, there were no bricks on it. Neighbors, most of whom lived in single-family homes, filed several lawsuits to try to stop construction, even creating a group, the 5333 Connecticut Neighborhood Commission, whose purpose was to oppose the project. But after meeting with the area neighborhood commission several times and making a few tweaks, Colbert ultimately sold the community on the new design, and the building opened to residents in 2016. Its an incredibly contemporary design, and were very proud, said Colbert. Colbert is in the midst of Washingtons modern construction boom. While Morris Adjmi drew the initial designs of Atlantic Plumbing, Colbert was hired as the architect on the ground, finalizing drawings and construction plans and seeing the project through to the end. Colbert also designed the Highline, a 315-unit apartment building near Union Market at 320 Florida Ave., which recently broke ground. The industrial design, with modern materials, was inspired by the nearby railroad tracks and warehouse district. The architecture incorporates rail car-looking boxes with industrial steel warehouse cubes in an undulating, random pattern, David Franco, principal and co-founder of Level 2 Development, told The Washington Post in 2015. It feels like the building is ready to move down the tracks. JBG officials say they have another project in the works that they hope will generate as much discussion as Atlantic Plumbing did. West Half Street, near Nationals Park, is a cantilevered wavelike glass construction. Similar in design to Westlight, though much larger, the 216-unit project will deliver in 2019. For that project, JBG tapped ODA Architecture, another New York-based firm, which specializes in organic-looking modern designs, with greenery bursting out of glass projections. Like Westlight, the jutting design of the units will allow many more residents a corner view. With all their love of out-of-towners, the JBG officials stress the talent within the city. We dont feel like we have to go out of town to hire architects there are spectacular local architects, like Shalom Baranes and Eric Colbert, said Reynolds. But its exciting for us, and hopefully its good for Washington in the end to bring in some new ideas. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shown with Germanys Angela Merkel in Berlin, says failing to act on climate change would be morally criminal. (John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images) As the United States pulls back from its commitment to fight climate change, the worlds two other biggest polluters India and China are sounding the alarm. But neither country is in a position to fill the void left by American leadership, or to foot the bill. Their vast populations stand to lose dramatically from global warming, and the two countries leaders are already taking a stronger public stance against the threat posed by carbon emissions in the form of rising sea levels and catastrophic weather patterns. [Trump announces U.S. will exit Paris climate deal] Both say they will honor their commitments to the Paris accord, and they are encouraging other countries to do the same. That sort of rhetorical leadership is very welcome, experts say, but neither country is in a position to replace the financial incentives the United States had offered poorer nations. This week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Berlin, stood alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel and said that failing to act on climate change was a morally criminal act. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post) Earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping called the 2015 climate accord in Paris a hard-won achievement and urged other signers to stick to their pledges instead of walking away as this is a responsibility we must assume for future generations. In the past, there was skepticism in both countries about Western calls for emissions reductions, which were seen as hypocritical. The strong public comments now underline how far opinion has moved in both countries . In his announcement Thursday, President Trump sharply criticized both India and China, saying they had gotten preferential treatment when they signed the accord. The Trump administrations withdrawal from the pact, analysts say, jeopardizes financing for mitigation and control efforts by smaller nations and stokes fears that other countries may abandon their pledges to reduce emissions along with the United States. [As the U.S. leaves Paris climate accord, some see shifts in global leadership] It also dramatically undermines the chances of further progress in years ahead: The commitments contained in the Paris accord are not enough to prevent catastrophic rises in global temperatures, and much deeper emissions cuts would be needed. The U.S. withdrawal is bound to badly damage the accords credibility and the chances of keeping the rest of the world focused on the tough choices ahead. Its a body blow, said Chandra Bhushan, deputy director of the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi. People are putting on a brave face and saying it doesnt matter if the U.S. withdraws from the Paris agreement. But it is built not only on cutting emissions, but finance and technology, and the U.S. contribution is about 20 percent of that. Japans environment minister, Koichi Yamamoto, said at a news conference Thursday that I cant help but feel concerned whether the Paris treaty without U.S. participation would be effective. Yet Yasushi Kimura, head of a major Japanese conglomerate of metals and petroleum companies called JXTG Holdings, told the Nikkei business newspaper when asked about climate change, Its hard to imagine not working on it just because the U.S. pulled out. The United States is the worlds second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and had pledged in Paris to reduce its emissions 26 percent to 28 percent below their 2005 levels by 2025. The countrys withdrawal will have a major impact on the agreements goal of keeping the warming of the planet to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of what it was in preindustrial times, experts say. Trump, who has said climate change is a hoax and that restrictions are bad for the U.S. economy, has already moved to roll back many Obama-era policies such as clean power, vehicle emission standards and curbs on power plants. [As the U.S. leaves Paris climate accord, some see shifts in global leadership] China and India had been slow to address the issue of global warming fearing it would hold back the pace of development. In India for example, 240 million people remain without electricity. But experts now predict that Chinas carbon emissions will peak, and then begin to decline, significantly earlier than the countrys 2030 target, and the country is investing more in renewable energy than any other nation, pledging a further $360 billion by 2020. China will continue to carry out innovation, green, open and shared development regardless of how the other countries positions are changing, based on the inherent needs of its own sustainable development, Hua Chunying, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a news conference this week in Beijing. And now new energy policies in both nations are beginning to have a discernible effect, scholars say. Slowing consumption in China and delay of construction of new coal plants in India is likely to reduce projected global emissions by 2 billion to 3 billion tons by 2030, compared with forecasts from last year, according to a study released in May by Climate Action Tracker, an independent monitoring group. Meanwhile, India which set a target of increasing its renewable power capacity to 175 gigawatts by 2022 has exceeded its targets for wind power this fiscal year and has made some strides in increasing its solar capacity, according to a study from the World Resources Institute. Recent low solar prices may make renewable power increasingly competitive, the study said. In addition, the country is holding off on the construction of some new coal-fired power generating plants because the extra capacity may not be needed for now, according to a new draft electricity plan. Piyush Goyal, Indias energy minister, said that India remains committed to its Paris pledge no matter what happens in the rest of the world. We are not addressing climate change because somebody told us to do it, it is an article of faith for this government, Goyal said. Sadly the developed world does not show the same commitment to fulfill their promises, which could help speed up the clean energy revolution. Yet neither country is willing to foot the bill for other countries efforts to reduce emissions, experts say. The United States had pledged $3 billion into a Green Climate Fund to assist smaller countries on their climate change initiatives $2 billion of which has been canceled by the Trump administration. Zhang Zhongxiang, the director of the China Academy of Energy, Environmental and Industrial Economics and a professor at Tianjin University, said China is more likely to take a role of a cooperator and pusher rather than assuming the out-front leadership role the Obama administration adopted. Zhang said China may contribute financially in smaller ways, such as contributing $20 million to its South-South Cooperation Fund to help smaller countries. The two countries are likely to foster knowledge sharing with other nations, rather than creating super funds, such as Indias founding of International Solar Alliance a knowledge platform for sun-rich countries with France in 2015, said Varad Pande, a former adviser to Indias Environment Ministry and a member of Indias climate negotiations team. It will be a different flavor of leadership, Pande said. Denyer reported from Beijing. Shirley Feng in Beijing and Anna Fifield in Tokyo contributed to this report. Read more Prime Minister Modi says India must lead on climate change As Trump reverses Obamas climate plans, Chinas leadership moment arrives If the U.S. withdraws, China wonders whether it is ready to lead the world Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A woman holds a placard reading, Taliban are not our brothers, during a protest against the Taliban and Islamic State militants on Thursday in Herat, Afghanistan. (Jalil Rezayee/European Pressphoto Agency) Afghans joined in anger and sorrow Thursday amid gutted buildings and piles of rubble in bomb-ravaged Kabul, as mourners buried the dead and officials grappled with questions over how to confront a seemingly unstoppable insurgent threat. Wednesdays truck bombing in the Afghan capitals diplomatic zone one of its most highly guarded areas claimed more than 80 lives, injured another 460 people and devastated entire blocks in one of the bloodiest single attacks to hit Afghanistan in years. Afghan Taliban insurgents denied any links to the explosion, which came during the first week in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. But Afghanistan also faces violence from other militant groups, including a branch of the Islamic State. Crews with bulldozers and backhoes worked to clear away building debris and wrecked cars in a large area around the 15-foot-deep bomb crater, sealed off by hundreds of police. Victims families began holding funerals and mourning ceremonies in mosques across the city. Relatives of those with severe injuries including extreme blast burns hovered worriedly around their hospital beds. (Sarah Parnass,Dani Player/The Washington Post) [In Kabul, a massive bombing took its toll on me and a city I love] But the dominant mood of the capital was a mix of rage and recrimination. At informal gatherings, on social media and in several small but intense public rallies, people denounced the government of President Ashraf Ghani for failing to prevent the ongoing violence and said the countrys future seemed increasingly bleak. Let us turn the silence of suffering into a national voice. We must all come together to stop terrorism from going any further and raise our voices against oppression, a young man with a bullhorn exhorted protesters gathered at the perimeter of the blast site, surrounded by watchful riot police in flak jackets and helmets. The Ghani government, distracted by internal conflicts, has struggled to fend off an aggressive push by Taliban insurgents in recent months, as well as a number of assaults claimed by the Islamic State. There are 8,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan supporting the governments war against the Taliban and hundreds of U.S. Special Operations forces fighting Islamic State militants. But earlier this year, Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander here, said he needed several thousand more troops to break the stalemate. In Washington, President Trump called Ghani on Thursday to express his condolences to the Afghan people. No Americans or other foreigners died in the bombing, but nine Afghan guards outside the U.S. Embassy were killed, and 11 U.S. contractors were injured, the State Department said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement: In the face of this senseless and cowardly act, the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering. The United States stands with the government and the people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity. [A U.S. troop increase would aim to double the size of Afghanistans special operations unit] The Trump administration has not yet announced whether it will increase the number of U.S. forces here or what its overall policy will be toward the volatile region. Afghan officials said little Thursday, except for bulletins from the Public Health Ministry, adding to a sense of public confusion and frustration. On social media, there were calls for the government to resign and demands for an investigation of the bombing. Numerous groups called for a mass protest this weekend outside the presidential palace. Part of the reason people are venting their anger at the government, analysts said, is that the perpetrators are faceless and nameless. Many residents expressed incredulity that a sewage removal truck packed with explosives managed to penetrate such a high-security area, with police checkpoints on every corner. Others said they have become much more fearful for their own safety. People have an anxious feeling now, like a psychological illness. I feel suspicious if I see someone carrying something, said Gul Rahim, 42, a real estate agent whose office lost all its windows in the blast. I was in the jihad [against the Soviet Union], and there were a lot of bombs and rockets. This was much worse. There were widespread rumors Thursday that Ghani, feeling pressure to respond to the crisis, has decided to order the execution of a number of prisoners from the Haqqani network, a faction of the Taliban insurgents based in Pakistan. Some Afghan officials have accused the Haqqanis and Pakistans intelligence agencies of orchestrating the bombing. But despite the intense public reaction to the unprecedented attack, and a solemn televised speech by Ghani late Wednesday promising to take extra security measures, experts said it was far from clear whether the bombing would trigger renewed official resolve in the war effort. This tragedy has struck an especially emotional chord in the Afghan people. The question is whether it will be a turning-point moment for the Afghan state, said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia expert at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. He noted that repeated intelligence failures have contributed to numerous deadly attacks in the capital. In reality, theres only so much the state can do, Kugelman added. But with everyone so shaken up and emotions so raw, there could be a lot of pressure on the authorities to do something, and fast. Read more In Kabul, a sidewalk cobbler repairs more than shoes Return of warlord Hekmatyar adds to Afghan political tensions Afghan Vice President Dostum flies to Turkey under questioned circumstances Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Berlin on Thursday, where they renewed their commitment to the Paris climate accord. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images) In ditching the Paris accord on climate change, President Trump has cemented his reputation as the international disrupter in chief with the latest in a string of decisions that foreign policy analysts believe could have profound consequences for U.S. global leadership. The decision to exit the Paris agreement is sure to anger many of the almost 200 nations that signed the commitment to reduce emissions. In one sign of shifting alliances, the European Union and China were expected to issue a joint statement Friday vowing to take a leading role in stemming climate change. China in particular is expected to fill any leadership vacuum created by the U.S. retreat, both in climate change and trade. Its going to seriously complicate any effort President Trump makes to build a counterterrorism coalition or mobilize the West on any set of policy issues, said Bruce Jones, director of the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution. [As U.S. backs away from climate pledges, India and China step up] Its an odd calculation, he said. They gain nothing from leaving and lose a lot. Abandoning the 2015 accord championed by the Obama administration reflects Trumps disdain for big, multilateral agreements and alliances, an opinion he expressed often on the campaign trail and followed through in office by ditching the Trans-Pacific Partnership, threatening to leave the North American Free Trade Agreement and upbraiding NATO allies. Barry Bennett, a political adviser to Trump during the campaign, said no one should be caught unaware by Trumps actions. They should have gone to a rally, he said. They wouldnt be surprised at all. Bennett described what is taking place as a recalibration of U.S. priorities. Sometimes we have valued our relationship with Europeans over the lives of hard-working Americans, he said. Last week at NATO, Trump left leaders uncertain about the U.S. commitment to come to Europes defense and led German Chancellor Angela Merkel to say that Europeans cannot rely on others. In the clearest foreshadowing he would nix the Paris pact, Trump was the only leader at a meeting of the Group of Seven leading industrial democracies who did not endorse it. Trumps approach underscores how in barely four months he has succeeded in reshaping Americas role in the world. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post) [The Trump White House is at war with itself over climate change] Having pulled out of the Paris accord, after sowing doubt at NATO and killing the TPP, President Trump is on the way to ending the U.S.-led international order, said Cliff Kupchan, chairman of the Eurasia Group, a firm that assesses political risks. I think were heading toward a Hobbesian, each-on-his-own world. Many in the foreign policy establishment believe the pullbacks have undermined U.S. influence and credibility. Other countries will be less willing to engage with us, said David Victor, director of the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation at the University of California at San Diego. It creates a vacuum others will try to fill. It will make it harder for the United States to advance its interests. Much of what has rankled the foreign policy community are actions Trump promised during the campaign as part of his America first agenda. As a candidate, he repeatedly said that he would cancel the Paris climate agreement. In a document released toward the end of the campaign and outlining his plans for the first 100 days, Trump pledged to cancel billions in payments to U.N. climate change programs and use the money to fix Americas water and environmental infrastructure. On other promises with foreign policy implications, Trump has shown more flexibility. He said he would label China a currency manipulator, a promise he has backed off while seeking more cooperation from Beijing in containing North Koreas nuclear ambitions. John Bolton, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said that Trump has shown that unlike some European allies, he is not embracing this ideological commitment to multilateralism for its own sake. Bolton said that the administration of President George W. Bush, in which he served, was branded as isolationist for several actions during its tenure, including a decision to pull out of the International Criminal Court. What was happening then and now is a series of decisions about what was in the best interests of the United States, he said. Like Trump, Bush was just a few months into his presidency when he decided to withdraw the United States from a major multinational climate agreement negotiated by his predecessor. The 1997 Kyoto treaty on global warming had been signed by 192 nations, almost as many as the 195 that signed the Paris agreement. Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian at New York University, said no president has done so much so early in his term to unilaterally alter the world order. Ronald Reagan had to have a partner in upending the world order, and that was Mikhail Gorbachev, he said. Nixon tried to change American foreign policy, but it took him several years. Trump seems to be doing it on caffeine. Many multinational institutions, with the United States in a leadership role, emerged from World War II when American dominance arose almost by default with so many other countries in ruins. But the old world order has been declining for years now, with Chinas rise as an economic and military power. Now, China is positioned to move into the void left by the United States. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech extolling the virtues of globalized trade as the United States appeared to be turning inward. The U.S. abandonment of the Paris accord represents another opportunity. On Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stood beside Merkel in Berlin and declared the fight against climate change a global consensus and an international responsibility. He noted that China was one of the first countries to ratify the Paris accord. Xi Jinping is sitting in Beijing and cant believe whats happening to him, said Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. representative to NATO and now president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The United States retreat from leadership means China can move in Americas wake. Were seeing the possibility of a shift in global leadership, away from Washington and the United States toward Beijing and China. Others see no cause for alarm. Stephen Moore, a distinguished visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said that Trump was exerting a different kind of leadership by pulling out of an agreement that he said would cost middle-class jobs and lead to an increase in energy prices for Americans. The most important role for the United States is to lead by example, said Moore, who has advised Trump on economic issues. When we get it right on economic policy, it tends to get exported to the rest of the world. Its important that the U.S. show leadership on free-market policies. Former FBI director James B. Comey is expected to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee next Thursday at 10 a.m., the committee announced Thursday. Comeys appearance before the committee has been in the works for some time, but an exact date and time had not previously been set. The committee said Comey would testify in a public setting starting at 10 a.m. June 8, and a closed session would follow beginning at 1 p.m. The hearing is sure to be explosive. Last month, President Trump suddenly fired Comey amid an FBI investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to influence the 2016 election. While the Trump administration said the firing was over Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, the president has said the Russia probe was on his mind when he removed his FBI director who is appointed to a 10-year term to avoid political influence. [President Trump fires FBI Director Comey] Comey will almost certainly not be able to discuss details of the ongoing investigation, which is now being led by a special counsel. He might, though, be able to talk about the details of his firing and other conversations he had with the president. (Jenny Starrs,Julio Negron/The Washington Post) Comey wrote in private notes that Trump asked him to shut down the FBIs probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and he also kept notes on a conversation in which he alleged Trump asked him for an affirmation of loyalty, people familiar with the documents have said. Comey has reached an understanding with the special counsels office about what he can and cannot make public, people familiar with the matter have said. Comey has a history of turning congressional testimony into must-watch TV: in 2007, he famously described to lawmakers of how he intervened in the hospital room of then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to stop, at least for a while, the approval of a National Security Agency surveillance program that he believed to be unlawful. His appearance comes just as the special counsels probe into Russian meddling in the election is heating up. In recent weeks and months, a grand jury has issued subpoenas to request records related to Flynns businesses, and investigators are now scrutinizing Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and a top White House adviser, for meetings he had with Russians in December. Separately on Thursday, Sens. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) released letters they had sent to Comey asking him to investigate whether then Attorney General-nominee Jeff Sessions broke the law in telling Congress, wrongly, that he had not had communications with Russians during the campaign. In fact, Sessions had spoken twice to Russias ambassador to the United States. The senators said that since Comeys firing they had been in communication with the FBI concerning a response to our letter, and they expected to be briefed soon. Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has imposed a partial hiring freeze and is in the midst of a wide personnel review ahead of planned job cuts. (European Pressphoto Agency) The slow pace of filling top jobs at the State Department is having a ripple effect through the ranks of career diplomats as the traditional summer rotation season approaches, leaving some top officials in a holding pattern overseas while others wait with no promises about their next job. Without further assignments, diplomats serving as U.S. ambassadors in more than two dozen countries will stay put indefinitely. Other career diplomats who would have been in line to take over at those embassies are similarly on hold, temporary casualties of a logjam that several diplomats said appears to be a low priority for the new Trump administration. Limboland, said one diplomat serving what would on paper have been a third and final year as an ambassador. Deep freeze, another said. The lack of movement on filling ambassadorial posts is not likely to damage U.S. credibility or leverage abroad right away, diplomats and others said, but it threatens to undermine the work of a department that is understaffed and facing severe budget cuts. The Trump administration has filled fewer jobs at the State Department than other recent administrations at this point, raising questions about Secretary of State Rex Tillersons relationship with the White House and the value the new administration places on the departments functions and the larger business of diplomacy. Missing leadership at the State Department is going to have lots of consequences, now and later when inevitable crises arise, said Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service. Uncertainty is the bane of efficient and speedy decision-making, and the natural inclination of anyone doing a job on only a temporary basis is to go slow and keep your head down, Stier said. Its the substitute-teacher phenomenon. [Foreign aid under the ax in State Department budget proposal] At State Department headquarters in Washington, Tillerson and a newly installed deputy are the lone officials chosen by Trump and confirmed by the Senate. Other senior jobs are held by Foreign Service officers serving in an acting, or temporary, capacity. Tillerson has imposed a partial hiring freeze and is in the midst of a wide personnel review ahead of planned job cuts. The administrations budget calls for a cut of about 30 percent to the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, although Congress is unlikely to go that far. A senior State Department official said the hiring freeze is part of a larger reorganization and will continue until that plan is developed and agreement reached on implementation. The official, like others in this article, spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss these issues publicly. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Tillerson can still make select hires in instances where national security interests and the departments core mission responsibilities require, the official said. The freeze has caused friction between Tillerson and the White House, which is eager to place political hands in some jobs, one former and one current U.S. official said. Tillersons team has not acted on numerous names recommended for jobs by the White House, those people said. Fewer empowered people near the top means that career diplomats and civil servants are more likely to maintain the status quo and take fewer risks, Stier and others said. The longer the department and its people are in limbo, the less influence they may wield as the administration begins to address foreign policy questions. There is a strong sense that the State Department career officials are not nearly as well connected to the White House as they have been in past administrations, and they are not connected effectively to the State Department leadership, said R. Nicholas Burns, a former career ambassador who held top posts in Democratic and Republican administrations. Foreign Service officers take an oath, as do military officers, and serve across political administrations. Friction between the State Department and the White House happens no matter who is president, but it has been exacerbated by mistrust and a sense among many diplomats that their voices are muted or unwelcome, current and former diplomats said. The Trump team and Secretary Tillerson would be well advised to bring our most senior career diplomats onto the leadership team, Burns said. They will add necessary experience to an administration lacking broad experience in foreign policy. While the Trump administration has clearly valued career military officers, one does not see the same value attached to our diplomats. Trump lags behind the administrations of Barack Obama and George W. Bush in the total number of Senate-confirmed State Department jobs filled to date seven, compared with 19 for Obama and 25 for Bush, according to a Partnership for Public Service tally. About one-third of ambassadors are rewarded with a plum diplomatic posting such as London, Paris or Tokyo because they are donors or friends of the president. The rest, representing the United States in countries both obscure and strategically important, come from the ranks of the Foreign Service. For ambassadorships, the focus of each new administration is often on fulfilling campaign and other obligations by filling attractive political slots ahead of career ones, and Trumps record is comparable to his most recent predecessors. He has nominated nine country ambassadors in total six political and three career. Four have been confirmed two political and two career. The Senate has separately approved former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley as U.N. ambassador. At the same point in Obamas administration, he had nominated two ambassadors, one of whom was a career Foreign Service officer. Bush had nominated 12 ambassadors, one of whom was career. The highly competitive selection process for ambassadors at U.S. embassies overseas operates in parallel to White House decisions about political ambassadors. It is a rotation system in which a small number of long-serving career diplomats occupy posts for what are usually set, three-year tenures. The postings require White House sign-off and confirmation by the Senate, but the selections are typically made within the Foreign Service without argument from political higher-ups at the State Department or the White House. Who is ambassador to Benin is not uppermost in the minds of people at the White House, a former State Department official said. For the Foreign Service, however, an ambassadorship is often the pinnacle of a 20- or 30-year career. The winnowing and jockeying can start years before a potential ambassadors name is presented to the White House. The rule is: We dont leave a post until our replacement is confirmed. There are exceptions, of course, but thats the rule, said another diplomat who has served as an ambassador since 2014. So I expect Im here for a while, as are a lot of other current ambassadors. Staying in place a few extra months is not a great hardship for many if not most of those serving as ambassadors or in equivalent positions abroad, current diplomats said. But uncertainty over the Trump administrations plans and the lack of permanent policymakers in place to oversee the work of foreign missions is feeding anxiety about what high-level jobs may be available and for how long. Likewise, more-junior officers worry that an already small funnel to the top jobs is getting smaller, said several diplomats serving abroad and in Washington. The Foreign Service operates on a rigid up-or-out system in which even talented officers are forced out if not promoted quickly enough. If Tillerson and Trump shrink the department considerably or place political hires in many jobs once held by career employees, the menu of jobs gets shorter. There is always a give-and-take, but this is 10 times worse, said one young midcareer diplomat serving overseas. Its clear the White House and State are not in any way communicating about who appoints who, and there is clearly no energy behind making any appointments, even the big ones. They are just going unfilled months into the administration. We will have people in limbo for the foreseeable future. President Trump will not relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, at least for now, the White House announced Thursday, reversing a campaign promise dear to some of his most conservative supporters. Moving the embassy could upset chances for a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, the White House said in a statement. No one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the Presidents strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance, the White House statement said. President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend Americas national security interests. But, as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when. The Trump administration is citing the same presidential prerogative to make national security decisions that previous presidents used to defer action on the embassy relocation mandated by Congress in 1995. But while other presidents have also pledged willingness to move the embassy eventually, given the right conditions, Trump pledged that he would definitely do so. President Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on Wednesday. (Andrew Harnik/AP) The move sets aside a campaign pledge that Trump had used as a central example of how his approach to foreign policy would be different from those of past presidents of both political parties, and from his 2016 opponent, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. The United States would never shrink from heralding its alliance with Israel, Trump promised, even if other nations objected. Trump excoriated President Barack Obama for what he said was callous treatment of Israel. Trump has since softened U.S. language dealing with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, although he has publicly asked Israel to refrain from large building operations to improve the climate for peace talks. Trumps decision on the embassy follows several other instances in which he has yielded to foreign policy convention once in office, including a retreat from harsh criticism of China as a currency manipulator. Arab governments and many U.S. officials have long argued that moving the embassy could incite violence because of the symbolism of placing the U.S. diplomatic facility in a city claimed by both Israel and the Palestinians. The Israeli government supports relocating the embassy. Successive U.S. administrations have maintained that the status of Jerusalem should be decided through negotiations. Presidents have issued similar waivers every six months since the relocation measure was passed, always claiming that the move could not be made now without risking damage to U.S. security interests. Thursday was the deadline for Trumps first decision on whether to seek a waiver. (AIPAC) [Moving embassy would discard a long-standing precedent on Israel] As a candidate, Trump promised to make the move on his first day in office. One of Trumps prominent backers, Jewish businessman Sheldon Adelson, is among the most vocal proponents of moving the embassy. Last year in addressing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group, candidate Trump said he would move the American Embassy to the eternal capital of the Jewish people, Jerusalem. U.S. Jewish leaders on the political right generally favor moving the embassy, while those on the left advise against it. The liberal pro-Israel group J Street welcomed the White House decision within minutes of the announcement. Even seemingly minor changes to Jerusalems status quo in fact or law have historically carried the risk of sparking potential violence, a statement from the organization said. Jordan and Egypt, the only two Arab states that have signed peace accords with Israel, both oppose the embassy move. Other nations also maintain their official diplomatic offices in Tel Aviv, a busy seaside commercial city about an hour from Jerusalem. Trump did not discuss the issue publicly when he visited Israel last month, but he did call Jerusalem a sacred city and made a point of visiting the Western Wall, which sits in East Jerusalem, the city quarter occupied by Israel for 50 years. The wall is among the most sacred sites in Judaism, but no other sitting U.S. president has visited it. The ties of the Jewish people to this holy land are ancient and eternal, Trump said in Israel. Standing beside Trump in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed him to the eternal capital of the Jewish people, the united capital of the Jewish state. Trump also met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who opposes the embassy move as a sign that the United States has sided with Israel on the sensitive question of sovereignty over sacred ground. Standing beside Trump in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Abbas said Palestinians want a state of Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem, living alongside of Israel. Trumps advisers have been divided, with chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon reportedly a main advocate for making the move. Trumps newly installed ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, was also on record supporting an embassy in Israels eternal capital, Jerusalem, before he was confirmed by the Senate. During their meeting in Washington in February, Netanyahu urged Trump to make good on his campaign promise, stressing that it would not cause an escalation in violence. He remained steadfast in that call Thursday, but also in his support for Trump. Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate todays expression of President Trumps friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future, Netanyahu said. But more hard-line members of Netanyahus government were less generous. Only recognizing a united Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty will end illusions and pave the way to a sustainable peace with our neighbors, said Naftali Bennett, the minister of education and leader of the far-right Jewish Home party. Palestinians praised Trumps decision. This is in line with the long-held U.S. policy and the international consensus, and it gives peace a chance, said Husam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the United States. We are ready to start the consultation process with the U.S. administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace. Eglash reported from Jerusalem. Philip Rucker and Karen DeYoung in Washington contributed to this report. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. This segment serves consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, ATMs, call centers, and online and mobile banking channels. 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Ltd., Spraylat International Ltd, Texstars LLC, The Crown Group Co., The Crown Group Inc, The Homax Group, Tikkurila Group, Tikkurila Oyj, Tikkurila Sverige AB, Traffic Safety Intermediate LLC, Traffic Safety Parent LLC, VF Specialty Products LLC, Vanex Inc., Vernisol S.p.A., VersaFlex Acquisition Corp., VersaFlex Inc., VersaFlex Intermediate Holdings LLC, Versaflex, Viasa S.A. de C.V., Whitford, Whitford B.V., Whitford Corporation, Whitford Jiangmen Ltd., Whitford Ltd. (HK), Whitford Ltd. (UK), Whitford Pte. Ltd., Whitford S.r.l., Whitford Worldwide Company LLC, and Worwag Coatings. Read More Tableau Software, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides business analytics software products. It offers Tableau Desktop, a self-service, powerful analytics product with data; Tableau Server, a business intelligence platform for organizations; Tableau Online, a hosted software-as-a-service version of Tableau Server; Tableau Prep, a data preparation product for combining, shaping, and cleaning data; and Tableau Public, a cloud-based platform for analyzing and sharing public data. In addition, it offers Visual Query Language (VizQL) for databases, which is a computer language for describing pictures of data, including graphs, charts, maps, time series, and tables of visualizations; Live Query Engine that interprets abstract queries generated by VizQL into syntax understandable by database systems; and Hyper, an in-memory data engine technology that helps customers to analyze a range of data sets by evaluating analytical queries directly in the transactional database. Further, the company provides support, maintenance, training, and professional services. It serves organizations in various industries, including business services, energy and telecommunications, financial services, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing and technology, media and entertainment, public sector, and education, as well as retail, consumer, and distribution industries. The company sells its products directly, as well as through indirect sales channels, such as technology vendors, resellers, original equipment manufacturers, independent software vendor, and distributors in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Tableau Software, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various specialty insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. It operates through two segments, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment offers property insurance products for commercial buildings, residential premises, construction projects, and onshore energy installations; marine insurance products covering offshore energy, cargo, liability, recreational marine, fine art, specie, and hull war; and terrorism, aviation, credit and political risk, and liability insurance products. It also provides professional insurance products that cover directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, crime, professional indemnity, cyber and privacy, medical malpractice, and other financial insurance related coverages for commercial enterprises, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and other professional service providers. In addition, this segment offers accidental death, travel, and specialty health products for employer and affinity groups. The Reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products to insurance companies, including catastrophe reinsurance products; property reinsurance products covering property damage and related losses resulting from natural and man-made perils; professional lines; credit and surety; and motor liability products. This segment also provides agriculture reinsurance products; coverages for various types of construction risks and risks related to erection, testing, and commissioning of machinery and plants during the construction stage; marine and aviation reinsurance products; and personal accident, specialty health, accidental death, travel, life and disability reinsurance products. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda. The following companies are subsidiares of Air Products and Chemicals: 7001 Hamilton Properties LLC, ACP Europe SA, ACP Zolder Invest NV, AJWAA Emirates Gases Company LLC, AJWAA Gases LLC, AP Services South America SpA, APCI (U.K.) Inc., Abdulla Hashim Gases & Equipment Co. Limited, Air Products (Anshan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (BR) Limited, Air Products (Cangzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Changsha) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Chongqing) Chem-Materials Co. Ltd., Air Products (Dongguan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Guangzhou) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Hangjin Qi) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Hefei) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Huaibei) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Inner Mongolia) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Air Products (Jiangxi) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Jincheng) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Jinjiang) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Kunshan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Linfen) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Middle East) FZE, Air Products (Nanjing) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Ningbo) Hi-Tech Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Qindao) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Rozenburg) B. V., Air Products (Shandong) Engineering Co. Ltd Nanjing Branch, Air Products (Shandong) Engineering Co. Ltd., Air Products (Shanxi) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Shenyang) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Air Products (Xi'an) Gases Co. Ltd, Air Products (Xia'men) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products (Zhongshan) Gases Co. Ltd, Air Products (Zhumadian) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products A/S, Air Products Advanced Materials LLC, Air Products Ammonia Distribution AD GmbH, Air Products Ammonia Distribution LLC, Air Products Ammonia Distribution Ltd., Air Products Ammonia Holdings LLC, Air Products Asia Inc., Air Products Bahrain W.L.L, Air Products Blue Energy, Air Products Brasil Ltda., Air Products Canada Ltd./Prodair Canada Ltee, Air Products Caribbean Holdings Inc., Air Products Central Asia Group LLC, Air Products China Inc., Air Products Debang (Lianyungang) Co. Ltd., Air Products Ecuador S.A., Air Products Emirates Gases LLC, Air Products Equipment Limited, Air Products Gas O.O.O., Air Products Gases Holdings B. V., Air Products Gases S.A.E., Air Products Gesellschaft mbH, Air Products GmbH, Air Products Group Limited, Air Products Gulf Gas LLC, Air Products Helium Inc., Air Products Helium Inc. Qatar Branch, Air Products Holdings B. V., Air Products Holdings GmbH, Air Products Huadong (Longkou) Co. Ltd., Air Products Hydrogen Company Inc., Air Products Hydrogen Energy Technology (Zibo) Co. Ltd., Air Products Iberica S. L., Air Products Industrial Gas LLC, Air Products International LLC, Air Products Investments B. V., Air Products Investments Holdings LLC, Air Products Investments LLC, Air Products Ireland Limited, Air Products Israel Ltd., Air Products Italia S. r. I., Air Products Japan Inc., Air Products Japan K. K., Air Products Korea Inc., Air Products LLC, Air Products Leasing B. V., Air Products Llanwern Limited, Air Products Lu'An (Changzhi) Co. Ltd., Air Products Maghreb S. A.R. L., Air Products Majan LLC, Air Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Air Products Management BV/SRL, Air Products Manufacturing Corporation, Air Products Manufacturing LLC, Air Products Middle East Industrial Gases Company Limited, Air Products Nederland B. V., Air Products Netherlands Gases B. V., Air Products O. O.O., Air Products PLC, Air Products PLC Branch, Air Products Peru S. A., Air Products Qudra (GICIS), Air Products Renewable Energy Limited, Air Products S.A., Air Products SAS, Air Products San Fu Co. Ltd., Air Products Saudi Investment Company, Air Products Services Europe S. A., Air Products Shared Services Sdn. Bhd, Air Products Singapore Industrial Gases Pte. Ltd., Air Products SinoHytec (Beijing) Hydrogen Energy Technology, Air Products Slovakia s. r. o., Air Products South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Air Products Sp. Z o.o., Air Products Specialized Process Equipment SDN, Air Products Switzerland Sarl, Air Products Taiwan Holdings Co. Ltd., Air Products Ukraina LLC, Air Products West Coast Hydrogen LLC, Air Products Yanbu Limited, Air Products and Chemicals (Anhui) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Banan) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Beijing) Distribution Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Binzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Guiyang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Hefei) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Hohhot) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Jiyuan) Onsite Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Lianyungang) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Nanjing) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Pengzhou) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Putian) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shaanxi Pucheng) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shaanxi) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Electronics Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Gases Production Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Gasification Technology Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) On-Site Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Systems Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shangluo) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Shenzhen) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Tangshan) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Tongxiang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Weifang) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (WuXi) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (WuXi) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xi'an) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xingtai) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xinxiang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Xuzhou) Gases Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Yichun) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Yulin) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals (Zibo) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Utah, Air Products and Chemicals Tech Development (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Air Products and Chemicals de Mexico S. A. de C. V., Air Products spol s.r.o., Asia Industrial Gas Company Ltd., Bangkok Cogeneration Company Limited, Bangkok Industrial Gas Co. Ltd., Beer Gas Cymru Cyf, Beijing AP BAIF Gas Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing Shuimu Tongda Transportation Co. Ltd., Blue Ocean Industrial Gases Co. Ltd., Carbolim B.V., Carburos Via Augusta Logistics S. L., Caribbean Industrial Gases Unlimited, Centro Tecnico Indura Limitada, Chengdu Air & Gas Products Ltd., Chengzhi Air Products Hydrogen Energy Technology Co. Ltd., China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., Consolidacion Comercial Infra S. A. de C. V., CryoService, CryoService Limited, Dixons of Westerhope Limited, DuPont Air Products NanoMaterials, EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products, EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products Inc., East Coast Nitrogen Company LLC, East Coast Oxygen Co., Far Eastern Industrial Gases Co. Ltd., Gaolu Air Products and Chemicals (Shanghai) Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Gardner Cryogenics, Gas Direct Limited, Gas Supply Services Ltd., Gas Technologies Ltd., Gases Industriales de Colombia S.A. Cryogas, Gases Integrated Company Limited (GIC), Gasin II Unipessoal LDA, Gastel Limited, Gazsur S. de R. L. de C. V., Goar Allison & Associates, Green BioFuel s.r.o., Harvest Energy Technologies, Harvest Energy Technology, Helap SAS, INOXAir Products Pvt. Ltd., Indura, Indura Argentina S.A., Indura Holding LLC, Indura Holdings Colombia LLC, Indura Inversiones Limitada, Indura S. A., Indura Sociedad Comercial Limitada, Inner Mongolia Jiutai New Materials Technology Co. Ltd., Inversiones Air Products Holdings Limitada, Jazan Gas Projects Company, Jazan Integrated Gasification and Power Company (JIGPC), Jubail Waves for Gases Company, KRIG Holdings B. V., KRYVYI RIH Industrial Gas, Korea Industrial Gases Ltd., Kulim Industrial Gases Sdn Bhd, Lida SAS, M&M Gases Limited, Markaziy Osiyo Sanoat Gaz LLC, Matgas 2000 A.I.E., NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, NMAP Services Unlimited, Napro S.A., Olin DNT Limited Partnership, Oxigeno Medicinal Domiciliario Limitada, Oxygen & Argon Works, Oxygen & Argon Works Ltd., Oxygen Center Ltd., Oxygen Warehouse Trade (1980) Ltd., PQ Ammonia, PT Air Products East Kalimantan, PT Air Products Indonesia, PT Air Products Indonesia Services, Permea China Ltd., Permea Inc., Procal, Prodair Air Products India Private Limited, Prodair Corporation, Prodair Escravos Limited, Prodair S. A. S., Prodair et Cie S.C. S., ROVI Cosmetics International, S.I.Q. Beteiligungs, SAGA SAS, SCWC Corp., STP & DIN Chemicals Sp. Z.o.o., STS Science Technologies and Services Ltd., Sapio Produzione Idrogeno Ossigeno S. r. l., Servicios Indura Limitada, Shanxi Lu'An Air Products (Hydrogen Energy) Co. Ltd., Sociedad Espanola de Carburos Metalicos S. A., Soprogaz SNC, Stravinsky Investments LLC, Tanasio Industrial Gases Cyf, The Former SR Manufacturers Inc., Union Mobiliere Industrielle S. A.R.L., Vitalox Industrial S.L.U., WuXi Hi-Tech Gas Co. Ltd., Yangnon Industrial Gas Trading Company Limited, Yangon Industrial Gas (Thilawa) Company Limited, Zhangjiakou HyPower New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Zhangjiakou Jiaotou Hydrogen New Energy Technology Co. Ltd., and Zibo Chuangcheng Design. Read More Gannett Co., Inc. operates as a media and marketing solutions company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Publishing and Digital Marketing Solutions. The company's principal products include 230 daily print media with total paid circulation of approximately 1.9 million and Sunday circulation of 2.2 million; 249 weekly print media with total circulation of approximately 1.4 million; and 292 locally-focused websites. Its principal products also comprise 123 daily and weekly news media brands and approximately 80 magazines, and related digital platforms; sports network, as well as Reviewed.com, an affiliate marketing service; and USA TODAY NETWORK, a community events platform. The company also offers digital marketing solutions, such as online presence solutions, online advertising products, conversion software, and cloud-based software solutions. In addition, it produces niche publications that address specific local market interests, such as recreation, sports, healthcare, and real estate. Further, the company offers local market news and information, as well as advertising and subscriptions, and commercial printing and distribution services; and prints commercial materials, including flyers, business cards, and invitations. The company was formerly known as New Media Investment Group Inc. and changed its name to Gannett Co., Inc. in November 2019. Gannett Co., Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. A massive bomb transported in a sewage tanker truck blew up Wednesday morning in the center of Afghanistans capital, Kabul, killing at least 90 people and wounding over 400 more. The death toll is expected to rise. The suicide bombing took place near Zanbaq Square, a supposed high security zone that is a center for foreign embassies and Afghan government ministries. It is not far from the presidential palace. The attack took place in a crowded area in the middle of the morning rush hour, inflicting death and destruction on civilians making their way to work. In the aftermath of the explosion, a dark cloud of smoke towered over the city, while on the ground the streets were littered with demolished vehicles, debris from damaged buildings and large numbers of bodies, mangled and burned. The force of the blast knocked out windows miles from the site. There was speculation that the real target of the attack had been the Kabul headquarters of the NATO occupation forces, but that the truck had been turned back at a security checkpoint. It was still unclear how the bomber penetrated other security points to reach Kabuls embassy row, with speculation that he may have had assistance from within the Afghan security forces. The embassies of Germany, Iran, India, Bulgaria, France, Japan, Turkey and the UAE were all damaged in the bombing. Angry crowds gathered outside Kabul hospitals searching for missing loved ones, with many denouncing the corrupt and fractured US-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani for its failure to provide minimal security. In the aftermath of the attack, the Taliban, the largest of the insurgent groups fighting the US puppet regimes security forces, denied any responsibility and condemned the blast, while the Afghan group identifying itself with ISIS did not initially make any comment. ISIS had claimed responsibility for previous attacks in the Afghan capital, including a May 3 suicide bombing that targeted an armored NATO convoy, killing at least eight people and wounding 28, and an attack on a military hospital in March that killed more than 50 people. According to the Afghan media, Afghanistans National Directorate of Security, the countrys main intelligence service, blamed the attack on the Haqqani network, claiming it was carried out with the assistance of Pakistans intelligence agency, the ISI. The Haqqani network was first formed with the assistance of the US Central Intelligence Agency and the ISI in the CIA-orchestrated war against the Soviet-backed government of Afghanistan in the late 1970s. After the US invasion of 2001, it fled to Pakistans tribal areas on Afghanistans border, launching attacks on the US-led occupation. The unnamed sources quoted in the Afghan media provided no evidence to support the claim of Pakistani involvement in the attack, and the charge may stem from the sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, including armed clashes over their disputed border earlier this month. Afghanistan has become an arena for the increasingly tense regional struggle between India and Pakistan, with each side covertly intervening in the country to block any settlement of the protracted war that would strengthen its rival. The devastating attack came as the Trump administration was apparently still debating a Pentagon proposal to escalate the US troop deployment in Afghanistan in the face of mounting territorial gains by the Taliban and the evident incapacity of Afghan security forces to contain the insurgency. The US commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Nicholson, earlier this year told a congressional panel that the situation in the country was a military stalemate and he needed several thousand more American ground troops to shift it. The Afghan regime and its security forces have faced increasing losses, in terms of both territory and casualties. By a conservative estimate, the Taliban now holds sway over roughly 40 percent of the country, the largest area under its control since the US invasion of 2001 toppled the Taliban government. The Afghan security forces are suffering unsustainable losses. The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction described fatalities as shockingly high in a recent report, with 807 troops from the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces killed between January 1 and February 24. US President Donald Trump had been expected to roll out the plan for escalation in Afghanistan in advance of last weeks NATO summit in Brussels, with the aim of pressuring other NATO member governments to make corresponding increases in their own forces deployed in the country. There are indications of sharp divisions on Afghan strategy. Before the election, Trump had repeatedly suggested that the US should withdraw all of its troops from the country and let the Afghan regime fend for itself as part of his America First agenda. This was followed by reports that General Nicholson was proposing that an additional 5,000 US troops be sent to the countryin addition to the nearly 9,000 already therea fairly insignificant number given the history of the conflict. The US had some 100,000 soldiers deployed in the countryalong with 30,000 from NATO and other US alliesduring the Obama administrations surge of 2010-2011, yet still failed to quell the insurgency. Earlier this month, the US financial news service Bloomberg cited a classified assessment from US intelligence concluding that Washington would require at least 50,000 US forces to stop the advance of the Taliban and save the government in Kabul. Given the increasingly sharp social and political tensions within the US itself, launching such a major escalation in what is a nearly 16-year-old war, the longest in American history, carries with it the threat of provoking popular unrest. From the outset of the war in 2001, successive administrations have justified the US intervention in Afghanistan as part of the war on terror, supposedly waged to secure the American public. The reality is that US imperialism is determined to hold onto a permanent military presence in Afghanistan, which places it within close striking distance to the oil-rich former Soviet republics of Central Asia, as well as the countries viewed by Washington as obstacles and rivals in its quest for global hegemony: China, Russia, and Iran. A major concern in Washington is that Russia, working together with Pakistan, China and Iran, is attempting to broker a peace settlement between the Afghan regime and the Taliban. On the very eve of a conference held in Moscow last month involving all of the major regional powersbut boycotted by Washingtonthe US military dropped the largest non-nuclear weapon in its arsenal on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. At a press conference Wednesday in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called attention to reports from Afghanistan of unmarked helicopters ferrying weapons and supplies to ISIS militants, particularly in Jowzjan Province. There is evidence that these helicopters dropped something into these areas, some helicopters without any identification signs landed in those areas and then took off from there Witnesses confirm that they returned to the bases where there were US troops, among others. Certainly, all of this raises questions, Lavrov said. Since its appearance in Afghanistan, ISIS has repeatedly engaged in armed clashes with the Taliban. The body of 57-year-old Mavis Otuteye was found near Noyes, Minnesota last week, less than a mile from the Canadian border. While a preliminary examination indicated that the woman died of hypothermia, a final autopsy is still pending. Otuteye, originally from the West African country of Ghana, was reported missing on Thursday. Her body was found Friday by Kittson County sheriffs deputies and US Border Patrol agents in a ditch on the US side of the border, just west of the highway which leads to Emerson, Manitoba. The tragic death of Mavis Otuteye comes amid a spike in the number of immigrants leaving the US and seeking asylum in Canada, with many fleeing out of fear of being caught up in the Trump administrations anti-immigrant crackdown. Under the Safe Third Country Agreement, signed in 2004, refugees are required to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, whether it is the United States or Canada. As a result, attempts to claim asylum status at a legal US-Canada border crossing, with a few exceptions, are rejected. However, the UN Refugee Convention prevents Canada from rejecting asylum claims from those who enter the country somewhere other than at an official border crossing, pushing many refugees to make the treacherous trek across the land border and through waterways in hopes of being detained and processed by the Canadian border patrol. Since January the Royal Canadian Mounted Police report that more than 2,700 people have risked severe harm and death crossing illegally from the US into Canada. In the first four months of this year the RCMP detained 1,993 people illegally crossing the border into Quebec, 477 in Manitoba and 233 in British Columbia. This already tops the 2,362 who were stopped illegally crossing in all of 2016 across the three provinces. Another 850 asylum seekers were stopped at official border crossings just in the month of April. The largest numbers crossing into Canada have come from the Horn of Africa, including Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia. Others have come from Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. There has also been an uptick in the number of immigrants from Latin America crossing the border. With open farm fields on either side of the US-Canada border, Emerson, Manitoba has become a popular spot for asylum seekers attempting to cross. The government of Manitoba announced in May that it would open a reception center in nearby Gretna that could provide temporary shelter for as many as 60 people at one time, as well as cooked meals and assistance with filling out the necessary asylum paperwork. The greatest risk to asylum seekers comes from exposure to the elements. Those who cross during the winter months, in hopes of evading detection by US police and border agents, risk losing limbs to frostbite or succumbing to hypothermia. Seidu Mohammed, an asylum seeker from Ghana, lost all 10 of his fingers and a toe to frostbite after walking for seven hours through subzero temperatures on Christmas Eve last year in his effort to reach Manitoba. According to CBC News, he had been living in the US since 2015 after fleeing his home country, where he feared for his life after being outed as bisexual. Mohammed decided to make the dangerous trek to Canada after his visa expired and a US judge rejected his request for asylum. Bashir Yussuf described to MPR News his treacherous trek from Somalia to the US and ultimately onward to Canada, which took him from the jungles of Panama to the freezing snow of northern Minnesota. After having been severely beaten for having a relationship with a woman of a different tribe, he decided to flee for the US. He escaped by flying to Colombia and then made the more than 3,000-mile trek north to San Diego, where he worked odd jobs waiting for his asylum status to be decided. With his claim denied in 2015 and the election of Trump in 2016, Yussuf decided that he would be better off fleeing the US for Canada than being deported back to Somalia where he feared being killed. Why I take this risk? Yussuf asked rhetorically. (It) is because there was no humanity in the United States any longer because of the new administration. Elsewhere, Mamadou, an immigrant from the Ivory Coast who had been living in New York City for the last decade, nearly froze to death in March after illegally crossing the border from New York state into Quebec. He was found barely conscious by Canadian border guards, and suffered frostbite on his feet. A day before his risky attempt, Mamadou had tried to claim asylum at an official border crossing between the US and Canada, but was rejected. These harrowing stories and many others are ultimately the outcome of more than two decades of military interventions by American, Canadian and European imperialism, which have destabilized a vast swath of the planet stretching from Central Asia to West Africa. Just in the last decade, millions have been forced from their homes by multiple wars waged by the United States and its allies, including in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Somalia. At the same time, millions of others have been forced to flee famine conditions across Africa and persecution under dictatorial regimes propped up by the Western powers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel bluntly addressed the historic crisis in transatlantic relations exposed by last weeks NATO and G7 summits, declaring Sunday in a speech delivered in a Bavarian beer tent that the US was no longer a reliable ally and Europe had to take matters into its own hands. One aspect of that orientation is seen in Berlins systematic expansion of political and economic ties with Asia. Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang arrived in Berlin Wednesday evening and was welcomed outside the chancellors office with military honors. The ceremony was followed by initial discussions with Merkel and several ministers about issues of foreign and economic policy. Those in attendance included Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble and Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries. Merkel will meet with Li again today for private discussions, according to the German governments website. Several bilateral agreements will be signed and a joint press conference has been scheduled. Among the issues to be discussed is a common position in advance of the G20 summit in Hamburg in early June, which Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend. Germanys economic relations with China are more extensive than with any other country outside the European Union. Regular government consultations have taken place between both countries since 2011. China was Germanys most important trading partner last year, ahead of both France and the United States, with total trade approaching 170 billion. Cooperation is now to be deepened. Deutsche Bank announced prior to Li Keqiangs arrival in Berlin that it intends to finance infrastructure projects as part of the new silk road initiative in the coming five years with a 3 billion loan agreed jointly with the China Development Bank. The Chinese governments One Belt, One Road strategy is based on the historical Silk Road of the Middle Ages. It includes plans for the construction of a series of ports, railways and roads to connect the major economic centers of China with Europe. At the beginning of the week, the German government agreed multibillion-euro development projects with Asias second giant, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Merkel agreed a development budget within the framework of the fourth German-Indian government consultation worth a billion euros each year to India. Modi spoke of Indias major demand for the modernization of its infrastructure. Among other things roads, railways, civilian air traffic and modern communications technology were required. India wanted to profit from the expertise of the German economy in all of these areas, he added. It is as if we were made for each other, stated the Indian prime minister. Germany is already Indias most important trading partner within the EU, with total trade of around 17 billion. But the export-dependent German economy is hoping for much more in the years to come. The Make in India campaign and the Indian governments numerous economic reforms have created new impulses for investment, enthused the president of the Federal Association of Mid-Sized Businesses, Mario Ohoven. Along with Modi and Merkel, ministers in relevant areas also participated in the discussions. On the German side, the foreign, economy, education, environment and development ministries were represented. Along with bilateral issues, a central focus was the framing of the global order, according to the German government. The meetings with Modi and Li had been planned for some time. They are part of a comprehensive reorientation by German imperialism that is bound up with the growing rift in transatlantic relations. Shortly after the inauguration of Donald Trump, Gabriel announced the development of a German and European strategy for Asia in order to exploit the spaces vacated by America. Gabriel then officially announced on March 24 a new orientation for Germanys Asia policy, and the establishment of a new Asia and Pacific department at the Foreign Ministry. He stated in a Foreign Ministry press release: In many areas of international politics, we are currently experiencing crises, turmoil and new dynamics. One gets the impression that the world is being measured anewand everyone is using his own tape measure. One thing is clear: the rising states of Asia will assume a key position in this new measuring of the world. It was necessary for Germany to intensify relations with Asia and organize them more strategically so as to do justice to this region of 4 billion people and rapidly growing markets, according to Gabriel. He had therefore decided to build an Asian department in the Foreign Ministry for the first time in order to better pool and further develop our regional competencies. It was high time for us to do justice to Asias growing weight by changing the composition of our team in the Foreign Ministry. Later that day, Gabriel declared in a programmatic speech delivered to the 97th annual meeting of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association in Hamburg: Asia is a key region for our future here at home, because the routes to resolve our global challenges can no longer be developed only by the old structures from the post-World War II period. Rather, the routes to resolve our global challenges run through Asia. It is not only Gabriels choice of words that recalls German imperialisms old mantra of a place in the sun. The German Asia-Pacific Business Associations first annual dinner began in 1901 with the declared goal of the discussion of German interests at the most regular meetings possible. The guest at the first event was Prince Heinrich of Prussia, the brother of Germanys last Kaiser, Wilhelm II. Today, German imperialism is pursuing its geopolitical ambitions in Asia even more systematically and aggressively than at the beginning of the 20th century. On April 5 and 6, the Foreign Ministry brought together Germanys 40 ambassadors in the Indian Ocean region for an extraordinary regional conference in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, to inform them about the new global orientation of German policy. State Secretary Markus Ederer declared in his opening speech, in the typical style of German great-power politics, What a wonderful setting right at the shores of the Indian Ocean! I could not think of a more appropriate background for todays premiere For the first time, German ambassadors from five continents meet to discuss a region that has not traditionally been on the radar screen of German foreign policy: the Indian Ocean. Along with economic and trade interests, Germany and the EU are also openly pursuing security policy and military interests in a region that is already one of the most hotly contested in the world. Under Trumps predecessor Barack Obama, the US announced its pivot to Asia, aimed at economically isolating and militarily encircling China. The US government is ever more openly preparing for direct military conflict with Iran, North Korea, and China. Germanys goal is to intervene in this explosive region and pursue its geostrategic and economic interests, including by military means. Ederer stated in Colombo, Europe is no longer a security dwarf: We have been critical in achieving the nuclear deal with Iran; we help stabilize Somalia (the EU is the main contributor to AMISOM); we offer substantive humanitarian and development assistance in Yemen. He continued, On maritime security, the EU is successfully deterring piracy off the coast of Somalia within operation Atlanta Yet, I believe there is room for more. We should further enhance our security cooperation with partners in the region. Can we, for instance, invest more in joint exercises? Despite the absurdity of such statementsthe German Navy is not even close to being in a position to control the Indian Ocean or take on the heavily armed United Statesthese are not merely empty words. Foreign Minister Gabriel also met yesterday with the Indonesian minister for the coordination of maritime affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, for discussions in the Foreign Ministry to prepare the signing of a declaration of intent on a maritime agenda. Germanys pivot to Asia is not being welcomed among all sections of the ruling elite. A comment in the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung described the belief that Europe can, confronted with the rejection of its love by Washington, now embrace Asia as self-aggrandisement. Europe is viewed from an Asian perspective currently at best as a picture of crisis. In addition, from New Delhi to Beijing and Jakarta, the potential partners in Asia are not easy to deal with. China thinks, for example, it can thanks to its economic power punish anybody who resists its ideas. The Daily Beast GettyRussian troops have begun to retreat from Ukraines Kherson region, just the latest humiliating pullout to leave pro-Kremlin military bloggers and propagandists fuming.Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu handed down the order on Wednesday afternoon to pull out to the other side of the Dnipro River. The move came after Russian troops reportedly began blowing up bridges as they pulled out, with Russian flags being removed from buildings in the center of Khersonthe only regional capital ca The body of a 25-year-old Washington man was discovered Tuesday, one day after he plunged off a cliff while taking selfies with his girlfriend, authorities said. The mans remains were found in a pool above Palouse Falls in a state park, according to a Washington Parks official, The Spokesman-Review reported. Read: From Hostage Situations to Burning Buildings, Here Are the Most Inappropriate Selfies Franklin County Coroner Dan Blasdel told InsideEdition.com that the mans identity would not be publicly released at the request of his parents. He was from the Spokane area, Blasdel said. A witness said he saw a young woman climbing the rocks Monday, screaming that her boyfriend had fallen, the paper reported. He dropped about 40 feet, hitting a cliff as he fell into the water, authorities said. Rescuers worked for hours to locate the man without finding anything Monday. They returned Tuesday and made the grim discovery at about 1 p.m. Read: The Smiling Selfies Taken in the Moments Before Terror Strike at Ariana Grande Concert The girlfriend said the couple was hiking and taking photos when her boyfriend lost his footing, the paper said. Unmarked trails near the falls have sparked concerns in recent years, and signs have been erected warning hikers to use the trails at their own risk, according to the paper. Watch: Woman Taking Selfie Miraculously Survives Fall Off California's Tallest Bridge Related Articles: Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. In a world full of noisehonking vehicles, amplified music, power mowers, and jackhammersits important to take steps to safeguard your hearing. And some of the sounds youll want to protect yourself from might surprise you. For example, you probably expect your ears to ring after a rock concert, but they might do the same after a fireworks display. In fact, hearing experts say just one exposure to a typical pyrotechnics show can permanently damage your hearing. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having a dog barking in your ear can cause hearing loss in just a couple of minutes. But loud bursts of noise arent the only problems. Over time, even innocuous-seeming sounds such as the constant hum of a loud window air conditioner or refrigerator can cause cumulative damage. Working in loud environments can also hamper hearing, and the older we get the more likely we are to have hearing problems. But a 2015 report from the World Health Organization suggests that younger folks around the world are also at riskit found that almost half of those between ages 12 and 35 crank up their personal audio devices to unsafe levels. Hearing loss is generally seen as a regular part of aging, but now were starting to recognize it as a big problem for everyone, says Paul Dybala, Ph.D., an audiologist and president of Healthy Hearing, a website devoted to educating people on hearing issues. Today, on National Save Your Hearing Day, remember these four tips for preventing hearing loss. Know What's Risky Sounds are measured in decibels (dBA). Though individual tolerances vary, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that workplace exposure be below 85 dBA throughout an 8-hour workday and legal workplace limits are 90 dBA. (For comparison, handheld hair dryers can emit 77 to 92 dBA.) Consumer Reports health and safety experts say that prolonged exposure to 70 dBAthe sound produced by a showeror less is safe for most people. Story continues Experts generally agree that sounds exceeding 100 dBA, a level that can easily be surpassed by rock concerts, sporting events, movie theaters, gas lawn mowers and snow blowers, some MP3 players played at maximum volume, and fireworks displayscan be hazardous even in short bursts. Block Out Loud Sounds If youre stuck in a noisy space, you can dampen the sound with earmuffs or earplugs. Foam earplugs are a low-tech, inexpensive way to protect your ears. You can find them at any drugstore for about $3.50 for a set of 10. Earplugs are even sold at many concerts, right alongside the T-shirts. If you want to ensure that you get the maximum sound quality at concerts, head to an audiologist for custom-fitted earplugs. Theyre more expensive than the foam type but will let in a richer sound at a live show. Use Headphones Wisely One-fifth of teenagers are estimated to have some form of hearing loss, which experts attribute to the ever-increasing use of headphones and earbuds. The easiest way to help prevent hearing loss from personal listening devices such as iPhones and MP3 players is to follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60 percent of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes per day. Using over-the-ear headphonesespecially the noise-canceling kindinstead of earbuds may also help prevent damage. Make Sure Your Ears Are Clear Sometimes keeping hearing sharp means nothing more than ensuring that nothing is blocking the ear canal, such as impacted earwax. A percentage of people, particularly those who are younger and who have early losses, have correctable things as simple as wax, says James C. Denneny III, M.D., CEO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This is also common in people who wear hearing aids, where the lack of air ventilation in the ears can cause wax buildup. And if you clean your ears with cotton swabs or use cotton balls as earplugs, cotton residue that gets left behind can interfere with your hearing. So have your doctor check your ears for an overabundance of earwax or bits of cotton if you have any concerns. I would encourage people to at least have a basic exam to start with and then work from there, Denneny says. In both cases, your doctor can clear the way. But do break the cotton ball/cotton swab habit; its potentially dangerous. Research recently published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that 34 U.S. kids are treated in emergency rooms every day as a result of injuries caused by cotton swabs in the ear. In fact, experts say, dont put any object in your ears unless its under a doctors supervision. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Copyright 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc. The "Fearless girl" statue on Wall Street is not done with the controversies yet. A New York City artist, Alex Gardega placed a small statue of a urinating dog "Peeing Pug" next to the statue of the girl sculpture, Monday in order to protest its installation facing the famous "Charging Bull" statue on Wall Street. Earlier in March, the "Fearless girl" statue was installed on the eve of International Women's Day. A firm called State Street Global Advisers, the world's third-largest asset manager, showed its support for the women of New York and installed the statue facing the Wall Street's iconic "Charging Bull." The statue was designed by an artist named Kristen Visbal. Read: What Bernie Sanders Said About Trump: President A 'Fraud' On Wall Street Reform Soon after its installation, there were controversies surrounding it and criticism saying that it undermined the integrity of the "Charging Bull" statue. The "Peeing Pugs" sculptor, Gardega, told the New York Post that he thinks "Fearless Girl" is a disrespectful publicity stunt and "has nothing to do with feminism." "I decided to build this dog and make it crappy to downgrade the statue, exactly how the girl is a downgrade on the bull," Gardega told the New York Post. He called the girls statue "corporate nonsense," and added, "It has nothing to do with feminism, and it is disrespect to the artist that made the bull. That bull has integrity." Viewers and people on social media began to criticize Gardega calling his actions "misogynistic" after the installation of the dogs statue. Gardega removed the statue about three hours after its installation as people also kicked it out of anger. However, the artist said that the pugs work was not done yet and he said "Im going to put it back next week." Gardega also stated that there was nothing wrong with the "Fearless girl" statue, but he wanted to protect the integrity of the "Charging Bulls" artist, Arturo Di Modica. Story continues "That piece, ['Fearless Girl'] was not made by some individual artist making a statement," Gardega said. "It was made by a billion dollar financial firm trying to promote an index fund. It is advertising/promotion in the guise of art. That was my only point." Gardega called his statue "Sketchy Dog" and said he created it with a sense of humor and neither of the statues should necessarily interfere with Di Modicas work, the "Charging Bull," which was there since 1987 after the stock market crash, in order to prove American resilience. The "Charging Bull" was first installed in front of the New York stock exchange, but later moved to its current location. I'm a pretty happy person, not seething or angry and certainly not anti-feminist. My piece is not without a sense of humor but I do feel for Arturo and the integrity of his art," Gardega said. "There is plenty of room for 'Fearless Girl.' It just interferes with another artist's work/vision." Several women who visited the statues of the "Pissing Pug" and "Fearless Girl" on Monday were not convinced about Gardegas denial of his work being sexist or that it did contain a misogynistic undertone, according to the New York Post. As pictures of the statues spread across social media, the sculptures soon became a part of a larger conversation regarding gender equality, power and respect. Related Articles Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track From Road & Track AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and decided to reveal a significant chunk of their most exciting product to date just a few hours before the start of the Nurburgring 24 Hours. This is the drivetrain and suspension package of the AMG Project 1 hypercar: Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track AMG's halo car is a rather special piece of engineering, and the closest thing to a road-legal Formula 1 car. It uses a drivetrain based on Lewis Hamilton's 2015 ride, with a 1.6 V6 turbo that revs to 11,000. The F1 car's power unit is built around a machined block, with its redline at 13,500. It also idles at around 4000rpm, running a much higher compression ratio. For the road car, AMG applies a more traditional building method, using different pistons, crankshaft and a whole lot of electric wizardry to achieve a thermal efficiency of 43 percent. I say the Project 1 has five motors, because connected to the V6 are two electric units. An 80 kW (107 horsepower) motor is responsible for keeping the turbo spooled up at all times, while a 120 kW (161 horsepower) unit is connected to the crankshaft. Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track There are also two 120 motors on the front axle, turning AMG's weapon into a front-wheel drive daily driver in all-electric mode, offering a range of around 15 miles. V6, electric turbo, three additional electric motors. That's five, technically. The mid-mounted battery pack houses the same insanely expensive cells as the F1 cars, but the road-going version is four times larger, weighing around 220 lbs. The car's electric system operates at 800 volts. Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track The entire drivetrain adds 925 lbs. to the car's weight, with the engine-gearbox being a structural part of the carbon fiber chassis. No one-to-one power-to-weight ratio here, but with this much power and such response, performance should be a touch more than adequate. Because the combined output is over 1000 horsepower with an engine spinning 2000 revs faster than a Porsche 911 GT3's, AMG uses an eight-speed single-clutch gearbox instead of a heavier and more fragile double-clutch. The brakes are carbon-ceramics of course, bringing some heat to 335-wide tires at the rear. Story continues Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track AMG boss Tobias Moers also told us that while currently, they only have a drivetrain and a chassis mule, they intend to start real-life testing as soon as possible. Once the development is over, AMG will aim for building one car a day in order to deliver them all by the end of 2020. With a planned run of 275, all Project 1s are long spoken for. Longevity? 31,000 miles. Moers says the Project 1 will have a "special" steering wheel, but other then that, you will be able to just jump in it, push the button and go ridiculously fast in an instant. The Project 1 will be legal everywhere but in China. Now, feel free to imagine one doing its pole crash test. Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: Mate Petrany/Road&Track Photo credit: AMG You Might Also Like More Safety at the Wheel What's at stake: Vehicle-to-vehicle, or V2V, technology allows cars to communicate with each other wirelessly, an advancement that has the potential to boost automotive safety significantly. It gives them the ability to broadcast a stream of information including speed, location, and braking. The goal is to help avoid accidents. (Read "Driving Into the Future") Federal safety regulators recently proposed that all new cars be equipped with V2V capabilities. Our auto engineers and consumer advocates have since filed comments with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urging the government to move forward on a mandatory standard. But that standard needs to allow for continued innovation and enhancement of the safety system. CR is also asking for consumer protections for the privacy and security of drivers' data. You deserve to know what information your car is transmitting and who has access to it. Well keep you posted on our progress. What you can do: Go to CR.org/V2Vsafety to learn more about this potentially lifesaving technology. Ending Tip-Over Dangers What's at stake: Three children are injured every hour by a TV, an appliance, or furniture falling on them, according to estimates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For years, CR has reported on the dangers of unanchored furniture; the impact force of a piece of furniture can be thousands of pounds. We've long encouraged consumers to check for tip-over hazards in their home, to install anchor devices on heavy items like bookcases and dressers, and to never leave remote controls and other tempting items in high places that young kids might climb to reach. CR and other groups have been pushing for action. Last year Ikea and the CPSC jointly announced a recall of several chest and dresser models that involved 29 million units. Tip-over incidents involving these products resulted in the death of at least four children. Story continues Were now pressing to strengthen the furniture industry's voluntary safety standard for chests, dressers, and other items, and calling on manufacturers to take more meaningful actions to improve the stability of their products. But we haven't seen the kind of urgency and industry-wide accountability that consumers need. That's why we plan to ratchet up our efforts aimed at companies and policymakers in the coming months. What you can do: If you've had a tip-over accident in your home, let us know at ConsumersUnion.org/share-your-story. And learn how to prevent them at anchorit.gov. Affordable Hearing Aids What's at stake: Hearing aids can make a profound difference in a person's quality of life. But according to a 2015 survey of our subscribers, about 70 percent of adults who need them put off the purchase for two years or longer, most often because of the high cost. A group of bipartisan lawmakers in Congress recently sponsored the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act. It's aimed at making easy-to-use, prescription-quality hearing aids available to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices would be available for purchase without a medical exam, giving consumers more cost-effective options. Only hearing-aid look-alike devices are available without a prescription. Referred to as "sound amplifiers," they're not regulated, might not provide much benefit, and could possibly cause additional hearing damage. The Food and Drug Administration doesn't even allow the products to be marketed for improving impaired hearing. The legislation is sponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Reps. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). "If you can buy non-prescription reading glasses over the counter, you should be able to buy basic, safe hearing aids, too," Grassley says. Hearing aids aren't covered by Medicare or most private insurance plans, and out-of-pocket costs for a single device average $2,700. What you can do: CR supports this legislation, and our consumer advocates are urging members of Congress to join the bipartisan group that backs it. Reach out to your lawmakers at senate.gov and house.gov to urge them to support the bill. As for the current marketplace, read "No More Suffering in Silence?" or go to CR.org/hearingaid to find out what you should know before buying a hearing device. Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the July 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Copyright 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc. Peacocks don't have sex, but rather shed tears to conceive, according to a judge in western India whose unique theories have set off a social media storm in the country. At a hearing in Rajasthan state's high court Wednesday, judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma urged India's government to declare the cow -- considered sacred in Hindu-majority India -- as the national animal since it is "as pious as a peacock". "The peacock is a lifelong celibate. It never has sex with the peahen. The peahen gets pregnant after swallowing the tears of the peacock," Sharma said on his last day in office before retiring. Sharma's comments, made in response to an NGO's petition on the condition of state-run cow shelters, sparked a flurry of jokes and comments on social media. "Profoundly ironical, that it was the peacock (not its tears but plumage) that led Darwin to propose the landmark theory of Sexual Selection," said Anand Ranganathan on Twitter. Some users posted wildlife footage of peacocks mating to disprove his theory, while several pointed to suggestions on Quora, a user-generated question-and-answer site, that his celibacy claim came from ancient Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. In his 145-page order, Sharma cites Hindu scriptures to bolster his case -- listing the "miraculous" age-defying qualities of cow dung and urine. "(Mother cow) is the only animal that inhales as well as exhales oxygen," he said. "Cow urine has the miraculous property of destroying any kind of germs. It provides strength to mind and heart. It stops ageing," he said, adding that its horns "acquire cosmic energy". "Houses plastered with cow dung are safe from radio waves." Cows have increasingly become a focal point of nationalist discourse in India where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing government has made cattle protection a key theme since coming to power in 2014. Story continues The government last week prohibited the sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter across India, sparking protests in states where beef is eaten. The slaughter of cows, as well as the possession or consumption of beef, is banned in most but not all Indian states. Some impose up to life imprisonment for infringements. At least a dozen people, mostly Muslims, have been killed by Hindu mobs in recent years over rumours that they were eating beef, slaughtering cows or smuggling them. Shes been on the hunt for the woman who killed her husband so she can not only get payback, but find out who her accomplice was. But Chelseas search for Chloe will come to a shocking end when she finally finds her former best friend on the Wednesday, May 31 episode of The Young and the Restless. After learning that Chloe (Elizabeth Hendrickson) had in fact killed Adam in the cabin explosion, Chelsea (Melissa Clare Egan) has been on the search for her on the CBS soap. She finally got a positive lead when she and Nick (Joshua Morrow) arrived at the home of a Dr. Harris in Louisiana, and she saw a sketch there that proved to her that Chloe was there, but being hidden. Working together, she and Nick managed to get the doctor out of his home long enough for Chelsea to sneak in. However, when she arrived, she saw an unexpected sightChloe, passed out on the floor, surrounded by pills. Chelsea and Nick on Photo: CBS Now, aware that Chloe may have attempted committing suicide, Chelsea will be desperate to revive her, knowing that if Chloe dies, the answers she seeks likely die with her. Read: Hilary Considers Telling Lily About Canes Affair On The Young And The Restless Oh God! Chloe, wake up! Chloe, wake up! She cries in a preview clip. Unfortunately for Chelsea, it will be too late, and when the doctor arrives back at the house, he will pronounce Chloe dead. The news will be bittersweet for Chelsea, because not only is she not going to get the answers she sought, but despite everything, she still saw Chloe as her best friend, and knowing that she too has met a horrifying end is hard for her to accept. However, now knowing that Chloe is dead, it could spur Nick to take action that will help Chelsea get the closure she needs. What she doesnt know is that Nick actually does know the truth about who Chloes accomplice wasnone other than his and Ada's father, Victor (Eric Braden). However, as per his mother, Nikkis (Melody Thomas Scott) request, he has kept the news a secret from Chelsea, and everyone else in Genoa City, for the sake of protecting the reputations of the other members of the Newman family. But now, seeing her hurting, he may be spurned into finally telling Chelsea the truth. Story continues Read: Chelsea Resorts To Old Tricks To Find Chloe On The Young And The Restless Nick will call Victor and warn him that his secret will be revealed, because his plan to keep Chloe hidden away forever backfired so badly. And when Victor seems solemn at his desk, Nikki will realize what happened, and question her husband about what exactly Nick and Chelsea may have found. They found Chloe, didnt they? She asks in the clip. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. EDT on CBS. Related Articles China's Premier Li Keqiang speaking during a news conference after the closing ceremony of China's National People's Congress (NPC): REUTERS/Jason Lee There is an "international responsibility" to fight climate change, China's Premier Li Keqiang has said in a clear message to Donald Trump ahead of his expected announcement that the US will withdraw from the historic Paris Agreement. Despite widespread reports of the US's imminent departure, Mr Li insisted there was a "global consensus" on the issue. In contrast, Theresa May was decidedly low-key about the prospect of the US quitting the accord, saying it was "up to the President of the United States" and refusing to agree it would be a "blow" to the supposed special relationship between the US and UK. Mr Li did not mention the US or Donald Trump, but his comments were obviously addressed to Washington. He said China had "in recent years has stayed true to its commitment" to address the issue a hint that the US would pay a diplomatic price for signing up to an international agreement, then abandoning it. Beijing had also been "actively promoting the Paris Agreement and we were one of the first countries to ratify the Paris agreement", Mr Li added. He appeared to reference a past claim by Mr Trump that climate change was a "hoax" perpetrated by China. "Fighting climate change is a global consensus, it's not invented by China... and we realise that this is a global consensus agreement and that as a big developing nation we should shoulder our international responsibility," he said. The Chinese Premier was meeting with senior European Union officials at a summit in Brussels. The European Union and China plan to issue a joint statement the first time this has happened pledging to fully implementation of the Paris Agreement. It commits them to cutting back on fossil fuels, developing more green technology and helping raise billions of pounds to help poorer countries cut emissions. "The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever," the statement, by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and China's Li, will say. Story continues "The increasing impacts of climate change require a decisive response." Miguel Arias Canete, the European commissioner who has led climate talks with Beijing, said of the Paris accord: "No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward." Like Mr Li, he contrasted China's constancy on climate change with the apparent change of heart by the US. "I have lots of trust in the Chinese. They are very tough negotiators but they are very consistent with what they negotiate," Mr Canete said. "At a moment in which the United States have doubts about the benefits of remaining in the Paris agreement ... two major players [the EU and China] in the climate arena declare that they are committed to the Paris agreement." Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report By Marc Frank and Sarah Marsh HAVANA (Reuters) - With less than a year until Raul Castro steps down as president, Cuba's parliament approved documents on Thursday confirming the Communist Party as the country's guiding force and banning the concentration of private property and wealth. The national assembly was summoned for an extraordinary session to approve Communist Party documents reaffirming the one-party political system and state domination of the socialist economy, even as the Caribbean island allows some private business and foreign investment. The ratification by assembly deputies was unanimous, as is usually the case after some discussion. The meeting was called as U.S. President Donald Trump considers rolling back the U.S.-Cuban detente launched under his predecessor, Barack Obama, due to what he charges is a lack of democracy and respect for human rights in Cuba. While the documents were drafted before Trump's election last November, their approval sent a clear message that Cuba will not make the political and economic concessions that Trump has demanded. "These documents reaffirm the socialist character of the Revolution ... and role of the Party as the highest leading force of the society and state," the state-run Cuban News Agency quoted Castro as saying during closing remarks. The meeting was closed to foreign journalists. The documents resulted from last year's Communist Party Congress and include a theoretical justification for ongoing efforts to loosen up the Soviet-style command economy and a "national plan for economic and social development until 2030." The theory document cites as guiding lights Cuban independence leader Jose Marti; communists Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin; and Fidel Castro, the late president who led Cuba's 1959 revolution. The documents make some reference to the incipient private sector, such as family firms, but also stress the means of production and most farm land as "property of the whole people" through the state. Cuba's economy is currently staving off a crisis as a tourism boom that followed the 2014 deal between Castro and Obama to improve relations fails to offset declining shipments of bartered fuel from key socialist ally Venezuela and a drop in exports. Critics say the government should bolster growth by carrying out more reforms, while hardliners who distrust market economics and any change that would lessen their hold on power balk at that. Castro, who took over the presidency in 2008 from his ailing brother Fidel Castro, has vowed to step down as president next February and as head of the Communist Party by 2021. First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is seen as the heir apparent. Castro, 85, said last year that those who fought in the revolution and who remain in Party and government positions would all leave office over a five-year period. However, Cuban authorities have been at pains to highlight at every opportunity that the revolution will not end with the deaths of the "historic generation" or the handover of power. (Editing by Frances Kerry) Seoul (AFP) - The horse-riding daughter of South Korea's "Rasputin" whose lavish lifestyle in Europe was allegedly funded by millions of dollars of bribes was arrested as she flew home, prosecutors said Wednesday. Chung Yoo-Ra, 20, is the offspring of a woman currently on trial alongside disgraced former president Park Geun-Hye in an influence-peddling scandal that has rocked the country. Prosecutors say cash to pay for her equestrian training came from electronics giant Samsung, which had handed over the money as part of an effort to curry favour with her powerful mother. Chung is the only child of Choi Soon-Sil, the close confidante of impeached ex-president Park, who was kicked out of office in March in a groundswell of public disgust over the influence of money on South Korean politics. Park and Choi, nicknamed "Rasputin" for her influence over the then-president, are on trial for allegedly accepting or seeking millions of dollars in bribes from the country's huge conglomerates, including Samsung. Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong is being tried separately while Shin Dong-Bin, the chairman of retail giant Lotte, the South's fifth-biggest conglomerate, also stands accused. The spiralling investigation has now caught up with Chung, who was also allegedly granted a place at prestigious Ewha Women's University thanks to her mother's intervention. In highly competitive South Korea, admission to one of a handful of elite universities is seen as vital to a student's future. Chung, who was arrested by Danish police in January, dropped her appeal against extradition from Denmark last week. A team of five officials from the prosecutors' office was dispatched to Europe to make the arrest as soon as she boarded a Korean Air flight, where South Korea has jurisdiction, news agency Yonhap said. Chung is expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport later Wednesday, from where she will make a short statement to the press before being taken to the Seoul Prosecutors' Office for questioning. Cosy and corrupt ties between South Korea's business and political elites have endured for decades. But the trial of Park and Choi could shed new light on the links between Park and the bosses of the family-run conglomerates that dominate Asia's fourth-biggest economy. Six years after two women were raped and murdered and their bodies dumped near L.A. freeways, DNA evidence has led to a suspect and an arrest, police said. Geovanni Borjas, 32, was arrested Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced. He has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of rape and one count of kidnapping, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office. Read: Counselor at Home for Mentally Handicapped Gets 12 Years for Rape of Non-Verbal Resident He pleaded not guilty in an arraignment Tuesday and is being held without bail. He is accused of killing Michelle Lozano, 17, and BreeAnna Guzman, 22. Investigators used familial DNA to pinpoint Borjas, Police Chief Charlie Beck said in a news conference. Genetic samples in a statewide database showed that Borjas father, who had previously been arrested for domestic assault, was a close relative of the attacker in the unsolved 2011 killings. Police placed the son under surveillance and scooped up a DNA sample when Borjas spit on a sidewalk, the chief said. Read: Uber Driver Charged With Raping Female Passenger: Cops Lozanos body was found in April 2011 by a homeless person who called police. Her nude remains were found in a container near Interstate 5 in East L.A. Guzman disappeared on December 26, 2011. Her remains were found a month later on the onramp of California State Route 2. Citing an unnamed source, the Los Angeles Times reported that investigators suspect Borjas knew the victims. Watch: How This H&M Security Guard Allegedly Kidnapped and Raped Shoplifting Suspects Related Articles: Donald Trumps eldest son is spearheading a campaign to overturn restrictions on gun silencers - legislation gun safety activists say has existed for decades for reasons of public security. The countrys largest gun rights lobbying group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), is backing legislation that would make it easier for people to buy silencers, or suppressors. Restrictions on their sale were first introduced during the administration of Franklin D Roosevelt, and advocates say the sound of a gun being fired acts as a loud, obvious safety signal for people to take cover, run the way other way or simply be alert. They say that while there is little evidence that gun crimes are committed with weapons fitted with silencers, they fear that if suppressors were easier to obtain, so might their use in armed crimes. They also say that the bills sponsor's justification for the measure - that it is to protect people from suffering hearing damage - is countered by the simple use of ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones. It's sad that the left today would rather see America suffer and fail than to see it succeed with @realDonaldTrump at the helm. #maga Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 12, 2017 The NRA wants to get a weapon that has a stealth capability onto the market, Andrew Patrick, a spokesman for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, told The Independent. Theyre looking to sell more weapons. The NRA and others are latching onto this hearing issue, but there are already safe solutions. The bill being backed by the NRA, which last year spent $2,280,000 on lobbying to push the rights and influence of gun owners, was introduced earlier this year by Republican Jeff Duncan, a congressman from South Carolina. His bill, HR367, is termed the Hearing Protection Act and seeks to frame the issue as public health matter, saying that gun owners risk suffering hearing damage without access to silencers. Story continues The measure has received high-profile backing from the Presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, who paid a visit to a manufacturer of suppressors in Utah, SilencerCo, where he tested its products. The company subsequently posted a 38-minute of Mr Trump Jr, shooting and talking to the companys CEO, Joshua Waldron. Mr Trump Jr, and his brother, Eric, are currently trustees of the Trump Organisation and oversee the President's financial assets. I love your product, says Mr Trump Jr, a keen hunter, who led an advisory for his father on the US Second Amendment, the part of the constitution which gun rights advocates claim gives them the right to bear arms. Its just a great instrument. Theres nothing bad about it at all. It makes total sense. Its where we should be going. The NRA strongly backed the campaign of Mr Trump, and its endorsement of him in March 2016 was the earliest moment in a presidential cycle that the group had offered such support. The group did not respond to inquiries. However, earlier this year, at its annual conference in Georgia, the NRAs Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, said: The NRA helped put President Trump into the White House, and arent we darned glad we did it? He added: We never lost sight of the fact that unless we got into the fight, Hillary Clinton would have completely destroyed our rights. NRA members all over the country met that challenge, and we won together. The silencer or suppressor - experts point out that the equipment reduces the sound of gunshot but does not silence it - was first patented by American engineer Hiram Percy Maxim in the early 1900s. He later went on to use the same technology for car exhaust pipes, or mufflers. Gun silencers are currently prohibited in a handful of states, while gun owners may use them only after going through a much more rigorous background check process in 37 other states. Activists claim the move to reduce legislation is also driver by economics. Since Mr Trump was elected, gun sales have reportedly dropped off. The industry is looking for new products and sales, and there is mounting demand for silencers, which carry price tags that can top $1,000. McClatchy News said that in 2008, about 18,000 silencers were sold in the US. By 2016, that number had risen to 200,000, and experts believe if the legislation passes, that number would soar further. This legislation is nothing more than a transparent giveaway to the gun industry to help sell more silencers and increase profits, said Chelsea Parsons, of the progressive Centre for American Progress. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged US President Donald Trump to fulfill his campaign promise: GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump has signed a waiver allowing him to delay any decision on moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - but his administration has said the move will go ahead. A statement issued by the White House on Thursday, however, said that the president still intends to relocate the US' diplomatic seat in the country, and that the move was a question of "when not if". The controversial election campaign promise was condemned by most of the international community, as well as Palestinians and liberal Israeli circles, which view Israel's annexation of the east side of the city as illegal. The holy city is claimed by both sides of the Arab-Israeli conflict as their undisputed capital. Control of it remains one of the core issues preventing Palestinians and Israeli peace. While many prominent Israeli politicians said they would welcome the fulfilment of Mr Trump's promise after his election in November, the new administration has continually equivocated over whether the move will take place. The relocation would upend decades of US policy by granting what would have been seen as de facto US recognition of Israel's claim to all of Jerusalem as its capital. In January Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas wrote to his US counterpart to warn him that the symbolic move would trigger violence in the Territories - and perhaps the wider Middle East - describing the scenario as potentially "opening the gates of hell." Israeli media has reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet has met for special consultations with police, security services and the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in preparedness for scenarios of worsening violence if the US does move its embassy to the city. Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate today's expression of President Trump's friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future, Mr Netanyahu's office said in response to the delay. Story continues US Congress ruled in 1995 that the US embassy should be relocated to Jerusalem, but every sitting president has stopped the legislation by signing a waiver delaying its implementation every six months. Thursday June 1 was the last possible day for Mr Trump to decide whether to sign the waiver or not. "While President Donald J. Trump signed the waiver under the Jerusalem Embassy Act... no one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the President's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance," a statement fro the White House said. "As he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when." Many presidential candidates have made similar pledges in the past to appeal to right-wing Jewish voters, but none have followed through during their administrations. During Mr Trump's visit to Israel and the West Bank last month the president reiterated his sincere desire to broker a peace deal in the decades-long conflict. He did not, however, offer any insights into new policy, nor did he address the issue of the embassy move. However, both the Israelis and the Palestinians sought to portray the move by Mr Trump as directly affecting moves for peace. Mr Netanyahu's office said it believes all embassies should be in what it called Israel's eternal capital. Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem, a statement said. As for the Palestinians, they praised the move for ensuring that peace efforts have a chance. Mr Abbas' spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, called the decision is an important positive step that illustrates the US seriousness about promoting peace. The Palestinian ambassador to Washington, Hussam Zomlot, said the move gives peace a chance. We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration," Mr Zomlot said. "We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said he would leave his advisory role at the White House should the US withdraw from Paris Agreement on climate change: ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images Elon Musk has said he would have no choice but to leave his advisory role on a White House business council if Donald Trump pulls out of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The head of electronic car maker Tesla and space exploration company SpaceX tweeted that he had done all I can to advise...that we remain. Mr Musk has been a key tech industry advisor for the White House. He even praised Mr Trump's appointment of former Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State because Mr Tillerson said he believed climate change is real and he also supported a carbon tax on companies to discourage high emissions. Don't know which way Paris will go, but I've done all I can to advise directly to POTUS, through others in WH & via councils, that we remain Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2017 Mr Musk, whose Tesla vehicles do not use gasoline or diesel fuel, is committed to moving away from fossil fuels and towards cleaners sources of energy. Tesla also manufacturers solar panels. The US is currently one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world, so if Mr Trump was to pull the country out of the pact signed by nearly 200 countries to reduce such carbon emissions it would be a major blow to a deal that aims to help avert the worst effects of climate change. Other major companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, Walmart, and electronics retailer Best Buy have committed to reducing carbon footprints of their supply chains in part due to consumer demand. Following a number of reports in US media about the move, Mr Trump tweeted that he would be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days followed by his campaign slogan MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer later said to expect Mr Trump's decision "very soon". Mr Trump made repeated campaign promises to cancel the agreement. He continued the rhetoric in the White House that he would grow the US coal sector and bring back those and manufacturing jobs to the US. Story continues Many developing countries rely on cheap sources of fossil fuels to help grow their economies to catch up with developed economies like those of the EU, Japan, Canada, and the US. However, India and China have begun to rapidly scale up their solar power investments and capabilities in response to the Paris Agreement and to minimise the negative effects of climate change-related natural disasters like drought and flood. President Barack Obama ratified the agreement in 2016 through executive order, bypassing the approval process in what the administration felt was a hostile Congress influenced heavily by climate-deniers and oil and gas industry lobbyists. This is what gives Mr Trump the authority to withdraw the US from the agreement in a three-year process or take the US out of the underlying United Nations climate accord all together - a process that would be much faster and in line with Mr Trumps ire towards the UN. Many Tesla consumers and supporters criticised Mr Musk for maintaining his relationship with the White House in light of all this, but he has said he could influence policy from within if he remained in good standing on the 19-member business council. If Mr Trump withdraws from the Paris Agreement he would put the US in the company of Nicaragua and Syria. Russia is the only one of the top emitters not to even ratify the Paris accord. Reuters EU leaders have launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump as he prepares to announce his decision to remove the US from the Paris climate accord. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker accused the US President of ignorance, claiming he doesnt get close enough to the dossiers to fully understand them. Speaking in Berlin, he revealed it could take as long as three to four years to leave the agreement, meaning the US would only be removed from the pact after the next presidential election. It comes as the bloc reached a historic pact with China to uphold the international agreement to combat climate change in the face of Mr Trumps expected retreat. Beijing and Brussels have reportedly agreed to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, according to documents seen by the Financial Times. Mr Trump is expected to announce whether he will follow through on his campaign pledge to remove the US from the Paris accord on Thursday, after claiming during the election race that global warming was a hoax aimed at weakening US industry. Numerous reports, citing White House sources, have confirmed he is poised to withdraw from the agreement - seen as one of his predecessor Barack Obamas greatest achievements. However Mr Juncker said exiting the agreement will be a more complicated process than Mr Trump appears to believe. Thats not how it works. The Americans cant just leave the Climate Protection Agreement. Mr Trump believes that because he doesnt get close enough to the dossiers to fully understand them, Mr Juncker said. This notion: I am Trump, I am American, America first and Im going to get out of it it, that wont happen...the law is the law and it must be obeyed. Not everything which is law and not everything in international agreements is fake news and we have to comply with it. European Council President Donald Tusk issued his own plea to the US leader, urging him not to change the (political) climate for the worse. Story continues .@realDonaldTrump please don't change the (political) climate for the worse. Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) June 1, 2017 Plans to forge ahead with measures to lead the energy transition are expected to be announced in a joint statement from EU leaders and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Brussels on Friday. In a seeming dig at Mr Trumps position, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said climate change is a "global challenge" no country can ignore. However, she stopped short of naming the US. China is the top emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, with the US trailing close behind. Both were key to the 2015 Paris agreement, which was signed by 195 parties. Withdrawing from the Paris pact became a central message of the Trump presidential campaign. He promised his America First policy would protect US businesses from international interference, and claimed withdrawing from the accord would save the US economy trillions of dollars. The pact was the first legally binding global deal to fight climate change. Virtually every nation voluntarily committed to steps aimed at curbing global emissions of "greenhouse" gases. These include carbon dioxide generated from burning of fossil fuels that scientists blame for a warming planet, sea level rise, droughts and more frequent violent storms. The US would join Nicaragua and Syria as the only non-participants if it withdraws from the agreement. President Trump passes French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on his way to a photo shoot during the NATO summit May 25. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) President Trump woke up incensed Tuesday morning, apparently because after he finally got through lecturing European leaders about how they had to take more responsibility for themselves, Germanys chancellor had the audacity to suggest that European countries should take more responsibility for themselves. The times when we could rely on others have passed us by a little bit, was Angela Merkels takeaway from her most recent meeting with Trump. She said European powers needed to take our fate into our own hands, which prompted Trump to fire off an angry tweet assailing the trade gap with Germany and vowing to make the country spend more on defense. Because what we really need are fewer BMWs manufactured in South Carolina and more of a German military presence in Europe. Thats always worked out great before. But really, all this focus on Trumps tweets and the stories about his boorishness abroad should please the White House no end. The more the narrative focuses on Trumps toughness and bluster with our allies, the less anyone focuses on whats really been exposed in these opening months of his presidency. Trump is weak, and our rivals have figured it out. Theyre walking all over the American president in a way we havent seen since at least the days of disco and Space Invaders. None of this seems to permeate the family circle of Trumps White House, where, as ever, mythology crowds out any notion of policy or reality. As Hope Hicks, Trumps onetime corporate flack, put it in a breathtaking statement this week that Trump himself might well have authored, the president has a magnetic personality and exudes positive energy, has an unparalleled ability to communicate with people, treats everyone with respect and is of course brilliant with a great sense of humor. Out here in the world that isnt Narnia, though, weve all got enough of a sample size now to know what kind of leader Trump is. Trump punches down. Like all bullies, he prefers to flex his muscle with those who are inherently smaller, or where the stakes are impossibly trivial. Story continues Hell hurl his cutting asides at an aide, or berate some poor guy at the National Park Service who refuses to lie about the size of a crowd. Hell mock Arnold Schwarzenegger for low ratings. Hell bravely shove aside the president of Montenegro, which no one could circle on a map. Like all Twitter trolls, hes got an endless supply of insults to be dished out in 140 characters or less, using all caps and exclamation points, as long as he doesnt have to stand in front of you and look at you level. Just how tough is Trump when the adversary isnt someone who works for him or serves as a prop in some way? Ask the Turkish despot, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A few weeks ago, just after Erdogan visited the White House, a bunch of Turkish goons kicked in the heads of protesters outside the countrys embassy on Massachusetts Avenue. Thanks to this excellent video analysis from the New York Times, we know that several of these thugs had ties to Turkeys security service, and they could be seen conferring with the Turkish president himself before deciding to plunge into the crowd. Erdogan watched the bloody crackdown from behind the armored window of his car, two miles from the White House. America does business with all kinds of characters, of course, and what you do at home is your problem. But here we have certain laws and convictions, and when you come to our country, people get to tell you what they think without being bludgeoned. What did Trump, who talks so tough with other NATO allies, have to say about any of this? Where was the outraged tweet blasting back at a foreign incursion in the American capital? How many Turkish diplomats were expelled? The answers are nothing, nowhere, and none. Erdogan flipped his middle finger to the White House, in full view of the world, and Trump hid in the West Wing, whining about his press coverage. You can bet that Erdogan had been watching the way Trump handled Vladimir Putin, after Russian planes and subs showed up to menace the coasts off Alaska and Connecticut. A stronger leader might have politely put the Russians on notice that we take our borders seriously, and the next Russian pilot who wandered into our airspace might not be coming home. Putin was testing Trump, just trying to see how hard hed be able to push the man whose campaign he so deftly played to his advantage. About as far as you like that was the answer. Then theres Kim Jong Un, whos setting off a new rocket every week now, boasting about his intention to reach American targets. Hes already concluded that Trump will leave that whole Korean headache to the Chinese, as long as no ones conspiring to hit us with more decent, reasonably priced hatchbacks. Why are Trumps competitors so confident they can brush him aside? Probably they can see that he doesnt have much grasp of world affairs, or a ton of interest. Maybe they imagine hes too preoccupied with controversy back home to get himself into any global standoffs. But the better explanation is that other world leaders can sense something essential about Trump. The one thing they share is probably an innate ability to size people up. You dont get to the top of any political system, large or small, without a shrewd eye for what drives human behavior. And what they see in Trump is insecurity. The carrying on about his ratings and poll numbers, the impulsive tweets on a sleepless night, the childlike boasts and pleading diatribes all of it betrays a need to be loved, rather than feared. They look at how Trump sucks up to a miniature authoritarian like the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte (who Trump gushed was doing an unbelievably good job during an embarrassing phone call in May), and they see a man who admires steel in others precisely because he doesnt possess it himself. All of this creates an opening for a leader like Merkel or Frances Emmanuel Macron, who see a vacuum emerging in the West. Macron made a point this week of demonstrating what spine in a statesman looks like, condemning Russias anti-gay bigotry and state-controlled media while standing next to Putin himself. (And this was after Macron gripped Trumps hand as if he meant to pulverize and eat it.) It creates a promising moment for China, too, which is already positioning itself beyond Asia as the steadfast successor to American power, economically and militarily. But the pressing danger here isnt that Trump and, by extension, American leadership gets eclipsed. Its that Trumps passivity in the face of petty aggression almost certainly invites a more consequential variety. Its one thing for the Russians to have poked our border patrol with no response. But what happens when their troops are crossing the border of a Baltic nation instead, because Putin figures no one will stop him? What happens when North Korea finally gets a rocket to Guam because, you know, why not? Indifference toward aggression has never spared America from war. And irate tweets have never ended one. Related: Read more from Yahoo News: Sen. Al Franken told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric Thursday that Hillary Clinton should move on from her failed presidential bid. The Minnesota senators remarks come a day after Clinton told a tech conference she was unfairly targeted during the 2016 campaign, arguing the media paid more attention to her own personal scandals than reports of Russian interference in the election. I love Hillary. I think she is very prepared to be president of the United States and I think she has a right to analyze what happened, but we do have to move on, Franken said. We have to move on by proving we are the party that cares about a lot of the people who voted for Donald Trump. Franken used Trumps health care proposal as an example, noting that more Americans say they have seen a ghost than approve of the American Health Care Act. We are the ones fighting for average, working people, Franken said. He also criticized Trumps decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, calling the move to leave the landmark climate deal sad and stupid. Every other country in the world, except Syria and Nicaragua, has signed on. This is an existential threat to us, to the rest of the world, Franken said. This is an enormous threat to the national security. Countering the argument Trump made when explaining his decision to pull out of the accord, Franken argued that the deal would boost the American economy. Renewable energy is cheaper than coal, he said. Coal jobs aint coming back. Frankens interview comes as part of a tour promoting his new book, Al Franken, Giant of the Senate. The former Saturday Night Live comedian also reflected on the role of humor in the current political landscape and praised the show for its most recent season. I think it was great, Franken said, adding that he most enjoyed actor Melissa McCarthys portrayal of Sean Spicer. I just went holy mackerel, he said. This is a classic and it was hilarious. Read more from Yahoo News: According to Time magazine, Harvard is now offering a new Game of Thrones-themed history class called The Real Game of Thrones: From Modern Myths to Medieval Models. The class will focus on the books and shows similarities to and differences from actual medieval history. Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister in HBOs Game of Thrones. (Photo: HBO) One of the professors of the class, Sean Gilsdorf, a medieval historian and administrative director and lecturer on medieval studies, said, Game of Thrones does dramatize nicely some fundamental things going on in medieval courts. He added, Tensions between a queen and the younger women who marry their sons are some Real Housewives of 10th-century Germany kind of stuff, where you see these women going after each other. This isnt the first college course to be based on Game of Thrones, which got us thinking: What other lessons could someone learn from the show? Watch: Game of Thrones Author George R.R. Martin Spills Details About 5 Spinoffs Read more from Yahoo TV: Tell us what you think! What lessons can Game of Thrones teach? Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. George Soros, Founder and Chairman of the Open Society Foundation. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool Photo via AP) Billionaire hedge fund manager George Soros warned on Thursday morning that the European Union is in the midst of an existential crisis. Speaking at the Brussels Economic Forum, Soros pointed to the 2008 global financial crisis, which he notes hit the European banking system much harder than others. He said that crisis was the tipping point of the EU moving from a mindset of integration to disintegration. Most Europeans of my generation were supporters of further integration, he said. Subsequent generations came to regard the EU as an enemy that deprives them of a secure and promising future. The values on which the EU was established are currently being challenged by the rise of anti-European, xenophobic parties, he said. Externally, the EU is surrounded by hostile powers Putins Russia, Erdogans Turkey, Sisis Egypt and the America that Trump would like to create but cant, Soros said. Internally, the European Union has been governed by outdated treaties ever since the financial crisis of 2008. These treaties have become less and less relevant to prevailing conditions. He added that the functioning of European institutions has become increasingly complicated and has rendered the EU dysfunctional in some ways. The eurozone in particular became the exact opposite of what was originally intended, Soros said. The European Union was meant to be a voluntary association of like-minded states that were willing to surrender part of their sovereignty for the common good. That all changed following the financial crisis, he said, with the eurozone being transformed into a creditor/debtor relationship among countries. Brexit as a catalyst for change If the European Union carries on with business as usual, there is little hope for an improvement. That is why the European Union needs to be radically reinvented, Soros said. Soros has been an opponent and vocal critic of Brexit, Britains decision to leave the EU. In his speech, he outlined a plan for Britain to come back within five years. Story continues The European Union must resist temptation to punish Britain and approach the negotiations in a constructive spirit, he said. It should use Brexit as a catalyst for introducing far-reaching reforms. He noted that the divorce will be a long process that could take up to five years. In that time, the decision could be reversed. Five years seems like eternity in politics, especially in revolutionary times like the present. During that time, the European Union could transform itself into an organization that other countries like Britain would want to join, Soros said. If that happened, the two sides may want to be reunited even before the divorce is completed. That would be a wonderful outcome, worth striving for. He explained that Britain is a parliamentary democracy and within five years it has to hold another general election. That next parliament may vote to be reunited with Europe. Such a Europe would differ from the current arrangements in two key respects. First, it would clearly distinguish between the European Union and the Eurozone. Second, it would recognize that the euro has many unsolved problems and they must not be allowed to destroy the European Union. Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance. Read more: An Illinois Uber driver was butchered to death this week and cops say a 16-year-old girl is the culprit. Witnesses reportedly heard Grant Nelson screaming for help in the early morning darkness Tuesday in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood. Watch: Why Woman With Internal Bleeding Used Uber Over Ambulance for Ride to Hospital Before the 34-year-old died, he told responding officers that a female passenger had stabbed him in his gray 2015 Hyundai. Photos from the scene show the vehicle streaked in dried blood. Nelson was transported to St. Francis Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries several hours later. According to a police report, 16-year-old Eliza Wasni, a girl they say matched the description provided by Nelson, was found behind a nearby building "in possession of two weapons believed to have been used in the commission of this offense." Police said Wasni declined to give a statement at the time of her arrest. The teen has since been charged with first degree murder, a charge that automatically transferred her to adult court. Wasni was denied bond Wednesday in Cook County, where prosecutors have agreed she should be charged as an adult, calling the attack heinous and unprovoked, according to WLS. Cook County prosecutors say Nelson was Wasni's third Uber driver Tuesday, and that he picked her up after she allegedly stole a knife and machete from a Walmart. "Only two minutes or so after picking up the defendant, she begins to hack at him and stab him from the back of the seat," said Assistant State's Attorney Michelle Cunningham. In a statement, Uber said "we are heartbroken by the loss of one of our partners, Grant Nelson. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." Watch: Woman: Uber Driver Dragged Me from the Car and Broke My Jaw Uber's terms of service require that users of the ride share app be at least 18 years of age. Story continues A service for Nelson is planned for noon Friday at Chicago Jewish Funerals in Skokie. Watch: 'The Blind Side' Inspiration, Michael Oher, Cited for Assaulting Uber Driver: Cops Related Articles: Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. If heaven for you is lush purple plum mountains, hills of orange, green, red and yellow peppers, and paths pebbled with ruby radishes, you probably judge your supermarket on the quality of its fruits and veggies. You're not alone. Good-quality produce, along with a wide variety and low prices, are among the factors that Consumer Reports readers consider most important when choosing a particular grocer, according to our recent survey. For those reasons, supermarkets give their fresh produce departments particular prominence, placing them near the front, where shoppers enter the store. A well-managed produce section can be very profitable, experts say. To inspire shoppers, many stores use machines that spray a fine mist and even employ theatrical spotlights to show their bounty at its best. "Those oranges, rutabagas, and eggplants will look better in the store than they ever will in your kitchen," says Paco Underhill, chief executive officer of Envirosell, a New York City-based research and consulting firm focused on consumer behavior. Wegmans Is Tops for Fresh Produce For produce lovers living near a Wegmans supermarket, heaven is a little closer than it is for the rest of us. The East Coast family-owned grocer, with stores from Massachusetts to Virginia, was the only store in our recent supermarket and grocery store ratings (available to subscribers) to score top marks in the categories of produce quality, produce quantity, and quantity of local produce. "Wegmans produce is the freshest in town, and the selection is huge," says Barbara Goldenberg of Frederick, Md., of her local store. What makes Wegmans veggies superior? For one, it turns over its producethat is, sells or moves out the old stuff and brings in the newabout 150 to 200 times per year, explains Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of the Strategic Resource Group, a consumer industry consulting firm based in New York City. Competing grocers turn over their produce only 35 to 45 times per year, he notes. The company also has a strong network of local sources, even in colder northern areas. "They're the leaders working with hydroponic, natural, and organic greenhouse produce growers," Flickinger says. "Whether the temperature is 92 degrees or 9 degrees below zero, their produce is typically local." Story continues Only Dierbergs, a Missouri-based supermarket chain, came close to Wegmans. It garnered top marks for the quantity of local produce it sells. The family-owned store shows a photo gallery of local partner farms on its website. "They know there is interest in locally grown foods," explains James Fisher, a professor of marketing at the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University. "They understand the local market and adapt to expectations." At the other end of the produce parade are Target Supercenter and Walmart Supercenter. Both scored lowest for the quality and quantity of the produce they sell as well as the variety they offer. Other grocers at the bottom of the list include Tops Friendly Markets, with stores in Massachusetts, New York, northern Pennsylvania and Vermont, and Food Lion, with stores in the Southeast. The good news for most consumers is that the number of places they can shop for fresh produce is growing. You can find high-quality fruits and veggies at farmers markets, health-food stores, specialty markets, and even online grocers. Each month, 68 percent of Americans shop at five or more types of food retailers, according to the Hartman Group, a food and beverage industry consulting company in Bellevue, Wash. With that kind of competition, retailers will continue to shine a spotlight on the veggies they sell. And food retailers will remain committed to offering shoppers what they deem important, such as sustainably and locally farmed foods, according to David Fikes, vice president of communications and consumer/community affairs for the Food Marketing Institute, a grocery industry group. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Copyright 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc. Heavily armed men storm hotel and a casino resort in Philippine capital A man holds back tears as he lights candles for victims in an attack at the Resorts World Manila complex, Friday, June 2, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. (Photo: Aaron Favila/AP) A gunman burst into a casino in the Philippine capital on Friday, setting gaming tables alight and killing at least 36 people who suffocated in thick smoke, in an attack claimed by Islamic State but which officials believe was a botched robbery. The gunman killed himself in a hotel room after being shot and wounded by security officers at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex, police said. A second person of interest who was in the casino at the time was cooperating with the investigation, police said. (Reuters) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris agreement on Thursday, citing concerns that the agreement was bad for the economy and job creation. Trumps position was likely about coal and campaign promises. Trump said he would potentially renegotiate thevoluntaryagreement in the future. However, the business community did not particularly welcome the announcement. Trump advisor Steve Bannon, who pushed for Trump to exit Paris with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who gave Trump an ultimatum to stay. Source: Reuters Tesla (TSLA) and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who had threatened to leave the presidents advisory council, confirmed he would in a disapproving tweet. Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2017 Musk was followed by Disney (DIS) CEO Bob Iger, who also resigned in protest. As a matter of principle, Ive resigned from the Presidents Council over the #ParisAgreement withdrawal. Robert Iger (@RobertIger) June 1, 2017 GM (GM) said CEO Mary Barra would remain on the council, according to a Reuters reporter. Blackstone (BX) CEO Stephen Schwarzman will also remain. Council member Ginny Rometty of IBM (IBM) does not tweet, but IBM told the Hill that she would remain in the advisory council: We believe we can make a constructive contribution by having a direct dialogue with the Administration as we do with governments around the world. The news was enough to get Goldman Sachs (GS) CEO Lloyd Blankfein to finally use the Twitter account he created in 2011. His first tweet: Today's decision is a setback for the environment and for the U.S.'s leadership position in the world. #ParisAgreement Lloyd Blankfein (@lloydblankfein) June 1, 2017 The CEO of GE (GE), Jeff Immelt, tweeted his disappointment. (He is not on the council, but former GE CEO Jack Welch is. Welch has not issued any statements.) Story continues Disappointed with todays decision on the Paris Agreement. Climate change is real. Industry must now lead and not depend on government. Jeff Immelt (@JeffImmelt) June 1, 2017 Google (GOOG, GOOGL) CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted disappointment and said Google will work for a cleaner, more prosperous future for all. Mark Benioff, CEO of Salesforce.com (CRM), tweeted that he was deeply disappointed. Deeply disappointed by President's decision to withdraw from ParisAgreement. We will double our efforts to fight climate change. pic.twitter.com/cmCLf9CoVY Marc Benioff (@Benioff) June 1, 2017 Microsoft (MSFT) CEO Satya Nadella tweeted, We believe climate change is an urgent issue that demands global action. We remain committed to doing our part. Twitter (TWTR) CEO Jack Dorsey filled his twitter timeline with pro-Paris agreement retweets. At this point, some CEOs might not see utility in responding, but up until Thursdays announcement, many CEOs had already urged Trump to remain. A large number of prominent CEOs signed a letter to the president. As the Harvard Business Review noted, this is not a tree-hugger group. Inge Thulin, 3M Company James K. Kamsickas, Dana Incorporated Michael B. Polk, Newell Brands, Inc. Oliver Bate, Allianz SE () Andrew Liveris, The Dow Chemical Company Geisha Williams, Pacific Gas & Electric Brian Moynihan, Bank of America Corp. Edward Breen, E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company David Taylor, Procter & Gamble Company Zhang Yue, BROAD Group Jeffrey Immelt, General Electric Feike Sijbesma, Royal DSM Denise Morrison, Campbell Soup Company Lloyd C. Blankfein, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc Marc Benioff, Salesforce David W. MacLennan, Cargill Inc. William Brown, Harris Corporation Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Solvay Michael L. Corbat, Citigroup, Inc. Alex Gorsky, Johnson & Johnson Elon Musk, Tesla James Quincey, The Coca Cola Company Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chase Paul Polman, Unilever Wendell Weeks, Corning Incorporated Francois-Henri Pinault, Kering Richard Branson, Virgin Tom Linebarger, Cummins Inc. James Gorman, Morgan Stanley Robert A. Iger, The Walt Disney Group Its even longer. On CNBC, HP (HPE) CEO Meg Whitman urged Trump to stay. [P]lease do not withdraw from the Paris climate accord; this is not in the best interest of Americans, Whitman said on Squawk on the Street. ExxonMobil (XOM) CEO Darren Woods sent Trump a letter, and Woodss predecessor and current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was reported to have been urging Trump to remain in the agreement. Multinational mining company (iron, coal, copper, petroleum, and more) company BHP Billitons (BLL) CEO Andrew Mackenzie told an Australian TV station that he personally asked Trump to stay in the agreement. Last week, Intel (INTC) CEO Brian Krzanich tweeted that Intel had been advocating for staying in the Paris accord. Related: 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. Read more: Study shows how GOP plan would lower premiums: ditching costly, sick people How the Obamacare repeal could affect your employer insurance The biggest problem with robots taking jobs may not be unemploymentyet What Facebook and Twitter think they know about you Online savings accounts are raising rates. Big banks arent. While speaking at Recode's Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California on Wednesday, former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton explained why she lost the 2016 presidential election. The former secretary of state blamed a lot of people and things, including the Russians, her own party's committee, Facebook and fake news. Her interview, which went on for over an hour, was conducted by Recode technology journalist and co-founder Kara Swisher, and Walt Mossberg, who was a principal technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal from 1991 till 2013. The event was the latest in the series of public appearances for the former presidential candidate, in which she was quick to cast blame on the actions of those around her and other external circumstances that led to her defeat on the Election Day. I take responsibility for every decision I make, but that's not why I lost, Clinton said. Anti-American forces are going after our economy and they are going after our unity as a nation. During the interview, Clinton blamed Russia for her November loss to President Donald Trump and accused the White House of aiding and cooperating with Moscow in weaponizing technology to sabotage her election campaign. What we saw was, in the election particularly, the first time that you had the tech revolution really weaponized politically before it was a way to reach voters, you know, collect fundraising, do things that would help the candidate who was behind the messaging that changed this time, and it changed for a number of reasons we should talk about, Clinton said. It was aimed at me but it's a much deeper, more persistent effort to literally turn the clock back on so much of what we have achieved as a country, she added. Clinton clearly linked Russias interference with the 2016 presidential election to the Trump campaign and said she hoped that the FBI would be able to investigate and unmask the plot that was constructed to meddle with the elections. When asked about who was to blame for aiding Moscow, Clinton did not hold back and said she thought the president was responsible for directing the Russians. Story continues REC_ASA_CODE17-20170531-132218-1885 Photo: Asa Mathat for Vox Media Im leaning Trump, she said. Clinton also described how the Russians misinformed the public through social media and led a campaign against her on networks like Facebook. The former secretary of state said she was a victim of an unprecedented campaign of fake news and social engineering on Facebook, which was orchestrated by Russian agents and an army of bots. About content on Facebook, Clinton said the vast majority of news items that were posted or appeared on the social networking site about her during the elections were fake. This orchestrated campaign was connected, as we now know, to a thousand Russian agents [and] connected to the bots, which are just out of control, she said. Read: Hillary Clinton Lists Reasons For Loss To President Donald Trump Clinton mentioned that her campaign tried to bring to notice Russias interference in the elections, but her claims were largely ignored at the time. Putin wants to bring us down, Clinton said. It's way beyond me... I believe that what was happening to me was unprecedented. Over the summer we went and told anyone we could find that the Russians were messing with the election and we were basically shooed away. .... We couldn't get the press to cover it. Clinton also criticized the Democratic National Convention (DNC) during the interview Wednesday and said when she became her partys presidential nominee, she inherited nothing from the committee. Im now the nominee of the Democratic Party. I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party, Clinton said. It was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, and its data was mediocre to poor, non-existent, wrong. I had to inject money into it the DNC to keep it going. She also asked Democrats to create more content of their own in response to the current administrations actions. We [the Democratic Party] are not good historically at building institutions and weve got to get a lot better, and that includes content. We have a great story to tell. I found when I started the campaign that I had to say in practically every one of my speeches, Barack Obama saved the economy and he doesnt get the credit he deserves. I had to say that because people had been told differently. In a Twitter post Wednesday night, the president responded to Clintons comments regarding her loss in the 2016 elections. Related Articles On the same day that President Donald Trump is making his big announcement on whether to keep the U.S. in the Paris Agreement on climate change, potentially ominous news has emerged from a group of scientists keeping watch on Antarctica's ice sheet. A crack that has been spreading across the Larsen C Ice Shelf in the Antarctic Peninsula accelerated its progress in late May and is about to break off a Delaware-sized iceberg, scientists reported on Wednesday in a blog post. SEE ALSO: One map tells you all you need to know about Trump's possible withdrawal from the Paris Agreement The rift, which is 1,500 feet wide in places, grew by 11 miles between May 25 and May 31, researchers said, bringing the front edge of the crack to within 8 miles of the sea. Once it gets close enough to the ice edge which could happen anytime now it will produce one of the largest icebergs ever recorded. View is of a rift in the Antarctic Peninsula's Larsen C ice shelf from our airborne survey of polar ice: https://t.co/VgjxopHHLI@NASA_ICEpic.twitter.com/gt5mpHqbxn NASA (@NASA) December 3, 2016 "The rift tip appears also to have turned significantly towards the ice front, indicating that the time of calving is probably very close," researchers wrote. The blog post from scientists with Project MIDAS, a UK-based research project investigating global warming in West Antarctica, shows that prior to the most recent jump in the crack's progression, the rift appeared to be bogged down in a so-called "suture" zone of ice starting at the Cole Peninsula. Such suture zones can stop developing ice rifts in their tracks. That no longer appears to be the case with Larsen C, however. Story continues "... There appears to be very little to prevent the iceberg from breaking away completely," the scientists wrote. The iceberg itself will not raise global sea levels, and is not actually that out of the ordinary, since glaciers frequently calve icebergs in Greenland, Antarctica and other areas. However, this iceberg will be noteworthy for its size, and it will also leave the larger ice shelf in a more vulnerable position that could cause it to go the way of its neighbor, Larsen B, which broke up in 2002. That breakup event served as the inspiration for the opening scene in the 2004 blockbuster, The Day After Tomorrow. Larsen B Ice Shelf before its breakup in 2002. Image: nasa Larsen B Ice Shelf after its breakup in 2002. Image: nasa "When it calves, the Larsen C Ice Shelf will lose more than 10 percent of its area to leave the ice front at its most retreated position ever recorded; this event will fundamentally change the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula," the scientists wrote. A study published in 2015 showed that a reshaped Larsen C Ice Shelf that is missing the Delaware-sized chunk of ice will be much less stable than it has been. Ice shelves across West Antarctica and Greenland are melting from increasing air and sea temperatures. This is raising alarm bells in the science community, since such floating sections of ice serve as doorstops for the land-based glaciers behind them, and when the ice shelves erode or break apart, they can cause the land ice to flow faster into the sea. Progress of the Larsen C Ice Shelf crack through May 31, 2017. Image: project midas As land ice melts more rapidly, it is raising sea levels, threatening coastal cities worldwide. It's not clear how much of a role global warming is playing in forming and propelling the Larsen C rift, considering that such events can occur naturally. There is some evidence showing that downslope winds may be spreading above average air temperatures across the ice shelf. However, the Antarctic Peninsula as a whole, where Larsen C is located, is one of the most rapidly warming areas of the continent. Related: Baghdad (AFP) - Iraqi forces are advancing on the last areas of Mosul held by the Islamic State group but the presence of large numbers of civilians is slowing their progress, a military spokesman said Thursday. More than seven months into the massive operation to retake Iraq's second city, security forces have recaptured all but a handful of areas of Mosul from IS, but up to 200,000 civilians may be trapped in those still held by the jihadists. "What is disrupting our advance is the presence of civilians," the spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told AFP. "We received hundreds of families through safe corridors," secured by Iraqi forces, he said. The United Nations has said that up to 200,000 civilians may still be in IS-held areas of Mosul, most of them in the Old City which lies immediately south of where the current fighting is taking place. The area -- a warren of narrow streets and closely-spaced buildings -- has posed a major challenge for security forces, and the coming battle to retake it poses a major threat to civilians. More than 750,000 people have been displaced since the start of the Mosul operation, according to the UN, and that figure could increase sharply in the final stages of the battle for the city. Only 150,000 of the displaced have since returned to their homes. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's finance minister has met the Palestinian premier to discuss measures aimed at improving the Palestinian economy in an "extremely rare" meeting in Ramallah, officials said on Thursday. Israel had announced the measures ahead of US President Donald Trump's May 22 visit, and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon presented them to Rami Hamdallah in the Palestinian political capital on Wednesday. While Kahlon regularly meets Palestinian ministers, it was the first time he had met Hamdallah and the first time such a meeting was in Ramallah. An Israeli official told AFP that no Israeli member of the internal security cabinet had met a Palestinian official in a West Bank city since 2000, and called the meeting "extremely rare". Also present were Major General Yoav Mordechai, head of COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry agency responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, and Palestinian civilian affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh. The two sides agreed to broaden the Palestinian prerogative in parts of Area C, the bulk of the West Bank which is under Israeli security and civilian control, a Palestinian official said. Also discussed was enlarging a Palestinian industrial zone on the edge of the southern West Bank and increasing working hours at West Bank crossings into Israel and the main Jordan River bridge from the Palestinian territory to the neighbouring kingdom, officials on both sides said. Israel approved the overtures at Trump's request, stressing at the time that none of the gestures would affect Israeli interests. Trump spent two days in Israel and the Palestinian territories on his first foreign trip in an aim to resolve the conflict between the sides, urging them to compromise for peace but giving no specifics. Jerusalem (AFP) - Fifty years after Israel occupied the Palestinian territories, its policies in the West Bank and Gaza are at the root of Palestinian hardship, the United Nations said Wednesday. "Occupation policies and practices remain the key cause of humanitarian needs in the occupied Palestinian territories," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report. West Bank and Gaza residents suffer from a lack of basic security, it said, adding that the split between president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based administration and the rival Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza also restricts humanitarian work. "At its heart, the crisis is one of a lack of protection for Palestinian civilians - from violence, from displacement, from restrictions on access to services and livelihoods, and from other rights violations." Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Six-Day War. Repeated efforts to negotiate a solution to the conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel have stalled. A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 266 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, two Americans, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according to an AFP tally. Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. OCHA's 15-page Humanitarian Overview for 2016 notes a sharp fall in bloodshed over the year compared to 2015. "Palestinian fatalities from conflict-related violence in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel declined by 37 percent compared with 2015," it said. "The decline in Israeli fatalities was 48 percent." However, Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes in the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, had peaked, it said. Story continues "In the West Bank, more Palestinians were displaced in 2016 (1,601, including 759 children) due to demolitions of their homes by the Israeli authorities than in any year since OCHA began recording the phenomenon in 2009," it said. In the Gaza Strip, where unemployment is among the highest in the world, a strict Israeli blockade has been in force for over a decade. "Israeli restrictions on the entry of national staff of aid organisations to and from Gaza intensified in 2016, with 31 percent of permit applications to enter or exit Gaza denied," OCHA said. That is up from an average of four percent in 2015, it added. It said humanitarian operations in Gaza were impeded by restrictions imposed by the Hamas authorities, donors blocking contact with them, the ongoing closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt and the internal Palestinian divide. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is at risk of being impeached by Congress if found guilty of lying under oath, especially after reports said he had communications with a Russian ambassador during the 2016 presidential campaign. Section 4 of Article II of the U.S. Constitution states: The president, vice president and all civil officers of the U.S., shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. Read: Did Jeff Sessions Get Trump To Fire FBI Director James Comey Amid Russia Probe? While Sessions testified to the Senate in January saying he did not have any contacts with the Russians throughout the presidential campaign, congressional investigators are probing whether he had a third meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at the time, CNN reported Wednesday, citing sources. Sessions is a civil officer, and if found guilty of perjury, he could be impeached. The president also holds the power to dismiss the attorney general. Republican and Democratic Hill sources and intelligence officials told CNN congressional investigators are particularly looking into whether Sessions and Kislyak met April 27 last year at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., where Trump gave his foreign policy address. Both Sessions and Kislyak were present at a reception with organizers and diplomats ahead of the speech. However, the Justice Department denied any such interaction happened between Sessions and Kislyak at the Mayflower Hotel. "The Department of Justice appointed a special counsel to assume responsibility for this matter," Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores told CNN in a statement."We will allow him to do his job. It is unfortunate that anonymous sources whose credibility will never face public scrutiny are continuously trying to hinder that process by peddling false stories to the mainstream media." "The facts haven't changed; the then-Senator did not have any private or side conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower Hotel," Flores added. Story continues Separately, Sen. Al Franken (D- Minnesota) told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on The Last Word late Wednesday, he sent a private letter to then-FBI Director James Comey to look into the "fact Sessions had met other times with Russians, including this meeting that we're talking about in the Mayflower." In fact, Sen. [Patrick] Leahy whose also on the Judiciary Committee and I sent a private letter to then-CIA Director Comey, sorry, FBI Director Comey asking him and the FBI to investigate whether, in fact, Sessions had met other times with Russians including this meeting were talking about in the Mayflower, Franken said on the show. "Now it had been characterized one way, but we had some reason to believe that it -- that wasn't the case. It had been described in a way that he could plausibly say I don't remember that. But what's coming out today I believe is that that may not be the case. And if this the true, that would be extremely disturbing," he added. Sessions made headlines in March after a Washington Post report said, citing Justice Department officials, the then-Alabama senator spoke to Kislyak in last July and September at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. Following the Post report, the attorney general agreed to have been in touch with one Russian official a couple of times but maintained the meetings had nothing to with sharing of information. He also recused himself from matters related to a federal probe into Russias meddling and likely collusion with Trumps associates during the presidential campaign. Let me be clear: I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign, Sessions said at the time. The idea that I was part of a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government is totally false. In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said, Yes, I did meet with one Russian official a couple of times,' the attorney general said. He added that he recused himself from investigations into President Donald Trump's presidential campaign and its alleged contact with Russians. At the time, several Democrats had called for Sessions removal from the office. Some also said he should have stepped down instead of recusing himself. After the CNN report, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-California) said Sessions committed big time perjury if he did not disclose his third meeting with Kislayk. If Sessions-Kislyak story is true, it shows Sessions didnt just commit perjury, he committed big time perjury. Why is he still in office? Lieu tweeted. Related Articles Labour leader said voters would have to wait until 9 June to discover what his policy on the US President's state visit would be: EPA Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has hinted he could delay Donald Trumps contentious state visit to Britain later this year if he is elected Prime Minister in seven days time. In an interview with The Independent, Mr Corbyn said he was very concerned about the speed in which Mr Trump received the honour by Theresa May just seven days after the political neophyte took office. The Presidents predecessor, Barack Obama, was extended the invitation by the former Prime Minister David Cameron over 800 days into his administration. On the occasion, in 2011, Mr Obama met Mr Cameron at Downing Street, was greeted by the Queen and senior royals at Buckingham Palace, and delivered a speech in Westminster Hall. Obviously there have to be relations with the USA, Mr Corbyn added. My views on Donald Trumps statements and utterances during the Presidential election are extremely well known. "There has to be a relationship with the US Government, you have to tell them what you believe." Mr Corbyn also pointed out that the former US President Mr Obama had to wait three years into his administration for his first state visit. Read Jeremy Corbyns full interview with The Independent here He continued: George Bush, second term. Reagan, second term. I think they were all second term. Asked whether he believed the former television celebrity should have to wait until a potential second term in office, the Labour leader replied: Well, its not up to me as the invitation has already been issued. Pressed again on whether Mr Trump would be welcome here in October the date believed to have been pencilled in by officials he added: Well, lets find out that on 9 June. Emily Thornberry, Labours Shadow Foreign Secretary, has previously said Mr Trumps state visit invitation will not be rescinded but did not comment on the date he would be welcome to visit the UK should her party emerge victorious at the general election next week. Story continues It comes after Ms Mays invitation to the US President in January was immediately met with protest by both the public and Parliament after it coincided with his widely-condemned executive order to ban immigrations from predominately Muslim countries from entering in the US for a period of 90 days. A petition, earlier this year, to block Mr Trumps state visit received around 1.85m signatures, triggering a debate in Westminster Hall. The U.S. labor market continues to beat expectations. In May, the U.S. private sector added 253,000 jobs, according to data from the ADP Research Institute. Economists had expected private payrolls to rise by 180,000 during the month. May proved to be a very strong month for job growth, said Ahu Yildirmaz, vice president and co-head of the ADP Research Institute. Professional and business services had the strongest monthly increase since 2014. This may be an indicator of broader strength in the workforce since these services are relied on by many industries. On Friday, the government will release its official jobs data for May, which is expected to show the economy added 180,000 nonfarm payrolls during the month. Private payrolls growth remains strong in America. (Source: ADP) Job growth is rip-roaring, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moodys Analytics. The current pace of job growth is nearly three times the rate necessary to absorb growth in the labor force. Increasingly, businesses number one challenge will be a shortage of labor. Research from the San Francisco Fed published last year indicated that somewhere between 50,000 and 110,000 jobs per month would likely be needed to sustain labor market growth. ADPs numbers have shown more than 200,000 private sector jobs were created in six of the last seven months. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserves latest Beige Book report, a collection of economic anecdotes from businesses across the country, indicated that employers everywhere are under pressure to both hire workers and pay them more. As economists in the Cleveland Feds district noted in that report, Staffing firms noted an increase in the number of job openings and placements during the past two months, a situation which they attributed to an improving business climate. These comments were echoed across the country. According to ADP, the biggest gains in employment in May came from medium-sized businesses, with 50-499 employees, as 113,000 positions were added in this space. Small businesses added 83,000 jobs in May. Story continues By sector, the services sector was a biggest gainer by far, adding 205,000 jobs during the month. Services account for the vast majority of GDP in the U.S. This was led by an 88,000 job gain in the professional and business services space, while healthcare and education services aded 54,000 jobs in May. The services sector continues to dominate hiring in America. (Source: ADP) In a note to clients following the report, Ian Shepherdson, an economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics said the number is not an infallible guide to payrolls, but added that this is consistent with a strong report [on Friday]. But with the official unemployment rate down at 4.4% the lowest in a decade and wages rising nicely but not accelerating the way some economists had expected, the question now is how many more workers the economy can absorb, and how many more are left to find jobs. Or as Neil Dutta, an economist at Renaissance Macro, asked rhetorically on Thursday after ADPs number: Where are these people coming from? Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland Read more from Myles here: Former Vice President Joe Biden is planning to launch a Political Action Committee (PAC), Thursday, which is the strongest sign that he plans to run for the White House in the 2020 presidential election. Called, American Possibilities, his PAC would be dedicated to electing people who believe that this country is about dreaming big, and supporting groups and causes that embody that spirit, the Week reported. Joe Biden has yet to verbally confirm that he will be contesting as a Democratic candidate in the 2020 election. However, he has never ruled out the possibility of a White House run in the future. Joe Biden Photo: Getty Images/Mark Wilson On May 18, during a SALT conference in Las Vegas, Biden stated that although his main focus was to be there for his family after he lost his son to brain cancer in December 2015, if circumstances permit, I may very well do it [run for presidential office in 2020]. In the same conference, he made it clear that he would have been a much better opponent to President Donald Trump than Hillary Clinton, had he participated in the 2016 election. I never thought she was a great candidate. I thought I was a great candidate, he said at the time. Read: Joe Biden Subtly Disses Donald Trump, Says Obama Did Not Have A Single Scandal During His Presidency In an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, Biden said he would not completely dismiss the possibility that people might get to see him compete for the White House, the Daily Beast reported. I dont plan on running again, but to say you know whats going to happen in four years I just think is not rational. The formation of the PAC just reasserts the fact that even if Biden does not shoulder the burden of running for office himself, he is going to actively try and get the Democrats to reclaim the White House in the next election cycle. Story continues Biden has a lot of support out there, and this gives him a way to grow that support while also helping Democrats win and build the party, said Stephanie Cutter, a veteran Democratic strategist. In a yet unpublished Medium post, Biden explained the reason he chose American Possibilities as the name for his PAC: Thinking big is stamped into the DNA of the American soul, he wrote, the New York Times reported. Thats why the negativity, the pettiness, the small-mindedness of our politics today drives me crazy. The news of Biden announcing a PAC for 2020 comes hours after it was suggested by multiple inside sources that Trump has decided to pull out of the Paris climate accord, according to a report by AXIOS. While Trump is expected to announce his final decision Thursday, 3:00 p.m. EDT, it is being reported that a small team spearheaded by Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, is trying to come up with the best way to implement the withdrawal. Joe Biden tweeted Wednesday indirectly condemning Trumps stance on climate change by calling it an existential threat to our future. He also emphasized the importance of sticking to the Paris climate deal for the present administration. Related Articles By Brian Goldsmith The drip-drip-drip of Trump-Russia news has turned into a daily deluge. Not only is it difficult to keep up with the charges and countercharges, its also hard to stay current with whos investigating whom. So heres a look at whos looking at Trump. First is Congress. There are at least four investigations there, all run by Republicans because theyre in control of the House and Senate. Theres the Senate intelligence committee, the House Intel committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Why are there so many committees? Well, they each have different roles. The Senate intelligence panel is looking broadly at Russias efforts to influence last years campaign as well as the Trump teams connections to the Kremlin. Its trying to conduct a dignified, bipartisan process. The House intelligence inquiry is focused on the same issues, but its been a mess. The Republican chairman, Devin Nunes of California, had to recuse himself because he seemed too cozy with the White House. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., compared Nunes to the clumsy Inspector Clouseau. The entire endeavor has been overshadowed by partisanship. Then theres the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senates legal eagles, who oversee federal law enforcement. That panel, as well as the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, which makes sure federal agencies are doing their jobs, started investigating the guy who ran the National Security Council, Michael Flynn, and his connections to Russia. Flynn had been sacked by the president, and when FBI Director James Comey also got a pink slip, these committees decided theyd better investigate that too. Theres a lot of speculation that Comey was fired because the president didnt like the FBIs probe into Russias election meddling. Trump told NBCs Lester Holt, In fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story; its an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won. Story continues The FBI investigation is ongoing, but now theres a bigger, broader one at the Justice Department, and Bob Mueller, a former FBI director, is in charge of it. His title is special counsel, and he was picked by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein after AG Jeff Sessions had to recuse himself because of questions about his contacts with the Russians. Mueller, who everybody believes has integrity, has been given broad authority to look at any links or coordination between the Russian government and individuals in the Trump campaign. The average length of special counsel investigations is more than three years. So its likely the congressional probes will wrap up first. Another important difference: The Mueller investigation could lead to criminal charges. Members of the House and Senate committees cant charge anyone with a crime, but they could lead to impeachment hearings if it comes out that the president and the Russians were in cahoots. But remember: If a president is impeached by the House, as Bill Clinton was, hes removed from office only if a supermajority of the Senate votes to convict. Who knows how all of this will shake out? There are enough people looking at these connections between the Trump inner circle and the Kremlin. But when you hear about all the investigations and the people who are running them at least you can say, Now I get it. Kuwait City (AFP) - A Kuwaiti appeals court on Wednesday sentenced seven young men to death for the abduction and rape of a disabled 13-year-old boy, the victim's lawyer said. Ibrahim al-Bathani told AFP that the court overturned a 10-year jail term handed in April by a lower court against the seven accused. He said the seven defendants, aged 18-23, abducted the victim in September last year to a chalet where they sexually assaulted him. The victim is a Kuwaiti citizen suffering from partial mental disability, the lawyer said. "This is a historic verdict," Bathani said. The convicts, four Kuwaitis, a Yemeni, an Iraqi and a stateless person, filmed part of the rape and threatened to post it on social media if the boy spoke of his ordeal, Bathani said. Prosecutors found the videos on the phones of some of the defendants. The ruling is not final as the case must go to the Kuwaiti supreme court whose verdicts are final. The death penalty in Kuwait is carried out by hanging. An aerial view of the Antarctic Peninsulas Larsen C ice shelf. According to NASA, IceBridge scientists measured the Larsen C fracture to be about 70 miles long, more than 300 feet wide and about a third of a mile deep. (Photo: John Sonntag/NASA via AP) In the six days before President Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change, an enormous crack in an Antarctic ice shelf grew 11 miles, according to a report by British Antarctic research group Project MIDAS. The crack, which is located in Larson Shelf C, leaves only eight miles of ice connecting what could be one of the worlds largest recorded icebergs to Antarctica. When it eventually breaks free from the continent, the resulting iceberg will measure 31,000 square miles, represent 10 percent of the ice shelfs original mass and be larger than the state of Rhode Island. The growth spurt between May 25 and May 31 was the largest they have observed since January, Project MIDAS says, and the inevitable splintering of Ice Shelf C will drastically alter the landscape of the continent and will make the ice that remains less stable. The group states that although this specific crack was not likely caused by climate change, the disintegration of Antarctic ice shelves contributes to rising sea levels that threaten coastal cities. When [ice shelves] disappear, ice can flow faster from the land to the ocean and contribute more quickly to sea level rise, Adrian Luckman and Martin OLeary of Project MIDAS wrote in February. A rift in the Antarctic Peninsulas Larsen C ice shelf. (Photo: John Sonntag/NASA via AP) Related slideshow: Droughts, floods, storms and more: what climate change looks like around the world >>> Rising sea levels endanger heavily populated cities such as New York, San Francisco, New Orleans and Miami, and are predicted to cause 13.1 million Americans to relocate from coastal areas by 2100. Concern about rising sea levels was one of many factors that inspired the Paris Agreements goal of limiting the rise of global temperatures. Project MIDAS expects the ice shelf to mimic the break up of Larson Ice Shelf B, which shattered over a period of two weeks in 2002. The calving event will probably be slow and graceful, the scientists of Project MIDAS wrote. The ice is already floating, so when the fracture breaks all the way through, it will simply start to drift away. Story continues The group is unsure exactly when the rapidly growing crack will cause Ice Shelf C to break free from Antarctica, but believes that the rift has now reached a region of soft ice and that there is very little holding the ice shelf together. We are watching with bated breath, the team wrote. Related: Read more from Yahoo News: Hustler magazines 2017 anniversary issue incites backlash for its salacious use of an American flag. (Photo: Hustler Magazine) Hustler, a pornographic magazine, released an incendiary new cover. That alone is not newsworthy, but considering the political climate of late, the magazine is seeing just how far it can challenge patriotic ideals in Trumps America. The new cover, first pointed out by Barstool Sports, features a brown-eyed model with an American flag fashioned as a hijab, a headscarf that many Muslim women wear. Peeping out from beneath is a bit more than an outline of the models breast. The covers text reads, Americas Magazine: Anniversary Special and near the bottom, Freedom First. This Hustler Magazine cover might be problematic?https://t.co/7K5NEOvZdP pic.twitter.com/1vD85S2pOX Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 1, 2017 Oh yes. The hijab is often worn in this manner. Well done @HustlerMag for promulgating absolute nonsense. https://t.co/2Wi22Zx1lu Gad Saad (@GadSaad) May 25, 2017 While Hustler did not promote the cover on any of its social media channels, Yahoo Style confirmed with a Hustler customer service representative that the cover is real and was mailed out to subscribers. This would not be the magazines first cover pushing the boundary between sensationalist and salacious. The July 1976 Hustler cover featured a tight-pan image of a womans bikini area, wearing what appears to be American flag-printed undergarments. Photo: Hustler Magazine Though some American designers are embracing diversity by including new lines of headscarfs for Muslim women, the headscarf remains a politically charged item in other Western countries, namely France, which has struggled with allowing headscarfs to be worn in public based on the countrys laws governing secularity. Story continues Whats more, politics permeation into nearly every facet of American life has made editorial decisions ever more scrutinized. Most recently, there was the Kendall Jenner Pepsi commercial, in which the model was depicted handing a Pepsi to a police officer, which the ad tritely suggested was a solution to an otherwise complicated topic mired in racial conflict. And this week, comedienne Kathy Griffin wore a pussy blouse and held a bloodied prop in the likeness of President Trumps decapitated head in images from a photo shoot, for which Griffin was fired from her CNN job and publicly rebuked. Though the image of the American flag-as-hijab appears on a porn mag cover, dont discount the platform. Much of sex is politics, after all. Or maybe its the other way around. 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. Alexandra Mondalek is a writer for Yahoo Style + Beauty. Follow her on Twitter @amondalek. Washington (AFP) - The US military will follow up its experimental shoot-down of an intercontinental ballistic missile by firing two interceptors simultaneously at an incoming dummy warhead in a "real world" test next year, a Pentagon official said Wednesday. The high-tech, extremely costly tests of US missile defenses come as North Korea continues to push ahead with development of potentially nuclear-tipped ICBMs. Wednesday's first-ever success at knocking a mock-up ICBM out of the sky as it headed toward the United States was called a "critical milestone" in firming up the country's missile defenses. But, with only 44 of the expensive ground-based interceptor missiles expected to be in service at the end of this year, the next test will not take place until late 2018, Vice Admiral Jim Syring, director of the Missile Defense Agency, said. "We want to exercise the GMD (ground-based missile defense) system with more than one interceptor to gather data," Syring said in a Pentagon press briefing. Shooting two interceptor missiles at one incoming ICBM target would help understand what the second one does after the first destroys the target, he said. This scenario is "the next step in ever increasing operational realism," he told journalists. Tuesday's successful test saw an interceptor missile blast into space from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and then deploy its "exo-atmospheric kill vehicle," which smashed into the dummy ICBM, destroying it. The US military describes the interception as akin to hitting a bullet with another bullet -- though at far higher speeds. Syring said after the test that it "demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat." - North Korea threat - The missile defense trial came a day after North Korea test-fired yet another ballistic missile, the latest in a series of launches that have ratcheted up tensions over Pyongyang's quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States. Story continues So far North Korea's tests have involved short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. But on Wednesday, after the US test, Pyongyang suggested it was prepared to launch a long-range ballistic missile in the near future. "We're prepared to test-fire ICBMs anywhere and anytime on orders from the supreme commander (Kim Jong-Un)," the Rodong Sinmun paper said in an article entitled: "No one can stop the nuclear power state, rocketry master in the East." The paper added: "The United States must know our declaration that we can turn the devils' den into ashes with nuclear weapons is not an empty threat." Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said Tuesday's trial was not timed specifically in response to Pyongyang but that "in a broad sense, North Korea is one of the reasons why we have this capability." He also pointed to Iran's increasing missile capabilities. With its interceptor missiles based in California and Alaska, the GMD system remains highly experimental and expensive. Tuesday's test alone cost some $244 million to carry out. It showed that under certain conditions it can stop a fast-moving, high-altitude single ICBM threat. But the interceptors would be overwhelmed by a full-scale attack from countries like Russia or China, which could fire dozens of missiles at a time. In the wake of President Trumps announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement, former President Obama issued a pointed statement lamenting the decision, even as he expressed hopes that individual states, cities and businesses would continue to combat climate change. Related slideshow: Droughts, floods, storms and more: what climate change looks like around the world >>> The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created, Obama said. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership, even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future, Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet weve got. Pres @BarackObama : Even in the absence of American leadership, Im confident that states, cities, businesses will step up #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/HMni74lo2u Kevin Lewis (@KLewis44) June 1, 2017 Obamas statement emphasized growing industries like wind and solar and the economic benefits of staying in the agreement, a sharp rebuke to Trumps stated reason for the U.S.s withdrawal, which is protecting American workers and avoiding stifling regulations. Though the agreement is not binding, nearly every country in the world has joined. The U.S., after withdrawing, will join Nicaragua and Syria as the only other countries not part of the agreement. Read more from Yahoo News: President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement on climate change. This leaves the country in a small group of strange bedfellows. There are only two other countries that rejected the Paris Agreement: Nicaragua and Syria. And, considering that Nicaragua didn't join because its diplomats felt the agreement doesn't go far enough toward slowing global warming, it means that, on this, the U.S. is most closely aligned with Syria, which is in the midst of a bloody civil war. SEE ALSO: Heres why you shouldnt totally despair if the U.S. ditches the Paris Climate Agreement This bizarre alliance shows just how widespread the consensus view on this voluntary agreement is. North Korea's government has even signed the deal, and Russia has too, although it has yet to formally ratify it. Map showing all the countries that have signed the Paris Agreement, with the U.S., Nicaragua, and Syria as likely holdouts. Image: bob al-greene/mashable The Paris Agreement is viewed as the last, best chance to rein in emissions of global warming pollutants such as carbon dioxide and methane, which come from burning fossil fuels for energy, as well as deforestation and other human activities. The Paris Agreement, which entered force in 2016 with unprecedented global support, calls for countries to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases in accordance with voluntary targets. The aim is to forestal dangerous climate change, which the agreement defines as keeping global warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels. The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is currently at its highest level in all of human history, causing global temperatures to increase, ice caps to melt, sea levels to rise, and making certain extreme weather events more common and severe. Last year was Earth's warmest on record since 1880, beating the previous two benchmarks set in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Carbon dioxide levels in the air in 2017, compared to the past 800,000 years. Image: scripps institution of oceanography Story continues In the wake of a U.S. pullout from Paris, the key players in making sure the world still makes progress in addressing the unfolding challenge will be Europe, China, and India. China is poised to become a global renewable energy powerhouse, and there is already talk of a European Union alliance with China to move climate negotiations forward without the U.S. Because of its rejection of the agreement, the U.S. will go from the world leader on climate action to its most high profile climate deadbeat. China is the world's top emitter of greenhouse gases, but the U.S. sits at number two, and occupies the top spot for historical emissions since the start of the industrial revolution. In other words, a U.S. withdrawal means that the country that is most responsible for causing modern-day global warming will do the least to address it. UPDATE: June 1, 2017, 3:38 p.m. EDT This story was updated to reflect the fact that Trump is officially pulling the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. Relations between the two leaders appeared cordial in their joint remarks to media in Bethlehem on 23 May 2017: REUTERS Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has allegedly confirmed reports that US President Donald Trump shouted at him during the US leaders visit to the West Bank last month. You tricked me in [Washington] DC! You talked there about your commitment to peace, but the Israelis showed me your involvement in incitement [against Israel], Mr Trump is alleged to have shouted at the Palestinian leader, an outburst that was followed by several minutes of shocked silence, Israels Channel 2 claimed last week, citing an unnamed American official. The rest of the meeting was reportedly tense and took a while to get back on track. The PA has repeatedly denied the report, saying that the 23 May meeting went well. However, London-based pan-Arab newspaper al-Araby al-Jadeed claimed on Wednesday that Mr Abbas himself had appeared to confirm the story, quoting the Palestinian leader as saying that Mr Trump had expressed anger with him and that the encounter had been uncomfortable." The US president allegedly showed his Palestinian counterpart videos in which Mr Abbas was recorded as saying, We incite and the Israelis incite. In an effort to calm Mr Trump, Mr Abbas said he told the president, You have the CIA, ask them to analyse the film clips and youll discover that that they were taken out of context or fabricated with the aim of inciting against the Palestinians. Mr Abbas remarks were supposedly made at a high-level Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) meeting on Tuesday. Palestinian sources have again denied the reports. The allegations certainly dont match up with the warm words exchanged between the two leaders during a televised media conference after the meeting in Bethlehem on 23 May. Meeting you in the White House earlier this month given us hope and optimism of the possibility to make the long-standing dream of lasting peace come true, Mr Abbas said, emphasising the Palestinian leaderships desire for a two-state solution. Story continues Mr Trump and Mr Abbas met in person for the first time at the White House on 3 May, when the US president boldly stated his desire to do whatever is necessary to achieve a lasting peace deal in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the Washington meeting Mr Trumps administration called on the PA to do more to tackle violence against Israelis and end payments to the families of those killed or imprisoned by Israel. Israel has long accused many sections of Palestinian society of fomenting hatred towards Israelis in everything from school textbooks to social media posts. The Palestinians dismiss Israeli allegations that violence against Israeli citizens is caused by incitement, claiming instead is the result of nearly 50 years of Israeli military occupation and a lack of hope for gaining independence. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. Photo credit: Stratolaunch Systems From Popular Mechanics The gargantuan Stratolaunch carrier aircraft, built by Scaled Composites and nicknamed the "Roc," has the longest wingspan of any aircraft ever built: 385 feet from tip to tip. The six-engine mothership is designed to carry rockets between its two fuselages. Once at altitude, the mega-plane will drop the launch vehicle, which will then fire its boosters and launch to space from the air. .@Stratolaunch came out of the hangar for fuel testing. More pictures soon! pic.twitter.com/RCNgSpgG6W - Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) May 31, 2017 It's a new way of approaching spaceflight, reminiscent of the X-plane testing the Air Force did in the 1950s and 60s, and Paul Allen's company Stratolaunch Systems is leading the way. The long aircraft just rolled out of the Scaled Composites hangar for the first time earlier today, May 31. Fueling tests will begin in the coming days, followed by engine runs, taxi tests, and finally first flight. Stratolaunch Systems is still working on the rocket models that will be dropped from the carrier aircraft, but in October 2016 the company said it would use modified Pegasus XL rockets built by Orbital ATK for the first tests. In preparation for today's rollout, Scaled Composites spent the past weeks disassembling a three-story scaffold that surrounded the aircraft during construction. The aircraft's full weight rested on its 28 wheels for the first time, allowing Scaled Composites to weigh the almost entirely composite plane for the first time. It came in at 500,000 lbs. Photo credit: Stratolaunch Systems The big aircraft is designed for a maximum takeoff weight of 1,300,000 lbs., making the plane capable of carrying launch vehicles and their payloads weighing up to about 550,000 lbs., with 250,000 lbs. devoted to fuel. The first full launch test will use only one Pegasus XL rocket, but Stratolaunch has designed the system so up to three launch vehicles can be dropped during a single flight. The company will also look to expand the types of launch vehicles that are compatible with its carrier aircraft. Story continues Flightline testing will be conducted at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California over the course of several months, extensively testing all the systems of the new aircraft before flight. Stratolaunch is also preparing for delivery of the first Pegasus XL rocket to their facilities in Mojave. The new spaceflight company is on track to conduct the first launch test by 2019. Stratolaunch is betting on a new way to launch rockets and payloads to space, and it has completed its gigantic aircraft for the job, revealing it to the world for the first time. If the Roc can drive up launch efficiency and drive down price, it might just change the orbital game. Photo credit: Stratolaunch Systems Photo credit: Stratolaunch Systems You Might Also Like Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Davao city, southern Philippines: AP Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has insulted Chelsea Clinton for criticising remarks he made about his soldiers potentially assaulting women. Mr Duterte had returned to his home city of Davao on Wednesday to celebrate the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Navy. He used the occasion to berate Ms Clinton, who had joined a chorus of condemnation of the President for saying that he would take responsibility for any crimes his soldiers commit while imposing martial law in the southern Philippines, even if they raped three women. When your father, the president of the United States, was screwing Lewinsky and the girls there in the White House, how did you feel? Did you slam your father? Mr Duterte asked in Davao, in a reference to Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern with whom former President Bill Clinton had a sexual entanglement. The former first daughter had previously commented on Twitter that Mr Duterte's comments about assault were Not funny, before going on to declare that Duterte is a murderous thug with no regard for human rights and that rape is never a joke. In an expletive-laden speech at the navy event on Wednesday, Mr Duterte said: They hear rape. Like, like Chelsea, she slammed me. I was not joking, I was being sarcastic. Listen to the speech. I do not laugh at my own jokes. Mr Duterte, who has led a brutal war on drugs that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of drug users by police and vigilantes, declared martial law across the entire southern region of Mindanao last week. Mr Dutertes troops are currently battling Isis-affiliated fighters in the southern city of Marawi. The President has warned that local militant groups are uniting behind the terrorist organisation and becoming a major security threat. Shortly after declaring martial law, Mr Duterte told his troops in a speech: For this martial law and the consequences of martial law and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Story continues Just do your work. I will handle the rest, he added. I will be imprisoned for you. If you rape three (women), I will say that I did it. Mr Duterte is known for making outrageous statements to bring attention to himself, analysts say. Along with Ms Clinton, he has also attacked former US President Barack Obama, journalists and human rights campaigners. Listen to Harvard alumni react in our new podcast: YAHOO! FINANCE PRESENTS: Mark Zuckerbergs Commencement Address Up Close Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg gave Harvards commencement speech this year. (Paul Marotta/Getty Images) I thought he was going to announce his presidential campaign, so that surprised me, said Benjamin Pleat. Pleat, who graduated from Harvard this year with a degree in economics, was talking about Facebook (FB) CEO Mark Zuckerberg who was the principal speaker at Harvard Universitys 366th commencement ceremony on a rainy Thursday. I say, 2024, hes got my vote, he said. Others agreed that the speech had political undertones. An icon for millennials Michael Butler, who graduated with a degree in government, described Zuckerberg as a great icon for the millennial generation. He didnt view the speech as political, but he sees the potential for Zuckerberg to run for office in the future. Zuckerberg is very influential, especially among our generation, and hes very young, so he has a lot of time to run for office, Butler said. That will be the time when our generation is the one running things, so I definitely think he has the potential to run for office. Demetrios Julius, class of 1967, said he was knocked out by Zuckerbergs speech. Theres probably things that I dont agree with him on but his delivery was amazing. He connected with the audience, the people here, and thats his specialty, Julius said. Maybe its the start of something new for him. [YAHOO! FINANCE PRESENTS: Mark Zuckerbergs Commencement Address Up Close] But did Julius think it was presidential? Lets not jump that far, Julius said. Youve got to start somewhere in politics, but I dont know. For a young guy like that, I thought it was pretty amazing. Borderline inauthentic It seemed very much like a presidential speech, said a Harvard alum, who wished to speak anonymously. The alum went on to compare Zuckerbergs speech to former New York City Mayor Mike Bloombergs address in 2014. It was a very similar type of speech where it basically sounded like a stump speech that we hear on the campaign trail, and he was bringing up people in the audience and people he had met. Story continues Mark Zuckerberg (Paul Marotta/Getty Images) At the beginning of the year, Zuckerberg challenged himself to visit small towns and universities in every state. Some have speculated that hes doing this to set the stage to run for office. That was all preparation for this [speech], the alum said. And this is all preparation for, like its very clear what hes doing. He found the speech to be borderline inauthentic. Hes not a particularly galvanizing speaker, he added. I love him as an entrepreneur and I think as an alum, he did an amazing job and the people in the audience clearly loved him. But as a platform for his future ambitions, its very clear, everyone on Twitter was like, Hey, hes running for president. Just come out and say it.' [YAHOO! FINANCE PRESENTS: Mark Zuckerbergs Commencement Address Up Close] A down-to-earth billionaire Eugene Skowronski, class of 1965, was impressed with his naturalness and authenticity with the audience. He hardly looked at his speech, Skowronski said, I mean, he wrote it out very carefully, but he delivered it almost from memory. And, physically, hes much younger, fitter, better looking, hes just an amazing, all-around person. Agnes Igoye, who graduated with a masters degree in public administration, was recognized by Zuckerberg during his speech for her work countering human trafficking in Uganda. Agnes Igoye (Source: Harvard University / YouTube) That was really special. You never expect anything. When a speaker like Mark shouts out your name, thats an honor. Zuckerberg had asked to connect with students who are making a difference. He chose Igoye after hearing her story. Hes such a humble person, Igoye said. When I met with him, [hes] really down to earth. Im not kidding. He would sit in the room, he doesnt want you to sit apart from him. You sit together and its just like a conversation. When you meet him, it doesnt feel like youre meeting someone so rich or so important. It doesnt even come up because the way he dresses he came in a t-shirt. It was me who was overdressed! [YAHOO! FINANCE PRESENTS: Mark Zuckerbergs Commencement Address Up Close] Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter. Priyanka Chopra promotes Baywatch in Berlin. (Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures) Baywatch star Priyanka Chopra documented her trip to promote the movie in Berlin on social media, with selfies from her time hanging out with co-star (and German icon) David Hasselhoff, her walk down the red carpet with castmates including Dwayne the Rock Johnson and Zac Efron, and her visit to the Holocaust Memorial. Wait, what? The 34-year-old actress reportedly posted two photos to social media while she was in Germany earlier this week that showed her standing in front of the citys Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. In one of the images, she was looking straight at the camera, wearing sunglasses. She captioned it, Holocaust memorial #Berlin, and in the other, she was standing alongside her younger brother, Siddharth. There is such an eerie silence here, she wrote across the image. Some of the 2,711 blocks of concrete that make up the memorial to the estimated 6 million European Jews murdered by the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s could be seen in the background of both of Chopras photos. Backlash was swift, and the photos are no longer on Chopras accounts. Is it respectable for @priyankachopra to be taking selfies at the #Holocaust Memorial? pic.twitter.com/BKPpJOAsE7 Sara Muzzammil (@SaraMuzzammil) May 30, 2017 @priyankachopra hope you had fun clicking selfies at the Holocaust memorial!!! ???????????????? Udta_Poonja (@VikramPoonja) May 31, 2017 Why is it okay for @priyankachopra to take selfies at the #Berlin #holocaust #memorial? She isn't striking yoga poses & all that but really? Monpasha ???????? (@moomeep) May 30, 2017 Oh lord. Did Priyanka Chopra really take a selfie at the holocaust memorial? What sort of an insensitive crazy person does that? Nupur (@UnSubtleDesi) June 1, 2017 The memorial actually has been a popular spot for selfies since it opened in 2005. In January, Israeli-German writer Shahak Shapira began collecting and posting some of the photos taken there that he found on social media to a website he called Yolocaust. However, Shapira changed the photos by swapping real images from the Holocaust in the background. Hes since taken it down, but another Twitter user altered Chopras photo in the same heartbreaking way. Story continues Earlier this week, the Quantico star faced criticism for wearing a dress that showed her legs during a meeting with Indias prime minister, Narendra Modi. The move was shown as a lack of respect for the head of a country with conservative values. Naysayers of the Indian-born Chopra didnt approve of her crossing her legs either. Was such a lovely coincidence to be in #berlin???????? at the same time as the Prime Minister. Thank you @narendramodi Sir for taking the time from your packed schedule to meet me this morning. ???????? A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 30, 2017 at 1:04am PDT Chopras response to that was a cheeky photo of her and her mom, Madhu Chopra, showing their legs, of course. Legs for days. #itsthegenes with @madhuchopra nights out in #Berlin #beingbaywatch A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 30, 2017 at 4:23pm PDT That photo has not been removed. Read more from Yahoo Celebrity: By Nick Mafi. Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce. With most car's ranging in the six-figures, Rolls-Royce has built a reputation for excellence since their founding in 1906. Which makes the news that the British luxury-car manufacturer recently unveiled their most expensive vehicle all the more exciting. Adding to the drama is the fact that the Sweptail, as the car is being called, is a one-off vehicle that took four years to create by hand, and features a full-length panoramic roof that culminates in a tail-like rear of the vehicle. In total, the custom-built car costs a whooping $12.8 million. The Sweptail is a two-seat coupe that was the dream of a longtime Rolls-Royce customer. In 2013, the undisclosed male owner commissioned the car company to build a vehicle that would take on many of the aesthetics of the swept-tail Rolls-Royces' of the 1920s and '30s. Much of the clients love for the vehicles of that era came from his current passion for yachting. As such, the designers and engineers came up with a bespoke car that included an ample of amount of wood interiors, as well as a long, uninterrupted glass roof to enjoy the sky, much like from the deck of a yacht. Just to make the interior that much more glamorous, the team at Rolls-Royce added a button that, when pushed, deploys a chilled bottle of the owners favorite champagne along with two crystal flutes. The eight-figure car was unveiled over the weekend at the Concorso dEleganza at Villa dEste in Italy. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos expressed his pride in designing the historic vehicle at the ceremony, Sweptail is a truly magnificent car. It exudes the romance of travel for its own sake, and immediately places Sweptail in the pantheon of the worlds great intercontinental tourers...We are listening carefully to our most special customers and assessing their interest in investing in similar, completely exclusive masterpieces." This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest. Story continues More from Architectural Digest: Rolls-Royce Unveils Dawn, a Sprightly New Convertible Tour the Ferrari Factory, and Other Car-Lover Destinations Fourteen of the Most Luxurious Yacht Decks This Could Be the Most Luxurious Superyacht Yet The 10 Best New Luxury Cruises See What's Inside Donald Trump's Former Superyacht Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni: Reuters The Russian Government has said it supports the Paris Agreement on climate change ahead of Donald Trump's expected announcement that he will withdraw the US from the landmark accord. The Kremlin also said the deal, which seeks to limit global warming to as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible, would be less effective without the participation of major countries, Reuters reported. Several news media in the US have reported that Mr Trump plans to ditch the Paris Agreement, which Barack Obama suggested might one day become viewed as the moment "we finally decided to save the planet". Speaking hours ahead of the US President's formal announcement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters: "President (Vladimir) Putin signed this convention in Paris. Russia attaches great significance to it. "At the same time, it goes without saying that the effectiveness of this convention is likely to be reduced without its key participants." For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. He was speaking as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said there was an "international responsibility" for countries to take action over climate change during a trip to Europe for talks with European Union officials. Mr Li did not mention the US or Mr Trump specifically, but he referenced an infamous claim by the Republican billionaire that global warming was a hoax made up by China. "Fighting climate change is a global consensus, it's not invented by China," he said. In an unprecedented step, the European Union and China are to release a joint statement in a sign of the increasing closeness between Brussels and Beijing and the widening divide between Brussels and Washington under Mr Trump. "The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever," it will say. Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report Teen Mom OG star Maci Bookout shocked some fans Monday when she outted ex-fiance, saying he was addicted to drugs. While the accusation was surprising to most, what seemed more unlikely was that Edwards fiancee would confirm the rumor. After Bookouts statement, where she said the father of her oldest child needs rehab, Standifer took to Twitter to defend her fiance. In the same breath, she also seemed to confirm that Edwards was struggling. Since her comment was brief, it cant be 100 percent determined if she was admitting Edwards was battling an addiction to drugs. READ: Amber Portwood Slams Matt Baier After He Says He Will Not Marry Her On Teen Mom OG Heres a thought maybe instead of making assumptions and tearing people down, you could spend that time praying for us instead, she tweeted Tuesday. Strong is beautiful. Standifer further hinted that things within their relationship were fine. Being married someday is going to be so dope, she retweeted. Like you get to come home to your best friend every single day and just do life together. Even though Standifer issued a statement to the blog The Ashley about the drug rumors, she was still indirect, unable to open up about Edwards apparent problems. Let them wonder, let them assume, and then let them eat cake, Mackenzie told The Ashley last week, before the episode aired. I dont feel like I need to defend myself to viewers. When they walk in my shoes or pay my bills, then maybe. But I have absolutely no respect for individuals who choose to put everyone else down. Bookout told Amber Portwood and Catelynn Lowell on Teen Mom OG Monday that she was worried about the father of their 7-year-old son, Bentley. Everyone else around him is too afraid of what it will look like more than his healthits all denial, she said. They all know. Story continues Portwood, who is a recovering addict, agreed. She said she saw the signs. Ryans f---ed up, the Indiana native said. I watch it, I see it, I know it. Where hes at right now, when I see him, I know where hes at and Im like, Wow, he needs some guidance.' However, Bookout, 25, said that it was his family and friends who would hold him back from getting help. He would do it, she said of rehab. Its everyone else around him thats afraid to admit it. Hes got me. Everyone else around him is too afraid of what it will look like more than his health. Its all denial. The hardest thing is to see Ryan not love himself. Hes a person who deserves to love himself. READ: Amber Portwood Responds To Matt Baier Sex Tape Reactions From Teen Mom OG Fans And Farrah Abraham Bookout praised husband Taylor McKinney for being there for her while she worried about her ex. The couple has two children together. Im going to be like, you have to go to rehab, she told McKinney on Mondays episode. Right now its about saving his life. Most nights Im crying in our bed talking to you about whether or not today is the day hes going to die. Standifer accepted Edwards proposal in December 2016. They are slated to tie the knot Nov. 18, 2017 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Radar Online exclusively reported. Related: Follow me on Twitter@mariamzzarella Related Articles Photo credit: Getty Images From Woman's Day It started as a peaceful flight. About 40 minutes before landing, some of the 318 passengers on the May 1st Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Bangkok, Thailand, were taking the opportunity to use the restroom before the seat belt light flicked back on. That's when it happened: Severe turbulence threw people around, knocking some down into the aisles. The airplane had encountered an "air hole", and while it only lasted 10 seconds, the damage was evident: broken bones, bruised faces, blood on the cabin ceiling, and babies with head injuries. Though thankfully no one died, 27 people were hospitalized-including a one-year-old. This scary news story had us wondering: What more can we do to keep our kids safe on airplanes? The same thing you'd do during a drive, says Allana Pinkerton, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and Global Safety Advocate at diono: Put them in a car seat. Photo credit: Getty Images Baby on Board "Overall, when we think of car seat use, whether on an airplane or in a car, it's a lot like insurance. You pay for it up front, but do not need it until there is an incident to use it," Pinkerton tells WomansDay.com. "In this case, an airplane crash is highly unlikely [about one in 5.4 million, according to the Economist]. However, rough takeoffs, landings, and turbulence are quite common. During these scenarios, it is safer for a child to be in their five point harness to adequately protect them." Currently, most airlines do not require car seats (or even seats) for children under the age of two. Why? "I'm afraid it all comes down to dollars and some complications," Pinkerton says. "Airlines are fearful customers would drive rather than fly if they have to purchase a seat for their child, and not all car seats fit on every airplane." Still, most airline websites contain information about using car seats on planes. And the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly advises that the safest option is a government-approved child safety restraint system (CRS) or device, also known as a car seat. For older kids, there's also the CARES Child Safety Device, a harness that slips over the seat and straps around your child with the help of the seat belt. In general, the same car seat requirements for age, height, and weight apply to planes as well. Story continues "Your arms aren't capable of holding your child securely, especially during unexpected turbulence," the FAA website explains. And the alternative, strapping baby inside your own seat belt, could cause you to crush him or her with the weight of your body. "The laws of physics do not change just because you're on an airplane. In fact, they increase exponentially with a plane taking off and landing at roughly 250 mph." A Risky Decision If it's the safest way to fly, why don't you see more car seats on airplanes? (FYI, there are only two photos of car seats on airplanes on Getty Images.) The first reason seems to be that flying with infants on your lap is legal, not to mention an obvious money-saver. If cost is an issue, it's important to note that some airlines, like Southwest, do offer "affordable infant fares" for kids under two-and for those that don't, you can always call and try to negotiate over the phone (play the safety card!). If you find yourself on an undersold plane, you can also ask if the airline will give your child one of the empty seats, says FAA. Other than price, Pinkerton also says parents simply aren't aware of the risk. "There is no way to predict when these incidents will occur, just like we cannot predict a car crash," she says. "I always say 'Err on the side of caution.' If your child is not properly secured, they risk being injured or killed." A third reason could be convenience-parents might not want to add one more large item to the list of things they have to lug around. While that's perfectly understandable, today's models (like convertibles you can wear as backpacks) are much more travel-friendly. How to Choose an FAA-Certified Car Seat Don't go out and buy a new car seat just yet: There's a good chance the one you already have in your vehicle is FAA-approved-check the manual or look for the airplane illustration on the label, and make sure it measures at or under 16 inches wide. Installing is easy: Just follow the instructions in the manual. "In general, place the lap belt through the correct belt path," Pinkerton says. "Buckle the seat belt and pull it tight so there is less than one inch of movement in either direction. Depending on your car seat, you may need to get a seat belt extender from the airline." Keep in mind that flight attendants will probably instruct you to put the car seat in the seat by the window so it's not in the exit path of other passengers. Another bonus? "You and your child will be more comfortable, and they will be in a familiar area-their car seat," Pinkerton adds. "It just might make your trip more pleasant for all of you." You Might Also Like Spicer has refused to say that 'covfefe' was a typo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is refusing to admit that a late-night typo tweeted by his boss was anything but a simple mistake. During his daily press briefing, Mr Spicer cryptically told reporters that the president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant when he tweeted the word covfefe at 12:06 a.m. Mr Trump tweeted despite the negative press covfefe and left the tweet on his account for hours before he deleted it. The odd tweet gained steam overnight on Twitter, with rampant speculation about what the word could have meant from Twitter jokesters and trolls alike. Twitter itself even made it a moment so that users could peruse the conversation easier. If Mr Spicer was joking, his tone did not make that apparent - with the press briefing being off camera. When Mr Trump, presumably, woke up in the morning and saw the hubbub he tweeted out a rare self-deprecating joke. Who can figure out the true meaning of covfefe ??? Enjoy! he wrote then. He later tweeted the original message that started the storm of jokes. The tweet drew plenty of speculation and jokes. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel joined in the fun saying, what makes me saddest is that I know Ill never write anything funnier than #covfefe, on Twitter. Hillary Clinton, who lost the 2016 election against Mr Trump, joked during a conference in California that she thought it was a hidden message to the Russians, and that her audience didnt have a high enough classification to know what covfefe means. Its not hard to take a serious guess as to what Mr Trump likely meant to write in that now infamous tweet. The president frequently derides the news media for reporting stories that arent flattering to the administration, including ongoing investigations into his campaigns ties to Russian officials. Mr Trump also likes to praise the job he is doing on Twitter. Putting those two together, a good guess may be that he was trying to say he is moving forward with important achievements despite the negative press coverage. Press secretary says all questions about investigation will be referred to Trumps lawyer, as fired FBI director James Comey reported to testify soon During a press briefing on 30 May, Sean Spicer said the White House focus was on the presidents agenda. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters The White House said on Wednesday it will no longer answer questions about the ongoing investigations into Donald Trumps alleged links to Russia. James Comey, fired by Trump as director of the FBI, is reportedly due to testify to a congressional committee as early as next week. Asked about Comeys evidence and whether the president had engaged in obstruction of justice, press secretary Sean Spicer replied: We are focused on the presidents agenda and going forward all questions on these matters will be referred to outside counsel Marc Kasowitz. Kasowitz is Trumps longtime lawyer and has represented him in property deals, divorce cases and fraud allegations at Trump University. Comey plans to confirm to the Senate intelligence committee allegations that Trump pressured him to drop an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynns links to Russia, according to a CNN report. The broadcaster also said Comey has discussed the parameters of his congressional testimony with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is now leading the criminal investigation. The White House made the announcement about its new policy on Russia questions just before the House intelligence committee issued subpoenas related to its Russia investigation. The subpoenas were approved for Flynn and Trumps lawyer Michael Cohen and their related businesses. Many of Spicers daily press briefings have been dominated by the Russia saga, much to his evident frustration, even though Trumps tweets have often reignited the issue. His statement on Wednesday suggested that he is attempting to move on and, now a criminal investigation is under way, he feels uncomfortable about commenting without legal advice. White House communications director Michael Dubke announced his resignation this week and, amid reports of an imminent shake up, there has been much speculation about Spicers future as press secretary. His demeanour on Wednesday was morose, his answers terse, in an off-camera briefing that lasted just 12 minutes. Story continues Spicer was asked if Trumps late-night tweet with the apparent typo covfefe, which lingered online for hours, is a matter of concern. No, he answered gruffly, adding the extraordinary claim: I think the president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant. As the room erupted in shouts and sarcastic comments, Spicer smiled briefly but ploughed on to the next question. At 12.06am on Wednesday, Trump wrote: Despite the constant negative press covfefe, triggering a torrent of jokes on Twitter. The post, since deleted, was followed by another tweet at 6.09am that joked: Who can figure out the true meaning of covfefe ??? Enjoy! Democratic US senator Al Franken, in a CNN interview, joked: A covfefe is a Yiddish term for I got to go to bed now. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday, when the group, as detailed by the PM, discussed climate change, migration and reconciliation. He described the meeting with the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church as an honour. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, visited the Vatican alongside her husband on Monday [Photo: Getty Images] For the occasion, the Prime Minister of Canada wore a suit, while Mrs. Trudeau opted for a black dress with three-quarter-length sleeves, black heels, and a pillbox hat. Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday [Photo: Getty Images] The subject of womens dress while meeting the leader of the Catholic Church has been hotly debated as of late, as wearing a veil is in line with the traditional dress code at the headquarters of the RCC. For first lady Melania Trump and first daughter and presidential advisor Ivanka Trumps visit with the Pope on May 24, the duo stuck with tradition and paired black veils with their ensembles. It was an incredible honor to have an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis today. He is a remarkable man who inspires hope, love and kindness around the globe. #POTUSAbroad #Pope #PopeFrancis ???? Associated Press (AP) A post shared by Ivanka Trump (@ivankatrump) on May 24, 2017 at 6:45am PDT Per Vatican protocol, 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 ladys communications director, told CNN on the attire. Despite abiding by this traditional dress code, the pair received criticism for the looks especially the veils across social media, as many users said they were channeling in-mourning vibes. Former FLOTUS Michelle Obama also wore a black veil to meet then-Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. Michelle Obama also wore a black veil to meet then-Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. (Photo: Getty Images) Mrs. Trudeaus international attire while meeting Pope Francis, meanwhile, didnt seem to garner much criticism. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Read more from Yahoo Style UK: Melania Trump wears incredible 40,000 floral jacket for final day abroad Is Melania Trump stealing the Duchess of Cambridges style? Stefano Gabbana sends explicit message to Melania Trump trolls on Instagram Photo: @s0ph8/Instagram Students in Canada are fighting for their right to wear what they want by doing exactly that. After Sophie Harris, a student in Nelson, British Columbia, was dress-coded for an outfit she said complied with her schools rules, she organized a demonstration. On Tuesday, the 14-year-old and her friends showed up at Trafalgar Middle School in crop tops and short shorts to protest what they believed were unequal fashion regulations. Before the protest, Harris explained the incident on Instagram that pushed her to organize a rally. Today, I got dress coded before school had even started, Harris began her caption. I was told, that my entire outfit was inappropriate. I was told, (this is a direct quote) we have 11 and 12 year old boys at this school. We cant have you dressed like that. Well, guess what trafalgar. Thats not cool. My outfit complied with the written code, she said referencing the gray tank top tucked into denim shorts she was wearing in the accompanying photo. My shirt covered my upper body, and was not see through. The neck line was high enough that it didnt show cleavage. And it didnt even show my stomach. My shorts, were the appropriate length. I checked before I left the house this morning. If I reached down, my fingertips could touch the hemline, she explained regarding the hemline test. Story continues She pointed out that shes been dress-coded before, and the reason sounds familiar: Every time Ive been dress coded its been because its distracting to young boys which is frankly misogynistic, because its not my problem. She continued, Teachers cant expect me to wear a onesie to school in 30 degree weather. Its summer, deal with it, she said. Her major issues are with the inconsistencies in the dress code. [T]he dress code isnt equal, she wrote. If you scroll through all the pictures youll see outfits that clearly violate the written dress code, and havent been told off, she said referencing the rest of the photos in this post of her classmates is more revealing outfits. One of Sophies classmates. (Photo: @s0ph8/Instagram) Furthermore, youll see guys at our school wearing their pants around there knees, and not getting dress coded. The Trafalgar website says that its equal for boys and girls, but clearly its not because Ive seen boys without shirts on, and with their pants about to fall off. She even called the school out for being sexist and picking favorites. Its been agreed upon by lots of people at our school that the dress code is sexist, and unfair. Who gets in trouble is based upon the preferred students. Out of all the outfits people wear every day only a handful get dress coded when way more than that should. Im preaching for equality for ALL girls and ALL boys. The dress code is crazy unfair, and Im done, she concluded her self proclaimed feminist rant. Sophies school dress code that she shared on Instagram. (Photo: @s0ph8/Instagram) The teenager also shared a picture of the schools dress code, which states that pants, skirts, and shorts must be of sufficient length and undergarments cannot show. Shirts must be able to touch the top of the bottoms when in a normal standing position, and they cant be see-through or low-cut. Shoutout to the many amazing people who supported the cause #croptoptuesday. I am so happy to say that the staff of Trafalgar are initiating change about the dress code, and I am so so thankful to everyone who supported me???? A post shared by soph???? (@s0ph8) on May 31, 2017 at 6:25pm PDT Sophies friends and fellow students defended her by showing up to school in midriff-baring tops, tight pants, and cutoffs. About 20 teens joined forces to take action, labeling the day #CropTopTuesday. Shoutout to the many amazing people who supported the cause #croptoptuesday, Sophie captioned the photo. Carol-Ann Leidloff, Trafalgar Middle Schools principal, was not angry about their actions. Our students expressed their frustrations about our schools dress code in a peaceful, respectful way during their protest and it was a good example of democracy in action, Leidloff tells Yahoo Style. Weve heard their voices and will be meeting with student representatives (a boy and a girl from each eighth-grade class) on Thursday to discuss how we can improve our school code so that it works for everyone. This was a great learning opportunity and in the end, will build a stronger school community where students feel they have a voice that truly can make a difference. This isnt the first time students have protested a dress code. Just a few weeks ago, a bunch of students at Belgrade High School in Montana staged a protest of the schools strict rules when it comes to hemlines and were sent home because of it. In March, high school students from El Paso, Texas, staged an on-campus demonstration about a dress code that prevents them from exposing their underarms. Crop tops are a common rallying point for students, as teens from Canadas Prince Edward Island wore crop tops to class last October in protest of unnecessary school dress codes. These students feel clothing doesnt distract them from learning; administrators pulling them out of class because of clothing do. 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. By Abu Arqam Naqash MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - Three people were killed in disputed Kashmir on Thursday when bitter foes India and Pakistan engaged in cross-border shelling, officials on both sides of the border said, adding to simmering tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The armies face off along the heavily militarized and disputed frontier, known as the Line of Control (LoC), that divides the Muslim-majority Himalayan region. Indian troops last week said they attacked and damaged Pakistani army posts in Kashmir as they sought to prevent militants infiltrating from the Pakistani side, but Islamabad denied the claim. Mohammad Usman, a police official in the southern Poonch district of Pakistan-held Kashmir, said the shelling started in the morning. Two civilians were killed and six wounded. "The civilian population in the vulnerable villages was caught off guard by the unprovoked firing," Usman said. "It was intense." The Indian army said one person was killed and one wounded on its side of Kashmir, blaming Pakistan for starting the exchange of fire. "The Indian army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on." Pakistan army's media wing, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement: "Indian troops initiated unprovoked firing at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning." In a separate bout of violence, two militants were killed in North Kashmirs Sopore area on Thursday, a police spokesman in Indian-held Kashmir said. (Additional reporting by Fayaz Bukhari; Editing by Drazen Jorgic and Nick Macfie) Kabul (AFP) - A massive truck bomb ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quater on Wednesday, killing at least 80 people and wounding over 300. Here are some of the worst attacks in the Afghan capital over the past year and a half: - 2016 - - January 20: A Taliban suicide bomber rams his car into a minibus belonging to television channel Tolo, killing seven of its employees, in the first major attack on the Afghan media. - February 1: Twenty police officers are killed and 29 people injured in a Taliban suicide attack on a police base in Kabul. - February 27: A suicide bomber blows himself up outside the defence ministry, killing 12 in an attack claimed by the Taliban. - April 19: A truck bomb followed by a shootout leaves 64 people dead and more than 340 injured in central Kabul in a Taliban-claimed attack. - May 25: Ten people are killed in a Taliban suicide attack targeting a minibus carrying court employees in a western Kabul suburb. - June 20: Fourteen Nepalese security guards employed by Western embassies are killed on the outskirts of Kabul, in a Taliban assault. - June 30: A double suicide attack by the Taliban against a convoy of police recruits leaves 30 dead. - July 23: Islamic State jihadists claim responsibility for twin explosions that rips through crowds of Shiite Hazaras in Kabul, killing at least 85 people and wounding more than 400. - August 25: Sixteen people are killed after militants storm the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, in a nearly 10-hour raid that was not claimed. - September 5: A double Taliban attack near the defence ministry leaves 41 dead and more than a hundred injured. Overnight a third attack, which was not claimed, targets aid group CARE International in central Kabul. Six are injured. - October 12: Islamic State claim responsibility for an attack on a shrine that kills at least 18 people gathering to mark Ashura, one of the most important Shiite festivals. - October 19: Two Americans including a civilian are killed when a gunman opens fire near a NATO base in Kabul, with Afghan officials calling it an "insider attack". Story continues - November 21: A massive suicide blast targeting Shiites kills at least 27 people and wounds 64 at a Kabul mosque in another sectarian attack claimed by IS. - 2017 - - January 10: Twin blasts near the Afghan parliament kill 38 people and wound 86. - February 7: A suicide bomb rips through a crowd of Supreme Court employees, killing at least 20 and wounding 41. No group claims responsibility. - March 1: Sixteen people are killed in simultaneous Taliban suicide assaults on two security compounds. - March 8: Gunmen disguised as doctors storm Afghanistan's largest military hospital in a six-hour attack officially claimed by IS. The official death toll is 50 but security sources and survivors say it exceeded 100. - May 3: A powerful blast targeting a foreign forces convoy near the US embassy and NATO headquarters kills at least eight people and wounds 28 during morning rush hour. - May 31: At least 80 people are killed and hundreds wounded when a massive truck bomb rips through Kabul's diplomatic quarter, shattering windows hundreds of metres away. The death of an Australian girl in a Baghdad bombing underscored why Australia was fighting Islamic State militants in the Middle East, the Australian foreign minister said yesterday. Zynab Al-Harbiya, 12, from Melbourne, went with her family to Baghdad to visit her sick grandfather when she was killed Tuesday when a car bomb exploded outside a popular ice cream shop, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said. More than 30 others were killed, Australian official Frances Adamson said. Dozens more were injured, including Al-Harbiyas mother and an uncle, according to lawmaker Bill Shorten. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, which Iraqi officials said involved apparently remotely detonated explosives inside a parked car. This tragedy underscores the brutality of this terrorist organization. It shows no respect for religion, nationality, sovereignty, borders, no respect for humanity, Bishop told reporters. She said it shows why the Australian government has continued to commit defense personnel to support the Iraqi security forces so that they can fight to defeat this terrorist organization within Iraq and to prevent its spread to other parts of the world including in our region. The girls cousin, Layla Al-Saabary, said the family had only been in Baghdad for a few days when the tragedy occurred and Zynab had been scared of the bombs. She wanted to go and buy ice cream, so she insisted. Her mother gave permission and so they went to the main square and she was going to go buy ice cream and she went and she never came back, Al-Saabary told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Shorten told Parliament that Zynab, the Australian-born daughter of Iraqi refugees, had gone with her mother and an uncle to Baghdad while her father stayed in Melbourne. He said the mothers wounds were not life threatening but the girls uncle was hurt seriously. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Zynab as another innocent killed by this violent tendency, this violent terrorist movement that is gnawing away, seeking to destroy and pervert and blaspheme one of the great regions of the world. Australia is one of the biggest contributors to the U.S.-led military campaign against IS militants in Iraq and Syria, with 780 Australian military personnel in the Middle East and aircraft including six jet fighters striking Islamic State targets. The holy Muslim month of Ramadan is often marked by an increase in violence in Iraq. Last year, a huge truck bombing claimed by IS killed hundreds in a retail district in central Baghdad where people were shopping for clothes ahead of the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. It was the single deadliest event in Baghdad since Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003. AP Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's National Guard forces on Wednesday assaulted several reporters, including AFP photographer Luis Robayo, as they covered a protest against President Nicolas Maduro. Robayo said the troops beat him as they sought to stop him from taking pictures of clashes between demonstrators and the National Guard on Caracas' Francisco Fajardo highway. "The National Guard started to go by on motorbikes. They approached and one of them hit me several times in the head, then they pushed me and I fell. They lifted me up by the (bulletproof) vest, and my camera fell," he recalled. One of them tried to take off Robayo's gas mask and arrest him only to be told to stop by a superior, the photographer said. Guards took away the photographer's vehicle and belongings, his driver said. At least two photographers with other media faced beatings and brief arrests, professional associations and colleagues said. Opposition activists and government supporters were staging the latest in two months of street protests, with fresh clashes between prosecutors and police. Prosecutors say the unrest has left 60 people dead so far. Coal miners and alienated workers just trumped corporate America. By canceling Americas participation in the 2015 Paris climate agreement, President Trump snubbed many of the nations biggest businesses. Corporate giants including Exxon (XOM), General Electric (GE), Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT) and Alphabet (GOOGL) urged Trump to stick with the agreement, which nearly every other country in the world has signed on to. Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk said hell quit as an informal White House adviser on account of Trumps decision to withdraw. The only major businesses supporting Trumps move are energy firms dependent on coal and oil. The Paris accord is very unfair to the United States, Trump declared at the White House on June 1. He claimed the agreement imposes draconian financial and economic burdens on the United State, while linking it to the loss of nearly 3 million jobsa claim economists strongly dispute. Trump did say he was open to re-entering the Paris agreement under different terms, leaving some wiggle room amid the criticism he is sure to get for the decision. Withdrawing from the deal probably wont be as catastrophic for business or the climate as overheated news coverage might suggest. The Paris deal relies on voluntary reductions in carbon emissions, according to standards each nation sets for itself. Countries can change their standards or simply not abide by them. Enforcement is weak, at best. And market incentives to adopt cleaner energy are becoming stronger, in some cases obviating the need for government incentives or mandates. A headache for American businesses But abstaining from a global agreement embraced by every other developed economy is a headache for American businesses all the same. Multinational companies want to sell their goods and services everywhere, which is easier when their home country is following the same agenda, more or less, as other countries they want to sell to. The Paris agreement will likely spur spending on new climate-friendly technologies, and US firms want a cut of that as well. They could lose out to foreign firms whose home governments do more to cultivate such technologies. Story continues By appeasing America firsters and legacy industries such as coal, Trump has obviously fulfilled a campaign promise, while demonstrating solidarity with workers stuck in fading 20th century industries. But that will do nothing to increase demand for dirty coal or create jobs in industries the free market is closing the books on anyway. Natural gas burns much cleaner than coal and is nearly as cheap, thanks in large part to Americas fracking revolution. Pollution-free solar power is becoming cost-competitive without any need for government incentives. States such as California and many municipalities have their own reasons to encourage the use of renewables and cleaner-burning fuels, regardless of what Trump wants. Thats why Exxon and many other oil companies favor the Paris agreementit helps them gain a foothold in the energy market that is slowly but surely replacing carbon. Trump probably could have found different ways to help the beleaguered coal industrypowerful federal incentives to draw companies to coal country, saywhile keeping American firms under the Paris umbrella. But he disregarded the pleas from corporate America, with no apparent concern for whether that could impede economic growth or cost American jobs. At some point business leaders must rightfully ask whether Trump represents their interests or not. Trump rode to Washington on a pro-business platform, but his actions in office havent been so business-friendly. He has left health insurers and other companies in the medical industry deeply uncertain about the business climate they face, since he has vowed to dismantle the Affordable Care Act without an obvious replacement. Insurers are bailing out of ACA markets where they cant make money, a problem that existed before Trump took office but has since gotten worse. Trump has threatened the auto industry with tariffs and other punishments (and consumers with higher car prices) if they dont create more American jobs. He has lambasted pharmaceutical firms for their high prices. His threat to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement would roil thousands of business that rely on those trading relationships. He may still seek tariffs on Chinese imports, as he has frequently threatened, which would upend supply lines for many other US companies. Offsetting all of this, from a CEOs perspective, is the promise of tax cuts and deregulation, two of Trumps top priorities. Tax cuts could directly boost corporate profits and stock prices along with them. Deregulation could lower the cost of doing business, which is almost as good as a boost in net income. But Trump obviously faces difficult challenges getting major legislation through Congress, and hes adding to the burden with controversies such as the Russia investigation, weakening his political hand and overburdening Congress. Its now unlikely Congress will pass any kind of tax reform in 2017, and the longer it drifts toward next years fall election season, the less likely it becomes. Trump has undone some minor regulations with executive orders, but major pruning would require Congressional action, and that is nowhere to be seen. Take tax cuts and deregulation away, and Trump looks more like a self-preserving political boss playing favorites than a businessman-president. He favors downtrodden industries on their way out over ascendant industries such as technology and renewable energy, because thats where his base resides. He talks up the need for stronger growth while explaining away political decisions that could impede growth. And he accepts symbolic wins that save a few endangered jobs without talking at all about how to create and secure the jobs of the future. Eventually, well need them, because you cant prop up the jobs of the past forever. Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com Read more: Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman Weather.com on the afternoon of June 1. After President Trump announced his intention to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, the Weather Channel tailored its homepage to emphasize the effects of climate change. Leading with the headline, BREAKING NOW: Trump pulls U.S. Out of Paris Climate Agreement; What That Means, Weather.com programmed its homepage so that a string of seven stories seemed to read out a message to Trump. So, What Happens to Earth Now? began the series of links. Still Dont Care? Proof You Shouldand More Proofand Even More ProofOr the Imminent Collapse of a Key Ice ShelfOr Antarctica Turning Green Or Californias Coast Disappearing Into the Sea. By pulling out of the agreement, the U.S. joins Syria (which did not send a representative to the conference) and Nicaragua (which did not think the agreement was strong enough). Trump had previously said that climate change was a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. In a briefing following Thursdays announcement, White House officials declined to answer a question about whether or not Trump believes climate change is real. Read more from Yahoo News: Syrian President Bashar Assad, President Donald Trump and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. (Photos: SANA via AP, Evan Vucci/AP, Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) In withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change, the United States will leave the ranks of more than 190 nations committed to the international deal and join Syria and Nicaragua as the only other countries that are not participating. According to the announcement by President Trump Thursday afternoon, the U.S. will become the third country in the world to reject the pact, which is intended to slow the rate of global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Syria, in the midst of a civil war, wasnt expected to sign the agreement and had no involvement with the 2015 negotiations. Nicaragua denounced the global pact during the 2015 talks, citing concerns over the voluntary nature of the agreement and the lack of punitive measures in place for countries that violate the deal. The nation also balked at the agreements aim to limit the global temperature to 2C, calling for a more ambitious target. But the carbon emissions of both Syria and Nicaragua are far less than that of the United States, which means that Americas withdrawal could have far greater consequences. Syria and Nicaragua produced about 70,000 and 16,000 kilotons of carbon emissions, respectively, in 2012, according to World Bank data. The U.S., however, emitted about 6.3 million kilotons more than 67 times the total emissions of Syria and Nicaragua combined. Related slideshow: Droughts, floods, storms and more: what climate change looks like around the world >>> Though a U.S. withdrawal wouldnt take effect until 2020, the shift would send a strong message about the nations prioritization of climate change. Trump had decried the 2015 agreement during his presidential campaign, vowing to withdraw from the agreement within his first 100 days. He claimed that the U.S. economy would save trillions of dollars by abandoning the agreement. In the past he has called the very idea of human-caused climate change a hoax. Some of Trumps own advisers and Cabinet members, as well as American business leaders and world leaders including Pope Francis, had asked Trump to keep the U.S. in the agreement. Read more from Yahoo News: President Trump, near an Israeli flag at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem last month. (Photo: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters) WASHINGTON President Trump on Thursday postponed moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, stalling on a signature campaign promise on the grounds that shifting it now would hurt the chance to revive Middle East peace efforts. In a message to Congress, Trump cited the need to protect the national security interests of the United States as he invoked his power to put off the move for six months a nod to the same diplomatic realities that led his predecessors to break the same pledge. No one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the Presidents strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance, the White House said in a statement. President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend Americas national security interests. But, as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when. In effect, however, that statement only reaffirmed the 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem but provides presidents the power to hold off in six-month increments. Israel has claimed Jerusalem as its undivided capital since 1950 and supports moving the diplomatic mission. But the Palestinians aim to locate the capital of their potential future state in the eastern part of the city, occupied by Israel since the 1967 war. Moving the embassy would effectively ratify the Israeli claim. It would also risk an angry response from Muslim allies whom Trump has described as vital to beating back terrorist groups such as the so-called Islamic State. U.S. policy has been to regard the dispute as one of the final status issues to be determined in Middle East peace negotiations. President Trump at the Western Wall in Jerusalem May 22, 2017. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) The issue arose during the planning stages for Trumps recently completed first trip overseas. Israeli officials proposed having Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accompany Trump when he made the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to the Western Wall, one of Judaisms holiest sites, located in East Jerusalem. U.S. officials declined. Two Trump aides told Yahoo News at the time that the Israeli offer amounted to a diplomatic trap. Story continues Trump aides have said in recent weeks that the president is waiting to see whether his efforts to revive the Middle East peace process bear fruit before he rattles the status quo on the embassy. Throughout the 2016 campaign, Trump vowed to move the embassy on his first day in office. In a statement announcing his nomination, David Friedman, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said he looked forward to working from the U.S. Embassy in Israels eternal capital, Jerusalem. And just days before his inauguration, Trump responded to a journalist asking him about his pledge by saying, You know Im not a person who breaks promises. Still, the embassy is not an easy decision, Trump told Israel Hayom, a paper backed by U.S. billionaire and Trump campaign benefactor Sheldon Adelson, in a February interview. It has obviously been out there for many, many years, and nobody has wanted to make that decision. Im thinking about it very seriously, and we will see what happens. That echoed Trumps hedging in a Jan. 29 interview with Christian broadcaster CBN. While there is certainly a chance that hell move the embassy, the president said, this has two sides to it; its not easy to do it its not easy and I will make a decision over the not-too-distant future. Trump also indicated during February talks at the White House with Netanyahu that he was rethinking his promise. As far as the embassy moving to Jerusalem, Id love to see that happen. Were looking at it very, very strongly. Were looking at it with great care great care, believe me. And well see what happens. OK? he told reporters. An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks by the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. (Photo: Amir Cohen/Reuters) Defense Secretary James Mattis is known not to favor the embassy move, seeing it as an unnecessary provocation that could inflame anti-American sentiment across the Arab world. And a Trump aide recently told Yahoo News that opposition to the shift from Jordans King Abdullah carried weight with the White House. The sensitivities of the issue are clear on official government websites. The CIAs World Factbook says this under the entry for Israels capital: Jerusalem: note while Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, the international community does not recognize it as such; the US, like all other countries, maintains its embassy in Tel Aviv-Yafo. (At the State Department, the page that normally would include such details is currently being updated.) The issue led to some infamously awkward moments in the Obama White House, including a back-and-forth in which administration spokesman Jay Carney tried to duck the question. And the White House changed a transcript of Obamas eulogy for the late Israeli President Shimon Peres, striking Israel from a dateline that read Jerusalem. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: UPDATE: 3 a.m. EDT Twitter users were up and about early Wednesday and kept Donald Trumps misspelled word covfefe trending on the micro-blogging site. The president had incorrectly written the word coverage in a tweet attacking the media. What triggered was series of hilarious memes and responses from social media users. The tweet was still up on the president's Twitter account. Original Story: Twitter users were sent into frenzy after President Donald Trump made a spelling error in a tweet past midnight. He wrote "covfefe" instead of, what seemed to be "coverage." The tweet which was aimed to criticize the media ended up him being mocked by Twitter users for the typo. The tweet was posted after the president retweeted a "Fox & Friends" story on Jared Kushner saying the Trump aide did not suggest establishing a secret communications channel with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during a meeting last December. However, it still remained unclear what the president was trying to say as the tweet was incomplete and had a spelling error. Trump covfefe tweet Photo: Twitter Screenshot Trumps "covfefe" tweet garnered more than 48,000 likes, over 39,000 retweets and about 19,000 replies. The tweet was still up at the time of the writing and the president did not follow it up with any other tweet. Obviously, Twitter users did not leave a chance to take a dig at the president and created several memes and jokes about "covfefe." Furthermore, within an hour covfefe began trending on the site and the domain name covfefe.com was already created on GoDaddy. Story continues Some Twitter users also compared Trumps "covfefe" tweet to former Sen. Scott Browns "Bqhatevwr" tweet in January 2013. Brown later explained that pocket dial and the small keys on his iPhone were to be blamed for the tweet. "Anyone ever hear of pocket tweet, pocket dial? I mean it was pretty simple," Brown said, according to the Washington Post. Here are some of the replies to Trump's "covfefe" tweets. The 70-year-old president is known for several typos. On Dec. 17, 2016, Trump infamously tweeted "unpresidented act" to describe Chinas seizure of a U.S. Navy drone. Social media users were quick to point out and mock the mistake. About four hours later, he deleted the tweeted and replaced it with the correct spelling of "unprecedented." On Jan. 21, only a day after assuming the office, Trump misspelled the word honored as "honered." He then replaced the tweeted with the correct spelling. Trump's official inauguration poster had cringe worthy grammatical error. It said: "No dream is too big, no challenge is to great." It should have been: "no challenge is too great." Also in January, Trump left many people wondering whether he actually checks his tweets before making them public. In March, the president misspelled "hereby" in two tweets. However, those tweets were later replaced with a correct version. In both tweets, he called for an investigation into Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) for their alleged connection to Russia. The tweet spelled hereby as "hear by" prompting Twitter users to make fun of it and Trump deleting it. However, the second tweet he posted also misspelled the same word. He wrote: "hearby." Trump finally put the correct version of the word in a third tweet. Related Articles A 16-year-old girl was charged Wednesday with first degree murder after she was said to have randomly stabbed her Uber driver with a machete and a knife that she had stolen from Walmart in Lincolnwood, Illinois, Chicago, authorities said. Prosecutors identified the teenager as Eliza Wasni from Chicago, who appeared in court for a bond hearing in Skokie, Illinois . The prosecutors called the act heinous and not provoked in any manner. On Wednesday afternoon, a Cook County judge ruled that Wasni would be held without bail in the stabbing of the Uber driver Grant Nelson, 34, of Wilmette, Illinois. Read: Uber Lawsuit: Company Fails To Accommodate People With Disabilities According to Cook County State's Attorney Michelle Cunningham, Wasni had taken two other Uber rides before Nelson picked her up from a Walmart store in Skokie, when she was carrying a machete and a knife. Two minutes later, Wasni stabbed Nelson from the backseat inside the car. Nelson then managed to pull over his car and ran into a condo apartment building lobby where he banged the lobby doors and screamed Help me, help me. I'm going to die. Following this, the residents called 911, Cunningham said. The teenager tried to escape in Nelsons vehicle however; she hit a median and then left the car and ran on foot. Police officers found a blood trail that led them to the wounded Uber driver. Nelson was taken to a hospital nearby where he later succumbed to his injuries. Wasni was found crouching behind an office buildings air conditioning unit that was quite far from the crime scene. Cunningham said that the officers requested her to put down her weapons but she refused to do so. Then one of the officers tased her and took her into custody. Police officers were able to track the last rider on the Uber drivers phone in order to see that Eliza was the last customer who rode the vehicle. Story continues Prosecutors said that the surveillance footage from Walmart showed the teenager left the store without paying for the machete and the knife. Prosecutors also stated that Wasni violated Ubers terms and conditions, which mention that customers must be at least 18 years old to take a ride. Wasni only confirmed her name during the bond hearing. Her public defender told the court that she attends Taft High School in Chicago and lives with a single mother. Read: Indiana Teen, Who Was Focus Of Amber Alert, Charged In Mother's Stabbing Death An Uber spokeswoman said in a statement Wednesday that the company is heartbroken by the loss of one of our partners, Grant Nelson. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Outside the courtroom, Nelson's brother, Todd Nelson, called him the most gentle, kind person. He never hurt anyone. He was good to animals, he was good to children. His sister, Alexandra Nelson, also added that the family hopes justice will happen, condemning the attack and called it horrifying and maddening. He was not a vindictive person, Alexandra added. He was not a cruel person. He didn't deserve this fate. The victims autopsy results are still pending. The authorities stated that this was the first homicide in Lincolnwood since 2006, when a man killed his brother over a dispute regarding domestic issues. Related Articles Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General: Getty Images The United Nations has made clear that climate action is unstoppable, as Donald Trump weighs whether the US should remain in the Paris climate deal. According to White House sources cited by the press, the President is expected to withdraw from the agreement sometime this week, but Mr Trump did not confirm this during a spray in the Oval Office with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. When asked by a reporter if he was leaning toward exiting the accord, Mr Trump responded, Youre going to find out very soon. Despite reports that the US is poised to withdraw from the deal, other countries, including India and China, have reaffirmed their commitment to combating global warming. In a morning tweet, the UN wrote that Climate change is undeniable. Climate action is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that unmatchable. The tweet linked to a video of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling on world leaders, including those in business and civil society, to take ambitious action on climate change. It is absolutely essential that the world implements the Paris agreement, Mr Guterres said, adding that he would use the convening power of the UN to work with governments and all major actors to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. Climate change is undeniable Climate action is unstoppable Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable. -@antonioguterres https://t.co/a8O14NCLUc United Nations (@UN) May 31, 2017 In a speech on Tuesday at an event in New York, Mr Guterres said, Its very clear that governments are not everything. On the other hand, we are doing our best, in dialogue with the administration and with Congress, to make the US understand that funding the development aid, funding foreign policy in general, funding organisations like the UN, is also in the interest of the American people. Story continues A US withdrawal from the Paris accord would be a huge blow to the deal that aims to reduce carbon emissions and avert the worst effects of climate change. The US is currently one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world. Scientists say that Earth is likely to to be affected by more dangerous levels of warming even sooner if the US pulls back from its pledge to cut carbon dioxide pollution. When reporters asked Mr Trump if he has been hearing from company chief executives and others trying to persuade him on the climate agreement, the President said, Im hearing from a lot of people, both ways. Both ways. China has postponed enforcement of part of a cybersecurity law that companies warn violates Beijings free-trade pledges but says most of it will take effect today as planned. Communist authorities say the measures are needed to prevent crime and terrorism and to protect privacy. Companies and foreign governments complain the law will hamper market access and is being rushed into force before Beijing has told companies how to comply. This certainly will be a huge impact, said Michael Chang, a vice president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. The situation is still a lot of uncertainty and unclarified terms, Chang said. We still see a lack of tangible rules for business to follow. The latest version of measures sent to companies on regulation of cross-border movement of data says they take effect today but enforcement is postponed for 18 months to Dec. 31, 2018. It gave no explanation for the postponement. But it followed appeals by a coalition of dozens of global business groups for a delay until the rules could be made consistent with World Trade Organization regulations. Other measures including how to define important data and security standards for computer equipment take effect today, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China, the agency responsible for enforcing them. The law will protect the broad masses of people and effectively safeguard national cyberspace sovereignty and security, the agency said yesterday on its website. A measure on how to define important data takes effect today, five days after it was released Saturday for a 30-day comment period. Beijing has issued a series of measures over the past decade to tighten control over data, minimize reliance on foreign security technology and promote Chinas fledgling providers. Business groups and Chinas trading partners complain that violates its market-opening pledges. President Xi Jinpings government has cast itself as a public defender of global free trade in response to U.S. President Donald Trumps promises to limit imports. But business groups say Beijing appears to be trying to squeeze foreign competitors out of promising fields including agriculture-related biotechnology, health products and data security. AP Vili Fualaau filed for a legal separation from wife Mary Kay Letourneau May 9 in a Washington State court, but its not because there is anything wrong with their relationship. Fualaau is still in love with his former teacher. The reason for the legal split is that he wants to start a business and he cant do that with Letourneau as his wife since shes a convicted felon. Its not necessarily what you think, Fualaau, now 33, told Radar Online in an exclusive interview Wednesday. Everything is fine between us. All the rumors that you hear between us. Its fine, he said. Of course [we are still in love]. A piece of paper doesnt break someones feelings! Fualaau made a living as a DJ, but now he wants to get licensed to dispense Cigaweed, which are marijuana cigarettes. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. While he has a clean background, his notorious wife doesnt. When you want to get licensed, they do background checks on both parties, Fualaau told Radar Online. If I decide to be a part of it I have to be licensed and I have to be vetted and so does a spouse. She has a past. She has a history. The only problem with Fualaaus explanation is that Letourneau filed a petition to have the separation case dismissed, TMZ reported exclusively Wednesday. The publication obtained the documents, which reportedly did not contain any reason to terminate the case. Fualaau and Letourneau, now 55, started their affair in 1996 when she was his sixth grade teacher. At the time, he was 13 years old and she was 34. She went to prison for more than seven years for engaging in the affair. The couple got married in 2005 in Woodinville, Washington, after she was released from prison. They share two children together. She has four children from a previous relationship. Story continues Letourneau gave birth to Fualaaus first child before she served her sentence. She gave birth to their second child behind bars. The former teacher admitted to two counts of second-degree child rape and served her full term. The couple did not sign a pre-nuptial agreement or separation contract, CNN noted. Neither of them own any real property, the separation document says, according to CNN. Fualaau asked the court for any personal property to be split in a fair manner. Fualaau noted he did not want to have an Order of Protection placed against his wife. Mary Kay Letourneau Photo: Reuters Follow me on Twitter@mariamzzarella Related Articles Zac Efron, along with Baywatch costars Priyanka Chopra and Alexandra Daddario, stopped by British morning talk show Lorraine and talked about getting in that incredible shape for the film. Going into it, Efron knew hed be sharing the screen with Dwayne Johnson, who, for those who dont know, is a very large man with very little body fat. So Efron had to get in the best shape of his life, but he could work out with Johnson. The Michibiki system can cover the Asia-Oceania region and works with the US-operated Global Positioning System, a satellite of which is pictured (AFP Photo/MATT STROSHANE) (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP) Tokyo (AFP) - Japan successfully launched a satellite Thursday as part of a broader effort to build a homegrown geolocation system that boosts the accuracy of car navigation systems and smartphone maps to mere centimetres. An H-IIA rocket blasted off Thursday morning from the Tanegashima space centre in southern Japan carrying the "Michibiki" No.2 satellite, which was later released into orbit. "The launch was a success," a Cabinet Office spokeswoman said. Satellite geolocation systems, initially designed for the US military, now power countless civilian applications, from car navigation to internet browsing on mobile phones. Japan relies on the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). Thursday's launch was part of a broader plan to build a domestic version with four satellites focusing on the country and wider region. The first satellite was put into orbit in 2010 and the third and fourth are to be launched by March 2018 to start the service. The Japan-built system will still need to operate in tandem with GPS. Though GPS is widely used in Japan, having supplementary satellites is important in a country where mountainous terrain and high buildings may interfere with its signals. Michibiki, meaning guidance in Japanese, can cover the Asia-Oceania region and is intended for civilian use. "After we establish the four-satellite network, its use can expand into self-driving cars, agriculture, construction and other fields," Yosuke Tsuruho, a state minister in charge of space policy, told reporters, according to Jiji Press. Japan plans to boost the number of its satellites in orbit to seven by around 2023. Professor Michael Manfra heads Station Q Purdue, which is part of Microsofts campaign to create a topological quantum computer. (Purdue University Photo / Rebecca Wilcox) Microsofts big bet to build a usable quantum computer based on two-dimensional quasiparticles just got bigger. Purdue University says it has signed a five-year agreement with Microsoft to expand its role in an international quantum computing collaboration known as Station Q. Microsoft announced last November that it was moving ahead with its Station Q campaign to build a working computer. The consortium now extends to Purdue as well as TU Delft in the Netherlands, the Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark, the University of Sydney in Australia, ETH Zurich in Switzerland and the University of Maryland. Purdue has been working with Microsoft on quantum computing for more than a year, but the newly signed agreement deepens the connections at Station Q Purdue. Whats exciting is that were doing the science and engineering hand-in-hand, at the same time, Professor Michael Manfra, director of Station Q Purdue, said today in a news release. We are lucky to be part of this truly amazing global team. Microsoft is one of several high-tech heavyweights that are laying bets on quantum computing technology. Google, IBM and Intel are also part of the quest. In March, IBM unveiled plans to build a breed of quantum devices that could be used for cloud computing. This month, Canada-based D-Wave Systems announced that its received $30 million in new funding for its quantum computer development effort, with the potential for $20 million more. Why quantum? Classical computing is based on the manipulation of well-defined bits, either ones and zeros, but quantum computing takes a radically different approach. It relies on fuzzy computational systems that can represent ones and zeros simultaneously, in a state known as superposition. Theorists say quantum computers would be far better suited for solving particular categories of problems, such as cryptography, cryptoanalysis and secure communications as well as computer modeling for molecular interactions and climate change. Story continues However, working with the quantum world poses challenges. For example, its difficult to keep a system of interconnected quantum bits, or qubits, stable enough for useful computation. Outside interference tends to push the qubits out of superposition prematurely. Microsoft and its Station Q collaborators aim to address that particular challenge with an approach known as scalable topological quantum computing. Topological quantum computing utilizes qubits that store information non-locally, and the outside noise sources have less effect on the qubit, so we expect it to be more robust, Manfra said. The approach calls for weaving together arrays of exotic subatomic quasiparticles known as non-abelian anyons. Theoretically, such phenomena emerge from two-dimensional quantum systems, but so far, researchers have found only tentative evidence for their existence. In the years ahead, Station Qs researchers will have to solve knotty problems in materials science and condensed matter physics as well as electrical engineering and computer architecture, Manfra said. This is why Microsoft has assembled such a diverse set of talented people to tackle this large-scale problem, he said. No one person or group can be expert in all aspects. Purdues main focus will be to study ultra-pure semiconductors and hybrid systems of semiconductors and superconductors that could provide the physical platform for Station Qs quantum computer. More from GeekWire: Donald Trump, who is known to tweet through his Android phone quite often, has given up his device as he prepares to take office Friday, a report said. President Donald Trump has asked world leaders to contact him directly on his cellphone, raising security concerns, the Associated Press (AP) reported Tuesday. So far, only Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made use of the offer, the report added. Former and current U.S. officials told the AP that Trump handed out his cellphone number to Canadian and Mexican leaders. He even shared his number with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two spoke after Macrons presidential win earlier this month, a French official told the AP. However, it remained unclear whether the French president called his American counterpart on his number. Read: Trump Android Cell Phone: Unsecure Smartphone Use Should Be Investigated, Congressman Says The AP noted presidents calls are often done through secure phone lines such as those in the White House Situation Room, the Oval Office or the presidential limousine. Trump is at the risk of being eavesdropped even when using government-issued cellphone. If you are speaking on an open line, then its an open line, meaning those who have the ability to monitor those conversations are doing so, Derek Chollet, a former Pentagon adviser and National Security Council official told the AP, adding a president doesnt carry with him a secure phone. If someone is trying to spy on you, then everything youre saying, you have to presume that others are listening to it, Chollet said. According to a May 25 report from Axios, the 70-year-old president currently uses an iPhone, which has only one app Twitter. After being elected president, Trump was reluctant to hand over his Android device identified as Samsung Galaxy S3 but ultimately gave up on the phone less than a day before he assumed the office after being urged by security agencies to do so. The Secret Service is reported to have given the president a secure, encrypted cellphone before the inauguration. Last November, the New York Times reported then-president elects hesitance to give away his cellphone. Story continues He is worried, his aides say, that he will not be able to keep his Android phone once he gets to the White House and wonders aloud how isolated he will become and whether he will be able to keep in touch with his friends without it as president, the newspaper reported at the time. On Jan. 20, the AP reported one of its reporters called Trump after his meeting with intelligence officials about Russia interfering in the 2016 election, but the call was not answered. However, about an hour later Trump called him back on the unknown number. In 2008, when Barack Obama was the president-elect, National Security Agency set up him BlackBerry device, which was had extra layers of encryption. According to a Jan. 19 report from Recode, the presidents phone should not have any internet connection. Matthew Green, a cryptographer and professor of computer science at John Hopkins Information Security Institute, told Recode at the time anything connected to the internet is prone to cyberattacks so the presidents device should not be connected to the internet. Moreover, any commercial-grade phones carried by Trump or his aides could be kept out of high-level meetings as there are chances those devices microphone could turned through certain hacks, Tom Lowenthal, a digital security technologist at the Committee to Protect Journalists, told the news outlet. Related Articles Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), pictured here, has introduced an internet privacy bill thats not likely to pass. REUTERS/Mike Segar When Congress killed Federal Communications Commission rules that would stop internet providers from selling your browsing history to advertisers, supporters of that move told upset internet users to cheer up. Now, they all said, we could finally protect your privacy everywhere online! Instead of having rules that constrained only internet providers while letting sites and apps have fun with your data, wed get our shot to develop a comprehensive privacy framework for all these companies. Two months later, something interesting has happened: A Republican member of the House has introduced a bill that would do just that. And many of the people who had so much to say about online privacy in March have nothing to say about this bill which suggests it will fare as well as other attempts to write new privacy laws. Then: We can hit the reset button! The votes by House and Senate Republicans at the end of March quashed one attempt to protect privacy online. Rules that the FCC had first proposed last March would have required your internet provider to get your permission before selling information about your use to advertisers (it could still employ that data to market its own telecommunications services to you). The rules said nothing about an app or a social networks use of your data, because the FCC doesnt have authority over them. But because the FCC didnt adopt these opt-in privacy rules until October, Congress could cancel them with a simple vote under the Congressional Review Act of 1996. As that vote neared, many business groups touted it as a necessary push of a reset button that would clear the way to comprehensive rules for both internet providers and sites. For example, in a March 23 email from the 21st Century Privacy Coalition, co-chair Mary Bono said this vote would allow Washington to develop a comprehensive approach to consumer online privacy. A March 23 email from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce backed a uniform approach to data that respects innovation. Story continues Likewise, a March 27 announcement from the cable-industry group NCTA cited that organization, the Consumer Technology Association and the wireless group CTIA as favoring developing a truly comprehensive and effective privacy framework for the entire internet based on the successful FTC approach. And the Internet Innovation Alliance sent out its own email April 3 endorsing a consistent broadband privacy framework that protects data and continues to promote internet innovation. Now crickets That brings us to the introduction two weeks ago of a new bill by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R.-Tenn.). Blackburns BROWSER Act of 2017as in, Balancing the Rights of Web Surfers Equally and Responsiblywould apply an opt-in standard to both providers and sites. As it states on page 3, both an ISP and a site shall obtain opt-in approval from a user to use, disclose, or permit access to the sensitive user information of the user. Blackburn was not the representative most people expected to see introduce a bill like this. She not only sponsored the resolution that erased the FCC privacy rules, but she also has a history of taking the telecom industrys side (not to mention its cash). I think its safe to say that the Blackburn bill surprised the companies it would regulate, including most ISPs and edge providers alike, Matt Wood, policy director for Free Press, said in an e-mail. That digital-rights group has its own history of opposing Blackburn, but Wood said many substantive ideas in the bill are good. Youd think this bill would warrant a comment by the trade groups that had supported developing a uniform privacy standardor the internet providers that had pledged in January to operate by an opt-in standard. You would be wrong. Spokespeople for the 21st Century Privacy Coalition, NCTA, CTA, the Chamber, and Comcast all said they had yet to take a stance on the bill, which has drawn four Republican co-sponsors to date. CTIA did not respond to queries but has yet to post anything about Blackburns proposal either. (Disclosure: Ive spoken at multiple NCTA and CTA events.) IIA publicist Lauren DuBois did, however, write in an email that the group welcomes Rep. Blackburns privacy initiative as a step to establish the same consumer privacy protections for all service providers across the internet. Change is hard That doesnt mean Blackburns bill is a great one or even that it will go anywhere. Wood said he didnt like the bills preemption of any state privacy laws. Electronic Frontier Foundation legislative counsel Ernesto Falcon voiced the same concern. He added that internet providers, which play a much larger role in any one persons online experience than any one site, deserve stricter regulation. But Blackburns billalong with a somewhat similar bill called the MY DATA Act introduced in April by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D.-Conn.), a less surprising supporter of privacy legislationrepresents something much more substantive than the vague promises of future action weve heard before. I trust that the companies and groups that worked so quickly to dismantle the FCCs privacy rules can find something to say about it. Any day now, right? Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro. More from Rob: - Ashanti regional chairman of the NPP, Chairman Wontumi, will be getting a doctorate degree in Humanity - The honor will be made by the Alliance Creativity Community Project International (ACCP) - Click here for the latest stories in Ghana The Ashanti regional chairman for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Bosiako is expected to be honored with a doctorate by the Alliance Creativity Community Project International (ACCP). READ ALSO: Denkyira to mourn Captain Mahama, appease gods on June 4 Nana Addo was also recently honoured with a Doctorate Degree in law READ ALSO: I own more than 100 houses - NPP chairman, Wontumi brags The event, which is expected to be held at a ceremony by the African Heroes Foundation, is expected to see Chairman Wontumi celebrated for his contribution to the heated political landscape of Ghana. Chairman Wontumi remains one of the most notable faces of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) having ensured its massive victory in the 2016 elections after garnering millions of votes for Nana Addo in the partys stronghold. The honouring of Wontumi with the Doctorate degree arguably makes him the only regional chairman of a political party in Ghana to have a high standing degree to his advantage. Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi is noted for his fleet of wealth and power. YEN had earlier revealed how Wontumi stated that he is a business-minded person who always goes for the best angles in everything he does. "Life is very easy but the way you want it to be will make it difficult for you so when I was a child my dad taught me how to live my life, so I started life well, at 22 years I knew what I needed to do, in Economics we have something called scale of preference, so I choose what is best for me," he said. Do you have any story to share with YEN? Get featured! We are available on Facebook and email via info@yen.com.gh Source: YEN.com.gh A street near the Edificio Seng Yee, located in the Iao Hon area, has been reported to be the smelliest street in the city, according to a report by Macao Daily News. The street is plagued by a terrible hygiene environment. Several large trash cans have been placed in front of the gate of the building for a long time. In turn, the trash cans release a strong rotting smell which attracts rats and flies. The neighborhood residents have expressed the belief that the trash cans should not have been left near the gate, and blame those who simply dump rubbish on the street when the cans are already full. IACM claims no responsibility for poultry sales ban The President of the Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Jose Tavares, said that the permanent ban on live poultry sales is nobodys responsibility. The IACM president said that the government is not responsible for the loss, and neither is the poultry industry. Moreover, Tavares explained that the government banned the sales due to the difficulties in controlling outbreaks of avian influenza. Tavares expressed his sympathy for the industrys desire for more subsidies to compensate for their losses following the ban. However, he also noted that assigning more subsidies is not part of the governments policies, and that the government hopes to help members of the industry to make a living in other sectors. CE claims HKZMB Macau section is qualified Chief executive Chui Sai On said that the public should be assured of the construction quality of the Macau section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Chui claimed that the Macau section of the bridge has been constructed efficiently and according to all quality requirements. He assured that the government has being paying close attention to the bridges progress, whether it be the bridges main body or the segment built by the Macau SAR. According to Chui, the government hopes that the Macau section can be finished by the end of this year. He also noted that the construction of the Macau section went over budget, but he did not provide further details. A 43-year-old Malaysian national working as a casino manager in Macau was discovered to own a small weapon arsenal at his home by the Public Security Police Force (PSP), the force announced this week at a press conference. The findings were made after airport security called the police upon finding a weapon while scanning luggage in the X-Ray machine on the morning of May 27. The luggage contained a large knife and was about to be sent on board a flight from Macau to Kuala Lumpur. Upon further questioning and through investigation, it was revealed that the mans apartment housed another seven bladed weapons three daggers, one penknife and three janbiyas (curved blade daggers). In addition to the bladed weapons, four imitation hand grenades, one rifle, four boxes of ammunition and four bottles of gas were also found. The man told the police that his friends from abroad had brought him the bladed weapons as gifts, and that the rifle was bought in Macau around 2012 in Areia Preta for MOP3,000. He was presented to the Public Prosecutions Office on the accusation of illegal possession of arms and ammunition. In a separate case, PSP added that two women, both holding Russian passports, had been detained following a dispute over the breakfast bill at the hotel where they were staying. Hotel security called the police when the women shouted at the hotel staff. The police found out that the dispute was a result of miscommunication when the hotel staff asked the women to settle the breakfast bill. The women denied the request, preferring to add it to their room bill to pay when they checked out. The dispute broke out when they were barred from leaving the restaurant. Amid various verbal insults, one of the women lashed out and kicked the police officer. She was detained and charged with simple and aggravated offence to physical integrity. The officer was admitted to the hospital and has been given three days of sick leave. Casino swindling scheme A mainland Chinese man fell victim to a con in a casino on the Macau Peninsula, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced. The victim told the PJ on May 24 that the conman had approached him in the casino, offering to help transfer the victims winnings to his bank account in the mainland. The victim accepted, and was asked to deposit the money (HKD145,000) into a VIP account at the casino that would allegedly be used as an intermediary in the transfer. The victim did not receive the funds and subsequently pressed charges. The arrest and disappearance of three labor activists investigating a Chinese company that produces Ivanka Trump- branded shoes in China prompted a call for her brand to cease working with the supplier and raised questions about whether the first familys commercial interests would muddy U.S. leadership on human rights. The men were working with a U.S. nonprofit to publish a report next month alleging low pay, excessive overtime and possible misuse of student labor, according to China Labor Watch executive director Li Qiang, who lost contact with the investigators over the weekend. China Labor Watch has been exposing poor working conditions at suppliers to some of the worlds best-known companies for nearly two decades, but Li said his work has never before attracted this level of scrutiny from Chinas state security apparatus. The arrest and disappearances come amid a crackdown on perceived threats to the stability of Chinas ruling Communist Party, particularly from sources with foreign ties such as China Labor Watch. Faced with rising labor unrest and a slowing economy, Beijing has taken a stern approach to activism in southern Chinas manufacturing belt and to human rights advocates generally, sparking a wave of critical reports about disappearances, public confessions, forced repatriation and torture in custody. China Labor Watchs investigation also had an unusual target: a brand owned by the daughter of the president of the United States. Ivankas brand should immediately cease its work with this supplier, and the Trump administration should reverse its current course and confront China on its human rights abuses, Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee, said yesterday in an email. Ivanka Trump must decide, she added, whether she can ignore the Chinese governments apparent attempt to silence an investigation into those worker abuses. Ivanka Trumps lifestyle brand imports most of its merchandise from China, trade data show. She and her father both have extensive trademark portfolios in China, though neither has managed to build up a large retail or real estate presence here. The sister of Jared Kushner, a Trump adviser and husband of Ivanka, travelled to China this past month to court investment from Chinese families for a real estate project in New Jersey. The eagerness of members of the family to do business in China while airbrushing very troubling human rights and labor rights records of the country is troubling, said Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia director for Amnesty International. Well have to wait and see, he added, to what extent business is trumping any kind of consideration of the diplomatic capital of the U.S. in promoting human rights, labor rights and democracy. Amnesty International called for the release of Hua Haifeng yesterday, as well as his two colleagues, who are feared to have been detained. White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks referred questions to Ivanka Trumps brand. The Ivanka Trump brand declined to comment. Abigail Klem, who took over day-to-day management when the first daughter became a White House presidential adviser, has said the brand requires licensees and their manufacturers to comply with all applicable laws and to maintain acceptable working conditions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing yesterday that she was not aware of the arrest and disappearances. She said China welcomed international NGOs to carry out research, but added, we also hope that NGOs can also observe Chinese laws and regulations and dont engage in any illegal actions or behavior. Hua Haifeng was accused of illegal surveillance, according to his wife, Deng Guilian, who said the police called her Tuesday afternoon. Deng said the caller told her she didnt need to know the details, only that she would not be able to see, speak with or receive money from her husband, the familys breadwinner. Li said China Labor Watch asked police about the Deng and the two other investigators, Li Zhao and Su Heng, on Monday but received no reply. Li added that a friend had tried to file a missing person report on Li Zhao in Jiangxi province, but was told he had to do so in the mans hometown. AP was unable to reach the other investigators families. Chinas Ministry of Public Security and police could not be reached for comment Tuesday, which was a national holiday in China. Calls went unanswered. The men were investigating Huajian Group factories in the southern Chinese cities of Ganzhou and Dongguan. Su Heng had been working undercover at the Ganzhou factory since April, Li said. In January, Liu Shiyuan, then spokesman for the Huajian Group, told AP the company makes 10,000 to 20,000 pairs of shoes a year for Ivanka Trumps brand a fraction of the 20 million pairs the company produces a year. A current spokeswoman for the company, Long Shan, did not reply to questions. Li said investigators had seen Ivanka Trump-brand merchandise, as well as production orders for Ivanka Trump, Marc Fisher, Nine West and Easy Spirit. We were unaware of the allegations and will look into them immediately, a spokeswoman for Marc Fisher, which manufactures Ivanka Trump, Easy Spirit and its own branded shoes, said in an email Tuesday. Nine West did not respond to requests for comment. Li Zhao and Hua Haifeng were blocked from leaving mainland China for Hong Kong in April and May something that had never happened to his colleagues before, Li said. Hua Haifeng was stopped at the border May 25 and later questioned by police, Li said. During their final phone conversation on Saturday, Hua told Li that police had asked him to stop investigating the Huajian factory another turn of events that Li said was unprecedented. Li said the men had documented excessive overtime, with working days sometimes stretching longer than 18 hours, and a base salary below minimum wage. They were working to confirm evidence suggesting that student interns some of whom allegedly quit in protest were putting in excessive hours on work unrelated to their field of study, in violation of Chinese law, Li said. Huas wife, Deng, meanwhile, has yet to tell the couples children, ages 3 and 7, about their fathers plight. But they seem to know anyway, she said. My son suddenly burst into tears. He said he missed Papa, Deng said by phone from her home in central Chinas Hubei province. I said Papa would come home soon and buy you toys. She said the child looked at her and answered: Papa was taken away by a monster. Erika Kinetz, Shanghai, AP The launch of the Summit on Chinese Central SOEs Supporting Macau as a Co-operation Platform between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries took place yesterday in Macau. The summit reportedly marks the first time Chinas state owned companies are cooperating with local enterprises in Macau to explore business opportunities in Portuguese-Speaking countries. Seven cooperation agreements were signed between Chinas state companies and companies from Portuguese-speaking Countries. One such agreement was for a solar photovoltaic project signed between China Triumph International Engineering Co. Ltd, and Portuguese company Solara 4 S.A. Chinese state-owned enterprises also signed two cooperation agreements related primarily to tourism projects with companies and governmental departments from Angola. Two engineering projects concerning transportation were signed between Chinese companies and Mozambique. Chief Executive Chui Sai On said during his speech that the summit encourages actors to build a platform to closely connect state-owned companies, Macau enterprises and enterprises from Portuguese-speaking countries, thus assisting Macau in practicing the implementation of developing the territory as a platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. The summit has the support of the state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and the Liaison Office, according to Chui. Holding the summit reflects the support and attention of the central government and related departments in regard to Macau structuring itself as a platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, declared Chui, adding that the summit also pushes forward the goal of diversifying Macaus economy. Chui believes that Chinas state-owned companies, along with the Macau government and other industries, are working effectively to make Macau a platform for Portuguese-speaking countries. On the sidelines of the summit, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, said that more than 20 Chinese state-owned companies visited the city during the summit. They came with the particular intent of signing cooperation agreements with companies from Portuguese-speaking countries within the sector of infrastructure, energy, and environmental protection. Leong noted that these companies, regardless of their total assets and annual turnovers, are huge. The Secretary then explained that cooperation with state-owned companies is a new proposition for Macau enterprises, especially for those with intentions of developing overseas. The secretary noted that the scale of the enterprises should not be the only aspect Macau enterprises take into consideration, further indicating that Macau has its own advantages. Leong remarked that local enterprises have their own important qualities, such as their Portuguese language related skills, and their understanding of the Portuguese-speaking markets internet, laws, and regulations. Leong expressed the hope that local enterprises can improve by collaborating with state-owned companies. He also mentioned that Macau welcomes state-owned companies to settle and open their businesses in Macau. JZ Forum supporting office director appointed Mok Iun Lei has been appointed as the director of the Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretariat to the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macau). The appointment was announced yesterday in the government official gazette, according to a notice signed by the Chief Executive. Moks appointment will come into effect on June 5, and will last for one year. Previously, Mok was the acting director of the Statistics and Census Service. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made an impassioned appeal yesterday [Macau time] for the world to intensify action to combat climate change and implement the Paris Agreement to limit carbon emissions as President Donald Trump debates whether the U.S. will withdraw from the accord. Guterres never mentioned the American leader by name in his speech at New York Universitys Stern School of Business, his first major address on climate change since taking the reins of the United Nations on Jan. 1. But he said in response to a question afterward that the United Nations believes it would be important for the U.S. not to leave the Paris agreement. Even if Trump withdraws, Guterres said, its very important for U.S. society as a whole the cities, the states, the companies, the businesses to remain engaged. Trump, who was critical of the deal during his campaign for the presidency, is expected to make an announcement this week on whether the United States will remain a party to the climate accord that his predecessor, Barack Obama, strongly supported and signed. Nearly 200 nations agreed in 2015 to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As today, 147 nations had ratified the Paris Agreement, representing more than 82 percent of global emissions, the U.N. chief said. Guterres said their pledges to limit the global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius are historic but still do not go nearly far enough to limit temperature rise. Commitments so far could still see temperatures rise by 3 degrees or more, he warned. So we must do our utmost to increase ambition and action until we can bend the emissions curve and slow down global warming. First, Guterres said he will immediately press for ratification of the Kigali Amendment agreed to in October by nearly 200 nations on limiting the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) greenhouse gases far more powerful than carbon dioxide that are depleting the ozone layer. Unlike the Paris Agreement, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is legally binding. President Donald Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly, an unusual invitation that breaks diplomatic protocol and is raising concerns about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander in chiefs communications. Trump has urged leaders of Canada and Mexico to reach him on his cellphone, according to former and current U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the practice. Of the two, only Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken advantage of the offer so far, the officials said. Trump also exchanged numbers with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two spoke immediately following Macrons victory earlier this month, according to a French official, who would not comment on whether Macron intended to use the line. All the officials demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal the conversations. Neither the White House nor Trudeaus office responded to requests for comment. The notion of world leaders calling each other up via cellphone may seem unremarkable in the modern, mobile world. But in the diplomatic arena, where leader-to-leader calls are highly orchestrated affairs, it is another notable breach of protocol for a president who has expressed distrust of official channels. The formalities and discipline of diplomacy have been a rough fit for Trump who, before taking office, was long easily accessible by cellphone and viewed himself as freewheeling, impulsive dealmaker. Presidents generally place calls on one of several secure phone lines, including those in the White House Situation Room, the Oval Office or the presidential limousine. Even if Trump uses his government- issued cellphone, his calls are vulnerable to eavesdropping, particularly from foreign governments, national security experts say. If you are speaking on an open line, then its an open line, meaning those who have the ability to monitor those conversations are doing so, said Derek Chollet, a former Pentagon adviser and National Security Council official now at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. A president doesnt carry with him a secure phone, Chollet said. If someone is trying to spy on you, then everything youre saying, you have to presume that others are listening to it. The caution is warranted even when dealing with allies. As German Chancellor Angela Merkels learned in 2013, when a dump of American secrets leaked by Edward Snowden revealed the U.S. was monitoring her cellphone, good relations dont prevent some spycraft between friends. If you are Macron or the leader of any country and you get the cellphone number of the president of the United States, its reasonable to assume that theyd hand it right over to their intel service, said Ashley Deeks, a law professor at the University of Virginia who formerly served as the assistant legal adviser for political-military affairs in the U.S. State Department. The practice opens Trump up to charges of hypocrisy. Throughout last years presidential campaign, he lambasted Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for using a private email server while she was secretary of state, insisting she should not be given access to classified information because she would leave it vulnerable to foreign foes. The White House did not respond to questions on whether the president is keeping records of any less-formal calls with world leaders. Trumps White House is already facing scrutiny for apparent efforts to work outside usual diplomatic channels. Vivian Salama, Washington, AP It caps and reduces the use of HFCs in a gradual process starting with action by developed countries in 2019, including the United States, the worlds second-worst polluter, and then by over 100 developing countries starting in 2024, including China, the worlds top carbon emitter. Guterres said he will also rally countries to raise the bar on efforts to limit temperature rise and the United Nations system to promote climate action. He said solar power grew 50 percent last year, with China and the United States in the lead, and in both those countries new renewable energy jobs now outstrip those created in the oil and gas industries. Guterres also pledged to work with developing countries to mobilize resources to tackle the impact of climate change and strengthen efforts by small island states against the existential threat that global warming poses. He said he will strengthen North-South, South-South and other partnerships to implement the Paris Agreement. AP A group of Senate Democrats has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump requesting information about a raft of trademark approvals from China this year that they say may violate the U.S. Constitutions ban on gifts from foreign governments. Chinas rapid approvals after years of court battles have raised questions as to whether the trademarks will prevent you from standing up to China on behalf of American workers and their businesses, the eight senators, led by Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow and Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal, wrote in the letter Tuesday. Chinas most recent nod for a Trump trademark, covering clothing, came on May 6, bringing to 40 the number of marks China has granted or provisionally granted to the president and a related company, DTTM Operations LLC, since his inauguration. If there are no objections, provisional approvals are formally registered after 90 days. China has also rejected or partially rejected nine Trump trademarks since the inauguration. Trademarks give the holder monopoly rights to a brand in a given market. In many jurisdictions, like China, they can also be filed defensively, to prevent squatters from using a name. Because trademarks are granted at the discretion of foreign governments and can be enormously valuable, they can be problematic for U.S. officials, who are barred by the emoluments clause of the constitution from accepting anything of value from foreign states without congressional approval. In their letter, the senators were particularly interested in any special efforts Trump, his Chinese lawyers, or the U.S. Embassy in China, which sometimes advocates for U.S. firms, may have made to secure approval for the presidents trademarks. They cited an Associated Press report quoting one of Trumps lawyers in China, Spring Chang, who said that government relations are an important part of trademark strategy in China. Concern about favoritism is particularly sharp in China, where the courts and bureaucracy are designed to reflect the will of the ruling Communist Party. China has defended its handling of Trumps intellectual property interests, saying it followed the law in processing his applications, though some trademark lawyers viewed the pace as unusually quick and well-coordinated. In addition, China approved one trademark for Trump-branded construction services after a 10-year legal battle that turned in his favor only after he declared his candidacy. Alan Garten, chief legal officer of The Trump Organization, did not respond immediately to a request for comment. He has previously said that Trumps trademark activity in China predates his election and noted that Trump has stepped away from managing his company. However, the president retains an ownership stake in his global branding and real estate empire. In April, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group, added gratuitous Chinese trademarks to its lawsuit against the president for alleged emoluments violations. Trump has dismissed the suit as without merit. Erika Kinetz, Shanghai, AP De : foreverlove7 < foreverlove7@i.ua > Envoye le : Je, 13 Avr 2017 14:08 Sujet : My dearest, I do not know if I can ask you for it. . Hello, my dearest !!! I am really happy to receive your letter again !! Waiting for your news became a special routine for me )) It is not along while since we correspond but I used to wait for your letter daily, I even cannot imagine how I lived without you before !! You are my the only one gladness here !! I was really honored to read that you like my photos so much ))) Yes, i work on my figure shape and you can be sure that I will look good even being 60 y.o. )) I wrote you what is my age ))) Why do you ask ? Do you read carefully what i write you ? ;) Are you a serious man ? You know,I often think about us and dream about our meeting in real life ))) I picture it with my imagination in many different ways !!! And i can tell you that each way is amazing !! And now, when I am so happy to have you in my life I am also very scared at the same time. . I am scared to lose our contact, I am scared to lose you. . I do not want you to have a wrong impression about me, I do not want you to think bad of me. But I have to be honest with you. I have to tell youthat I do not know long long it will be possible to me to keep writing you. I am not normally paid now and even paying not big money for using Internet cafe is difficult to me. It is not much but still it is difficult to me. My wallet is empty (((( I try save on everything but. . Still my possibilities are very limited. My dearest, I do not know if I can ask you for it, but. . But maybe I can count on you ? Please, do not think bad of me !! I am not a liar or cheater !! I am just a girl who was unluckily to live at place which became occupied but separatists and terrorists. I try to be positive but my life here is very difficult. I will be waiting for your answer with a trembling heart. . Please, please do not think bad of me. I have my own pride and I hate myself for writing you it !!! I just do not want to lose you. . . I hope to get you answer soon. Your Luba, your love. . Hello, my dearest !!!I am really happy to receive your letter again !! Waiting for your news became a special routine for me )) It is not along while since we correspond but I used to wait for your letter daily, I even cannot imagine how I lived without you before !! You are my the only one gladness here !!I was really honored to read that you like my photos so much ))) Yes, i work on my figure shape and you can be sure that I will look good even being 60 y.o. )) I wrote you what is my age ))) Why do you ask ? Do you read carefully what i write you ? ;) Are you a serious man ?You know,I often think about us and dream about our meeting in real life ))) I picture it with my imagination in many different ways !!! And i can tell you that each way is amazing !! And now, when Iam so happy to have you in my life I am also very scared at the same time. . I am scared to lose our contact, I am scared to lose you. .I do not want you to have a wrong impression about me, I do not want you to think bad of me. But I have to be honest with you. I have to tell youthat I do not know long long it will be possible to me to keep writing you. I am not normally paid now and even paying not big money for using Internet cafe is difficult to me. It is not much but still it is difficult to me. My wallet is empty (((( I try save on everything but. . Still my possibilities are very limited. My dearest, I do not know if I can ask you for it, but. . But maybe I cancount on you ? Please, do not think bad of me !! I am not a liar or cheater !! I am just a girl who was unluckily to live at place which became occupied but separatists and terrorists. I try to be positive but my life here is very difficult.I will be waiting for your answer with a trembling heart. . Please, please do not think bad of me. I have my own pride and I hate myself for writing you it !!! I just do not want to lose you. . .I hope to get you answer soon.Your Luba, your love. . De : Foreverlove7 < foreverlove7@i.ua > Envoye le : Sa, 15 Avr 2017 12:44 Sujet : from Luba, I will be waiting for your help !! Hello, my dearest man !! Honey, I was waiting for your letter with a trembling heart !!! I was very scared that you wouldn't reply me, or think bad of me, I was so scared again !!! But you destroyed my worries !!! But you are here and your words to me are like a dream comes true !!! You will not allow us to lose each other !!!!! You want to be with me!!! This makes me the happiest woman alive !!!! Thank you, thank you, my dearest !!!! Know, my love for you is very big and strong !!! And when we are together for real in future finally you will never regret that helped us is the very beginning of our communication!!! I have been single more than 2 years already. I am 30. . Of course, I do not have any lover at the moment !! I am a honest woman !!!I live in war zone. .Honey, I was told that you can help me via money transfers systems like Western Union, Moneygram, or maybe RIA. . Do you know such systems ? You will need to have a full information about me. Here it is. . My full name is Lubov Plakhova. The address - 94100 Ukraine, Bryanka town, Pavlova street, 8a. If you want, I can send you the copy of my Ukrainian ID passport. If you want to see it, I will send it to you !! I have nothing to hide from you!! And everything I write you about me, my feelings, my love for you is true !! Right now I am not sure that I will be able to answer your next letter. . I will be waiting for your help !! Honey, you are the best man in the world !!!! I am yours Luba forever !!!! Envoye le : Sa, 15 Avr 2017 12:44 Sujet : from Luba, I will be waiting for your help !! De : Foreverlove7 < foreverlove7@i.ua Envoye le : Sa, 15 Avr 2017 12:44Sujet : from Luba, I will be waiting for your help !! Hello, my dearest man !! Honey, I was waiting for your letter with a trembling heart !!! I was very scared that you wouldn't reply me, or think bad of me, I was so scared again !!! But you destroyed my worries !!! But you are here and your words to me are like a dream comes true !!! You will not allow us to lose each other !!!!! You want to be with me!!! This makes me the happiest woman alive !!!! Thank you, thank you, my dearest !!!! Know, my love for you is very big and strong !!! And when we are together for real in future finally you will never regret that helped us is the very beginning of our communication!!! I have been single more than 2 years already. I am 30. . Of course, I do not have any lover at the moment !! I am a honest woman !!!I live in war zone. .Honey, I was told that you can help me via money transfers systems like Western Union, Moneygram, or maybe RIA. . Do you know such systems ? You will need to have a full information about me. Here it is. . My full name is Lubov Plakhova. The address - 94100 Ukraine, Bryanka town, Pavlova street, 8a. If you want, I can send you the copy of my Ukrainian ID passport. If you want to see it, I will send it to you !! I have nothing to hide from you!! And everything I write you about me, my feelings, my love for you is true !! Right now I am not sure that I will be able to answer your next letter. . I will be waiting for your help !! Honey, you are the best man in the world !!!! I am yours Luba forever !!!! De : Cc: abuse Envoye le : Ma, 18 Avr 2017 9:19 Sujet : Trans. : from Luba, I will be waiting for your help !! Mailbox Thanks for the report ! Best regards, Yevhenii Kutran, System Administrator, UMH Digital tel: bigmir.net, i.ua, tochka.net, gloss.ua, mport.ua Hi,Mailbox foreverlove7@i.ua has been blocked.Thanks for the report !Best regards,Yevhenii Kutran, System Administrator, UMH Digitaltel: +380444964565 De : foreverlove77 foreverlove77@i.ua Envoye le : Me, 19 Avr 2017 10:33 Sujet : from your Luba !! Hello, my dearest man !! Honey, I cannot write you a normal letter now as I couldn't make the payment and I was just allowed to check my mail box quickly !!! I will be waiting for your help, honey !! I pay 3$ for using internet cafe per 30 minutes and 5$ for using internet cafe per 1 hour !!!!! I need 30$ at least to make the prepayment to write you !!! Better 50$ !!!!! I am your Luba forever !!!! I love you and miss you and you are my sweetheart forever !!!I am your Luba forever !!!! De : foreverlove77 < foreverlove77@i.ua > Envoye le : Ma, 19 Avr 2017 16:46 Sujet : from Luba !!! Darling, where are you ? :( You do not help me. . Luba is waiting for the help from you to be able to stay in contact with him normally but her beloved is silent. . Does him love Luba ??? What should I think ?? I write you that it is extremely difficult to me to afford writing you but you do not care about my trouble ((( Honey, I am not asking you for anything for my own needs !!! Ijust hoped you could help us. . Darling, I truly need you !!!! I miss you !! I wish we were together for real !!! Happy Easter, honey I am forever yours Luba :( De : foreverlove77 < foreverlove77@i.ua > Envoye le : Je, 20 Avr 2017 9:29 Sujet : Internet Cafe CyberZone Hello, Dear Sir, I am a worker of Internet cafe CyberZone and my name is Elena. Miss Luba uses the service of our Internet cafe. Today she came to us but she couldn't pay for usual using computer in our Internet cafe. Miss Luba was very upset. Luba asked me to check her mail box in a cafe here is your letter. I have to inform you that Luba is not able to pay for using our Internet cafe to stay in touch with you. Luba is very interested in your communication and Luba doesn't want your communication to stop. That is why she asked me to write you this letter to let you know about Luba's problems and ask you if you are ready to help Luba to stay in touch further. If you are still interested in continuation your communication with Luba and building the relationship with her, contact us. I will reply you and sent you information about our prices and the ways of making the payment. Please, inform us your final decision about Luba whatever it is. I must inform Luba about it. Best regards, Internet cafe CyberZone, Elena. De : foreverlove77 < foreverlove77@i.ua > Envoye le : Ve, 21 Avr 2017 9:20 Sujet : Internet Cafe CyberZone Hello, Dear Sir, We count 3$ for using our intrenet cafe per 30 minutes and 5$ for using it per month. Scanning/printing costs 1$. 10 minutes of using computer with web-cam costs 30$. Unlimited monthly package costs 59$. You can send the funds personally to your lady Lubov, she gets your transfer and pays us. Do you want we to send you Luba's data of the possible ways of making the payment ? Best regards, Internet cafe CyberZone, Elena. De : forevelove77 < forevelove77@gmail.com > Envoye le : Ve, 21 Avr 2017 13:34 Sujet : Internet Cafe CyberZone Dear Sir, You can make the payment by making the transfer via such systems like Western Union, Moneygram, RIA. They are prevalent all over the world. You can make the transfer to your lady Luba. She gets it and pays us then. Here I am writing you Luba's data. Full names - Lubov Plakhova. Address - 94100 Ukraine, Bryanka town, Pavlova street, 8a. After making the transfer, do not forget to send here full information about it for getting the money (your full names, the country where you live in, MTCN, the sum of payment, your phone number). If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Best regards, Internet cafe CyberZone, Elena. If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... TUTTLE Inside a smoke-stained canvas tepee, Mangy Moose sat on a wooden chest, drinking from a copper mug. The tasseled ends of a red cap hung to one side of his face as he gestured to the mishmash of hides covering the floor. I shot most of these critters, he said. Two muzzleloaders hung on one wall the older one protectively wrapped in another hide. But the prize kill that won Leigh Kelley of Shoshone his mountain man name? A moose he wiped out with one shot of his muzzleloader. Mangy Moose is one of the lucky ones. A mountain man (or woman) usually earns his lifelong nickname one of two ways, as I learned during the annual rendezvous of the Southern Idaho Muzzleloaders Association, a shooting club that uses traditional side-lock rifle and pistol single shot. You get your mountain man name for doing something great or dumb, Ray Qwik Styx Massey explained Friday after several club members made their introductions at the Malad Gorge unit of Thousand Springs State Park. The Twin Falls man earned his title through talent, after he rapidly constructed something out of sticks for a childrens shooting event at a rendezvous in Cascade. Theres often an embellished and hilarious story behind mountain man names. Take Bob Bracken, of Jerome, who earned his nickname after fly fishing at a rendezvous in McCall. Bracken accidentally hooked his own neck and because he was known for drinking Captain Morgan rum, he was christened Captain Hook. Todays naming ceremonies include dousing the recipients head in beer or water if theyre underage, Bracken said. On Saturday, Massey later reported, two members received their names: Rock Chuck and Saber. We had some men who had names for years who divulged how they got their names, he said. But others remained a mystery. At one campsite Friday morning, a couple of skins-clad, bearded men smoked sausages around a fire. I approached, announcing Hello the camp! under the hosts direction. This camp belonged to a Shoshone man who would give no other name than Black Kettle. As I stepped over a selection of handmade shoes, Black Kettle urged me to try one of his oatmeal-raisin clean-out-the-cupboard cookies. He offered a bite of sausage, too, but before I could kindly decline, it slid from his stick onto the grass. Six-second rule, he said, picking it up to eat it. He wouldnt tell me the story behind his name. The other man at this camp, Larry Finscad, was attending his first rendezvous and hadnt yet received one. But he had forgotten his sleeping bag, Black Kettle noted, joking that Finscads mountain man name would probably be something like Im Gonna Kill You because Its my blanket hes under. At other stations, I met a few more colorful characters. Fred Wisner of New Plymouth, aka Daisy Toe Thumb, lost a thumb in a farming accident on a combine in 1994, but he has a substitute. The doctor at the hospital took my toe off and put it on my thumb, he said. Why Daisy? One morning, Wisner woke up with a flower in his hair, and the name stuck. Southern Idaho Muzzleloaders Association president Ron Corle of Hansen became Deer Slayer some years back, after the doe his wife shot jumped up and attacked him before he could finish the job. She hit me right in the chest and cracked three ribs, sent me to the emergency room, Corle said. I was thanking the good Lord it wasnt a buck, or I wouldnt be here. Corle and Leon Double Load Reed of Kimberly explained that the groups annual rendezvous serves several purposes. It educates people about the 1820s trapper era and introduces them to muzzleloaders and tomahawk throwing. But its also a time for mountain men and women to partake in shooting events. About 50 shooters competed over the Memorial Day weekend, and we were all severely thrashed by one person, Massey reported none other than Captain Hook, whose skull-beaded beard and bandanna made him look the part. But Massey, who didnt get a chance to compete this year, said the rendezvous is more important than bragging rights and names. You take a young person and do that with em, he said, theyll remember that their whole life. Its leaving a legacy. Otter names new director to Idahos largest agency BOISE (AP) Gov. C.L. Butch Otter has appointed Russ Barron, deputy director at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, to take over the states largest agency. Otter announced Wednesday that Barron will replace outgoing Director Dick Armstrong who is retiring in June. Armstrong has overseen the Health and Welfare agency since 2006. Barron has served as the agencys deputy director since 2014. Hes overseen the agencys regional directors and previously was the administrator of the Division of Welfare. He has a bachelors degree in business management from Abilene Christian University in Texas and a masters degree in business administration from Boise State University. Otter says Barron has played a central role in making sure the Health and Welfare agency is more responsive to the needs of Idahoans. BASE jumper dies in fall from Moab cliff SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Police say a Moab man has died after BASE jumping off a cliff near the Colorado River. The Grand County Sheriff said in a news release that 34-year-old Seth F. Graham died Tuesday night after jumping from a 320-foot cliff. Deputies say he was jumping by himself, but someone on a nighttime boat tour saw the accident. It wasnt immediately clear what caused it. BASE jumpers launch themselves off fixed objects, deploying a parachute or wingsuit to slow their descent. The name is an acronym of the different jumping platforms: building, antenna, span and earth.NHP Elko dispatch center to close ELKO, Nev. (AP) The Nevada Department of Safety has announced it will be closing the Nevada Highway Patrol dispatch center in Elko. The Elko Daily Free Press reports that the closure scheduled for later this year will help the department save money ahead of upcoming state budget cuts. Officials say the Elko dispatch center receives a low amount of emergency calls and has had a hard time recruiting staff. General Services Division Administrator Julie Butler says the remaining Elko dispatchers will not lose their jobs. The department believes closure will not create an issue with emergency response times. Release of endangered Wyoming toads planned CASPER, Wyo. (AP) Another batch of some 900 rare Wyoming toads is being released into wetlands in the Laramie region. The effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, landowners, volunteers and others is an attempt to reintroduce Wyoming toads into their native habitat. The toad was declared extinct in the 1980s, likely due to a deadly fungus but was then rediscovered near Laramie in 1987. The toad resembles the Canadian toad, but scientists say it had evolved into its own distinct species after being separated by glacial retreat. In May 2016 about 900 toads were released around Laramie. Doug Keinath of the Fish and Wildlife Service tells the Casper Star-Tribune that researchers dont know yet if last years release was successful. Biologists will count the toads throughout the summer. BOISE Dentists and dental health care professionals throughout the state provided free dental care for 974 Idaho children as part of the annual Give Kids A Smile program. Each year we work to increase our reach to provide dental care to more children in Idaho who would normally not receive care due to lack of insurance and financial hardship, said Linda Swanstrom, executive director of the Idaho State Dental Association (ISDA). We are pleased with this years results and look forward to making a difference again next year. Give Kids A Smile is a national program that takes place in February, which is Childrens Dental Health Month. The ISDA encourages member dentists to participate each year, and promotes the program to families around the state. The goal of the program is to help children find a dental home and educate them about routine care. This year, 274 Idaho dental care professionals volunteered their time and donated $214, 950 worth of services to the 974 participating children. These children, ranging between three to 18 years of age, were spread throughout nearly 50 events and participating clinics. The students are nominated by school counselors to receive this annual award given by the Twin Falls Optimist Club. They represent community involvement and volunteerism. The award presentation is part of Youth Appreciation Week set aside by Optimist Clubs around the country, This is the 47th year the Twin Falls Optimist Club has honored youth through Youth Appreciation.The awards were presented by Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar and Anna Scholes, Youth Appreciation Chairman. The guest speaker was the Superintendent of the Twin Falls School District Wiley Dobbs. BOISE The new head of the Idaho State Police has deep ties to the Magic Valley. Director Col. Ralph Powell is retiring effective July 2 after 34 year with ISP, Gov. C.L. Butch Otters office announced Wednesday. In his place will step Lt. Col. Kedrick Ked Wills, who will be promoted to colonel in his new role. It is an honor to be asked by Governor Otter to follow Colonel Powells footsteps and lead the dedicated and professional men and women of one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the nation, Wills said in a statement. I will do my best to continue to uphold the high standards that have been set by those giants who went before us and whose shoulders all of us at ISP are standing on today. Wills, whose father Rich Wills of Glenns Ferry is a retired ISP specialist and formerly represented part of western Twin Falls County in the state House, graduated from the College of Southern Idaho before getting his bachelors and masters degrees from Idaho State University. Ked Wills started his ISP career in Mini-Cassia, taking a job in 1996 based in Burley and patrolling the east side of south-central Idahos Region 4 after brief stints as a patrol officer with the Glenns Ferry and Nampa departments. Wills, who was a Kimberly city councilman for a period late last decade and also was on the Jerome Chamber of Commerce board of directors, was promoted to patrol sergeant in Region 2, which is based in Lewiston, and became headquarters lieutenant in 2004. He became Region 4 commander in 2006, a major in command of ISPs Police Services in 2010, and a lieutenant colonel and ISP deputy director in 2013. Powell started his career in 1983 and worked for ISP throughout the state. Otter made him director in 2013 after Col. Jerry Russell retired. In a statement, Powell thanked and praised Idahos people, government leaders and everyone he has worked with over his career. It has been my privilege to serve with all those that represent the Idaho State Police, in every capacity, he said. They are true warriors of justice and represent the highest ideals of the law enforcement community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve in Governor Otters Cabinet and work with the other agency directors. Otter similarly praised Powell and expressed confidence in Wills. In Ked Wills, the Idaho State Police is getting another energetic and engaged director whose leadership and commitment to the success of the agencys public safety mission is second to none. Im confident that he will continue ISPs tradition of excellence. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy BURLEY Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter has received the names of two Mini-Cassia men to consider for appointment to fill the Cassia County district judges position. The Idaho Judicial Council selected Cassia County Magistrate Judge Blaine P. Cannon and Michael P. Tribe, a Rupert attorney, from a field of six candidates. The names were sent to the governor on May 25 after interviews of the candidates were conducted by the council on May 24. Michael Crabtree retired as Cassia County district judge on May 31. The governor may elect to interview the candidates before making the decision. Shelli Tubbs, trial court administrator for the Fifth Judicial District said in a previous Times-News interview that it is unknown how long it will take the governor to make the appointment. Steps were taken to plan coverage for the Cassia County court docket, she said and other district judges from the area and senior judges throughout the state will fill in until the appointment is made. The salary for a district judge is $128,500. BURLEY Perhaps youve noticed the two-story brick building in the 1500 block of Overland Avenue with the emblem of a square, compasses and the letter G on it and wondered what it stood for or maybe you didnt. If you didnt, thats a problem for the Freemasons, Robert Johnson, lodge member said. Most people dont realize there is lodge in Burley nor do they know what Masons do. It isnt a secret society but it has a couple of secrets, John Bonnett, district deputy grand master of the Fourth Masonic District, which includes Twin Falls, Burley and Paul, said. There is a secret password and handshake but we dont hide stuff from the community. The only powers the organization possesses are making the community better and raising money for scholarships, Bonnett said. Johnson said if there is any clout associated with organization it comes from its encouragement of free thinking. We dont talk politics or religion because those are the two most divisive topics, Johnson said. Because meetings and ceremonies are conducted behind closed doors, it fosters speculation, Johnson said. Symbols and ceremonies are a powerful part of every culture and the Freemasons square reminds members to be on the level, and the compasses signify circumscribing passions or all things in moderation, Johnson said. The letter G is used only in English-speaking countries and stands for God. The two requirements are that you have a belief in a supreme being and you have to be an upright, law-abiding citizen, Bonnett said. Freemasonry doesnt discriminate in approving membership based on social or economic status or ethnic heritage. But, women are not allowed to join nor can atheists. Its been a mens fraternal organization for ever and ever, Bonnett said about why women are not allowed to join. Its just what its based on. There are organizations affiliated with the Freemasons that women can join, but they must have a family member who is a Mason. The premise of the organization is simple, Johnson said, to make good men better and allow them to perform service in their community. I think the people in the United States are looking for something else with whats going on in the world right now, Bonnett said. They are looking for a purpose and a group of people they can trust. The organization does not solicit members. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and it must be their own idea to join. The person must ask a member about joining and will file a petition to the lodge for membership. They will fill out an application form and an investigative committee will be assigned to vet the applicant, Johnson said. Once they are approved by a unanimous vote, they have two years to complete three ceremonies, which include a lot of memorization. All of the ceremonies and meetings, where no guests are allowed, are conducted by memory, nothing is written down, Johnson said, which ascertains that the applicant is serious and willing to work for what they want. Members, once approved, are held to high standards of ethics and morality. If they dont live up to those, they can be suspended or expelled, Johnson said. No one here is perfect but we are striving to be better people and help each other in that journey. Throughout history kings and dictators have tried to abolish Freemasonry, which drove it underground and fostered the organizations reputation for secrecy. Bonnett said during WWII Hitlers army hunted Freemasons and sent them to concentration camps. Fourteen U.S. presidents have been Freemasons, along with most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Johnson said. Freemasonry is the forefather of fraternal organizations dating back to 1717 England and originally to King Solomons temple in biblical times, Bonnett said. The Burley organization has 75 members, with about 20 active members. Dues in Idaho run about $100 a year. Meetings are held once a month at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday. Meals are held prior to the meetings. So much happened inside politics these last two weeks one could write a book. As I watched disparate stories unfold, there was an unsettling commonality apart from the political nuts and bolts. The nitty gritty issues seemed consistently overshadowed by the behavior of the newsmakers entrenched in the issues. The behaviors ranged from heroic to murderous. In the Texas Statehouse, legislation regarding sanctuary cities was under consideration. Protesters on all sides of the issue packed the galleries, including some Latinos proclaiming their undocumented status. There are legitimate disagreements about Americas economic dependency on undocumented labor security, impacts on American labor, paths to citizenship, etc. Its complicated, lacking simplistic solutions, in desperate need of debate and comprehensive emigration reform. But what made this news explosive was none of these issues, but rather Texas Rep. Matt Rinaldis reported reaction to the protesters. Reportedly Rinaldi embroiled himself in a shouting match, declared with profanity that he had called ICE, and then became belligerent toward fellow representative Poncho Nevarez. Another representative, Justin Rodriguez, said Rinaldi threatened to put a bullet in someones head. Afterward other versions disputed who started the kerfuffle and who threated who first. However, Renaldi vowed in a Facebook post to shoot Nevarez in self-defense, if it came to that. Not the greatest display of civil discourse regarding an important and sensitive issue. Meanwhile, Louisiana began removing Confederate memorials. Understandably, a significant portion of both white and African Americans have, in the 152 years since the Civil War, asserted that most, if not all such memorials, inappropriately lionize slavery, racial discrimination and secessionism. Also, understandably, some (Im guessing mostly whites) feel such memorials legitimately recognize an aspect of our history which the nation has, ostensibly, learned from and should respect, not purge. Karl Oliver, a Mississippi state representative, felt compelled to remark on Louisianas business. On Facebook he posted 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! African Americans likely felt excluded from that loving memory of family and Southern Americans. While slavery and racism are indeed heinous and horrific, removal of statues linked to such heritage are probably at worst unsympathetic. While Olivers comment was hyperbolic, the depth of his insensitivity was scandalous given that he hails from Money, Miss., the town where 14-year-old Emmett Till was beaten and shot in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Oliver deleted his Facebook post after being nationally rebuked. He publically apologized for his indiscretion. And his apology wasnt one of those non-apologies that many obstinate politicians throw in the face of their critics. The Associated Press quoted him as saying 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. Brietbart, of Twin Falls pot-stirring notoriety, by contrast lamented removal of Louisianas Confederate statues as a victory for political correctness. In Montana, Gregory Gianforte couldnt restrain his anti-Obamacare/anti-press rage for 48 remaining hours of campaigning. When Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs attempted to ask Gianfortes about the AHCA, the candidate grabbed and body-slammed him to the ground. Gianfortes campaign spokesman Shane Scanlon contended Jacobs aggressively approached Gianforte, causing them both to trip and fall. His statement was vehemently contradicted by Fox News reporters Alicia Acuna, Faith Mangan and Keith Railey, as well as by audio recordings. Acuna reported that Gianforte grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him into the ground behind him. She further stated at no point did any of us who witnessed this assault see Jacobs show any form of physical aggression toward Gianforte Sheriff Brian Gootkin, who donated $250 to Gianfortes campaign, investigated the incident, charging Gianforte with misdemeanor assault, asserting his behavior didnt rise to a felony, despite the fact that Jacobs suffered a cut cheek and broken glasses. Later MSNBCs Chris Hayes both excoriated Scanlons account as a lie and insinuated it was an orchestrated defamation. He asserted that if the same misrepresentation was filed with the police it would constitute a crime. About a month earlier Gianforte apologized to the Billings Gazette for threatening strangulation gestures directed at a reporter. Gianforte said he was just joking and is a supporter of the First Amendment. The Missoulian labeled his behavior as contempt for journalists. These histrionics drowned out reports of Gianfortes holdings in US-sanctioned Russian companies. Immigration and hate took the Spotlight in Portland when Jeremy Christian attacked Micah Fletcher, Taliesin Namkai-Meche, and Ricky Best for defending two teenage girls from his xenophobic, bigoted rant. Christian was known to police as a vagrant with a rap sheet and frequenter of white supremacist rallies. Namki-Meche and Best died of knife wounds. Fletcher survived. Shamefully Christians twisted rampage has probably already received more recognition than the fallen heroes had in their combined lifetimes. I was heartened by the story of 100 New Jersey graduates from South Orange Middle School. They resisted conventionality, instead politely refusing a photo op with House Speaker Paul Ryan. They didnt want to be mistaken as validating what they saw as his harmful health care and economic policies. What a remarkable compliment that resistance to peer pressure was to their educators. I couldnt help wondering what issues or source of values could convince a group of high schoolers it was excusable behavior to impale a classmates rectum with a coat hanger or convince a judge such inhumanity was not a jail-worthy crime. Qatars ruler travelled Wednesday to Kuwait City in a move to end diplomatic row with the regions two most powerful states, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, following the publication of the gas-rich countrys pro-position on Hamas, Hezbollah and friendly statement about Iran. Kuwait has accepted to play a go-between in the crisis, which erupted over the past week between Doha, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Qatar caused frustration in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi after statements allegedly from Emir Sheikh Tamim calling for collaboration with Iran and review of GCC Cooperations position on groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Muslim Brotherhood were published on the Qatari National news agency (QNA) and associated platforms. In the statements, Qatar ruler reportedly described Iran as a major force to ensure stability in the region and defended Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah as resistance movements. Riyadh, Abu Dhabi took strong actions suspending all Qatari media websites including al Jazeera and London-based Middle East Eye. Egypt also took similar actions. Doha vehemently rejected the authorship of the statements arguing that its national news agency was hacked. The Emirs statements, which were made few days after US President Donald Trumps urged the Gulf States to unify to stamp out terrorism and to quarantine Iran, kicked the GCC in the teeth on its position on Iran. Doha in 2014 suffered a regional isolation after Riyadh and Abu Dhabi pulled out their envoys for eight months because of Qatars support for parties threatening the stability of the GCC members. Doha was only reinstated after Sheikh Tamim agreed to curtail his Emirates meddling into internal affairs of other countries and to curb its endorsement for groups in the Arab world. Kuwait, which is according to analysts, the only country in the region which has no problem with anybody had also conducted mediation then. The Emirati airliner is under fire from Taiwan, which indicates that Taiwanese cabin crew of the airliner have been instructed to remove the Taiwanese flag pin from the uniform, an instruction Taipei believes came from Beijing. Taiwan foreign ministry noted that on Wednesday it notified Fly Emirates of its disapproval, Reuters reports. The Dubai-based carrier reportedly via an email last week asked its Taiwanese cabin crew to use the Chinese flag instead of Taiwanese flag pins. The new policy is reportedly imposed by Beijing, which claims the small island is part of mainland China. A few hours later the company e-mailed to apologize, and said the request was not correct and was not appropriate, but that it still asked Taiwanese crew members to not wear any flag badge, including our flag, the ministry said in a statement. Beijing still considers Taiwan as one its provinces founded by nationalists who fled mainland in 1949 following defeat to Communists in the three-year civil war. Emirates pointed out that the email was a communication error adding that its cabin crew are no longer required to wear a flag pin. This email was sent in error and has since been retracted. Our intent is to recall the flag pins worn by all our cabin crew as part of our uniform update, an Emirates spokeswoman said. All cabin crew are no longer required to wear a flag pin as part of their uniform. Emirates apologises for the communication error. Questioned on the incident, the Chinese foreign ministry indicated that it was not aware. Mainland China is an important aviation market for the Emirati airliner with five destinations. China is set to become the worlds largest aviation market by 2024, overtaking the US, Reuters reports. An Iraqi national, fired from Saudi Schools four years ago, on Wednesday gunned down two teachers and wounded another worker. Fortunately, there were no children at the school on vacation since the start of the month of Ramadan. The gunman was a former Islamic studies teacher dismissed from the school four years ago due to anger issues and an unstable personality, Talal Al-Maiman, CEO of Kingdom Holding and chairman of Kingdom Schools, said in a statement issued after the incident. Al-Maiman referred to the case as a disgruntled employee. He said the shooter was sacked from the school due to anger issues and an unstable personality. The victims were a Saudi national who died of wounds at hospital and an American-Palestinian sectional head who died immediately. Al-Maiman also noted that the schools private security guards followed established procedures until the case was handed over to government authorities. The US embassy in Riyadh issued a warning calling US nationals to avoid the school area, on its official twitter account, Arab news reports. Shooter still at school. School closed, no children present. Please avoid area, the tweet posted at 2 pm local time said. Ongoing security incident at Kingdom School as of 3 p.m. local time. Please avoid area due to heavy police presence, a second tweet noted at 3 pm. The school is located in the north of the Saudi capital. It is owned and operated by Kingdom Holding, a company belonging to Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. 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. Chadian president Idriss Deby has fired two ministers from his cabinet on Tuesday, a presidential decree broadcast on national radio said. The Ministers of Mines and Geology, and of Planning, David Houdeingar and Hamid Mahamat Dahalob, are implicated in an embezzlement scandal, local media report. However, the presidential decree gave no reasons for the dismissal of the two men. David Houndeingar is a former secretary general of the presidency. Hamid Mahamat Dahalob had held various positions including Minister of Justice before moving on to planning during the reshuffle last February. President Idriss Deby Itno has reshuffled his government earlier this year after the departure of Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahmat who was elected the chairman of the African Union Commission, and the recent dismissal of Finance and Budget Minister Mbogo Ngabo Selil. The 38-member cabinet includes 28 ministers and 19 secretaries of state. Deby has used his military to position landlocked, oil-producing Chad as a regional power broker as France seeks to reduce its influence in its former African colonies. Senegals former President Abdoulaye Wade will run for parliament in Julys elections in the West African nation, local media reported. The 91-year old former leader will top the list for the opposition Watu Senegal coalition, which includes his PDS party. He firstly announced his participation when he went to register on the electoral list at the consulate of Senegal in France last month. In recent months, Abdoulaye Wade, nicknamed Pope of the Sopi (change in Wolof) multiplied calls and meetings against the ruling coalition after the arrest of Dakar Mayor Khalifa Sall. Sall is the second opposition leader to be jailed in three weeks after Bathalomy Dias, the mayor of Dakars Mermoz district, was also sent to jail for riotous conduct and illegal use of arms. Rights groups have raised strong concerns about the development, calling it a political witch-hunt. Wade who served as president from 2000 to 2012, lost his bid to have a third term in office in 2012, when he was defeated by Macky Sall. If elected in July, President Macky Sall would give Wade the means to obtain an amnesty for his son, Karim, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2015. Amnesty would lift any doubts over his eligibility in politics. South Africa is expecting to harvest its highest maize crop in 40 years following good rains in the first quarter of 2017. According to the South African Crop Estimates Committee (CEC), farmers are set to harvest over 15 million tons of maize this season, almost double last years harvest. The extra produce is expected to push food prices down, according to agricultural economists quoted by the British broadcaster, BBC. South Africa recorded its worst maize harvest during the 2015-2016 season and shifted the domestic maize market into a net import situation. According to Grain SA, white maize imports this season might reach 70,000 tons, while yellow maize imports might reach 700,000 tons. Last year, Southern Africa was in the grip of an intense drought driven by one of the strongest El Nino events of the last 50 years. Across large swathes of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Madagascar, the rainfall season has been the driest in the last 35 years. Rabies vaccine to be air dropped by helicopter over parts of Northeast Ohio The World Health Organization (WHO) describes rabies as a fatal zoonotic disease, transmitted to humans through contact (mainly bites and scratches) with infected animals. This condition kills 55,000 people worldwide every year, with nearly 100 percent of fatal cases occurring in Asia and Africa. Worldwide, another ten million people are exposed yearly, but, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), those who are exposed can survive by receiving a combination of injections. The current treatment includes a dose of human rabies immune globulin, along with a series of rabies vaccines. In order to prevent rabies from spreading in wildlife areas, and to lessen the exposure to domesticated animals and humans, it has become a routine practice to dump rabies-laced baits onto rural areas. Dogs Naturally Magazine explains that these baits contain a genetically modified vaccine that has two viruses spliced together the rabies virus, plus vaccina, which is the immunizing agent used in smallpox vaccine. Fox8.com reports that shortly after two rabid raccoons were discovered in Stark County, Ohio earlier this year, local officials contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is the USDA that will supply the planes, helicopters and the supply of recombinant rabies vaccine that will be dropped in not one, but three Northern Ohio counties. Residents living in these areas have been advised to stay away from wildlife, to have their pets vaccinated and bring them indoors, and to put lids on any trash receptacles. While rabies is most often associated with wild raccoons, bats, skunks, coyotes and foxes, unvaccinated domesticated cats and dogs may be at risk. Ohio officials are depending on these air dropped baits to take care of the problem and, while they claim these will not harm pets, if an Ohio resident suspects their pet has accidentally eaten a rabies vaccine bait, they are advised to call a veterinarian. 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic and laboratory tested for safety. A multitude of uses, from stress reduction to topical first aid. See the complete listing here, and help support this news site. Patricia Jordan, DMV and author of Dogs Naturally Magazine, is not convinced of this strategy. She explains that already weakened wild animals may not be automatically immunized by taking the dropped bait. Additionally, splicing viruses can carry many risks that are only now being understood. There are instances in the United States where rabies has jumped from bats to foxes to skunks with no bite required. This is a serious concern for Dr. Terje Traavik from the Center for Biosafety, who suggests that rabies in humans could return due to a virulence of the genetically engineered rabies virus with the pox viruses. Another way these recombinant viruses can be spread, says Dr. Jordan, is through aerosaolization, where no contact with saliva is necessary. A domestic pet would just need to be in close proximity to an infected animal. No bite is required. NdHealth.gov explains that when animals first contract rabies, symptoms include being aggressive, not eating, being afraid of water and having an unsteady gait. As the rabies virus progresses, it travels to the brain. Paralysis and death occur soon after. In humans, the virus takes longer to manifest. Early symptoms are much like a cold or flu. In time, without proper treatment, a person can experience agitation and fear of water. In the final stages, paralysis sets in with the potential for cardiac arrest or respiratory failure within a few months, depending on the individuals constitution. Even though new transmission pathways concerning recombinant vaccines are not fully understood, they are being used. While the USDA and other authorities decide to strategically drop genetically engineered rabies vaccine bait from the skies, what happens to our wildlife? What happens to our pets? What happens to us? Sources include: Who.int Cdc.gov ScienceNaturalNews.com DogsNaturallyMagazine.com Fox8.com NdHealth.gov (Photo credit: DogsNaturallyMagazine.com) @ByKristenMClark The First Amendment Foundation wants Republican Gov. Rick Scott to now also veto a third part of the 2017-18 budget over concerns of a lack of transparency: a priority bill of Senate President Joe Negron's that includes sweeping reforms affecting Florida's 12 public universities and 28 state colleges. The formal veto request from the non-profit foundation -- of which the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times are members -- comes after similar requests by the organization, which called on Scott to reject the main budget act (SB 2500) and a controversial $419 million K-12 schools bill (HB 7069). The higher ed bill (SB 374), like the public schools legislation, was among a dozen or so budget-related policy bills that lawmakers negotiated and finalized behind closed doors in the final days of session. One aspect, though, drew particular criticism: A previously undiscussed change to benchmarks that make the state's top-tier, research-focused universities eligible for millions of dollars in additional funding. Several lawmakers in the Tampa Bay area said they were blindsided when they learned the change would prevent the University of South Florida from reaching "pre-eminent" status -- and earn the bonus dollars -- as it had been on track to do. In a letter to Scott, First Amendment Foundation president Barbara Petersen blasted the fact that SB 374 was "decided in secrecy and seemingly in direct violation of the right of access to legislative meetings." "The secretive process precluded any opportunity for public oversight or input on major changes to Floridas to (sic) post-secondary education policy," Petersen wrote. "We are extremely concerned that not only were university and higher education officials shut out, but also legislators from key committees were unaware of changes made to this critically important bill. Read the foundation's full letter here. After this post was published, Negron's office offered a statement to the Herald/Times in response to the foundation's criticism of the bill. Over the 18 months that we have been discussing elements of higher education reform, I am not aware of the First Amendment Foundation ever contacting me personally, any other Senator, or any member of the Senate professional staff to express any concern with this legislation whatsoever," Negron, R-Stuart, said in the statement. " As a result, todays critique is completely ill-informed and inaccurate." @ByKristenMClark and @joenegronfl Our concerns are focused solely on the secretiveness of the process. We did not and will not take a stand on the substantive issues. Florida FAF (@FloridaFAF) May 31, 2017 Negron said he has "been discussing many of the reforms contained in Senate Bill 374 since my designation in 2015" and that other ideas in the bill resulted from feedback he received while touring all state universities last year. He argued "every component of the bill was vetted by three Senate committees and amendments by senators were offered and incorporated at every step of the process." "The only significant change to the legislation that occurred during the conference process was to delay the implementation of a four-year graduation metric for one year so that universities have extra time to plan," he said. However, several lawmakers on the final day of session complained that they were not consulted and were actually left completely unaware of the change in graduation metrics that would cost USF millions of dollars -- that is, until those lawmakers received urgent calls from USF trustees and administrators the weekend before the Legislature voted on the budget package. I was flat embarrassed, Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, said on the Senate floor on May 8. We should never learn about the impact of what we did from the people were impacting. Scott on Wednesday received the main budget act (SB 2500), but none of the "conforming" bills -- such as SB 374 or HB 7069 -- have been officially sent to him yet. Photo credit: Barbara Petersen is president of the First Amendment Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for open government and access to public records. Miami Herald file photo @martindvassolo For Steve Smith, the decision to run for Florida Senate his first foray into politics came after watching Democrats lose big in the November election, both with Donald Trump's win and those of other Republicans down the ballot. Smith, the founder of a Miami-based tech consulting firm and a former Army captain, said he wanted to help upend the Republican-led Legislature in Tallahassee and hopefully turn South Florida into a "Silicon Beach" for tech companies. "We need to invest in more technology," the 51-year-old said. "We need to figure out how to really create an environment for education and job sustaining and job creation in South Florida." He is one of seven candidates running in a special election to fill the Senate District 40 seat left vacant by Republican Frank Artiles when he resigned in April after making offensive remarks to two senators. The primary is on July 25 and the general election is on Sept. 26. Although he's running as a Democrat, Smith was registered as a Republican for decades and just switched last year. He considered himself a liberal Republican, but eventually realized the Democratic Party aligned more with his "core values." "I'm hoping that...my Republican roots help me reach across the aisle both to voters and my Republican colleagues out there," he said. Some of Smith's plans include adding programming and technology options to younger students' curriculums, to make Florida's high-schoolers competitive in a growing job market. "We've got to get those skills pushed down into all of our schools at every level," he said. "The future is going to be driven around that." Smith, who dropped out of high school at 16 to help out his parents, also mentioned expanding tech certification and apprenticeship programs for students who won't go on to college. "While a university degree is awesome, it's not the only path for everyone," he said. He eventually earned a GED and attended Syracuse University, where he served as the chairman of the university's College Republicans club and volunteered with George H.W. Bush's first presidential campaign. He served as an active-duty and reserve Army member for 26 years. Photo: Steve Smith Is there a truce in the "uncivil war" between Gov. Rick Scott and House Speaker Richard Corcoran? All appears quiet at the Capitol but backstage maneuvering is going on, as always. As Scott trains his veto pen on the new budget and decides the fate of Corcoran's priority omnibus education bill (HB 7069), the speaker sounds more open to preserving Enterprise Florida in some form. Corcoran remains opposed to an Enterprise Florida that "picks winners and losers" and doles out incentives to specific companies, but says the House supports job training and an infrastructure program that spurs jobs. "We've said all along we're not against economic development," Corcoran told the Times/Herald. The lawyer from Land O'Lakes loves to negotiate and likes seeing how far he can push people. He briefly brought the session to a halt with his call for a "continuation budget" where nobody got anything. But he really wants that kitchen-sink, 278-page education bill with its expansion of charter schools, bonuses for teachers and principals, more scholarships for special needs students and mandatory grade-school recess. The bill has set off a firestorm on social media with opponents across the state calling for Scott to kill it, and rare is a bill that's stalked by its own Twitter hashtag (#VETO7069). But what if the House meets Scott halfway on keeping Enterprise Florida alive and maybe tosses in a $50 million sweetener to restore VISIT Florida's ad budget? "There's discussions going on all the way around," Corcoran said. "Everyone wants something, and everyone doesn't want to lose something, and everyone wants to get along. The discussions are good. So we'll see." The governor may have to decide whether saving his cherished Enterprise Florida is worth the price of antagonizing Florida's public education establishment. That's life in transactional Tallahassee. Senate President Joe Negron deferred to Scott and Corcoran on the resolution of Enterprise Florida but noted that the Senate has always favored an "accountable and transparent Enterprise Florida program that allowed Florida to move forward in a competitive way." Scott originally wanted $100 million for Enterprise's incentive programs; the budget has nothing. If Scott gets some or all of that money back and declares victory, he might be in a more charitable mood about HB 7069. After months of angry crossfire between the governor and speaker, the first sign of a thaw in relations came last week when Scott's new chief of staff, Jackie Schutz Zeckman, and his general counsel, Dan Nordby, paid a half-hour visit on Corcoran's chief of staff, Mat Bahl. Then Scott's office asked Corcoran's office for a statement to include in a news release trumpeting Scott's signing of the back-to-school sales tax holiday bill. "A lot could be worked out, yes," Corcoran said. The delicate dance between Corcoran and Scott may not last. For example, Scott could veto all K-12 spending in the budget and demand more per-pupil spending in a special session. But Scott would have to find the extra money and neither the House nor the Senate is in a mood to let him raid cash reserves for that, as future leaders of both chambers are worried that raiding reserves could worsen the state's fiscal condition in future years. @MichaelAuslen It looks all but certain that state lawmakers will find themselves back in Tallahassee before the months end. Two high-ranking state senators close to President Joe Negron say they believe he will join the call for a special session to implement the voter-approved medical marijuana constitutional amendment. House Speaker Richard Corcoran has already publicly supported doing so. Negron and Corcoran have begun talking to lawmakers about how to resolve disagreement between the two chambers on a medical marijuana bill that broke down in the final hours of the legislative session last month. A special session likely slated for the week of June 19 would allow them to implement a constitutional amendment passed by 71 percent of voters in November. It would also give them a chance to rewrite sections of the state budget if needed or override Gov. Rick Scotts impending vetoes. "Regardless of what the governor does on the budget, we will come back for medical marijuana and we will address any budget vetoes then if we need to, said Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, one of the lawmakers involved in backroom negotiations on medical marijuana during the final days of session. Since session ended, calls have been mounting for lawmakers to return to finish what they could not on medical marijuana. In addition to Corcoran, more than two dozen state lawmakers have publicly expressed their support for a special session. Sixteen have filed letters with the secretary of states office formally calling for the House and Senate to return. The House and Senate are starting to re-open conversations among lawmakers to make sure whatever bill they put forward can pass, said Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami. Thats important because if the Legislature came back and couldnt reach agreement once again, it would look bad. Ideally, we would go into session with a good idea of where wed end up, Flores said. Quite frankly, we cant afford to mess this issue up again. We need to get this done. The last attempt broke down over a disagreement about caps on how many storefront dispensaries each licensed marijuana grower could open, a feud which caused a very public rift between John Morgan and Ben Pollara, the men who pushed medical marijuana into the state Constitution. When lawmakers come back, Flores said, she hopes they do not tack any other issues being pushed by industry groups (for example, gambling or workers compensation) onto the call for special session. I think any other industry-driven issue can wait until we are back in session in January, she said. There arent any other issues where you had the overwhelming majority of Floridians go to a ballot box and say, This is an issue you need to take care of. Times/Herald staff writer Mary Ellen Klas contributed to this report. Photo: Republican Sens. Bill Galvano, Tom Lee and Rob Bradley on the Senate floor in the final days of session 2017. (SCOTT KEELER | Tampa Bay Times) Michael-in-Norfolk disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, reliability, operability, or availability of information or material displayed on this site and does not claim credit for any images or articles featured on this site, unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to it's respectful owners. Information on this site may contain errors or inaccuracies, and Michael-in-Norfolk does not make warranty as to the correctness or reliability of the site's content. If you own rights to any of the images or articles, and do not wish them to appear on this site, please contact Michael-in-Norfolk via e-mail and they will be promptly removed. Michael-in-Norfolk contains links to other Internet sites. These links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information or content in such site has been endorsed or approved by this blog. When Ron Campbell got a call from King Features about directing a new show called "The Beatles," the young animator let slip his unfamiliarity with pop culture. He told them that "insects make terrible characters for a children's cartoon," he said in a phone interview. Learning to animate by hand was a time-consuming process that had kept him out of the loop regarding the pop sensations. He asked around and quickly learned who they were and listened to their music. "Everybody in the world liked their music, including me," he said. Campbell served as a director on the show from 1964 to 1965. It was a "madcap" half-hour, with several stories per episode that were based on Beatles songs. The Fab Four followed their basic public personality, albeit exaggerated, he said. John Lennon was the leader. Paul McCartney was the magnet for female fans. George Harrison was the mystic type. Ringo Starr was the comic relief. That last one, he said, was the real exaggeration. While they made him a fool in the cartoon, he wasn't in real life. *** By 1968, Campbell and his wife and young daughter had moved from their native Australia to California, the center of the animation world. He was working at Hanna-Barbera when he received another call. The team producing the Beatles' feature-length animated film, "Yellow Submarine" needed help with character animation. He and his colleague Duane Crowther spent eight months animating about 12 minutes of the film. They included "The Sea of Time" scene and the leader of the Blue Meanies, the Beatles' adversaries; and the "Nowhere Man." The time-consuming work of animating by hand was broken down: the animator does key drawings. Sometimes, without finishing them, they can be sent to an assistant or an "inbetweener," the folks who do the cells "between." "It wasn't dreary in the slightest," he said. Their pencil drawings were shipped to England, where they were inked, painted, filmed and so on. *** Campbell is fond of saying that he can sit at a table with people of all ages, and chances are they've watched a show he worked on at one point in their lives. After all, he worked in animation for 50 years. A short list includes "The Rugrats," "The Smurfs," "The Jetsons," "The Flintstones," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Scooby Doo," "Winnie the Pooh," "Darkwing Duck" and more. A personal highlight for him was producing "The Big Blue Marble," a 1970s children's program that won a Peabody Award and an Emmy. The show paired children across the world as pen pals and explored their distinct cultures and corners of the world. Since retiring, Campbell, now 77, has been traveling the country for art shows, typically three days. He shares paintings based on films and cartoons he's been involved with over the years. He'll bring 50 or so to Missoula's L.A. Design, many related to the Beatles cartoons. As with all his stops, he'll be there all three days, visiting with fans and making paintings, with bright colors and cheerful moods. (He also does little drawings for small children for free.) One of the most surprising things about this phase of his career is meeting fans. During his career on television, the audiences was dispersed and somewhat abstract viewership numbers and not people, although he of course met people who had seen his work. "People come up and say, I was living on a farm in Iowa and I'm actually meeting the people who were children, watching the shows," he said. He's amazed at "what affection they express for the pleasure, the happy memories they have of watching the shows." He's careful to note that he's not responsible for everything you see on screen during those shows. "I'm constantly trying to explain, films are made by many, many people, some far more talented than I ever was," he said. It calls for "writers, directors, producers, animators, assistants, inkers, painters, cameramen, technicians, sound people, musicians," he added. "All these people go toward making a cartoon film." With time, Helena-based photographer Richard Buswell has moved closer to the surfaces of his subjects. In the past, the fourth-generation Montanan often chose decaying structures, such as farmhouses and mine shafts, as the subject of his black-and-white images. They're "structures that are no longer being used, they're echoes or a life or maybe a way of life that's no longer being lived," said Jeremy Canwell, curator of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture. An earlier show and book was even titled, "Echoes: A Visual Reflection." They were often set in the landscape, he noted, giving them a sense of time as the aging buildings accumulate snow, a way of viewing them "within the natural cycles of renewal." Canwell said Buswell's new work, collected in a traveling exhibition and accompanying book, "What They Left Behind," reaches to the surfaces and to abstraction. Like his previous work, he shot on a large-format 8-by-10-inch camera with black-and-white 35 mm film. The prints are all 8-by-10 as well. His subjects are in keeping with his previous work: the ceiling of a mill, a hoist drum. Animal skulls and bones make multiple appearances. The framing is drastically different. In "Mill Ceiling" (2012), he shot three rows of flattened-V shaped gaps in the ceiling; an old structure reduced to a pattern of light and shadow. At that farther extreme are images like "Receipts" (2015) and "Slate Shingles" (2014), in which he fills the frame with aging stacks that can read as pure texture and pattern. Some images of bones are meticulously lit and shot on a black background with an eye for maximum symmetry. In others, he zooms in. At close range in monochrome, the surfaces of crushed radiator, decaying skull or beetle tracks in wood become pure form, making plain how both natural and man-made objects give way under the pressure of time. In the introduction to the book, George Miles, a curator at Yale University, writes, "Ultimately, as with the joy we take from a blues song or the performance of street musicians as a New Orleans funeral parade, the enjoyment we derive from Buswell's photographs lies less in their specific subjects or themes than in their compelling beauty and the skill they exhibit." Grizzly bears throughout the Rocky Mountains have awakened for 2017, but their proposed removal from federal Endangered Species Act protection remains in hibernation. Its still hanging somewhere, said Chris Servheen, who retired last year as the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committees recovery coordinator. Its very unusual to have change of administration and all this time with nobody knowing whats going on. The Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM (Bureau of Land Management), National Park Service nobodys got any directors. And if this gets politically directed instead of following the biological decision, things are going to go south. The lack of an appointed agency director would not affect progress on the delisting effort, said Gavin Shire, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service chief of Public Affairs. We can produce a rule with an acting director, Shire said. Jim Kurth, who was one of our two deputy directors, has assumed the role of acting director as of January 20. Were still hoping for publication (of a final rule) this spring or early summer. Since 1975 Grizzly bears were initially listed as a threatened species in 1975. The final rule describes how the federal government would hand off management of Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bears to state wildlife agencies. That could include resumption of grizzly bear hunting. An estimated 690 bears live in and around Yellowstone National Park, venturing into public and private lands of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. All three states and adjacent Indian tribes share responsibility with federal agencies for the bears through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. The Fish and Wildlife Service initially released a final rule for those bears in 2007. A court challenge claiming the rule failed to ensure the bears survival blocked delisting in 2009. On review in 2011 the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the rule had adequate regulations to conserve bears, but required the managers to better explain how declining natural food sources such as whitebark pine nuts affected the population estimates. A new analysis of grizzly bear food sources was published in 2013, and FWS again announced plans to delist the Yellowstone grizzlies last year. The updated conservation strategy came out in December. The (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Service indicated the rule could be published as soon as June, said Frank Van Manan, the wildlife biologist supervising the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team in Bozeman. Im not aware of any particular issue that would cause a specific delay. Northern griz Backed up behind the Yellowstone rule, the fate of Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzlies remains in limbo. The approximately 1,005 bears between Missoula and Glacier National Park would need their own rule to be returned to state control. Although Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wildlife manager Ken McDonald won unanimous support from the IGBC members to accelerate the delisting process on those northern grizzlies in December, the work depends on the success of the Greater Yellowstone delisting. Litigants will look at the conservation strategy and say its not adequate, Servheen said. So to go forward you must publish the final rule in the Federal Register, and for that you need a decision at the highest level. It must meet all the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, and the solicitors who defend it must say that its defensible. Theyre the ones that have to defend it in court. Still working Meanwhile, the state, federal and tribal researchers charged with monitoring grizzlies keep working. There hasnt been any huge change in our scientific operations, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team spokeswoman Suzanna Soileau said. Our main goal remains to look for reproductive-age females, because theyre the key to our population studies. Were trying to see the demographic changes as they are moving to the edges of the ecosystem. Counting grizzly bears is the most important and controversial part of the conservation strategies. Whether the number grows or shrinks determines how much protection the bears need. Delisting from the Endangered Species Act could allow the surrounding states to offer hunting seasons on grizzlies. That would add a new threat to grizzly survival. The other threats are declining food sources, limited habitat, getting hit by cars, shot in self-defense incidents and killed by wildlife managers after getting into livestock or human food supplies. Opposition Delisting opponents claim the IGBC methods overestimate or inaccurately gauge changes in grizzly populations. That raises the risk that too many bears might get killed before protections could be adjusted. Grizzlies reproduce much slower than wolves, for example, so too many deaths in a year could quickly push a local population over the tipping point of endangerment, they argue. Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzlies have started spreading into the prairies to the east and hills to the west of mountain wilderness areas. State FWP biologists work with colleagues from the Blackfeet and Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, as well as Glacier National Park and U.S. Forest Service wildlife managers, to keep an eye on them. Were continuing our monitoring as we have since 2004, said FWP bear manager Cecily Costello. Were nowhere near a place on the delisting rule where it would be ready to go. But theres definitely some constituents (east of the Rocky Mountain Front) who think theres urgency to getting this done. There needs to be more relief from bear conflict there. When it was all said and done, Mayor John Engen was confident not much would be remembered from Thursdays special City Council meeting, the signatures and votes relegated to musty vaults. Or maybe dusty hard drives holding the agendas and meeting video where the Missoula City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement giving the city ownership of its water system. There may or may not be villains in this tale, but there are victims, Engen said. A privately held monopoly operating a water system for profit and the benefit of distant investors will never serve the benefit of the public it should serve. Final purchase price: $83.8 million. Add in the legal fees, transition costs and developers fees, and the city will shell out $93.2 million to own its water utility. Well worth the money, Engen said, who compared the previous ownership to a lifetime of renting from an uncaring, absentee landlord. At the end of it, youre likely to pay more for less, with nothing to show for it. Nine council members unanimously approved the settlement agreement, putting into effect a necessarily tentative June 22 transfer of ownership. The primary goal here is acquiring, but also doing it in such a way that this crucial service is provided without any issues, that everybody gets water the next day, Ward 3 representative Gwen Jones said. With city ownership, the utility is local and accountable to those it serves, Engen said, as elected officials will make utility rate decisions. Around 30 Mountain Water employees have signed contracts to work for Missoula Water, Engen said, all but two whom were offered deals. The city will keep the West Broadway building and change the sign when it takes ownership. Missoula will be the last incorporated town in Montana to own its own water system, after a months-long legal battle that saw two state Supreme Court appeals and the sale of the utility during court proceedings. The ensuing tangle made for lengthy settlement negotiations, with the final agreement being approved over a month after Engen announced the city would be reaching a final deal out of Missoula County District Court. The city of Missoula has long held an interest in bringing its water system into public ownership, Engen said. Both parties are eager to move on. Liberty accepts where it stands, as does the city. Missoula County has reached a $50,000 settlement with a former detention officer who claimed that, based on altered court records, she was pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence. At the start of May, a settlement and release signed by Angie Smith was filed with the Missoula County Clerk and Treasurers office. Despite the settlement, the county does not admit liability in the case. Anne Hughes, communications and projects director for the county, said the settlement money came from the countys risk fund, and was approved by the county commissioners at a May 11 meeting. The settlement is the latest paid out by the county related to disputes between current and former employees of the Missoula County Sheriffs Office and allegations about the actions of the current and former sheriffs administrations. Since 2014, such settlements have cost the county roughly $255,000. Last summer, Smith filed a lawsuit claiming a sheriffs captain, William Burt, and a former Justice Court clerk, Amy Blixt, conspired to alter records that led to Smith being arrested. Burt was dismissed from the suit four days before Smith signed the settlement with the county and Blixt. Smith's attorney Quentin Rhoades said they agreed remove Burt because by law he is immune from claims for any acts committed in his official capacity with the sheriffs office. In February 2015, Smith met former deputy Paige Pavalone at Lolo Peak Brewery. Her lawsuit said Burt was also present, and alleged that Burt contacted Blixt to request information from the court file of Smiths 2014 conviction for driving under the influence. Smith claimed that her original sentence did not include any prohibition on being in bars or drinking, and that Blixt, who had served as an interim Justice of the Peace and presided over the case, later added that prohibition to court documents. Blixt later resigned from Missoula County Justice Court. Smiths sentence originally specified that she would have a probationary license that was only to be used for essential driving. Smith was pulled over after leaving the brewery, and said in her lawsuit that when she asked the deputy why she was being stopped, he said, Because I was told. Smith was charged with aggravated DUI after a test showed she had a 0.081 blood-alcohol content, just over the legal limit of 0.08. She was placed on leave and later fired from her job at the jail, although the DUI charge was dismissed. Smith pleaded guilty to driving with a probationary license. In her lawsuit, Smith made a wide range of claims, alleging that defendants used a simulated cellphone tower device commonly called a Stingray to intercept text messages between her and Pavalone in which they discussed meeting at the brewery. Pavalone was fired in spring 2015. A news release issued at the time said she had not been truthful during an internal investigation of Smiths case. Pavalone has an open lawsuit of her own against the county, claiming she was terminated for backing Sheriff T.J. McDermotts opponent in the 2014 election. A Montana Human Rights Bureau investigation found no discrimination against Pavalone. Smiths lawsuit eventually was moved to federal court. It was dismissed earlier this month after the settlement and release was signed. Rhoades, her attorney, declined to comment on the settlement, citing its confidentiality section. Ms. Smith is quite satisfied with the outcome of the case and feels vindicated, he said. *** In 2014, the county paid T.J. McDermott and Jason Johnson $60,000 each after the pair filed a complaint with the Montana Human Rights Bureau saying they were discriminated against in the sheriffs office after it became clear McDermott intended to run for sheriff and Johnson would be his undersheriff if elected. In spring 2015, the county reached a $60,000 settlement with deputy Rebecca Birket over discrimination and harassment she faced under previous sheriff Carl Ibsens administration in regards to an internal investigation. Birkets complaint was turned down by the Human Rights Bureau, but she pursued a civil lawsuit in the matter. Almost two years ago, the county agreed to allow former Capt. Mike Dominick retire from the sheriffs office but immediately begin in a new position as an investigator with the Missoula County Attorneys Office in exchange for him dropping a Human Rights Bureau complaint claiming a demotion after McDermott took office. Dominick was also paid a settlement of $25,000. Earlier this year, The Montana Human Rights Bureau issued a decision denying claims by former undersheriff Josh Clark who ran against McDermott in 2014 that he was discriminated against after McDermott took office. Clark, whose attorneys have in the past said is seeking $750,000 in damages, still has an open civil lawsuit on the matter. This story has been updated to clarify that Capt. William Burt was dismissed from the lawsuit and was not involved in the settlement agreement. HAMILTON Fishermen accustomed to accessing the Bitterroot River just west of Stevensville may soon have to find a new place to launch their boats. The family that owns the land used for decades to access the river just below the Stevensville bridge recently posted signs indicating they plan to close the access point on June 15. That decision followed a Stevensville town council meeting last week that put a proposal for a land trade with the Capp family on hold. Over the last year, the family has been negotiating with the council and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to trade about eight acres of property owned by the town for 3.6 acres of land the Capps own just below the bridge and another 1.5 acres in town. FWP had agreed to build a new parking area and pit toilet on the land owned by the Capps if the exchange had gone through. At last weeks town council meeting, the council formally acknowledged the 24-acres owned by the town downstream of the bridge had been officially designated as park in 1996. The Capps were interested in obtaining about 8 acres of that land as part of the exchange. Due to that parkland designation, the community would have to vote on the proposal before a land swap could occur. The council opted not to move forward with putting the potential land trade on the ballot, said Stevensville Mayor Jim Crews. A motion to move forward with the land swap also died. Crews said he didnt believe the idea of eventually trading land with the Capp family was completely off the table, but the council may explore other options first. Its not totally dead, but the council and town have to look at whats best for Stevensville in the long run, he said. It did feel like the strings of stress were cut that night. The towns park board chair, Tonya Eckert, has been in contact with the Capp family. When the council chose to not move forward with the trade, she said the Capps decided they didnt want to allow access through another season of floating. The popular access site is often filled with vehicles pulling trailers, and townspeople looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer day. Signs have been posted indicating the area will be off-limits starting June 15. There are also orange lines painted on the ground to show where the concrete barriers will be placed, Eckert said. At this point, Eckert said she isnt certain if the Capps will be willing to consider a land trade. Legally, it now needs to go to a vote, she said. I dont think thats an option. I know how long hell keep that on the table. The Capp family didnt return a phone call Tuesday. In a May 30 letter to the mayor, Stevensville resident Loey Knapp said the orange lines the Capp family has drawn appear to squeeze down an access easement the community has had since 1937 to their parklands. Knapp said the width of the easement was 30 feet, which would effectively make it a two-lane road. At one point, the orange line reduces that space to just 12 feet. I recommend the mayor and streets and alley supervisor, Ed Sutherlin, draw a line, perhaps in another color, showing the extent of a 30-foot road, thus establishing what the survey describe as the legal easement, Knapp wrote. The alternative line would show that the town has an objection to the Capp line. At last weeks meeting, Knapp said the current fishing access site infringes on about 8,000 square feet of private property, which is less than a city lot. There remains a need to ensure safe, convenient fishing access without infringing on private property as is currently happening, Knapp said. The need for this is undisputed, but the solution is not obvious. Knapp said the town should develop a strategy that, contrary to the current process, considers all eminent domain laws, fair trade laws and prescriptive easements as well as fully considers development of alternative sites. FWP Region 2 Fisheries Manager Pat Saffel said the department will look at other potential sites, including one on lands currently owned by the town of Stevensville directly downstream from the bridge and one on the other side of the river from the current site. Both of them would take some work to get completed, he said. My guessis we cant turn one of those spots around by June 15, Saffel said. When we first got into this, one of the scenarios was that this will get worse before it gets better. I suppose were there. Longtime Stevensville resident Dale Burk went to take a look at the site Tuesday afternoon. He found every one of the large pine trees near the river had been painted with an orange stripe. A faint orange line tracked from the edge of the bridge to the entrance of the hiking trail on the towns park. A sign said the area would be closed to vehicles on June 15 to mitigate further environmental damage. Im feeling total frustration right now, Burk said. We seem to have been able to operate here for 30 to 40 years without any unmitigable environmental impact. I just see this as a demonstration of ill will toward the public. We will need to begin the process of getting this necessary and vital access point through condemnation, he said. It looks to me that will be the only way to get it done. Taylor Roberts is in jail and accused of drinking and driving after being arrested Saturday during an incident where his dog allegedly bit a Missoula police officer. Shortly after midnight Saturday, an Uber driver stopped Nathan Griesse and Chea Hollis, a pair of Missoula police officers on foot patrol downtown, and pointed out a man he saw staggering around after getting out of a car, according to a court affidavit. The officers saw the man, 37-year-old Roberts, continue to stumble as he walked, eventually getting into a car parked on Ryman Street. When he started the car, Griesse went up to the drivers side window and told Roberts to turn it off and get out. Instead, Roberts allegedly revved the engine, put the car into gear and drove into the car parked in front of him. Griesse opened the unlocked drivers door and grabbed Roberts, but was bitten twice by the dog in the back seat. Roberts then put the car in reverse and backed into the patrol car of Sgt. Jerry Odlin, who had arrived to assist the officers. According to court documents, Odlin then pepper-sprayed both Roberts and his dog, after which Roberts was arrested. Sgt. Travis Welsh of the Missoula Police Department said Griesse had minor injures and was treated and released from the hospital after the incident. Although he refused to provide a breath sample, police obtained a warrant to take a blood sample from Roberts. Roberts has four prior DUI convictions, including one from April. His bail was set at $25,000 during an initial court appearance Tuesday. He is charged with a felony for driving under the influence, as well as misdemeanors for obstructing a peace officer, careless driving, negligent endangerment and driving with a suspended license. Brendan Campbell always liked that swim practice happened in the morning. For the rest of the day, he'd feel like he'd already accomplished something. After more than two years living with chronic pain, though, Campbell can no longer rely on swimming for that morning reward. Now he takes a yoga class in the morning, focusing on being mindful of his body. He is no longer searching for a solution to his pain. "I had to learn not to fight my pain, but integrate it into my life," Campbell said. Campbell spent his junior year trying to figure out why his body was giving up on him. Campbell suffered from pain in his arms and legs, to the point that some days he couldn't walk. He didn't know what was happening. Before Campbell began suffering from chronic pain, he was a record-setting athlete who had qualified for the USA Swimming Junior Nationals. He was studying piano and learning to improvise on the cello. He enjoyed the ability to access both his analytical brain through the piano as well as the creative freedom the cello had opened up in him. When his symptoms started to appear and while he was still hopeful he could return to the life he had led before, he was angry. He dreaded going to school, sitting at a desk in pain, unable to pick up a pen to take notes. "It was really, really rough," he said. After more than a year of testing and a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Campbell still doesn't know why he has chronic pain throughout his neuromuscular system. But he is no longer looking for the answer. "I was able to accept that I was not going to get an answer for the foreseeable future," Campbell said. Campbell was able to swim again his senior year and contributed to the team's winning a state title. But he accepted his limitations, learning not to judge himself for something he couldn't control. It took time, but Campbell began to feel like himself again. When Campbell describes his plans for the next four years, he said he is almost a little embarrassed to tell people where he will be going to college. Campbell was accepted into Yale University. "Hellgate taught me to love learning for the sake of learning and enjoy being challenged," Campbell said. "So I feel prepared, but I'm not going there for the prestige. I'm going there because I felt like I really belonged." His pain is for the most part isolated to his arms now, where he said it feels like there are multiple funny bones being hit on repeat. Some days he still struggles to hold a pencil. When that happens, he picks up his Dictaphone. "My mindset changed. Now I ask myself the question, 'What am I going to learn from this today?'" Campbell said. It is still hard to ask for the accommodations he needs to make it through his classes. There is almost a feeling he is taking advantage of the system because his disease can't be seen, he said. "I think we often say, often pejoratively, it's all in your head. And it might be something physical we don't understand, but it might also just be in your head, but that is where pain is processed. It doesn't make it less real," Campbell said. Neither Campbell's authenticity nor his struggle has ever been questioned by Patty Hixson, Campbell's International Baccalaureate history teacher. She knew Campbell as a sophomore, when he was a true scholar and athlete, but even then she was worried what this cheerful and kind student might face in the real world. Now though, she has no concerns for Campbell's future. "Anybody who cares for another person I think wants their road in life to be perfect, but I don't worry about the challenges he might face," Hixson said. "He is independent. If he runs into a problem he runs into it, over it, sideways around it. He will muster the people he needs, I really know that he will be okay." There are not enough health care providers in Montana to get all the military veterans the help they need, according to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Dr. Kathy Berger, director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Montana Health Care System. Tester was in Missoula on Wednesday to take part in a listening session with a panel of veterans and health care providers to talk about issues facing veterans who need health care. Tester is the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and his Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act passed both the U.S. House and Senate unanimously and was signed into law by President Donald Trump in April. Tester is now traveling the state to get an on-the-ground feel for what else needs to be done. The (health care) provider shortage is a huge issue that is persistent throughout the VA, but is also persistent throughout the civilian medical profession too, Tester told the crowd. I mean, we just dont have enough providers. The problem is, when it comes to veterans, they cant get in to see them. You guys put it on the line. You guys did what you needed to do to make this country what it is today. And we have to have providers. It has to be there. Berger said her office is working hard to address the problem. There is a shortage of primary care physicians, she said. We just dont have as many as we need. In the short term, we are hiring providers to replace those that weve lost in Montana. Weve got more in the pipeline. We are seeking to replace some of those absent providers. We know thats an issue and were addressing it and we know that our providers are stressed. We know that, but help is coming. Berger said that it's difficult to attract physicians to Montana for various reasons, including the fact that the VA system doesn't conduct research and there aren't many advanced medical programs here. She said her office is in the process of getting a grant for a residency training program. Were working on it, she said. Its slow, but were willing to tackle that problem and work on a long-term solution. Berger also said that there is a huge problem with veterans taking their own lives, and many of those aren't enrolled in any VA health care programs. Many veterans in the crowd expressed frustration at the long wait times they are forced to endure when they book appointments through Health Net, a government contractor. Tester has urged VA Secretary David Shulkin to let VA Montana schedule Choice Program appointments directly. Tester has also introduced the VA Performance Accountability and Contractor Transparency Act, which he says would increase oversight and accountability among VA contractors. Dr. Dean French, the CEO of Community Medical Center and a veteran who spent a decade with the U.S. Army, also agreed there is a provider shortage nationwide. I have a soft spot for our veterans and have had one for a long time, French said. I practiced family medicine in Montana up in Plains for a decade and had all sorts of issues with our veteran population who like to live in the hills. And trying to figure out how to manipulate and get them through the system back then, before the last 10 years of U.S. history and the explosion of veterans, was difficult then. Its just gotten worse. French said the hospital's biggest issue is authorizations of veterans' applications for health care. We have staff tied up for hours trying to get authorizations done and it keeps them from doing their other work, French said. My bean counters will say, Why do we do this? Of course, I say, "Because theyre veterans.' The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 was sponsored by Rep. Harold Rogers (R-Kentucky) and was signed into law by President Barack Obama. However, Tester has been critical of the program and says he is trying to reduce confusion and out-of-pocket expenses for veterans while getting them in to see their doctors faster. The Choice Program was designed to serve veterans by improving access to care, but its been a bureaucratic mess, he said. This plan will reduce the red tape vets have to cut through to see their doctors. In March, Tester introduced the Deborah Sampson Act, named after a woman who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The bill would require every VA medical facility to have a womens primary health care provider, strengthens peer-to-peer counseling for women veterans most at risk of becoming homeless, and expands existing call center and counseling services. Tester is now working with Johnny Isakson, the Republican chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, to draft bipartisan legislation that will reform the Choice Program. The Choice Programs funds expire later this year, which will require the Senate to redo the VAs community care initiatives. Montana veterans know how the Choice Program works better than anyone, Tester said in a statement after the event in Missoula. Today I got feedback that will be instrumental in crafting the future of community care and making sure that veterans are getting the quality care they have earned. She thought he would make it. He knew a relapse would cost him his 4-year-old daughter, and again and again he would tell Judy Kelly, I love her more than anything else in the world. Ultimately, he went back to using meth and lost custody. I believe that he was telling the truth, but he just couldnt kick it, Kelly said. Judy Kelly has seen firsthand how devastating parental meth use is to children. Its hard to see these people fall apart and abandon the kids that love them so much, Kelly said. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), she is the legal voice for children who are removed from their homes. An increasing number of those cases involve meth, including one in which a father was trying to stay clean so he could keep his daughter, but ultimately went back to using meth. Child welfare advocates say such cases have led to a spike in meth-affected cases in family court and the foster care system, According to a 2015 report by the Protect Montana Kids Commission, the number of children in the Montana foster care system has more than doubled since 2008, with 3,179 children in the system in 2015. The number of children in foster care solely because of parental meth use has also skyrocketed. In 2010 there were 230 kids in the system because their parents used meth, but in 2015 that number had increased to more than 1,000 children. The team at CASA has noted another, equally troubling trend. According to Charity Stubb, the executive director of the Missoula CASA branch, meth addiction is often affecting the second or even third generation of families. Were starting to see the kids of the children that were once in the system themselves, Stubb said. Lance Isaak is the program coordinator for the Flathead Youth Homes, a facility in Kalispell that provides shelter care for children who need a safe place to be until long term living arrangements are made. Isaak said that when Child Protective Services refers a case to them, there is almost always some sort of drug or alcohol involved, and meth is a common element. The [kids] that come to us from families that are involved with meth obviously have a lot of trauma, Isaak said. They have folks coming in and out of their homes and they dont feel safe. Many of the occupants at the Flathead Youth Homes are teenagers, and Isaak said they pose a different challenge, as they have often been exposed to drug and alcohol use from a young age. These kids are in particular danger of seeing meth use as typical behavior, and so group homes offer chemical dependency education groups, and other support groups for teenagers seeking change. Isaak said that overall the goal of the facility is to try and have a positive impact on the kids while they are in their care, but they have little time to overcome the troubled past that landed them in the home. While children are in a temporary home setting, they are also going through the court system, guided by a CASA. Like the foster care system, the Missoula CASA branch has also been heavily affected by meth in the last few years. Stubb said that of the 180 new cases Missoula CASA saw in 2016, 90 percent of them involved meth. After a child is matched with a CASA, the court develops a plan for the childs best outcome. The goal is always to reunify [kids] with parents, Stubb said. But in order to get their kids back, parents have to meet a long list of demands, such as having stable housing and a job, as well as remaining clean for a certain amount of time. According to Stubb, this is challenging for many, especially because parents must pay for their own treatment unless they are ordered to undergo therapy by the court. Missoula is beginning to work more closely with parents, however, with the addition of the family treatment court. Stubb said that in special cases a judge refers parents to this court, where their progress is monitored more closely and they are given more time to rehabilitate. I think the treatment court is successful for these families because they are being held accountable for a very long time, Stubb said. Stubb told a story of a recently closed case in which a mother had her two children taken away from her because of meth use. The children were placed with their grandmother. For a year, the situation remained unstable as the mother struggled to stay clean. Then we found out she was pregnant and she tested positive for meth use, Stubb said. So we asked a judge to put her in family treatment court. The judge put a patch on her and 2.5 years later shes clean and has her kids back. Stubb said that many of CASAs cases that ended with kids being reunited with their parents were because of the family treatment court, and the highly individualized nature of each parents action plan from the court. We need to be looking at the individuals, Stubb said, at the family and family dynamics and how we best help them deal with trauma. Although the family treatment court offers some hope, Stubb said that CASA still sees many families cycle in and out of the court system. In just 2016, 18 cases were reopened, most due to meth, in Missoula alone. Unless a parent is on a special court-ordered path, if a child is in the system for more than 18 months the state is required to find a permanent home, Stubb said. According to a report by the Child and Family Services Division, in 2014, 77 percent of children who entered the system were placed permanently with their parents or other relatives or guardians. Of the 1,355 children who left the system in 2014, according to the same report, 5 percent either aged out of the system or were emancipated. The remaining 18 percent were adopted. Stubb said that parents arent being set up for success when their children are removed from them in the long run. Stubb said that she understands why many people think children shouldnt be allowed back into a home, but children are at a prime age to bond with their parents and develop essential relationships early on. Stubb agrees, however, that something must change within the system. Join me in my daily journey of prayer. I write these each morning send them out fresh "Morning by Morning" to start each day embraced by the Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Subscribe to receive these prayers by email at Messiah-Ministries.org HELENA When Townsend angler Jake Updike felt the weight on the end of his line, he initially thought it was a big walleye. Then the fish took a run. I knew it was good sized but told everyone I mustve snagged a carp, he said. Then it came up close to the boat, and yeah, there are no words. What was on the end of his line was, in all likelihood, the largest northern pike ever caught by rod and reel in Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Updike and some friends were trolling for walleye on Canyon Ferry over Memorial Day Weekend and having some good luck. They were about done fishing for the day when they ran into Ben Walker on the lake and tied up to talk. They continued along when Updike noticed thick weeds on the fish finder that could easily snag the crankbaits. As he made adjustments, he looked over to see one of the planer boards used for trolling just going. When they got a glimpse of a truly exceptional northern pike, a rarity in these waters, the fight was on. Walker, and Mike and Joel Harvey quickly went to work steering the boat and clearing poles while Updike continued to play the fish for 15-20 minutes. Updike brought the pike up to the boat and Mike Harvey successfully corralled it in the net. And the aluminum net just folds in half, Updike said. The fish then starts jumping around and it blew a hole right through the net and takes off again. With no other options, Updike managed to shove his fishing pole through the hole in the net and took up the fight again. For a second time the pike came alongside the boat, and into the net, only to have the backup buckle like the first. Finally they grabbed the net by the ring and wrangled the fish into the boat. No steel leader and it bent every hook on that crank except for one, Updike said. Its just a miracle we didnt lose it. It was definitely a team effort. They knew the fish was big, but did not really realize how big. A 41-inch estimate did not seem quite right, and as the tape stretched to 47 inches, the anglers started to comprehend that big might be an understatement. They stopped in at Silos KOA to get a weight. After several failed attempts, someone noticed that the scale maxes out at 30 pounds. Updike kept the pike wet in a cooler overnight when it officially weighed in at 34 pounds. That puts it near the state record 37.5 pounder caught in Tongue River Reservoir in 1972. News of the recent catch spread like wildfire on Facebook. KOA first posted some photos and Montanas angling community started sharing. Its been going crazy, Updike said. I cant believe how far its spread already. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Eric Roberts noted that while northern pike are at low abundance in Canyon Ferry, fish up to 25 pounds have occasionally been caught and reported. Old newspaper articles detail some of these catches as far back as the 1970s, he said. But I sure dont recall anything this big, he said. In 2014 during a spring walleye survey, FWP netted an egg-filled 44.5-inch, 33.8-pound northern along with a couple of other large specimens. While biologists are not certain how the toothy predators got into Canyon Ferry, a standing theory says that decades ago, a flooding Gallatin River flushed pike from a nearby stocked pond downstream. FWP consistently records pike near Toston Dam that have flushed into Canyon Ferry. While a few large adults are not of serious concern, Roberts says that juveniles, indicating a breeding population, have been recorded more frequently in recent years. That does have FWP somewhat concerned because of the predaciousness of the fish. There is no bag limit on pike in the reservoir for that reason, he said. Canyon Ferry, with its frequent fluctuation in water levels and big flushes of runoff, is not generally good pike habitat, likely keeping populations low, he said. Date: 17 Apr 2017 7:14 p.m. Subject: Re: Nice message! Cc: Hello Honey. How are you doing today? I hope you are doing well, I am happy that you replied the email I sent to you through zorpia.com , my name is Rima Mohammad, I am 20 years old. I am single and never married before. I am 5.7 ft height; my nationality is Syria. But I am presently living in (UNHCR) United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Hal Far Malta, as result of the war in my country Syria. My late father, "Mohammad Zahran Allouche " is the head of the Salafist brigade Jaysh al-Islam and military leader of the Islamic front fighting for freedom in my country Syria, My late father was the Main opposition leader in the vicinity of Damascus before the Assad army along with Russia air strike attacked our house and killed him with my mother in cold blood. It' s only me and my small brother that is alive now. I and my small brother managed to make our way to (UNHCR) in Malta with the help of United Nations peace keeping force. Meanwhile, I am writing this mail to you now from a UNHCR Staff office computer, the UN officer here is the one in charge of the refugee camp. Please I would like to know more about you in full, such as your profession and your job, Please I really wish to know you well to enable me share other secret and important information with you. Attached here are my pictures; I will be hoping to hear from you again, Please, send me your pictures too so I can also see you, I believe Allah will help us to achieve our goals. I will send my phone number to you on my next email. Yours sincerely Rima Mohammad From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 17 Apr 2017 7:14 p.m.Subject: Re: Nice message!Cc: Date: 21 Apr 2017 1:23 p.m. Subject: Re: Honey Rima' Cc: Hello My Dearest Thank you a lot for your kind reply once again; may peace be open you, I am sorry for delaying my reply because I have limited access to the Internet due to my refugee status here in Malta and we are not also allowed to go out from the camp only few time in a week. It' s just like one staying in the prison and i hope by the grace of God and with the help from someone like you, with your help I know I can come out of this my present satiation. I am sorry for the lost of your parent at the early age but now you are a grown up strong man, so am sure your have put behind your parent death too, i pray you get go back to Japan and get a better job again, As for me right now, I don' t have any relatives now whom i can run to. All my relatives ran away and some are killed too due to the ongoing war in my country Syria, the only person i have now is the United Nation Peace Keeping officer who is in charge of the refugee camp here in Malta, the officer Mr. Jake Nicholas has been very nice to me since i came in to the refugee camp, in this refugee camp, we don' t have any right or privilege to anything be it money or whatever because of my refugee status here in Malta, the law of this country forbid a refugee from anything or movement outside the refugee camp. To be honest with you, I am into immense agony and suffering now. Please listen to this; I have my late father' s fund deposit certificate and death certificate here with me. When my father was alive he deposited some amount of money in a leading bank which he used my name as the next of kin (heiress), the amount in question is $7.4M (Seven Million, Four Hundred Thousand Dollars). Please, I would like you to help me retrieve this money and transfer the money into your account and use it to help me travel out of this place and come to your country and live there to continue my studies in the university and also live a better life again. For your kind information, I kept this secret to people here in the refugee camp; the only person that knows about it is the UN Executive officer Mr. Jake Nicholas, Mr. Jake has always been there for me, he is like a father to me, he take good care of me like his daughter, Please, I want you to keep it secret too. Don' t tell any person about this money because the world is full of jealousy and envious people. I do not want to lose the money or my life whenever I manage to come out of this my present situation and travel to your country. I know that this proposal might come to you as a surprise; but please consider it as a divine wish and accept it with a deep sense of humility. I am aware that this is certainly an unconventional approach to starting relationship/Friendships but my agony and suffering here in refugee camp compelled me to disclose the secret to you. My most priority is my freedom and to further my education in the university. This is what prompted me into embarking on this fund transfer as i do not have any other remedy to my exit from this refugee camp. I thank you once again and I hope to receive a positive response from you, Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please if you want to call me, you can always reach me with this phone number: +35635505033 , I receive calls through Mr. Jake phone Number here in Refugee camp as we are not allowed to make use of a personal phone for security reasons, please if you call, tell Mr. Jake that you want to speak to Miss Rima or to your love Rima, I will always talk to you on phone through Mr. Jake Phone number for safety and security reasons. I am hoping here from you again. Yours Sincerely Rima Mohammad From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 21 Apr 2017 1:23 p.m.Subject: Re: Honey Rima'Cc: Date: 25 Apr 2017 4:54 p.m. Subject: Re: " Sampletter " Cc: You have to fill the draft and send this mail bellow to the bank and make sure you send your bank account were the bank will transfer my late father money to you. Dear Sir, I would like to state that my name is Mr. . . . . . . Address: . . . ., Occupation:. . . . ., Home Country:. . . . ., Resident Country:. . . . . , phone: . . . , Age:. . ., I am the foreign beneficiary trustee to Rima Mohammad, I apply officially as it was directed by Rima in respect to her late father' s deposit Late Mr. Mohammad Zahran Allouche in A/C Ref Account Deposit No: APH/5813060001 . Amount: $7, 4000,000.00, in your institution under your management. Being the co-beneficiary to the deposited fund in your Bank, May I pleased know what is required of me and from Miss Rima in order that the said deposit will be transferred into my Bank Account Number as desired by Miss Rima. Let me know as soon as possible. Respectfully submit. Yours truly This is the email i sent to the Bank To whom it may concern Bank Manager Remittance Department Islamic Bank of Britain PO BOX 12461 Birmingham B16 6AQ, United Kingdom I am writing this email to notify the Islamic bank of Britain that my Late father Mr. Mohammad Zahran Allouche, had an account in your bank with account Deposit No: APH/5813060001 On Monday 16th August 2004, he passed away due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War leaving behind me Miss Rima Mohammad and his youngest son Farid. Due to my present situation here in Malta refugee camp. I am nominating and writing this letter on behalf of my Partner. I request the bank to transfer the amount in my father's account to my partner's account. My father had not mentioned any nominee of his account but since we are the only closest related people to him, I believe transferring the amount to my partners account should not be a problem. I have enclosed a copy of his prior to death medical conditions, death certificate and Account deposit certificate. Please let me know if any other formalities need to be completed for claiming the amount, I shall be truly grateful to you if the procedure of amount transferring can be done at the earliest since me and my younger brother is undergoing financial issues after the death of my father and mother. Your early action will be highly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration and understanding. Yours truly Miss Rima Mohammad UNHCR Malta Email: missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Phone: +35635505033 From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 25 Apr 2017 4:54 p.m.Subject: Re: " Sampletter "Cc: Date: 1 May 2017 2:11 p.m. Subject: Re: Re: Cc: My dear I received your email and I have had a discussion with the UN Officer who cares for me and my brother here Mr. Jake about the outcome of the contact with the bank. He read it all and gave us the contact of a respected lawyer in London to help us get the power of attorney and affidavit of oath since the bank demanded that they must be gotten from the court in London or here in Malta. I have two of the documents with me which I have already attached to this email, the copy of the fund Certificate of the Deposit and the Death Certificate of my late father, now it remain the Power of Attorney and Affidavit of Oath. So please write to the lawyer and tell him to get you a Power of Attorney and Affidavit of Oath with your name from the Federal High Court of London. The name of the lawyer is Dr. Heyward Wilson, His Phone number is: (+4420 8144 9333) while his e mail address is dr.heywardwilson@yahoo.com , please write to the lawyer immediately and ask him to render his services to us. Also ask him all that is necessary for the required document to be provided. I wait to hear from you and the response of the lawyer soonest. Thank you for your careering and concern, I am praying and waiting for a positive response from you Yours lovely Miss Rima Mohammad From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 1 May 2017 2:11 p.m.Subject: Re: Re:Cc: Date: 4 May 2017 4:23 p.m. Subject: Re: Cc: Dear Mr. Thank you for contacting Dr. Heyward Wilson Law Firm and we acknowledged the receipt of your email, I was informed by your partner Miss Rima Mohammad that the Islamic Bank of Britain is in need of Power of Attorney and Affidavit of Oat which should be made available to you by your name as the rightful partner of Miss Rima Mohammad , The said document should be made Available in your name as her partner and nominee to claim her late father's fund, I can make this document available and ready for you and your partner within 24 business hours if the required information's are provided to me. To enable me proceed with these services, the bellow listed information and fee are required immediately. THE DOCUMENT REQUIRED FROM YOU Copy of your international passport or any government issued Identity card or vehicle driving license. Complete residential address, country City and zip/postal Code Direct Contact number, Mobile/Home/Office Phone Scan Copy of your passport photograph, in any background Document processing price list and consultation fees are also required together with the requested document . 1) Power Of Attorney processing fee payable to the British High Court, Processing Amount is A 250.00, 2) Swearing of Oath (Affidavit of Oath) Processing Amount is: A 250.00, British high Curt official endorsement stamp Amount is: A 100.00 Dr. Heyward Wilson Law firm Consultation Fees is: A 150.00. Total amount required for the entire process is: A 750.00 only. If I receive this money today, I will start the document and complete it within 24 Business hours from the time I receive the payment and the required documents. Kindly use the below listed information to send the fee to London through western Union money transfer or Money Gram to enable me start the processing of the documents immediately. Receivers Name: Heyward Wilson 48 Kenwood Road, N9 7JD London United Kingdom, Amount: A 750.00 Only. In any case you are not able to send money to me through western Union or money gram to London, you should let me know quickly so I can provide you an agency local bank account for cash deposit or bank transfer. Please don't forget to attach the transfer payment slip along with the above requested documents. I am hoping to here from your again Dr. Heyward Wilson 48, Kenwood Road, N9 7JD London, United Kingdom Phone: +4420 8144 9333 From: " Dr Heyward Wilson" < dr.heywardwilson@yahoo.com Date: 4 May 2017 4:23 p.m.Subject: Re:Cc: Date: 8 May 2017 5:56 p.m. Subject: Re: " Rimalta " Cc: Hello Dear, How are you doing today? My dear it will not be possible for me to arrange the money requested by the lawyer to make the documents on your name, My dear your aware of my situation here in Refugee camp, no way i can arrange the money, i am really suffering here, no good food to eat, it is not possible for me to do that, Please help me from the deep of your hearth and send the money to the lawyer, please try to help me pay the money so that the lawyer can make the document for us, if the lawyer make the document and bank transfer the fund into your account, you can use part of the money to pay back your dept, please my dear help me to pay the lawyer the fee. Thank you for your help and understanding Yours Lovely Rima. From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 8 May 2017 5:56 p.m.Subject: Re: " Rimalta "Cc: Date: 9 May 2017 11:05 p.m. Subject: Re: My Reema* Cc: Hello Dear, How are you doing today? Thank you for understanding me and my situation here, its not easy here to be honest with you, the situation here in the refugee camp is something i cannot explain all, Let me be open and honest to you, i am seriously looking for help and how to come out of this my present situation, i am in a very bad condition me and my younger brother, the UN is doing there best but we are too many here that why things are very very hard for us here at the moment, You are always in my hearth, I am ready to live with you and marry you for the rest of my life, i will never disappoint a man who help me when am in distress, i will always love a man who help me to overcome my problems. i will always be loyal to you if you can truly help me and love me from the deep of your hearth too. My main problem is to secure my fathers fund and use it together with the man who help me, I wish you can try your possible best to send the money to the lawyer so that he can do the document, my dear once the document is ready, the bank will transfer the fund to you and you can use part of the money to bring me out of this refugee camp, i don' t want to remain a refugee, please help me, i will love you forever in my life. Thank you for your care and love Yours lovely Rima. From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 9 May 2017 11:05 p.m.Subject: Re: My Reema*Cc: Date: 13 May 2017 5:27 p.m. Subject: Re: Mission impossible* Cc: Hello How are you doing today? Please my dear try to help me, please can you tell me how much you can be able to arrange so i can write to the company and see if the UN Officer here can do anything for us, even if small, i can tell him what my partner can provide and ask him for help. Please tell me your mind Thank you From: " missrimamo hammed" < missrimamohammed@hotmail.com Date: 13 May 2017 5:27 p.m.Subject: Re: Mission impossible*Cc: If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... The new bird deterrent Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield tested on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Berkeley Pit may have already hit a deterrent of its own U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has expressed reservations about the technology. With the exception of USFWS, the overall response to the VRAD (Vortex Ring Avian Deterrent) demonstration was positive Wednesday. The VRAD sent loud booms, with percussive sounds echoing and bouncing off the Berkeley Pits walls after each launch of oxygen and gas Wednesday morning. When shot, the vortex ring of air travels thousands of yards at a speed of 200 mph. The companies organized the demonstration for local media, the agencies and a few members of the bird advisory council formed to help the companies figure out a better plan to keep migratory birds off the Berkeley Pit. The company, Flock Free, which built the VRAD, set it off several times Wednesday morning. At a potential cost of $100,000, MR and Atlantic Richfield are open to considering purchasing the machine, which looks like a very large cannon. MR spokesperson Mike McGivern said that if the companies buy the VRAD, it would be not be used every day but as a last-resort measure to try to prevent another situation where thousands of snow geese land, and then perish, in the Berkeley Pit. On the night of Nov. 28, 2016, thousands of snow geese flew into the pit, unable to find another resting spot, and landed on the toxic water. Thousands flew away, but between 3,000 to 4,000 perished from drinking the water. The toxicology report indicated that the birds died from a combination of both the sulfuric acid and the heavy metals in the pits water. The companies responsible for the pit immediately began considering new technologies to try to keep such an event from happening again. The VRAD is only one of many such technologies already in play or under consideration. Montana Tech biology professor Stella Capoccia, head of the bird advisory council, said the council would have to evaluate the VRAD during its next meeting, but at first glance, she said she was impressed. Montana Department of Environmental Quality Berkeley Pit project manager Darryl Reed said MDEQ defers to the Environmental Protection Agency but MDEQ is open to looking at new technology. This may be one of many layers of protection that gets used, Reed said. The EPA was unable to attend the demonstration, but EPAs Helena-based Community Involvement Coordinator Robert Moler said, via email, that EPA would analyze and discuss the VRAD demonstration. He added that the overall goal is to come up with long-term strategies to protect the birds and prevent them from landing on the pit. USFWS Toxicologist Karen Nelson, also based out of the Helena office, attended the demonstration but declined to comment to The Montana Standard. Nelson referred the Standard to a USFWS Denver, Colorado, spokesperson, Ryan Moehring, who said, via email, that USFWS "has unanswered questions about the effectiveness of" the VRAD. Moehring said USFWS is concerned the machine has "the potential to injure birds rather than haze them." But VRAD project manager Steve Rehberg said the machine is already hazing birds off pistachio and blueberry crops in California. Rehberg said a cannon shooting compressed oxygen and gas would likely be safer than shooting high-powered rifles at the birds, which is the current "last resort" method of getting the birds off the pit when they land in large numbers. Rehberg said the VRAD has hit lots of birds but theyre never close enough to the muzzle to hurt them. It was not immediately clear how the VRAD could be deployed on agricultural crops in California to haze birds but not be considered safe for birds at the Berkeley Pit. Moehring was unable to answer that question by press time. Others expressed satisfaction with the VRAD. Butte-Silver Bow County Commissioner John Sorich, who represents the Greeley neighborhood, sat in his car on Continental Drive to see how loud the blast would be to MRs most immediate neighbors. Sorich said he could hear the blast and some of the echo, but he didnt think it was all that bad. Sorich likened the noise to the sound of a firework going off on the Fourth of July. Sorich said the sound wasnt as loud as MRs blasting, which occurs a few afternoons a week. Sorich said that, so far, he has not received any complaints from constituents concerned about the noise. A couple, Bill and Karen Dykstra, traveling from Washington state, were standing on the Berkeley Pit viewing stand when several blasts went off. Bill called the blasts impressive. Karen called it a bonus that we got to see this. The VRAD sends a ring of oxygen and gas out of the cannon across the Berkeley Pit. The VRAD was originally designed to help agricultural producers during hail storms. It was later redesigned to keep birds off high-value crops, such as the pistachio and blueberry fields in California where it is already in use. MUSCATINE Driving into Fruitland on June 1, 2007, then-mayor Bill Brockert could hardly recognize his town. The roads were strewn with downed trees and tangled power lines. Shingles, siding, wood and insulation were everywhere, on lawns, driveways and roads. It was just complete devastation in areas that you knew for years, you just didnt recognize it, he said. You hardly knew where you were at. In one of his most vivid memories of that time, he saw an almost flattened house. The garage was completely gone, and so were most walls. One wall survived the 136 mph to 140 mph winds that hit town that day. That wall still had the house keys hanging on it. The tornado struck a little after noon Friday, June 1, 2017. It began in Grandview, heading north to Fruitland and traveling an 8-mile path in Muscatine before it dissipated. According to The Associated Press, the entire path took about 10 minutes. In Grandview, the tornado uprooted several trees and damaged several homes in the west and northwest parts of the town. It damaged homes and businesses, the Kent-Stein Park and Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine. The Muscatine Journal reported that the city estimated cleanup and repair costs at almost $1 million. Fruitland was hit the hardest. The AP reported that the storm leveled 39 homes in all, and 29 of them were in Fruitland. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials told the AP at the time that the tornado caused an estimated $2.7 million in infrastructure damage to Eastern Iowa, including the cost of cleanup and damage to public buildings and parks. Though a few people were hospitalized, one in Fruitland and several in Muscatine, no one died. But cleanup and repairs in the storms aftermath would take weeks. It was one of the worst disasters I ever lived through, Brockert said. And no one ever thought a tornado would hit Fruitland. I was always told when I was growing up that no tornado can hit Fruitland because we have the bluff. The Fruitland Post Office Fruitland lost its Post Office building that day. Reedie Murphy, who was a rural mail carrier at the time, was inside the building when the storm hit. When the Post Office reopened three years later, Murphy told the Muscatine Journal that she hid under a HON desk during the storm. "I called HON and told them they make good desks," Murphy said then. "I was looking up from under the desk outside at the blue sky when all I could hear was the wind whipping debris everywhere." She was hospitalized with damage to the ball joint of her hip. Memories of that day, she told the Journal then, still haunted her. "I still have some difficulties with confined spaces, not being able to see what is going on outside," she said. "I am still working through the emotion I experienced." A UPS employee, Lorna Seifert, hid in the Post Office with Murphy. In an article that appeared in the Journal on the one-year anniversary of the tornado, Seifert told the Journal she was afraid, but tried to stay calm. I thought I was going to die, I was preparing for death, she said then. I was nervous at first, but then I became calm and kept talking to Reedie. Downed homes Across the street, Theresa Herlein rode the storm in her bathtub with her three dogs and pregnant cat. Moments before the storm, her daughter called to tell her tornado sirens were going off in Muscatine. Theresa went outside to look at the sky. It had turned an ugly shade of gray. She ran into the house, grabbed her animals and headed to the bathtub. She stayed there for about 10 minutes, listening. Outside, the storm was raging. She heard snapping, crackling and popping. And, above all else, a loud, almost constant whooshing. I will never forget that sound, she said. The twister downed several trees and power lines on her house, but she was unharmed. Her house, however, was ruined. There was glass all over my bed, glass all over the floor, glass all over the hallways, she said. With the storm over, she called her husband, Bill Herlein, who drove back from Muscatine. The couple documented the damage meticulously, taking photo after photo of damage to their neighborhood, which they now keep in a photo album. And for the next year, they lived in a rented house while their home was being rebuilt. Theresa said they added a basement to their new home assurance there will be a safe place should another tornado hit. When she hears tornado sirens now, they take her back to June 1, 2007. Oh, god, I cant go through this again, she thinks when she hears sirens. The storm, she said, changed her. A lot of my neighbors would tell you, I used to be able to get out and walk. I used to be more sociable with people, just walking (and) enjoying doing things outside, she said. Im more inside (now). The Herleins chose to stay in Fruitland after the storm, but Christie Carlson couldnt bear it. She and her husband, Aron Carlson, had moved into Fruitland nine months before the storm. Christie was almost nine-months pregnant. She had already set up a nursery for her soon-to-be born daughter, complete with a crib, baby clothes and diapers. When the storm hit, Christie, who works at HON, was in Muscatine, but her husband called and asked that she check on their house on 133 Emerald Lane in Fruitland. The normally short drive from Muscatine to Fruitland took half an hour, she recalled. And when she turned onto her street, she saw that her neighbors house was damaged. It was so surreal, because it was one of those things you see on TV, but it was your house, she said. The storm had picked up the roof of her house and dropped it at an odd angle. Her house, she said, was filled with so much insulation and debris that she couldnt see the floor. In the coming weeks, her coworkers donated money and baby items to replace the ones they lost in the storm. People gave us bags of baby clothes. People that I knew from work but wasnt really friendly with literally wrote us checks for all kinds of different amounts of money, she said. The HON Company also let them live in a vacant corporate apartment while they sorted out their insurance. Their daughter, Abby, was born on June 18, two-and-a-half weeks after the storm. The Carlsons would eventually demolish the house, sell the lot and move across the river to Illinois. Aftermath Former Mayor Brockert said volunteers from Muscatine and the area converged on Fruitland, helping with the cleanup, which took weeks. Some people who lost their home, he said, left Fruitland after the storm. Others rebuilt and are still living in town today. The town even renamed a lot where a house once stood Tornado Park in memory of the event. And this Sunday, they will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the tornado with a ceremony at the park and other events across town. Brockert said the town is restored because of these volunteers. He wanted them to visit Fruitland so they can see how far it has come. All your efforts, all your help, come and take a look and see what Fruitland looks like now, this is what you guys did, he said. Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes continues to be a powerful force in the House's Russia investigation, despite his promise that he was stepping aside as the head of the probe as he came under scrutiny himself from the House ethics committee. The latest example came Wednesday afternoon, when Nunes issued three subpoenas targeting documents regarding former Obama administration officials in his own probe of unmasking -- without getting sign-offs from the House Democrats. Those subpoenas were issued in the same batch as the first subpoenas from the Russia probe, which had bipartisan support. Two weeks ago, Nunes took a trip to the CIA headquarters to review intelligence related to Russia as well. Behind the scenes at the Capitol, a struggle played out between lawmakers on the House Russia investigation in the leadup to the issuing of the first subpoenas, CNN reported last week. Democrats have pushed Nunes to relinquish his power over subpoenas -- the strongest tool they have to use in their investigative toolbox -- and instead hand the power to the new leader of the House Russian probe, Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Texas. Republicans on the panel, meanwhile, have said that the subpoena power still resides with Nunes. Asked over the weekend to respond to CNN's report that Nunes was still overseeing the committee's subpoenas, Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the panel and one of the people who first called for the California Republican to recuse himself, said it was true, but he wished it were not the case. "He does. I don't think that he should, given that he has stepped aside or recused himself," Schiff said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "What I have been urging is that we have a committee vote. That's a procedure that's provided for in our rules. Or that the committee delegate to Mr. Conaway, with advice and consultation with myself. That's similar to what the Senate has done, and that's what I recommend we do here." A Nunes spokesman did not return multiple requests for comment sent Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. The Senate investigation continues providing a sharp contrast to the House's efforts. Last week, the Senate intelligence committee voted to give broad subpoena power to the two leaders of their investigation, Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia. Sen. Ben Cardin, a Maryland Democrat, told CNN's Erin Burnett that Nunes' decision to issue subpoenas on his own "raises major questions. He had the power to issue a subpoena. It should never have been done without working with the Democrats." Impact on investigation Leaders of the House investigation have guided their probe back to normalcy over the past two months, since Nunes announced he would step aside. And Nunes was visibly absent from the House's second public hearing on Russia, which featured former CIA Director John Brennan. But pressure has been mounting behind the scenes amid mounting questions about the extent of Nunes' recusal. Nunes's visit to CIA headquarters to review intelligence related to Russia, rankled Democrats who said he was violating the spirit of his recusal. Conaway later said that the Russian intelligence Nunes saw was not related to the House investigation. "He's not involved in the Russia investigation. He's not interfering with me at all," Conaway said at the time. Nunes continues to hold a powerful seat on the "Gang of Eight," a group that is given access to top-level classified information and is reserved for the the four leaders of the House and Senate -- House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer -- and the top four members on the House and Senate intelligence committees. Why he stepped aside When Nunes announced he would step aside from the probe almost two months ago, the fighting had reached a fever pitch that looked certain to derail the House investigation. At the beginning of April, Democrats were accusing Nunes of coordinating with the Trump White House to derail the House Russia probe. Nunes took a clandestine trip to the White House -- one day after then-FBI Director James Comey announced that the FBI had been investigating the Trump campaign since last July -- and returned, telling reporters he had discovered evidence which supported Trump's claims that he was a victim of surveillance by the Obama administration. But as Nunes' story unraveled -- and news emerged that the intelligence he reviewed was provided by White House staffers -- pressure grew for him to step aside. On April 6, Nunes announced via a carefully worded statement that he would let three other Republicans "temporarily take charge" of the investigation because he had become the subject of an ethics investigation into whether he mishandled classified information. "Chairman Nunes has offered to step aside as the lead Republican on this particular probe, and I fully support his decision," Ryan said at the time. One day after he stepped aside, Nunes touted his strategy as a means to protect other Republicans from facing questions about his clandestine White House trip. "I did something they never thought I would do -- I stepped aside and I gave them a gift. The gift is called Trey Gowdy," Nunes said in audio of a speech to fellow California Republicans obtained by the Los Angeles Times this week. "And guess what? When these ethics charges are gone, then I'm going to be back again. I would like to thank you all for all your support. I know a lot of you are disappointed, but there is a method to why I did this." What's in a word? A senior Republican aide said Wednesday that Nunes never actually promised to recuse himself from the probe. "He didn't 'recuse' himself. That has a very specific legal definition and isn't accurate here," the aide said. The aide argued that "temporarily stepping aside" and "recusing" are two entirely different things, and noted that Nunes still has an important job to fill as chairman of the House intelligence committee, including investigating any "unmasking" -- the revealing of US nationals swept up in routine surveillance of foreign officials -- in intelligence reports. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, called Nunes "honorable" Thursday on CNN's "New Day" -- but added that he had questions about Nunes' role in the Russia subpoenas. "I hope he reveals and comes out and discusses it," Kinzinger said. "I thought he stepped away from the probe." Stop the average person on the street and ask them if they know the name "Mike Dubke" and you are almost certain to get a blank stare. Given Dubke's anonymity, it's not terribly surprising that the reaction to his departure as White House communications director -- which was announced Tuesday morning -- was a universal "meh." No one -- not even me -- would make the case that Dubke was a hugely influential presence in the White House or that his resignation will fundamentally alter the way President Donald Trump operates. But, isn't that the point -- and an important one at that? When Dubke was hired -- after an extended search -- the spin from Trump allies was that Dubke being brought on was a sign of Trump's willingness to step outside his small circle of loyal advisers to find talent. These two paragraphs come from a Washington Post story on his hire back in February: "With the appointment, which a White House official confirmed Friday, President Trump is reaching outside his circle of trusted campaign aides to try to bolster his messaging operation.... "As word of Dubke's hiring trickled out, however, some Trump loyalists chafed at the idea of recruiting an establishment Republican operative with ties to strategist Karl Rove and other forces they see as having been hostile to Trump's candidacy." This was an example of Trump bending a knee -- or at least acknowledging -- the GOP establishment that he had scorned for so long! He was finally normalizing! Except not. Dubke never seemed able (or willing) to penetrate the hard shell of those advisers who had either a) been with Trump for long period of time or b) were related to the President. Dubke was touted when he was hired for his willingness to play a behind-the-scenes role. But Dubke, during his short stint in the White House was so behind-the-scenes as to seem totally nonexistent. For all of the talk of Trump's willingness to bring in an outsider -- and an outsider with ties to Karl Rove, no less! -- Trump never really accepted Dubke as one of his people. Which, rather than disproving the caricature of Trump as insular and partial to "yes" men, only served to reinforce it. And, even as Dubke was on the way out, there was increasing chatter that two longtime Trump loyalists -- Corey Lewandowski, who managed Trump's campaign during its formative stages, and David Bossie, who served as deputy campaign manager in its later stages -- were on their way back in. As CNN's Jim Acosta reported: "The internal White House war room may be aided by an outside rapid response operation, staffed by Trump loyalists who have remained outside the administration. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and ex-top campaign official David Bossie have been mentioned repeatedly in those conversations." Take the potential additions of Bossie and Lewandowski with the Dubke departure and you are left with this: Trump is returning to what he knows, surrounding himself with people who will laud him and tell him what he wants to hear. That's why Dubke's departure matters. It's a sign that Trump is, has been and always will be someone only comfortable with an "amen" choir around him. And that is a realization likely to make establishment Republicans looking to defend their House and Senate majorities next November very, very nervous. Survivors smashed through windows to flee as dozens perished trapped by fire in one of Manila's worst incidents of mass death in recent years. A heavily armed man walked into the Resorts World Manila casino in the Philippines capital early Friday, shooting gambling machines and setting fires which resulted in the deaths of 37 people. Initial relief when police said the incident was not terrorism quickly turned to horror as reports began to emerge of the scores of people found suffocated to death inside the building. Georgina Alvarez, chief legal officer for Resorts World, choked up as she read the names of the dead to reporters and family waiting outside the casino. Of the 37 victims, management said 13 were employees of the casino while the rest were guests. Police have still yet to identify the bodies of six people, including two employees and four guests. Their bodies were found on the second floor of the building, spread across the casino area, the hallways and a bathroom, police said. They died due to suffocation from smoke when the suspect deliberately set fire to carpets and tables using gasoline he brought with him. The windows were locked. The injuries of survivors testified to the terror inside the casino, many were hurt breaking windows and jumping from the second floor to escape the fire and smoke. On Facebook, Resort World employees shared photos of their deceased colleagues. "It's hard to believe that they have disappeared," one man commented on a widely shared collage of the victims. One of the dead was Elizabeth Panlilio Gonzales, wife of Congressman Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, police confirmed. Waiting for news Earlier in the day, friends and family of employees gathered outside the casino building in Pasay City on the southern outskirts of Manila, near the city's international airport. The mood was tense and emotional, and the delay in releasing a full list of victims' names led many worried family members to search hospitals desperately for news of their relatives. The road that runs along the front of the building was restricted to emergency vehicles, and those taking away the dead. A ferry line that serviced the casino was also halted. Thomas Orbos, general manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), reminded people "to be vigilant." He added the authority would instruct shopping malls and hotels to be stricter with their security, and that protocols around incidents such as this would be reviewed. Heightened security checks were already in place for the main metro line that served Pasay City. Police insisted the attack was not related to terrorism -- despite ongoing conflict with ISIS-linked forces in the country's south. Past horrors The incident brings back memories of twin disasters that shook Manila in recent years -- both accidental and deliberate. In 2015, a fire in a footwear factory in a suburb of the Philippine capital killed 72 people. As in Friday's incident, many of the dead were killed when they became trapped on an upper floor of the building by the blaze, which began when sparks from welding work set alight chemicals in nearby containers. Five years before that, a former Manila police officer held a busload of tourists from Hong Kong hostage. As the standoff unfolded live on television, Rolando Mendoza began killing hostages and Philippines SWAT officers stormed the bus. By the time the incident was over, eight people were dead and many more injured. The handling of the hostage crisis by Philippines police was criticized intensely at home and abroad, and the incident hurt the country's reputation overseas, particularly in Hong Kong, where most of the victims were from. Journalist Jinky Jorgio reported from Manila, Philippines. James Griffiths wrote from Hong Kong. Journalist Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala contributed reporting. Gunfire and explosions have been heard at the Resorts World Manila in the Philippines, CNN Philippines reported. A masked gunman was on the second floor of one hotel, firing at guests, hotel employees fleeing the scene told CNN Philippines. Police, fire trucks and SWAT teams were seen in the area at about 1:30 a.m. local time Friday. Resorts World Manila, also known as RWM, is a resort complex in Newport City, a residential and commercial center in metropolitan Manila. RWM has an array of hotels, restaurants and bars. Tourists flock to the complex for its casino, shopping mall, cinema and theater. The complex, which is described on RWM's website as "the first and largest integrated resort in the Philippines," is located across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The Philippines has been grappling with incidents of terrorism, especially on the southern island of Mindanao. There, in the city of Marawi, government forces have been battling ISIS-linked militants for control of the city. The battle for Marawi, a largely Muslim city, has displaced at least 70,000 residents and left 140 people dead. The terrorist siege unfolded last week as Muslims worldwide began to mark the holy month of Ramadan. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law over the island of Mindanao last week after the crisis began. Duterte has suggested he might extend martial law until the end of the year or impose it nationwide, alarming critics. Developing story - more to come CNN's Nadeem Muaddi contributed to this report. NATO marked an important step in its deepening relations with Baghdad on Thursday (1 June 2017), as Mr. Paul Smith of the United Kingdom assumed office as NATO Senior Civilian in Iraq. Mr. Smith will represent the NATO Secretary General and the Alliance at large, as NATO continues to help strengthen the Iraqi security institutions in their fight against terrorism. Mr. Smith succeeds Mr. Richard Froh of Canada, who served in the same capacity over the past months. Mr. Smith will liaise with a range of interlocutors, including high-level Iraqi officials, representatives of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the diplomatic community, and members of international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union. He will also be at the helm of the NATO Training and Capacity Building presence in Iraq (NTCB-I). This includes a Core Team of eight civilian and military personnel as well as mobile training teams provided by NATO nations who travel to Iraq, as required, to provide specific courses agreed with the Iraqi authorities. NATOs support to Iraq is aimed at increasing Iraqs training capacity in the medium and long term. It includes courses on countering improvised explosive devices, explosive ordnance disposal and de-mining; civil-military planning in support of operations; civil emergency planning; training in military medicine; technical maintenance of Soviet-era military equipment; and reform of the Iraqi security institutions. NATO-Iraq relations are underpinned by an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme signed in September 2012, which provides a framework for political dialogue and tailored cooperation in mutually agreed areas, and a Defence Capacity Building Package for Iraq, agreed in 2015. Prior to taking office as NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Iraq, Mr. Smith served in senior roles at the NATO Communications and Information Agency; Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe; and the UK Ministry of Defence. It also does not reflect the views of the Firm of which the Author is working for. Since the inception of this blog, the Author has avoided writing views and opinions of his clients or views and opinions which third parties has paid him to write. The Author has maintained editorial independence since Day One. Any individual or group affected by the opinions and views of the Author can write the author thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. Opinions and views expressed in this blog are personal views of the Author and does not involve organisations and companies being serviced by the Author as part of his profession as a Strategic Communications professional. Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-31 20:14:32|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close SHANGHAI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) announced Wednesday that it will build China's first luxury cruise ship, which is expected to begin operations as early as 2021. The ship, which will be 323.6 meters long and 37.2 meters wide, will have 3,921 beds and accommodate 4,980 passengers, said Wu Qiang, CSSC general manager. CSSC will work with American cruise company Carnival, Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri and British Lloyd's Register to build the ship. The move reflects the vigorous development of the country's cruise industry, said Wu. China's cruise market is developing fast with the number of outbound cruise passengers topping 2 million in 2016, according to figures from the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association. Experts forecast Chinese will make 10 million cruise trips annually by 2025, becoming the most dynamic cruise market in the Asia-Pacific region. China is currently the world's eighth-biggest cruise market. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 02:18:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ROME, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Italian gross domestic product (GDP) will only recover to pre-2007 levels by the middle of the next decade at the current rate of growth, the governor of the Bank of Italy said in his annual report briefing on Wednesday. In a speech at the Italian central bank in Rome, with European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi sitting in the front row, Ignazio Visco said the economic crisis Italy has only recently left behind was the worst since the 1930s. "While the Italian economy has been expanding for the past two years, albeit weakly," GDP remains well below that of the Eurozone, Visco said. "(Eurozone) GPD growth should reach 2 percent this year, about double that of our country," the Italian central banker said. "The economic development of our country is hampered by the rigidity of the context in which businesses operate, by weak productivity, and insufficient employment," Visco said. "Overall, wide margins of unutilized capacity remain (in our economy)," he said. Visco added that the employment issue is "central" if Italy is to make a full economic recovery. "An increase in labor market participation and an efficient and rational assimilation of immigrants into the labor market are necessary elements for the development of the country," he explained. According to data released by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) on Wednesday, the country's unemployment rate stood at 11.1 percent in April, down 0.4 percent over the previous month. Youth unemployment stood at 34 percent. The central bank governor added that Italy's public debt and the deteriorated loans held by its banks "reduce the margins for maneuver of the state (and) make the Italian economy vulnerable to market turbulence." Italy must "continue removing the obstacles to business activity, encouraging competition, and stimulate innovation" if it is to come out of the slump, said Visco. The government must also "resume spending on public investments, which have been dropping since 2010," Visco said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 02:33:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Jordan handed a letter of protest to the Israeli embassy in Amman on Wednesday, accusing Israeli authorities of allowing Jewish settlers to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, state-run Petra news agency reported. In the letter, the Jordanian government asked the Israeli government to immediately put an end to such acts of aggression and provocation and respect Jordan's role in preserving Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem. Jordan's 1994 peace treaty with Israel recognizes the kingdom's role as custodian of the Islamic and Christian sites in the city, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war. Jordan said Israel has allowed several groups of "radical" Jewish settlers to break into the yards of Al-Aqsa Mosque since the start of the week. "Such actions provoke the feelings of the Muslims around the world and violate Article 9 of the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, and are not in line with Israel's legal obligations, as the occupying power, in accordance with international law," the Jordanian government said in the letter. The letter also stressed that such actions harm relations between the two countries and undermine efforts to reduce tension and maintain the status quo in Al-Aqsa Mosque. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 03:39:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIRUT, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The European Union ambassador to Lebanon Christina Lassen said here on Wednesday that EU is ready to help Lebanon organize its upcoming parliamentary elections. "The EU is ready to provide support for the preparation and the organization of the elections, including by deploying an Election Observation Mission," Lassen said following her meeting with Lebanon's Minister of Interior Nohad Machnouk. She said the EU and its member states encourage Lebanese political parties to reach agreement on a new electoral law. "There is still time for the political leaders to come together and reach consensus on a new electoral law to govern the upcoming parliamentary elections," Lassen said. The EU ambassador also stressed the importance of conducting parliamentary elections. "Conducting parliamentary elections according to the constitution is an important step to ensure the normal functioning of the Lebanese democratic institutions, in the interest and for the benefit of the Lebanese people," she said. "A democratically elected parliament is important for the international community supporting Lebanon in its strive for stabilization and economic development," Lassen noted. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 03:54:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TRIPOLI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Libyan UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj had a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the latest developments in Libya and bilateral cooperation, the media office of the Libyan prime minister said on Wednesday. Macron reiterated his country's support for the government and keenness to achieve security and stability in Libya based on the political agreement. The two leaders discussed programs to train the presidential guards, the coordination to build army and police forces and the security of Libyan land and sea borders. Serraj stressed Libya's keenness to develop relations and cooperation with France, and expressed hope for the return of French embassy, companies and airlines to the capital Tripoli as soon as possible. Macron announced the arrangement of an urgent visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to Tripoli. Serraj's government of national accord was appointed based on a UN-sponsored peace agreement signed by the country's political rival parties in December 2015. However, Libya is still suffering insecurity and political division despite the agreement. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 04:09:41|Editor: xuxin People pay last respects to former Greek prime minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis during a funeral service at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens, Greece, on May 31, 2017. Konstantinos Mitsotakis passed away on Monday at the age of 98. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) By Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Greece's political leadership and ordinary citizens flooded the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral on Wednesday to pay respects to former conservative Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis who passed away on Monday aged 98. His body had lain in state in the cathedral for several hours before the funeral service was held with the honors reserved for a serving prime minister. Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, current Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras, leaders of Greek political parties, MPs and former prime ministers expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased in front of the flag-draped coffin. Konstantinos Mitsotakis had served as prime minister between 1990 and 1993. He had promoted austerity measures and economic reforms, warning that without them Greece would someday be forced to resort to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for aid. In 2010 the debt-laden country signed a bailout program with IMF and European lenders to avoid default. On Wednesday Pavlopoulos bid farewell to "a great leader who left his mark in Greek politics for over 50 years." Mitsotakis was elected in 1946 for first time in parliament, and with the exception of the seven-year rule of a military junta between 1967 and 1974 when he was in exile, was an MP until he retired from active politics in 2004. The late prime minister was "ahead of his time and did not fear political cost when making decisions," Anastasiades said while delivering a speech. "You taught us to respect the truth, seek unity and never forget that Greece's position is at the center of Europe..." Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the son of the deceased leader said during the service. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leader of the main opposition New Democracy party since 2016. His sister Dora Bakogiannis, a former foreign minister, and his two other sisters had requested that the funeral would not be at public expense. Under Greek legislation, the cost of the funerals of late former prime ministers is covered by the state as part of the honors reserved for the political leaders. Among foreign officials who conveyed condolences to the family were European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker who praised the late prime minister's dedication to Greece's European course, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. During his term in office as prime minister and in earlier years when he was serving at ministerial posts Konstantinos Mitsotakis supported dialogue with the neighboring country to resolve chronic differences. His body will be taken to his birthplace, Chania, on Crete island, for burial on Thursday. The late PM had requested before his death that instead of wreaths and flowers, mourners should make a donation to environmental groups that plant trees on Crete's Lefka Ori mountains, according to AMNA. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 04:50:09|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close A passenger gets off a train at Nairobi Terminus of Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, May 31, 2017. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday launched the passenger train service of the 480-km Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), paving way for the nation's endeavor for industrialization and prosperity. (Xinhua/Li Baishun) by Xinhua Writer Zhu Shaobin MOMBASA, Kenya, May 31 (Xinhua) -- In proud cheers, Kenyans witnessed the birth of a millennium railway project that will transform their lives. And once again, China has proved itself a true and capable friend behind Africa's growth story. Defying often ill-intended accusations of China's so-called hidden motives beyond what is in fact mutually-beneficial cooperation, Kenyans themselves are on the contrary saying the flagship project has been a model of cooperation since the country's independence. Built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the project costing 3.8 billion U.S. dollars is finished 18 months ahead of schedule, expediting quick delivery of practical benefits to the economy and the people. Cutting travel time by half for passengers and downing the cost of freight transport by almost half are the immediate double benefits that the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway (SGR) brings, and it is undoubtedly a dream come true for ordinary passengers and businessmen alike. It should also be noted that the mega-project has been a result of Chinese engagement with Africa that adheres to the policy of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. The SGR railway has been a continuity of traditional China-Africa friendship and cooperation. China's sincerity and dedication to the improvement of infrastructure networks on the African continent is well known to the world. Since the 1970s, when many African states became independent, China has aided the construction of the monumental Tanzania-Zambia railway as well as many other defining projects in countries such as Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Djibouti. China-Africa pragmatic cooperation is bringing about concrete benefits. The SGR project's work force is 90 percent composed of locals, contrary to baseless claims of Chinese snatching up jobs of Africans. The total number of jobs created locally hit 46,000. Over 40,000 locals also received various levels of training, covering construction and operation of the railway. The training and transfer of knowledge are clear evidence of China's affinity toward their African partners because China likes to see Africa achieve self-reliant development. As passengers aboard the train are stunned by views of Kenya's natural wonders on a modern train hurtling past iconic wildlife species but creating no trouble for their land, one will truly appreciate the harmonious merge of nature and technology through a ride experience. Under the African aspiration of "Connecting Nations, Prospering People", the SGR will further expand to neighboring countries, and China, based on its records so far, will continue, as ever, to prove itself a true partner capable to help Africa realize its ambitions. Rescuers carry the body of a victim of Russian Defense Ministry's Tu-154 crash in the Black Sea coast off Sochi, Russia, Dec. 25, 2016. (Xinhua/Sputnik) MOSCOW, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Mistakes made by the pilot may cause the crash of Russia's Tu-154 aircraft in the Black Sea in December 2016, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday following the conclusion of an investigation. The probe found that the pilot of the Russian military plane could lose his spatial orientation or situational awareness and made a wrong decision when operating the aircraft, said the ministry. Investigators found no violation of rules concerning fueling, passenger seating or cargo loading, and the Tu-154 was not affected by external factors either. On December 25, 2016, the Tu-154 en route from Moscow to Syria crashed in the Black Sea shortly after it refueled and took off from Russia's southern city of Sochi. The plane was carrying 92 people, including musicians of the Alexandrov Ensemble, servicemen, journalists and crew members. None of them survived the tragedy. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 05:35:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- German ambassador to the United States on Wednesday downplayed the increased tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, calling the bilateral relationship was "good and productive." "This is a healthy relationship. Chancellor Merkel and the U.S. president, they have a good and productive relationship," said Ambassador Peter Wittig in an interview with CNN. "They met in Washington very extensively. They met now in Europe. They are on the phone frequently," he added. Trump early on Tuesday called Germany's trade and military spending policies "very bad" for the United States as tensions between him and Merkel increased. "We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Very bad for U.S. This will change." The blast came two days after Merkel cast doubts on EU's alignment with the United States and Britain, saying that Europeans should determine their own destiny. Addressing a election campaign at a beer tent in Germany's southern state of Bavaria, Merkel said on Sunday that following the election of Trump and Brexit, Europeans "really have to take destiny into their own hands." "The times when we could fully rely on others are to some extent over," Merkel said. Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel also criticized President Trump on Monday, accusing him of "short sighted policies which stand against the European Union and are weakening the West." However, as tensions between the two side escalated rapidly, Merkel on Tuesday stressed German ties with the United States, saying that the relationship is of "outstanding importance." Trump and Merkel had a long history of disagreement that was previously focused on the two leaders' view on immigration. During his campaign and also after winning the presidency, Trump repeatedly blasted Merkel for making a "catastrophic mistake" with her open door policy on refugees, while Merkel did not shy away from criticizing Trump in the wake of his travel ban order that sought to temporarily ban travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries in January. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 07:11:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The number of undocumented Mexicans deported by U.S. authorities has fallen under President Donald Trump, despite his administration's vocal anti-immigrant stance, Mexico reported on Wednesday. To date, the U.S. has deported 29,000 fewer immigrants than over the same period last year, when Barack Obama was still president, Mexico's deputy minister of Immigration, Humberto Roque Villanueva, said. In an interview with local media, Villanueva, whose department is part of the Interior Ministry, said Mexico has not seen the mass deportations it feared under Trump, but will remain vigilant. Mexico "will continue to pay close attention and to promote migratory reform that guarantees respect for the human rights of our countrymen" living in the U.S., said Villanueva. Villanueva met with the Chamber of Deputies' Foreign Relations Committee to prepare for a Mexico-U.S. interparliamentary meeting on Sunday. "I think our legislators ... must first of all propose to their U.S. colleagues respect for the human rights of our migrants," said the official. Asked whether the immigration issue will be part of upcoming trade negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Villanueva said the fate of Mexico's undocumented migrants would not be used as leverage. "For us, no Mexican migrant is a bargaining chip," he said. "In addition, no Mexican worker that benefits from the free-trade agreement is a bargaining chip," he said. Xinhua| 2017-06-01 08:19:26|Editor: Hou Qiang Visitors look at the ancient Chinese porcelain dish exhibited at the Benaki Museum in the Greek capital Athens on May 19, 2017. A rare ancient Chinese porcelain dish exhibited at the Benaki Museum in the Greek capital is giving local visitors a taste of Chinese history as the two countries celebrate their cultural exchange year in 2017. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) Related: Feature: Ancient porcelain dish gives Greeks taste of Chinese culture by Alexia Vlachou ATHENS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- A rare ancient Chinese porcelain dish exhibited at the Benaki Museum in the Greek capital is giving local visitors a taste of Chinese history as the two countries celebrate their cultural exchange year in 2017. Painted with enamels in red, green, black and yellow, the porcelain dish that was made in Jingdezhen in southeast China, most probably in the 17th century, depicts a scene with an emperor and a burnt book in front of his feet, George Manginis, member of the Executive Committee of the Benaki Museum, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Full story Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 07:26:29|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HAVANA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Despite its world-famous tobacco crop, Cuba on Wednesday celebrated World No Tobacco Day with zeal, launching anti-smoking campaigns in the media, at schools and in healthcare centers. "Statistics show that 54 percent of Cuban families, 55 percent of children, 51 percent of pregnant women and 60 percent of adolescents are exposed to this polluting agent. These figures rank us as the Latin American country with the highest exposure to tobacco smoke in the home," the daily Granma cited Elba Lorenzo Vazquez, national coordinator of the state anti-smoking program, as saying at a press conference. Cuba has Latin America's third highest rate of smokers, with some 24 percent of the population smoking. The anti-smoking campaign is directed mainly at young Cubans, hoping to prevent them from picking up the habit in the first place, though the government is also promoting programs to help those addicted to tobacco quit smoking. Laws that restrict smoking have been around in Cuba since the early 1970s. In 1974, the government banned smoking in government offices and institutions, and in 1986, the ban was expanded to other areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared May 31st World No Tobacco Day to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking, which can lead to lung cancer, respiratory diseases and other ailments. Half of all smokers die prematurely, according to the WHO. Under the banner "Tobacco -- a threat to development," the WHO released a video that warns "tobacco endangers our health, economies and environment and undermines our effort to build ... a more prosperous world for all." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 07:31:31|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The defense team of Brazil's President Michel Temer on Wednesday asked Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin to postpone the president's written interrogation by police. The request argued that the interrogation, which is scheduled to happen within ten days, should be postponed until the police has finished analyzing the recording. Temer has said that the tape has been doctored and that he has done nothing wrong. This is the second time Temer's lawyers sought to postpone the interrogation, since the Supreme Court opened an investigation against the president for passive corruption, obstruction of justice and illicit association. On Tuesday, Fachin gave the federal police ten days to send a written interrogation to Temer, which the president must respond to within 24 hours. The defense team also requested Fachin, if he insists the interrogation should go ahead, should veto any police question into the Batista recording, whose validity is under question by Temer. "The very content of the evidence orchestrated by the entrepreneur (Batista) was clearly manipulated," sustained the defense team. The recording of a conversation between Temer and Batista lasts around 40 minutes and has the two men discussing politics and economics, before addressing the bribing of former Speaker Eduardo Cunha to buy him silence. Cunha was jailed for 15 years for his involvement in the Petrobras corruption ring. Fred Dixon, President & CEO of NYC & Company, speaks at a press conference in New York, the United States, May 31, 2017. (Xinhua/ Wang Ying) NEW YORK, May 31 (Xinhua) -- China is one of the fastest growing international market for New York City as nearly one million Chinese visited the Big Apple in 2016, said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company, the city's tourism marketer. "It (China) is still one of the brightest spot on the horizon in terms of potential growth," said Dixon in response to a question by Xinhua at a press conference held Wednesday morning at the newly launched Whitby Hotel in Manhattan midtown. He said businesses across the city, including hotels, cultural institutions and restaurants, are turning to Chinese travellers, many of them have started offering Chinese language tours, and hot tea, slippers and other amenities. Fred Dixon, President & CEO of NYC & Company, speaks at a press conference in New York, the United States, May 31, 2017. (Xinhua/ Wang Ying) In order to attract more Chinese visitors, NYC has also expanded its footprint in China by enhancing cooperation with its local partners and more presence on the country's social media, he said. According to NYC & Company's statistics, over 950,000 Chinese visited NYC in 2016, surpassing Brazilians and Canadians in the ranks of tourists to the city. That represents a sevenfold increase since 2007. Only visitors from Britain outnumbered the Chinese in 2016, but their total of about 1.2 million has not grown since 2007. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 07:51:36|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HAVANA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, the country's legislative assembly, convened on Wednesday to analyze progress in the national economy and the implementation of the reform program promoted by President Raul Castro. "The deputies from different Permanent Committees will discuss the Conceptualization of the Cuban economic and social model of socialist development," said a statement published by the official daily "Granma." This document will be assessed alongside the Guidelines of the Communist Party Policy and the Revolution for the period 2016-2021, which encompass the reforms put forward by Castro, as well as receiving information concerning the Bases of the Economic and Social Development Plan up to 2030: Vision of The Nation, Axes and Strategic Sectors. According to the text, this reunion will "debate the main issues emerging from the island's society and marking today the national reality." These documents were approved weeks ago by the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party, which agreed to submit them to the members of parliament in the legislature for their consideration. The three ruling documents, which lay out the roadmap for the upgrade of Cuba's socio-economic model, were submitted to a wide popular consultation, with the participation of over 1.6 million, said the official newspaper of the Communist Party. Castro asserted a month ago that these texts are the "most studied, discussed and rediscussed in the history of the Revolution." Once the committees lay out their versions, the documents will then be discussed and approved during a plenary session of the Assembly on Thursday, which is expected to be attended by Castro. Xinhua| 2017-06-01 08:30:41|Editor: Hou Qiang Chang Xiaobing, former chairman of China Telecom, stands trial at the Intermediate People's Court of Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, May 31, 2017. Chang Xiaobing was sentenced to six years in prison for graft Wednesday. The court also fined Chang 500,000 yuan (around 72,850 U.S. dollars) and ordered his illicit gains to be confiscated. Chang confessed to his crimes in court. It found Chang guilty of taking advantage of his positions as a telecom official and chairman of China Unicom to seek benefits for various institutions between 1998 and 2014. In return, he accepted money and valuables worth more than 3.76 million yuan (about 552,145 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua) Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 08:41:50|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SEOUL, June 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports posted a double-digit expansion last month, keeping a growth trend for the seventh consecutive month, a government report showed Thursday. Exports, which account for about half of the economy, increased 13.4 percent from a year earlier to 45 billion U.S. dollars in May, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Imports advanced 18.2 percent to 39 billion dollars in May, sending the trade surplus to 6 billion dollars. The daily exports averaged 2.14 billion dollars in May, up 16 percent from a year earlier. For the first five months of this year, exports reached 228.1 billion dollars. Trade surplus amounted to 34.9 billion dollars in the same period as imports were 193.3 billion dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 09:27:05|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SYDNEY, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Australia's performance of manufacturing index figures for the month of May released on Thursday showed the nation remaining in expansion territory for the eighth straight month, albeit with a considerable slowdown. The index looks at a number of key factors, such as total production and inventories, with a score above 50 indicating expansion, whereas a score below 50 indicates a decline. For the month of May, Australia achieved a 54.8 point score, which was however down 4.4 percent from the previous month, with the production score dropping 8.5 percent, and sales losing 11.1 percent from the previous period's totals. Innes Willox, chief executive of industry organization Ai Group, told Xinhua in a statement that the result still showed that manufacturers have done well in May, and managed to continue the strong growth in Australia. Demand is relatively elevated for most sub-sectors and employment, sales and new orders are all growing, albeit at more subdued rates, Willox said. "Exports remain a key source of growth with many manufacturers strongly focused on growing their sales overseas despite stiff global competition." The report did highlight a few causes for concern, with the auto industry one of particular note, but the report states "growth is occurring despite the ongoing contraction in automotive assembly," as automakers gradually withdraw from Australia. "Regardless of the shrinking local auto industry and generally low business investment, the important machinery and equipment manufacturing sub-sector again built on what has been an impressive recovery after an extended slump," Willox said. Paul Dales, chief economist at Capital Economics told Xinhua on Thursday that the results were not too concerning, due to the previous rapid growth over the past few months. "The index has been rising quite rapidly over the last few months, so it just reverses some of that increase," Dales said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 10:17:39|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KATHMANDU, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's central bank has allowed foreign investors involved in developing the highly prioritized projects in Nepal to capitalize their expenses at home country for Nepal-based projects as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Foreign investors which spend their money at home for the tasks such as feasibility study, geological survey and designs of Nepal-based projects without opening their offices in Nepal, can enjoy such facility, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), central bank of the Himalayan country, said in a notice. Bhisma Raj Dhungana, executive director at the NRB, told Xinhua on Wednesday that the central bank took such a decision to remove practical difficulties for the foreign investors. "Investment Board, Nepal (IBN) which deals with foreign investors for big projects had been requesting us for such facility to foreign investors," he said. But the NRB has put forward certain conditions for enjoying the facility. By issuing a notice last week, the central bank stated that foreign investors which are developing the projects categorized as National Pride Project, the highly prioritized ones in Nepal or the ones approved by the IBN, can enjoy this facility. : , , , , - 28 . Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 10:32:49|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during an annual meeting between the heads of the two countries' governments in Berlin, capital of Germany, May 31, 2017. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called for joint efforts to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation during his visit to Germany. In face of global uncertainties, anti-globalization sentiment and rising protectionism in the world, China and Germany should continue to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation and safeguard the regulations of the World Trade Organization, Li said during talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. The Chinese premier is on a two-day official visit to Germany for an annual meeting between the two heads of government, a mechanism that has been in place since 2004. Li said China hopes that the two countries will work together to offset global uncertainties with a stable bilateral relationship, so as to send positive signals of stability, cooperation and development to regions and the world at large. China and Germany have fostered a fast-developing and more mature relationship with closer high-level exchanges, rapidly-growing trade and investments, and new achievements in the field of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Li said, adding that the two countries should continue to consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation and enhance communication in a spirit of mutual respect and equality. Noting that the two countries enjoy complementary economic advantages, highly interwoven interests and great potential for cooperation, Li said China will work to better conjoin the "Made In China 2025" blueprint and Germany's "Industrial 4.0" strategy, and promote two-way opening up with equality in order to make the cake of bilateral cooperation bigger. China is willing to work with Germany to deepen cooperation in such fields as manufacturing, energy, aviation, innovation, education, culture and tourism, as well as cooperation between two countries' small-and-medium-sized enterprises, Li said. The Chinese premier also called on Germany to help China-developed large passenger plane C919 get an airworthiness certificate from the European Union (EU). The twin-engine C919 made a maiden flight on May 5 in Shanghai with five crew members on board but no passengers. The success makes China the fourth jumbo jet producer after the United States, Western Europe and Russia. With a standard range of 4,075 km, the narrow-body jet is comparable with updated Airbus 320 and Boeing's new generation 737 planes, signaling the country's entry into the global aviation market. Besides, Li noted that China supports Germany in hosting a successful G20 summit scheduled for July in Hamburg, saying China is willing to jointly promote the global economic governance for a strong, sustainable and balanced world economic growth. When it comes to the European integration process, Li said that as a comprehensive strategic partner of the EU, China is glad to see a solidary, prosperous and stable Europe as it will be conducive to the world multipolarization and economic globalization. Noting that Germany is a reliable partner of China, Merkel said bilateral relations enjoy a strong momentum and sound cooperation. It is of great significance to maintain close high-level dialogues considering the current global situation, she said. Germany will join hands with China to further strengthen communication and cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, finance, new-energy vehicles, healthcare, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the spirit of mutual benefits and win-win outcome, Merkel added. She said her country will implement the "Industrial 4.0" strategy's combination with China's "Made In China 2025" blueprint, and expand cooperation with China under the framework of the G20. Merkel expressed appreciation for China's support for the European integration, and wished for a fruitful meeting between Li and EU leaders. Li and Merkel also exchanged in-depth views over global and regional issues of common concern. Ahead of the annual meeting, Merkel held a solemn welcoming ceremony for Li at the German Chancellery. Germany is the first leg of Li's three-day Europe tour that will also take him to Belgium. In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 11:02:56|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SEOUL, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chung Eui-yong, South Korea's top security advisor to President Moon Jae-in, left for the United States Thursday morning to discuss agendas of the upcoming meeting between Moon and U.S. President Donald Trump, the presidential Blue House said in a statement. During his two-day visit, Chung was scheduled to meet with senior U.S. government officials, including Herbert Raymond McMaster, the U.S. national security advisor. Chung will discuss with the U.S. officials about ways for a successful meeting between Moon and Trump that was slated to be held in late June. In-depth discussions would be made on major issues such as the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and the U.S.-South Korea alliance, according to the statement. President Moon took office on May 10 after winning a landslide victory in the presidential by-election. During his first phone conversation with Trump, they agreed to hold their summit meeting as early as possible. According to local media reports, Chung was expected to discuss with the U.S. side about the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interception system. A staff member of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (1st L) donates relief goods in Yabaraluwa village near Colombo, Sri lanka, May 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Huang Haimin) COLOMBO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese enterprises in Sri Lanka have provided donations and relief materials to victims affected by the devastating floods and landslides which killed 202 people and affected over 600,000. A statement on Wednesday said that the Sri Lanka Gampaha, Attanagalla and Minuwangoda Integrated Water Supply Project team, a subsidiary of China Machinery and Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd.(CMEC),had on Tuesday donated relief materials to a flooded village near capital Colombo, to help victims through their difficulties and rebuild their homes. Yang Wei, the site project manager of Attanagalla water plant said that his staff had donated a truck load of relief supplies, including food and daily necessities to the affected villagers in Yabaraluwa, in western Sri Lanka. Wei said that CMEC had been actively fulfilling the corporate social responsibility of the local community and following the devastating disaster. CMEC had purchased immediate relief supplies to distribute among the victims. "CMEC will make every effort to participate in the disaster relief, and work together with the Sri Lankan people to tide over this crisis," Wei said. CMEC had provided timely help, and provided materials for the resettlement of the villagers. This is the first-time villagers received donations from a foreign country following the disaster, R.M.K.C Rathnayake, the head of Yabaraluwa village said. "Thanks to the relief provided by CMEC, we will soon be able to get back to our normal livelihoods. China is a true friend of Sri Lanka," Rathnayake added. The Yabaraluwa village is located about 20 km east of Colombo, near the fourth longest river in Sri Lanka - the Kelani River. Among the 750 houses in the village, an estimated 350 houses were damaged by the floods while more than 1,500 people were affected. On Tuesday, more than 80 families received relief materials from CMEC. Local residents wait in line to receive relief goods donated by China Machinery Engineering Corporation in Yabaraluwa village near Colombo, Sri lanka, May 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Huang Haimin) At least 202 people have been killed and 96 people are still missing following severe rains which caused major floods and landslides in Sri Lanka since Friday. The Disaster Management Center said that several districts especially in the southern province had been flooded and rescue missions were ongoing even into Wednesday. The floods were the worst to hit the island country since 2003. To assist Sri Lanka in this hour of grief, the Chinese government on May 28 announced that it would provide emergency humanitarian aid worth 15 million RMB (2.2 million U.S. dollars), which would include tents, blankets and other relief supplies to be distributed to those affected. Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake expressed his gratitude at the donation and aid. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also handed over 15 million rupees (about 100,000 U.S. dollars) to the Sri Lanka Red Cross on Tuesday which was donated by the Chinese Red Cross. The China International Rescue Team told reporters that China Red Cross was deploying to send a rescue team to Sri Lanka to assist in the affected areas. The rescue teams successfully helped in rescue work during the flood disaster which hit Sri Lanka last year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 11:43:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China-South Africa relations are expected to be lifted to new heights with increasing cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two BRICS countries. Lucas Banda, an international relations expert at the Midrand University, cited the tourism sector as a highlight of the trend. "Chinese arrivals were up 93 percent in 2016," Banda told Xinhua. Chinese tourists to South Africa increased by 56 percent during the period from January to October in 2016 compared to a year earlier, showed data from South Africa's tourism research institute. "The cooperation between China and South Africa is expected to surge this year because of the bilateral agreement," he added, referring to the bilateral high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism launched in April. While addressing the April conference that launched the mechanism, South Africa's Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa believes the mechanism will serve to cement relations between South Africa and China. "Arts, culture and heritage grant us an opportunity to learn about each other's world view, belief systems and way of life of others, which is a critical part of creating a better world for all," said the minister. Timothy Drury, an independent expert on international relations, expects the people-to-people exchange mechanism to help deepen mutual understanding as well as bilateral cooperation in sectors such as science, technology, culture, education, health, sports, and tourism. In his eyes, the exchange mechanism will also "provide a perfect impetus to boost bilateral trade," and as a new pattern of exchanges featuring both governmental and non-governmental efforts, it is expected to attract organizations at various levels. "South Africa has recently launched Mandarin training courses in schools to help and bolster the bilateral relationship. Communication is vital in cultural exchanges," Drury added. South Africa, where there are many fans of Chinese martial arts and Peking opera, is among the few African countries that include Chinese teaching in its national education. Siphamandla Zondi, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, calls for more efforts to tap the potential in the development of people-to-people exchanges between South Africa and China. "There is a potential to push this (people-to-people relations) to a higher level with many initiatives," said Zondi. For example, he said interactions between the two countries' non-government organizations, community-based organizations, cultural groups, schools and musical groups should improve. In addition, "there have to be programs and initiatives that bring peoples together. That would create access to different cultures, social lives, places and economic opportunities as they interact and bring solidarity with other people and increase knowledge," he said. In this regard, Zondi said the high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism established between South Africa and China is helpful. President Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he will announce decision on the Paris Agreement "over the next few days". THE HAGUE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- It will be a bitter disappointment if the United States withdraws from the Paris agreement on climate change, said Dutch Minister for the Environment Sharon Dijksma on Wednesday. "If it is true, then today is a sad day for the world," Dijksma told Dutch media. "I am one of those people who negotiated really hard in Paris to make the agreement possible..." she said, adding tha it would be a pity if the country withdraws from it. Senior U.S. officials said earlier on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is expected to withdraw from the Paris agreement which was signed last year by former U.S. President Barack Obama. During his campaign, Trump pledged to "cancel the Paris agreement". In the G7 summit joint communique issued on Saturday, no common ground was mentioned on climate change due to the U.S. position. Trump tweeted that "I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!" While a U.S. quit would be a "big blow", it is important to stay positive and look ahead, said the Dutch minister. She added that she is still hopeful about what she saw last week during a trade mission in America. "Many states and cities want to continue and luckily that is possible because they have a lot of own legislative space. Thereby, the business community extensively invests in stainability, because climate also generates economic growth and jobs." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 13:13:54|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close NANNING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Liu Zhigeng, former vice governor of southern China's Guangdong Province, was given a life sentence for accepting bribes worth over 98 million yuan (14.4 million U.S. dollars). A court in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, announced the sentence Wednesday. Liu was deprived of his political rights for life and all his personal assets were confiscated. He was also ordered to return all his ill-gotten gains. The court found that between 1993 and 2012, Liu had taken advantage of various posts to seek benefits for others, including acquisition of stock, land interests and bank loans. In return, he accepted money and gifts worth more than 98.17 million yuan. The court said Liu was given a relatively lenient sentence as he had cooperated throughout the investigation and showed repentance. Liu told the court that he accepted the sentence and will not appeal. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 13:34:06|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan army said that at least three civilians were injured in an Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Kashmir on Thursday. "Indian troops initiated unprovoked firing at Batal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning," the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement. "Pakistani troops effectively engaging Indian positions. Three civilians injured due to the Indian firing," the statement said. The latest incident happened as escalation along the LoC has been seen since a militant attack on an army center in the Indian-controlled Kashmir killed 19 soldiers on Sept. 18 last year. The Indian military blamed the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group for the attack and also pointed fingers at Pakistan. However, Islamabad rejected the charges and suggested an independent investigation. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 13:49:20|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he and visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc discussed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue and trade in their meeting. "We're going to be discussing trade," said Trump at the White House before his meeting with Phuc, adding that the DPRK would also be one of the topics of the discussion. Phuc's visit came at a time when Washington was urging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to step up economic and diplomatic pressure on the DPRK. Early in May, in his meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged his counterparts to make efforts to deny the revenue streams that the DPRK has enjoyed around the region and to minimize diplomatic relations with the DPRK. The visit also came amid continued U.S. bashing of Hanoi on trade. Speaking at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday night, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warned that rapid growth of the trade deficit with Vietnam was a new challenge for the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 13:54:25|Editor: Hou Qiang Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Xinhua) -- CIMB, Malaysia's second largest banking group and the fifth largest in Southeast Asia, is anticipating more opportunities brought to the region by the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and is looking forward to playing a positive role, said the bank's chairman Nazir Razak. CIMB, having been the leader among its peers to embrace changes and tap into regional opportunities, is excited about the Belt and Road Initiative and the surge in economic activity that it promises. As a veteran banker, Nazir believes that the world needs a voice from Asia. "From a strategic standpoint, I think Asia has been too passive throughout the era of American-led free-market capitalism. There have been many instances, not least in the debates about global banking reforms, where the Asian voice has been sorely missing, resulting in prescriptions that do not suit our problems," he told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. He questioned the reason why there had been no strong Asian credit rating agency or investment bank to give an Asian perspective to the direction of capital flows. To Nazir, the Belt and Road Initiative comes at a time when the U.S. leadership is saying "America First." He described the initiative as a "very well thought-out plan," noting that it was launched alongside a set of complementary initiatives, such as Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Silk Road Fund and the surge in Chinese foreign direct investment across the world. "It has already been backed by significant commitments of capital," he said. Noting financial support and potential trade and investment figures, Nazir said: "These are powerful headline numbers, and as a regional banking group, we are very excited." After his recent visit to China to attend the Belt and Road forum, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said his country will benefit tremendously under the Belt and Road Initiative as it enhances the connectivity between China and other regions, such as Central Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia and East Africa. Malaysia has seen increasing Chinese investment and participation in its major projects, including the East Coast Rail Link, Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, Malacca Gateway, Gemas-Johor Bharu double track rail. Nazir said Malaysia welcomes Chinese investments, adding that the projects under the initiative should live up to the expectations, generate growth as well as benefit the local economy and business. Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road. OPEN FOR MORE CHINESE PARTNERSHIPS As an ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) franchise, CIMB will be looking for projects and transactions with an ASEAN dimension, including ASEAN companies that undertake infrastructure projects, Chinese companies that invest in ASEAN, partnerships between ASEAN and Chinese companies, Nazir said. "We have positioned ourselves to reach potential clients with our huge presence across ASEAN, strategic presence in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as well as partnerships, most notably our ASEAN stock broking partnership with China Galaxy Securities," Nazir added. CIMB is open to more partnerships with Chinese companies after its recent tie-up with China Galaxy Securities and Ant Financial Services Group on the world's largest online and mobile payment platform Alipay. "CIMB intends to be very engaged with China, not to compete with banks onshore, but to be able to intermediate flows between China and ASEAN. Our partnership experiences (with Chinese companies) have been good," Nazir said. According to Nazir, the partnership with Alipay offers synergies for both parties because Alipay brings the technology, experience and Chinese customer base, while CIMB has the network and brand in Malaysia. He also welcomed the expansion of Chinese banks into Malaysia and ASEAN as he believes they will bring more capital for businesses in the region and make it easier for Chinese investors and travelers to come to these regions. "CIMB will compete, but also collaborate with Chinese banks," said Nazir. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 13:59:28|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SKOPJE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- With 62 votes in favor, the Macedonian Parliament elected a new Macedonian government by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev late Wednesday, who promised to lead a government that will work on reforms and bringing the society together. Zaev, a 42-year old economist, won the slim majority of 62 votes out of the 120 Parliament members, with 44 MPs voting against and five abstaining. Besides Zaev, the new Macedonian government will have 25 ministers divided among three coalition partners -- the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia, the Democratic Union for Integration, and the Alliance for the Albanians. "In the future no one will control the judiciary. We will work only in the best interest of the people. We sincerely intend to work on integration of the society, not on widening the divisions," said Zaev, who appealed for support from the parliamentarians. Nikola Gruevski, the leader of VMRO-DPMNE, a democratic party for Macedonian National Unity, which had led the previous Macedonian government, said that they will be "a responsible opposition that will soon return in power with the support of the people." The new Macedonian government was immediately sworn in and the ministers will take over their duties starting from Thursday. One of the first measures of the new majority that has already announced is the abolition of the external evaluation of the students, which was one of the crucial but controversial reforms of the previous government in the field of education. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 15:00:09|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close CANBERRA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has declared that Australia is "pussyfooting" around the role radical Islamism is playing in causing terrorism, and has called for a "special court" to be created specifically to deal with returning Australian Islamic State (IS) fighters. Penning a piece in News Corp newspapers on Thursday, the former Prime Minister said that returning foreign fighters were getting away with traveling to and from conflict zones such as in the Middle East due to a loophole in current Australian law. Abbott said that just two Islamist extremists have been charged in Australian courts despite dozens returning to Australia from Iraq and Syria over the last few years - something recently made illegal by the government. He argued that a new courts system needed to be created in order to deal specifically with Australian jihadis who had abandoned their country to join the fight with Islamic State, saying too many extremists were putting Sharia law before Australian law. "The only safe jihadi is one who's been lawfully killed, lawfully imprisoned or thoroughly converted from Islamism," Abbott said in News Corp papers. "We need to ensure that every returning jihadi can readily be charged and convicted, possibly through the creation of special courts that can hear evidence that may not normally be admissible." "We pussyfoot around the fact many passages of the Muslim holy book command things that are completely incompatible with modern western life, and even justify terrorism." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 15:25:19|Editor: ying Video Player Close RIYADH, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Saudi-led coalition announced on Thursday that Houthi militias have attacked an oil tanker in the Red Sea, Saudi Press Agency reported. According to Al Arabiya local news correspondent, the militias fired rocket-propelled grenades at the tanker on Wednesday before breaking off their assault on the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT MUSKIE in the southern Bab al-Mandab Strait. The tanker is 70,362 tons deadweight. The tanker was targeted in a strategic Red Sea waterway near Yemen through which transfers much of the world's oil. Vessels near Yemen's southern coast have been attacked in recent months by Houthi militants. Nearly four million barrels of oil are shipped daily to Europe, the United States and Asia via the Bab al-Mandab, as well as other commercial goods. The coalition that has been engaged in a war in Yemen for last three years renewed its warnings of the weapon and ammunition trafficking by Houthis to Yemen that endanger world navigation security. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 15:45:37|Editor: ying Video Player Close by Peter Mertz DENVER, the Unites States, May 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. military officials have called the successful destruction of a mock nuclear warhead over the Pacific in the latest intercept test a critical step for a missile defense program that started 35 years ago. "This test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat," said Vice Adm. Jim Syring, director of the Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency. "I expect the American tests to continue, and the more the better," Republican insider Al Rickard, a Washington D.C.-based publisher, told Xinhua Wednesday, in commenting the latest intercept test. The U.S. interceptor has an uneven track record, having succeeded nine times out of 17 attempts against missiles in test since 1999. The last one conducted in June 2014 was also a success. In Tuesday's test, seconds after a mock nuclear missile targeting the continental United States was launched from the Marshall Islands, a new-age, "high speed" U.S. interceptor missile was launched from southern California. The test launch, the first of its kind since 2014, was seen from miles away as smoke and fire accompanied the blastoff. According to U.S. military officials, the Raytheon-made 54-kg interceptor missile with Boeing thrusters, travelled at a hypersonic speed and hit its target high above the south Pacific about 15 minutes after its launch. Its target simulated an intercontinental ballistic missile, meaning it flew faster than missiles used in previous intercept tests, according to Christopher Johnson, the Missile Defense Agency's spokesman. The United States has interceptors based at Fort Greely in Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base, about 250 km northwest of Los Angeles. The latest test cost close to 250 million U.S. dollars, and Pentagon has not ruled out more tests in the near future. By the end of the year, some 44 interceptors are expected to be live and operational, up from the current 36, officials said. Last week, the Pentagon presented its 2018 budget to Congress, proposing spending 7.9 billion dollars on missile defense, including 1.5 billion dollars for the ground-based midcourse defense program. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 15:45:39|Editor: ying Video Player Close KABUL, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS), the primary intelligence agency in Afghanistan, issued a statement on Wednesday evening, blaming Haqqani network for the deadly attack earlier on Wednesday. Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman of the Interior Ministry, tweeted the above news on Thursday morning. The Haqqani network has not commented on the statement. As a Taliban-linked group of militants, the Haqqani network, mainly operating in eastern provinces and capital Kabul, has been responsible for many high-profile attacks on security forces. The Public Health Ministry of Afghanistan confirmed 80 killed and 463 injured in the blast, which rocked the diplomatic area of Kabul city in the morning rush hour Wednesday. There are still quite a few people missing. The Interior Ministry has confirmed at least 4 policemen were missing. Press TV, an Iranian media, said one of its reporters was also missing in the explosion. Some injured people are still in a critical condition. The death number is probably higher than 80. On Thursday morning, a car bomb went off next to the gate of the airport outside Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar Province, leaving one soldier dead and 5 others injured. Aerial photo taken on May 12, 2017 shows the Mazeras Bridge of the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng) NAIROBI, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) launched operation on Wednesday, becoming the newest addition to the list of Chinese-built railways in Africa that are fast-tracking development and delivering green growth. The 480-km railway cuts the journey from Kenya's capital to the Mombasa Port, the biggest port in East Africa, from 12 hours to just over four hours. While the railway brings about the much-awaited convenience and efficiency, it also succeeds in accommodating the wildlife movement needs, thus causing minimal interference to the animals. FASTER, GREENER DEVELOPMENT Prior to the new 3.8 billion U.S. dollars SGR, which is the biggest infrastructure project for Kenya since its independence in 1963, people relied on the two-lane highway (A109) and the century-old meter-gauge railway for road transportation. Neither of the two has been efficient enough to meet the demands of Kenya's rising economy. Due to lack of maintenance and upgrading, the colonial-era railway has dropped its speed to below 40 km/h and its annual freight volume is less than 1 million tonnes, accounting for less than 10 percent of the total throughput of the Mombasa Port. The A109 road has long been a problematic alternative, laden with truck traffic and prone to accidents. Overturned trucks are commonplace, paralyzing traffic, damaging roads, and causing pervasive pollution. The SGR line has a designed speed of 80km/h for freight trains and 120km/h for passenger trains. One freight train, which can haul a record 200 containers, can get about 100 trucks off the road. Atanas Maina, managing director of Kenya Railways Corporation, said SGR trains will ferry between 40 and 50 percent of port-bound cargo, reducing road damage, accidents and pollution. The launch of the energy-efficient SGR will also give a leg up to Kenya's tourism industry, a key pillar of the economy, as the line will link the beach and the country's world-famous safari tourism. Being one of the flagship projects of Kenya's Vision 2030 that aims to turn Kenya into a newly-industrialized, middle-income country providing high-quality life to all its citizens, the SGR is set to play an important role in the east African country's transformation. Professor Macharia Munene, a Nairobi-based diplomacy scholar, said that the railway will promote regional integration and economic progress in an unprecedented way. "The SGR unites various people in more ways than transport for goods and services," Munene said, adding that the railway dovetails with Kenya's ambition to become a regional transport and manufacturing hub. PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE WITH ANIMALS Thanks to engineering prowess and environmental consciousness from China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the SGR's contractor, the modern railway line has not diluted the pristine allure of the Tsavo National Park which it bisects as the old meter gauge railway and A 109 did, contrary to fears voiced by some skeptics. Along the track, 14 wildlife-crossing structures, including six giant ones in the form of underpasses measuring over 6.5 meters in height, have been installed at short intervals to enable the easy movement of animals as tall as adult giraffes. Besides, there are 500 culverts densely dotting the track to facilitate animals' crossing. The CRBC has also erected a fence on both sides of the track to avoid animals climbing over and colliding with moving trains. "We continuously adhere to the highest standards of environmental and wildlife protection, energy conservation and emission reduction. We do this because it is the right thing to do and based on our values," Steven Zhao, CRBC's external and cooperation manager said. Xinhua reporters visited the railway at end February. Inside one of the culverts, large footprints of lions and small herbivores could be. Kenyan conservationists have hailed efforts by the CRBC to limit ecological harm to the Tsavo National Park. Margaret Mwakima, Principal Secretary of State Department of Natural Resources, said a survey done early this year found out that the animals are walking along to the new routes with ease as some rests below the bridge. "The way the elephants are behaving today indicate they are at home and that the new pathways do not interfere with them at all," she said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. RAILWAY NETWORK IN THE MAKING The Mombasa-Nairobi SGR is only the beginning of what will eventually become a 2,700-km East Africa corridor, connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and other East African countries. In the past few years, a number of Chinese-built railways have appeared on the horizon of the whole African continent. In October last year, Africa's first transnational electrified railway, Ethiopia-Djibouti railway opened. The 752.7-km railway will boost Ethiopia's landlocked economy through the transport of cargo from the Port of Djibouti. The Djibouti port handles over 90 percent of Ethiopia's rapidly growing imports. The railway will cut the transportation time from one week to 10 hours only. In 2015, a 1,344-km Benguela Railway was launched in Angola, connecting the port of Lobito and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) border. In July last year, the Abujia-Kaduna line was unveiled, the first standard gauge railway modernization project undertaken by Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation. Construction of the next segment, the 312-km Lagos-Ibadan rail line, has started since March. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 16:16:13|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close SHIJIAZHUANG, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Six peopled died and 17 were injured after a truck collided with a bus near northern China's Baoding city, local government said Thursday. The truck, carrying coal, crashed into the bus, which had 23 people on board, early Wednesday, leaving six dead and 17 injured, the Baoding government said. The scene of the accident has been cleaned and traffic has resumed. An investigation is underway. People dance to celebrate the operations of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Mombasa, Kenya, on May 31, 2017. Kenya began operations on the Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Wednesday. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) MOMBASA, Kenya, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is likely to boost Kenya's coastal tourism that has been hit by insecurity fears, a hotelier said. Mombasa-based Serena Beach and Resort General Manager Tuva Mwahunga told Xinhua in Mombasa that once the 480 km railway that links the port of Mombasa and Nairobi is operational, the number of both foreign and local tourists visiting Mombasa is likely to increase. "The SGR will usher in a new era of tourism by opening the coastal area to a new class of consumers who were previously locked out of the beach destination," Mwahunga said. The Chinese funded and built SGR commenced operations officially on Wednesday. The coastal tourism sector has been previously dependent on foreign tourists whose numbers were affected every time western nations issued travel advisories to their citizens against travel to the region. Mwahunga said that tourist arrivals in Mombasa, have also been affected by connectivity issues with Nairobi due to the high cost of flying, and insufficient and irregular road transport due to the poor state of roads. "As a result, tourists have preferred to visit other sites such the Maasai Mara National Reserve or the mountainous region," the hotelier said. He noted that there are currently no direct scheduled flights between key tourism sources markets in Europe and Mombasa. "As a result tourists have to land in Nairobi and then take another flight to Mombasa," he said. "This has affected the number of foreign visitors reaching the coast, due to the expenses involved," the general manager said. "But with the coming in of the SGR, we expect seamless connectivity between Nairobi and Mombasa and a tourism boom," he said. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Najib Balala said earlier that due to the time saving and safety of trains, the SGR will be welcomed by most Kenyans. He predicted the SGR project would double domestic tourism in the next one year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 16:36:53|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close COLOMBO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese navy ships arrived in the Port of Colombo on Wednesday to assist in the ongoing relief operations after major floods and landslides caused by severe rains killed over 200 people in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Navy said in a statement on Thursday. The three Chinese Navy ships - "Chang Chun," "Jing Zhou," and "Chao Hu" - were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on their arrival. On Wednesday afternoon, the Chinese navy officers called on Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Ravindra Wijegunaratne and handed over relief materials which included rice, flour, bottled water, instant noodles, 10 rescue rubber boats and medical supplies. The Chinese navy will also dispatch 16 doctors as part of a rescue team to conduct medical assistance in flood-affected areas. The Sri Lankan Navy commander thanked the Chinese government, the people and the Chinese Navy for the assistance rendered to Sri Lanka during this hour of grief. "These relief goods will help a lot in the disaster relief," he said. He further said the Sri Lanka and Chinese navies had established close cooperation which has only been further strengthened. Shen Hao, the visiting Chinese navy ship commander, said the Chinese Navy had tried its best to provide materials and medicines required in the flood affected areas. He hoped the relief materials and assistance would help Sri Lanka overcome the disaster. During the visit, sailors of the two navies will carry out a series of visits and exchanges as well as friendly matches and other activities. The three Chinese Navy ships will open to the representatives of local people, local overseas Chinese and Sri Lankan sailors. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 16:36:58|Editor: ying Video Player Close ngheJAKARTA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A powerful earthquake striking central Indonesia earlier this week has left 25 people wounded and hundreds of buildings damaged, a senior official of the country's disaster agency said here on Thursday. The local authority in Poso district of central Sulawesi province, the hardest hit area, has declared a seven-day emergency status for the quake-affected area since Tuesday, a spokesman of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency told Xinhua in a text message. A total of 332 buildings, comprising 311 houses, 13 school buildings, six office buildings, two mosques and six churches suffered damages, Sutopo Purwo Nagroho said. As many as 328 people fled their homes and took shelters at makeshift tents as aftershocks kept occurring after the main shock of 6.6 magnitude hit the province on Monday evening, said Sutopo. According to the meteorology and geophysics agency, about 200 aftershocks have followed the main quake so far. The epicenter of the quake was located at 38 km northwest of Poso district with a depth of 43 km under earth, the agency said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 16:42:04|Editor: ying Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Preparations for the China Pavilion at Astana Expo 2017 are nearly complete and the pavilion is in trial operations, a Chinese official said Thursday. Construction on the China Pavilion was completed on May 20, making China's pavilion the first among participating countries to be finished, said Wang Jinzhen, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. The pavilion was first to start construction and the first one put into test operations, he said at a press conference. The China Pavilion is among the largest at the expo, covering around 1,000 square meters, and more than 200 events are scheduled to be held there during the three-month expo. The expo is scheduled for June 10-September 10, with 115 countries and 22 international organizations having confirmed their participation. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 16:47:08|Editor: ying Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Thursday that troops shot and severely injured a Palestinian woman after she stabbed a soldier at the entrance to a West Bank settlement. A military spokesperson said in a statement that a knife-wielding Palestinian female arrived at the entry of the Mevo Dotan settlement in the northern West Bank, southwest of Jenin city. "The assailant stabbed an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldier," the statement said, adding that the soldier sustained light injuries. The assailant was shot and wounded at the scene by the forces, the statement added. A later report stated that the suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, sustained severe injuries. The incident was the latest in a wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Last Monday, a 17-year-old Palestinian resident of Bethlehem was shot dead by Border Police officers after he ran toward them with a knife in his hand, according to the police. The violence has claimed lives of at least 246 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, two Jordanian tourists, two U.S. nationals, two refugees from Sudan and Eritrea, and a British tourist since mid-September 2015. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 17:27:31|Editor: ying Video Player Close United Nations, May 31 (Xinhua) -- China's permanent representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi Wednesday called on the international community to support mass entrepreneurship and innovation, innovation-driven development and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), so as to create jobs. Liu made the remarks in his statement delivered at the 2017 ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Special Meeting on "Innovations in Infrastructure Development and Sustainable Industrialization" on behalf of the BRICS inter-governmental grouping, as China has held the presidency of the group this year. Liu noted that innovation, industrialization, and infrastructure development, as crucial components of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are of utter importance to carrying out the agenda. In this regard, Liu put forward three concrete suggestions. First, the international community should help the Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) enhance their capacity in technological research, development and innovation and create a favorable policy environment for innovation. He stressed that support should be given to investment and training in technological innovation, so as to back developing countries in their implementation of strategies and policies to stimulate innovation and provide encouraging conditions for enterprises and startups to innovate. Second, the international community should attach great importance to the need for infrastructure construction of the EMDCs, especially African countries, the least developed countries, land-locked developing countries and small island developing states, helping them develop good-quality, reliable and sustainable infrastructure. Moreover, a hand should also be given to the EMDCs to seize the opportunities to enhance industrialization, achieve growth and create jobs in a sustainable, inclusive and transparent way. Finally, in the age of globalization with the accelerated integration of the global economy and of international supply chains, the international community should actively promote the free flow of capital, technologies, commodities and goods, and value the vital role that professionals and workers play in boosting economic growth, in order to ensure the free flow of such personnel. Liu also noted that BRICS countries are willing to work together with all relevant parties to strength practical cooperation in transportation, energy pipelines, electronics, fiber optics and telecommunications among others, promote regional economic integration, as well as further international cooperation in innovation, infrastructure and industrialization, in consistent efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The envoy stressed that the BRICS countries held that technological innovation, which they have long been committed to, has been a key driving force for the global and regional economic and social development. BRICS countries has given their priorities to cooperation in the fields of new energy, renewable energy, information technology, high performance computing and nanotechnology. With the establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank, the first batch of loans would be given to premium and innovative programs related to smart, new energy and renewable energy, according to Liu. In recent years, the BRICS organization, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has become an important, multi-layer cooperative system led by the annual BRICS summit and supported by practical cooperation among relevant parties in various fields for EMDCs. As the hosting country of the ninth BRICS Summit, China will hold the fifth BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, in July, so as to promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation, innovation-driven development in the interests of developing countries and their peoples and facilitate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 17:52:50|Editor: Tian Shaohui Video Player Close Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech at the ruling AK Party's headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, May 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) ISTANBUL, June 1 (Xinhua) -- As Turkey and the European Union (EU) prepare to revive long-stalled ties following a stormy period, analysts are not optimistic about the move yielding any significant progress in Ankara's accession talks and seeing it as a means to keep up appearances for mutual interests. "Both sides have opted to continue to play the accession game," Faruk Logoglu, a former diplomat who assumed top posts at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, told Xinhua. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met last week with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, following months of war of words and diatribe between the two sides in the wake of a failed coup in Turkey last July. Erdogan told Turkish media after the meeting that Turkey had been given a 12-month road map to work on for better ties and that both sides agreed to accelerate Turkey's accession to the 28-nation bloc. The two sides would lose economically and politically in case of an unending crisis in bilateral relations. "Turkey cannot ignore the EU if it wants to have a strong economy," Ilhan Uzgel, a senior analyst of international relations, told Xinhua. For Turkey, the EU is both its biggest export market and biggest investor as far as foreign direct investments are concerned. Ankara, which suffers from heavy debts and a low savings rate at home, desperately needs foreign money and investments to make up for its huge current account deficit. For its part, the EU needs Turkey as a sort of shield against the instability in the volatile Middle East. Ankara inked a deal with the union in 2015 to stop illegal migration toward Europe in return for visa-free travel for its citizens, revival of its long-stalled accession talks and financial aid for refugees in Turkey. "The EU fears a million Syrians would flock to Europe should Turkey suspend the refugee deal, so it does not want to break ties with Turkey," Faruk Sen, president of the Istanbul-based Turkish European Foundation for Education and Scientific Studies, told Xinhua. Turkey officially hosts around 3.6 million refugees, among them about 3.2 million Syrians. Following the deal, the number of migrants arriving in Europe via Turkey has sharply fallen. "Keeping up appearances is the name of the current game," said Logoglu, who argued that it is the least bad option given the need of both sides to protect their short-term interests. According to Turkish media, Turkish and EU high-level bureaucrats will come together on June 13 to draw up a timetable for the road map on talks. The real picture will become clearer following the talks in June, observed Sen, who previously headed the Essen-based Turkish Research Center in Germany. Top EU officials and some Turkish cabinet ministers are expected to meet in July for political talks. In addition, ministerial-level meetings reportedly on economy and energy are scheduled for July or September. The analysts do not think the union would be willing to boost ties with Turkey in a significant way as long as Ankara keeps the state of emergency in place and stifles freedom. The EU has also been demanding that Ankara amend its anti-terrorism law, which the bloc says is too broad in definition, for it to conform with that of the union. Brussels has time and again accused Ankara of continuing crackdown on dissidents, growing authoritarianism and violations of the rule of law under the emergency rule imposed days after the coup bid, as tens of thousands of civil servants, jurists, university professors have been detained or removed on statutory decrees without a court order. "Unless and until Turkey acts in this direction, the prospect for palpable progress in accession negotiations is nil," observed Logoglu. Turkey needs to take important steps in both democratization and human rights if it wants to improve ties with Brussels, said Uzgel, a professor dismissed from his university post. It is not likely the EU would open new chapters for negotiations with Turkey under the current state of conditions, echoed Sen. "I don't expect the 23rd and 24th chapters to be opened within the next two years. France and Cyprus are against that," he remarked. Turkey's EU Minister Omer Celik repeatedly called on the EU last year to open the two chapters for talks which deal respectively with "judiciary and fundamental rights" and "justice, freedoms and security." The opening of the news chapters is the main target for Turkey in the upcoming talks with the bloc. It is vitally important to Turkey for the new chapters to be opened, government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus stressed on Monday, noting topics to be prioritized in the talks will be decided by the Turkish side. Western media reported on Tuesday that EU officials are more skeptical than Erdogan about the prospect for improving ties. According to the report citing senior officials on condition of anonymity, the atmosphere of the meeting with Erdogan was good and constructive; but both sides almost simply restated their well-known positions. "Any improvement in bilateral ties would depend on Erdogan's resolving at least some of many points of contention," the report quoted the officials as saying. Rather revealing were remarks made by one official when asked if the EU was looking to work more with Turkey following the summit, as he replied that "We have no choice." "What will the two sides talk about if no new chapters will be opened?" demanded Sen, who argued that both sides are simply acting in a way to please the other to maintain ties for the sake of mutual interests. Turkey applied to join the EU in 1987 and has been negotiating about full membership since 2005, a long process in which Ankara has often complained of unfair treatment and demanded the opening of new chapters. Erdogan and other top officials have threatened now and then that Turkey would reconsider its bid for full membership if the EU does not grant, in line with the refugee pact, visa-free travel for Turks, and continues keeping the country at its door. The expansion of the current Customs Union agreement, visa-free travel and financial aid promised under the refugee agreement are Turkey's major demands from the EU. In return, the EU demands that Ankara fulfill a total of 72 benchmarks, including the compliance of Turkey's anti-terrorism law with the union's criteria. To Turkey's ire, some EU officials and members have called in recent months for suspended accession talks on the grounds that Ankara violates the rule of law. While admitting the prospects are not so bright, the analysts feel that Turkey should push for full EU membership still. Under the refugee deal updated in March last year, the EU should pay Turkey 3 billion euros (about 3.37 billion U.S. dollars) for the Syrians housed in Turkey by the end of this year. So far, the bloc has actually delivered some 800 million euros, though it is obliged to pay another 3 billion euros for projects on Syrians in Turkey next year. Full membership for Turkey does not look possible until 2026 as the EU has not earmarked any financial resources in its next budget for such an eventuality, Sen noted. Candidate countries get substantial financial support from Brussels as the negotiations for full membership move forward. Arguing that Turkey should not hope for EU membership any time soon, stressed that it is important for Ankara to keep its EU orientation as far as democracy, economic growth are concerned. In Sen's view, Turkey should call the Customs Union agreement with the EU into question if the bloc would not admit Turkey as a full member. Turkey is the only country that concluded a Customs Union agreement with the EU before becoming a full member. Under the current Customs Union agreement, only industrial goods and processed agricultural products may be traded between Turkey and the EU with no customs duty. The mechanism is expected to cover agricultural products, services and public procurements following talks between Turkey and the EU. Turkey finds itself in a disadvantaged position due to the agreement, as any third country that concludes a free trade deal with the EU is able to export to Turkey with zero customs duty, while Ankara is not entitled to do the same with the third country as it is not a full EU member. Logoglu feels the customs union is an area where mutually beneficial progress is possible and within reach. Noting the ball is in the EU court, he said "the EU must set its conditions clearly for the start of negotiations, but do so without further delay." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 17:58:01|Editor: Mengjie People attend the funeral of Turkish Maj. Gen. Aydogan Aydin in Ankara, Turkey, on June 1, 2017. Turkish Maj. Gen. Aydogan Aydin died in a military helicopter crash which killed 13 soldiers in Turkey's southeastern province of Sirnak, local media reported Thursday. (Xinhua/Mustafa Kaya) ANKARA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Maj. Gen. Aydogan Aydin died in a military helicopter crash which killed 13 soldiers in Turkey's southeastern province of Sirnak, local media reported Thursday. Turkish Armed Forces said Wednesday in a statement that an AS 532 Cougar-type helicopter carrying 13 personnel took off from a military command in Senoba, Sirnak. Shortly afterward, the helicopter hit a high voltage line and crashed at 20:55 local time (1855 GMT). According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, 51-year-old Aydin, who graduated from the Military Academy in 1987, had served as the 23rd Gendarmerie Border Division Commander since August 2016. A funeral ceremony was held Thursday at the 23rd Gendarmerie Border Division Command. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed early Thursday his condolences following the helicopter crash. "We will never forget the heroism of these soldiers, which have enabled us to achieve tremendous successes in the fight against terrorists in recent months," Erdogan said Thursday in a statement released by the Presidential Press Center. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his wife visited the family of Aydin in Ankara. Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, Defense Minister Fikri Isik, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu late Wednesday headed to Sirnak following the accident. The accident happened in Senoba district near the Turkey-Iraq border. The investigation teams have been dispatched to the accident area. The crash was the third such accident by a Cougar helicopter which has been in use within the land forces for the past 21 years. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 18:08:14|Editor: ying Video Player Close STOCKHOLM, June 1 (Xinhua) -- About 10 people were injured when a double-decker bus drove into a pedestrian bridge in central Sweden Thursday morning, Swedish public television broadcaster SVT reported. The bus, belonging to the Uppsala county public transport service, drove into the bridge on a main street in the city of Vasteras. About 10 of the 20 passengers on the bus were injured, press spokesperson Jonas Partheen told the SVT. It is not clear if anyone has been seriously injured. "About 10 people are on their way to the hospital in a bus," he said. One of the injured was jammed in the front of the bus. The bus was going to drive the 67-km stretch from Vasteras to Uppsala, north of Stockholm, when the accident occured at about 8 a.m. local time (0600 GMT). Partheen noted that it's a regular public service bus from Uppsala County's local transport service, "so it's a route with a lot of passengers," but it is unclear what caused the accident. Ambulances and emergency rescue services were quick to arrive at the scene and took care of the passengers and the chauffeur, SVT reported. A Palestinian protester carries a handicapped comrade during clashes with Israeli soldiers following a protest against the blockade on Gaza. (AFP photo) GAZA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children which yearly fosters more than 30,000 children with disabilities is reducing its services due to financial support retreat of the NGOs of Gaza organizations. Head of the organization Naem Kabaja is deeply concerned about the future of his society's services, which had been forced several months ago to grant an emergency plan of austerity to face the lack of international fund and donation. He told Xinhua the organization trimmed its staff salaries and the operational budget. Its projects are also threatened to cut off due to the acute shortage of funding and grant in the time that Gaza needs more support not regression. Dozens of charities and NGOs are running in Gaza, most of which depend on completely external grants to fund their activities and services in a wake of the increasing humanitarian onuses to people in Gaza. Israel on the other side imposes aggravating siege on Gaza Strip after the Hamas movement took over the power in 2007. The years of siege exacerbate the lack of basic needs and the unemployment rate to reach the highest in the world with 41.7 percent in the end of 2016, according the Palestinians statistic bureau. Beside the siege, Israel launched three large-scale military operations against the strip in 2009, 2012, and the last offensive in the summer of 2014. Kabaja said that the Gaza Strip witnessed increasing number of people with disabilities. They face harsh living and humanitarian conditions due to the inability of NGOs. "The NGOs' services diminished during the past months as a result of the difficulties of contacting the donors directly, and supporting Gaza Strip is not priority of many donors amid the regional disorders," he added. The international organization reluctance of keeping its humanitarian aid in Gaza Strip not only affects lots of people with disabilities, but also hundreds of thousands of poor and patients. Recently, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Gaza announced its shut down after nine years of aiding thousands of Palestinian families in Gaza by its humanitarian services in the fields of development, rehabilitation and relief. The head of the closed organization Mohammed Hasna told Xinhua the Palestinian internal dispute is one of the most reasons to this step. The active humanitarian organizations have become unable to offer their help as a result of the shutdown of four main organizations and the policy of financial strangulation. Palestinian activists in the NGOs said during the past two years they saw Israel narrowing campaigns by detaining the number of these organizations' staff and banning them from travelling beside incitement to cut their fund. Israel previously announced the detention of two employees with the UNDP and the World Vision organizations over claims of supporting Hamas. Director of the NGO Network in the Gaza Strip Amjad Shawa told Xinhua that more than 60 percent of the active NGOs in Gaza face financial crisis due to the lack of external support. The financial crisis led to retracting the services these organizations offer to people in the time that more than 70 percent of them depend on humanitarian aid and half of them suffer food insecurity. Shawa accused Israel of incitement campaigns over the active NGOs in Gaza in order to intensify the siege and reduce the humanitarian aid. He referred that Israel banned senior officials and special rapporteurs of the United Nations and members of parliament to enter Gaza, aiming to prevent them from a close look at the deterioration in humanitarian issues in the strip. Photo taken on May 18, 2017 by a drone shows the Haicang port area in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong) BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Germany and Belgium will enhance diplomatic relations with the two countries, and further benefit Europe and the world. Li's visit is among the increased high-level exchanges between China and Europe in recent years as the two sides are cementing ever-closer bilateral relations. China established diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community (EEC), a precursor to the European Union (EU) in 1975, and the two sides have developed robust relations over the 42 years, fostering friendship and mutual trust. Following are some facts and figures on China-EU trade. -- The EU is China's biggest trading partner, while China is the EU's second biggest, following a dramatic increase in trade in recent years that come along with wealth, jobs, development and innovation for both sides. -- In 2016, China-EU trade amounted to 547 billion U.S. dollars. EU invested 8.8 billion dollars in China in 2016, a 35.1% increase from 2015; while China's non-financial direct investment in EU stood at 7.29 billion U.S. dollars, 1 percent increase from 2015. -- A Center for European Policy Studies study estimates that a bilateral free trade agreement with China could add 83 billion euros (88.3 billion dollars) to the EU's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 and support more than 2.5 million jobs. -- As of March 2017, China's cumulative direct investment in the EU amounted to 73.3 billion dollars, and the EU's cumulative investment in China reached 114.6 billion dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 18:48:32|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany have agreed to speed up negotiations on a China-EU investment agreement so as to further enrich the two countries' cooperation. Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his German counterpart, Angela Merkel, made the announcement on Thursday during a joint press conference at the German Chancellery in Berlin. The investment deal will benefit the two-way opening-up of the Chinese and EU markets and promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation, Li said. For her part, Merkel said Germany attaches great attention to the EU-China investment treaty, adding that the signing of the treaty will be a good start of negotiations on an EU-China free trade agreement. The Chinese premier is on a two-day official visit to Germany for the annual meeting of the two countries' heads of government, a mechanism that has been in place since 2004. Germany is the first leg of Li's ongoing three-day Europe tour, which will also take him to Belgium. In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 18:53:39|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close A protocol signing ceremony is held in Macao, south China, June 1, 2017. A one-billion-dollar fund for cooperation and development between China and Portuguese speaking countries officially launched its headquarters here on Thursday, starting its service for Chinese and Portuguese speaking countries' enterprises. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) MACAO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A one-billion-dollar fund for cooperation and development between China and Portuguese speaking countries officially launched its headquarters here on Thursday, starting its service for Chinese and Portuguese speaking countries' enterprises. China-Portuguese Speaking Countries (PSCs) Cooperation and Development Fund held the headquarters launching ceremony at the eighth International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum held on Thursday. The fund was founded in 2013 by China Development Bank and Macao Industrial and Commercial Development Fund, and is managed by China-Africa Development Fund. Its headquarters is located in Macao Business Support Center for now and will move into the China-PSC Trade and Service Complex after the complex construction is finished. Macao's Secretary for Economy and Finance Leong Vai Tac said earlier that the location of the fund's headquarters to Macao is expected to enhance awareness about its operation and strengthen the special administrative region's role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the PSCs. The fund has invested in over 20 projects in Mozambique, Angola and Brazil, covering cooperation in agriculture, manufacture and energy. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:18:54|Editor: Zhou Xin Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Two militants were killed in a gunfight with government troops in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir on Thursday, police said. The gunfight broke out at Nathipora area of Sopore in Baramulla district, about 55 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Two militants were killed in an early morning gunfight in Sopore," a senior police official posted in the town told Xinhua. "Acting on a specific information regarding the presence of militants, police along with army launched a search operation, during which militants present in the area fired upon the search party. The fire was retaliated, thereby triggering a gunfight." Region police chief Shesh Paul Vaid told media the slain militants were behind Wednesday's grenade attack in the town in which four policemen were wounded. Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule are engaged in a guerrilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:29:01|Editor: ying Video Player Close TOKYO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A former Japanese vice education minister on Thursday released a statement backing up his previous assertions that senior government advisors had pressurized him to accelerate procedures to open up a new school with close links to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Kihei Maekawa said in the statement that in last August, Isao Kiso, an advisor to the cabinet at the time, visited his office and requested that he accelerate procedures for the opening of a new veterinary school. Okayama University of Science was handpicked by the government to open the new veterinary medicine school in Ehime Prefecture, one of Japan's national strategic special economic zones, which has far more relaxed regulations to boost growth in the area as part of Abe's overall growth strategy. Kake Educational Institution, which operates the university and, controversially, is chaired by Abe's close friend, was selected for the project at a meeting held between the central and local governments in the special strategic zone in January. The local city assembly provided the land to the institution to build the new department for free and in addition they provided a hefty 9.6 billion yen (86.24 million U.S. dollars) as a subsidy for the school's construction costs. The former vice education minister has offered to give testimony in parliament over the latest scandal. Abe has brushed aside allegations that he or his office exerted pressure on officials to greenlight and fast-track the new department. However, speaking at an upper house committee on Tuesday, Abe admitted he had received 140,000 yen (1,260 U.S. dollars) a year in form of salary from Kake Educational Institution, chaired by Abe's close friend Kotato Kake. The Democratic Party, the Japanese Communist Party, the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party collectively believe Abe may have exerted pressure on behalf of his school operator friend. Abe, his wife and other senior ministers have recently been embroiled in another unresolved cut-price government land deal with another private school operator in Osaka. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:39:06|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Huang Xiaoru is happy. She won a painting award in a competition and went to several events organized by her primary school prior to International Children's Day. The eight-year-old and her younger brother study in Wanxiu Primary School, Nanning, capital of southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Their parents, from a rural county run by Nanning, have been working in the city for years. Two-thirds of the 1,703 students in the school are children of migrant workers. "Our class has 54 pupils, 44 of whom are children like Huang," said Chen Jinling, head teacher of Huang's class. "As most of their parents are busy, the school held a number of events for them ahead of Children's Day," Chen said. Instead of leaving children behind in their home villages, to be cared for by aging grandparents, more Chinese migrant workers are taking them to cities to provide better care and education for them. China has around 14 million children who live with migrant parents in cities and 9 million "left-behind children," that stay back in rural areas. Children's education is a major concern of migrant laborers, who have made significant contribution to the country's rapid urbanization. In recent years, the Chinese government has urged local public schools to simplify qualification requirements and recruit as many children of migrant workers as they can to ensure their compulsory education -- primary and junior middle schooling. Most Chinese parents prefer public schools as they are of good quality and low cost. However, due to their capacities, public schools in cities cannot absorb all the children of migrant workers. "Ten years ago when we brought our eldest daughter here, she could not enter a public school as we only had a rural hukou [a basic household registration]," said Tang Haiyan, a female migrant worker in Nanning. Things are much easier now. Tang's second daughter studies in a public primary school in the city. "Parents who have the right documents for a hukou, residency and work are able to enroll their children," said Lei Youheng, headmaster of a Nanning primary school. In Nanning, the number of children of migrant workers studying in public schools has increased from 113,000 in 2012 to 136,000 in 2016, accounting for 53 percent and 62 percent of total local migrant children, respectively. The remaining children of migrant workers have to attend private schools. The schooling of such children varies from province to province. In the northern province of Hebei, the government says 90 percent of children of migrant workers are enrolled in public schools. A rural education report released by Northeast Normal University in Jilin Province in December, showed the country's children of migrant workers in cities reached 13.7 million in 2015, up 8.4 percent from 2011. About 84 percent studied in public schools. The central budget has allocated an urban-rural compulsory education fund of 117 billion yuan (17.2 billion U.S. dollars), up 6.4 percent from 2016, said the Ministry of Finance in early May. The fund will also benefit millions of children of migrant workers in cities. They will enjoy free textbooks and exemption of school fees. Living subsidies will be offered to boarding students whose families have financial difficulties. Local governments have unveiled similar policies to guarantee compulsory education for children of migrant workers. In April, the Education Department of Henan Province released a document to ensure equality for children of migrant workers in compulsory education, urging efforts to simplify enrollment procedures. GAPS AND CHALLENGES However, many gaps remain. For megacities under pressure to control population growth, local governments push policies based on scores linked to parents' jobs, educational background and property, etc., according to Qin Hongyu, a researcher with 21st Century Education Research Institute, a non-profit organization on public educational policy. "The score indices are favorable for advantaged groups but unfair to rural migrant workers' children in getting equal education," he said. "The local government does not provide sufficient education services compatible with the demands of the permanent population. If the supply is not increased, newcomers and grassroots locals have to compete for education resources. This is a real problem," said Zhang Mei, a university researcher who has lived in Beijing for nearly 20 years. The couple have no local hukou in Beijing and try their best to get their daughter enrolled in a public primary school. The academic records of the children of migrant workers are another problem. As migrant workers are busy working, they have little time to take care of their children or guide their learning. Tan Ping, 16, is not interested in continuing classes at a public junior middle school in Beijing. He wants to drop out and find a job to support the family. His father and mother are migrant workers from Shandong and Anhui provinces, respectively. The mother suffers a serious kidney illness. Tan has two younger brothers who study in a private school, relying on social aid. The five-member family live in a two-room brick house in the capital. Tan said he planned to find a job to relieve pressure on his family. Like Tan, many children of migrant workers lack a comfortable environment to continue learning after school, usually living with their parents and siblings in shabby, crowded houses, a factor leading to poor academic results. The education quality of many private schools, which have difficulty recruiting good staff, cannot match public schools. A university survey tracking 1,866 students in 50 junior middle schools for migrant workers' children in Beijing found only 39 percent of students continued their education in senior middle schools and only 6 percent entered university. A sense of isolation is another challenge. The circles of friends of these children are often other migrant workers. "Policy barriers can be removed overnight, but psychological gaps will take two to three generations to overcome," said Li Tao, founder of Facilitator, a Beijing-based organization devoted to improving the lives of migrant workers and their children. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:44:08|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday said it encouraged and supported the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to actively conduct constructive dialogue and contact, as well as improve mutual trust. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a routine press briefing, when commenting on the ROK's recent move to approve the first civilian contact with the DPRK, indicating a gradual resumption of inter-Korean exchanges. Hua said that China had noted the reports and considered it a positive message sent by the new ROK administration in their DPRK policy. "The step of making contact between the ROK and the DPRK will be of positive significance to the easing of tensions, pushing forward the reconciliation process and cooperation and looking for a final solution to the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, especially in current conditions," Hua said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:54:16|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close SOFIA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The fourth international scientific conference on "The Silk Road" kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together sinologists and other specialists, involved in various aspects of Chinese studies. During the two-day event, organized every two years by the Confucius Institute at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, researchers from countries such as China, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovenia and Lithuania presented reports covering topics from the Silk Road as a link between civilizations, to Chinese language and literature. "The topics of this conference are so diverse that they cover all aspects of Chinese history and culture, and the reports range from medieval Chinese poetry to contemporary Chinese economic policy," Prof. Anastas Gerdjikov, rector of the Sofia University, said at the opening ceremony. Aksiniya Koleva, Bulgarian director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, said in turn that many of the presented papers explored topics directly or indirectly related to the ancient Silk Road -- the first global network for exchange of goods, ideas, culture. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Zhang Haizhou, who also addressed the opening ceremony, said that the Belt and Road Initiative was launched by China, but provides opportunities for the whole world. This initiative has gradually transformed from concept into action, from vision to reality, and has achieved great results, the ambassador said in the presence of Atanas Krastin, Foreign Policy secretary of the president of the Republic of Bulgaria. Zhang said he hoped that the participants would make full use of this conference as a platform for brainstorming, and would make constructive suggestions to deepen Belt and Road cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:59:18|Editor: ying Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh and condemned the "unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian forces" that killed at least two civilians and injured five others in the disputed Kashmir region. The Pakistan army said Indian forces initiated unprovoked firing at Batal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Thursday morning. The Foreign Ministry said the Indian firing started at 7:15 a.m. loacal time, resulting in the killing of two civilians - Ghizar Ahmed and Fazal Hussain. Five civilians, including three women, were injured in the firing, a Foreign Ministry statement said. Director General on the South Asian Desk at the Foreign Ministry Mohammad Faisal summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner and lodged a formal protest. "The deliberate targeting of civilians is indeed condemnable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws," the Pakistani official told the Indian envoy. Pakistan and India had declared ceasefire along the LoC in 2003. Both routinely accuse each other of ceasefire violation. "The Director General urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC," the Foreign Ministry said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 19:59:19|Editor: ying Video Player Close by Stephen Ingati and Fabian Mangera GARISSA, Kenya, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Al-Shabaab militants on Wednesday night destroyed a mast of Kenya's mobile operator Safaricom in Garissa County in northeast region, cutting off communication in the area. Regional government official Mohamed Saleh said Thursday the militants struck Fafi Centre in Fafi sub-country and the attackers are believed to have planted landmines on the route leading to the area. "We understand there are criminals who destroyed a communication mast at Fafi Centre hence affecting various activities there. We are pursuing them," Saleh said, adding that security officers have been sent to the area to access the extent of damage. Local residents said the police response to the site was slow out of fear of being affected by the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that may have been planted there. Police have dismissed reports saying the militants who have been upped landmine attacks in northeast Kenya had also set ablaze the local primary school. Fafi divisional police commander John Ogola said security officers have launched a manhunt for the attackers believed to have crossed the border to Somalia. The Somalia-based extremist group has in the recent weeks enhanced their attacks across the region, killing about 20 police officers and injuring several others including civilians in May. There has been a string of attacks by Al-Shabaab militants and their sympathizers since Kenya sent troops into Somalia on October 2011 to subdue the insurgents who were blamed for a series of murders and kidnappings on the Kenyan soil with northern region being one of the worst hit by the attacks. The latest attacks came amid raising fears among communities living along the porous border with Somalia that the terror group fleeing a major onslaught in southern Somalia by the Africa Union forces was likely to turn their frustration on the innocent civilians in a series of revenge attacks. The Kenyan soldiers in the UN-backed AU force has intensified their offensive against the Al-Qaida allied terror group Al-Shabaab, pacifying some of the areas in southern Somalia amid reports the militants were now headed to regions near the border with Kenya. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:04:22|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Finance on Thursday announced that the central government had earmarked 3.2 billion yuan (470 million U.S. dollars) to reward eight localities that have achieved remarkable poverty alleviation results. Each of the eight provincial areas, including Anhui, Sichuan, Guizhou and Tibet, will receive 400 million yuan, the ministry said in a statement. Chinese authorities in 2016 published a set of criteria to annually assess local governments' poverty-relief work. Authorities that fail to deliver satisfying poverty reduction results will be held responsible, while those with outstanding performances will be rewarded, with the results serving as major references to assess the performance of local officials. The Chinese government has vowed to lift all the rural impoverished out of poverty by 2020 to build a moderately prosperous society. Since China started the reform and opening-up drive more than 30 years ago, over 700 million Chinese have shaken off poverty, accounting for more than 70 percent of global poverty reduction in that time. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:09:26|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Children's Day falls on Thursday this year. President Xi Jinping has paid much attention and given loving care to the healthy growth of children. Following are remarks made by Xi around International Children's Day over the past years. PATRIOTISM Ahead of the International Children's Day in 2016, Xi extended greetings to children of workers on the Dachen Islands in East China Sea. The Dachen Islands are located off Taizhou Bay in Zhejiang Province. In 1956, 467 young volunteers went there to cultivate the virgin land. Xi's letter was written in response to 12 pupils who are descendants of those volunteers. Xi said their grandparents were most beloved people. Xi hoped they would learn from their grandparents, love the Communist Party of China, the motherland and the people, and make contributions to the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. INTEGRITY In 2015, speaking to some 3,000 members of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP) organization and teachers at the CYP's quinquennial congress in Beijing on International Children's Day, Xi encouraged children to love their country, to be good people and to contribute to social progress. "Being a good person is to live -- first and foremost -- with integrity, and also with knowledge and responsibility," he said. "In you, I see the future of our nation," Xi told the young pioneers. Xi said "The socialist modernization drive, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be obtained with your hands." "A person can have a lot of aspirations but the most important are about the motherland and its people," he said. "You should aspire to seek truth and serve the country." SOCIALIST VALUES Ahead of the International Children's Day in 2014, Xi visited a primary school in Haidian district in northern Beijing, attending school activities and meeting students, their parents and teachers. While wishing children across the country a happy holiday, Xi stressed that children are the future of the country and the hope of Chinese people. "All sectors of society should work together to nurture the seeds of socialist values in their heart so that the values can take root and germinate," he said at the meeting. WISH CHILDREN GROW BETTER In 2013, Xi called for efforts to nurture and prevent harm to children as he visited the Beijing Children's Palace on the eve of International Children's Day. "Our best wish is that children can grow better," the president said. The government should create a better environment for children's study and growth and teachers and parents should hold the responsibility for youngsters' education, Xi said. He also called for efforts to crack down on actions that harm children's rights and their health. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:09:28|Editor: ying Video Player Close SKOPJE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The European Union welcomes the vote for Macedonia's new government led by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, the EU said Thursday through a statement from EU's senior representatives Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn. Mogherini and Hahn noted in their statement that EU expected all parliamentary parties here to put their divisions aside and work jointly on delivering on a common reform agenda that would benefit the country in its entirety. This is also essential to bring the country back on its European integration path, a process that the citizens clearly want and deserve, EU high officials said one day after voting of new government in Macedonia. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department extended congratulation to SDSM leader Zoran Zaev on being elected as Prime Minister, noting in a press release that the United States looked forward to working with the new government. "As a partner and friend of Macedonia, we look forward to working with new government as it strives to fulfill the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations by implementing urgent reforms that strengthen rule of law and judicial independence, media freedom, and government accountability," said a U.S. state department press release. With 62 votes in favor, the Macedonian Parliament elected late Wednesday the new Macedonian government led by Zaev, who promised to lead a government that will work on reforms and bring the society together. The Macedonian government will have 25 ministers divided among three coalition partners -- the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia, the Democratic Union for Integration, and the Alliance for the Albanians. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:14:33|Editor: ying Video Player Close KIEV, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine and Turkey on Thursday began to allow visa-free travel for holders of electronic national identity cards (IDs), the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. From now on, citizens of Ukraine and Turkey holding valid electronic IDs could travel through each other's territory without a visa for a stay of 90 days in any 180-day period, the ministry said in a statement. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Andrii Sybiha said on Twitter that the first flight from Kiev carrying Ukrainians, who crossed the Turkish border with ID cards, have already landed in Turkey. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim signed an agreement to mutually adopt a visa-free policy for electronic ID holders in March this year. The eased visa policy is aimed at promoting the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Turkey and facilitating business and humanitarian exchanges between their peoples. Last year, about 1 million Ukrainians traveled to Turkey, while Ukraine hosted some 200,000 Turkish visitors. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:24:38|Editor: An Video Player Close A criminal suspect disembarks under police escort from a plane at Beijing Capital International Airport, in Beijing, China, June 1, 2017. The United States law enforcement handed over a criminal suspect to Chinese police Thursday. The suspect, surnamed Zhu, is from eastern China's Anhui Province. He fled to the United States last year after being accused of "serious offenses", according to the Ministry of Public Security. Zhu's return marks a major achievement in China-United States cooperation, the ministry said, calling for further cooperation in the future.(Xinhua/Cai Yang) BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States law enforcement handed over a criminal suspect to Chinese police Thursday. The suspect, surnamed Zhu, is from eastern China's Anhui Province. He fled to the United States last year after being accused of "serious offenses", according to the Ministry of Public Security. Zhu was listed on an Interpol red notice and the United States cooperated in his arrest. The U.S. immigration detained Zhu in January this year for illegally overstaying his visa and decided to repatriate him to China after a court trial. Zhu's return marks a major achievement in China-United States cooperation, the ministry said, calling for further cooperation in the future. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:29:46|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message of condolences to his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Ashraf Ghani over the deadly car bomb attack in Kabul. The powerful car bomb exploded on Wednesday in central Kabul, where several diplomatic representative offices, official institutions as well as the Presidential Palace are located, killing at least 80 people and injuring over 350 others. Mourning the dead, Xi extended his sincere sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name. China opposes terrorism of all forms and vehemently condemns the attack, Xi said. He added that China is ready to work with the international community and support the Afghan government and people in fighting against terrorism so as to safeguard national security and stability. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:34:49|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official said Wednesday courts across the country should deepen criminal procedure reform. Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a work conference in Beijing. Meng asked courts to improve criminal procedures by enhancing case handling quality and efficiency, as well as credibility. Terrorism, severe violent crime and crime that endangers national security must be severely punished, said Meng. He also said courts should focus on trial-centered reform of criminal procedures by exerting the court's role in fact finding, identifying evidence, protecting rights and impartial judgment. The criminal procedure reform aims to further improve the legal guarantee of human rights, so as to ensure that innocent people are not wrongly convicted and that the guilty receive fair punishment. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:34:50|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said here Thursday that the European Union (EU) will fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). She made the remarks at a joint press conference with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is paying an official visit to the European country. The EU supports the WTO obligations and is committed to seeking solutions in line with the rules, Merkel said, pledging that the 28-nation bloc will offer equal treatments to Chinese enterprises. For his part, Li said China welcomes the EU's implementation of the obligations under Article 15 and hopes that all sides abide by the current international economic and political order in face of global uncertainties. According to Article 15, WTO member nations should have stopped using the surrogate country approach to conduct anti-dumping investigations on China by Dec. 11, 2016. However, in a new methodology proposed last November on the EU's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy calculations, the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, while scrapping the "non-market economy" list, replaced the approach with "market distortion," which many observers say remain a surrogate method. The Chinese premier is on a two-day official visit to Germany for the annual meeting of the two countries' heads of government, a mechanism that has been in place since 2004. Germany is the first leg of Li's ongoing three-day Europe tour, which will also take him to Belgium. In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:50:09|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday sent a message of condolences to Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah over the deadly car bomb attack in Kabul. Li strongly condemned the attack and said China opposes all forms of terrorism. China will, as always, firmly support the Afghan government's unremitting efforts in maintaining national security and stability as well as in combating terrorism, said the Chinese premier, who is on an official visit to Germany. A powerful bomb hidden in a truck exploded near central Kabul's diplomatic area Wednesday morning, killing at least 80 people while injuring over 350 others. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 20:55:13|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close By Xinhua writer Liu Wei CHANGSHA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Wang Qiang (not his real name) has to walk two hours to school in the mountainous village of Xinhuang County, Hunan Province. But the 7-year-old enjoys school - and his free lunch there. Students like Wang once endured hunger and health problems because their families were too poor to afford a lunch. This meant no meal for 10 hours. Most had to drink water to appease their grumbling stomachs. Hunger caused malnutrition, which affected their physical and mental development. According to a report on nutrition and chronic diseases by China's National Health and Family Planning Commission in 2015, rural children under six were two to three times more likely than urban children to suffer low weight and developmental delays. This troubled investigative journalist Deng Fei, who was researching rural problems across the country: "It shocked me. I couldn't believe thousands of children are still struggling on one meal a day despite China's rapid economic growth. They said there's no such a thing as a free lunch. Why couldn't we make it happen?" In April 2011, he started Free Lunch for Children (FLC), the first public initiative to offer free lunches to students in remote, poverty-stricken areas, with the help of 500 like-minded journalists, lawyers, professionals, low-level officials and volunteers. Over the last six years, it has raised 270 million yuan (39 million U.S. dollars) and fed 190,000 students a day at 738 schools in 26 provinces or autonomous regions. FLC inspired a government plan. Since 2011, the central government has earmarked at least 16 billion yuan (2.35 billion U.S. dollars) per year to properly feed poor students in rural areas from their first year at school. But its 3 yuan for a meal is not enough. Many schools cannot build a canteen or hire a cook, so they provide just milk and bread. Deng said in a speech on the sixth anniversary of the FLC that it still has a big role to play. "Our program is still going strong. On the one hand, we provide free lunches to children in poverty-stricken areas not covered by the national plan; on the other, we give money to help schools needing infrastructure and resources." Local authorities are backing FLC. In May 2011, Deng's team established a new delivery model with Xinhuang County: for every 1 yuan the local government pays for meals and building canteens, Deng's team pays 2 yuan. The initiative now covers all education centers, kindergartens and schools in Xinhuang. Deputy County Mayor Yao Haiyan recalls when the first new kitchen began working and 59 students ate their first free lunch: "The meal was rice, fried pickles and beef, stir-fried potato and tomato soup. Many children wolfed down their meals." Yao says the county government spent a lot setting up canteens and drawing up strict food safety measures. A special FLC account means the bill for each meal goes public on social media. "Corruption is not a problem - every penny is marked down for transparency," says Yao. "The students are no longer hungry and they love learning. Our students often rank top in the city." Deng is glad to see more children having a free lunch, but he says poor children are still trapped in the problems of poverty. Many rural families are poor. Parents go to cities to make money, leaving their children with the grandparents. There is no timely treatment when they get sick. "Even for better off families, a serious disease is quite likely to throw them back into poverty. That's why we introduced the commercial critical illness insurance program for rural children," says Deng. The national critical illness insurance program and the commercial insurance go hand in hand, with government, family and the charity each contributing. Xiong Min, Deputy Mayor of Hefeng County in Hubei Province, says the program has helped more than 400 families just in one county since 2012. Deng's team is working on other practical charity programs. One provides poor students with life and study supplies; one teaches rural children about personal safety; one builds movable dormitories for rural students who must walk long distances to school; and one recruits urban families to support rural orphans or left-behind children. "We also run a program called E-Farmer Spring, which aims to help villagers sell farm produce to improve their incomes. This way, we attract parents of left-behind children back home," says Deng. Critics say the problems of China's rural poor are too great to solve through micro-philanthropy, but Deng says his programs have a role in shaping government policy. "Charities cannot and will not replace the government. But so long as the government, enterprises and charities work together, a social empowerment model is built. We have succeeded in Xinhuang and Hefeng and we believe these programs can take root in other poor areas," says Deng. He opens a map and starts drawing lines. Connecting these two poor counties together with a line, he points to Wuling Mountain, one of China' s poorest areas, covering parts of Hunan, Guizhou, Hubei and Chongqing, with a combined population of 36 million in poverty. China pledged to lift 70 million people out of poverty in its 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020) period. For any local government, this is a huge test. Yao says government officials should work harder to solve real problems of the people, rather than thinking of climbing the political ladder. "We should combine social resources and government plans to better serve the people's needs." Deng says the biggest challenge is getting enough people to help as urban volunteers cannot stay in the countryside for long. He believes the priority is to train local staff and help rural young people to sharpen skills and start up their own businesses: "We aim to empower people to develop and grow on their own." Wang Qiang is getting more than a free lunch and health insurance. His father has returned from the city to take part in the farming program. "Thanks to Free Lunch," he says, "my dad stays with me." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 21:15:30|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China will continue its implementation of the Paris Agreement and positively participate in the multilateral process of global climate governance, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks when responding to a report that U.S. President Donald Trump will announce his decision on whether to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord Thursday afternoon. Hua said China and the United States have maintained close communication at various levels on subjects including climate change. "The Paris Agreement was a hard-won result," Hua said, noting that climate change is a global challenge and no country can remove itself from the issue. Hua said the Paris Agreement reflects the broad consensus of the international community and sets a target for global cooperation on climate change. Even if other countries change their position, China will continue its plan of innovation, coordination, green development, opening up and sharing, Hua said. China is willing to work with the European Union to strengthen practical cooperation on climate change, Hua said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 21:25:37|Editor: ying Video Player Close DAMASCUS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday warned Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, or Hashd al-Shaabi, from crossing into predominantly-Kurdish areas on the Syrian side of the borders. The SDF, backed by the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition, warned the predominantly-Shiite Hashd al-Shaabi group from crossing into areas under the Kurdish control in northeastern Syria, following the advance made by the Iraqi paramilitary group against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and its declaration that it reached the Iraqi-Syrian borders. Talal Silo, the military spokesman of the SDF, was cited by Kurdish media outlets on Thursday as saying that "We will confront any attempt by the Hashd al-Shaabi to enter areas under our control, and we will not allow any force to enter our areas." Hadi Amiri, a leading commander in the Hashid al-Shaabi, recently stated that his forces are moving toward the Iraqi city of Qaem, close to the Syrian Bukamal area, which is under the IS control in eastern Syria. Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi PM, recently said that his government had a plan to secure the Iraqi-Syrian borders. The statement by the Kurdish-led SDF reflects a bigger conflict, as the Syrian and Iraqi governments are on the same page regarding the need for a cross-border cooperation between the Syrian and Iraqi forces to clear the border areas of any IS presence. But for the U.S. and its Kurdish allies, the situation is different as Washington wants to have the sway in eastern Syria near the Iraqi borders, which explains last month U.S. strike on a Syrian military convoy advancing in the Syrian desert close to the Tanf border crossing with Iraq. The strike was read as a message that Washington will not allow the Syrian army or the Shiite fighters fighting with the Syrian forces to advance near the Iraqi borders. But the military forces in Syria stressed their resolve to take more areas in the desert, making a notable advance. Earlier this week, pan-Arab Mayadeen TV said U.S. warplanes dropped leaflets on Syrian army forces, urging them to retreat and stay away from Tanf, where the U.S. and British army have bases and allied Syrian rebels. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 21:55:51|Editor: ying Video Player Close CHICAGO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and two other workers went missing during a corn milling plant explosion late Wednesday in the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. Midwest, local media ABC news reported. More than 10 employees were injured in the incident at the Didion Milling plant in Cambria, Wisconsin, local Sheriff Dennis Richards said at a press conference on Thursday morning. Richards confirmed that 16 workers were inside the plant when the blast took place. Most of them suffered serious injuries and were sent by ambulance and helicopter to a nearby hospital. Fire crews arrived at the plant after the blast. The fire was contained by early Thursday morning. "The first thing I would ask for is just prayer. Being a family-owned business for 44 years, our teams are pretty close," said Riley Didion, president of Didion Milling. According to Cambria Village President Glen Williams, the mill processes corn and corn by-products for ethanol plants. The explosion occurred across the street from the plant's ethanol manufacturing facility. The cause of the explosion has yet to be determined, and an investigation is already underway. Local residents said they could hear the explosion from four blocks away. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 21:55:53|Editor: An Video Player Close Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (L) meets with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun in Putrajaya, Malaysia, June 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung) PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak met with Chinese State Councilor Guo Shengkun here Thursday and the two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in various fields including law enforcement. Guo, who is also China's minister of public security, expressed his hope that China and Malaysia can align their strategic development synergies under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and help boost the continuous advancement of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership. Guo highlighted the upward momentum in law enforcement cooperation between the two countries, saying that fruitful results have been achieved and have become an important part and main driver of bilateral ties. He noted that China is willing to work together with the Malaysian side to enhance their cooperation in areas such as anti-terrorism, drug control, crackdown on telecom fraud, cyber security and pursuit evasion. For his part, the Malaysian prime minister said the country is willing to enhance communications and cooperation with China in a bid to take bilateral ties to new heights. Najib asked Guo to convey his regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and also expressed his appreciation for being invited to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing last month. Guo was invited by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to chair a meeting in Malaysia on cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the two countries on combating transnational crimes. Before his meeting with Najib, he also met with Hishammuddin Hussein, Malaysia's defense minister and minister with Special Functions in the Prime Minister's Department. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 22:16:04|Editor: ying Video Player Close GAZA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, named on Thursday a new attorney general for the first time in ten years since the movement's violent takeover of the coastal enclave. Hamas nomination of the new Attorney General Deyaldin al-Madhoun outraged the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) which rules the West Bank, saying the move would deepen internal Palestinian division between the two territories. The media office of the Hamas-controlled parliament, better known as the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), said in an official statement that al-Madhoun was named as the new attorney general for the Gaza Strip. Al-Madhoun replaced his predecessor Ismail Jabber, who was nominated by Hamas as Gaza Attorney General right after the movement forcibly seized control of the Gaza Strip following weeks of internal fighting with the PNA security forces. Spokesman of the PNA consensus government in Ramallah, Yousef al-Mahmoud, slammed Hamas rulers' decision to nominate a new attorney general. He said it is illegal and would deepen the internal division between Gaza and Ramallah. "Apparently, Hamas is not seeking unity and carrying out such unilateral illegal actions, which would lead to more division and more complications," said al-Mahmoud. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 22:26:08|Editor: ying Video Player Close by Stephen Ingati and Fabian Mangera GARISSA, Kenya, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Suspected Al-Shabaab militants killed a Kenyan teacher when they attacked a village in Garissa County on Wednesday night, an official confirmed on Thursday. Regional government official Mohamud Saleh said about 70 militants who had crossed over from Somalia raided Fafi center after attacking the village at around 10 p.m. and shooting arbitrarily. Saleh said the teacher died from a stray bullet that was shot by one of the militants. It was however not clear whether the teacher was a local or a non-local. Residents said the militants who were armed with small arms and explosions also destroyed a mobile communication mast and planted landmines in the area to disrupt police communication. "They were all armed with guns and came with a specific mission to kill and blow up the mast. They were all hooded and it was difficult to identify them," said a local who requested anonymity. There is no police station or post in the area. Fafi divisional police commander John Ogola said three officers who were responding to the attack were injured, one of their vehicle burnt and another one hijacked by the militants. "About 70 militants laid three ambushes targeting the 31 security officers ... they escaped in the first two but the third one hit an IED which injured three officers. The police are still pursuing the attackers," Ogola said. The militants are said to have first blown off the Safaricom mast before proceeding to the houses where the civil servants stayed. According to one health care worker, they were awaken by heavy gunshots rendering the air. "We all woke up and it was everybody for himself as we scampered for safety in different directions was later rescued by police officers meters away," he said. Saleh said that all the civil servants had been accounted for. There has been a string of attacks by Al-Shabaab militants and their sympathizers since Kenya sent troops into Somalia on October 2011 to subdue the insurgents who were blamed for a series of murders and kidnappings on the Kenyan soil with northern region being one of the worst-hit by the attacks. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 22:36:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian warplanes struck positions of the Islamic State (IS) group in the northern city of Raqqa, killing over 300 IS militants, the Syrian military media said Thursday. The Russian airstrikes targeted IS positions in the Rasafeh area southwest of Raqqa, the de-facto capital of IS. The airstrikes destroyed a convoy of fuel tankers in the area, according to the report, without giving more details. The Russian airstrikes have been increased against the IS militants, particularly those leaving Raqqa and moving toward Palmyra in central Syria. A day earlier, Syria's military media said that Russian warships positioned in the Mediterranean Sea fired four cruise missiles at the IS posts in the ancient city of Palmyra's countryside. It said that frigate Admiral Essen and submarine Krasnodar from the Russian Navy Fleet fired four Kalibr cruise missiles on Tuesday at IS posts near Palmyra, hitting them all, with the submarine firing missiles from the seabed. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Russian missile attack targeted an IS convoy moving from Raqqa toward Palmyra. The London-based watchdog said the Russians wanted to prove they are also fighting IS and to draw attention to the fact that deals exist between IS and Kurdish groups concerning withdrawal from areas in Raqqa toward Palmyra. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have started a military campaign to strip the IS of Raqqa several months ago, but the actual beginning was in March when the U.S. carried out airdrops of ground forces near Tabqa, as part of its support to the Kurdish groups to capture the city and the key dam there. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 22:56:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Violence, terrorist acts and armed conflicts across Iraq killed a total of 345 civilians and wounded 446 others in May, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said on Thursday. A UNAMI statement said figures of casualties do not include security members, as the Iraqi military declined to give information about casualties among the troops. Previous figures of security members' casualties were questioned by the Iraqi military as "inaccurate," while UNAMI responded that "the military figures were largely unverified." Most of the civilian casualties occurred in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, where 160 were killed and 52 others injured in battles between Iraqi forces and Islamic State (IS) militants in western Mosul. Jan Kubis, the UN envoy to Iraq and the UNAMI chief, decried the terrorist attacks by the IS group on civilians before and in the early days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to the statement. "The terrorist Daesh (IS group) is in its death throes in Mosul, but it has continued to stretch its wicked arm there and in other areas to relieve the military pressure on it, deliberately aiming to kill and maim the maximum number of civilians," Kubis said referring to the deadly attacks in Iraqi capital Baghdad, including a massive suicide car bombing outside an ice cream parlor in the neighborhood of Karrada in southern central Baghdad that killed 11 people and wounded 75 others. The UNAMI statement came as the Iraqi security forces backed by anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out the IS militants from their major stronghold in the western side of Mosul in northern Iraq. Earlier, the UNAMI said a total of 6,878 civilians were killed and 12,388 wounded in 2016, adding that the figures did not include the civilian casualties in Anbar province for the months of last year's May, July, August and December. Iraq has witnessed intensifying violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 23:06:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, holds talks with Hungarian parliament speaker Kover Laszlo, in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang and visiting Hungarian Parliament Speaker Laszlo Kover Thursday agreed to enhance exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries. The two also attended the signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Hungarian Parliament. Zhang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, told his Hungarian counterpart that the NPC is ready to make joint efforts with the Hungarian Parliament to fully implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Beijing last month, announcing the establishment of the China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership. The relationship between legislatures is an important component of ties between the two countries, according to Zhang. He called on the two legislative bodies to strengthen mutual trust through closer contact, further exchanges of legislation and supervision experience, provide more substantial legal protection for pragmatic cooperation and continue to promote people-to-people exchange. Zhang also suggested that the two countries should further enhance ties on the Belt and Road construction as well as push forward cooperation within the "16+1" cooperation mechanism. The 16+1 refers to China and the 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC). Hungary will host the 6th China-CEEC Summit this year. Noting rapid growth of Hungary-China cooperation in various fields, Kover said that the Hungarian Parliament is ready to make greater efforts for closer ties between the two countries. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 23:16:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VILNIUS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Parliament (Seimas) on Thursday adopted amendments to the law on alcohol control which raises the minimum allowed drinking age, restricts alcohol selling hours and bans the advertising of alcoholic beverages. The amendments were approved last week but the final parliamentary vote took place on Thursday due to numerous additional proposals. As of 2018, the minimum allowed drinking age will be raised from the current 18 to 20, alcohol selling hours will be limited from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. As of next year, a total ban on alcohol advertizing will come into effect. However, alcohol beverages' labeling and brand names on umbrellas, mugs, ashtrays and other supplies will not be considered as advertising, lawmakers agreed. As of 2020, non-stationary points of alcohol sales will disappear. A total of 101 lawmakers voted in favor of the measures aimed at restricting alcohol consumption, with 10 against, and 10 MPs abstained. Lawmakers representing opposition were skeptical about some of the implemented measures which were proposed by the ruling Lithuanian Peasants and Greens Union (LZVS). "We need to limit alcohol selling hours and advertising, however, there is a big question if there is no overdoing in terms of raising the minimum allowed drinking age; a distrust in the younger generation has been showed," Mindaugas Majauskas, an MP from opposition conservatives party, was quoted as saying by local media. The Seimas rejected some of the measures proposed earlier, such as requiring individuals to transport and store alcoholic beverages in public in non-transparent packaging. The lawmakers also rejected special alcohol consumption zones where people under 20 would not be allowed to enter during public events. In recent years, Lithuanian authorities have been considering measures aimed at restricting access of alcohol, due to concerns over alcohol abuse in the Baltic country. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-01 23:21:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday said that India and Pakistan would complete the process of joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during the upcoming Astana summit. This would be the first time for the SCO to expand membership since its founding, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a daily press briefing. After that, the SCO will become the world's most populous regional cooperative organization and the largest by area, which will bring unprecedented development capacity and cooperation potential, said Hua. Noting that the work was progressing well, Hua said China sincerely hopes India and Pakistan could conduct friendly cooperation and improve ties after their joining the SCO, and inject new vitality into the development of the SCO. India and Pakistan's SCO accession procedures started in 2015. The SCO now covers China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 00:02:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's state air carrier Ethiopian Airlines has won an African Aviation Airline of the Year award for 2017 during the 26th Annual Air Finance Africa Conference & Exhibition held in Johannesburg, South Africa. In a statement made on Thursday, Meseret Bitew, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Ethiopian Airlines, says the airline attributes the recognition to its ability to interconnect African countries with their major trading partners around the world. Ethiopian Airlines won the Airline of the Year award for a second year in a row, which aims to highlight and support Africa's aviation sector better compete at international level. African Aviation CEO Nick Fadugba, who handed the award to Ethiopian Airlines, says Ethiopia's flag carrier, having expanded significantly its route network, modernized fleet and inaugurated three new aircraft maintenance hangars, is setting example to other African airlines. Fadugba also commended Ethiopian Airlines for opening a new world-class inflight catering facility and strengthening its airline joint ventures in Africa. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 00:12:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SINGAPORE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has appointed former transport minister Lui Tuck Yew as Singapores ambassador to Japan, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a press statement on Thursday. Lui served as the Minister for Transport from 2011 to 2015 and concurrently Second Minister for Defence in 2015. He left politics in 2015 amid public anger over frequent MRT breakdowns and disruption in July 2015. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 00:32:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A UN expert warned on Thursday that the world should be alarmed at the accelerating loss of biodiversity on which healthy ecosystems depend. Speaking ahead of the June 5 World Environment Day, John H. Knox, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, urged all states to do more to fulfill their existent obligations to protect the world's biological diversity from extinction. He said that while the eyes of the international community are justifiably focused on the future of the Paris agreement on climate change, this year's World Environment Day brings us an opportunity to celebrate our intimate relation to nature. "We should also be fully aware that we cannot enjoy our basic human rights without a healthy environment," he noted. According to him, the estimated populations of vertebrate animals have declined by more than half since 1970. "Nearly one third of natural and mixed World Heritage sites reportedly suffer from illegal poaching, logging and fishing, which have driven endangered species to the brink of extinction and threatened the livelihoods and well-being of communities who depend on them," he added. He urged world governments to ensure public information and participation in biodiversity-related decisions and provide access to effective remedies for its loss and degradation. "Park rangers, indigenous peoples and others who put their lives on the line to safeguard natural ecosystems should be recognized as human rights defenders and protected," he noted. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 00:47:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NEW YORK, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese asset manager launched its debut hedge fund in the U.S. on Thursday, a move with few Chinese precedents. The multi-manager fund, launched by Hywin Capital Management LLC, is targeting 8 to 15 percent annual returns with minimal drawdowns, according to Gib Dunham, Managing Director and the Portfolio Manager of the fund. It is expected to allocate to four primary sectors including relative value, private credit, quantitative and zero correlation, said Dunham. He added that the focus of the fund is to combine managers with the proven ability to generate excess returns over benchmark indices, manage drawdowns and provide returns that are uncorrelated with the broad industry benchmarks. While a few big U.S. fund operators including Bridgewater Associates and Citadel are doing business in China, few Chinese asset managers launched hedge funds in the U.S. before. As Zhu Shuming, president of Hywin Capital, observed during her road show in China, that the country's hedge fund industry is still in the primary stage and not many investors are familiar with the investment strategies. "Probably more than 90 percent of Chinese investors' portfolio is in real estate. In fact, we bring the concept of investment portfolio to our investors to diversify risks and gain returns," said Zhu. She said Hywin Financial Holding Group, Hywin Capital's parent company, has set up multiple overseas offices in order to introduce a variety of investment vehicles to Chinese investors and help them diversify their portfolio. "The launch of this multi-manager product is significant to our Chinese investors because it's an asset class most of them don't have access to," said Dunham. Hywin Financial Holding Group is a multi-national conglomerate with over 5,000 employees worldwide and approximately 15 billion U.S. dollars in assets under management. Founded in 1989, the company has expertise across multiple asset classes including hedge funds, real estate, insurance, asset management, private equity and lending. KHARTOUM, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A peacekeeper of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) was killed on Wednesday by an unidentified group in Sudan's Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, the mission announced Thursday. "On May 31, a military peacekeeper from the African Union-United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur was killed by an unidentified group in a carjacking incident in Nyala, South Darfur State," UNAMID said in a statement. The mission strongly condemned the attack, describing it as "a violation of international law," and urging the Sudanese government to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. UNAMID was deployed in Darfur in 2008, with about 24,000 personnel, to keep peace in the region which has been suffering from a civil war since 2003. Since its deployment, peacekeepers in the mission have experienced several attacks by unidentified groups, with more than 53 of them killed. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 00:48:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RAMALLAH, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The Palestine and Israel agreed on Thursday to reactivate the joint economic committee and expand its power in the West Bank, a Palestinian government spokesperson said. Yousef Al-Mahmoud, the Palestinian government spokesperson said in a press release that the agreement was signed in a rare meeting between Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and the Israeli minister of finance Moshe Kahlon in Ramallah on Wednesday. According to Al-Mahmoud, the agreement includes opening Al-Karama crossing between the West Bank and Jordan all the time except Friday and Saturday, starting from June 20 to November. The crossing will be running all the time from the beginning of 2018 as well. He added that both sides agreed to activate the joint economic committee, reconsider Paris Economic Agreement and expand the Palestinian Authority influence in area (C) according to the previous agreed agreement that linked to stopping Israeli demolition of the Palestinian facilities under non-licensing excuse. The meeting also agreed on establishing an industrial area in Tarqumiya, Hebron governorate that includes customs clearance area and oil, gas stores. Al-Mahmoud said the meeting discussed Palestinian national rights and interests that Israel must offer and commit according to the signed agreements. The spokesperson also said that Hamdallah affirmed during the meeting on the necessity of the political solution, insisting on the two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative as a comprehensive solution in the region. Hamdallah also considered the Israeli people want peace and they need a courageous political leadership. Israeli ministerial council approved on May 21 facilities for Palestinians in the West Bank. The approval was endorsed hours before the first visit of the U.S. president Donald Trump to Israel and the West Bank which took two days with promises to work on resuming peace talk between both sides. The peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis halted in the end of March 2014 after 9 month of U.S.-backed talks, with no positive results to end the long-term conflict. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 00:58:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Bernie Sanders, a United States Democrat and Junior Senator, took to the stage on Wednesday in Berlin at a student speech to strongly criticise President Donald Trump. Sanders was in Berlin to launch the German version of his book "Our revolution" and was speaking at the Free University of Berlin. Sanders spoke about the important relationship between the United States and the EU, saying that "notwithstanding Trump", the "majority of Americans were in agreement with him." He also chided Trump for criticizing a "longstanding ally" after tweeting that Germany is not adhering to its NATO military obligations early this week, as well as on several other high-profile occasions. Sanders went further, and denounced the decision to walk away from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, telling the crowd that it would be a "horrific mistake" to permanently withdraw from the agreement. He told the crowd in Berlin "do not think that the American people are turning their backs on this." Sanders, who was a Democrat nominee for the 2016 U.S. Presidential elections, is one of the most outspoken critics of President Trump prior to and since he was inaugurated. The 1,000th freight train linking China and Europe this year departs from the Yiwu West Railway Station in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 13, 2017. From Jan. 1 to May 13 this year, the number of Sino-European freight trains has increased by 612, or 158 percent, compared with the same period last year, according to China Railway Corp. (Xinhua/Gong Xianming) By Shuai Rong BRUSSELS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Trade protectionism hurts all and reduces the overall economic well-being as consumers and downstream businesses must pay a higher cost for the same goods or raw materials, European trade experts has told Xinhua. "It would be far more beneficial for the European Union (EU)'s competitiveness and for European consumers if the EU limits the use of Trade Defense Instruments(TDI) to its indispensable minimum," said Christian Verschueren, director-general of EuroCommerce, the EU's trade representative group for retail and wholesale. On May 3, EU member states agreed on new anti-dumping rules containing a revised methodology for calculating dumping prices. The new rules were proposed by the European Commission last November. Currently, EU anti-dumping investigations are based on market economy and non-market economy lists. In non-market economies, investigators identify dumping activities by comparing the export prices with those in a third country, also known as a "surrogate country", rather than with domestic prices in the exporting country as is the case of market economies. In the new methodology, the surrogate country approach is replaced by a so-called "significant market distortion" concept. It enables EU investigators to correct "significant market distortions" by setting prices based either on prices in a third country with economic development levels similar to those of the country under investigation or on "international undistorted prices." It does not virtually cease the surrogate country approach. Instead, it intends to continue using it in a disguised way and that could lead to even higher duties on a third country's producers, said Bao Yongqing, international trade lawyer from Steptoe & Johnson LLP Brussels office. Obviously, trade protectionism will reduce the overall economic well-being because consumers and downstream businesses must pay a higher cost for the same goods or raw materials, Bao said. "The ones suffering from steel duties in the first place are clearly the EU steel importers and wholesalers. At the end of the day, however, the bill will be for the final consumer to pay," Verschueren told Xinhua in a recent interview, adding that his organization will continue to favor free and fair trade. Verschueren said the EU's TDI system has in fact gone beyond its legitimate scope, and certain sectors in the EU rely on anti-dumping duties as a last resort or "a life insurance in the stormy seas of the world market." He called on the EU not to focus on artificially protecting less competitive sectors, saying affordable steel prices are in Europe's own interest. In his view, EU steel producers will benefit from the new calculation methodology and a shorter investigation time cut from nine months to seven months. Brandishing the stick of TDI, Verschueren said, will not solve the "real bread and butter issue" for the EU steel industry, which is to enhance domestic producers' genuine competitiveness. He said the EU needs to "complete some homework internally." "It would be unfair to expect importers and consumers in the EU to pay the bill for possible shortcomings in other areas, be it at company or policy level," Verschueren said. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 01:03:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Berlin, June 1 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that deportations of rejected Afghan asylum seekers have been temporarily suspended after the deadly Kabul car bombing, which killed at least 80 people and injured hundreds of others. The decision came amid growing calls by politicians of the Social Democratic (SPD) and Green parties as well as human rights organizations, demanding a complete stop to deportations to Afghanistan. Citing the devastating suicide bombing in the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday morning, Green party politician Omid Nouripour said it was "cynical" that the German federal government still considered Afghanistan a safe country of origin allowing the forced repatriation of citizens whose applications for asylum have failed. The concerns were echoed by the mayor of Bremen Carsten Sieling (SPD) who challenged the federal government to reconsider its assessment of the war-torn Central Asian country's security situation. A crowd of 300 clashed with police on Wednesday as it attempted to prevent the deportation of a 20-year-old Afghan in the Southern German town of Nuernberg. Five people were arrested and several police officers injured. Interior Minister Thomas de Maizere (CDU) temporarily postponed a deportation flight on Wednesday. Rather than reflecting a general change in policy, however, he linked the decision to the logistical preoccupation of German embassy officials in Afghanistan with other issues in the aftermath of the attack. The explosion during Kabul's morning rush hour on Wednesday occurred in the immediate proximity of the German embassy, causing severe damage to the building. It remains unclear whether the German embassy was the target of the attack. The Taliban has denied responsibility for the bombing which was carried out with a truck loaded with explosives. According to German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, all German embassy staff survived the bombing, although injuries were reported. But an Afghani security guard employed by the embassy was killed in the blast. With at least 80 killed and over 350 injured, the suicide attack is the worst incident of terrorism since the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, underlining the trend of deteriorating security conditions in the country since the U.S. began reducing its military presence under former president Obama. Nevertheless, according to a report of the local newspaper "Neue Passer Presse" on April 24, the number of Afghani refugees granted asylum in Germany has fallen dramatically. Official figures indicate that the acceptance rate for refugees from Afghanistan sunk from 77.6 percent in 2015 to 60.5 percent in 2016 and further down to 47.9 percent in January and February 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 01:13:12|Editor: An Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Brussels, Belgium, June 1, 2017. Li is scheduled to attend the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels and pay an official visit to Belgium. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BRUSSELS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Thursday for the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels. Upon his arrival, Li said China and the EU are contributors and beneficiaries of world multipolarization and economic globalization. He urged the two sides to jointly confront the instability of the international situation with a stable bilateral cooperation. Li hopes his visit could further promote China-EU relations in a stable and in-depth way, while boosting both sides' confidence in stability, cooperation and development. The relationship and pragmatic cooperation between China and Belgium have always been a model in China's relations with European countries over the past 46 years since the two countries established their diplomatic links, he said. China is willing to work with the Belgian side to blaze new trails in a pioneering spirit and tap the potential to the full to push forward the China-Belgium all-around partnership of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, Li said. During his stay in Brussels, Li will co-chair the China-EU leaders' meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. Li will also hold talks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and meet Belgium's King Philippe. Li is expected to discuss China-EU cooperation, as well as international and regional issues of common concern with European leaders, attend a series of activities in Brussels, including a China-EU business summit, a China-EU dialogue on innovation cooperation, a signing ceremony of cooperation documents between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and activities marking the China-EU year of tourism. During Li's visit, China and the EU are expected to sign several cooperation agreements in trade, logistics, new energy vehicles, education, finance, tourism and SME, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China and the EU, two important players on the world stage, enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership. The EU is China's largest trading partner while China is the EU's second largest trading partner. Li's Brussels trip came after his official visit to Germany where he attended the annual meeting between Chinese premier and German chancellor. Li is scheduled to attend the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels on Friday and pay an official visit to Belgium. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 01:23:25|Editor: Mengjie (L-R) Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, President of Finland Sauli Niinisto and his wife Jenni Haukio, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, President of Iceland Gudni Johannesson and his wife Eliza Jean Reid pose for pictures in Helsinki, Finland, June 1, 2017. The cohesion of the Nordic region was highlighted on Thursday when heads of state of all five Nordic countries met in Helsinki to celebrate the centenary of Finnish independence. (Xinhua/Matti Matikainen) HELSINKI, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The cohesion of the Nordic region was highlighted on Thursday when heads of state of all five Nordic countries met in Helsinki to celebrate the centenary of Finnish independence. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson with his spouse Eliza Reid, were hosted by Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and his spouse Jenni Haukio. Thousands of citizens and tourists crowded midday at the waterfront to greet the distinguished guests, who appeared on a balcony of the Helsinki City Hall before attending a lunch hosted by Helsinki's incoming mayor Jan Vapaavuori. In his address at the Hanasaari (Hanaholmen) Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre, Niinisto said the Nordic identity dates back to the eleventh century when Christianity reached the area "in its western form." He said that "in the name of the Nordic way, a lot more can be done for the world." The five Nordic countries formed a passport and labor union as early as in 1950s, well before the European Union introduced such openness in the rest of Europe. Nowadays, citizens of the Nordic countries can choose to live freely in any of the five countries, and the social welfare systems are widely uniform throughout the area. Finland and Sweden had a long joint history as one country until Sweden lost Finland to Russia in a war in 1809. Finland became an autonomous grand duchy under Russia until declaring independence in 1917. (FILES) This file photo taken on May 22, 2017 shows US President Donald Trump (L) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a press conference prior to an official dinner in Jerusalem. (AFP photo) JERUSALEM, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel said on Thursday that it's "disappointed" with U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to postpone the moving of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In an official statement, Israeli Prime Minister's Office accused Trump's decision of breaking his campaign promise and driving peace away. According to the statement, keeping embassies outside Jerusalem, the city which Israel claims as its capital, "distances peace because it contributes to the revival of the Palestinian illusion that the Jewish people and its state have no connection to Jerusalem." "The American embassy, like all other embassies, should be in Jerusalem," as the city is Israel's "eternal capital," the statement said. Israel seized East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war, along with the rest of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It later annexed East Jerusalem and declared it as part of its "eternal and indivisible capital," a move that has never been recognized by the international community. Earlier on Thursday, Trump signed a waiver delaying the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, according to U.S. media reports. During his presidential campaign, Trump made a provocative promise to move the embassy to Jerusalem, breaking a long-held American policy. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 01:33:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it was concerned for the safety of nearly 2,000 residents who remain trapped in the embattled Marawi City, in the southern Philippines due to conflict between government forces and militants there. "We are extremely worried about the residents who've not been able to leave their homes because of the fighting and those people who are reportedly being held against their will," ICRC said in a written statement issued here on Thursday. The number of civilian casualties had continued to grow after 10 days of fighting, ICRC said. "We urge all those involved in the fighting to protect civilians. We hope that the people being held are being treated humanely and we call for their release," ICRC said. According to the statement, the ICRC had been trying to negotiate safe access to the trapped civilians in Marawi. Together with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the ICRC said it had distributed aid to more than 10,000 displaced people, provided access to clean water, and enhanced the capacity of six local health facilities to provide basic health care to thousands of people. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in Mindanao on May 23 following the attack on Maute group militants, which the Philippine leader said were trying to establish a caliphate for international terrorist group Islamic State (IS). Using attack helicopters and light aircraft, the government military on Wednesday continued to battle with the remaining militants, and the target of the ongoing military clearing operations is reportedly to flush out the remaining 30 to 40 militants of the Maute group who are believed to be in the city. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 01:33:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour will hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo on Saturday, according to Sudan's Foreign Ministry Thursday. The statement was made following a meeting between Ghandour and Egyptian Ambassador in Khartoum Osama Shaltout. Ghandour reiterated the special ties as well as importance of communication and consultations between the two countries, the statement said. Last month Khartoum hosted meetings of the joint political consultation committee, chaired by the two countries' foreign ministers, and discussed a number of points of difference without reaching solutions. Sudan and Egypt have territorial dispute over Halayeb triangle on the border between the two countries, which Egypt presently controls. Due to the heightened tensions between the two countries, Sudan banned the Egyptian agricultural exports and reimposed entry visa on the Egyptians who want to enter Sudan after they were exempted from it. On May 23, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced confiscation of Egyptian armored vehicles in a recent attack by Darfur rebel movements against areas in east and north of the region. However, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi last week denied that Egypt provided any support for the Sudanese rebels. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 01:43:39|Editor: Mengjie NATO vehicles enter Giurgiu, 70 kilometers south of Romania's capital Bucharest, June 1, 2017. Eight NATO convoys with 300 troops and 150 fighting vehicles and personnel carriers entered Romania from Bulgaria on Thursday for a NATO exercise. (Xinhua/Cristian Cristel) BUCHAREST, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Eight convoys with three hundred troops and over 150 fighting vehicles and personnel carriers entered Romania from Bulgaria on Thursday en route to a training area in central Romania as part of NATO exercise. Part of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), some 2,000 troops as well as more than 500 vehicles and helicopters will gather in the Cincu area of central Romanian county of Brasov. From bases in Albania, Bulgaria, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and Britain, they will join around 2,000 Romanian troops and over 1,000 enablers in the NATO exercise called Noble Jump 2017. The exercise is a logistical challenge that will test the so-called VJTF concept: NATO's ability to quickly deliver a fighting force to an assigned area of operations. Operation director, British Major General Ian Cave, said Thursday that this exercise would test the operational capabilities of the VJTF elements and the level of implementation in Bulgaria and Romania of the Readiness Action Plan to increase the alliance's response capability. Noble Jump 2017 began on May 29 with the arrival of the first British troops at the Greek airport in Alexandroupolis, and will last until June 22. Photo taken on May 3, 2017 shows an aerial view of the coast of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) CAPE TOWN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- International rating agency Fitch on Thursday affirmed South Africa's long term foreign and local currency debt ratings with a stable outlook. In a statement, Fitch pointed to the country's credit strengths of deep local capital markets, favourable government debt structure and a track record of fairly prudent fiscal and monetary policy. However, Fitch said, South Africa's ratings continue to be weighed down by low potential economic growth, sizable contingent liabilities, and deteriorating governance of state-owned companies (SOCs). "The March 2017 Cabinet reshuffle that triggered the downgrade of South Africa's ratings (to junk status) is likely to undermine governance of SOCs, weaken fiscal consolidation and reduce private sector investment as a result of weaker business confidence," the agency said. "While efforts to improve the SOC governance framework will continue, implementation decisions, for example on appointments of senior SOC management, will hamper these efforts and could lead to weaker financial positions of SOCs and higher contingent liabilities for the government," Fitch said. The agency also said the recent rhetoric of "radical socioeconomic transformation" by President Jacob Zuma and senior government officials "does not imply a fundamental policy shift." In response to Fitch's decision, the South African Ministry of Finance said this outcome demonstrates that South Africans must continue to act in unison especially during difficult times and work even harder to make sure that the country reclaims its investment grade status. The ministry expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders who participated in the meetings with the rating agency and ensured that the country is not downgraded further. "Nonetheless, government emphasizes that fiscal consolidation remains firmly on track and government's efforts remain focused on improving the growth trajectory and policy perceptions," the ministry said. SA Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba is currently re-engaging with the private sector to make sure that the joint work of the government, business, labor and the civil society continues and that the pledges made thus far are fulfilled, the ministry said in a statement. The government and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) are firmly committed in improving business and investor confidence in South Africa, said the ministry. The government's main focus is to address the long-standing goal of inclusive growth, the ministry said. Fast-tracking the implementation of the structural reforms on growth and addressing the financial and governance issues of some of the SOCs are priorities in the short term, according to the ministry. "More work lies ahead and as such the National Development Plan, as the overarching policy of government, will continue to drive the decisions aimed at achieving inclusive growth and eradicating the rippling socio-economic challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality," the ministry said. The South African rand reacted positively to the news. By 13:12 the rand was trading at R13.02 to the greenback after briefly firming to R12.99 following the Fitch announcement. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 02:54:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Former FBI Director James Comey will testify in open hearing on Capitol Hill on June 8, the first time since he was suddenly fired by U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee announced Thursday. It's highly expected that Comey will testify whether Trump asked him to shut down the FBI probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. However, Comey will almost certainly not be able to discuss details of the ongoing FBI probe which is now overseen by a special counsel, according to local media reports. The Trump administration fired Comey in May, citing his handling of the Clinton email investigation during the 2016 U.S. elections. But Trump himself has repeatedly said that the Russia probe was on his mind when he removed Comey. Comey reportedly wrote in a memo that Trump asked him to shut down the FBI's probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is also one of Trump's top aides during the campaign. Under huge pressure, U.S. Justice Department then appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the probe into the Trump campaign's relations with Russia. In response, Trump has repeatedly denied any collusions between his campaign and Russia. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 02:59:15|Editor: Lu Hui Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Zhang Sutang, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo) ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday his country is ready to expand cooperation with China under its Belt and Road Initiative. Putin made the remarks when answering questions raised by Zhang Sutang, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, during a meeting with heads of the world's major news agencies on the sideline of the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Speaking to Zhang, Putin reiterated his readiness to unite efforts within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). "Our position is precisely this. It is not only mine but also of the leaders of other EAEU countries. We are interested in developing relations with China, one of the world's largest economies with colossal potential," said Putin. The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China in 2013 consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. It aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road trade routes. The EAEU comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with an aim to encourage regional economic integration through the free movement of goods, services and people within the union. In the context of the pairing of the Belt and Road Initiative and the EAEU, infrastructure development cooperation is "priceless" in general, said the Russian president. According to him, such cooperation includes the construction of road, railway, air and maritime transport facilities linking east and west, south and north. "It truly has a global significance. Therefore, Russia and China will work together in this area," the president added. In his view, the situation in Russia-China border regions is developing positively: bridges under construction, cross-border trade on the increase, and direct contacts between local governments in full swing. Meanwhile, people from both countries are visiting each other, conducting all kinds of humanitarian activities and holding various economic forums. Putin said the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China is developing "very positively" and "uniquely." "We are always seeking common approaches to the most complicated problems and often come forward with a unified position," he said. Putin also proposed to deepen bilateral cooperation within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS mechanism. According to him, the SCO has become a major international organization and plays a big role in regional and global affairs. The BRICS mechanism, which unites countries with similar economic structure, now serves as a very important platform for coordinating positions, Putin added. "We have common problems. It encourages us to look for universal ways to solve them together and complement each other during this process," he said. Founded in 1997, the SPIEF is an international platform to discuss key economic issues facing Russia, other developing countries and the world at large. A combination photo shows former U.S. FBI Director James Comey testifies over investigation into Hillary Clinton's email system, on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on July 7, 2016, and U.S. President Donald Trump nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch as the new justice for the Supreme Court in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 31, 2017. (Xinhua) WASHINGTON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Former FBI Director James Comey will testify in open hearing on Capitol Hill on June 8, the first time since he was suddenly fired by U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee announced Thursday. It's highly expected that Comey will testify whether Trump asked him to shut down the FBI probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. However, Comey will almost certainly not be able to discuss details of the ongoing FBI probe which is now overseen by a special counsel, according to local media reports. The Trump administration fired Comey in May, citing his handling of the Clinton email investigation during the 2016 U.S. elections. But Trump himself has repeatedly said that the Russia probe was on his mind when he removed Comey. Comey reportedly wrote in a memo that Trump asked him to shut down the FBI's probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is also one of Trump's top aides during the campaign. Under huge pressure, U.S. Justice Department then appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the probe into the Trump campaign's relations with Russia. In response, Trump has repeatedly denied any collusions between his campaign and Russia. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 03:24:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LJUBLJANA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The newly-formed Slovenia's government office for migrants and integration became operational on Thursday, taking over all the responsibilities concerning the reception and accommodation of migrants and their integration. The office has been established by the government under the revised aliens' act, according to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). The office will take account to the accommodation of migrants, their healthcare, as well as inclusion in education and the labour market. It will also manage the asylum centre and the activities there. The STA report said the office will act at the national level to ensure all categories of foreigners their rights by coordinating the work of other state bodies, NGOs and international organisations working with migrants. The office would make proposals and initiatives for interdisciplinary approach to migrant issues with an emphasis on integration programs, said the STA quoting the acting director Mojca Spec Potocar. The office will also be responsible for the resettlement of migrants under the EU scheme, and for the community work program in which long-term unemployed will help in the accommodation and supply of asylum seekers as well as in the inclusion of those already granted the status into their new environment. Based at the Ljubljana asylum centre, the office will have a total of 34 staff, who come from four ministries so far responsible for migrants. Its budget for this year is 4.3 million euros. Slovenia has so far accepted 186 refugees under the EU's relocation and resettlement scheme to distribute refugees arriving in Greece and Italy throughout the EU. A group of 14 citizens of Syria arrived from Greece earlier this week and another group from Greece is expected next week. By the end of the year the total number is expected to rise to 567, the STA report said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 03:34:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ALGIERS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Thursday decided to host a group of Syrian refugees, who have been trapped in the Moroccan town of Figuig since April 17, APS news agency reported. "The foreign ministry received representative of the United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Hamdi Boukhari, to inform him about the decision of Algeria to host a group of Syrian refugees, who have been stranded since April 17 in the town of Figuig in the Moroccan territory," spokesman of Algeria's foreign ministry, Abdelaziz Benali Cherif, was quoted as saying by APS. "This exceptional humanitarian step is motivated by the particularly difficult situation that this group of Syrian nationals is suffering, and the will of Algeria to put an end to the suffering during the sacred month of Ramadan," he added. Benali Cherif further noted that these Syrian refugees will be provided shelter and basic care. He said if they wish, they could be reunited with their family members in other countries. The spokesman said Algeria has been providing shelter to more than 40 thousand Syrian refugees since the outbreak of the war in Syria. Algeria's latest decision to host Syrian refugees came amid a minor diplomatic row with its neighboring nation Morocco, which accused Algeria of expelling 55 Syrian refugees to its territory. On April 23, Algerian Foreign Ministry summoned Moroccan Ambassador to Algiers to "its categorical rejection for these false allegations." Enditem Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak while walking near the Constantine (Konstantinovsky) Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 1, 2017. (Reuters/TASS) ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed here on Thursday to deepen bilateral ties and promote strategic cooperation. The two leaders held talks here at the sideline of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2017). Modi was invited by the Russian side as an honored guest to the forum that is having India as a partner country this year. "We appreciate such a representative delegation of Indian businessmen participates in the forum. All this vividly confirms the strength of our trade and economic ties and their solid potential, as well as the particularly privileged nature of the strategic partnership between Russia and India," Putin said in statement. According to the president, the trade volume between the two countries last year has increased to more than 7.7 billion U.S. dollars, a sign that confirms the strength of bilateral economic ties and its great potential. In this context, Russia and India decided to upgrade their partnership, including turning simple commodity trade to more complex cooperation, deepening bilateral investment ties and jointly boosting manufacturing qualities, according to the statement. Putin underscored promising joint projects in nuclear energy, aerospace and biotechnology, adding that the key of future cooperation between the two countries lies in "the combination of the powerful scientific and technological potential of Russia and India." The Indian prime minister, who is on the third stop of a four-nation European tour, also spoke highly of the prospects of bilateral ties. Despite the ever-changing global dynamic, the willingness of Indian investment in Russia is still growing, and strategic partnership in the defense area is also being strengthened, Modi added. Following the meeting, a package of documents on cooperation was signed at the SPIEF in the presence of the two heads of states, including an agreement on scientific and industrial research, which is a framework agreement on the construction of two units of the Kudankulam NPP, a program of cultural exchanges between Russia and India. Founded in 1997, the SPIEF has now become an important international communication platform for representatives in various fields across the globe to discuss key economic issues facing Russia, developing countries and the world as a whole. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 03:50:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PARIS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- French Justice Minister Francois Bayrou presented to the press on Thursday the main aspects of a future law on the moralization of public life, which French President Emmanuel Macron announced was one of his priorities once elected. The objective of the law is "to restore citizens' confidence in public action" Bayrou explained. Among the measures includes shutting down the French Court of Justice, the institution with the jurisdiction to judge ministers for their activities while in office. Under the new rules, ministers will instead be judged by magistrates. A "filtering procedure" will otherwise be performed in order to avoid attempts at political meddling. Recalling the fake jobs scandal involving former prime minister Francois Fillon, the justice minister said it would be forbidden for parliamentarians and ministers to hire members of their family. The parliamentary reserve -- 56 million euros (63 million U.S. dollars) for the Senate and 80 million euros for the National Assembly, which can be allotted to small communities by the representatives -- of which "the risks of cronyism have often been highlighted," said Bayrou, will be removed and replaced by an "action fund for territories and general interest projects, which will be transparent and submitted to precise and public criteria defined by the assemblies." The asset declaration at the end of the French president's term will be analyzed by the High Authority, which will be "reinforced" according to Bayrou. In addition, in order to avoid the influence of lobbies, the supervision of parliamentarians' advisory activities will be made stricter, even banned in the case of advising companies linked to public contracts. Breaking this law would result in being banned from holding office up to 10 years in the case of crime or misdemeanor. The justice minister mentioned the creation of a "bank of democracy" which will allow for money to be lent to political parties for electoral campaigns, with foreign financing forbidden. The law consists of three texts: an organic law, to be presented to the Council of Ministers and then in Parliament during the summer, an ordinary law and a constitutional reform expected by next September. (1 euro = 1.12 U.S. dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 04:10:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SKOPJE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia's new Prime Minister Zoran Zaev condemned the armed attack on former health minister Nikola Todorov, who was unhurt after a person fired two gun shots towards him Thursday. The armed attack happened in front of the building of the Ministry of Health, right before the ceremony where Todorov's successor Arben Taravari was about to take over the office. The attacker has been identified as a 60-year-old citizen of the town Veles, whose niece died after not receiving government funds for medical treatment abroad. The country's new Minister of Interior Affairs Oliver Spasovski said that the investigation is underway. Todorov was not hurt in the attack. He was in front of the building talking to the journalists before the ceremony, when the attacker started firing from short distance. The former minister, who is known for practicing martial arts, managed to avoid the first shot. The security intervened immediately and protected him from the second shot. The attacker was arrested. "I fully condemn the attack. Something like this simply can never be allowed. I am glad that the former minister is safe," Zaev said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 04:25:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HAVANA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, or the parliament, convened a session on Thursday to analyze the progress of economic and social reforms started in 2010 by President Raul Castro, as well as the nation' s development plan until 2030. "During our previous discussions, a good number of proposals enriched the documents, although most of them preserved their essential content. These texts will be the base to continue building a prosperous socialism as well as a sovereign nation," said Esteban Lazo, president of the National Assembly. The documents, which were widely discussed by Cuban people for over a year as well as by the Communist Party, act as a guide for Cuba's economic, social and political development for the coming years. Among them are the conceptualization of the Cuban economic and social development model and the main principles of the national plan for development until 2030. The legislators also debated the legal framework and imminent approval of the first official recognition of private enterprise and small- and medium-sized businesses, although it could be years before any actual changes are felt on the ground. In April 2016, the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba approved these reports as well as changes to the process of economic reforms for the following five years, which are aimed at opening up a private sector without renouncing on socialist economic principles. Cuba's parliament is expected to approve these documents later Thursday and turn them into laws in the coming months. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 04:30:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ALGIERS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Four Algerian soldiers were slightly injured following an overnight terror attack against their patrol in the province of Blida, 60 km south-west Algiers, on Wednesday, Defense Ministry on Thursday said in a statement. "A National Gendarmerie patrol was targeted by gunshots of a terrorist group around 22:00 (GMT) on Wednesday, in the locality of Larbaa in Blida, causing four soldiers slightly injured," said the statement. Following the attack, counter-terrorism troops have launched a wide-scale campaign to track down the assailants, noted the source. Meanwhile, the terrorist group of Daesh on Thursday claimed responsibility for this attack. It said one of their fighters had destroyed two vehicles carrying elements of the Algerian National Gendarmerie. Located in a region plagued by unprecedented security and political instability, Algeria faces ongoing terrorist threats. A few militants affiliated to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and recently established Islamic State affiliate groups are still taking refuge in the dense woods in the north, and remote desert areas near the troubled Libya and Mali. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 05:11:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ANKARA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A deal between Turkey and Ukraine allowing their citizens to travel to each other's country without passports took effect on Thursday, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Under the reciprocal travel agreement inked by Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Groysman on March 14, citizens of both countries will only need to show their national ID cards for stays of up to 90 days. Kiev's ambassador in Ankara Andrii Sybiha said both Turkey and Ukraine will benefit from the agreement. Last year, over one million tourists from Ukraine visited Turkey, while more than 200,000 Turkish tourists travelled to Ukraine. Ukraine has seen a 30 percent increase in these numbers this year in a bid to boost tourism, Sybiha said. Turkey has become the largest tourism destination for Ukrainians as nearly 75 percent of 1.5 million Ukrainian tourists that travel overseas visit Turkey, the Hotels Association of Turkey (TUROB), a leading Turkish tourism association, said in a statement. There was a 48 percent year-on-year increase in the number of Ukrainian tourists visiting Turkey in 2016 despite many difficulties hitting the sector, TUROB said. According to TUROB, more than half of Ukrainian tourists to Turkey visited the Mediterranean resort of Antalya, with an 82 percent year-on-year increase, and the growth trend is expected to continue this year. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 05:41:46|Editor: An Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a bilateral forum on innovation cooperation, which is also attended by his German counterpart Angela Merkel, in Berlin, Germany, June 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Thursday China is ready to forge a closer innovative partnership with Germany. Li, who was in Germany for a two-day official visit, made the remarks at a bilateral forum on innovation cooperation, which is also attended by his German counterpart, Angela Merkel. Calling China and Germany a golden pair of innovation cooperation, Li said such a partnership has put a high-powered engine to China-Germany pragmatic cooperation. In 2014, the two countries launched a joint action plan themed "shaping innovation together," which set a precedent for science and technological cooperation between major countries, said Li. During the past three years, solid steps have been taken in bilateral innovation cooperation, namely the alignment between "Made in China 2025" plan and Germany's Industry 4.0 concept, the successful cooperation model of the Research Funding 2+2, and the rapid development of various China-Germany industrial parks. Unveiled in May 2015, the "Made in China 2025" plan helps transform China from a manufacturing giant into an innovation-motivated manufacturer. While Industry 4.0, a concept coined by the German federal government in 2011, aims to facilitate automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, including cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things and cloud computing. Next month, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Germany and attend the Group of 20 Summit in Hamburg, said Li, calling on the two sides to maintain close high-level exchanges, cement political mutual trust, speed up the synergy of their development strategies, and launch more demonstrative programs. He suggested that the innovation cooperation between the two nations should be market-oriented and encouraged the two sides to explore new models for commercial development. He also called on the two sides to accelerate applied research and technology transformation and strengthen cooperation on technology research and development as well as manufacturing sector. China is willing to learn from Germany its experience in fundamental research, he said, adding that China encourages deepened cooperation between their universities and institutions, so as to create a host of heavyweight research accomplishments in cutting-edge sectors, said the premier. In his speech, Li also encouraged innovation by small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and suggested the establishment of a governmental-level mechanism to serve the cooperation between SMEs of the two countries. China and Germany are both active players of economic globalization, he said, urging the two sides to create a free and open environment for trade and investment. He also called on the two countries to promote two-way opening-up and create a more convenient and fair environment for bilateral innovation cooperation. The premier encouraged the two sides to step up the exchanges between their students and scientists and wished the first innovation and entrepreneurship week for youth from China and Germany a success. China strictly protects the intellectual property rights of enterprises in bilateral innovation cooperation and does not require mandatory technology transfer, he said, welcoming German companies to explore China's new energy vehicles markets. Li also briefed the guests with China's economic situation as well as the progress of China's economic reform. Merkel, in her speech, appreciated China's efforts in easing market access and protecting intellectual property rights. She said Germany is ready to work with China to build a platform to synergize the innovation and high-tech development strategies of the two countries. She agreed with Li that the two countries should encourage mutually beneficial cooperation between big and small business, deepen cooperation between higher education and vocational education, and expand social involvement of Germany-China partnership of innovation. She believed that, through joint efforts, the two countries will better meet common challenges and boost shared development. Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 05:46:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said Thursday that Denmark will continue to fight climate change despite U.S. announcement of withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. "It's a sad day for the world. Denmark stands ready to continue the climate battle to save future generations," Rasmussen said on his Twitter account. In a previous Twitter post, he urged U.S. President Donald Trump to show global leadership, saying "we need the USA on the team." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 05:51:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged on Thursday that her country intends to work closely with China on important global issues such as climate change. Merkel declared her intentions while attending a business event with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Berlin. Her statements came when U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to walk away from the Paris Climate Agreement. During her speech at the event she told business delegates that she saw opportunities for the two economic powers to help "global progress together." She also said that such a close relationship would require "special responsibility for both countries, for Germany and China - in all global issues - for example climate protection, for the prevention of violent conflicts or in international trade policy." The German chancellor and Premier Li subsequently agreed to a broad expansion of German-Chinese relations, including the promotion of global free trade in the wake of Trump's protectionist policies and the Brexit referendum in Britain. Both nations have also already pledged their mutual support and investment for numerous agreements such as e-mobility and innovations in both countries. Also at the event, Li assured the delegation that China would continue to honor the 2015 Paris Agreement, which Merkel remarked was "very pleasing." On Sunday, the chancellor told a rally in Germany that the EU can no longer rely on the United States or Britain, stating the EU "must now fight for its own future." The EU and China have also made clear their commitment to building a stronger and closer partnership. A joint statement concerning the upcoming summit for the Paris Climate Change agreement was released last Friday confirmed that "the increasing impact of climate change requires a strong response" and that working together was "for the good of all humanity." Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-02 06:37:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close OSLO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Thursday voiced her disappointment over the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement. "I am very disappointed that the Trump administration has decided to pull the United States out of the main climate agreement the world has come to consensus," Solberg said in a statement. "We will discuss with other countries, including the European Union, on how we work together to ensure the implementation of the objectives of the Paris Agreement," she said. Earlier the day, Trump announced that "in order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord but being negotiations to reenter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction under terms that are fair to the United States." TCL to pay TT$0.02 dividend Although the company did not record a substantial profit in 2016 as it had in 2015 following a one-time gain from a re-financing arrangement, TCL chairman, Wilfred Espinet, said the board decided to make a dividend payment as a demonstration of their commitment to those shareholders who have been holding on to their shares for an extremely long time. Espinet announced the dividend payment during TCLs 2017 annual general meeting (AGM), held on May 26 at Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port-of-Spain. This was in response to one shareholder asking if the company had decided on some sort of dividend policy, given that you paid a (TT $0.04) dividend last year? Espinet, seated at the head table, told the shareholder this was one of the matters discussed by the directors earlier that day. How do we continue to pay a dividend in the given environment? Is that prudent? Because you have had a reduction in the profitability of the company and the headwinds that were facing now, especially in Trinidad and Tobago (of) competition from Turkish cement, declining expenditure by the State and limited activity in the construction sector. Espinet continued, But there is also the argument that we see shareholders who have been holding on to these shares for an extremely long time and the directors agreed that they would pay a dividend of TT $0.02 per share, which we think is more of a demonstration of our commitment to the shareholders than it is, you know, a real major return (to profit). It demonstrates the directors commitment, Espinet stated, to significant applause from many of the shareholders present. Dividend payments were suspended back in 2008. Following the AGM in 2011, one shareholder told Newsday, Even when TCL was making a profit in 2008 and 2009, we didnt get dividends because the board said it needed the money for cash flow and for capital to construct a new kiln at CCCL in Jamaica.Eight months later, in late March 2012, a major strike by TCL workers had entered its fifth week. According to one article published on March 26, 2012, while this was going on, it had been 15 months since TCLs bankers had received either interest or principal on its TT $1.8 billion debt. Speaking with Business Day following the 2017 AGM last Friday, Espinet recalled that TCL started off a dividend last year of TT $0.04 (which) was reflective of the fact that we had a substantial profit that came about with a one-time gain from a refinancing arrangement, where we got a gain of nearly TT $200 million. Thats no longer available, so that our profitability; net profit, in 2016 is considerably less than it was in 2015 because of the one-time gain. Therefore, we had to consider whether it was prudent to make a dividend (payment) at all, given the headwinds I spoke about earlier. We thought, however, that relationships with our shareholders dictated that they, as one of the main stakeholders, would be treated equitably in the whole process of things. So thats why we, as a board of directors, decided to pay a dividend of TT $0.02 by the middle of July. That notice will be published in the newspaper within the next few days. The reported impending name change from TCL to that of its majority shareholder; Cemex, was raised by another shareholder at the 2017 AGM. The re-branding question came from shareholder, Peter Permell, who said he recalled reading about it somewhere. While he gave no specifics, there was a March 2017 article; published in another local newspaper, which reported on TCLs alleged intent to change its name to Cemex. Is (re-branding) a possibility? If so, I suppose there may be some advantages, in terms of brand equity, going that particular route as opposed to staying with TCL. What is the likelihood of that happening, in terms of a time frame? Permell asked. Espinet and TCLs managing director, Jos? Luis Seijo Gonz?lez, both denied such a plan was in the works. The chairman spoke first, telling Permell, From my perspective, certainly theres no intent to change the brand, anywhere on the table, as we speak today (May 26). More importantly, weve been spending on full-page ads in all of the newspapers. Not only here (TT) but also in Barbados, the Lesser Antilles and the Windward Islands, where we have been attacked with (imported) Turkish cement. Espinet reminded that in all these ads, which warned against using cement more than 120 days old and which encouraged consumers to keep it fresh and to keep it local, TCL highlighted its brand of products. So, it would be, to me, not a very sensible thing to spend that kind of money (on ads). So, if we were doing that (re-branding), it would be very unlikely. Echoing Espinets stance on the matter, Seijo told shareholders, It would be wrong. It would be a big mistake, if we change our commercial brands. We have a very high brand equity. The company does however make use of the Cemex name when dealing with some suppliers. Where Cemex has a global agreement...we try to leverage that into a bigger purchasing power. Thats why were trying to combine both things (TCL and Cemex brand usage). Cement equipment is mainly produced in the US and Europe, so thats where we take advantage of it (Cemex name), Seijo told Business Day. CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. (Cemex) is a Mexican multinational building materials company headquartered in San Pedro, near Monterrey, Mexico. As stated in Espinets Group Chairmans Review in TCLs Annual Report 2016, Cemex now owns 69.83 percent of TCL. He noted that this is subject to final approval by the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE). Espinet stated that on January 9, through its wholly-owned direct subsidiary, Sierra Trading, Cemex revised its offer price from TT $4.50 per ordinary share to TT $5.07 per share with the option for shareholders to be paid in US dollars at US $0.76 per share. Despite another recommendation to reject the offer by a special committee of the TCL board, again based on an Ernst & Young Fairness Opinion, the revised offer received overwhelming response, taking the Cemex shareholding in TCL from 39.5 percent to 69.83 percent, just short of its initial target of 74.9 percent, Espinet stated in the Annual Report 2016. Among the other matters dealt with during the AGM was a change in auditors and an amendment to by-law #1, paragraph 4.1. Per the request of Cemex, shareholders were asked to vote on the motion to replace Ernst and Young with KPMG as TCLs independent auditor. Espinet said Cemex had requested this because it uses the services of KPMG in the rest of its operations. The vote went in Cemexs favour, which means going forward, KPMG will be the firm writing up TCLs Independent Auditors Report for its annual reports. Regarding by-law #1, paragraph 4.1, TCL secretary, Kathryna Baptiste, said unless amended, this bylaw would require that, The majority of directors must be persons resident in the West Indies. Baptiste told shareholders, The TCL board has considered that the new majority shareholder should have available the option of appointing a majority of directors to the Board, if they so choose. However, based on the geographical profile of Sierra Trading...it is unlikely that the directors nominated by Sierra Trading would be resident in the West Indies. Accordingly, the said sentence in paragraph 4.1 is unduly restrictive and no longer relevant in light of the current majority shareholder company. After Espinet answering the questions of one shareholder about the proposed amendment, the motion was put to a vote and carried. Gopee-Scoon urges banks not to overlook returns of SMEs These were the opening words of Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry at the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Chaguanas branch. Minister Gopee-Scoon noted, In the local context, banks continue their role in contributing to our overall economic growth. Together with insurance and real estate, financial services form the largest part of the services sector and the second largest contributor to GDP, approximately 17% or TT$16 billion. Not only has the banking sector been a major contributor to GDP, but its growth has outpaced the countrys economic expansion; so as GDP contracted by 1.2% in 2015, the financial sector grew by 1.9%. She continued, These figures are a testament to the robustness of the local banking sector which can be attributed to progressive management systems and overall competitive business strategies. Minister Gopee-Scoon urged the large commercial banks not to overlook the returns by individual micro and small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). She said, A small loan to a small firm provides jobs for a small number of people; however, the multiplier effect is not to be underestimated. Speaking on the main reforms being led by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Gopee-Scoon said the likely implementation of a secured transaction and collateral registry system would allow businesses to use their moveable property (intellectual property, accounts receivables, machinery and equipment) as collateral. According to a 2010 study conducted by the International Financial Corporation of the World Bank Group, the total credit gap in Trinidad and Tobago was estimated at US$3.44 billion despite the high levels of liquidity in the financial system. Such a constraint stifles business growth and inhibits economic development. She said, The Ministry is developing a policy to enhance the secured transactions regime and has already conducted a two-phased diagnostic mission with several stakeholders, including the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister urged the CIBC and other members of the Banking Association to move a little beyond your comfort zones and to explore opportunities in the new sectors for development. These are avenues for you to capture a larger clientele and create newly defined and differentiated credit lines and facilities which in turn can increase shareholder value and the banks profits. Such an outcome will bring benefits to all involved and influence positively the socio-economic development of our country. Gary Brown, Chief Executive Officer, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, noted, This new branch is a significant achievement for us as we strive to remain relevant and responsive to the banking needs of our clients. This banking centre is an example of how we are investing in our business and how we will continue to invest in Trinidads economy and the Caribbean Region. Mark St Hill, Chairman, FirstCaribbean International Bank, Trinidad and Tobago said, The opening of the Chaguanas Branch is the commencement of our expansion strategy in Trinidad and is another successful milestone on our journey of transformation as a bank in creating a banking environment that allows us to deliver on our brand promise to our clients. Guns in a barrel The discovery was made early yesterday while Customs officers were inspecting a barrel at the bond shop, before releasing it to the people to whom it was intended for delivery. Officers discovered the rifles and shotguns were found dis-assembled. Customs officers contacted the Organised Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau. The entire bond shop was locked down as a joint team of police and Customs officers, under the supervision of ACP (Crime) Irwin Hackshaw carried out a thorough search of other barrels for additional arms and ammunition. Up until late yesterday, the lock down was in effect as officers intensified the search. The barrels were sent from Canada and a woman has been detained. Police have in their possession the names and addresses the barrels were destined for. These people are expected to be detained and questioned. A murder most brutal This after an autopsy which Alexandrov conducted yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James showed that the 62-yearold woman was chopped and stabbed so brutally that her face is barely recognisable. This woman was killed in a most brutal manner, Dr Alexandrov said as he revealed she was stabbed at least 20 times and chopped on her face and head so badly that bone chips from her skull were embedded deep in her brain. Defensive wounds to the womans hand left the limbs barely attached to her arms. Dr Alexandrov said she was chopped at least ten times to her head and face. Some of the stabs, from a kitchen knife, were so forceful that the blade penetrated ten inches into her stomach. On Friday last, Periana was murdered in her apartment home in Caroni. A man whom she lived with and who is also in his 60s, confessed to a taxi driver that he had committed murder, while the driver was transporting the man from the apartment on Friday. The killer remains at large. Yesterday, Perianas relatives chastised her neighbours who in an earlier interview with Newsday, said they would hear the woman screaming regularly from inside the apartment as she was apparently being physically abused by the man who would eventually murder her. Periana was originally from Guyana. Those tenants knew what was going on. They heard a woman bawling and did nothing. No one called the police. No one lifted a finger to help her, cried a relative who did not want to give her name. The police are also lackadaisical in that they have not been able to arrest this man as yet. The relative insisted that no one in Perianas family knew of her abuse at the hands of the man. If we knew, I would have taken her out of that apartment myself. But no one in the family knew she was being abused. She never told us about this, the relative said. Teen in court for Tyrico murder The teenager hails from Paramin. His coaccused are, Shane Seetahal, 31, of Santa Cruz, Alfonso Bossierre, 25, of Tyrico and Jevon Ding Chong, 21, from Maraval. The teen will also be facing additional charges of attempted robbery with violence against Lewis common law husband, Jonathan Garcia. According to reports, at about 10 pm on last week Monday, the four men forced their way into a wooden shack on Tyrico Bay, where Lewis and Garcia lived, and attacked the couple. Both were chopped several times. Lewis died at the scene, while Garcia was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where he was treated for his wounds. The four men were caught trying to escape the scene, and were later charged by PC Denver Callender of Homicide Region 2, after advice was received from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard, SC, on Tuesday. Their cases have been adjourned to September 12. Rapist father on $150,000 bail The incident occured on Mothers Day at the home where the teen lives with her father in central Trinidad. Her mother was murdered some years ago. Yesterday the accused father was not called upon to plead as the charge was laid indictably. The magistrate placed him on $150,000 or a cash alternative of $50,000. The case was adjourned to June 27. Forests on the Edge At one point in our history, mangrove forests were treated as wasteland considered only useful as dumps, and haven to bad spirits, jumbies, runaways and criminals. The mangrove swamp was avoided and condemned as breeding ground for disease, mosquitoes, frogs, snakes and other beasties the mind could imagine. At the same time, however, they were important sources of building material, firewood, medicine, food security (agriculture), homes for the poor, recreation and harbours for small boats. Today, mangroves have taken on additional meanings in our lives, where as well as the traditional roles, they now act as sources of revenue through ecotourism; major agents of soil stabilisation, coastal expansion and erosion control where interlocking roots stop land-based sediments from coursing out to sea. They build land, and their trunks and branches serve as barriers that diminish the erosive power of waves; and a climate regulators they store vast amounts of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. But, probably one of the most well-known roles of mangroves is as a home to wildlife (such as the scarlet ibis) and nursery to fish and shellfish (including spiny lobsters, snappers, tarpon and grouper). Altogether, these ecosystem goods and services have been valued globally at approximately US$32 billion annually. Despite their importance, our mangrove forests continue to be threatened and are rapidly declining. Significant alterations to mangrove forests in Trinidad and Tobago since the early 1970s have already resulted in an estimated 20 percent loss of mangrove forests due mainly to population growth and increasing development in coastal areas. Several examples illustrate these threats, including decades of continued modification, built development encroachment: squatting and agriculture in the Caroni Swamp; the phenomenal shrinkage of the Friendship and Kilgwyn Swamps following necessary mangrove clearing for the Crown Point Airport runway expansion (IMA 1990); and development of the Canoe Bay Resort in 1980. Similarly, proposed resort and housing developments threaten the integrity of the Buccoo Bay mangrove forest. While there is growing recognition of the importance of mangrove forests, to date we have only managed to offer limited protection to three mangroves systems: Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp and Bon Accord Lagoon. Coastal flooding and increased coastal erosion are but two of the major impacts we expect over the next 50-100 years if mangroves continue to shrink. In a recent review, the Institute of Marine Affairs described the state of mangrove conservation in Trinidad and Tobago as greatly challenged because of inadequacies in existing laws and institutional arrangements. If there is to be any meaningful slowing of the current rate of mangrove degradation and loss, an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach is recommended as a means to promote co-ordination and clear distribution of responsibilities among the various authorities with jurisdiction over mangrove management. In spite of all these challenges, our environmental consciousness has increased tremendously over the last decade, and so too has our understanding of the role of mangroves in an uncertain future. Mangroves represent real opportunities for livelihood development (such as ecotourism, education, management); food security through the maintenance of juvenile fisheries stocks, biodiversity conservation especially of endangered species (e.g. Goliath grouper). In small islands such as ours, we are extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts, as such mangroves also represent important ecosystems for climate regulation and coastal resilience. Any development in or around these ecosystems should strive to have minimal impact on the mangrove forests, allowing them to thrive in their special relationship between the shore and sea. This feature was first published in the Tobago Newsday on December 15, 2016. For more information on our natural environment, you can contact the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists Club at admin@ttfnc.org or visit our website at www.ttfnc. org and our Facebook or YouTube pages. Alzheimers Association to host dementia conference Norma Inniss, who as founder and past president of Alzheimers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (AzATT ), and remained at the helm of the organisation for 20 years, has been chosen to represent the Caribbean group as chairman of the conference committee. She said, Statistics show that by 2050 some one million people in the Caribbean will be affected by Alzheimers disease and other dementias, so that the time has come to show greater concern for those afflicted and affected by dementia. Therefore the public is invited to be a part of an engaging programme with dynamic presentations and discussions by featured speakers on the following topics: Global, Regional and National Dementia Plans: Challenges, Opportunities Caribbean Perspectives; Addressing Dementia in Caribbean Families; Recommended Actions for National Dementia plans; and Detailing Alzheimers Associations of the Caribbean. At the conference, its professionals will assist with putting together a National Dementia Plan for the country and in making dementia a national health priority. Facilities for registration and payment for the conference will also be available during AzATT s monthly meeting on June 3, at 15 Nepaul Street in St James from 10 am - noon. AzATT was chosen to host this conference because in 2000 when admitted to the ADI as a provisional member, it was the first English-speaking country in the Latin region. At present there are 15. The association will be celebrating its 17th anniversary on June 16, and it is proposed to launch the Alzheimers Association of the Caribbean (AAC) at the end of this conference. Inniss and the AzATT Board under its recently elected president, Ann Smith feels, This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about Alzheimers disease and its management in the various countries and should not be missed. For more information please visit AzATT s website http://www.alztrinbago. org or email alzcaribconf2017@ gmail or contact the conference chairperson, Norma Inniss at 632-4791. Pre-registration is advised. Email Arlene at arlvilla@ yahoo.com. DONT BLAME US The Chief Justices repudiation of concerns raised by the legal fraternity following the appointment of Ayers-Caesar to the High Court on April 12, and her subsequent resignation two weeks later with 53 cases left unfinished was contained in a letter signed by his Administrative Secretary Sherlanne Pierre and sent to President of the Law Association Douglas Mendes SC, yesterday. The letter is in regard to todays special general meeting of the association at which lawyers are expected to vote on a motion calling for Archies resignation and those of the JLSCs members. In a five-page letter, Archie again provided the time-line relative to Ayers-Caesars appointment, resignation and discovery that she did not leave behind three part heard paper committals (as she told him), but rather 53 cases. Archie said his letter was being issued without prejudice as the issue surrounding Ayers-Caesars resignation is likely to be the subject of litigation. In direct response to calls for him to resign over the judicial dilemma arising out of Ayers-Caesars appointment and questions posed to him and the JLSC, Archie suggested that members of the Law Association independently research relevant legislation, in order to come to a well-informed decision. THE PRESIDENT APPOINTS The JLSC does not appoint Supreme Court judges, the Chief Justice stated categorically. The President appoints judges pursuant to section 104 of the Constitution, he added. Archie reiterated that the JLSC does not have powers over the office of Puisne Judge as this was not an office in the JLSC. This is a subtle but important distinction in the present context which confirms that persons appointed by the JLSC are not employees of the JLSC. It follows therefore that at no stage in the unfortunate chain of events that occurred has former chief magistrate Mrs Marcia AyersCaesar ever been an employee of the JLSC, the letter said. The CJ also went further to point out that while it accepted responsibility to inform the President of vacancies in the office of Puisne judge and make recommendations for the filling of same, neither the JLSC nor the CJ had any direct control over the date of appointment. He also said the JLSC has no authority to conduct independent checks on the workload of a sitting magistrate. CJS ROLE RESTRICTED Archie repeated what the JLSC said in its May 8 statement on Ayers-Caesars standing in the judiciary that it was the responsibility of every prospective appointee to the office of Puisne judge to place themselves in a state of readiness to assume office. He pointed out that as Chief Justice, his control is restricted to administrative matters consistent with the principle of judicial independence. The tracking and disposition of their judicial matters is the individual responsibility of every judicial officer. The letter pointed out that there is no electronic case management information system in the St George West Magisterial district. In so far as the High Court and the Magistracy are concerned, the Registrar and Marshall and Chief Magistrate are the respective custodians of the records and the CJ would not ordinarily interface with any other employees of the Judiciary (nor is he expected to) if he wishes to inquire into the work of the judiciary pertaining to judicial matters. He said the reports of the statistical unit in the department of Court Administration was not, disaggregated in such a manner that would permit him to know the pending caseload of the chief magistrate. He also set out in question and answer form some of the concerns which have been raised in the last two months. Archie said the JLSC did not recall Ayers-Caesar giving any indication that she could not complete her workload and be ready to take up her judicial appointment in the customary three-month time frame given to all judicial officers. Candidates are expected to manage their professional responsibilities sensibly from the time they enter the application process. If a prospective appointment date fixed by the office of the president turns out to be unrealistic, he said, Only the candidate would have that information and it was the candidates responsibility so to inform the Department of Personnel Administration and the Presidents Office. Archie said he could not say what the DPA asked of Ayers-Caesar but noted that he spoke to her on April 10 two days before her swearing in and she assured him that apart from three very short summary trials that were for reasons outside her control not amenable to short term disposition she only had some paper committals that could easily be disposed of by another magistrate. He said no one was asked to manually search the case sheets and records of the magistracy for every district in which she sat and noted that the JLSC would have no such power to do so nor would he have had reason to deploy scarce judicial resources in such a task as there would have been no reason at that time to doubt Mrs. Ayers Caesars professionalism. SHE DID NOT RESIGN, SHE VACATED POST Archie said she provided the list of paper committals and it was only as more information came to light that further checks were made. Archie also clarified Ayers-Caesars position as chief magistrate, saying she did not resign that post but upon being sworn in to the High Court bench she would have been deemed to have vacated office as a magistrate. He also said Ayers-Caesar has not been restored as either chief magistrate or an ordinary magistrate. Archie said the JLSC did consider her failure to make full disclosure to the JLSC and the extent to which it would have reflected on her honesty and integrity as well as the issue of her fitness for office and the publics confidence in the administration of justice. He also said the question of her being restored to the magistracy no longer arose and noted that the JLSC also gave consideration to the plight of the defendants with unfinished matters and to previous precedent in which magistrates who had been subject to the disciplinary action and been sanctioned had been allowed to continue on the bench. Archie also reminded Mendes of the alternative arrangements made for the early disposition of her outstanding matters and noted that it was only the Director of Public Prosecution who could discontinue or file indictments for those persons before the courts who have been affected by Ayers-Caesars elevation and resignation. The DPP is not subject to anyones director or control, Archie advised. Last week it was announced that the 53 partheard cases left unfinished by Ayers-Caesar will be restarted de novo by the acting chief magistrate who will preside over the indictable offences while a team of magistrates will take over the summary cases. Several of the accused men who were affected by the imbroglio are to appear in court this morning. OAS head must go TT registered its strong objection to the behaviour of (Almagro)... It is TTs position that the OAS has been compromised in this matter and now cannot play any significant role in treating with Venezuelas difficulty, Rowley said. Reiterating TTs position that, We do not interfere in the affairs of neighbouring countries and will not be encouraged to do so now, Rowley said he informed Bachelet that, The OAS has now removed itself from any meaningful participation and has deteriorated now into partisan attacks and its threatening to have the same effect on Caricom. TTS POSITION IS CLEAR While he didnt identify specific Caricom leaders who spoke out on the Venezuela issue, Rowley warned, If we are not careful Caricom too could destroy itself as an honest broker with respect to any involvement in assistance in Venezuela and their internal problems. TT made its position clear to Chile as a leader in South America, that it is our view as a long-standing member of the OAS, that the leadership of the OAS at this point in time, needs to change. Almagro has spoken out several times against the Maduro administration, most notably in March according to a Reuters story when he accused Maduro of carrying out a self-coup after the countrys Supreme Court took over the functions of the opposition- led Congress. Asked if TT is therefore abstaining from OAS votes, Rowley replied, Yes, we are not supporting the initiatives that are not in our view, helpful in treating with the difficulties in front of us. Regarding the lack of a unified Caricom stance on this issue, Rowley had another warning for his fellow Caricom leaders. If Caricom wants to be taken seriously and to speak with a louder voice, then matters of this nature should be Caricom initiatives rather than individual countries going off and taking individual positions, sometimes influenced by interests that may not be our interests. CHILE SEEKS GAS ASSURANCE During his time in Chile, Rowley toured several facilities and held meetings with several organisations. He met with the Chilean Energy Sector at the Federation of Industry (SOFOFA) about TTs position as a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Chile. TT is running a significant trade advantage with Chile because while they are buying from us, hundreds of millions of dollars in energy, we buy from them a small amount of other things... One of the things that came up was how fast can we accelerate our negotiations (to complete) a partial scope agreement which would... allow selected TT products; like LNG, (entry) into the Chilean market duty-free and of course, some Chilean products enter TTs market. Rowley pointed out that while Chile has a large number of trade agreements with other countries, there is none in place with TT. So if we are to not be disadvantaged, it would fall to us to very quickly conclude a proper trade agreement with Chile. WE WILL FOLLOW THE LAW Asked to respond to calls for him to dismiss certain ministers for their alleged mishandling of funds on trips, the PM said he would make the adjustments as and when theyre necessary. On the property tax legal battle, Rowley reiterated that Government will respect what goes on in the courts but I think, as PM, youll allow me a comment and I have my concerns. I find it very difficult to swallow ministers of a previous government could have a managed a law in a particular way, not to the benefit of the people of TT, and when they get put out of executive authority, those same persons could see the court as their playground; to the disadvantage of the people of TT...I stand by that comment but that does not say that I do not respect the outcome of the courts in TT and the Government of TT, the executive, we will carry our point of view to the highest court in the land, if we have to, Rowley stated. More speed guns coming The minister made this clear during opening remarks at the fourth annual road safety awards ceremony at the Ministrys Port of Spain office. I am pleased to announce that the tendering process for procurement of ten additional speed guns has been completed and we can expect to see the guns entering the fight very soon. He added that in addition to speed guns, there are several other projects under way aimed at reducing accidents. Sinanan said that reducing road fatalities is a task that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders and not just the police. The Traffic Management Branch is actually engaged in numerous projects that will continue to help make road travel safer for everyone, especially pedestrians. We have a number of projects which include the increased presence of pedestrian crossings in urbanized areas and repainting of road markings which have faded. Sinanan said officials within the Ministry have been working with the Office of the Attorney General in reviewing the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to implement newer, more effective legislation which would allow for the introduction of a fixed penalty traffic ticketing system, a red light camera enforcement system and a Demerit Point System, whereby repeat offenders are ranked based on the seriousness and frequency of their offences and punished accordingly. President of Arrive Alive Sharon Inglefield was optimistic that the proposed changes to legislation would yield long-lasting results and praised the Minister and awardees for their contribution to reducing the frequency of accidents. I wish to commend the Minister for having the courage to table the Demerit Point System in the Senate. Please do not let the mischievous motives of others dissuade you from pressing ahead with the introduction of this significant piece of legislation which will enhance existing traffic laws, Inglefield said. The ceremony celebrated over 130 officers of the Traffic and Highway Branch, members of the fire service, Licensing officers and emergency medical officers for their role in preventing and treating with accidents. Teen sales clerk missing Baldeosingh, 18, of Gangaram Road, Busy Corner, New Grant is a sales clerk at Better Value Limited in Princes Town. Police said that at 5.45 pm on Monday, aunt Natasha Ramsingh visited the Tableland Police Station and lodged a missing persons report. Baldeosingh was last seen at her home at 7 am on Saturday. She was dressed in a long sleeved black and white top and brown jeans. She has been described as East Indian in descent, five feet five inches tall and light brown complexion. Anyone with information can contact the nearest police station or call 800 TIPS, 555 or 999. TT Spirit to be dry-docked from June 5 to July 7 The company said this dry-docking is mandatory to ensure optimum performance and expressed regret to customers for any inconvenience caused . During the period, major work will be undertaken to the vessels main engine and engine generators among other regular shipyard work . All works are estimated to be completed within 30 days and the vessel is expected to resume operations by July 7 . In the absence of the TT Spirit, the inter- island service will be operated by the TT Express and the Water Taxi, Paria Bullet, as follows: WATER TAXI Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from PoS at 6 am and from Scarborough at 4 pm . TT EXPRESS Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from PoS at 4 pm and from Scarborough at 6.30 am; Wednesdays, rom PoS at 12 noon and from Scarborough at 6.30 am and; Sundays, from PoS at 3 pm and from Scarborough at 9.30 am Francis: It would be against the law Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr Lovell Francis said yesterday when contacted for a response to Maharajs call on Tuesday at the Maha Sabhas Indian Arrival Day celebration at Parvati Girls Hindu College in Debe. Maharaj called on the Education Minister to give the two incomplete schools, Just as it is, to the Maha Sabha which would complete construction using funds raised from donations. But yesterday Francis said, this is not so easy to do as easy Maharaj may think. It is past obvious that the schools cannot simply be handed over to the SDMS. And yes the issue is funding. This is what happens when one attempts to build schools without identifiable sources of funding as was done under the previous regime, Francis said. About 271 Ramai Trace Primary School students were relocated to the Hanuman Milan Mandir at Penal Rock Road, Penal in 2015 to accomodate still ongoing construction at the school. The Parents Teachers Associations staged several protests last year demanding construction be completed. Francis said the Ramai Trace Hindu School is 90 percent complete and should be finished before the end of the year. On the Reform Village school, the Minister said, This is a work in progress. Francis said the EFCL about $800 million to contractors and until contractors hired to build the two SDMS schools are paid, both cannot be handed over. A press release yesterday by Education Minister Anthony Garcia, stated he was approached by a Maha Sabha board member recently on a proposal for the ministry to hand over the schools and he asked the board member to put this recommendation in writing so further discussions could be held. Garcia claims that to date no official communication has been received and so his Ministry is unable to consider the request. Gadsby-Dolly hits no-money claim In a release, the Ministry said that through its Grants Committee, it received and evaluated applications for grants/support to aid the hosting of Indian Arrival Day celebrations across the country. The ministry said funding totalling $347,500 was approved. The Ministry said it has dispersed $145,500 with an additional $150,000 for the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and $52,000 for several other groups to be collected. The Ministry said its mandate is to build culturally rich and resilient communities and it continues to support the work of all Community Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and Faith Based Organizations through various means including grant funding. The statements are unqualified by facts and serve only to incite division of our country and its people, the Ministry said. Bail bill passed Changes were also made to Clause Five of the bill on the issue of forefeiture of security. COPs Indian Arrival Day message It is an enduring tribute to the strength and resilience of the survivors of indentured labour, much like that of those who survived the cruelty of chattel slavery, that those of Indian origin have become a vital strand in the tapestry of our mosaic society. We cannot underestimate the value of any segment of our social organism, Mahabir argued, to the wholesomeness of our entire society. Nor can we, in a spirit of chauvinistic boasting over-emphasise the contribution of the people of any origin to the creation of our present-day social structure. Let us celebrate Indian Arrival Day, as we will celebrate Emancipation and the Day of the First People (on October 13), in the spirit of deep appreciation for what each has contributed in their own way to the vibrancy of our culture, to the building of our economy and to the ongoing striving to build a society which benefits us all. Mahabir added that occasions like this are opportunities to celebrate and appreciate the contributions of all to the building of our nation and the forging of our distinct and unique Trini culture. He then encouraged everyone to celebrate the enduring unity of people of all origins as we forge the Trinbagonian nation. A unity which Mahabir said is admired by so many globally and yearned for by those who have faced the ravages of destructive hatred and discrimination. Struggling Japanese electronics giant Toshiba will again postpone its earnings report. Toshiba executives say they'll hold a general shareholders meeting on June 28th. But they won't announce the firm's financial results from fiscal 2016. The company had already delayed its earnings report just two weeks ago. Toshiba officials say they're still cooperating with an independent auditor to disclose the group's financial results, which include its former US subsidiary Westinghouse. They say the audit will require more time. Jun 01 (ANNnewsCH) - caaaaaeSaaaeaaaas acasa2016aaacaa aSaaaaaaceaaaaYa The average concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere hit record highs at all observation points in Japan in 2016, the Meteorological Agency said Wednesday, underscoring the continuing upward trend in levels of the global warming-causing greenhouse gas. Data collected in Japan show the carbon dioxide concentration levels hit record highs every year since 1997, when the nation increased the number of observation points to three. The concentration increase last year was larger than the average growth over the past decade. The record readings are believed to be due in part to a fall in carbon dioxide absorption by forests due to factors related to an El Nino climate cycle spanning from the summer of 2014 to the spring of 2016. The agency said levels of the concentration rose 3.8 parts per million from a year earlier to 407.2 ppm in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, up 3.4 ppm to 404.9 ppm in Minamitori Island in the Ogasawara island chain and up 3.2 ppm to 407.1 ppm in Yonaguni Island, Okinawa. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said in order to limit the global temperature increase to 2 degrees above preindustrial levels, it is necessary to keep carbon dioxide concentration to below 450 ppm in 2100. The Japan Coast Guard has arrested 5 Japanese and 3 Chinese men on suspicion of smuggling what appears to be over 200 kilograms of gold bullion into the country. Coast Guard officials say they believe the owner of the small boat used by the suspects is Yasuaki Saito, a resident of the city of Iki in Nagasaki Prefecture. Saito and the 7 others allegedly unloaded about 206 kilograms of cargos believed to be gold at a fishing port in the city of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture on Wednesday. Jun 01 () - aaaaacacYaaaaaaaaaeZaaaaaaaaaacaaSaaaaaa Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 20-year-old employee at a Japanese restaurant in Toshima Ward for allegedly molesting a female customer inside the establishment last month, reports Fuji News Network On the night of May 21, Ryo Inoue, a third-year student at Takushoku University, allegedly fondled the upper body of a female university student after escorting her to a restroom in the izakaya, located near JR Ikebukuro Station. Inoue denies the charges, saying the accusation is completely false. Prior to committing the alleged crime, Inoue noticed the victim waiting in line at a restroom and then suggested she use another one. After the incident, members of the victim's party lodged a complaint with management of the restaurant. When questioned, the suspect said he had taken care of a woman who had too much to drink. However, the victim was not drinking that night. Jun 01 (ANNnewsCH) - aaaaaaaaeaaaaaccaaSaaaaeaeaaaaaaaecaaaYaaacaaacYaeaaaaaYa A blobfish, a deep-sea blob sculpin fish dubbed the world's ugliest animal, has been put on display at an aquarium in Fukushima Prefecture. Aquamarine Fukushima in Iwaki said it is rare for blobfish, which are found in the northern Pacific Ocean and off the coasts of Japan and California, to be captured alive and displayed in an aquarium. The 60-cm blobfish was accidentally trapped in mid-May in a gill net set by a Fukushima fisherman off the coast of Rausu, Hokkaido, at a depth of 750 to 1,200 meters. Its jelly-like, pinkish flesh has lots of flaps that formed when it was pulled up from the deep. The blobfish was declared the world's ugliest creature in a voting campaign conducted by the U.K.-based Ugly Animal Preservation Society, according to the aquarium. LIMESTONE cliffs at Twin Lagoon in Coron Palawan. Coming soon on the island? An underwater theme park. PHOTO BY ANNELLE TAYAO-JUEGO Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) global kids brand Nickelodeon and Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., Asias first underwater resort developer, are pushing through with their plan to develop a new Nickelodeon Resort and Attraction in in Western Philippine province of Coron, Palawan, and have personally assured the Department of Tourism (DOT) that the project will not cause irreparable damage to the towns marine ecosystem, particularly the coral reefs, DOT confirmed Thursday.Earlier this year, the network behind popular television programming such asand announced it was planning to build an underwater resort and theme park in Palawan which will showcase the marine life in the area and give fans a chance to interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love, however, the project was criticised by environmental advocates who raised concerns that it would destroy the world-famous marine ecosystem."They're going to pursue that. The owner went to us... this year," DOT Secretary Wanda Teo told CNN Philippines . "They told us, 'We are not going to destroy the corals. The restaurant will be floating, and you will be able to see [the corals]... Of course we know that we will preserve the place.'"Coral World Park Undersea Resorts was first reported in January to have plans for an underwater theme park in Coron with Nickelodeon's parent company Viacom International Media Networks. The plan drew criticism from environmentalists and citizens, who raised concerns about its effects on the marine ecosystem.The developer has since clarified that the project is not an underwater theme park but a "resort and attraction... which we are designing as an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation."The developers were also reported to have shared their initial plans with the local government, who first told CNN Philippines that they did not receive an application for the project yet.She also added that condominium units may also be built on land, but it is not clear if this is from the same developer."Actually [there is] a place there where they will be building condominiums. They have already identified the place," she added.Teo said that it was not her office that directly coordinated with Coral World Park, but she welcomed the development as long as it did not destroy the corals.Coral World Park has since clarified with CNN Philippines that "no master plan has been revealed to the public" and following international standards, "everything is still in the planning stages."While Teo confirms Coral World Park's plans, Coron Counselor and Tourism Committee Chairman Michael Sadhwani told CNN Philippines that there has been "no formal communication" given to the local government since their initial meeting."We'd like to inform you there has been no formal letter of intent that has been received by the [LGU] of Coron, both [in] legislative and executive [offices]," Sadhwani said.He surmised that the developer was still coordinating with the national government, and trusted that the local government would still screen the project. Coral World Park would still have to go through the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and the Econ Board, an environmental committee, the councilor added."As of today, we can't say if we're pro or against it because we haven't received any documentation," said Sadhwani. "Obviously if they pass the process, walang problema yun [that's no problem]... you have a right to have a business. (If not), obviously, hindi ka makakabukas ng resort [you can't open a resort]."Sadhwani said he thinks locals will be divided over the issue, but the local government must balance these views."The government has to have an equal decision... The government also naman cannot stop progress. It will also add to the economic development of the municipality," said Sadhwani. "They first have to pass all the necessary requirements.""The DOT is aware of the planned Coral World Park in Coron. From a tourism perspective, the DOT is excited about the idea because this would attract both local and foreign tourists. But with regards to the approval of such a concept, the DOT would properly refer the matter to the appropriate agencies that can evaluate and decide on it," the DOT said.Such a project would need an environmental clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.Teo said Nickelodeon has been talking to the new management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. She said there remains no timeline for now, but there is already the concept. We have not talked about (construction), but they told us the idea. They showed us the map and everything. Its very big. And theyre also going to develop that area in the land area condominiums and hotels, Teo said.The developer Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc. (CWP) earlier denied previous reports that the development would be underwater, and that only 100 hectares have been allocated for the Nickelodeon facility and 30 hectares for the attraction itself.CWP marketing and communications director Susan Lee said in the statement to INQUIRER.net it would not be a theme park development.There will be no theme park development in Palawan There has never been any form of communication from our side mentioning a theme park. Our plans are to build a resort and attraction, of which we are designing as an undersea attraction with an ocean conservation focus this is reflected in the press release with Viacom International Media Networks, Lee said.The only infrastructure in the water is floating and all developments are on land. The undersea themed Coral World Park is land based but is designed to meet the international standards required as a global destination especially environment related standards advocating conservation tourism, renewable energy and category 5 proof architecture, Lee added.The Department of Tourism (DOT), in a later statement Thursday night, however, said that although it is excited with the said project, it still has to be approved by appropriate agencies.Teo also said that Chinese investors were looking into building hotels, casinos, and theme parks in different parts of the Philippines."They have already started buying lots to build... a theme park wherein they will have a hotel, resorts, airport-there will be [activities] in that place. Actually, Masbate will boom," said Teo.She added that Chinese investors are also considering building a theme park in Batangas."There are other places they'd like to consider like Palawan, but they're looking for a big area. They're also considering Davao... They're still looking for areas. The investors are there... The money is there," said Teo.She added they were also looking into building the "Philippine Center," a structure in Intramuros which will house the DOT and attached agencies.Teo said all deals are still in the works "because we would like to make sure that when we do this, everything is within the law."With pristine beauty, Coron island in Palawan is known as the countrys last frontier. Palawan is also home to heritage sites the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the Tubbataha Reef. The 3rd China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo (China-CEEC Expo) will be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province from June 8 to 12, along with the 19th China Zhejiang Investment & Trade Symposium (ZJITS) and the 16th China International Consumer Goods Fair (CICGF). The first comprehensive exposition themed on investment and trade between China and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries, the China-CEEC Expo is jointly organized by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Zhejiang provincial government. Aiming at promoting cooperation and mutual benefits to China and 16 CEE countries, the expo will offer 15 activities including conferences, forums, exhibitions and cultural exchanges with over 3,000 items on display, 80 percent more than at the last expo, according to Zhang Wenhu of the organizing committee. So far, more than 240 foreign enterprises from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries have applied for nearly 300 booths. The expo has great significance for its leading role in boosting bilateral trade between China and CEE countries, which are important components of the Belt and Road. There are several reasons why the China-CEEC Expo has landed in Ningbo. Ningbo, a coastal city in East China, is regarded as the first choice for CEE countries to transport goods to China because of its superior port resources and open economy. The economic and trade cooperation between Ningbo and CEE countries is a solid foundation for the expo. In 2016, Ningbo's exports to these countries and imports from them reached $2.37 billion and as of the end of the year there were 120 bilateral investment projects, near the top of the list for China. Ningbo has established friendly cultural, educational and tourism relations with CEE countries. In 2015, there were over 200 CEE international students studying in Ningbo. During the same year, a total of 80 tour groups of 2,125 local people visited CEE countries. Ningbo has expanded its circle of friends by becoming a sister city to 20 CEE counterparts. The last two China-CEEC expos in 2015 and 2016 brought Ningbo a series of agreements in different sectors. The city gained experience in improving its international competitiveness, boosting the efficiency of foreign trade and innovating new ways for Ningbo products to reach external markets. The expos made Ningbo's international cooperation with other countries more extensive and established. Ningbo looks forward to expanding bilateral trade and investment, and seeks deeper cooperation in industrial productivity between China as a whole and CEE countries at this year's expo. With its growing confidence the port city expects to attract world attention and show its charms and advantages to international participants. NATO Ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and the warships of the Royal Moroccan Navy on Tuesday conducted a joint naval exercise off Casablanca, part of the advanced maritime cooperation and training between the two sides. SNMG2, consisting of flagship Spanish frigate ESPS Blas de Lezo and Turkish frigate TCG Gokceada joined Royal Moroccan Navy ships Mohammed V and Sultan Moulay Ismail for advanced maritime cooperation and training including a ship boarding exercise, the Allied Maritime Command said in a press release Wednesday. The Allied Maritime Command hailed the professionalism of the Royal navy saying, Moroccos professional and modern Navy easily integrated with the NATO maritime group and Special Operations unit as demonstrated in the higher level tactical training conducted in this Passing Exercise including navigation, seamanship and Special Operations boarding. Morocco has been a significant and strong NATO partner for more than two decades, both through the Mediterranean Dialogue and through NATOs individual cooperation program. As an active partner in the Maghreb and one of the nations bordering the strategically significant Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is critical to the stability and security of the Mediterranean Sea, the press release outlined. Moroccos cooperation with NATO is multifaceted and also covers cyber security risks. This issue was discussed mid-May in Rabat at a meeting between by Assistant to NATOs Secretary General in charge of emerging risks Sorin Ducaru and Moroccos Minister Delegate in charge of the Administration of National Defense Abdeltif Loudiyi. Beside cyber security as an emerging threat, the two parties discussed the multiple facets of cooperation between NATO and Morocco, both at the bilateral level and as part of the Mediterranean dialogue. Investigations led by the judiciary police as part of the probe on the latest unrest that battered the northern Moroccan town of Al Hoceima revealed the involvement of the protest leader, Nasser Zefzafi, in receiving funds from foreign sources with a view to undermine public order. The Assabah newspaper, noted that the judicial police, upon a search of the room of Zefzafi, found elements that shed light on some dark sides in Al Hoceima protests. The probe revealed that Zefzafi received funds from abroad in addition to logistical support to orchestrate propaganda campaigns aiming at tarring Moroccos image and undermining its territorial integrity as well as waning citizens faith in state institutions. The paper adds that the judicial police also seized a significant amount of money in euros in the house of Zefzafi, the main defendant, during the search that was carried out under the supervision of the General Prosecutor in Al Hoceima. An investigation of Zefzafis phone led to the arrest of two individuals including a teacher in the village of Bni Bouayyache. The two defendants are involved in planning protests since the onset of the Hirak, the appelation used to designate the popular protests in Al Hoceima. The confessions of the defendants showed that they plotted the protests in connivance with a notorious cocaine trafficker, who was found to be close to Zefzafi. Moroccan authorities arrested, on Monday morning, Nasser Zefzafi, 39, who was on the run since the General Prosecutor ordered his arrest after his interruption of a Friday sermon at a local mosque. Tensions have been simmering in Al Hoceima since the death of Mohsin Fkri who was crushed in a garbage truck while he jumped in, in an attempt to retrieve his fish that was confiscated by the police last October. As Morocco gathers support for its membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a Moroccan delegation will attend the bi-annual summit of the west African sub-regional grouping, in Liberias capital, Monrovia. The delegation, led by Moroccos Ambassador to Abuja, Moha Ouali Tagma, will hold talks with West African officials ahead of the summit of heads of state that will take place in Monrovia on June 4, le360 news website said quoting official sources. Moroccos foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, will later join the delegation to give it a high level character. Bourita who is on a tour in West African states expressed in a statement to the press his optimism regarding Moroccos prospects to join the ECOWAS. Last February, upon directives from King Mohammed VI, Morocco officially requested membership in the ECOWAS, a sub-regional grouping that has been steadily forging ahead on path of regional economic integration. The membership request came after a fruitful royal tour in Africa that evidenced, once more, Moroccos willingness to build on its close political, human, historical, religious and economic ties with West African countries. Recently, Morocco gave further substance to its south-south cooperation approach in the continent and sealed an agreement with Nigeria to build the Africa Atlantic Pipeline. In the face of the paralysis crippling the Maghreb union, Morocco opted to look south reaching out to its partners in West Africa with whom it has been building partnerships on a sound foundation underpinned by a south-south cooperation approach. So, Moroccos request to join ECOWAS is the continuation of a decades-long process of fostering ties with the countries of the region. In his landmark speech in Addis Ababa on the occasion of Moroccos return to AU last January, King Mohammed VI lauded the ECOWAS achievements saying that intra-regional trade has reached 10% between the member countries of the west African sub-region adding that this grouping offers a reliable space for free movement of persons, goods and capital. With the inclusion of Morocco, the ECOWAS will bolster its aggregated GDP to the 16th rank globally ahead of Turkey and right after Indonesia. Dont confuse Donald Trump with the facts. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images The Trump administrations decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement will not end the global effort to limit the effects of climate change. In the immediate time frame say, Trumps first term it will have little effect, and may even spur a backlash as the rest of the world redoubles its commitment to action (China and the European Union have already taken steps to do so). It will, however, slow and impair international diplomacy. The next American government that tries to negotiate on climate change will be handicapped by the suspicion that it wont abide by its commitments, undercutting American leadership and making it more difficult to secure cooperation from other countries. The question is, what purpose does this serve? What economic or philosophical policy goal is advanced? The answer is that it satisfies the same elemental partisan tribalism that has allowed Trump to hold together his party. It is worth recalling the principal argument that Republicans made against the Paris agreement from the outset was that it would have no effect on developing countries like India and China. And you know what passing those laws would have what impact it would have on the environment? insisted Marco Rubio in 2016. Zero, because China is still going to be polluting and India is still going to be polluting at historic levels these other countries like India and China are more than making up in carbon emissions for whatever we could possibly cut. Why was the right so certain that India and China would continue to ramp up their carbon emissions regardless of what they said in Paris? Because, they insisted, dirty energy was and would remain the best path for them to raise their standard of living, which was and is well below American levels. National Review editor Rich Lowry, writing in December 2015, dismissed plans to steer the developing world onto a cleaner energy path as a naive belief in the power of global shame over the sheer economic interest of developing countries in getting rich (and lifting countless millions out of poverty) through exploiting cheap energy you know, the way Western countries have done for a couple of centuries. But this analysis has proven incontrovertibly false. Rather than lagging behind their promised targets, India and China are actually surpassing them. According to Climate Action Tracker, India, which had promised to reduce the emissions intensity of its economy by 3335 percent by 2030, is now on track to reduce it by 4245 percent by that date. China promised its total emissions would peak by 2030 an ambitious goal for a rapidly industrializing economy. It is running at least a decade ahead of that goal. Why are these countries blowing past their targets? Because the cost of zero-emissions energy sources is plunging. In India, solar energy not only costs less than energy from new coal plants, it costs less than energy from existing coal plants: The virtuous cycle of political will and innovation is proving more potent than expected. As more governments bind themselves to emissions reductions, business creates the technology to meet those goals, which brings down the cost of reducing emissions, which in turn emboldens governments to raise their ambitions further still. The factual predicate upon which the American right based its opposition to Paris has melted away beneath its feet. Likewise, the scientific basis for the rights skepticism of the theory of anthropogenic global warming has collapsed. Conservatives used to dismiss the scientific consensus on heat-trapping gases on account of the fact that 1998 saw an anomalously big spike in global temperatures in the midst of an overall warming trend. For years, conservatives would triumphantly point out that there had been no warming since 1998, as if the data from this one year nullified decades worth of rising temperatures. In the meantime, 2014, and every year since then, has since exceeded the 1998 record, rendering the old, misleading talking point outright false. But no rethinking has followed on the right. As justifications for inaction are falsified, new ones take their place, while the conclusion remains the same. ++ Liberals used to accuse conservative climate science skeptics of merely shilling for the fossil-fuel industry. Certainly the owners of dirty energy reserves have invested in conservative politics with the aim of protecting their assets, and those investments have borne some fruit. (Trumps EPA director has in the past literally outsourced his job to oil firms.) But there is far more at work in conservative opposition to decarbonization than the hidden hand of oil and coal; indeed, many fossil-fuel companies prefer the predictability of the Paris agreement to policy that jerks back and forth every time the presidency changes hands between the parties. The dominant spirit of conservative thought or, more precisely, verbal gestures that seek to resemble thought is not even skepticism but a trolling impulse. The aim is not so much to reason toward a policy conservatives would favor as to pierce the liberal claim to the moral high ground. Here is one representative specimen. Conservative columnist Jamie Weinstein, writing in the Washington Examiner, argues that Democrats cannot actually believe their own rhetoric about the importance of climate change, since their actions did not reflect its urgency when they held power. Democrats like to claim global warming is the greatest threat the world faces, writes Weinstein, but when Obama swept into office in 2009, with liberal majorities in the Senate and the House, this supposedly existential threat was nowhere near the top of the Democrats agenda. Weinsteins argument suffers from numerous flaws, each of them fatal. First, as a factual basis, liberals never had close to the 60 Senate votes needed to pass a cap-and-trade bill; during the few months when they had a filibuster-proof supermajority, their caucus contained numerous senators from oil- and coal-producing states, who fervently opposed any emissions limits. Second, Democrats did take significant political risk for the issue, holding a House vote that forced vulnerable Democrats to vote for a bill that stood no realistic chance of passing. They took this dangerous vote with precious little chance of success precisely because they did recognize the world-historical urgency of the problem. Third, even if Democrats had proceeded cautiously, its common for politicians to behave pragmatically even in the face of what they see as moral crises of the highest order. Interventionists in the 1930s who saw Hitler as a dire threat to world peace did not devote all their energy to demanding rearmament. People who see abortion as murder mostly do not act as if they live in a country committing an ongoing holocaust. Finally, even if none of the above points were true, the question would be, so what? Suppose Democrats undercut their position by refusing to take climate change seriously. What does that tell us about the policy they did carry out under Obama? And, moreover, which element in Weinsteins chain of reasoning undermines the logic of the scientific consensus of the dangers of greenhouse-gas emissions or policies that are reducing those emissions? Weinstein does not connect his allegations of hypocrisy to any of those conclusions. He simply levies a specious charge and then proceeds immediately to this conclusion: Rather than condemning the world to a thousand years of darkness, Trumps decision to scuttle the Paris Agreement will more likely help Democratic politicians raise a few thousand dollars apiece, or more, from their liberal base. Nothing he has argued remotely supports Trumps decision to abandon Paris. It is what Lionel Trilling, describing the intellectual style of the postwar right, called irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas. Weinstein points a dismissive finger at the left and dismisses the entire problem of climate change as a cynical pose. ++ Im highlighting Weinsteins column not because its especially dumb, or especially smart, by the standards of a conservative climate-change polemic. I am highlighting it because its close at hand (having run yesterday) and captures the predominant (though not, of course, universal) style of argument on the subject. It contains a defiant refusal to take the policy questions seriously, combined with a gleeful reproach of the urgency with which liberals view the issue. A crude tribalistic impulse overrides any reckoning with the problem. The proximate issue in conservative minds is not climate change itself but the fact that liberals are concerned about all these things. Disintegrating ice shelves, extinctions, or droughts are abstractions. It is similar to the predominant response to liberal terror over the prospect of handing the most powerful office in the world to an impulsive congenital liar with authoritarian tendencies. Conservatives on the whole devoted less attention to pondering the risks Trump might pose to their own country and party than enjoying the liberal tears. Everybody who hates Trump wants him to stay in Paris, argues conservative activist Grover Norquist. Everybody who respects him, trusts him, voted for him, wishes for him to succeed, wants him to pull out. Here is an argument that approaches, even if it does not fully reach, complete self-awareness: The Paris climate agreement is bad because it is supported by people who oppose Trump. Therefore, the opposing position is the correct one. If the liberal global elites have established a policy architecture to minimize the threat of climate change, weakening that policy architecture is its own reward. There is not much more to it than that. Person of interest. Photo: Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage, the alcoholic father of Brexit who was last seen cackling, Well, youre not laughing now, at the European Parliament is a person of interest in the FBIs investigation into Trump and Russia, the Guardian reports. Farage was a right-wing populist before it was cool (and/or when it was still called racist). A founding member of the U.K. Independence Party, Farage was trying to make his country great by making its Muslim citizens feel unwelcome back when Donald Trump was still doing cameos in Macaulay Culkin films. Steve Bannon admired his work. Farage first met Bannon in 2012, when the future White House strategist was reading up on Europes right-wing movements, and invited Farage to spend a few days in New York and Washington. During that trip, Farage also met the staff of future attorney general Jeff Sessions. The former UKIP leader was a vocal supporter of Trumps campaign in 2016. Shortly after the triumph of his Brexit campaign, Farage dined with Trumps longtime political adviser and infamous dirty trickster Roger Stone, according to Roger Stone, anyway. Stone publicly predicted the hacking of the Clinton campaigns emails, and has admitted to exchanging messages over Twitter with Guccifer 2.0, a hacker whom the U.S. believes to be a Russian agent. Farage also met in March with Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, which published and aggressively marketed the hacked Clinton emails. Its this network of contacts and connections that has piqued the FBIs interest, in the Guardians account. One of the things the intelligence investigators have been looking at is points of contact and persons involved, one source told the paper. If you triangulate Russia, WikiLeaks, Assange and Trump associates the person who comes up with the most hits is Nigel Farage. Hes right in the middle of these relationships. He turns up over and over again. Theres a lot of attention being paid to him. Russia reportedly funds right-wing nationalist movements throughout Europe, and aided Farages Leave campaign through its propagandistic news outlets and armies of internet trolls. (The Kremlins ostensible reason being to weaken the EU and NATO.) Nigel has never been to Russia, let alone worked with their authorities, Farages spokesman told the Guardian Thursday. That spokesman refused to say whether Farage was aware of the FBI probe, or had hired a lawyer in connection to it. Following Trumps victory last fall, Farage was one of the first foreign politicians to visit the new president-elect. It was a great honour to spend time with @realDonaldTrump. He was relaxed and full of good ideas. I'm confident he will be a good President. pic.twitter.com/kx8cGRHYPQ Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) November 12, 2016 Ten days later, Trump asked the British government to make Farage its ambassador to the U.S., a request that Downing Street curtly declined. Many people would like to see @Nigel_Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2016 But no slight from London or scrutiny from Washington can keep Farage down: On Thursday morning, the man who built a political career out of inviting white Britons to blame their troubles on nonwhite immigrants told Fox News that theres nothing worse than somebody who blames absolutely everybody else for their own failings. Armed security officers and onlookers gather outside a hotel at the Resorts World Manila complex early Friday. Photo: Bullit Marquez/AP Reports of gunfire and explosions sent people fleeing from a resort and casino in Manila in the early morning hours on Friday. Terrorism was suspected in the initial aftermath, and a Filipino member of the Islamic State claimed responsibility on social media, according to SITE Intelligence, which monitors extremist groups. President Trump, ahead of the announcement that the U.S. would leave the Paris climate agreement, spoke of the terrorist attack in Manila. It is really very sad as to what is going on throughout the world with terror, he said. But the Philippines police chief Ronald dela Rosa shot down a terror motive, saying evidence pointed to robbery. According to him, the armed suspect entered one of the gambling rooms. He tried to set a game table on fire, and fired at a stockroom full of gambling chips, and then he allegedly tried to stuff his backpack with the loot. That gunman is still at large. Early reports suggest about 25 people were injured, including some who tried to jump from the resort in the chaos. Trump has not walked back his false statement, though it wouldnt be the first time he made assumptions about an attack before getting confirmation from authorities. At the same time, the Philippines government is currently battling an ISIS-linked rebel group in the south, a bloody battle that has left dozens dead and displaced thousands. Its too early to talk 2020, but well make an exception for Joe. Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images During the last election, Joe Biden took so long to decide whether to run that we were doing the math on whether he could still win if he missed several states filing deadlines. In October 2015, he finally announced he wouldnt be entering the race, saying it was too soon after the death of his son Beau from brain cancer. On Thursday, Biden is set to formally restart the presidential speculation when he launches a new PAC, American Possibilities. The organizations official purpose is electing people who believe that this country is about dreaming big, and supporting groups and causes that embody that spirit. Thinking big is stamped into the DNA of the American soul, Biden writes in a Medium post set to go live on Thursday. Thats why the negativity, the pettiness, the small-mindedness of our politics today drives me crazy. Its not who we are. Though he campaigned for Clinton, as Politico notes, Biden made it clear in private and to some extent in public that he was let down by her campaign. He frequently attacked Donald Trump on the campaign trail, and hes been more willing to publicly attack the president in recent weeks. I thought we had passed the days where it was acceptable for political leaders at local and national levels to bestow legitimacy on hate speech and fringe ideologies, Biden said at Cornell Universitys commencement speech last weekend. This is a temporary state of affairs. The American people will not sustain this attitude for long, I promise you. Earlier in the month, Biden acknowledged that recent high-profile political appearances had raised new questions about his presidential ambitions. However, he announced, Guys, Im not running. On the other hand, several months earlier he told a reporter, Im going to run in 2020, then clarified for president. People close to Biden reportedly pushed him to launch a PAC during his second term as vice-president, but he held off. The current veep is far less concerned about stirring up political speculation. Mike Pence launched his own PAC, the Great America Committee, a little over a week ago. The Price is wrong? Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Theres reason to believe that the head of Health and Human Services has committed multiple federal crimes. In another political era, this fact might generate weeks worth of cable news chyrons and buckets of spittle from talking heads. In the Trump era, its a footnote. When the president of the United States is a literal con man who (ostensibly) confesses to obstruction of justice on the nightly news and intimidates witnesses over Twitter its hard to get too excited about the Health secretarys alleged affinity for insider trading. But excitement is warranted because Tom Prices blatant corruption grows more blatant by the day. And, unlike the president, Price can be held legally accountable for criminal behavior. In March 2016, then-congressman Tom Price bought thousands of dollars of shares in six pharmaceutical companies, all of which had developed biological drugs (a.k.a. biologics) medications grown from live cells. The following month, Price pressured senior members of the Australian government to accept stronger monopoly rights for makers of biologics in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, according to a new report from ProPublica: The Australian government was getting in the way of one change demanded by U.S. pharmaceutical companies. Makers of cutting-edge biological drugs wanted to have data from their clinical trials protected from competitors for 12 years, as they are under U.S. law not the roughly five years permitted under the TPP. Australian officials insisted that an extension would deprive consumers of cheaper alternatives for too long. In Canberra, Price and another Republican, Rep. John Kline of Minnesota, pressured senior Australian trade officials to modify their position on the 12-year extension, according to a congressional aide who was on the trip. The Australians explained that they had no intention of changing their laws or rules in ways that could increase drug prices. Price and Kline continued pushing, according to the aide, asking for a side letter or other written guidance that the period would be extended in Australia even if it werent spelled out in the TPP itself. Price is far from the only Republican to make exporting Americas high drug prices a top priority on matters of trade. But it is unusual for a member of Congress to directly lobby foreign officials to adopt a policy that benefits companies he recently bought shares of. The STOCK Act of 2012 prohibits members of Congress from trading on nonpublic information gained through their legislative duties. The law does allow lawmakers to vote on bills that have wide applicability, even if that legislation would likely affect their portfolios. But if a lawmaker buys stock in a company, and then leads a legislative effort that directly benefits said company, he or she is on shakier legal and ethical ground. And previous reporting suggests that Tom Price performed that very two-step at least three times: 1) In March 2016, Price bought $15,000 worth of stock in Zimmer Biomet, a medical-device company. Two days later, the congressman introduced a bill that would have protected that company from a cut in its Medicare reimbursement rate. Zimmer Biomet then put money in his campaign coffers. 2) That same month, Price made the aforementioned purchase of shares in six drug companies and then led a legislative and public-relations effort to defeat regulations that would have (almost certainly) hurt those companies profits. 3) Last summer, Price made a bulk purchase of discounted shares in Innate Immuno, an Australian biotechnology company. Shortly thereafter, he helped push through legislation that expedites the FDAs approval process a reform that directly benefits Innate Immuno, which is working to get its wares onto the U.S. market. Price has already enjoyed a 400 percent paper gain on his investment in the company. At his confirmation hearings, Price was asked about how he managed to get that discount on Innate Immunos shares. The congressman replied that the discounted shares were available to every single individual that was an investor at the time. Weeks later, The Wall Street Journal found that the cabinet nominee was one of fewer than 20 U.S. investors who were invited last year to buy discounted shares of the company an opportunity that, for Mr. Price, arose from an invitation from a company director and fellow congressman. So, it at least looks like Price knowingly lied to Congress, which is a federal crime. In March, ProPublica revealed that U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was overseeing an investigation into Prices stock trades when Trump relieved him of his duties. The wording of the STOCK Act and the difficulty of proving that someone deliberately gave false testimony to Congress may shield Price from any legal repercussions for his actions. And, who knows, maybe Prices ideological commitment to advancing pharmas interests is completely unrelated to his taste for the industrys stocks. But there is no excuse for an elected representative to even create an appearance of corruption this blatant. To trade more than $300,000 worth of stock in health companies while pushing legislation that would increase the value of those shares is to pour kerosene on the flames of cynicism that are consuming Americas civic life. Whos excited for this testimony? Photo: Eric Thayer/Getty Images Former FBI director James Comey will testify to the Senate Intelligence Committee on June 8 at 10 a.m., in what is no doubt the most anticipated public congressional hearing in recent memory. The topic of the hearing, according to a release from the committee, is Russias efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. elections. But Comey will also address President Trumps attempt to pressure him into ending the probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. He reportedly recorded details of that conversation in a memo, and then shared the existence of the memo, which is classified, with FBI colleagues, according to the Times. Comey will also likely be asked about his firing, which the Trump administration first blamed on his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, before Trump admitted he did it because of the Russia investigation. Upper Brookville, the former Russian compound in Oyster Bay, New York. Photo: Alexander F. Yuan/AP Reports that Trump adviser/son-in-law Jared Kushner pursued a secret back channel with the Kremlin dominated the headlines over Memorial Day weekend. Then on Wednesday the House Intelligence Committee issued subpoenas to two of Trumps close associates, his longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. A few hours later, CNN reported that congressional investigators are looking into whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions may have had an additional private meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak that he failed to disclose. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is moving toward returning Russias two diplomatic compounds in the U.S., according to the Washington Post. Back in December, Russian officials were given 24 hours to vacate the compounds on Long Island, New York, and Marylands Eastern Shore as punishment for Moscows alleged election meddling. President Barack Obama said at the time that the facilities were being used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes. Russia claims the compounds were merely places where its diplomats could relax and hold events, though U.S. officials have suspected they were also used for intelligence purposes since the 80s. The compounds had diplomatic immunity, but that may be revoked if theyre returned by the Trump administration. In response to the report, R.C. Hammond, senior communications adviser for the State Department, said, The U.S. and Russia have reached no agreements. Officials from the two countries will meet again in June in Saint Petersburg. Per the Post, returning the facilities came up during a meeting between a State Department official and his Russian counterpart in New York. When the U.S. official suggested a compromise, the Russian balked: Early last month, the Trump administration told the Russians that it would consider turning the properties back over to them if Moscow would lift its freeze, imposed in 2014 in retaliation for U.S. sanctions related to Ukraine, on construction of a new U.S. consulate on a certain parcel of land in St. Petersburg. Two days later, the U.S. position changed. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at a meeting in Washington that the United States had dropped any linkage between the compounds and the consulate, according to several people with knowledge of the exchanges. No explanation was given for the change in position, but the timing is sure to raise questions. The diplomats met on May 8. Trump fired FBI Director James Comey the following day. On May 10 Tillerson escorted Lavrov and Kislyak to the Oval Office for a meeting with President Trump. He reportedly told the Russians, I faced great pressure because of Russia. Thats taken off. If Trump does decide to return the Russian facilities, it would send a clear signal that he doesnt care if people think hes under Russias influence. That could be seen as evidence that Trump is so beholden to Russia that the political cost doesnt matter. It could also mean hes confident that theres nothing to the Russia story, and wont let it get in the way of improving a key diplomatic relationship. A senior U.S. official who works on foreign policy told NBC News that if the report is true, it could be merely a gesture of goodwill though he thinks its a really bad idea. Or perhaps Trump officials just couldnt pass up an opportunity to reverse a policy implemented by President Obama. We had no intention of ever giving them back, said a former senior Obama official. Waivers for everyone! Photo: AFP/AFP/Getty Images During the campaign, President Trump declared, On the first day in office, my administration will immediately take steps to clean up the corruption in Washington, D.C. A week into his presidency, he began making good on this promise by signing an executive order that added loopholes to the Obama-era ethics policy. Then he hired many lobbyists, lawyers, and consultants to work throughout his administration, granted them ethics waivers in secret, and went to war with the Office of Government Ethics when it tried to make them public. On Wednesday the White House partially gave up that battle when it posted documents pertaining to the White House staff (but not all federal agencies, as OGE wanted). They reveal that during his first four months in office, Trump has granted waivers to at least 16 White House staff members. For comparison, President Obama issued three waivers to his staffers in the same period. During his entire eight years in office, Obama granted 16 waivers for White House employees, and about 70 throughout the federal government. Waiver recipients include several top figures in the Trump administration. White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway were cleared to work with their former clients and employers. Another waiver allows all Trump aides to participate in communications and meetings with news organizations on matters of broad policy even if they involve a former employer or former client. That means chief strategist Steve Bannon is free to contact Breitbart employees, though he was still running the company last year. Waivers also went out to four former lobbyists. Shahira Knight, who is a special assistant for tax and retirement policy, was a lobbyist for Fidelity Investments before joining the administration. Andrew Olmem, a special assistant to the president for financial policy, lobbied on behalf of several big banks and lenders. Former energy lobbyist Michael Catanzaro is now advising the Trump administration on topics like emissions regulations and renewable fuel standards. Joshua Pitcock, Vice-President Mike Pences chief of staff, was cleared to work with current Indiana state officials though hes lobbied for the state. Six former employees of the law firm Jones Day, including White House counsel Don McGahn, were given waivers to communicate with former colleagues, as the firm still represents Trump. White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said the documents were released as part of the presidents commitment to the American people to be transparent (though he tried to block their release). Walters also said only a limited number of waivers were issued because to the furthest extent possible, counsel worked with each staffer to recuse from conflicting conduct rather than being granted waivers. Noah Bookbinder of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington told Politico that the disclosures just confirm that the Trump administration is rife with ethical concerns. No one has believed for months that this president or his administration had any interest in ethics, but these waivers make clear the remarkable extent to which they are comfortable mixing their own personal interests with the countrys, he said. Its no wonder they waited for the cover of night to release them. Sis. It's the only line in the post. "Taylor Swift must face with a jury in August in Colorado as alleged groper denies assaulting her" Reply Parent Thread Link this suit is about whether taylor, her mom and/or her radio promotions director had a hand in firing/pressured the station to fire the groper. so for example if they dont believe she was groped then they can say she wrongfully accused him so she led to his firing and is to blame. Reply Parent Thread Link Isn't there a picture where you can tell his hand is up her ass? How is he gonna dispute that Reply Thread Link yeah it's either a picture or video, I can't remember but I think picture. He/his lawyer will probably argue it was an accident (tho we all know it wasn't). I don't see what other defense he could possibly come up with. Hopefully the jury doesn't buy it. Reply Parent Thread Link yeah it's a picture and his hand is very clearly in a place it's not supposed to be Reply Parent Thread Link Here's the deal, though: She made her claim before the image was seen. That to me shows that she's not making it up. Also, the image is the most damning evidence against him and she lobbied to get it blocked from being distributed. That too shows me that she's NOT making it up. Had she seen the image and then made the claim there he would have a better chance to just say "I didn't touch her", "May hand was just awkwardly turned behind her, but it was rested" etc....the fact that the claim was made, and then evidenced backed it shows he's full of shit. That pic will be his undoing. Reply Parent Thread Link Ew fuck this guy. Apparently there is photo evidence of the groping (didnt it circulate on twitter as well? :/ ) so he perfectly deserved getting fired. I wonder how many people this perv has groped Reply Thread Link ugh he's definitely groped more than one person. these types of people never commit just one offense it seems like. Reply Parent Thread Link ? wavvy has always been woke tho Reply Parent Thread Link gross, i really hope he gets what he deserves tbh Reply Thread Link Glad she's still going strong with this. God for her. Reply Thread Link can he bring up the kimye thing as a way to show that she's lying? Reply Thread Link literally what? Reply Parent Thread Link I wouldn't put it past his lawyer to try but it's up to the judge I guess on if something like that is relevant or not. I could see it going either way. It wouldn't be the first time a defendant brought up past lies by the accuser to try and discredit them. I don't see how it's very relevant tbh but I'm sure the lawyer will try, it's his job I suppose. Reply Parent Thread Link not really imo Reply Parent Thread Link I think his lawyer could argue is goes to the issue of her credibility as a witness, but pretty sure the judge would exclude it as being highly prejudicial and of little relevancy. Reply Parent Thread Link No. Specific instances of prior dishonesty are very rarely admissible. Reply Parent Thread Link If you don't want to be blackballed for groping then don't grope, particularly when there's a camera to document the inappropriate location of your hand. Team Diabla Blanca forever on this. Reply Thread Link He's gross. I hope that he gets some punishment. Reply Thread Link I hope she wins the case. I'm glad she's pursuing the case the way she is. No one deserves that. Reply Thread Link I really hope she wins the case. This guy is a creep. He even admitted it happened but it "wasn't him" and yet didn't offer any names of who it could be... fuck him Reply Thread Link the deposition or parts of it are online and the dude said he was annoyed that he didn't get enough "respect" from taylor cause he was put into the meet and greet section with little kids and their moms and his boss and other co-worker were placed in a VIP section. and his lawyers were talking to radio stations saying taylor was probably the one who leaked her own picture.. like how is that professional? Edited at 2017-06-01 04:01 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Men are so fragile and weak Reply Parent Thread Link So....they didn't settle? I mean, I don't understand why this is the title. Either they settle or they were going to court. Reply Thread Link I am guessing Taylor's lawyers filed a motion for summary judgment, saying he didn't have enough evidence, even if it was all viewed in the light most favorable to him, to prevail. And it sounds like that was denied, which is why it is going to trial, unless it settles. Reply Parent Thread Link oh nooooo :( I can't believe this shit Reply Thread Link Sorry guys. Thanks for your passion and support these last few days, was very moving to see your love for the show. En Evant! https://t.co/77H3Ob7OGB Brian J. Smith (@BrianJacobSmith) June 1, 2017 Didn't watch, but my sister loved it and I am sure she's bummed. :/ Didn't watch, but my sister loved it and I am sure she's bummed. :/ Reply Thread Link bak_sun happy pride, kidsthis is your fault Reply Thread Link Netflix can choke. Reply Thread Link I am so upset. I just got to love this show less than a month ago. I have 2 eps left to watch but i do not think i will bring myself to watch them now I need more Miguel in my life but my spanish isnt good enough to understand the other stuff hes been in! Also on Pride Day of all days? Fuck u netflix Edited at 2017-06-01 05:58 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link You need to watch Velvet on Netflix. It's incredible and he's so swoon worthy. Reply Parent Thread Link oooh it is actually on netflix germany, bless your heart Reply Parent Thread Link He's gonna be in season 3 of Narcos. They've finished shooting and I think it's gonna be released in the Fall. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link fuck you netflix Reply Thread Link welp didn't think that would happen kinda Reply Thread Link Is the guy on that Marvel show the only lead poc left on Netflix? I mean damn... I guess Narcos too... Reply Thread Link Dear White People, One Day at a Time. And these are only from the shows I watch. Edited at 2017-06-01 06:07 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link For some reason I had no idea that Dear White People was a show on Metflix. I knew it existed but not there. Tho that leads me to the broader point of how Netflix chooses to promote certain shows... I just brought it up and The Last Kingdom is on the spotlight page and I don't recall seeing a single thing for Dear White People. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Luke Cage, Master of None, One Day At A Time, Dear White People, Friends From College, and there are shows from Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Spain and France. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link apart from the other shows mentioned, there's chewing gum, 3% and atelier, just off the top of my head Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Does 13 reasons why count? she's brunette and nice Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I think an argument could be made that Piper is no longer the lead of OITNB Reply Parent Thread Link Not surprising. My Twitter timeline is freaking the fuck out though. Reply Thread Link they made such advancements in the plot this season it could have been wrapped up with 1 more damn final season. fuckkkk youuuu netflix wtf Reply Thread Link Or at least another special Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, wasn't it rumored that even though they wanted 5 seasons there was a contingency plan to wrap it in 3? Reply Parent Thread Link Thiiiisssss! I'm so fucking upset. Reply Parent Thread Link Devastated. F them. F them for cancelling on the first day of pride month. Reply Thread Link It's not that great of a show and the fact it has gay characters shouldn't automatically save it from cancellation nor what month it's in. Reply Parent Thread Link Maybe it wasn't a great show to you but it meant a lot to a lot of people. It was inclusive, had a great cast of diverse characters and showed many different types of relationships. Does it matter what month it's canceled in? No. But it is an extra slap in the face. Edited at 2017-06-01 07:43 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Season 1 wasn't that great. Season 2 was much better. Reply Parent Thread Link It makes sense because of how much it costs to produce. In my mind, Wolfgang died, so I'm happy with that ending. Reply Thread Link true, I like the way you think Reply Parent Thread Link no, that is a horrible ending omg Reply Parent Thread Link I never cared at all about Wolfgang, so I'd be all for this. Reply Parent Thread Link FUCK THIS SHIT Reply Thread Link Weren't there a bunch of posts on here about how bad the ratings were or am I making that up? Reply Thread Link netflix infamously doesn't release their ratings Reply Parent Thread Link I still swear I saw posts about how it was in danger of being canceled because it wasn't bringing in viewers. IDK my brain is stupid, maybe I'm remembering wrong. Reply Parent Thread Link Not anymore Reply Parent Thread Link there was a post about one of the leads asking for fans to tweet their support, which I think led people to assume they weren't going to renew. I don't think Netflix releases its ratings? Reply Parent Thread Link doesn't help that they barely bothered to promote it... season 2 had so much potential for great promotions but they didn't do much. why didn't they ever take advantage of the multiple genres in this show and market it as such? sigh Reply Parent Thread Link netflix doesn't do "ratings" like networks do. it's just expensive and they'd rather give adam sandler a billion dollars than invest in quality television. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I feel like I remember some sites running articles talking about how expensive it was and it might not get renewed but I can't remember where from. Reply Parent Thread Link Images of the Beijing smog and millions of people wearing masks to be able to breathe are among the more dramatic depictions of air pollution caused by excessive industrialization. Now that China is turning away from industrial manufacturing and towards services, it is focusing on remedying some of the damage already done. This week, media welcomed the completion of what may well be the worlds largest floating solar farm, in the eastern Anhui province. The 40 MW installation sits on a flooded coal-mining town, which adds a kind of poetic element to the story a shift away from coal and to solar and wind. But poetry is certainly not the reason why this location was selected: according to a local government source, the cool surface of the water will improve power generation. The floating farm is the latest demonstration that China is serious about its green energy plans. Earlier this year, Beijing said it would splash US$361 billion on expanding the countrys renewable power capacity by 2020. By 2022, China should have 320 GW of wind and solar power capacity, along with 340 GW of hydropower. These plans earned it the top spot in E&Ys raking of the top 40 renewable energy markets, followed by India, who has plans for 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. That China is in the top spot is no wonder, given that China was the biggest spender on renewable energy globally in 2015, allocating US$102.9 billion, or 36 percent of the total spent on renewables in the world that year, according to the UN Environment Programme. Last year, China installed 35 GW of solar power generation capacity, which, according to one Greenpeace expert quoted by the National Geographic, equals the total solar capacity of Germany. Related: Will This Foreign Oil Giant Grab Iran's First Post-Sanctions Project? By 2030, China aims to generate a fifth of its energy from renewable sources. Coal consumption has been falling for the last three years in a row. This may not be good news for coal producersChina gobbles 50 percent of the worlds total outputit is certainly good news for pretty much everyone else. Whats more, the renewable drive seems to be working for Chinas international deputation. Just this week the UNs Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised China for being probably today the only big country in the world that has a clear, long-term strategy, regarding climate action. At the same time, Guterres warned U.S President Trump to stay on board with the Paris Agreement or risk leaving a void that another country would fill China, Russia, and even Iran. Guterres did not stop there. He said that if the U.S. pulls out of the Paris Agreementwhich sources close to Trump say is a for-sure thingChina will automatically take its place as the leader of global climate action, despite the fact that it is currently the most polluting country in the world. China seems to be already preparing for this gig: its One Belt, One Road global initiative envisages investments of US$900 billion in infrastructure projects in the developing world, some of which would likely go towards renewables projects after all, the top two biggest suppliers of solar panels globally are Chinese. In fact, six of the top ten suppliers are Chinese. China is betting on solar, and its betting big. It may well turn from the biggest polluter into the most vocal advocate of climate action. Its only in its best interest all those coal miners losing their jobs with the shutdown of mine and the shift to cleaner energy will need jobs, for one. For another, it is important for the worlds second-largest energy consumer to reduce its dependence on imported energy. All very good reasons to go renewable and do it quickly. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes all Arab Gulf countries, seems to be cracking. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, openly stated that the GCC was facing a major crisis, as Qatar seems to be opening up to Iran. Gargash made his comments on Twitter less than a week after Saudi Arabia and the UAE signaled frustration at Qatar. The simmering conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia on one side and Qatar on the other has again been heating up after the Qatars News Agency (QNA) was purportedly hacked, spreading remarks by Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani which criticized Gulf rhetoric against Iran and suggested strains between the Emir and U.S. President Donald Trump. Qatar has vehemently denied these quotes, but the Saudi, Emirati and Egyptian governments have reacted by blocking Qatari news sites and TV stations, including Al Jazeera. The crisis between Qatar and its GCC neighbors, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain, emerged shortly after Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, visited Saudi Arabia for the meeting between the heads of state of most Islamic countries and U.S. president Trump. During these meetings, as indicated by Arab sources, Sheikh Tamim has called Iran a force of stability. The latter is remarkable as most statements made to the press during the Riyadh Summit indicated that all attending countries agreed to keep Iran in political and economic quarantine. At the same time, the participants agreed to counter the Muslim Brotherhood, which is blacklisted by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood however is well protected in Qatar. At present, the ideologue of the Brotherhood, Yusuf Al Qaradawi, is a celebrity in Doha, and has access to the Emir and the Emirs father and predecessor, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The Arab criticism may have been less harsh if U.S. officials would not have put oil on the fire. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis openly warned Qatar that it should change its support of the Muslim Brotherhood. Mattis also stated that U.S. president Trump is considering classifying the Brotherhood as an international terrorist organization, which could have a very negative impact on the U.S.-Qatar economic-military cooperation in the coming months. Instead of trying to lower the tensions, Doha seems to have significant increased them. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others have now put new pressure on Qatar regarding its financing of the Syrian and Palestinian branches of the Brotherhood. The Emir left shortly after the Doha summit, dissatisfied with the U.S. approach. Some analysts even claimed that the Emir had expected Trump to visit Doha first as a show of support for Qatars political standing. Trumps strategy to first enter into a strong relationship with Riyadh has not gone down well in Doha. Related: Canada Pushes For Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy Qatars willingness to talk to Iran is the main bone of contention. The fact that Doha called Irans president Rouhani shortly after his re-election is seen as a sign that Qatar is not willing to support Saudi Arabia and the UAE in their proxy wars with Iran in Yemen, Syria and Bahrain. An open confrontation between Qatar and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE is looking increasingly likely as tensions heat up. A military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar cannot be ruled out. Religious tensions are also rising, as descendants of the founding father of Saudi Arabia's Wahhabi brand of Islam published a statement in Saudi media distancing themselves from Qatar's ruling family. This can be seen as an unofficial attack on the religious power position of the Qatari Al Thani family, as they claim to be from the Al Najd region, which is the central and northern part of Saudi Arabia, where Ibn Abd Al Wahhab was from. The fact that Saudi religious leaders are now denouncing the Qatari ruling familys historical claims can be seen as a major attack on the latters position. Doha is now openly questioning U.S.-Saudi views on Iran, with U.S. president Trump having accused Iran of supporting terrorism in the Middle East. Qatar remains angry about the fact that U.S. based organizations are still accusing Doha of supporting extremist groups. It is rather coincidental that these stories from the Qatar News Agency quoting the Emir appeared just days after the Riyadh summit ended. While the GCC has been hit by severe internal turmoil before, the current wave is particularly worrying. First of all, a divided GCC will bring further instability in the region at a time of full confrontation between the Saudi-led alliance and Iran. A possible thaw between Tehran and Doha could, in theory, lead to a confrontation with Washington, as the latter has an immense military base currently on the peninsula. A rapprochement between Iran and Qatar would be a vast security risk to the U.S. military. Further escalation could also bring renewed threats to oil and gas shipping in the Persian Gulf. Even without a military confrontation, the Saudi-UAE vs Qatar confrontation holds another risk. All GCC countries depend on stability in the oil and gas markets, which is evident from the recent OPEC deal. A full-fledged confrontation will, without any doubt, put pressure on the current compliance rate of OPEC members to production cuts. Doha will be able to sabotage the current 6+3 production cut agreement between OPEC and non-OPEC members. If Doha decides to join the ranks of Iran and Iraq, OPECs future will be in doubt. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads For Oilprice.com: Ive been writing a lot the last several months about the new South Africa mining charter. And this week, that issue is coming to a head just as some potentially bigger problems emerge for the industry in this troubled nation. Reports last week suggested that South Africas government has now finalized amendments to the mining charter policies that have been promised by lawmakers since mid-2016. The problem is, no one has seen the changes. South Africas Chamber of Mines told Bloomberg this week it hasnt had any communications from the government on the new charter. In fact, Chamber officials said they havent received any notices at all since March suggesting the government has gone to stealth mode in moving controversial measures forward. Early reports suggest the amended charter will indeed be more onerous for miners. Raising black ownership targets to 30 percent, from a current 26 percent. Such changes however, are simply speculation at this point until the charter amendments are officially published in government gazettes. Something officials havent given an exact timeline for, simply saying it should happen within weeks. That represents a flash-button issue coming in this critical mining nation. And other news this week suggests the government and the country may have even bigger problems. The issue is growing evidence of massive mining-related corruption in the government of president Jacob Zuma. With private emails surfacing that show Zumas mines ministry has been greatly influenced by outside interests. Local press leaked emails from the powerful South African Gupta family. Showing that Gupta companies were consulted on the appointment of mining minister Mosebenzi Zwane months before his nomination was made public. The emails show the Guptas questioned Zwane prior to his appointment suggesting they were vetting him for suitability in office. Charges that are all the more worrisome given the group employs President Zumas son. If substantiated, these messages provide strong evidence that South African mining officials have been compromised and could lead to a complete backlash against the ministry, and its policies. Watch for more developments on potential action against these politicians, for the release of new details on the mining charter, and the ensuing reaction from miners. Heres to getting too close. By Dave Forest More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As a kid from small town Oregon, I generally want as little to do with the City of Portland as possible. For a while I think many viewed Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler as a Democrat who might be a little more business friendly and a little more competent than many in the Democratic Party. In my opinion Portland appears to be essentially ungovernable, but I had hopes that Ted Wheeler would be able to provide better leadership than the city has seen in the past. When protests outside his home late at night forced Mayor Wheeler to stay in a hotel, and when he had the air let out of his tires, I felt sympathy for the guy. Trying to steer the ship that is the City of Portland at this volatile time in our country is no easy task. Unfortunately the Mayors current actions have quickly drained any goodwill that he may have had built up with me. In the wake of the horrific killings on the Portland MAX train, tensions in the city are undoubtedly high. With a Pro-Trump, Free Speech Rally planned on Sunday, I do not fault the Mayor for meeting with the organizers to discuss moving the event to a later date for safety purposes, but when Mayor Wheeler stepped in to ask the Federal Government for revoke the permit for the event he went too far. Popular speech does not need protection. The entire purpose of the 1st Amendment is to be able to say controversial and provocative things without being targeted by the government for it. Now should anyone begin to directly incite violence or if violent actions break out, then there is a role for government to keep the community safe, but until that time preempting individuals rights to free speech and expression is wrong. As long as violence is avoided and property is protected, groups both right-wing and left-wing should be free to march and rally. We seem to be slipping into a state of mind that says Free Speech for Me and not for Thee. The 1st Amendment isnt simply about saying whatever you want to say, it is also about hearing things you dont want to hear. Temporarily sacrificing rights in the interest of safety is how you end up losing your rights all together. I am by no means a member of the Alt-Right, but Americans under the Constitution have rights. We can openly criticize protests and marchers as individuals, but when government gets involved in picking and choosing who has access to the public square, we find ourselves in a very scary situation. I fear an overreaching government that limits speech far more than I fear anyone in the Alt-Right or in Antifa. Shame on you Ted Wheeler for attempting to move us in that direction. Jacob Vandever is political activist, lifelong Oregonian, and proud Oregon State graduate. Jacob is the Editor of the Oregon Upstart Blog. 90 ppl killed in Kabul blast at diplomatic quarter At least 90 people were killed and hundreds wounded Wednesday when a massive truck bomb ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter, bringing carnage to the streets of the Afghan capital just days into the holy fasting month of Ramazan. Bloodied corpses littered the scene and a huge cloud of smoke rose from the highly-fortified area which houses foreign embassies, after the rush-hour attack tore a massive crater in the ground and blew out windows several miles away. Witnesses described dozens of cars choking the roads as wounded survivors and panicked schoolgirls sought safety. Men and women struggled to get through security checkpoints to search for loved ones. It was not immediately clear what the target was. But the attack underscores spiralling insecurity in Afghanistan, where a military beset by soaring casualties and desertions is struggling to beat back the insurgents. Over a third of the country is outside government control. Hours after the explosion ambulances were still at the scene as rescue workers were digging bodies from the rubble. Unfortunately the toll has reached 80 martyred (killed) and over 300 wounded, including many women and children, said health ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh, adding the figures would continue to climb as more bodies are pulled from the debris. The interior ministry, which put the number of wounded at 320, said a suicide bomber had detonated an explosives-packed vehicle in Zanbaq Square around 8:30am. More than 50 vehicles were either destroyed or damaged, it said in a statement. The ministry called on Kabul residents to donate blood, saying hospitals were in dire need. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The Taliban currently in the midst of their annual spring offensive tweeted that they were not involved and strongly condemn the attack. The insurgent group rarely claims responsibility for attacks that kill large numbers of civilians. The militant Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for several recent bombings in the Afghan capital, including a powerful blast targeting an armoured Nato convoy that killed at least eight people and wounded 28 on May 3. The Foreign Office said in a press release that the blast has caused damage to the residences of some Pakistani diplomats and staff, while some sustained minor injuries. "Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kabul... that has caused loss of precious human lives and injuries to many," the FO said. Injured Afghan men arrive at a hospital after the blast in Kabul. Reuters "Pakistan being a victim of terrorism understands the pain and agony that such incidents inflict upon the people and society." The FO extended condolences to the government and people of Afghanistan and condemned "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations". Embassies damaged Manpreet Vohra, India's envoy to Afghanistan, told the Times Now television channel the bomb went off around 100 metres from India's embassy, one of several in the area. We are all safe, all our staff, all our personnel are safe. However, the blast was very large and nearby buildings including our own building have considerable damage in terms of broken glass and shattered windows and blown doors etc, he said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: We strongly condemn the terrorist blast in Kabul. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured. The explosion also shattered windows at the Japanese embassy. Two Japanese embassy staffers were mildly injured, suffering cuts, a foreign ministry official in Tokyo told AFP. France also reported damage to its own embassy and the German one, but there was no information on possible casualties. Bulgaria said its mission had been damaged and its staff evacuated. The BBC's Afghan driver was killed and four of its journalists were injured in the explosion, the British broadcaster said. It is with great sadness that the BBC can confirm the death of BBC Afghan driver Mohammed Nazir following the vehicle bomb in Kabul earlier today, as he was driving journalist colleagues to the office, the BBC World Service said in a statement. Four BBC journalists were also injured and were treated in hospital. Their injuries are not thought to be life threatening, the statement said. Mohammed Nazir worked as a driver for the BBC Afghan Service for more than four years and was a popular colleague. He was in his late thirties and he leaves a young family, it said. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis has warned of another tough year for both foreign troops and local forces in Afghanistan. Afghan troops are backed by US and Nato forces, and the Pentagon has reportedly asked the White House to send thousands more soldiers to break the deadlock in the battle against the Taliban. Hussain Nawaz to produce documents to JIT ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs son, Hussain Nawaz, will appear before the joint investigation team (JIT) on Thursday (today) for the third time since May 28 this time to defend his London properties and to present the documents the JIT has sought regarding the Jeddah and Dubai factories his family owned. Sources privy to the JIT told reporters that after grilling Mr Nawaz for over five hours on May 30, the six-member investigation team directed him to produce certain documents in support of his claims regarding the legal purchase of four flats in Park Lane, London. According to the sources, the premiers son is likely to submit records related to the establishment, sale and purchase of Al-Azizia Steel Mills in Saudi Arabia, Gulf Steel Mills in the United Arab Emirates, and further investments in the steel and real estate sectors in the United Kingdom and Qatar. The sources said that Mr Nawaz would also produce the letter from Qatri prince Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani. In his letter, the Qatari prince claims that Hussain Nawazs grandfather had invested 12 million dirhams in the Al-Thani familys business in the 1980s, which eventually led him to acquire four Park Lane flats in the UK. The sources said that an affidavit from Mr Nawazs uncle Tariq Shafi, which supports Mr Nawazs claims regarding the transfer of London flats, was already with the JIT. The documents Mr Nawaz is likely to submit before the JIT include papers related to the grant of land issued by the Dubai Municipality, the land rent agreement for Gulf Steel Mills, partnership agreements, the incorporation certificate of offshore companies Nescoll and Nielsen, a trust deed that shows Maryam Nawaz as the trustee, and other documents related to the Jeddah factory, said the sources. On May 30, Mr Nawaz emerged from the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) following a five-hour-long interrogation and felt certain in remarks to the media that the investigation would exonerate the Sharif family from all charges. However, he said that he would produce only those documents which he was legally bound to submit before the JIT, adding that he would appear before the team again, if summoned. The sources said that the prime ministers youngest son, Hassan Nawaz, had also arrived in Pakistan and would appear before the JIT soon. He had already been summoned by the JIT. According to them, the JIT is expected to quiz Hassan Nawaz about his interview telecast on the BBC, in which he claimed that he had been a student in London in 1999 with no income of his own, but then started his own company in London named Flagship Investments Limited on April 12, 2001. The Supreme Court has directed members of the JIT, headed by Wajid Zia, an additional director general of the Federal Investigation Agency, to investigate: how Gulf Steel Mills came into being; what led to its sale; what happened to its liabilitieshow did they reach Jeddah, Qatar and the UK; whether Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz, in view of their tender ages, had the means in the early nineties, to possess and purchase the flats; whether the sudden appearance of letters from Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani was a myth or reality who, in fact, was the real and beneficial owner of M/s Nielsen Enterprises Limited and Nescoll Limited, how the Hill Metal Establishment came into existence; where the money for Flagship Investment Limited and other companies set up or taken over by the son of the PM came from, where the working capital for such companies come from, and where did the huge sums, running into millions, gifted by respondent Hussain Nawaz to Nawaz Sharif drop in from. Nehal Hashmi resigned from Senate as he lashes JIT PML-N Senator Nehal Hashmi resigned from Senate hours after a video surfaced on Wednesday showing him lashing out at "those investigating" Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family. Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar also took suo motu notice of Hashmi's remarks and summoned him in person on Thursday to appear before the bench implementing its Panama Papers verdict, media reports said. In the video, the senator had warned that those conducting the investigation will be "taken to task" for grilling the premier's family. His remarks were apparently made in reference to a Supreme Court-sanctioned investigation into the Sharif family's business dealings abroad. Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the prime minister had also asked Hashmi to hand in his resignation from his Senate seat, which the Senate Secretariat received later in the evening. Earlier, Hussain Nawaz, the prime minister's elder son, had objected to the inclusion of two individuals Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistans Bilal Rasool and State Bank of Pakistans Amer Aziz in the Supreme Court-appointed joint investigation team (JIT), accusing them of being "close" to the PML-Ns political rivals. However, his objections were turned down by the Supreme Court. "We are not going to remove any JIT member on mere conjecture unless something concrete comes up because the prime minister is the one being investigated," Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, who heads the three-judge implementation bench of the Supreme Court, had said on Monday as he discarded the appeal. Hussain had subsequently appeared before the investigators for the second time on Tuesday, where he was reportedly grilled for almost five hours. Following Hussain's interrogation, PML-N leaders had held a press conference, once again accusing the two members of the JIT of harassing the prime minister's son. Hashmi's outburst, which appeared to reflect the party's conviction of the JIT's partiality, included the warning: "Those who are scrutinising them [Sharif and his sons], we will not spare you." "Those grilling [the family] ... [be warned that] we will arrange the day of judgment for you." "You are making the life of the prime minister difficult; the Pakistani nation will make it difficult for you to live," he added, without taking any names. Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb later said that the party does not support what Hashmi said and that it was his "personal opinion", Radio Pakistan reported. She said the prime minister believes in accountability, adding that he has sought an explanation from Hashmi for his remarks. Hashmi offers a clarification Nihal Hashmi had met Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani earlier on Wednesday to offer a 'clarification' about his speech. "I was speaking to party workers at a Youm-i-Takbeer gathering on May 28," Hashmi said. "I expressed my own opinions at the gathering. If the prime minister asks about the speech, I will explain this to him," he added. Defending the nature of his speech, Hashmi pointed out that he did not directly threaten anyone. "I did not take aim at any institution, nor did I mention any person's name. My address to the workers was very normal." "My targets were our political opponents," Hashmi added. "Our opponents have a habit of joining my statements to institutes," he alleged. 'Elements trying to jeopardise probe' Denouncing Hashmi's statement, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said the PML-N senator's "shameful threats to the superior judiciary and JIT members" are representative of the party's political culture. "They either buy people or try to scare them," Khan said in a tweet, accusing the ruling party of strong-arming the investigators. PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said: "Some government workers are trying to jeopardise the processes of accountability." Chaudhry claimed these elements were trying to "scandalise" the ongoing probe. "We will ensure no such schemes against the Supreme Court or the JIT are successful," the spokesperson added. "PTI will defend the quest for justice. Sartaj Aziz to make statement regarding Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military alliance ISLAMABAD: The mandate of the Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military alliance continues to be an enigma, with the government yet to explain its position on the reported statements of Saudi authorities that the coalition will also act against rebel groups posing a threat to the security of a member country. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz was scheduled to make a statement on the mandate of the alliance in the Senate on Wednesday over a calling attention notice. He did come for a short time merely to inform the house that he was required to attend a meeting of the cabinets national security committee. He sought the chairs permission to leave and come back after Zuhar prayers to make a statement. Later, Mr Aziz sent a message to the chair that the meeting was still going on. At around 3pm Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani told the session that he had just checked with the prime ministers house that the meeting was still under way and adjourned the house to meet again on Thursday (today) at 1.30pm. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had also been summoned, but he did not turn up. The adviser in all probability will now make a statement on the issue on Thursday (today). Mr Rabbani referred to the Senate standing committee on defence an adjournment motion seeking to discuss an alarming rise in occupation of land by the military in Quetta district, causing unrest among the people. The chair directed the committee to submit a report to the house in a month. The chairman regretted that the government had failed to act despite several resolutions passed by the Balochistan Assembly on the issue. A highlight of the Wednesdays proceedings was the first appearance of Deputy Chairman of Senate Abdul Ghafoor Haideri after the Mastung attack and another was the last appearance of Nehal Hashmi, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senator, who had to resign after his controversial remarks against the judiciary and joint investigation team probing the assets of the Sharifs following the Supreme Court judgement in the Panama Papers case. Incentives for farm sector sought Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah of the PML-Functional said subsidy on fertilisers and availability of loans had led to substantial growth of the agricultural sector, but stressed that the backbone of the countrys economy needed more incentives. It would have a positive impact on other sectors as well, he said. He advised the government to continue the subsidy on different fertilisers, besides proposing abolition of general sales tax on fertilisers, imported sunflower seed and hybrid seeds. He also called for zero duty on import of tractors and cool chain machinery and equipment. He said mark-up on agricultural loans should be reduced to seven per cent and general sales tax on locally manufactured tractors should be brought down from five per cent to two per cent. MUSHAHID Hussain Sayed of the PML-Q defends the oppositions decision to hold a parallel session of the National Assembly and says the opposition leader is within his rights to demand his speech on the federal budget be telecast live on PTV. Mushahid Hussain Sayed of the PML-Q justified the oppositions decision to hold a parallel session of the National Assembly and said it was the right of the opposition leader to go on air live (on PTV while speaking on the federal budget). He criticised the government for ignoring the recommendations of the health ministry on smoking and alleged that the tobacco lobby had finally prevailed. He pointed out that actors were seen smoking on TV screens and highlighted that seven million people died each year due to smoking. They include passive smokers. Mr Sayed proposed a dedicated TV channel for broadcasting parliamentary proceedings. Taking part in the discussion on the budget, Ilyas Bilour of the Awami National Party said that exports were declining by $1 billion per year. He said the volume of the exports stood at $25bn at the end of the previous governments term and the target for the current year was $20bn dollars which, he opined, the government would not be able to achieve. He said the reason for decline in exports was increase in the cost of doing business. He said it was due to ascending power and gas tariff as well as new security requirements. Without naming anybody, he said the cabinet had a minister who hated Pakhtun people and another who has grey hair but continues to tell lies. From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... Democratic congressional candidate Patrick Nelson on Thursday issued the following statement on President Trump's decision for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord: Today the President of the United States has forever damaged the legacy of our great nation in the eyes of the world, and with future generations. He has abdicated the role of the United States as a world leader. He has placed in jeopardy our national security and our very way of life. "Lets not fool around here, climate change is an existential threat. We need to be working to add accountability into the Paris Accords and making them stronger. We need to be transforming our energy infrastructure for sustainability and creating careers in the North Country by doing so. We need to be investing in our North Country infrastructure to be able to manage the increased demand on our agricultural products. "Its time to get serious and act like adults. This is not a political issue. This is an issue of survival. Nelson, of Stillwater, a political activist and Bernie Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, is seeking the Democratic nomination in 2018 to challenge U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, in the 21st Congressional District. CAMBRIDGE A Cambridge couple who were arrested last year for allegedly endangering the welfare of their child because of living conditions at their home have filed a notice indicating they plan to sue the village of Cambridge and Washington County over their arrests and prosecution. Bryan J. Periard and Cyrstal L. Jones filed the notice, which is required before someone sues a municipality, earlier this spring, alleging that police and prosecutors withheld information from their defense lawyer, Henry Oswald. It does not seek specific financial damages. The two were each charged with the misdemeanor count in December, after police got a call from someone concerned about the cleanliness and suitability for winter habitation of a tent-like structure in which they were living, police said. The charges were dismissed in March, and Oswald said the charges should have been dismissed immediately because the arresting officers did not file supporting depositions detailing the allegations as required. The lack of supporting depositions was tantamount to illegally withholding evidence, and the Washington County District Attorneys Office should have dismissed the charges immediately, Oswald claimed. Jones cited the mental pain and suffering and cost to hire counsel stemming from the arrest and the scandalous allegations that she improperly cared for her daughter, which led to rumors and affected her reputation in the community. Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell said he believed the case was handled properly by members of his department, but he could not comment further in light of the potential litigation. Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan said police included what they were supposed to with the charges and supporting depositions were not required. He said his office decided to adjourn the case in contemplation of dismissal and did the right thing in consenting to a dismissal because the child welfare situation was being satisfactorily addressed. The issues were addressed and there was ongoing support being provided, Jordan said. A notice of claim puts a municipality on notice for possible litigation. If a settlement is not reached, the claimants have a year and 90 days from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, called President Trumps U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement a mistake in a news release Thursday evening. Stefanik said: I have always advocated that Congress should have a transparent role in oversight and approval of these important matters, and just as President Obama overstepped by entering into this agreement without Congressional approval, this decision by President Trump is also a mistake. As we know in the North Country, protecting our environment goes hand in hand with strengthening our economy. We understand climate change is a serious threat that must be addressed by our entire global community, and the United States should continue to lead. United States innovation and business leadership have been key drivers to lowering our carbon emissions over the last 20 years, and we should continue to have an influential seat at the table as the rest of the world addresses these issues. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is misguided, and harms the ongoing effort to fight climate change while also isolating us from our allies. I am committed to working in Congress on solutions to fight climate change, and will also continue working with local New York county and state officials on efforts here in our state to continue protecting our greatest resource. It's every New Yorker's nightmare: missing a major event due to a random subway delay. Jerich Alcantara, 22, was on the subway with his family on the way to his college graduation when someone pulled the emergency brake. He was scheduled to graduate with his class at Hunter-Bellevue College of Nursing on Tuesday. "At first I was worried we'd be late," Alcantara told CNN. "But once it was obvious we'd be late I was hoping maybe we'd catch the end of it." But Alcantara ended up celebrating his graduation in a quintessentially New York way: on the subway, complete with music and his graduation robes. Alcantara and his family had left at 8 a.m. from their Queens neighborhood of Jackson Heights to be on time for the 10 a.m. commencement in Manhattan. His train hadn't even traveled one stop before the emergency brake was pulled, stopping the train in the underground tunnel. It took nearly two hours for a rescue train to eventually arrive and to take riders to the next stop. "Everyone was really upset," Alcantara said of the other riders on the train. But Alcantara wanted to look on the bright side. "It was starting to get to me a little bit, but I wanted to be positive because it's my graduation day," he said. Alcantara, in his graduation robes, made an announcement to the car, thanking his fellow passengers for joining him for his graduation ceremony. "I told them I appreciated them all coming and that it meant so much that they were there," Alcantara aid. His best friend had brought a speaker along to play music during the ceremony, so they decided to put on tunes associated with graduations, like "Good Riddance (Time of your Life)" by Green Day in honor of Alcantara's replacement ceremony. "Let's play some graduation music," Alcantara recalled telling his friend. In a video shot by Alcantara's father, a fellow subway rider snaps a photo of the graduate holding a cell phone in front of him like a degree as fellow riders look on. Alcantara and his family eventually did make it to the Hunter College Brookdale campus where the graduation took place, only to see other graduates standing in the street in their caps and gowns. The ceremony was over. Now, Alcantara, who studied nursing, will study for his medical board exams to become a fully fledged registered nurse. At least the audience for his more unique version of graduation enjoyed the experience. The whole car cheered during his ceremony, Alcantara recalled. "Everyone seemed to be in a brighter mood," Alcantara said. CNN's Kwegyirba Croffie and Gisela Crespo contributed to this report Eleven soldiers were killed and seven others injured in what the Philippines government has described as a "friendly fire incident" in Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: John Deere's newest lineup of big green machines will help farmers "harvest smart" with new technologies and capabilities to improve reliability, data collection, operational ease and comfort as well as the quality and quantity of the grain harvested. Highlights of the 2018 product line were shared Thursday as Deere & Co.'s Agriculture and Turf Division hosted national agricultural media for a product reveal event at John Deere Harvester Works, East Moline. "We make sure our products can get the job done when our customers want to get the job done," Randy Sergesketter, Deere's senior vice president of Global Crop Harvesting, told about 45 media members from across the United States and Canada. The group took part in John Deere's 2017 Media Event, which began Wednesday night at John Deere World Headquarters in Moline. It concluded Thursday after a factory tour of the combine plant, the facility that produced much of the new equipment featured. With the manufacturing plant's entrance converted into a display floor of farm machinery, reporters had a chance to hear from the experts on the new machines and technologies. On view was Deere's new S700 combine models, its Frontier tillage equipment, sprayers, planters and other equipment and more. "Customers spend long hours in these machines," Cyndee Smiley Dolan, the division's marketing manager, said, describing new features such as ergonomically designed command arm and levers, a swivel seat and additional cameras and mirrors to increase visibility. Beverly Flores, the company's North American media relations and communication manager, said the improvements recognize that farmers are trying to meet the growing demand for food and with the same resources. "They are looking for ways to try to get more out of that same acre," Flores said. Much of the demonstrations focused on the new technologies, including automation, improved data and documentation and other precision agriculture tools. "At the heart is how can me make a good farmer even better," Flores said. The equipment show came on the heels of a virtual launch of the 2018 models held last week for John Deere dealers, said Terry DeMay, Harvester's senior marketing representative. He said the show makes the experience more personal for the ag media who cover Deere. "We have experts here, and they can physically look, touch and see the equipment," DeMay said. Attending what was the third such show in the past three years was Dave Kurns, editorial content director for Successful Farming, part of Meredith Agrimedia. "It's important for farmers to know what are the advancements coming that they need to plan for, invest in and ultimately, make more money (with)," Kurns said. Teamwork and creativity reigned at the annual challenge for high school student teams whose task was to complete a pastel mural during one day. Rock Island High School took home first place in the ArtWorks Expo High School Pastel Competition at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport over the weekend. North Scott High School finished second and Davenport North High School was third. Other schools that received participant awards are Rock Island Alleman, Davenport Assumption, Davenport Central, Davenport Mid-City, Rivermont Collegiate and Davenport West. The judge of the competition was William Hannan, art professor emeritus, Black Hawk College, where he taught for 34 years. Serving as mentor was Carolyn Krueger, gallery manager for Gallery West and The ARTery. The event was organized by MidCoast Fine Arts. Camanche City Councilman Bill Wruck faces charges in Clinton County after sheriffs deputies say he bypassed the water meter at his home last year. The 42-year-old made an initial court appearance through his attorney, James Bruhn, on charges of third-degree fraudulent practices, an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison, and fifth-degree theft, a simple misdemeanor. Wruck waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will be arraigned June 23. According to an affidavit filed by the Clinton County Sheriffs Office in support of the criminal complaint: On Dec. 9, Camanche City Administrator Andrew Kida reported possible water meter tampering to the Sheriffs Office and said the city had looked at previous water records for Wrucks home in the 300 block of 15th Place. City water records indicated that there were six days of zero consumption in June 2016; 22 days of zero consumption in July; 41 days of zero consumption between late August and mid-October; and seven days of zero consumption in November. Kida told a sheriffs deputy that a city maintenance worker had gone to Wrucks house on Nov. 21 to examine the water meter and was denied entry by Wrucks wife. The maintenance worker told the deputy that within an hour of being at the home, the meter started to show consumption again. Kida provided the deputy with water billing records for Wrucks residence that showed he had been issued delinquent and final notices several times in 2016. Kida estimated that the cost of water not billed to Wruck was less than $200. The meter was tested twice and was working properly. Wruck is a field services technician for Iowa American Water. His duties include reading, testing and installing water meters, according to the affidavit. Wruck declined comment Thursday. A Rock Island man accused of trying to buy several kilograms of cocaine from a confidential source earlier this month pleaded not guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court, Rock Island. Jeffrey Terrell Moore, 29, was indicted May 23 on one count of attempted possession of at least 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute. A trial has been scheduled for July 31. He remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. According to court documents, a confidential source called Moore on April 26 and said he was traveling to Houston to buy multiple kilograms of cocaine at a good price and asked if he would be interested in buying some of the cocaine for $32,000 a kilogram. Moore called the source back later that day and said he would be interested in purchasing some of the cocaine, and the two discussed the purchase of six kilograms, with Moore paying for three in cash and the other three being sold on consignment, according to court documents. On May 4, the two arranged to meet at a location in Rock Island. Moore was arrested minutes after the two met in the source's vehicle. Moore had $33,750 in his backpack. A search of his home turned up another $23,340, according to court documents. Angela Parrish has had her problems with Affordable Care Act's exchange. It's been difficult to use, she said, and there have been mistakes that have put her on the phone for hours. Still, the 47-year-old woman from New Liberty may face a more daunting problem soon. In less than three weeks, Iowans should know whether it will even have an insurer willing to take part in Iowa's individual insurance market for 2018. June 19 is the deadline for insurers to file papers with the state. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Aetna already have said they won't be returning next year. Meanwhile, Minnesota-based Medica, has suggested that it might not come back, either. If that happens and nobody takes their place, Iowa could be without an insurer for nearly all its 99 counties next year. A fourth company, Gunerson Health Plan, operates in the state but in only a handful of counties. Iowa isn't the only state where insurers are leaving the ACA marketplace. Humana said earlier this year it wouldn't sell in any of the marketplaces. Aetna said last month it would leave the last two states where it had policies on the exchange. And Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City said about a week ago it wouldn't join the 2018 marketplace in its 32-county service area in Kansas and Missouri. But the sudden departures here have made Iowa somewhat of a focal point for the state of competition in the Obamacare marketplace these days. Republicans have blamed Obamacare, a law they've been trying to kill for seven years. Democrats say insurers are reacting to the uncertainty created by what they say are the Trump administration's threats to undermine the law, not to mention congressional Republicans' struggling efforts to replace it. Parrish says she pays little attention to the political back and forth in Washington, D.C., but maintaining coverage is important to her. "It does worry me," she said. "What if something catastrophic happens." In fact, Parrish had some polyps removed from her nostrils last year. They weren't cancerous, she said, but it's a situation she and her physician are keeping an eye on. So far, it's not clear what options there are for Iowans. Even if a single insurer were to sell policies statewide, it would be problematic. It would be taking on a population that's already proven itself to be costly. The more insurers there are, the less the risk in the marketplace, which allows for lower prices. Last month, Medica called on the state or Congress to "provide stability" to Iowa's individual marketplace. But congressional efforts have slowed and cost-sharing subsidies are in doubt. So far, it doesn't appear the state has anything at the ready. Gov. Kim Reynolds, at a stop in Davenport last week, said there are discussions going on about the issue, but she declined to provide any details. Chance McElhaney, a spokesman for the Iowa Insurance Division, said the highest-risk individuals in the state are concentrated in the individual market, which has driven up rates for everybody. A congressional fix is needed, he said. "Any short-term potential solutions to temporarily keep the market afloat are also greatly restricted by federal law," he said. Some have floated the idea that the state's high-risk pool, HIPIOWA, could be an option. But the insurance division estimates only about 2,500 people might qualify because of medical conditions. It did not have an estimate of how much that might cost. One of the key factors in determining whether high-risk pools will work is the level of funding. And at the federal level, it's not clear yet what that will be. Even so, McElhaney said, "while it might serve as an answer for those with very significant persistent conditions if we have no ACA plans available, it does not restore our collapsing insurance market." This situation doesn't affect people who get their coverage through their employer or from the government. Some people in Iowa and other states have considered health care sharing ministries, which distribute health care costs among members of the religious-based groups. Membership in such arrangements has grown since the Affordable Care Act passed, but the state warned last year these are not insurance companies and so aren't regulated. They also have rules, based on the religious beliefs of the ministries, that can have a bearing on what is covered. The Affordable Care Act's rules on requiring coverage for people with pre-existing health conditions don't apply, either. Connie Mangler, a real estate agent from Davenport, had considered such an arrangement for 2017 after her insurance costs went up. After much study, she, instead, turned to buying a policy from the exchange. She still isn't satisfied with her coverage, and with the prospect of fewer, if any, choices for next year, she said, "Truthfully, I might quit insurance and save on my own." Politico reported a few weeks ago the administration still was enforcing the part of the law that requires people have insurance or pay a penalty, but there are doubts about its future, too. Iowa's situation is not unique, experts say. Other states have seen an erosion in the number of insurers. In fact, in 2017, nearly a third of the counties in the U.S. had only one insurer, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Cynthia Cox, associate director of health reform and private insurance for the foundation, said Iowa had "pretty good" participation, yet it collapsed rather quickly. That could be a warning to other states. But Cox noted there also are some unique aspects to Iowa's individual health insurance market. A large number of people in the individual market, about 78,000, have plans that don't have to meet the requirements of the ACA. They were purchased before the law was passed or were allowed to remain. There also is a Wellmark enrollee with costs that have been estimated at $1 million per month. "The risk is not being distributed across that broader group of people," she said. Enrollment for 2018 doesn't open until this fall, so people in the individual market have some time to decide what they are going to do. But at the moment, there are more questions than answers. "I don't know what I'm going to do," Parrish said. A good Tuesday to all. Dense fog will eventually give way to sunny skies late this morning with the Quad-Cities heating up to summer-like temp Flipping through old camping, canoeing and climbing photographs, the proud father and scoutmaster can't help but smile and reminisce about summers in the wilderness with his boys. As the primary leader of Geneseo Boy Scout Troop 131, this month marks a major milestone for Greg Kowitz and his Scouts. The troop became one of the first official Boy Scouts of America organizations in the region when it gained its charter in 1917, just seven years after BSA was incorporated. To celebrate its 100th birthday, the group is throwing a get-together next weekend in Geneseo. "This doesnt happen too often," said Kowitz, who has served as scoutmaster for 12 years. "We're trying to do this right." In the early days, Troop 131, originally Troop 1, held its meetings at First Congregational Church in Geneseo. Over the years, Boy Scout councils in the area merged, causing Troop 1 to change its number twice. In 1929, Troop 1 became Troop 31, and in 1959, the crew landed on its current number. Today, the Davenport-based Illowa Council, which was formed 50 years ago, oversees Troop 131 and 81 other troops in 13 Iowa and Illinois counties. Kowitz, a rural route carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, said he has about 30 Scouts ages 11-18 and almost as many adult volunteers. "Were very lucky," he said. "We have a lot of people that support us." The troop performs a variety of community service projects, including cleanups at the Geneseo Izaak Walton League and food collections for the Geneseo Food Pantry. Members also place flags on veterans' graves at a Geneseo cemetery. "If someone asks us for something, we'll do it," Kowitz said. Although he never participated in Boy Scouts as a child, his three sons joined Troop 131, inspiring him to get involved. None of his boys, however, pursued the Eagle Scout rank. "In the end, its really up to the boy," said Kowitz, 59, who grew up in Geneseo. "We're there just as guides." Twice a year, the troop goes climbing at Backbone State Park in Dundee, Iowa, and Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois. They also host at least one camping trip each month of the year. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Geneseo, Troop 131 meets from 6:30-8 p.m. every Monday at Cole Cabin. Looking back on their history, Kowitz credits former scoutmasters for ensuring the institution's longevity. "It has a lot to do with the leaders and the way they interact with the boys," he said. "Treat them with respect, and they will respond to that." In the coming years, Kowitz, who is "still learning from these kids," said he and others need to maintain an interest in Scouting in their community to continue the troop's legacy. "If you keep the boys interested," he said, "they will remember it and appreciate it, and it will have a very big impact on their lives." Quad-City Times Editorial Page Editor Jon Alexander was recognized with a national award for editorials written in 2016 pushing for government transparency. He received the APME First Amendment Award, competing against work by newspapers nationwide in the 40,000 to 149,999 circulation category. His editorials, published in early 2016, pushed against the practice of closed-door meetings by Davenport City Council, which are now open to the media and the public. The 2017 Associated Press Media Editors Awards were given to watchdog journalism that saved lives, exposed bias, held government officials accountable and shed light on hidden practices. This is a huge honor to be recognized by our peers on a national stage for doing what I believe to be one of the key roles of newspapers, to advocate for our readers, Quad-City Times Executive Editor Autumn Phillips said. Alexander will receive the award during a reception in October in Washington, D.C., at APMEs annual News Leadership Conference. Other recipients of the First Amendment Award this year were The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier, in the 150,000 and over category and the Peoria Journal Star, in the 39,999 and under circulation category. The Chicago Tribune earned the grand prize in Public Service for Dangerous Doses, which exposed pharmacies that were dispensing drug combinations that could cause harm or death. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Springfield (Ill.) State Journal-Register also received top honors in Public Service. The annual APME contest honors excellence and innovation in journalism and reflects the Associated Press Media Editors mission of fostering newsroom leaders, empowering journalists to succeed and cultivating ideas that work. Teams of judges are comprised of APME national board members and top editors at The Associated Press. Phillips is on the board of APME but was not a judge in the First Amendment contest. "I believe quality journalism and the commitment to the communities we serve is central to our newspaper's success," said Publisher Deb Anselm. "A big part of that is to watch out for this community by exercising our First Amendment Rights." Forty years sounds like a lifetime. It also can fly past in the blink of an eye. Just ask the Rev. Sam Smucker. In 1977, Smucker and 30 other people gathered for worship in a room at the former Sheraton Conestoga Hotel on Oregon Pike. Three years later, they were renting space at the Lititz Rec Center for services. Today, Smucker preaches to a weekly audience of 2,800 in an auditorium at the Worship Center a 106,00-square-foot building along New Holland Pike complete with rooms, chapels and cafe. Adjacent is the first church building, now accommodating Lancaster County Christian School students in kindergarten through 12th grade. On June 11, the 69-year-old will step down from his post as senior pastor of the nondenominational church he built; a June 10 ceremony is planned to mark his retirement. Smucker, however, doesn't call it a retirement. Rather, it is a sabbatical, he says one that will last until October when he returns in a part-time role. Leaving the Amish On a recent morning, Smucker talked about how he, a former Amish youth from Ronks with only an eighth-grade education, became the pastor of a modern megachurch. He is the eldest of Daniel and Arie Smucker's 12 children seven boys and five girls, including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker. Eleven of the siblings left the Amish church and lifestyle, with only Ruth Smucker Stoltzfus remaining. Sam Smucker, the first to leave, said he knew at a young age that the lifestyle was not for him. "I told my mom when I was 12 years old, 'I'm leaving the Amish,' " he said. "There was nothing spiritual about it. I wanted a car. My parents weren't as hard-line as some, so they didn't throw me out of the house. They allowed me to keep my car at the farm." His parents ultimately were excommunicated not because of the car but because they took part in Bible studies unsanctioned by Amish elders. Smucker's leaving coincided with "rumspringa," the rite of passage when Amish youths typically boys gain greater freedom. Because they are not yet baptized, they are not subject to church's authority. While many return to the fold after this time, Smucker did not. And his spirituality suffered. At the age of 21, Smucker married his wife, Sherlyn, and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He described it as a time when he was searching for purpose in life something that would become a theme in his ministry. Becoming a minister It was during a Baptist church service in February 1972 that Smucker committed himself to Christ and began to contemplate a role in ministry. That presented a bigger question: How does someone with an eighth-grade education become a minister? He heard about Rhema Bible Training Center (now college) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which offered a nine-month ministerial program. "They accepted individuals who didn't have high school diplomas, so that's where we went." A month before his course of study ended, Smucker received a call from a friend who told him that a small group of people were looking to start a church in Lancaster County. "At the beginning, I was young, had no experience, and I just started teaching the Bible," Smucker said. And people began attending his services. "It was amazing. People had a hunger for God in those days." In the first five years of the church's existence, attendance jumped to more than 1,000. In 1981, less than four years after his first sermon, the first Worship Center was dedicated. A year later, the church purchased an additional 8 acres to meet the growing demand. The secret to his success has been his ability to reach people. The Rev. Matt Mylin, who is taking over as senior pastor and has attended the the Worship Center since he was a youth, said the church's vision has always been to help people build a personal relationship with God and to find their purpose in life. "We help people understand the Bible and how to apply it to their lives," Mylin said. That is guided by Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." As the church grew, Smucker continued to seek new ways to reach the disaffected, adding bands, a stage and audiovisual equipment. "I've always been a big thinker," he said. Brother Lloyd Smucker, who is in his first term as Lancaster County's congressional representative, attributes his brother's success to hard work and his vision for what is possible. "He has an entrepreneurial spirit," Smucker said from his Washington, D.C., office. "He really is a servant leader. At the same time, he is a visionary." In 1998, the church purchased an additional 114 acres and, in 2010, dedicated the current facility. Total cost of the project was $20 million. Three-fourths of the debt already has been retired. The Worship Center now has 15 credentialed pastors who work in a variety of areas. "We're a regional church," Smucker said. "People come here from all different parts of the county. There's one couple that comes here from Delaware every week." Two Pine Ridge men have been charged with murder in the reservations first deadly shooting of the year that happened Saturday. Scott Edison Benson, 30, and Clarence William Yellow Hawk Jr., 27, are jointly charged in federal court with first-degree murder in the death of Christopher Janis, 42, of Vermillion. Benson and Yellow Hawk with malice aforethought did unlawfully kill Christopher Janis, by shooting him, and did aid and abet others in doing so, according to the mens criminal complaint filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court of South Dakota. The shooting occurred near Sharps Corner on Saturday afternoon. It was the first fatal shooting, and the second homicide, on the Pine Ridge reservation this year, said FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Perry. There are no other suspects known to be in custody at this time. The FBI declined to provide additional information about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation with tribal police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Benson was booked at the Pennington County Jail on Tuesday and made his initial appearance at the Rapid City federal courthouse on Wednesday. Yellow Hawk, who also goes by the names Robert Pullian and Clarence Yellow Elk, was booked at the county jail on Wednesday. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday. Both men have outstanding Pennington County warrants on state charges. Benson is wanted on drug violations, including meth possession; Yellow Hawk on aggravated assault and violating a no-contact order. The county warrants, on alleged offenses in Rapid City, cannot be served until the defendants have settled their federal cases. Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris said Thursday that Janis death could have been avoided if local law enforcement had a means to extradite offenders from Pine Ridge. The reservation is considered a sovereign territory under federal law. "Offenders have figured out how to use jurisdictional complications to their advantage," Jegeris said. Its unfortunate, and its tragic, that we are allowing this to continue by failing to build a stronger bridge between tribal and nontribal criminal justice systems. The police department, along with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, are in talks with the Oglala Sioux Tribe about a potential mutual-aid agreement, which would include extradition. Pine Ridge had 17 homicides last year and nine in 2015, according to FBI data. PIERRE | The governors legal counsel provided a briefing Wednesday for South Dakota Board of Internal Control members about a new law that redefines conflicts of interest for members and spouses of 23 state boards and commissions. Attorney A.J. Franken said House Bill 1170, passed during the 2017 legislative session, deals with what he described as ambiguities and overburden of disclosures already required by state law. He said they resulted from the Legislatures passage of the original conflicts law, HB 1214, in 2016. Franken said he has consulted with legal counsel for the affected boards and commissions, and with state Attorney General Marty Jackleys staff, since Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed HB 1214 into law in March 2016. After the passage of HB 1170 this year, Franken said, the attorney generals office is developing a standard disclosure form that the 23 boards and commissions could use. Franken said he would work with Jackleys staff to ensure the affected boards and commissions, and their lawyers, have received the form. Obviously that would be sometime in June? Lt. Gov. Matt Michels asked. Yes, Franken replied. The new definitions take effect July 1. HB 1170 refines the process for boards and commissions to publicly declare their conflicts regarding contracts and services. Franken said the bill defines a direct benefit as having 5 percent or greater ownership interest, or allows a member to acquire property under contract, or a member receives some other financial benefit. The new law requires disclosure of direct benefit followed by a state board or commission voting whether the contract is in the public interest. The board member is prohibited from participating in the vote and could resign before the vote occurs, according to Franken. He said the new law also covers a second tier of what he described as relationship contracts. Those are situations in which the state board or commission member has an interest if the member or spouse is employed by the contracting party, or has an employment-like relationship such as a board membership with the contracting party. These relationship contracts must be disclosed on an annual basis, but the state board or commission isnt required to conduct a vote, he said. The 2017 laws exclusions include situations that involve the public bidding process, or the contract must be disclosed under state-employee conflict law, according to Franken. He said routine maintenance and repair services also are exempt. It can be done without having to go through the approval process, Franken said. There were people other than the murder defendant who had motive to kill the woman fatally stabbed at a Rapid City motel in March, the defense attorney told the court. Vincent Mousseaux, 23, is charged in Seventh Circuit Court with first-degree murder and an alternative of second-degree murder in the death of Deziree Martinez, 30, at the Price Motel on East North Street. The court granted on Wednesday afternoon the request of defense attorney John Murphy to see a record of police contact with Hawk Chavez Sr. over the past four years. Mousseaux, authorities said, tried to stab Chavez with a knife before turning on Martinez following an argument while the three were together at the motel on the night of March 7. Martinez and Mousseaux were roommates. Chavez was able to flee, Rapid City police said, whereas Martinez a mother of six was found dead the following morning. Mousseaux is charged with two alternate counts of aggravated assault in the stabbing attempt on Chavez. Meanwhile, in a new development in the case, Mousseauxs attorney is looking into whether Chavez could have killed Martinez. Murphy told the court his investigation has revealed that Chavez has committed crimes against women, and has made a threat to kill a woman and her children. Chavez has had numerous contacts with police, including about a month before Martinez was killed, the lawyer said. Chavez is currently facing unrelated criminal charges, Murphy earlier stated in a court document. Murphy asked Judge Jeff Connolly to order local law enforcement to release a record of their contact with Chavez while the lawyer explored the possibility of a third-party perpetrator defense for Mousseaux. Several nights before Martinez was killed, she was alleged to have stolen a tablet computer from an unidentified person, and that this person and several accomplices broke into the residence shared by defendant and Ms. Martinez, attacked them both, and stabbed defendant in the leg, Murphy wrote in a May 9 court document. He said this was essential to explaining why persons other than defendant had a motive to commit the crime charged. Murphy also requested a copy of Martinezs autopsy report, saying the defense does not yet know her cause of death. Murphy said he usually obtains the report within three weeks, but that the prosecution similarly does not have a copy of the report. The Pennington County Sheriffs Office, which conducted the autopsy, told the Journal the report would be accessible to the county states attorneys office as soon as it became available. Capt. Corey Brubakken, sheriffs office head of investigations, referred additional questions to the prosecutors office, citing the ongoing investigation. Mousseaux is detained at the county jail. He is scheduled to return to court July 14, when Deputy States Attorney Scott Roetzel said he would give notice saying whether the prosecution will seek the death penalty against Mousseaux if he is convicted. First-degree murder is punishable by death or mandatory life in prison, second-degree murder by mandatory life and aggravated assault by up to 15 years. He can be convicted of only one of his alternate charges. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Sometimes it seems like the impassioned people who want to preserve Confederate monuments across the South are reading a different history book than the rest of the nation. In fact, they are. A decades-old booklet called the "Confederate Catechism" lays out core beliefs of Southern heritage groups including the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which sells the book and has defended rebel monuments in New Orleans and elsewhere. Some of those monuments were erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which has programs to educate children on its version of Southern history. Here is a look at Confederate catechisms what they teach, how they developed and how they are used today: WHAT WAS THE CIVIL WAR ABOUT? Certainly not slavery, according to the most popular version of "A Confederate Catechism," which is promoted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans on its website. "Both from the standpoint of the Constitution and sound statesmanship, it was not slavery, but the vindictive, intemperate anti-slavery movement that was at the bottom of all the troubles," states the 12-page text, written in question-and-answer form. Such claims don't square with much of today's scholarship. To critics, they seem at odds with the secession documents issued by Southern states, some of which specifically mentioned slavery as a reason for the dispute that led to formation of the Confederate States of America in 1861. Mississippi's declaration said the state's position was "thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery." The "anything but slavery" narrative is popular among Confederate sympathizers who maintain the war was about something other than maintaining the ability of white Southerners to own black people. SO WHAT CAUSED THE WAR? The catechism lays the blame on Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president of the United States brought on four years of bloodshed by rejecting the legal right of the 11 states of the Confederacy to leave the Union and sending troops into the South, it claims. For emphasis, it states in all capital letters that the South: "... FOUGHT TO REPEL INVASION AND FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT, JUST AS THE FATHERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HAD DONE." The guide even denies that the war began when Southern forces fired on Fort Sumter at Charleston, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861. Lincoln started the whole thing earlier by secretly attempting to land troops at Fort Pickens near Pensacola Beach, Florida, it says. Official histories published by the National Park Service disagree. Carl Jones, chief of heritage operations for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, said the catechism is important but it's almost too simplistic in explaining causes of the war, which he said included constitutional questions, religion and multiple other factors. WHO CAME UP WITH THE CATECHISM? The son of a U.S. president, oddly enough. Lyon Gardiner Tyler, whose father was President John Tyler, is credited with writing the 1929 catechism promoted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Lyon Tyler, who spent much of his life in Virginia, was a prominent defender of the Confederate cause at a time when Southerners were pushing back against Northern histories of the conflict. While Tyler's claims seem outside the accepted norm of modern historical scholarship to many, he served as president of the College of William and Mary before his death in 1935. IS ANYONE STILL PAYING ATTENTION TO THESE IDEAS? Yes. The United Daughters of the Confederacy has an arm called The Children of the Confederacy, with young members who are "encouraged to recite basic beliefs and elements of Confederate history," according to the group's website, which also touts Confederate catechisms. The organization even has officers whose duties include spreading the Southern gospel. Many of the people who gathered to wave Confederate battle flags in New Orleans as monuments were being removed likely haven't heard of the catechisms. But the Sons of Confederate Veterans will sell them a reproduction of Tyler's version for $5: It's available on the group's website. "(Tyler) wrote this pamphlet to help correct the propaganda about the South, and his father, by Northern writers and publishers. It is short, concise and should be read by every student, not only in the South, but in the United States," the sales site states. SPEARFISH | After nabbing a bank robbery suspect in less than six hours two weeks ago, Spearfish police, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, set a new local record in apprehending a bank robbery suspect Thursday morning when they stopped the alleged thiefs car 19 minutes after receiving their first call. According to Spearfish Police Lt. Boyd Dean, a lone woman wearing nothing to disguise her appearance walked into the Main Street branch of Black Hills Federal Credit Union shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday and demanded cash. A short time later, she left the credit union with an undetermined amount of money. No weapons were observed during the commission of the robbery, said Dean, who added that police received their first call of the robbery at 10:10 a.m. Witnesses provided an accurate description of the vehicle, including a specific Colorado license plate, which was immediately disseminated to area law enforcement, Spearfish police stated in a release. Approximately 10 minutes later a Spearfish Ambulance unit observed the vehicle traveling east on Interstate 90 near mile marker 16 and relayed this information. A Lawrence County Sheriffs deputy observed and followed the suspects Dodge Caliber, still eastbound on the interstate, at exit 17. At 10:29 a.m., Dean said the deputy was able to stop the suspects vehicle further east and the lone female occupant, identified as 54-year-old Kimberly Robin Campbell, was taken into custody. While Campbell reportedly held a Colorado drivers license, she had most recently resided in Spearfish, Dean said. We just had people in the right place at the right time, said Dean, noting he had not seen two bank robberies in Spearfish in this close of a time period in his 23-year stint with the police force. We had the Spearfish Ambulance personnel in the right place at the right time on the interstate, and Lawrence County deputies in the right place at the right time, and it all worked out. Cash was recovered from the vehicle, Dean said, although investigators were still working Thursday afternoon to determine if all of the money taken in the robbery had been found. Campbell faces charges of second degree robbery and grand theft and was booked into the Lawrence County Jail in Deadwood, Dean said. The robbery and quick arrest comes two weeks after a Belle Fourche woman allegedly walked into the Pioneer Bank & Trust building on Jackson Boulevard and demanded cash. The woman, identified as 22-year-old Kaycee Jade Teppo, fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money while driving a red Volkswagen sedan. Less than six hours after the heist, Spearfish police arrested Teppo on charges of first degree robbery and grand theft. In the latest case, Spearfish police were assisted by the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, FBI and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Police also praised the Spearfish Ambulance Service, for their quick and timely observations of the suspect vehicle. Appeal against compulsory treatment of Bolotnaya activist Panfilov set for June 22 MOSCOW, June 1 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) The Moscow City Court will consider an appeal against a lower courts ruling to send the Bolotnaya Square riot case defendant Maxim Panfilov to compulsory treatment on June 22, attorney Maria Kurakina told RAPSI on Thursday. Moscows Zamoskvoretsky District Court ordered Panfilov to undergo compulsory treatment on March 29. In April 2016, Panfilov was charged with participation in mass riots and use of violence against a law enforcement officer. According to investigators, the man snatched a helmet off a riot policemans head on May 6, 2012. Investigators claim that Panfilov suffers from chronic personality disorder. The march on Yakimanka Street and the rally on Bolotnaya Square in May 2012, both authorized by the officials, resulted in mass riots and clashes with the police. Dozens of people were injured, over 400 protesters were detained. The riot organizers, Sergey Udaltsov and Leonid Razvozzhayev, were sentenced to 4.5 years in prison. Other participants received prison terms from suspended sentences to four years. Several defendants were pardoned; one was sent for compulsory mental treatment. The convicts supporters believe that the riots were provoked by police. Russian cadet charged with abetting terrorism to stay detained until August ST. PETERSBURG, June 1 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov) The St. Petersburg Garrison Military Court has extended the detention of the A.F. Mozhaisky's Military-Space Academys cadet, Vadim Osipov charged with abetting terrorism, RAPSI reports from the court on Thursday. Osipov will remain in jail until August 8. The accused was absent from court because he has been undergoing mental examination in a hospital since May 24. Investigators believe that the cadet was involved in inducing and recruiting people for terrorist activities and/or provided financial aid to terrorists. Osipov could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The A.F. Mozhaisky Military Space Academy is a military educational institution providing training for specialists of the Aerospace Forces and other types of the Armed Forces in 40 different military specialties. Putin amends law on Russian presidential election MOSCOW, June 1 (RAPSI) President Vladimir Putin has signed a federal law introducing amendments to the legislation on Russian presidential election, according to the statement published on the Kremlin's website on Thursday. The law updates provisions on establishing election districts, organizing election commissions, nomination and registration of candidates, election campaigning, election financing and clauses on requirements to voting premises. The legislation also fixes mechanism of voting at the places of electors location pursuant to applications filed by them. Thus, election commissions report forms would be changed as well. Moreover, video monitoring and transmission would be allowed in voting premises, the briefing paper of the law reads. The document was passed by the State Duma on May 24. The Federation Council approved it on May 31. MISSOULA A Bigfork woman has been identified as the victim of a fatal rollover Tuesday on Montana Highway 83 in the Swan River valley east of Bigfork. Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said Sharon Wyman, 53, was killed when her vehicle rolled near mile marker 82. The crash was called in to dispatch at 12:11 p.m. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, Wyman was alone and southbound in a GMC Envoy just south of Ferndale and the Flathead-Lake county line. The Envoy drifted off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected to the left, then overcorrected back to the right. It rolled three times on the highway, then rolled off the right side of the road, coming to rest on its roof. Wyman was ejected and died at the scene. Investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, but alcohol, drugs or speed are not suspected, a MHP spokeswoman said. It was unknown if Wyman was wearing a seat belt. It was the 59th fatality on Montana highways this year, compared to 67 at this time last year and 60 in 2015. America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance! By Review Nepal Guwahati : The students from villages and small towns of Assam showing brilliant success in the Class 10 examination result conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), announced on Wednesday. According the results declared by the SEBA that, the private educational institutions outshone government-run educational institutions in this year High School and High Madrasa exam. This year's pass percentage has been dipped by 14.85 per cent over last year results. The pass percentage in High School was recorded 47.94 per cent, while 52.17 per cent recorded in High Madrasa exam. According to the reports, a total of 3,72,640 students had appeared in this year High School examination. Out of this, 1,78,656 students secured pass marks, including 54,955 passed first division, 80,179 in second division and 43522 in third division. According to the results, 4312 students were scoring 510 and above marks out of 600 and 11312 scoring 450 and above marks. Parthapratim Bhuyan of Jatiya Vidyalaya, Tihu in lower Assam's Nalbari district topped in High School exam by scoring 589 out of 600. Partha said that, he loved Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as a politician. On the other hand, Tannayoee Hazarika of BVFC Model High School, Rajanya Kashyap Gogoi of salt Brook School in Dibrugarh and Nurul Hoque Ali of Raghunath Choudhury HS School in Nalbari district had secured second position by scoring 588 marks each. A total of 29 students including 17 boys secured their positions in top 10 in the High School. Interestingly, students from Assam's capital city and educational hub city Guwahati based educational institutions had failed to secure position in top 10. Nalbari district topped among the districts with highest pass percentage of 65.86 per cent. In High Madrasa, Taibur Rahman Khan of Ambari Kartimari High Madrasa in Goalpara district topped by scoring 537 out of 600. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Guwahati, June 1 : Assam police sounded high alert across the state following intelligence input of probable terror attacks by the ISI patronised terrorists. Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay said that, Assam police had sounded high alert across the state and asked all districts police to take adequate measures. Intelligence Bureau alerted Assam police that an ISI agent had already entered into Assam from Nepal side. IB also alerted the Assam home department and police that, several ISI agents are still working in the state. Meanwhile a recent report submitted to the Union Home ministry by the IB revealed that, ISI patronised terrorist group Hijbul Mujahideen has been focusing the porous Indo-Nepal border and over 100 Hijbul Mujahideen terrorists have been taken shelter in the neighbouring country. "The terrorists are trying to sneak into India and specially focusing the North Eastern region," a top IB source said. On the other hand, the Assam ADGP (Special Branch) Pallab Bhattacharya said that, Assam police has been taken the IB input very seriously. "All districts police asked to take appropriate measures and ordered to launch massive operation in all suspicious locations," Pallab Bhattacharya said. Assam turns as an boiling point for jehadi activities. Security forces had arrested over 50 jehadis in Assam in past two years. Security personnel also recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition and busted jehadi camp in the state during the period. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) CHITWAN, June 1: District Court Chitwan today freed two cadres of the CPN (Maoist Centre) who were alleged of tearing the ballot papers last Sunday. They were freed on bail. The District Police Office Chitwan had arrested Drona Babu Shivakoti and Madhu Neupane reasoning they tore the ballot papers while the vote count of Ward No 19 of Bharatpur Metropolis was going on under the local level election. A single bench of Judge Basudev Poudel freed them on the bail of Rs 100,000 each during the hearing whether they could be kept in detention for further investigation. Record keeper at District Court Chitwan Dhani Prasad Chapagain informed that they were demanded action in line with Section 16 (b) of Election Crime and Punishment 2073. RSS By Review Nepal Guwahati : Security forces had apprehended a hardcore militant of NSCN (IM) from Assam's Tinsukia district on May 30 night. Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, based on intelligence input the Assam Rifles troops under the aegis of DAO division conducted an operation at Ledo town on Tuesday night and nabbed a NSCN (IM) militant indentified as Timsay Pongner. 'The battalions swiftly launched an joint operation and apprehended the militant. Post spot interrogation he admitted allegiance to NSCN(IM), further divulging that he has been associated with the outfit since April 2016 and has been actively supporting the outfit in its activities by carrying out extortion and providing Logistic support. He further informed about his involvement in getting treatment done of a NSCN(IM) cadre who got injured in IFC between NSCN(IM) and NSCN(K) in April 2016 at Phinbero,'A the Defence PRO said. Security Forces has been carrying out aggressive operations in the South Arunachal Pradesh and this apprehension has struck a blow to the extortion activities being carried out by the underground cadres of the group in the area. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) sacw.net - 1 June 2017 Jaipur Rajasthan State Commission for Minorities has sought a factual report on a video that went viral on Thursday showing four Sikh men purportedly beaten up by local residents of Chainpura in Ajmer district.The 51-second video shows four members of Sikh community being abused and thrashed by a mob as people witnessing the incident filmed the entire episode... ..three to four sewadars (Sikh members) of a gurdwara from Alwar district had visited the village to collect donation.The local residents had then beaten them up alleging that they molested their women...However, according to police, the Sikh men were not found involved in molestation and were asked to file a cross FIR against those who thrashed them but they did not lodge any complaint. (http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/05/25/rajasthan-govt-orders-probe-into-video-showing-sikh-men-beaten-i_a_22109202/) Hotel Hayat Rabbani in Jaipur still remains closed. Neither the forensic departmentas clean chit that the meat served in the highly popular eatery served was not beef and nor the district sessions courts order to reopen the hotel has changed its predicament. In fact the courts have even directed the Municipal Corporation that it files compliance report at the earliest but it appears that this order has fallen on deaf ears. The city corporation people claim that they do not have any knowledge of the order about this case which reached national headlines and which continued to get coverage during this two months period. The owner of the hotel has even submitted a copy of the order to them but status quo remains.One is still not sure how many more days, weeks or perhaps months would be required for the corporation to come into action firstly to have a knowledge of the order and secondly, gather the courage and wherewithal to do the needful. Looking at the state of affairs it would not be surprising if the wait remains endless. We are being told that one Kamal Didi - whose allegations that beef is being served in the hotel - had unfolded the set of events - and that also just by aseeinga a hotel employee throwing hotel refuse on the garbage dump, is not satisfied with the report of the forensic dept. and is contemplating next course of action. The forcible closure of a popular hotel - owned by a person belonging to minority community - where the not so holy alliance between the vigilante mob owning allegiance to Hindutva Supremacist ideology and the police and the administration is starkly visible, in the capital of a state itself, is a representative image of our times. 1. A less discussed aspect of this aoperation closurea of the hotel pertains to a whatsApp message which was allegedly circulated by one of the seniormost functionaries of the city. The message had exhorted people to join this aholy actiona. Someone who is supposed to be a custodian of the interests of the city and its residents provoking a section of the populace to join basically a criminal act ! Now the element of surprise has gradually disappeared. One is reminded of Balzacas writings where the sheriff of the city metamorphoses into criminal/mafia don at night. It is rightly said that times are such that it is difficult to differentiate between a vigilante mob and the state. While the mob attacks the victims under whatever pretext it can think of, the police - the most visible of the stateas arm - turns a mute spectator or at times even prods the attackers. One can have a cursory glance at the spate of such killing incidents which have been reported across India in recent times to understand the dynamic. Lynchings in Jharkhand have added a new adimensiona to it. May 18, 2017: Seven people were lynched in Jharkhand in tribal-dominated areas near Jamshedpur. The lynchings were done in two separate incidents following WhatsApp rumours of gangs active in kidnapping children in the region. According to a report in The Indian Express, police stood by watching the mob lynch four people. The police personnel who saw the lynching included a Deputy Superintendent of Police, a Circle Inspector, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors and at least 30 policemen including those from the local police station in Rajnagar. (http://indianexpress.com/article/web/jharkhand-lynching-adds-to-the-long-list-of-mob-violence-in-the-country-4669561/) We have n number of such examples before us where people have come under attack because of some mischievous rumour and were themselves put behind bars on some flimsy pretext, or seminars attended by leading scholars held in educational institutions have come under attack, participants brutalised and the police letting the the attackers go away scot free. And there is growing anormalisation of this brutalitya... Even if it is not possible immediately to comprehend the whole dynamic but future social scientist would have enough raw data available with them to know how a vigilante mob slowly merges into the state and vice versa and how the much cherished rule of law is put on its head or how the state aoutsourcesa work of silencing dissident voices to such mobsters. The characteristic features of this unfolding violence are evident to even laypersons. The violence is such that victims can be easily turned into areal perpetratorsa and the perpetrators are projected as amartyrsa. Remember killing of five dalits in Dulina, Jhajjar supposedly for skinning a dead cow in the year 2003 when a thousand strong mob had thrashed the hapless group in front of police station and in the presence of senior officers of the administration and the police had alodgeda a case against the dead persons for aprovoking the people.a Box Lynchindia ! A spate of lynching incidents have been reported across the country in the last few months. The attacks have raised grave concern both with the society and the government at large. Here is a look at the attacks in the past three months .... ..May 2, 2017: A mob of right wing activists lynched a man after he eloped with a woman from a different community. The man was beaten to death. A press statement by the UP police said that members of Hindu Yuva Vahini were involved in the lynching. April 30, 2017: A mob lynched two men in Nagaon district of Central Assam on suspicion of them being cow thieves. Abu Hanifa, 23, and Riazuddin Ali, 24, were chased down by a village mob and assaulted brutally. The two were rescued by the police but couldnat be taken to a hospital. April 22, 2017: Four men purportedly from animal rights group People for Animals stopped a truck in Delhias Kalkaji area and beat up the occupants badly for suspecting them of being cattle smugglers. .. April 21, 2017: Cow vigilantes attacked a family of five including a nine-year-old in Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack happened in the evening when the nomad family was herding their livestock in Talwara area... April 1, 2017: A Muslim man named Pehlu Khan, 55, was lynched by a mob of hundreds of cow vigilantes in Alwar in Rajasthan...Not long ago, the Rajasthan government had set the punishment for cow killing to life imprisonment. March 9, 2017: A Bangladeshi security guard was lynched to death in Tripura who was allegedly part of a group of 12 who had come with intentions of robbery in a village. (http://indianexpress.com/article/web/jharkhand-lynching-adds-to-the-long-list-of-mob-violence-in-the-country-4669561/) Another important thing to remember is that there is nothing spontaneous about it. Despite outward packaging of a sudden outrage, all such actions are well organised affairs, where the perpetrators know it very well that their public display of violence or even its recording or sharing it with a larger audience via social media etc is not going to have any impact on them If anyone has any doubts about the planning which goes into it one can have a look at the a judgement of Punjab Haryana highcourt regarding the self proclaimed acow protectora vigilante groups which it delivered last year or report of Director General of Police, Gujarat during Una movement wherein the officer had castigated network of such cow vigilante groups in no uncertain terms and called for action against them. Independent journalists have also written how the new cattle slaughter rules would further emboldent vigilantes. ( https://scroll.in/article/839086/the-daily-fix-new-cattle-slaughter-rules-may-end-up-giving-cow-vigilantes-a-new-sense-of-impunity.) 2. Normally religious minorities, dalits alongwith dissenting voices of various kinds happen to be the usual targets of such violence. It is a different matter that with the spiralling of such violence people from majority community are also coming under attack as witnessed in the recent killings in Jharkhand. Of course, whatever might be the scale of violence one witnesses that there is broader acceptance to such acts if they are targetted against the ahated othersa. Thus asacrednessa of cow makes it possible that human flesh becomes less important than bovine flesh. The elopement of a girl from a majority community with a youth from a minority community - which is portrayed as alove jihada - can even lead to forcible expulsion of the minority ( may be of the religious or the social type) families from the region with police becoming mute spectator. Or if one is found to be talking of human rights of Kashmiris, then apart from the mobsters the agencies of the state can also apprehend you for being an aanti-nationala Thanks to the proliferation of internet this aviolencea has taken up another sinister dimension. Here vigilantes - who are called as atrollsa engage in cacophonous clamour on social media to silence anyone with whom they do not seem to agree. The anonymity on virtual space further adds more power to their voices. And thus a handful of people through their twitter accounts can create illusion of a hugely amplified voice. The asuccessfula manner in which it can be done can be learnt from the recent incident at Swedish Embassy in India which disinvited two leading women print and TV journalists - Swati Chaturvedi and Barkha Dutt a.[F]ollowng mass populist trolling and complaints from the Twitterattia to an event organised on th eaWorld Press Freedom day. (Indian Express, 14 th May 2017, Free Speech ? You Must be Joking !- Nishant Singh) Media, which is called as awatchdog of democracya seems to have largely abandoned its critical role and barring exceptions it thus either maintains silence over such incidents of organised violence or remains content in presenting a majoritarian viewpoint or even at times provokes people to join the aoutragea. Remember how a large section of media (especially the electronic one) ganged up last year when the government at the centre decided to target Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi under the false pretext that aanti-nationala slogans were raised. A few of them had no qualms in presenting fake videos to support their claims. Judiciary, which is reported to be custodian of the constitution is also found to be wanting on this front. Reports galore in where we are told how it had earlier taken suo motto action while browsing through some newspaper report or when some judge found herself/himself caught in a traffic jam caused by striking workers. One is reminded of an article on aJudicial Activisma by Justice Ahmadi, retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, wherein he had asked a pertinet question. Why does the much talked about judicial activism stops at the gate of communal violence/ hatespeeches/targetted violence against the marginalised. Forget strict measures there are occasions when it is also found to move because of acollective sentimenta of people. Look at the Nirbhaya case in which all the rapists have been sentenced to death. While it has rightly raised debate about death penalty, no less controversial has been the remarks of the highest judiciary which had mentioned how this particular case impacted collective sentiment of people. T M Krishna in his well argued piece on Scroll rights raises important questions in this connection : ..Collective conscience makes its appearance through the individual conscience of the judge. So, when judges use this phrase, it is really to express what is essentially their own viewpoint, or they have taken it upon themselves to determine acollective consciousnessa . Both these positions are entirely self-generated... ..Our Constitution is based on the principle of justice for the most marginalised, disfranchised, oppressed, unknown, unseen and ignored. This spirit demands that law cannot rely on or be influenced by any delusionary sense or mood of the people. (https://scroll.in/article/837473/the-tm-krishna-column-the-problem-with-collective-conscience-as-reason-for-death-sentence) Situation is such that because of an enfeebled parliamentary opposition which has not been able to put up a strong fight for the defence of secularism or defending constitutional principles and weakness of social political movements of the transformatory kinds India has slowly started looking like a amirror imagea of its aarch rivala Pakistan. 3. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, had rightly prophesised about this state of affairs during the tumultous days of partition riots and asked India people to remain vigilant as he could see that India could easily turn into aHindu Pakistana While vigilante mobs kill here under the name of cow, love jihad or similar other emotive issue, innocent people are killed on the other side of the border under the name of blasphemy. Not some days ago Mashal Khan, a journalism student at the Khan Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, was stripped, beaten and shot in the head and chest by a mob under the charges of blasphemy. Mashal, a bright young student who talked of Che Guevara and Marx and looked critically at religion , by his fellow students who even videographed the whole lynching incident and circulated it on social media. Centre for Social Justice, a Lahore-based research and advocacy group, has collated information about such killings and according to it aat least 62 men and women have been killed on mere suspicion of blasphemy between 1987 and 2015. So far, no one has been executed by the state. a (https://thewire.in/98249/for-the-love-of-god-history-pakistans-blasphemy-laws/)a It further adds that a[1],472 people who have been accused under the blasphemy laws between 1987 and 2015 a specifically under sections 295-B, 295-C and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code. As estimated by the Centre for Social Justice: 730 of these are Muslims, 501 are Ahmadis, 205 are Christians and 26 are Hindus.a(-do-) There is a disturbing commonality even in the modus operandi of such vigilante mobs. Remember lynching of Akhlaq, from Dadri, around 50 kilometres from Delhi, national capital where a lynch mob in its hundreds had suddently gathered at his house and killed him for storing beef in his refrigerator. Not very many people would like to remember that the lynch mob was mobilised by making annoucements from the loudspeaker of a local temple. In Pakistan, a Christian couple Shama and Shahzad Masih, from Kot Radha Kishan, not very far from Lahore, were dragged out of the 10-by-10 feet room in which they had sought refuge, bludgeoned with sticks and hatchets by a mob that eyewitnesses say numbered in the high hundred. And the lynch mob had gathered there when annonucements were made from the local mosque. No doubt there is no direct harm to the basic structure of the constitution, its formal structure remains intact, de jure India - as per Constitution does remain a democracy as well as a republic - but defacto democracy has slowly metamorphosed into majoritarianism and the sine qua non of a republic - that its citizens are supreme is being watered down fast. The phenomenon of mob violence which is packaged as mob justice has not remained confined to the majority community in this part of the earth. It has spread to other religious communities as well and there is a conscious silencing of critical voices in very many ways. The hounding and deaths of two Sikh women in Punjab - both named Balwinder Kaur - under charges of adesecration of Guru Granth Sahiba in controversial circumstances last year and the manner in which the earlier government increased the quantum of punishment in such cases, mainly because of popular pressure is a case in point. Radical Islamist groups active in South India are also reported to be involved in crushing of voices within community or attempting to discipline the whole community in particular ways similarly by mobilising people. 4. While violence or fact of violence continues to remain a marker in these times, it would be worthwhile to see whether it could be ablameda merely on the agents/or actors of violence - the Hindutva Supremacist forces or fanatic forces of various kinds - or it has deep social roots in our society. Day and night we keep talking about tolerance of our great culture and keep patting our backs for the same, refusing to see routinisation or normalisation of violence in our society. It is worth noting that in a country which talks of the greatness of the apostle of non-violence, one type of violence is considered not only alegitimatea but is sanctified as well. Violence against dalits, women and other oppressed sections of the society has received religious sanction from times immemorial and the onset of modernity has not changed the broad picture. Interestingly imprints of many such customs and hierarchies which had their genesis in the Hindu religion is visible in religion as it is practised by others. Caste discrimination in Islam, Christianity or Buddhism which could be unimaginable outside is very much visible in the lifeworlds of the people. India could be said to be the only country where a widow is burnt alive on the dead husbandas pyre. If earlier new born daughter was killed in some brutal manner today parents employ sex selective abortion - thanks to the developments in technology. It is not for nothing that India is the only country in the world where we have 33 million missing women. If we try to look impartially at precepts and practices in other religions, we will find similar valorisation of violence may be against the infidels or the heretics. A cursory reading of Ambedkaras writings makes it clear how the violence is ingrained in the society here. He adds if a Hindu denies temple entry to a dalit or thrashes him/her for reading Vedas etc. then you can see that this act may be aillegala in todayas times but he is observing his religious duty only. His religion enjoins upon him to do it if somebody violates the code of conduct inherent in religion. A related aspect of the alegitimate-illegitimatea violence debate gets unravelled when one deals with riots and the related killings. To understand the gravity of the situation one can have a look at some old figures related to communal conflicts. aStudy by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, a Union Home Ministry body, says that between 1954 and 1996, almost 16,000 people lost their lives in 21,000 incidents of rioting, while over one lakh were injured. Only a handful have been held accountable.a(Communal Riots, India Today, July 21, 2003). It is worth noting that the same citizenry which is categorically opposed to terrorism would exhibit a strange sense of ambivalence towards such indiscriminate violence and arson. This happens despite the fact that many indepth studies of ariotsa in post independent India clearly exhibited that today riots are less spontaneous but more organised affairs. Looking at the fact that today the very act of riot making has reached what Paul R Brass likes to call ainstitutionalised riot systemsa stage in the country, we should be wary of searching for the element of spontaniety in any riot.One needs to emphasise this again and again because what we witness today is the continuous denial of justice to riot victims claiming aspontaneitya to such mayhems. One is reminded of the whole debate when one finds that it has been more than 34 years that Nellie massacre occurred and the perpetrators of this violence still remained unpunished. It was February 18, 1993 when armed mobs attakced and killed more than 1,800 Muslims ( unofficial claims : 3,300 ) across 14 villages in Assamas central district of Nagaon in a span of mere six hours. The attackers of this worst case of religious-ethnic cleansing in independent India engaged in such brutal violence on the pretext that the victims were illegal migrants from Bangladesh. A report in aTehelkaa ( 14 th March 2009) tells us that the report of an inquiry commission which was submitted quarter century ago still lies unattended. And there seems to have unfolded an unwritten consensus between the ruling and the opposition parties in Assam not to revisit the killings in the infamous Nellie massacre. It is not for nothing that successive governments which came to power in Assam have refused to publish the Tewary commission report which looked into the gruesome killings. And when a Japanese scholar wanted to present a paper on Nellie massacre at a seminar in Guwahati, she was denied the permission to present her findings without any reason being given. 5. Let us be aIllegala In this gloomy situation when majoritarianism is masquerading as democracy and a defacto Hindu Rashtra seems to be coming into existence - albeit in slow motion - question of resistane becomes important. How to envisage it in such a context and how to break new grounds in strategising it remains a key question. While we contemplate our response it would be opportune to remember the advice given by Martin Luther King - the legendary civil rights leader - in his aLetter from Birmingham Jail. We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was alegala and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was aillegal.a It was aillegala to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitleras Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at the time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers. You have permission to edit this html. Edit Close Years of warfare have taken their toll on the old lion. Beginning one week before D-Day is set to launch in June 1944, Churchill finds the British Prime Minister (and Minister of Defence) haunted by an epic military failure during the Great War three decades before that cost many lives and scarred his psyche permanently. An early tirade in front of King George VI (James Purefoy), Allied Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower (John Slattery), and British General Bernard Montgomery (Julian Wadham) thus sets the tone for Churchill's reasoning. In his mind, history will inevitably repeat itself. Who else will protect the thousands of young British soldiers who will inevitably die in the planned invasion? He must act to prevent this atrocity! He is adamantly opposed to the battle plans that have been drawn up and proclaims his opposition in full voice. And what a voice! As embodied by the great Brian Cox, Winston Churchill is a fearsome force of power. At 69 years of age, it is not Churchill's stout, bowed physical appearance that is imposing, it is his sheer thunderous presence, which he summons up to become a giant among men, whether he is barking out orders to his latest secretary, a meek young woman named Miss Garrett (Ella Purnell), or arguing with mighty military leaders. Those leaders are arrayed in opposition to him; Eisenhower and Montgomery are at the end of their patience and can barely tolerate his presence. Churchill's military advisor Alan Brooke (Danny Webb) and longtime friend Jan Smuts (Richard Durden), who are quieter and more respectful, yet no less firmly convinced that Churchill must listen to reason. As depicted in the screenplay by Alex von Tunzelmann, Churchill feels left out. He became prime minister in 1940, some months after Britain declared war on Germany and took an active leadership role as Minister of Defence, but after the U.S. entered the war, his military role was reduced. Motivated by genuine, humane concern and a core belief that fires his soul, he refuses to back down, even though his authority is limited. Brian Cox turns the volume up to 11 almost immediately. His sonorous voice charges the movie with electricity; it sounds like God is speaking, and you're in trouble. Somehow, Cox still sounds entirely natural; it never feels like a performance, per se, more like an enlarged style of speaking that fits the man and the moment. He's enraged, or excited, or enthused, and he pulls all the air from whatever room he's inhabiting and forces it out through his throat and his mouth. His dear, beloved, loyal wife Clemente is portrayed by Miranda Richardson with her own distinctive force. She slices through his bluster with well-chosen words that pierce his defenses and cut him to the quick, occasionally leaving him speechless that she would dare to speak to him in such a manner. The supporting cast is strong; John Slattery stands out as the American among the group, but, like Cox, he doesn't overdo his embodiment of Eisenhower. Ella Purnell is mostly left to react with astonishment at Churchill's frequent outbursts, though she nails her sole opportunity to express her opinion. Jonathan Teplitzky directed the stately and respectful The Railway Man a few years ago and has been busy helming episodic television since then. Whether it's largely due to Brian Cox's magnetic, compelling performance or not, Churchill feels like a definite step up from his previous feature. Veteran film editor Chris Gill (War on Everyone) gooses the pace and there's barely any down time, so that's a factor as well. Even for those well-versed in the historical and military accounts, Churchill is a must-see movie in order to bask in Brian Cox's magnificent, empathetic performance. The fact that (eventually) he delivers a stirring speech almost feels a cherry on top. Churchill opens in select U.S. theaters on Friday, June 2, via Cohen Media Group. I doubt there is a country in the world that doesn't have (or has had) an indigenous population, and a population that has been sevrely mistreated, either by genocide, the confiscation of lands, exposure to disease, or forced assimilation. In parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northwestern Russia, the Sami people underwent (and possibly continue to) such treatment in the 20th century, largely overlooked by both the national and international world. In her debut feature Sami Blood, writer/director Amanda Kernell (herself of Sami descent) brings this history to a wider audience, in a remarkable and devastating coming-of-age tale. Sensitive and focused, it's likely to resonate with North American audiences all too familiar with the horrendous treatment of indigenous peoples in their own continent. The elderly Christina (Maj-Doris Rimpi) is reluctantly accompanying her son and granddaugher to Christina's estranged sister's funeral far north of Uppsala. Christina refuses to engage in any sort of local activity of even to speak to her extended family and former friends. Flashback several decacdes, and we meet Elle-Marja (Lene Cecilia Sparrok), a Sami teenager, who (with her younger sister) must attend a boarding school run by the government in order to be semi-assimilated into Swedish culture and language. But of course, the Sami will never be fully accepted; the children (and by extension their whole people) are treated as little more than animals, thought to have less developed brains, are never allowed to speak their own language even to each other, and even after their education, as told they have to return to their communites, because that's all they are good for. Elle-Marja, obviously a very intelligent girl, bears the brunt of much of this mistreatment, from corporal punishment, to bullying and physical attacks by local boys. The usual isolation, pain of growing up, and desire to be a part of mainstream culture is double for Elle-Marja, who begins to distance herself from her Sami heritage, to the point of wanting to deny it all together. She puts on Swedish clothes, runs away from school and tries to blend in at a teachers' college. Kernell takes an unsentimental eye to the difficulties that Elle-Marja endures; she and cinematographer Sophia Olsson use naturalistic settings and camera movements, and only a score to add an extra layer when necessary. A scene in which the female students are 'measured' and forced to strip for the camera is downright heartbreaking, as they are viewed as animals in this government-sanctioned zoo. Sparrok is a revelation as Elle-Marja; her character is not shy, but fights to find the right words that will allow her safe passage, knowing that any moment she could be found out and punished, or sent back to the reindeer herds. Her steely determination is both admiral and difficult, as her decision means rejecting not only her heritage, but her family as well. She finds strength in her sexual awakening, but that strength has a hard edge that she carries to her elder self, Christina. A coming-of-age story with the added horrifying twist of cultural genocide and humiliation, Sami Blood is a remarkable debut, with assured direction and performances, and a minimalist style that belies the weight of its story. Sami Blood opens in New York on June 2nd, and will shortly expand its run to other US cities. "Random If Not 'Rare'? The Eighth Amendment Weakness of Post-Miller Legislation" | Main | "Will the Death Penalty Ever Die?" June 1, 2017 Lots of notable new reporting and commentary from The Marshall Project The always terrific Marshall Project always has many great pieces that should be must-reads for sentencing fans. Though I rarely have the time or ability to give shout-outs to all of the great work done there, the last few days have seen the posting of these pieces or reporting and commentary that all struck me as particularly blog-worthy: Tuesday brought this Commentary, authored by Mark Osler, headlined "The Problem with the Justice Department: Its a building full of prosecutors." Wednesday brought this News piece, authored by Justin George, headlined "What Are Inmates Learning in Prison? Not Much: A new survey of 2,000 federal prisoners reveals big gaps in teaching reentry skills." Thursday brought this Feature piece, authored by Anat Rubin, "Downloading a Nightmare: When autism, child pornography and the courts collide." The last of these pieces is especially lengthy, but should be especially interesting for sentencing fans who think about when and how offender characteristics should or should not impact sentencing decisions. Here is a portion of the piece: The autism defense was thrust into the spotlight by the case of Gary McKinnon, who, in 2002, from an apartment in London, broke into computers at the Army, Air Force, Navy, Department of Defense and NASA, searching for evidence of a UFO cover-up. In fighting his extradition to the United States, McKinnons legal team argued that his crime was the result of his autistic compulsions. And then we started to see an increase in other individuals coming forth and claiming that Asperger's was causal in their need to and their compulsion to download child pornography, said Chad Steel, who conducts digital forensics investigations for the federal government. Steel, who also teaches digital forensics at George Mason University, wrote a paper to help forensic psychologists and others in law enforcement gather evidence to refute the central assumptions of the autism defense in child pornography investigations. A frequent argument we get is that the person was unable to control their impulses, unable to know it was wrong. There have been some cases where thats absolutely been true, he said. But when you read this person has high-functioning autism, they didnt know what they were doing thats not necessarily true. He said before the McKinnon case, he was seeing defendants who were likely autistic, even if they didnt have an official diagnosis. But since McKinnon, the disability is more likely to take center stage. The autism defense can be a double-edged sword in court. Arguing that the defendant has the social and emotional maturity of a child can backfire. Prosecutors can use that information to argue the defendant is likely to reoffend. More often, parents whose lives have been defined by their childs disability find that, in the eyes of the criminal justice system, their child doesnt seem disabled enough. The Marshall Project reached out to state and federal prosecutors with experience in child pornography cases. With few exceptions they were unwilling to discuss cases involving autism. For all child pornography defendants, outcomes depend largely on geography. Some judges stick close to the federally-recommended sentences, while others have spoken out against the increased punishments. But for autistic defendants, the outcomes seem also to depend on how autism is explained to the court. In cases where judges and prosecutors have really been informed on all the dimensions in which Aspergers applies, they got drastically reduced punishments, [defense attorney Mark] Mahoney said. If they get the right information, theres a good chance a much better chance than defense attorneys imagine that prosecutors will understand that this is a population that just doesnt have the dangerousness we associate with the behavior. In arguing for diversion, Mahoney focuses on what prison is like for an autistic person. Many people with autism are unable to understand the hidden social structure of a prison environment. They sometimes tell on others who break the rules. They are eager to please and easily manipulated. Their behavior can be misinterpreted by prison staff, and they are often placed in isolation, either as a form of punishment or for their own protection. June 1, 2017 at 02:37 PM | Permalink Comments Here is another local piece from NM about their rising prison population. http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/n-m-prison-population-rises-while-other-states-see-decline/article_7575190f-8751-5787-8016-5308d6e070b2.html The political framing is interesting insofar as it paints the state as out of touch because it hasn't reformed. Posted by: Daniel | Jun 1, 2017 2:55:40 PM Great first observation about the DoJ. I'm so tired of Supreme Court nominees with long stints in the DoJ. Not just the prosecutorial bias, but the statist bias. And even if they aren't statists per se (i.e. some form of conservative), their views tend to be highly politicized and insufficiently real-world. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jun 1, 2017 3:23:35 PM One feature of autism? Avoidance of change. In Rainman, if you cut the fish sticks in the wrong way, he had to destroy the place. Is the avoidance of change a mitigating or a an aggravating factor? Posted by: David Behar | Jun 1, 2017 4:21:54 PM Sorry, I meant my first post to go in the thread about prison growth and states. Posted by: Daniel | Jun 1, 2017 4:36:57 PM Post a comment Lots of notable new reporting and commentary from The Marshall Project | Main | Is the Ninth Circuit right in holding a federal sentencing judge cannot reject a jury special verdict finding on drug quantity? June 1, 2017 "Will the Death Penalty Ever Die?" The title of this post is the title of this new article in The New York Review of Books authored by Judge Jed Rakoff and reviewing of the book "Courting Death: The Supreme Court and Capital Punishment" by Carol and Jordan Steiker. Here is the intriguingly personal start to what then becomes a fairly standard review of the modern death penalty debate: When my older brother Jan David Rakoff was murdered in 1985, bolts of anger and outrage not infrequently penetrated the black cloud of my grief. Though I knew almost nothing about Jans confessed murderer except his name, I wished him dead. My brother, aged forty-four, had just begun to come into his own. His innovative educational theories were starting to attract attention, and, just as important, he had come to terms with his homosexuality, which for many years he had struggled to suppress. While on a trip to Manila, he engaged the services of a male prostitute, but at the end they quarreled over money. In a fit of rage, the prostitute assaulted my brother with a pipe burner and an ice pick, bludgeoning and stabbing him to death. To cover his tracks, the prostitute then set fire to the bungalow where my brother was staying; but the smoke attracted the attention of a security guard, who apprehended the fleeing assailant. Later that evening, the prostitute provided a full written confession. When my brothers body arrived back in the United States, his face and head were barely recognizable, so vicious had been the assault. My heart cried out for vengeance. Although the death penalty was then available in the Philippines, the defendant, taking full advantage of a corrupt legal system, negotiated a sentence of just three years in prison. Had, instead, the prosecutor recommended the death penalty, I would have applauded. It took many years before I changed my mind. The law professors Carol S. Steiker and Jordan M. Steiker (sister and brother) have written a revealing book about the history of the death penalty in the US and, in particular, the continued difficulties the Supreme Court has had in attempting to regulate capital punishment so that it conforms to constitutional standards. If I have a criticism of their otherwise trenchant account, it is of their failure to give more than passing attention to the moral outrage that provides much of the emotional support for the death penalty outrage felt not only by the family and friends of a murder victim, but also by the many empathetic members of the public who, having learned the brutal facts of the murder, feel strongly that the murderer has forfeited his own right to live. For the Steikers, the debate over the death penalty is first and foremost a symbolic battle over cultural values, with a strong current of racism running just below the surface. This may well be true, but unless one acknowledges that rational human beings can feel such revulsion at the taking of an innocent life as to wish the taker dead, one misses part of the reason that the death penalty continues to enjoy significant popular support, even in many of the states and countries that have banned it. June 1, 2017 at 03:50 PM | Permalink Comments Silly. No mention of the rent seeking theory, and of the fine tuning of the death penalty for its sole purpose, e.g. in Baze. These lawyers are too stupid for me, or anyone else with a high school diploma, who attended Economics class. Posted by: David Behar | Jun 1, 2017 4:18:36 PM Wow. Gay lives matter less in the Philippines, than Black lives matter in the US. Posted by: David Behar | Jun 1, 2017 4:24:12 PM Enjoy in your oh-so-standard - and smug - way, DAB. Posted by: anon | Jun 1, 2017 7:29:49 PM I am both bemused and confused, anon, by you comment, and I would like to hear more about what you think I "enjoy in [an] oh-so-standard - and smug - way." Do you think I "enjoy" horrific murders and subsequent executions? Can you help me understand what you mean by the "oh-so-standard - and smug - way" to enjoy whatever it is you think that I am enjoying here? I do enjoy reading and reflecting on thoughtful commentary about sentencing law and policy, though some commentary in this arena can be standard and smug. But it does not seem you mean to call my commentary standard and smug, and I am genuinely eager to better understand the meaning of and basis for your comment. Posted by: Doug B. | Jun 1, 2017 8:54:16 PM Anon is a dirty lawyer, not even a human being. What it does for a living is morally outrageous. Ignore. Worry about the 99.99% fraction of pro-criminal posts. You are the David Duke of anti- crime victim hate speech propaganda outlets. Posted by: David Behar | Jun 2, 2017 1:04:44 AM Post a comment Two items you'll find at many a California celebration might soon be restricted if local legislators get their way, as a certain type of balloon faces tighter laws at the state level and the city of Berkeley considers banning plastic drinking straws from their little burg. As you likely know, while Mylar balloons the crinkly, metallic ones you've seen at many a shindig are delightfully decorative in a way that traditional balloons can not ever be, they are the enemy of power lines, PG&E reminds us practically all the time. According to the electricity giant, when the helium-filled balloons float free, they often end up hitting power lines and other equipment, causing shorts and knocking out power. Mylar balloon caused todays San Francisco outage. All power restored. Reminder: Keep metallic balloons tethered, away from electric lines. PG&E (@PGE4Me) April 16, 2017 At a Sacramento rally Tuesday, Hayward Assemblymember Bill Quirk said that the balloons "caused nearly 1,900 outages in California in 2015" and "sparked wildfires that cost the state more than $3 million to put out," ABC 7 reports. That's why, for the second year in a row, Quirk is seeking restrictions on the items. This follows a 2016 effort to ban their sales completely, Quirk says, an effort that floated away like a metallic happy face attached to a string. This time around, he wants to make it illegal for Californians to release the balloons into the air, building on a current ban that prohibits their release at civic events. In addition to the power issue, Quirk is concerned about the trash their release leaves behind. "It's litter," he tells ABC 7. "If it goes into the ocean, fish and other wildlife can eat it," which makes you wonder just how many of those 38 million pieces of trash on that Pacific island were balloons. Quirk's bill, which has already passed in the state Assembly, must now be approved by the state Senate. If implemented, fines for those who release the balloons could be as high as $100. Meanwhile in Berkeley, their city council is looking to cut out plastic drinking straws the way they have plastic bags (and many, many other things). According to CBS 5, the members of Berkeley's city council banded together to propose a ban on plastic straws, suggesting that milkshake, bubble tea, or soda drinkers replace them with the far-more-expensive compostable straws. About 500 million straws are thrown away each day in the US, alone, CBS 5 reports, with many ending up in the water (again, my mind goes to Trash Island). So now Berkeley's council is considering a law that would force restaurants to use paper or bamboo straws instead, or encourage people to bring their own reusable straws. The greener straws are about eight times as expensive as the plastic ones, which makes it likely that straw-using restaurants will pass the cost on to consumers. And not only do they cost more, but they apparently suck (ha ha get it) as CBS 5 reports that "compostable straws arent strong enough for smoothies and paper straws will sag if you take too long to drink." Given that, drinkers might want to look into carrying around a couple of those reusable metal straws, even though, as one area resident complained, It sounds a little messy, a drippy straw." But saggy or messy straws are apparently OK with Berkeley's city council, as "leaders believe they will pass this ban early next year." If the ban passes, Berkeley will be the first California city to ban plastic straws... but given how many other prohibitions have started there and moved across the state, it's unlikely to be the last. Related: Scientists Find Remote Pacific Island Covered In 38 Million Pieces Of Trash What does the word flow mean to you? This is the question that curator Noor Aldabbagh posed to contemporary artists across Saudi Arabia last year. Peoples visual answers ranged from the flow of refugees across international borders to the flow of concrete in the ever-expanding sprawl of a modern city. The result was a groundbreaking series of collaborative events across Jeddah that brought together multimedia pieces from over 30 emerging Saudi artists. Now audiences in San Francisco can get a behind-the-scenes look at the unprecedented new energy in the contemporary Saudi art scene. Harvard graduate and Sotheby's Institute-trained curator Noor Aldabbagh will share and discuss a short film about art and public space in Saudi Arabia through the stories of three featured artists. This event will be moderated by Lawrence Rinder, Director of Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Join the Middle East Institute on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the McLoughlin Gallery for this conversation with curator Noor Aldabbagh, followed by hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Noor Aldabbagh is an art collector, museum curator, and documentary filmmaker dedicated to building cross-cultural understanding through the arts and to integrating the arts into all aspects of society. She is the founder of Banafsajeel, the only curating platform in the Gulf that promotes collaborative art projects highlighting artistic talent in the region. The McLoughlin Gallery is a contemporary art gallery serving as a site for exhibitions and public programs working with established international and local mid-career and emerging contemporary artists. Learn more at the event website here. This post is brought to you by the Middle East Institute. Billy Wilder was among the most incisive writer-directors from Hollywoods golden age. Little wonder he was responsible for one of the best Cold War comedies, One Two Three (1961), out now on Blu-ray. One Two Three is set in the divided city of Berlin, frontline in the struggle between capitalist democracy and Soviet communism. It stars James Cagney as a surly yet wily Coca-Cola executive who markets his product as if it embodied life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. West Berlin, where he is headquartered, is thriving, while East Berlin remains in ruins, its streets filled with Communist Party cadres carrying placards in praise of Khrushchev and Castro. One banner makes a funny comment on U.S. hypocrisyWas ist los in Little Rock?a timely question that stung America for the violent, much-publicized opposition to school desegregation in the South. Wilder aims his sharp wit at many targets, including German amnesia over the Nazi period and the banality of American pop culture. Barking at a screwball comedy pace, Cagneys Coke executive bats ideological fastballs back and forth with a young Communist who married the flighty daughter of the beverage giants CEO. The East Bloc receives most of the blows with its hapless bureaucrats, suspicious cops and commitment to economic bankruptcy, but every side takes a hit. One Two Three gradually gathers momentum until it becomes a fast racing snowball of hilarity, not only from the punchy dialogue but from numerous sight gags, including a cuckoo clock that chimes Yankee Doodle Dandy at the top of every hour. Although his name will prompt few nods of recognition, Warren Skaaren helped write many of the top grossing movies of the 1980s, including Top Gun, Batman, Beetlejuice and Beverly Hills Cop II. Before his death in 1991, he was Hollywoods top rewrite man, able to turn rough drafts into box-office gold. Alison Macors Rewrite Man: The Life and Career of Screenwriter Warren Skaaren (University of Texas Press), is a biography that also examines one of the most contentious questions in the movie industry: the apportionment of screenwriting credit. Writers Guild of America rules favor the first writer(s), as if everyone that comes afterand many do because of the star struck, profit-powered politics of Hollywoodis engaged in mere hackwork. In fact, the movies that emerge at the end of rewrite are often significantly different than earlier iterations. Skaaren was one of many prominent writers whose claim for a share of the credit passed through the seemingly capricious arbitration process administered by the Writers Guild. According to Macor, he was bolder than most. Working with Hollywood as head of the Texas Film Commission, Skaaren apparently felt more like a leader than a follower. He didnt always get the credit he felt he deserved and was engaged in arbitration disputes even as he began to succumb to bone cancer. Maas assaulted his mother on May 12 at her Sioux City home after she refused to go with him to pick up another person. After she offered him money for a cab, he hit her repeatedly in the face and tried to strangle her. The unidentified victim, who sustained a possible head injury, was transported from the scene by Mercy Air Care to the Sioux City hospital for treatment. The Ida County Sheriff's Office and the Cushing fire and ambulance crew responded to the accident, which occurred at the intersection of Highway 20 and Alpine Avenue. Construction is ongoing to widen Highway 20 from two to four lanes east of Moville. WASHINGTON -- Dakota Valley seventh-grader Nana Addo survived the first three rounds of the Scripps Spelling Bee, advancing in the national competition in Washington, D.C. Addo, 13, correctly spelled "imprecatory" and "taciturnity" in Wednesday's oral rounds, which were televised by ESPN3. The middle school student is South Dakota's lone representative in the competition, having won a statewide contest at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion on March 18. The number of national spelling bee contestants was whittled from 291 to 188 Wednesday, as 103 competitors were knocked out, misspelling words like "malfeasance," "wobbulator," "corrosive" and "onerous." Six-year-old media sensation Edith Fuller of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the youngest-ever competitor in the Scripps Spelling Bee, made it through Wednesday's competition, correctly spelling "nyctinasty" and "tapas." The remaining contestants were set to take a four-section, computerized test in a semi-final round Wednesday evening. The fifth and sixth rounds Thursday will determine the finalists. Based on scoring from those and the previous rounds, a field of 72 spellers will be whittled down to nine to 12 finalists. The final round, televised on ESPN in prime time Thursday night, will crown the champion. ANTHON, Iowa | A state audit has identified more than $100,000 of improper and unsupported disbursements from the Anthon Rescue Squad over a six-year period. Iowa State Auditor Mary Mosiman conducted a special investigation at the request of officials with the city and the volunteer ambulance squad after they were contacted by a collection agency regarding a credit card they were unaware had been established in the squads name. Of the $91,901 in improper disbursements between January 2009 through December 2014 identified in the special investigation, Mosiman said $80,941 were payments on credit cards established in the name of Kristine Roggatz, the squads secretary/treasurer. The cards included Staples and CitiBusiness credit cards, a Commerce Bank card and a Sam's Club credit card. Mosiman reported bank statements prior to Jan. 1, 2009, were not readily available for the rescue squads bank account and payments were made on the Staples and CitiBusiness credit cards in January 2009. As a result, auditors could not determine whether additional funds were issued from the squads account for the personal credit card accounts. Other improper disbursements identified include 19 cash withdrawals made at ATMs and purchases from phone service providers, online vendors, and retail vendors, according to the auditors report. Mosiman also reported that $9,056 of unsupported disbursements identified include purchases from online and retail vendors. In the report, Mosiman noted that it was possible there had been more improper funds disbursements because bank statements and some other financial records prior to Jan. 1, 2009, are unavailable. The rescue squad, whose primary revenue sources include payments for ambulance services, township donations, and two annual fundraising events, maintained a savings and checking account separate from the citys bank accounts, according to the report. In late 2013, Roggatz notified the rescue squad of her intention to resign her position as secretary/treasurer. She agreed to stay on to train her replacement, who assumed the secretary/treasurer duties in April 2014, the auditor's report said. According to bank records, the last check issued from the checking account signed by Roggatz was dated March 30, 2014. Prior to April 2014, all bank statements were mailed directly to Roggatzs home address even though the rescue squad had a post office box, according to the auditor's report. Mosiman said copies of the report have been filed with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Attorney General's Office and Woodbury County Attorneys Office. Anthon City Clerk Ruth Groth declined comment Thursday. Rick Swanson wanted to build a bar. It began as an idea, popping up in his head two years ago. Swanson, who previously owned the local bar and music venue The Chesterfield during its first five years of business, knew exactly what he wanted and what he didnt want in his new bar. In his own words, he wanted something small, quaint, little. He didnt want to deal with a 4,000 square foot venue. He didnt want to book live music every single weekend too much work, he said. He wanted to build it the way he envisioned. He wanted the atmosphere to feel like the old bars in his hometown of Deadwood, South Dakota. Something warm and cozy. And there would be whiskey. Lots and lots of whiskey. Eventually Swanson came up with a name: Crash! Boom! Bang! Whiskey Hole. When he pitched the idea to his business partner Mac Dolan, his fellow co-owner couldnt stand the name. We fought about that for a month, said Dolan, who also has ownership ties to Work & Church Booze Parlor, Martys Tap and Teasers Gentlemens Club. Crash! Boom! Bang! is located next door to Work & Church on Fourth Street. The name is a reference to Swansons percussionist background the sounds one would expect to hear when sticks meet kit. And its not just a catchy name. By the time the bar opened May 6 the same day as the Kentucky Derby and Sioux Citys Barstool Open the walls were adorned with drum-inspired memorabilia. Autographed cymbals share space with artwork of prominent blues musicians and framed drumsticks belonging to Ringo Starr. A small drum kit looks over the bar atop a high shelf. Upon closer glance, the clock face is actually the cover of a snare drum. Other music-related decorations fill the space that would likely be occupied by neon beer lights if Crash! Boom! Bang! was a regular ol bar. Were pretty selective, said Swanson. I dont want any beer lights at all none. I wanted whiskey neons. Were still in the process. As expected, the bar serves plenty of boozy cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to its clientele of whiskey enthusiasts, as well as other signature drinks. But Crash! Boom! Bang! is still a full service bar that offers plenty of beer and liquor selections to customers who dont have a palate for whiskey. Its not just designated as a whiskey bar, but we have to differentiate ourselves from the 97 other bars in town, said Dolan. We specialize or feature the whiskey drinks. Swanson has as taste for the barrel-aged libation. He enjoys his whiskey neat straight from the bottle, no additives. Crash! Boom! Bang! uses Bulleit Frontier Whiskey as its mainstay pour, but also has about 40 other unique whiskey brands at its disposal. Is whiskey in high demand in Siouxland? Dolan, judging sales from other establishments hes involved with, said yes. A huge amount, he added. Its a hot trend as of right now. I think whiskey is taking over the craft beer. Booze, in general, is just like any other hot item. Theres always a change in the bar industry. Swanson said hes happy to be back in the bar business. He enjoys the company of customers and enjoys their feedback, especially when it comes to whiskey. He wants to give guests a unique and comfortable experience thats memorable enough to make a return visit. Having bartenders smoke a serving of whiskey is just one of those one-of-a-kind experiences. Using a high-powered torch and a portable food smoker known as The Smoking Gun, bartenders infuse a glass of whiskey with smoky flavor profiles and a rich aroma. When it came time to construct the bar, Swanson spent many days and nights renovating the space once held by Richardsons Southern Style Sausage. The finished product was just as he imagined. Its small and quaint and inviting. A small stage is stationed near the corner for booked musicians to play. The soft lighting paired with the bars earth-toned color palate gives off a warm glow. The bars copper tabletop is actually composed of pennies lined together in rows and columns. The roof is rustic and worn in, and a section of a wall is composed of brick and mortar, bearing the bars name and insignia along with its mainstay pour, Bulleit. Its a bar with character. Its very much a reflection of its signature liquor as it is a reflection of Swanson, from the drum memorabilia to whiskey-colored walls. Crash! Boom! Bang! wanted to be different from the get go. Swanson and Dolan agreed this approach was important, especially in a town like Sioux City where there are so many options for customers to turn to. I think you have to set yourself apart otherwise youre the same old thing, Dolan said. 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. HUGHESVILLE, Md. (May 31, 2017)Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) submitted a filing to the Maryland Public Service Commission on May 31, 2017, to reduce its base energy charges by more than 10 percent for residential customers. If approved, the lower rates will go into effect with August 2017 bills. Austin J. Slater, Jr., SMECO president and CEO, explained, "Our residential base rate for August will be the lowest it has been in 12 years. Base rates for all customers-commercial accounts, schools, government buildings, and churches-will be reduced across the board. The base rate for an average residential customer with 1,300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of monthly usage will be nearly $9 less in August than in July." SMECO's Standard Offer Service (SOS) rate is made up of the energy charge and the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA). On SMECO's monthly electric bills, lower power supply costs have consistently been reflected in the PCA, which has been a credit for 30 of the last 34 months. "We work diligently to manage SMECO's power portfolio. We purchase energy using a combination of long-term and short-term contracts, as well as base load and peak load contracts. Lower rates can make a huge impact, especially on facilities that use a lot of energy," Slater added. "When SMECO reduces energy costs, those savings are passed on to customers-that's the value of a cooperative." SMECO's base residential energy charges for summer will decrease by 8.76 percent, from 7.53 cents per kWh to 6.87 cents per kWh. Summer energy charges appear on bills rendered May through September. Base residential winter energy charges will be reduced from 8.13 cents per kWh to7.2 cents per kWh, an 11.44 percent reduction. The reduction for winter and summer months combined total about 10 percent on average. The PCA, which changes monthly, is a credit of 0.4727 cents per kWh for June. The combination of the base energy charge and the PCA credit effectively reduces the SOS rate from 7.53 cents per kWh to 7.0573 cents per kWh. PIKESVILLE, Md. (May 31, 2017)Traffic enforcement efforts by Maryland state troopers during the Memorial Day holiday period resulted in more than 7,800 traffic stops that led to 130 arrests and more than 100 arrests of impaired drivers. Maryland State Police patrol troopers began increased holiday traffic enforcement efforts on May 26, 2017 that continued through May 30, 2017. During that period, troopers arrested 111 impaired drivers, arrested 78 for criminal offenses and arrested another 53 people who were found to be wanted on warrants. The arrests occurred during 7,833 traffic stops made by troopers working traffic safety initiatives that included additional patrols, sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and speed enforcement. Troopers issued 5,196 citations, 4,922 warnings and 807 safety equipment repair orders. Troopers at each of the 23 Maryland State Police barracks were involved in special enforcement operations during the holiday period. During this period, troopers responded to 255 crashes. There were no fatal crashes reported. LA PLATA, Md. (June 01, 2017)Charles County Public Schools will honor 1,965 seniors June 1-3 during graduation ceremonies for seven high schools in the Convocation Center at North Point High School. Students in the Class of 2017 were offered nearly $79 million in scholarship offers, which is an increase of almost $13 million from last school year.Valedictorians and salutatorians were announced earlier this week. These positions are determined by students' grade-point averages and represent the top academic achievers at each high school.Leading her class as valedictorian for the Henry E. Lackey High School Class of 2017 is Francesca Rothell of Indian Head. Brett Culhane of Port Tobacco is the class salutatorian. Rothell will major in biochemistry and plans to attend Swarthmore College in the fall. Culhane will attend the Colorado School of Mines to study chemical engineering.Justin Cortez of La Plata is valedictorian of the La Plata High School Class of 2017. Sarah Gough of La Plata is the class salutatorian. Cortez will attend Stanford University and major in chemistry. Gough heads to Carnegie Mellon University in the fall and plans to study economics.Valedictorian of Maurice J. McDonough High School's Class of 2017 is Jack Browning of Port Tobacco. Leading the graduating class alongside Browning as salutatorian is Sarah Chen of La Plata. Browning will attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the fall and plans to study biology systems. Chen heads to Messiah College and will study nursing.Leading the North Point High School Class of 2017 as valedictorian is Thach-Vu Nguyen of Waldorf. Sherry Chen of Waldorf is the class salutatorian. Nguyen will attend the University of Maryland College Park in the fall and plans to study biochemistry. Chen plans to study biology at Clemson University.The valedictorian of the St. Charles High School Class of 2017 is Eden Lakner of Hughesville. Jekko Syquia of Waldorf is the class salutatorian. Lakner will attend the University of Maryland College Park and plans to study biological sciences. Syquia will attend The George Washington University to study fine arts and computer science.Valedictorian of the Thomas Stone High School Class of 2017 is Calenna Cauley of Waldorf. Salutatorian is Luke Roberts of Waldorf. Cauley will attend Notre Dame of Maryland in the fall and plans to study mathematics and studio art. Roberts heads to the University of Maryland College Park and will major in accounting.Westlake's valedictorian for the Class of 2017 is Joseph Carter of Waldorf. Joining him in leading their class are co-salutatorians Charles Carter and Sequoia Mack, both of Waldorf. Both Joseph and Charles Carter will attend Brigham Young University to study mechanical engineering. Mack heads to the University of Maryland College Park and plans to study international relations and Spanish.2017 graduation numbers by schools (scholarships will increase as offers are received) Total graduates: 239 Scholarship offers: $18,222,218 Total graduates: 251 Scholarship offers: $8,092,457 Total graduates: 183 Scholarship offers: $5,382,235 Total graduates: 440 Scholarship offers: $21,332,385 Total graduates: 285 Scholarship offers: $9,028,423 Total graduates: 296 Scholarship offers: $9,291,272 Total graduates: 271 Scholarship offers: $7,628,696 Total graduates: 1,965 Scholarship offers: $78,977,686All high school graduations will stream live on the school system website, www.ccboe.com . A gallery of graduation photos is also posted on the website at www.ccboe.com/graduation2017.php . Visitors can download photos directly from the gallery. Weve all been warned about the complexities of office romances. When love is in the air, Monday mornings may seem a little brighter, long days can pass just a little more quickly. But the pressure to perform can also stress relationships literally. For these Miami City Ballet dancers, the office romance developed over long hours in the rehearsal hall and plays out under the bright lights of performance halls around the world. Their work is to interpret timeless stories of love and passion, not to mention jealousy and rage. To say the world of professional ballet is competitive is an understatement and the careers of top dancers can be relatively short due to injuries and the enormous stress to their bodies. And, at the end of a long day, they go home. Brazilians Jovani Furlan, 23, and Renan Cerdeiro, 24, are just in their early twenties and both are rising stars in the company. They joined as teens and are practically inseparable. Theyve lived together for more than three years and frequently vie for the same roles as dashing cavaliers. It doesnt feel like a challenge, said Furlan. If anything, (working together) is an advantage. We get to be together, travel, share. We share a lot of the same parts, so we give each other tips. Its never been competitive, said Cerdeiro. I feel like our work environment at Miami City Balleteven between couplesits not competitive and the ballet world is competitive. Everyone wants the best parts and attention for the best parts, but we are inspired by each other, Furlan added. Were just happy for each other that we get the opportunities that we do, Cerdeiro added, finishing his partners thought. Dancers agree that dating can be tough when days are spent rehearsing and weekends find them traveling to performances or even jet setting around the world, as is the case for these top dancers. We have different schedules from other jobs. Were always working late and we miss weekends, Cerdeiro said. A lot of people in the company date people who arent dancers, but its very hard, Furlan said, completing the thought. Cerdeiro arrived three years earlier and Furlan, then a new apprentice in 2011, was immediately attracted to his countryman. They hung out with the other Brazilians in the company. Within a year, they were a couple. Both consider themselves lucky and their relationship has been accepted by both sets of parents back in Brazil. They frequently return home together during the break in the companys season and Cerdeiros parents enjoy trips to see them in Miami, too. Its always hard when you first come out and try to explain the situation, but from the beginning, they were very accepting and warm, Cerdeiro recalled. Luckily, Portuguese is both mens native language and communication is not the issue it might be if one could not speak with the others family. I think, for sure, the language barrier would be a difficulty, Cerdeiro said. Michael Sean Breeden, 29, and Neil Marshall, 33, both members of the Corps de ballet, tied the knot last year after nearly a decade together. We never really got engaged... wed talked about marriage for a long time and, when it became legal, we were like we should do this, it was a conversation we had, said Marshall. Being together nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week hasnt put any unusual pressures on the couple, emphasized Breeden. I think some people might worry that you get sick of someone, but I find it helpful that your significant other is there with you and understands everything youre going through and can support you in a very real way, he said. We moved in together a month after we started dating, so weve never really known our relationship any other way, explained Marshall. Its very comfortable, were not competing for roles because of the ways we dance. Were different dancers. We can be there and be supportive and talk about our days from a very understanding place and be each others cheerleader. They are not one of those couples with a no dance talk rule at home, added Breeden, who said professional dancers are passionate about their work and their careers. Their friends are dancers and its almost impossible to leave work at the office. For better or worseI dont knowit would be unrealistic for us, Marshall said. For this couple, the biggest frustration is that they rarely get to dance with each other. They may share the stage with other dancers and be coupled with one of the ballerinas. Even the straight couples in the company may find themselves partnered with a different dancer. Obviously, we have a comfort and familiarity with each other unlike our other peers, Breeden said. Still, Miami City Ballet is a family (50 dancers and more than a few couples), and when this couple finally got married, nearly the entire party was comprised of colleagues. They studied in New York and Marshalls family was there, so when the company arrived on tour, it seemed appropriate to hold the wedding the day after the tour ended. Acknowledging the challenging life of a dancer, they know their lives will change eventually. Its certainly something one has to think about, pondered Breeden. I definitely want to stay in the ballet world. Ive always felt that I would teach or stage ballet or even give pre-talks with the audience and public outreach. I love that. Marshall is not so certain and would consider going to school and changing careers when that time came. Its funny because well become just like every other couple once that happens. Well have these separate livesits normal for relationships to change. The dynamic will be different. We wont have these lives where were together 24-7, he considered. Shane Ortega walked into the Americana Ballroom at the Loews Hotel Friday morning, with an enlightened mind, but a burdened heart. The two-spirit activist and retired Army Staff Sergeant carried the thoughts and memories of 14 fallen brothers and sisters that they had known through two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. For every silence for a fallen LGBTQ friend Ive buried, to this day I still feel this old heaviness of having to stand teary-eyed at their memorial knowing that their flame, or their book was extinguished, or was never fully read, never fully experiencedthe beautiful knowledge that they possessed will never be fully shared or possibly offered again within our community, Ortega said. They offered both a memorial for the fallen, playing a Cherokee memorial song and delivering a message of strength in diversity to the travelers from around the world who had come to listen to their talk, Embracing Strength in Intersectionality as LGBTQI People at the World OutGames in Miami Beach. We all exist in a world of boxes, Ortega said. And I proudly share each one of my boxes. I am gay. I am transgender. I am indigenous. I am Nigerian. I am French. But my boxes also read, I am a bodybuilder. I grew up poor. I grew up two spirit. I grew up on a reservation. I am a disabled combat veteran. But for most of us, our box reads worried. So today, I want to tell you how I focused my worry. Shane grew up in a household with a rich spiritual and military tradition. Being Cherokee, and raised on a reservation, they grew up in a home accepting of nonbinary ideas in gender, of being two spirit. And Shane uses the pronouns they/them or he/them. Their father served in the Navy, and their mother both in the Navy and Army. Shane knew where they came from and they knew where they were going. As an awakened, conscious being I have learned to embrace every molecule of what makes me unique and what makes me other. Ive learned that those who choose to blend in, often do so withholding themselves, and withholding valuable knowledge from our community. That withholding contributes to our division. Its what prevents real-time action for our progress as minorities. It allows those in power to continue to rule and divide us, because we are divisible to each other. In 2008 Shane Ortega began strategic efforts to repeal dont ask dont tell the ban which kept his LGBTQI brothers and sisters from openly serving in the U.S. armed forces. They transitioned from assigned female to male, openly, while serving in the armed forces in 2009. They served in the U.S. Marines, special operations from 2005-2009 and later as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant from 2009 to 2016. A process which took careful maneuvering through military policy, psychological evaluations, and medical clearance. Those efforts resulted in changing legislation with the repeal of DADT in 2011, the gains in equal opportunity protections in 2015, and with help from the ACLU, a lifting of the ban against transgender people serving in the military in 2016. Ortega attributes those results to his competitive spirit, a result of their intersectional nature, and the drive to prove themselves by giving their all. At everything. When I got into bodybuilding it wasnt enough for me to do one push up, Shane laughed. I had to do the most push-ups, the best push-ups. Shane said he looks at it like gambling, like the way you would come to play Vegas. You have to learn the rules of the house first, then you kick the legs out from under it. Faced with technical challenges, Shane Ortega played this Cherokee Memorial Song from his cell phone, in honor of the fallen, during the Memorial Day Welcome at the World OutGames Miami. May 27, 2017. When, at 19 years old, Deondre Moore told his mother he was HIV-positive, she begged him not to tell his story. Deondre calls himself a mamas boy. And at the World OutGames on Saturday, he had the slideshow to prove it. Moore told visitors about his life back home, focusing on faith, support, and family. Moore and his mother are active members of their community, regular attendees at church services, and they host tremendous family dinners. But Moore told it anyway. Deondre became an official Greater Than AIDS ambassador after joining the SpeakOut Campaign in 2015. Since then, he has worked in community outreach in his home state of Texas and across the U.S. Since coming out as HIV Positive and a professional speaker, I have traveled more in the last two years than I have in my twenty-two years of life, Moore told SFGN. One of the greatest places my work has landed me was Washington D.C. for an entire summer, where I had the privilege to intern for the Human Rights Campaign and work with a few Congressmen and Women. He even reached out to his own church, and spoke to them about the need for community outreach, for sex education, to raise awareness, and to prevent sexually transmitted infections. It was through an HIV non-profit, BeeBusy, that Moore discovered he was HIV-positive. Out at a club with his friends one night, the group offered discreet testing on-site. Wanting to encourage his friends to get tested, Deondre lead by example, taking a mouth-swab test. When Deondres results came back positive, volunteers told him that the oral test was susceptible to false positives, that may result from drinking. He told himself thats what it was. It wasnt until he found himself chronically ill, first diagnosed with a severe flu, despite not having any flu symptoms, that Deondre decided to get re-tested. When he fell ill again, Moore sought out a blood-test, and confirmed what he had already known. But accepting that part of his life, and getting others to accept it, has brought Deondre where he is today. Because he is on treatment, the virus in now undetectable in Deondre. Being undetectable means hes in better health and prevents the spread of the disease. In July of 2015 and 2016 Deondre was selected to become a part of the National Minority AIDS Council's Youth initiative as a Youth Leader. And as part of the Greater than AIDS campaign, Deondre and his mother have appeared side by side in a mini documentary series titled We Are Family, supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Moore is living a healthy life, openly, with the support of his friends and family, help from his church, and his mother by his side. I thought I have an opportunity here to use my voice, share my story, and it felt like thats what I was supposed to do, Deondre says about his decision to speak to his church. People started coming up to us, stopping us, thanking us, he recalls of the outpouring that day. It was about starting a conversation that needs to be talked about. In the video, his mother Kathy laughs, Hes not going to stop until hes reached as many people as he can. And nothing but God will stop him. Check out a video from the mini-doc series below. Nadine Smith knew she was gay from a very young age. Possibly because her third-grade girlfriend Amber told her so. Not that she was gay, just that she was in fact, her girlfriend. It wasnt until they told their teacher about their plans to get married, that they were told that boys had to marry girls, and girls had to marry boys. Thats the way things were. I took that to mean that if I did not choose a husband for myself, one would be assigned to me, Smith said. Sleepy-eyed conference goers laughed, listening as she told her story Saturday morning between sips of coffee. I didnt realize I had gaydar back then, but I must have because I went up to the gayest little boy in class, and I told him he was going to be my husband, but that Amber was going to move with us after her husband died in the war. This was at peace time. But I was an early activist is what Im trying to say. Nadine was one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington. She met with then President Bill Clinton in the first meeting of its kind between a sitting president and gay community leaders. But it was in the third grade that Nadine learned the first lesson. It was the first time that I learned the lesson, that got reinforced time and time again throughout my life. You shouldnt exist, Smith said. You shouldnt exist, and if you do exist, you should hideand if you dont hide well enough you deserve what happens to you. After graduating from high school in Panama City Florida, Nadine joined the Air Force Academy, but left in 1993 after the passage of DADT. There were certain questions I answered accurately, and got into the Academy, that, but I could not answer those questions the same way after Id been there for a little bit, Smith said. Smith said that first lesson was often reinforced by the people who were supposed to protect her the most: teachers, faith leaders and family members. So, in a pre-internet era, her activism didnt begin until she took the opportunity to travel to Europe, while she was attending the University of South Florida. It could have said blah blah blah blah, free trip to Europe, I was in, Smith said. I was really unprepared for this environment. I was just wondering what lesbians in London might be like. She served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Organization, after seeing an announcement looking for American delegates on a college bulletin board. The experience, she said, changed her world view. Id never experienced anything like this before, where there were young people from all over the world, but where the Western European government was funding this work, there were confident, and out, and I had never experienced that. Smith describes a meeting in Berlin, where members of the IGLO were roughed up by some U.S. soldiers. I remember thinking, when they came back, some of banged up some bleeding and scraped, Yeah, that happens. You gotta be careful. the reaction of everyone else was This is outrageous, were going to call the U.S. Embassy, were going to have a demonstration, were going to protest, Smith said. And I thought, My God, how did I learn to be so accepting and docile She had to unlearn it. And that was where her activism began. Now Smith is a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee, a Florida Chamber Foundation Trustee, and she has served on President Obama's National Finance Committee. She was named one of the state's "Most Powerful and Influential Women" by the Florida Diversity Council in 2013, and she was given the League of Women Voter's Woman of Distinction Award in 2015. She lives in St. Petersburg with her wife Andrea and son Logan, but works as a lobbyist in Tallahassee during the legislative session. For me activism is about unlearning all those things Ive learned, unlearning to be docile and getting that poison out. Its one of those things that you dont know exists until you see the possibility of a different world. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Laverne Turnbull of Kitchener, Ont., captured this unique image of Location Baron (#1) and Cabo Real (#4) waiting patiently to race at the fair in Holland, Manitoba last July. The photo is featured as the June photo in the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Clubs Heart of Harness Racing Calendar. Manitoba has 10 weekend fair events for harness racing and according to Turnbull, it is common there to tie horses to whatever is available on race day, but it comes off as unique in locations with established racetracks. When he was home for a weekend last summer he took in the races and captured this image. Turnbull works as a pharmacy technician at Grand River Hospital and as an assistant for several vets. The Manitoba native left for Ontario when he was 19 years old and has been involved in racing for decades. Laverne floating teeth (photo by Dr. Julie Ballinger) Laverne floating teeth (photo by Dr. Julie Ballinger) My father, Ron who is now 91, used to take me to the races when I was in grade school. He groomed horses when he was young, and has owned part or all of a horse (hobby) for many years. He currently still trains and races Rockstars Megastar. I worked as a groom out of high school, and worked for Ron Waples for three years in the late 1980's. I then went back to Western Canada and then back to Ontario, and raced my own stable for 20 years. I currently just sold my share in a mare that is racing (Queen Ideal) with trainer Mike Brealey, who we bought in Harrisburg as a yearling. I own a share in a Bettors Delight two-year-old that is with Al and Adrianne McNeill in Nova Scotia. Turnbull says his photography experience is less than amateur. But I like to photograph horses, and I have the opportunity with my job as vet assistant to see many different breeds of horses. Quarter horse with feline friend in Cambridge, Ont. (Laverne Turnbull) Quarter horse with feline friend in Cambridge, Ont. (Laverne Turnbull) For the third consecutive year, Alberta horsemen will host a Family Fun Day fundraiser in aid of the Stollery Childrens Hospital Foundation at Kelly Hoerdts Bedrock Farms in Beaumont, Alberta. This years event is scheduled for Sunday, June 11. Hoerdt is also including a commemorative mile during the days activities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Canadian Horse Racing. The plan is to have pacing stallion Trust The Artist lead the way for the mile and the kids on hand can jog, run, or walk behind him. All of the kids who complete the mile will receive a special Participation Certificate. Theres something for every member of the family as Hoerdt and the rest of the organizers have pulled out all of the stops to plan a great day which will include: 27 standardbreds in action offering jog cart rides Wagon rides Vintage Collector Cars Bouncy castles Dunk tank Kite making station Classic cars Face Painting, sparkle tattoos and balloon artist Jockeys, four-five Thoroughbreds pony rides Free pizza and refreshments will be provided by Nitzas Pizza of Sherwood Park. Were expecting over 2,000 people this year, said Hoerdt, and our goal is to raise over $20,000 for the foundation. Im just amazed at the support this event has received from the horse racing community the past two years and this year is no different. People are donating to the silent auction, donating their time and its all coming together well! Last year the event was attended by 1,000 people and generated over $20,000 for the Foundation and in year one, $12,000 was raised. Bedrock Stables is located at 50268 Range Road 240 in Beaumont, Alta. Judicial Watch Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Review California In-State Tuition Benefits for Illegal Aliens Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172 WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch announced it filed a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court over a California Court of Appeals decision allowing the University of California's to provide of $27.1 million in taxpayer funds for non-resident tuition and financial aid to illegal aliens. The petition was filed on May 23, 2017, behalf of Earl De Vries, a legal resident and taxpayer of California (Earl De Vries vs. Regents of the University of California (No. BC555614))). Judicial Watch argues that federal immigration law requires that a state law providing benefits to illegal aliens must "affirmatively" provide for such eligibility. In 2011 the California State Legislature passed and Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill giving illegal immigrant college students access to state-funded financial aid. Under the California Constitution, however, the UC Board of Regents is "entirely independent" of the state legislature in policy matters, so there is no lawful way for the California legislature to allow or require the University of California to provide the public benefits for illegal aliens. And, under the federal law, only state legislatures may provide any in-state tuition and public benefits for illegal aliens. Despite this, the UC Board of Regents began providing the benefits anyway. According to the Judicial Watch petition: By finding that entities other than state legislatures can determine illegal aliens' eligibility for public benefits, the Court of Appeal's decision weakened the federal government's powers over national immigration policy, transforming a law that allows 50 state legislatures to participate in immigration decisions into one that could allow 500 or 5,000 state agencies and local governments to participate in those decisions. In August 2014, Judicial Watch filed a taxpayer lawsuit on behalf of De Vries in the L.A. County Superior Court, asking the court to halt the estimated annual $19.6 million in non-resident tuition waivers; $4.3 million in taxpayer-funded grants and scholarships; and $3.2 million in state loans the Regents had started giving illegal alien students. Under California law, taxpayers have the right to sue to prevent unlawful expenditures of taxpayer funds and taxpayer-financed resources. In March 2015, the Superior Court dismissed the complaint and the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven, affirmed the Superior Court ruling on December 9, 2016. In January 2017, Judicial Watch filed a Petition for Review with the California Supreme Court. On February 22, 2017, the petition for review was denied. "California politicians should follow federal and state law rather than attempt to unlawfully force California taxpayers to subsidize illegal aliens," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "In-state tuition for illegal aliens at the University of California is just another form of sanctuary policy, which is both a misuse of tax dollars and a violation of law." MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-asks-u-s-supreme-court-review-california-state-tuition-benefits-illegal-aliens/ Standard Newswire is a cost-effective and efficient newswire service for public policy groups, government agencies, PR firms, think-tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, activists, politicians, and candidates to distribute their press releases to journalists who truly want to hear from them.Do not settle for an email blasting service or a newswire overloaded with financial statements. Standard Newswire gets your news into the hands of working journalists, broadcast hosts, and news producers.Find out how you can start using Standard Newswire to CONNECT WITH THE WORLD Pro-life Leader Beaten and Arrested Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation , 202-717-7371NAPA, Calif., June 1, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Yesterday, Life Legal Senior Counsel Allison Aranda was in court on behalf of Jeff White, founder of Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, a nationwide faith-based organization that equips young people to advocate for human life in the womb.White was distributing leaflets for a pro-life congressional candidate in a church parking lot when he was surrounded by the church's security team. At least four large men harassed White and beat him to the ground, resulting in extensive injuries to his head. Only then did they call the policeto press charges against White!Officers arrested White and charged him with battery, based solely on the statements of the security team.Life Legal obtained a video of the incident, which shows that Jeff White was cornered by the security guards, who ignored his plea to immediately call the police. Instead, they assaulted him and then alleged that he was the aggressor.The incident occurred in November of last year. For months, Life Legal attorney Aranda has argued that this was a false arrest and that the security team initiated the confrontation. At yesterday's hearing, all charges against Jeff were dropped!"We are appalled that a prolife activist would be attacked in this way simply because he was handing out literature," said Life Legal Defense Foundation Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. "It took several months, but we are pleased that the court finally delivered justice for Jeff White."Life Legal is currently evaluating options on behalf of Jeff White going forward.About Life Legal Defense FoundationLife Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org How Churches Can Offer Fair Compensation on a Tight Budget Contact: Sandra Hoekstra-Lower, Christianity Today , 630-260-6200 ext 4224, shoekstralower@christianitytoday.com CAROL STREAM, Ill., June 1, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- How do churches offer fair compensation without breaking an already stretched budget? While there are no easy answers, there are a number of steps churches can take. Church Finance Today asked financial managers at small and large churches and experts in church finance this question. They shared a number of helpful insights in the June issue of Church Finance Today.Also in the June issue of Church Finance Today, Richard Hammar answers the question "Do 1099 forms need to be issued to people receiving charitable funds?" Subscribe today to Church Finance Today. This monthly publication keeps church treasurers and bookkeepers informed with timely and practical information on issues all churches face when managing money: internal controls, compensation, reporting, and budgeting. In addition, subscribers receive SkillBuilders , a supplement offering specific steps to improve money management practices. Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxystrengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God. Kees van der Pijl vindt dit leuk Herman Steigstra @SteigstraHerman 5 u Voor wie is geinteresseerd in de RIVM opnamecijfers voor oktober,... A Cowlitz County judge handed Millennium Bulk Terminals and Northwest Alloys a small early win Wednesday in its challenge to the states denial of an aquatic lands lease for the proposed Longview coal dock. At a preliminary hearing, Judge Stephen Warning agreed to Millenniums request break the upcoming case into two parts: In the first part, Warning will decide on the scope of the case and lay the framework for the types of arguments the parties can make. In the second part, Warning will decide on whether the state Department of Natural Resources acted legally when it denied Millennium a sublease it needs to build its $680 million coal dock at the old Reynolds Metals aluminum site. Millennium wants to build a second dock on state aquatic lands already leased by Northwest Alloys. The companies had spent several years trying to get DNR to approve a sublease for the riverfront property, but former Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark denied their request days before leaving office in January. In a letter explaining his decision, Goldmark argued that Northwest Alloys and Millennium failed to provide enough information about Millenniums finances and about Millenniums new sole owner, Lighthouse Resources. Goldmark also cast doubt on Millenniums financial viability in the wake of volatile coal markets and the bankruptcy of its former part-owner, Arch Coal. However, Goldmark did not cite any environmental concerns with the project. Northwest Alloys and Millennium want to limit the scope of the case to the issues Goldmark raised in his letter. But DNR wants to draw on all of its records leading up to Goldmarks decision, which includes six banker boxes full of paperwork. And a trio of environmental groups Columbia Riverkeeper, Sierra Club and the Washington Environmental Council, who are intervening in the case in support of Department of National Resources want the court to consider the environmental issues that may have played into Goldmarks decision, too. DNR argued that dividing the case in two would unfairly limit the scope of its arguments and unnecessarily complicate the case. But Warning agreed with Millennium and Northwest Alloys that determining the scope of the case in a separate hearing would help to make the case more efficient overall. Also at issue is whether the DNR should be treated like a private party landlord in a normal real estate contract, or whether different standards should apply because it is a state agency managing public lands. Millennium and Northwest Alloys had wanted Warning to include that issue in the first part of the case, too, but Warning said he could decide on the issue later. The next hearing is slated for July 28, with the more substantive part of the case to be heard in late October. Millenniums proposal to build one of the biggest coal terminals in North America is hotly debated. Environmentalists argue the terminal would exacerbate climate change by increasing the global supply of coal and generating 2 million metric tons greenhouse gas emissions annually. They also worry about potential for health risks tied to coal dust and diesel particulate matter from trains carrying the coal to the project site. Proponents say coal dust and diesel emissions would be controlled. They also say the project would offer a much-needed economic boost to the region by creating 1,000 construction jobs, 130 permanent jobs and $5.2 million in annual state and local taxes. The state Department of Ecology recently completed a final environmental review of the project and the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers will release its own final environmental review later this year. IANS Delivering packages with drones can reduce carbon dioxide emissions in certain circumstances as compared to truck deliveries, says a new study. Drones tend to have carbon dioxide emissions advantage over trucks when the drones do not have to fly very far to their destinations or when a delivery route has few recipients, said the study to be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Transportation Research Part D. Trucks, which can offer environmental benefits by carrying everything from clothes to appliances to furniture in a single trip, become a more climate-friendly alternative when a delivery route has many stops or is farther away from a central warehouse. For small, light packages, a bottle of medicine or a kid's bathing suit, drones compete especially well. But the carbon benefits erode as the weight of a package increases, since these unmanned aerial vehicles have to use additional energy to stay aloft with a heavy load. "Flight is so much more energy intensive, getting yourself airborne takes a huge amount of effort. So I initially thought there was no way drones could compete with trucks on carbon dioxide emissions," said senior author Anne Goodchild, Associate Professor at University of Washington. "In the end, I was amazed at how energy-efficient drones are in some contexts. Trucks compete better on heavier loads, but for really light packages, drones are awesome," Goodchild said. Interest in the non-military use of drones has increased dramatically with successful operations in delivering food, medicine and mail. While public debate has largely focused on cost reduction, privacy implications and airspace congestion, few people have analysed the environmental consequences that drone technology may have if fully adopted by industries, the researchers found. The new analysis compared carbon dioxide emissions and vehicle miles travelled from drone and truck deliveries in 10 different, real-world scenarios in Los Angeles. The model incorporated 330 different service zones, with the number of recipients varying from 50 to 500 in each zone. The researchers estimated how much energy generation the drone deliveries would require, based on consumption for 10 different hypothetical products. Carbon dioxide emissions were calculated using an average fuel mix for the state of California. The researchers found that delivering light packages with drones may help reduce carbon emissions when compared to truck delivery. IANS In a push to make people switch to its Bing search engine, Microsoft will now pay users in Britain to use Bing over competitors like Google Search. As part of its "Rewards" scheme, Microsoft will now allow users to earn points for making purchases online and simply searching the web which can then be redeemed for music and movies. "The rewards scheme has been introduced to give something to Microsoft's current users as well as helping to attract new customers to Bing and its online store," wired.co.uk reported on Thursday. There are two levels of points to redeem. Level 1 members can earn points for 10 searches per day while those at Level 2 can earn reward points for 50 searches per day. The number of searches used are refreshed each day. The rewards scheme will also be launched in France, Germany and Canada soon, the company said. Recently, tech giant Microsoft 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. hidden Veteran espionage researcher Jon DiMaggio was hot on the trail three months ago of what on the face of it looked like a menacing new industrial espionage attack by Russian cyberspies. All the hallmarks were there: targeted phishing emails common to government espionage, an advanced Trojan horse for stealing data from inside organizations, covert communication channels for grabbing documents and clues in the programming code indicating its authors were Russian speakers. It took weeks before the lead cyber spying investigator at Symantec, a top U.S. computer security firm, figured out instead he was tracking a lone-wolf cyber criminal. DiMaggio won't identify the name of the culprit, whom he has nicknamed Igor, saying the case is a run-of-the-mill example of increasing difficulties in separating national spy agency activity from cyber crime. The hacker comes from Transdniestria, a disputed, Russian-speaking region of Moldova, he said. "The malware in question, Trojan.Bachosens, was so advanced that Symantec analysts initially thought they were looking at the work of nation-state actors," DiMaggio told Reuters in a phone interview on Wednesday. "Further investigation revealed a 2017 equivalent of the hobbyist hackers of the 1990s." Reuters could not contact the alleged hacker. The example highlights the dangers of jumping to conclusions in the murky world of cyber attack and defence, as tools once only available to government intelligence services find their way into the computer criminal underground. Security experts refer to this as "the attribution problem", using technical evidence to assign blame for cyber attacks in order to take appropriate legal and political responses. These questions echo through the debate over whether Russia used cyber attacks to influence last year's U.S. presidential elections and whether Moscow may be attempting to disrupt national elections taking place in coming months across Europe. The topic is a big talking point for military officials and private security researchers at the International Conference on Cyber Conflict in Tallin this week. It has been held each year since Estonia was swamped in 2007 by cyber attacks that took down government, financial and media websites amid a dispute with Russia. Attribution for those attacks remains disputed. The Smoking Gun "Attribution is almost never a clean, smoking-gun," said Paul Vixie, creator of the first commercial anti-spam service, whose latest firm, Farsight Security, helps firms track down cyber attackers to identify and block them. Raising the stakes, a mystery group calling itself ShadowBrokers has taken credit for leaking cyber-spying tools that are now being turned to criminal use, including ones used in the recent WannaCry global ransomware attack, ratcheting up cyber security threats to a whole new level. In recent weeks, ShadowBrokers has threatened to sell more such tools, believed to have been stolen from the U.S. National Security Agency, to enable hacking into the world's most used computers, software and phones. "The bar for what's considered advanced is lowered as time goes by," said Sean Sullivan, a security researcher with Finnish cyber firm F-Secure. Reuters Canon today announced a new addition to the Companys Cinema EOS System of professional cinematography products: the EOS C200 digital cinema camera, which makes possible the on-camera recording of 4K video in MP4 and the new Cinema RAW Light. The camera is ideal for wide-ranging video productions such as movies, TV dramas and commercials, as well as news, documentaries and milestones events, for example, weddings. The EOS C200 features the newly-developed Dual DIGIC DV 6 image processing platform that makes possible the recording of 4K video to CFast cards using the new Cinema RAW Light video format, which retains the same amount of information and degree of freedom when colour grading a Cinema RAW while achieving between one-third and one-fifth the file size, in addition to 4K MP4-format video recording to SD cards. Both of these 4K video formats are recorded on camera, thereby enabling more efficient 4K video content creation. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Eddie Udagawa, VP, Consumer Imaging and Information Centre, Canon India, said, Celebrating 30 years of EOS Systems, we are at the forefront of innovation and aim to introduce more evolved and technologically advanced products. Foraying into professional cinematography, the newly launched product CINEMA EOS C200 with its inbuilt 4K RAW/UHD @60FPS and FULL HD @120 FPS shooting capabilities, with excellent low light performance, the camera is set to meet the needs of all kind of productions across domains of Documentaries, ENG, Film & Broadcasting Schools, Corporate promotions and Premium Weddings. Canon continues to take its commitment forward with launch of exciting products that can elevate professional and personal experience. Using the LM-V1 touch-panel LCD monitor, users can intuitively select the subject they wish to focus on with simple touch operation. With Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which enables superb tracking and smooth autofocus ideal for video capture, users can employ touch operations for fast and accurate adjustments, even during 4K shooting, when precise focusing can be a challenge. The EOS C200 delivers a maximum 15-stop equivalent wide dynamic range for 4K HDR video recording in Cinema RAW Light format, and a maximum 13-stop equivalent in MP4 format that employs Canons proprietary Log gammasCanon Log 3 and Canon Log. Through the use of Canons professional 4K displays, users can confirm ITU-R BT.2100 (PQ) 2 compliant HDR video on location while shooting. Scheduled Firmware Update From the first half of 2018, a free firmware update will be available, to include support for the XF-AVC (YCbCr 4:2:0 8bit) video format used by such digital cinema cameras as the EOS C700 /EOS C700 GS PL and EOS C300 Mark II. Partners Supporting Cinema RAW Light Coinciding with the release of the EOS C200, DaVinci Resolve, Blackmagic Designs editing and grading software, will commence support for Cinema RAW Light. In addition, users can perform editing using Avid Technology, Inc.s Media Composer with the official Canon plugin Canon RAW Plugin for Avid Media Access and processing using Canons Cinema RAW Development. The EOS C200 and the aforementioned software will be on display at 2017 After NAB Show broadcasting technology expo, to be held on June 1 and 2 in Akihabara, Tokyo, as well as the Cine Gear Expo cinema industry trade show, to be held on June 2 and 3 in Hollywood, U.S.A. Support for Cinema RAW Light is also scheduled for EDIUS Pro, Grass Valleys editing software, during 2017. Additionally, a future version of Final Cut Pro X from Apple Inc. will support Canon Cinema RAW Light, using Canon RAW Plugin for Final Cut Pro X. Optional Accessories LM-V1 LCD monitor (included with the EOS C200) The LM-V1 LCD monitor employs a 4-inch LCD panel for intuitive touch-screen operations, making possible the easy selection of focus points for convenient adjustment, even during single-operator shooting. LA-V1 LCD attachment unit (included with the EOS C200) The LA-V1 LCD attachment unit connects the camera body to the LM-V1 LCD monitor, enabling the monitor to be rotated freely during shooting while keeping it securely attached to the camera body. GR-V1 camera grip (included with the EOS C200) Compared with the EOS C300 Mark II, the distance between the grip and the optical axis has been reduced by approximately 9 mm, improving weight balance for handheld use. The grip can also be quickly attached and detached with ease. HDU-2 handle unit (included with the EOS C200) The HDU-2 handle unit can be attached to the camera body without tools, and features a newly-designed handle screw that enables fast and easy attachment. CL-V2 clamp base (sold separately) The CL-V2 clamp base enables the attachment of the optional high-image-quality EVF-V70 OLED electronic viewfinder (sold separately) to the EOS C200, which does not come packaged with the LM-V1 LCD monitor, to make possible comfortable EVF shooting. EOS C200, LM-V1, LA-V1, GR-V1, HDU-2, CL-V2 and CG-A20 will be released in late August 2017. @Technuter.com News Service Childhood obesity increases lifetime risk of depression! Life Desk : Being overweight during childhood and adulthood quadrupled the depression risk. Being overweight during childhood may increase the lifetime risk of depression, finds a new study by a research team from the Deborah Gibson-Smith from VU University Medical Center, Netherlands. The study presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that being overweight at the age of eight or 13 can triple the risk of major depression. 'Being overweight at age 8 or 13 was associated with more than triple the risk of developing major depression in adulthood.' Studies have shown that obesity can increase the risk of depression. But, very few have looked at the influence of childhood obesity or age-related effect of obesity on depression. Relationship between being overweight in childhood and depression risk The research team investigated the link between being overweight in childhood and depression risk. The study involved 889 participants from the population-based AGES (Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility)-Reykjavik Study (2002-06), which examined people born between 1907-35 and living in Reykjavik, Iceland in 1967. The team hypothesized whether the detrimental effect of excess weight on mental health is due to life-long obesity or the result of being overweight in adulthood. Between 2002 and 2006, a random sample of surviving participants from the Reykjavik study were invited to join the AGES study. The average age of the participant was 75 years. The research team assessed whether the participants had current depressive symptoms or had had a depressive disorder in the past. Information about the height and weight of the participants between eight and 13 years was obtained from school records and mid-life (50 years) data collection done as part of the Reykjavik study. A person is considered overweight if the body mass index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9. During the study, 39 participants were diagnosed with depression. The research team adjusted two factors (age and depression) to find the link between overweight and depression. The analysis revealed that overweight during childhood is a strong predictor of depression than being overweight in mid-life. Being overweight or obese between eight and 13 years of age increased the risk of lifetime major depressive disorder. The research team also found that being overweight during childhood and carrying excess weight in adulthood quadrupled the chance of developing depression compared to only being overweight as an adult. The findings of the study add evidence to the earlier studies that report an increased risk of depression in young people who are obese. "Our findings suggest that some of the underlying mechanisms linking overweight or obesity to depression stem from childhood. A shared genetic risk or low self-esteem, which is frequently associated with those who do not conform to the ideal body type, could be responsible," said the authors. "Given the rise in adolescents' obesity and greater influence of social media on body image, understanding the associations between childhood obesity and depression is critical," they added. Facts on childhood obesity Globally, 42 million children are overweight or obese Majority of the overweight and obese children live in developing countries More than one in three children are overweight in the US One in five children between two and 19 years are obese Childhood obesity increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cancer in adulthood. Source: Medindia S Korea`s President sends aide to US to quell fears over anti-missile system Newly elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in takes an oath during his inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea Reuters, Seoul : South Korean President Moon Jae-in's top security aide left for Washington on Thursday as the new leader tries to reassure his country's main ally he will not scrap a deal to host a missile defense system that has angered China. Moon ordered an investigation this week into why his office had not been informed about the deployment of four more launchers for the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which are being deployed amid a growing threat of missile launches by North Korea. The liberal leader had pledged during his election campaign that he would review the decision to deploy THAAD, and said it was "very shocking" his office had not been told of the latest deployment while he is preparing for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this month. The decision to deploy the system in South Korea was made by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-hye, who was impeached and thrown out of office in a corruption scandal that engulfed South Korea's business and political elite. "My order for a probe on THAAD is purely a domestic measure and I want to be clear that it is not about trying to change the existing decision or sending a message to the United States," Moon told visiting U.S. Senator Dick Durbin late on Wednesday. The remarks were Moon's first clear indication that he does not intend to stop the deployment, which has drawn angry protests from China, South Korea's biggest trading partner. China says the THAAD will do little to deter the missile threat from North Korea, while allowing the U.S. military to use the system's powerful radar to look deep into its territory, undermining its security. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying reiterated a call for an end to the THAAD deployment. China has issued "representations" to South Korea expressing serious concern about Moon not having been informed about the deployment of four more launchers, Hua told a daily news briefing. Moon's national security adviser, Chung Eui-yong, denied that the controversy over the deployment would have a negative impact on the summit between Moon and Trump. "We've sufficiently explained that this has nothing to do with our alliance," Chung told reporters before his departure. Chung said he would meet Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, and finalize the agenda for the summit. The presidential Blue House said on Wednesday the Defense Ministry had intentionally omitted details about the THAAD battery in a report made to Chung last week, when the government was preparing for the summit. Moon took office on May 10 without a transition period because a snap presidential election was held two months after Park was ousted. He inherited her defense minister, along with the rest of the cabinet, and has yet to name his own. The THAAD battery was initially deployed in March in the southeastern region of Seongju with just two of its maximum load of six launchers to counter the North Korean missile threat. North Korea has conducted three ballistic missile tests since Moon took office, maintaining its accelerated pace of missile and nuclear-related activities since the beginning of last year in defiance of U.N. sanctions and U.S. pressure. The Pentagon said it had been "very transparent" with South Korea's government about the THAAD deployment. Moon's decision to order an investigation into the THAAD deployment came amid signs of easing tension between South Korea and China, which is North Korea's sole major diplomatic ally. Speaking in Berlin, where Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is visiting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel she had agreed with Li that talks were needed to resolve the North Korea issue and to stick to sanctions. Sohana Saba busy with Eid play now Sheikh Arif Bulbon : Popular face of the small screen Sohana Sabas condition is like this she has been engaged with acting in TV plays in Dhaka and also engaged with movies in Kolkata now. Eid-ul-Fitr is coming soon so Saba has to stay in Dhaka now to work in several numbers of plays. Sohana Saba has already finished shooting of Alvi Ahmeds play Khairuzzaman Babur Biyeghotito Ichchheguli and BU Shuvo directed another play. From Friday she will start to take part in shooting of Aynabaji series play titled Mukhomukhi under Robiul Islam Robi's direction in Coxs Bazar. Hillol, Apurba and Jon are Sabas co-actors in these three plays. While talking about her Eid works Sohana Saba told this correspondent, In fact, I do not work in drama serial. For this reason, I have to seen to work in special days plays or telefilms round the year. Eid is a great festival so I have to work most on the occasion of Eid. I have started shooting of a new movie Kolkata. Eid is coming so I have to work in Dhaka right now. Stories of all the plays are really nice. I am very much optimistic about these works. Sohana Saba acted last telecasted TV serial was Deepto TVs Khelaghor. She has already finished shooting of Harnath Chakrabortys movie Epar Opar in Kolkata. From last month she has started shooting of Sudipto Sinha Roys a movie there. It is noted that Saba started her acting career through Koboris movie Ayna in 2006. Later she acted in movies Khelaghor, Chandragrahan, Priyotomeshu and Brihonnola. In Kolkata, she first worked in Ayon Chakrabortys Shororipu. As an actress, she has already established her position strong in showbiz. Digitisation creates public awareness to reduce social curses City Desk : By virtue of digitisation, the extent of social curses like child marriage, dowry and repression has been reduced to the minimum following growing public awareness in the district. 'The prospect of building an improved society for women and children is brighter now with continuous reduction in social curses and growing awareness among the common people in rural areas," said Senior District Information Officer, Rangpur Humayun Kobir yesterday. He said the ongoing digitisation under the Access to Information Programme through the Union Information Service Centers (UDCs) has added a new dimension to accelerate the process in building a healthier society for women and children. "The common people are getting information on legal aid, gender issue, repression, trafficking, child marriage, dowry, marriage registration, safe motherhood, maternal and neonatal moralities, health, sanitation and drinking water from UDCs," he said. The District Information Office is also playing vital role in building awareness involving local community leaders, public representatives, teachers, elite, religious leaders and rural women, adolescents and children on the issues of women and children. "Because of various awareness building activities of the government, NGOs and different social groups, the extent of social curses is showing a significant trend of reduction," said noted women rights activist Manjushree Saha. Monjusree, also Director (Development Programme) of RDRS Bangladesh, said repression on women and children are reducing and rural women showing more interests in marriage registration, family planning, safe motherhood and education of children. "The women are also availing better sanitation facilities and safe drinking water for their children reducing water-borne diseases and improving hygienic condition with the enhancement of women empowerment in rural areas," she added. Entrepreneur Arifuzzaman Moon of Saddyapuskorini UDC under Sadar upazila here said many youths, women, adolescents, guardians, students and common people are visiting the UDC to have knowledge on the social curses and way-outs. Teenage boy 'beaten to death' in Gazipur UNB, Gazipur : A teenage shop employee was beaten to death allegedly by the shop owner at Auchpara area in Tongi on Wednesday night. The deceased was identified as Tomal, 14, son of Sohrab Ali of Tirsa village in Sherpur sadar. Victim's relatives said Tamal remained missing since he left home for his workplace on Wednesday morning and his mobile phone was also switched off. Later, locals spotted him unconscious body under an under-construction building, said Sub-Inspector of Tongi Police Station Siddiqur Rahman. He was rushed to Tongi Government Hospital where doctors declared Tomal dead, said the SI. Police arrested Ahsanulah, 32, a tiles shop owner and Nazmul Mia, 14, a friend of the victim, after victim's mother Hujura Begum filed a written complaint accusing Ahsanulah and unidentified 12 others, he said. Several marks of wounds were found on the victim's head and the body was sent to hospital morgue for autopsy. Manik Mia`s death anniv observed Staff Reporter : Legendary journalist and founder-editor of the Daily Ittefaq, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia's 48th death anniversary was observed on Thursday with respect and honour. In the morning, leaders and workers of different organisations, groups, individuals, family members and journalists paid homage by placing wreaths and offering Fateha at his graveyard at Azimpur. The journalists and employees of the Daily Ittefaq were also present at the graveyard. Journalists and employees of The New Nation, Weekly Robbar and Manik Mia Foundation jointly held a Milad and Doa mahfil in the Ittefaq Bhaban at 3:30pm. Chairman of the Editorial Board of The New Nation Barrister Mainul Hosein and CEO of the newspaper Architect Helal Islam Khan among others attended the function. A discussion meeting on Manik Mia's eventful life will be held today (Friday) at Engineers' Institution in the city at 4 pm organized by Jatiya Party (Manju). The discussion is expected to be attended by Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon and Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Rep. Stuart Bishop's HB49 would provide funding for additional auditors to ensure that state gets what it's due from oil and gas produced on state-owned lands and water bottoms. The House will consider Rep. Stuart Bishop's HB49 when it convenes Monday afternoon at 4. The bill would direct $900,000 of the revenue generated from legal settlements over oil and gas taxes and royalty payments to be used to hire more auditors to ensure the state is getting the money it is owed. Rep. Stuart Bishop Photo by Robin May The bill won approval from the House Appropriations Committee on May 15. The bill is essentially a pilot program that will be in place for four years. Over that time, according to the Fiscal Note attached to the bill, the Office of Mineral Resources will hire four auditors and four other positions (an engineer, a geologist, a land specialist and an administrative assistant) to beef up the office's oversight of state revenue collections from oil and gas leases on public lands. Auditing state royalties and severance taxes has been a sore point in the performance of the Office of Mineral Resources for a number of years, according to reports from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. A 2010 report found inadequacies in the percentage of royalties that were audited. A 2013 report from the Legislative Auditor questioned why the state Mineral and Energy Board, which awards leases and supervises the collection of royalty and severance tax payments, was not as aggressive as boards in other states in pursuing the state's interests. Another 2013 report from the auditor found that when severance tax audit authority was transferred from the Department of Revenue to DNR's OMR, severance tax audit activity on privately owned lands ground to a halt for three years until the authority went back to DoR. Estimates are that the state could have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in severance tax revenue between 2010 and 2013 when OMR had severance tax audit authority. David Boulet Photo by Robin May David Boulet was hired as assistant secretary of DNR to oversee the overhaul of OMR by Secretary Tom Harris in 2016. The Independent learned today that Boulet is leaving the department to return to the private sector. We will have more news on this story later today. Bishop's bill would enable OMR to expand its audit capacity over the nearly 1,900 oil and gas leases on some 840,000 acres of state-owned lands and water bottoms. Image Courtesy of Lyft Louisiana won't join 44 other states in regulating ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. Rep. Kenny Havard's House-backed measure to standardize rules and expand access to smaller cities was expected to be heard by a Senate committee Tuesday. Instead, it was shelved. Havard, a St. Francisville Republican, said after the meeting that the proposal is dead in the legislative session that ends June 8. He blames opposition from New Orleans lawmakers and taxi unions for stalling the bill, making it unable to pass. Under the bill, state and local municipalities would have shared 1 percent of each fare. Representatives from New Orleans said their city could lose $2 million annually if the agreements it has with Uber and Lyft were superseded by Havard's legislation. The bills toughen state laws on stalking and protective orders. HB499 goes to Gov. Edwards for signature. HB509 goes back to the House for concurrence on a Senate amendment. The Louisiana Senate approved Rep. John Schroder's bills on stalking and protective orders on Tuesday, sending one bill to the governor for his signature and the other bill back to the House for concurrence on a Senate committee amendment. The Senate gave unanimous approval to HB499 and HB509, meaning both bills will likely become law. Schroder told The Independent on Wednesday morning that he will recommend that his House colleagues approve the Senate amendment to HB509. HB499 closed a loophole in the current law that allowed private investigators to be used as surrogate stalkers for persons who are the subject to protective orders. HB509 toughens the penalties for violation of protective orders. Second violations of protective orders will carry a minimum 14-day jail sentence with them if the violation does not involve violence. The bill allows the courts to substitute participation in a domestic violence intervention program in place of the jail sentence. If the second violation involves violence, an offender would face between three months and two years in jail, plus a fine if convicted. Participation in a domestic violence intervention program is an option if part of the jail sentence is suspended. The bill was amended in Senate Judiciary C on May 23. The amendment deals with that section of the bill that would have required judges to bar offenders from communicating in any way with the person who sought the protective order. The committee amended the bill to allow judges to impose the communications ban, but not require them to do so. Schroder says he is okay with the amendment considering the other improvements the bill makes in protective order enforcement. He believes his House colleagues will approve the amended version of the bill and send it to Gov. John Bel Edwards for his signature. A House vote on concurrence could come at any time in the next few days. Votes by the Senate Finance Committee to amend the state budget approved by the House have been pushed back to Thursday after more than a dozen items were added to the committee's agenda Tuesday evening. Photo by Robin May Senate Finance Committee votes on the state budget have been pushed back a day after more than a dozen items were added to Wednesday's committee agenda. Committee chair Sen. Eric Lafleur told The Independent on Wednesday morning that the new work assigned to his committee means that the committee won't do its expected re-write of HB1 today. "HB1 will now be heard tomorrow," Lafleur said. Most of the bills added to the committee's agenda are House bills requiring committee consideration before they can move to Senate floor votes. One item is House Speaker Taylor Barras' resolution that would create a hospital stabilization fund. The resolution would direct the Louisiana Department of Health impose a fee on non-rural hospitals and then use the money to draw down federal Medicaid dollars which would then go back to the hospitals. A group of non-profits have been granted time to appear before the committee today to discuss the impact of state funding on their operations. The House approved HB1 on May 4, which both House and Senate leaders agreed was earlier in the session than has been customary. The Senate Finance Committee has conducted two weeks of detailed discussions on the bill and will recommend changes in it to the full Senate. Lafleur had said over the weekend that the discussion and votes would happen on Wednesday with votes in the full Senate coming as soon as Thursday. With the committee action pushed back by at least a day, the pressure of the session's required adjournment on June 8 a week from Thursday has begun to intensify. The slack has been taken out of the process by the work of Senate Finance. If the committee does act on Thursday, consideration by the full Senate could be pushed back into the weekend. That would leave just a handful of days to try to negotiate a compromise budget bill that could win approval in both chambers before 6 p.m. on Thursday of next week. Whatever budget deal the two chambers strike must also avoid a possible veto by Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has promised to veto HB1 if it remains close to the version of the bill that was approved by the House. John White Photo by Robin May Critics of Louisiana's state education superintendent filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging his validity in the position. They asked a judge to require Superintendent John White to be reconfirmed by the state Senate by the June 8 end of the legislative session or to declare his job vacant. White has been superintendent since 2012, when he was appointed by the 11-member state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and approved by the Senate. The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/2rCCCij) that White's supporters say since he hasn't been reappointed by the education board, Senate confirmation isn't required. His critics contend the law requires the superintendent to face another Senate review during the new legislative and education board term. "I plan to continue serving the students of Louisiana until BESE tells me to stop," White, who is operating on a month-to-month contract, said in a statement. The lead plaintiff in the petition filed in state district court in Baton Rouge is Ganey Arsement, a Calcasieu Parish public school teacher with two children in Louisiana public schools. The plaintiffs are represented by state Sen. John Milkovich, a Shreveport Democrat. Arsement said the petition is not a personal attack on White. "This motion is intended to clarify the law and affirm that if White isn't sent to the Senate for confirmation by a two-thirds vote of BESE, he will be required to vacate the position," Arsement wrote in an email. The education board hires and fires superintendents. White's opponents, including Gov. John Bel Edwards, lack the eight board votes needed to fire him. His backers don't have the eight votes required to enter into a new contract with him.The case has been assigned to Judge William Morvant. Wikimedia [Editors Note: This column first appeared in The Lens.] Two cheers for New Orleans. Weve taken down four monuments to white supremacy. They have disfigured the city for nearly a century and a half, and they have offended me every day of my life. But lets not pretend the struggle is over. Its important indeed, imperative that we recognize the statues as no more than scabs plucked off a deeper municipal wound: the neo-Confederate values that rot the New Orleans body politic to this day. The very ugly squabbling over the monuments has laid bare subconscious enmity, coded bigotry and blatant racism. Theres no reason to think its toxic effect on the lives and hopes of African-American families has been mothballed along with the statuary. How else to explain the vast and shameful racial disparities in wages, wealth, health, education, enterprise, incarceration? Why such disparities a century and a half after the Confederacy fell? Whats new about the new New Orleans, as the post-Katrina city has been calling itself, when more than half of our fellow citizens have been left behind. The ragtag forces who mustered themselves to oppose removal of the monuments offer a glimpse of the reason: the wide and continuing embrace of the Cult of the Lost Cause and the values it represents. I appreciate Mayor Mitch Landrieus steadfast commitment to ridding the city of these abominable symbols of hate. While he failed to credit the leaders and legions who have long advocated the removal of all public monuments to white supremacy in New Orleans, Landrieu punctuated Lees removal May 19 with remarks of poetic eloquence.* But lets be real: His administrations priorities and policies over the past seven years have only widened the disparities by prioritizing, for example, downtown development over human development, tourism over training for good-paying jobs, and legalization of Airbnb over affordable housing. For irrefutable evidence, look to the empirical analyses provided in the recent Brookings Index of Economic Inclusion or the 2015 Urban League State of Black New Orleans, to cite only two of many studies that document the economic losses and reduced quality of life the African-American families of New Orleans have suffered in recent years: Between 2010 and 2015, New Orleans ranked dead last among the countrys 100 largest cities in terms of economic prosperity. Worker productivity, average standard-of-living, and average wages all declined. (Brookings) The unemployment rate for African-Americans in New Orleans is nearly twice the rate for whites, and nearly half of all black men in New Orleans are unemployed, according to a 2015 report by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The median income for African-Americans in New Orleans is less than half the median income for whites. (Urban League) While African-Americans make up 53 percent of the workforce, only 27 percent of management and professional jobs are held by blacks, compared to 60 percent held by whites. (Urban League) After a post-Katrina dip as recovery money poured into New Orleans, the citys rate of childhood poverty has risen to pre-Katrina levels. More than a third of New Orleans children live in poverty. One in five African-Americans in New Orleans lacks a high school diploma, more than five times the rate among whites. Less than 17 percent of all businesses in New Orleans were owned by African-Americans in 2015, and they accounted for only 2 percent of gross receipts. (Urban League) New Orleans homicides in 2016 climbed to their highest level since 2012 making for a per-capita rate more than 50 percent higher than Chicagos. If, as we approach our citys Tricentennial, we are going to be honest about the Civil War, Reconstruction and Jim Crow, we need to be just as honest about the last several years. We need to face up to how the new New Orleans, so celebrated by the Mayor and the self-anointed civic elite, in fact amounts to a hostile assault on African-American families and the working poor. The self-congratulation at City Hall conceals a deficit of real leadership. That deficit has denied us the opportunity to engage in the mutually respectful, community-wide discourse about race so urgently needed in New Orleans. Before we can have real reconciliation, we must have a reckoning with bias and inequity based on truth and fact. And only in a climate of reconciliation once achieved can we begin to live the values we claim this troubled city aspires to. That should be our collective goal for New Orleans Tricentennial. Removing the Confederate monuments was a step in the right direction, but the headwinds are gaining force. Dealing boldly and frankly with race is likely to prove uncomfortable for a term-limited mayor with a ticking clock on his legacy. And even if Landrieu were to embrace that goal more than rhetorically, he is unlikely to draw much support from the civic and business leadership of a city more captive to tourism an industry that thrives on low wage, no-benefit jobs and tax subsidies than at any time in my adult life. I think Beverly McKenna got it right two years ago in her front page editorial in the New Orleans Tribune: We Got 99 Problems and Lee Circle Aint One. I hope the coming elections inspire some real discussion about all of this, but without a popular uprising, I dont have much faith that they will. The forces that most decisively shape popular opinion major media, politicians, the business elite are far too invested in papering over our troubles and truths. They see a personal bonanza in the coming Tricentennial while failing to realize that a city still split along racial fault lines after 300 years is nothing to celebrate. Nevertheless, the struggle continues. Jacques Morial is a public policy strategist and community organizer. He is the son of Dutch Morial, New Orleans first African-American mayor, and the brother of its third, Marc Morial. The dispute over how best to honor the memory of the late Jimmy D. Long Sr. consumed a couple of hours of the House Education Committee's time on Wednesday, as his long-time friend and his brother pushed their plan to rename the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts after him. Members of the LSMSA Class of 2017 Source: lsmsa.edu The dispute over how best to honor the memory of the late Jimmy D. Long Sr. consumed a couple of hours of the House Education Committee's time on Wednesday, as his long-time friend and his brother pushed their plan to rename the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts after him. Rep. Francis Thompson Photo by Robin May Sen. Francis Thompson's SB1 would name the school after Long, who died in an automobile accident in August of last year. Long is considered one of the founding fathers of the school, which recruits the state's top high school students to three years of rigorous academic work at LSMSA's Natchitoches campus. Thompson and Sen. Gerald Long Jimmy Long's brother brought the bill to the House Education Committee on Wednesday as statewide opposition to the bill led by the LSMSA Alumni Association grew. Thompson recounted Long's push to develop the school after hearing of a similar school in North Carolina at a meeting of the Southern Regional Education Board in 1980. Thompson told the committee that others helped Long like Gov. Dave Treen, Sen. Don Kelly and Dr. Robert Alost. "All of them followed Jimmy Long's lead," Thompson told the committee. "No one not anyone made the level of contribution of Jimmy Long." Jamie Smith, head of the alumni association, told the committee that the school's governing board had decided to honor Long by naming their new dormitory after the late representative. Jamie Smith Photo by Robin May "This was discussed at the December board meeting," Smith told the committee. "Sen. Blade Morrish, who is a member of the board, said legislation would been needed to name the building after Long. Sen. Gerald Long, who was at the meeting, said he knew who could handle the bill." Smith said that turned out to be Thompson. SB1, though, as written by Thompson renamed the school after Jimmy Long, not the dorm. "I feel we were bamboozled," Smith said. Smith said the wishes of the school's alumni were being overlooked "by the emotion of two men who are grieving their loss." Bill New of Berwick is the president of the LSMSA Foundation. He told the committee that he was appearing as a parent of four LSMSA graduates. Few told the committee that he and his wife considered moving to Texas when they started growing a family because of their concerns about access to quality education in Louisiana. "When we found out about the LSMSA, it allowed us to stay here," New said. New said his sons take higher level math at LSMSA than he did in college. Bill New Photo by Robin May Rep. Chris Broadwater of Hammond pointed out that the school gets General Fund revenue from the state as well as MFP support. He added that the state is being asked to include $26 million in the Capital Outlay bill to fund the dormitory that the school proposes to name after Long. Thompson said he wanted to amend his bill so that it would not affect the school's branding. "It would still be the Louisiana School," Thompson said. The bill was amended to allow it to continue to be called the Louisiana School in branding. Rep. Polly Thomas of Jefferson Parish said that she has received more calls and emails over this issue than any other bill during this session. Thomas asked New what would constitute a win-win solution. "I would say defer the bill now and direct us to come together with a consensus solution at the next session," New responded. New said there are 12 to 14 similar schools in the country. In each case, the schools bear the state's name. The committee heard a parade of alumni and family members who oppose the name change. Thompson closed on his bill after nearly two hours of opposition to the name change. "To think that this might need to be put off is poppycock," Thompson said. "For him to say they got bamboozled is ridiculous. I want to make it clear for everybody nothing in this bill to honor Jimmy Long tarnishes this school's reputation." "Yes, it might pick up three, four more letters, but that won't change on thing in a negative sense," Thompson told the committee. Sen. Gerald Long Photo by Robin May Sen. Gerald Long said he believed naming the school after his brother is the right thing to do. "Vote this out and let the entire House hear the pros and cons on this," he told the committee. The motion to rename the school passed the House Education Committee by a 5-2 margin. It now goes to the full House for debate. It must go back to the Senate for concurrence due to the branding amendment passed by the committee early in today's discussion. Click here to view photo gallery Decisions on the fate of Confederate monuments erected in towns and cities around Louisiana will be left to local governments. An effort to make it harder to remove the monuments was spurned Wednesday by state senators. The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 4-2 to scrap the House-backed bill from Rep. Thomas Carmody, a Shreveport Republican, and a second proposal by Sen. Beth Mizell, a Franklinton Republican. All four senators who voted against the bills were black. Two white senators supported the measures. Bill supporters called the monuments a reminder of Louisiana's history and memorials to veterans. Opponents described them as divisive and celebratory of a war defending slavery. New Orleans removed four monuments honoring Confederate figures and a white-supremacist uprising. Codell Rodriguez Codell Rodriguez is the night editor for The Southern Illinoisan, and he writes a movie column for Scene618. Follow Codell Rodriguez Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Listen folks, I've failed again by not seeing a movie, but I gave up on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series several movies ago and I'm not subjecting myself to "Baywatch." Not when it's my own time and money being spent. That being said, there are several items in the cinematic world that have been occupying my mind as of late. Wonder Woman is good? That's the early word I'm hearing after the mixed reception to "Man of Steel" and the mostly negative reviews of "Batman V Superman" and "Suicide Squad." Looking at the trailers for "Wonder Woman," I had to admit that it seemed to be trying something I thought would've been a good option for Superman draw some inspiration from the mix of humor and action of Marvel's Captain America. Though, from the previews, I'm a bit worried it's going to go a bit overboard in the inspiration department. In fact, with it being a shield-wielding hero who fights in a major world war, just before the big team-up movie, "Wonder Woman" seemed to not hold back at all in making a Cap movie. But hey, maybe "Wonder Woman" is the shot in the arm DC needs. I hope so. If it isn't, hopefully future filmmakers will do what probably should've been done in the beginning. Stop trying to make Christopher Nolan's Justice League and make something more in line with an already exemplary shared DC universe: the animated series. Amazon Prime members can stream "Batman: The Animated Series" for free and "Justice League" and "Justice League: Unlimited" are available on Netflix. Easily some of the best representations of the classic characters. In addition to the animated series, I've been spending way too much time with the recent fighting game, "Injustice 2." The story mode in the first game (made by the same folks behind the "Mortal Kombat" series) was shockingly engrossing and the second did not disappoint either. It has one of the most likable and sympathetic portrayals of Batman outside of the animated series (with the same voice actor, Kevin Conroy). Spending time with an old favorite While picking up the Blu-ray of "Get Out" at Best Buy, I saw that my second favorite movie of 2016, "The Witch," was just $9.99. But what really blew my mind was happening across one of my absolute favorite science fiction films of all time, "Logan's Run," for less than $10. I tossed it on the pile and watched it again that night. For those who have never seen the 1976 film, it takes place in a domed utopian society where everyone lives lavishly and comfortably, but hold the belief that once someone turns 30, they must be renewed. They believe people are reborn and live again. What's really happening is people are just getting straight up incinerated. The plot follows Logan 5 (Michael York). Logan is a sandman, one who hunts down the runners who don't wish to face renewal. However, when he's sent undercover as a runner to find and destroy a rumored runner paradise, he must decide if he will follow orders or become the thing he's spent his life eliminating. All of this while unraveling the beliefs that have kept society stable. This was a favorite of my mom's and she introduced me to the edited version as a kid, probably playing on basic cable. It can be cheesy by today's standards, but I still think it holds up really well. I heard years ago, there was talk of a remake, but with the age limit at 18 or 21, instead of 30. It never came to light, so hopefully an unsung hero took that script and shredded it and then tossed the confetti in a bucket of acid. You're ripping off what? I recently watched the trailer for the upcoming Scarlet Johansson-led black comedy, "Rough Night," about some old college friends who get together for a bachelorette party and accidentally kill a stripper and try and cover it up. Wait a minute. Isn't that the 1998 black comedy "Very Bad Things" starring Jon Favreau, Daniel Stern and Christian Slater? I mean, the exact same movie. It's about a bachelor party that goes awry when they accidentally kill the stripper and they then try and cover it up. I mean the "Rough Night" trailer even has them attacking a cop to keep from getting caught just like in "Very Bad Things." My next question is, if you're going to rip off a movie, why choose a reprehensible pile of garbage like that? I mean, it's one of the most vile, steaming lumps of raw sewage I've ever had the displeasure of trying to endure. I'm trying to say I hated it, you see. If the trailers hold true and it is a mystifying repackaging of a terrible film, I highly doubt this new movie will be quite as disgusting as the one it's shamelessly copying. But that's like a defense attorney saying, "Sure, my client set a blimp on fire, but it wasn't like it was the Hindenburg or anything." Have we really got to the point where we've run out of classic movies to rip off and now rather than something original, we're stealing from the bottom of the barrel? At least it's not "Logan Run" where the entire cast is entirely made up of teenagers, I guess. The Southern Illinois music community is rallying around a beloved bass player who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Blake Bramlett, 33, of the rockabilly group The Swamp Tigers, underwent an MRI earlier this spring after complaining of headaches and neck pain. The scan revealed a grade 3, malignant tumor in the right frontal lobe of his brain. On Saturday, a benefit for Bramlett at Tres Hombres in Carbondale will run from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Music kicks off outside on the patio with Ethan Stephenson, followed by the People vs. Hugh DeNeal and The Jenny Johnson Band. Inside, Dan Goett & Friends will take the stage at 10 p.m., followed by Soul Glo, with Jenny Johnson on lead vocals. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Alto Vineyards will host an all-day benefit for Bramlett Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. The band lineup consists of The Jewels; The Giant City Slickers; The Bankesters; and Tawl Paul & Friends, featuring Cathie Hutchison, Lew Hendrix and Tobias Merriman. There will be a silent auction and raffle. Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Barbecue plates provided by Loopers Restaurant in Carterville will be available for $5. All proceeds will go to Bramlett. Bramlett, who has undergone two craniotomies and will be receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment, is a father to two young children; his wife, Jordan Bramlett, is also a prominent local musician. He has been unable to work since his diagnosis. A GoFundMe page for his cancer treatment has raised close to $24,000 in just seven weeks. Betty Williams, event coordinator at Alto Vineyards, said she chose to organize a fundraiser for Bramlett because, sadly, $24,000 doesnt even begin to cut it. Just the cost of taking care of a sick person, outside of the medication and the treatment itself, is astronomical, when you consider daycare for kids while youre gone and hospital stays and gas money and feeding everybody, and then that doesnt even touch the medication and the co-pays for the hospital stays themselves. So everything helps, she said. Williams has known Bramlett for 15 years and previously worked alongside him at the Wright-Way Rescue animal shelter in Murphysboro. She described him has a devoted friend and an animal lover. Hes a really patient and loving guy, Williams said. Hes one of the steadiest people I know. Andrew Staff, guitarist and frontman for The Swamp Tigers, will serve as emcee at the Alto event, which he also helped organize. He said he has been playing music with Bramlett for the last decade. Ive watched him go from a single college student to a married father of two, and hes just worked incredibly hard and hes a fantastic husband and father, Staff said. Staff said the support from the local music community has been overwhelming. I didnt have to ask anybody, really. As soon as people found out, they were getting ahold of me to do a benefit, Staff said. Something like this, because it has been so sudden and hes so young and he has small children at home, I think everybody kind of feels the urge to help in some way, so we have had dozens of silent auction donations, some very large ones, Williams said. This has definitely been one of those rewarding experiences where our entire community has come together to help. Its really great to be a part of it. We feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be surrounded by our amazing family, friends and people of the Carbondale community, Jordan Bramlett wrote in a text message. The support we continue to receive is what fuels our fighting fire. STEELEVILLE The effects of federal and state home rehabilitation programs go well beyond immediate results. These programs promote community beautification and can put recipients on the path to financial stability affordable housing, advocates say. Work has begun for many communities in distributing Single Family Rehabilitation funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. For Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, the application window just closed for low-income families to apply for funding to make quality of life repairs to their home. Such repairs include work done to a homes roof, electrical systems, plumbing, siding, flooring and foundation. Rob Schroeder, housing director for Western Egyptian, said the SFR program he helps administer can have a strong impact not just on individual families, but also on the community. It does bring up the quality of the homes in the community, he said. Schroeder said these programs also can have a long-lasting impact on the homeowners financially. While it can be a financial burden to pay for necessary upgrades or repairs, he said it's worse is if homeowners find themselves unable to afford them and leave the home altogether. You let that roof go bad and that water gets in the house and starts affecting the walls, the flooring, the wiring and the ceiling and pretty soon that house that was worth quite a bit of money for a low-income person now isnt worth very much at all, Schroeder said. He said this equity can be incredibly important to a persons financial stability later in life. James Wanstreet, area director of U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, said his office also has a focus on community value as well as quality of life. While different than the IDHA grants, Wanstreet said the low-interest loans given by USDA also make pathways for low-income families to purchase homes or make much-needed repairs to homes they already own. The need for these types of grants, specifically the federally-issued Community Development Block Grant, which are lump sums given to states to administer, have outgrown financial means. Schroeder said Western Egyptian, which serves Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Monroe counties, will be able to serve approximately seven households this grant cycle, with priority being given to the elderly and disabled. He said there are roughly 100 people on the waiting list. In fact, he said the application window, which closed May 26, was simply to have a name be put on this waiting list. There is an upshot, though, to this years funding cycle, Schroeder said. Funding has gratefully increased just recently, he said. However this was followed by a quick downside, he said. He said overall funding is down considerably, in the last five years. He said it could be as much as 50 percent. David Young, director of training and technical assistance for Housing Action Illinois, doesnt doubt this estimate one bit. He said, like many things in the state, the budget impasse has taken its toll on these types of support programs. He cited a particular example from early on in the budget fight. He said in late 2015 and early 2016, because of the budget problems in Springfield, the IDHA did not have the authority to move forward with some funding programs. So that really impacted the work that organizations do especially in central and Southern Illinois where often times it is IDHA, USDA and other federal programs that are really the only resources that are available to meet the need, Young said. Beyond the ongoing budget woes at the state level, Young said there is a new threat to these programs. The proposed budget coming from the White House for fiscal year 2018 would eliminate entitlement funding for programs including the CDBG as well as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income families afford their utility bills. Young said there have been cuts to these programs in the past, but to cut all funding is unprecedented. While Congress would still need to pass the budget into law, the tone set in the proposal is grave. To have it completely eliminated would be a real tragedy, he said. The potential elimination of these funds goes beyond even single-family homes, Young said, as the funds cut in the potential FY18 budget could also affect state programs that assist landlords in developing low-income rental properties, which has particular bearing on the housing crisis in Cairo, where The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced nearly 200 families would need to move from their housing developments because of substandard living conditions. If you have all of those folks that leave your community, how do you make that up and how do you then provide services for those that are still in that community, Young said. The cuts at the federal level come from the mindset of states doing more for themselves, an idea President Donald Trump espoused many times on the campaign trail and since his inauguration. However, this would work better in states that have full budgets in place. Young said this is beyond the point, though. Its important to emphasize that we need not only a solution at the state level but also at the federal level, he said, explaining that funding streams from both work hand in hand. Neither the state or the federal government can relinquish its duties in its contract with its citizens, he said. A Carterville woman was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries Wednesday after a vehicle and an Amtrak train collided north of Carbondale. According to a news release from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Monique Leonard, 48, of Carterville, was driving a 2010 Honda Accord west across the railroad tracks at 2:35 p.m. at the intersection of Helm Road, south of De Soto, when she collided with a southbound Amtrak train. Leonard was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for treatment of injuries. The vehicle was severely damaged and pieces of the vehicle were thrown in a southward path from the intersection. The intersection was marked with railroad crossing signs on both the east and west sides of the tracks. Leonard was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, the release said. Kimberly Woods from Amtrak Media relations said that at the time of the crash there were 32 passengers on the train. There are no reported injuries to passengers or crew at this time. The incident did cause some damage to the train, and crews were working to resolve the issue, Woods said. A portion of railroad track was shut down during the investigation. Repairs are still needed to make the train operational to reach the Carbondale Amtrak station, according to the sheriff's office news release. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Jackson County Ambulance Service, the Carbondale Police Department, the De Soto Police Department and the Carbondale Township Fire Department all responded to the accident. This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. A St. Louis woman was sentenced this week to five years in prison for stealing from the Marion Dillard's in April 2015. Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti said in an emailed statement Thursday that Latonya N. Jackson, 36, was sentenced Tuesday by a Williamson County judge to serve five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for retail theft. Jackson pleaded guilty in January to the charge of retail theft of merchandise over $300, a Class 3 felony. Zanotti said Jackson was caught stealing merchandise from Dillards in Marion. When apprehended, it was discovered that Jackson had stolen over $7,000 in products from the store. Jackson had prior felony convictions related to theft. "This sentence sends a strong message about the costs of retail theft in Williamson County, Zanotti said. The Southern HARRISBURG Southeastern Illinois College and coal mine training partner Illinois Eastern Community Colleges opened their long-awaited Simulated Mine Training Facility Wednesday, May 31, at SICs Harrisburg campus. The occasion was marked by a short ceremony, a ribbon cutting, and a tour of the facility. SIC President Jonah Rice opened the ceremonies by noting that the most important thing to come out of a coal mine is a miner. Thats all we are trying to do is to make sure they all go in and they all come out. SIC and IECC take that safety training seriously, and have for many, many years. Rice said the facilitys state-of-the-art technology will provide new levels of training for this noble profession and major economic force in our region. He said the new facility will greatly compliment the exceptional work the colleges do for the coal mining industry through training in their burn tunnel, outdoor classrooms, and other fire science training areas. IECC CEO Terry Bruce agreed that that mine safety is very important in the region, and that many dont realize that the burn tunnel is one of very few in the nation, which, in combination with the new building will expand the ability of the facility to provide for the safety of its workers. Bruce also cited Mike Thomas as the man who catalyzed the operation. Thomas is the Dean of Workforce Education at IECC and was a miner for 31 years. This was my dream before Rend Lake College even got theirs built, he said. We even had the plans drawn up but we could not get the funding. And then, when we did get the funding, it took several years before the state would release the money. Thomas said the project required a lot of vision, and that usually it is difficult to get community colleges to work together, but that Rice and Bruce made it happen, and they continue to foster partnerships, with John A. Logan College, for example, to help support the regions miners. I worked underground for 31 years. I was a maintenance supervisor for Old Ben Coal, and I worked for Zeigler Coal," Thomas said. "And even though people say the mines are being phased out and there are fewer and fewer miners, that doesnt matter. If there is one mine left, the miners deserve to be protected." And according to Thomas, this facility provides the type of training that they need in order to learn how to respond in a real-life situation should something happen. Thomas also envisions the facility as a comprehensive training platform for municipalities in the region. Because of its flexibility, the facility can accommodate firefighters learning how to respond in a burning building, or police departments who need to practice response to a live shooter situation, Thomas said. The tour through the new facility was led by Bill Patterson, inspector-at-large for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals, and began in relative clarity. A crowd of about 30 people entered the large, barn-like building and followed Patterson down a corridor lit with overhead fluorescent lights. Somewhere behind Patterson, a low cloud of smoke hovered a few feet off the ground, as he explained how a rescue situation would be reproduced. By the time he finished explaining how a team leader would use a map of a simulated mine to locate, and account for, a group of miners to safely bring them to the surface smoke filled the building and visibility had dropped to about two feet. Patterson, invisible behind a curtain of smoke, spoke about the dangers found in underground mining situation. Smoke does not behave the same way underground as it does above. It does not blow away, it just hangs. After the tour group exited the building, Mark Baue, Safety Specialist at Prairie State Generating Company in Marissa, echoed Pattersons assessment of the smoke. Since there is no ventilation it just lays on you. Baue said he was in the new building a month ago and even with no smoke, when the lights were out it was pitch black. Add the smoke, he said, and an apt metaphor would be driving on a road on a really foggy morning. Even your lights dont do a good job of penetrating it, He said in situations where smoke was present a rescue team would often be followed by a fire brigade looking for an ignition source. It might be a battery, or it could be a sparking cable, but it is important to determine the cause of the smoke because you want to extinguish it if you possibly can. According to Baue, the new facility is important because it allowed the rescue teams and fire brigades to train in real life conditions. When a mining disaster occurs, time is of the essence. You want your team to advance safely but quickly, and thats what the training come in. Baue said that the new facility offers the ability to stage a variety of situations. You have a facility like this that is four cross cuts wide and four cross cuts deep and youve got height, so you can do crawling, you can do the standing up, and you can do the curtain work. The setup, he said, is very much like the staging of a disaster response by Emergency Medical Services. You will stage the interior before the drill so that there might be two men down in one corridor, and another in a corner with a broken leg, and then fill the place with smoke and send in the team to go get them. Baue said that the training also gives supervisors a leg up. Since the building is outfitted with infra-red and night-vision cameras, those of us sitting in the control room can see in the dark and through the smoke. That means you can tell your people if they make mistakes. The ability to rewind a video of an exercise allows teams to reflect on what they might have done differently. This saves time and effort because it helps people understand what they are doing, Baue said. And that helps build up trust, and mine rescue involves a lot of trust. You have to trust the people that do the work, and the rescue team has to get along," he said. "They become very close because they depend on each other for their lives. When it comes down to it, they need to be able to what they need to do and then cry later. Chad Barras, director of safety and compliance at Peabody Energy, praised the facility saying that the size of the new facility helped give the rescue teams the feeling they might have inside a real mine. Our teams fire brigades and mine rescue teams have used the site since its been built, to train in firefighting skills and other things," Barras said. "This facility is really able to replicate conditions those teams might come across, and the more exposure they have in a non-life-threatening situation, the more they will be prepared for any situation they might hit in real life. Jim Ellis, secretary to the Board of Trustees at SIC, said the facility also allows rescue team members a chance to see if they are actually cut out for the team. He recalled that during a previous training someone exited the burn tunnel before the completion of the exercise. He realized that he couldnt do it, and that is OK," Ellis said. "The best place to find that out is during training when no ones life is on the line. So giving these miners a chance to experience real life conditions is also a way for them to vet themselves and to their relationship to the process. And that saves time, and saves lives. Diane Russell, who works with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges mining program, began writing grants to build a simulated coal mine approximately 33 years ago. The important thing for Illinois miners is this is a facility we have needed for decades. "We have been lucky in Illinois," Russell said, "We have not had a catastrophe for a long stretch of time. But the odds are that it could happen. In the last 15 years or so there have been disasters in West Virginia, out West, and in Pennsylvania. So we need to train our miners so they can have confidence that they can handle it if a situation occurs. Russell said the cooperation between SIC and IECC has been an ongoing cooperative effort that stretches back 25 years or so. Its really a partnership in the best sense of the word. They decided that if they were going to work together in a joint venture, that they were going to do it right. She said she wrote several grants to try to get the state and the federal government to come up with the money to do what they were mandating us to do, and finally succeeded with a co-competitiveness grant. Its not offered anymore, but the state finally approved it, and we got the facility funded." At the closing of the ceremony, Rice and Bruce also thanked the Illinois department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the grant that made the facility and services happen; local legislators State Representative Brandon Phelps and State Senator Dale Fowler; and the SIC and IECC Boards of Trustees for their contributions, both personal and financial, to the facility. Funding for the project initially came from a state investment program meant to help make the coal industry be more competitive. A Coal Competitiveness Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development provided $220,000 and an additional $15,000 was contributed by each of the colleges, an SIC spokesperson said. The two schools train about 1,000 miners a year and between 300 and 500 of them are new to coal mining. The facility is housed on the north side of campus adjacent to the burn tunnel and the fire science outdoor classroom, also used for coal mine training. For information on coal mining technology classes or the upcoming mine safety and rescue training event, visit www.sic.edu/coal or call 618-252-5400, ext. 2360. This editorial appeared in Wednesday's Washington Post: Item: The federal government recognizes "sexual abuse of a minor" in statutory rape cases only if the victim is younger than 16. Item: Otherwise reasonable use of force does not become unreasonable because the police "provoked" the confrontation by making other errors, such as wrongfully entering premises without a warrant. Item: State courts cannot entertain lawsuits against corporations not "at home" in their state and for activity that occurred somewhere else. Item: When a company sells a patented product, patent law does not enable that company to restrict how people use it. These rulings, which the Supreme Court handed down on Tuesday, may not be the most exciting or remarkable save for one thing very much worth remarking upon: They were all unanimous, or nearly so. In the country's tense political atmosphere, the political branches of government too often operate on the principle that "because the other side is for it, we must be against it." Thankfully, the judicial branch has not reached that low, instead evincing more dedication to professional restraint than it often gets credit for. Five-to-four decisions, and judges and justices ruling along ideological lines corresponding to the party of the president who appointed them these certainly occur, and they get attention, fueling suspicions that the court is incapable of separating its work from raw politics. Significant fractures among the justices exist, and they may yet become more visible on the next decision day: The court still has the Trinity Lutheran case to decide, on whether church properties can be excluded from a Missouri state initiative to help nonprofits renovate playgrounds. The Supreme Court enjoys a higher public approval rating than the other branches, but it is lower than it used to be and may decline further, now that the Senate has eliminated filibusters on judicial nominees, clearing the way for more ideological appointments. Yet none of this is cause for indulging in a self-defeating cynicism that proclaims it impossible for judges to rise above the bitter partisanship that has infected the other two branches. In fact, as Tuesday's rulings showed, much of the court's work is cooperative, not confrontational. That is true even though the justices consider hard cases: Each of the rulings handed down Tuesday reversed findings from a lower appeals court. It would have been all too easy for less thoughtful justices to split on, say, whether there should be more opportunity to hold police liable for using force. Instead, they unanimously overturned a ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. It is jurists' task to continue to cultivate a culture of professional responsibility, and it is society's to expect them to do so. This must be done in the full knowledge that no judge is perfect; they may at times allow personal preferences to color their reading of the law. Though they will never reach it, they deserve respect as long as they are pursuing the judicial ideal. A free event today in Cordova will give students the opportunity learn about the upcoming total solar eclipse. Hosted by Edisto High School teacher Joni Jordan, the educational event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Edisto High School auditorium. Jordan is a partner-teacher in the Noyce Master Teacher Fellow grant program. Jordan will talk with students and their families about the science behind the eclipse and answer questions about the rare event. A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, Aug. 21, for the first time in 26 years in the United States. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, totally or partially obscuring the image of the sun for a viewer on Earth. Three South Carolina State faculty members have been recognized for their contributions to the field of speech pathology. S.C. State speech pathology faculty member Felicia Lawrence has been elected to the South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association Board as vice president of clinical and professional affairs. In this capacity, she will coordinate activities involving professional standards and ethical practices and reimbursement issues as well as promote clinical research and evidence-based practices in the private sector. Additionally, she will be tasked with coordinating with STAR, StAMP, BabyNet and DSS. Earning her undergraduate degree in speech pathology in 1997, her graduate degree in speech pathology in 2002 and her Educational Specialist in educational leadership in 2012, all from S.C. State, Lawrence returned to her alma mater as an instructor and clinical offsite placement coordinator in S.C. States Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. A native of Orangeburg, Lawrence is also the owner and operator of Lets Talk Lawrence Speech Services in Orangeburg. She is married to Leonard Lawrence and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony (Angie) Glover. S.C. State faculty member Dr. Henri Sandifer has been awarded the Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Award. Sandifer is presently serving as clinical director and associate professor at S.C. States Speech and Hearing Clinic. Sandifer graduated from S.C. States graduate degree program in 1976. She served as an associate professor at S.C. State from 1992 to 2004. In 2004, she became the speech manager at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, where she provided management services to a team of 15 therapists. Sandifer returned to her alma mater as clinical director in 2014. The recipient of the Kleffner Award is recognized for outstanding contributions to clinical science and practice in communication science and disorders over a period of 20 years of longer. S.C. State faculty member Dr. Jacqueline E. Jones-Brown, elected president of the South Carolina State Speech and Hearing Association for 2016-2017, has now transitioned to the role of immediate past-president. A native of Orangeburg, Jones-Brown received her bachelor's and master's degrees from S.C. State in the field of speech language pathology and audiology. She received her doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, with a research focus on the provision of standards-aligned speech language pathology services in the public schools. She currently serves as assistant professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Her journey as a state association leader continues as she is now serving in the role of immediate past-president of SCSHA. She is also graduate adviser for S.C. States National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association chapter. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Trend Romania highly appreciates Azerbaijan's participation in international dialogues on energy security issues, said Romania's Deputy Energy Minister Iulian-Robert Tudorache. He made the remarks during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. The Southern Gas Corridor project will contribute to ensuring energy security of Europe, he further said. The Deputy Energy Minister emphasized that the European Union is currently dependent on natural gas imports. Therefore, diversification of sources and routes are of vital importance for the continent. Southern Gas Corridor project fully conforms to the interests of Europe, Julian-Robert Tudorache added. By Azernews By Kamila Aliyeva Turkish and Iranian companies have signed an agreement on construction and sale of ships for a total amount of $95 million, Turkish media reported on June 1. Three Turkish companies, names of which havent been disclosed, will build ships in Khorramshahr in southwestern Iran. Following the lifting of international sanctions Iran spared no efforts to develop a series of grand projects in partnership with major shipbuilders to modernize its aging dockyards. Earlier in January, Managing Director of Iran Shipbuilding and Offshore Industries Complex Co. (ISOICO) Rezaian Asl said that Iran plans to further boost its shipbuilding capabilities and compete with the world's top firms in this field. ISOICO, the sole shipbuilding company in the region which builds and repairs ships of various scales, outlined a five-year plan to achieve a ranking among the world's top five shipbuilders. Previously, the company has also signed several agreements with international partners in order to cooperate in sharing engineering, technological, equipment supply and manufacturing services. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), the trade turnover between Turkey and Iran amounted to $11 billion in 2016. The two countries intend to bring the volume of trade operations up to $30 billion. Atlantic RecordsThe War on Drugs will return this summer with a new album entitled A Deeper Understanding. The fourth full-length studio effort from the psychedelic-tinged Philadelphia indie rockers will be released August 25. A Deeper Understanding will feature the lead single "Holding On," which is streaming now on YouTube. The War on Drugs will perform on The Late Show this Monday, June 5. They'll kick off a headlining tour in support of A Deeper Understanding on September 18 in Portland, Maine. Here's the A Deeper Understanding track list: "Up All Night" "Pain" "Holding On" "Strangest Thing" "Knocked Down" "Nothing to Find" "Thinking of a Place" "In Chains" "Clean Living" "You Don't Have to Go" Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Gulf Lifting Financial Leasing (GLFL), a provider of financial services, has engaged Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB), the largest Sharia Advisory firm in Saudi Arabia, for the management of Sharia compliant certification and practices. Sharia compliant way of leasing is a simple yet powerful way to connect with our customers while adding efficiency to our offerings, said Anan Hammodah, CEO for GLFL. We are proud to be at the forefront of developing innovative Islamic solutions that will cater to our customers faith based needs while allowing our clients to benefit from the Islamic financial transparency of a wide variety of products. GLFL was established in 1995 and is currently in the process of obtaining Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority license after converting its statues from limited liability to closed joint stock company. As one of the first leasing companies to develop innovative financial offerings, the company has on-boarded a number of institutions from large constructions companies to small family businesses. GLFL is one of the largest in the Kingdom, serving small and medium enterprises across Saudi Arabia, said Mohamed Nazimudin, CFO at GLFL. We continue to work with clients of various sizes and degrees of complexity to solve their ever arising financial needs and requirements. By adopting our solutions, our clients will have the ability to opt for financial leasing framework within the parameters of Sharia. Outsourcing Sharia Advisory function will help us achieve quality, accuracy, and assurance in our Islamic financial programs. They [SRB] provide services and experiences that exceed local knowledge, and this will enable us to build better, successful and meaningful products for our customers needs, he added. As the Sharia Advisor, SRB will serve as GLFLs enterprise programs in Saudi Arabia. It will work across the company to help deliver a wide range of Sharia review services including overseeing investments, financial activities, product structuring, Sharia Certification and ongoing Sharia supervision. TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabia-based Al Salem Johnson Controls York recently showcased its expertise in variable refrigerant flow systems (VRF) at a seminar conducted in Riyadh. The companys latest VRF technologies meet the cooling needs of the kingdoms harsh climate and help save energy consumption, especially since air-conditioning and cooling systems have the highest energy consumption rate in the residential sector and among small projects as well. In its presentation, the company showed the latest energy-efficient technologies, as well as the complete solutions for smart buildings and VRF systems. It also discussed the markets need for such technology and their importance and reliability, for providing and ensuring sustainable energy. In addition to highlighting the traditional constant flow in comparison with variable flow systems, the company stressed that the latter is able to reduce the yearly energy consumption by 17 per cent. Al Salem Johnson Controls provides the variable refrigerant flow system technology by York which meets the highest efficiency requirements, without sacrificing comfort and quality of the systems performance. Each unit is designed to operate quietly, and has been fitted with remote controls both wired and wireless. Dr Mohanad Al Shaikh, CEO of Al Salem Johnson Controls York, stated: We launched our VRF systems in 1979, and our products have outshined others with their high reliability, innovative technology, efficiency and quality. Because of our commitment to present the best products over the past years, we have succeeded in securing a leading role for our VRF systems in many major projects across both commercial and residential. The most notable of these are the expansion of the holy mosque of Makkahs 'Mataf', the luxurious Farsi 7 Towers, and the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz international Airport in Al Madinah. We also distinguish ourselves by providing the most productive and complete solutions for saving energy; as well as after-sales services where we have the biggest aftermarket team in the Middle East and a training centre for constant development, he added. the unique selling points of Al Salem Johnson Controls' York VRF systems are their high efficiency and cooling capabilities in climates that can reach up to 54 deg C, multiple speed fans, and their use of the R410A environment-friendly refrigerant. TradeArabia News Service Jabal Omar Development Company, the largest listed real estate group in Saudi Arabia by market capitalisation, has completed the first phase of its iconic SR20 billion ($5.3 billion) project near the Grand Mosque in Makkah, said a report. The Phase One, which was implemented at a cost of SR3.41 billion ($908 million), includes four foundation structures,10 hotel towers including Hilton Suites Makkah, Makkah Marriott Hotel, Hyatt Regency Makkah, and Jabal Omar Conrad Hotel besides 97 villas, reported Saudi Gazette. A host of shopping malls too have been launched as part of the initial phase. Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al Faisal inaugurated the Phase One of the Jabal Omar project which is being developed on a 2.2 million sq m of land in five phases. The emir was later briefed on the project and its future expansion plans, stated the report. He honoured the founding directors of the board of Jabal Omar Development Company, headed by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, at a ceremony which was attended by Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar and several senior officials. Prince Khaled named the main conference hall at Hilton Hotel in honour of Faqeeh, it added. Merck, a leading science and technology company, joined the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community in recognition of World MS Day yesterday (May 31), to raise awareness of this devastating disease. With the slogan Life with MS, Merck celebrated the global solidarity and hope for the future. Beyond its ongoing research in clinical treatments, Merck is committed to improving the lives of people living with MS through real-world data collection, support for caregivers and patients, as well as awareness programmes globally, the company said. In support of the World MS Day, Merck introduced a global carer partner survey with the International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) to help identify unmet needs and bring visibility and support to family caregivers around the globe. With MS affecting 2.3 million people worldwide, it is imperative that proper treatment measures are taken. The prevalence of MS in the GCC alone is approximately 60-70/100,000 which is surprisingly high. Each year World MS Day provides individuals and organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of this condition and a chance to start new conversations about the steps they can take to make a difference to people with MS. World MS Day serves is an important reminder of the real challenges millions of people living with MS face every day, said Dr Jihad Inshasi, MD, FAAN, FEAN, consultant neurologist at Rashid Hospital in Dubai. Their strength to fight this illness is what motivates us to develop different treatment options including improved innovative therapies, drug delivery devices, enhanced patient programs and support services. At present, Merck are working on a new treatment regime that is expected to become available to further support people living with relapsing-remitting MS. One of the greatest advances in neurology has been the explosion of research in the field of multiple sclerosis. The landscape of MS management is rapidly changing in the last few years with the introduction of new theories, new diagnostic criteria, new treatments and new monitoring tools for evaluating the disease severity and response to treatment. This is very exciting and is an improved advancement in our medical technology. In the past, there were no approved therapies for MS, and today we have 7 injectable drugs and 4 oral medications in addition to other medication advances. We are entering a new era in the field of MS, added Dr Inshasi. Merck has played an instrumental role for the last 20 years in developing foundation therapies for people living with MS. The company is currently working on a new treatment option for MS that when approved, would be the first-of-its-kind dosing regimen to reduce the burden of doses frequency to only 10 days of oral treatment every year. Dr Jihad Inshasi, has been involved in this research on the new MS treatments, emphasising the trust that Multinational research entities has for healthcare sector in the UAE. Commenting on the new treatment options Nazih Ammoury, regional business lead at Merck, said: Our efforts to bring new treatment options for MS, demonstrates Mercks continued commitment to improve new treatment options for multiple sclerosis. Although there are several therapies available for relapsing-remitting MS, there is still a significant number of unmet medical needs. MS is the most common, debilitating chronic disease in young adults, Yiannis Vlontzos, head of MEA Region at Merck, explained. It is a disease that causes a number of unpredictable neurological symptoms that can result in increasing disability affecting about 2.3 million people worldwide. Merck has a long-term experience on MS treatment and is currently working on the development of another treatment option in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis that will deliver high efficacy in short treatment cycles. TradeArabia News Service UAE-based Ducab, a leading manufacturer of high-quality cables and cabling products, has reported strong financial performance in 2016 with 10 per cent growth in sales volumes. The company expanded its export business by 25 per cent, said a statement from Ducab. Moreover, Ducab concluded the year 2016 with 15 per cent overall EBITDA growth. As a result of high-value new and repeat orders from prominent regional and international customers as well as increased product diversification, it said. The company also announced that Eng Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri has taken over as chairman of the board effective since March. Ducab chairmanship is rotated between the equal shareholders of the company, Abu Dhabis Senaat and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), said a statement. Eng Al Dhaheri follows Dr Ahmad bin Hassan Al Shaikh, who served as chairman of the board from 2015 to 2017, it said. Ducab, now in its 38th year of operation, comprises four business areas; Ducab Wire and Cables; Ducab High Voltage, a joint venture with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea); Ducab Metals supplying copper rod and wire to the region; and the newest addition to the group, Ducab Aluminium Company (DAC), manufacturing Aluminium rod and conductor, it added. Dr Al Shaikh said: I am happy to hand over to my board colleague Eng Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, and I am confident that under his guidance our company will continue to break new ground and reach new heights. Despite another challenging year, the companys team delivered FY 2016 with improved sales performance that resulted in marked improvement in profitability across all business units, he said. Continuous focus on operational efficiency coupled with successful implementation of several manufacturing optimization initiatives aided the improved results overall he added. The board of directors has approved the company's consolidated financial statements and announced the results for 2016 for the overall cables and metals business. Al Dhaheri said: Our companys ownership structure represents a unique partnership between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and I am eager to continue the efforts to position Ducab as one of the most successful UAE-owned manufacturing brands. We have diversified into new sectors and markets within different regions, and reduced our short term borrowing by Dh228 million ($62.07 million), as well as paying an increased dividend to our shareholders, he said. Ducab places lot of emphasis on Sharia Complaint Financing and to that effect, 100 per cent of our medium term financings are under sharia structure including the new project (DAC), he added. Al Dhaheri said: Given the competitive situation in all our markets, I am pleased to say that our profitability increased in 2016, which is an achievement we are proud of. Sales of cables and metals (copper rod and wires) grew both in the domestic UAE market and in a diverse range of export markets in 2016, highlighted by the first-of-its-kind supply of nuclear power-qualified cable range, Ducab NuBICC, to the Korean nuclear power programme. The year 2016 marked several landmark achievements by the company including significant product diversification as well as the addition of new customers and new markets. In the region, Ducab supplied cabling solutions to major projects including Dubai Parks and Resorts, Al Ain Hospital, Blue Water Island and Abu Dhabi Airports Midfield Terminal Building (MTB). The company also secured and delivered a $10 million order of medium and low-voltage cables for the North East Bab Field Development Project, Phase III: Rumaitha and Shanayel fields; a $70 million delivery to the Clean Fuels Project in Kuwait, multiple OGP related projects with Adnoc, Riyadh Metro, amongst many others. Looking forward, the company will expand its product portfolio further to include aluminium rods and conductors with the official opening of Ducab Aluminium Company (DAC) located in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) later in 2017. Commissioned in late 2016, DAC was EGAs first customer to receive a delivery of molten aluminium from their Al Taweelah smelter in Kizad via the Hot Metal Road. Full production capacity is 50,000 tpa of rod and conductor, it added. TradeArabia News Service The Switch, a Yaskawa company - is a pioneer in advanced drive train technology, has delivered its first ever DC-Hub to Wightlink in the UK for installation into its flagship new build diesel electric hybrid ferry. The Finland-headquartered business, part of the 3.3 billion ($3.6 billion) turnover Yaskawa Electric Corporation, says the revolutionary technology will deliver significant benefits related to fuel, cost and environmental compatibility, making it a preferred solution for future-focused ship-owners. Yaskawa Electric Corporation is a world-leading provider of core technologies focused on motion control, robotics automation, and systems engineering. In November last year, The Switch purchased Wartsila Drives in Norway, further strengthening its marine ambitions by acquiring technology, and a team, with a proven record of market success. Developed on the foundation of the firms established Power Drive solution, the new DC-Hub is a landmark for the business, according to Asbjrn Halsebakke, general manager, The Switch Marine Drives Norway. We believe this is the future of shipping, Halsebakke notes. The DC-Hub is simple, reliable, robust and very cost effective. It allows vessel generators to run at optimal efficiency, with batteries taking the strain of any necessary load changes. This significantly reduces fuel consumption and therefore operational cost and environmental impact. The DC nature of the system also allows batteries to be utilized as standby power sources, meaning generators can be turned off entirely. Less running time means less maintenance, as well as less fuel consumption, he added. Also any potential power source such as wind generators, fuel cells or solar panels can be easily connected to DC. So by eliminating the need for AC switchboards, we create a simpler, tailor-made system for more compliant, cost-effective and environmentally friendly operation, today and tomorrow, Halsebakke concluded. The current delivery will be installed by Wartsila on the 90 m new build vessel at the Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey. The craft boasts a capacity for 178 cars and more than 1,200 passengers. It is part of Wightlinks GBP45 million ($57.5 million) Investing for the Future programme, which is scheduled to begin operation in the Solent strait in the summer of 2018. Halsebakke further noted that the project effectively fires the starting gun on a new wave of development for his Stord, Norway-based operation. Our company has publicly stated that its targeting growth of 200 per cent within the marine segment in the next five years, and well be a key part of that, he said. We now have two new DC-Hub deliveries in the pipeline and see a huge potential for growth. This is especially true within the ferry segment, where there are increasing environmental demands from authorities, particularly here in Norway, and for offshore, where existing vessels can transform their energy efficiency with DC. In a sector that faces real challenges, this is a much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution than fleet renewal, he added. Halsebakke stated: From our perspective, well be taking on five new people over the next month to prepare for increased market demand. We see this first delivery as an exciting step forward on our growth path. The Switch originally made its name in the wind farm sector before moving into marine almost five years ago. In wind, it is a preferred industry supplier, providing permanent magnet generators and full-power converters to wind turbines worldwide. In total, the firm boasts an installed capacity in excess of 13 GW. The Switch, which has already received over 30 marine orders for its revolutionary permanent magnet shaft generator technology, believes its solutions can provide the same transformational benefits for shipping as they have for the wind industry, it stated.- TradeArabia News Service New projects between General Electric (GE) and Saudi Arabia will focus on the kingdoms power, healthcare, energy and mining sectors, as well as skills training and digital analytics running on Predix, said a report. Predix, the companys platform for the industrial internet, is aimed at powering digital industrial businesses. The agreements, worth $15 billion overall, includes a partnership with Saudi Aramco to generate $4 billion in efficiency savings by digitising its operations, Kate Johnson, vice president and chief commercial officer, GE Digital, was quoted as saying in a Saudi Gazette report. GE and its Saudi partners will also use software applications running on Predix to create digital hospitals in the kingdom and improve the efficiency of its minerals mining, it said. Johnson said: It also includes a large healthcare digitisation component through partnerships with Saudi Telecom, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health and Dr Sulaiman Habib Medical Group (HMG). She added that the landmark agreement is a vital element in the digitisation of industry in the kingdom and will introduce digital solutions through an Electronic Medical Records Predix Solution and a centralised appointment system (CAS). Together, these will serve to transform MOH facilities into digital hospitals across the region. Johnson also highlighted that GE has recently announced a partnership with Obeikan Investment Group that will support the digitisation of Obeikan facilities. She further noted that initially, two plants will be digitally transformed, with the potential to scale and convert the groups other plants across the Middle East, Africa and Europe in the future. This conversion will bring unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity, leveraging GE Digitals Brilliant Manufacturing solutions, added the report. Saudi Arabias Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) is collaborating with DuPont Sustainable Solutions (DSS), the operations consulting business of DuPont, to improve operational performance and safety in the countrys desalination facilities. SWCC is responsible for about 70 per cent of the total production of desalinated water in Saudi Arabia, said a statement from the company. The collaboration will enhance the operational excellence and risk management processes at SWCC to ensure a sustainable water supply for the people of Saudi Arabia, it said. Ali Al Hazmi, governor of SWCC, said: Every activity taking place at SWCC now is to prepare for the privatisation of the company. We want to create an environment that will allow us to compete internationally so that ultimately, we have a sustainable business that the people of SWCC and Saudi Arabia can benefit from, he said. DuPonts experience in implementing operational improvement initiatives at their own facilities, and in the Kingdom, is an integral part of our improvement process, he added. As part of SWCCs aspirations to privatise and align with Saudi Arabias 2030 strategic objectives, the executive management decided to invest further in the transformation of its operations. While SWCC has long been committed to operational excellence, the implementation of these critical initiatives will enable SWCC to produce water in a more cost-effective way. DSS and its partners will start at some of SWCCs biggest facilities plants, transmission lines and headquarters, said a statement. Abdullah Al Zowaid, deputy governor, operations at SWCC, said: This operational transformation project will aim at strengthening our practices in risk management and operational excellence. The initiatives selected will focus on developing leadership capabilities, maximising productivity, reliability and cost optimisation, he said. Johan van der Westhuyzen, regional director for DSS Turkey, Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: We are excited to collaborate with SWCC and have invited strategic partners to support us in helping the company achieve its aspirations. Each partner will bring a unique set of best practices to ensure SWCC gets support from the worlds leaders in their respective fields: Emerson to bring experience in automation and reliability, Riventa to provide expertise in water transmission and pumps, and GrahamTek with best practices in core desalination processes and technology, he added. Jean-Paul Sacy, senior manager at DSS, said: Behavioural shift is at the core of the DuPont operational excellence approach and will play a key role in driving change through the SWCC organisation. We are looking forward to progressively developing and empowering the SWCC team to drive continuous improvement into the future, he concluded. TradeArabia News Service TUV Rheinland has acquired 2MC, a recognized leader in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consulting with operations in the UK, Middle East, and Africa, including in-depth RSA Archer Suite technology expertise. The acquisition expands TUV Rheinland's capabilities to enable organizations to master risk and compliance as they undergo Digital Transformation, and reinforces its position as global leader in RSA Archer professional services. TUV Rheinland customers will benefit from 2MC's expertise in cyber risk management, threat management, vulnerability management, incident management, business continuity management, compliance management, and GRC automation. 2MC customers will gain access to TUV Rheinland expertise in Digital Transformation and the deep portfolio of Mastering Risk & Compliance, Advanced Cyber Defenses and Secure Cloud Adoption services. "We are thrilled to welcome the 2MC team to the TUV Rheinland family," said Frank Luzsicza, executive vice president, ICT & Business Solutions, TUV Rheinland Group. "This acquisition unifies two organizations whose culture and values put the customer first to provide the highest quality advice and support to safely and securely make the transition to digital. In this time of disruptive technology change, and the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, it also highlights our continued commitment to building a team of the best talent in the industry." "2MC has been on a tremendous journey, and we're proud of the company we've built. This is unquestionably the right time for us to join TUV Rheinland and accelerate our success. We share very similar values in providing high-quality GRC consulting services, as well as increasing the international scope of the business to meet the needs of our global customers. We're looking forward to this exciting new chapter for both companies," said Mark Winchcomb, who will continue as CEO and lead 2MC's UK, Middle East, and Africa operations. TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded more than 140 years ago. The group maintains a worldwide presence with 19,600 employees; annual turnover is nearly EUR2 billion. TradeArabia News Service Passengers flying on board Qatar Airways who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan will be offered a delicious Iftar meal box infused with a traditional Middle Eastern twist to break their fast. Qatar Airways Iftar boxes will feature a creatively-designed Ramadan Kareem logo extending best wishes to all passengers during the Holy Month. Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers travelling on selected flights will be offered Iftar boxes containing either a chicken or vegetarian sandwich wrap, hummous, crudites, mini Arabic bread, mixed nuts, baklava, dates, an Alpen fruit and nut bar, fresh laban and water. Passengers travelling in Economy Class will be offered an Iftar meal box containing a vegetarian sandwich wrap, Walker biscuit, dried fruits, dates, mixed nuts, fresh laban and water. Qatar Airways group chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said: This year, we continue our tradition of offering our passengers a delicious way to break their fast while flying. The holy month of Ramadan is an important period for a vast number of our passengers, and we continue to offer them the high standards of service they have become accustomed to. We invite our passengers to embrace this special time of year by enjoying our special Iftar boxes. On behalf of Qatar Airways, we extend to all warmest wishes for a Ramadan Kareem. This years Iftar boxes will be distributed on Qatar Airways flights to Abu Dhabi, Abha, Amman, Alexandria, Bahrain, Basra, Baghdad, Cairo, Dammam, Dubai, Erbil, Gassim, Hofuf, Jeddah, Kuwait, Khartoum, Luxor, Muscat, Medina, Mashad, Najaf, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah, Sulaymaniyah, Sharjah, Shiraz, Taif and Yanbu. Qatar Airways cabin crew will make an on-board announcement and will serve Iftar boxes at the appropriate time during the flight, alleviating customers from having to calculating the time. Known for introducing industry firsts, Qatar Airways is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 199 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. - TradeArabia News Service Ramadan at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Abu Dhabi captures the true essence of Arabian tradition with a warm ambiance offering the ultimate destination for an unforgettable Ramadan experience. From lavish iftars to mouthwatering suhours and traditional Oud music, fully embrace Ramadan traditions this season by sharing unique experiences with family and friends at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Abu Dhabi. Whether guests are looking to partake in Ramadan or embark on a family staycation, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Abu Dhabi has it all with its five unique hotels in three Abu Dhabi destinations: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa and three resorts on the treasured Sir Bani Yas Island - Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Al Yamm Villa Resort and Al Sahel Villa Resort, embracing the local culture of Abu Dhabi and showcasing the natural beauty of the capital. With hotels in the city, on an island and in the desert, Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas in Abu Dhabi attracts unique experiences to create remarkable memories that last a lifetime. Located along a stretch of The National Mangrove Park and within easy reach of the city, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is creating the perfect Ramadan atmosphere that captures the charm of the Middle East. Guests can indulge in a lavish International Iftar buffet priced at Dh185 ($50.3) filled with authentic Arabian dishes and all-time favourite specialties such as Lamb Tagine, Samke Harra and Madlouka. During the late hours, guests can order late night meals from the hotels special suhour menu, enjoy traditional music by the Oud player and shisha in the Suhour Tent until 3.30 am. For those looking for wellness experiences during the holy month, Anantara Spa has designed a range of special offers such as Traditional Turkish Hammam rituals, complimentary massage upgrades or Pick and Mix package where guests can choose from a selection of treatments and create their own mini spa journey. The Mangroves Lifestyle is running a four weeks Yoga Detox Challenge led by Sasha Quince, every Sunday throughout Ramadan, to help participants to expel built up toxins via various breathing and posture exercises. The fortress-like palace nestled within the dunes of the fabled Empty Quarter, the worlds largest uninterrupted sand desert, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab invites guests to delight in true Arabian traditions and revel in an ultimate Bedouin Ramadan experience. The rooftop terrace, Suhail will be serving special Iftar set menu priced at Dh210 ($57) allowing guests to feast on Arabian inspired dishes whilst soaking in views of the rolling sand dunes. For those looking for summer adventure, the desert resort offers many recreational activities allowing their guests to discover the wonders of the Empty Quarter, which includes camel trekking, archery, dune bashing, desert safari, sand boarding and many more. Finally, those seeking an island getaway can treat themselves to a trip to Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts. Whether it is beachfront luxury, stunning wildlife or family fun, the three diverse resorts offer guests a relaxing break this Ramadan. As the sun sets, family and friends can pay a visit to Al Shams, Savannah Grill and Olio, which will be serving an array of delicious Iftar options featuring Middle Eastern delicacies in stunning surroundings. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts also invites guests to experience thrilling adventures with indigenous wildlife. Whether youre looking for activities on land or sea, guests can choose from a wide array of unique activities which includes Nature and Wildlife Drive, Kayaking, Land Sailing, Archery and many more. Guests can also plan their family Ramadan getaway and take advantage of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Abu Dhabi special Advance Purchase Offer. They can create their own amazing story at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts and benefit from a 20 per cent off their stay in any of the three resorts while booking 7 days in advance, or a 30 per cent discount for bookings 21 days in advance. Guests can also enjoy a 20 per cent discount upon booking at least 7 days in advance on their city getaway in Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara or on their desert escape at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. - TradeArabia News Service After more than seven months of investigation and court proceedings, a Casper nonprofit will be able to move beyond the theft of tens of thousands of dollars from its accounts by one of its own employees. On Thursday morning, Natrona County District Court Judge Catherine Wilking sentenced Carrie Good to serve between three and five years at the Wyoming Womens Center and repay the 12-24 Club, which provides services for people with addiction, the more than $52,000 that she stole. Good, who was working for the club when she stole the money, pleaded guilty to a single felony count of theft in February. Prosecutors and her defense attorneys agreed that she would serve three to five years in prison as part of her plea deal. The maximum sentence for the charge is 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Wilking said Thursday that she was reluctant to agree to the terms of the plea agreement but did so because she recognized the need for the club to move on from the case. The judge noted Goods previous conviction for a similar crime. Ms. Good, the 12-24 Club has tirelessly served this community, and they will continue to do so, Wilking told the defendant, who stood at the stand in tears. That building on the corner is a beacon of hope. The only thing that makes this agreement palatable is that good people will continue to do good work there even in the face of this thoughtless and selfish crime youve committed. At the sentencing hearing Thursday, the nonprofits director thanked the Casper Police Department and the District Attorneys Office for their work on the case. Dan Cantine said that Goods theft had delayed raises for the clubs employees. I speak for the employees of the 12-24 Club, he said. They dont make a lot of money, but they show up every day with a smile on their faces. Cantine also spoke of the nonprofits beginnings in 1993. He said that it started with a dream and a $500 donation from nine community members who wanted to help people with substance abuse issues. The nonprofit hosts more than 40 meetings a week for a variety of support groups and addiction recovery programs, including 12-step programs. The club aims to provide a safe space where people with addictions can work toward recovery. It serves about 2,500 people a month, according to its website. Keeping the club running has been a collective act of love by the community. Cantine told the judge about a man who donated $13.45 that he earned by collecting aluminum cans when the nonprofit was fundraising to build its new facility. Its this kind of dedication that makes Goods crime especially troubling, Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen said. Its astonishing when you hear a story about a man saving $14 in aluminum cans and then you look at what Ms. Good spent the money on, he said at the hearing. Concert tickets and hotel rooms Good used the money for personal expenses that included Carrie Underwood concert tickets, groceries, childrens superhero costumes, hotel rooms and an Apple Watch, according to court documents. Itzen said that Good didnt need to steal to meet her financial needs but instead took the money for no other reason than greed. And the folks at the 12-24 Club are left to pick up the pieces, he said. Goods defense attorney, Chad Harden, said his client had shown remorse for the theft from the first day she walked into his office and that she had been attending weekly counseling for seven months. In a tearful statement, Good apologized for the crime and asked for forgiveness from her loved ones and those at the 12-24 Club. The only one to blame for any of this is myself, she said, her voice cracking. Police began investigating Good in July, after others at the 12-24 Club noticed irregularities in the nonprofits accounting, court documents show. Cantine fired Good on July 11 after an internal investigation and then reported his suspicions to police. Good was previously convicted on similar charges in 2010 for stealing more than $16,000 from Kistler Tent and Awning, where she worked as a bookkeeper. In an interview after the sentencing, Cantine said that the nonprofits employees and board members were relieved the case was closed. He said that while the clubs finances are stable, the theft caused them to tighten our belts. Its been a burden on us for quite awhile, he said. Casper City Council has selected Gillettes administrator to replace V.H. McDonald as city manager, the City of Gillette announced Tuesday night. Carter Napier brings roughly 20 years of experience to the job, having started his career as an assistant to former Casper city manager Tom Forslund in 1998 before going on to administrator roles in Riverton and Gillette. A formal vote on the hire is expected at an upcoming Council meeting. What I hope to do is bring some normalcy and a sense of stability and calm and those sort of things to what certainly have been periods of upheaval for a few years now, Napier said. Forslund described Napier as a talented administrator and said he was especially adept at building. Carter is an extremely strong people person, Forslund said. Napier was a finalist to replace John Patterson as city manager in 2015, but he withdrew late in the process, and City Council selected McDonald. At a press conference on Wednesday morning in Gillette, Napier said he was concerned at that time about leaving Gillette as concerns over falling energy prices loomed. Those fears were realized as hundreds of workers were laid off from local coal mines last spring and Napier oversaw major reductions in Gillettes budget. Budget changes likely Napier hopes to balance Caspers budget, suggesting that the fiscal hawks on City Council may find Napier a sympathetic partner. Im certainly more comfortable and feel way better about being able to balance a budget without the use of reserves, Napier said. Council members agreed on Tuesday night to approve the budget proposed by Interim City Manager Liz Becher, which uses $5 million of Caspers reserves, on the condition that they would work with the new city manager to identify spending cuts by October. Dallas Laird and several of the other members who were seated this year pushed for more immediate cuts, but city staff and Council veterans successfully argued for the budget to be approved largely as written to allow time to assess the impact of various spending reductions. Obviously were going to have to do something before fiscal year 19 unless the tax situation changes, acknowledged Councilman Bob Hopkins, who supported approving the proposed budget. Laird gives voice to frustration at Casper budget session Dallas Laird didn't know what to make of the TIF. And he didn't like it. Napier suggested reserves were appropriate to use as a holdover but described a balanced budget, which Gillette appears to have achieved this year, as the end goal. Reserves can have a role with regards to helping smooth a transition that a community goes through in regards to recognizing their new normal, he said. We feel like weve realized our new normal ... and my feeling is perhaps the City of Casper is not quite to that point yet. Gillette Mayor Louise Carter-King praised Napiers leadership and guidance during falling revenue at the city. She was glad he decided to withdraw from consideration for the Casper job 18 months ago to help bring Gillette to that new normal. We hate to see him leave, but he has left us better than when he came, Carter-King said. What a great legacy to leave. Lucky to find him The City of Casper announced late Wednesday afternoon that Napier was being considered as the next city manager, subject to the formal Council vote. Mayor Kenyne Humphrey and Vice Mayor Ray Pacheco did not respond to requests for comment. But Councilman Charlie Powell said an agreement was reached with Napier at a closed Council meeting on Tuesday night. Casper is lucky to find him, and the citizens will be happy with his work, Powell said. Powell was on Council when Napier interviewed for the city manager job two years ago and said he was highly thought of at the time. Weve also had other members of the community mention his name and speak very highly of his accomplishments, Powell said. One Napier supporter is local businessman and State Rep. Pat Sweeney, R-Casper, who has followed the administrators career since the late 1990s. He knows our city, he knows our community, Sweeney said. Sweeney said that Napier had all-around management expertise that wasnt limited to a specialty in finance or one in personnel, for example. His tool bag is full, Sweeney said. He will be able to calm things down, and we can move forward. Carter-King also said that Napier was a good fit for the Casper job. Hes got challenges in Casper, and Carter does love challenges, she said. Napier grew up in Virginia and Georgia before attending Brigham Young University in Utah. His first full-time job after graduate school was in the Forslund administration, where he worked for four years until 2003, when he took the Riverton job. He was hired by Gillette in 2011. When he worked for us he was young, enthusiastic and very talented and wanted to be a city manager one day, Forslund said. Napier said his first priority would be hiring a police chief and assessing Caspers financial situation. He emphasized a desire to work closely with City Council and make sure he was incorporating their policy goals into the daily operations of the city. In his current role, Napier answers to Gillettes directly elected mayor. But unlike Gillette, Casper uses a council-manager form of government, with a directly elected City Council that sets broad policy direction to be carried out by a professional city manager. That means Napier will have more power and final say on matters, like personnel, in Casper. But Napier said during the press conference that Carter-King and the Gillette City Council had delegated significant responsibility to him as administrator and that he plans on working closely with elected officials regardless of Caspers form of government. The differences that exist between the two cities ... will not be that different because I really believe in having a collaborative relationship with the council, he said. Napier eager, anxious Becher had previously expressed wariness over media coverage of recent issues at City Hall, including the dismissal of police chief Jim Wetzel in early May. Jim Wetzel out as Casper police chief Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel is no longer serving as head of the department. The message that the Tribune is continually printing on the front page of the paper can be a real deterrent to hiring a city manager, she said. Though Napier did not address medias role, he acknowledged that various issues within Caspers government had given him hesitation and concern over whether to accept the job. He said that after having reached a period of stability in Gillette, he was anxious to get settled in Casper and begin addressing issues in the Oil City. Frankly, its a little scary, Napier said. By the same token, I feel like I can help. His last day as Gillette administrator is June 22. Napier said he would start in Casper no sooner than early July. An administrator at Natrona County High School has been named the top educator at Pathways Innovation Center. Ron Estes, who spent eight years at NCHS, will serve as assistant principal and be the highest-ranking official on-site at Pathways. Hell work with Principals Shannon Harris, of NCHS, and Brad Diller, of Kelly Walsh High School, in overseeing Pathways. The Natrona County School District has said previously that a high school leadership team will act as the administration of Pathways. Estes appointment comes at pivotal time for Pathways. The school, which takes students from the districts other high schools for part of the day and teaches them skills like welding or carpentry, is currently at a quarter of its 1,000-student capacity. District officials have rolled out a plan to increase enrollment at the facility. Pathways first principal, Chad Sharpe, will be stepping down from his post. He is taking a teaching position elsewhere in the district, the district announced last week. Officials cited personal and family reasons for Sharpes departure, which comes at the end of Pathways first year. District spokeswoman Tanya Southerland said the leadership structure, in which Estes will be on site at the school and will work with Diller and Harris to lead the school, is a new approach by the district. She said she didnt know if the new approach was related to the enrollment push. Estes was an assistant principal at NCHS and spent several years in the same role at Dean Morgan Junior High before that. He was named Wyoming assistant principal of the year this year by the Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals, according to a district press release. Estes said he was honored to be continuing forward with the great educational opportunities at Pathways Innovation Center, according to the release. Pies will be sold at the town of Aladdins auction, but its the hamlet itself thats up for bid. At 2 p.m. Friday, an auctioneer from South Dakota will gather the attention of anyone interested and open the proceedings. For a price, you could have a mobile home park and cafe, hotel and bar, two-story general store that sells nearly everything and 17 acres that could be anything you get to decide, since youd be the towns owner, mayor, lord or lady. The current owners, Rick and Judy Brengle, have had enough. Theyve run the store and mobile home park seven days a week for 31 years. At 73 years old, they want to retire, go home and ranch, fix the fence and paint their house. Theres been a lot of people interested, but no one that wants to work seven days a week, Judy Brengle said. They all say, Too much work. So its going up for auction. Buy it all, or buy one of the four parcels. Its just a hair under 30 acres in total, nestled in the green hills of northeast Wyoming, 83 miles from Gillette and 21 miles from Sundance. The Brengles dont know the price the auctioneer will announce at the beginning. Theyve been asking $1.5 million for the 127-year-old general store thats been through countless Sturgis rallies, a fair number of weddings and one death, and the surrounding property. Judys sister-in-law, Cindy Brengle, is the one selling the cafe and motel. The Brengles, and the 15 Aladdin residents, hope the place remains the same. Visitors refer to the four employees who work the store and bar as the silver-haired Golden Girls. We call it the grand central station of Aladdin because people stop here and leave things, leave kids here, drop their packages and pick up their mail, Judy Brengle said. She knows saying the town of Aladdin is for sale is a bit of a gimmick. Its more accurately described as deeded property than a town like Casper or Gillette. But theyve run with the concept and marketed T-shirts, hats and tank tops with promotional material about Aladdin. (Were all Cowboy, it boasts.) Their property is all thats really left from the town that began with a coal mine in the late 1800s. Aladdin isnt the first town in Wyoming to go to auction. In 2012, the unincorporated hamlet of Buford population 1 sold to a Vietnamese businessman for $900,000. Only recently, the town has been running into money troubles. If youre interested in Aladdin, though, dont let the rural nature turn you away. The new visitors center on Interstate 90 tells people to head that direction. We have a pretty steady stream of people throughout the year, Judy Brengle said. Its a very lucrative business. We have hunters, and were about 50 miles from the Sturgis Rally and 25 miles from Devils Tower. What will they do if no one bids? We dont know, she said. Thats what weve all been wondering. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some June 1 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. An odd thing happens to astronauts as they zip around the Earth at roughly 17,500 miles per hour: They don't get enough sleep. This may be partly because astronauts don't have to wake up early to see daybreak; they get a sunrise and a sunset every 90 minutes. "It's far too fast for the body clock to adapt to, and so they essentially experience a perpetual jet lag," said Erin Flynn-Evans, director of NASA's Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory. Without external cues like sunlight, humans tend to settle into a sleep cycle that is slightly longer than 24 hours: about 24.2 hours on average. "That extra 12 minutes doesn't seem like a lot, but ... after a couple of weeks, you're going to be falling asleep several hours later than you did the first day," Flynn-Evans said. It's not just astronauts whose biological clocks fall out of sync; shift workers such as doctors, pilots and police officers may face the resulting fatigue and the impairment that comes with it. A key difference, Flynn-Evans said, is that there are more safeguards to catch errors on Earth -- such as hospital computers or nursing staff who might catch a wrong prescription. "When you're in space, the stakes are much higher," she said. "A missed keystroke can be the difference between life and death, really." A space oddity Research has shown that astronauts tend to sleep between six and 6 hours, on average, per night. This is considerably less than the minimum seven hours recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. But it's difficult to predict how someone will be affected by sleep deprivation, experts say. "Not everybody is affected to the same degree," said David Dinges, a sleep researcher who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. "This is one of the great mysteries we're now confronting." Dinges co-authored research on a spaceflight simulation experiment known as Mars500, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. For most of 2010 and 2011, six men were kept in isolation for 520 days, tending to daily tasks, simulating 20-minute communication delays with Earth and even walking on a fake Mars. Meanwhile, their sleep, food intake and activity were monitored constantly. The men had vastly different responses to the 17-month experiment. Only two of the crewmembers seemed to cope well and sleep regularly, Dinges said. Among the others, one suffered increasing insomnia, and one became more lethargic and slept more than the others. Yet another became depressed, and the remaining crewmember settled into 25-hour sleep cycle, staying awake when his crewmembers were asleep. Dinges said the two crewmembers whose sleep remained steady -- even in the absence of conventional daylight -- were those who kept to a strict schedule and found other ways to control their biological clocks. "The only way to keep your clock entrained to some extent is a regular behavioral routine with daily exercise and eating at the same time," he said. "Why the others couldn't do that, or didn't do it, we're not quite sure." Out of the blue Flynn-Evans' sleep lab in NASA's Ames Research Center, nestled between tech giants in Silicon Valley, is trying to use technology to ensure that astronauts -- and people on Earth -- can follow a healthy sleep routine. Among NASA's gadgets are wristwatches that monitor sleep and light levels, caps that record electric signals in the brain and a robotic arm. The lab also has a driving simulation, which Flynn-Evans hopes will reveal how drivers and pilots will engage with semi-autonomous vehicles that may lead people to "zone out a little bit" when they are tired. "People aren't very good at determining when they're sleepy," she said. The agency has also installed blue-enriched LED lights aboard the International Space Station in order to synchronize the crew's circadian rhythms. Though blue light has been shown to trigger alertness in airline pilots and hospital nurses who work odd hours, Flynn-Evans said it can also be an obstacle to getting a good night's sleep -- especially for people who sleep during the day or those who enjoy late-night screen time. "Although it may seem like a little thing to have your phone plugged in next to your bed ... that can have a tremendous negative impact on your sleep and your circadian rhythm," she said. Even with great sleep hygiene, Flynn-Evans said, a looming challenge remains: What happens when we finally make it to Mars? A day on Mars is just over 24.6 hours -- even longer than the 24.2-hour cycle that our biological clocks fall into without external cues. "We'll have to stay up a little bit later every day," Flynn-Evans said. Drifting off There are other obstacles to sleeping in space, Flynn-Evans said, such as the sheer excitement of being on a space mission and the urge to look out at the Earth -- a bright blue light -- right before bed. "They may just want to look out at the Earth in all its glory," she said. "They may be flying over their hometown." But it's not all tossing and turning aboard the ISS; some astronauts have found pleasant things about snoozing in space. "Floating there, it's actually really pleasurable after a little while," NASA astronaut Sunita Williams previously told CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Still, the astronaut said she wasn't entirely saddened to leave her space-grade sleeping bag behind. Tucson police have arrested the stepfather in the death of 13-year-old Jayden Glomb, officials said Wednesday. Joshua Lelevier, 37, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and abandoning/concealing a dead body, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson Police Department spokesman, at a news conference. Homicide detectives conducted a search of Jayden Glomb's Vail home on Wednesday. Lelevier was taken into custody at the main police station downtown, Dugan said. Lelevier was being booked into the Pima County jail on Wednesday night. Jayden's body was found May 11 along the side of a road in Vail. The Old Vail Middle School seventh-grader went missing from her home the night before, police said. Police said Jayden's cause of death was asphyxiation. Dugan said Jayden was not killed at the location where her body was found. He said the arrest was made after detectives gathered enough probable cause, without going into details. Jayden lived at the home in the southeast side with her mother and Lelevier. Dugan said there does not appear to be any other suspects in the slaying. According to multiple posts on Facebook, Jayden was last seen in Vail at 10:30 p.m. May 10. On May 11, photos of her were widely circulated on Facebook forums for residents of Vail and Rita Ranch, and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base branch of the 943rd Rescue Group, where Jaydens mother is employed, posted a be on the lookout for the girl. Homicide detectives began investigating the suspicious death after a body was found in a desert area near a new housing development near East Mary Ann Cleveland Way and Steve Street, Dugan said at the time. Based on the condition of the body, it appeared she died recently, Dugan said. A worker at the housing development, which is about 2 miles east of Houghton Road, was driving out of the area when he saw what he believed to be a body in the desert area. He called 911 . Posted on the Vail School District Facebook page was a statement through a representative of Jayden's family. "We appreciate the love and compassion of everyone who has surrounded Joshua and Jessica Lelevier, Robert Glomb, and their families following the loss of their daughter." "Vail, our Air Force and Air Force Reserve communities, 943rd Rescue Group, and so many others have poured out prayers and sent love and light to everyone involved. Thank you." Tucson police said Wednesday that 13-year-old Jayden Glomb was killed by asphyxiation, and they arrested her stepfather. Joshua Lelevier, 37, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree murder and abandoning/concealing a dead body, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson Police Department spokesman, at an evening news conference. Jaydens body was found May 11 along the side of a road in Vail. The Old Vail Middle School seventh-grader was reported missing from her home a night earlier, authorities said. She was found less than 24 hours after she was killed, Dugan said Wednesday. He said Jayden was not killed at the location where she was found. Homicide detectives served a search warrant Wednesday at the Vail home where Jayden lived with her mother and stepfather. Lelevier was arrested Wednesday afternoon at the main police station downtown and was being booked into the Pima County jail. His bond has been set at $500,000. The arrest was made after detectives gathered enough probable cause during an investigation that was done slowly and methodically, said Dugan. He said he could not go into details, adding that detectives believe there is other information out there and are hoping someone comes forward. Dugan did say there do not appear to be any other suspects in the slaying. Police said Jayden was last seen at home by family members on the evening of May 10. On May 11, photos of her were widely circulated on Facebook forums for residents of Vail and Rita Ranch. The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base branch of the 943rd Rescue Group, where Jaydens mother, Jessica Lelevier, is employed, posted a be on the lookout for the girl. According to Joshua Leleviers Facebook page, he married Jaydens mother in 2014, and he worked as a technician at the Florida Air National Guard. Homicide detectives began investigating what was initially called a suspicious death after a body was found in a desert area near a new housing development near East Mary Ann Cleveland Way and Steve Street, Dugan said at the time. A worker at the housing development, which is about two miles east of Houghton Road, was driving out of the area when he saw what he believed to be a body in the desert area. He called 911. Our love and prayers go to Jessica Lelevier, Robert Glomb and their families during this difficult time, officials with the 943rd Rescue Group said in a written statement Wednesday night. Glomb is Jaydens father. The family would appreciate love and prayers and privacy at the moment, the statement continued. Calvin Baker, superintendent of the Vail Unified School District, said Wednesday night: This is a difficult situation and a difficult time for our community. We continue to grieve the loss, and we certainly hope that this is resolved correctly and appropriately. I am confident that the community will remain strong. Most of the residents ordered to evacuate because of a wildfire burning near Sonoita were allowed to return to their homes by Thursday evening. The Kellogg Fire has burned about 250 acres of brush and tall grass near the Arizona 82 and Arizona 83 juncture. It began around 1 p.m. in Sonoita, just southwest of the county fairgrounds. Two vacant barns were destroyed. Some areas around Santa Rita Road remain evacuated, state officials said. The fire was about 80 percent contained. Fire crews, heavy air tankers, two single-engine air tankers and three helicopters were assigned to the fire. About 15 residences were initially ordered to evacuate because of the fire. But most of the evacuation orders were lifted by Thursday evening, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The fire started south of Arizona 82, just north of the Old Sonoita Highway, and near Arizona 83. Arizona 82 and Arizona 83, which were closed for periods of time, have been reopened. By 2:30 p.m. Thursday , the winds seemed to be sending the flames and smoke away from the handful of wineries dotting Arizona 82 a couple miles east of the Kellogg Fire. Mark Beres said employees at his Flying Leap Vineyards, 342 Elgin Road, said Thursdays wildfire was far less threatening than last months Sawmill Fire, which came within 8 miles of Sonoita-Elgin wine country. At Arizona Hops and Vines, 3450 Arizona 82, business seemed to keep pace with a typical Thursday a handful of customers coming mostly from Tucson and Sierra Vista. I can see the planes dropping water and I can see the smoke, said Alexandra Lamprell, whos worked at the winery since February. I cant see flames or anything. Hops and Vines owner Shannon Zouzoulas said she and her partner/sister Megan Haller camped out at the winery during the Sawmill Fire as the blaze flirted with wine country. Zouzoulas, who lives in Vail, said she wanted to be on the vineyard in case they needed to evacuate their coterie of animals including chickens, a dog, cat, fish and a donkey. PHOENIX A judge is refusing to force the states largest electric company to turn over its records of political spending to a utility regulator, at least not yet. In a new order, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge James Kiley did not address the assertion by Bob Burns that he has powers as a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission to compel the production of documents by Arizona Public Service and parent company Pinnacle West Capital Corp. But the judge said it is premature for him to rule on Burns request that he order the records produced. Instead, he said, Burns first needs to ask the full commission to compel the utility and its parent to produce the documents. Only after the commission rules on that request, Kiley said, will it be appropriate for him, as a judge, to intercede. The ruling is at least an interim victory for APS and Pinnacle West, which have objected to giving Burns the documents he wants documents he said will show whether the companies were behind more than $3 million in anonymous donations that led to the 2014 election of Republicans Tom Forese and Doug Little to the commission. But Kiley also rebuffed a bid by APS attorney Mary OGrady to dismiss Burns lawsuit outright. Instead, the judge put the case on the back burner to see what happens next. An order staying these proceedings would respect the commissions authority to consider enforcement of the subpoenas in the first instance just as much as a dismissal would, he wrote. Anyway, Kiley said, keeping the case alive would be more efficient for all sides rather than forcing Burns to have to start over again, from scratch, if his plea to his colleagues goes nowhere. Theres a decent chance that will end up being the case. Other commissioners appear anxious to put the whole question of what happened in 2014 in the rear-view mirror. His fight with APS is an obsession, Forese told Capitol Media Services on Tuesday, calling it misdirected given everything else going on at the commission, notably the indictment of former regulator Gary Pierce and accusing him of accepting money from the manager of Johnson Utilities in exchange for his vote on some rate-hike matters. I havent changed my position on this at all, said Commissioner Andy Tobin, who has opposed Burns subpoena efforts. No ones been able to convince me of a better argument to agree with Bob. Burns said he wants to consult with both his attorney and his policy adviser and find out what my next move is. He said he understands why Kiley does not want to intercede, at least not at this point. You have to establish a record, Burns said. But Burns said he remains adamant that he will get the information he wants, sooner or later. He is specifically questioning how APS and Pinnacle West, which is pretty much wholly dependent on APS customer revenues for its profits, are spending money not only to influence elections but also to hire lobbyists and even dole out charitable contributions. I want to know whether it benefits ratepayers and when it benefits the company, Burns said. The difference is crucial: Expenses that benefit ratepayers, in general, can be passed along in the form of higher bills; those that do not have to be paid out of shareholder earnings. Central to the legal dispute are questions about what role Pinnacle West and APS played in the 2014 election. What is known is that the Free Enterprise Club and Save Our State Now together put $3.2 million into getting Forese and Little elected. What is not known is the source of those funds . Your story is a vibrant thread in the fabric of our community, and we love to tell it. Local news, sports, public safety, education, city government, weather, business we cover the news that makes your town tick. Check out a few of our favorite stories below. A NASA mission to metallic asteroid Psyche, run by a team at Arizona State University, has selected a new trajectory that will get it to its target four years earlier. For Lindy Elkins-Tanton, principal investigator for the mission and head of ASUs School of Earth and Space Exploration, that means all her deadlines for launch preparation have been shortened by a year. The NASA Discovery mission, selected for launch in 2023, will now launch in summer 2022. It will arrive at Psyche in 2026, instead of 2030. The joke among the team is that now well still be alive when we get there 2030 just seemed so far away, said Elkins-Tanton in a telephone interview. She said the team can easily meet the new launch deadline. She had originally based her proposal on a 2021 launch date. The missions cost, capped at $450 million, will decrease with the shorter timetable, she said, saving taxpayers about $100 million and making more efficient use of the army of scientists and engineers assembled for the mission. Even during cruise, youve got a standing army and a lot of maintenance and watching to do, she said. She said NASA officials had asked her to see if there was some way to short-cut the time and distance. Gregory Whiffen, principal engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, found what Elkins-Tanton called a miracle trajectory that cuts out a looping gravity assist from the Earth. It retains a gravity assist from Mars to propel it toward Psyche, which lies in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The new path stays farther from the sun and reduces the need for additional shielding, according to a NASA press release. Based on radar observations, Psyche is believed to be almost totally metallic, with an iron-nickel surface. The teams working hypothesis is that its the core of a small planet whose rocky crust and mantle were stripped away in a series of collisions during the formation of our solar system. Elkins-Tanton said the number of collisions needed to make that happen makes that leading hypothesis improbable, but its the best explanation so far. Observations made recently by NASAs Hubble Space Telescope might provide more clues, she said, but the first close look at the asteroid will come in 2026. Help India! Mumbai, (IANS): Minor incidents of violence marred the start of an unprecedented indefinite strike by over half a million farmers in Maharashtra in support of various demands including the long-pending loan waiver package, here on Thursday. Striking farmers, who had warned they would not indulge in any farming activity, including sowing for the upcoming kharif season, resorted to the agitation after talks with the Maharashtra government failed on Tuesday. Support TwoCircles Stray incidents of violence were reported from some parts including Nashik, Satara and Pune where aggressive farmers emptied tankers of several tonnes of fresh milk being transported to the cities and destroyed stocks of fresh vegetables being taken to the markets. In another incident near Satara, the driver of a milk tanker was roughed up by some farmers and prevented from proceeding to his destination. Stones were also pelted at some police vehicles near Nashik. The strike has elicited good response from farmers all over the state, except from agriculturists in the coastal Konkan, who are not part of the agitation. Movement of agricultural goods has been restricted since midnight. Most APMC markets wore a desolate look as farmers, traders, head-loaders, transporters and other officials virtually kept off. Help India! By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter Sanjeev Sinha, the assistant editor of Kamal Sandesh a bimonthly magazine published by Bharatiya Janata Party, would have never thought that he would be trolled by his own people.However, when he announced that he wanted to keep Roza during this month of Ramzan, he had no idea that Bhakts would turn on one of their own. On May 28, Sinha wrote on his Facebook wall, Ramzan is starting from today. Our Muslim brothers fast during this time. I too have decided to keep roza for 30 days. In rest of the post, he counted about Urdu poets, Sufi saints and resistance in Indian Muslims against terror groups such as ISIS. And then Sanjeev claimed that the more both the communities come together, more the peace and love will prosper. But this announcement by a BJP-funded journalist did not go well with the regular supporters or Bhakts of BJP and they started trolling Sanjeev immediately. One user, Saurabh Karn, commented: It is shameful for a RSS man to keep roza. Another user Vishwajeet Singh asked Sanjeev if his ancestors were Muslims. He also suggested Sanjeev to get circumcised to celebrate his Secularism even more. Moreover people even asked Sanjeev to marry his sister or daughter in a Muslim family. BJP supporters also asked Sanjeev that will Muslims will fast during Navratri or let us play with them during Holi. Soon, Sinha had to write another post to defend his actions and so he wrote about how many Muslim poets and musicians have kept Hindu figures in center of their creative journey. He cited Raskhan, Nazeer Akbarabadi, Abdul Rahim Khankhana, Shayad Hasrat Mohani and many others that how much these artists were generous when they sang or wrote in favour of Krishna or other Hindu figures. Support TwoCircles This post too caught some attention of trollers and they claimed that todays world Muslims dont think about these facts. Some of them defied these facts, saying it as non-relevant in present time. And in the recent action to his defense, Sanjeev wrote a post on BBC Hindi in which he claimed to have bowed after Nizamuddin Auliya when he was taking his pregnant wife for check up. Few days back, Sanjeev jumped to fame for organizing a seminar in Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). The seminar became controversial after the organizers invited Ex-DGP of Chhattisgarh SRP Kalluri to talk on Media and organized a Yagna, which caused problems to IIMC alumni. After this incident, Sanjeev openly trolled the IIMC alumni and those who opposed the Kalluris presence, and dared to organize the same again in several institutes of Indian government. One could say that Sanjeev is only getting a taste of his own medicine. On May 27th, Scientologists from all around Europe and other parts of the world, joined to dedicate their newest Ideal Church. Church of Scientology of Denmark, is located in a building at the very heart of Copenhagen. It is a significant tribute to the history of Denmark and a herald of its future, arousing soul and spirit of this multicultural city. Following the unbreakable tradition of our Church since over a decade ago, this new Ideal Church in Copenhagen is embodied in premises that are unlike any other in Europe and located at the busiest and longest walking street in the European continent. You arrive where Copenhagen was born, emotively stated Ivan Arjona, new Director General for the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights. While the main effort has come from Scientologists from Denmark, because of the meaning of Denmark to all they have received support from all over Europe and all over the world, making it their church too, added Arjona. It is inevitable that Scientologists are dedicating themselves to a movement that moves our life to a better condition said a scientologist who has contributed to the purchase and renovation the church. The guests Among the special guests was Mr. David Miscavige, world leader of Scientology; Copenhagen City Councilor, Mr. Klaus Mygind; Chief Superintendent for Danish Police (Ret.), Mr. Thger Berg Nielsen; publishing executive and advisor to the Copenhagen Commune, Mr. Rene Jensen; and Historic Restoration Architect, Mr. Bjarke Christensen. Mr. David Miscavige announced to more than 2500 scientologists and guests in Nytorv (the square where the church is located) that the recently opened church, "is the most ideally placed in the world". The building has been carefully restored and re-designed to its best origins in the center of Copenhagen. The church It is a Neoclassical 3800 m2 building that was constructed in 1796. It is five stories high and is a few meters from the main walking street of the city, which is one of the busiest in Europe with over 75,000 people passing per day. In fact, it is known to be a central hub for gatherings and also where a a lot of humanitarian programs take place. Scientology has sponsored drug prevention groups for over three decades and they have reached the youth of Denmark with many tons of drug prevention booklets known as The Truth About Drugs. The Scientologists have also organised other humanitarian activities such as The Way to Happiness, Youth for Human Rights and even created the Awareness March that takes place every year and reaches more than 200,000 with their message of human rights. Local community, other religious communities and many like-minded and cultural organisations will be able to host their own events in the chapel of this new church. As well as organise team activities to help improve Danish society. Opening new churches around the world In the past 12 months, Scientology has opened other new churches; Miami, San Fernando Valley, San Diego, Sydney, Atlanta, Harlem, Auckland, and Budapest. Future openings will take place in Latin America, North America, Europe, United Kingdom and Africa. Denmark already hosts continental management church of Scientology in Europe, providing ecclesiastical guidance to churches, missions and groups as well as social betterment and humanitarian groups, expanding across the continent like never before. It also hosts the most sacred place of Scientology in Europe, where scientologists go to reach their highest levels of spiritual awareness. Scientology is a recognized world religion supported by administrative and judicial resolutions from courts such as European Court of Human Rights, Sweden, UK Supreme Court, Spain, Italy, Australia, Portugal, United States, Argentina, etc., and a growing number of countries. Donald Trump is a man with a mission. Many feel he is inconsistent in his thoughts and ideas. But the fact is that Trump has a line of thought and he does not deviate much from it. His opinion about NATO is a case in point. All along Trump has been stating that NATO is obsolete and not in tune with present day political scenario. He has changed that view but has not accepted NATO as it has existed for the last seven decades. During the last NATO heads meeting, he read the Riot Act to the leaders on the question of funding for the military alliance. Now funding is the lifeblood of any organization. Trump, by his diktat that the EU powers pay their share of the military budget really hit at the roots of the alliance. The glum faces of the NATO leaders when Trump spoke about funding is proof that times have changed. Trump made it clear that the US citizen cannot be expected to fund NATO. NATO and its rationale NATO is a military alliance that was launched to counter the Soviet Union. The monolith state collapsed and now the rationale for its existence is simply not there. The EU was keen that it continue by raising the bogey of Russia and they wanted the old arrangements to continue with the USA footing 90 percent of the bill.The fact is 23 of the 28 states who are part of the alliance have not paid their dues in full for decades. The EU leaders were keen that the old arrangements continue. This was a boon for them as they concentrated on trade and industry and built up a massive trade deficit with the USA. America was at the receiving end. Trump scolds Donald Trump has changed all this. He has also not endorsed Article 5 of the pact that states that an attack on one NATO power would be considered an attack on the entire block. This has sounded the alarm bells and has led the German Chancellor Angela Merkel to say the EU must not rely on the UK and USA completely. Germany Germany is the powerhouse of the EU and a rising world power. It has a tremendous trade deficit in its favor with the USA. It dominates the EU. Donald Trump was right to ask countries like Germany to pay up. He also promised to cut the trade deficit. Future The EU is in trouble on many issues. The UK has left and there are rumblings of dissent among other members. France has a sizeable number who wish to leave the EU.NATO has also to reinvent itself. In future, it will have to pay for its defense as the US economy under strain cannot subsidize massive amounts of money to shore up NATO. The US president has done a great service to America by highlighting this fact during the last NATO leaders conference There have been men, women, teenagers and kids reported missing in the Northern State of California. There are theories as to why but no one really knows the reason behind the disappearances. Sherri Papini's disappearance was when I first started noticing the similarities of missing people near Redding, What is odd is that Sherri Papini was held for three weeks and released She claimed that two Latino women abducted her while she was jogging and held her captive. During this time time she was subjected to beatings and torture. She was branded like an animal and her hair had been cut off. Sherri was allegedly thrown from the perpetrator's vehicle and her hands attached to a chain around her waist and a bag on her head. Some people believe it was a hoax and others think it was a sex trafficking ring looking for young women to exploit. Same day abduction? Another woman went missing the same day Stacey Smart and has yet to be found. Stacey Smart disappeared the same day as Sherri Papini on November 2nd, 2016. Sherri and Stacey vanished only hours away from one another. Tony Brand 62, has been the prime suspect in the eyes of her family. Tony Brand was Stacey's Smarts boyfriend at the time. Tony took a lie detector test on March 2nd which he passed and according to the report that was prepared by Mansfield, Lierly Associates of Citrus Heights, he was truthful and showed no deception. When I first heard that these two women had been abducted around the same time I thought for sure they were connected due to their similarities. Stacey Smart and Sherri Papini both have blond hair and blue eyes and went missing around the same time almost in the same area only an hour apart. The sheriff's office claims that the two were not related but both women are from rural areas and athough they are different in weight and age there are a lot of similarities. Previous missing cases There was another case in the 90s of a teenager named Tera Lynn Smith. Hers was another case very much like Sherri Papini. Tera Smith was 16 when she vanished on August 22 of 1998. Her disappearance still has the North State wondering what happened after nearly twenty years. She was jogging on the old Oregon Trail when she vanished and there is still no new information on her whereabouts. Since 2016 there has been an increase in missing kids, teenagers, and adults across both genders. These people have just vanished out of the blue. One cannot help but ask what is going on and where are all these missing people going? What doesn't make sense to me is how the FBI could get involved so quickly with the Sherri Papini missing persons case but apparently still has not taken up the Stacey Smart case. US President Donald Trump is reportedly on the verge of withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, senior US officials told CNN. A group of 22 Republican senators sent a letter to Trump requesting him to make a clean exit from the deal. A formal statement is expected this week and Trump could make good on his election promise. He pledged to "cancel the Paris climate agreement and stop all payments of US tax dollars to UN global warming programs." Trump has previously called Global warming a hoax, and did not endorse the landmark climate change accord at a G7 summit of wealthy nations on Saturday 27 May. The US President is meeting with Scott Pruitt, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator on Wednesday 31 May. Pruitt is an opponent of the deal and has claimed that the Paris agreement is a bad deal for the US. The head of the US Environmental Protection Agency told CNBC: I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and theres tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that its a primary contributor to the global warming that we see. If the United States pulls out, this will line the country up with Syria and Nicaragua, who are two other countries not participating in the Paris Climate Agreement. The United States is the worlds second-largest carbon dioxide emitter behind China. Warning from scientists US withdrawl could have far-reaching implications for the deal, which looks to commitment from big polluter countries to decrease greenhouse gas emissions which scientists say is causing more extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels and drought. Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the Paris deal has incurred the wrath of German chancellor Angela Merkel. The whole discussion about climate has been difficult, or rather very unsatisfactory, she said. Here we have the situation that six members, or even seven if you want to add the EU, stand against one. China, the EU and Canada have all said they will stand by their commitments to the pact in the event of the United States withdrawing. India will also stick by the agreement, a source told Reuters. What is the Paris climate agreement? The accord, agreed upon in 2015 by almost 200 countries in Paris, proposes to limit planetary warming partly by cutting carbon dioxide and other emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The United States had previously, under the Obama administraiton, agreed to cutting its emissions by 26 28% from 2005 levels by 2025. If the US reneged on these previous terms, universities and thinktanks have estimated that around 3bn tonnes of extra carbon dioxide would be added to the atmosphere every year, increasing the global temperature by 0.1C to 0.3C by the end of this century. A massive suicide Bomb Attack in Afghanistan's capital has killed 90 people and wounded over 400, according to the Afghan government's media centre. Basir Mujahid, a city police spokesman, said the explosives were hidden in a sewage truck. At least 11 US citizens were injured, who were contractors assigned to the US embassy, officials reported. A statement from the Afghan Ulema Council, the countrys top religious body condemned the bombing saying that carrying out such attacks in the holy month of Ramadan is completely against humanity. Mohammad Hassan, a 21-year-old bank worker wounded in the explosion said: "It felt like an earthquake." Deadly terror attack The powerful blast shattered windows and blew doors off their hinges in buildings many hundreds of metres away. Dense black plumes of smoke were spiralling into the sky. Eyewitnesses stated seeing bodies littering the scene of destruction. Afghanistans Ministry of the Interior has sent out an urgent appeal for blood donations. Another Afghan who was wounded, Nabib Ahmad, 27, said there was widespread damage and chaos. "I couldn't think clearly, there was a mess everywhere," he told Reuters. Distraught relatives gathered at the Wazir Akbar Khan hospital where ambulances ferried in the wounded. The attack in Zambaq Square, close to several diplomatic and government facilities, seriously damaged the German and French Embassies in Kabul. Frances foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian released a statement that French authorities did not have information on possible French casualties but were still checking. Le Drian condemned the terrorist attack in a country that is paying a heavy toll on terrorism again. He added that France stands by Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism. Other government buildings affected by the blast included the embassies of Japan, Turkey, India, China, the UK and Pakistan, according to AP. BBC driver and journalists injured Mohammed Nazir, an Afghan driver for the BBC was killed and four BBC journalists wounded as they drove towards their Kabul bureau. This is a devastating loss to the BBC and to Mohammed Nazir's friends and family. We are doing all we can to support them and the rest of the team in Kabul, the British broadcaster said. Afghan media reported that Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The fundamentalist terror group has previously claimed responsibility for several other bombings in Kabul, including a deadly blast aimed at an armoured NATO convoy that killed at least eight people and wounded 28 on 3rd May. The Afghan Taliban denied any involvement in the explosion, one of the deadliest ever to hit Kabul. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, said the bomb blast had nothing to do with the Mujahedeen of Islamic Emirate. It's always difficult to foresee whether a pre-election "debate" - although of course, it wasn't a debate - would sway the public mood and impact on the final outcome of the election. After #MayvCorbyn, commentators quickly got down to the business of writing reviews in an attempt to call the winner. While many journalists called #MayvCorbyn a draw, unsurprisingly, Sky News and The Telegraph announced May victorious. In the age of social media, when the general public can easily make up its own mind and write its own reviews, the reaction on Twitter is perhaps the best way to find out who actually performed better on the night. Twitter's #BattleForNumber10 and #MAYvCORBYN quickly showed that the vast majority of viewers agree on Corbyn emerging a clear winner. May's "strong and stable mantra" is crumbling in front of our very own eyes A mere two week's ago, the Tory Party's lead in the polls seemed insurmountable, and Theresa May's "strong and stable mantra" was strongly resonating with voters across Britain. After the social care debacle, the IFS' questioning of the financial soundness of the Tory manifesto, and a string of somewhat shaky TV performances by Theresa May, these three once all-powerful words seem to have lost their weight entirely. #TheresaMayGifs Judging from the reaction on Twitter last night and this morning, Theresa May's performance last night have confounded her woes. The power of #hashtags can not be underestimated, and #TheresaMayGifs has undoubtedly captured people's imagination. #Hashtags such as this get all sorts of creative juices flowing, with some hilarious results, though Theresa May herself will hardly be amused. As for the Conservative Party's reaction to #MayvCorbyn, well, this is what you'll find on #TheresaMayGifs. May's refusal to face off against Corbyn is viewed as cowardice Perhaps, May would have been better off accepting the invitation to a direct debate. Many commentators and members of the public consider her refusal to debate live as a sign of weakness rather than strength. Interestingly, Jeremy Corbyn took to Theresa's Live Q & A, to quiz her on the issue. Regardless of how much Theresa May tries to downplay the importance of a #May v Corbyn live debate, the vast majority of people, commentators, journalists, and politicians - apart from the Tories, of course - are having difficulty in accepting May's stance. The next major pre-election TV event will see the Prime Minister and Jeremy Corbyn partake in Question Time on the BBC, Friday, 2 June. As expected, May and Corbyn will appear one after another, rather than together. Congratulations if you were one of those baby boomers, born in 1945 and after. You are now Part of an elderly force that outnumbers the young, and it is only going to get worse. No matter who has the keys to Downing Street on June 9th, extended care for the elderly is the greatest challenge for an increasingly infirmed population that any politician will have to solve. It is not a new problem, simply one that has been ignored by successive governments for far too long. The Statistics In 2030 those pensioners between the ages of 65 - 84 will have risen by 39%, and those over 85+ will have risen a staggering 106%, putting an unsustainable burden on the health and Social Care budget. It is also all too probable that many of those elderly, either because they were never married or through spousal death will be living alone, putting a further burden on care providers. The elderly now count for most multiple hospital admissions yearly and look to peak by 2030 at 60% more than there are now. The hospital bill for these alone will rise from 76 Billion to 137 Billion annually, an increase of 68%, with the social care bill increasing from 34 to 53 Billion. We have of course not even taken into account the forgotten - those pensioners who flocked to Spain and France etc, who once they become ill will have to flock the other way again, now that we are coming out of Europe. Will they become "health tourists?" Or will they elect to receive treatment in their place of domicile thereby doubling the expected NHS budget, which we will all have to pay for as non-EU subjects? What can we do? increase State Pensions, but who is going to raise the revenue? Introduce compulsory measures so that the young - already crippled by University fees that many are never likely to pay off due to a job shortage in the careers they studied for - can make provisions to provide for themselves before the likelihood that Artificial Intelligence will make them superfluous to needs anyway? We have also seen that even starting a private pension at an early age, by the time you retire it will be worth very little. Large Corporations are now gambling with their employee's pension schemes and using them as bargaining chips in business dealings. Fine if it works, although devasting of it fails, as the recent debacle at BHS has shown us. One other road - and the one that is the silent elephant in the room, and certainly no one wishes to discuss openly - is euthanasia! We are bound by the dictates that people are adults, and adults have choices. Whether it is to mercifully end a life that is no life at all, curtailing the suffering of long-term illness, or the hell of alcohol or drug dependency. No none wishes to get themselves in these situations, it is simply a condition called life, one that should certainly be ended when it fits no purpose for the sufferer. Ok, now, that may seem like a positively Hitlertarian solution, but we have to give patients, families as a whole, and the doctors who treat them, the right to end lives when there is no life of sustainable or of meaningful quality left. It is a logical and necessary solution to a problem that will affect many if not all of us during the coming years. Allow patients to decide for themselves We already have the living will, and certainly at end of life, a nil by mouth policy that hastens death sanctioned by the medical profession, why not allow, like those who choose Gravitas in Switzerland, that while the patient is still compos mentis they decide for themselves. This is a broad and simplified overview of a problem facing us ALL,- one that should be investigated far further than these few words. One that we or our families will ALL have to face, and certainly not one to be taken lightly. It is not talked about, a taboo subject and certainly, one politicians will have to make a judgement on, sooner or later. Immigration dominated last night's BBC general election debate as Amber Rudd slammed Jeremy Corbyn for his muddled policy on the issue. After being pressed by the Home Secretary, who stood in for Prime Minister Theresa May, to clarify if immigration would go up or down under a Labour government, the Leader of the Opposition repeatedly refused to answer her question. BBC news presenter Mishal Hussain, who hosted the debate, asked Mr. Corbyn to clarify what he meant by fair immigration and how he intends to cut it. Instead, the Labour leader dodged the question by saying: 'A Labour government would ensure that all immigrants have jobs before they get here.' He then engaged in a furious row with Ms Rudd over the issue by angrily accusing the Conservatives of failing to perform their duty of protecting child refugees. 'That was not on the ballot paper!' Immigration took centre-stage in last night's BBC general election debate after an audience member asked the party leaders how they will ensure Britain has the skills to succeed in a post-Brexit environment. UKIP leader Paul Nuttall was constantly interrupted by Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, as he tried to explain that his party would implement an Australian-points based system to curb immigration. He said numbers of immigrants equivalent to 'a city the size of Hull' entered this country last year. But Mrs Wood said: 'That was not on the ballot paper last year!' Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron accused the Conservatives and UKIP of 'demonising immigrants', after a middle-aged Asian man was supposedly verbally abused while dedicating 50 hours of his time assisting victims of last week's Manchester bombings. He received a positive response from the audience when he said the Tories have 'failed to meet their bogus immigration targets.' 'Recognise positive contribution immigrants make' However, Ms Rudd hit back, saying that Britain's EU departure over the next two years will provide the Government with an opportunity to introduce an immigration policy Britain can control. She added: 'This will allow us to reduce immigration numbers while attracting the brightest and the best to enter this country.' Mr. Corbyn made an indirect political point of attacking the Conservatives by saying every EU national must be provided with permanent residence, to which he received a thunderous applause from the audience. He added: 'We must recognise the positive contribution immigrants make to this country.' Mrs Wood humiliated herself by saying Wales already has sufficient numbers of immigrants when pressed on the issue by Mrs Hussain. She said: 'The problem is that Theresa May wants to end the free movement of people.' Despite this, the BBC presenter asked her to clarify how that would square with Welsh electors when they voted for Brexit last year. The Plaid Cymru leader said: 'Immigration was not on last year's ballot paper. UKIP is whipping up hatred.' 'Unbelievably cruel to use EU citizens as bargaining chips' Mr. Farron and Mr. Nuttall exchanged bitter blows as they talked over each other when the UKIP leader said the majority of British people want controlled immigration. SNP Westminster leader, Angus Robertson, received a positive reception from the audience when he accused the other parties of 'demonising people.' He said the SNP want an immigration policy suited to different parts of the UK. Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said it is 'unbelievably cruel to use EU citizens as bargaining chips.' She said it is a pity Labour does not support the free movement of people. Mr. Corbyn talked over Ms Lucas as he said the free movement of people causes exploitation of workers, as they are brought over here to undermine wages. But Mr. Robertson said Labour was copying UKIP's immigration policy. Mr. Farron said it would be 'a stain on our nation' if EU citizens were not allowed to remain in this country post-Brexit. The Home Secretary said the Government is seeking to strike a deal that is fair to both EU citizens residing in Britain and British ex-pats living in EU countries. She said: 'A coalition of chaos led by Jeremy Corbyn would only cause confusion when negotiating with the 27 EU member states.' Mrs Wood interrupted her by saying: 'A Tory-UKIP coalition is shameful.' Ms Rudd ignored her and said Britain must get the right result when negotiating with the EU. The BBC General Election debate took place on BBC One last night at 8pm. After the horrific atrocities and Manchester, #British Foreign Policy, particularly in #Libya, has come under renewed scrutiny, while in Manchester, the #Libyan community has been trying to come to terms with the attacks. Trying to understand Salam Abedi's radicalisation has led analysts and politicians to take a fresh look at the situation in #Libya after it emerged that Abedi had spent a considerable amount of time. Libya in state-of-anarchy Following the demise of Kernel Gaddafi, the UN-backed government has been unable to provide social, political, and economic stability. In fact, utter anarchy and chaos are prevailing in #Libya today. Speaking at a Royal United Services Institute event, #Tobias Ellwood, conceded that the "UK could have done more" to prevent the country descending into a state of chaos following Western intervention in 2011. However, he defended the RAF airstrikes and went on to describe that "the international community was asked to take a step back from its involvement" after the establishment of a general national congress and the election of the Prime Minister. Today, three different warring governments are fighting to gain control of the country, along with countless militias and ISIS fighters. Many analysts now consider #Libya's state of non-governance as a prime breeding ground for terrorism. Ellwood went on to call on the international community to work with the Libyans so that ISIS "is not able to train those people that cause the harm in places like Manchester." At the same event, #Emily Thornberry reiterated #Jeremy Corbyn's comments, urging everyone to re-examine British foreign policy in light of the atrocities. She expressed the view that "failure of Libya... directly leads to us being less safe." Libyan community in Manchester horrified at the attacks The Libyan community has been struggling to come to terms with the attacks. Members of the Libyan community and attendees at the Didsbury Mosque still can't quite understand how a member of their community could have committed such a shocking crime. Speaking to Aljazeera reporters, some described Abedi as somewhat of an outsider who was often under the influence of cannabis. Where precisely Abedi was radicalised remains unclear, although some believe he was primarily radicalised by online ISIS propaganda, while also making contact with ISIS during his visits to Libya. Also speaking to Aljazeera, Ali Mahmoud, another Libyan from Manchester, went on to stress that although some members of their community had joined in the struggle against Gaddafi, the uprising was simply a revolution against a dictator rather than an Islamic revolution: "It was against a dictator and you had people from different strands of society coming together against him." When asked if Abedi had displayed any signs of radicalisation, Mahmoud said: "I don't think you can tell who's a (ISIS) sympathiser, but there were no clear signs." 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The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jerseys 2017 season is now underway with The Merchant of Venice (seen May 30), the Bards serious comedyor dramatic romcom, if you will. Until June 4 you can see Director Robert Cuccioli put a solid cast of 15 stalwarts through its paces in the intimacy of The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, in Madison. This thoughtful production disturbs, perturbs and confounds, precisely as Shakespeare intended, raising all sorts of unanswered questions and leaving you flummoxed and wondering who are the good guys and who are the villains. Happy ending? Since Shakespeare considered this work a comedy, he obeyed the theatrical conventions of the time and ended it with three newly-married couples enjoying varying degrees of happiness. The estimable cast John Keabler and Melissa Miller portray the first couple, the noble Bassanio and the ultra-rich, peerless, perfectly flawed Portia. Ian Gould (debut) and Rachel Towne masterfully play couple number two: Gratiano, the character you love to hate, and Nerissa, Portias companion. In costume Mr. Gould bears a strong resemblance to Jeffrey Bender. Oh, that they could unite in Shakespeares already-confusing Comedy of Errors. The least-happily married couple are religiously divided: the so-called Christian Lorenzo, who Anthony Michael Martinez plays as quite the catch youd be thrilled to throw back into the sea, and the Jewess Jessica, recently a Christian convert, who Amaia Arana brings to life. The compelling actress seems fast-tracked as a Company favorite headed for leading rolesand deservedly so. Brent Harris is a regal Antonio, the title merchant, all gentlemanliness personified. Uh, except for the racist epithets. Oh, and theres the spitting on the outsider, Shylock, then groveling before him later for a loan in the fateful pound-of-flesh transaction that catalyzes the entire story. Other than that, though, a perfect gentleman. VIDEO: First Look at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ's THE MERCHANT OF VENICEhttps://t.co/EjkEDfN9Q0 pic.twitter.com/t2Q1dt2tOt BWW New Jersey (@bww_newjersey) 20 May 2017 Andrew Weems, the shows rightful star, is Shylock. He delivers the central monologue, Hath not a Jew eyes? with gravitas that stirs compassion, if only it were not for his vengeful hatred of Christians who have wronged him. His crumple in defeat when so many good Christians debase, humiliate and strip him of his fortune, his ethnic heritage and even his religious faith are utterly heart-rending. Deftly doing daffy double duty, Jeffrey M. Bender portrays Launcelot Gobbo and Prince of Arragon. As the former, his doltish physical comedy glistens; especially as the latter does he use his expressive face to telling effect, those mile-high eyebrows nearly scraping the ceiling. And why is it so amusing, in his And so I have addressd me speech, that he deliberately and exaggeratedly pronounces the silent h in every appearance of the words honour and honourable? Robert S. Gregory debuts as Duke of Venice and Old Gobbo, two roles as disparate as can be, the one elegant and sophisticated, the other, hayseed and hokey. A towering Ademide Akintilo is the ebullient Prince of Morocco, whose haughtiness at losing all chances with Portia immediately dissolves into sobbing like a little girl. Expert direction Director Robert Cuccioli sees The Merchant of Venice as a tragedy fighting hard to come out. His actors deliver a fast-paced ebb and flow of dramatic tension and comic relief that allows for luxuriating in the ingeniously quicksilver poetic lines without lagging. Confounding story This controversial work about religious prejudice is as thought-provoking as it is just plain provocative. The terms "Christian" and "Jew" in their various forms occur 26 and 69 times, respectively. Sadly, only seven times do characters call Shylock by his name, preferring to call him merely Jew, when not also using a preceding derogatory adjective. But when he says the word "Christian," its easy to perceive air quotes encasing itthe kind that tend to sneer. Incidental music includes Edvard Grieg and, in a knowing nod to the next workto be presented on the Outdoor StageFelix Mendelssohns overture to A Midsummer Nights Dream. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to Present A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM https://t.co/dGLij6l5Jm tamara (@tlbmcg) 13 May 2017 The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, till June 4th, at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jerseys F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, in Madison N.J. First, she blamed her loss to Donald Trump on former FBI Director James Comey. Then she blamed Russia, Julian Assange, and WikiLeaks. Later she declared that it was misogyny that had cost her the election, while her campaign staff pinned the blame on everything from white supremacy to a biased pro-Trump media. And now Hillary Clinton has rolled out a brand new excuse for her humiliating defeat-- without providing any factual evidence to support her claim. Hillary's latest excuse On Friday, New York Magazine published an interview with Clinton, who said that voter suppression in Wisconsin played a significant role in her defeat last November. "What I was doing was working," said Clinton. "I would have won had I not been subjected to the unprecedented attacks by Comey and the Russians, aided and abetted by the suppression of the vote, particularly in Wisconsin. Rebecca Traister, who wrote the article for New York Magazine, neglected to mention that Clinton -- who evidently believed that Wisconsin was a lock -- didn't set foot in the state after winning the Democratic primaries, or that her campaign did minimal advertising in Wisconsin until shortly before election day. Conversely, Donald Trump paid five visits to Wisconsin during the campaign season. Although fact-checkers at Snopes.com have concluded that allegations of voter suppression in Wisconsin are "unproven", the largest pro-Clinton super PAC, Priorities USA, issued a memo on May 3 pushing the voter suppression conspiracy theory-- an unfounded theory which has been given new life thanks to liberal media outlets such as The Nation, which rekindled the Wisconsin voter suppression theory after Priorities USA released its memo. On May 9, The Nation published an article, entitled "Wisconsins Voter-ID Law Suppressed 200,000 Votes in 2016 (Trump Won by 22,748)", which uses the super PAC's memo to allege that Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin had conspired to make it more difficult for African-Americans to vote. Team Clinton's ever-growing list of excuses In April, while speaking at the Women in the World conference, Clinton blamed her loss on sexism, telling the audience, "Certainly misogyny played a role. I mean, that has to be admitted." In December, Clinton campaign staffers attended a post-election discussion at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where Hillary's communications director, Jennifer Palmieri, got in a scuffle with members of Trump's campaign staff. Palmieri claimed that white supremacists had cost Clinton the election. If providing a platform for white supremacists makes me a brilliant tactician, I am proud to have lost, said Palmieri, according to The Washington Post. I would rather lose than win the way you guys did. Hours after the election, Clinton staffer John Podesta even went so far as to pin the blame for Hillary's loss on the "pro-Trump" media. "The media always covered her as the person who would be president and therefore tried to eviscerate her before the election, but covered Trump who was someone who was entertaining and sort of gave him a pass, said Podesta in a post-election conference call to staffers, as reported by The Hill. Over the last 24 hours, Donald Trump has been forced to deal with criticism over an odd tweet that he sent out just past midnight on Wednesday morning. After returning to Twitter to attack Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State decided to respond. Trump's 'covfefe' Ever since the early days of the 2016 presidential election, it was clear that Donald Trump and the mainstream media would not be on the same page. Trump's controversial campaign style and offensive rhetoric often resulted in the media pushing back at the former host of "The Apprentice." Trump would routinely refer to reporters and journalists as "terrible" and the "worst people" he's ever met, which added fuel to the fire in the rift between both sides. The war of words only increased during the general election, with Trump battling Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. After the election was over and Trump pulled off the shocking upset, evidence pointed to a shady scandal involving the Russians, who reportedly hacked the Democratic National Committee in favor of Trump. Clinton addressed these issues during the Core Conference, which promoted an angry tweet from the president. In response, Clinton fired back with a tweet of her own, mocking the billionaire real estate mogul in the process. People in covfefe houses shouldn't throw covfefe. https://t.co/M7oK5Z6qwF Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 1, 2017 After Hillary Clinton put the blame on the Russians for her lose in the election, Donald Trump wasn't pleased. Once again referring to Clinton as "Crooked Hillary," the president went off on yet another classic Twitter tirade. "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself," Trump wrote, accusing the former Democratic nominee of deflecting her election loss on to many others, including "Facebook and the the rest of the Democratic Party. 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 Responding to Donald Trump's Twitter rage, Hillary Clinton decided to send out her own message, mocking Trump's use of the term "covfefe." "People in covfefe houses shouldn't throw covfefe," Clinton tweeted out. Within the first hour, Clinton's tweet was "liked" over 109,000 times, re-tweeted over 55,000 times, with close to 9,000 replies. What is #covfefe? A late-night tweet by President Trump baffles the internet https://t.co/LnuHOS1KZB pic.twitter.com/CY0rWjPTMG CNN (@CNN) June 1, 2017 Moving forward Despite Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton continue to trade jabs at one another, the reality for the president is that scandals and controversy are continuing in his White House. The latest involves his own son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is now under FBI scrutiny for possibly withholding information about the current investigation into Russia. The Untied States is withdrawing from the #Paris accord according to sources quoted by the New York Times on Wednesday. And other countries around the world are reaffirming their commitments to the landmark Agreement as of Wednesday. Let's see if that lasts after Trump formally makes his announcement. It's going to get warmer Withdrawing from the landmark Paris accord will irreversibly harm the deal that seeks to curb carbon emissions and global warming and also to avert the worst hazards of real and endangering #climate change. Tensions may flare in the future Other specialists and analysts have said that the US abandoning the #Paris accord is also a geopolitically dangerous move that could leave the US vulnerable to bad trade deals and other diplomacy issues with those countries that seek a return on their investment in the planet. America is presently one of the largest polluters, with their emissions of carbon dioxide topping most other countries in the world. Scientists have said that the planet will be irreversibly affected hazardous levels of warming pollution even more swiftly if Trump does a turnaround on the country's pledge to cut back on their carbon dioxide pollution. . Melania Trump is mad, and she has every right to be. The big news this week is that of comedian Kathy Griffin posting a photo of herself holding a mock decapitated head of The First Lady's husband, President Donald Trump. The gross snapshot has caused an uproar, even from those who are completely against the POTUS and what he stands for. Apparently, 11-year-old Barron saw the horrible photo of what looked to be his dad, and now his mother has come forward to make an official statement shaming Griffin and questioning her mental health. What did Melania have to say? The First Lady is usually very poised, but when it comes to anyone hurting her son, she is like every mother whose claws come out when something hurts their children. Just like everyone else, she found it very disturbing, to say the least. According to USA Today, a statement was issued by Stephanie Grisham, Mrs. Trump's press secretary. She mentioned that with all of the evil things happening right now, you just have to wonder about someone who would do such a thing as Kathy Griffin did. "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 stated. The picture is so disturbing that news broadcasts had to issue a warning for parents concerning having their kids see it. However, the photos are now all over the internet. First lady Melania Trump calls Kathy Griffin's photo "very disturbing"; "makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it." pic.twitter.com/tfVh7OI7Ua ABC News (@ABC) May 31, 2017 Is an apology enough for the Trump family? Kathy Griffin did issue an apology, but it may be too late for that. Now that Barron Trump has seen the photo and was supposedly horrified, the First Family may not be quite so forgiving. The president tweeted earlier today, calling her sick and saying that his youngest son was having a hard time with the whole thing. In fact, many do not believe that her apology was sincere at all. Photo shoot backlash While Melania Trump has questioned Kathy Griffin's mental stability, the comedian is receiving plenty of backlash from pretty much everyone else on social media. In addition, she is being dropped left and right from various sources. Her endorsement deal with Squatty Potty is no longer valid, and she has also been fired by CNN and will no longer appear on New Year's Eve with Anderson Cooper. They called her joke "disgusting and offensive." This was an extreme way for Kathy Griffin to get her point across. In a video that was released earlier, it showed her and artist/photographer Tyler Shields chatting about what they were doing. Griffin was heard saying that what they were doing was going to "make some noise," and it sure has done exactly that. Unfortunately, that noise also caused one young boy to question whether that was really his dad in the photo. MORE: CNN fires Kathy Griffin from NYE show, which she has co-hosted for past 10 years, over "beheaded" Trump photo https://t.co/NXcirxHx2j pic.twitter.com/DgeMHYOs4e CBS News (@CBSNews) May 31, 2017 You have to wonder if Griffin thinks that it was all worth it now that she is losing a few of her jobs because of it. She will also have the Secret Service at her doorstep as well, if they haven't been there already. It is not a good thing to pretend to kill anyone, let alone the President of the United States, joke or no joke. What do you think of the statement made by Melania Trump? Did Kathy Griffin go too far, or is there really something up with her? A resident of Jacksonville, N.C. was sentenced to 15 years in prison for transporting prostitutes and promoting a prostitution business. Eric Thompson aged 29 was convicted to 15 years in jail and ordered to pay $19,200 after pleading guilty to operating an interstate prostitution business that operated in North Carolina and South Carolina. How Eric committed his crimes According to evidence brought before the court, Eric falsely promised five women money and fame if they joined his prostitution business. After joining his business, he would threaten them, isolate them and abuse them so as to prevent them from leaving his illegal trade. He also in numerous occasions engaged in sexual intercourse with the women, recorded the acts and posted the videos onto the Internet in exchange for money without the women's consent. Those working on the case stated that human trafficking violates the rights of victims and is a form of modern slavery. In the year 2016, the U.S Department of Homeland Security arrested a total of 2,000 human sex traffickers and rescued 400 sex victims countrywide. Other similar arrests and convictions that were made this year On May 3rd of this year, the California police arrested 23 men and women involved in prostitution and human trafficking. Among those arrested were eight young girls aged between 14 and 17 years. The human traffickers were as young as 19 years. On May 18th of this year, police arrested multiple individuals running an online escort business. Perpetrators were spread across 14 different states and were believed to be operating a high-end prostitution ring that charged $300 an hour for one woman and $500 an hour for two women. Recruiters also approached underage girls and promised them lots of money and cars in they joined their prostitution ring. One of the traffickers, in this case, was a 25-year-old man. On May 26th of this month, 21 members of an international sex trafficking ring were arrested for forcing Thailand women to travel to the United States so that they can work as sex slaves. Those trafficking the women were 10 Thai nationals and 11 U.S citizens. The women were mostly from poor backgrounds and were promised a better life in the United States. Upon reaching the U.S, the women were forced to have sex with multiple strangers per day and were forced to undergo plastic surgery so as to improve their appearance. One of the women was promised a massage job in the U.S only to find out that her employer was a pimp who wanted her to engage in prostitution. It's no secret that Donald Trump and his administration have not seen eye to eye with the mainstream media. For White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, that bad blood isn't getting any better. Spicer's walkout On the day Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president, he got off on the wrong foot with the media. When addressing his plans for immigration reform, the former host of "The Apprentice" labeled those entering the United States illegally from Mexico as "murderers" and "rapists." In the two years that have followed, Trump has only increased his war of words with the press, referring to journalists as "terrible," and saying they are among the "worst people" he's ever met. Trump's negative feelings about the media has poured over to other members of his team, including Sean Spicer. Since the start of the new administration just over 100 days ago, Spicer has found himself in several controversial situations, most notably being his questionable remarks about Hitler and the Holocaust when making a failed comparison to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Spicer has also been the butt of many jokes, including on "Saturday Night Live" where actress Melissa McCarthy has played him in a satirical role. As reported by The Hill on May 2, Spicer once again created headlines by walking out off a Press Briefing before allowing anyone to ask questions. White House reporters object as @PressSec leaves briefing without taking questions. pic.twitter.com/G5UtN4LsqS ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 2, 2017 According to The Hill on Tuesday, Sean Spicer stormed out of his own press briefing without the press even asking him a question. During the aforementioned press briefing, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly spoke to reporters for over a half hour while Spicer looked on from afar. As Mulvaney and Kelly finished up, Spicer quickly got up and walked out off the room. Reporters could be heard shouting his name, "Sean, Sean," but the press secretary never returned. JUST IN: Spicer leaves White House briefing without taking questions https://t.co/b8UX9FQ7Y4 pic.twitter.com/sVTAzVPDke The Hill (@thehill) May 2, 2017 Spicer bails Sean Spicer's decision to leave the press briefing is unusual, but not surprising considering the tense relationship the White House has with the media. Spicer was expected to field questions regarding the continuing Russian scandal, the upcoming fight over health care, a potential government shutdown, as well as the controversial comments that Donald Trump has made over the last 48 hours dealing with a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as his remarks about Andrew Jackson and the Civil War which resulted in endless mocking and trolling of the commander in chief. According to USA Today, Cnn, the Cable News Network has fired Kathy Griffin. The termination comes amid controversy over the disturbing photo shoot Griffin did. The photo shoot, conducted by Tyler Shields, was seen by many are distasteful. Others have condemned the news network for firing Griffin over the incident. Among the ones condemning the "joke," is Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper. Both are Journalists at CNN, but the latter was the "big shocker." For years, Cooper and Griffin have hosted CNN's New years Eve shows. The duo reportedly brought in the views for CNN. Now, according to the network, Griffin has been terminated. Many Mixed emotions flood Social Media over the so-called "joke" of the comedian holding a bloodied, decapitated head of President Trump. Social media abuzz and videos going viral The original video of the photo shoot is reported to have a staggering billion views. Shared all over Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, the video has sparked mixed opinions about the firing of the comedian. But, according to the social media sites, more people condemn the video than not. Among the people condemning the photos is Chelsea Clinton, according to a report from the Daily Caller. According to the Caller, Chelsea tweeted: This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. One user was reported as saying Griffin needs a better public relations dept. Then went on to say "this is not ok." Celebrities threatening Trump has become common Over the past year, many celebrities have threatened to cause harm to President Trump. Of these celebrities, The famous two are Madonna and Snoop Dog. Although these threats were considered vile, they can never top the "ISIS like" image of Griffin holding up the severed head of the president. As a matter-of-fact, some have compared the photo to ISIS photos of similar poses. ISIS propaganda demonstrates the exact stances in most of their videos and images. Many have commented on social media about the similarities. Even Anderson Cooper condemns Kathy Griffins Sick Joke About beheading @POTUS Trump!! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/zTjS1iyx5e Ledbetter Freelance (@LanceLedbetter) June 1, 2017 BREAKING: Kathy Griffin Got The WORST News Of Her Life Right After Threatening To Cut Off Trumps Head https://t.co/ncAAeEAWOr Deplorable Ana (@AnaCha333) May 31, 2017 Celebs Threatening Trump Doesnt Help https://t.co/e1utbeWvCa Trump Pence Media (@TrumpPenceMedia) February 10, 2017 Snoop Dogg Gets Some Terrible News From Secret Service After THREATENING Donald Trump https://t.co/Fc6pzrhA5Q via @Freedom_Daily THE GRIM 1 (@MRPhats11) March 21, 2017 President Trump has tweeted that Griffin should be ashamed of herself. Also, reports of Barron Trump have surfaced as well. Trump stated that the photos are disturbing to the teen, and said they are hard for him to forget. Reports also state that the Secret Service is also investigating the incident. According to the reports, They take any threat to the president serious and treat them all the same. In his forthcoming testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, fired FBI Director James Comey plans to confirm that U.S. President Donald trump pressured him into stopping the investigation on Michael Flynn. He has spoken to special counsel Robert Mueller about the extent of what he would be allowed to share in his testimony expected to be held as soon as next week. The New York Post reported that it is unlikely for Comey to provide a lot of details about the ongoing FBI investigation into the collusion between Russian officials and members of Trumps campaign team. The fired director wants to talk about his meeting with the president who allegedly pressured him in dropping the probe on Flynn, one of the members of the campaign team. Meetings with Trump Trump, who was barely a month in office as the 45th U.S. president, ordered Comey in a White House meeting on Feb. 14 to close the investigation on the involvement of Trumps National Security adviser whom the president fired on Feb. 13. Comey, who has documented his meetings with Trump, claimed the president told him, I hope you can let this go, which the FBI director wrote in one of his notes. But the White House denied the version of Comey regarding the Feb. 14 meeting. When Trump and Comey met again on May 9, the president fired Comey, although he claimed it was not over the Russian investigation but the way the director handled the email server controversy of Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival. Everything points to Russia Meanwhile, on late Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, guested on the show of David Letterman in New York City. Letterman, a late-night TV host, pressed Franken to share his thoughts on the ongoing investigation of Trumps involvement. The senator insisted that everything pointed to a collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign. While Franken did not point to any evidence to back his claim, he said Mueller has been appointed to lead the investigation by the FBI into the Russian interference. The senator added that the people being investigated are not acting like they have nothing to hide. According to Associated Press, the House Intelligence Committee issued a subpoena to Flynn and Michael Cohen, Trumps personal lawyer, and their businesses to testify. The committee also issued three more subpoenas for the National Security Agency, FBI, and CIA. Another Trump lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, was designated to answer all queries about the firing of James Comey and the Russian investigation instead of the White House staff answering those types of questions. Newly elected South Korean President Moon Jae-In clarified to U.S. officials that his investigation over THAAD deployments will not affect relations between both countries. This is after Moon was outraged at the intentional concealment of additional Thaad deployment in his country by his country's defense ministry after assuming power. What is the controversy over THAAD in South Korea? President Moon's main campaign promise is to investigate his predecessor, Park Geun-Hye's deal over the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system or THAAD in South Korea. The former president of South Korea was impeached due to serious corruption scandals that plagued his administration. However, Moon was shocked that when he assumed office, deployments of additional THAAD missile launchers were kept secret from him. For Moon, this shows signs of irregularity that merits a full-blown investigation. Especially because the former president was convicted of corruption and unethical conduct while in office. The United States grew weary over Moon's probe into the THAAD controversy and they fear that the issue will tarnish relationships between the two countries. Moon was quick to respond to such fears and sent a delegate to Washington to specifically explain the investigation over THAAD and that it will be purely domestic. Why is the deployment of THAAD a big issue in the Korean crisis? China is the foremost opponent of the installation of THAAD in South Korea. Beijing argues that the installation of such a system will only increase the tension in the crisis as it is a blatant show of force against North Korea. A series of protests against the THAAD's installation erupted both in South Korea and China. However, it's extremely shocking to President Moon that his own defense ministry intentionally hid details about the additional THAAD batteries. The THAAD system is primarily intended to serve as protection against sudden attacks coming from North Korea. This is due to the ballistics program of Pyongyang that has been gaining pace within the last few weeks. What is the reaction of the United States? The United States continues to show its might on North Korea. Three carrier groups are deployed in and near the Korean peninsula to "enforce" U.S. dominance over the area. The Pentagon also tested an ICBM missile last month and earlier this week, successfully intercepted a dummy ICBM with an intercontinental missile defense system. However, most of the ire is not coming from North Korea but from China, a major power in Asia and the country that is bent on greatly improving its economy and its military. The United State's have just shown their true colors under President Trump and it's not a pretty picture. With the country pulling out of the #landmark Paris climate accord, the message President Trump is sending the world is one of arrogance and greed. We are above everyone else The United States under President Trump is essentially saying that the country is above meaningful #global action to end global warming and that the US economy is more important than other country's economies, as well as the wellbeing of the whole planet. As the UN are giving speeches encouraging and telling people to make their own changes and to do what they can do to make the world less warm, other countries like China and India are reaffirming their pledge to the #Paris climate accord in meaningful and optimistic ways. #Barack Obama signed the much applauded accord in 2015 and it was seen as a positive step toward global unity, togetherness and fighting for what matters. But with Donald Trump in the driver's seat all of that has been lost. A US withdrawal from the #landmark planet-cooling accord is going to be a big dent in the deal itself, since other countries may follow suit and attempt to up their emissions caps. Following his first 100 days in office, Donald Trump appears as if he's willing to continue on with the same behavior that resulted in heavy backlash during the early part of his presidency. After making controversial comments about the Civil War and former President Andrew Jackson, Trump was quickly mocked over his remarks by some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Trump trolled It's no secret that Donald Trump has made mistakes since announcing his candidacy for president nearly two years ago. Whether it was in regards to actual policy, current issues, or history, the former host of "The Apprentice" has been called out over his blunders, while getting hit with facts and satire in the process. Trump's questionable actions since the start of the 2016 presidential election have resulted in massive backlash, including from celebrities, while also being red meat for comedians. Whether it's an episode of "Saturday Night Live," a monologue from Bill Maher, or others who use social media to rip into the president, Trump has become the butt of a joke on a routine basis. On Monday morning, Trump spoke to the Washington Examiner during an interview on Sirius XM radio, and brought up the Civil War. The president claimed that former President Andrew Jackson was not happy with what was going on, despite having died 16 years before the war even begun. In response, Hollywood stars trolled Trump with a series of brutal tweets on May 1. Trump says Andrew Jackson, who died 16 years before Civil War, was "really angry" about Civil War: https://t.co/SgsyOJ4dcE pic.twitter.com/7jXgzriFOi The Hill (@thehill) May 1, 2017 Taking to Twitter on Monday night were a wide range of Hollywood celebrities who didn't hold back their thoughts about Donald Trump and his Civil War comments. "Kids would be better off watching Drunk History than listening to Donald," actor George Takei wrote on Twitter, before adding, "This is the guy who just found out Lincoln was a Republican." Kids would be better off watching Drunk History than listening to Donald. This is the guy who just found out Lincoln was a Republican. George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 1, 2017 DT not knowing Andrew Jackson died before Civil War is not surprising. He is a complete and utter moron. Impeach. Treason. #trumprussia Rob Reiner (@robreiner) May 1, 2017 "Donald Trump not knowing Andrew Jackson died before Civil War is not surprising. He is a complete and utter moron," Rob Reiner tweeted out, before adding "Impeach. Treason." "Hearing Donald Trump talk about the civil war, & Andrew Jackson having a 'big heart,' is like hearing honey boo boo talk about the Big Bang," comedian Chelsea Handler added. "Andrew Jackson was mad about Civil War". He died 16 years prior. If he was mad at all, it was probably at being dead," actress Bette Midler noted. #TrumpTeachesHistory "Andrew Jackson was mad about Civil War". He died 16 years prior. If he was mad at all, it was probably at being dead. Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) May 2, 2017 Hearing donald trump talk about the civil war, &Andrew jackson having a "big heart," is like hearing honey boo boo talk about the Big Bang. Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) May 1, 2017 The civil war? Why didn't that one get settled? I don't know, @realDonaldTrump/ASSHOLE. Maybe because people owned other people? My god. Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) May 1, 2017 Trump "quotes" Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt then decided to mock the president in his own way by tweeting fake quotes attributed to the president about various events in history. "I mean, the whole Civil Rights thing. The marches. Ugh, right? MLK could've been all, like, isn't there an easier way? Or something?" Oswalt tweeted. "I mean, the whole Civil Rights thing. The marches. Ugh, right? MLK could've been all, like, isn't there an easier way? Or something?" Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) May 1, 2017 "Jesus was probably up on that cross all like, 'I shoulda worked out a deal with Pilate. Or Herod or someone. Ouch these nails.'" Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) May 1, 2017 "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- FDR "Nobody's safe. I mean, who's safe?" -- DJT Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) May 1, 2017 "Jesus was probably up on that cross all like, 'I shoulda worked out a deal with Pilate. Or Herod or someone. Ouch these nails,'" he wrote on Twitter. "'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.' -- FDR'Nobody's safe. I mean, who's safe?' -- DJT," Oswalt added. The hits kept coming as celebrities and other social media users fired back at the bizarre comments made by the commander in chief. Comedian Kathy Griffin has come under fire for taking part in a controversial photo-shoot based around President Donald Trump. Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway decided to speak out, but her message didn't go over well on social media. Conway on Griffin Once it became clear that Donald Trump was officially running for president, it didn't take long before liberal-leaning Hollywood celebrities spoke out against his candidacy. During the entire 2016 presidential election, the political tension in the United States reached an all-time high, as liberal and conservative Americans clashed on a daily basis over a variety of issues. While Trump was able to gain popularity through his controversial rhetoric and policy proposals, he also alienated many high-profiled celebrities in the process. Trump quickly became the source of comedic mockery on "Saturday Night Live," as well as for talk show hosts like Bill Maher and Stephen Colbert. One of Trump's most vocal critics has been comedian Kathy Griffin, who recently posted a photo of herself holding a mock version of Trump's decapitated head. Despite Griffin issuing an apology later in the day, Kellyanne Conway fired back on her Twitter account on May 30. Kathy Griffin did not misspeak or misstep. She plotted & posed for photoshoot. Ample time for reflection/correction https://t.co/KmVygz2kfK Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) May 31, 2017 Taking to Twitter on Tuesday night, Kellyanne Conway decided to respond to Kathy Griffin's photo-shoot where she posed with the aforementioned decapitated head. "Kathy Griffin did not misspeak or misstep. She plotted & posed for photo-shoot," Conway tweeted, before adding, "Ample time for reflection/correction." Kathy Griffin apologizes after backlash over Trump beheading photo https://t.co/dSGGaFVHWk pic.twitter.com/NDC3Sm1DPL The Hill (@thehill) May 31, 2017 Twitter reacts Not long after Kellyanne Conway tweeted out over Kathy Griffin's photo-shoot, Twitter users quickly hit back at the former Donald Trump campaign manager. "Whatever KELLYANNE. It was #alternativecomedy. Just like your #alternativefacts," one social media user tweeted out. Whatever KELLYANNE. It was #alternativecomedy. Just like your #alternativefacts. Kristina Wong (@mskristinawong) May 31, 2017 And yet, she did say the words "I'm sorry." Showing a maturity your "employer" never shows. So, kindly, do a crossword or otherwise shut up. Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) May 31, 2017 No one has defended this and she has apologized. Take your faux outrage and sit on it. Rogue CPI (@RogueCPI) May 31, 2017 "No one has defended this and she has apologized. Take your faux outrage and sit on it," a tweet read. "This was the Bowling Green Massacre of photo shoots," a follow-up message added. "And then she apologized immediately. When liberals go to far, they apologize. Chickensh*t GOP never apologized for Obama lynching rhetoric," an additional tweet noted. And then she apologized immediately. When liberals go to far, they apologize. Chickenshit GOP never apologized for Obama lynching rhetoric Skepacabra (@Skepacabra) May 31, 2017 And she apologized. She was wrong both sides can agree on that. It was in very bad taste even for art. But she said she was wrong! Try it! Chris Doyle (@Doylegk) May 31, 2017 "And yet, she did say the words 'I'm sorry.' Showing a maturity your 'employer' never shows. So, kindly, do a crossword or otherwise shut up," a Twitter user wrote. The opposition to Kellyanne Conway continued, as the rift between those on the left and right doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. A family of tourists feed a flock of seagulls on Erhai Lake. The seagulls migrate from Siberia, Russia, every year in late autumn, according to residents in Dali. Shao Xiaoqin / For China Daily Su Jinning used to commute more than an hour a day to work in Beijing, sometimes driving through thick smog. Now, he spends his mornings under a blue sky, walking the 5 kilometers from his home to a small market to shop for fresh vegetables. "I can breathe here, and the water is clean," said Su, who quit his job with a State-owned company in 2015 and moved with his family to the ancient town of Dali. Many urbanites have made the switch to this quiet corner of Yunnan province in recent years - and going by the people China Daily talked to, the vast majority have come from the nation's capital. Su, 46, now runs a bar with a friend, which is far more relaxed than his old regimen: starting the day with copious amounts of coffee, sitting for hours in front of a computer screen, and spending his nights wooing clients over dinner. He said his weight ballooned to 90 kilograms. "There was a gym in my office building, but I didn't like exercising there," he said, adding he has lost 15 kg since arriving in Dali. Su's business partner, Zong Hao, 30, used to run a printing company in Beijing. He said he wanted to flee the rigid office environment and the city's skyrocketing rental prices. Chen Yang and his wife, Lu Yuehua, saw a similar opportunity to "escape the rat race" when they visited Dali in 2013 to help a friend look into starting a business there. They liked it so much, they decided to open one, too. Friends back in Beijing originally poured cold water on the idea, calling it unrealistic. However, Lu said the thought kept her awake at night - and within a few days, the couple had decided to buy a villa and convert it into a guesthouse. "The climate in Dali is better than any other place I've visited," said Chen, 58, who used to work as an engineer. "It's beautiful in spring and autumn, and is comfortable in summer and winter. You can find beautiful scenery everywhere." The couple's move had a ripple effect. Several of their friends have followed them to Dali, while Chen estimates more than 60 families from Beijing have bought houses near their guesthouse. Until April, Qiao Xiaolin, 37, had been running a guesthouse near Dali's old town that catered to parents traveling with children. "As long as Beijing was being hit by heavy smog, my hotel was full," she joked, adding that many guests had talked about buying a house after visiting the area. "The demand is so strong that it's pushed up prices," she added. Jiwu, an online real estate agency, said the average price for a new apartment in Dali was about 8,280 yuan ($1,208) a square meter in April. In Shanshuijianvilla, a villa community in the mountains, prices are closer to 15,000 yuan, Qiao added. This compares with an average monthly salary of 4,390 yuan, according to online recruitment company Jobui. Right & Left, choreographed by Gu Jiani, will tour the United States in June. [Photo provided to China Daily] With a table, two chairs and a white floor, Chinese dancer-choreographer Gu Jiani interprets the context of daily life and explores the delicate nature of human relationships in her piece Right & Left, which was staged at the Inside-Out Theater in Beijing over the weekend. With this work, she will kick off a tour of the United States from Thursday to June 22, performing at the San Francisco International Arts Festival and the Seattle International Dance Festival, and in Los Angeles and New York. Right & Left was staged at the University of Michigan and Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2015 and 2016. Gu and contemporary dancer Li Nan paired up for the performances. Gu will team up with contemporary dancer Wang Xuanqi during the US tour. Right & Left started from a vague idea Gu got while she was in Hong Kong to display one of her short choreography works, Side By Side, in 2013. "There are two peopleone sitting on the floor and the other swinging upside down," says the 28-year-old. Her interest in how the environment influences relationships among people inspired the 50-minute Right & Left. Gu, a former dancer with the Beijing Modern Dance Company, started to choreograph independently in 2013. "I asked myself: How do I live, how do I deal with others and how do I face myself," says Gu. "I am not sure how the audience will feel after watching the dance. But more or less, people will see themselves in my work." The music is a mix of Chopin's Waltz No 10 in B Minor Op 69 No 2, The End by Danish film composer Nikolaj Egelund and daily sounds recorded by Gu, including footsteps and car horns. Beijing-based projection artist Li Aping manipulates the lighting through the performance. The audience gets a feeling that the stage is cut into pieces and the two dancers move in the shadows. "Gu is unafraid to break the rules of classical dancing as she and Li (Nan) weave in and out of the light, or continue halfway into the wings as if the dancing extends beyond its visual confines," Huffington Post said about Right & Left when the piece was staged at the Festival Melbourne in Australia in October. Born and raised in Mianyang, Sichuan province, Gu was trained in classical ballet and Chinese dance from a young age. She was first introduced to the arts by her parents, who were both employees of a State-owned company and enjoyed music and dance. But she was not content with conventional training and started her own exploration of body movements. "I am interested in how my body works and what I can do with it," says Gu. Gu became a professional dancer after graduation from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. After working for the dance company in Beijing for four years, she moved to the US as a visiting artist for six months. There, she had the time to think and find her own dance vocabulary. "Everything went smoothly for me but I wanted to break out and figure out what I wanted to do," says Gu, who set up the N Space Body Project along with Li Nan to collaborate with young artists. Last year, the Shanghai International Arts Festival commissioned Gu's work, Exit, which premiered in October. Exit is inspired by the principle of action and reaction and explores human desire and how people seek paths to liberty and self-fulfillment. Gu has a studio in the outskirts of Beijing, where she practices dancing along with other young artists. "We do rehearsals for hours every day, and lots of ideas come out of them. The process is very exciting," she says. Chinese premier Li Keqiang arrives in Berlin for his official visit to Germany May 31st, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Premier Li Keqiang began his four-day visit to Germany and Belgium on Wednesday, during which he is scheduled to attend the annual meeting with German chancellor and the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting. Whether Beijing and Brussels can shelve their differences and what the latter can do with its "normative power" to strengthen Sino-EU ties will be closely watched during Li's visit. How the EU member states can get better involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road), too, is high on the agenda of the China-EU meeting. Brussels' concerns over Beijing's proposals on China-EU cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative are uncalled for. As President Xi Jinping emphasized in his opening speech at the Beijing forum, the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, which draws inspiration from the ancient Silk Road, is open to all economies and its focus is on the Eurasian and African markets. It also encourages extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, leaving enough room and incentives for the EU's participation even though its demand for infrastructure is limited. Li's visit comes at a time when the post-Brexit EU has been struggling to move toward greater integration. The fear that the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU could prompt other countries to pull out of the bloc has cast a shadow over European unity, with the leadership changes in some EU member states signaling more uncertainty. Since Beijing and Brussels established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2003, China has become the EU's second-largest trade partner and the largest source of imports, and the EU the largest trade partner of China. That Beijing welcomes a more unified, stable, and prosperous EU, to some extent, may help the bloc tide over the crisis. China highly values the strategic significance of the EU and intends to keep strengthening their partnership in maintaining global peace and economic growth, and boosting reform. At his meeting with EU leaders, Li is expected to reiterate China's commitment to promoting a multipolar world order and optimizing global governance with the help of the EU, and discuss ways of upgrading China-EU trade ties. Last year, China-EU trade declined 3.1 percent because of fluctuations in the global market and the depreciation of the euro, but the EU's investment in China increased, adding fresh impetus to the two sides' endorsement of free trade and fairer economic governance. It is hoped that in the days to come leaders from both sides will expedite negotiations for a two-way investment treaty and to reduce anti-dumping disputes. The author is a distinguished professor at Shanghai University. Chinese tourists made 2.71 million outbound trips during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, up 7.2 percent year on year, official data showed Tuesday. The most popular overseas destinations included Russia, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam and France, according to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). There was a rapid increase in the number of outbound tourists visiting Europe during the holiday, the CNTA said. Within the country, 82.6 million trips were made by tourists, with 33.7 billion yuan ($4.9 billion) of business income earned by the domestic tourism sector, according to the CNTA. The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of a year according to the Chinese calendar, and falls on May 30 this year. Traditions of the festival include racing dragon boats and eating Zongzi, glutinous rice and fillings wrapped with bamboo or reed leaves. WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the world would know his decision on the Paris climate agreement over the next few days. "I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. Citing senior US officials familiar with Trump's plan, several US mainstream media reported Wednesday morning that Trump is expected to withdraw from the Paris Accord adopted by 196 nations in 2015. However, CNN quoted US officials speaking on condition of anonymity as saying that Trump's position on the Paris Accord could still change until he makes his decision public. The Trump administration was initially planning to make a final decision on the Paris Accord early this month. However, the decision was delayed till the G7 meeting in Sicily, Italy. However, Trump left the G7 summit without agreeing to endorse the Paris Accord to cut global carbon emissions, raising eyebrows among leaders of US key allies in the group. A proper approach to historical issues and the Taiwan question is needed as the political basis of China-Japan ties and is crucial for its steady, lasting development, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on Wednesday. Yang, who visited Japan from Monday through Wednesday, told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of his concerns in a Tokyo meeting. Abe said regarding the Taiwan question, Japan will continue to adhere to principles stated clearly in the bilateral joint statement issued in 1972 for normalizing ties, and there is no change of such a position. Observers noted that Yang highlighted the major issues at a time Tokyo has recently raised concern in China on these matters, particularly regarding the one-China policy, adding worries to the improvement of the ties. At the meeting, Yang said Beijing values its ties with Japan. The two countries should make joint efforts to enhance the positive factors and control the negatives in their relations while encouraging the momentum behind improving ties and development, Yang said. Yang said China hopes Japan comes up with concrete policies and actions to honor its commitments and the consensus that the two countries are each other's cooperative partners rather than threats, Yang said. Abe said Japan hopes to improve and develop its relations with China, and it seeks close contacts with Beijing at all levels. Tokyo hopes to properly manage and control the divergence between the two countries and boost their communication and coordination on global and regional affairs, Abe added. Yang also reiterated Beijing's position and proposals on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. During his stay in Japan, Yang met with other senior Japanese officials, when he also urged Tokyo to honor its commitments on historical issues and the Taiwan question. Yang also spoke about the East China Sea situation and urged Tokyo to cautiously comment or take actions over the issue. Zhou Yongsheng, professor on Japan studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said Yang's trip has been made to see whether Japan is sincere or at what level its sincerity is regarding improved relations with China The trip also helps Beijing get to know what areas Tokyo wants to cooperate on more in the near future, he said. Liu Jiangyong, vice-dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, said although the two sides have made some efforts to help improve their relationship, Tokyo has not totally broken away with its behavior regarding maritime issues. Brazil's President Michel Temer gestures during a inauguration ceremony of the new Minister of Justice, Torquato Jardim, at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil May 31, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] RIO DE JANEIRO - The defense team of Brazil's President Michel Temer on Wednesday asked Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin to postpone the president's written interrogation by police. The request argued that the interrogation, which is scheduled to happen within ten days, should be postponed until the police has finished analyzing the recording. Temer has said that the tape has been doctored and that he has done nothing wrong. This is the second time Temer's lawyers sought to postpone the interrogation, since the Supreme Court opened an investigation against the president for passive corruption, obstruction of justice and illicit association. On Tuesday, Fachin gave the federal police ten days to send a written interrogation to Temer, which the president must respond to within 24 hours. The defense team also requested Fachin, if he insists the interrogation should go ahead, should veto any police question into the Batista recording, whose validity is under question by Temer. "The very content of the evidence orchestrated by the entrepreneur (Batista) was clearly manipulated," sustained the defense team. The recording of a conversation between Temer and Batista lasts around 40 minutes and has the two men discussing politics and economics, before addressing the bribing of former Speaker Eduardo Cunha to buy him silence. Cunha was jailed for 15 years for his involvement in the Petrobras corruption ring. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it is "absolutely essential" that the world implement the Paris Agreement, as US President Donald Trump faces pressure to keep the US in the climate deal. CEOs of dozens of companies, including ExxonMobil Corp, Apple Inc, Dow Chemical Co, Unilever NV and Tesla Inc, urged Trump to remain in the agreement. Tesla's Elon Musk threatened to quit White House advisory councils if the president pulls the US out, Reuters reported. An anonymous source close to the matter told Reuters that Trump was preparing to leave the Paris accord. The source said Trump was working out terms of the planned withdrawal with US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, an oil industry ally and climate change doubter. Trump told reporters in the White House Oval Office: "You'll find out very soon." Earlier on Wednesday he tweeted that he will announce his decision "in the next few days". "We believe that it will be important for the US not to leave the Paris Agreement," Guterres said in a Q&A section after his speech during an event at New York University on Tuesday. "But even if the US government decides to leave the Paris agreement, it's very important for the US society as a whole - the cities, the states, the companies, the businesses - to remain engaged with the Paris Agreement." Guterres called for action to meet the climate challenge as he described the serious impact of climate change and opportunities presented by climate solutions to create jobs and build a foundation for a safer and sustainable world. "The effects of climate change are dangerous and they are accelerating," he said. "It is absolutely essential that the world implements the Paris Agreement - and that we fulfill that duty with increased ambition." "Climate change is undeniable, and climate action is unstoppable," he said. The Paris Agreement, which took effect last November, aims to limit temperature increases caused mainly by greenhouse gas emissions. It was agreed to by the 195 member economies, including China and the US, under the Obama administration, which attended the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. China aims to cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60-65 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels and peak its carbon emissions by 2030, while the US aims to trim emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. The secretary-general said that if any government doubts the global will and need for the accord, that is reason for all others to unite even more and stay the course. "The message is simple: The sustainability train has left the station. Get on board or get left behind," he said. "Those who fail to bet on the green economy will be living in a gray future. Those who embrace green technologies will set the gold standard for economic leadership in the 21st century." Guterres said that climate action is under way, and that countries and companies involved will reap the rewards. "Thousands of private corporations, including major oil and gas companies, are taking their own action," he said. "They know that green business is good business. It is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do." He said he intends to convene a climate summit in 2019 to reach the key first review of implementation of the accord. Xie Zhenhua, China's special representative on climate change, said on May 22 in Berlin that China is preparing to address issues related to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. wanglinyan@chinadailyusa.com Two train drivers pose for a selfie with a Kenyan journalist on Wednesday in the port city of Mombasa, where Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated the country's China-built railway, the Madaraka Express.Sun Ruibo / Xinhua The Chinese designed system links port with capital, other countries later Kenya has become the third African nation to launch a railway system built with Chinese technology. The 472-kilometer standard gauge railway is billed as a game changer, linking the port of Mombasa to the capital of Nairobi, and later to more farflung areas and remote nations. Ethiopia and Nigeria earlier launched their rail systems, also built with Chinese technology. Color and pomp characterized the ceremony that saw hundreds of Kenyans join President Uhuru Kenyatta, who inaugurated the train service in Mombasa on Wednesday. In his speech, Uhuru said the $3.8 billion project is bound to drive the Kenyan economy into an industrialized, middle-income status as envisioned in the nation's development blueprint, Vision 2030. "It is the cornerstone that will unite Kenyans and our neighbors by creating opportunities and shared prosperity," he said. "I express my sincere gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the people of China for the collaborative support between our two countries." He emphasized the new system - which he named Madaraka Express, a reference to the commemoration of Kenya gaining its sovereignty in 1964 - will spearhead socio-economic transformation by lowering the cost of transportation of both freight and passengers between the two cities, halve the time it takes from eight to four hours, generate jobs and open up remote areas. Moreover, he said the introductory prices are affordable to ensure more people and businesses have easy access. "Passengers will pay a minimum of $7 while containers that have previously been charged an average $1,000 will now pay 50 percent less," he said. In his speech, State Councilor Wang Yong, a special envoy of Xi, said, "This railway is an important early harvest outcome of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also a landmark project in China-Africa cooperation on regional networks of high-speed rail, expressway and aviation, African industrialization and industrial capacity". It was built by China Road and Bridge Corp. In 2015, Xi and Kenyatta jointly witnessed the signing of the agreement to finance the project. China financed 90 percent, with the remainder funded by the Kenyan government. "The infrastructure, once in use, is expected to improve speed and capacity of railway transport in Kenya, greatly improving trade between Mombasa and areas such as Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and eastern parts of Democratic Republic of Congo," said Robert Kagiri, the head of Nairobi think tank. Kagiri, director of the Center for Strategic Policy Management at Africa Policy Institute, acknowledged the wisdom of awarding the management and operation of the infrastructure to a CRBC subsidiary, Australia-based John Holland. "Having a foreign country run the railway is a 'pathway' to injecting professionalism from an experienced player and in the long run facilitating knowledge (skills) transfer to the local people," he said. Contact the writers at panzhongming@chinadaily.com.cn MPP Soo Wong (centre in red) accepts the petition calling for the Ontario Legislature to pass Bill 79 that is presented by the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations at a peace rally held at Queen's Park on Monday in Toronto. [NA LI / CHINA DAILY] The purpose of a peaceful rally by more than 1,200 Ontarians of Asian descent was twofold: support a bill commemorating the Nanjing Mas sacre and make younger generations aware of the horrors of the World War II era. On a Monday as sun peeked through the clouds, a group gathered in Queen's Park, where the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (LAO) is located, carrying signs with statements such as "I support Bill 79", "Lest We Forget", "Make Peace, Not War" and "I Love Canada". The rally was to push for passage of Bill 79, the Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day Act. The event was co-organized by the 5.29 Rally Preparation Committee, the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations (CTCCO) and more than 100 local organizations serving the province's Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Filipino-Canadian communities. "The fact that we have many young people in our schools who are not aware of the atrocities of the Second World War in Asia is not acceptable," said Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Soo Wong, who introduced the bill in the Ontario Legislature as a private members bill. "We cannot ignore, forget or deny that this atrocity took place," Wong said. "We have a responsibility as Canadians to speak out when theres injustice and when theres human rights violations." Bill 79 passed a second reading with tripartisan support on Dec 8, 2016. It proposes to make Dec 13 each year Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day in Ontario in recognition of the 300,000 Chinese nationals massacred and sexually assaulted in Nanjing by the Japanese Imperial Army in 1937 and 1938. So far, more than 100, 000 petition signatures calling for the Ontario Legislature to pass Bill 79 have been collected and tabled. Several supporters of the bill emphasized that its intent was not to focus on Japan's role, but to stress the measure's focus on peace and humanity. MPP present at the rally included Michael Chan, Han Dong, Gilles Bisson and Monte McNaughton. "The message to the world is for peace," Chan said. "We want to live in a peaceful society. Canada is well known in the whole world that people coming here can live in harmony and peace, and we want to keep that." "On behalf of the NDP (New Democratic Party) House, we sign (the petition) with you to support the bill," said Bisson, House leader of the NDP. "The Nanjing Massacre also was known as the Rape of Nanjing, which was a mass murder killing of Nanjing civilians, unarmed soldiers that happened in late 1937 to early 1938. And this fact unfortunately hasn't been told to the young generation; it's very dangerous," said MPP Raymond Cho, the first Korean-Canadian elected to the Ontario Legislature, who said World War II affected himself personally as a child. "It's our duty to teach our future generations the actual facts of this important history," Cho said. "We all need to work very hard so that there is never again another Holocaust and Massacre on this planet." Cassie Chinn, deputy executive director of the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, oversees planning and implementation of exhibition, collection, public programming and education initiatives [Photo by Linda Deng/China Daily] Every fan of kung fu knows who Bruce Lee is a global icon who has often been credited with helping to change the way Asians are portrayed in American films. What they may not know is that he was more than just an action movie actor. He was also founder of the martial art jeet kune do, as well as film director, philosopher and even a poet. Lee was born in Chinatown, San Francisco, on Nov 27, 1940 and raised in Kowloon, Hong Kong, with his family until his late teens. He moved to the US at 18 to attend the University of Washington in Seattle, where he started teaching martial arts. That explains why Seattle is such a special place for Bruce Lee and his family, the home of his permanent museum and how Lee came to be buried in the city's Capitol Hill Lake View Cemetery? A new exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle's Chinatown-International District - Do You Know Bruce? - offers an even more intimate glimpse of the cultural icon's daily life. In its third year, the on-going exhibition is now exploring what it took to be Bruce Lee, from his daily personal habits, routines and work outs to his writings and visual art, reading library and time he spent with family and friends. Cassie Chinn, deputy executive director at the museum, said her favorite part of the exhibit is the calendar and schedule that shows how Bruce Lee spent his time. "The third year focuses on what a day in the life of Bruce Lee was really like," she said. "How did he structure his time? How did he spend his energy? And what did he put all his passion into?" Displays include poems and little motivation cards Lee had written and his artwork in addition to the calendars. Also, since Lee's direct roots are in Seattle, you can walk the streets he actually walked, visit the places that were important to him and learn the stories there, according to Chinn. A fourth generation Chinese American in Seattle, Chinn thinks the exhibition tells stories that not only have meaning for thousands of global visitors each year, but also inspire and impact the community. "Bruce Lee is a role model for all communities of color around the nation," she said. "He was there to break the ceiling and show us what else we could be. I love when people tell their stories and say Bruce Lee had changed their lives." The exhibition will be extended and continue to the end of the year. ABC/Image Group LA If youve been following the career of Maren Morris, youve probably noticed Thomas Rhetts duet partner on Craving You has had a pretty serious haircut. And if youve wondered why exactly -- its because shes hitting the road this summer with Sam Hunt. Maren admits its all about beating the heat. My hairdresser, I'd told her about it months ago, she explains. I was like, 'I don't know when I'm gonna do this, but I really want to cut my hair off, because I'm about to go into this summer tour, and I've had this long hair since the Grammys, and I don't want to have it on my neck for the whole summer.' I was like, 'I used to have short hair, just cut it off," she goes on. I don't want to spend an hour doing it anymore. As she sets out on the 15 in a 30 Tour today with Sam and Chris Janson, Maren says the new do is paying dividends of both coolness and convenience. Now, my hair takes like 10 minutes, she says. Even if I want it to look good, it's super low-maintenance, which is nice. Marens third single from her Hero album, I Could Use a Love Song, just broke into countrys top 30. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Snuggled between the Sierra Nevadas and Lake Tahoe, Reno is called "The Biggest Little City in the World." Considered a less glitzy cousin to its big and rich brother Las Vegas, Reno manages to pack a lot of fun and entertainment into a small town. Reno is famous for its casinos and excellent nearby ski resorts. National Automobile Museum is a car buff's delight with more than 200 vintage cars. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. 1. Nevada Museum of Art Nevada Museum of Art The Nevada Museum of Ar, Nevada's only accredited art museum, is located in downtown Reno in a magnificent new four-story building designed by architect Will Bruder. This thematic museum focuses on the interaction between humans and the environment and the growing effort to protect the land. The museum's Permanent Collection consists of over 2,000 works of art from as late as the 19th century. The primary focus is on built, natural, and virtual environments. The museum's growing Contemporary Collection consists of paintings, photography, works on paper, digital media, sculpture, and mixed media installations created by national and international artists. The Center for Art + Environment is the museum's research department and has an Archive Collections with more than 12,000 items. 160 W Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-329-3333 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 2. Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center Courtesy of hit1912 - Fotolia.com A part of the University of Nevada, Reno and Extended Studies, Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center was built in 1963 and offers digital planetarium shows open to the public in their dome theater. The center also organizes field trips and education in space and Earth science, as well the University's Redfield Campus observatory viewing. The center is one of the first world planetariums to use the Spitz SciDome digital projector. This high-resolution visualization tool produces colorful and bright 3-D images of space objects. The planetarium's interestingly shaped building, called a "hyperbolic paraboloid," was designed by architect Ray Hellmann. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Besides the Dome Theatre, the center also has an exhibit Hall, a Science Store, and a classroom for education purposes, special events, and birthday parties. 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, Phone: 775-784-4812 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 3. Animal Ark Courtesy of jwjarrett - Fotolia.com Animal Ark is a wildlife sanctuary and education center established in 1981 to provide a safe habitat for abandoned, injured, and wild animals that could not be rehabilitated and released into their normal habitats. Animal Ark goes out of its way to build enclosures for each animal with large boulders, native trees, bushes, grasses, and other vegetation that recreate the animals' natural habitat. Special effort is made to provide activities for the animals in order to relieve boredom. Watching them going about in an environment similar to their natural environment is a very different experience from going to the zoo. There is no captive breeding at Animal Arc, and all animals are offered sanctuary for life. The Ark has bears, coyote, wolfs, foxes, bobcats, cheetahs, many reptiles, and raptors. 1265 Deerlodge Rd, Reno, NV 89508, Phone: 775-970-3111 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 4. Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum The Nevada Discovery Museum is a 67,000 square-foot playground, hands-on science center, and kids' museum in downtown Reno. There are so many possibilities for learning that are well-disguised as games; kids can try exploring caves and dark mineshafts, climbing three- stories up into the clouds, and traveling from the past to the future without breaking a sweat. Youngsters are engaged in science, history, art, construction, animals both living and extinct, destruction, and live performances. Kids can explore The Shop, Da Vinci's Corner, Spark!Lab Smithsonian, an 80-foot-long river, the Cloud Climber, a permanent night gallery, and much, much more. The museum also organizes many special events and kids' day camps. 490 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-786-1000 -- You are reading "Fun Things to Do in Reno, Nevada this Weekend with Friends" -- You are reading "Fun Things to Do in Reno, Nevada this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top 5. National Automobile Museum, Reno, Nevada Courtesy of Nikolai Sorokin - Fotolia.com The National Automobile Museum in Reno is the ideal playground for car enthusiasts, who can easily spend a whole day roaming among more than 200 glorious old cars. They are not just on display, they are set out on a real cobblestone street in front of a hardware store or movie theatre with appropriate artifacts from the car's era. The cars in the museum are from the late 19th and 20th centuries and in general belong to the collection of the late William F. Harrah, once a wealthy casino owner. The cars are displayed in four galleries. One of the galleries includes the Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame and a number of race cars. The most famous cars in the museum are the Cadillac Eldorado that belonged to Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra's Ghia, JFK's Lincoln Continental, and John Wayne's Chevrolet Corvette. Visitors can take a photo in one of the historic cars dressed in a period costume. 1 Museum Dr, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-333-9300 -- You are reading "What to Do in Reno, Nevada this Weekend" -- You are reading "What to Do in Reno, Nevada this Weekend" Back to Top 6. What to Do in Reno: National Championship Air Races Courtesy of itsallgood - Fotolia.com Every year in September at the airport just outside Reno at the site of the former Stead Air Force Base, thousands of air race enthusiasts from all over the world come to watch the National Championship Air Races, an exciting event for northern Nevada. The races last a week, and during that time hundreds of pilots and crews descend on Reno with their lovingly maintained aircraft. There are six racing classes, a huge standing display of aircraft, and a number of civil and military flight demonstrations. Bill Stead organized the first races in 1964, and since then they have missed only one year the year of 9/11. Unfortunately, the Reno air races are the last of their kind. Reno Air Racing Association, 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506, Phone: 775-972-6663 -- You are reading "Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 7. Reno Aces Ballpark, Reno, Nevada Courtesy of mtsaride - Fotolia.com Located on the bank of the Truckee River in the Freight House District in Reno, Greater Nevada Field is a Minor League Baseball stadium that opened in 2009. It is the home field of the Triple-A Reno Aces from the Pacific Coast League. Greater Nevada Field can accommodate 9,100 spectators, featuring 6,500 fixed seats, plus general admission. Behind right field, there is a berm with standing room. Two party areas have picnic tables and benches. The stadium also has 22 opulent skyboxes, two comfortable dugout suites behind the stadium's home plate that can fit 15 people each, and a 150-person club suite. The stadium has natural grass surface. 250 Evans Avenue, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-334 7000 , From LA -- You are reading "What is There to Do with Kids in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 8. Mt. Rose Ski Resort Courtesy of kvdkz - Fotolia.com Reno is not exactly a typical ski town, but only 30 miles south of the city in the Carson Range, you will find the first class ski resort Mount Rose Ski Tahoe. The resort covers an area of 1200 acres and is located in the heart of the magnificent Toiyabe National Forest. The resort was opened in 1953, and today it has more than sixty runs and eight lifts, and the longest run is 2.5 miles long. There are three terrain parks: the Badlands, the Pondo Park, and Double Down. While skiers can easily stay in a hotel in Reno and come to Mt. Rose on the resort shuttle every day, the resort has its own new facility, Winters Creek Lodge. 22222 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511, Phone: 775-849-0704 9. Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts Courtesy of Roman Rvachov - Fotolia.com The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, a private cultural organization in Reno, is located in a spectacular gold geodesic dome that was completed in 1967 and is nicknamed "Golden Turtle." The theater has 987 seats on the ground level and 513 in the balcony. The Pioneer Theater is the home of some of Reno's most renowned art companies such as the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and A.V.A. Ballet Theatre. The center also hosts the "Broadway Comes to Reno" series that brings Broadway touring musicals to Reno. The theatre hosts more than 100 diverse cultural events every year, from Broadway productions to dance recitals. The center's Pioneer Center Youth Programs, its educational outreach division, works on encouraging an appreciation for the performing arts in young people by presenting them with a rich variety of exciting programs. 100 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-686-6610 -- "Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" -- "Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" Back to Top 10. Reno Riverwalk District, Reno, Nevada Courtesy of donyanedomam - Fotolia.com The Riverwalk District is the most obvious sign of Reno's exciting urban renaissance. Stretched along the scenic banks of Truckee River, the area between Arlington Ave. and Lake St. in Reno is quickly becoming the city's fast beating heart. Something is always going on, and there's an activity or attraction for everyone: you'll find 35 bars, cafes, taverns, and restaurants, five studios and art galleries, three museums, and three theaters, and everything is just a short distance from all the city's attractions and historic monuments. They are all competing to see who will bring the most exciting events to visitors. There are street concerts, kids' face painting competitions, wine walks, and Dine the District foodie tours, or you can just sit on one of many benches and watch the river and the world go by. 148 West St, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-825-9255 11. What to Do in Reno: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Courtesy of Mariusz Blach - Fotolia.com Rancho San Rafael Park offers beautiful views of both mountain and desert landscapes, as well as a wetland habitat. The land, once home to a working cattle ranch, was converted into a park after Washoe County purchased the land in 1979. Two of the original ranch houses still stand on the property. In addition, the park contains pavilions for picnicking, walking trails, fishing, biking, playgrounds, volleyball courts, and more. The William D. May Museum and Arboretum are also part of the park and are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. 1595 North Sierra St., Reno, NV 89503, Phone: 775-328-2000 -- "New cool stuff to do in Reno, Nevada" -- "New cool stuff to do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways 12. Bartley Ranch Regional Park Courtesy of svetlana_cherruty - Fotolia.com Bartley Ranch Park is an impressive 56-acre park located in Washoe County. Naturally, it has the picnic pavilions and walking trails that are common to parks, but Bartley Ranch also contains acres of pastureland, a horse arena, an outdoor amphitheater, and several historic buildings. The Western Heritage Interpretive Center is a western-themed building with a full kitchen that can be reserved for parties and meetings. Guests can also tour the restored Historic Huffaker School or see a show at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater. The park is open daily, year-round. 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno, NV 89511, Phone: 775-828-6612 13. Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive Courtesy of RedStormPhoto - Fotolia.com Called the "wildest, richest rodeo in the West," the Reno Rodeo has been a premiere event since 1919. Today, this 10-day rodeo draws over 140,000 fans to the Reno area each June. Events include cattle roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and family themed activities such as the carnival and parade. And each year, a massive cattle drive brings its herds through Reno. Guests can enjoy a Western breakfast and watch the cattle come through town. Reno Rodeo Association, 1350 N. Wells Avenue, Reno, NV 89512, Phone: 775-329-3877 14. Galena Creek Park Courtesy of Marianne Catafesta - Fotolia.com Galena Creek Park is a natural recreation area situated next to the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. The park contains miles of hiking, bicycle, and horse trails that cross into the forest and back out into the park. The park covers both Alpine and high desert ecosystems, giving visitors a unique experience with nature. At the Visitor Center, guests can learn about the different birds, animals, insects, and plants they will find in the park and get a map to guide them on the trails. Galena Creek Park also offers events for children such as science and summer camps. The park is open daily, year-round. Hours vary by season. Galena Creek Recreation Area, Mount Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89511, Phone: 775-849-4948 15. McKinley Arts and Culture Center Courtesy of Roman Sigaev - Fotolia.com The McKinley Arts and Culture Center is housed in the former McKinley Park School. The building was renovated in 1999 and now houses office spaces, two art galleries, arts and crafts workshops, and an auditorium and boardroom that are available for rental. The McKinley is also the home of the Reno Philharmonic and the Reno Chamber Orchestra, the Masterworks Chorale, and the Reno Pops Orchestra. Guests can immerse themselves in the arts and cultural climate of Reno by taking a guided tour of the center and viewing the artwork in the galleries or by taking in a musical performance at the center. 925 Riverside Drive, Reno, NV 89503, Phone: 775-334-2417 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me 16. The W.M. Keck Museum The W.M. Keck Museum The 2nd oldest museum in Nevada, the Keck Museum is dedicated to showcasing the mineral and geological variety of Nevada. The museum contains an impressive display of minerals and geodes such as quartz, gypsum, amethyst, copper, and of course, silver and gold ores. It also features tools and maps related to the state's rich mining history. The museum houses the amazing 1250-piece silver collection of John W. Mackay, one of the founders of the Bonanza Firm which developed the famous Comstock Lode. The establishment is open Monday through Friday and one Saturday a month and is closed on University holidays. 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, Phone: 775-784-6987 17. Great Full Gardens Cafe and Eatery Great Full Gardens Cafe and Eatery Great Full Gardens Cafe and Eatery is a health-focused eatery in Reno's Midtown District, opened to the public in 2013 by Juli and Gino Scalia with the assistance of Cyndi Wallis. The restaurant strives to provide unique menu options for diners with dietary concerns, including Paleo, vegan, and gluten-free options. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service are offered daily, highlighting options such as signature Great Full bowls and the restaurant's special-recipe GinoTheSoupMan soups. Full barista service is available daily, with superfood beverages such as turmeric lattes and matcha green tea beverages offered. The restaurant also serves up local craft beer and wine offerings on tap, with selections rotating regularly. 555 So Virginia #107, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 775-324-2013 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 18. Reno Philharmonic, Reno, NV Courtesy of Chekunov Alexandr - Fotolia.com The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra has been bringing classical and popular favorites to Northern Nevada since 1969. Each season, the "Phil" performs an impressive array of pieces from the classical repertoire, as well as pops pieces from Broadway and Hollywood. Each summer, their "Pops on the River" concert is a major fundraiser for the orchestra, and each December, the Phil showcases their holiday spirit with their "Spirit of the Season" extravaganza. The show features singers, dancers, and even Santa Claus himself. 925 Riverside Drive, Ste 3, Reno, NV 89503, Phone: 775-323-6393 19. What to Do in Reno: Peppermill Casino Courtesy of ellisia - Fotolia.com The Peppermill Casino is more than just a casino; the property contains a resort with luxury lodging, multiple dining options including fine and casual, two nightclubs, and a full-service spa. The Peppermill is a AAA 4-diamond award winner and is the #1-ranked hotel in Reno. The casino offers table games, poker, keno, and slots, all housed in a clean, upscale environment. The casino's Passport Rewards Club members can take advantage of VIP services including a complimentary room and concierge services. The resort is also has available spaces for weddings, meetings, and corporate events. -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 20. Casino at Silver Legacy Resort Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com The Silver Legacy Resort has everything you need for a spectacular vacation all in one convenient location. The resort contains high-end accommodations, six restaurants, bars and lounges, boutiques and shops, a spa, and a fitness center. Silver Legacy draws some of the biggest names in entertainment, including country singers, comedians, and dancers. One of the biggest draws at Silver Legacy is its casino. You'll find table games, slots, keno, and a wide array of games with progressive jackpots. The odds are that guests will have a great time and win big at Silver Legacy! 407 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 1-800-687-8733 | 775-325-7401 21. Atlantis Casino, Reno, Nevada Courtesy of cooperr - Fotolia.com The AAA 4-Diamond Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa is ideally located on the Strip in the heart of Reno, Nevada, and shopping, dining, and entertainment are all nearby. Atlantis offers its guests world-class accommodations, award-winning restaurants, live entertainment such as concerts and cabaret shows, a 30,000 square foot luxury spa, and of course, exciting gaming action. At the Atlantis Casino, rooms are clean and well-organized. Atlantis offers card games, table games, progressive jackpots, and tournaments. They also have non-smoking sports betting and poker rooms. At Atlantis, the jackpots are bigger, the slots are looser, and the service is outstanding. 3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502, Phone: 1-800-723-6500 22. Casino at the Eldorado Courtesy of Foap.com - Fotolia.com Covered in bright neon lights, the Eldorado stands out amidst the hotels and casinos in downtown Reno. Their luxurious accommodations have been voted "Best Rooms and Suites" by Casino Player Magazine. Guests can dine in one of their nine award-winning restaurants or see a show at their Broadway-style theatre. When you're ready to play, check out the slots, card games, table games, and sports betting at the Eldorado's casino. The casino offers many different tournaments so guests have even more chances to win big, and the casino's hosts are there to help guests plan their trip or offer a credit application. 345 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, Phone: 1-800-879-8879 | 775-786-5700 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada" Back to Top 23. Grand Sierra Resort Casino Courtesy of Volodymyr - Fotolia.com The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino has it all; the hotel boasts modern, upscale decor and 1900 rooms with luxurious accommodations. Enjoy world-class dining at their seven on-site restaurants. Hang out by The Beach Pool, a large pool surrounded by shaded cabanas. There's even family fun with go-karts, mini-golf, and laser tag. The casino at the Grand Sierra is the largest in Reno and offers a variety of games at skill levels from novice to expert. Guests can test their skills at keno, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and craps, or press their luck by betting on sporting events in the casino's 14,000 square foot book lounge. 2500 East Second St, Reno, NV 89595, Phone: 800-501-2651 24. Circus Circus Casino Courtesy of bartsadowski - Fotolia.com Circus Circus is the resort that's fun for the whole family; their spacious rooms and suites provide an ideal environment for both adults and children. The resort contains six restaurants, including Dos Geckos Cantina with its bright, funky decor. Circus Circus provides a variety of kid-friendly entertainment such as concerts, acrobats, and animal shows. The casino offers card and cable games, slots, and race and sports betting. Tournaments often take place, and the casino hosts are always there to provide world-class service to their guests. 500 North Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503, Phone: 1-800-648-5010 | 775-329-0711 25. Wilbur D. May Center Wilbur D. May Center Have you ever wanted to step into the shoes of a world adventurer? Visit the Wilbur D. May Center and get a glimpse into the life and collections of the world traveler, rancher, pilot, artist, businessman, and philanthropist. Located inside the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, guests of all ages can enjoy a fun learning experience through the venters museum, arboretum, and botanical gardens. The museum, designed in a ranch-style aesthetic in favor of Mays own ranch-style home, displays thousands of unique and rare artifacts from Mays many adventures throughout his life. Visitors can view exotic treasures such as Egyptian tomb items, African tribal masks, Polynesian carvings, Chinese pottery, and many more. Guided tours are also available to help navigate and learn about the enormous archive of historical and foreign objects. When visiting, dont forget to stop by their store which offers several fair-trade pieces from all over the globe. 1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno, Nevada 89503, Phone: 775-785-5961 25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada More ideas: Sommersett Golf and Country Club Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the Sommersett Golf Course. This par 72 course designed by Hall of Famer and U.S. Open Champion Tom Kite features 62 sand bunkers, 7 lakes, and challenging elevation changes throughout its 18 holes. The facility also contains a driving range, putting green, and chipping green so golfers can perfect their swings before hitting the course. Private lessons and golf clinics are also available. The on-site restaurant, the Sunsett Grille, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day except Monday. 2019 Championship Trail, Reno, NV 89523, Phone: 775-787-1800 ex.2 You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada " Back to Top Colorado contains most of the southern Rocky Mountains and is named for the powerful river that rushes through it. The state has a myriad of settings, from alpine meadows, deep canyons, plateaus and mesas to deserts and dunes. Visitors can hike through canyons and up lush mountainsides in the summer and partake in all the offerings and festivals of the capital city, Denver. Here are the best things to do in Colorado. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. 1. Cliff Palace and Balcony House Courtesy of eunikas - Fotolia.com Cliff Palace and Balcony House are ancient cliff dwellings that the ancestral Pueblo Indians inhabited in the 12th and 13th centuries. Located in Mesa Verde National Park, both are World Heritage Sites and National Monuments. Balcony House had forty-five rooms and two kivas (ovens), and it can only be accessed on ranger-guided tours. Tour participants must climb a thirty-two foot ladder and then crawl through a twelve-foot tunnel to access Balcony House. Its original dwellers would have climbed the rock face using narrow toeholds; its limited accessibility made it easy to defend against intruders. Cliff Palace was constructed in the cliff face with sandstone blocks, mortar, and wooden beams. It once had over 150 rooms and 25 kivas and was probably used for ceremonial purposes. As with Balcony House, Cliff Palace is only accessible on a ranger-guided tour. Mesa Verde, Colorado 81330, Phone: 970-529-4465 -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" Back to Top 2. Activities Near Me: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum Courtesy of Roger Vorheis - Fotolia.com In 1882, a rail line between the mining town of Silverton, Colorado and the railroad town of Durango was opened in order to transport gold and silver. Three feet wide, the narrow coal-fired steam engines originally carried ore, miners, cowboys, and settlers, and it now transports visitors on an original train on the very same line. The forty-five mile trip takes four and a half hours to ride, as it is still coal-fired, and winds along narrow mountain paths and in and out of canyons. Historic narration is available on the trains for interested tourists. Both the Silverton and Durango ends of the line have railroad museums; the Durango Museum contains artifacts pertaining to the history of railroading, and the Silverton Museum displays a Baldwin Locomotive from 1902 in the original 1882 Depot. 479 Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301, Phone: 970-247-2733 -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" Back to Top 3. Things to Do in Colorado: Denver Botanic Gardens Courtesy of rayhennessy - Fotolia.com The Denver Botanic Gardens have the perfect combination of gardens displaying the best of western North Americas plant life and gardens created to mirror settings from around the world. Over twenty-four acres, the gardens highlight drought-resistant native western flora and adapted plants that work well in the western climate. They also have ornamental displays of perennial favorites: daylilies, roses, and irises. The Mordecai Childrens Garden encourages hands-on exploration of soil and water and has stroller parking, picnic tables, and year-round programing. There are many gardens dedicated to the serenity of Japanese strolling gardens and bonsai, a South African garden with hardy plants from their steppe region, and a greenhouse overflowing with tropical and subtropical flowers. 1007 York Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, Phone: 720-865-3501 -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" Back to Top 4. What to Do in Colorado: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Courtesy of rjdonaldson - Fotolia.com Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is dedicated to conservation, captive breeding of endangered species, and comprehensive animal care. It aims to give every visitor an experience that will last them a lifetime. Founded in 1926, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is, as the name implies, on the slope of a mountain, affording both visitors and animals fabulous views, though it requires stout walking shoes and a degree of physical fitness. With over 750 animals of 170 species, the zoo is world-class, and contains the largest herd of reticulated giraffes in any zoo anywhere. A special feature of the zoo is the fact they allow visitors to hand-feed the giraffes, which are very tame. Hoping to inspire conservation action, the zoo has thoughtfully housed all of its animals in as natural an environment as possible so that visitors can understand the needs of each animal of each species. 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80806, Phone: 719-633-9925 -- You are reading "Fun Things to Do in Colorado this Weekend with Friends" -- You are reading "Fun Things to Do in Colorado this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top 5. Things to Do in Colorado: Annual Flower Trial Garden David Katz/stock.adobe.com The Annual Flower Trial Garden is a devoted horticultural research garden on the campus of Fort Collins' Colorado State University, open to the public throughout the year near the campus' Center for the Arts. The garden strives to serve as a trial space for the performance of annual plant cultivars in the region's high-altitude Rocky Mountain environmental conditions, with primary annual plantings on display between late May and mid-October. Plant varieties are grouped by genus and arranged by color, with more than 1,000 different cultivars typically on display each year. In addition to the main annual showcase, the garden also presented an annual pansy display, which is planted in fall and on display through the early spring. Perennials cultivated by the garden are also on display year-round across the street from the garden facility. 1401 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80523, Phone: (970) 491-7179 -- You are reading "What to Do in Colorado this Weekend" -- You are reading "What to Do in Colorado this Weekend" Back to Top 6. Things to See Near Me: Telluride Mountain Village Gondola Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.comporbital The Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola is the only free ride of its kind in the United States. Opened in 1996, it is both public transportation between the two towns, and a ski, snowboard, and mountain bike lift for visitors and residents wishing to use the ski runs. The thirteen-minute trip from Telluride to Mountain Village or vice versa lasts thirteen minutes and gives dramatic all-round views of the San Juan Mountains. The gondolas are wheelchair accessible, have ski, snowboard, and bike racks. Blankets are provided at each station for your comfort during the winter season. 301 W. San Juan Avenue, Telluride, Colorado 81435, Phone: 877-358-7122 -- You are reading "Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in Colorado" -- You are reading "Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in Colorado" Back to Top 7. Fun Things to Do in Colorado: Denver Museum of Nature & Science Denver Museum of Nature & Science The Denver Museum of Nature & Science began with one man, Edwin Carter, who in 1868 moved to a one-room cabin high in the Rocky Mountains and singlehandedly amassed the largest collection of Colorado fauna in existence. In 1908, the museum in Denver formally opened, and it made world headlines when in 1926 museum researchers found fossil proof that North America was inhabited over 10,000 years ago. Today, the museum is a center for education, research, and tourism. It is centered on family experiences and holds permanent collections and rotating exhibits. Displays of and about dinosaurs, robots, space, weather, and expert docents give every visitor a memorable trip, and the planetarium and the IMAX theater have revolving shows and delight all ages. An innovative childrens center is perfect for visits with young children. 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: 303-370-6000 , From LA -- You are reading "What is There to Do with Kids in Colorado" Back to Top 8. Tread of Pioneers Museum Tread of Pioneers Museum Tread of Pioneers Museum is a regional Colorado history museum housed within Steamboat Springs' historic 1901 Zimmerman House. Permanent exhibits and artifacts are showcased within the renovated Queen Anne-style home, including pieces from the museum's extensive firearms collection and a replica chuckwagon from the region's pioneer days. Visitors can also view exhibits on the region's indigenous history, skiing industry, agriculture, and infamous Wild West outlaws such as Harry Tracy of Butch Cassidy's Hole in the Wall Gang. 800 Oak St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477, Phone: 970- 879-2214 9. Colorado Things to Do: Bishop Castle Courtesy of david - Fotolia.com Bishop Castle is an incredible feat of one mans desire to singlehandedly build a fortress in the midst of the San Ysabel National Forest. Jim Bishop purchased the land in 1959 and began building his castle after he got married in 1967. He wanted to build a simple stone cabin for himself and his bride, but he never stopped building, and now the castle is a huge masterwork of turrets, crenellations, arches, and an enormous steam-producing dragon built from stainless steel plates. It is a place of wonder, especially considering that Jim Bishop himself has laid every stone and worked every piece of wrought iron. Bishop Castle is open every day, and admission is always free, although there is a donation box if you wish to contribute. Construction is ongoing and not sealed off; parents are advised to keep a close eye on their youngsters while at the castle. 12705 Colorado Rte. 165, Rye, Colorado 81069, Phone: 719-564-4366 -- "Best Things to Do in Colorado for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" -- "Best Things to Do in Colorado for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" Back to Top 10. Places of Interest in Colorado: Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Courtesy of Marek - Fotolia.com In twenty-five acres of Colorado, more gold has been mined than in all of Alaska and California combined. The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine was at the heart of Colorados gold mining industry, and this tour takes visitors into mine shafts and tunnels that have been worked since 1889. An elevator ferries visitors 1,000 feet below the earth, and it is not for the claustrophobic. Once inside the mine, former miners and descendants of miners give excellent guided tours lasting approximately 45 minutes, teaching visitors about gold mine conditions, showing them a centurys worth of mining equipment, and displaying a vein of gold ore still running through the tunnels. Above ground there is a gift shop and a seasonal diner. 9388 Hwy. 67, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813, Phone: 719-689-2466 11. Activities Near Me: The National Museum of World War II Aviation The National Museum of World War II Aviation The National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs focuses on education, primarily in helping visitors and K-12 students understand the role of aviation in the Second World War and how it shaped our world. The museum has twenty-two flyable aircraft in a hangar adjacent to both the Colorado Springs airport and Peterson AFB. In a second hangar visitors can watch volunteers restore World War II planes. Two-hour tours are docent-led, and each guide gives his or her perspective on the importance of World War II aviation. The museums aircraft includes a P38 Lightning, a B25 Mitchell, a Fairchild PT-19, a Beechcraft Model 18, and a Grumman F7F Tigercat. 775 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916, Phone: 719-637-7559 -- "New cool stuff to do in Colorado" -- "New cool stuff to do in Colorado" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways 12. Colorado Activities: Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com William F. Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, was a skilled bison hunter, a scout for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars, and a world-famous showman who performed Wild West shows across the United States, in Europe, and in front of Queen Victoria, who was fascinated by him. The small museum outside of Golden, Colorado looks at Buffalo Bills life from its beginning in Iowa Territory in 1846. A former Pony Express rider, William F. Cody became the most famous man in America for a time, and the museum recalls the hype and the reality of his life. Up on a hillside, Buffalo Bill Codys gravesite overlooks the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. The museum has a gift shop and a small cafe, while the grounds have picnic areas. 987 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden, Colorado 80401, Phone: 303-526-0744 13. Things to Do in Colorado: Museum of the Mountain West Museum of the Mountain West The Museum of the Mountain West is the result of a lifetime of collecting artifacts relating to Old West history by Richard E. Fike, a historical archeologist and a specialist in embossed medicine bottles. As a child, Pike set up museums in his parents home, and as an adult he collected everything he could find, including buildings. The museum is set in a number of accurately built and preserved historical settings, including a church, a saloon, several residences, a dentists office, a railroad depot, a school, and a dry goods store. Visitors are permitted to (gently!) handle the artifacts within the museum, and skilled docents tell the tales of life in the Old West. 68169 E. Miami Road, Montrose, Colorado 81401, Phone: 970-240-3400 14. Molly Brown House Museum Molly Brown House Museum Margaret Molly Brown is famed for surviving the sinking of the Titanic, but the woman was so much more than that. Born in Hannibal, Missouri in 1867, Margaret Tobin Brown was a socialite, philanthropist, and activist who tirelessly pursued rights for women, workers, and children, passionately believing in universal education and literacy. She helped to establish the first juvenile court in the United States and ran for Senate, albeit unsuccessfully. The Molly Brown House Museum is set in her home in Denver, and it has vast collections of artifacts belonging to her and her family, along with items relating to her circumstances and time period. Expert docents lead forty-five minute guided tours that begin in the homes carriage house; educational programs are available on- and off-site. 1340 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, Colorado 80203, Phone: 303-832-4092 15. Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center Courtesy of merrimonc - Fotolia.com Located fifteen minutes north of Denver, the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is a popular family destination filled with invertebrates, which are creatures without backbones. More than 1,600 butterflies flit magically through the tropical forest zone of the pavilion, hatching from cocoons and drinking nectar from flowers. Visitors can stroke sea stars and horseshoe crabs in the sea life touch zone, hold Rosie the tarantula, stroll on the outdoor nature trail, and watch bees while learning how vital they are to the future of the planet. The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center have educational programs for all ages, from young children to seniors, and a gift shop filled with interesting items. 6752 W. 104th Avenue, Westminster, Colorado 80020, Phone: 303-469-5441 -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me 16. Things to Do in Colorado: Opera Colorado Pavel Losevsky/stock.adobe.com Opera Colorado is Denver's premiere world-class opera company, presenting fine opera performances each season since 1981 at the city's Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The company mounts two full-scale opera performances each season in November and May, focusing on classics such as Verdi's La Traviata and Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. An annual winter chamber performance is also presented, highlighting a new or contemporary opera work in a more intimate theater setting. Other performances throughout the year include recitals, panel discussions, and artist meet-and-greet events. Educational programming at the company reaches more than 45,000 participants each year, including in-school outreach programming. Opera guests can enjoy on-site dining at Kevin Taylor's at the Opera House, with bar drinks and snacks offered within the theater's lobby spaces before shows and during intermissions. 4121 S Navajo St ste 100, Englewood, CO 80110, Phone: 303-468-2030 17. Colorado Vacation: Hovenweep National Monument Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com Hovenweep National Monument, run by the National Park Service, contains six prehistoric villages built in the Pueblo area between 1200 and 1300 A.D. Balanced on the rims of canyons or perched precariously on boulders, the dwellings are viewable from a two-mile hiking trail through a small canyon. The multi-tower buildings are still well preserved after eight hundred years, and seeing them is worth driving to the remote location on the Colorado/Utah border. Dogs are welcome on the hiking trails. The Square Tower Group has a small interpretative center, and rangers are available throughout the park to answer questions and give guidance. Hovenweep has a primitive 31-site campground that fills up on a first-come, first-served basis. McElmo Route, Cortez, Colorado 81321, Phone: 970-562-4282 -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" -- You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado" Back to Top 18. Things to Do in Colorado: Elitch Gardens Courtesy of arinahabich - Fotolia.com Elitch Gardens is a theme park and water park in the middle of Denver. It is a park that all can enjoy; there are thrill rides and other attractions that are geared to families and small children. You can also find a large selection of wild metal roller coasters, experiences that drop riders from a great height, and a huge Ferris wheel. Kids will enjoy the carousel and trips in airplanes and trains that entertain without being frightening. Island Kingdom Water Park is a huge wet playground within Elitch Gardens with a whole assortment of water slides, including ones with enormous drops, and others that hurtle you at high speed. For families and children there are a lazy river, a wave pool, and slides geared to small tykes. 2000 Elitches Circle, Denver, Colorado 80204, Phone: 303-595-4386 19. Colorado Attractions: Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Courtesy of Eric - Fotolia.com In 1833, brothers William and Charles Bent and Ceran St. Vrain built a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail that led from Missouri to Mexico. The fort was built to enable fur trade between settlers, travelers, and the Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians, who came peacefully to exchange buffalo robes for other goods. Bents Old Fort had an important secondary role as the only permanent settlement on the Santa Fe Trail, and it was a godsend for travelers and soldiers who could stop for repairs, replenish their supplies, and enjoy good food, water, and company. Disaster and disease closed the fort in 1849; reconstruction began in 1876, and guided tours of the fort are a must for families and history buffs. 35110 Highway 194 East, La Junta, Colorado 81050, Phone: 719-383-5010 20. Colorado Tourist Attractions: Benson Park Sculpture Garden Benson Park Sculpture Garden The Benson Park Sculpture Garden rests on ten acres of land in the heart of Loveland, Colorado. There are 148 permanent sculptures on display, representing almost every medium, and the pieces have been gathered from around the world. Beautifully landscaped and set around charming water features, the garden has wide paved walkways that facilitate wheelchairs and strollers. On the second weekend of every August, the Benson Park Sculpture Garden hosts Sculpture in the Park, which is the largest sculpture display and sale in North America. There is ample nearby parking, public restrooms, and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Admission is free, and the park is open all day year-round. 1125 W 29th St, Loveland, CO 80538, Phone: 970-663-2940 22 Best Things to Do in Colorado More ideas: Denver Art Museum The Denver Art Museum is a world-class conservatory of over 70,000 works of art from around the world and in varied media. It has an excellent collection of American Indian art, which represents nearly every tribe across North America, and has the worlds foremost collection of American West art. Lovers of European art will be delighted by its inclusion of works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, and Pissarro. The museums holdings of African art include rare sculptures and focus on the works of the Yoruba people of West Africa. The museum is family-friendly, providing backpacks of activities for visiting children to help them explore the world of art, and it offers free admission every day for youth under the age of 18. The museum has a popular restaurant, Palette, and a gift shop full of interesting souvenirs. 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado 80204, Phone: 720-865-5000 Attraction Spotlight: Bishop Castle Located in Central Colorado, Bishop Castle has quickly become one of the most popular roadside attractions in the state. In 1959, fifteen-year-old Jim Bishop dropped out of school and purchased a 2.5 acre piece of land for $450. This piece of land was located alongside southern Colorados San Isabel National Forest. In order to earn enough money to purchase the land, Bishop worked random side jobs and helped his father, Willard. Although Bishop funded the land purchase, his parents legally owned the land since Bishop was only a teenager. During the next teen years, Bishop and Willard regularly camped on the land and began planning a design for a family cabin. In 1967, Bishop married Phoebe and began building a cabin for them in 1969. One of the most prevalent natural materials in the area was rocks, so Bishop decided to craft a stone cottage. From 1969 until 1971, Bishop and Willard alternated working on the cabin and running the family business. In the spring of 1971, Bishop and Willard decided to use a large metal tank to supply the cabin with water. Since the metal cylinder was 40 feet tall, Bishop and Willard continued to build the walls of what was originally a small cabin. Friends and neighbors of the cabin would consistently joke with Bishop and Willard that they were building a castle. Eventually, Bishop decided to turn his original plans of a small cabin to a large castle. The castle continued to grow and eventually become known as the Bishop Castle. As the Castle grew larger, it gained popularity. Throughout the years, volunteers would verbally agree to help Bishop build the castle, but they would never show up. Eventually, Bishop stopped seeking out volunteer builders and decided to finish the castle by himself. The Bishop Castle is known as the countrys largest castle that was built by one man. The only attraction at the Bishop Castle is the Castle itself. But, there is an array of things to explore at the Castle. Some of the highlights at Bishop Castle include: Three stories full of interior rooms, such as a grand ballroom. Towers and bridges. A fire-breathing dragon. Stained glass memorials. Admission into the Bishop Castle is completely free. Its important to note that people live and work in the Bishop Castle, so be mindful of that while exploring the Castle. Also, the Bishop Castle is continuously expanding by Mr. Bishops own dedication and construction. So, you should proceed with a little bit of caution while touring the castle. If you want to see Mr. Bishop in action, stop by the Bishop Castle during a weekend. Since Mr. Bishop wanted to make Castle experiences as personal and explorative as possible, there are no guided tours. Instead, visitors are free to explore every nook and cranny of the Bishop Castle at their own desire. Although the Bishop Castle does not offer guided tours, large groups are encouraged to visit and explore the Castle. If a school visits the Bishop Castle for a field trip, they are welcome to listen to an inspirational presentation from Mr. Bishop himself. Although there is no fee for Mr. Bishops presentation, schools are encouraged to make a donation. The Bishop Castle regularly hosts private special events throughout the year. Schools are welcome to use the Castles facilities for educational purposes. Also, people are welcome to use the Bishop Castle as the location for their wedding ceremony. Although wedding ceremonies can be held at the Castle, people are not allowed to hold receptions or any other party similar to a reception at the Bishop Castle. Since the Bishop Castle values its residents, guests, and surrounding environment there are some rules for wedding ceremonies. These rules include: Alcohol is prohibited. Restriction of closing off a specific area of the castle during the ceremony. Reserve a date and time a minimum of two weeks in advance. Hire a security service that is approved by the Bishop Castles employees. Its also imported to note that the Bishop Castle does not have any heat or facilities for people to change. Also, there are no services or assistance provided by the Bishop Castle to provide guests with access to the Castle. Lastly, while the Bishop Castle does not charge a fee for wedding ceremonies or any other private events, hosts are encouraged to make a donation to the castle of approximately $350. Back to: Best Things to Do in Colorado 12705 State Highway 165 Rye, Colorado 81069, Phone: 719-564-4366 You are reading "22 Best Things to Do in Colorado " Back to Top North Carolina is a great place to unwind and explore no matter where your interests lie. The geography of the state ranges from busy, bustling cities to towering mountains to the beaches, lakes, lighthouses and Outer Banks islands. Visitors can immerse themselves in some of the best museums in the country, admire the beauty of nature from the top of Grandfather Mountain or take a trip to the past by visiting some of the many Civil War sites. Here are the best things to do in North Carolina. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. 1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh was the first museum to ever be established in North Carolina, and it is the largest natural science museum on the Southeast. The museum is made up of four components: the Nature Exploration Center (also known as NEC), the Nature Research Center, the Prairie Ridge Ecostation, and the North Carolina Museum of Forestry. The Exploration Center and the Research Center are the most popular with visitors; together, they offer seven floors of interactive exhibits that the whole family can enjoy. General admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Things to Do in Raleigh 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, Phone: 919-707-9800 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top 2. Sarah P. Duke Gardens Courtesy of adinamnt - Fotolia.com Located on the grounds of Duke University in Durham, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens are made up of roughly 55 acres of landscaped gardens divided into four distinct areas. There are more than 5 miles of pathways throughout the gardens, and guided tours are offered both by foot and by trolley. Tours take between 60 and 90 minutes. There is no admission charge for those wishing to enjoy a self-guided tour. Groups consisting of more than 15 people are asked to register with the garden in advance for scheduling purposes. Things to Do in Durham 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27708, Phone: 919-684-3698 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top 3. Sliding Rock Courtesy of Frank C Jones - Fotolia.com Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot-tall natural rock water slide. Depending on the time of year, the pool at the bottom of the slide is 6-7 feet deep and between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Pay parking is available, and there is a $2 admission fee. There are two observation decks. The slide is open from the end of May until Labor Day, and lifeguards are on duty during certain hours. This attraction can be very crowded and sometimes fills up. Parking along the roadside is prohibited. US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, Phone: 828-877-3265 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top 4. Fun Things to Do Near Me: Discovery Place Discovery Place Established in 1981, Discovery Place in Charlotte is a non-profit organization that is an integral part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education in the Carolinas. Discovery Place actually consists of four components: Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Nature in Charlotte, and two Discovery Place Kids locations in Huntersville and Rockingham. The science center offers a number of hands-in exhibits, science experiments, and an IMAX Dome Theater, while the nature museum has interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and a beautiful butterfly pavilion. The childrens museums are designed to foster learning through play. Things to Do in Charlotte 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-372-6261 -- You are reading "Fun Things to Do in North Carolina this Weekend with Friends" -- You are reading "Fun Things to Do in North Carolina this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top 5. Battleship North Carolina Courtesy of ThinkTank Solutions - Fotolia.com Moored just across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina dates back to the beginning of World War II. With 15 battle stars, the ship is the most decorated American battleship from World War II. Today, the boat has been transformed into a sort of museum, and it has the honor of being a National Historic Landmark. Many parts of the ship are open to visitors, including the main deck, two gun turrets, and a number of interior compartments. Visitors must pay an admission fee, and self-guided tours of the ship typically take around two hours. 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, Phone: 910-251-5797 -- You are reading "What to Do in North Carolina this Weekend" -- You are reading "What to Do in North Carolina this Weekend" Back to Top 6. Things to Do in North Carolina: Elijah Mountain Gem Mine Elijah Mountain Gem Mine At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, visitors have the opportunity to mine gemstones and gold that they can then bring home. The mine offers both indoor and outdoor flumes, so it is a great destination no matter what the weather. General admission is free, and visitors can choose from a variety of mining packages. Other attractions at the mine include a baby goat petting zoo, the world's largest gem mine bucket, a rock shop, and a number of picnic tables. Special rates and packages are offered for groups, families, and birthday parties. The mine is open 7 days a week all throughout the year. 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, Phone: 828-692-6560 -- You are reading "Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in North Carolina" -- You are reading "Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in North Carolina" Back to Top 7. Things to Do in NC Today: Wright Brothers National Memorial Courtesy of Moelyn Photos - Fotolia.com The Wright Brothers were the first people to successfully fly an airplane, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial pays homage to this feat. The memorial showcases the exact places where the brothers' first airplanes took off and landed, and there are also several reconstructed buildings designed to show what their working conditions were like. There is also a Visitors Center, which features several educational displays about the Wright brothers as well as exact replicas of two flying machines that date back to 1902 and 1903. Visitors must purchase an to view the memorial; children under the age of 15 enter for free. N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, Phone: 252-473-2111 , From LA -- You are reading "What is There to Do with Kids in North Carolina" Back to Top 8. What to Do in NC: Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Gardens Courtesy of Angelique - Fotolia.com Dating back to the 1890s, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is an 8,000-acre property that includes a winery, a small village, and a historic 250-room chateau filled with an incredible array of priceless objects. Admission to the estate includes a free wine tasting at the winery as well as access to all the sites of interest on the property. Guests are invited to enjoy self-guided tours of the chateau as well as the beautifully maintained gardens and grounds, and special guided tours can be arranged for an additional fee. The estate is open every day of the year, but hours vary according to the season. 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, Phone: 800-411-3812 9. Lexington Glassworks Lexington Glassworks Lexington Glassworks is a renowned glassblowing gallery and working studio. The owners encourage an open door atmosphere, and visitors are invited to watch the glassblowing process from start to finish. Demonstrations typically take around 30 minutes, and groups of more than 10 people are required to pay a small fee and to arrange a demonstration time in advance. There are many pieces of art for sale in the gallery, and the studio's two owners Bill and Geoff designed and handcrafted each piece. The gallery is open 7 days a week, but there are no glassblowing demonstrations on Tuesdays. 81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, Phone: 828-348-8427 -- "Best Things to Do in North Carolina for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" -- "Best Things to Do in North Carolina for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" Back to Top 10. NC Things to Do: The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Courtesy of scherbinator - Fotolia.com The Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Mountains-to-Sea Trail is the official state hiking trail of North Carolina, spanning more than 1,100 miles between the Outer Banks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Approximately 680 miles of hiking and biking trails are offered, along with 500 miles of connecting roads linking segments together, though when completed, the trail will be completely accessible on foot or on bike. Along the way, visitors can trek past majestic mountain vistas, historic colonial towns and tobacco barns, hardwood and pine forest areas, and miles and miles of expansive seashore and coastal terrain. 18 individual trail segments span the state's mountain, piedmont, and coastal plains areas, including an optional paddling trail along the Neuse River. 11. Fun Things to Do in North Carolina: Museum of Life and Science Museum of Life and Science Located on an 84-acre property, the Museum of Life and Science is a natural science museum primarily aimed at children. The museum's main building is home to two stories of interactive displays, including a well-known aerospace exhibit. The museum is home to more than 60 species of live animals, and it also contains one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast. Other highlights include an outdoor dinosaur exhibit, a small train visitors can ride around the museum grounds, and a treehouse village. There is an admission fee, but members can enter the museum free of charge. 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704, Phone: 919-220-5429 -- "New cool stuff to do in North Carolina" -- "New cool stuff to do in North Carolina" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways 12. Activities Near Me: Good Karma Ranch Good Karma Ranch Good Karma Ranch is a sustainability-focused alpaca ranch in Iron Station, North Carolina, originally established in 2009 as a solution for environmentally-friendly livestock farming. The ranch focuses on scientifically-forward methods for breeding Huacaya alpacas from championship bloodlines, bred and raised for their high-quality light-colored fur. High-quality alpaca products are crafted from some of the world's finest natural fibers, with mentor and training services for new alpaca farmers throughout the nation also available upon request. Ranch guests can purchase a variety of luxury goods, ranging from jewelry, scarves, and attire to the finest possible crafting yarn stocked in a variety of colors and textures. Special events are open to families throughout the year, including weekend farm tours, crafting and yoga classes, adult and children's camps, and holiday events. 1041 Brevard Place Rd, Iron Station, NC 28080, Phone: 704-649-5849 13. Things to Do Around Me: Airborne and Special Operations Museum Airborne and Special Operations MuseumNorth Carolina Museum of Art The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is part of the United States Army Museum System, and it has been open to the public since 2000. The main gallery is arranged in chronological order, with exhibits dating from the 1940s to the present. There is also a temporary exhibit that changes regularly. Other features of the museum include a motion simulator ride and a large theater that is four stories tall. The museum is handicap accessible, and there is plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and buses. Admission is free of charge, but there is a charge for the motion simulator ride. 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28301, Phone: 910-643-2778 14. Activities Near Me: Eating Asheville Tours Eating Asheville Tours Eating Asheville Tours celebrate the delicious local culinary scene throughout Western North Carolina, taking small groups to some of Asheville's most vibrant dining destinations. The company, which was founded in 2011 by Stephen Steidle, has partnered with 30 of Asheville's best restaurants for private dining experiences and meet-and-greets with restaurant owners and chefs. Diners can enjoy specially-crafted dishes at top area restaurants like Chai Pani, Rhubarb, Table, and the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, sampling elegant dishes such as pulled pork platters with hand-cut chips and locally-produced chocolate bars and truffles. Tasting experiences typically last three hours and are limited to no more than six or seven participants, ensuring personalized attention and one-on-one conversation time. Phone: (828) 489-3266 15. Activities Near Me: Marbles Kids Museum Marbles Kids Museum Opened in 2007, the Marbles Kids Museum is an interactive, hands-on museum aimed at children between the ages of 0 and 10. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including water science, music, and electricity. There is also an IMAX theater and an outdoor gardening space, which boasts a 22-foot tall flower in addition to several garden beds. The museum holds daily activities and a wide range of special events, including story times, science workshops, and family friendly holiday celebrations. The museum is open 7 days a week, and yearly membership passes are available. 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, Phone: 919-834-4040 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me 16. Stuff to Do Near Me: Wheels Through Time Museum Wheels Through Time Museum The Wheels Through Time Museum contains one of the world's best collections of rare or unique motorcycles and automobiles. The 40,000 square foot museum is home to more than 350 machines that have been arranged into a sort of timeline of American history. Regular events are hosted on-site, including antique car rallies, holiday celebrations, and an annual motorcycle raffle. Visitors often enjoy the special atmosphere of the museum, which is created by large quantities of relevant artwork and memorabilia. Museum hours vary according to the season, and discounted rates are offered for children and seniors. 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-6266 17. Places of Interest in North Carolina: Banner Elk Winery and Villa Banner Elk Winery and Villa Banner Elk Winery is a highly acclaimed and award-winning High Country winery set in the majestic landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Known for setting the standard for High Country wines since 2005, the winery invites wine aficionados to come and enjoy wine tasting in this spectacular environment, while relaxing and spending some time surrounded by ripe grape vines and warm hospitality. The Winery Villa offers luxury accommodation for those looking for a retreat from the daily grind in an idyllic setting. Banner Elk wines reflect the rugged landscape of high mountains, capturing the subtle and delicate nuances of the fruit and producing unique wines recognizable as coming from the Blue Ridge Mountains. 60 Deer Run, Banner Elk, NC 28604, 828-898-9090 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top 18. Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center The Southern Highland Craft Guild is composed of more than 900 members who have all been carefully selected for their outstanding artistic ability, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center is where their best work is showcased. The center focuses on the crafts of the Southern Appalachians, both traditional and contemporary. In addition to three galleries, the center features a library, a bookstore, an information desk, and a craft shop. Hours vary depending on the season, and live craft demonstrations take place during the summer. Plenty of free parking is available, and there is no admission charge. Folk Art Center: Milepost, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28805, Phone: 828-298-7928 19. Things to Do Around Me: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center opened in 1949. Originally, the planetarium was used to train NASA astronauts. Today, it is open to the public, and the center is home to several educational exhibits. Visitors can enjoy the exhibits free of charge, but an admission fee is required to view shows in the planetarium. Special pricing is available for groups larger than 10 if booked in advance, and members get free admission for all regularly scheduled shows. Hours vary according to the season. 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, Phone: 919-918-1155 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top 20. North Carolina Vacation: North Carolina Zoo North Carolina Zoo Situated on a 2,200-acre property, the North Carolina Zoo is the largest walk-through zoo in the world. Instead of cages, the animals are given enclosures designed to recreate their natural habitats. These habitats are divided into three categories: African, North America, and tropical forest. The zoo is home to more than 1,600 animals that represent over 250 species. Other attractions include a carousel, a ropes course, and a giraffe viewing deck where visitors can see eye-to-eye with the animals. The zoo is also home to a large collection. 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, Phone: 800-488-0444 21. CPCC Art Galleries - Student Art in Charlotte guruXOX/stock.adobe.com The mission of the CPCC Art Galleries is to inspire, educate, and engage both students and community members by providing tools, resources, platforms, and exhibition spaces for all to enjoy. To that end, the CPCC Art Galleries provide a very warm and welcoming space and environment for every guest to enjoy, free of pretension. Everyone can feel at ease here, able to enjoy and admire the art on display, discussing its meanings and interpretations with their fellow visitors or simply enjoying solitary reflection. While some galleries are dedicated to one specific medium, the CPCC Art Galleries give students, faculty members, and the local community access to a wide range of media and a whole spectrum of creative possibilities. Photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures, metalwork, and more are explored throughout these gallery spaces, with a lot of variety for all to enjoy, and the students and faculty members are always keep to experiment with new materials and ideas, so you never know what you might see next. As well as featuring a wide array of wonderful artworks, the CPCC Art Galleries also play host to various shows, contests, and special events throughout the year. http://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/ 22. North Carolina Tourist Attractions: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Courtesy of mrslevite - Fotolia.com Located on an island in the Outer Banks, the 210-foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was erected in 1870. It was situated a safe distance of 1,500 feet away from the water when it was first built, but the shoreline gradually eroded, and by 1999 the lighthouse was only 15 feet away from the shore. The city was forced to move the structure to preserve it, and it exceeded expectations by remaining in great condition. There is a Visitors Center and Museum located right next to the lighthouse, which showcase a number of exhibits about the history of the area. 46368 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, Phone: 252-475-9000 -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" -- You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina" Back to Top 23. Carolina Meat and Fish Co koss13/stock.adobe.com The Carolina Meat and Fish Co is a meat and seafood market located in South Charlotte. Offering an amazing range of freshly caught seafood like fresh Carolina shrimp, Louisiana crawfish, Scottish salmon, and more, as well as serving up some of the best lobster rolls you could ever hope to taste, plus a fine selection of high quality meats and more, this is one of the best fresh food markets on the East Coast. Carolina is commonly associated with dishes like crab, gumbo, and bisque, and if youre looking to enjoy and cook up these classic NC meals for yourself and your own family and friends, the Carolina Meat and Fish Co market is the place to be. Youll find plenty of freshly caught NC seafood here including shrimps, oysters, and fish, as well as plenty of other seafood sourced elsewhere. As well as world class seafood treats, the Carolina Meat and Fish Co market is the perfect place to stock up on poultry, beef, pork, and plenty of exotic meats too like venison, elk, and wild board. Just like with the seafood, the meats at this Charlotte market are all sourced from the finest farms in order to guarantee the best standards of quality and flavor. 16709 Orchard Stone Run, Charlotte, NC 28277, Phone: 704)-458-1011 24. North Carolina Activities: FEAST Charlotte FEAST Charlotte FEAST Charlotte offers memorable opportunities for touring Charlotte's delightful culinary and beverage scene, originally founded in 2012 by owner Kristi Martin. The touring company strives to connect tour participants with the city's emerging and acclaimed chefs, farmers, restaurateurs, and artisans and help area residents and visitors alike find new favorite culinary spots within the city's food scene. Tours include an historic South End food tour focused around experiencing the neighborhood's best happy-hour spots, including hip breweries and rustic cafes. A local flavors NoDa tour explores the arts district's hippest brewpubs, gastropubs, and galleries, while an Uptown tour focuses on soul food and Southern cuisine spots. Other tours include explorations of the culinary scenes in the city's Dilworth and Plaza-Midwood neighborhoods. Guests should note that children must be at least 13 years old to embark on tours. Phone: (980) 258-9992 25. Must Do in NC: North Carolina Maritime Museum North Carolina Maritime Museum The North Carolina Maritime Museum has three locations: one in Hatteras, one in Southport, and one in Beaufort. All three museums are dedicated to preserving and protecting the coastal history of North Carolina, although each is unique. The museum in Hatteras tells the story of the many shipwrecks in the region, while the one in Southport focuses on the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear area. The Beaufort museum covers topics such as lighthouses and marine life, and it also offers boat building courses. All three of the museums offer free admission, although donations are gladly accepted. 315 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, Phone: 252-728-7317 25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina More ideas: North Carolina Attractions: Carl Sandburg Home Also known as "Connemara," this attraction is the former home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Carl Sandburg. The interior of the home has been designed to resemble its appearance the way it was during Sandburg's lifetime, and guided tours are available. Other highlights of the property include 5 miles of hiking trails, two small lakes, and an apple orchard. Many visitors will also enjoy visiting the goat farm, which is home to three different breeds of goats. The home is open to visitors every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, and self-guided tours of the grounds take approximately two hours. 81 Carl Sandburg Ln, Flat Rock, NC 28731, Phone: 828-693-4178 Things to See Near Me: Moores Creek National Battlefield The Moores Creek National Battlefield commemorates the Patriot's victory in the 1776 Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. At the Visitor Center, visitors can learn about the battle through a number of exhibits and an audio-visual program. The park also features a picnic area, a campsite that visitors can use at no charge, and a short but pleasant colonial forest walk. Special events held at the battlefield include candlelight tours, a weekend-long anniversary celebration, and regular living history programs. Hours vary according to the season, so visitors are advised to check the website before planning a visit. There is no admission fee. 40 Patriots Hall Dr., Currie, NC 28435, Phone: 910-283-5591 The Atkinson Mill The original Atkinson Mill was built in 1757, and the current mill was built on the same site in 1950. It is the only water-powered gristmill in the area, and it produces a wide variety of cornmeal and flour products. These products can all be purchased from the on-site gift shop or from the company's website. The site is handicap accessible and offers free parking for both cars and RVs. Free guided tours of the site are available. 95 Atkinson Mill Rd, Selma, NC 27576, Phone: 919-965-3547 Guilford Courthouse Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro was the site of a bloody battle in 1781 during the Revolutionary War, and today, the courthouse and the battlefield have become a National Military Park. The site includes a number of markers and monuments, and guided tours of the battlefield are offered every Sunday afternoon. A museum in the Visitors Center offers exhibits about the battle, the people involved, and the American Revolution in general. A bicycle path links the courthouse to nearby Greensboro Country Park, and it offers a pleasant extension to any visit. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center, and admission to the site is free. 2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410, Phone: 336-288-1776 You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina " Back to Top Mile High Swinging Bridge The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a suspension bridge that was originally constructed in 1952 and rebuilt using the original towers in 1999. Today, it provides visitors to Grandfather Mountain with stunning panoramic views from the Linville Peak. The bridge spans an 80-foot chasm, and it is 228 feet long. It sits at exactly one mile above sea level, which is how it got its name. The trail borders on Grandfather Mountain State Park, and visitors can access the State Park trail system via the bridge. From the parking area, the bridge can be reached by either an elevator or a flight of 50 stairs. US 221 and Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville, NC 28646 Charlotte Motor Speedway Built in 1959, the Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted the first World 600 NASCAR race in 1960. Today, it regularly hosts a variety of NASCAR events on its 1.5-mile (2.4 km) quad oval track, and it is commonly considered the home track for NASCAR. The speedway is located on a 2,000-acre property, which is also home to a dirt racing track as well as the only all-concrete, four-lane drag strip in America. Visitors wishing to spend plenty of time at the speedway can stay at the onsite campground, which offers tent and RV sites as well as RV rentals. 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, Phone: 704-455-3200 You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina " Back to Top North Carolina Museum of Art Opened in 1956, the North Carolina Museum of Art was the first large museum collection in America to be funded by the state. In addition to more than 40 galleries, the museum is home to a 164-acre park dotted with various pieces of art. Admission to the permanent collection and to the park is free, but visitors must pay a fee to participate in special events and to view any temporary exhibits. The park is open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk, but the museum itself has more limited hours that vary according to the season. 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, Phone: 919-839-6262 You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in North Carolina " Back to Top Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. , The Canada-funded National Legislative Development (NLD) Project has effectively supported the Government of Vietnam in the formulation of the revised Law on Promulgation of Legal Normative Documents, creating an important basis for improving the countrys lawmaking process. Vietnam Law and Legal Forum has an interview withMr. Jacob Gammaelgaard, Director of the NLD Project, about the implementation of the Law.The NLD Project is pleased to have supported the revision of the Law on Promulgation of Legal Normative Documents (the Law); you might call it the small constitution of Vietnam. The Law sets out the legislative procedure, it defines powers of government agencies and guarantees the rights of citizens to be consulted.A new feature of the Law is to distinguish between policy and law. Both policy and law are among the instruments available to any government in pursuing its goals. In Vietnams government tradition, this distinction is not well understood. Policy and law tend to be viewed as two sides of the same coin, as interchangeable. Laws are often made without policies, while most policies are preludes to drafting a law.The result is a heavy reliance on laws and legal normative documents for state administration, while policies tend to be superficial and not based on thorough social and economic analysis. In turn, weak policies and lack of social analysis lead to low achievement of government objectives.The Law sets out to reform this system by separating the processes of policy formulation and for lawmaking with the aim on strengthening both. Ministries are now required to decide which path they will follow, and to comply with different procedures accordingly.The law also increases attention to gender mainstreaming in both policymaking and law drafting. Gender equality is supported by several laws and regulations in Vietnam, and by some high-level policies, such as the national gender equality plan. The challenge remains to implement the principles of gender equality in practice. Gender mainstreaming is precisely that: to ensure attention to gender equality at all levels of state administration. According to the Law, all ministries must now prepare a gender impact analysis for each law and policy proposal. This analysis will be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, Government Office and National Assembly; if found deficient, it will be returned for reworking.Gender analysis is a skill that must be acquired. Too many people think gender impact is obvious and easy to see. These are the people who will often tell us that there is no gender issue in a given law. Most often, they are wrong; there is always a gender issue.The challenge for government agencies is to have staff that is well trained in gender analysis, and to have procedures that are able to capture this analysis and integrate it into law- and policy-making.Legal drafting is a real scientific discipline that takes training and time to master - I have been surprised by how many government officials, lawyers and even politicians who complain of the low quality of laws and regulations being drafted in Vietnam.Legal drafting in any given ministry is spread out among a large number of departments and staff. The legal departments do not have enough control or supervisory power over the actual drafting to ensure quality. Talented staff is drafting the regulations, yes, but it is rare to find someone who both knows the subject matter well and who knows how to draft laws. Instead, a good law should be a cooperation between specialists on the subject matter and specialists in writing laws.Put another way: policy analysis requires different skills than those of a legal drafter. The challenge is for ministries and state agencies to build both sets of skills and to find a way of making them work together well.In the long term, the best results will come from teaching law drafting and policymaking as courses in universities.The Project is led by the Ministry of Justice and works with several government ministries. We cooperate to develop handbooks in legislative drafting and policy development and in other areas, for example codification and monitoring of law implementation.Based on the handbooks, we develop training courses for officials at central and local levels. These courses also include special training of trainers in smaller groups in a more in-depth program. Canadian experts are assisting in designing the manuals and the courses, and we aim to achieve both theoretical and practical experience for the trainees.The Project supports a cross-ministerial working group on gender equality. The objective is to build gender analytical capacity within each of the partner ministries based on actual cases. The existence of a cross-ministerial working group is quite new. We have high hopes that it will promote a common understanding and approach to gender equality in lawmaking.The Project is promoting the use of strategic planning processes with project partners, in particular for the implementation of the Law. Strategic planning is based on objectives and principles; it is multi-year and it involves finance, personnel, administration and the departments responsible for expertise and contents. The project and its partners have a shared understanding of the needs; now we are looking to find the best form of cooperation.Im Anglo-Danish, and can speak better from a European perspective. The difference between Canada and Europe may seem large, but in reality the democratic and political systems are very similar and based on the same principles.Transparency is an issue of great importance to the legislative system and to the government system as a whole. The better the citizens are informed, the better they can use their democratic rights, and the better the communities can use and monitor the public resources available to them.In European countries and Canada, openness of government has increased significantly over the past several decades. Legislation has been passed to promote access to information and parliamentary procedures have been reformed and citizens have greater insight into state administration. Media coverage has increased and civil servants and lawmakers have changed their perceptions and ways of interacting with the public.Public consultation in law- and policy-making is an area where Vietnam could gain valuable experience from Europe and Canada. The public consultation that takes place in Vietnam is mostly formal and not effective. Often it consists just in publishing a draft law on a website for officials to organize workshops to collect opinions. Neither is targeted nor cost-effective. The comments received in this way are not representative in a professional or democratic sense; at worst, the comments are random and isolated.Lawmakers in Europe are much more focused on using the expertise of professional, political and social agencies; they send out draft laws to a large number of relevant public organizations, associations and civil society organizations. All of them represent their own interests and areas of expertise within their field, be it in law, health, environment, public investment, business, primary education, etc. As such, these consultation partners are an effective way for lawmakers to understand social attitudes and at the same time to communicate their legislative intention.In Denmark, a draft bill may be sent out to anything from 25 to 75 different agencies; all replies are in principle public and available from the parliaments website. Parliamentary committees may choose to meet with certain representatives from society. These meetings are recorded and will be available to the full parliament when debating the law.Of course, lawmakers make their own decisions, and public consultation does not in itself avoid social disputes. But transparency is a two-way process that informs both parties to a public consultation.The Project plans to support Vietnamese government authorities in studying public consultation processes in Canada. We think this will be an exciting event, which can inspire agencies in Vietnam to review the tools for transparency and consultation used today.- HA NOI The 2017 Viet Nam-Ha Noi Fair will take place at the AEON Lake Town in Saitama, Japan, from June 5 to June 11. Sixty-nine Vietnamese enterprises will display products related to garments, footwear, handicrafts and interior decoration, as well as gift items, processed farm products, national brand products and local specialties, at 50 booths at the fair. In particular, the organisation board will also arrange eight kiosks displaying promotional publications, local specialty and national brand products and four kiosks displaying Vietnamese fruits exported for the Japanese market. Co-organised by the Ha Noi Promotion Agency, under the Ha Noi Peoples Committee, and Japans Saitama Province, the event is part of the Governments plan to help Vietnamese businesses participate in foreign distribution networks between now and 2020. Besides this, there will be other activities during the week, such as a trade programme to connect Vietnamese enterprises with Japanese distributors and importers, a symposium to promote Viet Nam and Ha Noi tourism and a programme showcasing handicraft products made by artisans from the Phu Vinh traditional bamboo and rattan weaving village and the Quat ong embroidery craft village. VNS HA NOI Candidates specialising in merchandising and marketing have the most positive job outlook this year as local demand leads economic growth in Viet Nam, according to a 2017 job outlook report by JobStreet.com. Southeast Asias largest online employment company according to Forbes used a seven-point scale for the survey, polling 8,109 employees and 2,964 employers in various industries and specialisations across six countries -- Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. Merchandising and marketing scored 5.44 and 5.13 points in the report. Software developers and IT sales came next with 4.97 points, keeping in mind that Viet Nam is a growing IT hub and this will drive recruitment of specialists in cloud computing, big data, business intelligence, and information security. It was followed by arts, creative and graphics design with 4.95 points and sales-engineering with 4.9 points. The outlook set out to define job specialisation trends and other factors with some recommendations to modify hirers recruitment strategies in this context. Hirers in Viet Nam have posted the largest expansion trend, with 68 per cent of companies planning to increase headcount in 2017. None of the companies have any plans to freeze hiring, while 20 per cent of companies in Singapore plan to freeze hiring this year, the highest in the region. In terms of hiring, 37 per cent of Vietnamese employers find it hardest to hire for managerial positions, followed by junior staff, which is the hardest level in Singapore and Thailand. Recruiters in all industries have a positive outlook, with those in the manufacturing industry being the most positive. This is because Viet Nam is continuing to see a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing (FDI growth increased from 9 per cent in 2015 to 9.7 per cent in 2016). Vietnamese candidates have indicated they actively monitor job opportunities via online job portals. They prefer job hunting predominantly on the internet -- through job boards, company career websites and social media -- though at 47 per cent, they account for the lowest percentage in the region (Malaysia has the highest at 54 per cent) -- besides the more traditional methods of referrals and recruitment agencies. Angie Phang, general director of JobStreet.com Viet Nam, said with a limited candidate pool and increasing opportunities, a companys brand image has never been more important. Communicating this positive image is critical and social media and online channels are the fastest, most pervasive tool. Engage and retain Survey market wage plans and hiring trends to ensure job offers are attractive enough to retain employees. The positive market outlook for 2017 by both candidates and hirers affirms that the talent war is getting increasingly tougher. Employers must have a clear and transparent strategy for recruitment and career development for both the medium and long terms to ensure a competitive edge in this booming job market. VNS HCM CITY The eighth annual "Green Products Consumption Campaign, which seeks to improve peoples awareness of environmental protection, will be organised in June with several activities and projects carried out in the city, the organisers announced on Wednesday. The campaign, organised by Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper, the Departments of Industry and Trade and Natural Resources and Environment, and Saigon Co.op which owns Co.opmart supermarket chain -- will call on people to consume more environment-friendly products and encourage businesses to increase their responsibility towards the community and the environment. This year the campaign will include the Khu Pho Xanh (Green residential area) project, which targets inculcating an eco-friendly lifestyle and consuming products made by environment-friendly businesses. The Green Brand for Community project will be another highlight of the campaign, aiming to help the community identify green and eco-friendly products through a smart phone application. There will also be a programme to promote consumption of green products at Co.opmart supermarkets from June 3 to 25. The organisers have printed 4,000 green consumption coupons to gift to communities to help identify and prioritise green products. Saigon Co.ops retail chains will also gift green consumption coupons to customers buying for VN200,000 and above. They will also co-operate with green businesses to run promotions to increase consumption of products made by environment-friendly businesses. Besides, the organisers will encourage consumers to use environment-friendly bags and take part in environment protection activities at Co.opmart stores. Nguyen Thanh Nhan, general director of Saigon Co.op, said sales of green products had increased by 40-60 per cent at Co.opmart supermarket during the campaign. Phung Ai Van, a representative of the organisers, said the campaign has proven to effective by significantly raising peoples awareness of environmental protection. More than 70,000 volunteers have taken part in the campaign since it began in 2010, she said. A ceremony will be held at the Youth Cultural House on Pham Ngoc Thach Street in District 1 on June 3 to officially open the 2017 Green Product Consumption Campaign. VNS HCM CITY The Central Committee of Viet Nam Youth Federation and DSF Vietnam Co on Wednesday launched a programme called "Support Farmers Price Subsidy to Consumers" to help farmers sell their unsold pigs at reasonable prices. The programme aims to sell pork at subsidised prices to stimulate consumption, Nguyen Thi Thu Van, permanent deputy chairwoman of the federations Central Committee, said. Many activities have been undertaken to support farmers overcome the difficulties caused by a sharp decrease in pig prices, but the situation has not improved much, she said. To run until the end of June, the programme includes many activities like fairs and setting up booths to sell pork at subsidised prices in five provinces and cities, HCM City, ong Nai, Can Tho, Binh Phuoc and Binh Duong. Through its website at www.porkpork.vn, the programme will buy pigs from farmers at VN30,000 a kilo and sell at a price of VN35,000, but buyers have to buy pieces of pork weighing 18-20 kilogrammes, Nguyen Tuan Khoi, managing director of DSF, said. Van said the initial purpose of the programme is to help pig farmers sell their unsold products, while in the long term it aims to encourage farmers to continue breeding to prevent a shortage of pork and help them breed pigs based on plans and market demand and production chains to ensure quality. She also called for co-operation and support from businesses, especially those involved in farming pigs and processing pork, and locals. Tran Tien, deputy general director in charge of the animal feed business at C.P Viet Nam, the first company to support the programme, said after cutting pig feed prices by VN200 per kilogramme, the company is now set to increase pork sales at supermarkets. It would also increase processing of ready-to-eat products like sausages and others, he said. It has cold storage space to rent out for storing pork, he said. His company is willing to supply pork without profits to fairs under the programme to stimulate demand, he said. The programme also calls on enterprises, especially those that are members of the federation, and the Viet Nam Young Entrepreneur Clubs in provinces and cities that have kitchens for workers to consume more pork. VNS HA NOI Nearly 11,000 new enterprises were established in the country in May with total registered capital of VN119.24 trillion (U$5.24 billion). This was a rise of 9.3 per cent in the number of enterprises and 17.8 per cent in the registered capital compared to the same period last year. On average, the registered capital of individual businesses increased by 7.9 per cent to VN10.9 billion, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investments National Enterprise Information and Registration System. Totally in the first five months of this year, the country had 50,534 newly-established enterprises with total capital of VN485.6 trillion, a year-on-year rise of 12.9 per cent in the number of enterprises and of 39 per cent in the registered capital. The five-month increase, however, was lower than that of the same period last year with 24.1 per cent rise and 59.3 per cent growth in term of enterprise quantity and level of capital, respectively. Notably, the number of registered labourers for new businesses in the reviewed period saw a modest decline of 2 per cent to 521,700, the system reported. From January to May, the number of newly-established enterprises surged 72.8 per cent in property trading sector; 38.9 per cent in banking, finance and insurance; 31 per cent in education and training sector; 27.3 per cent in health-care and social support activities, and 18.4 per cent in the sector of accommodation and catering services, in addition to 12.6 per cent in construction industry and 11.7 per cent in manufacturing and processing industry. The five-month period also saw some 32,145 enterprises suspending operations, surging 12.5 per cent year-on-year while 4,685 enterprises were dissolved in the period, which was 1 per cent higher than last years corresponding period. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) should clarify weaknesses and bottlenecks in the development of industries to have a better plan on industrial restructuring, experts said at a workshop held in Ha Noi yesterday. The event, held by the MoIT and the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (MUTRAP), sought feedback on a draft plan on Viet Nams industrial restructuring for 2017-20. The plan is expected to be submitted to the Government for approval in June. Le Tien Truong, General Director of the Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group, said much data on the textile and garment industry in the draft was incorrect such as labour productivity, added value and imports. Therefore, the plan is unreliable and should be overhauled. The plan hasnt defined an industrial restructuring process, he noted, saying that the plan says labour productivity must be raised by 5 per cent to improve competitiveness, without mentioning any processes to realise that target. Meanwhile, Viet Nam ranks fifth among the countries with highest labour productivity in fibre and textile production. It follows China in terms of labour productivity in garment manufacturing. To promote textile-garment productivity, update technology and equipment should be updated. If the plan named improving manpower management and training as the key solution, it would be the wrong move, Truong said. Nguyen Tue Anh, Deputy Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said the MoITs plan needs to clarify bottlenecks and their causes in the development of industries so as to devise effective solutions. Director General of the ministrys Planning Department Duong Duy Hung admitted that a clearer plan which points out major bottlenecks and details restructuring is necessary in order to use resources efficiently. The MoIT will gather more opinions to fine-tune the draft, he added. Industrial production value in Viet Nam has surged by nearly 3.5 times from VN350 trillion (US$15.4 billion) to VN1,170 trillion ($51.5 billion) over the last 10 years. It makes up about 31-32 per cent of the countrys GDP, according to the MoIT. In recent years, electronics, textile-garment and footwear have become key exports, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the countrys total export revenue. However, MoIT Deputy Minister Cao Quoc Hung said the country still ranks 101st among 143 countries in terms of per capita added value in processing and manufacturing industries. Industrial labour productivity is still outpaced by developed nations and other countries in the region. This is a problem with Viet Nam in the initial stages of industrialisation. Therefore, the draft plan on industrial restructuring has been built to promote substantive industrial restructuring, he noted. VNS HCM CITY Traders in five markets and two trading centres in HCM City on Wednesday signed an agreement with the HCM Citys Market Management Department not to stockpile or trade counterfeit goods. The agreement was signed at a recent conference on laws to combat counterfeit goods and goods that violate the intellectual copyright law. The signatories of the agreement were traders in Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Kim Bien Market in District 5, Binh Tay Market in District 6, Tan Binh Market in Tan Binh District, Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh District and the two trade centres Saigon Square and An ong Plaza. Organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), the conference encouraged companies and traders to join the fight against counterfeit and fake products. The event was a chance for the citys Market Management Department to explain to Japanese investors the citys efforts to fight counterfeit goods. Takimoto Koji, head representative of Jetro in HCM City, said that counterfeit products affected not only trade relations between the two countries but also customers. Fighting these products would create an equal competitive environment for companies, he said. At the conference, company representatives said that production of counterfeit and fake goods was becoming more common and sophisticated. Within a short time after new goods are launched, counterfeit and fake products appear and are traded in the market and even in big shops. Many of these products are from China, while a smaller portion are from Viet Nam. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, an official from the Market Management Department, said that, in the first five months of this year, authorities discovered about 200 cases involving the trade of counterfeit products and products violating intellectual rights related to labelling. The department seized nearly 2,700 pairs of shoes, 250kg of waterproof material, and 49,000 items of cloth, sunglasses, swatches, supplements and cosmetics. The total value of the products was VN1.5 billion (US$66 million). VNS HCM CITY Vietjet will increase flight frequencies on two international routes to meet the peak travel demand for passengers during the summer holiday, the airline announced on Thursday. Accordingly, the Ha Noi-Taipei route will have 11 return flights each week from July 21, while the route from Ha Noi to Seoul will have 14 return flights each week from August 2. The airline will also give away one million worth of super-cheap tickets, selling from only zero dollars, at www.vietjetair.com. These tickets, which will be available on Friday, will be applied for all domestic routes with the flight period from July 1 to December 31. Vietjet was recently asked by Thanh Hoa province authorities to open new flights from the province to other localities. Thanh Hoa aims to create optimal conditions for Vietjet to open new air routes to a Nang, Can Tho, Pleiku, a Lat and Binh inh, as well as to ensure efficient operation of the flights, vietnamplus.vn reports. VNS Holding a long ladder, Paul George Harding gave a smiling hello to a group of young students who were scraping dirty advertisements pasted on the walls of Nguyen Ngoc Vu Street. The elderly man immediately joined the team, quickly climbing on the ladder to scrape the illegally advertised telephone numbers and dirty marks from the top of the walls. Some children in the neighborhood ran outside from their houses, joyfully saying hello to Paul and joining in on the work. Around here, everyone affectionately calls him teacher Paul. The 69-year-old has become a familiar face to these children and to his entire neighborhood. Over the last 2 and a half years, he has given free English classes to students of all ages in Ha Noi. I came back to Viet Nam to do something positive to cover the negative things I did when I was a soldier, he said. Since early May, when he learned of the Vietnamese governments decision to punish and fine anyone found to be hanging advertising boards on trees, electric poles or traffic lights, he decided to launch a campaign to keep Ha Noi clean. He decided to devote himself, along with his students, to remove advertisements pasted on walls and electric poles on Nguyen Ngoc Vu Street and neighbouring areas in Trung Hoa ward of Cau Giay district and then paint the walls. We want to support Government efforts to put an end to those illegal advertisements. We work with volunteers from our class and from neighbourhoods to help make the neighbourhood nicer, he said Teaching English is my primary mission. But when opportunities come along, I do something else beneficial for the people of communities I am happy that I can help. It almost goes without saying that locals highly appreciate his actions. We are touched by his good heart and his sincere love for Viet Nam, said Bui Cong Cap, head of the living quarter number 8 of Trung Hoa ward. Inhabitants here took part in the campaign to clean the street with him. I am also a war veteran, and I understand that we should move toward the future and forget the past. Paul has tried hard to further build bridges of friendship between our two countries, Viet Nam and the US. Friend and mentor: Paul George Harding with children on Nguyen Ngoc Vu Street. . VNS Photo Bach Lien Teach English for free Since December 2014, Harding has been teaching students, pre-schoolers and the elderly to improve their English speaking and listening skills. He teaches them how to pronounce English words correctly and how to carry out an interview in English. His daughter flew from the US to come to Ha Noi to teach in the class with him for the last three months, along with other US and Vietnamese volunteer teachers. His lecture focuses on various domains in life, but the main lesson mentions Viet Nams history. He has spent years exploring Viet Nams history and loves collecting books about national heroes including Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Van Troi and ang Thuy Tram. He also regularly visits the Viet Nam National Library to collect more information for his lesson plans. He hopes that English teaching in history will help everyone understand the importance of the country history and conserve the memories of revolutionary heroes who bravely sacrificed for the independence of the country. Initially, he had only 6 students. Now the number is up to more than 450, including 7 year-old children and 69 year-old retirees. The first six months the classes were totally free, and Harding continues to teach for free, but students have to pay a modest sum (VN150,000 (US$6.6) per month) to pay for the rent fee of the place where classes are held. I have 8 lessons per month with teacher Paul, and I enjoy them very much. We work in small groups, and Paul teaches us to pronounce each word correctly. He is very devoted and funny, says Hoang Kim Ngan, a student from Cong oan (Trade Union) University who has been in his class for four months. Concerning the reason he moved to Viet Nam to give free English lessons, he said he wants to compensate for what he and the American army did to this country. Now I am retired, my children all grown up, but I always feel guilty for having participated in the war, having come and made war against the people of Viet Nam. I realise that it was not the war that I thought it was. And I always think of Vietnamese people that I saw, who suffered injuries, lot of children who lost their parents, and people taken in prisonersand I ask myself where are they now, did they survive, how are their lives today. I was wondering what became for them, he said in his deep voice. As I am getting older now, and now I am a grandparent. I want to do something positive and meaningful for the rest of my life to help Vietnamese people, because they suffered a lot during the war. He remains haunted by his war memories. My war memories are the terrible suffering of Vietnamese people, especially of Vietnamese young children, and of young Americans who were here because the government required them to be here. They also suffered from engaging in the war. I was too young. I was only 19 years old, he said. Harding said that before coming back to Viet Nam in 2014, he was concerned that Vietnamese people would hate him. In my country we had the civil war in 1861, and over a hundred years later people from the South and from the North still have anger, conflicts over the war. So I expected animosity in Viet Nam, he said. But when coming here, I only received compassion and friendship. Ive never heard an angry word from Vietnamese people, he said with emotion in his voice. Safe to say, Harding much prefers his latest tour of duty in Viet Nam. I am very busy with teaching. Its the best job Ive had, he said laughing. VNS HA NOI As many as 35 digitised reproductions of Italian Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, better known as Raphael, will be displayed in Ha Noi, to celebrate Italys Republic Day. The digitised works of art, which are the same size as the artists original paintings, have already been exhibited at several museums in Europe. This is the first time the exhibition is held in Viet Nam, and organisers hope to draw the attention of the public, particularly young people, to Italian art and culture. The exhibition will be held at the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology in Cau Giay Districts Nguyen Van Huyen Street. It begins on Friday (June 2), and will go on for one month. At the opening ceremony on Friday, artists from the Volterra Chess Flags Association will perform. The works of Raphael (1483-1520), known as the architect of the High Renaissance, are admired for clarity of form, ease of composition, and as a visual achievement of the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur. Together with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael forms the trinity of the great masters of that period. VNS Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) meet US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington DC yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat. WASHINGTON DC The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson yesterday hosted a banquet for Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc before he left to meet with US President Donald Trump early this morning (Viet Nam time). PM Phuc earlier had a telephone call with prominent Democratic and Republican senators on his last day in the United States. The PM talked with Senate President pro tempore Orrin Hatch, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker and Sheldon Whitehouse, member of the Senate Budget Committee. Ted Yoho, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific also joined the call. During the talk, Phuc expressed his pleasure at strengthened ties between the two countries congresses, lauding the role of the US Congress in promoting Viet Nam-US co-operation. The PM also said that he wants to develop the countries partnership based on mutual respect for each others political institutions. He said that Viet Nam is willing to work with the US in order to maintain peace, stability, and development in Asia-Pacific. He also hoped that the US Congress would continue its support to sustain peace and freedom of air and navigation in the East Sea (South China Sea) and to solve East Sea conflicts peacefully and in line with international law. The US congressmen stressed the importance of Phucs visit to the US for the sake of Viet Nam-US ties. They also affirmed the significance of Southeast Asia and the strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, saying that they backed strengthening ties with the region. PM meets UN chief Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York on Tuesday (local time), during which the Vietnamese leader highlighted ties with the intergovernmental organisation. Viet Nam considers ties with the UN as a top priority in its foreign policy, the PM stressed, affirming as a responsible member of the UN, the country has made contributions to the UNs common work, including Viet Nams fulfillment of its term as a member of the Human Right Council, becoming a member of the Economic and Social Council and UNESCO executive board and running for non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council for 2020-21. He proposed UN increase its support for Viet Nam in implementing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, Paris agreement on climate change and Sendai framework on disaster risk reduction. Viet Nam wants to be among 10 leading countries carrying out the UN initiative on El Nino and La Nina response, he said. Secretary General Guterres praised Viet Nams recent socio-economic achievements, especially millennium goals, hoping the Southeast Asian nation would succeed in hitting the sustainable development goals. He acknowledged Viet Nams contributions to UN mechanisms and participation in UN peacekeeping forces, while affirming the UN will work with Viet Nam through the implementation of the one strategic plan for 2017-21. Discussing regional and international issues, PM Phuc briefed Secretary General Guterres on recent development in the East Sea and asked the UN chief to support the settlement of disputes in the waters by peaceful measures on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, respect for diplomatic and legal process and finalisation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea. The UN chief noted his proposals and emphasised the role of preventive diplomacy, settlement of disputes via peaceful measures based on international law. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-UN ties, Prime Minister Phuc invited Secretary General Guterres to visit Viet Nam this year. The UN chief thanked him and hoped he could visit the country at an appropriate time. The same day, the PM attended the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Viet Nams UN membership in the presence of UN Secretary General Guterres, President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson, UN senior officials, and ambassadors and head of missions to the UN. Addressing the event, the PM recalled when the Vietnamese flag was first raised at the UN headquarters 40 years ago, marking the international communitys recognition of a Viet Nam of independence, freedom and unification. The Vietnamese people remember the support of the UN and the international community in post-war national reconstruction and development. Viet Nam attaches importance to co-operation with the UN, he affirmed, saying that it is necessary to promote the UNs role, especially in the maintenance of peace and security and settlement of conflicts and disputes on the basis of respecting the UN Charter and international law. He said Viet Nam will increase its participation in peacekeeping operations and its efforts to realise the UN initiative on one plan in Viet Nam to a new stage of development. The PM took the opportunity to call for countries support for Viet Nams bid for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2020-21. VNS Deputy Director of Binh Thuan Province's Police Department Pham That (left) congratulates Huynh Van Nen (in white) for being declared innocent and freed from prison after Nen spent more than 17 years in jail on murder charges. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Thanh HA NOI The State needs to take responsibility and apologise to people who were wrongfully sentenced, National Assembly deputies said yesterday. At a session to discuss the draft amended Law on States responsibility on Compensation, Nguyen Khac inh, vice chairman of the NA Law Committee, presented the report of the NA Standing Committee on amending the draft law. inh said there some believe the State needs to compensate and apologise to those who are wrongfully convicted, but the Standing Committee thought differently. The right to protect ones reputation includes the right to deny information that does harm to their reputation and the right to ask for a public apology and compensation. But if the Law requires the State to apologise without a request, this take the matter out of the hands of the wrongfully convicted, inh said. He added that the Standing Committee asked the drafters of the law to add a requirement for the agency in charge of compensating the wrongfully convicted to clarify if they want a public apology. Deputy Nguyen Thi Thuy from Bac Kan, said that the apologies must be compulsory. Its not a matter of someones reputation being damaged by information, but being damaged by an agency. So protecting the pride of the wrongfully convicted must be the responsibility of the State and not a simple civic matter, Thuy said. Deputy Luu Binh Nhuong from Ben Tre Province, agreed, saying that a request for an apology was not necessary. Were building a State that works for the people, we have to be fair with the people. We cant do something right only when the people ask for it, he said. Regarding compensation for families of the wrongfully convicted who have died, deputies agreed that compensation should only be given to the closest heir/next of kin. This is feasible and rational we cant compensate every relative of the wrongfully convicted if they die, it would be very complicated, deputy ao Tu Hoa from Ha Noi said. However, deputy Bui Van Xuyen from Thai Binh Province, said the amount stipulated in the draft amended law was too high. The draft law stipulated that compensation to the closest heirs/next of kin of the wrongfully convicted die is equal to 360 months of basic salary. Xuyen asked for an explanation as to why this rate was chosen. On compensation rate, many deputies said the specific calculation of the compensation should be included in the Law, because current regulations do not mention it specifically. Vietnamese and foreign individuals and organisations lawfully in Viet Nam that suffer material or mental sufferings caused by the State are entitled to compensation under the Law on State Compensation Liability. According to a Justice Ministry report, the law contains legal provisions on compensation for damage caused by the State, putting an end to the current parallel existence of two legal mechanisms on damage compensation in administrative management and criminal proceedings. The law provides for state compensation liability in administrative management, legal proceedings and judgment enforcement. Draft Programme for building laws, ordinaces in 2018 Discussing about the programme on building laws, many deputies agreed it that has made positive changes. Documents on implementation had become more relevant. However, the implementation of the programme still had shortcomings. The quality of preparation for some projects is still lacking. On the same day, deputies discussed the draft programme for building laws, ordinances in 2018 and the draft programme on supervision activities of the National Assembly in 2018. Deputies agreed that from 2018 onwards, no more than three projects will be assigned to a drafting agency or appraisal body, except in special cases. They also agree to reduce the number of projects included in the programme of the year-end session to devote time to the National Assembly to consider socio-economic and state budget contents and amendments and additions to new laws that are promulgated or recently enforced. Projects that are not up snuff or fail to submit records in time should be withdrawn from the programme or drafters should request a delay in submission to continue their preparation.--VNS President Tran ai Quang (right) receives Queen of the Netherlands Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development in Ha Noi. VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang HA NOI President Tran ai Quang yesterday welcomed Queen of the Netherlands Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam. President Quang said he is delighted to see relations between Viet Nam and the UN in general and the Netherlands in particular develop positively in many fields. The Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management (2010) and the Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (2014) are vivid evidence of the current fruitful relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, he elaborated. President Quang took the occasion to thank Queen Maxima for her interest in microfinance in Viet Nam through her visit to the country in 2011. He spoke highly of the Queens efforts to enhance inclusive finance for developing nations, and he praised her on-going visits to study and share experience in promoting inclusive finance, as Viet Nam has just embarked on this sphere. Thanks to the implementation of policies and activities related to inclusive finance, such as microfinance development, social security and credit for agriculture and rural areas, Viet Nam has reaped a wide range of achievements in socio-economic development and poverty reduction that have been recognised by the international community, he noted. The State leader believes that inclusive finance will be a useful tool to effectively mobilise resources, contributing to Viet Nams socio-economic development and sustainable growth. In early 2017, the Government assigned the State Bank of Viet Nam to build and promulgate a national inclusive finance strategy for 2020. In this spirit, President Quang suggested Queen Maxima, in her capacity as a representative of the Netherlands and the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, mobilise financial and technical resources from the UN and other international organisations to assist Viet Nams strategy and share experience with the country. Queen Maxima congratulated Viet Nam on its achievements in hunger elimination, poverty reduction and socio-economic development over the past 30 years, as well as its outcomes in deploying inclusive finance. She said inclusive finance will be a tool to effectively mobilise resources, contribute to Viet Nams sustainable socio-economic development and help people get easier access to official finance and banking services. The Queen also affirmed that the Netherlands is willing to share experience and co-operate with Viet Nam in the field of inclusive finance. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on the same day held meeting with Queen Maxima. VNS HA NOI Defence Minister Gen Ngo Xuan Lich yesterday received Senator John McCain from the US Senate Committee on Armed Services in Ha Noi, saying his understanding of Viet Nam and its people made important contributions to the normalisation of bilateral ties. Lich said Viet Nam and the US have seen fruitful defence co-operation, including in the exchange of delegations at all levels, personnel training, dialogue consultation, maritime security guarantee, search and rescue, bomb and mine clearance and Agent Orange/dioxin detoxification. Recently, the US shared experience with Viet Nam in joining the United Nations peacekeeping mission. McCain, for his part, pledged to urge the US Congress and government to continue helping Viet Nam deal with the AO/dioxin-contaminated environment, overcome war consequences, ensure maritime security and safety and in other fields of shared concern. He is due to visit the USS John S McCain cruiser which is undergoing maintenance at Cam Ranh international port in Khanh Hoa Province. VNS WASHINGTON DC - Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and US President Donald Trump discussed measures to develop the two countries relations in a more substantive manner during their talks at the White House, Washington DC, on May 31 (local time). During their talks at the Cabinet Room following a 15-minute private meeting, President Trump welcomed the official visit to the US by PM Phuc and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, affirming that he attached importance to Viet Nam-US relations as well as the role of Vietnam and ASEAN in the region. He said he wanted the two countries ties to continue developing strongly in the time ahead. The Vietnamese Prime Minister acknowledged the warm welcome of President Trump and the US administration, stressing that Viet Nam treasured its comprehensive partnership with the US and highly valued recent steps taken by the Trump administration to implement the policy towards the Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the extensive development of the Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership in various spheres, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and shared the view that there remain a number of opportunities for bilateral ties. They affirmed the commitment to maintaining efforts to boost Vietnam-US relations in a stable, long-term, constructive and mutually beneficial fashion, which would not only benefit the two countries but also peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, on the basis of compliance with the UN Charter and international law, respect for each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regime. Regarding ways to enhance the countries connections, they agreed to increase delegation exchanges and meetings, especially at high level, improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, and consider the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms that suit the expansion of bilateral ties in the new period. The two leaders agreed to join efforts to boost win-win economic partnership. They emphasised that development cooperation remains a focus in the economic-trade relations between Viet Nam and the US. PM Phuc affirmed Viet Nams resolve to press on with economic restructuring and integration into the world, and stepping up the two countries win-win cooperation in economy, trade and investment. He asked both sides consider the formation of a value chain from production to consumption to make use of the two economies complementary feature. President Trump welcomed the settlement of some prioritised trade issues, including the opening of their markets for each others agricultural and industrial products and information technology products and services. The two leaders were unanimous in effectively carrying out the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to deal with bilateral economic problems in a constructive and fair spirit and to satisfy each sides legitimate interests. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in other bilateral aspects such as humanitarian aid, war consequences settlement, people-to-people exchanges, science-technology, education-training, health care, and defence-security. They affirmed that Viet Nam and the US share common interests in the Asia-Pacific, including the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region. The Vietnamese leader welcomed the USs continued participation in and actively contribution to the building of regional security and economic structures. He assured that Viet Nam would continue to work closely with the US, including in the upcoming APEC meetings and the East Asia Summit. The US President noted his country continued to support ASEANs central role and promote the US-ASEAN strategic partnership. He said it would also support Viet Nam to successfully organise APEC activities in 2017, adding that he looked forwards to his visit to Vietnam in November to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting. Additionally, the two leaders underlined the importance of the freedom of navigation in and overflight over the East Sea, affirming their support for the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the full respect for diplomatic and legal processes. They applauded the progress of negotiations on an effective and meaningful Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). They said they supported denuclearisation in the Korean Peninsula and asked all parties concerned to seriously implement relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. At the talks, PM Phuc, on behalf of the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State, invited President Trump and his spouse and family to pay an official visit to Viet Nam and attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting this year. President Trump accepted the invitation. Prior to the talks, PM Phuc and President Trump hosted a meeting with the press. The two sides issued a joint statement on Viet Nam-US relations after the talks. Meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Prime Minister Phuc received Secretary of the US Department of Commerce (DOC) Wilbur Ross in Washington DC on May 31 (local time), asking the department to recognise Viet Nams market economy status soon. During the reception, he highly valued considerable growth in the Viet Nam-US trade ties over the past 20 years, affirming the countrys strict implementation of commitments in their bilateral trade agreement as well as within the World Trade Organisation. He highlighted the potential for bilateral trade development as the two countries have complementary economies. Viet Nam imports high-tech goods and services from the US as well as input materials for its export-products to the American nation. The PM also proposed the DOC to have objective assessments to reflect the nature of the trade deficit between the two countries while settling trade issues based on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) as well as World Trade Organisation regulations. He hoped the US side would create conditions for Viet Nams farm produce including fruits and seafood to access the US market. Secretary Ross, for his part, affirmed the need to increase bilateral trade on the basis of balance and mutual benefit as a common goal, while stressing his support for the comprehensive and stronger development of bilateral ties. He agreed that the two sides needed to restart the mechanism of discussing the market status for Viet Nam. The DOC would work with Viet Nams Ministry of Trade and Industry to discuss issues in bilateral trade, and talk technical matters with relevant Vietnamese agencies, promoting trade ties between the two countries. Following the reception, PM Phuc and Secretary Ross witnessed the exchange of some trade and investment cooperation documents signed by the two sides enterprises during the Vietnamese leaders US visit from May 29-31. The same day, Prime Minister Phuc received leaders of some major economic groups, including ASG, McKinsey, Boeing, General Electrics, and Murphy Oil. He spoke highly of the effectiveness of US firms projects in Viet Nam, affirming the Vietnamese Government encourages US businesses to increase investment in the country. He pledged to continue improving investment and business climate to create more favourable conditions for foreign enterprises, including those from the US, to do business with Viet Nam. US firm supported the resolve and solutions the Vietnamese Government had implemented in recent times to create a healthy investment and business environment and a fair playground for foreign businesses. They affirmed to continue expanding cooperation and increasing investment in Viet Nam. VNS The President of the United States of America Donald J Trump hosted the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the White House today to chart an agenda for United States-Viet Nam relations, building on the positive momentum of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries. As a Pacific power with widespread interests and commitments throughout the Asia Pacific, the United States shares many important interests with Viet Nam. The two leaders emphasized that many opportunities lie ahead for United States-Viet Nam relations, including increasingly enhanced political, diplomatic, economic and trade ties, and ever-growing cooperation in the areas of science and technology, national defence and security, education, people-to-people exchange, humanitarian and war legacy issues, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. The two leaders are committed to pursuing these opportunities under an enhanced Comprehensive Partnership, grounded in respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respective political systems. The two sides pledged to continue high-level contacts and exchanges of delegations, including through regular dialogue between the US Secretary of State and Viet Nams Minister for Foreign Affairs to discuss measures to enhance the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership. They also committed to strengthen existing dialogue mechanisms, including party-to-party ties. President Trump expressed his support for Viet Nam in successfully hosting APEC 2017 and noted that he looks forward to visiting Viet Nam and attending the APEC Leaders meeting in November. The two leaders pledged to actively promote mutually beneficial and ever-growing economic ties to bring greater prosperity to both countries. They underscored support for continued development cooperation. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that Viet Nam would pursue a consistent policy of economic reform and international integration, creating favourable conditions for foreign companies, including those of the United States, to do business and invest in Viet Nam; protecting and enforcing intellectual property; and bringing its labour laws in line with Viet Nams international commitments. The two countries affirmed the importance of promoting bilateral trade and creating favourable conditions for the businesses of both sides, particularly through the effective use of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to address issues in United States-Viet Nam relations in a constructive manner. The two leaders welcomed the resolution of several priority trade issues, including mobile phone roaming services and veterinary drugs, and they pledged to continue to work together constructively to seek resolution of other priority issues of each country, including those related to intellectual property, advertising and financial services, information-security products, white offal, distillers dried grains, siluriformes, shrimp, mangos, and other issues. The United States noted Viet Nams interest in achieving a market economy status, and the two sides pledged to continue to consult in a cooperative and comprehensive manner via the bilateral working group. Both sides welcomed the announcement of more than US$8 billion in new commercial deals. The two leaders pledged to strengthen bilateral defence ties under the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Advancing Bilateral Defence Cooperation and the 2015 Joint Vision Statement on Defence Relations. The two leaders discussed the US Governments recent transfer of a Hamilton-class Coast Guard cutter to help improve Viet Nams law enforcement capabilities, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed interest in acquiring more defence equipment from the United States, including additional Coast Guard cutters. The two leaders also discussed measures to expand cooperation in such prioritized areas as humanitarian cooperation, war legacies, and maritime security. They also looked into the possibility of a visit to a Vietnamese port by a United States aircraft carrier and discussed steps to further cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries. The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the working group on the Cooperative Humanitarian Assistance and Medical Storage Initiative, and pledged to implement the arrangement expeditiously. The two leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security and intelligence. The United States and Viet Nam pledged to work together to combat terrorism as well as transnational and cyber-enabled crimes. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his appreciation and looked forward to the United States cooperation and assistance to Viet Nam in the area of United Nations peacekeeping operations, including the provision of equipment and support for Vietnamese officers participation in United Nations peacekeeping. The two leaders pledged to continue cooperation in the fields of science, technology, space, and innovation. The two leaders expressed their support for a Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, as well as for bilateral discussions and forums on science, technology, and innovation. The two leaders welcomed the growth of people-to-people ties, especially through academic and professional exchange programmes. They recognized the important contributions of the VietnameseAmerican community and the nearly 4,000 exchange alumni to United States-Viet Nam relations. They also noted that, with over 21,000 Vietnamese students currently in higher education programs in the United States, academic ties between the two countries are strong and will be strengthened even further through Viet Nams support for the launch of the Fulbright University in Ho Chi Minh City. The United States welcomed more Vietnamese students to study in the United States and remains committed to processing visas, including for students, in an expeditious manner in accordance with United States law. The two sides also welcomed the establishment of the Peace Corps programme to advance English language learning in Viet Nam. The two sides committed to work together to address war legacy issues, including through such joint efforts as dioxin remediation, taking note of the progress that has been made at Da Nang Airport and intent to discuss continued collaboration at Bien Hoa Airport, and the removal of unexploded ordnances. President Trump expressed appreciation for Viet Nams continuing cooperation in the humanitarian mission of accounting for United States personnel still missing from the war, and pledged to cooperate with Viet Nam in its efforts to locate its missing soldiers. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that Viet Nam will work actively with the United States to expeditiously return Vietnamese nationals subject to final orders of removal, using the 2008 United States-Viet Nam Agreement on the Acceptance of the Return of Vietnamese Citizens as a basis. The two leaders pledged to set up a working group to discuss this issue. The two sides pledged to work actively together to finalize agreement on an appropriate representational site and land tenure arrangement for a new US Embassy in Ha Noi. The United States pledged to support Viet Nam in acquiring new facilities for its representative offices in the United States. President Trump and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomed the results of frank and constructive dialogue on human rights, including during the 21st round of the United States-Viet Nam Human Rights Dialogue in May 2017, to narrow differences and continue to build mutual trust. The two leaders recognized the importance of protecting and promoting human rights, and the interconnection between human rights and the security and sustainable development of each country. They encouraged further cooperation to ensure that everyone, including members of vulnerable groups, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, and including persons with disabilities, fully enjoy their human rights. The United States welcomed Viet Nams ongoing efforts to refine its legal system to better protect and promote human rights for everyone. On regional issues, the two leaders expressed their concern for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas nuclear and ballistic missile tests, which violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and escalate tensions in the region. Both sides reaffirmed their support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and urged all parties concerned to strictly implement all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. President Trump and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that the South China Sea is a waterway of strategic significance to the international community. The two leaders underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas, and noted with concern the destabilizing impacts that unlawful restrictions to the freedom of the seas have on peace and prosperity in the AsiaPacific region. The two sides also affirmed full support for the peaceful resolution of disputes without the threat or use of force or coercion, in accordance with international law, including full respect for diplomatic and legal processes, and called upon all parties concerned to implement their international legal obligations in good faith in any resolution to these disputes. They highlighted the importance that parties refrain from actions that would escalate tensions, such as the militarization of disputed features. President Trump stressed that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows. The two sides affirmed their continued implementation of the principles decided upon by the leaders of ASEAN and the United States in the 2016 Sunnylands Declaration, and their promotion of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEANs founding and the 40th anniversary of United States-ASEAN relations. The United States affirmed its commitment to the United States-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, and to supporting common efforts to develop a rules-based ASEAN Community and ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture. The two countries pledged to continue to work together to address global challenges, including environmental protection, global health, global health security, and trafficking in persons and wildlife. The United States expressed support for Viet Nam in its development of a national reference laboratory to enhance the Viet Nams ability to detect emerging disease threats in the region, and the two countries affirmed their strong support for the Global Health Security Agenda to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. The two countries also affirmed their longstanding partnership under the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS relief. As a development partner of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and a founding member of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), the United States reaffirmed its support for cooperation among MRC members, as well as between MRC members and other regional mechanisms, in using, managing, and developing trans-boundary water sources in an effective and sustainable manner. The United States also affirmed its assistance to Viet Nam in combating climate change via concrete mitigation and adaptation measures. The two leaders heralded the bright future for the enhanced United States-Viet Nam Comprehensive Partnership and are committed to making it deeper, more substantive, and more effective to better serve the interests of the two peoples, and to better contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. By An Phuong HCM CITY Students at Nguyen inh Chieu School in HCM City now have something to look forward to when they get up every day to go to class. Along with academic subjects, the school, which serves students with varying degrees of vision problems, is offering life skills courses to help them better integrate into the community. A culinary arts and entrepreneurship course is the highlight of the programme. The course has been running for three years and is part of a larger programme providing students with social skills, said Nguyen Thi Thu Suong, who has 28 years of teaching experience. We hope the students will be able to get a job and participate proactively in family and community life, she added. The course is designed for all student levels, especially for older students who lack social skills and have difficulty learning academically. The culinary and entrepreneurship course requires students to go to the grocery, prepare and package food, and sell products to fellow students and teachers every Wednesday morning. The participating students then prepare and have their own lunch when the 9am school break is over. Taking part in such activities gives students a well-rounded experience of how it feels to live a normal life, according to Suong. Since the students at the school have a wide range of vision difficulties, students receive assistance from one to two teachers who watch over the entire process and lend them help, if necessary. My students have done quite well, Suong said. Though they can only do one simple task at a time, they have improved, and some are now able to help their families cook a three-course meal. To help the students practice efficiently, food preparation is divided into small tasks. Students are instructed to repeat the same task many times during the course, because what may be easy for their sighted counterpart is more difficult for them. We dont introduce new dishes until students have become familiar with cooking one dish. Our menu now includes baguettes with shredded pork skin, homemade herbal drinks, and sliced mangoes with chili salt, Suong said. Student Nguyen Quoc Hung, who has never felt comfortable cooking, said he enjoyed the process. I love it even more because we dont have to take exams to pass the course. We only need to repeat what weve learned, he added. Each class has seven to 10 students whose degree of vision and cognitive abilities differs, affecting learning and social integration. Thats why we dont assign similar tasks to every student. We understand that some students are able to chop spring onions, while some can only prepare the packaging, Suong said. The course also helps the students feel more socially included among their peers. Suong said that certain considerations must be taken into account when designing educational programmes for visually impaired students. Since some students need more time than others, we dont want to rush any student, she said. Honestly, I can be impatient and discouraged when students sometimes cant handle tasks, but theyre just temporary feelings. At the end of the day, we cant expect them to perform as well as their counterparts. We can only revise the teaching method to help them acquire knowledge and skills more efficiently, she added. In addition to students individual needs, which make drafting a meaningful programme time-consuming and difficult, another challenge is gaining support from students families. Many parents have doubted the efficacy of the programme, saying they prefer to have their children focus on academic subjects, according to Suong. But after three years, the parents have started to appreciate it. Were so pleased to be able to help. Weve had no accidents, either, Suong said. Every Wednesday morning, the school playground is packed with students and teachers queuing to buy food from the culinary arts and entrepreneurship class. Since each item sells for only VN5,000 (US$0.2), the food sells out quickly, according to student Pham oan Anh Thuan. I feel lucky that we have been able to run the programme, given that our schools facilities are not in good condition and our financial capacity is limited, Suong said. The school provided funding only during the first few months. Suong said the profits from sales of food items would be used for future purchases of food. Nguyen Thi Que Huong, the schools vice president, said that similar programmes were common in other countries and that more specialised schools in Viet Nam should embrace the practice. We sincerely hope that all kids are accepted by society, Suong said. VNS HA NOI A team of Ha Tinh Province and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) inspectors travelled to the Formosa steel plant in the provinces Ky Anh District immediately after receiving reports of a large explosion at the plant on Tuesday. ang Quoc Khanh, Chairman of Ha Tinh provincial Peoples Committee, informed the press about the team yesterday on the sidelines of the National Assembly session in Ha Noi. He said initial reports said the explosion came from a faulty lime kiln dust filter in the Taiwan-invested Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Iron and Steel Co. Ltd factory. Experts from specialised agencies of the provincial administration and the MoNRE--along with scientists--are conducting investigation into the cause of the incident. The key issue is Formosa must ensure absolute safety during its operation, including the prevention of fire and explosion, Khanh said. The explosion happened at lime kiln D3 in Formosa plant at around 21:00 on May 30. Duong Tat Thang, deputy chairman of Ha Tinh Provinces Peoples Committee, said the explosion occurred on top of the lime kilns device. No humans were injured, he added. Witnesses told the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that workers at the factory panicked when they heard a loud explosion and saw thick smoke rising. Thang said the dust filter device, manufactured jointly by Germany and Taiwan, was stuck, which caused high pressure and triggered the explosion. Formosa representatives said they stopped operating the lime kiln immediately after the incident. The lime kiln does not have anything to do with the factorys first blast furnace, which is still operating normally. The lime kiln is used for the calcination of limestone to produce burnt lime. According to the Formosa report, monitoring statistics on wastewater, air and surrounding environment at the incident time met standards. Le inh Son, secretary of Ha Tinhs Party Committee, also led a working group to examine the site of explosion yesterday morning. Son asked Formosa to address technical failures of the first blast furnace within 15 days. The trial operation of Formosa will also be closely supervised to ensure proper waste treatment. Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said that the ministry assigned Ha Tinh Province authorities and the company to investigate the explosion and hold a press conference to publicise the cause. He said that technical failures might happen, as the scandal-ridden firm is operating the factory in a trial period. On May 10, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had given Formosa the green light to test its blast furnace after the company fixed 52 of the 53 faults. Formosa started conducting test runs of its first blast furnace on Monday. The blast furnace has the capacity to produce 9,300 to 10,000 tonnes of cast iron per day. In the first two weeks, it has been operated at half its capacity. The company plans to produce 1.3 million to 1.6 million tonnes of steel between now and the end of 2017. Its second blast furnace is scheduled to become operational early next year. VNS HA NOI Around 1,000 trees on Pham Van ong Street in Ha Nois Cau Giay District will be cut down, 158 moved, and 142 pruned for the expansion of Ring Road 3. The trees are expected to be cut and pruned before September 30, according to the construction plan of the road. Speaking to online newspaper Zing.vn on Wednesday, Pham Van Duan, deputy director of the Ha Noi Traffic Construction Project Management Board, said the board inspected the trees between April 18 and 20. Around 986 of the 1,300 trees are xa cu (African mahogany, scientific name Khaya senegalensis) trees of 0.4-1.2m diameter, 38 are sau trees (scientific name dracontomelon duperoanum) trees, 65 are blackboard trees and 11 are flamboyant trees, he said. The Ha Noi Green Tree and Park Company will be in charge of cutting, moving and pruning the trees, Duan added. It will be tough to complete the process before September 30 as the citys construction department has not yet given the company permission to go ahead with the task, he said. The Ha Noi Peoples Committee started the Ring Road 3 expansion project last October. The extended stretch of the road, from the south end of Mai Dich flyover to the south end of Thang Long Bridge, will be 5.5km long, 56 to 93m wide and will have six traffic lanes, two of which will accommodate mixed traffic. The project costs VN3 trillion (US$136.5 million), and requires 392,000sq.m of land to be acquired and 796 households and 55 office buildings to be cleared. VNS HA NOI Some 50 hospitals will impose a fee hike for people without health insurance from Thursday (June 1). The fees will be applicable at special-class and first-class hospitals of the Ministry of Health and hospitals under sectors. The fee hike for the uninsured will be imposed in 30 provinces in August, another 15 provinces in October and the remaining 18 provinces in December. Accordingly, nearly 1,900 different services and products at public healthcare facilities will become more expensive for the uninsured. Healthcare service fees that have been adjusted include those for health check, technical service and testing. Specifically, the fee for a health check will increase from VN20,000 (US$0.8) to VN39,000 ($1.7) at special-class and first-class hospitals. Bed charge for intensive care and for patients undergoing organ transplants at special-class hospitals will hike from VN354,000 ($15) to VN677,000 ($29). Operation and surgery fees will be more expensive by 20 to 30 per cent. Le Van Phuc, deputy head of Viet Nam Social Insurances Health Insurance Policy Department, said the fee hike this time is significant for in-patients, patients being treated for a long period without holding health insurance or those using technical services and testing. For example, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) will cost over VN20million ($867). The move makes the fees for the uninsured equal to the current fees applied for people with health insurance. The basic difference between the insured and uninsured is 80-100 per cent of the hospital fee of the insured will be covered, while the uninsured have to pay 100 per cent, Phuc said. According to Nguyen Nam Liem, head of the ministrys Department of Planning and Finance, the similar hospital fee for both groups -- the insured and the uninsured -- is to ensure equality and encourage people to buy healthcare insurance. According to the health ministry, Viet Nam currently has 75 million health insurance cardholders, or 81.3 per cent of the population, which means nearly 20 per cent of the country is uninsured, most of whom have above average living standards. The health ministry is encouraging nearly 20 per cent of uninsured population to buy health insurance to avoid financial burden in case of sickness. A healthcare insurance card in Viet Nam can be bought at more than VN600,000 ($26) per year and comes with huge benefits. VNS HA NOI The Ha Noi investigative police arrested and commenced criminal proceedings against four heads of the Thang Long multilevel marketing company on Wednesday for alleged fraudulent appropriation of assets. Company director Pham Ngoc Tuan, deputy directors Le Van Quang and Vu inh Hung, and head of accounting Hoang Hai Yen were accused of appropriating a total of VN700 billion (US$30.8 million) from clients. Yen has been given bail. Headquartered in the Trung Hoa-Nhan Chinh new urban area in the capital citys Cau Giay District, the The Thang Long Franchise Limited Liability Company obtained a multi-level marketing licence on December 24, 2014. Since then, it opened 21 agencies nationwide and recruited tens of thousands of people to join its business network. Operating under a pyramid scheme, the company launched different promotion programmes and promised clients they would recover their money within a year, according to the police. However, the amount of commission clients received was much lower than what the company had promised, the police said. On September 5 last year, the Ministry of Finance decided to stop all the companys sales activities nationwide and requested it to return money to its clients in accordance with regulations on multi-level marketing. On August 2 last year, the company was fined VN450 million ($19,800) for a series of violations related to multi-level marketing regulations. They included failing to report changes in their dossier of application for a multi-level marking licence, signing more than one contract with one client, recruiting clients unqualified for multi-level marketing and not registering its conference, seminar and training workshop venues with the citys Department of Industry and Trade. Further, the company also provided false information about its nutrition products and did not allow clients to return the products after purchase. VNS HA NOI Planning on a network of public parking lots in the capital city has several limitations and is yet to meet real demands, the Urban Department of Ha Noi Peoples Council said. Nguyen Nguyen Quan, head of the department, asked Ha Nois Transport Department to review the efficiency of parking lot projects and propose mechanisms to encourage investment from private sector. He said some investors had delayed the implementation of projects. Also, some land lots planned to build parking areas had been used for other purposes. In 2003, the city authorities approved project No 165 to construct 34 parking lots in seven inner districts. According to the municipal Transport Department, 16 parking lots have not seen any investment, so far. In the city, there are currently 21 parking lots, including on-street parking spaces, underground and multi-storey ones, which cover an area of 36.67ha. These only meet demands of a small percentage of citizens. According to inspections, land development for building parking lots in the inner districts has been slow. Further, plans on parking lots are not detailed. There are also hindrances in land clearance whereas the location of parking lots is not attractive enough to call on investment. Nguyen Huy Quang, deputy director of the Ha Noi Transport Corporation, proposed simplifying investment procedures, appointing investors and having measures to attract investment from private sector. City authorities need to allow preferential loans to invest in public parking lots, he said. Ngo Manh Tuan, deputy director of Ha Nois Transport Department, said project No 165 was no longer appropriate according to Ha Nois current expansion, since it pointed out orientations but did not specify parking lot locations. Based on project No 165, the department has prepared plans on parking lots and wayside stations by 2030 with a vision until 2050. The planning is waiting for approval of the Ha Noi Peoples Committee. VNS by Thu Van HA NOI Viet Nam will soon have its own "Wikipedia" page, maybe even more interactive, developed by Vietnamese people for Vietnamese people. The page is a proactive, interactive effort to spread knowledge and awareness of scientific and technological developments, promoting education resources and sci-tech creativity in the country. It will be developed under a project called "Development of the Vietnamese digital knowledge system" that has been approved by the Prime Minister. The project document says creativity based on scientific and technological knowledge is of crucial importance for any nations sustainable development. To make the country grow faster and more sustainably as the world enters the 4th Industrial Revolution, it is necessary to strengthen scientific research and technological development, and to enhance the capability of every citizen and every organisation in all sectors and all fields to renovate and create, it says. Given this prerequisite, the Vietnamese citizens perception and understanding of science and technology remains limited. Furthermore, there are certain difficulties in disseminating knowledge, according to the document that communicates the Prime Ministers decision. Thus, the project aims at building a digital knowledge system through activities of synthesis, systematization and digitization, making knowledge accessible to all Vietnamese citizens by storing and disseminating it. Basically, it would create an encyclopedia customized for and interactive with the Vietnamese people. The project also hopes to arouse and spread a passion for science and technology, and generate enthusiasm among those who can contribute to it, especially enterprises, organisations and intellectuals. Enterprises contribution The state will create mechanisms to mobilise enterprises and organizations to jointly build infrastructure to store, share knowledge and develop applications, said Nguyen The Trung, General Director of DTT Technology Group, a consultant to the project. Companies operating in the field of information technology and network infrastructure, who have the aspiration and enthusiasm to play a pivotal role in developing digital knowledge and know-how, are expected to join the project. China has recruited more than 20,000 people to write its own Wikipedia. In our case, the State budget is limited so it is necessary to call on businesses to contribute. Big firms are expected to participate first, but along the way, all enterprises are welcome to join, Trung said. The project will seek to tap all available resources, especially the youth, students and young intellectuals. Funding for the project will come partly from the State Budgets for science and technology development and mainly from the contribution of enterprises, organisations and concerned individuals. o Hoang Son, Director of the Long Minh Book Company, said his firm and many others, as also many intellectuals would be more than willing to do this. The project plays a very important role for Viet Nam. In the past 25 years, the drafting of dictionaries in the country has been a poor and outdated process. A lot of technical terms in many fields have not been updated to meet standards of international accuracy. There are more books without an index than with one. In general, were lagging way behind the world in terms of new and updated knowledge, he said. Son, who has worked very hard for years to propagate STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) knowledge, emphasized the need for equal and fast access. I think its very essential that we have some tools to spread the flow of knowledge to every citizen. And we have to do it with modern technology so that everyone has equal access, regardless of their financial condition or geographical location, Son said. Core group The government will set up a Core Group initially to implement this project. According to the project schedule, by July 2017, the Government will gather about 20 potential, aspiring enterprises to be the core group for developing knowledge-based digital system. Nguyen The Trung of the DTT Group said that it is certain that the project will have to find its way to overcome challenges regarding financial, content and capacity-related problems. However, this is exactly why there is a need for everyone to work together by mobilising companies, organisations and young intellectuals who are passionate and devoted to the countrys development. Son of the Long Minh Book Company agreed. The project is surely not about profit so it has to be based on a voluntary spirit, on the willingness to dedicate efforts for the good of the people and the nation, by creating a solid foundation for the propagation of professional knowledge, he said. But Son also felt that there was a need for a mechanism by which the Government could require certain businesses, organisations and individuals to contribute. Its good that someone volunteer to support the project, but its also necessary for the Government to push for all individuals, especially people like the heads of universities, academies and institutes, to fulfill their responsibilities as a public citizen. If it is driven mainly by Government funds, the project will not be the same (in spirit), he said. In August, the core group will plan the systems infrastructure, develop technical standards for it, and decide on the tools needed to initiate the Vietnamese version of Wikipedia combining with model like Quora. The projects launching ceremony is expected to take place in September, and in December, the Vietnamese Interactive Wikipedia will be available in the fields of law, health, education and agriculture. A pilot model to study community interaction will also be set up in some localities. In 2018, the Government plans to create and develop a diverse range of content for the digitalised knowledge system, expanding the development of applications in all areas across the country. From 2019, the digitalised Vietnamese knowledge system will be further developed, becoming a full-fledged, Vietnamese-owned digital ecosystem, integrating many knowledge and digital resources data that will be widely used by society as a whole. VNS AN GIANG Traditional handicraft villages in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang are facing labour shortages as young people are leaving to work at industrial parks in HCM City and southeastern provinces. Traditional artisans who rely on the high water season to make handicrafts have been the hardest hit, with many households suspending operations. The number of households that make fish hooks in Long Xuyen Town, for example, has fallen to fewer than 10 families from several hundred 20 years ago. Only women are doing the job now, as young people continue to leave for factories and industrial parks. A handicraft village that made bamboo fish traps in An Phu District faced the same challenge, two years after the Con Coc traditional fish trap village in the district had to suspend operations. As a result, all of the workers in the two fish trap-making cooperatives lost their jobs. Nguyen Minh Tri, chairman of the Phuoc Hung Commune Farmers Association, said that more than 70 per cent of young people who earn their living by making fish traps have quit to look for jobs, mainly at industrial complexes in other localities. Figures reveal that in the high-water season of 2016, over 800 labourers from Vinh Hoi ong Commune registered to seek jobs in other localities, but the actual figure could be higher, according to Nguyen Van Tung, deputy chairman of Vinh Hoi ong Commune Peoples Committee in An Phu District. He said that two-thirds of the number of workers aged between 18 and 45 have sought job opportunities far from home. Efforts to offer vocational training and preservation of traditional handicrafts have been ineffective, Tung said. The traditional handicraft villages specialising in glutinous rice chapatti and hearths for cooking in Phu Tan District now employ mostly older people. Nguyen Thi A, owner of a hearth at a cooking facility in Phu Tan Districts Phu Tho Commune, said most of her younger workers had sought better jobs at industrial parks. Cho Moi District in the province has 13 traditional handicraft villages, with a total of 3,500 households and over 7,600 labourers. Two-thirds of them earn a living in woodwork and carpentry, according to figures from the Cho Moi District Peoples Committee. Weve found it very difficult to attract young labourers to these villages in rural areas, said Pham Van Duong, head of the Economics and Infrastructure Division of Cho Moi District. Recruitment efforts Employment opportunities at industrial parks have also caused challenges to vocational training, labour management and handicraft village development, according to Nguyen Van Hop, deputy head of the Tan Chau Towns Division of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs. Most of the traditional handicraft villages in Tan Chau Town, such as the My A satin weaving village; the Cham Chau Phong brocade-making village, and the Uzu sedge-mat making village, are no longer operating. The main cause behind the disintegration has been the departure of young residents, Duong said. To save the villages, he said that authorities must organise vocational courses for workers and create development plans for the handicraft villages. To attract workers, salaries at the villages must be higher than the pay for workers at industrial parks, he said. The quality of vocational courses provided to labourers at handicraft villages needs to be improved as well, Duong added. Vo Thi Lien, director of a centre for stimulating industry and industrial development in the province, said the 28 traditional handicraft villages that still exist in the province face a limited labour force. The responsibility to attract workers is with the An Giang Department of Industry and Trade, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, according to Lien. VNS SAINT PETERSBURG Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts Indian premier Narendra Modi on Thursday on the sidelines of the Kremlins annual economic forum, as Moscow looks to burnish a fragile recovery despite tensions with the West. Modi and Putin will meet on the third leg of the Indian leaders four-nation tour of Europe with the pair looking to bolster declining trade between the once key partners. Modi is the guest of honour at this years three-day Saint Petersburg Economic Forum -- Russias answer to Davos -- that Putin will use to push the idea that Russia has turned the page on a brutal recession caused by low oil prices and sanctions over Ukraine. "The message that you will get from government officials and probably President Putin is that Russia has adjusted to life with sanctions, to life with lower oil prices, and is now on the path to recovery," analyst Chris Weafer from Macro Advisory said. For the Kremlin, India represents the sort of major emerging markets it wants to do more business with as it looks to insulate itself against geopolitical shocks with the unpredictable Donald Trump in the White House. "It is very clear that there will be a very strong statement that Russia is looking to diversify its political relations, is not looking to have one best friend," Weafer said. "Rather than praising China or being critical of Europe, they will try to say We are going to be diversified, we are going to be open." Boosting India trade Russia and India enjoyed a 70-year alliance forged during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was New Delhis largest trading partner, diplomatic ally and main arms supplier, providing everything from tanks to aircraft. But the relationship became unmoored following the collapse of the USSR, as India underwent an economic transformation and increasingly sought to build trade ties with Western nations. That process has accelerated in recent years as New Delhi has orbited closer to Washington, and Russia has fostered relationships with Indias chief regional rivals Pakistan and China. Modi and Putin are expected to oversee a number of deals and discuss a framework agreement for Moscow to supply more reactors to a nuclear plant in southern India as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on highly polluting coal. A revival of two-way trade, which slumped to below US$8 billion in 2015 despite an ambitious bilateral target of $30 billion by 2030, will be a key priority during Modis visit, after he made visits to Spain and Germany and ahead of a trip to France. While India will occupy pole position at the forum, other visiting international leaders will include UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. Bosses from US giants Chevron, Exxon and Boeing will be among 144 American firms at the event, the best attendance in years after Washington previously warned business leaders against attending due to political tensions. AFP CEDAR FALLS The Cedar Falls Municipal Band, directed by Dennis A. Downs, will present its Marching Along summer concert series starting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Overman Park. The 45-piece concert band, Iowas oldest, is marking its 126th year of continuous musical service. Jesse Orth will play Concert Etude on tuba, and Wartburg College vocal music professor Brian Pfaltzgraff will sing Danny Boy and The Impossible Dream. The concert program will include Fillmores march His Honor in memory of longtime Cedar Falls Mayor Jon Crews. Also included are Marching Up Broadway and Sinatra medleys and works by Gershwin, Sousa, Ticheli and others. Harpist Gaylord Stauffer will perform pre-show music. The free open-air concerts are presented every Tuesday, June-July, and feature light and traditional band selections for all age groups. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfort. Tax-deductible donations to support the band may be made to Friends of CF Band, P.O. Box 144, Cedar Falls 50613. Waterloo Library to host book sale WATERLOO The Friends of the Library will host a two-day book sale in the basement of the Waterloo Public Library, 415 Commercial St. From 5 to 7 p.m. today, Friends members may come to a special preview sale. The public and Friends members also are invited to shop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds benefit special events and programming at the library. Labyrinth path set at C.F. church CEDAR FALLS Community of Christ Church at 4616 Cedar Heights Drive will host a dedication of the Cheryl Edwards McCullagh Labyrinth at 10 a.m. Saturday. The labyrinth was made possible by Cheryls husband, James G. McCullagh, in her honor. The dedication will consecrate this new space for use by all members of the Cedar Valley community. The church hopes the meditation path will be used as a spiritual resource for the entire community. Labyrinths are meditative walking paths that pre-date the Christian era. Amvets board to meet Monday CEDAR FALLS The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 237 will meet Monday at the AMVETS Post, 1934 Irving St. The executive board meets at 12:30 p.m., with the business meeting at 1 p.m. There will be an election of officers. All members are encouraged to attend. Waverly Senior Center opens cafe WAVERLY The 506 Cafe will open from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Waverly Senior Center. Grilled brats, beef stew, chicken tortilla soup, salad and assorted desserts are on the menu. The Waverly Senior Center and Rally Point CVV teamed up earlier this year to offer a new lunch option in Waverly with a purpose. For $10, one can purchase a home-cooked meal including drinks and dessert, with all profits going to support Rally Point CVV, serving Cedar Valley homeless veterans and the senior center, serving area senior citizens. Lunch reservations are not required. Call 352-5678 for more information. MOLINE, Ill. -- Deere & Company is acquiring the Wirtgen Group, a privately held international company that is the leading manufacturer worldwide of road construction equipment. The purchase price for the equity is approximately $5.2 billion based on current exchange rates, including the assumption of debt and other considerations. "This is the largest acquisition in Deeres history. The largest prior to this was the acquisition of Timberjack in 1999 for $600 million," Deere spokesman Ken Golden said. "This is a natural fit with Deeres current operations by adding a highly complementary business to our existing construction and forestry equipment division." Headquartered in Germany, the Wirtgen Group has five premium brands across the road construction sector spanning milling, processing, mixing, paving, compaction and rehabilitation. The deal "establishes Deere as an industry leader in global road construction," Deere said in a news release. Founded in 1961 by Reinhard Wirtgen, the Wirtgen Group has approximately 8,000 employees and sells products in more than 100 countries. "Since there is no product overlap with Deere, no changes are expected for Deere factories or employees," Golden said. "Deere plans to maintain the Wirtgen Groups existing brands, management, manufacturing footprint, employees and distribution network." The acquisition of the Wirtgen Group aligns with our long-term strategy to expand in both of John Deeres global growth businesses of agriculture and construction, said Samuel R. Allen, Deere & Company chairman and chief executive officer. Wirtgens superb reputation, strong customer relationships and demonstrated financial performance are attractive as we expand the reach of John Deere construction equipment to more customers, markets and geographies. Stefan Wirtgen, managing director at Wirtgen, said, The Wirtgen Group has a legacy of technology and innovation with market-leading products and a strong focus on the customer. As we looked to the future, we specifically chose Deere as the buyer because of our long-held respect for the organization and our full confidence that Deere is dedicated to the ongoing success of the Wirtgen Group and our employees worldwide. Jurgen Wirtgen, Managing Director at Wirtgen, added, We believe this transaction allows the company to be successful well into the future - independent of our family ownership. Deere plans to maintain the Wirtgen Groups existing brands, management, manufacturing footprint, employees and distribution network. The combined business is expected to benefit from sharing best practices in distribution, customer support, manufacturing and technology as well as in scale and efficiency of operations. The transaction has been approved by Deeres Board of Directors. The purchase is subject to regulatory approval in several jurisdictions as well as certain other customary closing conditions. The companies said they expect to close on the transaction in the first quarter of Deeres 2018 fiscal year. WATERLOO Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, said Republicans focused on regulatory changes to spur economic growth during the Legislatures 2017 session. He said the focus will turn to tax reform in 2018. I think, without question, it is among the top priorities for Senate Republicans, Dix told an audience of about 50 people at a forum hosted by the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber Wednesday morning at Sunnyside Country Club. Though Dix did not lay out specifics, he said he is looking at income tax cuts. He said the fastest-growing states have low or no income tax. It is an antiquated tax that is going away across the country, and the sooner that we begin to acknowledge that and realize weve got to reform our tax code in a manner that encourages that kind of investment as well, the better off were going to be and the more growth opportunities that well have, Dix said. Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, disagreed sharply. I think youre entirely wrong, Senator Dix, Dotzler said. If you do what you are talking about, we are going to be so upside down on our funding. Our education community is going to continue to suffer, and were not going to educate those students that we need for this changing technology thats emerging at an amazing rate. Dotzler encouraged majority Republicans to talk with industry leaders, particularly in technology fields, about how important education funding is in Iowa. Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls, disagreed with Dotzler, saying the two didnt even see eye to eye on the fairest form of taxes. Dotzler defended the income tax in that it varies based on income. Rogers supported the sales tax because its the smallest amount over the broadest amount of people. Rogers didnt fully embrace tax reform as Dix described it, but he supported an effort to change to the current system. We have been pushing for a simplification in our tax code for some time. I think next year well get it, because itll be a focus. Most people I talk to want that, Rogers said. I expect something to come out of next years session, simplification wise. Cedar Falls Mayor Jim Brown asked about the future of state appropriations for backfilling lost city revenue from the commercial property tax reduction in 2013. Both Republican lawmakers said there isnt a specific plan to stop funding the backfill, but it wont continue forever. The Republicans said revenue forecasts for next year are steady, so budgeting should be easier. Everything thats in place is important to somebody, but my view has been that we always need to challenge the status quo, and I expect next year will be no different, Dix said. Dotzler said that sounds good, but the problem is there are already people hurting as a result of the budget decisions made during the current year. We cannot water down our education system by diverting those kind of dollars, and Im very concerned about that, Dotzler said. If we continue to shrink our revenue, were going to be in trouble. IOWA FALLS -- A 6-year-old boy was struck and injured by a semi tractor-trailer just after school let out Wednesday. The Iowa Falls boy, who was unnamed, was taken by ambulance to Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls and later airlifted to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, according to the Iowa State Patrol report. The name of the child was not being released pending the conclusion of the accident investigation, according to the report. According to the State Patrol, Douglas Minteer of Eldora was driving a 2013 Peterbilt semi south on Oak Street near Pierce Street at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday when the child was struck by the rear tires of Minteer's vehicle. Minteer was uninjured and there was no damage to the semi. The Iowa State Patrol was assisted in the accident investigation by Iowa Falls Police, the Hardin County Sheriff's Office, Iowa Falls Fire and the Hardin County E-Squad. WATERLOO -- One man was transported to the hospital Wednesday when firefighters responded to a kitchen fire at 2840 E. Fourth St. shortly after 6 p.m. "He's being checked out and conscious," said Mike Jenn, Waterloo Fire Rescue battalion chief. The man was taken to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital. A dog was also rescued from the house. "The dog's doing well," said Jenn. Smoke could be seen emanating from an addition at the rear of the house, where melted siding had been pulled away. Firefighters worked on the roof and came in and out of a back door. "Looks like the fire started in the kitchen, unattended cooking most likely," said Jenn. The fire was contained pretty quickly, but firefighters remained on the scene to check an attic area for reigniting hot spots. Its finally official. The Affordable Care Act is a public-policy flop of epic proportions. Thats the only possible conclusion from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City announcement last week it will drop out of many markets in Kansas and Missouri. The firm lost $100 million under the Obamacare insurance exchanges from 2014 to 2016. This is another body blow to the government-insurance system Barack Obama created in 2010. Blue Cross is one of the biggest health insurers in the nation, and now 25 more counties in these states will have no insurer left. Nearly every news outlet buried this alarming story and instead shouted in headlines across the country: 23 Million More Uninsured Under GOP Plan. This was based on the Congressional Budget Offices estimate of the impact of the House repeal and replace plan. Those are troubling numbers for sure, but theyre misleading given the Blue Cross news. If we stay with Obamacare, within a few years tens of millions will have no insurance that is even remotely affordable. Aetna, Humana and other major insurers in just recent months have fled Obamacare. The Titanic has hit the iceberg, and it is rapidly sinking; yet the left and the media keep fiddling on the deck. They act as though this can be fixed with minor reforms, but there arent enough bandages in America to stitch this back together. Even more absurd is the idea Donald Trump and the Republicans are the ones responsible for the insurers leaving and the premiums skyrocketing. If you want a bellyaching laugh, here is an excerpt from a lead story from The New York Times last week: (Insurers complain that) the Trump administration and Congress are rattling the markets. The administrations refusal to guarantee payment of subsidies to health insurance companies, the murky outlook for the Affordable Care Act in Congress and doubts about enforcement of the mandate for most people to have insurance are driving up insurance prices for 2018, insurers say in rate requests filed with state officials. Stop the presses! What a shock: The insurers say they want more handouts from the government. Trump is supposedly the villain because he wont force families to buy insurance they cant possibly afford given the massive premium hikes Obama promised would never happen. This is rich. Then this showstopper, also from The New York Times: Opponents of President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement have made what may be a self-fulfilling prophecy: They repeatedly forecast the collapse of the health law, and then push it along. Now lets get serious. Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas is leaving the market because it lost tens of millions of dollars two and three years ago long before anyone even imagined Trump running for president. The Wall Street Journal, Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute and others predicted this exact collapse from the day the bill was enacted seven years ago. Trump isnt the one who caused the recent nationwide 25 percent increase in premiums. It is true many of the insurers say one reason they are leaving the exchanges is because of uncertainty about what will happen with the insurance market next year. But Hillary Clinton would have been facing the same crisis. It is the height of anti-Trump derangement to say Trump caused that uncertainty. Republicans have to do a much better job of explaining their plan and providing Americans better and cheaper options. But liberals have to get over themselves and acknowledge Obamacare is long beyond fixable. Cynthia Cox of the Kaiser Family Foundation, a supporter of Obamacare, glumly told Business Insider last week after the BCBS retreat from the exchange markets, If the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans or Anthem pull out of the exchanges, then that would be a serious problem for many parts of the country. ... Whenever there is one insurance company right now, it almost always is either a Blue Cross Blue Shield or Anthem plan. It goes to show how much the exchanges rely on those plans. By the end of the year we could have nearly half the country without insurers if this spiral continues. And make no mistake about it: This calamity is Obamas legacy, not Trumps. The shocking thing about Greg Gianfortes assault on a journalist isnt that he body-slammed and punched a reporter but that it took so long for the inevitable to occur. Such an attack was foreshadowed way back in March last year when tough-guy Corey Lewandowski grabbed a female reporter who, apparently, was too brash for the tender sensibilities of then-candidate Donald Trumps inner circle. A few months after his effrontery, Lewandowski left the campaign and joined CNN as a commentator. He now may be poised to rejoin Team Trump. Gianforte, a Montana Republican, also was rewarded for his imitation of a distempered jackal. His campaign in a special congressional election reportedly reaped more than $100,000 in online donations just before the vote, most of it in the aftermath of the incident. The Bozeman businessman also managed to win the election, perhaps partly attributable to early voting before the attack. As captured in an audio recording, The Guardians Ben Jacobs is heard saying, You just body-slammed me and broke my glasses. Then, according to Fox News reporter Alicia Acuna, Gianforte climbed on top of Jacobs and began punching him, saying something like, Im sick and tired of this. Arent we all. The cause of his violent meltdown? Jacobs had asked Gianforte a few questions about his position on health care. This isnt exactly high-handed heckling over a sensitive issue. What if it had been? Would Gianforte have throttled him? Gianforte did apologize for his actions after the election results were in and following 24 hours of denial. It would seem Gianforte, who has been charged with misdemeanor assault, is unfamiliar with the media beast known as a scrum, an impromptu assemblage of reporters, usually following an event, during which reporters fire off questions and jostle each other for a better position sort of the way Trump bulldozed past Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic last Thursday. In Brussels for a NATO summit, the president proved no one can out-bully him. He chastised other nations for not paying enough of their fair share and did not offer his endorsement of Article 5, which was interpreted as insinuating they might not be able to rely on the U.S. should, say, Russia decide to pursue its dream of re-establishing the empire, as it did in Crimea. Trump obviously had changed his tune since earlier declaring in Saudi Arabia he had not come to lecture. He all but wagged his finger, which may explain why newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron walked directly toward Trump and then, at the last moment, swerved to hug German Prime Minister Angela Merkel, shaking several other hands before getting to Trump last. But Trumps coup de uncouth came when, apparently stricken by an urgent need to reach center stage for a group photo, the U.S. president literally pushed Markovic out of the way. Upon finding his preferred spot, Trump adjusted his tie and seemed oblivious to what the rest of the world observed as profoundly unseemly. Markovic graciously has said he didnt notice the shove, adding the U.S. president should be in the front row. Perhaps so, but a light tap on the shoulder and at least a pretense of manners in the form of, Excuse me, wouldnt have been such a strain. While Trumps reflexive rudeness was merely embarrassing, Gianfortes attack was frightening. Both actions, however, flow from the same spout our ever-coarsening culture and partisan hostility that erased all boundaries of civility during the 2016 election. It would be unfair to pin this evolution on Trump alone, but broadening acceptance of bullying tactics undoubtedly has been aided by the commander-in-chiefs own embrace, even celebration, of resolving differences by force, if necessary. Recall candidate Trump encouraging his supporters to boo journalists at his rallies; his promising to pay legal expenses for a guy who punched a heckler; and his incessant demonizing of the mainstream media as fake news, meaning news he doesnt like. Gianforte may be a hero to some, but his violent antics should send a chill up the spines of Constitution-minded Americans. Trumps rhetoric has normalized hatred of journalists and, by implication, encouraged the sort of behavior weve now witnessed. The perpetrator wasnt some right-wing crazy from Bumduck; he was a respected businessman, now elected to Congress. If this doesnt worry you, we have bigger problems than Russia could ever dream. DUNKERTON Authorities continued to search the Wapsipinicon River for a missing Waterloo woman on Wednesday. Rhonda Apfel, 47, was reported missing Monday, and her motorcycle was discovered in Bruggeman Wildlife Area off of Bennington Road along with some of her personal items that same day. The search entered its third day Wednesday with the help of more than a dozen kayaks after the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Offices larger boat was unable to navigate the river because the water level had dropped, said Sheriff Tony Thompson. Volunteers also turned out to search on land, and McDonalds and Longhorn Steakhouse donated lunch to the search teams. Thursdays search will be confined to water only, and volunteers with watercraft are welcome, said Capt. Mark Herbst with the Sheriffs Office. Searchers will not be allowed on the land today in order to prepare the terrain for the use of tracking dogs. He said the dogs will be brought in to assist Friday if efforts are unsuccessful today. On Tuesday, about 50 friends and relatives volunteered to help in the search and comb the rivers east bank. Thompson said the search area is about one square mile, but it presents challenges because of numerous backwaters and marshy areas adjacent to the river. Dunkerton firefighters and conservation officers are assisting the sheriffs office with the search. Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to go to the Dunkerton Sportmans Club, 6320 Wheeler Road, Dunkerton. One arrested in shooting WATERLOO One person has been arrested in connection with a weekend shooting that sent a Waterloo man to the hospital. Neighbors in the 500 block of Sumner Street called 911 after hearing gunfire around 2:10 p.m. Saturday, and authorities found 26-year-old Brylon Leon Crawford Watson with several gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. On Tuesday, Waterloo police arrested Larry Earl Lorondez Phillips, 24, of 607 Euclid Ave., for willful injury causing serious injury, carrying weapons, going armed and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and his bond was set at $150,000. According to police, Watson had been on his front porch at 510 Sumner when Phillips approached him and began taunting him. Watson started to walk into his house, and Phillips began shooting, according to court records. Watson suffered five gunshot wounds to his leg and pelvic area, court records state. One injured in stabbing WATERLOO One person was injured in a stabbing over the weekend. Deontai Raywuan Sallis, 20, told police he was walking in the area of Cottage and East Fourth streets around 9:45 p.m. Sunday when a group of people approached him. They exchanged words, and Sallis was stabbed. He was taken to UnityPoint-Allen Hospital by private vehicle and was released later that night, police said. Bullets hit home, vehicle WATERLOO A barrage of gunfire damaged a Waterloo home over the weekend. Bullets also struck a vehicle that was parked nearby, said Capt. David Mohlis with the Waterloo Police Department. No one was home at the time, and no injuries were report, he said. According to the report, police were called to gunfire around 3:44 p.m. Saturday. Neighbors said they saw a man fleeing from the area after hearing the gunshots. Police found the home at 933 Newton St. had a window that was shot out, Mohlis said, and an officer discovered 18 .223-caliber shell casings in the area. Woman injured in gun accident WATERLOO A Waterloo woman was injured in a gun accident on Monday. Details werent immediately available, but police said the woman was at her home at 524 Western Ave. when the handgun apparently fell from a cupboard, landed on a counter and discharged, police said. The bullet struck the woman in the abdomen area, police said. She was taken to UnityPoint-Allen Hospital by private vehicle and is expected to survive, police said. House fire sends man to hospital WATERLOO One man was transported to the hospital Wednesday after firefighters responded to a kitchen fire at 2840 E. Fourth St. shortly after 6 p.m. Hes being checked out and conscious, said Mike Jenn, Waterloo Fire Rescue battalion chief. The man was taken to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital. A dog was also rescued from the house. The dogs doing well, said Jenn. Smoke could be seen emanating from an addition at the rear of the house, where melted siding had been pulled away. Firefighters worked on the roof and came in and out of a back door. Looks like the fire started in the kitchen, unattended cooking most likely, said Jenn. The fire was contained pretty quickly, but firefighters remained on the scene to check an attic area for reigniting hot spots. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | 10:26 AM | MAYFIELD, KY A Graves County man faces attempted murder charges after he allegedly pulled a gun on deputies Tuesday night. Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon said deputies went to 42-year-old John Hoback's home in Mayfield Tuesday night to serve a burglary warrant but Hoback wouldn't come to the door. When deputies entered the home through the front door, Hoback grabbed his wife and ran into a bathroom. Deputies chased him into the bathroom, where Hoback reportedly met them with a loaded .38 Special at arms length. Deputies disarmed Hoback but he resisted arrest. He was eventually placed under arrest and taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the scuffle with deputies. Hoback was lodged in the Graves County Jail on two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, wanton endangerment, unlawful imprisonment, resisting arrest and fleeing police on foot. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | EDDYVILLE, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | 10:48 AM | EDDYVILLE, KY Kentucky State Police have charged a Princeton man with murder, following the discovery of a body inside a home in Lyon County. Troopers say they got a call at around 7:00 pm, Monday, about a dead body at a home on Oak Drive. When they got there, they found 51-year-old Lisa Pace, of Eddyville, inside her home with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner. As troopers were investigating, information was received indicating a man had been arrested in Paces vehicle in Hopkins County. The Madisonville Police Department had arrested 19-year-old Ernest Atwood Jr., of Princeton, on Tuesday for DUI and license to be in possession. Atwood was lodged in to the Hopkins County Jail. Police said Atwood Jr. and Pace are distant relatives. At approximately 2:00 am, Wednesday, troopers charged Atwood Jr. with murder in the death of Pace. He remains in the Hopkins County Jail. An autopsy was completed at the Medical Examiners Office in Madisonville on Wednesday. State police said the preliminary results confirm Pace died as a result of injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation is continuing. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | 12:21 PM | PADUCAH, KY A materials supplier who plead guilty in January to wire fraud charges related to work done at the Fulton County Detention Center has been sentenced. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky, 80-year-old Michael Homra was sentenced Wednesday to serve two years of probation and pay $32,500 in restitution. He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Homra plead guilty January 20 to three counts of wire fraud related to his role in a conspiracy to defraud Fulton County citizens during the 2015-2016 expansion of their detention center. Court records show that Homra, the owner of The Leader Store in Fulton, allowed former Fulton County Jailer Ricky Parnell to use his business as a middleman, inflating prices for building supplies ordered during the project and paying Parnell half of the profits. Homra was indicted in November 2016 with co-defendants Parnell, Ronald Armstrong, Jimmy Boyd, and Daniel Larcom. Parnell, Armstrong, and Larcom have entered guilty pleas and await sentencing. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 31, 2017 | 10:48 AM | GRAVES COUNTY, KY A wreck Monday night in Graves County left a woman injured and facing a DUI charge. According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened around 8:15 pm in the 400 block of Wingo Road. Deputies said a car driven by 21-year-old Mary Harding of Wingo was traveling north at a high rate of speed when it topped a hill and went airborne. Harding's car landed and overturned several times, coming to rest on the side of the road. Harding told deputies she had been drinking an alcoholic beverage earlier. Harding was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. 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surpasses the record setting US$2.6 billion paid by the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht for similar corruption charges. J&F Investimentos, the parent company of JBS SA, a Brazilian company with international aquisitions making them the largest meatpacking company in the world, settled in court on Wednesday to pay US$3.2 billion in corruption fines following their admission to engaging in bribery as part of a plea bargain testimony, the Wall Street Journal reported. In their testimony, JBS Chairman Joesley Batista and Chief Executive Wesley Batista, who stepped down from their positions last week, admitted to paying US$150 million to nearly 1,900 Brazilian politicians and government officials. The US$3.2 billion dollar fine now slapped on J&F Investimentos, will be paid over the course of 25 years. The fine surpasses the record setting US$2.6 billion paid by the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht on similar corruption charges. The bribes allowed the company to secure billions in funding that allowed them to aquire numerous international brands. In the course of their aquisition spree, JBS became the world's largest meatpacking company, and is one of the top-three meat producers in the United States. The JBS Chairman Joesley Batista and Chief Executive Wesley Batista are managing to avoid jailtime through a plea bargain by cooperating with prosecutors and handing over key pieces of evidence in the ongoing corruption investigations of Brazilian politicians. Coming on the tail of Odebrecht investigations, The Batista brothers' plea bargain testimony has been at the center of investigations into Brazilian President Michel Temer, and has sent the unelected government into a tailspinning crisis. Most notably, in a damning wiretap release, Temer was heard approving monthly bribery payments in a recorded conversation with Joesley Batista. The scandal led to an escalation of protests and widespread calls for Temer to step down. In spite of the evidence mounted against him, the unelected and unpopular right-wing president has refused to resign. Although the Batista brothers' testimony claims that they only engaged in bribery within Brazil, the international scope of JBS operations opens them up to a situation similar to Odebrecht's. Following investigations in multiple countries, Odebrecht was found to have been paying bribes to at least 12 different countries, in a scandal that has now implicated politicians around Latin America. A startup needs to test an idea quickly. For this, an MVP is created. MVP, Minimal Viable Product a test version of a product or service with a minimum set of functions (up to one or two), which allows you to see the product's value for consumers and the market. MVP is created to test hypotheses and check the viability of the intended product: is it worth developing the project further, what changes should be made? The sooner a startup brings its MVP to market and tests the idea, the better. This article will look at how no-code technology can help founders achieve their business goals. This article will try to cover everything that a founder needs to know about no-code at the initial stage of creating a startup. What is no-code? No-code, zero-code platform is a tool for creating websites, applications, chatbots, and other programs without the need for direct code writing by programmers. No-code is a valuable alternative to traditional development. No-code is confused with low-code, but there is a difference in these terms. Low-code includes no-code and the ability to "finish code", add parts of code and the functionality. A user of a no-code platform usually does not need to know layout, programming languages, or hire a team of programmers. The user of the no-code tool creates an application using a visual block constructor, which he fills with the necessary content and functions, and the no-code platform itself does the processing of requests, compiling the application and other "magic." It generates code using AI and/or contains blocks of code pre-written by programmers. No-code allows the startup founder to create an MVP himself, entrust it to his employee with basic technical literacy and understanding of the project, or hire a no-code developer. Even in the case of hiring a no-code developer, the cost of creating an MVP will be significantly lower than with classical development with programmers. For example, you can read the interview of a startup and no-code developer on our website, who initially worked as a Product Manager and was able to master no-code for his project himself. Benefits of no-code for a startup founder There are the following key advantages for a startup founder in using no-code technology: a large selection of no-code tools, platforms, and their integrations at the moment already in 2022, there are many tools and platforms for creating an MVP, a larger project, or even a finished product on no-code, but few people still know about them, and others are far from all startups and founders use their potential; cost no-code development saves the money by speeding up the development process, not hiring professional programmers or no need to maintain a developer department, monitoring functions and quick bug fixes, avoiding or reducing the growth of technical debt; speed is the main advantage over classical development no-code allows you to build a simple application in a weekend, and a more complex one can be built in a month. In this way, you can test an MVP and even several versions of an MVP very quickly; low entry threshold to master a no-code platform, you often do not need technical education at all, but only an understanding of a company's business processes or product from the inside. In the case of pro-level no-code platforms, technical education is required, but you can get used to it hundreds of times faster than with any programming language. This makes no-code available to almost everyone who wants to work with technology; ease of use no need to write hundreds of code lines just move the blocks and assign links between them. Work on a project can be entrusted to your employee without communicating with a team of third-party developers. You can speak "in your language" without the need to understand the "inner kitchen" of developers; flexibility with the help of no-code, it is easy for a startup founder to add new functionality and new features right during a project or a MVP testing without a significant increase in development costs. Possible disadvantages of no-code for a startup founder As often, any property can be, under certain conditions, both a disadvantage and an advantage. In no-code, many of the benefits with the wrong choice of tool can turn into disadvantages: no-code is not always a budget solution for a project. Sometimes in a no-code development package, you get unnecessary functions and additions (on AppMaster.io you can separately connect the frontend and pay only for the backend or only for those functions that you are using); if you do not understand the needs of your project, then you can make a mistake with the choice of a no-code tool and not be able to implement the necessary functions on it, or it will be too difficult to implement them; often, no-code tools fail to ensure proper data security and contribute to data leakage (but AppMaster.io allows you to host a finished application on any server); no-code tools often do not provide the ability to upload source code or provide uploading in an inconvenient format, which makes it difficult to move to another tool or to your development. You have to choose a no-code tool "once and forever immediately" (AppMaster. io gives you the ability to download the source code. Also, we generate human-readable code and you will not have any difficulties with its transportation); most no-code tools on the market are not suitable for creating a finished product, and there are significant difficulties with scaling the project if the MVP is successful (AppMaster.io is a professional no-code platform and our capabilities allow us to implement and support the finished product and scale it in the future). Forewarned is forearmed. Choose your no-code tool wisely and take full advantage of your choice. Types of no-code platforms Conventionally, all no-code tools can be divided into several types: no-code devices with a low entry threshold (you can create frontend and not very powerful backend on them), integrators that help connect applications and services, and professional no-code platforms (they strive to replace the code completely, provide the ability to create a robust backend and high bandwidth). The basic principle of operation of your MVP and the choice of a no-code platform depend on such a conditional division into types. For example, if you make a simple application like a diary, you can limit yourself to a no-code tool with a low entry threshold and a beautiful design. If your application has powerful potential, high bandwidth, multi-user interface, and works with large amounts of data or real-time data, it is better to choose a professional no-code platform like AppMaster.io or Direcual. If you use several services at once, link them on integrators like Integromat and Zapier. Adalo An easy-to-learn designer with a relatively user-friendly interface. The free version is helpful for learning. The free version contains Adalo watermarks and does not allow you to upload your applications to GooglePlayMarket and AppStore. Beginners often choose this no-code platform to create their first applications with simple logic. Bubble It will take more time to learn Bubble , but the platform allows you to work with the backend, databases, business processes, and layout. There are many plugins. The free plan allows you to master the tool, and you can start developing at the middle rate. The price increase is due to the rise in the number of users. Integromat It is an integrator. Experts talk about it as a simple and affordable platform for linking applications and services. Scenarios can be created personally, or you can use templates. If you need to connect an application with a service not from the Integromat database, fill out the form and connect to its API via HTTP. Zapier This is an integrator for linking applications with each other or with other external services. You can transfer data between thousands of applications. There is a script constructor (one event starts a chain of necessary actions). Directual The no-code platform positions itself for creating MVP applications (Minimal Viable Product, minimum viable product) and full-fledged applications of finished products. Scenarios are the backbone of the platform. Using scripts, you can automate the backend logic of the application, create and combine workflows. The Directual catalog includes out-of-the-box connectors, HTTP requests, webhooks, database listeners, and integration with popular services. AppMaster.io No-code next-generation platform for creating native and web applications on a real backend. Visual drag-and-drop designer, user-friendly business process designer, one-click app publishing to AppMaster Cloud, or integration with any cloud platform. Push notifications, authorization using social networks. Networks, email, and more. Connect applications to hundreds of services or programmatically access them using APIs. The ability to upload source code and documentation in a human-readable format and transfer it to your servers. Documentation auto-generation. Modern and fast language GoLang at the core. No-code perspectives for startups No-code development is gradually gaining popularity around the world. There are already more than 500 no-code tools for creating websites and various types of applications. According to the forecasts of IT world experts, no-code will develop more and more actively and capture parts of the market responsible for medicine, small online business, small business, and all niches where it is possibly necessary to optimize and automate development processes. The mass shift of businesses and their customers online and to gadgets has increased the demand for the fast and inexpensive creation of mobile applications that would work according to a single quality standard and have a simple, understandable, user-friendly interface. Conclusion No-code is visual programming in the form of a constructor without directly writing code. Usually, basic knowledge in development is enough to build applications on no-code. The logic of no-code constructors is intuitive: the application interface is assembled from blocks, icons, buttons, and text which are connected to the database. Usually, you can choose a suitable template or do everything from scratch. Speed and economy are the main advantages of no-code tools. No-code is suitable for creating an MVP, testing an idea or new features in a product, saving time for solving standard tasks. PRO level no-code platforms can provide you with a finished product, an application. If you don't have an account on AppMaster.io yet, join us. After registration, you will be given a free trial period for 14 days, in which all the basic functionality of the platform is available. It will allow you to learn the intricacies of working with a professional-level no-code platform and understand its potential. Rowan Williams at The New Statesman: This is the backdrop against which Rod Drehers already much-discussed book appears (the New York Times columnist David Brooks has called it the most important religious book of the decade). Its argument is simple. For conservative religious believers, the battle on the political field has largely been lost; there is no point in wasting energy on forming coalitions to challenge or change legislation. What is needed, instead, is to develop a more densely textured religious life, in which regular patterns of communal prayer and intellectual and spiritual development will keep alive the possibility of inhabiting a nourishing, morally rich tradition. Christians ought to be more like Orthodox Jews or conscientious Muslims: living visibly at an angle to the practices of contemporary society. This will demand a distancing from the assumptions of capitalism and the all-powerful market, and it will indeed entail the risk that Christians will find themselves de facto excluded from some professions. Dreher an Eastern Orthodox Christian and a prominent conservative blogger in the United States is sharply critical of a Christian rhetoric that ignores the evils of public acquisitiveness and selfishness while castigating personal delinquencies. He points to the tradition of monasticism as a model for developing alternative community patterns hence the reference to Benedict and invites a close reading of the saints precepts for monks as a guide to the practical challenges of living in close quarters with others. What lies in the more distant social or political future is not for us to see; but for now, what we need is a community life that seeks to live and worship with integrity and hopes to attract and persuade by the quality of its mutual care and the fulfilment of its members. more here. Kate Aronoff at Harper's Magazine: At first glance, it might be easy to pass Debbie Dooley off as a political sideshowa novel and energetic bundle of contradictory beliefs, topped with curly blond hair and a Bayou drawl. During the Republican primary, she wrote op-eds for Breitbart News supporting Donald Trump. She is frequently billed as one of the founders of the Tea Party, and she holds a spot on the board of the Tea Party Patriots, an organization founded to push the Republican Party closer toward its fringe on every issue from taxes to immigration. She is also one of the countrys most effective grassroots campaigners for clean energy. Dooley is the co-founder of Floridians for Solar Choice (F.S.C.), a coalition that has been instrumental in implementing pro-solar policies in the Sunshine State. Last August, they convinced 73 percent of voters to pass a statewide ballot initiative known as Amendment 4, which exempted solar panels from being factored into the property taxes paid by homeowners and businesses. Then, in November, F.S.C. helped defeat Amendment 1, a measure lobbied for by the states biggest power providers that would have restricted the use of rooftop solar panels. Energy companies and dark money donors had poured $25 million into attempts to defeat Amendment 4, and another $20 million into trying to pass Amendment 1. In both cases, Dooley took on the Koch Brothers and won. more here. A new Alzheimer's screening initiative could make Columbus, Ga., a focal point in the fight against the disease. A meeting recently launched the three-year citywide Columbus Memory Project, which is intended to screen residents for the neurological illness. Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson endorses the project, saying it will make Columbus the world's first city to screen every senior citizen for memory loss. It also enjoys support from state and local chapters of the Alzheimers Association. Neurologist Jonathan Liss of the Columbus Memory Center is spearheading the project, funding it with $100,000 of his own money. The project has recruited 1,600 people so far and ultimately hopes to test 20,000 area residents age 65 and older for memory loss and genetic risk, and offer them free yearly memory testing. Adults 55 to 75 are eligible for the genetic screening tests. Participants over age 65 can take the memory tests with the goal of providing them with a "memory number" that will then be monitored to watch for decline, with the hopes of identifying cognitive impairment early and fighting its advance. While no medical cure for Alzheimer's is available, project participants can choose to be connected with clinical trials and given information on how to potentially slow progress of the disease. As part of the project, Ask the Doctor town halls will be offered on a regular basis to address memory-related questions. The DNA test detects whether a person has the ApoE e4 gene, which raises the chance of having Alzheimers disease, although having the gene does not guarantee that the person will develop the condition. Study participants who want to find out their gene status are required to meet with a certified genetic counselor via Skype to verify that they are emotionally stable enough to learn about their genetic risk. It is possible that Alzheimers disease will be cured in our lifetime; medical science is that close to a meaningful breakthrough, Mayor Tomlinson said in a statement. By learning more and participating in this study, Columbus can be cure city. We are going to assist this public health, nonprofit effort by spreading the word of how our citizens can help themselves and help chart a course to a cure. Critics note potential issues, including medical risks associated with clinical trials and the emotional impact of early screenings. One of the things about screening is that it tends to lead to subsequent testing, Gilbert Welch tells WebMD. He is a professor of medicine at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Research in Hanover, N.H. For real people, suddenly that starts to involve real anxiety and real money, which comes out-of-pocket and only adds to anxiety. An estimated 5.4 people are living with Alzheimers disease in the U.S., and some 3.2 million of them are women. That means women receive two-thirds of all diagnoses and researchers still dont yet know why. Longtime Alzheimers advocate Maria Shriver, whose famous father, Sargent Shriver, died from the disease in 2011, is on a mission to make women aware of the gender gap and to help science target its cause. Shriver, 61, calls it the ultimate womens empowerment issue. To that end, shell kick off her second countrywide Move for Minds event on Sunday, June 4. In partnership with Equinox gyms in eight cities, shes hoping for 1,200 participants, each of whom pledges to donate or raise at least $250 for the Womens Alzheimers Movements Cure Alzheimers Fund. Shriver founded the organization in 2015 to support women-based Alzheimers research; its raised more than $50 million for research into factors behind womens higher risk. (The medical community now generally agrees that the gender disparity is not only the result of women living longer; something else is at work.) Gyms in Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington and Irvine, Calif., will host the three-hour fundraisers, starting with special one-hour Move for Minds exercise classes. Theyll include cardio workouts regular aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and movements that are meant to spark additional neural activity in the brain, such as using your left hand to do what youd usually do with your right. The theory is that by breaking from established patterns you can create new pathways in the brain that may ward off dementia. The $250 each participant is asked to contribute all of which will go to the cause comes either from their own pocket or, in most cases, through the sponsorship of friends and family (you get a fundraising page when registering, so you can request sponsorship electronically). Participants need not be a gym member to attend. Registration is online at Move for Minds. Support the effort without attending on the charitys site. Shriver is hoping the event will draw millennial women, many of whom are or will become their parents most likely their moms caregivers. And, as the event will make clear, establishing healthy habits in your 30s, 40s and 50s is likely to help lower your risk of developing Alzheimers later in life. You leave empowered with really useful information, says Sandy Gleysteen, executive producer for Shriver Media and Move for Minds. Its three hours that we say can change your life. And its super fun. In Maine, about 8 percent of babies are born to women who are addicted to opioids and other drugs, according to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The number of children raised solely by grandparents in that state rose 24 percent between 2010 and 2015. Nationwide, more than 2.6 million people are raising grandkids, according to census data. That number is rising rapidly as more parents are jailed, are forced into treatment centers or die from overdoses, according to testimony at a recent aging committee hearing. Families Overwhelmed The epidemic "is overwhelming many families and child welfare systems," said Jaia Peterson Lent of Generations United, a Washington-based advocacy group cofounded by AARP, at a Special Committee on Aging hearing last March. "Suddenly [grandparents] are forced to navigate complex systems to help meet the challenges of the children who come into their care, often after experiencing significant trauma." Livengood said her daughter started using opioids to deal with pain from a difficult childbirth. Soon she and the baby's father were deep into addiction. "They both have been incarcerated," she said. "My daughter has been in a treatment program. They weren't in a position to care for Francis." It's an all too common story across America. In Pennsylvania, "103,000 children are in the care of grandparents or other relatives. Experts point to opioids as a major driver of the growth of that number," said Sen. Bob Casey (Pa.), the ranking Democrat on the Special Committee on Aging. Mary Nunley, 73, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, is caring for two great-granddaughters, 13-year-old McKinley and 10-year-old Brooklyn. "My granddaughter was involved with a lot of drugs and eventually became a heroin addict," Nunley said. The children survived emotional and psychological trauma, Nunley said, including witnessing a suicide attempt by their mother. Nunley and her husband became the legal guardians of the children in late 2015. "We knew somebody had to stand up for those children," she said. But in February her husband died, reducing Nunley's Social Security benefits from just over $1,000 a month for the couple to $781 for her. Utah provides $399 a month as a caregiver's stipend. "That helps. It buys shoes and a ticket to the movies now and then," she said. Nunley admits the strain of parenting school-age children while in her 70s can be exhausting. "You do it because you love them, and you want them to have a good life." The trade group representing most opioid manufacturers, PhRMA, did not return calls for comment. Purdue Pharma said in a statement, "The opioid crisis is among our nation's top health challenges," and the company is committed to being "part of the solution." The teaching in medical school used to be that opioid medication is not addictive as long as it is given to someone in legitimate pain something we now know not to be true, says Vivek Murthy, who left the job of U.S. surgeon general in April. It did not help that in 2009 the American Geriatric Society encouraged physicians to use opioids to treat moderate to severe pain in older patients, citing evidence that they were less susceptible to addiction. Though the society revised those guidelines, the myth persists. "Many doctors still think seniors can't get addicted," Kolodny says. Last August, then-Surgeon General Murthy wrote a letter to every doctor in America. "Nearly two decades ago, we were encouraged to be more aggressive about treating pain, often without enough training and support to do so safely," the letter said. "This coincided with heavy marketing of opioids to doctors. Many of us were even taught incorrectly that opioids are not addictive when used as pain relief. The results have been devastating." The CDC issued guidelines last year recommending that doctors drug-test their patients before and during opioid therapy, to ensure that the medications are taken properly. But doctors still overprescribe. A 2016 survey by the nonprofit National Safety Council found that 99 percent of physicians prescribe opioids beyond the dosage limit of three days recommended by the CDC. Thoma had no trouble getting opioids. "I could get them from different doctors, and there was no communication between them about what they were prescribing," she says. "You could get it fairly easily." In eight years, she lost her job and home and went bankrupt. Finally, she forced herself to stop. "I was very, very sick. My mind was not right for a long, long time." Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, is the latest locality to embrace technology in helping people decide where to go for dinner. Yelp, an online platform that publishes local business reviews, now offers a health inspection score for restaurants there, along with 20 other states and localities across the country. The Yelp Local Inspector Value Entry Specification (LIVES) program, launched in 2013, allows government entities that conduct restaurant inspections to share their data. Mecklenburg is the latest county to join the state of Florida; Los Angeles County; Louisville, Ky.; Fort Worth, Texas; Anchorage, Alaska; and many other areas participating in the program. Yelp was inspired to launch the health score initiative after Los Angeles County required restaurants to post A, B or C letter grades on score cards at restaurants. After two years there was a 13 percent reduction in hospitalization due to food-borne illness in the area, according to Yelp's vice president of public policy Luther Lowe. Results of the study were published on the National Institutes of Health website. LIVES launched in San Francisco, where Yelp incorporated pop-up alerts of businesses that had health score listings in the bottom 5 percent. As a result, low-performing restaurants began improving in follow-up inspections. After that success, Yelp began working with departments of health inspections across the country to take open data and make it user-friendly for its mobile and desktop platforms. "While the data already existed on city and county government websites, it was often hard to find and interpret for the average person. We take the data that is out there and put it in a context that makes sense and makes it easily ingestible," Lowe says. Yelp says it has received positive feedback from consumers, and that it is exploring expanding the project nationwide with a partner organization. Currently it is focusing on cities with large populations. "I'm looking for data sets that allow as many people as possible to benefit from the feature," Lowe says. Yelp says that nearly 25 percent of its users are age 55-plus. LIVES seems to be unique in the field of business review platforms. Restaurant booking and review site Open Table does not currently offer health scores, nor does food lover hot spot Chowhound. TripAdvisor users can see a traveler ranking in each destination based on the quality, quantity and recency of traveler reviews, but no official health grades. A full list of cities with Yelp health scores is available here. | Realizing that seriously ill patients often do better when they can stay in their own homes and receive coordinated and personalized treatment, growing numbers of health plans, physicians and medical facilities are offering pre-hospice, home-based palliative care to their patients. Home-based plans typically integrate multidisciplinary care teams that include physicians and nurses, social workers, mental health professionals and chaplains who visit patients in their homes and offer tailored treatment plans focused on improving quality of life. The results can benefit patients and their caregivers and are cost-effective for the health care system, according to experts. Priority Health, which has nearly 800,000 members in Michigan, runs health benefit options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. About five years ago, Priority Health established the Tandem365 initiative, through which a multidisciplinary team provides free care to patients who are seriously ill and unable to seek outside medical help due to cost or immobility. The initiative has shown promising results, including: a 38 percent decrease in inpatient stays a 52 percent decrease in emergency department visits a 35 percent decrease in total cost of care 46 percent fewer specialty care visits Palliative care combined with traditional care Most people lump palliative care in with hospice, but there are distinct differences between the two, says Greg Gadbois, Priority Health's medical director. With palliative care, curative care is also OK. The big goal is to have that discussion with the patient of: 'What is important to you? What do you want us to do, or what dont you want us do?' Most say they want to be home with their family and in peace. Palliative is the low-tech, high-touch opportunity to learn what the patient wants and needs." Having a home-based team also offers a new level of understanding for a patients situation, he says. For doctors, they see a patient in their office for 20 minutes and dont get a full picture. Im a family doctor, and when elderly patients come to see me, they are dressed in their Sunday best and will say that everything is fine. They want to impress their doctors. But in home settings, you cant hide those issues and problems. Members of a palliative care team may see that the patient is in financial trouble and deciding between paying for medications or their heat bill. Or that the patient is a hoarder with a fall risk when walking through the house. These social determinants of health can provide important context to their overall health care plan, Gadbois says. Palliative care also offers medical professionals the opportunity to discuss risks and benefits of traditional treatment plans, Gadbois says, noting that a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that lung cancer patients who received early palliative care lived longer than those who didnt. It speaks to the fact that some treatment can be pretty toxic. Stereotypes remain that palliative care means giving up on extending life, but that perception is changing with increased use of the programs, Gadbois says. Retraining doctors to talk to their patients about end-of-life options is crucial. "We never received training on end-of-life discussions, and we are not comfortable talking about it. Death is seen as a failure. But the end is part of our journey. It is important to do a good job helping the person to transition from this world to the next with as much dignity as possible. While the pay could be better, benefits of teaching out of this world columns Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call(WASHINGTON) -- Former FBI Director James Comey is headed to Capitol Hill next week to share details of his conversations with the president as part of the Senate's Russia probe. Comey will testify next Thursday, June 8, before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russias meddling in the 2016 election, including any possible coordination between Trump campaign associates and the Russian government. The Senates main inquiry is the nature of Comeys encounters with President Donald Trump and whether the former head of the FBI took contemporaneous notes of their meetings. One such memo reportedly written by Comey, leaked following his firing on May 9, detailed a conversation Comey had with the president in which Trump asked Comey to "let go" the FBI's investigation into his former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Trump said last month he was planning on firing Comey and was thinking of Russia when he ultimately made his decision. When I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, 'You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story," Trump told NBC News in an interview. He also revealed to Russian officials during an Oval Office meeting that he firing Comey, whom he referred to as a nut job, eased the pressure from the Russia investigation, according to The New York Times. Trump has maintained he's not under investigation and that there was no collusion between his campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. The president has also dismissed the various Russia probes as a "hoax" and "witch hunt." Comeys hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on June 8, followed by a closed-session hearing in the afternoon. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Share Purchase Plan - Offer Letter Sydney, June 1, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - DroneShield Limited ( ASX:DRO ) ( DRSHF:OTCMKTS ) ("DRO" or the "Company") is pleased to offer eligible shareholders the opportunity to apply for new, fully-paid ordinary shares ("Shares") in the Company ("Offer") under a Share Purchase Plan (the "SPP"). Funds raised under the SPP will be used towards the following. - Further development of the Company's existing drone security products to meet specific customer requirements (such as portable carried detection units and others). - Development and integration of additional detection and countermeasure technologies, to enable the Company to be a prime counterdrone integrator to militaries, civil infrastructure and other customers. - Rollout of new products, such as DroneSentry (with an integrated detect and defeat capability). - Expansion of the Company's sales and marketing effort globally. - Potentially taking advantage of licensing and M&A opportunities in the Company's industry that may present themselves in the future. - General working capital. The SPP is underwritten by Patersons Securities Limited ("Underwriter") up to the amount of $1,000,000 ("Underwritten Amount"). The Underwriter is also acting as Lead Manager to the Offer. The SPP provides the opportunity for eligible shareholders to subscribe for up to $15,000 worth of Shares (under a range of amounts) without incurring brokerage or other transaction costs. The issue price will be determined at the issue date of Shares under the SPP based on a 20% discount to the volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of Shares traded on the ASX during the 5 days immediately prior to the issue date of the Shares under the SPP. The Directors have determined that offers under the SPP will be made to eligible shareholders, being those who are the registered holders of Shares as at 7:00pm (Sydney time) on 31 May 2017 ("Record Date"), and whose address in the Company's register is in Australia or New Zealand. The Directors reserve the right to expand the size of the SPP (subject to ASX Listing Rules) or scale back SPP acceptances at their discretion. Additionally, the Company may, in consultation with the Underwriter, elect to undertake a placement of additional shares at the same price as those under the SPP ("Top-Up Placement"). The maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Top-Up Placement is equal to the Company's placement capacity under Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A which is currently 34,787,748 Shares. Full details of the underwriting and Top-Up Placement can be found in the offer document to shareholders. Peter James, DroneShield's chairman, commented: "The Company is currently in a number of bid and other sales processes with a number of customers, including a number of governmental customers globally. Customer requirements vary, and some include the need for integration of multiple detection and defeat methods into the Company's products. This underwritten SPP will allow the Company to develop its products further in order to meet the evolving customer requirements and thus position DroneShield as a prime counterdrone security contractor, with a multi-product detect and defeat capability that is based on multiple detection and countermeasure methods." To view the full details, the SPP terms and conditions and the Application Form for eligible shareholders, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/W0CQV0TG About DroneShield Ltd DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (OTCMKTS:DRSHF) is an Australian publicly listed company with its head office in Sydney and teams in the US and UK. We specialise in RF sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Sensor Fusion, Electronic Warfare, Rapid Prototyping and MIL-SPEC manufacturing. Our capabilities are used to protect Military, Government, Law Enforcement, Critical Infrastructure, Commercial and VIPs throughout the world. Through our team of primarily Australian based engineers - we offer customers bespoke solutions and off-the-shelf products designed to suit a variety of terrestrial, maritime or airborne platforms. DroneShield is proudly exporting Australian capability to customers throughout the world and supporting Australia's defence, national security and other organisations protect people, critical infrastructure and vital assets. . Distribution of company announcements to the professional platforms, finance portals and syndication of important corporate news to a wide variety of news aggregators and financial news systems. Following a year of record growth, Gatwick has also been officially recognised as a carbon neutral airport - the first in London - through its use of 100% renewable electricity and Gold Standard carbon credits to offset ground fuel emissions. The award, from ACI Europe, means that Gatwick Airport Ltd completed Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3+ in 2016 for all ground operation emissions that the airport controls including fuels, electricity and business travel - having achieved Level 3 for the preceding three years. The airport also today published its progress against ten ambitious environmental and community-focused targets that it set itself over the 10 years from 2010 to 2020. Results in the airports Decade of Change report for 2016 include: 5% reduction in annual carbon emissions from fuel and energy 2.6% drop in annual energy consumption per passenger Zero untreated operational and commercial waste to landfill Continued operation well below annual mean air quality limits for both NO2 and PM10 55% of Gatwick employees from local area and 139 million spent with local suppliers 43 community events sponsored and 168 local causes funded This years Decade of Change report also highlights a range of innovations that have helped Gatwick to grow more sustainably, including building a new world-leading waste processing plant, working with our partner Airport Taxis to bring Tesla electric taxis to Gatwick, becoming the UKs first Autism-Friendly Airport and establishing a noise management board to examine ways to alleviate problems communities experience in relations to noise. Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport, said: We consider sustainability as critical to our future as a successful airport and the news that we are now a carbon neutral airport shows just how far we have come since independent ownership in 2009. We want to become the most sustainable airport in the UK and I would like to thank all the staff on the airport who have helped to get us this far. Our Decade of Change strategy is really driving our sustainability performance and todays results show that we are successfully balancing growth with a reduced environmental footprint, while also contributing to the community and thriving local and national economies. Im already looking forward to celebrating more positive news on this front in the near future. Olivier Jankovec, Director General, Airports Council International Europe said: London is Europes most popular destination by air and it is great to see Gatwick become the very first carbon neutral London airport by reaching Level 3+ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. It is also now the second busiest carbon neutral airport in Europe. I congratulate Stewart Wingate and all the hardworking team at Gatwick on this significant moment in the Decade of Change strategy and the extraordinary range of initiatives and activities they have undertaken to address the CO2 emissions at the airport. Niclas Svenningsen, Head of the Climate Neutral Now initiative at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat in Bonn, said: Gatwick is a very recognised brand in air transport serving an iconic city, so we are very encouraged to see them become the first carbon neutral London airport following several years of sustained and diverse efforts to achieve this. We congratulate the team there and hope that others will take inspiration from their example. Gatwick achieved carbon neutral certification for 2016 through its use of 100% renewable energy (since 2013) and offsets for the remaining carbon emissions generated by the airport in 2016 (11,425 tonnes Scope 1, residual Scope 2 and Scope 3 business travel emissions) comprising Gold Standard carbon credits for the Kar-demir Bozyaka wind farm project in Izmir province, Turkey (see case study below). The Gold Standard credits were purchased through Carbon Clear, a world-leading specialist in low carbon markets and solutions. Mark Chadwick, CEO Carbon Clear said: We are delighted to be working with Gatwick Airport. We find that companies leading the way in sustainability offset their emissions as part of a well thought through and holistic approach, such as Gatwicks Decade of Change plan. Gatwicks support of a carbon credit project facilitates growth in a fledgling renewable energy market while helping reduce the airports environmental impacts. At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed and six others injured in retaliatory firing by Indian Army in the Bhimber and Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Sources in the Army told that the firing was done in retaliation to Pakistans constant violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control. An Indian Army person was quoted saying by the agency that India is retaliating strongly to Pakistan. The Indian army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on, he said. Earlier in the day, one civil General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed and two others, including a Border Security Force (BSF) head constable, were injured in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army at Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The injured have been referred to the GMCH, Jammu, Harun Malik, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch had told the agency. Earlier in the day, the Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Naushera and Krishna Ghati sectors, to which the Indian Army posts retaliated strongly. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat held a meeting in Jammu and Kashmir and discussed issues of logistics improvement, mobilisation and security review on LoC area. Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday summoned deputy Indian High Commissioner J.P. Singh and lodged a protest over ceasefire violation along Line of Control. The Director General South Asis & SAARC Dr. Mohammad Faisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. J.P. Singh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces on 1 June, 2017 at 0715 hours, on the LoC in Battal, Jandrot and Kotli sectors, resulting in the shahadat of 1 civilian, Mr. Ghizar Ahmed and injuries to 4 others including 3 women (Mr. Jamil Akmal, Mst. Sana, Mst. Asma, Mst. Fareha) in Battal sector and shahadat of 1 civilian, Mr. Fazal Hussain and injury to one other, Mr. Jamil Ahmed in Kotli sector, an official statement said An air strike on Islamist terrorists holed up in a southern Philippine city has killed 11 government troops, the armed forces said on Thursday, in a major blow to the countrys bid to end its biggest internal security crisis in years. The bombing accident happened yesterday when one of two planes bombing rebel positions missed its target in the heart of Marawi City, where ground troops have been battling pro-ISIS terrorists holed-up in buildings for nine days. The incident came during what was the first offensive deployment of fixed-wing aircraft in the nine-day operation, aimed at flushing out the Islamist gunmen who have defied expectations by clinging on through days of ground assaults and helicopter rocket attacks. Sometimes in the fog of war a lot of things could happen. Accidents happen, like this, Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a news conference. Its very sad to be hitting our own troops, he added. There must be a mistake somewhere, either someone directing from the ground, or the pilot. The Maute group has been a fierce enemy of a military with superior firepower and greater troop strength. The government is concerned that the groups brazen attack and its resilience could strike a chord with the ISIS leadership in the Middle East and win its endorsement as its Southeast Asian affiliate. The deaths of the soldiers takes the number of security force members killed to 38, with 19 civilians and 120 terrorists killed in the battles in Marawi over the nine days. Mr Lorenzana said terrorists who were Saudi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Yemeni and Chechen were among eight foreigners killed in the fighting, in what experts say is a sign the Philippines may have a major problem on its hands. An exodus of residents from mainly Muslim Marawi started on May 23, when the Maute rebels ran amok, torching and seizing buildings, stealing police weapons and vehicles, taking hostages, and freeing jailed rebels to rejoin their fight. The military added 21 armoured vehicles and a third battalion of troops to the operation on Thursday to put an end to the occupation. A lover boy Sabzar Ahmad Bhat turned to militancy after his girlfriends family snubbed his marriage proposal and ended the relationship. He was in love with a Kashmiri girl for a long time, they both wanted to marry but Bhat was very close to childhood friend Burhan, the Hizbul chief in Kashmir. Looking at the girls future, the family opposed to tie up them in marriage knot and the jilted boy joined militancy in anger with broken heart. He knew, he would be killed, and for him, life was just a matter of time. Sabzar, a childhood friend of Burhan Wani, became an important member of the Hizbul and escalated to commander after he managed to snatch a rifle from an armed forces officer during the protests that erupted when Burhan Wanis elder brother, Khalid, was killed. Sabzar Ahmad was educated with tech savvy persona. He is also known as Sab Don, has featured in videos and photos circulated by the group. Bhat was categorized as an A++ militant in Kashmir. He is said to have been extremely popular in Tral and although Hizbul did not make an official announcement, Sabzar was the operational chief after Zakir Rashid a.k.a Zakir Musa quit the group, a fortnight ago. After his killing, the Indian Army is believed to be collecting actionable input against several other active members of the Pakistan-backed terror outfits operative in Kashmir. Bhat was viewed as the brains behind the operation of the militant group, while another of Burhan Wanis close aides, Zakir Musa, looked after the tech side of things. Bhat had a reward of Rs. 10 lakh against his name and is believed to have received training on Indian soil. Bhat was in March 2017 trapped in a gunfight with security forces at his hometown in Tral. He escaped the following night, in the cover of darkness and with the help of stone-pelters. Besides attacks on panchs, sarpanchs and security forces, Sabzar is known to have killed civilians who were believed to be informers of the Indian armed forces. Four days after killing of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat in a fierce gunfight in South Kashmirs Tral, the hotbed of insurgency, the Army has now released the names of over a dozen dreaded terrorists, it is now looking for. The list carries the names and pictures of the militants along with the areas they are active in and the strikes carried out by them. Names of outfits and the militants ranks have also been shared. Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) chief operations commander Abu Dujana is a most wanted terrorist carrying over Rs. 15 lakh bounty on his head. Operating in the Kashmir Valley since last five years, Dujana replaced LeT operational commander and Udhampur attack mastermind Abu Qasim after security forces killed him in October 2015. Believed to be originally hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan, Dujana has been mastermind of most of the attacks on security forces in south Kashmir. Operating mostly in Pulwama district, Abu Dujana is also the mastermind of Pampore terror attack that killed eight CRPF men last year. Last year, Dujana had made several public appearances during protest rallies in south Kashmir. He had also made appearances during the last rites of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani at Tral. Riyaz Ahmad Naikoo is most likely to take over as the new Hizbul commander in the Kashmir Valley after the killing of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat. He is one of the oldest militants of Hizbul Mujahideen. Unlike the previous commander, Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, Riyaz Naikoo is technology savvy. The terrorist group may appoint him as commander to use his abilities to galvanize support for terrorism through social media networks. He carries a bounty of Rs. twelve lakh on his head. A native of Durbug in Awantipora district, Naikoo is considered to be a moderate among the radical Hizbul Mujahideen militants. He had released a video last year saying that he would welcome the return of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir. Riyaz Naikoos close associates Altaf Kachroo and Saddam Padder are also the local men, who are wanted by the Indian Army. Junaid Mattoo is currently the chief of the Lashkar-e-Toiba in South Kashmir. Educated and tech savvy, Mattoo is being closely watched by the Intelligence Bureau. Hailing from Kashmirs Kulgam town, Matoo was first seen in action when on June 4 a group of militants attacked a police station in Anantnag. He was also behind the attack on the BSF bus on June 3 in which three personnel were killed and seven others injured. The attack was carried out on the Jammu National Highway. Matoo carries a reward of Rs. 5 lakh on his head. All these young militant have their own agony, tragedies and sorrows of life and got trapped in wrong hands operating against India. They chose this path knowing or unknowingly but the end has to be meted with death. I hope, these killings can prevent other Kashmiri youth from choosing wrong path in life. I hope, they realize the worth of motherland and their own lives. (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) Reports circulating this morning [June 1] suggest that Amazon has launched direct air cargo flights between the US and China. The report, originating from the Xinhua news agency, suggests that the e-commerce giant has added flights from New York, Chicago and Los Angeles to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in the Henan province. The flights, the report claims, were carrying food, clothes and household appliances. However, reports involving Amazon should be treated cautiously, given the size of the company and its tight lipped approach to the press. In fact, all the sources Air Cargo News has spoken to, including some well placed people, have said that the reports are completely incorrect. Air Cargo News has approached the e-tailer for comment on the reports and is awaiting a response. We should also bear in mind that there is often confusion as to what exactly constitutes an air cargo service. For instance, Air Cargo News is often told by companies they are launching a new air cargo service when they have signed up to take block space on an existing service run by another carrier or have begun offering cargo space on an existing passenger flight from their parent. Another example is forwarders saying they have launched a new air cargo service from origin A to destination B, when in fact they have just agreed a space deal with an airline on a certain pre-existing routing. These subtle differences are more often than not picked up by the trade press, but the distinction is not always clear to local reporters that have minimal contact with the industry. This is also true of Amazon. In March, the Wall Street Journal published a story with the headline Amazon Plans Air Cargo Service for Chinese Customers referencing a new Chinese logistics site owned by the e-tailer. The report was quite vague on what exactly the service constituted, and admitted as much, but closer inspection of the Amazon logistics site suggested that these services would actually be part of a freight forwarding offering, rather than it actually flying an air cargo service itself. The reports from Xinhua news agency are most likely to be conformation that Amazons air cargo forwarding operation is now underway, rather than breaking news that the e-commerce firm has expanded its air cargo operation further and is actually flying aircraft between China and the US. On the other side, it should be considered that Amazon is known for pushing into new industries, including logistics. Two years ago, there cant be many people in the industry that would have thought the e-commerce company would have set up its own air cargo operations in the US and Europe. A quick inspection of flights departing the Chinese airport over the last 12 hours [from June 1] and the coming 12 hours showed that the only carriers heading to the US were National, Cargolux and Yangtze River Express. Cargolux had two flights leaving last night one heading to Chicago-Kuala Lumpur and occasionally Singapore and the other to Anchorage and then Chicago. Yangtze was also flying from the Chinese airport to Chicago via Anchorage and Shanghai. There were no direct flights to New York or Los Angeles at the time of looking. But whatever the reports do actually mean, the news again highlights Amazons continuing push into air cargo, logistics and forwarding and that it should be taken as a serious threat. Article updated on June 2 after feedback from sources Share this story May 31, 2017 Al-Azhar University is considered a beacon of centrist, moderate Islam in Egypt. But the university is still vulnerable to criticism and responds to any critiques with an eye on its public image. That may have been the case on May 17, when the dean of Al-Azhars Faculty of Dentistry in Assiut, Khalid Siddiq, accepted Abanoub Guirguis Naeem, a Christian student, for a residency training program. Naeem is the first known case of a Christian student enrolling at the university. Medical school graduates must complete a residency before they are allowed to practice professionally in public or private hospitals and clinics. Many private universities do not offer students the residencies they need to complete their certification, so students apply at hospitals run by government institutions such as Cairo University, Ain Shams University and Al-Azhar University. Naeem found himself in this situation when he graduated from Nahda University in Beni Suef. A doctor who graduated from Al-Azhar, asking to be identified only as T. Y., told Al-Monitor, Not all students who graduate from private universities and want residencies at Al-Azhar are accepted. As the number of applicants outweighs the university hospitals need and capacity, some students are rejected. He went on, The [decision] is based on the students grades, where they live and whether there is an agreement between the private university in question and Al-Azhar to take on medical residents. Al-Azhar may have deliberately accepted Naeem to show that its doors are open to all Egyptians in a way that doesnt violate the universitys regulations for its Islamic modules. Naeems admission came after parliament member Mohammad Abu Hamid called for Al-Azhars scientific colleges to be brought under the jurisdiction of Egypts Higher Council for Universities. In comments aired on Al Assema TV's call-in show Kalam Garayed on March 5, Abu Hamid said that doing so would allow all citizens, Muslim and Christian, to study secular subjects there. He said Christians should have the same rights as Muslims. Al-Azhar spokesman Abbas Shoman responded to Abu Hamids demand in a March 11 press statement: There is no text that prevents any Egyptian from studying at Al-Azhar, but the conditions for enrollment can only be met by Muslims. Will Christians memorize the Quran so they can study at Al-Azhar? That wont happen, so the education system at Al-Azhar is not suitable for Christians, as the conditions for enrolling are hard for them and we cannot remove the Islamic education modules or exempt Christians from having to take them. Speaking to Al-Monitor, Shoman said there was a difference between attending the university as a student and a resident. Organized study includes lectures and theoretical modules. It is hard for Christians to take part in, because besides scientific modules, students take religious modules such as Quranic studies, jurisprudence, Islamic law and doctrines, he said. But the residency is practical training in a subject the student has already mastered, and students joining the university for residencies dont study Islamic modules, he explained. Siddiq, the dean of Al-Azhars Faculty of Dentistry in Assiut, told Al-Monitor that under the colleges' regulations, residents enter school in early May. Naeem applied to the college for a residency, and he was accepted along with other students, he said. Siddiq said Naeem is not the first Christian student to take a residency at Al-Azhar, but he did not name others. Many Christians have taken part in training courses organized over the past few years, he told Al-Monitor. Nevertheless, Shoman championed his admission. In May 17 comments to MBC Egypts Yahduth fi Misr call-in show, Shoman said, Naeem was accepted for training at Al-Azhar thanks to the universitys transparency and its openness to all. For his part, T. Y. said Naeem was the first case of a Christian student being publicly accepted to the university. There may have been previous cases, but they were not made public, he said. The university administration did well to promote his case because it is a real message that Al-Azhar embraces all sects in Egyptian society without discrimination, which is the best response to Abu Hamids suggestion after he accused the university of rejecting Christians, whether intentionally or not. He went on, Naeem did well to get into Al-Azhar instead of being persuaded by negative propaganda saying he wouldnt be allowed in or would be rejected by his colleagues. Christian students may not have applied for internships at Al-Azhar because they believed they would not be accepted or maybe they felt awkward about the situation, especially given that the number of Christian trainers would be very limited. Asked about Abu Hamids proposal to bring Al-Azhar's scienctific colleges under central jurisdiction, T. Y. said, Im not against the suggestion as such, but it should have been made after discussion between the parliament and Al-Azhar, and it should have come from Al-Azhar itself. Coming from Abu Hamid and with the controversy surrounding the issue, it seemed like Al-Azhar rejects Christians and creates discrimination and that the parliament is trying to prevent that discrimination, and that is not true at all. Al-Azhar is facing attacks from many media and political figures. Al-Azhar may be using Naeem to respond to repeated criticism and improve its image. The last two years have seen media figures launch fierce attacks on Al-Azhars curricula. TV host Ibrahim Issa and religious scholar Islam Buhairi accused the university of encouraging terrorism, as its curricula include some traditional fatwas deemed extremist and condemn other religions. May 31, 2017 The coalition between Iranian moderates and Reformists appears to have been emboldened with the re-election of two prominent lawmakers as deputy parliamentary speakers. In an internal ballot on May 31, lawmakers re-elected moderate conservative Ali Larijani as parliamentary speaker while outspoken member of parliament Ali Motahari and Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian were again chosen to serve as the first and second deputy of the speaker, respectively. Ahead of the vote, rumors were spreading about Larijani having forged a deal with hard-liners to prevent Motahari, who has come under fire from conservatives on the far right about his outspokenness, from being re-elected as deputy speaker. As the rumors and conservative criticisms of Motahari heightened, some Reformist members of parliament claimed that the Rouhani administration had secretly agreed to remove Motahari from his deputy post. Of note, Motahari is the son of Ayatollah Morteza Motahari, one of the theoreticians of the Islamic Republic, and he is very popular among youths and Reformists for being outspoken. The rumors about the Rouhani administration having acquiesced to Motahari being removed centered on Mahmoud Vaezi, the minister of information and communications technology, and his alleged lobbying against Motahari in parliament. After widespread reports of this, Vaezi denied the rumors and announced his support for Motahari. I hope the Omid [Hope bloc] and independent [parliamentary] factions prepare the ground for the continuance of the presence of Ali Motahari as the deputy of the parliament speaker. As the deputy of the parliament speaker, he has had a good performance in the past year, and he played an effective role during the presidential campaigns in supporting Dr. Rouhani, Vaezi said May 30. The Omid bloc is Reformist, while the independent faction Vaezi noted refers to Larijanis supporters. The outcome of the May 31 vote was assuring for the moderates and Reformists, who were worried about seeing their coalition fall apart. Meanwhile, the hard-liners took their revenge on Larijani, who maintained his coalition with the Rouhani administration and the Reformists, by not voting for him. Abdullah Naseri, a Reformist analyst, said May 31, The decrease of Larijanis votes [in comparison to the internal ballot the previous year] was done by the radical current and the hard-line Endurance Front. They see Larijani as an obstacle in the way of their progress and were seeking to see him not being re-elected. He added, The coalition of Larijani and Rouhani is still alive. Noting Rouhanis victory in the May 19 presidential election and the necessity of naming new ministers for approval by lawmakers, Naseri stated that the president would have no problem with the parliament in terms of securing votes of confidence for his expected new ministers due to the parliamentary presiding board and the majority of parliamentarians now being in favor of the government. Meanwhile, referring to the possible candidacy of Larijani in the 2021 presidential election, Naseri said, If Larijani intends to come forward for the 2021 presidential election, which is unlikely in my view, protecting his logical and friendly relationship with Rouhani is important as it would help him [in the elections] and it would be a good asset for him. Naseri added that the current coalition between moderate conservatives and Reformists may reoccur in 2021, with Reformists making a surprise decision to support Larijani just like they backed Rouhani, who was then viewed as a moderate conservative, in the 2013 presidential election. June 1, 2017 CAIRO The Egyptian policy toward the Libyan crisis took a new turn following the attack on a bus carrying Copts in Minya province, in southern Egypt, on May 26 that killed 28 people, most of whom were children, and wounded 25 others. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi responded on the same day by ordering airstrikes against camps within the Libyan territories where militants responsible for attacks inside Egypt are believed to have been trained. Sisi promised in a televised speech on the evening of the attack that he would not hesitate to launch strikes against terrorist camps training militants to carry out operations against Egypt. Indeed, Egyptian army spokesman Tamer al-Rifai vowed to renew airstrikes, which took place on May 26-29. In October 2014, militants in the Libyan city of Derna pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi accepted their allegiance in an audio recording posted online. However, in April 2016, the IS militants withdrew from Derna following bloody clashes with fighters from Dernas Shura Council of Mujahideen, which includes Islamic militias, most notably al-Qaeda. Although Egyptian officials stated that Egypt is standing at the same distance from all political parties in Libya, Cairo publicly supports the Libyan National Army (LNA) commander, Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who visited Cairo on several occasions. Most recently, on May 13, Hifter headed to Egypt to discuss the political and security situation with Sisi. In addition, Egypt sent its Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mahmoud Hijazi to participate May 16 in a military parade organized by Hifter. Speaking at a joint conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, after the strikes on May 29, Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry defended his countrys right to strike back, asserting that militant training camps in Libya pose a direct threat to Egypt's national security. The attack on the Christians proved that Libyan militants were capable of targeting Egypt, he said. Egypt has also informed the United States that the perpetrators of the Minya attack were trained in Libya. The Egyptian delegation to the United Nations delivered May 27 a speech at the Security Council saying that the strikes were in self-defense, to avoid any international blame. The UN-backed Libyan reconciliation government objected to Egypt bombing Libyan territory. In this context, Maj. Gen. Zakaria Hussein, the former chairman of the Nasser Military Academy, told Al-Monitor that the Minya incident is an attack on Egyptian national security. Borders were infiltrated and defenseless citizens were targeted, he said, adding that Egypt had to launch these strikes in retaliation for what had happened. Hussein said that the strikes only aim to protect Egyptian national security from camps harboring terrorists and planning operations in Egypt. He noted that the strikes were based on accurate information and were strategically planned. In a press statement May 27, the Libyan air force, led by Hifter, a close ally of Egypt, announced that it took part in the Egyptian strikes that targeted the previously determined positions of militants in Derna, in eastern Libya. The air force said the operation was successful and that the targeted al-Qaeda terrorists lost many of their militants and munitions. The statement further said that the operation paved the way for the LNAs entry into the town of Derna, to liberate it from terrorists. Speaking on On Live channel May 29, the director of the National Center for Security and Strategic Studies in Egypt, Brig. Gen. Khaled Okasha, said that the strikes carried out by the Egyptian forces inside Libyan territory were legal according to international standards. These constitute a form of self-defense under Article 51 of the international law and were carried out in coordination with the LNA. Okasha also expected Egyptians to show more coordination with the Libyan side in order to tighten border control and eliminate terrorist organizations in Libya. He noted that Egypt will try to convince the international community that Libya poses a threat to the entire world by proving that the perpetrators of the Manchester bombing and the Minya attack were all trained there. He added that when Sisi announced launching the strikes, he made it clear to US President Donald Trump that terrorist groups are no longer a threat to Libya alone, but also affect the countries of the region as a whole, and therefore must be annihilated to keep Libya from turning into a haven for terrorism. With this, Sisi is calling on its US ally to provide international cover and political support to Egypt, giving it the freedom to carry out operations in Libya, according to Okasha. Abdel Sattar al-Hatita, a researcher specializing in Libyan affairs, told Al-Monitor that Egypt is playing a dual role in the Libyan crisis. It seeks to find a political solution and bring together the conflicting Libyan parties, while at the same time it supports the LNA, represented by Hifter, he said. Hatita pointed out that Sisi has called for lifting the arms embargo as the cornerstone for eliminating the terrorist threat in Libya, as expressed by Sisi on several occasions. The UN has imposed a ban on the export of arms to Libya since the Libyan revolution in 2011. However, US special envoy to Libya Jonathan Winer accused Egypt on Jan. 10 of sending weapons to Libya, which Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid denied. Hatita added that the Egyptian strikes were in favor of Hifters army, since they were not only limited to eastern Libya but also included areas in the south and the west such as Jufra, Hun and the Libyan Jabel Akhdar. He also expected the operations to expand to other areas where the armed groups are present. He said that Egyptian jihadis who have recently returned from Syria and fled from the Sinai Peninsula to Libya, are now trying to return to Egypt through the border to carry out operations inside. On May 29, Al-Hayat newspaper cited an Egyptian source as saying that the Egyptian army is determined to secure the western border through intelligence cooperation and coordination with the LNA. Speaking to Al-Monitor, political science professor at Cairo University Hassan Nafaa said the political leadership in Egypt only launched the strikes after it felt trapped. From the east, Wilayat Sinai, IS branch in Egypt, is highly active, and from the west, Libya continues to fail as a state in light of the increasing activity of extremist groups, namely IS, looking for a safe haven after suffering several defeats in Iraq and Syria. He said that Libya is of great importance to Egypt, since terrorist groups in Libya pose a direct threat to Egyptian national security. He noted, Cairo does not trust any political Islam movement and thus could not find a party to rely on in eliminating extremist groups except for Hifter. Egypt is keen on bringing together Libyan parties under one government and a single political leadership. Nafaa said that after the Arab-Islamic-American Summit in Riyadh May 21, Egypt might have felt that the United States gave the green light to act freely in the Middle East in light of Trumps stringent policy toward terrorist organizations. The [Egyptian] political leadership might have sensed that the UN Security Council will not discourage Egypt from targeting Libya, he said. He concluded, I think the current international and regional communities hit by terrorist attacks have become more convinced of Egypts strikes. June 1, 2017 On May 20, US President Donald Trump signed a deal unprecedented in scope to sell Saudi Arabia $110 billion worth of arms and military equipment and an additional $350 billion over the coming decade. The mammoth agreement, inked by Trump with the Saudis, did not cast a pall over the royal reception accorded to the presidential family in Israel. Its hard not to remember the Israeli reaction to the 1981 decision by President Ronald Reagan to sell the Saudis five Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). Back then, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin raised a stink, the pro-Israel lobby group American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington went into overdrive, and the media reported a severe crisis in Israels ties with the United States. So why has Israel, the great enemy of terrorism, changed its attitude toward Riyadh? After all, Saudi Arabia has not stopped backing Islamist, anti-Israel terror groups. Former President Barack Obama declared that the Saudis were disseminating radical Wahhabi ideology. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote that the Saudis were the main source of funding for al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other terror organizations. German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel demanded that the Saudis stop funding radical mosques. There are several explanations for the resounding Israeli silence regarding the US arms deal with its Arab neighbor, formally considered an enemy state of Israel. First, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have learned a lesson from the failure of the 1980s campaign against the AWACS. His right-wing government has no desire to run afoul of the quick-to-anger businessman-turned-president and to get in the way of such a lucrative deal. It could cost them a real estate deal namely an American demand that Israel freeze West Bank settlement construction which would threaten the future of Netanyahus coalition. One can easily imagine what a ruckus Netanyahu would have caused had Obama signed a similar weapons deal before coming to Jerusalem, then refused to visit the holy Jewish site of the Western Wall accompanied by the Jewish prime minister and delivered a speech (at the Israel Museum) that included lavish praise for the Saudi monarch, King Salman. Second, the Saudi weapons purchase is expected to boost the global arms industry, in which Israel has a major stake. A former senior defense official told financial daily The Marker that the intensive American interest in the Saudi deal was expected to spawn tenders for arms sales to other countries. Israeli entrepreneur Tal Mashraky, owner of the communications equipment manufacturer Acceleradio, which conducts projects for the Israeli and US militaries, said Israeli subcontractors working with American industries stand to gain a hefty commission from the Saudi deal. He also predicted that as compensation, the Americans might lift limitations on the sale of Israeli weapons to China. Herein lies a third explanation for Israels silence. Israel is hardly a light unto nations as far as the purity of arms deals go. Israeli-made military equipment and know-how obtained by various routes enable despicable regimes in conducting war crimes. In July 2015, Al-Monitor reported that Israeli-made weapons were being used by the South Sudanese army to kill civilians, set fire to villages, kidnap and sexually abuse women and girls, some of whom were burned alive in their homes. According to a Jan. 19 petition submitted to the Israeli Supreme Court by the attorney Itai Mack and human rights activists, the military junta in Myanmar is a good customer of the Israeli arms industry. Mack and the other petitioners claim they have proof of extensive ties between senior Israeli government and military officials, Israeli arms companies and the head of the junta in Myanmar. Reports by the United Nations and Harvard University researchers accuse the regime in Naypyidaw of committing crimes against humanity. Since last October, civilians have been murdered, disappeared and tortured, women and girls have been raped, and entire villages have gone up in flames. In September 2015, the heads of the junta came to Israel on a shopping spree at local defense industries, met with the president, the military chief of staff and heads of defense agencies and toured air force and naval bases. The head of the defense ministrys arms exports branch visited Myanmar last summer. Myanmars name graces the list of states planning to attend ISDEF, the defense, homeland security and cyber security expo opening in Tel Aviv on June 6. Other states accused of war crimes also appear on the list, including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria and Cameroon. Some are under international arms embargos. The organizers announced that defense deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars are expected to be signed at the event. In response to claims about invitations issued to representatives of dubious regimes, ISDEF said, We regret that there are those seeking to undermine local industries and to libel the largest international arms fair in Israel that will open its doors to 4,000 office-holders from abroad. Representatives of some 90 official international delegations, headed by ministers and top officials, heads of military and defense agencies, will come to arrange defense and business cooperation with Israeli companies, to be exposed to the Israeli defense industry and to learn from it, as well as [being exposed] to the most advanced innovations in the fields of defense and security existing in the world market today. All the international delegations are coming with full coordination and in accordance with the law. As the old saying goes, people who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones. That also explains the restrained style adopted by Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, the only senior Israeli official who dared speak out against the deal with the Saudis. The minister told Israel Army Radio, I'm not comfortable with the weapons race and acquisitions in huge Saudi Arabia." If only he could adopt this same restrained tone toward all Arabs, especially toward his Palestinian neighbors. June 1, 2017 On the heels of the re-election of moderate President Hassan Rouhani, Iranian hard-liners have once again launched a wave of attacks against the government. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is widely popular among Iranians for having reached the nuclear deal in 2015, has in recent days been particularly facing a series of accusations by hard-liners. Parliament member Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of the hard-line Endurance Front and also a part of the campaign of conservative presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi, claimed recently that Zarif had reached a deal with the United States to hand over Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in exchange for the lifting of remaining banking sanctions. Once the audio file of Nabavian's allegations went viral on social media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi denied the Endurance Front members claims and threatened to file a legal complaint against him. On May 31, Zarif himself reacted to Nabavians claims and described his statements as shameful. Zarif said that in light of his affection for and cooperation with the general, I will definitely pursue this issue legally, unless [he who made the allegations] formally apologizes or repents. On the same day, Nabavian held a press conference in which he reiterated his accusations. It has been said that I have claimed that they [Rouhani administration officials] have committed themselves to hand over Qasem Soleimani to the West. I have no secret document [in my possession about this], and all of these documents are declassified, Nabavian said, adding, After the [signing of the] JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action], the Americans said that if you want us to honor our commitments, you should implement the FATF [plan of action]. The outcome of this commitment is handing over people like Gen. Soleimani and many others. FATF, or the Financial Action Task Force, is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Group of Seven to develop policies to combat money laundering. Following the signing of the nuclear deal, Iran decided to agree to measures proposed by FATF to come off its blacklist a decision that has been met with harsh criticism from hard-liners. Meanwhile, Zarif also met with Soleimani in an apparent attempt to further rebut Nabavians statements. A photo was released May 31 of the Iranian foreign minister sitting next to the commander of the Quds Force. Nabavians allegations have also led to a backlash among some conservatives. Elyas Naderan, a prominent hard-liner and a senior member of Raisis campaign, wrote a letter to Nabavian on June 1, saying, Your [statements] upset many [figures], including Dr. Zarif, who has been described by the supreme leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] as a child of the [Islamic] Revolution. Naderan added that Nabavians explanation for his allegations wasnt enough and that he should thus correct his statements. Naderan also advised Nabavian not to provide the Rouhani administration with an opportunity to take political advantage of such actions. In another development, judiciary spokesman Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei said the destiny of the Green Movements leaders, who have been under house arrest since 2011, is in the hands of the Supreme National Security Council. He said, The duty of the judiciary is to enforce the decision of the Supreme National Security Council, and the judiciary still follows the [orders] of the Supreme National Security Council. Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, the two Reformist candidates in the 2009 presidential elections, were placed under house arrest in the wake of a series of protests claiming that the vote was rigged. Ejei also said the investigations into former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-13) have not been finalized. Ahmadinejad is alleged, among other things, to have spent government funds to bring along his family on one of his many trips to the UN General Assembly in New York. June 1, 2017 The long delayed battle to capture Raqqa is imminent after the United States formally announced that it has begun to arm the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), the coalitions premier ally in the war against the Islamic State in Syria. An official from the Syrian Defense Forces (SDF), the umbrella group that brings together the YPG and its Arab allies from the Syrian Arab Coalition (SAC), told Al-Monitor that the offensive will begin in the coming weeks. It's unlikely, but maybe even tomorrow [June 2], the SDF official said. The noose around Raqqa, the capital of the IS caliphate, has been tightening as thousands of YPG and Arab fighters advised by US special operations forces have encircled it from the north, the west and the east. They have now pushed to within about 2 miles of the mainly Arab city where IS will likely put up fierce resistance, as it has in Mosul in neighboring Iraq. One of the biggest decisions is how much of a physical US presence will be necessary to ensure that the battle is won and swiftly. Nicholas A. Heras, a Bacevich fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Al-Monitor, The coalition is asking a militia force with airpower to seize a city that is likely to be heavily contested by IS. That reality will demand a more hands-on US and coalition partner military presence with the SDF/SAC, and will put the coalition advisers on or near the frontlines. The liberation of Raqqa is already being touted as a huge strategic and moral victory against the militants, though some coalition officials air doubts about how decisive it will be. It's more like whack-a-mole [IS] will keep moving elsewhere, an official speaking on strict condition of anonymity told Al-Monitor. Some analysts closely monitoring the conflict agree that the offensive is nigh. Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Al-Monitor, Its time to go. The US has been planning this operation for well over a year but politics bogged down the start of it. Stein was referring to Turkey, a critical coalition ally, and its unremitting objections to the United States arming the YPG. Turkey insists that the YPG poses a threat to its national security because of the groups tight links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a Kurdish militia that has been fighting since 1984 for self-rule inside Turkey. The United States finally decided to take the leap, however, and last month President Donald Trump signed a waiver authorizing the Pentagon to directly arm the YPG only days before meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington. A US military spokesman in Baghdad confirmed that the US-led coalition has begun issuing arms and other equipment to the YPG. The New York Times reported that they have included small arms, ammunition, heavy machine guns and anti-tank weapons to use against heavily armed vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, or VBIEDs. In sharp contrast to its earlier bluster, Ankaras reaction has been one of resentful resignation punctuated by the occasional anti-American squawk. Veiled threats to rescind coalition access to the Incirlik Air Base have all but evaporated. And Turkeys lethal April 25 airstrike on YPG positions inside northern Syria that endangered US special forces in the area seems, in hindsight, to have been more of a one-off aimed at massaging nationalist domestic sensibilities. Still, Stein reckons that Turkish pressure made a difference in the equipment that is being provided to the YPG. Referring to anti-tank guided missiles, or ATGMs, Stein noted, It looks like the SDF has been given ATGMs that cant kill Turkish tanks but will be able to take out IS VBIEDs. He added, US special operations forces are also in the area and pictures suggest that they have the Javelin missile, so the US and YPG could be splitting ATGM duties. The Javelin is a US-made portable ATGM. The United States has pledged to track all the equipment it is providing to the YPG and to halt deliveries if they wind up in PKK hands or are used to target Turkey. A recent assertion by Jonathan Cohen, the deputy assistant secretary of state for Turkey, Cyprus and Greece, that the US alliance with the YPG is temporary, transactional and tactical will have also helped to ease Turkish jitters. While US officials have offered similar assurances behind closed doors, his words marked the first time any administration bigwig has defined the US-Kurdish relationship in quite such stark terms. Speaking at a panel organized by the Middle East Institute a day after Erdogans May 16 encounter with Trump, Cohen said, Weve not promised the YPG anything. His remarks had a cold-shower effect on the Syrian Kurds, who are demanding that their military prowess be rewarded with US recognition of their self-declared Democratic Federation of Northern Syria. The Syrian Kurds demand to know what comes post-Raqqa and what they will get out of all this. They're are not getting any clear answers from the United States, a member of the federation assembly told Al-Monitor on condition anonymity. This is a major question and is driving debates within the US government as we speak, said Stein. This question is more important, I would argue, than Raqqa. Raqqa will fall. But what comes after will drive the agenda for US-Turkey [relations] long after the weapons flows [to the YPG] stops. June 1, 2017 BAGHDAD As the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) continue their operations in the western areas of Mosul, some PMU factions reached the Syrian border May 29 and were met by Syrian army divisions on the other side of the border. According to the May 29 statements of Hadi al-Ameri, secretary-general of the PMU-affiliated Badr Organization, PMU forces are stationed in the Um Jaris village on the Iraqi-Syrian border, northwest of the Ninevah governorate. The forces announced that they intend to continue to control the Iraqi-Syrian border toward al-Qaim district, north of the Anbar governorate, stretching over 300 kilometers (186 miles). International coalition aircraft had previously bombed a convoy of the Syrian army and armed loyalists near the border triangle between Iraq, Syria and Jordan, according to Abu Alaa al-Walai, secretary-general of the Martyrs of Sayyid Battalions, affiliated with the PMU. The US aircraft bombed Friday night, May 19, PMU forces in the area of Abu Kamal, near the Iraqi-Syrian border, Walai said. As the Syrian government headed by Bashar al-Assad prepares to exert influence over the Iraqi-Syrian border with the help of its allies in Iraq and Iran, the opposition armed groups seek to do the same with the support of the international coalition. The border area between Iraq and Syria will turn into a conflict zone between the allies of Tehran and those of Washington. Ahmad al-Asadi, a PMU spokesman, told Al-Monitor, The PMU forces will mobilize to secure the Iraqi-Syrian border and then shut it down to prevent the infiltration of terrorist groups. Asadi expects a possible clash between the Iraqi regular forces supported by the PMU with what he called terrorist groups, controlling an area of 100 kilometers [62 miles] inside the Syrian border. If we do not attack these groups, they will simply attack us first. This is when the clash will occur as we will protect our border, as we believe that the presence of these groups inside the Syrian border will pose a threat to Iraq, Asadi added. On April 7, Al-Monitor published an article regarding Iraqs readiness to enter into the Syrian war. In the same vein, Wahhab al-Tai, adviser to the Iraqi interior minister, told Radio Sawa on May 15, Iraq will not only defend its borders from within but will reach some areas beyond its borders to prevent the infiltration of terrorist gangs, especially from Syria. There is security cooperation between Iraq and Syria in this regard, within the framework of the security quartet, which also includes Russia and Iran, Tai added. Iraq laid out a military plan to secure its border with Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said during a press conference May 9, Iraqs plan in the next phase is securing the Iraqi-Syrian border from terrorist groups. Iraqi national security adviser Faleh al-Fayyad, Abadis envoy to Syria and head of the PMU, confirmed to Almayadeen TV Feb. 8 that the PMU is securing the Syrian-Iraqi border. Fayyad also relayed a verbal message from Abadi to Assad on May 18 about joint cooperation to fight terrorism in both countries and to secure the border between the two countries. The PMU which is fighting alongside the Iraqi government forces seeks to reach and take control of the border between Iraq and Syria. This comes against the wishes of the United States. The movement of the Syrian government forces toward the southern border indicates that they intend to get close to the al-Tanf base located in the area between Syria, Jordan and Iraq, where the United States trains Free Syrian Army (FSA) elements. Retired Lebanese army Brig. Gen. Elias Hanna said in an interview with Al-Ghad Al-Arabi television May 12, The US wants to control the Iraqi-Syrian border. A member of the FSA media office told Almodan newspaper on May 19 that the Syrian government and Iran seek to control the crossings of al-Tanf and al-Walid to open a channel between Iran and Syria through Iraq. This would spell great clashes on the Iraq-Syria border. The United States wants to prevent any contact between Iran and the Syrian government that could facilitate the supply of arms from Tehran to Damascus through Iraqi territory, and this is why it exerts all possible efforts to prevent the PMU and the Syrian government from controlling the borders between the two countries. The borders between Iraq and Syria will not be turned into a safe zone anytime soon. This will be subject to major negotiations between the two concerned countries, as well as between the United States and Iran. The United States seeks to ward off all threats against its military base in al-Tanf and keep away all forces from the borders, except for the forces it backs. Iran also wants its allied forces to take care of the Iraqi-Syrian border issue because it still wants to open a land crossing linking Iraqi-Iranian borders in eastern Iraq to the Iraqi-Syrian border in western Iraq. This issue that Washington and Tehran have been fighting over will place Abadi in an embarrassing position. Abadi does not want to anger or marginalize the PMU, but he also does not want to lose his US ally, as he seeks to prevent the PMU from having the last say on the border issue. A military conflict over the Iraqi-Syrian border between the allies of Tehran and those of Washington is on hold now because of the ongoing military operations in Mosul. However, it seems this conflict is inevitable and likely to erupt after the liberation of the district of Tal Afar in the Ninevah governorate. The Swiss space company RUAG Space said today it will hire 100 people to open a new Decatur factory to support United Launch Alliance and hire more if its American venture succeeds. RUAG manufactures the enclosures or fairings used to cover satellites as they are launched into space. Today, it showed off a new plant to do that work located next to ULA, the company's main customer. RUAG Group CEO Urs Breitmeier said the company is reshaping its business to fit the new model of space exploration and commercialization. "We are somewhat in the birth of a global space industry," Breitmeier said. Breitmeier said the European equivalent of this plant has been in business for 70 years, adding, "We want to stay here for a very long period of time." Nearly 200 political, business, political and space industry leaders showed up for the tour, including NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May, U.S. Sen. Luther Strange and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks. There was little to see today as the facility is just in its beginning stages, but the massive space RUAG has under one roof at the ULA complex promises a potentially large-scale operation. U.S. Sen. Luther Strange, left, and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks wait to give remarks in Decatur on May 31, 2017 at the opening of RUAG Space's new rocket fairings plant. Brooks and Strange are competing for the U.S. Senate seat now occupied by Strange. The two greeted each other with smiles and handshakes but looked in different directions onstage. (Lee Roop/lroop@al.com) Brooks said RUAG will help develop all of America's space programs civilian, defense and government through its partnership with ULA. He credited cross-government cooperation for bringing business "diamonds" like RUAG to the region. "There aren't many places in the United States or in the state of Alabama where you've got competitors, arguably, sister cities and counties that work together like we do...," Brooks said. "Please, at the federal level, let us know if there's anything we can do to help." "What really strikes me is there'll be a hundred people working in this great facility," Strange said. "The best cure for poverty, the best cure for a lot of things that ail us is a good high-paying job in a great industry, and that's what's really happening here today." AT&T Alabama's President Fred McCallum will retire July 31 after nine years in the position. McCallum joined the company in 1987 working for South Central Bell, the Birmingham-headquartered telecommunications company that was eventually merged into AT&T. AT&T has not yet named a replacement for McCallum. McCallum is the current President of the Rotary Club of Birmingham. He has previously served leadership roles in organizations including the Business Council of Alabama, the Birmingham Business Alliance, the Birmingham Education Foundation, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation, The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and The Club. "I feel so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be associated with South Central Bell, BellSouth and AT&T over the last 30 years in the communications world," McCallum said in a press releases. "To be able to witness and be a small part of the many extraordinary innovations that have occurred during my career has been a great blessing." Main Street Alabama has selected Marion as its newest Designated Main Street community for commercial revitalization of its historic district. Later this summer, Main Street Alabama will unveil a new urban concept as part of a national pilot program. Marion, in Perry County, earned the Main Street designation after a five-month application process. Main Street Alabama will hold a kickoff event in Marion sometime in July, with a resource meeting in August. Mary Helmer, president and state coordinator of Main Street Alabama, said the program will begin providing Marion city officials with board development and training for work goals, market analysis, economic development strategies and technical assistance to get downtown development started. Marion, seat of Perry County, has a population of more than 3,600 and is home to Judson College and the Marion Military Institute. The birthplace of Coretta Scott King, the city has several historic districts and numerous historic buildings. Helmer said the program's interview panel was impressed with the "heartfelt community presentation" they heard, as well as a love of Marion "coupled with a vision." Marion joins Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Birmingham, Columbiana, Decatur, Dothan, Elba, Eufaula, Florence, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Heflin, Monroeville, Montevallo, Jasper, Opelika, Oxford, Selma and Wetumpka in the Main Street program. According to the program, the 20 communities have reported 373 net new businesses, 2,774 net new jobs and more than 45,000 volunteer hours since 2014. In addition, this summer will see the kickoff of UrbanMain, a pilot program in conjunction with the National Main Street Center. UrbanMain's first Alabama location will be announced later this summer. It is aimed at bringing some of the Main Street Alabama concepts to "highly competitive urban business districts." Helmer said the program will see urban districts as individual Main Street programs with different needs than the traditional program. Dionne Baux, director of urban programs for the National Main Street Center, said in a statement that Alabama will be featured as a leader in the program. "We are confident Main Street efforts will result in sustainable neighborhood commercial revitalization focused on community engagement, small business and job creation, urban design and residential vitality," he said. Birmingham-based data analytics firm XpertDox has won $50,000 in an entrepreneurial competition. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama sponsored the 2017 Alabama Launchpad L.E.A.P. Alumni Competition, which honors achievements of companies who have competed in previous Alabama Launchpad competitions. XpertDox won $40,000 in a Launchpad competition last year. XpertDox aims to provide information to patients with rare and serious condition by working with healthcare companies to connect patients with doctors and clinical trials worldwide. "Receipt of this award further validates our business model and reflects the community's support for emerging businesses," Dr. Sameer Ather, CEO and co-founder of XpertDox, said in a press release. "XpertDox is a dedicated resource for patients with rare and serious conditions, located in the heart of Birmingham's medical and technology center." The Alabama Attorney General's Office filed a response yesterday to a death row inmate's request for a stay from execution. The AG's Office filed their response Wednesday with the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, days after Robert Melson's attorneys asked that same court to stay Melson's execution until an appeal can be heard. "Melson's motion for a stay of execution pending his appeal is due to be denied. ... The claims that give rise to his appeal are virtually identical to the claims raised by co-plaintiffs Ronald Bert Smith and Christopher Eugene Brooks and rejected by this Court. Melson's claims do not lead this Court to a different result. As such, he cannot satisfy his burden of demonstrating that he has a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of his claims," the AG's filing states, referring to two other death row inmates who were executed. The document was filed by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Alabama Solicitor General Andrew Brasher. The document states Melson's claims are meritless and says he does not have a likelihood of success upon appeal. Therefore, the AG's Office is asking the appellate court to deny Melson's stay. Melson's attorney, John Palombi with the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Alabama filed a motion last week in the 11th District Court of Appeals asking for the execution to be stayed until a judge can review and rule on Melson's appeal regarding his challenge to Alabama's three-drug lethal injection method of execution. A lower court denied Melson's motion because it was filed past the deadline, records show. The AG's response filed Wednesday states Melson cannot establish any alternative to the state's three-injection execution method. It stated, "Finally, Melson cannot establish any of the other requirements for a stay of execution because he unreasonably delayed in seeking a stay and because the State and the victims in this case have a strong interest in carrying out Melson's sentence." Melson was convicted in Etowah County for fatally shooting three people, and injuring another, at a Gadsden restaurant in April 1994. Employees Tamika Collins, 18, Nathaniel Baker, 17, and Darrell Collier, 23, were killed in the shooting. Bryant Archer was the only survivor. "Archer told officers from the Gadsden Police Department that the other man was a black male, but that he was unable to identify Melson because both men were wearing bandannas over their faces. Archer was able to identify Peraita by his distinctive hairstyle," according to an appeals court document. The filing from Palombi seeking a halt to the execution stated a list of reasons why the stay should be granted, claiming Melson meets the standard for being granted a stay, would likely be successful on appeal, and that he is not required to suggest a three-drug alternative method of execution. The response filed by the AG stated, "Melson has been on death row for over twenty-one years for a crime he committed in 1994. His crime was particularly heinous, his conviction is valid, and a competent state court with jurisdiction over his case properly set his execution date according to Alabama law. At a minimum, this Court should strongly consider Alabama's interest in enforcing its criminal judgment in weighing the equities against the grant of a stay." Updated on June 5, 2017 to correct that Archer did not identify Melson to police. State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey recently signed legislation creating the Jefferson County Cemetery Board. The board will work to ensure for-profit cemeteries in the county are maintained, according to the bill, which was sponsored by state Reps. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, Mary Moore, D-Birmingham and Louise Alexander, D-Bessemer. Givan said she expects the board's seven members to be appointed by the Jefferson County delegation in the next few weeks. "We are going to try and move as quickly as possible," she said. The Jefferson County Cemetery Board will serve as a conduit for family members who have complaints about the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried. Once established, the board will set up a phone number, email address and website to receive complaints, Givan said. "People don't understand the strife that families go through," she said, when they learn their loved ones graves are unkempt, or when other problems arise at for-profit cemeteries. The board will provide some "oversight" to these cemeteries, Givan said. Givan said there are two or three blighted cemeteries in her Birmingham neighborhood alone. "If you pass by, no one is cutting them," she said. "Lots are overgrown. It is just a bad situation. This board will have seed money in place where they will be able to come in and get some of these things remedied." "If a property becomes abandoned, then there is money to get the cemetery grass cut," Givan added. What are the responsibilities of the Jefferson County Cemetery Board? The board will supervise the cleanup and maintenance of any neglected for-profit cemetery in the county. The board will coordinate with the sheriff's office to provide inmate labor to perform maintenance of any cemetery deemed a public nuisance. Before cleanup can occur, the board, through a hearing, must determine the private cemetery is a public nuisance. The board also has the power to file lawsuits against cemetery owners. The Jefferson County Commission will have no authority over the cemetery board. Cemeteries owned by religious organizations and family-owned private cemeteries are exempt. Who will serve on the Jefferson County Cemetery Board? The board will consist of seven members: Four will be appointed by the Jefferson County delegation of the state House of Representatives. Three members will be appointed by members of the Jefferson County delegation in the state Senate. The delegation, by majority vote, will appoint one of the members to serve as chair. How long will board members serve? Two of the initial board members appointed by the House and one member appointed by the Senate will serve two year terms. One member appointed by the House and Senate will serve three year terms, and one member appointed by each body will serve four year terms. After the initial term of each board member, the term of office for all board members will be four years. How will the board be funded? The cemetery board will be funded by revenue from pistol permits that are already allotted to the Jefferson County legislative delegation. The board will receive $50,000 the first year and $25,000 each subsequent year. Will board members receive compensation? No, board members will serve on a voluntary basis. Members will be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while conducting business of the board. Board members will meet quarterly. Reports children are sexually exploited emphasise need to ensure refugees are welcomed and receive same care offered to EU citizens. Syracuse, Italy Weve been in Sicily for a week now. My team and I first came to cover the G7 talks, in which US President Donald Trump successfully fended off an Italian proposal for all countries at the table to treat the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean as a humanitarian emergency. But we then stayed on to take a look at the crisis now. As it turns out, things are going from bad to worse. The Libyan coastguard, such as it is, is involving itself in rescues by boarding dinghies full of refugees and firing into the air and then robbing them, at least according to the victims and NGOs. READ MORE: Libyan coastguard opened fire at refugee boats: NGOs To add insult to injury, the rescuers themselves are now increasingly being blamed for making the crisis worse by being too good at saving people. Some bloggers in Italy started unfounded rumours that impeccable organisations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF) were being paid by the smugglers. Italian society, tuned in to institutional corruption, has decided this sounds likely and also assumes the government is in on it as a way of importing cheap labour and undercutting the jobs market. In the midst of this tidal wave of utter cynicism, my team and I went to visit a reception centre for young girls who are benefitting from a new Italian law that gives child care specialists more authority to look after them when they arrive. The law may have other effects as well. As it turns out, the teenagers you often see on footage being rescued or getting off the ships in Sicily are very possibly victims of forced prostitution. We conducted a series of interviews at the reception centre with teenagers who explained how female traffickers persuaded them to leave their homes in countries like Nigeria by promising them jobs. Once out of the country, they were threatened and forced into prostitution to pay off their debt, the figure invented by the traffickers. The experts at the centre said almost every girl getting off the boat from Nigeria will have been trafficked. by It isnt hard to imagine the fear a 15 or 16-year-old faces when the reality of this dawns on them. One tried to get out of Mali, but spoke no French and was dragged back to her locked room. The experts at the centre said almost every girl getting off the boat from Nigeria will have been trafficked. It appears the trafficking gangs have worked out that the thousands of people making the journey across the sea are ideal cover for running a child prostitution racket. So girls who are forced to lawless Libya are either gang-raped there or spared and put in a dinghy with a phone number on a piece of paper and told to call it on arrival. This way, they go into the hands of the gang members in Europe and disappear in Italy or further north. So, to be clear: Gangs are running child prostitution under cover of the refugee crisis. It seems to me several things follow from this. Firstly, those who say people from Nigeria should be sent back might want to consider the damage already done to children who are legally entitled to protection under international law. Secondly, Italy has made a brave move ring-fencing childrens rights by guaranteeing the same care to refugee kids as Italian ones. Other EU countries could do the same if they want to close down trafficking gangs, because once girls are in the care of reception centres the criminals can no longer reach them. And the girls hand over details of the traffickers to their carers. Think also about the US government, concerned at the G7 talks purely about migration as it affects security, rather than human rights. But mostly, think about the European Union working with Libya to keep refugees out. And imagine a young girl, terrified and abused, hoping Europe will look after her. The EU keeps saying it believes in the rule of law. Now is the time to show it. More than 200 anti-Trump protesters are facing felony charges that could land some in prison for 70 to 80 years. When Olivia Alsip travelled to the capital to protest against the inauguration of right-wing US President Donald Trump, she didnt imagine she would end the day behind bars and later face up to 80 years in prison. Thousands of people journeyed from across the US to Washington, DC, to protest on the first day of Trumps presidency, January 20. During the swearing-in, Alsip was among the more than 230 protesters arrested when officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) blocked off a large area and hauled off nearly everyone. I am wondering if my 24th birthday next week will be my last as a free person, she says by telephone from Chicago. Ive never in my life had such a painful and stressful experience. There are no words to convey the severity of this. Our experience in police custody [that day] was totally dehumanising. We were kettled, treated like animals and denied basic human rights and dignity, she recollects. People were forced to urinate on the streets and denied water and food. The arrests came after Black Bloc anarchists and anti-fascists clashed with police. Officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters. Anti-Trump chants were occasionally drowned out by the thuds of sound grenades and smoke bombs. Left behind was broken glass from the windows of cafes, restaurants and banks. Declarations of resistance marked the walls and pavements: Make racists afraid again, and F*ck Trump. Images of a limousine in flames later made it onto television screens and the front pages of news websites around the world. READ MORE: US anti-fascists can make racists afraid again On January 21, most of the 230 protesters and bystanders arrested the day before were charged with felony rioting, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $25,000 fine. But on April 27, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment which added additional charges for some 212 defendants, three of whom had not previously been charged. With new felony charges including urging to riot, conspiracy to riot and destruction of property, many of the defendants are facing up to 80 years in prison. Many other defendants, among them journalists, are facing more than 70 years. 2pm is my first court case since getting indicted. I'm facing 80 years in prison for an anti trump protest along with 200 other people. Youre only punk once (@dpetrohilos) May 19, 2017 A handful of defendants have made deals with the authorities and entered guilty pleas in exchange for significantly shorter sentences. But more than 130 of them have joined a Points of Unity agreement, a collective pledge to reject any potential plea deals and reject cooperation with the prosecutors that comes at the expense of their co-defendants. Last Friday, 21 defendants filed motions (PDF) to have their cases dismissed. Replying to Al Jazeera by email, MPD spokesperson Rachel Reid said: the arrests on Inauguration Day is the subject of pending litigation and the MPD has no comment. The US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia failed to respond to Al Jazeeras requests for a comment. Innocent until proven guilty is a falsehood For Alsip, the ever-present weight of the charges has already taken a toll on her life. Im pretty shocked by the impact its had on my personal life, she explains. It seems that innocent until proven guilty is a falsehood all the way from the prosecution and police to the people who had previously supported me in my activism. Its hanging over my head the entire time, which makes it really challenging. It hinders your ability to plan your life. More challenging still, she must travel from Chicago to the capital for each court hearing between now and her trial date in March. She says the legal and travel costs are placing an immense burden on the defendants. Most of us dont have a whole lot of money, she says, adding that she refuses to take a plea deal. Generally we are fighting the rich because we are economically or politically disadvantaged and dont have a lot of capital. She adds of protesting Trumps far-right policies: Communities like ours cannot [be silent]. Its a matter of life and death for some of us. The status quo is extermination and to be ostracised. If there is a time during my life when we need protest most, its now. Taylor, one of the defendants, spoke to Al Jazeera under a pseudonym due to fear of harassment by the alt-right on social media, explaining that several defendants have had their names, addresses and places of employment posted online. READ MORE: Kshama Sawant Anti-Trump protests a historic chance Speaking to Al Jazeera by email, Taylor says the charges aimed at stifling resistance. I was arrested when the police kettled the crowd, Taylor says, explaining that many protesters and bystanders were disoriented by pepper spray and stun grenades. The MPD closed off an entire city block and arrested everyone within that block. There was no order to disperse and no warning, Taylor recalls. It is no coincidence that this repression coincides with the first visible manifestation of resistance to Trumps regime. Taylors accusations that the police failed to give warnings were echoed in a report (PDF) published by the DC Mayors Office of Police Complaints. It concluded that less than lethal weapons were used indiscriminately and without adequate warnings in certain instances. Sam Menefee-Libey of the DC Legal Posse, an activist group that supports the defendants, describes the charges as specious and a blatantly politicised effort to deflect attention from the polices brutal force on January 20. Folks know that the carceral state is a defining fact of political life for communities of colour and the left for decades, and this is also a notable escalation of that, he argues, adding that the prosecution of the defendants will set a precedent for further crackdowns on dissent. I dont understand why people arent treating this as more than 200 canaries in a coal mine, he says, calling for broader solidarity with the defendants. Thousands of people put themselves on the line while engaging in direct political action on Inauguration Day. Many of them were met with horrible police violence, and it deserves more attention. Restricting protests As protests flourish in cities and towns across the US, at least 18 states are now considering 30-plus bills designed to curb protests by introducing increasingly severe penalties for demonstrators. Earlier this month, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed into law a bill that will increase penalties against activists who trespass on property with a critical infrastructure facility. Another bill in Missouri will prohibit protesters from wearing masks or disguises during demonstrations, while proposed legislation in several states Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and Iowa will impose harsher punishment on people who block traffic or trespass. Rights groups have denounced the bills. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has vowed to challenge anti-protest bills in state legislatures. Deeming the proposals as unconstitutional, the ACLU says it will fight in statehouses against any bill that violates the First Amendment, and for any that become law, were hopeful the courts will see these bills for what they are: unlawful infringements on our right to speak. READ MORE: More Americans joining socialist groups under Trump The United Nations warned in March that 16 such bills, if passed, will violate international human rights law and have a chilling effect on protesters. The bills would strip the voices of the most marginalised, who often find the right to assemble the only alternative to express their opinions. Nick Zerwas, a Republican state representative in Minnesota, coauthored one of the bills introduced recently in his state legislature. It aims to impose a harsher punishment for protesters who block freeways, access to airports or access to public trains. Its already against the law to block a freeway or access to airport already, or a commuter train, says Zerwas, speaking to Al Jazeera by telephone. Explaining that the punishment would increase from misdemeanour to gross misdemeanour for those offences, he adds: I think the criticisms are just misdirected. You dont have a first amendment to pull your car perpendicular in the freeway in the middle of a protest, for instance. Growing confrontations The crackdown on protests comes at a moment of growing confrontations between anti-fascists and other leftists on the one hand, and activists from the alt-right and other hardline Trump supporters on the other. Matthew Whitley, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Anarchist Coordinating Council (MACC), argues that there is a clear bias in the treatment of left-wing protesters and pro-Trump demonstrators, among them far-right hardliners. Whitley pointed to the case of a 34-year-old member of the Industrial Workers of the World, a left-wing union, who was shot by a Trump supporter outside a speech by former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos in January. The strange reality now is that we have a president in power who is supported by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and the far-right, he argues, pointing out that although far-right activists have been arrested, they have not experienced the kind of mass arrests faced by anti-Trump protesters on Inauguration Day. The fact that Trump is supported by these groups inevitably has to have an impact hes not going to oversee a harsh crackdown on his own supporters. READ MORE: What is the alt-right and what does it stand for? Arguing that the charges against her and other protesters are politicised, Olivia Alsip alludes to an incident that took place the day before her arrest. John Joseph Boswell, a millionaire who travelled to the capital to celebrate Trumps inauguration, was arrested after sexually assaulting a maid in his hotel room. Although he later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour sexual abuse charge, Boswell was given a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail, a $50 fine and six months of probation. If the government cared about peoples suffering theyd be working with us and engaging oppressed communities. But private property is more important to the government and society at large than human lives, Alsip concludes. Im looking at spending more than three times my age in prison for going to a protest. No human being should be in a cage that long, especially not for trying to live. Follow Patrick Strickland on Twitter: @P_Strickland_ Gaza City At al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, 50 babies lie crowded in 30 beds in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Outside, the yard resembles a factory as massive generators roar and hum, turning fuel into electricity, supplying the babies with oxygen through ventilators. Due to the electricity shortage in Gaza, the generators are the only lifeline for these newborn babies, but even this may be cut soon as Gazas fuel reserves are expected to be depleted in a month, placing patients lives at risk. Most of the babies are connected to mechanical ventilation. If the electricity is cut, most of these babies will die within a few seconds; we cannot support them, said Dr Allam Abu Hamida, director of al-Shifas NICU. You see, Abu Hamida points to a monitor displaying the level of supplied oxygen, The oxygen is supposed to be at 90 and above, but its just 62. Half of the babies in the NICU were born premature, some weighing only 700 or 800 grammes. They are all critical cases, some born with congenital defects, and all dependent on the generators to keep them alive. One baby lies in an incubator with his head under a broken oxygen hood donated years ago from Japan, now held together with masking tape. We dont have spares, so we taped it together. Its broken from everywhere, Abu Hamida said. If the electricity is cut, the baby will get hypothermia and will die. This is just another ordinary day at Gazas al-Shifa hospital, where staff regularly make do with what they have. Under the Israeli-Egyptian siege, hospitals in Gaza have been struggling for years to operate with a severe electricity shortage, but doctors now say the situation is reaching a breaking point for patients. READ MORE: Gaza power crisis We want to end this nightmare The crisis was exacerbated last month when Gazas sole power plant shut down after it ran out of fuel provided by Turkey and Qatar. The Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority decided to stop paying Israel for the electricity it supplies to Gaza after Gazas Hamas leadership said it could no longer afford to pay the fuel taxes. If this problem continues, the unit will collapse; it will be a catastrophe. We already have a shortage of staff, shortage of supplies, shortage of everything. by Allam Abu Hamida, director of Al Shifa's NICU Israel announced last week that it would be reducing its electricity supply at the request of the Palestinian Authority. Since then four hospitals in the Gaza Strip have already closed, and surgeries have been postponed. Patients who depend on electricity to survive such as those in the Intensive Care Unit, operating rooms and those in need of dialysis will be in a life-threatening situation if there is a complete power shutdown in Gaza. In al-Shifa Hospital, a power shutdown would result in the immediate death of 100 patients, and another 1,000 patients will be indirectly affected. If this problem continues, the unit will collapse; it will be a catastrophe, Abu Hamida said. We already have a shortage of staff, shortage of supplies, shortage of everything. According to Robert Piper, UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid and Development Activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Gazas fuel reserves will be depleted by the end of June or early July at the latest. With power cuts of 16-20 hours a day, no one is spared the impact of the current energy crisis in Gaza, Piper wrote in an email to Al Jazeera. The UN is coordinating the distribution of fuel for generators at 180 key facilities, 32 of which are health facilities. This helps maintain essential services but cannot substitute for the grid. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned this month that Gaza was on the brink of experiencing a systemic collapse of an already battered infrastructure and economy. The UN also recently warned of devastating consequences if the Gaza Strip runs out of fuel. Hospitals in Gaza currently run on about four hours of electricity. The generators powering al-Shifa for the remaining 20 hours costs $3,000 $4,000 daily for 2,000 litres of industrial fuel. But even the generators operate at a risk of breaking down since they are designed to run only six to eight hours at a time. Our generators dont have big reservoirs for fuel, so they operate day by day, said Ayman al-Sahabani, spokesman for al-Shifa. It adds more pressure and stress on our staff because we have to always be careful about how much we have left and decide when we need to talk to the Ministry of Health [for more]. Imagine what will it be like if there was another attack on Gaza. Were already at full capacity, al-Sahabani said. A few days ago, the health minister arrived for a visit but got stuck in the elevator for seven minutes due to a problem with one of the generators, al-Sahabani explained. Were in the 21st century. We dont want to reach a point where were losing patients because of a lack of electricity, al-Sahabani said. The constant interruptions of electricity supply also mean that medical machines dont operate optimally. In the NICU, a monitor next to a babys incubator flashes the warning: Leaking fresh gas. Its not leaking; the sensor just isnt functioning properly, Abu Hamida said, pressing buttons on the screen, attempting to fix it. At al-Rantisi Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City, children with chronic kidney disease undergo hemodialysis three times a week for two to four-hour sessions in order to stay alive. Their only other alternative to the machines would be to undergo a kidney transplant, but finding a compatible kidney is difficult. In the past six years, there have been seven kidney transplants for Gaza patients; three in Gaza, two in Israel and two in Jordan, explained Dr Jomaa Waleed Younis. If theres no electricity, theres no life for them because their situation is very critical, Younis said. WATCH: Gaza in the dark as fuel for power plant runs out For now, the hospital prioritises electricity for departments that need it most; once a department is done with its treatment, the electricity is passed onto the next department. Najwan al-Samnai is worried about her eight-year-old Yahia. Due to the shortage, Yahia sometimes undergoes sessions for three hours instead of four, which affects his health. It affects his breathing, his blood pressure; he comes back home with more weight, al-Samnai said. With 33 percent of essential medicines at zero stock and patients unable to receive exit permits for treatment in Israel or the Occupied West Bank, doctors are pessimistic about Gazas situation. Mohamed el-Ron, head of al-Shifas surgery department, spent two years working as a doctor in besieged Sarajevo during the war in Bosnia in the early 90s. During the war in Bosnia, I never felt as if we didnt have any hope, el-Ron said. We were always hoping that we would reach an agreement soon and that the war would end. Here, we have nothing. People in Gaza have lost all hope. Were just waiting for the worst. Councils say they lack funds to tackle the issue, and those on the streets say they have no faith in upcoming elections. Manchester, England For the past two years Stephen has set up home on a bench in Manchester city centre, a few yards from a cash machine where he spends most of the day hoping for loose change from passers-by. On the opposite side of the road is a Greggs bakery where staff provide him with cups of tea and warm food to keep him going. The 41-year-old from the Greater Manchester town of Oldham describes the downward spiral he fell into after he was imprisoned for six weeks for not paying his TV license. Already suffering from mental health issues and instability in his personal life, he emerged from the spell inside without a home to return to. When I came out I had nowhere to go and no money to live on so I became homeless, he tells Al Jazeera. For Stephen and others who are homeless like him, having no fixed address means they have no way of claiming welfare benefits from the state. To get housing, he has to apply to the local council, but demand for social housing far outstrips the number of properties available. There's no one out there to help us really. I just want my basic benefits back and I could sort myself out and get myself back into work by Stephen, Manchester rough sleeper According to a report by the Manchester Evening News (MEN) last November, 5,000 people need social housing in the Manchester area and another 10,000 in nearby Salford. Councils have points based systems in place to prioritise those most in need, with families, victims of domestic abuse, and people suffering from illness taking precedence. Priority is also given to those who can prove local ties to the area, such as familial relations or being in a relationship with a local resident, neither of which apply to Stephen. As a single male with a criminal conviction and no local connection, he says he is at the back of the queue, and as a result has no choice but to live on whatever support the public can provide. Theres no one out there to help us really. I just want my basic benefits back and I could sort myself out and get myself back into work, Stephen says. At the moment, I just sit here, hoping people give me some money, buy me some food or some drinks. Stephen is overheard by his friend Neil, who sleeps nearby and also became homeless two years ago, in his case after a divorce. If youre not from the local area you can basically f*** off, Neil says. Im not from Manchester, but why shouldnt I live in Manchester? Were here right now; it doesnt really matter where we lived before, they should be able to help us. Worsening crisis The pair is part of a growing population of rough sleepers in the city, which has grown to at least 78 in the city proper, according to a report by MEN in January. That number is 11 times what it was in 2010 when the Conservative government first took power. The same report put the number of rough sleepers in the Greater Manchester area at 139. Nationally, around 4,000 people are believed to have slept rough in 2016. The extent to which the homeless have become an intrinsic part of Manchesters cityscape was displayed in the aftermath of last weeks bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert, which left 22 people dead. DYING ON THE STREETS: The UKs homeless One story that emerged was of a homeless man, Chris Parker, who was near the site of the explosion and rushed to treat the injured, pulling nails from wounds. Parkers actions were hailed as heroic and with the praise came offers of free rent and financial help to get him off the streets. The response to the attack placed renewed focus on the citys homeless, but Stephen and Neil have little hope it will translate into positive long-term change. With the general election fast approaching, both men have registered to vote in a local library, but see little hope of change in any party. Once theyre elected all the stuff they said theyre going to do they turn their backs on, Stephen says. Nevertheless, he reserves stronger condemnation for the Conservatives. I want the Tories [Conservatives] out more than anything. As part of its welfare reforms, the government has cut housing benefit payments to people under the age of 21, and an insufficient number of homes built under its rule has sent rents soaring, helping leave more than 43,000 families homeless since 2012. READ MORE: More than a million live in extreme poverty in UK The opposition Labour Party, which almost completely dominates Manchester City Council with 94 of the 96 councillors, has also faced criticism for not doing enough to help rough sleepers and the homeless. In 2015, the council was involved in a cat and mouse episode with homeless protesters who set up camp at one spot in the city centre, only to move to another when evicted. The protesters, who accused the local authority of not helping them find suitable shelter, were eventually threatened with fines of up to 1,000GBP ($1,285) each if they continued to set up camp in the area. That move led to widespread condemnation of the council, with more that 70,000 people signing a petition against its actions. Dwindling finances However, Manchesters new mayor, Labours Andy Burnham has pledged to turn over a new leaf, even promising to donate part of his salary to help the homeless. We are dealing with increasing numbers of people who need support and decreasing resources to enable us to do so as a city region by Beth Knowles, Manchester councillor Burnham appointed a task force to tackle the issue of rough sleeping and homelessness across the city. Beth Knowles, one of Burnhams leads on homelessness and rough sleeping in the Greatern Manchester region, told Al Jazeera that the local authority is addressing the problem and will not shy away from the challenges its facing. We are dealing with increasing numbers of people who need support and decreasing resources to enable us to do so as a city region, she says. The primary reason for people becoming homeless in Greater Manchester is the ending of a private rental tenancy. This has spiked in recent years due to rental prices rising and a lack of secure tenancies for people in insecure or unstable situations, she adds. Knowles further blamed government cuts to mental health budgets, housing benefits and local councils for leaving large gaps in the social safety net, through which more and more people are slipping. Bursting at the seams Increasingly, ordinary people are working to fill those large gaps and are stepping in where government falls short. Not far from Stephens bench, on Portland Street, Doug Stevenson and his team of volunteers at Feed Manchester provide warm meals to those living on the streets. We hand out clothing, toiletries, more importantly, weve got an ear for them and we give them advice, he says describing the deteriorating situation in Manchester as state funds to tackle the issue dry up. [The homeless] are on these streets for different reasons, mainly mental health, which itself leads on to drug issues but the problems have just got worse and worse over the past five years. Everywhere is bursting at the seams, whether its the council, whether its the probation officers, social care, they cant cope. They absolutely cannot cope. His volunteer group is one of many initiatives doing as much as they can to get people off the streets, but Stevenson says their efforts fall short of the policy changes needed to help those without a home effectively. Our work is just putting plasters on the wound basically, a lot of the services are having to put plasters on because they havent got the resources, there isnt the money. Maya Goodfellow is a writer and researcher. Her work mostly focuses on politics, and 'race' and racism in the UK. Strong and stable, strong and stable. Hate-peddling Tory spin doctor Lynton Crosby has his clients mindlessly repeating this mantra ad infinitum. But beneath the soundbites, the public are beginning to see a party of chaos one that attempts to U-turn on key manifesto pledges and avoids scrutiny at all costs. Where Labour offers hope, the Conservatives serve up an array of regressive policies and pledges that will protect vested interests. Cries that Labour poses a threat to the country are a lie. A Tory landslide would be a disaster for the UK. You only need look at recent history to see their incompetence in action. After most countries have abandoned austerity, the Conservatives pushed ahead with what was widely regarded as an illogical economic programme. Sticking to this path was, the economist Paul Krugman says, a very British delusion. Its had deleterious effects. Only the very wealthy are doing well out of the current system; in the past year, the richest 1,000 people luxuriated in a 14 per cent jump in their wealth, while wages fell. But in the face of rapidly rising in-work poverty, a National Health Service (NHS) starved of funds, crumbling state schools and a cruel welfare system, more austerity is all the Tories offer. Their education plans are evidence of that. They claim theyll increase schools budgets by 4bn ($5.1bn) by 2022. But the Institute for Fiscal Studies has shown that, when taking into account growing pupil numbers and recent reductions in budgets, this amounts to a real-terms cut to spending per pupil by a huge 7 per cent between 2015-16 and 2021-22. OPINION: Mays demagogic streak and the hypocrisy of the media Slashing budgets will have a disastrous effect on children up and down the country. Some will be forced to clean classrooms, others will get a second-rate education in overcrowded classrooms as heads are forced to cut back on teacher numbers. And many more children will be malnourished under their plans. To distract from their failings and duplicity, the Tories turn people against each other through an age-old tactic: demonising migrants. by The Conservatives will take away free school meals and introduce pitiful 7p breakfasts, leaving children who come from homes where parents cant afford to put food on the table to go hungry. Where Labour would increase corporation tax to funnel much-needed money into public services, a Conservative government would tell people they simply cant afford to fund schools as the super-rich watch their bank balances multiply. Its not just the young who will lose out. After axing the social care budget by 4.6bn ($5.9bn) between 2010 and 2015, old people will be forced to look after themselves through the dementia tax as our elderly population grows. The Conservatives claim this will deal with generational inequality but theyve offered nothing for younger generations whove seen their pay packets dwindle in size as house prices soar. Conservatives strategy is to give with one hand after taking away with two. The a word might have dropped out of the Tory lexicon but theyre still going to cut public services to the bone, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that its making the country poorer and more unequal. Thats because their economic programme was always ideological. As Professor Ha Joon Chang has pointed out, economics is not a science, its political. Despite what weve been told about scroungers and strivers in recent years, people arent forced to use food banks because of chance, laziness or, as Theresa May put it, complex reasons. The Conservatives made a political choice: people on low incomes, the middle classes and our public sector would pay the price for their ideologically driven efforts to shrink the state. OPINION: Is Brexit Britain suffering from an imperial hangover? Instead they prioritise the interests of the rich. The Tories will reintroduce the brutal blood sport of fox-hunting, if it made it through a free vote in the Commons; legalise the ivory trade, which sees around 20,000 elephants killed each year on the African continent (an elephant slaughtered every 25 minutes); and put the needs of their donors in the fossil fuel industry ahead of the environment, as ice caps melt at an alarming rate and sea levels steadily rise. To distract from their failings and duplicity, the Tories turn people against each other through an age-old tactic: demonising migrants. May has more to say on health tourism a fabricated issue that belies a reality where migrant staff keep the health service going than funding the NHS. The raft of anti-migrant policies in the Conservative manifesto will further create a hostile environment for immigrants. This has very real effects. Just ask 17-year-old Reker Ahmed, who was beaten within an inch of his life for simply being an asylum seeker. In fact, the Tories migration policy is a mess by their own standards. If they go ahead with their plans to slash net migration down to tens of thousands a year, they will tank the economy. Their Brexit promises will fall into oblivion. Countries with huge economies like India arent particularly interested in doing a trade deal with a government that boasts about bear[ing] down on immigration from outside the European Union. OPINION: Doner kebab and integration in the UK A story worth telling This is of little concern to a party who have plans to change the rules so they can stay in office. While her opponent Jeremy Corbyn has toured the country talking to voters during the election, May has moved from one stage-managed performance to another. Her response to a decline in political engagement over the past few decades has been to grip tight on to the levers of power. This stranglehold on democracy will only tighten if she sweeps to power on June 8. Shell introduce GOP-style voter ID laws, which will disenfranchise about 3.5 million people, most of whom will be on low pay (and less likely to vote Conservative). This amounts to rigging the system to make it easier for them to win. From a 10 ($13) hourly minimum wage to ruling out tax rises for 95 per cent of the population, Labour is offering positive change in a country thats crying out for a political party to take on the status quo. The alternative is a Conservative government that would impoverish older people, plunge more children into poverty, ignore climate change and kill foxes thats the real threat to the UK. Maya Goodfellow is a writer and researcher. Her work mostly focuses on politics, and race and racism in the UK. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Aid workers say accusation intended to deflect public attention from failure of EUs counter-smuggling efforts. Aid workers patrolling the Mediterranean Sea have criticised claims by Italian prosecutors that they are colluding with smugglers to bring refugees and migrants to Europe. Italian government officials have compared the nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) involved in search-and-rescue operations for asylum seekers attempting to reach European shores to taxi pick-up services. While responding to the human tragedy unfolding at Europes borders, non-governmental organisations themselves are under attack with their rescue efforts publicly discredited, Sophie Beau, vice-president of the rescue group SOS Mediterranee, told Al Jazeera. Is this intended to unsettle the minds of the public and the media, sway public opinion and discredit our vital life-saving mission? OPINION: Who is really responsible for deadly refugee journeys? SOS Mediterranee is one of the 10 NGOs working to save the lives of asylum seekers in the Mediterranean Sea. Beau and SOS Mediterranee argue their operations are carried out in complete transparency and compliance with international maritime law as well as national legislations. Earlier in May, an Italian parliamentary commission called for police to be deployed on or close to NGO boats. People aboard the ships are clearly aware of the time and place where they will find vessels carrying migrants, so they are clearly previously informed, Ambrogio Cartosio, a Sicilian prosecutor, told the Italian Senate Defence Commission on May 10. We have evidence that [those] aboard know in advance where and when they will reach the migrants. Pressure on governments Mattia Toaldo, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, rejected the claim. If there was a relationship between NGOs and migrants making the journey, you would expect to see casualties going down, Toaldo told Al Jazeera. Aid organisations said the accusations are meant to deflect pressure on European governments, who are facing public criticism over the record high numbers of refugee arrivals. So far this year, at least 1,569 refugees have drowned while crossing the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Rida Essa, head of the Libyan coastguard, has made similar accusations, alleging that NGOs are facilitating the transfer of people into Europe. Speaking to the Libya Observer in early May, Essa said that rescue boats assure refugees that their journey will be safe, encouraging an influx of illegal immigrants from Libya to the EU. No evidence has yet been produced to back the claims, and none of the NGOs is under judicial inquiry or investigation. All 10 aid groups have denied the allegations. READ MORE: Libyan coastguard opened fire at refugee boats When questioned whether their vessels had ever entered Libyan waters to assist boats in distress, MOAS another NGO operating a rescue boat said its vessels only did so in rare emergency situations, and only under the specific instructions of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Rome, which coordinates rescue efforts. NGOs play a key role in rescuing people in the Mediterranean Sea. In 2014, less than one percent of all incoming refugees were plucked from the sea by NGO boats, according to the Italian parliamentary commission. In the first four months of this 2017, that figure had jumped to 35 percent. Surging refugee arrivals The number of refugees arriving in Italy has also surged this year, jumping by more than 30 percent in comparison with the same period last year, with 46,000 people arriving so far. The EUs failure to reduce the number of deaths in the Mediterranean through counter-smuggling activities has forced humanitarian organisations to start search and rescue activities, said Beau of SOS Mediterranee. Libya is the main departure point for refugees hoping to reach Europe by sea. In March 2016, a central refugee route to the EU through the Balkans was permanently shut, trapping tens of thousands of asylum seekers in Greece and slowing Aegean Sea crossings to a trickle. Migrants and refugees who pass through Libya are subject to a range of abuses, with hundreds bought and sold in modern-day slave markets, according to the IOM. Dozens attempting to reach Libya to get to Europe die of thirst as vehicle breaks down in northern Niger, officials say. Babies and women were among the 44 migrants found dead after their vehicle broke down in the desert of northern Niger while on the way to Libya, local officials said on Thursday. Six survivors walked to a remote village where they said those they were travelling with, mostly from Ghana and Nigeria, died of thirst, according to Lawal Taher, the department head for the Red Cross in the Bilma region. The Red Cross also said it has dispatched a team to the site to gather information on the circumstances. Rhissa Feltou, the mayor of Agadez, a remote town on the edge of the Sahara that has become the smuggling capital of Africa, confirmed the death toll of 44, for now. OPINION: Who is really responsible for deadly refugee journeys? The journey from Niger to Libya is a primary route sub-Saharan African migrants take when trying to reach Europe. In one of the most perilous parts of the trip across the Sahara desert, thousands of migrants each week are crammed into pick-up trucks for the days-long ride, often with only enough room for a few litres of water. Authorities and aid organisations say while they are able to keep track of the thousands of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean Sea between Africa and Europe, it is almost impossible to know how many have died in the vast and unpoliced Sahara. In early May, eight migrants from Niger, five of them children, were found dead in the desert while on their way to Algeria. In a separate incident, soldiers on patrol in northern Niger rescued about 40 migrants from various west African countries who had been abandoned in the desert by people smugglers while travelling to Libya. Norwegian Refugee Council ranks country as number three in worlds neglected crises as fighting enters its 14th year. Almost 4,000,000 Sudanese have been forced from their homes in 14 years of tribal violence and battles between government and opposition fighters, the Norwegian Refugee Council says. The aid group listed Sudan as number three in its latest report, The Worlds Most Neglected Displacement Crises, saying almost five million Sudanese were now dependent on humanitarian aid, with three million of those living in the war-scarred region of Darfur. Hundreds of thousands of people do not receive the lifesaving help they need because of challenges in accessing communities, the council said before blaming a 40 percent shortage in funding and a lack of international media attention to the crisis. Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said: The international community has not only forgotten these crises but has never really shown sufficient willingness to contribute to a solution. Many of the displaced people have fled their homes multiple times, and each time they get increasingly vulnerable. Darfur has been unstable since 2003 when different groups complaining of marginalisation by the Sudanese government started an armed campaign. The conflict attracted a government-backed militia known as the Janjaweed, who were blamed for widespread killings that have been labelled as genocide. OPINION: The hidden impediment to political change in Sudan Babar Baloch, spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, told Al Jazeera: You have a situation where people are running from a conflict in South Kordofan [Sudan] and coming to South Sudan. But South Sudan is also in conflict, there is famine, more than half of the population is facing food insecurity and a quarter of them are displaced, including in Darfur and Kordofan. The UN estimates as many as 300,000 people have been killed in the Darfur conflict, but the Sudanese government says the death toll has been grossly inflated. Reported by Hiba Morgan A war of words continues between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a deadly suicide attack in Kabul left at least 90 people dead. Afghan intelligence officials have blamed a Taliban-affiliated group and Pakistan for Wednesdays truck bombing in Kabuls diplomatic quarter. Pakistani officials have rejected the accusations, and Taliban officials have said they had no hand in the blast. Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi, reporting from Islamabad, said Afghanistans accusations on Thursday were part of an ongoing war of words between the two countries. It is a signal of the distrust that is affecting both their bilateral relationship and also more cooperation on counterterror issues, he said. At least 400 others were injured when a suicide attacker drove a tanker truck laden with explosives into Kabuls heavily guarded diplomatic district during morning rush hour. The Afghan intelligence service said on Wednesday that early findings showed the Taliban-allied Haqqani network had carried out the attack with the assistance of Pakistani intelligence services. The plan for todays [Wednesdays] attack was drawn up by the Haqqani network with direct coordination and cooperation from Pakistans Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the National Directorate of Security said in a statement. Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of supporting and sheltering Haqqani and Taliban commanders and fighters, and the two countries regularly accuse each other of supporting armed groups operating across the border. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, told Al Jazeera that the group was not involved in the attack. READ MORE: Kabul in mourning after blast kills almost 100 people The explosion was the citys worst attack since the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan 2014. Most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children, but the dead also included Afghan security guards. Kabuls acting mayor said the explosion damaged property as far as 4km away from the blast site and that scores of people were waiting in hospitals to learn the status of wounded family and friends. Accusing finger In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani complained about the role of Pakistani intelligence services in the attack as well as the role of the Pakistani intelligence service in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, sources inside the presidential palace told Al Jazeera. Pakistans foreign office in Islamabad issued a statement just hours after Wednesdays explosion, condemning the attack, saying that its own people were in the area and were among those affected by the blast. On Thursday, Pakistan reiterated its condemnation and called the accusatory approach unhelpful towards efforts for peace. We reject the Afghan allegations, said Nafees Zakaria, Pakistans foreign affairs spokesman. Pakistan has suffered from the menace of terrorism, and I think we have made unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism. Pakistan has the highest stakes in the peace and stability in Afghanistan. I think no other country gets affected like Pakistan when anything happens in Afghanistan. Michael Semple, a visiting professor at the centre for Conflict Transformation and Social Justice at Belfasts Queens University, told Al Jazeera that the accusation was eminently plausible. The Haqqani Network, who the Afghan government have now named, are not just Taliban-affiliated, they are an integral part of the Taliban movement, he said. Sarash Haqqani, the head of that network, is the deputy of the Taliban movement. Semple said the Haqqani network has routinely published videos after attacks it considered successful, showing how the group planned, trained personnel and carried them out. However, also weve seen a pattern that when there are high civilian casualties, particularly if theyre unintended and somethings gone wrong, the Taliban routinely put out a denial, even if the attack has all the hallmarks of their work. I think this is what were seeing now, from yesterday and through today. On Wednesday, US and Haitian officials discussed repatriating 58,000 Haitians who moved to US after 2010 earthquake. It was the 2010 earthquake that forced Marie Joseph and her family to flee Haiti and move to the United States. Now, under President Donald Trumps administration, another life-changing convulsion looms on the horizon. Joseph is one of some 58,000 Haitians who benefited from a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to live and work in the US after Haitis devastating temblor. Many recipients of that scheme now fear an anti-immigrant White House is about to kick them out. I know [Trump] campaigned for the presidency saying he didnt like immigrant people, but he could still do something for us, Joseph, 48, whose name has been changed, told Al Jazeera. We know Haiti is not secure enough for my family to go back. Too many people get killed there. There are no jobs. Theres no way to live. This month, Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly extended Haitis TPS status for six months until January 22 next year shorter than the 18-month renewals typically granted under former President Barack Obama. He spoke of progress in a Caribbean nation that was ravaged by the 7.0-magnitude quake of January 2010 that killed over 200,000 people, has since taken a beating from Hurricane Matthew in October, and suffered a cholera outbreak that claimed some 9,300 lives. United Nations peacekeepers are set to leave, the economy continues to recover and grow, and 98 percent of the makeshift camps that sprang up around the quake-struck capital, Port-au-Prince, are now closed, said Kelly. He urged Haitian TPS recipients to attain travel documents for their ultimate departure from US soil. On Wednesday, he flew to Haiti for a 90-minute meeting with Haitian President Jovenel Moise on the mass repatriation and other issues. Before Haitis TPS expiration date, Kelly will evaluate conditions and decide whether to extend the scheme, re-designate the country, or terminate the status entirely. Its not meant to be an open-ended law, but a temporary law, he said in Port-au-Prince. Haiti has made gains these past seven years. The rubble is gone. New hotels have opened around the capitals renovated airport and in the classy suburb of Petionville. Donna Karan, a fashion designer, opened a training centre to help Haitian artisans sell their wares. READ MORE: Haiti earthquake: A new start in Canaan for survivors But improvements have occurred against a backdrop of political upheavals and tragedy, including Hurricane Matthew, which claimed up to 1,000 lives, wrecked farms across southern Haiti and left some 1.4 million people needing handouts. While TPS recipients knew of their temporary status in the US, many were startled by Kellys decision and are anxious about going home. Many used social media to share tips on changing their immigration status. When playing to a crowd in the Miami neighbourhood known as Little Haiti, the Haiti-born hip-hop star Wyclef Jean urged Trump to think twice. In a song, he rapped: You need to renew that TPS; too many Haitians are feeling that stress. In a letter, Oxfam America and Refugees International joined dozens of charities to warn Kelly that Haiti still languishes from the quake, disease, storms and drought and is in no position to reintegrate more than 50,000 Haitians. US-based Haitians sent a $1.3bn back to friends and relatives in 2015 a much-needed 15 percent chunk of the countrys economy. According to the UNs International Organization for Migration, some 47,000 Haitians are still displaced by the 2010 quake. It takes a long time to rebuild, Marjean Perhot, a refugee manager with Catholic Charities of Boston, which helps Haitians on TPS, told Al Jazeera. Our country went through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina [in 2005], and I would be surprised if there are not places in New Orleans that are still rebuilding, and we are a first-world nation with plenty of money. Were asking Haiti to rebuild in seven years. She praised the industriousness of Joseph and others being helped by the charity in Massachusetts, which is home to 4,300 Haitians on TPS and constitutes their third-largest community in the US, after Florida and New York. Though Joseph, a care home worker who is training to be a nurse, and her husband, a school bus driver, earn basic salaries, they are vital for the local economy, said Perhot. The parents aspire for an American dream of college-educated children. Right now, our main concern is that TPS be extended for the full 18-month period, said Perhot. Down the road, if conditions dont improve in Haiti, we would like to look at different types of legislation that could be possible. For Jessica Vaughan, from the Center for Immigration Studies, which argues for lower levels of immigration, this is the problem TPS is increasingly viewed as a side-door immigration programme. It is time to change the way we think about TPS so that its not just a stepping stone to some kind of amnesty or a permanent grant of legal status here for people from turbulent countries, Vaughan told Al Jazeera. The government has been very fair in giving people six months warning that possibly TPS could be ended for Haitians, giving them time to get their affairs in order, save money, make plans, get documents and prepare for their return home. OPINION: Some hope for Haiti TPS recipients have earned first-world wages and gained valuable skills that will stand them in good stead back in Haiti, added Vaughan echoing commonly held opinions in a country that backed Trumps anti-immigrant platform in last years election. It offers little comfort to Anne Dastine Pierre, 52, another Haitian mother-of-three with TPS status in the Boston area. Unlike Joseph, she has not learned English and struggles even to get a single shift each week cleaning the citys convention centre. The way the country is today if the [US] government sends back the Haitians a lot of them will die, Pierre told Al Jazeera. Follow James Reinl on Twitter: @jamesreinl Norwegian aid agency says displaced Africans receive least economic and political support, as well as media attention. The conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) is the worlds most neglected displacement crisis, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Unveiling its annual index, the aid agency said on Thursday that the world pays the least attention to humanitarian crises when they force Africans from their homes, dashing hopes of peace and raising the risk of escalated conflict. In the NRCs list of the worlds 10 most neglected displacement crises, CAR was followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, Palestine, Ukraine, Myanmar and Somalia. The fact that most of these people do not turn up at our doorsteps gives us no right to close our eyes to their suffering and does not remove our responsibility to assist, Jan Egeland, the NRCs secretary general, said in a statement. OPINION: Jan Egeland We cannot let down the Central African Republic again The NRC analysed all countries worldwide in which more than 100,000 people are displaced. The countries topping the list are characterised by insufficient economic support to meet the most basic humanitarian needs, limited media attention and lack of political will to solve the crises. The international community has not only forgotten these crises but has never really shown sufficient willingness to contribute to a solution, Egeland said. Economic support to alleviate humanitarian crises must be given based on needs, and not be subject to geopolitical interests. Chronic conflict involving militias in countries such as CAR and the Congo could drive more and more people into armed groups, said Richard Skretteberg, a senior NRC adviser. In 2016, the United Nations only received 38 percent of the money it needed to distribute humanitarian aid in CAR. Almost half of the population faces food insecurity, eating only one meal a day, according to the NRC report, while only 35 percent of people in CAR have access to clean water. READ MORE: Tension high among CAR civilians as violence surges When you combine limited state presence in much of these countries, mass displacement, and a lack of protection and aid for civilians, this creates a fertile breeding ground for radicalisation, Skretteberg told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Rebuilding and working towards peace are difficult when so many people are displaced, he added. One in five Central Africans about one million people is displaced, and at least 100,000 were newly uprooted last month in some of the worst violence between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian militias since the conflict began in 2013. Spreading ethnic violence in the Congo has also forced more than 1.5 million people to flee their homes within the country this year more than triple the number uprooted in Syria and five times the number in Iraq, according to the NRC. The UN has received just one-fifth of the $812.5m sought in the humanitarian appeal for Congo this year, and 25 percent of the $400m requested for Central African Republic, the UNs Financial Tracking Service shows. Africas arid Sahel belt, which stretches from Senegal to Eritrea and lies south of the Sahara desert, topped the NRCs index last year, followed by Yemen and Libya. Chinese PM Li Keqiang says Beijing will continue to work with the EU and others to uphold the Paris climate deal. China had said it would keep up its end of the Paris climate change accord, even if the United States pulls out of the agreement. Li Keqiang, the Chinese prime minister, said on Thursday that his country would continue to work with the European Union and other countries to uphold the deal. Speaking after bilateral talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, Li said it was also in our interest to work step by step towards sustainable development and environmental protection together with the international community. China will stand by its responsibilities on climate change, he told reporters, according to a German translation. READ MORE: Leaders warn Trump against Paris climate deal withdrawal Merkel referred to Lis assurance as very encouraging. China has become a more important and strategic partner, Merkel said in the news conference. Their comments come after reports that the US will withdraw from the landmark 2015 international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions US President Donald Trump is expected to make an announcement later on Thursday. China is the top emitter of carbon dioxide, and the US is second. Both were key to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which was signed by 195 countries and aims to limit the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100. READ MORE: European leader blasts Trump on climate withdrawal The core of the Paris deal was an agreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the then US president, Barack Obama. Both men have this week pressed Trump to stay on board. The White House signalled that Trump was likely to decide on exiting the global pact fulfilling one of his main campaign pledges though top aides were divided. If the US decides to pull out, it will join Syria and Nicaragua as the only two countries not participating in the accord. The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it was the duty of Europe to stand up to Trump if he decided to pull his country out of the historic accord. READ MORE: G7 summit ends deadlocked on climate change The EU and China are expected to spell out how they plan to meet their agreed commitments to fight global warming at talks in Brussels on Friday. A major Chinese delegation is due to arrive in Brussels late on Thursday following the talks in Berlin. The EU and China are joining forces to forge ahead on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and accelerate the global transition to clean energy, Miguel Arias Canete, the EU climate commissioner, said about the upcoming EU-China summit. US president signs six-month waiver delaying the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. US President Donald Trump has signed a waiver to delay relocating the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, the White House says. The decision avoids a controversial step that would have complicated his efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian talks. [Trump] has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the White House said in a statement on Thursday. The question is not if that move happens, but only when. The White House said Trump made this decision to maximise the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians. Trump, who pledged during the 2016 presidential campaign to move the embassy, chose instead to continue his predecessors policy of signing a six-month waiver overriding a 1995 law requiring that the embassy is transferred to Jerusalem. Palestinians argue that moving the embassy from Tel Aviv would prejudge one of the most sensitive issues in the conflict the status of Jerusalem undermining the US status as an effective mediator. They hope to make East Jerusalem the capital of their future state and have broad support from the international community. The Palestinian leadership welcomed Trumps decision, saying it gives peace a chance. This is in line with the long-held US policy and the international consensus, and it gives peace a chance, Husam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the US, said in a statement. We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace. READ MORE: Why Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel Trump visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories last week, holding talks with both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister. Countries currently have their embassies in the Israeli commercial capital Tel Aviv because they do not recognise Israels unilateral claim of control over all of Jerusalem. Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1967. It later annexed East Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. It claims all of Jerusalem as its united capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern half of the city as the capital of their future state. The US has two consulate-general buildings in West Jerusalem. One mainly deals with diplomacy with Palestine, while the other issues visas to people living in Jerusalem and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Angela Merkel has decided to rethink government deportation policy for Afghan asylum seekers in wake of deadly attack. Germany has temporarily suspended group deportations of rejected Afghan asylum seekers in the wake of a deadly suicide attack in Afghanistans capital Kabul that killed at least 90 people and injured more 460. German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed on Thursday to the provisional new security step a day after the deadly blast. Until a new security assessment is completed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deportations of Afghans will be halted barring exceptional cases. Merkels decision does not represent a general halt of deportation procedures for Afghans denied asylum in Germany. Asylum seekers who refuse to cooperate with German authorities during investigations into their country of origin will still be deported. At least 67 Afghans were denied asylum in Germany in 2016. German authorities will also continue to pursue so-called voluntary repatriation measures actively. Under these provisions, asylum seekers who agree to return to Afghanistan are to receive 700 euros ($790) and a flight ticket to Kabul. At least 3,300 Afghans agreed to voluntarily repatriate themselves from Germany in 2016. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel ordered a new country risk assessment on Wednesday after the massive blast hit the Kabuls heavily guarded diplomatic quarter, which included the German embassy. Merkel said on Thursday that a lesson learned from the Kabul blast is to restrict deportations to criminals for the moment. The German Social Democrats Merkels partners in the ruling coalition and the opposition Greens called for a complete halt of deportations to Afghanistan. Cem Ozdemir, chairman of the Greens, said on Wednesday that the blast proved Afghanistan was not a safe country. If attackers can get [to the most secure area] then they can get anywhere, he added. WATCH: Rejected from Germany One Afghans story The new risk assessment is expected to be released in July and may prove to be a hot campaign issue in the upcoming September general elections. Tensions mounted on Wednesday in the city of Nuremberg as 300 people, mostly teenagers, confronted police who wanted to deport a 20-year-old Afghan man. At least nine people were injured when violent confrontations broke out as police arrived to detain him at his school. The young Afghan man was arrested but released by a court the next day. His deportation procedures are now on halt in the wake of the governments decision. India-Pakistan tension rises as each side accuses the other of starting exchange of fire. Three people have been killed on either side of divided Kashmir in fresh cross-border shelling, according to Pakistani and Indian authorities. Mohammad Usman, a police officer in the southern Poonch district of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said the shelling started on Thursday morning, killing two civilians and wounding six. The civilian population in the vulnerable villages was caught off guard by the unprovoked firing, Usman said. It was intense. The armies of the two countries face off along the heavily militarised frontier, known as the Line of Control (LoC), that divides the Muslim-majority Kashmir region. Indian troops last week said they attacked and damaged Pakistani army posts in Kashmir to prevent what they called infiltration by fighters from the Pakistani side, but Pakistan denied the claim. READ MORE: Kashmir Born to fight The Indian army said one person was killed and another wounded on its side of Kashmir and blamed Pakistan for starting the exchange of fire. For its part, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) the Pakistani armys media wing said: Indian troops initiated unprovoked firing at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning. Pakistan and India maintain a 2003 ceasefire agreement across the LoC, but both sides frequently violate it, usually blaming the other for instigating hostilities. In a separate incident, two Hizbul Mujahedeen fighters were killed in north Kashmirs Sopore area on Thursday, a police spokesman in Indian-administered Kashmir said. Kashmir has been tense since the killing last week of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, a senior leader of the separatist Hizbul Mujahideen, in a gun battle with Indian government troops in his hometown of Tral. His death prompted widespread protests and clashes in parts of Kashmir, leaving one civilian dead and dozens of others wounded. Authorities have blocked mobile internet services in the region following the tension. Both countries have claimed the Kashmir region in full since partition and independence from Britain in 1947, but administer separate portions of it. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir. Tensions have been high in Indian-administered Kashmir since last July when Indian security forces killed a young Kashmiri separatist commander Burhan Wani. WATCH: Pellet guns take their toll on civilians in Kashmir The killing prompted months of widespread protests and an ensuing security crackdown that has killed at least 100 people. Relations between India and Pakistan have worsened after a raid in September last year on an Indian military base in Uri by Kashmiri fighters killed at least 18 soldiers. That attack prompted India to respond by saying it launched surgical strikes on bases used by armed groups in Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Pakistan denied that Indian forces ever entered Pakistani-administered territory. President suffers blow amid claims against Ferrand, the first MP to quit Socialist Party and join En Marche! last year. Prosecutors in France have launched an investigation into a 2011 property deal involving Richard Ferrand, minister for territory cohesion and a crucial ally of President Emmanuel Macron. Eric Mathias, state prosecutor for Brest, said on Thursday the investigation would seek to establish the full facts surrounding the deal and determine whether they might involve any contravention of the law. A French investigative newspaper reported last week that an insurance fund headed by Ferrand in his native Brittany where he is an MP agreed in 2011 to rent a building from his partner Sandrine Doucen. Ferrand has repeatedly defended his actions, saying that the deal with his partner was the best of three offers presented to the insurance fund Mutuelles de Bretagne, which runs on public money. Prosecutors initially waved away the allegations, saying there were no grounds for an investigation but on Thursday announced they changed their minds in light of extra elements that could implicate Ferrand. Ferrand was the first member of parliament who quit the Socialist Party and join President Macrons movement En Marche! in 2016, becoming secretary-general of the new party. Macron himself promised tough political ethics legislation and was elected on a mandate to renew Frances political elite. Macrons rivals on the left and right have seized on the controversy to try to win back ground lost to the centrist in the run-up to the June 11-18 parliamentary vote. The conservative Republicans party, still smarting from the defeat of its corruption-accused candidate Francois Fillon in the presidential election, has accused Macron of ethical double-standards as has Marine Le Pens far-right National Front (FN) and the Socialist Party. Le Pen, who was runner-up to Macron in the presidential vote, said the Ferrand affair looks terribly like the Fillon affair. More revelations Beyond the allegations about the property deal, Ferrand has also been left red-faced by revelations that he hired his son as his parliamentary assistant for four months in 2014. Other allegations against Ferrand say that his former wife had received lucrative contracts with the insurance fund while he was managing it. He also stands accused of hiring a taxi driver as his personal parliamentary assistant. WATCH: Shadow War in the Sahara This man is the husband of Joelle Salaun, Ferrands successor at managing the insurance fund. Finally, Ferrand could also be accused of conflict of interest. He resigned from managing the insurance fund once he was elected to parliament, but still retained a paid so-called chief of mission position with the public company. The first law Ferrand pushed through parliament concerned the organisation of care networks for public insured funds. Residents say dozens of fighters taking up positions near the medieval mosque where ISILs leader declared a caliphate. Fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) have closed the streets around Mosuls Grand al-Nuri Mosque, residents said, apparently in preparation for a final showdown in the battle against Iraqi forces over their last major stronghold in the country. Residents observed dozens of fighters taking up positions in the past 48 hours around the medieval mosque, the site where ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate in July 2014. ISILs black flag has been flying from the mosque since the fighters captured Mosul and seized swaths of Iraq and Syria in the summer of 2014. Daeshs fighters know that the mosque is the most important target and they are preparing for a major battle there, said Hisham al-Hashemi, who advises several Middle East governments, including Iraqs, on ISIL, using Daesh, the Arabic acronym for the group. READ MORE: ISILs caliph lauds Iraq rebellion Military sources said the move by ISIL fighters was aimed at preventing any infiltration by advancing Iraqi forces, who are closing in on the remaining pockets of territory held by the armed group. The fall of the city would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the self-styled caliphate. Meanwhile, in Syria, Kurdish forces backed by US air raids are besieging ISIL forces in the city of Raqqa, the fighters de facto capital in that country. Up to 200,000 people still live in harrowing conditions behind ISIL lines in Mosul, running low on food, water and medicine. Civilians fleeing the fighting told Al Jazeera about the terrible conditions they have been living in. Tired and panicked, they described starving conditions with limited access to water A fleeing man said that during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is currently under way, he has been surviving on flour and water. An older woman said that they were being treated as prisoners and had no food or water. Iraqi forces launched a major US-backed operation to retake Mosul in October last year, fighting their way to the city and retaking its eastern side before setting their sights on its smaller but more densely populated west. The battle has taken a heavy toll on civilians, pushing hundreds of thousands to flee, while hundreds more have been killed or wounded. Final push The Grand al-Nuri Mosque has become a symbolic focus of the campaign with Iraqi commanders privately saying they hope to capture it during Ramadan. But a battle in or near the mosque would put the building and its famed leaning minaret at risk, experts say. The minaret, several metres off the perpendicular and standing on humid soil, is particularly vulnerable as it has not been restored since 1970. Its tilt gave the landmark its popular name al-Hadba, or the hunchback. The Mosul offensive has taken much more time than expected as ISIL is fighting in the middle of civilians and using them as human shields. READ MORE: Focus on al-Nuri Mosque as residents flee Mosul Over the past few days, fighters ordered dozens of families living in the Zanjili district to move into the Old City to prevent them from escaping towards the Iraqi forces trying to advance from the northern side, a resident said. Government forces have been dropping leaflets over the districts telling families to flee, but the intensity of fighting has prevented people from escaping. ISIL is countering the offensive with suicide car and motorbike bombs, snipers, booby traps and mortar fire. About 700,000 people, or one-third of the prewar citys population, have already fled, seeking refuge with friends and relatives or in camps. Nouf Enfeat, 15, was shot and evacuated to a nearby hospital, while Israeli army says a soldier was also hospitalised. Israeli forces have shot and wounded a Palestinian girl after she allegedly stabbed a soldier outside of a Jewish-only settlement in the northern occupied West Bank. Nouf Iqab Abd el-Jabbar Enfeat, 15, was transferred to hospital for medical treatment and has sustained moderate wounds, the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) healthy ministry told Maan News Agency. The incident took place at the entrance of the Meto Dovan settlement, and an Israeli soldier was injured, an Israeli army spokesperson told Al Jazeera by telephone. Earlier this week, Israeli forces opened fire and injured 16-year-old Khaled Ghamri during a protest on the border between southern Israel and the blockaded Gaza Strip, according to Arabic-language news outlets. Ghamri, who was struck in the stomach, is currently hospitalised and in critical condition, according to Defence for Children International Palestine (DCIP). A day before US President Donald Trump met PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli forces shot dead 15-year-old Raed Ahmad Rdaydeh during an alleged stabbing attempt at a checkpoint near the city. Rdaydeh was one of at least eight Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces or settlers so far this year, according to DCIPs count. In 2016, DCIP documented the killing of at least 32 Palestinian children by Israeli forces and settlement guards. Israel says that at least 24 of those took place during attacks or attempted attacks, but the rights group says its investigations cast doubt on those claims. More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. READ MORE: When Gazas fuel runs out, babies will die Trump opened his first visit to the region last week with a two-day stop in Jerusalem and Bethlehem that aimed to seek a way to restart talks between the PA and the Israeli government. The last round of peace talks, led by then-President Barack Obama and his secretary of state, John Kerry, fell apart in 2014. One point of contention is the fate of East Jerusalem, which, along with the rest of the West Bank, was occupied by Israeli forces 50 years ago during the 1967 Middle East war. During his presidential campaign, Trump advocated breaking with decades of precedent and moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, deeply alarming Palestinians. He has since said the move was still being looked at. Angry residents demand answers as Afghan capital mourns for scores of people killed in largest attack in years. Kabul residents are mourning the loss of family members, friends and colleagues, a day after a massive truck bomb in the Afghan capital killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 450 others in one of the worst attacks in recent years. Scores of people waited in hospitals on Thursday to learn the status of loved ones wounded in an attack that killed mostly civilians, including women and children, but also Afghan security guards. A suspected suicide bomber drove into Kabuls heavily guarded diplomatic quarter during the morning rush, leaving behind chaos and destruction. The sound of the bomb, which went off near Kabuls busy Zanbaq Square, reverberated across the city, with residents comparing it to an earthquake. READ MORE: Kabul blast felt like an earthquake, say witnesses Mohammad Ismail Kawusi, health ministry spokesman, told the DPA news agency that the identification process of victims had resumed on Thursday. However, some bodies will probably never be found, they were torn to pieces, he said, adding that some of them were hardly identifiable. Sorrow, anger For Gods sake, what is happening to this country? said Ghulam Sakhi, a shoemaker whose shop is close to the site of the blast. People leave home to fetch a loaf of bread for their children and later that evening, their dead body is sent back to the family, Sakhi told the Reuters news agency. READ MORE: Social media users react to horrific Kabul bombing There was no claim of responsibility for Wednesdays attack, though Afghanistans spy agency blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani network and neighbouring Pakistan for the blast. Angry citizens demanded answers from the government over the perceived intelligence failure leading to the attack, which underscores spiralling insecurity in the country. For how long will we have to tolerate this bloodshed in our country? a sobbing resident asked on local Tolo News. I have lost my brother in the blast, and the government is constantly failing to provide us with security. Al Jazeeras Qais Azimy, reporting from Kabul, said that people across the Afghan capital were grieving. Anyone you ask here on the street will tell you that either they lost someone in their family or someone that they know. People are complaining about the government also. They are asking for the resignation of Afghan security officials, calling this attack a security and intelligence failure. Powerful explosion The explosives were hidden in a tanker truck used to clean out septic systems, according to Najib Danish, deputy spokesman for the interior minister. The trucks are common in Kabul, a city of nearly four million people with no sewage system that mostly depends on septic tanks, and where open sewers are common. The blast gouged a crater of about five metres deep in an area close to many foreign embassies, which are protected by their own security personnel as well as Afghan police and National Security Forces. The nearby German Embassy was heavily damaged. Also in the area is Afghanistans foreign ministry, the presidential palace and its intelligence and security headquarters, guarded by soldiers trained by the US and its coalition partners. IN PICTURES: Scenes of carnage in Afghan capital Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the bombing, the deadliest single attack in Kabul since the Taliban were toppled from power in a 2001 US-led invasion, as a war crime. Afghanistans war, the longest ever involving US troops, has shown no sign of letting up and the introduction into the battle of an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) affiliate has made the country only more volatile. From world leaders to prominent intellectuals, many urge the US to keep its commitment to the Paris climate change deal. Reports emerged on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is set to pull the United States out of the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change in what is seen as a huge blow to efforts aimed at cutting global emissions. If the US withdraws from the Paris Agreement, it will join Nicaragua and Syria as the only countries to have not signed on to the deal, which aims to limit the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100. Trump, who has previously called climate change a hoax and a Chinese-created concept, tweeted late on Wednesday that he would announce his decision regarding the deal on Thursday at 19:00 GMT. During his presidential campaign, the Republican vowed to cancel the agreement, adding he would stop all payments of US tax dollars to UN global warming programmes within his first 100 days in office. Trumps promise has drawn condemnation from many corners of the world. Here are some of the seven strongest warnings given by prominent individuals and groups to the US president regarding the potential withdrawal from the deal: Not a fairy tale In Europe, many leaders issued strong rebukes over the reported US withdrawal, taking issue with the Trump administrations climate-sceptic stance. Climate change is not a fairy tale, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday. READ MORE: Climate science is not a belief system People die or are obliged to leave their homes because of desertification, lack of water, exposure to disease, extreme weather conditions, he said. If we dont act swiftly and boldly, the huge human and economic cost will continue to increase. This notion 'I am Trump. I am American. America first, so I'm going to get out of it.' that is not going to happen Not everything in international agreements is fake news. by Jean Claude Juncker, European Commission president European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned that quitting the Paris Agreement is not a straightforward process. The Americans cant just leave the climate protection agreement, Juncker told a conference in Germany on Wednesday. Mr Trump believes that because he doesnt know the details. Juncker added that it is the duty of Europe to tell the US how the agreement works. IN PICTURES: The consequences of climate change During last weeks G7 meeting, attended by Trump for the first time, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the discussions on climate change very difficult not to say very unsatisfactory. Merkel said European leaders made it clear that we want the US to stick to its commitments. A betrayal Other leaders and diplomats warned Trump about the impact of withdrawal not just on climate change, but also on US standing in the world. Ethiopian diplomat Gebru Jember Endalew, a key figure in climate change negotiations for the 48 least developed countries group, said it would be a betrayal for the US to abandon the agreement. If the US withdraws, its a betrayal to the global community especially the least developed countries and the most vulnerable groups of countries, Endalew said. Chai Qimin, of the Chinese government-funded National Centre for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, warned this month that leaving the agreement would harm mutual trust between world powers. OPINION: Science doesnt care if you believe in it or not President Xi [Jinping] and our ambassador to the United Nations have said several times that withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is irresponsible, which will harm the mutual trust in the multilateral mechanism. Xi on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the Paris Agreement, saying the world must protect the global governance achievements contained within the agreement. Worlds most dangerous party Noam Chomsky, the renowned US academic and intellectual, has in the past sharply criticised the Republican Party for its approach to climate change, calling it the most dangerous organisation in the world. In a recent interview with Democracy Now, Chomsky defended his self-described outrageous statement, citing what he calls the partys dedication and commitment to the destruction of organised human life on Earth. OPINION: The case for collaborating on climate change At least 22 Senate Republicans and a dozen House Republicans have expressed support for a plan to pull out of the Paris Agreement. Oklahoma Republican James Inhofe, a climate change denier, led the senators in drafting a letter (PDF) calling for a clean break from the accord. We have been encouraged by the steps you have taken to reduce the regulatory burdens facing the country, the senators said. But others within the party, including former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, have expressed concern: Affirmation of the #ParisAgreement is not only about the climate: It is also about America remaining the global leader. Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 31, 2017 Really stupid Hillary Clinton, former US secretary of state and Trumps Democratic rival in Novembers election, recently said it would be incredibly foolish and totally incomprehensible to pull out of the agreement. Whats really stupid about [withdrawing from the agreement] is that they are throwing out the economic opportunities that being part of the Paris Agreement provide for the United States, Clinton said at a technology conference in southern California on Wednesday. A number of other Democrats have taken to Twitter to express their concern about the possible withdrawal. Climate change is an existential threat to our futurestaying in #ParisAgreement is the best way to protect our children & global leadership Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 31, 2017 .@POTUS' decision to support a dirty energy agenda & pull out of #ParisAgreement is a grave threat to our planet. https://t.co/qMgx15EDlV Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 31, 2017 But we'll take matters into our own hands. I plan to sign an executive order maintaining New York Citys commitment to the Paris Agreement. https://t.co/8oByikDt7C Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 31, 2017 No choice but to resign Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, has threatened to quit his role on White House advisory councils if Trump withdraws the US from the agreement. [I] dont know which way Paris will go, but Ive done all I can to advise directly to POTUS, through others in [the White House] that we remain, Musk tweeted on Wednesday. In response to a question about what he plans to do if Trump does pull out of the agreement, Musk said he would have no choice but to depart counsels. READ MORE: Trump moves to roll back Obama climate policies In April, more than 15 tech and energy companies including Apple, Google and Shell, signed a letter (PDF) to the president expressing support for US participation in the agreement. We urge that the United States remain a party to the Paris Agreement, work constructively with other nations to implement the agreement, and work to strengthen international support for a broad range of innovative technologies, the letter said. Planet Earth First Activists in Italys capital, Rome, projected the message Planet Earth First on St. Peters Basilica last week as Trump arrived for a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Trump must not be allowed to shirk his moral responsibility or renege on Americas Paris commitments, Greenpeace said in a statement following the protest. Last month, hundreds of thousands of climate activists marched on Washington, DC, as part of the Peoples Climate March. This year, the march was focussed on the need for bold action to address climate change, especially with an administration more reticent to climate than any in recent memory. Get on train or get left behind UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that other countries would be quick to fill a void if the US were to pull out of the Paris agreement. If one country decides to leave a void, I can guarantee someone else will occupy it, Guterres said during an event in New York on Tuesday. The message is simple: The sustainability train has left the station. Get on the train or get left behind. Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars rushed to Resorts World Manila following reports of gunfire and explosions. A resort and casino complex in the Philippine capital Manila is on lockdown after reports of gunfire and explosions from the area. Images and videos posted on social media on Thursday evening (Friday morning local time) showed emergency medical workers giving several injured people first aid. Witnesses interviewed by local media said there were several attackers wearing masks and black shirts. Contrary to statements from witnesses, Ronald dela Rosa, the Philippine police chief, said authorities were looking for only one armed man. SITE intelligence monitoring agency quoted a Filipino operative of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group as saying ISIL is responsible for the attack. The claim could not be independently verified. But dela Rosa played down the claim, saying we cannot connect this yet to terrorism, adding there were no fatalities in the attack. In a brief comment from the White House, US President Donald Trump referred to the incident in Manila as a terrorist attack. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all of those who are affected. Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan, reporting from southern Philippines, cautioned that the group has a history of claiming responsibility for incidents, which later turned out to be unrelated local crimes. Philippine-based armed fighters like the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to ISIL. Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars rushed to Resorts World Manila as loud gunfire was heard. Video footage captured by Al Jazeera also showed thick smoke billowing from one of the buildings in the complex. Local broadcaster ABS-CBN Television posted images on social media showing dozens of police officers with firearms and bulletproof vests waiting at the entrance of one of the buildings in the area. In a Twitter post, resort officials said it is working closely with authorities to ensure that all guests and employees are safe. We ask for your prayers during these difficult times. In another post, the hotel said it has no official information as to the identity or affiliation of the persons responsible for this attack. The Resorts World complex is located opposite one of the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the main airport in the country. There are at least four hotels located in the complex, including a Marriott Hotel. The incident in Manila comes as the entire country is on high alert following the attack by the Maute Group in the southern city of Marawi in Mindanao, which left over 100 people dead, including many civilians. Following the Marawi attack, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao. He also warned that the order could be expanded to cover the entire country if violence spreads. Dozens of women and children killed while trying to escape west Mosul, as Iraqi army seeks to close in on ISIL fighters. More than 140 civilians have been killed in less than a week while trying to flee western Mosul, according to military sources, as the Iraqi army seeks to close in on fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in the armed groups last stronghold in Iraq. According to the military on Thursday, most of the fatalities were women and children. More than seven months into a massive US-backed operation to retake Iraqs second city, security forces have recaptured all but a handful of areas of Mosul from ISIL. Hundreds of thousands of civilians may be trapped in areas still held by the group, which seized Mosul in the summer of 2014. Six days into a new assault on ISILs remaining pockets of territory, the Iraqi army and their allies have progressed slower than they expected, Al Jazeeras Osama bin Javaid, reporting from Erbil in northern Iraq, said. They are facing fierce resistance from ISIL fighters, he said, adding that the civilian death toll had risen to 140 as of 13:00 GMT Thursday, amid the heavy clashes. It has just become more gruesome, he said. Its becoming a tough fight. Iraqi forces are trying to hit ISIL targets shielding behind civilian homes, among densely populated areas. Seventy civilians were reported to have died due to an air strike on Tuesday. It was not clear if it was Iraqi army or coalition forces who conducted the air strike. Our correspondent also reported that ISIL fighters are using mobile mortar squads backed by snipers and suicide car bombs. It is a complicated battlefield that Iraqi forces are trying to navigate, and the highest price being paid is by the civilians of Mosul, he said. 750,000 displaced Most of the civilians are in the Old City, which lies immediately south of where the current fighting is taking place. The area, a warren of narrow streets and closely-spaced buildings, has posed a major challenge for security forces, and the coming battle to retake it poses a major threat to civilians. There are densely populated neighbourhoods, Javaid said. Streets upon streets of people who are living in the besieged areas of Mosul. Around 200,000 people live there, and ISIL uses them as human shields. More than 750,000 people have been displaced since the start of the Mosul operation in October according to the UN, and that figure could increase sharply in the final stages of the battle for the city. Around 150,000 of the displaced have since returned to their homes. RELATED: ISIL fighters seal off Mosul mosque for last stand The Mosul offensive has taken much longer than expected, with Iraqi government advances slowed by the need to avoid civilian casualties. The fall of the city would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the caliphate declared in 2014 over parts of Iraq and Syria by ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in a speech from a landmark mosque in Mosuls old city. In Syria, Kurdish forces backed by US air raids are besieging ISIL forces in the city of Raqqa, the groups de facto capital in that country. Police to investigate placement of rope meant to represent deplorable and coward lynching of African Americans. US police have launched an investigation after a noose was found in a public exhibition space of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, the second such incident in less than a week. David Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, said in a statement that the rope was found by tourists on Wednesday on the floor of the Segregation Gallery of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). NMAAHC, which opened last September in a ceremony that included then-President Barack Obama, is the only national museum in the US devoted exclusively to documenting African American life, history and culture. READ MORE: Museum sheds light on African American history Museum Founding Director Lonnie Bunch III said in a statement that the noose represents a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity and serves as a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face. A statement from our Founding Director Lonnie Bunch on the noose found in our history galleries today. pic.twitter.com/sFWVSaobhV Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) May 31, 2017 This was the second such incident in less than a week at a Smithsonian Institution museum. A noose was found hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum on Friday. READ MORE: Memorial confronts US Souths history of lynching In the US context, the noose is meant to represent lynchings of African Americans that took place primarily from the 1860s to the 1960s. These lynchings usually consisted of mobs of white Americans swarming one or a small group of African Americans and killing them, before tying a rope around their neck and hanging them, often on trees. The mobs would frequently accuse the targeted individuals of having committed some crime without proof. In many cases, the mobs would target random African Americans on the street or mistake one individual for another before killing them. READ MORE: LeBron James Racism is part of America Since the decline of mob lynchings in the US, African American activists have continued to shed light on violence faced by members of their communities, particularly most recently at the hands of law enforcement. But activists have also highlighted rhetoric used by President Donald Trump as incitement for ordinary citizens to express anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-African American sentiment publicly. Since Trumps inauguration, nooses have been found hanging in schools and universities across the country. Passengers feared for lives after man with electronic device threatened to blow up aircraft before being tackled. Armed police stormed a Malaysia Airlines flight that was forced to return to Australia after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit claiming he had a bomb. He was saying: Im going to the blow the fing plane up, Im going to blow the plane up,' passenger Andrew Leoncelli told Australian Broadcasting Corp on Thursday. He was agitated, is the best description, 100 percent he was agitated, Leoncelli said. Passengers described fearing for their lives, but Malaysian Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said a Sri Lankan national, who appeared to have been drunk, was overpowered by passengers and crew and later arrested. It is not a hijack. One disruptive passenger tried to enter the planes cockpit, Aziz told AFP news agency. The passenger claimed to have a bomb. But it was not a bomb but a power bank. Everyone on board is safe He was taken out of the plane handcuffed by Australian security officers. Kuala Lumpur-bound Flight MH128 left Melbourne at 11:11pm (13:11GMT) on Wednesday, but turned back shortly afterwards when the man allegedly threatened those on board, Australian police said. Police Superintendent Andy Langdon said the suspect appeared to have a history of mental illness. We do not believe this is terrorist-related at the moment, Langdon said. While officials tried to downplay the incident, passengers told of some 90 minutes of onboard drama and fear after take-off. A business class passenger, who identified himself as Andy, told Melbourne radio station 3AW the arrested man had threatened to blow the plane up. The staff screamed out I need some help, I need some help. So I jumped up, undid my buckle, and approached him. Andy said the man ran to the back of the plane, where two other men grabbed and disarmed him of a giant black thing and put hog ties on him. OPINION: Malaysia Airlines: This is not a normal investigation Langdon described the experience for passengers as very traumatic, adding passengers and crew were heroic. Passenger Arif Chaudery said he joined several others to subdue the man. Families, kids, they were very scared, and some screaming so three or four guys, we jumped as quickly as possible, he told Channel Nine. We just put him on the floor, and finally staff brought the belt, so we handcuffed him and tied his legs and put his face on the floor. Laura, who asked for her surname to be withheld, told ABC she feared for her life. I thought the plane was going to go down; I thought the bomb was going to go off. I really did think I was going to die, she said. MPs back cabinet led by Social Democrat leader whose party has formed a coalition with two ethnic Albanian parties. The parliament of Macedonia has endorsed a new government led by Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev on Wednesday, in a first step towards ending the countrys two-year political crisis. Zaev, whose SDSM party has formed a coalition with parties representing the countrys ethnic Albanians, won the support of 62 out of 120 MPs, in a vote that came nearly six months after parliamentary elections. Forty-four voted against, and five abstained. I conclude that the parliament voted in the government of Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, the parliamentary speaker, said after the vote. Zaev, a 42-year-old economist by training, vowed to step up economic reforms and pledged to speed up the countrys bid to join the European Union and NATO. The concept of one society for all is the future of Macedonia, Zaev said Wednesday, he said. His opponents, however, said his goals would be difficult to achieve. During the debate leading up to the vote, which began on Tuesday, a deputy of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE, Dimitar Stevanandzija, said Zaev made promises that are unreal and absurd. Political crisis Macedonia has been without a functional government since 2015 after a wiretapping scandal brought down the previous administration of Nicolas Gruevski. Efforts to advance towards membership of the EU and NATO have stalled due to a dispute with Greece over Macedonias name, which it shares with a northern Greek province. What is happening in Macedonia? Of the 25 ministers in Zaevs government, seven are ethnic Albanians, who make up one-third of the countrys population. President Gjorge Ivanov earlier had refused to give the mandate to Zaev, accusing him of endangering Macedonias unity and sovereignty. The crisis threatened to re-ignite inter-ethnic conflict, with ethnic Albanian parties demanding as a condition for joining any new government that Albanian be designated a second official language. A month of protests followed across the country. As part of the coalition deal, Xhaferi, an ethnic Albanian, was elected last month parliament speaker. That prompted protests by nationalists who stormed the parliament building and beat some politicians, including Zaev. After a truck bomb killed at least 90 people in Kabul, what can the government do to stop further attacks? Afghanistan has been in conflict for decades, but what happened on Wednesday has shocked many around the world. A powerful bomb hidden inside a sewage truck exploded in the heart of Kabuls fortified diplomatic district, killing at least 90 people and causing immense damage. Afghan Intelligence is now blaming the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani armed group and Pakistan for the attack. It is yet another turn in relations between Afghanistan and its neighbour. The two countries have repeatedly exchanged accusations of supporting armed groups who operate across the border. So, what can the Afghan government do to stop attacks like these? And reassure its citizens? Presenter: Hazem Sika Guests: Hassan Khan security and political analyst. Mushtaq Rahim specialist on regional security. Barnett Rubin associate director of the Center on International Cooperation and director of Afghanistan-Pakistan Regional Program. For more than two decades, with the sustained if sometimes lukewarm backing of neighbouring Russia, Alexander Lukashenko has governed the Republic of Belarus with an iron fist in the process earning himself the unfortunate sobriquet of Europes last dictator because of his habit of ruthlessly squashing all dissent. But earlier this year opposition voices finally managed to make themselves heard. Over just a few weeks, protests against a new tax to be levied on the unemployed quickly degenerated into more general anti-government affairs led by a charismatic opposition figure. These soon spread from Minsk, the capital, to other towns and cities across Belarus. So would these demonstrations strengthen or weaken the regimes hold on power? We sent filmmakers Glenn Ellis and Katerina Barushka to find out. FILMMAKERS VIEW By Glenn Ellis and Katerina Barushka When we arrived in Minsk in early March this year there was already heady talk of a Belarusian Spring. Peaceful protests across the country were gathering pace. This landlocked country, sandwiched between the EU and Russia, which has been ruled by the same moustachioed autocrat for 23 years, Alexander Ryhoravich Lukashenko, was showing signs of coming in from the cold. A new tax on the unemployed was not going down well and, over the coming days, almost everyone we spoke to told us how grossly unfair they believed the measure to be. For decades, Lukashenko had pretty much been able to take public acquiescence for granted, acting as a godfather of the nation, providing food, shelter and a basic income and encouraging dependency on the state in return for compliance. But eventually and perhaps inevitably the smothering weight of a communist-style command economy thats overly reliant on Soviet-era stalwarts such as collective farms, ageing, state-run steelworks and tractor factories, had pushed Belarus into a spiral of decline. For years, complete collapse had been staved off with the help of heavy financial support from neighbouring Russia. But when Russia, following its annexation of Crimea, a war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions from the West, had to draw back on subsidising the Belarusian economy, Lukashenkos rhetoric suddenly changed. Belarusians themselves were suddenly to blame for the countrys misfortunes, he declared, and would now have to pay. In particular, all those who hadnt worked for more than 183 days of the year were to participate in covering state expenditures. The apparent illogicality of taxing unemployed people, whose only real source of income was the states own feeble benefit system, may have been lost on a president without anyone in his immediate coterie willing to point this out. But to everyone else the policy was always going to be deeply unpopular. To then compound the problem, as Lukashenko did, by publicly labelling such unfortunates as parasites, was a surefire way of stoking smouldering resentment into a major inferno. In late February protests had erupted across the country and wed come to find out where they might lead. Struggling for political freedom Mikolai Statkevich is a former political prisoner and a veteran campaigner and bitter opponent of the regime. After serving two terms in prison for various hard-to-define crimes against the state, without ever appealing to Lukashenko for clemency, Statkevich had previously won widespread respect. On his last release in 2015, he had re-emerged as a potent opposition leader that people trusted. Now he and the rest of Belarus hard-pressed pro-democracy movement were hoping that public outrage at the new tax measures could provide a crucial spark in their long struggle for political freedom. Following weeks of angry demonstrations across the country, Statkevich had called for a mass rally in the heart of the capital gambling that this might be a pivotal moment. I cannot say what is going to happen. he told us, or if it will be decisive It really depends on how many people will come. Our force is now in our numbers. As the day drew near, social media buzzed with ever more daring calls for the president to step down. Lukashenko, who to no ones surprise blamed the unrest on Western Intelligence agencies and agent provocateurs, was having none of it and issued dire threats on state-controlled television: We are not afraid of anyone. Any minor deviation from the law will be brutally suppressed. Thus the scene was set for an almighty showdown which we hoped to be in the right place to capture. But then on the eve of his mass rally, Statkevich was kidnapped. Statkevich disappeared. Nobody knew where well, the regime knew where he was. No information and it created a sense of total disarray, Professor Ales Lahvinets, a pro-democracy advocate, told us. With Statkevich out of the equation it was impossible to predict what would happen. Would the thousands hed hoped for heed his call and attend the rally; and if so, how would the authorities react? Arrested, beaten up and hospitalised In the event, the day started inauspiciously with strong winds, sleet and snow battering the capital. As we made our way to the centre of Minsk, we passed dozens of detention vans and water cannon trucks parked down side streets, but for the most part the city was ominously quiet. The area around the Academy of Sciences, where the march was due to set off, was cordoned off by large contingents of police. Communism has been present in Belarus as nowhere else, because of the authorities and the personality of Lukashenko. His vision and outlook are totally Soviet. Everything he says or does reflects totally Soviet ideas about life. He has managed to stop time. He has frozen the Belarusians in time. by Svetlana Alexievich, Nobel prize laureate Gangs of plain-clothed KGB officials (still the official designation of the state security apparatus here) were watching and waiting. As 2 oclock approached, the time Statkevich had allotted for the rally, it seemed that Lukashenko had already won: there were more reporters and onlookers than protesters. Then, on the hour, a young woman unfurled a Belarusian flag, not the current green and red version favoured by Lukashenko, but the original Belarusian red and white flag, and suddenly the police and KGB swung into action, seizing the handful of protesters that had made it through their lines and throwing them into the waiting police vans. In the far distance, we could hear the shouts of large crowds but where were they? Somewhere a major confrontation was in progress. We managed to persuade a taxi driver to take us down tortuous back-routes to get as close as we could. As he dropped us off, he soberly wished us luck. Wed found one of the larger groups of protesters trying to converge on Victory Square. But like the rest of the centre, Victory Square had been cut off by security officers and the peaceful if noisy demonstrators were now confronted by hundreds of militia in full body armour. They charged, breaking up the crowd and scattering everyone else into smaller groups. Police vehicles screamed to a halt and out poured baton-wielding riot police grabbing people off the pavements indiscriminately, dragging them back to their vans and driving off. Elderly people, couples out shopping, even youngsters looking on with their parents everyone apparently a target. We saw many people knocked to the ground and beaten. It seemed to be a lottery in which the qualifications for entry were simply presence in that part of town. No one was exempt. Dozens of journalists were carted off, including foreign reporters. But despite a palpable sense of rage and disgust, the protesters remained peaceful and non-violent, shouting Shame on you!, Fascists!, Freedom! and Long live Belarus! It was impossible amid the furore to say how many people had heeded Statkevichs call, but it was obvious that Minsk had been locked down to prevent people from forming a critical mass, and anyone found inside this steel circle was considered fair game. We managed to join two different groups of protesters that morning, both numbering in the thousands, and were alerted by text that there were other large crowds trying to get close. But as Lukashenko had promised, they were all to be brutally suppressed. More than 700 people were arrested and dozens beaten up and hospitalised. We also heard numerous reports later of demonstrators getting punishment beatings while in detention. Simmering resentment and an economy on life support In the coming days Statkevich was released unharmed by the KGB, but hundreds of others were charged with public order offences. Some have since been charged with planning illegal mass disturbances and may face years in prison. Other attempted protests in the following weeks met much the same fate until gradually people returned, bloodied if not completely unbowed, to what passes for normality in this hard-pressed country. So for Lukashenko the immediate crisis seems to have passed and the threat of a Belarusian Spring has been averted. But with simmering resentment and an economy on life support no one really knows how long the status quo can continue. Could this autocratic regime really survive another year, another decade? Or have the events of this past few months been the first reading of its funeral rites? What we do know is that our many and various attempts to put this question and others raised by our filming to the president and his officials were unsuccessful. So instead, we met with Svetlana Alexievich, Belaruss only Nobel laureate, winner of the prize for literature in 2015. Her lifetime of writing on the tragedies and injustices of her native land have done little to endear her to Lukashenko. She offered us this grim and not very optimistic assessment: Communism has been present in Belarus as nowhere else, because of the authorities and the personality of Lukashenko. His vision and outlook are totally Soviet. Everything he says or does reflects totally Soviet ideas about life. He has managed to stop time. He has frozen the Belarusians in time. Brenda Cassels still wears her daughters favorite pink T-shirt. It was a special tradition they shared. Sometimes Id borrow a shirt from her, Cassels, 49, said. We always traded clothes, just whatever we felt like wearing that day. Now, she wears them to remember her youngest daughter, Christin, to feel close to her. Now I guess its comfort for me, she said. The Cassels family lost 23-year-old Christin on April 21, just four days before her birthday. She was shot while at her boyfriends house late at night, Cassels said. On Saturday, the lone suspect in Christins murder, Blake Carrington Jackson, 21, was admitted into the Putnam County Jail. He was first identified as a suspect in the case after he was arrested in New Jersey on May 5 for separate drug-related charges out of Putnam County, according to Alligator archives. With Jackson now in a Florida jail, Cassels said she hopes her family will finally get closure. I hope and pray every day that my baby gets justice, she said. Right now theyre still walking the streets doing their thing, and my baby is underground. The fact that Jackson is behind bars doesnt heal all of her wounds, Cassels said. At the end of the day, she knows that nothing will bring Christin back. Cassels currently lives with her husband, Randy, 51, who she fell in love with when they both attended Hawthorne High School in the late 80s. Besides Christin, they are parents to 28-year-old Brittany, 33-year-old Brandi and 35-year-old Joe. Even with the support she gets from family and friends, Cassels said the pain hasnt gone away. Sometimes at night when shes laying in bed, she said shell hear what sounds like Christin walking in the kitchen. Its been really hard, she said, fighting back tears. I couldnt always protect her. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Cassels said Christin was a helper. She said her late daughter, a Gainesville City College Branch Campus alumna, wanted to be a medical assistant and even watched after her grandmother when she was on her deathbed in 2015. Shed do anything for anybody, she said. Everybody loved her. As of Wednesday, Jackson remains in the Putnam County Jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond. He faces three separate charges for selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of a specified area and two others for selling synthetic narcotics and opium or derivatives within 1,000 feet of a specified area. Jackson also faces a charge of grand theft auto in Broward County from a March 3 arrest, according to county court records. Above all, Cassels said she just wants justice for her daughter and for her family. We want whoever did this behind bars, whoever it was, Cassels said. If my babys not gonna walk these streets, neither will they. Contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter: @hoffdavid123. Traffic was delayed on West Newberry Road after a 60-foot sinkhole collapsed the eastbound lane early Wednesday morning. At about 5 a.m., Newberry city officials were made aware of a water-pressure problem. Newberry City Manager Mike New said shortly after that the utility director found a sinkhole that plummeted 20 feet into the ground. In addition to consuming more than half of the eastbound lane, the sinkhole damaged the citys main water pipe, which transports nearly 600 gallons of water to Newberry citizens per minute. When officials found the damaged pipe, it was leaking water into the hole. New said from the time they received the notification that the water pressure dropped to when they found the leak, it had only been about an hour. New said although they had to replace about 40 feet of the main pipe Wednesday, it will take much longer to repair the road itself. The greater damage is just to the state road, New said. Theres a hole there thats 20 feet deep and 60 feet in diameter. Thats pretty extensive repair from the states perspective. Alongside deputies from the Alachua County Sheriffs Office, officials from Florida Department of Transportation helped assess the sinkholes damage and helped direct traffic around it. FDOT is considering the incident a washout, which occurs when a damaged water pipe washes away the sand and soil in the area, causing the land to cave in on itself. Before proceeding with any repairs, however, Newberry officials turned off the main water pipes valve, a process which took four hours in total. Once off, FDOT was able to help assess the damage. The area that is being worked on this afternoon is a washout, said Tracy Hisler-Pace, FDOTs northeast Florida public information director. Currently, the city and FDOT are working on fixing the sinkhole together. For about 18 hours Wednesday, citizens of the western quadrant of Newberry nearly 400 people did not have access to water. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, they regained access. According to state law, citizens will be under a boil warning until city tests dont pick up any bacteria in the water for two consecutive days. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Theyre going to be advised to boil the water theyre going to be utilizing for consumption until we can clear it, New said. It probably wont clear until Friday morning. Contact Adam Turner at aturner@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter: @fladam98. Construction workers from Newberry utilities pour concrete to fill a 20-foot deep sinkhole that opened on West Newberry Road on Wednesday morning. Law enforcement is still trying to find the source behind what city officials describe as an outbreak in spice, or synthetic marijuana, that has sent at least 21 residents to the emergency room since Saturday night. As of Tuesday morning, two people needed further hospital treatment after the emergency room, and at least one faced life-threatening conditions, said Paul Myers, an administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. The synthetic drug can result in anything from extreme agitation to seizures to unconsciousness, and sometimes even heart attacks, Myers said. These are very serious effects, he said. Of those admitted to local emergency rooms as of Tuesday, the oldest was 72 years old, and the youngest was about 18 years old. It really has encompassed a wide demographic, Myers said. The hospital noticed the trends and really is to be commended for connecting the dots. The drug is a form of synthetic marijuana, made more dangerous by chemicals that a secondary dealer or supplier will add to make it stronger, said Gainesville Police spokesperson Officer Ryan Foster. The best course of action is to encourage all to avoid spice or similar related products altogether, Foster wrote in an email. He said police are currently increasing patrols near Haisley Lynch Dog Park, located at 414-424 S. Main St., which is central to where they say many of the recent spice-related incidents have happened. This isnt the first spice outbreak Gainesville has seen in recent years, Myers said. In May 2014, over the course of a single weekend, more than 30 spice-related incidents popped up. For Land O Lakes, Florida, resident Desi Krell, spice is more than a drug its a major factor in her divorce and how she lost touch with her future ex-husband. Its like his ability to reason was messed up, she said. Its almost like he became a grown-up 3-year-old Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Krell, 36, who lived in Gainesville during the last major outbreak, said even when her husband, Duane Elkins, gave up the drug after about 10 months of frequent use, she could notice its effects lingering. It was almost like he was in a permanent state of anger, she said. After about three days during the May 2014 outbreak, police found where the spice was being sold and shut down the operation, he said. Myers said the solution three years ago and what he and police are hoping will be the solution this time was public awareness. As soon as we put out the alerts, the case count dropped precipitously last time, he said. So thats why were hoping for the same results this time. Contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter: @hoffdavid123 Above: A bad batch of spice, or synthetic marijuana, has sent at least 21 Gainesville residents to local emergency rooms since Saturday night, said Paul Myers, an administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. Police are still looking for the source of where the batch is being sold. This Land is Your Land and God Bless America rang from the mouths of Gainesville residents as they protested outside of U.S. Rep. Ted Yohos office Tuesday afternoon. Local residents, who are not affiliated with any local or national organization, attempt to meet biweekly outside of Yohos office during lunch hours and peacefully protest by holding up signs. Catie Wegman Marcela Mulholland, a 19-year-old UF political science and sustainability studies junior, stands outside U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho's office on Tuesday afternoon. Mulholland said she believes millennials speaking out will have a huge impact on the future. While serving his third term as congressman of North Central Florida's 3rd Congressional District, Sarah Walters, a 43-year-old Gainesville resident, said Yoho has not succeeded in representing his people and has conformed to the wishes of the Republican Party. Walters said Yoho mentioned her by name at a town hall discussion in April, and he said he would sign on to sponsor the H.R.305 bill, which would release President Donald Trumps tax returns, even though he initially did not agree with the bill. At first he didnt support the release of Trumps tax returns, but he talked with me ... and I had suggested a couple bills that maybe he could sign onto to help support the release of his taxes, Walters said. At the town hall, he said, She changed my mind, Im going to sign on as a sponsor to those bills. Walters said she was happy to see the GOP congressman attempting to work with Gainesville residents who usually do not agree with him. However, Walters said Yoho did not follow through with his public promise. She said Yoho refuses to sign onto the movement to bring the bill out of committee and onto the floor for consideration. How can they be okay with that? Walters said. If they support the release of Trumps taxes, wouldnt they want the bill to come to the floor? As someone who is new to the political world, Walters said she genuinely thought from her discussions with Yoho that they would be able to work together. She said she is disappointed to see that Yoho is just another politician who uses the media to get positive press but does not follow through on what he says. The H.R.305 bill controversy was not the only issue residents were protesting. Protester Marcela Mulholland protested the American Health Care Act and budget cuts to science funding and climate change programs. I think its important to have the millennial perspective here also, to show the politicians that were paying attention, said the 19-year-old UF political science and sustainability studies junior. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Olysha Magruder, a 38-year-old Gainesville resident and protester, said residents have been meeting up at Yohos office since the end of January. The protesters specifically target Yohos office since he is the closest representative. We just hang out for our lunch breaks, and we hold up our signs, Magruder said. Initially, protesters would stand inside the office and quietly hold their signs. However, they have since been prohibited from entering the office without having an appointment, Magruder said. The office has claimed that protesters have threatened them and vandalism has occurred, Magruder said. She said none of the protesters she has been involved with would ever do something like that. Personally, I feel like its just a way to keep us out of their offices, because we are kind of annoying to them, she said. Contact Catie Wegman at cwegman@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter: @catie_wegman. Gainesville residents meet outside U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho's office during their lunch hour on Tuesday afternoon to protest by waving signs stating their political opinions. UF Student Body President Smith Meyers waived his right to a speedy trial and instead faces up to 12 months probation, according to Monroe County court documents obtained by the Alligator. On May 25, Meyers and the Key West State Attorneys Office reached a pretrial intervention agreement, in which he must report once a month to supervisors with the Florida Professional Probation Services. If Meyers, 22, completes all the terms of the pretrial agreement, the state attorneys office can agree to dismiss charges. According to the records, Meyers must report his employment and courses of study monthly to the program supervisor and complete 100 hours of community service. He must also not use intoxicants to excess and may not consume or be in possession of alcohol while in the program, according to the records. Meyers will be required to take part in substance abuse treatment and submit random urine samples for analysis. The UF food and resource economics senior must also not be in possession of a firearm or weapons during the period, according to the records. The pretrial intervention agreement is an option for any first offender or person who faces charges of a third-degree misdemeanor or felony, and upon approval of the victim and the state attorney and judge who preside over the case, according to Florida state statutes. Key West Police arrested Meyers on March 7 during Spring Break after a witness reported seeing him drunkenly knock over two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, according to Alligator archives. In video footage of his arrest, Meyers appears to strike a witness. Meyers faces two charges of criminal mischief, according to court records. If the office determines that he violated any law or part of the agreement during the probationary period, the agreement will end and his prosecution may resume, according to the records. As of press time, neither Christina Cory, a state attorney assigned to the case, nor Michelle Cates Deal, Meyers defense attorney, could be reached for comment after multiple attempts. Meyers also could not be reached for comment. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Contact David Hoffman at dhoffman@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter: @hoffdavid123. Turn to page 72 if you want to fight. Turn to page 26 if you want to run. Youll have to turn the page to find out what happens next. With Choose Your Own Adventure books, thats usually the case. Making a decision to control the outcome of a story can make you feel god-like. Now that familiar feeling can be felt with a new, interactive play at UFs Black Box Theatre in the Nadine M. McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion. The play, brought to UF by the Tilted Windmills Theatricals, a New York City-based theater company, will have audience members make decisions to steer the course of the play. The play is written by Matt Cox and directed by Kristin McCarthy Parker. The Magnificent Revengers in A Choose Your Own Tragedy A Comedy!, will premiere June 7 and will run until June 11 in the Black Box Theatre, according to a press release. This is the third year that Tilted Windmills Theatricals has worked with the UF School of Theatre and Dance to collaborate with students to put out interesting plays, said David Carpenter, the plays producer and a managing partner of the theater company. Last summer brought Puffs; or, Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, also written by Cox and directed by McCarthy Parker. Puffs started at the Peoples Improv Theater in New York City but became a hit after its time at UF, going back to the city in an off-Broadway stint at the Elektra Theatre. Carpenter said members of the company enjoyed collaborating with the students. "The level of talent with the students is just out of this world; theyre just on the cusp of stepping out into the working world, he said. With this new play, the theater company came in with only an outline, not the whole script. The School of Theatre and Dance had to trust that with a little time it would turn into something special. Carpenter said he thought they were intrigued with the idea. "We said, trust us, were going to come in and bring a new show for you, he said. Its unlike anything weve done before. Very few people have wandered into this territory. Going with an immersive play wasnt an original idea with the theater company. This type of play has been gaining traction in New York City in recent years among young people. Carpenter said their idea was focused on a way to incorporate technology into a live performance. Through the collaboration of corporate partners in the business and video game industry, the theater company is working to create an interactive technology called Panza. The program will allow audience members to use their phone to vote on different choices within the play, which could potentially give the show six different endings. The show is set in the later days of the Wild West, and it centers around a female protagonist who is seeking revenge for her brothers murder. Even though the Western setting is thought to be predominantly male-dominated, McCarthy Parker said Cox enjoys creating leading roles in the genre for women. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now "It has been in many instances problematic in terms of not having a lot of strong female characters, if any, she said. Because of the genre, the potential for violence is high; the audience will have to make some tough decisions during the performance. "In some ways asking people to be participants makes them a little bit responsible in some ways. It has the power to raise complicated feelings, but thats not a bad thing, she said. As the director, she has to rehearse each potential ending to the play, and the cast has to keep those fresh in their minds. The level to which its integrated in the show is really high and really exciting, she said. The audience definitely has a huge role to play in what the outcome of the show is. Some decisions are fun and harmless, but others decide who lives and who dies. The show would be impossible without an active and engaged audience. It seems almost unthinkable to encourage an audience to have their phones out during a performance considering they are typically banned from theaters. They can disrupt the actors and distract the audience from whats going on. Because he loves technology, Carpenter wanted to see what would happen if they turned the no-cellphone-use policy on its head. "What if we invited the disrupter in? Were going to find out what this means; weve never seen theater that embraces this in this way, he said. Some potential drawbacks to having people use their phones is making sure everybody has enough power, dealing with notifications and making sure everyone has connection to Panza. Carpenter said they wouldnt know the real problems until the play is put before an audience. Incorporating technology into a production will change more than just how the audience reacts. It will also change how characters develop and adapt to a new storyline.With the choices potentially killing off cast members, Parker has to be open to the fact that a scene with three people could end with two, which could change lighting and blocking. Its a lot of forethought and a lot of going back and tweaking to make sure it works no matter what," she said. Directing the play has been a balancing act for McCarthy Parker. She has made sure the audience knows that they are witnessing one story in one world. She said its not six different plays its one play with six different endings. Being innovative is important, but not as important as working on things that get you out of bed in the morning, Carpenter said. Working on what you are passionate about with people who you are passionate about only adds to the journey of fostering new, innovative plays, Carpenter said. "The creative process is beautiful and messy at the same time, he said. Donald Trump's refusal to bow to climate alarmism causes sincere alarm among leftists. Compared to it, the investigation of Donald Trump's alleged "Russian ties" looks like another desperate gambit. The climate agenda is much bigger than it seems; it moves hundreds of billions of dollars annually and demands trillions. The media coverage of the G7 summit was mostly about the climate agenda. In the '90s, the science wasn't settled regarding the numerical values of the effect of human-emitted infrared active gases and particulates. But there has never been evidence justifying alarm. Today, the science is settled against climate alarmism. Throughout history, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has been much higher than it is today or is expected to be in the foreseeable future, yet life has thrived. Carbon dioxide is the product of human breath and essential for plant survival. The global temperature trends over the last hundred years show no correlation with carbon dioxide concentration. The alarmist denial of this basic scientific knowledge makes the climate agenda an effective weapon of mass social destruction. At long last, we finally have a president who is willing and able to abolish climate alarmism in America. The only questions are when and how. My answers: immediately, unequivocally, and entirely. There is no middle ground. Attempts to appease climate alarmists with statements such as "We agree with your concerns, but let us decide on the pace of the actions," have not only failed to check the climate agenda, but strengthened it as well. Climate alarmism renouncement must include declaring independence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.N. entity with an explicit mandate to pervert science, and a review of activities that promoted its self-professed authority in this country. The climate agenda must be renounced for its scientific invalidity. All the economic and political reasons to reject it remain in force, but invoking them tempts European politicians to engage in virtue-signaling and ritual scapegoating of the U.S. It is worth remembering what happened with the U.S. and the Kyoto protocol. It is likely that delegations from some Western countries negotiated the 1997 Kyoto pact with the assumption that they would not have to sign it. The Senate voted 95-0 against Kyoto long before the conference at which it was finalized (the Byrd-Hagel resolution). Apparently, some Western governments did not think much about what they were writing, expecting that the U.S. would reject it anyway. Then they would come home and tell their enviros, We did everything you wanted, but those darned Americans derailed negotiations. To everyone's surprise, the American delegation, headed by Al Gore, agreed to the negotiated text. Bill Clinton shelved his copy something that parliament-appointed governments of the European and British Commonwealth countries could not afford. They had no practical choice but to submit the pact to their respective parliaments, and the parliaments ratified it. Thus, Western European countries bound themselves to an absurd treaty, comparable only to a mutual suicide pact. The responsible political parties and politicians had to explain their actions to the public. Hence, "settled science," "climate education," and so on. Like a fly in a spider's web, they entangled themselves deeper with each move. Indecision and compromise confuse friend and foe alike. President Trump cannot receive support from the public without making a firm stand. When he makes it, things will change. Many smart people will take a harder look at the science, the purported scientists, and the whole process. Witnesses will come forward. Real scientists will testify how they or their colleagues were defunded, dismissed, or otherwise mistreated for disagreeing with climate alarmism. EPA employees will tell how their bosses abrogated their duty and became willing collaborators with Big Green. Even journalists will come forward and bear witness to how the green activists pressed them for one-sided coverage. When the wall of silence is broken, and the victims and witnesses feel no fear of retaliation, hundreds will step forward. Then whistleblowers will start coming from the ranks of Big Green and other alarm-mongers. Many non-profit corporations, from the Union of Con Scientists to the MacArthur Foundation, have been supplementing their multi-million incomes and multi-billion endowments with taxpayer money. Some of them also falsely claimed charitable status and evaded taxes usually while advocating tax increases for working men. Certain leftist hedge fund managers took part in bankrupting coal companies and then bought their shares at rock-bottom prices. Investigations and lawsuits will reveal many more cases. Multiple laws allow private action for recovery, with the reach and bite of these laws expanded under the Obama administration. One of the collateral benefits of climatism renouncement will be realization by many decent but deceived people of the left's nature and agendas. This will help address other areas, like academic decline. Climate alarmism will not simply fade away. Something receiving hundreds of billions of dollars annually cannot fade away. Besides, very powerful political forces have tied their destiny to climate alarmism. In the U.S., these forces include Big Green, the mis-educational complex, and possibly even the Democratic Party. Abroad, most of the European political establishment is on the hook. Together, they wield a lot of power and know how to use it. On the other hand, a mere renouncement by the U.S. government would deliver a knockout to climate alarmism. Abandoning the unratified Paris agreement would be a small step in the right direction. Leo Goldstein defends realism in the climate debate. I did not return to my alma mater to hear Hillary Rodham Clinton deliver her commencement address to the Wellesley Class of 2017. Nor did I in the manner of my more liberal alumnae friends here on the West Coast opt to rise very early on the morning of Friday, May 26 to catch a live broadcast of it. Even had I been so inclined, I figured I pretty well knew what Hillary would say in that much anticipated talk to a largely partisan crowd of graduates, their parents, and their well-wishers. To some extent, I was wrong. Let's put it this way: the most incisive post-speech comment on Secretary Clinton's performance came from one of my Wellesley classmates, who said simply, "Hillary never did have any class." And on top of that, Mrs. Clinton was quick to admit to her blase audience that her class didn't have any class cheer, either. I'm not sure why Wellesley's most famous alumna bothered to bring this up. Perhaps it was an ice-breaker, certainly one preferable to her ensuing coughing fit, popped lozenge, and gulp of bottled water. It remains a mystery why and how Hillary's class had gotten away with such a singular lapse of tradition at a college so steeped in it. Surely back then one of Hillary's classmates perhaps she herself could have come up with a suitable cheer. Or had they all become young allies of radical Saul Alinsky, leaving them little to cheer about? As for the "class cheer" itself, every entering Wellesley class is assigned a color red, green, purple, or yellow. All the paraphernalia associated with a class banners, beanies, pendants, logos, etc. are done up in that particular shade. When alumnae return to their designated reunions, they march with their class in descending numerical order in a festive Alumnae Parade, sporting some item in their class color. It might be, say, a purple feather boa, strings of yellow glass beads, a red umbrella , or a bright blue tote bag. At the conclusion of this colorful procession, each class, in turn, belts out its brief class cheer while marching past the college president. To avoid possible repercussions by using "real" class cheers, I have hastily composed the following to show how simple the exercise is, and how potentially unoriginal. Suggestion for a "yellow" class: 1999 Wellesley, rah! 1-9-9-9 Wellesley! Go for gold, '99! Dreams unfold, '99! 1-9-9-9 Wellesley! Hillary's class, like the one that graduated this year, is green. With all the ecological consciousness, the color offers countless possibilities. So it could have been: 1969 Wellesley, rah! 1-9-6-9 Wellesley! Keep Earth green, '69! Squeaky-clean, '69! 1-9-6-9 Wellesley! You get the drift. But Hillary didn't linger long on that bit of shared amusement. The rest of the laughs resulted from her blatant attacks on the man in the White House, even as he was representing our country in negotiations overseas. Was anyone really surprised by the body blows she leveled at Trump, campaign-style, in front of a sympathetic audience whose numbers outstripped those attending most of her campaign rallies? Equally anticipated was Hillary's declaration of sheer joy at being back "to celebrate with the college." This wasn't quite true, of course, since she would much rather have been at the dedication of the new NATO headquarters in Brussels and then on to Sicily with her own entourage for the G-7 conference. Whether she is running for office or from humiliation, returning to the bosom of Wellesley has always been a win-win situation for Hillary. Her hair isn't as long and straggly as it was 48 years ago, but she can still let it down on campus with a largely adoring crowd. Maybe that's why she made the inane comment about Wellesley coeds frequently changing their hairstyles as well as their majors. And there was the usual self-deprecation that reeked of self-pity. Mrs. Clinton will say anything to those who believe anything she says. Inanity soon gave way to inanity. In a show of bitter defiance, Hillary probed the depths of her own recent disappointment, massaging it into a warning to young graduates about the dangers that lie ahead. There was far more grudge than grace in Hillary's remarks, more pessimism and discouragement for her own past than optimism and encouragement for the futures of her young listeners. And little evidence that she would be passing along the political baton anytime soon. Rhetorically lacking in either humility or soul-searching, Hillary presented herself as an advocate for revenge. This time, the amorphous culprits were not "deplorables," but "trolls," who thwart the talents and ambitions of deserving women. To the list of the usual suspects blamed for her defeat Comey, Russia, Trump, and misogyny she added the "suppression" of voting in Wisconsin, a state she chose not to campaign in. Were I a bright-eyed graduating senior, I would have preferred Hillary to talk more about, say, debt than regret. I would hope she'd embrace the immediate future with a message more positive than the impeachment of a sitting president whom Hillary and her clueless team had grossly underestimated. Wellesley's new president, Paula Johnson, introduced Hillary as a woman who has always made the impossible possible. The opposite has more generally been the case. And the clearest example was Election 2016, when all signs pointed to the real possibility of her being the first female president of our country. Then came the impossibility and the search for scapegoats ever since. Hillary's longtime bond with her alma mater is perhaps best understood by parallels in her last and first commencement speeches. I was in the audience all those years ago when then-Hillary Rodham represented her graduating class by delivering a searing and highly embarrassing indictment of the commencement speaker, Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts. Brooke, a self-made man, a decorated war hero, and the first black U.S. senator popularly elected to the United States Senate since Reconstruction days, had been invited by the College to deliver that year's commencement address. None of this mattered to the student spokesperson, because Brooke was also a Republican. Hillary dissed the gentlemen and dismissed his vision of the world. Now, almost a half-century later, Hillary Clinton's engine runs on the same self-serving fuel not the balm of equality for race or gender or economic condition, but the polluting octane of progressive politics. And she is still determined to drive over anyone who gets in her way. That considered, perhaps the Class of '69 could agree to this belated class cheer: 1969 Wellesley, rah! 1-9-6-9 Wellesley! Hear our anger as we vent! Hillary for president! 1-9-6-9 Wellesley! The radical Left is so incensed and horrified by the advent of a Trump presidency that it has been driven to adopt what it considers to be the tactics of a grassroots movement it abhors and accuses of being racist, homophobic, anti-government, anti-woman, nativist, and Islamophobic along with the array of other epithets reserved for conservatives and flag-waving Americans. Led by five former Democratic congressional staffers, the recently birthed progressive organization Indivisible admits to modeling its strategy to "resist" the Trump administration after the tactics employed by its perceived nemesis: the Tea Party. Operating from the conviction that presidential power is not unlimited and that pressure on Congress can reverse Trump's potential damage, the Indivisible Team has launched a movement mainly for progressives, although disgruntled conservatives or anyone who opposes Trump may apply. The idea behind Indivisible is to resist the Trump agenda by diverting members of Congress, especially conservatives, from accomplishing their goals and preventing them from undoing many of the progressive policies put in place by the Obama administration. Ironically, the current protestations vis a vis "presidential power gone wild" is incongruous with the absence of complaints from the Left when it came to the Obama administration and its many secretive actions, executive orders, and congressional bypassing, despite unrelenting claims of transparency. The uncontested shift in Washington over the past eight years away from a constitutional republic and congressional legislative responsibility toward more of a bureaucratic, administrative government run without Congress' intervention belies the sincerity of these assertions. Characterizing the ideas of the Tea Party as "wrong, cruel and tinged with racism," the Indivisible Team pledges to protect their values of "inclusion, tolerance and fairness" with an equivalent level of resistance and fervor. Following the January publication of a guide posted to Google Docs that went viral, the founders reported that within three weeks they had amassed 105,000 interested parties and 2,400 registered groups, one in every congressional district. Today, the Indivisible website boasts close to 6,000 Indivisible groups, at least two in each congressional district. Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda refers to Trump as "the biggest popular vote loser in history to ever call himself President Elect." In their inaugural document, Indivisibles architects reveal their defensive, ostensibly Tea Party-templated strategy to thwart the policies of the incoming administration. Positing that Trump will "attempt to use his congressional authority to reshape America in his racist, authoritarian and corrupt image" even though he "has no mandate" from the voters, the Team presents a methodology to "stand indivisibly to defeat Trump and the members of Congress who would do his bidding." In defense of their position, Indivisibles founders rationalize that if a "small minority in the Tea Party could stop President Obama, then we the majority can stop a petty tyrant named Trump" and prevent him from "victimizing us and our neighbors." They characterize Trump's agenda as one that "explicitly targets immigrants, Muslims, people of color, LGBTQ people, the poor and working class, and women." Indivisibles founders include Angel Padilla, a former immigration policy consultant for La Raza and advisor to Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois), and Ezra Levin, who served as an AmeriCorps employee in homeless services and worked for Rep. Lloyd Doggert (D-TX). With their aggregate of significant congressional staffing experience, Padilla and Gutierrez are well aware that legislators are defined by electoral interests and primarily concerned about being re-elected. In the Indivisible Guide, they convey their conviction that the vulnerability of a member of Congress reaches its zenith when the certainty of their re-election is disrupted. In the preface of the Indivisible Guide, the plans creators offer a "Note to Immigrants and Non-Citizens" in which they emphasize that all people living in the United States, even illegal immigrants and non-citizens, have a right for their voices to be heard by their congressional representatives. They emphasize that the guide is a resource for "all individuals who would like to more effectively participate in the democratic process." As for the guide's stratagem, it recommends that subscribers emulate the "act locally" strategy of the Tea Party and target three individuals: their two state senators and their local congressional representative. Readers are advised to let their opinions and expectations be known in various venues using a prescribed series of tactics. The Indivisible Guide, which also provides tips on marketing, recruiting, mass email and telemarketing campaigns and managing small groups, informs readers that members of Congress have limited time and staff to handle government business and can easily be distracted from the work at hand by a barrage of disruptive phone calls, unexpected group visits to district offices and appearances at local public events such as parades, ceremonial activities, and groundbreaking proceedings. They cite the importance for activists to wear similar clothing and carry coordinated signs to stand out as a major presence and project the appearance of unity. While attending public events, Indivisible participants are encouraged to speak with any media representatives at the scene, threaten local event sponsors with bad publicity, be prepared to interrupt speakers, aggressively inject their opinions and engage in collective "booing" and applause where effective. It is critical, the guide instructs, to convince the press and government representative that the Indivisible activists are representative of the targeted district. For indoor events such as town hall meetings, Indivisible advises using indoor and outdoor teams to influence events inside the facility and manage press relations outside. Participants are encouraged to share prepared questions ahead of time, dominate question and answer sessions, spread out across the venue and present the appearance of widespread consensus on issues of concern. Also emphasized is the importance of videoing all interactions and maintaining a ubiquitous presence on social media. The Indivisible founders explain that members of Congress, especially representatives, are always "running for office" and run scared at the slightest hint of dissent from their constituents. They advise that attendance at town hall meetings and visits to Congressional offices do not require advance appointments but can be orchestrated spontaneously with great success. If significant enough, pressure can be leveraged to force meetings that can be useful even if attended by lone congressional staffers, especially if media coverage can be arranged. The overriding idea is to apply enough pressure and instill significant doubt about reelection to gum up the works and eat up time and resources. To Indivisible's founders, a day that a targeted member of Congress spends dealing with complaints from "constituents" is a day he is unable to stop ObamaCare, legislate against "reproductive rights," or institute legislation to thwart illegal immigration. It is a day that forces them to redirect time and energy from their priorities. The overriding objective of Indivisible's plan is to make elected officials feel that they are being monitored and that their re-election is on the line; to manufacture an environment that appears hostile and give the impression that Trump's policies are unpopular with most of their constituents. The mission of the Tea Party was to mobilize fellow citizens in an effort consistent with the traditional American values of "fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets," while honoring the established political process of our representative government and the tenets of the U.S. Constitution. Indivisible misrepresents the Tea Partys aims and actions and has created a counterproductive "hate Trump" movement to subvert these ideals and dishonor the country. As their document, the Indivisible Guide, attests, the express purpose of the organization is little more than an unprincipled attempt to disrupt the democratic process, stifle the voices of the millions of Americans with whom they disagree and return to the big government policies of the Obama administration. In the movie, the Allied commandos sneak through Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia to the bridge they were assigned to blow up. After the requisite setbacks, our heroes enter the internal machinery of a dam upstream of the bridge and detonate their explosives. Then nothing. Unperturbed, the explosives expert says, "Wait. It is the accumulation of vibrations that does it." Indeed, the smallish explosion causes cracks; the cracks cause more cracks; water begins to seep through the dam. Then, more water, more pressure, more cracks, more water. The bridge sways, and then collapses with a satisfying crash, sending the Nazi tanks and their crews into the drink. Friends of Israel have known for years that regardless what the Palestinian Authority (PA) says in diplomatic circles, in truth it rejects the legitimacy of Israel in the region and encourages violence against Israelis. The evidence is easily accessible: the Middle East Research Institute (MEMRI) translates material from across the Arab world into English. NGO Monitor tracks nongovernmental organizations and their support for Palestinian violence and intransigence. Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) studies Palestinian society through its media and textbooks. Those are the vibrations, and in the presence of a blunt American president, they appear to be accumulating. President Trump's White House statement to PA President Mahmoud Abbas laid down an unmistakable American marker: There cannot be lasting peace unless the Palestinian leaders speak in a unified voice against incitement to violence and hate. There's such hatred. But hopefully there won't be such hatred for very long. All children of God must be taught to value and respect human life, and condemn all of those who target the innocent. Abbas responded that Palestinian children are "raised in a culture of peace." That was demonstrably false and was so demonstrated. By the time the President went to Bethlehem, it appears that he had seen enough to lambaste Abbas for lying to him. The President also, "raised concerns about the payments to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have committed acts of terrorism, and to their families, and emphasized the need to resolve this issue," according to the White House press secretary. Another crack in the dam and the water is beginning to rise. PMW had already documented the Palestinian Authority's veneration of Dalal Mughrabi - a female terrorist involved in the Coastal Road massacre in which 37 civilians, 12 of them children, were killed and more than 70 others wounded. PMW notes that in the West Bank, there are three schools and a computer center named after her, and Abbas held a birthday celebration for her. But when the "Martyr Dalal Mughrabi Center: A cultural and social center and youth center in partnership with the Burqa village council and the Women's [Technical] Affairs Committee," was found to have Norwegian government and UN money behind it, the bridge began to sway. The Norwegian government, often hostile to Israel, demanded its money back. Foreign Minister Borge Brende said, "The glorification of terrorist attacks is completely unacceptable Norway will not allow itself to be associated with institutions that take the names of terrorists in this way. We will not accept the use of Norwegian aid funding for such purposes." And right behind him was the office of the Secretary General of the UN, proclaiming: The United Nations disassociated itself from the Center once it learned the offensive name chosen for it and will take measures to ensure that such incidents do not take place in the future. The glorification of terrorism, or the perpetrators of heinous terrorist acts, is unacceptable under any circumstances. The UN has repeatedly called for an end to incitement to violence and hatred as they present one of the obstacles to peace. It may be the first time Palestinian behavior was specifically named as an "obstacle to peace," and, perhaps, the first time the PA was denounced in the UN for terrorism. And then Denmark. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Danish Foreign Ministry announced a "comprehensive review" of Danish donations to the Palestinian Authority. We must be sure that Danish aid helps to advance human rights in the Palestinian territories in a positive manner. It is possible that in wake of the examination we will be forced to stop our support of a number of Palestinian organizations. Until this examination is complete we won't sign any new grants for Palestinian organizations. Even UNRWA, often Israel's nemesis in the territories, may have had enough. Last year, a panel of experts determined -- not for the first time -- that the textbooks used by the Palestinian Authority venerate violence and martyrdom. Such complaints are generally ignored, UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness has announced: It is UNRWA policy to review, and where appropriate enrich the official PA textbooks, curricula and other learning materials used in UNRWA schools to ensure compliance with UN values and principles. In addition, since 2000 UNRWA has taught in all our schools our own supplementary "Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance" curriculum aimed at strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and promoting understanding, tolerance and gender equality." The PA was not happy and tried to justify teaching that Jews have no connection to the land and that Palestinian children have a right and a duty to destroy it. "Any distortion of the Palestinian curriculum is a flagrant violation of the laws of the host country, and any change to any letter to appease any party is a betrayal of the Palestinian narrative and the right of the Palestinian people under occupation to preserve its identity and struggle." As the Palestinians try to preserve a phony narrative, the rest of the world may be moving on. The next sound you hear may well be the bridge. Crashing. (And so it is. Yesterday, Israel's ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, was elected vice president of the upcoming session of the U.N. General Assembly. He will chair meetings of the G.A. and take part in setting its agenda and overseeing the rules during sessions.) Two weeks after Irans presidential election, the two main factions of this theocracy rivaling in these polls have escalated their cross allegations of vote-rigging. On Saturday, a senior mullah by the name of Movahedi Kermani, the leader of the most important state mullahs group, Resistant Clerics, issued a statement in this regard. The votes of Raisi, (the Supreme Leaders preferred candidate) are halal; although some of the votes may have been rigged, it read in part. This was a reply to the allegations raised by the faction loyal to President Hassan Rouhani. In return, the Khamenei camp claims 2.5 million votes for Rouhani were rigged. In Tehran, based on classified reports, the Revolutionary Guards implemented a plan ordering all their paramilitary Basij members to vote two or even three times for Raisi. Another classified report reveals another manipulation in how the vote results were announced: When the final vote numbers of Iranian President Hassan and Rouhani and Raisi are revealed, based on a decision made by the most senior officials, they first mushroom the vote numbers. Then they added 6.5 million votes each to Rouhani and Raisi. This is the mechanism usually used in all elections. To this end, both factions of this regime, despite all their quarrels, reach an agreement. This is how they claim 41.2 million people took part in the May 19th presidential election, and conclude a participation rate of 73%. A total of 12 presidential elections have been held in Iran from 1980 to this day and the average voter participation (based on regime reports) have been 67.1%. If there were no evidence of vote-rigging in the election statistics, this question would remain: How can a country suffer from deep and acute social injustice, and yet enjoy one of the highest voter participation percentage rates in the world? Moreover, in this years election, one other biting question was added: The candidate of the ruling faction was Raisi, a senior perpetrator in the 1988 massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners. The utter abhorrence of the public provided a major boost to Rouhanis victory. Despite all this, how are we to believe 16 million Iranians voted for him? Other evidence challenge regime statistics in this election: At around 9 p.m. on May 19, with the vote continuing, the Interior Ministry announced the number of voters at 25.9 million. Voting was extended for another three hours, to 12 midnight. The next morning the Interior Ministry announced the total number of votes at 41.2 million. Meaning while during the entire day and 13 hours of polling the number of voters had reached nearly 26 million, in the last three hours suddenly more than 15 voters rushed to the polls! Another deceptive measure is how senior officials take advantage of voided votes. This includes votes without any candidates name or a stamp, or the voter not reaching the legal vote, or Based on Irans election laws, voided votes must not be calculated in voter participation numbers. In the recent elections, there were at least 1.2 million spoiled ballots (averaging 3% of the total votes). However, the relevant officials considered them in statistics regarding general voter participation. Another issue is the number of official voting forms printed. Iran has a total number of 56 million eligible voters. As a result, only a certain percentage more than the total number of voters must be printed. However, 100 million voting papers were printed for the recent presidential election. These additional votes are a method used to rig election results. All these pretexts hinder an unbiased analysis to determine the exact number of voters in Iran. To add insult to injury, Irans regime has never permitted foreign observers to monitor the elections. Despite all this, if we seek a close to reality estimate of the number of Iranians participating in this election, we should pay certain attention to the number of votes cast by Iranians living abroad. This is where the regime lacks any vote rigging machine. There are 2.5 million Iranian eligible voters living abroad, according to Interior Ministry reports. From this total only a little over 168,000 people cast their votes on May 19th. Reports show only 30,000 in the United States, 3,300 in France and 12,500 in France voted. As a result, the voter participation rate of Iranians abroad was merely 6.7%. The huge gap between this and the 73% announced inside Iran, is the scope of vote rigging. Of course, this is not a method unique to Iran and is quite normal in previous dictatorships such as Belarus and Algeria. Belgian theoretician Andreas Schedler, in his book, Electoral Authoritarianism: The Dynamics of Unfree Competition, refers to the fact that most political states in developing countries are a certain form of autocracy based on unfair elections. Shedler refers to a wide variety of developing countries, such as Azerbaijan and Zimbabwe, from Russia to Singapore in which a formal democracy is in place, especially in holding numerous elections. And yet, the principles of free and fair democratic elections are tarnished through rigging the election system on a wide scale. Three researchers by the names of Carl Henrik Knutsen, Havard Mokleiv Nygard, and Tore Wig, issued research results analyzing 259 authoritarian regimes between the years 1946 and 2008. These researchers believed the most important motivation in holding these elections is to lengthen the lifespan of a dictatorship regime. Through these elections, dictators are able to gain legitimacy to continue their rule. Evaluating the 38 elections held in Iran from 1980 to 2017 confirm the results of the abovementioned research. The Iranian theocracys most important objective in holding these elections is to deliver a completely flip-flopped image of the true Iran; a country where a small minority rules over a large majority demanding an end to the status quo. Mohammad Amin (@EconomieIran) is a senior research fellow at the Paris-based Fondation d'Etudes pour le Moyen-Orient, FEMO (Foundation for the Study of the Middle East) - http://www.fondationfemo.com . He has written several books and essays about the ruling theocracy, the transformation of Irans political economy under the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East region. Co-author of the book, Where is Iran Going? printed in Paris by Autrement. On multiple occasions recently, Charles Krauthammer has observed that since the passing of Obamacare, a consensus has emerged in America that government should guarantee that all Americans be covered by health insurance. Obamacare, however, doesn't cover all Americans; the ACA itself even grants exemptions to its mandates. And then there are those who would rather pay the tax/penalty than pay insurance premiums. Also, many Americans are too just busy ruining their health to be bothered with procuring health insurance. In all, Americans who have neither public nor private health insurance number more than 28 million. Dr. Krauthammer predicts that within a few years, America will end up with a universal health care system, perhaps even the dread "socialized medicine," i.e. "single-payer," where the government runs the whole shebang. But America already has a universal health care system, the one provided by hospital emergency rooms under the EMTALA law. The services received in emergency rooms are not supposed to be free; they just end up being free. Hospitals actually charge the users of their ERs, but they're often not successful in getting paid. Consequently, hospitals write off the losses run up in their ERs as "bad debt." Bad debt has been a problem in the medical system for decades. But recently it's taken on a new wrinkle as folks with Obamacare insurance policies find that they cannot pay for their hefty deductibles and copays. So the health care system is getting hit by deadbeats from both the uninsured and the insured. The way the health care system deals with all the bad debt is "cost-shifting"; they shift the cost of uncompensated care to paying customers as higher prices. A question arises: do those costs get shifted evenly, or is one group of health care users hit harder than the others? You can be sure that government programs aren't going to receive the brunt of the cost shifts that make up for bad debt losses. Medicaid and Medicare "dictate" what they pay, (which just adds to the cost-shifting problem). Private group insurance plans that cover employees and associations negotiate what they pay for services. Sammie Mack explains how negotiated deals hide the costs of health care; seems there's a whole lot of deal making going on. So we're left with individuals: those who purchase health insurance in the individual market, i.e. the exchanges, and those who pay out-of-pocket, who get disproportionately hit by the cost-shifting due to bad debt. The solution to unfair cost-shifting is simple: require all health care providers (doctors, hospitals, drug companies, etc.) to charge the same prices to all payers; e.g. Medicaid would pay the same price for a coronary bypass operation as would an insurance company, or an individual footing the bill with her own funds. The solution to the problem of bad debt, however, may be a bit more difficult. But shouldn't everyone who uses the health care system be held responsible for their medical bills? If America is careening toward a universal health care system, Republicans should be trying to figure out a way for the new system to have some conservative features. Consider this reform: medical bills that are not paid off in their entirety within the usual time frame (usually a month or so) would be turned over to the federal government which would pay health care providers, and then the feds would bill the patients until they paid the feds back, even if that takes decades. This repayment system would be akin to but sterner than the one for government-backed student loans, which are occasionally forgiven. Under the reform, debt incurred in America's medical system would never be forgiven. This reform puts the government in charge of bad debt; it shifts bad debt over to the taxpayer. It is a solution for the hole in EMTALA's debt collection mess, a situation created by Congress. It's a fix for uncompensated care, another situation created by Congress. But the feds already have a collection agency that could do this easily. In fact, this agency is already being used to enforce compliance with Obamacare it's our beloved IRS. What we'd be doing here is extending the time over which a person can pay off their debt. The thought that the IRS will be dunning you till the end of time, increasing your W-4 income tax withholding, seizing your income tax refunds, perhaps seizing your estate (sorry kids), etc. should focus the mind more than the Obamacare penalty for noncompliance ever would. Of course, those Americans who can't pay, won't pay. But those who do work, who strive for the American Dream, who save and intend on sending their kids to college, will be struck by one sobering feature of the reform: without insurance they'll be stuck with paying for the entirety of their medical bills, and that debt will stay with them until they pay it off. So the reform would be a huge incentive to buy private health insurance. The whole idea behind real insurance is so that one doesn't have to pay the full price for expensive and unexpected calamities; one pays a little so that one doesn't have to pay a lot. Indeed, for healthy Americans, insurance premiums are a loss. But one accepts a small loss so that one won't be stuck with a huge loss. But under Obamacare, health insurance premiums aren't a "small loss." That's because Obamacare covers so many routine, expected expenses, like birth control. Under Obamacare, you don't pay for birth control, but you do get slapped upside the head with deductibles and copays if you use it for something catastrophic. Hence: more cost-shifting. Republicans should bite the bullet in their replacement plan and simply guarantee that health care providers will be paid. That would fix the problem in EMTALA. Indeed, Congress could repeal EMTALA. That law is a constitutional mess anyway, as it has the same kind of blackmail feature as Obamacare has: if you don't play ball with feds, you lose your federal monies under preexisting arrangements. That was what was struck down in NFIB v. Sebelius; the high court didn't allow Congress to withhold Medicaid funds if the states didn't agree to expand Medicaid. So EMTALA needs to be nixed, and ERs need to be reserved for actual emergencies. Perhaps the biggest stumbling block to repealing and replacing the "disaster known as Obamacare" is what to do about so-called "preexisting conditions." Because so many of the pathologies of the American health care system were caused by the federal government, the feds need to embrace covering the bulk of Americans with preexisting conditions. On May 3, I heard a bit of El Rushbo on the radio, and went to his website to read the rest of "The Truth About Health Insurance and Preexisting Conditions": "If you know what insurance is, I mean what the business plan, the model [is], then you would know automatically and instinctively that people with preexisting conditions cannot possibly be insured." Dr. Rush reports (italics added): The new House bill sets up a $130 billion pot of money federally funded, I don't quite know how, but it's $130 billion federally funded to pay for people with preexisting conditions. The whole nation chips in, not just people stuck in the individual market the plan, essentially, is to segregate them out of the insurance market. We'll still call 'em insurance. But keep preexisting conditions separate so that their inclusion doesn't blow up the insurance business model pricing mechanism and everything else. In other words, let taxpayers pay for preexisting conditions, not (primarily) the individuals who shop at the exchanges or who pay out-of-pocket. However, as Rush points out, such patients represent only "4 percent of the population." (Anyone who still thinks Obamacare represents some model of real insurance or good governance needs to read Rush's radio transcript.) If Dr. Krauthammer is correct, and we are indeed headed toward a universal health care system, then Republicans need to beat the Dems to the finish line so they can put their own imprint on that new system, and maybe even beat the Democrats in the "compassion sweepstakes" of the 2018 elections. It's not health insurance that people need; it's health care. By guaranteeing that the medical bills of the uninsured will be paid, Republicans would be instituting a de facto universal system. And unlike Obamacare it would not omit 28 million Americans. Jon N. Hall of Ultracon Opinion is a programmer/analyst from Kansas City. Last week, three pickup trucks driven by masked gunmen stopped a bus near Minya, Egypt, south of Cairo. The bus was filled with dozens of Coptic Christians on a private pilgrimage to the ancient Coptic Saint Samuel Monastery. The gunmen boarded the bus and, with automatic weapons, killed at least twenty-eight of the Christians. Many were children. According to an article published in yesterday's Wall Street Journal, Mrs. Morkous of Tinley Park, Illinois, a survivor of the ambush, is recovering from gun wounds in a Cairo hospital. Her husband, along with six other family members, was killed in the attack. Mrs. Morkous reported that the gunmen who boarded the bus demanded that the occupants recite the Muslim creed, an affirmation that Allah is the only God. Those who refused were immediately shot to death. When Christians are murdered by Islamists, often in Allah's name, Muslim religious leaders are asked if it is their belief that Allah really wishes for his followers to commit such killings. For the edification of the non-Islam world, this is a question that deserves to be answered by leaders of the Muslim faith. In July 2016, then-FBI director James Comey wrote a report exonerating Hillary a few days after Loretta Lynch met with Bill Clinton. The FBI had a pretend interview with Hillary, but Comey wrote the report before the interview. He must have had a premonition. Comey actually said Hillary was guilty, but somehow he wasn't intelligent enough to figure out if she had the intent to break the law. For a person who had no intent, Hillary and her aides were able to break the law continuously for four years. In July 2016, Comey also decided it was a good time to investigate on Trump and those surrounding him to see if they were colluding with Putin and the Russians. You see, Comey was unable to determine if Hillary had the intent to break the law, but he was able to tell that Putin intended to elect Trump. That is amazing. In February 2017, Comey talked to Trump, and he says now that Trump tried to get him to stop the investigation. Of Flynn and Russia. Somehow, the investigation continues to this day, so Trump obviously wasn't able to stop it. Isn't it odd that Comey and McCabe said under oath in May 2017 that Trump and those around him did nothing to impede the investigation, but now, after he was fired, Comey says Trump tried to stop the investigation? Will the media and Democrats treat Comey as the unreliable manipulator of truth (liar) that he obviously is, or will they treat Comey as telling the absolute truth today and making innocent misstatements in the past? They will obviously treat him as a hero today. It is amazing that ten months after the investigations started and at least ten months after Obama started spying, we still have investigations in search of a crime instead of crimes being investigated. There is only one large criminal activity taking place, and it is that the Obama administration illegally monitored and released names of private citizens. Somehow, the media and Democrats aren't interested at all in the actual crimes. I have heard that Democrats aren't interested in Carter Page testimony anymore because he may shed light on the illegal spying. I thought Democrats were in search of the truth instead of a political witch hunt. The architects of the Paris agreement deliberately designed it to get the Congress of the U.S. to approve it because it does not bind the U.S. to set emissions targets or to do anything to reduce man-made global warming. The authors were mindful of the Kyoto Protocol, which was roundly rejected by the United States Congress because, inter alia, it set binding emissions targets for wealthy countries while letting most developing nations, including China, off the hook. But now, as forces within the Trump administration continue to debate whether to leave the Paris agreement, they face a far different calculus. The accord is alleged to be nonbinding, imposing no serious legal restraints on the United States or any other nation. But in fact, it binds the signatories to make periodic reports of what action they have been taking to reduce CO2 emissions. That means that the signatories are expected to take some action to reduce man-made global warming and to report what actions they have been taking. Whom are they supposed to be reporting to? To all the other members through a super-government international agency set up by the treaty to receive periodic reports. The evidence shows that the U.S. federal and state governments have already spent billions of dollars on alternative energy, subsidies to producers of alternative energy, subsidies to millionaire buyers of expensive electric autos, and subsidies to those who install insulation or heat panels. Other nations, principally European, have spent additional billions they can ill afford. Scientists are in general agreement that there has been global warming, but they are not in agreement as to how much is man-made and how much is due to natural forces. Some scientists estimate that fossil fuel emissions account for at most 15 to 20 percent of global warming. The late Prof. Robert M. Carters of James Cook University in Australia wrote in 2009 that the "reality is that almost every aspect of climate science is the subject of vigorous debate" and doubts whether there has been any genuine evidence of global warming since 1950. Prof. Judith Curry, a climate scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, in testimony before a congressional committee, agreed in all respects with Prof. Cook and pointed out: The biggest problem, however, is that the call for proposals from the federal funding agencies (notably NASA and NOAA) make an implicit assumption of the dominance of human caused global warming in the topics for which they are requesting research proposals. Something is clearly wrong with the current contract between climate scientists and society that is biasing the science and breeding scientists who are advocates, partisans and alarmist. And the taxpayer foots the bill. How can we press the 'reset button' on all this? First, we need to recognize that the politically driven push to manufacture a premature consensus on human caused climate change is biasing climate research, and in particular is resulting in the relative neglect of research on natural climate variability. Until we have a better understanding and predictive capability of natural climate variability, we don't have a strong basis for predicting the climate in the decades or century to come. At least 60 scientists around the world have expressed themselves as questioning the accuracy of the U.N.'s IPCC climate projections, or arguing that nature is the principal cause of global warming, or believing that we don't know enough about global warming. There is no general agreement as to what measures our country and the world should take to reduce man-made global warming. There is no evidence that the billions spent by the U.S. and other nations have had any effect at all on slowing global warming. Why continue to waste billions in taxpayer money in a vain attempt to reduce global warming? The Paris accord is designed to force us to do so. The appearance of a nonbinding treaty has given ammunition to those urging the Trump administration to sign the Paris agreement, a group that is reported to include Ivanka Trump and diplomats like Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, and of course the multi-nationals who can no longer be called American. They are American in name only because they are incorporated in the U.S. As we noted, the cost of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to date far exceeds its benefits. Within the White House, Trump advisers like the chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, have urged the president to follow through on his promise to exit the deal. They argue that staying in the Paris accord could entangle the United States in a series of legal obligations, much as Kyoto did. That is obviously true. Signing the agreement binds us to spend additional billions on reducing man-made global warming and to give billions to countries totally unaffected by past or present global warming. The Czech president, who said the movement to reduce man-made global warming is a hoax, was absolutely right, as the huge international waste of billions of dollars since then has shown. Global warming has become a political issue. The Paris accords continues to maintain, contrary to fact, that all scientists acknowledge that emissions from burning fossil fuels cause man-made global warming. And they fail to state what measures tried to date have been cost-effective in reducing man-made emissions. The billions we've spent have enriched government cronies and created a vested interest in the hundreds of thousands engaged in projects that end up contributing nothing to the problem of global warming. The U.S. should not give its approval to the Paris agreement. The author has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago and is professor emeritus of public and international affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. Email: richmanpitt@aol.com. Maybe it was a Freudian slip. Or perhaps the man was signaling that he's not quite so literate (or even nearly so smart) as he purports to be. Either way, the senator from Minnesota inadvertently spoke the truth when he chimed in on the brouhaha surrounding alleged comedienne Kathy Griffin's latest public display of sheer tastelessness, posing in a photo with a decapitated head of President Trump and calling it art. Something made my ears prick up when I heard the Al Franken sound bite that was played on Sean Hannity's radio program Wednesday. (Funny I can use the word "prick" when speaking of something that made me prick up my ears, but I can't use that word when expressing that Franken has always struck me as an insufferably smug little...never mind!). I heard the learned and esteemed senator and former Saturday Night Live writer and performer say the following (which one can also read here). "Kathy's a friend and she's a terrific comedian, but this had no business being in our public discourse," he said. "And I talked to her. She has apologized a real, fulsome apology. She's actually begged for forgiveness, and I believe in forgiveness." Like, unfortunately, far too many people, Franken thinks he knows the meaning of the word "fulsome," but actually he doesn't. Of course, it can be used (and often is used) to convey fullness, copiousness, and great abundance; I even recall, in San Francisco's North Beach in the '70s, hearing talkers in front of the Condor Club (those who bally a crowd at clubs, carnivals, or the circus don't really call themselves "barkers") employ the word to describe the voluminous endowment of The Amazing Miss Carol Doda's 44DD bosom! But "fulsome" has another meaning, going back at least to Dr. Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary, in which it was defined as "nauseous; offensive" and "having a rank and odious smell." By Noah Webster's time (circa 1828), it had acquired a distinctly pejorative association with anything overdone, especially with praise or flattery that was obsequious, effusive, and ultimately insincere. Nowadays, particularly when used in phrases such as "fulsome praise" or "a fulsome apology," it has come to mean "cloying" or "saccharine." So anyone who uses the term "fulsome" would be wise to do so with great care, so as not to convey a meaning contrary to what was intended. And anyone (at least anyone who's not a psycho!) who viewed the apology offered up by Ms. Griffin (who accompanied her words of alleged contrition with little eye-rolls and who said "I get it!" in the sense of "Enough already! Can't we just move on?") would have to agree that it was a fulsome apology indeed, in the sense of "fulsome" as "excessive" and "insincere," rather than in the sense of "full" or "complete." So, Al Franken, who in 2003 wrote a book called Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them (you might think that'd be a great title for a book about CNN, MSNBC, and their ilk, but it was about "right-wing" politicians and pundits), actually spoke the truth, even if it was purely unintentional. And here's a little side note: Fox News (which sued Franken, claiming that his book's subtitle, A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right, was an infringement of Fox's trademarked "Fair and Balanced" slogan) has already committed some revisionist spin regarding the Kathy Griffin episode. Fox, in what seems like its headlong rush to be not at all different from any other propaganda-mongering "news" network, describes Ms. Griffin's "controversial photo shoot" as one in which she is "seen holding a bloodied mask [italics mine] of President Donald Trump." Not a reprehensibly tasteless representation of Trump's severed head, separated from his body, the way ISIS did to Daniel Pearl, Nick Berg, James Foley, and countless others, but merely a mask! Golly, it sounds almost benign, like a mere Halloween prank. Certainly not like when "Tuffy" Gessling, a rodeo clown at the Missouri State Fair, donned a Barack Obama mask while performing. "Tuffy the Clown" was branded as "inappropriate"; "demeaning"; "insulting"; and, of course, "racist," and he was banned from the fair for life! Kathy Griffin may now have been fired from a couple of gigs, but I bet she'll soon be hosting Saturday Night Live. Stu Tarlowe has had well over 100 pieces published by American Thinker. Needless to say, his opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of American Thinker. Among his cherished memories is that of having seen The Amazing Miss Carol Doda in the flesh. Venezuela's coming civil war has been a long time coming, and it is still coming. The rot set in early after President Chavez was elected in 1999, as shown by Venezuela's cattle statistics. Chavez's agricultural reforms sent cattle production into a nosedive. But no matter there was plenty of oil revenue to make good the shortfall with imported beef. Then the oil revenue fell away, too, so ordinary Venezuelans now subsist on starchy root vegetables. Recently, individual troops have been siding with the protesters, a sign that the civil war is not far off. Despite Venezuela's troubles, population growth has kept rock-steady at 1.5% per annum which means there is no point in trying to save Venezuela, because the country's large and increasing population, with nothing to do, won't be able to feed itself at some further future point. A civil war is in prospect in South Africa, in which the ruling African National Congress has promoted the idea of seizing land from the remaining whites, who number 4 million out of a population of 50 million. This shouldn't be surprising, as Nelson Mandela used to sing about killing whites, as does the current South African president, Jacob Zuma. The country's HIV problem, at 13.6% in blacks and 0.3% in whites, has been kept under control by government-provided anti-retroviral drugs. A societal breakdown that stops that supply will provide a kick-along to the death rate. South Africa will resemble the set of The Walking Dead war-torn and diseased. There are civil wars underway in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, but nobody really cares about what happens to people who are unpleasant most of the time. Far more consequential is what is happening in Europe. Richard Fernandez's latest piece attracted a comment that included the following interesting anecdote: According to a Polish friend of mine, his cousin (in the Army, junior officer) notes that they are quietly and slowly introducing a new set of theoretical small to medium unit tabletop exercises: junior officers for the education of. The defensive ones have Russian orbat enemies and use maps of eastern Poland. The offensive ones all have irregular enemies based on vehicle-heavy Islamic State enemies. Oddly, the military vehicles and systems are all German. And the mapping is all eastern Germany. A friend of mine in the Washington intelligence community provided an interpretation. The Polish Army in eastern Poland is to hold out against a Russian invasion for as long as possible until U.S. forces arrive. The Polish Army in western Poland is to help out in Germany's civil war, which will be the civil war with the country's Muslim population. He volunteered that the foremost French military school, at St. Cyr, is also preparing for civil war. Of course, the E.U. is aware that civil war is possible, so it is trying to even up the odds by banning private possession of rifles, including in Switzerland. And the public mood is shifting toward civil war, as evinced by this hilarious article by Kathy Shaidle. It seems that the European public is coming to the conclusion that it doesn't want to put up with bombings forever. What does this all mean? Venezuela's civil war will prove, once again, that socialism doesn't work. South Africa's civil war will suggest that primitive and post-primitive cultures will have a hard time peacefully coexisting in one country. And the civil war in Europe will say the same thing about Muslims and non-Muslims. On top of all that, China is likely to use the distraction provided by European civil wars to grind the faces of most of its neighbors in the dirt. Border walls and Muslim bans are going to seen as such sensible policies. David Archibald is the author of American Gripen: The Solution to the F-35 Nightmare. "Cry havoc! and let slip the dogs of war." Shakespeare, Julius Caesar Donald Trump's victory in November was a visceral, traumatic shock to those on the left who had for many long months believed their own pollsters and their own fawning media that told them Hillary Clinton's victory was a fait accompli. At the same time, they ignored or dismissed the implications of the huge crowds Trump drew everywhere he appeared. They, and the Clinton campaign, ignored the tremendous outpouring of support for Trump by the people the Democrats had crossed off their list of constituents: the white working class the left has always eschewed but taken for granted. In Shakespeare's play, Mark Antony speaks the "Cry havoc!" line while alone with Caesar's body after his assassination. He is in a rage, calling for revenge against the assassins. He intends to rile up the crowd at Caesar's funeral with "Ate by his side come hot from hell." Ate is the Greek goddess of mischief, delusion, ruin, and folly. Is there a better description of the disillusioned left since their defeat? Caesar's death was as earth-shaking to the Romans as Trump's victory was for the left. Their refusal to accept the outcome of the election has turned them into angry toddlers banging their spoons on the trays of their high chairs at every opportunity. For them, Trump's victory was an assassination, a political execution, the blatant betrayal of their favored candidate by voters they now believe to be moronic. That they never recognized Trump's appeal or Clinton's deficits is a mystery. They were blinded by their belief in their own right to win. So disconnected from actual people, those between the coasts who were sick to death of Obama's smug dismissal of their concerns and his disdain for America itself, our blinkered left never considered the possibility that Trump would win. Then he did. They have been crying havoc ever since. And they have let loose their dogs of war: CNN, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, ABC, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, etc. For the past six months, these "news" outlets have been on a mission to bring Trump down by any means necessary. Nothing is beneath their malevolent intent. Made up stories, anonymous sources (also made up), treasonous leaks of classified material, an anti-Trump spin on every story, no matter how banal, from ice cream scoops to typos in his tweets. There is no trick of their trade too low to employ. So convinced of their own moral superiority, they are certain they will succeed, that they will see the man impeached. They are oblivious to how much of America sees them, as insolent and abusive losers. Hillary Clinton herself has become the perfect definition of delusional. She continues to embarrass herself, almost on a daily basis, by blaming everyone and everything but herself for her defeat. Each time she speaks, she descends deeper into fantasy as to why she lost. First it was the Russians, an excuse fabricated within a day of her defeat. The Russians had "hacked" Podesta's email account; turned them over to WikiLeaks; and, even though, as she said at Recode's Code Conference in California, there was nothing interesting in them, the leaks hurt her. There was in fact a great deal of interesting information in those emails, and much of it should have led to arrests and indictments of persons at the DNC. Then it was former FBI director James Comey. Now she blames "1,000 Russian agents" working with the Trump campaign to distort her content! What content? Her campaign was based entirely on anti-Trump rhetoric. She blames "weaponized information" when it was her campaign that invented fake news. Her delusions are becoming more and more bizarre. The left and the media that do its bidding, and vice versa, have let their hatred for the president become a form of psychopathy, their revulsion always on display, a self-defeating prophecy. They seem not to realize that they are ensuring Trump's re-election in 2020. Like Mark Antony of Shakespeare's play, Hillary's obedient supporters are not good judges of character. But also like Mark Antony, they do know how to incite fury. They are inciting fury among their base, to be sure. Their worker bees such as Rachel Maddow and the late-night comics are all onboard to the delight of their few million viewers. But millions of others are turning them all off, and millions of others have never heard of any of them anyway. Even Fox News is understandably tanking. Most of its anchors and guests have lurched left as well. But Fox viewers are not turning to CNN or MSNBC. They are not watching any network or cable news channels. Mark Antony is not a perfect analogy for what ails Hillary and the left, as Antony was a far better man than Hillary Clinton is a woman. He sought to prove Caesar's benevolent character. There is no one who can or will do that for Hillary. Even her closest confidantes know she is not a person who cares about anyone but herself, power, and money. As her interviews of late prove, she is the most self-unaware person on the political scene. Her own as well as the left's hatred of Trump and all things conservative and Republican brings to mind another quote: "In time we hate that which we often fear." Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra The angry left is demonstrating its fear of the Trump presidency with every hateful word it spews. Leftists fear his success. Their venom is working and will continue to work against them. The state of Ohio has filed a massive lawsuit against five drug companies who sell prescription painkillers in the state, charging them with knowingly downplaying the risks of addiction with doctors and patients. The suit, brought by Republican attorney general Mike DeWine, targets Purdue Pharma L.P., Johnson & Johnson, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Allergan PLC, and Endo International PLC's Endo Health Solutions unit. Fox News: Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, a Republican who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the state, said at a news conference that the companies were dishonest with doctors and the public about their painkillers' risks. "The evidence is going to show they knew what they were saying was not true and they did it to increase sales," he said. In an interview, Mr. DeWine said opioid addiction has taken an extraordinary human and financial toll on Ohio, which has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates of any state. He said the addiction crisis has placed great financial burdens on the state, including the Medicaid program, which provides substance-abuse treatment, and foster-care programs, which are grappling with a big rise in children taken out of parental care because of addiction. "You have so many people today who can't pass a drug test, who can't work in a factory, who can't be employed to drive a car or work around machinery or be store manager at McDonald's because they can't pass a drug test," Mr. DeWine said. States and the federal government have previously pursued legal action against Purdue, alleging improper marketing of the painkiller OxyContin, and won settlements from the company. And some cities and counties have pursued lawsuits against broader groups of opioid painkiller makers. Mr. DeWine said Ohio's lawsuit is among the most comprehensive taken by any state against a broad group of opioid painkiller makers. He said the only other similar lawsuit was filed by Mississippi in state court in December 2015, alleging similar wrongdoing against the same five companies. That suit is pending. One lawyer in private practice in Mississippi, John Davidson, is listed as outside counsel for the plaintiffs in both the Ohio and Mississippi cases. Another lawyer listed as outside counsel for the state on the Ohio case, Mike Moore of Flowood, Miss., was Mississippi's attorney general in 1994 when the state filed the first state lawsuit against the tobacco industry, alleging companies misrepresented the health risks of their products. His suit touched off a flurry of litigation by states against the industry that ultimately concluded with a $206 billion settlement. With states desperate for cash to fund government programs, an alternative to raising taxes is to go after companies with the deepest pockets. Sadly, Republicans are showing themselves to be just as greedy as Democrats when it comes to tapping the mother lode available through corporations who can be blamed for a variety of society's ills, including smoking and opioid addiction. Is it the contention of the plaintiff in this case that companies actually wanted people to become addicted to prescription painkillers? Did the companies deliberately downplay the risk of addiction so they could sell more of the drug to desperate addicts? That appears to be the thrust of the state's argument. Since most addicts do not get the drug legally, the companies are apparently going to be punished for making a drug that effectively relieves patients' pain. But how can you hold a business responsible for people who abuse a prescription drug? Does everyone who is prescribed these drugs become addicted? If not, how can the state possibly make a case that companies are liable for the individual choices made by patients? I realize that addiction is a disease, but somewhere in this suit there should be room for taking individual patients to task for avoiding personal responsibility for their actions. No one was shoving the pills down their throats. The addicts got that way by knowingly exceeding the prescribed dosage and the length of time the drug was prescribed. After their addiction took hold, they more often than not bought the drug illegally on the street. What part of this equation are the companies responsible for? How can the companies be liable for those who become addicted when most patients who take the drugs are free of dependency? Rather than spend tens of millions of dollars on legal fees, the companies will probably settle. That, of course, is the real agenda of state government in this and other similar cases. It's not about "justice"; it's all about the Benjamins. If the "anti-Trump brigade" ever succeeds in driving the newly elected president from office, will America return to "normalcy"? John Kass explores the question at chicagotribune.com: The Democrats and Beltway media elites are back at it, driven to skin Trump alive, either through impeachment or just to hold the flayed man aloft as their sigil for the 2018 elections. And the Republican establishment, which loathes him, eggs them on, hoping to be rid of their mad, accursed priest. But if their dreams ever came true and Trump were to be removed ... would things slowly get back [to] normal? No. Things would get worse. Kass blames much of the negative coverage of Trump on an establishment that never thought Trump would win: They're still bitterly angry that their wisdom was spat upon by the voters. And they refuse to come to grips with their own blindness. Mr. Kass contends that, while the media and political elites "insist we have a Trump problem," what we really have is the "profound failure of the elites," who are now "scurrying to cover themselves." But almost 63 million people voted for the president. And forcing them to their knees in capitulation is not a prescription for unification but a prospect for disaster. ... Now America is reaping what the elites have sown. Trump voters had had enough, says Kass: They knew Trump was loud, they knew he was vulgar, they knew he was trouble. And they voted for him because they wanted him to make trouble. ... They detest the ruling elites in the modern Versailles so much that they installed a character like Trump. Fixating on Trump doesn't really address this. Yet the Democratic party has no answers. As Ed Klein observes at newsmax.com, "[a]ll the Democrats have going is their resistance to Trump": Ask an average Americans [sic] what the Democrats stand for these days, and you can't get an answer. They have run out of ideas. Which is why they have run out of wins. Victor Davis Hanson, writing at nationalreview.com, puts a finer point on the notion that the traditional Democratic Party no longer exists, with the resistance Democrats and the progressive media having now formed a "fusion party," also known as "the anti-Trump brigade." After the media hyped the "Resistance," even sore-loser Hillary Clinton piled on that she too had enlisted. Role playing, rumor peddling, and virtue signaling, in lieu of winning elections and offices, are for now the new Democratic agendas. Noting that the media have "earned only a 19 percent favorable rating," Hanson questions whether the "fusion between Democrats and the media is the old party's salvation or suicide." Donald Trump has been given a great gift in that his gaffes are seen by most Americans in the context of an obsessed and unhinged Democratic-media nexus. He is pitted against a new fusion party of media elites and aging political functionaries, who all believe that America should operate on their norms, the norms of Washington, New York, Hollywood, and Malibu all places that symbolize, to most Americans, exactly how the country has gone wrong. As the realclearpolitics.com link to the Kass column suggests, "[t]hings won't go back to normal for the failed elites." Since election day, we've seen a very anti-Trump press and judges playing commander in chief. My guess is that many on the left have concluded that the Democrats cannot win elections and it's up to judges and reporters to be the opposition party. How else do you explain the recent judicial decision about the "Muslim ban" or the media's obsession with a "crime" without a crime? Let's check this from Hans A. von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation: With its embarrassing opinion in International Refugee Assistance Project v. Trump, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has now joined the ranks of the Ninth Circuit as one of the most out-of-control federal courts in the nation. Its May 25 decision upholding the injunction against President Trump's executive order implementing a temporary halt to entry of aliens from six terrorist countries was a political decision, not a legal decision. The bias and prejudice that poisons the majority's political diatribe is encapsulated in an outrageous statement made right on page one. There, Judge Roger Gregory claims that the text of the executive order "speaks with vague words of national security" but "in context drips with religious intolerance, animus, and discrimination." Then he makes the astounding claim that the executive order violates the First Amendment because it establishes "a religious orthodoxy" and favors "one religion over another." The rest of the opinion resides in the same imaginary, Alice-in-Wonderland world that Gregory and his cohorts have created in their own minds about this issue. It's like having an umpire who has one strike zone for the visitors and another for the home team. The media are even worse, if that's possible. They've also concluded that the Democrats are nothing but screamers who can't win elections. So the media have become the opposition to President Trump, as Victor Davis Hanson wrote: Is there a Democratic-party alternative to President Trump's tax plan? Is there a Democratic congressional proposal to stop the hemorrhaging and impending implosion of Obamacare? Do Democrats have some sort of comprehensive package to help the economy grow or to deal with the recent doubling of the national debt? What is the Democratic alternative to Trump's apparent foreign policy of pragmatic realism or his neglect of entitlement reform? The answers are all no, because for all practical purposes there is no Democratic party as we have traditionally known it. There is no viable Democratic Party, and that's why reporters and judges are on the field against Trump. Of course, it does no good to the rule of law to have judges write politically motivated opinions, but no one is thinking much about that. Furthermore, no one cares about how the media are destroying their credibility turning into an anti-Trump press. The Democrats are worthless, and liberal reporters and judges are trying to do something about it. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk), (YouTube) and follow me on Twitter. The defining moment of President Trump's heralded visit to the American-Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia may not have been the spectacular reception accorded him by King Salman, the Saudi monarch, or his Riyadh speech before about 50 Muslim states calling for a Muslim-led war against Islamic terrorism. The defining moment may have been at a May 21 bilateral meeting between Trump and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Sisi complimented Trump on his "unique personality that is capable of doing the impossible." True to form, Trump breezily replied, "I agree." Trump, in his turn, complimented Sisi on his shoes. "Love your shoes. Boy, those shoes. Man...," Trump effused. Calling Sisi "my friend," Trump afterwards committed to visiting Egypt again "very soon." Cynics were quick to pounce. One derisively posted that Trump "is so far more eloquent that [sic] Obama." Another predicted that "his mastery of our language will be noted with [sic] presidential historian [sic] for eons to come." They miss the point. The unwashed masses love Trump precisely because he doesn't speak, sound, or prevaricate like the average politician. When Trump burst on the national scene, the public instantly noted his "otherness": authentic, straight-talking, transparent, warts and all. His rhetoric was a breath of fresh air in the soporific, stilted drivel, purposed not to enlighten, but to obfuscate, hovering fog-like over the political arena. Trump's adversaries' endgame is to win by any means necessary and to show their true colors when they get in. No one can accuse Trump of obfuscation. Contrary to what his detractors pretend, Trump's alleged outsized ego displays a humbleness of spirit. In a leadership context, true humility is the willingness to assess the big picture, to put the general welfare first, propelled by the backbone and character necessary to accomplish the promised ends. True humility isn't limp. True humility demands courage, restraint, intellectual honesty, patience, good judgment, and the employ of logical means to logical ends. Backbone and character are what separates Trump from the herd. He is his own man. Beholden to no one, he cares little about what others think. Unpretentious to a fault, he exposes finger-to-the-wind politicos for the pretenders they are. Unlike them, with Trump, there is a "there" there. One intuits that the president is equally at ease chatting about the Yankees with a New York ironworker as he is conferring with President Sisi about counter-terrorism. The left despise him for the same reasons his constituency loves him: steadfast in the face of withering criticism; unbowed by caricatures, lies, innuendo, and leaks. His Twitter posts give voice to millions of ordinary Americans who had been cowed into silence. While the permanent ruling class writhes in paroxysms of Trump Derangement Syndrome, Trump blithely continues being Trump. Just as seeming insignificant gestures like a cheery "good morning" to a stranger on an elevator or holding the door for someone make the world appear a better place, so too will Trump drain the swamp, grow the economy, and make America great again, one tweet, one inconvenient truth spoken to power, one pact, one handshake, one compliment about a king's shoes (occasionally offset by a Trumpian faux pas) at a time. More than a hundred years after Christopher Columbus historic voyage in 1492, a team of roughly one hundred colonists left England in late December 1606 on three ships, and reached Chesapeake Bay by late April the following year. A month later, on May 14, 1607, they established the first English colony on American soil on a narrow peninsula in the James River, located near present-day Williamsburg, Virginia. They named the settlement Jamestown, after their King James I, who granted a charter to the private venture whose goal was to search for gold and silver deposits in the New World, as well as chart a route to the Pacific Ocean that would allow them to establish trade with the Orient. Jamestown as it appeared in the 17th century. Soon after arrival the colonists built a fort to protect themselves from Indian tribes and from a potential attack from Spanish settlements in Florida. The first few years were very hard on the settlers. Lack of local food and replenishment of supplies from England, and inability to cope with disease killed nearly 90 percent of the original colonists. But fresh supplies of new colonists from England prevented the settlement from dying off entirely. Over the next several decades, the colony enlarged significantly in size and by numbers, and it became the center of government for the English colonists. At its peak, it had a population of some 500. In the 1600s, there were frequent disagreements and clashes with the natives. In the so called Bacon's Rebellion in 1676, most of Jamestown was burned down. The town burned several more times after which it was relocated to higher ground at Middle Plantation in 1699, and then renamed Williamsburg. Soon, Jamestown began a period of rapid decline. Late in the 19th century, Jamestown became the focus of new historical interest, and the sites then owner donated 22.5 acres of land, including the 17th-century tower of the Jamestown Church, for preservation. Today, Jamestown Island is a National Historic site where visitors can view the site of the original 1607 James Fort, the 17th-century church tower and the site of the 17th-century town, as well as tour an archaeological museum called the Archaearium. The Jamesfort Remains of the 1639 Jamestown Church tower. Photo credit: Tony Fischer/Wikimedia The reconstructed town. Photo credit: Bart/Flickr Replica ships in Jamestown Settlement today. Photo credit: Tom Simpson/Flickr Sources: History.com / NPS / Wikipedia The Taliban warned the Afghan government on Thursday against harming any of their prisoners after reports that President Ashraf Ghani would order the execution of 11 militants on death row in revenge for the devastating truck bomb attack in Kabul. Ghani's fragile and divided government has come under increasing pressure over its failure to provide security following a series of high-profile attacks that have killed hundreds of soldiers and civilians so far this year. Wednesday's blast, at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, ripped through a traffic-clogged street, packed with people on their way to school or work during the morning rush hour, causing hundreds of casualties in an instant and sending a tower of black smoke into the sky. One of the worst such attacks since the U.S.-led campaign to oust the Taliban in 2001, it was only the latest in a grim series that has killed thousands of civilians over the years. Salim Rasouli, head of hospitals in Kabul, said 80 dead and 461 wounded had been brought to the city's hospitals but at least 10 other people were known to be missing and believed dead, with relatives still searching morgues and hospitals more than 24 hours after the blast. "For God's sake, what is happening to this country?," said Ghulam Sakhi, a shoemaker whose shop is close to the site of the blast. "People leave home to fetch a loaf of bread for their children and later that evening, their dead body is sent back to the family." The Taliban have denied responsibility. But the National Directorate for Security, Afghanistan's main intelligence agency, has blamed the Haqqani network, an affiliate group directly integrated into the Taliban, and said it had acted with the help of Pakistan's intelligence service. Arsenal balls: Kroenke orders the title as Wenger goes back to the future Arsenal fans rejoice! Arsenals board have ordered (Sun) Arsene Wenger to win a major trophy in the next two years. NOW WIN THE TITLE! barks the Mails back page. Arsenal lay down law to Wenger after new 16m deal. The Daily Star says under Wenger the Gunners have not won the Premier League since 2004 true enough and not had success in Europe during the Frenchmans 21 year reign. Under Wenger, Arsenal were beaten finalists in the 19992000 UEFA Cup and the 200506 UEFA Champions League final. They qualified for the Champions League for 20 seasons running. Whilst not stella stuff, Wenger has always billed qualification to the Champions League as akin to winning a cup. You only need to see the joy on Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopps face to know how a top-four finish can define a season. Wengers regime does not represent decades of failure. Over in the Express, readers see Stan Kroenke,the man with the money behind Arsenal. That rather makes it seem that the American billionaire has bankrolled the club. He says: Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe Arsene is the best person to make that happen. He is? Kroenke has been Arsenals majority shareholder since 2011. Hes never seen Arsenal win the title under his ownership and Wengers management, let alone come all that close to doing so. So why does he think it will happen next season? Because hes ordered it and made it part of Wengers new two-year deal? As the i points out, Arsenals chief executive Ivan Gazidis hailed Wengers new contract by talking about pushing forward, evolving and looking forward. But do Arsenal fans believe Wenger represents the future more than Klopp, Mourinho, Pochettino, Conte and Guardiola, the managers whose sides Wengers Arsenal need to beat? Readers hear from Wenger in the Mirror, who tells fans. Lets be together to support our players, to support the club and all give our absolute best to be at the level that we want to be. We can move up to the next level. Arsenal finished fifth last season. They qualified for the Europa League. The next level might well be fourth followed by a shaky Champions League campaign. Its plus ca change at the Emirates. Anorak Posted: 1st, June 2017 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink GE17 Cambridge debate: media bias, missing May and Corbyns balls Last nights election debate featured seven politicians, none of whom were Theresa May. How do the tabloids report on the show at Cambridge University? The Sun front page: PM: VOTE TORY FOR BEST BREXIT. Having trailed Theresa Mays big speech on Brexit (page 1), used an editorial to argue that she must do more than say Im not Jeremy Corbyn (Page 8) and invited Tory MEP Daniel Hannan on to write below the headline Dodgy dealer Jezza will Wrexit Britain (Page 8), readers get to the debate on Pages 10 and 11. Pages 10 -11: WEAKEST LINK JEZ Corbyn walloped by all six opponents in debate. The paper says Corbyns surprise 11th hour decision to take part in the TV debate backfired. The show was an ugly shouting match. Who won? The most withering assault on Mr Corbyn came from Tory Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Corbyn came under fire for being weak from Leave and Remain supporters. Corbyn gaffed on the economy. Readers do hear from May, who says: I think debates where the politicians are squabbling among themselves doesnt do anything for the process of electioneering. Daily Mirror (front page): Nadia: Im going bald. Bigger than the debate is news that TV presenter Nadia is losing her hair. The debate appears on Pages 6 and 7. Pages 6 7: Leaderless and heartless Rivals blast PMs TV debate no-show. Rudd steps in despite fathers death. The paper begins by telling readers that Corbyn changed his mind about taking part in the debate. Why? Were not told. But it looks like it was about upstaging May, who left Amber Rudd to parrot the Tory line despite the Home Secretarys father dying 48 hours earlier. In the papers mind that means May is heartless. But surely Rudd wanted to take part. And doesnt carrying on in the face of personal pain suggest a strong and lest it go unsaid stable character? As for why she was chosen to take part or chose to: shadow home secretary Diane Abbott had been booked to argue Labours case. Home Secretary Rudd v Abbott would have been a valid debate. No? The paper also notes that the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, for it is she, sent her deputy Angus Robertson. Nicola wasnt there either. The Mirror says the Greens Caroline Lucas, LibDems Tim Farron and Plaid Cymrus Leanne Wood mocked May for her no show; Sturgeon escaped any attack. The Mirror says Rudd struggled and squirmed. Corbyn was stunning. The audiencecheered Corbyn. Daily Mail (front page): FURY AT BIAS ON BBC TV DEBATE TV chiefs under fire over the most Left win audience ever. The paper says even BBC presenter Mishal Husain was heckled when she pointed out he [Corbyn] had been unable to set out the cost of his flagship child care policy. Corbyn was repeatedly cheered despite a meandering performance. The papers quote about the audience being skewed towards Corbyn comes from George Eaton, political editor of the Labour-supporting New Statesman magazine, who opined: This feels like the most left-wing audience in any TV debate. Page 6: CORBYNS L-LA-LAND ECONOMICS Page 7: An audience as balanced as a gorilla on a unicycle, says Quentin Letts in a view about as balanced as a trout on LSD. Jeremy Corbyn, evasive on immigration, was rewarded with whoops and wolf whistles. Welcome to the BBC! May did well to stay away from this bent, babyish custard-pie fight. It was a demeaning brawl. Corbyn and Robertson found themselves sniping simultaneously at Miss Rudd. Two angry men shouting at a younger women. Great look, guys. So much for equality (and gerraload of Ambers legs!). Daily Express (front page): Corbyns Plot To Bring In Migrant Workers The debate features first on page 5. Page 5: Rudd blasts the Jeremy money tree. Rudd mocked Corbyn for his fantasy economics in a heated live television clash. May is praised for sticking to her decision not to take part whilst Corbyn U-turned. Rudd landed body blows on Corbyn. And, er, thats it. Daily Star (front page): Corbyn does a U-turn Page 4: Corbyns U-Turn. The Labour leader tried to wrongfoot Theresa May. Such are the facts. Anorak Posted: 1st, June 2017 | In: Politicians, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Rare black lion spotted in Leicestershire: panthers warned to be vigilant A Black Panther is loose in British woods. The beast was spotted by a terrified mum. She was left paralysed with fear. Emma Adam, 29, is quoted in the Star: Now Im scared to even leave the house. On page 15 of the Daily Star, Emma tells us about coming face to face with the black panther in Ashby-de-la-Zouche, Leicestershire. She says it was eating something, ripping it apart. My mother-in-law and I froze. And? And thats it. But its enough to make front-page news on the Star. We do get to see a photo of a black panther, but not the one Emma says she saw. There are no photos of that beast. The Stars scoop is rooted in a story in the Burton Mail. Emma tells it: We were having a late barbecue and I felt a bit bloated so we decided to go for a walk. It was getting late, so we decided to take a torch there was just about enough light to walk. As we were coming along the path, I saw something lying down and I was trying to figure out what it was. I kept looking at it, and I realised its head was going up and down because it was eating something, ripping it apart. My mother in law and I froze, and we just walked backwards. Luckily it didnt see us. She continued: People were saying why didnt you take a picture of it, but in that moment you are too frightened to take a picture. I always thought they would be very stocky, but this was much thinner. Like a domestic cat, perhaps. Or a dog. Or a jihadi? Or a rare panther-eating black lion? Anorak Posted: 1st, June 2017 | In: Strange But True, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 1 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area: BARCELONA - Annual Conference of the Espo (European Sea Ports Organisation), which will welcome leaders of the major European ports (also on June 2). VATICAN CITY - Pope receives Dragan Covic, Croatian member of the Bosnian presidency. (ANSAmed). 'Women should drive as they used to lead camels' Saudi prince says they are the basis of Islamic society (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 1 - Saudi Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, who served as education minister from 2009 until 2013, said women should be allowed to drive as they ''used to lead their own camels in the past''. ''Women are the basis of our society'' who cover an ''important role in Islamic society'', the prince said in an interview with Riyadh-based Rotana Khalijia TV, as cited by Gulf News newspaper. He also said in the interview that ''the ban on women driving has been imposed on us''. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world in which women cannot drive. ''Women need to be empowered, because they represent more than half of the society and they are highly dependable'', he also reportedly said. (ANSAmed), Tunisia: new cultural tours created in six regions To discover archaeological, natural heritage (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, MAY 31 - Tunisia is increasingly invested in diversifying what it offers to tourists while safeguarding and promoting its archaeological and naturalistic heritage. The 'Agence de mise en valeur du patrimoine et de la promotion culturelle' (Amvppc), the agency to promote heritage and culture, has announced it is creating in 2017 several touristic and cultural tours in the governorates of Siliana, Gafsa and Kasserine and in the cities of Mahdia, Kairouan and Djerba. In the regions of Mahdia, Kasserine, Kairouan and Djerba, the agency has proposed tours as part of national cultural program ''Tunisie Cites des Civilisations''. Major investments have been planned. Work to study the tour regarding the governorate of Siliana, which has almost been completed, has reached some 200,000 Tunisian dinars, while that in Gafsa, which is still being prepared, 300,000 dinars. Projects planned in the two governorates of the north-west and south-west will include a guide in three languages to illustrate the main sites of interest as well as for the installation of street signs, the creation of websites and the organization of promotional events. The other four tours launched by Amvppc concern the restoration of the Medina of Madhia, with a planned investment of 570,000 dinars, the promotion of the governorate of Kasserine with an investment of 300,000 dinars, the Medina of Kairouan with 160,000 dinars and the island of Djerba with 250,000. (ANSAmed) If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both The multi-component repair agreement with one of North Africas leading airlines, covers over 300 part numbers, and ensures that high quality repairs will enable the airline to continue to fly safely and on time. AJW Technique, AJWs MRO facility based in Montreal, will continuously analyse component and sub-component reliability data against the specific flight characteristics of the operator to deliver the optimum support programme throughout the term. Joshua Goring, director of sales at AJW Technique, said: Using a dedicated logistics channel as well as an operationally efficient facility, that is currently averaging 10 days for shop processing, means we are very well placed to adapt to variances in customer demand. We will be providing Tunisair with a one-stop-shop for engineering and maintenance services so they can focus on the importance of delivering the optimum passenger experience worldwide. The agreement will be the second major support contract for the North African region, where AJW Techniques expertise has been rapidly recognised as at the forefront of the industry offering. Imed Mhiri, general manager at Tunisair Technics, said: Trusting AJW Technique with a large portion of our maintenance requirement will be of significant benefit to us. It will facilitate progression in terms of operation as well as commercially when considering our total fleet cost. Thierry Antinori, executive vice president and chief commercial officer said: The Middle Easts market dynamics continually present us with unique challenges and opportunities. All three UAE Nationals who will be taking on new roles have a deep understanding of the business and operations at Emirates, from both the passenger and cargo side. We believe that this will strengthen our leadership team and will deliver significant benefits to maximise our commercial performance in the region. In the UAE, Emirates has appointed Abbas A Haji as vice president hub operations for SkyCargo. In his new role, Haji will be managing Emirates SkyCargos hub operations in Dubai at both Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport. Abbas joined the Emirates Group in 1977, working for dnata Cargo. He has held several positions across the group since then and previously held the role of Vice President Iran, Iraq and Central Asia, running the airlines commercial operations activities in multiple markets. Mohamed Khoory will be taking on the role as Manager Iran. Mohamed joined Emirates in 2011 as part of the UAE National Management Programme for Commercial Operations. He held commercial support roles in India and the United States before taking on the role as District Manager in Dammam, KSA. More recently, he held the role of Manager Jordan and West Bank, heading the markets commercial and business development activities. In Jordan, Emirates has appointed Sultan Alriyami to drive its commercial priorities in the market as well as build on the airlines business performance as Manager Jordan and West Bank. Sultan joined Emirates in 2014 as part of the UAE National Trainee Management Programme for Commercial Operations. Since then, he has held commercial support roles in Singapore, and more recently in Iran. Sultan Alriyam AAR Corporation, based near Chicagos OHare Airport in Illinois, supports many governments all over the world but you might not know. It also has a fleet of its own aircraft, but none wear a livery broadcasting their presence. Rahul Shah, senior vice president, strategic growth and business development Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa said: AAR has been running for 62 years and has increased its profits every year except for the one in the wake of September 11. We are successful because we specialise in best practices in our component repairs and depot-level maintenance and supply chain, coupled with robust IT technologies and procedures. AAR is a company carving a nice niche for itself providing complete logistics support (CLS), MRO and contracting airlift in the government and defence world. Under its AAR Airlift Group, the company provides aerial transport services, using its own fleet or customer aircraft, to enable government and defence customers to transport personnel, supplies and mail in austere and harsh environments around the world. With a rotational base of pilots, flight crew, and maintenance and logistics professionals, the group provides turnkey aviation solutions to customers. On the government side, AARs initial rise to prominence came from supporting the US Governments needs, primarily in the Middle East. But, now, AAR is also collaborating directly with US allies, working in Abu Dhabi with the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center (AMMROC), and providing CLS (also known as performance-based logistics) work for foreign fleets and flight-hour support for airlines worldwide. In South Africa, it is supporting the national airlines fleet of 70 aircraft in a pay-per-hour component contract, out of Johannesburg. According to Randy Martinez, senior vice president for AARs strategy and business development: We tailor our services to the customers needs; we dont have a fixed menu. He then provided an insight into the way the business is moving: We saw the performance-based logistics/flight-hour business make up about 20% of the global aerospace sectors trade during 2005-08; now its around 37-40% and by 2025 some estimate that it will reach 60%, he said. While this is just the commercial sector, the military may follow a similar kind of pattern. AAR Airlift has been working in Afghanistan providing helicopter and fixed-wing airlift support. At the peak of business in the country, the AAR Airlift Group was the largest single contractor providing airlift support by some margin. However, since the US military scaled back its efforts there, the fleet size has also been reduced accordingly. Supply chain work in Afghanistan includes a five-year, CLS foreign military sales (FMS) deal worth approximately $72 million to sustain the Afghan Air Forces fleet of four C-130Hs the companys first C-130 CLS contract. Under the deal with the US Air Force, AAR provides all operational, maintenance, logistics and technical functions needed to support and sustain fleet readiness requirements within Afghanistan. AAR is known in the US for its impressive MRO network and now it is sharing its expertise with local partners overseas. For instance, it is working in Abu Dhabi with AMMROC to set up a state-of-the-art military MRO. AMMROC, a joint venture between Mubadala, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin, selected AAR in December 2014 to support its creation of a new aerospace facility at Al Ain. Under a $38.6 million contract, AAR is assisting in the design, outfitting and integration of key areas in AMMROCs state-of-the-art facility. The support areas it is working on include hangars, work areas, and machine and special processes shops for the military maintenance centre. Martinez added: We have set up a large network of MRO facilities in North America, so we have the skills and experience to put the systems in place needed to run a world class MRO facility. With AARs MRO know-how, AMMROC is aiming to work on 45 different variants of platforms, spanning 36 types, which will total more than 500 aircraft. AAR is targeting the implementation of common procedures with work on eight platforms, A330 MRTT, AH-64, CH-47, C-17, C-130, F-16, Mirage 2000 and UH-60, now under way. AAR is the third largest independent MRO in the world and the largest MRO in the USA we know what we are doing, Martinez emphasized. In September 2015, the US Department of State awarded AAR Airlift its biggest ever deal, a 10.5-year contract, potentially worth up to $10 billion, to provide airlift support for its International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL/A) bureau. Any contract worth that much has to be exciting, but the success has been tempered by DynCorp International. The company, which is the incumbent and has been running the INL/As CLS contract for 25 years, has filed numerous protests and a lawsuit against the US Government that is expected to be heard by August. The Government Accounting Office (GAO) upheld the award decision on December 20 last year, but AAR cannot commence work until the lawsuit hearing. Under the programme, AAR Airlift will provide maintenance, operations, and logistical support to the fixed and rotary-wing aircraft fleet for the Department of States INL/A. AAR Airlift also supports the UN and the US military in Africa. We work with the US Department of Defense in several locations, said Shah. These include Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and the Central African Republic, using CASA 212s and Sikorsky S-61Ns [from AARs subsidiary, EP Aviation] that are ideal for the rugged airfields you often have to fly from in Africa. On February 7 this year, the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) awarded AAR Airlift a $204.2 million contract to provide aviation services throughout the USAFs Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. This will cover the provision of fixed- and rotary-wing aviation services that include cargo and passenger transportation, as well as casualty evacuation (CASEVAC). Roughly 20 to 30 full-time employees in New York, including editors, ad sales and office workers, were told last week that they were all being terminated in two weeks but could reapply for their jobs as contract freelancers. Louise Blouins mini-art publishing empire, which includes Modern Painters, Art + Auction and the Web site Blouinartinfo.com, has struggled financially in recent years. In my Sightings column, which appears in the online edition of todays Wall Street Journal, I discuss two new books about Van Cliburn. Heres an excerpt. * * * Van Cliburn isnt exactly forgottennot quite. All of his albums remain in print, and he has a permanent place in the history of classical music in America. Moreover, the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, which is currently underway in Fort Worth, continues to keep his name greenish. But Cliburn, who died in 2013, isnt nearly as well known today as he was a half-century ago, when he was one of the biggest names in music, regardless of genre. Merely to see a photo of the six-foot-four Texan with the baby face and curly hair was to be instantly reminded of how he had traveled to Moscow in 1958, won the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition at the height of the Cold War, and returned in triumph to the U.S., there to be feted with a ticker-tape parade through Manhattan. So its a pleasant surprise, at least for those of us who loved Cliburns rich-toned, warmly expansive playing, to learn that a book about his victory in Moscow has recently been publishedseven months after another book on the same subject. Stuart Isacoffs When the World Stopped to Listen: Van Cliburns Cold War Triumph, and Its Aftermath, which came out in April, is the more informed of the two volumes, a tightly focused monograph that concentrates on Cliburns Tchaikovsky Competition win and profits from the fact that its author is himself a pianist, one who also writes about music for the Journal. If you want to know why Cliburn played the way he playedand how his distinctive style helped him winthen Mr. Isacoff is your man. Nigel Cliffs Moscow Nights: The Van Cliburn StoryHow One Man and His Piano Transformed the Cold War, by contrast, is as chattily discursive as its title (its 160 pages longer than When the World Stopped to Listen). Neither a full-scale biography nor a proper study of Cliburn and the Cold War, it falls awkwardly between two stools No matter which book you choose, youll profit from the opportunity to learn more about Cliburns overnight ascent to worldwide celebrity, and the cracks that it opened up in his already unstable personality. * * * Read the whole thing here. A Russian telecast of Van Cliburns prize-winning 1958 Moscow performance of Tchaikovskys First Piano Concerto, accompanied by Kirill Kondrashin and the Moscow State Philharmonic Academy Orchesetra. Nikita Kruschchev, who attended the performance, can be seen applauding Cliburns entrance: GSTN is a company that provides technology backbone for the Goods and Services Tax. New Delhi: The GST Network has used best in class security solutions to ensure that the IT backbone for the new indirect tax regime is protected from cyber attacks, its CEO Prakash Kumar said on Wednesday. The comment assumes significance as the country is gearing up for an overhaul of its indirect tax regime and thousands of businesses will upload their purchase-sale invoices on the GST Network (GSTN) on a daily basis. GSTN is a company that provides technology backbone for the GST which is expected to be rolled out from July 1. We are ready for July 1 and we have put the best-in-class security solution and the best methodology while developing software codes, Mr Kumar said. The GSTN system has been functional since November 2016 and over 60.5 lakh existing excise, service tax and VAT assessees have already migrated to the portal. Reports of cyber attacks have been hogging headlines this month with nearly 100 countries, including India, being hit by massive ransomware that infected over 2 lakh systems that were running on old version of Microsoft softwares like Windows XP. But GSTN did not face any issues as its system operates on Linux software. Mr Kumar said that the security features are embedded into the GSTN software at the code level itself and the data is encrypted. The access is role based and the network has firewalls and adequate safety and security features to protect from cyber attack, he said. Mr Kumar said multiple layers of security have been put in place at the data centre level where the entire information will be stored. Firms will now have to rejig their I-T strategy to comply with the tax filing, refund and return norms under the GST regime. The prepaid connections in Jammu and Kashmir are currently suspended. New Delhi: Telecom majors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are at it again, squabbling over offering of services on prepaid connections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are currently suspended in the state. While Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio has alleged that Bharti Airtel is offering incoming calls on prepaid connections in the state, Bharti Airtel has countered that the new entrant has continued mobile services by disguising prepaid connections as postpaid ones. The Zonal Police Headquarters in Kashmir on May 27 directed telecom operators to stop all data services on mobile phones and all services on prepaid connections. According to sources, in its compliance letter submitted before Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, on May 29, Jio alleged that Airtel has allowed incoming calls for prepaid subscribers in clear violation of the government order issued by IGP Kashmir. The company has demanded "stringent action" against Airtel for non-compliance and violation of government order in the submission. When contacted Airtel denied the charge and responded with counter-allegation that Jio has violated rules in the states by disguising pre-paid connections as post-paid ones to bypass the the order. "These allegations are completely false, baseless and only go to highlight the growing frustration of Jio. We would urge Jio to gather all the facts and not resort to kite flying. Airtel has always been and will continue to be in full compliance of all regulations and guidelines," Airtel spokesperson said. Airtel said that Just because it has raised the issue of Jio's blatant violation of regulations in Jammu & Kashmir by terming prepaid subscribers as postpaid, "thereby compromising national security, Jio is cooking up these false allegations to divert attention from the issue." The incumbent operator said it would once again urge the authorities to take the strictest possible action against Jio for their complete disregard of the regulations. A day after Reliance Jio made submission, Bharti Airtel too filed the complaint against the new entrant before the DoT alleging that Jio "in gross violation of the license conditions, claims 95 per cent of its subscriber base (approximately 7 Lakh customers) as postpaid, even though such subscribers are actually prepaid subscribers". The incumbent operator alleged that Jio is "tactically and deliberately" tagging pre-paid customer as as postpaid "for its economic gain and competitive advantage, at the cost of national security and putting the lives of our security forces in danger." Jio denied the allegations calling them "completely baseless, malicious and tantamount to wilful disparagement against RJIL", adding that the letter sent by Airtel to the DoT seems to be an act of retaliation, and nothing more. "RJIL has always abided by the instructions issued by the local authorities... National security is of utmost importance to us, and we will always walk the extra mile to ensure that we are fully compliant and take requisite precautions in our services. We reject the instant complaint with the contempt it deserves," Jio said. It added that Airtel's move is a clear demonstration of use of false propaganda when competitors are unable to compete in the market place. A Reliance Jio spokesperson said: "It is worthwhile to also mention here that RJIL had escalated the issue of Airtel allowing incoming calls for their prepaid subscribers in the Kashmir valley despite written order on record from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir earlier this month to stop all prepaid services in the Kashmir Valley. "This was a clear violation of Government Order completely disregarding security concerns of the Government." The new entrant said that it will be responding to the allegations in detail, factually and legally establishing its compliance with applicable regulations. Besides, it said it would independently examine and initiate appropriate legal recourse available to it as well. The finance minister said that the annual rate of growth was New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday played down the impact on economic growth of the government's decision last November to scrap most of the cash in circulation, saying the annual rate of growth was "very reasonable". Jaitley spoke after data on Wednesday showed that India's economy, Asia's third largest, suffered a growth slowdown in the quarter to March, to 6.1 percent, well below the expectations of independent economists. He focused, however, on the growth figure of 7.1 percent in the 2016/17 fiscal year to March. "I do believe that in the current global situation, a 7-8 percent growth, which at the moment is the Indian normal, is very reasonable," he told a news conference. Looking ahead to the planned launch of a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, Jaitley said the government was "in a state of preparedness" for the rollout. He said that the GST would add to the rate of economic growth. Jaitley also told reporters that resolving the issue of non-performing assets weighing down banks' balance sheets was a work in progress and a major challenge. Opposition was quick to attack the government over poor GDP growth in the last quarter of FY17. The GDP growth in January to March 2017 quarter immediate after demonetisation announced on November 8 fell to 6.1 per cent, well below market expectations as construction and manufacturing bore the burnt of note ban. New Delhi: The economy hit a bump in 2016-2017(April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017) seeing slowest growth in three years at 7.1 per cent as the country took controversial decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes to tackle the problem of black money. The GDP growth in January to March 2017 quarter immediate after demonetisation announced on November 8 fell to 6.1 per cent, well below market expectations as construction and manufacturing bore the burnt of note ban. Due to slow growth in January-March period India has lost its tag of the fastest growing major economy to China, which grew by 6.9 percent in the first three months of 2017. This is a bad news for the government which is celebrating three years in power and is set to roll out major tax overhaul GST from July 1 whose impact on economic activity in initial months is uncertain. GDP had grown by 8 per cent in 2015-16, 7.5 per cent in 2014-15 and 6.4 per cent in 2013-14, according to new series. Opposition was quick to attack the government over poor GDP growth in the last quarter of FY17. Even after creating a new series and playing with data, the GDP growth rate is mere 6.1 per cent (Q4 FY17).... Internal security is in a mess, economy is slowing down, social fabric is being torn apart: government is celebrating three years of great governance, tweeted CPM, general secretary, Sitaram Yechury. GDP growth has displayed a downtrend over the quarters of 2016-2017, from 7.9 per cent in Q1 to 7.5 per cent in Q2 to 7 per cent in Q3 and further to 6.1 per cent in Q4. The distinct downtrend in GDP growth over the quarters of FY17 suggests that the slowdown in growth that had already set, was intensified by the note ban... The steady uptick in growth seen upto FY2016 has been interrupted in FY2017, despite the sharp turnaround in agriculture, said Aditi Nayar, principal economist, Icra. FY17 was supported by the government consumption, without which real GDP growth would have fallen to 5.6 per cent, much lower than an average growth of 7.2 per cent in the previous four years, said Nikhil Gupta, chief economist, Motilal Oswal Securities. CEA Arvind Subramanian said demonetisation was a temporary shock to the economy and we are seeing this bottoming out as remonetisation progresses. Severe drought in 2015 forced India to import 5 lakh tonnes of sugar. Mumbai: Indias 2017/18 sugar production will likely jump a quarter from the previous year to 25 million tonnes as decent monsoon rains are forecast, the head of an industry body told Reuters. That rebound in output to volumes near consumption levels could sap demand for imports from the world's biggest consumer of the sweetener, dragging on international prices that are already near their lowest in over a year. India was forced to import 5 lakh tonnes of sugar in the 2016/17 crop year ending September 30 after a strong El Nino weather pattern prompted severe drought in 2015. Local supply will be enough to cater for demand. We dont need imports anymore, Prakash Naiknavare, managing director, National Federation of Co-operative Sugar Factories, said on Wednesday. Indias monsoon, which is forecast to deliver normal rainfall in 2017, lashed the countrys southwest coast on Tuesday, two days ahead of usual. Next season, we are expecting a sharp rebound in Maharashtras production due to good monsoon, said Mr Naiknavare. Maharashtra is the nations No. 2 sugar producer. A sharp drop in production there due to back-to-back droughts drove the country to allow duty free imports of the sweetener. Maharashtras production fell 50 per cent from a year ago to 4.18 million tonnes in 2016/17, but next seasons output is expected to surge 62 per cent to 6.8 million tonnes, Mr Naiknavare said. Good rainfall last year allowed farmers to increase area under sugarcane. This year as well we are expecting ample rains that will boost yields. Output in Uttar Pradesh, the countrys top sugar producer, is expected to rise 5 per cent next season to a record 9.2 million tonnes, Naiknavare said. Last week, India raised by nearly 11 per cent the price sugar mills must pay to cane growers in the 2017/18 season. That price rise and the good monsoon rains are also expected to lift the amount of land devoted to growing sugarcane for the 2018/19 season, said Sanjeev Babar, managing director of the Maharashtra State Co-operative Sugar Factories Federation. Production in 2018/19 will be higher than the next year. The rise depends on planting in the next few months, he said. Cane is a perennial crop harvested 10-16 months after planting. As per sources, the Indian Army was responding to unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army. Srinagar: At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed and six others injured in retaliatory firing by Indian Army in the Bhimber and Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. As per sources, the Indian Army was responding to unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army. Earlier in the day, the Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Naushera and Krishna Ghati sectors, to which the Indian Army posts retaliated strongly. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday held a meeting in Jammu and Kashmir and discussed issues of logistics improvement, mobilisation and security review on LoC area. Meanwhile, the Pakistan foreign office on Thursday summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner over the ceasefire violation on the LoC. On June 1, a GREF labourer was killed, 2 others including a BSF jawan were injured in unprovoked firing by Pak troops along the LoC. Srinagar: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has closeted with senior regional commanders in Srinagar to review the security situation and operational preparedness of the armed forces posted in the hinterland and along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. His daylong visit of the restive Kashmir Valley incidentally comes on a day when the LoC has once again witnessed flare up with troops exchanging heavy small and medium weapons fire since Thursday morning. Earlier on Thursday morning, a General Engineering Reserve Force(GREF) labourer was killed and two others including a BSF jawan were injured in what the officials said was unprovoked firing by the Pakistani troops at the Indian forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of the State. The Army said it retaliated to the ceasefire violations. In Islamabad, the Pakistani authorities said three civilians were injured as Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors of the LoC and that the Pakistani troops effectively responded to Indian firing. A defence spokesman in Srinagar said that General Rawat held a meeting with the Srinagar-based 15 (Chinar) Corps Commander Lt Gen JS Sandhu and other senior army officers in Badamibagh Cantonment to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the Valley. The spokesman added that Gen Rawat was briefed by Corps Commander and other top officers about the situation in the Valley, especially after killing of top Hizbul-Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat and also about that prevailing along the LoC in the wake of reports of activity at infiltration launch pads on the other side of the de facto border. The minister said Pak is responding with by terror attacks at Pathankot, Uri & mutilating the bodies of Indian soldiers to Indian overtures for peace. New Delhi: Saying that the situation in Kashmir is much better than what is being perceived, defence minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused Pakistan of spoiling the environment that must exist for bilateral talks between the two neighbours. The minister said Pakistan is responding with by terror attacks at Pathankot, Uri and mutilating the bodies of Indian soldiers to Indian overtures for peace. The Government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situation in the past... The fact that our Prime Minister dropped in at Lahore at a social function in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs family, were all steps intended to ease the tensionBut each one of these have been responded by, let us say, a Pathankot or a Uri or by mutilation of two of our soldiers. And, therefore, that environment which must exist for a talk has been successfully prevented by Pakistan, Mr Jaitley said. Addressing the media on completion of three years of the Modi government, Mr Jaitley said the Indian Army and the BSF are dominating the Line of Control (LoC) irrespective of where the troubles are being created by foreign insurgents or domestic terrorists. The security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure on them, he said. Sources said Kumar also sees himself as a potential prime ministerial face and is seeking more responsibility in the Opposition alliance. New Delhi: A silent power game appears to be on in the Opposition camp. Both, Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, seem to be eyeing the coveted post of coordinator of a UPA-type coalition that is being contemplated to take on the BJP ahead of the 2019 general election. The key is that the leader taking over as coordinator for such a platform will be seen as the main face of the Opposition and a possible prime ministerial candidate of the alliance. Mr Pawar, who is one of the seniormost leaders of the Opposition, was urged to be the Opposition presidential candidate by none other than Congress president Sonia Gandhi. However, he quietly turned down the offer. While Congress sources said Mr Pawar doesnt want to be a losing candidate in the presidential polls, which the NDA is expected to win, a few other top leaders who have spoken to him about the issue sense he is eyeing the leadership or post of coordinator of the Opposition camp if and when it is formally announced. A senior leader, who has been party to the deliberations, said Mr Pawar doesnt want to give up the opportunity of leading an Opposition front and sees the presidency as an end to his political career. The NCP chief had said last week: You get a huge castle after becoming President, but dont get chance to meet you (media) people... (Rashtrapati hone ke baad achhi haveli milti hai, baaki sab theek hai lekin aap logon ko milne ka mauka nahin milta). Mr Pawar had said he wont be contesting as he doesnt want to retire from politics anytime soon. I am not in this competition, I dont want to retire from politics this soon (Main iss contest mein nahin hoon, mujhe rajneeti se itni jaldi retire hona nahin hai). However, sources said top Opposition leaders, including the Congress president, were still trying to convince him. The key is that is Mr Pawar agrees to contest, he will get the crucial support of the Shiv Sena, an NDA ally. The Sena had earlier voted for Pratibha Patil despite being a part of the NDA on the grounds of regional solidarity. Even Union minister Ramdas Athalawale, Republican Party leader from Maharashtra, has said he will support Mr Pawar if he contested for the post of President. Sources said Mr Kumar also sees himself as a potential prime ministerial face and is seeking more responsibility in the Opposition alliance. The JD(U) chief had skipped the grand Opposition lunch called by Mrs Gandhi on May 26 and instead sent senior leader Sharad Yadav. But the very next day he attended a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of the visting Mauritius Prime Minister. Mr Kumar had, however, denied that this was aimed at sending any signals to the BJP and said he had already met Mrs Gandhi on May 20. The Bihar CM will also be attending the birthday celebrations of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi in Chennai on June 3, which is being seen as another attempt to showcase Opposition unity. Sacked minister says he was punched and kicked by 5-7 AAP men, marshalled out BJP, Cong slam assault. Sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra after he was roughed up by AAP legislators in New Delhi. (Asian Age) New Delhi: A high-voltage drama erupted in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday when sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra was manhandled by the Aam Aadmi Party members after he raised allegations of corruption against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and health minister Satyendar Jain. The former water minister who has been campaigning against Mr Kejriwal, levelling graft allegation against him, later claimed he was punched and kicked by five-seven Aam Aadmi Party legislators after he demanded an open session of the Delhi Assembly be convened at Ramlila Maidan to publicly discuss the corruption charges. Mr Mishra hurled a banner inside the House demanding the special session of the Assembly, following which he was warned by Speaker Ram Niwas Goel. When he refused to relent, Mr Goel ordered Mr Mishra be marshalled out of the house. Before the marshals could reach Mr Mishra, he was manhandled by the AAP MLAs. He was later taken out of the House by marshals. While Speaker Goel said both Mr Mishra and the legislators who manhandled him may face action, the Congress and the BJP condemned the assault. Talking to the media outside the Assembly, Mr Mishra said he had written a letter to Mr Goel on Tuesday, urging for the special public session. I wanted to discuss inside the Assembly about their corruption. When I did not get the opportunity, I called for convening a special session at Ramlila Ground. Suddenly, the (AAP) MLAs rushed to me and started hitting me, Mr Mishra told the media outside the Assembly. This is for the time in an Assembly, that instead of marshals, MLAs are sent to assault another MLA, Mr Mishra said who was seen being dragged out of the House by AAP members. He claimed he was punched on the chest and kicked in the back. Following a gesture by (deputy chief minister) Manish Sisodia, several of the MLAs assaulted me, Mr Mishra said, adding that he could only identify two of the legislators Madan Lal and Jarnail Singh who attacked him. Mr Mishra said he would raise the attack issue with lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal and on June 3, at the Constitution Club here, he would present before the people the documents to prove the wrongdoings of Mr Kejriwal and Mr Jain. I am not afraid of you, no matter how many goons you send, I will not be deterred, I will expose all your scams and corruption, he said. Whatever happened today is unfortunate. What the MLAs did was wrong. One may do whatever he wants outside, but inside the assembly, one needs to maintain the discipline and decorum, the Speaker later told the media. China meanwhile is determined not to be distracted from its ambition to be the prime superpower by 2117. Russian President Boris Yeltsin had an excuse for his erratic behaviour. He was an uncontrollable alcoholic. US President Donald Trump has none. He is a teetotaller. Common to both of them is a loyalty to Russia. Historians examining the events of the past week will be forgiven for interpreting Mr Trumps imperious behaviour at recent international summits as being an unfinished chapter from The Decline & Fall of the US Empire. Never since the end of the end of the Cold War has any American President so carelessly or so wantonly eroded the position of his countrys pre-eminence in global politics. Mr Trumps first trip abroad as President looked perfect on the drawing board. First stop: Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam. Next, Israel, the cradle of Judaism. After that, Rome, the bedrock of Roman Catholicism. And finally Sicily, the nursery of the Mafia. In Saudi Arabia, he received the genuflection from obsequious acolytes invited by his hosts from over 40 mainly Sunni Muslim countries. He lectured them (rather than his more culpable Saudi hosts) on the need to eradicate terrorism within their borders. In Europe, Mr Trump told delinquent Nato members to pay up, or to shut up. At a stroke, he vitiated the very premise under which Nato had been created as a united bulwark against communism. He then shrugged off US responsibility towards a common defence one for one, and one for all. In essence, he reminded them that the American motto E pluribus Unum may be expressed in a European language but it loses all meaning beyond the US East Coast. And in Sicily, at the G-7 meeting, he stood apart from fellow industrialised powers, creating almost overnight a new formula: G-6 +1. The final slight came when he told counterpart leaders that his decision on the Paris Agreement on climate change would be conveyed to them after a week. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted with incredulity. She looked as if she been treated as a door-to-door salesperson, told to come back next week. It is a given that every leader who is new on the job (except for repeat offenders) needs time to learn the tricks of the trade of leadership. Usually, they wait until they have had a chance of consolidating their base before soaring into the empyrean of international diplomacy. Mr Trump, however, is a restless, ambitious Icarus without a wiser Daedalus to caution him. For diplomacy to be effective, his predecessor George W. Bush had once said, words must be credible. Mr Trump believes what he is saying at any particular moment is automatically credible. For him diplomacy has less to do with credibility than with the power now available to him to browbeat other nations, to behave exactly in fact like other international bullies like Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, and earlier still Adolf Hitler. Career diplomats in the state department are wringing their hands in despair at seeing their President uncorking US policies that have taken decades to mature. They know that diplomacy is more than saying or doing the right things at the right time, as Bo Bennett once remarked, it is avoiding saying or doing the wrong things at any time. Mr Trump, like some disoriented centipede, opens his mouth only to put his other 99 feet in. Mr Trump has returned to the White House to find that he and his closest aides prominent amongst them is his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner are under siege, not by the buzzing paparazzi but by the insidiously persistent investigations by the FBI, House Intelligence Committee and probably also the KGB. Can it be accidental that the New York Times (albeit avowedly anti-Trump) should ask the not-so-rhetorical question: Do we really want Mike Pence to be President? The vacuum in this geopolitical sinkhole created by Mr Trump is being filled by Russia and by China. Russia is revenging the US-assisted disintegration of the USSR. It once conquered space with its sputniks and astronauts. Today, it has mastered cyberspace. When systems collapse or are infiltrated, the first reaction in the West is to dust the keyboards for Russian fingerprints. China meanwhile is determined not to be distracted from its ambition to be the prime superpower by 2117. Our diplomats are to be complimented for persuading Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the congregations at Beijing and in Riyadh. He stood in the front line at both, physically and metaphorically. Prime Minister Narendra Modi abstained from both. India may well regret that Gandhian act of self-abnegation. Has India anticipated how Chinas declared plan to invest in Pakistans agriculture could impact the Indus Waters Treaty? That treaty weaned Pakistan off PL 480 dependence. If Pakistan were to become the granary of China, how would this affect Sino-Indian relations? There is a riparian higher than Indias Upper Riparian. By arrangement with Dawn In the images, the smartphone looks very close to its predecessor At the time of developing this phone, the Snapdragon 820 was the best processor at that time, so Microsoft wanted the Lumia 960 to rival high-end Android devices. Microsoft Windows phone is dead, or almost dying. This means the Lumia is scarce with no takers for the Windows 8/10 platform anymore while Android and iOS rake in their numbers. The announcement is yet not official but the brand Lumia is almost dead. However, this does not mean the company has never imagined what the future of its mobile platform could look like. The future may look good for the Lumia 960 which is an upgrade to the Lumia 950, the companys flagship phone running Windows 10 Mobile which Microsoft released with much fanfare in the fall of 2015. Chinese forum Baidu has put up unreleased images of the smartphone providing us with a glimpse at the new unreleased model. Photo: Baidu In the images, the smartphone looks very close to its predecessor, though a number of upgrades can indeed be spotted. The device was hypothetically supposed to launch with a triple LED flash, a 20-megapixel PureView camera, dual-front firing speakers, and as well as Snapdragon 820 processor. At the time of developing this phone, the Snapdragon 820 was the best processor at that time, so Microsoft wanted the Lumia 960 to rival high-end Android devices. But in the meantime, Snapdragon 835 had made it to the market already with it powering the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S8/+ and few other phones currently in the market. The Lumia 960 met its death even before launching, so the picture we see here shows a prototype, unless its fake. Rumors are already strife that Microsoft is working towards a complete overhaul of its mobile platform, and a new device seems to be a part of its future plans. lumia The Chinese firm had forayed into India through the online route, which contributes over 90 per cent of its sales in the country today Betting big on the offline market, Chinese handset maker Xiaomi today said it plans to set up 100 Mi Homes, its flagship store, in India in two years. The company had recently launched its first store in Bengaluru and plans to open its exclusive outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. "Mi Home is an extension of our e-commerce business. We launched our first store in Bengaluru and on our first day itself, we did a revenue of Rs 5 crore. "We believe this Mi Home strategy will disrupt our offline retail in India. Once we have perfected our business model (in these cities), we would want to open at least 100 Mi Homes in the next two years," Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Jain said. The Chinese firm had forayed into India through the online route, which contributes over 90 per cent of its sales in the country today. "More than 90 per cent of sales today comes from online, because that is where our focus has been. But we have started multiple things offline like Mi Homes. "We are working with a few chains in South and we have launched our distribution in five cities Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With these things coming along, we hope our share of offline market would be 20-25 per cent by the end of this year," he said. Xiaomi, which crossed USD 1 billion revenue in India in 2016, has a 14.2 per cent market share in the offline space. "We want to grow the share of offline within Xiaomi and within the overall offline space we want to grow our share, because we see a huge demand even in the offline market. We are very bullish on offline. "We are trying to bring online efficiency into offline. We expect in the next few years,at least 50 per cent of our sales should come from online and 50 per cent from offline," he said adding that the company will also look at setting up rural distribution in the future. The company had setup its second manufacturing plant in India and would be open to setting up more facilities if the demand for its products continues. A TV sreial in Iran is showing women with uncovered heads though showing a womans hair is not allowed in Iran. Tehran: For Iranian viewers sitting down for this years primetime historical drama during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, there was a shock: you could see womens hair. The directors trick: popping across the border to neighbouring Armenia to film women without headscarves in front of a green screen and then super-imposing them into the background of Iranian scenes. This is a technical achievement for our cinema and television that can be of service in future, director Jalil Saman said in Wednesdays Haft-e Sobh. The month of Ramadan, which started on Saturday, is always a showcase for high-profile TV serials and this year it is Samans Nafas (or breath), about a nurse being dragged into the revolutionary tumult of the late 1970s, that has garnered the most attention. Iranian TV can show foreign films with unscarved women, although too much leg or cleavage gets blurred out or hidden behind a digitally inserted object such as a lamp. Local programmes arent allowed to show female hair, even for historical dramas or scenes where real-life women do not cover their heads. Mr Saman said it would have been absurd to show everyone in a headscarf since the show is set before the Islamic revolution of 1979 when women were free to wear whatever they wanted. Shows set during that period are usually ruined, he told Haft-e Sobh, because they cannot show how things really looked. They give the impression that Islam was followed more before the revolution than today, he said. We have only shown a part of how it was before the revolution but some cannot even tolerate this. Mr Saman said he was refused permission by the censors to use actresses in wigs, a trick used for several shows in the past. The other popular option, having women in hats with scarves and neck was ridiculous he added. Pak prez highlighted the Kashmir issue, strained bilateral Indo-Pak ties while addressing a joint session of Parliament. Islamabad: Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said India has become a major obstacle for durable peace in South Asia and called the Kashmir issue an unfinished agenda of the partition. The president highlighted the issue of Kashmir and the strained bilateral relations between Pakistan and India while addressing a joint session of Parliament, the Dawn reported. Terming Kashmir as an unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent, the president said: "India has become a major obstacle for durable peace in the region". "Instead of positively responding to Pakistan's peace efforts, India sent Kulbhushan Jadhav, terrorists and other spies," he said. The Pakistan Army sentenced Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav on charges of espionage after a secret trial. Ties between India and Pakistan have been tense of late over a number of issues, including the status of Kashmir and the Jadhav issue. India has accused Pakistan of supporting militants, who infiltrate from the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir into the Valley and target Indian security forces. One such attack in 2016 killed 18 Indian soldiers and India retaliated with 'surgical strikes' on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred, Modi told Putin. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior their talks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: AP) St Petersburg: India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, "the most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people." "I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations," the Russian president told Modi. "As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO," he said. "I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it," Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. "Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO)" where India's membership will be confirmed, he told Modi. Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putin's hometown as Prime Minister. "India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues," he said. Modi thanked Putin for his "active role" in getting India SCO membership. "I thank you for all the initiatives taken," he said. Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. "Normally, in international relations there are ups and downs. But history is witness, there have been no ups and downs in Indo-Russia relations. We have always moved forward," Modi said. Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of Sarvajan Sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), he added. India had approached the top UN court after Jhadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for his role in terrorism. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday met Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed the death penalty of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. They also discussed issues related to national security, an official statement said. During the meeting, PM was briefed over the outcomes of ongoing anti-terrorism operation Raddul Fasad (elimination of discord), it said. Earlier, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) asked Pakistan to stay Jadhavs execution until a final verdict. Pakistan shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure that Jadhav is not executed pending the final decision in these proceedings, the ICJ ruled. India had approached the top UN court after Jhadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for his role in terrorism. The alleged Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent was found guilty of conducting espionage activities in the country. India however, claims he was kidnapped from Iran last year. The trial against Jadhav was conducted under the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and Official Secret Act of 1923. PM Sharif also appreciated the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism, said the statement. Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Indian authorities handed over two Kashmiri students to Pakistan army after they mistakenly crossed the Line of Control (LoC). The students were returned at Chelhana crossing point in Tetwal sector. Pakistan Administrated Kashmir authorities, students relatives and police officers were also present on the occasion. Both the students crossed the LoC at the Neelum valley and entered Indian Administrated Kashmir on May 23. They were kept in Indian armys custody for six days. Wasalat, 14, and Iftikhar belong to Samari Tarban Jora village of Neelum valley. The parents thanked Pakistan army and government for making effort in rescuing their children. The President reiterated Pakistans stance of political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. Islamabad: Pakistan President Mamnon Hussain on Thursday said that Pakistan desired to resolve all disputes with India through dialogue but India was not reciprocating. Addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament at the start of the new Parliamentary Year, Mr Hussain said the situation had instead been exacerbated by India. He alleged India was promoting subversive acts of espionage and disruption, as was evident from the arrest and confessional statement of an Indian spy. The President reiterated Pakistans stance of political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. He termed the issue of Jammu and Kashmir as part of the unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent. Mr Mamnon Hussain also described India as the biggest hurdle in establishing peace and stability in the region and said holding of the plebiscite under the United Nations was the only solution to Kashmir dispute. Our Kashmiri brothers, sisters, sons and daughters are protesting for their fundamental right of freedom for which they are being subjected to worst kind of atrocities, the President said. He condemned India for its acts of aggression on the Line of Control (LoC) leading to huge loss of lives and property. The President during his address spoke at length about the countrys foreign relations. He mentioned the state of ties with China, India, Afghanistan, Central Asian States, Russia, Turkey and the Islamic world. He recalled: Mohammad Ali Jinnah had declared that the foreign policy of Pakistan would be based on friendship, peace and impartiality with all nations, particularly the neighbours. As declared by our leader, Pakistan would abide by the principles of moral support for the oppressed people of the world and would not harbour aggressive designs against any country. Mr Hussain said Pakistans determination in this regard was amply reflected by its exemplary role in the peace missions of the United Nations. For global peace, stability and progress, Pakistan invites the comity of nations, particularly our neighbours, to agree on the fundamental principle of economic cooperation which can lead to ending of regional tensions, he said. He described Pakistans relations with China as exemplary and said, Both are consistently enhancing their bilateral cooperation in all walks of life. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would enhance prosperity of both countries and also of other countries of the region, he added. Opposition Labour party could win 257 seats, up from 232 seats in 2015. A projection by polling company YouGov suggested Ms May would lose 20 seats and her 17-seat working majority in the 650-seat Parliament. London: British Prime Minister Theresa May was fighting to shore up her general election campaign on Wednesday after a shock projection forecast a hung Parliament and left the pound wobbling. According to a projection by polling company YouGov, Ms May could lose control of Parliament in the June 8 election raising the prospect of political deadlock just as formal Brexit talks begin. In stark contrast to opinion polls that have until the past week shown Ms May on course for a big win in the snap election she called, the YouGov model suggested May would lose 20 seats and her 17-seat working majority in the 650-seat parliament. The YouGov constituency projection, based on 50,000 interviews over the course of a week, showed Ms May would win 310 seats, down from the 331 seats won by her predecessor David Cameron in 2015. The opposition Labour Party could win 257 seats, up from 232 seats in 2015, YouGov said. Smaller parties, including the Scottish National Party and Northern Irish parties, could win 83 seats, The Times newspaper quoted YouGov as predicting. If the YouGov model turns out to be accurate, Ms May would be well short of the 326 seats needed to form a government in June, when formal Brexit negotiations are due to begin. The Times said that YouGov acknowledged that its predictions were controversial and allowed for a wide margin of error. A US withdrawal from the 196-party pact signed in Paris 18 months ago would deal a devastating global efforts to combat climate change. London: The British government is "disappointed" by reports the United States could withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, a senior minister said on Wednesday, vowing instead to influence Washington to "take the right step". "It is disappointing," British interior minister Amber Rudd said, reacting to reports that US President Donald Trump is set to announce his decision to withdraw from the historic climate change deal. A US withdrawal from the 196-party pact signed in Paris 18 months ago would deal a devastating blow to global efforts to combat climate change. "But I hope that we can use our relationship with President Trump and our close relationship with the US to try and influence, to try to make sure that they nevertheless take the right step," Rudd said. She made the comments while participating in a televised debate ahead of the June 8 general election. At the time of the Paris accord, Rudd was Britain's energy and climate change minister. The crash occurred in the border province of Sirnak, where Turkish troops are engaged in operations against Kurdish militants. The helicopter was carrying a delegation, headed by a major-general, which was inspecting the Senoba region. (Photo: Representational/ AFP) Ankara (Turkey): A Turkish military helicopter crashed on Wednesday near Turkey's border with Iraq, killing all 13 personnel on board, the military said. The crash occurred in the border province of Sirnak, where Turkish troops are engaged in operations against Kurdish militants. But a military statement said the crash appeared to be accidental, with initial information indicating that the AS 532 Cougar had hit a high-voltage transmission line shortly after taking off from a base in Sirnak's Senoba region. The military didn't provide information on the victims. The private DHA news agency, however, said the helicopter was carrying a delegation, headed by a major-general, which was inspecting the Senoba region. Other media reports said there were six other officers on board. The helicopter crashed at 11:25 pm IST (1755 GMT), the military said, adding that an investigation was underway. Defense Minister Fikri Isik and other government ministers immediately left the capital, Ankara, for Sirnak, DHA reported. The attack comes just before the 50th anniversary of the 6-Day War in which Israel occupied Gaza Strip, West Bank, including east Jerusalem. Medics from Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said that the soldier was brought to hospital with a stab wound on his upper body. (Photo: Pixabay/Representational) Jerusalem: A Palestinian woman stabbed an Israeli soldier outside a Jewish settlement in the northern West Bank on Thursday before being shot and critically wounded, the army and medics said. The attack came just days before the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War in which Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including east Jerusalem. The soldier was brought to hospital with a stab wound on his upper body, medics from Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said. The assailant was in critical condition, the medics added. The attack took place at the entrance to Mevo Dotan, a Jewish settlement southwest of Jenin. The army said the assailant used a knife and was shot by military forces at the scene. A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 266 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, 2 Americans, 2 Jordanians, 1 Eritrean, 1 Sudanese and 1 Briton, according to the report. Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. The violence has subsided in recent months. In his meeting with European Federation of Catholic Family Association, Francis spoke about the Old Continents four crises: demographics, migration, employment and education. On the basis of the inviolable dignity of the person, especially of the weakest, Europe can really be a family of peoples. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis received in audience today members of the European Federation of Catholic Family Associations (FAFCE) on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary. The organisation represents Catholic family associations from 14 European countries. The pontiff told the group that Europe faces four crises at present: demographics, migration, employment and education. Yet, it should continue to consider the family its most precious treasure as well as the fundamental cell of society and the leaven that helps to make the world more humane and more fraternal, where no one feels rejected or abandoned. Praising the Federation for its work "in the integral service to the family," he cited his own remarks before the authorities of the European Union on the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome as well as passages from his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia, in which he says we can make the gift concrete through the beauty and the joy of mutual love." For Francis, "there is no better ally for the integral progress of society than to favour the presence of families in the social fabric." The unity of all the members of the family with society can contribute to the common good and [. . .] peace, also in Europe. The family is a "communion of persons" in which we can experience and find a place in the great "human family" whose challenge is the "culture of the encounter". "The way of being family that you want to spread is not subject to any contingent ideology, but grounded in the inviolable dignity of the person. On the basis of that dignity, Europe will be able to be truly one family of peoples." The Old Continent currently faces four crises: " demographics, migration, employment and education." In order to meet these challenges, even that of the "demographic winter", the family is a model of action, bearing witness to unity in diversity" and "dialogue". For the pope, we must not conceal our "Christian identity. Indeed, it is important for families to go out of their way to "encounter others". For him, the bond between generations is central for it holds memories, the present and the future. [Y]our service to the sacredness of life takes concrete form in the covenant between generations and in service to all, especially those most in need, the disabled and orphans. It takes concrete form in solidarity with migrants, in the patient art of education that views each young person as a subject worthy of all the familys love, in defending the right to life of the unborn who have no voice, and in ensuring dignified living conditions for the elderly. The plant is responsible for a huge environmental disaster that destroyed marine life and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of fishermen. The latest incident, caused by congestion in the dust filter system of a lime kiln, comes less than two days after the plant was re-opened. Catholics in Vietnams central provinces are targeted by Vietnamese authorities. Phu Yen and Van Thai parishioners are attacked, 25 injured. Insults and projectiles are thrown at a prayer vigil in Van Thai church. A military drill is used to intimidate. Hanoi (AsiaNews/RFA) A major explosion stopped production at a steel mill owned by Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group in Ha Tinh province, central Vietnam, the same that saw the worst environmental disaster in the country's history in April 2016. No casualties have been reported. The deputy chairman of the Provincial Peoples Committee, Duong Tat Thang, said that the incident was caused by congestion in the dust filter system of a lime kiln at the steel mill, which led to an increase in pressure, causing the blast. The incident occurred at around 9 pm on Tuesday, less than two days after the plant re-opened. Last month, Vietnamese authorities cleared Formosa to start testing its steel mill after conducting a three-day inspection of the plant and concluding that the company had addressed 52 out of 53 operating violations that led to the spill. The incident polluted more than 200 kilometres of Vietnams coastline, and killed about 115 tonnes of fish. Hundreds of thousands of fishermen in four Vietnamese provinces were left jobless and without a source of income. Formosa Plastics has voluntarily paid US$ 500 million to clean up and compensate coastal residents affected by the spill, but slow and uneven pay-out of the funds by the Vietnamese government has prompted protests that continue to be held more than a year later. The Church has stood by the affected communities and has engaged in a number of actions to defend their rights. As a result, Catholics in the most affected areas have been targeted by Vietnamese authorities because of their protests against the government for failing to help the victims. Various members of the Catholic clergy and other activists have been harassed and arrested by the government. On 28 May, hundreds of thugs hired by Nghe An authorities, central Vietnam, attacked and beat up a group of Catholic parishioners, including women and children. Local sources report that about 25 people were hospitalised. Members of Phu Yen and Van Thai sub-parishes, under Song Ngoc parish in Nghe An province, said that they were attacked after gathering at the Son Hai commune Peoples Committee on Wednesday to retrieve fellow parishioner Nguyen Thi Tra who had been detained earlier by police. After arriving at the building, some parishioners began using their smartphones to videotape the authorities, who responded by sending thugs into the crowd to beat them. There were almost 500 people, such as thugs, working for the police to beat people including women and children as a way to prevent them from using their phones to record, said one Catholic. Afterwards, several people required treatment for injuries at a nearby hospital. Tra had been arrested earlier on Sunday after stopping to record a crowd that had gathered as she made her way through Son Hais Village No. 9. Parishioners said that a group of women attacked her as she filmed the gathering, and continued to do so, even as police intervened and brought her to the Peoples Committee in Son Hai, where Van Thai sub-parish is located. A local police officer had requested that parishioners come and get Tra from the Peoples Committee before the larger confrontation occurred on Sunday. In the aftermath of the attack at the Peoples Committee, Tra was taken to an undisclosed location where she was beaten further and left in the middle of the road, the parishioners said. She was later discovered by a passer-by and brought home covered in bruises and in a panic. Fr Nguyen inh Thuc, vicar of Song Ngoc parish (Nghe An province) is one of the priests at the centre of a slander campaign orchestrated by Vietnamese authorities. On Tuesday evening, Fr Nguyen was holding a prayer gathering at Van Thai church when hundreds of people arrived carrying stones, bricks, knives and metal pipes, and began threatening him and the congregation. When the clergyman and the congregation fled the church to area homes, the mob followed them, hurling projectiles through windows and injuring several of the Catholics inside. These last episodes of violence follow a recent "security drill" conducted by authorities in front of the Van Thai church, involving explosives and the firing of weapons that the government claimed was part of a bid to protect the road close to the river. For parishioners, the drill was a form of intimidation by local authorities, angered by members of the church speaking out about last years waste spill. Waad is accused of "fomenting violence, supporting terrorism, and encouraging crimes". Former party secretary Ibrahim Sharif has been arrested several times for his activities of democratic opposition. Human rights activists speak of "absurd and ungrounded" accusations. Manama (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A Bahrain tribunal has ordered the dissolution of the country's top opposition group in the country, in the context of an increasingly marked campaign launched by the Sunni authorities against the Shiite component (majority) of the population. According to the judges, the Waad (National Democratic Action Society) is accused of "fomenting violence, supporting terrorism and encouraging crimes". International activists and NGOs speak of "absurd and groundless" accusations. The sentence handed down yesterday afternoon, arrives less than a year after authorities arrested and sentenced Shia activists and religious leaders and suspended the activities of Al-Wefaq, the main Shia opposition group, on charges of terrorism, extremism and violence as well as ties to a foreign power (i.e. Iran). Last week the police raided a Shiite village, causing the deaths of five people and detaining about 300. Behind the protests, Sheikh Qassim he was sentenced to prison (with suspended sentence) for corruption, whose citizenship has already been revoked, is accused of having used his position and his role to "serve the interests" of "foreign" powers. Yesterday the Bahraini Justice Ministry that the High Court had ordered the Waad party be disolved. The decision is apparently motivated by the partys use of the term "martyrs" to define three men executed in January for killing three policemen. Waad also violated the law by expressing solidarity with the Wefaq National Islamic Society. Waad and its leaders deny having violated the Law on Political Association. They also point to their peaceful opposition to violence and in favor of the rights of all citizens in the country. Activists and human rights associations say that Waad's suspension is an "attack" on freedom of expression and association, and the "further evidence" that the authorities do not intend to respect "human rights promises." A decision, they add, that is part of a wider campaign of repression "against human rights". Former Waad Secretary General Ibrahim Sharif has been arrested, imprisoned, released and re-arrested several times in connection with his opposition activities. 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. by Sandra Awad* Since 2011, more than 300,000 people have been injured or wounded in the country's civil war, many permanently. People with disabilities need long-term care, but lack facilities. Hospitals have been forced to discharge patients to meet emergencies. Without Jesus Christ, I would have collapsed long time ago, said Georgette, who was hit by a sniper as she was going home after a baptism. Damascus (AsiaNews) According to humanitarian organisation Handicap International, the numbers of people in Syria who have been injured or wounded since the start of the war (March 2011) is in excess of 300,000, and many of them will almost certainly experience permanent and life-long disabilities. An unknown number of Syrians injured during war have sustained permanent disabilities because of the severity of their injuries and/or the lack of timely and adequate medical attention and rehabilitation. After six years of war, Syrian hospitals lack medical equipment, drugs and specialised doctors to treat patients. Many of them have been forced to discharge people too soon in order to deal with incoming emergencies. Some reports indicate that thousands of people may be paralysed or amputees, although the exact numbers of people who will experience permanent disabilities remains unknown at this time. Last year, Caritas launched various initiatives in Damascus, helping more 115 disabled people, with wheelchairs, medical supplies, operations and medicines. Last year alone, the Christian charity helped an additional 213 families in the capital who have disabled members, providing them with food, necessities, and even basic education. They are one of Caritas Syrias "priorities". One of the faces of war, which unfortunately media do not usually show because it is not newsworthy, is that of Georgette. I try to be strong, but I have the right to be weak sometimes. . . I really have the right, she said fighting back tears. Here is her story: Sandra, when you feel thirsty or hungry, you can go to the kitchen to drink water or to eat something. I cant do that. I need to wait for someone to bring me food or water. I feel myself humiliated every time I ask for such help. Every time I make an effort to do that, to ask for someone who can give me food, clean my body, or give me medication. . . It is true that my daughters are the ones who are taking care of me, but I feel my heart broken every time I ask them to do something for me. . . Georgette, a woman in her forties, was crying hard while she was telling our Caritas team her story. I was in the bus with my daughters, coming back from our village, after attending the baptism of my relative. We were on our way back to Damascus, when the driver suddenly took Harasta Road, which is a very dangerous road. He wasnt supposed to do that. He coldly said to all the passengers: Be careful and close the curtains as there are snipers in this area. When I heard that, I asked my daughters who were 5 and 11 years old at that time to go under the chair. I was going to bend over them, when I felt something penetrated me. It was a sniper explosive shot, which hit my hand, then my chest to exploded inside my body and crush many dorsal vertebrae. I am paralyzed now. I cant feel anything from under my chest till my toes. . . Georgettes hands, who were pointing to the paralyzed part of her body, were shaking. This accident, which happened in 2012, was alive inside her with its pain and fear, like if it happened yesterday. Since then, Georgette is undergoing one surgery after another, to get rid of the complication of the explosive shot, which penetrated her body, and left its destructive shrapnel in all her body, in all her life and in all her familys life. Instead of taking me to the hospital, the taxi driver left me with my daughters on the first check point. Soldiers stopped a car, and took me to a public hospital. My daughters were very young at that time, they couldnt understand what happened. They used my mobile phone, called their father in Damascus, and told him that I was killed and that they didnt know where they were at that time. My husband turned crazy, and started to run in the streets, till he arrived to the bus station, and began to ask the buses drivers and passengers if anyone heard of us. Georgette started to cry again, her beautiful green eyes were covered with heavy rain, which wet not only her tired face but also all our hearts, with big sadness. After four hours, my husband reached the hospital. He found the girls alone in a big hall, holding each other, shaking like leaves, and crying. He ran toward them, held them, and started crying with them. . . At this point of the story, Georgette started to cry and laugh at the same time, like if she was living another war inside her. My husband used to call me My Bee as I was very active all the time. Now I am just sitting all day on this chair, not being able to do anything but ask for help. I try to laugh and make jokes like before. It is for my daughters that I try to be strong. During the last five years, each one of them became 10 years older than her actual age, serving me all the time. My husband lost his small factory and all his work and savings during this war, and now he is jobless. I try to be strong for all of them, but sometimes I dont succeed in doing that. I have the right to be weak sometimes. . . I really have the right. . . Finally, she turns her thoughts to God and the war. "I always pray to God to put an end to this war, because as it continues, a lot of people might be hurt the way I was hurt. Believe me, it is an unbearable situation, and without my continuous prayers, and my deep faith in Jesus Christ, I would have collapsed long time ago. . . * Head of communications for Caritas Syria, 38, married and mother of two, she lives everyday with the tragedy of the war. The daily life of a priest of North China, from the official Church, in a society dominated by atheism and superstitions. State pressures to break bonds with the Pope. Safeguarding the Catholic faith in negotiations between China and the Vatican. A testimony from the AsiaNews Symposium. Beijing (AsiaNews) - I have been in priestly ministry for the past 27 years, encountering joys and sorrows. My so-called suffering, to tell the truth, cannot really be considered as such, because it is not comparable to the sufferings of Christ on the Cross. My external sufferings were arrest, forced domicile detention, being kept under custody, being subjected to indoctrination. My inner sufferings are derived from the inner situation of the Church, that is, the grave moral scandals of superiors and the vicissitudes of my brothers. Since its inception, the Christian religion has been filled with tribulations and difficulties, to which we have become accustomed to ordinary things and which should not surprise us. At present, the general atmosphere of Chinese society maintains atheism as the guiding principal of it ideology, while the ordinary people I have encountered in my evangelization are dominated by polytheism and feudal superstitions. For this reason, those engaged in this ministry not only have to understand a little bit about atheist thought but also be familiar with the roots of popular religion and polytheistic worship. Only in this way, in hi apostolic ministry, can he realistically care for different types of people. In the 1990's, I generally exercised my pastoral ministry in rural areas, so I had to deal with ordinary and poor people. Since our life of faith had been controlled and oppressed for so long, there was a strong desire for faith in our minds. Although the external conditions were very negative, in our efforts to spread the Gospel, we found that many desired to enter the Catholic Church. That is, although society, economic and political conditions left much to be desired, as evangelizers we saw that many wanted to receive baptism and enter the Church: this gave us so much inner joy. When the new converts kneeled in front of the altar saying 'I believe', the priest's heart was overjoyed, for he found that his efforts to spread the Gospel were not empty but yielded good and rewarding results. When history entered the 21st century, my priestly life changed radically: not only did I have to strive to rebuild the Christian community, but also face many political factors. Relations between the Catholic community and the state are not based on clear principles, and so, although as a priest I should have no interest in secular power, as a Chinese priest, I was required to establish continuous contacts with the official authorities. With regards faith, in particular, as a priest faithful to the Catholic faith, I had the duty to safeguard the primacy of the Holy See of Rome, but the secular authorities regarded the Holy See as a foreign secular institution, requesting Catholic priests obey their duty as citizens, and change their faith: this was the real challenge. The Catholic faith belongs to the spiritual sphere of life, while secular political authorities are concerned about the material sphere of this world. At first they should not be in contradiction, but in the practical terms of everyday life they have infinite difficulties and contradictions: this is the most serious suffering that erodes the conscience of every Chinese priest. Anyone who understands the difficulties experienced by the Church in China will understand why her bishops, even underground bishops, hope that China and the Vatican will soon reach an agreement and even diplomatic recognition. But anyone who considers the possibility that China and the Vatican will soon reach an agreement, and even diplomatic recognition as fortunate, is both naive and infantile, because China's imperial culture has always demanded that religion be 'Sinicized'. This is a problem that needs to be taken seriously. If you cannot guarantee the original and authentic nature of the Catholic faith any agreement based on concession or compromise between China and the Vatican will remain a castle in the clouds: nothing more than words. The Taliban deny their involvement. Afghan intelligence believe it could be the Haqqani group. Bodies still extracted from debris. Kabul has the highest number of victims in the first three months of 2017. Kabul (AsiaNews / Agencies) The casualties from the explosion in Kabul yesterday morning have risen to 90 while there is still no confirmation of the authors. The number of wounded is now 400. According to the Minister of Health, the toll is expected to rise further, while bodies are extracted from the debris. Most of the victims are Afghan civilians. Some foreigners were injured. The explosion caused a deep crater of about five meters. The explosive was hidden inside a tank truck used to clean the sewerage system. An Afghan Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied their involvement, asserting that the group condemns any type of attack that hits civilians. However, the Afghan intelligence National Security Directorate, seems to believe the attack is the work of the Islamic group Haqqani, a Taliban network also present in Pakistan. There has been no claim from the Islamic State, responsible for several attacks this year, including one in March at the military hospital where more than 50 people died. The explosion is the latest in a series of terrorist acts that have hit the Afghan capital. In the country, the province of Kabul recorded the highest number of victims in the first three months of 2017. St. Paul's life shows the three attitudes that every Christian should share. The Apostle "had to fight so much". The first dimension of his life "is proclamation, apostolic zeal: to carry forward Jesus Christ," "the second is to suffer persecutions, struggles". Finally, the third is the prayer. "Paul had this intimacy with the Lord." Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The apostolic zeal to proclaim Jesus Christ, resistance to persecution and prayer to encounter the Lord. These are the three dimensions of St. Paul's life that every Christian should have said Pope Francis at Mass this morning at Casa Santa Marta, commenting on today's passage from the Acts of the Apostles (22,30,23,6-11) in which Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin, and which emphasize precisely on the "three dimensions" of this "Paul's life on the move, always on the go." The Pope noted that is difficult to imagine Paul sunbathing on a beach, resting. He is a man "who was always in motion, on the move". The first dimension of the Apostle "is preaching, proclamation". Paul, commented, "goes from one side to another to proclaim Christ" and "when he is not preaching he is working." "But what is more, he is preaching: when he is called to preach and proclaim Jesus Christ, it is his passion! He never sat at his desk: no. He always is always on the move. Always carrying on the proclamation of Jesus Christ. He had a fire, a zeal ... an apostolic zeal that led him forward. And he did not pull back. Always forward. And this is one of the dimensions that led to him encountering difficulties." The second dimension of Paul's life is "difficulties, more clearly persecutions". In today's First Reading we read that everyone is united in accusing him. Paul goes to judgment, because they consider him a "disturber of the peace". "And the Spirit inspired a bit of cunning in Paul and knew that they were not one, that there were so many internal struggles between them, and he knew that the Sadducees did not believe in the Resurrection, which the Pharisees believed in him ... and he said aloud: Paul said: "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead." Immediately an argument broke out, the Pope noted, because these custodians of the Law were all divided in their beliefs. They had lost their faith, he said, because they had transformed their laws and doctrine into ideologies Francis observed that they," were the guardians of the Law, the keepers of the doctrine of the People of God, the keepers of faith, ""but one believed one thing, the other another." These people "had lost the Law, lost their doctrine, lost their faith, because they had transformed it into ideology," "the same doctrine." Saint Paul therefore "had to fight this so much". Paul's first dimension of life, he said, "is the proclamation, apostolic zeal: to carry Jesus Christ," "the second is to suffer persecutions and struggles." Finally, the third is the prayer. "Paul had this intimacy with the Lord." " Once he says he was almost brought to the seventh heaven in prayer, and did not know how to describe the beautiful things he had heard there. But this wrestler, this proclaimer of an infinite horizon, had more of that mystical dimension of his encounter with Jesus. Paul's strength was this encounter with the Lord, who was praying, as was the first encounter on the path to Damascus, when he went to persecute Christians. Paul is the man who encountered the Lord, and never forgets this. He was a man of prayer". These, he concluded, "are Paul's three attitudes that this passage teach us: apostolic zeal to proclaim Jesus Christ, resistance - resist persecution - and prayer: to meet with the Lord." And so, he said, Paul went on "among the persecutions of the world and the consolations of the Lord." "Let the Lord give us the grace to all of us baptized, the grace of learning these three attitudes in our Christian life: proclaiming Jesus Christ, resisting" the persecutions "and the seductions that lead you to disconnect from Jesus Christ, and the grace of an encounter with Jesus Christ in prayer. by Melani Manel Perera Jeromy was kidnapped by soldiers on 4 March 2009. Her mother Jeyavanitha continues to celebrate every birthday on 28 May. Some 50 women hold a peaceful picket. We will never stop asking what happened to our missing children. Not until we die." Colombo (AsiaNews) "On 28 May, Kasipillai Jeromy would have been 25 years old. She would have cut the cake and blown out the candles, celebrating her birthday covered in kisses and the affection of her loved ones. Instead, she has been missing for eight years, said her mother Kasipillai Jeyavanitha, as she stirred her anguished memories. Since her daughter went missing, abducted in the last phase of the civil war between Tigers Tamil and the army, she has been fighting to find out what happened to her. Her hope of hugging her again was reborn in 2014 when she recognised her daughter in a picture of young people on an electoral flyer for Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lankas current president. "At that moment, we started a new life, she said, fuelled by the hope that they were alive, somewhere in the country. But so far, nothing has been done. We ask the President to listen to our prayers." We met Jeyavanitha, a Tamil Catholic, in Kilinochchi in the Jaffna Peninsula. For nearly a hundred days, she has been on a Sathyagraha (peaceful picket) on the main highway, along with 50 other women, all mothers of teenagers who disappeared during the conflict. "Some of us come and go, she noted, but I sit day and night. My husband and my children come to visit me here because I do not want to leave." Like in past years on Jeromy's birthday, she ate a slice of cake in her memory. "I will never cease celebrating her birthday, like that of so many young people about whom we know nothing anymore." With tears-filled eyes, she remembers the moment when soldiers took her daughter. "It was 4 March 2009. My family was among the thousands of people trapped in the area controlled by Tamil rebels. During shelling, I and my 17-year-old daughter fled for a safe place. But we were blocked by an army truck. The soldiers came and made us get inside a pickup truck, along with other women." "My daughter Jeromy was crying," she remembers, torn by the pain, "and wanted to jump off the truck. But I stopped her and told her that as long as we were together, nothing bad would happen to her. But after a few minutes the soldiers pushed me and another woman out, and they took off at full speed. That was the last time I saw my daughter's blurred face as the truck sped away leaving behind a cloud of sand." After recognising her daughter in the electoral flyer, Jeyavanitha was able to meet with President Sirisena in July 2015. He assured her that he was going to open an investigation. "Nothing happened. We were not able to recognise the uniforms the kids were wearing in those photos or the school they were at. Only the president knows and can tell us something." Most women involved in the peaceful sit-in "are now old. But we will never stop asking what happened to our missing children. Not until we die." It represents 17.8 percent of the deaths. The figure emerges from the government's annual report. Deaths for accidents and cancer accounted for 6.9 and 5.2 per cent. This is not the case in other countries where accidents in this age range exceed suicides. The number of suicides under the age of 20 has never fallen since 1998. The commitment of the Catholic Church. Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Suicide is the leading cause of death in Japan for people between the ages of 15 and 39. The annual report of the Government Observatory on this issue, submitted to the Council of Ministers on May 30, found that suicide overtakes accidents and cancer among the major causes of death in the rankings. This is not so in other countries, where in this age group deaths caused by accidents exceed suicides. A sign that confirms the serious social problems of Japan compared to the rest of the world. In general last year suicides were 21,897, down 8.9 percent from the previous year for the seventh consecutive year. The figure has dropped below 22,000 for the first time in the last 22 years. However, the fact that 17.8 percent of deaths are by suicide in the ages 15 to 34 is striking, while deaths by accidents and cancer represent respectively 6.9 percent and 5.2 percent . Among children under 20 years of age, the suicide rate fluctuates around the same level since 1998 and has never diminished since then. The Japanese Catholic Church has long engaged in this front. Both messages of the Japanese Catholic bishops: In 2001, "Reverence for Life" and its revised version issued in January 2017, addressed the theme of loneliness leading to suicide. By Matthew Bailes, ARC Laureate Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology., Swinburne University of Technology Numerical-relativistic Simulation: S Ossokine, A Buonanno (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics) and the Simulating eXtreme Spacetime project Scientific Visualization: T Dietrich (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics), R Haas (NCSA) Within just a couple of months of turning back on for its second major science run, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) made a third detection of gravitational waves, ripples in space and time, demonstrating that a new window in astronomy has been firmly opened. As was the case with the first two detections, the waves were generated when two massive black holes merged to form a larger one. In the latest merger, detailed today in the journal Physical Review Letters, the resulting black hole was about 50 times the mass of our Sun. The detection is called GW170104 - so named because it was made on January 4 this year. The merging black holes are probably the most distant yet seen, about three billion light-years from Earth. ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), Author provided The three known LIGO events are remarkable for the amount of energy liberated in the final few seconds before the merger. In that time their energy loss rate (luminosity) is greater than all the stars in the observable universe put together. When you think that there are more than 100 billion stars in our galaxy, and a similar number of galaxies in the universe, you realise the stupendous amount of energy that is released during these mergers. Despite the energetics of these events, the ripples cause the LIGO mirrors to be displaced by a rather paltry 0.000000000000000001 of a metre. Thats about one-thousandth the size of the nucleus of an atom! Remarkably, LIGO is capable of measuring such tiny displacements. This technology has been developed over decades. All in the spin The gravitational waves are detected by fitting one of a large number of theoretical templates to the data. These templates model how the detectors will react to the passing waves from different mass black holes. There are two leading models for how these massive black holes are brought together. In the simplest model, they are born as a stellar pair. Like planets, black holes spin about their axis. Black holes born in a stellar pair are thought to spin in the same direction. In the other model, massive black holes court each other in huge swarms of stars known as globular clusters. They exchange partners until they dance too close and spiral together in a burst of gravitational waves. In this model, the two black holes are unlikely to spin in the same direction. There is some evidence that this latest black hole collision comes from the second class. Prof Bangalore Sathyaprakash, of Penn State University, is one of authors of the journal paper. He says: This is the first time that we have evidence that the black holes may not be aligned, giving us just a tiny hint that pairs of black holes may form in dense stellar clusters. LIGO will continue to be upgraded over the coming years, and the rate of detections is expected to increase as LIGO is further refined with new technologies. With more detections LIGO will be able to further test the stellar cluster hypothesis. Australias gravitational wave experts Members of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav) anxiously await these new data. We asked some of OzGravs postdocs, students and chief investigators what they were most excited about in this nascent field of astrophysics. Susan Scott, Professor of Physics at Australian National University and a chief investigator at OzGrav In the coming years I am eagerly anticipating the detection of continuous gravitational waves radiated by rotating neutron stars with small deformities or minute mountains. With a combination of relativistic velocities, huge magnetic fields and densities beyond that of an atomic nucleus, neutron stars are expected to emit gravitational waves of sufficient amplitude to be detectable by Advanced LIGO. Their detection is a very exciting prospect as it would reveal much about the physics of matter at extreme densities. Letizia Sammut, Postdoctoral Researcher at Monash University One of the most exciting possibilities of gravitational wave astronomy is the detection of gravitational waves from the very early universe almost immediately after the Big Bang! Observation of such a signal would have far-reaching applications across many fields of physics and over a wide range of (energy and length) scales. Lilli Sun, PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne Neutron stars tell their stories continuously by emitting gravitational waves. Once we hear them humming, we will learn how physics works under extreme conditions which can never be reproduced on Earth, like how matter behaves in the densest stars, how a fluid composed almost entirely of neutrons moves, how incredibly strong magnetic fields twist and tangle and annihilate, and so on. We cannot see these things with our own eyes, but now we may have the chance to hear them! David Ottaway, Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide The most exciting thing about the future of gravitational waves is using detectors limited only by quantum mechanics to measure the composition of neutron stars, which are an exotic form of matter that cannot be studied any other way. Bram Slagmolen, ARC Future Fellow at the Australian National University The future of gravitational waves using next-generation detectors will be super exciting. We will not only be able to observe deeper into the universe, at the same time, we will also be able to study fundamental physics in extreme environments more precisely. Qi Chu, Phd student at the University of Western Australia I am part of a team led by Professor Linqing Wen at UWA that is racing to create faster ways to crunch the LIGO data to minimise the time between the gravitational waves hitting earth and an alert being sent for follow-up observations with other telescopes. That will help us localise the event to a host galaxy to learn even more about these extreme events in the universe. Matthew Bailes receives funding from the Australian Research Council to undertake fundamental research in astrophysics. Eric Thrane receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Paul Lasky receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Originally published in The Conversation. (coolendelkid/Bigstock.com) (coolendelkid/Bigstock.com) Warnings have gone out to overseas backpackers in Australia to take action and seek advice if they are not given the legally permitted time off and paid correctly, especially for overtime.The Fair Work Ombudsman helped five men and one woman in their 20s from the UK and Ireland who ended up working for over two months without a day off on a remote cattle farm in Queensland.The owner of the farm in Goomeri and his company have been fined $130,000 after failing to pay overtime entitlements to the backpackers as the result of legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman.Robert Maudsley and his company underpaid the backpackers, who were in Australia on 417 working holiday visas and replied to an advert for work, a total of $38,254 between January 2014 and September 2015.The Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors investigated after the backpackers lodged requests for assistance. They discovered the backpackers had worked up to 13 hours a day, six or seven days a week, but were mostly paid a flat rate of $17 an hour for all hours worked, resulting in significant underpayment of their overtime entitlements.Three of the backpackers did not have a single day off during their employment, respectively working 64, 80 and 88 consecutive days. Under the Pastoral Award 2010, the backpackers should have been paid up to $37.96 per hour for overtime work. Minimum hourly rates for ordinary hours, casual loading, public holiday pay and leave entitlements were also underpaid.The six backpackers were underpaid between 28% and 51% of their total minimum entitlements and the largest individual underpayment was $11,592. They have now been fully reimbursed.The Fair Work Ombudsman revealed that it had previously advised Maudsley of his obligations under federal workplace laws in the course of investigations dating back to 2006 that resulted in recovering $4,000 for four workers, including two backpackers.According to Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James the penalties imposed by the Court send a message that there are serious consequences for exploiting vulnerable overseas workers.'Employers who think they can get away with just back paying workers who complain and then refusing to change their habits should think again,' she said. 'We take the mistreatment of overseas workers very seriously because we know they can be vulnerable if they are not fully aware of their workplace rights in Australia and are often reluctant to complain. Minimum wage rates apply to everyone in Australia, including visa holders, and they are not negotiable.'The Fair Work Ombudsman last year concluded an Inquiry into the experiences of 417 working holiday visa holders in Australia and found that many backpackers had been exploited while working on Australian farms to satisfy the 88 day requirement to stay in Australia for two years.The agency is currently completing its Harvest Trail Inquiry into the horticulture and viticulture sectors nationally in response to ongoing requests for assistance from employees in the sector, persistent under payments and confusion among growers and labour hire contractors about their workplace obligations. The Inquiry findings are due to released later this year. Photo of A7 piloted driving concept courtesy of Audi. New York has granted Audi of America's request to test autonomous vehicles in the state, the automaker has announced. Audi becomes the first automaker to acquire a license from the state, and plans to demonstrate its technology in the middle of June. New York first began accepting requests in May from automakers for autonomous vehicle testing. Audi plans to demonstrate and test vehicles in New York with Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Level 3 automation. At Level 3, a vehicle can perform automated driving at posted highway speeds when specific conditions are met. In New York, two trained engineers in the vehiclewill monitor the system and ensure safety. Two female engine drivers gesture before the operations of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Mombasa, Kenya, on May 31, 2017. Kenya began operations on the Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua] Kenya launched a major Chinese-African project, the Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway (SGR) on Wednesday, just a day before the June 1 national holiday that commemorates the 54th anniversary of the country becoming a sovereign state. President Uhuru Kenyatta said the $3.80 billion infrastructure will be called the "Madaraka" Express, which means freedom in Swahili. "We celebrate a new beginning, a new chapter to Kenya's history by building an infrastructure more than a century after the Kenya-Uganda meter-gauge railway was laid down by the colonialists," he said during the launch ceremony in Mombasa, the country's second largest city. "It formed the basis of a new nation and we are building on that." Wang Yong, special envoy of President Xi Jinping and a State Councilor of China, spoke at the ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of Kenyans, and said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is excited that the railway is now operational. "This railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi is an important early-harvest outcome of the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by Xi, as well as the 10 cooperation plans of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit. It is also a landmark project in China-Africa cooperation on regional networks of high-speed rail, expressway and aviation, African industrialization and industrial capacity," Wang said in Mombasa. "The launch of this regional transportation artery is a testament that the China-Kenya friendship has entered into a new era of mutually beneficial cooperation," he said. It will stimulate the economic and social development of Kenya and the region, facilitate connectivity in East Africa, accelerate African industrialization and promote "Belt and Road" cooperation in Africa's inland areas to benefit local people, and hence is of high and profound significance, Wang added. He noted that with a commitment to quality, the Chinese company involved has demonstrated, with concrete actions, Chinese quality, Chinese speed, Chinese solution and Chinese spirit. That sets an example in implementing China's policy of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith in developing relations with African countries and in upholding the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, as set out by Xi. During the construction of the $3.8 billion project, China provided 44,000 training opportunities to local employees, helped train over 3,000 railway technicians, and laid out a plan for building a railway technical academy, indicating the Kenyan people are fully involved in building, promoting and benefiting from railway development. The railway's launch will make transport between the capital city and its largest port city more convenient, significantly lower the logistics cost and boost industrial development and economic prosperity along the route. The passenger train will run at speeds of 120 kilometers per hour while freight will move at 80km/h. Contact the writers at Panzhongming@chinadaily.com.cn and Lucymorangi@chinadaily.com.cn Harold Pierce covers education and health for The Californian. He can be reached at 661-395-7404. Follow him on Twitter @RoldyPierce Beer, burgers and sand arent the only things on the menu at beach bars and restaurants this hurricane season. Most of them are throwing in a side of hurricane preparedness, though just how they're preparing varies greatly. Woody's on St. Pete Beach known for 'storm parties' Yummy's of Gulfport Beach damaged by storm 2 years ago Both benefit from location but are aware of risks FULL COVERAGE: Storm Season 2017: Hurricane guides, interactive maps, supply kit information At Woodys Waterfront on St. Pete Beach, the sounds of splashing salt water are drowned out for those seated outside by island themed music. Inside, the walls are covered with pictures from decades past that tell quite the story. Its a small part of the appeal that Woodys owner Marlene George says people come to see. But she insists the blue- and green-colored water, and the restaurant's proximity to it, is the real draw. Oh, its a gift. Id like to think I was a genius at running a restaurant, but Im not. Thats what its all about. Its location, she said. George even considers it a gift when a storm rolls in and floods the patio deck of the restaurant that faces the water. We just open up the doors and let the water flow through one side and out the other," George said. "And in the morning, we just get the hoses out and push all the sand back into the water and start business again." So when a storm is headed toward the Bay Area, George said she does what shes known for: She throws a storm party. Patrons are met with beer flowing and benches bolted down, and from there can enjoy a view you cant get in very many other spots. Different beach, different approach The manager at Yummys restaurant just a few miles away just off the shores of Gulfport Beach sings a different tune when the talk turns to hurricane season. No, no, no storm parties here. Id rather prepare for it, Yummys manager Richard Reale said. Reale and his wife sold Yummys but still manage the Chicago-style restaurant. Their location down the street from the shoreline didn't stop a storm from ripping through the restaurant just two years ago. We had a very large cedar tree out front, and the water spout came off the water and just picked it up and threw it back at us and destroyed the front of the building, Reale said. Their surveillance cameras captured the storm damage as it unfolded. It was very bone-chilling to see that coming up the street and to see that thing throwing branches everywhere. It was pretty traumatic, he said. Although Reale knows the nearby ocean is a gift to their business, he said hes also reminded it can be a curse. Its a chance you take," Reale said. "Its just like taking a chance of a earthquake or a flood you know. Its worth the risk." A Lakeland fire that torched a home, leaving a family of six homeless Tuesday night, was caused by children trying to get rid of ants, firefighters said. Lakeland family of 6 homeless after house fire Investigators: Kids had used candles to get rid of ants 'Everything is gone. Everything,' father said The single-story, wooden home on 1200 block of Sycamore Street collapsed from the fire damage. Investigators said the children were playing with candles. Oscar Guzman, the oldest of four, said he and his mother saw the fire and ran. "I was screaming trying to help myself and my family, Oscar recalled. He said his 12- and 6-year old brothers escaped, along with their baby sister. His dad arrived back Wednesday morning after working overnight in Miami. "Everything is gone. Clothes, shoes papers, passports. Everything is gone. Everything, Francisco Guzman said. Oscar thinks his brothers started the fire. He said they tried to explain to him what happened. "I think after I was asleep, I think my brother had ants on himself, and he grabbed a paper to wipe them off, except the paper caught on fire, and he just threw it outside, Oscar said. Firefighters said the boy told them he threw the paper in a pile of dry leaves. Those leaves, mixed with high winds from a looming thunderstorm Tuesday night, caused the fire to spread to the house, according to investigators. Oscar's mother, Maria Saenz, said the two younger children involved in the fire were autistic and didn't understand what they had done, even though she had talked to them about the danger of fires. She said she was bathing her 10-month old when it happened. The family had been living in the home for 15 years. Being immigrants, Francisco Guzman said he was most concerned about finding a new place to live and the loss of their passports and birth certificates. He said the family will move forward, and hes grateful everyone made it out alive. The Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced family. An online fund also has been established by a relative. To help, go to their GoFundMe page. This Gofundme.com site is not managed by Bay News 9/News 13. For more information on how the site works and the rules, visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety A group of young Bay area musicians are hitting the road this weekend for a rock tour of a lifetime. "Routes of Rock" formed at Pasco music school Group didn't know each other until two months ago Group will perform at Allman Brothers' The Big House Museum "Routes of Rock" formed two months ago after auditioning at Mullins Music, a nonprofit music school in New Port Richey. Prior to that audition, the members of the group didn't know each other. It's a really cool feeling," said band member Kimmie Fidecoat while describing how the group has bonded around music. "It's like in a way euphoric, it's just really awesome." In just a few days, the teens will be hitting the road. They'll be traveling to New Orleans, Memphis, Muscle Shoals, and Macon, Georgia, getting an intense rock and roll history lesson while they play. There's no one set place that Im really excited about, basically the whole thing is a really cool experience," said band member Kyle Lopp. The trip will include performing at the Allman Brothers' The Big House Museum in Macon, and even do a recording at Fame Studios. We're recording there and a lot of people have recorded there before, said band member Rylee Reynolds. Im really excited because then I'll be able to say, 'Yeah, I recorded there.'" On Saturday, "Routes of Rock" sets out for their first stop in New Orleans. If any of them are nervous about the gig, it certainly doesn't show. We're going to go out there and we're going to kill it," said Lopp. Mullins Music is fundraising to help the band members with travel expenses. To donate to the cause, visit http://mullinsmusic.org/. The start of the Atlantic hurricane season has arrived, and Florida is continually at risk for hurricane or tropical storm damage. The state of Florida is helping residents purchase hurricane supplies with a storm season sales tax holiday, which ends tonight. Stores across the state are participating. We have a large amount of flashlights a lot are going towards LED so your batteries will last longer, Cocoa Beach Ace Hardware manager Stephen Nichols explained. His store supplies a lot of the equipment you may need during a severe storm, and while Hurricane Season just started, that doesnt mean you shouldnt stock up now. As far as being prepared, without power and possible leakage I would say stock up on batteries, flashlights, if you can. Generators, extension cords, things like that, Nichols said. This weekend youll be able to get a lot of these products at a discount. Selling for $10 or less: Reusable ice packs Selling for $20 or less: Any portable self-powered light source, such as flashlights, lanterns or candles Selling for $25 or less: Gas or diesel fuel containers Selling for $30 or less: Batteries, including rechargeable Batteries Selling for $50 or less: Tarps, radios, tie-down kits, bungee cords, ratchet straps Selling for $750 or less: Portable generators First Aid Kits are always tax exempt in Florida Businesses like Nichols' say many people dont stock up early enough, and they hope tax-free weekends like this will better help people plan. With how unprepared a lot of people were for Matthew, I really hope that a lot more people will prepare. You never know when itll be that big one or how close it will hit. its going to save you a lot of time, and that piece of mind is nice, Nichols said. The sales tax holiday weekend runs from Friday through Sunday evening, while Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. For forms and other information, visit website at www.floridarevenue.com or call Taxpayer Services at 800-352-3671, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Currently Reading The best campsites at Texas state parks This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An online petition is calling for Kirbyville CISD superintendent Thomas Wallis to resign after the death of high school principal Dennis Reeves. The petition states Wallis provoked the death of Reeves and that he has been "dishonest, callus, negligent, and has caused additional grief and fear for the community." The petition, which began Wednesday night, has 113 signatures. "Tommy Wallis is a lying scumbag," Emily Roy said on the petition website. An hour after he was forced to resign last Tuesday to avoid an internal investigation, Reeves apparently made good on a threat to kill himself if an affair with a district employee was discovered, Kirbyville police said Monday. Superintendent Tommy Wallis said in a statement to Kirbyville police that he and Assistant Superintendent Georgia Sayers confronted Reeves about the possible affair last Tuesday after meeting with the employee. Wallis said this week he felt the situation was "handled the best way possible." According to the woman, who was not identified, Reeves said he would kill himself if the "relationship was uncovered." According to Wallis' statement, the employee, who at one point had been Reeves' secretary, said Reeves told her he would make it look like an accident so his family would receive insurance money. Reeves denied the affair, according to Wallis' statement. In the statement, Wallis said he told Reeves he would be put on administrative leave while the claim was investigated and that if he was lying, Reeves would be terminated. Wallis said if the affair had taken place and Reeves resigned, the district would not investigate, according to the statement. Reeves chose to resign, according to Wallis' statement. Wallis said Reeves was visibly upset and his hands were shaking as he signed his letter of resignation. Reeves was escorted to his truck at 4:15 p.m. but walked back to the outside door of the school to return welding tools. "As he began walking off, I heard him tell Mrs. Sayers, "I am not good, twice," Wallis said in his statement. "Mrs. Sayers responded 'I know Dennis' and he walked off." Wallis called the district maintenance director at 4:30 p.m. to change the locks on Reeves' office. He noticed Reeves still in his truck, according to his statement. Kirbyville Police Chief Paul Brister said in a statement that Wallis knew Reeves had a concealed handgun license and was "concerned." Wallis said in his statement that he was worried Reeves was waiting in his truck to confront them. When Brister arrived to the campus at 5 p.m., he and another officer found Reeves sitting in his truck, which was locked and running in reverse with his foot on the brake pedal. "Mr. Reeves had what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the right side temple area of the head," Brister said in his statement. "We unlocked the vehicle and upon entry found a small caliber .380 semi-automatic handgun in Mr. Reeves' right hand which was removed." Wallis said he was told by Brister shortly after that Reeves was found dead and "had shot himself." Brister said Tuesday that he was "99.5 percent" sure Reeves' death was a suicide, "but was not ready to make that determination." Debbie Brockman, a lead counselor at the high school, has been put in charge of the day-to-day activities at the high school, according to Wallis. It's tempting to ask Gov. Greg Abbott to add education funding to the agenda for the special session he will presumably call, but it's also pointless. The Legislature faced a major budget shortfall in the regular session that just ended, and various spending cuts were inevitable. When there's not enough money to go around, tough calls have to be made. Still, it's hard to deny the impact of a $1.1 billion cut in public school funding for the next two-year budget cycle. State aid to education never really recovered from the $4 billion cut when the great recession ravaged the state and national economies. Now this. And of course every year our growing state has more students to educate and more experienced teachers who are hoping for pay raises. The following hospitals announced or completed plans in the last week to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities. 1. Aspirus Iron River begins construction on medical clinic Aspirus Iron River (Mich.) Hospital and Clinics broke ground May 31 on a new clinic, according to The Daily News. 2. Construction wraps up on Crown Point Health Center Elizabethtown (N.Y.) Community Hospital, part of the University of Vermont Health Network, opened its health center Crown Point, N.Y., according to a Press-Republican report. 3. Memorial Hermann Northeast breaks ground on $70M patient tower Memorial Hermann Northeast in Humble, Texas, on May 30 broke ground on a $70 million patient tower, which is slated to open in December 2018, according to Chron. 4. Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio to open 147-room tower San Antonio-based Methodist Children's Hospital will open its seven-story tower to patients June 6, according to KSAT. 5. Georgia county seeks approval for new hospital Officials in Lee County, Ga., are seeking permission from the Georgia Department of Community Health to build a 60-bed hospital, reports WALB News 10. 6. Portsmouth Regional Hospital opens $10.5M emergency medical facility Portsmouth (N.H.) Regional Hospital will open its Seabrook (N.H.) Emergency Room to patients May 31, according to The Daily News of Newburyport. 7. Real estate company proposes $97M hospital in Elsa, Texas Clermont, a San Antonio-based real estate and advisory company, has proposed to build a 42-bed, $97 million regional hospital in Elsa, Texas, according to ValleyCentral.com. 8. Memorial Regional Health plans medical clinic in Colorado Craig, Colo.-based Memorial Regional Health plans to build a new 60,000-square-foot clinic, according to a Craig Daily Press report. 9. UPMC to open business operations center in Erie Pittsburgh-based UPMC and UPMC Health Plan will open a business operations center for hospital support services in Erie, Pa. 10. BJC HealthCare to break ground on Missouri hospital May 30 Leaders from St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, city officials and others attended the ceremonial ground breaking of Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, a 77-bed facility in Creve Coeur, Mo., May 30. 11. Inspira breaks ground on $349M replacement hospital in South Jersey Woodbury, N.J.-based Inspira Health Network on May 24 broke ground on a new $349 million hospital, NJ.com reported. 12. UCHealth breaks ground on $310M Highlands Ranch Hospital Aurora, Colo.-based UCHealth broke ground May 24 on its new hospital in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Nashville (Tenn.) General Hospital will have to make cuts if the safety-net hospital's request for a $20 million increase to its subsidy for the 2017-18 fiscal year isn't granted, officials said during a recent meeting with the Metro Council, according to a NewsChannel 5 report. The Metropolitan Hospital Authority, which operates Nashville General, receives a subsidy of $35 million each year from the Metro Council, the legislative authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville. However, Nashville General has needed supplemental funds to stay afloat for the past two years. In late 2016, the Metropolitan Hospital Authority's board requested a $16 million funding infusion, which was approved by the Metro Council in February. The hospital requested and was granted $10 million in supplemental funding in February 2015. If Nashville General's request for a $20 million increase to its subsidy for the 2017-18 fiscal year were approved, the hospital's annual subsidy would total about $55 million. Nashville General leaders said during the meeting with the Metro Council last week that the increased funding is needed for the hospital to operate at its current level, according to NewsChannel 5. If Nashville General's request for a subsidy increase is denied, leaders said the hospital will have to cut costs. Although they declined to say exactly what programs would be affected by the cuts, Nashville General told NewsChannel 5 that hospital leadership and the Metropolitan Hospital Authority's board are trying to protect the hospital's core services. More articles on healthcare finance: Texas Children's records $36.2M operating loss on insurance arm 5 healthcare CFOs in the headlines Health system CEO pulls out $6M check to pay debts during budget hearing When Chris Van Gorder joined San Diego-based Scripps Health as COO in 1999, the health system had 55 days cash on hand, and there was no trust between the administration and clinical staff. His first day on the job, Mr. Van Gorder attended a meeting at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla (Calif.) with another Scripps executive to resolve a miscommunication surrounding contract renegotiations. Rising tensions between physicians and administrators boiled over at the meeting, which cumulated with the Scripps executive quitting his job on the spot so he could sue the hospital's chief of staff for slander. "The physician sitting next to me tapped my shoulder and said, 'Welcome to Scripps, you're on,'" says Mr. Van Gorder. "That was the end of my first day." Flash forward 18 years and Mr. Van Gorder promoted to CEO six months after joining Scripps now runs a $3.1 billion health system that's been named to Fortune's top 100 employers in the country 10 years in a row. Mr. Van Gorder discussed Scripps' transformation and the leadership strategies he used to drive these improvements at the Becker's Hospital Review 8th Annual Meeting in Chicago. Earn employees' trust Shortly after he took over the CEO role, Mr. Van Gorder met with every board member one-on-one. "Everyone wanted me to fix everything all at once," he says. "But I knew I needed to prioritize and first find a way to work with our physicians." Mr. Van Gorder says it's crucial for leaders to ensure proper communication with employees to establish trust and set the groundwork for a culture change. To mend relationships with Scripps' physicians, he called a meeting with the health system's elected physician leaders entire to acknowledge the lack of transparency between administrators and staff. "They had all these demands and expectations they wanted us to meet," he says. "But they didn't know we were on the verge of bankruptcy." Mr. Van Gorder developed a physician advisory body called the Physician Leadership Cabinet to serve as a liaison between the clinical and administrative teams and weigh in on decision-making. Giving physicians more responsibility to manage the health system's limited resources helped them understand the institution's financial constraints, thus breaking down the communication wall between them and leadership. "It's really easy to say, 'I want, I want, I want' when you're on the outside," says Mr. Van Gorder. "But when you're on the inside, you realize how difficult it is to manage scarce resources." The Physician Leadership Cabinet has proven successful. Health system leadership has accepted every recommendation from the board in the last 18 years, and every vote except one has been unanimous, according to Mr. Van Gorder. Drive culture change from the middle up Once leaders earn staff members' trust, they should shift their attention to changing the organization's culture, says Mr. Van Gorder. He believes managers have the most influence on culture, as they manage a majority of the organization's employees. "Leaders can't write a memo to change culture," he says. "But our frontline employees and middle management can influence culture." To develop an umbrella culture for the organization from the middle, Mr. Van Gorder launched the Scripps Leadership Academy a year-long behind-the-scenes program for managers at the health system. Every program starts with a two-hour Q&A session where Scripps executives talk about how they got to where they are today. "I was a cop. I worked at Arby's," says Mr. Van Gorder. "Most people look at executives and just see the suits. But as soon as you remove the veil of the title away from the individual, they become a human being." The leadership academy strives to show managers how the organization operates and how decisions are made. Each graduating class also works on a change project to improve a specific aspect of the organization. After the academy ends, Mr. Van Gorder challenges the managers his "agents of culture change" to take what they learned and demand more from the people they work with. Maintain regular communication Leaders must maintain a positive relationship with staff members to sustain the improvements in trust and culture, says Mr. Van Gorder. He sends out a daily newsletter to Scripps managers and employees who request it, highlighting major news in the healthcare industry, along with organization updates and photos. "Even if they just read the titles, they'll start to understand the external factors impacting our organization," Mr. Van Gorder says. "The more they understand this, the more they'll accept the changes we're trying to make in our organization. They'll see it's not something forced on them from management it stems from the changes in healthcare." As email is the one way he can connect with Scripps' 15,000 employees, Mr. Van Gorder freely invites employees and physicians to reach out to him directly if they are not getting the support they need to do their jobs, or even if they want to say hello. He responds the same day to every email he receives a feat he sees as a basic level of respect. "One of our values is respect," he says. "If I'm not responsive to them, I'm not being very respectful." More articles on leadership: Poll: 31% of Americans view House-approved AHCA favorably 13 healthcare layoffs in May 8 findings on CEOs' social media use Terry Millette, MD, the neurologist whose contract was terminated and office shuttered by Pascagoula, Miss.-based Singing River Health System last November, will reopen an office and clinic in Pascagoula June 5, according to the Sun Herald. At the time of his dismissal, SRHS released a statement explaining the decision was based on concerns regarding Dr. Millette's diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. "As a result, we immediately began a review of Dr. Millette's medical activity. During the course of this ongoing review, the decision was made that Dr. Millette would no longer base his practice at Singing River Hospital," the statement read. However, the decision and subsequent transition of Dr. Millette's patients' care did not sit well with them, many of whom were uninformed and confused about the situation. Shortly after SRHS terminated Dr. Millette's contract, Jackson County Supervisor Randy Bosarge called for the resignation of Kevin Holland, CEO of SRHS, over the way Mr. Holland handled the ordeal. Dr. Millette's patients are excited about his new office. They cheered on the Facebook page titled "Stand for Dr. Millette He Stood For Us," which has 1,046 members. There, patients made plans to throw a party for Dr. Millette at 8 a.m. Monday morning before his new office opens. Dr. Millette's new office is just across the highway from Singing River Hospital, according to the report. SRHS spokeswoman Georgia Storey told the Sun Herald that while Dr. Millette is no longer employed by SRHS, he retains medical staff privileges at the health system and can refer neurology patients if he chooses, with "the only exception being for multiple sclerosis or other related conditions," according to the report. A bill that would have required hospital operators to undergo criminal background checks to protect hospitals from corruption died this week in the Texas calendar committee, what The Dallas Morning News calls "a common behind-the-scenes killing ground for bills." In addition to background checks, the legislation would have enhanced the frequency of safety inspections at hospitals and given state regulators authority to take over badly managed hospitals on the brink of closure, according to The Dallas Morning News. Sen. Charles Schwertner, R, introduced the bipartisan bill in December after a Dallas Morning News investigation revealed gaps in regulations that enabled hospital operators and administrators to prioritize their personal financial interests over the hospitals' best interests. The bill met its demise days before the end of the current legislative session, following full approval from the Senate in March and preliminary approval from the House. Mr. Schwertner said he was puzzled by the decision to kill the bill given that it had the hospital industry's support, and described the calendar committee's process as "opaque." "I don't know who stopped the bill, who killed the bill," he said, according to the report. "It was an important piece of legislation.'' The Dallas Morning News could not reach Rep. Todd Hunter, chairman of the calendar committee, for a comment. Mr. Schwertner said he plans to reintroduce the measure in the next legislative session. Federal prosecutors have filed a criminal charge against a man who has allegedly been extorting a New York-based physician and his wife for four years, according to court documents. The man, 56-year-old Gary Drago, is facing federal charges for "extortion by means of threatening communication" and "tampering with a witness/victim." The victims the physician and his wife have not been identified by name. A FBI investigation led to the arrest and criminal complaint, which has been filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Mr. Drago has been extorting the physician and his practice, Meridian Medicine in Williamsville, N.Y., for nearly half a decade. Initially, Mr. Drago asked for small amounts of money in the form of loans, but eventually, he forced the physician to enter into a business relationship with him. The physician told Christopher Dailey, a special agent for the FBI, that he was forced to withdraw thousands of dollars over the years. Mr. Drago threatened the physician with physical violence and death, and also threatened to hurt the physician's family as well as his reputation. The FBI, New York State Police and Amherst Police Department arrested Mr. Drago on May 20, soon after the unidentified victims met with Mr. Dailey and described Mr. Drago's extortion scheme. According to witnesses, Mr. Drago came to the physician's practice on May 19. Witnesses saw Mr. Drago leaving the practice with a hand on the physician's neck, leading him to a car. He allegedly told the patients that the physician would not see anymore patients that day. Mr. Drago allegedly forced the physician to then tell Mr. Dailey that everything was okay and that the details the victims provided the FBI special agent were false. The next day, the physician made a sworn statement to the Amherst Police Department that on May 20 he had been "forcibly taken against [his] will from the business." Mr. Drago has been detained and will soon appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. Mike DeWine, Ohio's attorney general, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against five opioid manufacturers, accusing the companies of engaging in fraudulent marketing and subsequently fueling the opioid epidemic in the state. The five listed defendants are Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and its subsidiary Cephalon, Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Allergan. The suit alleges these companies violated Ohio consumer law by misleading the public about the risks and benefits involved with the use of opioid medications. "We believe the evidence will also show that these companies got thousands and thousands of Ohioans our friends, our family members, our co-workers, our kids addicted to opioid pain medications, which has all too often led to use of the cheaper alternatives of heroin and synthetic opioids," said Mr. DeWine. "These drug manufacturers led prescribers to believe that opioids were not addictive, that addiction was an easy thing to overcome, or that addiction could actually be treated by taking even more opioids. They knew they were wrong, but they did it anyway and they continue to do it. Despite all evidence to the contrary about the addictive nature of these pain medications, they are doing precious little to take responsibility for their actions and to tell the public the truth." Ohio's lawsuit is the latest in a series of comparable suits filed in recent months targeting drug wholesalers, pharmacies and drug manufacturers for allegedly contributing to rising rates of opioid overdoses. More articles on opioids: Washington state AG to host summit on opioid epidemic Opioid epidemic likely behind rising rates of child deaths due to poisoning Report: Three-fifths of insurers seek to boost alternative pain management treatments Faced with emerging threats of new pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, many healthcare providers are placing a renewed focus on reducing healthcare-associated infections. Personal protective equipment is a crucial aspect of reducing infection transmission between patients and clinicians. However, clinicians don't always use PPE correctly to ensure maximum protection, according to two PPE experts from Dublin, Ohio-based Cardinal Health. Mary Cross, a senior consultant for clinical operations and surgical gloves, and Caroline Ginn, a senior clinical consultant, recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the importance of proper PPE use for both clinicians and patients. Ms. Cross and Ms. Ginn hold nearly fifty years of clinical experience combined, predominately in perioperative settings. Drawing on their extensive clinical backgrounds, they discussed the most common PPE mistakes they've seen clinicians make and shared advice for how hospitals can boost PPE compliance. Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: What is PPE and why is it important? Caroline Ginn: By definition, PPE is clothing and other equipment that protects clinicians in instances where they may be exposed to harmful pathogens. Mary Cross: PPE really ensures we're creating a safe environment for healthcare providers. Clinicians are not just protecting themselves from bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials with PPE, but also the next patient they treat, which can magnify to the entire community. It's not just important that clinicians have PPE, but that they know how to properly put it on and take it off. Q: Can you share some of the most common PPE mistakes you've seen during your clinical experience? CG: Staff members often don't have a clear understanding of the protection level they need to be wearing. There are nurses who think they can just hold their breath to go into a respiratory isolation room to turn off a patient's IV alarm, instead of taking half a second to put on face protection to ensure they're not coming into contact with any airborne viruses or bacteria. Clinicians also often incorrectly wear and remove PPE after exposure, or don't wear gloves at all. MC: The most common thing I see is clinicians who throw on an isolation gown and don't tie it up, thinking they only need to protect the front side of their body. They don't realize they're probably not adequately protected. I also see clinicians who are wearing the wrong level of protection, or who don't wear facemasks or eye protection, not thinking about splash. Q: Why is there a need for healthcare facilities to focus on PPE compliance? CG: Today's healthcare communities are different than they were five to 10 years ago. Clinicians are constantly exposed to pathogens and unknown micro-organisms. If they go from one patient room to another, they're then bilaterally exposing patients. In terms of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, insurance companies don't want to pay for longer lengths of stay associated with hospital-acquired infections. Despite these consequences, clinicians often downplay the importance of PPE. Even something as simple as hand washing is exponentially important in decreasing transmission of certain organisms and bacteria. MC: Everything comes back to education. Are clinicians educated on how to protect themselves and properly wear PPE? We need to create an environment and culture of safety so people are confident they're being protected and prepared for any disease that may cross our borders. Q: What tips or recommendations do you have on how healthcare facilities could better manage PPE compliance with their staff? CG: Healthcare providers must develop an in-depth education program and stringent compliance program to ensure proper PPE use. The education side needs to be more robust. Instead of reviewing PPE once a year and glossing over the information, hospitals must assess what clinicians are learning and retaining. Hospitals must also consider the best way for clinicians to learn. I'm a very hands-on person, and I learn best by physically doing and seeing something. We live in a very technologically-driven world, but screens are not always the best way to instruct PPE compliance, since the products must be worn and removed in a specific fashion. MC: Healthcare workers are scientists and problem solvers they want to know the "why." I think it's important for them to know how and why certain products protect them and their patients. We need to give clinicians a solid foundation of knowledge about PPE so they can make better decisions on how to protect themselves in the future. For example, infographics or visual reminders can be very helpful to inform clinicians of proper PPE use when taking care of patients with specific infection control precautions. Q: Why is it important to understand how the level of protection varies between certain PPE products? CG: There are multiple manufacturers of PPE products across the market, and we're all closely matched. However, not all products offer the same level of protection. For example, one face mask may protect against airborne illnesses, while another may protect against droplets. Healthcare providers need to make sure they are procuring products that will give clinicians a broad spectrum of coverage and protection. Understanding those barrier protection qualities is key to ensuring you're ordering a product that is best suited for clinical exposure. Clinicians must also act as their own advocates to ensure the hospital is purchasing the right products to ensure their safety. MC: Each clinician needs to know what level of protection the PPE they're wearing affords and if they are being protected. We don't know when the last time their product selection was reviewed. There could be an update or a new product available that offers them better protection from the previous year's products. Clinicians must be responsible and accountable for their own protection. Yes, the hospital will help them with product selection, but they still need to know they're choosing the right PPE and wearing it appropriately to achieve proper protection. More articles on infection control and clinical quality: Health officials investigate whooping cough outbreak in Baldwinsville (NY) School District Hawaii health officials increase mumps tally to 65 Scientists create test to identify dormant HIV NuVasive named Skip Kiil its executive vice president, international. Here are four notes: 1. Mr. Kiil is equipped with more than 15 years of global medical technologies and life sciences business experience. 2. Previously, Ms. Kiil served as surgical head of the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia region for Alcon, a division of Novartis. 3. Mr. Kiil also served as Stryker's vice president and general manager of its medical surgical group, based in London and Rome. 4. He holds a MBA from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for June 1, 2017. Investigation: 4 Swedish Neuroscience Institute surgeons double-booked more than half of their cases between 2014 & 2016 Seattle-based Swedish Health has frequently double-booked spine surgeries at its Cherry Hill campus, The Seattle Times reports. The Seattle Times reporters obtained internal surgery data that revealed some Swedish brain and spine surgeons "routinely ran multiple operating rooms at the same time while keeping patients in the dark about the practice." From 2014 to 2016, four Swedish Neuroscience Institute surgeons oversaw multiple operating rooms concurrently for more than half of their cases. The surgeons routinely performing concurrent surgeries in this time frame included Rod Oskouian, MD; Johnny Delashaw, MD; Jens Chapman, MD; and David Newell, MD. Read more about the investigation, here. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Plano opens brain and spine center Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Healthcare is opening a new brain and spine center in Plano, Texas. Services at the new Brain and Spine Center at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Plano include brain tumor surgery, neuromodulation, complex spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, stroke care, epilepsy treatment and peripheral nerve disorder treatment. Former neurosurgeon Dr. Marc Eichler receives 3-year sentence in sex abuse case Marc Eichler, MD, a former neurosurgeon in Minot, N.D., received a three-year prison sentence in a federal sex abuse case. He faced federal sex abuse charges for sending sexually explicit texts and photos to both a 12-year-old girl and 13-year old girl in 2015. The North Dakota medical board had previously suspended Dr. Eichler's license, noting unprofessional conduct. Operator of 179 cancer treatment centers files for bankruptcy Fort Myers, Fla.-based 21st Oncology Holdings, a cancer care services provider, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 25, according to Reuters. The company, which operates 179 cancer treatment centers across the U.S. and Latin America, blamed the bankruptcy on costs associated with litigation, legal settlements and complying with electronic records regulations, as well as declining revenue per treatment, according to Reuters. 47% of physicians had ownership stake in their practice in 2016 A new American Medical Association report found less than half of patient care physicians currently have ownership stake in their practices. Physicians today are more likely under hospital employment contracts. Around 55 percent of patient care physicians work in medical practices that are wholly physician owned, a decrease from 60.1 percent in 2012. Read more from the report here. Aurora Spine sees Q1 2017 revenues of $1.5M Aurora Spine saw revenues of nearly $1.53 million in the first quarter of 2017, down from $1.55 million in the first quarter of 2016. In the first quarter of 2016, Aurora expanded its Screwless Procedure product line for spinal fusion. Spinal fusion for pediatric patients: Primary vs. revision procedures Spine published new study comparing primary and revision spinal fusions for pediatric patients. The length of stay at the hospital was longer for revision procedures nearly eight days, compared with the primary surgery group, where average hospital stays lasted 6.6 days. Total charges were $135,644 on average for primary fusions and $142,029 on average for revision procedures. In the revision procedure group, 16.7 percent of patients developed at least one complication in the hospital, compared to 8.6 percent of the primary fusion group. Read more about the study, here. Dr. Hamid Abbasi reaches 500th OLLIF procedure Hamid Abbasi, MD, published his 500th Oblique Lateral Lumber Interbody Fusion. The minimally invasive procedure is intended to treat pain from degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis and spinal stenosis. OLLIF, which uses a 15 mm incision, is designed to heighten the disc and limit disc movement. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below A British Airways computer worker has accused the company of ignoring warnings about outsourcing work and cutting jobs over the past year. Speaking after an IT shutdown left 75,000 bank holiday travellers stranded, he said Heathrow had been hit by power outages in the past, but BA's system was always resilient enough to be protected. The GMB union called on BA to halt any further job cuts and to bring IT work back in-house from India. Bill Francis, Head of Group IT at BA's owner International Airlines Group (IAG), has sent an email to staff saying an investigation so far had found that an Uninterruptible Power Supply to a core data centre at Heathrow was over-ridden on Saturday morning. He said: "This resulted in the total immediate loss of power to the facility, bypassing the backup generators and batteries. This in turn meant that the controlled contingency migration to other facilities could not be applied. "After a few minutes of this shutdown of power, it was turned back on in an unplanned and uncontrolled fashion, which created physical damage to the system, and significantly exacerbated the problem. "This was entirely a problem relating to the power supply. It was not an IT failure, and there were no software issues. "The fix consisted of physically replacing servers that had been damaged, then bringing all of BA's 700-plus applications back online in a controlled fashion while ensuring that all data was consistent across the system. All of the systems are now back up and running." The BA worker, who did not want to be named, told the Press Association that 600 IT jobs had been lost since March last year, with work being outsourced to India. The worker said: "We have been warning that to rip out the knowledge and experience from what is a very complex IT estate would have serious consequences in terms of long-term maintenance of the system as well as any recovery from any hiccups. "We had built up a tremendous reputation for excellence, with instantaneous recovery from any problems. "The system was always meant to be resilient and protected from any power outage." Mick Rix, national officer of the GMB, said: "BA's IT workers keep the business going. Why would IAG want to hamper the success of BA by getting rid of valuable IT personnel? "We are calling on IAG to stop any further redundancies and offshoring of work currently done by BA IT staff. "We are also urging them to bring work back in-house." Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, has apologised to BA's customers affected by the weekend of chaos and praised airline staff and chief executive Alex Cruz for the way they handled the fiasco. Mr Walsh said the cause of the problem had been identified and that efforts were being made to appease customers. He told the BBC: "I'm pleased that British Airways has been able to recover from the significant disruption that they faced on Saturday. "I think the team at British Airways, under the leadership of Alex Cruz, has done everything possible to get British Airways back flying a full schedule as quickly as possible. We clearly apologise to any of our customers who were disrupted. "We know the cause of the problem - it was not an IT failure, it was a problem caused by the failure of electrical power to our IT systems. "We understand what happened, we're still investigating why it happened and that investigation will take some time. Mystery surrounds the cause of the power surge, with National Grid and local energy providers saying there had been no supply issues on Saturday. The cause of the initial power outage and the subsequent surge has not yet been revealed. BA said: "We would never compromise the integrity and security of our IT systems. IT services are now provided globally by a range of suppliers and this is very common practice across all industries and the UK Government. "The incident on Saturday was not an IT issue, it was a power issue. There was a total loss of power at the data centre. The power then returned in an uncontrolled way, causing physical damage to the IT servers. It had nothing to do with outsourcing of IT. "We are undertaking an exhaustive investigation to find out the exact circumstances and most importantly ensure that this can never happen again." From left: Martin McGuiness, Arlene Foster, Shaun Kelly, CEO of KPMG International, and Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton in New York during an investment mission to the US in 2015 Northern Ireland is "unlikely to have the political and administrative capacity" to have control over corporation tax even if devolution is restored this summer, it has been claimed. It comes as Sinn Fein has said the region may not get its low 12.5% business rate until 2021. The cut-rate business levy was backed and marketed by former First Minister Arlene Foster and late Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. It has been used as one of the main marketing tools by Invest NI to sell Northern Ireland to major international investors, including the US, and even got the backing of Ballymena's own Hollywood superstar Liam Neeson. It was due to be devolved to the Assembly in April 2018. But economist John Simpson said: "For now corporation tax changes in NI are postponed probably, at least, to 2020." Invest NI's chief executive Alastair Hamilton told a major US news network that the 12.5% rate may not come into effect until "two or three years". Economist Esmond Birnie said the landscape here has changed significantly in the last seven years, with a Conservative government planning to cut the overall national rate to 17%. "NI has not helped itself in terms of its internal decision-making process," he said. "It was always the case that devolution of the power was going to be conditional; have a viable, balanced regional Budget and have a functioning Executive in place. Those conditions are not in place and may not be for some time, even if devolution is restored at the end of June. "A Labour election victory on June 8, if it was followed by a push in UK corporation tax back to 26%, might start to make a regional rate a more effective instrument, but it still looks unlikely NI will have the political and administrative capacity to operate such a policy." A spokeswoman for Invest NI said: "Last week, during an interview in the US with CNBC, promoting Northern Ireland as an investment location, Alastair Hamilton was asked about tax as an incentive to investors. "In response, and based on the Department of Finance statement, Alastair commented that Northern Ireland had 'agreement that will take our corporate tax level down to 12.5% inside the next two to three years'. "Using the word 'inside' leaves scope for the implementation to happen at any time during that period. This was a general phrase to reassure potential investors the reduced rate will still happen, and fairly soon. It was not a definitive statement that the implementation date was now 2021, as some are suggesting. "There remain a number of steps to be taken by UK Treasury, the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to effect the reduced rate. "Until such times, Invest NI will continue to promote the commitment to a reduced rate of corporation tax and the additional benefit this will have on investment projects." The campaign to secure a low rate of the duty here started around 20 years ago, and picked up the pace in 2007. Cutting the tax level was first pushed by the late Sir George Quigley. Economist John Simpson said: "It is a significant statement. Now a certainty is becoming uncertainty. At the moment, we are in a position where we are not sure where the British Government will be in terms of setting the rate of corporation tax. "If the Conservatives win the election, they will bring it down. "But much more important, while we are sitting in the shadows of the Brexit negotiations, we don't know what the outcome will be. It is possible that the Brexit negotiations will give us a favourable or an unfavourable deal." Lawrence Kenwrights Signature Living Group has bought the Scottish Mutual building in Belfast A developer planning to open several hotels in Belfast - including a George Best-themed one - has seen profits more than triple to 5.6m. And Signature Living Group, headed by Liverpool man Lawrence Kenwright, saw turnover rise from 3.6m to 8.3m, according to its latest accounts for the year to March 31. The group also purchased the listed Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast for just over 6m, and plans to invest a further 15m turning it into a hotel. Mr Kenwright recently bought the former Crumlin Road courthouse, which he plans to convert into one of five hotels in the city. The latest results include his four hotels in Liverpool, including The Shankly. "Signature Living has experienced remarkable growth, and our investors, stakeholders and hard-working employees are delighted with the results," he said. Insurance premiums are set to rise, especially for those who already pay a lot, such as younger drivers Millions of people are facing increased insurance bills as a tax hike takes effect from Thursday, according to warnings from the industry. Those who already pay more for their insurance face the heaviest burden, such as young drivers and those living in flood risk areas, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) said. Concerns have been raised that, with household finances already being squeezed, more people may risk going without insurance cover if faced with pricier policies. The latest hike in the rate of insurance premium tax (IPT) - which takes it from 10% to 12% from June 1 - means the rate of tax paid on most insurance policies has doubled in less than two years. In 2015, the rate was 6%, before it increased to 9.5% in November that year. In October 2016, the rate was increased from 9.5% to 10%. The tax is payable on most general insurance policies including home, motor, pet, private medical insurance, and cash plans taken out by individuals, as well as commercial insurance taken out by businesses. The BIBA said the increase will affect: :: 20.4 million home owners/renters with contents insurance; :: 20.1 million drivers with motor insurance; :: 3.2 million home owners with mortgage protection; :: 1.9 million people with private medical insurance; :: 3.4 million pet owners. The BIBA also warned that small businesses could face a considerable increase to their costs. Steve White, chief executive of the BIBA, said: "This rapid increase is unprecedented - between 1997 and 2015, a period of 18 years, there were only two rate rises, taking the rate from 4% to 6%." He called for a freeze on the tax to be imposed for the term of the next Parliament. Recent research by the BIBA found 90% of insurance brokers anticipated that a further rise in the IPT will mean clients reduce their insurance protection or go without cover. According to calculations from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the latest IPT increase could add an extra 47 to the average household's annual general insurance bill. It said that, overall, the new rate of IPT at 12% could now be adding an extra 283 a year to a typical household's annual insurance bill. The ABI estimates that a typical 19-year-old driver could see their annual motor premium increase by 20 following this latest rise. Younger drivers tend to pay higher premiums due to the higher likelihood of their age group being involved in accidents. However, telematics or "black box insurance", which involves a small monitoring device being installed in the car, enables insurers to reward good driving with cheaper premiums. Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: "Telematics offers a cheaper alternative to traditional policies if the driver can demonstrate he or she is a lower-risk proposition than the statistics for their demographic suggest. "Black boxes also make the roads safer by incentivising good driving habits." The latest IPT increase comes after figures reveal that i nflation hit its highest level in nearly four years - 2.7% - in April. A Treasury spokesman said: "Insurance premium tax is a tax on insurers, not consumers - insurance firms decide whether to pass it on to their customers or not. "IPT is higher in several European countries, including France and Germany, than it is in the UK." Brian Ambrose, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, welcomes Arni Gunnarsson, chief of Air Iceland Connect, to Belfast as the first flight on the new Icelandair route from Belfast City Airport to Reykjavik arrived today. Pic Darren Kidd/Presseye The first new Icelandair flights from Belfast to Reykjavik have taken off. Icelandair will fly three times a week from Belfast City Airport, and will be operated by Air Iceland Connect. The new year-round service will operate up to three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Said Birkir Holm Guonason, Icelandair, chief executive, said: Icelandair is proud to welcome Belfast on board as our latest UK gateway, working again in partnership with our sister airline Air Iceland Connect who will operate the service. This addition improves our connectivity and enables us to carry even more passengers to our 18 gateways across the US and Canada, via our hub in Reykjavik. Brian Ambrose, chief executive, of Belfast City Airport, said: This is a hugely exciting period for Belfast City Airport following our recent co-hosting of the Routes Europe conference, and the launch of our new three-times weekly flight to Reykjavik will help continue the positive momentum. We have a strong track record of forming successful partnerships with internationally-renowned airlines such as Icelandair. There has been strong demand for the flights since they were announced in December, with the route offering passengers an extremely convenient connection to a host of destinations in the USA and Canada, and we are confident this will continue to grow. Remaining in the EU without the UK will be so "painful" that it will ultimately induce Ireland to leave, an academic will tell the Irish Senate's Brexit hearings today. Anthony Coughlan, Associate Professor Emeritus of social policy at Trinity College, Dublin, has argued that remaining in the bloc after Brexit would strengthen partition. Mr Coughlan, who has been a long-time Eurosceptic campaigner, has gone so far as to say that the Republic should pull out of the EU at or around the same time as the UK. His opinion is in the minority. Public support for Ireland remaining in the EU remains strong at 77%, according to a Eurobarometer poll released late last year. That compared to an EU average of 50%. Support for remaining in the EU is also very strong among business and the main political parties in the Republic. Foreign direct investment agency IDA sells the Republic on the basis that it is at "the heart of Europe, and that, as a "committed" member of the European Union, it provides international companies with guaranteed access to the European market. Mr Coughlan, however, will tell the Seanad Brexit committee today that it is "hard to point to any significant advantage for the Republic of Ieland remaining in the EU when the United Kingdom leaves". "Because of this, it is probable that at the end of the day Brexit will be accompanied by 'Irexit', as the adverse consequences of us seeking to stay in the EU become evident to the Irish public and to major Irish interest groups over the coming two years. "Even if we do remain members of the EU without the UK for a period post-Brexit, we arelikely to find that experience so painful that it will induce us to leave." Mr Coughlan said the course of action most in the public's interest is to use the east-west and north-south strands of the Good Friday Agreement to come up with a joint approach with the UK aimed at both states exiting together. He claimed Ireland remaining without the UK would strengthen partition and make reunification more difficult, arguing it would add several new dimensions to the existing border, including Customs. Other witnesses before the Seanad's Brexit committee today include representatives from SSE Airtricity, European Movement Ireland, and University College Cork. Supermarket giant Tesco has struck a deal with Dixons Carphone to begin trialling Currys PC World concessions in its biggest stores. The UK's largest grocer said the partnership would lead to two Currys PC World outlets opening in Tesco Extra stores, as it looks to offer "the best possible range of services". The first concession is slated to open in July at the Tesco Extra store in Milton Keynes, with a second being launched in August at the Weston Favell Extra store in Northampton. The moves comes after rival Sainsbury's delved further into the electrical goods market, when it sealed a 1.4bn takeover of Argos owner Home Retail Group last year. Matt Davies, UK chief executive of Tesco, speaking about the move, said: "We're always looking at ways to offer our customers the best possible range of services in our stores. "We think this is a winning combination for customers and look forward to opening the first outlet in our Milton Keynes store in July." Virgin Atlantic says it is trebling the number of seats on its seasonal Belfast to Orlando route. The airline flies direct from Belfast International Airport from March to September. Next summer it will fly out of Northern Ireland on Mondays, running from March 26 to September 4. And it's adding additional flights on Friday during June and July. Uel Hoey, business development director at Belfast International Airport, said: "We are thrilled to announce this extensive growth in Virgin's Florida programme from Belfast for Summer 2018, the only direct flights offering the iconic Virgin product from the island of Ireland. "We are also pleased that Virgin, in partnership with Delta, have grasped the clear opportunity to capitalise upon the strong established family market from Northern Ireland to Florida recently abandoned by United Airlines. "We are confident that good value in the exchange rate and the convenience and uncongested experience of using Belfast International Airport as a departure point will prove increasingly popular next year for passengers right across the north of the island of Ireland." And Richard Myerscough, senior vice president of sales and distribution at Virgin Atlantic, said: "Since launching our first flight from Northern Ireland two years ago our services have gone from strength to strength - so I'm really pleased to announce that 2018 will be our biggest ever season from Belfast International Airport. "We've always received a really warm welcome from Northern Ireland, and the additional flights will allow even more customers to fly direct to the sunshine state with Virgin Atlantic." An unqualified nanny who violently shook a baby in a moment of madness has been jailed for four years. Viktoria Tautz, 34, was responsible for 10-month-old Joshua Paul when he collapsed at his parents home in Haringey, north London, within half an hour of his mother leaving for work. The child was rushed to hospital and died in his parents arms three days later. The prosecution alleged Tautz snapped and caused Joshuas catastrophic brain and spinal injuries through dangerous and excessive shaking. Zoe Johnson QC rejected the suggestion he was hurt in a horsey game, as head wobbling would have been nowhere near enough to kill. But Tautz denied manslaughter and said she never got angry or frustrated with the baby, who was born 10 weeks early. A jury at the Old Bailey deliberated for nearly seven hours to convict her of the charge by a majority of 10 to two. Mitigating, Bernard Richmond QC highlighted worrying features of the case which led to a moment of madness. He said: She was a young woman with a very limited amount of training with a baby who had obviously very difficult needs. She was not fully qualified and ultimately her pay reflected her degree of training. He told the court the defendant, who was paid 3.60 an hour, also lacked resilience. Tautz collapsed in tears in the dock as she was sentenced by Mrs Justice McGowan. Jailing her, the judge said: You were not in the same position as a teenage mother in the middle of the night on her own trapped in a flat without anyone to help her. The DUP has urged unionists who normally vote for other parties to "lend us your support this time". The special appeal to Ulster Unionist and TUV supporters and others came as leader Arlene Foster launched the party's manifesto yesterday. She said the most important issue in next week's general election was not the return of devolution, but the Union itself. Mrs Foster and deputy leader Nigel Dodds insisted a massive result for the DUP would blow increasing nationalist calls for a border poll out of the water for years. "Gerry Adams has declared that this election will be a barometer on Irish unity. Well, let's rise to that challenge," Mrs Foster declared. It would, she added "put the notion of a divisive and destabilising border poll off the agenda for generations to come, and certainly for my lifetime". The former First Minister said Sinn Fein was using the election as a "precursor" to a border poll. The SDLP has also demanded a border poll following the Brexit negotiations, while republicans have said it should be within the next five years. Mr Dodds, who is facing a strong challenge from Sinn Fein candidate John Finucane in North Belfast, said: "We are calling on all unionists to unite behind the DUP. "Those who voted in March (in the Assembly elections) and to other unionists, we ask them to lend us their vote at this election so we can make our support for the Union abundantly and unambiguously clear." Mr Dodds said it was "worrying" that Sinn Fein kept repeating a "mantra" about restoring the Executive, yet republicans do "not care enough" about the return of devolution. Sinn Fein has also insisted there will be no return to the "status quo" unless a new Executive is founded with sufficient regard to respect and equality. In response, the DUP manifesto sets out what it terms 'A Real Respect Agenda', which argues respect "does not simply mean acceding to everything asked or demanded by different groups or communities". It continues: "Instead, it is a dialogue of what is wanted, what is needed and what can be practically delivered to ensure the expression of an identity (with) an important place for our growing minority ethnic communities." Mr Dodds said the party wanted a discussion and development of "real respect", which would include how British identity and Ulster identity can be better expressed. Mrs Foster also tied in respect to her idea of "Britishness" when she underlined "by far the most important issue for me at this election is not devolution but the Union itself". Mrs Foster continued: "My Britishness cannot be reduced to a name or a badge, but is a culture and a way of life. "It is about decency and yes, folks, it is about respect." After the election she said the DUP will enter Stormont negotiations positively, but it "will not be a one-way street", and any deal with Sinn Fein would be judged against "five core tests". These include full consistency with Northern Ireland remaining a "full and integral part" of the UK, fully compatible with British citizenship, and resulting in better government than a return to direct rule. The 23-page document also reiterates an earlier demand for a review of the structure and funding of the BBC. It includes a plan to cut or abolish the TV licence fee. A BBC employee who has "no opinions" didn't shy away from launching a scathing attack on Translink yesterday morning as he took to social media to rant about the bus service in Belfast. Paul Doran slammed the transport company as "useless" and "awful" on Twitter after claiming that if more media bosses relied on buses or trains to get into work, then Translink would find themselves being criticised in the media. He wrote: "If more media bosses used public transport there'd be a Translink bashing story everyday." Ironically, the senior broadcast journalist's profile bio on the social media account reads "Work in TV. I've no opinions." In another tweet he complained: "This is getting repetitive but the next bus on Antrim road is 20 mins away. 20 mins on a major route." When Translink replied to help him out he expressed shock that they didn't know as he takes to Twitter to opine "at least once a week." In previous tweets he branded the service a "disgrace". BBC Northern Ireland refused to comment when asked if someone who works behind the scenes in TV should seemingly threaten the company with media bosses. A spokesperson said: "BBC staff will often have privately held social media accounts. These do not reflect the views or work of the BBC." A Translink spokesperson said they seek to resolve problems as quickly as possible in order to "put things right for our customers". They encouraged all passengers to contact their customer services team through the Translink website or by calling their contact centre if they have a complaint. Calls for special status for Northern Ireland post-Brexit are an attempt to create a "united Ireland by the back door", Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has claimed. Mr Swann also dismissed Sinn Fein demands for an Irish border poll as "nonsense". Speaking at the launch of the UUP's manifesto in Templepatrick, Mr Swann said that if Northern Ireland was granted special designated status after its withdrawal from the EU, it would lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom. Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance parties have been calling for special status for the region. However, Mr Swann said special status "brings all sorts of connotations that leaves us outside the UK". "It sets us adrift to what it means to be part of the union," he added. Mr Swann said that the EU referendum "is done" and insisted that instead of "re-arguing that argument" he would push for the best deal possible for Northern Ireland. He stressed that there can be no border in the middle of the Irish Sea and no passport checks for citizens of Northern Ireland arriving in Cairnryan or Heathrow. He said the party's key Brexit priorities include no hard border, or internal borders within the UK, maintenance of the Common Travel Area and assurances for those currently in receipt of EU funds. When asked what he thought about Sinn Fein calls for an Irish border poll he responded: "Nonsense." He claimed that a border poll would sectarianise every future election in the region. He said: "No-one has anything to fear from being part of the United Kingdom but we all have a lot to lose from leaving it. "The Union, that is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, not only is best for the present but it's best for future generations." "I believe the Ulster Unionist Party is best placed to promote the message that a strong, confident and prosperous United Kingdom, of which Northern Ireland remains an integral part, is the best outcome for all of us," he added. Arlene Foster has defended meeting a UDA chief within 48 hours of the loyalist feud murder in Bangor of Colin Horner in front of his three-year-old son. The DUP leader yesterday admitted meeting UDA boss Jackie McDonald in south Belfast. The Ulster Political Research Group, which provides political advice to the UDA, yesterday endorsed the DUP's Emma Little Pengelly for the South Belfast constituency. Read More Mr McDonald also urged loyalists to support the DUP in the recent Assembly election, and praised Mrs Foster, saying her "experience and dedication has helped bring about stability and prosperity". Mrs Foster condemned the Horner murder, which has been linked to the UDA. She also said her party would continue to offer help to people seeking to move away from criminality - but that, almost 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement, all paramilitary groups should have disbanded. At yesterday's DUP manifesto launch Mrs Foster was asked if she had told that to Mr McDonald. "I had no need to say it to Jackie McDonald," she replied. "Jackie McDonald knows my views very, very clearly. If people want to move away from criminality, from terrorism, we will help them to do that, but anyone who is engaged in this sort of activity should stop, should desist, and if they don't they should be open to the full rigour of the law." But Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd said: "It beggars belief that only two days after the UDA murdered Colin Horner in Bangor that Arlene Foster did not challenge a senior UDA leader to disband the armed loyalist gang. "There is a responsibility on all in political leadership to challenge the very existence of paramilitary groups. "However, 20 years on since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, political unionism has so far failed to step up to the plate in facing down violent loyalist extremism." Police have arrested four more men in relation to the rape and murder of a young mother found beaten to death after a night out in a loyalist club in Northern Ireland 30 years ago. The men aged between 53 and 59 were arrested in Belfast and Antrim. It comes after three men were arrested in England and Scotland over the incident and taken for questioning in Northern Ireland. Lorraine McCausland, a 23-year-old mother-of-two, was found beside a stream in the Forthriver area of north Belfast in the early hours of March 8, 1987. She had been on a night out and was last seen in a nearby loyalist club at Tyndale. The case was reopened last year after detectives identified "potential new lines of enquiry". Fourteen arrests were made during the original police investigation but no one was charged. Members of the UDA were suspected of killing Ms McCausland, whose son Craig was murdered in north Belfast in 2005. Officers at the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry after the security alert Two men admit terrorist offences linked to discovery of bomb at a Derry hotel due to host a PSNI recruitment event. Darren Polean (42) from Lightown in Drumbaragh, Co Meath and 34-year old Brian Walsh from Culmullen in Drumree, Co Meath, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday, June 1. Barristers for both men asked that they be re-arraigned on offences arising from the discovery of explosives at the Waterfoot Hotel in October 2015. The pair initially faced, and denied, four charges levelled against them. After pleading guilty to two offences, the remaining two charges faced by Polean and Walsh were left on the books, not to be proceeded with. After the court clerk read a charge of possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property on October 6, 2015, she then asked both men how they pleaded. Both men replied "guilty." They also admitted a charge of possessing articles for use in terrorism, on the same date, 'in circumstances which give rise to a reasonable suspicion that their possession was for a purpose connected ... to the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.' The articles in question include a Satellite Navigation System, bolt cutters, a balaclava, binoculars, assorted gloves, hand held two-way radios, disguises, a head torch and plastic adhesive tape When this charge was put to Polean and Walsh, they again replied 'guilty.' Crown barrister Terence Mooney QC told Judge Geoffery Miller QC that the pleas "satisfied the interests of justice" and agreed to leave the remaining two counts on the books. They were possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances, and conspiring to cause an explosion. Karen Quinlivan, representing Walsh, said she was seeking both a pre-sentence report and a medical report ahead of sentencing. Expand Close Darren Poleon at an earlier court appearance / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Darren Poleon at an earlier court appearance Judge Miller remanded both men back into custody and confirmed a plea and sentence hearing will be held at the same court on September 7. Colin Horner was murdered in front of his three-year-old son outside a Sainsbury's on the outskirts of Bangor, Co Down, on Sunday afternoon (PA) A man has been arrested over the murder of a loyalist in a busy supermarket car park as his three-year-old son looked on. Colin Horner, 35, was shot dead by a lone gunman among crowds of shoppers outside the Sainsburys superstore on the outskirts of Bangor, Co Down, on Sunday afternoon. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a 47-year-old man was arrested in Newtownards on Wednesday night and is being questioned at a Belfast city centre police station. Expand Close Colin Horner was murdered in a busy supermarket car park in front of his three-year-old son (PSNI/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Colin Horner was murdered in a busy supermarket car park in front of his three-year-old son (PSNI/PA) A 28-year-old man detained on Tuesday night remains in custody. It is understood Mr Horner, from Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, recently relocated to Bangor amid fears he would be targeted in the same loyalist paramilitary feud that claimed the life of his friend George Gilmore two months ago. Loyalist Mr Gilmore, 44, was shot dead in Carrickfergus in March. On Monday, Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell confirmed a link between Mr Horners murder and the long-running Carrick feud between rival loyalists was one line of inquiry. The motorcyclist was in a crash with a car. A man has died in hospital following a crash in Ballymartin, Co Down on Sunday. The male motorcyclist was in a collision with a car close to the junction with the main Kilkeel Road and Pat's Road at around midday on Sunday. The driver of the car is assisting police with their enquiries. Police continue to appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision between a motorbike and a black Ford Focus to contact police on 101, quoting reference 622 of 28/5/17. New Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister, pictured with her baby son Finn on Thursday evening after she was elected the citys first citizen at the annual general meeting of Belfast City Council. Photo by William Cherry/Press Eye Belfast's new lord mayor has pledged to promote the city as an open, inclusive and welcoming place to live. At 28, Nuala McAllister becomes one of the youngest councillors to become first citizen and only the fourth woman to hold the post. The Alliance councillor, who represents the Castle area of north Belfast, said her theme for the year ahead would be "Global Belfast". "I want to develop Belfast's status as a global city, building upon our rich history as world leaders in ship building, the linen industry, literature and music," said the mother-of-one. "My aim is to promote Belfast as an open, inclusive and welcoming place to live and do business in - a city that is attractive to visitors and investors alike. "I also want to celebrate the influence Belfast's diaspora population continues to have across the world, to strengthen the connection with our closest neighbours and our furthest friends." Ms McAllister, who counts baking, travelling and hill-walking among her interests, said she was also keen to focus on children and family issues throughout her term in office. Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland has been appointed Belfast's new deputy lord mayor. The court heard how he fled while attending Dublin's Tallaght Hospital for medical treatment to a diabetic condition. A prisoner who escaped from a Dublin hospital has been unlawfully placed in virtual solitary confinement for eight months at a Northern Ireland jail, a High Court judge ruled on Thursday. Mr Justice Maguire held that the authorities have so far failed to show the use of such a "drastic" option was necessary for Derek Brockwell. He confirmed his intention to quash the decision to keep the 55-year-old in a unit restricting his association at HMP Magahberry. Prison chiefs are to be given a chance to reconsider and potentially make a legally justified decision before the court order is formalised. Brockwell, a Glaswegain, is in jail awaiting trial for robbery in Belfast. He is accused of carrying out raids armed with a knife before police Tasered and recaptured him at a bar in the city in February 2015. He was taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds reported to have been self-inflicted as police moved in to arrest him. The alleged offences were committed after he escaped from custody in the Republic of Ireland. The court heard how he fled while attending Dublin's Tallaght Hospital for medical treatment to a diabetic condition. During the incident two prison guards escorting him to the appointment were seriously injured by a sharp-edged weapon. Expand Close Derek Brockwell PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Derek Brockwell Following his recapture Brockwell was returned to Frankland Prison in Durham. But in October 2016 he was transferred to Maghaberry in order to face trial for the alleged robberies. Under Rule 32 of the prison regulations he was put into the Care and Supervision Unit (CSU). As part of that regime he remains in his cell 23 hours a day, receives one jour exercise, and has no contact with ordinary prisoners. Brockwell's lawyers challenged the lawfulness of the decision to place and retain him on Rule 32 conditions. Backing their case, Mr Justice Maguire described the Prison Service's approach to the case as "unsatisfactory". He said it was difficult to believe the decision to house Brockwell in the CSU was not the subject of pre-planning and prior discussion within Maghaberry before he arrived in Northern Ireland. "While the court has no doubt that the applicant is a person with a propensity to seek to escape and a willingness to use violence to effect his purpose, and while the court is willing to accept that he is a person who needs to be appropriately controlled, these factors by themselves do not demonstrate that necessarily the only solution to the problem he represents is incarceration on Rule 32," Mr Justice Maguire said. Information provided in the proceedings is deficient in showing the step was required, he held. Concluding that the invocation of Rule 32 should be quashed on both substantive and procedural grounds, the judge suspended making his formal order to allow the prison authority to "take stock of its position". But he stressed: "I want it done quickly. This man is still on Rule 32 as we speak. Three men have been arrested in Britain in connection with the rape and murder of a young mother found beaten to death after a night out in a loyalist club in Northern Ireland 30 years ago. Detectives investigating the brutal killing of Lorraine McCausland detained two men aged 49 and 56 in Scotland, and another suspect aged 53 in England. The 23-year-old mother-of-two was found beside a stream in the Forthriver area of north Belfast in the early hours of March 8, 1987. She had been on a night out and was last seen in a nearby loyalist club at Tyndale. The case was reopened last year after detectives identified "potential new lines of enquiry". Fourteen arrests were made during the original police investigation but no one was charged. Members of the UDA were suspected of killing Ms McCausland, whose son Craig was murdered in north Belfast in 2005. The three men arrested yesterday were taken to Northern Ireland for questioning. A 71-year-old man who was injured when a car driven by his wife crashed into the back of a bin lorry has settled his Irish High Court action for 1m. Farmer Patrick Meehan suffered severe injuries in the accident. His counsel Frank Callinan said Mr Meehan still needed a crutch to walk and now needed 24-hour care. Mr Meehan, who is also a retired lorry driver, of Gortward, Mountcharles, Co Donegal, had sued his wife Marie Meehan as a result of the accident on December 18, 2012. It was claimed the car she was driving suddenly and without warning collided with the rear of a rubbish truck, which was parked on the hard shoulder near Grange, Co Sligo. It was also claimed there was a failure to have any proper regard for the presence of Mr Meehan as a front-seat passenger in the car, and a failure to see or respond adequately to the presence of the truck. The court was told Mr Meehan sustained severe injuries, including several fractures, and also suffered significant cognitive impairment as a result of the accident. Liability was admitted in the case. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Anthony Barr said the very stark conflict in the medical evidence represented a very big risk in the case. The amount offered, he said, would go a long way towards looking after Mr Meehan and, on balance, the judge said it was best to take the offer. The court heard Mrs Meehan and the Meehan family were happy with the offer. Former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall who tortured a convicted fraudster in his garage and threatened to chop him up and feed him to dogs has been jailed for 12 years. Jonathan Dowdall (40), who waterboarded the victim and claimed he was in the IRA during a two-hour interrogation, had the sentence handed down at the Special Criminal Court on Thursday afternoon. His father Patrick (60), who threatened to chop off the mans fingers with pliers as he was tortured was jailed for eight years, for false imprisonment. The father and son, both of Navan Road, Dublin 7 had both pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and threatening to kill Alexander Hurley at their Navan Road, Dublin home on 15 January 2015. Jonathan Dowdall was also given a concurrent four years and his father a concurrent three years in prison for threatening to kill the victim. Both men clasped their hands in front of them and stared straight ahead as Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy passed sentence at the three-judge, non-jury court. Judge Kennedy said: These are most serious offences. The injured party was subjected to a horrendous and terrifying ordeal, he endured what can only be described as physical and mental torture at the hands of the Dowdalls. Their sentencing had been delayed after they contested some points of evidence at the last minute. That dispute was resolved in a hearing yesterday at which the accused and victim gave evidence and which resulted in the court rejecting most of the Dowdalls assertions - including their denials that the IRA was mentioned. Previously, the court heard Jonathan Dowdall, a father of four with a successful electrical company, put a motorbike up for sale and was contacted by Mr Hurley to buy it. He was a Dublin City Councillor and former Sinn Fein member at the time. After an initial meeting, he believed he was being duped by Mr Hurley when he researched him on the internet and came across scamming allegations. Dowdall invited Mr Hurley to dinner, but instead he and his father tied him with cable ties to a swivel chair in the garage and tried to force a confession out of him. Mr Hurley, who has prior fraud convictions, pleaded for his life as Jonathan Dowdall covered his face with a tea-cloth and doused his head with water. Patrick Dowdall threatened to cut his fingers off with a pliers. Mr Hurley heard someone saying they would feed him to dogs, chop him up, place him in cellophane bags and store him in the boot of a BMW if he did not tell the truth, and that his head would be burned at the stake. (Jonathan Dowdall) told me I hadnt got a clue who he is and asked me do you know who I am? I said I didnt. He said he was part of Sinn Fein and the IRA, Mr Hurley said. He said Patrick Dowdall backed up the statement saying his son was a very highly recognised figure. The court was shown the grim and harrowing footage of some of Mr Hurleys interrogation, in which Dowdall, wearing a balaclava, shaved his head and shouted questions at him. Mr Hurley said a third, unidentified man was there but this was denied by the Dowdalls, who also both said they did not know who filmed the interrogation. After his ordeal, he said he was driven to a remote location and was told to get the f*** out of Dublin. I was told if I go to the f***ing gardai I will be picked up in a matter for hours, we have eyes everywhere and we will kill your family, he said. Gardai only discovered what the Dowdalls had done a year later when they searched the Dowdalls Dublin home on March 9, 2016 for a separate reason and found a video of the incident on a USB stick. In a victim impact statement, Mr Hurley said Jonathan Dowdall proceeded to torture me to the point of deaths door and that his psychological injuries would never heal. In evidence, he admitted he had posed as a barrister and taken wrong turns earlier in his life, but insisted he did not go to the Dowdalls' to deceive them and intended buying the bike. I was worried sick that my identity was being taken and I wanted to frighten him that he wouldnt use my identity for further scams, Jonathan Dowdall told the court yesterday. I cant justify it, it was wrong, it shouldnt have happened, he said. It ruined my familys life and affected Mr Hurleys life. Patrick Hurley said in evidence: Nothing was planned, it was a spur of the moment thing, it just got out of hand. The Rev David Lapsley was a well-known figure within Presbyterianism and ecumenism in Northern Ireland. He recently died and an obituary noted that he grew up in Donemana and Londonderry. The obituarist then recalled that: "He only learned later in life that his father's family had to leave Raphoe in Donegal when their home was burned down during the Irish Civil War in 1921." I was struck by the fact that he only learned about this "later in life", even though he was born in 1927, just a few years after the arson attack. It seems that the burning of the family home was rarely talked about and, indeed, that is how some people deal with personal and family traumas. Irish nationalists and republicans can generally cope fairly well with the events of 1916. These are portrayed as the actions of "brave Irish patriots", although there is also a growing recognition of the folly of the rebels. Irish nationalists and republicans will also celebrate the actions of "brave Irish patriots" in the War of Independence, in spite of the fact that more than 2,000 people were killed. However, the Irish Civil War is more problematic and it will be interesting to see how that centenary is observed. What is clear, however, is that comparatively little attention has been given to the traumatic experiences of many southern Protestant families and communities during those years of what was a bloody civil war and then in the Irish Free State and the Irish Republic. Southern political leaders and propagandists have generally sought to play down the sectarian violence that was directed against Protestants. But the Lapsley family home in Raphoe was certainly not the only one to be targeted by Irish republican arsonists in the early-1920s. Protestant homes were burned down in many parts of the south. Moreover, buildings were not the only targets. In April 1922, 13 Protestants were murdered by Irish republican gunmen in the Bandon Valley massacre in Co Cork. Buried Lives by Robin Bury is probably the most recent account of the experience of southern Protestants and covers those difficult years. The Canadian historian Peter Hart and journalist and commentator Eoghan Harris have also written about what happened in the 1920s, especially in places like Cork and Donegal. However, some republican propagandists have endeavoured to minimise it all and explain it away. I say "some", not all, because in 1985 Sinn Fein published a little booklet with the title The Good Old IRA. That booklet was intended to silence Irish nationalist criticism of the Provisional IRA campaign by recalling the actions of the old IRA and claiming that the Provisionals were merely following in the footsteps of an earlier generation of republicans. What is indisputable is that the past is important, and the events of the 1920s are part of the explanation for the dramatic decline of the Protestant community in the south, as opposed to the growth of the Roman Catholic community in Northern Ireland. There has been a lot of research and writing about the experience of the Roman Catholic community in Northern Ireland, but until recently there was comparatively little about the experience of the southern Protestant minority. They were almost a forgotten people, but theirs is a story that deserves more attention and Robin Bury's book is, therefore, especially welcome. It is sometimes said that you cannot rewrite the past, but you can write the future. There is a sense in which that is true, but there is another sense in which it is untrue. Irish republican propagandists have long sought to rewrite the past, because they know the truth of the slogan from Orwell's 1984: "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." The sanitisation of the old IRA campaign in the south, something that is only now being exposed, should serve as a warning about what Sinn Fein are about today, as they seek to rewrite the Troubles and legitimise the Provisional IRA. It's a side of the job that advertisements for recruits never show. If they did, the number of applicants might well drop. For policing in Northern Ireland today is a career which is not for the faint-hearted It's a side of the job that advertisements for recruits never show. If they did, the number of applicants might well drop. For policing in Northern Ireland today is a career which is not for the faint-hearted. Statistics revealed by the Police Federation - the representative body for all ranks up to chief inspector - paint a shocking picture of the dangers officers face on a daily basis. An estimated 80% of officers were subjected to verbal or physical assault in the last year. Half of those surveyed were assaulted or threatened with a weapon and 13% said they had been threatened with a deadly weapon, including a firearm. There was a time before the Troubles when police officers were treated with respect. After the conflict came to an end and the increase in community support for the newly formed PSNI, it was reasonable for officers to expect more of that respect to be restored. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case. It must also be remembered, that as well as dealing with violent thugs who are under the influence of drink or drugs, every police officer faces a real threat from dissident republicans. Earlier this year an officer was shot and wounded in north Belfast. Spitting is another despicable form of assault that almost three-quarters of officers, both male and female, have endured. Spitting is a very offensive practice and also carries the risk of infection. Officers are justified in calling for the use of spit-guards to safeguard themselves from this disgusting offence. They should not have to endure such behaviour. Policing is a challenging job, with officers having to display a wide range of skills during their daily work. That is why a tweet by Chief Constable George Hamilton last year in response to an officer who said he was depressed and living on painkillers due to the demands of the job caused an outcry from the federation. The Chief Constable had urged the officer to dry his eyes, do the job or move on. He admitted the job was complex and challenging, but said officers were there to serve and should get on with it rather than wallowing in self-pity. It was a sentiment that could have been better expressed. Mr Hamilton later apologised, but he was expressing an opinion probably shared by many long-serving officers who know they have to do the job no matter what it entails. For that, we should be thankful. by Zohaib Zafar On Monday, ISIL claimed responsibility for another terrorist attack, this time in the city of Manchester, England. We do not know for sure if so called Muslims committed this terrorist attack but we should condemn all terrorist attacks no matter who orchestrates them and those who believe in the power of prayer should pray for peace and justice. We must also pray for the victims and their families. Everyone though must also do their part to help stop these terrorist attacks from occurring in the first place. While terrorism has no religion, unfortunately, this past week has probably taken us in the opposite direction than the direction we intend to be taking in order to counter extremism. President Trump gave an important speech this past Sunday in Saudi Arabia. Although, many praised his speech, the speech will result in more harm than good. Saudi Arabia is one of the worlds leading sponsors of terrorism. Evidence suggests that oil money is used to finance hate filled madrasahs(Islamic schools) all across the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia is also committing what many believe amounts to a genocide in Yemen. Executions are regularly held to punish dissenters, atheists and other minorities. Furthermore, this speech took place at a summit where a historic $350b arms deal took place. America selling weapons to Saudi Arabia will only lead to more war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has already killed thousands of innocent people in Yemen and because of this arms deal, it will only become worse. If this will not create resentment against America in the Middle East, I do not know what will. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide supreme head of the largest group of Muslims led by one leader, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has repeatedly raised the issue of ISIL and its creation and the supply of weapons originating from Western countries. As His Holiness points out, preventing ISIL from acquiring these weapons is the key to fighting them. According to the Amnesty International, ISIL uses weapons that come from over 25 countries including the United States. Perhaps the weapons we sell to Saudi Arabia will never reach ISILs hands but if history has shown us anything, it is that they will. And even if they do not, when Saudi Arabia kills the entire family of a 17 year old boy using weapons that were exclusively manufactured in the United States, it would not be all that surprising if that boy becomes resentful of our great country. The Trump administration is helping a vicious cycle of violence to continue that can be stopped if instead of investing in weapons, Trump invests in education in the Middle East. Trump conceded in his speech that terrorists do not worship God, they worship death. Trump also said that 95% of the victims of terrorism are Muslim. These are promising signs that the more Trump learns about terrorism, the more his policies will shift towards pluralism and acceptance of Islam as a peaceful religion. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. 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For Immediate Release, June 1, 2017 Contact: Brian Segee, (805) 750-8852, bsegee@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Launched Against Trump Border Wall 'Prototype' Construction SAN DIEGO The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a formal notice of intent to sue the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection over impacts to endangered species and critical habitat from building up to 20 border-wall prototype designs in San Diego County. The Trump administration is allowing construction of these border-wall prototypes without even paying lip service to protecting the environment, said Brian Segee of the Center. The administration's failure to consider the impacts of these border-wall prototypes shows a striking disregard for our nation's irreplaceable natural heritage and doesn't bode well for how the administration will approach construction of the wall itself, which would be a disaster for people and wildlife alike. As detailed in the Center's notice, the Trump administration is proceeding with construction of the prototypes without any environmental review or attempt to avoid harm to endangered species, violating both the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act. The prototypes are the second phase of bidding for contractors hoping to build Trump's Great Wall. Construction would occur on Otay Mesa, which contains critical habitat for several endangered species including the Quino checkerspot butterfly, coastal California gnatcatcher, Riverside fairy shrimp and San Diego fairy shrimp. Building just these prototypes for the wall will affect several endangered species, so it's clear that a wall across the entirety of the border will do widespread damage to endangered species and the critical habitat they depend on to survive, Segee said. Trump's wall threatens to cut through the heart of the borderlands, among the most biologically and culturally diverse areas in North America. It will be a blight of epic proportions. A recent study by the Center identified more than 90 endangered or threatened species that would be threatened by proposed wall construction along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border. The Center and Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), the ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, sued the Trump administration last month over the proposed border wall and other border-security measures, calling on Homeland Security to conduct an in-depth investigation of overall border-security environmental impacts. Homeland Security has claimed that no environmental impacts would arise from the prototype construction but has not released any environmental analysis documents to the public or provided any opportunity for public comment. On May 2 the Center submitted Freedom of Information Act requests to Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for records related to the border-wall prototype project, including for all records related to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act. The agencies have acknowledged that request, but stated they will not provide responsive records for three to six months long after the prototype project is scheduled to be completed. For Immediate Release, June 1, 2017 Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Seeks Documents From Trump EPA's Closed-door Polluter Meetings WASHINGTON The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration today for public records of closed-door meetings between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, states and industry groups over weakening wetlands protections under the Clean Water Act. President Trump directed the EPA to rewrite regulations determining whether wetlands are protected as waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. Trump's executive order could potentially eliminate Clean Water Act protections for millions of acres of wetlands, which are critical to water purification, ecosystem health and habitat for hundreds of endangered species. The Clean Water Act is our most important safeguard for the health of the nation's waters and wetlands, so the public has a right to know why Trump's EPA is doing the bidding of special-interest polluters, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center. It's a sad irony that EPA's response to concerns about closed-doored meetings has been to close its own doors and shut the public out. Executive Order 13778, signed by Trump Feb. 28, ordered the EPA to weaken protections for wetlands. The Center submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the EPA in March, after press reports of closed-door meetings between the agency and industry representatives on how to soften regulatory safeguards for wetlands. The Center's suit also seeks records relating to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's involvement in these new efforts to weaken protections for wetlands which would directly affect his home state of Oklahoma in potential violation of his ethics agreement. During his confirmation hearing, Pruitt promised to recuse himself from all litigation matters in which the state of Oklahoma is a party. Earlier this month the Center filed suit to force the EPA to make public Pruitt's emails and schedule. Despite the routine nature of such a request, the agency illegally refused to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and continues to refuse to produce any records. Scott Pruitt is rapidly turning the EPA into the least transparent, least accountable agency in the federal government, just so he can protect the secrecy of special interests that are calling the shots, said Hartl. The agency's refusal to release these public documents shows just how far this administration will go to put our environment and the health of ordinary Americans on the chopping block. 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 This was the broad outcome of the 2nd Japan-India Medical Products Regulation Symposium held at Nihonbashi Life Science Building, Tokyo, recently. India and Japan will intensify their joint cooperation for the development of a world-class medical device regulatory ecosystem in India, which will facilitate and expedite building up of a world-class medical device industry in India. This was the broad outcome of the 2nd Japan-India Medical Products Regulation Symposium held at Nihonbashi Life Science Building, Tokyo, recently. Top government and industry representatives attending the symposium from both the counties deliberated on ways to enhance cooperation in medical device and pharma sector. The host of the daylong conference was Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Government of Japan and Japanese Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency. It was supported by Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Japan Federation of Medical Devices Association, Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations of JAPAN and Osaka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. The Indian side was represented by topmost officials from Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, members from Ficci, Pharmexcil AiMeD and top representatives from Indian medical device industry. Deliberations took place on important topics such as development of medical device regulation, third party medical certifications system, quality standards and GMP system in countries, strategies and challenges for global drug development, among others. As per KSPCB notification, for red category organisations, consents are granted valid for 5 years with effect from June 1, 2016 Pall India Pvt. Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Pall Corporation, is one of the 16 companies (under red category) which was asked by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to close down. As per KSPCB notification, for red category organisations, consents are granted valid for 5 years with effect from June 1, 2016. KSPCB noted that Pall has been using common effluent treatment plant (CETP) for wastewater and connected it to Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) underground drainage (UGD). A few days back, the KSPCB has decided to shut down all 488 industries around Bellandur lake, in Bengaluru as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The KSPCB official noted that issuing individual orders to all companies will take time, so it has decided to do so through a newspaper notification. The companies have to implement the order with immediate effect. Pall India, that operates from its headquarters based in Mumbai and employs more than 200 people located in regional offices all over the country. As part of its global initiative to align with customers worldwide, Pall Corporation had opened its Life Sciences Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru in May 2007. The centre drives process optimization innovations for the global life sciences market to meet the evolving opportunities and challenges of this fast-growing industry throughout Asia. The centre includes a state-of-the-art proteomics laboratory to help customers speed the drug discovery process. It also houses a validation laboratory and a training facility with specialty experts to support Indian and regional customers as they increasingly enter the stringently regulated drug export market. It may be noted that Pall Corporation was acquired by Danaher Corporation for $127.20 per share in cash, or $13.8 billion including assumed debt and net of acquired cash and Danaher had completed the acquisition of Pall on August 31, 2015 and as a result, Pall has become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Danaher. This collaboration will bring the two nations closer, even as members of Bangladesh Armed Forces benefit from the state-of-the-art medical expertise and infrastructure available at Amrita Hospital. The Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (Amrita Hospital) is going to provide state-of-the-art specialty medical care to members of Bangladesh Armed Forces (BAF), including retired personnel, and their family members. A wide-ranging agreement for collaboration in patient care, medical education, research and training, and exchange of healthcare professionals was signed by Major General SM Motahar Hossain, Director General of Medical Services (DGMS), Bangladesh Armed Forces, and Dr. Prem Nair, Medical Director, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. This collaboration will bring the two nations closer, even as members of Bangladesh Armed Forces benefit from the state-of-the-art medical expertise and infrastructure available at Amrita Hospital. Amrita hospital is going to set up telemedicine and tele-radiology facilities at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka which will connect doctors at Amrita Hospital to patients in Bangladesh for consultation. This collaboration will help save many lives as patients will be referred for complex surgeries and medical procedures. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Prem Nair of Amrita Hospital and Brig. Gen. Abdul Hamid, Defence Adviser with Bangladesh High Commission. The court had also expressed displeasure over the report that already 90 cases of chikungunya and 36 cases of dengue have been reported so far this year The Delhi High Court on recently said the Delhi government should run awareness programmes on dengue and chikungunya, similar to the pan-India campaign on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan . A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said as the Swachh Bharat had Abhiyan made a big impact across the nation, the Delhi government should do something similar. "It is a very good attempt by the central government. It is everywhere, whether its TV, radio or newspapers. So something on that line should be done for dengue and chikungunya," the bench observed and told the Delhi government "you should do that". The bench also pulled up the Centre, the Delhi government and the civic bodies here over their failure to issue advertisements highlighting the preventive steps to check vector-borne diseases in the city. However, the counsel for all the authorities submitted that preventive steps have been taken and advertisements also issued. The counsel for the Centre said they had long-term plans to tackle vector-borne diseases, to which the court asked whether they had any short-term plans. Opinion | 04 November 2022 | Interviews India needs to connect OPD with the cashless insurance network to bring them into the digital economy After having raised $1.2 million from Entrepreneur First and GrowX Ventures in 2021, how do you see the perfor...Read more The program seeks to ensure that evidence-based palliative-care guidance reaches the people who need it most. Researchers at Flinders University in Australia have developed palliAGED, an online program which connects health professionals and family members with evidence-based support for palliative. The program is being managed by Flinders CareSearch palliative care knowledge network, which has searched the worlds research literature to find the best evidence to support care. alliAGED comprises two different apps palliAGEDgp and palliAGEDnurse as well as a website which will support nurses, care workers, GPs, general practice nurses, allied health professionals and support staff with evidence, tools, guidance and practice resources about palliative care for older Australians, plus information and resources for older people and their families. The program seeks to ensure that evidence-based palliative-care guidance reaches the people who need it most. Although palliAGED was designed for the Australian public, the information is being made available to the rest of the world, with a focus on reaching rural and remote areas. The apps are free to use and can be accessed via www.palliaged.com.au, iTunes and Google Play. iMM Lisboa, a nonprofit research institute devoted to biomedical research, will collaborate with Radboudumc on the conduct of the clinical trial and will provide the vaccine candidate, Pb(PfCS@UIS4), for use. The Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) in the Netherlands, the Instituto de Medicina Molecular Lisboa (iMM Lisboa) in Portugal, and PATH in Seattle, Washington announced that they will collaborate to test a new approach to malaria vaccine development in humans for the first time. In this clinical trial, based on data from earlier animal studies conducted by iMM Lisboa, the researchers will use a rodent version of the malaria-causing parasite (known as Plasmodium berghei) to determine if it can induce protection against infection by Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest version of the parasite that infects humans. The trial will be conducted in two phases at Radboudumc in the Netherlands. In the first phase, 18 healthy adult volunteers will be recruited into three groups and exposed to varying, but carefully controlled number of bites from mosquitoes infected with the genetically modified P. berghei parasite. The researchers will closely monitor volunteers for signs of infection to make sure they are treated if they become ill. If all goes well in the Phase 1 study, volunteers from the highest dose group will enter the second phase of the study which is designed to assess protective efficacy of the approach. iMM Lisboa, a nonprofit research institute devoted to biomedical research, will collaborate with Radboudumc on the conduct of the clinical trial and will provide the vaccine candidate, Pb(PfCS@UIS4), for use. This study says that skin slime from the South Indian frog Hydrophylax bahuvistara contains a compound that kills bacteria and viruses According to a recent research led by Joshy Jacob of Emory University with a team at the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology in Poojapura have confirmed that a compound in the skin secretions of the South Indian Frog may be able to kill the flu. This study says that skin slime from the South Indian frog Hydrophylax bahuvistara contains a compound that kills bacteria and viruses. But researchers plan on testing more of the frog-derived peptides to try to find others that work against other types of influenza virus. Joshy Jacob of Emory University, who led the study said, In tests on mice, a synthesised version of the molecule was successful at killing a variety of influenza viruses, namely the H1 pandemic strains that make the rounds each year. While the influenza A (H3N2) virus continues to cause new illnesses in North Dakota, influenza B viruses have caused the majority of recent cases in the state, making up a larger proportion of flu illness this season than is typically reported, according to the states most recent weekly influenza update. He also said that the peptide was not effective against seasonal flu viruses that mutate rapidly. Jacob and his colleagues named the antiviral peptide they identified urumin, after a whip-like sword called urumi used in southern India centuries agoFrog mucus is loaded with molecules that kill bacteria and viruses, and researchers are beginning to investigate it as a potential source for new anti-microbial drugs. Scientists believe that the peptide will be particularly useful once current flu strains starts to become resistant to current anti-viral drugs. But the Emory team wanted to see if the peptides could also take down human-infecting viruses. This study has been jointly conducted at UNIST in collaboration with Kyungpook National University (KNU). A recent study, affiliated with Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea has proposed the possibility of in situ human health monitoring simply by wearing a contact lens with built-in wireless smart sensors. This study has been jointly conducted at UNIST in collaboration with Kyungpook National University (KNU). In the study, the research team unveiled a smart contact lens sensor that could help monitor biomarkers for intraocular pressure (IOP), diabetes mellitus, and other health conditions. The research team expects that this research breakthrough could lead to the development of biosensors capable of detecting and treating various human diseases, and used as a component of next-generation smart contact lens-related electronic devices. Since blood sugar can be measured with tears, many attempts have been made to monitor diabetes with contact lenses. Despite numerous studies in the last several decades, the biggest drawback with conventional smart contact lenses was thought to be poor wearability. The electrodes used in existing smart contact lenses are opaque, and therefore obscure the view when wearing it. Moreover, because they lens-shaped firm plastic material, many people complain of comfort issues with contact lens wear which made wearing them impossible. Using this sensor, patients with diabetes and glaucoma may one day be able to self-monitor blood glucose levels and eye pressure. Through the embedded wireless antenna in the contact lens sensor, patients can also transmit their health information, which allows real-time monitoring of their health conditions, as well. In addition, because the system uses wireless antenna to read sensor information, no separate power source, like battery is required for the smart contact lens sensors. The contact lens sensor characteristics are not changed when the lens is deformed. Even when the sensor exposed to various materials in human tears the characteristics were maintained, and flexibility and stretchability were also excellent. Furthermore, since the electronic sensor is inserted into the soft contact lens, the feeling of wearing it is also excellent. The researchers built artificial viruses based on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which can infect both rodents and humans. Swiss scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, and the University of Basel have created artificial viruses that can be used to target cancer. These designer viruses alert the immune system and cause it to send killer cells to help fight the tumor. Stimulating the immune system to specifically and wholeheartedly combat cancer cells, however, has remained a distant goal. Researchers have now succeeded in manufacturing innovative designer viruses that could do exactly that. The researchers built artificial viruses based on lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which can infect both rodents and humans. Although they were not harmful for mice, they did release the alarm signals typical of viral infections. The virologists also integrated certain proteins into the virus that are otherwise found only in cancer cells. Infection with the designer virus enabled the immune system to recognize these cancer proteins as dangerous. This very promising designer virus has already been patented through Unitec, a structure that offers advice as well as industrial and financial contacts to UNIGE, the University Hospital and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Geneva researchers. Goodfellow was the first woman both to head a UK research council - as chief executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) - and to assume the presidency of Universities UK. Universities UK head Dame Julia Goodfellow has been appointed the new president of the Royal Society of Biology. The third of the RSBs all-female heads, Goodfellow was the first woman both to head a UK research council - as chief executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) - and to assume the presidency of Universities UK. After completing her PhD in biophysics at the Open University research unit, Professor Goodfellow became professor of biomolecular science at Birkbeck College and later Vice-Master and head of the School of Crystallography. She also chaired the British Science Association from 2009 until 2014, and was appointed to the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the Prime Ministers Council for Science and Technology in 2011. Additionally, she is the present vice chancellor of Kent University. The new president paid tribute to her predecessor whose time in office saw the award of a Royal title for the society and a period of major membership growth. Adnan holds a masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Queens University, Canada. He received a National Energy Conservation award from the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2004 Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, announces the appointment of Adnan Ahmad as region president, India. Effective June 1, 2017, Adnan Ahmad assumes the role of region president for Clariant in India and also the Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited. Adnan has over 32 years of industry experience across sectors and continents. He began his career with ICI where he worked in a variety of manufacturing, supply chain and business roles across India. He worked in the UK, with responsibility for Europe and Africa and in Singapore with responsibility for Asia and Pacific regions. He also served on the Board of Castrol India Limited Adnan holds a masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Queens University, Canada. He received a National Energy Conservation award from the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2004. He has also been conferred with the Helios Award for Human Energy by Lord Browne, the erstwhile Chief Executive of BP plc, for leading transformational change in Road Safety for Castrol India. The proposal entails abolishing the FIPB and allowing administrative Ministries/Departments to process applications for FDI requiring government approval. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to the phasing out of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). The proposal entails abolishing the FIPB and allowing administrative Ministries/Departments to process applications for FDI requiring government approval. Presently, applications are considered by FIPB in Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance comprising of various Secretaries of Government of India for making recommendation on FDI applications. After the Cabinet decision, it would be handled independently by Administrative Ministries as per Sector. 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. 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. The Memorandum of Understanding is proposed to be signed during the forthcoming bilateral meeting with the Spanish side. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Transplant Organization, Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, Spain and the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India on cooperation in the field of Organ Transplant Services. The MoU would facilitate bilateral cooperation in the field of organ and tissue procurement and transplantation and better understanding between the two countries. The knowledge gained will help in improving the services rendered to the patients suffering from end stage organ failure. The Memorandum of Understanding is proposed to be signed during the forthcoming bilateral meeting with the Spanish side. Ad Stars 2017 offers a $10,000 prize for Grand Prix of the Year' winners and, with more than 20,000 entries expected, agencies and production companies should submit entries now before the cut-off date on Thursday, 15 June 2017. All categories, with the exception of Innovation' and Integrated', are free to enter. Executive judge, Suthisak Sucharittanonta, chairman and chief creative officer of BBDO Bangkok Suthisak Sucharittanonta, chairman and chief creative officer of BBDO Bangkok, a former winning agency in the show, is an executive judge this year. I accepted the invitation to judge Ad Stars because it is different from other awards shows. It is an international awards show that has no entry fee, is judged by international juries and gives monetary prizes to Grand Prix winners, he says. Anselmo Ramos, chief creative officer of David in Miami, is also attending as an executive judge. Everyone says great things about Ad Stars and South Korea. I look forward to judging an award that I havent judged before, especially one that doesnt charge for submissions, so more people can participate, he adds. There are 18 awards categories this year: Film, Print, Outdoor, Radio, Interactive, Mobile, Promotion, Direct, PR, Integrated, Media, Innovation, Design, Film Craft, PSA, Diverse Insights, Place and Video Stars (for branded content). For more information, click here. The Advertising Standards Authority has retrenched at least nine workers and the remaining seven at its downsized offices have not been paid this month. The ASA has been in business rescue since last year and if it folds will leave consumers with no one to complain to about dodgy adverts. There is not enough money to pay retrenchment packages to those who lost their jobs last week. Employees have not been told when they will be paid their May salaries, many confirmed to The Times. The authority has been in many court battles. It has been taken to court by Groupon, Herbex, Solal Vitamins and MNI to nullify rulings on their adverts. Herbex argued in court that the ASA had no authority to rule on its adverts because it had no statutory power. The High Court found that the ASA did not have legal power to rule on adverts merely because someone had complained about them. This left the ASA toothless. The court ruled that it was a voluntary body for self-regulation by the media and could rule on the adverts only of companies that had agreed to be self-regulated. Business rescue practitioner Marius van Tonder released an updated report on the authority's financial state this week. The survival of the ASA depends on whether it can raise short-term funding, according to the business rescue team. The authority's acting CEO, appointed this week, is Gail Schimmel, a former employee. The report revealed that retrenchments and resignations had saved the ASA R500000 a month. The ASA received some donations from media companies and once-off donations from Vodacom and McDonald's. Van Tonder concluded that the body's long-term viability depended on how much value media companies put on the voluntary selfregulation of adverts' claims. Derek Watts and Clem Sunter will be key speakers at the annual SAPICS conference, being held on 4-7 June 2017 at Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town. Clem Sunter Sunter will talk about, The world and South Africa beyond 2017: The latest flags, scenarios and probabilities and Derek Watts will moderate the panel topic, Trends and tribulations: What weve learnt and what we need to know for our supply chains to survive and thrive. Among the panellists tasked with tackling this debate are Imperial Logistics chief business development and strategy officer Cobus Rossouw and Woolworths South Africa head of supply chain Bradley Nitsckie. Other high-level speakers from around the globe and top local supply chain experts will share their knowledge and expertise. Enhancing the learning experience for delegates are workshops included in the conference registration fee. Site visits with a supply chain focus are also on offer for delegates, including a wine farm, a pharmaceutical facility, a brewery, a soft drink factory and an aquarium. An informative exhibition of the latest supply chain products and services is held alongside the conference at the Century City venue. For more information, visit the dedicated website. The Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (Niasa) has officially announced the resignation of its long-serving president, Dr Rob Adam. He steps down after being at the helm of the association for almost a decade, and was instrumental in laying the solid foundations for the nuclear industry as a whole - in all its various applications and skills development initiatives. Dr Rob Adam "Nuclear has a key role to play in providing carbon-free baseload power in South Africa and the rest of the world. Renewables and nuclear are needed in a globally responsible energy future," he said. Adam's career spans both the public and private sector. After serving as a director general in the department of science and technology, he served as the CEO of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa). He later joined the Aveng Group as the group executive responsible for nuclear. He is now the director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) where he would like to focus his attention but remains a staunch Niasa member. Current vice president, Sandisiwe Ncemane, will steer the organisation, till a permanent replacement is found. If you open Google and start typing Chinese cave gecko, the text will auto-populate to Chinese cave gecko for sale - just $150, with delivery. This extremely rare species is just one of an increasingly large number of animals being pushed to extinction in the wild by animal trafficking. Whats shocking is that the illegal trade in Chinese cave geckoes began so soon after they were first scientifically described in the early 2000s. Fire salamanders have been devastated by diseases introduced through the wildlife trade. Erwin Gruber Its not an isolated case; poachers are trawling scientific papers for information on the location and habits of new, rare species. As we argue in an essay published today in Science, scientists may have to rethink how much information we publicly publish. Ironically, the principles of open access and transparency have led to the creation of detailed online databases that pose a very real threat to endangered species. We have personally experienced this, in our research on the endangered pink-tailed worm-lizard, a startling creature that resembles a snake. Biologists working in New South Wales are required to provide location data on all species they discover during scientific surveys to an online wildlife atlas. But after we published our data, the landowners with whom we worked began to find trespassers on their properties. The interlopers had scoured online wildlife atlases. As well as putting animals at risk, this undermines vital long-term relationships between researchers and landowners. Author provided The illegal trade in wildlife has exploded online. Several recently described species have been devastated by poaching almost immediately after appearing in the scientific literature. Particularly at risk are animals with small geographic ranges and specialised habitats, which can be most easily pinpointed. Poaching isnt the only problem that is exacerbated by unrestricted access to information on rare and endangered species. Overzealous wildlife enthusiasts are increasingly scanning scientific papers, government and NGO reports, and wildlife atlases to track down unusual species to photograph or handle. This can seriously disturb the animals, destroy specialised microhabitats, and spread disease. A striking example is the recent outbreak in Europe of a amphibian chytrid fungus, which essentially eats the skin of salamanders. This pathogen was introduced from Asia through wildlife trade, and has already driven some fire salamander populations to extinction. The beautiful Chinese cave gecko, or Goniurosaurus luii, is highly prized by poachers. Carola Jucknies Rethinking unrestricted access In an era when poachers can arm themselves with the latest scientific data, we must urgently rethink whether it is appropriate to put detailed location and habitat information into the public domain. We argue that before publishing, scientists must ask themselves: will this information aid or harm conservation efforts? Is this species particularly vulnerable to disruption? Is it slow-growing and long-lived? Is it likely to be poached? Fortunately, this calculus will only be relevant in a few cases. Researchers might feel an intellectual passion for the least lovable subjects, but when it comes to poaching, it is generally only charismatic and attractive animals that have broad commercial appeal. But in high-risk cases, where economically valuable species lack adequate protection, scientists need to consider censoring themselves to avoid unintentionally contributing to species declines. Restricting information on rare and endangered species has trade-offs, and might inhibit some conservation efforts. Yet, much useful information can still be openly published without including specific details that could help the nefarious (or misguided) to find a vulnerable species. There are signs people are beginning to recognise this problem and adapt to it. For example, new species descriptions are now being published without location data or habitat descriptions. Biologists can take a lesson from other fields such as palaeontology, where important fossil sites are often kept secret to avoid illegal collection. Similar practices are also common in archaeology. Restricting the open publication of scientifically and socially important information brings its own challenges, and we dont have all the answers. For example, the dilemma of organising secure databases to collate data on a global scale remains unresolved. For the most part, the move towards making research freely available is positive; encouraging collaboration and driving new discoveries. But legal or academic requirements to publish location data may be dangerously out of step with real-life risks. Biologists have a centuries-old tradition of publishing information on rare and endangered species. For much of this history it was an innocuous practice, but as the world changes, scientists must rethink old norms. Brindha Roberts has been appointed head of sustainability in South Africa for global waste management company Averda. Brindha Roberts, head of sustainability, Averda SA Roberts is passionate about bringing positive change through decisive execution based on holistic thinking and educated methodology. I am proud to be part of the Averda team providing sustainable solutions to South Africas waste management industry answering growing environmental challenges. Like Averda, I am committed to working for a cleaner and healthier environment that results in better lives for communities. Averda is a company that works with passion delivering beyond compliance for business. Before joining Averda, Roberts held the position of corporate sustainability manager for South Africa at Kimberly-Clark. She started her career as a part-time lecturer at the University of Natals School of Chemical Engineering whilst completing her Masters in Chemical Engineering. Previous positions Brindha held several roles in research where she was Head of the Department of Environmental Research for Sappi South Africa and held positions in numerous industry associations such as chair of the Transformation Forum for the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham). She was also chair of the Northern Region and National Executive Board member of the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper South Africa (TAPPSA) and a founding Board member of United Way South Africa. Brindha successfully completed the University of Stellenbosch Business Schools Leadership Development Programme in 2013 and the Executive Development Programme in 2016. To celebrate World Play Day and highlight initiatives to give children and caregivers tools to transform everyday moments into playful learning experiences, Sesame Workshop and the Lego Foundation teamed up with Afrika Tikkun which saw Takalani Sesame Muppets Kami and Neno welcome children and families to Afrika Tikkun - Orange Farm for a day of meaningful play activities designed for the whole family to enjoy together. Kami and Neno with Lego Foundations Michael Renvillard and Sesame Workshops Abigail Bucuvalas Sesame Workshop and the Lego Foundation share a commitment to helping children become creative, lifelong learners. Combining the Lego Foundations expertise in learning through play with Sesames proven content development model, their partnership brings opportunities for play-based learning to both children and caregivers in South Africa through the Play Every Day and Play Well and Be Happy initiatives. Sesame Street has always been committed to reaching children in their earliest years of life, because its when we can have the biggest impact - and play is one of the most powerful ways to foster development in key cognitive, physical, and social-emotional areas, said Sherrie Westin, Sesame Workshops executive vice president of Global Impact and Philanthropy. Together with our partners at the Lego Foundation, we are focused on bringing engaging and transformative learning experiences to children throughout South Africa and beyond, particularly to those most in need. World Play Day is a both a celebration of children as our role models and an opportunity to advocate on behalf of plays crucial role in young childrens positive development. Early childhood is a pivotal time for brain development, and the scientific community has found increasing evidence that infants and children are constantly learning, connecting, and engaging with their surroundings through positive playful experiences, says Michael Renvillard, Lego Foundation Initiative Lead for South Africa. The importance of play 20 families participated in special play activities developed through the Sesame Workshop and Lego Foundation partnership. These families will learn new ways to play with their children, leaving with greater knowledge about the importance and benefits of play. Every family will go home with a set of Lego bricks to encourage continued engagement. World Play Day at work as mom and child make use of Lego Duplo Bricks By the end of 2018, over 2,000 caregiver-child pairs in Johannesburg and surrounding provinces will participate in a Play Every Day intervention like the one today, which will include Takalani Sesame learning materials, Lego bricks, and facilitated play activities. Play Every Day is designed to inform parents and caregivers about the educational value of play, empowering them to engage with children in ways that contribute to their early development and learning outcomes. Research is a key element of the initiative, and through ongoing formative testing and community play workshops, Play Every Day aims to improve play activities, convey important messages about playful learning, and support play activity facilitators. Play Well and Be Happy, launched in November 2016 in the Eastern Cape, one of South Africas lowest educationally resourced provinces, is intended to create transformative, hands-on learning experiences for some of the most vulnerable children in South Africa. Over 1,000 Play Well and Be Happy kits, featuring the loveable Takalani Sesame Muppets and Lego Duplo bricks, are being distributed to classrooms throughout the Eastern Cape, which will reach 3,000 caregivers and 30,000 children. In addition, teachers and caregivers are trained to understand and adopt learning through play concepts to foster skills like counting, spatial relationships, working memory, color, and shape recognition. Ever since the Golden Gate Bridge opened to traffic on May 27, 1937, it's been an iconic symbol on the American landscape. By 1870, people had realised the necessity of building a bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait to connect the city of San Francisco with Marin County. However, it was another half-century before structural engineer Joseph Strauss submitted his bridge proposal. The plans evolved, and the final project was approved as a suspension bridge that ended up taking over four years to build. When the Golden Gate Bridge went up, it was the longest suspended bridge span in the world cables hold up the roadway between two towers, with no intermediate supports. And the setting had a number of inherent challenges. It cost about $37m at the time; building the same structure today would cost about a billion dollars. So how has the design held up over the past 80 years and would we do things differently if we were starting from scratch today? The Conversation, CC BY-ND Longest suspension bridge in the world The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge, meaning it relies on cables and suspenders under tension along with towers under compression to cross a long distance without any intermediate supports. The roadway deck hangs from vertical suspenders that connect to the two main cables that run between the towers and the anchors on the end. The suspenders transfer vehicular forces and self-weight to the supporting cables that are anchored to towers and on to solid ground. The first bridges of this type probably connected two cliffs with flexible ropes to cross a valley or a river. Hundreds of years ago, these ropes were made of plant fiber; iron chains came later. The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, opened in 1883, was the first to use steel cables, which then became standard. The towers likely started as a simple rock on each side of a valley; eventually engineers used massive stone or steel piers. The Golden Gate Bridge, for instance, is supported by one abutment on each end and the two towers, which are placed over foundations embedded in the seafloor. The Golden Gate Bridges two supporting cables are about the only thing that has not been changed since the bridge was opened to traffic in 1937. Each main cable is formed by 27,572 steel wires with the approximate thickness of a pencil. Construction crews hung nearly 80,000 miles of wire cables from one side of the bridge to the other. Its nearly impossible to manufacture a long, thick cable in one piece with no flaws to do this job. And crucially, if a single big cable was holding the bridge up and something happened to it, there would be a catastrophic failure. Relying on smaller wires means any failure would be slower, leaving time to divert disaster. ATOMIC Hot Links, CC BY-NC-ND Since people first started pondering a bridge in the bay of San Francisco, there was huge concern about the structures ability to withstand the locations strong winds, turbulent waters and possible earthquake forces. San Francisco is located at the intersection of two active tectonic plates obviously no one wanted to see an earthquake bring down the bridge, which currently carries around 112,000 vehicles per day. To avoid this problem, the builders also located shock absorbers at each end of the bridge to absorb the energy coming from wind or seismic forces. These specially designed vibration dampers are meter-diameter cylinders made of a lead core covered by rubber. Placed at strategic locations, they absorb energy that could otherwise cause the bridge to collapse. Keeping it in good shape Conventional wisdom would suggest an infrastructure project is done soon after its inauguration. But keeping the Golden Gate Bridge in tiptop form requires ongoing stringent maintenance. For 80 years, dedicated maintenance crews have serviced the bridge, repainting and substituting the corroded or broken components where necessary. This work must be done to exacting standards. For example, when any of the thousands of bolts that connect all the various pieces of the bridge need replacement, no more than two are taken out simultaneously, to keep the bridge safe against strong winds or earthquakes forces. There are structural maintenance issues, too. Due to the passage of time and ongoing temperature variability, the cables and suspenders elongate or contract, and need periodical checking and retensioning. This type of adjustment is referred to as tuning and is similar to how a musician keeps a stringed instrument sounding its best. What would change if we built it today? Due to huge upkeep costs, some people have suggested reconstructing the Golden Gate Bridge in a way that would limit ongoing maintenance and operation bills. Setting aside the political feasibility, how would engineers design the bridge if they were going to build it from scratch today? Over time, researchers have developed lighter materials. Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) rather than steel or concrete is a way to reduce the weight of a structure of this magnitude. This self-weight is typically responsible for using up 70 to 80 percent of its resistence thats the maximum load it can bear before it fails. By reducing it, the bridges structure would need less strength, allowing for cheaper and easier options. For example, designers have started using Fiber Reinforced Composite (FRP) materials in bridges such as the Market Street Bridge in West Virginia. FRP uses a plastic resin to bind together glass or carbon fibers, which give strength to the material. Being four times lighter than concrete, the FRPs are five to six times stronger. Probably a designers first target for change in a substitute Golden Gate Bridge would be the composition of the cables. The steel currently in use is corrosive, heavier by four times than newer materials and can fail in harsh moisture and temperature environments just like those it encounters in this location. Carbon cables are more inert and already in use around the world. The Conversation, CC BY-ND These lighter-than-steel materials could also be utilized in other elements of the bridge, such as the traffic roadway. Using plastic composite decking could bring the Golden Gate Bridges deck self-weight down by a factor of five. That would enable engineers to design and construct a cable-stayed bridge rather than a suspension bridge. The advantage there would be the ability to do away with the suspenders; in a cable-stayed bridge forces are transmitted directly from the deck to the towers by the cables. The first highway cable-stayed bridge with CFRP cables is Switzerlands Stork Bridge, opened in 1996. A cable-stayed bridge can have a longer span than a suspension bridge, so its structure between the supports and the shore could be simpler. Also building the towers nearer to the shore, where the waterbed is more shallow, would help alleviate one of the main problems when the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed the first time around: Its very difficult and expensive to work on the tower foundations in deep water with strong currents. The damping system could also be addressed with a new design. The lead core-based dampers that were used in the construction of the Golden Gate could be replaced by newer technologies that are better able to resist wind, traffic and seismic forces. This improvement would ensure that a failure such as the one on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge when wind blew the bridge sideways, it twisted and collapsed would be prevented. With all that said, the Golden Gate Bridge is still doing fine. Even with other feasible and cheaper options, no one is realistically working to replace the Art Deco icon and its world famous international orange paint job. The Golden Gate Bridge is closely monitored to make sure it does not exceed its stress limits due to traffic, wind and seismic loads. We can look forward to at least another 80 years of this engineering masterpiece. Port Elizabeth's Fourleaf Estate residential development is the first residential project in Africa to meet the EDGE resource-efficiency standard and receive EDGE final certification from Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA). The development is led by property development and marketing company Similan, and funded by the Housing Impact Fund of South Africa (HIFSA), managed by the Development Impact Funds team within Old Mutual Alternative Investments. As the fund manager for this project, Old Mutual is delighted to be at the forefront of green housing developments by bringing the first EDGE-certified residential project to the market in Africa. Sustainability is high on the agenda of our clients. As fund managers, we can provide a tangible indicator of green environmental performance by encouraging EDGE certification on our housing developments, says Lenore Cairncross, who has been leading the EDGE certification process for HIFSAs new housing developments. HIFSA has a pipeline of between 2,500 and 3,000 new housing units over the next two to three years that will be designed to meet the EDGE standard and achieve certification. HIFSA aims to deliver a market-related, risk-adjusted return to investors and create new affordable housing stock to address the housing shortage. Old Mutual Life Assurance Company South Africa is co-invested in HIFSA alongside the Government Employees Pension Fund (managed by the Public Investment Corporation), the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Eskom Pension Fund. Optimise building design EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a green building certification system for emerging markets created by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. EDGE is a measurable way for residential developers to optimise the performance of their building design and be rewarded for resource efficiency through certification. The Green Building Council of South Africa is the exclusive certification services provider for IFC within the country. The EDGE rating requires achieving savings of 20% in each of the three categories: operational energy and water usage and a reduction in the embodied energy of materials used in the projects construction. Fourleaf Estate delivers significant energy savings to its residents through such practical solutions as heat pumps for hot water, low-flow taps (which reduce hot water consumption through aeration), and the installation of water-efficient fittings such as low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets. Reduced window-to-wall ratios and roof insulation ensure optimal energy efficiency. When operated by residents in the way intended, this combination of factors will translate into annual utility bill savings of around R1280 per unit. Embodied energy refers to the amount of energy expended and greenhouse gas emissions generated in the extraction, production, transport and installation of materials used for construction. The EDGE App uses global data, localised to the South African context, which considers common industry practice in material production and supply to predict the embodied energy associated with the major construction specifications on a build. Fourleaf was able to achieve 34% and 43% savings respectively in each of the unit types by using cored bricks, cellulose roof insulation and clay roofing tiles on timber rafters, and other initiatives. Affordable certification Grahame Cruickshanks, managing executive: residential at GBCSA, says that awarding the first EDGE final certification in South Africa is a significant milestone, not just for the GBCSA and its partners in the programme, but for the South African residential property sector and its journey towards becoming more sustainable. What sets EDGE apart is that it is comparatively simple to use and certification is affordable, making it invaluable to developers looking for smart and effective ways to differentiate their product in a tough economic climate. EDGE offers occupants utility cost savings, whilst also tackling important environmental issues. Ecolution Consulting, the EDGE auditors for the Fourleaf project, ensured that all criteria were met in order to achieve certification. We believe that EDGE will transform the residential market by embedding sustainability at its core, says Andre Harms, director of Ecolution Consulting and an EDGE expert. We are proud to have played a vital role in the first EDGE final certification in Africa. According to Similan, Fourleaf is predicted to realise annual savings of R414,000 by applying EDGE-certified energy and water efficiency measures. This would translate into anticipated savings of approximately R1,280 in utility costs for each unit. By using the EDGE App, annual savings of 123,230kWH of electricity and more than 7,500Kl of water have been projected for the Fourleaf project, explains Pieter du Toit, development manager at Similan. Located in the Parsonsvlei suburb of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, the first phase of the Fourleaf Estate residential development brings 125 two- and three-bedroom green homes to the South Africa property market, which range in size from 47m to 90m. Globally, IFCs aim is to transform 20% of new residential and commercial building in rapidly industrialising countries by 2020, driven by local green building councils and global certification providers. In South Africa this 20% target translates to approximately 50,000 homes by 2020, an ambitious goal which GBCSA is actively pursuing. According to Hendrik Pieterse, manager of Leapfrog Property Group Eerste River, some banks are declining home loans in certain areas where others would grant a mortgage, based on safety concerns. This practice has become known as red-lining, and Pieterse believes it is keeping the young and the poor out of the property market. Red-lining is based on a decision made by a bank (but never admitted to) during which the institution demarcates an area as too risky and for which it refuses to approve home loans - applications are accepted but declined. The types of areas that are deemed too risky tend to be close to townships, areas of high crime and the like. One can never force a bank to lend money when the risk factors are out of the ordinary. Its not as if banks sit on their own money and can take big risks with it, lending it and losing it. Very little of a banks money actually belongs to the bank, less than 6% if Im not mistaken, the remaining 94% is borrowed from investors, so they have to be conservative as theyre the financial custodians, explains Jan le Roux, CE of REBOSA (Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa). A lack of funding leads to market stagnation While the position of banks is certainly understandable, so called red-lining makes it very difficult for people in certain areas to get financing for property; in essence, sellers cant sell and buyers cant buy due to a lack of funds. We often list a property in our area but the valuators from certain banks will devalue the property in their estimates, which in my opinion is wrong. Younger people find it hard to get a house in the areas they grew up in because the banks decide for them (by denying their home loan application), especially if there are RDP houses near the property in question, says Pieterse. Eerste River locals often want to stay in the area to be close to their families, while starting their own family. Young couples are generally looking for a freehold property with the option to expand the home as their needs increase. Pieterse notes that the average freehold property sells for between R400,000 and R600,000 and that buyers are happy to purchase, even near RDP housing, as they secure the property themselves with fencing, alarms and the like. Considering that the average household income in Eerste River is between R9,000 and R17,000, its clear that these buyers will need home loans. Possible solutions Le Roux believes there are a number of options available to banks and buyers: Where banks can do so much better is to be honest about specific areas, saying that theyve had bad experiences etc., and instead of outright refusing the application, can offer alternatives such as asking for higher deposits, a lower ratio of what the purchaser is allowed to borrow (normally a buyer can spend 30% of his or her income on home loan repayments, perhaps this can be lowered to 25%), or insisting on a collateral investment from a family member for example to reduce the banks risk. He continues to indicate that agents operating in problematic areas can also show their commitment to the neighbourhood by investing 50% of their commission as a collateral investment in the loan. Collateral investments are always for a specific time frame and the funds will be reimbursed after a certain period, once the banks risk has been sufficiently lowered. I believe that this shows a tremendous amount of faith in the area by the agent, believes le Roux. Mayor Herman Mashaba plans to open up Johannesburg's hijacked buildings to private developers and will expropriate property if necessary. Johannesburg has hundreds of "hijacked" buildings that have been taken over by residents or abandoned by owners. Mashaba said that as part of developing the inner city and providing affordable housing to city residents, more than 70 of these buildings had been identified for development. The DA-led coalition government passed a R55.9bn budget on Thursday last week. Mashaba said in an interview with Business Day he would announce his plans for the buildings in the next two months. The project would be driven from the mayor's office and the plan was to provide long-term rentals. If he did not take over the inner city and provide affordable housing, he would be unable to reduce the 300,000 housing backlog in the country's economic hub, Mashaba said. With an R8.6bn capital expenditure budget, Johannesburg lacks the ability to develop enough housing and infrastructure. "It [the buildings] is infrastructure that is already in place. It is an opportunity for the private sector to turn it into construction sites. They just need the government that can play a role to give them access to " these hijacked buildings. If a building belonged to the city, or if an owner could not be found, he would open it up for proposals. If owners owed the city money and they could not be found, he "definitely will expropriate buildings. We cannot afford a situation where I have a good building and next door I have a building that is not taken care of and they owe us as a city," Mashaba said. Proposals would have to stipulate how much money would be invested in a building and how many people would be employed during and after construction. Johannesburg should be like other cities with high-density accommodation and his main focus was to get millions of people to live in the inner city. "I don't have the balance sheet, but the private sector has got the money," he said. Mashaba's plans comes amid criticism that the Gauteng provincial government has slashed the city's housing top structures grant. The city received R411m for housing in 2016-17, which was later reduced to R345m in the adjustment budget. In the 2017-18 budget, R145m was allocated to housing, with which only about a thousand units can be built. "I am not going to take this lying down. I will make sure that our residents are aware of this. If it means they can't listen and respond to us, we will take this matter to court," Mashaba said. Jeffrey Wapnick, MD of Octodec, said it was encouraging to hear the council might be looking to partner with the private sector on this. He said that in addressing the need for housing, "we must ensure that the minimum standards of living are upheld to protect residents". Source: Business Day According to statistics from Flight Centre Business Travel (FCBT), South African cities occupy six of the top 10 business destinations for South Africans in 2017. With one if five travelling to Johannesburg, SA's economic capital is the top destination for South African business travellers. HONGQI ZHANG via 123RF Cape Town is the second most popular business destination with 15% of business travellers flying to the Mother City, with just over one in 10 travelling to Durban. Port Elizabeth comes in a steady fourth. Together these four destinations account for almost half of all SAs business travellers. According to FCBTs statistics, London is the top international business destination for South Africans. Windhoek, Algiers, and Nairobi round out the top 10 cities that SMME businesses are travelling to. The statistics also show that business traffic to Johannesburg (through OR Tambo and Lanseria) grew by 27% over the past year. But the surprise was Durban, which increased by a whopping 37% year-on-year. Fast growing business hubs FCBT have identified other fast-growing business hubs: Polokwane, where arrivals grew 134%, Umtata which saw business traffic rise by 69%, and Nelspruit and Hoedspruit, which both registered increases of 39%. Says Ryan Potgieter, general manager of FCBT: While the top cities are not a surprise as most people who travel for business do so locally, what is interesting is the increase in South Africans travelling for business locally and into Africa. Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa recorded the biggest increase in traffic with a 142% increase in business travellers. And this trend is on the rise for Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls saw SA business traveller arrivals increase 131% while Livingstone, just across the border in Zambia, registered an increase of 122%. Many experts argue that rather than cut business travel in these tough economic times, companies should be investing more in business travel to source more business. Our data shows that companies are doing just that, says Potgieter 8 Hours Overtime for A Good Cause' (8-i) is an international event in which young creatives donate time and energy to help out charities or NGOs by solving a problem or meeting a challenge within the communication field. 8-i South Africa 2017 South Africa held its first 8-i on Saturday, 20 May 2017, where five NGOs gathered with students from Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography to create websites, wireframes and marketing collateral. Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photographys head of graphic design, Cashandra Willemse and student, Sarah Cuppleditch created a new letterhead for Pebbles Project, as well as a PowerPoint template, tote bag print and marketing collateral. Designers and makers alike are the change makers within our current economies. It is through creative innovation and application that communities will adjust and the effects of positive creative transformation will run through the veins of our nation. Thank you to 8-i that afforded us the opportunity to assist and teach, said Willemse. Design students Ashleigh Farthing, Coerine Hattingh, Chenel Duncker and Jeanique Strydom worked together on the Community Keepers brief. In the eight hours, they created a wireframe for a student appointment app; wayfinding to lead students to the safe offices; posters for the schools; donation requests for patrons to restaurants that support Community Keepers and signage to highlight the support that these restaurants give to their favourite NGO. Smoothly run and beneficial experience Community Keepers was privileged to be selected as one of the beneficiaries for the first 8-i initiative to be held in South Africa. Along with a team of talented design students, incredible and useful content was created to support Community Keepers online and tangible marketing projects and to raise awareness within the schools that we work of our services available to at-risk learners. The students also created a self-referral app for learners to refer themselves, confidentially, to our counselling offices should they require psychological support services. 8-i South Africa was a smoothly run and very beneficial experience for us and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it, said Bridgette Wirth of Community Keepers. Jeroen Slee assisted Moija van Zyl from Eduvate to publish her designed Wordpress site, as well as adding some personalised design work. Slee taught van Zyl about working in Wordpress and the new Eduvate site which will go live soon. For Feeding In Action, design team duo Nerien Pesch and Amy Capendale designed a brochure and banner to spread the word about Feeding in Action and the work it does. Stories Unite Us worked with an illustrator and Stellenbosch Academy of Design head of multimedia, Wessie van der Westhuizen to create e-books. Illustrator, Megan Vermaak, created a handwritten font and design elements, which were digitised by Westhuizen. It was a privilege to be part of the first 8-i project in South Africa. The students enthusiasm was reflected in the quality of work they produced on the day. Thank you to all, said Vladimira Bajerovska of Stories Unite Us. A broadened network for support I found it incredible to do work for 'real life', instead of just working on made up briefs within the environment of a classroom. I learnt so much through this experience and loved working with such an inspiring NGO. Opportunities like these do not come around every day and I feel blessed to have been a part of 8-i, added Vermaak. 8-i South Africas co-lead, Micheline Frantz presented a workshop titled Social Media 1-on-1 to the NGOs and had an hour digital strategy meeting with each of them to provide them with the tools to keep growing their digital footprint and take their organisations further. The NGOs we partnered with have been doing inspiring work in Stellenbosch and their stories deserve to be told. The 1-on-1 sessions aimed to equip them with the digital tools to tell these stories on platforms that have a broadened reach and thus, a broadened network for support, said Frantz. Having seen the work by Stellenbosch Academy of Design, I knew that the standards would be high. What I did not expect was the volume of work. The students entered the day as professional designers and created high quality work with clients, said Chantal Louw. We will host another 8-i in October 2017. Two lifeguards uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay in Baywatch; a young woman finds her voice in the mayhem of World War II in the witty romance, Their Finest; fighting alongside men in the war to end all wars, Wonder Woman discover her full powers; and theatre buffs will enjoy The Old Vic Theatre's production of Tom Stoppard's brilliantly funny situation comedy Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead live on the big screen. Baywatch A devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Dwayne Johnson) butts heads with a brash new recruit (Zac Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay. Priyanka Chopra (ABCs Quantico), Alexandra Daddario (San Andreas), Jon Bass (Loving), Kelly Rohrbach and Ilfenesh Hadera (Showtimes Billions) co-star. Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) directs from a screenplay written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, story by Jay Scherick and David Ronn and Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant. Its a fun piece of pop culture, says director Seth Gordon. People generally know the basics: David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and slow motion running on the beach, but beyond that, I felt like we had a real opportunity to redefine the brand. Says Johnson We wanted to raise the bar in terms of shocking humour. With comedies, theres fun, and above that, theres awesome, I didnt expect to have that level of fun, but way beyond that, at the top of the mountain, theres filthy fun. Let me tell you, filthy fun, thats something. Thats the rarefied air up there. Baywatch is lights out, game over, we may have to cancel Christmas level filthy fun. Their Finest A witty, romantic and moving portrayal of a young woman finding her way, and her voice, in the mayhem of war and the movies! In the midst of the devastating World War II, with increasing numbers of men drafted to fight for their lives on the frontline, bombs continued to drop relentlessly on London, Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) a smart copywriter, is employed to write female dialogue, (patronisingly referred to as slop by her male co writers), for original propaganda feature films that would reflect the new mood of the nation, and help tap into the hearts and imaginations of the fast-growing womens workforce. Partnered alongside fellow screenwriter, the forthright Buckley (Sam Claflin), the pair make a film that will warm the hearts of the nation, and capture the imagination of the American population. Says producer Stephen Woolley, ''We were keen to make it a modern story. War films made at the time did generally tend to reflect the male experience of war, so we wanted to make a film that was not just the female experience of becoming a writer, but a female experience of being in the Blitz in London and coping with a society that was on the brink of changing from being so male-dominated, to being a 7 society were women weren't just tolerated, they were expected to step into the breach and take on male roles in society. Not just in the world of film, but the world around them. Danish director, Lone Scherfig comes to this project off the back of a trilogy of acclaimed productions, with An Education, One Day and The Riot Club. Her sensibilities as a filmmaker make for a perfect marriage with British cinema. It means a lot to us as filmmakers to make a film about a period where films were as important as they were, says Lone Scherfig.To remind us why we spend all our adult life doing this instead of something worthier, like being a nurse, where you might respect yourself more. We have to remind ourselves that we have a right to do this job, even if there are days where you laugh for sixteen hours. Wonder Woman Power, grace, wisdom and wonder: inspiring qualities intrinsic to one of the greatest superheroes of all time, known the world over as Wonder Woman. A revered and enduring DC archetype and a global symbol of strength and equality for more than 75 years how and when did she come to be, and why did mankinds welfare become so important to her? Director Patty Jenkins larger-than-life heros journey tells the long-awaited origin story of Diana, the only child of Themyscira, a secret island gifted to her people from the king of the gods himself, Zeus. Hailing from the world of Amazons, Diana has been preparing for combat her whole life. But to become a true warrior, she will need to carry the courage of her convictions and an arsenal like no other onto the most harrowing battlefield the world has ever known. Gal Gadot stars in the title role of this epic action adventure, marking the DC superheros first-ever stand-alone feature film. Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, raised on a sheltered island paradise and trained to be an unconquerable warrior. But when an American pilot crashes off their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside men in the war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny. The time is absolutely right to bring Wonder Woman to movie audiences, says Jenkins. Fans have been waiting a long time for this, but I believe people outside the fandom are ready for a Wonder Woman movie, too. Superheroes have played a role in many peoples lives; its that fantasy of, what would it be like if I was that powerful and that great, and I could go on that exciting journey and do heroic things? Im no different. I was seven years old when I first read Superman, and it rocked my world because I felt like Superman. The character captured exactly what I believed in then and still do: that there is a part of every human being that wishes they could change the world for the better. The films screenwriter, Allan Heinberg, wrote the Wonder Woman comic for DC in 2006 and 2007 and was thrilled to be part of the film. He states, Wonder Woman has been my all-time favourite superhero since I was a first-grader watching Super Friends on Saturday mornings in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To have had any part at all in bringing her story to the screenand to have done so alongside a creative team that includes Patty Jenkins and Geoff Johnsis a lifelong dream come true. Rosencrantz & Guildenstein Are Dead Half a century after its premiere on The Old Vic stage, this mind-bending situation comedy that made a young Tom Stoppards name overnight, returns to the theatre in its 50th anniversary celebratory production, directed by David Leveaux. This new production of the play was filmed live at The Old Vic Theatre in London for broadcast to cinemas around the world as part of the current National Theatre Live season. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead stars Daniel Radcliffe (the Harry Potter films, The Woman in Black), Joshua McGuire (The Hour, Lovesick) and David Haig (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Witness for the Prosecution) in Tom Stoppards brilliantly funny situation comedy. Against the backdrop of Shakespeares Hamlet, two hapless minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, take centre stage. Increasingly out of their depth, the young double act stumble their way in and out of the action of the Bards iconic drama, as their version of the story unfolds. In a literary hall of mirrors, Stoppards brilliantly funny, existential labyrinth sees us witness the ultimate identity crisis. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead releases on Saturday, 3 June 2017, for four screenings only: on 3, 7 and 8 June at 19:30 and on 4 June at 14:30 at Ster-Kinekors Nouveau cinemas in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, and at Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval. For more information on the latest film releases, visit the Writing Studio website. The Startup Tel Aviv South Africa innovation contest, now in its fourth year, is now open for entries. The contest gives new South African startups the opportunity to visit Israel to experience "Startup Nation" to help grow their idea. The ambassador of Israel, Arthur Lenk, says: "We have been impressed by past South African winners of our contest and are excited to help impact local innovation by sharing Israel's success." The competition is hosted by the Embassy of Israel in cooperation with Microsoft South Africa and EL AL Airlines, Israel's national airline, established in 1948. Theme and requirements The theme for this year is making the world a better place. The competition is looking for passionate entrepreneurs between the ages of 25 and 37. Startup Tel Aviv South Africa is searching for entries from novel companies that fall into the theme of making the world a better place. The company's products or services should aid in the improvement of quality of life, social entrepreneurship, organic and urban renewal, ITC technologies or tech startups. Startups entering should still be in an early seed stage and the winner must be CEO or senior manager of the company. Judging and prizes Entries will be processed by a panel of expert judges, with the top entries selected to pitch their companies to the panel of judges in Johannesburg in late June. Six finalists will be invited to a gala final event in mid-July 2017, where the winner will be announced. The grand prize will include an all-expenses-paid trip to Israel for one week to take part in the DLD Tel Aviv Innovation Festival in September 2017. The South African winner, along with winners from 20 other countries will take part in this festival, meet potential angel investors, startup leaders and be exposed to the Israeli startup environment. This is a unique opportunity for South African startups who are seeking growth platforms and to learn from a startup nation. For more information and to enter the contest go to www.startuptelavivsouthafrica.com or alternatively email li.vog.afm.airoterp@rp. Closing dates for entries: 15 June 2017 One of the most impressive aspects of South Africa's corporate environment must surely be its dynamic Corporate Social Investment (CSI) landscape. One of our key objectives at Bizcommunity has always been to provide a platform for the sharing of local CSI news the people, policies and projects - that make up the bigger picture of sustainable corporate initiatives in our region. Tell your CSI stories to 464,000 readers To coincide with Youth Month and CSI Month were publishing a two-month Content Highlight burst aiming to provide our 464,000 local and global readers with a comprehensive snapshot of the state of CSI projects and programmes in our region. Putting the you in youth Youth Day, on June 16, in South Africa commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising. To honour our youth, Bizcommunity dedicates the month of June to all things youth-related and will be once again be showcasing these nation-builders of our future. Putting the spotlight on CSI In 2009 the United Nations declared our Madibas birthday, 18 July, to be International Nelson Mandela Day. Ever since then July has become synonymous as the month of all things doing good by Mandelas legacy - We've dedicated this month to our nationwide CSI showcase. Youth/CSI Special Section bundle offer For two months well be showcasing our youth and providing coverage relating to all players in the CSI eco-system from non-profit and government partner organisations to beneficiary stories and the corporate and individual heroes who make up the bigger picture of the South African CSI sector. Tell your youth/CSI stories to 464,000 readers and 50,000 social media followers The digital media offers companies a great opportunity to tell their CSI stories as part of a corporate brand reputation strategy. Companies with well-established and well-run CSR/CSI initiatives are increasingly likely to be favourably considered by customers, stakeholders, tenders and investers. To find out how to get your Youth Month and CSI case studies on Bizcommunity's front pages, contact us on 0860 812 000. Sponsor Youth and CSI Special Sections for a special bundled price: To have your brand seen as a top of mind sponsor for Youth Month Special Sections, CSI Month Special Section (and well throw in sponsorship of the CSI portal) contact moc.ytinummoczib@selas. Corporate Content Service: To enquire about Bizcommunitys Corporate Content writing service for development and distribution of your tailored CSI and branded content contact moc.ytinummoczib@eciffosserp The Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) has launched the inaugural Health Journalist of the Year Titanium Award. everythingpossible via 123RF The award acknowledges health journalists and reporters who have contributed towards creating awareness of industry news by disseminating news and information on healthcare issues to a wide audience; and going the extra mile to explore non-traditional channels of communication to reach a wider audience. Entries are open to print, online, TV and radio reporters/journalists across Southern Africa. Consideration will be given to journalists who show impact through distribution and engaging audiences using social media channels. Journalists must show how they have effectively used social media to reach a wider audience on health-related issues; screen shots from the journalists page must be submitted in PowerPoint presentation form to showcase engagement and reach. The award will be presented during the awards gala dinner on 17 July 2017 at the annual BHF Southern African Conference to be held at the International Convention Centre, in Cape Town, South Africa. Entries close on Monday 5 June 2017. To enter: http://www.bhfglobal.com/titanium-awards. When the world was changing from mechanical and analogue technology to digital electronics four decades ago, Africa was nowhere on the scene. Fast-forward to the present, and Africa has largely been able to catch up with other regions in mobile phone use and internet access, successfully sidestepping the era of desktop computers and landlines. Phillip Petrovic via 123RF The key to Africa achieving its own digital revolution has been innovation at every step, with engineers adapting technology to suit the specific needs and dynamics of the continent instead of the other way around. About 80.8% of Africans own a mobile phone, according to 2016 data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. This is a 10% jump from 71% in 2014. Africa remains the fastest-growing mobile phone market in the world, and is on track to have 725 million smartphone users by 2020, according to a 2016 report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association or GSMA, a trade body representing the interests of mobile operators worldwide. The majority of cell phone users in Africa are not using smartphones. Across seven countries = Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda = only 15% of respondents reported having a smartphone in a 2014 survey by the Pew Research Center, a fact tank based in the United States that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. Instead, until recently, many Africans used feature phones= lower-cost mobile phones with limited capabilities. According to one study, however, by 2019 feature phones will account for only 27% of Africas mobile handset market. The market for smartphones = fuelled by handsets priced at under $100 per unit = continues to grow. A recent report by the global technology consulting firm International Data Corporation predicts smartphone shipments will top 155 million units by the end of 2015 in the Middle East and Africa = after increasing by 66% during the first quarter of 2015. Feature phones are equipped to handle calling and messaging, as well as basic text-based apps, which are generally tailored to address a communitys specific needs. One prominent example is M-Pesa, the popular mobile money system in Kenya that allows users to store money on an account on their phones and make payments via secure SMS text messages. Other innovative apps range from a South African startup called Livestock Wealth, used to buy and sell cows, to M-Kopa = an expansion of M-Pesa used in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to generate solar electricity for domestic purposes and, of course, to recharge cell phones. A major reason for cell phones ability to transform Africa so successfully is that they serve as the primary platform for internet access. According to GSMA, mobile services accounted for 6.7% of the continents GDP in 2015, largely due to their ability to stimulate financial development. For example, farmers can now, by sending a message to a code, find out market prices for crops before going to market, says Ernest Acheampong, a research analyst at the African Technology Policy Studies Network, based in Nairobi. Mobile phones have really changed the face of how we do business in Africa, Acheampong told Africa Renewal. Internet access A major reason for cell phones ability to transform Africa so successfully is that they serve as the primary platform for internet access. Internet penetration reached 29.3% on the continent in 2016, according to data from ITU. Thanks in part to submarine internet cables lining the continents coasts, internet access has become more affordable and has increased in quality since the first cable in 2002. High-bandwidth undersea cables enabled countries to upgrade from 2G to 3G technologies, and even 4G/LTE in Addis Ababa and Nairobi. GSMA foresees 80% of the African continent being connected to 5G internet networks by 2022. Mobile phones coupled with internet access have allowed governments to put their services online and digitise their records. Rwanda bills itself as the continents leader in complete digitisation. For the past 15 years, the country has been working to digitise its education, health care and economy, and now it is pushing to be Africas first cashless society in the public sector; it is already paying its government employees electronically. In late 2015 the government in Kigali rolled out Irembo, an e-platform billed by Rwandans as a one-stop shop for government services and applications. The online portal offers a list of 44 services, including registration for birth certificates and driving licences, passport applications, and it accepts a variety of digital payment methods. A 2014 World Bank Group report noted that digitisation of economies contributes to broad economic growth, individual financial empowerment, and financial inclusion. Challenges The greatest obstacle to digitising Africa is financial. Despite the price of smartphones dropping to under $100 in 2015, that amount is still high for Africas poor, and the added cost of data plans is often prohibitive. By the numbers: 725mn: smartphone users by 2020 in Africa, the fastest-growing mobile market in the world. 80.8%: the percentage of Africans who own a mobile phone. 6.7%: the percentage of the continents GDP attributed to mobile services. 80%: the percentage African continent connected to 5G internet network by 2022. Remote areas in Africa face additional challenges, as it is often difficult to connect these regions to the internet due to poor infrastructure and lack of funding. Investors are hesitant to finance Internet cable expansion into rural areas, since the profit margin is lower than in urban areas. Suveer Ramdhani, the chief development officer at Seacom, a pan-African internet service provider based in Mauritius, says private-public partnerships are the best way to combat this, as they force private companies to duplicate in remote areas the infrastructure that they have produced for urban areas. Mobile phones and mobile platforms have also become dynamic tools for promoting democracy during elections in Africa, as they can be used to quickly communicate results, hot spots where electoral violence may occur and general election information, a major step towards encouraging transparency. Experts agree that they are also crucial in efficiently organising demonstrations and other political activities. However, the power of information is not missed on certain African governments, some of which took to shutting down networks or certain websites during elections and other politically sensitive periods. In 2016, Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, the Republic of Congo and Uganda blocked access to social media, while others, such as Ethiopia, Madagascar and Tanzania, introduced censorship legislation. One initiative to circumvent such blocks comes from the Tor Project, a non-profit creating free software to enable anonymous communication. Its mobile app, OONIProbe, works by detecting censorship and allowing users to access restricted content anonymously. While some aspects of Africas digital revolution are still lagging, the continent as a whole is looking towards the future. The prospects are great. You have a lot of interest in people developing innovations that are related to mobile technology, said Acheampong. Source: United Nations Africa Renewal. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and former U.S. President Bill Clinton Several brave souls have actually declared their intention to run against Rwandan President, aka Dictator, Paul Kagame in this years election, even though two of the countrys three viable candidates landed in prison last time and a third fled the country after his partys vice president was found by a riverbank with his head cut off. This week the Rwandan government announced that all presidential candidates social media messagestext, photos, and videomust be approved by the national electoral commission. Since the Rwandan government has long since assassinated or frightened any real journalists out of the country, this will severely hinder candidates efforts to get their message out, even to the tiny percentage of the population who have both cell phones and electricity in their homes and the larger percentage who have cell phones but have to leave their homesoften walking milesto charge them. Or to those of us outside Rwanda who might be trying to follow this years election. What is Rwandas president trying to hide? A great deal, no doubt, but one word Kagame most certainly does not want broadcast or even tweeted to the world outside is famine. That word might embarrass both him and his powerful friends Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Howard Buffett, and Reverend Rick Warren, all longtime champions of his so-called economic miracle. Bill Clinton and Howard Buffett arent likely to be pleased by reports that their agricultural aid to Rwanda is helping starve rather than uplift Rwandans, so would they want Rwandan presidential candidates to have the freedom to tweet Rwandan famine or related images? Clinton has said that he is willing to tolerate some of the Rwandan governments failings in the area of human rights because, They have achieved so much, and Nothings perfect. Indeed. A recent investigation published by London-based Global Campaign for Rwandans Human Rights reports that since November 2015 more than three million Rwandans [a quarter of the population] are at the verge of starvation and more than 150,000 Rwandans have emigrated out of the country, mostly to Uganda, due to a ravaging famine, particularly in the Eastern Province Districts of Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Bugesera, Kayonza and Kirehe as well as Nyanza and Gisagara Districts in Southern Province. And something else is wrong with this picture. Two of the famine stricken districts of Eastern ProvinceKayonza and Kireheare among the three districts that the Clinton Development Initiative (CDI) boasts of helping in its publication Anchor Farm Project: Rwanda." CDI focuses its smallholder outreach operations in Rwanda's Eastern Provincein the Kirehe, Gatsibo, and Kayonza districtswhere they have an established network of field officers, government agricultural workers, and more than 35,000 farmers benefiting from agricultural extension services during the 2016-2017 seasons. CDI's work will focus on the effectiveness of its farmer extension programs. The core focus of these programs will be on integrated soil fertility management, predominantly for a soy-maize rotation; access to quality and reliable seeds, inputs and input finance; climate resilience and erosion control; and working directly with large buyers to secure the best price. The Clinton Hunter Development Initiative (CHDI), which is a partnership between the Clinton Foundation and The Hunter Foundation of Scotland, established and operates the agroprocessing business Mount Meru Soyco LTD. Soyco, which produces cooking oil for the local Rwandan market, provides a market opportunity for CDI smallholder farmers. And damn if there isnt another problem here. This Hunter-Clinton Foundation agro-processing partnershipMount Meru Soyco LTDin the now famine stricken district of Kayonzaappears to have been a source of reputational anxiety for Clinton Foundation staff and for John Podesta. Podesta is of course former Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton; former CEO, now Chair and Counsel for the Center for American Progress; former Counselor to Barack Obama; former Chair of the Obama-Biden Transition Team; co-owner of the Podesta Group, a major lobbying firm; and perhaps most infamously, campaign manager for Hillary Clintons ill-fated 2016 presidential run. These 2012 e-mails released by Wikileaks in the Podesta e-mails expressed concern that former President Clinton might be held responsible for whatever Mount Meru Soyco LTD gets up to: Re: Rwanda concern From: [email protected] To: [email protected] CC: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] [email protected] Date: 2012-02-21 22:05 Subject: Re: Rwanda concern Tom Hunter sent an email to WJC [William Jefferson Clinton] recently saying he hoped to be in a position to re-engage thru CHDI [Clinton Hunter Development Initiative] in Rwanda in the not too distant future. Announcing that our job in Rwanda is done and we are withdrawing would end that possibility. Ewan Hunter sits on the Board of both Soyco and Rwanda Coffee. To the extent that he is identified with CHDI and not the Hunter Foundation, the reputational issues, at least as far as the public is concerned, would still exist even after our "announcement." The government would understand the distinction, however. ________________________________ From: Amitabh Desai To: Bruce Lindsey Cc: Zayneb Shaikley; Walker Morris; Laura Graham; Doug Band - PC; Justin Cooper - PC; John Podesta Sent: Tue Feb 21 17:03:02 2012 Subject: Rwanda concern Dear Bruce, Laura, and Doug, the note below requests your guidance regarding CHDI in Rwanda. Wed welcome your feedback and would be happy to discuss this further at your convenience. Sincerely, Ami and Walker THE CHALLENGE: The Rwandan public and government associate Soyco and Rwandan Farmers with WJC, but we have little or no operational input or control of those programs. This presents reputational risks - for example next year if Soyco is accused of unjust labor practices, or an accident/fatality occurs at the factory, or if the farmers complain the factory isnt paying them fair prices, etc, there is a risk that WJC is held responsible, albeit unfairly. What followsall of which can be read in Podesta e-mail 15436is a review of five options for managing reputational risks. One is recommended because it would enable WJC to say rightfully that we have ongoing agriculture programs in Rwanda and provide an opportunity to engage donors who approach us with an interest in Rwanda. Fast forward to 2017, and Rwandas Eastern Provinces Kayonza Districthome of agro-processing facility Mount Meru Soyco LTD faces famine and mass migration north to Uganda, which already hosts millions of refugees moving south to escape war and famine in South Sudan. At the same time Rwandan President Paul Kagame continues to take one star turn after another on the world stage. He is Israels African darling and he has just accepted the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson Award for Outstanding Friendship with the Jewish People at the Champions of Jewish Values Gala in NYC. He is feted by elite American universities and business schools including Yale, Harvard, Stanford and the Wharton School, who present him as a transformative leader and echo Bill Clintons rhapsodic claim that the economic and social gains in Rwanda have been nothing short of astonishing under Kagame. The Rwandan president even co-chairs the UN Millenium Development Goals Advocacy Group with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Yet despite all this international star power, Kagame so fears even the tweets of domestic rivals that he commands his electoral commission to censor them. Rwanda Genocide is one term that will not make it past his censors; Genocide against the Tutsi is the description legally codified and enforced within the borders of Rwanda. Another word that his rivals won't be allowed to tweet is famine, even as a quarter of his people face desperate hunger. Ann Garrison is an independent journalist based in Berkeley, California. In 2014, she received the Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza Democracy and Peace Prize for her reporting on conflict in the African Great Lakes region. She can be reached at [email protected]. This Nun Became A Fetish Queen After Indian Massage Life oi-Syeda Farah This is a true story of a nun named "Damcho Dyson" who became a Latex Fetishist after she had an ayurvedic massage in India. Check out this bizarre story of Damcho Dyson who lived a simple life of chastity by being a nun. She was once an attendant to the Dalai Lama. Before a single massage changed her life, she has started studying the 'Tibetan Buddhism' after having an abortion. You May Also Like To Read: What's The Identity Of This Model? Male Or Female? She decided to give up the monastery and move to London after she discovered her fetish. Check out more on her... She Is From Melbourne, Australia As a nun for 10 long years, she meditated, cultivated compassion, wore the monastic robes and remained celibate. She felt burnt out over a period of time, and travelled to India to try to find answers. A Single Massage Changed Her Life She says a massage while on a trip to India reawakened her sexuality and turned her into Britain's NAUGHTIEST nun! Also Read:The World's Weirdest Lovemaking Laws About Her Buddhist Experience She revealed, "It was incredibly enriching and inspiring for me. But now I want to continue my contemplative adventure using a different medium." Her Change Was Gradual Over a period of time, she underwent a colossal change in lifestyle, diving headlong into the world of latex and fetish clubs by 2011. She Revealed She revealed to a leading post as, "I had a graceful sense of my body and my mind reconnecting. I recognized that my body was not separate from my mind. Rather, it was a very vital part of how the mind is embodied. It was natural for me to then ask of myself 'why are you a nun?'" She Further Added 'Lying there having that massage I had an epiphany. I suddenly had a sense of the vitality within my body and decided the time was right to leave the monastery. Her Take On Latex Dress She revealed, "Once the latex is on, the body has a second skin, it is like a cocoon. It is so close to your skin that you feel naked, yet it also is like a protective armour." Some More About The Dress "Being touched while in latex, sense awareness is heightened. And once the latex is removed, there is a deeply felt release - a sense of being unbound." She Is Currently Pursuing Her PhD She is currently raising money to fund her PhD. What is your take on this? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below. The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. A file photo. ARLINGTON (BNS): Boeing has received a contract worth $58.6 million from the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to demonstrate its evolved Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV) technology. The new technology would increase the interceptors' ability to locate and destroy missiles headed toward the United States. The US Department of Defense awarded the contract, work under which will span for 35 months, on May 12. "Our MOKV concept gives the Missile Defense Agency flexibility in eliminating threats more efficiently and affordably," said Paul Geery, vice president, Mission Solutions, Phantom Works. "We've created a robust, resilient design that benefits from our extensive experience in advanced seekers." In 2015, Boeing received an initial study contract from the MDA to design and develop the MOKV concept. As part of that contract, Boeing recommended technology risk reduction efforts for this next phase under which the new contract has been awarded. A file photo. CHENNAI (PTI): Two new Interceptor Boats were inducted on Wednesday in the Coast Guard Eastern region to strengthen coastal security. The boats, C-431 and C-432, built by Larsen and Toubro Ship Building, underwent extensive trials on equipment and machineries prior to being taken over by the Coast Guard, a press release said. The two boats were part of the 36 Interceptor Boats project signed between Ministry of Defence and Larsen and Toubro Shipyard Ltd. The boats would be based out of Chennai and Karaikal respectively and would further "strengthen the coastal security mechanism", it said. Equipped with ultra-modern technology, including navigation and latest communication systems, the boats can achieve a speed of 40 knots. Each boat would have a 12 member crew, including an officer and two subordinate officers, it said. The boats would be utilised during coastal patrol and surveillance, search and rescue operations, humanitarian, anti-terrorist and light intensity military operations, the release added. "Phantom Express" is envisioned as a highly autonomous experimental spaceplane, shown preparing to launch its expendable second stage on the top of the vehicle in this artist's concept. A Boeing image WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will collaborate with the Boeing Company to design, build and test a hypersonic reusable spaceplane which will deliver small satellites into low Earth orbit at affordable cost. The new prototype vehicle, to be built under the Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) programme, is expected to be ready by 2019 and start flight tests by 2020. "The XS-1 would be neither a traditional airplane nor a conventional launch vehicle but rather a combination of the two, with the goal of lowering launch costs by a factor of ten and replacing today's frustratingly long wait time with launch on demand," said Jess Sponable, DARPA programme manager. "We're very pleased with Boeing's progress on the XS-1 through Phase 1 of the programme and look forward to continuing our close collaboration in this newly funded progression to Phases 2 and 3 fabrication and flight." The XS-1 Phase 2 includes design, construction, and testing of the technology demonstration vehicle through 2019. It calls for initially firing the vehicle's engine on the ground 10 times in 10 days to demonstrate propulsion readiness for flight tests. The Phase 3 objectives include 12 to 15 flight tests, currently scheduled for 2020, DARPA said. After multiple shakedown flights to reduce risk, the XS-1 would aim to fly 10 times over 10 consecutive days, at first without payloads and at speeds as fast as Mach 5. Subsequent flights are planned to fly as fast as Mach 10, and deliver a demonstration payload between 900 pounds and 3,000 pounds into low Earth orbit, the research agency further added. Boeing will develop the autonomous, reusable spaceplane capable of carrying and deploying a small expendable upper stage to launch small ((3,000 pound/ 1,361 kg) satellites into low Earth orbit. Once the spaceplane called "Phantom Express" reaches the edge of space, it would deploy the second stage and return to Earth. It would then land on a runway to be prepared for its next flight by applying operation and maintenance principles similar to modern aircraft, Boeing said. Both DARPA and Boeing will invest funds in developing the new spacecraft. The DARPA-Boeing venture joins a race among other American privately-run space firms to build a new generation of reusable space vehicles to lower the cost of putting satellites in orbit. A major contender in the race includes Elon Musk's SpaceX which is progressively working on its Falcon 9 reusable rocket and the Dragon spacecraft. A file photo. NEW DELHI (PTI): A 49 per cent FDI cap has been kept for setting up ventures under the strategic partnership model for production of defence platforms and the companies will be in control of Indian entities. As per documents released by the defence ministry, the management of the applicant companies will have to be in Indian hands with majority representation on the board of directors. The government last week finalised the much-awaited strategic partnership (SP) model under which select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities. Initially, the strategic partners will be selected in four segments -- fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured fighting vehicles/main battle tanks. It is expected to be expanded to other segments at a later stage. "A company shall be considered as 'Owned' by resident Indian citizens if more than fifty per cent of the capital in it is directly or beneficially owned by resident Indian citizens and/or Indian companies, which are ultimately owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens. "This implies that the maximum permitted FDI shall be 49 per cent," the Ministry said. It said the chief executive of the applicant company shall be resident Indians who are part of the Indian group owning and controlling the company or the strategic partner. The Indian group will have the right to appoint a majority of the directors or to control the management or policy decisions. In certain extreme circumstances of conflict like war, the government would have the right to acquire control over the intellectual property used and facilities developed pursuant to the strategic partnership, as per the policy. The ministry said any subsequent change in shareholding pattern/ownership of the strategic partner shall require prior approval of the defence ministry. As per the framework, to manufacture major defence platforms, the select Indian companies will require tie-ups with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) for transfer of technology (ToT) and assistance in training skilled human resources. "Such partnerships or tie-ups between SP and OEM may take the form of joint ventures (JV), equity partnerships, technology-sharing, royalty or any other mutually acceptable arrangement between the companies concerned, subject to the ownership conditions," the Ministry said. The policy envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian defence majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein they would tie up with global OEMs to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains. The Ministry said it will issue an expression of interest (EOI) to seek applications from Indian private companies for selection of Strategic Partner in identified segments and a final decision will be made following a transparent process. To facilitate selection of OEMs, the Ministry will implement a process of shortlisting of OEMs for each segment simultaneously with the process of identifying SPs. "The OEM will be jointly responsible along with the SP for certification and quality assurance of the platforms supplied to Ministry of Defence. It further said, "As part of the EOI, OEMs will provide a formal acceptance of their government(s) that necessary licenses to transfer technology will be granted in case the OEM is selected as a partner for the SP to manufacture the platforms/equipment in India." Such a commitment may also be supported by inter- governmental agreements to be signed between India and the countries concerned, at the stage of award of contract. The Ministry said the contract between the SP and OEM will cover provisions for protection of classified information and technology transferred by the OEM. The OEM will also have to confirm life-cycle support for the platform along with the SP. A file photo. NEW DELHI (PTI): Four players have shown an interest in providing the Navy with 57 multi-role combat fighter jets for its aircraft carrier, Indian Navy chief Sunil Lanba said on Wednesday. The chief of naval staff also said the Scorpene submarine Kalvari is going through its final phase of trials and should be delivered by July-August. Having rejected indigenously built 'Tejas' as too heavy, the Indian Navy in January issued a Request for Information to procure 57 multi-role combat aircraft for its carrier. "The Navy has got response from four players for the RFI. We will examine the RFI and take it forward," Lanba said on the sidelines of a seminar organised by FICCI on 'Building India's Future Navy Technology Imperatives'. He, however, did not disclose the name of the companies which have shown interest in the proposal. At present, the Navy operates 45 MIG-29K jets which face serviceability issues from time to time. Currently, six planes are compatible for aircraft carrier. They are Rafale (Dassault, France), F-18 Super Hornet (Boeing, US), MIG-29K (Russia), F-35B and F-35C (Lockheed Martin, US) and Gripen (Saab, Sweden). While F-18, Rafale and MIG-29K are twin engine jets, the remaining three have single engine. The delivery of deck based fighter jets is expected to take four-five years. The indigenously built aircraft-carrier Vikrant should complete trials in 2019. It was likely to be commissioned by 2020, Lanba said. When asked about the recently approved Strategic Partnership (SP) model under which select private firms will be engaged to build military platforms like submarines and battle helicopters, Lanba said the next step would be to identify strategic partners. "All three service chiefs will have to go and get the AONs (Acceptance of Necessity) on what we want to be built through strategic partners, so that partners in each segment can be identified. "We are hopeful that we should be able to move this process in next six months," he said. Four segments -- submarines, fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks -- were identified under the new policy, aimed at attracting billions of dollars of investment in defence manufacturing by private defence majors including leading foreign firms. At the inauguration of the seminar, Lanba stated that the Navy has taken giant strides in the field of indigenous ship design and construction and has made a transition from being a 'buyer' to being a 'builder'. He, however, stated that despite the achievements in indigenous shipbuilding, the Navy continues to be dependent on external assistance for niche technologies. "An important aspect in attaining 100 per cent self- reliance in ship design and construction, therefore, is the indigenous development of high-end technologies, their transition into shipborne equipment and systems, induction into service and standardisation," he said. Holding that self-reliance in defence production is a vital pre-requisite for achieving greater strategic autonomy, Lanba said it is no easy task and would require dedicated efforts by researchers, designers and manufacturers. Lanba highlighted the three primary requirements that need to be met while inducting a technology or a product affordability, timely delivery and performance. To these primary imperatives, the Navy Chief went on to add a fourth dimension that of life cycle sustenance by providing seamless technical support and making the technology future proof. He stated that this aspect is most vital for building a navy of the future and the support of the industry therefore extends well beyond just supply to life cycle product support. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Down to their final few days of operation, those at Brandons Canadian Blood Services clinic are celebrating the donors who have made their existence possible. Their final day of operation will be June 8, after which mobile clinics will be dispatched to handle Wheat City blood donations. Several Westman mobile clinics are also shutting down. Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun Rick Borotsik poses for a photo with Canadian Blood Services representatives at their downtown Brandon office on Wednesday, after donating blood for the 20th time. They plan on adding his photo to the wall of fame they're creating to recognize their longterm donors in the lead-up to their final day of operations on June 7. Resting on a chair after making his 20th blood donation on Wednesday, Rick Borotsik posed for a photo with Canadian Blood Services staff, which will join others on the clinics wall of fame to recognize the clinics many longtime donors. Smiling receptively as staff surrounded him for the photo, he lamented the clinics impending closure. That sucks, doesnt it? he asked. Quick to respond, a staff member said: Big time. The former Brandon mayor, Brandon-Souris MP and Brandon West MLA said that while he managed to make the 20-donation milestone, it might be a while before he makes it to 21. The less frequent mobile clinics wont be as convenient to schedule appointments at, he said. Extremely disappointed that the clinic is closing, Borotsik said that Canadian Blood Services is making it more difficult for those in Westman to donate blood, which seems like an odd direction given their continued advocacy for there to be more donors. While he admits that he doesnt know the organizations inner workings and that his response is emotional, its nonetheless frustrating. Its not good for the city, its not good for the donors, its not good for Canadian Blood Services, he said. Fellow donor Roman Zaliskyy, 18, rested next to Borotsik after giving blood for the second time. The first time went better, an exhausted Zaliskyy said after having triggered a code red for passing out during his donation. It was a little unexpected, he said. Canadian Blood Services staff responded to the incident swiftly, pulling him out of it within seconds. While his experience this time around was less than positive, Zaliskyy said that hed donate blood again in the future, at one of the upcoming mobile clinics. If something were to happen to one of his family members, he said that hed want them to have blood available right away, and that donating blood is his means of contributing to that cause. Borotsik said his inspiration to donate blood so many times came through the granddaughter of a friend of his who underwent numerous blood transfusions as a result of leukemia. Somebody had to be there in order for that child to have transfusions, he said. I might as well be one of them. Canadian Blood Services did not respond to a media inquiry by press time on Wednesday. When news of the impending closure broke in March, Canadian Blood Services director of donor relations for the Prairie region, Susan Matsumoto, said closing the Brandon clinic was a difficult decision they made in part because of the location failing to collect its targets for the past four years, during which they took in between 75 to 85 per cent of the 5,000 units of blood per year theyd set as their goal. Funded by a collection of provincial and territorial governments, stagnant funding and ever-increasing costs put a strain on their operations in recent years, with Matsumoto explaining that this forced them to cut less cost-effective efforts such as those in Westman. Brandon-Souris Conservative MP Larry Maguire launched a petition in March to help push those in charge to keep the Brandon clinic open, which more than 1,700 people signed. On Wednesday, Maguire said he was disappointed to find his petition and communication with Canadian Blood Services officials had not resulted in immediate positive action, but that he planned to remain on the case. Well just keep this on the forefront, he said. Were not going to stop fighting to bring back this permanent clinic, and I think theres value in the mobile rural clinics as well. Brandons Canadian Blood Services clinic at The Town Centre will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. both today and June 8, and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. With the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) currently under review by the provincial government, some experts are concerned the legislation will get an overhaul in the wrong direction. The Manitoba government launched a review of privacy legislation in March, calling for the public to weigh-in on the legislation. Much has changed since the last review as technology has advanced and social media has progressed, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires said in a press release. We want to hear from the public to ensure these pieces of legislation continue to be effective and serve the needs of all citizens of our province. However, Kevin Walby, an expert on freedom of information law and associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Winnipeg, questions if the government will tap into the expertise in Manitoba. I know that British Columbia and Alberta revised their freedom of information (FOI) legislation in the last three years, and they consulted academics and lawyers when they were doing that, and Im not sure thats happening here in Manitoba, Walby said. I even inquired into how someone whos interested in this topic and published on this topic can get involved in trying to shape the legislation, and I didnt get a response. Its not uncommon for politicians regardless of party to campaign on promises of transparency and do the opposite when in power, Walby said, adding the Tories are no exception. I dont have any faith whatsoever that the Pallister (government) will amend this legislation to provide more sunshine, if you will, or antidotes to secrecy and corruption. If anything, they might ratchet it up in the opposite direction, Walby said. FIPPA as it currently stands is already flawed, with sections that are frequently used against the spirit of the act, Walby said. (Some sections) work against the real mission of freedom of information which is to provide some avenue for the public, for journalists, for academics, to know whats actually happening with local public bodies or what kind of advice thats being given to public bodies, Walby said. Its too bad thats their mode of operation in FOI offices theyre trying to find a reason not to disclose when it should be the other way around. There should be a duty to disclose wherever possible and these sections should be used far less frequently. The Brandon Sun has had a few experiences recently where these sections have been used against requests for information, met with heavily redacted documents or complete refusal of the request. In March, the newspaper filed a request with the Brandon School Division under FIPPA for records regarding efficiencies found by BSDs senior administration in July, 2016 including any changes to salary and benefit formulas. The request followed BSDs budget consultations, in which the division said they were able to save almost a million dollars through efficiencies such as switching school buses over to propane, lowering Employment Insurance ($132,000), and making reductions in salary benefit costs through a rejigging of the formula. BSD refused to elaborate on what was changed in the formula to garner the savings, and refused the FOI request as well citing parts of sections 22 and 23 of the act as the information was substance of deliberations done in camera. Brandon Teachers Association president Peter Buehler said he is concerned with the lack of transparency surrounding these efficiencies, adding he still hasnt received a full explanation of how they were arrived at. It was a mystery at the time. Its not something weve seen before and it just struck all of us as pretty unusual, Buehler said. The information given to the public didnt tell us enough. There were sort of explanations, but of course they were not thorough. The Manitoba Ombudsman also recently ruled against The Brandon Sun in its bid to get Brandon police to disclose any discipline given to one of its officers from his treatment of a domestic violence victim. The provinces Independent Investigation Unit found that the officer yelled at a woman who made a domestic assault complaint and questioned her life choices. Hed thrown the womans phone on the floor when she tried to record the conversation. While it called the officers actions uncalled for, the agency didnt recommend charges against the officer. The Brandon Sun filed a FIPPA request in July 2016 in which the city declined to share any internal discipline imposed by the police force. The Sun appealed, but last month the Ombudsman backed the citys assertion that the officers discipline was a part of his employment history and disclosing it would be an unreasonable invasion of a third partys privacy under the act. Even if the Manitoba Ombudsman were to rule in favour of a newspapers complaint, another flaw in the act is the lack of power an ombudsman has to do anything about it. The ombudsperson doesnt really have order-making powers, so theyre really rendered passive, Walby said. Theyre able to field complaints and assess them, but even if they find someone not following the letter of the law theres not too much the ombudsperson could do about it. If the Pallister government wants to improve FIPPA, Walby said the ombudsperson office should be transformed into a properly staffed and resourced commissioners office with order making power, like in other provinces. Walby also suggested going through the legislation and removing vague sections that empower FOI co-ordinators to block access. If the Pallister government is going to amend the legislation, I hope they would consult the people in Manitoba who do study FOI, Walby said. If they dont do any of that, that would indicate to me they are not being transparent about transparency. edebooy@brandonsun.com, with files from Ian Hitchen Twitter: @erindebooy Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/05/2017 (1989 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Granted city status 135 years ago this week, the city that was never a town has remained true to its early roots during its decades-long run. The City of Brandons steady growth, status as Westmans hub community, residents tendency to stick around and its reliance on agriculture which helped secure its Wheat City designation, have all remained intact. Brandon has lasted and continued to grow and prosper as the major service hub of western Manitoba, Mayor Rick Chrest said on Tuesday, the citys official birthday. Courtesy The McKee Archives This negative provides an excellent view of Rosser Avenue (looking east from 10th Street) in the early 20th century, and shows one of the first runs for Brandon's streetcar system. This image was used as the cover image for Lee Clark's Brandon's Politics & Politicians. The vision of the founders of Brandon 135 years ago has been born out and been really enhanced, he said, adding that Brandons never been a boom or a bust town and that its steady growth has been key to both its longevity and culture. Residents devotion to Brandon dates back to its beginnings, when in 1881 its first load of Canadian Pacific Railway passengers reached the area. Situated 130 miles down the line from Winnipeg, Brandon was exactly where a subdivision needed to be located for railway-related purposes. But its location proved more beneficial than just that, Chrest said. The founders of Brandon saw it as the major service centre for the western part of the province, and so therefore they were immediately thinking that it would be a city and indeed thats how it progressed. Within a year of settlement, Brandon progressed from wilderness to an incorporated city with 1,500 residents living and working in 170 buildings. Commercial activities were conducted in wooden structures along Sixth Street, between Rosser Avenue and the grain buildings along the tracks of Pacific Avenue. Through the 1890s, Rosser Avenue boomed, with brick buildings constructed along what remains the citys historic downtown core. Much has changed, and much has remained the same. Coinciding with Canadas 150th anniversary, patriotism will join community pride during a handful of activities sprinkled throughout the summer, kicking off with next weeks Manitoba Summer Fair at the Keystone Centre from June 7 to 11. As a special nod to the areas military history, everythings kicking off on Wednesday morning with a CFB Shilo-led march from the Brandon Armoury to city hall, where Chrest will grant them Freedom of the City during a ceremony. At the Keystone Centre, a citizenship ceremony for approximately 150 new Canadians will take place at 2 p.m., after which the new citizens will be invited to take part in the days festivities free of charge, with the gates opening to the public by 4 p.m. These new Canadian citizens are in keeping with Brandons colonial history, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba general manager Ron Kristjansson said. Courtesy, S.J. McKee Archives, Brandon University The Crystal Palace at the Brandon fairgrounds, circa 1913. Kristjanssons family came over from Iceland only 100 years ago, with many others in the area sharing similar stories, with the clear exception being the areas indigenous peoples. Recognizing the areas agricultural roots and present-day economy, Kristjanssons said that the weeks events will remain heavily steeped in farm culture. While Brandon has grown to a mid-sized city, it is still an agricultural hub, he said, adding that there are still some in the city who arent exposed to farming on a day-to-day basis, with many of us one generation removed from the farm. Our agricultural education piece at our fairs is something that we really focus on, he said. All of the cultures that make up the Wheat City will come together for Canada Day festivities at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on July 1, which Brandon Riverbank Inc. general manager Lois MacDonald said would pay special attention to Canadas 150th and Brandons 135th. Various cultures will be recognized throughout the day, representing the melting pot that Brandon has become during its 135 years. It has come to be a great reflection of our community and all the people who live here, MacDonald said. Its great to host so many people from Brandon and from throughout southwestern Manitoba. This years big draw is expected to be Manitoban country music group Doc Walker, whose free evening performance will take place at 9 p.m., capping off the days family-friendly activities alongside a fireworks display. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus father once famously compared living next to the U.S. to sleeping with an elephant a twitch or a grunt south of the border can have big consequences for Canada. U.S. President Donald Trumps proposed tax plan is considerably more than a twitch. Trump proposes significant cuts to business and personal tax rates. That would reduce Canadas competitiveness in attracting investment, skilled workers and entrepreneurs which all contribute to a dynamic and growing economy. The Trudeau government should take action. But with an expected $28.5-billion budget deficit and red ink as far as the eye can see, what can be done in a fiscally responsible manner? The answer lies in the Liberal Party of Canadas past, specifically the Chretien era of the mid-1990s and early 2000s. When Jean Chretien became prime minister in the early 90s, Canada was in a much worse competitive position than today. It had been more than two decades since the last balanced federal budget. The resulting debt accumulation created a great deal of uncertainty, hobbling investment. Nominal federal debt increased from $20.3 billion in 1970-71 to $527.9 billion in 1993-94. And relatively high personal tax rates encouraged many of Canadas best and brightest to move elsewhere a phenomenon often referred to as Canadas brain drain. In response, the Chretien government implemented a series of critical spending and tax reforms. Starting in 1995, they reduced federal program spending by nearly 10 per cent over two years. This, along with crucial program reforms, helped the federal government eliminate the deficit for the first time in a generation. A virtuous cycle ensued, including a string of budget surpluses that allowed Ottawa to chip away at its mountain of debt, with debt falling by $30.5 billion over Chretiens tenure. Paying down debt meant lower interest payments on the debt, freeing up resources for major reductions to personal and business tax rates. In short, the government pursued historic reforms that made Canada more attractive for investment. The underlying focus was more prudent spending, balanced budgets, debt reduction and competitive tax rates. That, along with similar reforms at the provincial level, paved the way for a decade of prosperity, with Canada outperforming other industrial countries on economic growth, job creation and business investment. The lessons from the Chretien era can be applied today, particularly in response to Trumps tax plan. Prudent spending, debt reduction and tax rate cuts would make Canada a more competitive location for investment and skilled labour, and help foster the prosperity Canadians enjoyed following the Chretien reforms. This, however, would mean a dramatic change in course for Trudeaus government. In contrast to the Chretien era, this government has moved away from proven policies and instead embraced significant deficit spending and debt accumulation. Indeed, the Department of Finances projections suggest decades of deficits and debt accumulation are imminent. Trudeau has also acted contrary to his predecessor by raising tax rates on skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Combined with provincial tax rates, Canadas top personal income tax rate is now 53.5 per cent for someone living in Ontario, while the federal-state top tax rate in the U.S. is 46.3 per cent. This raises the spectre of a new brain drain to the U.S., particularly given Trumps plan to reduce the top tax rate by 4.6 percentage points. Trumps plan (if implemented) will also make Canada less competitive on business taxes. His proposal reduces the average federal-state corporate income tax rate from 39 per cent to 21 per cent, lower than the 26.5 per cent federal-provincial combined rate in Ontario. While it may run against the grain for the Trudeau government, the Chretien reforms provide a road map on how to make Canadas economy more competitive in a Trump era. Charles Lammam is director of fiscal studies and Hugh MacIntyre is policy analyst at the Fraser Institute (fraserinstitute.org). Troy Media Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ricky Strongquill runs his fingers along his neck, tracing the jagged scar that serves as a permanent reminder of a darker time in his life. Its a past hes not proud of. And one he cant change. These days, Strongquill is on a much different path in life, one that has helped heal the many invisible wounds that were leaving an even bigger mark on him. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Ricky Strongquill, the son of RCMP Const. Dennis Strongquill, has learned to forgive for his sake. Dennis Strongquill was a 52-year-old constable stationed in Waywayseecappo just before Christmas of 2001, when he was shot to death during a routine traffic stop just east of Russell. It all began with an extraordinary gesture toward a most unlikely source the stranger who helped send him on his downward spiral by murdering his father. It remains one of the most shocking crimes in Manitoba history: a well-respected RCMP officer ambushed on the highway during a routine traffic stop and gunned down. The December 2001 killing of Const. Dennis Strongquill near Russell was the culmination of a wild and dangerous spree by three heavily armed fugitives on the run from Alberta Robert Sand, his brother Danny Sand, and Roberts girlfriend, Laurie Bell. Danny Sand was killed days later by a police sniper while staked out on the roof of a Saskatchewan motel, while his brother and Bell would give themselves up to face justice. Robert Sand, who shot Dennis Strongquill, was convicted of first-degree murder after a jury trial in Brandon and given a life sentence with no chance of parole until 2026. Bell was found guilty of manslaughter for encouraging the attack and ultimately sentenced to 10 years behind bars, which she completed in 2011. Dennis Strongquill, 52, was survived by six children, along with a network of friends and colleagues across the country who were sent into mourning. Family members agree nobody took his violent death harder than 20-year-old Ricky Strongquill, who was already teetering toward a lifestyle that had loved ones worried. At that age, Id already been experimenting a lot with partying. This just kind of gave me a stepping stone to say OK, its all right to do it now, Strongquill told the Winnipeg Free Press from his apartment in Osborne Village. And so there were drugs and alcohol for years after that. There was a lot of resentment, a lot of hate. His siblings, especially older sister Teresa Strongquill, tried to steer him toward a better place. To seek help. To talk to professionals. But he was having none of it. I bottled it all up. To me, I was a ticking time bomb, he says. His father, a proud Mountie, would not have stood for this kind of behaviour, but he was no longer around to try to stop it. There were multiple trips to the drunk tank and several overdoses, including one particularly close call with cocaine that left him hospitalized. There was also an out-of-control party that ended with him being slashed in the throat by his own cousin. We were the best of friends. We had done our drugs. Cocaine, weed, some drinking. I didnt know hed done ecstasy. He went into a crazy psychosis state, says Ricky Strongquill. The attacker had also stabbed his wife in the same frenzy, leaving her seriously injured. After the brush with death, Strongquill says he began to evaluate his life. He was unemployed, essentially couch-surfing with family and friends, with no real future ahead of him. It was bleak. I couldnt continue like that, he says. It was killing me. It was slowly killing me with the drugs and the alcohol. I finally had enough. Robert Sand is led by RCMP officers into Brandon Correctional Centre on Dec. 23, 2001. (File) Strongquill vowed to make a concerted effort to get clean and sober, but realized one of the keys to doing so was letting go of so much of the anger within him. The first step was forgiving his cousin for what hed done. That ended up being easier than expected, given their previous close relationship. The cousin was ultimately charged and convicted, but he stayed in touch during the process and was there when he was released from prison a few years later. The next step on his journey was going to take a massive leap of faith. About three years ago, he sat down with a pad of paper and began writing what would prove to be a life-altering letter. Nobody else knew what I wanted to do. It wasnt for anybody but myself, Strongquill says of his decision to reach out to Robert Sand. I told Robert I wasnt speaking on behalf of my family. This was for me to heal. One of us had to start this. All of us kids were going to be angry our entire life. Sand had never once apologized for killing Dennis Strongquill, fighting the charges at trial and not uttering a single word at sentencing. That didnt matter to Ricky Strongquill, who knew what he wanted to do. I just told him I was ready to forgive, he says. There were moments of hesitation, specifically with regards to how other family members would feel, including his late father. I thought about whether I was doing the right thing. What would my dad think? Am I dishonouring him? Would he be disappointed? says Strongquill. The letter was forwarded to Sand through David Gustafson, executive director of the Community Justice Initiatives Association in British Columbia. The organization works with families of crime victims and offenders who are open to a restorative justice approach as part of the healing process. They said what I was doing here was setting a pretty big ball in motion. I said that was good because I wanted to let go of all that crap, Strongquill says. Gustafson told the Free Press it was a remarkable move by Strongquill to reach out to Sand for the purpose of unconditionally granting forgiveness to him. (Sand) sat quietly as he read the letter we had just handed him, slowly shaking his head in amazement at the words he was reading, said Gustafson. Sand would write a two-page letter back in which he expressed shock at hearing from him. Gustafson said the inmate really laboured over his response. Your letter came as a surprise and impacted me deeply. Ive read out its words over a dozen times and put pen to paper almost as many. I dont believe I have ever been as impacted by written words, nor have I written anything as important and difficult as this letter, Sand began in his February 2014 reply. It was the start of a truly unusual relationship. An excerpt from the letter written by Robert Sand to Ricky Strongquill, son of Dennis Strongquill. Sand was convicted of the first-degree murder of Dennis Strongquill, an RCMP officer. You and I have a couple things in common I noticed after reading your letter, Sand continued in that initial reply. I also havent missed a single day without thinking of your father, my brother and everything that happened in those dark days. Ive lived a life of many regrets, but the loss of our loved ones and the widespread trauma I caused is by far my biggest. Strongquill had shared some details about his struggle with addiction in the years after the murder. Sand mentioned how his abuse of drugs and alcohol had contributed to his actions, and how he feels like a different person having been clean for several years behind bars. I still struggle to live with the things Ive done, and I dont imagine it will get any easier, Sand wrote. No one should have to go through what our families have gone through. Ricky, I am wholeheartedly sorry for taking your father from you and yours. I understand that he was a good man and father, making his loss even more painful. There will never be anything I could say or do to take back or make up for what I have done. Was it genuine? Strongquill was convinced it was. After all, he was the one who approached Sand, with the killer having nothing to gain at that point considering parole eligibility was still more than a decade away. You could tell hed done some work on himself spiritually, says Strongquill, who learned through prison officials of the various programs Sand had taken to better himself. I never even considered the possibility of forgiveness from a relation of your father, Sand wrote. When I sat reading your words, it really rocked me hard. You sound like a good man, Ricky. One no doubt your father would be proud of. I am not sure I would have the strength to forgive if I were in your shoes. Strongquill says it was those final words, near the end of Sands letter, that hit him the hardest. My dad would be proud, I think. My whole life Id heard that, even after he passed away. It never really meant anything to me. But to hear Robert say that brought me to tears, he says. Strongquills family had mixed emotions. Four of his siblings, while supportive of his move, wanted nothing to do with Sand. But Teresa eventually followed suit, seeing the value in what her brother had done and writing her own letter and even taking it a step further by flying out to B.C. in March 2016 to sit down with Sand in prison. I found what I was looking for when I decided to forgive. However, I will never forget, she told the Free Press this week of the four-hour meeting. Im a much happier person. Im more at peace with myself since I went out to visit him. I realize hes a person too who did something terribly, terribly wrong, she said. I saw with my own eyes that he was genuinely sorry, and I got an apology for what occurred. Teresa ultimately wrote a letter to federal justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould about her meeting, which she called history in the making. I would like to thank you personally for having these programs in place so that families can take these opportunities to help them in their healing process, she wrote. I was able to witness a miracle because I was able to forgive the offender and saw with my own eyes and heart that he truly was sorry and took full responsibility for his actions. Ricky Strongquill would receive another letter from Sand shortly after Teresas visit. I could feel that she is strong and her strength was reinforced by a pure heart. She truly is a special person and a blessing for those around her, Sand wrote of Teresa. Ill be honest, walking into that meeting wasnt easy, and what followed didnt get any easier. I could feel that she was void of hate or malice, sincere in her compassion and forgiveness. At first, I found that difficult to understand that, but over time Im also realizing how toxic hate, resentment and shame can be. Sand mentioned how Teresa told him Ricky had recently experienced a bit of a setback in his rehabilitation and the killer urged his victims son to stay strong. An excerpt from the letter written by Robert Sand to Ricky Strongquill, son of Dennis Strongquill. Sand was convicted of the first-degree murder of Dennis Strongquill, an RCMP officer. Hearing this. I wanted to do something to help. Not knowing how I could, I decided to write. Ricky, I hope that you wont give up on sobriety and that happy and joyous life free from drugs and alcohol. I know that you have the strength to pick yourself back up. Its not the fall thats important. The important thing is picking yourself back up and learning from the experience. I wish you success and happiness and will send you strength and positive energy, Sand concluded. After so many directionless years, Ricky Strongquill believes he has found his true calling. Now 36, he is set to graduate later this year from the culinary arts program at Red River College. Hes an up-and-coming chef in this city, currently doing his practicum at Niakwa Country Club, and hopes to carve out a successful career in his industry. He looks to some famous chefs in the world who have overcome plenty of obstacles to achieve their success and hopes to one day be a similar role model others, especially First Nations youth. You know what excites me about cooking? When it puts a smile on someones face. You genuinely know you did a good job, Strongquill says. I get my inspiration from these big chefs. A lot of their stories are the same. When they were young, they had these dark years. He doesnt hide from his past and admits he is far from perfect, including a slip-up with hard drugs about a year ago, which is around the time Sand wrote his last letter. Theres always a fear, a constant fear. I call them reminders, he says. Im an optimist now. I take that and use (the past) as a reminder thats now where I want to be. Once he gets his diploma, Strongquill plans to take a trip out west to see Sand. He said its all part of the journey hes on. I definitely started healing a little differently. Its always going to be an open wound. Its always going to hurt, he says. But this definitely has made things easier. The next step is for me to go out there. He says he wasted many valuable years of his life but believes his real purpose has emerged. In addition to his career, hes in a long-term relationship and has a place of his own. I have no regrets. I had to go through what I had to go through to get where I am. I did a lot of work on myself to get where I am, he says, while noting the role Sand has played in the process. It was like a weight was lifted off, one that you didnt know was holding you down. I said everything I wanted to say. I felt like this was the right thing I had to do. Winnipeg Free Press Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A survivor of sexual abuse as a child, Jessica Selby remembers the shame she felt. Violated at the age of six, Selby kept what happened to her a secret for three years while she thought she was pregnant. I was living like that for three years, thinking that I was a horrible, awful little creature like I wasnt even a child at that point, Selby remembered. Its what you lead yourself to believe as a person whos gone through it; no child should ever feel like that. Jessica Selby, a survivor of sexual abuse as a child who now works as a workplace safety and health consultant for Prairie Mountain Health, invited Little Warriors to host a workshop in Brandon. The national organization, which is committed to the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, is hosting the workshop on June 7 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) Selby believes theres a stigma to even discussing child sexual abuse. She hopes this will change, in part through initiatives like Little Warriors Prevent It!, an educational workshop coming to Brandon next week to teach adults how to stop child sexual abuse. Society struggles to even acknowledge this largely silenced issue, the Brandonite said. Everybody sees children as beautiful little beings and nobody wants to admit that somebody wants to actually, intentionally hurt them. But it happens staggeringly often. One in three girls and one in six boys experience an unwanted sexual act, according to the Badgley Commission, the most extensive study of child sexual abuse in Canadian history. That same report indicated 95 per cent of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator. And the crime is often shrouded in secrecy, with a recent study from the University of Alberta stating 95 per cent of childhood sexual abuse cases go unreported. On Wednesday, June 7, Little Warriors, a national organization committed to the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, will host a three-hour workshop. The class is open to everyone, such as parents, but is geared toward adults who work with children, Selby said, such as health care workers, daycare staff and teachers. Two workshops were held in recent months. This months session, also in conjunction with Little Warriors and the Prairie Mountain Health Maternal Child Program, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Selby, who now works for PMH as a workplace safety and health consultant and invited Little Warriors to the city, said the workshop isnt designed to shock attendees, but give people the tools to learn about child sexual abuse, notice signs to watch for in children who have been abused and prevent the crime from happening in the first place. The workshop also encourages parents to talk about sexual abuse with their kids in a manner that wont scare them. Children need to understand that their bodies are their own and nobody is allowed to touch them, she said. And if you dont teach that to your children, nobodys going to. After Selbys parents spoke to her about the dangers of sexual abuse is when she found the courage to disclose what happened to her. The admission was shocking. The perpetrator had groomed her entire family, making them like and trust him. The abuse occurred in Pinawa. Selby and her family were living in Birtle at the time. For years, Selby internalized the shame she felt. At times, her behaviour was self-destructive. She was often angry, not at the grown man who inflicted so much harm, but at herself. She twice attempted suicide. A counsellor helped assure Selby that she wasnt to blame. Today, the trauma contributes to her overly cautious parenting style. She sometimes thinks of the worst-case scenario of what could happen. Their worst-case scenario, she said of other parents, is very different than mine. Motivated by her past, Selbys driven to eliminate the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse. More resources are in place to help people these days than there were decades ago, she said, but more can be done. I dont want any other kids to have to experience what Ive experienced, she said. For more information on the workshop, contact Selby at 204-578-2037 or jselby@pmh-mb.ca. The cost is $20 per attendee. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese The first payments of claims to customers of the collapsed Setanta Insurance will be made shortly, according to Government. The Supreme Court ruled last week that the taxpayer compensation fund, rather than the insurance industry itself, was liable for the bulk of the claims. Its not the first time, or will it be the last time, an A-list celebrity arrives to Ireland and has a few questions about the way we do things here. To be honest, in their defense we are a strange breed. Sadly the Britain's Got Talent journey has ended for Kerry dancer David Geaney. Last night he wowed the crowd with something we didnt even know was possible - Irish dancing to a remix of Over the Rainbow. Unfortunately the 22-year-old didnt receive enough votes to qualify for the live finals but that didnt stop him making an impression with the folks over the water. Before the show aired he popped by the Good Morning Britain studio to talk with hosts, Piers Morgan, Kate Garraway and Richard Arnold. After a brief chat about all things Irish dancing, they challenged him to teach Arnold the basic batter. He gave it his best shot but of course with the Riverdance soundtrack playing in the background it turned out to be as cringey as you would think. Keep flying the flag, David. The Court of Appeal has overturned awards of between 23,000 and 48,000 to three bookmakers arising out of a row over the loss of their betting ring pitch positions at Dundalk racecourse, writes Ann O'Loughlin. The dispute arose following the 35m redevelopment of the stadium in 2007 as an all-weather track. In 2015, the High Court awarded 48,376 to Newry-based bookie Patrick O'Hare, 41,484 to John Hughes, a prominent racing commentator on British TV, and 23,929 to Francis Hyland, an officer of the bookies representative body, the Irish National Bookmakers Association. The three brought test cases on behalf of around 30 bookies who sued Dundalk Racing (1999) Ltd, trading as Dundalk Stadium, for breach of contract. The bookies claimed Dundalk Racing breached their contracts under national rules by demanding an 8,000 capital contribution from each of them towards the redevelopment of the venue before they could return to do business from what had been their established bookie slots at the racecourse, or "pitches". Dundalk Racing argued that as it was a new racecourse, and not registered until August 2007, seeking a contribution when it did was not governed by national pitch rules. In 2015, then High Court, now Court of Appeal judge, Gerard Hogan found the re-opened stadium did not amount to a new racecourse for the purpose of the pitch rules and such a contribution could not be exacted from those bookies with established seniority. While the bookies had claimed hundreds of thousands in lost profits as a result of being unable to operate, Mr Justice Hogan only allowed them recover losses sustained in the first 12 months from when the stadium re-opened in 2007 on the basis of their failure to mitigate their losses by taking up the pitches and then suing. Dundalk Racecourse appealed the decision. Today, the Court of Appeal, comprising Justices Mary Finlay Geoghegan, Michael Peart and Mary Irvine, set aside the awards. They said the High Court judge was correct in deciding that the racecourse remained in substance the same racecourse it was before redevelopment, at least in the sense contemplated by the national pitch rules. The racecourse however had no entitlement to require the bookies pay an 8,000 capital contribution in order to get pitches in the new course, the court said. That was a breach of contract, it said. There was no evidence to substantiate the High Court finding that, one of the three, Mr Hughes, participated in an unlawful collective trade boycott by bookies in 2007 and 2008. There was also no subsisting finding that any of the three participated in such a boycott. The matters which the High Court judge relied upon to support the conclusion that the bookmakers acted reasonably in refusing to agree to stand at Dundalk, under the new 2007 terms, were "either not supported by the evidence or were matters to which he ought to have had regard". In those circumstances, it was considering afresh the whole question of their failure to mitigate their losses while mindful of the facts found by the High Court. It found that if the bookmakers had taken up the pitches, they would have suffered no loss by reason of the breach of pitch rules by Dundalk Racing, except for the payment of the 8,000 contribution which they could have later sued for. Therefore, the awards of damages to the three must be set aside. The court dismissed the racecourse's appeal against the failure to award damages over the unlawful boycott. The racecourse claimed the boycott reduced the number of customers by around 100 and led to a gross loss of 408,000 up to February 2014. It also dismissed a cross-appeal by Mr O'Hare over the refusal of the High Court to grant him an injunction directing the racecourse to allocate him the pitch he would have been entitled to in 2007 in accordance with seniority under the pitch rules. A qualified barrister who headbutted a creche manager and broke her nose has lost an appeal against his conviction for assault causing harm, writes Ann O'Loughlin. In October, 2013, Michael Waters (aged 44), of Ava Avenue, Belfast, was given a suspended three-year sentence after he was found guilty by a majority jury of assaulting Marian Wallace on January 4, 2012. Mr Waters, who is disabled and suffers from a progressive muscle-wasting condition, was also ordered to make any contact with the injured party or any member of staff at her creche in south Dublin for 15 years. He appealed his conviction and today, a three-judge Court of Appeal dismissed his case. It found his conviction before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was safe. Mr Justice John Edwards said on the day before the incident, Ms Wallace received an email from Mr Waters' partner revoking permission for him to collect their child from the creche. Mr Waters arrived on January 4 and insisted he was not leaving without the child. Ms Wallace tried to get him to go outside the children's room. There developed an incident in a corridor in which Ms Wallace said Waters threatened her, attempted to bite her on the face and then tried to bite her hand as she held a door handle to prevent him getting back into the room. Then, before telling her "I'm going to hurt you", he "put back his head and headbutted me straight into the face," she said. Mr Waters claimed she hit her nose after he managed to get in front of her when she pulled and dragged him from behind with the result he fell over on her. Ms Wallace said that never happened. Mr Waters appealed his conviction and sentence on 10 grounds including a failure by prosecutors to disclose certain witness statements, including from Ms Wallace. Rejecting his appeal against conviction, Mr Justice Edwards said the court considered that none of the undisclosed statements contained any significant inconsistency, in the sense of containing something radically different from what was said on another occasion. Mr Waters, in complaining about non-disclosure, had not engaged with the evidence actually given at trial and had not demonstrated how that undisclosed material might have made a difference to the outcome, the judge said. The court also refused his application to adduce new evidence by allowing Waters further cross-examine witnesses in relation to the undisclosed statements. It also rejected grounds of appeal alleging failures in the garda investigation or of an embellishment of evidence by the prosecution resulting in unfairness. In relation to one of the other grounds of appeal, that the prosecution failed to provide criminal records of prosecution witnesses in advance of the trial, the court found Mr Waters had not adduced any evidence to suggest any of those witnesses actually had criminal records. It was regrettable he was not informed of what the position was, the court said, but it did not give rise to any actual unfairness at the trial. The court also dismissed all other grounds of appeal. The killers of yesterday's gangland victim may have used Facebook to track him. Thirty-seven--year-old Michael Keogh was shot dead on Dublin's Dorset Street after posting a status update on Tuesday morning about a new job. It is believed the father of two was murdered as part of the Kinahan Hutch feud. His body was found in an underground carpark. Detectives believe his death is linked to a car which was found burnt out on Clonliffe Avenue. Gardai have increased armed checkpoints in the north inner city in the wake of the shooting. Earlier: The victim of yesterday's gangland shooting in Dublin has been named locally as 37-year-old Michael Keogh. He was shot on his way to work, the latest victim of the deadly Kinahan-Hutch feud. It is believed his killers had been lying in wait for him. He was found in an underground car park just off Dorset Street A car believed to have been used in the killing was found about a kilometre away on Clonliffe Avenue, with a gun and silencer inside. His death has led to calls for the Taoiseach to follow through on plans to regenerate Dublin's north inner city. Labour TD Joe Costello has also called for the establishment of an International Criminal Assets Bureau to seize the profits of criminals abroad. "Nothing has been done to deal with the international threat - where all the drugs come from," he said. "Until we can have an International Criminal Assets Bureau where those assets of the drug dealers and the cartels can be seized, we will never be able to stop the supply. "When the supply of money is coming through, so also (is) the supply of guns, so also (are) the killings." Gardai in Waterford have launched a murder inquiry after a man's body was found at an apartment in the city yesterday. The body of 48-year-Abdi Rasheed Kaaheen Shire was found on Wellington St, at around 9.20am yesterday. A High Court judge has raised issues with lawyers for the US government about the effect of findings of non-compliance by US intelligence agencies with restrictions on surveillance, writes Ann O'Loughlin. Ms Justice Caroline Costello raised the issues when hearing submissions about the significance for the Data Protection Commissioner's case concerning the validity of EU-US data transfers of recently announced restrictions on collection of a certain category of personal data by the US National Security Agency. While the NSA has historically been authorised to acquire communications to, from, or about a target under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Security Act through its Upstream internet surveillance programme, it will no longer collect communications about a target. The judge last March reserved judgment on the case but Eileen Barrington SC, for the US government, subsequently asked the judge to factor in the new developments when preparing her judgment. The judge agreed to receive the information, formally provided by Facebook Ireland as a party to the case. She also agreed to allow experts for the sides to provide brief reports of their views on it and to hear short oral submissions on Thursday from the sides. She will give her judgement later on an unspecfied date. In her proceedings, Commissioner Helen Dixon wants the judge to ask the Court of Justice of the EU to decide the validity or otherwise of European Commission decisions approving data transfer channels known as standard contractual clauses (SCCs). Her case is against Facebook Ireland because Facebooks European headquarters are here - and Austrian lawyer Max Schrems who for different reasons oppose referral. The US government is among several parties joined as amici curiae, assistants to the court on legal issues. Max Schrems. The developments raised by the US government are a decision of the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) of April 26th last which addressed the failure of US agencies to comply with surveillance restrictions imposed by the FISC and restraining collection of "about" data. Another development was a decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that Wikimedia, but not several other plaintiffs, had the necessary legal standing to challenge the Upstream surveillance programme. On Thursday, Brian Murray SC, for the Commissioner, argued the new material was not significant to the core issues the High Court has to decide. The FISC opinion mainly relates to US persons while the Wikimedia decision does not affect the Irish court's analysis, he said. Eoin McCullough SC, for Mr Schrems, argued the FISC opinion was essentially about the protection of US persons and did not alter the position concerning retention of personal data of non-US persons. The experts who analysed the decisions considered it did not materially alter their evidence to the court, he said. Paul Gallagher SC, for Facebook, disagreed and argued the FISC opinion is significant. The opinion is binding and showed a functioning supervision system independent from the US government, he said. The decisions meant collection of "about" communication has stopped and indicated "a sea change" in how information is collected which does affect content of foreign communications, he argued. Colm ODwyer SC, for the Washington-based Electronic Privacy Information Centre, said the FISC opinion and the fact the NSA has eliminated "about" searches was significant but the impact was limited because of the degree of agency non-compliance and institutional "lack of candour" referred to by the FISC. The FISC had also not ruled the NSA could not reintroduce "about" searches. Eileen Barrington SC, for the US government, said the FISC opinion is a significant legal development which illustrates "effective judicial oversight" and also has an impact on EU citizens. The FISC opinion provided for additional safeguards and any future introduction of about comms would require fresh approval from the FISC, she added. The judge observed the FISC opinion appeared to disclose a "history of disquiet" concerning how "about" communications were handled rather than the principle of collecting "about" communications. Ms Barrington agreed "about" data collection could be reintroduced but said FISC would have to be satisfied to certify that. It was "distorting" to look exclusively at the issue of formal judicial remedies and the court should have regard to the totality of the "systemic protections". Asked by the judge about the position of EU citizens whose data was collected without authorisation and who are unaware of that, counsel said it is now unlawful to have "about" data collected under Upstream and that was a direct benefit for non-US citizens. NAMA say they have sold enough land to build 50,000 homes since 2011, but only 3,000 have actually been built. Their annual report shows just 6% of that land sold has been developed. Announcing profits of 1.5bn for 2016, NAMA said it offered councils nearly 7,000 houses or apartments over four years. Dublin has seen the largest number of social houses from the agency, 901, another 445 in Cork, 228 in Galway and 172 in Kildare. NAMA also said there were only 11 ghost estates left in the country at the end of March this year, down from 332 in 2010. As the agency said it is on course to make 3BN by the time it finishes its work, it also revealed it funded the construction of 4,840 new homes over the last three and half years. Another 2,064 are being built and there is planning permission for another 1,114 new homes. When asked why NAMA had not built more homes over the past few years, CEO Brendan McDonagh, said that legally they could not. He said: "The reality was that the sales revenue wouldn't even cover your building costs, so there is a lot of this talk saying NAMA should have been building houses during 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. "The reality is that we couldn't, the legislation would have prevented us. "Section 10, you could not build something when you know you are going to lose money, but we have been funding the building of houses instead when it made sense to do so." "It is important to emphasise that achievement of this surplus will depend on our ability to extract maximum value from the residual portfolio which is secured by many low-value assets which require extensive workout," he said. NAMA said it has a target to build 20,000 new homes by 2020 if they are commercially viable. The agency borrowed 31.8bn to take loans linked to property developments and land speculation off the books of the main Irish banks. Seven men arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a young mother in the North 30 years ago have been released pending a police file being assessed by prosecutors. Lorraine McCausland was found beaten to death after she had spent a night out in a loyalist club in Belfast. Three men were arrested in Great Britain on Wednesday - two in Scotland and one in England. A further four suspects were detained in the North on Thursday - two in Belfast and two in Antrim. The ages of the seven ranged from 49 to 59. The body of the 23-year-old mother-of-two was discovered beside a stream in the Forthriver area of north Belfast in the early hours of March 8 1987. She had been for a night out and was last seen in a nearby loyalist club at Tyndale. The case was reopened last year after detectives identified "potential new lines of inquiry". Fourteen arrests were made during the original police investigation but no one was charged. Members of the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association were suspected of killing Ms McCausland. Police believe witnesses have long been fearful of coming forward due to the involvement of the violent group. Ms McCausland's son, Craig, was murdered in north Belfast in 2005 during a spate of killings linked to a loyalist paramilitary feud. Announcing the release of the seven men, a PSNI spokesman said a file of evidence would be sent to the North's Public Prosecution Service. Lawyers for the Minister for Justice have said they are not trying to usurp the courts by asking the High Court to refer an Irish Supreme Court decision to Europe. The assertion came a day after the Minister for Justice was accused of insulting the Irish courts by seeking to go around a Supreme Court judgment placing an absolute bar on Ian Bailey's extradition to France in relation to the death of Sophie Tuscan du Plantier. Mr Bailey (aged 60) of The Prairie, Liscaha, Schull, west Cork, denies any involvement in the death of Ms du Plantier, who was found dead outside her holiday home in Schull in December 1996. French authorities previously sought the surrender of Mr Bailey in 2010 but this application was refused by the Supreme Court in 2012. A second extradition request was transmitted to Ireland last year, seeking the surrender of Mr Bailey for alleged voluntary homicide. French authorities have previously prosecuted people for crimes committed against French citizens outside of France. Mr Bailey, who claims gardai tried to frame him for the killing of Ms du Plantier, could be tried in France in his absence. Opposing surrender on Wednesday, counsel for Mr Bailey, Garrett Simons SC, said his client had a very straightforward and obvious case. Mr Simons said there was no way around the Supreme Court decision in 2012 which identified an absolute jurisdictional bar to Mr Bailey's extradition to France in relation to the alleged offence. He said section 44 of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003, which implemented the European Framework Decision on extradition between member states, was determined by the Supreme Court as an absolute bar to Mr Bailey's surrender and that continued to apply. A five-judge panel of the Supreme Court refused to surrender Mr Bailey in 2012 and four of the five judges upheld Mr Bailey's argument that section 44 prohibits surrender because the alleged offence was committed outside French territory and Irish law does not allow prosecution for the same offence when committed outside its territory by a non-Irish citizen. Ian Bailey. Pic: Collins Applying for the surrender of Mr Bailey today, counsel for the Justice Minister, Robert Barron SC, submitted that the legal concept of 'Issue Estoppal', which prohibits legal actions in cases already decided, does not apply to criminal law. The State are asking the High Court to refer the Supreme Court's 4-1 interpretation of Section 44 to the European Courts of Justice for determination. Mr Barron said O'Donnell J, the single dissenting Supreme Court judge on the Section 44 matter, was correct in his interpretation of the framework decision and the act; That the majority Supreme Court interpretation was "incorrect" and that it would be appropriate to have a reference from the High Court to the European Courts on the matter, Mr Barron submitted. He said it was recognised by the Supreme Court that there were two interpretations and the only way it could be resolved conclusively was by the court in Luxembourg. Mr Justice Tony Hunt remarked that somebody, somewhere had apparently decided that the Supreme Court got it catastrophically wrong and the way to correct it is to get the European Courts to tell the Supreme Court they got it wrong. It appeared as though the application was an exploration of a method by which the Supreme Court decision might be revisited, Mr Justice Hunt remarked. Mr Barron agreed his submission was that the High Court should refer the matter to Europe because the Supreme Court got it wrong. However, with respect, Mr Barron said, nobody was trying to usurp the courts and there was no ulterior purpose. He stressed he was simply making legal submissions. Mr Barron agreed the High Court did not need to go further than O'Donnell J's dissenting view but denied he was asking the High Court to decide the Supreme Court majority - four other judges including the Chief Justice - got it wrong. Mr Justice Hunt asked Mr Barron what the French authorities had been doing between the Supreme Court's judgment in 2012 and the decision to issue a new warrant in respect of Mr Bailey in 2016. When did Mr Bailey become a triable person rather than a chargeable person, the judge asked. Mr Barron referred to the court of assize in July 2016 and said an enquiry had been made of the French authorities. The case resumes in the High Court before Mr Justice Hunt on June 14. Opposing surrender on Wednesday, Garrett Simons SC, for Mr Bailey, said it was an abuse of process for the Minister, who has litigated an issue all the way to the Supreme Court, to seek to litigate the issue again, Mr Simons submitted, adding that it was in the public interest that there be finality to litigation. He said the Minister was insulting the Irish courts, was not respecting the sovereignty of the Irish courts and was misunderstanding European law. It was extraordinary that the Minister does not say the Supreme Court was wrong, Mr Simons said. The most the Minister could say was that Section 44 was unclear but that could not provide a basis for setting aside a Supreme Court judgment. He said case law showed there was an obligation on a central authority, in this case the Minister, to exercise a level of discernment with respect to extradition requests. He referred to the right of an individual to be free from harassment and free from vexatious litigation. Mr Simons said the public interest in facilitating extradition requests was to avoid the creation of safe havens but Mr Bailey had lived in Ireland for 25 years and was always at hazard of being prosecuted. The alleged offence took place here and Mr Bailey would have been prosecuted here "had there been any evidence". He submitted extracts from the 'Fennelly Commission' set up in light of the recording of phone calls to An Garda Siochanna, said that was part of the background and noted that the Minister had nothing to say about that. Further to his submission that the application to surrender Mr Bailey was an abuse of process, Mr Simons recounted the concerns expressed by the former Director of Public Prosecutions, that the Garda investigation into the death of Ms du Plantier was thoroughly flawed and prejudicial. He said the former DPP's concerns were shocking and struck a blow against the fundamentals of the rule of law in Ireland. One would expect a robust response from the Minister to those concerns in this application, Mr Simons said, but instead, the Minister "washes her hands of it" and says "allegations of Garda misconduct" were "not matters of relevance". That was a wholly inadequate response to "serious allegations put by a former DPP" and the High Court was blithely being told nothing to see here. Mr Simons said there was a point when trust and confidence between nations in relation to extradition requests "breaks down". It was never the intention of the European extradition framework decision for countries to mount prosecutions where one's own independent prosecutor has characterised the investigation as thoroughly flawed and prejudicial or to rely on evidence condemned by those authorities, Mr Simons said. That's not trust and confidence and it was an abuse of process to do it, he said. Presumably, he said, the French authorities were going to seek to rely on the fruits of the flawed garda investigation in their own investigation, Mr Simons said, and he referred to the late Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman's comments in the Supreme Court about an Irish resident (Mr Bailey), long established in Ireland, being forcibly delivered to France for an offence allegedly committed in Ireland. Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Robert Barron SC, said there were no grounds for criticism of the Minister. Mr Barron said extradition was a process between judicial authorities and the Minister's role is to produce warrants to the courts for endorsement. Once the warrant is received it must be presented to the court for endorsement. Former Austrian foreign minister Alois Mock has died aged 82, nearly 30 years after he and his Hungarian counterpart made headlines by cutting through fencing that represented the communist Iron Curtain separating the two countries. Austrian leaders paid tribute to Mr Mock as an architect of Austria's European Union membership. Hillary Clinton has a hunch about Donald Trump's mysterious tweet, "covfefe". "I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians," the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate joked. The former US first lady and New York senator later turned more serious during an interview at a conference near Los Angeles hosted by tech blog Recode. She suggested that President Trump and his allies were using Twitter and other social media to sidetrack Americans' attention from the investigations into the influence of Russia during the election campaign or the Republican health care bill. "You can't let Trump and his allies be a diversion. They are a threat," Mrs Clinton said. "They want to influence your reality. And that is what we're up against and we can't let that go unanswered, whether it's on Twitter, Facebook or anywhere else." Mr Trump tweeted shortly before 1am that "Despite the constant negative press covfefe". The tweet ended there. Mrs Clinton talked at length about Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential contest, referring to US intelligence assessments that Russia not only meddled in the election, but did so to help Mr Trump defeat her. With multiple investigations under way, she asked: "How did they know what messages to deliver? Who told them? Who were they co-ordinating with, or colluding with?" To pull it off, Russians would have needed to be "guided by Americans", she added later. Meanwhile, Donald Trump will announce his decision on whether to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord during a White House Rose Garden event today. - AP US president Donald Trump has temporarily waived a law requiring the US to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Mr Trump's move to renew the waiver for six months keeps the US embassy in Tel Aviv for now. The US president has said he is reviewing whether to fulfil his campaign promise to move the facility to Jerusalem. Update 9.20pm: Former US President Barack Obama has expressed his disappointment at Donald Trump's decision to remove the US from the Paris Agreement and join "a small handful of nations that reject the future", saying it shows an "absence of American leadership". "A year and a half ago, the world came together in Paris around the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children," he said. "It was steady, principled American leadership on the world stage that made that achievement possible. It was bold American ambition that encouraged dozens of other nations to set their sights higher as well. "And what made that leadership and ambition possible was America's private innovation and public investment in growing industries like wind and solar industries that created some of the fastest new streams of good-paying jobs in recent years, and contributed to the longest streak of job creation in our history. "Simply put, the private sector already chose a low-carbon future. And for the nations that committed themselves to that future, the Paris Agreement opened the floodgates for businesses, scientists, and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation on an unprecedented scale. "The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. "But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I'm confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we've got." Update 9pm: News that the United States intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement has been met with concern and extreme disappointment by the Irish politicians. Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten expressed his concern following the announcement. "I am extremely disappointed and concerned that the United States has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement," said Mr Denis Naughten T.D., Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. "This is a major setback for the international community and it is essential that the decision of the United States does not weaken global resolve. "Ireland remains committed to continuing to work with its EU partners under the UN Framework to make the Paris Agreement a success and to ensure that all of the EUs international partners stay committed to the Agreement. Upon their withdrawal the US will join Nicaragua and Syria as the only countries outside the Paris Agreement. .@POTUS: "My job as President is to do everything within my power to give America a level playing field." pic.twitter.com/zByFdXs2gJ The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) June 1, 2017 Labour spokesperson on Climate Change, Sean Sherlock TD, said he is "dismayed" by Trump's decision to withdraw. "I am really dismayed by President Trumps announcement that the US will no longer honour its Paris Climate Accord commitments," he said. "While the US decision will not completely derail the deal, I am concerned that it will weaken the impact, and the move sends a worrying message that one of the major global powerhouses, the United States, has decided to withdraw from the deal in its current form. "Ireland now must up the ante with its own commitment to tackling the impact of climate change and resolve to increase efforts in this regard." Sinn Fein MEP, Lynn Boylan added her concerns, saying the decision highlights the US President's "complete ignorance to science, facts and what is now considered a self-evident truth" It is deeply disturbing, yet hardly surprising, that Donald Trump has decided to backtrack on decades of progress made on climate change. The Paris Accord brought 195 countries together to work collectively to reduce the effects of climate change and it marks one of the greatest examples of international co-operation in human history. However, Trump's unilateral action, in an attempt to derail this crucial agreement, displays his complete ignorance to science, facts and what is now considered a self-evident truth. "The USA is the second largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world. The failure to recognise and address this by the new US administration constitutes a severe weakening of its credibility on the world stage, with ramifications beyond climate change." Update 20.30: President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States is withdrawing from the Paris Accord, citing economic reasons. Trump said the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, secured in the French capital in December 2015, which commits countries to curbing rising global temperatures. But he also raised the possibility of negotiating to re-enter the Paris accord or an entirely new deal on terms that were "fair" to the US. "In order to fulfil my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord," Trump said. "We're getting out, but we will start to negotiate and see if we can negotiate a deal that's fair. "As of today the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris Accord." He claimed the agreement was more about other countries "gaining a financial advantage over the United States" than about climate change. "Withdrawing is in America's economic interest and won't matter much to the climate," he said. He added that America is the "cleanest and most environmentally friendly country on Earth." "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," he said. Earlier: Reports are emerging that the US is to officially withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Reuters news agency is reporting that a White House document confirms the news. The reports indicate that Trump will say the decision to withdraw 'is keeping his campaign promise to put American workers first' and that that under the Paris agreement, China would continue to increase its emissions until 2030. The US's withdrawal from the Paris agreement to follow U.N. procedures will take up to four years. Trump is expected to issue a statement at 8pm. More to follow. Police have released new CCTV images of the Manchester bomber after the mother of the youngest victim of the attack was taken off life support and told about her daughter's death. Officers are asking for the public's help in piecing together what happened in the lead-up to the atrocity at the Manchester Arena last Monday in which terrorist Salman Abedi killed 22 people. Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said "significant progress" was being made in the investigation, but added that police were still trying to establish why Abedi went to the Banff Road area in Rusholme. Meanwhile, following claims that warnings about Abedi were not followed up, officers have been unable to find any records of calls to the police anti-Terrorist Hotline regarding Abedi before the events of May 22. Police have asked for anyone who called them about the bomber before the attack to get in touch. The new CCTV images come after the mother of eight-year-old victim Saffie Roussos, from Leyland, Lancashire, was said to be now "aware of the situation". Saffie was at the Ariana Grande concert with her mother Lisa and older sister Ashlee Bromwich, who is in her 20s, who were both taken to hospital. Mrs Roussos was reportedly in a critical condition initially and on a life support machine. In a post on Facebook group Leyland Memories, family friend Mike Swanny said Mrs Roussos was now awake and out of surgery. He praised the bravery of Mrs Roussos and Saffie's father Andrew, saying: "I am very proud of the strength that Lisa and Andrew have as a couple their bravery though (sic) this is commendable. He added: "Now they can start to deal and rebuild their lives, I hope this news will make everyone smile as this is the best news we've had through this tragedy." Mr Swanny told the Lancashire Evening Post: "Lisa's pulling through. She was in a critical condition at first, but she came off life support on Saturday and was up and talking on Sunday. She's aware of the situation with Saffie. "She's still in hospital, but she's moving her legs, which is fantastic." Speaking about the new CCTV images, Mr Jackson said: "We are still working to track the movements of Salman Abedi and have already released a number of images of him, in the hope that they will jog people's memories. "Today, we are releasing further images of Abedi, so I would ask you to look closely at them and contact us if you saw him. ''We know that Abedi left the country on April 15 and arrived back on May 18 and we now know from our inquiries that he purchased parts for the bomb after arriving back. ''What we still need to understand is if he had any of the bomb parts in his possession before he went out of the country, this is why we are tracking his movements so carefully. ''We have made a lot of progress in this with the use of CCTV and have received some really helpful calls from the public. This has led us to the Banff Road area in Rusholme." Mr Jackson said officers had been conducting house-to-house inquiries but were "still not satisfied" why Abedi went there and said it was "vital" they understood exactly where he went and who he spoke to in the final days before the attack. He added: "We need the public's help in this. If you have previously called and have information, I would urge you to call again. "We need your help as we piece together what happened in the lead-up to the attack and if Abedi was helped by anyone. ''Did you see Abedi in the Rusholme area between 18th and 22nd May? Do you have any information about his movements on these dates? ''You may think it's insignificant, but it could be a key piece of information to assist us. We need your help as we piece together what happened in the lead-up to the attack and if Abedi was helped by anyone." Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 10 men, aged between 18 and 44, remained in custody on suspicion of offences contrary to the Terrorism Act. Six people - including a 15-year-old boy, a 34-year-old woman and four men - have been released without charge after being arrested by officers investigating the attack. Earlier this week, police released further details about Abedi, 22, including that he had bought most of the key component parts of the suicide bomb in the few days before the attack. Many of his movements and actions in the four days after his return to the UK from Libya leading up to the May 22 atrocity were also carried out alone but detectives have not ruled out that he was part of "a wider network". Meanwhile, about 600 stewards will be on duty at Sunday's Ariana Grande benefit concert, according to Greater Manchester's police chief, who said security on leaving music events and football matches would have to be reviewed. A police officer in the UK has been filmed punching a man in the face as he was being detained under the Mental Health Act. The mobile phone video shows the handcuffed man being held down by three officers, one of whom is seen drawing back a clenched fist. The officer is then seen hitting the man in the face, before he is turned over and led away following the incident in Yeovil, Somerset, on Wednesday. In response to the footage being posted online, Avon and Somerset Police released its own 24-second clip of the arrest, which was filmed on an officer's body-mounted camera. The police footage includes audio and shows a different angle as the man was repeatedly ordered to let go of an officer's arm. A male officer tells him: "Let go of my arm now. I will ask you one more time to let go of my arm. Let go of my arm. Five..." An onlooker interrupts and says: "Go on mate punch him." The male officer continues: "Four... three..." A female officer adds: "Let go of his arm." Another voice can be heard saying in the background: "Punch him in the face." Moments later an officer can be heard striking the man, who releases his grip a few seconds later. A witness then says: "Oh, that's a bit naughty. That is definitely on video. That's on Facebook, mate." The original video was put online without audio, but offers a clearer view of the punch. Luke Harris, who posted the video on his Facebook page, wrote: "This guy was detained under the Mental Health Act. "Whilst three officers had him in cuffs, he was punched without being able to defend himself. I think this is wrong." Avon and Somerset Police said its professional standards department was investigating the incident. "We were called shortly before 5pm from the ambulance service regarding a man acting aggressively towards their staff," a force spokesman said. "It appeared the man was suffering from a mental health episode, so officers took the decision to detain him under the Mental Health Act. "This decision is always taken to safeguard the individual from harming themselves and others. "While we always act in the best interests of the person in crisis, there is sometimes a need for restrain to protect the person, our officers and members of the public. "This man was taken to a mental health facility where he can receive the treatment he needs. "The public rightly expects police officers to use force reasonably so we welcome their scrutiny. "Our professional standards department will now make their own enquiries into this matter." A Canberra man on trial accused of planning a cafe arson attack told police he was Greek and knew "thousands" of Nicks when officers questioned him about the man they suspected of lighting the fire. Brierly's Cafe in Weston went up in flames about midnight on March 13, 2014, with a surveillance camera capturing a person in a green hoodie splashing fuel around the business before setting it on fire. It's alleged the hooded figure in the dramatic footage from the arson was Nick Parlov, 24, and that Leo Nicholas Eliadis, 47, helped plan the attack. Both men are now on trial in the ACT Supreme Court and both have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Detectives searched Mr Eliadis' Belconnen house in December 2014 after linking him to a green car caught on camera leaving the scene. One of the world's last havens for fund managers is coming under siege. In Australia's $2.8 trillion fund industry, managers who rely on human judgement to pick investments have so far withstood the global onslaught of passive offerings. They've done so in part by cutting fees below those in other large markets. The billions flowing in from the superannuation system have helped, too. Local fund managers have found it increasingly difficult to deliver excess returns. Credit:Karl Hilzinger It may not be enough. Giants like BlackRock and Vanguard Group, encouraged by the past years' global shift towards passive investments, are homing in on Australia with commissions active managers can't hope to match. And as beating benchmarks becomes harder, the industry is discovering that super funds' largesse has its limits. Global fast-food giant McDonald's has cut its local tax bill by more than half but is considering whether it will need to restructure its operations to avoid getting hit by Australian laws aimed at stopping companies from diverting profits overseas. In 2016 McDonald's Australia continued with a long-standing practice of reducing its local tax bill, by using a legal loophole that allows it to pay McDonald's Asia Pacific previously based in Singapore but now based in Britain a "service fee" amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. The company's latest financial accounts for the year ending December 31, 2016, show that McDonald's Australia reported paying $375 million (up from $400.4 million in 2015) to McDonald's Asia Pacific. This meant its overall income tax bill, totalling $114 million (up from 111.5 million in 2015) was more than halved. Bird-sized drones that can hover over a battlefield feeding vital intelligence will become the norm for Australian soldiers going into combat under a $100 million upgrade. The Army will buy a fleet of the 1.3-kilogram drones, which have a wingspan of less than one metre and can fit into a backpack disassembled. They can be easily put together and flown ahead of a team of soldiers to send back colour and infrared images, looking over hilltops and other obstacles. Australian Army soldier Corporal Doug Coombs prepares to launch a Wasp AE drone. Credit:Defence Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne and Defence Minister Marise Payne will announce the $101 million purchase on Thursday, continuing a military trend in which machines and software play an ever greater role on the battlefield. The Turnbull government has been accused of misleading parents about the impact of its Gonski 2.0 school funding changes by using "fantasy" figures in its online funding estimator. The Catholic sector is particularly furious about the highly-publicised funding estimator, which it claims has disguised substantial funding cuts to many of its schools. Government MPs have been referring concerned parents to the School Funding Estimator website, which provides federal government funding estimates for each school in the country for this year, next year and 2027. More than two dozen top media executives arrived in Canberra on Wednesday to urge the Senate to support the Turnbull government's bid to scrap the country's "outdated and increasingly irrelevant" restrictions on media ownership. The lobbying effort in support of the changes which could trigger major media mergers and acquisitions was an unprecedented display of unity from a traditionally fractious sector. Media bosses representing television, radio and newspaper companies met privately with MPs and held a public event at Parliament House attended by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Cory Bernardi is keeping some very interesting company and it should worry the Liberal Party. A report on Thursday, about the Adelaide-based senator's trip to the Emerald City to dine with avowed monarchist David Flint, John Ruddick and Walter Villatora is a clear threat to the New South Wales Liberal Party, which is locked in a never-ending civil war between its conservative and moderate factions. Villatora is an ally of Tony Abbott's and the pair have been driving a reform motion for the party to enable members to have a say in determining the candidates who run for a parliament. This is a privilege members of the other divisions of the Liberal Party around the country enjoy. The "one member, one vote" plan is commonly called the Warringah motion after Tony Abbott's electorate in Sydney's north. Democracy right? How could you complain about that? From the moderates' standpoint, the motion is nothing more than an attack on their domination of the NSW branch and subsequent sway in determining the mix of delegates who currently decide preselections. And they believe that if the hard-right of the party were to dominate, it would result in unappealing candidates, out of step with centrist Australia, being put forward. Lauren Krulik, a 51-year-old homemaker in Northport, New York, avoided the word "widow" altogether. She and her husband had been living apart for three years and each was in a new committed relationship when he died. "I didn't feel like I was his wife," she said. "So why would I feel like I was his widow?" These partial widows, or whatever they decide to call themselves, often end up creating their own protocol for coping with their loss. At the funeral for my husband, my kids and I grieved with his family, with whom I'm still close, and his girlfriend and I each gave a eulogy. Next to Krulik at her husband's funeral, along with her kids and his family, was her boyfriend of two years, who helped handle the arrangements. She no longer felt married; but not everyone saw it that way, including the rabbi. "He insisted that I was the wife, and that was the end of that," Krulik said. She had to persuade him to mention her husband's girlfriend in his eulogy. Sometimes a separation pulls families apart. A week after Bart's husband's death, his sister, with whom she'd been close, said that as far as they were concerned, Bart and her husband were already divorced, so she was no longer part of their family. "I not only lost him, but suddenly I lost his whole family, too," Bart said. When Poland's husband died, she and her in-laws drew close and put aside the separation. But because her husband had spread nasty rumours about her during their split, some people refused to shake her hand or speak with her at his funeral last year. "I became the villain," she said. Her father-in-law came to her defence, but she said that even today some of those friendships have not been repaired. Sometimes there are uncomfortable emotions, such as a sense of relief, especially if the estranged spouse suffered from mental illness or substance abuse. But it doesn't mean you don't mourn the person. "The hardest part is trying to be appropriate and authentic at the same time," said Pam Gillette, 56, a former Florida school principal. Because of her husband's betrayals and addiction, she moved away with her kids to Greensboro, North Carolina; he died the following year. "You don't want to admit that you miss the person who hurt you so badly." First home buyers will be helped into the property market with more than $1 billion of stamp duty concessions and measures to level the playing field with investors under reforms unveiled by Premier Gladys Berejiklian to tackle housing affordability. But the NSW government is being criticised for an absence of measures to boost the construction of affordable housing for low and medium-income key workers such as nurses, teachers and police. Under the package announced on Thursday, first home buyers of existing and new properties costing up to $650,000 will be exempt from paying stamp duty from July 1. This lifts the value of eligible properties from the existing $550,000 and reintroduces existing homes to the scheme. Cop killer Rick Maddison's family has expressed condolences to the loved ones of the officer he shot dead, while insisting he was more than just a "career criminal". Specialist police shot Maddison, 40, dead on Tuesday after he charged at them from his stronghold west of Brisbane while firing a powerful weapon. It brought to an end a 20-hour siege sparked when the repeat offender killed Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad Senior Constable Brett Forte on Monday afternoon in a rural Lockyer Valley street. The Maddison family released a statement to the media on Thursday morning, expressing "heartfelt condolences" to the slain officer's family and friends and support for the police. Professor Susan Scott, astrophysicist at the Australian National University. Credit:Stuart Hay/ANU "This is the first time that we have evidence that the black holes may not be aligned, giving us just a tiny hint that pairs of black holes may form in dense stellar clusters," says Bangalore Sathyaprakash of Penn State University, one of two lead editors for the publication. Professor Susan Scott from ANU said: "It's possible this is a binary system of black holes formed in the early universe, which contributes significantly to the dark matter of the cosmos." An artist's impression of two black holes merging. Credit:LIGO Gravitational waves were predicted by Einstein in 1916 as part of his general theory of relativity. In his groundbreaking work, Einstein showed that space-time would be distorted by massive objects accelerating around each other such as binary neutron stars, or coalescing black holes. However, the mathematics show that even huge events at scales almost beyond our imagination would produce very small distortions in space. Experts install equipment at LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, in the United States. Credit:LIGO Einstein himself thought we'd never detect them. However, the perpendicular four-kilometre laser arms at LIGO have been able to detect the effects of the waves at scales less than the width of a single proton. CSIRO technicians work on one of the mirrors that was used in LIGO in the detection of gravitational waves. Credit:CSIRO Professor Scott said we need to study the effects of strong-field gravity around such events to test our understanding of general relativity. "With each event we detect we are able to push things a bit more," Professor Scott said. "We know general relativity is not a theory of everything. It will have to fit in with quantum mechanics." She said it will be through studying extreme events using gravitational-wave astronomy that we may find areas where Einstein's theory cannot explain results. It is hoped that by uniting our understanding of the physics of the very large, explained by relativity, and the very small, explained by quantum mechanics, a new, unified understanding will emerge. Professor Scott said when LIGO first started hunting for gravitational waves, it was thought the first events to be detected would be rotating neutron stars, the highly dense remnants of large stars. "It didn't turn out that way and that's what so great about science," she said. "What will be really exciting will be if we discover a gravitational-wave event that doesn't match any of our models we will have found something new." In the study published on Friday, the two black holes detected were 31.2 and 19.4 solar masses. After spinning around each other and colliding, they formed one massive black hole just 289 kilometres wide with the mass of 48.7 suns. Those sums mean that two solar masses 4000 trillion trillion tonnes were ejected from the cataclysmic event in the form of radiating gravitational waves. "The event released more energy in its last few orbits than that of rest of the entire universe, yet when the ripples passed the LIGO detector they made it vibrate by just one attometer, or 0.000000000000000001 metres," said Professor Matthew Bailes, director of the new Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav). Australia is emerging as an important centre for the study of gravitational waves. The establishment of OzGrav means Australian researchers are in at the ground floor in this new field of astronomy. In April, the executive director of LIGO, David Reitze, was in Australia lobbying for one of the next generation gravitational wave observatories to be built here in the southern hemisphere. OzGrav's deputy director, Professor David McClelland from ANU, said: "Our quest to extend LIGO to detect other types of violent events, such as those from neutron stars, drives us to develop new technologies such as quantum squeezing optical devices to reach further into the universe." Professor Scott said Australia is playing a role in designing instruments for the third generation detectors as well as finding better ways to search through the data for gravitational wave events. The man who allegedly punched a surgeon in the foyer of Box Hill Hospital is withdrawing from drugs and has a mental illness, a court has been told. Joseph Esmaili, 22, of Mill Park, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury. Surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegman died in June after being attacked outside Box Hill Hospital. Credit:Epworth Health He was remanded in custody and did not apply for bail. Mr Esmaili allegedly attacked Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann near the entrance of the hospital on Tuesday night. A Perth woman has issued a warning to potential car buyers after it was found her son would be liable for nearly $16,000 in damages after crashing a car when he was out on a test drive. Kim told 6PR's Morning Show on Thursday morning her son had been planning on making the $3500 purchase from a local car dealership when he was involved in the accident. Third party insurance does not cover damage or repair bills in the event of an accident. "He asked if the car was insured and he was told yes," she said. "During the test drive he had an accident, he went through a give way sign and because the brakes didn't work so well, he cleaned up another car." With Perth's autumn recording the longest dry spell in more than a decade, forecasters are predicting a warmer than usual winter with rainfall also expected to be less than normal. Temperatures for autumn remained fairly average at 25.9 degrees, but a 38-day dry spell from March 28 to May 4 led to April equalling the record for the most hours of sunlight. Perth is set for a warmer than usual winter with higher temperatures and less rain predicted. Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Neil Bennett said April's days averaged light for 9.4 hours, granting residents an extra 1.3 hours of sunshine. "[The record] is hardly surprising given that we had no rainfall in April," he said. Bangkok: Islamic extremists pre-planned the siege of a southern Philippine city, deploying weapons, ammunition, Islamic State flags and bomb-making materials, according to the Philippine military and other sources. Authorities had earlier portrayed the siege of Marawi, 830 kilometres south of Manila, as a bloody response to a botched military operation to capture wanted terrorist Isnilon Hapilon. "Indeed there was planning that was involved even prior to our entry to arrest Hapilonwhen we got information he was holed up in the area," said Philippine military spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla. The siege has intensified fears that a dozen extremist groups allied with Islamic State will gain a foothold in the southern Philippines. London: Britain's Nigel Farage, a leading Brexit campaigner, has branded as "hysterical" a new report stating he is a "person of interest" in the US investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign. The Guardian newspaper said on Thursday that Farage had not been accused of wrongdoing and was not a suspect or target of the US investigation. But it said the former leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) had "raised the interest" of FBI investigators because of his relationships with individuals connected to both the Trump campaign and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. The report stated being a person of interest meant "investigators believe he may have information about the acts that are under investigation and he may therefore be subject to their scrutiny." Mr Farage met Mr Assange in March this year at the Ecuadorean embassy in London where he has been holed up for five years. Manila: Philippine military bombing of Islamic extremists in a besieged southern city has mistakenly killed at least 10 soldiers and injured about seven. The military deployed SF-260 close-air-support planes to back attack helicopters on Wednesday to target dozens of militants putting up fierce resistance in Marawi, 830 kilometres south of Manila, after a week of fierce battles. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters in Manila that no civilians were injuried in the bombing. He said the military may now limit airstrikes by using only precision-guided weapons but "the final decision lies with ground commanders". German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken out against Trump's decision. Credit:Matthias Balk Macron told Trump that the Paris climate deal could not be renegotiated and that, while France would continue to work with Washington, it would no longer discuss climate issues with the United States, a French source said. "The President spoke with President Trump in a five-minute phone call. The exchange was direct," a source close to Macron said. In the US, the arrival of the Trump administration has seen "the most upbeat assessment of US economic conditions" since the survey began in 2002. Credit:Bloomberg "The President said that they could continue to talk, but indicated that nothing was renegotiable with regard to the Paris accord. The United States and France will continue to work together, but not on the subject of climate," the source added. Macron, who made a televised address in French and English, said Trump had "committed an error for the interests of his country, his people and a mistake for the future of our planet". Justin Trudeau said he was deeply disappointed at the US decision, while Barak Obama wasted no time in criticising Trump's call. Credit:AP Don't be mistaken on climate; there is no plan B because there is no planet B. French President Emmanuel Macron "I tell you firmly tonight: we will not renegotiate a less ambitious accord. There is no way," said Macron, who took office less than a month ago. "Don't be mistaken on climate; there is no plan B because there is no planet B." The Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel, called it "a brutal act." Credit:AP Merkel and India's leader, Narendra Modi, pledged their support for the climate accord during meetings in Berlin on Wednesday. Australia remains committed to the Paris Agreement. Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg spoke to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull - who is in Singapore - following the announcement, with the pair confirming they still think Australia's targets are achievable. "Donald Trump's announcement today is obviously very significant but Australia will carry on because as our prime minister has made very clear, when we sign up to international agreements ...we will follow through," Mr Frydenberg told ABC TV on Friday. Trudeau said on Twitter that he was "deeply disappointed" with the decision. "Canada is unwavering in our commitment to fight climate change and support clean economic growth," he said. Five Nordic countries wrote a last-minute letter to Trump, saying the Paris accord was a commitment "to our children". "We must reduce global warming," the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said in a short, joint missive. "The effects are already visible in all parts of our planet. It is of crucial importance that all parties stick to the Paris Agreement." The Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel, called it "a brutal act". Argentine Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, told the Italian daily La Repubblica that a withdrawal from the agreement amounted to "a disaster for everyone". Premier Li Keqiang of China, in Berlin for meetings with Merkel, said on Thursday before Trump's decision that his country remained committed to the fight against climate change and to participating in international efforts for a greener world. China, the world's biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, stands to gain international credit for standing by the Paris Agreement, but it would not be able to fill the void on its own with the US abandoning the treaty. "China will continue to uphold its commitments to the Paris climate agreement," Li said, confirming a position his country agreed to alongside the United States in 2014, in what proved to be a watershed moment for the ultimate passage of the landmark accord the following year. Jane J. Chigiyal, ambassador from the Pacific island nation of Micronesia, said her people were already feeling the acute impact. She called sea rise "an existential issue". "Our contribution to this problem, this challenge, is very small," she said. "Yet we will continue to do our part." Obama wasted no time in criticising Trump's decision, saying the Trump administration was rejecting the future by pulling out of the climate pact. Former vice-president Al Gore, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in raising awareness about global warming, said Trump's decision was "reckless and indefensible". "It undermines America's standing in the world and threatens to damage humanity's ability to solve the climate crisis in time," Gore, who called Trump last month to try to persuade him to keep the United States in the Paris agreement, said in a statement. "But make no mistake: if President Trump won't lead, the American people will." The decision was a "major disappointment for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global security", United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. A diagnosis of autism alone does not increase the risk of violent offending, suggests a study published in the June 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP). The study analysed data from 295,734 individuals in Stockholm County, Sweden, of whom 5,739 had a diagnosis of autism. The researchers tracked these individuals for violent crime convictions between ages 15 to 27 years using records from the Swedish National Crime Register. The team, led by researchers at University of Bristols Population Health Science Institute and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, found that individuals diagnosed with autism initially appeared to have a higher risk of violent offending. However, this risk was significantly reduced once the presence of additional attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder were taken into account. The study reported that having these co-occurring conditions, along with other, later-onset psychiatric disorders and alcohol and drug misuse, were the most important individual predictors of violent criminality in autism, not autism by itself. Interestingly, when researchers considered individuals with ADHD or conduct disorder, an additional diagnosis of autism was actually found to reduce the risk of violent criminality, compared to individuals with ADHD or conduct disorder alone. Dr Ragini Heeramun, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at the Avon & Wiltshire Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust in Bristol, said: We know that some people with an autism diagnosis have challenging behaviour and may come into contact with the criminal justice system, however, whether having autism increases the risk of violence or not has previously not been clear. Our findings, from the largest study to date, show that at the population level, autism in itself doesnt seem to be associated with convictions for violent crimes. However, other conditions, such as ADHD, which can co-occur with autism, may increase such risks. Dr Dheeraj Rai, Consultant Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at the University of Bristol, said: Interestingly, the additional presence of an autism diagnosis with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder was actually associated with a relatively lower risk of convictions, compared to having these conditions without autism. These findings are important for autism services, which often focus on providing a diagnosis of autism, rather than the identification of, and support for, the conditions that commonly occur alongside it. Richard Mills, Research Director, Research Autism, said: This an important study, which confirms that autistic individuals are no more likely to commit violent crime than the general population, after accounting for other conditions like ADHD. That it is a population study and not a study of an existing offender or clinical population adds weight to the findings. The presence of neurological conditions such as ADHD in offender populations should always be considered as these are significant risk factors in offending across the board and are known to co-occur with autism. Dr James Cusack, Director of Science, Autistica, said: This study rejects the myth that autism is related to criminal violent behaviour. Interestingly, getting a timely diagnosis lowered the likelihood of violent behaviour showing, yet again, why it's vital to make sure everyone gets access to high quality diagnostic services and appropriate support. It was found that violent behaviour was only elevated in autism when co-occuring conditions such as ADHD and Conduct Disorder were also present. At Autistica we're investing in new studies to find better ways to manage co-occurring conditions like this in autism. Latest News ubank launches $6,000 cashback offer Digital bank hopes to entice new home loan borrowers AFG appoints three new managers Aggregator's move to boost broker recruitment, support Volume-based incentives that are additional to upfront and trail commissions Non-transparent soft dollar payments in favour of more transparent methods to support training, etc Increased incentives for brokers engaging in sales campaigns The final report on the Retail Banking Remuneration Review released yesterday (19 April) contained 21 recommendations made to banks with regards to remuneration practices three of which directly related to mortgage brokers.Recommendation 18 suggested that banks adopt a remuneration structure for aggregators and brokers that does not directly link payments to loan size. Rather, the review proposed a holistic approach to performance management.Some argued to the review that loan size and loan complexity are correlated, providing a justification for current arrangements, Stephen Sedgwick AO, head of the review, said in regards to submissions made on the release of the reviews Issues Paper in January More persuasive to me were arguments that loan complexity, and thus the effort required by mortgage brokers to secure a loan on behalf of the consumer, may be more closely correlated with the characteristics of the borrower.Sedgwick proposed a fee for service model paid by the bank as an alternative to value-related commission. This could be set as a flat amount or related to the characteristics of the borrower, he said. A client-funded fee was not recommended in the review.I therefore propose that the banks with a significant recourse to the mortgage broker channel move to investigate and, as soon as possible, adopt an alternative payment system with strong oversight by ASIC.Recommendation 16 of the review also included a number of other changes to third party remuneration structures including the elimination of:These proposals are intended to improve transparency and reduce the risk (actual or perceived) that such payments increase the risk of mis-selling. Each of these payments is unrelated to the effort required by the broker to service a potential borrowers needs, Sedgwick said.To move forward with this, a commercial negotiation between lender and brokers has been suggested to ensure brokers are compensated for the effort required to invest in any necessary systems with all changes preserving competition of the mortgage market, Sedgwick said.In broad terms, average remuneration per brokered mortgage may not be dramatically different to the current remuneration, but the risks (perceived and actual) of poor customer outcomes would be reduced. I would envisage that some form of trail payments would continue, with trails under existing arrangements grandfathered.Lastly, Recommendation 17 proposed that banks adopt an end to end approach to the governance of mortgage brokers that approximates as closely as possible a holistic approach broadly equivalent to that proposed for the performance management of equivalent retail bank staff.To establish these recommendations in a timely fashion, Sedgwick said banks with a significant recourse to the mortgage broker channel should report regularly to ASIC on their progress. ASIC and other regulators would have enhanced oversight to monitor market responses.This recommendation is addressed to each bank individually, but particularly to the largest banks and to banks with an ownership interest in an aggregator (ie vertically integrated).Both major and non-major banks have come out supporting the recommendations found in the review. CBA chief executive Ian Narev said the bank will implement many of the reviews recommendations by 1 July 2017 with all changes in place by next financial year.The reforms necessary to implement Mr. Sedgwicks recommendations are wide-ranging and significant. The recommendations affect all of our customer-facing teams, including branch, call centres, and mortgage brokers. Implementing them will require extensive consultation across a range of stakeholders, which we will commence immediately, CBA group executive of retail banking services Matt Comyn said.This review is an important step for the industry to continue to restore community trust and we are committed to implementing these recommendations as quickly as possible, group executive for Australia at ANZ Fred Ohlsson said.ANZ said it will work closely with both the broker industry and relevant regulators to implement the recommendations. NAB announced it would implement the recommendations prior to the 2020 deadline and promised that any changes to third party remuneration would be viable and competitive.We see mortgage brokers and other third parties as an important part of the future of our business. We will be working closely with the industry, treasury and with the regulators, ASIC and the ACCC, to make sure we get the right result for our customers and the industry, NAB chief customer officer, consumer banking and wealth, Andrew Hagger said.Managing director Mike Hirst of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank said the recommendations showed the bank already operated in a manner supporting the right consumer outcomes.We thank Mr. Sedgwick and his team for conducting a thorough independent review. We will proceed with full implementation of all recommendations and will support swift industry action, which we expect to have a lasting and positive impact for Australians.Suncorp Banking and Wealth CEO David Carter had a similar sentiment, saying that the recommendations echoed the approach his bank was already taking.Ultimately, Suncorps goal is to create value for our customers and we recognise the important role that mortgage brokers play in providing choice for our customers.We will continue to work with the ACCC and ASIC as well as industry associations, aggregators and brokers to develop a response that serves the best interests of customers and the future of our industry. 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. State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than... Baxi Heatings UK and Ireland marketing director Andrew Keating has been appointed as the new president of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA). Mr Keating was voted into office by members of the EUA and takes up the role with immediate effect. He will play a key role in deciding overall strategy, policy, direction and service provision for the organisation over the coming 12 months. He will replace outgoing president Bob Murray, director of business strategy for PQMS Training, having provided support in his position as vice president at the alliance for the last year. Commenting on his new role, Mr Keating said: The EUA is a true force for good in the energy sector, supporting innovation and helping shape future policy. Its a real honour to be named president and I am looking forward to helping drive the energy and utilities agenda during what is both an exciting and challenging time for our industry. NJ Weedman got a license to sell NJ legal weed. He almost said no. The four candidates standing in the General Election to become Burnham-On-Seas MP debated a variety of hot topics during a lively hustings event held in the town last night (Wednesday May 31st). With one week to go until the election on June 8th, Conservative James Heappey, Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt, Labours Andy Merryfield and the Christian Peoples Alliances Lorna Corke all answered questions from local voters. Burnham-On-Sea.com and local churches jointly organised the event, which was held at Burnhams Baptist Church and attended by over 80 local residents, with local resident Alex Turco as the Chairman. One question focussed on the recent upsurge in local crime in Burnham. The candidates were asked whether closing Burnham-On-Sea Police Station is the right thing to do. Lorna Corke said it is sad to see any local Police station close. She added that the involvement of the community is important in helping to address crime. Andy Merryfield said the closure is an example of one of the worst effects of this Government, adding that austerity cuts have caused the decimation of the Police service. Tessa Munt added: I dont mind it closing if theres an alternative where we can see and access the Police. She vowed that the Lib Dems would put 300m into community policing. James Heappey said: I dont believe Burnham Police Station should close, adding that he is firmly behind keeping it open. Theres a belief that bricks and mortar dont stop crime officers do, but he added that shutting Burnham and Cheddar Police stations is wrong. The candidates were then asked about climate change and whether they would back action to meet climate change commitments and ban fracking. Tessa Munt said she is committed to a ban on fracking and she is concerned that the local coast is an area that could be affected. She said it is really important that the idea of fracking is halted. She says she belives in climate change and added that better housing energy schemes, such as improved insulation, would help to reduce energy use. Lorna Corke answered by pointing out that our land is not suitable for fracking, unlike America. She went on to say there is not a real understanding of climate change and that we need to look at what is a good temperature. James Heappey said the Government is working on the issues. He says affordablity of housing is important as it is expensive to run houses. He added that efficient heating and lighting would help housing become more affordable. He went on to say that we need renewable energy. He belives fracking will not work in Somerset and that we should not worry about the threat as there have been no applications to drill so far. He went on to attack Donald Trumps hugely disappointing decision to walk away from an international climate accord. Andy Merryfield said Labour is aiming for a target of 60 per cent renewable energy by 2030. He says the Clean Air Act would be positive for the Burnham-On-Sea area and he added that the UK needs to invest in housing and introduce heat pumps to houses. He said that Labour would ban fracking. The evening included a question about the inequality of state pensions for local women born in the 1950s. Labours Andy Merryfield said clearly women have been really, really poorly treated and he said his partys manifesto pledges to help them. James Heappey says he has not voted on the issue yet, but that he understands why some people feel hard done by. He says he has represented the women in parliament. Lorna Corke said that the pensions crisis is part of a wider austerity issue and that it illustrates profound things wrong with our system. Tessa Munt said that while she had voted on the changes, she was concerned that nobody had received proper notice about the pension changes and that the matter needs to be looked into in more detail. The next question at Wednesdays Burnham-On-Sea hustings claimed that public transport in Burnham-On-Sea is terrible and that travelling to local towns such as Weston for work is especially difficult, so what would the candidates do to improve this? James Heappey said the public transport timetable in Burnham had improved despite the loss of some buses. He said a number of people have been cut off and that reaching outlying facilities such as Berrow Medical Centre is unworkable. While he says Somerset County Council does not have the money to improve transport, he hopes the funding will be given in the future. Tessa Munt said that local public transport services is a really serious problem, with some residents who rely on public transport unable to get to work. She said the Government is too urban-centric and obsessed with city travel. She also says that a proper review of the transport service in the Burnham area is needed as it is a barrier to travel for many. She went on to point out that Burnham has missed out when the Government looks at public transport. Andy Merryfield said the whole matter is a nonsense, because the Government gives out bus passes and then takes away the buses. He believes that because residents dont have buses, people are forced to drive cars, adding to climate change. He added that Labour will re-nationalise the rail services, which was met with applause by the hustings audience. He adds there are trains which dont stop at Highbridge and this is a basic requirement. Lorna Corke said she doesnt understand why there is a problem with buses and why we allow big companies to get away without paying tax. She says we live in an unfair and unequal society and it is not good enough as the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer. The next part of the hustings event turned to Brexit and the whether its right that the UK faces a big bill to exit the EU. This topic attracted plenty of interaction and heckling from the crowd. Mr Merryfield said Labour would ensure all workers from abroad who are here are able to stay. And he went to say that the NHS would fall apart if the foreign workers were taken away because of Brexit. He claims that Labour is best placed to take us out of Europe and will ensure we get the best possible Brexit deal. Lorna Corke who is a UKIP district councillor says the UK should never have joined the EU in the first place. She said we are a unique nation and we have the ability to stand on our own feet and trade as we did before again. She says we shouldnt pay money to leave the EU and it will miss us when we are gone. She added that the EU is a dictatorship and we should not accept that. Tessa Munt said that while we are leaving the EU, we must be brave and ask questions. She says the people of Somerset are her experts and she will listen to constituents about how to leave the EU. She wants to see a second referendum before the final EU deal is signed off. Mr Heappey argued that having a policy of a second referendum would be a poor one since the EU could put together a terrible deal if we did leave. And he added that while we shouldnt pay money to leave the EU, if its a great deal then that is up to the Government. He admited that I got it wrong about the economy suffering as a result of Brexit and he went on to say that in fact it has improved. He added that he is 100 per cent certain the UK can flourish outside of the EU. Burnham resident Tony Lynham quizzed the candidates from the floor on where the 18bn that would be saved following Brexit would go. Tessa Munt said she feels it should be released to raise the 1% pay cap on public services and to support farmers so they are less in need of subsidies. Mr Merryfield said he feels the cash should go to the NHS and funding primary school meals. The next question referred to how the candidates would stand up for rural areas of Somerset in terms of financing. County councillor Tessa Munt, who won her seat in Wells at the start of May, says there are many differences across Somerset and she feels that there is a lot of new infrastucture built in Taunton and Yeovil while more rural areas such as Burnham and Cheddar do not see those benefits. She feels a lot more can be done to spread employment opportunities, broadband services and new enterprise jobs. Lorna Corke, who is a UKIP district councillor, says she would like to see more money to the rural industry like farming and fisheries. She wants to ensure these industries thrive again and she praised Bridgwater College for training people to work at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Mr Merryfield said homelessness is an issue and that better housing is needed. He also said the road structure in Somerset is unsafe. He went on to say that childrens social services need to improve in the area. If we cant look after our vulnerable children then that is poor, he added. Mr Heappey told the hustings event that there is a disparity between rural and urban funding and he vowed that local authority funding needs to be improved more than it already has. He continued that we have a long way to go with fair school funding but we are going in the right direction. He also says there is funding for primary care in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge but there is a real issue regarding GP recruitment. He added that there is a tough decision to be taken on how much development to accept in this part of Somerset. We live in a beautiful part of the world and we have to have these conversations. Money comes with development, he said. The last question was about later-life funding around the winter fuel allowance and what the candidates would do about means-tested care for pensioners. Mr Heappey said there would be a cap on liability for pensioners. He says it may be increased and there will be consultation. He admitted that some of the information had come out after the launch of our manifesto in a nod to a much-publicised clarification from Theresa May on social care funding caps. Andy Merryfield says Labour would set up a national care service and will focus on the elderly. He adds that local organisations need to benefit from these plans and he added that he wants to address the gender pay gap and is committed to making sure this changes. Tessa Munt said that the Lib Dem cap would be 72,000-74,000 rather than 100,000 from the Conservatives. She argued that the governments dementia tax is unfair when it encourages people to buy a home and earn money through their life, only for it to be taken away in later-life care. We need to look carefully at this, she said. In the closing statements, Lorna Corke said her party wants to strengthen the institution of marriage by providing marriage awareness courses for a couples first marriage. We will provide grants of 10,000 per couple to encourage marriage, she explained. She added that different views should be taught in schools and universities and added: There seems to be government interference in education and we believe it should be the responsibility of the parents. Tessa Munt said she and Mr Heappey are the only two in the race given the 2015 General Election result, and she asked voters to think carefully about who will stand up to Theresa Mays Conservatives. We dont want yet another yes man in Westminster, she said. James has never voted against his party line I did, and I will stand up for local people. Andy Merryfield said residents should vote for the party that they feel most comfortable with. He added that you will then have a clear conscience on June 8th. Vote with your heart and mind, he said. James Heappey concluded the evening by saying he hoped he had shown that seeks to know about the local issues. I look carefuly at the detail to find solutions and am impassioned about our local community, he said. He adds he will have the right conversation and make the right decisions. I think you can get a better deal by being in Government, he said. Residents across the Wells constituency which includes the Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Brean, Berrow and Brent Knoll areas will be voting in the General Election on Thursday, June 8th. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Reliance Communications lenders have sought more information on its plan to reduce debt, in the wake of a slowing in cash flow and its shares and bonds being hit by a series of rating downgrades. Multinational stent makers who have been asked by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to prove superiority of their next generation over older devices have said a superiority study is impossible. One of the arguing this is Boston Scientific, which had asked the NPPA to provide differential pricing for its Synergy and Promus Premier stent systems. Amazon Technologies has filed a patent application in India for a technology which might ensure that automated aerial vehicles (AAVs, better known as drones) do not hit humans or animals while delivering packages. Amidst layoffs marking the IT industry, while top institutes are relatively immune, mid-rung engineering institutes are exploring ways to impart latest skills to students ahead of placements this year. Banks are planning to insist on a forensic audit of (RCom) before they take up a proposal for restructuring loans to the beleaguered telecom company. Anurag Mehrotra, 44, took charge as the youngest managing director of (effective today) after spending over six years in the sales, service and marketing functions. He is also the first Indian to head Fords subsidiary here after many years. Mehrotra talks about his focus on ensuring a sustainable and profitable business while not chasing volumes at the cost of margins in an interaction with Ajay Modi. Online furniture retailer has appointed ex-Arvind Lifestyle executive Jaipal Singal as its chief financial officer (CFO) at a time when it is dipping its feet into the world of offline retail. founder N R Narayana Murthy has said senior executives should take pay cuts to save the jobs of youngsters. Giving the example of how tackled this problem in 2001, when the market shrunk, Murthy said the company could protect the jobs of youngsters. The first Indian monitoring and early warning system for air pollution was launched on May 12, 2017, in the nations fifth most populous city, with the hope that it will reduce the health impacts and deaths from air pollution, a growing problem in a country with nine of the worlds 20 most polluted cities in 2016, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Hours after the Kerala Government opposed the order notice issued by the Central Environment Ministry in controlling the sale of cattle, the state High Court on Wednesday backed the Centre's decision. In a related development, beef prices have nearly doubled in the national capital and its adjoining areas due to supply shortage The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday suggested that the cow should be declared a animal and its killers be sentenced to life imprisonment. "Keeping in mind Articles 48 and 51A (g) of the Constitution and to provide legal entity for their proper protection and conservation of cow, it is expected from the government that cow is declared a animal," Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma said in a 145-page order. Describing himself as a "Shiv bkaht", the judge, on the eve of his retirement, gave a ruling relating to the Hingonia Gaushala of Jaipur. According to NGOs, over 500 cows had died at the Hingonia Bovine Animal Rehabilitation Centre in a span of 1-2 months in 2016 due to improper care. The court said India was a predominantly agriculture-based country where animal husbandry played an important role. "It should also be kept in mind that that Hindus have got great faith in cows and Nepal, which is a Hindu nation, has declared cow a animal," he said. The judge appointed the Chief Secretary and the Advocate General of Rajasthan as persons in loco parentis (custodians) for the protection and conservation of cows. These officials will work for the protection and conservation of cows and to declare cow a national animal, the ruling said. The court said that it expected the Rajasthan government to increase to life imprisonment punishment for killing cows. The single bench court said any person or organisation was free to approach the court with a plea in the form of a PIL to declare cow as a national animal. Additional Advocate General G.S. Gill said that they will "study the order of the court in detail first". "We have yet to receive the copy of the order. These are more of observations by the court and these are not binding," Gill told IANS. Justice Sharma meanwhile told IANS that neither he nor his judgement is anyway concerned with the beef controversy which is raging right now in the country. "The suggestions I made today were the voice of my soul," he added. "I delivered judgement in my judicial capacity. I am not concerned with any political party or parties," he said. India and on Thursday signed the much-awaited agreement on setting up of two more units of a nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu and decided to give a new direction to the defence cooperation between the two great powers. The two countries also decided to hold the first tri-services exercises, named Indra-2017, this year and start joint manufacturing of frigates, adding on to the co-production of Kamov-226 military helicopters. These decisions were taken at the wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister and Russian President here, which covered a range of issues, including terrorism and increasing trade and investment. Addressing the media jointly with Putin, Modi said the relations between India and have been unwavering, based on mutual love, respect and strong trust. From culture to security, our relations have been on a par ... We speak in one language, he said. He said the two leaders had decided to speed up the bilateral cooperation in all fields, for which an action plan has been devised. Noting that India and were celebrating the 70th anniversary of their relations, Modi said there had been no impact on the ties in all these decades. Putin described the talks as substantive and said the India-Russia partnership was developing into a strategic and privileged one. A joint declaration issued after the talks said the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership was a unique relationship of mutual trust between the two great powers. It said the relationship covered all areas of cooperation, including in the spheres of political relations, security, trade and economy, military and technical field, energy, scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and foreign policy. The relationship helps promote national interests of both countries, and contributes to the establishment of a more peaceful and just world order, the declaration said. The two sides signed five agreements, which included one on setting up of units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. Modi said the nuclear agreement, which was a major outcome of the summit meeting, would further strengthen the ties between the two countries. The other pacts included a contract for a high-speed train service between Nagpur and Secunderabad, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for export of precious stones and jewellery and a programme on cultural exchanges. We welcome the conclusion of the the general framework agreement and credit protocol for units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant, according to a Vision Document issued after the talks. The reactors will be built by Indias Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) and Russias Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 megawatt (MW) of power. The document titled A vision for the 21st Century said economies of India and Russia complemented each other in the energy sector and both countries would strive to build an energy bridge. It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. We will strive to build an energy bridge between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency, it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with its Make In India initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the Programme of Action for Localisation in India signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6,780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a global framework agreement on nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Ministers Office for approval. But, sources said, the credit protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said there had been a steady and demonstrable achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of Indias largest energy hubs. Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation, the document said. Talking about terrorism, Modi said the views of the two countries are similar on the problem in whichever form it exists, whether in Afghanistan, Middle East or Asia-Pacific. "India and Russia stand together on terrorism and new challenges to the security," he said. In the joint statement, the two sides said that the "unprecedented spread" of the threat of terror "requires decisive collective response on part of the entire global community, without double standards and selectivity, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter." It added, "We urge all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists." The two countries called for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the global counter-terrorism normative and legal framework to combat this scourge. Referring to trade, Modi said the two countries were close to achieving the target of $30 billion by 2025. At present, trade between the two nations stands at $7.8 billion, down from $10 billion in 2014. Russian investment in India is $4 billion while Indian investment in Russia is $8 bn, Putin noted. Modi will be addressing a large gathering of business leaders tomorrow at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where India is the guest country for the first time. The prime minister said it was a privilege for him. India's large IT services are witnessing increasing backlash from employees who have been asked to resign in recent months as the sees a structural change due to business as well as technology shifts. Pakistan on Thursday said alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav will remain alive till he does not exhaust the right to seek clemency. "Irrespective of ICJ's (International Court of Justice) stay, Jadhav will remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the COAS (army chief) and later with President," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. He said the Indian petition at the ICJ was about Jadhav's entitlement to consular access. "It is not about whether the ICJ can act as a Court of Appeal from Pakistani legal proceedings. That is why Barrister Khawar Qureshi informed the Court that India cannot obtain from the Court what it is seeking. He also told the Court that India is using media to create false impression about the case." The spokesperson said India had failed despite reminders to provide information sought on January 23 by Islamabad on the basis of Jadhav's confession of spying and fomenting terror in Pakistan. He termed the ICJ stay on Jadhav's hanging as "nothing but usual". The ICJ has stayed the execution of Jadhav, who has been awarded capital punishment by a Pakistani military court on charges of fomenting terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi. Ex-Islamic State Fighters Face Justice in Mosul In the Assyrian-Christian city of Hamdaniya, which its inhabitants call Qaraqosh, 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Mosul, a big house belonging to a Muslim family temporarily hosts a terrorism court as part of the Iraqi Criminal Court, where provincial trials are held. In this beige and orange two-story villa, Iraqi judges listen to prisoners who are accused of being affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group and having committed crimes against humanity. At the end of October 2016, when the city was liberated by Iraqi forces, the same house was occupied by IS foreign fighters, which is the reason it is one of the few houses that is not damaged. Aside from the trials of former IS fighters, weekdays from Sunday to Thursday, around 300 people gather in front of the doors of the villa. These individuals, who arrive at the same time as the IS fighters, are the victims of the three-year IS rule who seek justice. They reach Hamdaniya by private or public transportation from Mosul and its outskirts, or even from the camps for the displaced in Ninevah province, to report the violence they faced. They lost their homes, their cars and their personal possessions, and they bring pictures and documents as proof to show the judges. Many cry out for the disappearance of a family member, a killing and other brutal acts committed by IS in front of their eyes. Read the full story here. 23-year-old Anjali Rathour who was shot dead in her apartment basement A 23-year-old woman was gunned down by an unidentified man in a residential highrise building's parking area in Noida on Wednesday morning. Police said the deceased, Anjali Rathour, worked as a Trainee Engineer in the Sales Department of a mobile manufacturing company in Sector 62 of Noida. She was a native of Yumuna Nagar in Haryana and stayed in a sharing accommodation on third floor with her five friends in Shatabdi Rail Vihar Apartment Society. The incident occurred at around 6.30 am when some residents informed police about her killing in the parking area. "Initial investigations suggest that she got a call from a man believed to be her boyfriend Ashwani at around 6.05 am. She later went to meet him in the parking area of the building. "The CCTV footage of around 6.30 am shows a man chasing her and she running to avoid him. Finally, he shoots her in the back of her head," Superintendent of Police (City) Arun Kumar Singh told IANS. "The CCTV at the main entrance gate was found to be non-functional. We could not identify the accused person due to unclear image of his face. The call details records (CDR) of the deceased are being examined," he said. She was declared brought-dead on being taken to a nearby hospital, police said. Her family members and police are suspecting Ashwani involvement in the crime. "We are also looking for Ashwani," the officer said. Rathour had joined the company in 2016 after doing an IT course from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab. She met Ashwani in LPU, who is a native of Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. It was discovered that she had been avoiding Ashwani's phone calls for several weeks, police said. She was staying in Shatabdi Rail Vihar Society for the last five months, they added. Police have formed three teams to crack the case and are enquiring security guards of the society and her office colleagues to arrest the accused persons. President Vladimir Putin asserted today that Russia's "trust-based" relations with India which he described as one of its "closest friends" will not be diluted by Moscow's growing ties with Pakistan and other countries. During an interaction, Putin told PTI that there is no other country in the world that Russia has "deep cooperation" in delicate areas such as missiles, and it benefits from cooperation with India. But at the same time, Putin sidestepped a question on Kashmir, and said "it is up to you" to assess whether Pakistan is fuelling terrorism in the Indian state. "But no matter where the threat comes, it is unacceptable and we will always support India in its fight against terrorism," he added. Putin further said that just because Russia has a "special relationship" with India, it means India should be restricted in having contacts with other "partnering countries. This is ridiculous." "We do not have any tight (military) relations with Pakistan. The US, do you have (close relations)?," he said, speaking through an interpreter. "And for sure our relations with Pakistan have no impact on trade between India and Russia." Sitting around a rectangular table with a select group of global news agency editors, the 64-year-old Russian leader took questions one by one on subjects related not only of interest to the editors' countries but also of wider global concerns such as Syria, US President Donald Trump and the future of an emerging multi-polar world. "India is a huge country of more than 1 billion population. Russia is also a huge country. Both Russia and India have a lot of context and mutual interests. We are respectful toward all Indian interests," he said, citing the deep defence relations between the two countries. "I don't think we should push figures here in our military cooperation because it has an unprecedented level in its volume and quality. (But) there is no other country in the world that we have such deep cooperation in delicate areas such as missiles, and we benefit with cooperation with India. And this results from our trust-based relations with India," he said. He did not elaborate, but this was a clear reference to the Russia's long willingness to share high-end defence technology including missile technology with India, which most other countries restrict. On a question if Russia will use its influence to get Pakistan to stop terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "We will always support India in its fight against terrorism. I believe Pakistan is taking immense steps to stabilise the situation in the country." He noted that India and Russia, as part of their summit, are "having a frank dialogue on all these threats. India for us is one of our closest friends. We not only understand each other but also support each other." The interaction was held at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling complex of grand buildings filled with 18th century paintings, porcelain, lawns, waterways and pavilions overlooking the Gulf of Finland. A woman from Punjab who was allegedly "sold" to a family in Saudi Arabia as domestic help, returned to India on Wednesday, following the intervention of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Talking media persons at the airport, Sukhwant Kaur revealed that she had flown to Saudi Arabia from India on a valid visa. She said that after having worked there as a domestic help for a month when she asked about her wages she was told that she had been sold to the family by the agent. After getting stuck there, Kaur narrated her tale to her husband over telephone, who in turn approached the Ministry of External Affairs. Kaur thanked Minister Sushma Swaraj and others who made her return to her homeland possible. Members of her family and residents of her Ajtani village near Nurmahal in Jalandhar district were also at the airport to receive 55-year-old Kaur who was sent to Saudi Arabia by a Delhi-based travel agency last year. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday thanked the External Affairs Minister for facilitating her return. Amarinder promised a time-bound action plan by his government soon to prevent unscrupulous travel agents from duping innocent people like her. Swaraj had on Tuesday spoken to the Chief Minister to apprise him of the situation regarding Kaur. The Chief Minister deputed officials in Amritsar to receive Kaur on behalf of the government as she landed at Guru Ram Dass International Airport, Amritsar, ending her ordeal. The woman, who was forced to work there as a slave, and was badly treated and also tortured, finally succeeded in returning home to be reunited with her family, with the external affairs ministry's active intervention. In the wake of reports surfacing on the apparent privatisation of the national carrier Air India, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya on Wednesday asserted that owing to the voluminous debts linked with the airline, privatisation is the only feasible option. "There have been several attempts to revive the airline, but unsuccessful. It is the taxpayers' money that is being spent to clear debts. The government is looking to allocate this money to uplifting other sectors like health, education and infrastructure. Therefore, the only option left is privatising the airline," Panagariya told ANI. " has debt of over Rs. 4,000 crore yearly. This amount is a lot for the government to pay," he added. Prior to the current deliberation over the privatisation of India's national carrier, similar attempts were made during the Atal bihari Vajpayee-led government. However, the situation declined further during the ten-year tenure of the UPA government. Therefore, along with other public sector units (PSUs), is also being considered for privatisation. "The current CEO of the airline has taken several measures to improve the condition of the airline. Although profits were achieved, the debt payment involved is much too high. Deliberations in this regard are underway," said Panagariya. The state-owned airline has been plagued by reports of inefficiency and enormous losses for years. It received 4.5 billion dollar bail out from the government in 2012. The report, which the government will use to evaluate the progress of Air India's restructuring, says failed to meet its cash-credit limits, leading to short-term loans rising to 145.51 billion rupees (2.18 billion dollars) as on March 31, 2016 against a target of 36.46 billion rupees. It said the airline should monetise more of its assets faster to reduce its debt burden and speed up the leasing of narrow-body aircraft to improve its performance. "The company, though aware of the shortage of narrow body aircraft as early as May 2010, delayed leasing of A-320 aircraft," the report said, referring to Airbus Group's narrow-body aircraft which is widely used in India. The privatisation proposal came on October 28, 2011, when a Group of Ministers in the UPA government sat down to decide Air India's fate and approve a bailout package for the carrier. China has emerged as India's second- largest destination for gems and jewellery exports after the United States(US) in the financial year 2016-17 due to a slowdown in the European Union(EU) and an import tax levied by the United Arab Emirates(UAE). India will abide by its existing commitments under the despite the US President Donald Trump pulling out from the global climate change pact. Prime Minister and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as Prime Minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow in St Petersburg. "Normally, international relations see ups and downs but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs," the prime minister said and thanked the Russian president for playing a crucial role in getting India Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) membership. Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Modi mentioned to Putin about his visit to the cemetery this morning where he paid homage to the victims of the World War II. "You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred," Modi told Putin. Putin's brother was killed 70 years ago in the siege of Leningrad during the World War II. He thanked Modi for visiting the war memorial, saying such places have a special place in Russian people's heart. The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide- ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. Prime Minister arrived at St Petersburg in on Wednesday for an annual summit with President during which the two sides will sign a host of agreements, with all eyes on a deal to build with Russia's help the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant. With hours to go before the summit, Indian officials told PTI that last-minute talks are taking place to iron out details and language of the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. "The agreement remains work in progress," the source said. The reactors are being built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroy export company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. The two sides are expected to ink 12 agreements in wide- ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centerpiece of the summit, the second time in eight months after their last bilateral in Goa in October 2016. If signed, the two units of the plant, with capacity to produce 1000 MW of electricity each, will significantly boost the country's nuclear power generation. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a General Framework Agreement on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. "There is a lot of mutual trust and personal chemistry between the two leaders that has developed over the last three years," Pankaj Saran, India's ambassador to Russia, told PTI. At the summit tomorrow, "the leaders will take stock of the current relationship and discuss a blueprint for a vision of the future," he said. India's traditional ties with dating back to the days of Soviet Union have been complicated by Moscow's growing economic and political alliances with China and Pakistan. However, Saran said India's relations with Russia are independent of its ties with Pakistan. "Our relations with Russia is on a different pedestal and we have a full agenda between us that is important to both of us. We have clear understanding of our core concerns and vital security interests," he said, hours before Modi was to arrive from Spain. Modi will arrive in stormy weather in St. Petersburg, the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad. The prime minister will begin his three-day Russia sojourn with a visit tomorrow to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for some 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Modi will then be received by Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian president's official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides. On Friday, Modi will be the guest of honor at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being attended by a host of political and business leaders from around the world. It's the first time that an Indian prime minister is attending the economic and business summit. Some 60 Indian CEOs ae attending the summit, and India has also set up a 'Make in India' pavilion in addition to hosting roundtables and an exclusive India-Eurasia economic and business breakfast. Trade between the two nations stands at USD 7.8 billion, down from USD 10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to USD 30 billion in the next five years. In a bid to boost India-Spain business and investment ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with CEOs of leading Spanish companies here on Wednesday, inviting them to invest in India and benefit from the immense potential that awaits them in the country. "Met top CEOs of the Spanish industry and urged them to explore the economic opportunities in India," Modi tweeted. He told the CEOs of the reforms being undertaken such as GST, and said that initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Start up India are attracting much foreign interest. "PM @narendramodi interacts with CEOs of leading Spanish companies with global footprint," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted. "He invited them to look anew at a new India emerging with government's push for economic growth," he said in another tweet. There are around 200 Spanish companies in India and they are keen to invest and expand their presence in India. Earlier on Wednesday, addressing the media ahead of holding talks with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy, Modi said Spain has made rapid strides in its economy while his government's top priority too was India's economic growth and development. He said Spain can offer its expertise to India's development priorities like railways, smart cities and infrastructure. Economic partnership is an important pillar of India's engagement with Spain and Spanish companies have a reputation in fields like renewable energy, high speed rail, infrastructure, tunnelling, technology solution including civil aviation, air space management and waste water management. Modi arrived here from Germany on Tuesday on the second leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe that will also take him to Russia and France. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Spain in nearly 30 years since Rajiv Gandhi paid a trip in 1988. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invited Russian companies to invest in India by forming joint ventures, saying opportunities for them have opened up, especially in defence production, through recent policy initiatives. "I invite Russian companies to start joint ventures with Indian businesses. In the defence sector, we have recently framed rules to precisely facilitate such partnerships," Modi said, while addressing a meeting here with CEOs of both the countries, referring to the Strategic Partnership policy in defence manufacturing approved by New Delhi last month. "I urge Russian companies to examine this policy carefully to see how they can take advantage of this new policy," he added. The Strategic Partnership 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. It was finalised by the Defence Acquisition Council on May 20, and the Union Cabinet took note of it on May 24. Russia has been a traditional supplier of defence equipment to India. The Prime Minister mentioned in this regard that the presence of Russian companies in India has been steadily growing over the years. Bilateral trade is currently worth around $7 billion. Modi arrived here on Wednesday evening on the third leg of his four-nation European tour. On Friday, Modi will for the first time attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. After years of resistance from local farmers and environmental activists, the proposed 6,000 megawatt (Mw) nuclear power project in Mithi Virdi, Gujarat, has been disallowed by the Union ministry of environment and forests, the latter formally confirmed. Heavy monsoon showers Tuesday morning brought respite from the scorching summer, but it did nothing to soothe hundreds of cattle traders at the weekly market in Chelari in Keralas Malappuram district. President Donald Trump will follow through on a campaign pledge to pull the US out of a global pact to fight climate change, a source briefed on the decision told Reuters, a move that should rally his support base at home while deepening a rift with US allies. Trump, who has previously called global warming a hoax, did not confirm the decision in a post on Twitter, saying only, "I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days." Inauguration of MITS Mega Food Park at Rayagada, Odisha. The first Mega Food Park in the state of Odisha M/s MITS Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Rayagada has been inaugurated today the 1st June, 2017 by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Honble Minister of Food Processing Industries. This is the 7th Mega Food Park operationalized in the last 3 years by the present government. On this occasion Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Honble MoS (I/C) of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Hon'ble MoS (Food Processing Industries), Government of India, were also present. Speaking on the occasion Honble Minister said that under the Visionary guidance of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that agriculture sector grows exponentially and become a major contributor to doubling the farmers income and Make In India initiative of the government. To give a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country. Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based approach. Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs). Under the Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50.00 Crore per Mega Food Park project. Speaking on the occasion Smt. Badal said that the Mega Food Park has been set up in 50.05 acre of land at the cost of Rs. 80.17crore. Government of India has provided a financial assistance of Rs. 50.00 Crore to the project. The food park is having facilities of fully operational industrial sheds for SMEs, developed industrial plots for lease to food processing units, Rice Processing Complex of 12 TPH, Dry Ware-House of 10,000 MT, Cold Store of 2500 MT, Multi Fruit Processing facility and other food processing facilities etc. The Park also has a common administrative building for office and other uses by the entrepreneurs and 6 Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) at Kashipur, Padampur, Umerkote, Koraput, Digapahandi and Khordha having facilities for primary processing and storage near the farms. Honble Minister for food Processing Industries said that the modern infrastructure for food processing created at MITS Mega Food Park will benefit the farmers, growers, processors and consumers of Odisha and prove to be a big boost to the growth of the food processing sector in the state of Odisha. The Mega Food Park will benefit not only the people of Rayagada but also the people of adjoining districts of Nabarangpura, Ganjam and Khordha. Smt. Badal further said that the Mega Food Park will leverage an additional investment of about Rs. 250 crore in 25-30 food processing units in the park and generate a turnover of about Rs. 450-500 Crore annually. The Park will also provide direct and indirect employment to 5000 people and benefit about 25000 farmers in the CPC and PPC catchment areas. Smt. Badal also said that the present government is fully committed to providing an environment that is smooth, transparent and easy for investors wanting to start an enterprise in India and in a bid to make India a resilient food economy and the Food Factory of the World the government has made Food Processing a major thrust area of Make in India. Honble Minister also highlighted the newly approved SAMPADA Scheme of the ministry and exhorted the farmers/ FPOs/ SHGs and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the scheme for fuelling growth of food processing sector in Odisha. Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal congratulated the farmers who will be benefitted by this Mega Food Park and also by the huge employment opportunities that will be generated by the Mega Food Park for the people of this region. In a noble and humane gesture, elder citizens from among the pensioners donated fund for military and paramilitary martyrs to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. . . Led by Secretary General of "Bharat Pensioners Samaj", Shri S.C. Maheshwari, the senior, superannuated citizens met Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday and handed over to him a cheque of the amount collected by them through donations by different pensioners. They said, they were contributing this amount to the Prime Ministers Relief Fund for the specific purpose of welfare and care of the families of the martyrs from the military and paramilitary forces, who were sacrificing their lives in anti-terrorist operations. . . The letter accompanying the cheque stated that Bharat Pensioners Samaj", a conglomerate of 725 pensioners associations, reiterates its resolve to stand solidly behind the government and urges that those who insult our men in uniform or hamper the army operations against terrorists, should be dealt with an iron hand. . . Appreciating the gesture, Dr Jitendra Singh said, regardless of the amount donated by the senior citizens, the matter of fact is that the value of the amount is many times more than it appears to be, for the simple reason that it has been collected with a sense of impeccable patriotism and it has been contributed from the most hard-earned pension drawn by some of our senior citizens. . . Dr Jitendra Singh said, we are proud of the Indian Army which is among the best forces in the world and we are also eternally indebted to the supreme sacrifices made by our army personnel. The sacrifices of a soldier, he said, cannot be compensated by any amount of money, but yet, a gesture like this is only meant to reaffirm our commitment to the motherland and to those bravehearts who laid down their lives so that we could live. . . President of India congratulates Mr. Aleksandar Vucic on his assumption of office as President of Serbia . The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated His Excellency Mr. Aleksandar Vucic on his assumption of office of President of the Republic of Serbia. . . In his message, the President has said, Please accept my warm felicitations on your assumption of office as the President of the Republic of Serbia following your landslide victory in the Presidential elections held on 2nd April, 2017. . . India values its relations with Serbia which are historic and time-tested. Our bilateral relations are marked by mutual trust and support to each other on issues of core interest. I am confident that working together we will be able to realize the full potential of our relationship which received a major boost during your recent visit to India. . . I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your good health and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Serbia". . . The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari launched INAM-Pro + in New Delhi today. INAM-Pro+ is an upgraded version of INAM-Pro, the web portal designed by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and launched by the Ministry two years back as a common platform to bring cement buyers and sellers together. . . More than 700 construction companies have used INAM-Pro during the last two years. With 37 Cement companies registered on it, the portal facilitated comparison of price, availability of materials etc. and made it very convenient for the prospective buyers to procure cement at reasonable rates in a transparent manner. This reduced the time and effort in preparation of proposals and bid submissions, and helped increase efficiency in procurement of construction materials as one could place orders, obtain price quotes and track them in swift manner on this portal. . The publicly visible prices have promoted transparency and enhanced ease of doing business. The companies registered on INAM-Pro have a committed supply of 27 million metric tons of cement at a price restricted by predefined ceiling values. . . INAM-Pro has thus been successful in matching demand with supply, cutting down delays by timely supply of material and providing for online payments , mitigating cost overruns due to price hedging through ceiling price mechanism which allows maximum increment of 10% Year on Year basis and promoting transparency in the market due to publicly visible Prices. . . INAM-Pro has been highly acclaimed by the construction industry and IT sector and has also been recognized and listed in the Book-on-Innovations "New Beginning" released by Hon'ble PM on the Civil Services Day. . . Following the success with cement, the portal has recently been upgraded as INAM-Pro+ to include the A to Z of construction materials, equipments/machinery and services like purchase/hiring/lease of new/used products and services in the domains of Construction Materials viz, cement, steel, bitumen, stone aggregates, concrete, bricks, wood, sanitary items, paint etc. ; Infrastructure Machinery viz.HMP, Paver Finisher, Backhoe Loaders etc.; Intelligent Transport System Equipment viz. VMS, CCTV, ECB, Boom Barriers etc. ; Road Furniture viz. road signage, road studs, etc. ; Haulage Vehicles Viz. Tippers, Backhoe Loaders, Cranes ; Road Safety and Protection Works viz. Crash Barriers, Hazard markers, Delineators etc. and Services viz. Road Marking, Ambulance, Route Patrolling, Tree plantation / Transplantation. . . The portal allows stake holders to seek operational guidance, give their feedback and submit suggestions through Toll Free No. 1800 200 3399 (10.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M, Monday to Friday) or www. www.inampromic.in. . . Launching INAM-Pro +, Shri Gadkari said that this portal is very effective in facilitating efficient and transparent procurement of construction material and service. He called upon government organizations, PSUs and other organizations in the sector to make use of this portal. . . Shri S. S. Ahluwalia leads Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Sweden Delegation seeks Swedish support for the Global Convention against International Terrorism at the UN Shri Ahluwalia thanks Sweden for its consistent and unequivocal support to Indias candidature to the expanded permanent membership of the UNSC and NSG Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S. S. Ahluwalia, led anIndian Parliamentary delegation on a three-day visit to Sweden for promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries.The visit, which concluded late last night, is expected to re-energize the existing high-level contacts between India and Sweden and further strengthen bilateral relations. During the visit, the Indian delegation met Swedish Minister for Policy Coordination and Energy, Mr. Ibrahim Baylan, the Speaker of the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament), Mr. Urban Ahlin, and Foreign Minister Ms. Margot Wallstrom. Shri Ahluwalia, in his meetings with the Swedish dignitaries, thanked Sweden for its consistent and unequivocal support to Indias candidature to the expanded permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). He expressed satisfaction at the continued strengthening of bilateral relations and underlined importance of Parliamentary relations between the two democracies, including upcoming visit of the Speaker of Swedish Riksdag to India. The Minister further discussed the entire gamut of bilateral political and economic relations in addition to other issues of global concern. He emphasized on the threat posed by international terrorism globally, especially in the South Asian region, and the need for the international community to join hands to combat this global menace, including its state-sponsorship and funding. Shri Ahluwalia stressed that these perpetrators of terror were not small-time anarchists but rather they were well-educated, well-motivated, well-trained, well-armed, well-connected and well-funded terrorists. The Minister sought Swedish support for the Global Convention against International Terrorism at the UN. The Ministerial delegation, during the visit, also visited Swedish Parliament and met Ms. Asa Coenraads, Chairman of the India-Sweden Parliamentary Association in the Riksdag, who was joined by a couple of other Parliamentarians. A dozen other Swedish Parliamentarians and officials also participated in the luncheon interaction hosted by Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Swedish Parliament, Mr. Kenneth G. Forslund, and exchanged views and information on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The Indian delegation also interacted with the Indian Diaspora in Sweden, representatives of Swedish Parliament, Government, business community and industry at a reception, hosted by Indian Ambassador Ms. Monika Kapil Mohta during the visit. During the reception, the delegation was also given a presentation on India-Sweden economic relations by the Chairman of the Sweden-India Business Council. The Parliamentary delegation, among others, comprised nine Members of Parliament Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP(LS), BJD; Shri Amdayala Paddu Jithender Reddy, MP(LS),TRS; Shri Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire, MP(LS), Shiv Sena; Shri Ram Kumar Verma, MP(RS), BJP; Shri Manchacheri Kuppadakkath Raghavan, MP(LS), INC; Shri Palanivel Kumar, MP(LS), AIADMK; Shri Chintakunta Munaiah Ramesh, MP(RS), TDP; Shri Mohammed Faizal Padippura, MP (LS),NCP; and Shri Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy, MP(LS), YSRCP and Shri Rajiv Yadav, Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the British general election on June 8, the ruling Conservative party has renewed its commitment to reduce and control immigration to a net figure of under 100,000 a level not seen for 20 years. This pledge caused some puzzlement. Even the Brexit secretary, David Davies, admitted that immigration levels would rise from time to time after Brexit. Government cabinet ministers were reportedly against including so specific a commitment, and many have been referring to it as an aim or an ambition, not a promise or a policy. After examining the sector-by-sector need for labour, the think tank Global Future argued that making substantial cuts in immigration to these levels is not only very difficult but also overwhelmingly undesirable. The only way the target could be met, the authors of the report concluded, was by crashing the economy. The Afghan capital has seen scores of deadly bombing attacks since August 2015. Following is the timeline of the attacks. May 31, 2017 - At least 80 people were killed and over 350 injured when an explosive-laden truck exploded near the diplomatic zone in the city. March 8, 2017 - At least 50 people were killed after attackers dressed as doctors stormed Sardar Daud Khan military hospital November 21, 2016 - At least 27 were killed in a suicide bomb attack on Baqir ul Olum mosque during a Shia ceremony. July 23, 2016 - At least 80 people died in twin bomb blasts targeting a rally by the Shia Hazara minority in Deh Mazang square. April 19, 2016 - At least 28 were killed in a huge explosion close to the Afghan defence ministry building. February 1, 2016 - 20 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at the police headquarters. August 7, 2015 - At least 35 people were killed in separate bomb attacks across the capital. on Thursday said for 2017, its pipeline for Asia Pacific is on track with nearly 80 hotels set to open, including in India, that will add 19,000 new rooms. The company will also introduce two brands in Asia Pacific offering guests a total of 23 brands, it said. Debuting in the region this year is MOXY Hotels, a Next Gen boutique-hotel brand, which is expected to open with MOXY Tokyo before the end of this year. Further, Delta Hotels, a premium brand, is set to debut with Delta Hotels by Marriott Shanghai Baoshan slated for this summer in China. "We are looking at nearly 80 new properties slated to open their doors this year, which means an average of two hotels a week from now till December end," Asia Pacific President and Managing Director Craig S Smith said. With over 550 operating hotels and more than 1,70,000 rooms, growth momentum in Marriott's Asia Pacific business remains strong, he added. Specifically, in Asia Pacific, Marriott plans to further enhance its resorts portfolio with 16 new hotels expected to open in 2017, the company said. In India, some 10 new properties are set to open this year, across markets like Jaipur, Goa, Visakhapatnam, Indore, Coimbatore, Jodhpur and Srinagar, which will bring company's total portfolio to 100 hotels by 2018. Currently, Marriott has 84 hotels in India across 15 brands, including Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Courtyard, Marriott Executive Apartments, Fairfield, St Regis, Luxury Collection Hotels, Le Meridien, Westin, Sheraton, Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton. In 2017, the pipeline of will increase the manpower in the Asia Pacific region to 1,40,000, the company added. The New York Times offered buyouts to its newsroom employees on Wednesday, aiming to reduce layers of editing and requiring more of the editors who remain. President Trump is said to be considering withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement, a landmark accord reached in 2015 between 195 countries that seeks to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change by curbing global greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2015, officials from nearly every country in the world met in Paris to negotiate a global agreement to limit global warming. Last April, the U.S. and 174 other countries signed the agreement, with most of the others following suit since then. For the past month, President Donald Trump and his senior advisers have wrestled over whether to keep the U.S. in the Paris climate agreement, repeatedly postponing their meeting to reach a final decision. This week, Trump is reportedly planning to pull the U.S. out of the agreement. A crash in prices and distress sales of wheat by farmers is reported from Madhya Pradesh, after the Food Corporation of India ended procurement (FCI) last week. Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh on Thursday said that the hurdles in the ArcelorMittal and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Joint Venture (JV) have been cleared and very soon it would become realty. Talking to ANI, the minister said, "There were differences between two companies on certain points under the Memorandum of Understanding, so we extended it for another three months from the deadline of May 31, 2017. Now, these differences have been sorted out. Very soon the JV will come into force," said Singh. SAIL and ArcelorMittal signed a deal in May 2015 to build an $897 million automotive steel plant in India. According to the reports, the major bone of contention between the two companies was that the SAIL objected to a revenue-sharing structure that it believed would lead to a loss of up to 4 billion rupees a year. Talking about the other initiatives of his ministry, Singh said under the new Steel Policy the government not only welcomes transfer of technology (ToT) but also 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with ToT. The Union Steel Minister said this policy will enhance the quality of Indian steel and make it competitive for export, adding that India's steel production is cheaper than China. He said his ministry has also told the Indian steel manufacturing players to find an alternative of cooking coal which is being imported in heavy quantity. "If this happens, India will be saving around Rs. 35000 crore in a year," said Singh. The minister also said that the Indian steel industry should do multiplying improvements and adopt innovation and new technology. "We have earmarked Rs. 200 crore for innovation; research and development. We will replace Japan from second position in the steel manufacturing in next three months. In the stainless steel production, India is already on second position in the world," said Singh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bihar Education Minister Ashok Choudhary on Thursday extended support to the Class 12th Board Exam Arts topper, Ganesh Kumar. Choudhary told ANI that Kumar is geneiune students. He added that even Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is happy with this result and this time only meritorious students havepassed the exam. After Bihar Arts topper, Ganesh Kumar failed to show any of his academic prowess raising speculation of yet another topper scam in the state, the Bihar School Exam Board Chairman Anand Kishore on Thursday gave clean chit to the former while saying that no one can raise question on his merit. Where around 65 percent of the students failed the Bihar board, Ganesh Kumar topped from the Arts stream. He secured 65 out of 70 marks in the Practical examinations of Music and 18 out of 30 in the theory. He has secured 92 marks out of 100 in Hindi. However, a meeting with him gives a different picture. Ganesh even failed to answer basic questions related to the subjects in which he secured the highest mark. When he was asked to play some instruments and sing a song, he seemed unable to play anything in tune. Last year, scam in the Bihar Board was revealed after topper Ruby Rai secured who secured 444, marks out of 500 in the arts stream was not even bale to answer some of the basic questions related to her subjects in which she passed in. However, on camera she did not even appear to know the number of subjects in her course. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Congress leader and Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh on Thursday said that even Congress party has not accepted Rahul Gandhi as its leader. Talking to ANI, Singh launched a scathing attack on the Congress Vice President and questioned his ability to lead the Congress. He said that even the Congress party till today has not accepted Rahul Gandhi as its leader. "The Congress Working Committee had decided in the 2013 Jaipur Conclave that in future Rahul would be handed over the charge of the Congress in place of Party President Sonia Gandhi. Till now, if Rahul has not been entrusted this responsibility then it means that there is fear in the Congress that if it is done then whatever is left in the party would be lost," said Singh. Singh, who is a former Congress leader, said that even Congress leaders who meet him don't see any future of Congress. "Though it has been three years I am with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but still many Congress politicians meet me. They are very demoralized and say they don't see any future of Congress." Replying a question whether the Congress should look beyond Gandhi family, the former Congress leader said that even if one thinks beyond Gandhi family then there is no leader in the Congress who can lead the party. On leadership crisis in the Congress, he said today's Congress is not the one it used to be as it fought 2014 elections just to win around 140 seats to form a coalition government. "Congress is shrinking and its base is being weaker day by day. The perception in the country is that the BJP is alternative of the Congress that ruled country around for half century. This is the reason that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented after the recently held Uttar Pradesh election results that opposition should prepare for 2024 general elections," said the Union Minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 11 Americans were among the 400 people injured in the massive explosion that rocked a highly secure diplomatic area in Kabul on Wednesday, killing at least 90 people. There were 11 U.S. citizens - all contract personnel - injured in the blast and one Afghan local guard was reported missing, Fox news reported a senior U.S. official as saying. Nine Afghan guards working for a U.S.-contracted security company were also killed. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast but Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS) claimed that the bombing was planned by the Haqqani network in Pakistan and had help from Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. The target of the explosion in the Wazir Akbar Khan area was not immediately known, but Public Health Ministry spokesperson Ismail Kawasi said most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children. Germany's Foreign Minister Signmar Gabriel said employees of the German Embassy in Kabul were also wounded and an Afghan security guard was killed. The Foreign Ministry activated a crisis team to help deal with the aftermath The intensity of the blast was such that windows were shattered in shops, restaurants and other buildings up to a half mile from the blast site. The neighborhood is considered Kabul's safest area, with foreign embassies located in its vicinity. The German Embassy, the Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Palace are all in the area, as are the British and the Canadian embassies. The Chinese, Turkish and Iranian embassies are also located there. The U.S Embassy and the NATO mission in Kabul are also near, about a kilometer away from the site. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Panaji District and Sessions Court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against former Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat for not appearing in the Louis Berger case. "The NBW has been issued for his (Kamat) non appearance," said Superintendent of Police (SP) Crime Branch Goa Priyanka Kashyap. Last year, the police had filed chargesheet in the same case naming Kamat as the 'prime conspirator'. Along with Kamat, including the then PWD minister Churchill Alemao, was also listed in the charge sheet. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had questioned the former chief minister regarding the same. The Crime Branch of the Goa Police, along with the Enforcement Directorate, had in August, 2015, raided five establishments of Kamat and his kin in connection with the case. The local office of ED had then filed an FIR on 7 August, 2015, against the former Goa minister and officials of Louis Berger International Inc. The houses and offices of Kamat as well as his brother-in-law and daughter-in-law's residence and offices were searched. Earlier, Louis Berger, a US-based firm, had revealed to the American authorities that it had paid bribes to some persons in the Goa government in 2010 to get a consultancy contract for a water and sewerage project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). On July 21, 2015, the Goa crime branch had registered a First Information Report in this scam. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least one security personal was killed and three civilians injured during a suicide car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province. According to Khaama Press, the Nangarhar Government media office confirmed the attack that took place close to the airbase in Behsud district. According to the officials, the health condition of the injured civilians is satisfactory. So far, no group, including the Islamic State or the Taliban have claimed responsibility to the attack so far. No group including the Taliban insurgents or ISIS loyalists has so far claimed responsibility for the incident. Nangarhar is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan, but the anti-government armed militant groups have recently increased their insurgency activities in some parts of the province during the recent years. Both the Taliban insurgents and ISIS loyalists are active in this province and often carry out insurgency activities. The latest attack comes a day after an explosion rocked the Kabul truck bomb claiming more than 90 lives. TOLO news quoting sources said that a truck that used to empty sewerage tanks had been loaded with 1,500 kilograms of explosives. The incident occurred yesterday in front of the German Embassy and Roshan telecommunications company in Kabul. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Philippine military mistakenly killed its own 11 soldiers in the course of targeting Islamist militants, said a military official on Thursday. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told media that "a group of our military armed men were hit by our own airstrikes". The media reports quoted Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla as saying that the airstrikes on Wednesday also injured seven other soldiers. "It's sad but sometimes it happens in the fog of war. The coordination was not properly done," Lorenzana said. Militants who are said to be loyal to the Islamic State are on the target of the security forces since May 23 in Marawi where around 200,000 residents have fled, but about 2,000 civilians are trapped in the areas where the militants have hegemony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was joined by leading ladies Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt at the official IIFA press conference on Thursday. Additionally, encapsulating IIFA's aim to build bridges across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations, creating everyone's dream: "One People. One World", a LIVE Video Conference with five cities globally- New York, London, Dubai, Chicago and Houston was also held post the press conference. Commenting on the occasion, Dabangg Khan said, "It always feels great to be a part of the IIFA Movement and I look forward to the 2017 IIFA Awards." The 'Baar Baar Dekho' star said she's extremely excited and looking forward to performing at the IIFA Awards this year. "It is such a great platform that not only showcases the celebration of cinema globally, but also it's a great opportunity for us to reach out to our fans worldwide. I am excited that this year, it is happening in one of my favorite cities - New York!," she said. Speaking about her debut performance at IIFA, Alia shared, "I am very excited to be a part of IIFA 2017 as this is going to be my debut at the IIFA Awards after five years in the industry. I am super excited that IIFA is being held in the beautiful city of New York. IIFA is all about togetherness and the celebration of the Indian cinema globally and I eagerly look forward to this celebration." IIFA Rocks has always been a star-studded affair with a melange of glitz, glamour and star power. This year, IIFA Rocks will celebrate 25 years of A. R. Rahman in the industry. The show is set to feature a never seen before medley of musicians that includes Diljit Dosanjh, Benny Dayal, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi and Haricharan Seshadri. IIFA Rocks will be hosted by the charismatic duo Riteish Deshmukh and Manish Paul. The award night will witness stunning performances from Bollywood megastars such as Salman, Alia, Katrina, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few. The host for big night is the talented Karan Johar. The International Indian Film Academy recently announced the list of winners in the Technical categories of India's most prominent awards celebration. Leading films 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', 'PINK', 'Fan', 'Sultan', 'Kapoor & Sons', 'Mirzya' and 'Sultan' took home the prestigious IIFA Statuette as they were awarded for their excellence in the technical field. The popular category nominations are available for the global audience to participate in the voting process. The IIFA Global Voting went LIVE on May 20 and will be open till June 18. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lauding the Indian Army's swift action in neutralizing two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore district, the defence experts on Thursday said this offensive mode of the security forces will help in flushing out terrorists from the Valley. Defence expert P.K. Sehgal said it was a huge achievement for the forces to gun down the terrorists despite the strong support provided by the locals to these terrorists in Sopore. "Sopore has people who are by and large sympathetic towards Pakistan. They provide terrorists both safe haven as well as logistics support. To that extent, flushing them out is a huge achievement for the security forces. It is apparent that we have been able to take them out despite locals giving them all kind of support," Sehgal told ANI. Sehgal reiterated that the offensive mode of the Army has helped in successfully achieving such operations. "Recently, the Indian Army has gone on offensive. Across Kashmir, operations have been launched to flush out terrorists, both foreign as well as indigenous. On a specific intelligence, last night around 2.45 a.m., an encounter began between the RR and police on the one side, and the terrorists on the others. As per latest news, two have been gunned down," he added. Resonating similar sentiments, another defence expert Sunil Deshpande owed the success to good intelligence. "This is the outcome of good intelligence by our Army. The terrorists are hiding in the Valley, and what is needed is a good intelligence network because of which we can secure information and take action. Hereafter, our forces will have to be very vigilant," he said. Two terrorists were killed in the Sopore encounter that started in Nathi Pora area of Jammu and Kashmir late last night. It was a joint operation by the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police. Two AK-47, five magazines, 107 live rounds, two pouches, Rs. 2,000 in cash, two rubber stamps and paraphernalia have been recovered from the two slained terrorists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said his government is open to talks with the farmers, adding that the indefinite strike called by them is going to affect them only. "We are open to talks with farmers; we don't have any ego problem. Farmers are not behind the violence that happened few days back, such incidents are planned by the political parties. This strike is not good for the welfare of farmers it will affect them only," said Fadnavis. He further said that it is the responsibility of all the parties of the state to show their support for smooth functioning of the government, but they are not interested in it. "We are planning on loan waiver and some new schemes for farmers. There are around Rs 31 lakhs farmers and the loan amount is around Rs 30 thousand crore," he said. On May 31, a section of farmers in Ahmednagar district said that they will go on indefinite strike to protest against various issues including their demand of a loan waiver. On Tuesday, various farmer bodies of Maharashtra met the Chief Minister, but the talks failed to be fruitful. Complete waiver of farm loans, free electricity and irrigation grants are some of the demands of the farmers protesting against the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj came to the rescue of a Pakistani man who was unable to get a medical visa for the treatment of his infant. Swaraj assured the Pakistani that the Indian authorities will assist him with the process after the man identified as a civil engineer living in Lahore according to his Twitter bio, in a tweet questioned Swaraj and Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister Sartaz Aziz that why his child had to suffer because of sour relations of the two nations. "Why my bud suffers for medical treatment!! Any answers Sir Sartaaj Azeez or Ma'am Sushma??," tweeted @KenSid2. To this, the Indian minister swung into action and replied with a tweet, "No. The child will not suffer. Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa.. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is mulling to hand back two diplomatic compounds near New York and Maryland's Eastern Shore to Russia. Its officials were thrown out of the compounds in December by the erstwhile Obama administration for Moscow's alleged interference in the 2016 presidential elections. According to the Washington Post, the Trump Administration told Russia that it is considering to hand over the properties back to them if Moscow lifts its freeze on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD), imposed in 2014 in response to U.S. sanctions in relation to Ukraine. It is being further reported that the administration is examining all possible restrictions on Russian activities, including waiving off the diplomatic immunity on the properties, which were previously enjoyed. The 14 acre estate on Long Island and several buildings on secluded acreage along the Corsica River on Maryland's Eastern Shore have been in Russian possession since the Soviet Union days. The erstwhile USSR transferred the ownership of the Maryland property to the Russian Federation in 1995 for one dollar. On December 29, former U.S. president Barack Obama said that the compounds were being used by the Russians for "intelligence-related purposes" and gave Russia 24 hours to vacate the estate. However, Russia said the facilities were being used for rest and recreation for embassy and U.N. employees and to hold official events. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A U.S. Air Force veteran convicted of supporting the Islamic State (ISIS) was sentenced to 35 years in prison Wednesday. Identified as Tairod Pugh, a convert to Islam, the veteran was convicted by a federal jury in 2016 on charges of trying to give material support to the ISIS and of obstruction of justice, according to the US Justice Department indictment. "The defendant turned his back on his country, and the military he once served, to attempt to join a brutally violent terrorist organization committed to the slaughter of innocent people throughout the world," the CNN quoted Acting United States Attorney Bridget Rohde as saying. According to the prosecutors, investigators discovered a letter on Pugh's desktop computer saying he wanted to "use the talents and skills given to me by Allah to establish and defend the Islamic States," and a chart of crossing points between Turkey and Syria, where ISIS controls some territory. Pugh served in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990 and was trained in installing and maintaining aircraft engines and navigation and weapons systems, according to the Justice Department. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested one person out of three for allegedly gang-raping a girl at the King George's Medical University (KGMU). The other two are still absconding. The accused have been identified as liftman Vinay, Santosh and Shivkumar (arrested). The victim, hailing from Hardoi, tricked her and later abducted her. The woman filed a complaint and the police is making its efforts to nab all the accused. The lawlessness in the state is on the rise with some or the other heinous incident being reported every day. Recently, the social media was set on fire, after a video two women being molested by a group of men in broad daylight in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur surfaced. Around 12 to 14 boys can be seen in the video, molesting the women, even while they pleaded to let them go. Proving the sheer fearlessness of the perpetrators, the boys filmed the entire development and posted it on social media. Besides manhandling and molesting the girls, the boys were laughing and making jokes the whole time, while the distraught girls kept on begging to be spared. Surprisingly, it was not much long ago when Yogi Adityanath-led Government has launched 'Anti-Romeo' squads to check on eve-teasing in public areas, to ensure the safety of girls in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Up to four mega food parks will become operational during the course of next three months, Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said at an ASSOCHAM event. Only two mega food parks became operational between 2009 and 2014 whereas six mega food parks became operational between 2014 and 2017 likewise 42 mega food parks will become operational by 2019, said Sadhvi Jyoti. Highlighting that the government sanctioned 63 cold chain projects since 2014, the Union Minister said, We have received 300 proposals for setting up new cold chain projects, which shows that industry across India is taking interest in food processing sector as we have received many applications from north-eastern states like Nagaland, Manipur and others. She said that while the government is working at a rapid pace for development of food processing sector, the industry should impart training to the farmer to take utmost care of quality of produce. The Union Minister said that she had suggested her Ministry to provide storage facilities for perishable products in the market itself like for wheat and rice, so that farmer can take it to the desired place later. I hope this suggestion will be considered by the cabinet. Talking about her recent meeting with Uttar Pradesh (UP) chief minister, Yogi Aditya Nath, the Union Minister said, We and the state government will ensure that land, power, safety and all sorts of facilities will be provided to industrialists willing to set up food park in the state. She said that she was surprised to note that there was not even a single food park in such a huge state which is equivalent to a country's size. Earlier, while addressing the ASSOCHAM conference, Mr D. K. Singh, chairman, APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) said that his organisation is working on horticulture sector to increase export basket. He informed that APEDA is trying to export and promote mangoes in a big way. When we think of a business plan in logistics development we must also think those aspects which are relevant in a particular market, said Mr Singh highlighting that feedback received from Korea on export of mangoes was not good, in terms of quality, packaging and other related issues. We realised that we focus only on the backward integration in the system but we never thought what is the co-relation and forward linkages up to the country where it is reaching, he added. He rued the fact that logistics for cold chain for import items is better than for the export items as those products have to be brought and quickly distributed to the consumers. That segment is well off and the industry is ready for a distribution network but not for exports and industry is not ready to work with farmers, said the APEDA chief. He added that merely creating few cold storage for potato, apple, grapes would not be sufficient in order to increase farmers' income, as such a system needs to be put in place to collect the farmers' produce at the farm, sort it, grade it in next 5-6 hours and then transport to a place having pre-cooling facility and from there to the pack house for higher level of packaging and processing and then from that point it is taken to the port for export. So the entire chain has to be addressed and preferably by a chain of operators who have interest in the entire value chain, said Mr Singh. We are working on a scheme for next three years where we have made for the first time significant role for service provider in a big way and our proposal is that EFC stays and once our approval of EFC comes the scheme will be implemented and we will seek suitable and viable proposals from service providers who are ready to work with the farmers and for exports, further said the APEDA chairman. Dr Shakil Ahmed, joint secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation stressed upon the need for industry and government collaboration in areas like applied research, in developing crop/product specific detailed protocol of cold chain management as that would help lot of start-ups to come up and really work for the development of this sector and even the government is more than willing to support in terms of infrastructure facility in this regard. Industry should play more active role. We have identified more than 52 sectors in clusters that are export oriented zones in the country of which 10 have almost started working as such the industry should come up in a big way and collaborate, said Dr Shakil. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharat Gears gained 1.83% to Rs 133.35 at 10:40 IST on BSE after the company said that the company's finance committee of the board approved the proposal to avail a term loan of Rs 110 crore. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 31 May 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 44.11 points, or 0.14%, to 31,189.91. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 132.81 points, or 0.88%, to 15,213.02. Higher than usual volumes were witnessed on the counter. On the BSE, 25,992 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with an average volume of 11,177 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 137 and a low of Rs 132.50 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 170.75 on 6 October 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 74.50 on 2 June 2016. The stock has jumped 13.87% in five sessions to its ruling price of Rs 133.35 from a close of Rs 117.10 on 25 May 2017. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 31 May 2017, rising 4.43% compared with 4.1% gains in the Sensex. The scrip had outperformed the market in past one quarter, gaining 17.9% as against Sensex's 8.36% gains. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one year, gaining 72.19% as against Sensex's 16.79% gains. The small-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 7.82 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. Bharat Gears said that the finance committee of board of directors of the company approved the proposal to avail a term loan of Rs 110 crore from KKR India Financial Services for repaying some of the existing term debts, working capital requirements and capital expenditure, among others. Bharat Gears' net profit rose 96.3% to Rs 2.1 crore on 7.7% rise in net sales to Rs 107.33 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016. Bharat Gears is a supplier of automotive gears and heat treatment furnaces. The company manufactures a wide range of ring gears and pinions, transmission gears and shafts, differential gears, gear boxes for the automotive industry. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 36 Million from World Bank for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Program was signed today in New Delhi by Shri Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. The Implementing Entity Agreement was signed by the Additional Director, Treasuries, Accounts and Lotteries, on behalf of Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP), and the Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank. The objective of the project is to improve the efficiency of Public Expenditure Management and Tax Administration in Himachal Pradesh. The Program is expected to contribute to enhancing efficiency of key departments, improving budget credibility, strengthening systems and procedures to improve fiscal discipline, improving revenue administration to increase fiscal space, and targeted organizational reforms including human resource reforms. The Program focuses on the priority areas identified by the GoHP, which were articulated in various stakeholder workshops during Program preparation. The programme size is USD 45 million, of which USD 36 million will be financed by the Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded out of State Budget. The programme duration is 5 years. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kolte-Patil Developers rose 1.12% to Rs 180.80 at 10:11 IST on BSE after the company said it has completed Phase I of its Three Jewels project in Pune consisting of apartments and shops. The company made the announcement after market hours yesterday, 31 May 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 21.44 points or 0.07% at 31,167.24. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 114.21 points, or 0.76% at 15,194.42. On BSE, so far 8,869 shares were traded in the counter, compared with an average volume of 1.20 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 181.80 and a low of Rs 179.50 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 204 on 26 April 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 78.75 on 27 December 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 31 May 2017, falling 5.02% compared with 4.1% gains in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, gaining 65.25% as against Sensex's 8.36% gains. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one year, gaining 39.63% as against Sensex's 16.79% gains. The small-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 75.77 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. Kolte-Patil Developers said that the company has completed Phase I of its 'Three Jewels' Project'. Phase I has a saleable area of 0.73 million square feet and comprises 812 apartments with a mix of 1, 2 and 2.5 BHK's and 40 shops. The project is located on a 15 acre land parcel located within Pune city limits, in the prime Katraj-Kondwa area of South Pune. Phase II of the project comprises 754 apartments spread over 0.75 million square feet, and is currently underway, Kolte-Patil Developers said. The project has received a good response and appreciation from the home seekers in Pune and nearby cities from the western Maharashtra region, the company said. On a consolidated basis, Kolte-Patil Developers's net profit rose 65.01% to Rs 29.80 crore on 60.91% rise in total revenue to Rs 336.78 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016. Kolte-Patil Developers is a real estate company with dominant presence in Pune residential market. The company has executed projects in multiple segments - standalone residential buildings and integrated townships. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pfizer surged 6.33% to Rs 1,772 at 09:31 IST on BSE after the company entered into an agreement to acquire Neksium brand from AstraZeneca for Rs 75 crore. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 31 May 2017. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 3.43 points or 0.01% at 31,149.23. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 33.54 points, or 0.23% at 14,669.36. On the BSE, 3,174 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 5,219 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,785.80 and a low of Rs 1,697 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 2,055 on 9 September 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 1,641 on 30 May 2017. The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 45.75 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. Pfizer announced that it has entered into an acquisition agreement with AstraZeneca AB, Sweden (AstraZeneca), pursuant to which the brand Neksium is being acquired by the company in India for a consideration of Rs 75 crore. Neksium (esomeprazole) complements the company's existing product portfolio in the gastrointestinal (GI) therapeutic area, Pfizer said. Pfizer's net profit dropped 21.98% to Rs 68.04 crore on 14.52% fall in net sales to Rs 438.06 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016. Pfizer is a leading biopharmaceutical company. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre, states and all the Union Territories need to evolve a consensus on the lines of the Goods and Services Tax for shifting to January-December financial year and move to the new system in one go throughout the country instead of some select states choosing to shift to a new financial year, creating practical difficulties for trade and industry, ASSOCHAM has said. For pan-India businesses, the accounting standards and the financial year of all the government organisations should be uniform. We should not have a situation where the industry and trade has one set of books for Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and the other for Uttar Pradesh and yet another for the Central government, said the ASSOCHAM. It said if all the states and the Centre agree to a shift of the financial year from April-March to January-December, NITI Aayog should work towards building a consensus and then, let the entire country shift towards the calendar year becoming the financial year in one go. This is even more important in the wake of roll out of the Goods and Services Tax from July 1, which will unite the entire country into a single market. The businesses are all busy and working overtime to meet this deadline in terms of putting their IT infrastructure in place and in sync with the GSTN. At this point in time, if some select states choose to shift their fiscal year to a new system, it could be quite a task for the trade and industry; first to comply with the GST, then to align with the financial years of different states. Uniformity is the key, whatever is the financial year, that is critical, the Chamber Secretary General Mr D S Rawat said. He said, if there is a merit in shifting to the January-December financial year, then, it should not be difficult for the states to come to a consensus. Although , states have their own Constitutional right to have their accounting methods, for the sake of ease of doing business and ease of convenience to the common citizens, uniformity is essential. In any case, under the impending GST regime, there is a dual registration with the Centre and the states. Ideally, both must have a uniform financial year t. Now with a few states taking the lead in shifting to the new system, the system of IT network would have to be re-configured. Although, the financial year may not come under its purview, the idea for a consensus building can be flagged at the meeting of the GST Council itself, purely on voluntary basis. Merits of 'one nation, one tax' should be disseminated along with other best accounting practices, the chamber said, making a plea to the NITI Aayog to work out an ideal system. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eleven Philippine soldiers were killed and seven injured in a "friendly fire" incident in the city of Marawi, defence officials said on Thursday. Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told the media that the soldiers were killed and wounded in airstrikes aimed at Islamist militants on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. "One of our SF-260 aircraft was conducting an airstrike (when) the last ordnance round it (fired) went wayward for an unknown reason and accidentally hit our ground forces," Padilla said. "This is a case of friendly fire. It was an accident." "Maybe the coordination was not properly done so we hit our own people. We don't know yet what exactly happened," he added. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the military is sending more troops to Marawi to fight the remaining 50 to 100 extremists still holed up in the embattled city. The ongoing clashes have so far killed over 90 militants, including at least eight foreign fighters, 19 civilians and 36 security personnel. On May 23, heavily-armed militants attacked Marawi- which has a population of about 200,000 people - when the military was searching for an Abu Sayyaf leader hidden in the city. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday said it will hold a parallel EVM challenge on Saturday alongside the Election Commission's to prove that the poll panel's challenge was "pointless". The AAP had earlier decided not to take part in the Commission's challenge after its request for change in terms and conditions was shot down by the panel. AAP legislator Saurabh Bharadwaj, who had earlier demonstrated how an electronic voting machine can be hacked using a prototype in the Delhi assembly, said the party's challenge will have the same prototype. "We accept that our machines are tampered. But you've to prove that they're tampered without opening it under four hours," Bharadwaj said. "Using bluetooth, mobile phone or other radio frequency devices, the participants will have to prove that the EVMs have been tampered," said Bharadwaj, contending that it was not possible to prove tampering without opening the EVM and accessing its mother board. While the Election Commission's challenge is open only to national and state parties which contested assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab, Bharadwaj said the AAP challenge will be open to all. "The challenge will be open to the EC, technical experts of BEL and ECIL (companies which manufactured EVMs) and anyone around the world." He said the whole idea behind the AAP test was to demonstrate that the Election Commission's challenge was a "pointless exercise" because of its terms and conditions. The AAP said the registration for the EVM test will be online and it will soon come out with other details. --IANS nkh/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) European aircraft manufacturer Airbus on Thursday signed an agreement here with the Chinese government to boost cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, both parties will support the development of engineering skills and technological innovation in China and boost the integration of Chinese suppliers into Airbus's global supply chain, Airbus said in a statement, Efe reported. The agreement was signed by Fabrice Bregier, President of Airbus commercial aircraft, and He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, the country's top economic planning body, during the visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Berlin. Bregier called industrial cooperation with China a "model" of a mutually beneficial technological alliance between Europe and China. As a result of that cooperation, the Airbus A330 completion and delivery centre in Tianjin will deliver its first aircraft in September 2017 and Airbus' A320 final assembly line will begin work on the A320neo family by the end of the year, the European company added. --IANS ahm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharti Airtel has received the approval of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) for the proposed merger with Telenor (India), a company statement said here on Thursday. Bharti Airtel further stated that Telenor India and Airtel have filed the joint company application before the New Delhi Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal on Thursday for approval of the proposed merger. "The merger is inter alia subject to other statutory approvals including from the Competition Commission of India," the statement said. Airtel had earlier announced (February 23, 2017) that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Telenor South Asia Investments. As part of the scheme, Airtel will acquire Telenor India's running operations in seven circles - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West) and Assam. "These circles represent a high population concentration and therefore offer a high potential for growth. The proposed acquisition will include transfer of all of Telenor India's assets and customers, further augmenting Airtel's overall customer base and network," the statement said. "It will also enable Airtel to further bolster its strong spectrum foot-print in these seven circles, with the addition of 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1,800 MHz band," it added. During the acquisition announcement the deal was estimated to be in the range of Rs 1,800 crore-Rs 2,000 crore by industry sources. --IANS ag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Angry residents of the Afghan capital on Thursday were demanding answers from the government as to how the previous day's suicide blast that claimed 90 lives was allowed to happen. The bombing, which struck Kabul's diplomatic quarter during rush hour on Wednesday morning, came just a few days into the holy month of Ramadan, a time when families come together to celebrate, reports CNN. Instead, relatives were burying the dead and tending the wounds of the 461 confirmed injured. A CNN correspondent in Kabul said people were angry that so much money was spent by so many countries to safeguard Afghanistan's security and the attack still could not be prevented. "The fact that this can happen in the country's capital, that a truck filled with so many explosives could just drive up and detonate. There's a lot of anger right now directed at officials," he said. Most of the wounded were taken to the city's three major hospitals, the emergency wards of which remain packed with those caught up in the massive blast. As doctors worked round-the-clock, hospitals sent out urgent calls for more blood to treat many with critical injuries. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which saw a waste water truck crammed with explosives detonated on one of the busiest streets in the city. The Taliban has denied responsibility for the blast, and Islamic State has remained silent on the issue. The Haqqani Network has not responded to the accusation from Afghanistan's intelligence service nor claimed responsibility for the attack. By Thursday morning, Afghan security forces had cordoned off streets hundreds of metres from the site, and workers were busy filling in the crater left by the blast. The explosion occurred close to Western embassies, government institutions and various residencies of high-ranking officials, reports CNN. Eleven US citizens, assigned to the American embassy as contractors, were injured in the explosion while at Camp Eggers, a US facility across the street from the Germany embassy. Nine Afghan security personnel working for the US were also killed. The BBC said driver Mohammed Nazir, who had worked with the broadcaster for four years and had a young family, died in the blast. Four BBC journalists were injured. Afghanistan's TOLO news employee Aziz Navin, 22, was killed on his way to work. The French and Canadian embassies were also damaged in the blast, as were the offices of broadcaster 1TV Afghanistan. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Automobile companies on Thursday came out with mixed sales figures for last month. According to Angel Broking, the May sales figures have given mixed signals, while tractors' off-take remained a bright area. However commercial vehicle sales numbers remained subdued due to transition to the BS IV standards. On a company specific basis, automobile major Maruti Suzuki's total sales rose 11.3 per cent to 136,962 units from 123,034 units sold during the corresponding month of 2016. Maruti's domestic sales edged higher by 15.5 per cent to 130,676 units from 113,162 units. However, exports plunged by 36.3 per cent with only 6,286 units shipped out during May 2017, down from 9,872 units sold abroad in the like period of 2016. The other passenger vehicle major Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) registered an increase of 1.6 per cent in its domestic sales of 42,007 units for the month of May 2017. "Hyundai volumes are 42,007 units maintaining the growth momentum in passenger vehicles... the newly launched new Xcent registering a growth of 30 per cent thus overcoming the challenges posted by the implementation of GST which will be a boon for the auto industry," Rakesh Srivastava, Director of Sales and Marketing, HMIL said. Leading SUV manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra's (M&M) sales grew by three per cent to 41,895 vehicles sold during May 2016. The company's domestic sales surged to 11 per cent to 40,602 vehicles during last month from 36,613 units sold during May 2016. "Given the favourable monsoon projections and the focused investment in the rural sector, we have a robust outlook for future which is expected to spur demand," said Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, M&M. "The implementation of GST will be a significant game changer and we hope it benefits the auto industry. At Mahindra we look forward to a growth momentum on the back of our existing product portfolio as well as the upcoming new products." In the two-wheeler space Hero MotoCorp reported a rise of 8.7 per cent in its monthly sales for last month. The two-wheeler major's sales in May increased to 633,884 units from 583,117 units despatched during the corresponding month of 2016. Another key player Honda 2Wheelers India's sales grew by 23 per cent to 537,035 units from 436,328 units sold in May 2016. "Honda continues to outpace the two-wheeler industry growth growing nearly three times that of the industry in April-May 2017," said Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India. "Overall, the two-wheeler industry has once again bounced back to double digit growth after six months indicating early signs of recovery. However, with upcoming GST implementation, industry sentiment is cautiously optimistic." The TVS Motor Company posted a sales growth of 16 per cent during the month of May 2017 to 282,007 units from 243,783 units in May 2016. --IANS rv/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday rejected allegations that the recent raids and cases filed against former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's son Karti and RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his children were done out of political vendetta, and said investigative agencies work on a rational basis and on the basis of evidence. He also made it clear that the agencies are accountable to courts as the probe has to culminate into a case which is to be decided by courts. Jaitley was answering questions at a media conference when a reporter referred to statements by Chidambaram and Lalu Prasad that the cases instituted against them or their families were to scare them and were part of a political conspiracy. "I am not going into individual cases. Investigative agencies work on the basis of evidence and they have to prove them before courts. So, whether it is based on facts or political vendetta, have to be decided by the court and not by the media and Parliament. Every case has to eventually culminate into a case and that case has to be decided by the court." "As far as different agencies are concerned, whether it is CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) or any other agency, they act on a rationale basis only when there is a case to investigate. After all, when they take up a matter they also have a level of accountability and in these matters eventually these matters will be before court." The premises of two top opposition leaders, Congress' P. Chidambaram and Rashtriya Janata Dal's Lalu Prasad, were on May 16 searched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income Tax Department officials. Karti Chidambaram has been accused of getting pay-offs for helping a media company get Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance, while the former Bihar Chief Minister was accused of "benami" (proxy) land deals -- actions the opposition has denounced as vendetta by the Bharatiya Janata party-led central government. The CBI raided the residence of Chidambaram and his son Karti in Nungambakam in Chennai after registering an FIR which has alleged that his son could have benefited to the tune of Rs 3.5 crore for helping in the clearance of an FIPB proposal of media company INX Ltd when his father was at the helm in the North Block. In the other case, the Income Tax Department conducted searches at 22 places in and around Delhi in connection with alleged "benami" property deals allegedly to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore involving Lalu Prasad and his kin. Besides the RJD supremo, the IT raids were also carried out on the premises of party MP P.C. Gupta's residence as well as several businessmen and real estate agents in Delhi and Haryana's Gurugram and Rewari. --IANS bns/vsc/in /vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congressional investigators are probing whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions had an additional meeting with Russia's Ambassador to the US during the 2016 presidential campaign, a media report said. Investigators are requesting additional information, including schedules from Sessions, a source with knowledge of the issue told CNN on Wednesday night. They are focusing on whether such a meeting took place on April 27, 2016, at the Mayflower Hotel here, where then-candidate Donald Trump was delivering his first major foreign policy address. Prior to the speech, then-Senator Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended a small VIP reception with organisers, diplomats and others. In addition to the Congressional investigators, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also seeking to determine the extent of interactions the Trump campaign team may have had with Kislyak during the event as part of its broader counter-intelligence probe of alleged Russian meddling in the election. However, neither the Congressional investigators nor the FBI have concluded whether the Mayflower private meeting took place, reports CNN. Sessions has previously failed to disclose meetings with Russian officials. During his confirmation hearing on January 10, Sessions testified that he "did not have any communications with the Russians" during the campaign. He also said in a written statement submitted to the Senate judiciary committee that he was not in contact with anyone linked to the Russian government during the election. However, Sessions has not listed two Kislyak meetings that he disclosed in March on the security forms he submitted this year. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Czech Republic and Kerala governments will be working together in sectors of tourism, ayurveda, IT and in the promotion of environment friendly projects, they jointly announced here on Thursday. The decision on collaboration was taken at a meeting of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with the visiting Czech delegation led by Ambassador Milan Hovorka. Deputy Speaker of Czech Parliament Radek Vondracek was also present. The Chief Minister's Office told the media that the cooperation between Kerala and the Czech Republic gained importance with the opening of the second Czech Visa Application Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, early in the day. With this Kerala became the only state with two such centres. The first centre in Kochi was opened in March. Vijayan discussed with the Czech delegation world class ayurveda research and treatment facilities besides cooperation between the two sides to promote tourism. Kerala also showed interest in solar energy based projects and the IT sector. Both teams agreed to take forward their discussion on implementable projects. --IANS sg/in/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Metro will extend its network from Narela in the national capital to Kundli in Sonepat district in Haryana, it was announced on Thursday. The Haryana cabinet on Thursday approved the extension of the Metro network in a bid to improve connectivity with Delhi. "The project will be financed by way of grant by the state government and the central government in the ratio of 80:20 and implemented on the funding pattern adopted in the case of Gurugram, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC) Metro extension," a government spokesman said here. Haryana will contribute Rs 968.20 crore as its share. The length of the extension is 4.86 km with three stations -- Narela Sector 5, Kundli and Nathupur. All the three stations will be elevated. The Metro extension from Narela to Kundli is proposed to be constructed from April 2018 to March 2022, the spokesman added. Kundli, which borders the national capital territory (NCT) of Delhi, has a big industrial and commercial base. It is about 45 km from India Gate in the heart of Delhi. --IANS js/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It is certainly not one of those upscale, air-conditioned, fine-dining places with a fancy address. But Dev's American Cafe here believes in providing a new and different experience to foodies who are ready and willing to experiment. Tucked inside the campus of The British School in Chandigarh's Sector 44, the cafe is more of an open eating space with a makeshift roof for some cover to seat about 30-35 people. The sitting area is actually a shed with the school's boundary wall being the only back-up on one side. The only fully covered area is the kitchen, which too appears more like a school canteen than a restaurant kitchen. And with good reason -- it actually is the school canteen during the day. It is only in the evening that Dev's American Cafe comes to life with colourful but basic lighting, some music and a lot of variety of good food, though the menu is just a couple of white boards with the food choices written in black, green, blue and red markers. On the menu board, one can find dishes with such unique names as Baloo the Burger, Phat Omelette (comes with toast), The Lindy Hop, Don't Tell Me, Volcano Burger, The Tintin (inspired by Ranbeer Tintin Siddu of "I Quit" fame) and others. JD's Sandwich is named after a local food enthusiast who is a frequent face at the cafe and loves one particular sandwich. Among other popular items are the Big Texas BBQ Burger, American Breakfast, California Date Shake and Cinamon French Toast. Owner and founder Dev -- short for Devinder Singh Mahal -- is an Indian-American who was a chef in the US for nearly 25 years before heading for India and is now "settled" here to be part of the food business. "We love to experiment. So our menu items keep changing. Most of the dishes on the menu have been conceived by me depending on the taste demands of the people coming here," Devinder told IANS. Born to a Sikh father and a German-American mother in the US, Dev says that he tries to infuse international flavor to his dishes. "Most of my clients here are youngsters and families. I keep getting feedback from them to bring in changes to the items that are made and sold here. We don't advertise ourselves, not even on popular food social sites. Most of our customers come here based on word-of-mouth references," Dev said. In the kitchen, it is Dev, his young associate Ashank, and a helper who manage the entire cooking. "We make it a point to understand the food tastes of people and prepare things accordingly. We do give them suggestions, wherever necessary," pointed out Ashank, a commerce graduate who learnt all his cooking skills at the cafe. FAQs: Place and Location: Dev's American Cafe; The British School Campus, Sector 44, Chandigarh. Meal for Two: Around Rs 600-1,000 (depending upon the order; some items are cheaper). Time: 5 pm to 10 pm (Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in) --IANS js/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to AIADMK leader and party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala's nephew T.T.V. Dinakaran and his close aide Mallikarjun in the cash for election symbol case. Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry granted bail to both accused and asked them to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and two sureties of the like amount. Granting relief to the duo, the court said they were "no longer required for custodial interrogation". The two were however asked not to leave the country without the court's prior permission, to surrender their passports and join the investigation as and when required by the investigating agency. They were also directed not to try to influence the witnesses or tamper with evidence. The court also observed that the public servants, who were to be allegedly lured, have not been identified. Dinakaran was arrested on April 25 by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch on allegations of attempting to bribe Election Commission officials to obtain a favourable verdict from so that the now frozen 'two leaves' party symbol could be restored to Sasikala's faction of the AIADMK. The poll panel had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after two factions of the party - one led by Sasikala and the other by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam -staked claim to it. Dinakaran had sought bail on the ground that there was no reason to keep him in custody and no public servant was made an accused in the case, though he was booked on graft charges. Police had opposed his bail plea. Mallikarjuna, who was also arrested on April 25, sought bail on the ground that no recovery was made at his instance and he had joined the investigation even though no summons were issued to him by the police. His bail application was also opposed by police. Dinakaran has been accused of allegedly arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels, while Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50 crore deal between Dinakaran and alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekar to get favourable order from the poll panel. On May 22, the court had dismissed the bail plea of Chandrashekar saying it was not appropriate to grant him bail at this stage as it was a serious crime and he could tamper with the evidence. Former FBI Director James Comey is planning to testify publicly before the Senate Intelligence Committee as soon as next week about his conversations with President Donald Trump about the ongoing Russia probe, the media reported. As of Wednesday, Comey's testimony in front of the committee had not yet been scheduled, though there are talks that the appearance could happen next week, a second source familiar with the matter told Politico news. Trump abruptly fired Comey in May, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation was apparently ramping up its investigation into Moscow's interference in the election and possible collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. Comey publicly announced the investigation in March. The controversy over Comey's firing escalated after it was revealed that he had drafted a memorandum detailing how Trump had allegedly pressured him to end the FBI's investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. However, Comey declined to do so, reports Politico news. After the firing, the deputy attorney general appointed Robert Mueller on May 17 as special counsel to oversee the FBI's investigation. The Senate Intelligence Committee had announced on May 19 that Comey had agreed to testify in an open session. The Senate testimony would mark Comey's first public comments since his firing. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Downplaying the increased tensions between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Berlin's envoy to Washington Peter Wittig has described the bilateral relationship as "good and productive". "This is a healthy relationship. Chancellor Merkel and the US President, they have a good and productive relationship," said Ambassador Wittig on Wednesday. "They met in Washington very extensively. They met now in Europe. They are on the phone frequently," he added. Trump on Tuesday called Germany's trade and military spending policies "very bad" for the US as tensions between him and Merkel increased, Xinhua news agency reported. His remarks came two days after Merkel cast doubts on the European Union's alignment with the US and Britain, saying that Europeans should determine their own destiny. Addressing an election campaign in Bavaria, Merkel on Sunday said that following Trump's election and Brexit, Europeans "really have to take destiny into their own hands". "The times when we could fully rely on others are to some extent over," Merkel said. Germany's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel also criticised President Trump on Monday, accusing him of "short sighted policies which stand against the European Union and are weakening the West". However, as tensions between the two side escalated rapidly, Merkel on Tuesday stressed German ties with the US, saying that the relationship is of "outstanding importance". --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for repeated non-appearance in connection with the multi-crore sewerage scam case, but revoked it hours later. Kamat, who headed the Congress-led alliance government from 2007-2012, had failed to appear before the court on two previous occasions despite summons issued to him. The Principal District and Sessions Court revoked the NBW after Kamat's counsel Surendra Desai informed judge Irshad Aga that the former Chief Minister could not attend court because he was indisposed during the past hearings. Desai could not be contacted for more on why Kamat skipped the previous hearings. Former chief ministers Churchill Alemao and Digambar Kamat, along with some government officials, have been accused of allegedly accepting a $976,630 (Rs 6.30 crore, approximately) bribe in 2010 from the officials of US-based Louis Berger consultancy firm to secure implementation rights of a multi-billion dollar water and sewerage project in Goa worth Rs 1,031 crore and funded by the Japan International Co-Operation Agency (JICA). Top officials linked to the JICA project as well as senior Louis Berger employees have been arrested by the Crime Branch, along with Alemao. Kamat has been charged with criminal conspiracy (Section 120-b) and tampering with evidence (Section 201) of the Indian Penal Code and other sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The FIR was first filed after Louis Berger headquarters in the US discovered during its internal audit that bribes had been paid to elected representatives and government officials in Goa for securing contracts. --IANS maya/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson says he fell in love with Indian actress Priyanka Chopra after the first meeting. The actor found an instant connection with Bollywood's 'desi girl'. "I love this woman, it's funny when she came to America... She was over here, signed with our agency, with my agent, we immediately had that connection," Johnson said in an interview for "Now Showing". The show will air on Friday on CNN-News18, read a statement from the channel. Johnson said: "We got on the phone, we immediately vibed, we share the same DNA, the same ambition... Not only did I fall in love with her, we had this crazy idea that she would be an amazing villain on 'Baywatch'." Priyanka has made her Hollywood debut with a negative role in "Baywatch", which has been adapted from the 1990s' popular TV series of the same name. Johnson thinks she is a great villain. He said: "I think in order to play a villain, the greatest of villains have this great quality and capacity and depth, and that's exactly what Priyanka has. So it originally was written for a man... It is way cooler if we flip that over and made it a female." Johnson is also impressed with Priyanka's technique of work. "With Priyanka, everything is considered, every little detail is considered," he added. Directed by Seth Gordon, the film also stars Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and Jon Bass. The film has released internationally and fared poorly with critics -- many described the film as "shallow", "stupid", "misguided", and "wantonly crude". But it hasn't dampened the spirit of the film's team. They are busy promoting the movie in Berlin and London. "Baywatch" will hit the screens in India on Friday. --IANS intern/sug/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has become an "obstacle" to peace in South Asia, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said on Thursday. The President, addressing the National Assembly, also termed Jammu and Kashmir as an "incomplete agenda" of the partition of the subcontinent. He accused India of not responding to Pakistan's "peace efforts". The joint session of Parliament to mark the start of the ruling party's final year in office was marred by noisy protests by the opposition. --IANS ahm/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italy's grew 0.4 per cent in January to March from the previous three months - twice as much as initially estimated and the fastest since the last quarter of 2010, data issued by central statistics agency Istat showed on Thursday. Italian gross domestic product rose 1.2 per cent in the first quarter compared with the same period of 2016 and got a boost from inventories and solid consumer spending, Istat said. While investment and net trade proved a drag, the Istat data raised hopes for the health of the Italian - the eurozone's third biggest - which is still lagging its European peers. Italy's is still struggling to recover from is worst postwar recession, but the central bank said that if the present growth continued, GDP would return to its 2007 levels within eight years. "At the current rate of growth, GDP would return to its 2007 level in the first half of the 2020s," said Bank of Italy Governor Ignazio Visco. Aside from "cyclical factors", Italy's economic development is hampered by "rigidities" in the business environment, slow productivity growth and "unsatisfactory" employment rates, Visco said. Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni welcomed the Istat figures. "Italy is growing more than expected and the hard work is continuing," he tweeted. The quarterly GDP data was "the fruit of years of serious and rigorous work," Italy's former Prime Minister and leader of the ruling centre-left Democratic Party, Matteo Renzi, wrote on Facebook. "But I am not satisfied, because I know it is not enough," he added. Renzi resigned as Premier in December after a crushing defeat in a referendum to reform Italy's constitution but was re-elected Democratic Party secretary in leadership primaries held in April. Pakistan on Thursday said alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav will remain alive till he does not exhaust the right to seek clemency, even as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed with top officials Islamabad's strategy to counter India at the next hearing in the International Court of Justice. "Irrespective of ICJ's stay, Jadhav will remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the COAS (army chief) and later with the President," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at a briefing here. Sources privy to the Sharif meeting said the National Security Committee (NSC) discussed Pakistan's options and preparation to defend its stance in the case, with the next ICJ hearing scheduled on June 8. The meeting was attended by army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Hayat, naval chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, air chief Sohail Aman and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser to Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, and the National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. (redt) Nasser Khan Janjua participated in the meeting. The meeting also discussed names of former judges of the superior judiciary to select the ad hoc judge for the ICJ. However, no name was finalised. Zakaria said the Indian petition at the International Court of Justice was about Jadhav's entitlement to consular access. "It is not about whether the ICJ can act as a Court of Appeal from Pakistani legal proceedings. That is why Barrister Khawar Qureshi informed the Court that India cannot obtain from the Court what it is seeking. He also told the Court that India is using media to create false impression about the case." The spokesperson said India had failed despite reminders to provide information sought on January 23 by Islamabad on the basis of Jadhav's alleged confession of spying and fomenting terror in Pakistan. He termed the ICJ stay on Jadhav's hanging as "nothing but usual". India last month moved the ICJ against the death sentence awarded to Jadhav by a military court for "fomenting terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi". The UN court granted provisional suspension of the execution on May 18. --IANS ahm/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The eldest granddaughter of Emperor Akihito of Japan, Princess Mako, left for Bhutan on Wednesday on a nine-day visit. The 25-year-old princess, the eldest daughter of Prince Akishino, second son of the Emperor and second in line to the throne, is expected to arrive in Bhutan on Thursday after a brief stop in Singapore, reports Efe. This is her third official overseas trip and comes just two weeks after the announcement of her engagement to a college friend, 25-year-old legal assistant Kei Komuro. Mako will receive a welcome ceremony in capital Thimphu and will later meet Japanese volunteers in the country. She is also expected to visit a flower exhibition in Thimpu and travel to the iconic Buddhist temple Taktshang in Paro valley. --IANS mr/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara resigned on Thursday to continue as the ruling Congress' state unit president and lead the party in the next state legislative assembly elections, due by May 2018. "As directed by the party's high command, I have resigned from the cabinet to continue as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and prepare for the state assembly elections by next May," Parameshwara told reporters here. The party high command comprising President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday directed Parameshwara to resign as minister and devote his time and energy to brace the party for the elections. "I thank Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for asking me to continue as KPCC president and steer the party under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership for the elections than being a minister," pointed out Parameshwara. A member of the State Legislative Council (MLC) since July 1, 2014, the 65-year-old Dalit leader joined the cabinet on October 30, 2015 and continued to head the party's state unit even after his six-year tenure ended in October 2016. "They (Sonia and Rahul) preferred me to continuing as the KPCC president than being a minister in the cabinet. We have taken up the upcoming elections seriously, as the whole country is watching Karnataka, the only southern state where the Congress is in power," asserted Parameshwara. All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi declared in New Delhi on Wednesday that the party would contest the next elections to the 225-member assembly under Siddaramaiah's leadership. A former minister in the previous Congress government (1999-2004), Parameshwara was elected KPCC president in October 2010 and contested in the 2013 assembly elections from the Koratagere assembly segment in Tumakuru district but lost to Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) nominee Sudhakra Lal. Tumakuru is about 70km from Bengaluru. "Though I was home minister for 19 months, I abolished the orderly system in the police department, recruited 23,000 constables and promoted 12,000 of them during my tenure," recalled Parameshwara. The high command also appointed party lawmaker S.R. Patil as the party's state unit working president and state Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar as chairman of the poll campaign committee. "The objective of these appointments is on par with the party's policy of inclusiveness. Congress wants to give an opportunity to all communities. The idea is to fight the ensuing elections to retain power again," added Parameshwara. --IANS str/fb/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In yet another historic moment, an international research team, including scientists from India, on Thursday announced the third detection of gravitational waves ripples in the fabric of space and time which were first predicted by Albert Einstein more than a century ago. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US made the detection on January 4 this year, demonstrating that a new window in astronomy has been firmly opened. Gravitational waves pass through Earth and can be "heard" by the extremely sensitive detectors. As was the case with the first two detections, the waves were generated when two black holes merged to form a larger black hole. "Our handful of detections so far is revealing an intriguing black hole population we did not know existed until now," said Northwestern University's Vicky Kalogera, a senior astrophysicist with the Scientific Collaboration (LSC). The new detection, called GW170104, occurred during the ongoing second observing run of the Advanced detectors which began on November 30 last year. The first direct observation of gravitational waves was made in September 2015 during the first observing run. A second detection was made in December 2015. The third detection is described in a new paper accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review Letters. The publication has 40 authors from 11 Indian institutions. IIT-Madras recently joined the LSC as one of the participating institutes, under the leadership of Dr Chandra Kant Mishra. The Chennai Mathematical Institute has also been contributing to the activities under the leadership of Dr KG Arun. The group at IIT-Madras is involved in modelling the gravitational wave sources such as the ones which have been detected by the LIGO detectors so far as well as testing the consistency of the detected gravitational wave signals with the predictions of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The third and latest detection points to merging black holes that are twice as far away from Earth as the two earlier pairs -- about three billion light-years away. This time, the two black holes were unequal in size, one significantly lighter than the other. They merged into a black hole whose size is in the middle of the other two merged black hole pairs. "Now we have three pairs of black holes, each pair ending their death spiral dance over millions or billions of years in some of the most powerful explosions in the universe. In astronomy, we say with three objects of the same type you have a class. We have a population, and we can do analysis," Kalogera added. The newfound black hole, formed by the pair's merger, has a mass about 49 times that of our sun. This fills in a gap between the masses of the two merged black holes detected previously by LIGO, which had solar masses of 62 (first detection) and 21 (second detection). "We have further confirmation of the existence of black holes that are heavier than 20 solar masses, objects we didn't know existed before LIGO detected them," said David Shoemaker of MIT, the newly elected spokesperson for the LSC. India is also working towards setting up its own LIGO observatory. The move received in-principle approval from the cabinet in February last year and has made rapid progress towards the plan to join these exciting scientific observations in 2024. LIGO-India will greatly enhance the scientific capabilities of the international network of observatories for astronomy, primarily by enabling precise pointing to the location of the gravitational wave events in the sky. Scientific and engineering teams at IPR Gandhinagar, IUCAA Pune and RRCAT Indore are actively engaged in the pre-construction activities of LIGO-India. A man with an assault rifle and automatic pistol in his car has been arrested at US President Donald Trump's namesake hotel here, averting a "potential disaster", officials said. "I was very concerned about this circumstance and I believe the officers and our federal partners, and in particular the tipster, averted a potential disaster here in our nation's capital," District of Columbia police chief Peter Newsham said at a press conference on Wednesday, Efe news reported. Police officers acted after receiving a call from a tipster, who said that the man -- identified as Pennsylvania physician Bryan Moles -- was driving to the Trump hotel with an assault rifle and ammunition. Police intercepted Moles and saw a Bushmaster AR-15 assault rifle in plain view inside his vehicle, later finding a Glock 23 pistol in the glove compartment along with, reportedly, about 90 rounds of ammunition. According to the authorities, Moles, 43, is an emergency room physician living in Ediboro, Pennsylvania. Police arrested him in his hotel room and charged him with possessing weapons without a license and unregistered ammunition. Newsham confirmed that the tip had come from a Pennsylvania security agency, which warned that Moles had made threatening statements, although he did not provide any further details. The Trump International Hotel is located on heavily-travelled Pennsylvania Avenue. Trump inaugurated the hotel last year when he was a Republican candidate for the White House, just a few days before the November election, in which he defeated his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Film: "Mirror Game: Ab Khel Shuru"; Director: Vijit Sharma; Cast: Parvin Dabas, Dhruv Bali, Sneha Ramchander, Pooja Batra, Omi Vaidya and Shanti Akkineni; Rating: *** With a weird name like "Mirror Game: Ab Khel Shuru", one's expectations from this film are rather very low. As the film initially plunges into a tackily projected "perfect murder" thriller with a professor of psychology, his disgruntled, "divorce-seeking" wife and an obliging student, some viewers may feel they have seen it all before. But director Vijit Sharma has such a unique approach to the familiar material that the cliches are irrelevant and the film takes you by surprise. Narrated in a non-linear manner, the story set in a small town in the US is told in a formulaic manner, solely from Professor Jai Verma's point of view. It begins on a dramatic note. He attempts to take away his life and thence gets into the last ten days revealing as to what drives him to do so. This initial start, though unwarranted, helps build the character and then further delves into solving the mystery. The plot unravels at a slow pace and the first few scenes seem rather tacky, when Jai ropes in his ever-obliging student Ronnie to eliminate his wife Tanya Verma. The plot gets murky with Ronnie kidnapping Tanya and double-crossing Jai. While the police are investigating the case, Jai is thrown into a web of his own psychological and emotional challenges. The writing is simple and unpretentious and that's what works for this complex narrative. It makes the screenplay extremely effective and the characters along with the situation convincing. On the performance front; Parvin Dabas as the schizophrenic Jai Verma, Dhruv Bali as Ronnie, Shanti Akkineni as Tanya Verma, Sneha Ramchander as Detective Shenoy and Pooja Batra as Jai Verma's friend and police psychologist Shonali, deliver nothing outstanding as actors and are thus perfunctory. Mounted with moderate production values, the production designs, which include the on-location shoots are accurate. Cinematographer Joshua Echevarria's camera work is steady and his frames are realistic. The background score by Kasturi Nath Singh and Vishal Singh elevate the viewing experience. The fine layering of the sound and visuals by Shakti Hasija and Abhishek Seth is also worth a mention. Overall, "Mirror Game: Ab Khel Shuru" is a well-packaged film that will take you by surprise. --IANS troy/rb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the run-up to the International Yoga Day on June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in a series of tweets appreciated the practice of yoga, calling it an "integrating" force. "Yoga is integrating the world. Come, become a yogi in the movement to make yoga popular and create a better and healthier society," Modi said. He said that he will keep sharing different aspects related to yoga over the next three weeks. "On June 21, the world will come together to mark the third Yoga Day. Let us all make this occasion a memorable one," he said. -- IANS vn/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress party on Thursday asked the Narendra Modi-led NDA government to stick to its promise of detecting illegal Bangladeshis from the northeastern states and deporting them back to Bangladesh. Congress spokesman Gaurav Gogoi told journalists, "The Congress party's stand is very clear that the Assam accord should be respected. We remember Prime Minister Modi clearly said that after May 16, 2014, all Bangladeshis who are staying illegally in India will be deported." Gogoi, the sitting Congress Lok Sabha member from Assam, asked the Prime Minister how many illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been identified in the northeastern states and how many of them were deported back to Bangladesh. "Instead of deporting the illegal Bangladeshis, your (central government) policy seems to be completely the opposite. This will have an impact on the local demography, and culture," he said. Stating that the Congress party wants the Assam accord to remain intact, Gogoi said that his party wants the BJP to hold true to its promise and find all illegal Bangladeshis and deport them. --IANS rrk/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for failing to deliver on their promises to provide employment to the youth. Stating that unemployment is the biggest challenge faced by India, he asked both Modi and Rao to stop making "hollow promises" and set up factories to provide jobs to the youth. He said if they could not face the challenge, the Congress was ready for it. The mammoth gathering here on Thursday night in the biggest show of strength by his party in Telangana in three years was aimed to recreate the magic of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had addressed a public meeting at the same venue in 1979 to kickstart the party's election campaign which resulted in a massive victory in the 1980 elections. Recalling that his grandmother fulfilled her promise made at the meeting by providing jobs to one lakh people in the region, Gandhi said Congress would always keep its promises. Noting that while Modi had promised employment to 2 crore youth in the country, Chandrasekhar Rao had announced that he will give one job to every household in Telangana, he said that a Union Minister, in his reply in parliament, admitted that current level of unemployment in the country is the worst in 60 years. He claimed that Chandrasekhar Rao failed to provide even one job for one village. Stating that Telangana of the dreams of people was yet to become a reality, the Congress leader promised that if voted to power, Congress would make it a manufacturing hub. "I want to see made in Telangana here," he said while showing his mobile phone. He came down heavily on Chandrasekhar Rao for failing to fulfill his promises and alleged that only one family was cornering all the benefits in the new state. It was not the Telangana for which students, youth, women and other sections of people fought, said Gandhi. Recalling that Congress carved out the Telangana state, he said people brought Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to power but all their hopes were dashed. "Is this the Telangana you all fought for," he asked the people and trained guns on the TRS government for not delivering on its promises, continuing suicides of farmers, its dictatorial attitude and for abuying' legislators of Congress and other parties. The Congress leader also had a dig at KCR for building Rs 350 crore house for himself. "No leader in India or abroad has spent such a huge money on his house," he said. Drawing parallels between Modi and the TRS chief, Gandhi said both were trying to do away with the revolutionary land acquisition legislation brought by previous Congress government to stop forcible acquisition of land from farmers and to ensure them compensation four times higher than the market price of land. He wondered why Modi, who speaks against corruption, want to repeal the legislation and why media was also silent on this. "This is the Gujarat model. This is the Telangana model," he remarked. He also alleged that KCR was redesigning the irrigation projects launched by previous Congress governments and making new estimates to afill his pockets and those of his friends. He said the TRS government was arresting farmers for demanding remunerative prices for their produce. Before reaching the venue of public meeting, Gandhi met farmers who were arrested in Khammam last month. Congress General Secretary incharge of party affairs in Telangana Digvijaya Singh, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leaders of the party addressed the meeting. --IANS ms/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for failing to deliver on their promises to provide employment to the youth. Stating that unemployment is the biggest challenge faced by India, he asked both Modi and Rao to stop making "hollow promises" and set up factories to provide jobs to the youth. He said if they could not face the challenge, the Congress was ready for it. The mammoth gathering here on Thursday night in the biggest show of strength by his party in Telangana in three years was aimed to recreate the magic of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had addressed a public meeting at the same venue in 1979 to kickstart the party's election campaign which resulted in a massive victory in the 1980 elections. Recalling that his grandmother fulfilled her promise made at the meeting by providing jobs to one lakh people in the region, Gandhi said Congress would always keep its promises. Noting that while Modi had promised employment to 2 crore youth in the country, Chandrasekhar Rao had announced that he will give one job to every household in Telangana, he said that a Union Minister, in his reply in parliament, admitted that current level of unemployment in the country is the worst in 60 years. He claimed that Chandrasekhar Rao failed to provide even one job for one village. Stating that Telangana of the dreams of people was yet to become a reality, the Congress leader promised that if voted to power, Congress would make it a manufacturing hub. "I want to see made in Telangana here," he said while showing his mobile phone. He came down heavily on Chandrasekhar Rao for failing to fulfill his promises and alleged that only one family was cornering all the benefits in the new state. It was not the Telangana for which students, youth, women and other sections of people fought, said Gandhi. Recalling that Congress carved out the Telangana state, he said people brought Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to power but all their hopes were dashed. "Is this the Telangana you all fought for," he asked the people and trained guns on the TRS government for not delivering on its promises, continuing suicides of farmers and its dictatorial attitude. The Congress leader also had a dig at KCR for building Rs 350 crore house for himself. "No leader in India or abroad has spent such a huge money on his house," he said. Drawing parallels between Modi and the TRS chief, Gandhi said both were trying to do away with the revolutionary land acquisition legislation brought by previous Congress government to stop forcible acquisition of land from farmers and to ensure them compensation four times higher than the market price of land. He wondered why Modi, who speaks against corruption, want to repeal the legislation and why media was also silent on this. "This is the Gujarat model. This is the Telangana model," he remarked. Congress General Secretary incharge of party affairs in Telangana Digvijaya Singh, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior leaders of the party addressed the meeting. --IANS ms/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan on Thursday dismissed accusations by Afghanistan linking it to the Haqqani network, blamed for Wednesday's horrific Kabul bombing that killed 90, and wounded over 400 people. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said such accusations will only hinder the peace process. "Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and has the highest stakes in peace and stability in Afghanistan," he said. The Afghan National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan's spy agency, has attributed Wednesday's attack to the Pakistan-based Haqqani network and claimed it was directly aided by the ISI. "Certain elements, who have no interest in peace in Afghanistan and who want to damage Pakistan-Afghan relations, have been maligning Pakistan. Pakistan is Afghanistan's friend and well-wisher and has contributed to the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, whenever asked," he said. In recent years, Kabul and Washington have repeatedly accused Islamabad of sheltering insurgent groups, such as the Haqqani network, that attack Afghan and US troops. India and Iran have also accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorist groups on its soil. --IANS ahm/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra on Thursday said he and others who have levelled charges of corruption against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his aides are being threatened and attacked. Mishra, who claims he was manhandled inside the Delhi assembly by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators on Wednesday in the presence of Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, also alleged that the party had taken funds and worked with the "enemies of the state" during foreign tours. Mishra also pointed out that Rahul Jain, who exposed the PWD scam and alleged that Delhi's PWD and Health Minister Satyendar Jain indulged in corruption, was shot at in Noida on Wednesday. "Two things happened yesterday: I was attacked in the Legislative Assembly and secondly, Rahul, who lodged corruption case against Bansal family was shot at in Noida... So, two persons who raised finger at Arvind Kejriwal were attacked within a day," Kapil Mishra told the media here at Rajghat. He urged people to reach the Constitution Club on Saturday evening, where he would initiate "India Against Corruption 2.0" to expose Kejriwal and his aides. "I'm being threatened. Yesterday, the legislators were also telling me to keep mum, while attacking me in the assembly," Mishra said. He further accused the AAP of having some "Naxal links". "The main reason behind Wednesday's attack was some revelations related to the foreign tours of party workers and ministers that had links with the enemies of state. Perhaps Arvind Kejriwal had sensed it, so he is trying to threaten me now," said the former minister. He claimed that several government officials and party volunteers were approaching him with proofs of hawala transactions, black money, medicine procurement scams and others, which he was collecting and would make public soon. "I will make those proofs public and then file a case against them (AAP)," said Mishra. He once again dared Kejriwal to contest election against him. "I want to tell Arvind Kerjiwal that we are devotees of Mahatma Gandhi but we also know Bhagat Singh. Understand that we are not scared of your bullets or punches. If you have courage, then contest against me either from your own constituency or from my Karawal Nagar... Let's see what does the public want," Mishra said. --IANS am-kd/nir/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee will visit Daula village in Gurugram on Friday to lay foundation stones for a government school and a driving institute. A senior official told IANS that the President will land by helicopter at Sohna stadium at 11.30 a.m. and head to Daula village. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy along with Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh will receive the President at the stadium. Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki will also be present. Daula is one of the five villages that was adopted by President for development. The President has adopted 100 villages (80 in Gurgaon and 20 in Mewat) to be developed as model villages. --IANS pradeep/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rising sea levels are posing a major threat to dozens of species of coastal nesting birds, with some at risk of facing extinction within 20 years, according to researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) here. Coastal nesting birds are those which choose to nest and reproduce close to the sea shore -- meaning their nesting sites are most at risk to not only rising sea levels but the increasing number of tidal floods, something ANU lead researcher Liam Bailey said was occurring more often as a result of global warming. In a statement released on Thursday, Bailey said much like the scientific metaphor in which a frog remains in a pot of water as it slowly warms up while a frog dropped in hot water would jump out immediately, shorebirds were showing no response to the gradual increase in the number of tidal floods -- something which spells trouble for species around the world. "Sea levels rising and more frequent flooding are major drivers of this steep decline in coastal birds," Bailey, from the ANU Research School of Biology, said. "Our study species, the Eurasian oystercatcher, lives in an area where flooding is becoming more common, posing a threat to the survival of the population. "Our study found no evidence that Eurasian oystercatchers have increased the elevation of their nests, even among birds that lost a nest during a flood. Factors including the presence of predators or unsuitable vegetation might discourage birds from nesting higher." Bailey added that some species in the low-lying marsh areas in the US could be driven to extinction within 20 years unless more is done to encourage the birds to either nest earlier in the year to avoid tidal floods, or nest in slightly higher ground. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is not fretting over allegations that he defrauded the Spanish tax authorities of ?15 million ($16.8 million), the star player has said. "I am very relaxed about it ... the truth is (I am) very, very relaxed. I know that these things can be resolved with the best decisions. So I am good. I can say from the depth of my heart, looking straight into the camera," Ronaldo, who will look to guide Real to a record Champions League win over Juventus on Saturday, was quoted as saying by ESPNFC on Wednesday. "When you do things well you can go to bed feeling relaxed. And I sleep well always, always. So I am good, and only thinking about the Champions League final," he added. No team has ever retained the elusive trophy and if defending champions Real do beat Juventus, they will become the first team to do so. Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, Ronaldo said his only focus was Saturday's Champions League final. Ronaldo though refused to blame the media. "I would not say badly treated, I would not put them all in the same bag. When they say things without knowing the truth, things that are not true, that annoys me. I could spend my whole life denying things," he said. Ronaldo, according to Spanish prosecutors, should face charges for avoiding the payment of taxes due on image rights income between 2011 and 2014. The union head at the tax authority claims the former Manchester United player could face jail time for deliberate evasion. --IANS dm/gau/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minor incidents of violence marred the start of an unprecedented 'indefinite strike' by over half a million farmers in Maharashtra in support of various demands including the long-pending loan waiver package, here on Thursday. Striking farmers, who had warned they would not indulge in any farming activity, including sowing for the upcoming kharif season, resorted to the agitation after talks with the Maharashtra government failed on Tuesday. Stray incidents of violence were reported from some parts including Nashik, Satara and Pune where aggressive farmers emptied tankers of several tonnes of fresh milk being transported to the cities and destroyed stocks of fresh vegetables being taken to the markets. In another incident near Satara, the driver of a milk tanker was roughed up by some farmers and prevented from proceeding to his destination. Stones were also pelted at some police vehicles near Nashik. The strike has elicited "good response" from farmers all over the state, except from agriculturists in the coastal Konkan, who are not part of the agitation. Movement of agricultural goods has been restricted since midnight. Most APMC markets wore a desolate look as farmers, traders, head-loaders, transporters and other officials virtually kept off. --IANS qn/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday termed late Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin as a "great friend" of India and announced that a road in New Delhi has been named after him. "A street in Delhi today (Thursday) has been named after Ambassador Kadakin, who was a great friend of India," Modi said while addressing a joint press event with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that Kadakin was a "glorious son of Russia and a great friend of India" and hailed his contribution to the India-Russia ties. Kadakin died in Delhi on January 26 this year after a brief illness. Serving as Russia's Ambassador to India since 2009 in his second stint, he was credited with playing a significant role in promotion of relations between the two countries. --IANS aks/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has offered help to a person in Pakistan who highlighted his infant's health condition on the social media. Sushma Swaraj said late on Wednesday night that India would offer a medical visa after Ken Sid posted a picture of his ailing child on Twitter with the message: "Why my bud suffers for medical treatment!! Any answers (Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs) Sir Sartaaj Azeez (sic) or Ma'am Sushma?? In response, Sushma Swaraj tweeted: "No. The child will not suffer. Please contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa." Ken Sid's Twitter profile describes himself as a civil engineer, who works as a project manager in Forman Christian College, Lahore. "Love to design execute and built. Don't have time for politics," the profile reads. Sushma Swaraj's gesture comes days after she helped rescue through the Indian mission in Islamabad an Indian woman who was forced to marry a Pakistani. --IANS ab/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister Theresa May's political rivals have lined up to criticise her for missing a seven-way general election debate, the media reported on Thursday. She was accused of lacking "guts" and of "running away from the debate" during the 90 minute BBC TV event on Wednesday night. May ruled out appearing on televised debates soon after calling the election. She said earlier on Wednesday that she preferred "taking questions and meeting people" on the campaign trail rather than "squabbling" with other politicians. In the debate, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn asked "where is Theresa May, what happened to her?" while clashing with Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who represented the ruling Conservative Party. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron launched a string of attacks on May. He said: "Where do you think Theresa May is tonight? "Take a look out your window. She might be out there sizing up your house to pay for your social care." Green party co-leader Caroline Lucas said the "first rule of leadership is to show up". Wales' Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said ay was not there because "her campaign of soundbites is falling apart". Scottish National Party deputy leader Angus Robertson accused May of not having the "guts" to attend the debate, as he attacked Rudd over cuts to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners in England. The panel also clashed over immigration; security and terrorism; the National Health Services, and US President Donald Trump's decision to pull Washington out of climate change agreements. Wednesday night'd debate, moderated by BBC's Mishal Husain, was the latest in a series of special broadcasts before the general election on June 8. This includes two Question Time shows - one on June 2 featuring May and Corbyn appearing separately, and a second on June 4 with Farron and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha got its first mega food park on Thursday, inaugurated by Union Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, but the absence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other state ministers at the inauguration set off a political row. Chief Minister Patnaik and other ministers skipped the function at Rayagada district, with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) claiming he was not invited. Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti were present at the event. MITS Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. has been set up on 50.05 acres of land at a cost of Rs 80.17 crore. The central government has provided financial assistance of Rs 50 crore to the project, Badal said. Badal said her ministry is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that the agriculture sector grows exponentially and becomes a major contributor to doubling farmers' income. The food park has facilities like fully operational industrial sheds for SMEs, developed industrial plots for lease to food processing units, rice processing complex of 12 TPH, dry warehouse of 10,000 MT, cold store of 2,500 MT, multi-fruit processing facility and other food processing facilities. The park also has a common administrative building for office and other use by the entrepreneurs and six Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) at Kashipur, Padampur, Umerkote, Koraput, Digapahandi and Khordha having facilities for primary processing and storage near the farms. Badal said the Mega Food Park will leverage an additional investment of about Rs 250 crore in 25-30 food processing units in the park and generate a turnover of about Rs 450-500 crore annually. The park will also provide direct and indirect employment to 5,000 people and benefit about 25,000 farmers in the CPC and PPC catchment areas. The absence of Chief Minister Patnaik at the inaugural function fuelled controversy with both BJP and BJD trading charges over whether or not the Chief Minister was invited. The BJD termed it a breach of protocol. "In a federal set up, the Chief Minister is head of the state and the chief guest at any government programme. Unfortunately, nobody bothered to take his consent for the inauguration of the food park in Rayagada district. This is violation of protocol," BJD spokesperson Sameer Dash said. However, Badal rejected the allegations saying the Chief Minister was invited to the function. "I personally talked to Naveen Babu over phone before I left Delhi yesterday and invited him to the event. He also assured me of attending the programme or sending two ministers as his representative," Badal said. --IANS cd/him/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Basking in the success of her latest Malayalam film "Godha", Wamiqa Gabbi says she hasn't signed a project yet in Telugu filmdom since her debut in 2015 because she is waiting for another film like "Bhale Manchi Roju". "I did get a few offers after 'Bhale Manchi Roju', and some even came with very good remuneration. There was this one offer where for just 15 days of work, I was going to be paid very well. But money isn't the sole factor for me to sign a project. These offers didn't excite me," Wamiqa told IANS. She has set a benchmark for herself. "Having done a film like 'Bhale Manchi Roju', I'm waiting to get something at par or better than that project. I'm not in a hurry to do films. In the last one year, I did a film each in Punjabi and Tamil. I have signed another Tamil project," she said. Wamiqa has landed a key role in "Maya" director Ashwin Saravanan's next yet-untitled Tamil project. "It's the script that made me accept this offer. I'm not much of a reader, though my dad is a writer. I read this film's script in one go though. I was so fascinated by what Ashwin had written and I didn't want to miss an opportunity to work with him," she added. --IANS hp/nn/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI-M has urged the Modi government to immediately withdraw the "obnoxious" new cattle rules which it said were "a vicious attack on the right of choice of food and the livelihood of millions" of people. An editorial in the CPI-M journal "People's Democracy" said the May 25 amendment to the rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act would affect millions of farmers, cattle traders and butchers. As per this notification called Regulation on Livestock Markets Rules, 2017, a ban has been imposed on the sale of cattle for slaughter all across India. Cattle is defined as bulls, cows, bullocks, buffaloes, steers, heifers, calves and camels. Farmers who now take cattle to a cattle market for sale for slaughter will be liable for prosecution. By including buffaloes, their slaughter is also being illegalized, which is not against the law in most states, the editorial pointed out. "Through this blanket ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter, the Hindutvawadis want to stop a large section of people, particularly minorities and Dalits, from eating beef, which is a cheap source of protein and nutrition," it said. The editorial said the farmers would be the worst hit. "They will be unable to sell their unproductive cows, buffaloes or bullocks in the market. This will deprive them of the much needed money to buy new animals and will also compel them to abandon their old cattle which will become strays. "The beef-export industry worth Rs 26,685 crore will be badly hit, so also, the leather industry." The Communist Party of India-Marxist said that by smuggling in these rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the central government had encroached on the powers of the states. "This latest onslaught on food choice of citizens comes in the background of the systematic efforts being made to ban beef including buffalo meat, unleash cow vigilantes on minorities and those engaged in cattle trade. "What cannot be done, i.e. ban on slaughter of cattle legally at the national level, is sought to be done now in a surreptitious manner. "The Modi government should immediately withdraw the obnoxious parts of the notification." the editorial said. --IANS mr/him (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NITI Aayog has recommended strategic disinvestment of Air India, the loss-making and debt-laden national carrier. This has found support from Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who said that if private airlines could carry 86 per cent of passengers, they might as well carry 100 per cent of them. However, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju poured cold water over the proposal when he told a television channel on Wednesday that it would not be easy to find a bakra (gullible investor) for . If the government is serious about privatising Air India, its ministers should not be allowed to talk at cross-purposes. Already, many feel there are forces within the government out to sabotage the strategic sale. The case for privatising is strong. It has a debt of close to Rs 50,000 crore and the cost of servicing it has crippled the airlines ability to do anything for fresh investments in route expansion or for upgrade of services. Moreover, analysts strongly believe that the airline may be overstating its operational profit: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has also questioned its operational profit of Rs 105 crore for 2015-16. Air Indias occupancy compares poorly with other airlines, its service is shoddy and it has been losing market share. Continuing with his "lunch-dinner diplomacy", BJP President enjoyed food with a tribal family at Devaliya village in tribal-dominated Chhota Udepur district in Gujarat. The exercise was aimed at widening the party's base among the tribal population. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief started his lunch-dinner diplomacy to connect with the masses in West Bengal where he had lunch with a Dalit family, then he visited Varanasi and now he is in Gujarat. In Devaliya village of Chhota Udepur, he had dinner on Tuesday night with a local BJP party worker, Popatbhai Rathwa. The VIP presence at his place turned into a blessing for the tribal party worker, as other partymen helped the Rathwa family put basic infrastructure in place, with the family getting a new toilet facility, a wash basin, an LPG stove and a couple of coolers. This show of help was perhaps to make the environs comfortable for the BJP chief and entourage of VIPs, including BJP's state incharge Bhupendra Yadav, state party chief Jitu Vaghani, party general secretaries, state ministers, MPs and other party functionaries, who joined Shah. Shah's presence in this Congress-dominated region seems to be significant as five of the six taluka panchayats as well as the district panchayat of Chhota Udepur are ruled by the Congress. Even in the last parliamentary polls, when the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, it was a close contest in Chhota Udepur. The legislator from the district comes from the Congress. The BJP is currently facing trouble from several other communities besides the socially, politically and economically powerful Patidaars, like the Dalits who have risen after the public flogging of Dalit youths by a self-styled cow protection group at Una in Saurashtra. "While Gujarat remains a strong fortress for the BJP, there was a need to further strengthen its presence," said Shah, addressing the newly-inducted booth workers in Devalia village. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and said as the Chief Minister, he had helped win around 120 seats, and now with him as the Prime Minister, the party can look to bag at least 150 of the 182 assembly seats in the state. On a three-day visit to the state, Shah is expected to continue his booth-level programmes in the state and would visit another tribal district of Sabarkantha. The 10th battalion of the Parachute Regiment (special forces) celebrated 50th Raising Day today. The unit famously known as 'scorpions' is among the most battle hardened units of the Indian Army. To commemorate the occasion, a large number of serving and retired officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks gathered at the Jodhpur military station. The unit paid homage to its fallen brethren who have made supreme sacrifice for the Army and the nation, a defence spokesperson said. Commanding officer of the unit, Colonel Virendra Singh Salaria, in a special sainik sammelan complimented all ranks of the battalion and veterans for their commitment, selfless service and encouraged them to maintain the highest standard. The 'scorpions' look back with pride and humility on accomplishments with confidence in their ability to meet future challenges, Salaria said in his address. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kashmir's students have hit the headlines for another reason, as pen and paper replace the stones that the Valley's young are increasingly being identified with. The that 14 Jammu and Kashmir students - one of them a head constable's son - had cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination for the civil services was greeted with elation and congratulatory messages for the successful candidates. Twenty-six-year-old Suhail Qasim Mir, whose father Mohammad Qasim Mir is a head constable in Srinagar, succeeded in his first attempt to clear the examination, standing 125th among 1,099 candidates selected for the Indian Administrative Service and other top government jobs. Suhail graduated from the government degree college in Bemina here before moving to Delhi for management studies at the Jamia Millia Islamia University. His family belongs to Bijbehara's Sirhama Village in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Among the other successful candidates are Bilal Mohiuddin of Handwara's Unsoo village in north Kashmir, who stood 10th in the all-India examination, and Bisma Qazi of Srinagar's Rambagh locality, who ranked 115th. "You all make us proud. Our youth are full of talent, they only need an opportunity," Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Facebook, while former CM Omar Abdullah tweeted his congratulations to the state's candidates who had cleared the competitive examination, the results of which were declared yesterday. Director General of State Police S P Vaid sent a special message to Suhail, while he wished each successful candidate from the state a bright future, a police spokesman said. The success of the 14 candidates comes at a time of acute unrest in the valley, with students taking to the streets, mostly in protest against alleged excesses by security forces. For Bilal Mohiuddin, who was earlier in the Indian Forest Service, the stakes have never been higher. The father in him credits his success to his seven- month-old daughter, Mariam. "After she was born in September, I cleared my preliminaries. And since then there has been no looking back," he said. Meanwhile, the DGP also sanctioned a special reward of Rs 10,000 each to 14 wards of serving police personnel out of the Central Police Welfare Fund (CPWF). Four of them had qualified in a competitive examination conducted by the Board of Professional Entrance Examination last year, while 10 had secured 70 per cent marks or more in their graduation or post graduation examinations in 2015-16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan said today that at least three people were injured when Indian forces resorted to "unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control. According to an army statement, Indian troops opened fire at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning. "Three people were injured when Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing," it said. Pakistani troops were "effectively engaging Indian positions and responding to the fire," the statement said. The two sides regularly accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement in which civilians are killed and injured. Pakistan last week said that a 60-year-old woman was killed when an Indian shell landed on her house and exploded in Naali village of Bhimber district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bangladesh Navy today rescued 20 people after their boat was caught in Cyclone Mora that has wreaked havoc even as the Indian Navy returned 33 Bangladeshi fishermen who were saved off the country's coast. The Navy launched a massive rescue campaign mobolising 15 ships, a helicopter and a patrol aircraft, a Navy spokesman said. "The 20 cyclone survivers were rescued from near the offshore island of Kutubdia ... Most of them were exhausted or wounded requiring first aid," the spokesman said. The Navy's comments came hours after an Indian Navy ship returned 33 Bangladeshi fishermen at a ceremony joined by Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The fishermen, who were rescued from the Bay of Bengal by Indian Navy a day after Cyclone Mora battered the country's southeastern coast, were handed over to Bangladesh today. Shringla handed them over to Chittagong's administrative chief or deputy commissioner Zillur Rahman at the Chittagong port. Rahman also received the relief materials that the Indian government sent for the people affected during Cyclone Mora. As many as 300,000 people had been taken to shelters in more than 10 districts most vulnerable to the cyclone. The districts affected with the storm include Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barisal and Pirojpur. Bangladesh is often hit by bad storms between April and December that cause deaths and widespread destruction. Cyclone Roanu hit the southern coast of Bangladesh last year, leaving 20 people dead and forcing half a million to flee their homes. The Mora cyclone formed after heavy rains in Sri Lanka caused floods and landslides killing over 200 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The police has told the Delhi High Court that it will be registering an FIR into the death of a 17-year-old girl, who allegedly committed suicide after consuming poison in her classroom at a government school here. The submission was made before Justice R K Gauba, who was hearing the plea of the girl's mother Sangeeta Gupta, who has refused to believe the suicide theory. The mother has moved the high court, through her counsel Amit Kumar, following alleged inaction by Delhi Police on her complaint that there was more to her daughter's death than meets the eye. On the court's intervention, the police submitted that it will lodge an FIR under section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. The police said that it would carry out the investigation in accordance with the law, on basis of the statement made by the girl's mother. The Class XII student had left for school at 7 AM on September 16 last year. At about 9 AM, her mother Sangeeta received a call from the school informing her that her daughter had attempted suicide by consuming poison. Sangeeta's son rushed to the school. A PCR van reached the spot just as he was taking his sister to the hospital on his scooty. The mother has alleged that the police had not taken any action with regard to a complaint made on April 14 last year about a boy harassing her daughter on the way to school in Azadpur. She had also complained against harassment and abuses over phone from an unknown number. She has said that she was unable to understand how her daughter could commit suicide when she left home in a normal state of mind. Sangeeta has also questioned how a student can consume poison in a classroom and also write three suicide notes addressed to three different persons. The petitioner said the authorities concerned had failed to reveal true facts despite repeated requests. Her counsel has said that neither were the papers of the proceedings shared with the family nor was the CCTV footage of the school obtained to find out the correct cause and manner of death. The counsel submitted that the police never bothered to look into the complaint regarding the boy harassing her the girl on her way to school, which casts more doubt over the "suicide". Earlier, the police officials had submitted that they have recovered a suicide note from the bag of the girl, stating "no one should be blamed for her act". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat arrived here today to review the security situation and operational preparedness of the armed forces posted in Kashmir and along the Line of Control. "Gen Rawat and some senior Army officers arrived at Badamibagh Cantonment area this morning for a routine day-long visit," an Army official said. He said the purpose of the Army Chief's visit was to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the Valley. "The Chief of Army Staff is being briefed by Corps Commander and other top officers about the situation in the Valley, especially after killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat. "He will also be briefed about the situation along the Line of Control in the wake of reports of activity at infiltration launch pads on the other side of LoC," the official added. Meanwhile, a General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed, while two others, including a BSF jawan, were injured today as Pakistan violated ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A BJP leader was allegedly hacked to death by a group of men near Anekal on the outskirts, police said today. The deceased has been identified as Harish (40), BJP's SC/ST Yuva Morcha Anekal unit's Vice President. Police officials said the incident happened late last night whenHarish was returning home after meeting friends at a bar and restaurant. The assailants intercepted his motor cycle and threw chilli powder into his eyes before hacking him to death. Police suspect that personal rivalry may be the cause for the murder. Search is on for the assailants, police Harish's family and friends have expressed suspicion that he might have been killed by opponents unable to accept his political growth. Alleging law and order has completely failed under Siddaramaiah government's four years rule, BJP state President B S Yeddyurappa said such attacks on BJP activists have beenincreasing. A senior BJP leader in Meghalaya, who had announced a beef party in his hometown to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three years in office, has resigned from the party. BJP district president of Garo Hills Bernard Rimpu Marak, who had joined the BJP last year, was understood to have been asked to put in his papers. He, however, insisted his resignation was to protest the BJP's "stand on beef". "In the interest of the Garo people, I have put in my papers today as a mark of protest against the party's stand on beef," Marak told PTI. "I have resigned because I am a Christian and a Garo first. Steps taken by the party, especially in the Garo Hills are not in the interest of the people," he said. Marak had in a Facebook yesterday said the BJP in Garo Hills will organise a "bitchy-beef party" to celebrate three years of Modi government. Bitchy is a local alcoholic brew made from rice which is consumed during festivals. Reacting to Marak's Facebook post, BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli had told reporters that the party will either sack him or ask him to tender his resignation. "How can slaughter of an animal be a ground for celebration of Prime Minister Modi's Government when the notification in itself is to prevent slaughter of animals," Kohli had said. Marak, a former leader of an armed militant group - the Achik National Volunteer Council - had recently said on the social media that the BJP, if voted to power in Meghalaya in 2018, will make beef cheaper, a statement which did not go down well with the party leadership. The state BJP had disowned Marak's remark although the state BJP chief, Shibun Lyndoh, admitted the party "is not against" people having beef. Shibun said a tribal state like Meghalaya, where beef consumption is the highest in the country, cannot impose a ban against the will of the people. "What we would like to have is regulations to check that slaughter houses are hygienic and clean in the interest of all beef eaters," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP chief Amit Shah is likely to flag the recent public slaughter of a calf by Youth Congress workers to consolidate his party's core constituency when he visits Left-ruled Kerala for three days from tomorrow. He will also meet bishops as part of his efforts to win over a section of Christians. Shah will meet bishops in Kochi tomorrow, underlining his party's efforts to build bridges with the minority community, which accounts for 18-20 per cent of votes in the southern state. The Hindu far right has often been at loggerheads with Christians over the hugely contentious issue of religious conversions. The party's in-charge of the state H Raja said the meeting is aimed at "understanding each other" and added that Shah will undertake an "in-depth" analysis of the organisational work in the state during his three-day stay. The public butchering of a calf by Youth Congress leaders in the state last week to protest the Centre's ban on sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter has come handy for him and he is likely to target the Congress, which has been on the defensive over the issue. However, it will be a tricky matter for the party as beef is widely consumed in the state and a strident stand on the matter is unlikely to be of much help, especially while it attempts to woo Christians. It has also been trying to cosy up to Kerala Congress (M), a former Congress ally that enjoys substantial following among Christians. Many BJP leaders believe that it is imperative for the organisation to win over a section of minority votes to emerge as a potent force in a state where Hindu votes are about 55 per cent. Muslims constitute about 26-27 per cent of the electorate. Shah will also hold meetings with BJP allies, leaders of various communities and influential people, besides interacting with organisation leaders to take stock of its work and lay out its future plans. Kerala is important in the BJP's strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as Shah expects to win a chunk of its 21 seats after the party increased its vote share substantially to 16 per cent in the 2016 assembly polls. It, however, could win only one seat. It had drawn a blank in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. It has built alliance with smaller outfits representing different communities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fifth Rockabilly On The Route PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Ruling AIADMK's mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR today hit out at the Centre over its recent ban on cattle sale for slaughter at animal markets, days after Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that an official comment could not be given without knowing the details. The daily sought to know if Modi's regime was for "protection of the country or cow?" Although neither Palaniswami nor his senior Ministers have commented against the Centre on the issue, AIADMK daily posed questions on it and other matters to the Modi regime. Asked about the write-up, a former Minister and senior AIADMK (Amma) leader merely said,"it is the view of the editor." Only the views of party top office-bearers which includes the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues could have the "official stamp," he told PTI. The daily, perceived to be sympathetic to jailed leader V K Sasikala and T T V Dhinakaran criticised the Modi government in short verse format. The write-up posed a slew of questions to the BJP led government at the Centre beginning with cattle controversy. Among the sharp questions asked were: Is this a regime of achievements or one of CBI raids ? Is this a government which is being greeted by all or is this a regime for Sanskrit development ? Also, "whether this is a government aimed at diminishing the pluralism of the country and one that carries palanqin for Patanjali and Bhagwad Gita ?" It summed up Modi's regime saying "three years have gone by through big talks." Days ago, Palaniswami had said that he cannot comment on the matter based on media reports. The Chief Minister had said he will express his views only after fully studying the notification on curbs on cattle sale for slaughter. Rebel AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) leader O Panneerselvam had said that the Centre should reconsider it. Main Opposition party DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli too hit out at the Centre by displaying in its front page a caricature showing Modi riding a cow with a man seated behind. The pillion rider is shown wearing a T Shirt with words India on it. It has a caption in English saying "World is going forward, India is going coward." The first three letters (cow) in the word Coward is highlighted in bold letters. The footnote in it claimed that it was an image doing the rounds in messaging platform Whatsapp. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China's controversial cybersecurity law, which requires international firms to store critical data within the country, has come into effect from today amid complaints from foreign businesses. The Cybersecurity Administration, the government body responsible for overseeing it, said a grace period of 19 months would be given for businesses to comply with cross- border data transfer regulations. The period starts on June 1 and continues until the end of the next year, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. Online service users will now have rights to ask service providers to delete their information if such information is abused. The Cybersecurity management staff must also protect information obtained, and are banned from leaking or selling the information, including privacy and commercial secrets. Those who violate the provisions and infringe on personal information will face hefty fines. The law, passed by China's rubber-stamp parliament in November, made it clear that no one can use the Internet to conduct fraud or sell prohibited goods. One of the biggest concerns is the requirement that all critical data and the data from "critical information infrastructure" be saved on the mainland. Such information also has to be examined and assessed before being transferred out of the country. However, a state-run Xinhua agency report quoted an Internet regulator as saying that the law will come into effect from today and it is not aimed at limiting foreign companies' access to the Chinese market. The law is designed to safeguard China's cyberspace sovereignty, national security, public interest, as well as the rights and interests of citizens, legal persons and other organisations, the statement of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said. "It does not restrict foreign companies or their technology and products from entering into the Chinese market, nor does it limit the orderly, free flow of data," the statement said. "China is entitled to make laws and rules to regulate its cyberspace sovereignty following international practice," it said. However, foreign companies and governments complained the law set unfair barriers, ran counter to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, and lacked compliance details. Foreign firms grapple with China's "punitive" cybersecurity laws Michael Chang, vice-president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, said some key areas of the law would have a huge impact on the way business was done on the mainland. "There are [still] uncertainties and unclarified terms," Chang was quoted by the Post as saying. A draft of the supporting regulations was released for public comment in April, while another draft measure on the definition of "critical information infrastructure" was released on Saturday. It is also unclear how such infrastructure will be protected. The Cyberspace Administration met international stakeholders on May 19 and discussed the cross-border data movement regulations, offering the grace period, the Post report said. Chen Jihong, a partner at the Beijing-based Zhonglun Law Firm, said the decision to have a grace period might have been prompted by the absence of supporting regulations and the need for internal communication within relevant ministries and government departments; and the companies' demands for more time to make the necessary changes. Chen said the supporting regulations, including the cross border data transfer rules, would probably be finalised later this year because Beijing was determined to enforce the law. The Cyberspace Administration said the cross-border data flow measures were not meant to disrupt email, e-commerce or other commercial activity. It also said the requirement that operators must stop transmitting "illegal information" would not jeopardise privacy or freedom of speech. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A civilian was killed and four others, including a BSF jawan, were injured when the Pakistan Army targeted forward areasalong the Line of Control in Rajouri and Pooch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting retaliation by the Indian troops. Five Pakistan soldiers were reported to have been killed whilesome others were injured in the Indian Army's retaliatory action along the Nowshera and Krishnagati sectors. The civilian who got killed in the Pakistani offensive was working as a labourer withthe General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF). Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts in four sectors with mortar bombs and firing with automatic weapons. Entire top brass of Indian Army headed by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and the sevencommanders, including all corps commanders of J-K, held a meeting inSrinagar today to review the situation. "One civil GREF labour was martyred, and one GREF driver injured in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. One head constable ofBSF suffered splinter injuries in Krishnagati sector. He is outof danger," Defence Spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. As per some reports, two more people associated with the GREF were injured. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from0730 hours today and in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from0740 hours today," he said. The reports said there has been firing along the LoC in Balnoi andMankote sectors too. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and firing is presently on," he said. The spokesman added that firingexchange was on Pakistan Army resorted to indiscriminate firing ofsmall arms, automatic weapons and 82 mm and 120 mm mortars in these sectors. The firing and shelling stopped at 0900 hours in Nowshera sector and at 1300 hours in KG sector, he said. As per the sources a mortar shell hit a vehicle of the GREF in KG sector during shelling which resulted in the death of oneGREF labourer and injuries to the others and a BSF jawan was injured ina separate firing incident. On the reports of killing of five Pakistani soldiers in retaliationby Indian army, the Defence spokesman said he had no such input. A top Army officer also said he had no such inputs. On May 17, the Pakistan Army had resorted tofiring on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri. The Pakistan Army also continued shelling on the intervening night of May 15 and 16 on forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC inthree belts of Rajouri. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year hasaffected over 12,000 people. It had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area withmortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. On May 15, the Pakistani troops resorted to fresh ceasefire violation along the LoC in Nowshera sector since 1600 hours till latenight. Four villages in Nowshera have come under small arms fire fromacross the LOC in Nowshera. On May 14, the Pakistani Army resorted to indiscriminatefiring of small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0645 hours along the LoC in Nowshera and Manjakote sectors of Rajouri. On May 13, authorities ordered closure of 51 schools inNowshera sector and also Manjakote and Doongi zones. Two people were killed and three injured in Pakistani shelling in Nowshera sector on May 13. On May 12, the Pakistan Rangers resorted to ceasefire violation and fired onBSF men and posts along International Border (IB) in Arnia sector ofJammu district in which one BSF man was injured. On May 11 and 10, the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy shelling andfiring in Nowshera belt killing one woman and injuring two peopleincluding her husband. More than 2,694 families comprising 10,042 persons have beenaffected in shelling which lead to killing of three persons, injuries to six in Pakistani shelling on May 11, 13 and 14, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said. Besides, 65 livestockwere killed and standing crops got damaged, while nearly 45 houses suffered partial to complete damages during the period, the officer said. The district administration provided immediate relief of Rs 1lakh each to the next of kin of the dead and financial assistance tothe injured. Overall, of the 64 villages along the LoC in Rajouri, 23 were locatedin Nowshera sub-division where eight villages were badly affected andremaining 15 villages sustained minor losses, while five villages inDoongi and nine villages in Manjakote have been affected, he added. At least one incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan tookplace daily along the LoC in J-K in 2015 and 2016 inwhich 23 security personnel lost their lives. As many as 1,142 terror incidents were reported in the statebetween 2012 and 2016 in which 236 security personnel and 90 civilians were killed. Pakistan breached the truce along theLine of Control 449 times in 2016 as compared to 405 violations in2015. 23 security personnel were killed in the two-year period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has ordered the suspension of two resident doctors and a nurse at the Doon Hospital here, after making a surprise visit last night. Rawat visited the hospital late last night and found two resident doctors and a nurse absent from duty, an official release here said today. He ordered their suspension saying no negligence on the part of doctors will be tolerated. According to the release, the doctors suspended are Dr Manish and Dr Dhruvanchal while the nurse against whom action has been taken is Fatima. Rawat warned of stern action against any hospital employee found guilty of negligence. He spoke to patients about their problems and asked hospital authorities to send him an estimate of expenses for providing treatment to patients who cannot afford it. He said the expenses will be met out of the chief minister's discretionary fund, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that farmers were forced to go on strike due to lack of decisiveness on the part of the BJP-led government and its anti-farmer policies, the Congress in Maharashtra today said it supports the agitation. "Farmers have been forced to go on strike because people sitting in the Central and state governments are not concerned with their issues. After BJP came to power, more than 9,500 farmers have committed suicide in the state," Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan said here. Farmers had a bumper tur daal production this year but the government had a lackadaisical approach to its procurement, he said. "Farmers are not getting right price for soybean, tur, onion, fruits and milk," Chavan said, adding that loan waiver is the only solution to their woes. "Those sitting in the government do not understand the problems of farmers. Therefore the farmers went on strike for the first time in this country," he said. With supply of vegetables and milk stopped, people in cities will have to face a severe crisis in coming days, the Congress leader warned. "Farmers are beaten up in Mantralaya...They are trying to commit suicide at the gates of the secretariat. On top of it, a BJP spokesperson blatantly says Government will be unaffected if farmers go on strike," he said. "All these things prove that the government is insensitive towards the issues of farmers," Chavan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand police today arrested a man who had escaped from Delhi's high-security Tihar jail. The Special Task Force of Uttarakhand police arrested Rajvir Yadav from Clementown area and seized a country-made pistol from his possession. Yadav, who was lodged in Tihar jail along with four accomplices for allegedly looting Rs 26 lakh from a businessman at gunpoint in Modinagar, had fled while he was out on parole to attend his son's marriage, it said. While on the run, Yadav spent his time hiding in Jaipur, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Delhi and Dehradun, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Radical outfit Dal Khalsa today gave a call for Amritsar shutdown on June 6 on the 33rd anniversary of 'Operation Bluestar'. The Dal Khalsa leadership, led by its president Harpal Singh Cheema and spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh, said the bandh would be "peaceful". They said the call was only for business establishments and educational institutions. Transport services will continue as usual. The 'Operation Bluestar' was carried out by the Indian Army in 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump will announce his decision on whether to withdraw from the Paris climate deal "very soon", as media reports said that a US exit was likely. Trump was responding to questions from reporters yesterday about whether he plans to withdraw the US from the landmark global agreement, a major foreign policy legacy of his predecessor Barack Obama. "You're going to find out very soon," he said when pressed further on the withdrawal. "I'm hearing from a lot of people, both ways. Both ways." Two major outlets -- Axis and CBS -- reported that the US President had made a decision to withdraw from the climate change agreement and the administration has been informing world leaders about it. According to US senators, leaving the climate pact would result in strengthening India and China's economy at the cost of America. "By succumbing to pressure from administrator Scott Pruitt and other advisors, President Trump is ceding the future to the Germans, the Chinese, the Indians, and other nations rather than having the United States continue to lead the world on clean energy solutions," said Democrat Ed Markey. Another Democratic Senator, Jeff Markley, tweeted that "An American retreat is great for the economies of China and India, and terrible for US economy." Earlier yesterday, a White House official said Trump was expected to pull out of the deal, but added that there could be "caveats." European leaders pushed Trump to stay in the Paris pact during his recent overseas trip. His advisors are divided on the move. Several Democrats have spoken out against the "misguided" step saying it could potentially damage not only the environment, but also the economy. "If President Trump decides to remove the United States from this agreement, it will weaken our standing globally - allowing other countries to adopt leading roles when it comes to our shared responsibility to protect our planet for future generations," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley. In a tweet, Trump had said he would be announcing his decision on the 2015 deal in the next few days. "I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. Make America great again!," Trump said. "Details on just how exactly the US will be withdrawing are still being worked out by a team that includes EPA administrator Scott Pruitt," CBS reported. "A full, formal withdrawal could take up to three years to execute, unravelling one of former President Barack Obama's major achievements in office to reduce the impacts of climate change," it added. The Pruitt team is deciding on whether to initiate a full, formal withdrawal - which could take three years - or exit the underlying United Nations climate change treaty, which would be faster but more extreme, Axis reported. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation of various industries will meet Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy to present their proposals with regard to fixing of slab for the GST, Minister for Municipal Administration, S P Velumani said today. Tamil Nadu, being a manufacturing state, the industries have expressed concern over the rate proposed by GST Council for various products, and wanted a lower rate to be fixed, Velumani told reporters here. As assured, the delegation will meet the chief minister tomorrow and put forth their concerns, he said. State Finance Minister, D Jayakumar would put present the proposals, when he participates in the Council meeting scheduled to be held in Delhi on June 3, Velumani said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that a street in Delhi has been named after Russia's former Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin, a "friend" of India, who passed away recently. Hailing Ambassador Kadakin and his contribution to the India-Russia ties, Modi said the late diplomat was a glorious son of Russia and a great friend of India. "A street in Delhi has been named after Ambassador Kadakin," Modi said addressing a joint press event with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kadakin, 67, a fluent Hindi-speaking career diplomat considered a great friend of India, died in Delhi in January this year after a brief illness. He was serving as the Russia's ambassador to India since 2009 and was credited with playing a significant role in promotion of relations between the two countries. Kadakin began his diplomatic career as a Third Secretary at the Russian Embassy in India in 1972. He held the position of the Head of the Russian diplomatic mission in New Delhi from November 2009. Kadakin was born in Chisnau in then USSR on July 22,1949. He graduated with honours from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1972. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An encounter is underway between security forces and militants holed up in a house at Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3:30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the militants, believed to be two in number, opened fire on the forces, triggering the gun-battle, he said. The official said there has been no casualty so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former chief of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma today took charge as the interlocutor for peace talks with Assam's insurgent groups, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). Sharma, a 1976 batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, retired as director of the IB on December 31, 2016. He was appointed as the interlocutor for talks with Assam-based insurgent groups last week. Sharma took charge today, official sources said. Sharma, who has been appointed for a tenure of one year, will hold peace negotiations with pro-talks factions of the ULFA, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and a few other small groups based in Assam. The last interlocutor P C Haldar had served till December 31, 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Farmers in several parts of western Madhya Pradesh today launched a ten-day-long agitation, stopping supply of milk, food grains and vegetables to protest lack of good prices for farm produce. Protesters stopped vehicles carrying fruits, vegetables and food grains and emptied milk containers on roads. "We gave call for protest through the social media which has evoked a good response from farmers. Prices of food grains have nosedived and farmers are not even recovering the money they invested," MP Kisan Sena secretary Jagdish Rawalia told PTI. Farmers in Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Jhabua, Neemuch and Mandsaur districts are supporting the protest, he said. "We want to make bureaucracy aware of the ground reality in the wake of announcement by the NDA government and the state to double farmers' income," he added. Madhya Pradesh finance minister Jayant Malaiya sought to downplay extent of the protest. However, the government was willing to talk to the farmers, the minister said. "Only a handful of farmers were protesting and there was no report of shortage of food grains, milk, fruits and vegetables in any part of the state," he said. "We are ready for talks with farmers," he added. Farmers in the state are happy, and MP has bagged five consecutive awards set up by the Centre for food production, the minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four persons were today killed in a collision between two motorcycles in Punjab's Moga district, police said. The incident took place around 11 am on Zira road, they said. "Three of them died on the spot while one succumbed to his injuries in the hospital where he was rushed to," a police official said. "A case had been registered under relevant provisions of the law in connection," the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Satyarup Siddhanta only discovered he was at the centre of an Everest fraud when he spotted of a couple whose false claim to have scaled the world's highest peak has set off a debate about how mountaineering feats are authenticated. The Indian couple had doctored his summit photo, superimposing their own faces to support their claim, and were awarded an official summit certificate from the Nepal authorities before other climbers raised doubts. Ascents of many of the world's highest peaks are validated based largely on trust, a system that has until now worked within the close-knit community of high-altitude climbing. But as the numbers heading up Everest have boomed, many are questioning whether summits need to be validated more scientifically. For an Everest summit, climbers have to provide the Nepali or Chinese authorities with a photo from the top and a report from the team leaders and government liaison officers stationed at base camp. In 2016, Indian couple Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod provided just that, before other climbers said their story and photos didn't add up. In one photo, Tarakeshwari's face had been superimposed on Siddhanta's, the colour of his boots changed and India's national flag pasted over his hands. In another, Siddhanta had been replaced by Dinesh. "I looked at their photo and immediately recognised the people around," Siddhanta told AFP. "I took out my own photo to compare. I was shocked, it was my photo." The couple were stripped of their summit certificate and banned from Nepal for 10 years. A record 509 paying clients headed to Everest at the beginning of this spring climbing season hoping to make it to the summit. Standing at the top of the 8,848-metre mountain adds a star to a climber's resume, and many go on to forge careers as motivational speakers and authors. But the growth has diminished the exclusivity of Everest and created a new pressure to summit, particularly for those who have been sponsored or raised money for their climb. "Climbing was never a competitive sport, but now there is so much pressure to find some way to be the 'first'. There's the pressure to find sponsors and then the pressure to be special," said German journalist and climber Billi Bierling. That has resulted in climbers sometimes offering bribes for authentication of a failed climb. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, one of the oldest operators in the Himalayas, told AFP that his company had received such offers - but turned them down. "We have been offered but it would be foolish to partake," he said. "We would not jeopardise our reputation for a single climber. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Growing up in Chhattisgarh's Naxalite-affected Dantewada district, Namrata Jain had one dream -- of joining the civil services. The dream came true yesterday, as Namrata, 23, learnt she had cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, conducted annually for top government jobs. Namrata, who lived and studied in the troubled Geedam town of the district before moving to Durg for high school and to Bhilai for an engineering degree, stood 99th in the list of 1099 successful candidates. "She had been very studious all through her schooling and in her college also. We knew she would clear the civil service examination some day," said her uncle, Suresh Jain, from Geedam. He remembered how she travelled on her own from Geedam to Durg and Bhilai, about 350-400 kms from her hometown, for her studies. "She made a lot of effort to complete her education. But she never lost interest in studies and remained focused. This is all the result of her hard work," said Jain, a shopkeeper. After completing her engineering in electronics, she came to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC exam. A delighted Namrata told PTI that the result was like a dream. "I am really happy to get selected in the exam. It is like a dream come true for me and my family," she told PTI from Raipur. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, who is on an official visit to Japan, congratulated her for the success. "Elated to learn Namrata Jain from Dantewada clinched 99th rank in UPSC exams! Maybe someday she'll become the district's collector," Singh tweeted. Dantewada district comes under the state's Bastar region, where Naxalites have been waging a guerrilla war for years. Three other students from Chhattisgarh have also qualified for the civil service. Gagan Giri Goswami, Lal Das and Piyush Kumar Lahre have been ranked 710th, 746th and 977th respectively. They stayed in the Tribal Youth Hostel, managed by the Chhattisgarh state government to help students from the state, in Delhi to prepare for the examination. While Goswami belongs to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Das and Lahre are from the Scheduled Castes category. "They studied hard to clear the examination," a state government official said. Nandini K R, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service Customs and Central Excise), topped the prestigious civil services examination 2016. A total of 846 men and 253 women cleared the exam this year. Of them, 500 belonged to the general category, 347 were OBCs, 163 from the Scheduled Caste category and 89 from Scheduled Tribes. The civil services examination is conducted by the UPSC annually in three stages-- preliminary, main and interview--to select candidates for the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is considering a new law on voluntary out-of-court settlements to ease the massive load of cases on the judiciary. At a recent meeting of a task force on improving India's ranking in the World Bank report on "Ease of doing business", representatives of the Department of Legal Affairs in the law ministry were asked "to take necessary steps to introduce a stand-alone law to regulate pre-litigation voluntary mediation". The task force's meeting -- the second so far -- discussed the need for legislation on mediation on the lines of a similar law in Singapore. According to the minutes of the April 18 meeting, it was observed that the World Bank report mentioned financial incentives for those opting for mediation, such as refund of court fees and other benefits such as rebates in income tax. The law secretary of the Delhi government informed the task force that pre-litigation mediation centres had been established to handle petty cases such as neighbourhood and family disputes. Of the 47,000 cases referred to the centres, 17,000 were settled at the pre-litigation stage through mediation. As of now, the mediation process is mostly used to settle marital disputes, but the new legislation could encourage settlements in areas such as landlord-tenant and industrial disputes which form a major chunk of litigation. In February last year, the law ministry had mooted a note on similar lines, backing a new law on mediation. "There is no legislation to back the mediation process in the country...The lack of any statutory backing to the mediation process is a cause of concern/apprehension in the minds of the parties regarding the validity/enforceability of the outcome of mediation. Therefore, some parties may prefer the lawyer-dominated, formal judicial process," it said. Out-of-court litigation is expected to help reduce the burden on courts in a country where over 3 crore cases are pending. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana Cabinet today approved the extension of Metro Rail from Narela in Delhi to Kundli in Sonepat district. The project will be financed by the state and Central governments, with Haryana providing 80 per cent of the funds, and the Centre taking care of the rest. This was the funding pattern adopted for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) extension to Gurugram, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh in Haryana. The state government will contribute Rs 968.20 crore as its share, an official spokesman said. The 4.86-km long extension will have three stations -- Narela Sector 5, Kundli and Nathupur. All the three stations will be elevated. The construction for the Narela-Kundli extension is proposed to start in April 2018 and end by March 2022. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, also approved the revised funding pattern of Metro projects in the state. Under this, 50 per cent of funds for DMRC projects in Haryana will be contributed by the Haryana Infrastructure Development Board, 20 per cent by the Haryana Urban Development Authority, 18 per cent by state government and 12 per cent by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the spokesman said. The state government also notified a revised Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy, which prescribes parameters for creating TOD as a means of densification of corridors along Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) projects, and also as a source of generating revenue for financing the MRTS projects. The fee or charges collected under this policy will be kept under a separate head in the Infrastructure Development Fund and will be exclusively utilised for implementation of MRTS projects. The Cabinet also approved the proposal that bus fares beyond Rs 15 be charged in multiples of five. Tickets below Rs 15 will be of Rs 5, Rs 7, Rs 10 and Rs 12, depending on the distance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A human rights organisation has criticised the Indian Army for awarding a commendation to one of its officers who used a civilian as a human shield in Kashmir, saying support for such "lawless action" will lead to future lawlessness by security forces and protesters. "The Indian Army's rewarding of an officer for actions that included serious human rights violations undermines accountability and the stature of the military," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement yesterday. It was referring to Maj Nitin Leetul Gogoi being commended for evacuating security personnel and election staff who were threatened by a mob in Jammu and Kashmir, in which he used a bystander unlawfully as a "human shield." The Indian Army has defended Gogoi's action. In a recent interview to PTI, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, defending the episode, said the Army was facing a "dirty war" in Kashmir which has to be fought through "innovative" ways. HRW's South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly, however, said, "Soldiers have a difficult task in Kashmir and should be rewarded for saving lives, but not by deliberately placing others at risk and violating their rights." "Support by senior army and government officials for a lawless action merely fans the flames of future lawlessness by security forces and protesters," Ganguly said. "Public praise by senior officials for an act of outrageous cruelty should put to rest any belief that the government is serious about holding security force personnel to account for serious abuses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana government has decided to conduct aerial surveys using drones to keep a check on encroachments and illegal constructions on government properties in the state. A pilot study of the project would be conducted in Karnal, Gurugram and Faridabad. The decision to employ the innovative solution to the encroachment problem was taken in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here today. "On success of this pilot run, the project would be implemented in the remaining districts also," he said. The chief minister directed the urban local bodies department to prepare a roadmap, along with the timeline, for the implementation of the project, and to submit the report within a week. He also asked the department to take the assistance of Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC) and National Remote Sensing Authority (NRSA) for the satellite imagery of the areas and also for setting up of ground control points necessary for conducting the survey. Khattar directed the departments concerned to gather complete information, within a month, about any illegal construction or encroachment on their land, so that action could be taken against those found guilty. He also asked various departments to ensure strict enforcement of laws for against illegal encroachments and construction in their respective areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The GST on dry fruits should be at 5 per cent and not at the proposed 12 per cent, as higher tax will lead to price rise and encourage illegal trade across LoC, industry body INC said today. International Nuts and Dry Fruit Council (INC) said that the industry currently pays 5 per cent VAT in most states and therefore, goods and services tax (GST), should be at the same level. Already, dry fruits attract very high customs duty of up to 30 per cent. "Any increase in GST will be at the cost of national interest," INC Ambassador for India Raju Bhatia told PTI. Higher GST will not only hit the genuine trade, but it will also lead to a loss of Rs 1,000 crore customs duty to the exchequer, Bhatia claimed. The National Investigation Agency is also aware of these illegal trades and the issue has been flagged with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley recently, he added. Almond, pistachio and walnut are main dry fruits exported from J&K via LoC. "These dry fruits are not grown in Kashmir. They are imported from Iran and the US and misrepresented as Kashmir commodities and sold via LoC. In fact, Kashmir's production of these dry fruits is very low and consumed locally," he shared. India's dry fruits market is about 4,25,000 tonnes, of which 80 per cent is almonds. Most of the dry fruits are imported. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deputy Commissioners of all the districts in Mizoram, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh have issued order banning import of bird, chicken, pig and piglet from the neighbouring countries. Deputy Commissioners of Champhai, Aizawl, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Siaha and Mamit issued orders after receiving warning from the Centre saying that bird's flu has been prevalent in China. Veterinarians said that import of pigs and piglets was also banned as pigs are carrier of the avian influenza virus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India, Bangladesh and Hungary have shown interest in buying Russia's newly-unveiled MC-21 short-and mid-range passenger aircraft, a top company official said today. Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) had carried out the first flight testing of a twin-engine airliner with a capacity of 150-212 passengers on Sunday in the eastern Siberian city of Irkutsk. Hungary, India and Bangladesh have shown interest in acquisition of MC-21 passenger jets, UAC President Yuri Slyusar told reporters at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) here. "We showed the aircraft [MC-21] in flight and we feel higher interest. We met delegations from different nations: Hungary, Bangladesh and India. The flying aircraft is a much more sensible product from the standpoint of promotion," the top UAC executive said. The portfolio of orders for MC-21 amounts to 285 aircraft to date, with firm (pre-paid) contracts awarded for 185 jets, Tass agency quotefd him as saying. The UAC hopes to obtain the certificate of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its MC-21 jet in 2020, Slyusar said. "We will obtain the certificate of the Interstate Aviation Committee in 2019," Slyusar said. "European certification will take place in 2020," he added. According to Russian media and experts, the creation of MC-21 is one of the key milestones, achieved by Russia's civil aircraft construction industry in the 21st century. Russian authorities hope the MC-21 revive the country's civil aviation industry and challenge Western giants Airbus and Boeing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Russia today asked all countries to stop cross-border movement of terrorists and asserted that a decisive collective response from the international community without "double standards and selectivity" was required to combat the threat of terrorism. The assertion to fight terrorism came in a vision document released by India and Russia after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks here. "We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons," the two countries said in the joint declaration titled 'A vision for the 21st century'. India and Russia asserted that they will continue efforts to combat international terrorism, which poses a great threat to the maintenance of peace and security. "We are convinced that the unprecedented spread of this threat requires decisive collective response on part of the entire global community, without double standards and selectivity, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter," the declaration said. India and Russia urged all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and "stop cross-border movement of terrorists". "We call for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the global counter-terrorism normative and legal framework to combat this scourge," the statement said. The strong pitch against terrorism comes after prime minister Modi also raised the issue of combating the menace with the leadership in Germany and Spain. It comes just a day after India and Spain stressed that there should be "zero tolerance" to terrorism and called on the international community to end "selective or partial" approaches in combating the menace. Sharing common approaches to providing security in the use of information and communication technologies, India and Russia also vowed to keep working together for developing universal rules, standards and principles of responsible behaviour of the states in this context, on the basis of democratisation and a model representing multi-stakeholderism with primacy of the state, in global Internet governance. "We recognise the necessity to activate bilateral interaction in this sphere on the basis of the Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies," the statement said. The two countries asserted that they are confident that they will continue to remain a role model for harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership and strong friendship between two states. "Building on the shared vision of development of bilateral relations, we will succeed in further realising the immense potential of India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership for the benefit of our states and international community as a whole," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Russia today pledged for early commencement of negotiations for a free trade agreement between New Delhi and the five-nation Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The issue was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We acknowledge the importance of developing economic cooperation at the regional level. We will facilitate an early commencement of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and India," said a vision document issued after the Modi-Putin talks. A joint feasibility report on the proposed agreement was completed last year. It has concluded that the proposed pact is feasible and mutually beneficial with substantial potential welfare gains and augmentation in trade in goods, he said. Under the free trade pact, two trading partners reduce or eliminate duties on most of the goods traded between them. Besides norms are also liberalised to promote trade in services sector and boost investments. India has implemented such agreements with several countries including Japan, South Korea and Singapore. EAEU region holds huge potential to increase trade. It has a population size of over 180 million. The two leaders also said that their major economic objectives include expanding trade and investment. Both express desires to increase industrial cooperation, improving environment for entrepreneurship and investments and developing cooperation in banking and financial matters. "As the next stage of our strategic partnership, we will extend our bilateral, technical, economic and scientific cooperation to third countries by undertaking joint development projects in mutually agreed sectors," it said. India and Russia will also coordinate their efforts to promote settlements of "India-Russian trade in national currencies" to reduce dependence of bilateral trade on other currencies, it added. "We will jointly encourage our business communities to use the existing workable schemes and mechanisms for settlements in national currencies elaborated by the Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Russia," the document said. On increasing cooperation in the diamond sector, it said the leaders agreed to intensify efforts to counter undisclosed synthetic stones entering diamond market and to support development of generic marketing programmes for diamonds. "We will work together to improve market access for agriculture and food commodities in each other's country and develop joint strategies through research and development for utilisation of existing potential in the agri and food processing sector," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Russia today signed the much-awaited agreement on setting up of two more units of a nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu and decided to give a "new direction" to the defence cooperation between the two "great powers". The two countries also decided to hold the first tri- Services exercises, named 'Indra-2017', this year and start joint manufacturing of frigates, adding on to the co- production of Kamov-226 military helicopters. These decisions were taken at the wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here which covered a range of issues, including terrorism and increasing trade and investment. Addressing the media jointly with Putin after the talks, Modi said the relations between India and Russia have been unwavering, based on "mutual love, respect and strong trust". "From culture to security, our relations have been at par... We speak in one language," he added. He said the two leaders had decided to speed up the bilateral cooperation in all fields, for which an 'Action Plan' has been devised. Noting that India and Russia were celebrating the 70th anniversary of their relations, Modi said there has been no impact on the ties in all these decades. Putin described the talks as substantative and said the India-Russia "partnership is developing into strategic and priveleged one." A Joint Declaration issued after the talks said that "the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership is a unique relationship of mutual trust between two great powers." It said the relationship covers all areas of cooperation, including in the spheres of political relations, security, trade and economy, military and technical field, energy, scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and foreign policy. The relationship helps promote national interests of both countries, and contributes to the establishment of a more peaceful and just world order, the declaration said. The two sides signed five agreements, which included one on setting up of Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu with the Russian help. Modi said the nuclear agreement, which was a major outcome of the summit meeting, will further strengthen the ties between the two countries. The other pacts included a contract for a high-speed train service between Nagpur and Secunderabad, an MoU for export of precious stones and jewellery and a programme on cultural exchanges. "We welcome the conclusion of the the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant," said a 'Vision Document' issued after the talks. The reactors will be built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled 'A vision for the 21st Century' said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an "energy bridge". It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. "We will strive to build an 'energy bridge' between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency," it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India's "Make In India" initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India" signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said that there has been a "steady and demonstrable" achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of India's largest energy hubs. "Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation," as per the document. Talking about terrorism, Modi said the views of the two countries are similar on the problem in whichever form it exists, whether in Afghanistan, Middle East or Asia-Pacific. "India and Russia stand together on terrorism and new challenges to the security," he said. In the joint statement, the two sides said that the "unprecedented spread" of the threat of terror "requires decisive collective response on part of the entire global community, without double standards and selectivity, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter." It added, "We urge all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists." The two countries called for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the global counter-terrorism normative and legal framework to combat this scourge. Referring to trade, Modi said the two countries were close to achieving the target of USD 30 billion by 2025. At present, trade between the two nations stands at USD 7.8 billion, down from USD 10 billion in 2014. Russian investment in India is USD 4 billion while Indian investment in Russia is USD 8 bn, Putin noted. Modi will be addressing a large gathering of business leaders tomorrow at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where India is the guest country for the first time. The prime minister said it was a privilege for him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari today hit out at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government saying the country's economy was currently going through the worst phase in decades and was on the "verge of anarchy". "Looking at the GDP figures released yesterday, it is now very much clear that the Indian economy has collapsed completely under the NDA's three-year rule, as the growth rate has remained at just 6.1 per cent in the quarter ending March. It shows that the economy was hit badly by the decision of demonetisation," Tewari said in a press conference here today. Citing the GDP growth figures released yesterday, Tewari said the performance of Indian economy has been the worst in the past 37 years. "Even these figures are jugglery, as the Modi government has changed the base year for GDP calculation from 2004-05 to 2011-12. If you take into account 2004-05 as the base year, GDP growth would come down to just 4.1 per cent. This is the worst ever performance in the last 37 years," Tewari said. "The economy is on the verge of anarchy. Non performing assets are touching new heights. The Centre has no clear policy to recover the NPAs of over Rs 12 lakh crore from defaulters. The economy is down because of the note-ban, inspector-raj and economic mismanagement," the former Union minister said. The Congress leader also hit out at the Centre on the issue of internal security and foreign policy. "Internal security is crippled under the BJP rule. The situation in Kashmir is more dangerous now than it was in 1979. Naxal activities are also spreading fast. However, even after three years, the BJP government has failed to formulate or execute any concrete policy to tackle it," he said. Commenting on the foreign policy, he said India has lost its grip as the country's old friends like Russia are now getting cozy with Pakistan. "When India raised its voice against China's plans to access PoK under the 'One Belt One Road' initiative, no country except Bhutan supported us. Even our old friend Russia has started conducting joint military exercise with Pakistan. This is the state of our foreign policy today," he said. When asked about Congress' strategy to tackle BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Tewari said the upcoming presidential polls would help the party form a broad vision for the general elections. "The process of formulating a strategy for the 2019 polls would begin during the presidential polls. This election for choosing the country's next president would help us in articulating our vision for 2019," Tewari said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After years of decline, Indian exports to China rose sharply in the first four months of this year registering a 20 per cent increase to $5.57 billion, though the trade deficit continued to persist. Indian exports received a major boost mainly due to China increasing the steel consumption by importing big quantity of iron ore as well as gems and diamonds besides cotton materials. The India-China trade grew by six per cent to $26.02 billion from January to April this year, according to the data of China's customs accessed by PTI. As per the data, the Indian exports have gone up to $5.57 billion, registering a 20 per cent increase. China's exports to India too amounted to $20.45 billion, a 14 per cent raise. The trade deficit problem for India, however, continued. The trade deficit in the first four months amounted to $14.88 billion in favour of China. Last year, the deficit aggregated to around $52 billion in a little over $70 billion total bilateral trade becoming a thorny issue between the two countries. But the spurt in Indian exports to China this year showed promise of recovery, the first since iron ore exports started declining in 2013 due domestic crackdown on mines as well as China scaling down its steel production due to global economic crisis. The trade deficit began expanding ever since the iron ore exports, the main stay of Indian exports started declining. The iron ore exports from India to China in the first four months totalled to $1.04 billion jumped by about 45 per cent. Also, Indian exports of iron and steel rose by $218 million almost 300 per cent. Indian diamond, gems and precious stones exports also contributed to the rise. In the first quarter this year, Indian exports of diamonds and gems and stones amounted to $558 million. India had 33.8 per cent market. Last year India's exports of diamonds, stones and gems to China grew by 28.48 per cent to touch $2.48 billion with India emerging as top two exporters in the burgeoning Chinese market after South Africa. Officials say there is a huge scope for Indian exports in this field as China's total volume of imports in 2016 was $15.816 billion. In 2015 China has imported $17.974 billion worth of diamond and precious stones. Indian exports of cotton and yarn in the first four months rose to $600 million a 40 per cent increase. Chinese exports to India also rose by 14 per cent during this period and the bilateral trade grew by six percent. Indian business and trade circles associated with the bilateral trade, however, advised caution saying that base of Indian exports continued to be small and it is to be seen whether the increase is sustainable in the long run. But at the same time,there was hope of major increase as China has announced liberalisation of pharmaceutical imports. India has been pressing China to open up its pharmaceutical and IT software sectors to expand the base of Indian exports. So far, no major breakthrough have been made in both the areas, despite promises by China. Mystery shrouds the death of a 30-year old employee of a software company who was found dead in a restroom in its campus near here. Police today said they have registered a case of 'unnatural death' after Infosys employee Illayaraja Arunachalam was found dead on May 30 night in the rest room at the company's campus in Mahindra World City, Singaperumal Koil, about 50 km from here. "We have booked a case of unnatural death and are investigating. We cannot share any other information right now", police said. Expressing grief over the death of its emplyee, Infosys said police were investigating the matter. "Currently we have no information on this matter as the police is investigating the case. We are saddened by the loss of our employee in Chennai. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family of the deceased. Infosys will provide all the necessary support to the family in the hour of grief", the company said in a statement. PMK Youth Wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss claimed several doubts had been raised about the death and demanded that the state government order a judicial inquiry into the matter. In a statement, he said the family of the deceased had stated that there was mystery in the death. He also demanded that the company and the state government pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of Arunachalam. Police said the body of Arunachalam, who hailed from Tindivanam, about 130 km from here, was sent to his native after an autopsy was conducted at the Chengleput Government Hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, Pakistan said today that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals. Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria released a statement which he claimed was aimed at addressing "certain misrepresentations/false statements/allegations" made in the Indian media following the ICJ's provisional measures order of May 18 in the Jadhav case. Zakaria asserted that irrespective of the ICJ's stay, Jadhav would remain alive, until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and later with the Pakistan President. He accused the Indian government of misusing the media to create a "false impression of winning" Jadhav's case in the ICJ. "Indian media, backed by the official quarters, misled people in the two countries by propagating that India has won" in Jadhav's case, he said. "The discussions that ensued in the two countries showed a complete lack of understanding of the matter," Zakaria said. He said the Indian media, based on the reported briefing by official quarters, called ICJ's letter dated May 8, 2017, the day India filed its petition, to the Pakistan government as a "stay on Jadhav's execution". "This is a lie. The ICJ noted that lie," he claimed. Jadhav, 46, was in April sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country. The ICJ on May 18 stayed the execution of Jadhav. Zakaria said that the ICJ stated clearly that its decision on provisional measures was not concerned with "jurisdiction/ merits" and it considered that Jadhav would not be executed until the full hearing. "This is nothing unusual," Zakaria asserted. He said that a full hearing will take place after the court sets down a timetable on June 8 at the Hague. "We have given the court our arguments on merits and jurisdiction. It has not ruled on any of these arguments," he said. Zakaria said that the case at the ICJ concerns whether Jadhav is entitled to consular access. Asserting that Pakistan's position in this matter has been made clear, Zakaria said, "We had sought information from India" on January 23, 2017, on the basis of Jadhav's confession and statements. "India has not responded despite reminders," he said. He also said that in the three previous cases in the ICJ, the request for release or acquittal was not granted by the court, which stated that it does not have the power to give out such orders. Zakaria said that the case is also about whether Jadhav is entitled to consular access because of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and not about whether the ICJ can act as a court of appeal for Pakistani legal proceedings. He claimed the "propaganda" that the Pakistani side did not counter the Indian argument related to the 2008 consular access agreement is also a "lie". The ICJ ruling had triggered criticism of the Pakistan Foreign Office for its "poor handling" and also for its choice of attorney Khawar Qureshi, who presented Pakistan's case before the ICJ. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The AAP today "rejected" the judicial probe into mining contracts as they alleged that the one-man commission constituted by the Punjab government was just an "eyewash" to give "clean chit" to cabinet minister Rana Gurjit Singh. The opposition party instead sought an independent probe by a serving judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court "to expose the truth" behind the "benami transactions" and reauction of sand mines. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had ordered the setting up of one-man judicial commission to probe the allegations of impropriety against Rana in the multi-crore sand mining auctions conducted recently by the state government. "The judicial commission is just an eyewash and we completely reject it," AAP MLA Sukhpal Khaira said while addressing media here. Yesterday, the state government had notified the terms and conditions for the commission of inquiry constituted to probe irregularities, if any, in the sand mining auctions. Questioning the intentions of the government in "uncovering the scam", Khaira said there was no mention of looking "into the money trail" in the terms and conditions of the commission. "No effort is being made by Punjab government to go into the money trail," he said. "The most important point was to trace the benami transactions, hawala transactions and money laundering involved in it. But there is no mention of such in the terms and conditions of the commission. It seems the terms of reference of the commission were fixed with the permission of Rana," he Khaira said. The one-man commission of retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice J S Narang would probe all aspects of the allegations of impropriety against Rana in the multi-crore sand mining auctions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi unit of the BJP today accused the Arvind Kejriwal government of "silencing and coercing" those trying to expose its corruption in the public domain. Yesterday's assault on sacked AAP minister Kapil Mishra in the Delhi assembly and the firing on a whistleblower who had alleged a scam in the Public Works Department (PWD) had exposed the "criminal face" of the Kejriwal government, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said. Two unidentified people had yesterday opened fire at the car of Rahul Sharma who had alleged a PWD "scam" involving a relative of Chief Minister Kejriwal in Greater Noida. He escaped unhurt. "These two incidents have revealed a new face of Arvind Kejriwal and his government - this criminal face of Kejriwal has saddened people who believed in him," Tiwari told reporters. Demanding that police provide security to both Mishra and Sharma, he said anyone exposing corruption in the Kejriwal government faced danger. "Now I also link the recent attack on my North Avenue residence with attacks on Mishra and Sharma, since I have been raising corruption of Kejriwal government and bringing out new things," he said. Tiwari also demanded the "sacking" of Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain who is facing allegations of owning benami properties. "Jain has lost all moral right to hold the post of a minister. The way the chief minister is avoiding to take any action against him, it is getting clear that there is a nexus among the two," he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and other ministers today started holding 'janta darbars' (public meetings) at their respective residence to address people's grievances. Last week, Kejriwal had asked his ministers and officers to meet the people for an hour everyday on weekdays from June 1 onwards to listen to their issues. However, people were not allowed to enter the Delhi Secretariat which houses the offices of all ministries and major departments as the staff at the reception cited that they did not have any instruction either from the general administration department and the chief secretary's office about it. A senior government official said that on the first day, around 550 complaints were received at the chief minister's 'janta darbar'. Most of them were related to water and roads. At the deputy chief minister's meet, 200 complaints were received. All ministers also held their 'janta darbars' at their residence. Asked about people being denied entry in the Secretariat, an official said that a proper system would be in place in the next few days. Last month, Kejriwal had 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. "From 1 June, all Del govt officers, Ministers, CM n all AAP MLAs will meet people betn 10 to 11 am without appointment," Kejriwal had tweeted. The move followed complaints to AAP ministers, including the chief minister, that officers were not accessible to the people. The public meets are part of an outreach programme that seeks to bridge the gap between the people and the AAP, which faced a humiliating defeat in the Delhi civic polls held in April. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Punjab government today promulgated an ordinance to repeal the Khalsa University Act, with a view to "protect the heritage character" of Khalsa College, Amritsar. The promulgation order was issued here by Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore. The decision to scrap the 2016 legislation was taken in April by the state cabinet, said an official release. Higher Education Minister Aruna Chaudhary said Khalsa College had over a period of time become a significant icon of Khalsa Heritage and the university established in 2016 was likely to shadow and damage its character and pristine glory. The ordinance provides that admission to the affected students shall be given in other appropriate educational institutions of Punjab as per their eligibility, so that the interests of the students are not prejudicially affected. The state cabinet, in its April meeting, had also decided to ensure that the students were accommodated in some other colleges on par, after taking their choice into consideration, to ensure that the future of the 300 students already admitted to the university was not jeopardized. The Khalsa University (Repeal) Ordinance, 2017, will come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, said the release. The Khalsa University was established by the previous SAD-BJP alliance government despite huge criticism from the residents of Amritsar as well as the alumni of the college and intellectuals of the state. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had all along maintained that the move by the Khalsa College Society to destroy its rich heritage status by converting this prestigious institution into a university was "appalling". The government also felt that there was no need to set up another university in Amritsar which already has a few institutes of higher learning. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stray incidents of violence, including attempts to disrupt supply of vegetables and milk to Mumbai and other cities, marked farmers' protests today in Maharashtra. The farmers in parts of the state had launched an agitation today to press various demands including a loan waiver. Some groups of farmers in Satara, Kolhapur and Nashik tried to disrupt supplies of milk and vegetables to Mumbai last night as part of the indefinite strike called by various farm sector outfits. Though Mumbai-based traders claimed they have not been affected by the stir as of now, they fear supplies from production centres across the state would be affected in the coming days if the strike prolongs. Kolhapur District Cooperative Milk Society Ltd, known as Gokul Dairy, alleged in a complaint filed in a police station in Satara that its tanker was attacked this morning when it was carrying milk to Mumbai. Satara police control room officials confirmed a case has been filed against unidentified people for damaging the tanker. Police in several districts have decided to provide protection to milk tankers heading towards the metropolis. "We have requested the police to provide security to our tankers. If tankers are targeted, the milk will go waste and dairy farmers will incur losses," Dattatray Ghanekar, MD of Gokul Dairy, told PTI. "Gokul Dairy alone supplies seven lakh litres of milk per day to Mumbai, which has a daily need of 55,000 lakh litres. We are trying to keep our supplies uninterrupted as Mumbai is the biggest market for us," he said. Police officials from Nashik, Satara and Ahmednagar districts confirmed that adequate security was being provided to vegetable and milk suppliers. "The vegetable and fruit supplies have remained largely unaffected in the Navi Mumbai Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard, which supplies produce to Mumbai and some neighbouring districts. There has been no change in the quantity we get every day from traders and farmers," Satish Soni, administrator of Navi Mumbai APMC, told PTI. The average supply of vegetables to Navi Mumbai APMC is around 7,000 tonne, he said. In Aurangabad, the stir took a violent turn when vegetable traders manhandled farmers for asking them to close down their shops. Police said some agitating farmers asked traders at Jadhavwadi area to shut their shops. Infuriated by this, some labourers and shop owners manhandled farmers and their leaders. The agitators also tried to throw away their vegetables on road. No one was injured, they said, adding some farmers and labourers were detained in connection with the violence. Meanwhile, many farmers emptied milk from containers in large quantities on road in Shioor village of Aurangabad district. In Nashik, the local APMC yard wore a deserted look as farmers did not turn up to auction their agriculture produce. Vegetable markets in Nashik and other parts of the district saw rush of people last night to buy food items before the strike got under way. Farmer outfits spearheading the stir have been demanding waiver of agriculture loans and better price for their produce, among other things. In Nashik, cultivators are also opposing the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur 'Samruddhi Corridor' (Prosperity Corridor), a superhighway project which will require acquisition of farm land. Farmers gave the strike call after their talks with the Maharashtra government failed two days ago. As part of the strike, farmers have decided not to sell their produce. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 55-year-old man was allegedly stoned and beaten to death by villagersin Chhattisgarh's tribal-dominated Bastar district on the suspicion that he practised witchcraft, police said today. The incident took place on May 28 in Karka village under Darbha police station area and 26 people were arrested yesterday in connection with the case, Station House Officer (SHO) Darbha Vivek V K told PTI. The victim, identified as Budhuram Naag, was allegedly killedby over two dozen villagers, who accused him of practising black magic and blamed him for a series of misfortunes in the village. Naag, who belonged to Dhurva tribe, was the pujari (priest) of the village. He also acted as a 'baiga' (witch doctor), who used to cure people using traditional practices, he said. A group of villagers had earlier warned the victim of dire consequences if he did not quit his practices. However, Naag continued to do it. On May 28, the villagers held a meeting in the village, where they sought to remove Naag from the post of 'pujari' holding him responsible for the deaths and other troubles in the village, he said. An argument broke out between Naag and the villagers during the meeting, which turned into an altercation. Nearly 30 villagers, including Budhram (45)-the husband of the sarpanch (village head),attacked him with stones, sticks and rods that left him critically injured, the SHO said. Naag's two daughters, Parvati and Raimati, escaped from the spot fearing that they would also be attacked by the villagers, he said. "The victim succumbed to his injuries next day while undergoing treatment at a local hospital, following which his daughter Parvati lodged a complaint," the officer added. Based on the complaint, a case was registered against 29 accused under section 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 302 (murder) and under sections 4 and 5 of the Chhattisgarh Witchcraft Atrocities (Prevention) Act 2005 in this regard, he said. "Of them, 26 were arrested and efforts are on to trace three others," the SHO said adding that further probe was on. Meanwhile, chairperson of the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, an anti-superstition body, Dr Dinesh Mishra advocated the need to provide proper education and health facilities in backward areas to prevent such incidents. "Such incidents were also reported in Darbha region of Bastar in the past. Superstitious beliefs are more prevalent in the tribal-dominated pockets of the state due to the absence of proper health services and education facilities," Dr Mishra told PTI. "To convince the people not to fall for such unscientific beliefs that diseases caused by 'black magic', there is a need to conduct regular health camps as well as awareness camps in these areas," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said meetings and processions will not be allowed any more at the iconic College Square in Kolkata, as it disturbed students of nearby educational institutes. Banerjee made the announcement taking note of repeated complaints of disturbance by students. "I know it (meetings, slogans, processions) creates disturbances to the students of Calcutta University, Presidency College (now university). I agree with you. Your demand is genuine. You write a letter to the city police commissioner," she told research scholars of Calcutta University, who were invited to attend an administrative meeting at Tarakeswar in Hoogly district. The research scholars had drawn her attention to regular disturbances created by meetings, processions in that area. "Political parties should think about it. I too held meetings there. But Trinamool Congress will not hold any meeting there henceforth. Everybody should follow it," she said, adding a law would be formulated to this effect. Just hours after Banerjee's announcement, Kolkata police officials said the restrictions to holding meetings and processions in and around College Square will be applicable from Monday and those who had earlier applied for programmes there will be allowed tomorrow and day after. No fresh applications from today would be entertained, they said. Opposition leaders cutting across party lines reacted sharply to Banerjee's instructions. "College Square has been a place for agitations and protests since the days of British rule in the early 19th century. Mamata Banerjee is simply trying to find an excuse to silence us. But such tactics won't bear any results," senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said, "The instruction is aother trick to stop opposition from holding protest marches." State BJP president Dilip Ghosh questioned what Banerjee was doing during the years when her own party staged protest rallies against the central government. College Square, located along the College Street, is part of Kolkata's heritage and is near various reputable and oldest educational institutions of the country such as Calcutta University, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Hindu and Hare Schools, besides the Calcutta Medical College. College Street is also known as the 'Oxford of the East' for the innumerable book shops selling old and new books and hundreds of publishers. Apart from political parties, different associations, NGOs, pressure groups also use College Square as a spot for protest. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, College Street and College Square were synonymous with the Naxalite movement as several students of Presidency College and Calcutta University joined the armed struggle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Digvijaya Singh today admitted that he had met Zakir Naik at a communal harmony conference a few years ago but asserted he did not violate any law as there was no case pending against the controversial Islamic leader at that time. He dared the Maharashtra government to act against him for any violation of law and said the conference was organised after due permission by the state. Naik is currently being investigated by the NIA for allegedly promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups in India through his speeches and lectures on various platforms. "Did Congress save Zakir Naik? Yes I did meet and address a Communal Harmony International Conference organised and addressed by Zakir Naik also in Mumbai," Singh tweeted. He said the conference was held after due permission by the Maharashtra government and there was no criminal case against Naik then, at least to his knowledge. He said the Maharashtra government would have the video recording of speeches by Naik and him in that conference and can act against him. "If I have violated any Law, Government of Maharashtra or GOI is free to register a case against me and I am prepared to face any trial," Singh also said. He, however, questioned those raising fingers at him for meeting Naik. "But I would like to ask all those who are extremely sensitive of what Zakir Naik speaks. Have they heard inflammatory speeches by Yogi /Hindu Vahini /VHP/Bajrang Dal leaders against Muslims and Christians ? "Because if they don't divide India on Religion ground who would vote for them?," he said in a series of tweets. When asked whether Singh and Ghulam Nabi Azad met Naik, Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said the controversial preacher "also met General Sinha and so many other leaders of BJP but we never hear about it". "Rather than asking the government, the Opposition is asked this question. To cover its failure, the government continuously get information leaked of 2008 and 2004 to hide its inefficiency and mis-governance. "My question to you is when will you question the government for their failure. The Government has got no explanation for all their inefficiencies," he said. Kumar said Naik must have met people from all political spectere and "there are so many BJP people involved in the ISI Cell Racket spying for the BJP". "BJP Madhya Pradesh, IT Cell was spying for the ISI. Those are much more interesting stories which could highlight the BJP's involvement," he said. Naik, 51, left India last year, allegedly to evade arrest after some perpetrators of the Dhaka terror attack claimed that they were inspired by him. Following the Dhaka attack, the NIA had registered a case against him and some officials of his organisation, Islamic Research Foundation for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) They both are strong leaders with cult-like following. But when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vladimir Putin he stuck a very personal cord when he recalled how the Russian President's brother was among several family members who had laid down their lives for the country. Meeting 64-year-old Putin for the second time in eight months, Modi in his opening remarks mentioned his visit to the Piskariovskoye Cemetery where over 5 lakh victims of World War II and the 900-day siege of Leningrad are buried. "I had an opportunity to visit (the cemetery) and pay homage to those who laid down their lives for Russia," 66- year-old Modi said. Looking at Putin, he said, "you are a political leader whose family has made sacrifices" for the glory of Russia. "Your brother was martyred," he said, referring to Putin's brother Viktor who died more than 70 years ago during the siege of Leningrad. According to an account Putin gave to Russkiy Pioner magazine in 2008, his father had six brothers - five of whom were killed during the 1941-1944 war, along with some of his mother's relatives. During the two year, four month siege, Leningrad - which was renamed Saint Petersburg, its original name, in 1991 - water and power supplies were cut off, and disease was rife as a Nazi Germany blockade stopped essential humanitarian supplies, including food, from entering the city. Putin had told the magazine how his emaciated mother was carried out of a crumbling building on a stretcher close to death, after two-year-old Viktor, died from diphtheria and starvation, following months of siege and violent war. Putin's other brother, Albert, was born in the 1930s but died in infancy. Putin, who was born in 1952, seven years after the siege ended in 1944, thanked Modi for visiting the cemetery. "I would like to thank you specially for visiting Piskariovskoye," he said. "Places like these have special significance for the Russian people. Thank you." Putin is known for rarely showing his emotions but he appeared moved when Modi mentioned the sacrifices made by his family. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scientists have found evidence of a giant ringed gas planet which may be up to fifty times more massive than Jupiter, orbitting a star over thousand light years away from Earth. Researchers had earlier identified that the light from the rare young star is regularly blocked by a large object. They now predict that these eclipses are caused by the orbit of the yet undiscovered giant planet. Using data from the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) and Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT), researchers from including those from the Harvard University in the US, analysed fifteen years of the star's activity. "We found a hint that this was an interesting object in data from the WASP survey," said Hugh Osborn, from the University of Warwick in the UK, who discovered the unusual light curve. "It wasn't until we found a second, almost identical eclipse in the KELT survey data that we knew we had something special," said Osborn. They discovered that every two and a half years, the light from the distant star PDS 110 is reduced to thirty per cent for about two to three weeks. "What's exciting is that during both eclipses we see the light from the star change rapidly, and that suggests that there are rings in the eclipsing object, but these rings are many times larger than the rings around Saturn," said Matthew Kenworthy, astronomer at the Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands. The next eclipse is predicted to take place in September this year. Gathering new data will help ascertain precisley what is causing the mysterious eclipses. "September's eclipse will let us study the intricate structure around PDS 110 in detail for the first time, and hopefully prove that what we are seeing is a giant exoplanet and its moons in the process of formation," said Osborn. The researchers suggest that there are moons that could be forming in the habitable zone around PDS 110, pointing to the possibility that life could thrive in this system. The eclipses can also be used to discover the conditions for forming planets and their moons at an early time in the life of a star, providing a unique insight into forming processes that happened in our solar system. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scientists using data from NASA's lunar orbiter have identified bright areas in craters near the Moon's south pole that are cold enough to have frost present on the surface. The new evidence comes from an analysis that combined surface temperatures with information about how much light is reflected off the Moon's surface. "We found that the coldest places near the Moon's south pole are also the brightest places - brighter than we would expect from soil alone - and that might indicate the presence of surface frost," said Elizabeth Fisher, the lead author of the study published in the journal Icarus. The icy deposits appear to be patchy and thin, and it is possible that they are mixed in with the surface layer of soil, dust and small rocks called the regolith. The researchers said they are not seeing expanses of ice similar to a frozen pond or skating rink. Instead, they are seeing signs of surface frost. Cold traps are permanently dark areas - located either on the floor of a deep crater or along a section of crater wall that does not receive direct sunlight, where temperatures remain below minus 163 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, water ice can persist for millions or billions of years. Understanding the nature of these deposits has been one of the driving goals of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, which has been orbiting the Moon since 2009. Fisher, who carried out the analysis while at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and her colleagues found evidence of lunar frost by comparing temperature readings from LRO's Diviner instrument with brightness measurements from the spacecraft's Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter, or LOLA. In these comparisons, the coldest areas near the south pole also were very bright, indicating the presence of ice or other highly reflective materials. The researchers looked at the peak surface temperatures, because water ice won't last if the temperature creeps above the crucial threshold. The study strengthens the case that there is frost in cold traps near the Moon's south pole. So far, however, researchers have not seen the same signs near the Moon's north pole. "What has always been intriguing about the Moon is that we expect to find ice wherever the temperatures are cold enough for ice, but that's not quite what we see," said Matt Siegler, a researcher with the Planetary Science Institute in Dallas, and a co-author on the study. A 21-year-old sailor was found dead with bullet injuries on-board the Navy vessel INS Rana in Visakhapatnam today. A spokesman of the Eastern Naval Command said there was no clue yet on whether the sailor Vikash Yadav, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, shot himself or if his gun went off accidentally. "A Board of Inquiry is being constituted to investigate the incident," the spokesman added. "Vikash, an electrical mechanic of power class 1, sustained a bullet injury while on duty as security sentry in the early hours today. He was immediately shifted to the navy hospital where he was declared brought dead," the Navy spokesman said. Vikash hailed from Bhind and was unmarried. No case is registered yet over the incident with the Visakhapatnam city police, a senior official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a big-ticket real estate deal, state-owned NBCC Ltd has sold nearly 3 lakh sq ft office space in an upcoming commercial tower at Nauroji Nagar in South Delhi for Rs 1,100 crore to five companies -- PFC, HDFC, HPCL, SIDBI and Energy Efficiency Services. The government had engaged NBCC as the implementing and marketing agency for re-development of three General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) colonies -- Nauroji Nagar, Netaji Nagar and Sarojini Nagar on sustainable finance model. The per sq ft rate at which this commercial tower has been sold is even higher than the price of office space in Connaught Place, the heart of the national capital. "In this market, we have sold all ten floors in this commercial tower in a single day for Rs 1,100 crore. There was apprehension in the market whether we will be able to sell it or not," NBCC India Chairman and Managing Director Anoop Kumar Mittal told PTI. NBCC had put on the block 2.83 lakh sq ft of office space in a commercial tower comprising 10 floors. Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has taken four floors and HDFC three floors while the other three companies have bought one floor each. "WE have achieved a sale price of about Rs 38,000 per sq ft which is very good in this slow market," he said. NBCC CMD said there are 12 commercial towers in this project, which would also be auctioned in a phased manner at an estimated Rs 12,000-13,000 crore. Asked about utilisation of sale proceeds, Mittal said: "The government has announced redevelopment of seven housing colonies in Delhi at a cost of over Rs 32,000 crore. The sale proceeds will be used for the construction purpose." To meet the construction cost of projects, he said, around Rs 13,000 crore will come from Nauroji Nagar and another Rs 20,000 crore from Sarojini Nagar. "We will get a management and marketing fee from the government." In a filing to the BSE, NBCC said it has e-auctioned upcoming commercial and office space in one tower with 2.83 lakh sq ft super built-up area at Nauroji Nagar which would fetch Rs 1,100 crore in stages. In October 2015, Godrej Properties had sold 4.35 lakh sq ft in a commercial project at BKC, Mumbai, to healthcare major Abbott for about Rs 1,480 crore, making it one of the largest office space deals. On this Nauroji Nagar deal, Property consultant JLL India's CEO (Operations and International Director) Santhosh Kumar said: "It's a good rate in this market. This is because of the prime location and Grade A office space being built by NBCC." He said that even in the Connaught Place, which is a prime commercial area of Delhi, the rate is about Rs 25,000- 30,000 per sq ft, while it is Rs 17,000 to Rs 20,000 per sq ft in Gurugram, one of the major commercial centres in India. NBCC had authorised state-owned MSTC Ltd for conducting e-auction to sell freehold office space in this tower. The e- auction was conducted on May 30. There are total 12 towers in this project, comprising more than 30 lakh sq ft of prime commercial office space. Mittal said the Nauroji Nagar project would be completed by 2020. To boost supply of government accommodations in Delhi, the Centre had last year decided to rebuild seven housing colonies to double the existing housing units from 12,970 to 25,667 units at a total cost of Rs 32,835 crore. The Union Cabinet had approved the redevelopment of seven old GPRA colonies -- Sarojini Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Kasturba Nagar, Thyagraj Nagar, Sriniwaspuri and Mohammadpur in Delhi. NBCC, which is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Urban Development, is present in three main segments -- Project Management Consultancy (PMC), Real Estate Development and EPC Contracting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Green Tribunal has rapped the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for non-compliance of its order to utilise Rs 11.25 crore given to it way back in 2003-2004 to rehabilitate slum clusters along rail tracks here. A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim took exception over the inaction on the part of the authorities and the delay in re-settling slum clusters. The green panel noted that in 2015 it had directed DUSIB to rehabilitate slums in the capital within six months but no action has been taken till date. Advocate Om Prakash, appearing for the Railway Ministry, told the bench that the PSU behemoth was unable to maintain cleanliness along the tracks due to these slum clusters which are responsible for the filth. The DUSIB counsel, however, said that as per the 2015 Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation policy, it was the land owning agency (railways) that was responsible for rehabilitation of slums. The bench reserved its verdict on the issue after hearing arguments from both sides. The NGT was hearing of a petition filed by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania against pollution on railway properties, particularly on tracks. The Railways had earlier contended that it had given Rs 11.25 crore to DUSIB for relocation of jhuggis but they have not utilised the money till date. Under attack from NGT for failure to keep the tracks clean, the Railways have sought to shift the blame on Delhi government for not relocating slum clusters from its land by allotting them flats, despite directions of the green panel. Alleging non-cooperation by the Delhi government and DUSIB, the PSU behemoth had said the "only permanent" solution for maintaining sustained cleanliness on tracks was their rehabilitation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy today accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of indulging in politics of caste and appeasement, which he said is the antithesis of the BJP's political philosophy. His remarks came amid speculation about the increasing bonhomie between the JDU chief and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a tie-up between the two parties, something Kumar has repeatedly refuted. The JD(U) had broken its 17-year alliance with the BJP in 2013 after Narendra Modi was declared the saffron party's prime ministerial candidate. Kumar had last week called on Modi, a day after he gave a miss to the luncheon meeting hosted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi for opposition leaders in Delhi. However, he had denied speculation, saying he met the prime minister to discuss Bihar-related issues. Rudy, the MoS for skill development and entrepreneurship (independent charge), at a press conference here said it is difficult to decipher the politics of Kumar. "Bihar's politics is an antithesis of the BJP's political philosophy which is opposed to casteism, dynastic and appeasement politics," he said. Replying to a query, the minister said, "Both (Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav) practise politics of casteism and appeasement. I do not have a simple analysis of Bihar's politics. It will be hard for me to analyse the politics of Kumar." Asked who will the NDA's choice for the presidential election, the BJP leader said his party will consult its alliance partners to decide on the candidate. He added: "It would be good if they (opposition) agree (to the NDA's choice)." The Union minister criticised the liquor ban in Bihar, saying it has created a parallel liquor economy in every village of the state. "The state government is free to take such decisions, but it has been seen that bags of school children are checked (for liquor) in Patna every morning," he said. The minister said the BJP won the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly elections because the people believed in the NDA government at the Centre. "We have changed the narrative in the country. People believe in the prime minister's programmes and it is reflected in elections. "Now, the BJP is at the helm of government in 13 states. It has scored a win in panchayat elections in Odisha and entered new territories," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal today inaugurated Odisha's first Mega Food Park here set up at an investment of Rs 80.17 crore to benefit tribal farmers. "The MITS Mega Food Park at Rayagada will generate an annual turnover of about Rs 500 crore and provide employment for 5,000 people and benefit 25,000 farmers," She said after inaugurating the MITS Mega Food Park. Accompanied by Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Kaur said this is the seventh Mega Food Park operationalised in the last three years by the NDA government. "The Mega Food Park will leverage an additional investment of about Rs 250 crore in 25-30 food processing units in the park," she said. Kaur said the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that agriculture sector grows exponentially and become a major contributor to doubling the farmer's income and 'Make In India' initiative of the government. In a bid to give a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, she said adding that her ministry is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country. "Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based approach," she said. Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs), she pointed out. Under the Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs 50 Crore per Mega Food Park project. The Rayagada mega food park spread over 50.05 acre of land. The food park is having facilities of fully operational industrial sheds for SMEs, developed industrial plots for lease to food processing units, Rice Processing Complex of 12 TPH, Dry Ware-House of 10,000 MT, Cold Store of 2500 MT, Multi Fruit Processing facility and other food processing facilities and others. The Park also has a common administrative building for office and other uses by the entrepreneurs and 6 Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) at Kashipur, Padampur, Umerkote, Koraput, Digapahandi and Khordha having facilities for primary processing and storage near the farms. Besides the farmers of Rayagada, the Mega Food Park will also benefit the people of adjoining districts of Nabarangpura, Ganjam and Khurdha, she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan author Sabyn Javeri has always been fascinated by women leaders, not only political but from across all spheres, and her debut novel is a dark noir-meets-pacy courtroom drama that unravels the mystery of a Benazir Bhutto-like assassination. "Nobody Killed Her" is a tale of intense friendship between two ambitious women - Prime Minister Rani Shah's and her close confidante Nazneen Khan or Nazo Khan - and unfolds in a country steeped in fanaticism and patriarchy. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and political machinations, the novel, published by HarperCollins India, is about love, loyalty, obsession and deception. "People describe it as a political thriller but I would term it as feminist fiction," says Javeri. Though the novel talks of an assassination of a prime minister, the author says no character is inspired by any real-life person. "The only part that it is inspired is the fact that there is an assassination," she asserts. Javeri had a deep interest in women leaders - how they came to power and held on to power. "I was interested in female leadership not just in politics but other fields as well. We had women leaders like Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher and on the other, we had also those like Leila Khaled and 'bandit queen' Phoolan Devi. "It was really interesting to see what they had in common. All these women were in powerful positions but these were different kinds of powerful positions, very different from their usual roles," Javeri told PTI in an interview. On the characters in her novel she says they are real only in the sense that they are flawed. "They are not perfect. To base it on one person would be very boring. I think what makes it interesting is that I have looked at lots of different elements that people have in common. Like Indira Gandhi's transition from being the daughter of an idealist leader to someone desperate to hold on to power. "I was interested in Margaret Thatcher, how when she rises in power, she thinks she is the queen. Her mannerism changed, she started dressing like the queen, speaking like the queen," she says. Javeri, who lives between London and Karachi, also says she was interested in Benazir's unapologetic manner about having children. "She is perhaps the only prime minister who had children during office. I took a little bit from everyone's life and used my imagination for my book." Javeri adopts a slightly different style of writing. Each chapter has two parts - one a very brief account of the court heating which is basically hard facts and the other an interpretation by Nazo Khan of what had happened and what it looks like "I wanted to experiment with these two narratives - the lawyer's statement and Nazo Khan's narrative," she says. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain today an angry Opposition during his annual address to a joint session of parliament with lawmakers chanting anti- government slogans like "Go Nawaz Go" and "traitor". The Opposition's main contention is the government's refusal to broadcast the opposition's budget speeches live on state-run PTV. From the beginning, the Opposition went all-out to disrupt the president, with some lawmakers whistling, others sloganeering, and still more thumping their desks as shouts of "Go Nawaz Go" and "traitor" rang out in Parliament. Later, the Opposition staged a walk-out. Addressing media outside parliament, Opposition leader Khursheed Shah said government was using undemocratic means to muzzle the voice of the Opposition. "The president has not addressed the key issue of corruption in his speech," he said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his brief informal chat with media said that "Opposition was holding a tamasha (show)". When asked if his government would complete its tenure of five years, he said, "Inshallah (God willing we will do)". Meanwhile, Hussain in his speech urged that the political process be above individual and parochial interest for the sake of higher objectives of national progress and prosperity. "For the progress and development of our nation, the political process should be freed from personal interests," he said. He said that it was important that all segments of the society participate in the task of national reconstruction. He said trade and investment friendly policies and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and power projects are manifestation of a commitment for welfare of the people. The president proposed that the government, the Opposition and all the political parties declare Vision-2025 as a national plan through consensus so that process of welfare of public is not hampered at any cost. He said as a result of the prudent economic policies of the government, economic indicators are healthy and this is also acknowledged by the State Bank and international economic institutions. The president said Pakistan's defence production sector has performed noticeably better and it can capture the attention of the prospective buyers in the market. With the speech of the president, the fifth and final parliamentary year of the current parliament has started. The joint session was later prorogued after the speech of the president. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Palestinian woman stabbed an Israeli soldier outside a Jewish settlement in the northern West Bank today before being shot and critically wounded, the army and medics said. The attack came just days before the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War in which Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including east Jerusalem. The soldier was taken to hospital with a stab wound to his upper body, medics from Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said. The assailant was in critical condition, the medics added. The attack took place at the entrance to Mevo Dotan, a Jewish settlement southwest of Jenin. The army said the assailant used a knife and was shot by military "forces at the scene". A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 266 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, two Americans, two Jordanians, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according to an AFP tally. Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. The violence has subsided in recent months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a noble and humane gesture, a group of pensioners donated fund for welfare of the families of the military and paramilitary personnel killed in anti- terrorist operations. A delegation of 'Bharat Pensioners Samaj', a conglomerate of 725 pensioners associations, met Union minister Jitendra Singh here yesterday and handed over a cheque of an amount contributed by them, an official release issued today said. The pensioners said they were contributing this amount to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the specific purpose of welfare and care of the families of the military and paramilitary personnel who had sacrificed their lives in anti-terrorist operations. The letter accompanying the cheque states that 'Bharat Pensioners Samaj' reiterates its resolve to stand solidly behind the government and urges that those who "insult our men in uniform or hamper the army operations against terrorists, should be dealt with an iron hand". Appreciating the gesture, the minister said, regardless of the amount donated by the senior citizens, the matter of fact is that the value of the amount is many times more than it appears to be, for the simple reason that it has been collected with a sense of impeccable patriotism and it has been contributed from the most hard-earned pension drawn by them. Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), said, "We are proud of the Indian Army which is among the best forces in the world and we are also eternally indebted to the supreme sacrifices made by our army personnel." The sacrifices of a soldier, he said, cannot be compensated by any amount of money, but yet, a gesture like this is only meant to reaffirm our commitment to the motherland and to those bravehearts who laid down their lives so that we could live. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Petition Committee of Delhi Assembly today summoned four top bureaucrats including the chief secretary to appear before it on Monday over shortage of medicines in city-run hospitals, non-desilting of drains and other issues. The move came after the nine-member committee, headed by AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, received complaints pertaining to three departments- Public Works Department (PWD), Health and Social Welfare. Bharadwaj said the committee held its meeting today and decided to summon Chief Secretary M M Kutty, PWD Ashwani Kumar, Health Secretary Madhup Vyas and Social Welfare Secretary Anil Kumar on June 5. "Petition Committee Assembly met 2day. Concerned about non-availability of medicines in Hospitals. CS and Secretary Health summoned for Monday (sic)," Bharadwaj tweeted. He said the committee had also received a complaint about non-desilting of drains and that's why it asked the PWD secretary to appear before the panel on Monday. Concerned over non-availability of medicines, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently directed Chief Secretary M M Kutty to adequate supply of medicines in Delhi government's hospitals. Yesterday, Kejriwal wrote to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and sought removal of the medical superintendent of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital here over the alleged deficiencies in the facility. He had apprised Baijal about the lack of availability of medicines and other facilities to conduct diagnostic tests in the city government-run hospital at Mongolpuri. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Air India employees union today called the government's proposal to privatise the national carrier unilateral and arbitrary and threatened to launch a campaign to oppose the move. The government's plan to withdraw its stakes in Air India will be contrary to all its previous assurances, including in Parliament, the Air Corporations Employees' Union (ACEU) said. "We are shocked and surprised to know from media reports that the government is on the verge of taking a unilateral and arbitrary decision to privatise Air India," said an ACEU press statement. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had last week pitched for Air India's divestment saying it has a market share of 14 per cent whereas its debt is Rs 50,000 crore. Following this, the civil aviation ministry said it was looking at all possible alternatives to make the airline viable. The Cabinet is expected to take a call on privatising Air India soon. ACEU, a registered trade union, comprises a majority of ground staff of Air India as well as its cabin crew. According to the union, Air India, which had been making profits till 2007, turned into a loss-making entity due to the "bungling and disastrous experiments by successive governments". The management and employees of the state-owned carrier must not be held responsible for its financial mess, it said. Air India has been in the red since the merger with Indian Airlines. However, it posted an operational profit of Rs 105 crore on account of low fuel prices and increased passenger numbers in 2015-16. Air India has been surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bail- out package spread over 10 years announced by the Manmohan Singh government in 2012. The union says it is planning to launch a campaign to demand that the government drop its proposal and has also called for forming a platform of all stakeholders. Discussions on disinvestment of Air India have gathered pace at a time when the CBI has registered three FIRs and a preliminary enquiry (PE) to go into the controversial decisions made by the erstwhile UPA government with regard to Air India, including surrender of profitable routes to favour private airlines, its merger with Indian Airlines and purchase of 111 aircraft. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian President Vladimir Putin today rejected suggestions that elections anywhere could be manipulated by hackers, and denied that his government had ever done it or would do so. He, however, conceded that some "patriotic" individuals could have carried out cyber attacks in the West to pay back for what he said was its "Russo-phobic hysteria." "If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia," he said during an exclusive interaction with editors of international agencies. "Theoretically it's possible." But he quickly distanced himself from suggestions that the Russian state was involved in election hacking. "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so," he said when asked if Russian hackers could try to influence the German parliamentary elections later this year. Russian hacking of elections has been at the centre of a controversy since the US elections that gave Donald Trump the presidency. US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping Trump win against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Putin said that in any case hackers cannot possibly sway election outcomes because the electorate is not so easily manipulated. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign. No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America," he said. He said it's also possible that Russia could have been framed by hackers from other countries. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 42-year-old reporter working with a Hindi daily was shot dead in his personal office at Piplia Mandi area in Mandsaur district last night, police said today. Police have registered a case of murder against six persons and arrested two of them today, an officer said. The incident occurred at around 8:30 pm when two persons entered the office of Kamlesh Jain and one of them shot him in his chest, Piplia Mandi inspector Anil Singh Thakur told PTI today over phone. The duo fled the spot on their motorcycle soon after committing the crime, he said. Jain was rushed to the Mandsaur district hospital by people from the neighbourhood of his office who reached the spot after hearing a gunshot. He was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital, the inspector said. Thakur said a 0.32 calibre pistol is suspected to have been used in the crime. Jain was a social person and he used to help people in his capacity, he said. On the motive behind the crime, the inspector said Jain's family has informed the police that he had an altercation with some persons in the recent past. "We rounded up two persons toady and investigation is on," Thakur said without elaborating. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hollywood actor Sean Penn and his ex-wife, actress Robin Wright, were spotted hanging out together in New York City. The exes were pictured arriving at an apartment together with packed duffel bags, reported E! online. For the outing, Penn opted for khaki cargo pants, an olive bomber jacket and some comfy white shoes. Meanwhile, the "House of Cards" actress was dressed low- key in jeans, a black jacket and pink scarf. She was also wearing simple white shoes. Wright hasn't been linked to anyone since calling off her engagement in 2015 to Ben Foster, who is now engaged and having a child with Laura Prepon. Penn hasn't been in a relationship since his 2015 split with Charlize Theron. Penn and Wright have been in and out of their 14-year marriage. The two were officially divorced in August 2010, but Wright first filed for divorce in December 2007. However, the former co-stars withdrew the paperwork in April 2008. In April 2009, Penn was back in court asking for a legal separation, but they soon reconciled. In August 2009, Wright filed for divorce a second time, citing irreconcilable differences as the cause. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Serbia's new president, Aleksandar Vucic, said today he will open talks next week on who will become the next prime minister after he resigned the post to assume the presidency. Vucic said he will discuss the issue with the representatives of parliamentary parties before making the decision. In Serbia, the president nominates a prime minister-designate who then needs parliamentary approval. The populist Vucic is widely expected to appoint a loyalist and maintain control of the government even as he moves into the largely ceremonial presidential position. His Serbian Progressive Party holds the majority in Serbia's 250- member parliament. A former extreme nationalist who now says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, Vucic was sworn in as president Wednesday after sweeping the election in April. Vucic today went to an army barracks in Pancevo, outside Belgrade, the capital, where the Serbian military received a US donation of 19 Humvee vehicles. In his speech on Wednesday, Vucic said he wants to boost Serbia's defenses, while staying out of any military alliance. He also has been strengthening ties with Serbia's traditional ally, Russia, which has agreed to supply fighter jets and battle tanks. Opposition groups accuse Vucic of imposing an autocratic rule. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today reported 9.29 per cent decline in total sales at 12,339 units in May. The company had sold a total of 13,604 units in the same month last year, TKM said in a statement. Domestic sales were down 13.48 per cent to 10,914 units as against 12,614 units in May last year, it added. TKM exported 1,425 units of the Etios series in May 2017 as compared to 990 units in the same month last year, a growth of 43.94 per cent. Commenting on the performance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Director and Senior Vice-President - Sales & Marketing N Raja said ambiguity surrounding the proposed GST structure made customers postpone vehicle purchasing plans. "We expect this impact to magnify in June 2017 until the customers have a clear understanding of the final pricing post the GST rollout," he added. Raja further said the company expected the government to review the proposed tax structure, under GST regime, for greener vehicles such as electric, hybrid to achieve cleaner mobility solutions. "We do hope the government will continue to extend the prevailing tax benefits for greener technologies which are purely based on the fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness," he added. Under the proposed GST rates, hybrid vehicles are to be taxed at 28 per cent with 15 per cent cess, same as that of other large luxury cars and SUVs. 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. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A trader was allegedly looted of his car and Rs 50,000 by four armed men near Nawal village along Delhi-Dehradun national highway here, police said today. The incident occurred under Mansurpur police station area when Naveen Tyagi, a building material trader, was on his way to Mansurpur from Meerut, they said. The accused intercepted his car, stopped it and forcibly entered the vehicle and later dumped Tyagi out, SHO Nitin Kumar said. An FIR has been lodged and probe is on to nab the accused, the SHO said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a major embarrassment to the Uttar Pradesh government, its personnel department issued promotion and transfer order to a Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officer who died last November. The department released a mega transfer list on May 29, as per which Girish Kumar, who was a Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at Varanasi, was promoted to the rank of Additional District Magistrate and transferred to Bulandshahr as City Magistrate. The matter came to light when present City Magistrate Ram Gopal Yadav, from whom Kumar was to take charge, enquired about as to when Kumar would be joining the duty as he had to take charge as Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) at Kasganj. Yadav said that he was waiting for Kumar to take charge as he had to leave for Kasganj to join as Additional District Magistrate (Judicial). Confirming the development, Varanasi District Magistrate Yogeshwar Ram Mishra told PTI over telephone that Kumar had died on November 29, 2016 after prolonged illness at Varanasi. Even his son, Rajul Sharma was given a government job on compassionate ground in January. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The upcoming 3rd International Yoga Day should be made a memorable one, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today while underlining that it is an apt way of contributing to the world peace. He said yoga should be made a part of daily routine by the people to have tension-free lives. In a message ahead of the Yoga Day on June 21, Modi said yoga inter-connects the world like various parts of a body. "On 21st June, the world will come together to mark the 3rd #YogaDay. Let us all make this occasion a memorable one," he tweeted. "Yoga is integrating the world. Come, become a yogi in the movement to make Yoga popular & create a better & healthier society," he said in another tweet. In a video message posted along with the tweets, the prime minister said the people around the world want to live a life free of tensions, troubles and ailments. "People want to live a happy life and this can be possible only through yoga," he said. Yoga can make it possible for a person to have a balanced lifestyle mentally and physically, he said. "Yoga can arouse the inner conscience of a person," Modi said. He asked all yoga practioners to take a pledge to teach it to the maximum number of people so as to contribute to the world peace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Fabian Cambero SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Ten consortiums including companies from China and Europe formally expressed interest on Wednesday in building a landmark $1.5 billion tunnel under the Andes mountains to connect Argentina and Chile. Chinese companies Power China <601669.SS> and the Chinese Communications Construction Company <601800.SS>, Spain's OHL and FCC , and Italy's Astaldi and Salini Impregilo are among the interested parties, Chile's minister of public works Alberto Undurraga said. The planned Agua Negra tunnel would be over 13 kilometres (8 miles) in length and would connect Chile's Coquimbo region with the Argentine province of San Juan, both mining regions. The tunnel would be able to operate year round, unlike existing cross-border roads that pass over the Andes and often must close during winter snowstorms. Both Chile and Argentina are revamping their infrastructure, drawing interest from Asian companies for the first time. Infrastructure in the area has traditionally been dominated by Spanish and Italian companies. On Tuesday, Chile said it received five offers to build a new highway in Santiago, including the first bid by a Chinese company for a metropolitan highway concession in Latin America. Building the tunnel would be an ambitious and complex project that would likely take more than 10 years to complete, Argentine Transport Planning Secretary German Bussi said at the event. The tender for the project is due to start in September or October, said Undurraga. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Writing by Gram Slattery, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and David Gregorio) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Rajendra Jadhav MUMBAI (Reuters) - Farmers from Maharashtra started an indefinite strike on Thursday, curtailing the supply of vegetables, fruits and milk to cities such as Mumbai in a move that could push up food prices in the coming days. Indebted farmers are demanding a waiver on loans from the government of the big farming state similar to the $5.6 billion in debt forgiveness announced by Uttar Pradesh in April. "We were forced to strike as the chief minister couldn't assure us that a loan waiver will be implemented quickly," said farmers' leader Dhanjay Jadhav, who met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other state representatives on Tuesday. Such outbursts of rural discontent in Maharashtra and other states represent a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has promised to double the income of farmers over the next five years. Two-thirds of India's 1.3 billion people depend directly or indirectly on farming for their livelihoods but only account for 14 percent of gross domestic product, reflecting a growing divide between the countryside and increasingly well-off cities. Maharashtra needs to spend 305 billion rupees ($4.7 billion) to write off debts owed by 3.2 million farmers, Fadnavis had said in April. "We will continue to strike until our demands of loan waiver and remunerative prices for agriculture produce are met. Instead of sending vegetables and milk to the cities, we will dispose of them in our villages," Jadhav said. On Thursday morning, farmers in the state blocked vehicles ferrying vegetables and milk to cities and dumped their loads of produce on to the road in many places. "Farmers have set up check posts on national highways to ensure vehicles carrying vegetables and fruits cannot enter the city," said a trader based at Vashi market on the outskirts of Mumbai. "Prices have started to rise due to lower supplies. If tomorrow trucks fail to enter into the market then prices could rise sharply," he said. Farmers were mainly targeting milk tankers and trucks carrying vegetables on national highways leading to Mumbai and the information and technology hub Pune, said a senior police official who declined to be named. He said police had detained more than 100 farmers at different locations for damaging vehicles. Farmers should immediately end the strike as the government is ready to discuss their demands, Sadabhau Khot, the state government's junior agriculture minister, told reporters. Organisers said millions of farmers in Maharashtra - home to one in every 10 Indians - took part in the strike. The number could not be independently verified. In April, farmers from Tamil Nadu staged a grisly protest in New Delhi in support of their demand for debt relief, pretending to eat live rats and showing the skulls of neighbours who they said had committed suicide. ($1 = 64.4650 rupees) (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Douglas Busvine and David Evans) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SEOUL/BENGALURU (Reuters) - South Korea's biggest supermarket chain E-Mart Inc <139480.KS> on Thursday said it will close its stores in China after 20 years in the country, blaming ongoing losses and not tensions between Seoul and Beijing over North Korea's nuclear programme. E-Mart will be the first major South Korean company to exit China since South Korea angered Beijing by deploying a U.S. missile defence system in April to counter threats from North Korea. South Korea has complained that some of its companies have faced a backlash in China as a result. Chung Yong-jin, vice chairman of E-Mart parent Shinsegae Group, said on Wednesday the retailer would close its six stores in China once the leases expired. The store closures were a purely commercial decision and had nothing to do with strained relations between China and South Korea, a company spokesman said on Thursday. E-Mart had entered the Chinese market in 1997. Despite conciliatory language from both countries since the new administration of South Korean President Moon Jae-in began in early May, many South Korean companies say there has been no thawing in business relations. South Korea's duty free industry has been particularly hard-hit, with store openings expected to be delayed amid a sharp drop in Chinese tourist numbers, a duty free store lobby group said on Thursday. Almost 90 Lotte Mart stores in China remained closed as of Thursday, after South Korea's fifth-largest family-run conglomerate agreed in February to provide land for the U.S. missile system. (Reporting by Joyce Lee in Seoul and Shashwat Pradhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen Coates) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The increase in smartphone penetration and a sharp fall in mobile data rates allowed India to overtake the US in app downloads from Google Play Store in 2016. Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative. The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles. For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in The results of UPSC 2016 have been declared and the jubilations are on. A total of 1099 candidates cleared the examination whereas 220 others are in the waiting list. Nandini KR secured the first place, followed by Anmol Sher Singh Bedi and Gopalkrishna Ronanki on second and third places respectively. Now, those who succeeded are planning the route map for their future, while the aspirants look up to them for guidance to crack what is considered to be one of the most difficult examinations in India. And the mantra seems to be hard work and consistency. Here is what the toppers had to say about how they aced UPSC 2016: Rank 1: Nandini KR A few hours after the results were declared, Nandini took to Twitter to post, "#UPSC Nothing is impossible, Determination n hard labour will pay you one day." Nandini was elated when she came to know of the results. "It is like a dream come true. I always wanted to be an IAS officer," she said to PTI. "Education and Women Empowerment would be my priority areas of work" Nandini told AIR on her success. The Karnataka girl had already secured 849th rank in UPSC 2014 and was given Indian Revenue Services. Rank 2: Anmol Sher Singh Bedi "I didn't stick to any particular strategy. I just remained consistent," the Hindustan Times quoted Anmol Sher Singh Bedi as saying. Keeping his spirits high was also crucial in the process of topping the examination. "Even low scores at times during school days didn't bog me down," Anmol said. An engineering graduate from BITS-Pilani, Anmol always wanted to be a bureaucrat. He is planning to enter Indian Foreign Services. "India is growing by leaps and bounds. I want to play a pivotal role in it," he said. Rank 3: Gopalkrishna Ronanki Gopalkrishna Ronanki, a secondary grade school teacher, said on his success in an interview to AIR, "It a big achievement for me as I attained this position despite the fact that my parents are not literate." "Gopalakrishna was a meritorious student from his childhood. He never compromised on anything," said his mother Rukminamma according to a Deccan Chronicle report. Also watch: Days after the BJP-led government banned the sale of cows for slaughter in animal markets, travel portal MakeMyTrip faced the ire of Twitter trolls when co-founder Keyur Joshi put out some tweets on the cattle slaughter ban issue. Joshi, whose tweets caused a huge uproar on the microblogging site Twitter, later apologised before shutting off his social media account. "If Hinduism takes away right to choice of food, I rather not be a Hindu. @narendramodi @BJP4India can't decide what people eat," Joshi tweeted. Joshi's tweets led to several Twitter trolls calling for uninstalling the MakeMyTrip app. He's co-founder of @makemytrip and hates being born a Hindu Sanghis must not uninstall or downrate his app @KeyurJoshi_ pic.twitter.com/EPC8vD4OrY - Eminent Intellectual (@padhalikha) May 31, 2017 Soon after the backlash, Joshi withdrew his comments and said that his views were personal and not aimed at hurting any sentiments. To douse the fire on Twitter, MakeMyTrip issued a statement saying, "the views expressed by Joshi on Twitter are his personal thoughts and do not reflect the views of MakeMyTrip. He is not a current employee of MMT." In the past Snapchat had faced a similar backlash when Twitter users started uninstalling the app after founder's 'poor India' comments. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel's alleged comment on disinterest in expanding the business to "poor countries" like India lead to the ratings of popular app drop to a 'single star' from an apparent 'five star' on the App Store. Barely six months after demonetisation, India's Gross Domestic Product or GDP growth rate has slumped down to 6.1 per cent in the January-March period, lowest in more than two years. This growth rate was unexpected as the Central Statistics Office earlier in January had estimated 7.1 per cent growth as compared to the 7.6 per cent in 2015-16. With this March quarter report, India lost its status as the world's fastest growing major economy. Last year, when the Prime Minister demonetised old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes it was feared that the country's economy would be severely hit. The opposition parties expressed their concerns over job loss and slow down in informal sector, but the government agencies maintained that impact would be short-term and marginal. Not only politicians but top-notched economists were also divided over the real effect of the demonetisation. Now that we know how note ban has brought down India's economic growth rate to 6.1 per cent, it's time to go over and see what the economists had predicted and how accurate they are. However, the real impact could be much more as 'India's statistical machinery does not capture data on the informal economy on a regular basis'. Fitch cut GDP growth rate to 6.9 per cent Global rating agency Fitch earlier in January had lowered its GDP growth forecasts for India to 6.9 per cent from 7.4 per cent saying there will be 'temporary disruptions' to economic activity post demonetisation. The new forecasts came a day before the central government released GDP numbers for the July-September quarter of fiscal 2016-17. HSBC predicted GDP growth down by 1 per cent Global financial services major HSBC released a report after demonetisation and said: "India's economic growth is expected to fall by up to 1 percentage points over the next 12 months in the wake of demonetisation, while longer-term gains will depend on follow-up reforms." "Using the cash elasticity of GDP, we estimate that over a year, economic growth can fall by 0.7-1.0 percentage points, with the maximum impact in the immediate two quarters, which will see a large contraction in 'effective' money supply," HSBC said in a research note. Dr Manmohan Singh predicted 2 per cent fall Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh slammed the demonetisation move and called it a 'monumental mismanagement' that might bring GDP down by 2 per cent. "In my opinion that the way the scheme has been implemented will hurt agricultural growth in our country, will hurt small industry, will hurt all those people who are in the informal sector of the economy. And my own feeling is that the national income, that is the GDP, can decline by about 2 per cent as a result of what has been done. This is an underestimate," Dr Singh said. Here's what other economists had to say Kaushik Basu Former Vice-President and Chief Economist of the World Bank Kaushik Basu had said that demonetisation's effect would be disastrous. "It (Demonetization) was poorly designed, with scant attention paid to the laws of the market, and it is likely to fail. So far its effects have been disastrous for the middle- and lower-middle classes, as well as the poor. And the worst may be yet to come," Basu wrote in The New York Times. In a recent article in the Indian Express, Basu again said demonetisation was 'a monetary policy blunder'. "India's GDP growth rate of around 7 per cent over 2016-17 is commendable; tribute goes to policy initiatives such as the GST and the new bankruptcy law. However, these policies, coupled with two global trends, should have propelled India to a growth rate of over 8 per cent, the kind it had achieved before 2008," Basu wrote. Amartya Sen Nobel laureate Amartya Sen said demonetisation was a gigantic mistake. He was speaking with India Today's Karan Thapar where he said: "It is a gigantic mistake, both in terms of its objective of dealing with corruption as well as the objective of one rapid jump of getting into a cashless economy." "I find no reasoning behind this decision. It will have adverse effects," he added. Arun Shourie Former economist at the World Bank Arun Shourie said demonetisation was the 'greatest blunder in economic policy for 70 years'. Speaking to NDTV, he said: "The stated objective of getting at black money, everybody would say is wonderful. But I don't think this is the strike, which has been well thought through. This is a strike not on black money. It is a strike on the legal tender of India, on the currency. It is a strike on cash transactions." Shourie further argued: "People who hold the black money or those who have black assets, they don't hold them in cash. One per cent of Indians hold 53 per cent of total assets in India. 10 per cent hold upto 85 per cent. Now these are the rich fellows, who will be having even larger proportion of the black money. They are not going to put the black money under the mattress." Kishore Mahbubani An Indian-origin academic and former Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani said Indian economy would grow faster than China despite the temporary slowdown created by demonetisation. "Even if the demonetisation created a slowdown, it is not going to change the long-term momentum of where India is going with its economic growth," said Dean Kishore Mahbubani of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. "India will grow faster than China even after this (demonetisation) slow down. There is a lot of momentum in the Indian economy," Mahbubani further said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Russia visit is expected to speed up the building of the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. PM Narendra Modi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to sign an agreement on the same. Apart from the nuclear agreement, the two countries are also expected to sign a number of other partnerships across various sectors such as science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges. PM Modi and Russian President Putin will also release a 'vision statement'. The nuclear pact remains the highlight of the summit as the two units of the Kundankulam plant have the capacity to produce 1,000 MW of electricity each. If the deal is signed, India's nuclear power generation is expected to get a huge fillip. The last-minute talks are taking place with Russian officials to work out the language of the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The reactors for the Kundankulam nuclear power plant are being built in collaboration between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. "There is a lot of mutual trust and personal chemistry between the two leaders that has developed over the last three years," Pankaj Saran, India's ambassador to Russia, told PTI. Also at the summit today, "the leaders will take stock of the current relationship and discuss a blueprint for a vision of the future," he said. The prime minister last night arrived in the Russian city of St Petersburg, the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad, on a three-day visit. Other than the annual summit, he will attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum tomorrow. It's the first time that an Indian prime minister is attending the economic and business summit. Trade between the two nations stands at USD 7.8 billion, down from USD 10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to USD 30 billion in the next five years. Modi will begin his Russia sojourn with a visit today to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for some 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Modi will then be received by Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian president's official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides. Ahead of his arrival, Modi wrote an article in Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazetta in which he said India and Russia are "natural partners" in fighting terrorism and asserted that ties between the two nations have "withstood the test of time." "We have been together in times - good and bad," he wrote. "India-Russia relations have been the one constant in a world that has changed dramatically since 1947. They have withstood the test of time, and grown from strength to strength. The resilience of our relationship is based on the fact that it rests on the principles of equality, trust and mutual benefit," Modi said. He also hailed the erstwhile Soviet Union's help to India in building its industrial base. He said both countries are opening new areas of cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications and science and technology and they have set up funds to facilitate investment in high technologies. (with inputs from PTI) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday highlighted Modi government's three years of economic policies during a press conference in New Delhi. Jaitley said that demonetization had brought about a "new normal" in the Indian economy. The Finance Minister said that the note ban had led to greater move towards digitisation of the Indian economy. He also reiterated that the tax payer base in the country had increased due to demonetisation and a message had been sent that it was not safe to have cash transactions. On the fall of the GDP figures, Jailtey said that the 7%-8% GDP growth in India was "fairly reasonable" considering global standards. Attacking the UPA regime, Arun Jaitley said that there was no credibility present in the government when they took over, the Narendra Modi CAbinet restored the credibility of economy. "We have shown decisiveness, even the ability to take difficult decisions," he said. ALSO READ: PM Modi's demonetisation brings GDP down to 6.1 per cent: Top economists stand vindicated The Finance Minister said that in the last three years global trade shrank. He once again raked up the debate of big economies becoming protectionist. "There were three distinct benefits from demonetisation. Firstly, there is greater movement towards digitisation, tax payers' base has increased and a message has gone loud and clear that it is no longer safe to deal in cash," he said. Listing out the achievements, he said, "Decisive and tough policies helped restore Eco Credibility and remove corruption". Here are the other main highlights of Jaitley's interaction with the media: In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Afghanistan government has blamed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the banned terror group - the Haqqani network - for Wednesday's massive bomb explosion in Kabul's diplomatic area which killed at least 90 people and wounded around 450 others. Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesperson Sediq Siddiqui said, "We have nailed Pakistan's ISI role (in Kabul blast). Afghanistan expects Pakistan to crack down on Haqqani network. The attack will surely impact ties between the two (Afghanistan, Pakistan) countries". On Wednesday, the suicide bomber drove into Kabul's heavily guarded diplomatic quarter in morning. However, till now no one has claimed the responsibility of one of the major terrorist attacks in the nation. In scale, it was one of the worst such attacks since the US-led campaign to oust the Taliban in 2001 but in kind, it was only the latest in a grim series that has killed thousands of civilians over the years. Pakistan's president Mamnoon Hussain said that Pakistanis are saddened over the attack. In his speech to Parliament on Thursday, Hussain condemned Wednesday's extremist attack in Kabul, saying the people and the government of Pakistan will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring peace in Afghanistan. The two nations, Pakistan and Afghanistan had in the past blamed each other for not doing enough against terrorists on their side of border. The site of the bombing was much nearer to the German and Indian Embassy. India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday confirmed over twitter that the Indian staff did not get hurt. Air India employee union expressed its dissatisfaction over Central government's plan to hand over the state-owned carrier to private parties. The Air Corporations Employees's Union (ACEU) called this move 'unilateral and arbitrary', media reports stated. NITI Aayog has already advised Central government to disinvest in the debt-ridden Air India. It recently submitted a report with a detailed roadmap for Air India's disinvestment, including writing off loans to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore. "We are shocked and surprised to know from media reports that the government is on the verge of taking a unilateral and arbitrary decision to privatise Air India," read an ACEU press statement. Indicating that the government is planning to privatise the state-owned domestic carrier, Finance Minister stated last week that Air India holds 14 per cent market share but has a debt liability of Rs 50,000 crore. After this, Jaitley added, if private airlines can handle 86 per cent traffic then they can also handle 100 per cent. Meanwhile, Air India staff blamed disastrous experiments by ertswhile government for losses, something employees cannot be held responsible for. The airline carrier has been relaying on bail-out package of Rs 30,000 crores provided by the Manmohan Singh government in 2012, reported the Times of India. "One thing is for sure, the taxpayer's money cannot be committed for eternity. So, that is one problem. Failures are there on the financial front, so, there are problems and these will be attended to," said Aviation Minister Gajapathi Raju while talking to a news channel. The Air India had been in the green till 2007 and made a profit of around Rs 100 crores in 2015-16 on account of low jet fuel costs and increase in passenger footfall. Meanwhile, Central Bureau of Investigation has already lodged FIRs for preliminary enquiry into dubious decisions made by erstwhile UPA government regarding Air India. Also watch: The Union Cabinet will soon take a call on whether lossmaking Air India should be privatised with NITI Aayog suggesting that taxpayers' money being pumped into the airline can instead be used on health and education. "The financial position of Air India is very bad. Niti Aayog's view is that government should spend money on health, education, instead of spending Rs 30,000 crore on Air India," a top government official said. While details of the proposed privatisation were not clear, the possibilities of a strategic stake sale as well as outright disinvestments are under consideration. The Civil Aviation Ministry is already looking into the recommendations made by NITI Aayog for the national carrier's revival. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had last week said Air India's disinvestment saying the carrier's market share is just around 14 per cent whereas the debt burden is Rs 50,000 crore. Air India is staying afloat on a bailout package of little over Rs 30,000 crore extended by the previous UPA regime. It is working on ways to improve its financial position amid stiff competition. Since merging with Indian Airlines, Air India has been in the red. However, it posted an operational profit of Rs 105 crore on account of low fuel prices and increased passenger numbers in 2015-16. The discussions on disinvestment have gathered momentum at a time when the CBI has registered three FIRs and a preliminary enquiry (PE) to go into the controversial decisions made by the erstwhile UPA government with regard to Air India, including surrender of profitable routes to favour private airlines. Samsung has launched the 6GBRAM and 128GB ROM variant in India. The device is priced at a hefty Rs 74,990 price tag and will be available for pre-booking on Flipkart and Samsung Shop from tomorrow. However, the device will only start shipping devices after June 9. The device will be available in midnight black colour. In a bid to promote the device, Samsung is also offering free wireless charger with the device. "The new Galaxy S8+ variant with its best in class 6GB RAM and 128GB internal memory is the ultimate device for users who aspire to explore new possibilities, are always on top of their game, and for whom, multi-tasking is a way of life," Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Mobile Business, Samsung India, said in a statement. Infinity Screen Without a doubt, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ seem to have an evolutionary better curved display called Infinity Screen. What's left of the bezel around the screen is black, which blends into the screen seamlessly. The two devices come with a 5.8 inch and a massive 6.2 inch screen curved display. Due to the incredible screen to body ratio, the devices' physical dimensions do not pose a threat to an average-sized human hand. Samsung also claims the display is much brighter and has better contrast than the outgoing Galaxy S7. Both devices will sport a 2K display. Samsung made a bold move by not introducing a flat screen alternative for the device. It's betting all it's cards on the curved display. No home button Samsung has very well lived up to the early concepts of the device. The front panel of the device is seamless with the home button integrated under the screen. Though the button won't be visible, it will react to the pressure. It seems Samsung borrowed a page from Apple's force-touch technology. Host of new security options With no physical home button to house the finger print sensor, Samsung placed it at the back of the device right next to the camera module. The placement might seem too odd for many but luckily there many other faster options like Iris and face scanner to log in to yor Samsung Galaxy S8. Camera Another bold move from Samsung as it hasn't invested in a new primary camera module. The company has used the old Galaxy S7 camera module for this years' flagship, a 12-megapixel sensor with OIS. However, the front camera gets all the attention. The front snapper will come with a wide-angle, 8 Megapixel shooter which will also have auto focus. Bixby Samsung has finally unveiled its own AI and the company seems very confident about it. So confident that it place a dedicated physical button on the phone to access the assistant. Similar to most leading AIs in the market, Bixby will also behave contextually. The device will keep a track of your location and activity throughout the day to yield better results. For Europeans, Nokia's revamped 'brick' is a throwback to a simpler, more innocent age, when phones were for speaking and reading on the train meant buying a newspaper. For Africans, however, the jazzed-up 3310, which relaunched in Nokia's home market of Finland on Wednesday, is an expensive imitation of the simple handset that remains the backbone of communication across the continent. Also Read: Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 coming to India by June: Specifications, availability,pricing Although mobiles are now as common in Africa as they are in the United States or Europe, smart-phones are rarer, making up only one in three handsets in South Africa and one in four in Nigeria, according to a 2016 study by the Pew Research Centre. In many cases, the cost of both handsets and data is the main factor constraining smart-phone sales. But Africans also like the legendary durability of the 'brick' and its weeks-long battery - important considerations in countries where insurance and electricity cannot be taken for granted. Also Read: Nokia's three new 'Unknown heart' phones leaked with specifications on Geekbench Even in the flashiest parts of Lagos, Nigeria's brash commercial capital, bankers barking orders into the latest model iPhone will often have an ancient Nokia in their back pocket as a fail-safe for when their battery gives up. "In Nigeria, people like to use big phones but the small ones are also selling because not everybody can afford Android, and the battery is really strong," said Clara Paul, a phone saleswoman in Ikeja, a tech market in the heart of Lagos. In front of her on a street-side stall sat an array of Chinese-branded smart-phones alongside small Nokia handsets that in Europe would belong to a telephony museum. On a good day, Paul says she shifts as many as 10 for $10 each. DURABLE, BATTERY LASTS The original Nokia 3310, a basic talk and text phone, was the world's most popular device in 2000 and the first handset owned by many of today's smart-phone users. Once the world's dominant phonemaker, Nokia Oyj sold its handset operations to Microsoft in 2014, leaving it to focus on telecoms network equipment. Also Read: Will Nokia 3310, Darago 3310, Micromax X1i-2017 make feature phones cool again? But its brand has gone back on the mobile market across much of Europe and India thanks to a licensing deal with HMD Global, a new company led by former Nokia executives and backed by Chinese electronics giant Foxconn. HMD has sole use of the Nokia brand on all phones and tablets for the next decade, and it will pay royalties to Nokia Oyj. The makers of the new phone hope that its 22 hours of talk time and up to one month of standby time will heighten its appeal for customers looking for a break from smartphone overload or a reliable device for lively nights out. However, against the competition on the streets in Africa, the new 3310's $52 price tag is raising eyebrows. "People love Nokias because they're durable and the battery lasts for a very long time," said Colins Nwosu, the head of retail at Nigerian mobile phone distributor Finet. "But to be honest, it's a bit expensive." As well as its battery and durability, the old Nokia has another advantage - its lack of high-tech wizardry means it is untraceable and unhackable, another factor for those living under repressive African governments. During a recent meeting with Reuters in Johannesburg, a senior Zimbabwean intelligence agent laid out on the table his three battered old Nokia handsets - the price he pays to ensure his movements and messages go undetected. "Smart-phone?" he said, with a chuckle. "No way, my brother. Way too risky." | BY Ricki Green | Cadbury Dairy Milk has launched a major new campaign via Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney, aimed at generating a spirited discussion about the nations flavour preferences and unlocking the joy of trying something different. The launch is lead by a series of TV spots shot by leading director Michael Gracey, taking over a typical suburban street to create a visual spectacle, bringing joy to a neighbourhood with hundreds of blocks of Cadbury Dairy Milks famous flavours. The campaign marks an evolution for the brand and is the first to build off the success of Welcome to Joyville, bringing the joy of Cadbury Dairy Milk into the real world. The new campaign will bring all of the flavours in the Cadbury Dairy Milk range to life and remind people there is a flavour for everyone. Over the coming months the celebrations will continue to build with a series of social and experiential initiatives that challenge people to trial different flavours and make a stand for their favourite. The campaign includes outdoor activity that challenges people to pick their favourite flavour and digital activations that allow people to pick their favourites. The communications activity will be amplified further across print, on-pack and PR. The new TVC features a neighbourhood being surprised by a giant domino rally made up of all Cadbury Dairy Milk flavours, appearing overnight on their doorsteps, before they begin toppling over one after each other. Joy and mayhem ensue as thousands of blocks of chocolate spill out into the street into the grateful arms of onlooking residents who get stuck into grabbing their favourite flavours. To coincide with the launch of the new flavours and flavour celebration, Cadbury has refreshed the packaging for all flavoured blocks in the range. Each block now includes new fun, playful and uplifting joycons on the front of the packaging, designed to celebrate each different flavour and increase visibility at shelf and tempt consumers to try out new flavour experiences. The joycons include a bus made out of white and milk chocolate for Top Deck, a pink carpet for Turkish Delight and truck full of treats for Rocky Road. Says Steve Chantry, Cadbury head of marketing: Its a joyful celebration of Cadbury Dairy Milk flavours, a call to arms to support your favourite and an invitation to try something new. We need those timid Fruit & Nut devotees to wave their flags, the vivacious Peppermint gadabouts to go crazy and those discerning Hazelnut gourmands to show their friends which flavour should reign supreme. To mark Cadburys flavour celebration, five exciting and delicious new limited edition flavours will join the Cadbury stable and appear on supermarket shelves in the coming weeks Cadbury Cherry Ripe, Cadbury Dairy Milk Picnic, Cadbury Dairy Milk Crackle, Cadbury Dairy Milk Strawberries & Creme and Cadbury Dairy Milk Toffee Brittle. To support a fun and spirited exchange of flavour preferences, a flavour favourite experience will soon be launched on Cadbury Dairy Milks Facebook page, which forms part of Cadburys greater focus on digital marketing activity. The flavour favourite experience will kick off in late May and will allow chocolate lovers to broadcast their preference in a unique way. This will be followed by a major experiential activity in June. Cadbury Dairy Milk fans will also be given a unique opportunity to curate their own joyful content on social media that brings to life the unique personalities of flavours and flavour lovers. This content will be included in TV ads to broadcast later this autumn. More details will be announced shortly. Says Chantry: Our campaign will invite everyone on a journey to see, share and participate in the wonderful world of Cadbury Dairy Milk, introducing the true breadth and depth of all flavours in the range. We will be concocting a series of chocolate experiences in the coming months, including creating flavour matching social campaigns, personalised content and flavour competitions, which will be complemented with our new joyful packaging also hitting shelves at launch. Watch this space as well be creating a purple revolution in the coming weeks that will truly free the joy among all Australians. Creative: Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney Media: Carat Social Media: Isobar PR: Red Agency Production: Prodigy Films | BY Ricki Green | How will Australia perform at Cannes this year? In the lead up to the Festival, Campaign Brief will be showcasing the work we hope will impress the judges DDB Sydney In 2016, images of a mystery prototype spotted testing in the Aussie bush appeared online. It was an entirely new breed of vehicle that had the rev heads guessing. They didnt know yet, but Volkswagen was about to introduce the powerful Amarok V6 to an Australian market that doubted the performance credentials of its sleek, European design. If Aussie drivers were going to judge our truck by its cover we had to entirely change the cover DDB Sydney In a culture obsessed with brands, we needed to make a brand with only 1% market share a real consideration among luxury sedans. The Skoda Superb has the quality of a luxury car, but not the cache so we sought out those who could look beyond the badge to judge the car. We created a unique event where people trialed the new Skoda, but instead of the drivers judging the car it judged them. Writers scripted dialogue turn-by-turn, rebutting the criticisms of brand snobs and making people rethink what they value in a car. DDB Sydney | BY Ricki Green | Challenger agency VCCP Sydney has hired Kim Feitelberg (centre) as its new executive planning director. She will partner with ECD Gary Dawson (left) and CEO Andrew Holt (right) as the agency continues its growth in the Australian market. Feitelberg joins from BMF and is a former executive planning director at Ogilvy Cape Town, where her strategic leadership saw them become the most awarded agency at the APAC Effies for five consecutive years. Throughout her career Feitelberg has worked with many blue chip brands including Cadbury, Coca-Cola, VW, Audi, Lion Nathan and SAB Miller. For Feitelberg, joining Holt and Dawson to lead VCCP Sydney represents an exciting new challenge. Says Feitelberg: As an industry, we are living in very interesting times and I love the fact that VCCP have embraced business as unusual creating work that challenges conventions and transforms businesses. To be at the intersection of commerce and creativity is big ambition for a small agency and its an exciting time to join them on the journey. For Holt, the appointment of Feitelberg demonstrates VCCPs commitment to creating a challenger agency for challenger brands in the Australian market place. Says Holt: We looked long and hard for a world class strategic thinker with strong Australian experience and Kim brings both. She combines great creative pedigree with smart, snappy commercial thinking and has a proven ability to help brands punch above their weight. We are delighted shes decided to go on a bear hunt with us at VCCP. Says Dawson: Kim has the experience, enthusiasm and ambition to help our clients rise to their challenges. And help us create more insightful work for them. Its great to have her on board. For founding partner and chairman of VCCP, Charles Vallance, Feitelberg will be a great cultural fit with the Sydney team. | BY Ricki Green | The first shortlist of The WARC Awards, a new global competition honouring the effective use of emerging marketing disciplines, is now released. A total of 19 entries from ten countries have been shortlisted in the Social Strategy category, which links social strategy to business success. Two agencies from Australia have been shortlisted including McCann Melbourne for Seeing Eye Dogs Australia Free Puppies Forever and Bic The Bic 4 Colour World Champenships and Leo Burnett, Melbourne for Headspace Reword. Chaired by Quinn Kilbury, senior brand director of Heineken US, the 17-strong jury panel of senior industry experts looked for campaign strategies that relied on the benefits of particular social platforms or a combination of those platforms to fulfill particular business objectives. Additionally they looked for marketing programmes that were social by design not simply a small part of a broader marketing initiative and that made a significant impact on brand performance or influenced consumer behaviour. They were also keen to see campaigns that had effectively deployed newer engagement tools on social platforms, such as chatbots and live video. The shortlisted entries are: Always Girl Emojis #LikeAGirl Starcom UK, Leo Burnett Chicago Global Batelco Twitterference FP7/ Bahrain Bahrain Bic The Bic 4 Colour World Champenships McCann Melbourne Australia BT Sport #GoalsRecreated BT (in house) United Kingdom Dubai Foundation for Women & Children Stop Tapping FP7 Dubai United Arab Emirates Gucci Guilty Dark to Light MediaCom Global Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Reword Changing Online Bullying Behaviour Leo Burnett Melbourne, Studio Pancho Australia JetBlue FlyBabies MullenLowe Boston United States JetBlue Reach Across the Aisle MullenLowe Boston United States Keebler Cookies Ernie Learns Social Starcom, Leo Burnett Chicago United States KFC Dirty Louisiana: Dont Make Dirty Good, Make Clean Bad BBH United Kingdom Maybelline #BeYourOwnFilter TBWA\ Group Singapore Singapore Murr Television Bald For You FP7/Beirut Lebanon Orange Tunisia The Hammam Fighter FP7/Tunisia, UM Tunisia Tunisia Reeses Creating Cupfusion Ketchum United States Seeing Eye Dogs Australia Free Puppies Forever McCann Melbourne Australia Shell Pumped It Forward For Charity Ensemble Worldwide Malaysia Unknown User Unknown Potential PHD Germany Germany WildAid How planning used the power of the herd to save it Grey London Global The shortlists for Effective Content Strategy and Best Use of Brand Purpose categories will be announced shortly. | BY Kim Shaw | How will Asia-Pacific perform at Cannes this year? In the lead up to the Festival, Campaign Brief will be showcasing the work we hope will impress the judges 7-ELEVEN Taiwan The Force of Love The aging population caused lots of social issues and it has been jeopardizing the disadvantaged elderly in Taiwan. 7-ELEVEN has long been concerned about the disadvantaged elders and want to call out to the young generation to donate positively, improve the quality of disadvantaged elderlys life. In order to put 7-ELEVENs ideal into practice, the creative team comes up with an idea, Senior social issues are like monsters, we call out to all youngsters to go full hands on to beat them down!. And created the worlds first The Force of Love donation box. Incarnating 10 most serious social issues of the elderly as 10 monsters and combined with the unique shaped donation box. Ordinary donation suddenly became extraordinary. Instead of putting coins in the donation box, people need to use both of their arms to wrestle with the monsters. Thus, people are not simply donating their money, but at the same time, they are positively defeating the social issues. This certainly attracted young generation to challenge, greatly increasing the frequency of donations and also inspired the young generation to pay more attention to the social issues of the elderly. They have also highly recognized the determination of 7-ELEVEN to actively improve the issue of lonely society. ACER Swift Break away from Unnecessary We created a tetralogy-story film for ACER SWIFT lineup four models laptop. The film allows viewers to experience different stories in a interactive way, the content is close to the experience how our TA feels burden in the workplace. Viewers can switch and watch the inner world of four different characters depend on preference by pressing 1, 3, 5, 7 on the keyboard, whether select the most resonating character or watch all the perspectives,viewers will project self onto those characters. In this way, consumers can clearly understand SWIFTs product feature slim and light and the proposition break away from the unnecessary but also recognize the brand value of ACER. 7-ELEVEN CITY CAFE Savor while it lasts Cherry-blossom season, is a major seasonal marketing in Taiwan, most of FMCG brands will launch lots of cherry-blossom related product during this period. CITY CAFE is a leading coffee brand and its exquisite advertising are deeply rooted in consumers minds. Therefore, in order to stand out in the various competitors, we prefer to tell unique stories linking up with the spirit of cherry-blossom, not using the common approach that competitors usually do simply exploiting the cherry-blossom appearance on the product package. We utilized the cherry blossoms spirit, vigorously blooms and withers with no hesitation, only pursuing a moment of brilliance. to come up with an idea, Savor it while it lasts., and producing a branded content film. | BY Lynchy | How do you differentiate the latest film release from past installations in one of the most successful movie franchises of all times? For The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia), the answer lies with bold, new characters such as Captain Salazar in Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazars Revenge. To promote the fifth installment in this popular film series, Walt Disney worked with Clear Channel Singapore to deliver impact with this new and formidable character, via an interactive digital out-of-home campaign. Motion sensor was activated on three strategically chosen Play digital screens, and audiences are encouraged to wave at the panels. Upon detection of an engagement, Captain Salazar appears on screen to address the viewer directly with Find Sparrow for me, echoing the statement uttered by Salazar in his quest for Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp in the movie, that herald the swashbuckling adventure. | BY Lynchy | Singapore Airlines has launched its first-ever animated short film, The Magic Pen, to celebrate 70 years of bringing people closer to their loved ones. The film via TBWA\Singapore tells the heart warming story of a little boy who believes he has found a magic pen, but when it fails to bring his father back from a long business trip, the boy is heartbroken. In the end, the true magic happens when the father returns home earlier than planned on Singapore Airlines to surprise his son. This year marks Singapore Airlines 70th anniversary and we want to thank our customers for being part of our journey over the last seven decades. The Magic Pen reflects our commitment to place our customers at the heart of everything we do and we are delighted to play a role in bringing people closer together, said Campbell Wilson, Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) In graphics: Which races will determine Congress' balance of power With Congress as narrowly divided as it has been in two decades, a few closely contested races in the Senate and House could tip the balance of power. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 1:12AM Google promised at Google I/O that Daydream VR was getting Chromecast streaming support later in the year with the arrival of Daydream 2.0. But it looks like Samsung and Oculus one-upped Google and brought Chromecast streaming support to the Gear VR. The newest version of the Oculus app will now show a Cast button at the top right corner. When you tap on that, itll ask you to select the Chromecast-enabled device you want to stream to. Source: Droid Life How is it already June 2?! It goes without saying, but we're in for another cold one. This morning was -4 degrees, bringing another frost, with an expected top of 14 degrees today. It's understood four of the eight board members left last year. Two of them were asked to leave after raising concerns internally and with EREA about the school administration's alleged lack of consultation and decision-making. Complaints were made to EREA about the treatment of board members who raised concerns and were then told to leave, the former board member said. "From the street imagery that is captured, we can extract information which helps us improve core elements of the Uber rider and driver experience, such as ideal pick-up and drop-off points, better routes, and calculating more accurate ETAs," Mr Gupta - who is a former Google Mapping executive - said. Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Access unlimited news content and The Canberra Times app. Premium subscribers also enjoy interactive puzzles and access to the digital version of our print edition - Today's Paper. But Labor has warned the inquiry would be an exercise in political spin for the government, which used the Senate inquiry into the troubled relocation of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to encourage regions to show their support for decentralisation. In a final draft of the motion, the Coalition wants the inquiry to look at how moving public servants to the bush would "improve governance and service delivery", identify the characteristics of agencies that would be suited to relocating, and towns suitable to host them. 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. U.S. commercial property insurer FM Global has approved to run a European hub in Luxembourg, a move allowing it to issue policies in the European Union and other countries following Britains decision to leave the bloc, the company said on Tuesday. The license from Luxembourgs regulators finalizes a process that FM Global began last year. In December, Luxembourg issued preliminary approval for the Johnston, Rhode Island-based mutual insurer to set up a unit but not to conduct business, the company had said. FM Global, which earned $5.5 billion in gross premium last year, plans to continue many business operations in Windsor, west of London, Chris Johnson, an executive vice president in charge of FM Globals European business, said in an interview in April. But its Luxembourg-based subsidiary, FM Insurance Europe, S.A., will issue policies in the EU and other countries, the company said. FM Globals move follows that of U.S. insurer American International Group Inc, which said in March that it would keep its main European headquarters in London and open a subsidiary in Luxembourg to cope with Brexit. The Lloyds of London insurance market chose Brussels for its subsidiary. They are among a number of insurers that had set up regulated subsidiaries only in Britain through which they have been able to sell insurance policies across the European Union from one EU country, using so-called passporting rights. But insurers and other financial services firms no longer expect to be able to retain those rights after Brexit and have started planning EU subsidiaries, so they can continue to sell into Europe. Luxembourg and Brussels, along with Frankfurt, Paris and Dublin, are touting themselves as an alternative base for firms wishing to retain access to the EU after Brexit. FM Global chose Luxembourg for regulatory expertise, understanding of global business, and talent base, among other reasons, Johnson has said. BMW could soon begin exporting the vehicles it builds in China after its local BMW Brilliance joint venture was granted a license from Chinese authorities. While cars built in China have had a reputation for being cheap and unreliable, the German automaker believes its Chinese-built models are just as good as those it makes in Germany and the United States and are ready to be sold around the world. In a statement, head of BMW in China Olaf Kastner said that the company has yet to decide what models it could sell internationally. We have an export license for the JV but so far we havent decided on exports since we need the production for the local market, he said. In 2016, BMW built more than 300,000 vehicles at its two Chinese facilities and recently expanded its two local plants to lift production to 450,000 units annually. Among the vehicles produced locally are the long-wheelbase 5-Series, X1 LWB, 2-Series Tourer, 3-Series LWB, 3-Series Sedan and the China-exclusive 1-Series Sedan. AutoNews reports to have received word from a source within the company who said that BMW applied for the export license on the back of pressure from the government, not necessarily because it intends on actually exporting its Chinese built vehicles. Its the governments declared goal to foster vehicle exports. We told them we would only consider it if it makes economic sense, claimed the source. PHOTO GALLERY When it comes to stealing cars equipped with state of the art always-on GPS tracking, youd think that perpetrators would know to stay away. Then again, it would appear that some professional car thieves are more determined than others and might actually be capable of making your brand new Tesla disappear off the face of the Earth. According to Electrek, quickly dismantling these cars is one possible way to keep the authorities from finding them. In fact, last year there were two cases in Europe where brand new Teslas were stolen and never recovered. This latest report hails from Germany, where local authorities stopped a truck at the border trying to enter from the Netherlands. Inside the truck, they found several Tesla Model S parts, including an entire battery pack. It seems that the 40-year old driver of the truck even had a sales bill to back up his claim that he had bought the parts in Amsterdam, as reported by Berliner Zeitung. The cops however looked into it and found that the parts belonged to a Model S stolen in the Netherlands four days prior to their discovery. And also, that bill was forged. Unfortunately, what remains a mystery is the way in which cars such as that Model S were stolen. Perhaps quietly towed away and dismantled, or maybe the thieves have worked out a way around all the cars electronic defense systems? Either way, if youre a Tesla owner, it might be a good idea to secure your account with a strong password and to keep your key fob safe, at a large enough distance from the vehicle in case something like this were to happen. Photo: German police PHOTO GALLERY Anthony Hopkins The Worlds Fastest Indian ranks among the must-see racing movies of all time, if you dont mind expanding your repertoire to include motorcycles. The kicker is that it actually happened 50 years ago. So to mark the anniversary, the Indian Motorcycle company is out to recreate the feat. A team of engineers from the factory spent extra time after hours building this special Indian Scout with an upgraded engine and streamlined bodywork. The finished product is set to undergo shakedown testing at El Mirage in California before heading to the Bonneville Salt Flats where Burt Munros story went down. As if the same marques involvement isnt enough, Indian has brought the great nephew of Burt Munro the protagonist of the original story on board. Born and raised in the same town of Invergargill, New Zealand, Lee Munro is a motorcycle racer whose career has been inspired by his great uncle (or his grandfathers first cousin at any rate). Lee hopes to race on the Isle of Man in the future, but before he does, hell be riding this tribute bike at Bonneville on August 13, 50 years after his famous great uncle made his run, only hopefully with better safety measures in place. The idea is to honor Burts feat rather than break his record, but it should be a fitting tribute either way. My uncle Burt was a significant inspiration for my own racing career, and his appetite for speed is clearly a part of my DNA, said Lee Munro. What Indian Motorcycle is doing is fantastic, and I couldnt be prouder to partner with them and pilot my own Scout at Bonneville in honor of my Uncle and the 50th anniversary of his historic record. Photo Gallery London Taxi Company (LTC) took their upcoming TX5 range-extended electric cab for some testing in the extreme heat of the Arizona desert. LTCs new taxi, scheduled to go on sale towards the end of the year, is going to be the most comprehensively tested product in the companys history in order to ensure that it meets not just the high regulatory standards of London but around the world as well. The prototype TX5 undertook successfully daily journeys of 300 miles, roughly triple the average daily mileage of a typical London cab, making sure that cab drivers will get an big-enough range from a tank of fuel for every situation. The British company also said that despite the harsh climate conditions, the cabin continues to offer a comfortable environment to both the driver and passengers. The new TX5 will also come with a panoramic roof, further enhancing the travel experience of the passengers. Since announcing this project we have had considerable interest not just from European cities but hot weather cities around the world, Chris Gubbey, CEO of the London Taxi Company said. To convert this interest into sales we must prove TX5 can perform as well in the 45 C heat of Dubai as it can in the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic, and as it does in the changeable conditions of London. The new TX5 is designed to meet Londons new taxi regulations, which from January 1, 2018 demand that all taxis presented for licensing for the first time must emit no more than 50g/km of CO2 and offer a minimum 30-mile zero-emissions driving range. LTC is planning to start demonstrating the new TX5 in London this summer. PHOTO GALLERY Driving a Volkswagen commercial vehicle will become safer from June 1, as all vans sold in the UK will be fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), as standard. This action is the latest in a string of moves, which will see the addition of these systems across the industry, as they are seen as probably the most significant development in vehicle safety since the seatbelt, by Thatcham Research. The AEB has the potential to save more than 100 lives and prevent 120,000 injuries, over the next ten years, in Europes largest right-hand drive market, while going easier on the wallet of the owner by dropping some 10 percent from the insurance premium, on average, compared to a vehicle that doesnt have this system. Volkswagen is a trailblazer, and should be applauded for being the first manufacturer to fit AEB as standard on all its vans in the UK. The truth is that we are seeing a year on year rise in deaths, and serious injuries, involving vans which this technology can help avoid. It is shocking that AEB, a proven lifesaving technology, has not been widely available to van owners or drivers until now. We call upon all vehicle manufacturers to follow Volkswagens lead, and fit AEB as standard across all their light commercial vehicles, as soon as possible, said Thatcham Researchs CEO, Peter Shaw. Part of the autonomous emergency braking, the Front Assist, with City Emergency Braking, uses a radar built into the front end of the van to recognize critical distances to the vehicle in front. This helps ensure safe stopping in two stages, by warning the driver with visual and audible signals of the imminent collision, and by applying the brakes on its own, as a last resort. PHOTO GALLERY Photo: Facebook It was a solid showing for Okanagan craft breweries at the Canadian Brewing Awards last weekend. A quartet of home-grown brews took home medals at the prestigious competition, which featured more than 1,700 products from 333 Canadian breweries and cideries, duking it out in more than 60 categories. To see which local breweries can claim some of the best beers in Canada, check out the full story on Castanet's sister business news website Okanagan Edge. Photo: Contributed Surrey RCMP hope the public can help them locate a missing woman. San Li Liao was reported missing on May 29. She was last seen on May 26, leaving her place of work on the 14900 block of 54A Avenue in Surrey. Liao is described as a 54-year-old, Asian female, 5'6 tall, 120 pounds, with a thin build, long, shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes and wearing glasses. Police and family are concerned for her well-being as it is out of character for her to be gone so long without contact. It is possible that she may have travelled to Vancouver Island, however, investigators are following up on all possible avenues of investigation, said Cpl. Scotty Schumann. Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca, quoting file number 2017-50389. Photo: Contributed Rising water levels have forced the closure of the Water Street boat launch. Crews are currently sandbagging across the boat launch to keep the lake water away from two large pumps operating there to lower the groundwater level. The Cook Street boat launch remains open, while the Sutherland Bay boat launch was closed weeks ago due to the high water level. For a full list of closures visit www.cordemergency.ca Photo: CTV A crane barge crashed into the Golden Ears Bridge, Wednesday. A crane barge crashed into the Golden Ears Bridge this morning on the Fraser River. The collision caused the closure of one lane of traffic on the span, which connects Langley with Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Bridge operator TransLink said the crash knocked out three posts and two sets of railings. "On preliminary inspection we found no structural damage, so that's great news," spokesperson Chris Bryan told CTV. "However, we are doing a much closer inspection of the bridge today to make sure." TransLink expects to reopen the closed lane and walkway on Thursday. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV The leaders of British Columbia's New Democrats and Greens have attended government house to deliver signed copies of their four-year agreement to run the province under a minority government. A representative for Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon accepted the documents on her behalf. John Horgan, leader of the NDP, and Green Leader Andrew Weaver say the deal strongly signals to the lieutenant-governor the commitment of the two parties to form B.C.'s next government. The leaders say the agreement lays out a signed, good faith working arrangement for Guichon to consider in deliberations that could result in her asking the NDP to form a new government. Premier Christy Clark has said she will recall the legislature next month where she expects a confidence vote will occur that will likely defeat her Liberal government. Clark's Liberals won 43 seats in the May 9 election, one short of a majority, but the formal agreement with the NDP and Greens gives them 44 seats, amounting to a one seat majority. Photo: Twitter NDP leader John Horgan and BC Green leader Andrew Weaver deliver their plan to Government House, Wednesday. Some business leaders in Canada expressed concerns Wednesday that the fallout from British Columbia's election is discouraging the private sector from investing in the province. Promises by B.C.'s NDP and Greens to hike the minimum wage and carbon tax could further jangle investor nerves after both parties also committed to immediately stopping the Trans Mountain expansion. "The election outcome, and the vow of the Green-NDP alliance to obstruct that pipeline, sends a very worrying message to investors about Canada as a predictable, reliable place to invest," said Gary Leach, president of the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada. He said the anti-pipeline resolution affects not only the oil and gas sector, but the overall investment climate. "It's a destabilizing event for investor confidence in Canada generally, and we've been struggling with that." On Tuesday, the NDP and Greens formalized their alliance in a four-year agreement that commits to raising minimum wage to at least $15, increasing the province's $30 carbon tax by $5 per tonne annually beginning next April and referring the Site C hydro dam project to the B.C. Utilities Commission to determine economic viability. "It would be fair to say the business community is feeling a lot of uncertainty," said Val Litwin, the president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce. Litwin said he hopes the NDP, should it form a minority government with the support of the Greens, would consult with businesses before making tax changes or raising the minimum wage as they would end up paying those costs. Tim McMillan, head of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said any increase in costs on his members could threaten future investment. 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. Photo: North Okanagan Closet Specialists Check out the difference after closet makeover. In this case, a Vernon woman is happy to go into her closet after winning a contest on Castanet for an up-to-$2,500 closet makeover from the North Okanagan Closet Specialists. Company owner Jinny Fairbairn says there were dozens of entries. In this case, it was a husband who entered for his wife so she didn't know, says Fairbairn. She was pretty excited when he told her, and a little upset he'd taken a picture of her messy closet. Company staff met with winner Leanne Droder to come up with a design that would suit her needs. She just had a rod and shelf so we organized it so she had a little bit of everything, including double hang drawers, long hang and open shelving, says Fairbairn. The specialist team designs, manufacturers and installs new closets throughout the Okanagan. Fairbairn says the process can be done in a week. The Thompson Nicola Regional District is lifting all evacuation alerts and orders that are currently in place in the district. This includes an order and alerts in Electoral Area J (Copper Desert Country) and Electoral Area M (Beautiful Nicola Valley North). The TNRD Emergency Operations Centre remains active and will continue to monitor the high-water situation throughout the district, providing updates as circumstances warrant. Castanet's Evening Update for Wednesday, May 31, with reporter Wayne Moore. Photo: Contributed Photo: Brennan Scott City of Vernon urges property owners to be ready for storm. Most homeowners in low-lying areas have been sandbagging for weeks but the City of Vernon is now warning of the risk to properties due to a severe storm watch in the region. Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the North Okanagan, Central Okanagan and South Okanagan, which could include thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and heavy rain. This risk has the potential to further increase Okanagan Lake levels, the release states. Sand and sandbags are available at: Outside Operations main entrance off of Pleasant Valley Road 4005 Pleasant Valley Road Corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road (across from Marshall Fields) Okanagan Hills Boulevard and Bella Vista Road intersection (entrance to the Rise community) 8974 Okanagan Landing Road The City is also reminding parents to keep children out of dirty, shallow water to prevent any health risks posed by standing water. Pets should be prevented from drinking this water as well. The Okanagan Indian Band has issued a similar warning. Boat owners are discouraged from using the lake, as boat wakes can cause lakeshore erosion or flooding of properties. Photo: Google Street View Sunrise Ridge Elementary School A 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted on her way to school in Surrey this morning. Police are trying to track down a man who touched the girl's buttocks near 59th Avenue and 188th Street as she walked to Sunrise Ridge Elementary School. The stranger is said to have stepped out of a blue or green Honda CRV and approached the girl. "The man asked her how old she was then touched her buttocks," RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann said in a news release. "The girl yelled at the man, ran to the school, and told staff right away." Police were called to the school, but the suspect fled before they arrived. Parents have been warned that the vehicle has been seen around the school before. Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV Sean Ramsay is lucky to be alive. A Victoria man who was struck by lightning Tuesday says he doesnt remember hearing the thunderclap or seeing the flash of lightning that jolted him. Sean Ramsay is lucky to be alive after he was struck while working at the Fort Victoria RV Park. I feel really sore today, the 24-year-old propane delivery worker told CTV. He was filling an RV with propane when a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree. He felt a sudden pain and fell to the ground. Thats what Im being told... someone across from the trailer park here saw it hit the tree and saw me go down, he said. It kind of felt like someone had put a thousand pounds of weight on every part of my body at the same time. He was still able to shut off the propane line from his truck, and View Royal Acting Fire Chief Rob Marshall says that may have prevented a possible explosion. We were kind of in awe when we showed up. Even though he had been struck by lightning, the amount of pain that he was in, he still had the wherewithal to shut the truck down, shut the nozzle down, disconnect it from the RV, said Marshall. He said Ramsay was conscious when they arrived on scene. Ramsay was rushed to hospital and released later that night with no significant injuries. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: David Froese A trailer caught on fire May 31, 2017 in West Kelowna. Firefighters responded to a camping trailer caught on fire in West Kelowna. The trailer was burning at the overpass at Glenrosa Road and Highway 97 about 8 p.m. There is no word on what caused the fire at this time. Highway 97 southbound is closed and a detour has been set up at Glenrosa Road exit. Anyone with information is being asked to contact police. Photo: File photo There is a chance of rain and thunderstorms later today. UPDATE 11:49 A.M. Environment Canada has just issued a thunderstorm warning for the Central and North Okanagan. Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain. Isolated thunderstorms that are capable of producing 15+ mm of rain over a relatively short period of time are possible today. While there are currently no weather warnings from Environment Canada, there is a forecast of rain for later in the day. According to the weather prognosticators, the North Okanagan will be getting wet today as showers are anticipated in the region. There is also a chance of thunderstorms with five to 10 mm of rain expected. However, the heavens are then expected to clear with sunny skies and just the occasional cloud Friday and Saturday. Sunday, however, there is a 40 per cent chance of showers, but after that temperatures are expected to soar 30C by the middle of the week. Photo: The Canadian Press A tablet is seen on the paper edition of a La Presse newspaper, Wednesday, September 16, 2015 in Montreal. Montreal's La Presse is going fully digital, putting an end to its print edition at the end of this year. The 133-year-old French-language newspaper, owned by Power Corp., said Thursday its last Saturday print edition will be published Dec. 30. La Presse had already ceased publishing a daily print product on Jan. 1, 2016, and the latest move is a continuation of that transition. The company said the move to a fully digital platform means that 49 full- and part-time jobs will be eliminated. Those departures will occur over several months, ending around the beginning of next year. Management said in a statement that readers won't feel much of an impact as the vast majority of them have quickly changed their habits to using La Presse Plus, a tablet-only product. La Presse says in 2016 alone, the tablet edition saw an increase of 18.7 per cent in its audience, reaching 273,000 unique tablets daily. It says 90 per cent of its advertising revenue comes from digital platforms. Photo: CTV The discovery of a body in suburban Victoria shut down access to Gorge Park in Saanich overnight. Police were called to the park about 7 p.m. Police have said the death is not considered suspicious. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: Dave Ogilvie Parts of the Gellatly Walkway are under water. Flooding has closed the Gellatly Walkway. In the interest of public safety, the City of West Kelowna closed the walkway until further notice due to the historically high Okanagan Lake level. Portions of the waterfront walkway have washed out or are under water. City crews will monitor the area and begin restoration of the popular path once levels begin to subside. The nearby CNR wharf remains open, however the Gellatly and Casa Loma boat launches are also closed. Residents and visitors are reminded not to tamper with barricades or flood-protection installations. Photo: The Canadian Press Ocean-bottom seismometer deployment New research focused off the west coast of North America is giving seismologists a better understanding of what one scientist describes as "the single greatest geophysical hazard to the continental United States." Zach Eilon, a geophysicist at the University of California Santa Barbara, has developed a new method that uses an array of scientific instruments spread across the sea floor to measure shock waves that travel through the planet's crust. The waves, which are called attenuation, provide clues about rock temperatures deep below the surface of the Earth, which is important for understanding the friction that builds up between tectonic plates as they rub against one another, he said. The amount of friction affects the size of an earthquake created when the plates give way, as well as the destructiveness of an accompanying tsunami. Eilon's research targets the Juan de Fuca plate, which runs several hundred kilometres off the coast between British Columbia and California and is the youngest and smallest of the planet's 13 major tectonic plates. The collision zone in this region has the potential to generate massive quakes and destructive tsunamis, which occur when the plates overcome friction and slip past one another, quickly displacing huge amounts of water. His data suggest the interior of the Juan de Fuca plate is cooler than previously believed, meaning the edge that is being pushed westward below the North American plate is able to bring with it more water. The water acts as a lubricant and increases the likelihood of the slipping that leads to a quake. Geoff Abers, an earth-sciences professor at Cornell University who co-authored the paper with Eilon, said improvements in sea-floor technology and the sheer number of sensors that were deployed make this project the first time researchers have been able to study an entire tectonic plate in the ocean. Photo: Colin Dacre Taking the oath of citizenship Eighty-five people from 26 countries took the oath of Canadian citizenship in Penticton Thursday. The new Canadians travelled from all over the Southern Interior, like Barcelona native, Joaquim, who now lives in Salmon Arm with his wife and son. Joaquim initially immigrated to the United States for school and work, meeting his wife, Bonnie, a Canadian citizen. Their son was born in Florida. Then we decided to move to Salmon Arm, Bonnie was from Alberta but she spent every summer on Shuswap Lake, he said, adding the moved eight years ago. I thought it was about time, he said referring to getting his citizenship. I dont plan on leaving. Ellen Watters moved from Arizona to Argenta, on the north end of Kootenay Lake, to retire in 2009, We were accepted by the people there and never looked back. After the ceremony, she felt very good," and pumped her fist, "next week we apply for that Canadian passport." Citizenship Judge Gerald Pash led the ceremony, addressing the new citizens and family and friends who filled the Cleland Theatre. As you step forward to get your certificate, consider yourself crossing a threshold, what lies beyond is entirely up to you, because what you want in Canada, Canada wants for you, he proclaimed. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit also spoke, and encouraged the new Canadians to get involved in the community by volunteers. The Holy Cross Catholic School Choir led the theatre in O Canada, in both English and French. Photo: John Boivin Slocan River near Nelson earlier this week. The River Forecast Centre is expanding its warnings of potential flooding for several other British Columbia waterways and more thunderstorms are forecast for the area hardest hit. Flood watches have now been posted for the North and South Thompson rivers and the Thompson River through Kamloops, along with the Shuswap and Eagle rivers, while flood watches remain up for the Slocan, Kettle, Granby and Salmon rivers. Adding to the problems, a severe thunderstorm warning has been posted by Environment Canada for the Boundary region and a thunderstorm watch is in place for the Okanagan. The forecast centre says rapid snowmelt caused by recent hot weather has prompted a high streamflow advisory for southern sections of the Fraser River, with a rapid rise near Hope by Saturday. Photo: Wayne Emde Photography VSS class of 2017 graduates once again had their picture taken on the steps of the Vernon court house. In a tradition dating back to the 1960s, Vernon Secondary School graduates posed on the steps of the Vernon court house for a picture Thursday. Generations of VSS grads have kept the tradition alive and even Mother Nature helped out by holding off the rain until after the picture was taken. Following the formal portrait, it is also tradition for students to throw their mortar boards into the air. The VSS class of 2017 has 187 graduates. Photo: pixabay Keremeos taxidermist is facing 11 charges A Keremeos taxidermist is facing 10 wildlife act charges for allegedly poaching and possessing animals without a license. Derek Sward, the owner/operator of Similkameen Taxidermy, is accused taking five point elk, out of season, and without a license in Cranbrook in Oct. 2015. B.C. Conservation Officer Michael Stern says an investigation followed, leading to the seizure of several dead animals on May 5, 2016. Sward was in possession of a dead Sharp Shinned Hawk, Wolverine, Great Horned Owl, Red Squirrel and Mountain Goat hide without proper permits. Stern says people can legally possess all those animals, even the raptors, with the correct permits, but that was not the case with Sward. Stern was not able to comment on if the seizures were related to Swards business, but said the entire investigation took about four months. Sward is also facing one criminal code charge of careless use or transport of a firearm. Court documents indicate he plans on pleading guilty at his next court appearance on Aug 9. Castanet News reached out to Sward for comment, but has not received a response. Photo: David Nagy The Okanagan Indian Band is warning people sections of Okanagan Lake may be contaminated because of flood waters. The Okanagan Indian Band is cautioning people about taking a dip in Okanagan Lake. The band has issued a warning that some areas of Okanagan Lake could be contaminated due to recent flooding. The band even placed a 'Contaminated water' sign at its land near Kin Beach. OKIB officials are warning private beaches on Okanagan lakes are potentially contaminated with sewage, water runoff, chemicals and waste from waterfowl, domestic and wild animals. There may also be unpredictable currents, fast-flowing water and submerged hazards that are dangerous. The First Nation's Health Authority recommend: Swimmers avoid flooded water and/or swim with caution in waters with high amounts of debris. Debris can present physical hazards and increase risk of entrapment and drowning Do not swim in water that looks murky, smells unpleasant, or has unusually high discolouration. Avoid swallowing water or putting your head under water if you are unsure about its quality. Avoid swimming if you have an open wound or infection. Avoid swimming if you are sick from digestive or intestinal problem. Chiefs and councils may wish to post advisories on beaches where they believe it is unsafe to swim or there has been contamination from sewage systems, storm drainage, etc. First Nations Health Authority will support local First Nations in recreational water sampling where it is unclear if there has been contamination or if the beach should be posted. UPDATE: 7:15 p.m. The hazmat team arrived on scene just after 5:30 p.m. "The hazmat team made entry and were able to gather some video," said West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund. "After viewing the video we have determined that it would require additional expertise," Brolund said. That additional expertise will come from the RCMP. "The situation is stable. We are comfortable from a public safety perspective. We will be here for a couple of hours to determine the next steps and to support the RCMP," Brolund added. UPDATE: 4:22 p.m. RCMP and paramedics are now also on scene at the hazmat incident at National Storage. UPDATE: 3:50 p.m. The hazmat situation on the Westside does not apparently involve a fire, but rather a chemical spill. Firefighters at the scene are awaiting the arrival of a hazmat team. ORIGINAL: 3:30 p.m. Firefighters and hazmat crews have been called to a West Kelowna storage facility. There is reportedly a fire at National Storage on Westlake Road, beside Highway 97. The severity of that fire is not yet known, but Castanet has a reporter headed to the scene. We will update with more details as they come in. Send your news, photos and video to [email protected] Photo: Contributed The emergency room at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver will be closed for the entire day Sunday, and overnight Monday. Interior Health says the move is in response to limited physician availability. The emergency department will be closed on June 4 at 8 a.m. and will reopen the next day at 8 a.m. The department will then close again on June 5 at 6 p.m. and reopen the following day at 8 a.m. Interior Health has been working closely with our physician group to secure coverage for these days, but so far have been unsuccessful, a news release reads. We will continue to seek physician coverage for these dates, and if we do secure coverage, we will advise the community via a further public notice. Last month, the hospital's former chief of staff and independent election candidate Dr. Peter Entwistle alleged Interior Health was paying doctors an inflated $1,000 per shift bonus to work and keep the hospital's ER open during the election. Interior Health denied that claim. If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... James Fleischman and his wife, Barbara, have lived in their five-bedroom ranch on Applewood Drive in Glendale for about three decades. In recent years, the assessed value of their house hovered around $331,400, and they paid about the same in property taxes as their next-door neighbor. But when the four-bedroom Cape Cod next door sold last year, all that changed. The assessor slashed the value from $319,400 to $249,900, a drop of nearly 22%. That cut shaved $1,642 off the new owners' tax bill. When the Fleischmans opened their bill, they owed $640 more. In fact, all the residents of Glendale whose property values didn't go down paid more. Gary Porter This Glendale home owned by James and Barbara Fleischman has had the same assessed value for years while the assessed value of a neighbors house dropped significantly after a sale. That change in their neighbor's value didn't account for all of the Fleischmans' tax increase. Glendale officials had increased the overall tax levy, and the assessor had lowered a smattering of other residential properties. But the change violated the state constitution, which was crafted to make the tax burden fair. Assessors are not supposed to modify values of individual properties based on market conditions unless they are revaluing entire neighborhoods or communities. Yet assessors are doing it. Regularly. By measure after measure, in cities, towns and villages across Wisconsin, property assessors are discounting uniformity and trampling on fairness, while officials with the state Department of Revenue do little to rectify the disparities, an investigation by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has found. In dozens of communities, 20% or more of residential property taxes are being paid by the wrong people, according to the Journal Sentinel's analysis of Department of Revenue records for each of the state's 1,852 municipalities. The analysis considered communities that had at least 20 sales last year; it did not include commercial property. Assessors in 15% of municipalities statewide are doing "poor" work when it comes to residential property, as defined by the department's own standards, the analysis found. "It gets a little frustrating," said James Fleischman. "You just live your quiet life and pay the price." Under Wisconsin's system, reductions in value don't translate into lost revenue for municipalities. The tax load, or levy, is set by elected officials. It's just a matter of who pays it, much like squeezing the air in a balloon. In Glendale, more than $17 million in value was knocked off an assortment of residences in 2013 alone, amounting to about 2% of the municipality's overall residential property tax base. The same goes for St. Francis, where the assessor lopped $2.5 million off a patchwork of houses. And in Rock County's Town of Milton, where the assessor cut chunks from individual residential values when he wasn't reassessing whole neighborhoods. In Milton, the cut in residential values contributed to a $314 increase in taxes for a homeowner whose assessment remained unchanged at $200,000. Reductions are warranted only in isolated cases for instance, if assessors or property owners discover errors were made in calculating the home's size, or if there was a fire or flood damage. Assessments Interactive Search for your house on a map that contains assessment information for residential properties in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Racine and Ozaukee counties. Several assessors with low marks defended their work, blaming a state law they say conflicts with the constitutional requirement that taxes be assessed uniformly. They vowed to continue their methods of assessment, even though the approach erodes communitywide fairness. The disparities have intensified over the last three decades as more municipalities scrapped their assessment offices in favor of cheaper and often more cursory work by outside contractors. While the swap often saves the municipality as a whole tens of thousands of dollars, sloppy work winds up costing most residents far more on their tax bills than they personally saved from the switch. Pressure from the recession and a real estate market full of properties selling for less than their assessed values have amplified problems in recent years. The state's 935 certified assessors most facing such a situation for the first time in their careers have responded in assorted ways, some quickly knocking values down for those who make the request. Others refusing. State regulators have largely ignored the fairness issue. "By them not policing assessors, they are screwing over millions of taxpayers across the state," said Shannon Krause, a 27-year veteran assessor who recently joined Wauwatosa's in-house assessing department. "It's a huge disservice." Local officials have little incentive to fix the inequities. They collect the tax money regardless of what portion each property owner pays. And most local leaders don't realize how skewed the system has become. Nor do the residents footing the bill. Since 2008, an average of just 13 people a year have filed complaints with the state's Office of Assessment Practices. There are 3.9 million properties in the state. "Everybody and their uncle can recognize a pothole when they go over it," said Rocco Vita, assessment administrator for the Village of Pleasant Prairie. "Nobody can recognize a poor assessment job." Related Coverage Municipalities shifting to contractors to save money on assessments The uniformity clause Founded on fairness in the late 1700s even before Wisconsin became a territory property taxes in Wisconsin are supposed to be determined uniformly. A two-bedroom ranch on Oak St. should be valued in the same way as similar ranches on the street and in the neighborhood. The tenet was written into the state constitution in the mid 1800s Article VIII, Section 1: "The rule of taxation shall be uniform..." The uniformity clause was aimed at preventing state lawmakers and local leaders from favoring influential property owners and "to protect the citizen against unequal, and consequently unjust taxation," according to an 1860 court ruling. Under state law, municipalities are required to have their overall level of assessments within 10% of fair market value once every five years. When values get too far out of whack, assessors are supposed to do full revaluations meaning they inspect each property to make sure the information they have on file is accurate and to factor in current market conditions. How often each of the state's 1,852 municipalities do full revaluations varies widely. Some do it every couple of years. Others wait 10 years or more. Milwaukee does citywide market updates every year. While the city's 50-member assessment department doesn't physically inspect each of the 138,000 residential parcels, the team analyzes previous years' sales and considers adjustments to the values of all parcels each year based on market conditions. Other communities rarely do such market adjustments. Instead, most do "maintenance" work every year. This includes looking at permits where property owners may have added a deck, built a garage, or updated a kitchen. It also involves accounting for new construction, among other duties. Much of the disparity occurs during these off years when full reassessments aren't done. That's a time for the sake of uniformity when assessors are not supposed to make changes to individual properties based on market conditions. If all property values are based on the same conditions, even if they all are over-assessed or under-assessed according to the current market, then everybody is still paying their fair share. Otherwise, some property owners' payments are based on current economic conditions while others are paying based on past market conditions. Fairness is compromised. Rachel Bocek was moving from Cudahy to Whitefish Bay when her house on Kimberly St. didn't sell even when listed at more than $20,000 less than the assessed value. Bocek decided she would keep the property and in 2012 asked the assessor to reduce the assessed value. She said the assessor discouraged her. "I'm pretty tenacious and persistent," Bocek said. "It's like anything now, with health care or property taxes, with more and more things you have to be proactive and do things yourself if you want things to be done." Bocek pulled data from comparable sales and gathered the required documentation. She said she was able to successfully make her case, primarily because she is savvy and resourceful. Find your property assessor SEARCHABLE TABLE Search by county and municipality to find the contact information for your local property assessor. The assessor cut the value of her house from $162,800 to $134,800, contributing to a more than $600 a year savings on her tax bill. Asked about the change, Suzanne Plutschack, who does assessments for Cudahy, said it was more than the market that influenced her decision. The condition of the house played a role as well, she said. Plutschack did not physically inspect the property, however, relying instead on photos sent by Bocek. It was a maintenance year for Cudahy property assessments and no wider-scope revaluation was done. For Bocek's neighbors, values remained assessed between $155,000 and $169,000. Their tax bills jumped about $80 in part due to cuts to other property values. 'Chasing sales' Some of the best evidence that assessors are ignoring the uniformity clause is easy to spot: Look at a property that recently sold. Find out its sales price. Compare that with its newly assessed value. If they match, it's a good indication that the assessor didn't do the required work. Assessments on properties that recently sold are supposed to be based on a variety of factors aside from physical characteristics, including how long the house has been on the market, how well it was advertised and how it stacks up against the sale of comparable homes in the area. While the sales price is a key component, it should not be the sole component. Chasing the sale READ MORE Once a home is sold, if the assessments match the sales price, it must mean the assessor is doing a good job, right? Wrong. This is termed chasing the sale a practice that is outlawed in some states and in Wisconsin is against Department of Revenue policy. All those considerations would typically influence the assessed value, making it "phenomenal" that the value would land exactly on the sales price, according to Mary Reavey, assessment commissioner for the City of Milwaukee. In some states, such as New Hampshire, what is termed "chasing the sale" is banned. But it has become commonplace in pockets of Wisconsin, the Journal Sentinel found. In 24 communities around the state, at least 5% of the new assessments matched a property's selling price in 2013. One private assessor in Racine County, Kathy Romanak, used the sales price to set the assessed value for a fifth of all properties that sold in the two communities she assessed in 2013. Of the 92 properties that sold in the Town of Waterford and Village of Rochester last year, Romanak adjusted the values of 18 to match the sales price. Other similar properties remained unchanged. "Yeah, that is unfair but that's the rule," Romanak said in an interview. "What's the assessor supposed to do? If you tell (the property owner) 'No,' they're going to fight it and come to the Board of Review and the board will agree with them." But her theory hasn't been tested in years. Romanak said she can't recall the last time a homeowner appealed an assessment to the board, a quasi-judicial body typically made up of local officials, citizens and public employees. By chasing sales, assessors manipulateone of the key measurements the Department of Revenue relies on to determine how well each assessor is doing his or her job. Setting the value at the sales price makes it appear as if assessors are on target and masks the need for a full update. And the disparities linger until the next reassessment. The Town of Waterford and Village of Rochester, for example, go seven years between revaluations. Accurate Appraisals, the company that dropped the value of the Glendale house next to the Fleischmans, had the highest percentages of assessments matching sales prices of the state's three largest firms in 2013. The company assessed 10% of all the properties that sold across the state, but accounted for about 25% of all the "chased sales," the Journal Sentinel analysis found. Aside from Glendale, Accurate has contracts with about 100 other communities around the state, including Germantown, Bayside, Shorewood and until last year, Brown Deer. In 2011, the company assessed the values of 26% of the homes that sold in Glendale to exact sales prices. The statewide average is less than 2%. Jim Wronski, former longtime assessor for Shorewood, said assessors often take their cue from how much elected officials seem to care about the quality of assessments. "The more aggressive you are, the more complaints and more heat on you," Wronski said of assessors. "It boils down to what does the municipality admire, welcome and want. The contractor picks up on that: 'What do these people really want me to do and what are they going to pay me?' " Assessments not so subjective Conducting assessments is a methodical process, based on measurements and facts such as age of the home, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of garage more like an algebraic equation than a literary critique. While assessors are allotted a certain amount of discretion when it comes to determining the overall condition of properties using poor, fair, average and good, and ranking quality of construction with A's, B's and C's the most heavily weighted criteria are mostly objective and are plugged into a statistical computer model. For instance, a bath fixture is typically worth about $510. A 320-square-foot deck adds $3,250 to the value. A fireplace: $3,855, according to 2014 figures for new construction. Despite the many specific standards for calculations, the Department of Revenue fails to ensure assessors adhere to the approach. Under state statutes, the department certifies assessors and has authority to revoke their certification for misconduct. State law requires the department to supervise assessors in the "performance of their duties" and to direct enforcement of the laws governing property tax assessments. Yet the department doesn't acknowledge serious problems with fairness. "I'm not up on any statistics," said Scott Shields, the director of assessment services, when asked about the chasing of sales. "I haven't heard anything about that." Officials couldn't say when was the last time that they had revoked an assessor's certification. Records are kept for only 10 years. "Revocation is a last resort," former department spokeswoman Laurel Patrick, now press secretary for Gov. Scott Walker, wrote in an email earlier this year. "We don't jump from nothing to revocation. ... The standard for revocation is high." The department doesn't have the authority to suspend an assessor's certification or impose other lighter punishment, she said. In 2012, revenue officials received a complaint about Accurate's work in Germantown. They followed up on the complaint filed by a software engineer who works for a company affiliated with a competing assessment firm and found "misconduct" among Accurate's assessors. Department officials cautioned the company's owners for changing values for individual properties following sales, noting that it is in "direct conflict" with rules. Shields chose not to pursue revocation against Accurate's assessors, citing "no prior instances of this misconduct on file," according to a January 2014 letter to Germantown officials. Jim Danielson, co-owner of Accurate, said the department's policies and state statutes that call for assessors to consider market value are in conflict and that his company's work did not constitute misconduct. "Misconduct is me changing my buddy's assessment," Danielson said. "I'm trying to do this right. I'm not intentionally doing anything wrong." He said state legislators and Department of Revenue officials need to clarify the proper method. "If you don't change that one property you're violating the law: You're assessing over market value. If you do, you're violating uniformity," he said. "The manual and the laws need to be cleared up. They don't coincide." Yet Accurate's assessors don't consistently follow that approach. Danielson said they make such adjustments only when property owners complain. So if a property sold for less than the assessed value and the owner didn't push for a reduction, the value would stay as it was before the sale. Department officials warned Danielson and his partner, Lee De Groot, to stop making individual changes based solely on market conditions unless they are revaluing the whole neighborhood. Officials promised to monitor Accurate's assessment work in Germantown in 2014. Nobody in the Department of Revenue told the dozens of other communities that contract with Accurate of the problems found with the company's work. Problems are longstanding Concerns about property tax fairness might sound familiar to longtime Wisconsinites. The Department of Revenue did a study 20 years ago on assessment practices and found Wisconsin's system was widely perceived as unfair by the public and was "in need of substantial change." How does your local assessor rate? SEARCHABLE TABLE One of the ways to examine the quality of work done by a property assessor is to look at what's called a coefficient of dispersion. It measures how close the assessments are to the selling price of a home. The Department of Revenue calculates the figures based on sales for the previous year. It considers coefficients of 10 or below to indicate "good" performance, and 20 and above to be "poor." Then-secretary of the department, Mark Bugher, anticipated that proposed reforms would meet resistance but said uniformity was critical and the changes were necessary. "The goal of tax equity is of such central importance that we believe (the reforms) should be vigorously pursued," Bugher wrote in a Dec. 30, 1994, letter to then-Gov. Tommy Thompson. The study called for consolidating assessment practices, possibly to the county level, to "improve legitimacy by consistently applying more rigorous assessment standards." "Wisconsin will have to make a choice between a relatively low-cost, higher decentralized assessment system, or a higher cost and more centralized model," authors of the study concluded. "We can't have it both ways." But the study didn't spur major reforms. Have a complaint about your assessor? Email: bapdor@revenue.wi.gov Phone number: (608) 266-7750 Contact the state Department of Revenue:: (608) 266-7750 Dale Knapp, research director with the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, said overhauling the assessment system in Wisconsin is a subject that surfaces every 15 or 20 years but soon fizzles. Knapp suspects one of the reasons it doesn't gain steam is that most residents don't realize the extent of the problems. His Madison-based nonprofit research organization fields calls every day from taxpayers. While people complain about their property taxes, they don't understand how they work and are unaware of the fairness issues. "The vast majority are just confused by the whole system," he said. As it is, standardization is a long way off. While the Department of Revenue has attempted to improve oversight by encouraging municipalities to use standardized contracts and requiring additional and electronic reporting by assessors in the last few years, assessors statewide continue to struggle to get it right, and taxpayers are paying the price. Consider R&R Assessing Services, which has 33 contracts across the state, including several in Oconto and Shawano counties. In its analysis of municipalities with 20 or more sales, the Journal Sentinel found the company's assessments by the Department of Revenue's definition were "poor" in three of four communities. Same goes for Riglemon Appraisal Services, which has more than two dozen contracts in Adams, Sawyer, Wood and other counties. The company's assessmentsin nearly 75% of communities had a "poor" rating, according to the analysis. Claude Riglemon, owner of the company, said he knows his numbers don't look good. He blamed the problem on low sales prices from the depressed housing market coupled with reluctance by village and town leaders to spend money on revaluations. Coefficient of dispersion READ MORE A statistical measurement used to determine how close assessors are in their assessment of properties compared to the selling price. Indeed, one way to try to manipulate this number is to use the technique above, and set the value of properties that sold at the sales price. "They balk at the cost," he said. "Meanwhile this gap (in assessed values vs. market values) gets wider and wider." Sixteen percent of Accurate's municipalities with 20 or more sales are ranked as having poor assessments. The department's definition of "poor" stems from assessors having a wide difference between assessed values and sales prices. Essentially, the assessors are missing the mark and the assessments are not uniform. In those communities, 20% or more of the taxes are being paid by the wrong people. Some are paying more and others are paying less than their "fair share." Robert Strauss, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and a national expert on property tax assessments, said there is no reasonable excuse for an assessor to be off by 25% or more in either direction for residential properties. "That's a 50% range," Strauss said. "He or she should be fired." Strauss did a national study in 1998 that found Wisconsin had the 41st worst record in the country for uniformity. Advertisement Those in the field note that assessing a property is not like going to the grocery store and buying a bag of rice, where everybody pays the same price. Even condos with the exact same assets will sell at slightly different prices. For example, the owner may need to sell quickly; the buyer may be desperate. But the goal is to be as close as possible to actual market value. An overall number within 10% of market value above or below is considered "good" under department standards. Amie Trupke, a property tax attorney who represents municipalities across Wisconsin, said poor performance and lack of uniformity are concerns but that when considering appeals, the courts pay more attention to the individual property in question. "I don't think it's black and white," said Trupke, of Madison-based Stafford Rosenbaum. "There is a conflict ... It's a gray area when there's a great shift in the market. There are legitimate arguments on both sides." Trupke said property owners ought to regularly monitor the sales in their neighborhoods and that the burden is on them to object if they don't agree with their assessed values. "If the neighbor is that concerned, the neighbor has the opportunity to challenge his assessment as well," she said. 'It's a little game we play' Wauwatosa resident Anthony Aveni pays attention to the values in his neighborhood and sees himself as an activist. Gary Porter Anthony Aveni, 58, of Wauwatosa complained about the $251,500 assessed value of his 1,000-square-foot house in 2012. The assessor dropped the value to $216,300, saving Aveni $646 on his tax bill. "I'm aggravated and am constantly beating them back," he said of local officials collecting taxes. Aveni complained about the $251,500 assessed value of his house on Church St. in 2012. "It's just ridiculous," Aveni said of the assessment. "It's a mouse house. It's around 1,000 square feet and has no historical value." Aveni said he called the assessor and argued for the value to be lowered. "It's a little game we play," he said. "They over-assess, I go complain. I don't just roll over." The assessor looked for justifiable reasons, tinkered with the basement square footage, Aveni said, and dropped the value 14% to $216,300. "He may have found a mistake or just figured 'I have to shut him up,'" Aveni said of the assessor. The cut saved Aveni $646 on his tax bill. It was a maintenance year for Wauwatosa, and Aveni's neighbors' assessments remained unchanged. Their tax bills went up. twitter.com/RaquelRutledge rrutledge@journalsentinel.com After the war, Damien re-enrolled at Orami Tokples School, mainly learning the Catholic's catechism. Later he transferred to Buiana, a school led by a Father Mueller in the Toio valley of Panguna. Damien Dameng was born in 1930 in Dongtare hamlet. He was in primary school at Sovele Catholic Mission in the Bana District of South Bougainville when World War II came to Bougainville. THE IDEA of Meekamui was adopted in Bougainville politics by the late Francis Ona. But the concept was older than him, having been created by a student at St Joseph High School many years before: Damien Dameng from the Irang-Pangka valley in the Panguna District. By the 1950s he was at Tunuru Catholic Mission where he was suspected of being with Betoro, a woman from Topinang, and he was punished. In retaliation, Damien attacked a nun, Sister Juliana, who reported him to the American priest Father Hogan. Father Hogan duly removed Damien from Tunuru and transferred him to Puruata in Torokina, enrolling him at Mamarego Catholic Mission in Bana where he remained for two years. After spending time here he moved to Rigu, where he did Standards 9 and 10. It was intended that, after this, he should go to Tsiroge in Buka to learn a trade like carpentry or teaching. But by the early 1960s he had come to believe the mission was destroying Bougainville and decided to turn his back on the Catholic Church. He called Brother Bozaar, an Australian, and said, I am not going to Tsiroge, I am going home. At this same time, the Hahalis Welfare Society in Buka and other grass roots movements were active with their work. Damien Dameng called a few Kieta leaders to Irang and told them: The mission is killing us so let's go to our culture. So was born his group, the Meekamui Pontoku Onoring. Damien began protesting against the CRA exploration in the area and his movement soon had many followers across what is now the Panguna District. One factor in his success was captured by James Tanis writing in Bougainville before the Conflict (2005, p 461). While Dameng consequently stopped his campaign against sorcerers; at the same time he realised that the local government councils were worried about his influence, making him feel stronger than the councils. As support grew, Damiens agenda broadened to include nationalism and independence for Bougainville. We need an interpretation of Meekamui Pontoku Onoring. Meekamui is 'holy land' in the Nasioi language. Pontoku are sacred sites which have significant meaning in a clan's mythology or history. Onoring means we are alive' and is derived in the idea that, despite being negated, Bougainvilleans are still alive and able to defeat enemies. Damiens movement had three pillars; all concerned to drive Bougainville to its purest roots. These said that: Western education belongs to the bad spirits; Western health belongs to the dogs; and Western religion belongs to immature kids. James Tanis wrote that: Dameng opposed church teachings as trickery, the colonial administrators as thieves, and CRA and BCL as destroyers of land and culture. These ideas, Damien said, were also presented along with six live pigs to United Nations officials when they visited Kieta to meet church and government representatives. For him, it was an outstanding success that the government and church now owed him yet as well as not answering his assertions satisfactorily. His movement also forcefully closed schools in Panguna for three years in the early 1970s when the late Francis Ona was a young student. Most people supported the cause simply because it was vocal against the CRA operations in Panguna. Damien Dameng travelled mostly Kieta-wide advocating his movement and the anti-mining protest. This and other movements the influential Catholic Church labelled as cargo cult activities but they could also be seen as independence and, anti-mining and economic progress movements with Christian icing on top since religion was still influential. On the ground in Irang was Philip Nesii, Damengs cousin, who played an administrative role in what was now declared to be the Meekamui Pontoku Onoring government. People began referring to it as the 50 Toea Gavman due to its tax collection of 50 toea per head. Philip Nesii oversaw the detention of sorcerers in harsh conditions on an unoccupied area of the Tairengku ridge between Mosinau and Pangka and also was in charge of building a self-styled parliament house in the heart of Irang village. He said the parliament was to mature at Irang and later relocate to Arawa, the capital of Bougainville and Solomon Islands. To Nesii, the parliament consisted of four political parties representing the four major clans known in Kieta: Basikang, Kurabang, Barapang and Bakoringku. Parliament house was a square building with the Speakers seat at the centre and north. To Nesii, the Speakers seat was a 'holy of holies', and today what remains of it is still respected. At the west end, the parliament had a 100 member chamber made up of the Basikang and Bakoringku clans. In its east was the chamber for the 100 members of the Kurabang and Barapang clans. The south end of the house was for the women and Bougainville's minorities, like the people from the atolls. Beyond the parliamentary grounds was a symbolic monument in a form of a four-tongued star constructed with concrete in 1972. In its centremost part was a square hole representing the government of Bougainville and the four tongues were the major clans that made up the political parties of the Bougainville government. Nesii and Dameng told me in 2011 that since the 1970s the late Francis Ona had been exposed to Damien Damengs government and adopted it but with no positive intentions. Instead, when the opportunity arose, he transformed the concept into Meekamui Pontoku Si'punng eta osi'kaai-aang. As Damien saw it this was not much different from his and Nesiis teachings. To the brothers, the late Francis Ona was a militant trying to politicise their works to win the hearts and minds of Bougainvilleans who were losing faith in Onas rule. According to the brothers, Ona and his followers, by removing Onoring and replacing it with sipung eta osikai-ang, meant to make their government more appealing. The new idea now centred around the sipung eta (from the fireplace) and osikai-ang (owners of the land). Francis Onas government in Guava pushed that it was based on the principles from the fireplace, meaning aperson is safe if attached to his rightful home and only powerful in decision making on the land he rightfully owns or has inherited from his ancestors. The idea was that Bougainvilleans had to go back and reestablish their epistemological beginnings and protect all their land to be powerful enough to have control over their island. Note: Damien Dameng died in mid-2013 when he was about 82 years old, passing away after an accident that led to illness. He was a very famous dog meat eater in the Kieta area. I was with the brothers for a week in late 2011. Cemex participates in first underwater tunnel in Latin America 01 June 2017 Cemex participated in the construction of the Coatzacoalcos Underwater Tunnel in Veracruz, Mexico, an innovative infrastructure project in Latin America. The dimensions of this complex construction required the company to design and deliver special concretes to build the different structures that shaped the tunnel and its points of access. Because the construction was underwater, Constructora Tunel de Coatzacoalcos, the company managing the project, required Cemex to design specific concrete for the different structural elements and the agents to which they would be exposed. Through its quality department, Cemex worked with us to design the concrete mix used in the tunnel to meet the durability requirements specified by the needs of this project and international standards, explained Darwin Hernandez, technical manager of the construction project. Cemex supplied 48,000m3 of special products from concrete for the different structural elements to the design and placement of concrete pavement inside the tunnel and the toll area. The buildings materials producer supplied concrete in separate massive pouring of 600 and 800m3 or the slabs of the access ramps to the tunnel. Cemex offered its know-how and ability to solve construction challenges. Additionally, it followed up very closely with both the needs prior to the design of the project and the concrete formulations to proceed with the castings, added Jose Armengol Notario, production superintendent of Produccion de Constructora Tunel de Coatzacoalcos. Originated in the Netherlands, the chosen construction methodwhich provided the least impact on urban areasused large prefabricated reinforced concrete modules produced in a dry dock that were later transported to their final position and installed under water. For this project, five concrete blocks were built in a dry dock on the banks of the Coatzacoalcos River and later transferred and placed at the bottom of the river. The tunnel, comprising four lanestwo in each direction, is expected to ease vehicle traffic between the Coatzacoalcos urban area and the petrochemical industrial area of Villa Allende, while reducing commutes between these population centres from 30 to three minutes. Published under Lafarge reports higher sales from Czech operations 01 June 2017 Lafarge Cement's sales increased by nearly two per cent YoY to CZK992m (EUR37.6m) in 2016. The company expects a moderate growth or stagnation of the Czech market for this year, according to company spokeswoman Milena Hucanova. The results benefitted from an increase in local consumption, Ms Hucanova told CTK Business News. Full-year net profit amounted to CZK206m, up by 23 per cent YoY. The rise in net profit was also influenced by cost savings in terms of materials and energy consumption. Last year Czech cement consumption rose by an estimated 2.5 per cent to 3.76Mt. While local demand continues to recover and is significantly up on the 2013 nadir of 3.19Mt, it is still well below the 2007 record of 5.04Mt. Published under Judging from his examples you could be led to believe that it is criticism or poor treatment of another person on the basis of the colour of their skin and more particularly white disparagement of black people. In a recent article , Peter Kranz gave us a couple of examples of how it manifests itself but he didnt really explain what it is. Perhaps he assumed we must already know. But do we really? WHAT exactly is racism and why does it exist? Two questions Ive pondered and been baffled by for a long time. For instance, was Peter practising a kind of white on white racism by criticising the bloke who insulted his wife Rose? Ive never considered myself especially virtuous when it comes to racism but I do have trouble with the concept of judging someone by their skin colour. I think people are people whether they are black, white or brindle, but Ive occasionally had to pull myself up and ask whether what Ive said or thought is actually racist; I think weve all done that at some time or another. There is a hint in Peters examples of deeper reasons and, if you go to the type of racism preached by people like Pauline Hanson and One Nation, you can see that depth. In essence it is based on stereotyping: attributing mostly negative behavioural traits to people who look different or follow different social patterns. People who are not like you. We are in danger of being swamped by Asians actually means we are in danger of being swamped by people with almond-shaped eyes and light brown skin who are not like us. We are in danger of being swamped by Muslims actually means we are in danger of being swamped by people who are not Christians, wear funny clothes and have olive-coloured skin who are not like us. Maybe an Aboriginal leader on the shores of Botany Bay in 1788 once said We are in danger of being swamped by pasty-faced people in strange clothes with very dangerous fire sticks who are not like us. Maybe a clan leader in Hanuabada said something similar when HMS Basilisk hove into view in 1873. So why are people racist? Fear of the unknown, plain ignorance, lack of education, acculturation, isolation, parochialism, the need to have a target for dissatisfaction and anger, jealousy? It is probably all these things but I think the lack of exposure to people who are perceived as different has a lot to do with it. Ive spent most of my working life out in the sticks. What Ive noticed is that you find very little overt racism among people who interact with people of different colour or social practises on a regular basis. Farmers and pastoralists, except for the very rich ones, are not generally racist. There is much more racism in the cities, towns and suburbs where this sort of daily interaction seldom takes place. Racism is often pronounced in these places, especially the poorer areas where people of all persuasions and hue and penned in together. Racism doesnt necessarily mean white over black either. Sometimes its the other way round. In the early 1990s the Aboriginal Heritage Branch where I worked was transferred into a newly created Department of Aboriginal Affairs run by career-orientated Aboriginal bureaucrats. After a year or so of being subject to constant harassment, jibes and insults I left. That is what is commonly called reverse racism. It gave me a taste of what its like to be on the receiving end of racism. Apart from anything else, being constantly referred to as a white bastard was most unpleasant. That experience was pretty overt but racism can be subtle too. Racism practised by government is usually of this kind and is manifest in things like laws and regulations. Here Im thinking about the sort of racism practised by Peter Dutton and his ilk. The new laws against terrorism he has championed seem to echo the old White Australia policy for instance. Peter Kranz asked the question, Are Australians racist? Thats a generalisation that can only be answered in general terms. Were all Australians racist when the White Australia policy was in force? The answer is of course not. But you can appreciate someone outside Australia looking in at that time concluding that with a law like that Australians must be racist. And closer to home, what about the attitude of many Papua New Guineans towards Asians? Is that racism? You bet your boots it is. Why else would you torch someones shop simply because they are industrious and successful? Racism isnt as simple as a bunch of white supremacists tying a young Negro to a tree with barbed wire and beating him to death. It is more likely about people who are troubled or in dire circumstances looking for someone to vent their anger upon. It is about so many things that it is unexplainable. And that is probably why I and many people like me cannot understand it. KEITH JACKSON ONE of Papua New Guineas major newspapers has strongly dismissed allegations that it is not providing a fair and balanced coverage of the national election campaign. A spokesperson for The National said it always considers the public and national interests in its reportage. National Alliance Party president Walter Schnaubelt had claimed the newspaper was anti-NA, citing an attack by prime minister Peter ONeill on former government treasurer and NA leader Patrick Pruaitch. The newspaper disregarded the response from Pruaitch in its Monday edition, Schnaubelt said, adding that it had also buried a response from the NA party machine. Schnaubelt also claimed The National had twisted comments and ignored the partys other press releases. President Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the landmark Paris climate agreement was criticized by a slew of environmental groups Thursday. Trump, who made the announcement at the White House, said the Paris Agreement hurts the U.S. economy and threatens the nation's sovereignty. Withdrawing from the agreement would help the U.S. avoid future legal liabilities, he added. "It is time to exit the Paris accord and time to pursue a new deal that protects the environment, our companies, our citizens and our country," he said. "It is time to put Youngstown, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, along with many, many other locations, before Paris, France." By beginning the process to withdraw from the Paris climate deal, the U.S. would join two countries Nicaragua and Syria as holdouts. Representatives from 195 countries have signed the agreement, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and prevent global temperatures from continuing to rise. Under President Barack Obama, the United States signed the agreement last year. On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to pull out of the Paris accord. Regardless of Trump's promise, environmental groups still were stunned with the decision and the president's rationale for removing the U.S. from the agreement. Heather Coleman, climate change policy manager at Oxfam America, said on a conference call with reporters that Trump is pulling the U.S. back from the global fight against climate change. "This move puts America last in the race to build a clean, resilient future," she said. The Natural Resources Defense Council's Jake Schmidt noted that the U.S. hasn't committed to previous agreements in the past because some countries, such as China and India, declined to participate. That changed with the Paris Agreement. China and India signed the pact last year. Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists called Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement "probably the lowest point I've seen from a U.S. administration." "The reality is that climate change is affecting Paris, Kentucky as much as it's affecting Paris, France," he said. Removing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement won't be a quick process. The withdrawal date is four years from when the agreement took effect. That means the U.S. will leave the accord on Nov. 4, 2020, one day after the presidential election. Austin David Labor, 25, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A native of the Chattanooga area, Austin was born on Oct. 3, 1991. Austin was an avid outdoor enthusiast, gifted artist, traveler, involved member of his family, trusted friend, and proud owner of his faithful dog, Buckle. Austin is survived by his parents, Jim and Carol Labor, sister, Mel Ramirez, brothers, Jason and Ryan Labor, nephews, Landen Labor-Meeks, Connor Labor, and Liam Ramirez, and his grandparents, Lynda Story and Jim Story, and all his beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday, June 7, at 16703 Andy Thomas Road, 37373. Attendees may arrive beginning at 7 p.m. A memorial will begin at 7:30 p.m. at The Barn at Drewia Hills. Demonstrators hold signs as they march down Jorie Boulevard toward the McDonald's Corporate office headquarters during a protest, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Oak Brook. Fast food workers and supporters gathered from all over the nation to protest for a raise in their minimum wages and the formation of a union as a shareholders meeting took place inside the McDonalds Corporation headquarters office Wednesday. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) The typical business owner or operator can bristle at being told what to do, especially when it's the government doing the telling. This is particularly true when it comes to the provocative issue of raising the minimum wage. So it's no surprise that many business powers loathe the recently passed state legislation to boost base pay to $15 an hour by 2022. Advertisement I'm sympathetic to businesses' gut reaction but this minimum wage bill should be signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner. No, I am not against free enterprise and am always concerned about government overreach into the nitty-gritty of managing a company, especially when it comes to running a small business. Advertisement But there are economically progressive reasons for increasing the state minimum wage, which this proposed law seeks to address. The bill also gives companies a reasonable stretch of time to plan for and then make the mandated pay hikes, and offers some tax relief to smaller firms. Most important, it's time to face the fact that a higher state minimum wage has been needed for a while. Most employees are working harder and longer than ever before, but too many of those people, primarily in entry or low-end positions, aren't reaping the appropriate financial benefits for their efforts. Labor experts and economists contend if the U.S. annual minimum wage kept pace over the past few decades, as employee productivity posted double-digit gains, the federal minimum rate would be around $22 an hour. Indeed, providing modest increases linked to greater productivity was how the minimum wage worked for many years until the 1970s, when federal laws backed by corporate interests shifted away from regular hikes and many states followed suit. Presently, Illinois' minimum wage is $8.25 per hour, higher than the federal $7.25. This legislation allows Illinois to correct past inequities while improving the lot of many working families. Ask yourself: How will these wage earners spend their extra greenbacks? They'll plow them right back into the economy. Studies consistently have shown that minimum wage gains are immediately used to buy the basics of food, shelter and clothing. Advertisement That sparks economic activity, which generates more sales, earnings and growth, which leads to more robust state tax revenues and that helps everyone. I'll take it. One of the loudest arguments business interests make against the minimum wage measure is it will put Illinois at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring states, especially Indiana and Wisconsin, which have lower minimum wage rates. This is a serious concern, particularly for retail businesses, gas stations or outlets that can lose customers to cross-border competitors. Also, some Illinois-based companies could flee to another state. Nonetheless, based on years of talking to business folks, I'm skeptical that phasing in a higher statewide minimum wage will have such a bone-chilling effect. There are movements in neighboring states to boost the hourly minimum wage, so take heart because Illinois may not always be a Midwestern outlier. (Also, despite what you may hear in some corporate quarters, not every Illinois firm wants to relocate to Indiana.) Advertisement Illinois will join California and New York, which have passed similar initiatives, if this bill becomes law. Yes, that's a pretty big "if." Rauner has signaled he's against raising the minimum wage. A true believer in the prowess of the private sector, the governor's ire at the prospect of the state forcing companies to raise their hourly wage is understandable. What's more, some proponents of the bill haven't helped their cause by chiding corporate interests that have legitimate concerns about covering higher costs. But putting aside political rhetoric and ideology, the bottom line in favor of approving this minimum wage plan is pretty straightforward: It will improve the fortunes of working people who don't have fortunes. Isn't that good business? Advertisement roreed@chicagotribune.com Twitter @reedtribbiz Protesters from several cities calling for a $15 minimum wage march on North LaSalle Street in Chicago on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Illinois moved a step closer to raising its minimum wage this week, a development that raised hope among some low-wage workers and concern from businesses worried about ballooning payrolls. The Illinois Senate approved a bill late Wednesday just a day after the House passed the same measure that would gradually raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next five years. The measure now goes to Gov. Bruce Rauner, who called the bill "extreme" in a Thursday interview. Advertisement If signed into law, the first paycheck bumps would come Jan. 1, 2018, when the state's minimum wage would hit $9 per hour, up from the current $8.25. Small-business owners would initially get tax credits to help them adjust to the higher wages. "It's going to open a whole new gateway," said Elizabeth Tawiah, 19, of Chicago Lawn, a McDonald's employee earning $10.50 an hour who is a member of the Fight for $15 movement, which has pressed for higher wages. "I want to build a better future for myself, and if I want to want to start a family I'm going to be able to and not struggle as much." Advertisement But the possibility of a higher minimum wage has raised as much anxiety as optimism. Ed Schubert, whose family owns a Dairy Queen franchise in suburban Northbrook, said he's started to wonder whether his profits could shrink to the point that the "headaches" of running a business just aren't worth it. "It scares me, and I know it scares a lot of people," Schubert said. "We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out." Supporters of the higher minimum wage say workers who earn more will need less public assistance and spend more, providing an economic boost. But some businesses and industry groups say they're facing tight times too, and warned the measure could lead to higher prices and fewer jobs for entry-level workers. In the end, the gains from higher wages and lost low-wage jobs could end up canceling each other out, said Robert Bruno, professor of labor and employment policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "The likelihood is it will have almost no net effect on jobs," Bruno said. "Some jobs will be created because people will have more money in their pockets and will spend more, and some low-wage jobs will be lost." Rauner said he was open to a compromise on a minimum wage hike. But the bill that the Democratic-led General Assembly ultimately approved "would be crushing for our small businesses and crushing for job creation, and extreme," the governor told the Tribune Thursday. "Rather than do a real deal that's a compromise, they're doing something that they know that the business community would be just apoplectic about. And they know that I can't support that, that's not a reasonable compromise." Rauner, a wealthy former private equity investor from Winnetka, stumbled on the issue during the 2014 campaign, at first calling for the state minimum wage to be lowered $1 an hour to match the federal level. Later, Rauner backed a minimum wage increase, but only if tied to business-friendly legislation, including an overhaul of the state's workers' compensation rules. Whether or not the governor signs the bill into action remains to be seen, but Illinois businesses Thursday were already grappling with the potential consequences. Advertisement Vienna Beef pays a majority of its roughly 250 employees in Chicago, most of whom are unionized, more than $15 an hour, said Jack Bodman, co-president of Vienna Beef. Still, Bodman said, it's a challenge for his company when other competitors with lower labor costs in other states make products elsewhere and ship them into the Chicago market. Portillo's, the popular Oak Brook-based chain known for Chicago-style food, offers starting wages for crew workers ranging from to $10 to $14 an hour in the Chicago area, said spokesman Nick Scarpino. In every market, the company pays above minimum wage, he said. But the increase to $15 an hour would present challenges for the labor-intensive business, Scarpino said. Each Portillo's restaurant employs about 100 to 120 workers. The company hasn't raised menu prices for 18 months, but that could change if the wage bill were to be signed into law. "We would have to consider passing along costs to customers, reducing our costs or using technology to reduce costs," Scarpino said. "Something would have to change." Spreading the increase over five years will ease the impact of the wage increase, said Scott Baker, an assistant professor of finance at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Advertisement During the next few years wages will be rising naturally as the economy grows, so $15 will not be as large a jump in 2022, he said. But the gradual rollout also gives employers time to adjust in ways that could eliminate more low-skill jobs through technology, such as touch screens in grocery stores or ordering fast food via tablets, Baker said. McDonald's, the fast-food giant that's long been a focal point of the Fight for $15 movement, is in the process of renovating restaurants to add ordering kiosks and table service as part of an increased investment in technology. A McDonald's spokesman did not respond to requests for comment Thursday on potential impact of the minimum wage bill. Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said that at $15 an hour, companies may be more hesitant to take a chance on inexperienced hires. Schubert, the Dairy Queen operator, agrees, saying a higher minimum wage would make it difficult for companies to justify hiring young teenagers. By 2022, the minimum wage for minors who work less than 650 hours per year would rise to $12 per hour, according to the bill. Advertisement But that's still "more than they're worth," said Schubert. If wages go up, he predicts he'll try to keep headcount low but expect more from each employee, which likely will mean sticking to more experienced workers. "If we start losing the kids, they're not going to learn those work skills when they're younger," he said. But to Tawiah, the McDonald's employee, Illinois' current minimum wage simply isn't enough to get by. Even $15 is "right at the floor," she said. She lives with her father but knows she'll need to move out eventually. And she wants to be in school, but can't afford tuition while also paying the bills. "How am I supposed to do that on $10.50 an hour?" she said. "Would you be able to pull that off?" Monique Garcia contributed. Advertisement lzumbach@chicagotribune.com gtrotter@chicagotribune.com gmarksjarvis@chicagotribune.com The City of Chicago is facilitating the sale of the buildings at 202 and 220 S. State St. from the federal government to CA Ventures, which plans to rehabilitate the space as in this artists rendering. (City of Chicago ) A Chicago developer has struck a deal to buy a row of long-empty State Street buildings from the federal government, with plans to convert them to 429 apartments and retail space. CA Ventures plans a $141 million redevelopment of the buildings in the 200 block of South State Street, near the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, according to a news release from Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office. Advertisement The deal could breathe new life into a rundown stretch of the State Street shopping corridor, where the federally owned structures have long sat vacant. CA Ventures has a $10.38 million agreement to buy the buildings, pending approval by the General Services Administration and the Chicago City Council, according to the city. The deal is expected to be finalized by this summer. Advertisement The buildings, which range from three to 22 stories, have been vacant for years. The federal government bought the buildings in 2007, according to the city, with plans to replace them with new office space as part of an expanded complex of federal buildings. The GSA later decided against redeveloping the site. Under CA's plan, the 16-story Century Building at 202 S. State St. will be rehabilitated and expanded to include 159 studio and one-bedroom apartments. It was designed by Holabird & Roche and completed in 1915, according to the city. The 22-story Consumers Building at 220 S. State St. will be converted into about 270 micro apartments. That building was designed by Jenny, Mundie & Jensen, and opened in 1913. The historic storefront of one of the smaller buildings in between, a six-story structure at 214 S. State St., will be incorporated into a 25,000-square-foot retail and commercial base between the taller structures. In the news release, CA Ventures principal JJSmith said, "We plan to remove and catalogue the storefront and upper-level facade elements of 214 South State Street in hopes of restoring the Art Deco elements for future reinstallation." If it gains zoning approval to start the project, CA would pay $4.38 million into the city's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and $5.65 million into the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund, according to the news release. rori@chicagotribune.com Twitter @Ryan_Ori Boy Scouts raise the American flag during Glencoes Memorial Day ceremony on May 29, 2017. ( Daniel I. Dorfman / /Chicago Tribune ) Village President Larry Levin delivered a simple message this week about the costs of war. "The price of liberty is never cheap, not even for quiet little Glencoe," he said at the village's Memorial Day ceremony. Advertisement Levin spoke to a crowd of about 100 at Veterans' Memorial Park on the holiday morning. The names of 35 Glencoe men who, according to the Glencoe Historical Society, died in one of four wars were read aloud. But with 2017 marking the 100th anniversary of U.S. entry into World War I, this year's observance centered on the lives of five men with Glencoe ties that the Historical Society believes died during World War I or shortly thereafter. Advertisement According to Historical Society President Peter Van Vechten, Glencoe had a population of roughly 2,500 in 1917 and 247 local men were either drafted, enlisted or volunteered to go into the military. Five did not return, he said. "Today, we remain grateful for their service," Van Vechten said. Members of the Village Board, the Park District and the Historical Society provided snapshots of the lives and wartime efforts of Leon Bullard, George Brandenburg, Marinus Christensen, Kenneth MacLeish and Norman Hillock, who all died in Europe in World War I's final days or shortly thereafter. A letter from Hillock to his sister, Mabel, obtained by the Historical Society was read aloud. "Yesterday, Iflew over and around London at about 5,000 feet, and it gave me a quite a good view and idea as to the size of the city," Hillock wrote. "Mabel, it sure is enormous.As for the city itself, I wouldn't give South Avenue Glencoe for the whole of it, but I suppose it is a wonderful place in peace time." In a letter to his family, MacLeish described his time in aerial combat. "Just a word...will shatter all your illusions about this flying game," MacLeish wrote. "It may be great sport some of the time, but when it isn't sport, it's positively torture." The approximately 30-minute ceremony also included a local Boy Scout troop raising an American flag, two members of the troop playing taps, and Girls Scouts laying a wreath. Advertisement The audience heard the names of the 30 men the Historical Society believes had ties to Glencoe and died in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. "The First World War was called at the time, the 'War to End All Wars,'" Levin said. "As we know all too well, that has not happened, and on this Memorial Day, we again gather to honor our many Glencoe residents who participated in defending our liberty and all too often gave their lives that we might live in freedom today." Attendee Len Birnbaum, who said he served in Europe in World War II, was joined by other veterans who live at a Highland Park retirement home. "I feel a sense of poignancy," Birnbaum said. "The ceremony was absolutely beautiful." Glencoe resident Bob Wolfberg said the ceremony was "incredibly moving and touching." "It brings our country's history and soldiers' sacrifice very close to home," he said. Advertisement Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer for Pioneer Press. "Mimosas," the second feature from Morocco-based director Oliver Laxe, is a minimalist travelogue and crypto-Western, which offers relatively few clues to its goals and intents. Still, those familiar with the ethnographic works of Ben Rivers (who gets a thanks in the closing credits) and the films of Argentine director Lisandro Alonso ("Jauja") will find much to admire in the movie's combination of spiritual musings and stunning landscapes. Favoring longueurs by design, it is a decidedly noncommercial project that asks to be taken or left on its own terms. Laxe's first feature, "You All Are Captains," combined fiction and documentary elements, and he has said that "Mimosas" was inspired by his own travels with Said Aagli, who plays one of the main characters. The plot concerns a caravan in Morocco that's escorting a dying sheikh to the medieval city of Sijilmasa, where he will be buried. At the film's outset which one might easily mistake for being set centuries ago the travelers consider whether to shorten the distance by going through the Atlas Mountains, even though it's not clear if that holds a route to their destination. Advertisement In a disorienting transition, Laxe brings us to a seemingly more modern place, where there's a recruiting call for workers. Shakib (Shakib Ben Omar), who appears to be a mechanic but doubles as an amateur preacher for the locals (at one point he emblazons a car with a decal that reads, "Don't forget God"), is selected as a co-driver for the caravan. He is told that his goal is to help the group arrive safely. When he joins the travelers, he arrives by climbing over a hill, looking very much like a prophet. Although the sheikh soon dies, two roguish members of the caravan, Said (Aagli) and Ahmed (Ahmed Hammoud), who seem to have had plans to steal from the dead man, claim to know the way through the mountains. And so the film goes off the beaten track, plot-wise and geographically. The movie's largely scenic pleasures both visual and aural, with a great deal of windswept soundscaping wouldn't necessarily be out of place in Ford or Hawks, whether it's in a scene of river fording, a stunning shot of a lake by moonlight, or the simple sight of a mule nibbling at the sparse grass. Advertisement But as the group loses its bearings there is a bit of Gus Van Sant's "Gerry" here, and perhaps of Beckett as well Shakib grows increasingly overt in his appeals to faith, which he feels will guide the way to Sijilmasa. It's at this point that "Mimosas" begins to grow repetitive and perhaps more obscure, to the point that the most agnostic and literal-minded of viewers may have trouble going with the poetic flow. It's also clearly the sort of film that can seem at once spartan and over-conceptualized, in the sense that its narrative has clearly developed out of a series of abstract, academic theses. "Mimosas" is divided into three sections named for different elements of Islamic prayer, which perhaps provides one entryway on how to view the film's arc. "Mimosas" 2.5 stars No MPAA rating Running time: 1:35 Opens: Friday at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave.; www.facets.org RELATED STORIES: 'Wonder Woman' review: Finally, a DC Comics movie that works Advertisement 'I, Daniel Blake' review: Ken Loach calls attention to society's weakest 'Dean' review: Demetri Martin plays mild-mannered son mired in grief Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) AUBURN When Joe Wickes walks into convenience stores and gas stations, he often sees tobacco ads next to aisles bearing candy and chips and a wall of cigarettes and other products behind the counter. Wickes, the community engagement coordinator for the Tobacco Free Network of Central New York, spoke about the organization's efforts to educate people about tobacco and tobacco advertising at a community forum at the Phoenix Building in Auburn. The event coincided with Wednesday being World No Tobacco Day, a World Health organization-recognized day highlighting the negative affects of tobacco. Wickes discussed the results for its 2017 Adult Tobacco Survey, with information from polls conducted in Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego counties. He said the study showed 60 percent of Cayuga County residents polled would support a policy forbidding selling tobacco products in pharmacies. Wickes said he believes it doesn't make sense that pharmacies would carry "the only product in the world that when used as intended makes you ill and kills you." Wickes said the network can use poll information like that to discuss "policy options" with legislators in order to create change. Other results from the survey include 36 percent of county residents saying they think tobacco use is the most important health problem in their community, while 49 percent said it is as important as other issues, while 14 percent said they believed it was one of the least important health issues. Out of the county residents polled, 19 percent said they were currently smokers, with 16 percent indicating indicated they lit up every day while 3 percent indicated they partook only on some days. Wickes showed pictures he said were taken of Syracuse convenience stores and gas stations, including one of a tobacco ad placed by a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles outfit and chips. He said the average age for a new smoker is 13 year old. "They have to target young people otherwise they know they're not going to get replacement smokers," Wickes said. Kathleen Knopp-Haney, program coordinator for Reality Check a tobacco free network group focused on getting youth involved in rallying against the tobacco industry spoke about different marketing tactics that have been used. She showed off a display that resembles several large cigarettes and cigarette packs, with statements about the tobacco industry's marketing. 'We really wanted to make the message of "The tobacco industries will do anything to get their product in the front of kids."' The Reality Check booth includes some candy cigarette boxes that someone sent Knopp-Haney, including a box sporting a design seen in the 1930s She cited the candy as a way the tobacco industry targeted children decades ago. "It's a strategy that worked. When I was a kid, we wanted to get these in our Halloween bags," Knopp-Haney said before the forum. Knopp-Haney said she frequently drives past a McDonald's advertisement on Route 481 south of Oswego that has an advisement for a electronic vaping system in yellow-and-black colors and font similar to the restaurant's billboard. "To me, it's blatantly obvious and yet it's so simplistic that people see it and they just absorb it," Knopp-Haney said before the forum. Cayuga Community Health Network Executive Director Jessica Soule and Allie MacPhearson, program director for Unity House of Cayuga County's Growing Recovery in A Caring Environment House a network for those dealing with chemical dependency both attended the event. "I think it's helpful to know that not only is it a problem here but people are interested in taking steps to make some changes towards that," MacPhearson said. "(It's) overwhelming, but it's really amazing to see that there are such a huge minority of people to push back and actually address this and cause the community to actually address these issues and hopefully fight back against these millions of dollars that are being spent to basically manipulate our youth into adopting an unhealthy habit," Soule said. One wall in the fourth-floor galleries of the Museum of Contemporary Art is now papered over entirely in shiny, happy, smiley-face flowers. On top of it hang two paintings, "Flower Ball 2" and "Flowerball 3D," that showcase more of the same. It's happy daisies atop happy daisies, a ridiculously chipper tableau that challenges the viewer not to end up with a similar expression on his face, if not an actual outgrowth of petals on its perimeter. Advertisement That kind of sensory deluge is what visitors to "Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg" can expect from this signature exhibition of the Chicago museum in its 50th anniversary year. The mostly painting retrospective, opening Tuesday, displays massive, and massively detailed, canvases and argues for a fuller interpretation of Murakami's often overtly pop, commercial creations. "Total visual overload. You have the paper and the painting: What's more important?" said Michael Darling, the museum's chief curator and the exhibition's curator. "Like Doris Salcedo, Jeff Koons, Kerry James Marshall, he's one of those people that's in that pantheon, and yet I felt that he was misunderstood. There was more depth to the work, more seriousness to the work, than people give him credit for." Advertisement A detail from "PO+KU Surrealism (Green)," on display in the new Takashi Murakami exhibit, "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg," at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) The MCA was able to attract Murakami because he and Darling have worked together since a 2001 Murakami show, at Los Angeles' Museum of Contemporary Art, that Darling curated. "When I first started working with Michael, artists who would put together the elements of subculture and the serious contemporary art, even though there's been Warhol and other artists doing it, a lot of people thought of it as not serious enough or they just didn't like them," the 55-year-old artist said during an April visit to the museum to help install the almost 12,000-square-foot exhibition and plan new, monumental works that he has created especially for the show's final gallery. "Michael was one of the very few curators who were very positive about this kind of mixture. Of course, now there are a lot of curators who are very understanding of me and support me. But because he was one of the few at the beginning, I really trust him." Murakami at the time of the interview was, as he typically seems to be, tired from overwork, from the strains of his ambition. (A critic once labeled him "entrepreneur-Energizer Bunny-artist.") He took most questions in English, without interpretation, and answered them in his native Japanese. He would take off his glasses, pinch the bridge of his nose, deliver a thoughtful sigh or a laugh at a question that seemed a little preposterous why would a casual museumgoer come to your show? then start talking, delivering a vision of his work and talent that is surprisingly modest. "My true honest feeling is that basically I'm here out of sheer luck," he said. "I just happened to end up here out of sheer luck because even my classmates during my school years, people were always belittling me, saying I have no talent and have no sense of color and (demeaning) my character. So I don't have much of the pride or satisfaction. But I have some kind of disability or something about my memory, and I sometimes don't remember anything. So doing this kind of show and then having my past works all lined up, I sometimes find works that I didn't really remember. And when I see them, I still don't feel proud about them and still feel embarrassed by them, but I do feel like, 'Wow, I have made a lot of work.'" The museum windows directly behind him were already adorned with giant octopus-leg decals visible from the street below. He is now pushing an octopus character into his work and his merchandise. He even wore a kind of octopus hat and suit to the New York City promotional event the museum held in February for the upcoming Murakami retrospective, his first in the States in a decade, and its milestone anniversary. Here's what he means by an octopus eating its leg: "My works vary little by little," he said. "But often I design a piece and would then change colors, alter the design a little bit and then expressions a little bit. And then I work on the same theme by repetition almost. And of course, if possible I would like to come up with fresh ideas and designs every day. But that is not really possible, so every day I repeat and then in the repetition, once in a while I have a new idea or an inspiration and then I make that little progress at that time. It's just like an octopus who's really hungry, but there's really nothing around them. They just have to eat their own leg and then survive by eating their own leg until they by chance find that way to progress and reach that next step." Octopus tentacles decorate a front window of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago ahead of the opening of the Takashi Murakami exhibit, "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg." (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) In a couple of new, small works maybe they're more aptly called "signs" for the show, he offers a slightly different interpretation. The works bear the show's title in a kind of red graffiti lettering; in the background, in smaller print, is a career self-analysis and mission statement that is remarkably frank. "These days, things are getting out of hand," he writes, citing his attempts to guide an art fair, run a company and a sort of studio/factory making his art, and nurture younger artists. "I'm sickened by my own stupidity. The title of this exhibition, "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg," speaks to this atmosphere of desperation. To recap: I excite myself into a trance, create serious pockets of time and produce work against reason. On the other hand, I try to support young artists, but I am betrayed by them, losing out emotionally and financially." He hosts gallery shows, he says, that are great in the moment but lose money. "This stupid cycle is the situation embodied by the title." Advertisement For all his self-laceration, though, as he hinted at with his comment about winning over curators, Murakami is a darling in many quarters of the current art world. His extrapolations from anime and manga, and his coinage of the term "superflat" to describe both his painting style and a flattening of distinctions between high and low culture, have led to fame. There have been increasing prices from collectors, an uptick in interest by major museums and collaborations with Kanye West (the cover on the groundbreaking 2007 "Graduation" album shows a Murakami bear) and Louis Vuitton. But there are also some who write him off as merely pop, a sort of canny decorator whose signature flowers and Mr. DOB cartoon character suggest an essential frothiness. In a scathing review of a 2007 New York gallery show, New York magazine critic Jerry Saltz called Murakami "an artist who in the nineties excelled at ultrathin surfaces and magically vapid images of sex and consumerism" but who had become "so set on merging fine art with commercial product that by now all he's doing is moving merch." That was an image Darling wanted to correct with "Octopus," he said: "Getting people to understand the craftsmanship is a big deal for me and trying to dispel this notion of him just phoning it in and having this army of people making it. I wanted people to really understand how just insanely crafted these things are." The exhibition came about, he said, after a visit about four years ago to Murakami's Tokyo studio, where he guides a crew of about 100. "Seeing the most recent work, I got excited by that," said Darling. He asked to see the artist's earliest work as well, and those kind of expressionist paintings, including men against a nuclear cooling-towers backdrop that the show compares with an Anselm Kiefer work, are on display for the first time and help ground the later art. Maybe those aren't just happy, magic, woodland mushrooms in the big Mr. DOB sculpture on display. Without changing his fundamental style, the curator noticed, the artist these days is working deeper, more resonant echoes of Japanese history and art history into his paintings and sculpture. What might look like a collection of troubled cartoon characters, as in the "Arhats" paintings in the exhibition's penultimate gallery, becomes on closer inspection a riotously detailed meditation on mortality. A patterned backdrop from yards away reveals itself from feet as skull outlines formed in a pile, a recurring Murakami motif. "My 'Guernica,' perhaps," the artist says of one painting in the "Arhats" series, in the show catalog. The exhibition label puts this recent transition this way: "After finding himself at the center of an international culture of luxury and celebrity, Murakami questioned the commercial cartoon-like images he was known for and returned to classic Japanese paintings for inspiration. He researched the imagery of Buddhist monks and figures, drawing upon this more serious source material to address the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011." Advertisement "He's also thinking of his own legacy, what's really important to him," said Darling, leading a tour last week of galleries already hung with the giant canvases and often stocked with even more giant crates containing works about to go up. "I think people, once they get to this (second) half of the show are going to sense a shift, a new chapter underway. There's not such a crazy pop saccharine quality." That's not to say the show will spurn the commercial side of Murakami's work. Fashion designer Mark Ecko and his Complex "media platform for youth culture," in Wikipedia's words, will park a truck selling Murakami items outside the MCA on certain days. Expect plush toys in the gift shop, and, in addition to his special octopus hat and suit, Murakami has even created a mascot for the show. America is kind of a sweet spot for the artist, and he plays to it: "If you look at my work in Japan, it seems like it's way too obvious," he said. "In Japanese culture, there's sort of a tendency to think that less said is better and more beautiful or, you know, higher. So they really don't like context and things explained too much. On the other hand, in the West, there's a need to show the structure and the context, what's behind. That's what people are interested in. I feel in that sense my works are more understood here." Said Darling, "The showmanship, he admits he has had to do that to keep Japan on the map in contemporary art. He's the guy that has to be this he uses the term 'performing seal' to kind of keep attention on Japan and its issues and its culture." There's a new sense of intention, though, in his gestures, Darling argued, a feeling that they've become more meaningful. "He's gotten more kind of pensive, too, over the last five years or so," the curator said. "Maybe he's thinking more about his legacy, about what truly matters in art, what survives through the centuries. So I think some of those big things about life and death, spirituality, it's interesting to see that really seeping into the work." Advertisement sajohnson@chicagotribune.com Twitter @StevenKJohnson RELATED STORIES: 'Jurassic World' at Field an awesome mix of pop culture, science American Writers Museum sneak peek: far-reaching, dramatic Gender-neutral Castle exhibit lets children do medieval the modern way Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) This year, the 'Meet-Up at the Movies' spotlights a previously unreleased June 17, 1991 Grateful Dead concert from Giants Stadium in New Jersey. The show is widely hailed by fans as one of the greatest from the bands final decade of performing. (Kevok Djansezian/AP) NEW YORK A guitar that Jerry Garcia played everywhere from San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom to Egypt's Great Pyramids fetched over $1.9 million at an auction Wednesday night. The Grateful Dead frontman's guitar named Wolf was sold at the Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley, restaurant and music venue. The sale price includes the buyer's premium. The proceeds are earmarked for the Montgomery, Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center. Advertisement The guitar was owned by devoted Deadhead Daniel Pritzker, a philanthropist, musician and film director who bought the instrument in 2002 for $790,000. "I've been a fan of The Dead since I was a kid, and playing this iconic guitar over the past 15 years has been a privilege," said Pritzker. "But the time is right for Wolf to do some good." Advertisement SPLC President Richard Cohen said the organization is grateful Pritzker "is willing to part with this piece of music history to support the SPLC's mission fighting hate and bigotry." Jerry Garcia's famous "Wolf" guitar. (Guernsey's via AP) The auctioneer says Wolf first appeared in a 1973 New York performance the Grateful Dead gave for the Hells Angels. The instrument bears a devilish looking, cartoon-like image of a wolf's face eyes menacingly narrowed, ears pricked up, red tongue hanging out, fangs at the ready. The 1977 film "The Grateful Dead Movie" was directed by Garcia and features extensive footage of the instrument. Garcia died in 1995. RELATED STORIES: Jennifer Garner criticizes People magazine over cover story about her 'heartbreak' Chloe Grace Moretz apologizes for Snow White ad accused of body shaming Advertisement Chris Cornell's widow still awaiting details about his death Watch the latest movie trailers. Doctors may have been misled by an old report calling painkiller addiction rare, resulting in a slew of prescriptions for opioids. (Getty Images ) Today's U.S. opioid epidemic is rooted in a 1980 letter to a medical journal that played down the potential for painkiller addiction, a new report states. The 101-word letter, written by Boston University Medical Center researchers, asserted that "despite widespread use of narcotic drugs in hospitals, the development of addiction is rare in medical patients with no history of addiction." Advertisement That single letter published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine went on to be cited in hundreds of later scholarly articles as supporting evidence that long-term use of narcotic painkillers rarely caused addiction, said Dr. David Juurlink. He is a scientist with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto, Ontario. "The surge in opioid prescribing we have seen over the last 20 years is due in no small measure to doctors being reassured about the safety of opioids," said Juurlink, senior author of the new report. Advertisement Because of that message, prescriptions for painkillers like OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone) have nearly quadrupled in the United States since 1999, Juurlink said. More than 183,000 deaths from prescription painkillers were reported in the United States between 1999 and 2015. The original single-paragraph letter stated that in a review of 11,882 hospitalized patients treated with narcotics, the Boston researchers found "only four cases of reasonably well-documented addiction in patients who had no history of addiction." The letter went on to be "heavily and uncritically cited as evidence that addiction was rare," Juurlink and his colleagues found. Most of the citations glossed over the fact that the letter focused on narcotic painkillers taken in a hospital setting, where doctors could strictly oversee their use and watch for signs of addiction, said Samuel Ball, president and CEO of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. "The real opioid problem we have now has been created by free prescribing of opioids to outpatients," Ball said. "More than 80 percent of the subsequent articles did not mention the patients were in the hospital." A review of medical literature revealed 608 separate mentions of the letter, the new report states. Ball said, "As letters to the editor go, this one did get a lot more citations than a typical letter to the editor does." Nearly three out of four articles cited the letter as evidence that addiction rarely occurs in patients treated with narcotic painkillers, the new study reports. Advertisement Juurlink said it's clear many researchers cited the article without actually going back and reading it. "Anyone who goes and pulls that original paper will see there's nothing much to it," Juurlink said. "There was a mass uncritical citation of this letter. This letter effectively spawned hundreds of publications telling doctors and nurses that addiction was rare. When you hear something that frequently, you come to believe it's true." According to Ball, the letter was heavily pointed to as proof of opioids' safety throughout the 1990s and much of the 2000s, concurrent with the rise of the opioid epidemic. In particular, the new report pointed out, there was a "sizable increase [in citations] after the introduction of OxyContin in 1995." Juurlink believes the citations were made by well-meaning researchers and pain specialists who wanted to relieve suffering, but also were promoted by "companies with money to make if only they can get doctors to prescribe their pills." Others agree. Advertisement "It's clear that the pharmaceutical industry capitalized on poorly substantiated research and conclusions regarding risks of addiction to sell a campaign of influence to physicians and other health care providers," said Dr. Robert Glatter. He is an emergency physician with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. The manufacturer of OxyContin, Purdue Pharma, and three senior executives pleaded guilty in 2007 to federal criminal charges that they misled regulators, doctors and patients about the addiction risk of their product, the researchers behind the new review said in background notes. In response to the new article, Stamford, Conn.-based Purdue Pharma released a statement noting it has "accepted responsibility for the actions some of its employees took prior to 2002. "Since that time we have led the industry in developing abuse-deterrent technology, advocating for the use of prescription-drug monitoring programs and supporting access to naloxone all important components for combating the opioid crisis," the statement reads. Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is used to treat narcotic overdoses. Dr. Harshal Kirane is director of addiction services at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. He said the Boston University letter's impact has been noted before. "The fact that it was influential in the opioid epidemic, that's a known fact," Kirane said. "This new article simply reviewed the citation trail in a more systematic way." Advertisement The new report was published in June in the New England Journal of Medicine. RELATED STORIES: Dangerous opioid combo 'gray death' is latest mixing trend; authorities issue warning Americans think marijuana is safer than opioids, but say moms shouldn't use it Colleges can get free doses of naloxone for students overdosing on opioids There are clap backs, and there are mayoral clap backs. A fellow calling himself Richard A. Ameduri emailed Steve Adler, mayor of Austin, Texas, last week to complain about a women-only "Wonder Woman" screening at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin. Advertisement The note, which you can read in its entirety on Mayor Adler's website, called on men to boycott Austin. "The notion of a woman hero is a fine example of women's eagerness to accept the appearance of achievement without actual achievement," the email reads. "Women learn from an early age to value make-up, that it's OK to pretend that you are greater than you actually are. Women pretend they do not know that only men serve in combat because they are content to have an easier ride. Women gladly accept gold medals at the Olympics for coming in 10th and competing only against the second class of athletes. Name something invented by a woman! Achievements by the second rate gender pale in comparison to virtually everything great in human history was accomplished by men, not women." Advertisement There's more, but you get the gist. On Thursday, Adler responded. "I get thousands of emails, but this one just kind of stuck in my craw a little bit," Adler told me by phone Friday. "Dear Mr. Ameduri," Adler's reply begins. "I am writing to alert you that your email account has been hacked by an unfortunate and unusually hostile individual. Please remedy your account's security right away, lest this person's uninformed and sexist rantings give you a bad name. After all, we men have to look out for each other! "Can you imagine if someone thought that you didn't know women could serve in our combat units now without exclusion? What if someone thought you didn't know that women invented medical syringes, life rafts, fire escapes, central and solar heating, a war-time communications system for radio-controlling torpedoes that laid the technological foundations for everything from Wi-Fi to GPS, and beer? And I hesitate to imagine how embarrassed you'd be if someone thought you were upset that a private business was realizing a business opportunity by reserving one screening this weekend for women to see a superhero movie." Adler said he considered not responding at all, but that didn't feel quite right. "At some point, even when something's real outrageous, sometimes I think it's important to address it," he said. "Sometimes I think silence can be taken as acquiescence or even approval." His note continued: Advertisement "You and I are serious men of substance with little time for the delicate sensitivities displayed by the pitiful creature who maligned your good name and sterling character by writing that abysmal email," Adler writes. "I trust the news that your email account has been hacked does not cause you undue alarm and wish you well in securing your account. And in the future, should your travels take you to Austin, please know that everyone is welcome here, even people like those who wrote that email whose views are an embarrassment to modernity, decency, and common sense." Adler has three daughters, ages 33, 31 and 26. He said they're enjoying watching their dad trend on social media. He doesn't mind the attention either, though he wondered at first why other topics he's addressed (climate change, public safety) didn't find the same audience. "My first thought on that was, 'I wish people were paying attention to the important things,'" he said. "But when people talk to me about the note and what it meant to them, I realize this was important as well." Keep Austin savage, Mayor Adler. You're a superhero in your own right. hstevens@chicagotribune.com Twitter @heidistevens13 Advertisement This column has been updated from its original version. RELATED STORIES: Chicago mom honored as a 'superhero' for fight against city violence Women-only screenings planned for 'Wonder Woman' at some theaters 'Wonder Woman' review: Finally, a DC Comics movie that works Illinois ranks 25th in the nation for keeping children safe, secure and healthy, according to a new report from Save the Children. The 98-year-old international organization identified eight "childhood enders" events that signal the end of a protected, playful period of life: A child dies; a child is severely malnourished; a child is forced into labor; a child is a victim of violence; a child has a child; a child drops out of school; a child is forced into marriage; a child is displaced by conflict. Advertisement The study then analyzed 172 countries and all 50 states by those measures. The United States ranked 36th in the world, just under Bosnia and just above Russia. "It doesn't paint too hopeful a picture that for 700 million children around the world, including here in the United States, childhood is ending too soon," Richard Bland, Save the Children's national director of policy, advocacy and development, told me. "We believe every child deserves a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm." Advertisement Illinois neighbors Iowa and Wisconsin ranked significantly higher than we did at fifth and ninth, respectively. Neighboring Indiana and Michigan fared worse at 35th and 28th, respectively. "It comes down to resources," Bland said. "And by resources, I mean not just the investment the state makes, but also access." Illinois has what Bland calls a "porous social safety net." We have high quality medical care, for example, but too many residents can't access it. (We rank 26th in the nation for preventing infant mortality and 37th for protecting children from violence.) "The question isn't just how much is being invested in proven programs," Bland said. "But how much access do families have to those proven programs?" Bland says the report is a call to arms for policymakers and voters, particularly at a time when state and federal budgets are being debated. "The tragedy with so many of these childhood enders is we know how to prevent them," Bland said. It's a moral choice to invest in programs that could prevent children from being robbed of their childhood." On Save the Children's website, you can sign a petition urging Congress to protect Head Start, child care and development block grants, maternal and infant health programs, and other social safety nets. "Programs that help kids have access to health, education and food security and that help protect them during humanitarian crises must be protected," it reads in part. Advertisement Save the Children has been operating in the United States since the Great Depression, initially providing clothing, school supplies and hot lunches to kids in Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee. Its founder, British social reformer Eglantyne Jebb, said, "Humanity owes the child the best it has to give." "How you treat and invest in children says something about a society," Bland said. "On a moral level, it's unconscionable to think just because you were born in one ZIP code versus another, you don't have the right to a full childhood. "Economically," he continued, "it's short-sighted not to invest in children. About 25 percent of the world's population are children, but they represent 100 percent of our future." hstevens@chicagotribune.com Twitter @heidistevens13 RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Illinois lags in new study that ranks states by residents' well-being Which states have the best children's health care? A CPS spelling whiz and a lesson in community In 2008, Democratic donor and businessman J.B. Pritzker had phone conversations with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich that were recorded by FBI agents investigating Blagojevich for public corruption. Pritzker is now a candidate for Illinois governor. (Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) The beauty of being a billionaire in politics is that you can say you're not beholden to anyone. And J.B. Pritzker, Democrat and billionaire, is running for governor of Illinois. Advertisement When you're a billionaire in politics, nobody can buy you. So you don't have to fall to your knees and beg the political money men, then bounce up like a medieval jester to tell voters you're an independent who'll speak truth to power. So being a billionaire isn't all that bad a thing in politics. Advertisement But wealth can't save you from moronic self-inflicted wounds. If you're a Pritzker, you can stupidly spend millions to buy the house next door to your mansion, have plumbers take out all the toilets to make it technically "uninhabitable," and then hire lawyers to get you a fat property tax break, which will anger voters when you run for governor. Pritzker's tax break was $230,000. And he didn't even have the decency to get his hands dirty and take the toilets out himself. That one was in the Sun-Times. And now another story just dropped on him in the Chicago Tribune. If you're Pritzker, you can drop campaign cash on a governor, and with that get access to chat with said governor about some political office you might want, like state treasurer, with the FBI listening in. Yeah, the FBI. And they record conversations and make transcripts. "Ooh, interesting," the now-imprisoned crooked former Gov. Rod Blagojevich said during a 2008 call recorded by the feds. Blagojevich got all perky when Pritzker mentioned he wanted to be state treasurer. Advertisement "Let's think about that," Blagojevich teased in the Tribune story. "You interested in that?" "Yeah," said Pritzker, "that's the one I would want." Imagine that one in a campaign commercial: Yeah, that's the one I would want! So it's obvious there are advantages to being wealthy in politics, but also disadvantages. Few people tell a rich man that he's got some truly stupid ideas. People generally smooch wealthy behinds, because they love money and hope that behind-smooching is the way to get some. But while the behind-smooching is going on, advisers, sycophants and others are unable to use their lips to speak, and so they can't mention a simple truth: Advertisement That trying to get a property tax break the Chicago Way, or sucking up to a politician on the phone for a political job, is pretty darn stupid. I don't know which is more devastating: Pritzker getting a $230,000 tax break for his mansion or Pritzker's voice on the FBI tape talking to Blagojevich. Both are terrible. The Tribune story comes with audio, so you can hear the political lust. And the Sun-Times story is perfect for direct mail advertising. Democrat Chris Kennedy, also running for governor, slammed the tax appeals loophole idea and called it "extortion." He didn't mention Pritzker's name or any others. He didn't have to. "They're dropping on him fast because they want him gone," said a pro-Pritzker Democrat who came up in politics on his own and doesn't make stupid mistakes. Predictably, the Pritzker campaign is upset, with everyone but Pritzker. Advertisement "If one listens to the actual calls released in the story, there was nothing untoward about J.B.'s conversations with the Governor," said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Galia Slayen in a statement. "Throughout J.B.'s life he's had an interest in serving the people of Illinois and that's exactly what he expressed when discussing a potential opening in the Treasurer's office. In fact, when the Governor brings up whether J.B. would be interested in being appointed to the Senate, on multiple occasions J.B. expresses he is not and moves away from the type of conversation that landed Rod Blagojevich in prison." The Pritzker campaign then blamed Rauner and Republicans and even the Tribune for their troubles. I quoted Team Pritzker at length to be fair, and it was a rather Homeric effort to spin the story away. So I applaud plucky tenacity. But there is the problem: Bruce Rauner and the Republicans did not force Democrat Pritzker to dance along the Chicago Way and get a real estate tax reduction that most taxpayers can only dream of. Rauner didn't make those toilets disappear either. Advertisement And Republicans didn't grab Pritzker and have him call Blagojevich to talk about what office Pritzker might like. He did that himself. Republicans didn't tell Pritzker what to say, or how to say it, cozying up to Blagojevich on the phone with the FBI listening. And apparently, nobody told him these were two of the most stupid things anyone interested in a political career could do. I don't think J.B. Pritzker is evil, he's just inexperienced. An experienced politician would have used a buffer for Blago and wouldn't have played disappearing toilet bowls for a property tax reduction. And whether Democrat or Republican, the wealthy think they can waltz in and play politics because all their life somebody is around to smooch their behinds. But as we've seen, sooner or later the smooching stops and reality breaks out. Advertisement Illinois Republican Chairman Tim Schneider says that blaming Republicans for Pritzker's problems is ridiculous. "Pritzker finds a loophole of getting taxes reduced, the toilets in the house next door are disconnected, he gets a tax break and other taxpayers ending up paying the difference," Schneider told me. "It's fraud. He's using the system to shift the burden to others." Voters don't like that. Pritzker can eventually change the subject. It costs money but he's always had plenty of money. What he needs is to pay someone to save him from himself. Listen to "The Chicago Way" podcast, previewing the 2017 Printers Row Lit Fest, with Elizabeth Taylor, the Chicago Tribune's literary editor, at http://wgnradio.com/category/wgn-plus/thechicagoway/ Advertisement jskass@chicagotribune.com News of possible reductions in service on Metra's Electric District line has Amber Raycove concerned her commute will get harder. The 22-year-old Blue Island resident said she she relies on the train to get to her contractor job at the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. Advertisement "I might not be able to work Saturdays anymore," Raycove said at her stop after returning home Saturday afternoon from work. A proposed schedule change to the Electric District line would make cuts mostly in the early morning and late evening in Blue Island and South Chicago, and completely eliminate Saturday service on the Blue Island branch, Metra officials said. Advertisement Ridership on the Electric District line, which runs from Millennium Station in Chicago's Loop to Blue Island, has dropped overall nearly 14 percent over the last six years, according to Metra figures. For the Blue Island branch, the decline has been even steeper, at 17.5 percent over the past three years. "There are very few riders on Saturday," Raycove admitted. Only a handful of people departed the same train she took home over the weekend. Fewer than 100 passengers total take the Saturday inbound Blue Island trains, Metra officials said. Meanwhile, ridership at the Hyde Park stations has jumped more than 7 percent over the past three years, leading officials to look at boosting service between Millennium Station and Hyde Park. Under the proposed schedule, riders would see weekday trains every 20 minutes or less instead of every hour or more between Millennium Station and three Hyde Park stations until 7 p.m., Metra officials said. Officials announced the proposed changes last week at the commuter rail service's monthly board meeting. The proposed service schedule does not pertain to Metra's Rock Island District, which also services Blue Island. But the Rock Island train does not stop in Hyde Park. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Katherine Hodges, 40, who lives in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood, said, "Obviously, there's still the Rock Island that goes into Blue Island every day ... I would ride that branch." Hodges said she has used the Electric District line about once a month to visit friends in Blue Island, but wouldn't have a problem switching. Advertisement But, other cities along the Blue Island branch are not serviced by another Metra line. Fred Anderson, 43, of Alsip, uses Metra trains only a few times a year. For riders such as him who don't use Metra as often, cuts on the Blue Island branch would have less of an impact. "I probably wouldn't even notice," he said. Public meetings on the the proposed changes are from 4 to 7 p.m. on June 19 at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago; 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. Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. As President Trump was weighing his decision to pull the United States out of a historic climate agreement, there was much debate between opponents and supporters about the implications for Americans. Opponents argued that staying in the deal that was reached outside Paris in 2015 was bad for the U.S. economy, and some suggested that it could affect the administration's ability to roll back domestic climate programs with which it did not agree. Those arguments were strongly refuted by the pact's supporters, who said that the cost to the U.S. of staying in the accord would have been minimal. Advertisement Here is a refresher about what the Paris agreement will and won't do. What is the main goal of the deal? The stated goal among global climate negotiators has long been to reduce emissions enough so that global temperatures rise no more than 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, by 2100. That is the level at which scientists say the most catastrophic effects of climate change can be avoided. Advertisement That goal was not met at Paris, but few people expected it to be. The agreement includes provisions for revisiting emissions goals every five years with the intention of regularly revising them upward "to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible." The five-year time frame was pushed heavily by the United States. What about this new 1.5-degree goal? The agreement also defines a more ambitious goal: limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As the conference unfolded, a group of developing nations, including representatives from poor countries and some island nations threatened by rising seas, successfully pressed to include 1.5 degrees as an "aspirational" goal. That threshold, experts say, could further reduce risks from global warming, potentially preventing the melting of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, but it would require more extensive emissions reductions and, potentially, new technology for capturing carbon. The agreement invites the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which operates under U.N. auspices, to provide a special report in 2018 on the impacts of such a goal. Who sets each nation's goals? The nations themselves. Each country committed to phasing out the use of fossil fuels while increasing renewable energy. Each sets its own emissions targets and comes up with plans for meeting them. The agreement does not include rigid timelines by which the goals must be met, nor does it make the goals binding under international law. Then-U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry made clear in the days before the conference that the United States would not commit to binding targets, in part because legally binding targets would require approval by the Republican-controlled Senate, which had not been supportive of the Obama administration's climate goals. Then how will countries be held accountable? While emissions targets themselves are not binding, nations will be required to submit to outside monitoring of their progress an idea negotiators referred to as transparency. The United States successfully argued for a single framework, but developing countries like China and India ensured they will not need to meet the same requirements. Article 13 states: "In order to build mutual trust and confidence and to promote effective implementation, an enhanced transparency framework for action and support, with built-in flexibility which takes into account parties' different capacities and builds upon collective experience, is hereby established." Who will pay to develop the renewable energy that must replace fossil fuels and to help countries deal with the effects of climate change? Another tender topic. Poor and developing countries wanted wealthier nations to pay to help develop new, clean energy sources that would not prevent them from growing economically. In the end, that is basically what happened, but some developing nations were frustrated that the agreement does not include a legal commitment to an annual amount specifically, $100 billion per year, a figure that has long been suggested. However, developed countries have pledged to provide no less than that figure and ramp up their contributions in the future, a provision that India wanted. Article 4.4 of the agreement states: "Developed country parties should continue taking the lead by undertaking economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets. Developing country parties should continue enhancing their mitigation efforts, and are encouraged to move over time towards economy-wide emission reduction or limitation targets in the light of different national circumstances." Advertisement The agreement commits all nations to cooperating to address a wide range of ways in which poor and developing nations deal with climate-change effects whether from extreme storms or "slow onset events" like rising seas an idea called "loss and damage." The agreement states that countries signing on "recognize the importance" of minimizing and addressing damage caused by climate change and the role of "sustainable development" in reducing the risk of loss and damage. william.yardley@latimes.com Twitter: @yardleyLAT Times staff writers Chris Megerian in Le Bourget, France, and Alexandra Zavis in Paris contributed to this report. MORE ON THE CLIMATE AGREEMENT Advertisement Climate change deal updates: Accord is the best chance to save the planet, Obama says UN Climate Change Draft Jerry Brown in Paris: California governor goes deep on climate change and other global threats UPDATES: 12:35 p.m.: This article was updated with President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. This article was originally published on Dec. 12, 2015. A cabdriver was shot early May 31, 2017, as he was picking up a customer on the West Side, according to Chicago police. (Elvia Malagon / Chicago Tribune) Chicago police on Thursday asked for the public's help in finding a gunman who shot a cabdriver in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. The man is believed to have shot Talal Kurdieh, 58, as he waited for a fare in the 700 block of North Avers Avenue just after 1 a.m. Wednesday. Kurdieh was shot in the chest but was stabilized at Stroger Hospital. He had been expected to be released later Wednesday, according to his family. The man who attacked Kurdieh, a 30-year cabdriver in Chicago, was described as a black man with a dark complexion, about 20 to 24 years old, standing about 5-foot-7 and weighing 120 to 130 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information can call Area North detectives at 312-744-8200 or submit an anonymous tip via TIPSOFT.COM. A 42-year-old man was ordered held on $750,000 bail Thursday after DNA testing showed he was the father of a young relative's child, officials said. Frank Acevedo, of the West Lawn neighborhood, began touching the girl sexually not long after she turned 8, prosecutors said at a bond hearing Thursday. Advertisement As the girl grew older, the sexual assaults escalated, prosecutors said. The girl became pregnant at 15, giving birth in 2013. Months after giving birth she told another relative that Acevedo was the father, prosecutors said. A search warrant was issued against him and required Acevedo to submit to a DNA swab in August 2016. The victim and her child also were tested. Lab results dated in April came back with a 99.999 percent possibility of Acevedo being the father, prosecutors said. Advertisement Acevedo was arrested May 30, and charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal criminal sexual assault. In his hearing Thursday, he was ordered held in lieu of $750,000 bail. An extra-alarm fire gutted a Northwest Side furniture store in the Logan Square neighborhood Thursday morning, but no injuries were reported. Police were initially called to the Famsa store in the 2900 block of North Milwaukee Avenue around 8 a.m. after flames set off a motion detector, according to Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Timothy Sampey. Officers smelled smoke and called 911. Firefighters forced their way into the locked three-story building and saw smoke filling the first floor. A 2-11 alarm was called for more personnel and equipment, then a 3-11 alarm was called around 8:40 a.m. after part of the roof collapsed, the department said. Video from news helicopters showed orange flames and thick smoke rising from the building as the 3-11 was called. By 10 a.m., firefighters were attacking the blaze from aerial ladders, trying to keep the flames from a basement filled with mattresses, Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said. "We want to get the roof open so we can attack the fire from above so it doesn't drop down into the basement," Langford said. On Milwaukee Avenue, two firetrucks, their ladders extended, hosed the roof of the store. On the street, a crew sprayed a jet of water into the storefront's shattered windows. Inside the charred building, accordion-like security cages were still locked. "It's a stubborn fire," Sampey said at the scene. "It's a furniture store. There are many avenues for the fire to travel through this building without any fire stops." The fire was finally brought under control around 10:45 a.m. About 150 firefighters responded to the blaze. Advertisement As of Thursday afternoon, Langford said the cause of the fire was still unknown, but that it most likely started in the upper floors of the building. The Office of Fire Investigations was working to determine the cause of the blaze, Langford said. Fire officials said the store was not open for business yet when the alarm was tripped and no one was inside. The furniture store was a total loss and was to be demolished, according to Chicago Building Commissioner Judy Frydland. "It's in imminent danger of collapse. The front facade could come down at any time," Frydland said Thursday morning. "The only thing holding it up right now are the two buildings alongside it." Frydland said the 2900 block of Milwaukee Avenue could be closed well into Friday as the facade is torn down. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Chicago firefighters pour water on a 3-11 alarm fire at a furniture store in the 2900 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in the Logan Square neighborhood on June 1, 2017. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) Lucero Agosto watched Thursday morning as firefighters pulled hoses into Los Dos Leones, a restaurant and bar next door to Famsa. She started working as a cook at the restaurant Monday and worried that damage from the fire could put her job in jeopardy. "I heard about the fire and said, 'This can't be happening to me,' " Agosto said. "But there's always something to do. They say that faith moves mountains. I've got faith." Advertisement WGN-TV contributed. Firefighters battle a blaze on Milwaukee Avenue near Central Park Avenue on June 1, 2017. (Dan Hinkel / Chicago Tribune) (Dan Hinkel / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Imani Walker, 15, went missing April 8, 2017, in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. (Chicago Police Department) A 15-year-old girl went missing about two months ago in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the Southwest Side, Chicago police said. Imani Walker was last seen April 8 near 63rd Street and Campbell Avenue. Police said her family is concerned for her well-being. Advertisement She is described as black with a dark-brown complexion, black hair and brown eyes. She is 5-foot-2 and about 150 pounds, police said. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact detectives at 312-747-8380. David Buckner, 22, went missing May 30 in Washington Park neighborhood. (Police photo) Chicago police are asking for the public's help in locating a man who went missing Tuesday in the Washington Park neighborhood. David "DB3" Buckner, 22, was last seen in the 5200 block of South Indiana Avenue. He was wearing a beige jacket, black T-shirt with paisley print, dark gray jogging pants and dark-brown Jordan gym shoes with aqua laces, police said. Advertisement Buckner has shoulder length dreadlocks and a beard. Police said his hair may have debris in it. Buckner is known to frequent downtown areas, including State and Lake streets, Ogden Avenue and State, and the Wicker Park neighborhood. He also frequents the southern suburbs near Lansing, South Holland and Harvey, police said. Advertisement He is described as black with a medium complexion, black hair and brown eyes. He is 6 foot tall and about 175 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact detectives at 312-747-8380. Federal prosecutors want a reputed Chicago mob figure to curtail his day-to-day duties at a local laborers union while he faces charges stemming from an alleged scheme to fraudulently qualify for early retirement benefits. John Matassa Jr., 65, pleaded not guilty Thursday to a 10-count indictment charging him with wire fraud, theft of government funds, embezzlement from a labor organization and making false entries in union records. The most serious charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. Advertisement U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly released Matassa on his own recognizance, requiring him to turn in his passport and firearm owner's identification card. During the 10-minute hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Rothblatt said prosecutors had a "sincere concern" that while awaiting trial, Matassa, secretary-treasurer of the Independent Union of Amalgamated Workers Local 711, would be free to communicate with witnesses in the case and continue to make decisions on how to spend union members' dues. Advertisement Rothblatt said prosecutors would be asking for Matassa's communications and financial duties to be restricted while the case was pending. Matassa's lawyer, Robert Michels, objected, saying the union has a board of trustees that is "fully capable" of making personnel decisions without court intervention. Kennelly asked prosecutors to put the request in writing before he ruled. Matassa, of Arlington Heights, appeared in court Thursday in a blue suit jacket and shirt with no tie. He spoke only to answer "Yes" in a husky voice when Kennelly asked him if he understood his rights. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > An indictment handed down last week alleged that Matassa put his wife on Local 711's payroll in a do-nothing job in February 2013 while lowering his own salary, authorities charged. He then applied for the early retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration's Old-Age Insurance program, listing his reduced salary, enabling him to qualify for those benefits, the indictment alleged. The charges also alleged that Matassa personally signed his wife's paychecks from the union and had them deposited into the couple's bank account. In the late 1990s, Matassa, nicknamed "Pudgy," was kicked out as president of the Laborers Union Chicago local over his alleged extensive ties to organized crime. Matassa's name also surfaced during the 2009 trial of a deputy U.S. marshal who was convicted of leaking sensitive information to a family friend with alleged mob ties, knowing the details would end up in the Outfit's hands. Advertisement The leak involved the then-secret cooperation of Outfit turncoat Nicholas Calabrese, whose testimony led to the convictions of numerous mob figures in the landmark Operation Family Secrets. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com Twitter @jmetr22b A United Airlines plane returned to O'Hare International Airport after striking a flock of birds shortly after takeoff Thursday morning, officials said. United Flight 1738 was headed for Miami when the plane hit the birds and the pilot shut down one of the engines, according to a United statement. The plane returned safely to O'Hare at 8:25 a.m., the company said. There were 174 passengers on board and a crew of six. United said the passengers were put on another flight that departed at 10:40 a.m. Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker launched a new TV ad Thursday that outlines budget failures during Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's tenure as Pritzker's campaign finds itself tested by his past connections to imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "What's happening in Springfield is offensive to our values and who we are as a state. And Bruce Rauner blames everyone but himself," Pritzker says in the one-minute spot. "The failure to pass a budget isn't just about numbers. It's creating real damage to people across Illinois, especially to those most vulnerable in our society." Advertisement Pritzker, a billionaire investor and entrepreneur, has been running expensive ads since early May. The new ad is the first to mention Rauner, indicating Pritzker's campaign has shifted from its introductory phase. In it, he discusses a litany of social service programs that have curtailed services or collapsed due to the lack of a budget. "And with Donald Trump in the White House, now more than ever we need leadership in our state that's committed to fighting for the people of Illinois," Pritzker says. "None of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. We have to fight for what we believe in. That's why I'm running for governor." Advertisement The ad comes as the Illinois General Assembly once again failed to approve a full-year comprehensive state budget by its scheduled spring session deadline, extending a historic impasse fueled by a political and ideological battle between Rauner and the Democratic-led legislature. The spot also comes following a Chicago Tribune story published Wednesday that Pritzker and Blagojevich were captured on a wiretap in 2008 discussing potential political appointments as the FBI investigated Blagojevich for corruption. The recordings show Pritzker expressing interest in the then-governor appointing him state treasurer if a vacancy occurred, and Blagojevich urging Pritzker to keep an open mind on considering a potential appointment to former President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat. "My interest in holding public office is, you know, always large," Pritzker told Blagojevich in one call. In another conversation, Blagojevich also asked Pritzker "if you can do for me what you did for" Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Pritzker had donated $50,000 to Madigan in the previous year. "I can't, I mean, not while everything's up in the air, but I hear ya," Pritzker replied. "I hear ya and, and, and But anyway " As Blagojevich pressed the issue, Pritzker went on to say, "I don't think we should even talk about it, but I understand what you're saying." Pritzker said Wednesday that "there was nothing inappropriate" about his conversations with Blagojevich. Advertisement The Illinois Republican Party, which Rauner heavily funds, took to Twitter on Thursday to highlight the Tribune's Pritzker story, but digitally altered a version of the newspaper's front page to make it appear that the article, with a photo of the Democratic candidate and Blagojevich, received more prominent display. In doing so, the state GOP digitally erased a story of potential political embarrassment to Rauner that appeared directly above the Pritzker article. That story dealt with the resignation of George Sheldon, a Rauner appointee who faced controversy as director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. State GOP spokesman Steven Yaffe said the alteration was "the digital version of putting a (newspaper's title) masthead and headline in an advertisement." Political advertisements often display newspaper headlines, but display the newspaper's masthead separately from the story. In addition, the state GOP's manipulation of the Tribune front page left an adjacent story on the page, making it appear that what was posted on Twitter was the actual front page. rap30@aol.com Twitter @rap30 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 In a flurry of activity on the last day of their spring session, Illinois lawmakers advanced a handful of proposals that had been percolating all year, though none will end the state's long budget fight. Advertisement * A plan to crack down on repeat gun offenders has been sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk after a lobbying effort by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson. House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs sponsored the legislation, and Rauner supports it. *Also on Rauner's desk: Legislation that would increase the state's minimum wage from $8.25 an hour to $15 an hour by 2022 over the objections of Republicans who said it would hurt businesses. The move came just hours after business groups aligned with Rauner criticized lawmakers for what they said was the "worst" legislative session for employers. Advertisement *Rauner has been asking for legislation to allow him to proceed with selling the Thompson Center. Lawmakers voted to do just that Wednesday night. But the governor's administration has objected to Democrats' version, contending that the state needs the ability to influence future zoning changes and development fees at the site. And Senate President John Cullerton put a procedural hold on the plan, keeping the paperwork off the governor's desk for now. *Democrats also voted for a proposal to rewrite how Illinois divvies state money up among its hundreds of school districts. The point is to send more state money to less wealthy districts. Emanuel praised provisions aimed at helping Chicago Public Schools, "I hope the governor does what is in the best interests of children across the state and signs this bill into law." Republicans, though, called the CPS provisions a bailout. *The Senate approved a plan to make voter registration automatic for Illinois residents seeking a new or renewed driver's license or state ID, unless they choose to opt out. Rauner vetoed a previous version last year, but Democrats made changes to the plan, and Republicans voted for the latest one. *And the Senate sent Rauner legislation that would make it easier for transgender people to update the gender designation on their birth certificate. Current law says transgender people can only change the sex listed on their birth certificates if a doctor says they've had transition surgery. The bill would allow a change if a medical or mental health provider confirms someone received "clinically appropriate" treatment. (Kim Geiger, Monique Garcia) What's on tap *Mayor Rahm Emanuel has no public schedule. *Gov. Rauner's schedule wasn't available. From the notebook *Elect a Chicago school board? A measure that would allow voters to elect members of the Chicago Public Schools board once again faces an uncertain future after Senate lawmakers sought last-minute changes on the final day of spring session. The House approved the proposal to take away Mayor Emanuels power to appoint the board last week. But the Senate filed an amendment to the legislation on Tuesday, so it wasn't sent to Gov. Rauner, then senators approved by a 53-2 vote Wednesday night. (See how they voted here .) Under the House version, 20 board members and a board president would be elected to terms of four years. State lawmakers would determine how the city is divided into electoral districts. The Senate wants to change the legislation to lower the number of board members to 15 and create an independent commission to draw electoral maps instead of legislators. However, the Senate did not approve its changes to send over for the House to consider before lawmakers in that chamber went home for the summer. While they are expected to be back to work on the budget in June, the states money woes and political stalemate may ultimately drown out any other issues. The House approved a similar measure last year, but it was never called for a vote in the Senate. There is a key difference this time around. Senate President Cullerton, an ally of the mayor, said late Wednesday that he backed the latest proposal because lawmakers signed off on a major overhaul of the states school funding formula earlier in the day. "We had to wait until we passed Senate Bill 1, because that provides the money for Chicago," Cullerton said, referring to legislation overhauling the way state school money are distributed. "I didn't want to focus on governance issues when we don't have any money." Kim Geiger) Cullerton later acknowledged that the funding formula bill isn't the same as spending plan that actually authorizes the state to pay school districts later this year. Lawmakers still have no new education budget in place. ( Monique Garcia *That was quick: After the Illinois House adjourned Wednesday without sending Gov. Rauner a budget, the Republican governor's campaign sent out an email fundraising appeal signed by Rauner using familiar themes in bashing Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan. Rauner said Democrats "are willing to push our state further into debt and destruction just to continue the corrupt, self-serving agendas of Speaker Madigan and the Chicago machine." Rauner said he sent out the email "to make something explicitly clear to our supporters and our opponents: Team Rauner will never give up on this fight for reform." Advertisement It's yet another sign that the 2018 election, which will include all 118 House seats as well as the governor's office, engulfed the spring session. (Rick Pearson) *Patton returns: Stephen Patton, who served as mayor Rahm Emanuel's top city lawyer during his first six years in office, is returning to the firm where he developed his legal chops. His move back to Kirkland & Ellis, where he will be "of counsel" in the Litigation Practice Group, comes about four months after he left his post as corporation counsel at City Hall on good terms. (Hal Dardick) *Confirmation hearing next week: Eric D. Hargan, a lawyer from Hinsdale up for the No. 2 job at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is set to have a confirmation hearing Wednesday before the Senate Finance Committee. Hargan until recently was with the Greenberg Traurig law firm in Chicago in its Health & FDA Business practice. He left the firm March 24, a spokeswoman said. Hargan held top jobs at HHS between 2003 and 2007 during President George W. Bush's administration. Advertisement Previously, Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner named Hargan one of the co-chairs of his Healthcare and Human Services Transition Committee. Hargan later was on Trump's transition team for HHS. (Katherine Skiba) What we're writing (Busy News Day edition) *J.B. Pritzker sought political office from Blagojevich, 2008 FBI wiretaps show. Listen to audio from the phone calls here. *Head of DCFS resigns amid ethics probe, child deaths. *Lawmakers leave Springfield for now without sending Rauner a budget. Here's a photo gallery of the final days of session. *Louise Bernard named museum director for future Obama Presidential Center. *City watchdog offers Emanuel cost-saving ideas as dozens of union contracts to expire. Advertisement *State report blasts improper spending at Northern Illinois University. *Chicago telemarketer is shut down after Tribune investigation of charity law violations. What we're reading *Chicago officer dies amid probe of her cop husband's suicide in 2015. *Hawk Harrelson to retire. *This is a pretty hot story. Advertisement Follow the money *Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here. Beyond Chicago *Trump administration divided over Paris climate deal. *Comey OK'd to testify to Congress. *Clinton says she was a "victim of a very broad assumption that I was going to win." *Blast in Kabul kills at least 80. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, left, who stopped off in Chicago on Feb. 3, 1932, on his way to his post in Manila, with James Simpson, center, and Stanley Field, right, inspect the mounted exhibit of giant pandas which were furnished to the exposition by the Field Museum Roosevelt-Simpson expedition of 1929. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Donald Trump is not the first American president whose sons enjoy the sport of big-game hunting. But its unlikely that any of the wild animals killed by Eric and Donald Jr. will shape popular culture and international relations the way one giant panda did in 1929. In an era before conservationists and animal rights activists questioned the hunting of wild animals for sport, President Theodore Roosevelt's sons embarked on an expedition to China that was sponsored by Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History and their most prized trophy is still on display in the museum's Hall of Asian Mammals. Advertisement One exhibit case shows a giant panda looking as lifelike as the day it was shot in 1929 by either Theodore Roosevelt Jr. or Kermit Roosevelt. Or perhaps by both. President Roosevelt's sons were accustomed to firing simultaneously when having a chance to bag a rare species. Heading home from China, Teddy Jr. proudly told a Tribune reporter based in Shanghai that his "astonishingly successful" expedition meant that Chicago would be the first city in the world to have a complete specimen. Advertisement That panda and a skin bought from a local hunter sparked Americans' love of pandas a love that China eventually used as a way to open doors with other nations. But before "panda diplomacy" took hold, the race was on to capture a live bear as zoos across the United States sought their own specimens. The winner was Ruth Harkness, a New York socialite who brought Su Lin, a baby panda, back from China and sold it to the Chicago area's Brookfield Zoo in 1937. From then on, a zoo getting a panda would occasion a celebration. A panda's death would send a city into mourning. The origin of the craze was described by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. in "Trailing The Giant Panda," the brothers' account of their trek through mountains where breathing was difficult and climbing perilous. "Suppose you had, by the hardest sort of work, unexpectedly broken the world record for the mile run. Suppose that, tired but jubilant you were sitting on the sidelines. Then suppose some one came up and said: 'You must get up and run again!' That is just the way Kermit and I felt when, after getting the giant panda, we realized that we must resume our interrupted takin hunt." The takin was another rare creature "half goat, half antelope," by the Roosevelts' description sought by the Field Museum, the sponsor of their expeditions to India and China. The Roosevelt brothers arrive in Chicago to view their trophies. From left are Kermit Roosevelt, D.C. Davies, Dr. Wilford Osgood, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Stanley Field, Suydam Cutting and Duncan Ellsworth (back) at the Field Museum, circa 1926. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) The panda they bagged was the first to be killed by "white men" as the New York Times put it. Even sightings were rare, and some doubted the giant panda really existed. Those who saw one found it hard to explain. It's generally white, but its eyes are rimmed in black. Its legs are black, but its paws are brown. According to the Tribune, Kermit Roosevelt described a panda to a Chicago audience as "a link between a raccoon and a bear." Its exotic look made the Field Museum eager to have one and the Roosevelt brothers eager to hunt it. "It's in the blood," Teddy Jr. said, according to a Tribune story about the just-announced expedition. Advertisement Their father, President Roosevelt, was a fervent big-game hunter, and he encouraged his sons to be outdoorsmen. The brothers served in World War I and went on to successful careers. Kermit was a founder of the shipping company United States Lines. Theodore Jr. was an assistant secretary of the Navy, governor general of the Philippines and governor of Puerto Rico. But both were happiest when they were roughing it. "Strange but familiar voices began whispering to me. Spirits of the high places of the earth, from the barren boulders and snows, hinted of days when the driving storm caked the ice on beard and face; spirits from the desert sang of blowing sand and blinding sun," Teddy Jr. wrote in "Trailing the Giant Panda." Kermit also heard the call of the wild, and the Field Museum offered the brothers the opportunity to respond to it. In 1921, the museum moved from Jackson Park to its present location at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive and wanted to fill in some gaps in its collections. It was especially interested in wildlife from "The Roof of the World," as northern India and southwestern China were known. As the romantic designation suggests, Westerners were fascinated with the remote, mountainous region. Virtually unmapped, it satisfied the Roosevelt brothers' perpetual itch to go where others hadn't. In an age before television, dispatches from far away places with unfamiliar names sold newspapers. Advertisement Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., left, and his brother Kermit Roosevelt during an expedition, circa 1926. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) So when the museum found well-heeled Chicagoans to sponsor the venture, it sent the brothers there twice, in 1924 and 1928. The Tribune covered both expeditions, from start to finish, with headlines such as: "T. R.'s Sons to Visit World's Wildest Spot," "India Opens Up Heart Of Asia For Roosevelts," "Rare Animals Sent To Field Museum By Roosevelt Expedition" and "Roosevelts Here With Ovis Poli And Rare Ibex." The story under that last headline noted that the brothers never forgot that they were well-heeled.Teddy Jr. and Kermit recounted one of the elaborate feasts given them by local potentates in China: "Their hosts dressed up in their abundant robes. And the Roosevelts went merrily to a noon luncheon in their dinner jackets, for so the chiefs liked it." The second Roosevelt-Field Museum expedition entered China from Burma and headed to the Sichuan province. In 1869, Pere Armand David, a French missionary based there, saw a strange animal that had been shot by local hunters. "I believe it to be a new species, not only because of its skin color but also because of the hair beneath its feet," Pere David wrote in his journal, making him the first Westerner to bear witness to a panda. Sixty years later, the Roosevelts heard tales, in hamlet after hamlet, of a villager having killed a panda. On further inquiry, the inevitable answer was: "Long, long ago." Occasionally, panda-like tracks appeared, but their dogs couldn't find the animal. Their guides were skittish because they considered the panda to be holy. Advertisement Months passed. Winter came, and spring followed. "Drenched by rain and soaked by snow, whenever a momentary halt was called, we alternately shivered and panted, " the Roosevelts wrote later in their joint account. Finally, a guide signaled to Kermit that he'd spotted a panda: "He seemed very large, and like the animal of a dream, for we had given up whatever small hopes we ever had of seeing one." Teddy Jr. came running, the brothers shot, and the rest of their journey was anticlimactic. Kermit hurried home, his shipping business threatened by early warning signs of the Great Depression. Teddy Jr. was delayed by a bout of dysentery in Indochina. But their great panda was delivered to the Field Museum, where it was put on display and sparked a rush by other explorers to bring back live bears. Eventually, the leaders of the People's Republic of China realized the power of the panda and in the 1950s started giving them as gifts to other nations as a way to expand diplomatic ties. The most famous was the government's gift to the U.S. of Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing after President Richard Nixon's historic 1972 visit to China. The Roosevelts didn't embark on more panda expeditions. Through the 1930s, they pursued their shirt-and-tie careers; then they returned to military service. Advertisement Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., from left, Charles Suydam Cutting, United States Consul Culver B. Chamberlain, and Kermit Roosevelt are photographed at Yunanfu (now known as Kunming), China after their hunting expedition in the mountains, June 25, 1929. (World Wide Photos) Kermit volunteered to fight for Finland when it was attacked by the Soviet Union on the eve of World War II. He fought for England when it stood alone against Hitler. Finally he fought for the United States, until losing a lifelong battle with depression and committing suicide. Teddy Jr., a brigadier general in the Army, did something generals don't do. At 56, he went ashore with his troops on the D-Day invasion of France. A sergeant encountered Roosevelt on the beach "with a cane in one hand, a map in the other, walking around as if he was looking over some real estate," reported Tim Brady in "His Father's Son.," a new biography of Teddy Jr. The following month, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. had a fatal heart attack on a Normandy battlefield. His burial was attended by his fellow generals, Omar Bradley and George Patton. But the final salute was fired by enlisted men from the company he'd landed with on Utah Beach. "Since then," a Tribune war correspondent noted, "he always referred to the men as 'my company.'" rgrossman@chicagotribune.com Thank you to readers Debbi Pach, of Lyons, and Jim OConnor, of Cicero, for suggesting this weeks Flashback idea. Monique Nolden of Chicago, left, holds a photo of Sema'j Crosby, while holding hands with Joliet residents Destini Hayes, center, and Briana Johnson during a prayer in the vacant lot at Second and Iowa avenues in Joliet, minutes from where Sema'j was found dead two years ago, Saturday April 27, 2019. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) Semaj Crosby deserved better. Much better. We still don't know how or why the cherub-faced 17-month-old toddler with wide brown eyes died. Her body was found underneath a couch at her home in Will County's Joliet Township. But we know much about the agency that had the duty to safeguard her, her siblings and the other children in the cramped house on Louis Road a home filled with filth and vermin, a home that at times housed as many as 30 people, a home troubled by numerous allegations of child abuse and neglect. Advertisement That agency, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, failed Semaj and the other children living there in myriad ways. Among the agency's failings recently outlined by the Tribune's David Jackson, Gary Marx and Duaa Eldeib: DCFS rules specify that investigators must promptly document their investigative work surrounding allegations of child abuse and neglect. Those reports must be filed within 48 hours of a visit or interview. But agency investigators looking into the welfare of Semaj and the other children waited weeks before filing those reports. They filed them only after Semaj was reported missing in late April. Her disappearance became a major media story and it was only after that spotlight was cast on Semaj's case that investigators began hurriedly churning out reports on abuse allegations as old as seven weeks. Advertisement Such reports are crucial in child abuse and neglect investigations. Collectively, they provide invaluable history and context for investigators and other agencies as they assess the risk posed to children and weigh the need for intervention. DCFS Senior Deputy Director Neil Skene told the Tribune the agency will look into whether the failure to file reports on time could have affected the agency's ability to safeguard Semaj and her siblings. Filing notes seven weeks late, Skene added, "is unreasonable. There's no question about that." The supervisor heading up DCFS' Joliet office cooked up a contest for investigators in January that would award a $100 gift card to the two investigators who closed the most cases within a month. Third place yielded a $50 gift card. The Joliet office oversaw investigations into abuse and neglect allegations at the Louis Road house, and the agency's inspector general is looking into the contest, as well as reports associated with that home being filed late. Quickening the pace of investigations into child abuse and neglect is an answer to an age-old problem a backlog of cases. It's one thing to give prompt and decisive attention to allegations of abuse or neglect. But it's quite another to devise a contest that awards gift cards to investigators who can churn out the most case turnarounds. That's simply wrong-headed. It incentivizes speed at the expense of thoroughness. It makes a mockery of DCFS' stated purpose: to put children's well-being above everything else. Belatedly filing reports on a case once that case gets thrust under the media spotlight, creating a case-closing contest to combat backlogs both behaviors point to an agency where staffers veer far from that core mission: safeguarding the welfare of children trapped in environments of abuse and neglect. And it points to a need for drastic reforms in the way DCFS is managed. How is it that a slew of unfiled reports and a case-closing contest escaped attention from DCFS higher-ups? Did nobody feel a duty to report these actions? Or are they close enough to acceptable that they didn't raise eyebrows? Those drastic reforms can come only from sound, strong stewardship that keeps cases from languishing without forsaking the welfare of the children DCFS is supposed to protect. On Wednesday, DCFS Director George Sheldon resigned. Sheldon took the reins at DCFS in 2015, the agency's ninth chief since 2011. He had promised reforms aimed at intervening sooner in cases of troubled families. Sheldon will return to Florida, where he once served as that state's director of the Department of Children and Families. That gives Illinois DCFS a clean slate, a chance to find leadership that ensures no decision big or small is made without keeping in mind how the system failed Semaj. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Advertisement Become a subscriber today to support editorial writing like this. Start getting full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Two credit rating agencies, Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service, slapped Illinois with downgrades Thursday, hours after lawmakers blew off a budget deadline. Illinois now holds the distinction of having the lowest credit rating ever assigned to a U.S. state. It's hardly news anymore that Illinois' financial position is extremely precarious worst in the nation after roughly two dozen downgrades during the last eight years. Advertisement More than half of them occurred under former Gov. Pat Quinn, even with a $31 billion income tax hike in effect from January 2011 to January 2015. But Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration is catching up. The state has now earned eight downgrades since he was sworn in. Thursday's back-to-back whacks from the credit rating agencies were no gentle nudge for Springfield to get its act together. These were a direct punch in the nose. Advertisement Why does it matter? The downgrades will mean higher borrowing costs for Illinois, which means more pressure on a deeply strained budget, which means less money for government services, for social service providers, schools, universities, the elderly, corrections, Medicaid. The state's slide into chaos is becoming so pronounced, it's questionable whether any sized tax hike, accompanied by the continued exodus of residents and businesses, would begin to solve the crisis. Out of patience, Moody's analysts said this: "During the past year of fruitless negotiations and partisan wrangling, fundamental credit challenges have intensified enough to warrant a downgrade, regardless of whether a fiscal compromise is reached in an extended session." Standard & Poor's said it downgraded Illinois to near junk status because the state is "now at risk of entering a negative credit spiral, where downgraded credit ratings would trigger contingent demands on state liquidity, further exacerbating its fiscal distress." Risk. Spiral. Distress. You'd think lawmakers would have dedicated all five months of their spring session to resolving the budget crisis. They did not. Yet there was some applause in the House and Senate chambers as the lawmakers approached their midnight May 31 deadline. Why? Because they passed a higher minimum wage. They advanced a property tax freeze. They approved school funding reform. They passed automatic voter registration. Advertisement Ratings agencies don't give a hoot about those initiatives. They could not care less about tighter penalties for repeat gun offenders or an elected Chicago school board. Some of the bigger-ticket issues the legislature did address, including school funding reform, are tied to a budget anyway. The new formula can't be implemented without a budget and a way to pay for it. Do supporters still want to pat themselves on the back? At least the Senate crafted a budget and debated meaningfully, starting in January, the policy issues that impact the state. Workers' compensation changes. Pension relief. A supplemental budget. Tax hikes. Not the House. Democrats who are in the majority and who mind-numbingly re-elect House Speaker Michael Madigan as their leader every two years didn't lift a finger to advance a real budget during the five months of the spring session. Worse, they weren't concerned enough to pressure their own leadership. Maybe they should have been the ones protesting in handcuffs on Tuesday night, except outside Madigan's office, not Rauner's. By skipping town without a budget, House Democrats shoved into deeper peril social service providers, elderly care, support for the disabled, child care subsidies, university funding and scholarships for low-income students. They're too afraid to vote on a comprehensive solution that might include tax hikes and, yes, pro-business reforms pushed by Rauner. Advertisement In other words, they're more concerned about politics and their re-election chances than actually helping the vulnerable they claim to represent. Zero applause for that. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. RELATED ARTICLES: This is why people continue to leave Illinois Illinois cut near junk by Moody's and S&P, lowest ever for a U.S. state Why Rauner should sign the minimum wage bill: It's good for business Advertisement Size of billionaire-bashing Chris Kennedy's fortune a mystery, still Become a subscriber today to support editorial writing like this. Start getting full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. The last day of the Illinois General Assembly in session at the State Capitol in Springfield on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Kim Reynolds raised her right hand on May 24 and became Iowa's first female governor. She replaced former Gov. Terry Branstad, America's new U.S. ambassador to China. Hello, neighbor! We thought it would be rude to not offer a housewarming gift. This one doesn't come in a box. But it is a special deal for you and other governors of our border states. Advertisement From the Capitol in Springfield with love from Illinois, we present to Iowa and Indiana and Wisconsin, to Michigan, Kentucky and Missouri, our fleeing, prosperous businesses and our fed-up, taxpaying residents. While Illinois legislators fumble repeated attempts to send a balanced budget to Gov. Bruce Rauner; while the stack of Illinois' unpaid bills climbs by the minute; while our leaders prioritize politics over policy; you, Gov. Reynolds, and our other gubernatorial neighbors will continue to cash in on our dysfunction. Employers and other taxpayers are hopping over Illinois' borders with alarming regularity. Advertisement You're welcome, governors. Beats a fruit basket, right? On Wednesday, House Speaker Michael Madigan announced that his chamber would spend June trying to craft a budget. But with June comes a supermajority vote requirement that makes it harder to pass any budget at all. What an embarrassment. What a dereliction of duty. On Tuesday, activists protesting the lack of a budget handcuffed themselves together outside Rauner's office. Capitol police had to drag them limply across the marble floor by their arms. Dozens were arrested. Outside the building, a mascot hired by Democratic gubernatorial aspirant J.B. Pritzker wandered around the Capitol grounds in a clock costume as a not-so-subtle reminder of how many days have passed without a full state budget. We're at roughly 700, according to Tick Tock the Budget Clock. Lawmakers did vote on a bill regulating catfish labeling on restaurant menus. So that's something. Remember when former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said living next to Illinois was like living next to "The Simpsons"? "Oh you guys are nothing if not entertaining over there," he told WLS-AM 890 in 2011 after lawmakers passed Illinois' largest income tax hike. "It's like living next door to 'The Simpsons,' you know the dysfunctional family down the block? Watching you guys, I mean I shouldn't make too light of it, I think this is a really bad situation." Advertisement Who knew that six years later Daniels' comparison would be a generous description? Illinois, boasting the lowest credit rating and the highest population loss of any state in the country, has doubled down. State government is in a full-blown crisis. Again. Since January, Democrats have discussed plans to raise income taxes and borrow money to pay down bills. They approved bills that would make Illinois a less attractive place to do business; under one proposal, Illinois would have the highest minimum wage of all its neighboring states. Since Rauner took office in January 2015, Democrats have ignored or watered down many of the pro-business, pro-growth initiatives Rauner has championed. Meanwhile in Indiana, the income tax under Gov. Eric Holcomb, who replaced now-Vice President Mike Pence in January, got rolled back. During their legislative session, Indiana lawmakers approved a $1.2 billion increase in infrastructure spending by raising the gas tax. That state is sitting on reserves of about $2 billion. There is no backlog of unpaid bills. The Iowa legislature this spring passed tort reform, workers' compensation reform and collective bargaining reform. The state made early payments to schools and reduced government mandates. Iowa has its lowest unemployment rate in more than 15 years. And in Wisconsin, one of the most significant debates this year between the legislature and Gov. Scott Walker has been figuring out how much to spend on transportation and by how much the state could reduce its tax burden. In Illinois, gridlock. That's the only plan. Advertisement So you're welcome, neighboring governors, for the gift of Illinois' perpetual, inexcusable dysfunction. Please treat our exiles kindly. Six years ago, we might have agreed with Daniels that living next to Illinois was like living next to "The Simpsons." Today that's an insult to Homer, Marge, Bart and the rest of the gang. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Become a subscriber today to support editorial writing like this. Start getting full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Dear Tom, Could a hurricane, traveling north along the Mississippi River to Illinois, be affected by the river? Advertisement Jakob Dear Jakob, Advertisement A hurricane or tropical storm has never tracked from the Gulf of Mexico north to Illinois in the vicinity of the Mississippi River in the period from the mid-1800s to the present, the time during which reliable records are available. However, the river itself would probably have little, if any, effect on such a storm. The river would add some moisture (by evaporation) to the storm system, but moisture from vegetation would play a greater role. Hurricanes and tropical storms have on occasion moved from the Gulf of Mexico to near the Chicago area, but not on a path along the Mississippi River. Hurricane Carla, in September 1961, moved onshore northeast of Corpus Christi, Fla., and its remnants swung just south of Chicago, bringing the city 5 inches of rain and 45 mph winds. Let's be real: The best part of brunch isn't the pancakes, bacon or eggs Benedict. It's the drinks. But with some mimosas running you $14 (or more) or a bloody mary costing as much as a meal itself, a boozy brunch isn't always in the budget. A good bottomless booze deal can make or break a brunch date so follow our lead and get your mid-morning buzz on. Advertisement *Unless noted, these bottomless deals are available on Saturday and Sunday. 25 Degrees Advertisement 736 N. Clark St. 312-943-9700 If youre willing to craft your own boozy breakfast drinks, head to 25 Degrees for $10 bottles of Champagne for the table on Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Angelinas Ristorante 3561 N. Broadway 773-935-5933 For $23, you can have the whole wide world of an all-inclusive "Champagne brunch"which sounds much fancier than "bottomless mimosas"and an entree of your choice. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Baptiste and Bottle 101 E. Erie St. 312-667-6793 Bottomless mimosas are great, yes. But bottomless bloodys can add a little spice to your brunch life. Create unlimited bloody marys (with vodka), bloody baron (with bourbon) or bloody maria (with tequila) for $18 per person. Unlimited mimosas are also available if you want to play it safe, also for $18. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Advertisement Bistronomic 840 N. Wabash Ave. 312-944-8400 For $16.95, add bottomless mimosas to your brunch. Were not saying you should see how much you can drink in the hour and a half limit, but were also not NOT saying that. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Broken English 1400 N. Wells St. 312-951-7667 Head to the newest Broken English spot to enjoy its patio and $15 bottomless mimosas while you nosh on their many taco stylesyou can order six tacos for $20 or 12 for $38 if you're of the "sharing is caring" mindset. All day starting at 11 a.m. Advertisement Chef ONeills Pub & Restaurant 3471 N. Elston Ave. 773-583-3066 Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Chef ONeills for their $19.95 all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, including their build-your-own blood mary bar. Bring your stretchiest pants. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chicago Q 1160 N. Dearborn St. 312-642-1160 Put a smoky spin on your Saturday or Sunday brunch at barbecue joint, Chicago Q. For $20, your table will get its own bottle of bubbly and a carafeyes, a carafeof O.J. to create your own concoctions. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Advertisement Cite 505 N. Lake Shore Drive 312-644-4050 If you have money to blow and a desire to get a little rowdy at an otherwise classy establishment, head to Cite on Sundays for their $19 per person bottomless mimosas or bellinis with their $42 per person seasonal brunch buffet. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dolce Italian 127 W. Huron St. 312-754-0700 Add a never-ending stream of prosecco to your Saturday or Sunday brunch for an extra $25 per person with your choice of orange juice, grapefruit juice or peach puree to prepare your bubbles as you wish. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Advertisement D.S. Tequila 3352 N. Halsted St. 773-697-9127 Head to Boystown every Saturday and Sunday for one jumbo mug of mimosas and a refill for $16 with the purchase of any entree. To make this deal even sweeter, "mimosa fairies" equipped with boozy beverage backpacks will make their rounds through the brunchers to refill any and all glasses. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Duffys Tavern & Grille 420 W. Diversey Parkway 773-549-9090 Head to Duffys on Saturday or Sunday for a $30 unlimited brunch buffet, including mimosas and bloody marys. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Advertisement El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N. Broadway 773-549-2932 Head to El Mariachi on Saturdays and Sundays for two hours of bottomless mimosas and an entree for $24. The wait staff isnt shy about making sure your cup runneth over with Champagneeach sip you take will be like it never happened. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fremont 15 W. Illinois St. 312-874-7270 Head to this River North spot on Saturday and Sunday for unlimited boozy breakfast faves like smoked brisket and omelets, a doughnut wall, a waffle bar and your choice of desserts for $40. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Advertisement Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted St. 773-525-1111 Forget a chill low-key brunch and head to Kit Kat Lounge for their Divalicious Brunch prix fixe menu with two courses and two hours of build-your-own mimosas, bloody martinis, bellinis and sangrias for $29.95. You can also add the build-your-own special onto any other brunch purchase for $14.95. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lokal 1904 W. North Ave. 773-904-8113 Grab $12 bottomless mimosas or bloody marys or $14 bottomless Champagneif your definition of bottomless includes limiting yourself to seven pours per person. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Advertisement MAD Social 1140 W. Madison St. 312-243-2097 Get your hands on bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for $25 on Saturday and Sunday at this West Loop brunch favorite. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Maple & Ash 8 W. Maple St. 312-944-8888 There isnt just steak being served up at this steak and seafood lounge. Their bottomless Sunday brunches will cost you $30 per person with a whole slew of varieties for you and your crew to test out. Unlimited bubbles are accompanied by fresh orange juice, peach puree as well as fresh berries and mint to garnish on your own. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Advertisement ODonovans 2100 W. Irving Park Road 773-478-2100 Sunday is the day of rest and all-you-can-eat brunch. Go boozy or go home with their $25 unlimited mimosas and breakfast buffet from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. F. OMahonys 3701 N. Broadway 773-549-0226 Head to this Lakeview pub on Saturday or Sunday to snag a $20 mimosa brunch with unlimited pours starting at 10:30 a.m. Advertisement Patsys Pub and Grill 2825 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-248-2825 Starting Friday mornings, their weekend brunch package for $25.95 will score you an entree and bottomless mimosaswith two whole pitchers to yourself because sharing is for losers. Go ahead, call in sick. All day. Pl-zen 1519 W. 18th St. 312-733-0248 For $25, you can snag any brunch item you please and three mimosas which should do the trick so long as youre not trying to black out before noon. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Advertisement The Reservoir 844 W. Montrose Ave. 773-275-4000 For $15 on top of your brunch entree purchase on Saturday or Sunday, you can get your buzz on with unlimited mimosas at this cozy self-proclaimed local watering hole. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Southport & Irving 4000 N. Southport Ave. 773-857-2890 Nab $15 nearly bottomless mimosas for brunch Friday through Sunday. Buy yourself a brunch entree and grab two hours of refills, with three refills per hour. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Advertisement Troquet 111 W. Huron St. 312-202-9900 Why limit bottomless boozy brunches to just the weekend? Troquet offers their mimosa brunches Friday through Monday for $27 and an hour and a half of flowing Champagne and O.J. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Weather Mark Tavern 1503 S. Michigan Ave. 312-588-0230 Add bottomless mimosas to any brunch purchase on Saturday or Sunday for only $15. Snag some beignets topped with whipped cream and housemade rum syrup while youre at it. Youve earned it. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Advertisement Zias Lago Vista 3819 N. Ashland Ave. 773-883-0808 Take a trip to Italy and add unlimited bloody marys or mimosas to your brunch for an additional $12 with your purchase of an entree. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. @shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com Want more brunch inspiration? From running through rainbows at The Color Run to perusing the sidewalk sales of Do Division Street Fest, here's what we're up to this weekend. Totally sketched out Advertisement Get yourself into a sketchy situation at the Story Arc Sketch Comedy Fest kicking off this Thursday, June 1 at 8 p.m. The two-week fest, which runs through June 10, will combine the worlds of sketch and theater. Vienna Juvenilea Chicago-based sketch comedy groupis hosting the first annual fest, which seeks to highlight a new form of sketch comedy, blending theatricality, humor, commentary and storytelling. Participating Chicago ensembles include Vienna Juvenile, OPIE, Spooky Dookie, Handsome and Marc Renucci's new show, Hot Reads. The fest is taking place in the Box Theater at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252) and admission is $15. Tickets: stage773.com Not your mother's pop-up Advertisement Pop-Up Magazinea critically acclaimed live magazinewill be returning to Chicago on Saturday, June 3 at The Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph Drive 312-334-7777). This unique form of live journalism includes vivid, multimedia story presentations from a variety of special contributors including radio producers, artists and writers. The stories are accompanied by illustrations, photography, sound, film and an original music performed onstage by Magik*Magik Orchestra. The one-night-only event kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and admission is $25. Tickets: harristheaterchicago.org Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Run the rainbow Tagged as the "happiest 5K on the planet," The Color Run is bringing its 2017 tour, "The Color Dream Tour, Presented by Lay's" to Grant Park (235 S. Columbus Drive 312-742-3918) on Sunday, June 4. Run through the classic Color Zones and a new Poppable Foam Zone, while also enjoying lots of radiant colors, music, giant unicorns and the Dream Walla wall where runners can spray paint their dreams. And after crossing the finish line, you can party at the Finish Festival, which includes dancing, photo opportunities and massive color throws. You're able to register for The Color Run up until the start of the race at 8 a.m. Tickets are $39.99 per person on a team or $44.99 for individuals. Register: thecolorrun.com Do it to it Head to Wicker Park for Do Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale, happening this weekend, June 2-4. The neighborhood fest spans 10 blocks on Division Streetfrom Ashland Avenue to Leavitt Streetand will feature live music, local vendors, food and beverages, kid's activities and sidewalk sales. With two stages to choose from, you'll be able to enjoy a variety of talent lineups booked by local Chicago music venues, Empty Bottle and Subterranean. Do Division on Friday, June 2 from 5-10 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4 from noon-10 p.m. Girl power If you're wondering what to do this weekend, make date-night plans to see "Wonder Woman," which hits theaters Friday, June 2. Before she rocked the solo, female superhero gig, Wonder Woman was Diana (Gal Gadot)princess of the Amazons and a trained, kick-ass warrior. She meets an American pilot, becomes convinced she can stop the conflict that is rampant outside her home, and while fighting alongside men in the war, she finally discovers her true potentialthus becoming Wonder Woman. Saddle up for over two hours of action and adventure surrounding DC Comic's most famous heroine, suffragist and soldier. @RianneCoale | rcoale@redeyechicago.com One of the more fascinating explorers who came through our area was Antoine Leroux, from Taos. Indeed, Flagstaff historian Platt Cline suggested that Leroux might justly be called the Father (or Grandfather) of our city, and so it is fitting that Leroux Springs, Leroux Street and several other places in Arizona and New Mexico were named in his honor. Leroux was one of the more important persons of his time and place, and a first-rate explorer of the Southwest. Leroux was born in St. Louis in 1801, of French, Native American and perhaps Spanish extraction. Traveling to New Mexico as a young man, he married Juana Catarina Vigil, and became a prominent Taos resident. Unlike better-known mountain men, Leroux was well-educated, cultured, and generally respectful of Native Americans; in addition to French, English, and Spanish, he was conversant in several native tongues. Leroux learned the southwestern landscape especially the water sources through trapping, even as he accumulated land and livestock in New Mexico and Colorado. Soon Leroux became a sought-after expedition guide. In 1846, he guided the Mormon Battalion to California. In 1851 he guided the Sitgreaves expedition the first official party to traverse what is now the Flagstaff area from Zuni to the Colorado River. The Sitgreaves expedition followed the Little Colorado River as far as the vicinity of Grand Falls, where they headed toward the San Francisco Peaks. They found themselves passing through an area of multiple stone house ruins which we now know as Wupatki National Monument. Although short of water for the mules, they nonetheless pronounced the area agreeable and increasingly beautiful as they neared the peaks. Circling northwesterly around the mountains, Leroux found the spring which today bears his name. From this time forward, Leroux began to suggest that expeditions be routed through our area. Two years later, Leroux was employed to guide the Whipple expedition. They reached the Peaks in early December, celebrated Christmas eve raucously, and followed that with a serene and quiet Christmas in the snowy landscape. Whipples journey was also known as the Thirty-fifth Parallel expedition, one of three taxed with finding suitable routes to California. Ultimately, Whipple's route blazed the way for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad and eventually the western portions of iconic Route 66 and the endless flow of I-40. How would Antoine Leroux feel about his southwestern trail now, were he to see the tremendous, mechanized flow? There is another very interesting link that tied the St. Louis-based French mercantile families, from which Leroux originated, to the southwestern frontier of Spanish New Mexico. In the middle 1700s, or so the legend goes, the Comanche chieftain Onawanda was in Taos and sought to purchase the granddaughter of the wealthiest ranchero in Taos. His intent was to raise her until she was old enough to be his wife. Grandfather would not sell her, but promised to present her in due time, provided that Onawanda would promise to stop raiding his lands. Onawanda kept the bargain, but once the girl had reached her teens and become a great beauty, he demanded that she be given over, as promised. When the ranchero, horrified, took her away, the Comanches retaliated with raids, killings, and destruction of property. The girls mother, Maria Rosalia, was taken prisoner, and sold to the Pawnees. There, the story goes, she met a French trader named Lalote, who took her to St. Louis as his bride. Maria Rosalia had two daughters, one of them Helene. Helene grew up and married William Leroux. The youngest of their four children was Antoine Leroux. So when Leroux moved to Taos from whence his grandmother had been spirited away he was completing a long and odd circuit. Is this historical fact, or a highly embroidered New Mexican tale? Who knows, but history does tie its knots in curious ways. What seems to be historically true is that Antoine Leroux was clever, prosperous, adventurous, and well-respected in Taos. He died in 1861, at 60 years of age, and lies buried in the nave of the San Francisco de Assisi Church in Taos. The NPS/USFS Interpretive Partnership is a unique agreement between the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service to provide Interpretive Ranger walks and talks in the Flagstaff area throughout the summer. Submit questions for Ask a Ranger weekly column to: askaranger@gmail.com A 21-year-old Aurora man has been charged with trying to rob at gunpoint a downtown pizza restaurant he regularly patronized, police said Wednesday. Sean W. Bastert, 21, of the 100 block of West Galena Boulevard, is charged with a single count of attempted armed robbery in connection with the failed hold-up early May 18 on the first block of West New York Street, according to Kane County court records. Advertisement At about 12:05 a.m. May 18, a man wearing a blue windbreaker entered the restaurant with his head concealed, pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded cash, Aurora police said in a statement on Facebook. The employee went to the back of the business and hid, while a second employee who had already been in the back ran outside, police said. Advertisement The armed man left without taking anything and was last seen running east on New York Street, police said. Police said they identified Bastert after interviewing the two employees and learning he was a regular customer. They also reviewed surveillance videos and got at least one anonymous tip implicating Bastert, according to the statement. On May 26, police said, they took Bastert into custody at his home without incident. Bastert is now at the Kane County jail in St. Charles, where his bail is listed at $50,000. He is next due in court at 9 a.m. June 7. hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone hleone@tribpub.com Twitter @hannahmleone A 19-year-old Aurora man pleaded guilty Wednesday for his role in a 2016 shooting spurred by taunting on social media. For his guilty plea to one count of attempted murder, Jesus Ferrel was sentenced to 6 years in prison as part of an agreement with prosecutors, which was accepted by Kane County Judge James Hallock. Advertisement Ferrel received credit for 314 days he spent in Kane County Jail since his arrest last year. He must serve 85 percent of the sentence. Prosecutors allege Ferrel and his co-defendant, 22-year-old Aaron Tolamac, drove to the Aurora neighborhood of an 18-year-old man who had apparently been in a dispute with Ferrel that included exchanges on social media. The pair used Snapchat to lure the man out to fight Ferrel, however Tolamac had a .45-caliber handgun with him when they arrived at the man's home, according to court documents. Advertisement When the man began to exit a side door, he appeared to grab the area of his waistband, which prompted Tolamac to fire the gun at him, court documents state. The man was not hit by gunfire, although the house was hit four times and police recovered shell casings from the driveway, records show. Tolomac has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains held on nearly $500,000 bail with a June 9 hearing date scheduled. Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News The city of Aurora is joining other large municipalities and counties across the state in opposing a bill in the state Senate involving the siting of new small wireless communications facilities. SB 1451, known as the Small Cell Facilities Deployment Act, would limit municipal authority to regulate, site or charge permit fees for small wireless facilities. Advertisement Small cell wireless facilities are the newest technology designed to begin the proliferation of 5G service for cell phones and tablets, city officials said. The new bill in the Senate is designed to provide a sort of fast track for carriers wanting to implement the service. So, the bill sets a limit on the maximum time a municipality could review and approve right-of-way permits. Permit requests would be deemed approved if the municipality fails to respond within 60 days. Advertisement Small wireless facilities would be classified as permitted uses and not subject to zoning review and approval. The bill requires municipalities to allow companies to put small wireless facilities on utility poles under specified circumstances, and in general limits a municipality's home rule powers. Aurora officials in a press release said the bill "raises concerns over potential interference with deployment of the next generation of public safety communications, puts limitations on a local authority to fully regulate the location and deployment of these facilities and (establishes) artificially low fees for both the review of permit applications and the use of municipal equipment." "It allows them to stick up poles in any location," said Bill Wiet, the city's chief development officer. "The city might have a problem with how it impacts its residents. Poles should not be in front of someone's living room window." Aurora officials said the bill "limits local authority to reserve space on its own traffic lights or street poles for future deployment of non-cellular equipment, such as traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, or gunshot recorders." It also limits the city's ability to control its own right-of-ways, officials said. There also is a public safety aspect. Aurora officials said the bill could "impede future siting of FirstNet equipment on municipal towers or other structures." FirstNet is an upgrade of public safety communications that would give first responders in emergency situations access to full high-speed data, locational information, images and video in situations when seconds count, officials said. "Municipalities may have considerable difficulty in locating FirstNet antennas, radios, and equipment on existing facilities and may need to spend considerable amounts of money to build secondary towers or structures," the Aurora news release said. One thing that particularly irks Aurora officials is that they just spent a year working with carriers to pass a new communications ordinance that addresses location of poles, and antennas and dishes on those poles. Advertisement In a letter to state Sen. Terry Link, D-Gurnee, the chief sponsor of the bill, Wiet pointed out that locating telecommunications facilities in Aurora is a sensitive one because of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange data center located in the city. Wiet said the city's new ordinance was "well thought-out," and he said city officials thought it might even become a model for other communities. He said city engineers approve about 1,000 permits a year in city rights-of-way. Also, the bill exempts cities with a population of 1 million people or more, which means Chicago would continue being able to locate their own small cell towers, but other cities would not. "It's unfair to home rule communities," said Wiet. "The conclusion (from the Senate's Revenue Committee) was it was a benefit for smaller, rural towns but a problem for bigger communities." Those opposing the legislation include: the Illinois Association of County Board Members; the Lake County Municipal League; the MetroWest Council of Governments; the Northwest Municipal Conference; the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association; and the Southwest Conference of Mayors. Advertisement The Illinois Municipal League has taken a neutral stance on the legislation, largely because it helped negotiate an amendment to the bill. As of this week, the legislation is being held for second reading on the Senate calendar. slord@tribpub.com PHOENIX The attorney for the Border Patrol agent who killed a teen in 2012 wants to block jurors from hearing a prosecution witness testify that the shooting was unjustified. In new court filings Wednesday, Sean Chapman said the question of whether Lonnie Swartz had reason to shoot Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez through the border fence in Nogales is one for the jury to decide. And he contends that makes it illegal to have the government's expert witness testify to the contrary. Chapman also wants U.S. District Court Judge Raner Collins to limit the testimony of other law enforcement witnesses who were involved in the incident. He said there's nothing wrong with them telling jurors what they saw. But they may not offer opinion as to whether Agent Swartz's use of force complied with Border Patrol training or policy, he told Collins. Hanging in the balance is whether jurors would be influenced Chapman contends illegally about whether Swartz is guilty of second degree murder as charged in the indictment. Swartz admits to the shooting. He said, though, that Elena Rodriguez was throwing rocks at him from across the border. And Chapman contends that the teen was doing that because he had been on the U.S. side of the border prior to the shooting, probably acting as a smuggler or a scout. Prosecutors contend all that is legally irrelevant to the question of whether Swartz was justified in firing through the fence. An autopsy found the teen dead on the Sonora side of the border with 10 shots in his back. In the latest legal filing, Chapman told Collins he got a letter from prosecutors saying they intend to call Alan Foraker as a use of force expert in a bid to convince jurors that Swartz's use of his gun was contrary to the Border Patrol's training and policies regarding use of deadly force. Specifically, Chapman said, prosecutors said Foraker will testify that the use of force was neither reasonable nor necessary, that Elena Rodriguez did not have the opportunity and intent to inflict serious bodily harm on Swartz or anyone else, and that Swartz, who said rocks were being thrown at him, should have made use of available cover and that it was neither reasonable nor necessary for the agent to approach the border fence. Chapman said that Foraker, assuming he really is an expert witness, can legally talk to jurors about policies, procedures and appropriate uses of force within those policies. What he cannot do, the attorney said, is give his legal conclusion on whether what Swartz did was legal. In this case, the jury must determine whether Agent Swartz's use of deadly force was reasonable or excessive, Chapman wrote. Any opinion by Foraker about that, he said, is inadmissible. Chapman also is trying to get Collins to rein in what other officers at the scene may say during the trial which is set to begin Oct. 12. For example, he said, prosecutors may ask agents who were at the scene about any Border Patrol policies that dictate that they seek cover when being pelted with rocks. But that, said Chapman, is not proper testimony. While it clearly (is) permissible for agents to testify as to what actions they took, testimony regarding their interpretation of use of force policy is inappropriate and should be precluded, the defense attorney wrote. Separately, Chapman on Wednesday renewed his effort to have jurors hear from a Nogales resident who will provide some information he said links Elena Rodriguez to drug smuggling operations. Prosecutors contend none of that is relevant to the fact that Swartz killed the teen who was on the other side of the fence. But Chapman, in new filings, hopes to convince Collins otherwise. He told the judge prosecutors have identified a witness who will suggest to the jury that Elena Rodriguez was not throwing rocks at Swartz or other agents. The implication of this testimony is that the decedent was not part of the effort to impede federal law enforcement from apprehending the two marijuana backpackers who were on the border fence, Chapman wrote. Therefore, so goes the government's theory, Swartz was not acting in self-defense. But Chapman contends the testimony of the unidentified Nogales resident is relevant. And he also said a defense investigator has evidence that will show that markings found on the dead teen's shoes are very similar to what would occur if a smuggler were climbing the border fence. This information is probative because it debunks the government's theory that the decedent was innocently walking home (and not throwing rocks) at the time of the shooting, Chapman wrote. It completes the story, and supports the theory of the defense that Swartz was acting in self-defense. And Chapman chided Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace Kleindienst who, in his own legal filings, told Collins that the proposed testimony is both irrelevant and inflammatory and would prejudice the jury against the government. The mere fact that the evidence is potentially harmful to the government's case makes it neither irrelevant nor overly prejudicial, Chapman wrote. Teresa Fiorante relies on her modest pension. She's a widowed senior and retired secretarial worker for the Central States Pension Fund living in Cook County. Each month she receives a pension check for about $2,000 from that job, as well as Social Security and what remains of her late husband's retirement benefits. Advertisement But Fiorante's pension fund is bankrupt. And it's likely she'll soon have to make do without it. "I shouldn't have to go live with my kids. I've done everything right to be independent, but now I can't be independent," she said. "My property taxes have doubled, and it's going to force me out of my home. It's like they have a gun to your head: Pay this bill or leave the state." Advertisement Fiorante's struggle stands in stark contrast to the situation of the legislative leaders who have brought Illinois to its knees. A little-known provision within the General Assembly Retirement System, or GARS, gifts massive pension payouts to those state lawmakers who have been in office the longest the very men and women responsible for the pension crisis, and who refuse needed reforms. If he retires tomorrow, Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan would start drawing a six-figure pension after one year. Ditto for Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. That's because GARS allows lawmakers who were elected prior to 2003 to hoard pension "spikes." After serving 20 years in office or turning age 55, whichever comes later, these lawmakers bank a 3 percent boost to their eventual pensions each year. This is due to a 1989 bill sponsored by former state Sen. Emil Jones Jr. Cullerton, Madigan's floor leader in the House at the time, was a member of the committee that finalized the bill. It passed both chambers with bipartisan support. One year after his retirement, Madigan's pension payment will explode. The speaker has been in the Illinois House since 1971 and is now 75 years old. That means he's stacked up 3 percent boosts for 20 years. If he retires tomorrow, his annual pension payment will be spiked by a whopping 60 percent after one year, plus another 3 percent cost-of-living increase. Madigan makes about $95,000 per year from his base salary and leadership bonus. That means his first-year pension will be more than $81,000. Advertisement But then the spikes kick in. After just one year of retirement, Madigan's annual pension will shoot up to more than $130,000. And it will continue to grow by 3 percent each year. This is unconscionable. Most Illinoisans would say as much. While the speaker, Cullerton and other longtime lawmakers count their promised retirement money, they refuse to pass any real pension reform. Meanwhile, ballooning pension costs crowd out essential services for vulnerable Illinoisans and put tapped-out taxpayers such as Fiorante on the hook for billions. Not to mention the costs to government workers themselves: Older workers fear for the security of their retirements, and new workers are often trapped in their jobs because they have to wait to qualify for retirement benefits. But not all state lawmakers are so morally bankrupt when it comes to pensions. Advertisement Nearly 40 House members and 11 state senators have opted out of GARS already, along with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, filed a bill in April that gives 401(k)-style plans to new government workers, and gives current workers the option to enroll as well. To be clear: That is the only constitutional way to begin to solve the pension problem. Lawmakers must stop the bleeding. They must stop saddling new workers with failed defined-benefit pension plans immediately. This isn't a new idea. The solution has been right under the government's nose. For nearly 20 years, state university workers in Illinois have had the option of enrolling in a defined-contribution pension plan. Nearly 20,000 workers have opted into that 401(k)-style plan. It's a retirement plan that the worker controls, not Springfield politicians. All lawmakers need to do is take that plan and expand it. But Madigan and Cullerton don't like that idea. Instead, they nibble around the edges as the pension problem gets worse and worse. All while remaining in total control. Advertisement Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Here's a step lawmakers should take immediately: Abolish GARS. It would show leadership has the will to address the state's biggest fiscal problem. They would face no union opposition. GARS only has enough money to pay out benefits for two more years. Taxpayers actually pay twice for their lawmakers once for salaries and again to bail out the lawmakers' failed pension fund. It's time to put that system out to pasture. Legislative leaders' refusal to push real pension reform is another unfortunate symptom of their philosophy on so many other state issues: "It works for us, now pony up." It's up to rank-and-file lawmakers to tell Madigan and Cullerton enough is enough. Advertisement Austin Berg, a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute, wrote this column for the Illinois News Network, a project of the Institute. A cross was put up at the scene where two Carpentersville residents were killed after the motorcycle they were on collided with a minivan in unincorporated McHenry Township. (Erin Sauder/The Courier-News ) A friend of the Carpentersville couple killed last month in a motorcycle crash has been instrumental in helping to ensure others don't suffer the same fate. Dennis "Paws" Edward Spears Jr., 49, and Tanya Schafer, 42, died April 9 after the motorcycle they were on collided with a minivan after 7:50 p.m. at the intersection of River and Charles J. Miller roads, in unincorporated McHenry Township. Advertisement In an email to board members from Joseph Korpalski, the county's director of transportation and county engineer, he said due to the number and severity of crashes, MCDOT "will be adjusting the signals." Korpalski said the adjustment will require new signal equipment which has been ordered and is anticipated to be installed by early June. The modification will include changing the signals from protected/permissive for northbound to westbound left-turns to protected only, according to . Advertisement During a McHenry County Board meeting earlier this month, Wonder Lake resident Kelly Liebmann spoke about the pair, who she got to know through her involvement with the Fox Valley Libertarian Party. Before his death, Spears, a veteran, and member of the Fox Valley Libertarian Party, had volunteered to take over the role of membership director for the Libertarian Party of Illinois. "May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month so I thought I would share with you a story about my friends," Liebmann said during the May 16 meeting. "Last month...Dennis and Tanya decided to enjoy the lovely spring weather with a ride on their 2017 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, a big two-seated, sweet ride meant to cruise. Dennis and Tanya loved to ride together. Both Dennis and Tanya's lives ended that day." A preliminary investigation indicated that the motorcycle, driven by Spears, was heading south on River Road and had a green light at the intersection with Charles J. Miller Road, according to officials. A 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan driven by a 41-year-old Wonder Lake woman was heading north on River Road and turning west on Charles J. Miller Road. The van's driver failed to yield to the motorcycle, leading to the crash, according to the news release from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. Liebmann, a newly elected Greenwood Township trustee, said a left turn on green arrow only signal at the intersection would have saved their lives. She was able to obtain crash data from that intersection through several Freedom of Information Act requests to the McHenry County Sheriff's office. According to the data, from 2008 to 2012 there were three serious injury crashes at the intersection. In 2012, the county began the Charles J. Miller Road widening project, which included a redesign of that intersection. Data from the sheriff's office shows that from 2013 to present there have been more than 20 serious injury crashes at the intersection. Advertisement Around the time of the accident, Liebmann also came across a community Facebook page where people were commenting about the number of accidents at that intersection since its revamp. "I am certain the crash data, if researched by the McHenry County DOT, would put the River Road and Charles Miller Road intersection on the "5 Percent Report" of most dangerous intersections in McHenry County," Liebmann told county board members. Liebmann and many others are still mourning the loss of the couple. "Dennis and Tanya were such kind and caring people. It is easy to understand why they had so many friends," Liebmann said. Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. A jewelry vendor who attended the St. Charles Fine Arts Show over the weekend reported $500,000 in gemstones and other jewelry were stolen from his vehicle, police said Wednesday. According to St. Charles Police Deputy Chief Dave Kintz, the vendor told police he had parked in the lot at 216 Riverside Drive. About 6 p.m. he placed his wares in a locked 2015 Ford Transit Van. When he returned to his vehicle about 9 p.m., the artist found the van's vent window was broken open, police said. Advertisement Several totes and cases that carried jewelry and gems including emeralds, sapphires and rubies were missing, police said. One container included 18 trays of gold and silver jewelry. The theft was reported at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Advertisement The St. Charles Police Department is asking anyone with information about the theft call the investigations division at 630-377-4435. Janelle Walker is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News. America has never stopped being great. It is we, the people, who make our nation great. It is we, the people, not some faceless government, who choose to invest in ourselves and our culture, said Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, at the annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy at the Kennedy Center. He speaks for us all. If we see ourselves as great, we must invest in that which makes us great, things that the GDP has never been able to measure: Investments that make we, the people richer, better, more complete human beings. We must invest in our ambition, in our aspiration, in that American spirit of ingenuity and sense of imagination that has always propelled this great nation forward. This is not time for a poverty of imagination in our country. Yet, the White House proposed eliminating funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting(CPB) in its budget blueprint for Fiscal Year 2018. As we prepare to fight that proposal with our allies in the U. S. Congress, we can certainly talk about the numbers. The combined resources of the NEA, NEH and CPB total less than one-tenth of one percent of the federal budget, roughly equivalent to what Americans spend on lip balm, and would fund less than five hours of military spending, according to famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Understanding our history and our differences as people through the arts and humanities builds stronger communities where economic vitality flows. From Yuma to Window Rock and Douglas to Kingman, arts and humanities flourish thanks to support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Arizona Humanities, both partially funded by NEA and NEH. From its inception in 1967, the Arizona Commission on the Arts has energized an ever-growing community of artists and arts organizations. Arizona Humanities has been enriching our culture life with annual grants in communities all over our state for nearly as long. Today, direct expenditures by nonprofit arts and culture organizations account for nearly $300 million annually, and employ about 12,000 citizens. Arts Commission and Humanities grants usually require matching funds from private sources; so, the awards spur local investment, as well as additional retail, hospitality and tourism spending. De-funding NEA and NEH, will have a significant negative impact on the quality of arts, culture and life in Arizona. The argument that government funding of the arts is too high and generates too little return simply doesnt work either when you consider the broader, deeper impact on us as human beings. This issue is not about numbers. Its about that incredible spirit of imagination, drive, creativity and comfort that every one of us has experienced at some time in our lives. Did you ever sing in a choir, visit the library, appear in your school play, enjoy a ballet or museum exhibit, watch your kids at a school holiday pageant, knit a sweater for your grandson or even carve a duck decoy in your garage? Everyone participates in the arts and humanities at some level. Everyone knows some history, has read a book, played in a band or simply strummed a guitar or attended a lecture. The arts and humanities help define our communities and promote rational, civil society based upon democratic ideals, humanistic discourse and engagement with the arts. Arts and humanities make us human. The impact of arts and culture on our kids is undeniable. A major study on education found that students exposed to cultural institutions like museums and performing arts centers, not only have higher levels of engagement with the arts but display greater tolerance, historical empathy, as well as better educational memory and critical thinking skills. Defunding both NEA and NEH will make Arizona communities less vibrant. America is still great, and access to arts, culture and the humanities and the experiences they provide make a great America even greater. We need the arts and humanities in Arizona. Let your elected officials in Congress and your friends and families know how you feel about the impact of the NEA and NEH on the very fabric of our country and our state. Mike Motyka recently was named prom king at East Leyden High School. Motyka said he's going to miss Leyden but is excited to start a new chapter in his life. Q: Where did you grow up and go to school? Advertisement A: I grew up in River Grove. I went to River Grove School, and then I went to East Leyden. Q: What kind of activities were you involved in at Leyden? Advertisement A: I was in several activities! The main ones were National Honor Society, student council, peer leading and peer mediation. There were others, but those are the main ones. Q: What were your prom plans? A: I went with one of my closest friends, Samantha Lopez. We took pictures with our friends. After prom, my friends and I rented a party bus and went downtown. Q: How did you get nominated for prom king? A: The teachers nominate the students for prom court. The students vote their king and queen. Q: How did you feel when you were nominated for prom court? A: I felt honored because it was the teachers' vote. It felt good that the teachers were thinking of all the things I've done throughout high school. Q: How did you feel when they announced your name? Advertisement A: It was pretty crazy! I was shocked and amazed. I wasn't sure if I would win. Q: Who won prom queen? A: Autumn McGee won. Autumn and I also won homecoming king and queen, and then we won prom king and queen. It was a great way to end senior year. Q: Why do you think that you won? A: I think I won because I'm really involved at Leyden. I tried to get involved with as many activities I could throughout high school. I really supported Leyden, and I made a lot of friends. Q: Where are you attending college? Advertisement A: I am going to Carthage College. I'm majoring in psychology. I'm thinking about becoming a school counselor or being a child psychologist. Q: How did you feel when you graduated? A: I felt sad. I felt like these past four years made me into the person I am today. ... It's sad, but I'm moving forward. Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Deerfield attorney Bob Morgan announced Thursday that he's running as a Democrat for the Illinois House seat now held by State Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood). Morgan announced his bid to represent the 58th District the day after the Illinois House of Representatives adjourned without passing a state budget. Advertisement "It's been more than 700 days without a budget and it's time for someone to stand up for the values of our community, make changes and begin fixing the problem," said Morgan, a health care policy attorney. Morgan has worked on health care reform and Medicaid expansion while holding positions in state government. He served as the first statewide project coordinator for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. Advertisement Drury, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago, handily won reelection to a third Illinois House term last November. In April, Drury announced he was exploring a run for governor. He has not yet declared himself a gubernatorial candidate or indicated if he intends to seek a fourth term in the Illinois House in the March 2018 primary. "At the appropriate time, I will let my constituents know my plans for the future," Drury said Thursday. As for Morgan's assertion that Springfield is broken, Drury said, "There is no Democrat in the General Assembly who has been more outspoken about the problems in Springfield than me." Drury has emphasized his independence from Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and signaled Thursday that it may become a campaign issue in a contested primary. In January, Drury voted "present" during the vote to reelect Madigan to a 17th term as speaker, and said he was the only Democrat in 30 years to not support the speaker for reelection. "In a recent conversation with Bob Morgan, I was very disappointed to learn that he is open to voting for Mike Madigan to be the speaker of the House," Drury said. "The last thing the 58th District needs is to go backwards." Morgan said he made no mention of Madigan during their brief conversation. "I told him I would support a Democrat for speaker who shared my progressive values," Morgan said. Advertisement Drury was the only third term House Democrat to be passed over for a committee chairmanship when the 100th General Assembly convened in January, which he believes was in retaliation for his Madigan vote. He also was removed from the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee, where he had been vice chairman. Morgan is currently chair of the West Deerfield Township Democrats. In a statement announcing his candidacy, Morgan pointed out that he served as Jewish Outreach Director for the Hillary for America campaign in Illinois, and serves on the Midwest Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Federation of Chicago's Government Affairs Committee. An attorney for Much Shelist, Morgan said he played a key role in organizing attorneys and advocates to provide legal services at O'Hare Airport to immigrants targeted by President Donald Trump's travel ban shortly after his inauguration. This is the fourth in a series on Flagstaff-area graduating high school seniors. Summit High School senior Josh Hanley is looking forward to continuing his first full-time job at Little America after graduation. He got the job through the First Employment program at Goodwill. Hes graduating a year ahead of schedule. While working at Little America, he plans to attend Coconino Community College and study alternative energy technology. The world is so dependent on oil, he said. We need people who can install solar panels and other alternative energy sources. He said he liked attending Summit High School. The classes are smaller and students get to know the teachers better. Im ready to get started on life, he said. Claudia Gorman Summit High School graduate Claudia Gorman is taking the summer off to look at Arizona universities and community colleges to find the best journalism program for her. She hopes to get into Coconino Community Colleges CCC to NAU program, so she can attend Northern Arizona Universitys journalism program. She hopes to get into either a creative writing career or a job as a newspaper reporter. She said the environment at Summit motivated her to do more than she thought she could. Ponderosa High School Ponderosa High School is part of the Coconino County Accommodation School District. The school has smaller classes sizes and offers block scheduling that allows students to make up high school credits faster. Ricky Koch There will be very little in life that will be able to stop Ponderosa High School graduate Rick Koch (pronounced "cook") from getting what he wants out of life. Koch graduated on Wednesday at the age of 18, one year ahead of schedule, after cramming two years of high school into one year. Koch had a rough start to life. He said he was raised by a single mom who was addicted to meth. She has been clean for five years now. And he started kindergarten a year late, because his mom didnt think he was ready for school yet. Koch said he struggled with school. I didnt like school, he said. It was hard. It was grueling and some teachers just didnt care. Which is BS to me. If you go into teaching then teach. Koch said he taught himself how to read, write, count, write essays and improved his public speaking skills. He improved his vocabulary by reading the dictionary one year. All while helping to take care of his younger brother. In his speech to his fellow graduates, Koch said there was one point in his high school education that inspired him to get where he is today: the day he was pulled into the guidance counselors office and told if he didnt straighten his grades out that he would graduate late. It got to me. I didnt want to be a super senior (a senior who graduates late), he said. He was determined to graduate on time and at age 18. He contacted Ponderosa and enrolled after learning that he could graduate in a year. Koch went into high gear and completed all of the requirements to graduate in one year while tutoring kids at the Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club after school. Koch doesnt consider himself one of those hard-luck, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps success stories. I got lucky, he said. There are not many people in situations like mine that are able to get out of these types of situations. Koch is looking forward to starting his adult life. He plans to take classes in Las Vegas and become a welder while waiting to turn 21 so he can become a law enforcement officer. Koch said it was his work tutoring kids at the Boys and Girls Club that made him want to become a police officer. Theres a lot that police officers do for those kids, he said. Koch said he also might consider teaching once he gets older and wiser. Its just not something I want to do right now. I dont have the life experience, he said. Erica McCabe Erica McCabe enrolled at Ponderosa High School after her sophomore year. She spent her freshman year in high school battling bullies and her sophomore year taking classes online. But the online school messed up her credits. It took her half a semester to get her grades back on track at Ponderosa. I loved everything about Ponderosa, she said. The smaller class sizes and attentive teachers made it easy to pick up the credits she needed to graduate. McCabe plans to attend Northern Arizona University and study either psychology or business or both. She said she likes science and studying the mind, which is why she picked psychology. At the same time, shes always wanted to own her own flower business. Ed. Note: This story has been changed from the original. The Waukegan Band begins its 82nd season of free concerts June 13 at the Stiner Pavilion. ( Waukegan Band Foundation/HANDOUT ) Waukegan Band sets sail for its 82nd season June 13 joining forces with the Milwaukee Festival Brass to present a free concert that will end with John Philip Sousa's, "Hands Across the Sea." All that's needed is blanket or lawn chair and the desire to enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline as night sets in, listening to an extra dose of brass instruments to herald summer's arrival. Advertisement The Waukegan Band performs every Tuesday through Aug. 8, except July 4, at the Stiner Pavilion on Waukegan Beach. "The Stiner Pavilion is a beautiful band shell shaped like a sail right on the shore of Lake Michigan," said Mark Taylor, who directs the Waukegan Band and the Milwaukee Festival Brass. Advertisement "When you look out on the lake, you can see the skyline and the lights of downtown Chicago. It's really a magical place to hear a concert," he said. Concessions will be sold and children can participate in arts and crafts activities during the concert. "It's free and there's plenty of free parking," Taylor added. "People bring picnics, and sit on the lawn and enjoy the music." Taylor, of Lake Forest, who has a master's degree in conducting from Northwestern University, directs the Milwaukee Festival Brass year-round. The group just completed its first recording, which will be released in fall, he said. "Every year the Waukegan band tries to partner with another music-making ensemble to provide mutual support and enjoy each other's performances," he said. This year, the band board chose the Milwaukee Festival Brass, he said. Both groups will perform individual selections and then join for the final piece. The Milwaukee Festival Brass is a British-style band, which uses certain instruments such as cornet and tuba to create a pleasing, homogenous sound, Taylor said. For the June 13 concert, the Festival Brass will perform music composed by or inspired by New Zealand, which Taylor said "fits in with the concert's theme of setting sail for summer." Advertisement The group will perform "March Invercargill," written in British march style by Alex Lithgow of New Zealand. "British marches are a little different from American marches," Taylor said. "They have a slightly slower tempo, more sections and more different melodies. A lot of the British marches were written for competitions. There's a tremendous amount of very challenging music for British brass bands." The brass group will also perform selections from the "Lord of the Rings" movies, which were filmed on location in New Zealand. The Waukegan Band will perform a piece written by one of America's most prominent African-American composers, William Grant Still, Taylor said. Called "Summerland," the reflective piece was transcribed for band from a piano score, he said. The Waukegan Band also will perform the lively "Russian Sailors Dance," written by Reinhold Gliere. Listeners likely will recognize a familiar melody that seems to invoke sailors to begin dancing. It's from the opera, "The Red Poppy." Other highlights this season include the June 27 concert, which features the U.S. Navy Band from Great Lakes Naval Base, a July 18 concert celebrating young musicians, and the Aug. 8 concert devoted to jazz. Advertisement "We're also returning for a second time to perform at the Lake County Fair on July 28," Taylor said. The band also plays at the annual Independence Festival Concert at Bowen Park at 3 p.m. July 2. Waukegan Band has been providing music to Lake County since 1936 and is open by audition to performers 15 years and older. "This is a legacy of the great old civic concert band, many of which were founded during the Great Depression," Taylor said. "The fact that it's still going today and has a strong following in the community of residents who come out year after year to perform, and others to hear us perform, it's really inspiring." Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer for the News-Sun. Waukegan Band Concerts When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 13-Aug. 8, except July 4 Where: Stiner Pavilion, 201 Seahorse Dr., Waukegan Advertisement Tickets: Free Lake County legislators on both sides of the aisle are expressing anger, frustration and in some cases a shared sense of disappointment in top leadership of both parties as the state's dire budget woes continue. After the state legislature's spring session closed Wednesday without the passage of a budget, further prolonging a situation dating back two years, both Republican and Democratic senators and state representatives bemoaned another lost opportunity. Advertisement "The Senate passed a balanced budget and passed it to the (Illinois) House. Now the speaker and the governor need to put down their swords," State Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake, said Thursday of Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Bush, who called the amount of time Illinois has gone without a budget "unprecedented" in the modern era, lauded a bipartisan committee of legislators that has been working for months to reach compromises on issues of contention and soften party lines. But she added that both Rauner and Madigan continue to effectively steer votes along party lines. Advertisement The Senate's passage of the budget, without one supporting Republican vote, leaves the matter in the hands of the House, but Madigan's decision not to call a vote by the end of May means the legislature will now need a three-fifths super-majority to approve budget items. Bush said that will make the task even more difficult, and the projected income-tax increase that will be needed to address the state's current $14.4 billion debt will only get higher with each year that a budget is not passed. She added that the budget proposal passed by the Senate, which included many of the conditions Rauner has said he wants, would result in an income-tax increase of about 4.9 percent, and that "if it goes on for another year, we're going to need a 6 percent increase." The state legislature is expected to reconvene before the end of June. The state's fiscal year ends June 30. "We're not giving up. We're still here for a month, and we have a group of bipartisan legislators still trying (to reach compromise)," Bush said. State Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake, whose district includes parts of Lake County, lauded bipartisan efforts from some corners, but said she does not believe a budget will be passed until after the 2018 gubernatorial race is decided. Wheeler said she primarily blames Madigan for refusing to consider reforms sought by Republicans. "Sadly, Speaker Madigan once again wielded his power to pull the rug out from under these efforts at the last minute," Wheeler said. "It's clear that even though the methods of the past aren't working anymore, the speaker is more interested in keeping control of the process, whatever the cost." Advertisement Wheeler said Madigan's own leadership team "has suggested on multiple occasions that there won't be a full budget during Gov. Rauner's term. This is not how our Republic is supposed to work." "We must stop the political games and do what's right to pass a balanced budget built on reasonable reform before it is too late," Wheeler said. State Rep Sheri Jesiel, R-Winthrop Harbor, said "we've been trying to find common ground and work side-by-side. But the clock is ticking." Jesiel, who serves on the bipartisan committee trying to iron out issues, said the state cannot continue running "on autopilot," and that some school districts without significant reserves in Lake County could be in serious trouble this fall without a new budget. She said taxpayers are also paying the price, as inability to reach budget solutions continues in the legislature. "There is pressure on leaders of both sides to get something done," Jesiel said. Advertisement State Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan. (Terry Link) State Sen. Terry Link, D-Vernon Hills, also said it's essentially up to Rauner and Madigan to make the moves necessary to fund a budget. "The Senate did their job. This is a balanced budget (within) the amount the governor wanted," Link said. "It's ridiculous when we can't pass a balanced budget." Link acknowledged that he feels both Madigan and Rauner have let animosities go beyond politics as usual to the state's detriment. He said that since Rauner took office, the state's debt has grown from $3.2 billion to over $14 billion and that the impact on schools, taxpayers and social service agencies continues to grow. He suggested that something as simple as working together professionally at the top of the leadership scale could lead to progress. "Don't take anything personally and don't get personal," Link said. "We can have philosophical disagreements, but it doesn't mean we have to be enemies." jrnewton@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @jimnewton5 Leaders of NATO nations stand for a group photo at NATO headquarters during the alliances annual summit in Brussels, Belgium, on May 25. (Sean Kilpatrick/AP ) The NATO summit in Brussels on May 25 has received relatively little attention, thanks to the crowded schedule of President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East and Europe. The diplomatic whirlwind commenced with the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Leaders from 55 nations addressed the threat of terrorism. The NATO summit was followed almost immediately by a meeting of the G7, comprised of the world's principal industrial nations, in Taormina, Italy. The main agenda item was the continuing debt problems of Greece. Advertisement The brief Brussels meeting nevertheless contained heavy symbolism. Remnants of the Berlin Wall and World Trade Center destroyed in the 9/11 attacks were dedicated. The NATO meeting probably will prove the most significant, simply by confirming the solid durability of the alliance. NATO demonstrates unity, and these summits are positive for international stability, especially long-term. The media should focus on these realities. Advertisement Warsaw, Poland, was the site for the May 2016 NATO summit, which linked the present with the past. Invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939 sparked World War II in Europe. The Warsaw delegates agreed to commit troops to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Montenegro was formally invited to join NATO. NATO also underscored commitment to Afghanistan, confirming involvement there until 2020. The senior civilian NATO representative in the country at that time was Turkey's diplomat Ismail Aramaz. This is a particularly important point, given Turkey's crucial front-line position against the Islamic State, and Ankara's vexed relationship with the rest of Europe and the U.S. British voters' narrow but clear decision to leave the EU has generated alarm, notably among business executives as well as politicians and civil servants. They fear economic instability and even recession may result. So far, these fears have not been realized, except for the decline in value of the British pound. Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday > One important neglected point is that Britain's long-term role as military leader in Europe and the wider Atlantic area will probably be reinforced. Starting with World War I, Britain has encouraged United States engagement with Europe, in military and also economic terms. Creation of NATO followed a series of more limited steps, preliminary building-blocks on which the final structure was created. Article 51 of the United Nations Charter explicitly supports collective self-defense. In March 1947, representatives of Britain and France signed the Treaty of Dunkirk. The main perceived potential threat at that time was Germany. The text of the treaty stated the signatory nations would protect one another from any threat "arising from the adoption by Germany of aggression ...." By then, severe strains were growing between the Western allies and the Soviet Union. In March 1948, the Dunkirk alliance was widened into the Brussels Pact. The resulting Western Union included Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and was a positive precursor to the European Economic Community established in the following decade. Britain steadily fostered cross-Atlantic military cooperation as the Cold War developed. Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin kept the far left of his Labour Party at bay. He was effective in dealing with European leaders in forging the European Coal and Steel Community and forming NATO. Institutional collaboration was reinforced by interpersonal dynamics, starting with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in World War II. Advertisement NATO continues to provide transatlantic cooperation. The current Britain-U.S. rift over publication of Manchester bombing photos by The New York Times is especially unfortunate. Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War." (Palgrave Macmillan and NYU Press). mailto: acyr@carthage.edu Mira Dedhia placed third in the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee. ( Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP ) Mira Dedhia, an eighth-grader from McClure Junior High in Western Springs, and Marlene Schaff, a home-schooled girl from Lake Forest, were among 40 contestants to advance as finalists of the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The finals began Thursday morning and continue with live coverage from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on ESPN. Advertisement The spelling bee champion will receive more than $40,000 in cash and prizes, including a trip to New York to appear on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" and a trip to Hollywood to be a guest on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The competition started with 291 participants in rounds one and two, and 259 who took part in round three. Advertisement The preliminaries consisted of the preliminaries test and two rounds of onstage oral spelling. This is the third consecutive trip to the national spelling competition for Mira, who advanced by wining the regional competition in February. Mira spelled the following words correctly to remain in contention: Icarian, ornithology and ferriferous. Adi Badlani, an eighth-grader from Butler Junior High in Oak Brook also made his third consecutive trip to nationals, but didn't qualify for the final round. cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @chuckwriting It seems like bullying is such a hot topic these days. With frequent news stories about cyber-bullying, kids being bullied at school and even adults being bullied in the workplace, almost everyone seems to have experienced a bully at some point in life. So when a friend of mine who is going through a divorce told me she felt like she was being bullied by her soon-to-be ex-husband, it didn't surprise me. Under such times of extreme anger, resentment, stress and fear of the future, a person can turn into an ugly bully with the purpose of intimidating the spouse to get what he or she wants in the divorce. Advertisement "The judge is going to rule in my favor." "You are going to regret this until the day you die." Advertisement "I'm going to make sure the kids never speak to you, ever again." "I feel sorry for you because you're going to lose everything." "You are nothing without me." These are just some of the things men and women have told me their spouses said to them during their divorce. Beth McCormack is a Chicago-based divorce attorney and a partner and shareholder at Beermann, a family law firm. McCormack said she sees divorce bullying frequently. "A divorce bully to me is an individual who uses the legal process in order to further abuse their spouse," said McCormack, a Collaborative Law Fellow who has practiced family law for 26 years. "Examples include claiming the other parent is unfit, withholding money, filing false allegations, delaying the divorce process or refusing to abide by court orders." What's the motivation behind bullying in a divorce? McCormack said it stems from the person feeling like he or she is no longer able to control their partner, so they use the legal system to attempt to gain back some control. Elissa Geier is a North Shore-based psychologist who specializes in high conflict resolution and couples therapy. Geier described divorce bullying as "a power play." Advertisement "The threats are a way to lash out and try to hurt someone, to get retribution in response to feeling rejected or hurt themselves," said Geier, who has been in practice for over 20 years. "Bullies are very scared and insecure and they want control. If you fall into it, they think, 'OK, I'm winning.'" So, how do you deal with a bully during divorce? McCormack said pick your battles. "Figure out what nuggets you can give the bully that aren't really going to impact you in the long-term," she said. "You have to give them something or they will keep picking away until they get something that might really matter." She also recommends that every client have a therapist to help them deal with the emotional component of the bullying. "We do a lot of reality checks," Geier said. "I tell clients, 'Step away from the emotions and ask yourself why you think he or she is saying that to you.' The answer is usually 'Because he or she is hurt and bitter and scared.'" Geier said to remember that just because your ex is saying something, that doesn't mean it's true, and that the bully is usually just trying to scare you into settling or agreeing to something they want. She said the key is recognizing the person's motives. Advertisement Another tip: Block out the bully's comments. "Self-talk is very helpful," Geier said. "Tell yourself you aren't going to let this upset you or ruin your day. Do something for yourself. Distract yourself with a run or a yoga class or meditation." It's not easy to do. I get it. Having gone through a divorce, I can attest to the fact that divorce brings out the worst in people. Want the good news? From what I've seen, bullying in a divorce is often temporary. Once the divorce is final and the component of uncertainty is gone, the level of fear and anxiety is usually dramatically reduced in both partners. It opens the door to acceptance, healing and peace. The couple might even become friends over time. I will point out however that in cases of litigation, one person might not like or agree with the judge's rulings and the final outcome of the divorce. Therefore, the bullying could continue even after the divorce. This is one reason McCormack's practice includes collaborative law; a process which empowers couples to manage their divorce and come to settlement agreements without litigation. Advertisement Said McCormack: "When both parties have control over what their divorce settlement states, and they reach thoughtful agreements together, they are more likely to be less resentful, to be more amicable and to abide by what is set forth in the agreement." In other words, a divorce with a good outcome will most likely make the bully back down. 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. The Amtrak conductor shot as he stood on the rail platform of the Naperville train station faces multiple surgeries and months in the hospital before he can be released, a doctor said Wednesday. Dr. David Piazza, medical director of trauma surgery at Edward Hospital in Naperville, said Michael Case, 45, of Homewood, will have a "long hard slog" on his road to recovery. "He's going to be out of commission for six to nine months," Piazza said. Advertisement The bullet went through Case's abdomen, penetrating his intestine, including a portion right below the stomach, he said. The head of the pancreas also was damaged and Case's colon had to be removed. "This is a very significant area to be injured," Piazza said. "A lot of things come together at this site, including the contents from the stomach, the bile from the liver and the fluid from the pancreas. Advertisement "Even if you don't eat anything, two to three liters will come through that area through 24 hours so it's a notoriously difficult area to treat," he said. Because so much is happening at the juncture, surgery was required Wednesday afternoon so Drs. George Salti and Beatrice Klade could do what Piazza described as "car wash," cleaning the wounded areas and rerouting drainage from the organs. "We've always known we would have to take him back at least one more time and probably two or three more times," he said. Dr. David Piazza, of Edward Hospital in Naperville, and Stephanie Klavohn, trauma nurse coordinator at Edward, provide an update Wednesday on the condition of Michael Case. (Suzanne Baker / Naperville Sun ) Case remains in critical but stable condition, and has been able to consume green gelatin, clear liquids and ginger ale by request, he said. The suspect in his May 16 shooting, Edward Klein, 79, of West Allis, Wis., has been charged with attempted murder. Klein is being held at the DuPage County jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail and is to undergo a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. Klein was returning to Milwaukee from Kansas by train, and tried to get off in Naperville, according to his defense attorney. Amtrak personnel, aware that Klein needed to switch trains at Chicago's Union Station, closed the train's door to keep him from leaving. Apparently angry he could not disembark, Klein fired his gun out a window at Case, who was standing on the rail platform, police said. Case is lucky to be alive, Piazza said. Advertisement "The abdomen is packed like a suitcase," he said. "If you decided to shoot a bullet through your suitcase, it would hit your aftershave, your sock, your this or that." The bullet missed "some very significant vessels by millimeters," he said. "Most people with an injury near this site don't make it," Piazza said. The quick response by emergency workers and the Edward Hospital trauma staff was critical to Case's survival, he added. The 911 call came in at 4:45 p.m. and Case was in the hospital's emergency room at 5:07 p.m., where he had to be resuscitated, Piazza said. Just 50 minutes later, he was in an operating room with the on-call trauma team for surgery that would last six hours. Piazza said Case is a good patient, describing him as "pleasant," "laid back" and "very conversive." "Sara is the wife (of Michael) and she is asking for everybody's thoughts and prayers," Piazza said on behalf of the family, who declined to speak Wednesday because of the surgery. Advertisement Several crowd-funding sites, such as GoFundMe, were established by friends, fellow Navy veterans and Amtrak co-workers to help Case and his family with medical and other expenses. subaker@tribpub.com Twitter @SBakerSun1 Please help us get rid of Google calls. We are a small business. We get as many as five calls a day, 15 a week, that start by scolding us with, "Don't hang up. You have not responded to our numerous calls regarding your Google listing." We don't want to upgrade our Google listing. In fact, we dropped our website in hopes that the calls would stop, but the calls keep coming. Advertisement We receive robocalls with three different sets of wording. The gist is that our Google website listing would get more response if it was the first listing that comes up on a Google search. Then we are instructed to do such and such to get a better listing. Some of the calls offer to take us off the call list by pressing 2. We would have worn out the 2 button on the phone. Janice, Skokie Advertisement First off, these calls are not from Google. Google states clearly on its website: Google does not: Charge for inclusion in Google Search. Offer to improve your search ranking or manage your business's online profile. Ask you for your password or verification code. You should never provide sensitive information about your account (like your password and verification code) to a caller. If you receive a robocall for any of the above reasons, it is not from Google. Google requests consumers like Janice help track robocalls that falsely associate themselves with Google by filing an online notice at its website, Google.com. Second, it is most likely true that Janice's business was targeted because it had a website that included her company's phone number. And unfortunately, pressing 2 simply let the robocaller know that an active number had been reached. Advertisement "Robocalling technology is sophisticated; not just in the number of calls made per minute but also in the speed at which it can find new numbers to call," said Jan Volzke, VP for reputation data at Hiya, a mobile app that automatically blocks iPhone and Android scam and spam threats. "If you post your phone number in a Facebook or Twitter post, or even on a Craigslist ad to sell your old bike, you can expect robocalls within the next 12 to 24 hours." Really any time you share your phone number even in an email signature you risk becoming a target for telemarketer solicitations. Additionally, as mentioned in my April 6 column, if you're downloading free apps to a cellphone, beware. Oftentimes games, flashlight utilities, weather apps and calendars are all simply fronts for accessing your phone's contacts and/or gathering your personal information to sell. When I presented Janice's situation to a Federal Communications Commission spokesperson, he offered this: "It never hurts to check in with her phone service provider to see if they have any helpful [blocking] tools. And if the calls are coming from a single company, contacting them can be helpful. That said, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act does not place restrictions on robocalls or telemarketing calls to landline business phones." This last caveat essentially means that if Janice wants to be rid of the annoying calls, she will have to proactively implement a call-blocking device or service on her own. Examples of highly-rated robocall blockers she might consider include Nomorobo, a free service for VoIP landline phones ($1.99/month for iPhone users), or a Digitone or CPR brand call-blocking device, which costs $85-100. These units plug into a user's landline phone and check calls against thousands of blacklisted telemarketing numbers to block unwanted incoming calls. The devices additionally allow users to add their own unwanted numbers to the block list. The Robocall Strike Force, an industry-led group overseen by the FCC (focused on the FCC's greatest area of complaint) recently issued a progress report. Per the statement, it has developed standards for authenticating caller ID information, encouraged carriers and third-party vendors to offer consumers more call-filtering tools, improved consumer interfaces for robocall identification and mitigation, and helped to block malicious calls before they reach consumers. Though the Strike Force will not formally meet again, industry leaders have committed to continuing their work on this front with the FCC's assistance. Advertisement Need help? Send your questions, complaints, injustices and column ideas to HelpSquad@pioneerlocal.com. Cathy Cunningham is a freelance columnist. The recent military strike by the administration firing some fifty-plus Tomahawk missiles at a military air base in Syria accomplished absolutely nothing. The butcher Assad had fighter jets flying and bombing civilians from that same base within hours. Some criticized President Obama for drawing a red line in Syria, and then not following up with a military strike. We must realize that there is no military solution in Syria, or, for that matter, in the Middle East. The great American public servant and author, Richard Haas, recognizes that we cannot solve the problems of the Middle East. It is a group of cultures and countries who can only succeed by coming together and putting aside tribal/religious differences. I hope that our current president's bluster will be moderated to reach achievable results in our foreign policy. JAMES E. BABBITT Flagstaff A Gary woman, who is on trial in connection with the kidnapping and killing of two Gary teens, tearfully denied any role in the crimes on Wednesday. Jeri Woods who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, two counts of murder in perpetration of kidnapping and two counts of kidnapping in the 2015 deaths of Arreon Lackey, 18, and his brother, Antonio Lackey, 16 appeared to become emotional when defense attorney Jamise Perkins posed a series of questions about the killings. Advertisement Evidence presented by deputy prosecutors Michelle Jatkiewicz and Robert Persin has shown that, on June 26, 2015, the teens were forced from the Country Inn & Suites in Merrillville without their shoes and eventually taken to a rural area in Hobart referred to as "the farm," where they were told to remove their clothes, kneel and hug each other before they were shot once in the head with a 10 mm semi-automatic handgun. Woods said her husband, David Johnson IV, 39, was upset about missing guns a .380 semi-automatic handgun and a .38-Special revolver. She testified that she told him to "take it as a loss" after they'd stopped at a trailer to try to get the revolver from a man to whom Arreon Lackey had sold the weapon. In the meantime, Woods said she was following her husband's instructions to borrow a gun from an employee of the Lake Street Store in the Miller section of Gary. Advertisement The .38-caliber revolver has been linked by investigators to the April 28, 2015, killing of Alfred Wiley, 46, in Gary. In that case, David Johnson IV is charged with murder and Woods with conspiracy to commit murder. They both have pleaded not guilty. Thinking her husband was going to make the Lackeys and her stepsons, Arrion Greenwood, 19, and David Johnson V, 21, "fight it out," Woods said her husband and the young people started walking down a long driveway while she stayed behind in the van driven by her father-in-law, David Johnson III, 64. "When you see this group walking to the woods, are you thinking that anyone's going to die?" Perkins asked her. "No," Woods replied. Wearing a light gray suit and white blouse, Woods spoke in a quiet tone, which prompted Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Ross Boswell to remind her to speak up. Woods denied having a gun at the farm. "Did you shoot AT (Arreon Lackey)?" Perkins asked. "No," Woods said. Advertisement "Did you ever force those boys to get on their knees?" Perkins asked. "No," Woods said "Did you shoot Tone (Antonio Lackey)?" Perkins asked. "No, I'm a mother," said Woods, who has seven children ranging in age from 4 years to 17 years and three stepchildren with David Johnson IV. Woods said she loved the Lackey brothers, had fed them and taken care of them. It wasn't until July 17, 2015, when news broke of the discovery of the teens' bodies by a Gary couple who had taken their grandchildren fishing at a pond on the 38-acre site at 7030 Grand Blvd., in Hobart, that she learned their fate. When they didn't emerge from the woods on June 26, 2015, Woods said she thought maybe they were told to walk back to the motel. Woods admitted she was upset and shocked when she learned Greenwood and Arreon Lackey had shot Damon Hill, who was a family friend. Her thought at the time, Woods said that she was really getting sick of their little behavior. Advertisement "They were in the midst of a lot of things," she said. Woods also recalled speaking to her husband about the victims after their bodies were discovered. "I said what happened to the babies," Woods said. The reaction she received from David Johnson IV was "Uh, I don't know what you're talking" about kind of reaction, she said. "I asked again. I asked what happened out there. Did you leave them out there?" Woods said. Woods said she and her husband got into a fight, detailing that he hit her and then she hit him back. Woods said she has filed for divorce, but there is no record of that filing on the Lake County online docket. Woods acknowledged that she fled the area after police arrested her husband, David Johnson V and David Johnson III, at the elder Johnson's residence on Sept. 29, 2015. Woods said she was afraid of her husband. Woods was charged alongside Greenwood; his girlfriend, Michelle Hughes, 28, and Kiontay Cason, 23, who had been staying with the Johnson family for about a month at the time of the killings. David Johnson V and Cason testified against Woods under terms of their plea agreements. Advertisement The case could go to the jury as soon as Thursday. Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter with the Post-Tribune. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is instituting new programs to better communicate with residents of the U.S.S. Lead Superfund site in East Chicago as cleanup of the lead and arsenic contamination continues. The EPA's move to improve its communication with residents of the Calumet neighborhood came out of a meeting Administrator Scott Pruitt had with those living at the Superfund site and other community advocates who voiced frustration at the difficulty people have had getting information about their properties and the ongoing clean up. Advertisement "When I met with East Chicago residents, I heard their issues first hand and vowed to help correct these problems," said Pruitt, in a statement. "I am making it a priority to ensure contaminated sites get cleaned up. We will take a more hands-on approach to ensure proper oversight and attention to the Superfund program at the highest levels of the agency." Resident Maritza Lopez, a leader of the East Chicago Calumet Coalition and We the People of East Chicago, said she looks forward to seeing how the EPA's plan will work as the residents have asked for improved communication for a long time. Advertisement "It's great they are going to implement this," Lopez said, but the plans are just on paper now and she's interested to see how it will work on the ground. The EPA's communications with residents must consider the neighborhood's population, Lopez said, and recognize the number of people who speak Spanish and others who have trouble understanding the material the agency sends out. "I'm hoping that's part of the implementation," Lopez said. "They have to understand the demographics." The new initiatives the EPA is planning are: Have a community involvement coordinator who will be the direct point of contact for residents. Host monthly meetings to provide updates and answer questions. Track residents' inquiries in a database to see timely responses are provided. Maintain presence at the Carrie Gosch Elementary School so residents can talk to staff. Regularly update the U.S.S. Lead Superfund site web page. Publicize a hotline for residents. Regularly meet with city, state and federal officials to provide updates. "As Administrator Pruitt highlighted during his visit to East Chicago last month, collaboration between the EPA, the State and local East Chicago leaders is critical to addressing past issues on this Superfund site," said Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, in a statement. "I thank the administrator for taking these important steps and for demonstrating his continued commitment to Hoosiers in Northwest Indiana." The EPA's announcement of new communication efforts comes after attorneys continue to push a federal court to give residents a say in legal proceedings related to clean up plans at the site. Two weeks ago, residents objected to Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry's denial of their petition to intervene on court proceedings between the U.S. Department of Justice, EPA and parties responsible for the contamination. Cherry wrote in his order that the residents' request was not timely in relation to the court proceedings. Attorneys for the residents said the judge's perspective of timeliness did not account for the decades it took the EPA to step in and investigate and clean up the contamination in the Calumet neighborhood. Advertisement "The opinion raises an important question: When a community has been subject to decades worth of pollution and delay, how quickly should the community be required to act to enforce its legal rights," wrote David Chizewer and Emily Gilman, of Goldberg Kohn, Nancy Loeb and Debbie Chizewer of Northwestern's Environmental Advocacy Clinic, and Mark Templeton of the University of Chicago Law School Abrams Environmental Law Clinic, in the residents' objection. The DOJ and judge have yet to respond to the residents' objection. Akeeshea Daniels discusses the fallout from an announcement during the summer of 2016 that lead and arsenic contamination were discovered in the soil of the West Calumet Housing Complex in East Chicago. She and her neighbors had to move. Dec. 8, 2016. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) clyons@post-trib.com Twitter @craigalyons A two-decade veteran of the Lake County Sheriff's Department has been selected as the new chief of police, filling a position left vacant when the former chief resigned and pleaded guilty to a corruption charge. Commander Dennis Matthew Eaton takes over as chief of police for the Lake County Sheriff's Department, effective Thursday. Advertisement Lake County Sheriff John Buncich lauded Eaton's investigative skills in appointing him to the post. "During his service with the Lake County Sheriff's Department, Commander Eaton has implemented effective management and innovative procedures, which have resulted in a significant increase in felony case filings," Buncich said. Advertisement Eaton is the commander of the criminal investigations division, after previously serving in the detective's bureau, gang unit, narcotics unit, K-9 unit and patrol division, according to the department. As commander, Eaton oversaw a number of investigative units including the detective bureau, crime scene investigation unit and auto theft unit. He was named the 2011 Lake County Officer of the Year. He attended the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and joined the Lake County Sheriff's Department in 1997, according to the department. He graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2012 and is pursuing an education in security management from American Military University. The new chief and second generation sheriff's department officer said he was humbled and overwhelmed at the chance to lead the department where he has worked for so long. "I'm second generation here. It's a big deal to me and to my family," Eaton said. Eaton said the department has a good command staff and has been moving collectively as a team. "Overall, we are following a pretty solid game plan," Eaton said. "Of course, you always look for improvement measures and try and improve customers service and crime prevention," he said. Eaton will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Timothy Downs, who resigned as chief in December after pleading guilty to federal charges he cooperated to solicit bribes from tow operators for favorable treatment. Downs' resignation from the department was a part of the plea agreement. Downs said he sold fundraising tickets to tow truck operators, according to court documents, and took both cash payments and checks from the businesses. Advertisement Buncich, Downs and tow operator William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records. All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery. Buncich and Szarmach pleaded not guilty to the charges. Buncich's trial is scheduled for August. Eaton said time and continued good customer service from the department's officers will be important to restoring any faith that has been lost in the department as a results of the charges. "I think collectively as we police ourselves and are providing good service ... I hope over time that will serve to restore some confidence," Eaton said. Post-Tribune's Craig Lyons contributed. Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. The Service Employee International Union and the NAACP's Gary chapter held a town hall meeting at Ivy Tech Wednesday night to discuss how Methodist employees would be affected by a potential merger with Franciscan Health. Methodist CEO Raymond Grady told the nearly 100-person audience that 37 potential buyers had expressed some interest in acquiring its hospitals. Advertisement He said Methodist chose Franciscan because it was the only one that pledged to keep equitable health services in Gary. If merger plans would advance and win approval, Franciscan would take over Methodist's assets and liabilities, he said. "We basically become a Catholic hospital," Grady told the crowd. Advertisement If a merger goes forward, Methodist's board of directors would be added to Franciscan's board. Methodist's executives would remain in their roles. Union members would continue to keep their jobs, he said. Grady announced last June that Methodist planned to explore a merger with another hospital. Franciscan has proposed the construction a new $300 million hospital in Gary in exchange for ending the consent decree that mandates Methodist devote equal resources between Merrillville and Gary. Several speakers in the crowd expressed skepticism that Franciscan would be beneficial for Methodist employees or care services it provides. Dr. Deborah McCullough, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Methodist for nearly 40 years, told the panel she would to refer patients seeking birth control procedures to non-Catholic hospitals. "My biggest concern is who we go to bed with," she said after the meeting, referring to Franciscan. "There has to be somerapport (there) with somebody who understands our views." The hospital system follows directives from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, meaning it doesn't perform certain procedures like vasectomy, tubal ligation, and abortion. Oncology nurse Dee Popp also expressed concerns that staff could be subject to layoffs after a merger. She said she was laid off from Franciscan twice in 1984 and 1994. Advertisement Franciscan officials were not present at the meeting. SEIU representative Lorenzo Crowell said after the meeting that the union did not actively invite Franciscan to attend, because it did not represent any of its employees. The union represents over 600 employees, he said. Methodist employs more than 2,000 people. Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary said he was not in favor of eliminating the consent decree, but would support looking at ways to potentially revise it. Brown said that he, Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson and former mayor Richard Hatcher would have to sign on any changes. "I am 100 percent in favor of a new hospital," he said. Many fears on Franciscan were "just a matter of trust and the unknown." "I am open and willing to get to know them better," he said. "I have only heard negative (feedback on Franciscan) That's an open invitation for us to get to know one another better." Advertisement In March, Methodist and Franciscan officials announced they signed a non-binding letter of intent aimed at combining hospital operations. Both systems said then they expected expect to explore the partnership during a 120-day period before any agreement would be finalized. Grady said Wednesday that he expected both sides would stay in preliminary negotiations through the end of the year. Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest. Locally, it owns hospitals in Crown Point, Munster, Hammond, Dyer and Michigan City. Founded in 1875 by Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, it employs nearly 20,000 healthcare professionals. Nearly 100 years old, Methodist Hospitals operates two facilities in Gary and in Merrillville. Its Gary campus was the first Level 3-rated trauma center in Northwest Indiana. Advertisement mcolias@post-trib.com Twitter @meredithcolias A sign inside the entrance at the Walgreens at 801 Lake St. in Gary informs customers its closing June 27. (Carole Carlson/Post-Tribune ) Walgreens is closing its store at 801 Lake St. in Gary's Miller section next month, despite pleas from the city and the Miller community. Walgreens spokesman Phil Caruso said Wednesday the Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain is in the midst of shuttering 75 stores across the country this year. Advertisement The closings are part of a three-year plan announced in 2015 aimed at closing 200 stores nationwide to trim about $1 billion in costs at the nation's largest drugstore chain. A sign at the store's entrance says it's "permanently closing" June 27. Caruso said prescription records were being transferred to its Lake Station store at 3500 Central Ave. Advertisement "For the community, we don't want the place to go dark," said Eric Reaves, vice president of the Miller Citizens Corp. and a member of the Gary Redevelopment Commission. "We have an effort going to inundate them with comments and to say we need the store." Reaves said Walgreens also closed a store at 2801 W. 5th Ave. last year. The city has one remaining store at 2500 Grant St. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said she sent a letter to Walgreens asking the drugstore chain to keep the Miller store open. Reaves said he hopes the community can get a meeting with Walgreens to plead its case. "We don't like to send our community to Lake Station, Portage or Hobart to shop at Walgreens," he said. Reaves said Walgreens may be unaware of plans for a transit oriented development on Lake Street by the South Shore Railroad station. He said more infrastructure would be developed on Lake Street where a blossoming arts district has been established. Caruso, however, said the decision to close the store was final. The Miller store opened in 1993 and received an upgrade about 10 years ago. Caruso said the Miller store has about 27 employees. He said most would be placed in other area stores. Advertisement Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. What's Quickly? It's where readers sound off on the issues of the day. Have a quote, question or quip? Call Quickly at 312-222-2426 or email quickly@post-trib.com. What kind of explanation of "covfefe" is this? "The president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant." Advertisement People have to start thinking, really thinking, before they do these stupid things that ruin their careers. I feel like some of these adults we read about have the maturity of grade-schoolers. I am impressed that CNN has held one of their representatives accountable for not respecting the position of the President of the United States. That makes them leagues ahead of "Saturday Night Live" management. Advertisement Writers of satire are getting very upset with Trump. The market is drying up. Nothing they make up is even half as ridiculous as the things he actually says and does. The cost of Medicare is not covered entirely by taxes. Medicare is taken from your paycheck. When you turn 65 and are eligible for Medicare, currently, every month $104.90 is deducted from your Social Security check. Medicare only covers 80 percent of charges and some are not covered. Supplement Insurance varies in cost per month on the amount of coverage you choose. I pay $150 a month and my husband pays $182 a month. We also pay for Medicare D for pharmaceuticals which also has a co-pay plus tiers for more expensive drugs. These policies can cost from $20 a month to I am not sure how much above our $60. Scientists in Italy have discovered that lack of sleep might well cause some parts of your brain to actually "eat" other parts. This tells us a lot about Trump, who brags that he hardly sleeps at all. Chomp, chomp. You know it's bad when the attorney needs an attorney. The Gallup Poll named President Obama the "Most Admired Man In The World" for the 9th straight year. That has to keep Trump up at night. Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > The ACLU fights for many things. Our politicians don't seem to understand what they are. You do have the right to your religious beliefs. You don't have the right to impose those beliefs on others. The only two countries not supporting the Paris Accord are Syria and Nicaragua. Nice company to put us in. Don't ever forget, Hillary warned us that this unrest would happen. She was right. Advertisement Don't blame Democrats for Trump's stagnant administration. The lazy President hasn't even bothered to name a nominee for 442 open positions. Even though I am not a Trump fan, comedian Kathy Griffin's stunt was beyond bizarre. There is absolutely nothing funny about death in any form of a sitting president. What has happened to comedy? The issue with Russia is quite simple. There is talk that Trump's inner circle has been financially compromised. That would explain the resistance to provide financial information. Read more at www.post-trib.com/quickly. A recent column by Larry D. Voyles in the May 5th paper supports Donald Trumps review of national monuments established during the past 10 -15 years. Further, he complains that thoughtful discussion is missing. After which his column, for two paragraphs, gives one example to not have additional protection to these lands, citing the Wallow Fire on the Apache National Forest that had its origin in the Bear Wallow Wilderness (he calls it a protected area). Incredulously, he fails to acknowledge that, by far, most wildfires do not start in a designated wilderness areas. To name a few: Rodeo-Chediski, Schultz, Slide, and, this spring, the Sawmill fire started by a target shooter in southeast Arizona that burned some 400,000 acres. Therefore, I conclude that Mr. Voyles published rationale for not wanting protected areas is a red herring. I am neither for nor against the proposed Grand Canyon Watershed N.M. that Mr. Volyes opposes. I am concerned, however, that the current managers do not have the tools to adequately protect the area from overdevelopment, drying of springs, overuse and contamination of ground water, and over-visitation. I agree that we need a thoughtful conversation, but it needs to also be all encompassing and unbiased. ROBERT G. MCDONALD Flagstaff Frisch maintains razor-thin lead in CD-3 after new data reported in Pueblo County Frisch's lead over Boebert has been in decline as more counties in CD-3 continue to report results after election day Re: Campus speech and "Our View." Your comments, in general, regarding this subject were good. There's a big "however" in that your comments, like those in the New York Times, describe Charles Murray by a book he co-authored 23 years ago,rather than the book he wrote in 2014, "Coming Apart." I've not read "The Bell Curve" (the 1994 book) but have read "Coming Apart" and it's an excellent study of the widening divergence between economic and educational classes in the U.S. What is important to note is that this was the topic he was invited to speak about at Middlebury, not "The Bell Curve." Furthermore, the book specifically compared lower income whites with higher income whites, and by specifically omitting Hispanics and Blacks in the book, (I'm assuming) Murray wanted to avoid any criticism or charge of "racism." While your article correctly criticized the students for "shouting him down" ( more accurately, actually preventing him from speaking), the reader of your article would be led to believe he was there to speak on "The Bell Curve," instead of which, proper reporting would have pointed out that he was invited to speak on his 2014 book," Coming Apart." This makes the disruption far more objectionable than had the topic been a defense of "The Bell Curve." As I believe I could infer from you article, however, either would have been inappropriate anywhere, but most certainly, on a college campus. PHIL LYONS Flagstaff Chinese cellist Jian Wang [Photo/gansudaily.com.cn] World-renowned cellist Chinese Jian Wang has taken up a new role at Birmingham Conservatoire as International Chair in Cello, Birmingham City University announced on Wednesday. Born in Xi'an, northwest China, and splitting his time between Shanghai and London, Wang has a career that has seen him perform with many of the world's leading orchestras. Describing Birmingham Conservatoire as one of the leading institutions in the world for learning music, Wang said he's "looking forward to working with the cello students at Birmingham Conservatoire, and to collaborating with and learning from my colleagues." The appointment will see Wang regularly visit the conservatoire, where he will lead a class of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, who have the potential to become the next generation of great cellists. Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, celebrated cellist and principal at the conservatoire, said: "Jian Wang is one of the finest solo cellists in the world today and he will be a great inspiration to all our students." "His appointment is another step on our journey as we head towards opening the first purpose-built conservatoire in a generation in September," added the professor. Part of Birmingham City University, the new Birmingham Conservatoire, will be a unique contemporary building, incorporating five public performance spaces including a new 500-seat concert hall for orchestral training and performance. It will be the only one of its kind in the country designed for the demands of the digital age. Louise Lansdown, Head of Strings at Birmingham Conservatoire, said: "We are thrilled to welcome the iconic cellist Jian Wang to our staff and cannot wait for him to begin work with our cellists just in time for our new Conservatoire opening later this year." Jian Wang began to study the cello at the age of four with his father. While a student at the Shanghai Conservatoire, he was featured in the celebrated documentary film "From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China." You are here: Home Flash The Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday ordered five employees of the Moldovan Embassy in Moscow to leave Russia within three days in retaliation for Moldova's expulsion of five Russian diplomats. You are here: Home Flash Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday reiterated China's support for the European integration process. As a comprehensive strategic partner of the European Union (EU), China is ready to see a solidary, prosperous and stable Europe as it will be conducive to the world multipolarization and economic globalization, Li told German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. Li is paying an official visit to Germany for an annual meeting between the two heads of government, a mechanism launched in 2004. Berlin is the first leg of Li's three-day Europe tour that will also take him to Belgium. In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium. Merkel expressed appreciation for China's support for the European integration, and wished for a fruitful meeting between Li and the EU leaders. This is Li's ninth trip to Europe and third visit to Germany as premier. Newport Holds Detailed Exhibit on Oregon Coast Fisheries Published 05/30/2017 at 2:23 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Newport, Oregon) Starting June 1, the past, present and future of Oregon coast commercial fishing comes to life in Newport, when its Pacific Maritime Heritage Center opens its latest exhibit called: Our Beautiful and Wild Oregon Fisheries, 150 years of Innovation. Whether you work in fisheries of the Oregon coast or simply enjoy its bounty while sitting at the table, organizers say this exhibit has something for everyone. The story told in this exhibit is of Oregons successful emergence as a world leader in sustainable seafood and the very sound reasons for eating local seafood. This is the story of local fishermen, fish processors, fishery managers, scientists, conservation groups and port communities meeting the challenges and opportunities of wild harvest fisheries to feed a growing population. Museum visitors will be afforded a rare opportunity to be immersed in the fascinating and little understood story behind Oregon and the Yaquina Bays far reaching and economically vital commercial fishing fleet. The largest fisheries in Oregon: Dungeness crab, pink shrimp, albacore tuna, Chinook salmon, groundfish, and pacific whiting are central to this exhibit. Politics, regulations, globalization, consumer food preferences, environmental conservation, and old fashion seat-of-your pants ingenuity have all shaped the regions commercial fishing fleet and maritime culture. Oregon contributes a small part of the global fish catch, but it is a huge part of the Oregon coast economy. By minimizing habitat impacts and being selective in catching target species, Oregon has some of the best-managed fisheries in the world. This exhibit, over a year-and-a-half in the making, was curated by Local Ocean Seafood restaurant owner, Laura Anderson. It is the largest and most complex exhibit to date at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. Local fishermen, scientists, environmentalists, educators, photographers, and fisheries regulators all played an active part in developing this community exhibit. This exhibit was funded in part by: Oregon Trawl Commission, Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Oregon Salmon Commission, Oregon Albacore Commission, Pacific Seafoods, Bornstein Seafoods, and Local Ocean. The Lincoln County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that preserves and shares Lincoln Countys history. Visit the Burrows House Museum, 545 SW Ninth Street in Newport, and the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. Burrows House admission is by donation. Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is $5 for adults, children 12 and under admitted free. Both museums are open 11 am to 4 pm Thursday through Sunday. www.oregoncoasthistory.org. --- for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour More on the history museum and Newport below: More About Newport Lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Flash U.S. military officials have called the successful destruction of a mock nuclear warhead over the Pacific in the latest intercept test a critical step for a missile defense program that started 35 years ago. "This test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat," said Vice Adm. Jim Syring, director of the Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency. "I expect the American tests to continue, and the more the better," Republican insider Al Rickard, a Washington D.C.-based publisher, told Xinhua Wednesday, in commenting the latest intercept test. The U.S. interceptor has an uneven track record, having succeeded nine times out of 17 attempts against missiles in test since 1999. The last one conducted in June 2014 was also a success. In Tuesday's test, seconds after a mock nuclear missile targeting the continental United States was launched from the Marshall Islands, a new-age, "high speed" U.S. interceptor missile was launched from southern California. The test launch, the first of its kind since 2014, was seen from miles away as smoke and fire accompanied the blastoff. According to U.S. military officials, the Raytheon-made 54-kg interceptor missile with Boeing thrusters, travelled at a hypersonic speed and hit its target high above the south Pacific about 15 minutes after its launch. Its target simulated an intercontinental ballistic missile, meaning it flew faster than missiles used in previous intercept tests, according to Christopher Johnson, the Missile Defense Agency's spokesman. The United States has interceptors based at Fort Greely in Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base, about 250 km northwest of Los Angeles. The latest test cost close to 250 million U.S. dollars, and Pentagon has not ruled out more tests in the near future. By the end of the year, some 44 interceptors are expected to be live and operational, up from the current 36, officials said. Last week, the Pentagon presented its 2018 budget to Congress, proposing spending 7.9 billion dollars on missile defense, including 1.5 billion dollars for the ground-based midcourse defense program. You are here: Home Flash U.S. President Donald Trump has been handing out his mobile phone number to world leaders, urging them to call him directly. It is an "unusual invitation" that breaks diplomatic protocol and raises concerns about the "security and secrecy" of the U.S. top leader's communications, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday. The report said among the leaders who have been given the president's phone number are Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Trudeau is the only one who has taken this advantage to speak directly with Trump via cellphone so far. France's new President Emmanuel Macron also exchanged numbers with Trump after Macron's election victory, a French official told the AP. The report came just days after Trump wrapped up his first foreign trip as president, which took him to the Vatican, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Italy. In need of considerable advance planning, calls between country leaders are generally highly orchestrated and classified diplomatic affairs. Control of Congress hangs in the balance as Democrats have shown surprising strength, defeating Republicans in a series of competitive races and defying expectations that high inflation and President Joe Bidens low approval ratings would drag the party down. In the most heartening news for the party, Democrat John Fetterman flipped a Republican-controlled Senate seat that is key to the partys hopes of maintaining control of the chamber. It is too early to call critical Senate seats in Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona which could determine the majority. In the House, Democrats kept seats in districts from Virginia to Kansas to Rhode Island, while many districts in states like New York and California have not been called. Chen Shixin (Photo: ChinaAid) ChinaAid (June 1, 2017Huaibei, Anhui) After deceiving a pastor into police custody, a recent report revealed that authorities in Chinas eastern Anhui province formalized his arrest on May 18. Charging him with intentionally sabotaging public and private property, government personnel formalized the arrest of the pastor of Caili Church, Chen Shixin, after keeping him in criminal detention for more than a month. The conflict began when Chen filed a case to obtain part of a piece of land from a group of influential people in a neighboring district, who had illegally taken it from Jin Xingcai, the man with the initial rights to the plot. The church won the case, granting them about 7 acres, and they weeded it and removed some dead trees. Now, Jin is trying to reclaim his property free of charge. The illegal occupiers of the land, however, had planned to build a temple, prompting one of them, Li Wenqian, to allege the pastor, Chen damaged about 494 acres. Li persuaded Jin to accuse Chen as well. As a result, police summoned Chen to the police station for questioning at 9 a.m. on April 12. Later that afternoon, Chen phoned his relatives for help at 1 p.m., at which point, a group of more than 10 villagers and Caili Church members convened at the station and attempted to negotiate with the officers. Among them, Chens sister and Gu Quanxiao, a church attendee, were administratively detained for 10 days. After a month of being held arbitrarily in police custody, authorities officially arrested Chen on May 18. Prior to Chens detention, Li attempted to exact revenge by hiring a woman surnamed Ren to kidnap Chens elder brother. However, authorities and villagers intervened. When a ChinaAid reporter phoned the local public security bureau to inquire about this case, an official said that he could not discuss it over the phone. ChinaAid reports abuses such as those suffered by Chen Shixin and Caili Church in order to openly condemn arbitrary arrests and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law. ChinaAid Media Team Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985 Email: [email protected] For more information, click here Skyscrapers line the Bund in Shanghai. [Photo/VCG] Shanghai authorities have vowed to encourage real economic growth by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and effective market-oriented business conditions. The incremental growth of strategic emerging sectors will account for 20 percent of the city's GDP and output of strategic emerging sectors will account for 35 percent of gross industrial output value in Shanghai, according to Chen Mingbo, director of the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Information. "There used to be a debate over whether Shanghai, a metropolitan and a financial center, needs an industrial sector and manufacturing. The answer, we can say now, is yesShanghai needs manufacturing and industrial enterprises, and we are making them innovation-driven, high value-added ones," said Chen. Strategic emerging sectors include information technology, smart equipment manufacturing, bio-pharmaceutical and medical equipment, aircraft and aerospace, new material science and environment-friendly solutions. Shanghai will push forward the development of projects worth around 60 billion yuan ($8.8 billion), including integrated circuits, passenger jet manufacturing and smart internet-connected automobile making, said Chen. By 2020, Shanghai will have at least 10 leading companies offering smart manufacturing system solutions, 100 smart plants and 1,000 enterprises taking advantage of smart manufacturing solutions, upgrading the city's manufacturing sector to being technology-based and innovation-driven, said Chen. An important measure is to cut costs and enable enterprises to invest more in innovation, research and development, said Shanghai authorities. For example, when offering land to industrial enterprises, authorities will ensure that one-third of the 550 square kilometers of the city's industrial-use land goes to manufacturing, and provides more models of land leasing and rental. "A smaller company can first rent a land parcel before it grows into a bigger firm that can afford to purchase it. Flexible land use programs will enable manufacturing companies in the city to allocate more resources to technological upgrading," said Cen Fukang, deputy head of the city's urban planning and land use department. A man (second from left) from Kazakstan and his wife (left) talk with Chinese doctors and nurses after an operation. Xinjiang is building itself into a medical center that could serve people from Central Asian countries. [Photo/Xinhua] Telemedicine, TCM, local Uygur treatments bring health consumers from neighboring countries Good medical treatment and advanced telemedicine services are making Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region an attractive destination for patients from Central Asian countries, health officials said. Xinjiang, which borders eight countries and is also an important spot on the ancient Silk Road routes, has been strengthening cooperation in the medical sector with neighboring countries for the past few years, said Peng Yong, deputy Party chief of the Health and Family Planning Commission of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. He said five key hospitals in Xinjing now serve overseas patients, offering 500 hospital beds. In 2016, they treated more than 7,000 patients from other countries. "Xinjiang is building itself into a medical center that could also cover Central Asian countries. Staff at these hospitals can speak languages such as Russia and Kazakh," he said. "Moreover, Xinjiang has built telemedicine platforms that could connect with hospitals that are overseas or in other parts of China, so that they could treat patients remotely." At present, Xinjiang's telemedicine platform has connected with 11 key Chinese hospitals, 17 hospitals in Kyrgyzstan, two hospitals in Georgia and five hospitals in Kazakhstan. "We are working on including 15 hospitals in Tajikistan in our platforms," Peng said. Wen Hao, director of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, said that in the past five years, the hospital has treated more than 10,000 overseas patients from neighboring countries. For overseas patients, the hospital would also provide one-stop medical service to help them have better experiences during the entire treatment period. They have built mechanisms for cooperation and knowledge or data exchanges with more than 50 hospitals in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Apart from good mainstream medical treatment and services, Uygur local medicine and traditional Chinese medicine or TCM are also attracting overseas patients. Yussup Matinur, director of the Hospital of Xinjiang Traditional Uygur Medicine, said that they have treated more than 1,000 overseas patients in 2016, mostly in the departments of dermatology, orthopedics and gynecology. The June-August period represents the peak season for patients, when hotels surrounding the hospital get fully booked. "About 98 percent of our doctors are of ethnic groups, and can understand languages such as Uygur, Kazakh and Uzbek, and communicate with patients from Central Asian countries easily," he said. "Moreover, about 90 percent of the medicines we use are Uygur medicine, which have special ways of treatment and are well trusted by people from Central Asia. With the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, I think our cooperation with overseas hospitals will be strengthened." In Alma-Ata of Kazakhstan, TCM treatments like acupuncture and massages are very popular among locals. Li Fengsen, deputy director of the Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, said that to help locals get better treatment, the hospital opened a subsidiary specializing in rehabilitation projects such as acupuncture and massage. The hospital space spans about 3,000 square meters. Wen said with the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, more people from Central Asia are embarking on medical tours to Xinjiang. So, in future, the region will develop more healthcare services for such visitors, especially those offering acupuncture and massage. Performers stage a folk dance from China's Shaanxi province on board the Majestic Princess in Rome, May 22, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] China's first domestically manufactured cruise liner will be delivered in 2023, followed by a delivery rate of one vessel per year between 2024 and 2028, said a senior executive from one of the companies involved in the China-built cruise project. The first China-made cruise liner will be 323.6 meters long and 37.2 meters wide, and it will be delivered in six years, according to the Shanghai Observer, citing Wu Qiang, general manager of China State Shipbuilding Corp. In order to cash in on the nation's booming cruise market, a 2.6 billion pound ($3.33 billion) agreement was signed in October 2015 between CSSC, China Investment Corp and Carnival Corporation & Plc. The three parties agreed to set up a joint-venture cruise operation based in Hong Kong, which would place orders. In February, Carnival announced that its cruise joint venture had signed a memorandum of agreement to order the first-ever cruise ships built in China for the Chinese market. As part of the agreement, the joint venture will order two new liners to be built by a China-based shipbuilding joint venture by China's largest shipbuilder CSSC, Carnival and Italy-based Fincantieri SpA. The agreement also gives the joint venture the option to order four additional China-built ships. The future cruise liner will have nearly 2,000 cabins and a maximum capacity of nearly 5,000 passengers. Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd, a company controlled by CSSC, will commence construction of the $1 billion cruise ship, Chen Gang, vice-president of Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, told China Daily in an earlier interview. China's cruise economy, which started in 2006, saw a 45 percent compound annualized growth rate in the past decade. Wu Zhenglian, a cruise design expert with a research institute at CSSC, estimated that 4.5 million Chinese people will go on cruises by 2020, which would need 40 cruise ships to homeport in China. "The China cruise market is growing rapidly. Last year, more than 3.6 million trips were made, a 33 percent rise year-on-year, and that figure is expected to reach at least 10 million trips by 2030," said Zhang Xuewu, chairman of China Tourism Group Co Ltd. A worker from a winery pours wine at a wine tasting conference in Yinchuan, the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua] In 1984, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region produced its first bottle of wine. And 33 years on, the beverage is not only a key local industry but Ningxia's mascot that the world recognizes. For the past five years, more than 300 kinds of wines from Ningxia won awards both in China and overseas. "Ningxia is one of the most suitable places for growing grapes and producing wine," said Li Jianhua, party chief of Ningxia Hui autonomous region. "If there are Chinese wines that win awards at wine-tasting competitions, they must have been produced in Ningxia." Ningxia Grape Industry Development Bureau data show that by 2016-end, the planting area of grapes in Ningxia reached 41,333 hectares. Ningxia has 86 wineries. What's more, 98 new wineries are coming up. Every year, Ningxia produces about 120 million bottles of wines, generating sales revenue of about 5 billion yuan ($730 million). The industry-wide output reached 20 billion yuan in 2016, up 60 percent year-on-year. Xu Jun, deputy director of the NGIDB, said that Ningxia's natural environment is ideal for the development of grape and wine industries, which have already created more than 120,000 jobs. Wineries have also become tourism hot spots: there are 21 wineries in Ningxia that receive 350,000 visitors a year. He said that the wine industry has developed quickly only in the past few years, amid China's economic growth and the launch of Belt and Road Initiative. "Owing to China's economic transformation, many coal and oil companies are also seeking to transform themselves and diversify, and they naturally turn to the wine industry," he said. "So, these financially strong companies are able to invest on good equipment and technologies to develop wineries." The Belt and Road Initiative has also set up platforms and transportation channels for the exchanges between Ningxia and other countries. Through the international freight trains connecting Chinese cities and Europe, Ningxia exports its wines to economies related to the Belt and Road Initiative. Local companies are also learning about the best technologies from other countries. "Many economies related to the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Georgia and Hungary, have a long history of producing wine, so the exchanges with them would be important for Ningxia," said Xu of the NGIDB, adding that this year Ningxia will bring in grape seeds and seedlings from Georgia, France and Italy. He said Ningxia's wine industry has a high level of international elements. In every winery in Ningxia, there are wine makers from countries such as France, Australia and Italy. And almost all the owners of these wineries have once studied overseas about wine making culture and technologies. "With the advent of the Belt and Road Initiative, not only makers of Ningxia's wine but those making other products will utilize it to go overseas," he said. Ruan Shili, general manager of the Chateau Changyu Moser XV Co Ltd in Ningxia, said the company, which was established in 2010, receives more than 100,000 visitors a year. Changyu Group also has six wineries in China, and two more are coming up. Its wines are exported to six countries in Europe and the United States. Ruan said Changyu's wine development has been global since the beginning. In 2014, it bought a winery in Bordeaux of France and in 2016, one in Spain. "This year we are about to purchase wineries in Australia and Chile, and we will also cooperate more with economies that support the Belt and Road Initiative," he said. The C919 is in a test gliding at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport on April 23, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] China will ramp up resources to accelerate the approval process for C919, the country's first large domestic passenger plane, to obtain an airworthiness certificate, which may require thousands of test flight hours, the industrial regulator and the aircraft's maker said. The C919 is scheduled to go through about 729 test projects and 4,200 hours of flight before it obtains the certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Such a step is imperative for it to enter the commercial market, according to the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, the C919's manufacturer. Li Dong, director of the industrial equipment department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that after C919's successful maiden flight in May, more effort will be made to boost its flight performance, beef up maintenance support and lower its operating cost. The ministry said it also will leverage the experience China has accumulated in certifying the ARJ21, the nation's first domestic commercial regional aircraft, to help accelerate the process for the C919. No specific timetable was discussed. Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst at CARNOC, a major Chinese civil aviation website, said by taking multiple test flights, the C919 aircraft needs to prove it is safe to fly and can meet the operational requirements for commercial use. The ARJ21, for instance, has 3,418 reports showing it meets operational requirements. Lin said it took six years for the ARJ21 to obtain its airworthiness certificate because it was something no Chinese company had never before attempted. The aviation authority had to design the aircraft approval system from scratch. "But now, both the manufacturer and authorities have experience, relevant technology and talent. The process for the C919 will take less time," Lin said The twin-engine, single-aisle C919, which can carry 158 to 174 passengers, made its first flight in early May. It is part of China's broad effort to meet soaring domestic travel demand and break the global market duopoly of Boeing and Airbus. "Since launching the C919 project, China has made more than 100 technological breakthroughs in areas including the integrated design of engines and systems control," said Li, from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. He refuted foreign media reports that China was assembling rather than making an airplane. He said it is a common international practice in the aviation industry to source components from other companies. Boeing said 65 percent of the cost of its civilian planes goes to paying suppliers. Aviation Industry Corp of China, a domestic aircraft maker, has set up 16 joint ventures with foreign companies to supply products such as electric power system and braking systems to the C919. Steven Lien, president of Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific, said in an earlier interview that the C919 program represents a $15 billion to $16 billion opportunity for Honeywell over the life of the aircraft program. LONDONChina Investment Corp is the front-runner in the race to acquire Blackstone Group LP's European logistics business Logicor for 12 billion euros ($13.4 billion). Temasek Holdings and Mapletree Investments Ltd are also still in the bidding process, according to a person familiar with the situation. The news was first reported by Estates Gazette, a property magazine in the United Kingdom. Blackstone, which created Logicor in 2012, is cashing out as demand for European logistics properties from investors and tenants grows. Logistics properties have become increasingly attractive to sovereign wealth and pension funds after the growth of internet shopping boosted demand from occupiers. CIC owns a stake in New York-based Blackstone after investing in the company in 2007 and 2008. A CIC entity owned about 4.6 percent of the asset manager as of February, according to Blackstone's annual report. A spokeswoman for Blackstone did not immediately reply to telephone calls and an email requesting comment. An email to CIC's Beijing-based press office outside normal working hours did not receive an immediate reply. Representatives for Temasek and Mapletree declined to comment. Prime European warehouses are forecast to generate average returns of 7.6 percent annually during the next five years, compared with 6.4 percent for malls and 5.2 percent for offices, according to a March report by Deutsche Bank AG. Logicor, based in London, owns about 13.7 million square meters of logistical space across Europe, rented to companies including Amazon.com Inc and DHL Worldwide Express. The economic activities of China's manufacturing and services sectors remained stable in May despite the country's tightening of financial regulatory policies, which has caused market concerns about slowing the economy. The official manufacturing purchasing managers index stood at 51.2 in May, which is unchanged from April. It also is the 10th consecutive month that it has been higher than the 50-point mark on the index that divides expansion and contraction, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday. Analysts said the reading shows the economy remains resilient. Construction remained robustdespite slowing a little bit from the previous monththanks to a pickup in infrastructure investment that boosted demand, the bureau said. The PMI for the services sector accelerated to 54.5 as commercial services such as retail and railway transportation expanded on rising demand, the bureau said. The results show that the world's second-largest economy is expanding at a stable pace, said Zhang Yiping, an analyst at China Merchants Securities. "The trend of stable growth is clear." Subindexes of the manufacturing PMI remained robust. New orders kept pace with April at 52.3, while export orders improved slightly by 0.1 percentage point to 50.7. The production subindex eased to 53.4 from 53.8 in April, but remained well within positive territory. "The firming subindexes show the manufacturing environment remains stable despite the country's strengthening of financial regulation to defuse potential financial risks," Zhang said. China has been tightening controls on the financial sector since the second half of last year to prevent such potential risks as rising debt levels from worsening and possibly affecting overall financial stability. While analysts said that is necessary, it has brought concerns that it could dampen normal economic activities and be a drag on growth. "The May PMI results show that strengthening financial regulation does not necessarily affect stable growth," Zhang said. Although it dropped in April, the manufacturing PMI stabilized in May. "The Chinese economy is changing to a trend of stabilization from a short period of fluctuations," Zhang Liqun, an economist at the State Council's Development Research Center, said in a statement. Another welcome sign of change reflected in the PMI is further improvement in the index for small and medium-sized enterprises, indicating the improving internal strength of the economy. The small enterprise PMI was 51 in May, one percentage point higher than in April and the highest in two years, while that for midsized enterprises was 51.3, 1.1 percentage points higher than in the previous month. An employee at the Johnson Controls Inc and Saft Groupe SA joint venture Lithium-ion battery factory for electric and hybrid cars, assembles a battery on the production line in Nersac, France. [Photo/Agencies] US-based manufacturer will use it as springboard for the digital market Johnson Controls Inc, the US-based manufacturer of energy efficient products, control systems and batteries, will start operations at its second global headquarters in Shanghai this month. It will use the opening as a springboard to gearing up its presence in the Chinese and regional market. The new headquarters, with capacity for 1,200-1,600 employees, will coordinate its business within the Asia-Pacific region, as well as develop new markets and segments through further diversification. Clay Nesler, vice-president of global energy and sustainability at Johnson Controls, said the company would focus on developing digital and internet-connected building control systems and solutions, sustainable building materials and air conditioners, as well as providing more smart city-related products to the Chinese market. He said citiesincluding Suzhou, Wuhan and Wuxiwould be priority markets for the company to expand its presence in the field of green buildings. China has already set goals to become the world's biggest market, including the goal of 30 percent green buildings for new construction in 2020. To achieve that, the country will focus on sustainable development strategies for urbanization, environment and industrialization sectors, according to a document released by the National Development and Reform Commission in 2013. "As buildings account for a large amount of energy consumption globally, this presents a significant opportunity to make sound environmental improvements that are also good business decisions, particularly in a high-growth economy like China," Nesler said. Nesler said China's fast-growing 4G telecom networks and the Made in China 2025 strategy would also lead to improvements in resource efficiency and productivity from the long-term perspective. He said the potential benefits could be even greater if they are extended to all stages of the value chainto suppliers, manufacturers and customers, as well as global markets. The company's building technologies and solutions business has more than 5,000 employees in China. It operates 39 offices and three manufacturing centers throughout the country. "The technologies of new green buildings and smart-city solutions can effectively test and identify the sources of pollution or resource inefficiency in cities, and could help governments create adequate measures to tackle the issues, such as high power and maintenance costs," said Chai Yongzhi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development in Beijing. If a Chinese book becomes a bestseller in the domestic market, it's likely that its Arabic version will be published in Arab countries in just eight months. That's because people from Arabian countries have become increasingly interested in China after the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, said Ahmed Al-Saeed, co-founder and chairman of Wisdom House Cultural Investment, a book publishing firm. Established in 2011, Wisdom House focuses on Chinese-to-Arabic translated works. It is based in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui autonomous region in Northwest China. Citizens of Arab countries are keen to understand China better by reading books about the country, said Al-Saeed, an Egyptian national. "Books about the Belt and Road Initiative sell well, because many people in Arab countries want to understand more about the initiative and what it could bring to them. They want to learn more about China's policies, so as to better cooperate with China. "So, we've invited 51 Sinologists and scholars to translate books. They understand Chinese culture very well and could use their native language to make the translations better accepted by readers in Arab countries." Chinese books about China's experiences in successful economic development, traditional cultures and Chinese companies are most popular in Arab countries. "Chinese entrepreneurs such as Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba Group) and Ren Zhengfei (founder of Huawei) are also well-known in Arab countries, and people are very interested in how they developed and run their companies," he said. Zhang Shirong, co-founder of Wisdom House, said when the firm was set up, its office was no bigger than 40 square meters. Business was hard to come by. But ever since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched in 2013, business has rushed toward them. "Previously, our business was very small. In 2013, our revenue was only about 3 million yuan ($441,000)," he said. "But in 2014, it soared to 10 million yuan. Later, the annual growth has been about 150 percent." Wisdom House has published, translated and exported more than 700 Chinese books to Arab countries since its establishment. Its translated books account for more than 90 percent of the Chinese-Arabic translation market, Zhang said. "Currently, there is about one book being brought to Arab countries every week. Our translation and publishing plans have been fully scheduled till 2021." Zhang said the translation and publishing business now accounts for only 50 percent of the company's whole business. Readers in Arab countries are also interested in e-books, Chinese movies and animation works. Wisdom House is working on translating some Chinese movies into Arabic. Such demand for all things Chinese is coming also from economies related to the Belt and Road Initiative. Wisdom House has expanded its translation business to include more languages, such as Farsi, Thai, Turkish and Kazakh. "Our next step is to set up subsidiaries in markets including Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, to better deal with the demand for translated books about China," Zhang said. ZHENGZHOU - Direct cargo flights from America, run by retail giant Amazon, have arrived in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province. The planes, which were carrying nearly 1,000 sorts of products including food, clothes and household appliances ordered from Chinese buyers, flew from New York, Chicago and Los Angels to the Chinese transportation hub. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport offers good logistics services to cross-border e-commerce platforms, according to sources with Amazon logistics services provider WherExpress. The airport provided swift customs clearance, and the imports will now be distributed to consumers nationwide. The airport in Zhengzhou posted 275,000 tons of throughput of imported cargo in 2016, up 20.93 percent year on year. This included imported fruit, aquatic products, meat and live Australian cattle. BEIJING - China's cabinet decided Wednesday to start a new round of nationwide inspection over reform progress to ensure tasks for this year's economic and social work be achieved on schedule. The inspection will cover five major fields: supply-side structural reform, economic expansion demands, development of new growth engines, improvement of people's livelihood and prevention of financial risks, according to a statement released by the State Council. This is the fourth such nationwide inspection since they were initiated by the State Council in 2014. The central government will check the pace of cutting overcapacity, property market destocking, tax reduction for enterprises while reviewing the development of service consumption and major engineering projects. Meanwhile, the State Council will inspect the promotion of mass entrepreneurship and innovation, poverty alleviation progress and efforts in containing risks in fields such as bad loans and Internet finance. Government departments and local governments are first required to conduct self-inspection from late May to early July and report their conditions to the State Council. The State Council will inspect regions reporting sluggish economic performance and slow pace in major reform tasks in mid July. Chinese brands are dominating the fast moving consumer goods industry. According to the fifth annual Brand Footprint report from Kantar Worldpanel, Chinese brands have claimed 9 out of 10 places for fastest growing brands, with Yili retaining top spot. Mengniu moved up one place to second. While 2016 was a difficult year for the fast-moving consumer goods industry as a whole, both brands maintained their ability to touch shoppers' lives more than 1 billion times, according to the report. There was significant change among the top 10 fastest rising brands. Nongfu Spring, Luhua, Lee Kum Kee, Chaoneng and Lay's all made it onto the list for the first time. Nongfu Spring was the fastest growing brand with its consumer reach point up 43 percent year-on-year, thanks to its innovative methods to expand its shopper base. The report is based on research from 73 percent of the global population - a total of one billion households in 43 markets across five continents, covering 75 percent of global GDP. General Manager of Kantar Worldpanel China, Jason Yu, said last year has been a challenging year for fast-moving consumer brands in China. Consumers today want a lifestyle increasingly driven by health, convenience and pleasure, he said. "Brands will have to radically innovate in their product offering, communication and selling strategies and take a real consumer-centric approach to respond to those changes," Yu said. Date: July 23-31, 1921 Venue: first in Shanghai and later moved on board a boat on Lake Nanhu in Jiaxing County, Zhejiang Province Number of delegates: 12 Party membership: over 50 Major contents: The central task of the congress was to discuss the question of officially establishing the Chinese Communist Party. The congress adopted the first Party program and decided on the name of the Party as the Communist Party of China. It decided on the objectives of the Party as follows: to overthrow the bourgeoisie by means of the revolutionary army of the proletariat, to rebuild the country by the laboring classes and to work for the ultimate elimination of class distinction; to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat in order to attain the objective of class struggle, that is, the elimination of classes; and to abolish ownership by capitalists and establish ownership by the entire society through confiscating all the means of production. The congress also adopted the Resolution on the Present Tasks, according to which the central task of the Party after its founding was to get the working class organized and to provide guidance to the workers' movement. The congress elected Chen Duxiu, Zhang Guotao and Li Da to form the Central Bureau with Chen serving as its secretary. Date: June 12-20, 1923 Venue: Guangzhou Number of delegates: over 30 Party membership: 432 Major contents: The congress was mainly to discuss the establishment of the united revolutionary front based on the Kuomintang-Communist cooperation. It accepted the Resolution on the Relationship Between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang adopted by the Communist International on January 12 of that year and decided that all the CPC members would join the KMT in the capacity of individuals for the benefit of establishing the united front of various democratic classes. The Central Executive Committee elected Chen Duxiu, Mao Zedong, Luo Zhanglong, Cai Hesen and Tan Pingshan to form the Central Bureau. Chen Duxiu was elected chairman of the Central Executive Committee. Date: June 18-July 11, 1928 Venue: Moscow Number of delegates: 84 (plus 34 alternate delegates) Party membership: More than 40,000 Major contents: The major tasks of the congress were to sum up the experiences learnt after the failure of the First Great Revolution (June 1923-July 1927), analyze the nature of the revolution and the political situation, work out the lines, guiding principles and policies of the Party during a new period, to unite the whole Party in thought and develop revolutionary forces. The congress affirmed that Chinese society remained in nature a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society, and that the "Chinese revolution at the present stage is by nature a bourgeois democratic revolution". It formulated 10 programs of the democratic revolution. It pointed out that the political situation in China at that time was one between two revolutionary high tides, and that the general task of the Party was, therefore, not to attack and organize uprisings but to win over the masses and prepare for insurrections. The congress criticized both "Right" and "Left" opportunism, especially putschist mistakes. The congress elected the Sixth Central Committee composed of 23 members and 13 alternate members, which elected Xiang Zhongfa, Zhou Enlai, Su Zhaozheng, Xiang Ying, Qu Qiubai, Zhang Guotao and Cai Hesen into its Political Bureau, with Xiang Zhongfa serving as the general secretary. Date: April 23-June 11, 1945 Venue: Yan'an Number of delegates: 544 full delegates and 208 alternate delegates Party membership: 1.21 million Major contents: At the congress, Mao Zedong delivered the political report On the Coalition Government; Liu Shaoqi made the report On the Revision of the Party Constitution; Zhu De delivered the military report On the Battlefield in the Liberated Areas; and Zhou Enlai made an important speech On the United Front. The congress worked out the Party's political line which was to "boldly mobilize the masses and expand the people's forces so that, under the leadership of our Party, they will defeat the Japanese aggressors, liberate the whole people and build a new-democratic China". The new Party Constitution adopted at the congress stipulates that "the Communist Party of China takes the Mao Zedong Thought that integrated Marxist-Leninist theory with the practice of the Chinese revolution as the guideline for all its work". This helped the Party get consolidated and united in an unprecedented way, laying a foundation for the full victory against Japanese aggressors and later the nationwide victory of the people's democratic revolution. The congress elected a new Central Committee composed of 44 members and 33 alternate members. At the First Plenary Session of the Seventh CPC Central Committee, Mao Zedong, Zhu De, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, Ren Bishi, Chen Yun, Kang Sheng, Gao Gang, Peng Zhen, Dong Biwu, Lin Boqu, Zhang Wentian and Peng Dehuai were elected to the Political Bureau of the Central Committee. Mao Zedong, Zhu De, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai and Ren Bishi were elected members of the Secretariat, and Mao Zedong was elected chairman of the Central Committee. Date: September 15-27, 1956 Venue: Beijing Number of delegates: 1,026 full delegates and 107 alternate delegates Party membership: 10.73 million Major contents: This is the first CPC national congress since the Party came into power in 1949. It was held at a time when socialist transformation in China had been in the main accomplished and the Party was faced with new situations and new tasks. Mao Zedong gave the opening address. Liu Shaoqi delivered the political report. Zhou Enlai made the report on the proposals for the Second Five-Year-Plan (1958-1962) for the development of the national economy. Deng Xiaoping delivered the report on the revision of the CPC Constitution. It was pointed out at the congress that, as the socialist system has been basically established in China, the principal contradiction within the country was no longer the contradiction between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie but the one resulted from the need of the people for rapid economic and cultural development which fell short of their requirements. The chief task confronting the entire nation was to concentrate all efforts on developing the productive forces, industrializing the country and gradually meeting the people's growing economic and cultural needs. The congress stressed the issue of the building of the Party in power, emphasized the need to uphold democratic centralism and collective leadership, opposed the personality cult, promoted democracy within the Party and cemented the Party's ties with the masses. Hence, the congress gave directions for the development of the socialist causes and the building of the Party in future. The congress elected a new Central Committee composed of 97 members and 73 alternate members. At the First Plenary Session of the Eighth CPC Central Committee, new leading bodies were elected with Mao Zedong as chairman of the Central Committee, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai, Zhu De and Chen Yun as vice-chairmen and Deng Xiaoping as general secretary. These six people were also elected to form the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee. Date: August 24-28, 1973 Venue: Beijing Number of delegates: 1,249 Party membership: 28 million Major contents: The congress was held after the Lin Biao counter-revolutionary clique was smashed. The delegates to the meeting indignantly denounced the crimes of the Lin Biao counter-revolutionary clique and unanimously supported the sanctions and all other measures adopted by the Party Central Committee against the clique. Zhou Enlai made a political report to the congress and Wang Hongwen made a report on the revision of the Party Constitution. The congress continued the "Left" deviation errors of the previous congress. After the congress, Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan and Wang Hongwen formed the "gang of four" in the Political Bureau of the Central Committee. Jiang Qing and the company had seized more power, their ambition and activities attempting at usurping the highest power of the Party intensified. The congress elected 195 members and 124 alternate members to the new Central Committee. At the First Plenary Session of the Tenth CPC Central Committee, Mao Zedong was elected chairman, and Zhou Enlai, Wang Hongwen, Kang Sheng, Ye Jianying and Li Desheng vice-chairmen, of the CPC Central Committee. The members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau were Mao Zedong, Wang Hongwen, Ye Jianying, Zhu De, Li Desheng, Zhang Chunqiao, Zhou Enlai, Kang Sheng and Dong Biwu. Date: October 12-18, 1992 Place: Beijing Number of delegates: 1,989 full delegates and 46 specially invited delegates Party membership: 51 million Major contents: The congress was held taking into account that China's reform and opening-up and modernization drive has stepped into a new era. It was a democratic and unified meeting, imbued with the spirits of reforming, opening up, advancing with a down-to-earth approach. Jiang Zemin, on behalf of the members of the 13th CPC Central Committee, delivered a report titled Accelerating the Reform, the Opening to the Outside World and the Drive for Modernization, So As to Achieve Greater Successes in Building Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. The meeting acknowledged the substantial achievements made in reforming and opening-up as well as in the modernization drive since the end of 1978, systematically summarized the practices and experiences over the previous 14 years, made a brilliant exposition of Deng Xiaoping Theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, and outlined the major tasks in the reform and economic and social development in the 1990s. It declared that the target of China's economic restructuring was to establish a socialist market economic system. The congress elected 189 members and 130 alternate members to form the new Central Committee. The new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection consisted of 108 members. At the First Plenary Session of the 14th CPC Central Committee, Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Qiao Shi, Li Ruihuan, Zhu Rongji, Liu Huaqing and Hu Jintao were elected to form the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau. Jiang Zemin was elected general secretary of the Central Committee and also chairman of the Central Military Commission. The session also approved Wei Jianxing as secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Dear Doctors: I was having trouble with muscle spasms in my legs that made it hard to walk and have now been diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The doctors in my area don't seem to know anything about it. What can you tell me about this disease? Where do I go for help? Dear Reader: We're very sorry to hear about this difficult diagnosis. One of the reasons you're struggling to find medical help is that hereditary spastic paraplegia is a rare condition that affects between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals in the United States. That puts it into the category of "orphan diseases," which are conditions that affect 200,000 or fewer individuals nationwide. Hereditary spastic paraplegia, or HSP, is an umbrella term for a group of neurological disorders that affect an individual's leg and hip muscles. Individual forms result from a mutation to a specific gene. Some forms of HSP are inherited, and some are believed to arise from a new mutation in the affected individual. The word "spastic" refers to the muscle stiffness and spasms that are a hallmark of this disease. "Paraplegia," which comes from the Greek, is a fancy way of saying that a person's legs don't function properly. Taken together, this means that HSP is a genetic neurological disorder that affects an individual's ability to walk. It is also progressive, which means that it grows more pronounced over time. Most broadly, HSP is divided into two classifications. Pure or uncomplicated HSP affects only the lower body. In complex or complicated HSP, an array of additional symptoms, such as ear or eye disorders, skin conditions, seizures and intellectual disabilities may also be present. At this time, more than 30 different types of HSP have been identified. The main symptom of all types of HSP is slow and progressive weakness in the legs due to muscle stiffness, spasms and sometimes cramps. This can be also accompanied by fatigue, insomnia and pain. In most cases, the disease progresses at a steady rate. HSP appears in individuals of all ages, and this makes accurate diagnosis a challenge can present differently even within members of the same family. At this time, there is no cure for HSP. Instead, medical care consists of therapies targeted to each individual's specific symptoms. That includes physical therapy to maintain muscle tone, range of motion and flexibility, medications to address spasticity, and sometimes orthotic devices to deal with foot and ankle problems. Occupational therapy and antidepressants are often useful for maintaining quality of life. Genetic testing is available, and genetic counseling is important. As you noted, finding treatment is a challenge. If you live near an urban environment, chances are good that a neurologist in your area is familiar with HSP. If you're in a more rural area, you will have to expand your search to the larger medical centers. The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation is a very good resource. Visit its website (sp-foundation.org) and you'll find information about the disease, a medical provider directory and, perhaps just as important, a community to help inform and support you. Date: September 12-18, 1997 Place: Beijing Number of delegates: 2,048 full delegates and 60 specially invited delegates Party membership: 58 million Major contents: This congress which was held in the crucial period of China's reform and opening up and the drive for modernization served as a link between the past and the future. It was to mobilize the people of the country to join hands to push forward the undertaking of building socialism with Chinese characteristics into the 21st century. It will become a milestone in Chinese history of development. At the congress, Jiang Zemin, on behalf of the members of the 14th CPC Central Committee, delivered a report titled Hold High The Great Banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory for an All-Round Advancement of the Cause of Building Socialism with Chinese Characteristics into the 21st Century. The report, which made a scientific summary of the history, prepared for the future, and drew up a cross-century blueprint for China's reform, opening and socialist modernization drive, served as the CPC's political declaration and program of action for the next century. The congress endorsed a resolution on Jiang's report and approved the reforming and development programs in economic, political and cultural fields expounded in the report. The resolution pointed out that the coming period until the first decade of the next century will be crucial for China's modernization drive, and efforts must be made relating to the following aspects: to promote the fundamental shift of the economic system and of the mode of economic growth; to establish a sound socialist market economy and to maintain sustained, rapid and sound development of the national economy so as to lay a solid foundation for achieving basic modernization by the middle of the next century; under the precondition of adhering to the Four Cardinal Principles, to continue to press ahead with the reform of the political structure, further extend the scope of socialist democracy and improve the socialist legal system, governing the country according to the law and making it a socialist country ruled by law; to strengthen ideological and ethic building, see to it that science and technology as well as education are made a priority, and positively develop various cultural undertakings. The congress also deliberated and adopted the amendments to the Constitution of the CPC, believing that establishing Deng Xiaoping Theory as the Party's guiding ideology and stipulating in its Constitution that the CPC takes Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory as its guides for action is of great and far-reaching significance to guarantee that the CPC lead the Chinese people along the socialist road with Chinese characteristics to build China into a powerful, democratic and civilized modern socialist country. At the congress, 193 members and 151 alternate members were elected into the new Central Committee. A total of 115 members were elected to form the new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The new Central Committee was strengthened with more middle-aged and young faces, the average age being 55. The educational level of members rose notably, with 92.4 percent of them receiving university and college education, up nine percentage points than the previous committee. Of the new Central Committee members, 38 are from ethnic minorities and 25 are female, a slight increase compared with their respective figure among the pervious Central Committee members. The First Plenum of the 15th CPC Central Committee elected Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jintao, Wei Jianxing and Li Lanqing members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau. Jiang Zemin was re-elected general secretary of the CPC and also chairman of the Central Military Commission. The session also approved Wei Jianxing as secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Date: November 8-14, 2002 Place: Beijing Number of delegates: 2,114 full delegates and 40 specially invited delegates Party membership: 66 million Major contents: The theme of the Congress is: The whole Party should hold high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory, fully act on the important thought of Three Represents, carry forward the Partys cause into the future, keep pace with the times, build a well-off society in an all-round way, speed up socialist modernization and work hard to create a new situation in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. The opening ceremony of the Congress was presided over by Comrade Li Peng. On behalf of the Fifteenth CPC Central Committee, Comrade Jiang Zemin delivered a report to the Congress entitled Build a Well-off Society in an All-round Way and Create a New Situation in Building Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. The Congress adopted Resolution on the Report of the 15th CPC Central Committee, Resolution on the Amendment to the Constitution of the Communist Party of China (which took effect immediately), and Resolution on the Work Report of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The Sixteenth CPC Central Committee composed of 198 members and 158 alternate members and the new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection comprising 121 members were elected through anonymous voting. The First Plenum of the 16th CPC Central Committee elected Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Huang Ju, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau. Hu Jintao was elected general secretary of the CPC. Jiang Zemin was re-elected chairman of the Central Military Commission. The session also approved Wu Guanzheng as secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Hold High The Great Banner Of Socialism With Chinese Characteristics and Strive for New Victories in Building A Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects Report to the Seventeenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Oct 15, 2007 Hu Jintao Comrades, Now I would like to make a report to the Seventeenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on behalf of the Sixteenth Central Committee. The Seventeenth Congress is one of vital importance being held at a crucial stage of China's reform and development. The theme of the congress is to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents, thoroughly apply the Scientific Outlook on Development, continue to emancipate the mind, persist in reform and opening up, pursue development in a scientific way, promote social harmony, and strive for new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the banner guiding development and progress in contemporary China and rallying the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country in our common endeavor. Emancipating the mind is a magic instrument for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, reform and opening up provide a strong driving force for developing it, and scientific development and social harmony are basic requirements for developing it. Building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is a goal for the Party and the state to reach by 2020, and represents the fundamental interests of the people of all ethnic groups. The world today is undergoing extensive and profound changes, and contemporary China is going through a wide-ranging and deep-going transformation. This brings us unprecedented opportunities as well as unprecedented challenges, with the formeroutweighing the latter. The whole Party must unswervingly hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics and lead the people in starting from this new historical point, grasping and making the most of the important period of strategic opportunities, staying realistic and pragmatic, forging ahead with determination, continuing to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and accelerate socialist modernization, and accomplishing the lofty mission bestowed by the times. I. The Work of the Past Five Years The five years since the Sixteenth Congress was an extraordinary period. In order to accomplish the arduous tasks of reform and development in a complicated and volatile international situation, the Party led the people of all ethnic groups in holding high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents, overcoming difficulties and risks, creating a new situation in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and attaining a new realm in adapting Marxism to conditions in China. At its Sixteenth Congress the Party established the important thought of Three Represents as its guide and made the strategic decision to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects. In order to implement the guiding principles of the congress, the Central Committee convened seven plenary sessions, at which it made decisions on and arrangements for major issues of overall significance such as deepening institutional restructuring, improving the socialist market economy, strengthening the governance capability of the Party, drawing up the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2006-10), and building a harmonious socialist society; and it formulated and applied the Scientific Outlook on Development and other major strategic thoughts. All this helped the Party and the state score great new achievements. Economic strength increased substantially. The economy sustained steady and rapid growth. The GDP expanded by an annual average of over 10%. Economic performance improved significantly, national revenue rose markedly year by year, and prices were basically stable. Efforts to build a new socialist countryside yielded solid results, and development among regions became more balanced. The endeavor to make China an innovative nation registered good progress, with considerable improvement in the country's capacity for independent innovation. Notable achievements were scored in the construction of infrastructure including energy, transport and telecommunications facilities and other key projects. Manned spaceflights were successfully conducted. Fresh progress was registered in energy, resources, ecological and environmental conservation. The Tenth Five-Year Plan (2001-05) was fulfilled successfully and implementation of the eleventh is in smooth progress. Major breakthroughs were made in reform and opening up. Comprehensive reforms in rural areas gradually deepened; agricultural tax, livestock tax and taxes on special agricultural products were rescinded throughout the country; and policies were constantly strengthened to support and benefit agriculture, rural areas and farmers. Significant headway was made in reform of the state assets management system, state-owned enterprises, banking, public finance, taxation, investment, pricing, and the system for managing science and technology. The non-public sector of the economy grew stronger. A sound market system was being put in place, macroeconomic regulation continued to improve, and transformation of government functions was accelerated. The total volume of imports and exports increased sharply. Solid steps were taken in implementing the "go global" strategy, and the open economy entered a new stage of development. Living standards improved significantly. Both urban and rural incomes increased considerably, and most families had more property than before. The system of subsistence allowances for urban and rural residents was basically in place, guaranteeing basic living conditions for the poor. Residents improved their consumption patterns, had increasingly better food, clothing, housing, transport and other daily necessities, and enjoyed markedly improved public services. Fresh progress was registered in improving democracy and the legal system. Political restructuring progressed steadily. Constant improvement was made in the system of people's congresses, the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC and the system of regional ethnic autonomy. Primary-level democracy increased its vitality. The cause of human rights witnessed sound development. The patriotic united front grew stronger. A socialist law system with Chinese characteristics was basically in place. The rule of law was effectively implemented as a fundamental principle. Reform of the government administration system and the judicial system continued to deepen. A new situation was created in cultural development. Efforts to establish the system of socialist core values made steady headway and marked achievements were scored in the Project to Study and Develop Marxist Theory. Extensive efforts were made to raise ideological and ethical standards and the whole of society became more culturally advanced. Cultural restructuring made important progress, cultural programs and the cultural industry developed rapidly, and the people enjoyed a richer cultural life. Fresh progress was made in public fitness programs and competitive sports. Social development proceeded in an all-round way. Education of various kinds and at different levels developed rapidly. Free compulsory education was made available in all rural areas. More job opportunities were created. The social security system was strengthened. The battle against SARS came to a great victory. The public health system and basic medical care constantly improved, contributing to better health of the people. Social management improved step by step. Social stability was ensured and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Historic achievements were scored in the development of national defense and the armed forces. The revolution in military affairs with Chinese characteristics was accelerated. The armed forces were reduced by 200,000 troops. Efforts were intensified in all respects to make the armed forces more revolutionary, modernized and standardized, which notably increased their capacity to accomplish their historical missions at this new stage in the new century. Work related to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan affairs was intensified. Hong Kong and Macao maintained their prosperity and stability and developed closer economic partnership with the mainland. Political parties on both sides of the Taiwan Straits started communication, and cross-Straits visits as well as economic and cultural exchanges reached a new high. The Anti-Secession Law was enacted to resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Major progress was made in all-directional diplomacy. Pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, China energetically carried out diplomatic activities, enhanced exchanges and cooperation with other countries in various fields and played a major constructive role in international affairs. This created a favorable international environment for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The great new undertaking to build the Party made solid progress. Endeavors to strengthen the Party's governance capability and vanguard nature were intensified. Efforts to make theoretical innovations and arm Party members with the achievements proved successful. The campaign to educate Party members to preserve their vanguard nature yielded substantial results. Intra-Party democracy continued to expand. Major headway was made in strengthening the Party's leading bodies and the ranks of its cadres, and especially in educating and training cadres. Work in relation to talented personnel was strengthened. Efforts were stepped up to reform the cadre and personnel system and make innovations in the organizational system. Remarkable results were achieved in improving the Party's style of work, upholding integrity and combating corruption. While recognizing our achievements, we must be well aware that they still fall short of the expectations of the people and that there are still quite a few difficulties and problems on our way forward. The outstanding ones include the following: Our economic growth is realized at an excessively high cost of resources and the environment. There remains an imbalance in development between urban and rural areas, among regions, and between the economy and society. It has become more difficult to bring about a steady growth of agriculture and continued increase in farmers' incomes. There are still many problems affecting people's immediate interests in areas such as employment, social security, income distribution, education, public health, housing, work safety, administration of justice and public order; and some low-income people lead a rather difficult life. More efforts are needed to promote ideological and ethical progress. The governance capability of the Party falls somewhat short of the need to deal with the new situation and tasks. In-depth investigations and studies have yet to be conducted on some major practical issues related to reform, development and stability. Some primary Party organizations are weak and lax. A small number of Party cadres are not honest and upright, their formalism and bureaucratism are quite conspicuous, and extravagance, waste, corruption and other undesirable behavior are still serious problems with them. We must pay close attention to these problems and continue our efforts to solve them. To sum up, the past five years was a period in which substantial progress was made in reform, opening up and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. During this period, China's overall strength grew considerably and the people enjoyed more tangible benefits. China's international standing and influence rose notably. The creativity, cohesion and combat effectiveness of the Party increased significantly, and the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups became more united. Facts have proved that the major policy decisions made by the Central Committee at and since the Sixteenth Congress are perfectly correct. Our achievements over the past five years are attributed to the concerted efforts of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups. On behalf of the Central Committee, I wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the people of all ethnic groups, the democratic parties, people's organizations and patriots from all walks of life, to our compatriots in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao and in Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese nationals, and to our foreign friends who care about and support China's modernization drive! Originally posted on June 23, 2006 1. How many delegates take part in the National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC)? As the highest leading authority of the CPC, the National Congress of the CPC is usually held every five years. The 16th CPC National Congress is scheduled to convene in November. The number of delegates attending each National Congress fluctuates. There were 12 delegates who attended the 1st CPC National Congress which was held between July 23 and 31, 1921. Together they represented more than 50 Party members. Twelve delegates attended the 2nd CPC National Congress which was held from July 16-23, 1922. They represented 195 Party members. The 3rd CPC National Congress was convened on June 12-20, 1923. It was comprised of more than 30 delegates representing 420 Party members. The 4th CPC National Congress was convened on January 11-22, 1925. Twenty delegates attended the meeting representing 994 Party members. The 5th CPC National Congress was convened from April 27 to May 9, 1927. Attending the meeting were more than 80 delegates who represented 57,967 Party members. The 6th CPC National Congress was convened on June 18-July 11, 1928. Present at the meeting were 84 full delegates and 34 alternate delegates. Together they represented 40,000 Party members. The 7th CPC National Congress was held from April 23 to June 11, 1945. Present at the meeting were 547 full delegates and 208 alternate delegates. They represented 1.21 million Party members. The 8th CPC National Congress was held from September 15-27, 1956. Present at the meeting were 1,026 full delegates and 107 alternate delegates. They represented 10.73 million Party members. The 9th CPC National Congress was held on April 1-24, 1969. A total of 1,512 delegates attended the meeting representing 22 million Party members. The 10th CPC National Congress was held on August 24-28, 1973. The delegates attending the meeting totaled 1,249, representing 28 million Party members. The 11th CPC National Congress was held from August 12-18, 1977. The delegates attending the meeting totaled 1,510, representing 35 million Party members. The 12th CPC National Congress was held on September 1-11, 1982. Present at the meeting were 1,600 full delegates and 149 alternate delegates. They represented 39.65 million Party members. The 13th CPC National Congress was held on October 25-November 1, 1987. A total of 1,936 delegates attended the meeting representing 46 million Party members. The 14th CPC National Congress was held on October 12-18, 1992. A total of 2,000 delegates attended the meeting representing 51 million Party members. The 15th CPC National Congress was held on September 12-18, 1997. A total of 2,048 delegates attended the meeting representing 59 million Party members. The 16th CPC National Congress will be held on November 8, 2002. A total 2,120 delegates will participate in the meeting. They will represent over 66 million Party members. 2. Are delegates selected according to predetermined quotas of ethnicity and gender? The delegates attending the impending 16th CPC National Congress represent a broad spectrum of Party members. They include leading officials at various levels, and rank and file Party members working at the front line of production. Of the 2,120 delegates to attend the approaching 16th National Congress of the CPC, we find not only Party members and officials from the various levels, but also rank and file member representatives from more regular walks of life. A large proportion of the delegates are model Party members who have made outstanding contributions to economics, science and technology, national defense, politics and law, education, public relations, public health, culture, and sports. The number of leading officials from above the county level will make up no more than 75 percent of the total number of delegates elected from the various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government, while rank and file Party member representatives will constitute no less than 25 percent. The proportions of female and ethnic minority delegates will also be higher than the proportions of female and ethnic minority Party members across the country. Of the delegates elected from the offices directly under the CPC Central Committee, China's state organs, the financial sector, the People's Liberation Army, and the armed forces, the number of leaders at various levels shall be no more than 85 percent. In addition, there will be an assured number of woman Party members and Party members from different ethnic minorities representing these groups within the Party. Of the delegates elected from businesses directly under the central government, leading officials shall make up no more than 75 percent, while rank and file Party member representatives will constitute no less than 25 percent. These roles should also include a certain number of woman Party members. At least 50 percent of the Party delegates selected by the electoral units are under the age of 55. The 2,120 delegates represent more than 66 million CPC members in the country. Of the total, officials at various levels account for 75.7 percent, while the remaining 24.3 percent are grassroots representatives from the fields of industry, agriculture, finance and trade, science and technology, national defense, politics and law, education, culture, public health and sports. Among them, 88.5 percent have been awarded honorary titles given by ministries and provincial governments or higher authorities. Women account for 18 percent, and those from ethnic minorities account for 10.8 percent. Meanwhile, 91.7 percent of the delegates have college degrees or above and 63.1 percent are 55 years of age or younger. In addition, those joining the Party since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 make up the lion's share of delegates, some 97.5 percent, of which 31.9 percent joined the Party after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee. Those members who joined the Party during the First Revolutionary Civil War (1924-1927), the Second Revolutionary Civil War (1927-1937), the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), and the War of Liberation (1946-1949) account for only 2.5 percent of the total. China's Global Newspaper Sorry, the page you requested was not found. Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Chinadaily.com.cn, try visiting the Chinadaily home page Commercial time-honored brands are national treasures. Beijing's time-honored brands are glories of the Chinese capital. During the past 30 years, although many time-honored brands are continuing to develop, some are fading away. There is a wave of regret at the thought of the time-honored food brands such as Puwufang, Baohuachun and Tianyishun that have vanished. The old generation of revolutionary leaders showed loving care for the time-honored brands. Mao Zedong had a few instructions on time-honored brands, including Wangmazi, Zhang Koizumi, Donglaishun, Quanjude, Ruifuxiang, Tongrentang, Business Printing House, Zhonghua Book Company and Fire Palace stinky tofu. "Wangmazi, Donglaishun and Quanjude will be preserved forever," said Mao Zedong. "Ruifuxiang and Tongrentang will also save a thousand yearsTo save the name of history, why not the name of Business Printing House and Zhonghua Book Company." Most of these time-honored brands Mao referred to are Beijing-based time-honored brands, which have an important position in his life. Mao often frequented Changsha Fire Palace to eat stinky tofu when he was young and went there again after the liberation, leaving saying "Fire Palace stinky tofu is still delicious". Then, Changsha Fire Palace used the leader's words to advertise and protect the time-honored brand. It is said that Mao used the "Zhang Koizumi" scissors. Zhou Enlai gave instructions to the Shengxifu hat shop "to keep the characteristic of Shengxifu and organize to run factories". He liked the "Wonton hou" ravioli and specifically invited chefs of "Wonton hou" to cook for foreign guests. He lined up in the China photography studio in Beijing Wangfujing Street. Besides, Zhou had creatively explained the word "Quanjude". Deng Xiaoping loves to wear the shoes made by Neiliansheng shoe store and had shoes measured there several times. "The shoes are appropriate, my thanks to the masters of Neiliansheng shoe store," Deng said in a message to Neiliansheng one time after his shoes were finished. He gave high praise to this time-honored brand in his words. Xiaoping's family had made a pair of shoes for him in Neiliansheng, hoping he could set foot in Hong Kong after its return to the mainland. Unfortunately, these shoes did not last. This pair of shoes was later officially collected by the National Museum with "Xiaoping shoes" named by Neiliansheng. "This is not Shengxifu and do refrain from labeling others," Deng Xiaoping said in a sarcastic and humorous comment in response to a hat factory operated by the Gang of Four during the period of the "cultural revolution"(1966-76). Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping are all great leaders, who live their daily lives as ordinary people and share the same love and appreciation for time-honored brands. Source: people.com.cn Edited by Zhang Ruoqiong WASHINGTON (AP) Environmentalists have notched a rare win in the Republican-led Senate as a GOP effort to reverse an Obama-era rule restricting harmful methane emissions unexpectedly failed. The 51-49 vote against the repeal measure was a blow to the fossil-fuel industry and groups linked to the conservative Koch Brothers, which had waged a public campaign to overturn the Interior Department rule. The rule, finalized in November, would force energy companies to capture methane that's burned off or "flared" at drilling sites because it earns less money than oil. An estimated $330 million a year in methane the component of natural gas is wasted through leaks or intentional releases, enough to power about 5 million homes a year. The Interior Department said in a statement that the rule imposes significant burdens on energy production and they would review it. The vote marked the first time that the Republican-led Congress has rejected a bid to overturn a rule imposed by President Barack Obama using the previously obscure Congressional Review Act. For months, Republicans have rammed through a host of reversals of Obama-era rules on gun rights, coal production, hunting and money for family planning clinics, among other issues. The review act requires just a simple majority in both chambers to overturn rules recently imposed by the executive branch. The latest target was the Interior Department rule on methane. Republicans and industry groups complained that the federal rule duplicates state regulations in place throughout the West and would decrease energy production on federal lands, raise energy costs and eliminate jobs. Democrats and environmental groups countered that the rule protects the public health and generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue for state, local and tribal governments. Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, called the Senate vote "a signal victory" since President Donald Trump took office and said it shows there is "a lot of support for sensible environmental regulations going forward." Three Republican senators Maine's Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John McCain of Arizona joined forces with Democrats to block the efforts to overturn the rule. Graham and Collins had publicly opposed the repeal effort, but McCain's vote surprised many on both sides of the debate. McCain said in a statement he is concerned that the Bureau of Land Management rule may be "onerous," but said undoing the rule through the Congressional Review Act would have prevented the government from issuing a similar rule in the future. "I believe that the public interest is best served if the Interior Department issues a new rule to revise and improve the BLM methane rule," McCain said. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said Republican senators were caught off-guard by the final vote. "We really thought we were there," he told reporters. "We'll keep on working on it." Gleeful Democrats hailed the vote as a breakthrough in the GOP-controlled Congress. "Today's vote is a win for American taxpayers, a win for public health and a win for our climate," said Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass. "Special interests in Washington, D.C., tried to override this common-sense rule, and today we stopped them in their tracks," added Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. The American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas industry's top lobbying group, called the Senate vote disappointing, but said in a statement it looks forward to working with the Trump administration on policies to boost energy production. Obviously, were disappointed the Senate didnt even have the wherewithal to debate overturning the rule on the floor, said Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Western Energy Alliance, an industry group. The Senate has voted to deny taxpayers $110 million in revenue every year. Western Energy Alliance, IPAA and four states will continue to make the case in court that the rule is a vast overreach of BLM authority. The district court judge expressed grave doubts about BLMs authority to regulate air quality, and we and the states will continue to press that point. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said the vote reflected growing questions by lawmakers about the wisdom of rushing though disapproval measures under the Congressional Review Act. "More members are getting concerned about the implications," Wyden said. Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society, an environmental group that had pushed to defend the Obama rule, said the Senate vote was the result of grassroots efforts by voters across the country. "In recent months, thousands of Americans asked the Senate to stand up for clean air and against the oil lobby, and their efforts were successful today," Williams said. Wasting gas is an extremely short-sighted practice that not only takes potential tax revenue from communities that could sorely use it, especially to address our infrastructure needs, it also poses serious threats to our health, said Pat Wilson, a spokesperson for Northern Plains Resource Council and a rancher near Bainville. Keeping the BLM rule is good news for people living in oil country." A group aligned with the conservative Koch Brothers leveled its criticism against Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who voted to preserve the methne rule. Senator Tester's vote is hard to understand since Montana would be one of the states hardest hit by the Obama-era methane rule," said David Herbst, Montana state director for Americans for Prosperity. "The rule will put small Montana gas producers out of business, reduce much-needed tax revenue, and cost jobs. Its so bad that our own attorney general has filed suit to stop it. Senator Tester put the interests of environmental extremists ahead of the interests of his state. Montana citizens wont stand for it, and will hold Senator Tester accountable. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said New Mexico and other Western states where drilling is common will be able to prevent the waste of taxpayer-owned natural gas and shrink a huge methane plume that hangs over the Four Corners region of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. Both sides of the debate targeted Sen. Cory Gardner, a first-term senator who heads the Republican Senate campaign committee. The federal rule is based on a Colorado regulation widely popular in the state. Gardner voted to reverse the rule. ___ Associated Press writers Richard Lardner and Kevin Freking contributed to this story. BEIJING - As China awaits future government policies with the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the horizon, it can review the great progress in political, economic and cultural spheres over the past decade. Special:18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China It is important to recognize that this has been, and will continue to be, bolstered by reform initiatives that have kept pace with the times. From the bottom-up approach when China began to try out reform in the agricultural sector in 1978, China has become more confident in its policy readjustments since 2002. Economically, China has made the knowledge-based economy more salient and championed a more sustainable and environmentally friendly development mode. The country is in the process of changing its economic strategy -- it launched a 4-trillion-yuan ($640 billion) stimulus package after the global financial crisis in 2008 and moved handily from export dependency to development of a domestic market against the backdrop of a global decline in demand for Chinese goods. Regarding foreign investment, China has reduced its bureaucratic regulations and state interventions that hampered investment from overseas, allowing the country to attain a level of openness that is rarely found among large and populous nations. China is now the second-biggest recipients of foreign direct investment in the world, with competition from foreign products in almost every sector of the economy. Socially, the government has adopted more egalitarian and populist policies. It abolished agricultural taxes, subsidized health care, expanded the social insurance network and made basic education more accessible -- all measures aimed at enabling the public to benefit from economic prosperity. Culturally, China is striving to strengthen its soft power. It has advocated creativity and reined in infringements on Intellectual Property Rights. The country has privatized cultural entities to increase their market competitiveness, sponsored the development of Chinese media and encouraged Chinese cultural products to "go global." Zhang Weiwei, a senior research fellow at the Center for Asian Studies in Geneva and a visiting professor at China's Fudan University, believes China's reform, which he described as "steady and gradual," is a key feature of the "Chinese model" to which he attributes the nation's success. The reform that China adopted was different from that of the Soviet Union, where the chosen "shock therapy" led to economic collapse, he says. Such moderation, which focused on meeting the most pressing needs of the people and prioritizing economic reforms over political ones, is suited to China's national conditions although it is imperfect, he adds. Success will follow for China's reform if it can successfully address social issues that include a wealth distribution imbalance and potential monopolies in the near future, according to experts. A thorny issue in China's ongoing reform lies in the difficulty of limiting the power of the reformers themselves, says Xin Ming, a professor with the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Some organs and interest groups have resorted to legislation to legalize or strengthen their unreasonable positions, running counter to reform that has aimed at taking away their privileges, he adds. It is almost certain that reformers will be challenged by powerful alliances of interest groups when pushing ahead with reforms that will have an impact on these subjects' interests, according to Wang Xiaoguang, a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Governance. Consensus is the premise for the success of reforms, particularly in China now, says Zheng Yongnian, director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore. Common people's increasing participation in public affairs, which will supplement the government's role in decision-making, will be one critical element for China to build consensus among all social strata and have success reform in the years ahead. BEIJING - Shi Lei is a promising member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as he is a graduate of one of the most prestigious universities in China and works at the community level as a village official. However, Shi experienced many challenges while becoming one of the 2,270 deputies to the upcoming 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is scheduled to start on Nov 8. The 24-year-old Shi is the CPC secretary of the village of Xihua in the city of Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province. Due to his contributions to the development of the village, Shi was nominated by party members in the village to be a deputy to the CPC congress. The procedure was quite long and complicated, including the publicization of the candidates and several rounds of elections. It was not an easy task, as Shi faced a multiple-candidate election. But Shi was finally selected to be one of 70 deputies from the province. As an official from the lowest level, Shi will attend the congress along with the party chief of his province and other top leaders. Public recommendations and the publicization of candidates have demonstrated that the elections are an important practice for democracy and a representation of China's achievements in building a democratic country since the 1970s, especially in the last 10 years. The CPC attaches great importance to democracy. In his report on the Party's 17th National Congress, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China Hu Jintao said the people's democracy is the lifeblood of socialism and developing the people's democracy is the CPC's consistent goal. Therefore, democracy with Chinese characteristics is improving, both inside and outside the CPC. Democratic procedures and publicization of the elections for the CPC congress are the result of a series of policies made by top leaders. During the fourth plenary session of its 16th Central Committee, the CPC promised to improve its intra-party election system and expand the margin ratio for the elections. In the report on the 17th National Congress in 2007, the CPC vowed to expand participation in the nomination of candidates for elections in community-level CPC organizations. In Shi's opinion, the election procedures were carried out strictly in line with the policies, with transparent procedures ensuring the quality of the candidates. "All of the nominees enjoy a high reputation in their respective areas and they have been widely recognized by the masses and CPC members," said Shi. At the community level, public nominations and direct elections have been carried out more extensively since 2001. The system calls for candidates to be selected via recommendations from CPC members, the public and CPC organizations. The CPC branch secretary, vice secretary and members of village CPC committees are all elected directly by village CPC conferences. Sun Shuihu, the branch CPC secretary of the village of Qingshan in East China's Jiangxi province, was elected in this way. Sun led the villagers in repaving a road to the village and expanded local agriculture by inviting outside investment, all within six months of taking his post. "I must walk the talk or my fellow villagers will blame me for eating my words and my reputation will be tarnished," said 49-year-old Sun. The public nomination and direct election system has boosted participation among CPC members. Among Qingshan village's 43 CPC members, 39 took part in the election. "The wide promotion of democracy at the community level, with self-governance, public nominations and direct elections as its embodiment, is the most representative achievement of socialist democracy in the past 10 years," said Chi Fulin, executive president of the China Institute for Reform and Development. The process of realizing democracy has been far from satisfactory, as procedures are sometimes poorly implemented. Some candidates seek posts through bribes and behind-the-scenes manipulation. But power is no longer subject to a few people, so the public's need to participate in the decision-making process and their willingness to supervise have both increased. For governments at higher levels, it has become more common to encourage participation by the public. For instance, since 2006, public representatives of communities and neighborhoods in the city of Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province have been able to veto construction projects through secret ballots. Publicity and transparency are the preconditions for the people to supervise and participate in the decision-making process. In the past 10 years, public relations regarding CPC and government affairs have seen progress. In a series of meetings held by the CPC Central Committee, the CPC promised to boost its publicity and establish a spokesperson system for CPC organizations. In the past two years, governments at multiple levels have published over 51 million documents, including 2.6 million from departments under the State Council. "Only with increased transparency of political affairs, social participation and supervision, can the people enjoy more freedom and democracy," said Chi. Democracy and freedom have also been mentioned by top leadership. In a speech delivered on July 23, Hu called for developing a more wide-reaching people's democracy, paying more attention to exerting the important role of the rule of law in the administration of the country and society, safeguarding the dignity and authority of the rule of law and social justice and ensuring the people's extensive rights and freedoms according to law. Chi said Hu's speech set a clear direction for China's political reforms. "Room for the democracy and freedoms that people enjoy is becoming even bigger due to economic and social development. Political reforms will be the CPC's proactive approach to adapting to social demands and the people's expectations," added Chi. Political reforms are pressing in China. Late leader Deng Xiaoping once said that obstacles are unavoidable as reform develops, especially when the political system no longer fits the needs of economic development. The fruits of economic reform will be at stake if political reform stagnates. Although achievements have been made in democracy, it is far from enough in China, a country that was ruled by feudalism for thousands of years. More efforts are still needed to prevent arbitrary decisions from being made by a few people, rein in abuses of power and keep public interests from being ignored. "Hu's speech indicated that the 18th CPC National Congress will unswervingly continue pushing forward its plans for political reform," said Li Liangdong, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Li said that after the congress, the socialist political system will be further improved. Democracy within the CPC and the public will be continually expanded and checks and supervision will be further implemented, he said. "The way the CPC leads will be more adaptable to the requirements of democracy and the rule of law. Its leadership will be more in line with the needs of times," said Li. Zhang Lili joins the CPC in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, July 1, 2012.[Photo/Xinhua] When Zhang Lili, dubbed the most beautiful teacher for saving two students in a traffic accident, joined the Communist Party of China on its 91st birthday, she was one of more than one million people who joined the CPC that year, the China News Service reported. According to statistics from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, China has more than 82.6 million CPC members at the end of 2011. The number is more than the population of England or France, and almost the population of Germany. The number was 65.75 million at the end of 2001, which means nearly 17 million people joined the CPC in the past 10 years, more than one million every year. Xin Yi, a professor of Renmin University of China, found that more people working in private and foreign enterprises, self-employed businesses and intermediaries joined the CPC since 2001, when it began to accept "those outstanding elements from other sectors of society who have subscribed to the Party's program and Constitution, worked for the Party's line and program wholeheartedly, and proved to meet the requirements for Party membership through a long period of tests." And the list of delegates for this year's 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proves that with lots of new faces. Some 200,000 college graduates serving as grassroots village officials will have four delegates for the first time. More people representing the 240 million migrant workers in China have also been given a voice. Several CPC members working for new economic organizations and social organizations have also been voted delegates. Shi Lei, a graduate from Tsinghua University, is the first delegate of college graduates serving as grassroots village officials among the 2,270 delegates of the 18th CPC National Congress. The 24-year-old man, with three other delegates who are also college graduates serving as grassroots village officials, changes villages to share their knowledge. Their stories have encouraged many young people. Statistics show there are 20.62 million CPC members under the age of 35, making up 25 percent of the total. 31.91 million CPC members with college degree or above, making up 38.6 percent of the total. Xin Yi told reporters it is an obvious trend that the CPC has more young members and more with good educational backgrounds. Most of them were born after China's reform and opening-up. They will keep the Party ahead of the time. Migrant worker Cheng Junrong from Jiangsu province was elected a delegate of 18th CPC National Congress in August 2012. He and 25 other migrant worker delegates will step into the Great Hall of the People on Nov 8, when the 18th CPC National Congress begins. It is considered a symbol that migrant workers are becoming part of the political scene. Yang Deshan, a professor of Renmin University of China, said the number of migrant workers in China is about 250 million, making up about 25 percent of China's workforce. They are both workers and farmers, citizens both of cities and rural areas. They are important intermediaries in China's rural modernization. Yang told reporters there are also some new faces of the CPC that should not be neglected. They work for social organizations and private non-enterprises. The number of people working in new industries is increasing sharply. These CPC members will influence deeply on China's democratic process and efforts to build a socialist country under the rule of law. Among the delegates of 18th CPC National Congress, three lawyers from Beijing, Shandong and Jiangxi carry the society's hope of fairness and justice. The number of CPC members working for private enterprises is also increasing. In 2002, seven private enterprise owners were elected as delegates of 16th CPC National Congress, 17 delegates in 17th CPC National Congress in 2007, and 27 in 18th CPC National Congress this year. According to statistics, at the end of 2011, some 983,000 private enterprises, 26,500 social organizations and 27,400 private non-enterprise organizations have Party organizations, welcoming talented people joining the CPC at any time. Xin Yi said the change in number and structure of CPC members embodies the improvement of Chinese society, proving the CPC keeps pace with the times by accepting outstanding people from different social backgrounds. He believes it will keep the great influence and cohesion of the Party in State political life and help solve contradictions and problems in China's transition period. BEIJING - The upcoming 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), scheduled to open Thursday, will be attended by 2,270 delegates. The following are changes in the makeup of delegates, compared with that at the 17th Party congress in 2007. -- The number of leading officials at different levels accounts for 69.5 percent of the total delegates to the 18th Party congress, 2.1 percentage points lower than that at the previous congress. -- The number of grassroots-level delegates accounts for 30.5 percent, up 2.1 percentage points. -- The percentage of workers remarkably increases to 7.4 percent. Their number grows from 51 five years ago to 169, including 26 farmer-turned workers. -- The average age of delegates is 52. Those under the age of 35 account for 5 percent, up 1.9 percentage points. -- Party members who joined the CPC after the country's reform and opening up in the late 1970s constitute the majority of delegates. -- Those who joined the Party after November 1976 account for 72.2 percent, up 20.5 percentage points. BEIJING - The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov 8, 2012. Following are some basic facts about the congress: -- In line with the CPC Constitution, the National Congress and the Central Committee elected at the congress are the supreme leading organ of the Party. -- In line with the CPC Constitution, the National Congress is held every five years. -- The functions and power of the National Congress are as follows: (1) To hear and examine the report of the Central Committee; (2) To hear and examine the report of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection; (3) To discuss and decide on major issues concerning the Party; (4) To revise the Constitution of the Party; (5) To elect the Central Committee; (6) To elect the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. -- More than 2,200 delegates, elected from more than 82 million Party members across the nation, will attend the 18th CPC National Congress. -- The 1st CPC National Congress was held in 1921, with 12 delegates representing about 50 Party members nationwide. BEIJING - The 18th CPC National Congress is being held in Beijing. Here are some basic facts about the CPC: Q: How can one become a CPC member? A: According to the CPC Constitution amended and adopted in 2007, any Chinese worker, farmer, member of the armed forces, intellectual or any advanced element of other social strata who has reached the age of 18 and who accepts the Party's program and Constitution and is willing to join and work actively in one of the Party organizations, carry out the Party's resolutions and pay membership dues regularly may apply for membership in the Communist Party of China. New Party members must be admitted through a Party branch, and the principle of individual admission must be adhered to. An applicant for Party membership must fill out an application form and be recommended by two full Party members. The application must be accepted at a general membership meeting of the Party branch concerned and approved by the next higher Party organization, and the applicant must undergo observation for a probationary period before being granted full membership. Party members who recommend an applicant must make genuine efforts to acquaint themselves with the applicant's ideology, character, personal record and work performance and explain to each applicant the Party's program and Constitution, qualifications for membership and the duties and rights of members, and must make a responsible report to the Party organization on the matter. The Party branch committee must canvass the opinions of persons concerned, inside and outside the Party, about an applicant for Party membership and, after establishing the latter's qualification through rigorous examination, submit the application to a general membership meeting for discussion. Before approving the admission of applicants for Party membership, the next higher Party organization concerned must appoint people to talk with them, in order to get to know them better and help deepen their understanding of the Party. In special circumstances, the Central Committee of the Party or the Party committee of a province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the central government may admit new Party members directly. There is love for Yellowstone National Park and then there is the commitment to spend five years sleeping in your car and living on sardines while you photographed the people of Yellowstone. The sacrifices professional photographer Steve Horan made to complete the book People of Yellowstone were in some ways on par with the sacrifices many of his subjects made to live and work in Yellowstone. They all had one thing in common: passion for Yellowstone National Park. Twenty-five photographs from the new book will be on display in Livingston at the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, 118 W. Chinook, starting with an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. on June 9. Copies of the book are available for $29.95 and the exhibit will be up for a year. Some subjects from the book will be part of the opening, and Horan and writer Ruth W. Crocker will be there to discuss the project. Roosevelt connection Horan grew up near Theodore Roosevelts summer home, Sigamore Hill, at Oyster Bay, N.Y., and in 1984 his brother Jim moved to Yellowstone to work at Roosevelt Lodge. Those two coincidences led Horan to spend 30 years exploring Yellowstone until he fell in love with the park, just like his brother. Horan lives in Florida where he helps care for his aging parents, but his heart is in Yellowstone. He believed so strongly in his book, he took out a personal loan and launched a Indiegogo campaign to raise $15,000 for the book. He spent five lean years commuting the 2,400 miles from his home in South Florida to Montana to connect with people and shoot their portraits. He doesn't fly. It started with his little brother that Horan calls Jimmy. Hes inspired me in a lot of ways, just by his stubbornness, living life and doing the things he wanted to do, Horan said. The 180-page book includes 87 striking black and white portraits, each one unique to the individual. Salle Engelhardt, who spent time as an artist, musician and a truck driver before she found her niche as an interpretive ranger, was photographed at Hebgen Lake, the site of an earthquake in 1959. "I thought it would be appropriate to go to Hebgen Lake where people were enjoying life one minute, and then they were gone. That's really the guts of this book to explain Yellowstone through people's eyes." Horan photographed John J. Craighead at the age of 96 at his home in Missoula. Craighead's work with his twin brother Frank helped shape public environmental policy. Craighead died in 2016 at age 100, before the book was published in 2017. Arms like trees Having Craighead's photograph to show others helped convince them that Horan was for real. I wanted to show his strength and spirit," Horan said. I grabbed his arm to assist him getting up a hill on his property and it was like grabbing a tree. I thought, Oh my god, this man is strong. Some people declined to be featured in the book. Others had to be persuaded. Some photos he took in five minutes, others took four or five hours. He photographed wolf tracker and biologist Linda Thurston lying in a wolf den, an ornithologist holding a bird wing and renowned wolf expert Doug Smith draped in a wolf skin. Like Horan's brother, Crocker's brother Robert G. Whipple works in Yellowstone, and is passionate about national parks. That's how she got involved in the book project. Whipple has volunteered in several national parks, and now serves as an interpretive ranger in Yellowstone. We call him Ranger Bob, Crocker said. Crocker grew up watching Yogi Bear steal picnic baskets in Jellystone. The cartoon is a far cry from the real people in Yellowstone who give their time and energy to protecting the park and its creatures. I did not speak to a single person that didnt love what they did, and love where they worked, Crocker said. I interviewed a guy who was head of housekeeping at Lake Hotel who loved being able to head out the door and go hiking. It is a very healthy, transformative place to work where you are surrounded by so much wildness and natural beauty. Crocker said her greatest challenge was boiling the interviews down to 300 words and making contact with people when she lives in Connecticut. I think it was Doug Smith, the guy who reintroduced wolves into Yellowstone, who talked about wild places, and how we have so few on the Earth. Its really a battle to conserve and protect wild places, Crocker said. The astounding thing Crocker discovered is how few people who go to Yellowstone actually explore it. Its less than 2 percent of the 4 million people a year who visit Yellowstone who actually get out of their cars, Crocker said. BEIJING - The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is being held in Beijing. Here are some basic facts about the CPC: Q: What role does the Party play in economic entities? A: In a state-owned or collective enterprise, the primary Party organization acts as the political nucleus and works for the operation of the enterprise, according to the CPC Constitution amended and adopted in 2007. It guarantees and oversees the implementation of the principles and policies of the Party and the state in its own enterprise, and backs the meeting of shareholders, board of directors, board of supervisors and manager (factory director) in the exercise of their functions and powers according to law. It relies wholeheartedly on the workers and office staff, supports the work of the congresses of representatives of workers and office staff and participates in making final decisions on major questions in the enterprise. It works to improve its own organization and provides leadership over ideological and political work, efforts for cultural and ethical progress and trade unions, the Communist Youth League and other mass organizations. In a non-public economic institution, the primary Party organization carries out the Party's principles and policies, provides guidance to and oversees the enterprise in observing the laws and regulations of the state, exercises leadership over the trade union, the Communist Youth League organization and other mass organizations, rallies the workers and office staff around it, safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of all quarters and stimulates the healthy development of the enterprise. BEIJING - The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is being held in Beijing. Here are some basic facts about the CPC: Q: How does the CPC elect its new Central Committee and how long can the Central Committee leadership stay? A: According to the Party Constitution, the highest leading body of the Party is the National Congress and the Central Committee it elects, and all the constituent organizations and members of the Party are subordinate to the CPC National Congress and the Central Committee. When the National Congress is not in session, the Central Committee carries out its resolutions, directs the entire work of the Party and represents the Communist Party of China in its external relations. The CPC Central Committee is elected for a term of five years. However, when the next National Congress is convened before or after its normally scheduled date, the term shall be correspondingly shortened or extended. The Party Constitution stipulates that members and alternate members of the Central Committee must have a Party standing of five years or more. The number of members and alternate members of the Central Committee shall be determined by the National Congress. Vacancies on the Central Committee shall be filled by its alternate members in the order of the number of votes by which they were elected. According to the Party Constitution, the election shall be held by secret ballot. Cai Mingzhao, spokesman for the 18th CPC National Congress, told a press conference in the run-up of the congress that the elections of members and alternate members of the Central Committee will proceed with the number of candidates nominated greater than the number of persons to be elected. The competitive election procedure may be used directly in a formal election or this procedure may be used first in a preliminary election in order to draw up a list of candidates for the formal election. The voters have the right to inquire about the candidates, demand a change or reject one in favor of another. No organization or individual shall in any way compel voters to elect or not to elect any candidate, according to the Party Constitution. Election methods of the 18th CPC National Congress, a result of deliberation by delegations, were approved at the second presidium meeting of the congress on Saturday afternoon. A preliminary name-list of nominees for the candidates of members and alternate members of the 18th CPC Central Committee was proposed by the presidium meeting and would be submitted to delegations to the 18th CPC National Congress for elections. The result of the preliminary elections will be pooled to the 247-member presidium to come up with a list of candidates for the formal election by secret ballots among the delegates attending the 18th CPC National Congress on Nov. 14. The result of the formal election will produce the new CPC Central Committee. Five years ago, the 17th CPC National Congress elected 204 members and 167 alternate members of the Central Committee in a similar way. BEIJING - The following is the full text of Resolution of the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China on the Report of its Seventeenth Central Committee adopted at the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Nov 14, 2012: The Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China approved the report delivered by Comrade Hu Jintao on behalf of the Party's Seventeenth Central Committee. Holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics and following the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, the report analyzes the developments and changes in the international and domestic environments, reviews our work in the past five years and the historic achievements we have made in the course of our endeavors since the Sixteenth Party Congress, and establishes the historical position of the Scientific Outlook on Development. The report sets forth the basic requirements for winning new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the goals of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and deepening reform and opening up in an all-around way. It lays out an overall plan for advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and sets forth explicit requirements for making Party building more scientific in all respects. The report also draws up a grand blueprint for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and accelerating socialist modernization and charts the course for making continued progress in the cause of the Party and country. It is the crystallization of the wisdom of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in China. It is a political declaration and a program of action for the Party to rally and lead the people of all our ethnic groups in winning new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics. The report is a guiding Marxist document. The congress held that the underlying theme set forth in the report is of great importance to the Party leading the people in building on our past success and carrying forward our cause with determination. The whole Party must hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, free up the mind, implement the policy of reform and opening up, pool our strength, overcome all difficulties, firmly march on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The congress stressed that at present, as the global, national and our Party's conditions continue to undergo profound changes, we are faced with unprecedented opportunities for development as well as risks and challenges unknown before. The whole Party must keep in mind the trust the people have placed in us and the great expectation they have of us. We must aim higher and work harder and continue to pursue development in a scientific way, promote social harmony, and improve the people's lives so as to complete the glorious and arduous tasks bestowed on us by the times. The congress applauded the work of the Seventeenth Central Committee. Over the past five years since the Seventeenth Party Congress, we have marched boldly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, overcome numerous difficulties and risks, achieved new success in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and made new and major achievements in all fields of our work. The congress endorsed the Seventeenth Central Committee's basic review of our endeavors over the past ten years since the Sixteenth National Congress. It held that we have firmly seized and made the most of the important period of strategic opportunities for China's development, successfully met major challenges, and brought socialism with Chinese characteristics to a new stage of development. It also held that we have consolidated and developed the cause of reform and opening up and socialist modernization and raised China's international standing, and that all this shows the superiority and vitality of socialism with Chinese characteristics and has enhanced the pride and cohesiveness of the Chinese people and nation. The congress stressed that the most important achievement in our endeavors in the past ten years is that we have developed the Scientific Outlook on Development and applied it by making courageous theoretical innovations on the basis of practice and developing closely interconnected new ideas and viewpoints on upholding and building socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Scientific Outlook on Development was created by integrating Marxism with the reality of contemporary China and with the underlying features of our times, and it fully embodies the Marxist worldview on and methodology for development. This theory provides new scientific answers to the major questions of what kind of development China should achieve in a new environment and how the country should achieve it. It represents a new level of our understanding of the laws of socialism with Chinese characteristics and reaches a new realm in the development of Marxism in contemporary China. The Scientific Outlook on Development is the latest achievement in developing the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and it is the crystallization of the collective wisdom of the Communist Party of China and a powerful theoretical weapon for guiding all the work of the Party and country. Together with Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development provides the long-term theoretical guidance the Party must adhere to. Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, delivers a keynote report during the opening ceremony of the 18th CPC National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov 8, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua] I. Our Work in the Past Five Years and the Basic Experience We Have Gained in the Past Ten Years II. Achieving New Victory for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics III. The Goal of Completing the Building of a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Deepening Reform and Opening Up in an All-Around Way IV. Accelerating the Improvement of the Socialist Market Economy and the Change of the Growth Model V. Keeping to the Socialist Path of Making Political Advance with Chinese Characteristics and Promoting Reform of the Political Structure VI. Developing a Strong Socialist Culture in China VII. Strengthening Social Development by Improving the People's Wellbeing and Making Innovations in Management VIII. Making Great Efforts to Promote Ecological Progress IX. Accelerating the Modernization of National Defense and the Armed Forces X. Enriching the Practice of "One Country, Two Systems" and Advancing China's Reunification XI. Continuing to Promote the Noble Cause of Peace and Development of Mankind XII. Making Party Building More Scientific in All Respects BEIJING - The following is the full text of Hu Jintao's report delivered at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Nov 8, 2012: FIRMLY MARCH ON THE PATH OF SOCIALISM WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS AND STRIVE TO COMPLETE THE BUILDING OF A MODERATELY PROSPEROUS SOCIETY IN ALL RESPECTS Report to the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Nov 8, 2012 Hu Jintao Comrades, I now wish to deliver the following report to the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China on behalf of the Seventeenth Party Central Committee. The Eighteenth National Congress is one of great importance being held when China has entered the decisive stage of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The underlying theme of the congress is to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, free up the mind, implement the policy of reform and opening up, pool our strength, overcome all difficulties, firmly march on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. At this moment when I address you, we are convinced that thanks to over 90 years of hard struggle, our Party has rallied and led the people of all ethnic groups of the country in turning the poor and backward old China into an increasingly prosperous and powerful new China and opening up bright prospects for the great renewal of the Chinese nation. We are all the more proud of the historic achievements of the Party and the people, we are all the more firm in the ideal and conviction of the Party and the people, and we are all the more aware of the historic responsibility of the Party. At present, as the global, national and our Party's conditions continue to undergo profound changes, we are faced with unprecedented opportunities for development as well as risks and challenges unknown before. The whole Party must keep in mind the trust the people have placed in us and the great expectation they have of us. We must aim higher and work harder and continue to pursue development in a scientific way, promote social harmony, and improve the people's lives so as to complete the glorious and arduous tasks bestowed on us by the times. Editor's note: In the run-up to the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress, China Daily sent six reporters to villages nationwide to live for a month and take a look at how people are working to ensure that China's poverty eradication plan succeeds. Yang Yuqiang, who had left his hometown to work as a cook for seven years, never imagined that one day he could return to open his own restaurant in his home village, which has been transformed into a tourist site. "During the three-day Labor Day holiday, my wife and I were kept busy catering to tourists," Yang, a 26-year-old from Huaqiao, Gansu province, said excitedly. "I am planning to employ five or six people to help me and my wife if the business remains good." The two-story restaurant, opened in April, has 10 rooms and can accommodate up to 100 diners at a time, he said. In the past month he had earned more than 15,000 yuan ($2,200), several times more than his monthly salary when he worked in Lanzhou, Yang said. The scenic area, covering the whole village, opened last year and was certified as a national 4A site by the tourism authority for its beautiful natural scenery. Yang dropped out of school in 2007, when he was just 16, due to poverty and went to work in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. His father had also been working in Guangzhou, while his mother stayed at home to grow corn and wheat, but the land in the mountains is poor and yielded little, he said. "The village was so poor at that time that there was no road, and almost all of the villagers lived in mud houses," he said. "Most of the young people in the village left to work." Yang worked at an electronics factory in Guangzhou for nearly a year and came back home in 2008 to repair their home after the mud house was damaged by the magnitude-8 earthquake in Wenchuan, neighboring Sichuan province. Following the earthquake, he built a new one-story brick house for his parents with the 20,000 yuan subsidy provided by the county government and 30,000 yuan interest-free loans provided by a local bank. "After the house was erected I had no extra money to decorate the house, and the floor remained uncovered cement until last year," he said. After the house was built, Yang had to leave the village to make money to pay back the loans. This time, he went to Lanzhou and worked as a cook for a restaurant for seven years. His salary increased gradually from 800 yuan to more than 4,000 yuan a month during the period, he said. In 2015, he came back to Huaqiao village, where he worked as a cook for a friend he got to know in Shanghai, who opened a hotel in the village. At that time the village was under construction, as the local government was determined to transform it into a tourist site to help locals get out of poverty. By last year, Yang finally had enough money to add another floor to his home and turn it into a restaurant for tourists. "I hope my business stays busy so I can remain in my village," he said. "In this way I can also better look after my aging parents and my 5-year-old son." Long Xianlan removes weeds from land on which he plans to plant flowers for his bees. Liu Xiangrui / China Daily Editor's note: In the run-up to the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress, China Daily sent six reporters to live for a month in poor villages to see how China's poverty eradication plan is improving people's lives. While nearly all young people in Shibadong village leave home seeking higher incomes in cities, 31-year-old Long Xianlan was one of a handful who returned to earn a living locally. Shibadong, located in the remote mountainous county of Huayuan in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture of Central China's Hunan province, is home to members of the Miao ethnic group. It used to be a poverty-stricken village with little arable land and a poor transportation system, but things began to change a few years ago. In 2013, President Xi Jinping visited the village and called for the implementation of measures to help pull villagers out of poverty, which encouraged Long to return home in 2014. "You can't be a migrant worker forever," Long said. "It's better to return and map out a long-term business plan." He began selling fish, but due to his inexperience, his efforts were unsuccessful. However, with the support of a poverty alleviation work team formed by the county government, Long developed a solid business plan. Growing up, he watched senior villagers maintain beehives, and his grandmother used to prepare a small bottle of honey for him during the Spring Festival holiday. "We suggested Long make a living from beekeeping, and we offered to provide support, including the training he required," said Long Xiulin, the head of the alleviation work team at the time. After attending a free two-week training course on beekeeping, Long Xianlan started maintaining four hives in late 2014. At first, he required help from his trainer to solve problems he encountered, and he spent most of his spare time studying his new profession. "I learned mostly through trial and error," said Long Xianlan, who also asked senior villagers about traditional beekeeping methods. "Beekeeping is not tiring work. The most important thing is to pay close attention to the bees and maintain the hives properly." Tourists enjoy a walk around Erhai Lake, a scenic spot in Yunnan province that officials aim to restore to its former glory. Yang Zheng / For China Daily Cleanup mission given manpower and 4.5 billion yuan for projects to improve sewage treatment network around scenic spot. For the past two months, Zhao Qiuhua has had to skip dinner most days, and he has rarely been able to get to bed before 2 am. Not that he minds, as he's helping to clean up China's treasured Erhai Lake. This must-see scenic spot in Yunnan province has been affected by heavy pollution in recent years, yet Zhao and about 140 other government officials are working to restore the lake to how it looked more than five decades ago. "We oversee the work and are in meetings all day and night, discussing the progress as well as potential solutions to problems we find," said Zhao, 29, deputy head of Xizhou township. "At the same time, we also need to carry out our day-to-day duties, to ensure things run smoothly in our towns and districts." The Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, which also includes the ancient town of Dali, another major tourist attraction, deployed a significant amount of manpower when it launched the lake cleanup mission in January. Although the number has not been disclosed, Zhao said about 80 of Xizhou's 100 officials are involved, along with 11 from the prefecture government and close to 50 village cadres. Their main targets are guesthouses, restaurants and rural communities with low-quality or no sewage treatment equipment, which for years have been pumping raw sewage directly into the lake, as well as illegal construction and agricultural pollution. Spring is usually a busy time for tourists heading to Erhai Lake, but few visitors could be found when China Daily reporters visited the area at the end of April. Red banners carrying motivational slogans such as "If Erhai Lake is clean, Dali will thrive" or "Protecting Erhai Lake is like protecting your eyes" were hung over roads and plastered on billboards, walls and bridges. Yet the brightly colored banners were in stark contrast to the white tape that officials had used to seal the doors of about 1,900 guesthouses and restaurants on the lake's northern, northeastern and western shores. All of them were ordered to close in early April to allow for an inspection of their wastewater treatment facilities, while a block was also placed on applications for new business licenses. According to a notice from the prefecture government, these businesses will only be allowed to reopen once they can guarantee their wastewater can meet Grade 1, the highest level in the country's three-tier assessment system. Most now have only basic septic tanks, which means a considerable investment to meet the standards. Six former senior officials were convicted of bribery and given sentences ranging from six years to life imprisonment by Chinese courts on Wednesday. Of the six officials, three were convicted of bribery involving sums in excess of 100 million yuan ($17.6 million) and sentenced to life imprisonment. They were Wang Baoan, former head of the National Bureau of Statistics; Chen Xuefeng, former Party chief in Luoyang, Henan province; and Lu Ziyue, former mayor of Ningbo, Zhejiang province. The other three, handed sentences ranging from six to 15 years, were Chang Xiaobing, former chairman of China Telecom; Li Chengyun, former vice-governor of Sichuan; and Deng Qilin, former chairman of Wuhan Iron and Steel Corp. Wang Baoan had accepted bribes valued at 153 million yuan, according to Zhangjiakou City Intermediate People's Court in Hebei province. Wang was deprived of political rights, and all his personal assets were confiscated and turned over to the State, according to the court. The court said he had abused his power to gain benefits for others on project approvals, business contracts and job promotions. He then accepted huge bribes paid either in cash or property personally or through family members from 1994 to 2016, according to the court. Over 22 years, Wang's primary jobs were secretary of the general office of the State Administration of Taxation, assistant minister and vice-minister of finance, and head of the NBS. The court said it handed out a lenient punishment instead of the death penalty because he was forthcoming when he "confessed his crime and cooperated with law enforcement officers to return his ill-gotten assets." Separately, Chen Xuefeng, former Party chief in Luoyang, Henan, got a life sentence for corruption, bribery and abuse of power. Chen took advantage of his position to gain benefits for others and, in turn, accepted money and assets worth 125 million yuan from 2000 to 2015, according to Jingzhou City Intermediate People's Court in Hubei province. Since November 2012, when the new leadership was elected, anti-corruption efforts have become a top priority for the country. President Xi Jinping has conducted a sweeping drive to fight against both "tigers" and "flies", referring to high-ranking officials and low-level officers. More than 140 high-ranking officials, at ministerial level or above, have been investigated over alleged graft issues, including Zhou Yongkang, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in June 2015, according to the top anti-graft watchdog. Wu Wei and his wife, Sun Shuhong, remove birds trapped in a net on Mao'er Mountain. Photo Provided To China Daily Tagging of more than 300,000 birds over 17 years has made a significant contribution to scientific research On a fresh spring morning on Mao'er Mountain, about 100 kilometers from Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, 50-year-old Wu Wei begins the day with one of his regular inspections of 106 nets, carefully removing any trapped birds. Wu identifies the species of each bird, recording information such as their length, weight and color, as well as the time and place they were caught. Then he places a lightweight metal ring - which has a unique number engraved into it for future identification - around the leg of each bird before releasing them back into the wild. Every year, during the two bird-migration periods, from March to May, and from August to October, which are the best times for bird banding, Wu works from dawn until dusk, inspecting the nets every two hours. In the past 17 years, he has attached identification tags to more than 300,000 birds. Wu became involved in bird banding in 2000 as an assistant to Chang Jiachuan, a retired ornithologist from Northeast Forestry University, at the Mao'er Mountain Bird Banding Station. Before that, he worked as a driver at the Mao'er Mountain Forest Farm and knew little about bird banding. Wu measures a bird before attaching an identification tag. Photo Provided To China Daily Wu said spending half of the year at the station is a challenge as there is no television or phone signal. He is not Chang's first assistant, but he is the first to have stuck with it. "As I agreed to take on the job, I should stick with it and do it to the best of my ability," Wu said. In addition to learning from Chang, Wu spends his spare time studying books on ornithology. As a result, he has become familiar with all 158 species of birds in the area. In fact, he can accurately distinguish birds that appear extremely similar, which is a difficult task even for some ornithologists. Now the bird bander, who only received a high school education, is often invited to conduct bird-banding training courses across the country. Wu has spent a lot of time attempting to improve bird banding tools, which has helped increase efficiency and ensure the safety of the birds. In 2001, Wu's wife, Sun Shuhong, began helping him during the two migration periods. His office is a 10-square-meter room that also serves as the couple's dormitory. Every two weeks, Sun goes to buy nonperishable vegetables, such as potatoes and onions, in the nearest town, which is about half an hour's drive away. Every March, the couple set up the nets on the mountain, a journey that must be completed on foot. "It is difficult to walk in the forest, especially in early spring when the snow is more than 50 centimeters deep," Wu said. "In the autumn, the weeds are so high that we have to cut them back first." Every time they make inspections in the autumn, they get bitten by mosquitoes and often encounter dangerous animals, such as snakes. The 29th annual SpringFest at the Moss Mansion will feature work by artists and craftspeople from across Montana and the Northwest on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers will find paintings, artisan jewelry, photography, metalwork, pottery, wooden accessories, quilts, handmade journals, African baskets and more created by regional artists. Antique booths, artist demonstrations, plants from Jims Jungle and treats from our Sweet Delights booth and Brockels Chocolates will also be available. SpringFest is our favorite way to kick off summer tour season," Moss Mansion director Jenna Richter said. The grounds come alive with blooming flowers, live music by popular local entertainers, beautiful artwork in almost every medium and amazing community spirit. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by an afternoon of refreshments for every taste. A variety of foods, including tacos, burgers, homemade baked goods, as well as beverage options that include mimosas, wine and locally brewed beer are available to purchase. Admission to SpringFest is free. The Moss Mansion, located at 914 Division St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; regular tour prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, and $8 for students. Subservient behavior advised, along with beatings by husbands A lecture held at a university in Jiangxi province that included what to many seemed like discrimination against women - as well as flouting common sense in science - has remained a topic of heated discussion online over the past two weeks. The lecturer, Ding Xuan, was described as a teacher of traditional culture at China Women's United Foundation and vice-chairwoman of the Hebei Provincial Traditional Culture Studies Association. "Women wear sexy dresses in order to attract men's attention," Ding says in a video that was shared online. "Such women will bring bad luck to their parents and children, and are prone to sickness, tragedy, infertility and sexual abuse. They will also trigger natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis." She also said that "when a man beats his wife, she should endure it in silence, and those who are beaten often are less likely to fall ill". An online search showed zero results for an organization called "China Women's United Foundation". Using Ding's name in the search with the official website of the Hebei association also brought zero results. The man who picked up the phone on Wednesday at the publicity office at Jiujiang University, where the lecture was held, said he had just taken office and didn't know anything about the lecture. The university said in an online statement on May 24 that Ding was invited to give a lecture to strengthen students' sense of responsibility to pass on the country's fine cultural traditions. The lecture was held on the Mother's Day, which fell on May 14, to encourage female students to become good wives and mothers in the future. "We found that Ms Ding's speech didn't carry anything anti-Party or anti-social. She didn't disseminate superstition either," the school's statement said. The lecture astonished many internet users. Some said that equality of men and women is achieved through generations of effort, and few people would like to live in a family like the one described by Ding. "Men and women currently enjoy equal status in a marriage so that men will take care of their wives, and a couple share family duties and build their family into an ideal one in their mind with their joint efforts," said Wu Xiaoyue, a 30-year-old married woman in Shanghai. Ding also said that the best gift a woman can give her husband for their marriage is her virginity. "Some women growing up in the old environment may have such beliefs. In the old times, women relied largely on their husbands, mostly because they didn't have an opportunity to be well-educated and employed," an internet user named "Xiao Maozei" wrote on social media. Lin Zi, vice-chairwoman of the Shanghai Psychological Counseling Association, said Ding's sensational remarks reminded people that when passing traditional culture to people of the current generation, it needs to be fine-tuned with the development of the times. New media in China is continuing to grow, according to a report released by the All-China Journalists Association on Wednesday. The report noted the "profound changes in the media industry and media environment" last year following efforts by news outlets to integrate traditional and new digital media formats. It said more than 500 million Chinese now read news on a mobile device, noting the rising popularity of social networks and news apps as a way to access information. The market size of China's media industry was 1.3 trillion yuan ($189 billion) in 2015, an annual increase of 12.3 percent. In the first half of last year, spending on internet advertising grew by 26.9 percent, 10 percentage points more than the same period in 2015. Technological development has driven media reform, the report said, citing the wider application of big data, cloud computing, robots, drones and virtual reality technologies. It also said the development of new media resulted in the creation of more channels for the public to express opinions. It said China had 223,925 credentialed journalists as of the end of last year. Of those, 84,130 worked for newspapers and 6,007 for periodicals. A photo of a foreign visitor and a Chinese veteran taken by Gao Yuan. Provided To China Daily Gao Yuan has taken nearly 700,000 pictures of tourists in Tian'anmen Square since he first began plying his trade in 1979 at the age of 19. Over the decades, he has witnessed many changes, from the popularization of color photography to the introduction of digital cameras and the subsequent decline of photographic film. If each of the pictures he has taken since he began were laid out side-by-side on the ground, they could circle the square's perimeter 40 times. Yet almost 1,000 of the photos have never been claimed by the subjects. Sometimes the tourists who posed for the pictures gave him the wrong mailing address, while others had to leave Beijing before their photos were ready. So Gao has been trying to get back in touch with them, turning to the modern marvel of social media for help. "Some of them may not have another chance to come back to the square, so my photos will mean a lot to them," he said in an interview with Beijing News, adding that he never throws a picture away. The subjects of his photographs range from foreign leaders to a homeless man who pinned a piece of cloth with the date on it to his right shoulder for the picture. The man returned for another photograph this year, but Gao didn't charge him this time. His most memorable experience came about six years ago, when he took a picture for a visiting government official from Chile who was accompanied by bodyguards and a large tour group. "They wanted their photo taken and the accompanying Chinese officials invited me to take it," he said. One photo he made more recently features three overseas Chinese couples jumping for joy in front of the red walls of the Tian'anmen Rostrum. "One of the couples couldn't help but cry as they watched the flag being raised in the square. They were sincerely touched by all of the homeland's amazing developments," he said. "So much has changed with the passing decades, but two things have stayed the same: the Tian'anmen Rostrum and first-time visitors' feelings for the place." As for the unclaimed photos, Gao said social media has helped a lot. In September, a man from Henan province got in touch to ask about a photo he had taken with his father when he was 18. Gao sent him several pictures based on the man's description - one of which showed the two in the 1990s. "What I want most is to take another photo for the people who find me and get their pictures back. It's like a ritual, my ritual." "Working for so many years has cultivated a special feeling inside me. It feels like I'm on a mission," he said. "I am just a humble man, but I think of myself not as a photographer only. I'm also a recorder, keeping track of the changes over time. Jiang Chenglong contributed to this story. Students in Linfen Red Ribbon School prepare for the national college entrance exam, May 25, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] For the first time, special test rooms will be set up for students with HIV/AIDS to sit the national college entrance exam, reported Shanxi Evening News on Wednesday. Sixteen students from the Linfen Red Ribbon School will take the test, also known as gaokao, this month in two test rooms at the school. "College will be a turning point in their lives. We hope society can be more inclusive and tolerant of them. HIV/AIDS is not scary," said Guo Xiaoping, head of the school, in an earlier report. The Linfen Red Ribbon School is the country's only school that provides education for children with HIV. The school opened in 2004 as an informal classroom in a vacant ward at Linfen Third People's Hospital and was run by hospital director Guo Xiaoping. With more HIV-positive children joining in the following years, the informal classroom has expanded to a 6 hectare campus, catering to 33 students. As well as education, the school also covers food and living expenses, and the cost of medical treatment. Most of the children contracted HIV through mother-to-child transmission and have lost their mother. In December 2011, the school was approved by local education authority to provide compulsory education. There are about 654,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in China, according to figures released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Related story: Teaching the children shunned due to HIV NANCHANG -- The Ganzhou port in East China's Jiangxi province opened its first China-Europe freight train on Thursday. The cargo trains will carry Russian timber to Ganzhou and then return to Kyrgyzstan loaded with furniture. The new route is expected to build Ganzhou into a port for international timber trade, local officials said. China opened its first trans-continental freight train route in July 2013. Several Chinese cities, including Chongqing, Chengdu, Changsha, Hefei, Yiwu, Suzhou and Harbin, have already launched similar freight train services to Europe. In 2016, the number of China-Europe freight trains surpassed 1,700, including 1,130 outbound trains and 572 inbound trains, an increase of 109 percent year on year. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Almost 240 contestants from 35 countries and regions will arrive in Shanghai and Suzhou next week to participate in an international vocational skills competition that will begin Tuesday. Zhang Lixin, head of the Professional Capacity Building Department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said 76 of the constants will be from China and there will be 173 referees, including 21 Chinese, for the competition that will be held in Shanghai and Suzhou city, Jiangsu province. There will be 21 competition events that will last till June 9, including woodworking, mechatronics, mobile robot, hairdressing and baking. Fifteen of the events will be held in Shanghai, and the other six will be held in Suzhou. All Chinese contestants will be graded for their performance, but only one will be ranked in each event, Zhang said. There will be demonstrations of 27 vocational skills or technologies near the competition areas in Shanghai. Seven of the skills will feature traditional Chinese culture, including traditional flour-made food and paper-cutting. In Suzhou, there will be exhibitions of Chinese hair embroidery and woodcarvings. On Tuesday, there also will be a seminar in Shanghai on skills and skills development. Zhang said almost 100 representatives from 28 countries and regions will participate in the seminar. Shanghai is in the running with Switzerland to host the 2021 WorldSkills Competition. The final decision will be voted on by WorldSkills International delegates in October 2017 at the general assembly that will be held in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. The WorldSkills event was first held in Madrid, Spain in the 1950s. It seeks to increase the awareness and prestige of vocational and blue collar professions. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked society to learn from late geophysicist Huang Danian, who made outstanding contributions in education and scientific research. Huang, known for his expertise in deep Earth exploration technology, helped China soar in a number of technical fields, transforming the nation into one of the world's leaders in deep Earth exploration. Xi has always attached great importance to science. Following are some of his remarks that shed light on his vision for the country's scientific innovation. -- On July 17, 2013, Xi visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences and called for a greater focus on scientific innovation and making it a driving force for China's development. Xi encouraged scientists to boldly innovate, learn from the world's most advanced science, and put new ideas forward. -- From Nov 3 to 5, 2013, during an inspection tour to central China, Xi called for implementation of an innovation-driven development strategy to achieve economic and social development targets. He urged Chinese enterprises to seize opportunities arising from the scientific and technological revolution. He said the fundamental approach to breaking the bottleneck in China's economic development was through innovation and technology. -- On Jan 6, 2014, Xi met space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang'e-3 mission. The launch of the Chang'e-3 lunar probe made China the third country to carry out such a mission after the United States and the Soviet Union. Describing innovation as "the soul of a people and the source for a country's prosperity," Xi said the Chang'e-3 mission was "China-made in every sense of the phrase" and the result of independent innovation. -- From Dec 13 to 14, 2014, Xi made an inspection tour in eastern Jiangsu Province, where he visited scientific research institutions and enterprises. He called for close coupling between science and technology and the economy, as well as deep integration among industry, universities and research to increase the contributions of science and technology to economic growth. -- On Nov 3, 2015, Xi said the country will endeavor to make a series of strategic science and technology breakthroughs by 2030, while elaborating on a proposal of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for the country's 13th Five-year Plan (2016-2020). These projects cover aviation engines, quantum teleportation, intelligent manufacturing and robots, deep space and deep sea probes, new materials, brain science and health-related science. The country must place innovation in key science and technology areas higher on the agenda, he said. -- On April 24, 2016, China celebrated its first Space Day. Xi called on the country's aerospace scientists and engineers to usher in a new chapter in aerospace development. He asked space scientists and engineers to "seize the strategic opportunity and keep innovating to make a greater contribution to the country's overall growth and the welfare of mankind." -- On May 30, 2016, Xi attended the national conference on science and technology. China should establish itself as one of the most innovative countries by 2020 and as a leading innovator by 2030, and then become a world-leading science and technology power by the centenary anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2049, he said. -- On Jan 9, 2017, Xi attended China's top science award ceremony, presenting award certificates to physicist Zhao Zhongxian and pharmacologist Tu Youyou for their outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation. The ceremony honored 279 projects, seven scientists and one international organization with national prizes. BEIJING -- A number of Taiwan business people based on the Chinese mainland said they felt warmth and were inspired by Xi Jinping's recent remarks on cross-Straits relations. They have pledged to be more courageous in maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and to promote integrated economic and social development on both sides of the Straits. Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has said that both sides across the Taiwan Straits are "community of shared destiny that cannot be prised apart." Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter, made public on May 24, to the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM) on its 10th anniversary. Economy on either side is an integral part of economy of the Chinese nation, he said in the letter. "We are willing to share the mainland's development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots first, and welcome Taiwan compatriots to invest here," Xi said. ATIEM Chairman Wang Ping-Sheng said the remarks were an inspiration and encouragement for Taiwan business people, noting that the hard-won peaceful development of cross-Straits ties was precious for compatriots on both sides and was closely related to Taiwan businesses. He said the ATIEM would be more vigorous in acting as a bridge in cross-Straits economic and trade exchanges. Lin Mingtian, a Taiwan businessman and chairman of a Nanjing-based company, said he had achieved his career goals on the mainland and suggested that other Taiwanese entrepreneurs grasp opportunities on the mainland. He also said that Xi's letter had reassured the Taiwan business people on the mainland. Ye Huide, executive vice chairman of ATIEM, said the economy across the Straits could only make progress with cross-Straits peace and that it mattered not only to businesses but all Taiwan people. While runoff slowed down when temperatures cooled, it appears to be back thanks to forecasted warmer weather. Anglers will have to exercise caution if fishing on streams, yet many of the areas lakes and reservoirs are still producing. Hot spots include Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Holter Reservoir and Hebgen Lake. The Rock Creek Walleye Tournament is Saturday and Sunday at Fort Peck Reservoir, while the Eastern Montana Bass Anglers will hold a TBF Qualifier for largemouth and smallmouth bass Saturday and Sunday at Bighorn Lake, with anglers launching out of Ok-A-Beh. The Bighorn Cat Bash channel catfish fishing contest is Saturday on the Bighorn River. Top picks Beaverhead River It is fishing well. Use Midges or Sowbugs. Griffiths Gnats are a good match. There are some PMDs. Use PMD nymphs. Yellow Sally Nymphs and streamers will entice trout. A green Caddis Nymph, Pheasant Tails and Cranefly nymphs are other options. Frontier Anglers, Dillon. Big Hole River Stonefly nymphs are abundant. Use green Rubber Legs. Caddis are also coming off, so match a green Caddis Nymph. A CDC Caddis (14-16) will produce. Make sure to pack Midges. Frontier Anglers, Dillon. Canyon Ferry Reservoir Shoreline anglers are having success at Shannon and Chinamens using worms or PowerBait. Boat anglers are having success for trout trolling crankbaits at shallow depths throughout the reservoir. Walleye are being caught on the south half of the reservoir trolling crankbaits, worm harnesses and Lindy Rigs in 10 to 30 feet of water. Yellow perch are being caught while trolling for walleye. Bowfishing for carp has been excellent. FWP, Helena. Cooney Reservoir Anglers are doing well on walleye. Rapalas will work, or trolling with crawlers or leeches and a Lindy Rig. Fishing is best around the Red Lodge Creek campground or Fisherman's Point areas, but near the dam is also OK. Catching a 3-plus pound walleye is common. A 25-inch brown trout was caught trolling a crawler behind cowbells. The catch is usually a mixed bag of walleye and trout. Anglers can also catch fish from the bank, but need to be in 8 to 10 feet of water. Boyd Store and Trading Post. Hebgen Lake Waters continue to rise with elevations approximately 3.3 feet below full pool. All areas of the lake are accessible and water clarity is excellent. Browns and rainbows are rising to Midges. A good spot is the main body of the lake along the rocky north shore. Troll Rapalas or streamers with rust, red and blue patterns. Shore anglers are having success with night crawlers and grubs. If throwing lures, cast spinners and orange patterns to resemble a crayfish. Trout are averaging 16 to 21 inches. Water temperature is 47 degrees. Kirkwood Marina. Holter Reservoir A few rainbows are being caught from shore at Gates of the Mountains and Departure Point while using worms or marshmallows. Boat anglers are finding rainbows while trolling crankbaits or cowbells along the shorelines throughout the reservoir, but the best action is in the canyon around Gates of the Mountains. Perch action is good around the docks, Oxbow Bend and by the clay banks while using a jig and worm in 8 to 10 feet of water. Walleye fishing is improving while using jigs and leeches with the best action in the canyon around Gates of the Mountains. FWP, Helena. Montana Ackley Lake Trolling for tiger muskies with a No. 7 or No. 9 lure is working well. From shore, bright spinners are producing rainbows. Dons, Lewistown. Bighorn River The flows have remained steady this week and are currently at 14,065 cfs. The water temp has risen some to 53.1 degrees. Water clarity is still excellent above Soap Creek at 6-8 feet. Soap Creek remains quite muddy, but with the current flows it is having minimal effect. Some anglers are going from Bighorn to Mallards. Nymphing has been good and streamer fishing remains excellent. Any crustacean pattern, such as Firebead Soft Hackle Ray Charles (12-16) or Firebead Soft Hackle Sowbug, in either pink or tan, are working. Trail these behind a wire San Juan Worm (8-10) in either red or orange. Streamer fishing has been phenomenal as emerald shiner minnows are still being washed over the spillway into the river. White Zonkers with pearl or silver bodies and either white or ghost Cousin It's are the top patterns. Visit www.bighornfly.com for recent video footage of water conditions. Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop, Fort Smith. Bighorn Lake, Ok-A-Beh The lake is still really low. Quite a few bass were caught using minnows or crawlers with a jig. Pryor Creek Bait Co., Laurel. Boulder River Flows are high and fast although there is still decent water clarity and fishable water the farther upstream an angler goes. Floating could provide some excellent nymph and streamer fishing. Due to fluctuating flows, check the cfs before floating. Recommended nymphs to fish include varied Rubber Leg patterns (8-10). Girdle Bugs, Bitch Creeks, larger Prince Nymphs and San Juan Worms all remain the most productive nymphs. Minnow or sculpin imitations, like black or olive Woolly Buggers, Sparkle Minnows or the Grinch Streamer can be effective. East Rosebud Fly Shop, Billings. Deadmans Basin It is full now. Anglers are having better success from shore. However, fishing has been sporadic with anglers reeling in fish one day and not having success the next. Try worms or spawn sacks. Cozy Corner Bar, Lavina. Fort Peck Reservoir, Big Dry Arm The walleye are biting minnows on bottom bouncers. Some 30-inch walleye were caught. Pike and bass are also active. Use minnows or worms. Rock Creek Marina. Fort Peck Reservoir, Crooked Creek Fishing is good from boats. Use bottom bouncers and worms in varied colors for walleye. The water is dirty in the bay area all the way to the narrows. The biggest walleye caught was 14 pounds, 3 ounces by Brody Byrne of Roy. Bank fishing was tough due to the wind. When the water warms up, bank fishing should turn back on. Crooked Creek Marina. Fort Peck Reservoir, dam area It was really windy, so many anglers stayed off the water over the holiday. From shore and near the rocks, throw spoons for northern pike. Vertical jig with minnows or pull crawlers with spinners in 8 to 20 feet of water for walleye. For lake trout the depth varies from 20 to 120 feet, but fishing was pretty slow. Fishing will pick up when the weather stabilizes. On the Missouri River below the Milk, walleye fishing is good with a jig and a minnow. Lakeridge Motel and Tackle. Fort Peck Reservoir, Hell Creek Fishing was a little slow over the weekend because it was so windy. Walleye action is best in the Snow and Timber creek areas. The northerns are aggressive in the Hell Creek area. Pull crankbaits or jig with a minnow in 14 feet of water for northerns. A few smallmouth have been caught. The lake trout bite has subsided but should turn on again in the fall. Hell Creek Marina. Fresno Reservoir Action is slow. Due to runoff the water is staying cold and dirty. The key is finding the fish and then vertical jigging. Scheels, Great Falls. Gallatin River The water has browned up once again making the fishing pretty difficult. Try a bigger fly and fish the banks and structures. Black Buggers, Rubber Legs and Shiny Worms should do the trick. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman. Hauser Reservoir Rainbow fishing is slow from shore, but better action is occurring around Black Sandy and York Bridge while trolling cowbells. A few rainbows are being caught from shore at the Causeway Bridge and Riverside while using night crawlers or marshmallows. Walleye are being caught in Lake Helena while using perch-pattern crankbaits or bottom bouncers. A few walleye have been caught from the Causeway Bridge on leeches at night. Perch fishing is slow. FWP, Helena. Lake Frances Fishing is slow. With all the rain, the water is dirty and the fish arent feeding as aggressively as normal. Vertical jigging would be the way to go. Scheels, Great Falls. Madison River, Lower Despite high flows fishing has been solid. A medium-sized fly (Zirdle, Woolly Bugger) followed by a flashy nymph is a good combo. Dry flies have started hatching again. It's Caddis in the evenings until sunset. During midday, try a Yellow Sally. With high flows streamer fishing is a strong option. Bigger fish will be tucked right up underneath the banks. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman. Madison River, Upper Most luck has been on indicator rigs fished real deep. Big Rubber Legs and a CDC Prince Nymph dropped behind the boulders closest to the banks has been effective. However, tossing big streamers is a really good idea. Those larger fish are right up against the bank seeking shelter. People have been reporting white, tan and gray as the heavy hitters. Occasionally a trout rises, so pack some dry flies. With the poor water clarity Purple Haze, Elk-Hair Caddis, and March Browns will work. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman. Martinsdale Reservoir The reservoir is full. The bite seems to be better from the bank. Anglers arent limiting, but they are catching a few fish. Trout are hitting worms and spawn sacks. Cozy Corner Bar, Lavina. Missouri River, below Holter The river was 8,850 cfs on Monday. The water temp was 54 degrees. Try wire worms, or a big San Juan Worm. Tailwater Scuds or hotbead Scuds are also working. There are a few hatches, but trout arent keying on them due to water conditions. Streamers will also work. Try a Thin Mint. Montana Fly Goods, Helena. Missouri River, Fred Robinson Bridge It is flowing around 19,000 cfs. The paddlefish bite is still OK, but everything else has slowed. Dons, Lewistown. Nelson Reservoir It is fishing well for walleye and northerns. Some are using minnows and crawler harnesses and others are using Rapalas. Westside Sports, Malta. Rock Creek Moderate temperatures have at times kept it clear and relatively fishable even with fluctuating flows. As soon as we get our next dose of 85-degree weather it will be blown out until it finally begins to come down sometime in July. In the meantime an angler's best bet is to use nymphs or streamers. Recommended nymphs include San Juan Worms, Rubber Legs, Girdle Bugs and Bitch Creeks. Dead drifting or stripping streamers during high water can also be effective. Black Woolly Buggers, Home Invaders or Sparkle Minnows will work. East Rosebud Fly Shop. Stillwater River The river has fluctuated the past week or so creating some windows of lower flows and greater clarity. Thats likely to change though, as full-on runoff is due. Anglers will likely need to seek other options for a while. There might be a spot or two to fish on the upper river or tributaries, but thats probably it. Its been tough to move fish with all of the fluctuations in volume, temperature and clarity. If theres any fishing to be had at all, try dark Buggers, San Juan Worms and Rubber Leg Nymph patterns like Knotty Girls, Girdle Bugs and Yuk Bugs. Stillwater Anglers, Columbus. Spring Creek It is high and slightly off-color. Flashy red, chartreuse, and copper beadhead nymphs are working. Anglers may need a little extra split shot. Dons, Lewistown. Tiber Reservoir Water levels are rising thanks to runoff and the water is staying cold. Fish are displaced. Fishing has been slow for all species. If you find walleye park on top of them and vertical jig. Scheels, Great Falls. Tongue River Reservoir The crappie were scattered over Memorial Day weekend because it was windy. Quite a few walleye were caught in 10 to 20 feet of water with jigs tipped with a minnow. The best bite is between 5 and 9 p.m. A 40-plus-inch northern was caught and released by a bank fisherman off Peewee Point on a jig and a tail. Tongue River Marina. Yellowstone River, Columbus While flows dropped last week with cooler weather, it remains blown out. The river is unfishable. Look for it to gain considerable volume with the return of warmer temperatures. Stillwater Anglers, Columbus. Yellowstone River, Huntley Anglers are reeling in catfish in the 3- to 5-pound range. Catfish are holding off shoreline areas in current breaks. Try cut bait or live minnows. TeamMinnowBucket.com. Yellowstone River, Livingston It is blown out and will remain in runoff stage for the next month or so. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman. Yellowstone River, Miles City It is running high and muddy. Fishing pressure is light. Some are catching a few catfish. At Castle Rock Lake at Colstrip try Twister Tails on a lead jig head for northerna or the occasional walleye. Red Rock Sporting Goods, Miles City. Wyoming Bighorn River, Thermopolis Flows are up. Fish deep with San Juan Worms or wire San Juans. North Fork Anglers, Cody. Boysen Reservoir Fishing is slow for walleye. The anglers catching walleye were using jigs and minnows or worms. A few are pulling bottom bouncers and picking up a fish. Trout action is decent. Crappie fishing is quiet. The water is still pretty dirty and water levels are lower than normal for this time of year. Anglers can launch at the Brannon ramp and Tough Creek ramp. Boysen Lake Marina. Buffalo Bill Reservoir Action is slow. Water levels are down and it is muddy. Other options for anglers are Upper and Lower Sunshine reservoirs, where they are having luck on trout sinking crawlers or casting spoons. Near Barrys Landing on Bighorn Lake anglers are catching catfish and smallmouth. For smallmouth use Panther Martin or Mepps and stink bait for catfish. Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, Cody. Clarks Fork It is still in runoff, but clear enough to fish. Hares Ears or Pheasant Tails (8-10) fished deep would work. North Fork Anglers, Cody. Cody-area lakes West Newton Lake is full. The edges are fishing well and cruising fish are eating. Fish terrestrials. North Fork Anglers, Cody. Lake DeSmet Anglers are catching quite a few fish, including lake trout. Rapalas are working for browns and rainbows. Walleye fishing is slow. Several of the tagged fish for the Buffalo Lions Club Fishing Derby were caught. The Lake Stop, Buffalo. Lower Shoshone It is running high and fast. The flow is 6,000 cfs. North Fork Anglers, Cody. North Fork of the Shoshone It is swollen but fairly clear. The fish are holed up on the sides and edges. Beaded or conehead flies are working, as are Rubber Legs. Try a Rubber lLeg Girdle Bug. North Fork Anglers, Cody. Yellowstone National Park Fishing was OK subsurface on the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon. The water is high and cold. Try soft-hackles and small streamers. There were some PMD and caddis. Water levels will continue to rise as temperatures warm. Blue Ribbon Flies, West Yellowstone. Chinese animated productions, such as Rainbow Chicks and The Floating Planet, which have sold their distribution rights to overseas markets, show improved quality and are more popular in the West than before. [Photo provided to China Daily] Lei Tao remembers the time he promoted the animated series Rainbow Chicks in Cannes and how a French distributor mistook it for a Japanese work because of its high quality. Now, the Chinese tale of seven fluffy chicks living on a floating island in the sky is set to fly to more foreign territories. During the recently concluded MIP China Hangzhou International Content Summit, which was held in the capital of Zhejiang province between May 23 and 25, Lei's studio TThunder Animation signed a deal with French animation company Millimages. The contract gives Millimages, one of the top European animation companies, Rainbow Chicks's global distribution rights. MIPor Marche International des Programmesis the world's largest marketplace for television and digital content. It holds events in Cannes twice a yearMIPTV in spring and MIPCOM in autumn. The Hangzhou event marks MIP's first foray into Asia. Two female engine drivers gesture before the operations of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Mombasa, Kenya, on May 31, 2017. Kenya began operations on the Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua] The official launch of the China-funded and built standard gauge railway in Kenya on Wednesday, which links its port city of Mombasa with the capital Nairobi, marks the beginning of a new era for the East African country's industrialization and economic development. Moreover, it is a pivotal part of China's Belt and Road Initiative that encompasses a grand infrastructure connectivity plan to build a high-speed railway network that will eventually link Kenya with Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. With a designed speed of 120 kilometers per hour for passenger trains and 80 km/h for freight trains, the 480-km railway replaces the narrow-gauge line built more than a century ago during British colonial rule. Thanks to the $3.8 billion new railway, Kenya's largest infrastructure project since independence, cargo transport costs will be reduced by nearly half compared with the cost of road transport, according to Kenya Railways Corp. This will help bring in foreign investments along the route and facilitate the country's quest to become an industrial, trading and tourism hub in East Africa. It is predicted the railway will boost Kenya's GDP by 1.5 percentage points annually. Not to mention how much Kenya has already benefited in terms of jobs created and technology gained. The bonds of friendship between China and Africa in contemporary history have been forged over decades, symbolized by the 1,800-km Tanzania-Zambia Railway built and financed by China in the 1970s in the heat of liberation struggles by African people against Western colonists. If the two peoples were drawn together by common historical sufferings and similar stage of development then, the current momentum of cooperation is being fueled more by their growing interdependence. African countries look to China for support to achieve their aspirations in terms of poverty alleviation, economic growth and sustainable development, while China, after decades of miraculous growth, has development experience to share with Africa. Bilateral production capacity cooperation in such fields as manufacturing, electronic appliances and textiles can also benefit African countries. As President Xi Jinping has stated, China is committed to connecting its development with that of Africa, aligning the interests of the Chinese people with those of African people and combining China's development opportunities with those of Africa. It is this sense of shared destiny and future that has laid the foundation for the win-win cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit between China and Africa, as reflected in the Kenyan railway project. Leaders pose for a family picture during the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit at the NATO headquarters, in Brussels, May 25, 2017. [Photo/VCG] While it gained a bumper economic harvest for the United States in the Middle East, the first overseas trip by Donald Trump as the US president seems to have widened an already-existing schism with his country's European allies. Trump attended a series of political activities in Europe such as NATO and G7 summits, but he stoked discontent among European countries on almost every occasion. Aside from fueling European countries' concerns about the reduced role of the US in their security affairs, Trump also rubbed salt in the wound by attacking Germany, saying when it comes to trade, Germans are "very bad", particularly when it comes to automobiles, and promising to somehow put an end to the problem. Trump's remarks embarrassed Germany so much that German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "Europe must be self-reliant and grasp its fate in its own hands." At the NATO summit, Trump urged European countries to raise the percentage of their national incomes they spend on defense. At the G7 summit, Trump also brought unhappy experiences to European participants, by refraining from expressing the US' commitment to the Paris climate accord. In disregard of the wishes and efforts of the international community, including European countries, on this issue, Trump showed his priority is economic growth and employment back in the US. The largest-ever chasm in US-Europe relations since the end of the Cold War means ties are at a critical juncture of reconsideration and readjustment. The consolidation of the trans-Atlantic community has been a prerequisite of US diplomacy since the end of the Cold War, with successive US presidents trying to maintain such an alliance. Trump's European tour has undoubtedly chilled ties with Europe. And Merkel's calls for European self-reliance following Trump's visit may reflect a major change in the traditionally close ties between the US and Europe. Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of Belgium's Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency, said in a recent interview that an added advantage of her country's competitiveness is the ability to attract foreign investment. "We are a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank," she said with pride in her voice ahead of Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Germany and Belgium from Wednesday to Friday, while highlighting her country' gateway position, mature market, openness and other merits. While almost all Western European countries followed the United Kingdom in early 2015 in applying to become the founding members of the China-proposed AIIB, Belgium chose not to; it became a member of the new multilateral financial vehicle only in 2017. Delcomminette wisely cited the AIIB membership as part of Belgium's competitiveness. And she is not alone in the developed world with such an opinion. Delcomminette's observation enriched my portfolio of findings on how the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative would benefit Europe, following my recent intensive talks with officials and business leaders in Central and Eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean region. Two points are especially important in this context. Many believe the Belt and Road Initiative has helped them better understand long-term national prosperity and development. They now know national prosperity and development can be achieved by reducing the development gap with Western Europe. Specifically speaking, they can exploit their countries' geographical and regional advantages by highlighting their closer connectivity to Asia, Europe and Africa. Therefore, the whole of Europe, both the developed and developing parts, can gain from the colossal game-changing economic development project initiated by China. This is an example of how China is contributing to the global public goods supply chain, and helping shape better and fairer governance dynamics as it further integrates into the global production and investment chain. Most Europeans have accepted these changes. There will be new narratives and dialogue contexts at the China-EU leaders' meeting which Premier Li will attend along with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday and Friday. However, to what degree EU leaders recognize this changing paradigm of the world and reflect its member states' collective willingness will determine the outcome of this important meeting, held after the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, the EU-US leaders meeting and the NATO summit in Brussels, and G7 summit in Sicily, Italy. What's more, examining how the EU has handled its relations with Beijing since last annual leaders' meeting will not allow us much relief. The EU, which globally advocates free trade, has failed to fulfill its commitment to China when the latter joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. The EU has tightened approval procedures for China's outward investment in recent times, though many of the bloc's member states want it. It has also imposed punitive tariffs on China's exports. European leaders are still dividing the world into "West and East", while China advocates "the shared destiny of humanity". For example, when meeting US President Donald Trump, Tusk said he aimed to work with Trump to protect the interests and values of the "free world". That was a highly suggestive statement from the chief of an organization that is supposed to guide the EU in the right political direction. And a few months ago, in one of his speeches, Tusk even called China a threat. Tusk's statements show the EU leadership has not fully accepted China as a strategic partner, although it aims to strengthen the EU-China partnership according to a statement on the bloc's website that China welcomes. But only concrete actions count. And this is the right time for the EU to seize the "historic momentum" to turn words into action, because its member states are eager to engage China in European policies on various fronts. The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn A short video showing hundreds of children crying in a school playground after listening to a "filial education" speech went viral on the internet recently. The children in the video are students at the Experimental Primary School, Shuozhou, North China's Shanxi province, who listened to a speaker's sensational speech about how to be grateful to their parents. The video sparked a heated online debate on whether it was appropriate for the primary school to make its pupils listen to the speech. Some netizens criticized the school for trying to brainwash the children and accused it of "cultural pyramid selling". The media also reported that the speaker charges a performance fee of 50,000 yuan ($7,330) to deliver this speech, and he also runs training classes in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The principal of the primary school responded that the speech aims to help students realize the significance of expressing gratitude to their parents, and that such kinds of filial education is not uncommon in primary schools nowadays. There have been media reports of some local primary schools requiring their students to wash the feet of their parents as a way of thanking their parents. It is of great significance to teach the students how to be grateful to their parents and other people, but the educators should choose a proper method to achieve that goal. A network of caravan routes that began to be established during the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.9 A.D.) used in trade and was central to the cultural exchange between the civilizations of Eurasia. Those caravan routes, stretching thousands of kilometers from east to west, were later called the Silk Road. Since ancient times, due to its geographic location, Anatolia (Turkey) has always been a bridge between East and West, making it a natural point of confluence of the ancient Silk Road. Some of the routes of the ancient Silk Road passed through Anatolia (Turkey). Therefore, the Silk Road has always been important for Turks to the extent that Turkey developed strategies to revive the ancient Silk Road. The Caravanserai Project, for instance, was introduced in 2008 by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Customs and Trade to increase cooperation among customs authorities of the countries along the Silk Road. This project aims to facilitate trade and transport by accelerating border crossing procedures between Turkey, China, Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Another endeavor unveiled by Turkey to revive the Silk Road is the Middle Corridor Initiative, which aims to create economic corridors between Turkey, China, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Turkey and China signed a memorandum of understanding on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative and Middle Corridor Initiative with the prospect of integrating the Middle Corridor Initiative into the Belt and Road Initiative. As can be expected, Turkey wants to be one of the pivotal countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ahead of his visit to Beijing to attend the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum, said that Turkey will play a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative as a geographical and cultural bridge linking East and West, and as an indispensable partner of China. To this end, as President Xi Jinping, at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum, stressed that China has enhanced coordination with the policy initiatives of the relevant countries, including Turkeys Middle Corridor Initiative. He was referring to the memorandum of understanding on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative and Middle Corridor Initiative, which was signed in 2015, and the Turkey-China Land Transport Agreement, which was signed this year. Considering Turkeys contribution to the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road component of the Belt and Road Initiative, the undersea Marmaray railway tunnel, which was inaugurated in 2013, enabled an uninterrupted rail connection between Beijing and London by railway via a tunnel beneath the Bosporus Strait. Another important section of the Silk Road Economic Belt is the high speed railway line between Turkeys capital, Ankara, and Turkeys biggest city, Istanbul, which was inaugurated in 2014. The significance of this railway line is that it is Chinas first high speed railway project overseas. A consortium of Chinese and Turkish companies built the second phase of this railway line. This success is the harbinger of the future collaboration between Turkish and Chinese companies within the Belt and Road Initiative. To build on this success, the Turkish and Chinese governments have pledged to deepen cooperation on key projects, such as the high speed railway linking Edirne in Western Turkey with Kars in Eastern Turkey, spanning the country from west to east. It will constitute the backbone of the Middle Corridor Initiative and will contribute to the revival of the ancient Silk Road. When it comes to Turkey's contribution to the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road component of the Belt and Road Initiative, Turkey and China can collaborate on two fronts. First, the Chinese company COSCO Shipping Lines in 2015 acquired the majority share in Kumport, which is Turkeys third biggest port, handling 2.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU, a standard unit for describing a ship's cargo carrying capacity) of container cargo, so at the moment Chinese companies are already using Kumport to ship their goods to Europe. Second, Turkey wants to start construction of the Candarli Port in the Aegean Sea. Turkey has already completed the necessary infrastructure of this port, which creates the conditions for commencing construction. Candarli Port is going to handle 12 million TEUs of container cargo when it is fully completed. According to the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Communications, Chinese firms are interested in building and operating the Candarli Port. Since Turkey and China have abundant common interests in reviving the ancient Silk Road, it is appropriate to end this piece by quoting the Turkish Ambassador to China, Ali Murat Ersoy: As there is no competition, but complementarity among our projects, the Middle Corridor Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, I don't see a reason for it Turkey-China cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative not being successful. The author is a Turkish PhD Candidate researching the Belt and Road Initiative at the School of International Studies, Peking University. With the world facing multiple uncertainties and new challenges, closer and stronger ties between China and European countries cater not only to their mutual interests but also benefit the world at large. Premier Li Keqiang's ongoing visit to Germany and Belgium, though planned earlier, came just days after US President Donald Trump's first upsetting-of-the-apple-cart visit to Europe, which prompted German Chancellor Angela Merkel to say that Europe can no longer fully rely on others. In contrast, during their meeting in Berlin on Wednesday, Li and Merkel time and again emphasized the importance of bilateral ties and vowed to accelerate the synergy of their countries' respective economic strategies. Such determination to continue to nourish the tree of friendship and enrich and expand pragmatic, reciprocal cooperation will not only contribute to their respective development needs but also help to shore up global confidence that it is not just every country for itself, as Trump keeps implying. Thanks to their mutual efforts in deepening political trust and expanding all-round cooperation, Sino-German ties have become the most profound and the most reliable nation-to-nation ties among China's relations with European countries. And as the world's two most predictable and most stable forces, China and Germany are acting as confidence boosters and rallying others to the causes of global economic development and stability. Sharing broad common interests and similar stances on important regional and international issues, the two are increasingly looked to for leadership in shoring up the open economy, free trade and investment. And in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, it is a natural choice for China and the EU to work together to deepen mutual trust, fend off protectionism and unlock the development potential of their relations. Li is scheduled to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Friday, and the two sides are expected to discuss ways to maintain the good momentum that has been achieved in bilateral cooperation in traditional economic and trade fields while also vigorously promoting greater cooperation in new areas such as infrastructure, finance and the digital economy. And as the United States is poised to withdraw from the Paris Accord on climate change, which will send the message that it's putting its own interests first and the devil take the hindmost, Li and the EU leaders are expected to issue a joint declaration on combating climate change on Friday, consolidating the consensus of the rest of the international community that common interests take precedence and outweigh any differences. Two men face drug charges after a traffic stop netted at least nine grams of meth. Steven Marshall Melcher and Chas Christian Stuart-Lunde were arrested early Wednesday in a vehicle that police say contained drugs, money, a firearm and Melcher's court documents. The pair appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court on Wednesday. Melcher, 33, faces a felony count of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, as well as misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Stuart-Lunde, 22, was charged with counts of felony drug possession and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Justice of the Peace Pedro R. Hernandez set bond at $25,000 for Melcher and $5,000 for Stuart-Lunde. Billings police pulled over their vehicle at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on Sixth Avenue North. Stuart-Lunde was driving and Melcher was the passenger, charges state, and the officer could see a clear plastic bag on the floorboard. Both men were on probation for drug offenses, and the officer was able to search the vehicle with the help of their probation officers, charges state. Police found 9.4 grams of methamphetamine, empty plastic bags, a digital scale, various glass pipes and court documents bearing Melcher's name, according to the charges. Melcher allegedly carried $820 in cash. Both men are scheduled to appear in Yellowstone County District Court on June 7. The Chinese designed system links port with capital, other countries later Kenya has become the third African nation to launch a railway system built with Chinese technology. The 472-kilometer standard gauge railway is billed as a game changer, linking the port of Mombasa to the capital of Nairobi, and later to more farflung areas and remote nations. Ethiopia and Nigeria earlier launched their rail systems, also built with Chinese technology. Color and pomp characterized the ceremony that saw hundreds of Kenyans join President Uhuru Kenyatta, who inaugurated the train service in Mombasa on Wednesday. In his speech, Uhuru said the $3.8 billion project is bound to drive the Kenyan economy into an industrialized, middle-income status as envisioned in the nation's development blueprint, Vision 2030. "It is the cornerstone that will unite Kenyans and our neighbors by creating opportunities and shared prosperity," he said. "I express my sincere gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the people of China for the collaborative support between our two countries." He emphasized the new system - which he named Madaraka Express, a reference to the commemoration of Kenya gaining its sovereignty in 1964 - will spearhead socio-economic transformation by lowering the cost of transportation of both freight and passengers between the two cities, halve the time it takes from eight to four hours, generate jobs and open up remote areas. Moreover, he said the introductory prices are affordable to ensure more people and businesses have easy access. "Passengers will pay a minimum of $7 while containers that have previously been charged an average $1,000 will now pay 50 percent less," he said. In his speech, State Councilor Wang Yong, a special envoy of Xi, said, "This railway is an important early harvest outcome of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also a landmark project in China-Africa cooperation on regional networks of high-speed rail, expressway and aviation, African industrialization and industrial capacity". It was built by China Road and Bridge Corp. In 2015, Xi and Kenyatta jointly witnessed the signing of the agreement to finance the project. China financed 90 percent, with the remainder funded by the Kenyan government. "The infrastructure, once in use, is expected to improve speed and capacity of railway transport in Kenya, greatly improving trade between Mombasa and areas such as Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and eastern parts of Democratic Republic of Congo," said Robert Kagiri, the head of Nairobi think tank. Kagiri, director of the Center for Strategic Policy Management at Africa Policy Institute, acknowledged the wisdom of awarding the management and operation of the infrastructure to a CRBC subsidiary, Australia-based John Holland. "Having a foreign country run the railway is a 'pathway' to injecting professionalism from an experienced player and in the long run facilitating knowledge (skills) transfer to the local people," he said. Contact the writers at panzhongming@chinadaily.com.cn Two train drivers pose for a selfie with a Kenyan journalist on Wednesday in the port city of Mombasa, where Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated the country's China-built railway, the Madaraka Express.Sun Ruibo / Xinhua (China Daily 06/01/2017 page1) Abe admits being on school payroll in fresh scandal China Daily | Updated: 2017-06-01 07:32 TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday said he had received a salary and been listed as an executive member of a school operator run by his close friend, which had been given preferential treatment to open a new department at a university. Speaking at a parliamentary committee, the Japanese leader said he had received 140,000 yen ($1,260) a year in the form of a salary from Kake Educational Institution, which currently operates Okayama University of Science. It was selected and offered heavy subsidies to open a new veterinary department. The chairman of the institution, Kotaro Kake, is known to be a close friend of the prime minister. "I was in charge of auditing or something else at the institution for a couple of years after I was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1993," Abe was quoted as saying in the House of Councilors Judicial Affairs Committee. Okayama University of Science, in Ehime Prefecture, was handpicked by the government to open a new veterinary medicine school for the first time in 50 years. The prefecture is one of Japan's national strategic special economic zones, which has far more relaxed regulations to boost growth in the area, as part of Abe's overall growth strategy. Kake Educational Institution was selected for the project in a meeting held between the central and local governments in January. The local city assembly then provided the land to the institution to build the new department for free, records showed, and, in addition, they provided 9.6 billion yen as a subsidy for construction costs, the accounts showed. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, Abe's top spokesperson, continued to deny that Abe had any influence over the government's decision to back the university project, suggesting that there was nothing wrong with the prime minister serving as an executive member of the institution and receiving a salary. However, Abe still refused to allow Kihei Maekawa, a former vice education minister, to testify over potentially incriminating documents. The four main opposition parties believe Abe may have used his influence on behalf of his school operator friend, but the prime minister claimed on Monday such allegations were inaccurate. The opposition camp has been rallying over the latest scandal involving the prime minister and a school operator. Abe, his wife and other senior ministers were recently embroiled in another as yet unresolved cut-price government land deal with another private school operator in Osaka. Moritomo Gakuen, the operator of a nationalist school in Osaka, said it had received a donation and the backing of Abe to open a new school on a piece of land owned by the government and sold to the operator for just a fraction of its appraisal value. Abe's wife, at one point, was to be the school's honorary principal. Xinhua (China Daily 06/01/2017 page12) LONDON - With a week to go before Britain's 46 million voters vote in the general election, party leaders came face-to-face in a bruising live television debate Wednesday night. Broadcast live on national radio and television the 90 minute verbal battle saw seven politicians from the major parties crossing swords. Missing from the line up was Prime Minister Theresa May who declined to take part, with the Home Secretary Amber Rudd instead representing the Conservative Party. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron attacked May for not taking part. "How dare you call a general election and run away," he said in a commented greeted with applause and cheers from the audience. Angus Robertson, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the House of Commons, hit out at May for calling a snap election in the first place. "Not the iron lady, more the u-turn queen," he said. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of May's biggest rival party, Labour, decided at the last minute to take part after initially saying he would not take part if May wasn't present. Leaders of the three main minority parties, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, UKIP leader Paul Nuttall and Caroline Lucas of the Green Party were also in the line up along with the SNP's Angus Robertson and Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru, the National Party of Wales. Questions ranged from austerity, immigration, police numbers, welfare reforms, cuts to pension rises, food banks, with politicians clashing on a range of issues. In one of the biggest exchanges, Rudd rounded on Labour's plans, telling Corbyn: "You have to stop thinking there is a magic money tree." Corbyn hit back at Rudd, asking her: "Have you been to a food bank. Have you seen people sleeping around our stations. Have you seen the level of poverty that exists because of your government's conscious decision on benefits." In his closing comments, Jeremy Corbyn says there's "a real choice between a Labour government or a Conservative government - whether young people are saddled with debt or freed from it" and whether public services are boosted or cut. In her summary, Rudd said "a vote for anybody but Theresa May is a vote for Jeremy Corbyn. Our government needs to be at our strongest to take us through Brexit." UKIP's Paul Nuttall described the clash as like groundhog day, adding: "UKIP will always be the outsider. But it has been proven right on Brexit, on immigration, on grammar schools, and on protecting services." People following the debate took to social media sites to give their verdicts on the clash. Chele Cook wrote: "God, can this really be called a debate? It's carnage. How long has it been since we've had an actual answer to a question?" Zak Wagman commented: This shouting over each other is a great advert for why we don't need TV debates. On the campaign trail, the closing days of the campaign is likely to see the battle for votes intensifying, with some political commentators predicting the gloves will be off in the fight for the keys to 10 Downing Street. California and China need to work more closely and encourage each other to take more aggressive steps to de-carbonize, said California Governor Jerry Brown on Wednesday ahead of his upcoming trip to China. "I want people in China to know that the people in America are enthusiastically working to de-carbonize," Brown told China Daily in his State Capitol office. The weeklong trip starting Friday will take him to Beijing, Chengdu and Nanjing, where he is scheduled to meet with national and regional officials and promote climate change cooperation. The trip comes four years after his last China trip - a trade mission in 2013. The goal of this trip is to strengthen the working relations between China and California on zero-emission vehicles, regulatory strategies, reducing carbon pollution and research development, particularly at the university level, said Brown. In Beijing, he will attend the Clean Energy Ministerial, an annual meeting of national energy ministers and other high-level delegates, and meet with members of Under2 Clean Energy Forum, a coalition dedicated to fighting climate change. After Beijing, the governor will travel to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, and Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, the first Chinese provinces joining the Under2 Coalition, which includes cities, states and provinces who have signed an international agreement promoted by Brown to reduce emissions at rates faster than those called for under the Paris agreement. "I'd like to see how obstacles are overcome. I want to see what is being done in these two places," said Brown. "I'd like to take high-speed rail. I like high-speed rail." California is working with Chinese sub-national jurisdictions to achieve standardization of some environmental rules and promote joint ventures on clean energy investments, according to the governor. He said technicians in both countries should work together to standardize the rules for electric cars, new energy and all the different consumer goods, so that it's more efficient in producing the lower-carbon future that the world needs. "The challenge of climate change is greater than what the world is now doing. We are not doing enough, China is not doing enough, California is not doing enough, and the world is not doing enough," said Brown. He said the world needs to face the fact that greenhouse gases are still rising. "We have to make the turn and making the turn is easier if many countries and states work together," he said. "Mr. Trump has a different view, I don't think that view will last for too long," he said. "In the meanwhile, states and cities are ready to work with China." Contact the writers at liazhu@chinadailyusa.com Bei Bei munches on bamboo at the zoo on Wednesday. YUAN YUAN / FOR CHINA DAILY Panda followers on social media were reassured on Wednesday that a mother and cub at the National Zoo are doing just fine. Zoo officials and zookeepers in Washington responded to some observers on Chinese social media that the pandas were "mistreated" following the bear mom's estrus and the cub's weaning. Bei Bei, born in 2015, is doing well after he was weaned from his parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who moved to the Smithsonian National Zoo in 2000 under a collaboration agreement between China and the US. "Everyone is doing great," Bryan Amaral, senior curator of mammals at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, said of the three bears. He said that Mei Xiang underwent two artificial inseminations last week, and it's too early to tell if she is pregnant. There have been reports in Chinese social media that the 18-year-old mother was forced to get pregnant to attract more visitors; that she failed to get enough food; and that there were snakes in her enclosure. They also said her weaned baby, Bei Bei, was stressed and climbing trees to look for his mother. "We definitely talked to our Chinese colleagues when we did the artificial insemination," said giant panda keeper Marty Dearie. "We've had a member of the Chinese (counterpart staff) here to assist with that." Dearie said the highly cooperative relationship between the two countries has benefited pandas in the zoos in the US, in China and those in the wild. Animal care staff members have closely monitored Mei Xiang and 19-year-old Tian Tian for any behaviors that would indicate the pair were interested in breeding. The pandas have exhibited such behaviors "at incongruent times", so there has been no natural breeding process this season, the zoo said in a statement. The zoo received approval for its breeding plans from the China Wildlife and Conservation Association and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the statement added. "We follow the best practices that were established through our Chinese colleagues," Dearie said. A US spacecraft is set to travel to the orbiting International Space Station (ISS) by Thursday with more than 40 scientific experiments, including one by the Beijing Institute of Technology on how a person's DNA code is affected by microgravity in space. The experiment will be on the SpaceX Falcon 9, to be launched from Cape Canaveral, home of the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex. SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturing company founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk. It was the first private company to send a spacecraft to the ISS and is contracted with NASA. The Chinese experiment will see how extended time in space affects an individual's immune system DNA code. The experiment will be conducted over two weeks. NanoRacks, a Houston-based company that provides commercial hardware and services on the ISS, will provide the Beijing Institute of Technology the power and connection aboard the Falcon 9 to carry out the experiment. NanoRacks signed an agreement with the institute in 2015 to help deliver its experiment to the American side of the station and a berth on NanoRacks' laboratory facilities in space. After the experiment is done, the payload will be returned to a Beijing Institute of Technology team in Florida. "We have a lot to learn from them, and they have a lot to learn from us, so we think that it's an opportunity to show that on the educational side we can do this," said Mary Murphy, senior internal payloads manager of NanoRacks, who will oversee the experiment before it launches. "The Beijing Institute of Technology is great, given how much research they've done, how much they've published, and how well-known they are throughout the world," she said. "That made this a really great first step and we hope it'll be successful and if it is, we hope we'll have more folks interested in this type of work in the future. We think it's a great opportunity." The agreement was seen as a "symbolic" move as it was the first collaboration between China and the US on a space project after a US law that banned any scientific activity between NASA and China, called the Wolf Amendment. NanoRack's CEO, Jeff Manber, said at the time of the agreement that the deal was a "purely commercial" one and was approved by NASA. The Obama administration had informed NanoRacks at the time that the experiment was in compliance with the amendment. The experiment does not involve any hardware or technology flows to China and NanoRacks has said that the experiment has intrinsic scientific value. The Beijing Institute of Technology regularly publishes in Western scientific journals, assuring that results from the experiment will be disseminated, according to science website Space.com. amyhe@chinadailyusa.com Newly appointed French Territorial cohesion Minister, Richard Ferrand, arrives May 18, 2017 to attend the first cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. Picture taken May 18, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] PARIS - A French public prosecutor on Thursday opened an investigation into the financial dealings of the head of Emmanuel Macron's successful presidential campaign, throwing a new spotlight on sleaze in a fraught election year. The preliminary probe comes 10 days before a parliamentary vote where Macron hopes his new political party Republic On The Move (LREM) will win control of the National Assembly and consolidate his grip on power after his own election on May 7. Opinion polls so far show he is likely to achieve that aim, and that the affair surrounding Richard Ferrand, now a minister in the Macron government, is not impacting voting intentions. However, two of Macron's main opponents were hamstrung by corruption allegations during the bitter battle for the presidency. Macron's government has put political probity front and center in his first two weeks in power, and was due later on Thursday to introduce a plan for new anti-graft legislation. A voter survey earlier this week showed most feel Ferrand should step down. "Is there a risk? (for the parliamentary election result) The answer is yes," Jean-Paul Delevoye, the man in charge of choosing Macron's party's candidates for the parliamentary election, acknowledged to reporters at the European American Press club. But he added he was nevertheless confident of having a solid majority in parliament. Failure to secure a majority in the June 11 and 18 election could put Macron's centrist, pro-business reform agenda at risk by forcing him into an uncomfortable alliance, most likely with mainstream conservative party The Republicans, which is still smarting from defeat in the presidentials. In France, the opening of a preliminary inquiry does not imply guilt. Prosecutors decide after such preliminary checks whether there are grounds for a full-scale probe or not. "GOOD NEWS"? The government tried to put a brave face on the opening of the inquiry, with spokesman Christophe Castaner telling LCI television this was "good news" because the issue would now be handled by magistrates rather than by the press. "Nothing in the case" points to Ferrand being guilty of anything, he added. The public prosecutor in the western city of Brest said he had decided to open the inquiry after a string of media reports about the business and financial dealings of Ferrand, minister for territorial planning and a former Socialist who became one of his key early backers. Media reports about Ferrand focus on his management of a medical insurance group in Brittany six years ago, notably a decision to rent office space from his partner. Another issue is his hiring of his son for four months as an assistant paid from parliamentary funds. Ferrand has denied wrongdoing, and while hiring family as parliamentary assistants is banned in some countries, it is not illegal in France. Failed conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon's campaign was derailed by sleaze allegations and he is now under formal investigation, not because he paid members of his family from public funds, but because of allegations that his wife in particular did not do much actual work for the money. The proposed new legislation to clean up political practices is set to ban hiring of family by members of parliament. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, another failed presidential candidate, is also under investigation with regard to the hiring of party activists as assistants in the European parliament. Macron has not spoken publicly about the allegations surrounding Ferrand, but Castaner said on Wednesday the president had urged ministers to show solidarity with the man who was head of his presidential campaign team. Reuters BEIJING - The United States law enforcement handed over a criminal suspect to Chinese police Thursday. The suspect, surnamed Zhu, is from eastern China's Anhui province. He fled to the United States last year after being accused of "serious offenses", according to the Ministry of Public Security. Zhu was listed on an Interpol red notice and the United States cooperated in his arrest. The US immigration detained Zhu in January this year for illegally overstaying his visa and decided to repatriate him to China after a court trial. Zhu's return marks a major achievement in China-United States cooperation, the ministry said, calling for further cooperation in the future. A damaged car is moved away after a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan May 31, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] BERLIN - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday sent a message of condolences to Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah over the deadly car bomb attack in Kabul. Li strongly condemned the attack and said China opposes all forms of terrorism. China will, as always, firmly support the Afghan government's unremitting efforts in maintaining national security and stability as well as in combating terrorism, said the Chinese premier, who is on an official visit to Germany. A powerful bomb hidden in a truck exploded near central Kabul's diplomatic area Wednesday morning, killing at least 80 people while injuring over 350 others. William Arnold Miller allegedly told a 911 operator: "I did something bad. I set my house on fire," according to court documents. After that 5:29 a.m. call last Wednesday, firefighters went out to the Cambridge Drive home to put out the flames. No one was home. Miller later turned himself in, according to court documents. He appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court on Tuesday for a felony arson charge. Justice of the Peace Pedro R. Hernandez set bond at $5,000. As fire investigators determined that the fire was confined to a closet, Miller called to turn himself over to the police, charges state. He told officers that he lit a towel aflame and removed the smoke detector, the documents say. He then called 911 because he changed his mind about burning the house down, though court documents say his original intent was so that he could afford to pay rent. His mother owns the house. Miller is set to appear in Yellowstone County District Court on June 8. The European Union said today that China and the 28-member bloc will focus on trade and investment and climate change, as Presidenrt Donald Trump considers withdrawal from the Paris Agreement during Friday's Sino-EU summit. The EU made the announcement ahead of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's arrival in Brussels on Thursday afternoon after his German tour. It said that Li will be holding informal meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker late on Thursday before their summit on Friday morning. After the summit, Li will meet Belgian leaders before wrapping his up his European tour, which started on Wednesday. While the summit will be focusing on investment and trade, the EU said in a background document: "The second agenda item will focus on global, international and regional issues. This will include climate change and clean energy, in particular in relation to the implementation of the Paris Agreement." The media has reported that China and the EU will be making joint declaration on climate change once Trump has announced his decision, expected later today. The EU said the Sino-EU summit will be the first one since the adoption of the new EU strategy on China in July 2016, which sets out how both sides can take advantage of their cooperation to promote long-term benefits for EU and Chinese citizens. "The first item on the formal agenda is EU-China bilateral relations, with a focus on trade and investment, including the negotiations towards a Comprehensive Investment Agreement," the EU said in the document. The EU said that connectivity will also be on the agenda, as leaders are expected to prioritize progress on the EU-China connectivity platform. The aim is to coordinate on transport policies and to identify projects of common interest between Europe and China, based on transparency and a level playing field. Editor's note: Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Berlin on May 31, starting a two-day visit highlighting cooperation on innovation. In a phone call with Merkel earlier this year, Li called for the two countries to play a leading role in ensuring international markets don't become unsettled. Germany is China's largest trading partner in the European Union and the two leaders are well known for their comprehensive talks on economic and trade issues, in formal meetings and on the sidelines of negotiations. Here's a look back at their meetings on trade, goods and services. Premier Li in Germany May-June 2017 Premier Li Keqiang attends a welcome ceremony held by German Chancellor Angela Merkel before an annual meeting between Chinese and German heads of government in Berlin, Germany, May 31, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Li and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held the two nations' yearly prime ministers meeting on May 31, with innovation high on the agenda. On his arrival, Li said his visit is meant to build on the Sino-German friendship, and to promote innovation while enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Premier Li Keqiang pledged China's willingness to work with other economies to promote the global economic governance for a strong, sustainable and balanced world economic growth. Li reiterated China's support for the European integration process. As a comprehensive strategic partner of the European Union (EU), China is ready to see a solidary, prosperous and stable Europe as it will be conducive to the world multipolarization and economic globalization, Li told German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. The Premier called for joint efforts to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation during his visit to Germany. Li also called on Germany to help China-developed large passenger plane C919 get an airworthiness certificate from the European Union on the same day. BERLIN -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called for joint efforts to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation during his visit to Germany. In face of global uncertainties, anti-globalization sentiment and rising protectionism in the world, China and Germany should continue to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation and safeguard the regulations of the World Trade Organization, Li said during talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. Li said that China hopes the two countries could work together to offset global uncertainties with a stable bilateral relationship, so as to send positive signals of stability, cooperation and development to regions and the world at large. China and Germany have fostered a fast-developing and more mature relationship with closer high-level communications, rapidly-growing trade and investments and new achievements in the field of people-to-people exchanges, Li said, adding that the two countries should continue to consolidate mutual trust, strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance communications in a spirit of mutual respect and equality. The Chinese premier is on an official visit to Germany for an annual meeting between the two heads of government, a mechanism launched in 2004. BERLIN - Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday reiterated China's support for the European integration process. As a comprehensive strategic partner of the European Union (EU), China is ready to see a solidary, prosperous and stable Europe as it will be conducive to the world multipolarization and economic globalization, Li told German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. Li is paying an official visit to Germany for an annual meeting between the two heads of government, a mechanism launched in 2004. Berlin is the first leg of Li's three-day Europe tour that will also take him to Belgium. In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium. Merkel expressed appreciation for China's support for the European integration, and wished for a fruitful meeting between Li and the EU leaders. This is Li's ninth trip to Europe and third visit to Germany as premier. BRUSSELS - As the 19th China-European Union (EU) leaders' meeting is drawing near, both sides should grasp this opportunity to cement their strategic ties as their common interests far outweigh differences. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is scheduled to attend an annual meeting in Brussels on June 2, together with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The leaders will hold in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU relations as well as regional and global issues of common concern, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said at a press briefing in Beijing on Saturday. It's no secret that Li's visit came at a time when the two giant economies are wrangling over a disputable surrogate country approach. The EU uses the approach to calculate anti-dumping measures against Chinese exports by referring to prices or costs of similar products in a third country. Pursuant to relevant WTO rules, the EU is obliged to ditch the approach after Dec 11, 2016, the day marking China's 15th anniversary of being a WTO member. It's regretful that the EU, an important rule-maker and champion of free trade, balks at living up to its obligations. To safeguard its own interests, China had no option but to launch dispute settlement procedures at the WTO over the approach. Having said that, the bickering by no means spells a disaster for the China-EU relations. Data show that Chinese products targeted by the EU's anti-dumping measures account for only 2 percent of their total trade volume, which in 2016 stood at 547 billion US dollars. The EU is China's long-standing largest trading partner and China is the EU's second largest. As of March 2017, China's cumulative direct investment in the EU amounted to 73.3 billion dollars, and the EU's cumulative investment in China reached 114.6 billion dollars. "The development of trade and investment has become the ballast and impetus for the China-EU relations," said Chai Xiaolin, head of economic and commercial counsellor's office of China's mission to the EU. At a press briefing ahead of the G7 Summit on May 26, Juncker also highlighted the importance of trade for the EU, saying "a third of our national income comes from trade with the rest of the world. It supports one in seven jobs in the EU, and for every 1 billion euros we get in exports, we create 14,000 extra jobs." There are some 20 million small- and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) in the EU, most of which hire less than 10 employees. It cannot be overstated that SMEs, many of which boast long histories and top-notch technologies, are vital organs of EU Economy. Taking note of the remarkable role of SMEs, the Chinese premier is set to attend a China-EU business summit and a signing ceremony of cooperation documents between SMEs. Undoubtedly, the booming of SMEs will to great extent help extricate the EU from chronic high unemployment rate, particularly among young people. China, witnessing slowdown in economic growth in recent years, expects that SMEs cooperation would become a new driving force for the China-EU economic relations. There is no silver bullet for the unavoidable trade spats between China and the EU. However, it's reasonable for them to keep in mind that their common interests far outweigh differences, which helps make right decisions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosts a welcome dinner for visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at a villa in suburban Berlin on May 31, 2017. The dinner extended from the scheduled one hour to two hours as the two leaders continued discussion on some key topics from a formal meeting earlier that day. [Photo/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet the press in Berlin June 1st, 2017. [Photo/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn] German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday confirmed that she had discussed the protocol surrounding Beijing's accession to the World Trade Organization with visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. She said that both Germany and China endorsed WTO rules and principles, and she believed the EU should abide by WTO regulations and fulfill its legal obligations by working out solutions that apply equally to all countries without prejudice against China, adding that Germany wishes to see progress in the EU-China trade negotiations. Merkel made the remarks as she met the press with Premier Li in Berlin on Thursday, the second day of the Chinese Premier's third official visit to Germany since taking office. Premier Li said China welcomes the EU's implementation of the obligations under the protocol on China's accession to the WTO. Calling Germany an important partner in the EU, Li stressed that both China and Germany should firmly comply with rules and consensus reached across countries, not least the WTO rules, to better support free trade and facilitate investment. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Brussels, Belgium, June 1, 2017. Li is scheduled to attend the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels and pay an official visit to Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua] BRUSSELS -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Thursday for the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels. Upon his arrival, Li said China and the EU are contributors and beneficiaries of world multipolarization and economic globalization. He urged the two sides to jointly confront the instability of the international situation with a stable bilateral cooperation. Li hopes his visit could further promote China-EU relations in a stable and in-depth way, while boosting both sides' confidence in stability, cooperation and development. The relationship and pragmatic cooperation between China and Belgium have always been a model in China's relations with European countries over the past 46 years since the two countries established their diplomatic links, he said. China is willing to work with the Belgian side to blaze new trails in a pioneering spirit and tap the potential to the full to push forward the China-Belgium all-around partnership of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, Li said. During his stay in Brussels, Li will co-chair the China-EU leaders' meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. Li will also hold talks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and meet Belgium's King Philippe. Li is expected to discuss China-EU cooperation, as well as international and regional issues of common concern with European leaders, attend a series of activities in Brussels, including a China-EU business summit, a China-EU dialogue on innovation cooperation, a signing ceremony of cooperation documents between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and activities marking the China-EU year of tourism. During Li's visit, China and the EU are expected to sign several cooperation agreements in trade, logistics, new energy vehicles, education, finance, tourism and SME, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China and the EU, two important players on the world stage, enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership. The EU is China's largest trading partner while China is the EU's second largest trading partner. Li's Brussels trip came after his official visit to Germany where he attended the annual meeting between Chinese premier and German chancellor. Li is scheduled to attend the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels on Friday and pay an official visit to Belgium. The Yellowstone Roaring 20s Auto Club celebrates its annual car auction, swap meet and car show this weekend. Neil Schlaeppi, who handles publicity for Montanas largest car club, said this celebration marks the 47th year for the swap meet and the 38th year for the antique and classic car auction. All the activities surrounding the Roaring 20s Auto Classic take place at the clubs headquarters and grounds, at 7400 Grand Ave., and all the events are open to the public. Organizers expect about 70 cars, both classic and special interest vehicles, to be auctioned off beginning at 10 a. m. Saturday, June 3. The swap meet, which will be held from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Sunday, will include car and truck parts as well as antiques and flea market items. Adult admission is $5 Saturday and $1 Sunday. Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase both days, as well as homemade pie and beverages. On Sunday, June 4, a car show will be held from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m., capping the weekend. There is no entry fee for the show and shine event, and prizes are awarded by public vote and drawings. The club has about 180 family memberships, according to Schlaeppi, and the weekend events are designed for the whole family. The Yellowstone Roaring 20s Auto Club is the only Montana car club to own its own clubhouse and grounds. Proceeds from the weekends activities go to maintain and improve the grounds as well as to support a scholarship program for a high school senior studying in the automotive field. When theyre not hosting the annual event, club members participate in car shows and parades. They also display their cars at area retirement homes. For more information about the club visit www.roaring20sautoclub.com, or call Schlaeppi at 406-656-4319. (Photo : Indian Navy) Two Indian Navy Kolkata-class guided missile stealth destroyers flank a Delhi-class destroyer. Advertisement The Indian Navy is ready for "any contingency" that might arise from the increasing presence of warships of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean, India's backyard, said its commander. Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba said the navy is prepared to take whatever action the government sees as necessary to protect the national interest against both China and Pakistan. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "We are ready for any contingency and whatever decision (the) government takes. We will fulfill our task," said Adm. Lanba. He also noted the navy is increasing its presence worldwide, and is proceeding apace with a major warship building program in which 41 warships and submarines are under construction simultaneously. The admiral is proud of the navy's increasing presence on the international stage. "Over the years our footprint has been increasing. We have increased our deployment," said Adm. Lanba. "We have a ship that is permanently stationed in the Gulf of Aden and the ship of the Western Fleet has just done a foray into Mediterranean and gone all the way into Atlantic." The aim of the massive warship building program is to "have a capable and effective Navy which can operate in all the dimensions," said the admiral. He noted that India has built over 200 ships since the early 1960s, and presently "we have 41 ships and submarines, all are under construction in defense and private shipyards and new assets are being inducted into the Navy." Focus is being laid on completing construction of Scorpene-class (Kalvari-class) diesel-electric attack submarines; Kolkata-class (Project 15A) guided-missile destroyers; Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) guided missile destroyers; the Vikrant-class aircraft carrier and India's first domestically developed and built nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the INS Arihant. Adm. Lanba also said cooperation with other regional navies is increasing. The Indian Navy recently concluded the Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) with the Republic of Singapore Navy. The exercise involved four warships of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet and a Boeing P-8I Neptune advanced maritime patrol/anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Later this month, India and Australia will conduct bilateral naval war games known as Exercise AUSINDEX for the second time. Australia's Ministry of Defense said Australia and India "are building on the positive momentum in our defense relationship to deepen engagement and to increase the consistency and complexity of our existing activities." Advertisement TagsIndian Navy, china, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba, Indian Ocean, Pakistan Two Billings men were arrested with paint on their hands Wednesday in connection to a series of stolen cars and car chases. Three stolen Honda vehicles were discovered at the same address, which is the home of one of the men's mothers. At least one car had a new coat of paint, according to court documents. Michael Brien and Michael Marino, both 19, appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court on Thursday. Each faces one count of felony criminal mischief, one count of felony tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of felony theft and one count of misdemeanor theft first offense. Police said 26 Honda vehicles, mostly Civics and Accords, were stolen in Billings between April 4 and May 28. At about 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Billings police tried to pull over a stolen Honda Accord in the downtown area, but the driver drove away. The vehicle and another stolen Accord were later located, and the two men were arrested. The investigation into the stolen Hondas has resulted in recovery of seven of the vehicles. Other suspects have been identified and the Billings Police Department continues to investigate the thefts. On May 31, three different Honda vehicles a maroon 1993 Honda Accord and two 1996 Honda Civics were reported stolen to the Billings Police Department, according to court documents. At about 8 a.m. police near the 4300 block of Brockton Avenue Southwest were watching a stolen vehicle parked on the curb outside of a residence when they saw a male come out of the building, get into a Honda Accord and pull it into the garage. Officers approached the home and were given permission by Marino's mother to look inside and look in the garage, according to documents. A stolen maroon Honda Accord was discovered in the garage severely damaged by the suspects spray painting bright blue and red. The two other Honda Civics were also stolen, though one had yet to be reported to police at the time of its discovery, according to court documents. Marino tried to leave the residence while officers searched it. Police detained him and another resident, Brien. The two men were interviewed at City Hall by BPD Detective Steve Hallam. Over the course of the interview both admitted to using meth and said that other meth users frequented the home. Marino said he had been living with his mother at the Brockton address for about four years and that she had been using meth since he introduced it to her again in December 2016, according to court documents. Marino said he had never stolen a car but knew multiple stolen cars were being stored at the residence, and that those vehiclces were later sold for between $200 and $300. He said he wasnt sure if his mother knew and he wasnt sure if Brien was stealing cars, but added every time they show up at his house Brien is there. Marino had blue paint on his hands and his shirt, according to court documents. Brien was also observed with blue paint on his hands during his interview. He admitted to personally stealing three Hondas and then said he only stole two and that he couldnt get the third one, according to court documents. Brien said he was doing work around the house and other yard work in order to sleep at the house because he had nowhere to stay. He said he was also using meth. Both men were questioned about another male's involvements in the thefts. Brien estimated the other male had stolen between 15 and 20 Hondas and had given him a key that worked on most Hondas. Lawrence later wrote in an email that many of the thefts appeared to have involved a "bump key," a key shaved to fit vehicles. Brien also "admitted he painted a stolen Honda in Marino's garage on Brockton Avenue to disguise the fact it was a stolen car," according to court documents. Marino and Brien had their bond set at $50,000 and will next appear in court on June 8 at 10 a.m. before District Court Judge Mary Jane Knisely. Illegal Chinese structures on Mischief Reef, which was seized by China from the Philippines. Advertisement Dennis Richardson, who retired as Australia's Secretary of the Department of Defense two weeks ago, asserts Australia must actively challenge China's claim to own practically the entire South China Sea by having the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conduct its own freedom of navigation operation patrols (FONOPs) on waters around the artificial islands built by China. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement He also said Australia should not tacitly accept the legitimacy of China's man-made islands in the South China Sea. A few days before he retired on May 12 after a 48-year government career, Richardson also revealed that China's espionage operations against Australia conducted by Chinese nationals living in Australia are extensive and have risen significantly. Richardson has eminent credentials in national security, having been Director-General of Security of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) from October 1996 to 2005. ASIO is Australia's equivalent of the U.S. FBI. It's responsible for the protection of Australia and its citizens from espionage, sabotage, acts of foreign interference, politically motivated violence, attacks on the Australian defense system and terrorism. "I think at some point, we should (conduct FONOPs)... What that point is, being a good old public servant, I'd leave it to the government," he said in support of an Australian FONOPs. Richardson said Australia shouldn't carry out the naval operations recklessly but should send the clear signal that it did not regard China's claims as lawful. "You don't say anything in advance. You just do it," he pointed out. "And you don't have to do it all the time. If you picked your time and did it in the right way, I think that is a sensible thing to do." He said the Law of Sea is "very clear" in that man-made features such as those built by China can't generate a 12 nautical mile claim to waters around them. "And for China to create artificial features more than 1,000 kilometers from their own coastline and then want to claim territorial sea around them is not something that we should by implication accept," he said. Advertisement TagsDennis Richardson, Secretary of the Department of Defense, Australia, china, freedom of navigation patrol, FONOPS, South China Sea (Photo : AeroVironment) Wasp AE drone. Advertisement The Australian Army continues its belated embrace of small tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a $100 million outlay to purchase a backpack portable reconnaissance drone made in the USA. The huge amount, one of the largest for any UAV acquisition, will go to purchasing "WASP AE (All Environment) Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs)" made by the American firm, AeroVironment, Inc. based in California. AeroVironment is the leading supplier of small UAVs to the U.S. Army. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The Australian government hasn't revealed how many Wasps were being purchased, but military analysts surmise the total might be about 200 drones. The drones will be deployed to army units starting in the second half of 2018. The Australian Army's WASP AE drones will be customized to meet its unique needs using technology provided by tech firms in Melbourne and Canberra. Defense Minister Marise Payne said the drones will allow soldiers to "see over the hill, around the corner and down the road," which is an accurate assessment of what the Wasp AE does. "They provide our military with a faster and better understanding of the battlefield than our adversaries," she said. Weighing a scant 1.3 kg, a Wasp AE sends back color and infrared images of terrain in the path of an advancing army unit. It can easily be disassembled and fits snugly inside a soldier's backpack. The MAV has a wingspan of 102 cm and a length of 76 cm. Its key payload is a gimbaled camera with pan and tilt stabilized high-resolution electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) capability. Because of its small size, Wasp can operate virtually undetected up to a range of 5 km. The mechanically stabilized EO/IR gimbaled camera transmits advanced imagery in high wind conditions. Wasp AE also features hand-launch capabilities, with a deep-stall landing in land or water. Wasp AE can be operated manually or programmed for autonomous operation, utilizing the system's advanced avionics and precise GPS navigation. AeroVironment says Wasp AE delivers "exceptional features of superior imagery, increased endurance, encrypted video, and ease of use." Advertisement TagsAustralian Army, unmanned aerial vehicle, WASP AE Micro Air Vehicle, Aerovironment, Inc. Twenty-seven Asian American pastors gathered for a time of sharing and encouragement at what is known as the 'Synergy Retreat,' which took place from May 22 to 24 in Oceanside, CA. The annual retreat was launched in 2007 by Pastor Steve Choi, the lead pastor of Crossway Community Church, and today is organized by a team of pastors from six local churches, including Good News Chapel, Living Hope Community Church, 4 Pointes Church (Atlanta), Jubilee Presbyterian Church, and Redeemer Presbyterian Church (Los Angeles). "I felt that there was a big need for leadership training for pastors," said Choi regarding how the idea first came about. As pastors ministering in the Asian American church have continually been met with the specific challenges presented in that cultural context, Choi and the other church leaders felt the need to provide a space of encouragement and affirmation. "There were, and still are, many who leave the ministry. We wanted to gather some key leaders and see what God would do," he said. "I think just getting together in fellowship and mutual learning has been an invaluable time for all who attended a Synergy Retreat." (Photo : Courtesy of Steve Choi) Asian American pastors from Southern California, Atlanta, and Texas gathered at Oceanside, CA for the annual 'Synergy Retreat' from May 22 to 24. The retreats take on a more casual format, focusing mostly on discussion. Pastors share experiences of what has - or has not - worked in their ministries. This year, two pastors in particular were featured at the retreat: Larry Osborne, former senior pastor of North Coast Church, and Cory Ishida, the senior pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley. Pastors also had discussions following the book In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen. Almost 20 churches were represented at the retreat, including the six that organize the event, as well as Community Church at Holliston, South Bay Mission Church, Thanksgiving Church, Rooftop Church, and Chase Oaks Church from Texas, among others. Many of the pastors are multiple-time returners to the retreat, and Choi explained that the relationships that are formed during the retreat are among the main reasons pastors enjoy the retreat most. "The men who have been a part of this have become friends, partners, and some have collaborated in ministry and some have even started serving at the same church together," he said. "The friendship from this gathering has allowed for honest, humble, and caring discussions." press@cdaily.co.kr - Copyright , #AsianAmericanPastors I just thought Id let you know Im canceling my annual fly-fishing trip to Montana. In light of Representative-elect Greg Gianfortes assault on a reporter, its apparent that Montanas values are not worth supporting. In the interest of truth in advertising, you might consider changing your PR slogans. Instead of Get Lost in Montana try Get Assaulted in Montana. Or how about Montana is For Stranglers instead of Montana is For Lovers. Regardless of what you do now, it will be a long time before I spend another dollar in Montana. Among 19 civilians an Islamic extremist group in the Philippines killed after storming a city on May 23 were eight Christians shot for refusing to recite the Muslim creed, government investigators told local press. They were the first Christians slain in the ongoing battle for Marawi City, capital of Lanao del Sur Province on the island of Mindanao, where a kidnapped priest appeared in a propaganda video on Tuesday (May 30) pleading for his life. The Maute Group kidnapped the Rev. Teresito Chito Suganob, Catholic vicar-general of the prelature of Marawi, at St. Marys Cathedral along with 13 other parishioners. More than 100 people reportedly have been killed since the May 23 assault, including 89 of the Islamist militants, 21 security force personnel and 20 soldiers. Government investigators said the eight slain Christian laborers had fled Marawi and were on their way to the neighboring city of Iligan when dozens of armed Maute militants stopped them. The Islamist militants tied their hands and shot them after the Christians refused to recite the Muslim conversion creed. Their bodies were reportedly thrown into the ditch, and a signboard was placed beside them reading Munafik, which means traitor or liar. The assailants also asked Police Senior Inspector Freddie Solar to recite the Muslim creed, and as a non-Muslim he too declined and was killed, his wife told investigators. Along with the priest, the militants have reportedly taken more than 200 hostages. An estimated 200,000 people have fled the city. The battle in Marawi broke out when police authorities and Philippine soldiers were trying to serve an arrest warrant to the militants leader, Isnilon Hapilon, but while raiding his hideout, the soldiers encountered a rain of bullets from militants guarding Hapilon, who escaped. Teddy Sugpatan, a church elder with the Assembly of God, told Morning Star News that the battle is part of a spiritual warfare. Citing Ephesians 6:12-ff, he called on Christians to remain steadfast, as the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil. Nearly 100,000 civilians have reportedly fled Marawi while 129 people, including 89 militants and 21 security forces have been killed. Marawi is predominantly Muslim. Suganob, vicar general vicar-general of the prelature of Marawi, appealed in the video for the government to meet the Maute Groups demands and stop fighting. The IS-affiliated group has warned the officials that they would harm the priest if the government does not stop airstrikes. The video was circulated through social media. Mr. President [Rodrigo Duterte], we are in the midst of this war, Suganob says. We are asking for your help to please give what they are asking for, to withdraw forces away from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, and to stop the air attacks, and to stop the cannons. The Philippines military and others dismissed the video as propaganda that the priest was evidently coerced to make. The leader of a Christian ministry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said that since the IS ideology is already present in the southern Philippines, Christian workers have been praying day and night that it will not influence the children they are serving. The ministry teaches Muslim children the importance of love. Maute Terrorists The Maute Group is one of the newest but most feared terror groups in the southern Philippines; it became better known in November last year when its members raided Butig town in Lanao del Sur and raised an IS-similar flag in the town hall. MG engaged government soldiers, and since then the administration has not taken the group lightly. Based in Central Mindanao, MG, locally known as the Islamic State in Lanao (ISIL), was founded by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute and originally had an estimated 100 members. Intelligence reports indicate that they have joined forces with other terror groups operating in the southern Philippines. A number of the MG militants are erstwhile members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Islamic revolutionary group, which has entered into a peace talks with the government. The military is expected to face a complex challenge as MG members are married to relatives of MILF militants now finalizing a peace pact with the government. Moreover, the Philippine military has also arrested suspected members of MG who were responsible for the September 2016 bombing of a Davao City night market that killed 14 people. Davao is the hometown of Duterte. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.o rg/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at http://morningstarnews.org/don ate/ ? Twenty-seven Asian American pastors gathered for a time of sharing and encouragement at what is known as the Synergy Retreat, which took place from May 22 to 24 in Oceanside, CA. The annual retreat was launched in 2007 by Pastor Steve Choi, the lead pastor of Crossway Community Church, and today is organized by a team of pastors from six local churches, including Good News Chapel, Living Hope Community Church, 4 Pointes Church (Atlanta), Jubilee Presbyterian Church, and Redeemer Presbyterian Church (Los Angeles). I felt that there was a big need for leadership training for pastors, said Choi regarding how the idea first came about. As pastors ministering in the Asian American church have continually been met with the specific challenges presented in that cultural context, Choi and the other church leaders felt the need to provide a space of encouragement and affirmation. There were, and still are, many who leave the ministry. We wanted to gather some key leaders and see what God would do, he said. I think just getting together in fellowship and mutual learning has been an invaluable time for all who attended a Synergy Retreat. The retreats take on a more casual format, focusing mostly on discussion. Pastors share experiences of what has or has not worked in their ministries. This year, two pastors in particular were featured at the retreat: Larry Osborne, former senior pastor of North Coast Church, and Cory Ishida, the senior pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley. Pastors also had discussions following the book In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen. Almost 20 churches were represented at the retreat, including the six that organize the event, as well as Community Church at Holliston, South Bay Mission Church, Thanksgiving Church, Rooftop Church, and Chase Oaks Church from Texas, among others. Many of the pastors are multiple-time returners to the retreat, and Choi explained that the relationships that are formed during the retreat are among the main reasons pastors enjoy the retreat most. The men who have been a part of this have become friends, partners, and some have collaborated in ministry and some have even started serving at the same church together, he said. The friendship from this gathering has allowed for honest, humble, and caring discussions. The Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, located on the campus of Northwestern University, announced earlier this month that it will be promoting an Asian American female to full professor for the first time in its 162-year history. The seminarys board of trustees voted unanimously to promote Dr. Wonhee Anne Joh, who had been serving as an associate professor, to now serve as a full-time professor of systematic theology. According to the seminary, Johs promotion makes her the first Korean American woman in the U.S. to serve as a full-time professor of systematic theology. Im deeply honored by this affirmation and look forward to shaping the future of theological education at Garrett, Joh said in a statement. I am privileged to be part of this faculty and with colleagues I regard with high respect as teachers and scholars. Joh has been a faculty member at Garrett since 2009, and has served as the director of the Asian/Asian American Ministries Center at the seminary. Joh also authored and co-authored numerous books including the most recent one which she co-authored with Dr. Nami Kim, Critical Theology Against U.S. Militarism in Asia: Decolonization and Deimperialization. In a statement, she emphasized the necessity of the Christian witness during a time that she described as being violent. We live in a time with normalized and routinized forms of violence of one kind or another against lives already made precarious often through colonial legacies, said Joh. We also live in a time in which war has become perpetual. Christians must speak out against various forms of violence and become embodied believers of peace-making in this world. Joh immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea at nine years old, and has since grown up in America and went on to receive her bachelors degree in religious studies and English literature from North Central College; her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary; and her Ph.D. in theological and philosophical studies from Drew University. I had the opportunity not only to read Dr. Johs work and converse with her about it, but also to experience first-hand the profound appreciation for her scholarship, her dedication, and her mentorship expressed by a wide range of colleagues, former and current students, and indeed many other people across the world, said Dr. Nancy Bedford, a Georgia Harkness professor of applied theology at Garrett, who also has served on Johs promotion committee. I feel blessed indeed to count her as a colleague and friend, and to benefit from her keen insight and presence. The Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary today exists as a result of the merging of three institutions: the Garrett Biblical Institute, the Chicago Training School, and the Evangelical Theological Seminary. The Garrett Biblical Institute was the first Methodist seminary to be established in the Midwest, and was founded in 1853. Today, the seminary still identifies itself as being related to the United Methodist Church, and boasts an ecumenical and international reach. The Texas legislature has approved a bill that would allow religious adoption agencies to refuse to provide services to individuals based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill, called the Freedom to Serve Children Act, passed in the House with a vote of 93 to 49 in early May, and in the Senate with a vote of 21 to 10 on May 21. It now awaits the signature of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Proponents of the bill said the measure is necessary to be able to maintain the religiously affiliated agencies in the state, which make up about 25 percent of the states service providers. Religious agencies that provide such services in Texas as well as in other states have cut back in their involvement, and cited concerns that they may face lawsuits if they refuse to provide services to potential parents who are single, LGBT, or non-Christian, for instance. Faith-based child-placing agencies should not have to sacrifice their religious convictions when serving foster children and their families, when it is in fact those very convictions that lead them to work with orphans and the vulnerable in the first place, Gus Reyes, the director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, was quoted as saying by Christianity Today. Russell Moore, the president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said he is thankful for the approval of the bill, and added, My prayer is that this would continue to the federal level, so that families and communities can protect the vulnerable without surrendering conscience freedom. Opponents argue that the measure is discriminatory and prioritizes the needs of the agencies rather than the needs of the child. Many religiously affiliated agencies also receive funding from the government, which was another factor that opponents cited as a point of concern. Hundreds of faith leaders from Texas and across the nation have warned that bills like this are about discrimination and hurting people, not protecting religious freedom, Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network, was quoted as saying by Dallas News. However, supporters rebut that by saying there are still other agencies without religious affiliations that provide the same services. This bill doesnt prohibit particular groups from adopting, it doesnt establish one faith over another, Senator Charles Perry, one of the sponsors of the bill, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. They couldnt even wash their dead. Thirty Coptic Christians were gunned down by ISIS, ambushed in a church bus on a weekend outing to a popular monastery in the Egyptian desert. Their families gathered to receive their loved ones in a local hospital, but were met with a mixture of ill-equipped facilities and overwhelmed staff. They even had to fetch their own water. As if another reason was necessary, Coptic anger turned the funeral march into a protest. With our souls and blood we will redeem you, oh Cross! they shouted. Some seemed to take aim at Islam. There is no god but God, they chanted, before changing the second half of the Muslim creed, and the Messiah, he is God. Other chants took no aim at all, thrashing wildly in anger. We will avenge them, or die like them. Many observers say such anger plays right into the hands of ISIS, which is keen to turn Egypt against itself. Six weeks earlier, after twin suicide bombings on Palm ... 1 The violence, instability, and Christian persecution that ISIS has brought to the Middle East is making its way to a besieged island in the Philippines. More than 100 people have been killed and hundreds more taken hostage in the span of a week on the island of Mindanao, home to a Muslim minority in the majority-Catholic archipelago. Insurgents have targeted Christians and those who cannot prove themselves to be fellow Muslims. Experts believe the Islamic State is poised to create a caliphate in Southeast Asia, including this island in particular. After the national army launched an air strike last week to flush out fighters hiding on the island, a priest being held hostage by Islamist militants in the city of Marawi appeared in a video, pleading for Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to consider hostages lives and stop bombing the city. A spokesman for the army dismissed the video, which was released Tuesday and circulated via social media, as propaganda. ... 1 The Trump administration appears to be preparing to follow through on the presidents recent promise to relieve religious employers fighting the Affordable Care Acts birth control mandate. A leaked draft reveals plans for a new regulation to allow more companies and organizations to stop covering certain treatmentsincluding birth control pills, emergency contraception, and sterilizationon religious and moral grounds. The 125-page federal proposal was obtained by Vox, which reports that the document, dated May 23, is under review by the Presidents Office of Management and Budget. The regulation would go into effect as soon as it is signed. Expanding the exemption removes religious and moral obstacles that entities and certain individuals may face who otherwise wish to participate in the healthcare market, the draft rule states. Obamacare initially provided an exemption for churches and other houses of worship, and Hobby Lobby won some private ... 1 We are the most effective way to get your press release into the hands of reporters and news producers. Check out our client list. CMA Doctors Laud Administration's Common Sense Approach to Contraceptives and the First Amendment WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 / Referring to the new policy draft, CMA CEO Dr. David Stevens noted, "The new common-sense policy makes clear that the federal government can and must pursue programs and establish policies in the context of respecting our First Amendment freedoms. This administration recognizes that there is no need, apart from sheer political and ideological coercion, to continue to force the nuns of Little Sisters of the Poor to participate in a contraceptives policy. We have full confidence that Dr. Price will implement this new policy fairly, reasonably and in accordance with First Amendment principles." CMA had filed an amicus brief in the Little Sisters' Supreme Court case against the Obama administration, in which the eight-member Court ordered the government to work out a genuine religious accommodation that addressed the nuns' and others' conscience concerns. CMA Senior Vice President Gene Rudd, MD, and Ob-Gyn physician, observed, "Despite the protests of some proponents of the original coercive contraceptives mandate, the new policy does not prevent any woman from obtaining contraceptives, which are ubiquitous and comparatively affordable. The government has always had its own means of providing contraceptives, as our government does overseas, that do not involve coercion and violation of sincerely held religious beliefs." CMA Executive Vice President Mike Chupp, a surgeon who spent years treating poor patients in Africa, noted, "Providing the poor with healthcare should never involve government coercion of faith-based health professionals or other faith-based charities--especially the very ones who are devoted to helping the poor. The same principles that compel faith-based charities to care for the poor are the same principles that require us to provide that care according to the moral tenets of our faith. We cannot separate our compassion and our convictions." CMA strongly supported the 2008 HHS conscience protection rule for health professionals, and formed the Freedom2Care coalition to support the rule, which President Obama gutted soon after taking office. Freedom2Care Director Jonathan Imbody noted, "If we let the government box in the faith community with unconstitutional restrictions on First Amendment freedom of religion like the Obama administration did, other administrations likewise can water down our freedom of speech, our freedom of the press and our freedom of assembly and petition. A threat to the First Amendment freedoms of one group is a threat to the First Amendment freedoms of every American." Share Tweet Contact: Margie Shealy, Christian Medical Association , 423-844-1047WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- The nation's largest faith-based association of doctors, the Christian Medical Association ( www.cmda.org ), today urged the Trump administration to follow through on a promised common sense contraceptives policy, outlined in a document ( s3.amazonaws.com/becketnewsite/Leaked-Preventive-Services-Final-Rule.pdf ) leaked yesterday, that accommodates First Amendment freedom of religious exercise. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would implement the new policy under the leadership of Sec. Tom Price, a physician who as a Member of Congress promoted legislation to advance religious freedom.Referring to the new policy draft, CMA CEO Dr. David Stevens noted, "The new common-sense policy makes clear that the federal government can and must pursue programs and establish policies in the context of respecting our First Amendment freedoms. This administration recognizes that there is no need, apart from sheer political and ideological coercion, to continue to force the nuns of Little Sisters of the Poor to participate in a contraceptives policy. We have full confidence that Dr. Price will implement this new policy fairly, reasonably and in accordance with First Amendment principles."CMA had filed an amicus brief in the Little Sisters' Supreme Court case against the Obama administration, in which the eight-member Court ordered the government to work out a genuine religious accommodation that addressed the nuns' and others' conscience concerns.CMA Senior Vice President Gene Rudd, MD, and Ob-Gyn physician, observed, "Despite the protests of some proponents of the original coercive contraceptives mandate, the new policy does not prevent any woman from obtaining contraceptives, which are ubiquitous and comparatively affordable. The government has always had its own means of providing contraceptives, as our government does overseas, that do not involve coercion and violation of sincerely held religious beliefs."CMA Executive Vice President Mike Chupp, a surgeon who spent years treating poor patients in Africa, noted, "Providing the poor with healthcare should never involve government coercion of faith-based health professionals or other faith-based charities--especially the very ones who are devoted to helping the poor. The same principles that compel faith-based charities to care for the poor are the same principles that require us to provide that care according to the moral tenets of our faith. We cannot separate our compassion and our convictions."CMA strongly supported the 2008 HHS conscience protection rule for health professionals, and formed the Freedom2Care coalition to support the rule, which President Obama gutted soon after taking office.Freedom2Care Director Jonathan Imbody noted, "If we let the government box in the faith community with unconstitutional restrictions on First Amendment freedom of religion like the Obama administration did, other administrations likewise can water down our freedom of speech, our freedom of the press and our freedom of assembly and petition. A threat to the First Amendment freedoms of one group is a threat to the First Amendment freedoms of every American." BISMARCK, N.D. A North Dakota sheriff who abruptly resigned has been arrested on felony counts of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and bribery. Johnny Zip Lawson resigned as Wells County sheriff on April 25, citing personal reasons. The 41-year-old was then arrested Friday. He was released from jail Tuesday, on a promise to appear in court. Lawson is also charged with misdemeanor counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer, neglect of duty by a public official and ingesting meth. Lawson's attorney, Peter Welte, says his client is "looking forward to the truth of this matter coming out." Welte declined to comment further, saying the matter should be resolved through court. Dear Abby: I am 21 and about to graduate from college. I have lived at home these last four years partly because my dad didn't want me to go away. He never said it, but he made up reasons to make me stay at home. I was 17 and being manipulated and controlled. I tried to explain to him that I wanted to go away to learn independence, but he said I wasn't mature enough. Now that I am about to graduate, I have been offered a job with a company in California. I am afraid to tell my parents about the news. I know that it's my life, but my father is a master of psychological manipulation. I want to finally get away from my parents' strict controlling and financial strings and start a stress-free life of my own. How do I explain this without them manipulating me all over again? Soon to be a Graduate Dear Graduate: First, make up your mind that you are leaving. When you tell them, be sure to say how grateful you are for the love and support they have given you, but that you have been offered a job and are now well-prepared enough to fly on your own. Set a date to leave and do not allow yourself to be dissuaded, whether because of a guilt trip or any other manipulation. I'm not saying it will be emotionally easy, but for your own sake, you must do it. Dear Abby: I have a single daughter in her early 30s. She's active in her church, goes out with friends and spends time with family. She's very attractive and has a wonderful personality. Her siblings, cousins and friends are all married and most of them have children. She wants her own family and has tried the usual dating sites, but with no results. I try to keep her spirits up. Her happiness is most important to me, not her marital status. How can I help her? Single Girl's Mom Dear Mom: Your daughter should start by asking her siblings, cousins and friends why they think she's still single when she wants so much to be married. Could the solution be something as simple as tweaking her profile? If her friends and co-workers aren't already aware, she should ask if they know someone nice who's unattached. People who are visible and passionate about the activities they're involved in attract positive attention, which increases the likelihood of meeting someone eligible, or meeting someone who knows someone. When all is said and done, finding Mr. Right is usually a matter of luck and timing. DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Universal Press Syndicate This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Will the naked mole rat become Canada's new hero? Last month, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (The Centre) released a new and slightly bizarre campaign intended to combat online sextortion among teen boys. Being the first of its kind for the country, the campaign has been named, "Don't Get Sextorted, Send a Naked Mole Rat." Now that's sage advice right there. Sextortion is when someone blackmails a victim with sexual images or videos to elicit sexual favors. UPDATE: Man carrying infant on motorcycle causing a stir on social media Although the issue is serious, (The Centre reported an 89 percent increase in online sextortion cases among teen boys over the last two years) this charity hopes the naked mole rat will serve as humorous innuendo and will actually grab the attention of teenage boys. Instead of sending a nude photo to a predator, a potential victim could just send a naked mole rat meme. Who doesn't love a good meme? A quirky video on the "Don't Get Sextorted" website is quick to point out the pink and hairless rodent does bear similar qualities to a certain male body part. But the site further explains what sextortion is while offering advice, and has a page full of downloadable hilarious naked mole rat memes. There's also an app. Sweet! ICYMI: Plus-size model puts Chloe Moretz on blast for fat-shaming in new 'Snow White' movie posters (Story continues below.) Lianna McDonald, the Executive Director of the The Centre said, "Sextortion is based on deceiving youth and obtaining sexual images we need to drive home the Don't Get Sextorted message that teens don't send one. We must break down the communication barriers around embarrassing topics for teenagers. Our campaign gives teens, parents and educators an easy 'way-in' to a tough conversation." What do you think? Did Canada just invent the most clever way to combat online sextortion, or did they miss the mark by being too funny? Check out the gallery above to see more Naked Mole Rat memes that are a part of the "Don't Get Sextorted, Send a Naked Mole Rat" campaign. Champions area woman, Victoria "Vicki" Burman, has been nominated as a finalist for the South Africa's Safari Guide of the Year. The competition will take place in, or around, the greater Kruger National Park. Field guides will be tested on their birding knowledge, tracking skills, storytelling, guiding abilities, and passion for animals and wildlife. In the competition, only six field guides from South Africa will compete. SAFARI HOUSTON-STYLE: Best suburbs for alligator spotting "Since I can first remember, I have always been observant of living things. I used to collect lizards and various insects from our backyard so that I could sit and watch them," Burman said. "So, observing wild animals in their natural habitat is provably my favorite part about the job." VIDEO: Elephant vs. crocodile (story continues below) Burman, who currently lives in South Africa, is a Level Two Field Guide in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa. She is preparing for the competition by studying the native wildlife, birds, plants and history of the Kruger area. "As guides, we do our best to ensure that we remain a neutral object in the lives of everything around us, by ensuring that we have very little influence on their daily lives," Burman said. "Being able to be outside in such beautiful surroundings, and sharing it with international clients who want to experience nature and its living creatures with their own eyes, really makes the job a dream for me." WILD TEXAS: Which counties are home to the most exotic animals Burman, a 2008 graduate of Cypress Creek High School, received her bachelors of science in zoology and minor focus in communications from Texas A&M University in 2012. In the fifth grade she began to cultivate her knowledge about animals from reading chapter books on animals and wildlife. She has had experience taking care of many pets, which includes cats, parakeets, a ferret, and a kinkajou. High school jobs for Burman included working at Prestonwood Kennels where she worked with domestic and some exotic pets, as well as the poodles of Poodle Rescue of Houston. Post-graduation animal and wildlife experience for Burman included a 12-week internship in Africa, which was six weeks in Zimbabwe and six weeks in Botswana, through the African Conservation Experience. Upon her return to America, Burman was accepted as a research assistant at the University of Maryland. After the program Burman spent time in Minnesota at the Vince Schute Wildlife Sanctuary, where she assisted in educational exposure for the public and wildlife-human interactions with wild American black bears in the area. In the summer of 2014 Burman decided to return to Africa to work with and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. She received top marks for her Level 1 Field Guide, safari trails, and marine guiding courses. It was not too long before Burman was offered a permanent position at Kariega Private Game Reserve. Burman also received her Advanced Rifle Handling Certification, and on her second attempt at a practical track and sign exam, she passed with a 96.7 percent out of 100. "I am very proud of her. When she left Houston for South Africa, she had never driven a manual shift vehicle, never driven a boat, never handled a high-powered rifle. These are skills she needed to learn to become a Field Guide in South Africa," said Charlene Burman, Vicki's mother. "When we visited her in January 2016, she guided us for three days at Kariega, the Private Game Reserve where she works. I was very impressed with her professionalism and her driving and boating skills. She was able to maneuver that huge Land Cruiser up and down the rugged terrain of South Africa. I felt very comfortable and safe with her." Burman's resume also includes studying the estuarine river environments in the Eastern Cape and the Indian Ocean. She also acquired the Regional Birding Qualification for the Albany Thicket Region. In July of 2016, she spent time studying at Ulovane again to acquire a higher guiding qualification. She gained multiple awards at this time as well. Burman will be representing the Guiding Industry in the Eastern Cape Region during the competition. Due to sponsorship issues, if the competition is not held this October, it will be postponed until July 2018. "Above anything else the competition will be the best way for me to meet some of the most experienced and influential personnel in the industry," Burman said. "Of course I want to win it, but regardless if I do or don't, there are few better opportunities for me to network within such a well-renowned guiding area." A personal goal of Burman is to acquire at least a Master's of Science degree in either Ecology, Conservation Management, or some related field. She hopes to start the process in the next five years. "I am hoping to achieve the highest level of guiding qualifications and specializations in a variety of fields including birding, wildflowers, tracking and trailing. By achieving these goals, I hope to travel as much of the southern part the continent as I can," Burman said. "Meanwhile, making contacts in the scientific realms of the industry will be my own private endeavor for the future. I hope to be an influential figure in conservation of wildlife and wild places, whether in the United States or any other part of the world." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two men have been arrested on separate sexual offenses that occurred in Friendswood, police said Thursday. In November 2016, Friendswood police received a report of a sexual assault. The victim identified the alleged attacker as registered sex offender Wesley Blake Jones, 30, of Houston. Jones was convicted in 2007 of indecency with a child in the Clear Lake area where he lives. MORE CHARGES: Men charged with murder of 4-year-old charged with another murder A warrant was issued for his arrest on the recent sexual assault charge, and he turned himself in to the Harris County Jail. In 2008, Jones was also convicted of assault after he bit a woman he was dating and grabbed her by the neck. Jones is out on $70,000 bond. FUGITIVES: Wanted suspects nabbed by Houston-area police in May Christopher James Crumb, 32, of Friendswood, turned himself in to the Galveston County jail on May 26. Crumb is accused of inappropriately touching a 13-year-old girl in December 2016. After an investigation, a warrant was issued for his arrest on May 25, police said. Crumb is charged with indecency with a child by contact and is out on $50,000 bond. On April 25, Crumb was also indicted on an assault charge after he allegedly tried to strangle a person in his household, putting that person in a headlock, according to Galveston County court documents. He had been arrested in March and released on $15,000 bond in that case on April 13. Three local police officers were honored during the 100 Club's 63rd annual Heroes Awards Program, honoring peace officers and firefighters, on May 17th. Lt. Jeffrey W. Cotton and Officer Alex Proctor, both with Bellaire Police Department, and Officer Allan Gomez, with West University Place Police Department, were each honored with an Officer of the Year Award. They were three of 29 law enforcement officers and 10 firefighters honored for exceptional achievement. May 21 An officer was dispatched to the 5400 block of Kirby regarding a Minor Accident / Failure to Stop and Give Information incident that had already occurred. An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regards to Lost Property. May 22 At 3:10 am, a Police Officer observed a subject sleeping inside of his vehicle, which had an opened passenger door, in the parking lot, located at 4000 block of Bellaire. After further investigation, it was determined that the subject was intoxicated and was arrested for Public Intoxication. A citizen located a card case containing a Texas Driver License and credit cards in the 6100 block of Auden. The property was placed in the evidence storage room for safe keeping. May 23 An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regards to an Identity Theft. May 24 An officer was dispatched to the 4000 block of Bellaire in regards to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. May 25 An Officer was dispatched to HPD Jail located to pick up a subject who had West University Place Police Department warrants. Upon arrival the Officer took care and custody of the subject. The subject was then transported to the West University Place Jail without incident. An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regards to Found Property. An officer was dispatched to the 3300 block of Bissonnet on a found property call. Years of pursuing a passion for fashion is going to continue for one Incarnate Word Academy graduate. Heights resident Jacqueline Bergeron is a 2017 Distinguished Graduate of Incarnate Word Academy and plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall to study textiles and apparel. Bergeron has expressed her design passion since her freshmen year at Incarnate Word when she recreated the school banner with fabric from IWA skirts. She relentlessly pursues her dream of becoming a successful apparel designer and showing her own line at New York Fashion Week one day. She has worked as a design intern for Project Runway Season 2 winner Chloe Dao and will do the same for Elaine Turner this summer. As part of the Incarnate Word's Young Leaders Program, Bergeron co-directed IWA's annual Sewfest for six years, making dresses and superhero capes for children in need throughout the world. "I started attending SewFest before I even attended IWA, and it's been amazing to work every role of Sewfest, beginning as a participant and finishing senior year as a co-director," Bergeron said. "Experiencing all of the different roles has helped me grow into a servant leader and Sewfest dresses are the most special dresses I've ever had the privilege of making," Bergeron added. In addition to her passion for design, Bergeron was a member of the National Honor Society, St. Thomas High School cheerleading team, Respect Life Club and the Young Leaders Program. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An hour after he was forced to resign last Tuesday to avoid an internal investigation, Kirbyville principal Dennis Reeves apparently made good on a threat to kill himself if an affair with a district employee was discovered, Kirbyville police said Monday. Superintendent Tommy Wallis said in a statement to Kirbyville police that he and Assistant Superintendent Georgia Sayers confronted Reeves about the possible affair last Tuesday after meeting with the employee. According to the woman, who was not identified, Reeves said he would kill himself if the "relationship was uncovered." According to Wallis' statement, the employee, who at one point had been Reeves' secretary, said Reeves told her he would make it look like an accident so his family would receive insurance money. Reeves denied the affair, according to Wallis' statement. In the statement, Wallis said he told Reeves he would be put on administrative leave while the claim was investigated and that if he was lying, Reeves would be terminated. Wallis said if the affair had taken place and Reeves resigned, the district would not investigate, according to the statement. Reeves chose to resign, according to Wallis' statement. Wallis said Reeves was visibly upset and his hands were shaking as he signed his letter of resignation. Reeves was escorted to his truck at 4:15 p.m. but walked back to the outside door of the school to return welding tools. "As he began walking off, I heard him tell Mrs. Sayers, "I am not good, twice," Wallis said in his statement. "Mrs. Sayers responded 'I know Dennis' and he walked off." Wallis called the district maintenance director at 4:30 p.m. to change the locks on Reeves' office. He noticed Reeves still in his truck, according to his statement. Kirbyville Police Chief Paul Brister said in a statement that Wallis knew Reeves had a concealed handgun license and was "concerned." Wallis said in his statement that he was worried Reeves was waiting in his truck to confront them. When Brister arrived to the campus at 5 p.m., he and another officer found Reeves sitting in his truck, which was locked and running in reverse with his foot on the brake pedal. "Mr. Reeves had what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the right side temple area of the head," Brister said in his statement. "We unlocked the vehicle and upon entry found a small caliber .380 semi-automatic handgun in Mr. Reeves' right hand which was removed." Wallis said he was told by Brister shortly after that Reeves was found dead and "had shot himself." Brister said Tuesday that he was "99.5 percent" sure Reeves' death was a suicide, "but was not ready to make that determination." Wallis said he felt the situation was "handled the best way possible." "We have a community that is grieving right now," Wallis said. "Normalcy is not something that takes place overnight. I don't think the typical norm will ever be the norm again." Assistant Principal Charles Simmons, who was hired by Reeves, resigned Tuesday morning via an email. In the email, he said he was resigning out of loyalty to Reeves. "I'm not sure where I will end up, but I do know that If I were to stay under the present circumstances it would compromise my integrity and it would not be loyal to Dennis," Simmons said in the email. "For me to keep silent would also be disloyal to our school and our entire district. It's not what I want to do... it's the right vs. wrong." He added, "I am confident that many of your questions will be answered soon." Simmons submitted his resignation prior to Brister's statement on Reeves' death. Wallis said Tuesday that both the assistant principal and principal positions have been posted. Debbie Brockman, a lead counselor at the high school, has been put in charge of the day-to-day activities at the high school, according to Wallis. DThompson@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/DaveTh89 The FBI is looking for the public's help identifying a gun-toting bank bandit who on Thursday threatened Chase Bank tellers in Houston with a hoax explosive device. Just after noon, a man in a cowboy hat and sunglasses entered a J.P. Morgan Chase Bank at 1405 South Voss, where he approached a teller and whipped out a pistol before displaying a device with lights and wires that he claimed was a bomb. Nearly eight months after his firing, a former Stillwater County weed district coordinator has been charged for using county equipment to spray private land, including that of a county commissioner. William James Patterson was charged May 23 with felony theft and official misconduct, a misdemeanor. He made thousands of dollars through one private spraying contract but used county chemicals and vehicles to complete the jobs, court documents state. Another deal to spray County Commissioner Dennis Shupak's land was allegedly in exchange for grazing space. Patterson started as director of the county weed control district in February 2015. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation started looking into the matter around June 2016. Patterson was placed on leave when the investigation began. The county fired him in October 2016. According to court documents, Patterson made a private contract with the Sunlight Ranch in Carbon County to spray for weeds over the summer of 2015. The contract stated that Patterson would provide the equipment, including a truck, side-by-side, sprayer and ATV that belonged to the county. The Sunlight contract paid $5,900 to Patterson, charges state. To complete the work, investigators estimated that he used $5,135 worth of county assets. That included chemicals and the time of a county employee, Rob Love, who was paid for county work hours for the job. Court documents noted little of the spraying of Commissioner Shupak's property. Shupak told investigators that "he was unaware if Patterson was going to spray his property," court documents state. They go on to say that "in general, Patterson had told Shupak he would spray the 2.9 acres where Patterson's horses were," charges state. Shupak could not be reached for comment. In an email statement to The Gazette, Stillwater County Attorney Nancy Rohde said that "there was insufficient evidence to determine if Stillwater County Commissioner Dennis Shupak was aware that Patterson was using county equipment and resources on his property. Patterson told investigators that he used his own ATV to spray Shupak's property, charges state. But DCI found that Patterson bought his own ATV, identical to the county's, on the day after he was placed on leave. Around the time Patterson was fired from Stillwater County, he was served charging documents from Cascade County. There, he was also charged with theft while holding a similar position as weed and mosquito district supervisor. Cascade County court documents alleged that he took various items from the county after he was fired from there in 2014. He's scheduled to change his plea in that case later this month. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that America is pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Weather Channel isn't happy about it. After the announcement, Weather.com led with a breaking story about Trump's withdrawal from the agreement, which aims to lower greenhouse emissions and help limit increasing global temperatures. Other stories on Weather.com were all about what could happen to the environment without policies battling climate change. Police in College Station identified Tyler Thomas, 22, as the motorcycle rider who was killed early Tuesday after colliding with a pickup. Thomas, of Bryan, was killed about 3 a.m. in the 2500 block of Texas Avenue in College Station. The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p. A judge acquitted a Dakota Access Pipeline protester midway through her jury trial on May 25. South Central District Judge Gail Hagerty called off the trial after the prosecutor presented his evidence, which included the testimony of one law enforcement officer, according to the defendant. Alex Wilson was accused of two Class B misdemeanors -- disorderly conduct and disobeying a public safety order under riot conditions -- from an Oct. 15 protest. Hagerty decided the prosecutor failed to provide evidence to meet all of the elements of the charges, said Wilson and Sam Saylor, who acted as standby counsel for the self-represented defendant. Saylor said Hagerty decided the protest did not have the violent or tumultuous conduct required to show that it was a riot. Wilson said she challenged the trooper on his knowledge of Native American ceremonies and his perception of drumming as tumultuous. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. All-Conference WEC teams The All-Conference teams for the War Eagle Conference have been announced with multiple MMCRU and South OBrien volleyball players making... Crane signs off, for now I miss my ol' buddy, sportscaster Keith Crane on the sidelines. I miss his friendly smile, his dedication to his... The body found along the shoreline of the Missouri River on Tuesday has been identified as the man who went missing from a fishing boat near Fort Rice on May 11. The Morton County Sheriff's Department announced Thursday that X-ray records positively identify the body as Darvin Gratz, 57, of Mandan. The death is not considered suspicious, as no signs of trauma were found on the body, according to Sarah Hoffer, an autopsy technician and medical and legal death investigator with the North Dakota State Forensic Examiner's Office. The cause of death is still pending investigation and a toxicology report. Gratz's body was found by Gratz's brothers, Steve and Darren Gratz, who were searching the shoreline of the Missouri near the mouth of the Cannonball River around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Jared Pfliger, Gratz's nephew, said his uncles searched every day on the river since he went missing. This involved camping out and watching the movement of the water. "They supported their family while dealing with the tragedy themselves and their selfless work to bring their brother home means everything to the family," he said. Pfliger said his family is also grateful for the support of regional law enforcement agencies and volunteers who helped in the search. The Morton County Sheriff's Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol, North Dakota Game and Fish, Burleigh and Stutsman counties also assisted in searching by air, land and water. During a family-led operation on May 20, about 20 boats came out, along with several people who walked the shores, Pfliger said. "(The family is) very thankful for the outreach of support they received from the community," he said. Gratz was born and raised in Mandan and most recently worked at the Tesoro Refinery in Dickinson, according to Pfliger. A bachelor who went by "Darv," he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his nieces and nephews. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. June 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan. BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert principal, pe durata determinata, responsabil de elaborarea/actualizarea cerintelor metodologice de reglementare a procesului de raportare la BNM BAY VILLAGE, Ohio -- Video released Wednesday shows a man who is suspected in a car theft and a series of vehicle break-ins that happened in Bay Village. The video released by the Bay Village Police Department shows a man who police are trying to identify in connection with the May 25 incidents on Basset Road and Lincoln Road, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. The video shows someone pulling up in front of a house, darting to a car, attempting to get into it, then leaving. "This video underscores the importance of taking all valuables, including any keys, out of your vehicle and locking it securely," the post says. Bay Village police Lt. Calvin Holliday said residents should lock their cars in order to prevent the crimes. "We keep advising people time and time again, please lock yourself up," he said. "Then they don't." The crimes are also happening in other suburbs as well, Holliday said. He believes the people committing these crimes are from outside of the suburbs. "They're not looking for credit cards, they aren't looking for anything specific," Holliday said. "They're looking for cash, change, any electronic device." Residents shouldn't be afraid to report something they find unusual, Holliday said. "We're not afraid to respond," Holliday said. "I don't want people to think they're bothering us, they're not." Attempted theft from auto STOLEN AUTO AND THEFT FROM AUTOS During the early morning hours of Thursday, May 25, a car was stolen and several other vehicles were entered with items removed. These thefts occurred in the area just east of Bassett and Lincoln Roads. The video below was captured the same morning from a theft attempt and was likely the same persons involved in these particular thefts. You can see how quickly these individuals can commit a theft. In this case, the homeowner's car was locked and the thieves moved on quickly. This video underscores the importance of taking all valuables, including any keys, out of your vehicle and locking it securely. Posted by Bay Village Police Department on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. CLEVELAND, Ohio - This was the recurring theme at Global Cleveland's Employer Summit: Northeast Ohio benefits by being part of the global economy. "Our region's prosperity improved today," said Global Cleveland's President Joe Cimperman of the conference held Wednesday at the InterContinental Cleveland. "More people born in our community will have a job as a result of the international economic development conversations that we had today. "If we embrace it (global economy), watch our entire citizenship benefit - everybody," he said. The nonprofit promotes immigration and local connections to the global economy as ways to spur economic development in Northeast Ohio. Here are three takeaways from the conference: 1. Immigrants could help close skills gap -- Northeast Ohio has an aging and shrinking labor force that tends to be less educated than those of the metro areas against which the region routinely competes, Jacob Duritsky, Team Northeast Ohio's vice president of strategy and research, told the conference. However, many of the international students receiving degrees from colleges and university in Northeast Ohio are studying in in-demand fields. Northeast Ohio has 160,000 fewer people in the labor force since the recession ended in 2009 than it had before the Great Recession began in 2007, Duritsky said. He said Northeast Ohio proportionately has more residents 55 and older than the United States. "The reality is that we're not adding enough people to offset our losses right now," Duritsky said. Education and training also present challenges to Northeast Ohio's labor force. By 2020, he said 35 percent of jobs will require bachelor's or master's degrees. However, in Northeast Ohio, only 25 percent of residents have at least a bachelor's degree. "The markets we compete against - the markets that have been growing faster than we have, Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, tend to have bachelor-plus attainment rates that are much closer to 35 percent," Duritsky said. The Cleveland Foundation funded a recently released study, done by Team NEO, that looked at the mismatch between in-demand jobs in Northeast Ohio, requiring anywhere from a postsecondary certificate to undergraduate or graduate degrees, and the number of local residents, who had recently received such credentials. There was misalignment between residents with credentials and job openings in in-demand fields, including information technology, health care and manufacturing. For example, the study found that there was demand for 16,638 computer and IT workers, but only 5,995 credentials were awarded. Duritsky looked at the majors of international students at Baldwin Wallace University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College and Kent State University and found that most were pursuing degrees in in-demand fields in Northeast Ohio. "What we found that of the 6,100 students enrolled in these five institutions in 2016, 57 percent fell into a category where there was significant misalignment (between openings and people with suitable degrees)," he said. "That means that international students are well-positioned for job opportunities here." It isn't by chance that international students at CWRU are pursuing degrees in in-demand areas. The university has transformed itself from a "regional school in which the population was decreasing, into a global university" that actively recruits abroad, said Jeff Durek, dean of engineering at Case Western Reserve University, a conference panelist. 2. Northeast Ohio could do a better job of retaining international graduates -- While many international students in Northeast Ohio are receiving degrees in in-demand fields, they are not necessarily staying here after graduation. "We've got this great mismatch that international students can fill it, but yet we have a problem, it seems, that in the Midwest it is harder for us to score on those H-1B visas," said Tracey Nichols, director of financial services at Project Management Consultants, and a panel moderator. She was referring to the non-immigrant visas that allow companies in the U.S. to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including IT and engineering. Durek told the conference he was concerned that local companies sometimes were reluctant to hire employees under the program, in which visas are awarded through a lottery-like process, because it presented too much of a long shot. "In any one year, your odds are only one in three," he said. "But if you don't participate, you have no opportunity to win at all." He said the odds increase dramatically over a three-year period, especially if a company wants to hire someone with an advanced degree, who had completed Optional Practical Training, a temporary employment program for international students with in-demand majors. 3. Local companies should embrace being part of the global economy - Conference discussions focused on several local companies that have an international presence, including Dwellworks, which assists corporations with moving employees domestically and internationally. The company has acquired firms abroad. Thirty percent of revenue now comes from outside of the U.S., and the figure is expected to grow, said Chief Executive Officer Bob Rosing. "When we started 10 years ago, it was not part of the original business plan to be a global organization," he said. "Our customers told us we needed to be. It has enhanced our growth opportunities. "We've enriched the company by learning from the folks that we've met at these companies we acquire," Rosing said. "That's been good for us, and it has been good for them. And most importantly, it has been good for our customers." Rendville, Ohio's smallest village, as shown in this 2001 file photo. Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio - Rendville has three village council members, two of whom are husband and wife. The third is married to the clerk-treasurer. Welcome to Ohio's smallest town. Below, we highlight the 10 smallest villages in Ohio, as well as the 10 smallest villages in the Greater Cleveland/Akron area. New Census Bureau estimates released last week place Rendville's population at 38. But that might not be accurate. I think its about 30 or 31, clerk-treasurer Patricia Trisler said in a telephone interview in which she provided the family tree of the village council. We have had people pass away and move away," Trisler said. "It was 36, but I couldnt give you an exact count. I would say about 31 residents are left. With so few people in town, three council seats are unfilled. This means that the married couple on council technically forms a quorum when together. Rendville, located in Perry County about halfway between Zanesville and Athens, is one of 20 incorporated villages in Ohio of fewer than 100 residents, according to the new estimates. The village currently has no businesses, though there is talk of establishing a coffeehouse. In earlier days, the place was much larger. An 1800s coal town, the population was close to 900 near turn of the 20th century. According to an Ohio Historical marker, Rendville was established in 1879 by William P. Rend and became a place where African Americans broke the color barrier in mine work and other ways. Dr. Isaiah Tuppins, elected mayor in 1888, is recognized as both Ohio's first African-American mayor and the first African-American to receive a medical degree in Ohio. - By Rich Exner, cleveland.com Don't Edit Google Maps No. 1 - Rendville, population 38 Census 2010 details Housing units: 18 occupied, 10 vacant. Population: 36. Median Age: 54.5. Voting age population: 32. Race: White (29), black (3), multi-race (4). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 2 - Miltonsburg, population 43 Census 2010 details Housing units: 19 occupied, 6 vacant. Population: 43. Median Age: 42.8. Voting age population: 34. Race: White (43). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 3 - Holiday City, population 52 Census 2010 details Housing units: 18 occupied, 2 vacant. Population: 52. Median Age: 34. Voting age population: 38. Race: White (52). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 4 - Elgin, population 56 Census 2010 details Housing units: 22 occupied, 0 vacant. Population: 57. Median Age: 37.3. Voting age population: 44. Race: White (56), multi-race (1). Don't Edit Don't Edit Google Maps No. 5 - Octa, population 58 Census 2010 details Housing units: 30 occupied, 4 vacant. Population: 59. Median Age: 45.8. Voting age population: 47. Race: White (50), black (9). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 6 - Jacksonburg, population 63 Census 2010 details Housing units: 21 occupied, 1 vacant. Population: 63. Median Age: 29.8. Voting age population: 44. Race: White (57), American Indian or Alaskan native (3), multi-race (3). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 7 - Chilo, population 64 Census 2010 details Housing units: 28 occupied, 28 vacant. Population: 63. Median Age: 50.8. Voting age population: 54. Race: White (62), American Indian or Alaskan native (1). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 8 - Graysville, population 77 Census 2010 details Housing units: 34 occupied, 4 vacant. Population: 76. Median Age: 48. Voting age population: 62. Race: White (68), multi-race (8). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 9 (tie) - Deersville, population 78 2016 estimate: 78 Census 2010 details Housing units: 33 occupied, 26 vacant. Population: 79. Median Age: 45.5. Voting age population: 66. Race: White (75), Asian (2), multi-race (2). Don't Edit Don't Edit Google Maps No. 9 (tie) - Yankee Lake, population 78 Census 2010 details Housing units: 31 occupied, 8 vacant. Population: 79. Median Age: 50.3. Voting age population: 67. Race: White (78), other (1). Don't Edit Smallest incorporated villages in Greater Cleveland/Akron None of the small towns in the seven-county Greater Cleveland/Akron area made the list of the 10 smallest villages in Ohio. But there are some tiny places across the region. Below are the 10 smallest villages (with their rankings statewide) in Cuyahoga, Geagua, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage or Summit counties, based on the new census estimates for 2016. Don't Edit Google Maps No. 72 (tie) - Linndale, population 176 Census 2010 details Housing units: 66 occupied, 9 vacant. Population: 179. Median Age: 35.1 Voting age population: 132. Race: White (118), black (50), native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (3), other race (8). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 74 - Sugar Bush Knolls, population 177 Census 2010 details Housing units: 69 occupied, 5 vacant. Population: 177. Median Age: 51.6. Voting age population: 146. Race: White (162), black (2), American Indian or Alaskan native (1), Asian (4), other (2), multi-race (6). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 80 - Rochester, population 181 Census 2010 details Housing units: 71 occupied, 9 vacant. Population: 182. Median Age: 41.3. Voting age population: 137. Race: White (179), American Indian or Alaskan native (1), multi-race (2). Don't Edit Don't Edit Google Maps No. 115 - Lakeline, population 222 Census 2010 details Housing units: 95 occupied, 9 vacant. Population: 226. Median Age: 45.1. Voting age population: 182. Race: White (221), black (2), multi-race (3). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 128 (tie) - Kipton, population 242 Census 2010 details Housing units: 102 occupied, 6 vacant. Population: 243. Median Age: 42.8. Voting age population: 196. Race: White (236), other race (2), multi-race (5). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 179 - Aquilla, population 340 Census 2010 details Housing units: 128 occupied, 22 vacant. Population: 340. Median Age: 39.3. Voting age population: 243. Race: White (333), Asian (1), multi-race (6). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 215 - Grand River, population 399 2016 estimate: 399 Census 2010 details Housing units: 159 occupied, 17 vacant. Population: 399. Median Age: 43.8. Voting age population: 315. Race: White (386), black (6), other race (5), multi-race (2). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 230 - Gloria Glens Park, population 439 Census 2010 details Housing units: 179 occupied, 47 vacant. Population: 425. Median Age: 39.5. Voting age population: 330. Race: White (419), black (1), American Indian or Alaskan native (1), Asian (2), multi-race (2). Don't Edit Don't Edit Google Maps No. 238 - Waite Hill, population 452 Census 2010 details Housing units: 193 occupied, 24 vacant. Population: 471. Median Age: 52.6. Voting age population: 374. Race: White (456), black (2), Asian (6), other race (5), multi-race (2). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 242 - Brady Lake, population 461 Brady Lake voters in the spring voted to dissolve and become part of Franklin Township. That process will take several months. For now, Brady Lake remains a village. Census 2010 details Housing units: 201 occupied, 25 vacant. Population: 464. Median Age: 47.4. Voting age population: 395. Race: White (438), black (1), American Indian or Alaskan native (6), Asian (5), multi-race (14). Don't Edit Google Maps No. 286 - Peninsula, population 563 Peninsula currently is the 11th smallest village in the seven-county Greater Cleveland/Akron area, but is in line to move up to No. 10 when Brady Lake dissolves. Census 2010 details Housing units: 237 occupied, 24 vacant. Population: 565. Median Age: 47.3. Voting age population: 449. Race: White (556), black (2), Asian (2), multi-race (5). Don't Edit Use link below to access the searchable database. Rich Exner, cleveland.com Related: Find population estimates for any U.S. town, county or state Use our related database to find population estimates for each U.S. village, city, county or state. Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner. Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio Theft by deception, Marsol Road: A resident reported May 20 he was the victim of a scam in which he was led to believe a company was fixing a virus on his computer. He said he received a pop-up message informing him of the virus and requesting he call a specified phone number. After paying the supposed tech company, someone called him back and told him they were reimbursing him for being a good customer. The caller said an additional $6,000 was put into his bank account by mistake and asked that he return the money by purchasing Walmart gift cards and providing the redemption codes. He did as requested and later learned it was a scam. He believed the calls originated from India. The phone number has since been disconnected. Theft, SOM Center Road: An employee of Fish Furniture reported May 19 her wallet and keys were stolen from her purse while she worked. She said the purse was left under a desk and she suspected a specific customer may have stolen the items. She said the man had asked for water, but then declined it because he said it wasn't cold enough. She said he also spent considerable time in the store without employee assistance. Trespassing, Golden Gate Plaza: Reports indicate an elderly man kept trying to get into Fresh Thyme before the store opened at 7 a.m. May 19. He told employees he could not wait. He left before officers arrived and it was believed he took a bag of grapes without paying for it. The staff did not want to pursue the matter. Theft, Golden Gate Plaza: A Garfield Heights man, 25, was arrested at Marshall's Clothing May 18 for theft, resisting arrest, escape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was uncooperative and officers had to deploy a Taser to help control him. A Cleveland girl, 15, was with him and falsely identified herself. She will be filed on in juvenile court. The total value of the theft was $258.91. Overdose, Eastgate Plaza: A Mayfield Heights man, 35, was taken to Hillcrest Hospital May 17 after he was found slumped over in a vehicle in front of Marc's. The drug enforcement unit is investigating the suspected drug overdose. Fraud, Lander Road: A resident reported May 17 his personal information had been used fraudulently to open a utility bill in 2015 at a home in Garfield Heights. He said the account had an overdue balance of $233.34 and he never lived at the address associated with the account. The utility company opened a fraud investigation. Stolen vehicle, Mayfield Ridge Road: A man reported May 23 his dirt bike, valued at $2,500, was stolen while he was visiting a resident. The bike was on a rack hitched to his vehicle, which was parked in the street around 10:30 p.m. There were no suspects identified. Theft, Genesee Avenue: Two residents at separate homes reported May 19 a neighbor was coming into their yards and stealing firewood. They suspected the woman was at Speedway committing a theft at the time of the report. Officers located the woman, 33, walking in front of Bruegger's Bagels and issued her a trespass warning for both resident's properties. She was also found in possession of two beers and two beef jerky packages, which were found to have been stolen from Speedway. May 23, the same woman was found to be causing a disturbance at Party Place, 6153, by knocking merchandise off the shelves. Officers located her outside the store with a beer on the ground in the area where she was standing. It was also learned she had kicked the rear of a vehicle when she was crossing Commonwealth Avenue on her way to the store. The owner of the vehicle did not want to pursue charges despite slight damage that was caused to the vehicle. The woman was arrested for disorderly conduct; intoxication, obstructing official business and open container due to the incident at Party Place. Suspicion, Golden Gate Plaza: A manager of Fresh Thyme said May 21 an employee found a small bag of marijuana on the break room floor. It was turned over to police and destroyed. Drug abuse, Mayfield Road: Two men and one woman were located in a parked vehicle in the Gates Mills Place parking lot May 30. The passengers admitted they were smoking marijuana. The driver, an 18-year-old Cleveland Heights man, was in possession of a small bag of marijuana and subsequently cited for drug possession. See more Mayfield Heights news at Cleveland.com/hillcrest. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. "cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate." ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Two teens are facing charges in connection with the shooting death of man, arrested after they were held at gunpoint by a farmer who saw them acting suspiciously. "They came from the back side of my pond where the dock used to be," Larry Roberts tells WLWT Channel 5. "I keep the 12-gauge pump around for reasons like that." The two suspects, Eric Brown, 19, and an unidentified 17-year-old male, approached Roberts and offered him money if they would give them a ride, according to WCPO Channel 9. "They had stacks of money," Roberts said. Instead, Roberts had the two teens lie face-down on his driveway as he held them at gunpoint. He tells WCPO that one of the teens began crawling toward his car, where his 2-year-old grandchild was in the backseat. "I said, 'If you move again, if you blink your eye, I am blowing your brains out,'" Roberts said. He called 911 as he continued to hold them at gunpoint, waiting for deputies with the Butler County Sheriff's Office to arrive. "Come and get both of them," Roberts can be heard telling a dispatcher. "Send an officer to get them. I got my 12-gauge pump on them. They are both lying here in my driveway. One doesn't have any shoes on and they are acting stupid." The two teens are suspects in the murder of Maurice Chatman, 23, who was found shot to death outside a car at about 6:40 p.m. Monday, reports say. Police believe the suspects ran from the car and ended up on Roberts' property nearby. Roberts was not aware of the shooting when he encountered the two suspects, reports say. Brown has been charged with having weapons under disability, a felony, obstructing justice and tampering with evidence, the Journal-News reports. He is being held on a $75,000 bond. The 17-year-old male is charged with obstructing justice and tampering with evidence. The case remains under investigation and more charges are expected to be filed. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. RAVENNA, Ohio -- Picture it: two new mega airports, one in place of mostly farmland, between Ravenna and I-80, and the other southwest of Columbus, near the Jefferson outlet mall at I-71 and U.S. Route 35. Building two new airport hubs, connected to Ohio's major cities by light rail lines, has been a dream of Rep. Jim Butler's for years. On Wednesday, the Dayton-area Republican introduced a bill that would form a study committee and start the planning process for the airports. He recognized his "big idea" won't likely pass in the near future. But he said it's important to put such ideas out there for public debate. The airports would serve 4 to 6 million people each within an hour's drive -- enough to warrant direct overseas flights and draw businesses to the state, Butler says. "That's where businesses move -- major airport hubs so they can have their employees and customers get in and out of their location easily and in a globalized economy, it's all the more important," Butler said during a news conference. Butler said the $10-15 billion price tag would be covered by bonding airport gates and federal funding under President Donald Trump, who has pledged greater investment in infrastructure. He envisions travelers checking their bags and going through security at a light rail station and riding comfortably to the airport. In later phases, the light rail lines could be expanded to the area surrounding cities and include direct routes between major cities. Existing airports wouldn't close, Butler said, but would benefit from increased business near the hubs. Joe Roman, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, agreed that air service is critical to attract and keep businesses in the area. But he said building new airports isn't the way to do it. "The notion that, even if new airports were built, they would be selected by airlines to be hubs is a big wish," Roman said in an interview. Roman pointed to Pittsburgh International Airport as an example of what could go wrong. The airport was built about 20 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh and US Airways developed it as a hub in the early 1990s. But by the end of the decade, the airline had mostly pulled out of the airport, leading to concourse closures. Roman said his organization is focused on investing in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, adding international connections and trying new kinds of business models such as the Ultimate Air Shuttle from Burke Lakefront Airport. He disputed the notion that new hub airports would boost business for Hopkins and other existing airports. He said such a large infrastructure investment would be better spent on high-speed rail between Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati -- the third and final phase Butler's proposal. "Looking at a map and seeing some areas where an airport would look cool is not a wise or viable investment," Roman said. Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. NEW YORK -- A man facing drug charges who escaped from an Ohio jail in April was captured Tuesday while looking for a job in Brooklyn, reports say. According to NBC New York, a store owner became suspicious of Staling Santos-Reyes, 40, who told the owner he had been in trouble in the past and was wanted. "He was adamant about not being put on the books, and adamant about not using his real name," NYPD Sgt. Tim Cecchini tells NBC New York. The store owner called police and Santos-Reyes was arrested without incident, CBS New York reports. "Very forthcoming with the information that he was in fact the gentleman who escaped from the prison in Ohio," Cecchini said. Reports say Santos-Reyes last known address was in the Bronx. Santos-Reyes was arrested in February after he was pulled over on Interstate 70 in Madison County, Ohio, and police say he had $600,000 in heroin and cocaine in his vehicle. He escaped from the Tri-County Jail in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, at the end of April by hopping a fence, reports say. Federal marshals are bringing Santos-Reyes back to Ohio. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A recent report on the safety of cities in Ohio named eleven Greater Cleveland communities among the 20 in which residents are least likely to be crime victims. The communities are: Chester Township: Geauga County (2nd) Bay Village: Cuyahoga County (3rd) Hudson: Summit County (6th) Brecksville: Cuyahoga County (7th) Olmsted Township: Cuyahoga County (8th) Seven Hills: Cuyahoga County (9th) North Ridgeville: Lorain County(11th) Sagamore Hills: Summit County (13th) Montville Township: Medina County (14th) Aurora: Portage County (16th) Brunswick: Medina County (20th) Safewise, a home security company, compiled the report using FBI data. While the numbers don't paint a complete picture -- villages of less than 2,000 residents, for example, were not included -- there is no question that these 11 communities are largely free of crime. SafeWise is far from the only group that ranks the safety of cities and towns. While each has a different formula, rankings tend to be similar because they all rely on publicly available crime statistics. "We have for several years now been ranked very highly" on several lists, North Ridgeville Mayor David Gillock said Friday. "We just got another ranking today from a group called Lend Edu." What makes a community safe? All 11 communities have things in common. They are largely rural or suburban, and all have dedicated police forces and quality schools. All 11 boast average household incomes well above the national average. But when asked why those communities are safer than average, officials had a wide variety of answers. "It sounds like an easy question," Olmsted Township Police Chief Matthew Vanyo said. "But I put some thought into it, and it's more complex than you think." Vanyo credited a number of factors for Olmsted Township's ranking, including good schools, a largely rural population and a solid relationship between the police and township residents. Substance abuse rates are often related to crime rates, as is neighborhood dysfunction and rates of firearm ownership, said Dan Flannery, a clinical psychologist and professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. "It has to do with a whole bunch of things," said Flannery, whose area of expertise is violent crime. Edward Bicker, who was recently appointed to the Seven Hills City Council, moved to that city in 1999 because he was impressed with the low crime rates. "I knew it was going to be a very quiet neighborhood where I could transition into retirement," he said. What the numbers don't say Flannery cautioned against taking reports like SafeWise's as gospel. While statistics don't lie, they can also paint an incomplete picture. SafeWise's numbers, for example, exclude communities that don't volunteer their crime data to the FBI. The federal agency asks police departments to submit a uniform crime report every month, and while the majority comply, there are a few outliers who don't. The home security company also omitted towns with less than 2,000 residents. That means the affluent villages like Bratenahl and Hunting Valley aren't included in their figures. Few would argue that Bratenahl and Hunting Valley are not safe places to live. The company put the cutoff point at 2,000 to exclude tiny communities with only a few hundred people where crime is all but non-existent, SafeWise Community Outreach Specialist Sage Singleton said. If those small communities were included "it wouldn't be a fair evaluation," Singleton said. Flannery also cautioned that unreported crimes aren't reflected in SafeWise's data. That could put communities where residents feel more comfortable calling the police at a disadvantage. "It's nice to see what the official data looks like, but it's always important to keep in mind the difference between the numbers and reality," he said. Additionally, certain neighborhoods within a city can have different levels of crime, Flannery added. "If you live on the 117th Street corridor in Lakewood (which is right on the border of Cleveland, a city with one of the highest crime rates in Ohio) you probably have a different opinion than someone who lives closer to Rocky River," he said. The police A visible police force makes a city safer, said many people who live in the 11 Greater Clevealnd communities that SafeWise ranked in the top 20. "We have a wonderful police force," said Brunswick Mayor Ron Falconi. "They're out patrolling the streets and engaged in the community." Many smaller cities have citizen police academies that build relationships between residents and the men and women charged with keeping them safe. "They act as kind of a liaison between the citizens and the force," Falconi said. Keeping violent crime to a minimum is a matter of communication, cooperation and dedicating resources to small problems before they become big ones, Bay Village Police Chief Mark Spaetzel. Unlike it's larger peers like Cleveland and Akron, Bay Village police rarely have to investigate homicides or gun violence. This frees its officers to deal with small problems -- such as disputes between neighbors -- before they get out of hand, Spaetzel said. Police can also dedicate resources to helping people with mental-health problems find the help they need, the chief added. Officers in these nine cities also go out of their way to get to know members of the community through charities like Shop with a Cop and Stuff the Cruiser. Chief Vanyo hosts "Coffee with the Chief" on the last Friday of every month, giving township residents the chance to ask questions and express concerns. Detective Gabe Smolik was the guest speaker at the most recent Coffee with the Chief, which was attended by around 15 people. Attendees said there are usually more. He explained how investigators lift fingerprints, demonstrating the brush he uses to reveal the location of prints. Crime shows on television -- which have proven wildly popular -- create the impression that investigators have access to advanced technology and can survey a crime scene in a matter of minutes. "It's not really like that," Smolik said, explaining that gathering evidence is a sometimes arduous process. As Smolik concluded his presentation, Chief Vanyo asked attendees too tell their friends that if their house is burglarized, they should try to avoid touching anything so they don't dilute the crime scene. Lee Kurz -- an Olmsted Township resident since 1994 -- said he's been going to the monthly gathering since the previous police chief, John Minek, started hosting them four years ago. Kurz said he attends the meetings to keep apprised of what's happening in the township, but the meetings also make him feel more trusting of the township's officers. "At least we know them," he said. "That's a big thing, you don't feel they're after you. When they come to your house, you know they're your friend, you know they're not coming to grab you." Last year, Berea and Olmsted Township launched Safe Passages, an addiction recovery program, to battle the heroin epidemic. Under Safe Passages, the police waive arrests of heroin users if they agree to enroll in a recovery program. The idea is to get them the help they need and prevent future crimes like shoplifting and robbery that addicts often commit when they need drug money. Vanyo said the program, which has earned the township positive press, is indicative of the way they the police try to get people help before they resort to crime. Affluence Residents of the 11 communities are mostly older. North Ridgeville, for example, has a median age of 40.7 years old, according to the latest census figures. That's several years above the national average of 37 years old. Seven Hills has an average age of more 50 years old, and Bicker said much of the population is retired. The 11 communities largely have quality school systems, which are generally said to contribute to lower crime rates. The state regularly awards their school districts passing grades or higher. "Whenever you have an educated population there tends to be less crime," North Ridgeville City Councilman Kevin Corcoran said. Research backs up that assertion. A 2013 study from the University of Western Ontario and UCLA found that the more educated a person is, the lower the likelihood they would be incarcerated. But there's another factor that ties all 11 communities together: affluence. That isn't surprising, considering that research has repeatedly suggested a link between low income and crime. A 2014 U.S. Department of Justice report found that people living in poverty were far more likely to be violent crime victims. Bay Village, which SafeWise ranked as the safest city in Greater Cleveland, also happens to be one of the region's wealthiest, with a median household income of more than $89,000 a year, according to the latest census figures. That's around $28,000 higher than the national average. Brecksville's median household income is even higher, eclipsing $100,000 a year with just three percent of the city living in poverty. The remaining communities in SafeWise's top 20 have median house hold incomes between $71,000 and $62,000 per year. By contrast Cleveland -- which experienced 136 homicides in 2016 -- has a median household income of $26,000 and a poverty rate of 36.2 percent, making it one of Ohio's poorest cities. The following communities are the 20 safest in Ohio, according to SafeWise: CLEVELAND, Ohio - The identity of St. Ignatius High School, the nationally recognized Jesuit institution for boys in Ohio City, is the subject of a robust debate among some of its alumni, parents and students. The debate is fueled by the departure of two long-time theology teachers, whose contracts were not renewed for the coming school year, and mirrors our recent presidential election with divisions running along multiple conservative and liberal lines. It also is emotionally charged by, among other issues, gay rights and refugees. To some proud alumni, the school's traditional, conservative-leaning approach to Catholicism is being eroded by a growing progressive philosophy and an emphasis on social justice issues. As a result, they believe, the school is pushing out good teachers who don't fall in line with the new agenda. Others dismiss such claims as irrational and argue the school's Catholic identity, mission and quality education remain intact. "Make Ignatius Catholic Again" The debate is playing out publicly online to the dismay of school officials. The debate, for instance, has spawned a Facebook page, several blogs and a petition drive to reinstate the teachers. It also has generated heated comments, leaked documents and social media hashtags, including "Make Ignatius Catholic Again." Joe McAuliffe, the president of the school's board of regents, said in a March letter sent to fellow board members (and posted by a critic anonymously online) that critics are "inappropriately" linking the departure of the two teachers and the Catholic identity of the school. McAuliffe offered a number of talking points to his colleagues to address concerns raised by alumni and parents. Father Raymond Guiao, St. Ignatius' president, said in an email to me that the online debate is not a reflection of what is going on at the school. "Unfortunately, many of the comments are based on false assumptions about why certain members of our faculty are not being offered contracts, leading to an online debate based not on facts but on speculation and erroneous conclusions about ideological or political agendas," he wrote. (You can read his full letter below this article.) The debate gained attention earlier this year after the school told longtime theology teachers Martin Dybicz and Jim Hogan, who have about 60 years of teaching between them, that their contracts would not be renewed. Their backers quickly turned to the internet to rally support. They created a Facebook page called "Men for Dybicz & Hogan," which is a reference to the school's motto, "Men for Others." Several blogs also popped up, including one with the tagline "Jesuit Identity doesn't equal Catholic." A petition calling for the teachers' reinstatement attracted 2,000 signatures. Blog posts and comments referred to Dybicz and Hogan as "orthodox" and "solidly Catholic" and teachers who "unequivocally teach the Holy Catholic Faith," suggesting that they were being persecuted for not being more liberal. (The teachers have not spoken publicly and the school said it can't discuss personnel matters.) Pulling back donation Ignatius has a powerful network of alumni, which includes attorneys, elected officials and business owners in Northeast Ohio, who closely watch the school and help fund its projects. William Coughlin, a partner at law firm Calfee, Halter & Griswold, recently rebuked his alma mater over its decision to not bring back Dybicz and Hogan. He was so upset that he asked that the school return a donation he made to the school's new grotto that is dedicated to the former long-time Ignatius theology teachers Jim Skerl and Michael "Doc" Pennock. "In light of the administration's continuing refusal to reinstate Jim Hogan and Marty Dybicz--Jim Skerl's friends and colleagues for 30 years--to the Theology faculty, I have asked the school to return my donation for the Skerl/Pennock grotto," he wrote in a letter to the school, which was later posted on a blog supporting the teachers. "The non-renewal of Hogan and Dybicz defiles Skerl's memory. ...The grotto is a farce." Ignatius president opposes Trump order The right-wing website, Churchmilitant.com, also picked up the story and added fuel the dispute by mischaracterizing or overstating several aspects of the debate. It claims "Faithful Catholics are fighting to reclaim one of the most prominent Jesuit schools in the nation." The website, which is frequently critical of the Catholic Church and whose headlines have been compared to those on the right-wing news site Breitbart News, highlighted the departure of Dybicz and Hogan as the latest example of the school's drift "towards heterodoxy." The article also noted that the school's quarterly magazine, "Ignatius," recently featured an article on the school's Ignatian Alliance, a group for gay students. The theme of the issue, which featured on its cover a photograph of two students with arms across each other's backs, is "Preparing students to meet a diverse world." In the issue's opening letter, Guiao, who is Asian-American, said the school must continue to make the school more inclusive by recruiting students from varying socio-economic backgrounds. The school's student body is predominately white. (Tuition is $15,000 a year, though the school's strong network of alumni has helped raise a healthy endowment that helps offset tuition for 50 percent of the students.) One Ignatius graduate (whose identity I confirmed) posted a comment under the Churchmilitant.com story blasting critics of the school. "I went to Ignatius. Great school and still is," he said. "It's hilarious hearing right-wing nuts claim to be Christians. You're not. Send your kids to Trump-loving Walsh if you have a problem with Ignatius." (He is referring to Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls.) Some conservative-leaning Ignatius alumni told me they support the school's efforts to be more inclusive, but worry such efforts could become what one described as a "social platform for the Jesuit order." They point to Guiao's letter on the school's website in which he advocates that the school add its voice to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pope Francis and others condemning President Trump's executive order regarding immigration and refugees. Review says changes needed The critics see the departure of Dybicz and Hogan as directly related to a recent school audit by Chicago-Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus, which regularly reviews Jesuit school operations and teachings. (The Society of Jesus is a Roman Catholic order of priests and brothers founded by Ignatius Loyola. They are known as "the Jesuits.") The audit, known as the Ignatian Identity Review and which was leaked online, compliments the school's academic excellence and commitment to Catholic teachings. But the review, which is posted below, says the school's Theology Department still needs to change and that it needs to realign the curriculum, an issue identified in earlier audits. The audit does not identify specific curriculum changes. "We believe that these issues lie with a small number of Theology faculty members, but they are significant, not merely matters of style and/or pedagogy, but matters of substance," the review says. One school alum told me the school's identity is strong and that changes to the theology department should have been made years ago. Guiao said in his email to me that the audit is being misinterpreted by some. "The most recent audit makes clear that we are a flagship school and we are successfully achieving our identity goals," Guiao wrote. "However, while I am proud of the report's results, it was never meant to be shared with a broad audience and, when taken out of context, is subject to misinterpretation by those not familiar with our history, culture and way of proceeding." The school has no plans to discuss the issue publicly. The board of regents recently moved to end discussion among themselves about the departure of the teachers. But like with our recent presidential election, debate is far from over. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Joe Schiavoni has landed a national union endorsement in the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary. The Utility Workers Union of America endorsed Schiavoni, a state senator from the Youngstown area, on Thursday. While the UWUA is one of the smaller national unions, it represents thousands of power-plant and other utility workers across Ohio, including in rural areas along the Ohio River like Adams County and Jefferson County, where struggling coal-fired power plants are key employers, and where voters backed President Donald Trump by huge margins. "Joe Schiavoni is a fighter for everyday people, and that's what we need in Ohio," UWUA President Michael Langford said in a statement. "It's already a crowded field for 2018, and members of our union have worked with several of the candidates running for governor. But Joe stands above the rest when it comes to vision and experience on lunch-bucket economic issues, modernizing our infrastructure and preparing for a balanced energy future that will create jobs and grow the Ohio economy." Organized labor groups, a key Democratic constituency in Ohio, generally have avoided issuing endorsements in the 2018 Democratic primary as they wait for the field to clear. Many Democratic activists are waiting to see if Richard Cordray, the former Ohio attorney general and director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will return to Ohio to run for governor. But Cordray's future with the agency, which bars him from politics, is up in the air and the subject of an ongoing legal challenge. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's lieutenant governor revealed Thursday that her two sons have struggled with opioid addiction, adding her family to the thousands affected by the nation's prescription painkiller and heroin epidemic. "Like many Ohioans, my family is struggling with addiction, and the opiate crisis has, you know, it's come in my front door," Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor said in making the revelation to the Dayton Daily News. She said Ohio's second family has been at times in crisis over the past five years, describing failed drug rehab programs, two overdoses at the family's home and urgent calls for ambulances. Taylor, a Republican who is planning to run for governor, said her sons -- Joe, 26, and Michael, 23 -- are now doing well, though one son remains in drug treatment. "It's take it one day at a time, one day at a time," she said. Taylor, 51, declined to discuss further details about the family situation, but she appeared to link the start of her sons' addictions to prescription pain pills. Her state office also declined further interviews on the topic, calling it a "very personal situation." "She is a mom first and a public official second and the health of her sons is and always will be her primary concern," said spokesman Michael Duchesne. "While she was willing to share some of her family's struggles in the hopes that her story can help others, she is concerned that shining a further spotlight on her sons' lives will not be beneficial to their long term recovery at this time." Taylor has served alongside GOP Gov. John Kasich since 2011, and he has said he would endorse her bid for governor. "Mary and I have discussed this situation for an extended period of time," Kasich said in a statement. "As a dear friend I have encouraged her and her family during this extremely difficult journey, and I will continue to lift her family up in my prayers." Taylor's office said the Kasich administration continues "to use every resource at our disposal to fight this epidemic and Lt. Governor Taylor will continue to be a leader in that battle." CLEVELAND -- All around the world, people have quickly figured out what millions in the United States cannot: that President Donald Trump is a horrible human being. As best-selling author Caitlin Flanagan wrote in the May edition of The Atlantic, our so-called president is man "who holds grudges, lies recklessly" and "is making America into a laughingstock around the world." For 16 days in May, I found out firsthand how right she was. Overseas, people are astonished at how many Trump supporters seem to revel in violence and hate anyone who doesn't look and act like them - i.e. old, white and angry. At a scenic overlook near Cape Hope, at Africa's southernmost tip, a man who lives nearby spots my Cavaliers T-shirt and volunteers, "I do not know a single person who likes your president." In Sao Paulo, Brazil, a young hotel desk clerk shakes her head in disgust as Trump's image appears on a television tuned to CNN International. And a London woman who has worked to open three schools for the learning disabled in Kenya; a game-viewing guide in the jungles of Botswana; and people in Zambia devoting their lives to saving at-risk children all volunteered that Trump's determination to wall off the United States from the world may have devastating consequences. People I spoke with from England, Germany, India, Zimbabwe and elsewhere all used the same nouns. He's a "child," a "fool," a "clown," a "menace," and descriptions that can't be repeated on this website or in a daily newspaper. Truth is, he's much worse. He's cunning, ruthless, and has a long history of willingness to ruin the lives of others in pursuit of wealth. But what Trump isn't is intelligent. At times, he actually comes off as stupid. And that his supporters can't quite grasp that bodes poorly for our future - not to mention the health and stability of the entire planet. On May 23, I spent two hours in the tiny Zambian village of Nakatindi, a village of just under 2,900 residents not five miles from the majestic Victoria Falls. Zambia is home to the world's fourth-lowest life expectancy rate. More than 14 percent of those between age 15 and 49 are infected with the AIDS virus. Mortality rates for women and children are staggering. Average household income in Nakatindi is about $100 a month. A boy in the Zambian village of Nakatindi, where average household income is about $100 a month but there is hope. But as heartbreaking as conditions are on the village's narrow dirt streets, efforts of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy to improve residents' health, education and job skills are making life there markedly better. A&K Philantrophy is the charitable arm of the company specializing in international travel. (Disclosure: Much of my trip was booked through A&K. But the decision to visit Nakatindi was entirely my own, and made without the knowledge of my travel agent.) While it is impossible to visit places like Nakatindi without being deeply moved, Trump's proposed budget displays uncommon cruelty towards the world's underdeveloped places. And it stands in stark contrast to former President George Bush's unprecedented investments in curbing the spread of the AIDS virus in Africa, investments that have led to reductions in the disease throughout the continent. Although foreign aid amounts to a minuscule 1 percent of our annual budget, many of the knuckle-draggers who comprise Trump's base may argue the United States has no business helping poor children who reside outside of the country. Trump clearly thinks so. His budget would cut more than $2 billion annually in spending on global health programs. That budget, as described in a Foreign Policy magazine article after Trump's "skinny" budget was released but before his final budget proposal in May, would result in "the end of foreign aid as we know it." Anyone who thinks Trump's supporters will be the least bit bothered by the inhumanity of these budget proposals hasn't been paying attention. After all, a base that stands by their man, even as he tries to strip them of health care and pass a tax cut bill that tosses them a measly few crumbs, surely won't mind a bit if we starve to death some more dark-skinned children 8,000 miles away. Republicans who run Congress may by a bit more bothered by Trump's savagery. History will not be kind to these people for turning a blind eye while Trump strips the presidency of all sense of dignity with his amoral behavior and actions that could be construed as criminal obstruction of justice. But while selling out the country, some of those who run Congress have probably retained a sliver of conscience. Not much, but just enough to prevent Trump from intentionally harming the world's children. How far and fast we have fallen in the eyes of the world. Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling had the perfect tweet for our boorish president after he shoved aside the prime minister of Montenegro at a NATO Summit in Belgium - a country he described last year as "a beautiful city." After Trump elbowed past the Montenegrin, Rowling wrote: "You tiny, tiny, tiny little man." In every way imaginable. Except the waistline. Brent Larkin was The Plain Dealer's editorial director from 1991 until his retirement in 2009. To reach Brent Larkin: blarkin@cleveland.com Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts, and stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Notification Settings (in blue) just below. ******** Please take a moment and click here to help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, a cleveland.com partner. Every dollar you give buys four meals for the hungry. HETTINGER A western North Dakota farm where artifacts dating up to 7,500 years old were found wont get wind turbines in a new project slated for next year. Tetra Tech, a firm hired by Allete Clean Energy, conducted a cultural resources survey on Celestine (Sally) Slaters farm in 2013 in Adams County near Hettinger while considering the location for a Thunder Spirit Wind Energy Center wind turbine. Adam Holven, a senior archaeologist and project manager for Tetra Tech, wrote the 89-year-old Slater, who is now in a nursing home, a letter to inform her of the findings in September 2014. Slater doesnt remember receiving the letter, but her son, Larry Slater, recently came across the artifacts. Enclosed within the letter was a manilla envelope containing five projectile points and two end scrapers. The end scrapers were thought to be used for carcass or hide scraping, according to the official site form. The Thunder Spirit Wind Energy Center is a collection of 43 wind turbines north of Hettinger that produces 107 megawatts, according to Mark Hanson, spokesman for Montana-Dakota Utilities. When Allete Clean Energy was considering sites for the original turbines, they conducted several archaeological surveys to identify culturally sensitive areas, which is done through the state historical preservation office. We signed a power purchase agreement with Allete Clean Energy, and they are going to be constructing that portion (14 to 16 new turbines), Hanson said. The 16 turbines slated to be built in May 2018 will provide an additional 48 megawatts, and there will be more surveys, Hanson said. How come they arent putting it in (the wind turbine on her land)? Sally Slater asked. The whole neighborhood got one and we got nothing. Weve been wondering, too. Really got close and then they quit. I dont know. Now theyre talking there might be some more. Paul Picha, chief archaeologist for the State Historical Society of North Dakota, said cultural resources surveys like the one done on Slaters land prior to any new construction is a formality. Basically on those kind of projects, if there are artifacts found on private property, under the century code, the landowner would, unless they're associated with a burial (ground). ... its the landowner's property, Picha said. According to the archeological site form, based on the documented projectile points, this site may be associated with the Early Plains Archaic Tradition, which spans from 7,500 to 4,500 B.P. (before present). At this time, it is unknown whether the observed lithic scatter represents a single event or repeated use. The presence of broken projectile points and tools with heavy use may indicate the site was used for retooling after a hunting event or for carcass or hide processing. Sites that date to the time period of this particular find are uncommon for several reasons, Picha said. One of which is in other settings, they may be for example, deeply buried. the population was not as large as it was later in time, he said. Its an important location. Sally Slater purchased the land in 1948 from her grandpa. Her son, Larry Slater, has now taken over the family ranch. Slater said she and her husband ran cattle and mainly grew wheat on the land for many years. We never paid much attention (to any artifacts), we were too busy working, she said. You gotta keep the money coming. Once and awhile wed find a little one, but nobody got excited. Most of the artifacts were what is commonly referred to as oxbow, and some of the pieces are Knife River flint, Picha said. Australian retailers enjoyed their best monthly sales in nearly three years in April after a tepid start to the year as shoppers spent more at department stores and on food. Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) data out on Thursday showed real retail sales rebounded 1.0 percent in April, topping expectations of a gain of 0.3 percent and reversing a revised 0.2 percent fall in March. The bounce-back will provide some comfort to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) which has worried about the effect excessive borrowing in the red-hot property sector could have on spending elsewhere in the economy. RBA Governor Philip Lowe has warned that high levels of household debt could curtail spending should consumers decide they have to put more aside to pay off that borrowing. Retail sales have been subdued over the past year or so at a time when wages growth is stuck at a record low 1.9 percent. "It's a pretty decent bounce-back but if you take an average of 2017, retail sales is still running at a very modest 0.2 percent," said Su-Lin Ong, senior economist at RBC Capital. "It's good to see the bounce-back but we don't expect to see a repeat as underlying consumption growth is still weak." Thursday's data shows a 1.1 percent gain in cafe, restaurants and take away food services, and a 1.2 percent rise in food retailing. Sales at department stores climbed 2.5 percent. Sales growth in clothing and footwear was an anemic 0.3 percent while household goods rose 0.4 percent after falling for two straight months. Economists believe April retail sales may have been distorted by the aftermath of a devastating cyclone that hit Queensland state at the end of March. Retail sales were up 2.4 percent in Queensland after five consecutive months of falls as households replaced cyclone- and flood-damaged possessions. Retail sales in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state and home to its most expensive real estate, rose 0.1 percent. watch now China's new cybersecurity law takes effect today, and experts are rattled about what it all means. The law has been largely touted by Beijing as a milestone in data privacy regulations, but critics say authorities haven't provided enough information about how the wide-reaching law will be implemented. That's a big concern, as failure to comply carries fines that could hit 1 million yuan (about $150,000) and potential criminal charges. What's more, the law is expected to make it even harder to do business in China by increasing costs to foreign firms, exposing multinationals to cyber-espionage, and giving domestic companies an unfair edge. And it's adding to the already tough environment: The World Bank currently ranks the world's second-largest economy 78 out of about 190 countries in terms of ease of doing business, only a few notches above Qatar, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Here's what you need to know about the law now: What is it? The law focuses on protecting personal information and individual privacy, and standardizes the collection and usage of personal information. As such, companies will now be required to introduce data protection measures, and sensitive data for instance, information on Chinese citizens or relating to national security must be stored on domestic servers. In some cases, firms will need to undergo a security review before moving data out of China. One of the challenges, however, is that the government has been unclear on what would be considered important or sensitive data. Unauthorized collection, disclosure and receipt of a citizen's personal information now constitutes a criminal offense, according to Scott Thiel, a partner at law firm DLA Piper. Sanctions would take into account the degree of harm, and the amount of illegal gains fines could go up to five times the amount of those ill-gotten gains. The law is "not only for the legal protection for the interests of the masses in cyberspace, but also effectively safeguards national cyberspace sovereignty and security," according to a government statement published in state media outlet China Daily. What does it mean? For companies in China, the big question is, "what's all this going to cost at the end of the day?" said Benjamin Cavender, a principal at China Market Research Group. "If you're a company that was previously using services that aren't going to be looked on favorably in China, and you're forced to migrate to a new platform that gets expensive really quickly," he said. Plus, being forced to store data domestically could pose a few problems. Firstly, foreign firms normally do need to transfer information outside of China. And secondly, keeping sensitive information on Chinese servers might mean the government can look under the hood whenever it wants, exposing multinationals to industrial espionage. Along a similar vein, it could potentially allow Beijing to even further track people it deems troublemakers. Still, it should be noted that government censorship and monitoring has long been an issue in China. "Data security is based on the best available technology internationally, and our companies already have robust IT systems in place to ensure the security of their data and IT systems in the China Market," said Jacob Parker, vice president of the U.S.-China Business Council. The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai has called the data localization and data transfer regulations "unnecessarily onerous," with a potential impact on cross-border trade worth billions of dollars. Multinationals may be better equipped to take on the cost of compliance, but "a lot of the small and medium sized companies may not be able to afford to put in the control that the Chinese government is asking for, and if they can't put in those controls, it may actually push them out of that country and that market," said James Carder, vice president of cybersecurity firm LogRhythm Labs. The EU Chamber of Commerce in China has even supported a delay in implementing the law, given what it says is the law's lack of clarity about how different aspects will be defined and enforced. Why is China doing this? Conagra's approach shows that Pinnacle Foods remains an acquisition target, three years after its $4.3 billion sale to Hillshire Brands was canceled after Hillshire agreed to sell itself to Tyson Foods Inc for $7.7 billion. Reddi-wip whipped cream owner Conagra Brands has approached Pinnacle Foods , the maker of packaged foods such as Vlasic pickles, to express interest in an acquisition, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. A can of ConAgra Foods Inc. Hunts brand organic diced tomatoes is arranged for a photograph. Hillshire was led at the time by Sean Connolly, who is now chief executive of Conagra. His second attempt at an acquisition of Pinnacle Foods underscores the need for further consolidation in the frozen food and condiments sectors, as sales continue to decline with consumers opting for healthier choices. Conagra's approach to Pinnacle Foods took place in the last few weeks, the sources said. There is no certainty that Pinnacle Foods will choose to engage, or that Conagra will pursue a potential deal further, the sources said on Wednesday. The sources asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Conagra, which has a market value of $16.2 billion, declined to comment. Pinnacle Foods, which has a market value of $7.2 billion, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chicago, Illinois-based Conagra, whose brands include Frontera salsa and Orville Redenbacher's popcorn, has been seeking to reinvent itself since selling its private label unit for $2.7 billion in 2016 to focus on its branded food business. Last year it spun off its $6.9 billion frozen potato business, Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. It has also divested a number of its smaller underperforming brands, and this week agreed to sell its Wesson oil brand to Folgers coffee maker J.M. Smucker for $285 million. Parsippany, New Jersey-based Pinnacle, whose brands include Duncan Hines baking products and Birds Eye frozen vegetables, has made a push towards healthier offerings. It bought Boulder Brands, owner of Udi's Gluten Free Bread, for $975 million last year. Conagra and Pinnacle Foods are among the companies weighing offers for Reckitt Benckiser Group's North American food business, estimated to be worth around $3 billion, Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday. watch now The retail sector has seen a series of ugly earnings misses, but one report last week caught Jim Cramer's eye as one of retail's stunning wins: that of Ulta Beauty . "There's no hemming and hawing: same-store sales are the most important metric in retail, and it's no different with Ulta," the "Mad Money" host said. "The company posted a phenomenal 14.3 percent increase for the quarter, which is all the more amazing when you consider that it comes on top of a 15.2 percent gain one year ago." The cosmetics retailer attributed its same-store sales success to three key factors: traffic to the second-tier and strip malls that host its stores, price increases, and e-commerce strength. Cramer noted that management did not mention tailwinds stemming from the "selfie generation" that seems to be driving cosmetics sales as various social media channels gain traction. That trifecta has pushed Ulta to make plans to add 100 stores to its 1,000-store roster to meet demand at its brick-and-mortar stores, making it an unusual player in the otherwise traffic-starved world of traditional retail. "Ulta's in a league of its own," Cramer said. "Ulta's got the playbook, I just don't know if anyone else can crib from it. That's how special this story is. While the sun sets on the others, it shines on Ulta Beauty." The Carnival Breeze in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Getty Images And when millennials are not shopping for makeup, Cramer believes they are taking part in the experiential economy, particularly one red-hot sector driving experience-based spending: the cruise lines. "Before the rise of social media, taking a cruise was kind of an old person's game," he said. "But now that millennials feel the need to take selfies from cool locations all over the world, they're taking cruises like never before." In fact, the industry is expected to spend $6.8 billion in 2017 on new ships that can handle 30,000 more passengers, an investment that is expected to continue through 2018 and 2019. "You don't spend that kind of dough unless you're feeling real confident about the future," Cramer said. FANG (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google) apps on a smartphone. Adam Jeffery | CNBC Though it might look like the FANG stocks Facebook , Amazon , Netflix , and Google parent Alphabet are the market's only driving forces, Cramer has found otherwise. "I'm looking at the new high list for the today, and you know what I saw? I like what I saw, which is a broad distribution among the 70 companies that hit this august list 70 out of 500 making new highs," the "Mad Money" host said on Wednesday. While the rally may feel tech-driven, Cramer noticed that only 11 of the 70 companies that hit new highs were tech stocks, mostly from the semiconductor space. Of the rest, 23 were utility companies, an understandable group to be hitting new highs considering the market's worries about a slowing U.S. economy. "But that leaves 36 stocks that have nothing to do with tech or utilities rallying today, and those are where I gain solace, solace that perhaps things aren't as narrow or as unhealthy as they seem to so many," Cramer said. Dion Weisler, CEO, Hewlett-Packard Scott Mlyn | CNBC Cramer also sat down with HP Inc. President and CEO Dion Weisler, who said that the idea for the company's blockbuster device, a mini-printer that connects to smartphones called the HP Sprocket, originally came from a conversation with an intern. It started after a presentation HP's interns deliver to company executives, when Weisler asked the 14- and 15-year-olds if they print. Three of them said they did not they had no need for it. "I said, 'Well, hang on a second, what about putting a photo on your wall?'" the CEO told Cramer on Wednesday. "And with perfect innocence, this kid said to me, 'What, stick my phone on the wall?' And it was kind of at that point that we said, 'We've got to make print relevant. Emergency meeting, everybody. How are we going to do that?' and that's when the idea of the Sprocket came up." Con Edison CEO: Customer-focused Means Energy Efficient Finally, Cramer spoke with John McAvoy, the chairman, president and CEO of Consolidated Edison , to find out more about the utility giant and its transition to clean energy. "We're leading the transition to a clean energy economy," McAvoy told Cramer on Wednesday. "We're very customer-focused. Customers want clean energy. The communities we serve want clean energy." And despite talk at the federal level of the Trump administration pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord, McAvoy said customer demand is driving the move to cleaner energy. "Energy efficiency is one of the things that we are strong advocates for. We have invested $290 million since 2009 in incentive and rebates. Over 320,000 customers have taken advantage of that. In addition to new facilities and lower energy bills, we have the environmental advantage equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road," the CEO said. Lightning Round: Is Yahoo... Undervalued? "Before the rise of social media, taking a cruise was kind of an old person's game," he said. "But now that millennials feel the need to take selfies from cool locations all over the world, they're taking cruises like never before." Cramer said a main driver for this bounce in boating, which saw a downturn several years ago due to accidents and viral outbreaks, is a theme driven by a younger generation of consumers. "Now that summer vacation season has officially arrived, I think it's worth pointing out that the cruise lines have become truly incredible performers, with Carnival up 23 percent for the year, Royal Caribbean up 34 percent, [and] Norwegian Cruise up 18 percent," the " Mad Money " host said. As the stay-at-home economy grows, so does its counterpart, the experiential economy, so Jim Cramer dug into one red-hot sector driving experience-based spending: the cruise lines. Cruise line executives are also driving the boom. Cruises have become more luxurious, stopping at more private islands and introducing celebrity chefs to their kitchens to draw customers. In fact, the industry is expected to spend $6.8 billion in 2017 on new ships that can handle 30,000 more passengers, an investment that is expected to continue through 2018 and 2019. "You don't spend that kind of dough unless you're feeling real confident about the future," Cramer said. Take Carnival, which turned around under the leadership of CEO Arnold Donald after one of its ships capsized off the coast of Italy several years ago, when cruises were much less popular. Carnival's purchasing power enabled Donald to cut costs by negotiating lower prices with suppliers. As cruises became more popular, Carnival also raised ticket prices because people were willing to pay up for experience and more on-deck amenities. This March, Carnival shares hit a record high on strong earnings and revenue beats, and the company raised its full-year earnings forecast, bullish signs that cruises are picking up steam. "And there's more cool stuff on the way this fall, Carnival will be launching its Ocean Medallion program. That's an interactive platform that's meant to personalize your cruising experience. And, of course, they're still cutting costs while replacing old ships with more efficient new ones," Cramer added. Roger Frizzell, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Carnival, confirmed to CNBC that the market for cruising is expanding. "This is really a golden age for cruising," he said in an emailed statement. "Cruising is the best vacation value available as well as an amazing vacation experience. We believe our new OCEAN Medallion concept rolling out in November will help transform the guest experience to even higher levels." Then there is Royal Caribbean, which Cramer dubbed the group's best performer. In 2014, the company began an initiative to double its earnings by 2017 and reach double-digit returns on invested capital, and the "Mad Money" host said it looks like the company will pull it off. "In part, this strength is because of rising demand, but the company's also been very smart about cutting costs and providing customers with a superior product," he said. Royal Caribbean's last earnings report beat on earnings and was in line with revenue estimates. Like Carnival, it announced that bookings were up, on-board revenues were growing, and embracing technology was keeping the company's on-deck experience fresh. "The one piece of hair on this quarter? Well, it's kind of geopolitical," Cramer said. "China and South Korea are feuding over this new Korean missile defense system, so Royal Caribbean has had to remove South Korean tour destinations from its Chinese cruises." While that hurt Royal Caribbean's numbers, its strength in the rest of the world balanced the loss, Cramer said. Finally, Cramer turned to Norwegian Cruise, which came public in 2013. With a more modern fleet and strong routes that include an "effective monopoly" on Hawaiian cruises between the islands, the "Mad Money" host said the industry newbie has been showing its strength. "Now, Norwegian reported last we got their results three weeks ago and in a way it seemed like they were penalized for the strength of both Royal Caribbean and Carnival," Cramer said. Despite top and bottom line beats and strong guidance, Norwegian's stock slid after it reported, in part because of management's somewhat bearish commentary on the China-South Korea issue, and in part because investors were displeased with its large investments in marketing. "But I think it's been punished enough," Cramer said. "The bookings were very, very strong worldwide on both volume and price, and marketing spending is just fine if it ends up pulling in more customers." Andrea DeMarco, Norwegian Cruise Line's vice president of investor relations and corporate communications, said that she sees "tons of potential" in her company's growth prospects. "A lot of our metrics are industry-leading even though we're the smallest of the three cruise operators," she told CNBC, adding that as Norwegian is trading at the best value of the three major cruise lines, now would be a good time for investors to jump in. All in all, the cruise lines are not very expensive, with Carnival trading at 15 times next year's earnings, Royal Caribbean at 13 times, and Norwegian at 11 times 2018's expected numbers. "Here's the bottom line: even though the cruise stocks have roared higher this year, I think the whole industry has more room to run," Cramer concluded. "The only problem is choosing among Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian. I prefer Carnival love that Arnold Donald but really, I like 'em all and I bet they all go higher." Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com Siblings Caroline and Karl-Freidrich Scheufele are the fourth generation owners and co-presidents of the Chopard brand. They may share similar paths of how they fell into the family business, but their different personalities meant they have complementary relationships in running the watchmaking and jewelry empire. "I'm always the dynamic one, very impatient, and he has the patience to construct movements which I think I would not have, and I admire him for that," said Caroline, who is creative director and responsible for the women's watches and high jewelry collections. Her elder brother, Karl-Friedrich, runs the men's collections and factory operations. "We had the unique opportunity to have to help my parents building the business, which really I call it opportunity... We didn't step into something that was already built. We were actually helping my parents shaping it and so that was very exciting for both of us," said Karl-Freidrich. The Chopard story started in 1860 in the Swiss village of Sonvilier, where founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard established his workshop and worked on his craft. Beyond the third generation, there was no interest in taking over the family business and that's when Caroline and Karl-Freidrich's father Karl Scheufele stepped in and purchased the brand in 1963. "Mr. Chopard had two sons and they didn't want to take over all one was a banker, the other was a missionary in Africa. That's why we found each other two family businesses," said Karl. Uber reported a loss of $708 million in the first quarter, narrower than the $991 million reported the previous quarter, Uber confirmed to CNBC. Revenue grew 18 percent on a sequential basis to $3.4 billion. Another Uber executive is leaving, even as the privately held company is narrowing its losses. "The narrowing of our losses in the first quarter puts us on a good trajectory towards profitability," Uber said in a statement to CNBC. But Gautam Gupta, the start-up's head of finance, is leaving to join another San Francisco-based company. "Gautam is a world-class financial talent," CEO Travis Kalanick said in an emailed statement to CNBC. "Over the last four years, he has been indispensible in helping build Uber from an idea into the business it is today. We couldn't have done it without him, and I will miss his energy, focus and infectious enthusiasm. All of us at Uber wish him well in this next challenge." Gupta's departure comes as Uber has been without a chief financial officer since 2015. Uber has also lost high-profile executives like self-driving head Anthony Levandowski and president Jeff Jones. The first quarter finances and Gupta's departure were reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal. Correction: This article has been updated with the correct spelling of Gautam Gupta's name. Express Scripts , the nation's largest pharmacy benefits manager, is suing Kaleo, the manufacturer of Evzio, the injectable overdose treatment whose price quintupled last year, drawing widespread outrage and inquiries from members of Congress. Express Scripts claims it is owed more than $14.5 million in fees and rebates related to Evzio, and it has dropped the drug from its preferred list. A company that manages prescription drug plans for tens of millions of Americans has sued a tiny drug maker that makes an emergency treatment for heroin and painkiller overdoses, increasing the tension between the companies that make drugs and those that decide whether they should be covered. Jennifer Stepp and her daughter Audrey Stepp, 8, hand out trainer boxes of Evzio, a Naloxone auto-injector that helps with opioid overdoses after a Naloxone training class for children and adults to learn how to inject Naloxone into people that overdose on opioids in Louisville, Kentucky. In recent months, anger over rising drug costs set off a civil war within the pharmaceutical industry, pitting drug makers against other players in the health care system, including the little-known pharmacy benefit managers who negotiate with drug makers on behalf of insurers, large employers and government health programs. Drug makers and some members of Congress have accused Express Scripts and other benefit managers of operating in the shadows, pocketing an undisclosed share of the payments they exact from drug makers even as consumers are asked to pay inflated prices for the medicines they need. The lawsuit was heavily redacted because Express Scripts said it contained "sensitive business information," but nevertheless it provides some tantalizing details about the company's dealings. Consultants and brokers who advise employers on their prescription drug plans said it showed that Express Scripts is collecting fees that keep rising as drug prices go up. For example, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in St. Louis, Express Scripts charged Kaleo "administrative fees" that climbed sharply at the same time that Evzio was rising in price. In January 2016, when Evzio carried a list price of $937.50 for two injectors, Express Scripts billed Kaleo monthly administrative fees of about $25,000 for its commercial clients. But three months later, Evzio's price had climbed to $4,687.50, and these fees totaled nearly $130,000. That's on top of charges that included "formulary rebates," or drug discounts, and "price protection rebates," which are triggered when a drug jumps in price. Those price-protection rebates totaled $14 million most of the money that Express Scripts is trying to recoup. Benefit managers like Express Scripts typically pass the rebates they collect from manufacturers along to their clients insurers and large employers after taking a portion of the rebates for themselves. But critics, like Linda Cahn, the chief executive of Pharmacy Benefit Consultants in Morristown, New Jersey, say that the benefit managers are not transparent about what share of fees they keep, and what share they pass along to clients. Administrative fees are particularly murky, she and others said. Some of the fees are passed to clients, but benefit managers also collect other fees that are not returned to clients. "The lawsuit reveals that Express Scripts is collecting immense sums of money. No one knows what they're passing through and what they're retaining," said Cahn, who flagged the lawsuit in a note to clients Monday. "Every client and the federal government and taxpayers should insist that they do." But Brian Henry, a spokesman for Express Scripts, disagreed with her assessment and described Kaleo as a "deadbeat dad." "They owe rebates and administrative fees that we share with our clients and we are working to get that money back," he said in a statement. Henry also said, "The vast majority of the administrative fees are passed back to our clients." In cases in which they are not, he said, it is with the consent of the client. While Henry initially said that all administrative fees are passed along to Medicare plans, he later said he misspoke and that he should have said the "vast majority" of such fees were passed along to Medicare plans. Spencer Williamson, the chief executive of Kaleo, said in a statement that the lawsuit was "baseless" and that the company was committed to providing affordable access to its drug "without burdensome paperwork or high out-of-pocket costs." The lawsuit is the latest piece of bad news for Kaleo, a private Virginia company with just two products on the market. When Evzio arrived on the market in 2014, it was sold as an easy-to-use device, similar to an EpiPen, that could be stowed in a pocket or medicine cabinet and quickly used by friends or relatives to reverse the effects of a drug overdose. But while the device was initially hailed by addiction experts who said it would make it easier to stop fatal overdoses, the company came under heavy criticism in 2016, when it quintupled the price of Evzio. The price increase which came in the midst of a national opioid abuse epidemic prompted letters from members of Congress, demanding to know what had prompted the change. Kaleo has said it sharply raised the price of Evzio to cover the cost of a new patient-assistance program that lowers the out-of-pocket costs for people who cannot afford the product. Kaleo covers all of the out-of-pocket costs for patients with private insurance, and offers Evzio free of charge to uninsured people who make less than $100,000 a year. Yet the response to his decision from large corporations, some in sectors ostensibly friendly to Trump's policy agenda, backed the Paris Agreement and the objective of environmental conservation. Fulfilling a campaign promise, Trump announced his decision to exit the Paris Agreement signed by more than 190 countries a year ago citing the deal's effects on American jobs and the economy. As his political supporters applauded his decision, the president stated his intent to negotiate a new pact more favorable to the U.S. President Donald Trump 's decision on Thursday to abrogate a worldwide agreement to curb carbon emissions was met with widespread condemnation by big businesses. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who served on presidential advisory councils, immediately made good on a promise to leave those roles. Separately, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein whose firm has served as a breeding ground for key Trump administration allies like Gary Cohn and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin blasted the president's move as a "setback" for climate change efforts. "We are deeply disappointed by the recent shift in climate policy," sneaker giant Nike said in a statement. "Climate change is a serious global threat and ... the world will need to radically redesign industrial systems and economies in order to enable a low-carbon growth economy." Energy giant Shell one of several oil behemoths that have in recent years adopted environmentally friendly policies voiced support for the agreement, even as it pledged to continue working with the Trump administration on energy policy. "Shell recognizes that climate change is a challenge that belongs to all of society not one individual or one country," a company statement said. "For our part, we will continue to take internal actions and convene important conversations that acknowledge our role in providing more and cleaner energy." In an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday, Bob Dudley, CEO of BP , said that businesses and policymakers had to "transition the world to lower-carbon forms of energy." In the wake of the decision to leave the Paris accord, "we need to be really clear rather than just walking away from it what you put in place in the United States," Dudley told the network from St. Petersburg, Russia. The American Petroleum Institute refused to take a position on the Paris Agreement. However, the industry organization pointed to the shale revolution that has vaulted the U.S. into the upper ranks of the world's largest oil producers within a few short years. "We have always said that Paris was a missed opportunity to talk about how the United States is leading the world in the production and refining of oil and natural gas, and leading the world in reducing carbon emissions," spokesman Michael Tadeo told CNBC. "The United States is now near 30-year lows in carbon emissions from electricity generation. Instead of government mandates that could increase energy costs, the world should embrace our nation's energy renaissance that has lowered costs for consumers, benefited American workers and improved the environment," Tadeo added. Russia is exploring ways to regulate , the country's central bank governor has told CNBC, but sees "doubts" over the benefits of the cryptocurrency and even questions whether it should be considered a virtual currency at all. In an interview with CNBC, Elvira Nabiullina, governor of the Russian Central Bank, explained that she views bitcoin as a digital asset rather than a currency, and this is the way it should be thought about with regards to regulation. When asked whether the Russian Central Bank is looking to regulate bitcoin, Nabiullina said that the authority is "analyzing" the possibility and needs to "understand more about this internalization of bitcoin and our regulatory systems." She added that there are "risks" with the cryptocurrency. "We don't consider that bitcoin can be considered as a virtual currency. It's more digital assets with the regulation of assets," Nabiullina told CNBC in a TV interview. The central banker did not elaborate on what specific regulation would look like and said she is in no rush to put any policy into place. The governor said that the central bank does have doubts about bitcoin. "We have some doubts, we don't see some huge benefits from introducing digital assets in our economy," Nabiullina said. Bitcoin recently hit a record high of $2,791, according to data from industry website CoinDesk, marking around a 180 percent rally year-to-date. There's bullishness in the market with some predicting the price could go as high as $6,000 this year and even $100,000 in a decade. With surging prices and a market capitalization of around $38 billion, governments are becoming increasingly interested in ways to regulate the digital currency, especially as more retail investors are getting involved in the market. Japan recently passed a law to legalize payments in bitcoin which helped boost the price, with major trading volumes now coming from the country. The stance of Nabiullina marks a changed view from Russian authorities who have been trying over the years to ban bitcoin. If Russia somehow regulates bitcoin, this could potentially affect the price, especially if more investors get involved in the asset. Sean Walsh, a partner at Redwood City Ventures which invests in bitcoin and blockchain companies, said that further regulation could boost the price of the cryptocurrency and get rid of the handful of "bad actors" using it for illegal things. "I agree with the view that for retail and professional investors greater regulatory structure is very supportive because it adds to the legitimacy of the whole network," Walsh told CNBC in a phone interview. Taxation plan? Still, it's unclear where Russia plans to go with bitcoin regulation. The country's Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseev recently said the authorities hope to recognize bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a legal financial instrument in 2018 in a bid to tackle money laundering. "The state needs to know who at every moment of time stands on both sides of the financial chain," Moiseev told Bloomberg in an interview. "If there's a transaction, the people who facilitate it should understand from whom they bought and to whom they were selling, just like with bank operations." The Russian Central Bank's Deputy Chairwoman Olga Skorobogatova has also reportedly revealed plans to tax the cryptocurrency. watch now The output cut deal between OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers that was last week extended for a further nine months is a "work-in-progress" and could be broadened to include the implementation of caps on further countries, according to the oil cartel's secretary general. "We are continuously reviewing market fundamentals and you cannot at this moment rule out any further policy decisions," OPEC's Mohammed Barkindo told CNBC in St. Petersburg on Thursday. Brent finished lower in May for a fifth consecutive month with WTI also declining for the third month straight. By 12:20 p.m. London time on Thursday, both commodities were trading mostly flat for the session with Brent 0.04 percent higher at $50.77 per barrel and WTI 0.35 percent higher at $48.49. Acknowledging the market's recent volatility, Barkindo noted that in addition to reducing oil stockpiles to near five-year average levels, a key aim of the deal was to reduce the amount of pricing instability. "The level of volatility in the market has been of concern not only to us in OPEC but also to the non-OPEC as well as the consuming countries I think going forward we are on course - along the way, you may have some bumps here and there as a result of other factors that may not necessarily be related to the fundamentals but in general we are on course to achieving our objectives," he stated, before adding that this would not deter signatories from persisting with the agreement. "It (the volatility) is largely I understand due to some automated trading models and some expectations on what we should do or should not do but we will not be disrupted because we firmly believe that the extension of the declaration of cooperation to the first quarter of next year is in the best interest of all producers and consumers and you can see that the fundamentals are gradually but steadily improving," the secretary general declared. watch now Barkindo highlighted the decision last year by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Khalid Al-Falih, and his Russian counterpart, Alexander Novak to come together in China and cooperate in an attempt to drum up a fix to address the challenges faced by producers. Barkindo said this was the turning point for the oil market. He emphasized both sides' continuing active commitment and determination to resolving the market's instability as critically important to all producing countries. Mohammed Barkindo, Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries aron M. Sprecher | Bloomberg via Getty Images Citing a statement from Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson, China Daily said the communist nation is "gravely concerned" over reports about the new THAAD launchers. It also said the official indicated "deployment will severely damage China's security interests and undermine the regional strategic balance." China's state-owned media on Thursday criticized reports new THAAD anti-missile launchers were secretly brought into South Korea without approval from the Seoul government. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system after arriving in South Korea on March 6. The U.S. military deployed the system in response to North Korean missile threats. South Korean President Moon Jae-in was quoted this week as saying it was "very shocking" to learn that his own country's Defense Ministry failed to report to him that an additional four launchers for the THAAD missile shield system have been brought into the country. The new launchers are in addition to two that had already been installed. Moon, who took office May 10, ordered a probe into why he wasn't informed about the additional THAAD rocket launchers. As a presidential candidate, Moon sought to delay deployment of THAAD and asked for more discussion on the matter. He also suggested while running that the U.S. could do more harm in the end by rushing the deployment. The fuss over the U.S. bringing in more THAAD anti-missile launchers now has some American analysts questioning whether Moon might be playing into the hands of China. Moreover, they say there's a risk the new South Korean president could ultimately change course on THAAD for economic reasons. That said, Moon insisted Wednesday that he isn't seeking to reverse the current deployment arrangement between Washington and Seoul, which was reached last July. Regardless, defense analysts said much is at stake because of the continuing threat from North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. "You've got folks who are in place, elected by the people, who are not representing them well," said John Venable, a U.S. Air Force veteran and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based conservative think-tank. The defense expert added: "There is no harm in having the THAAD system in place. It's a political talking point that a politician wants to use to distance himself from America." Also playing out in the THAAD drama is Moon's apparent attempt to win favor with Beijing, which has applied economic pressure on Seoul to remove THAAD, which stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. For South Korea, the economic clout of China has proven to be a mixed blessing. China represents about one-quarter of the trade with South Korea and the addition of Hong Kong makes that figure exceed 30 percent. However, Beijing and its state media have waged a campaign to essentially boycott South Korean businesses and to reduce tourism travel to the U.S. ally. "The Chinese have essentially put a de facto blockage on South Korea for deploying THAAD," said Harry Kazianis, director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, a think-tank founded by former President Richard Nixon. "When they lose money from a big economy like China tourism, manufactured goods, other types of trade that hurts them. So that's why this is a much bigger deal than it should be," Kazianis added. Analysts say China opposes THAAD because it believes the advanced anti-missile radar system's powerful radar gives the U.S. and South Korea capability not only to spot ballistic missiles from North Korea, but to potentially look deep into China to monitor military activities. The THAAD system, which is made by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin , went operational in early May at a location about 130 miles south of Seoul. The first launchers for the system arrived in South Korea in March. There were suggestions at one point that the new launchers were brought into South Korea by the U.S. military without knowledge of the Seoul government. The U.S. Department of Defense, though, rejects the assertion it left Seoul out of the loop on THAAD. The Pentagon's spokesman, Army Major Jamie Davis, said in a statement Wednesday that the Pentagon had "worked closely and (had) been fully transparent" with South Korea, or the Republic of Korea (ROK), throughout the entire THAAD process. "The rising North Korean missile threat makes THAAD a defensive necessity and the ROK-U.S. alliance moved as quickly as possible, together, to bring this important capability to the ROK," he added. "To be quibbling over interceptors is really a small tragedy," said Kazianis. According to Kazianis, "North Korea has over 1,000 missiles that literally could strike South Korea at any time. So they need as many interceptors as they can get." Ultimately, experts suggested the new THAAD controversy from Seoul over additional launchers benefits China because it creates friction in the U.S.-South Korean alliance. "China likes to use the North Korean threat to drive a wedge between the Republic of Korea and the United States," said Tom Karako, a senior fellow of the International Security program and director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think-tank. At the same time, North Korea's latest ballistic missile test on Monday added to growing concerns about the threats posed by the Pyongyang regime. "This would be a terrible time for the United States, or really a bilateral alliance here, to go wobbly on this very important deployment of THAAD," he said. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis is expected to discuss the North Korean nuclear and missile threat as well as China's military build-up in the South China Sea later this week when he addresses an Asia Security Summit in Singapore, an event sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a defense think-tank. Also scheduled to attend the IISS security summit is South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo. The Yonhap news agency reported that Mattis and Han will meet on the sidelines of the event and likely will discuss both the North Korea issue and THAAD. The bilateral meeting will set the stage for President Donald Trump and South Korea's Moon to meet later this month at the White House. watch now When it comes to the time it takes for the market to forgive a company like Wells Fargo for its past transgressions, Jim Cramer says the big bank is not unlike one food chain that also paid its dues. "My suggestion if you own Wells Fargo, as my charitable trust does? Sorry, but it does take 18 months kind of Chipotle -like for the American public to truly forgive. Remember, Wells Fargo's the Chipotle of banking, so don't get too excited because the company's got about a year left in purgatory," the "Mad Money" host explained. Still, after seeing the stock of Wells Fargo, and a slew of other lesser-known names, rise on Thursday, Cramer was comforted that the rally was broader than many investors seemed to think. "The rap against this market was that it was all FANG all the time, with a smattering of cloud and some Tesla ," Cramer said. Today, the rally got broader, much broader, and that has to make you feel a little more confident that stocks can keep going higher, even after this year's first five months of positive returns." FANG (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google) apps on a smartphone. Adam Jeffery | CNBC Turning to tech, Cramer spoke with Veeva Systems founder and CEO Peter Gassner, who told the "Mad Money" host that his cloud computing company, which serves the life sciences space, has plans to grow its $7 billion addressable market. "We're always expanding our market, and I also think when you have a really good-quality system, a really good-quality technology that really fits the need, you expand the market," Gassner said. The CEO touted the company's latest quarter, which he dubbed a "30-30 quarter" because the company grew both revenues and profits by over 30 percent. And although the cloud seems hot now, Gassner said that the breakthrough industry is just getting started. "We're in the early days of cloud overall. This is a macro-level trend of computing that's going to play out over the next 20, 30 years," the CEO said. Aneel Bhusri, CEO of Workday. Mark Neuling | CNBC Then, after cloud application provider Workday reported a strong quarter, CEO Aneel Bhusri gave Cramer a simple reason why companies are choosing his software platform over larger rivals like SAP and Oracle . "It all comes back to having a great product and taking care of customers," Bhusri told Cramer on Thursday. "Where I think we've really carved out our success has been at the high end of the enterprise, these very large companies where we're really the only proven solution in the marketplace." A recent Goldman Sachs survey of CIOs showed that IT professionals are turning to Workday at the expense of Oracle and SAP. Bhusri said that with a customer satisfaction rate of roughly 97 percent, it is not hard to see how that factors in to the financial and human capital management company's gain in market share. President Donald Trump announces his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accords in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 1, 2017. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images People may be up in arms about President Donald Trump's decision to leave the Paris climate agreement, but Jim Cramer sees one glaring problem. "There's only so much any president can do unilaterally," the "Mad Money" host said. "While Trump supporters may cheer that he made good on a promise to pull out of the agreement, something he campaigned on, there's another part of his agenda that seems to have gone fallow that we care about here. Tax reform. It's fallen by the wayside because it requires the cooperation of Congress. And, at least right now, it almost feels like the White House has given up on Congress." In fact, what Cramer called Washington's "legislative logjam" has thrown a wrench into a number of pro-business policies the Trump administration vowed to enact, including corporate tax reform, repatriation of cash from overseas, and health care reform. Now Inc. CEO: Shaky Waters for Shale? Finally, Cramer sat down with Robert Workman, the president and CEO of Now Inc. , also known as DistributionNOW, an international oil and gas distribution company. Looking ahead at the oil industry's future, Workman predicted that relations between shale producers and OPEC would stay frigid for some time. "My theory of this is pretty simple: I think it's going to be shaky waters between shale producers and OPEC for a while. Maybe in three, four, five quarters more, you'll find people who think it's not going to last that long," the CEO told Cramer on Thursday. That said, after a major downturn in the oil patch, Workman's company has turned around, deploying some $750 million in capital, acquiring 12 companies, and chasing profitability, something the CEO said could happen this quarter if Canadian business serves. "We originally felt like we could get to profitability, from EBITDA perspective, by Q3," Workman told Cramer. "Depending on how this breakup is in Canada if it's not as strong of a breakup as past years, there's a chance we get to positive EBITDA this quarter." Lightning Round: Cramer's Go-to Philadelphia Stock After meeting with a CEO of a company that pays a 31 percent federal tax rate, Cramer could not help but think of how much money that company would make if the rate were cut to 15 percent. In fact, what Cramer called Washington's "legislative logjam" has thrown a wrench into a number of pro-business policies the Trump administration vowed to enact, including corporate tax reform, repatriation of cash from overseas, and health care reform. "There's only so much any president can do unilaterally," the " Mad Money " host said. "While Trump supporters may cheer that he made good on a promise to pull out of the agreement, something he campaigned on, there's another part of his agenda that seems to have gone fallow that we care about here. Tax reform. It's fallen by the wayside because it requires the cooperation of Congress. And, at least right now, it almost feels like the White House has given up on Congress." People may be up in arms about President Donald Trump's decision to leave the Paris climate agreement , but Jim Cramer sees one glaring problem. "Remember, that's the one ideological position we have on 'Mad Money': we're pro higher stock prices," Cramer said. "If I thought tax reform was really on the table, I would've been pounding this stock to you, telling you you've got to buy it." Instead, with the Russia probe, Trump's errant tweets, stalled health care reform, and the latest Paris accord development, that possibility now seems far-fetched. "There was a time when I would've pounded the table on the bank stocks after yesterday's drubbing because I believed that some of the most onerous regulations that have hamstrung banks from controlling their own destiny would be repealed by now," Cramer said. But now, trading weakness has overshadowed prospects of deregulation for the bank stocks, putting them in uneasy territory. Cramer even argued that Trump's deregulation efforts may actually be backfiring, as the commander in chief seems more focused on unraveling restraints on fossil fuels. "Trump's pushing fossil fuels all over the place, but coal just isn't economic versus natural gas in most parts of the country," Cramer said. "Trump favors aggressive oil drilling, but all that will do is cause more of a glut and lower prices. Self-fulfilling." The "Mad Money" host asserted that whether investors think Trump still influences market moves or not, at the end of the day, the economy is receiving little fuel from Washington. And while the Obama administration proved the market can still move up with few pushes from the federal government, Cramer found it unfortunate that the self-avowed pro-business president is doing so little. "What we have now is a businessman president who's rendering himself irrelevant by spending his time tweeting about his former opponent, Hillary Clinton, and replaying his only big win to date, the election," Cramer said. "That's not exactly businesslike, and it's not what's needed to live up to this administration's promises on economic policy that impact business that seemed so bankable six months ago." Questions for Cramer? Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up! Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Vine Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com The Associated Press reported today that Donald Trump has been giving his cellphone number to the leaders of allied countries like Canada, Mexico, and France and telling them to call him directly. The Associated Press took a scolding tone, suggesting that the president is endangering national security by having sensitive conversations over a mobile device. Former Pentagon adviser Derek Chollet ominously told the AP: "If you are speaking on an open line, then it's an open line, meaning those who have the ability to monitor those conversations are doing so." But is talking to foreign leaders on a cellphone really such a security risk? Experts from Rice University and Security Research Labs told me it wasn't so obvious. More from Vox: Rolling back the birth control mandate is part of a much larger GOP strategy The legal risks of Jared Kushner's meeting with a Russian banker, explained The GOP's "Hillary Slayer" will soon be in charge of investigating Trump in the House The security of a smartphone depends on how it's configured and how it's used. And while Trump himself is hardly a security expert, the US government employs some of the world's most sophisticated security professionals. And they have likely taken elaborate precautions to maximize the security of the president's wireless communications. We don't know exactly what security precautions might have been taken, but one clue comes from a recent reports that Trump has swapped his ancient Android phone for an iPhone. According to Axios's Mike Allen, Trump's new iPhone has just one third-party app: Twitter . It's probably an updated version of the locked-down iPhone President Obama described last year. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, the former president complained about the phone's limited functionality. "I imagine they locked down the phone in a variety of ways beyond removing apps," says Dan Wallach, a security expert at Rice University, by email. An obvious change, Wallach says, would be to replace the default phone app which makes calls over the insecure conventional cell phone network with an app that routes phone calls through an encrypted link to NSA headquarters in Fort Meade, MD. "That's a pretty good solution," says Karsten Nohl, a security expert at Security Research Labs who has done groundbreaking research on the security of cellular networks. Indeed, he says, making calls using an encrypted smartphone app could be "as safe as what you'd be using from a landline phone in the White House." Of course, no communications system is perfect. Nohl says one big issue is that different countries have developed their own proprietary encrypted networks for internal communications. These systems aren't compatible with each other, so when world leaders call each other, they're sometimes forced to use unencrypted lines. But Nohl says countries face this challenge whether their leaders are making calls with a cellphone or a landline phone. It's also possible that despite the National Security Agency's precautions, foreign governments could hack into Trump's cellphone itself. But in that case, it wouldn't matter that much whether Trump took calls on his cellphone or via a nearby landline so long as the smartphone was in the room, the hackers would be able to hear every word Trump said. Indeed, it's likely that when Trump makes calls using his cellphone, the biggest security threats come from things other than his own cellphone. For example, we can assume foreign intelligence agencies are trying to hack the personal cellphones of Trump's aides, family members, and others who spend time with the president. They may also try to plant listening devices in locations like Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort where Trump might have sensitive conversations. This is why presidents normally have sensitive conversations in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities essentially high-tech tents that ensure no listening devices are within earshot. But there doesn't seem to be anything inherently insecure about a president taking calls from foreign leaders on a cellphone that has been suitably locked down by US intelligence agencies. Modern cryptography is extremely robust, and it allows cellphones to make calls that are essentially impervious to eavesdropping. The FBI and Congress are examining a campaign event last spring during which Donald Trump, Jeff Sessions and Jared Kushner were in a small gathering with Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak and other diplomats at Washington's Mayflower Hotel, multiple U.S. officials told NBC News. Five current and former U.S. officials said they are aware of classified intelligence suggesting there was some sort of private encounter between Trump and his aides and the Russian envoy, despite a heated denial from Sessions, who has already come under fire for failing to disclose two separate contacts with Kislyak. Kushner also denied through a spokesman that he met privately with Kislyak that day. The officials acknowledged to NBC News that the evidence does not amount to proof, and they have declined to provide details about it. More from NBC News: Is new PAC Joe Biden's last act in politics or first step toward 2020? Women's equality party: Sophie Walker aims to oust Philip Davies Ohio sues Big Pharma, blaming drug makers for causing opioid epidemic "The Department of Justice appointed special counsel to assume responsibility for this matter," Department of Justice spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement. "We will allow him to do his job. It is unfortunate that anonymous sources whose credibility will never face public scrutiny are continuously trying to hinder that process by peddling false stories to the mainstream media. The facts haven't changed; the then-Senator did not have any private or side conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower Hotel." CNN reported Wednesday about the investigative interest in the Mayflower event, which took place on April 27, 2016. NBC News has been discussing the matter with knowledgeable sources for weeks, seeking more clarity about why Congressional investigators believe there may have been a private meeting. A U.S. official with knowledge of the matter told NBC News that the FBI also is scrutinizing the Mayflower event, which was sponsored by a pro-Russian think tank. The official said the FBI is interested in who was at the event and what was said, in the context of the counter-intelligence investigation into Russian election meddling. That official said there was no indication the bureau is zeroing in on Sessions. Sen. Al Franken, D.-Minnesota, who originally questioned Sessions about his Russian contacts during a confirmation hearing for Sessions' appointment as attorney general, discussed the matter Wednesday night on MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell "It had been characterized one way, but we had some reason to believe that wasn't the case," Franken said about the event. "It had been described in a way that he could say, 'I don't remember that.'" It has long been known that Trump briefly met Ambassador Kislyak that day at a VIP reception shortly before he gave a foreign policy address at the hotel . But witnesses said it wasn't a private meeting, and White House officials dismissed it as inconsequential. "Mr. Trump warmly greeted Mr. Kislyak and three other foreign ambassadors who came to the reception," the Wall Street Journal reported in May 2016. Kushner and Sessions were also in the room, contemporaneous news reports say. Sessions' aides have insisted he did not speak to Kislyak. Congress is investigating the credibility of intelligence seeming to contradict that account, current and former U.S. officials say. And Franken, in a March letter to the FBI with Judiciary Committee Democrat Patrick Leahy, asked the bureau to investigate any contacts between Sessions and Russian officials, and to brief him on the results. He has not yet received an answer, an aide said. The FBI investigation into Russian election interference is now supervised by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and Sessions is walled off from it, having recused himself. In March, the Center for National Interest, the right-leaning, Russia-linked group that hosted the event, said that the receiving line "moved quickly and any conversations with Mr. Trump in that setting were inherently brief and could not be private. Our recollection is that the interaction between Mr. Trump and Ambassador Kislyak was limited to the polite exchange of pleasantries appropriate on such occasions." Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation after it emerged that he had met twice with Kislyak after telling senators under oath during his confirmation hearing that he had not met with Russian officials about the Trump campaign. "In retrospect," Sessions told reporters, "I should have slowed down and said, 'But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times, and that would be the ambassador.'" Lawmakers involved in the Russia investigation would not discuss the April meeting. "I can't comment on any of that," Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence committee , told NBC News. "Can't talk about it," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, a member of the committee. In a little noticed portion of a March congressional hearing on the Russia investigation, Rep. Mike Quigley, a Chicago Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, accused Sessions of having committed perjury about an alleged undisclosed third meeting in April. He noted that Sessions had failed to disclose meetings with Kislyak in July and September, during a time the Russians were "hacking and dumping" stolen emails in the election campaign. He added, "Unfortunately, what we're reading now is that there was a third meeting as early as April of last year in Washington, D.C., a meeting at which Candidate Trump was present and the Russian ambassador was present. At some point in time, this goes well beyond an innocent, under the best of circumstances, 'Oh I forgot' sort of thing, or `That doesn't count.' When you correct your testimony in front of the United States Senate, you're still under oath and you're swearing to the American people that what you're saying is true. Well, the third time is well beyond that and is quite simply, perjury." Quigley said he could not discuss the basis of his remarks about the April event, other than to say he wasn't relying solely on news reports. Any confirmation of a private meeting with Kislyak in April would raise a host of questions, most particularly for Sessions. April 2016 is when officials at the Democratic National Committee first noticed suspicious activity on their network activity they would later learn was part of a Russian hack. At Sessions' confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Franken asked him, "If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what will you do?" Sessions replied: "Senator Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." In March, the Washington Post reported that Sessions had met twice with Kislyak once in the senator's office in September, and once in July at a Heritage Foundation event. On March 2, at a news conference announcing his recusal from the Russia investigation, Sessions said: "I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign. And the idea that I was part of a quote, 'continuing exchange of information' during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government is totally false." He acknowledged, however, that the two meetings reported by the Post had occurred. He said he didn't recall much of what was discussed. He said he took the meetings as a senator, not a Trump adviser. A reporter asked if he recalled meeting with Kislyak any other times. "I don't recall having met him," Sessions answered. "It's possible I'm on the Armed Services Committee and things happen, but I don't recall having met him before those two meetings." A significant fact lies buried inside MEP Richard Suliks report on how subsidiarity could save the European Union: EU programs are reinforcing the very Communist-era behaviors they are intended to eradicate. Taxpayer-funded grants from the European Union are fueling cronyism and corruption, especially in its newest and most vulnerable member states. EU funds inflict the worst corrupting of the political process in former Communist countries, Sulik, an MEP from Slovakia, writes: Despite the good intention, European funds have become the largest source of corruption in Central and Eastern Europe, from the local level up to the political elite. Due to corruption, resources within the EU are reallocated through the funds in a very inefficient way. His report highlights two continental programs, in particular: the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). The ESIF is supposed to drive and direct investment throughout Europe as part of its 351.8 billion cohesion policy, which turns most of Eastern Europe into net beneficiaries of EU largesse. But Sulik notes: The problem with this idea is that every single euro invested by ESIF funds into the economy must first be taken out of the economy through taxes. The private sector is then left with fewer resources for its own investments. Decisions on investments from ESIF funds, including those going into the private sector, are made by bureaucrats in the ministries, which leads to distortions of the market environment, selective favouritism of selected companies, and considerable inefficiency in spending. (Emphasis added.) In a similar vein: The EFSI destroys competition on the market, it cannot and does not create new investments and does not support the private sector as a whole. It merely diverts investments, which would have otherwise been created by the private sector, to areas chosen and approved by bureaucrats. Thus, contract-seekers strive to sway government administrators and, human nature being what it is, they do not always limit themselves to legal or ethical methods. Suliks findings corroborate numerous other studies about the role EU funds play in enhancing graft and bribery. For instance, the Corruption Research Centre Budapest (CRCB) found in 2013 that EU funds in CEE [Central and Eastern Europe] deteriorate the quality of government and increase corruption. Transparency International discovered that, while corruption is rare in Western Europe, bribery rates range as high as 42 percent in Moldova, 34 percent in Albania, 29 percent in Romania, and 24 percent in Lithuania. As a result, taxpayers in all 27 EU member states shoulder a heavier tax burden than necessary. The Economist reported that corruption increased the cost of EU contracts by $5 billion a year. That further diverts productive capital or family savings away from useful (and self-directed) goals. It takes money from struggling families or communities and places it into the pockets of the well-connected. However, corruptions greatest toll is extracted from the justice system. Susan Rose-Ackerman has written that, in a crony or corporatist system of government, [o]nly those who already have a close trusting relationship with government officials and politicians may enter the bidding. (Quoted in A Theory of Corruption by Osvaldo Shenone and Samuel Gregg.) Thus, EU funds have the opposite of a democratizing effect. They act as a magnet, enticing government figures to engage in bribery with vendors (or vice-versa) in exchange for contracts. Naturally, this violates numerous scriptural injunctions against bribery, as well as classical notions of justice. (For more on the latter, see Shenone and Gregg.) Favoritism violates that Biblical precept that all human beings are endowed with equal dignity and thus deserve an impartial rendering of justice based on their actions. Yet Suliks conclusion will be familiar to those from nations, like his own, that so recently labored under the yoke of Marxism. The greater the level of government intervention in society, the more the weak must curry favor with the powerful. In a Communist system, where the State directs all economic activity, corruption becomes pandemic. The ground for bribery is never more fertile than when ones survival, and that of ones family, depends upon the sufferance of politicians, bureaucrats, and functionaries. Communism created structural incentives for engaging in corrupt behaviors, which became such a widespread fact of life that they became rooted in the culture in these societies, according to a 2005 article in the International Review of Sociology. The transitions toward democracy and market economies have not yet erased this culture of corruption. Far from eliminating this blight, the EUs pursuit of an ever-closer union is making things worse. (Photo credit: Paul Sableman. CC BY 2.0.) Elon Musk to depart President Trump's business council after the president announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Accord. Musk had served on councils advising Trump on business, manufacturing jobs and infrastructure. He had defended his decision to serve the president, despite criticism. However, on Wednesday Musk warned he might quit if Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement. Leaving the agreement is "not good for America or for the world," the Tesla and Space X CEO said in a tweet. Elon Musk said Thursday he will leave his positions on three presidential councils. The landmark climate deal calls for the U.S. to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by between 26 and 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, among other things. Trump has said the Paris accord was negotiated to have terms that are unrealistic and unfair to the U.S. The president is looking to withdraw from the accord and immediately restart talks to set targets that would be more fair . However, French, German and Italian officials said they do not believe the agreement can be renegotiated. The accord was the result of more than 20 years of negotiations, and the only countries in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that have not signed on to the deal are Syria and Nicaragua. Proponents of the deal expect it will help bolster businesses like those that Musk runs. Both electric cars and solar energy can be used to help reach the targets proposed in the deal. Musk isn't the only CEO who has pushed Trump to uphold the deal. Others include Apple and Microsoft . Silicon Valley investor Doug Derwin, who had pledged to spend up to $2 million of his own money on a campaign to pressure Musk to quit the councils, welcomed the news. "Thanks, Elon, for doing the right thing," said Derwin, in a statement sent to CNBC on Thursday. "Welcome to the resistance." Watch: Macron says Paris climate deal 'irreversible' The CEO of European utility firm Enel would be "extremely disappointed" if, as expected, President Donald Trump pulls the U.S. out of the landmark Paris Agreement. Speaking to CNBC at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2017, Francesco Starace said he thought "it would be bad that the U.S. leaves the Paris Agreement, it would be a blow to the Paris Agreement itself from a symbolic standpoint." Trump is set to announce his decision at 3:00 p.m. ET today. Under the Paris Agreement, reached at the end of 2015, world leaders have committed to making sure global warming stays "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. While many are worried about the impact of the U.S. leaving the accord, Starace sought to strike an optimistic note. "We have to remember that the energy policy of the U.S. is really driven by the energy policies of the states of the USA, which have different policies: you have very little in common with Wyoming and California, for example." Most of the states seem to be sticking with their policies, Starace added, and there was no particular worry that, in the medium term, there would be a change in programs or investment policies. California, for its part, has ambitious plans for renewables. It has set itself the target of generating 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and wants to cut petroleum use in cars and trucks by as much as 50 percent in the next 15 years. Starace went on to address the issue of whether Enel and other businesses in the renewable space would think twice about putting more money into U.S. projects if the U.S. did indeed leave the Paris Agreement. "Look, the way projects are financed in the U.S., no, I don't think there is going to be any problem midterm," he said. "I think for the next three years, the investment flow is basically earmarked and secured." "Of course, if this attitude gets worse or is complicated by different moves further down, we have to see," he went on to add. "At the moment we don't have any alarm at all." Pedestrians walk past an Express Inc. store in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. "This has a lot more to do with weak traffic issues than merchandise issues," Steven Marotta, a research analyst for C. L. King & Associates, told CNBC in an interview. "People just don't go to the mall anymore." "Like other apparel retailers, Express has been impacted by a decline in customer traffic to malls and in waning interest in apparel," GlobalData Retail analyst Hakon Helgesen wrote in an email. First-quarter same-store sales, including those made on its e-commerce platform, fell 10 percent, compared to a 3 percent drop in the same period a year ago, Express said Thursday. With Thursday's losses, the stock has tumbled more than 56 percent over the past 12 months and is down about 40 percent for the year-to-date period. The retailer's shares sank on the heels of its disappointing first-quarter report Thursday. It closed at $6.27, down more than 19 percent. The million-dollar question is if this trend will continue for Express in the coming quarters, or if sales will start to pick up, Marotta said. "I think it hinges more on macroeconomic factors impacting consumers' spending on soft goods than it does Express' ability," he said. Marotta cited the fact that Express' e-commerce sales climbed 27 percent for the quarter. "If they weren't doing those things right, people wouldn't be buying their stuff online." Meanwhile, Express continues to close stores. During the first quarter it closed nine, and it will shutter an additional 11 stores by the end of this year. This is higher than the 10 closures Express had initially planned for the full year, "and reflects the proactive approach we're taking in managing our fleet," the company said. Express reported an adjusted loss of 6 cents a share for the latest period, which included a loss of 3 cents per share related to "certain discrete tax items" and shuttering its Canadian stores, the company said. The adjusted earnings were short of a Thomson Reuters' forecast for a 3 cent loss. Sales fell 7 percent to $467 million from a year ago and missed a $467.9 million Thomson Reuters' forecast. The apparel chain said it now expects comparable sales for the year to be in the negative-low single digits, down from a previous estimate of flat-to-low single digits. "Our updated guidance reflects adjusted numbers excluding the impact from exiting Canada," CFO Perry Pericleous said on a call with analysts and investors. "We expect our sales and market performance to improve as we move through the year. We also expect store traffic [to] remain challenging and the retail environment to remain promotional." Express now expects to earn between 41 cents and 48 cents a share, on an adjusted basis, for the year, down sharply from a previous forecast of 65 cents to 73 cents a share. Industry report after industry report tells of slowing customer traffic and predicts the closure of more malls. This week, Credit Suisse estimated 25 percent of all U.S. malls will need to close by 2022. Part of this is fueled by the growing threat from Amazon.com. "However, in the case of Express, these prevailing trends are made worse because the chain has weak visibility, even among its target demographics," Helgesen wrote. "It is not a brand that is foremost of mind and so is particularly reliant on passing footfall to bolster trade." Express has been trying to address these issues with its product and by improving the experience of shopping with the retailer. On its earnings conference call, the company said its efforts were "gaining traction," and it highlighted what separates it from e-commerce giant Amazon. "We can create a curated assortment for the customer with a very specific fashion point of view, which is more difficult for someone like Amazon to do," CEO David Kornberg said on the earnings conference call. "We also have bricks-and-mortar stores and have a better opportunity to create a better customer experience than they do at this point. So those are things that are in our favor in ways we can combat Amazon longer term," he said. Also, Express has stepped up its marketing efforts by partnering with supermodel Karlie Kloss in a spring advertising campaign. But GlobalData Retail's Helgesen said he doesn't expect the current marketing efforts "go far enough in giving Express the distinct personality or point of view that it needs to thrive in the crowded apparel market ... There is much more work to do to inject energy into a brand that is still somewhat lifeless." EXPR 12-month performance Source: FactSet Watch: A tale of two retailers Facebook already stands to suffer under German legislation that would impose fines of millions of euros on social networks that do not remove fake news or hate speech, she added. "Both prefer to see themselves as neutral technology platforms but they have been transformed into media platforms that is why we are so concerned," she said. Natasha Lamb, Arjuna's director of equity research and shareholder engagement, said she believed that even though both companies had taken steps to address the problem of fake news spreading online, neither had gone far enough. Impact investing funds Arjuna Capital and Baldwin Brothers are set to put forward proposals at the annual meetings of Facebook and, next week, Alphabet , demanding that the companies evaluate the impact of fake news flows on their reputations and whether it will create public policy risks. Facebook shareholders will confront Mark Zuckerberg over the social network's role in spreading fake news at the company's annual meeting on Thursday, arguing that democracy is at risk every time it tweaks an algorithm. When false content is being propagated at scale over Facebook's platform that presents a real risk . . . to our democracy Ms Lamb is hoping to meet Facebook management at the meeting on Thursday, but they have not yet confirmed. "The big risk to Facebook is a loss in user trust and people getting what has been coined 'Facebook fatigue' and turning away from the platform," she said. "When false content is being propagated at scale over Facebook's platform, that presents a real risk not only to the company and user trust in the content they find on Facebook but also to our democracy and having an informed electorate." Facebook has been under fire after several of the most shared stories on the social network during the US presidential election campaign were fake, prompting questions about their role in the election of President Donald Trump. After Mr Zuckerberg initially dismissed the allegations that the platform had influenced the election as "pretty crazy", it has since shown signs of taking the issue more seriously. Facebook has tried to cut off financial incentives to fake news websites, is partnering with fact-checkers around the world to identify hoaxes, and has created a journalism project to work more closely with legitimate publishers. Facebook opposes the measure set to be put forward, arguing that it has been working to address the issue of false news and hoaxes for years and the content is already prohibited by its community standards and terms of service. Alphabet, Google's parent, also recommends stockholders vote against the proposal. Analysts at Sustainalytics, a provider of environmental, social and governance research on companies, said in a report on Tuesday that they thought investors would become more interested in how companies protected themselves from the risks of fake news. Only 16 per cent of media and internet companies studied had what the analysts called "adequate or strong" measures in place to tackle false information, with the analysts giving Alphabet and Facebook lower scores than media companies such as Thomson Reuters and the New York Times, and a far lower score than the top-rated company, the broadcaster Sky. watch now On one medium-sized farm in western Kansas, fourth-generation farmer Derek Sawyer is doing all he can to stay afloat. He has 2,500 acres of land and about 700 cows, but looming on the horizon is a White House budget proposal that would cut $38 billion in subsidies to farmers like him. President Trump's budget would slash several programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture including crop insurance that farmers say have been a lifeline in recent years. About $28 billion is on the chopping block from crop insurance alone. Sawyer's Land & Cattle grows wheat, corn and soybeans. Sawyer took out his first crop insurance after his grandfather passed away and said he wouldn't be farming right now if it weren't for the protection. "It's definitely not a program that helps you get rich," Sawyer said. "But crop insurance will come close to helping us cover the expenses of the crop." The program helps farmers afford the cost of buying insurance for their crops. According to Montana State University economics professor Vincent Smith, crop insurance premiums total about $9.5 billion annually. The federal government currently covers about 60 percent of the cost, or $6 billion. Farmers contribute the rest. It has been really rough the past couple of years. We're looking at corn and wheat prices that are roughly half of what we were seeing five or six years ago. Derek Sawyer Kansas farmer The president's budget calls for capping crop insurance subsidies at $40,000 per farmer, saving $16.2 billion over a decade. The administration argues that farmers don't need an incentive to participate in crop insurance, because it's already an integral part of their business models. Separately, the White House proposal would cut nearly $12 billion from a safety net known as the harvest price option that provides a buffer to farmers facing a harvest shortfall. "The goal of this proposal is to optimize the current crop insurance program so that it will continue to provide a quality safety net at a lower cost," the administration said in its budget. But the American Farm Bureau, an industry lobbying group, said the proposal would "gut" the crop insurance program. The group's chief economist, Bob Young, said kicking people out of the pool could make insurance more expensive. Young said family farms would likely be affected. He said farms bigger than 1,400 acres like Sawyer's account for about two-thirds of corn production. Grain truck offloads freshly cut wheat at Sawyer Land & Cattle. Source: Kyle E. Arnold, Arnold Sound & Video The White House budget also calls for eliminating subsidies to farmers with revenue of more than $500,000 a year. The current limit is $900,000, Smith said. If enacted, the proposal would save $653 million over 10 years. Young said farm revenue is down about 50 percent from 2014 because of lower commodity prices. "To come in and get this kind of a whack, the sector would really feel it," he said. At Sawyer's farm, annual revenue for the past several years has been about $3 million, but Sawyer said his profit margin is razor-thin. It took a record wheat crop last year just to break even, he said. "It has been really rough the past couple of years. We're looking at corn and wheat prices that are roughly half of what we were seeing five or six years ago," he said. "We're looking at the cost of production on nearly all the crops exceeding the value of the crop at harvest." Farmers pin hopes on Congress To be sure, the White House budget is generally considered a wish list. The farmers are hoping relief will come when Congress writes its own version of the budget. In addition, lawmakers must renegotiate the 2014 Farm Bill, which is set to expire in September 2018. That bill was particularly bruising to farmers, slicing $23 billion from the Department of Agriculture over 10 years. The Farm Bureau called Trump's proposed cuts a magnitude higher. Although Congress is in recess this week, the House and Senate Agriculture committees have begun hearings on the Farm Bill reauthorization. When Congress returns next week, budget negotiations will begin in earnest. "We will fight to ensure farmers have a strong safety net so this key segment of our economy can weather current hard times and continue to provide all Americans with safe, affordable food," committee chairmen Rep. Mike Conaway, R.-Texas, and Sen. Pat Roberts, R.-Kan., said in a statement. watch now Ford is not laying off 20,000 of its workers, a spokesperson for the auto company told CNBC on Thursday. Challenger, Gray & Christmas on Thursday reported the number of jobs employers planned to cut in May had jumped, citing massive layoffs at Ford. The widely followed report led with a claim that the auto industry announced 20,271 job cuts for the month, with the majority of those stemming from Ford. On Friday, the consultancy firm corrected its error, saying planned layoffs dropped to 33,092 in the month from the 51,692 initially reported. In its report Thursday, Challenger CEO John A. Challenger said: "Ford's announcement of 20,000 global layoffs to streamline and cut costs is a typical strategy of large corporations who need to pivot to stay competitive." However, Ford told CNBC it never confirmed the 20,000 number with any media source. In fact, the actual number is more like 1,400 jobs being eliminated, according to a Ford spokesperson. Challenger used that figure in its corrected report Friday. Ford "plans to reduce 10 percent of our salaried costs and personnel levels in North America and Asia Pacific this year, using voluntary packages," a Ford spokeswoman told CNBC on Thursday. "We expect 1,400 salaried positions to be affected. This action does not affect the following skill teams: manufacturing, product development, IT, Global Data and Analytics and Ford Credit," the spokeswoman added. In an email to CNBC, Challenger Gray's Blake Palder cited media reports from the Washington Examiner and Forbes as its sources for the numbers. Officials from the media organizations did not immediately reply to CNBC's request for comment. Palder told CNBC, "It was based off those articles that I used the numbers for our report." Below, we've embedded the full audio of the interview from our podcast Recode Replay and the full video. We're posting all the other sessions from Code to that feed on Apple Podcasts , Google Play Music , Spotify (mobile only), TuneIn and Stitcher . Yeah, but I was thrilled. I mean, hey, not in the White House but Rodham Rye is on the shelves. [laughter] Swisher: Ok, al l right. We'll just put it right here, just go , " Give me a shot. " Swisher: Now let's just get the alt right platform Hillary Clinton has a drinking problem [HRC laughs]. But if you'd like a drink at any point, this is for you to take home. Swisher: So we brought you Rodham Rye [HRC laughs], which is people see it? it's actually Hillary Clinton rye made for you. Swisher: I think they voted for you, I think they did, a lot of these people [HRC laughs]. Before we start, there's a distillery in Washington, D . C . and I've heard you like whiskey. Kara Swisher: So now, we're going to do an interview we're very excited about. Walter, why don't you ... And the investigation that they conducted ended in July, it was over, and I have my complaints about former director Comey, but it was done. And then it was reignited and it became the major reason toward the end, based on the best analysis that I can find, that I lost ground and ended up losing. So obviously, turn the clock back. But what was done, and I think it was interesting, I know you had Dean Baquet here from the New York Times yesterday, and they covered it like it was Pearl Harbor. And then in their endorsement of me, they said, "This email thing, it's like a help desk issue." So it was always a hard issue to put to bed, but we put it to bed in July and then it rose up again. Well, if you went all the way back, doing something that others had done before was no longer acceptable in the new environment in which we found ourselves. And there was no law against it, there was no rule, nothing of that sort. So I didn't break any rule, nobody said, "Don't do this," and I was very responsible and not at all careless. So you end up with a situation that is then exploited, and very effectively, for adverse political reasons. And it was maddening, because in the middle of a hard-fought campaign, it's hard to stop and say, "Wait a minute, what you think you know about this is not accurate, let me tell you. You can still judge me, you can still hold me accountable, that's fair game." But there was so much else going on at that time. Swisher: And you didn't handle it? That's a mistake on your part? Or they way it was used was a mistake on your part? Because we're trying to get at what you think you misjudged. Yeah, we don't probably have enough time for everything, but look. The overriding issue that affected the election that I had any control over because I had no control over the Russians, too bad about that, but we'll talk about it, I hope was the way that the use of my email account was turned into the biggest scandal since lord knows when. And you know, in the book I'm just using everything that anybody else said about it besides me to basically say this was the biggest nothing-burger ever. It was a mistake, I've said it was a mistake, and obviously if I could turn the clock back, I wouldn't have done it in the first place, but the way that it was used was very damaging. Mossberg: ... and I know you have stuff to say about it. But I have to ask you first, discounting all those outside forces which were obviously very important, what misjudgement did you make, and your staff, that thinking about it was something serious and that you wish you had done the opposite? Mossberg: So , we're going to talk a lot about tech and politics and tech in our country , your views on it. W e were talking backstage and I think this was the first election where tech sort of got weaponized in a way that directly affected the outcome of the election ... Yes, right. Well I hope we get into this because look, I take responsibility for every decision I made, but that's not why I lost. So I think it's important that we learn the real lessons from this last campaign because the forces that we are up against are not just interested in influencing our elections and our politics, they're going after our economy and they're going after our unity as a nation. So yes, back in '98 look, I have been watching this and have been, obviously, the target for a number of years. And what is hard for people to really although now after the election there's greater understanding is that there are forces in our country put the Russians to one side who have been fighting rear-guard actions for as long as I've been alive, because my life coincided with the Civil Rights movement, with the Women's Rights movement, with anti-war protesting, with the impeachment ... you know, the driving out of office because he was about to be impeached president ... Swisher: Right, ok ay . [WM laughs]. What is it like now? How do you look at it now? Because it is used. Because you're someone that's got to know that a target's on your back almost every ... You know, right now every bot in Russia is working their way with the last 20 seconds of things you said. Swisher: So let's talk about that ... but it was used. And I think we've discussed this, you and I have discussed this, this idea of ... how many years did you talk about the vast right - wing conspiracy? And to be part of that, to be one of the very few people advising the president on that, that was a fascinating issue. And I thought I could tell that to a lot of different people, and you know, men got paid for the speeches they made. I got paid for the speeches I made. And it was used, and I thought it was unfairly used and all of that, but it was part of the background music. And I was a Senator from New York. I knew these people and I knew what they did for the economy and I knew what they did to the economy. And I think that speaking to them, raising questions which I did in 2008 and 2009 you know, people have no reason to know this, but in the 2008 campaign before the Iowa caucus, I actually ran an ad about the looming mortgage crisis. So I have to say, Walt, I never thought that anybody would throw out my entire career of standing up and speaking out and voting against and voting in favor of what I thought are good policies, because I made a couple of speeches. When you're the Secretary of State, people want to hear what you talk about. The most common thing that I talked about in all those speeches was the hunt for Bin Laden. You know, that was one of the central missions that I felt from the time the towers fell on 9/11 as a Senator from New York. Well, I gave speeches to many, many groups. I spoke to camp counselors, I spoke to health-care executives, I spoke to, you know, just a wide range of groups, right? And not just in the United States but particularly in Canada and a few other places. Mossberg: But you're not somebody who needed that money for the next week's shopping, and you knew you might run , so why do it? Mossberg: You knew you were going to run for president, or you thought you might, or probably, you were thinking about it you had to be thinking about it as a possibility why did you do those? Mossberg: Okay, I want to do one more of these misjudgement things and then we're going to go on. Goldman Sachs. I mean it was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, its data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money into it ... Let me just do a comparison for you. I set up my campaign and we have our own data operation. I get the nomination. So I'm now the nominee of the Democratic Party. I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party. Mossberg: How do you do it? How do we do it going forward? Mossberg: Or having Russians help you. But it is a political weapon, it's a fact of life now. Mossberg: Ok ay , but that's my point. My impression is that the left, the Democrats, liberals, whatever you want to call them, including Bernie Sanders 's folks and everybody on the D emocratic side, which at once time, 12, 15 years ago, was ahead of the Republicans on tech as it existed then, is way behind now. I'm not rethinking it, but everybody else better rethink it, because we have to figure out how to combat this. They were connected to the bots that are just out of control. We see now this new information about Trump's Twitter account being populated by millions of bots. And it was such a new experience. I understand why people on their Facebook pages would think, "Oh, Hillary Clinton did that, I did not know that. Well that's going to affect my opinion about her." And we did not engage in false content. We may have tried to put every piece of information in the best possible light, and explanations, but we weren't in the same category as the other side. Lies? You're really ... that's a good word too [laughter and applause]. The other side was using content that was just flat-out false, and delivering it in a very personalized way, both sort of above the radar screen and below. And you know, look, I'm not a tech expert by any stretch of the imagination. That really influenced the information that people were relying on. And there have been some studies done since the election that if you look let's pick Facebook. If you look at Facebook, the vast majority of the news items posted were fake. They were connected to, as we now know, the 1,000 Russian agents who were involved in delivering those messages. Here's what the other side was doing, and they were in a different arena. Through content farms, through an enormous investment in falsehoods, fake news, call it what you will ... Well, look. Here's how I see it, and I hope others will jump into this debate in the months ahead because there's a lot we have to understand if we're going to avoid this continuing assault on our sources of information. Here's how I think about it. You know, I was very proud of my data and analytics team. They were largely veterans of the Obama campaigns, '08, '12, and then we brought in new people and brought in a lot of new expertise to build the next generation. And we had a lot of help from some people in Silicon Valley as well. And what we thought we were doing here's the arena we were playing in was going to like Obama 3.0, you know, better targeting, better messaging, and the ability to both turn out our voters as we identified them, and to communicate more broadly with voters. Swisher: So talk about the weaponizing of it. Because one of the things that's interesting ... Now you've recently, and we've talked about the uses of Facebook, the uses of we can get into Donald Trump's Twitter thing in a second, because that can be a whole conference , essentially. But how do you see how it was weaponized, and it begs the questions, why weren't you weaponizing it? Like , why is the right wing so good at it? And the Supreme Court said, "Oh, we don't need it anymore," throws it out, and Republican governors and legislatures began doing everything they could to suppress the vote. So, that was before we get to the Russians, or Cambridge Analitica, or anything of the outside. And there were lots of factors at work and yeah, it was aimed at me, but it's a much deeper, more persistent effort to try to literally turn the clock back on so much of what we've achieved as a country. And what we saw was, in the election particularly, and I appreciate what Walt said, the first time that you had the tech revolution really weaponized politically before it was a way to reach voters, you know, collect fundraising, do things that would help the candidate who was behind the messaging that changed this time, and it changed for a number of reasons we should talk about. You had Citizens United come to its full fruition. So unaccountable money flowing in against me, against other Democrats, in a way that we hadn't seen and then attached to this weaponized information war. You had effective suppression of votes. Those of us who can remember the Voting Rights Act, the expansion of the franchise, and then I was in the Senate when we voted 98 to nothing under a Republican president, George W. Bush, to extend the Voting Rights Act. And let's talk about, you know, Watergate and all the stuff that we lived through. And we were on a real roll as a country despite assassinations, despite setbacks. You know, opening the doors of opportunity, expanding rights to people who never had them in any country, was frankly thrilling. And I believed then, and I believe now, that we're never done with this work. And so part of the challenge is to maintain the energy and the focus to keep going forward. But you've got to recognize the other side is never, never tired either. They're always looking to push back. And a few times I've tried then and it's been less than successful, let me just say that [laughter]. And it's a little maddening because I'm as angry about what's going on as anybody because I've seen us go backwards as I said in the very beginning about so many things. Economic opportunity, advancements in human rights, civils rights, and the rest. Well, let me say this. You know, I have been on many speaking platforms with many men who are in office or running for office. And the crowd gets you going and you get up there and I watch my male counterparts and they beat the podium and they yell and the crowd loves it. You couldn't do that because you're a woman. And if a woman does that, it just backfires on her. And it made m e think, are we never going to be able to have a woman in politics who can use that technique, which is an effective technique, which shows I'm emotionally with you just by oversimplifying and getting angry. Is that true? Do you really feel you couldn't do that? Mossberg: Yeah, but I want to ... I want to follow up on something while we're on this bleeding over into misogyny thing, and it comes from the recent New York Magazine profile of you, which I thought was fascinating and interesting. But the part of it that just le a pt off the page for me as a r eader was you and some of your staff , folks were quoted in there as saying, " Okay, Bernie S a nders could get angry at the podium about the fate of the people who are trapped in the globalization/automation thing. " Trump certainly did that, oversimplifying, getting angry. He's likable enough, absolutely! [WM laughs] More than, more than. So the campaign ... Look, were there things we could have done differently? You can say that about any campaign. And you know, President Obama broke that racial barrier, but you know, he's a very attractive, good-looking man with lots of ... I won three million more votes than the other guy did [cheers, applause]. And I had a very, very close contest. Basically our votes were neck and neck. He ended up with more delegates and you know, depending on how you counted, I was slightly ahead, slightly behind. So we were absolutely on par when it came to actually getting votes. I won two Senate races in New York. So I never said I was a perfect candidate, and I certainly have never said I ran perfect campaigns, but I don't know who is or did. And at some point it sort of bleeds into misogyny. And let's just be honest, you know, people who have ... [applause] a set of expectations about who should be president and what a president looks like, you know, they're going to be much more skeptical and critical of somebody who doesn't look like and talk like and sound like everybody else who's been president. Swisher: Okay. But you need to campaign differently, because you know, you were saying policy doesn't matter, politics did. And Donald Trump ... Look, a lot of people say that he was a great campaigner, a bad p resident. You were a terrible campaigner, you would have been a great p resident kind of thing. But you have to win and not ... Swisher: So does that signify that you need to think about campaign ... Not you in particular. Are you running again, by the way? A number of people in this audience were helpful to me, and I thank you. And we had a really good ... we had a great tech program. We had a really good set of policies. Okay. In 2008, which was the last time you had a contested election, not somebody already in the White House, the policies put forth by President Obama, Senator McCain, got 220 minutes of air time, okay? In 2016, despite my best efforts and giving endless speeches and putting out all kinds of stuff, we got 32 minutes. That's all. Oh I think... Well, look. The networks made more money than they've made in years, and we've got lots of network executives saying things like, "You know, he may not be good for the country but he's good for business." And there was that. And putting him on all the time. Calling in wherever he was from. And here's a really telling statistic that has been validated. So, I had this old-fashioned idea that it really mattered what I would do as president [laughter]. And so I laid out very specific plans and I costed them out because I also think it's important to be fiscally responsible. So I think a lot of people ... "We'll get to that after the election. We're not going to worry about it right now." And that turned out to be a terrible mistake. Yeah. And you know, I never believed that, I always thought it was going to be a close election because our elections are always close. And you know, if you have an R next to your name or a D next to your name, you end up often falling in line to vote for your candidate. Mossberg: You're talking about Nate Silver and the Times. " She has an 88 percent ... No she has an 89 percent chance. " So if I put myself in the position of running a platform like Facebook, first of all, they've got to get back to trying to curate it more effectively. Put me out of the equation, they've got to help prevent fake news from creating a new reality. That does influence how people think of themselves, see the world, the decisions that they make. I don't know enough about what they could have done in real time. It's not like we were not having conversations with them, because a lot of the people on my team were. I also think I was the victim of a very broad assumption I was going to win. "It doesn't matter what you do to her ..." So with respect to the platforms, you know, I am again not exactly sure what conclusions we should draw. But here's what I believe. I believe that what was happening to me was unprecedented and we were scrambling. We went and told everybody we could find in the middle of the summer, the Russians were messing with the election. And we were basically shooed away, like, "Oh you know, there she goes, vast right-wing conspiracy." Now it's a vast Russian conspiracy. Well, turned out we were right. And we saw evidence of it. We could track it. And we couldn't get ... we could not get the press to follow it and we never got confirmation. Remember, Comey was more than happy to talk about my emails, but he wouldn't talk about the investigation of the Russians. So people went to vote on November 8th having no idea that there was an active counter-intelligence investigation going on of the Trump campaign. And you know, DC Leaks and Goosefer, which were dropping a lot of this stuff on me, they haven't done anything since early January. Their job was done. They got their job done. So we're going to, I hope, be able to connect up a lot of the dots, and it's really important because when Comey did testify before being fired this last couple of weeks, he was asked, "Are the Russians still involved?" And he goes, "Yes, they are. Look, why wouldn't they be? It worked for them!" And it is important that Americans, and particularly people in tech and business understand, Putin wants to bring us down. And he is an old KGB agent. I had, obviously, run-ins with him, because that in large measure prompted his animus toward me, and his desire to help Trump. But it is deeper than that, it is way beyond me. Yes ... yes. I'm leaning Trump. I think it's pretty hard not to. I think that the marriage of the domestic fake news operations, the domestic RNC Republican allied data, you know, combined with the very affective capabilities that the Russians brought. You know, basically the group running this was the GRU which is the military intelligence arm of the Russian military and they have a very sophisticated cyber operation, in bed with WikiLeaks, in bed with Goosefer, in bed with DC Leaks. Let me separate out the questions. First, we're getting more information about all of the contacts between Trump campaign officials and Trump associates with Russians before, during and after the election. So I hope that we'll get enough information to be able to answer that question. Swisher: I don't know if you're a lizard or not but ... [HRC laughs] I'm guessing you're not a lizard. But who do you think directed it? And do you blame Facebook, or any of these platforms, for doing nothing? What should they have done and are they culpable? Swisher: So, a couple of questions to this. That was fascinating actually. I was like riveted to that. Who was directing them, from your perspective? And do you blame and I'm just going to use Facebook, because that's where a lot of this was done, especially around the fake news, either the Pope was voting for Trump, or there was one particular one I got in an argument with Facebook people about, you being a lizard , that was going around. And they kept arguing about the gr a y area and this and that, and I remember being in a call saying, " She's not a lizard! " What does it mean? And we know that the Google searches for this stuff were particularly high in places in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. And we know it hurt us. Because as I explain in my book, you know, the Comey letter, which was, now we know, partly based on a false memo from the Russians. It was a classic piece of Russian disinformation comprimat, they call it. So, for whatever reason, and I speculate, but I can't look inside the guy's mind, you know, he dumps that on me on October 28th, and I immediately start falling. But what was really interesting, since the mainstream media covered that, as I say like Pearl Harbor, front pages everywhere, huge type, etc. And all of the Trump people go around screaming, "Lock her up, lock her up," and all of that. At the same time, the biggest Google searches were not for Comey, because that information was just lying out there, it was for WikiLeaks. And so voters who are being targeted with all of this false information are genuinely trying to make up their minds. "Should we do this?" "What should she say?" You know, just the stuff that is so common, basic. Within one hour they dumped them, and then they began to weaponize them. And they began to have some of their allies within the internet world, like Infowars, take out pieces and begin to say the most outrageous, outlandish, absurd lies you could imagine. And so they had to be ready for that, and they had to have a plan for that, and they had to be given the go-ahead. "Okay, this could be the end of the Trump campaign, dump it now. And then let's do everything we can to weaponize it." Yeah, [laughter and applause], and forgive him for what he said about you. So, they were run-of-the-mill emails, especially run of the mill for a campaign. Now let me just finish, because this is the second and third step. So we know that they did that. We understand it. Best example: So within one hour, one hour of the Access Hollywood tapes being leaked, within one hour, the Russians let's say WikiLeaks, something dumped the John Podesta emails. Now, if you've ever read the John Podesta emails, they are anodyne to boredom [laughter]. But ... Like a fake newspaper, and so the Russians in my opinion and based on the intel and the counterintel people I've talked to could not have known how best to weaponize that information unless they had been guided. Who told them? Who were they coordinating with, or colluding with? Because the Russians historically in the last couple of decades and then increasingly, you know, are launching cyber attacks, and they are stealing vasts amounts of information, and a lot of the information they've stolen they've used for internal purposes, to affect markets, to affect the intelligence services, etc. So this is different because they went public, and they were conveying this weaponized information and the content of it, and they were running ... You know, there's all these stories of guys over in Macedonia who are running these fake news sites and I've seen them now and you sit there and it looks like a sort of low-level CNN operation ... Seventeen agencies, all in agreement, which I know from my experience as a Senator and Secretary of State, is hard to get. They concluded with high confidence that the Russians ran an extensive information war campaign against my campaign, to influence voters in the election. They did it through paid advertising we think, they did it through false news sites, they did it through these thousand agents, they did it through machine learning, which you know, kept spewing out this stuff over and over again. The algorithms that they developed. So that was the conclusion. And I think it's fair to ask, how did that actually influence the campaign? And how did they know what messages to deliver? Yeah. We know. So, they married content with delivery and data. And it was a potent combination. Now, the question is, where and how did the Russians get into this? And I think it's a very important question. So, I assume that a lot of people here may have and if you haven't, I hope you will read the declassified report by the Intelligence community that came out in early January. So Trump becomes the nominee and he is basically handed this tried and true, effective foundation. Then you've got Cambridge Analytica and you know, you can believe the hype on how great they were or the hype on how they weren't, but the fact is, they added something. And I think again, we better understand that the Mercers did not invest all that money just for their own amusement. We know they played in Brexit, and we know that they came to Jared Kushner and basically said, "We will marry our operation," which was more as it's been described, psychographic, sentiment, a lot of harvesting of Facebook information, "We will marry that with the RNC on two conditions: You pick Steve Bannon, and you pick Kellyanne Conway. And then we're in." Trump says, "Fine, who cares," right? So Bannon, who'd been running the Breitbart operation, supplying a lot of the ... untrue, false stories ... So they raised best estimates are close to a hundred million dollars, they brought in their main vendors, they basically said, "We will never be behind the Democrats again," and they invested between 2012 and 2016 this hundred million dollars to build this data foundation. They beta tested it. They ran it ... somebody was able to determine about 227,000 surveys to double check, triple check, quadruple check, the information. The DNC, to keep it going. Okay. Donald Trump, who did nothing about really setting up any kind of data operation, inherits an RNC data foundation that, after the Republicans lost in 2012, and they thought they had a very good operation with the setup that Romney did called ORCA, they thought that was really state of the art, they lose. Swisher: Health care. Health care. I care deeply about this. And I remember when I was doing health care back in the day, '93, '94, and we were trying to move an agenda forward and I went to the American Academy of Pediatrics. And I've always been particularly concerned about what happens to kids who don't get the health care they need. Mossberg: Right. And I gave a really hot speech, and I got hammered for it, repeatedly. Because I don't know what the way forward will be for others, Walt, but for me, trying to convey my commitment, my lifelong commitment, and not only that, what I've done. And you know, I'd put up against anybody who ran, or thought of running, what I've already accomplished compared to what they have on behalf of people. It just is very difficult to go from intensity, passion, emotion, to anger. So, yeah. Try and stay on the other side of that line. Swisher: So spinning it forward, what do you think a Democrat ... how do you assess the current Democratic scene in terms of tech, and also what will happen with this Russian investigation? I'm not going to speculate on who might end up running. We have to first win elections in New Jersey and Virginia in 2017, we've got to take the House back and keep our incumbents and maybe make progress in the Senate. Everything will change if we win in 2018. Mossberg: Do you really believe we can? Yes I do. Mossberg: I say "we," I'm retiring soon. Yeah, we. Yes. Mossberg: We [laughter] can take the House back? [applause] Yes. Mossberg: We've got 20-something Senate seats that we have to defend. I mean seriously, come on. You're really smart about this. Let's be honest. Let's look at the House. We have to flip 24 seats, okay? I won 23 districts that have a Republican Congress member. Seven of them are in California, Darrell Issa being one. If we can flip those, if we can then go deeper into where I did well, where we can get good candidates, I think flipping the House is certainly realistic. It's a goal that we can set for ourselves. Mossberg: Is the party organized to do that? Well, we're working on it. I'm working on it. Mossberg: We don't have a lot of time here. Well you know, but we've got two very good political strategists running the Senate and the House for Democrats, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. They know how to win elections. They're incredibly focused, tireless and effective. So honestly, I'm hopeful about the House. And I'm working on it. I have a new organization called Onward Together and I'm helping some of these new groups that have sprouted up online to recruit candidates, run candidates, help candidates go to town halls, expose Republican members for their hypocrisy and the like. So we're working really hard on this. Mossberg: What about the Senate? I think the Senate is hard to make progress, but I think it's possible to hold our own. All of this depends on what we're talking about. So if the Republicans continue to make progress as they are in going into the next generation of personalization, message delivery, phony stories ... Go to Netflix and say you want to see a political documentary, eight of the top 10 last time I checked a few weeks ago were screeds against President Obama or me, or both of us. Now, I love Netflix. We're not making the documentaries that we're going to get onto Netflix. Mossberg: This is because Hollywood isn't liberal enough? [laughter] No, it's because Democrats aren't putting their money there. You know, there's a classic line. Democrats give money to candidates, they want a personal connection. So the classic line is Democrats like to fall in love, Republicans just fall in line. Republicans build institutions, Republicans invest in those institutions, Republicans are much more willing to push and cross the line, and Democrats ... I've talked to dozens of donors since my election experience and I've said, "Look, I'm all for you trying to figure out who you're going to support in 2020, but what about 2017 and what about 2018 and what about helping the DNC try to leapfrog over its horrible data deficit, and how about supporting some of these new groups and see what they can do to generate some activity?" We are not good historically at building institutions. And we've got to get a lot better. And that includes content. We have a great story to tell. You know, I found when I started the campaign that I had to say in practically everyone of my speeches, "Barack Obama save the economy, and he doesn't get the credit he deserves." I had to say that because people had been told differently. They didn't feel it yet. You know, income didn't really start inching up until 2015, late 2015. Mossberg: Right. So I was swimming against an historic tide. It's very difficult historically to succeed a two-term president of your own party, because you know, we're itchy people, we like change in American, and I get it. So there was that, but he had done a good job. And you know, it was comparable ... I obviously think back to what my husband inherited, which at that time seemed to be an exploding deficit and an increasing debt. The debt of the country had been quadrupled the prior 12 years. So he had to do a lot of cleanup work, he paid a huge political price for it, lost the Congress in '94, had to fight back for getting reelected, and then we all know what happened in the second term which was bloodsport of the worse kind. And then the Supreme Court, despite Al Gore winning 500,000 more votes rules for Bush. So Bush comes in, and I worked closely with him on 9/11, but honestly the financial crisis, the morass in Iraq, and a lot of the other decisions that were made were very damaging. So then we elect President Obama, he comes in, he inherits the worst economy since the Great Depression, and he has to do a lot of things that are not easy to get it back and moving. And it was like, "Okay, thank you very much, let's get excited about somebody who's going to really stir us up as opposed to do the job that needs to be done now." Mossberg: Great analysis on the congressional at the national level [applause]. Let's move down ballot for a second. One of the things that just depresses me all the time is where are the Democrats running ... You know, they're mad at everybody. Every Democrat, every liberal, lots of moderates, even some moderate Republicans, are scared and angry about Trump. Right, right. Mossberg: I don't see him running for school board, I don't see him running for city council, I don't see him running for state legislature ... That's starting to change, Walt. It really is. I've got every finger and toe crossed. So among the groups I'm supporting is a group called Run For Something, started by a young woman who worked for me and my campaign. And they've had thousands of people go on the website to try to figure out what does it mean to run and then to put in information, "Here's what I'm thinking of." And they're beginning to win some races. Another group that's been around for a longer time called Emerge America supports women who run. Their grassroots operations invested in women in Nevada, we flipped both houses. I won Nevada, we won the House and the Senate of Nevada. So they're playing catch-up and trying to be more progressive and smart about their policies. You're absolutely right. We used to leave so many races uncontested, and we're not going to do that anymore. Swisher: So when you think about that ... One of the things that we were also talking about last night is Republicans own local television stations, they own radio, they're better at the internet, that got that cable going although there's some issues they have over there at Fox News these days. What do you do then? Where do you leapfrog? Because obviously the internet is the best way to leapfrog that. And let's be honest, you have Hollywood on your side. There's a progressive media, most people think of the media as progressive. Well you don't, you think it's not. Like the New York Times for example. Mossberg: The false equivalency. The false equivalency. Swisher: Right, we try to be fair. Mossberg: I sense that that's changing. I hope so. Mossberg: That memo has been received. I hope so. Because what ... Swisher: So where's the in? Technologically? This goes back to the institution building. Because the media forces on the Republican side are entrenched and very effective. So you've got obviously Fox, but you also now have Sinclair buying 140-plus local stations. And they're beginning to call the shots on those local stations. Swisher: Give the example of Montana we talked about. Yeah, well so you know Montana, those of you who saw the now newly elected member of Congress literally beating up, body slamming, pushing around, a young reporter, you know what happened. You know that it had a really terrible look to it. The guy should never have been doing that. I don't know what enraged him so much being asked about health care. Sort of a strange trigger [laughter]. So the NBC affiliate in Montana, can't remember which city, Missoula or Billings. Anyway, they've just been bought by Sinclair. So the NBC mothership in New York calls this station and says, "Can you send us the footage of what happened?" They said, "No, because that reporter was from a liberal paper, and we don't think it's a story we want to be part of." Now, I find that terrifying. Because local news, yeah, there is the internet and how important it is and everybody who gets their news off of the internet, but local TV is still incredibly powerful. Mossberg: So what are we going to do about it? Well I've been ... Swisher: You and Walt, what are you going to do about it? Well I mean, we have a few ... Mossberg: I've got some time now. You would be a great adviser to one or more of our tech billionaires who want to buy some media. Mossberg: Eh, they don't listen to me. Well then, we're going to have to find other people who will compete against what is a considerable advantage on the other side. Swisher: What do you think about Jeff Bezos owning the Washington Post? I think that Jeff Bezos saves the Washington Post. I think his purchasing the Washington Post ... [applause] Which you know, I think a lot of people, a lot of his peers and friends thought, "Why would you buy this ancient medium called a newspaper?" But newspapers, like the Post, the Journal, the Times, a few others, still drive news. Drives news online, drives news on TV. And what Bezos has done, from what I'm told, and Walt and I were talking about this backstage, you know, he's interested in making it a good proposition, but he's hands off on the editorial and content front and he's basically said, "Get out there and do investigations," and they're doing some of the best investigations about what's going on with the White House now. So I think that was really a very good use of his financial resources because now we have a very good newspaper again operating in Washington and driving news elsewhere and doing kind of Whitewater-level investigations. Swisher: So we have to get to questions from the audience, and I don't think we can get intocovfefe right now because it's a longer thing [WM laughs], but ... I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians [laughter]. Swisher: Oh you did [laughs]. That is perfect, thank you so much for that. That's going to be on our site in about five seconds [laughter]. So there's a lot of calls. One of the things that I'm struck by is a lot of some of the articles are like, "You've got to stop, you've got to move on, you've got to sunset yourself and go away."How do you ... I'm offended by it, but what do you think? Because you seem mad as ever,which I love. You know what I mean? You know, look. I'm not going anywhere [applause]. I have a big stake in what happens in this country. I am very, you know, unbowed and unbroken about what happened, because I don't want it to happen to anybody else. I don't want it to happen to the values and the institutions that I care about in America. And I think that we're at a really pivotal point. And therefore I'm going to keep writing and keep talking and keep supporting people who are on the front lines of the resistance. Swisher: Terrific. Question for Hillary Clinton. Mossberg: Why don't we start over here. Guy Horowitz: Guy Horowitz, I'm from Israel. So if it's any comfort, we also had an election decided by an election day weaponized social media case. I don't know if it's comforting at all. Swisher: No it's not, it's worse. Horowitz: That guy also had like a very questionable hairdo. But we survived. So my question to you is ... In Israel we look at everything that's happening outside the U.S. and what Donald Trump is saying and doing from the Paris climate thing and everything else that's happening. It looks like it's a clear and present danger to the world. And we're all talking here, which is good. But I don't feel like we're doing enough, maybe in the U.S., definitely in the world ... Swisher: So question ... I'm sorry ... Horowitz: ... to eliminate this clear and present danger. Mossberg: And the question? Horowitz: And the question is, what can we do right now? Yeah. You know, I'm really glad you asked the question because I do think what he's doing is very dangerous to our position in the world, our leadership, and the stability of the world. I mean, when you give a blank check to the Russians and the Saudis, and others who are in engaged in authoritarian and dictatorial regimes, you are sending a message, "We don't care what you do." And that message will be heard. Now, we weren't always able to control what others did, but we sure made it clear we didn't think it was a good idea to engage in invasions and mass murders and other things that we see from the Philippines to the Middle East. When you turn on your allies and you treat them with such disdain and contempt, our democratic NATO allies who have stood with us, who came to our aide after 9/11, you are sending a message that you don't care about history, or even about the current problems that we face. Now, the only comfort I can get out of having lost in the way that I did and having the Russians play such a role is that Necron was ready and able to rebut that. He said, "I'm the Hillary Clinton of this election." And they had certain institutional and media predictions that we don't have. But he also was really smart about how he dealt with it. And it also has given a lot of good understanding to Angela Merkel and her team as she moves towards her election, okay? And I think that is important because we need to reform democracies, we need to reform economies, we need to deal with some of the issues that are coming at us like artificial intelligence and robotics and what the heck we're going to do with all these people who are not going to have jobs. There are lots of big questions that the democratic world has to face, including Israel. But we cannot stand idly by and allow Trump to continue to undermine the very strong foundation based on values that we in democracies share. Politicians come and go, but these values and the role that they play in stabilizing the world after the worst war in humanity, is critically important. You mentioned climate change, apparently they're debating in the White House whether to pull out of the Paris agreement. There are only two nations in the world that are not signatories to the Paris Agreement: Nicaragua and Syria. For the United States to throw our lot in with the very, very small number of countries that have turned their backs on climate change, is not only a breach of an agreement ... Usually when you come into office you can try to reform, maybe tinker with agreements, but part of what keeps us going is that America's word is good and you stand with your prior administration, whether it was of your party or not. They're looking to throw all that out the window. But what's really stupid about it is they're throwing out the economic opportunities that being part of the Paris Agreement provide for the United States. That is what I find totally incomprehensible. Now, it is going to be interesting to see where they end up. The president is a very impulsive, reactive personality. So if we all like the Paris Agreement, he may decide to get out of it. Not even understanding one bit about what that means. Or understanding the economic costs of it. You know, somebody is going to really ... probably more than one somebody, will really have the market for clean energy exports. China is moving full speed ahead to be that country. Some of the European countries, particularly when it comes to wind, are already there. Israel I know has some great research being done, particularly on solar. I mean, there's a huge market that somebody's going to own, and we're giving it up. There will be entrepreneurs and businesses, you will do your best to be competitive, but you won't have the full force and support of your government, and I think that is incredibly foolish. Swisher: All right. Short questions so we can get to them. Alexia Bonatsos: Hi Hillary. Hi. Bonatsos: I'm Alexia Bonatsos. First off, thank you so much for what you have done for women [applause]. Thank you. So the present administration is very befuddling. This morning Spicer said that only the president and a small group of people knows what covfefe means. [WM and KS laugh] You've been a party to a lot of classified information. Right. Bonatsos: And you were at Donald Trump's wedding. Yeah [WM laughs]. Bonatsos: What do you know about him that we don't, and how do you explain his bizarre behavior and appeal? [laughter, applause] Swisher: That's such a good question! Ah, the small group explanation. You don't have a high enough classification to know what covfefe mean [laughter]. You know, look. I was never even a social friend, it was kind of a lark to go to his third wedding [laughter, applause]. But I have to tell you, I sat behind Shaquille O'Neal, so I didn't see anything [laughter, applause]. But, seriously. The behavior that we are now seeing was always present, but it was sort of subordinated to real estate interests, right? He started attacking Ronald Reagan in 1988. You know, "Our government is a disgrace ..." So he's been an equal opportunity insulter going back many years. Started thinking about running for president in the '90s. Latched onto the lie of the birther movement about President Obama, rode that as far as he could. But he does have a visceral grasp of America's political underbelly. He really understands how to inflame people, how to motivate them, how to bond with them. Over whatever their grievance is. Whatever resentment or point of anger that you may have, if he can get into it, whether it's race or sex or xenophobia or anti ... Islamophobia, whatever it is. And so we're seeing it on a broader stage. And it is deeply troubling for not only our politics but for our position in the world. And I think the best thing we can do is to continue to stand up, continue to defend the truth. You know, I gave a commencement speech at my alma mater and I quoted my predecessor in the Senate, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, with that famous remark, "Everybody's entitled to his own opinion but no one is entitled to his own facts." And that's why we need the media, we need the tech world, we need the online world. We need everybody to be calling them out on their outrageous lies and make it clear that we can have a debate about what is the best way to provide health care, we can have a debate about a budget, but when you present a budget with a trillion dollar mathematical error, it's not like we're going to ignore it. And I think the more voices that can be pushing back, especially in areas that you know things about, the better. And then I'll just get back to politics and elections. We got to have your support here in California and across the country to try to take back the House and too, as Walt rightly says, field more people to run. And if you've ever been interested ... you know, Kara, if you've ever been interested in running, now is the time to get in there. Swisher: I've got it. And because I think people will be hungry for straight talking, common sense, factual information. We don't want to act like the American public isn't capable of making informed decisions. We just have to make sure the information we get is founded in evidence and reality. And then we can have a real debate. Swisher: And you also have to be good with the Twitter. But go ahead. Fred Davis: Hi, I'm Fred Davis, I live near you in New York. It's the day before the election, maybe the morning of the election. From everything I've read, I hear you think you're going to win. Yeah. Davis: Are those accounts accurate? Is the polling industry as inaccurate as we perceive it? And is there any quick suggestions to this crowd on how to fix it? Well, Fred, yeah, I did think I was going to win. I spent the night before the election, I started in Philadelphia. We had a 40,000-person rally with Barack and Michelle and the president had been following it closely. Those of you who know him, he was running his own polling, running his own analytics. And you know, and we thought we were going to win. That's all I can tell you. We knew, I knew, that I'd taken a tremendous hit after the Comey letter. And then later I understood the role that WikiLeaks played in it. But the Comey letter was measurable. You could see my drop. So you know, I needed a big majority to come out of Philadelphia, which I got. Close to 500,000. And I needed about a 15 to 17 point lead to come out of the Philadelphia suburbs. Before the Comey letter, based on our polling, I had about a 22 point lead in the Philadelphia suburbs. After that letter, my momentum, particularly among women in the suburbs, stopped and dropped. So I won the suburbs, but I only won them by 10. And that wasn't enough. I mean, Pennsylvania's always a tough state and you've got to come out of the city and suburbs and Pittsburgh and a few other places. Which I won! I won Pittsburgh, I won the country there, I won Scranton, I won the county there. But I just got killed out in the country and my numbers couldn't hold me up. So yeah, we did think... I think polling is going to have to undergo some revisions in how they actually measure people. How they reach people. The best assessments as of right now are that the polling was not that inaccurate, but it was predominantly national polling, and I won nationally. What was not as obvious was what was happening in states where I was under a lot of pressure from Comey, WIkiLeaks, voter suppression, fake news, all of that. And that's kind of what happened. Swisher: Okay, Rob? Rob: Secretary Clinton, good to see you. Hey, Rob. Rob: As we discussed last night, you were originally on the Senate Watergate committee in the '70s, so you know that part of it firsthand. What has to happen in 2018 to get robust activities in the House, particularly around an investigation? And to tie that back into your comments, how important is a democratic majority in your opinion to have a proper investigation into the Russia stuff and the kleptocracy and the other things that appear to be going on? Well it's critical, Rob. Now one would hope that more Republicans, as they did during the Watergate investigation, because as Rob said, I was on the impeachment enquiry staff of the house judiciary committee, and Republicans then were not happy about investigating a president of their own party, but they were open to the evidence. And we ran under the great leadership of the late John Doar, a meticulous investigation and presentation of facts. We don't have that right now in the Republican majority in the house, although they are continuing with the House investigation. And I'm hoping that that will building some momentum, because the Republicans have to be constantly pushed to put country above party. But I think it will more likely happen if we're successful in taking back the house. That's where investigations could come. Now, in the best of all worlds, if they would set up not a non-partisan, bi-partisan outside committee like we did for 9/11, and put people of unimpeachable integrity, both Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, but people who were willing to go where the facts led them, that would be ideal. I don't see that happening right now. The only point I would make is if the Republican leadership begins to believe that Trump is a big political burden to them, then they will begin to be more open to a more thorough investigation. Mossberg: So what do you think the odds are that McConnell, not Ryan, but McConnell, will come to that conclusion? It all depends upon the numbers. Mossberg: You know this guy. Yeah, I do. And it all depends upon the numbers. I think that the Senate intelligence committee is working very well together from everything that I can see. You've got the Republican chairman, Senator Berg, working with the Democratic vice chairman, Senator Warner. They are pursuing a lot of leads. So I think both ... I mean, the House Committee is trying. I have to commend Adam Schiff, if any of you are in his district he's doing an amazing job [applause]. He's just so thorough and he's so clear. So there are... there's some movement. Now with the special prosecutor being appointed, and I served with him, when I was Secretary of State he was still at the FBI. He's a man of great integrity. That will affect the pace of the investigation, it will affect what happened probably in the Congress, but it will move inexorably forward, because they will not be rebuffed the way that the Congress has been up until now. Nilay Patel: Hi, Nilay Patel, the Verge. I'm from Wisconsin. Why didn't you spend more time in Wisconsin? Well, I will tell you. We thought we were doing really well in Wisconsin. I spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania, a lot of time in Florida. We sent a lot of great surrogates including Tim Kaine and others to Wisconsin. We watched up until the very end how Russ Feingold was winning. And you know, you make these scheduling decisions based on the best information that you have, and it turned out that our information was not as reliable as I wished it had been. Patel: Did you see that before, or is that in hindsight? That's in hindsight, yeah. The other thing that's in hindsight which is really troubling is since you're from Wisconsin you may find this particularly interesting the AP did a really well-researched piece about voter suppression in Wisconsin. And they literally found people who showed up to vote and were turned away, because Wisconsin under the current governor, Scott Walker, has been one of the leaders in voter suppression, making it difficult. So the 85-year-old woman who doesn't have a photo ID because she doesn't drive anymore shows up with her medicare card and her utility bills and they turn her away. Or the African American. Or the veteran, also African American, who moves from Illinois to Wisconsin, registers to vote, gets on the rolls, but he still has his Illinois driver's license, shows up, they turn him away. The best estimate is that 200,000 people in Wisconsin were either denied or chilled in their efforts to vote. I don't think we believed at the time before the election that it would be anything like that, anything as big as that. So, I will also say that I referenced earlier, there were all these Google searches going on about WikiLeaks, and they were particularly prevalent, very high incidents, in certain counties in Wisconsin. So you had counties that had voted for Obama and were not particularly keen about voting for Trump but worried that I was going to jail, worried that I was running a child trafficking operation in the basement of a pizzeria, the kind of things that were in WikiLeaks [laughter]. You laugh, people were obsessing over this stuff. Obsessing over it. And you put yourself in the position of a low-information voter, and all of a sudden your Facebook feed, your Twitter account is saying, "Oh my gosh, Hillary Clinton is running a child trafficking operation in Washington with John Podesta." Well, you don't believe it, but this has been such an unbelievable election, you kind of go, "Oh maybe I better look into that." Swisher: Yeah, and you are a lizard. Yeah, and well, whatever I am, I'm everything. And so you being to get sucked into it. So some people stayed home, some people voted for Trump, some people stayed with me, and some people went third party, because they wanted to vote, they thought it was their duty, but they didn't like Trump and now they thought I was as bad as they were being told. So it was a confluence of all kinds of things. Samantha Miller: My name is Samantha Miller, I'm known for founding one of the first cannabis labs in the U.S. And what I wanted to say to you is that I'm inspired by you as a leader, not as a woman. Mm, thank you, thank you very much [applause]. Miller: And one of the questions I often get asked as an executive, what is some advice you can give to young women who want to attain success? I always say to them, the one thing that I point to for young women is if you can shed the need for external validation, because that's the thing that often keeps you out of the board room, that's a huge step to your success. So I would really appreciate what your advice to women is who are trying to achieve those heights of success. Well I would echo what you said. It is absolutely the case. You have to be better prepared than anybody. You have to know your stuff as well as you possibly can. You have to be brave because there's going to be a lot of setbacks and push-backs and all the things that go with it. And you have to be aware of what, up until now, has been a pretty predictable pattern. You know, Sheryl Sandberg writes about this in "Lean In" and the research is convincing. So, as a man gets more successful, regardless of his personality, he gets more likeable. As a woman gets more successful, regardless of her personality, she gets less likeable. It is just inverse. And you have to ... Eleanor Roosevelt said, "If you're going to be a woman in the public arena, you have to grow skin as thick as the hyde of a rhinoceros." And you really do have to be prepared. And it's not just in politics, it's in business, it's in, you know, the tech world, it's everywhere. And it's not easy. I mean, it's really, really hard. And I just tell young women to develop more confidence in themselves. You know, I've hired lots of young people over the course of my long career, the private sector and the public sector, not-for-profit sector, and the conversation usually goes like this. You say to a young man, "I want to give you more responsibility, I want to give you a promotion, I want to pay you more." And he goes, "Wow, great! I'm ready! Send me in!" Sometimes he says, "What took you so long?" in getting to that point. But for a young woman, it's like, "You think I'm good enough? You really do? You think I can do it?" Well I wouldn't be asking you if I didn't. But there is still, even for upwardly mobile, successful young women, those doubts, that sense of insecurity. And then when you're bombarded with expectations about how you're supposed to look and how you're supposed to act and what you're supposed to say and all the rest of it, it can become very disorienting. So, I guess the final thing I would say is, it really is important both for men and women, for mothers and fathers, for employers of both genders, to be really ready to support young women, and to give them that confidence, that external confidence, but to do everything you can to help them weather all of the push-backs and knockdowns that are going to come their way. [applause] Mossberg: All right, we only have time for one more question, and it goes back over here. Swisher: So make it good. Mossberg: Yeah, make it good. Pete Pachal: All right, no pressure. Pete Pachal from Mashable. Looking at Twitter specifically, you spoke a little bit about Facebook, but on Twitter, if you weigh all its good qualities of bringing realtime information to pretty much everyone, and its bad qualities of basically rewarding sass over substance, and generally not having a lot of nuance, do you think it has been bad or good for our national discourse in the United States? Wow. Haha. Hmm. I think it has certainly provided, as you say, positive information, quick turn-around information, to a very large audience. But I think it has become victimized by deliberate efforts to shape the conversation, and push it towards conspiracies, lies, false information. And I think it's the same problem that Facebook faces, that when you try to be all things to all people and you try to open up your platform so that people can come in, and you want to be influential because you expect people will actually tune you in and read and watch what you have, what do you do to try and contain the weaponization and manipulation of that information? I don't think we know yet. And I have a lot of sympathy at this point. Kara doesn't, but I do [KS laughs] for people trying to make these decisions. I would just urge them to hurry up. Because even if you err slightly more on the curating editorial decision-making, so some voices are going to be cut off, some fake news outlets, the guys in Macedonia are going to be denied entry into your platform, I'd rather see us erring on that side for a while to see what the effects are, instead of being kind of overwhelmed by the challenge, like, "What do you do?" I mean, how do you try and determine who should or shouldn't be on your site? And so I think it's a mixed bag. Let me just pose this question: Who is behind driving up Trump's Twitter followers by the millions? We know they're bots. Why? I assume there's a reason for everything. Is it to make him look more popular than he is? Is it to try to influence others on Twitter about what the messaging is so that people get caught up in it and lose sight of what they're trying to say? Mossberg: Well, it puts the Tweets on more feeds. More people's feeds see the Tweets. Yeah, that's my point. You've got millions of people ... the bots are coming in, you've got these repetitive arguments, you're driving up his numbers. But what is it you're trying to achieve? What is the message behind this? So you're sitting in Moscow or Macedonia or the White House, wherever you are [laughter], and you're saying, you know ... [WM laughs] Mossberg: Just three random places. That trip may not have worked out so well, you know, there's no blowback. Mossberg: Really, pushing the guy. .. Pushing the guy, failing to reaffirm our commitment to NATO, all of that. And how do we recover from that? Well, we begin to divert people again. I mean, you can't let Trump and his allies be a diversion. They are a threat. And they have been effective up until now. So Twitter is a perfect example. You're going to drive up the numbers. You've got more people chasing rabbits down rabbit holes, you've got all kinds of stuff happening. Why? To divert attention. It's like covfefe, trending, world wide. Maybe for a minute you'll forget the latest accusations about them conspiring with Russia, or their trillion dollar mathematical mistake in their budget, or depriving 23 million people of health care. You know, it's the circus. Right? It's what a classic authoritarian does. It's not just about influencing your institutions, your values. They want to influence your reality. And that to me is what we're up against. And we can't let that go unanswered, whether it's on Twitter, Facebook, or anywhere else [applause]. Swisher: Let's end on that. That's brilliant. Everybody, Hillary Clinton [applause]. CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement. watch now What is the Paris agreement? The Paris Agreement is a deal reached between 195 countries to gradually reduce emissions that cause climate change in order to prevent a major increase in the global temperatures that could raise sea levels, spark major droughts, and lead to more dangerous storms. The agreement, which was negotiated in 2015 and took effect in November 2016, was spurred by the overwhelming global scientific consensus that rising global temperatures over the last several decades are caused by man-made activity. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which pools scientific research from around the world, concluded that emissions caused were "extremely likely to have been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century" with more than 95 percent confidence. Climate change is already impacting the planet, but the specific goal of the Paris Agreement is to prevent the planet from warming by more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which scientists warn could have especially damaging consequences. What does the U.S. have to do? The agreement, which is not a binding treaty, calls on countries to make voluntary national pledges to reduce emissions and provide periodic updates on their progress. President Barack Obama committed America to a goal of lowering emissions by 26 percent to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. These targets aren't fixed forever, though, and the broad aim is to increase them over time. The agreement also hinges on developed countries like the United States, whose economies have contributed more emissions historically, helping to finance developing countries' transition to cleaner forms of energy. The plan is to raise $100 billion a year through a mix of public and private sources. On the U.S. side, Obama transferred $1 billion out of an initial $3 billion commitment to the United Nations Green Climate Fund before leaving office. But the recent spending deal in Congress, which funds the government through September, left out any contributions to the fund. Why would Trump want out? There are a number of aspects of the climate deal that run counter to the president's worldview. One, Trump does not accept the dominant scientific consensus on climate change and has a penchant for conspiracy theories that cast experts like researchers, doctors, or government agencies in the role of villain. He has repeatedly tweeted and said in campaign speeches that climate change is a "hoax" and even suggested that China another frequent Trump target was behind the plot. Trump later said the accusation was a joke, but he has said he doesn't believe China will follow through on its promises to reduce their use of fossil fuels. Two, Trump is a skeptic of international agreements and institutions in general, which he often complains tie America down with obligations that don't provide enough concrete benefits in return. In addition to the Paris Agreement, Trump has rattled allies by criticizing trade agreements and military alliances. Three, Trump is not a fan of the regulations and spending that the previous administration proposed to meet its goals, which he warns will reduce economic growth. He appointed a prominent climate skeptic to run the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, and is rolling back the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan, which was set to reduce power usage by coal plants in favor of cleaner forms of energy. Trump campaigned on reviving the coal industry and has expressed displeasure with some forms of renewable energy, especially wind. These objections aren't unique to Trump. Many conservatives opposed the Paris Agreement on similar grounds and have pushed him to withdraw. What happens if the US withdraws from the agreement? The agreement won't fall apart overnight. Already, reports suggest China and the European Union are prepared to publicly recommit to the agreement with or without the United States. Some experts say China appears to be reducing emissions ahead of schedule, in part because the country is phasing out coal quicker to reduce choking smog in its major cities. Trump also can't technically withdraw from the agreement until November 2019. It's possible he could speed things up by abandoning the underlying Senate-approved climate treaty that the agreement is linked to. It's an open question whether the United States will hit its Paris emissions target with or without the agreement. The economy is already moving away from carbon-heavy energy sources like coal in favor of cleaner natural gas and increasingly affordable renewable energy. Trump's actions may not be enough to alter that trend. In addition, states like California have pledged to pick up the slack if Trump withdraws by instituting their own environmental restrictions. It's also notable that some of the largest companies in industries that would be impacted most by climate regulation are supporting the Paris Agreement. For example, ExxonMobil, the oil giant whose former CEO Rex Tillerson is now Secretary of State, has publicly lobbied the White House not to withdraw. "I actually think we might meet our target," J. Timmons Roberts, an environmental studies professor at Brown University, told NBC News. "The technology is making the choices easier for people more quickly than expected." But supporters of the agreement warn the United States would, at a minimum, damage its relationship with close allies by bolting and cede more global influence to rivals like China. In a worst-case scenario, the move would discourage developing nations from taking further steps to limit emissions, potentially hampering efforts to reduce emissions before dangerous temperature increases are locked in. A lot of this depends on expectations. If participating nations and industry leaders assume the United States exit is only a temporary bump and that future presidents will return to the table and pursue similar policies as Obama, that could also make them reluctant to make decisions based on Trump's decision alone. Watch: Musk says he'll leave WH councils if US leaves Paris Climate Agreement Hillary Clinton says Russian hackers were "guided by Americans" in their assault on her presidential campaign. She delivered the remarks in a wide-ranging interview at the Code Conference on Wednesday afternoon. Clinton stopped just short of flat-out accusing Donald Trump and his campaign of colluding with Russia, while making it clear she believes there was foul play. These are the strongest statements Clinton has made since her election loss and some of the boldest statements of any prominent Democrat since the election. "The Russians in my opinion and based on the intel and the counterintel people I've talked to could not have known how best to weaponize that information unless they had been guided," Clinton said. "Guided by Americans and guided by people who had polling and data information." Clinton also said the intelligence community "concluded with high confidence that the Russians ran an extensive information war campaign against my campaign, to influence voters in the election." She continued: "I think it's fair to ask, how did that actually influence the campaign? And how did they know what messages to deliver? ... Who told them? Who were they coordinating with, or colluding with?" Trump, for his part, fired back at Clinton on Twitter, saying, "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC." Donald Trump tweet In the first part of the interview, Clinton was asked repeatedly what misjudgments she made in running for president. She deflected the question, blaming the media for overplaying the story about her use of a private email server but acknowledging that she wishes she hadn't done that. Clinton also attacked the Democratic National Committee, saying it was nearly bankrupt and had no data for her. But she didn't really admit to any major campaigning errors. Trump has repeatedly denounced any accusations of Russian interference in the election to help him become president. "Russia must be laughing up their sleeves watching as the U.S. tears itself apart over a Democrat EXCUSE for losing the election," he tweeted on May 11. Donald Trump tweet 2 A day later he tweeted, "Again, the story that there was collusion between the Russians & Trump campaign was fabricated by Dems as an excuse for losing the election." Donald Trump tweet 3 And on May 18, he tweeted, "This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!" Donald Trump tweet 4 Hewlett Packard Enterprise 's margins will rise towards the end of the year, and shareholders will see incremental growth, CEO Meg Whitman told CNBC on Thursday. In an interview on "Squawk on the Street," Whitman said the company is "almost all the way through probably one of the largest transformations in American business history." "By the time we're done, we will have created four industry-leading companies that I think are much better equipped to win in their markets," Whitman said. "Margins were under pressure this quarter but largely from one-time events," she said. "You recall we sold 51 percent of our China business. We made six acquisitions in the last six months, and there is some dilution associated with this acquisitions." The comment came after HPE sold its consulting and outsourcing services unit and signed a deal to sell its software division. Shares of Palo Alto, California-based HPE were lower on Thursday, a day after the tech company reported a steep fall in revenue in its servers business in its second-quarter earnings. Former Clinton Treasury Secretary Larry Summers told CNBC on Thursday the U.S. would benefit economically and on the world stage by staying in the Paris climate accord. Summers said on "Squawk Box" he "never imagined" an administration that's "way to the right of Exxon on a fossil fuel issue." The oil giant has reiterated its support of the Paris deal ahead of President Donald Trump's expected announcement Thursday afternoon to pull out of the climate agreement. Secretary of State and former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson has advocated staying in the agreement, which involves nearly 200 countries. Only Syria and Nicaragua are not part of the accord. "How can it be the right thing for the United States to create a world where there are two clubs: Everybody else and the United States, Syria, and Nicaragua?" Summers asked. The Paris climate deal will be less effective without its key participants, the Kremlin said on Thursday, commenting on an expected announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on whether to keep Washington in the global pact to fight climate change. A source close to the matter has said Trump, with whom Russia wants better ties, is preparing to pull out of the accord. "President (Vladimir) Putin signed this convention in Paris. Russia attaches great significance to it," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters. "At the same time, it goes without saying that the effectiveness of this convention is likely to be reduced without its key participants." Armored Personnel Carriers of the Philippine National Police arrive at the Resorts World Manila complex early Friday, June 2, 2017 in suburban Pasay city southeast of Manila, Philippines. A gunman burst into a casino in the Philippines on Friday, firing shots and setting gaming tables alight, and at least 36 people were killed, most suffocating in thick smoke, in what officials believe was a botched robbery. There was no evidence linking the attack at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex to fighting between government troops and Islamist militants in the country's south, said Ernesto Abella, a spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte. "All indications point to a criminal act by an apparently emotionally disturbed individual," Abella told a media conference. "Although the perpetrator gave warning shots, there apparently was no indication that he wanted to do harm or shoot anyone." Police said the gunman killed himself soon after the attack, and they later announced they were looking for a second "person of interest" who was believed to be a Philippine national. Most of the dead suffocated in the chaos as guests and staff tried to flee choking smoke at the complex after the attack began shortly after midnight (1600 GMT). Oscar Albayalde, chief of the capital's police office, said those that died were in the casino's main gaming area. Three major states said Thursday they would form a "climate alliance" to work toward upholding the Paris accord after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would withdraw from the agreement. In a statement, the governors of New York, California and Washington announced they will form a "coalition that will convene U.S. states committed to upholding" the deal and "taking aggressive action against climate change." The governors whose three states account for almost a quarter of U.S. gross domestic product said they are "committed" to meeting emissions goals set by the Paris deal and the Obama-era Clean Power Plan. Trump said Thursday that the U.S. will withdraw from the landmark global agreement to curb carbon-dioxide emissions. The president also said he would start talks to re-enter the accord with what he called a more "fair" deal, but that idea was immediately shot down by several European governments. Declaring that he was "elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the historic U.S. withdrawal from the 194-nation Paris global climate change accord. He might have checked first with the people of Pittsburgh, who voted for Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, by a 16-point margin, in the 2016 presidential election. The global agreement to limit carbon emissions to head off global climate change still enjoys the support of the local Pittsburgh mayor, Democrat Bill Peduto, who tweeted a response following' Trump's quip. Trump said the Paris agreement is more about other nations gaining a "financial advantage" over the U.S. than it is about climate change. The president said the deal, which he promised to try to renegotiate, gives "countries an economic edge over the United States," adding, "that's not going to happen while I'm president." Giving women and men, who are Planned Parenthood's fastest growing demographic access to family planning helps women succeed in the workforce, the organization's president says. However, Cecile Richards added, as Congress threatens to cut funding to organizations like Planned Parenthood, public benefits including access to birth control will force people to make other choices. The abortion rate will go up under President Donald Trump, she said. "The single biggest reason why women can participate in our economy is because they can plan their families," Richards said during the Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on Thursday. Although there's still a long way to go, technology is allowing health-care organizations like Planned Parenthood reach more patients. It currently sees 2.5 million patients in its offices, but treats millions more online through various means, she said. "Most of our patients are young people," Richards said. "They are digitally native. Everything has changed." One patient in the Arctic Circle was able to video conference with a doctor, who then had a float plane bring her a birth control device. Drones also can be used for delivering devices, Richards said. One teen texted with Planned Parenthood employees to address a health concern, Richards said. Although her issue was solved, she asked if someone would be around later that night. Texting would allow medical professionals to stay in touch past office hours. Technology can also help make teen pregnancy an "issue of the past" if people had access to more education and medical professionals, Richards said. However, there are other factors like geography and race that are also at play. Access to information needs to be improved, she said. "It's a very slow moving change," she said. Disclosure: CNBC parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox Media. Recode and NBC have a content-sharing arrangement. The chief executive of Russia's second largest crude oil producer told CNBC on Thursday that he fully supported calls from the Kremlin's former finance minister to privatize the country's oil companies. "You know that I was ideologically behind the privatization of the Russian oil industry, so I have always supported this trend," Vagit Alekperov, chief executive of Lukoil , said via a translator on Thursday. While speaking to CNBC at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Alekperov pointed out that Russia's privatization of oil companies had started over 20 years ago and stressed he expected the process would "continue further". Russia's state news agency, TASS, previously reported the country's former Finance Minister, Alexei Kudrin, had urged President Vladimir Putin to consider transforming state-owned oil companies into private firms in order to boost ailing economic growth. (L to R) Jeff Bezos, chief executive officer of Amazon, Larry Page, chief executive officer of Alphabet Inc. (parent company of Google), Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, Vice President-elect Mike Pence listen as President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting at Trump Tower, December 14, 2016 in New York City. Silicon Valley has been vocal about its opposition to the U.S. abandoning the Paris climate accord , a global agreement to reduce carbon emissions. Now, as the Trump administration threatens to withdraw the U.S. from the deal, many tech executives, including executives at Tesla, HPE and Salesforce, are urging President Donald Trump to keep the U.S. in the agreement. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, recently threatened to leave White House advisory councils if Trump drops the Paris accord. Musk tweet: Will have no choice but to depart councils in that case Musk is on Trump's manufacturing jobs council, his strategic and policy forum, and his infrastructure council. More than two dozen CEOs signed a letter that appeared in full-page ads Thursday in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Among the signatories was Salesforce' s Marc Benioff, who also took to Twitter. Benioff tweet: Dear President Trump, as some of the largest companies in the US, we strongly urge you to keep the US in the Paris Agreement. Hewlett Packard CEO, Meg Whitman told CNBC that leaving the Paris climate agreement would put the U.S. behind in jobs in the future. "Please do not withdraw from the Paris climate accord, this is not in the best interest of Americans," Whitman said on "Squawk on the Street." The president is scheduled to announce at 3 p.m. Thursday. Rosneft 's claim that Sistema stripped assets from Bashneft has no foundation, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Russian diversified holding company told CNBC on Thursday. "We think that the claim is pretty much baseless," Sistema's Mikhail Shamolin told CNBC, speaking from the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, referring to the multi-billion dollar lawsuit that Rosneft filed on May 2. Shares of the Russian conglomerate Sistema have dropped by over 40 percent since the legal claim was submitted, with Rosneft upping the amount under dispute from an initial 106.6 billion rubles ($1.9 billion) to 170.6 billion ($3 billion) last week. Rosneft is claiming that Sistema removed assets from Bashneft when the latter was owned by Sistema and prior to Rosneft taking a controlling stake in the smaller Russian oil company last October. A Moscow court rejected the case on May 10 which prompted a short-lived recovery in Sistema's stock price. Shamolin denied the lawsuit is actually a front for Rosneft chairman and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Igor Sechin and Sistema Chairman Vladimir Yevtushenkov to settle old scores emanating from the days of the mass and rapid privatization of Russian industries which began in earnest in the early 1990s. George Soros suggests the U.K. may never leave the European Union if the bloc reforms itself while Brexit negotiations are taking place. If, during the divorce negotiations, the EU manages to successfully reform itself and attract wider support from its citizens, the U.K. will want to keep its European membership, Soros told an audience in Brussels. "The divorce will be a long process taking as long as five years. Five years are a very long time in politics, especially in revolutionary times like the present," Soros noted. "During that time, the European Union could transform itself into an organization that other countries like Britain would want to join. If that happened, the two sides may want to be reunited even before the divorced was completed," Soros said. "The best thing we can do is let Obamacare explode. Let it be a disaster because we can blame that on the Democrats." President Trump Congressional Republicans may be hitting legislative roadblocks on their quest to enact repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but their efforts to sabotage the law by undermining health insurance markets are already achieving success. And the result is raising Americans' health care costs creating a Trump Tax. President Trump has outright admitted this sabotage should be the Republican strategy stating: "The best thing we can do is let Obamacare explode. Let it be a disaster because we can blame that on the Democrats." Take just what's happened over a three-day span last week. In a crucial House v. Price (previously House v. Burwell) court hearing last Monday over the ACA's cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) the Trump Administration had an opportunity to provide needed certainty and stop threatening to defund health care. These payments help keep health care affordable for millions of families. Defunding them will force premiums to increase by 19 percent according to the Kaiser Family Foundation a 19 percent Trump Tax for millions of working families. Certainty regarding CSRs reimbursement is the number one thing that insurance companies have repeatedly and emphatically said they need to stay in the market. Instead the Trump Administration injected more uncertainty into the market, punting the ruling for another 90 days to conveniently fall just a week after the deadline for insurers to file next year's final rates. 48 hours after this court hearing, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City announced it would pull out of the Kansas and Missouri marketplaces, which would leave almost 25 western Missouri counties bare. The next day, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina filed a premium increase 14 percent higher than it would have if CSRs were guaranteed for 2018 a 14 percent Trump Tax for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians. North Carolinians with the state's most popular plan would be hit with a 40-percent increase in the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum due to the Trump Tax. The company's president and CEO directly attributed this increase to the Trump Administration and Congress: "The failure of the administration and the House to bring certainty and clarity by funding CSRs has caused our company to file a 22.9 percent premium increase, rather than one that is materially lower," BCBS NC President and CEO Brad Wilson said. "The rate increase would be 8.8 percent if the CSRs were guaranteed for 2018." Last week's impacts are just the latest in a series of steps Republicans have taken to defund health care and to make the health insurance market fail. Let's review the major ways the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have worked to sabotage the Affordable Care Act: At the start of the Trump administration, the ACA was stable and as Standard & Poor's market analysis confirmed, on a continued path to improvement. On day one, the Trump Administration issued an executive order to dismantle the ACA without protecting the parts that work and without regard to the damage it would cause. Trump's HHS then slashed the television and digital advertising that helps people find out about health care options, leading to 500,000 fewer Americans getting coverage, according to some estimates. Trump's HHS cut in half the number of days people can sign up for health coverage each year. Despite the campaign of misinformation that the ACA is imploding and in a death spiral more than 12 million still people signed up. This sabotage is the opposite of what the American people want from the Administration and Congress. Instead of a partisan process like the House took, Americans want Congress and the Trump Administration to stop the partisan obsession with repeal and instead work across party lines to keep what works in the ACA and fix what doesn't. In a new national survey from Hart Research, fully 79 percent of voters say that any changes to the healthcare system need to be bipartisan and senators should work across the aisle to improve our health care. If Republicans don't, Americans are clear who will be held responsible. In poll after poll Americans - including a majority of Republicans - say that they'll hold Republicans and President Trump responsible for any issues with healthcare and the Affordable Care Act going forward. With the American people knowing who to hold responsible for the Trump Tax that raises their health care costs, the Republicans' strategy of exploding Obamacare could very well backfire. Commentary by Meaghan Smith, a vice president at SKDKnickerbocker who served as a senior advisor and communications director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the Obama Administration. Follow her on Twitter @MeaghanRSmith. For the latest commentary on the markets in the U.S. and around the world, follow @cnbcopinion on Twitter. WATCH: CBO: 23M fewer insured under revised GOP health care bill Turner Drive house.JPG After more than a year of headaches for city officials and police, this condemned home on Turner Avenue in Ocean Springs is set to be demolished later this month. (Warren Kulo/Gulflive.com) OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- After more than a year of problems, including the theft of utilities and multiple arrests there, a home in western Ocean Springs is set for demolition. During their May 16 meeting, Ocean Springs aldermen approved the request of the city Building Department to have the home at 1112 Turner Avenue demolished. City Building Official Hilliard Fountain said his department placed a notice of demolition on the home Thursday morning and bids from two demolition contractors have been received. The house is scheduled to be torn down June 19. "Finally, enough was enough, so we followed the process to have it removed," Fountain told The Mississippi Press. Issues with the home first surfaced in April 2016, when neighboring property owners noted significant increases in their monthly power bills. A Mississippi Power crew came out to investigate and discovered someone was stealing electricity and running it to the Turner Avenue home. In order to steal the electricity, the power panel box had been hotwired and subsequently caught the side of the house on fire. The power company cut the line overhead, but neighbors continued to complain about the theft of electricity and ultimately homeowner Barry Willard was arrested for the theft of utilities. Fountain said his department also discovered the home had no water and sewer service. Under city ordinance, a home with no water and sewer, and no electrical service, qualifies as a condemned structure. City workers boarded up the home, with condemned notices placed on the board covering the front door. But Willard and others have been arrested at the home multiple times since for violating a city ordinance against occupying a condemned dwelling. During the May 16 aldermen meeting, a public hearing was held during which Fountain's department recommended the home be torn down. Neither Willard nor anyone else was on hand to voice opposition to the demolition. Ocean Springs Police Capt. Terry Harris told city officials officers have been called to the home 45 times in the past 18 months. "The owner never complied with the ordinance, did not stay off the property, let others stay on the property, so we had to take measures ourselves," Fountain said. "(Willard) and others kept breaking in there and we'd have to go out and board it up again." In the spring before the 2016 presidential election, the Obama administration's 12-nation trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, was still alive. Negotiators worked on details as Congress considered whether to ratify the pact. The Australian government was getting in the way of one change demanded by U.S. pharmaceutical companies. Makers of cutting-edge biological drugs wanted to have data from their clinical trials protected from competitors for 12 years, as they are under U.S. law not the roughly five years permitted under the TPP. Australian officials insisted that an extension would deprive consumers of cheaper alternatives for too long. On April 5, 2016, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers arrived in Canberra, Australia's capital, for meetings with government officials on a broad range of subjects. Among those on the routine congressional trip was Rep. Tom Price, a Georgia Republican who would go on to become President Trump's secretary of health and human services. Three weeks before the trip, Price had purchased up to $90,000 worth of pharmaceutical stocks trades that would come under scrutiny after his nomination to Trump's cabinet. In Canberra, Price and another Republican, Rep. John Kline of Minnesota, pressured senior Australian trade officials to modify their position on the 12-year extension, according to a congressional aide who was on the trip. The Australians explained that they had no intention of changing their laws or rules in ways that could increase drug prices. Price and Kline continued pushing, according to the aide, asking for a side letter or other written guidance that the period would be extended in Australia even if it weren't spelled out in the TPP itself. Price's lobbying abroad, which has not previously been reported, is another example of how his work in Congress could have benefitted his investment portfolio. He traded hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of shares in health-related companies while taking action on legislation and regulations affecting the industry. ProPublica previously reported that Price's stock trades are said to be under investigation by federal prosecutors. Price, who did not respond to an interview request for this story, has said he did nothing wrong, that his broker generally chose stocks without his knowledge and that all of his trades were publicly disclosed. Price's financial disclosures submitted to the House Office of the Clerk show that on March 17, 2016, he purchased shares worth between $1,000 and $15,000 each in Eli Lilly, Amgen, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, McKesson, Pfizer and Biogen. All six companies had an interest in biological drugs, which are grown from live cells and are known for short as biologics. Eli Lilly, for example, is behind Portrazza, the first biologic approved to treat a common type of lung cancer. Amgen makes a top-seller for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Biogen developed a biologic for people suffering multiple sclerosis relapses. Kline, who has since retired from Congress, said he could not recall if he or anyone else raised the biologics issue. His financial disclosures do not show direct holdings in pharmaceutical companies. Australia has played another role in Price's financial activities. In 2015 the congressman bought about $10,000 worth of shares in Innate Immunotherapeutics, a small biologics firm with an office in Sydney. After the congressional trip, which also made a stop in Sydney, Price purchased a larger stake in the company, about $84,000 worth, in two private placements, the first of which was announced in June. Price was invited to purchase the shares at a discounted rate. It's not known if Price had any contact with the firm while in Sydney. Price didn't respond to questions about when and where he discussed the discounted offering with company officials. The company's officials also did not respond. Traveling congressional delegations typically meet with a variety of local officials, and at the time of the visit to Australia it wasn't unusual for Republican lawmakers to side with the pharmaceutical industry on the trade deal's protections for biologics. Price's advocacy stands out because he pushed the cause directly with foreign officials, while at the same time owning stakes in companies that could have benefited. An itinerary for the trip reviewed by ProPublica mentions TPP in relation to one of the meetings, but does not list the biologics provision. A former Australian trade official, who asked not to be named and attended one of the meetings, confirmed that the 12-year lockup was addressed, but said he could not recall which Congress members were pushing it. Others on the trip, organized by the House's Education and the Workforce Committee, were Robert Scott, D-Va., Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas, Erik Paulsen, R-Minn. and Dan Benishek, R-Mich. Those members who responded to requests for comment said they could not recall whether the provision was discussed. The data collected during clinical trials of drugs can save competitors time in developing the cheaper alternatives to biologics known as biosimilars. Keeping the data proprietary longer extends the original drugmaker's monopoly. While some big brand-name pharmaceutical companies also make biosimilars, they and their trade association the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America advocated strongly for longer exclusivity. In the end, the debate over the provision became moot. Trump scrapped the TPP days after taking office. Price divested his drug stocks upon taking the cabinet post. His investment in Innate Immunotherapeutics yielded a profit of at least $150,000. Special correspondent Anne Davies in Sydney contributed to this story. President Donald Trump announces his decision on the Paris climate accord in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on June 1, 2017. President Donald Trump on Thursday praised a Republican tax-reform bill that "is moving along in Congress," though Congress is not yet considering a tax plan. "Our tax bill is moving along in Congress, and I believe it's doing very well. I think a lot of people will be very pleasantly surprised," the president said as he announced his plan to take the United States out of the Paris climate agreement. Republicans who control the House and the Senate have said they will pass a tax reform plan this year. However, no joint tax reform plan exists yet, and the White House so far has presented only a single-page summary of its proposal. Republican leaders have said they want to pass an Obamacare replacement plan before they move on to tax reform. While the House passed a health-care bill, Republicans in the Senate appear intent on ripping it up and starting over with their own plan before they vote to send it back to the House. Trump administration officials, lawmakers and special interests are trying to hash out a bill that can be introduced in Congress eventually. The White House did not immediately respond to a request to comment. President Trump decided to pull out of the Paris climate agreement on Thursday even though a majority of Americans supported it. According to a climate note posted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication earlier this month, more than 50 percent of residents in each U.S. state supported the Paris Agreement on climate change, which was originally signed in April 2016. "Majorities of Democrats (86%) and Independents (61%), and half of Republicans (51%) say the U.S. should participate (including 73% of moderate/liberal Republicans)," the Yale Program said. "Only conservative Republicans are split, with marginally more saying the U.S. should participate (40%) than saying we should not participate (34%)." Even Trump's base was skewed toward participating in the deal. The study found that 47 percent of Trump's voters thought it was a good idea, while 25 percent weren't sure and 28 percent opposed it. "In order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, but begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers," Trump said on Thursday. The withdrawal may not actually take effect until 2020. Watch: Javers on withdrawal timeline watch now President Donald Trump is expected to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement on Thursday, ignoring many of the nation's leading companies, who say the country should stick with the deal. Trump and the anti-Paris Agreement camp have levied a number of criticisms against the international accord, which aims to mitigate the effects of climate change by preventing global temperatures from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. They say Obama-era policies and regulations that would help the United States meet its commitments to the Paris Agreement will dampen economic growth and kill jobs. Critics also complain the deal holds countries like China and India to a lower standard and forces the U.S. to sacrifice its sovereignty. U.S. business interests are best served by a stable and practical framework facilitating an effective and balanced global response. We believe the Paris Agreement provides such a framework. Letter to Trump from 16 companies watch now Oil majors including U.S. energy giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron say the accord offers a framework for tackling global warming and gives the United States a role in steering the global response to climate change. "The Paris agreement and the initial Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) pledged by its signatories reflect the dual challenge of minimizing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring the world has adequate access to affordable and reliable supplies of energy," Exxon said in a statement in November. To be sure, these companies are big players in natural gas development and stood to benefit from Obama-era regulations that have already expedited the retirement of some coal-fired plants and would likely continue that trend. Trump and Republicans have started rolling back many of those policies. But even some coal producers like Cloud Peak Energy and Peabody Energy argued the U.S. should remain a party in order to negotiate coal's future in the global energy mix. Many investors have also advised the president to keep the U.S. in the accord. Last month, 214 institutional investors with $15 trillion of assets under management pushed Trump to implement the U.S. commitment, which aims to reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. "As long-term institutional investors, we believe that the mitigation of climate change is essential for the safeguarding of our investments," they said. Watch: Musk urges Trump to stay in Paris Agreement The gold coins are struck at the West Point Mint and bear the facility's W Mint mark on the obverse, below the date. The initial price June 1 for inaugural sales of the Uncirculated 2017-W American Eagle gold $50 coin is $1,575. The Uncirculated 2017-W American Eagle 1-ounce gold $50 coin goes on sale June 1 without any household order or product limits. The coin is initially being offered at $1,575. Gold coin resistance at U.S. Mint and a deceptive but detectable counterfeit Indian Head cent: Another column in the June 12 Coin World details the discovery of what seemed to be a rare 1917 French Indo-China 10-cent piece. Pricing is set according to the U.S. Mints pricing grid for coins containing gold or platinum and is subject to weekly adjustment related to the market price of gold. The $1,575 per coin price is based on gold trading in the range of $1,250 to $1,299.99. The 2017-W edition is the 11th to be issued since 2006 when the U.S. Mint introduced the Uncirculated finish with W Mint mark for the American Eagle 1-ounce .9167 fine gold coin. Connect with Coin World: Sign up for our free eNewsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The Uncirculated versions of the gold and silver American Eagles with W Mint mark were brought into the Mint's sales lineup for the 20th anniversary of the American Eagle series. The Uncirculated coins have been issued annually since, except 2009, when the 1-ounce planchets were reserved strictly for production of bullion coins, without Mint marks. No Proof American Eagle 1-ounce gold or silver coins were issued in 2009 either. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Ocean Springs Middle School teacher Erica Scott has been recognized as the nation's best Spanish Teacher for the 2016-17 school year by a national teacher's organization. The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese has named Scott as its Outstanding Teacher of the Year on the Elementary level, which includes teachers in kindergarten through eighth grade. She will be honored during the AATSP's convention in Chicago July 8. Scott is a 12-year veteran of the Mississippi teaching ranks. An Ocean Springs native, she was a 12-year student in the Ocean Springs School District and graduated from Ocean Springs High School. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from Jackson State University, with a minor in Spanish. Scott began her career teaching kindergarten and fifth grade in the Biloxi and Gulfport school districts before spending nine years teaching Spanish at St. Martin High School. After a year teaching elementary Spanish in the Pass Christian School District, Scott returned home to teach at OSMS this past school year. "I'm very happy to be home," she said. "I love this school district." Scott said she was surprised by the award and hopes it will bring more attention to the value of Foreign Language in education. "I couldn't believe it," she said of the award. "There are so many amazing foreign language teachers across the nation. I was shocked and, of course, very happy about it. I'm still a little shocked, but very happy to represent our school district and the Foreign Language department. "As teachers, we are humble and don't look for accolades and pats on the back, but I think Foreign Language needs some spotlight. Sometimes, education can be under fire and funding gets cut. Arts and music and other programs get pushed under the rug. But I felt like this award could help bring Foreign Language to the forefront." OSMS principal Adelle Register said Scott's passion for teaching Foreign Language shows in her daily classroom work with students. Scott teaches Introduction to Foreign Language and Spanish I at the school. "Mrs. Scott has been an asset to our Foreign Language department," Register said. "She always maintains a positive attitude and demonstrates superb qualities in the classroom to engage and challenge her students." AATSP promotes the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages and their corresponding Hispanic, Luso-Brazilian and other related literatures and cultures at all levels of education. Scott said she has been a member of the organization for several years. "It's a professional organization and a way to connect with other foreign language teachers," she said, "to get ideas, what works in the classroom -- to just learn a lot from them." Scott was asked her secret to effectively teaching foreign language to children. "Practice is definitely the key," she said. "Speaking it -- even on the first day -- is the key. Kids come in and they have a guard up, because they only speak English. They may not be open to a foreign language or may be afraid they can't pronounce it correctly. "So many times, I hear kids say 'I'm taking Spanish, but I can't roll my Rs.' So they've already built up a wall in their mind that they can't do this. I want to break those barriers. I want them to know they can be successful and they can speak Spanish. Even if they mess up the first time, they have to keep trying, keep practicing." Ribbon cutting MPPD.JPG The board of alderman, Mayor Billy Broomfield, Moss Point Police Chief Calvin Hutchins Pascagoula Mayor Jim Blevins, and other elected officials gathered together on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the new home for the Moss Point Police Department. (Tyler Carter/tcarter@al.com) MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Rain could not hamper what was described as a day of new beginnings in the river city as the ribbon was cut on a brand new facility that will be the new home for the Moss Point Police Department. The $4.3 million project came at no expense to taxpayers as the Mississippi Development Authority and MEMA were just a few of many entities that worked together to make sure this project leaped numerous hurdles thrown in its path. Before the ribbon was cut and he escorted guests and other elected officials in attendance around the facility, police chief Calvin Hutchins gave an impassioned speech to the public as he implored them to support and get behind the police department and its officers. "Today is great day in the City of Moss Point and we would like to thank all involved in supporting the opening of our new police department, but I as we prepare to move into this building in the coming weeks, I ask you to get behind and to support those who put their lives on the line everyday for our community," Hutchins said. According to Mayor Billy Broomfield, the department will be a welcomed addition after the devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina damaged the current building housing officers. "Due to the devastation cause by Hurricane Katrina 10 years ago, it left our officers to work in some pretty adverse circumstances," Broomfield said. "Our officers come to work everyday and protect this city without hesitation despite working in some pretty inhumane conditions. For us to be able to open this facility for them, it's a great day for the river city." The new police department will have a courtroom, classroom, offices and an evidence room. While the new department is not completely finished, Broomfield said the opening was held on Wednesday because some of the current members of the board of aldermen will not be back and wanted them to experience the opening because of the part they played in the opening process. Hutchins said officers are ecstatic about the opening of the new police department and said he feels it will be a morale booster. "Our officers are excited about the opportunity to move into our new building," Hutchins said. "I think it is going to provide them with an extra verve to want to come to work with a renewed sense of pride. When you have that type of attitude, it carries over into the community and into your job. Everyone is ecstatic and I truly believe this will be a morale booster for our officers and staff." The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Microsoft's Edge last month posted its first ever double-digit browser share, while Google's Chrome slid for the third month straight. Mozilla's Firefox once again held steady, keeping its head above water. According to data published Sunday by California-based metrics company Net Applications, Edge's October share climbed by 1.4 percentage points, ending the month at 10.2%, the first time Microsoft's browser broke through that psychologically important barrier. The gain was the largest ever for Edge in a single month, almost double that of the previous record set in December 2019. The increase was so large that it immediately raised suspicions that it was a miscount by Net Applications rather than a reflection of reality. Bolstering that was an even greater boost to the share of Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE), the obsolete browser the Redmond, Wash. company has started to strip of some of its support. IE's share for October 5.6% was 1.7 points higher than the month prior, a jump so out of character as to be unbelievable. Edge's gain was understandable, at least. Microsoft relaunched that 2015 browser earlier this year when it recast Edge with the Google-dominated Chromium technology, the same that powers Chrome. Not only did Microsoft make Edge a Chrome copy, but it also expanded support to versions of Windows other than 10, as well as macOS and, more recently, Linux. Since January, Edge has slowly been adding share; 3.2 points since the Chromium-based Edge went final in the Stable channel. In the past 12 months, Edge has gained 4.1 percentage points, for an average of a third of a point per month. At that pace, Edge should sit at almost 11% by year's end and at 15% by December 2021. Of course, that assumes Edge can maintain growth, which in turn requires one or more rivals continues to give up share. The most likely loser? Chrome, mostly because of its titanic share but also because Edge is, well, Chrome wearing a different outfit. Microsoft's launch of Windows 10 20H2 the H2 signifying the year's second feature upgrade last month may assist Edge as it continues to climb: 20H2 includes Chromium Edge. That should accelerate the replacement of original Edge, the version introduced in mid-2015 that ran only on Windows 10, with the sounder Chromium browser. Chrome down for third consecutive month Chrome dumped seven-tenths of a percentage point in October, falling back to 69.3%. The decline was the third in as many months, an unusual run that's occurred only four times in the browser's 15 years. (The last time it happened before this was in September-December 2019.) Whenever Chrome suffers losses in two or more straight months, it's tempting to wonder whether the browser has peaked. Computerworld has tentatively pegged more than a couple such milestones before but been proven wrong each time. The browser could easily bounce back as it has before. Computerworld's latest forecast as always, based on Chrome's 12-month average stayed with growth, albeit pared significantly from 30 days ago. Chrome should return to 70% by March 2021 and reach 71% by September 2022. (The latter was three months later than last month's forecast, showing how present declines quickly impact future gains.) Edge remains Chrome's most dangerous competitor, primarily and this is Google's own doing to some degree because the former is the latter, what with both relying on Chromium. But Microsoft has cards to play here that Google cannot match; Microsoft will leverage its enterprise management reputation and expertise in an attempt to wean commercial customers from Google's browser. Microsoft's strategy, then, would be the opposite of Google's. The latter pushed Chrome to consumers until its share reached tipping point, and employees demanded the right to run the same browser they'd become familiar with at home. Microsoft would instead hope to win over business users in the expectation that they might want to run the same browser on home PCs, tablets or even phones. Firefox: Not dead yet! Firefox didn't move its share needle last month; it stayed at the same 7.2% mark it earned in September. That meant Firefox didn't gain any ground. It also meant it didn't lose any, probably its most important goal for now and the foreseeable future. Mozilla's browser also stuck to the bad news forecast of last month, although Computerworld's current prediction puts it under 6% in August 2021, two months later than last month's estimate. At its 12-month rate of decline, Firefox will dip below 5% in May 2022. Elsewhere in Net Applications' numbers, Apple's Safari slumped by two-tenths of a percentage point in October, sliding to 3.4%. Opera Software's Opera fell by a slightly-larger three-tenths of a point to end the month at an all-time low of seven-tenths of a point. Net Applications calculates share by detecting the agent strings of the browsers used to reach the websites of Net Applications' clients. The company counts visitor sessions to measure browser activity. Or it used to. At the same time it published October's share numbers, Net Applications announced that it's pulling the plug on the data source. "October 2020 is the last month of data," the firm said. "Why? An upcoming change in browsers will break our device detection technology and will cause inaccuracies for a long period of time." The change Net Applications cited would remove much of the agent string information used not only to compile analytics such as browser and operating system share, but also by advertisers and/or scammers to "fingerprint" individuals so that they can be more thoroughly tracked as they conduct their online lives. Computerworld has not yet decided whether to continue the "Top web browsers" series, and if so, which alternate data source might be used. Stay tuned. ST. MARTIN, Mississippi -- Investigators from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office are investigating a Tuesday night shooting at an apartment complex in the St. Martin community north of Ocean Springs. According to Sheriff Mike Ezell, deputies responded to a call of a shooting on Tucker Road around 8 p.m. Tuesday night. Officers arriving at the complex were told by other residents they heard a gunshot coming from the parking lot and saw a silver vehicle drive away. Residents also said the victim was lying in the parking lot and got into another silver vehicle and left the scene. He later arrived at Ocean Springs Hospital, where he was treated for a single gunshot wound. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the JCSO at 228-769-3063/3065 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. Does Labours manifesto add up? Heres a ConHome series to investigate named, of course, in homage to the Shadow Home Secretarys policing plan. The Policy: Nationalise water On page 19 of Labours manifesto, we read that water bills have increased 40 per cent since privatisation. Labours solution, on the same page, is to Replace our dysfunctional water system with a network of regional publicly-owned water companies. The Problem: It would blow a massive hole in the already-uncosted Transformation Fund Earlier this week we looked at the National Transformation Fund, which makes a nonsense of Labours nominally-costed 48.6 billion of new spending commitments by tacking an extra 250 billion onto their plans with no mention of where the money is coming from. As water and indeed, infrastructure generally isnt covered in the costed sixth of Labours spending commitments, the funds for nationalising this vital utility must presumably be drawn from the NTF. But a look at the figures suggests this cant be true. The description of the NTF in Funding Britains Future breathlessly lists a wide range of capital projects, including several new railways, state-of-the-art energy production, universal super-fast broadband, not to mention research and development grants, which will be supported by the NTF. But assuming that Labour dont resort to expropriation without compensation, nationalising water would be hugely expensive: the Guardian reports that Ofwat, the regulator, estimates the industrys capital value at 69 billion. Thats more than a quarter of the entire value of the NTF, just to change the ownership of a single utility. A UKIP councillor in Hartlepool, the partys North East stronghold, has urged that his party should ban any Muslim from joining UKIP. Cllr Tom Hind, who has represented the citys Seaton Ward since 2014, wrote on Facebook: I have mentioned before UKIP will have to make some difficult decisions if it is to move forward.one of those difficult decisions is Islam I would like to ban any Muslim from joining UKIP. Islam is not a religion it is a political ideology based on conquest, how many more assaults on the British people need we endure before we understand Islam. The comments come after Paul Nuttall chose to pivot his party, which once claimed to be libertarian, to a focus on Islam with manifesto promises including a ban on face coverings (extending apparently to balaclavas as well as the veil), and compulsory genital inspections for Muslim schoolgirls. Councillor Hinds proposal is just the latest embarrassment for his party to come out of Hartlepool, after this site revealed that Phillip Broughton, UKIPs parliamentary candidate, has registered a local Bed and Breakfast as his home address. Just about every major retailer in the United States from McDonalds to Walmart to IHOP has publicly expressed an intention to phase out and ultimately eliminate any eggs from its supply chains that confine hens in cages. Photo by iStockphoto 393 shares Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States elected not to hear an appeal by state attorneys general and governors aligned with Big Ag who were seeking to overturn Californias landmark egg sales law that stipulates eggs sold in the state must come from housing systems that do not severely confine laying hens. In practical terms, this means that a prior decision in November by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit stands. That ruling tossed out a bare-knuckled attempt to nullify AB 1437 and to allow inhumanely produced and unsafe eggs to be sold in California. Ironically, the politicians behind this lawsuit want to sell these eggs in California even after just about every major retailer in the United States from McDonalds to Walmart to IHOP has publicly expressed an intention to phase out and ultimately eliminate any eggs from its supply chains that confine hens in cages. Here you have a circumstance where the politicians are lining up to wage a battle for Big Ag that Big Ag has already lost in the marketplace. Last year, the Ninth Circuit court found that because AB 1437 does not distinguish among eggs based on their state of origin, the law is not discriminatory. A farmer can sell eggs in the state if he or she complies with AB 1437s modest animal care standards. Jamming birds into tiny spaces that immobilize the animals violates those standards. AB 1437 went into effect in California in January 2015, at the same time as a related ballot measure, Proposition 2, which was supported by nearly two thirds of California voters, and which mandated that laying hens, breeding sows, and veal calves should have room to stand up, lie down, turn around freely, and extend their limbs. Thats hardly a radical animal rights manifesto more like a statement of decency and a hedge against unsafe food and inhumane treatment of animals. Chris Koster, a former Missouri attorney general, initiated the now-dismissed case in a failed effort to vacuum up votes from Big Ag interests in the run-up to his failed gubernatorial campaign in 2016. He was joined in the lawsuit by then Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, who famously fought for a right to farm (aka right to harm) measure in Oklahoma that sought to entirely deregulate agriculture in his state on a go-forward basis. He lost that statewide campaign on State Question 777 by 20 points, a pretty clear indication that the people of Oklahoma didnt want agriculture getting a free pass to do whatever it wants. But Pruitt still got appointed to head the EPA, where his influence over agriculture policy looms larger than ever. Both politicians were joined in the case by former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad now the U.S. Ambassador to China. Long before he was appointed to that post, Branstad was selling off large quantities of Iowa farmland to the Chinese, so they could operate factory farms, even if it meant that rural Iowans had to deal with the stink and waste emanating from them. Branstad at the same time signed into law an ag-gag measure, making it more difficult to blow the whistle on wrongdoing by those megafarms in Iowa. Now a few of their ideologically aligned colleagues in Congress showing the same slavish fealty to the Big Ag lobby are apparently gearing up to achieve in Congress what they couldnt achieve in the federal courts. They want to wipe away any and all state laws of this type. Its a brazen, hypocritical attack on states rights, from people who mouth the phrase states rights when it suits them and then throw the concept under the bus when it doesnt. This bill would force states to allow commerce in products they have banned. As the Supreme Court has made clear, the Commerce Clause allows Congress to regulate commerce; it doesnt give Congress the authority to mandate its creation, nor to require anyone to participate in commerce they find objectionable. The proposed No Regulations Without Representation Act of 2017 which some folks in the agriculture industry sent to us, to alert us to this radical action is so absurdly broad and vague that it could be interpreted to nullify an entire spectrum of state laws dealing with food safety, labeling, labor, and environmental protection. It could trigger expensive court cases about any state law related to agricultural products, from the sale of raw milk to the labeling of farm-raised fish or artificial sweeteners to restrictions on firewood transported into a state in order to protect against invasive pests and damage to local forests. And thats just a small taste of what the authors of this bill are trying to accomplish, in their effort to disempower state citizens and lawmakers. Their attack on the states would force the states to accept the sale and consumption of any agricultural productno matter how dangerous, unethical, or environmentally destructive. Earlier this year, some of the same federal lawmakers behind this maneuver supported an effort to block federal rules to stop particularly inhumane and unsporting methods on federally authorized and funded national wildlife refuges. The backers of this effort made a fanciful states rights claim that Alaska should decide how wildlife are treated in the state, despite clear-cut jurisprudence that unmistakably established that Congress has the authority to manage wildlife on refuges and national parks. In short, when it doesnt suit them in this case because big agriculture wants to sell unsafe animal products that come from confined animals on factory farms they are happy to trample states rights. In fact, their No Regulations bill makes previous, like-minded attempts in Congress look modest. Call them situational states rights advocates. Is it any wonder why the American public is so cynical about people who care not a whit about animals and who are prepared to mangle constitutional principles when it suits their designs? Were glad about the Supreme Court action yesterday. But now well be vigilant in Congress as a cabal of lawmakers makes wild, dangerous arguments in the run-up to consideration of the Farm Bill. CORNWALL, Ontario A 16-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on May 31, 2017 and charged with break and enter X2, mischief and theft. It is alleged the youth was responsible for a break and enter on May 27, 2017 at a local church where damage was done to a window and items were removed. It is also alleged the youth attempted to break into another local church on May 26, 2017. On May 31, 2017 the youth was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. SEXUAL ASSAULT, ASSAULT CORNWALL, Ontario A 16-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on May 30, 2017 and charged with sexual assault and assault. It is alleged on April 7, 2017 the youth inappropriately touched a girl known to him and grabbed her by the throat. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During the investigation the youth was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. His name was not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. MISCHIEF CORNWALL, Ontario A 13-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on May 30, 2017 and charged with mischief. It is alleged on May 30, 2017 the youth damaged a window and a door at school and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigation the youth was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date. Her name was not released as per provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. WARRANT CORNWALL, Ontario Kassidy Normandeau, 24, of Cornwall was arrested on May 30, 2017 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the woman failed to attend court on October 4, 2016 and a warrant was issued for her arrest. On May 30, 2017 the woman attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. She was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing. ASSAULT, BREACH CORNWALL, Ontario Marissa Shoenfeldt, 29, of Cornwall was arrested on May 30, 2017 and charged with assault and breach of probation and undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged on May 30th, 2017 the woman punched and spit on a woman known to her and police were contacted to investigate. Shoenfeldt was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. WARRANT CORNWALL, Ontario Jordyn Chandonnet, 26, of Cornwall was arrested on May 31, 2017 on the strength of warrants. It is alleged the man failed to attend court for a possession of stolen property charge and failed to attend for prints as directed. Warrants were then issued for his arrest. On May 31, 2017 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody on the strength of the warrants and held for a bail hearing. ASSAULT, FORCIBLE CONFINEMENT, THREATS, OVERCOME RESISTANCE, BREACH CORNWALL, Ontario A 23-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on May 31, 2017 and charged with forcible confinement, threats, assault, overcome resistance (choking) and breach of probation for communicating with his girlfriend, being within 100meters of where she might be and for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged during an argument on May 31, 2017 the man prevented his girlfriend from leaving the residence, threatened her, grabbed her and choked her. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter. This dog and 13 others were part of a backyard breeding operation in Seongnam, South Korea, and had spent their lives living in filth on short chains, with almost no space to move around. Photo by Jean Chung/For HSI 1.9K shares Our rescue efforts continue for dogs destined for the butchers block in South Korea. Today, 12 recently rescued dogs are on the final leg of their journey into loving homes, prepped to start new lives that will bear almost no resemblance to their recent circumstances. The dogs were part of a backyard breeding operation in Seongnam, South Korea, and had spent their lives living in filth on short chains, with almost no space to move around. Now, thanks to the work of Humane Society International and our partners who rescued and transported them over the Memorial Day weekend, they will soon prance into their forever homes. The dogs are now at the Idaho Humane Society, an HSUS Emergency Placement Partner, which will socialize them to get them ready for adoption. They were transported to Boise with the help of Dog is My CoPilot, Inc., a non-profit animal rescue air transportation organization. One other dog rescued from the backyard breeder will go to the San Francisco SPCA. A 14th dog was also rescued along with her puppies, all of whom will remain with her for now in Seoul at a boarding facility. This is HSIs eighth dog meat farm closure in Korea, and to date we have rescued 839 dogs from South Koreas dog meat trade. While these dogs represent a small subset of the animals at risk, every one of them matters to us. And, when it comes to the larger problem, a growing number of breeders and farmers are seeking us out to secure our help in closing their operations and transitioning to new livelihoods, signaling that many people involved in this business recognize it as a moral problem and even a shameful occupation. The latest breeder we worked with had sold his dogs in the past to Moran Market in Seongnam, but had trouble selling them over the last two years due to declining demand. Seongnam city officials, in December last year, decided to close down Moran Markets dog meat section, the largest in the country, and transition traders to other livelihoods. Most people in South Korea dont regularly eat dogs, and the practice is increasingly falling out of favor with the younger generation. Thats why we are also focusing on a public awareness campaign to highlight the cruelty of the dog meat trade and to educate people that there is no difference between a pet dog and a meat dog, so more Koreans will open their homes and hearts to dogs from dog meat farms. Last month, we received news that dog meat sales would likely be banned at the globally infamous dog meat festival in Yulin, China. Here in the United States, U.S. Representatives Alcee L. Hastings, D-Fla., Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., Dave Trott, R-Mich. and Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., have introduced the Dog and Cat Meat Prohibition Act of 2017, to ban the dog and cat meat trade in the United States. In addition to legislating dog meat trading and eating out of existence in the United States, the legislation also serves as an expression of solidarity with animal activists in Asia, including South Korea, who are fighting the trade in their own countries. Given the scale of South Koreas dog meat farm industry, only a government-led phase-out of dog meat farming and consumption can effectively and permanently eliminate this cruel trade. With Pyeongchang hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, the Korean government is aware of the international spotlight that will settle upon the country in the months leading up to the event. And adding to the pressure, Pyeongchang is in Gangwon province, where many dog meat farms are located. Dog by dog, and person by person, we are committed to ending the dog meat trade everywhere. Todays rescue of a dozen dogs is a reason for celebration and a continued reminder of who and what is at stake. On June 6, NCEE and the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education will jointly release a new international comparative study of teacher quality , Empowered Educators, conducted over three years on four continents by a team of researchers headed by Linda Darling- Hammond. On May 24, Checker Finn published a blog critiquing Empowered Educators. In this blog, I respond to the points Finn made in his critique. Finn begins by saying that he has no quarrel with the quality of the research: Theres no reason to doubt the accuracy of their accounts and explanations. Nor does he quarrel with the crux of the findings: "...teaching in those places is more professional, more respected, better compensated, more highly trained, more sensibly structured as a career, and overall more effective than in the United States. He admires, he says, "...what Finland, Ontario, and Singapore have pulled off. So whats not to like? In a nutshell, Finn thinks there is no chance that these ideas, policies or practices can be implemented in the United States. Why? He gives us five reasons. Ill tell you what they are and respond to each in turn. First, teaching is a mass occupation, the single largest occupation in the American workforce. So it is obvious to Finn that there is no prayer of getting our teachers from the upper reaches of the distribution of high school graduates, as the top performers do. He says the reason we have this vast workforce is that schooling is provided by great bureaucracies, school principals are middle managers rather than full-fledged institutional leaders and teachers unions insist on treating all teachers in the same way. But schooling in the top-performing countries is provided by much more centralized bureaucracies than you will find anywhere in the United States, typically with a reporting line that runs from the top civil service professional in the ministry through that persons direct reports, through their direct reports in the regions and provinces, to their direct reports in the districts to the principals to the teachers. Now that is a bureaucracy! We have nothing like it. We do have much more bureaucracy at the district level in our larger suburbs and big city districts than the top-performing countries do, but we would not need anything like that number of people in the central office if we had the kind of highly educated and very well-trained teaching force the top performers have. Finn is right in saying that managing first-class professionals requires people with different skills than the typical school principal. Its a different job. But countless American firms have helped their front-line managers transition from techniques appropriate to the management of blue-collar workers to managing professionals. Peter Drucker wrote a whole book about that transition. Why cant our school system managers go through a similar transition? As a matter of fact, NCEE is deeply engaged in helping districts do that right now and it is going very well. The clincher for Finn is that teachers unions insist on treating all teachers the same way. But Lily Eskelsen Garcia, the NEAs President, is on record as being deeply committed to the idea of teacher career ladders of the kind that Darling-Hammond and her team found in Singapore. As far as we know, the AFT is also open to the idea. Second, Finn correctly points out that the United States poured a great deal of the enormous increase in funding we provided to our schools over the last four decades into lowering class size, which is the largest single reason we need so many teachers. The research shows that, apart from the early grades, there is no evidence that this extremely expensive policy made any difference at all in student achievement. Nonetheless, as Finn points out, most of the adults involved, especially teachers, their unions and parents, think reducing class size was a great idea and would be very reluctant to go back in the other direction. All true. It turns out, though, that teachers and parents in other countries also like smaller class sizes, but their governments, most of them elected, just like ours, chose to invest their scarce funds in recruiting fewer high-achieving high school graduates into teaching and educating them well rather than investing in more teachers from high school graduates who did not do so well in school and investing less in their postsecondary education and they are very happy with the results. One would have to take the churlish view that American voters are uniquely stupid or obstinate to believe that they, unlike voters all over the globe elsewhere, cannot be convinced by overwhelming evidence that their children would be better off if we made another choice. We did not have the evidence 40 years ago. We do now. Third, Finn correctly points out that a much smaller proportion of the schools budget goes to the regular classroom teacher in the United States than is the case in the top-performing countries. In our country about 50 percent of the total public education budget goes to the school. In Japan, 90 percent goes to the school. I think Finns point here is that, under these circumstances, there will never be enough money to pay our teachers enough to attract the best and the brightest from our graduating high school classes. True enough if we maintain the same ratio of teacher costs to total costs. But these ratios of teachers to all other employees are not written in stone. In fact, they are not even in law. This pattern of organization is a legacy from the industrial age of a century ago, when the designers of the system assumed that teachers (women) would by paid poorly, have very short careers (they were to be fired when they got married or pregnant) and not have much preparation. They would be treated just like the men on the factory floor: told what to do by men who would make a career of school administration and earn much more than the women in that role. In this model, it was pointless to invest in the teachers. All the investment was to be made in the central office staff, who were there to manage the whole enterprise. Many of the top performers used to have systems that looked very similar to the one we still have. But, as they invested more and more in their teachers and the quality of those teachers kept improving, they realized that they did not need anywhere near as many people telling their teachers what to do, nor did they need anywhere near as many expensive central office specialists sent down to the school, because the teachers already had as much expertise as any of the specialists. The school faculty gained more and more autonomy and status as the ranks of the central office staff shrank. This process often took years. There is no reason why the same process could not work here in the United States. It is the only way we will get enough money to pay our teachers what we need to pay them and it is the only way we will get a form of school organization that will attract the kind of high school graduate that the new model demands. Fourth, Finn correctly points out that our universities typically treat their teachers colleges as cash cows, spending as little as possible on the education of teachers in order to generate a surplus they can use to run the rest of the university. An institution structured that way will have no interest in raising its standards because it might shut off the supply of applicants and it would cost too much to run a quality operation. All too true. But this is not written in stone, either. Much the same thing was true in Finland years ago. They shut down every single school of education in the country, and then opened up eight new ones, all of them in their research universities. From that moment on the only way to get a teachers certificate was to be admitted to a research university and only the best high school graduates were able to do that. It took courage and determination to pull that off, but Finland is a democracy like the U.S., and I do not understand why we should be not be able to do this and they can. Any state could use its program approval and licensing authority to do this if it wanted to. Finally, Finn was disappointed that Darling-Hammonds report did not anticipate the coming of digital technology to the teaching profession. Surely, he says, this is inevitable and will change the role of the teacher. Why not talk about what this might mean for teacher quality? But Empowered Educators was not intended to be a work of speculation, peering into the future and telling us what the authors saw there. It was meant to report on what countries as different as Singapore, Canada, Finland and Australia were doing to get great teachers in front of all their students. Technology has not changed that job yet in any important way. When it does, we will commission another study. I decided to write this blog because, as usual, what Checker Finn wrote was full of accurate assessments, strong insights and plausible views, some of which I obviously disagree with. This all makes for the kinds of discussions on which public policy should be based, but rarely is. Continue Reading Below Advertisement That case was later overturned on appeal; neither of those people got money out of the hospital. But the mere fact that these suits happen has a huge impact on doctors. See, malpractice law varies a lot state by state. Indiana happens to be one of the best ones for physicians. Compare it to Illinois: When I was in med school, there were 27 counties in Illinois that did not have an OB-GYN. Every single one in Indiana did, and that was because of malpractice laws. Currently, Illinois has no cap on how much you can sue for in cases of malpractice. From 2004 to 2014, malpractice suits cost state hospitals over $180 million. Some of those suits were legitimate payouts for legitimate screw-ups, but the lack of a cap means even the legitimate cases can get blown out of proportion by lawyers eager for a big payday. sbeagle/iStock Occasionally, after the lawyers and insurance companies are paid, there's even some left over for the patient. Continue Reading Below Advertisement An example: When I was a resident, a guy came into the free clinic with chronic back pain. I told him we could fix his leg pain, but not his back pain. That was the extent of the care I gave. He was operated on, did well, and continued to have his chronic back pain. Finally someone else operated on him for that, but it didn't help. He sued, and said we didn't do enough to keep his back from falling apart. The case didn't go anywhere, because we'd done nothing wrong, but the legal process took four years. Every time I applied for admitting privileges to a new hospital, they'd ask if I had litigation pending, and because of that -- just that little involvement -- I had to say yes. Kids: Don't Graffiti a National Park With Your 'Promposal' The escalation of promposals -- elaborately staged settings for asking a high school sweetheart to the biggest dance of the year -- went a few steps too far at Sandstone Peak in Southern California. The highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, was defaced with one word in white paint: "Prom?" Park rangers say this is the second year in the row they've discovered the same graffiti on the red rocks near the peak, so it apparently bears repeating: vandalize a national park, go to jail. Don't Paint the Park To be clear, the culprits in this case have yet to be caught, and as of last Thursday, the park was tweeting for help: Found near Sandstone Peak for the second year in a row. If you know anything about this promposal graffiti, contact dispatch at 661-723-3620 pic.twitter.com/7D4pWr1u3K -- Santa Monica Mtns (@SantaMonicaMtns) May 25, 2017 "We love hearing about creative promposals," the park also posted on its Facebook page, "but damaging public lands is not the way to do it. For the second year in a row, the same graffiti message has been scrawled on a rock near Sandstone Peak. If you have any information about this crime, please contact dispatch at 661-723-3620. Thank you! - Ranger Zach". Park Yourself in Jail Should Ranger Zach, or any of the other National Park Service staff get their hands on the teen tagger, the penalties could be severe. Defacing national park property is a federal misdemeanor, punishable by three to six months in prison and as much as a $500 fine. Casey Nocket, who last year pleaded guilty to seven counts of vandalizing rock formations with graffiti in seven different national parks was banned from 524 million acres of public lands during two years of probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. Related Resources: Whitman On The Record Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whitman spoke with CRN about the company's plan to simplify and streamline, Aruba market share gains, Cisco layoffs and why customers should make the move from Cisco UCS to Synergy. The discussion with Whitman came after HPE reported adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share on sales of $9.9 billion for its second fiscal quarter ended April 30. The Wall Street consensus was earnings of 35 cents per share on sales of $9.64 billion. HPE revenues, when adjusted for divestitures and without the impact of currency and the Tier 1 server sales decline, would have been up 1 percent compared with the year-ago quarter, according to the company. HPE's core industry standard server business rebounded with sales down 1 percent when adjusted for currency and divestitures. As part of the next step in its transformation into a smaller and faster moving $28 billion company, HPE plans to take out as much as $200 to $300 million in additional costs in the second half of the year. "We are taking a fresh look at the cost structure for the new HPE," said Whitman. "As a smaller company, it should be much easier to spot opportunities to optimize the business, streamline processes and reduce costs." Wisconsin Transgender Teen Wins Right to Use Boys' Bathroom A Seventh Circuit decision, issued on Tuesday, upheld the lower federal court's preliminary order to allow a transgender teen to use the bathroom that corresponds with his gender identity. The Wisconsin federal court ruled last year that Ashton "Ash" Whitaker could use the boys' restroom, and the school could not prevent or discipline him in any way for doing so. On appeal, the court sided with Ash on nearly every single point, and even ruled that the case looked like a winner for Ash. The preliminary order allowing Ash to use the bathroom is known as a preliminary injunction. Courts do not grant these unless the party seeking it can immediately prove that they are going to win their case, and if the court doesn't issue the order, irreparable harm/damage will occur. Fighting for Equal Rights While society slowly begins to appreciate that arbitrary discrimination is wrong, some groups unfortunately still have to fight to make their cases in the court of public opinion and in courts of law. For many transgender individuals, advocates, and allies, the Seventh Circuit opinion will be significant for more than just the outcome. Notably, the court's ruling is directly in line with their recent decision finding Title VII extends to protect LGBT employees. Justice Ann Williams' decision contains many choice quotes explaining that transgender individuals are not only entitled to protection under Title VII, but also Title IX. Additionally, the opinion quotes a previously unpublished (non-precedent forming) decision that directly states that discrimination based on sex includes discrimination against transgender individuals for gender nonconformity. The court also stated that: "There is no denying that transgender individuals face discrimination, harassment, and violence because of their gender identity." Controversy Over Contrary Decisions The decision in the case stands in direct contrast to the case of Gavin Grimm, which was derailed when the Trump administration withdrew the Department of Education recommendation allowing transgender students to use their gender identity conforming bathroom. Like Ash, Gavin wanted to use the bathroom that conformed to his gender, but was denied. He also won an injunction, but it was recently vacated due to the DOE's policy shift. Ash's case changes the landscape for transgender rights. While Gavin Grimm's case may no longer be headed to the Supreme Court, there's a good chance this case may. Related Resources: How to Get out of a Commercial Lease Early Maybe you're expanding and you want more space. Or maybe you found a better deal closer to customers or clients. Or maybe you just got stuck with a deadbeat landlord. Whatever the reason, your small business is looking to change locations. But there's just one problem -- your current lease isn't up yet. You obviously don't want to pay rent on space you're not occupying, so how do you get out of your commercial lease early, without owing the remaining rent? There may be options. Prepare an Exit Strategy Obviously, it helps if you've negotiated an exit before you signed the lease. Having prearranged terms for leaving early will let you know exactly where you stand. One option is to include an exit clause in the lease. While most landlords want to guarantee their income over the long term, there may be some provisions -- like those tied to income projections -- that could trigger the possibility for an early ext. And you could consider shorter lease terms with options to extend if you choose. These can provide more flexibility in the length of the lease. Amend an Exit There are ways to amend a commercial lease. First you'll need to know the lease itself, inside and out, to know whether amendments are possible and how the process works. After that, it's all about negotiating with your landlord. Depending on your scenario and your skills as a negotiator, you may convince your landlord to rewrite the term of the lease to allow for an earlier exit. Tracking down a replacement tenant on your won can also help. While the landlord is not obligated to take the replacement, it can serve as a show of good faith and make the landlord more amenable to the exit. Just Exit Finally, you could just break the lease and move out early. If negotiations break down, you could just pack up and leave. Yes, your landlord can sue you for the unpaid future rent. But under most commercial leases they also have the duty to mitigate damages -- meaning they cannot just sit back and wait for your checks to roll in without looking for a replacement tenant. Nor can your landlord charge both you and a new tenant rent on the same space. Exiting a commercial lease early can be complicated. Get the help of an experienced commercial attorney to review your lease. Related Resources: Google has pushed four new security features to enterprise users on G Suite, the search giant's hosted business offering. The new protections come shortly after Citizen Lab report exposed a Russia-linked Phishing and disinformation campaign using Google services, including Gmail. Google makes no mention of the Citizen Lab report in their posts on the new security features, but many of the protections take aim at common Phishing techniques used to steal data and credentials. The Citizen Lab report describes a Phishing and disinformation campaign by Russian actors, which targeted more than 200 people across 39 countries. Among those targeted were "a former Russian Prime Minister, members of cabinets from Europe and Eurasia, ambassadors, high ranking military officers, CEOs of energy companies, and members of civil society," the report notes. One of the first emails sent in the campaign tracked by Citizen Lab was a fake security warning, allegedly from Google, delivered to the victim's Gmail account. The malicious link embedded within the message used an open redirect hosted by Google, pointed to a spoofed Gmail log-in page designed to harvest credentials. The use of the redirect gave the link a legitimate appearance, as a passive glance at the URL would show a Google domain. On Wednesday, five days after the Citizen Lab report was published, Google announced the launch of four new features in G Suite, including one that uses machine learning to help block spam and Phishing. While the two might not be related, it shows that Phishing is an ongoing fight - something Google has become well aware of over the years. The anti-Phishing measure works by selectively delaying some messages (less than 0.05 percent) to perform Phishing analysis. This process is further backed by integration with Google Safe Browsing for detection of suspect URLs. "These new models combine a variety of techniques such as reputation and similarity analysis on URLs, allowing us to generate new URL click-time warnings for phishing and malware links. As we find new patterns, our models adapt more quickly than manual systems ever could, and get better with time," explained Andy Wen, Google's Senior Product Manager of Counter Abuse Technology. Other security enhancements to G Suite include new DLP-based protections called unintended external reply warnings. These warnings will trigger if a person attempts to respond to someone outside of the company domain. Contextual intelligence will exclude existing contacts or people the user regularly interacts with. Malicious attachments are another problem the latest G Suite update will address. According to Sri Somanchi, Gmail Product Manager, "We now correlate thousands of spam signals with attachment and sender heuristics, to predict messages containing new and unseen malware variants." This includes blocking file types with high risk, such as JavaScript and executables. "Machine learning has helped Gmail achieve more than 99% accuracy in spam detection, and with these new protections, weve been able to reduce your exposure to threats by confidently rejecting hundreds of millions of additional messages every day," Somanchi added. All of the enhancements will be available to each G Suite edition by the end of the week. We're All Right...Aren't We? Americans must be fundamentally optimistic. How else can we reconcile the findings that "70% of Americans report either living comfortably or doing okay financially" with "44% of Americans report that they would have difficulty paying an unexpected $400 expense"? The above figures come from the recently released Federal Reserve's Annual Report on the Economic Well-Being of US Households in 2016. The report shows that, while we remain optimistic as a nation, levels of economic optimism appear to be diverging along the typical fault line of education. The Importance of Higher Education In each of the past four years of the Fed Survey, more Americans reported living comfortably or doing okay financially. However, with respect to reporting economic comfort, the percentage of respondents with a high school degree or less took a small step backward in 2016 while the percentage of those with higher education increased. Economic recovery does not appear to be resulting in higher wages that would increase economic comfort. For employed workers (excluding the self-employed), 62% of those with high school diplomas or less did not receive a raise or promotion in 2016, compared to 51%-52% of those with higher education levels. Less-educated workers may require a second job to make ends meet. Income from a second job was more significant to those with lower education, by a 40% to 26% margin over those with at least a bachelor's degree but the Fed survey found that only 6% of workers with a high school degree or less work at more than one job, half the number of those with at least a bachelor's degree. This may reflect improved job opportunities among the higher educated further driving home the importance of education beyond high school. A bachelor's degree or above also correlates to lower income volatility, and improves the chances of handling income volatility in general. When faced with an unexpected $400 expense, 79% of respondents with a bachelor's degree or above said they could still pay all of their monthly bills, compared to 61% of those with some college or an associate degree and 52% of those with a high school degree or less. Race Vs. Education White workers generally fare better than other ethnic groups, but education makes a clear difference regardless of race. For non-white ethnic groups, having a bachelor's degree or above increased the feeling of economic comfort by 15-19 percentage points above those with a high school degree or less. For non-Hispanic whites, the same educational difference results in a 23-percentage-point climb. Still, greater advances appear to be made in racial economic equality than educational economic equality. When asked if they were better off, worse off, or the same financially compared to 12 months ago, more respondents claimed to better off than worse off across all educational categories. However, the difference was only 2.9 percentage points in those with high school degrees or less, compared to 11.5 percentage points with some college or an associate's degree and 15.5 percentage points with a bachelor's degree and above. Within racial subgroups, non-whites with at least some college education showed percentage point improvements from 24.3-26.9, suggesting that higher education is paying off among these groups. As an interesting side note, only one racial subgroup reported being overall worse off than better off non-Hispanic whites with high school degrees or less. This is precisely the type of disaffected voter targeted by, and energized by, now-President Trump during the campaign. Choose your School Wisely Respondents saddled with crippling student loan debt may be questioning the premise of an educational payoff. The average reported student loan debt was $32,731, with a median of $17,000 meaning that a few individuals have whopping student loan debts that are distorting the average. That debt may not be distributed proportionately to the ability to repay. Find out quickly at what rate you can refinance your student loan. Consider that more respondents who attended private for-profit schools report being behind on their educational payments (21.7% as compared to 8.5% for private non-profits and 6.4% for public institutions). That doesn't necessarily mean that for-profits are a bad choice, but they must be given even greater scrutiny as a return on investment. How far do you have to go in debt to graduate from that school, and how likely is it that your post-graduation salary will be sufficient to pay the debt? Don't underestimate the value of completing a bachelor's degree program. While 11% of borrowers with a bachelor's degree were behind on their payments, almost one-third of those with only some college, a certificate, or technical degree were behind. The Takeaway Higher education generally pays off over the course of a lifetime, and the Fed report clearly reflects educational importance but it also reflects the importance of which higher educational path that you choose. While Americans may not all share the same range of educational opportunities, it's important that you make the most of the opportunities that you do encounter. Have some career path in mind. Research the job placement rate in your field for graduates of your preferred school within your reach, paying special attention to trade schools and private non-profits. Regardless of your education level and income, you can improve your likelihood of living comfortably or doing okay financially as well as absorbing an unexpected $400 expense with simple, sound principles. Spend in proportion to your income (and use a budget to help you do so), take steps to minimize debt, and make sure that you receive value for all your purchases. An expensive purchase such as a college degree may well be worth the debt load if it provides the long-term value that you need. If you want to reduce your interest payments and lower your debt, try the free Debt Optimizer by MoneyTips. BRIDGEPORT The 400 employees of the Bridgeport Health Care Center at the foot of Bond Street say that theyre fed up with the management short-changing their health insurance plan and paying them late. The workers, most of the members of AFSCME Local 1522, also said in an afternoon press conference that the owner and operator of the long- and short-term care facility has been pilfering the pension fund and that these actions have up-ended their lives as theyve had to pay for their medical bills out-of-pocket, even though the cost for medical insurance is still deducted from their paychecks. Our health insurance claims are not being paid, and because of that, some owe into the six figures to their doctors and hospitals, said Anna Montalvo. Chaim Stern, the owner of BHCC, could not be reached for comment. Hes already in trouble with the law. Last fall, The U.S. Department of Labor accused him in a lawsuit of diverting $4 million in retirement plan assets to a New York-based religious corporation and to himself. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court, said that that Stern, chief financial officer for Bridgeport Health Care Center, serves as the sole person responsible for a retirement plan for the company's employees and beneficiaries and those of another nursing home, Bridgeport Manor. Mr. Stern is a disaster for the workers, said Montalvo. Hes making a mockery of the centers mission, and its time for the state of Connecticut to intervene. She said that the employees are heroes for showing up to care for the centers 500 patents every day, despite the late paychecks and the non-payment of health insurance premiums. Most of the problems, she said, began about two years ago. BHCC was formerly known as the Dinan Memorial Center, Its been in private hands since about 1992. Friends and co-workers of mine have high medical bills through no fault of their own, and their getting constant calls from bill-collection agencies all because the owner isnt paying the health premiums, said union steward and BHCC employee Charles Cravatas. Carlos Alvarez, a nurse, said that another headache has been the companys habit of jumping from one health insurance company to another four in all in the last few years. This has led to confusion as to which health plan theyre on. So were getting stuck with the bills, he said. And theyre not even paying my life insurance premiums so if I died, would policy be worthless? Alvarez said that the workers have never talked about a strike, but every week, it seems, Stern has been slow in meeting the payroll. Our members are finding that the money taken out for health insurance isnt being sent to the insurance company, said Montalvo. The workers also say that they havent had a raise in a number of years. I have lupus but I havent seen my MD in three years why? Because I owe them money, said another employee, Teresa Ortiz. And we we get our paychecks, we go to the bank, and the moneys not there. jburgeson@ctpost.com The former owner of a defunct Bridgeport-based food distribution business pleaded guilty to defrauding three restaurant groups of more than $3.5 million. Mark Berlin, 63, of of Boca Raton, Fla., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of wire fraud . According to court documents and statements made in court, Berlin owned and operated Fairfield Food Services, LLC, a Bridgeport-based food distribution business that bought meat, fish and other foods from wholesale vendors and then sold the items to restaurants and retail food distributor. On a routine basis, Berlin met with representatives for the retail victims to pitch them specific sales opportunities, according to U.S. Attorney Deidre Daly. Between April 2012 and April 2015, Berlin made various misrepresentations to secure the sales, including claiming that he had arrangements with wholesale suppliers to obtain futures contracts from the wholesalers, and that the retail victims could lock in low prices if they paid for products in advance with delivery at a later date. Berlin regularly told the retail victims that he had a great deal on particular products and the customers had to pay him fast in order to obtain the deals. Federal officials say Berlin provided the retail victims with Bill and Hold invoices purportedly reflecting specific monies to be paid to the wholesale suppliers for products at the prices indicated. The retail victims then paid the Bill and Hold invoices in full with an understanding that the products or the futures contracts for products were being purchased from the suppliers. The investigation revealed that Berlin did not have locked in prices or futures contracts with wholesale suppliers, and he frequently used retail victims payments simply to cover his businesss immediate cash flow needs. In fact, instead of paying wholesalers before products were delivered, Berlin typically did not pay the wholesalers for 30 or 60 days after products were delivered. By April 2015, Berlin was unable to keep the scheme afloat and stopped providing products to the retail victims. Shortly thereafter, Fairfield Food Services declared bankruptcy and closed its business. The Fairfield Food Services bankruptcy filing lists a total of approximately $5.3 million owed to three restaurant groups that paid Berlin in advance for products, and hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to wholesale suppliers for products for which Fairfield Food Services had already taken delivery. In pleading guilty, Berlin contended that not all of the approximately $5.3 million owed to his retail victims was obtained by fraud. The governments position is that Berlin obtained at least $3.5 million and as much as $5.3 million by fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on Aug. 25, He faces a maximum prison term of 20 years. Will California's New Parental Leave Law Apply to Your Small Business? The California legislature has passed a bill that would expand parental leave laws in the state to cover more small to midsize businesses. Currently, the laws requiring parental leave only apply to employers with 50 or more employees. This bill, if approved by Governor Jerry Brown, would require employers of 20 to 50 employees to also offer parental leave. Proponents of the new law are hopeful that Governor Brown has changed his tune, as last year he vetoed a similar bill in the interest of protecting small businesses. While small businesses are likely to feel the costs the worst, the expansion to businesses as small as 20 employees would provide nearly 3 million more Californians with the option to take parental leave. Doesn't Federal Law Require Parental Leave? Yes. Under the Family Medical Leave Act, employers of 50 or more, that meet other requirements, are required to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off per year for qualified employees to either bond with a new child, or care for an ill family member. Along with the federal laws, many states provide for additional requirements, such as requiring employers to pay a percentage of an employee's salary for a period of time. How Can My Business Afford This? The largest cost seems to be obtaining the necessary temporary staff while employees are out on extended leaves. Opponents particularly note the harsh impact on small businesses with multiple locations that each only have a few staff members. Fortunately, the new law does not expand the requirements for which businesses must pay employees on parental leave, though it does require medical benefits be continued. For some small businesses, if the new law passes, operational changes could help to avoid being required to comply. For example, businesses that employ just a few more than 20 employees can evaluate staffing needs and cut down to 19. Work can be outsourced to independent contractors or third party vendors to help reduce the workforce. However, if you are considering downsizing your business to comply, seek out legal advice from an experienced employment lawyer before taking action. If it appears obvious that you are conducting layoffs to stay clear of any government compliance matters, employees may feel unfairly singled out for termination, which can result in wrongful termination claims. Related Resources: It took two weeks for a driver - who allegedly tried to drag a state police trooper on I-84 - to turn himself it. The incident happened on Waterburys Mixmaster on a Wednesday monring that had heavy traffic heading east on I-84. It began when Troopers from Troop A in Southbury responded to motor-vehicle accident on the upper deck of the highway. Because the vehicles involved in the crash were partially in the travel lanes, troopers protected the scene and occupants with their state police cruisers with the emergency lights activated, according to a release. As troopers were investigating the crash and monitoring the heavy traffic, they observed a red BMW being operated erratically through the heavy traffic. Troopers indicated for the operator of the BMW to stop, and approached the BMW. The operator, Dennis Rolon, was not cooperative and it became apparent that Rolon was preparing to flee therefore posing a risk to other motorists. Rolon then accelerated the BMW and started to flee at a high rate of speed forcing a trooper, who was reaching in the driver's side window, to run alongside the BMW before he was able to safely move away from the vehicle, state police said. An investigation IDd i Rolon as the BMWs operator. Their evidence lead to a warrant for Rolons arrest. On Wednesday morning, Rolon turned himself in to police at the Southbury barracks. He was charged with first-degree reckless rndangerment, interfering with a police officer, reckless driving and disobeying the direction of an officer. And he also faces a $92 fine for not wearing a seat belt. Rolan was later released on a $75,000 bond and will appear in Waterbury Superior Court on June 13 - five days before his 27th birthday. Liberal Politics from the Heart of Bluegrass Country STORY LINK GBP NOK Exchange Rate Trades Tightly after Election Polls Show Falling Conservative Lead Unless some bullish news stops this, prices will fall further, in particular now with Brent trading below the post-OPEC low. Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: Over the current week, the Pound has steadily risen against the Krone, climbing from a starting rate of 10.7429 to a high of 10.9029 on Wednesday. Since this peak, however, the Pound has dropped off, trading around 10.8612 today.This recent slide follows an opinion poll that put the Conservatives just 3 percentage points ahead of Labour. The poll came out after a BBC leaders debate, where PM Theresa May was notably absent.Fellow party leaders and representatives criticised Mays no-show, which the PM explained was due to her focusing on possible Brexit deals. This apparent blind dedication to one aspect of the Conservative manifesto may have diminished confidence in the Prime Minister, which would account for another narrowing in the polls.Traders broadly consider a Conservative landslide victory as the best outcome for the UK, so the GBP NOK exchange rate could depreciate further if pre-election polls show further drops in Conservative support.The next direct UK data will be Fridays construction PMI for May. This measure of national construction activity is forecast to show a slowdown, from 53.1 to 52.7. While minor, this result would put construction activity closer to the contraction range of sub-50 points. With slower growth, there could be Pound-weakening fears about a housing market undersupply.Norwegian Krone movement over the week has been most strongly dictated by Brent crude oil costs. Krone to Pound losses have been seen since a recent OPEC meeting, where crude oil producers failed to expand their current production cut program, only extending it instead.Brent crude costs accordingly dipped on fears of market oversupply, having fallen close to $50.50 per barrel today. As well as the OPEC upset, Brent crude costs have remained low after news that near-term Libyan oil production could be picking up.Commenting on the problems facing the oil industry was Commerzbank Commodity Analyst Carsten Fritsch;Norwegian domestic data has also disappointed Krone traders; monthly retail sales in April rose by 0.2%, but annual sales fell from 2.7% to 2.2%. Additionally, the NMA manufacturing measure showed a larger-than-expected drop in activity, from 54.6 to 54.3.The last Norwegian economic data of the week will be Fridays unemployed persons count for May. This is predicted to show a minor dip, from 97.46k to 96.8k. The data is considered low-impact, so the Krone could remain unmoved unless there is a significant improvement in oil prices.The Krone could appreciate today if US crude oil stock data shows a shortage of the resource. News of falling supplies could drive up prices for global crude oil reserves, which would benefit Norwegian exporters and by extension the national economy. 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. TAGS: Norwegian Krone Forecasts Pound Sterling Forecasts A noose was found inside an exhibit on segregation at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the nation's capital today. This is the second racist defacement incident within a single week on Smithsonian grounds. Just four days ago, a noose was found hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum, also in Washington, DC. Investigations into the noose incidents are ongoing. The public and staff have been assured that the museums are safe to visit. A statement from our Founding Director Lonnie Bunch on the noose found in our history galleries today. pic.twitter.com/sFWVSaobhV Smithsonian NMAAHC (@NMAAHC) May 31, 2017 From the Smithsonian website: Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead. news Media Matters highlighted this terrific clip of Bill Nye explaining how stupid it is that Trump is likely canceling America's participation in the Paris climate accord. From the June 1 edition of MSNBC's MSNBC Live: STEPHANIE RUHLE (HOST): Bill Nye, you don't have to be a climate change denier to say maybe the Paris agreement doesn't work for us. Why is it so important for us to stay in? BILL NYE: To be a world leader. When you talk about leadership and the future, the future is in renewable energy, what Mr. Norquist called green energy. It's not in fossil fuels. And so you want the United States to be the world leader in those technologies and it's a big idea. Is the climate important to you? Is sea level rise important to you? Is the quality of life of billions of people around the world as the world's population goes from 7.4 to 9 and 10 billion, is that important to you? Or do you want to reckon your policy decisions based on certain statistics captured with respect to keeping current jobs current. In my opinion, Mr. Norquist's analysis ignores completely the 3 million, at least, new jobs that will be created in renewable energy here in the United States. And when you look even at conservative states, Oklahoma gets 20 percent of its energy from the wind, Texas gets 10 percent, Iowa is now getting 25 percent of its electricity from the wind. That's the future. And that's where we want the United States to lead. And then further more, in a bigger idea, Mr. Norquist lumped dictatorships with people who are concerned about the climate. I think that's a false comparison. [] NYE: Climate change affects us tomorrow. Climate change affects everyone in the world because we all share the air. You can't build a border wall against carbon dioxide emissions. The time to get to work on this is right now. The first time I traveled outside of the United States, I was twelve years old. The destination was that mysterious place my immigrant parents fondly referred to as back home whenever they told us childhood stories: Lebanon. We were vacationing there for the summer of 2006 and meeting our extended family. I dont recall much about the first few days of the trip other than how new and exciting everything had seemed to me. And how quickly it all would change. I remember waking up one morning and feeling uneasy that the house was so quiet. I passed by the living room, only to catch something in my peripheral view that froze me in my tracks. My mom, sisters, cousins, and all of our neighbors were huddled around the TV watching the news. On the screen was the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport the same airport I'd walked through upon landing in Lebanon days before completely engulfed in flames. What started as a news broadcast about an airstrike on the airport ended with an announcement that Lebanon and Israel had officially declared war. War. The word hung in the air. After what felt like an eternity, a voice cracked the silence, "Well, how are we gonna get home?" It took me a second to recognize it was my own. My mom turned to me, her face was tense. "Go pack your bags," was her non-answer answer. To my twelve-year-old mind, my mother knew everything where my missing socks were, which medicines got rid of a bad cold, how to make my 7th-grade essays sound better. And yet, my mother, the person who knew everything, didn't know how we would get home. Hundreds of journalists would break the news about the war that day and not a single one could convince me that we were in danger the way that exchange with my mother had. The next three weeks we barely slept or ate. I'll spare you the details of what day-to-day life was like during the war but suffice it to say we were always on the move. I don't recall staying in single city for more than four days. As soon as we'd learn army tanks were headed towards the village or town we were staying in, we'd mobilize to another part of Lebanon. Three unnerving weeks into the war, we eventually made the decision to flee to a then-stable Syria. There, we were warmly welcomed and cared for by heartbreakingly selfless Syrian families. Syrian families that could barely make ends meet themselves provided us with food and shelter until a ceasefire was called in Lebanon, and we were finally able to head home. I will never forget the kindness that was shown to me by people whom I could do nothing for. Frankly, I don't know if I'd be alive to write about this today if it weren't for them. So, you can begin to understand why a travel ban imposed by a person who has never experienced the ravages of war would leave me dumbfounded. Why I personally can't be a spectator as the US government callously shuts its doors on fellow humans in crises. I've decided to do something about it. Specifically, my co-author Mark Mendoza and I have put together a 70-page photo catalogue of protest signs from around the country: crookedmag.com and 100% of the net proceeds from the photo book go to the American Refugee Committee, Planned Parenthood, and Reading Partners. The way Mark and I see it, our country has been jolted awake into a state of political urgency. We've been forced to take a good look at the values our government has distorted and reflected back to us as American. We've had to think more critically about what being American really means. About the benefits of cooperating with executive orders. About the costs of doing what is right. About what right actually is. And about who gets the power to say. We've seen the answers in every protest. In solidarity with the movement, Mark and I crowdsourced hundreds of photos from iPhones to DSLR cameras to capture the protests in their entirety. Although each protester has seen the same events unfold nationwide, every reaction has been intensely unique. Our mission in creating this catalogue was to document the colorful range of voices moving, comedic, inspiring, alarming, and just plain silly that rang loud and clear through the crowds each day. After every demonstration we began noticing a pattern. People wanted one place where they could view a roundup of protest signs that best captured the essence of each protest this book is our answer. We hope that in the darkest days of this administration, you can reach for this book as a source of light. When it seems as though your rally cries are falling on deaf ears, remember who fought before you like Coretta Scott King. In times of moral crisis, she refused to be silent. She couldn't have known it in 1968, but 49 years after being written, her letter would fuel the humanitarian opposition to the 45th's administration. This is the power of protest. If you don't have the luxury of marching in a protest, this is us bringing the protests to you. Know you can turn these pages and physically see how many people are with you, fighting the good fight alongside you. We want these images to stir something inside you. To compel you to have difficult conversations with those who accept the distorted reflection of American. To empower you to vote during midterm elections for those who reject it. Although the year 2017 has been fraught with disappointments, the resistance we've seen to date has made us feel something I haven't felt in awhile: proud. And we'd like to think that if she were around today, Coretta Scott King would be, too. Former Lib Dem Leader Paddy Ashdown Some people will never take Paddy Ashdown seriously after the former Lib Dem leader said he would publicly eat my hat on your programme if the exit polls predicting a Tory victory in the 2015 election were correct. The polls, of course, were completely right, but Paddy didnt fulfil his undertaking. He had been instantly proved wrong, and wasnt prepared to take even a small bite from his headgear or offer a proper apology, though he did later, by way of a gimmick, consume a chocolate hat. His foolishness was perfectly illuminated in a matter of hours. Yet despite this, Im still inclined to take Lord Ashdown seriously, partly because he has been leader of a political party, and also ran Bosnia on behalf of the United Nations during the early 2000s. Even more important, to my mind, are his 13 years as an officer in the Royal Marines. A man who has served Queen and country and by most accounts the young Paddy Ashdown got into some pretty tight scrapes should not be easily written off despite revealing himself as a chump on live television. So when he draws comparisons between contemporary Britain and Nazi Germany, as he did at the Hay Festival on Tuesday, my strong inclination is not to dismiss him as a lightweight whose views can be safely ignored. For what Paddy said is the latest example of the hysterical language used by some extreme Remainers following last Junes referendum. One can sympathise with their disappointment, of course, and appreciate their worries about the future. But Id argue that such unhinged talk often accompanied by large dollops of vitriol is not just silly but also potentially dangerous. Isnt it a mark of extremist politicians to paint political opponents in the most lurid terms? Nice, liberal Paddy Ashdown is sinking to the politics of the gutter. While promoting his new book about World War II, he said he was horrified by the parallels with the Third Reich. He wasnt suggesting that Hitler was around the corner God forbid! although you might conclude that the conditions for something like that to emerge are there. All this echoes what he told the Guardian newspaper last September. He recalled how after the referendum result he told his wife: Its not our country any more. There was something really nasty . . . a monster below the placid surface of British life. While promoting his new book about World War II, Remainer Ashdown said he was horrified by the parallels between the Brexit vote and the Third Reich On that occasion he also equated Josef Goebbels malign propaganda machine, which specialised in telling lies, with the contention repeated by Boris Johnson and others that we send the EU 350 million a week. Lets fund the NHS instead. Whatever our feelings about the rights and wrongs of that slogan and I think it was somewhat misleading it is surely verging on lunacy to draw even the faintest comparison between the bumbling and generally decent figure of poor Boris and the wicked genocidal maniac Josef Goebbels. As Paddy has written a book about World War II, he really should try to digest a few basic facts about Nazi Germany, to which he is prepared to liken Brexit Britain. I cant see they have anything whatsoever in common. Hitlers Germany was a militaristic regime which invaded its neighbours. Dissenters were persecuted or imprisoned. Six million Jews were murdered in appalling circumstances. There was no free Press or open debate. Opposition was outlawed. How can a serious person with a brain in his head pretend that post-Referendum Britain (which, by the way, is engaged in a free and open election in which Paddy Ashdowns Lib Dems are promoting their policies) bears the slightest resemblance to the most evil and perverted government that has ever existed? Isnt it a mark of extremist politicians to paint political opponents in the most lurid terms? Nice, liberal Paddy Ashdown is sinking to the politics of the gutter The comparison is crazy. But Paddy is not a batty, one-man band raging in isolation. Far from it. A few months ago, the Booker Prize-winning novelist Ian McEwan ploughed a similar furrow when making a speech in Spain. He described the decision to hold a referendum on Brexit as reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Did he also think the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence smacked of Nazism? He didnt say. Nor did he draw a distinction between democratic referenda openly contested and fascist ones in the Thirties which offered no true choice and enjoyed no free debate. The confusion is regrettable in so intelligent a man. Three weeks ago, McEwan suggested in another speech that the death of many elderly Brexit voters over the next two years would help swing a second referendum in favour of Britain staying in Europe. Actually, hes almost certainly wrong. A recent YouGov poll suggested that 69 per cent of people now want Brexit to go ahead as against 21 per cent who dont. But lets leave that aside for the moment. What was particularly disturbing is that McEwan seemed almost to look forward to the prospective deaths of 1.5 million oldsters who would be freshly in their graves because their demise (he mistakenly believes) would give him the outcome he wants. To achieve this end, the views even the lives of his fellow countrymen can be cheerfully sacrificed. Contempt for ordinary voters who voted Brexit, and hatred for those politicians and journalists who argued in favour of it, are increasingly evident in many of the diatribes unleashed by intransigent and angry Remainers. The other week, I wrote about the partly factually incorrect anti-Brexit effusions of another of our leading novelists, Julian Barnes, in the London Review of Books. A few months ago, the Booker Prize-winning novelist Ian McEwan described the decision to hold a referendum on Brexit as reminiscent of Nazi Germany I didnt mention then that Barnes related how, after the polls closed on June 23, he asked like-minded guests at dinner which pro-Brexit politician would be the biggest hate figure for them if the verdict was to leave. Boris Johnson received seven votes, while Barnes himself opted for Nigel Farage. Now there is nothing wrong about friends discussing their political animosities in private. But Barnes should not have advertised this hatred in the public arena. This is not the language of civilised discourse which leftish intellectuals such as Julian Barnes claim to cherish. Theres a laughable example of abuse in the current London Review of Books, with another anti-Brexit novelist, Andrew OHagan, accusing the Mail (which he regards as the epicentre of the Brexit cause) of being full of venom. He seems blithely unaware that his own splenetic and hate-fuelled utterances embody the very characteristics he claims to find in this newspaper. And this, it seems to me, touches on the crux of the matter. Confronted with a democratic result they dont like and wont accept, a hard core of high-minded Remainers descend terrifyingly quickly to the brutish invective of the political street fighter. Apart from everything else, they are going to make themselves terribly unhappy if they continue to howl and convulse about a referendum which, unless Jeremy Corbyn lands up in Number 10, hasnt the faintest chance of ever being re-run. But that is not my main concern. No, my worry is that by ludicrously invoking the Third Reich and spewing hatred, Remainers debase the political process. It would obviously be ludicrous to call Paddy Ashdown or Ian McEwan fascist as ludicrous as making an equivalence between Josef Goebbels and Boris Johnson. But they should be more careful. They are in danger of resembling just a little the monsters they invoke. After all, wild hyperbole, vicious abuse and vulgar name-calling are calling cards that fascists like. Republican Congressman Tim Walberg, hailing from the great state of Michigan, knows that climate change is real! Walberg does not think humans need worry though, GOD will take care of it. Really. Via TPM: "I believe there's climate change," Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) told constituents at a town hall Friday, as seen in a video of the event posted online. "I believe there's been climate change since the beginning of time. I think there are cycles." "Do I think that man has some impact? Yeah, of course," he continued. "Can man change the entire universe? No. Why do I believe that? As a Christian, I believe that there is a creator, God, who's much bigger than us. And I'm confident that, if there's a real problem, he can take care of it." With just a few swipes and clicks, numerous apps have given us the power to erase any and all of our perceived imperfections in just minutes. It was something that astonished psychologist Stacey Lee, who is popular for her Instagram fitness posts, when she discovered one such app eight months ago. With a finger flick here and there, Stacey's arms were smaller, her butt was bigger, and her cellulite had disappeared - and she felt more horrible about herself. The photoshopped images are now on Stacey's Instagram, but they're standing side-by-side the original, unaltered image. Psychiatrist Stacey Lee, 28, has turned her Instagram account into a platform hoping to show women how easy it is to alter photos - and how damaging they can be to mental health It is a lesson Stacey, 27, had to learn the hard way as she once scrolled through those perfect Instagram pictures and only felt worse and worse about herself They are all part of Stacey's mission to turn her Instagram into a platform for body confidence, self-love, and showing the reality behind those #fitspo posts. It is a lesson Stacey, 27, had to learn the hard way as she once scrolled through those perfect Instagram pictures and only felt worse and worse about herself. Stacey's own fitness journey had begun for the wrong reasons, she told Daily Mail Australia. As a teen she had always been 'pretty down' on herself, constantly comparing her body to her friends. 'I never had a good body image of myself and it affected my self-esteem and confidence,' she said. 'I started to go to the gym when I was 17 or 18 but for the wrong reasons, doing cardio and trying to get as skinny as possible.' Stacey started her own Instagram account to hold herself accountable as she began Kayla Itsines' BBG program, sharing her journey as she became stronger and stronger But Stacey saw her own self-esteem plummet as she delved deep into the often picture perfect Photoshopped world of Instagram That changed when she came across Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Guide. As Stacey began the program, she posted pictures on Instagram to hold herself accountable. Stacey, of Melbourne, loved the chance to connect with other women who were doing BBG, and finally felt like she was learning how to exercise the right way. Yet even as Stacey was growing stronger, her self-esteem was plummeting as she delved deep into the often picture perfect world of Instagram. 'I got smothered with images of perfect models that were just self-defeating,' she said. 'I'd look at them and think, wow I'll never look like that. It set myself up for failure at the start and wasn't giving me any motivation.' 'I'd get on the phone in the morning, scroll through Instagram, then decided not to do my work out because, what's the point? I'm never going to look like that.' But when Stacey discovered the Photoshop apps, she was shocked to find that these pictures that had been making her feel so bad weren't even real. 'I realised I'd been comparing myself to these images that had been doctored or manipulated to be a different version of reality,' she said. And when Stacey had tweaked her own photos, she realised they were making her feel just as bad as the 'perfect' models had. And when Stacey discovered the Photoshop apps, she was shocked to find that these pictures that had been making her feel so bad weren't even real Stacey unfollowed those fitness models that used to make her feel terrible, and said she immediately saw her own self-esteem and confidence improve 'I had been really happy with my before photo, but my automatic thought after I doctored it was "Oh, the after photo looks so much better now"', she said. 'Looking at my own picture, I went 10 steps back in my fitness journey. I thought, wow I've regressed so much in my mind seeing a doctored image of myself.' Stacey then decided she was going to challenge herself by posting the before and after photos to make her followers aware of how Photoshop could be hurting their fitness journey both physically and mentally. 'I want to help people understand that what you see on social media is not always a true reflection of the world,' she said. In one such comparison, Stacey explained to her followers that she didn't create the photoshop version because she had a problem with the original. 'It's to say the opposite actually,' she wrote. 'The point of this image is to show that when something that is already "good" is altered to be "better", it teaches people that your "real" isn't good enough.' 'I don't ever want to perpetuate or encourage that twisted notion. So I post these photos to combat that idea and to raise awareness of the damage it can have.' Stacey unfollowed those fitness models that used to make her feel terrible, and said she immediately saw her self-esteem improve. Now Stacey is hoping to help validate her own 19,000 plus followers, and show them that they don't need to fear their 'unfiltered self' She also hopes to show her followers that fitness is as much about mental health as it is physical - and that they're equally important Now she is supporting fellow posters who are showing the highs and lows of their fitness journeys, that she knew were 'being real'. 'They're the ones who are actually honest about real life and aren't going to sugarcoat it and make it social media appropriate,' she said. 'I would've loved to see images of that in high school, when I was comparing myself to every single magazine.' 'Seeing that they actually have cellulite or that their bum isn't that perky, it would've been validating to know I was normal.' Now Stacey is hoping to help validate her own 19,000 plus followers, and show them that they don't need to fear their 'unfiltered self'. She also hopes to show her followers that fitness is as much about mental health as it is physical - and that they're equally important. 'When we begin a fitness or mental health journey it's very much separated,' she said. 'You go to a doctor for your body and a psychologist for your brain.' 'But that's not the right way to go about it. There's so much research out there that shows the connection, but we always turn to a quick fix like medication.' 'Now I'm passionate about trying to spread messages to people about how to look at yourself in a positive light - and tackle those negative things that are coming up.' As the media frenzy surrounding Schapelle Corby rages on, Constance Hall has come out in support for the drug trafficker - and revealed family secrets of her own. Constance said she had never cared if Corby, now 39, had actually smuggled that boogie board filled with 4.2 kilos of marijuana in Bali nearly 13 years ago. That's because Constance, a 21-year-old at the time, had made her own mistakes and could relate as she watched Corby break down in tears during her trial. 'I had already f****d up so many times,' Constance wrote in an open letter, published on her blog. Australian mummy blogger Constance Hall has written an open letter in support of Schapelle Corby after the drug trafficker was released from a Balinese prison last week Constance revealed that she had never cared if Corby was actually guilty or not, but that her heart bled as she watched the then 26-year-old get sentenced to 20 years in a Balinese prison 'I had been on Big Brother and been the first one evicted for generally being a massive f**k up. I was pregnant to my boyfriend, who I had since broken up with.' Constance, now 33, revealed she had gotten an abortion, spent a night in jail for refusing to turn her music down, and was getting laughed at on the street by people who recognised her from their TV. 'But none of my f***k ups cost me 13 years in a Balinese prison,' she said. 'So whether you did it or not was never my question.' 'Because if you did, I'd have cried the same amount of tears for you.' Constance also said she could further empathise because she had watched drugs tear her own family apart. The mummy blogger revealed that her 'favourite uncle' had done time in a Fremantle prison for smuggling heroin into Australia in the 1980s. Constance also said she could further empathise because she had watched drugs tear her own family apart, revealing her father died from a heroin addiction Constance's letter comes amid a massive media frenzy since Shapelle Corby's release, as well as a spike in interest that saw her amassing more than 180,000 Instagram followers in days 'Had he been caught in Thailand instead of Australia I wouldn't have his daughter, my best friend, today,' she added. And Constance shared that her own father had died because of his heroin addiction after contracting Hepatitis C. 'A drug smuggler out there had to have brought that heroin into our country. Still, I have no blame or contempt,' she wrote. Constance credited her father for teaching her empathy before his death, taking the blogger to the funeral of Van Tuong Nguyen in 2005. The Melbourne native had been executed by hanging after he was convicted of drug trafficking in Singapore, which carries a mandatory death sentence for the crime. 'My dad believed in teaching me compassion for everyone, he believed it was the only way we could save this world,' Constance wrote. 'We paid out respects and cried for Van, a young 25-year-old man who f****d up and paid the ultimate price.' Corby was sentenced to 20 years in prison after customs officer found 4.1kg of high quality marijuana in her boogie board bag Constance, who was 21 years old during the famous trial, said she could relate as she watched Corby break down in tears after her sentencing Constance said she has never been interested in 'right or wrong', but rather in 'compassion, humanity and love'. 'Everyone's on their own journey and that journey will individualise everyone's definition of right and wrong, who are we to judge anyone but ourselves.' And it was compassion Constance felt as she saw Corby get sentenced to 20 years in jail. 'I don't think anyone could forget that raw look on your face as you tried to hide your fear and comfort your family,' she wrote. 'I found my heart bleeding for yours.' Constance said she has never been interested in 'right or wrong', but rather in 'compassion, humanity and love' The blogger is no stranger to the spotlight, most recently making headlines after she left her husband of six years, Bill Mahon, and began dating blogger Denim Cooke (pictured) Thirteen years later, Constance is now hitting back at the media that have followed Corby's every move and the 'keyboard warriors' who want to tear her down. 'Now that you're free...and you have like a gazillion Instagram followers and you're looking hot...our country has condemned you a tall poppy and they are gonna stop at nothing to tear you down,' she wrote. It was a sensation that Constance said she knew well now that she is in the public eye herself, and reads hateful comments from trolls. 'In fact yesterday an article was written about me and the first comment was "slow news day? If it's not Corby it's bloody Constance,"' she recalled. 'High five to that prick, Corbs.' Constance said she found it hilarious that people think Corby would care about their comments after surviving 13 years in that Balinese prison. 'I think that you're interesting and I think you're strong,' Constance wrote. 'And I am bloody happy to have you home. Welcome back, Corbs.' After just 36 hours in Sydney, Pippa Middleton donned a pair of sunglasses as she touched down Darwin where she was greeted by balmy temperatures of 31 degrees. The 33-year-old was pictured arriving at Darwin airport on Thursday sporting a chic white broderie anglaise blouse by Orla Kiely and the same AUD $200 Castaner espadrilles she wore to lunch at Sydney Harbour on Wednesday. The new bride appeared in good spirits as she touched down in the Northern Territory. She and her new husband left the airport by a back exit before jumping into a car and later boarding another charter flight. Earlier in the day the new bride was pictured leaving Sydney on Thursday morning - despite yesterday's activities, she was full of smiles The couple later disembarked in the sunshine, as Pippa clutched a straw tote bag with a grin The 33-year-old sported a white broderie anglaise blouse, straight-legged jeans and the same black espadrilles from Castaner that she wore yesterday (pictured) She was joined by financier husband, James Matthews, who also rocked an off-duty look (pictured) On Wednesday, Pippa lunched at an exclusive waterfront restaurant, Cottage Point Inn, wearing an AUD $800 Kate Spade dress, Castaner wedges and Persol sunglasses The jet-setting bride accessorised her look for the occasion with a voluminous straw tote bag with fringed detailing. Pippa wore her hair straight and loose, and paired the high-necked blouse - which retails for AUD $365 (GBP 210.00; USD $270) - with a straight-legged pair of jeans and drop earrings. The blouse is described as a 'paisley cotton embroidery anglaise blouse, with gathered ruffle detail at yoke and collar' on the website. The previous day, the pair took a water taxi from Sydney Harbour to the exclusive waterfront hideaway, Cottage Point Inn, for lunch. Pippa later climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge and rounded out the day with dinner at seafood eatery, 'Flying Fish'. She and financier husband, James Matthews, stayed at the exclusive Sydney Hotel, Park Hyatt, which offers waterfront views and rooms which retail for as much as AUD $19,000 a night. They happy couple were up and about early at the airport on Thursday, however. The blouse Pippa opted for is a blouse she has worn at home in London before, when she was pictured walking her dogs weeks before the wedding sporting the blouse with a Zara trench coat and the Duchess of Cambridge's casual shoe of choice - Supergas. The pair brought their honeymoon Down Under on Tuesday The chic white blouse was considerably warmer than Pippa's outfit from the day before On Wednesday evening, Pippa and James stayed at the exclusive Sydney Hotel, Park Hyatt, which offers waterfront views and rooms which retail for as much as AUD $19,000 a night On Wednesday, they enjoyed spectacular views of Sydney after doing the Harbour Bridge Climb On Wednesday, Pippa wore the espadrilles with an altogether more summery look (pictured) On Wednesday, Pippa wore the espadrilles by Spanish label, Castaner, with an altogether more summery look, pairing them with bare legs, an AUD $798 (GBP 464; USD $595) Kate Spade striped dress and black blazer. Perhaps re-thinking the weather in Sydney, the new bride switched out her bare legs for jeans on Thursday morning. Pippa had felt the cold on Wednesday when her Kate Spade striped dress billowed in the wind as she re-boarded her sea plane. Pippa was accompanied by air staff on Thursday morning A Melbourne mother has posted a warning to all parents after discovering 'hundreds of rat droppings' inside an indoor children's playground. On Monday, the mother shared photographs of what she identified as rat droppings behind a soft play log at the popular Chipmunks Playland in Caroline Springs, Melbourne. 'I was at Chipmunks Indoor Playground, Caroline Springs today at 2pm with my 2 girls & niece in the toddler area,' she wrote. 'My sister moved one of the soft play logs and discovered hundreds of rat droppings and a worm. Apologies for the blurry one, I moved the log further but got scared what else may be lurking behind it.' A mother from Melbourne has posted a warning to all parents after discovering 'hundreds of rat droppings' inside an indoor children's playground On Monday, the mother shared photographs of what she identified as rat droppings behind a soft play log at the popular Chipmunks Playland in Caroline Springs, Melbourne The mother said she was 'disgusted and appalled' by what she saw and how the supervisor dealt with her complaint, alluding to 'poor customer service'. The woman said she was told by the supervisor that the 'droppings' were a known issue, that pest control had been 'going there every week' and that the staff 'clean the play area only every night'. 'I will be making a formal complaint to the company and have also contacted Department of Human & Health Services Pest Control & Kids Safe Victoria regarding the rules and regulations of indoor playgrounds still operating under such circumstance,' the mother continued. 'Just thought to warn all the mums out there. 'My sister moved one of the soft play logs and discovered hundreds of rat droppings and a worm... I moved the log further but got scared what else may be lurking behind it,' she said 'I, for one, would have been thankful to know there was a rat issue where my kids are playing, being curious little beings they are, putting everything in their mouths. 'I know how difficult it can be to keep a close eye on your children and it only takes 1 second to place one in their mouth. It can result to serious health concerns.' Pictures posted by the mother show hundreds of tiny droppings scattered over a number of the play mats and a large black worm. Chipmunks Australia took to their Facebook page on Tuesday to formally apologise and respond to the complaints. The mother said she was 'disgusted and appalled' by what she saw and how the supervisor dealt with her complaint, alluding to 'poor customer service' Chipmunks Australia took to their Facebook page on Tuesday to formally apologise and respond to the complaints 'Dear All, we would like to take a moment and apologise to our dear customers,' they wrote. 'What happened yesterday was something we are very embarrassed and gutted about. We take kids safety very seriously and we are so heartbroken with what happened. 'We can assure you that we take cleaning very seriously and we have pest control companies come in on a regular basis to maintain a fresh and clean environment for toddlers. 'We can assure you that we take cleaning very seriously and we have pest control companies come in on a regular basis to maintain a fresh and clean environment for toddlers.' 'We can assure you that we take cleaning very seriously and we have pest control companies come in on a regular basis to maintain a fresh and clean environment for toddlers,' they wrote The centre said they would have a 'few professional teams come in and work overnight' for the customers and hoped guests would 'accept our deepest apologies and have faith in us'. In a later comment on the post, they added: 'We take kids safety very seriously at Chipmunks and therefore hygiene is a priority. Pest control is and has always been part of our ongoing business operations at Caroline Springs. 'The Caroline Springs area seems to currently be a popular destination for the furry unwanted friends who are looking for new homes from the colder weather outside. 'We have been made aware of this from our pest control company and they have already been pro-active in increasing measures around the control of mice. The mother also took issue with the cleanliness of the teacups at the centre (pictured) 'We thank you for your comments and understand the frustration but know that the Chipmunks team is committed in ensuring we provide a clean and safe environment for fun play.' Many of the mothers also defended the centre and agreed that this is an issue that could occur to any business. 'Me and the kids go there often. We have never had any issues. These types of things can happen to any business,' one mother wrote. 'And all of the people that have commented that hey wont be going back are truly silly people who don't live in the real world with real germs. We will be returning.' Mother-of-six Susan, from Melbourne, travelled to Thailand in 2012 to have a 'mini breast lift' - a surgery she described as a 'dream come true'. But after later complications, Susan, 38, was left with 'disfigured breasts', uneven implants and scarring. So when the opportunity to travel to Thailand again to have her breasts re-done came up - this time with Australian company CosMediTour - she jumped at the chance. 'My breasts have a lot of underlying scar tissue and they have what is known as the "double bubble" where the implants are actually sitting below the breast fold,' Susan said on Nine's Operation Thailand. Mother-of-six Susan flew to Thailand on a medical tourism holiday to get a breast revision after a 'botched' job in 2012 (left) and a vaginal rejuvenation (pictured right after) When the opportunity to travel to Thailand again to have her breasts re-done came up - this time with Australian company CosMediTour - Susan jumped at the chance She travelled to Thailand on an unrelated trip in 2012 to have a 'mini breast lift' - a surgery she described as a 'dream come true'... but complications left her breasts 'disfigured' Susan travelled with two other woman having their own surgeries to a luxury hotel in Bangkok before meeting with her surgeon for the first time. 'My surgeon is renowned for doing revision surgery on breasts and thats what I need at this point in time,' she said. 'My greatest fear would be that my surgeon tells me that we can't make you look normal.' During the consultation, Susan's surgeon outlined the very serious risks involved in the surgery but agreed to go ahead with the operation. 'My breasts have a lot of underlying scar tissue and they have what is known as the "double bubble" where the implants are actually sitting below the breast fold,' Susan said Susan travelled with two other woman having their own surgeries to a luxury hotel in Bangkok before meeting with her surgeon for the first time Susan also chose to undergo a 'vaginal rejuvenation' during the same surgery (pictured having her consultation) What surgeries did Susan have? Labia Minora Reduction + Labia Majora Reduction: $3,175 AUD Vaginoplasty (Posterior Vaginal Repair): $2,778 AUD Breast Revision: $5,160 AUD Advertisement But this wasn't the only consultation Susan had, with the mother also choosing to undergo a 'vaginal rejuvenation' during the same surgery. 'I've had six children, two vaginal deliveries and two sets of twins... I'm going to have my vagina reconstructed,' she said. 'I want to go to the toilet like a regular, normal person again... I just want to restore everything back to normal.' Susan, who was less concerned about aesthetics and more about functionality, said childbirth had 'destroyed' her. 'I want to go to the toilet like a regular, normal person again... I just want to restore everything back to normal,' she said Susan, who was less concerned about aesthetics and more about functionality, said childbirth had 'destroyed' her 'Having them [the kids] was my choice and I would do it again, but the mere weight of my sets of twins put a lot of pressure on my pelvic floor,' she said. 'At this point I have to balance out the risks or surgery with the quality of life. It is worth the risk to me.' In her second consultation, Susan was told her bladder floor was 'falling down' and therefore leading to tearing muscle. 'After vaginal deliveries several times the muscles tear,' her surgeon said. 'She will need two procedures: Externally, labiaplasty, and internally, vaginaplasty. I am surprised at how she has lived with this for 18 years.' In the mammoth 10 hour operation, Susan's surgeon first spent eight hours doing a complicated breast revision This involved cutting the muscle fibres attached to the old implants and removing them, before using a new method to place new implants to avoid the 'double bubble' effect After the operation and recovery, Susan was thrilled to hear the operation went well and couldn't wait to go home and show off her new body In the mammoth 10 hour operation, Susan's surgeon first spent eight hours doing a complicated breast revision. This involved cutting the muscle fibres attached to the old implants and removing them, before using a new method to place new implants to avoid the 'double bubble' effect. Afterwards, the second surgeon entered and spent two hours on the vaginal rejuvenation. After the operation and recovery, Susan was thrilled to hear the operation went well and couldn't wait to go home and show off her new body. The transformation was incredible, with Susan glowing as she revealed her brand new physique. The transformation was incredible, with Susan glowing as she revealed her brand new physique 'They [my breasts] are amazing. They are just two beautiful jewels on my body and they are the way they should have been originally,' she said 'I'm more happy about the labiaplasty than my breasts everything downstairs is absolutely perfect,' she said 'They [my breasts] are amazing. They are just two beautiful jewels on my body and they are the way they should have been originally,' she said. 'I can't stop looking at myself naked.' But she was even more impressed with the labiaplasty. 'I'm even more happy about the labiaplasty than my breasts everything downstairs is absolutely perfect,' she said. 'I tested it and it was very successful. We [my husband and I] are in an amazing place right now. If this is what normal feels like then I feel amazing. 'I can most definitely live happily, spectacularly ever after.' This is the incredible story of a little boy who was saved from severe bone cancer after surgeons put his foot on backwards. Julie Ford, 26, didn't think anything at first when she noticed her toddler son Maxwell had a 'funny waddle', she told That's Life. The family's nanny had noticed in October of last year that his right foot looked slightly 'turned out', and three days later things became much more serious. Max, now nearly two, suddenly couldn't put any weight on the foot, and had gone back to crawling again. One-year-old Max Ford had his knee removed and his leg reattached backwards after doctors discovered that he had a malignant bone cancer Julie and partner Greg, 29, rushed their little boy to the doctor, who thought it was just a virus and told the concerned parents to come back in a week. When Max's symptoms didn't improve, they asked the doctors to do an X-ray. Doctors found a shadow around his knee, but still didn't think the issue was serious. They advised Julie and Greg to keep a closer eye on it as their boy grew. But that very same day, everything changed. The doctors called Julie when she got home in Glenorchy and told her Max needed to be brought into Emergency immediately. Max's cancerous knee was removed, as well as eight centimetres of his thigh bone and part of his shin bone during an eight-hour surgery in April A biopsy found that Max had osteosarcoma, a malignant bone cancer, in his knee. The family flew to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne to begin 29 weeks of chemotherapy. Julie had packed four set of clothes. They didn't return home for nine months. After the first round of chemotherapy, Max's orthopaedic surgeon suggested that rotationplasty would be his best bet. That meant they would have to remove the boy's cancerous knee, as well as eight centimetres of his thigh bone and part of his shin bone. The remaining part of his limb would then be reattached - backwards. 'It would leave him with his heel at the front, toes pointing back and an ankle joint where his knee used to be,' Kelly told That's Life! Julie, 26, (pictured with Max and his father Greg) said it was 'like falling in love all over again' when they saw their son after the operation Plates and screws would hold the joint together as it healed and eventually, doctors said, it would be functioning. The surgeon said Max would be able to use a prosthetic as he got older without pain, and would be allowed 'even more movement' due to the joint. Max was the youngest child to ever undergo the radical surgery at the Melbourne hospital when he was wheeled into the operating room in April. Meanwhile, Julie wondered what her little boy's leg would look like and worried if he would ever be able to walk again. Julie Ford, 26, told her son's incredible story in That's Life, on newsstands now After eight long hours, the family were allowed to see him. Before they went inside Max's room, a nurse warned that they may find it 'distressing' to see him at first with the reattached joint. But Julie didn't have a problem with it at all. 'It was like falling in love with our boy all over again,' she told the magazine. Although the leg was much shorter, the loving mother had no issue with the fact that her son's foot was now on backwards. She was just happy he was alive. Max sat up in his wheelchair just six days later and began to crawl. Fast-forward two months and he's better than ever. Julie said her son is fascinated by his new leg and 'doesn't seem phased by the change', she told New Life! Max has seven more weeks of chemotherapy left, but has already been declared cancer free. He will then be fitted with special prosthetics. Julie sometimes worries that her son will be made fun of at school, but she knows his big brother Nate will protect him. 'All that matters to me is that my boys are happy and healthy,' she said. 'And thanks to his radical surgery, Max will always be able to put his best foot forward!' She revealed a high street shopping habit when she wore a Zara trouser suit to visit a farm in rural Vietnam this week. But it was back to dresses and pearls for Queen Maxima of the Netherlands on Thursday as she arrived in the capital to meet with the country's Minister of Finance. The blonde monarch chose a sleeveless white dress with a flared skirt and a floral print for talks with Dinh Tien Dung in Hanoi. Queen Maxima wore a white dress with a floral print and black heels to meet with Vietnamese minister of finance The Queen is visiting the country in her capacity as the UN Secretary General's special advocate for inclusive finance for development. Ideal for Vietnam's 37C temperatures, Maxima's dress was sleeveless and flowing, in a lightweight, white fabric. She opted for comfortable black wedge sandals, and carried a simple black clutch. The Dutch Queen accessorised with pearl jewellery for the meeting in Hanoi in Vietnam Earlier this week the Queen was given a tour of a farm, wearing a relaxed yellow trouser suit from high street favourite Zara. The stylish royal added gladiator style flat sandals and a statement cuff to her informal outfit, as she chatted to staff and crouched down to take a closer look at the rows of crops at the rural farm. She was there to learn more about the Horti Dalat programme, which helps Vietnam's rural farmers to grow their businesses. Maxima chose comfortable wedges and a breezy sleeveless dress to brave the 37C heat The Queen smiled as she arrived in Hanoi for official talks with Vietnam's finance minister Queen of the high street! Stylish Maxima in her Zara trouser suit at a farm in Da Lat Queen Maxima was in the capital to meet with Vietnam's Minister for Finance, Dinh Tien Dung A mother has said she is 'lucky to be alive' after she lost her 'entire body weight' in blood days after the birth of her daughter. Sarah Palmer, 36, was rushed to hospital after she suffered complications and started haemorrhaging at home in the village of Bow Street, in Ceredigion, Wales. She needed six blood transfusions after losing around five litres of blood, the equivalent of all the blood in her body. The new mother praised the quick-thinking doctors who saved her life but said she still suffers from 'paranoia' over the horrific 'ordeal'. Lucky to be alive: Sarah Palmer, partner Lee Hebbard and their daughter Jacqueline returned to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth to thank hospital staff 'I was very, very lucky to have had such wonderful care,' she said. 'The staff have been exceptional. We really wanted to go back and thank them.' Ms Palmer, originally from Auckland, New Zealand, and partner Lee Hebbard took their daughter Jacqueline Hebbard home the day after her birth on April 30. However days later Ms Palmer started haemorrhaging and was rushed to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. 'It was absolutely terrifying,' she said. 'I spent five nights in the hospital and it's estimated I lost my entire body weight in blood. I needed six blood transfusions.' The new mother said Jacqueline is 'doing really well' but the family is still reeling from the ordeal. Emergency care: Ms Palmer was ruashed to Bronglais Hospital, pictured, when she started haemorrhaging days after her daughter's birth. The new mother needed six blood transfusions Heroes: Ms Palmer, left, and her young family praised staff for their 'wonderful care' She said: 'I am not doing too badly now, although I still have paranoia about it. 'We've come through it all with the help of everyone and I wouldn't change it for the world because we have her. It has not been easy but thanks to the staff and the care I had we have come through it.' After weeks of recovery the young family returned to Bronglais Maternity Ward to thank staff for their 'exceptional care'. Ms Palmer has now called on others to donate blood so that other mothers in a similar situation can be given the same care. Waving to well-wishers as she was driven by her new husband James, Pippa Matthews flashed a dazzling Hollywood smile on her wedding day. And experts believe she may well have undergone some 'gold standard' pre-wedding dental work to enhance her pearly whites. Dentists believe the 33-year-old newlywed could have had bonding to smooth the ridges, as well as teeth whitening, which they dub the 'gold standard' in dentistry work. 'This whole process is called aligning, bleaching and bonding,' explained Dr Rhona Eskander, Chelsea Dental Clinic. Did Pippa Middleton have a wedding smile-over? Dentists believe that the new Mrs Matthews may well have had 'gold standard aligning, bleaching and bonding' ahead of her big day. Pippa is pictured, left, on her wedding day and, right, on a night out in Chelsea in 2009 Dr Eskander explained: 'Looking at photos of Pippa as a child, it is possible to see that she had more widely spaced teeth and like her sister Kate and may have had a fixed brace as a youngster. 'However, like Kate, whose teeth relapsed and who had further orthodontic treatment as an adult, I suspect Pippa has had the same.' Dr Eskander believes that both women have had something 'very discrete' like Invisalign, which can perfect the alignment of the teeth without anyone seeing because it uses clear plastic aligners rather than metal brackets stuck to the teeth with wires running between them. 'I also think that Pippa has had some bonding to level her teeth, and to smooth any ridges as they are very even,' she added. Bonding uses tooth-coloured resin material, which is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of discoloured, chipped or uneven teeth. 'In my opinion, this has been coupled with tooth whitening as her colour shade is radiant. When wearing bridal white, teeth need to be brightened from the normal shade of enamel or teeth look cream coloured or dull next to the dress.' Speaking about her teeth, left, last month, and, right, in 2008, Dr Eskander said: 'I think that Pippa has had some bonding to level her teeth, and to smooth any ridges as they are very even,' she added. Bonding uses tooth-coloured resin material, which is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of discoloured, chipped or uneven teeth' Dr Hanel Nathwani of Reading Smiles also believes that Pippa has had tooth straightening, whitening with four upper porcelain veneers. Likewise, Dr Mohsen Tehranian, of Dream Smiles, notes that her front four teeth look whiter and believes may have had additional treatment. MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Pippa Middleton and is awaiting a response. Dr Hanel Nathwani of Reading Smiles also believes that Pippa has had tooth straightening, whitening with four upper porcelain veneers An overweight 13-year-old girl hit back at bullies and faced her 'biggest fear' by stripping down to her swimsuit on the beach for the first time - and posting the photos online. Paris Harvey suffers from a metabolic condition, which means she gains weight quickly and struggles to lose it. She was also born with hip dysplasia so her left leg is 1.5cm shorter than her right and she has pins in the joint which causes her to walk with a limp. Paris, from Gillingham, Kent, says that since starting secondary school she has been taunted by classmates who called her fat and mocked her for 'walking like a penguin'. The jibes drove down her self esteem and left her body conscious to the extent that she felt like she wanted to 'hide'. But over the last sunny Bank Holiday weekend, year nine pupil Paris went to the beach for the first time in three years and stripped down to her pink patterned one-piece. Brave Paris posted the photos of her posing on a sun lounger to her Twitter page in a post which has been mercilessly trolled - but was also liked more than 330,000 times. Paris Harvey, 13, who suffers from a metabolic condition, which means she gains weight quickly and struggles to lose it, went to the beach for the first time in three years and stripped down to her one-piece. Her post went viral and whilst some applauded her, others accused her of promoting obesity 'I got bullied in the past and after a while you start to believe what people say. I became really insecure about how I looked,' said Paris. 'I can be eating the same food as the next person but I gain weight. It's not like I'm sitting at home all day eating crisps. 'It's also hard for me to get around because of my hips and it is harder for me to make changes than it is for other people. But I felt like I shouldn't have to explain myself.' Over the weekend, Paris, who chose not to disclose her weight or dress size, went to the beach in Margate, Kent, with a friend, who is also self conscious of his looks. Paris said: 'He was saying he felt fat and I just told him, 'If you take your top off, I will take off my shorts,' so we did. 'I was worried someone would come up to me and stop me or stare at me but there was no response, people were just acting as they did before. I stayed like it for a few hours and I started to feel comfortable in my own skin. 'I was proud afterwards. It was quite an achievement.' Over the weekend, Paris, who chose not to disclose her weight or dress size, went to the beach in Margate, Kent, with a friend, who is also self conscious of his looks and decided to embrace her new swimming costume Paris said that she's not making herself a model but wanted to show people that it doesn't matter what size you are - you are born into that body and should embrace it Paris later posted the photos online and has since been inundated with comments, with some applauding her bravery and others criticising her for 'promoting obesity'. One Twitter user posted a photo of a whale, @HerreraEdition wrote: 'God this is disgusting,' and @xhakass_ added: 'She is the opposite of beautiful.' But supporter, Sophie Dean retorted: 'The beach is for everyone regardless of size! I hope you had a lovely day. Such a shame for the negative comments of others, which is what made you insecure in the first place. They're quick to judge and don't know the person you are. 'So hold your head high because there will always be people that judge but they're not important and it says more about them than it does you.' Paris posted the photos online, pictured, and has since been inundated with comments, with some applauding her bravery and others criticising her for 'promoting obesity' Discussing the mixed comments, Paris said: 'There were some bad comments and I read them at first, but then I thought, "Why am I wasting my time on those?" 'I chose to focus on the support because hate is nothing compared to love. I feel like we should embrace who we are. You shouldn't have to change yourself to make others feel comfortable around you. Focus on yourself. 'I'm not making myself a model but I wanted to show people that it doesn't matter what size you are - you are born into that body.' Her dad, carer Bill Harvey, 38, added: 'I am very proud of my daughter. Paris has been through a lot but she is just a normal girl and she carries on with it. I'm self conscious about things but I look at what she has done and it shows me that I shouldn't be. She is an inspiration.' CNN reports today that Patrick Leahy and Al Franken, two democratic senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked former FBI Director James Comey to investigate Attorney General Jeff Sessions over concerns Sessions may have had an undisclosed private meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. CNN obtained the letters Thursday, sent to Comey when he was still head of the FBI, and later, to acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. A total of three letters were sent by Leahy and Franken on this matter, dated March 20, April 28 and May 12. Senators release letters that asked the FBI to investigate Attorney General Jeff Sessions over Russia meetings https://t.co/mr5yLFLGjQ CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) June 1, 2017 Snip from CNN's report: Earlier this week a size 12 student attracted a huge wave of support across social media after calling on H&M to sort out its sizing when she couldn't fit into a 16 dress. Now the reason why shoppers often find themselves unable to squeeze into their regular dress size at the high street giant has been uncovered by Look. Every UK dress size has a corresponding European size with the smallest - a size 4 - being the equivalent to an EUR 32. A UK 12 is an EUR 40, according to size conversion charts but at H&M it's labelled a 38, meaning it's actually a size 10. This doesn't just apply to a size 12 though. Images of H&M clothing has revealed that the UK size does not match up to its corresponding European size and is in fact one smaller. MailOnline has contacted H&M for further comment. If you've ever wondered why you have to go up a size at H&M its because the chain does not conform to the standard conversion of UK sizes to European sizes. This dress is labelled EUR 40, even though a 14 is usually considered to be 42 in Europe A size 16 top is labelled EUR 42, even though conversion tables list the size as EUR 40, meaning the garment is really a size 14 Earlier this week, on the brand's Facebook page, Lowri Byrne, a 22-year-old student from Swansea, shared photos of herself donning the size 16 dress and described the fit as 'absolutely ridiculous' and noted that she could 'barely breathe'. She said that many women would take the sizing issue to heart, and pointed out that if she was easily offended, it would 'devastate' her that she couldn't fit into a dress two sizes bigger than she actually is. She explained: 'When I asked if this dress came in an 18 the store assistant said 'ahh yeah you have to go up a couple of sizes with these'. A couple?!? Going up 3-4 sizes surely should make you realise that you need to seriously sort out sizing!!!'. Her post was been liked by thousands of women and attracted hundreds of comments from ladies who agree that the sizes aren't true to life. UK TO EUR SIZE CONVERSION UK size 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 European size 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 H&M size N/A 6 = 32 8 = 34 10 = 36 12 = 38 14 = 40 16 = 42 18 = 44 20 = 46 22 = 48 Advertisement Lowri was in a Plymouth branch of the store when she was advised to 'go up a few sizes' by staff after failing to fit into a size 16. Speaking to MailOnline, Lowri said: 'I have already been back since and bought some casual summer dresses as I really do love their clothes. 'It's just a shame that the sizes vary from being so small to being the perfect size. 'And I'm happy that my post has had the support it's had and that women now realise that the sizes are small in H&M and has nothing to do with themselves.' A spokesperson for H&M told MailOnline: 'H&M hugely values all customer feedback. It is only ever our intention to design and make clothes that make our customers feel good about themselves, any other outcome is neither intended nor desired. This top is apparently a size 10 and EUR 36, according to the label. But it's commonly accepted that EUR 36 actually represents a size 8 'H&Ms sizes are global and the sizes offered in the UK are the same in all the 66 markets in which we operate in and online. 'As there is no global mandatory sizing standard, sizes will differ between brands and different markets. 'Our dedicated, in-house sizing department works according to an average of the sizes and measurements suggested by the markets we operate in. H&M sizes are continually reviewed by our in-house sizing department.' Size 12 Lowri Byrne, 22, from Swansea, shared photos of herself donning the size 16 blue broderie anglaise dress, pictured, from H&M and said she could 'barely breathe' in it Lowri called on the high street chain to 'sort out' it sizing in a Facebook post that struck a chord with other women A woman who has coped for years with extreme anxietyand at one point saw her memory reset to her first year of college every morninghas earned a prime spot in the body-positive community thanks to a joyful video of her celebrating her 'jiggle'. Kate Speer, 29, based in Hanover, New Hampshire, spent years between mental health institutions, struggling with an eating disorder, hallucinations, self-harm, and constant suicidal thoughts. It wasn't until her mid-twenties that Speer met the therapist who taught her how to 're-enter' the world, setting her on the path to let her high-energy, positive activist persona shine. Scroll down for video Past: Kate Speer, based in Hanover, New Hampshire, spent years between mental health institutions, struggling with an eating disorder, self-harm, and constant suicidal thoughts Recovery: It wasn't until her mid-twenties that Speer met the therapist who taught her how to 're-enter' the world, setting her on the path to let her high-energy activist persona shine Although she described her childhood as 'privileged', Speer recounted in a YouTube video struggling with a learning disability from early on and strongly identifying with the condition. The advocate, who grew up in Vermont with two sisters, believes her disability would now be called ADHDa disorder she was eventually diagnosed with in high school. As a teenager, she remembers crying 'all the time' and wrestling with painful insecurities. In high school, she was diagnosed with depression along with ADHD. 'I remember learning that and thinking "Oh my God, what a relief, there is a word for this. There is a word for what I feel. There is a word for the hollowness and the emptiness," ' she said in her video. At just 16 years old, Speer was determined not to be 'quiet' about her struggle with depression, and resolved to talk about it openly. New life: As Speer's personality blossomed, she started sharing body-positive content, inspired by her years fighting an eating disorder Inspiring: One of her most recent videos, in which she dances in a bra and panties doing a 'jiggle for joy', has been viewed more than 130,000 times Feeling 'angry and moody', the student pushed herself hard, at one point staying up for an entire week. It was then, she said, that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. That diagnosis, she said, was wrong, since she actually suffers from extreme anxiety. But, she explained, she didn't know that at the time. Instead, she was taken on what she called the 'medication treadmill' after being prescribed lithium and mood stabilizers. Speer eventually made it to college, which she said turned out to be a 's**t show'. Her mood was 'all over the map', and she turned to binge-eating to mask her 'feelings of disgust'. At the age of 20, the student wrote her first suicide note and planned to jump off a bridge. Needing more medical attention, she was admitted into a psychiatric ward, where she received shock therapy. Unfortunately, Speer lost two years of her memory as a result of the treatment. This caused her to wake up every day with her memory having gone back to her first week of college. She once found a note she had written for herself, which read: 'Hi, your name is Kate and your favorite color is turquoise. Your friend's name is RD and [your therapist] knows everything.' Struggles: As a teenager, Speer remembers crying 'all the time' and wrestling with painful insecurities. In high school, she was diagnosed with depression along with ADHD Hospitalized: At the age of 20, the student wrote her first suicide note and planned to jump off a bridge. Needing more medical attention, she was admitted into a psychiatric ward Speer embarked on a quest to reinvent her identity. 'I spend my days relearning who I am, where I fit in and all the complicated realities of this beautiful world we live in,' she wrote on her website, Positively Kate, at the time. 'It's confusing, spectacular, exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time.' Having forgotten all about her history and economic classes, the student enrolled in art courses and started using photography to replace her memory. She also developed systems to remember simple things. Moving her toothbrush from the left to the right, for example, meant she had brushed her teeth. Those mechanisms, however, became overpowering and evolved into rituals associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Describing the rest of her college experience, Speer recounted five and a half years spent struggling with self-harm and hallucinations, taking months off at home and going back to the psychiatric ward. I spend my days relearning who I am, where I fit in After graduating from college, she went back to her parents' home and 'hid in absolute shame'. By that point, she said, she was writing suicide notes every day and spent hours engrossed in her rituals. Speer spent three years in 'almost complete hermitage'. 'It was awful and I wanted to die,' she said. 'I thought death was better than what I was living. I felt purely and utterly alone.' Meanwhile, she couldn't shake the feeling that bipolar disorder wasn't quite what she had. She said she didn't experience the 'ups' or the 'high' that accompanies the manic phases of the disease. Her therapist of eight years died after a battle with terminal colon cancer. That is when Speer met a new counselor, whom she called Doctor C in her video, labeling him her 'hero' and her 'teacher'. 'He didn't take away my pain, he made me feel my pain,' she said. 'He taught me skills to grow. He taught me skills to feel. He taught me skills to be present. He taught me skills to hustle and face my fear.' Memory loss: After receiving shock therapy, Speer lost two years of her memory. This caused her to wake up every day with her memory having gone back to her first week of college Healing: Having forgotten all about her history and economic classes, the student enrolled in art courses and started using photography to replace her memory After three months of 'emotional bootcamp' with her new therapist, Speer walked into his office and sat down, smiling. 'I said, "Guess what Dr. C, I'm not gonna die by suicide," ' she recounted. That day, Speer said, was one of the greatest of her life. Even though she still needs to 'work [her] booty off' just to function, the marketing worker is 'thrilled' to be alive. As her personality blossomed, she started sharing body-positive content, inspired by her years fighting an eating disorder. One of her most recent videos, in which she dances in a bra and panties doing a 'jiggle for joy', has been viewed more than 130,000 times. 'This is your weekly reminder that just as you are, you are fabulous,' she says in the clip while wiggling joyfully across the room. I sobbed because Im alive. I sobbed because I am seen In the caption, she admitted that she was having poor body image, and explained that she had decided not to let it keep her from sharing her video. 'Ive been struggling with my beautiful bod this week (and note, I know I have a thin-privileged, able-privileged, beautiful bod even if I cant always feel it to be so) and beating it up in my mind and trying to suffocate it with binging,' she wrote. 'So, today, Im posting this even though it is terrifying me to do so (yup, deleted it seven times). My body is MORE than its appearance. My body is NOT my value. My body is simply the vessel for my goddamn fabulous self. 'And no matter what my emotional mind thinks or others say, MY BODY IS PERFECT. MY BODY IS WHOLE. MY BODY IS BEAUTIFUL. AND, MY BODY - IN ITS ENTIRETY - IS WORTHY OF LOVE.' The video has also received hundreds of comments praising Speer's initiative and thanking her for sharing the clip. 'It is humbling, inspiring and overwhelming all at once,' Speer told People of the enthusiastic response. 'I sobbed last night for a good hour. I sobbed because Im alive. I sobbed because I am seen.' A distraught woman discovered her puppy had died while she was on holiday - after the professional pet sitter sent her photos of the dead dog. Denise Maguire, 55, from Retford, Nottingham, was on a Caribbean break and had paid House and Home Sitters Ltd 540 to look after her chocolate Labs Rhea and Delphi full time. She was horrified when four days into the break she got a Whatsapp message from the live-in sitters to say seven-month-old Delphi had died. But cancer-sufferer Denise was left distraught when seconds later it was followed by ten photos of her dead pooch lying on the carpet. Animal-lover Denise and husband Peter Depledge, 56, cut their holiday short to fly home, and they were outraged when the firm suggested their other dog might be responsible for the death. 'I was hysterical,' Denise said. 'It was horrendous. My dogs are my babies. 'To get the news like that - in that insensitive way - and for it to be followed up by those photos was devastating. 'It was so unprofessional. Nobody wants to find out like that. They had our phone number, the number for the hotel, and for our breeder. 'And then for him to blame Rhea - those dogs loved each other and I just don't accept it.' Seven-month-old Delphi died while her owners Denise Maguire, 55, and Peter Depledge, 56, were on holiday and she was in the care of House and Home Sitters Ltd, who suggested the couple's older Labrador Rhea was to blame Denise was distressed when she was sent photos of her deceased pet by David Price, director of the pet sitting firm Retired academic lawyer Denise and husband Peter, a former IT technician got Reah in April last year and cousin Delphi three months later. The couple, who don't have children, bought the 650 pups to bring them 'more joy' after Denise was diagnosed with incurable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009. They booked House and Home Sitters to look after their house and pets for 12 days in February while they went on holiday to Barbados. It was agreed that director David Price and his partner Mai would live in the home and, they say, it was understood- that they should not leave for more than four hours at a time - for 540. David suggested that Rhea was to blame for Delphi's death, saying that they'd come home to find the older dog twisting the youngster's collar in her jaw David said his wife had seen Rhea snap at Delphi the previous day, but hadn't thought anything of it Denise was upset when she received an image of the mat on which some blood was visible David had been keeping the couple updated daily via Whatsapp but on the fourth day of their holiday, Denise got a message from David telling her seven-month-old Delphie has died, on February 8. It said: 'Hello Denise and Peter, oh my god, I'm sorry to tell you this. 'We left at 11am to visit Manchester. We got caught in traffic coming home and got back at 16.30 to find Delphi dead on the kitchen floor, Rhea still twisting her collar in her jaw. Debbie with Delphi as a puppy. She and her husband bought the 650 pups to bring them 'more joy' after she was diagnosed with incurable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009 'They'd obviously had a fight and Delphi's body was already stiff and cold. 'There was absolutely nothing we could do. As you'll see from the photos there was blood on the mat under Delphi, although no obvious bite wounds we can see. 'Mei saw Rhea snap at Delphi yesterday but we thought it was just normal rivalry. 'Rhea is looking mortified. We are truly sorry to have to give you this dreadful news.' The vet found no evidence Delphi had been bitten by Rhea, but found she had a broken neck, which could have been caused by getting caught on a handle on a cupboard, falling or exuberant play And without warning just one minute and 26 seconds later it was followed by ten photos of her dead dog. The pooch was sprawled out on the carpet on its side, eyes just open, with blood on a mat under its body and what looked like saliva around its face. 'I'm not a well person - I have angina, and cancer and I also suffer with depression,' said Denise. 'So to get that message, was a huge shock. Peter with the couple's beloved dog Delphi, who was a cousin of their other chocolate Labrador Rhea 'I started screaming. People were coming up to me and really it is all a blank because it was so traumatic. 'It was so, so insensitive to break the news like that. I couldn't believe it.' Mr Price explained: 'On getting back to their home and finding the older dog with the younger dog's collar twisted in its jaw, I immediately thought I would have to administer CPR and mouth-to-mouth to the younger dog, but then found its body already cold and stiff. 'A kitchen chair was overturned and there was blood on and under a mat, and the whole scene appeared inexplicable. According to owner Denise, Delphi (left) and Rhea loved each other and she couldn't accept that the older dog was responsible for the death 'In terms of our instructions and mandate to keep them informed, as we had been doing daily via WhatsApp, I broke the sad news, and then sent them photos of what we found on our return home. 'The dead dog merely appeared to be sleeping or unconscious. There were no visible bite marks and a tiny bit of blood, probably not even visible in the photos. There was mutual sadness and commiseration between us, the homeowners and the breeder. Denise and Peter flew home the next day, paying 400 for earlier flights, and picked up Rhea from friends and ordered a postmortem for dead Delphi. David defended the decision to send Denise the images of her deceased pet, saying they had been keeping in touch via WhatsApp, as per company policy They say it concluded she had no bite marks or evidence she had been attacked by Rhea - but she had a broken neck. 'They said it could have been anything like her getting caught on a handle on a cupboard, or even falling,' said Denise. 'The vet said Delphi may have fallen due to over exuberant play hence the micro fractures to her neck.' A report from their home security system revealed nobody had been in the home for the six hours before the dog was found - more than the four that Denise and Peter say was agreed. Denise recalls screaming when she received the images of her pet and said that it was insensitive of David to send the images David says the four hour absence from home 'rule' is merely a guideline to sitters and is not contractual, that they had been delayed by motorway congestion, and that it had been confirmed to them that the dog must already have been dead for some hours before they returned. Denise looked into claiming on the house sitter's company's insurance or take legal action - but was told she'd have to prove he was negligent. David Price of House and Home Sitters Ltd admitted the dog died - but said it was killed by the larger dog. Denise had paid the company 540 to look after both dogs full time while she was in He claimed the older dog had the dead pet's collar in his mouth when he found them, and defended breaking the news via WhatsApp message. He added: 'The insurance company rejected the claim, finding House and Home Sitters neither negligent nor liable, based upon the vet's post-mortem report, which confirmed the older dog killed the younger one, citing possible 'puppy exuberance'. 'This could just as easily have happened when they themselves were home, and the same scene would then have confronted them. 'H&H always strives to provide and improve our service, and this is one more lesson learnt.' Ivanka Trump clothed her daughter Arabella in a dress created by anti-Semitic designer John Galliano as the family observed the Jewish holiday of Shavuot on Thursday. The five-year-old was spotted in the colorful $115 dress - which features the signature of the controversial fashion designer - while riding her scooter alongside her mother, father Jared, and three-year-old brother Joseph as they made their way to and from the Friends of Luboivitch in Washington, D.C. Galliano, once the head designer at Dior, lost his prestigious position after being caught in the middle of an anti-Semitic tirade at a Paris bar in February 2011. Odd choice: Ivanka Trump's daughter Arabella wore a John Galliano dress to shul on Thursday, baring the anti-Semitic designer's signature on the side of her frock Signature: Arabella's dress had Galliano's name very clearly written in cursive in the back and included in the colorful camouflage print on the front of the dress Details: The name of the disgraced designer can also be seen at several other places, integrated into the pattern of Arabella's dress in light pink letters Family: The five-year-old was spotted in the colorful pink, black, green and yellow dress while riding her scooter alongside her mother, father Jared, and three-year-old brother Joseph Shocking: John Galliano was heard in a February 2011 video telling two women: 'I love Hitler... People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be f*****g gassed' Arabella's dress very clearly announced its designer, with Galliano's name written in cursive in the back and included in the colorful camouflage print on the front of the dress. The disgraced British creator could be heard in the 2011 video telling two women: 'I love Hitler... People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be f*****g gassed.' Much of the fashion industry shunned Galliano, at least temporarily, after the footage surfaced. He was accused of making 30 anti-Jewish insults in the span of 45 minutes and tried by the French justice system. A court gave him a suspended fine of $8,415 after finding him guilty of making anti-Semitic comments. Kate Moss was one of the first to attempt to rehabilitate the designer, by letting him create her wedding dress for her union with Jamie Hince just a few months after the incident. Galliano has since worked with Oscar De La Renta and Maison Margiela. In the past, he has also closely collaborated with someone close to the Kushner family: model Karlie Kloss, the girlfriend of Jared's millionaire investor brother Joshua. The supermodel, 24, has not worked with Galliano since that 2011 rant. He previously spoke highly of her at the start of her career. Connexion: Galliano has closely collaborated with someone close to the Kushner family in the past, model Karlie Kloss, the girlfriend of Jared's millionaire investor brother Joshua Trip: The five-year-old wore the Galliano frock as members of the Kushner family made their way to and from the Friends of Luboivitch in Washington, D.C. Context: Much of the fashion industry shunned Galliano, at least temporarily, after footage of him in the middle of an anti-Semitic tirage surfaced - but he has tried to make a comeback Outing: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump took their two oldest children to shul on Thursday as the family observed the Jewish festival of Shavuot Parents: Ivanka and Jared held hands as they made their way to shul on Thursday morning, with their two oldest children riding their scooters in front of them Siblings: Arabella and Joseph rode their scooters next to each other in Washington, D.C, with Galliano's name clearly visible on the side of the five-year-old's dress Transportation: Arabella and Joseph rode their scooters to and from the Friends of Luboivitch, and three-year-old Joseph got a little help carrying his own scooter out of the house Gushing about a 17-year-old Kloss, who had just starred in a 2010 Dior ad, the designer told WWD: 'Karlie Kloss smoldered with the same intensity and wide-eyed look as a young Lauren Bacall. I love the smoky, sophisticated atmosphere of the image. This feels very right for now escapist and sensual... You can start a whole script just by staring into her eyes.' Their collaboration didn't stop there. The designer apparently gave Kloss personal tips before she walked the Oscar De La Renta runway in 2013. 'He told me to walk as though I'd been dancing all night, for three days, in a Spanish cafe with some beautiful Spanish men and my hair was all wet from sweat,' Kloss then told The Cut. The model even once named a Dior bag gifted to her by Galliano as her dearest possession. 'He gave it to me after we shot my first campaign with Steven Meisel, and I cried when I opened it. It is the most beautiful, timeless Dior bag. It is such a special reminder of that time in my career; someday I will give it to my daughter,' she told Vogue in 2012. Arabella's John Galliano dress seems like an especially odd choice for the observant Jewish family. Ivanka, who converted to Judaism prior to her 2009 marriage to Jared, frequently shares photos of herself and her children commemorating religious holidays. Rest: After shul, Ivanka and the children headed back home while Jared set off for the White House, walking the mile-and-a-half to work Meeting up: The group was also joined by Josh Kushner once again, while baby Theodore was back at home on Thursday Meanwhile: It was revealed on Thursday in a Time cover story that Jared received the 'New York Observer' as a $10million graduation gift from his father Muse: Karlie Kloss, girlfriend of Jared's brother Joshua, is one of Galliano's muses Jared, meanwhile, was having another difficult day in the spotlight thanks to a Time cover story in which a friend and former associate revealed that he received the New York Observer as a $10million gift from his father Charles. 'His graduation present was the Observer,' Arthur Mirante II told the magazine. Also joining the group on Thursday's outing was Jared's brother Josh, dressed down in a pair of form-fitting skinny jeans and a cardigan. Not joining the family this time around however was baby Theodore, who stayed back home with one of the family's nannies. After shul, Ivanka and the children headed back home while Jared set off for the White House, walking the mile-and-a-half to work. This is the second day that the family has been seen stepping out to observe the Jewish holiday; on Wednesday, Ivanka, Jared, and Joshua brought all three kids with them as they made their way to the Friends of Luboivitch, including baby Theodore who was happily pushed along in a stroller. Lush Cosmetics employees have done nude across the country in a protest against over packaging of products. The company teased the stunt in a press release, saying that the willing participating workers would be stripping off at noon on Wednesday - and they weren't kidding. All over the country, from Boulder, Colorado, to Philadelphia and New York City, workers in the popular stores took off all their clothes, save some branded aprons, to make a statement about the environment. Showing off: Lush employees across the country stripped naked in a stunt to bring awareness to ocean pollution On display: The company teased the stunt earlier this week Fun at work: On Wednesday at noon, employees from New York City to Boulder stripped down In New York City, they gathered at the busy intersections of West 34th Street between 5th and 6th and Lexington Ave. at the corner of 61st Street for maximum impact. Photos from the scene show both male and female employees baring all in the elements for the cause, posing for photos both inside and out of the store. Some of the shyer employees donned skimpy nude or white underwear beneath their aprons. Refinery29 reports that a release about the stunt explained that packaging contributes to 80 per cent of litter collected from beaches, with nearly 300,000 tons of plastic packaging debris out there in the oceans. Fun in the sun: These employees posed outside a location in Edina near Minneapolis Right down: While some shyer employees opted for underwear, others were happy to go bare Representing: The stunt promoted the company's lack of packaging on 35 per cent of products Having fun: Plenty of employees took to social media to share their exploits This packaging can take hundreds of years to decompose and release harmful chemicals into the environment as they break apart. 'Most of the plastic that has ever been produced still exists today, which is why its high time for businesses across all industries to take responsibility and present new generations of consumers with eco-friendly alternatives,' Brandi Halls, Director of Brand Communications for Lush, explained. 'As a company, we tend to go all the way for causes we believe in,' she added. For a good cause: The company explained in a statement that packaging contributes to 80 per cent of litter collected from beaches Taking part: This employee is posing in front of a storefront in Philadelphia Proud: These Chicago location workers were only too happy to show off their behinds 'If flashing our bums inspires consumers and industry to reconsider their packaging practices, then wed say its definitely worth a few blushes.' The skimpy stunt is promoting Lush's packaging-free products, such as their famous bath bombs and shampoo bars. Around 35 per cent of the company's products are sold without packaging. If you don't have time to make lunch at home, then a pre-packaged sandwich from a local supermarket is your next best option. But the healthiness of your favourite sandwich filling can vary hugely between different supermarkets, new findings suggest. New graphics have revealed which of the five biggest supermarkets do the healthiest and unhealthiest versions of 10 popular fillings. And it reveals Sainsbury's version of a Ploughman's sandwich contains more calories than a McDonald's Big Mac. Sainsbury's has the unhealthiest sandwich in the analysis of 10 popular fillings from five supermarkets, while Boots had the healthiest according to experts who took overall nutrition into account rather than just focusing on calories Ten of the most popular sandwich fillings from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Boots, Waitrose, and M&S were compared in the study by Ship It Appliances. The sandwich fillings compared Tuna & cucumber Chicken salad Ham & mustard Cheese & onion Chicken, bacon and mayo Prawn mayonnaise Ploughman's Egg & cress BLT Chicken and stuffing Advertisement The analysis ranks the same type of sandwiches from each of the supermarkets to find the healthiest and unhealthiest. It then crowned an overall unhealthiest and healthiest sandwich. The unhealthiest was revealed to be a 518-calorie Ploughman's sandwich from Sainsbury's, which has more calories, sugar and saturated fat then a 508-calorie Big Mac from McDonald's. The healthiest was a tuna and cucumber sandwich from Boots, which only contained 293 calories and just 0.4g of saturated fat. It wasn't the least calorific overall but was judged by the team who completed the analysis to have the best overall nutritional values. Boots had the healthiest sandwiches overall, with five out of 10 of the sandwiches compared coming out on top in their categories, while Tesco had the least healthy sandwiches on average A Ploughman's sandwich was the unhealthiest al desko lunch to buy in the analysis, with Sainsbury's version containing the most calories Boots was judged to have the healthiest sandwiches overall, with Waitrose in second place. But Tesco had the least healthy versions of the same sandwiches, with five out of the 10 fillings compared ranked as the unhealthiest on offer. M&S however had the highest salt, fat and calorie content in three of their sandwiches. The unhealthiest sandwich type was perhaps unsurprisingly a Ploughman's - traditionally cheese, pickle and lettuce. There were often more than a 100 calorie difference between the unhealthiest and healthiest versions of each sandwich. Boots had the healthiest version of a Prawn Mayonnaise sandwich, while Waitrose's was deemed the least healthy M&S had the unhealthiest versions of the Chicken Salad and Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches, while Boots had the healthiest Chicken Salad and Waitrose the lightest BLT Waitrose had the healthiest versions of Chicken and Stuffing and Chicken Bacon and Mayonnaise sandwiches, while Tesco had the unhealthiest Chicken and Stuffing and M&S the most calorific Chicken Bacon and Mayo Tesco had the unhealthiest versions of the Tuna and Cucumber and Cheese and Onion sandwiches, while Boots had the lightest versions of each - though their cheese sandwich contained no onion Tesco once again had the unhealthiest sandwich in the Egg and Cress category while Boots had the healthiest version of the sandwich Tesco had the most calorific version of the Ham and Mustard sandwich by more than 100 calories, while M&S's version only contained 282 calories MailOnline has asked all five supermarkets for comment. A Tesco spokesman said: 'We have a wide range of healthy lunch options available at Tesco, including sandwiches, wraps, salads and sushi. All are clearly labelled with their sugar, calorie, salt and fat content so customers can make an informed decision about what to buy. We're committed to helping customers make healthy choices, and have already removed billions of calories from thousands of our products, including soft drinks, cereals, and ready meals.' A Boots spokesman said: 'Our Meal deal is one of the best value on the high street and with 14 million combinations, our wide choice of products are developed within a nutritional framework that carefully limits the calories, fat and sugar without compromising on taste. Customers can also choose from the exclusive, under 500 calories Shapers range. The lunch options within the Boots Meal Deal also cater for the majority of dietary requirements, offering gluten-free products, a wide range of vegetarian options and a recently introduced vegan alternative.' A Sainsbury's spokesman said: 'We offer a wide range that includes healthy choices, and are committed to giving our customers clear nutritional information to help them make informed decisions about the food they buy.' M&S declined to comment. All new mothers who have a caesarean should chew gum every day afterwards to keep their movements healthy, a study has revealed. This can help the one in five women who suffer from postoperative ileus - the medical term for lack of movement in the intestines after an operation. Philadelphia researchers discovered that chewing gum three times a day for 30 minutes at a time can help restore normal gut function. Doctors encourage patients to consume food after any operation to get the gut moving again - but this can be the last thing new mothers feel like doing after a C-section. However, it's believed chewing gum tricks the body into thinking that the person is eating, and has the same effect. Chewing gum tricks the body into thinking its getting food and gets bowels moving again (file) BUT TOO MUCH GUM CAN CAUSE BOWEL PROBLEMS Sugar-free gum typically avoids the added calories by including xylitol. This can have a laxative effect if consumed in a large quantity in a short space of time. That effect can be exascerbated if the gum also contains other laxatives like glycerol and sorbitol. This can cause diarrhea. Excessive gum chewers can also suffer abdominal pain and bloating from swallowing excess air, which can lead to irritable bowel syndrome. Canadian blogger and physician Dr Ben Kim explains: 'When you chew gum you send your body signals that food is about to enter your body. 'The enzymes and acids that are activated are released, but without the food they're intended to digest. 'This can cause bloating, an overproduction of stomach acid, and can compromise your ability to produce sufficient digestive secretions when you actually do eat food. 'Some people may also have adverse gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, from the artificial sweeteners commonly found in chewing gum.' Advertisement It gets saliva flowing in the mouth and can send signals to the gut to get it functioning, Dr Berghella told LiveScience. Postoperative ileus is common after any form of stomach surgery, including C-section and is thought to be triggered by inflammation from opening the abdomen up. And while it usually spontaneously resolves within two to three days, in the meantime it can cause great discomfort with symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain and bloating and constipation. It can also cause pulmonary complications such as pneumonia and pulmonary embolism, a delay in mobilisation and prolonged stay in the hospital. Dr Vincenzo Berghella from the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, US and his team analysed 17 studies that looked at more than 3,000 women who had C-sections. They looked at how long it took after the operation for a woman to pass wind - a key sign the bowels are in good working order. On average, new mothers who chewed gum after their C-section passed wind about six-and-a-half hours sooner than those who weren't given gum. The gum chewers released gas about 23 hours after their operation, compared to 29.5 hours for the non-chewers. The findings suggest chewing gum could be an easy and cheap way to help ease women's discomfort and reduce lengths of hospital stays. The research was published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine. These horrifying pictures show a seven-year-old boy's daily battle with an enormous tumour that is wrecking his vision. Ali Hassan, from a remote village in the eastern region of Pakistan, is unable to see out of his right eye due to the gruesome lump. The mass began to form on the boy's eye when he was just four months old, and has continued to grow rapidly. Ali Hassan, from a remote village in the eastern region of Pakistan, is unable to see out of his right eye due to the gruesome lump It appears to still be spreading quickly, with it noticeably affecting his nose and mouth, suggesting he finds it difficult to talk. His father Muhammad Mansha, 38, has desperately appealed for the treatment of his son in Lahore where resources aren't as limited. Reports of when the mass began to form are unclear, but medical literature assumes he may have lived with it for years (Ali, from a remote village in the east of Pakistan, is pictured with his father Muhammad Mansha, whose age is unknown) Ali's tumour also appears to be spreading at a quick rate, with it noticeably affecting his nose and mouth, suggesting he finds it difficult to talk The family reside in the Pakpattan district of the Punjab province - around 129 miles (207km) from Lahore. Despite taking him to see several doctors as a toddler, they were left baffled as to what had caused the growth. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer - which affects fewer than 100 children in the UK each year. It is a cancer of specialised nerve cells in the nervous system and other tissues, according to Macmillan. Fewer than 100 children in the UK are diagnosed each year with the disease and most are diagnosed when they are younger than five. It is the second most common solid tumour in childhood, and it makes up eight per cent of the total number of children's cancers. Treatment depends on the age of the child, as well as the size and position of the tumour and whether the disease has spread. Being obese can make night sweats and hot flushes worse for menopausal women, new research shows. The findings back-up a host of evidence that suggests having a bulging waistline worsens the embarrassing symptoms. Scientists said the extra body-fat tissue in those with larger BMIs acts as a strong heat insulator, causing them sweats. This is known as the thermoregulatory theory, experts at The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) behind the study noted. The study discovered a link between hot flashes and night sweats and a higher BMI (file) Dr JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director at NAMS, said: 'This study supports earlier studies that found that women who are heavier tend to have more hot flushes, particularly close to menopause. 'In some studies, but not all, weight loss and exercise have both been shown to reduce hot flashes in women who are obese, thus giving women even more reason to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves.' The menopause, which commonly strikes women in their late 40s and early 50s, is triggered when the body stops making the oestrogen hormone. This change causes a wide range of symptoms, including mood swings, joint pain and lack of concentration. But hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptoms, affecting 70 per cent of women going through the menopause. NEW FINDINGS BACK-UP PREVIOUS ONES Losing excess stomach fat has long been touted as a way to help banish symptoms of the menopause. Back in 2012, American researchers found those who managed to shift 10lb or more suffered fewer hot flashes and night sweats. Kaiser Healthcare, which carried out the study, said it wasn't completely understood but weight loss reduces the levels of certain hormones that trigger such symptoms. A Spanish study earlier this year mirrored the claims, finding exercise to be the key to keeping menopausal symptoms under control. University of Granada scientists said a workout will not only ease symptoms, but provide a safer alternative to pharmacological options without the adverse effects. Advertisement For many women, hot flushes are little more than an uncomfortable inconvenience. But for some, they can lead to clothes and bed sheets drenched in sweat, striking up to 20 times a day. They can lead to relentless waking from sleep which has a knock-on impact on their daily life and takes a toll on their energy levels. For the new study, 749 Brazilian women aged between 45 to 60 were monitored as to how severe their hot flashes, known as flushes in the UK, were. These so-called menopausal 'vasomotor symptoms' caused them to stop certain activities and also greatly reduced their efficiency at work. Other symptoms, including joint and muscular pain and more intense urinary problems, were also linked with an increased BMI. As well as being overweight, smoking and suffering from anxiety or depression have been shown in past studies to increase the risk of hot flashes. The new research was published in Menopause, the journal of the NAMS. Kathy Abernethy, chairman elect of the British Menopause Society, previously said: 'Flushes and sweats are underestimated in the effect they have on women. 'They may sound quite minor, but women can get them every hour. 'At night-time they can wake up three or four times, absolutely soaking and needing to change their nightclothes, sometimes their sheets, or having to sleep in a separate bed to their partner. 'Then the next day they have to go to work absolutely exhausted, suffering more hot flushes while trying to run a meeting, trying to teach or do any kind of job. 'It can be very disruptive, and research such as this is welcomed, in the hope that in the future we may have wider options to help such women.' Born with a severe deformity, Victor was never expected to walk or talk. The little New Yorker has Cloves syndrome, an overgrowth illness that leads to multiple tumors, and triggers one half of his body to grow far quicker than the other. The disorder, which only affects 200 people in the world, can infect the immune system and brain stem, meaning sufferers are highly susceptible to common illnesses like the flu, which could be fatal. However, at three years old, Victor has defied expectations. He is developing so stealthily that his parents Jenny and Jerry Padilla have even enrolled him in regular pre-school near their home in Rochester, New York, and he is keeping up with his class like any other child. Jenny, 31, said: 'Victor doesn't let anything stop him, he is so motivated. He has proven so many statistics wrong he has proven all the researchers wrong. Victor Padilla, three, was born in Rochester, New York, with Cloves syndrome an overgrowth illness that causes complex vascular anomalies leading to the formation of tumors on the body Plight: Doctors feared the little New Yorker would never be able to walk or talk. He lives with his parents Jenny and Jerry, his five-year-old sister and his 15-year-old sister in Rochester Defied expectations: Victor is developing so stealthily that his parents Jenny and Jerry Padilla have even enrolled him in regular pre-school (pictured), and he is keeping up with his class Newborn Victor in hospital when he was born in 2014, with his deformity already severe WHAT IS CLOVES? Cloves stands for Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth Vascular Malformations Epidermal Nevis Spinal/Skeletal Anomalies/Scoliosis. It was discovered in 2006 by Boston doctor Ahmad Alomari. Dr Alomari reviewed decades of data and photos of children who had been given different diagnoses for a specific combination of symptoms. Although the cases were rare, he noticed a definite pattern when comparing them. In 2009, Dr Alomari published a paper describing his findings which established Cloves syndrome as a recognized disease. There is currently no test for the condition and doctors must rely on recognizing the symptoms to make a diagnosis. Symptoms include skin, limb, torso and spinal abnormalities such as like fatty masses or scoliosis (spinal deformity). There can also be vascular (blood vessel) abnormalities such as a birthmark too. It is not entirely clear what causes Cloves syndrome but experts have discovered that up to 60 percent of cells in patients' affected tissues contain mutations in a gene called PIK3CA. There is no known cure for Cloves but many of the associated problems can be managed or prevented successfully with the right medical and surgical care. For more information visit http://www.clovessyndrome.org/ Advertisement 'We're so thankful to modern technology and the doctors we have in our lives, you know they have saved our son a million times. 'I say God made him extra special we never knew he was going to be able to do all the things he can and he amazes us every day. 'He has learnt to overcome adversary. The kid doesn't act like anything has happened.' Jennifer is more than aware of how many Cloves children are left without a diagnosis and so she was grateful to the doctors who could provide her with the news early on in Victor's life. She said: 'There are so many complications that go along with his syndrome and for the most part we have kept him out of the hospital. 'When he was first diagnosed there was less than a 150 people, but a lot of people have been re-diagnosed now. 'I think the hardest thing to deal with is the unknown, you know the unknown of what the issues are and once we know the issues we can at least grasp them and try to deal with them and figure out how we can overcome them. 'That's why we are trying to raise awareness.' Victor regularly has tests and check-ups with Doctor Kwon - a pediatric neurologist at the Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, who has monitored Victor's progress. Doctor Kwon said: 'Really the essence of Cloves is that some of his tissues tend to grow more rapidly then they should some of his fat tissues grow more quickly on one side of his body. 'The same thing happens with his brain, some of his brain tissue grows a little more quickly or seems a little bit larger than it is on the other side. 'Therefore, some of the risks that we see with Cloves syndrome have to do with the overgrowth; there is always a risk of tumors developing and rapid growth might trigger seizures. 'Victor has already had some of the complications that we see with Cloves syndrome and those include epilepsy from the fact that his brain is formed differently on the right side. 'He also has some facial asymmetries and he has somewhat large feet and his limbs are little bit asymmetric. 'The sense I have is this is probably even more rare than being a one in a million kind of disorder.' Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Cloves syndrome and so all the doctors can do is carefully manage Victor and try to deal with some of the implications caused by overgrowth. Jenny and Jerry are looking to secure plastic surgery for their son in the near future and reduce the size of his cheek. But for now they say they are just happy with his developmental progress 'Surprisingly, Victor has done incredibly well. He remains incredibly active and very bright boy,' Doctor Kwon, who has been monitoring Victor's progress, said Victor has already had some of the complications common with Cloves syndrome, including epilepsy from the fact that his brain is formed differently on the right side The illness has nothing to do with his brain stem for now, which is positive, doctors said And in Victor's latest batch of results, the family has received good news about his present state. Doctor Kwon said: 'I was just reviewing the recent results with Victor's family. Mostly, it's stable. It shows that he has the changes on the right side of his brain that we warn about but nothing looks like it has altered since the last time arrived. 'There is just a little bit of increase in the size of his brain here on right. His skull needs to be bigger to accommodate all that brain. 'He is developing in ways that we are happy to see in a three-year-old. Surprisingly, Victor has done incredibly well. He remains incredibly active and very bright boy. 'So I think that I don't see it causing any future problems. It has nothing to do with his brain stem for now. We just need keep an eye on him and see how things work out.' Now Victor is three, his parents have been sending him to a pre-school and they are delighted with how all of the other children are treating him no differently. Eileen Henwood, Victor's teacher, said: 'Victor is like every other three-year-old. 'He loves to play with his friends, play with the cards, have fun and loves to sing. It's like teaching anybody else. 'It's interesting to watch the other kids interact with him because I don't think any of them do anything different.' And not only is Victor sociable with lots of friends at school, he has two big sisters to look after him. Jerry said: 'Victor has a five-year-old sister and a 15-year-old sister. 'He adores the five-year-old sister, he wants to be like her, he wants to act like her. 'Yeah his favorite person in the world is mommy - but the kid fears nothing.' By broadcasting Victor's story and his battle with Cloves, both Jenny and Jerry are hoping to raise awareness and help other families who are affected by this almost unheard of condition. Jenny said: 'There are two different organisations; there is the Cloves syndrome Foundation and the Cloves Syndrome Community and they both have different focuses. For what he has going against him, he is doing phenomenal, Victor's parents said 'The Cloves Syndrome Community is there to help and support families in need financially for things to medically support their children and the Cloves Syndrome Foundation, from my understanding, is more towards helping raise money for research.' Due to the swelling on the right side of Victor's face, Jenny and Jerry are looking to secure plastic surgery for their son in the near future and reduce the size of his cheek. 'A lot of the kids have plastic surgery when suffering with Cloves,' Jenny added. 'But we have never seen any other Cloves child have facial plastic surgery done - so I think Victor is going to be the first one to our knowledge.' With all the hardships that life has thrown at Victor thus far, his latest set of results show no signs of rapid change and hopefully make for a steady future. Jerry said: 'Yeah he is little slow in things but for what he has going against him, he is doing phenomenal. 'I think Jenny and I have become really good team of understanding Victor and pay attention to any signs of struggle. 'He is a miracle kid.' It appears Dracula may have been onto something when he drank the blood of young maidens to stop him ageing. Older people given transfusions of blood from younger adults are at a lower risk of cancer, dementia and heart disease, new research shows. In groundbreaking trials on humans, scientists appear to have confirmed the long-standing myth that such injections can reverse ageing. Ambrosia, a start-up firm based in San Francisco, has been testing the horror-movie inspired technique to assess its benefits. It is similar to that of former North Korean dictator Kim Il-Sung who was said to take blood from people in their twenties to try to live to 100. Older people given transfusions of blood from younger adults are at a lower risk of cancer, dementia and heart disease, new research shows Jesse Karmazin, founder of the company, told New Scientist: 'I don't want to say the word panacea, but there's something about teenagers. 'Whatever is in young blood is causing changes that appear to make the ageing process reverse.' How did they carry out the study? The findings came from blood tests that were taken both before and a month after 70 participants were given the radical treatment. All of those involved were at least 35 and had paid $8,000 (6,200) to be part of the experiment out of their own pocket. They were given plasma - the main component of blood - from volunteers aged between 16 and 25. What did they find? WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUNG BLOOD? Various studies have shown the benefits of receiving transfusions of young blood. University of California at Berkeley scientists in November found 'vampire therapy' can repair muscle tissue. They also showed it had benefits for both the liver and brain after only 24 hours. In the same month, Alkahest, a company based in, reported similar findings during trials of young human blood on older mice. They found it improved the rodents' cognition, allowing them to frolic about like their younger counterparts. Stanford University experts had already shown the same findings in identical studies three years earlier, but using younger mice blood instead. Advertisement Researchers noted improvements in biomarkers of various major diseases, also known of indicators for certain conditions. This included a 10 per cent reduction in blood cholesterol, of which high levels are known to lead to heart disease. Other effects noted by the scientists were a 20 per cent reduction in proteins called carcinoembryonic antigens. These can be seen in high quantities in people who have various forms of cancer, the website reports, but it remains to be seen whether. The younger blood also helped to slash amyloid protein levels, which forms toxic clumps in the brains of dementia patients, by a fifth. In particular, one 55-year-old patient with early onset Alzheimer's began to show improvements in his condition after just one transfusion. Mr Karmazin said that another, slightly older, woman affected worse by the disease is showing similar improvements. He reported some of the firm's findings, which suggested people will receive the most benefit from two injections a year, at the Recode conference in Los Angeles yesterday. However, he hinted it's possible some of the effects of could have been imagined by those who were desperate to see results after paying so much. Scientists have long studied the effects of young blood on animals, but have come across a mixed bag of results. Just last month US research suggested that the blood from human umbilical cords could be the key ingredient for a fountain of youth drug. The Stanford University team discovered a protein found with the plasma can reverse the effects of age-related mental decline. However, experts at The Ottawa Hospital made a much different finding last July. They noted how blood donations from young women may be linked to poorer survival rates in recipients. Two patients were told to consider euthanasia because their insurance companies wouldn't cover their life-saving treatment, a doctor claims. As more states legalize euthanasia for the terminally ill, critics fear that this last resort option will become a first choice treatment method driven by profit-chasing insurance companies and financially-strained families. Dr Brian Callister, an internal medicine specialist, said he has seen this fear become a reality in his own practice. The Nevada doctor said his patients were denied life-saving medicine by their insurance companies but were offered suicide pills instead because it was cheaper. Dr Callister has teamed up with cancer survivor, J.J. Hanson, 36, who fought his way to remission after being given four months to live, to discourage more states from legalizing the practice. Scroll down for video Dr. Brian Callister, from Reno, Nevada, claims his patients were denied life-saving treatment but offered suicide pills because it was cheaper WHERE ASSISTED SUICIDE IS LEGAL Medically assisted suicide is legal in some areas of the United States and a few countries. They are: Washington state, US Oregon, US California, US Vermont, US New Mexico, US Montana, US Switzerland the Netherlands Albania Colombia Japan Belgium Advertisement J.J. Hanson was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare incurable brain tumor, and was given less than a year to live in May of 2014. Hanson was struggling with a bout of depression when he heard of Brittany Maynard's campaign for euthanasia. Maynard was also diagnosed with glioblastoma and made national news when she died at age 29 under Oregon's assisted suicide law in 2014. Although Hanson, a former Marine, was given bleak odds, he is in year three after his diagnosis, going through multiple surgeries, treatment and clinical trials. Hanson admitted he went through a brief period of depression and fears his fate would have been different if legal suicide was available in New York at the time. Now Hanson is president of the Patients' Rights Action Fund (PRAF) and is working with Dr Callister to battle legislation against medically assisted dying. Hanson wants to ensure that patients aren't pressured into assisted suicide by insurance companies. He said to the Daily Mail Online: 'This takes away the idea of hope and for patients to go forward. Once someone decides to do this, there is no follow up. 'If I had decided to do it, there would be no follow up. You are on your own, there's no prevention of someone jumping right into it.' Hanson pointed to the case of Stephanie Packer, a California mother-of-four who was denied chemotherapy but told she could have assisted suicide drugs for just $1.20, despite wanting to prolong her life. In a campaign video, Dr Callister said: 'It's a lot cheaper to grab a couple drugs and kill you than it is to provide you life sustaining therapy.' Peg Sandeen, the executive director of Death with Dignity National Center, said in a statement: 'We simply do not believe these tales of insurance company malfeasance. We expect that if Callister truly cared about his patients, he would ask his patients for permission to expose the companies and let the affected states investigate. 'When Callister made these accusations at the Nevada Senate committee hearing we asked for more information, and when he repeated them at Assembly hearing he was questioned about it again - only to refuse to provide any evidence. 'Given Callister's refusal to supply any proof to support his claims, we are extremely skeptical whether any of what he claims ever happened.' Dr Callister has teamed up with cancer survivor, J.J. Hanson, 36, (pictured with his wife) who was originally given four months to live in 2014. Hanson said his fate could have been different if assisted suicide was legal in New York at the time of his bleak diagnosis Hanson, a former Marine, has defied the odds and is a three-year survivor of glioblastoma. This is the same form of cancer that Brittany Maynard had when she ended her life at age 29 under Oregon's assisted suicide law, in 2014. Pictured: Hanson while he was in the military (left) and after a brain surgery (right) 504 CALIFORNIANS GOT LIFE-ENDING PRESCRIPTIONS At least 504 terminally ill Californians have requested a prescription for life-ending drugs since the state passed a law that legalized physician-assisted deaths in June 2016. This marks the first publicly released data on how the practice is playing out in the nation's most populous state. The number represents only those who have contacted Compassion & Choices, an advocacy group that provides information on the process. The organization believes the overall figure to be much higher. The group released the data Thursday. State officials have not released figures yet. How the new law is utilized in trend-setting California could provide a window into what would happen if the practice spreads nationwide. Some see providing the choice to the dying as a logical evolution in a medical care system advanced in helping people live longer but limited in preventing slow, painful deaths. Advertisement Hanson previously said: 'After a state adopts pro-assisted suicide legislation, insurance companies can deny coverage to patients seeking life saving treatment. It comes down to resources for the insurance companies and government insurance providers.' Assisted suicide is currently legal in Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Albania, Colombia and Japan. It is also legal in the US states of Washington, California, Oregon, Vermont, New Mexico and Montana. Maynard brought national attention when she ended her life under Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, which was put in place in 1997. Oregon was the first state to adopt such a law and a total of 991 people have died in Oregon under this act, as of January 27, 2016. Maynard's home state, California, legalized a similar law in June 2016, and at least 504 terminally ill Californians have requested a prescription for life-ending drugs since then. Under California's law, patients must be given six months or less to live, make two verbal requests within 15 days of each other and submit a written request. Still, critics say concerns remain that it will lead to hasty decisions, misdiagnosis, and waning support for palliative care, in which dying people can be sedated to relieve suffering A recent study by the University Health Network in Toronto examined medically assisted death in Canada and determined that it was 'existential distress' that led people to chose this option, not the pain of the disease itself. They were suffering more mentally than physically, with several worried about the strain they cause on their families. A study examining the first year Oregon had the law, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1999, said: 'Many physicians reported that their patients had been decisive and independent throughout their lives or that the decision to request a lethal prescription was consistent with a long-standing belief about the importance of controlling the manner in which they died.' Women who breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months may lower their own risk of developing endometrial cancer by 11 percent, a new study suggests. In the analysis of data from 17 past studies, researchers found that women who had ever breastfed their children were 11 percent less likely than women who had children but didn't breastfeed to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Longer breastfeeding seemed to further lower endometrial cancer risk, though there was little extra benefit past nine months of breastfeeding, the study team reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 'Cancer of the uterus is becoming more common and we need to try to prevent it,' said lead author Susan Jordan of the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, Australia. Australian researchers found that women who breastfed their children were 11 percent less likely than women who didn't breastfeed to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer (file image) Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in high-income countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 'The more women know about the things they can do to reduce their risks of future cancer diagnoses, the better,' Jordan said by email. 'Although this piece of evidence by itself may not convince women to breastfeed, it contributes to the overall picture of health gains that can come from breastfeeding.' WHAT DOES BREAST MILK CONTAIN? PROTEIN Breast milk contains whey and casein protein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion. They also have great infection-protection properties. FATS Human milk contains fats that are essential for brain development, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and a primary calorie source. Long chain fatty acids are needed for brain, retina and nervous system development. VITAMINS The amount and types of vitamins in breast milk is directly related to the mothers vitamin intake. Fat-soluble vitamins vital to the baby's health include vitamins A, D, E and K. Also important are water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, and panthothenic acid. CARBOHYDRATES Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk. It accounts for approximately 40 percent of the total calories provided by breast milk. Lactose helps to decrease the amount of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach, ANTIBODIES Antibodies, which are also called immunoglobulins, contain molecules passed to the baby and they bind to microorganisms and keep them away from the bodys tissues. Advertisement The World Health Organization recommends that women exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of their baby's life, then continue breastfeeding even after beginning to introduce solid foods. The researchers analyzed pooled data from studies participating in the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium, including 10 from the United States and others from Canada, Europe, China and Australia. They looked at more than 26,000 women who had ever had a child, whether they breastfed, and for how long. This included about 9,000 women with endometrial cancer. After accounting for other factors that can influence endometrial cancer risk, including age, race, education, oral contraceptive use, menopausal status, years since last pregnancy and body mass index (BMI), researchers found the apparent protective effect of breastfeeding remained. Notably, the risk reduction linked to breastfeeding was 28 percent among women born after 1950, but negligible among those born before 1950, which may reflect differences in breastfeeding practices, they study authors note. In the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, for example, breastfeeding rates were much lower than in recent decades, the authors note. The study doesn't prove that breastfeeding helps to protect against endometrial cancer, but it's plausible, the authors write, because the growth of this type of cancer is stimulated by estrogen, which is suppressed during breastfeeding. 'The message is not only relevant for women making decisions about breastfeeding but also for society to understand the benefits so we can support women to breastfeed for reasonably long periods of time,' Jordan told Reuters Health. 'However, it's not always possible for women to breastfeed, so it should also be noted that just because a woman chooses not to or can't breastfeed, it doesn't mean she'll go on to develop cancer.' 'Breastfeeding seems to significantly reduce the risk, but further studies originating in other countries are required to assess the association,' said Lianlian Wang of The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, China, who was not involved with the study. For instance, the most recent endometrial cancer report produced by the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research in 2013 classified the evidence for a benefit from breastfeeding as 'limited-no conclusion.' Jordan and colleagues are working with international collaborators to investigate the effects of breastfeeding on ovarian cancer risk. They're also researching other factors that may influence the risk of endometrial cancer, including specific medications. 'Breastfeeding has consistently been found to be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer,' Jordan pointed out. 'This provides evidence of another long-term health benefit for women who breastfeed for more than six months.' CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS by Sally Rooney (Faber 14.99) CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS by Sally Rooney (Faber 14.99) The post-crash boom in new Irish fiction continues with this startling debut from young writer Sally Rooney. It is so good I felt something akin to grief the moment I finished it. Its narrated by Frances, a 21-year-old English student in Dublin who is having an affair with a married man. She is also still deeply attached to her former girlfriend Bobbi, who has recently moved back into the flat they once shared. Frances and Bobbi are both politically literate children of the digital revolution, with a healthy distrust of capitalist and gender constructs. They often talk in the sort of sentences that might make your eyes roll were Rooney not such a startlingly adept writer, seemingly incapable of crafting a paragraph that doesnt glimmer with humour, compassion, insight and truth. Frances is very different to Esther Greenwood, the heroine of Sylvia Plaths The Bell Jar, but Rooney shares with Plath a knack for particularising a feminine consciousness, and this novel is the best Ive read on what it means to be young and female right now. A BOOK OF AMERICAN MARTYRS by Joyce Carol Oates (Fourth Estate 16.99) A BOOK OF AMERICAN MARTYRS by Joyce Carol Oates (Fourth Estate 16.99) Joyce Carol Oatess new novel is the story of two families divided by a murder though you might as well read two countries since this book, which begins in 1999, is recognisably the story of Donald Trumps America. Luther Dunphy, an evangelical Christian, has shot dead Gus Voorhees, a doctor at a Midwestern abortion clinic, and faces the death penalty if he is found guilty. He leaves behind an impoverished wife and five children steeped in the implacable conservatism of the Bible belt, their lives an inverted mirror of those of the equally intractable, liberal Voorheeses. Yet they are bound by their similarities as much as by their differences and, throughout the agonising years of legal process, Oates carefully shows the parallel ways both families suffer. Oates is often a sloppy writer, but there is no denying the visceral strength of the best paragraphs here, which describe what an aborted foetus looks like with the same gut-churning power as they do the killing of a man by lethal injection. THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS by Arundhati Roy (Penguin 18.99) THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS by Arundhati Roy (Penguin 18.99) Arundhati Roy has spent a fair bit of the 20-year gap between her Booker-winning first novel and this one writing critiques of Indian political corruption and the question of Kashmiri independence. Both subjects are like open sores in this seething, bleeding novel, which is almost impossible to sum up, but which, very broadly speaking, is the story of two women: one a hijra (a woman born as a man) who lives in a shack in a graveyard, the other a political activist. Roy, however, seems to make up her own wilful rules as to what defines a story in this fit-to-bursting novel, which accumulates narrative strands the way an avalanche gathers snow, and as the territory shifts from Kashmir to the 1984 Bhopal disaster to the lives of Indias destitute, one may easily lose patience. Plenty of individual sentences sing among the clamour, but Im afraid this congested novel put me in mind of the worst excesses of Salman Rushdie. DARK CHAPTER by Winnie M. Li (Legend Press 14.99) DARK CHAPTER by Winnie M. Li (Legend Press 14.99) There is no mystery to be solved in Lis stark debut novel, but that does not diminish its power for one moment. It is a visceral recreation of a brutal rape inspired by the authors own experiences in similar circumstances. The two main characters are therefore loosely based on the author and her impressions of her rapist, but the rest is fiction and intensely disturbing fiction at that. Vivian is a Taiwanese-American tourist who likes to travel. She finds herself in a West Belfast park one afternoon where she encounters Johnny, a feral 15-year-old Irishman who lives on the edges of the law as a Traveller. He rapes her, an attack narrated in unflinching detail. What makes it all the more compelling is the harsh description of the effects the attack has on both victim and attacker. The result is a heart-wrenching depiction of a dreadful crime and its horrifying aftermath. Brave, raw and strikingly original, it is a story that will resonate for many years. A NECESSARY EVIL by Abir Mukherjee (Harvill Secker 12.99) A NECESSARY EVIL by Abir Mukherjee (Harvill Secker 12.99) A year ago I welcomed the arrival of Captain Sam Wyndham and his faithful Sergeant Surrender-Not Banerjee of the Calcutta Police Force in the years after World War I, and I am delighted to report that his return is every bit as engaging. It is 1920, and the pair have the misfortune to witness the assassination of a Maharajahs son, the crown prince of the vastly wealthy and diamond-rich province of Sambalpore. They are charged with tracking down the killer, who disappears into the crowd. But Wyndham is convinced there is something much murkier going on behind the scenes a puzzle that grows ever more complex as the two men leave Calcutta for Sambalpore in pursuit of the truth. It turns out that the Harrow-educated crown princes modernising views were not universally popular among the more religious elements of the province. Add in conspiracies among the Maharajahs family, as well as Wyndhams addiction to opium, and you end up with a story as satisfying and spicy as the very best tandoori. LOVE LIKE BLOOD by Mark Billingham (Little Brown 18.99) LOVE LIKE BLOOD by Mark Billingham (Little Brown 18.99) Irascible, irritating and indefatigable, DI Tom Thorne has earned his place in the pantheon of fine fictional policemen, alongside those legendary inspectors Morse and Rebus. Here he tackles a story as contemporary as it is distressing honour killings. It was inspired by a true story in which a father and an uncle hired hitmen to rape and kill a daughter who had made the mistake of falling in love with a man of whom they did not approve. Other family members then helped dispose of her body. This novel charts Thornes relentless pursuit of a pair of ruthless killers who are offering their services for hire. Before long, it emerges that a broker is handing out these deadly contracts as a way of ensuring that no one can trace who is behind the crimes. Billinghams passionate depiction of the injustice and brutality that flow from these killings spills from every page, making this one of his most powerful crime novels, written with a fury that does both him and Thorne justice. BOOK OF THE WEEK Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 And How It Changed The World by Laura Spinney (Jonathan Cape 20) One morning in March 1918, Albert Gitchell, a mess cook at a U.S. Army base in Kansas, reported to the camp infirmary complaining of a sore throat, a headache and a fever. The doctor checked him over, but couldnt see any cause for alarm. By lunchtime, the infirmary was full of soldiers, all of them displaying the same symptoms. Within a month, so many had reported sick that the camps medical officer requisitioned an aircraft hangar to accommodate everyone. This was the start of the Spanish flu the greatest tidal wave of death since the Black Death, as Laura Spinney puts it in this vividly recreated, grimly fascinating book. Yet to begin with, hardly anyone in authority could bear to acknowledge what was happening. Spanish flu was the greatest tidal wave of death since the Black Death - killing as many as 100 million people For people still struggling to come to terms with the devastation of World War I, it seemed scarcely credible that another huge black cloud had appeared on the horizon. Queer epidemic sweeps northern China, the New York Times told its readers on June 1, but no one paid much attention. It wasnt long, though, before Spanish flu became impossible to ignore. First, peoples hands and toes turned dark blue. Then, a few days later, they turned black. People watched in horror as the disease crept relentlessly up their arms and legs. Their hair and teeth fell out and they gave off a strange smell like musty straw. By the time the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire died in November 1918, his skin had turned the colour of coal. The last few days of the illness were the most terrible of all. Delirious and too weak to move, people ended up drowning in their own bodily fluids. By the time the disease had burned itself out almost three years later, as many as 100 million people had died quite possibly exceeding the total number of people killed in both World Wars. From Panama to Peking, they keeled over in their hundreds of thousands. In Rio de Janeiro, gravediggers couldnt work fast enough to bury all the bodies one man described going for a walk and seeing a human foot suddenly blooming out of the earth. In London, the great Russian dancer Leonide Massine, who was giving a performance of Cleopatra at the Coliseum Theatre, became terrified that his skimpy costume might make him vulnerable to the Spanish flu In London, the great Russian dancer Leonide Massine, who was giving a performance of Cleopatra at the Coliseum Theatre, became terrified that his skimpy costume might make him vulnerable to the Spanish flu. I wore nothing but a loincloth, he recalled. After his character died, he had to lie still on the icy stage while the cold penetrated to my bones. The next morning, much to his relief, Massine found he was fine. But when he went to the theatre, he learned that the policeman who always stood at the entrance a hulk of a man had died during the night. From Panama to Peking, they keeled over in their hundreds of thousands. In Rio de Janeiro, gravediggers couldnt work fast enough to bury all the bodies one man described going for a walk and seeing a human foot suddenly blooming out of the earth It seemed as if the whole world had been affected by this dreadful, mysterious pestilence. In Bangkok, a British doctor noted that all his prize roses had withered and died, while in Portugal, the inhabitants of a mountain village were greatly alarmed to see huge numbers of owls screeching and hooting around their homes. Amid the chaos and grief, two questions were on everyones lips: was there a cure? And who was to blame? Warehouses were converted to keep infected people quarantined (picture dated 1919) Predictably enough, all manner of quacks confidently put forward their pet theories. Some held that chain-smoking would keep the disease at bay, others that alcohol taken in copious quantities was the answer. In fact, drinking yourself into a state of oblivion was probably as good a response as any. The Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier locked himself away in his Paris apartment for several weeks, smoking and boozing like a maniac and later emerged unscathed. For a time, taking aspirin was thought to offer some protection against the virus. People duly wolfed down as many pills as they could lay their hands on so much so that a number of them actually died of aspirin poisoning. Others gave themselves mercury injections after learning that syphilitics, who were treated with daily mercury jabs, appeared to have a higher survival rate. Nurses care for victims of the Spanish Flu in 1918 in Massachusetts as the virus spread around the world What everyone was at a loss to explain was why the disease struck in such a random fashion. In South Africa, workers in the Kimberley diamond mines were virtually wiped out, yet in the gold mines of the Rand there was barely a single incidence of Spanish flu. The Spanish may have given their name to the flu, but this had as much to do with anti-Spanish sentiment as anything else Spain having remained neutral during World War I Even today, no one is sure what the explanation is. The most likely bet is that the Rand gold miners had been partially immunised against the virus after coming into contact with large numbers of people at a nearby railway station. Being more isolated and without a station their luckless colleagues in Kimberley caught the full force of the illness. As for what or who was responsible, that was an even harder question to answer. The Spanish may have given their name to the flu, but this had as much to do with anti-Spanish sentiment as anything else Spain having remained neutral during World War I. In Senegal it was known as the Brazilian flu and in Brazil the German flu. The Iranians blamed the British, while the Japanese laid the fault squarely at the feet of sumo wrestlers flu first broke out in Japan at a sumo-wrestling competition. Spinney demonstrates how Spanish flu cast a long, dark shadow over the 20th century. In its wake, the idea of quarantining people who were thought to pose a danger to society gained enormous popularity thus paving the way, albeit indirectly, for the Nazi concentration camps Coolly, crisply and with a consistently sharp eye for the telling anecdote, Spinney shows how flu has been around in one guise or another since the 16th century the word influenza was coined by the Italians who attributed the disease to the influence of the stars. She also demonstrates how Spanish flu cast a long, dark shadow over the 20th century. In its wake, the idea of quarantining people who were thought to pose a danger to society gained enormous popularity thus paving the way, albeit indirectly, for the Nazi concentration camps. Even now the consequences are with us though we might not be aware of it. After the death from flu in 1918 of one man who had emigrated from Germany to America, his widow and son decided to invest his legacy in property. Over the next 50 years, the widows property investments did pretty well. So too, in his own distinctive way, did her grandson. His name? Donald J. Trump. TRUE CRIME Operation Relentless by Damien Lewis (Quercus 20) On March 6, 2008, a billionaire called Viktor Bout stepped off an aeroplane in Bangkok. His arrival in Thailand marked the beginning of the final chapter of Operation Relentless, a huge international collaboration to catch one of the worlds most wanted men, also known as the Merchant of Death. Bout, who had been given his nickname in the House of Commons, of all places, was walking into a meticulously laid trap. Damien Lewiss account of how that trap was sprung, and of how Bout made his fortune in the first place, reads like a thrilling work of fiction the obvious parallel being the arms dealer Richard Roper from John le Carres The Night Manager as the criminal activities whisk us from Copenhagen to the Congo to Curacao in the Caribbean. 'In 2005, when Nicolas Cage starred in a (rather poor) movie about an evil weapons tycoon, called Lord Of War, his character was modelled on Bout' (pictured: Nicholas Cage in movie Lord Of War) There are wire taps and explosions and even gnarled old fortune-tellers. Yet it is all true. In 2008, Bout was 41. He was a mechanics son from Tajikistan who had made his vast fortune in air freight, in part by transporting cashews and gladioli. Nuts and flowers hardly explained why Peter Hain, then a Foreign Office minister, had denounced him in Parliament eight years earlier as a merchant of death. But Bouts cargo planes also ferried millions of dollars worth of weapons to armies who were sworn enemies of the West, including the Taliban. Bout was not driven by ideology; it was all just (extremely lucrative) business. Indeed, when it suited him, and them, he also carried supplies for the British and American governments. He even put his planes at the disposal of UN peacekeepers. Nevertheless, he was the worlds most prolific and dangerous arms dealer, arming rebels throughout central Africa with tens of thousands of AK-47 assault rifles (whose inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, was Bouts friend). He could even source surface-to-air missiles, which Lewis describes as the holy grail for terrorists and narco-traffickers. In 2005, when Nicolas Cage starred in a (rather poor) movie about an evil weapons tycoon, called Lord Of War, his character was modelled on Bout. Inconveniently, Bout rarely left Moscow, putting him beyond the reach of all the law-enforcers who for years dreamt of catching him. He had to be teased out. In the end, the agency that lured him to Bangkok, where he thought he was about to seal a multi-million-dollar arms deal, was the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Bout was not driven by ideology; it was all just (extremely lucrative) business. Indeed, when it suited him, and them, he also carried supplies for the British and American governments. He even put his planes at the disposal of UN peacekeepers It was aghast at the sophisticated weaponry that Bout was supplying to the drugs cartels. And nor was he averse to transporting narcotics himself. The mantra that made him rich was: never fly empty. If his planes landed on remote airstrips stuffed with weapons, he wanted them stuffed with something else when they left. But the rebels Snow introduced to Smulian were DEA agents, including the agencys star undercover operative Carlos Sagastume, a drug-runner from Guatemala who had converted from poacher to gamekeeper The DEA wanted him just as badly as MI6 and the CIA. The reason it succeeded where others had failed was that it had the foresight to engage the help of a maverick Englishman, a former SAS soldier who had also run an air-freight company in Africa. This was Mike Snow, a barrel-chested adventurer nicknamed The Bear, not on account of his size or strength, but because of a fur coat hed worn as a child in the North-East of England. Snow knew Bout, but it was his friendship with the billionaires trusted, English-born associate Andrew Smulian, another entrepreneur based in Africa, that the DEA hoped to exploit. An elaborate sting was set up, whereby Snow claimed to be working for a Colombian rebel militia. With an unwitting Smulian as middleman, they ordered a major supply of weapons from Bout, including surface-to-air missiles. But the rebels Snow introduced to Smulian were DEA agents, including the agencys star undercover operative Carlos Sagastume, a drug-runner from Guatemala who had converted from poacher to gamekeeper. The entire operation, in another of this extraordinary storys many bizarre details, was run by a certain Lou Milione, who had previously been an actor, appearing with Tom Cruise in the 1983 film Risky Business. The DEA wanted him just as badly as MI6 and the CIA. The reason it succeeded where others had failed was that it had the foresight to engage the help of a maverick Englishman, a former SAS soldier who had also run an air-freight company in Africa This was an even riskier business. Bout was a ruthless operator who would do anything to evade capture. But even he had a softer side. This was Mike Snow, a barrel-chested adventurer nicknamed The Bear, not on account of his size or strength, but because of a fur coat hed worn as a child in the North-East of England International arms-dealing was not really what Bout wanted to do. A keen amateur film-maker, his actual burning ambition was to make wildlife documentaries for the Discovery Channel. Instead, he is currently serving 25 years in a U.S. federal penitentiary. As soon as he landed in Bangkok that day to meet Smulian, Snow and the rebels, the DEA knew it would finally be able to nail him. When they raided his hotel with a posse of Thai police, Bout stayed remarkably calm unlike his tough Russian bodyguard who started crying because the handcuffs were hurting his wrists. There were still some twists to come in the dramatic story of Viktor Bout. Extraditing him from Thailand, for example, took more than two years. But it was the end of Operation Relentless. At last, the Merchant of Death was brought down by The Bear. Three people were killed in disputed Kashmir on Thursday when bitter foes India and Pakistan engaged in cross-border shelling, officials on both sides of the border confirmed, adding to simmering tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The armies face off along the heavily militarised and disputed frontier, known as the Line of Control (LoC), that divides the Muslim-majority Himalayan region. Indian troops last week said they attacked and damaged Pakistani army posts in Kashmir as they sought to prevent militants infiltrating from the Pakistani side, but Islamabad has denied the claim. India is pursuing increasingly aggressive tactics against militancy on the LoC (pictured - India's Central Reserve Police Force) Mohammad Usman, a police official in the southern Poonch district of Pakistan-held Kashmir, said the shelling started in the morning. Two civilians were killed and six wounded. 'The civilian population in the vulnerable villages was caught off guard by the unprovoked firing,' Usman said. 'It was intense.' The Indian army said one person was killed and one wounded on its side of Kashmir, blaming Pakistan for starting the exchange of fire. Pakistan says Indian shells killed two civilians (Pictured - Indian government forces guard a polling station) 'The Indian army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on.' Pakistan army's media wing, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement: 'Indian troops initiated unprovoked firing at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning.' In a separate bout of violence, two militants were killed in North Kashmirs Sopore area on Thursday, a police spokesman in Indian-held Kashmir said. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's liquor ban experiment appears to have turned into a drink and drug-addled nightmare. A year after the ban came into force, an India Today TV investigation has found a huge, new black market of smuggled alcohol and an alarming spike in substance abuse in the dry state. The probe discovered Bihar might just be following Punjab's path, with prohibition opening new floodgates to addiction. Shocking revelations throw light on thy supply of cannabis in Bihar Barely two kilometres from the Nepal border, Subodh Kumar could be seen running an ordinary snack and soft-drink booth at a taxi stand in Raxaul. But he introduced himself differently to India Today TV's undercover reporter. 'This is a popular shop, known as far as in Delhi and Haryana,' he bragged. Soon, he pulled out pouches of cannabis at his retail counter to establish himself as part of Bihar's well-oiled drug mafia. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's liquor ban experiment appears to have turned into a drink and drug-addled nightmare 'This is for Rs 100 (1.21) a pouch. It's of superior quality,' Kumar said about the contraband. But what he showed was only a sample. The man wasn't a small-time supplier of cannabis operating out of a small stall in Bihar. 'How much do you want? I can send it in consignments of 5 kilos,' he promised. In no time, Kumar quoted his price list - Rs 16,000 (192.87) in wholesale for a kilo of cannabis. Shipment charges, he said, would be separate. 'How much will be the transportation cost?' asked the reporter. 'It's kilo-wise. Rs 1,500 a kilo up to Motihari (East Champaran) district border,' he said. Kumar then revealed the entire journey of how cannabis arrives in the state. 'It comes from Nepal. The border is crossed. We just have to pay (bribe) the administration... Up to Rs 5,000-10,000 a month,' he claimed. 'Do they (officials) take money here as well?' asked the reporter. 'They take it everywhere. It's Rs 3,000 (a month) here,' Kumar said. The investigative team found the same situation in each district it visited. In Sitarmarhi, for example, Vijay Nand blatantly supplied cannabis at Bhitta Mor and Randhir Singh and Pyare Baba at Pupri and Kali Charan at Sursand Chowk. The investigation spotted a disturbing sight in Madhubani district, where an underage boy was engaged in substance sale. In state capital of Patna, India Today TV unearthed cannabis business operating out of a paan shop at the city's plush Boring Road. Located opposite the landmark Krishna Apartments, the cigarette and paan booth hawked the substance at a standard black-market price. 'Taste this first,' said booth owner Dinesh Kumar, holding out a small pouch. 'You'll get whatever quantity you want: 100 gm, 50 gm, 200 gm,' he said. 'What's the price for 200 gm?' inquired the reporter. 'It will cost you Rs 4,000,' Dinesh Kumar answered. Data obtained from government and non-government sources also suggest an alarming rise in narcotics trade in Bihar since last year's prohibition. Undercover reporters found sale of cannabis was rampant in paan shops and soft drink stalls According to Patna's Disha De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, the non-profit has recorded a 30 per cent jump in cases of substance abuse since 2016. At the same time, Disha recorded an 80 per cent drop in alcohol-related treatment over the period, said Deepak Kumar, the organisation's general secretary. In 2015-16, the NGO treated a total of 1,509 substance (cannabis/charas) addicts. Their number went up to 1,921 in 2016-17, it said. On their part, narcotic sleuths seized 12 kilos of cannabis in 2015, 382 kilos in 2016 and as high as 7,000 kilos till April this year, official data show. At Patna's Disha Rehab, a young student, originally addicted to the bottle, explained why he turned to abusing correction fluid. 'I came home on holiday. I didn't get liquor easily here. That's why I started taking whitener (correction fluid) on the recommendation of a friend. 'When my father came to know, he admitted me to this rehab centre,' he said, his neck bandaged because of infection. Several young men were shooting up injections in Muzaffarpur for the same reason. 'We started taking injections after the liquor ban. It's even cheaper than alcohol,' said one of them. In 2015-16 an NGO treated a total of 1,509 substance (cannabis/charas) addicts India Today TV's investigation not only unearthed a spike in cannabis and substance abuse, it found a big black market of smuggled alcohol in Bihar. At Benipatti in Madhubani, bootlegger Vijay confessed that he supplied branded liquor to a select group of prosperous clients. 'This is for Rs 400,' he said, pulling out a bottle. 'It's original, not fake. My customers are doctors, circle and block officials. Not anyone else.' He would procure alcohol both from within India and Nepal. 'If you take the Haryana product, it will cost you Rs 1,600 a bottle. If you want Nepali you will get that as well.' He explained how alcohol crosses into Bihar from Nepal in ten-wheeled trucks, hidden under sand, concrete and coal. Several Bihar hotels that India Today TV investigated were also found selling liquor and beer at a premium. 'We'll get it from there (Nepal) whatever you want. 'There's a liquor store. It's government not private,' said Ishwar Kumar, manager of Hotel Kaveri in Raxaul near the Nepal border. 'How many bottles can be arranged?' asked the reporter. 'Whatever you demand,' replied Kumar. At double the original price, liquor and beer were being sold to in-house guests at Hotel RS in Raxaul. 'Liquor is banned but you'll get it if you stay here,' said Bhola Patel, a hotel staffer. 'Can 20 bottles be organised?' inquired the reporter. 'Yes, they can be. If you want 40, that too will be organised,' said Patel. Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar (left) calls on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi BJP leader and former state deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi termed the Nitish Kumar government's liquor ban move a failure. 'If prohibition has led to a surge in drug addiction, then it is worrisome for the state. Prohibition has completely failed to bring about the desired results. More than 15 lakh litres of liquor has been confiscated. '50,000 people have been sent to jail. The entire police machinery too is involved in this illicit trade.' 'The figure for the seizure of drugs has increased at least 7-8 times. The consumption of drugs has increased after prohibition,' said TN Singh, zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau. 'Awareness drives against addiction are on. We are keeping vigil at the Nepal border. After prohibition, we took more stringent action against the trade of drugs, which is reflected in the uptick in the statistics for the seizure of drugs.' A year after the ban came into force, an India Today TV investigation has found a huge, new black market of smuggled alcohol and an alarming spike in substance abuse in the dry state State excise minister Abdul Jalil Mastan promised stringent action by the chief minister following India Today TV's expose. 'The states neighbouring Bihar have no restrictions on alcohol,' he said. 'At the border, people exchange alcohol. People who are caught by police officials in the coming days will all be in jail. If VIPs are caught, their vehicles willbe auctioned by police officials.' As the Indian Army goes to work protecting India's borders from militancy in J&K, Pakistan is believed to be using its Border Action Teams (BAT) to help the militants sneak inside Indian territory. 'We are seeing a heightened activity of Pakistani special forces Special Services Group along the Line of Control as they have been seen doing rounds at forward posts there,' said an Army official. 'The inputs provided by the intelligence agencies suggest that Pakistan is also discussing another BAT attack. Soldiers take position near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch after cross-border shelling from Pakistan left two civilians dead and three injured 'Heightened activity of Pakistan SSG Commandos in the Poonch sector is a clear indication of their intent. Pakistan Army regulars and militants are seen conducting reconnaissance,' the sources said. In a bid to keep the Kashmir pot boiling, the Pakistan army is accused of breaking the ceasefire as a matter of routine. According to intel received by intelligence agencies, it is believed that Pakistan will try and push more terrorists to the Kashmir valley over the coming days. Army headquarters sources say that at present, there are approximately 200 terrorists sitting along the LoC. The Indian Army claims to be ready, 'Be it the LoC or hinterland, we will dominates the operations,' said senior south sources. The completely damaged house where two militants including a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Sabzar Ahmad Bhat was killed in an encounter with security forces Recently, a figure also showed the results of this changed strategy. The Indian Army has eliminated over a dozen intruders plus terrorists in less than a week's time. Sources in the Army said the force has also deployed heavy artillery including turrets of old tanks in service to target the enemy posts on the LoC in a direct firing mode. 'In such firing, a Pakistani SSG operative had been killed in the middle of May while they were having a look at Indian posts on the opposite side,' sources said. The tanks have been loaded onto a solid platform and are more accurate than before. Army personnel returning after a fierce encounter with militants at Soimoh village of Tral in Pulwama district of south Kashmir The Army destroyed Pakistani posts opposite Naushera sector in a bid to take the war to the enemy zone which had been sitting pretty on the border without bothering to get protection from firing from the Indian side. Till recently, only the Pakistanis would initiate action against Indian targets while Indian posts would retaliate after being fired upon. However, now the troops carry out pre-emptive strikes on Pakistani targets when they observe them preparing for attacks on Indian side or trying to push any infiltrators from there. The UK's leading investing website is offering customers the chance to invest in bitcoin from today - without the technological palaver that buying the cryptocurrency typically requires. People with a self-invested pension or a general trading account with Hargreaves Lansdown can now buy into a tracker fund that follows bitcoin. Customers with an Isa or Lifetime Isa cant invest in bitcoin because it doesn't qualify for inclusion under taxman rules, Hargreaves explained. Bitcoin: Only SIPP and general investing account holders can invest in bitcoin Investors can gain exposure to bitcoin through their SIPPs and shares and fund accounts in the form of an exchange traded note issued by Swedish company XBT Provider. ETNs are funds listed on the stock exchange, so they can be bought and sold like shares. They are denominated in Swedish krona and investors should be aware of the currency risks, as well as those attached to bitcoin itself. XBT said: The value of and any amount payable under the certificates will be strongly affected by the performance of bitcoin and the US dollar/krona exchange rate. As such an investment in the certificates is likely to be highly volatile and thus risky. Created in 2009, bitcoin is a type of virtual currency that is free from government interference and can be shared instantly online. WHAT IS BITCOIN? Bitcoins are lines of computer code that are digitally signed each time they travel from one owner to the next. They are the basic unit of a new online economy which runs independently of any company, bank, or government. Because bitcoins allow people to trade money without a third party getting involved, they have become popular with libertarians as well as technophiles, speculators and criminals. Read more here. Its price has soared since the start of the year thanks to surging demand, jumping from 730 at the end of last year to 1,896 today. To ensure the system has value, no more than 21million bitcoin can ever be created, so values can fluctuate wildly depending on supply and demand. The underlying technology is blockchain, a financial ledger maintained by a network of computers that can track the movement of any asset without the need for a central regulator. XBT head of investor relations Ryan Radloff said: By adding self-service, online dealing, the team at Hargreaves Lansdown is providing UK investors with professional and quick access to the bitcoin space in the UK and greater Europe. This is very exciting for any investors who have been thinking about buying bitcoin but did not want the hassle of security and regulation involved in buying bitcoin directly from exchanges. Craft beer producer BrewDog has revealed it booked an annual turnover of 72million in 2016. The brewer grew its annual turnover by 60 per cent, making it one of the fastest growing drinks companies in the word. It is growing faster than many of the US craft breweries, including Lagunitas, Ballast Point and Stone Brewing. BrewDog's UK sales jumped by an even bigger 97 per cent over the same period. Popular: Punk IPA remains the most sold craft beer in UK This is the first time the company has disclosed results publicly. During last year BrewDog shipped just under 131,000 barrels of beer. Additionally 65 million bottles of beer were shipped worldwide. Punk IPA which is the company's flagship beer remained the most sold craft beer in the UK last year with sales increasing by 130 per cent. BrewDogs Dead Pony Club also grew by 157 per cent to become the third most purchased craft beer in the UK. The company's growth has been rapid since it was founded by Martin Dickie and James Watt in 2007. Ten years later, it now has more than 500 employees and 32 branded BrewDog bars in the UK and overseas. The startup raised money through a series of 'crowdfunding' offers that give subscribers an equity stake, and a host of beer-based perks, in exchange for the money. Cheers: BrewDog directors James Watt (left) and Martin Dickie (right) The BrewDog team has recently unveiled a new brewing site, adjacent to its brewery in Ellon, Scotland. As part of its growth, BrewDog opened 8 new bars, including Norwich, Southampton and Berlin. In April 2017 BrewDog was valued at 1 billion following a 213 million investment from TSG Consumer Partners, and it plans to expand its brewery and bars network even further this year. Food and drink exported from the UK has soared to a record high as the weak pound boosts demand for British produce. Sales rose 8.3 per cent to 4.9 billion in the first three months of the year - the biggest haul ever for that period of the year. Whisky, salmon, chocolate, cheese and beer were the top five sellers followed by wine, pork, gin, beef and vegetables. Export appetite: Whisky, salmon, chocolate, cheese and beer were the top five sellers for Britain at the beginning of the year Exports of whisky rose 9.9 per cent to 895.9 million while the value of salmon sold jumped 52.3 per cent to 186.7 million spurred by a surge in global demand as well as exchange rates making Scottish salmon cheaper than Norwegian and Chilean. And sales to non-EU countries grew at a faster rate than those to Europe. The official customs figures show the value of goods sold to EU countries increased by 7.4 per cent while they rose 9.4 per cent to the rest of the world. The EU was still the countrys biggest food and drink export market, however, accounting for 3 billion of exports compared to 1.9 billion going to outside markets. Among the fastest-growing export markets was South Korea, with sales of UK goods up 40.3 per cent to 50.3 million, driven by growing demand for British beer. LABOUR TRADE GAFFE Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry was left red-faced after official figures further highlighted her blunder on Britains trade with the rest of the world. The Labour politician, standing for re-election as Islington South MP, told an audience on Tuesday that Britain would have trouble exporting food to Australia as it will go off. But yesterday figures published by the Food and Drink Federation showed the UK exported 80.4 million worth of food and drink to Australia over just the first three months of the year, up 25.5 per cent on the same period last year. During that time the UK also exported 53.8 million of food and drink to Japan, 76.4 million to Singapore, and 82.1 million to the UAE. Trade in refrigerated meat between Britain and the region is thought to stretch back to the late 19th century. Julian Jessop, chief economist at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: There is a presumption that countries will sell a lot more to neighbours than further afield, but that we can sell to South Korea is very encouraging. A falling currency is an opportunity to break into a new market then even if the pound goes back, they have a foothold. Brexit campaigner John Longworth, the former director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: Its part of a general pattern whereby export performance has confounded the Remoaners post-Brexit. The fall in the currency is the currency reaching its natural level and the economy has continued to be robust. The fall will provide a window for manufacturers and producers to increase their productivity. The Food and Drink Federation published the data yesterday. Traditionally the second half of the year is even stronger due to increased demand from overseas for British goods such as whisky and salmon over Christmas. The 1.9 billion value of exports to non-EU countries has increased from 800 million in the first quarter of 2007. But economists cautioned the fall in the pound was also making goods more expensive for British producers. Several retailers have blamed Brexit for recent price increases. Ian Wright, director general of the Food and Drink Federation said: It is very pleasing to see non-EU exports performing beyond expectations. As the UK leaves the EU, growth in exports is hugely important. Tesco has struck a deal with Dixons Carphone to open a series of Currys PC World concessions in its biggest stores Supermarket giant Tesco has struck a deal with Dixons Carphone to open a series of Currys PC World concessions in its biggest stores. Britains biggest grocer said the partnership would see two of the electrical goods outlets opened in Tesco Extra stores. The tie-up comes after Tesco announced a 3.7 billion merger with wholesaler Booker, which is being probed by the UKs Competition and Markets Authority. Rival Sainsburys last year cemented its own move into electricals with a 1.4 billion takeover of Argos. Grocers are battling to fill acres of space left behind after changing habits mean shoppers are shunning the weekly shop. Sainsburys has introduced Patisserie Valerie counters, while Tesco has opened Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Holland & Barrett concessions. Tescos latest tie-up will fuel speculation of even closer links between the two brands. Matt Davies, UK chief executive of Tesco, said: We think this is a winning combination and look forward to opening the first outlet in Milton Keynes in July. An Adelaide woman has relived the twisted words a man said to her while laughing as he fed rat poison to her beloved family dog. Shannon Emery had taken her young children and the family pet, named Diago, to a park in Salisbury where the man approached. Ms Emery said she confronted the man, who had no dog, and asked what he was doing before he pulled Ratsak from his pocket and fed it to Diago. 'He is going to die,' the man said to Ms Emery. Diago was fed rat poison by a twisted man at an Adelaide park in front of owner Shannon Emery and her one-year-old daughter The man approached Diago at Salisbury Park on Saints Road as she was walking the beloved family pet Ms Emery rushed Diago to the vet after the incident which left her unable to speak Ms Emery said the man 'then... started laughing. It was like a belly laugh, horrible and nasty'. She said 'she could not speak' as she grabbed her one-year-old daughter, who also had witnessed the sickening act, and ran to her car. She rushed the seven-year-old Jack Russell to the vet where he was administered multiple injections to make him throw up the poison. Diago was then given further shots to stop the vomiting and finally charcoal tablets to treat any lingering poison that may be in his system. He will be continued to be monitored by veterinarians for some time, as Ms Emery says he is 'still not out of the woods.' The incident occurred at Salisbury Park on Saints Road. The man had brown hair, browns eyes and was wearing ripped Nike pants. Diago was administered with several injections to make him throw up the poison Diago is now recovering well but will be continued to be treated and monitored by vets Ms Emery's Facebook post has been shared nearly 500 times, with many posting their disbelief and offering their sympathies. 'Oh my goodness. Praying Diago recovers. This is shocking,' one social media user said. 'This is dreadful, I have taken my dog to this park before and it's a lovely dog park,' a person commented, who was one of many who said they regularly visit the area. 'I was planning on taking my pup to that very park for his first time, NOT ANY MORE,' said another. Walmart's insurance company is demanding Tracy Morgan be grilled under oath over his multimillion-dollar payout stemming from a horrific crash involving one of the store's trucks that nearly killed the comedian in 2014. The superstore reached a deal with Morgan a year after the deadly accident on the New Jersey Turnpike that killed his friend, comedian James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair, and left the Saturday Night Live alumnus severely injured. But Walmart's hasty settlement has been blasted by its insurer, which says the retail giant paid out the large sum without deposing Morgan and others involved in the suit. Walmart's insurance company is demanding Tracy Morgan, 48, be deposed over his multimillion-dollar payout stemming from the 2014 car accident involving the retailer's truck Court documents obtained by Dailymail.com reveal lawyers for insurance company Ohio Casualty are now requesting deposition dates from Morgan and his comedian friend Ardley Fuqua, who was a passenger in the car. The company is attempting to force Morgan and Fuqua to hand over settlement documents, as well as medical records and information regarding the comedian's income. They are also seeking all medical records following the accident, Morgan's federal and state tax returns from 2009-2014, documents showing his future earning potential, and financial records that relate to his earnings for the five years prior to the accident. Morgan spent almost two months in the hospital and rehab following the accident before he could return home. Pictured is the Walmart truck after the crash A tractor-trailer driven by Walmart employee Kevin Roper slammed into the back of their limo on the New Jersey Turnpike on June 7, 2014 The star has spoken about how he had to learn how to talk and walk again following the medically induced coma doctors placed him in They are even demanding a list of medicines he was prescribed after the crash, any records of physical or mental examinations and documents related to his appearance on Saturday Night Live and The Emmys - and information regarding his ability to drive a Lamborghini after the accident. According to the court papers, Ohio Casualty argues the depositions of both Morgan and his comedian friend Ardie Fuqua are relevant and necessary since the two of them received 92 percent of the huge settlement paid out in the comedian's original lawsuit against Walmart. Morgan received 80 per cent of an undisclosed sum paid out to all plaintiffs in his legal battle. The 48-year-old's payout is rumored to be as much as $90 million. The demands come 13 months after the Morgan and Fuqua were served with subpoenas to provide information to the case and failed to respond. The pair were also accused of refusing to provide dates to be deposed and failing to provide an adequate excuse for his refusal after multiple attempts. 'The depositions of Morgan and Fuqua are relevant and necessary, because they collectively received 92% of the huge settlement of the Morgan action, their depositions were never taken nor were they served with any formal discovery in the Morgan action, and Wal-Mart [sic] has relied on the claims of Morgan and Fuqua as the principal reason in contending that the settlement of the Morgan action was reasonable,' the documents state. The insurance company is also requesting deposition dates from Morgan's comedian friend Ardley Fuqua (left) who was injured in the accident which killed James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair (right) Emails between the parties' attorneys show Morgan and Fuqua's lawyer, David E. Ross said they would comply with the subpoenas if the plaintiff agreed to certain conditions - which is not required. 'The sole reason Morgan and Fuqua have refused to provide deposition dates is their insistence that Plaintiffs provide information that is not required under the federal rules and accept their unconditional reservation of all rights, including their reservation not to appear for a deposition at all. 'This is a baseless position designed to avoid giving dates for their depositions. 'For these reasons, Plaintiffs ask that Tracy Morgan and Ardley Fuqua be ordered to each provide Plaintiffs with dates on which they can appear for a 7-hour deposition pursuant to the subpoenas.' Morgan could potentially be held in contempt of court for failing to provide an 'adequate excuse.' Emails show Ross refused to cough up any information - calling attorney Paul R. Koepff's actions a 'lack of good faith' and 'an intention to harass rather than serve subpoenas.' Last year, attorneys asked a judge to enforce subpoenas served on Morgan and his fellow passengers - after the comedian was spotted driving a Lamborghini shortly after the settlement. Morgan suffered a broken leg, several broken ribs, and a brain injury and spent almost two months in the hospital and rehab before he could return home. The star has spoken about how he had to learn how to talk and walk again following the medically induced coma doctors placed him in. Thieves were caught on camera breaking into a Las Vegas condom and sex toy warehouse and sealing more than $40,000 of merchandise over the holiday weekend. Police are investigating the burglaries, and a representative of the Stockholm, Sweden-based LELO Inc. said in a statement Tuesday that thieves were seen on security recordings taking items Friday night and Saturday morning. The warehouse is located in an industrial park not far from McCarran International Airport. Security camera video of the second incident shows large vehicle backing into the warehouse through a loading dock door The company posted the videos to its website, both of which show what it says were thieves taking two shipping boxes containing more than 30,000 condoms. The first break-in happened on Friday night and the second Saturday morning. In the Saturday morning break-in, security camera footage shows large vehicle backing into the warehouse through a loading dock door. The vehicle, which appeared to be a minivan, had its back window smashed in so the thieves could put the boxes in more quickly. A man then quickly throws two large boxes of merchandise into the vehicle before driving away. Las Vegas police officer Laura Meltzer says detectives are following up on the burglary reports. The vehicle, which appeared to be a minivan, had its back window smashed in so that the thieves could put the boxes in more quickly CBS Evening News' Scott Pelley is leaving the anchor desk. The network announced Wednesday that Pelley will return full time to 60 Minutes, and Anthony Mason, who has filled in for him while he was on assignment, will continue in that role until a permanent replacement is found. CBS didn't give a reason for the ouster except that it said 60 Minutes will need Pelley's 'full contribution' in its 'milestone' 50th season. However, Page Six reported on Tuesday that Pelley's departure had more to do with personal politics and that he and CBS News president David Rhodes 'don't get on.' Pelley is out as CBS Evening News anchor, and he'll be returning to full-time work at the network's flagship news magazine 60 Minutes Stand-in Anthony Mason will continue in his role temporarily until a permanent replacement is found In all likelihood, however, Pelley is paying for CBS News' lagging ratings with his job. While the network's morning ratings have gained solid ground with CBS This Morning, it has remained in stubborn third in the evening behind NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. The transition has already been a little messy: CBS had intended to announce it next week, but when workers began packing Pelley's belongings at his office into boxes Tuesday word of his departure spread. Pelley's career as news anchor began years ago when then-anchor Katie Couric left. CBS News, with its influence diminished at the turn of the decade, sought to mold its newscasts in the meatier image of 60 Minutes. Pelley has been news anchor since Katie Couric left, but has never been able to make CBS a serious evening news contender with ABC and NBC It named the news magazine's most influential correspondent, Pelley, as evening anchor and installed the team of Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell at the newly named CBS This Morning. The strategy has worked beyond the network's dreams in the morning. Once invisible, CBS is now competitive with ABC's 'Good Morning America' and NBC's 'Today' show - still third but gaining fast. Pelley won respect and early ratings success in the evening. But he was never truly competitive with ABC and NBC, and lately he has slid further behind. Pelley's onscreen demeanor - 'strict and steeling, disavowing both charm and irony' - was appropriate for the nation's mood after last decade's financial crisis, said news consultant Andrew Tyndall, who studies the content of evening newscasts. Names reportedly being considered to replace Pelley include Jake Tapper (left) and Jeff Glor But it has proven less so for the Donald Trump era. Despite a heightened interest in news that has propelled cable personalities like Rachel Maddow to new heights, the evening newscasts haven't benefited. Collectively, the three networks reach 24.2million each night, down four per cent from last year, the Nielsen ratings company said. In recent months, Pelley has attracted attention, and anger from Trump's supporters, for blunt assessments of the Republican president's moves. CBS gave no public reason for removing Pelley. In such situations, ratings usually tell the story. But CBS executives stressed the importance of having Pelley full time at 60 Minutes. CNN's Anderson Cooper is one name that was reportedly bandied about to replace Pelley 'The milestone 50th season of '60 Minutes' requires Scott's full contribution, and we look forward to important reporting from him for many years to come,' CBS News President David Rhodes said. Pelley, 59, was on assignment overseas Wednesday. He'll be back at the CBS Evening News Monday for a short period before Mason takes over. In a statement, Pelley said CBS 'has been great to me for nearly 30 years.' 'I'm glad to accept this assignment with continuing gratitude,' he said. There had been behind-the-scenes signals a shift was coming. As Pelley heads into a job where his day-to-day presence in the office is less important, he has recently bought a ranch in Texas and put a house in Connecticut on the market. It's unclear whether Mason will be a candidate for the full-time job. Potential candidates include CBS' Jeff Glor and CNN's Jake Tapper or Anderson Cooper. But in a reflection of television news' changed circumstances, other CBS personalities like O'Donnell or Face the Nation host John Dickerson aren't expected to be candidates. The role of evening news anchor was once clearly the top job in broadcast journalism but now has less influence. And CBS would be loath to break up its morning team because that's where it makes more money, industry observers said. 'It would be a mistake to take from this that people don't want a solid news program,' said Lee Kamlet, a former ABC News producer and dean of the communications school at Quinnipiac University. 'But they are more inclined to want it in the morning, when they haven't been on their news and social media feeds throughout the night.' For all the attention Maddow and other cable personalities get, however, Pelley routinely reached twice as many people each night. Pelley's newscast had more international news and a tougher tone than its rivals, but it wasn't necessarily breaking news-dependent, Tyndall said. It was more dependent on its own video than special effects; in short, it looked more like 60 Minutes, he said. A 'beggar' was caught out by a surveillance camera after he was caught using his allegedly deformed arm to count cash in China. The man could be seen counting the cash after begging on a train and showing passengers his 'deformed arm' on May 30. Policemen searched through CCTV footage and confirmed the man was lying about his disability. What a cheek! A beggar started asking for money as he walked through the carriage The man, whose name has not been revealed, was seen begging on line no.1 of the Nanning subway. CCTV footage shows him walking onto the first carriage of the train and begging for money while on his knees. He also takes off the right sleeve of his shirt to show that he had a disability. However not many passengers were seen giving him money. The man was busted thanks to CCTV footage which showed him counting his cash The man started to count the handouts he received from begging on the train He then can be seen walking out of the ticket barrier swiftly and exiting the station in Nanning Policemen are trying to track down on the beggar after finding out he is an able-bodied man A local policeman told Pear in an interview that he used to walk on his knees from the first carriage. 'But when the train stops at a station, he will just exit the train like other passengers,' said the policeman. Nanning Police started investigation on the bogus beggar and confirmed that he is an able-bodied man with no disability. Footage at a subway station shows the man counting coins and putting on a cap with two hands after exiting the train. Policemen are currently trying to track down on the man for his identity. Advertisement Protesters hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces who retaliated with water cannons and tear gas as the violent clashes which have claimed 59 lives continue in Venezuela. Police used the increasingly forceful measures to disperse tens of thousands of opposition protesters heading towards the foreign ministry as the Organization of American States held another meeting on the continuing crisis. Two months of protests against President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government have convulsed the South American OPEC nation, with at least 59 people killed in the unrest. In the latest uprising, opposition supporters demanding elections, freedom for jailed activists, and foreign humanitarian aid, marched onto Caracas' main highway aiming to reach the ministry. Scroll down for video Demonstrators look on as motorcycles belonging to riot security forces are set on fire during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas A police officer in a tear gas mask carried away an injured opposition protester on a motorbike as the riots continued Demonstrators ready to fire a home made mortar against government security forces amid the violent clashes An opposition activist wearing a helmet and gas mask stands near a burning motorbike. Two months of protests against President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government have convulsed the South American OPEC nation, with at least 59 people killed in the unrest But as happens near-daily with rallies trying to reach government offices, National Guard soldiers blocked their way and drove them back with volleys of gas and shoots of water. Masked youths hurled stones and Molotov cocktails in return. 'It's always the same. We set off peacefully and they attack us. We have to respond, we're human beings,' said law student Brian Suarez, 20, holding a homemade wooden shield depicting a shooting target with the faces of Maduro and other officials. 'Here are the faces of the people who have led us to ruin,' he added, as some women handed food, shoes and other supplies to the young men battling the security forces. With international pressure mounting on Maduro, foreign ministers from the 34-nation OAS bloc were to meet in Washington, D.C., later on Wednesday to debate the situation in Venezuela. When that meeting was announced last month, Venezuela said it was withdrawing from the OAS in protest. Maduro, 54, accuses opponents of seeking his violent overthrow with U.S. support, similar to a short-lived 2002 coup against his popular predecessor Hugo Chavez. He has called for the creation of a super-body, or constituent assembly, with powers to rewrite the constitution, in voting set for the end of July. Members of the media argue with riot security forces: With international pressure mounting on Maduro, foreign ministers from the 34-nation OAS bloc were to meet in Washington, D.C., to debate the situation in Venezuela Demonstrators look on as motorcycles belonging to riot security forces are set on fire during a rally Opposition supporters demanding elections, freedom for jailed activists, and foreign humanitarian aid, marched onto Caracas' main highway aiming to reach the ministry In recent weeks, Venezuelans protesting against President Nicolas Maduro's government have pelted riot police with flaming Molotov cocktails as the unrest continues Officers retaliated by firing tear gas and water cannon to stop hundreds of anti-government protesters from marching in the capital Caracas Outrage against President Maduro, who critics blame for the country's crippling economy and dire food shortages, have ranged from peaceful marches to violent melees Riot police agents are attacked with fireworks by demonstrators, during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro's government, in Caraca Both the Venezuelan government and the opposition admit that violent protests that have gripped the country for nearly two months are out of control Venezuelan authorities on Wednesday began signing up candidates for a planned constitutional reform body, a move that has inflamed deadly unrest stemming from anti-government protests Riot police water cannons aims its water jet at demonstrators: Opponents of socialist President Nicolas Maduro say he aims to keep himself in power by stacking the planned 'constituent assembly' with his allies As well as deaths, the unrest in Venezuela has led to hundreds of injuries and, according to local rights group Penal Forum, nearly 3,000 people arrested of whom 1,351 remain held 'The constituent vote will bring us peace,' said Food Ministry worker Freimar Ruiz, 29, at a government rally mainly attended by public sector workers to mark the beginning of a period in which people can sign up to be candidates. 'They say we're paid to be here, but that's a lie, because if not, I wouldn't be so short of money!' she joked. Four years of recession caused by failing socialist economic policies plus the decline in global oil prices have battered Venezuela's 30 million people. Despite the opposition's calls for the military to abandon Maduro, the high command has retained its public support for him so far Embattled Venezuelan opposition demonstrators and riot police clash during another furious protest It has also made Maduro deeply unpopular, with plenty of people within the ruling 'Chavista' movement questioning the constituent assembly given that Chavez himself had the constitution re-written in 1999. Venezuela's opposition is refusing to participate, saying the vote set for July is a sham, with biased rules to ensure the body is filled with Maduro supporters. They fear a new assembly could then skew the rules for governors' elections in December of this year and the presidential vote slated for late 2018. Polls show the government would lose any conventional vote. As well as deaths, the unrest in Venezuela has led to hundreds of injuries and, according to local rights group Penal Forum, nearly 3,000 people arrested of whom 1,351 remain held. Entertainment / Music by Staff reporter After crowning her the Best Female Rapper south of the Limpopo, rumours that South African rapper Cassper Nyovest is in a secret relationship with his Zimbabwean protege, Nadia Nakai, persist as the two have become closer in the last few months.The bond between the two rappers has tightened recently, even more so since the release of Nyovest's hit album, Thuto, in which a provocative Nakai contributed a standout verse on the song Top Shayela.With Nyovest, Nakai and members of his Family Tree entourage going on a trip to England where he was scheduled to perform, some began to ask whether the Tito Mboweni hit-maker was more than just a boss to her.While Nadia for her part has been mum on the rumours, Nyovest denied that they were sleeping together before adding that he might find himself in a scandal similar to one 999 boss Arthur Mafokate had when it was rumoured that he was in a relationship with one of the label's signees, Chomie."Lmao . . . Nah nah nah. I won't lie doe. She's been looking hella fly lately. I might just catch an Arthur and Chomi situation," when a twitter user speculated about their affair.Last week, Nyovest added fuel to the fire by saying that he was grateful to Nakai for acceptance of him and drunken missteps."Happy birthday chomi, eish I meant Nadia Nakai. Thank you for taking me as I am and not judging me for drunk dailing you sometimes," he tweeted.Twitter users quickly questioned the nature of the relationship between the Family Tree boss and Nakai. In the past, the rapper has been in high profile relationships with stars Boity Thulo and Amanda du-Pont while there were also rumours that he was involved with model and Teko Modise's ex-fiance Lizelle Tabane. A US Air Force veteran was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Wednesday after being convicted on terrorism charges for trying to join ISIS. Tairod Pugh, 49, was convicted in March of 2016 of attempting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group and die a martyr. In a Brooklyn Federal Court, US District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis referred to it as a 'very sad thing' a onetime airman would want to join a group seeking to destroy the country he previously defended. US Air Force veteran Tairod Pugh, 49, was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison in a Brooklyn Federal Court after being convicted of terrorism charges for trying to join ISIS The conviction was the first verdict from more than 70 cases the government brought against Americans accused of trying to support the militant group. 'This isn't about whether you're a Muslim or a Christian or Jewish,' Garaufis told Pugh, who is American and from Neptune, New Jersey. 'This is about whether you're going to stand up for your country.' The Brooklyn judge called Pugh's military service 'a long time ago' commendable but said the defendant squandered his training as an airplane mechanic and all the good things the United States did for him with a decision to betray his country. In a Brooklyn Federal Court, US District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis referred to it as a 'very sad thing' a onetime airman would want to join a group seeking to destroy the country he previously defended 'I cannot imagine someone who served in the United States military, arm in arm with patriotic Americans, crossing the border to destroy what we have built in this country for the past 240 years,' Garaufis said. 'It's a very sad thing you have done. You can stand up for your country or you can betray it. You made your choice, sir. I have no sympathy,' the judge said. Prosecutors said Pugh traveled from Egypt to Turkey on January 10, 2015, in an effort to cross the border into Syria to join ISIS and engage in violent 'jihad'. There, he was stopped by Turkish border authorities carrying a laptop with information on Turkey-Syria border crossing points, 180 jihadist propaganda videos, including footage of an Islamic State prisoner beheading, and a letter declaring: 'I will use the talents and skills given to me by Allah to establish and defend the Islamic States.' At trial, prosecutors showed jurors materials found on Pugh's computer and cited a letter Pugh wrote to his wife saying, in part, 'There is only two possible outcomes for me: Victory or martyr.' Prosecutors said he sought a route into Syria to join the Islamic State group, but authorities forced him to turn back. He was arrested soon after his return to New York. When searched, his computer contained searches for 'borders controlled by Islamic State,' the ISIS propaganda video 'Flames of War,' and terrorist videos he had downloaded - such as ISIS execution footage. Pugh was in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990, when he was trained to install and maintain aircraft engines and navigation and weapons systems. Prosecutors said Pugh traveled from Egypt to Turkey on January 10, 2015, in an effort to cross the border into Syria to join ISIS and engage in violent 'jihad Pugh was in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990, when he was trained to install and maintain aircraft engines and navigation and weapons systems He gave a rambling statement Wednesday, interrupted when he started to cry and when the judge cut him off, saying, 'I can't listen to this whole thing. I just can't... I'm not the psychiatrist. I'm the judge, and I'm limited in what I can do.' Before Pugh was interrupted, he was defiant. 'I am innocent,' he said. During closing arguments, defense attorney Eric Creizman said Pugh had no ill intent in Turkey a month after losing his job as an aviation mechanic and telling his supervisor to stop 'talking to me like I'm an idiot.' He said Pugh had hoped to move to the Middle East with his wife. He said his client was feeling small and inconsequential when he started researching the rise of the Islamic State group in the summer of 2014, impressed that Muslims somewhere were trying to establish a country and wouldn't 'back down from anything.' Five people have been charged in the starvation death of a 16-year-old Iowa girl who weighed only 56lbs when she died. Sabrina Ray's body was found May 12 in the Perry home she shared with her adoptive parents, 41-year-old Marc Ray and 40-year-old Misty Ray, who were charged on May 17. Police said Wednesday that the girl was unable to walk, talk or eat after being 'drop-kicked' by her 21-year-old adoptive brother down basement stairs weeks before her death. What happened to Sabrina? Sabrina Ray (pictured left as a child and right as a teen), 16, was found starved to death in her adoptive parents' home in Iowa on May 12. The girl weighed 56lbs and was severely malnourished. 'House of horrors': Ray was discovered unresponsive inside her familys residence at 1708 1st Avenue in Perry - this tidy two-story home with a patch of grass in the front yard The brother, 21-year-old Justin Dale Ray, is charged with two counts of willful injury and two counts of child endangerment for the incident, which occurred sometime between April 15 and May 2. Between March and May, Justin also allegedly kicked his frail adoptive sister in the chin, leaving her with a bleeding cut, according to a criminal complaint. A cousin who lived with the family, 20-year-old Josie Raye Bousman, is charged with child endangerment resulting in death and three counts of first-degree kidnapping after she allegedly admitted to injuring Sabrina and denying her food and water, reported the station KCCI8. At the time of her death, 16-year-old Sabrina had the average weight of a healthy seven-year-old girl. The teen's grandmother, 62-year-old Carla Bousman, faces several charges, including including aiding and abetting kidnapping, child abuse resulting in death and obstruction for allegedly altering evidence at the crime scene and providing false evidence. Parents arrested: Sabrina's adoptive parents Marc Ray (left) and Misty Ray (right) have been charged child endangerment resulting in death and 10 other counts Ray was found dead inside her familys residence at 1708 1st Avenue in Perry - a tidy two-story home with a patch of grass in the front yard - at around 6.30pm on May 12 after police responded to a report of an unresponsive teenager. The girl's adoptive parents, Marc and Misty Ray, were away on a trip to Disney World with one of their sons when the 911 call was placed, but arrived around the same time as the first responders. Both parents were arrested and each charged with child endangerment resulting in death and 10 other child endangerment, negligence and kidnapping counts. The Rays also ran an in-home child care, and police are investigating whether any abuse occurred with those children, officials said. Authorities had previously revealed that Sabrina Ray was homeschooled and that she and her siblings had been monitored by the Iowa Department of Human Services following complaints about inadequate nutrition and the use of corporal punishment. Additional suspects: The victim's adoptive brother 21-year-old Justin Dale Ray (left), grandmother Carla Bousman, 62 (center, and cousin Josie Raye Bousman, 20 (right) have also been arrested and charged in Sabrina's case Three other children were removed from the home, including two girls - ages 10 and 12 - who were also adopted and are now under a doctor's care, according to police. The third child is a boy. Police did not reveal his age, but noted the Rays don't currently face charges concerning him. According to reporting by The Des Moines Register, Sabrina was placed in Misty and Marc Ray's home in 2011 after her biological father, a recovering methamphetamine addict and alcoholic named Joseph Busch and his wife, Karena, pleaded guilty to child endangerment. The Rays initially took in Sabrina as a foster child and formally adopted her in 2013. Sabrina also had an older half-sister, who is now aged 27, and four younger brothers, who went to live with relatives or other foster families. Polie say Sabrina was unable to walk, talk or eat after being 'drop-kicked' by her 21-year-old adoptive brother (pictured) down basement stairs weeks before her death. Carla Bousman faces several charges, including including aiding and abetting kidnapping Josie Bousman allegedly admitted to injuring Sabrina and denying her food and water The girl's birth mother, Vicki Hollander, who for a time lived with a registered sex offender and was investigated for child abuse, has died of cancer. Sabrina Ray's death has drawn comparisons the October starvation death of 16-year-old Natalie Finn, of West Des Moines. Like Sabrina, Natalie Finn went through the state's foster care and adoption system. Her parents, Nicole Finn and Joseph Finn II, are charged in her death and the suspected abuse of two of Natalie's siblings. Both have pleaded not guilty. Earlier this month, some Iowa lawmakers called for legislative oversight of Iowa's DHS in the wake of Sabrina Ray's death. At least one, Rep. Abby Finkenauer, called for the immediate resignation of DHS Director Chuck Palmer. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann and Sen. Mike Breitbach, co-chairmen of the Joint Government Oversight Committee, said in a written release that the girl's death confirms the need for legislative oversight into the management of the DHS as it appears that the Finn case was not an isolated incident. Brief and painful life: Sabrina was one of five children born to a meth addict. She ended up in foster care in 2011 and was formally adopted by the Ray couple in 2013 The agency welcomes an opportunity to share information with legislators on the oversight committee, a DHS spokeswoman said, noting the agency has also enlisted an outside expert to review its system. She also took issue with some lawmakers' characterization of the agency's role. To make this about politics instead of moving forward with improved policies or practices does not change the fact that children's lives have been lost or forever changed at the hands of their abuser who was responsible for their care, DHS spokeswoman Amy McCoy said. A whistleblower who worked for Johnny Depp's former business managers has claimed the actor was kept in the dark about his financial situation and his sister was allowed to spend his money unchecked. Depp sued his former business managers Robert and Joel Mandel for $25million in January, alleging their company, The Management Group, treated his money as their own and caused him to get into millions of dollars in debt, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Then, in May, Depp filed a motion demanding a judge allow a whistleblower testimony to be unsealed in his lawsuit. A newly revealed testimony in Johnny Depp's ugly legal battle alleges The Management Group kept Depp in the dark about his financial situation and says the group allowed his sister to spend his money unchecked Depp sued DMG in January, alleging the company and his former business managers, Robert and Joel Mandel (pictured together), treated his money as their own The Mandel brothers, who work as business managers for a slew of celebrities in Los Angeles, quickly countersued and alleged Depp knew he was running low on money but continued to spend irresponsibly. However, according to the whistleblower's, testimony, that was not the case. Ex-TMG employee Janine Rayburn says in her unsealed testimony she believes the actor did not know the state of his finances, and was even kept in the dark regarding how his money was being spent. TMG attempted to keep Rayburn's claims under seal, but on Friday a court gave Depp the go-ahead to include claims arising from her testimony in his lawsuit. The court also said the transcript of her March 2 deposition should be public, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In the failed attempt to keep those claims quiet, TMG cited a confidentiality agreement and said Rayburn lied under oath. Rayburn worked as an account manager at TMG from 2008 until 2010, and Depp was one of her eight clients. The famed Disney pirate filed a motion in May demanding a judge allow a whistleblower testimony to be unsealed in his lawsuit The whistleblower, Janine Rayburn, said the company allowed Depp's sister, Christi Dembrowski (pictured with Depp) to use Depp's money for personal things, such as her daughter's wedding and multiple vacations She also said she began taking notes about her day-to-day practices when she felt like she might be fired, and said she made notes about things she found 'odd,' planning on bringing them up to her bosses. In those handwritten notes, which were entered into testimony, she refers to Robert Mandel as an 'idiot,' and says he does not believe her, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In court, Rayburn testified: 'I do not believe Johnny was aware of his financial situation. To my knowledge, financial statements were not sent to him' Rayburn also refers to Depp's sister, Christi Dembrowski, as a 'nasty b****' and claims Robert Mandel did whatever she asked because he was afraid of her. Dembrowski has a close relationship with her brother, and is in charge of Depp's production company, and introduced him to people at TMG in the late 1990's. Rayburn says the company allowed Dembrowski to use Depp's money for personal things, such as her daughter's wedding and multiple vacations. The ex-TMG employee claims Mandel did not get Depp's permission for these expenses, but, when she approached Dembrowski, the sister said: 'My money is his money. His money is mine.' Rayban said her job included day-to-day business such as processing bills, depositing checks, recording investments and meeting other client needs. In court, she testified: 'I do not believe Johnny was aware of his financial situation. To my knowledge, financial statements were not sent to him.' However, when questioned by TMG's attorney Michael Kump, Rayburn said she did not work on the team that prepared cash flow analysis documents or budgets, so did not know if they were sent to the actor. 'The Court's unsealing of whistle-blower testimony and the handwritten notes she took in 2010, both of which the Mandels sought to block from public view, review a steam of unethical and illegal acts,' Depp's lawyer Adam Waldman told the Hollywood Reporter. Waldman also said these acts include instructing Rayburn to notarize 'fake' documents and change numbers in his financial statements. Rayburn claimed the instruction to notarize Depp's signature happened when he was not present, and said she has no idea why they were having her do so, as she only saw the signature pages. She said her refusing to do those things and asking too many questions about how Depp's account was being handled lead to her being fired. Finally, Rayburn was fired in 2010 and paid severance of $40,000 in exchange for signing a confidentiality agreement. TMG claims Rayburn's testimony is fueled by anger at being fired seven years ago, and say she is a 'serial liar.' Rayburn referred to Depp's sister, Christi Dembrowski (pictured second from the right, next to Depp in 1995), as a 'nasty b****' and claims Mandel did whatever she asked because he was afraid of her. Dembrowski is in charge of Depp's production company, and introduced him to people at TMG in the late 1990s The company also says Depp's reliance on Rayburn's 'highly speculative statements is ridiculous.' Waldman, however, said Rayburn's claims are very substantial, and the actor's forensic accountants Edward White & Co and Miriam Fisher, who heads the tax department at Latham & Watkins, 'independently verified many of the whistle-blowers most damning allegations.' However, Kump claims when it all comes to trial 'Depp will be proven a liar and a fraud.' Depp's suit claims the Mandels loaned $10 million of his money to third parties close to him without permission and kept messy financial records. He accused them of using his money to invest in businesses the pair had a stake in. He also claims the company launched a global media smear campaign against him. Depp fired the Mandel pair late in 2016, and it was revealed in April the actor is $40million in debt. ISIS's propaganda chief and a top cleric have reportedly both been killed in separate US-led coalition airstrikes in Syria. Rayan Meshaal died in an airstrike in Deir Ezzor province overnight, his brother said. He founded Amaq, the ISIS 'news agency' used to claim responsibility for attacks and spread hatred. Meanwhile Turki al-Binali, the so-called 'Grand Mufti' of ISIS and their lead 'religious' scholar, also died in a separate strike in Raqqa, according to social media posts. Turki al-Binali, ISIS's top cleric and 'religious adviser', is believed to have been killed overnight in an airstrike by US-led coalition planes in Raqqa Al-Binali is believed to have travelled to Syria to join ISIS as early as 2013, before the terror group invaded Iraq, and began producing some of its most influential quasi-religious propaganda. His most well-known work argued that a caliphate could be established before a group was in full control of the territory it was claiming, and laid the groundwork for much of ISIS's future actions. Cole Bunzel, a doctoral candidate at Princeton, told the New York Times that al-Binali likely headed ISIS's Research and Fatwa Department which produce pamphlets arguing that it was legal to take captured Yazidi women as sex-slaves. Al-Binali was born in Bahrain but later stripped of his citizenship. He is thought to have studied in Dubai, before falling into the hands of al-Qaeda cleric Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi. Meanwhile, a Facebook post by Meshaal's brother said: 'I'm pleased to announce the martyrdom of my older brother Baraa Kadek, known as Rayan Meshaal...in an air strike by the coalition.' Islamic State often claims responsibility for attacks worldwide through Amaq channels on social media. Rita Katz, director of the the U.S.-based SITE monitoring service, said on Twitter that a coalition strike allegedly killed Meshaal in Deir Ezzor. Katz added Amaq had 'shown itself as ISIS' state media agency' since its founding in 2014 and had issued claims for at least two dozen attacks around the world. Islamic State militants control swathes of Syria's vast eastern deserts and most of Deir al-Zor province bordering Iraq, but they have been on the back foot over the past year. Rayan Meshaal, also known as Baraa Kadek, reportedly died during an strike in Deir Ezzor province. He founded Amaq, a 'news agency' that ISIS uses to claim responsibility for attacks With air strikes and special forces on the ground, the U.S.-led coalition is supporting an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias in a campaign to capture Raqqa city. The Syrian Democratic Forces are advancing on Raqqa, Islamic State's urban base of operations in Syria, and have seized tracts of territory in northern Syria from the jihadist group. The SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, expect to storm Raqqa in early summer with the help of new weapons from the coalition. Islamic State is losing ground in both Syria and Iraq under assault from an array of sometimes rival forces in both countries. Many of its fighters who have retreated from other fronts are believed to be massing in Deir al-Zor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said air strikes in al-Mayadin last week killed more than 100 people including children and other family members of Islamic State fighters. The Britain-based war monitor said coalition warplanes killed more than 40 children and leveled the municipality building. The U.S.-led coalition says it is careful to avoid civilian casualties in its bombing runs in Syria and Iraq, and investigates any allegations. Jeremy Corbyn has pledged to reduce or even write off 30billion of student debt, without saying how it would be paid for. In another costly spending commitment aimed at younger voters, Mr Corbyn said he wanted to 'ameliorate' the debt owed by thousands of students who paid fees of 9,000 a year. He said students who went to university after higher fees were introduced were victims of a 'historical misfortune'. But the Labour leader admitted he did not have a 'simple answer' for how to deal with the problem, and had no explanation for how it would be funded. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) has pledged to reduce or even write off 30billion of student debt Independent analysis of the scale of the debt racked up since higher fees were introduced in 2012 suggests it is now as high as 30billion. The estimate by the Institute for Fiscal Studies said clearing or reducing the debts would be 'extremely costly'. Mr Corbyn told weekly music magazine NME: 'Yes, there is a block of those that currently have a massive debt, and I'm looking at ways we could reduce that, ameliorate that, lengthen the period of paying it off, or some other means of reducing the debt burden.' But he added: 'I don't have the simple answer for it at this stage. I don't think anybody would expect me to, because this election was called unexpectedly. 'We had two weeks to prepare all of this but I'm very well aware of that problem. 'And I don't see why those that had the historical misfortune to be at university during the 9,000 period should be burdened excessively compared to those that went before or those that come after. I will deal with it.' Corbyn said students who went to university after higher fees were introduced were victims of a 'historical misfortune' SNP COALITION DEAL IS STILL ON THE CARDS Jeremy Corbyn yesterday left the door open for a 'coalition of chaos' to secure the job of prime minister. The Labour leader ruled out a formal coalition with the SNP but sidestepped questions about looser arrangements which could see him take the keys to No 10. His comments came after YouGov polling suggested the June 8 vote could result in no party gaining an overall majority. Mr Corbyn insisted he was 'doing no deals, no coalitions' and was 'fighting to win this election'. But pressed on whether he would strike a deal once the results came in, he told ITV News: 'You'd better ask me on June 9.' Corbyn ruled out a formal coalition with the SNP (leader Nicola Sturgeon pictured )but sidestepped questions about looser arrangements which could see him take the keys to No 10. Mr Corbyn was earlier challenged about whether he would be open to a 'confidence and supply' arrangement with the SNP, which would see Nicola Sturgeon's party offer limited support to a Labour government. Such a deal could see the SNP backing a minority Labour government in Commons votes on motions of confidence and the budget. Speaking in Bath yesterday, Theresa May said a vote for Mr Corbyn would result in a 'chaotic hung parliament' with the Lib Dems and Scottish Nationalists 'pulling the strings'. She added: 'I think we should all worry about the alternative [to a Tory majority]. 'The alternative is the possibility of Jeremy Corbyn being prime minister and John McDonnell being in charge of our economic future and Diane Abbott in charge of our national security.' Advertisement On the subject of tackling student debt, the IFS said in May: 'One option would be to compensate these students by clearing or reducing their tuition fee debts. 'This would be extremely costly, however, as the outstanding stock of loans for these graduates is around 30billion.' Labour has already pledged to axe tuition fees costing 7.5billion a year. The party has also promised to restore maintenance grants, taking the full cost of its pledges on higher education to 11.2billion. Vice-chancellors have warned that the plans could be damaging for universities. In the interview, Mr Corbyn also proposed, as an anti-knife crime measure, 'searching shrubberies and flower beds and parks where people have been stashing knives'. He said that his all-time favourite song was Imagine by John Lennon and that he preferred the band Oasis to rivals Blur. The magazine described him as an 'un-politician-looking fella with a neat white beard, loose trousers and comfy shoes'. Lib Dem retreat in bid to save leader Tim Farron The Liberal Democrats scaled back their national campaign last night as senior figures battled to hold on to the party's few remaining strongholds. With just a week until polling day, the party's election 'battlebus' will be parked up for the next 48 hours to allow senior figures to spend more time in their own constituencies. Party sources last night insisted they had not given up despite struggling to break double figures in the polls. But, in a sign of the threat they face, even party leader Tim Farron will be pinned down in his own constituency, making two visits to the Cumbrian seat in just 48 hours. The Liberal Democrats (leader Tim Farron pictured) scaled back their national campaign last night as senior figures battled to hold on to the party's few remaining strongholds Instead, former leader Nick Clegg has been wheeled out to front up events. The new strategy marks a major disappointment for the Lib Dems who boasted that public disaffection with Brexit would see them returned to Westminster in large numbers. Mr Farron faces a significant threat from the Tories in the seat of Westmorland and Lonsdale. The party leader is retreating to his constituency on Saturday and will remain there over the weekend. Meanwhile, Norman Lamb, their health spokesman, is in North Norfolk fighting off a Tory onslaught. He was supposed to have attended a mental health event with Mr Farron on Monday but it was cancelled at short notice, apparently due to issues with the poster bus. The Lib Dem battlebus will be parked up for the next two days despite it being a crucial time in the final stretch of campaigning. A man who shot a police officer dead after going out 'looking to kill a cop' has been sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years. Herschel Jones III, 32, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to aggravated murder after shooting Officer Thomas Cottrell, 34, in the head in Danville, Ohio, in January 2016. The 34-year-old officer's body was found behind the village's municipal building after Jones' terrified ex-girlfriend rang police to warn them that they were in danger. Scroll down for video Herschel Jones III, 32, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to aggravated murder after shooting Officer Thomas Cottrell, 34, in the head in Danville, Ohio, in January 2016 Jones leaves the courtroom in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Wednesday after being sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years without the possibility of parole She told them Jones, of Mount Vernon, was armed and looking to kill an officer. Dispatchers tried to make contact with Cottrell after receiving the tip, but were unable to reach him. The Knox County Sheriff's Office then searched the village and found Cottrell's body with his service weapon and police cruiser missing. Courtesy of WSYX Jones III was captured at 1.30 a.m. Monday, after a short foot chase after he was seen running from a home. Jones was sentenced on Wednesday in Knox County to life in prison plus 35 years without the possibility of parole. Jones' attorneys didn't immediately return calls seeking comment on Wednesday. Jones was sentenced on Wednesday in Knox County to life in prison plus 35 years without the possibility of parole The 34-year-old officer's body was found behind the village's municipal building after Jones' terrified ex-girlfriend rang police to warn them that they were in danger. Pictured, police at the scene after the call Investigators examine a crime scene the day after Thomas Cottrell was fatally shot in the head in Danville, Ohio Jones faced a potential death penalty if convicted at trial. Death penalty specifications were dropped as part of the plea agreement. Court records show the suspect the fatal shooting of an Ohio police officer has a lengthy criminal record and in one case tried to claim he was legally insane. Knox County court records show that Jones has multiple convictions for breaking and entering, burglary, receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon dating back to 2001. In a 2011 case, he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity before changing his plea to guilty. Danville Police Chief Dan Weckesser, right, makes his statement during the sentencing of Herschel Jones III Courtesy of 10TV Ohio prison records show he served nearly four years for the 2011 convictions of receiving stolen property and possession of chemicals for manufacture of drugs. He was released last April. The president of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police paid tribute to Cottrell and called his killing an assassination. 'We ask all Ohioans to pray for peace and healing for Officer Cottrell's family, friends and co-workers,' Jay McDonald said. 'His assassination is the latest reminder of how dangerous police work is and how the police are targeted for violence.' Cottrell was one of only six officers in the Danville Police Department. Danville is about 60 miles northeast of Columbus and 100 miles southeast of Cleveland. Internet giants have been shamed by figures showing that 15 child sex offences are now committed online every day. The rise of almost a half in such crimes over just one year highlights how paedophiles are exploiting the web to target vulnerable youngsters, with some victims as young as three. In the last year, 5,653 child sex crimes had an online element a rise of 44 per cent on the 3,903 offences recorded in the previous year according to the NSPCC. The offences included grooming children online for rape and sexual assault as well as making indecent films of victims using webcams. Internet giants have been shamed by figures showing that 15 child sex offences are now committed online every day And many youngsters have been persuaded to share naked photos and videos of themselves only for the paedophile to use them for blackmail. Yesterday, the NSPCC accused internet companies of failing youngsters and demanded the next government bring in an independent regulator to impose fines on those failing to protect children. They want a range of measures, including forcing companies to create special childrens accounts which would have enhanced privacy settings and filters which block inappropriate content. Children who spoke to the charity said that often the paedophiles pretended to be their own age to get them to meet up and then forced them to carry out sex acts. However, many said they were too scared to tell their parents in case they overreacted and forced them to stop using social media. One ten-year-old girl told Childline, run by the NSPCC, how she was targeted by a man who pretended to be a friend of her classmate. She said: He said he was 11. I told him where I lived because I thought he knew my friend. Hes asked me to send naked pictures to him and I said no, but now Im scared hes going to come to where I live. In another case, a boy, 14, sent naked pictures to a paedophile he thought was a boy his own age after starting an online relationship. ONLINE BULLIES TARGET GAMES More than half of children and young people have been bullied while playing online games, research suggests. A survey of 2,500 aged 12-25 found 57 per cent had been bullied while playing a game, and 22 per cent have stopped playing as a result. Anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label said many victims are also being bullied by peers at school and seek refuge in the online community. When bullies target them in the cyber world too, the victims can feel isolated and alone, campaigners said. Liam Hackett, the founder of the charity, added: People who are subjected to bullying offline are some of the biggest consumers of the internet and technology. They are subsequently more likely to use online games for escapism and to be free of ridicule and abuse. One 16-year-old gamer, Bailey Mitchell, told the BBC he had been regularly bullied and even received death threats while playing online games since the age of ten. He said: Every other game youre in, theres always someone who has a mic or types [on their keyboard]. Theyll call you some random abusive thing they can think of. The survey was conducted with users of Habbo, a virtual hotel gaming platform. Almost three quarters of those surveyed said online bullying in games should be taken more seriously. Advertisement He added: Hes now threatening to tell everyone that Im gay and show them the pictures that I sent unless I keep talking to him and doing what he says. And a 15-year-old girl said she was raped after meeting up with a paedophile she met online. She said: He turned out to be twice my age. He forced me to have sex with him. I feel so ashamed. The rising figures of online offences were collected from 39 police forces across England and Wales in the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. Over these two years, for the first time police have been required to record or cyber flag any crime that involved the internet. They included almost 100 offences committed against children aged ten and under, with the youngest victim being three. Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: These figures confirm our fears that offenders are exploiting the internet to target children for their own dark deeds. Children also tell our Childline service that they are being targeted online by some adults who pose as children and try to meet them, or persuade them to perform sexual acts on webcams, then blackmailing them. This terrifies them and can leave some feeling worthless, depressed, and suicidal. The charity is campaigning for a law to force social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to display clear age ratings to reflect the kind of content displayed on their sites, in the same way that films are categorised. Under its proposals, social networks would also have to use software that can pick up suspected grooming behaviour and filter harmful content. And the use of trained human moderators on social networking sites should also be increased so that they can pick up and respond to grooming behaviour, the NSPCC said. Conservative candidate for Stroud, Neil Carmichael, who was chairman of the Commons education select committee before the general election was called, said of the NSPCC figures: The scale of the activity shocks me, although Im not surprised that through the internet this has got such a foothold. Im very concerned about children and the access they have to the internet. We have got to tighten up on the organisations that allow inappropriate access. We need to legislate on this in some way. We have to demonstrate that we are not going to tolerate this. More than half of children and young people have been bullied while playing online games, research suggests It comes after government ministers criticised Facebook and other social networking sites for failing to intercept paedophiles online. An investigation last month found paedophiles were freely sharing child abuse images via closed groups on Facebook prompting criticism from Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Responding to the NSPCC figures, a spokesman for Twitter said: When we are made aware of links to images of or content promoting child sexual exploitation they will be removed from the site without further notice and reported to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Social networks also came in for criticism after the Manchester bombing last week. A Daily Mail investigation found Google, Twitter and Facebook were still circulating terror manuals despite being warned about them 24 hours earlier. The handbooks instructed extremists to murder children, target concerts and make home-made bombs. A Sydney based fashion company that found its feet on Channel Ten's Shark Tank has been accused of exploiting staff and running an illegal unpaid internship program. Her Fashion Box founder and owner Kathleen Enyd Purkis was offered a $200,000 deal when she appeared on Shark Tank in May 2016. Investigators from the federal workplace watchdog allege in documents filed in the Federal Court that the fashion company underpaid staff by more than $40,000 and paid others nothing at all. Her Fashion Box founder and owner Kathleen Purkis was offered a $200,000 deal when she appeared on Shark Tank in May 2016 Documents submitted to the Federal courts allege Ms Purkis grossly undercut the pay of three staff aged in their mid 20s. Staff were allegedly underpaid in their minimum hourly rates, overtime, public holiday pay and annual leave entitlements. The court documents show one employee at Her Fashion Box was allegedly underpaid by $18,000 in one year. Another employee who worked for the business as a graphic designer was allegedly underpaid by $15,500 over a two year period. A third employee, also a graphic designer, allegedly worked two days a week for nearly six months without payment before being thrown a one-off $1000. Her Fashion Box founder and owner Kathleen Purkis grew the company in Sydney Her Fashion Box founder Kathleen Purkis (far left) posing with friends during a night on the town HER FASHION BOX Her Fashion Box was founded by Kathleen Purkis It is a subscriptions based company which sends out a new box of fashion and beauty products four times a year It deducts fees from its customers each quarter The subscription costs $59.95 per quarter Advertisement Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said they were alerted by a number of requests for assistance from staff at the company dating back to 2015. Ms James said many of complaints stemming from the company were to do with the 'unpaid internship' Ms Purkis offered. 'The law prohibits the exploitation of workers by characterising them as 'interns' or as doing 'work experience' when they are fulfilling the role of an employee,' Ms James said. Her Fashion Box founder and owner Kathleen Purkis was offered a $200,000 deal when she appeared on Shark Tank in May 2016 Ms Purkis (left) refused to hand over documents upon request, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman 'Such workers must be paid minimum employee entitlements.' 'Employers cannot simply choose to label an employee as an 'intern' in order to avoid paying their staff according to their lawful entitlements.' Ms James said Ms Purkis refused to hand over documents to the Fair Work Ombudsman upon request. She said Ms Purkis refused to comply with four demands from the Ombudsman. Ms James said her agency took legal action on Wednesday. Ms James (left) said Ms Purkis refused to hand over documents to the Fair Work Ombudsman upon request Ms Purkis pictured on a Youtube clip advertising the contents of Her Fashion Box The legal action is just the most recent in a string of legal issues Her Fashion Box has courted. The New South Wales Fair Trading received complaints about the business in 2016 when consumers claimed they never received their products. NSW Fair Trading said customers never saw their products, failed to get a refund, and struggled to close their accounts with the business which continued deducting payments from their bank accounts. Her Fashion Box faces maximum penalties of $51,000 per contravention, while Ms Purkis faces personal penalties of up to $10,200 per contravention. The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking court orders requiring Ms Pukis to back-pay the employees in full. Her Fashion Box did not respond to Daily Mail Australia's requests for comment on Thursday. A father has erected a huge sign outside his daughter's school because he says the staff have failed to protect her from alleged beatings by bullies - only for the school's lawyer to call the sign a 'nuisance' and threaten to go to the police. The New Zealand man took the sign down on Wednesday evening but says he will put it back up again and continue his crusade. The man, who cannot be named without identifying his nine-year-old daughter, said staff at Waimairi School in Christchurch failed to inform him when his daughter was punched, kicked, bitten and choked by other students. He said the ordeal had turned his gentle daughter into an angry child who often wanted to skip school. Waimairi school in New Zealand has come under fire for failing to protect a child from bullying The problems started nearly two years ago with a random incident when she was pushed over by a boy and hit her head on the pavement. Things took a turn for the worse in an attack this March that saw the man's daughter punched 10 times with a doctor's note saying she showed 'obvious signs of injury' including split lips. The man also said students tried to pull down her underwear in front of her classmates. The father said he met with staff from the school six times to address assaults brought on by the students, but nothing concrete had been done. He said he erected a the 1.8-metre anti-bullying sign to make the school realise he's 'not going to stop' until they take action. 'The sad thing is, as big as the sign is, it still wasn't big enough to put the word 'again' enough times to represent the number of assaults my daughter has experienced,' he told Fairfax Media. Father takes matter onto on hands and erects a 1.8 metre sign to make his displeasure known Waimairi School board of trustees chairman Cory Bedford told the Daily Mail Australia that the school was aware of the girl's plight. 'We talked to the teachers and we tried to resolve (it) and it got to the stage that we asked the father to write a formal complain. 'He just refuses to write a formal complaint and until then we can't (act),' he said. Since erecting the billboard, the father has received one message of support from a parent whose child attends the same school as his daughter. 'Because of the school letting my younger daughter be bullied for a whole year with nothing done, she now hates school . . . I'm glad I'm not the only parent who feels this way,' the father said. Senior Constable Brett Forte will be laid to rest holding the police hat his father wore during his 42-year law enforcement career. The slain policeman discovered the hat in the laundry of his father Stuart's home more than a decade ago and has been proudly wearing it while on duty ever since. His father told The Courier-Mail the hat represented everything Brett loved about law enforcement and was a treasured family symbol. Scroll down for video Senior Constable Brett Forte (pictured) will be laid to rest with his father's police hat Stuart Forte (pictured), father of slain police officer Brett Forte, has labelled his son a 'hero' People lay flowers for fallen police officer Brett Forte outside the Toowoomba Police Station Snr Const Forte was gunned down by Rick Maddison on Monday trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets. Father Stuart Forte labelled his son as a 'hero'. Mr Forte says the heirloom was a reminder of the young boy who would sneak around to listen to his father's police radio, a man born to be a police officer. 'He was a great bloke and needs to be remembered,' he said. Snr Const Forte was a well-respected member of the police force, who worked in various districts throughout the state and was widely regarded for his morale compass. 'I've been told that he was the guy who had the knowledge of the guidelines and how you're supposed to do things,' he said. Brett Forte (left) smiles with wife Susan (centre) and young son One mourner leaves a note for Brett Forte's family accompanied by flowers Sen Const Forte's fellow officers pay tribute to the fallen policeman who his father labelled a 'hero' Sen Const Forte was gunned down by Rick Maddison (pictured) while he was trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets 'If anyone wanted any advice, he'd tell them that you do it this way. 'He knew what he was doing and he was very smart in that area.' Snr Const Brett Forte leaves behind a young family including stepdaughter Emma, 16, and sons Brodie, 9, and Samuel, 3. Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said Snr Const Forte died trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets fired by Maddison. He was hit immediately but still had 'the sense, the fortitude and the courage to try and back out of the situation to try and protect his partner who was sitting beside him in the car', Mr Stewart told Channel Nine. 'I would call him a hero in every sense of the word,' he said. Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers, who knew Sen Const Forte, said everything was being done for his grieving family. 'I have been in contact with some of Brett's family, I haven't spoken to his wife because she is too distraught. They are really doing it tough at the moment,' Mr Leavers told the Nine Network. News / Africa by Staff reporter Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene has slammed South Africa's Higher Education minister Blade Nzimande, labelling him a "daft politician", after he described President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF as a "rural party".This comes as the South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary told a Cosatu meeting in Pretoria on Monday that Zanu-PF had lost the largely black urban voter base after embarking on a controversial land repossession programme that brought the once-prosperous southern African economy to its knees.And this did not go down well with Chimene, who, in an unsolicited response, came out guns blazing, saying Nzimande did not understand why liberation movements took up arms against white minority rule."It goes to show how daft he is as a politician because he thinks we went to war so that we could take residence in suburbs when the fact is that we fought for land and that is why we value the rural vote," she fumed.In his address, Nzimande blamed Mugabe for seizing white-owned commercial farms to resettle landless blacks who had little or no experience in agriculture after his popularity ratings had slid."Because iZanu-PF essentially has lost the middle class has lost many urban-based organisations, it's become a rural party because of the mistakes they are making. Now ama comrades are denying that there is a problem," he said.Nzimande bemoaned the fact that Zanu-PF had alienated workers, professionals and academics, despite them having helped the ruling party in the struggle for independence.But Chimene argued the rural areas was where the bulk of the ruling party supporters are.The rural vote has been the mainstay of support for Mugabe and Zanu-PF, which liberated Zimbabwe from white minority rule in 1980 after fighting a guerrilla war."He (Nzimande) doesn't know where the people are, hence his thinking is misplaced. The war of liberation was fought in rural areas, not in towns. Whether people are educated or not, they all have rural homes, so what is wrong with us putting our emphasis there," Chimene said."Even the African National Congress (ANC) knows the importance of the rural folk and I really don't understand where this comrade is getting his political ideology from. It's silly, really," she added.Zanu-PF and the ANC - which is in a tripartite alliance with the SACP and Cosatu - have a long history of friendship dating back to the liberation struggle days when the two collaborated in fighting their respective colonial governments. Advertisement These stunning photos reveal the underwater wrecks lying on the seabed and suspended in time. Divers from across the world have shared their most awe-inspiring shots of the lost ships and aircraft that rest on the ocean floor. British photographer Steve Jones photographed the wreck of the World War Two US bomber B-17G Flying Fortress off the island of Vis, Croatia. The aircraft crashed in 1944 after getting hit by anti-aircraft fire, killing co-pilot, Ernest Vienneau. Speaking to the BBC he said: 'In years to come many of the ships and aircraft lost during the World Wars will be gone forever.' He said that picturing them was 'capturing a point in history that will never be seen again'. Anders Nyberg, a freelance photographer from Sweden, told the broadcaster: 'When you dive on a wreck that has lain on the seabed, sometimes over a hundred years, it's like time stood still.' Another photographer, Jennifer Idol, was the first woman to dive 50 states in her native US. She told the BBC: 'I particularly enjoy large intact wrecks that are historic and not artificial reefs. Each wreck tells a story.' When you dive on a wreck that has lain on the seabed, sometimes over a hundred years, it's like time stood still,' said Anders Nyberg, a freelance photographer (pictured) His favourite technique is to showcase familiar objects in the strange, other-worldly setting of the deep Nyberg's advice for getting the perfect shot is to master your diving and camera equipment before going into the water The photographer said that picturing the wrecks can also be 'a form of meditation, to relax from the stress of everyday life' The Swedish photographer pictured deep in the water, shining a light on a shipwreck A group of rusting motorbikes deep on the ocean bed, surrounded by a school of fish A rusting motorbike on the ocean bed, in one of the mesmerising photos taken by the Swedish photographer An old boat on the ocean bed in one of the many pictures taken by Swedish photographer Anders Nyberg The photographer shines a light on a wreck buried at the bottom of the ocean Photographer Jennifer Idol (pictured) is the first woman to dive 50 states in her native US To take successful photographs, Idol advises focusing on recognisable features of the wreck, she told the BBC Idol says it is important photographers consider 'orientation, condition, and depth' before a shoot Vincent O'Dempsey (pictured) was found guilty for the 1974 murders Vincent O'Dempsey has declared himself innocent of killing the McCulkin family and claims he was found guilty of their murders on the 'false testimony' of three witnesses. O'Dempsey was sentenced to life in prison at the Brisbane Supreme Court for the 1974 murders of Barbara McCulkin and her two young daughters Vicki, 13, and Leanne, 11. Garry Dubois was also sentenced to life behind bars for killing the Queensland mother and her children. Justice Peter Applegarth said he expected both men to die in jail. The 78-year-old told the court he was wrongly convicted on the false testimony of Warren McDonald, Kerri Scully and a serial prison informant. O'Dempsey was convicted in the Brisbane Supreme Court for the 1974 murders of Barbara McCulkin (middle) and her two young daughters Vicki, 13, (right) and Leanne, 11 (left) The 78-year-old (pictured) told the court he was wrongly convicted on the false testimony of Warren McDonald, Kerri Scully and a serial prison informant Jan Dubois, wife of Garry Dubois, leaves the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday Mr McDonald was O'Dempsey's associate who he was working with on a large cannabis crop in Carrara, Queensland, and Ms Scully his former fiancee. The three witnesses had testified at trial in May that O'Dempsey confessed to his involvement in the family's murder. 'These so-called confessions were only forthcoming when they stood to gain greatly,' O'Dempsey said from the dock. 'I never had the slightest reason to harm the three McCulkins in any way.' O'Dempsey also denied any links to the arson attacks that prosecutors alleged he feared Mrs McCulkin could implicate him in. 'I have never had any involvement in or any personal knowledge of the perpetrators of any fires such as Torino or Whiskey (Au Go Go),' he said. 'I was never questioned about arsons.' The three witnesses had testified at trial in May that O'Dempsey (pictured) confessed to his involvement in the family's murder Barbara McCulkin (pictured) disappeared along with her two daughters from their Queensland home on January 16, 1974 Accomplice Garry 'Shorty' Dubois also sought to speak directly to the court, but was denied the opportunity by Justice Peter Applegarth. Justice Applegarth said O'Dempsey's protest of innocence was confirmation of a 'complete absence of remorse' and 'completely unconvincing'. 'You had your chance at trial, now shut up,' Justice Applegarth said. Justice Applegarth said he found O'Dempsey's protest of innocence 'completely unconvincing' and confirmed he had a 'complete absence of remorse'. 'The last hours of the lives of these three defenceless women must have been terrifying,' he said. Vicki Maree McCulkin (pictured) was 13 years old when she was murdered alongside her mother and sister '(Dubois) like a coward did what you were told and raped the other girl. '(O'Dempsey) you are beyond redemption.' In a victim impact statement to the court, Mrs McCulkin's brother Graham Ogden said he hoped the family's bodies could be located. 'It is my fervent wish that, someday, the remains of our loved ones will be found so that we can finally lay them to rest,' the statement said. Mr Ogden said O'Dempsey and Dubois had made their choices and had all the benefits of a long life. 'These things have been brutally denied to my sister and nieces. They should be with us still, leading rich and vibrant lives,' he said. Barbara Leanne McCulkin (pictured) was 11 when she was killed alongside her family The notorious Queensland cold case was put to rest following a four-week trial which found O'Dempsey guilty of the three murders. Mrs McCulkin and her children were taken from their Highgate Hill home on the night of January 16, 1974. They were tied up and driven to bushland near Warwick where O'Dempsey strangled the 34-year-old mother before killing the girls and burying their bodies. O'Dempsey's solicitor Terry O'Gorman hit out the Queensland legal system over his client's conviction. Speaking outside the Brisbane Supreme Court, Mr O'Gorman acknowledged the grief and angst of the McCulkin family before criticising the evidence of three crucial prosecution witnesses and reporting of the trial. 'In respect of each of the three people to whom my client is said to have made confessions, they have all significant failings,' Mr O'Gorman said, adding that he was not being critical of the judge or the court. Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Peter Applegarth (pictured) sentenced Vincent O'Dempsey and Gary's Dubois for killing Barbara McCulkin and her two daughters in January 1974 A Sri Lankan trainee chef living in Australia on a student visa has been charged with allegedly threatening to blow up a plane carrying more than 330 passengers out of Melbourne. Victoria Police originally thought there was more than one terror threat on board Malyasia Airlines flight MH128 from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur late on Wednesday, so waited up to 90 minutes before special operations officers entered the plane. Terrified passengers were texting loved ones saying they thought they were going to die amid fears the device that the man brought on the plane was going to explode. The 25-year-old, who was released from psychiatric care on the same day as the flight, was arrested early on Thursday morning following the overnight drama. He faces two charges against the Crimes Aviation Act and will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday afternoon. Heroic passengers on board the plane reportedly tackled the man to the ground and hogtied him after he allegedly shouted: Im going to blow up this f***ing plane. Scroll down for video Pictured: Sri Lankan national, 25, from Dandenong, charged with allegedly threatening to blow up a plane flying from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur. He will face court on Thursday Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Dandenong, Melbourne, after he allegedly boarded a plane flying to Kuala Lumpur and threatened to blow it up with a bomb Images of the terrifying moment the attacker was subdued by passengers onboard the flight have been shared to social media. Having been tackled to the floor, photos show a Malaysia Airlines flight attendant keeping him pressed to the ground Scottish man Robert MacDonald said the Sri Lankan man 'didn't stand a chance'. He was one of four or five people who tackled him to the ground and restrained him until police arrived Gun-wielding special operation officers wearing camouflage outfits and bullet-proof vests boarded the MH128 flight as it sat on the tarmac at Melbourne Airport, before detaining the attacker 'He started yelling louder: "I need to see the pilot". And got louder and louder and eventually they screamed for help,' former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli said. 'So that's when I jumped up. I said, "Mate, get back to your f***ing seat".' 'Literally he was eyeball to eyeball with me saying he was going to blow the plane up... he looked like a lunatic.' Passenger Selena Brown told The Age the most frustrating part was seeing police outside the plane and wondering why they were taking so long to board. 'We were told police would take 10 minutes but it was over an hour. I thought it was really disappointing only because we weren't updated all the time. We could see them all outside and they weren't coming on to the plane and we didn't know why,' she told the publication. One man said his girlfriend, a passenger on board the flight, feared for her life and had sent messages to her family concerned for her safety. 'She sent messages to her mum and sister saying she thought she was going to die,' Lachie Langord, a boyfriend of a passenger, told 7 News. 'It was pretty full on - for the better part of four hours my heart has been pounding.' Laura, another passenger, told the ABC she was sitting only metres from what she thought was an explosive device. 'I think the worst part was that we were sitting on the aircraft for just under two hours, and we were under the impression that there was still an explosive on the aircraft,' she said. 'We were online getting the live feed from news and that was when a lot of people found out it was an explosive, so a lot of people started to freak out once we'd actually touched down.' Passenger Selena Brown said most frustrating part was seeing police outside the plane and wondering why they were taking so long to board (status on flight pictured) Passengers (pictured) were texting loved ones saying they thought they were going to die amid fears the device the man brought on the plane was going to explode Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton defended the delay passengers (pictured) experienced before police stormed the plane Scottish man Robert Macdonald was in Australia to visit his grandkids and responded when a flight attendant called for help on Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 late on Wednesday night. 'The girl called for help... (it's) the thing you do,' he told reporters on Thursday. 'He had four or five us, quite big guys, he didn't have a chance. (We put) knees on him, hands on him.' Mr Macdonald said the stewards tied the man up with a seat belt and then used plastic wire to restrain his hands. Mr Macdonald lives in Milton Keynes in England and was travelling with his wife to see their daughter and grandkids. 'I'd do it again. I just had to get on and help,' he said. Dramatic audio recordings captured the terrifying moment the pilot of MH128 was forced to call air traffic control after the man allegedly threatened to to blow up the plane. 'We have a passenger trying to enter the cockpit. He is claiming to have an explosive device. He tried to enter the cockpit,' the pilot can be heard saying calmly. 'He has been overpowered by passengers, however we'd like to land and have the device checked out.' Lachie Langford (pictured) said his girlfriend, who was on board the flight, had sent him a message saying she feared for her life According to witnesses, the man yelled 'I'm going to blow up this plane' as he attempted to enter the cockpit The 25-year-old man accused of threatening to blow up a plane was arrested early on Thursday morning and will face court on Thursday afternoon. 'He had been released from psychiatric care from the Monash Medical Centre (on Wednesday), and from there, we believe he has purchased a ticket on this plane,' Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told reporters. Passengers criticised the length of time they had to wait on the tarmac not knowing if there was a bomb on the plane or not. 'If there was a bomb on that plane we should have been evacuated from it. Instead we sat there,' passenger Stan Young told reporters. But Mr Ashton said there were initial reports about there being possibly more than one offender or device on board. '(I) absolutely understand if you are on a plane in that situation, it could seem like a long wait,' he said. 'We have to make sure all possibilities are taken into account, including the possibilities of co-offenders, or, if there was an explosive device, the possibility of there being other explosive devices where the sudden removal of the passengers could cause difficulty.' Passengers (pictured) criticised the length of time they had to wait on the tarmac not knowing if there was a bomb on the plane or not The airline said the man was apprehended by airport security after the plane landed and was sent to a remote part of the airport. All other flights were diverted to Avalon, near Geelong, with Melbourne Airport in lockdown at the time. Mr Ashton said the man was being interviewed by Victorian and federal police, and he was expected to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court later on Thursday. He has been interviewed over commonwealth offences including making threats and false claims, and endangering aircraft safety. Mr Ashton said both carry a maximum of 10 years in prison. The seized device - described by one passenger to be the 'size of a watermelon with two antennas' - was in fact a bluetooth-compatible, portable iPhone speaker. Passengers on board the plane said the man was holding a 'huge, metallic' object with antennas coming out of it 'I've got a bomb and I'm going to blow the f***ing plane up': Former AFL star Andrew Leoncelli confronted the man People on board the flight witnessed the man attack an air hostess just minutes after take-off at 11.11pm on Wednesday, before he was heard shouting 'I'm going to blow up this plane'. Passengers then confronted the man and tackled him down to the ground, allowing the pilot to make a dramatic u-turn back to Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. Gun-wielding special operation officers wearing camouflage and bullet-proof vests boarded the plane and detained the attacker, with all passengers disembarking the flight shortly before 2am. Former AFL star Andrew Leoncelli was sitting in business class on the flight and was just metres from the man as he launched his attack. Mr Leoncelli also said the man, who was tall and had dark skin, was holding a 'huge, metallic, unusual' object the size of a watermelon with two short antennas. 'We spent an hour and a half sitting on the plane sh***ing our dacks that this thing might blow up,' he told Triple M radio. After making an emergency landing the plane sat on the Melbourne Airport tarmac for more than two hours After making an emergency landing the plane sat on the tarmac with passengers still onboard for more than two hours, with passengers disembarking (pictured) shortly before 2am Superintendent Langdon said the 25-year-old man had a history of mental illness and was not carrying an explosive device. 'It's quite heroic for the passengers and crew to restrain this person,' he said. The Malaysian Government claimed the suspicious object the man was holding was likely a powerbank used to charge mobile phones. After making an emergency landing the plane sat on the tarmac with passengers still on board for more than two hours. All flights out of Tullamarine were grounded, while incoming aircraft have been diverted to nearby Avalon Airport, or as far away as Tasmania. The plane has been moved to a secure location for further checking before it is brought back to the tarmac. Passenger Arif Chaudhery was on board the plane when he threatened to blow up the plane A woman named Vanessa, whose boyfriend Andrew was a passenger onboard, said the man threatened to detonate the explosives on the plane. The guy said 'I'm going to blow up this plane',' she said All flights out of Tullamarine (pictured) have reportedly been grounded, while incoming aircraft have been diverted to nearby Avalon Airport, or as far away as Tasmania Police have set up a perimeter around the airport, but insist there is no imminent threat A woman named Vanessa, whose boyfriend was a passenger onboard, told radio station 3AW the man threatened to detonate the explosives on the plane. 'He was the one who first confronted him when an air hostess was getting scared of this guy and that's when the guy said 'I'm going to blow up this plane',' she said. Vanessa said the man then ran to another part of the plane where he was tackled to the ground by passengers. Saiqa Chaudhery, whose husband was on the flight, described the horrifying scenes. 'He heard a lot of screaming and (an) airhostess calling out for help as a passenger attacked her,' Ms Chaudhery told News.com.au. 'Some other passengers and crew tied the man down and (the) flight landed back at Melbourne Airport 25 minutes after takeoff.' MALAYSIA AIRLINES' CALAMITOUS HISTORY - December, 4, 1977: Malaysian Airline System Flight 653, a Boeing 737-200, is hijacked and crashed in Tanjung Kupang, Johor, killing all 100 people on board. - December 18, 1983: Malaysian Airline System Flight 684, an Airbus A300B2, crashed 2km short of the runway at Subang Airport. All 247 passengers and crew survived. All 247 passengers and crew miraculously survived when Airline System Flight 684 crashed 2km short of the runway at Subang Airport - September 15, 1995: Malaysia Airlines Flight 2133 touched down too far along the runway at Tawau Airport, Sabah. It crashed into a shanty town and killed 34 of the 53 people on board. - March 8, 2014: The infamous flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, vanished en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur. The plane has never been located but satellite date suggested it disappeared somewhere over the Southern Indian Ocean and all 239 people on board most likely perished. Wreckage from the infamous flight MH370, which disappeared over the Indian Ocean with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board, has been washing up ever since it vanished in 2014 - July 17, 2014: Flight MH17, a Boeing 777-200ER, was shot down over Ukraine by a missile on its way to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. All 283 passengers and 15 crew members aboard were killed. Flight MH17, a Boeing 777-200ER, was shot down over Ukraine by a missile, killing all 298 people on board - April 8, 2017: Malaysia Airlines Flight 2718 overran the runway on landing at Sibu Airport. The nose gear collapsed but all 67 people on board survived. No one was killed when Malaysia Airlines Flight 2718 overran the runway on landing at Sibu Airport Advertisement Malaysian Airlines flight MH128 travelling to Kuala Lumpur, took off from Melbourne Airport at 11.11pm on Wednesday, before being forced to turn around only minutes later 'Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft 'hijacked',' a statement from the airline read Malaysia Airlines has released a statement confirming the incident. 'Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 of 31 May from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur was forced to turn back to Melbourne due to a disruptive passenger,' it read. 'MH128, which had departed Melbourne Airport at 11.11 pm and was scheduled to arrive Kuala Lumpur at 5.28am on 1 June, made a turn back to Melbourne after the operating Captain was alerted by a cabin crew member of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit. 'Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft 'hijacked'. MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41pm. 'Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident. 'Safety and security are of utmost priority to Malaysia Airlines. The airline wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused. Passengers have safely disembarked the aircraft and will be screened by Australian authorities. 'Affected passengers will be accommodated at hotels. They will be offered travel on the next available flight or on other carriers.' Victoria Police Senior Constable Adam West said that Malaysia Airlines had called for assistance at 11.40pm. 'It is alleged that a man tried to enter the cockpit and threatened the safety of passengers and staff,' 'The man did not gain entry to the cockpit. The man was subdued and a safety plan was enacted. 'There appears to be no imminent threat to passengers, staff or public and the investigation is ongoing.' Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the delay was due to reports about there possibly being more than one offender or device on board. '(I) absolutely understand if you are on a plane in that situation, it could seem like a long wait,' he said. 'We have to make sure all possibilities are taken into account, including the possibilities of co-offenders, or if there was an explosive device.' The family of the man who murdered a Queensland policeman have described the cop killer as a 'loved son' who will be 'sadly mourned'. Rick Maddison was shot dead during a 24-hour stand-off with police after he shot dead senior constable Brett Forte in Queensland's Lockyer Valley region. The Maddisons sent their 'heartfelt condolences' to the Forte family for their 'tragic loss', and said their son's actions cannot be excused. 'We express our support for the Queensland Police Service, and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake,' a family statement read. Scroll down for video The family of the man responsible (Rick Maddison, pictured) for the cowardly execution of a Queensland policeman have described him as a 'loved son' who will be 'sadly mourned' Rick Maddison (left) was shot dead during a 24-hour stand-off with police after he murdered senior constable Brett Forte (right) in Queensland's Lockyer Valley region The Maddisons sent their 'heartfelt condolences' to the Forte family for their 'tragic loss' and said the killer's actions cannot be excused 'We particularly wish to thank the police negotiators for their attempts to resolve a very difficult situation peacefully. 'Rick's actions cannot be excused nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood. 'To us he was not the one dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned.' The family thanked those who had shown them support and asked the media and public to respect their privacy. Senior constable Brett Forte (pictured with his wife Susan) was murdered by Maddison on Tuesday 'Rick's actions cannot be excused nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood,' the family said in a statement Senior constable Brett Forte (pictured centre) leaves behind a wife and three young children The dramatic siege ended outside Maddison's isolated bushland hideout deep in the Lockyer Valley. The property was considered home for the machine gun-obsessed 41-year-old, who had a lengthy criminal history. On Tuesday morning, after a standoff with police that lasted all night, Maddison emerged from the bushland shed and sprayed shots at officers with an automatic rifle. Police returned fire and shot him at least three times in the chest, fatally wounding him and marking a bloody end to a nightmare 24 hours for the force. Maddison was shot dead by specialist police after emerging from the property on Tuesday Cop killer's stronghold: Rick Maddison is believed to have lived in this isolated bushland shed Hidden deep in the Lockyer Valley region, an hour west of Brisbane, the property was considered home for the machine gun-obsessed career criminal Real estate information available online advertises the rural property as having almost 500 acres of ground to 'do whatever you want - well, what is legal'. Photographs capture Maddison's basic living conditions - including an upended wooden desk, tiny dining table with two chairs and a near-empty bookshelf. Neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they would frequently hear loud bursts of automatic gunfire echoing through the valley coming from his property. Local Peter Hills said Maddison would shoot weapons 'on average two or three nights a week'. 'It has tamed off a little bit,' Mr Hills said. 'A month to a month a half ago - he went ballistic one night'. Police have visited him for discharging his firearm several times, he said. 'You wouldn't hear a god damn thing (shots fired) in town because of the wind. '(I don't think) we're going to hear gunshots out there anymore.' Real estate photographs capture Maddison's basic living conditions - including an upended wooden desk and lonely dining table for one Pure isolation: Aerial photographs show just how isolated Maddison's home was. Neighbours said Maddison would shoot weapons 'on average two or three nights a week' A close-up shot of a shipping container, possibly on Maddison's block of land, which he may have hid in during the final standoff with police It comes amid revelations that the 41-year-old gun-obsessed criminal had threatened to blow up police officers during the siege. When he finally attempted to flee, Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said he was firing at police with what was believed to be a SKS rifle. One specialist police officer suffered minor injuries after one of Maddison's high power round shattered the glass of an armoured vehicle and slashed the man. Down the road, Lisa Hayden said she and her family were relieved the siege was finally over and she could spend time with her family. Ms Hayden was forced to stay in her home as the siege unfolded - her only company being the family's six-month-old cat and neighbours - while her husband, Terry, and kids stayed outside. Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Maddison was firing at police with what was believed to be a SKS rifle (stock image of weapon) A police command post is seen near a location of the shooting in Gatton, an hour west of Brisbane Down the road, Lisa Hayden (pictured) had the frightening experience of watching as police officers performed CPR on Senior Constable Brett Forte on Monday The Gatton woman had the frightening experience of watching as police officers performed CPR on Senior Constable Brett Forte on Monday after he was shot by Maddison. The cops pulled up right in front of her home and she could be heard exclaiming in a video: 'Jesus Christ!' At her home Monday, Ms Hayden said: 'The kids are back at school, I just wanted things to get back to normal'. The childcare worker and her husband were planning to return to work Thursday. Two mischievous panda cubs were filmed wreaking havoc as their caretaker tried and failed to keep their enclosure tidy. The panda cubs hijacked a shipment of fresh bamboo and even tried to steal the crate they were delivered in. The adorable footage, taken at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, in south-western China's Sichuan Province, shows the mischievous giant panda twin sisters Ya Zhu and Ya Yun making life difficult for their caretaker. The troublesome twins immediately started pestering their caretaker after he brought the tasty bamboo snacks into the enclosure. He tips the bamboo out onto a platform, but the eager Ya Zhu climbs onto the crate. After a short tussle with her caretaker, who playfully tries to fend the cub off with a rake, Ya Zhu steals the box by rolling it down a hill. Her equally mischievous sister, Ya Yun, can also be seen nibbling on the worker's rake, refusing to let it go. Crate-ing mischief: The panda cubs hijacked a shipment of fresh bamboo and even tried to steal the crate they were delivered in Ya Yun, who is known as the more outgoing of the two, joyfully rolled around inside the crate. It seems she is eager to invent her own form of panda transportation, as another clip shows her making use of a plastic bucket to roll around. Ya Zhu, who is also the larger and stronger of the two 11-month-old twins, also made headlines earlier this month when she was spotted bullying her sibling. Fur goodness's sake: After a short tussle with her caretaker, who playfully tries to fend the cub off with a rake, Ya Zhu steals the box by rolling it down a hill Troublesome twins: Ya Yun seems she is eager to invent her own form of panda transportation, as another clip shows her making use of a plastic bucket to roll around The pair were spotted tussling on the side of a small hill inside their outdoor enclosure. But their mother, Ya Li, suddenly stepped in and busted the stronger Ya Zhu in the act while bullying her sister. She firmly headbutted her daughter before shoving her down a hill as punishment. Hollywood star Rebel Wilson's infant niece is a baby model who was nearly named Disney. And her little brother is an online poker player who uses the moniker Ryot, while her little sister starred in reality TV show The Amazing Race. The bizarre revelations unfolded in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday as Wilson wheels out every member of her family in her defamation suit against the publisher of magazine, Woman's Day. Wilson, 37, was all smiles as she snapped a selfie with a young fan on her way to court on Thursday The 37-year-old clutched her signature koala purse as she arrived at the Supreme Court in Melbourne The court had previously heard Wilson was adamant she was a distant relative of pioneering animator Walt Disney, an assertion the articles portrayed as a fanciful untruth. But Wilson's younger sister Liberty, giving evidence on Thursday, said she was so convinced of the connection she wanted to name her own daughter Disney, after the famous animation producer. Family and friends told Liberty she was 'mad' so she instead settled on Sovereign as the name for her model child. The Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids star is suing Bauer Media, the publisher of Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, NW and OK magazine, for defamation following a series of articles published in May 2015. 'It is just disgusting. It cannot be called journalism. It is a way for them to make profit and to sell magazines at my expense and at people I know's expense,' Wilson said. Wilson claims the articles seriously damaged her career having painted her as a serial liar, telling 'pork pies' about her real name, age and childhood Wearing a white bomber jacket and clutching her signature koala purse, Wilson was all smiles as she arrived in court. Wilson, 37, beamed as she snapped a selfie with a young fan on day nine of her defamation trial before heading into the Supreme Court to pursue her suit against the publisher. Wilson claims the articles seriously damaged her career having painted her as a serial liar, telling 'pork pies' about her real name, age and childhood. The actress admitted she deflected media questions about her age upon moving to Hollywood by answering 'a lady never tells', but denies lying. The actress admitted she deflected media questions about her age upon moving to Hollywood by answering 'a lady never tells', but denies lying Wilson is suing Bauer Media for articles which she claims painted her as a 'serial liar' On Wednesday in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Wilson's lawyer Matthew Collins QC said Bauer Media had published a new article about the star on May 22 this year, on the 'eve' of the trial. She described the article as 'garbage' and described the publisher as 'slimy' for not revealing the name of the journalist who wrote it. The trial is expected to run until Friday next week. The court will hear from a number of witnesses including Wilson's Australian and US agents, an old school friend from her childhood in Sydney and fellow Australian actor Hugh Sheridan An historic Australia Post building in the heart of central Sydney is set to be sold to foreign buyers who will transform it into a shopping centre. The 143-year-old General Post Office building at Martin Place has been reportedly sold to Singaporean property developer Far East Organisation for $150 million in a 'secret' deal. The Far East Organisation is controlled by billionaire brothers Robert and Philip Ng, who are based in Hong Kong. The historic building in Sydney's Martin Place (pictured) was opened in 1874 and was operational until 1996 The landmark General Post Office building at Martin Place has been reportedly sold to Singaporean property developer Far East Organisation for $15 million The British royal coat of arms adorns the main entrance of the historical building at number 1 Martin Place in central Sydney It has been cleared by the Foreign Investment Review Board but is yet to be signed off by Commonwealth Heritage, an Australia Post spokesman said. The adjoining Westin Hotel is already part of Far East's expanding Australian portfolio. Far East has invested more than $2 billion in partnerships and acquisitions in prime Australian locations, according to the company's website. 'With its attractive urban centres, developed economy, well-regulated business environment and stable market conditions, Australia presents an attractive market for Far East Organisation to build a diversified, balanced real estate portfolio,' it says. The building was the hub for NSW postage from 1874 until 1996 (pictured in the 1920s) The original section of the Sydney GPO - designed by colonial architect James Barnet - opened in 1874 and was the centre of the NSW postage system until 1996, according to the National Archives. Foreign investors plan to transform the former GPO into a $150million shopping centre The original section of the Sydney GPO - designed by colonial architect James Barnet - opened in 1874 and was the centre of the NSW postage system until 1996, according to the National Archives. The Westin section was sold off in 1997. 'Crucially, the entire building remains heritage protected... and the existing post office will continue to operate under a lease that remains in place until 2096,' an Australia Post spokesman said in a statement on Thursday. Albert Celaya Rodriguez (above), 56, faces second-degree murder charges after local sheriffs said he shot and killed his brother following an argument about dinner Arizona authorities are alleging a 56-year-old resident of Gila Bend shot and killed his brother on Tuesday. Albert Celaya Rodriguez faces second-degree murder charges after local sheriffs said he shot and killed his brother following an argument about dinner, CBS 5 reported on Wednesday. Maricopa County Sheriffs Office deputies were called to a residence after neighbors spotted a dead body in Rodriguezs backyard. There was a deceased body in the backyard with trauma to the head that appeared to be gunshot wounds, according to the police report. The sheriffs office said the neighbor knocked on the door and spoke to Rodriguez, who claimed to be unaware that his brother had died. Rodriguez told investigators that he and his brother had returned home from a long day of work on Monday. Exhausted, the two men reportedly engaged in a heated argument over dinner, according to ABC 15. When Rodriguez saw his brother throw a pot of soup into the backyard, he snapped, according to investigators. Sheriffs deputies said Rodriguez told them he then went to get his .357 revolver and shot his brother multiple times. Rodriguez then told deputies that he thought his brother had passed out and that he didnt realize he was dead. Investigators say they have recovered the revolver as well as spent shell casings from the scene. The name of the brother has not been released. A 66-year-old experienced Australian hunter plunged to his death down a ravine in New Zealand while on a hunting trip with his son. The pair described as an experienced hunting team were hunting in the Fox Glacier Valley on Wednesday, when the father fell down a steep ravine, police said. The men had arrived on the South Island over the weekend. A 66-year-old experienced Australian man plunged to his death down a steep ravine while hunting in the Fox Glacier Valley (above) with his son During their hunting trip, they became separated at around lunchtime when they were almost 1,800m up in the Westland Ranges. When the son called out to his father and received no reply, he went looking for him. The man found his father, who had sustained head injuries, down a steep ravine shortly after 1pm and went to his aid. He set off an emergency locator beacon, which called out a rescue helicopter. The pair went hunting on Wednesday, but were separated at lunchtime and the son eventually finding his father had fallen down a ravine. Above, a warning sign in Fox Glacier Valley Police said that helicopter could not land in the high country, so another one from Greymouth was called out to assist. By the time it arrived, the father had died in the ravine. The son was winched to safety by the helicopter at around 7pm that evening. Search and rescue teams are searching the area to recover the dead man. Police extend their sympathies to the family at this sad time, a spokesman said. A man who allegedly threatened to blow up a plane carrying more than 330 passengers out of Melbourne had been released from psychiatric care the same day. Victoria Police originally thought there was more than one terror threat on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 to Kuala Lumpur, so they waited up to 90 minutes before special operations officers stormed the plane. The 25-year-old Sri Lankan national, living in Dandenong and on a student visa, was arrested early on Thursday morning following the overnight drama. He faces two charges against the Crimes Aviation Act and will appear in court on Thursday. 'He had been released from psychiatric care from the Monash Medical Centre (on Wednesday), and from there, we believe he has purchased a ticket on this plane,' Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said. Scroll down for video Pictured: Sri Lankan national, 25, from Dandenong, charged with allegedly threatening to blow up a plane flying from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur A man (pictured) who threatened to blow up a plane carrying more than 330 passengers out of Melbourne had been released from psychiatric care the same day Elite specialist police officers waited 90 minutes to storm the plane and carry the man off the plane because they initially though there was more than one terror threat on board About 30 minutes into the late night Wednesday flight, the man claimed to have explosives in a device that one witness said looked like a 'boombox'. As he tried to move toward the cockpit, passengers grabbed him and tied him up while the flight returned to Melbourne. Former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli told 3AW the man screamed: 'I've got a bomb and I'm going to f***ing blow the plane up' before flight attendants and other passengers tackled and restrained him. Passengers criticised the length of time they had to wait on the tarmac not knowing if there was a bomb on the plane or not. 'If there was a bomb on that plane we should have been evacuated from it. Instead we sat there,' passenger Stan Young told reporters. The 25-year-old Sri Lankan national (pictured), living in Dandenong and on a student visa, was arrested early on Thursday morning following the overnight drama Passengers criticised the length of time they had to wait on the tarmac not knowing if there was a bomb on the plane or not But Mr Ashton said there were initial reports about there being possibly more than one offender or device on board. '(I) absolutely understand if you are on a plane in that situation, it could seem like a long wait,' he said. 'We have to make sure all possibilities are taken into account, including the possibilities of co-offenders, or, if there was an explosive device, the possibility of there being other explosive devices where the sudden removal of the passengers could cause difficulty.' Formed in 1977 in response terrorist activity, Victoria's Special Operations Group (SOG) were called in amid the terrifying incident. Dramatic footage shows gun-wielding officers wearing the SOG's iconic black coveralls and bullet-proof vests storm the flight as terrified passengers watched on. The elite unit deals with critical incidents such as sieges and hostage situations - and also acts as Victoria's bomb squad. SOG officers were seen bursting through the doors after the plane was forced to return to Melbourne Airport just minutes after take off. Dramatic video shows them pulling the suspect from the floor before escorting him off the aircraft, carrying him by his arms and legs as he groans and kicks. Passenger Selena Brown said most frustrating part was seeing police outside the plane and wondering why they were taking so long to board (status on flight pictured) After making an emergency landing, the plane sat on the tarmac with passengers still onboard for more than two hours Lachie Langford (pictured) said his girlfriend, who was on board the flight, had sent him a message saying she feared for her life The airline said the man was apprehended by airport security after the plane landed and was sent to a remote part of the airport. All other flights were diverted to Avalon, near Geelong, with Melbourne Airport in lockdown at the time. Mr Ashton said the man was being interviewed by Victorian and federal police, and he was expected to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court later on Thursday. He has been interviewed over commonwealth offences including making threats and false claims, and endangering aircraft safety. Mr Ashton said both carry a maximum of 10 years in prison. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews backed the police approach to the incident. 'There's a standard process to work through and none of us can really know how traumatic it would have been,' he said. 'It would have been certainly worse if police had rushed in and potentially made a bad situation much, much worse.' Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. News / National by Staff reporter South Africa (SA)'s Higher Education minister Blade Nzimande has slammed President Robert Mugabe's long-ruling Zanu-PF, labelling it a "rural party".The general secretary of South African Communist Party (SACP) - an ally of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) - told a Cosatu meeting in Pretoria on Monday that Zanu-PF had lost the largely black urban base after embarking on a controversial land repossession programme that brought the once prosperous southern African economy to its knees.He said 93-year-old Mugabe seized white-owned commercial farms to resettle landless blacks, who had little or no experience in agriculture."Because iZanu-PF essentially has lost the urban working class, has lost the middle classes, has lost the professionals, has lost many urban-based organisations, it's become a rural party because of the mistakes they are making. Now ama comrades are denying that there is a problem," he said.The rural vote is the mainstay of support for Mugabe and Zanu-PF, which liberated Zimbabwe from white minority rule in 1980 after fighting a guerrilla war.Nzimande said urbanites - dominated by academics and professionals - have largely become "enemies" of Zanu-PF."When we went to Zimbabwe around 2000, i(the) SACP sent a delegation on a fact-finding mission when we were engaged with our Zanu-PF comrades."Everybody was the enemy. I ZCTU (the largest labour federation Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions) was the enemy, ama professionals, ama academics, everybody."And then we said, how come comrades all these forces you say are enemies today were part of the victorious forces led by Zanu-PF on the victory of your struggle in 1980? What has changed?" Nzimande said.Mugabe says the land seizures were part of an ambitious black empowerment drive and sought to correct colonial injustices that left 70 percent of the best farmland in the hands of whites.The long-time ruler - raring to stand in Zimbabwe's 2018 election when he turns 94 - blames Zimbabwe's economic woes on Western-imposed sanctions.Nzimande warned that "i (the) danger (is) once ama liberation movements begin to lose power or sense that they are beginning to lose power, they start doing a lot of funny things. Yes"."The first thing, they start coming up with radical concepts esingazazi ukuthi zivela ngaphi (which we have no idea where they are coming from)," he said.His remarks come amid a push in SA to amend its laws to allow expropriation of land without compensation for owners, as it tries to speed up the redistribution of land to its black majority."UMugabe lost i referendum and started radical land reform. Wathathi umhlaba (He seized land) anyhow. And the next thing, if they don't succeed, they unleash the security forces on the population. And we must not think that we are immune to that," Nzimande said. The man who terrified passengers with threats to blow up a plane should never have been allowed on the aircraft, an aviation expert claims. The 25-year-old was drunk and had a history of mental illness when he tried to storm the MH128 cockpit yelling 'I'm going to blow the f**king plane up' while brandishing a 'huge, metallic object with two antennas'. He was tackled and tied up by passengers and the Malaysia Airlines flight returned to Melbourne Airport where he was arrested. The man who terrified passengers with threats to blow up a plane should never have been allowed on the aircraft, an aviation expert claims Strategic Aviation Solutions chairman Neil Hansford said he would likely have been behaving strangely while boarding the flight and someone should have stopped him. 'This person clearly had issues and wouldve been displaying agitation and other issues,' he told 3AW radio. 'He shouldve been identified, I believe, either in the boarding area or the staff that are standing at the gate.' Mr Hansford said someone should have said 'that person doesnt look right to be boarding this aircraft and actually got off their butt and done something'. The man was tackled and tied up by passengers and the Malaysian Airlines flight returned to Melbourne Airport where he was arrested Gun-wielding special operation officers wearing camouflage outfits and bullet-proof vests boarded the MH128 flight as it sat on the tarmac at Melbourne Airport, before detaining the attacker But he claimed Australians now adopted a 'nanny state' mentality where they don't speak up or warn authorities about anything. 'Weve now got to the stage where nobodys going to say boo to anybody,' he said. The object the man claimed to be a bomb was actually a large bluetooth speaker, police said on Thursday. Strategic Aviation Solutions chairman Neil Hansford said he would likely have been behaving strangely while boarding the flight and someone should have stopped him Mr Hansford said the chances of getting an explosive device on an aircraft in Australia were 'minuscule' as security was too tight. He also said it would be impossible for a hijacker or bomber to enter the flight deck unless he rushed the door when they were opened to give the pilots food. 'The door is axe-proof and you're not going to get an axe on an aircraft anyway,' he said. However, he said flight attendants should put a trolley in front of the cockpit door when it is opened to block the path of anyone trying to rush in. Other experts questioned why armed police took 90 minutes to storm the plane and arrest the man after he was tackled and tied up by passengers and crew. Many passengers spoke out after the ordeal slamming police for standing outside the plane without giving any updates. According to witnesses, the man yelled 'I'm going to blow up this plane' as he attempted to enter the cockpit Aviation management consultant Trevor Jensen said the delay seemed excessive, and may have caused passengers more stress. 'The longer you leave him there, it's just a lot of unnecessary distress for a lot of other people,' he told the ABC. He said as it was identified very early the would-be bomber was not a terrorist, police needed to 'be smarter' and not unnecessarily scare passengers. Former Qantas security manager Geoff Askew said police could have good reasons for waiting so long as they needed to know exactly what they were walking in to. 'It's a prudent approach by law enforcement to have as much information as they can before they enter what could be a dangerous situation,' he told the ABC. After making an emergency landing the plane sat on the Melbourne Airport tarmac for more than two hours After making an emergency landing the plane sat on the tarmac with passengers still onboard for more than two hours, with passengers disembarking (pictured) shortly before 2am 'If he had not had a mental illness, if he actually was a terrorist if he was acting in concert with somebody else on board that aircraft that had not been identified at that stage, then the response agencies at this stage are looking at those 200300 passengers on board with suspicious eyes.' Superintendent Martin Goode from the Australian Federal Police defended the delay. 'The safety of the passengers is paramount so we needed to consider a number of options and Victoria Police were handling that side of things in discussion with us and we needed to make sure that all contingencies were covered,' he said. A teenager who tried to organise a student rally has been suspended from school because the principal reportedly said his ideas were 'too dangerous.' Year 12 student John-Paul Romano organised the strike over changes to St Edmund's College including to its crest, uniform and song. John-Paul posted in the St Edmund's College Canberra Alumni Association Facebook page last week. John-Paul Romano, 17, (pictured) has been suspended from St Edmund's College Canberra Year 12 student John-Paul Romano organised the strike over changes to St Edmund's College including to its crest, uniform and song (Facebook post pictured) A teenager who tried to organise a student rally at St Edmund's College (pictured) has been suspended from school because the principal reportedly said his ideas were 'too dangerous' He included a posted which reads: 'Fight for your history.' No new logo. No new uniform. No new song.' Sources at the school told The Canberra Times that in their opinion the suspension was suggestive of the narrow minded leadership style of headmaster Daniel Lawler. 'We're bleeding students, staff members and board members all because the current administration won't listen,' one source said. But Mr Lawler defended his leadership style. 'I think I have a positive relationship with members of my community and share leadership collaboratively across the school, but don't believe it is appropriate to comment further about my leadership style,' he said. The school crest and uniform were changed earlier in the year but Mr Lawler refuted claims the school song would be changed. Comments regarding the Year 12 student's suspension The school crest and uniform were changed earlier in the year but the school principal refuted claims the school song would be changed In a letter sent to John-Paul Romano's father, Mr Lawler said the 17-year-old was suspended for 'bringing the college into disrepute,' but did not detail exactly what the student had allegedly done. Explaining his suspension John-Paul said his principal said it was too dangerous to have him at the school. 'I'm not sure why it's dangerous. I haven't assaulted or threatened anyone,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted St Edmund's College for comment. Theres a new internet star in the animal kingdom Snaggletooth, the strolling gator. A new video posted by Big Cypress Gallery Adventures in Collier County, Florida shows a 10-foot long male bull alligator calmly walking along a road in search of a mate. 'Snaggletooth, making his way down our road behind Clyde Butchers Big Cypress Gallery in search of some more BABES!' the Facebook post reads. 'He left Big Momma to care for her 32 babies with more on the way!!!' The video became a viral hit after it was posted to Facebook, where it generated over 182,000 views, 1,300 likes, 350 comments, and 3,600 shares. Theres a new internet star from the animal kingdom Snaggletooth, the strolling gator A new video posted by Big Cypress Gallery Adventures in Collier County, Florida shows a 10-foot long male bull alligator as he calmly walks along a road in search of a mate He is now the subject of many photos and videos as he has earned a place of respect among those who work, live and visit the Big Cypress Gallery, the operators of Big Cypress Gallery Adventures posted on their Facebook page. Observed moving between remote gator ponds in the wilderness behind the gallery, this bull gator is likely the father of most alligators nearby, the post reads. He is welcomed by the female that inhabits the pond just outside Clyde and Niki's rental cottage. She has chosen him as her mate, and as he approaches her territory, he gently and softly growls. The video became a viral hit after it was posted to Facebook, where it generated over 182,000 views, 1,300 likes, 350 comments, and 3,600 shares Those who watch and experience their behavior together believe these sounds to be a part of their unique courtship, something that ties them together for this season. Snaggletooth may look menacing, but looks can be deceiving, according to Big Cypress. He is a remarkable creature. In keeping with park guidelines, and maintaining a 15 - 20 foot distance from any wild alligator, this animal has not shown signs of aggression toward any human. Instead, he has enabled many of us to witness what most people will never see or even come to know, true alligator behavior. The problems come from a gator that has learned to associate humans with food or as a physical threat. The heartbroken widow of murdered police officer, Senior Constable Brett Forte, has been heckled by supporters of her husband's killer Rick Maddison. A car full of supporters yelled out 'What about Rick?' as she laid a bouquet of flowers at a makeshift memorial for her slain husband in Toowoomba. Susan Forte, who also serves as an officer in the Queensland force, broke down in tears as she was supported by her 16-year-old daughter Emma Morris. According to The Chronicle Mr Forte will be buried in Toowoomba on June 7 After placing the flowers down Ms Forte began to cry as she was supported by loved ones (above) According to The Chronicle Mr Forte will be buried in Toowoomba on June 7. 'The fact that the public were among some of the first responders is just so great,' Brett Forte's father Stuart told Seven News. 'It just shows when something happens to a first responder the community are behind them.' Snr Const Forte was gunned down by Rick Maddison on Monday afternoon trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets near the Lockyer Valley. People lay flowers for fallen police officer Brett Forte outside the Toowoomba Police Station Sen Const Forte's fellow officers pay tribute to the fallen policeman who his father labelled a 'hero' Mr Maddison then went on the run, using an automatic rifle to fire shots at a circling police helicopter before retreating to a nearby property. Terrified residents listened to the echo of gunshots through the night, before Maddison was shot in the chest and died. The Maddison family have sent their 'heartfelt condolences' to the Forte family for their 'tragic loss', and said their son's actions cannot be excused. 'We express our support for the Queensland Police Service, and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake,' a family statement read. Senior constable Brett Forte (pictured with his wife Susan) was murdered by Maddison on Monday Senior Constable Brett Forte, who was slain on Monday, with his wife Susan and their child 'We express our support for the Queensland Police Service, and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake,' a family statement read. 'We particularly wish to thank the police negotiators for their attempts to resolve a very difficult situation peacefully. 'Rick's actions cannot be excused nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood. 'To us he was not the one dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned.' The family thanked those who had shown them support and asked the media and public to respect their privacy. The family of the man responsible (Rick Maddison, pictured) for the cowardly execution of a Queensland policeman have described him as a 'loved son' who will be 'sadly mourned' Rick Maddison (left) was shot dead during a 24-hour stand-off with police after he murdered senior constable Brett Forte (right) in Queensland's Lockyer Valley region The Maddisons sent their 'heartfelt condolences' to the Forte family for their 'tragic loss' and said the killer's actions cannot be excused The dramatic siege ended outside Maddison's isolated bushland hideout deep in the Lockyer Valley. The property was considered home for the machine gun-obsessed 41-year-old, who had a lengthy criminal history. On Tuesday morning, after a standoff with police that lasted all night, Maddison emerged from the bushland shed and sprayed shots at officers with an automatic rifle. Police returned fire and shot him at least three times in the chest, fatally wounding him and marking a bloody end to a nightmare 24 hours for the force. Snr Const Brett Forte leaves behind a young family including stepdaughter Emma, 16, and sons Brodie, 9, and Samuel, 3. Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said Snr Const Forte died trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets fired by Maddison. 'Rick's actions cannot be excused nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood,' the family said in a statement Senior constable Brett Forte (pictured centre) leaves behind a wife and three young children On Tuesday morning, after a standoff with police that lasted all night, Maddison emerged from the bushland shed and sprayed shots at officers with an automatic rifle. Police returned fire and shot him at least three times in the chest, fatally wounding him and marking a bloody end to a nightmare 24 hours for the force. Snr Const Brett Forte leaves behind a young family including stepdaughter Emma, 16, and sons Brodie, 9, and Samuel, 3. Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said Snr Const Forte died trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets fired by Maddison. Maddison was shot dead by specialist police after emerging from the property on Tuesday A police command post is seen near a location of the shooting in Gatton, an hour west of Brisbane He was hit immediately but still had 'the sense, the fortitude and the courage to try and back out of the situation to try and protect his partner who was sitting beside him in the car', Mr Stewart told Channel Nine. 'I would call him a hero in every sense of the word,' he said. Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers, who knew Sen Const Forte, said everything was being done for his grieving family. 'I have been in contact with some of Brett's family, I haven't spoken to his wife because she is too distraught. They are really doing it tough at the moment,' Mr Leavers told the Nine Network. Australia's favourite hero has been unable to convince court a driver was responsible for the injuries sustained in an accident while riding his bicycle. Daniel McConnell collided with the 'juggernaut of death' - what his lawyer described the car as - while riding to a confectionery warehouse after drinking on August 7, 2015. Judge David Andrews dismissed the driver was at fault for Mr McConnell, who was wearing a cowboy hat instead of a helmet, colliding with his vehicle. Daniel McConnell rose to fame for chasing down a driver who attempted to flee the scene after crashing in to a building in Brisbane. Scroll down for video Daniel McConnell (pictured right) has been unable to convince court a driver was responsible for the injuries he sustained in an accident McConnell was riding his bicycle through Brisbane after drinking about seven beers. The judge said McConnell was wearing a cowboy hat instead of a helmet A judge said Mr McConnell's credibility was 'somewhat suspect' and dismissed the idea of him being 'spooked' by the car's horn, which led to the accident. McConnell had drunk about seven beers prior to the incident before riding his bicycle down Nudgee Road with no lights, reflectors or mirrors, the Brisbane District Court heard. He told court McConnell's case was weakened after he overstated the cost of physiotherapy as a result of injuries sustained. Judge Andrews said he also made a claim to Centrelink while working for undeclared income. He rose to fame in 2016 after a series of charming interviews when he chased down a fleeing man who crashed into a local store. The unsuspecting hero said it was instinctual to chase down the allegedly unlicensed driver out of loyalty to his friend after giving him some unsolicited legal advice, with his half naked pursuit leading to an arrest. 'It's really quite funny. I was in bed sleeping at 2am this morning and my wife comes in and says someone's ran into the shops,' he told The Today Show. 'I jumped out of bed and all I had on was my undies and I've walked out the front and I've seen the car smashed and the bloke walking back to the car. 'I've said 'What are you doing, mate? You can't be leaving the scene'.' Daniel McConnell did not let a lack of clothing stop him from pursuing a man who lost control of his car and smashed into a corner shop owned by his friend's mother 'My mate's mum had this shop for like 40-odd years and look at it. Look at it... Words can't explain how it is,' the father-of-four said The father-of-four told Sunrise the driver said he had fallen asleep and told him not to 'be a hero'. But the good Samaritan, who has lived in the area for four years, knew the police would be there shortly after seeing his friend's shop looking 'beyond a mess' he decided to follow him. 'He decided he is going to scoot up the road and I said 'nah, it's not going on like that' so I just jumped in my car. 'All I had was me jocks on and I was chasing him up the street and I was just like, mate,' the animated hero said. Despite his heroic efforts toward bringing the person responsible to justice, Mr McConnell was modest when asked if he felt like a hero and said he was simply looking after his community. Police have voiced fears over the rise of a new youth gang linked to break-ins, robberies and unlawful weapons operating in Sydney's northwest. The gang, known as the Bad Machine Brotherhood, comprises a dozen teenage boys who wear branded black hooded jumpers and are known to harass the public at a local shopping centre. Gang members, who are aged between 15 and 18, are reportedly 'terrorising' Castle Towers shopping complex and have been involved in several incidents including affray, theft, assault and intimidation. Gang members wear hooded jumpers with the words 'Bad Machine Brotherhood' emblazoned on them Gang members, who are aged between 15 and 18, are reportedly 'terrorising' Castle Towers shopping complex and have been involved in several incidents including affray, theft, assault and intimidation Extended members of the Bad Machine Brotherhood have been given weapon prohibition orders and have been banned from the shopping centre, police say. The gang is on the police radar of the Hills Area Local Command and are known to target the Castle Hill area in the afternoons and particularly on Thursday nights. 'They are a group of young people who hang around and harass people. Nothing to be alarmed about at this stage... just general tomfoolery,' a spokesman for the Hills Area Local Command told Daily Mail Australia. There have been several arrests over trespassing and robberies in the Castle Hill area. Extended members of the Bad Machine Brotherhood have been given weapon prohibition orders and have been banned from the shopping centre, police say (pictured is a replica pistol seized from a Castle Hill home) The gang is on the police radar of the Hills Area Local Command and are known to target Castle Towers (pictured) in the afternoons and particularly on Thursday night Members wear black jumpers with the words BMBH North West Sydney emblazoned on the front and the words Bad Machine Brotherhood down the sleeves. Hills police have also been working closely with Castle Towers security and extra officers are now patrolling the area. In a related incident, specialist police seized a replica pistol, knives and illicit drugs from a Castle Hill home on Tuesday, The Daily Telegraph reports. A weapon prohibition order was also issued to residents at the same property. The gang has been likened to the notorious Apex which terrorised Melbourne's streets and was linked to a string of violent break-ins and luxury car robberies. Everest climbers have been accused of faking photographs of them reaching the summit and bribing sherpas to say they reached the top, amid claims that it is too easy to fake completion of the 8,848 metre climb. For an Everest summit, mountaineers have to provide the Nepali or Chinese authorities with a photo from the top and a report from the team leaders and government liaison officers stationed at base camp. But there are concerns over people bribing officials and Photoshopping pictures in an attempt to fake their way to the top. Climbers work their way to the summit of Mount Everest as it emerged people are forging the achievement by superimposing their faces onto pictures In 2016, Indian couple Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod provided a summit photo, before other climbers said their story and photos didn't add up. At that stage, Satyarup Siddhanta discovered he was at the centre of the fraud when he spotted the Indian couple had doctored his summit photo, superimposing their own faces to support their claim, and were awarded an official summit certificate from the Nepal authorities before other climbers raised doubts. In one photo, Tarakeshwari's face had been superimposed on Siddhanta's, the colour of his boots changed and India's national flag pasted over his hands. In another, Siddhanta had been replaced by Dinesh. The fraud victim said: 'I looked at their photo and immediately recognised the people around. 'I took out my own photo to compare. I was shocked, it was my photo.' The couple were stripped of their summit certificate and banned from Nepal for 10 years. Waiting to hear his fate is South African climber Ryan Sean Davy, who was caught hiding in a cave after trying to dodge an 8,500 fee to scale the peak. He said he was terrified he would be killed after being found. Nepalese officials discovered the South African in his hideaway after he had climbed more than 20,000 feet up the world's highest mountain. He was ordered off the mountain, had his passport confiscated and will be fined 17,000 ($22,000), an official said. In a Facebook post, he claimed to have been 'treated like a murderer' after being discovered and thought he was 'going to get stoned to death right there.' He now fears he will be jailed in Kathmandu. Indian mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta poses alongside an image of himself on the summit of Mount Everest. An Indian couple doctored his photo to claim they had made a successful ascent A record 509 paying clients headed to Everest at the beginning of this spring climbing season hoping to make it to the summit. Standing at the top of the 8,848-metre (29,029-foot) mountain adds a star to a climber's resume, and many go on to forge careers as motivational speakers and authors. But the growth has diminished the exclusivity of Everest and created a new pressure to summit, particularly for those who have been sponsored or raised money for their climb. German journalist and climber Billi Bierling, who now manages the database of Everest climbers, said: 'Climbing was never a competitive sport, but now there is so much pressure to find some way to be the first. 'There's the pressure to find sponsors and then the pressure to be special.' This has resulted in climbers sometimes offering bribes for authentication of a failed climb. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, one of the oldest operators in the Himalayas, said his company had received such offers - but turned them down. 'We have been offered but it would be foolish to partake,' he said. 'We would not jeopardise our reputation for a single climber.' Another Nepali guide also said that he was aware of climbers trying to bribe their sherpas to lie about ascents. Competition between expedition operators has also created another new pressure as a growing number of cut-price climbing companies have started leading expeditions to Everest. Operators fiercely guard their summit records and there are reports of climbers being handed summit certificates despite not making it to the top so the firm can still claim a perfect success rate. Yellow tents lined up at Everest base Camp in Nepal 2016 before climbers attempted the ascent Gasping for breath and clad in trekking boots, more than 200 local and foreign runners took part in the world's highest marathon on Everest 'If it becomes more common, the government should take steps. Perhaps have an expert panel assess the summits,' Sherpa said. The head of Nepal's tourism department, which grants the certificates, conceded the system had loopholes. The department is considering giving climbers GPS trackers - a system also open to exploitation as the small devices can easily be given to other climbers. Elizabeth Hawley, founder of the Himalayan Database - considered one of the most authoritative records of mountaineering feats within the climbing community - said when people come to climb Everest, she does not expect them to cheat. The archive holds a record of expeditions to around 400 peaks in Nepal dating back to the 1920s. 'If you tell me you've summited, I'm going to believe you. It's you who has to live with the lie if you do,' said Bierling, who in recent years has largely taken over management of the database from 92-year-old Hawley. The database has 21 Everest ascents marked as 'disputed' and another 18 considered 'unrecognised', meaning it was obvious the climbers had not achieved what they claimed. 'Mountaineering used to be honourable. Now if we can't count on the word of climbers - that's sad,' said Bierling. Desperate asylum seekers have been pretending to be Coptic Christians just so they can stay in Australia, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said on Thursday. Mr Dutton made the revelation to Sydney's radio station 2GB when asked about concerns over a number of Coptic Christians facing deportation to Egypt next month. He said no legitimate asylum seekers would be sent back to harm's way but said there were instances when their claims to be Christians had been found to be untrue, NewsCorp reported. Peter Dutton said asylum seekers are pretending to be Coptic Christians in order to stay on 'We're not going to send people back into harm's way, we don't do that,' he said. 'But we just have some cases where we're concerned about where the court, for example, has found that the application is fraudulent. 'We're not going to ... deport anyone until we can have another look at each of the cases but in some cases, we do have concerns about the legitimacy of the claims made.' Last week, Islamic State militants killed 29 Christians in a bus attack south of Cairo. Mr Dutton made the revelation during while speaking to Sydney's 2GB on Thursday The bus attack was the latest in a string of attacks hurled on Coptic Christians in Egypt. In April, forty-six people were killed on Palm Sunday when suicide bombers targeted church services in the northern cities of Alexandria and Tanta. The attack comes months after a similar suicide bombing at a church took place in December killing 29 people. A hero passenger who tackled a man allegedly threatening to blow up a Malaysia Airlines plane has described the moment he came face-to-face with the would-be hijacker. Rob Macdonald, from Scotland, has been labelled a hero after leaping from his seat to restrain the man after airline staff made a desperate plea for help. Sri Lankan 25-year-old Manodh Marks allegedly claimed to have a bomb as he rushed towards the cockpit door of flight MH128, just minutes after take-off at 11.11pm on Wednesday night. 'I just heard the [flight attendant] yelling for help, saying this guy's crazy,' Mr Macdonald told the Herald Sun of the incident. Rob Macdonald (pictured) has been labelled a hero after leaping from his seat to restrain the 25-year-old after staff made a desperate plea for help Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Dandenong, Melbourne, after he allegedly boarded a plane flying to Kuala Lumpur and threatened to blow it up with a bomb 'I couldn't see if he was drunk but his eyes were glazed, we had him down and his eyes were just staring and glassed,' he said. Mr Macdonald, who lives in the UK, was travelling with his wife to see their daughter and grandchildren. He was one of several passengers to restrain the man. 'He had four or five us, quite big guys, he didn't have a chance. [We put] knees on him, hands on him,' he said. Mr Macdonald said the stewards tied the man up with a seat belt and then used plastic wire to restrain his hands. Those aboard the plane had to wait an agonising 90 minutes on the tarmac before police finally stormed through the doors and escorted the man off the plane Passenger Scott Lodge said the man allegedly grabbed a flight attendant by the arm and she screamed out for help. 'In that one second, there were four of us out of our seats and we pounced on him, he just didn't expect it at all,' Mr Lodge said. 'All of a sudden, someone has him in a chokehold and got his arm behind his back, and the other guy eventually choked him and he passed out.' Mr Lodge said Marks was then tied up at the front of the plane, which landed and was diverted to 'a dead end of the airfield'. Police then took 90 minutes to board the plane, remove the offender and seize an object. 'It took them so long to get on and during that time people were just on edge, anxious, nervous, worried,' Mr Lodge said. The man who was arrested for trying to enter the cockpit of a Malaysia airlines flight is driven into the Melbourne Magistrate Court in Melbourne After making an emergency landing the plane sat on the Melbourne Airport tarmac for more than two hours, one passenger said 'Eventually team SWAT come rolling in with the biggest guns ever, the full works, heads down. 'He got absolutely ripped out of that airplane within five seconds of them getting on, they were awesome.' Former AFL star Andrew Leoncelli was sitting in business class on the flight and was just metres from the man as he launched his attack. Mr Leoncelli told The Age that the man began attacking an air-hostess, 'screaming' at her that he 'needed to see the captain'. 'I've got a bomb and I'm going to f***ing blow the plane up,' Leoncelli, who confronted the man, quoted him as saying. 'Literally he was eyeball to eyeball with me saying he was going to blow the plane up... he looked like a lunatic.' Mr Leoncelli said the man was holding a 'huge, metallic, unusual' object the size of a watermelon with two short antennas. Former AFL star Andrew Leoncelli was sitting in business class on the flight and was just metres from the man as he launched his attack Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the delay was due to reports about there possibly being more than one offender or device on board 'We spent an hour and a half sitting on the plane sh***ing our dacks that this thing might blow up,' he told Triple M radio. Passenger Stan Young said it took two hours for police to come. 'If there was a bomb on that plane, we should have been evacuated from it. Instead, we sat there,' Mr Young said. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the delay was due to reports about there possibly being more than one offender or device on board. '(I) absolutely understand if you are on a plane in that situation, it could seem like a long wait,' he said. 'We have to make sure all possibilities are taken into account, including the possibilities of co-offenders, or if there was an explosive device.' Marks, a 25-year-old trainee chef who is in Australia on a student visa, was arrested early on Thursday and charged with threatening to blow up the aircraft and all onboard. One passenger Stan Young (not pictured) said it took two hours for police to board the plane But just hours before Marks allegedly said he'd 'blow up this f***ing plane', he posted video to his Instagram account of him smoking and listening to loud music en route to Tullamarine Airport, in Melbourne. Sharing videos of his car ride to Tullamarine Airport, on the outskirts of Melbourne to Instagram, he appeared relaxed as he travelled past a number of major landmarks. Captioning the footage: 'Ain't about the money im (sic) going Home... lets rolll', he can be seen smoking as he drives over the Bolte Bridge and past the Melbourne Star. The three videos, shared to his social media page shortly before 8pm on Wendesday night, gave no indication of the terrifying attack he allegedly launched three hours later. His Facebook account, which says he is from Colombo, Sri Lanka, is littered with a number of shirtless selfies and pictures of Marks wearing army camouflage clothes. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told parliament that the incident was not terror-related. 'I can confirm that the matter is not currently being treated as terrorism-related,' Mr Turnbull said on Thursday, adding the man had a criminal past and had been treated for mental health issues. Police dogs can simply follow their noses to sniff out narcotics. But inhaling powerful opioids can be deadly, so officers have a new tool to protect their four-legged partners: naloxone, a drug that has already been used for years to reverse overdoses in humans. Law enforcement officers have started carrying naloxone with them on drug raids, when K-9s are often sent into houses or cars to find narcotics. Three police dogs in Florida were rushed to an animal hospital last year when they ingested fentanyl, a powerful painkiller that is often mixed with street heroin but 50 times more potent. During drug raids, police dogs literally follow their noses to sniff out narcotics, but now the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl could be deadly to the K-9s Massachusetts State Police started carrying naloxone for their K-9s in March. Police in Hartford, Connecticut, started in January. Even just a small amount of powdered fentanyl can sicken police officers, so dogs are even more at risk, said Brian Foley, deputy chief in Hartford, where 11 members of a SWAT team were sent to a hospital after they were exposed to a mix of heroin and fentanyl during a raid in September. 'Dogs are not looking for drugs with their eyes and feeling with their fingers; they're literally breathing it in and inhaling it,' Foley said. 'Our officers wanted it for their dogs' safety,' he said. 'They love their dogs like family and they want to protect them. They know they're putting them in the line of serious risk of overdose.' The drug blocks the effects of opioids and reverses overdoses with few side effects. It has long been used by doctors and ambulance crews and more recently has been handed out to police, firefighters and even to people with addictions and their families. For both humans and dogs, naloxone can be administered through an injection or a nasal spray. Some police departments carry the nasal spray for their K-9s, while others carry the injectable form. Police have a new strategy for protecting their four-legged partners, by carrying Naloxone for their dog, the same drug to reverse heroin overdoses in humans With a prescription from a veterinarian for specific police dogs, the Food and Drug Administration says, human naloxone can be used on them. Last year, the Drug Enforcement Administration released a video warning officers that a very small amount of fentanyl ingested or absorbed through the skin can be lethal. In the video, Deputy Administrator Jack Riley urged police to avoid testing suspected fentanyl in the field and to instead take it to a lab. Riley also had a warning about police dogs. 'Fentanyl can kill our canine companions and partners just as easy as it can humans, so please take precautions for their safety, too,' he said. Andy Weiman, a detective who trains dogs for the Broward County, Florida, Sheriff's Office, said a German shorthaired pointer named Primus became listless after a search inside a suspected drug house in October. Primus and two other dogs were rushed to the vet; all three were given naloxone and recovered quickly. Weiman believes the dogs touched or inhaled a tiny amount of fentanyl - the same drug that killed the musician Prince - on a table or the floor. The drug can be absorbed through paws. A sketch shows the injection points on a police dog, which accompanies a dosage of Naloxone, during a drug search training session in Revere, Massachusetts Massachusettes State Police K-9 Drako presses his nose against a car door jam as he finds a hidden stash of drugs during a training session 'It's such a small amount that it would take to overdose the dog - like two or three granules of sand,' he said. In Massachusetts, Trooper Stephen Barnes said he and his colleagues are trained not to deploy dogs where loose drugs are observed. 'It's just become a more critical issue now because a much smaller amount of drugs can kill the dogs,' he said. Symptoms of opioid exposure in dogs, as with humans, include sedation, pinpoint pupils, vomiting, stumbling and a slow respiratory rate, said Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, a veterinarian and adjunct professor at Tufts University. Just like people, dogs can require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse an overdose, Smith-Blackmore said. Deputy sheriffs in Greenville County, South Carolina, in February received training in how to administer nasal naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, to their dogs, said Sgt. Douglas Wannemacher, the K-9 supervisor and training coordinator. 'It gives us a safety net,' he said. 'Our big thing is an ounce of prevention - preventing an incident for the civilians, the officers or the K-9s.' News / National by Staff reporter POLICE in Bubi district yesterday fought running battles with Turk Mine workers' wives, who reportedly besieged the mine demanding their husbands' outstanding salaries.The miners' wives have been picketing the company premises since Monday demanding an improvement in their husbands' working conditions, forcing police to fire tear smoke after the protestors reportedly turned rowdy."The police randomly fired teargas at the demonstrators, which affected everyone in the area, including children.This angered the demonstrators, who ended up retaliating and assaulting a police officer in the melee," a worker who declined to be named said.The mine's chief executive officer, Jackson Murehwa, confirmed the skirmishes, but declined to give further details, demanding for questions to be sent to him in writing.Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Sipiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment. Queensland police have shared vile footage of a man inappropriately filming a woman in a store's fitting room without her knowledge. They believe the blue hoodie-wearing man may have filmed up a womans skirt without her knowledge on Monday at Robina shopping centre. The video shows the bearded man stalking around a department store, appearing to look for something or someone, before finding his way over the changing rooms. The red circle indicates the man approaching the fitting rooms and surveying the area After confirming there are no other customers around, the man bends down to take a photo with his camera After taking a few moments to survey the area the man bends down and puts what appears to be a phone underneath a changing room. The moment only lasts for a second before he moves to walk away and place his shopping bag onto the floor. After his bag is stowed under a rack of clothes the man returns and squats closer to the changing room, spending a longer time taking photos or video footage of the woman. Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed or has been a victim of the inappropriate behaviour to report the matter A woman, believed to be a staff member at the store, appears to approach and confront the man. He spends a few moments with her before walking away, seemingly noticing the security cameras dotting the perimeter. It is not known who was in the change room or whether the man knew the occupant personally. In the footage the man is identified by his bright blue and yellow Nike hoodie and a black trucker cap that has 'Chillin' emblazoned on it In the footage the man is identified by his bright blue and yellow Nike hoodie and a black trucker cap that has 'Chillin' emblazoned on it. Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed or has been a victim of the inappropriate behaviour to report the matter. If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444. The US has agreed deals worth $8 billion with Vietnam - including a massive engine contract with a Vietnamese budget carrier famed for its bikini-clad air hostesses. The deals were announced during a visit by Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the White House yesterday. Phuc's trip was aimed at drumming up trade ties after US President Donald Trump pulled out of a massive Asia-Pacific trade pact earlier this year, decrying it as a 'job killer'. Scroll down for video New deals were announced during a visit by Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the White House aimed at drumming up trade ties after US President Donald Trump pulled out of a massive Asia-Pacific trade pact VietJet, which is famous for its policy of kitting air hostesses in bikinis, has signed a 12 year deal with CFM International The country's largest low-cost carrier, Vietjet is best-known for air hostesses sporting bikinis on some of its flights Vietnam, which stood to gain enormously from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) before the US pullout, has been aggressively courting Washington to bolster business ties. Phuc became the first Southeast Asian leader to visit Trump's White House. The new deals saw Vietjet sign a 12-year engine contract worth $3.58 billion with CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric and Safran. The airline also signed a separate deal worth $1 billion with GE Capital Aviation Services in aircraft financing. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc became the first Southeast Asian leader to visit Trump's White House with his visit yesterday 'We strongly believe that this agreement will promote economic and trade exchange between the two countries and create millions (of) jobs for the two peoples,' said Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, who is the communist country's first and only female billionaire. The country's largest low-cost carrier, Vietjet is best-known for air hostesses sporting bikinis on some of its flights. The company said it raked in $1.21 billion in revenues last year and its shares have soared since its market debut in February. Trump has singled out Vietnam as one of the countries allegedly stealing American jobs and has vowed to boost exports to the fast-growing nation to narrow the $32 billion trade deficit tipped in Hanoi's favor The other new deals, signed in the sectors of hospitality, science and technology, academia and energy, come as Washington opts for bilateral agreements over sprawling free trade pacts. Trump has singled out Vietnam as one of the countries allegedly stealing American jobs and has vowed to boost exports to the fast-growing nation to narrow the $32 billion trade deficit tipped in Hanoi's favor. "The growth of the middle class and the increasing purchasing power in Vietnam are further incentives to strengthening our long-term trade and investment relationship," said US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Ross, according to a statement about the deals, which he said would create 23,000 American jobs. Vietnam has clocked rapid GDP growth in recent years, hitting 6.2 percent last year. US-Vietnam relations blossomed under former US President Barack Obama, who visited the country in May 2016, announcing a raft of deals and lifting a war-era arms embargo. The former foes have also condemned Beijing's build-up in the disputed South China Sea, and Trump and Phuc reiterated the "importance of freedom of navigation" in the waterway, according to a White House statement on Wednesday. Trump will visit Vietnam in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit. Family and friends hold grave fears for a former Neighbours star who has vanished in Melbourne. Troy Beckwith, who played Michael Martin between 1991 and 1998 on Neighbours, was last seen in Cranbourne yesterday and is not answering his phone. The former Aussie soap star was at his home in the early hours of the morning, but when his partner returned at 11am he had disappeared. Troy Beckwith, who played Michael Martin between 1991 and 1998 on Neighbours, was last seen in Cranbourne yesterday and is not answering his phone (he is pictured on Neighbours) Mr Beckwith, 41, is described as caucasian, approximately 180cm tall with brown eyes and brown hair He drove off in a white 1999 Ford Falcon with the registration 1AJ5CQ. Cranbourne Police Sen-Constable Kristen Hill told The Daily Telegraph Mr Beckwith may be staying in hostels in Melbourne to remain unnoticed. 'He's got his mobile phone, his personal belongings,' Sen-Constable Hill said. 'He contacted his partner, saying an appointment had been cancelled and that was the last time she heard from him.' Family and friends are concerned because he has a medical condition. Mr Beckwith is described as caucasian, approximately 180cm tall with brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing red shoes, a black jacket and blue jeans. Family and friends are concerned because he has a medical condition (he is pictured on neighbours) A woman pleaded guilty to urging her elderly boyfriend to have a sexual relationship with a teen girl. Kelly Denise Claytor, 46, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Waynesboro Circuit Court in Virginia to using the 16-year-old girl's phone to sext with her elderly lover, Houston Marion Miller, 70, and sending him nude pictures of the teen. Miller is still on trial and has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony possession of child pornography, misdemeanor charges of sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The teen and the 70-year-old had sex several times, say prosecutors. The relationship was discovered when the teen told a friend about it at a sleepover, according to the Staunton News Leader. Kelly Claytor, 46, and Houston Miller, 70, both of Waynesboro, were accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl for six months in 2016; Claytor has pleaded guilty, Miller's trial is ongoing According to that outlet, Miller was married but had been romantically involved for several years with Claytor. The friend's father then brought the girl to police. The abuse allegedly went on from May to November 2016, when the couple were arrested. Claytor pleaded guilty to felony charges of producing child pornography and possessing child pornography and a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, reported the News Virginian. She will be sentenced on September 15 and faces up to 51 years in prison with a minimum of three years for the pornography charge. When Miller learned the girl had told her friend about the situation and he was being investigated, he tried to get rid of evidence by destroying a bedspread and erasing the contents of two phones, according to authorities. However, the FBI was able to recover the pictures. Miller is a retired dentist who was a local magistrate from 2002 to 2010, according to the outlet. He remains on home arrest with an electronic monitoring bracelet pending the outcome of his case. A piece of mail that was lost in the post for 34 years has finally been reunited with the woman who sent it back in 1983. The letter was a 1983 competition entry form for a 'Browned Dairy Choc Rock Contest' which awarded the winner with 'a complete set of the Top 96 Albums of All Time'. The entrant took the time to clip out the entry form from the side of a cardboard chocolate milk carton and post it to 96FM Stereo. The letter got lost in the post for 34 years, and only arrived at the radio station in 2017. Scroll down for video A piece of mail that was lost in the post for 34 years has finally been reunited with the woman who sent it back in 1983 After a week-long search for the sender, Robyn Auld was finally reunited with the piece of mail on Thursday. Since sending the letter 34 years ago, Robyn has since married and is called Robyn Liebeck. Ms Liebeck, who lives on a rural farm in Muntadgin in regional Western Australia, travelled 300km west to Perth on Thursday to be reunited with the letter. Ms Liebeck revealed she was a 21-year-old secretary and renting a house in Como in 1983 when she entered the competition. Carmen Braidwood, Robyn Liebeck (Nee Auld), Natalie Sarich-Dayton (Marketing Director for Brownes Dairy) and Brad 'Fitzi' Fitzgerald She said she was a huge music fan and admitted she entered the competition countless times because she was so desperate to win. The eager fan said she was devastated to learn she did not win. Ms Leibeck met with 96FM Carmen Braidwood and Brad 'Fitzi' Fitzgerald on Thursday morning after their pursuit to find the owner. She was gifted a $2,000 cheque which is the value of the 96 albums she could have won should the letter have arrived at its intended destination. Ms Leibeck told the radio station how she came to be reunited with the long lost letter. The letter was a competition entry form for a 'Browned Dairy Choc Rock Contest' which was advertised on TV in 1983 (pictured) The letter was a competition entry form for a 'Browned Dairy Choc Rock Contest' which was advertised on TV in 1983 (pictured) 'It was Monday afternoon I got a phone call from my nephew's partner,' she said. 'She said 'you're going to find out something it's a competition, it's really amazing, I'll let them explain it', and she hung up. 'I didn't really take a lot of notice of it until brit said it was kind of big.' Ms Leibeck said the whirlwind caught her off-guard. 'It's just amazing,' she said. 'It was just all a bit of fun really, so thank you very much.' Police have confirmed they believe human bones found in Sydney's Royal National Park are those of Matthew Leveson, the 20-year-old who has been missing since he left a city night club in 2007. Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin, who has led the latest investigation into Matthew's disappearance, confirmed police had found a skeleton. 'It's a human skeleton ... believed to be the remains of Matthew Leveson,' Detective Chief Inspector Jubelin said. Investigators were originally led to the scene by Leveson's former lover Michael Atkins, now 54, who had been acquitted of his young boyfriend's murder in 2009. As investigators continued to search the scene for further evidence, Matthew's father Mark Leveson had a message for the jurors who cleared Atkins: 'What the hell were you thinking?' Scroll down for video Mark Leveson arrives in the Royal National Park, where his son Matthew's remains have apparently been found, with a bouquet of flowers Mark Leveson, clutching a bunch of flowers, talks to a police officer near the site where his son Matthew's remains are believed to have been found Faye Levson hugs a detective near where police believe they have discovered her son Matthew's remains Mr Leveson and his wife Faye earlier opened up about the decade-long search for their missing son after human bones were dug up on Wednesday. Mark and Faye Leveson have stoically looked for answers about their son's disappearance, ever since he failed to come home from a Sydney nightclub in 2007. In the years since their son vanished, the couple has used their own hands to dig bushland in the Royal National Park hoping for a breakthrough. And that moment finally arrived this week, with Mr and Mrs Leveson embracing as police unearthed a skeleton initially described as 'consistent' with that of the 20-year-old. Forensic police sift through soil as they begin to exhume human remains police believe belong to Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park on Thursday In the decade since he disappeared, the couple have used their own hands to dig up bushland in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, hoping for a breakthrough Faye Leveson is comforted by a friend as police begin to exhume what are believed to be the remains of her son Matthew in the Royal National Park Mrs Leveson shared her heartbreaking emotions on Wednesday over potentially finding her son's remains after nearly a decade. 'It's been nine years, eight months and eight days we made a promise and we kept it and now we can lay him to rest if it turns out to be Matt,' she told The Daily Telegraph. 'And our boys won't have to go though their lives looking for their brother.' Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin from the Homicide Squad said police believe the human remains are that of Matthew Leveson. 'While we need to await the results of forensic examinations for absolute confirmation, we believe what we have found is consistent with this being Matthew,' he said in a police statement. 'The loss of a loved one is never easy to deal with, but the grief can be even harder to overcome when you can't lay them to rest. 'We hope the Levesons will soon be able to properly and respectfully say goodbye to Matthew.' Incredibly, the discovery of the remains means that Michael Atkins, the ex-boyfriend of Matthew and the man once acquitted of his murder, may not spend a day behind bars despite apparently leading police to the body. That moment arrived on Wednesday as bones 'consistent' with those of Matthew Leveson (right) were found. Incredibly, his ex-boyfriend Michael Atkins (left) may not spend a day in jail despite leading police to the area where the bones were found Forensic police prepare to exhume human remains they believe belong to Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park on Thursday Police sift through soil in the Royal National Park on Thursday as the search for Matthew Leveson's remains continues Forensic police continue the pain-staking work searching for remains of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park Atkins was found not-guilty of murdering his former partner in 2009, but admitted to lying to an inquest into Leveson's disappearance last year. Leaving himself open to prosecution after lying, police cut an immunity deal - with the approval of Mr and Mrs Leveson - provided he gave them information that led to the discovery of a body. However a search that began last year failed to discover any bones or remains, leaving Atkins open to potentially spending up to a decade in jail. But it seems now that the bones, which were found 500m down the road from the site searched heavily last year, belong to Leveson, Atkins will still walk free. Mr Leveson said he wished the heartbreaking search could have ended nine years ago, but angrily wished Atkins could be there to watch their pain. 'He (Atkins) should be here chained to a tree watching,' he told the publication. Throughout the search for their son, Mr and Mrs Leveson's determination has been unwavering. Atkins (left) was found not-guilty of murdering his former partner in 2009, but admitted to lying to an inquest into Leveson's disappearance last year, leading police to cut an immunity deal Forensic officers are continuing to search the site after discovering remains they believe belong to Matthew Leveson on Wednesday In the decade since he vanished, Mark and Faye Leveson have used their own hands dig in the bushland of the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, hoping for a breakthrough NSW forensic police dig the site where remains believed to be of Matthew Leveson were discovered A detective brushes aside dirt over the area where they discovered 'items of interest' Mark and Faye Leveson stand together in bushland in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, on Monday, May 29 Faye Leveson is seen with her arm around a detective at the search site on Wednesday Faye and Mark Leveson have been a united front since the beginning of the search for their son The couple have been pictured working tirelessly alongside police officers since the search for their son began in November 2016. Pictures show the pair with digging equipment including shovels, pickaxes and metal detectors. Other pictures taken during the six-month-long search show the couple hand-in-hand at the Royal National Park. After the shock discovery was made on Wednesday, the pair was pictured downcast and leaning on each other for support. One photo showed a New South Wales police detective comforting the couple as they wrapped their arms around each other. Investigators were originally led to the remote roadside site late last year by Atkins, late last year, after he took them there following the offer of immunity from prosecution for perjury and contempt of court after admitting to lying at the inquest. NSW Police Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin (centre) comforts Mark and Faye Leveson (left) Mark and Faye Leveson speak to police officers in the Royal National Park south of Sydney Police Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin (pictured centre) shows the Leveson's a spot during their search for human remains Mr Leveson was seen using the pickaxe to hack away at dense shrub in the Royal National Park on Friday, May 26 Despite not finding anything during the extensive searches over the past decade, the pair's resolve was never affected. 'We'll keep searching the national park, yes, but whether we search that exact site I don't know yet,' Mark Leveson told Daily Mail Australia last year. 'They have searched every square centimetre looking for Matt. They cannot be accused of being incompetent or not doing their job. 'They've exhausted this site which is frustrating because you could be so close, but you just don't know.' On Wednesday, they finally got their reward for not giving up on their son. The couple use a metal detector as they search bushland Shocking photos of the path of destruction left by the murderer who killed a Queensland policeman reveal how close the gunman came to killing more officers. Senior Constable Brett Forte was gunned down by Rick Maddison while trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets during a siege west of Brisbane. Bullet holes which ravaged a police vehicle during the shoot-out show the extent of Maddison's damage as he used the automatic rifle to fire deadly shots at the officers. The heavily armoured police vehicle (pictured) barely provided enough protection to shield officers from the hail of bullets Bullet holes (pictured) which ravaged a police vehicle during the police shoot-out show the extent of the gunman's damage as he used the automatic rifle to fire deadly shots at the officers Senior Constable Brett Forte was gunned down by Rick Maddison while trying to protect his partner from a hail of bullets during a siege west of Brisbane Bullet holes which ravaged a police vehicle during the shoot-out show the extent of Maddison's damage The armoured police car was showered with bullets before Snr Const Forte was fatally struck by one in the Lockyer Valley. The heavy protection of the police vehicle was barely enough to protect other officers from being fatally wounded by the flying bullets. After killing Snr Const Forte his murderer Maddison then went on the run, using his rifle to fire shots at a circling police helicopter before retreating to a nearby property. Terrified residents listened to the echo of gunshots throughout the night before Maddison was shot in the chest and died. The heavy protection of the police vehicle (pictured) was barely enough to protect other officers from being fatally wounded by the flying bullets After killing Snr Const Forte his murderer Maddison then went on the run, using his rifle to fire shots at a circling police helicopter before retreating to a nearby property The armoured police car was showered with bullets before Snr Const Forte was fatally struck by one in Lockyer Valley Sen Const Forte (pictured) joined the Queensland police force in the early 2000s and was part of Toowoomba's Tactical Crime Squad Brett Forte had served his community in southern Queensland for more than 15 years before he was murdered on Monday. He joined Queensland Police Service in the early 2000s and was part of Toowoomba's Tactical Crime Squad. The father-of-three's grieving wife is also a senior constable at the Toowoomba Police Division. Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart spent time with the Forte family in the hours after his death, including the slain policeman's father. 'As you would well imagine, the whole family is devastated - his own family, the family of his wife and their extended family,' Mr Stewart said. Shocking photos show the path of destruction left by the murderer who killed a Queensland policeman reveal how close the crazed killer came to killing more officers Cop killer Rick Maddison (pictured) had a long criminal history before he shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte The woman who was held prisoner by South Carolina serial killer Todd Kohlhepp, who murdered her boyfriend and six other people, has filed a lawsuit against her captor's real estate company. Kala Brown was raped and locked inside a container for more than two months after Kohlhepp shot and killed her boyfriend, authorities said. The 30-year-old victim has filed against Todd Kohlhepp & Associates, LLC, also known as TKA Real Estate, which was registered as a business by Kohlhepp in 2009. According to the lawsuit, filed in March, Kohlhepp hired Brown to clean homes sold and managed by the company. The woman held prisoner by South Carolina serial killer Todd Kohlhepp (pictured in court on Friday) has filed a lawsuit against her captor's real estate company Kala Brown, 30 (left), and her boyfriend, Charles Carter, 32 (right), were the last of Kohlhepp's victims. The woman survived after being rescued by police, but Carter did not make it Brown is suing TKA Real Estate for damages as well as physical and emotional injuries sustained while she was held captive. The lawsuit alleges Kohlhepp was hired by the company after he was ruled to be a competent fit for the position, 'despite having full knowledge of Kohlhepp's violent criminal history and conviction for kidnapping as well as his status as a registered sex offender,' according to FOX Carolina. Last week, Kohlhepp admitted killing seven people over nearly 13 years while running the successful real estate business. He admitted his crimes less than seven months after he was arrested when investigators checking on a missing couple rescued a woman chained inside a shipping container on Kohlhepp's Spartanburg County property. Kohlhepp pleaded guilty so he would avoid the death penalty. Police searching for the missing couple rescued Brown who was chained inside this green shipping container on Kohlhepp's Spartanburg County property Kohlhepp, who was arrested last fall, admitted to killing seven people over nearly 13 years Emotional family members of the victims packed the courtroom as Kohlhepp plead guilty. They then read out emotional statements detailing how his sickening acts had destroyed their loved ones. The father of victim Meagan Coxie said: 'May God have no mercy on his soul.' According to the terms of the plea agreement signed by the 46-year-old Kohlhepp, he will serve seven consecutive life terms plus 60 years on kidnapping, sexual assault and other charges. He will not be eligible for parole, and he also agreed not to appeal the sentence. Kohlhepp admitted Friday that he killed four workers at Superbike Motorsports motorcycle store in Chesnee in 2003 after the manager made him angry. The victims were the owner, Scott Ponder, 30; Beverly Guy, 52; Brian Lucas, 30; and Chris Sherbert, 26. Guy was Ponder's mother and worked as a bookkeeper. Lucas was a service manager, and Sherbert was a mechanic at the shop. Plea deal: Kohlhepp will serve seven consecutive life terms plus 60 years on kidnapping, sexual assault and other charges Scott Ponder and his mother Beverly Guy (pictured) were found dead at the bike shop in 2003 Kohlhepp also admitted guilt in the deaths of a husband and wife who disappeared in December 2015. The bodies of 29-year-old Johnny Joe Coxie and 26-year-old Meagan Leigh McCraw-Coxie were found on Kohlhepp's 95-acre tract of land after his arrest in November 2016. The couple had been hired to do work on Kohlhepp's property. Kohlhepp was eligible for the death penalty, but the plea deal took that off the table. No one has been executed in South Carolina in more than six years because the state lacks the drugs needed for lethal injections. Kohlhepp moved to South Carolina in 2001 shortly after 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping in Arizona. Authorities there said the then 15-year-old forced a 14-year-old neighbor back to his home at gunpoint, tied her up and raped her. Kohlhepp's reign of terror came to an end on November 3, 2016, when police searching his Woodruff property heard a woman's screams coming from a shipping container. Kala Brown later told police that she came out to the property two months prior with her boyfriend, Charlie David Carver, for a cleaning job. The bodies of coxie and McGraw-Coxie were found on Kohlhepp's land after his arrest Kohlhepp led investigators to the bodies of Meagan and Johnny Joe Coxie, a married couple In February, Kala Brown (left) gave an emotional interview to Dr Phil, recounting her two-month captivity. She said Kohlhepp (right) would rape her twice daily Kohlhepp shot Carver dead and then chained her up in the storage container where he continued to rape her on a near daily basis. After finding Brown and arresting Kohlhepp, investigators searched the property and found Carver's body in a shallow grave, along with the remains of two other people. Those remains were later identified as Johnny and Meagan Coxie. Kohlhepp told investigators that he shot Johnny when he tried to rob him. He then locked up Meagan in the storage container and kept her there for six days before shooting her dead as well. While in police custody, Kohlhepp also confessed to the 2003 quadruple murder at the motorcycle store. In February, Kala Brown gave an emotional interview to Dr Phil, recounting her two-month captivity inside a pitch-black 30-foot container, where she was chained by the neck and raped twice daily. Controversial Muslim leader Keysar Trad refuses to condemn Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir despite its violent doctrine. The organisation, which is banned in numerous countries but not Australia, preaches that ex-Muslims should be killed and describes wife beating as a beautiful blessing. But Mr Trad, who was until recently president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, denied Hizb ut-Tahrir called for violence against non-believers as part of their campaign for a global Islamic caliphate with sharia law. 'I don't believe the group calls for violence and I don't believe it should be given the attention and publicity it is given,' he told Mark Latham's Outsiders program on Wednesday night. Controversial Muslim leader Keysar Trad said Australian Islamist extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir does endorse violence despite it preaching ex-Muslims should be killed Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Uthman Badar was caught on camera in March saying the punishment for former Muslims was death. The following month a video surfaced of a female member demonstrating how husbands can beat their wives with sticks. Mr Trad said he was 'not an apologist' for the radical group but he 'understood the psychology' behind what it preached and why. 'It's is a recruiting drive that appeals to young people on the margins and gives them somewhere to find somewhere that gives them some explanation of their feelings of marginalisation,' he said. 'I prefer to make young people feel included and part of Australian society.' Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Uthman Badar was caught on camera in March saying the punishment for former Muslims was death Mr Latham argued in response that Hizb ut-Tahrir was playing on Australian Muslmis' feelings of marginalisation for its own ends. 'They're fostering the feeling of discontent and that can only add to radicalisation,' he said. Mr Trad said there was 'no love lost' between him and Hizb ut-Tahrir and he received death threats for encouraging Muslims not to join the group, which was recently banned in Indonesia and is illegal in Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh along with a range of Muslim-majority nations in Central Asia and the Middle East. However, he said he would not condemn the fundamentalist group because the best way to deal with radical views was to discuss them openly. 'I'm required by god to reach out... as long as door for dialogue is open then there's hope,' he said. Mr Trad and Mr Latham were discussing the Australian Defence Force imam Mohamadu Nawaz Saleem's alleged support for Hizb ut-Tahrir. The imam, who was appointed to the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services in June 2015, signed a petition defending the group three months earlier. One of the eight points in the petition condemned then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott's 'politically convenient threats' to crack down on Hizb ut-Tahrir. Mr Trad and Mr Latham were discussing revealations that Defence's chief imam Sheikh Mohamadu Nawas Saleem signed a pro-Hizb ut-Tahrir petition His name was on a list of Muslim community leaders opposed to a push to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir '[Their] only crime has been to criticise the Abbott Governments stance towards Muslims domestically and abroad, as they are well within their rights to do,' it said. 'We also oppose the bullying of Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Abu Muhammad by Mr Abbott for his criticism of Mr Abbotts attempts to silence individuals and organisations legitimate criticisms of his policies.' The Federal Government again opted not to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir earlier this week as ASIO felt it did not fit the definition of a terrorist organisation in the criminal code. Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Uthman Badar said at a forum in March that sharia law says Muslims who leave the religion should be put to death. 'The ruling for apostates as such in Islam is clear, that apostates attract capital punishment and we don't shy away from that,' he said. Then in April a video emerged of Sydney primary school teacher Reem Allouche and Hizb ut-Tahrir member calling wife beating as a 'beautiful blessing'. In April a video emerged of Sydney primary school teacher Reem Allouche (L) and Hizb ut-Tahrir member calling wife beating as a 'beautiful blessing'. At one point she and another woman even demonstrated how to use a small stick called a 'sivaak' to hit 'disobedient' women, calling it a 'symbolic act'. Mr Trad has his own controversial history with domestic violence as he in February that a Muslim man could beat his wife as a 'last resort'. 'If you come home and you are really, really angry. We've seen many men act violently towards their woman,' he said on Sky News. 'This verse is saying really, is playing on the psychology of the man saying violence is a last resort.' He said husbands should first consider counselling and bring her a bunch of flowers, maybe you should bring her a box of chocolates. Mr Trad also said last year he wished to take a second wife under sharia law. Philippine airstrikes aimed at Islamist militants who are holding hostages as human shields in a southern city killed 11 soldiers, authorities said on Thursday, as they conceded hundreds of gunmen may have escaped a blockade. The friendly fire deaths bring the number of people reported killed to 171 since gunmen waving black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group began rampaging through the city of Marawi last week. Shortly after the violence erupted President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law across the southern region of Mindanao, home to 20million people, to quell what he said was an IS bid to establish a base in the mainly Catholic Philippines. But the government's narrative of being in 'full control' of Marawi took a hit Thursday when defence chiefs said 11 soldiers were killed in a misguided bombing mission. Smoke billowing from a burning building is seen as government troops continue their assault on insurgents from the IS group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City Smoke rises from a fire after an air strike inside the conflict area as fighting between Islamist militants and government forces continues in Marawi city, Mindanao island on Thursday Government soldiers are seen on a military truck as they continue their assault on insurgents from IS militants The government's narrative of being in 'full control' of Marawi took a hit Thursday when defence chiefs said 11 soldiers were killed in a misguided bombing mission Armoured Personnel Carrier rides along the main street during the ongoing assault of government troops on insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City 'It's very painful. It's very sad to be hitting our own troops,' Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters in Manila. 'It's sad but sometimes it happens in the fog of war.' He initially said ten soldiers died but national military spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla later confirmed 11 were killed. Lorenzana also warned that many militants may have escaped, despite checkpoints throughout the city and surrounding it. 'We have reports they are going to some of the towns around Marawi city,' Lorenzana said. He said there were about 500 militants at the start of the unrest and only between 50 and 100 were believed to still be in Marawi. According to the military, 120 gunmen have been killed, meaning as many as 330 remain unaccounted for and could have slipped out of the city. A Filipino government troop apprehends a person spotted inside the conflict area as fighting between Islamist militants and government forces continues in Marawi City, Mindanao Island, southern Philippines on Thursday Shortly after the violence erupted President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law across the southern region of Mindanao, home to 20million people, to quell what he said was an IS bid to establish a base in the mainly Catholic Philippines The friendly fire deaths bring the number of people reported killed to 171 since gunmen waving black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group began rampaging through the city of Marawi last week. Pictured above, rescuers and government soldiers search for residents in the city Adding to concerns about the rising threat of IS, Lorenzana said militants from Saudi Arabia, Chechnya, Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia were among the dead The gunmen are also holding hostages, some of whom have been forced to speak on propaganda videos for the militants calling for troops to withdraw. Pictured above, overnment soldiers carry out a patrol as they continue their assault on insurgents Marines board a transport plane in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday to deploy for Marawi Adding to concerns about the rising threat of IS, Lorenzana said militants from Saudi Arabia, Chechnya, Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia were among the dead. The military has relentlessly dropped bombs and fired rockets at the militants, who have been hiding in residential areas of Marawi where local authorities believe about 2,000 people are trapped. The gunmen are also holding hostages, some of whom have been forced to speak on propaganda videos for the militants calling for troops to withdraw. A priest, filmed in front of a war-scarred building, said he is being held with 200 other captives including children. In the video apparently taken under duress by militants, Father Teresito Suganob said his captors wanted the military to withdraw its forces from Marawi, where Islamic militants still hold pockets of territory after a week of gunbattles with the army. A colleague of Suganob confirmed the man in the video is the priest. It was not clear when the video was taken or who released it online, and whether Suganob believed what he was saying or was forced to say it. President Rodrigo Duterte (left) has declared martial law in the Philippines. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) warned that many militants may have escaped the city into neighboring towns Filipino government troops apprehend two males spotted inside the conflict area as fighting between Islamist militants and government forces Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there were about 500 militants at the start of the unrest and only between 50 and 100 were believed to still be in Marawi According to the military, 120 gunmen have been killed, meaning as many as 330 remain unaccounted for and could have slipped out of the city. Pictured above, Filipino government troops apprehend two persons spotted inside the conflict Lorenzana also warned that many militants may have escaped, despite checkpoints throughout the city and surrounding it. Pictured above, ilipino government troops apprehend two males spotted inside the conflict area Suganob, standing in front of debris and partially burned buildings, said: 'We want to live another day, we want to live another month,'Directing his remarks to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. 'We want to live few years and in your generosity, Mr President, in your heart, we know you can make something happen.' Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena confirmed that it was Suganob in the video. Suganob said in the video that he was taken prisoner along with a professor from Mindanao State University, two female church workers and seven teachers. 'Along with us are about 200 carpenters, household helpers, children and youth, and ordinary Christian settlers,' he said. Local authorities have repeatedly warned that the trapped residents and hostages are in grave danger of being killed in the air assaults, and on Thursday repeated calls for them to end.' 'We continuously appeal to the chain of command... to refrain from using airstrikes,' Zia Alonto Adiong, a local politician and spokesman for the provincial crisis management committee, told reporters in Marawi. A Philippine Marine guards the display of high-powered firearms, ammunitions, uniforms and black ISIS-style flags which were recovered from Muslim militants on Tuesday A Philippine Marine guards communication equipment, high-powered firearms, including a 50-caliber machinegun, ammunitions, uniforms, and black ISIS-style flags Tuesday, May 30, 2017 in Marawi city southern Philippines Philippine Marine Major Rowan Rimas holds one of several high-powered firearms, which were recovered by Government forces in the fighting against Muslim militants Communications devices, rifles, grenade launchers, assault rifles and ammunition belonging to ISIS laid out on a table having been confiscated Philippine soldiers walk past Islamic State group graffiti in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao A government soldier points to graffiti on some metal shutters which reads, 'Welcome ISIS,' with a crown painted over it The International Committee of the Red Cross on Wednesday called for a humanitarian ceasefire. Lorenzana said airstrikes may be curtailed because of the friendly fire incident, but military spokesman Padilla insisted the soldiers' deaths would not weaken the resolve of the armed forces. 'We will be unrelenting in the pursuit of our mission. The drive, resolve of every AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel in the air, ground and water remain undiminished,' Padilla told reporters. 'We will incessantly push our way forward to retake the remaining part of Marawi and liberate the people that the terrorists continue to use as human shields.' The militants have murdered 19 civilians, the military has said, while insisting none have died in any air assaults or the intense street-to-street battles. Thirty-two soldiers and police officers have been confirmed killed. The clashes erupted when security forces raided a house to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Filipino militant regarded as IS's leader in the Philippines. He is on the US government's list of most-wanted terrorists. Trapped Filipino villagers are escorted by government troops during a rescue operation as fighting between Islamist militants and government forces continues in Marawi city, Mindanao island, southern Philippines In the video apparently taken under duress by militants, Father Teresito Suganob said his captors wanted the military to withdraw its forces from Marawi, where Islamic militants still hold pockets of territory after a week of gunbattles with the army A government soldier carries a boy who was rescues along with twenty other residents as the government troops continue to assault the Maute group in Marawi city, Philippines Philippines Authorities said they were taken by surprise when many gunmen emerged to protect Hapilon and then went on a rampage through Marawi, which has a population of 200,000. The militants mostly belonged to a local group called the Maute, and the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang that Hapilon has helped lead for many years. A Muslim separatist rebellion in the southern Philippines has killed more than 120,000 people since the 1970s. The main Muslim rebel groups have signed accords with the government aimed at forging lasting peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy. The Maute, the Abu Sayyaf and other hardline groups have rejected the peace process. The fighters' support network in Marawi remains unclear, though the power of one militant group - the Mautes - has grown in recent years. Led by members of the city's Maute clan, the group has become increasingly active across Lanao del Sur province, where Marawi is located, and has been instrumental in the fighting this past week. News / National by Staff reporter The opposition-PF Zapu has said Zanu-PF neglected the late war veteran and nationalist Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu in his last days, yet he stood by the ruling party, refusing to pull out of it in 2008.Ndlovu, 86, died in Bulawayo in the early hours of Monday after a long battle with prostate cancer, and has been declared national hero by President Robert Mugabe.The former liberation fighter was-PF Zapu's last national chairperson before the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987 which saw Mugabe and Zapu's Joshua Nkomo ink a pact leading to the integration of the two liberation movements following unrest in Midlands and Matabeleland.Amid unprecedented economic hardships in 2008, former leaders of-PF Zapu walked out on the 1987 pact and ceased to operate under the title Zanu-PF and resumed the title of Zapu, but Ndlovu refused to cross floors.Dumiso Dabengwa - a former senior member of Zanu-PF and Mugabe's Cabinet - led the revival of-PF Zapu and was subsequently appointed leader by the party's congress."It is saddening that he (Ndlovu) did not find time to introspect and interrogate his position at the face of blatant marginalisation, under the Unity Accord, of the constituency that made him the man he is regarded today, that is Zapu," the Dabengwa-led liberation movement said in a statement yesterday."Zapu notes with regret that despite Ndlovu turning his back on his own in Zapu and dancing with Zanu-PF, the party and government neglected his welfare in his last days as noted by his wife who once complained in the media," the party added."It is, however, not surprising to us as Zapu since it has become policy both in Zanu-PF and Zimbabwean government to segregate former Zapu and Zipra cadres when it comes to welfare from the state. It has happened before and ...Ndlovu's case is not the first, as it surely will not be the last."The pulling out of the Unity Accord by-PF Zapu and its former leaders shook Zanu-PF to the foundations given that Mugabe's party always used its 1987 pact to justify its claim that it enjoys the support of Zimbabweans across the country.PF Zapu and its late leader Nkomo drew most of their support from the southern Matabeleland and Midlands provinces while Mugabe and Zanu-PF are strong in the northern parts of the country.PF Zapu and Zanu-PF fought a bitter 1970s guerrilla war to free Zimbabwe from colonial rule. The two allies formed a government of national unity at independence in 1980 but soon fell out when then Prime Minister Mugabe accused-PF Zapu leader Nkomo and his party of plotting an armed insurrection against him. More than 20 000 innocent civilians from the Ndebele ethnic minority that mostly supported-PF Zapu are believed to have been killed in the early 1980s during a bloody counter-insurgency drive by the army ordered by Mugabe in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.The killings by the army's North Korean trained 5th Brigade only stopped with the signing of the Unity Accord when Nkomo agreed to merge his party into Zanu-PF while he took up the post of vice-president in government.Mugabe said Ndlovu's "untimely death is a terrible loss to his family, his party Zanu-PF and the nation at large..."Ndlovu is set to be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Saturday. An Indian judge has been mocked after bizarrely claiming during a legal argument about sacred cows that peacocks shed tears to conceive. At a hearing in Rajasthan, judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma urged India's government to declare the cow - considered sacred in Hindu-majority India - as the national animal since it is 'as pious as a peacock'. 'The peacock is a lifelong celibate. It never has sex with the peahen. The peahen gets pregnant after swallowing the tears of the peacock,' Sharma said on his last day in office before retiring. Sharma's comments, made in response to an NGO's petition on the condition of state-run cow shelters, sparked a flurry of jokes and comments on social media. A judge in western India has claimed that peacocks shed tears to conceive, setting off a social media storm in the country (file picture) 'Profoundly ironical, that it was the peacock (not its tears but plumage) that led Darwin to propose the landmark theory of Sexual Selection,' said Anand Ranganathan on Twitter. Some users posted wildlife footage of peacocks mating to disprove his theory, while several pointed to suggestions on Quora, a user-generated question-and-answer site, that his celibacy claim came from ancient Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. In his 145-page order, Sharma cites Hindu scriptures to bolster his case -- listing the 'miraculous' age-defying qualities of cow dung and urine. At a hearing in Rajasthan, judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma urged India's government to declare the cow - considered sacred in Hindu-majority India - as the national animal since it is 'as pious as a peacock' (file picture) '(Mother cow) is the only animal that inhales as well as exhales oxygen,' he said. 'Cow urine has the miraculous property of destroying any kind of germs. It provides strength to mind and heart. It stops ageing,' he said, adding that its horns 'acquire cosmic energy'. 'Houses plastered with cow dung are safe from radio waves.' Cows have increasingly become a focal point of nationalist discourse in India where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing government has made cattle protection a key theme since coming to power in 2014. HOW PLUMAGE SIZE MATTERS IN THE PEACOCK MATING RITUAL Peacocks are known for their unusual mating rituals Peacocks are known for their unusual mating rituals - but contrary to the outlandish beliefs of judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma, the birds do still have sex. Mating rituals see males flashing their stunning tail feathers and using their distinctive blue and green colours to advertise their sexual and physical fitness. In late spring peacocks establish their territory before spreading their plumage in a fan shape and strutting back and forth, shaking their feathers to make a rattling sound. Both males and females have the avian reproductive organ known as the cloaca which transfers sperm between partners, according to sciencing.com. Peahens will lay up to six eggs which hatch after about 30 days of incubation. Earlier this year, research by Texas A&M University found the size and width of a peacock's proud plumage attracts the gaze of males who are sizing up their rivals and of females potentially looking for mates. 'We found that they are mostly looking at the lower portion of each other's displays in a similar way that the peahens were assessing the males as mating partners,' said Jessica Yorzinski, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University specializing in evolutionary biology. The study said peacocks spent about a third of their time gazing at the feather displays of their rivals. 'They allocated less than 5 percent of their time during our sample periods gazing at females,' the study said. Both males and females mostly looked at the bottom portion of the displays, likely assessing the width of the trains, which positively correlates with the length of the train, the study said. Yorzinski said that previous research indicated males with longer trains are more successful in establishing territory and gaining mates. 'We found that they are mostly looking at the lower portion of each other's displays in a similar way that the peahens were assessing the males as mating partners,' said Jessica Yorzinski, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University specializing in evolutionary biology. The study said peacocks spent about a third of their time gazing at the feather displays of their rivals. 'They allocated less than 5 percent of their time during our sample periods gazing at females,' the study said. Both males and females mostly looked at the bottom portion of the displays, likely assessing the width of the trains, which positively correlates with the length of the train, the study said. Yorzinski said that previous research indicated males with longer trains are more successful in establishing territory and gaining mates. Advertisement The government last week prohibited the sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter across India, sparking protests in states where beef is eaten. The slaughter of cows, as well as the possession or consumption of beef, is banned in most but not all Indian states. Some impose up to life imprisonment for infringements. At least a dozen people, mostly Muslims, have been killed by Hindu mobs in recent years over rumours that they were eating beef, slaughtering cows or smuggling them. Bizarre video footage has caught the moment a 'sushi waitress' attacks a man for allegedly groping her while picking food off her body. The woman was hired by the restaurant to have sushi served off her body in Taiyuan City, China's Shanxi province. Frustrated, the woman can also be seen throwing food at the young man. Bizarre: The woman was filmed leaping off the table in front of a room full of onlookers In the footage posted on May 28, the woman can be seen lying on a table with the Japanese raw fish scattered over her body. She is completely still wearing only flesh coloured underwear. However just seconds later, the woman can be seen sitting up and starting an argument with a customer in the restaurant. She then begins to throw food at the young man wearing a blue and white polo shirt and jeans. However the man involved in the incident, reportedly a fourth year student at Shanxi University told reporters that he was paid to touch her inappropriately. The woman starts arguing with the man over his behaviour who shouts back at her Interesting serving method: Sushi was being served on the woman at a restaurant in China However the man involved claims him and the woman were paid and it was a stunt He told reporters: 'The restaurant found the model through her agent to attend a show, then the model contacted me as we are quite close friends. The owner told her to act as the model and me as a customer and pretend to have a fight. 'We got paid 300 yuan (34) but we didn't know this would turn out to be a viral video online. And now he doesn't want to admit that he paid us to act as a show.' The restaurant has denied this. The practice of eating sushi from a woman's body is believed to have originated in Japan. The model is expected to lie still at all times. However many people have criticised the tradition branding it as objectifying and humiliating. The Iraqi army has banned the use of burqas in Mosul after Islamic State used the garment to carry out deadly attacks in the city. Residents will not be able to wear the headscarf nor the niqab - the full-face veil - as the government troops attempt to flush the terrorists out of the Iraqi city. The ban is understood to be a temporary one, and Mosul joins a long list of countries, cities and organisations who prohibit the piece of religious clothing. A displaced Iraqi man who fled his home holds his baby during a fight between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants in al-Zanjili neighbourhood, north of Old City district of Mosul, Iraq on May 30. A woman is seen behind him in a blue headscarf, which the Iraqi army has now reportedly banned A woman wears a burqa as she walks on a street in Saint-Denis, near Paris, before a ban was introduced Both the niqab and the burqa have been used extensively by men and women to carry out suicide bombings and hit-and-run attacks on army checkpoints in the city, a military source told Al-Masdar News. The controversial garment has divided opinion in Europe and many countries have discussed stopping residents from wearing it, many citing security fears. In the UK, there is no law restricting people wearing a burqa for religious reasons, but some judges have asked women to lift their veils to verify their identity in court. Ukip's plans to ban the burqa and niqab would see legal action brought against anyone wearing anything that covers their face, Paul Nuttall has said. The Ukip leader said the controversial policy which would ban garments traditionally worn by Muslim women would apply to items of clothing such as balaclavas. Ukip's manifesto explicitly said the party 'will ban wearing of the niqab and the burqa in public places'. Speaking while campaigning in Boston, Lincolnshire, Mr Nuttall said the policy would apply to 'face-coverings in general'. Asked if this would affect people wearing balaclavas, he said: 'How many people have you ever seen wearing a balaclava in public? You don't see it, you don't even see it in winter. 'What's happened is that the Westminster media have tried to mock and deride what we're trying to say, maybe because they feel uncomfortable about it, I don't know.' HOW THE BURQA HAS DIVIDED OPINION ACROSS EUROPE Britain There is no law restricting the wearing of garments for religious reasons. However in March 2007 the education ministry published directives allowing directors of public establishments and denominational schools to ban the niqab veil. Judges have on occasion refused to hear veiled women because they could not verify their identity. Netherlands The legislation, which has passed the lower house and now has to be approved by the Senate, bans the wearing of burkas, helmets and face masks on public transport as well as education, healthcare and government buildings. The bill was proposed by Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk last year, as he believed clothing that covered the face hindered communication in public services and could pose a security threat. Violations could result in a fine of up to 410 euros. Germany Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has proposed a partial burka ban. De Maiziere, one of Merkel's closest allies, said the ban would cover 'places where it is necessary for our society's coexistence' including government offices, schools and universities, courtrooms as well as demonstrations. Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica (file picture) France The first European country to ban the full-veil in public spaces with a law 'banning the hiding of the face in public spaces', with a law that took effect in April 2011. The European Court of Human Rights upheld the burka ban in 2014, rejecting arguments that outlawing full-face veils breached religious freedom. The law has resulted in around 1,500 arrests in the past five years, and violations can result in fines of up to 150 euros. Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica. Belgium The wearing of the full veil is governed by a June 1, 2011 law. It prohibits 'appearing in places accessible to the public with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable'. Exceptions exist, in particular where the workplace requires the face to be hidden, or for the carnival season. Violations can result in fines and/or up to seven days in jail. Bulgaria In September, Bulgarian lawmakers approved a law that bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face, with exceptions for health or professional reasons. Initial violations result in a fine of roughly 100 euros, while subsequent violations are fined the equivalent of 750 euros. Italy There is currently a debate over a 1975 law aimed at protecting public order that makes it illegal to cover one's face in public places and the provision applies to the veil, as well as motorcycle helmets and other masks. The anti-immigrant Northern League presented in October a draft law in the Lombardy region around Milan that would ban the burka, niqab and burkini. A region in the Italian Riviera is to ban women from wearing the Islamic niqab in hospitals and public offices. Officials in the northern region of Liguria announced plans to enforce the ban in what is described as an attempt to defend women's freedom. Switzerland Switzerland's lower house narrowly approved in September a draft bill on a nationwide burka ban, but the measure remains far from becoming law. In the southern Tessin region however, the burka has been forbidden since July 1 and violators face a minimum fine of 100 Swiss francs. Norway Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen said in October that the government was seeking regulations prohibiting the full-face veil in schools and universities. Scandinavian neighbours such as Denmark and Sweden have allowed schools, administrations and companies to decide the issue for themselves, while there is no ban in Finland. Others Three other countries that have not banned the burka are among those closest to the Middle East or North Africa - Greece, Portugal and Spain. Morocco has banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils for security reasons. While there was no official announcement by authorities in the North African nation, the reports said the interior ministry order would take effect this week. The ban has been imposed due to reports felons have been using the garment to help carry out their crimes. Advertisement France became the first European country to prohibit the full-veil in public spaces with a law 'banning the hiding of the face in public spaces', with a law that took effect in April 2011. This year, Morocco banned the production and sale of burqa full-face Muslim veils for security reasons, imposed due to reports felons have been using the garment to help carry out their crimes. The issue has been brought even further into the spotlight in 2017 with a number of world leaders travelling to the Persian Gulf on political trips. At the end of last month, Angela Merkel arrived in Saudi Arabia without a headscarf ahead of talks with King Salman. Women in the kingdom are subjected to strict dress codes in public which includes full-length robes and covering the hair with a veil, but the German chancellor shunned the protocol. She was not the first to do so, with Theresa May, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama all having refused to wear the garment, which is seen as a sign of oppression by some critics. A child plays among the ruins of a house in western Mosul that was destroyed in a March 17 coalition airstrike that killed more than 100 people. Iraq's fight to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group has been the largest and the longest operation against the extremists in the nearly three years since they overran a third of the country Displaced Iraqi people who fled homes during a fight between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants are seen in al-Zanjili neighbourhood, north of Old City district of Mosul A child and his mother carry their belongings through the streets of Mosul in front of a soldier having been displaced Meanwhile, Iraqi forces are fighting to retake the last ISIS-held areas of Mosul, a city that was the jihadist group's emblematic stronghold. Iraqi forces are more than seven months into a massive operation to recapture the city, and have already taken back its whole eastern side and much of the west. Three neighbourhoods north of Mosul's Old City - Al-Shifaa, Al-Saha and Al-Zinjili - are now the target of a broad assault by Iraqi soldiers, police and special forces that was launched last week. ISIS is mainly relying on 'snipers and suicide bombers' to target Iraqi forces, as it is running low on mortar rounds and explosives after losing sites it previously used to produce them, Iraqi Brigadier General Shakir Kadhim Mohsen said. The United Nations has warned that up to 200,000 civilians who are believed to remain in IS-held areas of the city are in grave danger and that large numbers could flee. Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, said: 'We are deeply concerned that right now, in the last final stages of the campaign to retake Mosul, that the civilians... in ISIS areas are probably at graver risk now than at any other stage of the campaign.' The World Food Programme said Tuesday that it 'has identified worrying signs of an increase in the rate of malnutrition among newly displaced children from western Mosul'. A Good Samaritan who stepped in to help a homeless man after his only possessions were stolen by thieves has helped transform his life. Bob Barnes set up a GoFundMe page to support 53-year-old Steve Collins and has raised 2,300 for him in just one week. Mr Collins has also secured a job and a place to live thanks to Mr Barness efforts raising awareness of his plight. Bob Barnes, left, has raised 2,300 for homeless Steve Collins, right, after a bag containing his only possessions was stolen in Bristol Law firm manager Mr Barnes offered to buy Mr Collins a sausage and mash meal after meeting him in Bristol last week, but when he delivered it he found the father-of-one distraught after his bag containing a sleeping bag and passport had been stolen. He told the Bristol Post: I didn't quite know what to say so I just said 'I'm sorry', gave him the sausage and mash and walked back to work. But he said he was unable to get Mr Collins off his mind and later returned, pledging to raise 150 to replace the stolen goods. Since then 270 people have donated on the page and Mr Collins said he was overwhelmed by the support. He told the Post: I couldn't believe it when Bob told me. I've got more help from this one man than I've had from so many organisations which said they'll help me. Mr Barnes added: When I started, I thought I would give it 48 hours to see how it would do. We're now on 2,310. It's incredible. Mr Collins said he had been sleeping rough for 17 years and carries around a sign saying Not a drunk, not a druggie, but drink and food welcome having not had alcohol for 24 years. Mr Collins, 53, right, said he was 'overwhelmed' by the support and Mr Barnes's actions have also helped secure him a job and a home He said he left his family home after splitting up from his wife, but was eventually made homeless after struggling to find a job and accommodation without a permanent address. Mr Collins has also been suffering from post traumatic stress disorder since witnessing a man being crushed to death by a cement mixer in London in August 2016, leading to him moving to Bristol. Following the appeal, Mr Collins now has a job as a cleaner at Pure Gym in Bristol, which he starts next week, while he has been able to pay a deposit and a months rent for a house in the city. To donate to his appeal, click here. A Chinese company that makes shoes for Ivanka Trump's company has denied allegations of labor violations, including excessive overtime and low wages. Three activists made the claims against the Huajian Group factories in the southern Chinese cities of Ganzhou and Dongguan last month. Since then, Hua Haifeng, an investigator for China Labor Watch, has been arrested on a charge of illegal surveillance while his two colleagues remain missing. Long Shan, a spokeswoman for the Huajian Group, told the Associated Press 'we are shocked' by the allegations. She said: 'As a renowned global media outlet, you have put out many untrue reports not based on facts and without our consent.' Huajian Group, a Chinese company (pictured in September 2016 in Donguan) that makes shoes for Ivanka Trump, has denied allegations of labor violations including excessive overtime and low wages Three activists for China Labor Watch published an interim report in May alleging employees (pictured in September 2016) had to work at least 12-and-a-half hours a day at a monthly salary of about 2,500 yuan, or $365 Two of the activists, Su Heng and Li Zhao (pictured in March 2016 in Nanzhang county), who were investigating the labor conditions of the factory remain missing According to Long, the company stopped producing Ivanka Trump shoes months ago. She confirmed that Hua Haifeng joined the group's factory in Dongguan on May 20, but left after less than a week, and Su Heng began working at their Ganzhou factory on April 28, but also left after a short time. She said she did not know their current whereabouts. 'By coming to Huajian to work, they are Huajian employees. Huajian staff must comply with China's laws and regulations and Huajian's rules,' she said, adding that at least one of the men 'used methods like taking photographs and video to obtain the company's trade secrets', which is against company regulations. 'Our company has the right to hold him accountable.' China Labor Watch admits it chose the Huajian factory in part because it produced Ivanka Trump shoes and knew it would bring attention to the labor issues in China. Hua Haifeng (pictured in 2016 in central China's Hubei province) has been arrested on a charge of illegal surveillance following investigations into working conditions at a Chinese factory Ivanka Trumps company has not yet commented on the allegations. China Labor Watch said it had written a letter to Ivanka Trump (pictured at the Tweeps event in Saudi Arabia in May 2017) detailing the claims in late April but had yet to receive a reply Long Shan, a spokeswoman for the Huajian Group, said in an email to the Associated Press 'we are shocked' by the allegations and that the company stopped making Ivanka Trump shoes (pictured at a Century 21 department store in February 2017) months ago In May, it issued an interim report on working conditions at Huajians factories, alleging that employees were forced to work at least 12-and-a-half hours a day and at least six days a week - at a monthly salary of about 2,500 yuan ($365). The report said pay for some workers equated to less than a dollar an hour. According to missing activist Li, workers were given only one or two days off per month during busy periods, while there is no safety training, even though many employees come into contact with oils and glues. China Labor Watch said it had written a letter to Ivanka Trump detailing the allegations in late April but had yet to receive a reply. The nonprofit organization's executive director, Li Qiang, said Thursday he still had not been able to confirm the status of the two missing men. The arrest and disappearances come amid a crackdown on perceived threats to the stability of China's ruling Communist Party, particularly from sources with foreign ties such as China Labor Watch. The NSW Department of Prosecutions has lodged an appeal against the acquittal of Luke Lazarus. The man was accused of raping an 18-year-old woman in an alleyway behind his father's Kings Cross night club, Soho in 2013. Lazarus was convicted of sexual intercourse without consent by a jury in 2015 and sentenced to a minimum sentence of three years, but successfully appealed his conviction during a judge-only trial last month. The NSW Department of Prosecutions has lodged an appeal against the acquittal of Luke Lazarus (pictured) 'On May 4, 2017, Luke Andrew Lazarus was acquitted on a charge of sexual intercourse without consent in a trial by judge alone at the District Court at Sydney,' DPP Lloyd Babb said in a statement. 'Yesterday, I lodged an appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal against the acquittal. 'As the matter is before the Court no further comment will be issued.' During his initial trial, Lazarus admitted he had anal sex with the woman in the alley, and that the woman was down on all fours. The pair had left Soho and gone to Hourigan Lane within three minutes of meeting on the dance floor. Lazarus was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent by a jury in 2015 after two trials, but acquitted in a judge-only trial last month (pictured retrieving his passport from Kings Cross police station after his acquittal in May) During the trial, it emerged that Luke Lazarus had lead an 18-year-old girl out to the alleyway behind his father's Kings Cross nightclub, Soho, within just three minutes of the pair meeting In two separate trials, Lazarus pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and claimed the woman had been encouraging him, and never told him to stop. After he was found guilty by a jury in 2015, he was sentenced to between three and five years behind bars. But when he appealed in a judge-only trial, he was acquitted of his charges and released from prison after spending 11 months behind bars. Judge Robyn Tupman found the alleged rape victim 'did not say stop or no' and Mr Lazarus genuinely believed she had given consent even though the encounter was 'quick and unromantic'. At the same time, she noted she also accepted the 18-year-old woman 'did not in her own mind attempt to convey consent to sexual intercourse'. Hours after he was acquitted by judge Robyn Tupman, Lazarus is understood to have thrown a party at his home in Sydney's eastern suburbs home (Lazarus pictured the day after his party) After Lazarus was acquitted, the woman at the centre of the case revealed the effect the incident had on her life in a public Facebook post. 'The 18 year old in the story is me. Those awful things happened to me. I am that girl,' she wrote. 'I am mad and frustrated and heartbroken. Was it all for nothing? Ive waited four long years. Ive stressed and worried and stayed up all night - many, many nights - thinking about it. 'Two years ago I told my story to a jury of 12 people who believed me. But for legal reasons I dont really understand some judges decided I had to go through it all again. So, back I came to relive everything that happened to me that night. This time, another judge sitting without a jury wasnt convinced by what I said. 'The person found guilty by a jury has been found not guilty by a judge. His criminal conviction is erased. He is free to move on with his life. 'I feel let down and confused. 'I lost something that night all those years ago and Ive been searching for it ever since. Ill let you know how it goes. 'The reality is this doesnt get to be over for me. I don't get to know who I would be today had this not happened to me, and I mourn for that person.' The woman at the centre of the case revealed she was 'mad and frustrated and heartbroken' following his acquittal After he was acquitted and returned home, neighbours of the Lazarus family claim the 25-year-old had a 'huge party'. Neighbours told Daily Mail Australia at the time that dozens of young people dressed in suits had arrived at the Lazarus mansion at 6pm, less than two hours after the 25-year-old was cleared of rape. Young people were seen coming and going the next day to collect their belongings left behind at the party, and cleanup was said to have taken all morning, with the sound of glass bottles being put into a wheelie bin echoing through the street. DC Stephen Smith, 33, from Tredegar in South Wales, was not on duty when he sunk his teeth into his victim in a bust-up before an England v Wales rugby match A police officer has been told he could face prison after being found guilty of biting a man's lip in a row about queue jumping outside a busy nightclub. Detective Constable Stephen Smith, an officer with Gwent Police, denied unlawful wounding, but was found guilty following a week-long trial at Cardiff Crown Court . Smith, 33, from Tredegar in South Wales, was found not guilty of wounding with intent and perverting the course of justice. Cardiff Crown Court heard he was not on duty when he bit the man in a bust-up shortly before an England v Wales rugby match. He was in the queue outside Brewhouse in Cardiff city centre as fans flocked to watch the Six Nations clash televised from Twickenham at the time of the incident. CCTV footage showed a large queue gathering outside the venue when a row broke out between Smith and fellow rugby fan Jonathan Harris. The court heard victim Mr Harris suffered facial injuries in the subsequent fracas outside the bar. Prosecutor Owen Williams said: 'His injuries were caused by a human bite to the lower lip which have been confirmed by medical professionals.' Smith was seen in a Wales jersey walking away from the scene with his girlfriend before being detained and arrested by police. Andrew Taylor, defending, said Mr Harris had 'jumped the queue'to the club - and when challenged by Smith, allegedly 'taunted' his girlfriend which 'escalated that incident'. When questioned, Mr Harris admitted that he had been drinking heavily and 'couldn't remember the exact conversation'. But he denied he was an 'aggressor' and that he had taken cocaine. Mr Harris said: 'I would never even think of biting someone. It's an absolutely disgusting thing to do. It's like spitting in someone's face'. A member of door staff from the adjacent Kapu cocktail bar and several South Wales Police officers who were on patrol during the night were also called as witnesses. Smith, an officer with Gwent Police, was in the queue outside Brewhouse in Cardiff city centre as fans flocked to watch the Six Nations clash televised from Twickenham Sgt Simon Davies, of Cardiff Central Police Station, said that Smith was 'quite shocked' when approached by police and was 'keen to move away from the area'. When asked about what happened, the officer recalls Smith saying: 'What do you mean? That guy started on my missus.' The court heard all witnesses were unable to recall the exact subject of the conversation which led to the fight. The court heard Smith accepted biting Harris' lip, but claimed he did it because Harris 'bit his lip first and would not let go'. Judge Twomlow adjourned the case for three weeks for a pre-sentence report and told Smith: 'All sentencing options, including immediate imprisonment, will be open.' Smith was granted bail until he is sentenced on June 23. The number of migrants using a perilous new sea route across the Mediterranean from Morocco to Spain has more than tripled in a year, it has emerged. More than 3,300 refugees crossed to Europe from the North African country in the first four months of this year - compared to just over a thousand in the same period in 2016. The surge in boat arrivals on the so-called Western Mediterranean route has prompted a series of rescue missions in recent weeks, including 34 refugees saved from a burning dinghy near an island between the two countries. It comes amid a dramatic reduction in refugees crossing between Turkey and Greece in the wake of a deal struck between the EU and Ankara last year. The number of migrants using a perilous new sea route across the Mediterranean from Morocco to Spain has more than tripled in a year, it has emerged. Just days ago dozens were rescued from a burning dinghy near the Spanish island of Alboran, between the two countries More than 3,300 refugees crossed to Europe from the North African country in the first four months of this year - compared to just over a thousand in the same period in 2016. Migrants are pictured after being rescued near Libya last week There have been more than 69,000 arrivals by sea so far this year with nearly 1,700 deaths. In the same period last year, 198,346 had arrived while 2,267 had been killed making the journey However an established route between war-torn Libya and southern Italy still accounts for the majority of sea crossings with more than 58,000 making the dangerous journey in the first five months of this year. There have been more than 69,000 arrivals by sea so far this year with nearly 1,700 deaths. In the same period last year, 198,346 had arrived while 2,267 had been killed making the journey. The crossing to Spain has accounted for 51 deaths so far this year - more than the Eastern Mediterranean Route from Turkey to Greece which, in the same period in 2016, saw 376 deaths. The increase in numbers on the Spain to Morocco route comes after the European Union struck a deal with Ankara to stem the flow of migrants crossing from Turkey to Greece. Following the agreement, just 7,043 made that crossing in the first five months of 2017 - compared to 156,267 in the same period last year. While the figures, from the UN's International Organisation for Migration, relate to sea crossings, many more refugees last year crossed into Europe by land from Turkey. An established route between war-torn Libya and southern Italy still accounts for the majority of sea crossings with more than 58,000 making the dangerous journey in the first five months of this year. Refugees are pictured after being rescued by the Libyan coastguard last week There have been more than 69,000 arrivals by sea so far this year with nearly 1,700 deaths. In the same period last year, 198,346 had arrived while 2,267 had been killed making the journey On Sunday, more than 30 migrants were rescued off the coast of Spain after their rubber speed boat caught fire, forcing them into the water in a dramatic moment caught on camera. The video tweeted by EU border agency Frontex shows the 34 migrants travelling on board a black boat Sunday when flames suddenly erupted at the back near the engine, and rapidly spread through the small vessel. The migrants, most of whom appeared to be wearing life jackets, jumped into the water according to images caught on camera by a Portuguese air force plane helping Frontex with maritime surveillance, which threw them a small lifeboat and notified Spanish coastguards. Some were able to scramble onto the lifeboat while others held onto their sinking vessel, the coastguards said in a statement. A helicopter and several boats were dispatched to the area southwest of Alboran Island between Morocco and Spain. Tomas Garcia, a manager at the coastguard centre in Spain's southeastern Almeria province who has 24 years experience coordinating rescues was quoted as saying in the statement that this 'was one of the most complex' his centre had seen. A fisherman sailing in the area also helped in rescue efforts. Earlier this month, about 100 African migrants stormed over a high double fence between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla in a violent assault that left three police officers injured, officials said. Refugees are pictured attempting to cross the fence in 2014 The migrants, whose nationalities were not disclosed, were finally taken safe and sound to the port of Motril in southern Spain. Last week, Spain's maritime rescue service saved 157 migrants from five small boats attempting to cross the Mediterranean. The service completed five different rescue missions in waters east of the Strait of Gibraltar to reach the small craft from late Friday through until Saturday evening. The service said that it reached the first boat carrying 27 men and six women late on Friday after it was sighted by a Spanish military plane. Another rescue boat intervened early Saturday to pull five men from a second boat. A third craft in danger of sinking with 35 men aboard was then spotted by a Spanish navy outpost on the Alboran Island between Spain and Morocco. The Spanish military helped the boat dock on the island, where the migrants were picked up by the rescue service. A fourth boat with 30 men and two women was located after the service received an alert from Moroccan authorities. The fifth boat bearing 42 men and 10 women was spotted by a Spanish navy vessel, which guided the rescue service to its whereabouts. Earlier this month, about 100 African migrants stormed over a high double fence between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla in a violent assault that left three police officers injured, officials said. A man swims from a life raft to a rescue vessel after a wooden boat bound for Italy carrying more than 500 people capsized on May 24 off Lampedusa, Italy Around 300 sub-Saharan African migrants attempted to force their way across the fence at about 7am in a coordinated operation, a Spanish police spokesman said. 'Around 100 managed to enter Melilla,' he told AFP. The barrier is composed of two 20ft-high fences, with criss-crossing steel cables in between. In order to get across, migrants often use hooks and shoes studded with nails. Three policemen were injured in clashes with the migrants, who kicked and threw rocks at the officers, Spain's interior ministry said in a statement. One of the officers was injured in the hand by one of the hooks used by migrants and several police vehicles were damaged, it added. Three migrants suffered bruises and small cuts in the attempt to cross the border, said a Red cross spokesman in Melilla. Melilla and Ceuta, another Spanish enclave nearly 250 miles away on the north coast of Africa, are often used as entry points into Europe for African migrants. They have the only two land borders between Africa and the European Union. Thousands of migrants have attempted to cross the 7.5 mile frontier between Melilla and Morocco, or the five-mile border at Ceuta, by climbing the border fences, swimming along the coast or hiding in vehicles. In February around 850 migrants managed to storm across the border into Ceuta over four days. Spain announced in March that it would nearly double the capacity of its migrant reception centres in the two territories to 8,500 places from 4,500. Spain has drawn criticism from human rights groups for allowing some migrants to be immediately turned back to Morocco in such incidents. They argue that skipping the lengthier deportation procedures deprives people of the opportunity to claim asylum. Jeremy Corbyn's election chief apologised last night after joking that Prince Harry should have been left in Afghanistan at the Taliban's mercy. Andrew Murray, 58, made the joke at a Stop the War rally after the prince had done two tours in Helmand province in 2007 and then in late 2012 to early 2013. The hard-Left former trade union official poked fun at Harry in front of the anti-war crowd despite a soldier being abducted and executed in Helmand in 2011. He made the comments in 2013, but has only now apologised. Andrew Murray (left), Labour's election chief for Jeremy Corbyn (right, pictured in Reading yesterday), joked that Prince Harry should have been left in Afghanistan at the Taliban's mercy Speaking at Friends' House in London in February 2013, he had said: 'There's the war on Afghanistan where we have to campaign to bring all our troops home now. 'I mean I suppose we could offer to leave Prince Harry if that would help? Otherwise all the troops must be brought home now.' Harry completed a 77-day tour in Helmand in 2007 before returning for a four-month tour in 2012 during which he killed insurgents while piloting an Apache helicopter. When confronted about his comments by The Sun's Harry Cole, Mr Murray said: 'I apologise for any offence caused by what was a flippant remark in poor taste. 'I was delighted that Prince Harry returned home safely and, as I said in my speech, I only ever wanted our troops to return home safely from that conflict.' Prince Harry wears his monocle gun sight as he sits in his Apache (left) and runs towards the helicopter (right) at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand province in November 2012 Prince Harry - or Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army - plays a game of Uckers in the VHR (very high ready-ness) tent with fellow pilots at Camp Bastion in November 2012 The stockbroker's son - a leading member of the Communist Party until last year - was backed by Mr Corbyn last month when he took up his role as election chief. As the Daily Mail's Andrew Pierce reported last month, Mr Murray was an outspoken apologist for the Soviet Union and expressed 'solidarity' with North Korea. His father, Peter Drummond-Murray of Mastrick, was a descendant of the Earl of Perth, and his mother Barbara was Conservative MP Lord Rankeillour's daughter. Mr Murray also has an entry in Debrett's, the encyclopedia of the aristocracy, and the motto of his mother's family is: 'But hope is unbroken.' Harry is seen on patrol in the deserted town of Garmisir, Afghanistan, in February 2008 (left), and walking through the British controlled flight-line at Camp Bastion in October 2012 (right) Harry talks with fellow air crew in the DFAC (Dining Facility) at Camp Bastion in December 2012 He attended the 32,000-a-year private Roman Catholic Worth School in Sussex and had two daughters and a son with heiress Susan Michie, but they split in 1997. Mr Murray is now married to Anna Kruthoffer, a primary school business manager, and lives in a modest house in North London. He forged his strong links to Mr Corbyn through the Stop The War Coalition, becoming the first chairman in 2001 before Mr Corbyn took over in 2011. Mr Murray then replaced Mr Corbyn when he stood down after he became Labour leader - and he was then seconded to the Labour Party HQ by Unite union. Two US warships are carrying out a dramatic show of force close to North Korea's borders in the wake of missile launches by despot Kim Jong-un. The huge aircraft carriers, seen together for the first time, have joined with Japan's maritime self defense force for drills in the Sea of Japan. It comes days after the US Pacific Command reiterated its 'ironclad commitment' to protecting allies in South Korea in Japan following the launch of a short-range ballistic missile by Kim's regime. The USS Carl Vinson (front) and USS Ronald Reagan are carrying out joint training in the Sea of Japan today This image released by the US Navy shows the USS Ronald Reagan (front) and USS Carl Vinson (right, at the back) carrying out drills in the Sea of Japan The training exercises comes days after the latest missile test was carried out by North Korea. This image, released on Tuesday, shows a ballistic rocket being test-fired through a precision control guidance system In April President Donald Trump declared that the US was sending an 'armada' to the Peninsula, in a statement which angered Pyongyang. It subsequently emerged that the USS Carl Vinson, a key component in Trump's fleet, was actually carrying out exercises with the Australian navy in the Indian Ocean thousands of miles away. The error emerged after the US Navy posted an image of the aircraft carrier in the Sunda Strait. Tensions are high in the Korean Peninsula, with the North this week accusing the US of conducting 'a nuclear bomb dropping drill'. Captain Doug Verissimo, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, observes the Japanese Ship Hyuga, front, and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, rear, during a joint training in the Sea of Japan In April President Donald Trump declared that the US was sending an 'armada' to the Peninsula, in a statement which angered Pyongyang North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has warned the secretive state will respond to US 'aggression' in the peninsula if it is attack Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he intends to work with the US to deter North Korea. But China has urged restraint, calling on both sides not to engage in provocation. LEADERS VOW TO DEAL WITH NORTH KOREA AS PRIORITY The US has led the efforts to bring further sanctions to punish the North and is urging China, Pyongyang's main sponsor, to play a greater role in applying pressure on the unpredictable regime of Kim Jong-un. President Trump has said Monday's missile test showed 'disrespect' for China, while Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe vowed that the 'North Korean problem is the international community's top priority'. Along with South Korea, Japan is the most directly threatened by Pyongyang's provocations. Monday's test was the second time this year that a North Korean missile has fallen close to its shores. Advertisement The Carl Vinson has been on high alert since April after missile launches by the secretive state, and has already taken part in drills with South Korean navy ships in waters off the Peninsula. It has now been joined by the USS Ronald Reagan, which is back in operation following maintenance last month. The training exercises with the Japanese navy are believed to be scheduled to last several days. Washington described Thursday's drill as 'routine training'. 'The Ronald Reagan and Carl Vinson Strike Groups were joined by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) for routine training to improve interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Asia Pacific,' the US Seventh Fleet said on its Facebook page. Japanese military officials declined to comment on the drill. Navy spokesman Lt. Loren Terry told VOA that the operations in international waters have been designed to train commanders to respond to 'regional situations'. The USS Carl Vinson was sent to the Korean Peninsula as tensions rose over North Korean posturing and missile testing in April. It is pictured on its way to carry out training exercises with South Korea The USS Ronald Reagan pictured in Yokosuka, Japan. It has been undergoing annual maintenance ahead of the exercises alongside the Japanese military He added: 'This unique capability is one of many ways the U.S. Navy promotes security, stability and prosperity throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.' It is the first time in decades that two aircraft carriers have carried out drills close to North Korea, the US Naval Institute states. The United States currently has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea. The USS Ronald Reagan, pictured earlier this month, is taking part in drills alongside the Japanese navy in the Sea of Japan The USS Carl Vinson, pictured in April, has carried out operation drills with the South Korean military in recent weeks ahead of the wargames with the Japanese navy Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (pictured with President Trump) has said he intends to work with the US to deter North Korea The countries are bound by a mutual defense treaty dating back to the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a truce that has left the peninsula in a technical state of war. South Korea's defence ministry said on Tuesday that it had conducted a joint drill with a US supersonic B-1B Lancer bomber the previous day. North Korea's state media had earlier accused the United States of staging 'a nuclear bomb dropping drill'. The North's KCNA news agency reported on Tuesday that Kim had supervised the test of missile equipped with a new precision guidance system and an improved pre-launch automated sequence and a new mobile launch vehicle. The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, pictured in March, took part in joint training with the South Korean military ahead of the exercises alongside the Japanese navy The USS Ronald Reagan (front) joined the USS Carl Vinson to take part in the drills in the Sea of Japan today Kim said North Korea would develop more powerful weapons in multiple phases in accordance with its timetable to defend North Korea against the United States. 'He expressed the conviction that it would make a greater leap forward in this spirit to send a bigger "gift package" to the Yankees' in retaliation for American military provocation, KCNA quoted Kim as saying. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hua Chunying said: 'We have all been following how the situation on the Korean Peninsula evolves over the recent period of time, and hoping that tensions can be lowered, and that the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula can be brought back to the track of dialogue and consultation as soon as possible. 'The situation on the Peninsula is highly complex and sensitive. There is a window of opportunity for us to bring the nuclear issue back to the right track of dialogue and consultation. 'In this connection, we hope that all relevant parties would exercise restraint and do more to ease the tension and build up mutual trust, rather than provoke each other and escalate the tension.' News / National by Staff reporter Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has claimed that he is meeting some of the country's military officials as part of his bid to allow a smooth transfer of power if he wins the next year's national elections.He said he has also met various church leaders and war veterans, the army and civil servants as part of his consultations.MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai believes the army is likely to have a major say in who will succeed president Robert Mugabe within the warring Zanu PF. A group of feminists stripped naked and performed a screaming protest outside the Argentinian president's palace. The women were speaking out in protest of violence against women in Argentina and more than 100 demonstrators gathered to march in front of the President's residence Casa Rosada in the capital Buenos Aires. The women performing the Femicide is Genocide protest stood in a group and undressed in front of onlookers before screaming angrily en masse. Scroll down for video Women stand naked in front of a banner that reads, 'Femicidio es Genacidio', which translates to femicide is genocide A woman screams angrily as part of the protest against women being made victims of violence Stern-faced feminists stand defiant outside the President's residence Casa Rosada in the capital Buenos Aires Women leave their clothes on the floor and form a pile of bodies to represent those killed Screaming feminists from the Artistic Force of Communicative Shock (FACC) in the street They were members of the Artistic Force of Communicative Shock (FACC) performing a dramatisation as a prelude to the next march of the feminist collective NiUnaMenos (Not One Fewer) to be held on Saturday, June 3 in Argentina. In all, 120 women undressed completely in the Plaza de Mayo and in front of the Palace of Courts. The group used the attention-grabbing tactic to demand greater protection for the victims of gender-based violence, which is on the rise in Argentina. According to official figures, so far this year a woman has been unlawfully killed on average once every 25 hours in Argentina. The naked women face the presidential building in Argentina as 120 feminists stripped off According to official figures, so far this year a woman has been unlawfully killed on average once every 25 hours in Argentina, so the women created a pile of bodies in the street The women walk away from the clothes they left strewn on the floor to create the body pile Onlookers gather in the street in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires as the women undress The women stand facing their clothes in front of the presidential building in Buenos Aires The women performing a Femicide is Genocide protest by stripping naked in the street On social networks, the hashtag 'FemicidioEsGenocidio' quickly went viral, showing hundreds of photos and videos of the protes The group used the attention-grabbing tactic to demand greater protection for the victims of gender-based violence, which is on the rise in Argentina On social networks, the hashtag 'FemicidioEsGenocidio' quickly went viral, showing hundreds of photos and videos of the protest. 'We represent them all and we will always exist,' tweeted protester Claudia Acuna. She added later, describing emotional scenes at the protest: 'Older ladies crying because in their time they could not speak aloud of it, men shocked by the cruelty of these times. I'll take that.' The lead detective who worked side-by-side with Mathew Leveson's parents in helping uncover their son's remains hopes the family will now be able to properly say goodbye. Human remains were found after a thorough search of Royal National Park, in South Sydney, following information from Matthew's former partner Michael Atkins, who was acquitted of Mathew Leveson's murder in 2009. Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin hopes the likely discovery of Matthew's remains will allow Mark and Faye Leveson to lay their son to rest following an emotional press conference. 'While we need to await the results of forensic examinations for absolute confirmation, we believe what we have found is consistent with this being Matthew,' Det Jubelin said. Scroll down for video Faye Leveson (pictured left) and Mark Leveson (pictured right) at a press conference after more human remains were found in the Royal National park in Sydney Mark Leveson (pictured left), Faye Leveson (pictured centre) and NSW Police Detective Gary Jubelin stand together as Faye holds a picture of her son Matthew Leveson 'The loss of a loved one is never easy to deal with, but the grief can be even harder to overcome when you can't lay them to rest. 'We hope the Leveson's will soon be able to properly and respectfully say goodbye to Matthew.' Mother Faye Leveson broke down in front of the cameras as she implored for a change in the legal system after explaining the heartache her family has suffered searching for the remains of Matthew. 'They painted us into a corner, they painted is into making a decision to bring our son home,' she told Seven News. 'Our laws have to change, the victims have got to have a voice... we get nothing. We have had to fight for nine-and-a-half years to get to this day to bring our son home. 'So our sons, our other two surviving sons, don't have to go through the rest of their lives, if we passed, and we hadn't found Matty.' Faye Leveson breaks down during a media conference after human remains most likely from Matthew are found in the Royal National Park in Sydney Mark Leveson speaking at a media conference on Thursday following the discovery of more human remains most likely belonging to his son Father Mark Leveson thanked everyone involved in helping the family find their son's, but frankly addressed the system and Michael Atkins himself. 'If any of the jurors on Matthew's trial see this, what the hell were you thinking?' he said. 'Look what you have done to us? And lastly Michael Atkins, to you, you are no longer any use to our family alive.' Mark and Faye Leveson have stoically looked for answers about their son's disappearance, ever since he failed to come home from a Sydney nightclub in 2007. In the years since he vanished, the couple have used their own hands to dig bushland in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, hoping for a breakthrough. And that moment finally arrived this week, with Mr and Mrs Leveson embracing as police unearthered a skeleton described as 'consistent' with that of the 20-year-old. Mark Leveson arrives in the Royal National Park, where it is believed his son Matthew's remains have been found, with a bouquet of flowers Mark Leveson, clutching a bunch of flowers, talks to a police officer near the site where it is believed his son Matthew's body was found Faye Leveson is comforted by a friend as police begin to exhume what are believed to be the remains of her son Matthew in the Royal National Park Forensic police sift through soil as they begin to exhume human remains believed to those of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park on Thursday In the decade since he disappeared, the couple have used their own hands to dig up bushland in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, hoping for a breakthrough Mrs Leveson shared her heartbreaking emotions over potentially finding her son's remains after nearly a decade. 'It's been nine years, eight months and eight days we made a promise and we kept it and now we can lay him to rest if it turns out to be Matt,' she told The Daily Telegraph. 'And our boys won't have to go though their lives looking for their brother.' Incredibly, the discovery of the remains means that Michael Atkins, the ex-boyfriend of Matthew and the man once acquitted of his murder, may not spend a day behind bars despite leading police to the body. That moment arrived on Wednesday as bones 'consistent' with those of Matthew Leveson (right) were found. Incredibly, his ex-boyfriend Michael Atkins (left) may not spend a day in jail despite leading police to the area where the bones were found Forensic police prepare to resume human remains believed to be those of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park on Thursday Police sift through soil in the Royal National Park on Thursday as the search for Matthew Leveson's remains continues Forensic police continue the pain-staking work searching for remains of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park Atkins was found not-guilty of murdering his former partner in 2009, but admitted to lying to an inquest into Leveson's disappearance last year. Leaving himself open to prosecution after lying, police cut an immunity deal - with the approval of Mr and Mrs Leveson - provided he gave them information that led to the discovery of a body. However a search that began last year failed to discover any bones or remains, leaving Atkins, 53, open to potentially spending up to a decade in jail. But it seems that should the bones, which were found 500m down the road from the site searched heavily last year belong to Leveson, Atkins will still walk free. Mr Leveson said he wished the heartbreaking search could have ended nine years ago, but angrily wished Atkins could be there to watch their pain. 'He (Atkins) should be here chained to a tree watching,' he told the publication. Forensic officers are continuing to investigate whether the 'items of interest' found on Wednesday are the remains of his son. Throughout the search for their son, Mr and Mrs Leveson's determination has been unwavering. Atkins (left) was found not-guilty of murdering his former partner in 2009, but admitted to lying to an inquest into Leveson's disappearance last year, leading police to cut an immunity deal Forensic officers are continuing to investigate whether the 'items of interest' found on Wednesday are the remains of Mr Leveson In the decade since he vanished, Mark and Faye Leveson have used their own hands dig in the bushland of the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, hoping for a breakthrough NSW forensic police dig the site where the remains believed to be Matthew Leveson's were discovered A detective brushes aside dirt over the area where they discovered 'items of interest' Mark and Faye Leveson stand together in bushland in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, on Monday, May 29 Faye Leveson is seen with her arm around a detective at the search site on Wednesday Faye and Mark Leveson have been a united front since the beginning of the search for their son The couple have been pictured working tirelessly alongside police officers since the search for their son began in November 2016. Pictures show the pair with digging equipment including shovels, pickaxes and metal detectors. Other pictures taken during the six-month-long search show the couple hand-in-hand at the Royal National Park. After the shock discovery was made on Wednesday, the pair were pictured downcast and leaning on each other for support. One photo showed a New South Wales police detective comforting the couple as they wrapped their arms around each other. Investigators were originally led to the remote roadside site late last year by Atkins, late last year, after he took them there following the offer of immunity from prosecution for perjury and contempt of court after admitting to lying at the inquest. NSW Police Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin (centre) comforts Mark and Faye Leveson (left) Mark and Faye Leveson speak to police officers in the Royal National Park south of Sydney Police Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin (pictured centre) shows the Leveson's a spot during their search for possible human remains Mr Leveson was seen using the pickaxe to hack away at dense shrub in the Royal National Park on Friday, May 26 Despite not finding anything during the extensive searches over the past decade, the pair's resolve was never affected. 'We'll keep searching the national park, yes, but whether we search that exact site I don't know yet,' Mark Leveson told Daily Mail Australia last year. 'They have searched every square centimetre looking for Matt. They cannot be accused of being incompetent or not doing their job. 'They've exhausted this site which is frustrating because you could be so close, but you just don't know.' On Wednesday, they seemingly finally got their reward for not giving up on their son. The couple use a metal detector as they search bushland Heartbreaking photos have revealed the desperation of Matthew Leveson's parents to find his body. Photos show Mr Leveson (centre) as he arrived at the search site on Friday, May 26, with a shovel and pickaxe in one hand, and a metal detector in the other This is the moment an Iraqi soldier risked his life to save an elderly woman from a hail of ISIS bullets as she tried to flee fighting in Mosul. The terrorists opened fire on dozens of women and children with automatic weapons as they tried to reach an Iraqi army convoy in Mosul's Old City. But an elderly woman, either unable to run any further or hit by a bullet, falls down in the middle of the street and is unable to get up. Dozens of women and children were running to safety in Mosul, Iraq, when ISIS fighters opened fire on them with automatic weapons One elderly woman, either unable to run further or hit by a bullet, suddenly fell down in the middle of the road and couldn't get up Incredible body-camera footage captured the moment one unarmed soldier, wearing no helmet and only sandals on his feet, broke cover from behind an armoured vehicle to rescue the woman. He is quickly joined by several other troops who drag the burka-clad woman to safety while bullets fly past. The final shots show the group, the vast majority of whom are women with young children, some small enough to be carried in their mothers' arms. Iraqi troops have been fighting for months to clear ISIS out of Mosul, the country's second-largest city after Baghdad, which was captured by the terrorists in 2014. Moments later a brave Iraqi soldier, wearing no helmet and with only sandals on his feet, broke cover in order to drag her to safety Other troops quickly join the man in order to move the woman behind an armoured vehicle, where they examine her for injuries The hero soldier can then be seen giving a thumbs up to the rest of the civilians, who are sheltering up against a wall as bullets continue flying past Government forces now have the remaining militants surrounded in the winding streets of the Old City, where they are putting up their final resistance. The district has special significance for ISIS, because it was from its Great Mosque that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed his so-called caliphate. The city represents the terror group's last stronghold in Iraq, and its capture would mark an end to the caliphate it claimed to have established. As a result ISIS has been waging a vicious fight, using civilian drones to drop makeshift bombs on Iraqi troops, driving cars filled with explosives into armoured vehicles and hiding among civilians to use them as shields. The video shows the group was made almost entirely of women and children, some being carried in their mothers' arms, but ISIS opened fire anyway Iraqi troops are involved in bitter combat to take Mosul's Old City (pictured) back from the terror group, where it is making a final stand If ISIS loses the city, Iraq's second-biggest, it will spell an end to their so-called caliphate and their last stronghold in the country In total around 800 government troops have been killed in the fighting, according to US analysis, while Iraqi forces claim to have killed 16,000 ISIS fighters. Civilian casualties have been high, with more than 8,000 thought to have died after being caught in crossfire. More than 100 civilians died when US-led coalition warplanes bombed a house where they were sheltering back in March. It has since emerged that ISIS rigged the building with explosives and then placed two snipers on the roof in order to lure an attack. When fighting the might of the Nazi regime that had spread across much of Europe during the Second World War, Britain required more than the skill and bravery of its lionhearted troops on the ground. Although the Armed Forces are rightly praised for the ultimate sacrifice they gave to their country, a new book reveals how bizarre feats of ingenuity such as exploding animal dung and garlic chocolate also played a part in toppling the fascist epidemic. And it was not just behind enemy lines where Britons were thinking outside the box, with several extreme measures taken on the home front, such as decoy tanks, to minimise the damage done by the Luftwaffe. 'Paradogs' were also dropped behind German lines to accompany D-Day troops and sniff out mines. An inflatable Sherman tank, one of many dummy vehicles made to deceive the enemy Salvo, the 'Paradog' completing a parachute jump during training at Andrews Field, near Great Saling, Essex Some Spitfires were painted 'Camoutint Pink' to camouflage them when flying at dusk or dawn Overshoes designed for Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents operating in South East Asia. They were intended to disguise footprints to fool the Japanese into believing they belonged to a native Subtlety and disguise played a massive part in surprise tactics that wreaked havoc on the Axis powers, and the masked explosives were an effective means of causing damage and disruption. The detonating animal waste was donated by London Zoo and was used to blow up cars, but they were not the only bombs masquerading as a harmless piece of scenery. A dead rat was also stuffed full of explosives - but, despite a prototype batch was discovered by German forces, a panicked search for further duplicated ensued that used up precious time and resources. The weird weapons were discovered by the Imperial War Museum's former publishing manager, Peter Taylor, as he trawled through pictures in its archives. Mr Taylor said: 'Not only does this book offer some remarkable and often unbelievable anecdotes, but it highlights the tenacity of the people who lived through some of the darkest days in our history. SPECIAL OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE The SOE was formed by Minister of Economic Warfare Hugh Dalton Most of the sneaky espionage tactics used to outwit Brtiain's opponents were devised by a division known as the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Formed on July 22 1940 by Minister of Economic Warfare Hugh Dalton following cabinet approval, the SOE was largely kept top-secret and was also known as The Baker Street Irregulars, because of the location of its London office, and Churchill's secret army. The SOE operated in every nation in Europe and south-east Asia that was under the rule of an Axis power. As well as the quirky inventions it came up with, the unit was also responsible for other key, more conventional items that were commonly used in the war. One of these was a time pencil, which was a timer that allowed troops to detonate a bomb with a controlled delay to allow them to clear the area - timings typically ranged from 10 minutes to 24 hours. The SOE commissioned several types of silent pistol, such as the Welrod, which were key for agents trying to keep a low profile. The SOE commissioned several types of silent pistol, such as the Welrod (pictured), which were key for agents trying to keep a low profile They also produced two submarines, the Welman and Sleeping Beauty, to place charges on U-boats, but neither were successful. Both the Navy and the RAF fell into regular disputes with the SOE over using their boats and planes respectively to transport SOE agents around. After the war, the organisation was officially dissolved on 15 January 1946. A memorial to SOE's agents was unveiled on the Albert Embankment by Lambeth Palace in London in October 2009. They also produced two submarines, the Welman (pictured) and Sleeping Beauty, to place charges on U-boats, but neither were successful Advertisement 'This book is proof that the truth is often stranger than fiction.' A far less destructive technique was the garlic chocolates and other stink bombs that were designed to humiliate high-ranking Nazi dignitaries and disrupt important meetings. Some Spitfires were painted 'Camoutint Pink' to camouflage them when flying at dusk or dawn, while 'bare feet' overshoes were used overseas to trick Japanese generals that the soldier's footprints were that of the island's inhabitants. Not to be outdone, the defensive efforts back in Britain were just as outside-the-box. Another photo discovered in the IWM archives shows farmers painting white stripes being painted on cows, to make them more visible to car users if the animals wandered onto a road. Fake, inflatable tanks were also commonly laid out on the ground in large numbers as bait for the German bombers. Colourful 'mickey mouse' gas masks were designed to make the mask less intimidating to small children An Essex farmer paints a herd of black cows with white stripes in case they should wander on the road after dusk, so they will be visible to the motorists in the blackout The latest arrival to Gibraltar being checked in Churchill ensured the numbers of apes on the rock were topped up following a legend that if the monkeys ever left, Gibraltar would cease to be a British colony This was part of a larger effort to reverse the 600 accidental deaths a month caused as a direct result of the UK being plunged into darkness. A device known as a 'kerbfinder' wheel was also attached onto walking sticks, allowing its user to detect sudden changes in the terrain as they walked at night. Other highlights from the book include the ingenious prisoner who tried to escape Colditz by posting himself with other parcels, and the story behind why Churchill arranged a delivery of apes to Gibraltar during the Second World War. The Prime Minister ensured the numbers of apes on the rock were topped up following a legend that if the monkeys ever left, Gibraltar would cease to be a British colony. An estate agent who was offered a sex act by his boss if he hit sales targets has won legal battle against her. Sarah Thompson, 51, told Paul Elworthy, 45, that she would perform the act on him if he banked 180,000. The senior financial consultant at Your Move reported his manager after saying the proposition made him feel 'uncomfortable'. Sarah Thompson (left), 51, told Paul Elworthy (right), 45, that she would perform the act on him if he banked 180,000 Judges at an employment tribunal ruled that Mr Elworthy had been subjected to direct sexual discrimination by Thompson and should be compensated. Mr Elworthy told the hearing in south London: 'I attended a senior consultants' reward lunch. 'At that meeting Sarah Thompson stated she would provide me with a blow job if I hit 180,000 banked income. 'This was said in the presence of a number of people. It made me feel very uncomfortable. I did not report it as she was my line manager. I would not get a fair hearing.' Thompson, who works at Your Move's regional HQ in Chessington, South London, had denied the claims. When asked by her firm's HR department in 2015 if she had made the comment she said: 'Absolutely not, do you really think I would ever say that? He might have wanted me too.' The tribunal heard evidence from members of staff who were at the Christmas lunch which contradicted what Thomson said. Thompson denied that she offered to perform the sex act on Mr Elworthy One colleague, Giles Barrett, recalled that he heard Thompson make the comment and had replied 'does that count for everyone?' only for her to say 'no, you're married' - this was followed by laughter. The panel said although the comments amounted to sexual discrimination, they were not harassment. The judges also found against Mr Elworthy's claim of constructive unfair dismissal. The tribunal ruled: 'We have found that Ms Thompson's comment left the claimant feeling 'a bit uncomfortable' and 'not great'. 'It did not meet the bar for harassment but we find that the effect on him was nevertheless a detriment. 'It was a highly sexualised comment and we have no hesitation in finding that the comment was made because of the claimant's gender.' They added: 'We find that Ms Thompson would not have made an equivalent comment to a woman. 'We therefore find that the comment was less favourable treatment because of sex and the claim for direct sex discrimination succeeds.' Mr Elworthy had also claimed he was constructively unfairly dismissed as he was 'forced' to clean toilets - but judges threw out this claim. At the tribunal Mr Elworthy accepted that he had never cleaned and that he had never been disciplined or reprimanded for failing to carry out cleaning duties in the seven-year period he worked at the firm. A further hearing will determine the amount of damages. Furious British Airways board members are set to order an inquiry into the IT meltdown which left 75,000 passengers stranded and hammered the company's reputation. The airline has blamed a surge of electricity back into its computer systems for a power failure on Saturday morning which grounded hundreds of flights and caused chaos at Heathrow. A full schedule did not resume for three days and many passengers are still without their luggage nearly a week on. The airline was still being bombarded with requests for refunds and updates on missing bags from angry passengers this morning. BA's board is set to order an independent inquiry into the power failure that caused chaos for thousands of the airline's passengers this weekend Willie Walsh, the CEO of BA's parent company who has been criticised in the wake of the incident, is in Barcelona today to launch another budget airline which will fly to the US Willie Walsh, the former BA chief executive who is now in charge of its parent company IAG, is in Barcelona to launch his group's newest budget airline 'Level'. He'll be present as the new airline's first flight takes off from Barcelona to Los Angeles today. BA's CEO Alex Cruz has been in the firing line since the incident on Saturday, but Walsh's influence on budgets and cost cutting could come under scrutiny in any inquiry. An independent investigation would examine why the incident happened and why the response was so poor, it was reported today. A source in the company told the BBC: 'It would be impossible to pretend that it was great. We need to figure out how, and why, decisions on how to deal with it were taken' The exact cause of the initial power outage and the subsequent surge at BA's data centre Boadicea House, near Heathrow, has not yet been revealed. The computer shutdown caused misery for many wanting to get away for the half-term Hundreds of flights were cancelled, leaving passengers facing very long delays at airports Power companies say they have no record of a surge on their side of the meter. BA was also accused of greed after the GMB union suggested the issue could have been prevented if the airline had not cut 'hundreds of dedicated and loyal' IT staff and contracted the work to India last year. The airline said in a statement: 'There was a loss of power to the UK data centre which was compounded by the uncontrolled return of power which caused a power surge taking out our IT systems. So we know what happened we just need to find out why. 'It was not an IT failure and had nothing to do with outsourcing of IT, it was an electrical power supply which was interrupted. 'We are undertaking an exhaustive investigation to find out the exact circumstances and most importantly ensure that this can never happen again.' Experts predict BA is facing a compensation bill of up to 150million. The airline is now battling to rebuild its reputation after share prices in its parent company fell It is understood a power failure and botched reboot hit computers at BA's Boadicea House The airline said it will 'comply with all of the relevant EU compensation regulations', including welfare claims such as hotel accommodation, transport to and from hotels, meals and telephone calls. It has added extra staff to its customer relations department to help process payments. It says delayed bags have been processed at Heathrow and are on their way to customers around the world. The airline accepted that 'it may take some time to complete the process', particularly for passengers on complex itineraries or in locations it does not serve every day. BA's parent company, IAG, saw shares initially fall by around 4% in the first day of trading in London after the outage occurred. BA chief executive Alex Cruz said the outsourcing of jobs was not to blame for the 'catastrophic' power failure. Advertisement An extraordinary letter written by Beatles star George Harrison begging a photographer to let him use her work in his book because he feared being 'poor and hungry' is expected to fetch 20,000 at auction. The lead guitarist penned the remarkable note just as the world-famous group were on the verge of international stardom in August 1963. In the six-page letter he seemed concerned that songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon would become 'very rich' and more successful than him. He sent the letter to his friend, well-known German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who had just taken intimate pictures of the group during a trip to Tenerife in 1963. George Harrison begged his friend, photographer Astrid Kirchherr (pictured together in Tenerife), to let him use photographs in his new book Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison wrote a six-page letter to Astrid Kirchherr begging her to let him use pictures of the group in Tenerife for book (Astrid and Paul McCartney pictured together in Tenerife in 1963) Harrison (pictured with Astrid in Tenerife) wrote that he was worried about becoming 'poor and hungry' and that his bandmates would become 'very rich' George Harrison wrote the six-page letter (pictured) when he was staying at a hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, in August 1963 McCartney, Kirchherr and Harrison were photographed relaxing near the sea in Tenerife after travelling there together in 1963 Harrison, who went on to make around 300million, revealed in his letter that he was going to write a book about the band to 'make money'. In the letter, he boasted about buying a new Jaguar car but begged her to send him the pictures so he could use them in his book. He wrote the letter while staying at the Palace Court Hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, where the Beatles were on a six-night residency of the town's Gaumont Theatre. Harrison complained that he was feeling run down and how his 'balls have been aching...banging around on stage!' The letter, in blue ballpoint pen and on Palace Court Hotel headed stationary, has now been put up for auction with Bonhams and will go under the hammer this month. A Bonhams spokesman said: 'It's remarkable that, just as the group were experiencing the fruits of their burgeoning fame, George had an eye to the future and the possible lack of funds, compared to the money that John and Paul would have made by their songwriting. 'Hence his idea of producing a book about the group, including photographs that had not already been widely reproduced in various publications for the fans. The group travelled to Tenerife in 1963 after their manager, Brian Epstein, told them to take a holiday after a tough year of recording, touring and recovering from Stuart Sutcliffe's death This is the Jaguar that Harrison boasts about buying in the letter where he goes on to say he is worried about about becoming 'poor and hungry' Harrison (right, next to Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Ringo Starr in 1967) wrote the letter just as the band were on the verge of international stardom Harrison (pictured with his wife Patti Boyd in 1969) wrote the letter and seemed worried that bandmates Paul McCartney and John Lennon would become 'very rich' and more successful than him 'Of course, his doubts about financial success and longevity proved to be unfounded, following the full onset of Beatlemania!' Ms Kirchherr, a German, had been the fiancee of the so-called fifth Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe, who tragically died of a brain haemorrhage in April 1962. On the first anniversary of his death, Brian Epstein, the band's manager, told them and Kirchherr to take a holiday after a tough year of recording, touring and recovering from the loss of Sutcliffe. In the slightly tongue-in-cheek letter written in August 1963, Harrison enclosed two black and white photographs of his new Jaguar car and referred to 'Fat Betty', who was Bobby Brown, who ran the Beatles' fan club. It reads: 'I bought a Jaguar (car) last month, and I think you would like it. I will send you a photograph of it. 'Fat Betty has seen all the happy holiday photo's, hasn't she? but I haven't. Harrison sent the letter to German photographer Astrid Kirchherr (pictured with Stuart Sutcliffe) after she had taken pictures of the group in Tenerife He sent her the letter in 1963 (pictured here in the same year) which was just as The Beatles were on the verge of international stardom in August 1963 HARRISON WROTE THIS LETTER BEGGING PHOTOGRAPHER TO USE PICTURES IN HIS NEW BOOK Dear Astrid... I bought you all the records I told you about years ago, and they are still at home covered in dust, so if you have decided where about's you are living lately, then let me know and I will send them to you... Fat Betty has seen all the Happy holiday Photo's, hasn't she? but I haven't, oh no - you won't show them to me will you! Actually if she had not come to England with King Size, then I would still be wondering which part of the world you where in... I bought a Jaguar (car) last month, and I think you would like it. I will send you a photograph of it, with the records as soon as I get back to Liverpool... Could you look through your photographs and find some - or all of the photos that have The Beatles either all together or separately, or that have any of us with other people in them, in fact any photographs at all that may be of interest and then if you felt in a HAPPY ASTRID MOOD, do you think you could either give or lend them to me... You know that Paul and John are going to be very rich soon, when they collect the money they have made by writing all those songs, and I don't think that you would like to see me poor and hungry, so I have decided to make a book. It won't be a DA SADE type book, but a daft story about the BEATLES, with some photographs in it, and then I hope to sell it to all the nice people and then I can buy food with the money...Can't I? I would like to have some pictures that the people haven't already seen in all the other books, so that is why I am asking you. It would be very nice of you, even if the pictures were old at the Indra and Kaiserkeller and Top Ten... I have been ill all week, feeling tired all the time. The doctor gave me a tonic which is like liquid preludin. My balls have been aching too, and banging around on stage! We will be in Paris for three week in January. I will write again with the records cheerio and love from Georgie (your friend who wants the photos) Advertisement 'Could you look through your photographs and find some - or all of the photos that have The Beatles either all together or separately, or that have any of us with other people in them, in fact any photographs at all that may be of interest and then if you felt in a HAPPY ASTRID MOOD, do you think you could either give or lend them to me. 'You know that Paul and John are going to be very rich soon, when they collect the money they have made by writing all those songs, and I don't think that you would like to see me poor and hungry, so I have decided to make a book. 'It won't be a DA SADE type book, but a daft story about the BEATLES, with some photographs in it, and then I hope to sell it to all the nice people and then I can buy food with the money...Can't I? 'I would like to have some pictures that the people haven't already seen in all the other books, so that is why I am asking you. It would be very nice of you.' Referring to his state of health while in Bournemouth, he added: 'I have been ill all week, feeling tired all the time. The doctor gave me a tonic which is like liquid preludin. 'My balls have been aching too, and banging around on stage!' The letter is being sold by Bonhams in London on June 28. An explosion at a corn milling plant in Cambria on Wednesday has left one dead, two missing and 11 injured, officials said. Multiple fire departments and more than four helicopters were called to the Didion Milling plant in the 500 block of Williams Street at 11pm, but rescuers struggled to get into the burning building. 'The big thing everyone has to realize is the fire was still active,' Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards told Channel 3000. 'You had fire departments trying to put it out to get inside and get to those who needed assistance.' Scroll down for video An explosion at the Didion Milling plant in Cambria, Wisconsin, completely leveled its lab building on Tuesday night, killing one, injuring 11 and leaving two people missing In total, 16 people were in the building when the explosion occurred at the site 35 miles from Madison. Two of those people walked away uninjured, NBC reported. The blaze at the site, which prepares corn products for conversion into ethanol at another plant and operates 24 hours a day, was contained by Thursday morning. Officials said that the ethanol plant, which is situated across the road, is not in danger and that there is no threat from chemicals or fumes to the general public. Although the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, the building that exploded housed the plant's laboratory. The building - described as 'three or four' stories tall - was completely leveled in the detonation, Cambria Village President Glen Williams said. Photographs from the air show the building reduced to a twisted ruin, and damage to the surrounding buildings. The plant runs 24 hours a day preparing corn to be turned into ethanol at a nearby plant. The ethanol plant is not in danger and the flames are now under control, local authorities said Nayeli Hernandez, a plant employee of three years, said that four of her friends were trapped inside by the explosion; two escaped but two are still missing. 'I got a phone call from my brother. I called a coworker who is another lab tech. They were trapped inside. A big explosion happened, then everything just collapsed,' she said. Some of the injured are being treated at Beaver Dam Community Hospital. Red Cross crews have been dispatched to help families. Any families who need information about their relatives that may have been injured should inquire at the Columbia County Highway Shop at 119 Eat Second Street. Schools in the Cambria-Friesland district are closed Thursday. Friday's graduation may be postponed or moved to another location, but a decision on that matter has not yet been made. Power outages were reported in the area after the explosion, but electricity has since been restored. Didion is a family-owned business that employs around 175 people and has four locations across Wisconsin. Since the accident a series of GoFundMe accounts have been set up for the families of the victims. They include a fund for father Duelle Block, who was killed in the explosion, and for injured victims Hayden Lodge, who suffered second- and third-degree burns, and Collin VanderGalien, who lost both his legs. Two road rage brawlers have been mocked online after their inept attempt at kung fu fighting was caught on camera. The embarrassing duel was filmed in the city of Mijas, in the province of Malaga, in Spain's southern Andalusia region. The clip shows a man in a white T-shirt approach a stopped car to harangue its driver after an unseen traffic incident. His opponent, in a black T-shirt, steps out of his vehicle and the pair adopt fighting stances worthy of karate master Bruce Lee. The two men battle it out in the middle of the road as cars beep their horns But that is where their similarity to the martial arts expert ends. They exchange ineffectual kicks and weak punches, then the man in white unleashes his master move: a spin kick. But the slow move looks more like a ballet move than an attack and goes nowhere near his opponent. His next kick is even worse, with the man in black grabbing his foot and leaving him hopping hilariously along the road. Drivers in the traffic jam are unimpressed, honking their horns for the scrapping pair to get out of the way. A woman is heard on the recording saying: 'Oh, no, in the middle of the road - it cannot be true - please, come on. What are you doing?' The video went viral on social media, being shared almost 20,000 times and getting almost 17,000 likes in just a few hours The video went viral on social media, being shared almost 20,000 times and getting almost 17,000 likes in just a few hours. Many commenters compared the duellers' moves with those seen in the computer game Street Fighter while most were unimpressed. One wrote: 'I've seen better moves on Strictly.' Another said: 'I see two clowns fighting.' The official PlayStation Spain social media account even answered the post to mock the men, saying: 'You are so bad, hahahah.' The mother of youngest Manchester bombing victim Saffie Roussos, pictured, has woken up and is aware of her daughter's death, according to a family friend The mother of youngest victim Saffie Roussos, eight, has woken up and is aware of her daughter's death, according to a family friend. Lisa Roussos, 48, attended the gig with Saffie and was hospitalised along with her elder daughter Ashlee Bromwich. Mrs Roussos is understood to have undergone two operations for her injuries sustained in the blast, but is 'pulling through'. Family friend Mike Swanson, who has been asked to be the family spokesman, said she had been moved off her life support machine and is conscious. A massive display of floral bouquets, balloons and flowers has been left outside the fish and chip shop in Leyland, Lancashire, run by Mrs Roussos's husband Andrew, 43. Well-wishers have been desperately hoping the girl's mother and sister survive the serious shrapnel injuries they suffered and have been waiting anxiously for news. Mr Swanson, 38, also said that Lisa is aware of her daughter Saffie's death, who is one of the UK's youngest-ever terror victims. He said: 'The news about Lisa being out of danger is the biggest in this since the start. 'She was in a critical condition at first, but she came off life support on Saturday and was up and talking on Sunday. 'She's aware of the situation with Saffie. She's still in hospital, but she's moving her legs, which is fantastic. Lisa's pulling through and it's really important people know that. 'Ashlee is remarkably well. She went to a different hospital to her mum with wounds, but it looks like she might be out as early as Wednesday.' 'Andrew has been so strong. He's not wanted to grieve until he knew his wife was going to be okay. He's been a machine all week.' Scroll down for video Lisa Roussos attended the Ariana Grande gig with Saffie, pictured, and sustained serious shrapnel injuries Dozens of floral tributes have been laid outside the family's fish and chips shop since Saffie's death by well-wishers paying their respects Mr Swanson, who runs a computer shop next to the Roussos family chip shop in Hough Lane, was involved in the search for Saffie with the family. The father-of-two, whose daughter Lily was best friends with Saffie, has now been asked by the girl's father Andrew to handle fundraising donations, cards, and information to the public. 'Me and Andrew are very close and I was there from the very beginning when this all happened,' he added. 'It's been hell since last Tuesday. I had to come home and tell my little girl that her best friend was not coming back. 'To take the weight off Andrew's shoulders I've been dealing with all the cards and sorting out piles and piles of messages to Saffie and the family. 'I'm also going to open a charity account for funds. Money is coming in from everywhere, I get calls everyday. Yesterday I collected about 9,000 or 10,000 just from people's pockets.' Local residents have rallied round to support the family, and hundreds of bunches of flowers have been left in memorial to the little girl outside the chip shop where she used to play. Thousands of people have since paid tribute to Saffie and the 21 other victims of the bombing at vigils across the country, including this one in Manchester, pictured 'Andrew's been overwhelmed by it all, he said he didn't know these people were out there,' said Mr Swanson. 'I'm so proud of him, he's so commendable. Every time I've been to see him he's given me the strength to inform the people of Leyland. 'People have been asking me about how they're doing, and I've been able to talk positively because of him. It's been bloody amazing that someone in his position can be like that.' The Roussos family, who originate from Limassol in Cyprus, first lived in Southport with their children - Saffie and Zander, 10, attending Tarleton Primary School. When they moved later to Leyland, the children remained at the school. Headteacher Chris Upton described Saffie as '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 unassuming with a creative flair,' added Mr Swanson. News / National by Staff reporter A BULAWAYO man was dragged to court for allegedly stabbing a woman, demanding her blood and some of her body parts for ritual purposes.Meluleko Ngwenya (36) is said to have come across Lorraine Ngwenya (39) of Cement Siding in Bulawayo in the early hours of 6 February when she had just dropped off a bus from Harare.As Lorraine was heading to her house, Meluleko came from behind riding a bicycle, passed and went ahead of her. He later re-appeared and ran towards her.Meluleko is said to have stopped the woman and said "ngifuna igazi lakho lama phisinyana emzimbeni unginike for a sacrifice".Meaning: "I need your blood and body parts for a sacrifice."He also tried to take a bag that Lorraine was holding but she resisted. Upon realising that Lorraine was strong, he allegedly began to fight her and stabbed her with a knife once on the chest and he escaped.Lorraine managed to gather strength and walked home to narrate the ordeal to her husband who called an ambulance and reported the issue to the police.A few days later, a patrol and raids team conducted a search in Cement Siding, Montgomery, Cold Storage compound and Fairbridge among other nearby areas looking for a tall, dark man with short dreadlocks.Eight people were interviewed and among those was Meluleko.An identification parade was carried out and Lorraine picked him out leading to his arrest.He has since appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Joseph Mabeza on a charge of attempted murder.In his defence, Meluleko told the court that he had never seen Lorraine before."Your worship, I don't admit to the charges levelled against me because around 4 am on that day I was at home with my wife and child," he said."When the police conducted interviews they were looking for a man with a golden tooth and a broken one but my teeth are intact and I have never had a golden tooth," he added.Lorraine told the man that the police had to misrepresent the description so as to lure the culprit."The police knew that if they had given the exact description I had given it would disturb the search so that's why they said you have a golden tooth," said Lorraine.Meluleko was remanded out of custody to 6 June. A mother struck her own daughter with a tractor after allegedly mistaking the gas for the brake. The victim, who is in her 40s, was hit by the vehicle in Woodinville, a city in Washington, on Wednesday evening. The woman was airlifted to a nearby hospital and is said to be 'conscious' but in 'extreme pain'. A mother struck her own daughter with a tractor (pictured) after allegedly mistaking the gas for the brake The victim, who is in her 40s, was hit by the vehicle in Woodinville (pictured), a city in Washington, on Wednesday evening The woman 'lying on the ground' when her mother accidentally hit her at 6pm, deputies said. She was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and is said to be alert, but in a lot of pain. Police are investigating whether her mother may have mistaken the gas for the brake in the incident. Well-wishers flocked to social media to offer their support after news of the incident emerged. The woman was said to be 'lying on the ground' when her mother accidentally hit her She was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center (pictured) in Seattle and is said to be alert, but in a lot of pain 'Praying for the mom and her daughter,' one wrote, while another added: 'Thoughts going out to the family.' The King County Sheriff's Office shared a photo of the red tractor on Twitter. They said in a statement: 'Woman airlifted to HV after mom accidentally hits her with tractor. 15200 blk 206 Ave Ne. 'She was conscious but in extreme pain. A huge fire broke out at a floating nightclub called the Tuxedo Royale leaving it 'totally burnt out'. Firefighters were called to the ship, docked on the River Tees in Middlehaven, Middlesbrough, after the blaze engulfed it at around 7pm yesterday. A spokesperson from Cleveland Fire Brigade said 30 firefighters were called to the scene to put out the 'serious' fire. Slide me The Tuxedo Royale, a former floating nightclub, caught fire last night. The cause of the fire is being investigated Dramatic images show smoke billowing into the sky last night after the fire broke out By about 8.50pm the blaze appeared to be largely under control but there was still smoke pouring out of the ship's bridge area. It was brought under control at about 10pm and put out at 3am. The cause of the fire is being investigated. A spokesman for the North East Ambulance Service confirmed it had an ambulance at the scene on standby to assist with the firefighters' efforts, but there were no reported casualties. It comes just months after Middlesbrough Council said it would move the rusting boat to aid regeneration efforts at Middlehaven. The boat, pictured in 2002, was previously a popular nightclub in Newcastle but has been left to rust in recent years Middlesbrough Council recently said it would move the rusting boat to aid regeneration efforts at Middlehaven But campaigners John Coates and Lisa Turner, who wanted to restore the vessel as a training ship, spoke of their disappointment and said they had no idea there were any discussions to remove it. Speaking from the scene last night, Mr Coates said: 'You can see the smoke from South Bank. It could have been caused by anything - it's been a hot day, it could have been someone, it's not right to speculate. 'We wanted to restore it. The problem was that it didn't work with the council's ski centre plan - there were issues. Campaigners John Coates and Lisa Turner, who wanted to restore the vessel as a training ship. Above is what the nightclub looked like inside 'We were at a deadlock. Basically, the steel structure is all I'm interested in. It may be a bit warped but hopefully it will be OK.' Another witness said: 'I heard someone blame kids, but you just don't know do you? It's a shame, I've had many a dance on there.' Despite rescue attempts, the former ferry - known as the TSS Dover and later renamed the Earl Siward, Sol Express and finally the Tuxedo Royale - has remained unused since it ceased operating 10 years ago. Thousands of people partied aboard the boat and its sister vessel, the Tuxedo Princess, which was dubbed The Boat by locals. The Tuxedo Princess was moored on the River Tyne and played host to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, Rick Astley, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and the Crown Prince of Denmark during its heyday. The Tuxedo Royale has been listed, rusting and empty since it was moved to the Able UK dock on the Tees in 2009. A girl, 11, has narrowly escaped the clutches of a knife-wielding predator who tried to grab her amid a spate of child abduction attempts. The 11-year-old was approached on Bartlett St in Summer Hill on Thursday morning by a man pulling the blade from his coat, coaxing her to come over to him and then trying to grab her. The hunt is on for the man after the girl escaped and reported the chilling incident at her school during a week of multiple child abduction attempts. A girl, 11, has narrowly escaped the clutches of a knife-wielding predator who tried to grab her on as street in Summer Hill The man has been described as Asian in appearance, between 30 40 years old, 165cm tall, with short black hair, brown skin, a red mark on the right side of his face and brown eyes. He was wearing a long black coat that hung past his knees, black pants and a red and blue coloured chequered shirt. It is the fourth incident of its kind in the past week. Police are also investigating an incident involving a three-year-old girl at Pioneers Memorial Park in Leichhardt on Tuesday evening. In another attack, a five-year-old girl was indecently assaulted by a man of Indian appearance in Glebe on Saturday morning. And last Thursday a mother had the fright of her life when a man attempted to abduct her 15-month-old toddler from the Macquarie Street Mall in Liverpool. An Arizona man has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a female horse. Christopherson Maynes, 20, was arrested by police after reportedly being caught engaging in sexual intercourse with the mare on a property in Dateland on Monday afternoon. Police even secured video evidence of the alleged sexual act. Christopherson Maynes (pictured), 20, has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a female horse Maynes was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for bestiality, indecent exposure and animal cruelty. 'Deputies were able to recover video evidence of the suspect,' said Alfonso Zavala from Yuma County Sheriff's Office. Deputies first responded to a call regarding animal cruelty. The person who reported the incident claimed the suspect was caught having sex with the animal. The full police statement said: 'On Monday, May 29, 2017 at approximately 4:50 p.m., the Yuma County Sheriff's Office responded to the 1400 block of North Catalina Road in Dateland, AZ in reference to an animal cruelty case. 'Deputies were able to recover video evidence of the suspect,' said Alfonso Zavala from Yuma County Sheriff's Office (pictured) 'Upon arrival, Deputies met with the reporting party who stated that the suspect had been caught having sexual intercourse with a mare on the property. 'Christopherson Maynes, 20, of Dateland, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for bestiality, indecent exposure and animal cruelty.' This is not the first reported incidence of human-horse sexual activity. Earlier this year a sexual deviant from from Wakefield in the UK was jailed for having sex with a horse after his DNA was recovered from the animal. Advertisement A stunning collection of photographs of Sydney taken in 1888, decades before the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House were built, has been unearthed after 129 years. They show how the face of Sydney has changed from what could be described as a village in 1888 into a bustling city and tourist hot-spot. Where cars now line the streets, horse-drawn carriages are a prominent feature of the photos, taken in the late 19th century. An image taken of Hyde park that shows a blank skyline behind the Captain James Cook Monument is in contrast to the modern skyscrapers that now stand in the background. Interestingly, the Argyle Cut towards The Rocks and the Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains appear mostly unchanged. The photos were taken by celebrated Australian photographer Henry King in 1888 who was born in England but emigrated to Australia at a young age and spent the rest of his life there. More recently they have fallen into the hands of a German collector who has decided to put them on the market and they are tipped to sell for more than $3000. Many of Sydney's most recognisable landmarks including Manly beach and Pitt Street Mall look very different to what backpackers would encounter today. King also took various photos of Circular Quay - the city's Main Harbour - but missing from them are images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as these landmarks were both not built until well into the 20th century. The monument built in honour of Captain James Cook seen in Hyde Park in 1888 (pictured) remains in place today Growth: The garden once seen in front of the monument has been removed, and skyscrapers stand tall in the background In 1888, the Sydney Markets on York Street were packed with horse-drawn carriages and featured a number of small shops Now, the marketplace has become the iconic Queen Victoria Building, which features high end shops and is packed with pedestrians and cars In 1888, Mort and Co Wool Shed sat at the forefront of Circular Quay with Phillips Street stretching into the distance The Mort and Co building was demolished in 1959, and in its place now stands the AMP Building. The direct waterviews once enjoyed from the front door are now blocked In 1888, Manly Beach presented as a quiet beach town, with mostly residential buildings in sight Now, Manly Beach is a hit with tourists and backpackers, and behind the packed beach lies a bevy of shops and cafes Much as it is today, the corner of Pitt Street and King Street was a commercial hub in 1888. The grandeur of the building's facades have been preserved and remain today The area remains a commercial hub, and is now known as Pitt Street Mall. Though modern day shops line the streets, the original facades of the buildings on each corner remain as an acknowledgement to the grandeur of commercial development in the late 19th century The General Post Office, which is now Martin Place, was a hub of activity when Mr King photographed it in 1888. The post office opened in 1874 and was the centre of the NSW postage system until 1996 The area surrounding the GPO is now Martin place. While the heritage site is still owned by Australia Post, but the organisation are trying to sell off the building to foreign investors The Argyle Cut at the Rocks near Circular Quay was built by convicts to serve as an easy way to pass from Miller's Point to the Rocks. It took 16 years to construct The project required the use of explosives to complete, and though it is now lines with cars, it presents very much the same way it did in 1888 The iconic arches of the Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains, built in 1869, are considered an engineering achievement The railway is now non-operational, but served as a tourist attraction delivering scenic tours of the Blue Mountains via steam train before it was ravaged by a bushfire in 2013. It is expected to reopen late in 2017 Opened in 1883 as The Great Western, the stunning Katoomba hotel was renamed The Carrington in 1886 in honour of the then Governor of New South Wales, Lord Carrington Coogee beach shows a spacious backdrop in the foreground of a sparsely populated area. The suburb was not populated with European settlers until 1838, though visitors arrived from the 1820's Coogee Beach is now a tourist hot-spot and is a particularly popular place with British visitors. The Coogee Surf Life Saving Club have been credited with the first mass rescue, night surf carnival, shark attack and the development of the resuscitation technique Circular Quay (pictured in 1888) began to take shape in 1854, and was originally named Semicircular Quay. Its name was later shortened for convenience Now, Circular Quay boasts views of several of Sydney's most iconic sights such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge Shell Cove is located on the north shore of Sydney Harbour, and is also known as Hungry Bay or Kurraba Point The area, which now boasts views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison, was named Shell Cove due to the abundance of shells found in the area Pyrmont contained a mineral spring of cold water bubbling out of a rock and was named after a similar natural spring in Bad Pyrmont, close to Hanover in Germany Advertisement They are one of the most quintessentially British objects - as emblematic as black cabs or double decker buses. And the fascinating history of the iconic red phonebox actually goes back 200 years to a graveyard in London. The K2 box was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott after he was inspired by a memorial at St Pancras Old Church. A Sir Giles Gilbert Scott-designed K6 kiosk (left) and a K8 phonebox in Highworth, Wiltshire, is a rare survivor of its type and has now been officially listed (right). Both are featured in a new book authored by friends Nigel Linge and Andy Sutton The Soane Memorial at the St Pancras Old Church churchyard in Central London, which provided architect Giles Gilbert Scott with the inspiration for the design of the K2 kiosk's domed roof. The K2 was the first entirely red phonebox to be made The Soane Memorial was raised over the grave of architect Sir John Soane's wife Eliza in the churchyard in 1816, and became the family vault - giving Sir Giles Gilbert Scott the idea for the K2 in a competition in 1924. Sir John was a renowned neo-classical architect behind the Bank of England, churches, and country houses, while Mr Scott was well acquainted with the tomb having been a trustee of Sir John Soane's Museum for 35 years. However, after Mr Scott won the Royal Fine Arts Commission prize, the Post Office insisted on the K2 being made from cast iron and painted red - despite his hopes it would be built from mild steel and coloured silver. Now, a new book is documenting the rise and fall of phoneboxes from their peak of 132,000 in the 1990s thanks to mobile phones - and includes a fascinating set of photos of the iconic objects over the decades. A Kiosk K1 Mark 235, with a plain pyramidal roof, is on display at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in Worcestershire (left), while this K8 (right) at Hawkesbury Upton in Gloucestershire is a rare survivor of BT's kiosk modernisation programme This 1928 police box is located within a stone pillar at Trafalgar Square in Central London (left), while an example of a call office or, as it was sometimes known, a 'silence cabinet is preserved within the BT Archives at Holborn in the capital (right) The book, simply called The British Phonebox, has been jointly authored by friends Nigel Linge and Andy Sutton. It chronicles the humble 19th century beginnings of phoneboxes when they were known as 'public call offices'. The book also looks at their rise towards the end of the 20th century before the mobile phone took over, and the work published by Amberley then looks at the last working phoneboxes that are left in Britain today. The British Phonebox is packed with 120 photos illustrating the changing face of the objects. Mr Linge, a professor in telecommunications at the University of Salford, said: 'I personally like anything to do with communication but there's something about the red telephone box that really captures the public's imagination. 'If you were going to describe the quintessential British village you would have to include a phonebox, they're an iconic object. A thatched K1 kiosk at Eastbourne in East Sussex - one of two on the seafront (left), and a wooden police box kiosk from Coventry, which was preserved and is now on display at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in Worcestershire (right) A blue Glasgow concrete police box, which forming part of the National Telephone Kiosk collection at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buidings (left), and a surviving but disused police telephone pillar at St Martin's Le Grande in Central London (right) 'Equally if you're a tourist to London from a foreign country, you are probably going to buy a phonebox ornament. 'While it's vital to telecommunications and connectivity I, and many other people, can also appreciate the design and the aesthetics. 'For people of a certain generation, pre-mobile phone, the phonebox was an important part of their social life. 'I think it's important to contextualise history and explain how we got to this point. The phonebox still has a role to play but it's a much different role than it used to have, and a much smaller one. 'What does appal me is the terrible state some are in, I wish that wasn't the case.' The postmaster general was the first person to offer members of the public a telephone service in return for a small charge when he allowed telephone companies to install 'public call offices'. The Bruce Martin-designed K8 kiosk (left, in Milton Keynes) departed from the K6, with its new modern styling. Also pictured is the modified interior configuration of a K6 kiosk (right), with three rectangular notice frames and a re-positioned call notice Umar Khalid is stood next to his Kape Barako coffee shop, opened in a K6 kiosk in Hampstead, North London (left), while Ben Spier poses in front of his K6 salad bar kiosk in Bloomsbury Square, Holborn The earliest examples were found in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn and Preston, where a three minute call cost three pence. These wooden structures paved the way for the Post Office to introduce the standardised phonebox, or kiosk, in 1920. Called K1, it was finished in white and red. It wasn't until four years later that the first entirely red one, a K2 designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was erected. Three more 'K' kiosks were conceived over the next ten years before the K6, also by Scott, was brought in to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V. Known as the 'jubilee kiosk', it was the first to be deployed extensively outside London, with thousands being erected in towns and cities across the country. When the K6 kiosk on the right in South Bar Street in Banbury, Oxfordshire, was converted into a library without permission, the ensuing dispute was eventually resolved when BT agreed to install a second K6 on the left as a purpose-built library The Street Talk 6 (ST6) kiosk, which was introduced in 2007 by BT in partnership with JCDecaux (left), and the KX100 kiosk, one of the new standard range introduced from 1985 (right), are both examples of more recent phoneboxes Within four years of its introduction the number of public UK red telephones rocketed from 19,000 to 35,000, paving the way for it to become an internationally recognised design. When BT separated from the Post Office in the early 1980s the classic kiosk design was replaced with the unsightly KX series of glass phoneboxes. BT expanded the number of public call boxes from 70,000 in 1984 to around 132,000 ten years later. Although thousands of 'K' boxes were replaced around 11,000 of 73,000 still remain. Later chapters of the book tell how many survivors are are being renovated into nature hubs, libraries, coffee shops and salad bars while a separate chapter is devoted to police, AA and RAC telephone boxes. The British Phonebox - written by friends Nigel Linge and Andy Sutton (left) - is available from Amberley Publishing for 13.49 Mr Linge said: 'I'm not desperately concerned about the future of the iconic K6 box because I think they're well enough loved that there would be an outcry if people got rid of them. 'The actual writing of the book took place last summer and autumn (but) I've been researching the subject my whole life - it's been a passion of mine for decades. 'My wife gets a bit fed up when we're out and about and I stop to take a picture of a phonebox. 'But I've won her over now and even she'll notice them when she's watching TV or out and about.' The British Phonebox is available from Amberley Publishing for 13.49. Police investigating the suspicious death of a 13-year-old girl from Arizona have arrested the youngster's stepfather. The body of Jayden Glomb, from the town of Vail in Pima County, was found three weeks ago lying in the desert near to a roadway by a man leaving a job site. The Pima County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as asphyxiation. Jayden's stepfather 37-year-old Joshua Lelevier has now been arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on one count of first degree murder and one count of abandonment or concealment of a dead body. Police investigating the death of 13-year-old Jayden Glomb (left) have arrested the youngster's stepfather Joshua Lelevier (right) The body of Jayden Glomb, from the town of Vail in Pima County, was found three weeks ago lying in the desert near to a roadway (pictured) by a man leaving a job site Jayden, described by friends as 'talented, fun and loyal' had been living with her mother and stepfather at the time of the incident. Her mother and biological father have been notified of the arrest. A police spokesman said: 'Over the last three weeks, the Tucson Police Department has been tirelessly investigating the suspicious death of 13-year-old Jayden Glomb. 'We would like to thank the community for their patience as detectives worked to find new information about Jayden's tragic death. The Pima County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as asphyxiation 'This afternoon, Joshua Lelevier was arrested at the main police station and booked into the Pima County Jail on one count of First Degree Murder and one count of Abandonment or Concealment of a Dead Body.' Jayden was a seventh grader at Old Vail Middle School, which is just two miles from where her body was found near the side of the road. She was also a 'talented' member of amateur dance group Dance Force-1. A spokesman for the group said: 'It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of one our beautiful dancers, Jayden Glomb. 'She was a talented young girl who loved taking class with her friends. Ms. Brooke describes her as fun, hilarious, loyal, as well as a class leader in remembering choreography. Video courtesy of KGUN 9 Jayden, described by friends as 'talented, fun and loyal' had been living with her mother and stepfather at the time of the incident 'The staff and students will miss her and will continue to pray for strength for the family at this difficult time.' The police spokesman added: 'During the investigation, several posts on social media were asking if the female was possibly 13-year-old Jayden Glomb. 'She was last seen at home by family members on the evening of May 10, 2017. 'On May 12, 2017 DNA analysis sadly confirmed that the deceased female was indeed 13-year-old Jayden Glomb.' A building firm has banned its construction workers for having beards for health and safety reasons. Mears Group circulated a letter to its staff outlining which forms of facial hair are considered acceptable. The letter, which was given to its workers this week, says: 'Operatives who work in a potentially dusty environment - all of ours - must come to work clean shaven to be able to wear appropriate dust masks effectively.' Mears Group have circulated a letter to its staff outlining which forms of facial hair are considered acceptable The firm says that beards are only allowed if people are religious or for medical reasons It goes on to say that goatees are 'acceptable as long as they don't hinder the correct fitting of said dust masks'. Exceptions are made for workers who have beards for medical or religious reasons, but they must bring a valid doctor's note or letter from their place of worship. Now the move has been condemned by workers union, Unite. The union's regional official for London, Mark Soave, said: 'The arrogance of Mears is hair-raising. This is a highly delicate issue, which has huge cultural, religious and personal issues and where sensitivity should be the watchword. Instead members have been handed a decree from on high. 'This is clearly a case of Mears going for the cheapest option and amounts to "penny pinching stupidity". Other forms of masks are available and these should be offered to existing workers. 'Unite will always put the safety of our members first and creating huge resentment and anger among your workforce is never the way forward. Mears needs to withdraw this decree and enter into a proper consultation with Unite and the workforce.' A spokesperson for the union confirmed that no action has been taken yet by any Mears staff members. Mark Elkington, Group Health and Safety Director of Mears said: 'We are pretty surprised that Unite, who claim to have the safety of workers at heart, have taken this disappointing stance. According to guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Executive, facial hair makes it 'impossible' for dust masks to seal properly on to people's faces 'Every employer in the UK has a legal responsibility to ensure that employees working in dusty or otherwise potentially hazardous environments are properly protected and in recent years employers have been prosecuted for failing to fulfil this duty. 'The simple fact is that no dust mask can work effectively unless it forms a seal against the skin. That is not possible with a beard or even heavy stubble. If the Health and Safety Executive did a spot site visit and found workers wearing dust masks that were not sealed against the face then we would be liable to prosecution. 'The alternative to a dust mask is a full hood over the head, which brings its own risks. For example, many of our operatives do not like wearing a full hood and it can affect hearing and line of sight. It can also be uncomfortable to wear and can raise concerns with our clients who do not like to see workers in such hoods because of how it looks to customers. 'It is vital to note, however, that if a risk assessment shows that the hood is a better option for a job or a worker insisted on having one, then, if assessed to be suitable, we will supply that hood so Unite's reference to cost saving is absolute nonsense. 'If one of our workers suffers respiratory illness as a result of a poor fitting mask then that is our responsibility and we place the safety of our workers at the top of the priority list. 'Finally it is worthy of note that this affects a very small percentage of our workers who would be in that environment.' According to guidelines issued by the Health and Safety Executive, facial hair makes it 'impossible' for dust masks to seal properly on to people's faces. They add: 'If you are clean-shaven when wearing tight-fitting masks (ie those which rely on a good seal to the face), this will help prevent leakage of contaminated air around the edges of the mask and into your lungs. You will therefore be breathing in clean air, which will help you stay healthy. 'If there are good reasons for having a beard (e.g. for religious reasons), alternative forms of RPE, that do not rely on a tight fit to the face, are available.' A Melbourne builder has avoided jail but had to pay $80,000 to a couple, after he used a chainsaw and sledgehammer to destroy the building site he was working on. Kitchener Crespin, also known as 'Kitch' destroyed the partially-built home in Glen Iris after the couple sought legal advice over his demands for extra money, reported Nine News. The couple had a $250,000 contract with Crespin and had already paid him an extra $100,000 when he reportedly asked them for more money. Scroll down for video A Melbourne builder has avoided jail but had to pay $80,000 to a couple, after he used a chainsaw and sledgehammer to destroy their their building site he was working on (pictured) They refused and told him they were getting some legal advice. Less than two weeks later CCTV footage caught Crespin using yellow spray paint to write 'Site closed until owner pays' on an exterior wall of the partially-built home. He then went on a six-day rampage, filmed dragging a chainsaw in and out of the construction site, before a neighbour called the police. Inside the site, the renovation framework was completely demolished by Crespin, who also sliced through the floor and slashed sections of concrete, leaving a damage bill of about $170,000. Kitchener Crespin, also known as 'Kitch' (pictured) destroyed the partially-built home in Glen Iris after the couple sought legal advice over his demands for extra money Phil Dwyer, president of the Builders Collective of Australia, spoke to A Current Affair on behalf of the couple, and described Crespin as 'a strange character.' 'He was very intimidating and he was after revenge,' Mr Dwyer said. Crespin initially plead not guilty to six counts of criminal damage but he pleaded not guilty and it took four years for the matter to reach court again. He represented himself for the entirety of the seven-week trial before a jury found him guilty of six counts of criminal damage to the home he had been contracted to help renovate, reported the Herald Sun. CCTV captured Crespin spray painting the words 'Site closed until owner pays' on the exterior of the work site, before he used a chainsaw and sledgehammer to destroy the site over a period of six days. A neighbour then contacted police Judge Gavan Meredith ordered him to pay the compensation and do 250 hours of community service. He reportedly only avoided a jail sentence because his wife had just given birth to twins. Another woman Melissa Simpson described Crespin as 'an unscrupulous builder who takes advantage of people' after hiring him to fix her bathroom. Ms Simpson said in the past she had paid Crespin $35,000 for the bathroom renovations but was left with the floor sloping towards the door. The damage he caused (pictured) left the couple with a bill of more than $170,000. He was found guilty of six counts of criminal damage to the home and ordered to pay $80,000 and do 250 hours of community service 'Every time I had a shower the water would go out into the hall and he refused to come back and fix it,' she told A Current Affair. Ms Simpson took Crespin's work to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal but claimed she only received a small payout that did not cover the costs of the work. Crespin's building registration has now been suspended by the Building Praticioner's Registration Board. Terry Dione Lindon, 51, from Fayetteville, North Carolina allegedly slammed his 12-year-old son's face into a pick up truck A decorated colonel from the US Army Reserve allegedly slammed his 12-year-old son's face into a pick up truck and punched him several times in the face, police say. Terry Dione Lindon, 51, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been charged with misdemeanor child abuse after police say he assaulted his the boy in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A restaurant. His son's bruised face and cheeks were etched with red marks after the alleged attack on March 24, witnesses say. Lindon admitted to police that he had lost his temper, but claimed that his son had disciplinary issues, the Fayetteville Observer reported. A spokesman for U.S. Army Special Operations Command says Lindon - who has received multiple decorations - was a civil affairs colonel assigned to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg before signing out of the unit in April. Officials say he is in the process of retiring from the Army and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. He is scheduled to appear in Cumberland County District Court next week. The North Carolina law on child abuse states: 'A parent or any other person providing care to or supervision of a child less than 16 years of age who intentionally inflicts any serious physical injury upon or to the child or who intentionally commits an assault upon the child which results in any serious physical injury to the child is guilty of a Class D felony, except as otherwise provided in subsection (a3) of this section.' If found guilty, Lindon could face up to 15 years in prison. News / National by Staff reporter MDC youths plan to take their berekamwana door-to-door campaign to Chiredzi on Saturday, as they move to urge party members to register to vote in next year's election.This comes as President Robert Mugabe is holding a mega youth rally in Marondera on Friday."The berekamwana campaign is meant to encourage members of the party to take their siblings and children to register to vote in the upcoming elections," MDC youth assembly secretary-general Lovemore Chinoputsa said."We are of the view that we have reached a critical point in the history of this country and as young people, we will not be left behind in this historic election where we will bury Zanu-PF once and for all. We are pressing ahead with our campaign that will help us liberate the country from the dictatorship of Mugabe."We are conscious of the fact that young people will play a crucial role in the fight against Zanu-PF, that's why we are going on a drive to recruit more people to join the fight. Young people have the responsibility to define their future by voting out Zanu-PF in the next elections."Recently, MDC youth leader Happymore Chidziva said it was important for the youths to register and vote as 2018 was likely to be decided by their vote.A fortnight ago, Tsvangirai himself also delivered a warning to youths and first time voters to register and vote in next year's elections.This comes as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has since gone full steam with campaigns to educate members of the public on the much-debated Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise, as national elections fast approach.The campaigns also come amid claims by the MDC that it has gathered "overwhelming information" that Zec has allocated more BVR points in rural areas than urban areas - raising fears of plans to frustrate urban voters. Police officers were stunned when they were called out to deal with a herd of escaped cows outside a service station cash point. Officers from Lancashire Road Police had to try their best to move the eight cows who were trotting around the forecourt at Rivington Services on the M61. The farmyard animals were caught on camera grazing on the lawn areas of the service station near an ATM. Officers from Lancashire Road Police had to try their best to move the eight cows who were trotting around the forecourt at Rivington Services on the M61. Pictured: The cows trot around the forecourt at the service station and munch on its lawn areas Police arrived at the scene and ushered the cows away from traffic at the services A Lancashire Police spokesman said: 'At 8.54pm on May 31 police were informed of a herd of cows on Bagganley Lane in Chorley. 'Police found seven or eight cattle wandering the land. They were not walking towards any areas with traffic. 'It has been dealt with and the log has been closed.' Jeremy Corbyn was today derided as a 'dangerous' politician who has dragged Labour to the 'loony left' in a major newspaper endorsement. The Economist, an influential weekly magazine, condemned the Labour leader for leaving the centre of British politics to collapse. It said Theresa May was in a 'different class' to Mr Corbyn - but warned she had been 'found out' on the campaign trail. The magazine, which opposed Brexit, urged its readers to vote Liberal Democrat in the knowledge the Tories would form the next Government. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Cambridge last night) was derided as a 'dangerous' politician who has dragged Labour to the 'loony left' today in a major newspaper endorsement The Economist, an influential weekly magazine, condemned the Labour leader for leaving the centre of British politics to collapse. The leader column said: 'Jeremy Corbyn has taken Labour to the loony left, proposing the heaviest tax burden since the second world war.' It added: 'Mr Corbyn poses as a radical but is the most conservativeand the most dangerouscandidate of the lot.' The Economist complained Labour's plans for mass re-nationalisation, collective pay bargaining tax plans would damage Britain. And it warned: 'No economic liberal, Mr Corbyn does not much value personal freedom either. 'An avowed human-rights campaigner, he has embraced left-wing tyrants such as Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro (a ''champion of social justice''), who locked up opponents and muzzled the press. 'Mr Corbyn has spent a career claiming to stand for the oppressed while backing oppressors.' The Economist said Mrs May would be a better choice for No 10 but criticised her plan to pull Britain out of the EU single market as part of Brexit. The Economist said Theresa May (pictured today in Guisborough) was in a 'different class' to Mr Corbyn - but warned she had been 'found out' on the campaign trail. The Economist said Mrs May would be a better choice for No 10 but criticised her plan to pull Britain out of the EU single market as part of Brexit It slammed her 'footloose' language criticising the 'citizens of nowhere' and said she was wrong to want dramatically lower immigration. The magazine said: 'Though she is in a different class from Mr Corbyn, there are also doubts about her leadership. 'She wanted the election campaign to establish her as a ''strong and stable'' prime minister. It has done the opposite.' It said it hoped for a realignment in British politics similar to that seen in France where Emmanuel Macron brought together the left and right. The magazine said: 'Many moderate Conservative and Labour MPs could join a new liberal centre partyjust as parts of the left and right have recently in France. 'So consider a vote for the Lib Dems as a down-payment for the future. 'Our hope is that they become one element of a party of the radical centre, essential for a thriving, prosperous Britain.' Cop killer Rick Maddison only served 27 day behind bars despite an appalling history of drugs, violence and crime, court documents have revealed. Maddison, who was killed after shooting dead Senior Constable Brett Forte on Tuesday, was accused of torturing his girlfriend in September 2008. He had been wanted by police in relation to multiple domestic violence and weapons offences when pulled over in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. Despite a chequered past spanning 21 years, the Toowoomba plasterer spent less than one month in prison, according to court documents obtained byYahoo. Maddison had a long history of crime before he shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte on Tuesday Rick Charles Maddison only ever served 27 day behind bars despite a long history of violence and crime The court documents found Maddison's first criminal charges came in 1996, when he was found guilty of producing a dangerous drug, but escaped conviction. For the next nine years he was in and out of court for minor offences including wilful and unlawful damage and being at a house without lawful excuse, yet no convictions were recorded. But his crimes would grow more brutal. He was later charged with torture, deprivation of liberty, assault occasioning bodily harm, causing willful damage, stealing, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and common assault. Police alleged the offences began while Maddison, then 31, was a passenger in a vehicle on the Gatton bypass, near Toowoomba, west of Brisbane. He was accused of having then held a woman against her will and assaulted her. He appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court and was refused bail. Despite submissions that the case against him was not strong, Maddison was refused bail and remanded in custody. Maddison was back before Toowoomba District Court over a one-punch attack which left his victim needing his eye-socket surgically re-attached. Cop killer Rick Maddison has an extensive criminal record in Queensland Paramedics try to save the life of Senior Constable Brett Forte, who was shot dead by Rick Maddison Senior Constable Brett Forte is pictured on his wedding day with Susan Forte, who is also a police officer The court heard Maddison had been involved in an altercation with another patron of a Toowoomba night club on the night of December 8, 2007. Maddison, who believed the patron had inadvertently splashed urine on him in the club's toilets earlier that evening, ran into the man later that night. His traffic record shows Maddison as convicted of speeding and drink driving in 2006 and 2007 where his blood alcohol level was three times the legal driving limit. The Brisbane Supreme Court granted Maddison conditional bail in 2008 to live with his brother in Toowoomba with a $20,000 surety and a condition that he enrol in an anger management course. Flowers have been placed outside Toowoomba police station in tribute to Senior Constable Brett Forte Senior Constable Brett Forte was shot dead by Rick Maddison near Gatton, west of Brisbane In 2009 he was convicted of another 2007 random nightclub attack in the Toowoomba District Court and given six months jail, suspended for three years. The victim of this attack was left needing surgery for a 'tripod' fracture to his right face which required an incision above his ear to reattach the bone. The victim needed stitches in his head and was left with nerve damage to his mouth and burst blood vessels in his eye. While he was on the run, he amassed a cache of weapons, including a Russian assault rifle, a semi-automatic weapon and a large amount of ammunition. Stories also emerged of gun-mad Maddison regularly discharging his firearm at night. Police say they are aware of Rick Maddison's extensive criminal history which includes charges of torture and deprivation of liberty A police roadblock near the scene of where Brett Forte was shot dead by Rick Maddison Cop killer Rick Maddison, described as a career criminal, was wanted for domestic violence and weapons offences Paramedics work to save the life of Senior Constable Brett Forte near Gatton, west of Brisbane A woman who lives nearby shot this video of paramedics trying to save the life of Senior Constable Brett Forte Local Peter Hills, whose daughter, 5, and wife are behind the police line near where the fugitive was holed-up, said Maddison would shoot his weapon 'on average two or three nights a week'. 'It has tamed off a little bit,' Mr Hills told Daily Mail Australia. 'A month to a month a half ago - he went ballistic one night'. Police have visited him for discharging his firearm several times, he said. 'You wouldn't hear a god damn thing (shots fired) in town because of the wind'. '(I don't think) we're going to hear gunshots out there anymore.' A heavily armoured police vehicle involved in the hunt for alleged cop killer Rick Maddison Police and ambulance vehicles are the scene of the shooting of Senior Constable Brett Forte on Monday afternoon Police block a road near the shooting of Senior Constable Brett Forte as they hunt for Rick Maddison Maddison died of a gunshot wound to the chest on Tuesday morning after being holed up in a shipping container at a farm house near Gatton for about 20 hours, Queensland police media confirmed. 'Just after 11am, the wanted man left the shed he was in and ran into bushland,' a police spokeswoman said. He was shot while fleeing and received a gunshot wound to the chest. He received treatment but died at the scene. No police were injured during the arrest. Maddison, 41, shot Senior Constable Brett Forte about 1.40pm during a police chase through the region. He also fired at other officers, police vehicles and a police helicopter. Thousands of commuters and travellers try to find a spot on a train in Bangladesh - with many resorting to standing on the roof and holding onto the front. With no seats and not many trains, people are forced to resort to grabbing hold of the outside and standing on the roof so they can get home. Photographer Yousuf Tushar was able to capture the dangerous overcrowding as people tried to board at Tongi. Between 8,000-10,000 people were trying to find any possible space to cling on. Mr Tushar, 34, of Dhaka City, Bangladesh, said: 'The trains are all going to different districts of Bangladesh. At the end of the day many people use the trains to travel home. 'On this occasion there were around 8,000-10,000 people climbing every train available. There aren't enough trains so people can't just settle for a seat but instead climb up onto the roof or hold onto the side so they can get home.' Advertisement Despite having formed a huge chunk of Western film history, these amazing photographs show how the iconic Spaghetti Western sets have fallen into decay after decades of neglect. The initially derogatory name was handed down to films directed and produced by Italians and filmed in the Spanish countryside to save on budget costs. Over time, the term became less of a term used to devalue the work and more a badge of honour as the movies' popularity and reputation grew through a conveyor belt of talent both in front and behind the camera including the legendary Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood. Among the iconic Spaghetti Westerns - filmed in a handful of sites including Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood, Mini Hollywood, Western Leone and El Condor - are The Good The Bad and The Ugly, Django and Once Upon A Time In The West. In recent times sets have been used for modern productions, including Netflix's Penny Dreadful and the BBC's Dr Who, but portions of the area near the Spanish city of Almeria lies in ruin. Remains of Nueva Frontera. This Western set was originally constructed for the 1973 film Chino, starring Charles Bronson. It sits alongside the A-92 highway to Granada, directly across from Mini-Hollywood and Fort Bravo,Texas Hollywood. By 1984, when director Alex Cox used it as the main location for Straight to Hell, the site was looking suitably distressed. In recent years, the set has been reduced to little more than a pile of rubble Sign along the dirt road leading to Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood - one of a handful of Spaghetti Western film sets. Over time, the term became less of a term used to devalue the work and more a badge of honour as the movies' popularity and reputation grew through a conveyor belt of talent both in front and behind the camera including the legendary Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood. Among the iconic Spaghtetti Westerns are The Good The Bad and The Ugly, Django and Once Upon A Time In The West. In recent times sets have been used for modern productions, including Netflix's Penny Dreadful and the BBC's Dr Who, but portions of the area near the Spanish city of Almeria lies in ruin A cowboy tips his hat to a girl during the daily western show at Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood. Stuntman Rafa Molina bought the site in the 1970s for $6,000 and began charging visitors to tour it. The set appears in a number of more recent productions, including Netflix's Penny Dreadful and the BBC's Dr Who A western fan dressed up during the 2016 Almeria Western Film Festival takes aim at the Justice of the Peace sign in Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood. The set was constructed in the mid 1970s under an agreement with Sergio Leone and an Italian producer. By the time it was completed, however, the film industry in Almeria was on the wane This Western set was originally constructed for the 1973 film Chino, starring Charles Bronson. It sits alongside the A-92 highway to Granada, directly across from Mini-Hollywood and Fort Bravo,Texas Hollywood. By 1984, when director Alex Cox used it as the main location for Straight to Hell, the site was looking suitably distressed. In recent years, the set has been reduced to little more than a pile of rubble. Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood The Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood set was constructed in the mid 1970s under an agreement with Sergio Leone and an Italian producer. By the time it was completed, however, the film industry in Almeria was on the wane. Stuntman Rafa Molina later bought the site for $6,000 and began charging visitors to tour it. The set appears in a number of more recent productions, including Alex de la Iglesias' 800 Bullets and television episodes of Netflix's Penny Dreadful and the BBC's Dr Who. A scene from the daily western show at Mini-HollywoodMini-Hollywood. A woman stands and cowers near the gathered audience as a gun-wielding actor runs along the dusty track leaving another man on the floor clutching his leg. The town now operates as a Western theme park, with daily stunt shows, can-can dancing, and a zoo A cemetery at Mini-Hollywood where the old film set has been turned into a working museum and Western theme park. On the tombstones read the names James Butler Hickock and Jim Bridger. Hickok, better known as 'Wild Bill' Hickok, was a folk hero of the American Old West, known for his work across the frontier as a drover, wagon master, soldier, spy, scout, lawman, gunfighter, gambler, showman, and actor. Bridger was among the foremost mountain men, trappers, scouts and guides who explored and trapped the Western United States during the decades of 1820 to 1850 Old west facades in Mini-HollywoodMini-Hollywood. Following the success of A Fistful of Dollars (1964), Sergio Leone commissioned Carlo Simi to construct an entire Western town for the second title in the trilogy, For a Few Dollars More. Two rival bounty hunters, played by Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef, both in pursuit of the fugitive El Indio, eye each other suspiciously from their hotel windows on opposite sides of the street. A Wanted sign at Mini-HollywoodMini-Hollywood. The building now labeled The Yellow Rose housed Van Cleef's hotel and the town saloon. The town now operates as a Western theme park, with daily stunt shows, can-can dancing, and a zoo Towards the end of the day, a lone actor from the daily Western show crosses the main square of Mini-Hollywood. The old set is still used as a tourist attraction and actors use the facades - including the saloon, railway and mine buildings seen behing the actor - to perform shows during the day Picture by Mark Parascandola/GuzelianPhotographer Mark Parascandola has been documenting the forgotten era of Hollywood in the Spanish city of Almeria. In the 60s and 70s, Almeria was used to film a number of Spaghetti Western's with some of the sets remaining to this very day.Pictured: Western facades at Mini-HollywoodWORDS BY GUZELIAN Torre de los Alumbres, Rodalquilar. This 16th century tower appeared as the exterior of bad guy Indio's hideout in Sergio Leone's For a Few Dollars More. In the 1965 sequel to A Fistful of Dollars, Clint Eastwood returns as the man with no name, in one of the most exciting representatives of the genre and the map that cemented Sergio Leone as the king of spaghetti western Mini Hollywood Following the success of A Fistful of Dollars (1964), Sergio Leone commissioned Carlo Simi to construct an entire Western town for the second title in the trilogy, For a Few Dollars More. Two rival bounty hunters, played by Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef, both in pursuit of the fugitive El Indio, eye each other suspiciously from their hotel windows on opposite sides of the street. The building now labeled The Yellow Rose housed Van Cleef's hotel and the town saloon. The town now operates as a Western theme park, with daily stunt shows, can-can dancing, and a zoo. Sheriff building at Western Leone. In Once Upon a Time in the West, local gunmen fight for control of the Sweetwater Ranch, which is defended by the widow Jill McBain (Claudia Cardinale) with some help from a mysterious harmonica-playing gunman (Charles Bronson). The only building at the ranch site is a two-story log cabin with a distinctively angled roof. The set was later expanded for subsequent films and is now open for tourists under the name Western Leone. Remains of the town of Flagstone from Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West. For the town of Flagstone in Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), production designer Carlo Simi constructed a Western street set at the La Calahorra train station near Guadix. Little remains today but the brick structures of the Phoenix Bank and the hotel, which have been partially absorbed into an adjacent chicken farm Western Leone In Once Upon a Time in the West, local gunmen fight for control of the Sweetwater Ranch, which is defended by the widow Jill McBain (Claudia Cardinale) with some help from a mysterious harmonica-playing gunman (Charles Bronson). The only building at the ranch site is a two-story log cabin with a distinctively angled roof. The set was later expanded for subsequent films and is now open for tourists under the name Western Leone. The old film set of El Condor in the Spanish hills. Despite having formed a huge chunk of film history in Spain, these amazing photographs show how the iconic Spaghetti Western sets have fallen into decay after decades of neglect. The initially derogatory name was handed down to films directed and produced by Italians and filmed in the Spanish countryside to save on budget costs A diner, which advertises as being open seven days a week, sits at the bottom of a hill upon which a building was built for the film El Condor. It now lies in ruin. Photographer Mark Parascondola said: 'The amazing landscapes and quality of light. I also became fascinated by these old film sets and locations as a different kind of 'ghost town'. Unlike real ghost towns, the Western movie sets were never really inhabited.' The remains of a building labelled Pension Coyote which was used as the fort from the film El Condor. Originally an elaborate fortress constructed in 1969 for the film, this site was reused over the years for a variety of films, usually involving lots of dynamite Remains of the fort from the film set named El Condor. Photographer Mark Parascandola has been documenting the forgotten era of Hollywood in the Spanish city of Almeria. In the 60s and 70s, Almeria was used to film a number of Spaghetti Westerns with some of the sets remaining today El Condor Originally an elaborate fortress constructed in 1969 for the film El Condor, this site was reused over the years for a variety of films, usually involving lots of dynamite. Titles include Blindman (1971)-with Ringo Starr as a love-struck Mexican thief-A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die (1972), Get Mean (1975), Conan the Barbarian, and Dollar for the Dead (1998)-a Sergio Leone tribute starring Emilio Estevez. The painted signs that appear-'Pension Coyote'-are leftovers from the making of Italian film Honolulu Baby (2001), set in a nameless South American town populated entirely by beautiful women. The Pension Coyote originally served as the general's house in El Condor, where actress Marianna Hill strategically undressed in front of a second-floor window to distract the fortress guards, while Jim Brown and Lee Van Cleef quietly climbed the fortress walls. The crumbling fort sits on private land, accessible only by hiking from a nearby access road. Casa del Paraiso was used in The Wind and the Lion, where Eden Pedecaris (Candice Bergen) and her children are kidnapped during a raid on their luxurious manor home. The manor house scenes were filmed at the Casa del Paraiso, now long abandoned, on the outskirts of Almeria city. Director John Milius was to return a few years later and use some of the same locations for Conan the Barbarian (1982) The interior of Casa Santa Isabel. John Lennon rented this villa while he spent three months in Almeria in 1966 during the filming of Richard Lester's black comedy How I Won the War. Reportedly, it was here that Lennon began writing the verses to Strawberry Fields Forever. The house was abandoned for many years, but now houses a museum of Almeria's film history Iglesia de las Salinas. The Iglesia de Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata is a Catholic church constructed in 1907 to serve workers from the nearby salt refinery. Just meters away from the Mediterranean Sea, the building has become weather-beaten by wind and sea salt over the years. In Patton (1970), the church appears in the background when British Commander Field Marshal Montgomery, battling the Germans on the east coast of Sicily, learns that General Patton plans to take Messina and vows to beat him to it. More recent films have also passed through here, including Half of Oscar (2010) and Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed (2013) Some of the cave scenes from Conan the Barbarian were filmed inside a large cavern in the quarries of La Molineta on the outskirts of AlmerIa city. The cave also appeared in Fort Apache (1972) and other Westerns, and later housed an underground set for the film Solarbabies (1986). In 2011, the site was slated for redevelopment as the site of a future shopping mall. Demolition crews began to tear away at the rock while a group called iSalvemos La Molinetai held demonstrations to have the site declared a cultural treasure. But the economic crisis brought work to a halt, leaving the quarry in its current half-demolished state In Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Lawrence and his small band of fighters stop at an oasis before crossing the Nefud desert to attack Aqaba. The oasis was constructed in a dry riverbed, the Rambla Viciana, with a man-made pond and palm trees shipped from Morocco. The palm trees remained and the site appeared in other films over the years, including For a Few Dollars More and The Valley of Gwangi (1969) Abandoned western facades along the road to Tabernas. Photographer Mark Parascandola said: 'As a photographer, I was initially drawn to the locations for similar reasons filmmakers have been drawn here over the years,' said Mr Parascandola, whose grandparents lived in Almeria before moving to New York in 1930s Top Spaghetti Westerns This is the definitive top 10 Spaghetti Western films according to the Spaghetti Western Database: 1) The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Sergio Leone (1966): This lengthy western is held by most to be the Spaghetti Western. The three-way show down between Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach is legendary. 2) Once Upon a Time in The West, Sergio Leone (1968): Made to be the spaghetti western to end all spaghetti westerns, Leone turned Henry Fonda into a badboy and cast Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale and Jason Robards. 3) For a Few Dollars More, Sergio Leone (1965): Clint Eastwood returns as the man with no name, in one of the most exciting representatives of the genre and the map that cemented Sergio Leone as the king of spaghetti western. 4) The Great Silence, Sergio Corbucci (1968): Its gloomy, wintery setting, the grim violence add to the atmosphere of this famous western by the other Sergio, starring Klaus Kinski as the villain and Jean-Louis Trintignant as the mute anti-hero. 5) A Fistful of Dollars, Sergio Leone (1964): This is where it all started, the movie that got the ball rolling. Leone's remake of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo put the then unknown TV actor Clint Eastwood on the map and established his style and the use of extraordinary music by Ennio Morricone. 6) Django, Sergio Corbucci (1966): Violence is a trademark of the genre. Corbucci upped the anti with ears bitten off priests and citizens slaughtered with a machine gun, but the skilled pistolero with the army coat and the coffin are what makes this a cult favorite. 7) The Big Gundown, Sergio Sollima (1966): This is one of three spaghetti westerns of the third Sergio, pitting Lee Van Cleef against genre stalwart Tomas Milian in a cat and mouse hunt that ends as epic as could be, with one of the most remarkable opening credit theme songs ever recorded. 8) The Mercenary, Sergio Corbucci (1968): This cult film with Franco Nero in one of his greatest roles has an unforgettable soundtrack by Ennio Morricone and stars the late Jack Palance at his best. 9) Companeros, Sergio Corbucci (1970): This is Corbucci's second revolutionary tale next to The Mercenary, and it is somewhat of a modification of it, again starring Franco Nero but this time with Tomas Milian in the role of the peasant. 10) Death Rides a Horse, Giulio Petroni (1967): Gunslinger mentor and trainee, a very popular theme in the genre, here depicted by Lee Van Cleef and John Phillip Law, with a beautifully haunting score by Ennio Morricone. Advertisement A photographer has spent the last decade documenting the remains of Hollywood movie sets in Spain. Mark Parascandola, from Washington, DC, in the United States, has been revisiting a forgotten era of Hollywood in Almeria to capture the legacy of movie sets used in films throughout the 1960s and 70s. Remarkably, some of these movie sets remain preserved in the deserts almost 50 years on. 'As a photographer, I was initially drawn to the locations for similar reasons filmmakers have been drawn here over the years,' said Mr Parascandola, whose grandparents lived in Almeria before moving to New York in 1930s. 'The amazing landscapes and quality of light. I also became fascinated by these old film sets and locations as a different kind of 'ghost town'. Unlike real ghost towns, the Western movie sets were never really inhabited. 'They are a fiction, constructed solely for the movies. 'They were not meant to be permanent, but somehow they have endured in the desert for half a century.' Films such as Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia and Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns were all filmed in purpose built sets in the area. Almeria was on the verge of becoming the next Hollywood with stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole and Clint Eastwood filming in the city. The Hollywood push was part of a massive public relations campaign from the dictatorship of Francisco Franco to change the world's image of Spain. Over the last few years, Mr Parascandola has regularly been visiting Almeria to meet with people who had friends and family who worked on the sets, whether that be constructing them, starring as an extra or chauffeuring the stars. Mr Parascandola said: 'The Western towns built by Sergio Leone and others were not meant to be accurate representations of the American West. Instead, they were constructed to meet filmmakers' vision of what the American West was like. 'The Spaghetti Western has been described as a myth of a myth, because it is one step further removed from the myth of the original Hollywood Westerns. 'However, this myth of a myth has come to shape our own modern ideas about the historical West. 'Additionally, the films created a fictional image of Spain. Bringing the film industry to Spain during this period was part of dictator Francisco Franco's effort to change the image of Spain to the rest of the world, to promote tourism and show Spain as a country not only with beautiful landscapes, a grand history, and colourful traditions, but also as a modern country that could compete with the rest of Europe. 'However, the version of Spain displayed to tourists and movie audiences was a fiction, free of the very physical and harsh realities of the time.' Mr Parascandola plans to publish a forgotten part of Spain's Hollywood history in a book titled 'Once Upon a Time in Almeria'. He recently launched a campaign on Indiegogo in order to highlight Spain's movie heritage and the beauty of the desert setting. The 49-year-old has also witnessed a number of sets decay, while others have been turned into tourist attractions. Mr Parascandola said: 'Unfortunately these old movie sets are being lost. While a few are maintained for tourism, others have been left to decay. 'As I have been working on this project, the remains of the Nueva Frontera town have entirely collapsed, leaving only a pile of rubble. 'The set had originally been constructed for the film Chino with Charles Bronson and was later used, in its decaying state, by Alex Cox for Straight to Hell. 'My favourite film set is the fort from the movie El Condor with Jim Brown and Lee Van Cleef. 'The original fort set was enormous. 'But the sections that remain, including walls and a watchtower built into the hillside, are still impressive. 'The fort appeared over the years in several films, including Blindman (1971) with Ringo Starr, A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die (1972), and Conan the Barbarian. 'Tourism has helped to save some of the western town sets. 'But I have to admit I have mixed feelings about this. 'While it is great to see the town that appeared in For a Few Dollars More still standing, the fresh coat of paint, piped in music, and general theme park atmosphere seems to be missing something of the original.' Once Upon a Time in Almeria is due to be published by Daylight Books in the fall 2017. President Donald Trump is seeking to shift attention away from his aides' alleged Russia ties, repeating his oft-stated claim that the bigger scandal is the 'unmasking' of their names in intelligence reports. 'The big story is the "unmasking and surveillance" of people that took place during the Obama Administration,' Trump tweeted Thursday morning. House Intelligence Committee Republicans issued subpoenas on Wednesday to the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency. Three subpoenas demanded that the intelligence agencies hand over any unmasking requests made by two top Obama aides, former National Security Adviser Susan Rice and former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, as well as former CIA Director John Brennan, to 'unmask' the names of Trump campaign advisers. Donald Trump tweeted on Thursday that 'the big story' in the government's Russia probe is the 'unmasking' of American citizens not any alleged collusion with Moscow Trump is furious that Susan Rice and others may have requested the unmasking of names that were later leaked to the press Among seven subpoenas issued are those seeking information about former Obama National Security Advisor Susan Rice Another four subpoenas were issued by the committee's ranking Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff, in relation with the FBI's Russia probe itself. Targets included retired Army General Michael Flynn, who was sacked as national security adviser by Trump in February, and the president's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, the sources said. Cohen this week blasted a Senate Intelligence panel's request for information as 'poorly phrased' and overly broad. The subpoenas to the Obama-era aides signals that the committee is stepping up its investigation into allegations they improperly demanded the 'unmasking' of Trump associates who were inadvertently picked up in top-secret foreign communications intercepts - whose identity was protected with code names - before the documents were leaked to the media. 'Subpoenas related to the "unmasking" issue would have been sent by Chairman Nunes acting separately from the committee's Russia investigation. This action would have been taken without the minority's [Democrats'] agreement,' a senior committee aide said. 'Any prior requests for information would have been undertaken without the minority's knowledge.' But another congressional source, who also requested anonymity, argued Democrats were 'informed and consulted' before the subpoenas were issued. Intelligence agencies, surveilling the communications of foreign individuals, will often inadvertently monitor the communications of a US citizen to whom they are speaking with. In these cases, the American's name is normally redacted in intelligence reports. Four subpoenas were issued in relation with the Russia probe, which target retired Army General Michael Flynn, who was sacked as national security adviser by Trump in February However, the identities can be 'unmasked,' or revealed to certain government officials at their request. Republicans on the panel have sought information about who requested 'unmasking' of officials in secret government documents. The Rice subpoena seeks information about Trump officials who were unmasked after their names appeared in intelligence documents. The Brennan and Power subpoenas also relate to unmasking. Rice has denied doing anything 'untoward' with the intelligence she saw as Obama's security advisor. 'I did my job, which was to protect the American people, and I did it faithfully and to the best of my ability, and never did I do anything that was untoward with respect to the intelligence I received,' she told CNN. Michael Cohen, an attorney for Donald Trump, is another target of the subpoenas issued today The CIA declined to comment on the subpoenas and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and NSA did not immediate respond to requests for comment. The spy agency subpoenas were not mentioned in a bipartisan announcement on Wednesday that the panel approved subpoenas for Flynn, and Cohen, in connection with the Russia probe. The committee also approved subpoenas to the two men's firms, Flynn Intel Llc, and Michael D. Cohen and Associates PC, the committee statement said. 'As part of our ongoing investigation into Russian active measures during the 2016 campaign, today we approved subpoenas for several individuals for testimony, personal documents and business records,' Republican Representative Mike Conaway and Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, who are leading the committee probe, said in a joint statement. Theresa May has insisted it is 'time to deliver Brexit' today as she warned voters that electing Jeremy Corbyn would derail the 'great national mission' of quitting the EU. She launched a deeply personal attack on Mr Corbyn and accused him of not 'believing in Britain' and warned he was 'simply not up to the job' of being PM. The Prime Minister painted an upbeat vision of the opportunities of Brexit in an audacious election raid deep in Labour territory of Middlesbrough. Mrs May warned the electorate they have just seven days to ensure the 'promise of Brexit' is not squandered by Labour. The PM said Brexit talks are due to start just 11 days after the election as she scrambled to try and halt a dramatic slide in the polls. The Tory leader was mocked last night at a TV debate at which all of her rivals turned up but which she boycotted, insisting she had better things to do than swap soundbites. Theresa May used a major speech in Middlesbrough (pictured) to insist Brexit was an opportunity to revolutionise Britain for the better Mrs May launched a deeply personal attack on Mr Corbyn and accused him of not 'believing in Britain' and warned he was 'simply not up to the job' of being PM The PM said Brexit talks are due to start just 11 days after the e lection as she scrambled to try and halt a dramatic slide in the polls Mrs May warned the electorate they have just seven days to ensure the 'promise of Brexit' is not squandered by Labour In a speech in the North East today, she said: 'The brighter future we want for our country will not just happen. 'This great national moment needs a great national effort in which we pull together with a unity of purpose and however we voted in the referendum last June we come together with a determination to make a success of the years ahead.' Mrs May's appeal comes shortly after she warned that the Labour leader was not prepared for Brexit negotiations and would go 'alone and naked' into the talks. Almost 12 months after the EU referendum, Mrs May said the election gives voters an opportunity to 'affirm' their decision to quit the EU by voting for her to continue as prime minister. 'If they do, I am confident that we can fulfil the promise of Brexit together and build a Britain that is stronger, fairer and even more prosperous than it is today,' she said. 'Because the promise of Brexit is great the opportunities before us enormous.' Mrs May said Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today in Basildon) was 'not ready' to defend Britain's interests in Brexit talks that are due to start just 11 days after the election The Labour leader is surging in the polls with just a week until the general election The Prime Minister launched one of her most personal attacks yet on the Labour leader, who appears to have made a dramatic advance in the polls. She said: 'You can only deliver for Britain if you have the strength, the plan and the determination to see it through. 'And what we know in this election is that the only other person that can be Prime Minister in seven days time is simply not up to the job. 'He doesnt believe in Britain. He doesnt have a plan. He doesnt have what it takes.' Mrs May said last night's TV debate - which she boycotted - proved Mr Corbyn would be focused on managing a coalition rather than the Brexit talks. She warned: 'Yet it is on the success of those critical Brexit negotiations that everything else we want as a country will depend.' Mrs May's campaign moved on to Pontefract this afternoon as she took questions from workers at the Ultima Furniture Systems factory The Prime Minister will hope sticking to her central message on Brexit will help turn around her sliding poll ratings in the final push Mrs May campaigned for Remain during last year's referendum. But today she will stress she is now convinced that leaving the EU can lead to a revival in Britain's fortunes. 'Set free from the shackles of EU control, we will be a great, global trading nation once again bringing new jobs and new opportunities for ordinary working families here at home,' she will say. Mrs May, whose campaign has been buffeted by controversy about Tory plans for a shake-up of social care, is determined to focus on Brexit in the final days of the campaign. Today, she urged people to 'have faith in me', adding: 'This is the time to choose.' In a bid to shore up backing from Brexit supporters across the political divide, she will underline pledges to deliver in the referendum in full by ending free movement, pulling Britain out of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice and ending the payment of 'huge sums' to Brussels. Mr Corbyn has struggled to devise a coherent strategy on Brexit and has undermined his position by insisting Labour would never walk away from the EU without a deal. The Labour leader will attempt to clarify his position again with a speech in Essex today. The Prime Minister launched one of her most personal attacks yet on the Labour leader, who appears to have made a dramatic advance in the polls Polls narrow AGAIN as Theresa May comes under fire for skipping 'coalition of chaos' BBC election debate - but Corbyn is lashed for refusal to cut immigration Theresa May is under fire today for skipping the BBC's 'coalition of chaos' election debate amid signs the election is getting nail-bitingly close. With just a week to go until the nation votes, Mrs May is facing mockery for refusing to take part in the seven-way debate. Political opponents leapt on the decision to claim that the premier was 'complacent' and taking the public for granted. But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson insisted Mrs May was right to sit it out and send Home Secretary Amber Rudd in her place - dismissing the event as a 'great yammering cacophony that 'elucidated nothing'. Tory nerves over the increasingly tight race have been further frayed by a poll showing the party is just 3 points ahead of Labour - not enough for an overall majority. Jeremy Corbyn tried to turn the screw on Mrs May last night by making an eleventh hour decision to turn up for the BBC debate. However, he did not emerge unscathed - with Ms Rudd lashing the veteran left-winger over his refusal to promise lower immigration if he upsets the odds to win next week. She also slammed Mr Corbyn's 'chilling' boast he had opposed anti-terror laws for 30 years. Amber Rudd warned Britain it had 'seen the coalition of chaos in action' at a furious seven-way debate on live TV as she faced off with Jeremy Corbyn The Home Secretary lashed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over his refusal to promise lower immigration if he upsets the odds to win next week But the Tory minister faced ridicule as she stood in for Theresa May, who swerved the debate by insisting she had better things to do than 'swap soundbites' on TV. Some 3.5million watched the BBC primetime programme, less than half the figure who tuned into Britain's Got Talent on ITV at the same time. The SNP's Nicola Sturgeon also did not feature, but Mr Corbyn made a last minute decision to turn up and used the unruly bout to try and press the case for his 'transformation' of Britain. Reaction to the debate was dominated by questions over the BBC audience which despite being selected by pollster ComRes to ensure balanced appeared to heavily favour the left-wing panellists. Ms Rudd and Ukip leader Paul Nuttall were jeered by the audience in Cambridge while Mr Corbyn, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, Plaid's Leanne Wood and SNP Angus Robertson won frequent applause. Actress and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra caused outrage on social media after posting selfies at Berlin's Holocaust memorial that she later deleted. The memorial in Berlin, titled Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, features 2,711 stone slabs that represent the gravestones of the six million Jews murdered and buried in mass graves during Adolf Hitler's reign. People visiting the site, which opened in 2005, are asked not to climb on the stones, make loud noises or smoke in the area. So when Quanitco star Chopra posted two selfies from the memorial site, social media users questioned her actions. The actress was in Germany promoting Baywatch when the incident occurred, during a trip where she was also slammed by conservative traditionalists for exposing her legs when she met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Actress and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra was in Berlin, Germany, promoting promoting her new film, Baywatch, when she and her brother snapped selfies at the Holocaust memorial The actress was in Germany promoting Baywatch when the incident occurred, during a trip where she was also slammed by conservative traditionalists for exposing her legs when she met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (pictured above) The 34-year-old posted two selfies in her Snapchat story while at the memorial earlier this week, one in which she posed with her brother, Siddarth. The solo selfie, where the stone slabs can be seen in the background, was captioned: 'Holocaust Memorial #Berlin.' The second in the same location but this time with her brother, Chopra wrote: '@siddarthchopra89 and I being tourists. There is such an eerie silence here.' Many social media users took to Twitter to criticize the selfies, which Chopra later deleted from her Snapchat story. 'What is wrong with her,' one person asked, while another asked if it was an 'attention seeking stunt'. 'I used to think of you as a sensible person till I saw your posted selfies at holocaust memorial,' one Twitter user wrote. 'Is it respectable for @priyankachopra to be taking selfies at the #Holocaust Memorial?' another said. The Bollywood star angered conservative traditionalists when she wore a short dress to meet Modi earlier this week. She posted a picture of the two of them on Facebook with the caption: 'Was such a lovely coincidence to be in Berlin the same time as the Prime Minister. Thank you Narendra Modi, sir, for taking the time from your packed schedule to meet me this morning.' Clearly stirred by the reaction the picture received, hours later the actress posted a picture of her with her mother both in short dresses with the caption: 'Legs for days, it must be in the genes.' Khopithan Khopi said: 'I don't think she knows how to respect elders. He is a prime minister of her country too and she forgot Indian culture.' Clearly stirred by the reaction the picture received, hours later the actress (left) posted a picture (right) of her with her mother both in short dresses with the caption: 'Legs for days, it must be in the genes.' Avani Borkar wrote: 'Maybe you're a big international star, but please do have or show some respect in front of our Prime Minister. Look at the way you're sitting in front of him.' Jyothish C wrote: 'What a respect a celebrity gives to their Prime Minister. Feeling so pity towards the entire modern women who are actually pretending to be modern. 'No problem with wearing modern dress and follow a Western culture, however we've our own heritage and culture. Never deny it on any ground.' Many of the comments on the picture criticised the way in which the actress was sitting and Gulzar Hussain addressed Chopra directly, saying: 'He is not your boyfriend, he is our Prime Minister and our most powerful man, so please never sit cross-legged in front of such a great person.' But hundreds leapt to her defence, including Shivanshu Shukla who said: 'Those who are criticising Priyanka for her dress. Let me tell you we are a democracy and not an Islamic nation. Priyanka Chopra poses for photographers during a photocall to promote the European premiere of Baywatch yesterday in Berlin Left to right, Priyanka Chopra, John Bass, Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and David Hasselhoff attend the European premiere of Baywatch in Berlin 'Every girl has the right to wear whatever she likes. Please mind your own business rather then focusing on Priyanka's dress.' This week isn't the first time Chopra has been outraged others with her chosces. She came under fire last year for a shirt she wore on the Indian edition of Conde Nast Traveler's sixth anniversary cover. The shirt crossed out the words 'refugee', 'immigrant' and 'outsider' and left the word 'traveler' untouched. Many criticized the shirt, as being a 'refugee' is not a choice. She later apologized, saying 'I'm really, really apologetic about the fact that so many sentiments were hurt'. A British vlogger accused of causing his pregnant girlfriend's death by dangerous driving in Thailand is using YouTube to beg for money to cover his legal bills. Danny Glass, 29, who is originally from Kent but moved to Thailand with 41-year-old girlfriend Sophie Emma Rose, is asking for 7,000 to hire 'a team of top lawyers'. Ms Rose, a mother-of-one who was heavily pregnant at the time of her death, was riding on a scooter with Glass on the island of Phuket on May 8 when she was thrown off and hit by a truck, causing fatal head injuries. Danny Glass, 29, has uploaded a YouTube video in which he begs for money to help with legal costs after he was accused of causing girlfriend Sophie Rose's death by dangerous driving Glass has so far raised 2,000 of his 7,000 total of a 'team of lawyers' to help defend him against the charge, which he says he 'does not agree with at all' Glass suffered only minor injuries and was charged the following day, alongside truck driver Nattawoot Kimchue, 30. The couple are well-known YouTube personalities, uploading regular videos based around their wholesome lifestyles. Speaking in his latest video, uploaded on Saturday, Glass says: 'The police are trying to give me a charge of reckless driving which I do not agree with at all. 'I was driving the speed limit, I was driving in a straight line, I wasn't doing anything illegal on the bike, so it's a wrong accusation that I have refused. 'Now I need to get the best lawyer possible - a team of lawyers and legal aid -because they are going to take me to court in the near future.' He then adds: 'I don't know exactly when, they haven't given me a date, but I will post a video about that in the future, so subscribe to my channel if you want to find out about that.' In the video description he includes a link to a YouCaring page that shows he has raised 2,000 of his 7,000 target. Glass claims he was driving behind a car when it stopped suddenly, causing him to slam on his brakes and lose control of his scooter. He says he was thrown off into the road along with Ms Rose, who was then hit by the truck, killing her instantly despite the fact that she was wearing a helmet. Glass was driving a scooter with Ms Rose, 41, on the back when he hit a car, sending her tumbling into the road where she was hit and killed by a truck Ms Rose, who was six months pregnant at the time of her death, was famous for creating YouTube videos in which she breastfed her five-year-old son Glass and Ms Rose are both originally from the UK but moved to Thailand where they were living in Chiang Mai. The scooter crash happened on the island of Phuket Glass described the crash as a 'freak accident' and says he does not believe anyone was at fault for it. He adds: 'I really want to just move on with my life and go through this grieving process, I don't need to deal with this stress and complication on top of it.' Glass posted another recent video in which he discusses his grief at losing Ms Rose, saying he misses 'physical connection and closeness' with her. That video also included a link to a different fundraising site in the description. Ms Rose was well-known for her YouTube videos that showed her breastfeeding her five-year-old son Shaye and encouraged women to consider adopting the practice themselves. Miss Rose even spoke to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning about her cause, saying she wanted to 'normalise breastfeeding older kids' and 'expose it until it becomes part of normal reality'. Her YouTube channel 'Sophie's Joy Breastfeeding Mama' amassed more than 25 million views. Shaye is now living with his biological father, John Coleman, in Bangkok. Mr Coleman told Mail Online that the boy is settling in well, but has been tearful over the tragedy and wants to talk to him about what happened. The Portland train stabbing survivor spoke out on Wednesday to accuse the city of having a 'white saviour complex' after strangers raised more money for him than they did for the two teenage girls he was protecting from a racist knifeman when he was attacked. Micah Fletcher was attacked along with white Good Samartians Rick Best, 53, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23, on the MAX train last Friday. The three men stepped in when white supremacist Jeremy Joseph Christian began hurling racial abuse at black teenager Destinee Magnum and her Muslim friend who was wearing a hijab. Best and Namkai-Meche died in the attack and Fletcher was severely injured, prompting an outpouring of GoFundMe donations and messages of support from strangers around the world. Scroll down for video Micah Fletcher (left) urged supporters to direct their attention to 17-year-old Destinee Magnum (right), one of the girls on the train. She was sitting next to her Muslim friend who was wearing a hijab when the knifeman began shouting abuse at them. The other girl has not come forward Fletcher, 21, released a Facebook video on Wednesday to thank everyone who had supported him but urged them to turn their attention to the two teenage girls. He lamented the fact that more had been given to him and the white adult males who died saving them, saying it was 'immensely morally wrong'. 'We in Portland have this weird tendency to continue patterns that we've done forever and one of them is this same old, just to to put it bluntly, white saviour complex. 'I think it's immensely, immensely morally wrong and irresponsible how much money we have gotten as opposed to how much support, money, love, kindness that has been given to that little girl. 'We need to remember that this is about them...they are the real victims here,' he added, sharing a link to an online fundraising page set up in their names. Fundraising pages for Fletcher, Best and Namkai-Meche have reached almost $800,000 combined. Rick Best, 53, (left), and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23 (right), stepped in with Fletcher to protect them. They died of their injuries Fletcher, a 21-year-old poet, was slashed on the side of his jaw and chest but survived White supremacist Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, has been arraigned on charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon and a hate crime. He is pictured above at his arraignment on Wednesday where he remorselessly described his murderous rampage as 'patriotism' Fletcher attended the arraignment, staring solemnly in Christian's direction with his scar on show A page set up for the girls, which he shared on social media, has not yet hit $100,000. In his video, Fletcher said that he was 'fine' and though he urged well-wishers to support the grieving families of the other men killed, 'no amount of money will ever bring back the loss of loved ones.' He said the girls, who are just 17, needed support. 'Yes, two men died. Yes I was injured. Yes, yes of course we need to support all three of us. 'When it comes down to it, when a kid's hurt like that we as a society, as a world, have moral obligation to do something about it and to help.' Fundraisers for Fletcher and the families of the men who were killed have raised almost $800,000 The fundraiser for the girls which Fletcher shared has not yet it $100,000 There has been an outpouring of support for everyone involved both in the Oregon city, where memorials are well maintained, and online Destinee spoke out last week to thank the men for saving her life. She described through tears how she and her friend were sitting on the train when Christian approached them and started screaming abuse. ''They didn't even know me. They lost their life because of me and my friend and the way we looked and I just to say thank you to them and their family and I appreciate them because without them we probably would be dead right now,' she told Fox's Oregon affiliate KPTV. Her mother shared her gratitude for the men on social media. 'Thank you thank you thank you. You will always be our hero ....I'm soooooo sorry this happened,' she said, sharing a photograph of 23-year-old Namkai-Meche. Christian was charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon and a hate crime. He appeared in court on Wednesday, unrepentant about the men's deaths. 'You call it terrorism, I call it patriotism. You hear me? Die. Death to the enemies of America. Leave this country if you hate our freedom,' he said. To donate to the funds set up for the teenage girls, click here . The fund set up for Fletcher can be found here and the page for the families of Best and Namkai-Meche are accessible here. News / National by Staff reporter Government has struck a $100 million deal with banks to rehabilitate the country's damaged roads, Transport minister Jorum Gumbo has said.This comes as rampaging floods, which injured 128 people and displaced at least 1 985, washed away several bridges and roads in major highways in southern parts of Zimbabwe."$14,5 million has been disbursed so far by the Finance ministry," Gumbo told the Daily News on Monday."The second disbursement is expected in the next few weeks once all formalities for mobilising the money from the market are finalised," he said.The funds - mobilised with the assistance of Zinara and the Treasury - are set to be channelled to urban and rural district councils, and other road departments.Gumbo said in the meantime, government has been conducting emergency works on the country's roads.He said Manicaland Province's Stapleford and Honde Valley roads' washed away sections have been fixed and are now open to traffic.On-going projects include Chikwizi Bridge repairs along Mutare-Masvingo road, which is now 65 percent complete.Repair works at Murare Bridge along Mutare-Masvingo road is now at 80 percent complete. This is the shocking moment when a man was taken down by a security guard as he tried to rob a hotel in China. The 23-year-old, who claimed to have been inspired by a crime show, used a toy gun during the robbery attempt last week, according to local reports. The man reportedly took out the fake weapon to threaten a receptionist after he was told that the hotel was fully booked. The suspect came to a hotel in central China and tried to book a room at the front desk He then took out a fake gun from his bag and tried to rob the hotel, said a member of staff Surveillance footage, uploaded by Chinese news site The Paper, captures the moment when the man asked for a vacant room at the hotel in Changsha, Hunan Province, on May 28. The man, surnamed Li, was seen wearing a white cap, a pair of white gloves and sunglasses. An eyewitness, who worked for the hotel, told a reporter from Anhui TV that the man took out a gun and wanted to rob the hotel. 'He said the hotel must be earning a lot and asked the man at the front desk to take out all the money while pointing a gun at him,' the female employee said. Security guard, Fan Guoan, attempted to take the man down as he noticed it was a fake gun Fan, a retired soldier, took away the fake weapon and tackled him down within seconds The 23-year-old had planned eight escape routes beforehand but was caught onsite Mr Li then pointed the gun at Fan Guoan, a hotel security guard who rushed over to tackle the assailant. Within seconds, Mr Fan, 59, took away Mr Li's fake gun and brought him under control. Two other staff came to help catch the man. Mr Fan, a retired soldier, said he noticed Mr Li was carrying a fake gun, according to the interview. Changsha policemen arrived at the scene after receiving a phone call. Officers brought the suspect to the police station for investigation. Mr Li claimed to be a fan of western crime shows. He explained that he was in need of money and decided to copy a scene from a drama he liked. Li had brought three hats, two pairs of gloves and a few sets of clothing to change. He also designed eight different routes to escape, according to reports. However he was caught onsite and policemen had arrested Mr Li. The case is under further investigation. Schapelle Corby has garnered more than 186,000 followers on her mysterious Instagram account since returning home and she has only been back five days. The convicted drug smuggler broke her silence on social media just before her return to Australia and has used Instagram to give people an insight into her life. Gathering thousands of followers who await her sporadic and often mysterious posts, her two latest photos seem to push her book 'Corby', which she wrote in 2006. Schapelle Corby was seen in the background photobombing Kathryn Bonella who was the co-author to her book Schapelle Corby posted her self-titled book cover on Instagram pushing her story Her most recent post on Thursday was a photo of co-author of the book, Kathryn Bonella, in a scarf wrapped around her head with Schapelle photobombing in the background. 'With Kathryn Bonella co author of my book my story under the head gear i wore on my release from kerobokan prison.' [sic] Hours before that post, Corby snapped a photo of the front cover of her self-titled book. 'I wrote this book Schapelle Corby my story with Kathryn Bonella in 2006. With my heart & soul,' she posted along with a photo of the front cover. Showing some self deprecating humour the 39-year-old posted a cartoon sketch on Wednesday from Warren's View in The Daily Telegraph. The cartoon was titled: 'Queensland's 2017 State of Origin line up was a real eye-opener...' Schapelle Corby seem to enjoy this cartoon sketch in Warren's View It showed Chapelle Corby's family wearing Maroon jerseys with the word 'Kerobokan' prison on the 39-year-old's jumper. Schapelle appeared to have a laugh at the image claiming it was hilarious. One follower responded with: 'Well at least you've got big boobs ha'. With Schapelle replying: '&lashes'. Corby posted one of her more bizarre tweets two days ago showing a photo of Zebra socks to her thousands of followers with the caption: 'Damn its Cold. #haventbeenthiscoldin13years' She posted this photo of her socks claiming she hadn't been this cold in years Corby used her reach on social media and posted a photo of Hayley Dodd, 17, who has been missing since 1999 With thousands of followers joining daily, two of Corby's tweets were used to benefit missing persons. She posted a photo of 17-year-old Hayley Dodd, who went missing in 1999, and a photo the day before of William Tyrell, who went missing in 2014 at the age of three. Finally, a hotly debated oil canvas with the caption 'Freedom' showing a woman -appearing to be Schapelle - riding off on a creature in a dream like-state. Many social media users were in a frenzy wondering if Schapelle had painted it herself. One follower asked: 'Do you draw this yourself. Please post more if its yours...' [sic] Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is betting that Donald Trump will beat his Democratic opponent the next time he appears on the ballot, despite his historically low approval rating as president. More than three years out from Trump's next election, Bloomberg told the New York Times he believes infighting will cripple the opposing party in 2020. 'Theyll step on each other and re-elect Donald Trump,' the Independent politician told New York Times columnist Frank Bruni. 'There's 'a 55 percent chance he gets re-elected.' Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is betting that Donald Trump will beat his Democratic opponent the next time he appears on the ballot, despite his historically low approval rating as president Bloomberg said Democrats lost their first battle with Trump because they did not have a cohesive, or particularly effective message. They're likely to lose to him again for the same reasons, he said. The ex-Republican cast a spotlight on the identity problem that has plagued the Democratic Party since Hillary Clinton's shock defeat in last November's presidential election. Party leaders are racing around the country in listening mode, vowing to build a more inclusive national operation that Democrats from across the spectrum believe represents them. A Unity Reform Commission that's tasked with making recommendations for reform to the Democratic National Committee by next January has also been meeting. The commission is comprised of 21 members of Clinton, DNC Chair Tom Perez and Sen. Bernie Sanders' choosing and has a goal of making the nomination process more accessible and transparent, as well as inclusive. Battle scars from the previous election, which saw Clinton and Sanders face off in the primary, are still fading, though. Clinton told attendees of a tech policy conference Wednesday that she was inhibited by the DNC's 'mediocre to poor' database that was practically 'nonexistent' in 2016 and 'wrong.' 'I mean it was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency,' she said at Code 2017. 'I had to inject money into it.' More than three years out from Trump's next election, Bloomberg said he believes infighting will cripple the opposing party in 2020. Trump is seen above at the White House on Wednesday In the pointed assault, Clinton accused the national party of withering away during the final years of Barack Obama's presidency. To win in 2020, she contended, Democrats must get serious about building up their institutions now. 'We have a great story to tell. You know, I found when I started the campaign that I had to say in practically everyone of my speeches, Barack Obama save the economy, and he doesnt get the credit he deserves. 'I had to say that because people had been told differently. They didnt feel it yet. You know, income didnt really start inching up until 2015, late 2015,' she said. That may be so, but Clinton was not a good messenger, either, Bloomberg told the Times. 'Hillary said, "Vote for me because Im a woman and the other guys bad," ' the three time mayor of America's most populous city said. Bloomberg had endorsed Clinton in 2016 and spoke at the Democratic National Convention. He gave Trump a 55 percent chance of winning re-election in his conversation with Bruni last week that appeared in the Times on Thursday. Democrats are still soul searching, the philanthropist contended, and competing visions of the party's principles threaten to derail them again in 2020. Simere Alford, 18, was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday night in Olney, Philadelphia A teenager high on synthetic marijuana is accused of trying to suffocate his seven-year-old sister after tying a plastic bag around her head. Simere Alford, 18, was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday night in Olney, Philadelphia, as his sister remains in a critical condition on life support. Authorities were called to his family home about 1am on Wednesday where his mother told police that Alford had demanded the keys to her car and took off. She told authorities Alford was high and had been smoking synthetic marijuana known as K2. The woman had gone back inside the home to look for her vehicle registration papers when she found her seven-year-old daughter unconscious in the basement. Scroll down for video Simere Alford, 18, was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday in Olney, Philadelphia after trying to suffocate his sister, 7, in their home (above) while high on synthetic marijuana Police say Alford had attempted to strangle or suffocate his little sister. Alford crashed his mother's car several blocks away and surrendered when he climbed into the backseat of a squad car outside police headquarters. Police said the teenager told them he 'did something stupid' when they located him in the vehicle. Authorities were able to revive the little girl at the scene before rushing her to St Christopher's Hospital. She remains on life support. A 27-year-old mother and her boyfriend, 29, have been found guilty of first-degree murder in the torture and death of the woman's three-year-old daughter. Kayleigh Slusher's frozen body was found in a suitcase on a bed in the Napa, California apartment she shared with her mother, Sara Lynn Krueger, and her mother's boyfriend, Ryan Scott Warner, on February 1, 2014. The couple were arrested the next day at a transit station 30 miles south of the Northern California wine country town. A mother and her boyfriend have been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of three-year-old Kayleigh Slusher (pictured) Prosecutors say Kayleigh's mom, 27-year-old Sarah Krueger (left), and her boyfriend, 29-year-old Ryan Warner (right), beat the girl to death and then stuffed her body in a freezer for two days The couple was tried at the same time this past month, but their fate determined by two different juries. The jury trying Krueger turned in its guilty verdict on Thursday, but that was sealed until Warner's jury came to the same decision Tuesday morning. Both juries found Krueger and Warner guilty of first-degree murder with a special allegation of torture and assault on a child causing death. The couple face the possibility of life in prison without parole on the murder charge and 25 years to life in prison on the assault charge when they are sentenced on July 27. Prosecutors say the couple had been high on methamphetamine for days when they beat Kayleigh to death on January 30, 2014, and then stuffed her body in a freezer. The couple pulled the girl's body out of the freezer a few days later and stuffed it in a suitcase before fleeing Napa. Police found Kayleighs' thawing body on a bed in the couple's Napa home on February 1. Mother and daughter pictured above Krueger and her boyfriend were arrested at a BART station 30 miles south of Napa the next day. Kayleigh pictured left and right Above, the apartment building where the Kayleigh's body was found on February 1, 2014. She would be seven today Police found the girl's body on Saturday, February 1, 2014, thawing in the suitcase on a bed in the couple's apartment, after receiving a call to conduct a welfare check at the house. An autopsy showed that the girl had died of blunt force trauma. Krueger and her boyfriend were arrested the next day at a BART station in El Cerrito when witnesses spotted the fugitives. The trial for the couple started on May 1. During the trial, each of their defense attorneys blamed the other partner for little Kayleigh's death. An autopsy showed that the girl had died of blunt force trauma. Scott Warner pictured above Warner's attorney said there was no evidence that he took part in the abuse, while Krueger's attorney claimed that it was Warner who inflicted the final blow to Kayleigh's abdomen while her mother was asleep. Krueger's attorney conceded that she had been using methamphetamine in the days before her daughter's death, but that her maternal love for her daughter meant she would have never hurt her. Deputy District Attorneys Lance Hafenstein said that by not getting her daughter help, Krueger was responsible for her murder. 'Kayleigh died because of what was done to her and what was not done for her,' he told the jury. It took Krueger's jury a day to deliberate before coming to the guilty verdict on Thursday. As the verdict was read, she was held by her attorney. Once she turned to look at the galley with tears in her eyes. The family members who were there for the closing arguments were not present. The couple face the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole when they are sentenced next month Warner's jury went into deliberations late Thursday and broke midday Friday before resuming Tuesday morning and reaching their verdict. As his verdict was read aloud, Warner turned to the jury pool and mouthed 'Wow'. 'Were pleased with the verdicts. Its what we asked for,' Napa County District Attorney Paul Gero said. 'These verdicts are a message to our community that our children are to be treated with love, patience, and respect,' Hafenstein said in a press release. 'What was done to Kayleigh Slusher by these two defendants was simply inhuman. She was taken from us much too soon.' A woman has spoken of the guilt she feels after her ex-husband stabbed her new partner to death in front of her. Karen Thompson from Cessnock, two hours north of Sydney in New South Wales, spent 30 years with Gregory John Thompson, 52, before she left him after experiencing verbal and emotional abuse, reported Nine News. Ms Thompson left Mr Thompson in 2013 and when she later met her new partner, Michael Moad, she didn't tell her ex-husband for fear of his reaction. Scroll down for video New South Wales woman Karen Thompson (pictured) has spoken of her guilt over her partner Michael Moad's death, after he was killed by her ex-partner Gregory John Thompson Mr Thompson was found guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Moad (pictured) and sentenced to more than 17 years jail after stabbing Mr Moad 10 times in his Cessnock home on March 1, 2015 'I didn't ever foresee what would happen. I just didn't want a hair on Michael's head hurt, touched by him,' Ms Thompson said. After Mr Thompson made repeated threats to Ms Thompson, she took out an apprehended violence order (AVO) against him. Mr Thompson was released from police custody the morning after the AVO was issued and breached it that afternoon when he followed the couple around Cessnock in his car. Mr Thompson was taken into custody for the second time and Ms Thompson said her and Mr Moad wrote statements, requesting police leave Mr Moad's name off the statement for fear Mr Thompson would find out about him. Karen Thompson (left) spent 30 years with Gregory John Thompson (right) before she left him, after experiencing years of verbal and emotional abuse However, Mr Thompson was reportedly provided this information by police and looked Mr Moad up in the phone book, locating his address. In the early hours of the morning on Match 1, 2015 Mr Thompson entered Mr Moad's house in Cessnock armed with two knives, tape and a bottle of bourbon. Ms Thompson took out an apprehended violence order (AVO) against Mr Thompson (pictured) after she left him, when he harassed her and showed up at her house Mr Thompson stabbed Mr Moad 10 times and Ms Thomson ran for help, but Mr Moad later died from stab wounds on his laundry floor. 'Because he protected me, he gave his life to protect me,' Ms Thompson told A Current Affair through tears. 'It's just so senseless.' Police later found Mr Thompson in his car covered in blood suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning after trying to take his own life. On the first day of his trial Mr Thompson pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Moad but not murder, raising a partial defence of substantial impairment by way of 'abnormality of the mind' due to an underlying condition, which he said affected his capacity to either understand events, judge right from wrong or control himself at the time of the killing. On 16 May, 2017 after a nine-day trial and four hours of deliberations a Newcastle Supreme Court jury found Thompson guilty of murder, reported the Newcastle Herald. He was sentenced to more than 23 years jail with a non parole period of at least 17 years and seven months. Jailed: Paedophile Jeremy Forrest, 34, triggered an international manhunt when he went on the run with the 15-year-old pupil A teacher jailed for abducting his 15-year-old pupil to France may be put back in prison for messaging her on Facebook against the terms of his licence. Paedophile Jeremy Forrest, 34, triggered an international manhunt when he went on the run with the 15-year-old pupil from Eastbourne, East Sussex, in 2012. The teacher was released from prison two years ago after serving less than three years of a five-and-a-half-year sentence for child sex and abduction. Now, the girl - referred to as Gemma for legal reasons - has told Cosmopolitan magazine's July issue that he responded to her after she contacted him on Facebook last year. She said Forrest sounded happy and told her he had a new girlfriend. The messaging would be in breach of his license as he was ordered not to have any contact with her. The revelation could prompt an investigation by probation officials to see if he must return to jail. Forrest, who is originally from Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, had sex with the girl after she turned 15 and they exchanged romantic messages on social networks. The maths teacher was released from prison two years ago after serving less than three years of a five-and-a-half-year sentence for child sex and abduction When police were alerted, the pair fled to France by ferry, travelling under false names. Forrest was spotted in Bordeaux and arrested eight days later. The pair last saw each other in June 2013 at Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex, where the girl was forced to give evidence about their relationship. They declared their love for each other across the courtroom as Forrest was jailed for child abduction as well as five charges of sexual activity with a child. At the time, relatives said that Forrest would return to girl when he was released from jail, but it later emerged he planned to move on with his life without her. This selfie taken by Forrest of his naked upper body was found on the teenage girl's phone Last August it emerged Forrest had a new girlfriend called Cassie McGeough and had tried to re-invent himself by having his arms tattooed and dressing in black. The keen amateur musician was seen as 'cool' by his former pupils, often talked to them of his love of music and had released a number of videos online. The girl's mother has written a book entitled, The Runaway Schoolgirl. In it she told of her fears that her daughter was dead when she vanished from the family home. She said she blamed herself after failing to spot clues about the teenager's illicit relationship with Forrest and added that she 'felt like the worst mum in the world'. Forrest is seen in a prison van as he arrives at Eastbourne Magistrates' Court in October 2012 My dangerous infatuation: Schoolgirl, 15, who ran away with her maths teacher reveals excruciatingly honest account of how she WANTED him to seduce her and why she still believes they were in love The police officer laughed as he threw a newspaper onto the hotel bed, where I sat cross-legged. I couldnt understand the French headlines, but the photo on the front page was the same one as on Mums mantelpiece back home: my school picture. Do people actually know about this? I stammered. Just wait until you get back to England, he smirked. Eight days before, Id been laughing in the front seat of my boyfriends car with the windows down and a warm breeze in my hair. I was deeply in love with my maths teacher, Jeremy Forrest. At 30 years old, he was twice my age. But it didnt feel like that. It was like we mentally met in the middle. Over time, hed become the only person I could trust. I didnt think Id end up here trapped in a hotel suite with strangers laughing at me. But I wasnt thinking rationally. All I knew was that I wanted to be with Jeremy and fleeing the country had become our only option. Forrest is escorted onto a plane to Britain in October 2012 after being extradited from France We first got close on a school trip to Los Angeles in February 2012 when I was 14 and in Year 10. I would hang back from the group to chat to him, as we appeared to have so much in common we liked the same bands and would compare our favourite lyrics. I thought he was so cool; he had a tattoo on his arm and performed at local gigs. On the flight home, I sat between him and a female teacher and clung on to their hands to help with my fear of flying but I didnt want to let go of Jeremys when we landed. After that, he was locked into my brain. I followed him on Twitter and waited. He followed me back soon after and, a few weeks later, my phone pinged with a direct message. Have I upset you? he asked. Id been acting up in his class and ignored him when he told me to stop talking. Excitement spiralled in me as I replied: Dont worry, its not you. How are you? From then on, we messaged regularly. The two friends I told thought it was hilarious especially as I was so insistent there was nothing romantic going on. In class, I always called him Sir, but he looked at me differently and I knew later that evening my phone would light up with messages from him. He became my lifes focal point Mums time was taken up with family life, and I was also secretly battling an eating disorder. Jeremy listened to me and served as a distraction from all that. Just weeks before school broke up, four months after our LA trip, he messaged me asking if I wanted to go for a drive. The thought of a summer without each other was agonising. Nothing happened that afternoon we simply meandered around a quiet area of the small seaside town where I lived. I didnt stay out late, so my mum had no reason to suspect. But even then I knew something would happen eventually. Soon enough, it did just a few days after my 15th birthday in June. As we walked along the seafront, we finally kissed. After that, we met more regularly Id tell my mum I was at my friend Louises* we even kissed in empty classrooms at school. Then summer term came to an end. I started to spend almost every day of the holidays at Jeremys house one he shared with his wife of a year, who often worked away. Id sit on his sofa watching TV or quiz him about his past. Forrest is pictured in this artist's impression of court proceedings in Bordeaux in 2012 When you start falling for someone, you get obsessed and want to know every detail. I was fascinated by his world, and would ask about his marriage, how he proposed, his girlfriends at university. Everybody at school seemed so narrow-minded, but suddenly I had a man in front of me with his own opinions, someone who I could have a real, intelligent discussion with. He had so much life experience and I loved hearing about it. He would show me messages from his wife where they were arguing, and he insisted that they were separated, despite still living together (their flat had two bedrooms). I chose to believe him. It was in his spare room that we had sex for the first time, a little over a month after that first kiss. He didnt know I was a virgin. Later, when Id told him the truth, it would sometimes put him off having sex. Hed sit at the end of his bed, his face in his palms, feeling guilty for what we were doing. Other times, Id wind him up and say, Do you realise youre seeing a pupil here? and hed shake his head and say it wasnt right. This CV with a false name was used by Forrest while on the run to try to get work in Bordeaux Whenever I spent the night at his place, or in a hotel, Id tell my mum I was with Louise. We tried to separate school and real life as much as we could. When I wasnt with him, Jeremy was all I thought about, and I lived in constant fear that wed be discovered. Id erase my phone inbox every few days and hid a packed weekend bag at the bottom of my wardrobe in case my mum ever caught us and I had to run away. As the summer whittled away in a blur of car rides, kisses and out-of-town cinema trips (where we could hold hands without fear of being spotted), we began to discuss our fantasy future. Wed daydream about where wed like to start a new life together, suggesting France or America, as they were both countries Jeremy had lived in previously. We never thought wed actually need to flee England, though. I hoped that, once I turned 18, we could reveal the truth about our relationship, and the law would be on our side. The reality was very different. As soon as I stepped through the school gates to begin Year 11, the atmosphere had changed. Rumours had begun to circulate after a girl Id been on a summer work placement with saw me getting into Jeremys car. She told her boyfriend, who told another teacher. But I was so in love I didnt want to stop the whispers. When people asked me, Id just reply: Were close, but so what? Keen amateur musician Forrest was a guitarist and seen as 'cool' by his former pupils Teachers suspected something, too. A week into term, one even dragged Jeremy out of the canteen when he saw me enter; the general feeling seemed to be that I was putting a decent mans career at risk. Every day, kids in my year would shout slut as I walked down the halls. It hurt. Was that what I was? And was I ruining his life? I began to have panic attacks. Id shut myself in the school toilets, unable to breath, and try to count slowly to ten to stay calm. We continued to speak and see one another as much as we could, but it felt like the walls were closing in. But the worst thing was, there was no one to turn to. After the school trip to LA, I tried broaching the subject with my mum by explaining there were rumours at school that I was too friendly with Jeremy, as people had spotted us looking close on the plane. Her response was very clear and sharp: That had better not be true. I felt her judgment heavy on my shoulders, and knew if I told the truth, Id be banned from seeing the man whod become the centre of my world. On September 19, four months after our affair began, the web of lies surrounding it started to unravel at a million miles an hour. Id just finished a science lesson and was heading to the English block when my phone rang. It was my brother. The police are here, saying youve been texting a teacher. You better get home, he told me. Forrest often talked to pupils of his love of music and had released a number of videos online I stood paralysed with fear, my feet rooted to the floor, as my thumb cancelled incoming calls from my mum. I called Jeremy. My words were a garbled mess: Theyll probably be at your house in a minute and youll be arrested. When Jeremy asked what I wanted to do, I replied: Run away. I wanted us to be free. I barely paid attention to my steps on the walk back. By the time I got home, Id deleted every trace of Jeremy from my phone, meaning I could calmly hand it over to the police who were waiting in my kitchen. Id denied that anything was going on, and seeing me act so cool meant Mum let me stay at Louises the next night. Before I left, I looked Mum in the eyes and said I love you, before sneaking my passport out of the kitchen drawer. The next day, at 4.30pm, Jeremy collected me from Louises suburban street in his black Ford Fiesta, and we drove to the ferry port. Hed planned everything, right down to packing his wifes passport for me to use just in case. It was this moment us on the road to Dover, captured on CCTV that, just days later, would be circulated on news channels all over Europe. On the ferry to Calais, Jeremy threw his iPhone into the sea and we watched it sink, with a defiant splash. We saw Britain turn into a small dot behind us as we sat holding hands on orange plastic seats. Forrest and the 15-year-old girl were found on Rue Sainte-Catherine in Bordeaux five years ago In Bordeaux, Jeremy booked us into a rundown hotel and paid in cash. For eight mornings, we headed to a little cafe down the road and sat out on the slabbed pavements, enjoying pastries and milkshakes made with real strawberries. We spoke hopefully, persuading ourselves that people would recognise that Jeremy was a good guy and I was sensible enough to make my own decisions. We were oblivious to the media frenzy back home, to the headlines screeching, Paedophile teacher abducts innocent school girl. Of course we knew it was illegal for us to be together, but we genuinely believed that if we stuck it out for a tricky few years, eventually we could return home and people would accept our relationship. In the tiny sink of our ensuite bathroom, I tried to dye my reddy-brown hair blonde, but it turned brassy. Jeremy coloured his mousy hair black and took to wearing a flat cap outside. Despite our best efforts, just over a week after our arrival in France, on September 28, as we walked hand-in-hand towards a pub where Jeremy had been invited for a trial shift, a man in regular clothes jumped out and grabbed him. The girl and Forrest declared their love for each other across the courtroom as he was jailed I began screaming begging passers-by for help, thinking he was being mugged. Then my arms were pushed behind me. I couldnt breathe and the only word I understood was police. Jeremy was handcuffed and pushed onto a bench. He kept mouthing, Its fine as I was bundled into the back of a van and that was the last I saw of him, until he stood in front of me in court. The first question they asked when I arrived at the French police station was, Did you have sex? and then, Did you willingly go to France? I replied yes to both. I wanted the lies to be over. Then, I had to phone Mum. I thought shed be angry, but instead she cried. Then, along with five strangers a mixture of embassy workers and police officers I was escorted to a hotel for the night. They ordered Pizza Hut, and I picked at a slice while asking questions about Jeremy. They ignored me and talked among themselves in a language I couldnt understand. Before I went to sleep, an officer checked the windows wouldnt open wide enough for me to escape, and I had to leave the bathroom door ajar to show I wasnt going to kill myself. But they had it all wrong: I didnt want to run away or commit suicide. After months of looking over my shoulder, I was relieved everybody knew. The next morning, as I sat waiting to be collected, the thud of a newspaper made me realise just how much of a media frenzy our story had become. All I wanted to comfort me through this mess was Jeremy. The coffee shop in Bordeaux which Forrest and the girl frequented during their time in the city I wrapped myself in his cardigan on the plane journey home it smelled of his Hugo Boss aftershave. The police saw it as a black-and-white case of a man taking advantage of some silly girl. But, to me, Jeremy was my boyfriend and hed been torn away from me. Once back in England, groomer and paedophile were the words I kept hearing. It was impossible for me to return to school and I was sent to a special institution, alongside kids with behavioural problems, to complete my GCSEs. Nine months later, my exams fell in the same week as Jeremys trial. He was a criminal in the eyes of the media, and ultimately the jury thought the same. Right up until the very last moment I thought things might be OK, and that people would understand how wed fallen in love, but when he was found guilty of child abduction and sex with a minor, I broke down in the dock beside his family. He was sentenced to five-and-a-half years, but served three and was released last August. After he was imprisoned, I became depressed. It was impossible for us to make contact letters I sent were intercepted and splashed across the news and I moved out of Mums as our relationship had become so fractured. When I was 16, I began talking to a man on Twitter who was 21 he claimed to have no idea about my story and, after months of chatting to him (and being unable to communicate with Jeremy), we started dating. The room at the Hotel Huguerie in Bordeaux where Forrest and the girl stayed while in the city I soon realised he had been a rebound for me and, after a year of on-and-off romance, I discovered he had been trying to sell stories about me. I sunk back into my black space for a while and questioned whether I was the victim people had made me out to be. Im still asking myself that now. All I know is, at the time, it didnt feel that way; it was me who followed Jeremy on Twitter and I welcomed the advances he made in response. Since Jeremys release from prison, weve only spoken once, a year ago, after I messaged a Facebook account with his name that came up as a suggested friend. He sounded the same and, importantly, happy he even had a new girlfriend. Things have got better for me, too. I met another boy, Sam*, my own age, who I fell head over heels for. I told him my story and he wasnt fazed by it. Were no longer together, but Sam showed me that my past doesnt have to define my future when he said: Youre not the same person you were at 15. Im now back on good terms with my mum, too. Do I regret my relationship with Jeremy? I cant say I do, but I now recognise it for what it was: a dangerous infatuation. One that cost both of us dearly. The full article appears in the July issue of Cosmopolitan on sale now. *Names have been changed. If youve been affected by the issues in this story, contact Childline (which supports anyone up to age 19) on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk A Chicago police officer has been found dead in the same home where her cop husband died of a mysterious suicide two years ago. Dina Markham, 47, is believed to have killed herself after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub in the family home after ingesting pills on Sunday. The medical examiner's office has not officially ruled on a cause of death, but police are investigating it as an apparent suicide. Her death comes after the FBI, at the request of Chicago Police, started recently re-examining the apparent suicide of her 51-year-old husband Donald Markham, the Chicago Sun Times reports. Dina Markham, 47, was found dead in her Chicago home on Sunday in an apparent suicide. It comes two years after her police officer husband Donald Markham died in a mysterious suicide Some officers had raised concerns about the way evidence was collected at the scene when Donald was found with a gunshot wound to his head in the couple's home in September 2015. It's not exactly clear what prompted the new probe. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the investigations have been ongoing for several months. A February 21 subpoena was sought about Donald's death from the medical examiner's office. A Sun Times reporter had contacted Dina for comment about the new probe in the days before her death. On May 22, she said she was 'unaware of the new investigation, would like to speak but needed a day to process it'. Then two days later when approached again, she told the publication she needed to 'protect herself and her children'. A day later she emailed the publication saying: 'In respect for the way you approached me, a friend of a friend will be in contact with you. I am unsure who that will be at this time, but he assured me he will follow through. 'My family and I have been through very difficult times, and it has been awful especially for my children. Should you proceed in writing a news story, I would appreciate a 'heads-up' to prepare them.' Her death comes after the FBI started recently re-examining the apparent suicide of her 51-year-old husband Donald Markham who was found with a gunshot wound to his head in the couple's family home Police reports from the time of Donald's death showed the narcotics officer had killed himself after drunkenly arguing with his wife at a bar and later at their home. Dina is believed to have killed herself after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub in the family home after ingesting pills on Sunday Dina had told police she was initially locked out of the house and found her husband dead in their bed when one of their children let her into the home. Police reports indicate Dina then called 911. The detective investigating Donald's death that night wrote in his report that the gun belonged to the dead cop but it was not his service weapon. He also wrote that the death was a suicide and no foul play was suspected. The medical examiner's office were unable to conduct their own investigation or examine the scene because they weren't notified of Donald's death until hours later. The officer's body had already been removed from the home and was being transported to the morgue when the medical examiner's office were told, which is against standard practice. 'There was no history of suicidal ideations or suicide attempts and no suicide note was found on scene,' the medical examiner's report said. Dina and Donald, both Chicago cops, were married in 1995 and had five children together Donald and Dina were married in 1995 and had five children together. Dina is pictured above with some of her children Donald's death was ruled a suicide after a medical examiner conducted an autopsy. Investigators now want to know if Donald was killed, if police somehow mishandled the investigation or if officers were involved in a cover-up. As well as removing Donald's body from the scene before it was examined by the medical examiner, there are concerns that no one tested his wife for gunshot residue to rule out whether she fired the gun. The couple were married in 1995 and had five children together. Denis P. Walsh, the lieutenant in charge of supervising the investigation into Donald's death, was accused three months later of mishandling a murder case he was looking after. Steps were taken to fire him after Walsh admitted to keeping missing files at his home, but he resigned himself in February 2016. For readers seeking help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the website. A man has been charged with decapitating a giant crocodile, reportedly in an effort to keep its large skull as a trophy. The 60-year-old man allegedly cut the head off the massive 4.5-metre long saltwater crocodile long before its body was found by a member of the public in late April. More than a month on from the horrific discovery, police were made a breakthrough and arrested the man from Innisfail, in north Queensland, on Wednesday, the Cairns Post reports. A 60-year-old man from Innisfail, in north Queensland, has been charged with decapitating a giant crocodile, reportedly in an effort to keep its large skull (pictured) as a trophy The headless body of the crocodile (pictured) was discovered at the Eubenangee Swamp, near Innisfail, in late April. The man could be fined a maximum $27,425 if convicted of the charges The decapitation of the crocodile at Eubenangee Swamp, north of Innisfail, was initially thought to be a revenge attack by an angry local. Crocodiles have been responsible for a number of attacks on people and family pets in Far North Queensland over recent months. But police reportedly claimed on Thursday that the man instead allegedly attacked the croc in an effort to claim its large skull as a trophy hunt. Police said their breakthrough came after they received a tip-off from the public through Crimestoppers. The attack comes almost four years after a similarly gruesome decapitation of a croc just south of Cairns, in May 2013 (pictured) The man was charged with a number of animal cruelty, firearms and drug possession offences. He could be fined a maximum of $27,425 if convicted of the charges. The attack comes almost four years after a similarly gruesome decapitation of another croc just south of Cairns, in May 2013. The granddaughter of late TV evangelist Jan Crouch has accused her of covering up the fact she was raped by a network employee when she was a teenager. Carra Crouch, now 24, says she was drugged and raped by a Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) employee in Atlanta in 2006, when she was a teenager. She said she was in the city with her famous grandmother and grandfather Paul as they took part in one of their Praise-a-thons when the attack happened. She claims that she told Jan about it afterwards but was silenced. Carra, who along with her two siblings fought with their grandparents for years before their deaths, is now suing the company which owns TBN for personal injury. She filed the lawsuit in 2012. On Wednesday, her lawyer raised the accusation that Jan knew about the assault and covered it up at a Californian court. Jan Crouch (above in an undated photo taken during one of her TV preaching sessions) allegedly covered up the fact her granddaughter was raped in 2006. Jan died in 2016 'Jan Crouch, like her or not, her words mattered to Carra. Carra went in fragile and came out fragile,' attorney David Keesling said, according to Mercury News which attended the trial. In her complaint, Carra said she was in a hotel room with the unnamed network employee when he gave her alcohol. She claims he also gave her water which she fears was mixed with a drug to make her pass out. When she woke up, she said she suspected she'd been raped and told her grandmother. She said Jan 'berated' her and did nothing to hold the man accountable. Carra's attorneys also claim that as an ordained minister, Jan had a duty to report the allegation to authorities. Lawyers for Trinity Christian Center, the company she is suing, did not deny that the star was told of the assault but said she had no duty to report it because Carra went to her 'as a grandmother' and not as a minister. Jan and her husband Paul made millions through their pioneering religious shows on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Their granddaughter says she was attacked by someone who worked for the company but that neither did anything because they didn't want the bad press Carra's sister Brittany (above with her grandparents and husband on her wedding day) accused their grandparents of skirting IRS laws before their deaths 'Jan Crouch is not here to defend herself. She loved her granddaughter; she would never intentionally hurt her granddaughter,' attorney Michael King said. Jan (above in 2010) used the wealth she amassed through donations to fund a lavish lifestyle which included a $100,000 motor home for her dogs Jan Crouch died on June 4, 2016, at the age of 78 after spatting with her grandchildren for years. Carra's sister Brittany Koper said her grandparents misused donations given to them by hopeful viewers to buy mansion in three states, private jets and mobile homes for their dogs. Jan and Paul Crouch's taste for extravagance was well-documented. According to Koper, they claimed meal expenses of up to $500,000 a year. She justified the spending by claiming she was doing God's work. Paul Crouch died in 2013. The couple pioneered the lucrative TV preaching business, amassing almost $1billion in assets for the company through decades of broadcasts. Jan billed herself as the nation's TV mother. She called herself Momma Jan and promised viewers success, wealth and happiness if they followed the word of God as told by her. Among their promises was to spread the work of Jesus through India and save the Indian people from damnation. All they needed from American viewers was $8million for the mission, they said. Carra, Brittany and Brandon are the children of Paul and Jan's eldest son, Paul Jr. The TV couple used the millions they raised through the network to buy adjoining mansions in Florida (above) Opinion / Columnist With the 2018 elections on the horizon, Zanu-PF seems to have captured key institutions like Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC), ZBC, police and army among others that can aid it to win the elections.But how can this state capture be addressed before the poll as Zanu-PF is also in the habit of using state resources in the campaigns?Human rights lawyer Dewa Mavhinga said Zimbabweans have been on this path one too many times that the state capture before elections is not new at all, hence the whole issue around "no reforms, no elections"."We have been on this path one too many times that the state capture before elections is not news. These are issues where civics and opposition parties need to zero in and mount pressure for reforms. It's sad that while Zanu-PF is oiling the rigging machinery through capturing state institutions, opposition are doing kleptrape and toying around MoUs and enmeshing themselves in confusion."They simply need to coalesce and demand reforms now before any election is held. They need to create necessary political crisis that makes Zanu-PF carve in and yield to reforms."But as long as they are so confused, there will be no prize for guessing which party will form next government by crook and hook," said Mavhinga.Political activist Tabani Moyo said: "When we have a vibrant opposition, these are the things that should top the agenda in mobilising all the stakeholders towards the reforms and ensuring institutions are strong and independent."This only happens when the opposition has a strong nerve centre and technically equipped to ensure that the institutions work towards the peoples of Zimbabwe needs especially in delivering a democratic verdict."Moyo added though that the opposition has a dual role of fighting for the liberation of the institutions and mobilizing the peoples of Zimbabwe towards believing into the electoral system once again.Media practitioner Tawanda Majoni said the tendency in most post-colonial African states has been for sitting governments to abuse their incumbency to capture and manipulate key election-related public agencies for political self-preservation."These governments have deliberately resisted meaningful reformation as it would weaken their chances of remaining in power, particularly where the political opposition is strong and the sitting regime is faced with severe socio-economic and political problems."The solution, therefore, is for the opposition, civil society and other non-State actors to fight for broad-ranging reforms that would promote professionalism, transparency and accountability of these institutions," said Manjoni.He added that unfortunately, there is little time to fight for and ensure these reforms before the 2018 elections. "This is because the opposition and non-State agencies do not seem to have sustainable strategies to fight for and win adequate reformation of public institutions."MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said the main reason why they are demanding electoral reforms is to ensure that the elections next year are conducted in a free and fair environment that will guarantee a credible and legitimate result."It is very true that the Zanu-PF regime has captured all the essential organs of the state such as ZEC, ZACC, the police, army and the CIO."For many decades now, the ZBC has been reduced to being a Zanu-PF propaganda mouthpiece. This is the reason why the majority of Zimbabweans are tuned in to satellite television and alternative media such as social media."This regime is beyond redemption; it cannot and will not be reformed or rehabilitated. The only thing that has to be done is to affect a complete and thorough regime collapse and regime annihilation, Nothing short of this will be sufficient to create and construct a new developmental, progressive and democratic nation state in Zimbabwe," said Gutu.He added that it is clear that the Zanu-PF regime is already preparing to rig next year's elections in a very big way. "What we have to do now is to devise and come up with a sustainable and viable plan B in the event that all indicators keep pointing to the holding of a massively rigged election in 2018."We should take some very hard and tough decisions that include, but are not limited to, a total boycott of a sham and illegitimate electoral process."Mining activist Farai Maguwu said: "The 2018 election is a lost cause unless the opposition changes strategy. There is need for massive civic disobedience demanding genuine reforms."It's foolishness for the opposition to participate in this sham election and cry foul afterwards. They simply need to take a stand and say no election before genuine reforms."Zanu-PF has captured all state institutions and in such a scenario an election is the opposition versus the state and always the state wins."Media practitioner Nigel Nyamutumbu said the only feasible intervention against the state capture by Zanu-PF which "has long declared that it will not reform itself out of power is for citizens to mobilize and actively campaign for the implementation of the Constitution that guarantees the independence of these key electoral institutions."We have to revive a culture of active citizenry to demand our rights and to leave no space for the ruling party to manipulate the Constitution and ultimately control all electoral processes. More than anything, active citizenry will change Zimbabwe's situation."Political commentator Vivid Gwede said partisan capture of state institutions has contributed immensely to Zimbabwe's unfair elections."The playing field is not level, but objectively tilted in favour of the ruling party. As we go to the 2018 elections, recommendations made by previous observer missions must be revisited."Some of them have suggested that abuse of state institutions is violating our own Constitution as well as SADC and AU principles governing democratic elections, for example, the partisan nature of the state-owned media and security institutions."In addition to concentrating on the BVR process, this is what Zinera must clarify in terms of reforms. The recommendations made by observer missions after each election are not merely academic, but must be taken into account in successive elections." A woman has been arrested by a police war crimes team on suspicion of torturing people during an African war nearly 30 years ago. The 51-year-old was held in custody over allegations relating to atrocities during the Liberian civil war between 1989 and 1993. Metropolitan Police officers arrested the woman at an address in east London just after 7am this morning. Police officers in London have arrested a woman over historical torture claims during a civil war in Liberia between 1989 and 1993 Police said searches were being carried out at two addresses in east and central London. A spokesman added: 'We continue to liaise with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Crown Prosecution Service regarding this investigation.' The Liberian civil war raged from 1989 when government minister Charles Taylor started an uprising in a bid to topple the government. Backed by a rebel group, the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), he gained control of large areas of the country and rose to become one of Africa's most prominent warlords. Conflict raged in the West African country during the 90s between rebels and the government The NPFL has been accused of a wide range of human rights abuses and the large numbers of deaths during the conflict eventually led to the involvement of the UN and the Economic Community of West African States. A final peace agreement led to the election of Taylor as President of Liberia in 1997. A second civil war broke out in 1999 and Taylor was forced into exile in 2003. He was later jailed for committing war crimes in neighbouring Sierra Leone. Russian President Vladimir Putin has heaped praise on US President Donald Trump - but warned of a new wave of 'Russo-phobic hysteria' preventing good relations between the two countries. He branded Trump a 'straightforward person, a frank person', and said he was encouraged by some of the president's statements. Links between the Trump administration and the Kremlin are currently the subject of an FBI investigation, and Putin has warned that this is making cooperation on issues including terrorism impossible. Putin said the current tensions have made dialogue between the two world leaders 'inconvenient', but said one day it would stop. Scroll down for video The Russian president warned of a new wave of 'Russo-phobic hysteria' preventing good relations between the two countries Putin said he had been encouraged by statements Trump made on the campaign trail about improving US-Russian relations Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of the world's leading news agencies today, Putin said Russia had been encouraged by Trump's campaign statements. During the race for the White House last year, Trump lamented ties between Russia and the US being at a historical low and promised to improve them. In spite of the FBI investigation, the Russian leader said Moscow still hopes to forge a constructive dialogue with the Trump administration. He praised Trump as 'a straightforward person, a frank person.' Putin added that while some see Trump's lack of political experience as a disadvantage, he sees it as beneficial because 'he has a fresh set of eyes'. The Russian president said he wanted to forge a 'constructive dialogue' with the Trump administration, 'underpinned by national interests' Putin said 'there are certain dimensions we can pursue more actively in fighting terror' - but 'Russo-phobic hysteria' in the US has made such cooperation all but impossible. Asked if he could offer any advice to Trump, Putin said it would be 'counterproductive' to give advice to a political counterpart. He added that 'a person like President Trump doesn't need any advice, especially if it comes to political issues'. He concluded by saying that 'my wish is to forge a constructive dialogue underpinned by national interests,' and 'I believe it's possible with the current US president.' Vladimir Putin praised Trump as a 'straightforward person, a frank person', and said he has a 'fresh pair of eyes' The Russian president said the current atmosphere 'makes it somewhat inconvenient to work with one another or even to talk, but some day this will have to stop'. The Kremlin's aspirations for better ties with Washington have withered amid Congressional and FBI investigations into Trump campaign ties with Russia. Putin said the 'Russo-phobic hysteria' in the US is aimed 'against the current president of the US to prevent him from working normally', but predicted 'this will end, sooner or later'. He added that 'we are patient, we know how to wait and we will wait'. The head of a child welfare agency has resigned after it was revealed that gift cards were offered to workers closing the most cases and high profile deaths. George Sheldon stepped down as director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services on Wednesday in the midst of an ethics probe and controversy over a recent child death. The Joliet office reportedly offered $100 gift cards to two workers who closed the most cases in a month while the third place winner received a $50 gift card. Sheldon had said it was 'inappropriate' to offer 'financial incentives' in the contest - which began in January, the The Chicago Tribune reported. It comes after several high-profile child deaths - including one-year-old Semaj Crosby, who was found dead under a filthy couch in a Joliet Township home. She was discovered on April 26 in the now condemned house - around 30 hours after she vanished following a visit from Family Services. George Sheldon stepped down as director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services after it was revealed that gift cards were offered to workers closing the most cases and high profile deaths Sheldon's resignation comes a week after the department released a report reviewing its actions leading up to Semaj's death. He has stepped down to accept a position at a nonprofit in his home state of Florida. DCFS General Counsel Lise Spacapan will serve as interim director during a search for a full-time replacement, according to Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration. During his two years at DCFS, Sheldon was adroit at obtaining federal funds and creating opportunities for wards who grew up in state custody. However, there is an ongoing ethics probe into contracts that benefited some of his Florida associates. DCFS Inspector General Denise Kane announced in May that her office and the Office of the Illinois Executive Inspector General had opened a joint investigation into some of the agency's actions under Sheldon, who was appointed by Rauner in February 2015. It comes after several high-profile child deaths - including one-year-old Semaj Crosby, who was found dead under a filthy couch in a Joliet Township home Shocking pictures have been released of the house of horrors where the missing 16-month-old girl was found dead Sheldon previously ran Florida's Department of Children and Families and was an acting assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' agency for Children and Families. The Chicago Tribune reported the existence of the gift card contest last week. Sheldon said at the time: 'Offering financial incentives like that I think is an inappropriate step. 'I think the intentions were good, but the way they handled it wasn't.' State Representative Mary Flowers, a Chicago Democrat who has chaired a recent legislative hearing on DCFS investigations, called the contest 'unethical.' She called for the agency's inspector general to conduct an immediate investigation into the contest, including the children and families who were affected by cases that may have been closed prematurely. Investigators found Crosby's body in the house that she reportedly lived in, after gaining permission to search it from the attorney who Gordon had hired that day The body of 16-month-old Semaj Crosby was found by investigators 30 hours after her mother, Sheri Gordon, reported her missing from their Joliet Township, Illinois yard 'Children's lives could have been put at risk because of this bad behavior,' Flowers said. 'This is not a game.' It comes as the department was struck with the controversy of Semaj's death - and the appalling conditions of her house. Police, who are conducting a 'suspicious death' investigation, described the suburban Chicago home as 'unfit for human occupancy'. Photos revealed the dangerous, and dirty living conditions the little girl was living in before her death. Cans of bug killer were left out in easy reach on the kitchen counter-tops, trash bags were strewn all over the floor, and the bare beds and propped up mattresses appear to show that the girl was sleeping on the floor. 'The entire structure appeared unsanitary because of the heavily soiled carpets, walls, garbage and [it] contains a serious degree of filth,' an inspector noted in her report. 'The kitchen area of the home had several piles; on the stove was stacked food in foil pans and there [were] pizza boxes stacked on the table. The cabinet's doors in the kitchen [were] broken and/or missing.' Sheri Gordon said her daughter was in the yard playing with cousins when she wandered away, just three hours after they were visited by the Department of Child and Family Services Cans of bug killer were left out in easy reach on the kitchen counter-tops in the newly released photos Trash bags were left strewn all over the floor in the house which was deemed 'deplorable' She went on to describe the back door and electrical panel blocked by 'strollers, black garbage bags, toys, clothing and containers.' Semaj's mother Sheri Gordon declined to comment on the state of her family home. But her attorney said that she was, 'extremely distraught over the death of her only daughter.' Semaj had been reported as missing by her mother, Sheri Gordon, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday only a few hours after being visited by the Department of Child and Family Services over a previous neglect accusation. However the department investigators saw 'no obvious hazards or safety concerns' for Semaj or her two brothers before they left, officials have said. The girl's godmother claimed that 'squatters' had brought the bags of dirty clothes into the home. The DCFS has since said that Semaj was not removed from the filthy house during an investigator's visit the day before she was found dead because the department does not take children into custody based on sanitary conditions alone. 'There is no greater exercise of police power by government than to take somebody's child away, so I think we've got to be very cautious about how we do that,' Sheldon told news reporters after the hearing. The pollster responsible for selecting the 'left-wing' audience at the BBC TV debate today insisted the crowd had been selected fairly. ComRes and the BBC are under heavy fire today after the audience in Cambridge frequently jeered Tory Amber Rudd but applauded wildly at Jeremy Corbyn's interventions. Boris Johnson led outrage this morning, branded it the 'most left-wing studio audience the BBC has ever brought together' and an 'echo chamber' for 'left-wing nonsense'. But ComRes founder Andrew Hawkins insisted the panel for the 90-minute debate was carefully selected to ban political activists and reflect the electorate as a whole. He admitted Ms Rudd faced a 'more vocal crowd' than her left-wing rivals but insisted this was because one part of the audience was noisier than the other. Mr Hawkins blamed the BBC for putting five left wing politicians alongside two from the right for producing the appearance of bias. ComRes chief Andrew Hawkins (pictured on the BBC today) insisted the panel for the debate was carefully selected to ban political activists and reflect the electorate as a whole Boris Johnson was sent out this morning to defend the PM over her absence from the debate as he criticised the audience for being too left wing Senior Tories reacted furiously after the supposedly 'balanced' group jeered criticism of Jeremy Corbyn on the programme Mr Hawkins told the BBC today: 'If you have a panel of people - one from the governing party (Conservatives) - one from what's regarded as a right wing party (UKIP) and five from broadly left-wing parties, and you give those speakers equal airtime, it means you're giving five slots of airtime to the left-wing parties for every two slots to the not so left-wing parties. 'Therefore it's inevitable that the cheering is going to be skewed in one direction. 'What I can say is that the recruitment for this was more complex and more rigorously executed than any I've ever witnessed.' He said Brexit had added an extra layer of complications to the selection process because an equal number of Leavers and Remainers had to be chosen. 'We screened out people who have campaigned politically at any time in the last three years,' he said. 'But equally, you need to get people who are politically engaged so the audience don't sit there and say nothing and do nothing, so you do get some reaction.' Mr Hawkins said the audience response was 'a reflection of the fact that the Conservatives were on the back foot because Theresa May didn't turn up - and therefore it's a bit of an easy target'. Even BBC presenter Mishal Husain was heckled when she pointed out that he had been unable to set out the cost of his flagship child care policy the previous day Mr Corbyn's mention of a foodbank also produced clapping and cheers from the audience Mr Johnson said today that he thought the debate 'validated and confirmed' Mrs May's decision to not feature. 'It elucidated none of the issues, it was seven people speaking to probably the most left-wing studio audience the BBC has ever brought together,' he said. 'It was all the supporters of Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats, the Scots Nats - when you put them together you had this incredible echo chamber for all sorts of left-wing nonsense.' George Eaton, political editor of the Labour-supporting New Statesman magazine, said: 'This feels like the most Left-wing audience in any TV debate.' As the programme ended, senior Conservative source attacked the BBC saying it was 'quite astonishing just how badly they picked the audience'. Reaction: Journalist George Eaton said it felt like a left-wing audience and many viewers accused the BBC of bias and pledged to complain to watchdog Ofcom Former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: 'Obviously there are questions for the BBC to answer It's quite clear there was an anti-Tory bias in the audience, which wasn't there in the Channel 4 programme on Monday.' As the show went out, readers contacted the Daily Mail to express their objections. The Labour leader was cheered loudly after discussing his policy to scrap tuition fees Tory grandee Sir Nicholas Soames said the reaction of the audience vindicated Theresa May's decision to delegate the debate to Home Secretary Amber Rudd. He said the Prime Minister was 'absolutely right not to attend debate with typically rigged audience by BBC'. Even some Labour supporters and independent commentators voiced concern about the make-up of the audience. The row over the BBC audience overshadowed the debate in which Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP and the Green Party repeatedly teamed up against Amber Rudd, who was standing in for Theresa May. Presenter Miss Husain stated at the beginning of the programme that the audience had been selected to be 'representative of the country as a whole'. At one stage, when Miss Rudd, urged the audience to 'look at our record', she was met with mocking laughter. When the Home Secretary defended the Government's record on creating jobs, Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said: 'That doesn't pay nurses who need to go to foodbanks.' The audience erupted into applause. The debate was held in Cambridge, one of the most pro-Remain parts of the country Mr Corbyn's mention of a foodbank also produced clapping and cheers from the audience. 'Have you been to a foodbank, have you seen people sleeping rough around the station?' he said after mentioning Miss Rudd. The Labour leader was also cheered loudly after discussing his policy to scrap tuition fees. SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson prompted applause for saying the debate on immigration 'shames us all' adding that everyone understands immigrants make a positive contribution to the country. The BBC insisted the audience had been scrupulously vetted. In a statement, the corporation said: 'The BBC commissioned polling company ComRes to recruit an audience that is representative of the country demographically and politically. They have lots of experience doing this. This covered age; gender; ethnicity; socio-economic; party politics; how they voted in EU referendum; and some undecided.' But critics were unimpressed. Philip Davies, Tory candidate for Shipley, said: 'You only have to watch Question Time to realise that the BBC's idea of an impartial audience is 80 per cent Labour supporters. 'This is what we have come to expect from political BBC programmes.' Andrew Bridgen, Conservative candidate for North-West Leicestershire, said: 'Who would be surprised by another handpicked left-wing audience? Jeremy Corbyn won't be short of votes in the BBC but he should be short of votes in the ballot boxes. I'm not surprised in the slightest.' Ukip leader Paul Nuttall, who was repeatedly heckled, wrote on Twitter: 'Enjoyed tonight's debate particularly having the chance to speak to [hard-Left group] Momentum sorry I meant the audience.' Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: 'This is deja vu. In 2015 I called out the BBC audience for being hard-Left-wing. It's even worse this time.' A former Democratic National Committee staffer had a couple of four letter words for his party's former nominee, after Hillary Clinton blasted the DNC's data operation. 'DNC data folks: today's accusations are f***ing bulls**t, and I hope you understand the good you did despite that nonsense,' wrote Andrew Therriault, the former director of data science for the Democratic National Committee, who now runs data operations for the city of Boston. Therriault has since deleted his tweet. Andrew Therriault, the former director of data science for the Democratic National Committee, blasted Hillary Clinton for saying she inherited 'nothing' from the party Andrew Therriault (left) was responding to comments Hillary Clinton (right) made Wednesday at the Code Conference, where she heavily criticized the DNC's data operation Therriault also pointed out that Hillary Clinton used the Democratic National Committee as a way to raise funds, because contribution limits were set higher - at the same time starving the party for resources The former DNC staffer called her comments ironic because the DNC's data actually showed that Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania would be close At Wednesday's Code Conference, Clinton sat down with Recode's Kara Swisher and the Verge's Walt Mossberg and heavily criticized the Democratic National Committee. 'I set up my campaign and we have our own data operation,' she recounted. 'I get the nomination, so I'm now the nominee of the Democratic Party. I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party.' Mossberg jumped in and asked the former secretary of state to define 'nothing.' 'I mean it was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, its data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money in it,' Clinton continued. She then contrasted what she got from the Democrats to the operation over the the Republican National Committee. 'They basically said, "we will never be behind the Democrats again." And they invested between 2012 and 2016, this $100 million to build this data foundation. They beta tested it. They ran it, somebody was able to determine about 227,000 surveys to double-check, triple check, quadruple check the information,' she said. 'So Trump becomes the nominee and he is basically handed this tried and true effective foundation,' she added. Clinton continued by giving credit to Cambridge Analytica, an outside firm that mapped voter universes and identified which parts of the Trump platform mattered most to voters, according to reporting from Forbes, who talked to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner shortly after the election about how the Trump team pulled off a win. After Clinton's remarks, the Republican National Committee sent out an email saying 'we finally agree with Hillary,' pointing out her comments to reporters saying the former nominee 'trashes' the DNC and 'lavishes praise' on the RNC's data operation. Beyond his profanity-laced tweet, Therriault also called Clinton's comments 'pretty precious' since she used the DNC as a way to funnel more money toward her campaign because of the higher contributing limits for political parties. Or as Therriault put it, Clinton used the DNC as a 'laundering vehicle' He also pointed out to one commenter that 'many flaws in DNC systems could have been avoided/fixed if [the] campaign didn't starve us for resources.' 'All that said, irony of her bashing DNC data: *our* models never had mi/wi/pa looking even close to safe,' he added. 'Her team thought they knew better,' Therriault said, noting the three midwestern states Clinton lost Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania that led to her defeat. President Donald Trump has temporarily waived a law requiring the U.S. to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Trump's move to renew the waiver for six months effectively keeps the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv for now. Trump has said he's reviewing whether to fulfill his campaign promise to move it to Jerusalem. White House press secretary sean Spicer said in a statement that since the president 'has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when.' Trump was facing a Thursday deadline to renew the waiver or see the State Department lose half its funding for its overseas facilities under a provision of The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. Renewal: Trump will keep the U.S. embassy in Israel at its current Tel Aviv location, at least temporarily Home for now: The U.S. embassy to Israel will stay at in the current facility in Tel Aviv. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, but the Palestinians claim east Jerusalem for the capital of a future state. This unassuming consulate building in West Jerusalem, often the site of mild pro-Palestinian protests, could become the U.S. embassy simply by switching a nameplate on the door Israelis consider Jerusalem their 'eternal capital,' but neither the U.S. nor the United Nations recognizes that declaration. The Palestinian Authority claims east Jerusalem for the capital of a future state. The U.S. says its policy on Jerusalem hasn't changed and that Jerusalem's status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians. A White House official tells DailyMail.com on Thursday that Trump is 'fully committed' to having the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. But the official cautioned that such a move could happen later, even if peace talks arrive at a solution that includes a divided city. Republican Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Dean Heller of Nevada introduced the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act in January, which would rescind presidents' power to trigger waivers like the one Trump signed Thursday. Trump risks angering Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who wants the U.S. to recognize Jerusalem as his nation's undivided 'eternal capital' Trump and Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas agreed last week in Bethlehem on the need for a peace plan, and the U.S. isn't prepared to risk blowing that up Presidents from both major parties since then exercised that option like clockwork, not daring to risk a new round of Middle Eastern upheaval or the wrath of liberals who are loath to side with Israel in its long conflict with Palestinians. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all defended their decisions by citing a longstanding U.S. policy preference that Israel and the Palestinian Authority negotiate a larger peace deal that includes a final determination of Jerusalem's status. Spicer insisted on Thursday that 'no one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the President's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance.' 'President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend America's national security interests.' David Friedman, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, is on board with an embassy move. America's diplomatic headquarters in Tel Aviv is its only one in a city that the host nation doesn't consider its capital. In February, Trump was noncommittal about his position. Attorney David Friedman (left), Trump's ambassador to Israel, has already expressed a desire to perform his duties in Jerusalem not Tel Aviv 'I am thinking about the embassy, I am studying the embassy, and we will see what happens,' he told the Israel Hayom newspaper. 'The embassy is not an easy decision. It has obviously been out there for many, many years, and nobody has wanted to make that decision. I'm thinking about it very seriously, and we will see what happens.' In December, the president's chief counselor Kellyanne Conway said in a radio interview that relocation the embassy was a 'very big priority' of the then-president-elect. Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton both said in January that the administration should make the move under cover of darkness and be done with it. 'You can move the embassy by changing the name-plate on the [Jerusalem] consulate, and then build a permanent embassy in due course,' Bolton told DailyMail.com in New York. Bolton agreed that just as 'Air Force One' is a designation that applies to whichever airplane carries the President of the United State, any U.S.-owned building in a world capital cam be designated an 'embassy' if an ambassador lives and works there. 'The sooner they do it the better,' Bolton said. Joe Biden has launched a new PAC, stirring speculation that the two-time 74-year old candidate is making preparations for a 2020 run despite his denials. Biden, who would be 77 on Election Day in 2020, announced the new PAC in an email. He is calling the PAC 'American Possibilities. 'The history of this nation is one of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And that's who we still are,' Biden wrote in an email to supporters, NBC News reported. 'That's why the negativity, the pettiness, the small-mindedness of our politics drives me crazy. It's not who we are.' Former Vice President Joe Biden has launched a PAC that his wife says is to help Democrats in the off-year elections Biden sat out the 2016 while serving as Barack Obama's No. 2, citing the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer. He then watched as Hillary Clinton had to beat back a primary challenge from Sen. Bernie Sanders on the left, only to see her lost to President Trump after surprise losses in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsyvania. The move to establish the PAC stoked speculation Biden could laying groundwork for another run for president in 2020 His wife, Jill Biden, spoke about the PAC on 'CBS This Morning,' saying it was about the midterms 'Joe is not going away and you know that, all of you,' she said. 'He loves politics, he loves what he's doing, and he said he would stay involved. So he set up this PAC because he's going to be involved in the midterm elections.' Biden ran for president in 1988 and 2008. Biden, left, addresses New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy at a Murphy campaign event Sunday, May 28, 2017 New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy, left, listens as former Vice President Joe Biden address a gathering at a Murphy campaign event, Sunday, May 28, 2017, in Lyndhurst, N.J. Former Vice President Joe Biden takes photographs after addressing a gathering at campaign event for New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy 'Joe is not going away and you know that, all of you,' said his wife, Dr. Jill Biden Clinton, who essentially froze him out of the race, continues to talk about her defeat, and has publicly blamed Russia and fired FBI Director James Comey. She also brought up Nixon's impeachment during a Wellesley commencement address Saturday. Biden also stoked interest in his plans when he spoke at a New Hampshire state party fundraiser in April. 'Guys, I'm not running!' he told the crowd, acknowledging that the move had sent signals. Meanwhile, Clinton continues to rehash her election loss in public appearances, as she did at a Silicon Valley conference on Wednesday. They're all against me: Clinton used a question and answer session at Codecon in Rancho Palos Verde, California, to outline a vast conspiracy to keep her out of the White House 'The Russians in my opinion - and based on intelligence and counterintelligence people I have spoken to - could not have known best how to weaponize that information unless they had been guided by a specific group of people. By Americans,' she said. She claimed 'low information voters' were persuaded by reading fake news on Facebook and said: 'Some people were sucked in. Some people stayed home. Some people voted Trump.' Clinton alleged there were '1,000 Russian agents' involved in the effort against her to create fake news. The director of the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre film says he was beaten up my his much-younger girlfriend. In legal documents obtained by TMZ, 74-year-old Tobe Hooper shared pictures of his battered face. He said his injuries were the result of a beating two weeks ago from his 36-year-old girlfriend Rebecca Hodges. 'Texas Chain Saw Massacre' Director Allegedly Attacked by Ex, Shows Face Bruises (PHOTOS) https://t.co/fom8jT0ZfR TMZ (@TMZ) June 1, 2017 Texas Chain Saw Massacre director Tobe Hodges (pictured in 2014), 74, filed for a restraining order against his girlfriend Rebecca Hodges on May 23. He took pictures of his battered face, saying she hit him He also claims that Hodges also punched him in the face in a separate incident in April. Hooper says he and Hodges used to date and live together. Because of the claims, a judge ordered Hodges to stay at least 100 yards away from Hooper. Hooper's lawyer told DailyMail.com on Thursday that the situation has been resolved. He filed for a restraining order on May 23. In addition to directing the original 1974 Texas Chain Saw Massacre and 1986's Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Hooper also directed Poltergeist and several other horror films of the 80s and 90s. His most recent film was 2013's Djinn, a supernatural thriller about a couple who move back to their home country of the United Arab Emirates. Several directors say they have been influenced by Hooper's work including Wes Craven and Ridley Scott. Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia's guitar has raised more than $3million at an auction to support a leading civil rights group. Known as Wolf, the custom-made electric guitar was a constant concert companion of Garcia until the jam rock icon died in 1995. The original buyer put the guitar back on auction to raise money for the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Alabama-based group which wages legal battles against white supremacists and other hate groups. At a charity concert in New York, Brian Halligan, the CEO and co-founder of marketing firm HubSpot, bought Wolf for $1.9million including the premium. Scroll down for video Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia's guitar has raised more than $3million at an auction to support a leading civil rights group Known as Wolf, the custom-made electric guitar was a constant concert companion of Garcia until the jam rock icon died in 1995 An anonymous charity matched his pre-premium $1.6million bid, bringing the total donation for the Southern Poverty Law Center to $3.2million. Halligan is one of the legions of 'Deadhead' fans, who for years journeyed from concert to concert to experience the band as part of a welcoming community of fellow travelers. The Grateful Dead officially disbanded last year with a series of farewell concerts, but the fan base remains fervent. Halligan - who co-wrote a book on the Grateful Dead's lessons for marketing - promised to take good care of the guitar and to lend it upon request. 'I don't plan on selling it or trading it, and so it's somewhat priceless,' the entrepreneur told AFP. 'I doubt this will sell anytime soon, if ever,' he said. The auction comes as the Southern Poverty Law Center voices alarm at a rise in hate crimes, especially targeting Muslims and immigrants, since Donald Trump began his presidential campaign. At a charity concert in New York, Brian Halligan, the CEO and co-founder of marketing firm HubSpot, bought Wolf for $1.9million including the premium The auction took on a party atmosphere at a music venue, the Brooklyn Bowl Artists including Nels Cline of Wilco and folk rocker Cass McCombs put on Grateful Dead-inspired winding jam rock The group, founded in 1971, tracks activities of hate groups and hits them with legal challenges. Morris Dees, the co-founder of the center who is credited with driving hate groups into financial hardship, vowed to put the money from the guitar 'to good use.' 'We will not stop until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream,' he said, quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King's 1963 speech on the National Mall in Washington. The auction took on a party atmosphere at a music venue, the Brooklyn Bowl, as artists including Nels Cline of Wilco and folk rocker Cass McCombs put on Grateful Dead-inspired winding jam rock. Wolf has a long history. It was constructed by luthier Doug Irwin, with Garcia debuting it at a 1973 concert with Hell's Angels bikers in New York Wolf has a long history. It was constructed by luthier Doug Irwin, with Garcia debuting it at a 1973 concert with Hell's Angels bikers in New York. He bequeathed the guitar back to Irwin, who had fallen destitute in the intervening decades, but the move set off a battle within the Grateful Dead who initially objected and said Wolf belonged to the band rather than Garcia personally. After Irwin won out, it was bought for $789,000 in 2002 by Dan Pritzker, a Deadhead philanthropist and heir to the Chicago family behind the Hyatt hotel chain. Pritzker decided to put the guitar back on sale to support the center amid alarm at the direction of the United States since Trump's victory, said Arlan Ettinger, president of the Guernsey's auction house behind the sale. The guitar's auction price, while high, does not top the 2015 record of $2.4 million paid for a Gibson guitar on which John Lennon played 'Love Me Do' and other early Beatles songs. Viktoria Tautz (pictured), 34, was looking after 10-month-old Joshua Paul when he collapsed at his parents' home in Haringey, north London An unqualified nanny has today been jailed for four years after being found guilty of killing a baby in her care by losing her temper and violently shaking him when 'something snapped'. Viktoria Tautz, 34, was looking after 10-month-old Joshua Paul when he collapsed at his parents' home in Haringey, north London, just half an hour after his mother left for work. The child was rushed to hospital and died in his parents' arms three days later. A court heard Tautz shook Joshua with such force she caused severe swelling and bleeding in his brain and eyes as well as bruising to his spinal cord. The prosecution alleged Tautz 'snapped' and caused Joshua's catastrophic brain and spinal injuries through 'dangerous and excessive shaking'. Zoe Johnson QC rejected the suggestion he was hurt in a 'horsey game', as head wobbling would have been 'nowhere near enough' to kill. Prosecutor Ms Johnson said experts had concluded Joshua died 'as a result of being shaken or shaking accompanied by some sort of injury to his head'. Ms Johnson told jurors: 'Tautz excessively and dangerously shook Joshua, that shaking leading to his death. 'On that day, for whatever reason, something snapped in the defendant and for a short while she lost her temper with Joshua and assaulted him causing all those injuries.' Tautz denied manslaughter and said she never got 'angry' or 'frustrated' with the baby, who was born 10 weeks early. Viktoria Tautz, 34, was responsible for 10-month-old Joshua Paul when he collapsed at his parents' home in Haringey, north London, within half an hour of his mother leaving for work But the Old Bailey jury convicted her with a majority verdict of 10 to 2 after deliberating for nearly seven hours and she was today jailed for four years. Tautz began working for the family on June 16, 2014, after his mother Pearl Paul returned to work. She hired the Hungarian nanny for 3.60 an hour through Childcare.co.uk after being struck by her 'soft and engaging' manner, which had drawn smiles from Joshua. In a statement read in court, Ms Paul said her son was happy with Tautz and that she 'never saw her lose her temper'. She said she and her husband Nirmal Vijayan had struggled to find a child minder before meeting Tautz. After checking Tautz's references they were told she was 'good with children' and employed her after having not been able to find another nanny they were comfortable with. Detective Inspector Ian Lott, of Scotland Yard, said: 'This is an extremely tragic case involving the death of a young child, and our thoughts remain with Joshua's parents. 'The jury recognised that Tautz had a part to play in Joshua's death, and we welcome their guilty verdict.' Tautz (pictured outside court on the second day of her trial) denied manslaughter and said she never got 'angry' or 'frustrated' with the baby, who had been born 10 weeks early On 26 August, just days before the incident, Ms Paul sent a text to Tautz which read: 'Makes me feel happy to know he's in safe hands.' Joshua was born with two holes in his heart and weighed just 3.74lbs. He needed assistance with breathing and he was fed by a tube in his stomach. After two months his parents were allowed to take him home and at the time of his death he was crawling and beginning to pull himself up to stand. Ms Paul said he had fluid on the soft spot of his head, had a large head, and that at an outpatient appointment on July 22, doctors told her both of these had increased. Ms Paul said she was told that if he vomited, stopped eating or fell unconscious, he should be taken straight to hospital. She said this information had been passed to Tautz. Joshua's father, Nirmal Vijayan, said doctors told them their son had fluid on his brain and it was being 'reviewed and monitored'. At about 8.40am on August 29, Ms Paul left her son 'happy and playing' with Tautz in the one-bedroom flat. At 9.07am, a neighbour called 999 after Tautz dashed from the flat shouting for help, holding Joshua who was unconscious and not breathing. A distraught Tautz travelled with the child to hospital and was heard to say: 'What am I going to tell his parents?' Doctors found Joshua had suffered a devastating and 'irrecoverable' brain injury and he died at Great Ormond Street Hospital on September 1. On her arrest, Tautz told police she had played a horse-riding game with Joshua but he had not had any accidents that morning. Giving evidence through a Hungarian interpreter, Tautz, of Barnet, London, told jurors her job was to play with Joshua, feed him and change his nappy but she was not allowed to go out of the flat with him. The parents asked her to leave the dishes so they could see how much he had eaten and log how often she changed his nappy and the condition of his stools, jurors were told. On the day Joshua was fatally injured, Tautz said she was in her 'usual' mood. She spent 20 minutes with Joshua in the living room before putting him down in his cot for a nap as she did some sewing nearby. She picked him up because he started crying 'very intensively' and his face was red and swollen, Tautz said. She told jurors: 'Then he stopped crying and I thought he was choking so I put him on his belly and tapped his back.' Tautz said Joshua did not appear to be breathing by then and she 'got scared' and rushed into the bathroom and tried to make him vomit. When that did not work, she ran outside with Joshua in her arms to ask for help. Tautz said: 'I was absolutely scared. I didn't know what happened to him.' She denied shaking Joshua in an attempt to revive him. The court heard that Joshua's parents did not want to make a victim impact statement. Ms Johnson said: 'They do not wish to place their thoughts as to the loss of Joshua before the court but perhaps it goes without saying one can only begin to imagine the loss, particularly of a child.' Mitigating, Bernard Richmond QC highlighted 'worrying features' of the case which led to a 'moment of madness'. He said: 'She was a young woman with a very limited amount of training with a baby who had obviously very difficult needs. 'She was not fully qualified and ultimately her pay reflected her degree of training.' He told the court she also lacked 'resilience' to deal with the circumstances of the case. Tautz collapsed in tears in the dock as she was sentenced by Mrs Justice McGowan. Jailing her, the judge said: 'You were not in the same position as a single mother in the middle of the night on her own trapped in a flat with nobody to help her. 'You are not so young, you are in your 20s, but you are an intelligent woman. As you said an intelligent person would know not to shake a baby.' Mrs Justice McGowan noted Tautz had some training and experience dealing with children. She rejected the claim that Joshua's mother hadn't told her about his health issues, saying it 'flies in the face of everything else we heard about the regime she set up for you, which was, I accept, relatively strict.' 'They were anxious parents and they were very keen to ensure that the trust they had placed in you was well placed,' she added. 'The loss to the parents cannot be expressed by anyone of us. 'I suspect none of us can do anything but to attempt to imagine how they felt when a very much wanted baby, for they had had many months of anxiety about his problems, should die so young in such circumstances.' The judge accepted that Tautz hadn't intended to cause Joshua serious harm. 'You lost your temper or you were frustrated - I have no doubt at all it was just your way of trying to stop him crying or making him go to sleep.' Tautz was jailed for four years for one count of manslaughter. An NSPCC spokesman said: 'Tautz inflicted appalling injuries on a 10 month old baby she had been trusted to look after. 'Instead of caring for him and keeping him safe, her actions have robbed a vulnerable young child of his life. 'Babies and young children are entirely dependent on those who care for them and we all have a duty to look out for their welfare. 'We urge any parent or carer who is feeling stressed or is concerned about a child to call our helpline 0808 800 5000 without hesitation, as it could save a life.' Opinion / Columnist "The issue is we all talk but don't understand governance," commented Punch in Zimeye. "Who has the mandate to implement the so called "reforms" and are the responsible authorities willing to implement those reforms? Lets understand this first then we can move forward."I agree with you, Punch,100%; most people did not understand who was supposed to do what during the GNU and after which is why not even one reform was implemented. With not even one reform in place, the question of whether or not next year's elections should go ahead is back on the national agenda. How we answer this will determine the nation's destiny for a generation.After the fiasco of Zimbabwe's 2008 elections SADC forced President Mugabe to sign the GPA in which he agreed to the implementation of a raft of democratic reforms designed to stop Zanu PF rigging future elections and a repeat of the 2008. SADC were the guarantor of the GPA and it fell on Tsvangirai and his MDC friends as the other partners in the GNU to implement the reforms. It would be illogical to expect Mugabe and Zanu PF to want to reform a system that served them well.Tsvangirai & co. did not implement even one reform in five years because Mugabe bribed them with the trapping of high office and they kicked the reforms into the tall grass. SADC leaders tried their best to get MDC to implement the reforms but they were ignored.With nothing to stop Zanu PF to revert to its old and trusted way of rigging the vote, the party blatantly rigged the 2013 elections!SADC leaders complained of MDC leaders "enjoying themselves during the GNU and forgetting why they were there!" after the rigged July 2013 elections in sheer frustration.With more than two thirds majority in parliament and senate plus the presidency after the 2013 elections, there can be no doubt the political dynamic had swung firmly in President Mugabe and his Zanu PF's favour; if they were going to be any political reforms from there on, they called all the shots."You can't expect us to reform ourselves out of power," boasted Zanu PF thugs like Professor Jonathan Moyo and VP Emerson Mnangagwa.So with Zanu PF back and firmly in the driving seat and openly boasting that they will not implement any of the democratic reforms need to stop the regime rigging elections and deliver the all-important free, fair and credible elections the pre-requisite for meaningful political transformation and economic recover; what next for Zimbabwe? There are two options here:1) We accept Zanu PF's position that there will never be any democratic reforms that will be implemented before 2018 elections and beyond and thus search for a way(s) forward that accepts Zanu PF will retain all its tools to rig elections.Building an opposition coalition, voter education and mobilisation, exerting as much influence as they can on what BVR kit is bought, etc. These are some of the many solutions being pursued to wrestle political power from Zanu PF without touching any of the sacred cow hard hitting democratic reforms the party does not want touched.If the truth be told, many of the leaders in the opposition camp know that the above solutions will never deliver any meaningful political change but continue to pursue them regardless for the selfish reason of greed, as David Coltart readily admitted in his recent book."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."After the fiasco of the 2008 elections in which Zanu PF was forced to go into the GNU, the regime has learned that if it is to continue to rig elections it must throw away a few gravy train seats to the opposition to entice them to participate and give the flawed the modicum of legitimacy and credibility. It is for the sake of winning these few give-way gravy train seats that the opposition will contesting Zimbabwe's elections regardless how flawed and illegal the process becomes.As for Zanu PF, it will retain its omnipotent power to rig the vote and to resist reforms. The logic to do so is inescapable: they greed for absolute power and the riches and influence it brings is insatiable, their continued hold on absolute power is guaranteed as long as they resist reforms design to dismantle the dictatorship and, most important of all, those whose interest are ill-served by the dictatorship have accepted it as fait accompli!Those who are accepting contesting next year's election with no reforms are insane. They accept that Zanu PF will rig the vote and hope against hope that, somehow, the party will lose the election! This has been going on for the last 37 years and still they hope the thorn tree will bear mangoes!2) We totally reject the nonsense that Zanu PF has the right to deny the people their basic freedoms and human rights including the right to free and fair elections and stand firm in our demand for the full implementation of all the democratic reforms to ensure free, fair and credible elections BEFORE any new election is held in Zimbabwe.Of course, President Mugabe and his Zanu PF thugs have no right to deny even the lowest of the low in Zimbabwe his/her freedoms and human rights enshrined in the UN The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Being inalienable does not meaning they cannot be denied, as this Zanu PF regime has shown. Whenever that happens it is for the people themselves to reclaim their freedoms and rights and to defend them even with their very lives if need be!The demand for the implementation of all the democratic reforms to restore all the people's freedoms and rights is per se not negotiable. It is sheer political arrogance on Zanu PF's part to abrogate unto itself the right to deny others their basic freedoms and human rights. It is sheer stupidity on the part of such leaders as Tsvangirai, Biti, David Coltart and all the other MDC leaders to accept such arrogance!Zanu PF has corrupted our State Institutions such as ZEC, the Police, the Judiciary, Public Media, etc. for its selfish political gain of establishing the de facto one-party cum one-man dictatorship, this is a fact. It is also a fact that there cannot be free, fair and credible elections until democratic reforms, design to severe the totalitarian tentacles holding these institution hostage, are implemented. Holding elections which are then blatantly rigged for 37 years is a futile exercise for a foolish nation.So, what can the nation do to make sure the democratic reforms are implemented a.s.a.p.?The simple answer to that is we must do whatever it takes to end this vicious cycle of pure madness. One of the things we must do is stop the double-faced opposition opportunists who keep contesting these flawed elections for their own selfish gain and yet pretend they are serving the nation's interest. How does helping to keep a corrupt and tyrannical regime in office by contesting flawed elections benefit the nation?ConclusionWe would not need to implement any democratic reforms, in the first place, if Mugabe and his Zanu PF thugs had not corrupted our State Institutions to create this de facto one party state. If we, the people had stood up and demand free and fair elections even as early as the 1980s we would have nipped the corrupting tendencies in the bud.The best opportunity to implement the democratic reforms to end Zanu PF's de facto one-party state fell to Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC during the GNU. The barbarism of the 2008 elections had one positive outcome in that Mugabe was forced to accept the implementation of the democratic reforms designed to dismantle his one-party dictatorship. It is a great pity that not even one reform was implemented during the GNU because MDC leaders are corrupt and incompetent.Since Zanu PF rigged the 2013 elections and restoring it's iron grip on power, getting the regime to accept an situation in which the reforms can be implemented is not going to be ease, there is no doubt about that. However, to give up demands for reforms is not an option because the present system has failed and delaying implementing the reforms will make the task harder, as history shows."I don't believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia... not in 1,000 years!" said Ian Douglas Smith in 1976. His white racist regime did not last another four years!Each tyrannical regime, without exception, always considers itself invincible but in the end they all collapse. Zanu PF is already imploding as the party member fight each other like starving hyenas; the growing poverty, fuelled by the country's economic meltdown, has not spared no one including the ruling elite. Even party grandees like the late Nathan Shamuyarima died a pauper; his wife could not even afford the bus fare to be with him on his death bed!"You can't expect us to reform ourselves out of power," boasted Professor Moyo! Let me assure you Professor Moyo, that one way or the other this Zanu PF dictatorship will be reformed, dismantled and destroyed or simply implode! A pair of would-be thieves found their dreams of riches going up in smoke on Tuesday morning when they accidentally torched the cash they were trying to steal. The men were caught on CCTV approaching the Coastal Community Bank in Everett, Washington, on Tuesday morning and using a blowtorch to cut into an ATM. But their idea proved to be a damp squib when they accidentally set fire to the money in the process - and tried to put out the flames by urinating on them, Fox Q13 reported. Scroll down for video Splashing cash: A pair of thieves (left) who attempted to burn their way (right) into an ATM in Everett, Washington, on Tuesday set fire to the money inside - then peed on the flames Police and fire crews in Everett, around 27 miles northwest of Seattle, were called to the bank at around 6am after a fire alarm went off. When they arrived they found the wooden exterior wall at the base of the ATM smashed in and a rough square cut into the machine with a blowtorch. Unfortunately for the capering crooks, the blowtorch had proven so powerful that it caused the money to burst into flames. One of the suspects had then urinated on the box in order to put out the flames, police said. Photos suggest they didn't remove the square of ATM they had cut. The suspects were identified by police as Eli Steen and Jason Kovar, both 31 and from Everett. Feeling the heat: They used a blowtorch to cut a square hole in the base of the machine (pictured), causing $35,000 of damage. They fled the scene empty-handed True pee leavers? Police identified the men (right) as Jason Kovar and Eli Steen, both 31. Steen (right) was in bed at the time of the theft, his girlfriend claimed on Facebook They are also wanted in connection with commercial robberies around Snohomish County, police said. On her Facebook page, Steen's partner, Krystal Kamada, denied that he had anything to do with the botched theft. 'Its not him,' she wrote. 'He was at my house in my bed until my son woke us up for school. Plus, if you look closley [sic] that guy doesnt even look like him.' Steen was identified as the figure at the front of the ATM footage, wearing a jacket with a logo for the Monster energy drink. In total the damage to the bank's wall, its ATM and the money came to $35,000. John Dickson, chief operations officer of Coastal Community Bank, said masked men had tried to break into the bank's cash deposit box just a few weeks ago. It's unclear whether that incident was connected to this one. The bank is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects; CrimeStoppers is also offering a $1,000 reward. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Daniel Seggie, 31, stabbed his father, Geoff, 59, in the head, neck and chest A thug who brutally murdered his father by stabbing him more than 60 times and battering him with a hammer has been jailed for life. Daniel Seggie, 31, stabbed his father, Geoff, 59, in the head, neck and chest with a 12-inch kitchen knife before beating him with a hammer at his home in Mackworth, Derby. He then texted his girlfriend to say 'I have been a brave little soldier. LOL.' Over the course of the following week, Seggie withdrew money from his father's account before leading the police on a chase across three countries. He admitted murder and was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 20 years at Nottingham Crown Court. His mother, Cheryl Seggie, said she 'hated' what her son had done in 'mercilessly' attacking her husband in November last year. Seggie showed no emotion throughout his two-hour trial. Sentencing, Judge Dickinson told Seggie: 'It was a savage and merciless attack. 'You killed your father in his own bedroom in the house that you shared in Mackworth, Derby. 'You not just killed your father but deprived your brother of his father and you deprived your mother of a person she still cared about. 'In total, there were 60 knife wounds and, in addition, there were injuries inflicted by a hammer. 'What has to be recognised is that your father suffered, he had defence injuries that show he tried to fight or fend you off for some time. Geoff Seggie suffered 60 knife wounds during the brutal attack at his home in Derby 'You did nothing to raise the alarm but you did think about yourself, taking yourself to hospital to be treated for a cut to your hand. 'You even texted your girlfriend to say ''I have been a brave little soldier.. LOL.'' 'You remained living in the house that night and the next day. In terms of the motivation, you say you have no recollection of what you did. 'This was no spur of the moment event, there was at least some degree of planning.' Michael Evans QC, prosecuting, said: 'Due to the savagery of the attack, Geoffrey was unlikely to have survived. 'It was sustained and brutal and, after Daniel Seggie carried it out, he went to seek hospital assistance for his own injury to his hand. 'After that, he returned to the house where his father lay dead for two nights before making sustained attempts to cover his tracks.' Seggie drove his father's black Honda Civic to Wales where he dumped it in a Cardiff hotel car park. The former care worker then caught a train to Scotland where he was finally traced and arrested days after he killed his father. In a victim impact, which was read out in court, Mrs Seggie said: 'As a mum I never expected this ever. Geoff Seggie was described as an 'amazing dad' by his son Ben, during an impact statement 'I may never see Daniel leave prison ever but Ben has lost his dad and lost his brother and I cannot believe what Daniel has done. 'I feel very conflicted. Ben has had everything taken away from him but Daniel is still my son and I love him and Ben. I hate what he has done but I will always be his mum. 'I wish Daniel would tell us the reasons why he has done what he has done but I don't suspect he ever will.' In a statement Ben said: 'Geoff was an amazing dad. 'He was always there for his family and friends. Life will never be the same without him. We miss him so much.' Michael Auty QC, defending, said his client had been assessed by three separate psychiatrists and none of them were 'able to assist him in a trial'. He said: 'A major aggravating feature in this case is the nature of the attack. It is clear this was a frenzied attack but what brought it about really remains a mystery. 'It is hard to imagine the suffering Cheryl Seggie is going through. 'What she begs for in her victim personal statement I can't tell her - and that is why Daniel Seggie did this.' The luxurious shopping list of a 26-year-old accused fraudster shows she was living the high life before she was busted by police in February. Danika Louise Lena faces 21 charges of fraud after allegedly swindling $1.3million from Macquarie Bank over 18 months. A shopping list obtained by the Daily Telegraph shows most of that money was spent on designer clothing and Uber rides. It is alleged Lena spent $280,000 on products from Sass and Bide, Chanel, Pierre Haddad Hair, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Danika Lena (pictured) is accused of defrauding Macquarie Bank of more than $1.3million A further $60,000 was spent on designer clothing brand Scanlan and Theodore, and $30,000 was spent at Tuchuzy in Bondi. Over the period of five years, Lena is also accused of making $200,000 in cash withdrawals. Just $25,000 of her alleged fraud money is claimed to have gone on debt repayment. The 26-year-old, who was previously living it up in Baulkham Hills and getting around in a four-wheel-drive, has experienced a significant decrease in her quality of life. The 26-year-old spent about $586,000 on designer items, police will claim It is alleged the former legal assistant used fake withdrawal forms to transfer money from trust funds to her own account While she allegedly spent $180,000 at David Jones and $36,000 at Myer during the scam, friends of Lena told the Telegraph she is now usually dressed down in gym clothing. Lena is now driving a weathered Holden Barina, though it is claimed she previously spent $140,000 on taxis, Uber rides and on parking for her four-wheel-drive sedan. The alleged scam began when the former legal assistant allegedly used a fake Macquarie Bank withdrawal form to move $5000 linked to a building to her own bank account in September 2013. Lena is accused of making 21 fraudulent transactions in total, the largest being for $116,000 in April 2015 It is claimed she would fill out the forms in another person's name, but use her own account details. She is accused of then making another 20 fraudulent transactions using fake forms over the next 18 months,and withdrawing a whopping $116,000 from an account in April 2015. In total, the woman is accused of fraudulently obtaining $1,304,324.67, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Lena was arrested at Day Street Police Station on February 28 after the Sydney Central Fraud Squad received a tip-off in June 2016. She will face Downing Centre Court on June 21. A group of 20 helpless whales that became beached after a cyclone have been rescued. The desperate mammals had become stranded in shallow waters near the village of Sampur, Sri Lanka, after being washed up in the wake of Cyclone Mora. Sailors and villagers teamed up to rescue the pod of pilot whales off the island's northeastern coast on Wednesday. A group of 20 helpless whales that became beached after a cyclone have been rescued in Sri Lanka The desperate mammals had become stranded in shallow waters near the village of Sampur, Sri Lanka, after being washed up in the wake of Cyclone Mora The navy, with the help of residents, managed to push the whales back in to deeper waters. 'It was a delicate task to push them back without hurting them,' Navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge said. 'But there was a happy ending when all of them could be sent back to deeper waters.' He said it was not clear why the mammals got stranded in the area, but noted that the sea was rough due to the effects of Cyclone Mora in the Bay of Bengal and which hit Bangladesh on Tuesday. Sailors and villagers teamed up to rescue the pod of pilot whales off the island's northeastern coast on Wednesday. Dozens of volunteers waded into the shallow waters to help rescue the whales using ropes It was not clear why the mammals got stranded in the area, but noted that the sea was rough due to the effects of Cyclone Mora in the Bay of Bengal and which hit Bangladesh on Tuesda In April 2011, a sperm whale was stranded inside the Trincomalee harbour and two navy boats were deployed to guide the mammal out into deeper waters where it was reunited with waiting whales. Trincomalee, 260 kilometres (160 miles) northeast of Colombo, is a natural harbour and is also a popular tourist spot for whale watching. Trincomalee is also known as the location where both of the world's two largest mammals - elephants and whales - can be seen. The waters around Trincomalee, which was used by Allied forces as a staging post during World War II, have a high concentration of blue and sperm whales while the surrounding jungles have herds of wild elephants. A teenage boy is today fighting for his life after he went 'shooting through the air' when he touched a live train track with a stick. Two boys, both aged just 13, suffered serious injuries after suffering an electric shock when they played by railway lines during their half-term break. Concerned witnesses dialled 999 after seeing a group of youngsters playing by the railway before they spotted two people lying injured on the line. The boys were both rushed to hospital with serious injuries and one of them is said to be in a critical condition. Paramedics rushed both boys to hospital with serious injuries and one of them is said to be in a critical condition Emergency services were called to the tracks near Bescot Stadium and Tame Bridge Parkway near Walsall, West Midlands (pictured) Teenage friends of the victims said one of the boys had touched the live tracks with a stick which sent him 'shooting through the air'. The 15-year-old said: 'It's a mate of mine and I was supposed to meet him 20 minutes before. 'He has a broken arm and burns to his arms and face. He got a stick and touched the cable and the electricity just went through him. 'I've known him for about four years. The other kid I don't know very well but he burnt his hands pretty badly.' Another one of the boys at the scene added: 'They were just mucking around and one of them touched the tracks with a stick. 'He went shooting through the air and then his mate tried to come and help him and got burns to his hands as well as he came to his aid. 'One of their mates looked in real shock. We think they are going to be OK, but one of them is in quite a bad way.' An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from RAF Cosford with a trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: 'We were called to the Wednesbury area at 12.04 to reports that two people had been injured on the train tracks. 'Officers are on scene along with other emergency services including the air ambulance. 'Two teenagers have sustained injuries and are being taken to hospital for treatment. 'Officers are at the scene making enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident.' An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from RAF Cosford with a trauma doctor on board were sent to the scene. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'On arrival, ambulance staff found two boys on the parkland who had suffered serious injuries. Teenage friends of the victims said one of the boys had touched the live tracks with a stick which sent him 'shooting through the air' Concerned witnesses dialled 999 after seeing a group of youngsters playing by the railway (pictured) 'Staff were told that four teenage boys had been playing next to the railway line. 'The two injured, who are believed to be 13 years old, were taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital, one by air ambulance, the other by land ambulance using blue lights. 'The teenager airlifted was said to be in a critical condition.' Network rail said journeys between Birmingham New Street and Walsall were disrupted while the service recovers. Trains were either delayed by up to 25 minutes or cancelled but normal service was expected to resume this afternoon. Surveillance footage has caught the horrifying moment two passengers are flung out of a vehicle and nearly run over by a lorry in a high-speed crash. The incident occurred on the Shanghai to Kunming Expressway in east China's Jiangxi province on May 25. In the footage, the car can be seen hitting the central reservation before two people then fly out of the vehicle and onto the opposite side of the road. The car can be seen crashing into the central reservation in the horrific crash Police can be seen coming to the aid of those injured in the terrible crash Traffic police in the city of Pingxiang, East China's Jiangxi province released the footage. As soon as the car hits the central reservation, the two people can be seen flying out of the vehicle. They land on the opposite side of the road. One of the passengers skids right in front of a truck which has to break in order to miss them. Local authorities were called to the scene and the victims were rushed to hospital for treatment. Both of the injured passengers survived. Police can be seen in the footage being rescued. Miraculous: The woman skidded along the floor right in front of the oncoming truck One of the injured remains in a coma while the other two were only slightly injured One officer told Xinhua: 'At that time the car was knocked four feet and was overturned. Parts of it was scattered over the floor and the licence plate was also knocked off.' He said that one of the injured was a 70-year-old woman who suffered a head injury and remains in a coma. While the two passengers who were flown across the floor are recovering. They were the driver's wife and daughter. According to police the driver and one passenger who was sat in the front of the car were both wearing seatbelts. However the three passengers in the back did not have the safety device on resulting in two of them flying out of the vehicle. A former nurse pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder in the deaths of eight nursing home residents in one of the worst serial-killer cases in Canadian history. Elizabeth Wettlaufer also pleaded guilty to four counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault. The 49-year-old, who appeared in a Woodstock, Ontario, courtroom, admitted to killing eight seniors and hurting six others in part because she said she felt angry with her career and her life's responsibilities. Elizabeth Wettlaufer pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder in the deaths of eight nursing home residents in one of the worst serial-killer cases in Canadian history. She is pictured at the courthouse today Guilty: Canadian nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer, 49, pictured left in a Facebook photo and right during her arrest last year has pleased guilty to killing eight patients at two nursing homes The killings occurred between 2007 and 2014 at two private facilities where Wettlaufer worked. She is seen above during her arrest in October last year Wettlaufer acknowledged under questioning from the judge that she injected all 14 with insulin for no medical reason. All the incidents allegedly occurred between 2007 and 2014 in three Ontario long-term care facilities where Wettlaufer worked as a registered nurse, and at a private home. The prosecution read from an agreed statement of facts, saying that Wettlaufer told police she knew that 'if your blood sugar goes low enough, you can die.' She also told police she had refrained from logging her use of insulin in order to avoid detection, court heard. In at least one case, Wettlaufer was spurred to act by growing rage over her job and her life, which built up inside her until she felt an 'urge to kill,' the prosecution told the court. Wettlaufer deliberately injected James Silcox, an 84-year-old man with diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, with insulin the night of August 11, 2007, 'hoping he would die,' the prosecution said. 'It was his time to go because of the way he acted,' the former nurse told police, according to the agreed statement of facts. Helen Matheson, 95, and Gladys Millard, 87, were killed as a result of the nurses actions Among the eight victims were Arpad Horvath, 75; Maureen Pickering, 79, and James Silcox, 84 Maurice Granat, 84, and Mary Zurawinski, 96, were injected with drugs that ended their lives She also told investigators that afterwards, she felt, 'like a pressure had been relieved from me, like pressure had been relieved from my emotions'. Wettlaufer told police that dissatisfaction with her life led her to inject Clotilde Adriano, 87, with insulin, though Adriano survived. The other victims were Maurice Granat, 84; Gladys Millard, 87; Helen Matheson, 95; Mary Zurawinski, 96; Helen Young, 90; Maureen Pickering, 79, and Arpad Horvath, 75. The attempted murder victims have been identified as Wayne Hedges, 57, Michael Priddle, 63, Sandra Towler, 77, and Beverly Bertram, 68. Wettlaufer was also charged with aggravated assault against Adriano and 90-year-old Albina Demedeiros. The police investigation into Wettlaufer began last September after Toronto police became aware of information she had given to a psychiatric hospital in Toronto that caused them concern. Death by drug: Officials say the nurse, pictured above, killed the elderly men and women by administering them an unspecified drug. She felt angry with her career and responsibilities Woodstock Police Chief William Renton, right, said officers began investigating Wettlaufer after receiving a tip Some family members of Wettlaufer's victims broke down in the courtroom as Wettlaufer entered her pleas. Friends and relatives of the seniors who died said earlier on Thursday that they were warned the hearing would reveal information that might be difficult for them to handle. Some, however, expressed relief that the case would come to a swift conclusion. Andrea Silcox said before the court hearing that she was worried about what she would discover about her father's last moments, but said she'd be grateful to avoid a lengthy trial. 'I will forgive her, I have to forgive her...my father would want that,' she said. 'Forget? I'll never forget what happened.' The Caressant Care Woodstock Long Term Care Home, where police accuse nurse Wettlaufer of killing seven elderly patients Arpad Horvath, 75, was killed at the Meadow Park Nursing Home in London, Ontario (pictured) Arpad Horvath Jr., whose father was also among Wettlaufer's victims, said everyone who lost a loved one will have to live with the pain forever. 'She took away my best friend and my hero and I can't forgive that,' he said. Records from the College of Nurses of Ontario show Wettlaufer was first registered as a nurse in August 1995 but resigned Sept. 30, 2016, and was no longer a registered nurse. The Trump administration is moving to return two compounds seized from the Russians in retaliation for election interference, in a move that would yield to pressure by Moscow even as Russia probes continue. President Obama ordered the compounds to be seized in December in the final days of his administration as retaliation for Russia's 'malicious activity' following the Intelligence community's conclusion that Russia interfered in the U.S. elections. He said they had been used for intelligence purposes, and kicked out 35 Russian 'intelligence operatives.' Now, even as the FBI is investigating contacts between his campaign and Russia, Trump is moving toward returning the compounds, the Washington Post reported. The Russian Embassy's compound in Centreville, Maryland, is located along the Corsica River. The Trump administration is moving to return it The move comes from persistent pressure from Moscow, who has raised the issue in public while engaging in persistent needling online through its embassy in Washington. One compound is on Long Island, the other is on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The other is in Oyster Bay on Long Island. Last month, the administration linked the return of the compounds to a Russian stoppage of U.S. construction of a consulate in St. Petersburg. The Post reported that Tillerson told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at a meeting in D.C. that the U.S. was no longer linking the two issues, the Post reported, citing people knowledgable with the subject. The Elmcroft estate (pictured above on Friday) located in the village of Upper Brookville in the town of Oyster Bay, was originally purchased by the Soviet Union in the 1950sRussian 'spy compounds' shut down by Obama over election meddling are set to be handed back to Moscow diplomats by Trump administration The Russian government-owned compound in Centreville, Maryland is seen above Russian 'spy compounds' shut down by Obama over election meddling are set to be handed back to Moscow diplomats by Trump administration Lavrov was in town for the same visit where he met Trump in the Oval Office with Kislyak. Moscow then caused a headache for the administration by releasing smiling photos of the encounter. State Department and White House officials provided no immediate comment. When he ordered the seizure of the compounds, Obama said: 'Today, I have ordered a number of actions in response to the Russian governments aggressive harassment of U.S. officials and cyber operations aimed at the U.S. election. These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior.' Obama continued: 'All Americans should be alarmed by Russias actions. In October, my Administration publicized our assessment that Russia took actions intended to interfere with the U.S. election process. These data theft and disclosure activities could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government. Moreover, our diplomats have experienced an unacceptable level of harassment in Moscow by Russian security services and police over the last year. Such activities have consequences. Today, I have ordered a number of actions in response.' A car drives past Killenworth, an estate built in 1913 for George du Pont Pratt and purchased by the former Soviet Union in 1951, in Glen Cove, New York, on December 30, 2016. Killenworth is one of two Russian compounds on the North Shore of Long Island with Norwich House, in Upper Brookville, being closed to Russian officials as part of the sanctions ordered by US President Barack Obama in retaliation for suspected Russian hacking during the US elections Killenworth, an estate built in 1913 for George du Pont Pratt and purchased by the former Soviet Union in 1951 , is seen in Glen Cove, New York President Donald Trump (L) of the United States and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House. Alexander Shcherbak/TASS MOVING-OUT DAY: A convoy of diplomatic vehicles leave a Russian owned compound, after President Barack Obama abruptly ordered the compound closed on Thursday, in Centreville, Maryland, U.S., December 30, 2016 The Russians have continued to push for the return of the compounds The Russians have continued to push for the return of the compounds The Russian compound in Maryland is just a short drive from Washington. The Obama administration said it was used for spying The Russians have pushed for the return of the compounds. Last week, the embassy in D.C. tweeted that 'Russia is seeking to return its diplomatic property in #US asap,' and included an American flag emoji, including a photo that appears to be from within the compound showing a Russian sailors clinking beer glasses. Another tweet from February showed a photo of the '#diplodacha' with a picture of fishing rods on the Bay. An embassy tweet from Wednesday quoted John Adams on property rights, from his Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States. 'The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the law of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence,' went the Adams quote. The Maryland property is a luxurious, 45-acre compound that is located in Pioneer Point, according to The Washington Post reported at the time it got seized. It is believed to have been used as a vacation spot for Russian diplomats looking to get away, though there have long been suspicions it was used for much more nefarious means as well. The compound is believed to have been a center for espionage. There have been suspicions about the property since it was bought by the Soviet government in 1972. The sprawling property hosts a brick mansion that has now been converted into 12 apartments, as well as a dozen cottages, each with four apartments. In total, the compound can accommodate 40 families at a time. Three friends who risked their lives to pull a man from the firey wreck of his car after it crashed into a tree and burst into flames, have revealed his harrowing final words just moments before he died. Muhammad Gafoor was driving through the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, around 1.30am on Thursday when he and two friends came across a car engulfed in flames. Hearing the horrifying screams of a 36-year-old man trapped inside, the trio rushed towards the burning Volkswagen, knowing at any moment the vehicle could explode. While they managed to pull the man from the burning wreck, he later died en route to hospital, with the three heroes later revealing the final words he said to them, Nine News reports. Three friends who risked their lives to pull a man from the firey wreck of his car (pictured) after it crashed into a tree and burst into flames, have revealed his harrowing final words moments before he died Muhammad Gafoor (right) was driving through the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, around 1.30am on Thursday when he and two friends (left) came across a car engulfed in flames Video taken by the men on arrival at the scene shows flames fanning out of the boot of the burning hatchback, while the surrounding bushland is also alight. While they discussed the danger of the car exploding, the group of heroes say they never thought twice about trying to help the man. 'When we ran in there we were risking our lives, but it was someone's life in the car as well,' one of the men said. 'He was like "Can you please save me? I don't want to die".' After pulling the screaming man from the inferno they managed to carry him 50 metres down the road and away from the danger. 'He was wedged inside the car, his legs were crushed. It took three of us to pull him out of the car then and it took all five of us to lift him down the road,' Mr Gafoor said. Hearing the horrifying screams of a 36-year-old man trapped inside, the trio rushed towards the burning Volkswagen (pictured) and managed to pull the man from the burning wreck 'He was just in pain - a lot of pain. We gave him some water and sat him on his side,' Mr Gafoor said. Paramedics and the fire brigade arrived not long later, but they were unable to save the man. He died en route to Westmead Hospital. Police will now prepare a report for the NSW coroner. Six men have been arrested in relation to historical child sex exploitation offences by detectives investigating the murder of a missing teenager Charlene Downes Six men have been arrested in relation to historical child sex exploitation offences by detectives investigating the murder of missing teenager Charlene Downes. A 38-year-old, of no fixed address, is the sixth suspect arrested on suspicion of historical rapes between 2003 and 2004 against a 15-year-old girl in Blackpool, Lancashire. Five others, aged 33, 36, 37, 42 and 45, all from Blackburn, were arrested last week, also on suspicion of historical rapes. The 37-year-old man was released without charge while the others have been released on bail pending further investigations. The action was brought by the team of detectives investigating the disappearance of Charlene Downes in the popular seaside resort and her subsequent murder. However, there is no suggestion that the case is directly connected. Charlene was just 14-years-old when she was last seen in Blackpool on Saturday, November 1, 2003. Prosecutors alleged that fast food shop owner Iyad Albattikh had murdered the teenager after he jokingly told police he had chopped her up and put her in kebabs. The charges against Albattikh were later dropped after a jury couldn't reach a verdict. Charlene Downes disappeared in Blackpool in 2003 but no one has ever been brought to justice for her murder Despite a 100,000 reward on offer for information leading to the conviction of her killer or the recovery of her body, nobody has ever been brought to justice. Commenting on the arrests, a Lancashire Police spokesperson said: 'The inquiry team set up in 2003 following the disappearance of Charlene Downes was tasked with finding out information and finding those responsible. 'They were effectively tasked with looking at other jobs of that type, and that includes Child Sex Exploitation, and arrests have come about from the same team looking into the disappearance of Charlene Downes. 'However, the arrests are not directly linked to Charlene's disappearance.' Preparing teens for their futures with soft skills Businesses of every size and industry continue to identify labor shortages as a top challenge across the country and... Where to find non-partisan ballot information Thank you for your non-biased bullet points explaining the three state ballot proposals in "A look at the three state... A dozen dogs have been infected with the H3N2 canine influenza virus in Florida, where they say the flu was spread among animals at two dog shows, health officials confirmed. Rossana Passaniti of the University of Florida said Wednesday the dogs testing positive for the flu were either at a Perry, Georgia, dog show from May 19 to May 21 or the Deland, Florida, dog show the following weekend. It's also possible the infected canines came in contact with dogs that had been at those shows. Twelve dogs from two dog shows have been infected with the H3N2 canine influenza virus in Florida (file photo) Passaniti said there have been no dog deaths at UF veterinary hospitals as a result of the H3N2 canine influenza outbreak. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, all the dogs currently being treated for the flu are in stable condition, and there's no evidence to suggest the virus infects humans. Vaccines are available to prevent dog flu, and a 21-day quarantine is recommended for canines infected with the H3N2 virus. It's rare for dogs to die as a result of the flu, and most dogs are able to recover at home without any lingering complications. According to a news release from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, common symptoms of dog flu include coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. These symptoms can last for two weeks, but maybe contagious for longer. 'Veterinarians in central and north Florida are treating many dogs that are suspected to have dog flu,' the release said. The infected dogs are in stable condition, but a 21-day quarantine is recommended for canines infected with the H3N2 virus (file photo) As a result of the confirmed flu cases, a Deland, Florida veterinary clinic warned any clients who were at the shows to avoid dog parks and 'areas where your dog would have nose to nose contact with other dogs' for at least four weeks. Florida Wild Veterinary Hospital urged clients with dogs exhibiting possible flu symptoms to call ahead so staff can examine the animals in their owners' cars, in order to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. 'More severe cases will be referred to the University of Florida for hospitalization and isolation,' the clinic wrote. The H3N2 canine influenza virus was first detected in South Korea in 2007 before making its way to the United States in 2015, when H3N2 made headlines after an estimated 1,000 dogs in Chicago contracted the virus. A Sydney police officer has been refused bail after allegedly stalking and harassing three women and attempting to use naked images to threaten the women. Constable Vaughan Hildebrand, 28, was arrested in Menai in southern Sydney on Wednesday and charged with 17 offences, reported the Daily Telegraph. The charges are believed to be related to two female officers and a third woman. Sydney police officer Constable Vaughan Hildebrand, 28, (pictured) has been refused bail after being accused of accessing naked images of three women from a restricted database The constable, who was working at Sydney Local Area Command, allegedly used social media and phones to harass the women, threatening to publish the images if the women did not send him more. In one scenario, he allegedly pretended to be a plastic surgeon to obtain an image of the woman's breasts. Police allege Constable Hildebrand accessed the images from a restricted database in January 2017 which prompted an internal covert investigation. The charges against Hildebrand include four counts of stalking and harassment, six counts of using a carriage service to harass and misconduct in public office and five firearms offences. Constable Vaughan Hildebrand, 28, was arrested in Menai in southern Sydney on Wednesday and charged with 17 offences, including four counts of stalking and harassment, six counts of using a carriage service to harass and misconduct in public office and five firearms offences Sydney City Superintendent David Donohue said Constable Hildebrand had been suspended. The 28-year-old was reportedly moved to Sydney LCA after complaints about his behaviour at another station. He appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday and was refused bail and will next appear in court on July 27. Plumes of black smoke filled the sky above Vatican City following reports of an explosion at an auto garage. Eyewitnesses spoke of seeing thick smoke rising next to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church following a 'loud' bang. The fire department in Palazzo Viminale would later release a video of a fire raging at a wrecking yard situated close to the Vatican walls. Firefighters were shown battling the blaze as it tore through several cars and a crusher, while a nearby building was evacuated as a precaution. The black smoke can be seen filling the sky near Vatican City, which is pictured on the left Speaking on Twitter, eyewitness Mountain Butorac said on Twitter: 'I can see the smoke from my apartment and heard the explosion. 'Its from a neighborhood just behind the Vatican. 'The smoke wasnt visible from St. Peters Square. I could only see from my roof, looking over the walls of the Vatican. 'The smell of the smoke is strong now on Borgo Pio.' President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that patriotic Russian hackers may have staged cyberattacks against countries on their own initiative, but the Russian state had never been involved in such hacking. The Russian leader scoffed at allegations that the hackers could influence the outcome of elections in the United States or Europe. Putin, speaking to international media at an economic forum in St Petersburg, was answering a question about allegations Moscow might try to interfere in this year's German elections. Moscow's attitude toward cyber crime is under intense scrutiny after US intelligence officials alleged that Russian hackers had tried to help Republican Donald Trump win the White House, something Russia has flatly denied. President Vladimir Putin was answering a question about allegations Moscow might try to interfere in this year's German elections when he scoffed at claims that hackers could influence elections 'If they (hackers) are patriotically-minded, they start to make their own contribution to what they believe is the good fight against those who speak badly about Russia. Is that possible? Theoretically it is possible,' said Putin. He also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in cyberattacks - he didn't specify which - could have been falsified in an attempt to smear Russia. 'I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack,' Putin said. 'Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily.' US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory over Hillary Clinton, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have shattered Moscow's hopes for a detente with Washington. Putin said the 'Russo-phobic hysteria' makes it 'somewhat inconvenient to work with one another or even to talk'. 'It's having an impact, and I'm afraid this is one of the goals of those who organize it are pursuing and they can fine-tune the public sentiments to their liking trying to establish an atmosphere that is going to prevent us from addressing common issues, say with regard to terrorism,' the Russian leader said. Putin said Russia had been encouraged by Trump's campaign statements in which he lamented Russia-US ties being at a historical low and promised to improve them. He added that Moscow still hopes to forge a constructive dialogue with Trump. Putin predicted 'this will end, sooner or later,' adding that 'we are patient, we know how to wait and we will wait.' US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory over Hillary Clinton, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have shattered Moscow's hopes for a detente with Washington Putin said Russia had been encouraged by Trump's campaign statements in which he lamented Russia-US ties being at a historical low and promised to improve them The Russian president praised Trump as 'a straightforward person, a frank person'. Putin added that while some see Trump's lack of political background as a disadvantage, he sees it as beneficial because 'he has a fresh set of eyes.' Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the outcome of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: 'We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so.' He noted that Russia can work constructively with any German leader, adding that he had good ties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel despite some differences. Russian meddling was also a concern in France, with Putin publicly expressing his sympathy for President Emmanuel Macron's rivals in the campaign. Macron's aides claimed in February that Russian groups were interfering with his campaign, and a document leak hit Macron's campaign in the final hours of the French race. On Monday, Macron dubbed two Russian media outlets 'agents of influence' which he said had spread fake news about him during his election campaign. In one of the sharper moments of a news conference marking a visit by Putin, Macron added that he had already raised the issue with the Kremlin leader in a post-election phone call, going on to say the episode was in the past and would stay there. 'When I say things once, I don't usually repeat myself,' he said. During the fraught election campaign, Macron's camp banned two Russian news outlets - state-funded Sputnik news agency and RT TV channel - from having media access to his campaign headquarters, saying they were spreading propaganda rather than reporting real news. Earlier this week, Putin faced allegations that Russia performed similar tactics in the French presidential election, which Emmanuel Macron won last month. Macron and Putin are pictured shaking hands above With Putin alongside him, the 39-year-old Macron repeated the accusation in a reply to a journalist's question, saying: 'During the campaign, Russia Today and Sputnik were agents of influence which on several occasions spread fake news about me personally and my campaign. 'They behaved like organs of influence, of propaganda and of lying propaganda,' he said. During the campaign, which climaxed with Macron's election on May 7, Macron's camp also irritated the Kremlin by saying its campaign's networks, databases and sites had come under attack from locations inside Russia. Putin remained stony-faced and did not reply when Macron made the accusations, but the Russian president did reject allegations that Moscow wanted far-Right candidate Marine Le Pen to beat Macron. Moscow has strongly denied all allegations of election meddling. The head of the French government's cyber security agency, which investigated leaks from Macron's election campaign, said on Thursday that they found no trace of a notorious Russian hacking group behind the attack. In an interview in his office Thursday with The Associated Press, Guillaume Poupard said the Macron campaign hack 'was so generic and simple that it could have been practically anyone.' He said they found no trace that the Russian hacking group known as APT28, blamed for other attacks including on the U.S. presidential campaign, was responsible. Poupard is director general of the government cyber-defense agency known in France by its acronym, ANSSI. Putin said that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, it was 'theoretically possible' that Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks Its experts were immediately dispatched when documents stolen from the Macron campaign leaked online on May 5 in the closing hours of the presidential race. Poupard says the attack's simplicity 'means that we can imagine that it was a person who did this alone. They could be in any country.' Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, can't sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. 'I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign,' he said. 'No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America.' Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, it was 'theoretically possible' that Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. Likening hackers to free-spirited artists acting according to their moods, he said cyber attacks could be made to look like they had come from Russia when they had not. 'Hackers are free people, just like artists who wake up in the morning in a good mood and start painting,' he said. 'The hackers are the same, they would wake up, read about something going on in interstate relations and if they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia. Russia's relations with the West have been at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis. The United States and the EU have slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Rumors of an alleged affair between a Texas high school principal and his secretary had been dealt almost two years before he killed himself, the former district superintendent claims. Dennis Reeves, 45, shot himself in his truck at Kirbyville High School on May 23 shortly after the married father-of-two resigned as principal. He had just left a meeting with the district's current superintendent and assistant superintendent in which they had confronted him about claims he was having an affair with his secretary. Reeves was told he could resign to avoid an investigation or risk being fired after the woman allegedly told district officials they were having an affair, according to statements obtained by police. Scroll down for video Dennis Reeves, 45, shot himself in his truck at Kirbyville High School, north-east of Houston, on May 23 But Richard Hazlewood, the district's former superintendent, told KDFM he was shocked to learn a meeting about the rumors of an affair preceded Reeves' death because he had already addressed the claims in 2015. Hazlewood said Reeves and his secretary both denied rumors of the affair when he previously confronted them about it. He said he was never given any proof or documentation of the alleged affair. The secretary transferred to another school when she was given an opportunity the next year, the retired superintendent said. Hazlewood said 'I have not heard a word, not a word, nothing' about the rumors since then and was shocked to hear about the allegations again following Reeves' shock suicide. Police released statements this week from current superintendent Tommy Wallis and assistant superintendent Georgia Sayers regarding Reeves' death. They said they met with the secretary on May 23 when she claimed to have had an affair with the married principal. Police have been unable to speak with the woman because she hired a lawyer who advised her not to speak to authorities. 'She stated the relationship began as a friendship and it turned into a romantic affair,' Wallis told police. 'She stated Mr Reeves told her that if their relationship was uncovered he would kill himself.' They immediately called a meeting with Reeves at the high school that afternoon to confront the allegations. Reeves repeatedly denied having an affair with the woman. Reeves was married to his wife Tammy (above) and they had two sons - one of whom had just graduated from high school Reeves had come out of a meeting with the district's superintendent and assistant superintendent when he killed himself in the parking lot of the high school Wallis said he told Reeves that he could resign without any investigation, but if he did not resign and it was revealed he had lied about the affair he would be fired. 'He immediately stated he was resigning in lieu of the investigation,' Wallis told police. 'When signing the resignation, he was (visibly) shaken. While signing his name, his hands were shaking.' Wallis and Sayers said they then escorted him out of the building. According to the police statements, as Reeves walked off, he told Sayers: 'I am not good'. Sayers responded: 'I know Dennis.' The district officials said they became uncomfortable when they noticed the principal's truck still in the parking lot some time after he had left the meeting. Wallis said he then called authorities to ask them to check on Reeves. Kirbyville Police Chief Paul Brister said he found Reeves dead in his truck with a gunshot wound to his head. Reeves was married to his wife Tammy and they had two sons - one of whom had just graduated from high school. The district officials had initially told media last week they had met with Reeves for a 'basic meeting' to discuss a number of things before he told them he was quitting. 'We had several things to discuss. We called the meeting to visit with him about a couple of things - summer school, staffing patterns, several things to discuss,' Wallis told KDFM last week. When asked if something in the meeting could have provoked Reeves to commit suicide, Wallis said: 'I don't have any idea what Mr Reeves was thinking. I can't get into anybody's head.' The engine of his truck (above) was still running when he was found. Police said the transmission was in reverse but Reeves' foot was on the brake Authorities found Reeves in the truck with the .380-caliber semi automatic pistol he used to kill himself. The engine of his truck was still running and the transmission was in reverse but Reeves' foot was on the brake. The superintendent and assistant superintendent were the only ones left at the school when Reeves was found dead. His brother-in-law, Trey Ainsworth, told the New York Post last week that the family were at a loss as to why the married father-of-two would take his own life. Ainsworth said the family were unaware of any legal troubles Reeves may have been facing or whether he was suffering from medical conditions like depression. 'There's nothing that indicated that he would do this. We don't know of anything,' he said. 'It's kind of a shock to everyone. Everybody loved Dennis. He was a great guy. It seemed like in recent years he was like citizen of the year in Kirbyville. The kids loved him, and his teachers loved him, too.' If anyone is seeking help please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1 800 273 8255 or visiting the website. Miguel Pagan is one of eight men who police say raped the girl for six days while holding her hostage. He was arrested after she identified him but she does not know the others A man has been arrested after he and seven of his friends allegedly gang raped a 14-year-old girl they kept hostage in a recording studio for six days. Miguel Pagan, 20, was arrested in New Britain, Connecticut, earlier this month after the girl escaped. She told police that the man, who calls himself Wookie, took her to the recording studio and raped her, cutting her torso and face with a knife as he forced himself on her. He has been charged with sexual assault, kidnapping and trafficking but police are now eager to locate the other men involved. The victim already knew Wookie when he took her to the recording studio on April 7, The New Britain Herald reports. According to his arrest warrant, her foster mother reported her missing shortly afterwards. Police went to the property after her biological mother said she feared she may have been with the man but they didn't find her. She was being kept, she says, in the basement recording studio of the property where the men took turns raping and assaulting her. Wookie restrained her with a knife and a gun, cutting her as he raped her. She also says he put the drug MDMA on her lips and forced her to wash it down with alcohol. During the group rapes, she says the men told her to 'run a train' - a vile colloquial term for when a group of men take turns having sex with the same woman in one long sequence. She claims she tried to escape through a window several times but says it was too high off the ground for her to reach it and was restrained whenever she attempted. Authorities say the girl was held in the basement recording studio of this home in New Britain, Connecticut, for six days Shockingly, police said Wookie's mother may have known what he was doing and sent him a Facebook message warning: 'Use condoms. No evidence.' It is not clear whether she has been charged in relation to the case or if police have been able to find her. The girl said she was finally able to escape on April 13 when a family friend of the man intervened and persuaded him to let her go. He dropped her off in a McDonald's parking lot where the friend collected her and then drove her to a Rite Aid. It was there where she called police. She only knows the other men by their nicknames and has been unable to identify them. Quizzed: Joseph Graham, pictured, 32, was the only person facing a court probe following Kirsty Maxwell's death A Spanish judge has sensationally agreed to place all five men in the Benidorm holiday apartment with Brit tourist Kirsty Maxwell when she died, under formal investigation. Amazon worker Joseph Graham, 32, from Nottingham, was the only person facing a court probe following Kirsty's April 29 death. But judge Ana Isabel Garcia-Galbis decided today to formally investigate his four pals - Ricky Gammon, 31; Anthony Holehouse, 34; Callum Northridge, 27; and Daniel Bailey, 32. The ruling followed a fight by a lawyer acting for Kirsty's family to have them summonsed to Spain and questioned in court as 'investigados' - a new legal term in Spain which literally means 'under investigation.' The judge has said she wants to quiz them on July 26 at 11am. She has also said she will ask the British police whether the so-called 'Benidorm Five' have criminal records. As well as questioning the Brits, she has agreed to meet other demands made by lawyer Luis Miguel Zumaquero including a court quiz of the receptionist at the apartment block where Kirsty died. He will be quizzed on July 13 at 12.30pm. Kirsty (pictured), 27, from Livingston, West Lothian, died instantly after plunging from a tenth-storey apartment she entered by mistake Prosecution: Judge Ana Isabel Garcia-Galbis decided today to also formally investigate Ricky Gammon (pictured), 31; Anthony Holehouse, 34; Callum Northridge, 27; and Daniel Bailey, 32, over Kirsty's death Both court sessions will take place behind closed doors and will not be open to the press or public. The judge has declined to put the 'Benidorm Five' in a court room together and quiz them simultaneously about the moments leading up to Kirsty's death, as Mr Zumaquero had requested. But her acceptance of most of his demands - made in a six-page legal document submitted to the court last month - will b welcomed by Kiersty's family as a massive step in the right direction. The judge's decision can be appealed by the British men at the centre of the expanded probe, but they have to appeal three days after receiving notification. None of the five have been formally accused of any crime as is customary in Spain where charges are only laid shortly before trial. Kirsty, 27, from Livingston, West Lothian, died instantly after plunging from a tenth-storey apartment she entered by mistake. The Scot, who married her grieving husband Adam in September, had been out partying with a group of female friends she had travelled to Spain with for a hen-do. She went to bed about 4am on April 29 in her ninth-floor apartment. Hotel room: Mrs Maxwell was staying on the ninth floor of the Apartamentos Payma hotel. This is the room where she was staying directly below the room where she fell. The rooms have a Juliette style balcony with sliding doors, pictured Harrowing: Pictured is the terrifying view from a balcony looking down at where Mrs Maxwell fell to her death. Joseph Graham told Spanish police he believes she jumped from ledge to reach the swimming pool, but misjudged how high up she was She woke up shortly before plunging to her death, left her flat dressed but barefoot and was let into the mens' apartment on the floor above after knocking on the door. Joseph told police she was acting as if she was 'mad, drunk or drugged' and headed for the bathroom before trying to get through an indoor window and then going out onto the balcony. He has insisted he did nothing wrong and only asked her to leave the apartment when he saw what she was doing. He was allowed to return to the UK after a police and court quiz - whereas his friends were only questioned by police as witnesses - but told he would continue to be probed as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. Police said at the time they believed Kirsty may have mistaken the apartment for a friend's flat - and become disorientated from the effects of her night out boozing. An official court source said after Joseph's release: 'Criminal Court of Investigation number 4 in Benidorm has agreed to release the man who had been held, with the requirement that he appears before the judge every time he is required to do so. 'Only a lawyer acting for the dead woman's family asked for him to be jailed. The state prosecutor opposed the application. Couple: Mrs Maxwell, from Livingston, in West Lothian, Scotland, married husband Adam in September last year. Adam, pictured, believed she may have felt intimidated before she fell from the balcony 'Disorientated': Police sources believe Mrs Maxwell, pictured with a male friend, had gone to Mr Graham's suite on the floor above because she was trying to find her friends 'The man in question is being investigated as part of proceedings to clarify the circumstances in which the woman died. 'The crime being investigated is not specified as part of these proceedings. 'The results of the police investigation - forwarded to the court - and the preliminary autopsy point to the victim throwing herself to her death. 'There are no current indications of the participation of other people.' Distraught Adam Maxwell claimed in a newspaper interview last month 'something dark' had happened in the apartment. Blasting suggestions his wife was suicidal, on drugs, or attempting to leap into the pool of the apartment block, he said: 'Something dark happened in that room - and I won't rest until I know the truth. 'Kirsty was happy and healthy and had everything to live for. It's crazy to suggest she killed herself.' Mr Zumaquero said when he demanded all five men be placed under formal investigation last month: 'The authorities here would be in a stronger position to make all five men return to Spain if they were placed under investigation and were not treated as mere witnesses. None of the so-called Benidorm Five have been formally accused of any crime as is customary in Spain where charges are only laid shortly before trial. Pictured: The Kirsty on her own hen-do 'I don't think she was pushed but I do believe she was fleeing from something or somebody. 'We know she was trying to get out of a window because of what happened in the bathroom. 'My suspicion is she didn't end up in the mens' apartment voluntarily and that she came across these well-built males who Joseph has described as active bodybuilders and include a cage fighter as she was heading to her friends' flat. 'My suspicion is that she was locked in the bathroom and was very frightened and may have jumped gripped by fear to avoid a worse fate or to escape someone trying to grab hold of her. 'I believe that makes far more sense than the version we have been given by the men in that room which I believe is unrealistic. 'The only way to show if someone here is lying is to adopt a series of measures which should have been adopted earlier but weren't and which I am asking for now.' Speaking today after learning of the judge's ruling, he said: 'We have managed to get a foot in the door and it's now going to be difficult to close that door. 'But it doesn't mean that we have achieved our objective. There's a long road ahead but we've taken an important first step. 'Kirsty's family know about this decision and they have obviously welcomed it.' Former FBI Director James Comey has a date with the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee next week to testify in a hearing about alleged ties between Donald Trump's campaign and agents of the Russian government. But Comey's participation in the June 8 hearing could be blocked if the Trump administration decides to invoke executive privilege to muzzle him. Comey, whom Trump fired last month, plans to corroborate his claim that Trump personally pressured him to squelch an investigation of former national security advisor Mike Flynn. Special counsel Robert Mueller has cleared Comey to testify, but courts have historically upheld the White House's right to keep presidents' conversations private. Fired FBI Director James Comey could testify as soon as next week before the Senate Intelligence Committee People close to Comey have said he wants to clear his name through public testimony. A White House spokesperson would not comment Thursday about whether a claim of executive privilege will be sought. Presuming he testifies, Comey has a separate challenge: avoiding stepping on Mueller's investigation. He has said he took notes immediately after his conversations this year with the president, memorializing Trump's request to avoid entangling Flynn in a broad criminal probe. 'I hope you can let this go,' Comey claims Trump told him. Comey is said to be eager to testify to clear his name after getting fired from his post Any statements Comey makes about conversations with the president could cut to the heart of whether or not he tried to interfere with an FBI investigation, something that could be a crime if it amounts to obstruction of justice. After firing Comey, Trump cited him for 'poor performance,' among a variety of other faults. The White House also released a damaging letter from acting Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, which Rosenstein says he wrote at the president's request, slamming Comey's conduct in the Clinton email investigation. His testimony comes as the FBI and congressional panels are probingRussian election interference and contacts with Trump associates during and after the campaign. The Intelligence panel has subpoenaed documents from Flynn and other Trump associates. The president blasted the probes online as a 'witch hunt,' in just his latest attack on the investigations. Stephen Miller, White House senior advisor for policy, from left, General Michael Flynn, U.S. national security advisor, and Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, listen during a news conference with U.S. President Donald Trump Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, James Comey testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing on the FBI on Capitol Hill May 3, 2017 in Washington, DC President Trump has blasted Russia probes as a 'witch hunt' In an interview with NBC, Trump said the Russia investigation, which he considers unfair, was on his mind when he decided to fire Comey. Trump tweeted on Wednesday in a pair of missives, 'So now it is reported that the Democrats, who have excoriated Carter Page about Russia, don't want him to testify. He blows away their ... case against him & now wants to clear his name by showing 'the false or misleading testimony by James Comey, John Brennan...' Witch Hunt!' He was referring to former campaign advisor Carter Page, who has also come under scrutiny by investigators for his trip to Moscow during the campaign. Page has called out 'false narratives' of any inappropriate Russia contacts. CNN reported that Comey is unlikely to want to discuss any details into possible collusion between Trump officials and the Russians as he did during previous testimony. But the report describes him as eager to discuss his tense exchanges with the president before his firing. Comey a longtime member of the FBI, reportedly kept notes following a dinner and phone conversations with the president. 'The bottom line is he's going to testify,' a source told CNN in the only quotation in the story. 'He's happy to testify, and he's happy to cooperate.' The New York Times reported that seven days after he was inaugurated, Trump asked Comey if he could pledge his 'loyalty.' Trump has denied firing Comey over the Flynn probe. 'No, no, next question,' he said at a press conference. A flight attendant has pleaded guilty to making bogus bomb threats on two flights, in federal court. Former Skywest Airlines employee Justin Cox-Sever, who was living in Tempe, Arizona, told the judge that he fabricated the scares because he wanted to look like a hero. The 23-year-old's actions forced an airport to shut down temporarily and a plane to turn around mid-flight. He will not serve prison time, but U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced him to up to five months in a transitional facility, five months on home confinement and three years of supervised release in California, where he now lives. Cox-Sever told the court that he had witnessed a fellow flight attendant be recognized for her handling of a plane emergency. Justin Cox-Sever, 23, from Tempe, Arizona, has pleaded guilty to making bogus bomb threats on two Skywest flights in 2015 'I decided to fake these [bombs threats] to sort of get the recognition she did,' he said. In September 2015, he covered a bag with a towel and reported it as a suspicious package making beeping noises during a flight from Minneapolis to Dickinson, North Dakota, according to the FBI. He also admitted to writing a threat on a wall of the plane's bathroom during a July 2015 flight from Charlottesville, Virginia to Chicago. Emergency services rushed to the scene as a result of the hoax, but no one was injured. Cox-Sever in February reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to four of five charges related to interfering with an aircraft, with prosecutors dropping a fifth count in return. Hovland on Thursday accepted the agreement and the recommendation of both the prosecution and defense that Cox-Sever not spend time in a federal prison. He pleaded guilty to four counts related to interfering with an aircraft on Thursday at a federal court in North Dakota. He told the judge he made up the scares to become a hero While no one was injured, emergency services rushed to the scene because of the hoax. Pictured here are ambulance services arriving at the scene in September 2015, during the flight from Minneapolis to Dickinson Cox-Sever has a history of bipolar disorder, an autism disorder and a brain injury, defense attorney Michelle Monteiro said. While that doesn't excuse his actions, she said, its helps 'explain why something like this could happen.' Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme said he didn't want Cox-Sever to get a 'slap on the wrist' because his actions subjected the plane's passengers to an 'increased level of anxiety, probably for the rest of their life, all because Mr. Cox-Sever wanted to be a hero.' Cox-Sever was charged in federal courts in North Dakota and Virginia, complicating the matter and resulting in his trial being delayed eight times. The cases were consolidated in federal court in North Dakota earlier this year. Cox-Sever is no longer employed by SkyWest. The airline won't say whether he quit or was fired. Remoaner-in-chief Gina Miller today slammed Theresa May's 'scandalous' decision to boycott TV debates with her election rivals. The pro-EU campaigner hit out at the Prime Minister as she joined a Liberal Democrat campaign to oust Brexit champion Kate Hoey as Vauxhall MP. She posed on the Thames outside Parliament with Liberal Democrat George Turner in a deliberate echo of a photoshoot of Ms Hoey and Nigel Farage ahead of the Brexit vote. Ms Miller, a former model who rose to prominence defeating the PM in court over Brexit, is running a tactical voting to campaign to frustrate Brexit at the general election. Remoaner-in-chief Gina Miller (pictured today with Lib Dem candidate for Vauxhall George Turner) slammed Theresa May's 'scandalous' decision to boycott TV debates Pro-EU campaigner Ms Miller hit out at the Prime Minister as she joined a Liberal Democrat campaign to oust Brexit champion Kate Hoey as Vauxhall MP The controversial campaigner condemned Mrs May's absence from head to head debates as 'totally scandalous'. Ms Miller said: 'She's the one who called the election, she should be engaging in debate and going out on the doorstep, talking to ordinary people. '(She should) not be doing invitation-only events around the country and refusing to turn up and debate other leaders. 'What does that say about her negotiating with 20 other leaders, if she can't even negotiate with domestic leaders?' Ms Miller's Best for Britain campaign, launched in April, aims to combat 'apathy' amongst an electorate suffering from voter fatigue. It encourages tactical voting to support candidates opposed to Mrs May's Brexit plans and hands donations to pro-EU politicians. Ms Miller backed Mr Turner's candidacy, and said the group will be pushing for 'real game-changers, strong candidates who will hold whatever government to account and will fight this extreme Brexit that the Tories are peddling'. Ms Miller's appearance was aimed at unseating Labour's Kate Hoey, who campaigned for Brexit alongside Nigel Farage (pictured a week ahead of the referendum) Ms Miller, a former model who rose to prominence defeating the PM in court over Brexit, is running a tactical voting to campaign to frustrate Brexit at the general election Around 78 per cent of Vauxhall residents voted to remain, a stance at odds with Ms Hoey, who staunchly campaigned to leave the EU, alongside Mr Farage. Before the pair joked about the similarities between their pose and a famous scene from the film Titanic between Jack and Rose on the bow of the ship, Mr Turner echoed Ms Miller's remarks about Mrs May and said: 'She's a complete law unto herself.' Pro-Remain and anti-EU demonstrators took their battle to the waters in the run-up to the referendum last year in a shouty Thames showdown which saw Mr Farage and Ms Hoey take on philanthropist Bob Geldof in a protest about EU fishing policies. Theresa May (pictured campaigning today in Pontefract) is turning her election campaign to focus on Brexit in the final days of her election push Mr Turner, who is attempting to win the south London seat from Ms Hoey, who has represented the constituency since 1989, said: 'There (is) no illusion as to what the people of Lambeth feel about Brexit. It was the highest voting Remain constituency in the country. 'We can't be in a situation where their MP so brazenly refuses to listen to the constituency. That is what has happened here.' The Vauxhall Liberal Democrats recently released a campaign leaflet which merged the faces of Ms Hoey and Mr Farage, beside the words 'Hoey out! Vauxhall deserves better'. Denmark is planning to ditch its little-used blasphemy law in the fear it may spark hate crimes and terror attacks. It has previously been unsuccessful in banishing the measure but it could now go ahead after the governing Liberal Party joined a majority of legislators who want to get rid of it. The last time someone was convicted of blasphemy in Denmark was 71 years ago when a man dressed up as a priest and mock-baptized a doll at a masquerade. An upcoming trial in which Danish man John Salvesen, 42, posted a Facebook video showing the burning of a Koran in his backyard has brought the issue to the fore again. Denmark is planning to ditch its little-used blasphemy law in the fear it may spark hate crimes and terror attacks (file photo) 'I used my democratic right: freedom of speech,' Salvesen said ahead of his one-day trial in Aalborg next Wednesday. 'I was deeply surprised when they told me I had been charged with blasphemy.' Lurking in the background of the debate is the memory of violent anti-Danish rallies in predominantly Muslim countries after the Jyllands-Posten daily invited cartoonists to draw the prophet. Islamic law generally opposes any depiction of the prophet for fear it could lead to idolatry. The harsh reactions came six months after the daily published 12 cartoons in September 2005, and authorities in Denmark had concluded that no laws had been violated. Years later, one of the cartoonists survived an assault at his home by an ax-wielding man. Denmark's PET intelligence agency says it has foiled attacks, including at least one against the newspaper. 'Some fear the cartoon crisis could flare up again,' said Jacob Mchangama, head of Copenhagen-based think tank Justitia. An upcoming trial in which Danish man John Salvesen, 42, posted a Facebook video showing the burning of a Koran in his backyard has brought the issue to the fore again (file photo of a Mosque) In 1971, two employees of public broadcaster DR were acquitted of blasphemy after airing a song mocking Christianity. And provocateur Jens Joergen Thorsen wasn't charged in 1973 when announcing plans for a publicly funded film about Jesus Christ being drunk and having sex. The film, when it finally appeared, was a flop. Salvesen's lawyer, Rasmus Paludan, said he'd be surprised if his client could be found guilty. He recalled the 1997 burning of a Bible by artist Soeren Moesgaard: 'No one was charged then.' A 14-member left-wing party is behind the latest proposal to repeal the blasphemy law. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen's Liberals decided to join a majority of lawmakers, including the anti-immigration Danish People's Party, who support repeal. It basically leaves the opposition Social Democrats, with only 46 seats in the 179-seat assembly, to stand alone with their desire to keep it. The last time someone was convicted of blasphemy in Denmark was 71 years ago when a man dressed up as a priest and mock-baptized a doll at a masquerade (file photo of a church) Repeal would not be retroactive and would not affect the prosecution of Salvesen. Several European Union countries still have some kind of blasphemy ban - often dormant and involving short prison terms or fines. In Spain, most cases are thrown out by courts, while Italy has downgraded it to an administrative issue. In May, Irish police halted an investigation of British comedian Stephen Fry because officers failed to find enough people outraged by his televised anti-God remarks. Miklos Verebes was arrested and interviewed on September last year over the allegations made a few days earlier by his former partner Hungarian national Melinda Korosi Two Cumbria detectives are facing a misconduct probe after a man murdered his ex just two days after he was released without charge when she claimed he had repeatedly raped her. Miklos Verebes, 29, was arrested and interviewed on September 13 last year over the allegations made a few days earlier by his former partner Hungarian national Melinda Korosi. In the days before her death Ms Korosi told police Verebes had raped her and she was judged to be at very high risk of domestic abuse. The couple, who are both Hungarian nationals, had two children together and Verebes had previously been jailed for an assault on the mother, 33. At about 6am on September 15, neighbours saw Verebes break into his victim's home in Orton Road, Carlisle. He then attacked her with a sharpened rock. Police found Verebes covered in her blood next to Ms Korosi's body, however he denied murder and blamed a knife-wielding stranger. In March, Verebes was ordered to serve a minimum of 28 years in jail as a jury at Carlisle Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of murder and three counts of rape between 2013 and 2016. Jurors watched a video of a police interview that Ms Korosi gave six days before her death in which she outlined regular sexual, physical and emotional abuse that she suffered at the hands of Verebes. The qualified English language teacher had already been classed as at high risk of harm following an assessment by an independent domestic violence adviser, the court heard. The police watchdog has now confirmed that two officers are under investigation in relation to their actions prior to the murder. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) probe is looking at the contact that Ms Korosi had with Cumbria Constabulary, including any measures to safeguard her welfare and the actions taken following her allegations of rape and assault. In March, Verebes was ordered to serve a minimum of 28 years in jail as a jury at Carlisle Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of murder and three counts of rape between 2013 and 2016 An IPCC spokeswoman said: 'Based on the evidence collected so far the IPCC investigator has decided there is an indication of misconduct by a detective constable and a detective sergeant at the force. Both officers have been notified. 'All other officers involved in this case are being treated as witnesses at this time.' Following Verebes's convictions, Ms Korosi's mother Marta Hegyi Csiscman said she loved her daughter with her 'whole heart' and described her as a person who liked to make friends and travel. She added: 'It is very difficult to accept that she is no more, I can never embrace her again and I cannot help her achieve her goals. 'There are many questions and I don't know if there will ever be answers to them, I only know that my big daughter of whom I was always proud did not deserve this and she will never be able to tell me what had happened and why. 'She can never make her dreams come true and cannot raise her children and I can never help her in anything anymore.' Indiana officials have agreed to pay $25 million to a couple who were wrongfully accused in the death of their 14-year-old daughter. The lawsuit filed by Jessica Salyer's family was dismissed Wednesday after the settlement was reached. Court documents allege the state Department of Child Services (DCS) pursued a neglect case against her parents, Roman and Lynnette Finnegan, despite an investigation that showed Jessica died in 2005 from taking prescribed medications that had a fatal interaction. Indiana officials have agreed to pay $25 million to a couple who were wrongfully accused in the death of their 14-year-old daughter, Jessica Salyer (pictured), in 2005 from what was later determined to be a prescription error Lynette and Roman Finnegan (pictured) were arrested and charged with neglect in Jessica's death and two of their three children - Tabitha and Katelynn - were removed from their home and placed in foster care Jessica was born with a heart defect and seizure disorder and had numerous open heart surgeries, including one that left her with a two-chambered heart instead of the typical four. She was also taking multiple high-risk drugs include Coumadin, a blood-thinning medication; Digoxin, a blood pressure support drug; and Dilantin, a seizure medication. On December 20, 2005, Jessica Salyer was found dead in her Francesville home. She had stayed home from school that day because she was feeling ill. Her mother, Lynnette, found her around 2pm, lying face down by her bed, not breathing, and with a small amount of blood by her mouth and nose. It was eventually discovered that a doctor had doubled her dosage of Coumadin and had taken her off an anti-seizure medication, causing an accidental overdose. The Finnegans were arrested and charged with neglect in Jessica's death and two of their three children - Tabitha and Katelynn - were removed from their home and placed in foster care. DCS officials later ignored evidence including the coroner's conclusion that a prescription error resulting in overdose caused Jessica's death, according to Indianapolis attorney Rich Waples. After chargers were dropped, the Finnegans sued three DCS workers, an Indiana State Police detective and a doctor in 2008. A jury sided with the family in 2015, finding that officials sabotaged investigations into Jessica's (pictured) death and awarded the family $31.3 million He said investigators tried to frame the couple by falsifying documents sent to a state fatality review team. 'It was beyond the pale, and the jury understood that,' Waples said, noting that the coroner testified for the plaintiffs. Charges against the couple were eventually dropped. After the parents were charged and the children removed from their home, Roman Finnegan was fired from his job at the Department of Correction. The family lost its home and was forced to sell off nearly all possessions. 'It literally destroyed the family,' Waples said. 'They've been essentially destitute for the better part of nine years.' Roman has since been rehired by the DOC. After the charges were dropped, the Finnegans sued three of the DCS's workers, an Indiana State Police detective and a doctor in 2008. A jury sided with the family in 2015, finding that officials sabotaged investigations into Jessica's death and awarded the family $31.3 million. The Indiana Attorney General's Office appealed the verdict last year. State officials continue to deny any 'fault, wrongdoing or liability,' Chief Counsel of Appeals Stephen Creason, of the attorney general's office, told The Indiana Lawyer. A mother who claimed she had been abducted with her four children at gunpoint by a stranger has been charged with false reporting after police discovered it was her husband who allegedly kidnapped them. Amanda Manley Crout, 31, has been charged with accessory after the fact and filing a false police report after she failed to tell police it was her husband, Octivas Crout, 28, who abducted her early Sunday morning in Tennessee. Initially, Crout claimed she didn't know who kidnapped her and her young children, but court documents state a witness saw Octivas Crout, aka Octavious Woods, holding his family at gunpoint, according to FOX News. Amanda Manley Crout (left), 31, has been charged after she failed to tell police it was her husband, Octivas Crout (right), 28, who abducted her The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an amber alert after Amanda Crout, 31, and her four young children were abducted at gunpoint The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an amber alert after Crout and her kids, Amaylah Manley, two, Adrik Manley, eight, Tayvious Crout, three, and Damaryious Crout, one, were taken at gunpoint from their Lexington home. According to The Jackson Sun, court documents reveal Octivas Crout hit his wife in the head with the gun before forcing his family out of the home and into a car. When investigators arrived at the home they found there appeared to be a struggle in the bedroom and a window was broken. Shortly after the alert went out, Amanda Crout and her children were found, unharmed, inside a vehicle a few miles from her home. Damaryious Crout, one (left), and Tayvious Crout, three (right), were abducted by their father, Octivas Crout, at gunpoint early Sunday morning in Lexington, Tennessee Amaylah Manley, two, is pictured left and Adrik Manley, eight, is seen right Amanda Manley Crout (left) is facing charges after failing to tell police her husband, Octivas Crout (right), not a stranger, kidnapped her and her four kids Octivas Crout turned himself in to Lexington police Monday morning. He is due in court on Tuesday. Amanda Crout is due in court on June 7. He's charged with three counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated burglary. One of the survivors of the Portland stabbing attack had a heartfelt reunion with her hero savior. Destinee Magnum, 17, was riding a MAX train last week with a Muslim friend when the two were attacked by Jeremy Christian. Micah Fletcher, 21, was one of three men who stepped in and protected the two girls from the racist knifeman. The other two, Rick Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, died from their injuries. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Magnum's mother Dyjuana Hudson posted pictures of her daughter reuniting with Fletcher. Scroll down for video Destinee Magnum (left), one of the two targets of last week's Portland MAX attack, reunited with Micah Fletcher (right), the man who saved her from the crazed knifeman In a Facebook post on Thursday, Magnum's mom posted pictures of her daughter hugging the Good Samaritan Fletcher, a poet, then posed for pictures with the rest of Magnum's grateful family Magnum presented Fletcher with a t-shirt she made to show her thanks for saving her life Above, the post that Hudson wrote about the reunion between her daughter and Fletcher In the pictures, Magnum and Fletcher are seen hugging and then posing with Magnum's family. She also presented him with a t-shirt that reads 'I love you and you are my hero'. 'Finally got a chance to meet one of the angels that saved my daughter's life,' Hudson wrote. 'Micah is one of the best genuine-hearted people you will ever meet. My daughter was so happy but very emotional 'Micah is one of a kind and a very strong young man that comes from two beautiful parents that we also had the pleasure of meeting today... 'Destinee personally made him a shirt. She is such a caring young lady who is so grateful to the courageous men that [are] now Our Heros... #MICAHWELOVEYOU#' the post read. Hudson's post comes a day after Fletcher recorded a video, accusing the city of Portland of having a 'white savior complex' because more people had raised money for him than for Magnum or her Muslim friend. The post comes a day after Fletcher (left) posted a video, accusing the city of Portland of having a white savior complex since more money had been raised for him than for Magnum (right) or her Muslim friend 'We in Portland have this weird tendency to continue patterns that we've done forever and one of them is this same old, just to to put it bluntly, white savior complex. 'I think it's immensely, immensely morally wrong and irresponsible how much money we have gotten as opposed to how much support, money, love, kindness that has been given to that little girl. 'We need to remember that this is about them...they are the real victims here,' he added, sharing a link to an online fundraising page set up in their names. Fundraising pages for Fletcher, Best and Namkai-Meche have already reached more than $800,000 combined. Rick Best, 53, (left), and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, 23 (right), stepped in with Fletcher to protect them. They died of their injuries Fletcher, a 21-year-old poet, was slashed on the side of his jaw and chest but survived White supremacist Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, has been arraigned on charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon and a hate crime. He is pictured above at his arraignment on Wednesday where he remorselessly described his murderous rampage as 'patriotism' Fletcher attended the arraignment, staring solemnly in Christian's direction with his scar on show A page set up for the girls, which he shared on social media, has not yet hit $100,000. In his video, Fletcher said that he was 'fine' and though he urged well-wishers to support the grieving families of the other men killed, 'no amount of money will ever bring back the loss of loved ones.' He said the girls, who are just 17, needed support. 'Yes, two men died. Yes I was injured. Yes, yes of course we need to support all three of us. 'When it comes down to it, when a kid's hurt like that we as a society, as a world, have moral obligation to do something about it and to help.' Fundraisers for Fletcher and the families of the men who were killed have already raised more than $800,000 combined The fundraiser for the girls which Fletcher shared has not yet it $100,000 There has been an outpouring of support for everyone involved both in the Oregon city, where memorials are well maintained, and online Destinee spoke out last week to thank the men for saving her life. She described through tears how she and her friend were sitting on the train when Christian approached them and started screaming abuse. 'They didn't even know me. They lost their life because of me and my friend and the way we looked and I just to say thank you to them and their family and I appreciate them because without them we probably would be dead right now,' she told Fox's Oregon affiliate KPTV. Her mother shared her gratitude for the men on social media. 'Thank you thank you thank you. You will always be our hero ....I'm soooooo sorry this happened,' she said, sharing a photograph of 23-year-old Namkai-Meche. Christian was charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon and a hate crime. He appeared in court on Wednesday, unrepentant about the men's deaths. 'You call it terrorism, I call it patriotism. You hear me? Die. Death to the enemies of America. Leave this country if you hate our freedom,' he said. To donate to the funds set up for the teenage girls, click here . The fund set up for Fletcher can be found here and the page for the families of Best and Namkai-Meche are accessible here. Mother slain: Karen Regnier, 69, was shot dead along with her husband in a double murder-suicide that authorities in Minnesota say was carried out by her adult son A married couple have been found shot to death inside their Minnesota home along with their adult son, in what law enforcement officials have labelled a suspected double murder-suicide. According to Anoka County Sheriff's Office, 27-year-old Aaron Regnier killed both his parents, 69-year-old Karen Regnier and 58-year-old Brian Regnier, before turning the gun on himself inside the family's home in Andover sometime between Memorial Day and Wednesday evening. Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the Regnier family's sprawling home, surrounded by a perfectly manicured lawn edged with spring blooms, in the 900 block of 139th Avenue, at around 7pm after getting a request for a welfare check. A neighbor reportedly became concerned for the family's well-being because none of the occupants of the house had been seen since Monday. Officers who responded to the scene found the front door unlocked, entered the residence and found the parents and their son dead from gunshot wounds in the living room, reported the station KSTP. Scroll down for video Karen Regnier, Brian Regnier, and Aaron Regnier were found in the living room of their home in Andover, Minnesota (pictured) by deputies performing a welfare check Video courtesy of KSTP The deputies recovered the suspected murder weapon, a 22.-caliber semi-automatic handgun, and casings. The sheriffs office said in a statement: 'We are not seeking suspects and there is no danger to the public.' Commander Paul Sommer, of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, told KARE11 they had received calls for domestic disturbances from the Regniers' home in the past. Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Aaron Regnier was convicted in 2012 of two counts of possession of child pornography and given a one-year stayed jail sentence, followed by two years of probation. Sommer said the 27-year-old was also struggling with mental health problems and substance abuse, but his parents were supportive and were doing all they could to help him. Storied past: Regnier, pictured far right in this photo from the 1970s, was a founding member of the country-rock band Podipto In her youth, Karen Regnier was a founding member of the Minnesota country-rock band Podipto, and also performed with several other groups. According to an article published in the Bemidji Pioneer in 2015, Podipto was started in 1969 and went on to tour with such international superstars as Elton John and James Taylor. Regnier, who was known at the time as Karen Lund, played piano and sang in the band Podipto's website states that Karen Regnier, who was known at the time as Karen Lund, played piano and sang alongside her then-husband, Dan Lund. She parted ways with the band in 1975 when she moved out of state. Karen was an incredible talent and a wonderful human being, who touched countless people with her kindness and her song, said Podipto manager John Collins in a statement to Daily Mail Thursday. Collins explained in a follow-up email that his late father was in the band and he has been acting as a 'custodian' of Podipto's legacy and music as of late, releasing the band's songs on CDs and online. Podipto also released a brief statement on social media, paying tribute to Regnier. 'She will be missed by many, and our condolences go out to anyone who knew her and was touched be her life and song, the post read. Wilson Roberts, a friend and fellow band member who now works as a realtor in Idaho, shared a photo of himself and Regnier performing in Minnesota a couple of years ago. 'Karen was loved and respected by all, and will be greatly missed and will always be remembered warmly,' he wrote on Facebook. Records show that Karen and Brian Regnier got married in November 1989. A doctor, who told a graduate with breathing problems to 'go on a spa day' before she died of a blood clot, has been given a warning. Charlotte Foster, 23, went into cardiac arrest when she collapsed at work, five months after she started taking Dianette. Three days later, the doctor's daughter, from Newport, Shropshire, died at the Princess Royal Hospital, in Telford, after suffering brain damage. An inquest heard she would have survived if Dr Sunil Idicula Simon had not missed her symptoms and told her to go on a spa day instead. Three weeks before her death, she went to Simon complaining of back pain and shortness of breath - but was told there were no signs of deep vein thrombosis. The 23-year-old had graduated from Liverpool University and was working for food company Muller Charlotte Foster, 23, went into cardiac arrest when she collapsed at work, five months after she started taking Dianette He insisted the pain was 'muscular in origin' and recommended she 'get a massage' or have a spa day. An inquest revealed Miss Foster had undergone tests that indicated she would be high-risk if prescribed the drug. The brand of pill - which she wanted as both a contraceptive and to treat her acne - carries double the risk of blood clots. The ruling said that on two ocassions - December 24, 2015, when he had a telephone conversation with the patient, and January 4 2016, in a face to face consultation - Doctor Simon failed to obtain an adequate history into 'Patient A' to find a link between the patient's symptoms and the contraceptive and to consider deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus as possible diagnosis. It said he failed to arrange investigations to eliminate or confirm deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus, according to the Shropshire Star. He also failed to put together an adequate treatment plan for the patient stopping the medication and failed to make an adequate record of the two consultations. Former colleagues at Miss Foster's workplace and the head of her old school have paid tribute to her It adds that on a second occasion, on January 4, he failed to conduct an adequate examination. The ruling, published on the GMC website, says: 'This conduct does not meet with the standards required of a doctor. It risks bringing the profession into disrepute and it must not be repeated. 'Whilst this failing in itself is not so serious as to require any restriction on Dr Simon's registration, it is necessary in response to issue this formal warning. 'This warning will be published on the List of Registered Medical Practitioners (LRMP) for a period of five years and will be disclosed to any person enquiring about his 'fitness to practise' history. 'After five years, the warning will cease to be published on LRMP; however, it will be kept on record and disclosed to employers on request.' She died of brain damage caused by a blood clot at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, Shropshire Charlotte's parents Stephen, 55, and Cecilia, 60, said they had been left heartbroken by her death. They said: 'We are devastated at the sudden and unexpected loss of a very much loved daughter, sister, and granddaughter. 'Charlotte was a lively, intelligent, beautiful, and caring young lady who will be deeply missed by her family, friends and work colleagues.' Speaking from the family's home in Market Drayton, Dr Stephen Foster, a retired anaesthetist, said: 'It was all very sudden. I'm not sure how long she had been taking the pill for but it was only a matter of months. 'She had a few health niggles but nothing too serious so it was all very sudden and a great shock to us all. 'She had completed a degree in Business Studies at Liverpool and was doing very well in her work and had a lot to look forward to in life. 'I don't really want to pass comment [on the dangers of the contraceptive pill] because it is not my position to make public health recommendations. DOES THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL CAUSE BLOOD CLOTS? NHS guidance does advise about the potential risks of the combined pill but states that they are 'small and, for most women, the benefits of the pill outweigh the risks'. Guidelines warn that the oestrogen in the pill can cause blood to clot more readily. If blood clots develop they can cause deep vein thrombosis, a clot in the leg, pulmonary embolus, a clot in the lung, a stroke or a heart attack. Advertisement 'We will just wait for the full inquest which I'm sure will reveal more. At the moment we just want time to be able to grieve.' Her sister Hannah, 25, added: 'We are just all so devastated and completely distraught by what had happened.' Charlotte attended Shrewsbury High School before going to the University of Liverpool where she graduated in 2014. She joined Muller in June last year where she had been working as a Customer Category Executive for just over six months. A spokesman for Muller said: 'In her time with the business Charlotte had a huge impact on both customers and her colleagues. 'She is greatly missed and our thoughts are with Charlotte's family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.' Michael Getty, headmaster of Shrewsbury High School, also paid tribute to their 'bubbly, happy and immensely caring' former pupil. He said: 'The teachers and staff at Shrewsbury High School were incredibly upset to hear the news that Charlotte Foster, a former pupil of the school, unfortunately passed away after suddenly falling ill whilst at work. NHS guidance does advise about the potential risks of the combined pill but states that they are 'small and, for most women, the benefits of the pill outweigh the risks'. 'Charlotte is remembered very fondly at the High School, where she completed her A-levels in 2010. 'Charlotte was always a very bubbly, happy and immensely caring girl who proudly went on to study at Liverpool University. 'Charlotte still retained many friendships with her former high school classmates, who were also devastated to hear of her death. Russia hopes to train white whales to guard its naval bases and even kill intruders, it has been revealed. A report by TV Zvezda, which is owned by the Russian defence ministry, claimed the marine mammals were also being conditioned to 'assist deep water divers'. The move to undertake research efforts on the military usefulness of whales comes as Vladimir Putin attempts to boost the Kremlin's presence in the arctic. 'It was mainly about white whales with highly sensitive sonars,' stated the report, which claimed the whales' performance at military tasks was not as reliable as seals. Russia hopes to train white whales (pictured) to guard its naval bases and even kill intruders, it has been revealed. 'It was planned that white whales could be on duty at the entrances to naval bases. 'But (they) turned to be very delicate animals - they easily got ill after long swimming in cold polar waters.' While seals and dolphins were deployed for military purposes by Cold War foes America and the USSR. Seals were seen as more effective compared to whales as Russia builds up its Arctic naval strength, according to The Siberian Times. 'Even after a one year break in training the seal will keep all oral commands in its memory.' Research was conducted on ringed, bearded, grey and Greenland seals along with bottle-nosed dolphins in a programme financed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. 'They can locate mines and lift objects from deep waters,' reported Zvezda, which said research was conducted at Murmansk Sea Biology Research Institute. 'It is enough to show and object to a seal and it will find it at the bottom. While seals and dolphins were deployed for military purposes by Cold War foes America and the USSR 'The seal can be actively in touch with a diver - it can bring up a tool or carry away something. It can distinguish 'his' diver from a stranger. 'If the seal receives a special signal, it can block or kill the underwater saboteur.' Bearded seals have come out on top as 'special forces' underwater combatants in northern conditions, it was reported in Russia. Scientist Gennady Matishov said they had high 'professionalism', and humans are seen as happier to deal with seals than - for example - sea lions. Yet seals are also known to become distracted and males may disappear if they decide to chase a female. An open tender shows the Defence Ministry last year bought five bottle-nosed dolphins aged between three and five. The US is known to use sea animals to search for missing people at sea, to hunt for mines, and find and lift objects from the sea floor. Putin has re-opened old Soviet military bases in the Arctic has he claims the right to exploit vast energy resources in the polar region. An Oklahoma woman found guilty of slashing the corpse of her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend during a funeral viewing has been jailed for 16 years. Shaynna Lauren Sims, 29, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of unauthorized removal of body parts from a body, larceny from a person, knowingly concealing or receiving stolen property and first-degree burglary. But prosecutors called 12 witnesses who slowly pieced together how Sims earned the trust of those closest to the deceased woman by assuring family and friends that she was a skilled makeup artist who wanted to help prepare the victim's body for a funeral viewing. Shaynna Sims (left), has been jailed for 16 years after slashing the corpse of her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend Tabatha Lynch, who died at age 38 of natural causes, (right) Instead of helping, the friends testified, Sims removed body parts from the victim, stole her shoes and slashed the woman's face moments before a public funeral viewing. Tulsa County District Judge Kelly Greenough upheld the jury's recommendation that Sims serve seven years in prison for first-degree burglary, five years for unlawfully removing a body part from someone who is deceased, two years for knowingly concealing stolen property, one year for unauthorized dissection, and one year for disrupting or interrupting a funeral. 'She had makeup and lipstick smeared all over her face; her hair was just all over the place,' the victim's mother, Charlotte Wheeler, testified as she choked back tears during the trial. Two employees at the funeral home also described their grisly finds. Funeral director Robert Gardner revealed how two girls came into his office during the viewing claiming someone 'pulled a glob of hair' from the dead woman and left it on the floor. Lawrence Hutchings, a security and maintenance manager at the parlor, told how the victim's breasts and a toe had been removed. The body parts were never found. Sims was arrested at the dead woman's apartment after attending the viewing. Long history: Shaynna Sims is seen with her husband Montie Smith. Tabatha Lynch, 38, was Smith's ex-girlfriend During closing arguments, two prosecutors told jurors the defense was 'slut-shaming' the deceased because Lynch was having an affair with Sims' estranged husband. Sims' attorney denied that and characterized his client as 'not in the right state of mind' because she was humiliated, broken-hearted, embarrassed and angered by the adultery. 'We understand a person being jealous; we understand a person being angry,' Assistant District Attorney Tanya Wilson said to TulsaWorld.com after Sims' conviction. 'And she probably had every right to be, but... she took it a step too far.' Sims earned the trust of those closest to the deceased woman by assuring family and friends that she was a skilled makeup artist who wanted to help prepare the victim's body for a viewing United Airlines announced Thursday that it will launch an 18-hour flight between Los Angeles and Singapore, making it the longest route to or from the United States. Westbound flights will be a derriere-numbing 17 hours and 55 minutes. Flight UA 37 will depart Los Angeles at 8.55pm daily and arrive in Singapore at 6.50am two days later local time. The total distance is about 8,700 miles. The return flight, UA 38, will depart Singapore's Changi Airport at 11.00am daily, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport at 10.15am the same day. United Airlines (file) announced Thursday that it will launch an 18-hour flight between Los Angeles and Singapore, making it the longest route to or from the United States Flight UA 37 will depart Los Angeles at 8.55pm daily and arrive in Singapore at 6.50am two days later local time. The total distance is about 8,700 miles. Pictured is United's 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that features 48 Polaris business class seats Flying times will be approximately 17 hours, 55 minutes westbound and 15 hours, 15 minutes eastbound, with the prevailing tail wind. The airline said Thursday that assuming it gets government approval, flights will start on October 27 using Boeing 787 planes. 'The flight between LAX and SIN will set the new distance record for any airline operating a flight to or from the United States, at 8,700 miles,' the airline said in a statement. United already has an existing service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and SIN, which started one year ago, June 1, 2016. That particular flight, accoding to United, holds the current record for the longest scheduled 787 flight operated by any airline and is currently the longest scheduled flight operated by any US carrier, at 8,446 miles. United will operate both routes with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. 'Whether our customers are on leisure or business travel, United is making travel to Singapore easier and even more convenient than ever before ...,' said Dave Hilfman, United's senior vice president of Worldwide Sales. United operates more than 130 flights to over 40 airports across the US. 'We are proud that United Airlines will set a new record for the longest nonstop route by a domestic carrier right here at LAX,' said Deborah Flint, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports. United's 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will feature a total of 252 seats 48 United Polaris business class, 204 United Economy, including 88 Economy Plus. United Economy seats feature an adjustable headrest and seat-back monitor, while the United Economy Plus offers up to five inches of extra legroom. United Economy seats feature an adjustable headrest and seat-back monitor, while the United Economy Plus offers up to five inches of extra legroom. Pictured is business class on Singapore Airlines' Boeings The longest current US flight is Qantas' 8,578-mile trip between Dallas-Fort Worth and Sydney, Australia. Among flights that don't touch the US, Qatar Airways flies a 9,032-mile route between its hub in Doha and Auckland, New Zealand. United's announcement comes after nearly two months of bad press. In April, several incidents were reported on United flights, the most notorious occurred when police violently drug Dr David Dao off a flight, leaving him with a concussion and broken nose, among other injuries. LONGEST FLIGHTS IN THE WORLD 1. Sydney-Dallas, Qantas 8,578 miles, 16 hours and 55 minutes 2. Jeddah-Los Angeles, Saudia 8,332 miles, 16 hours and 40 minutes 3. Johannesburg-Atlanta, Delta Air Lines 8,439 miles, 16 hours and 40 minutes 4. Dubai-Los Angeles, Emirates 8,339 miles, 16 hours and 35 minutes 5. Abu Dhabi-Los Angeles, Etihad Airways 8,390 miles, 16 hours and 30 minutes. 6. Doha-Los Angeles, Qatar Airways 8,306 miles, 16 hours and 25 minutes 7. Dallas-Hong Kong, American Airlines 8,123 miles, 16 hours and 20 minutes 8. Dubai-Houston, Emirates 8,168 miles, 16 hours and 20 minutes 9. Abu Dhabi-Dallas, Etihad Airways 8,054 miles, 16 hours and 20 minutes 10. Doha-Houston, Qatar Airways 8,047 miles, 16 hours and 20 minutes. Source: DailyMail.com, February 2016 Advertisement United's CEO Oscar Munoz said following the violent incident that the airline 'had a horrible failure'. 'It is not who we are. We will do better,' he said. In May, passengers reported being attacked by a scorpion that caused a flight to evacuate and another passenger received a five-figure compensation pay out after her giant bunny, Simon, froze to death on its way to America while traveling with the airline. A couple was also kicked off a flight on their way to their wedding in Costa Rica. Last week, the airline reportedly accused a gay father, who was flying with his son to North Carolina, of inappropriately touching the boy. United issued an apology immediately after that incident. And most recently, a bird strike shut down the engine of a United plane not long after it took off from Chicago on Thursday morning. A video showed flames shooting from the wing. Lisa Corcoran, of Vienna Township, is accused of stealing a handmade bench, flowers and other objects from local cemeteries that were later used to decorate her home A Michigan woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing at least 188 items from two cemeteries to spruce up her home. Lisa Corcoran, 44, is accused of stealing a handmade bench, flowers and other objects from the nearby cemeteries. The Vienna Township woman was arraigned Wednesday on a larceny charge. Authorities say at least 188 objects were taken starting April 1 from 24 grave sites at the West Vienna Cemetery and the Woodlawn Cemetery, reported MLive. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell described the thefts Thursday to reporters as a 'new low' and said 'to steal from the dead is an unimaginable act that defies description.' The 44-year-old Corcoran was arrested after someone saw a car full of flowers leaving one of the cemeteries. One of the two cemeteries items were stolen from is the Woodlawn Cemetery in Genesee County The other cemetery is the West Vienna Cemetery. Authorities said items started going missing April 1 from both cemeteries A witness called authorities after taking down the license plate number, and police were able to track down her silver Pontiac, which she was using to cart flowers and other items she had allegedly stolen. At her home, police found 188 stolen objects, as well as rooms decorated with flowers and items she'd allegedly lifted from the grave sites, according to MLive. One of the benches investigators believe she took is worth $500, though a total value for all of the items has yet to be determined. Corcoran was jailed Thursday on bond and has requested a court-appointed attorney. A June 8 probable cause conference was scheduled. A young father has died in hospital after being 'punched repeatedly in the head and choked' by a sheriff's husband who confronted him outside a Denny's. Johnny Hernandez, 24, was declared brain dead on Thursday a day after the incident in Houston. Witnesses said the man was drunk when he went outside to urinate and was confronted by the 41-year-old husband of a sheriff who had just pulled in to the parking lot with his children. Hernandez threw the first punch, they say, but was brought to the ground by the female sheriff's husband and held there. Hernandez's wife says he punched her husband in the head 'endlessly' while a Denny's worker who was on shift said he saw him choking him. Scroll down for video Johnny Hernandez, 24, died in hospital on Thursday from brain injuries he suffered in the fight The sheriff's husband has not been identified but he is seen above in surveillance footage from the restaurant holding Hernandez down 'He had him on the floor, he was hitting him with no remorse. My daughter, who is three, I had her with me and she was crying. 'I was telling hi, "please stop!" but he didn't stop.' I said to him "please don't do that to him, he's drunk. He wasn't in any position to fight,' the woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, told KHOU. The female sheriff was not initially present but arrived to find her husband restraining him. When she realized Hernandez wasn't breathing, she began CPR and called for backup and an ambulance. Hernandez was taken to the hospital and was put on life support. It was turned off on Thursday. His grieving wife told ABC News she wants to see the sheriff's husband, who has not been named, punished. The 24-year-old (above with his three-year-old daughter). His family say they want the man who fought with him to 'pay' for his death 'I want him to pay for what he did,' she said through tears. Surveillance footage taken inside the restaurant vaguely shows him being thrown to the ground and held down by the man who was wearing an orange shirt. Other footage showed the sheriff's husband later being taken away in the back of a patrol car but he has not been charged. A Harris County Sheriff's Office spokesman said in a press release that no charges had been brought against him. It insists it is still investigating the incident. In an incident report, KHOU claims it referred to the sheriff's husband as a victim. An art gallery in Sydney's exclusive eastern suburbs had planned to sell off a 'horrific' child sex scene painted by a notorious Australian paedophile. The artwork, which appears to show two young boys pleasuring an adult man, was due to be auctioned off on Wednesday at Mossgreen auction house, in Woollahra. The artwork was painted by Donald Friend, an Australian man who boasted about making love with boys as young as nine while living in Bali and Sri Lanka. Friend died in 1989, aged 74, but never paid for his sickening crimes. In fact, his perverted sexual fascinations only came to light after his diaries were published posthumously - on his own instruction - by the National Library of Australia in 2001. Notorious Australian paedophile Donald Friend (pictured) died in 1989, aged 74. One of his artworks, appearing to show two young men pleasuring an adult man, was going to be auctioned off at an art gallery in Sydney's eastern suburbs Friend's perverted sexual fascinations only came to light after his diaries (pictured) were published posthumously - on his own instruction - by the National Library of Australia in 2001 Mossgreen auction house co-owner Paul Sumner told the Daily Telegraph he had decided to pull the artwork from display after considering the message it sent. 'There is a line with art and this work clearly crossed that line,' Mr Sumner told the publication. 'That image will not go to sale to be honest I don't normally censor anything but this has clearly crossed a line.' Dr Cathy Kezelman, president of the Blue Knot Foundation, told the Daily Telegraph the image was 'very chilling' and would disturb victims of child abuse. Friend's perverse diaries, of which there are 44, were published in four volumes from 2001 to 2006 at the National Library of Australia. Friend boasted about making love with boys as young as nine while living in Bali and Sri Lanka (one of his paintings pictured) In one of Friend's diaries he describes having 'passionate and expert love' with a young 'houseboy' aged just 10 In one diary, written in the 1960s while he was living in Bali, Friend describes in haunting detail a sexual relationship with a local boy aged just 10. '(He) spent the night with me. I hope life will continue forever to offer me delicious surprises ... and that I will always be delighted and surprised,' one passage reads. 'He goes about the act of love with a charmingly self-possessed grace: gaily, affectionately, and enthusiastically. And in these matters he's very inventive and not at all sentimental for all the caresses.' Friend describes having 'passionate and expert love' with the young 'houseboy', describing the child as an 'enchanting wayward lover'. The Australian War Memorial, which holds some of Friend's artworks, said it rejected the man's behaviour but appreciated the value of his artworks. 'The Memorial deplores Friend's now known paedophile behaviour, but acknowledges the value of his works in conveying a unique insight into the Australian experience of war,' the memorial says on its website. The terrorist regularly went to see Abdalraouf Abdallah (pictured), who was jailed after trying to help other Manchester-based fanatics join extremists in Syria The Manchester bomber Salman Abedi made repeated prison visits to a convicted Libyan jihadist in the months leading to the attack. The terrorist regularly went to see Abdalraouf Abdallah, who was jailed after trying to help other Manchester-based fanatics join extremists in Syria. Abedi, 22, visited privately-run Altcourse Prison in Liverpool up to three times this year. His last trip was in March, but it is understood it was not red flagged because Abedi was not on a terror watch list. However, he was known to MI5 and other security services, and his frequent visits to a convicted jihadist raise serious questions about why authorities did not take more notice. It was also claimed yesterday that Abedi was reported five times to a terror hotline as a possible threat but nothing was done. Prison sources said wheelchair-bound Abdallah, 24, is being kept in an isolated unit for his safety as police try to establish whether the visits were in any way linked to Abedis suicide attack on May 22. Abdallah, of Manchesters Moss Side, is the son of a Libyan dissident and came to the UK with his family as a refugee in 1993. He was jailed for five-and-a-half years at Woolwich Crown Court in July last year after being convicted of helping other jihadists travel to Syria and providing funds for terrorism. Among those he helped was RAF veteran and Muslim convert Stephen Gray, who also grew up in Moss Side. Gray, who failed to reach Syria, admitted three terror offences and was jailed for five years. Abdallah travelled to Libya in 2010 and is said to have joined Islamist group the 17th February Martyrs Brigade which includes fighters linked to Al Qaeda. He was left paraplegic after he was shot in the 2011 uprising, before returning to the UK. It is understood Abedi visited Abdallah last year as well. A source close to the prison said: Salman Abedi met Abdallah not long before the bombing and regularly in previous months, always being referenced as a friend on the visitation order form. The source claimed the prison did not investigate or monitor the visits. Greater Manchester Police and G4S, which runs Altcourse, declined to comment. A Ministry of Justice spokesman would not comment due to the ongoing police investigation. Abedi (far right), 22, visited privately-run Altcourse Prison in Liverpool up to three times this year. His last trip was in March, but it is understood it was not red flagged because Abedi was not on a terror watch list People stand still and observe a minutes silence in St Ann's Square in the centre of Manchester UK-born Abedi, who grew up in Whalley Range, Manchester, spent time in Libya after the 2011 revolution, but it is believed he was radicalised after returning to Britain. Faith leaders from his mosque and members of the Libyan community raised the alarm years ago, a Muslim leader claimed yesterday. Yousef Hageg, of Community On Solid Ground, a group Abedi and his brother Hashim once attended, said the system for reporting concerns over extremism is broken. 'WE WEPT OVER ARENA DEATHS' Two cousins of Salman Abedi who were held by police for almost a week insisted last night that they had no idea he had been plotting a bomb attack. Abdallah and Isaac Forjani, who were pictured on a beach in Libya with the fanatic, spoke of their shock after being released without charge on Tuesday. Detectives now believe 22-year-old Abedi may have acted alone, buying the components for his bomb and putting it together in the four days between his return from Libya and the May 22 Manchester attack. Yesterday Abdallah, who runs a barber shop, and his brother Isaac, both 24, said they were left in tears at the loss of innocent lives. Abdallah told ITV: He never came and spoke to me about something serious. If he had, maybe I could have done something about it. Isaac added: I couldnt stop crying... And every time that story was brought up, little girls, innocent lives. You just couldnt just stop yourself from crying, thats all you can do. Their lives, 22 lives, have gone. The pair are understood to have been arrested in the early hours of last Wednesday after heavily armed police burst into their home in South Manchester. Advertisement There were five different people around Didsbury mosque who raised that he was a threat but the Government didnt act, he said. Five people of different backgrounds that is something they should listen to. I understand its resource intensive but thats what our taxpayers money is for. We were let down by the authorities. Scotland Yard said it would be inappropriate to comment on whether information was received. Kathy Griffin has lost even more gigs after her shocking photo shoot that depicted her holding President Donald Trump's blood-gushing severed head. Five venues on the controversial comedian's Celebrity Run-In Tour have axed her shows amid the uproar over the outrageous photo. St. George Theatre in Staten Island and the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ were the latest to announce they were cancelling her November shows in a statement online. 'Ms. Griffin's recent actions have severely inhibited our ability to fulfill our mission as a non-profit theatre serving the Staten Island community,' State Theatre said. State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ is the latest venue to announce it was cancelling her November show in a statement online Griffin sparked fury from Trump supporters on Tuesday after footage emerged of her holding up a fake severed Donald Trump head CNN has fired Kathy Griffin from bo-hosting its New Year's Eve program with Anderson Cooper The Route 66 Casino Hotel near Albuquerque, New Mexico canceled Griffin's planned stand-up appearance on July 22 shortly after she released the damning photographs Griffin's list of upcoming shows is getting smaller by the day as more and more venues cancel her shows The news comes just one day after CNN announced it had fired Griffin from her annual gig co-hosting its New Year's Eve program with network anchor Anderson Cooper. 'CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program,' the network's PR department tweeted. She also lost a Route 66 Casino gig, two California shows and an endorsement deal. The Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey said it has been flooded with complaints following the show, but had not yet decided whether to cancel Griffin's November 4 show. The president was reportedly furious over the D-list celebrity's gruesome stunt after his 11-year-old son Barron saw the picture on the news and thought it was real. First lady Melania Trump said that '[a]s a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing.' President Trump weighed in Wednesday morning on Kathy Griffin's tasteless video and he pronounced it 'sick' First lady Melania Trump (right) rushed to protect her son, saying' '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.' The president lashed out at Kathy Griffin on Wednesday morning, saying she 'should be ashamed of herself' for posting video of the photo shoot on social media. 'My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick!' Trump tweeted. The Trumps' anger, and public pressure, became too much for CNN to withstand. But one liberal politician has decided to stay with Griffin, refusing to cancel a joint appearance in July. Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken told CNN 'Yes,' when asked if he plans on appearing with Griffin in his home state. 'I think she did the right thing,' Franken said of Griffin's eventual apology. 'I think asking for forgiveness and acknowledging that this, this was a horrible mistake.' Meanwhile fellow comedian Jim Carrey jumped to her defense saying it was 'the job of a comedian to cross the line at all timesbecause that line is not real.' He continued by talking about his responsibility as an artist, saying, 'If you step out into that spotlight and you're doing the crazy things that [Trump is] doing, we are the last line of defense. 'And really, the comedians are the last voice of truth in this whole thing. It's impossible to get away from it.' Griffin also lost an endorsement deal with 'Squatty Potty,' an ergonomic footstool designed to be used while sitting on the toilet Griffin co-hosted the CNN New Year's Eve countdown show in recent years with Anderson Cooper. The two are seen on-camera five months ago The Route 66 Casino near Albuquerque, New Mexico was less forgiving. 'The performance by Kathy Griffin on July 22nd has been cancelled,' the company wrote on its Facebook page. 'Any guests that did purchase tickets will receive a full refund.' Griffin also lost an unconventional endorsement deal with Squatty Potty, a company that makes ergonomic footstools designed to ease bowel movements. 'We were shocked and disappointed to learn about the image Ms. Griffin shared today, it was deeply inappropriate and runs contrary to the core values our company stands for. In response, Squatty Potty has suspended its ad campaign featuring Ms. Griffin,' company CEO Bobby Edwards said in a statement. 'We have acted swiftly and decisively to demonstrate our commitment to a culture of decency, civility, and tolerance,' the toilet aid company's statement continued. White House press secretary Sean Spicer resisted the temptation to pile on during his Wednesday press briefing, which was conducted off-camera. He allowed the president and first lady's statements, and one from the Secret Service, to speak for themselves. People close to the Trump family told TMZ that Barron panicked at the make-believe sight of his beheaded dad and screamed for his mother Melania. 'He's 11. He doesn't know who Kathy Griffin is and the head she was holding resembled his dad,' one source said. Trump was furious and complained that his children 'especially my 11 year old son, Barron' are having to grapple with Internet images of their father's bloody decapitation Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken (right, with retired TV host David Letterman) said he isn't canceling a planned public appearance with Griffin in July Griffin apologized on Tuesday for posting the video following a furious backlash and a hint at an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service. The controversial entertainer tweeted: 'I am sorry. I went too far. I was wrong.' In the video Griffin is seen slowly raising Trump's head during a photo shoot with infamous photographer Tyler Shields. She also posted a video promising to remove the offending image after she was lambasted by all sides of the political spectrum, including Chelsea Clinton. But the apology had little effect on an army of critics, both Trump supporters and Democrats from attacking Griffin on social media for the outrageous stunt. Even her long-time New Years Eve co-host Anderson Cooper said he was 'appalled' by the photo shoot, which he described as 'clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.' Meanwhile, the Secret Service made an oblique reference to the controversy on Twitter, reminding everyone that any threats against the president are taken seriously. The controversial comedian tweeted 'I am sorry. I went too far. I was wrong' after the stunt 'On it! @SecretService has a robust protective intelligence division that monitors open source reporting & social media to evaluate threats. Threats made against @SecretService protectees receive the highest priority of all of our investigations. #ProtectionNeverRests.' GRIFFIN'S VIDEO APOLOGY IN FULL 'Hey everybody, it's me, Kathy Griffin. 'I sincerely apologize. I am just now seeing the reaction to these images. 'I'm a comic. I crossed the line. 'I moved the line. Then I crossed it. I went way too far. The image is too disturbing. 'I understand how it offends people. It wasn't funny. I get it. I've made a lot of mistakes in my career. I will continue. I ask your forgiveness. 'Taking down the image. I am going to ask the photographer to take down the image. And I beg for your forgiveness. I went too far. I made a mistake and I was wrong.' Advertisement The agency later released a statement saying that '[i]t is always unfortunate when people make statements that could be perceived as threats. We don't have the luxury of knowing a person's intent. Each alleged or perceived threat has to be investigated thoroughly which taxes Secret Service manpower and resources that could be utilized elsewhere.' As the firestorm of criticism surrounding Griffin increased a CNN spokesman said that they were 'evaluating' Griffin's long-time role hosting its New Year's Eve coverage but have 'made no decisions at this point' 'We found what she did disgusting and offensive. We are pleased to see she has apologized and asked that the photos be taken down. We are evaluating New Year's Eve and have made no decisions at this point,' the spokesman said at the time. Even former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was quick to express her outrage at Griffin tweeting: 'This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president. Griffin, an outspoken opponent of Trump who is best known for presenting the New Year's Eve countdown with Anderson Cooper on CNN, is seen holding the head, which is slathered in fake blood. During footage of the shoot, posted on her own official website, Griffin said: 'Tyler and I are not afraid to make images that make noise.' The shocking images quickly set social media alight, with many calling for her to be locked up for supposedly 'threatening' the president. President Trump's eldest son Donald Jr. also got in on the act, attacking Griffin for posing with a severed fake head resembling his father, saying it was 'disgusting but not surprising. 'This is the left today. They consider this acceptable,' he tweeted. 'Imagine a conservative did this to Obama as POTUS?' 'It's sad that the left today would rather see America suffer and fail than to see it succeed with @realDonaldTrump at the helm. #maga' The Secret Service - while not citing the video or image - chose this tome to remind its followers on Twitter that the agency monitors social media and took any threats against the president very seriously Griffin's long-time co-host Anderson Cooper also criticized her on Twitter Even former first daughter Chelsea Clinton was quick to express her outrage at Griffin tweeting: 'This is vile and wrong. It is never funny to joke about killing a president Sarah Palin, who has long been a target of mockery for Griffin was quick to jump on the bandwagon, branding the post 'sick' Kellyanne Conway joined in, pointing out that the outspoken comic had plenty of time for reflection before she posted the picture In another tweet he demanded to know if CNN would keep Griffin on the air after the stunt. He also tweeted his thanks to Cooper for his condemnation before demanding to know if the TV host would work with Griffin in the future. 'Asking for a lot of people. #LMK,' he added. Kellyanne Conway joined in, pointing out that the outspoken comic had plenty of time for reflection before she posted the picture. 'Kathy Griffin did not misspeak or misstep. She plotted & posed for photoshoot. Ample time for reflection/correction,' she tweeted. While Mitt Romney denounced the comedian for dragging politics 'into an even more repugnant & vile territory.' Sarah Palin, who has long been a target of mockery for Griffin was quick to jump on the bandwagon, branding the post 'sick.' 'No one should be shocked at the sick audacity of sick characters. Kathy is a hurting individual. She needs help,' she tweeted. Meanwhile on Twitter @nancygolliday said 'Parading beheading of POTUS makes @kathygriffing a terrorist and an enemy of the state. She needs to be treated as such.' Mitt Romney denounced the comedian for dragging politics 'into an even more repugnant & vile territory' And Dr J wrote: 'You're disgusting. Honor our military but dishonor our President and Commander in Chief? You'd behead our President? Hypocrite.' Even some self-described liberals got in on the act. CNN anchor Jake Tapper said: 'It's pretty disgusting. I can't imagine how anybody would think that's appropriate.' 'Big time Liberal here - and a Kathy Griffin fan - and I agree,' said Tanya Crosse. 'This is not ok and there is no excuse. She should immediately apologize.' Meanwhile, Simar wrote: 'We can't knock the alt right for promoting hate speech & then support Kathy Griffin for promoting violence against the President.' In footage of the shoot, Griffin is seen joking that she and Shields will have to flee the country once it gets out. 'We have to move to Mexico today,' she said, 'because we're gonna go to prison. Federal prison. 'Call your dad, apologize, then let's you [and me] go to Mexico because we're not surviving this.' She's seen in the footage lifting the grisly 'head' out of a metal bowl, then rotating it towards the camera until it hits a spot that Shields likes. Finally, at Shields' demand, she drops it to the ground. Griffin responded to the outrage with a two-part tweet, the first part of which saw her mocking the imaginary dead president Mocker: Griffin claimed she was 'merely mocking the Mocker in Chief' in the second part of her tweet, and that she wasn't condoning violence In the video Griffin says that 'Tyler and I are not afraid to do images that make noise. And also he often lights me to the point where I look about 15. 'But first I'm an artist. But really it's good lighting.' On Tuesday afternoon Griffin seemed to want to silence some of the 'noise' she'd been so proud of when she tweeted that she didn't condone violence. However, that only came as the second part of a two-tweet message that began: '1/ I caption this 'there was blood coming out of his eyes, blood coming out of his...wherever' Also @tylershields great Photog/film maker.' The second tweet read: '2/ OBVIOUSLY, I do not condone ANY violence by my fans or others to anyone, ever! I'm merely mocking the Mocker in Chief.' Griffin had posted a video on Memorial Day in which she invited people to give a moment's silence for those who died fighting for America. Shields had posted the image a few hours before with the message 'Friend text me this 'I hear Tijuana is beautiful this time of year.'' Shields has made a name for himself as a provocative photographer whose images include Lindsay Lohan as a blood-soaked vampire and a KKK member being hanged by a black man. In 2011 he came under fire for a photo shoot with Glee star Heather Morris in which she sported a 'black eye'. Critics said that he made light of domestic abuse. He later apologized after receiving death threats, adding: 'If you are anti-domestic abuse spread the word about it. Threatening to kill me is not going to help anything.' Tyler Shields is famous for taking provocative images of stars such as Lindsay Lohan, He also put this image of Griffin on his blog Griffin was reportedly inspired by Game of Thrones. In 2011 the show featured the severed head of George W Bush (left); producers apologized and the shot was edited in later showings Griffin was emulating the beheadings seen in Game of Thrones, according to Daily Wire. The show came under fire itself in 2011, at the end of its first season, when it featured a shot of George W Bush's head on a stick. The wax head was one of a number of severed heads placed atop a castle's wall; the producers apologized, and said that there was no political intent. Rather, they said, they had used it because it was one of a number of pre-made heads they had lying around. The grisly shot was edited for later airings and DVD releases. A liberal college in Washington state that was recently roiled by a controversial student-initiated no white people day event canceled classes Thursday after it received a direct threat to campus safety. Evergreen State College, a liberal arts institution in Olympia, ordered students and staff to evacuate the campus Thursday morning, The Seattle Times reported. College officials said they had few details about the threat, which was made by an individual who called local law enforcement. Authorities had determined that the threat was credible enough to alert administrators, who promptly canceled classes for the day. Police vehicles were seen driving to and from the campus, according to the Times. There is no word as to whether the threat was linked to last weeks tense protests over allegations of racism made by students against faculty at the college. Evergreen State College, a liberal arts institution in Olympia, Washington, ordered students and staff to evacuate the campus Thursday morning. Students are seen above leaving the campus College officials said they had few details about the threat, which was made by an individual who called local law enforcement A police officer is seen above keeping watch as students evacuate the Evergreen State campus Students on Tuesday called for a professor to resign after he criticized a student-led event where white people were invited to leave campus for a day. Bret Weinstein, a biology professor at the college, criticized the way the college's Day of Absence event would be structured this year in an email to other faculty. In response, a group of students confronted Weinstein outside his classroom on Tuesday morning, accusing him of racism and demanding an apology and his resignation. As many as 200 students then demonstrated across the campus in protest on Tuesday and Wednesday, taking over classrooms and barricading the college president's office and the library. There is no word as to whether the threat was linked to last weeks tense protests over allegations of racism made by students against faculty at the college. Hundreds of students are seen above protesting the college administration in this May 24, 2017, photo Students on Tuesday called for a professor to resign after he criticized an event where white people were invited to leave campus for a day. Bret Weinstein (above), a biology professor at the college, criticized the way the college's Day of Absence event would be structured In response, a group of students confronted Weinstein outside his classroom on Tuesday morning, accusing him of racism and demanding an apology and his resignation The encounter between the students and Weinstein was posted in a Facebook video, where the professor can be seen speaking to a large group of students. 'There's a difference between debate and dialectic. Debate means you are trying to win, dialectic means you are using disagreement to discover what is true,' the professor told the students gathered outside his classroom. 'I am not interested in debate. I am only interested in dialectic, which does mean I listen to you, and you listen to me.' One student responded: 'We dont care what terms you want to speak on. This is not about you. We are not speaking on termson terms of white privilege. This is not a discussion. You have lost that one.' Some of the students in the video defended their professor, but others can be heard shouting at him before they walk out. In the past, Day of Absence has meant students and faculty of color leave campus to show how much they contribute to the college while white people attend anti-racism workshops, according to Heat Street. But this year, the event organizers are asking white students and faculty to leave campus, which Weinstein, a professor at Evergreen State for 15 years, responded to in an email, saying he would not participate in Day of Absence and would remain on campus. 'There is a huge difference between a group or coalition deciding to voluntarily absent themselves from a shared space in order to highlight their vital and under-appreciated roles... and a group or coalition encouraging another group to go away. 'The first is a forceful call to consciousness which is, of course, crippling to the logic of oppression. The second is a show of force, and an act of oppression in and of itself,' he wrote in the email. He added: 'On a college campus, one's right to speak or to be must never be based on skin color.' After his encounter with students Tuesday, Weinstein held his Thursday class off-campus in a park in Olympia, King 5 News reported. He told the station that police told him, 'it's not safe for me to be on campus'. 'To be clear: the police told me I am not safe on campus,' Weinstein tweeted Thursday. 'They can not protect me. Students in jeopardy. No contact from admin. George?' he added, referencing college President George Bridges. One student protester told King 5: 'If he feels unsafe or frightened for two days, he can only imagine what black and brown bodies have feared for years.' Jeremy Corbyn piled pressure on Theresa May today over her response to Donald Trump's decision to quit the Paris climate change deal. The Labour leader accused Mrs May of a 'dereliction of duty' after she told the US President of her 'disappointment' at the move. The Prime Minister spoke to Mr Trump last night but did not sign up to a joint statement with European allies condemning the move. Mr Corbyn said she had missed a chance to show a 'united front' with other leaders, many of whom went much further than the Premier in their criticism. French President Emmanuel Macron jibed that Trump should focus on 'making the planet great again' while German Chancellor Angela Merkel today said the move was 'extremely regrettable'. Jeremy Corbyn piled pressure on Theresa May today over her response to Donald Trump's decision to quit the Paris climate change deal Prime Minister Theresa May has told Donald Trump of her 'disappointment' at his decision to withdraw from the world's first deal to tackle global warming At a campaign stop in York today, Mr Corbyn insisted Mrs May should stand shoulder to shoulder against the President. He said: 'The commitments made in Paris are vital to stop the world reaching the point of no return on climate change, and there can be no question of watering them down. 'The Paris deal should not be up for renegotiation. The other three European members of the G7, France, Germany and Italy, have written to Donald Trump to make this clear. 'So why does Theresa May not have her name on this joint statement? 'Given the chance to present a united front with our international partners, she has instead opted for silence and subservience to Donald Trump. It is a dereliction of her duty both to our country and to our planet. 'That is not the type of leadership Britain needs to negotiate Brexit.' After the call between Mrs May and Mr Trump last night a Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister expressed her disappointment with the decision and stressed that the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement, as she set out recently at the G7. 'She said that the Paris Agreement provides the right global framework for protecting the prosperity and security of future generations, while keeping energy affordable and secure for our citizens and businesses. 'The President made clear that the door remains open to future US involvement in the Agreement.' 'The Prime Minister and President agreed on the importance of continued cooperation on wider energy issues.' US President Trump said he would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, a 190-nation agreement designed to curb rising global temperatures Ahead of the decision yesterday, Mrs May had refused to criticise Trump, saying he was free to pull out of the Paris Agreement. She said: 'It's up to the President of the United States to decide what position the United States is going to take on this matter.' Meanwhile Italy, France and Germany all reacted immediately and negatively to Trump's bombshell decision. Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have since urged allies to speed up efforts to combat climate change. Several other leaders and multi-national companies, including BP and Microsoft, urged Trump to remain part of the deal which aims to keep the increase in global temperature to below two degrees of pre-industrial levels. As promised, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of SpaceX and Tesla, said he would no longer act as a White House adviser. 'Climate change is real,' he wrote on Twitter. 'Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.' Former Secretary of State John Kerry, a co-signer of the Paris Agreement, said Trump had taken 'a self-destructive step' that puts America last. Italy, France and Germany all reacted immediately and negatively to Trump's bombshell decision French President Emmanuel Macron joined in a statement saying the Paris agreement can't be renegotiated German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among those G7 leaders who joined in a recent statement on climate change And the European Union's top climate change official, Miguel Arias Canete, said the decision makes it 'a sad day for the global community'. Scientists have said America's absence could see an extra three billion tonnes of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere and Earth's temperature is likely to rise to dangerous levels because it contributes to global warming. In partnership with Associated Press, two dozen climate scientists analysed a special computer model scenario designed to calculate the effects of America leaving the Paris Agreement. They said it would worsen an already bad problem and make it far more difficult to prevent crossing a dangerous global temperature threshold. Calculations suggested it would mean an extra three billion tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 'If we lag, the noose tightens,' said Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer. Scientists have said America's absence from the Paris Accod could see an extra three billion tonnes of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere America first: Trump was unrepentant in saying he was standing up for U.S. interests One expert group found America would add as much as half a degree to the global temperature by the end of century much even if other nations met their targets. Some scientists suggested other countries might follow a US exit but many world leaders and statesmen pledged their commitment to the Paris Agreement in recent days. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Britain would continue to press the US to reduce dangerous emissions if Trump pulled out. 'We will continue to lobby the Americans and the White House to show the leadership they have shown in the past on reducing CO2,' he told Sky News. A dozen large companies including BP, agrochemical giant DuPont, Google, Intel and Microsoft, have also urged Trump to remain part of the deal. Five Nordic countries wrote a last-minute letter to Trump urging him to 'make the right decision' and keep America signed onto the Paris climate accord. A dozen large companies including BP, agrochemical giant DuPont, Google, Intel and Microsoft, have also urged Trump to remain part of the deal The leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden say the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce global warming was a commitment 'to our children'. The Kremlin said Russia would also remain committed to the Paris climate change accords. And Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said fighting climate change is a 'global consensus' and an 'international responsibility'. Karl Stefanovic has unleashed a bizarre tirade on the Today show after pictures of himself checking into a country caravan park carrying 12 cans of pre-mixed rum were published. The pictures showed the 42-year-old stopping by a bottle shop to pick up the drinks on the way to his accommodation in Yamba, on the NSW north coast, in late April accompanied by a Channel Nine producer. In a segment on Friday morning's show, the host - who earns a reported $3million a year - insisted that he was at the location filming a story about struggling prawn farmers and that 'they deserve a rum or two.' Scroll down for video Karl Stefanovic went on a tirade on The Today show after pictures of himself checking into a country caravan park carrying 12 cans of pre-mixed rum were published 'Fact, this was work. We were filming a story about our struggling prawn farmers, they deserve a rum or two,' he said. A Channel Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that Stefanovic was in Yamba 'filming a story about the crisis in the prawn industry for the Today show.' This was carried prominently alongside the pictures. Yet Stefanovic bizarrely suggested the pictures were an attack on women because he was carrying the rum cans before entering the caravan park with his female colleague. Besides his duties on the breakfast program, Stefanovic occasionally works on special news projects for the network such as reports for 60 Minutes. The 42-year-old stopping by a bottle shop to pick up the drinks on the way to the park in Yamba, located north of Sydney, in late April accompanied by a Channel Nine producer Stefanovic said he was on the NSW north coast with his colleague for a story about the prawn industry His outburst provoked a strong reaction on social media, with some users taking to Twitter and Facebook to call Stefanovic out as a hypocrite His outburst provoked a strong reaction on social media, with some users taking to Twitter and Facebook to call Stefanovic out as a hypocrite. 'What a load of crap coming from a "man" who treated his wife in such a deplorable manner,' one person wrote on Twitter. 'Double standards when it hits your own team! Didn't you guys run with the Jennifer Aniston pregnant [sic] because she had a little tummy or the Nicole Kidman pregnancy and handclapping at the Oscars,' one woman wrote on Facebook. 'You guys run every story they do except when it's about your own people. It's your business or you'd be out of a job.' Another woman added: 'What a hipocrit [sic] you are Karl. It's alright for you to bag the likes of Pauline Hanson and hound other people just to get a story but when it comes to your own you don't like it. 'Talk about double standards! What a joke!' Twitter users called the Today show presenter out for being a hypocrite after his tirade Before checking into the caravan park, Stefanovic stopped by a bottle shop where he purchased 12 cans of pre-mixed alcoholic rum beverages After picking up his booze, Karl and his colleague headed to their caravan park in Yamba The rant comes at the end of a week of combative comments from Stefanovic. Like most of Australia's media, his bosses invested huge amounts of resources in covering the return of Schapelle Corby to her home following her drugs conviction in Bali. Yet Stefanovic insisted he 'didn't care' about the media circus surrounding a story which has gripped the public. He later then mocked the Today show's 'royal scoop' featuring footage of Pippa Middleton's husband James on the balcony of their Sydney hotel. It comes after reports the Today show is suffering from plummeting ratings despite big budget displays, such as the wedding of Peter Stefanovic and Sylvia Jeffreys. Oztam ratings showed the breakfast program averaged 326,000 viewers across five capital cities last year - but that figure is now sitting at around 295,000, the Daily Telegraph reported. He was seen checking into his accommodation at the holiday site in late April Stefanovic was in a white shirt and black skinny jeans when he headed to the caravan park Besides his duties on the breakfast program, Karl occasionally works on special news projects for the network such as reports for 60 Minutes Karl and the Channel Nine producer were working on a story on the struggling prawn industry Karl Stefanovic was spotted checking into the caravan park with the producer in April The next day, he was seen outside the airport engrossed in a phone call, with his suit and laptop bags slung across each shoulder The next day, he headed to nearby Ballina airport to check in for their flight The pictures of Stefanovic, who split from his wife of 21 years Cassandra Thorburn last year, show him in a white shirt and black skinny jeans at the bottle shop. Before checking into the caravan park, he was spotted as he stopped by a store where he purchased 12 cans of pre-mixed alcoholic rum beverages. After picking up his booze, Stefanovic headed to his caravan park accommodation. The next day, he headed to nearby Ballina airport to check in for their flight. The Today host is seen waiting to check in for his flight home at Ballina airport Karl Stefanovic is pictured with girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough at Los Angeles airport Websites incorrectly report on article accompanying the pictures Publications such as the Sydney Morning Herald and news.com.au are incorrectly reporting that the story which accompanied the images suggested Karl Stefanovic was engaged in 'inappropriate conduct' with a female colleague who accompanied him on his late April trip to Yamba. News.com.au wrongly claimed Daily Mail Australia were suggesting Stefanovic was engaged in 'inappropriate conduct' with the producer in an earlier version of the story they published. Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald incorrectly reported that the story implied that Karl was 'cheating' on his girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough, claims which were never made nor suggested in the article But in its entirety, there is no mention or any suggestion of any 'cheating' in the story. Advertisement Stefanovic reportedly left his wife with $6 million in cash and assets plus child support and 'ongoing payments, according to The Sunday Telegraph. Meanwhile, the Today host was said to have walked away from their 21-year marriage with just $500,000 in financial assets - an amount that included his white Mercedes. As part of their divorce settlement, Stefanovic and Ms Thorburn will share custody of their three children Jackson, 17, Ava, 12, and River, 10. Authorities in New York say they uncovered a massive heroin packaging mill inside of a Bronx apartment and they seized $2million worth of the powerful drug. Members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) Group T-42 were conducting a surveillance operation near Third Avenue and East 168th Street in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx. As part of the continuing investigation into narcotics trafficking in New York, the drug task force members observed Wladimir Rosa Reyes exiting an apartment building located at 547 East 168th Street carrying a black suitcase Wednesday. Reyes put the suitcase into a black Honda Odyssey, and agents began following him as he drove off. While conducting surveillance in the Bronx, authorities watched Wladimir Rosa Reyes exit a building and load a large black suitcase into his vehicle before driving off. They stopped the vehicle and uncovered 50,000 glassine envelopes of heroin wrapped in brown paper (above) Authorities seized the heroin and obtained a search warrant for 547 East 168th Street, Apt. 4I. When they entered the apartment, they discovered a heroin mill operation (above) where nine people were in the process of packaging the drug Of the bust, New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said: 'This high volume heroin packaging mill was on track to escalate overdose deaths and devastate the lives of those who become addicted and the people who love them' They stopped his vehicle a short time later and while searching the Honda, agents discovered 50,000 glassine envelopes of heroin wrapped in brown paper inside the large suitcase. The envelopes were stamped with the brand names 'Magic City' and 'Red Bull'. Authorities seized the heroin and obtained a search warrant for 547 East 168th Street, Apt. 4I. When they entered the apartment, they interrupted an 'active large-scale heroin packaging operation with nine individuals in the process of packaging heroin into glassines,' officials said in a press release. Some of the suspects tried to flee the apartment, but all nine were arrested along with Reyes. Reyes, Antonio Delorbe Mercedes, Daniel Garcia Mithill, Antonio Delorbe, Gisela Guzman Hernandez, Norlisa Jimenez, Andy Zayas, Osvaldo Monegro, Jose Duarte, Andy Vizzcarondo, Alcibiades Delosantos Mateo are all facing several charges in relation to the heroin mill. Pictured above are the stamps used to brand the envelopes of heroin with specific names, including Stop Snitching, Red Bull, Dope, Overdose, King Kong and Extra Cheese Pictured above is the building at 547 East 168th Street where authorities found the heroin mill on Wednesday Wladimir Rosa Reyes was the first person to be picked up by authorities after investigators saw him getting into a car with a suitcase Andy Zayas (left) and Gisela Guzman Hernandez were arrested in the drugs bust Jose Duarte (left) and Alcibiades Delosantos Mateo (right) are also facing several charges Daniel Garcia Mithill (left) and Norlisa Jiminez (right) were also taken into custody Alcibiades De Los Santos Mateo (left) and Osvaldo Monegro (right) were also said to be part of the drug gang Inside the apartment, authorities seized nearly five pounds of powdered heroin, thousands of filled glassine envelopes and an undisclosed amount of cash. Photos of the scene show several tables with the necessary drug packaging materials, including grinders, cutting agents and empty glassine envelopes. One photo in particular shows the stamps used to brand the envelopes of heroin with specific names, including Stop Snitching, Red Bull, Dope, Overdose, King Kong and Extra Cheese. Of the arrests and seizure, New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said: 'This high volume heroin packaging mill was on track to escalate overdose deaths and devastate the lives of those who become addicted and the people who love them. 'I thank our partners in law enforcement for their commitment to reducing the supply of heroin which is overwhelming our city and surrounding areas. 'The single most important thing we can do to rein in this epidemic is reduce the flow of addictive drugs available in our neighborhoods and on our streets.' Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota added: 'The trafficking organizations at the foundation of the heroin and opioid epidemic are being targeted by law enforcement working together to aggressively find, investigate and ultimately dismantle their operations. 'Our partnerships in law enforcement ensured a successful outcome in this case.' Last year, there were more than 1,300 fatal drug overdoses in New York City alone. Frightening footage of a near-miss between a bus carrying 20 school children and a truck on Sydney's M5 motorway has been released by police, who say it's lucky no one was killed. The CCTV footage shows a bus allegedly pulling out in front of a semi-trailer on the busy motorway at Hammondville during the Thursday morning school run. The truck driver brakes heavily causing his vehicle to jack-knife in order to avoid a collision. Frightening footage of a near-miss between a bus carrying 20 school children and a truck on Sydney's M5 motorway has been released by police, who say it's lucky no one was killed A student on the bus spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the horrifying near-crash. 'We were going to West Hoxton for an AFL gala day. We were on the M5 to begin with and then the bus pulled off to the side. He was halfway into the furthermost lane and then realised that was the wrong lane to be in so he decided to go back onto the M5. 'The driver saw a tiny gap between him and the bus and decided to swerve back into the correct lane. The truck was probably travelling at 90/100km and swerved to miss us. There was smoke everywhere.' 'He would have missed our bus by millimetres. The bus driver said nothing as it happened. Our teacher was screaming and telling him to pull over. Two other cars on the M5 were beeping and blocking the bus so he had to pull over but he wasn't going to initially.' The CCTV footage shows a bus allegedly pulling out in front of a semi-trailer on the busy motorway at Hammondville during the Thursday morning school run 'There were 20 kids on that bus and we were stuck there for over an hour. Police were called and M5 road services to breath test the driver. Then a new driver was called and we continued on to the gala day.' 'Our school sport's coordinator called all of our parents later on so they knew. My mum thought I was exaggerating until she saw it on the news this morning.' NSW Police Chief Inspector Greg Tetley told 2GB the truck did an amazing job avoiding the oncoming bus. The truck driver brakes heavily causing his vehicle to jack-knife in order to avoid a collision 'The truck driver did extremely well. It could have been potentially fatal.' Passing motorists flagged down the 59-year-old male bus driver following the incident, while the truck driver is also helping police in their investigation. Police want witnesses to the incident to contact them. Video footage has caught the moment a camel has its fur torn off by a visitor at a zoo in north-east China. The female visitor can be seen pulling out hair from a camel at Dalian Forest Zoo on May 31. The zoo said the camel is now in its shedding season and has not been injured by the woman's cheeky behaviour, reported People's Daily Online. This is the moment a camel has its fur torn off by a pensioner at a zoo in northeast China It remains unclear why the woman did so. The short clip, posted to Sohu, shows a group of visitors to the zoo in Liaoning province on Wednesday morning. A female pensioner surprised the crowd by approaching one of the camels before ripping a handful of fur from the animal. The camel, shocked by the attack, also turned its head to stare at the woman. A child was heard screaming upon seeing her ruthless behaviour. The camel (left), shocked by the attack, also turned its head to stare at the woman (right) As other visitors watched in shock, the woman put the fur into her handbag. Dalian Forest Zoo issued a statement on Weibo saying that the pensioner lacks the sense to protect animals. Luckily, the animal is not injured and is 'emotionally stable'. 'The camel is in its shedding period and many hairs are falling off from its body. Her act didn't harm the animal at all.' The zoo said they have already erected a sign reminding visitors not to touch the animals and increased patrols to monitor visitors' behaviour. As other visitors watched in shock, the woman put the fur into her handbag Tens of thousands online users discussed the video posted to Weibo. 'The camel looks very puzzled,' a user commented. 'Why is she taking advantage of the camel?' another user wondered. 'What can she do with a handful of camel hair?' one user questioned. A school in China has segregated HIV positive students from other exam takers during the college entrance tests. The headteacher of Linfen Red Ribbon School says the move was made amid fears that the students may face discrimination from other pupils taking the same test. The school has 33 HIV positive students and are given accommodation at the school free of charge. Students at the Linfen Red Ribbon school prepare for the upcoming exams The students attend a school in the city of Linfen (pictured) in China (File photo) The Linfen Red Ribbon School is the only centre in China providing an education to children who are HIV positive. In 2011, it got approval from the local education authority to provide the students with education. According to the president, only one student has died from HIV since the school's opening. This month they will take their college entrance exam known as the Gaokao. This exam is conducted in various centres depending on a student's serial number. However the school's president applied to hold the exam in the school's own classroom away from any other students. Guo Xiaoping, the president of Linfen Red Ribbon proposed that the students be separated from other test takers amid fears that they may be discriminated against. He told Shanghai Daily: 'Although our society is making progress, it's still unrealistic to say there is no discrimination. Students take part in the Gaokao exam at a test centre in China (File photo) Students attend class at an undisclosed location in China (File photo) 'Some students may resist is they sit the exam in the same classroom with my children.' The city's education authorities issued an approval of the president's request. 16 students will sit the exam in two places in early June. One of the students wrote in an open letter: 'I want to go to university and realise my dream. But when gaokao is close at hand, many worries come to me. If I can be enrolled, if the instructors will accept me as a normal student and if the students are willing to study and live with me.' In China, there is still a stigma around HIV as shown by comments on social media site Weibo. One user wrote: 'Going to exams is the right of the HIV students and separating them from the others is just to be reasonable. Think of Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, is this discrimination? I think this is just a different perspective.' While another commented: 'So the college entrance exam can be separated but how about university exams? Will they get isolated or bullied by other students? There is still a lot to do to help them. And one user said: 'If there aren't any discriminating parents who are scared to put their children together with HIV positive students, will this school principal need to build a HIV school just for the HIV students?' A Japanese martial arts book written more than 100 years ago has revealed the moves women once used to fight off attacks by men. The text details a number of martial arts moves that women can use for self defence, including throws, a kicking technique and a way to break an attacker's arm. Published in 1914, the book's female author also describes a group of Japanese females who came together to form a Women's Self-Defence League. This drawing from the book shows an abdomen strangulation method that can foil a man trying to rape a woman by rendering him unconscious WHAT IS KYUSHO? Kyusho Jitsu is a technique involving striking the body at its weakest points. Weak spots, or 'pressure points', include the bridge of the nose, inside the elbows, the base of the skull, the shins and the Achilles heel. The name Kyusho Jitsu translates to 'One-second Fight'. This is because striking someone's weak spots can cause them to pass out instantly. It's believed that this is achieved by activating nerves that lie underneath each weak spot. The activation of nerves causes a quick drop in blood pressure, which causes a sudden knock-out. Advertisement The book contains a detailed diagram showing the 'weak spots' on a man, which are known as Kyusho. 'Kyusho are points on the body that can cause damage if struck hard, or they can be used to resuscitate a person,' the book reads, according to Live Science. 'If you violently strike any of these Kyusho, it can render a person unconscious and even stop their breath. 'Good and proper people would do well to learn these points.' The book, named 'Self-Defence for Women' was written in Japanese by Nabatake Yaeko under the pen name Nohata Showa. Little is known about the identity of Yaeko, who described herself as a 'women's historian'. It has now been translated by Eric Shahan, who specialises in transcribing 19th- and 20th-century Japanese martial arts books. The martial arts moves detailed in the text come from a style of fighting called Jujutsu. 'The fundamentals of Jujutsu is to use the opponent's power,' Showa writes. In this move, the defender uses an arm lock to break the attacker's arm in two. The book notes this will make a man 'think twice' before trying to attack a woman In this move, the woman grabs the man's collar and uses her legs to kick him where 'the thigh meets the hip'. This should cause the attacker to fall to the floor The book contains a detailed diagram showing the 'weak spots' on a man (pictured), which are known as Kyusho CENTURY-OLD SELF DEFENCE FOR WOMEN Strangle the abdomen: If a man tries to rape a woman by climbing on top of her, a female should try to wrap her legs around his abdomen. She can then squeeze and strangle the abdomen, which should cause the man to become unconscious. Throw him over: Kicking a man where 'the thigh meets the hip' while pressure is applied to collar will result in the attacker being thrown to the floor. The female can then run away. Kicking technique: In this move, the woman grabs the man's collar and uses her legs to kick him where 'the thigh meets the hip'. This should cause the attacker to fall to the floor. Advertisement 'You can win by moving nimbly at the right time, without using much power. 'Should you ingrain these techniques into your body, even a cute weak girl can wrap up a large man and achieve a win.' In the book, Showa claims she has used the techniques in the book to fight off attacks from men. 'While I was returning to my abode from running an errand just the other night I encountered a frightful situation,' she writes. 'I was able to imitate the handful of Jujutsu moves I learned and, despite my slight form, was able to avoid falling prey to a dastardly scoundrel. 'It was an absolutely thrilling experience.' She also describes a surge in violence against women in 20th-century Japan and talks about the formation of an all-female defence league. The book reads: 'My dear sisters, my dear daughters, the way in which the citizens of this country have fallen is truly regrettable is it not?' In this move, the woman takes the attacker's hand in a 'reverse joint lock,' puts his arm behind her knee and squeezes . This should break his arm Kicking a man where 'the thigh meets the hip' while pressure is applied to collar will result in the attacker being thrown to the floor. The female can then flee A technique from the book that shows how a woman can bring an attacker to the floor by sweeping him off his feet 'Some men feel no qualms about affecting disrespectful conduct around us. 'A resolute solution to men's debauchery continues to elude us.' The Women's Self-Defence League trained women to fight off attacks from men and awarded women who had used moves to defend themselves from an assault. 'Should any reader of this book have, by chanced toppled, restrained or otherwise through self-defence measures thrown a ruffian or [man] attempting mischief this organization will award you a large certificate reading 'Meiji Imperial Achievement Award'.' Tourists are at risk of being bitten by monkeys as many think the animals are smiling or kissing when in fact they are about to bite Tourists are at risk of being bitten by monkeys as many think the animals are smiling or kissing when in fact they are about to bite, a study said. Visitors to areas where wild monkeys roam are becoming increasingly popular. But when a monkey pouts its lips, it is not getting ready to kiss, it is making a highly aggressive gesture. Tourists who pout back put themselves at risk of a nasty bite, researchers warned. While it may seem like a remote danger, in recent years there have been numerous reports of ape and monkey attacks. In 2014, Stuart Gravenell from Gloucestershire needed 40 stitches after being attacked by biting macaques on Gibraltar, while in 2010 Dee Darwell of Peterborough passed out while a troop of monkeys attacked her on Thailand. Researchers at the University of Lincoln found that tourists made significant mistakes in interpreting macaques emotions such as believing a monkey was smiling or blowing them kisses - when they were in fact displaying aggression. The authors say that this level of misunderstanding could lead to increased risk of injury to humans and have a negative impact on the welfare on the animals - particularly in places where wild macaques interact with people. Dr Laetitia Marechal, from the School of Psychology at the University of Lincoln said: There is a growing interest in wildlife tourism, and in particular primate tourism. People travel to encounter wild animals, many of them attempting to closely interact with monkeys, even though this is often prohibited. However, serious concerns have been raised related to the safety of the tourists interacting with wild animals. Indeed, recent reports estimate that monkey bites are the second cause of injury by animals after dogs in South East Asia, and bites are one of the main vectors of disease transmission between humans and animals.' Environmentalists trying to combat climate change are actually making the problem worse, according to a leading expert on trees. Peter Wohlleben said that forests can easily combat the effects of climate change by consuming water - cooling the surrounding temperature by around three degrees. But companies selling wood pellets as fuel, which are thought to be green because they release less carbon dioxide, are making the problem worse by killing trees that could temper the problem. Wohlleben, a published author, has studied trees and believes they raise their children, sweat, feel pain and communicate with each other. More harm than good? Peter Wohlleben from Hummel, Germany, said companies selling wood pellets as fuel (file pic) are making climate change worse by killing trees that could help He told the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts: 'Trees sweat together to cool down - as we do. A big beech tree can consume up to 500 litres of water a day, this makes the air humid and cools down the air. 'An unmanaged beech forest can cool down an average of three degrees more than a managed beech forest. So they create their own climate. An untouched forest in Europe won't have a problem with climate change.' Wohlleben said that climate change was not a problem for the environment but it was man made solutions that were a problem for nature. He said the pellets from southeastern US factories did not reduce carbon dioxide and the idea behind this was 'nonsense'. Social beings: Wohlleben, a published author, has studied trees and believes they raise their children, sweat, feel pain and communicate with each other (file pic) He said: 'We destroy forests to prevent climate change but we should leave forests because if it is one, two, three degrees warmer in future that is not a problem for forests.' Wohlleben also said that trees shed their leaves in the autumn because snow falling on leaves will cause the branches to break, causing them physical pain. Just like humans trees also need to sleep at night and street trees are dying earlier because they are sleep deprived. 'Trees that live near street lights will die earlier because it's like burning a light in your bedroom,' said Wohlleben. 'If you have any influence on street lights it's also better at energy saving that they switch off at 1 o'clock or so.' Unhelpful: Wohlleben says that environmentalists trying to combat climate change are actually making the problem worse (file pic) According to Wohlleben trees have sex every three to five years to outsmart woodland animals that might come to expect an annual harvest of seeds. He added that they went to the toilet once a year. 'They have stuff they need to get rid of so they pump their waste into their leaves. When you are walking through a forest in winter time you are walking through tree toilet paper.' Wohlleben was a state forester but now looks after a forest on behalf of the community in Hummel, Germany, where machinery is banned and the trees are left alone. Offering hugs and friendly touches to soothe victims of violence seems to be a primal instinct inherited from our primate ancestors. That's the finding of a new study that has documented this behaviour scientifically in human adults for the first time. The research has found that chimps and humans console victims of violence in remarkably similar ways. And the cause in both cases is a sense of empathy that is shared by people and great apes, according to the researchers. Scroll down for video Scientists looked at surveillance footage of 22 robberies of commercial premises to analyse how victims and bystanders reacted. The team wanted to discover what factors affected whether people were likely to offer emotional support to the traumatised victims (stock image) CONSOLING Scientists surveillance footage of 22 robberies of commercial premises in the Netherlands. Of the 3,680 possible pairs of interactions recorded, the team found that women were three times more likely to console victims. But the gender of the victim did not seem to have an effect on how likely they were to be consoled. People who already knew each other, like co-workers, were also much more likely to offer support. And the more violent the encounter, such as those involving weapons, the more likely the victim was to receive support. But in four of the 22 incidents, no support was offered at all. Advertisement Scientists at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement looked at surveillance footage of 22 robberies of commercial premises released to them by Dutch police. They studied the behaviour of 249 people who were present during the crimes to analyse how victims and bystanders reacted. The team wanted to discover what factors affected whether people were likely to offer emotional support to the traumatised victims. They found that social closeness, including being a similar age, were more important than physical proximity. Consoling behaviour has previously been scientifically documented in the great apes, including bonobos, chimpanzees and gorillas, as well as human children, but never in adults. And the behaviour demonstrated in the CCTV footage, including hugging and sympathetic touching, was remarkably similar to that of chimps according to the researchers. Speaking to MailOnline, Lead author Marie Rosenkrantz Lindegaard said: 'We were surprised to learn that consolation amongst human adults shares features with consolation as described in studies of chimpanzees. 'Our study does not really explain why humans console, but the patterns we find and the comparison to other primates confirm that humans are small group animals. 'In other words, our evolutionary capacity for empathy is related to our tendency to live in small groups.' When scientists try and solve and mystery of how we evolved, they often look at the behaviour of the chimpanzees. This is because chimps are our closest living relatives and share 98.8 per cent of their DNA. The ancestors of humans and chimpanzees diverged around 4 million years ago. Of the 3,680 possible pairs of interactions recorded, Dr Lindegaard's team found that women were three times more likely to console victims. The behaviour demonstrated in the CCTV footage, including hugging and sympathetic touching, was remarkably similar to that of chimps according to the researchers (stock image) But the gender of the victim did not seem to have an effect on how likely they were to be consoled. People who already knew each other, like co-workers, were also much more likely to offer support. And the more violent the encounter, such as those involving weapons, the more likely the victim was to receive support. HUMANS AND CHIMPANZEES SHARE ABILITY TO MAKE FRIENDS A good friendship is priceless but it appears to be almost timeless as well. In a separate study, researchers have found that being close to others with similar personality traits goes back millions of years. They found the phenomenon occurs not only in people but also in chimpanzees. The last common ancestor of chimps and humans lived at least six million years ago, indicating the first best friends walked the Earth all that time ago, said Austrian and Swiss researchers. The team, that included researchers from the University of Vienna, studied colonies of chimpanzees in two Dutch zoos and firstly rated their personality traits. Then, to work out which chimps were friends, they examined how often one sat or lay in physical contact with another. This could include sitting side by side, back to back or resting a whole leg or arm on another ape all signs of friendship. Analysis revealed the closest friends had similar characters. Advertisement But in four of the 22 incidents, no support was offered at all. Explaining the role of social closeness, Dr added: 'People who know each other may be better at recognising the stress of the other. 'They are in other words better at putting themselves in the others place. 'Social relations trigger emphatic reactions.' The full results of the study were published in the journal PLOS One. In the search for life beyond our planet, scientists from one of the UK's top universities have joined an international quest. Astronomers from the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester have joined forces with Breakthrough Listen, a search team backed by Mark Zuckerberg and Stephen Hawking. The two groups hope that sharing their data will help them to answer one of the biggest unanswered questions in the universe whether or not aliens exist. Scroll down for video Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is one of the key backers of the Breakthrough Listen project, as is Professor Stephen Hawking THE BREAKTHROUGH LISTEN MISSION Breakthrough Listen is a search for intelligent life using two of the world's most powerful telescopes. It was launched in January with the aim of scouring one million of the closest stars to Earth for faint signals thrown out into space by intelligent life beyond our own world. Scientists taking part in the $100 million are also scanning the very centre of our galaxy along with 100 of the closest galaxies for low power radio transmissions. Breakthrough Listen will collect data over a 10-year period. Search capacity will be 50 times more sensitive, cover 10 times more of the sky, 5 times more of the radio spectrum, and at speeds 100 times faster. Advertisement The Jodrell Bank team will conduct its search for aliens using its 76-metre Lovell Radio Telescope at in Greater Manchester, while Breakthrough Listen has been gathering data with the Green Bank Radio Telescope in West Virginia, Lick Observatory's Automated Planet Finder on Mt Hamilton in California, and the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia. The two groups will exchange observing plans, search methods and data during a series of meetings, in the hope of speeding up the search for alien life. Mr Pete Klupar, Director of Engineering for the Breakthrough Initiatives said: 'Jodrell Bank is a superb observatory with an outstanding track record of astronomical discoveries. 'We are proud to be working with them to focus on one of the great unsolved questions in science.' Professor Michael Garrett, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, added: 'The opportunity to work directly with colleagues involved in Breakthrough Listen is an important step forward in getting the UK back into the SETI business.' In April, Breakthrough Listen released its initial results from the first year of observations. After combing through petabytes of data, the Breakthrough Listen team ranked 11 events considered to be most significant but so far, they've found no convincing signs of intelligent life. The team has also submitted a paper analyzing nearly 700 stars across all spectral types, which they say acts as a 'launch pad' for deeper investigations to come. Astronomers from the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester have joined forces with Breakthrough Listen, a search team backed by Yuri Milner and Stephen Hawking. Pictured is the Jodrell Bank Lovell Radio Telescope The initiative, backed by Stephen Hawking and billionaire Yuri Milner, has been gathering data since last year. With an 'analysis pipeline' built by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's SETI Research Centre (BSRC), the project scans billions of radio channels to search for signals that might be coming from an intelligent source outside of our solar system. The scientists looked at three five-minute observations of each of the 692 stars, along with five-minute observations of a set of secondary targets. While eleven events were distinguished as 'significant,' further investigation suggests they are not coming from artificial alien sources. Data from one such event shown above While there were millions of 'hits' for the entire sample or, radio emissions seen in the target the researchers say this is 'almost certainly' the result of interference from human technology. Eleven events were distinguished as 'significant,' but further investigation suggests they are not coming from artificial alien sources. Still, the researchers say these preliminary results are an important step in the search for alien life. 'With the submission of this paper, the first scientific results from Breakthrough Listen are now available for the world to review,' said Dr Andrew Siemion of BSRC. 'Although the search has not yet detected a convincing signal from extraterrestrial intelligence, these are early days. 'The work that has been completed so far provides a launch pad for deeper and more comprehensive analysis to come.' Breakthrough Listen will collect data over a 10-year period from a network of the world's most powerful radio and optical telescopes to yield vast, full-sky signal monitoring. It will collect more data in one day than previously had been collected in one year. Search capacity will be 50 times more sensitive, cover 10 times more of the sky, 5 times more of the radio spectrum, and at speeds 100 times faster. Overall, the researchers have selected 1,709 stars to study. Another project, dubbed Breakthrough Starshot, will rely on tiny so-called 'nanocraft' flying on sails, similar to the one illustrated, pushed by beams of light. Each of these tiny craft will carry cameras and a built in GPS These are divided into two categories: those within 16 light years of the sun, and a group including branch stars no more than 163 light years away. Last year, Hawking, Milner and Mark Zuckerberg launched another initiative in the Breakthrough program the Breakthrough Starshot project. The $100m (78 million) project will rely on tiny so-called 'nanocraft' flying on sails pushed by beams of light through the universe. They will travel to the Alpha Centauri star system 25 trillion miles (4.37 light years) away on a twenty year mission to look for alien life. Facebook, Google and other US internet giants have sharply boosted efforts to clamp down on online hate speech, a top European Union official said today. The EU joined forces with the companies a year ago to combat online extremism, responding to growing alarm in Europe over the use of social media as a recruiting tool, especially by the Islamic State group. The proliferation of hate speech on social media has increased pressure on the companies to remove the content swiftly as they face the prospect of legislation at both EU and national level. Scroll down for video Facebook is among US internet giants who have cracked down on online hate speech, according to a top EU official, who warned more young people were vulnerable to online extremist recruitment in the wake of the Manchester attack (stock image) HATE SPEECH SINCE MANCHESTER ATTACK Vera Jourova, the EU commissioner for justice referred to the May 22 attack at a pop concert in Manchester, northern England, carried out by Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old born and raised locally. As detectives try to determine how Abedi was radicalised, Ms Jourova warned that many young people were vulnerable to online extremist recruitment. Greater Manchester Police bosses said the number of reports of hate-filled speech had risen from 28 to 56 since the attack. The proliferation of hate speech on social media has increased pressure on the companies to remove the content swiftly as they face the prospect of legislation at both EU and national level. Advertisement 'The companies are now removing twice as many cases of illegal hate speech and at a faster rate when compared to six months ago,' Vera Jourova, the EU commissioner for justice, said in the first annual progress report. It 'shows that a self-regulatory approach can work', said Ms Jourova, who called for further progress - particularly from Twitter. Facebook was the only one of the four giants - the other two are Microsoft and YouTube - to review and act on most hate speech notifications within 24 hours, she added. She referred to the May 22 attack at a pop concert in Manchester, northern England, carried out by Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old born and raised locally. As detectives try to determine how Abedi was radicalised, Ms Jourova warned that many young people were vulnerable to online extremist recruitment. Greater Manchester Police bosses said the number of reports of hate-filled speech had risen from 28 to 56 since the attack. Chief Inspector Ian Hopkins called for the city to stand up against hate and ensure any incidents are quickly reported to the police. He said: 'Manchester has come together this week but it is important we continue to stand together here in Greater Manchester against the hate-filled views we have seen from small minorities of the community.' South Yorkshire Police also said they had 'seen hate crimes increase since the Manchester attack'. Armed police in front of scaffolding covering the entrance into the Manchester Arena from the adjacent Manchester Victoria railway station. Greater Manchester Police bosses said the number of reports of hate-filled speech had risen from 28 to 56 since the attack 'Facebook shows that they invested a lot of capacities and a lot of efforts to do the take downs in the necessary numbers in the agreed times,' Ms Jourova told reporters. Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft and Google's YouTube announced a code of conduct in May last year, pledging to remove online hate speech within 24 hours of being notified. A year on, a recent survey of 24 EU countries showed that on average, in 59 per cent of cases, internet firms responded to notifications of illegal hate speech by removing the content. Other forces across the UK have urged people to report these incidents to the police in the wake of the Ariana Grande (pictured) concert which killed 22 people That is more than twice the level of 28 per cent recorded six months earlier. Ms Jourova said she would try to enlist the support of other tech firms and make other improvements to the system, all the more so as 'extremism and radicalisation in Europe is on the rise'. The tech firms have pledged to fight speech under European laws that bar incitement to violence or hatred directed against people based on race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin. It has already sent a previously flown rocket into orbit - and now Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to do the same with a spacecraft. Liftoff is now targeted for Saturday at 5:07pm ET after today's attempt was scrubbed due to weather conditions, even though this morning the rocket was raised to vertical at Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The milestone comes just two months after the launch of its first reused rocket booster for a satellite. "This whole notion of reuse is something that's very, very important to the entire space industry," NASA's space station program manager Kirk Shireman said at a news conference Wednesday. Scroll down for video The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon spacecraft onboard, shortly after being raised vertical at Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 1, 2017. THE MISSION The mission to the Earth-orbiting laboratory will be the eleventh commercial resupply services flight for SpaceX. The payload will include important materials to support more than 250 science and research investigations taking place during Expeditions 52 and 53. When the Dragon arrives at the space station, U.S. astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer will grapple Dragon using the station's 57-foot-long robotic arm. Ground commands then will be sent from mission control for the station's arm to rotate and install the Dragon capsule to the station's Harmony module. Advertisement The company's 230-foot-tall Falcon 9 rocket will boost a 20-foot high, 12-foot-diameter Dragon capsule filled with supplies and experiments - which was first was sent to the International Space Station in September 2014. SpaceX refurbished it for Thursday evening's planned launch, providing a new heat shield and fresh parachutes for re-entry at mission's end. There were so many X-rays and inspections that savings, if any, were minimal this time, said Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of flight reliability for SpaceX. The vast majority of this Dragon has already been to space, including the hull, thrusters and tanks. Koenigsmann told reporters more and more reused capsules will carry cargo to the space station, each possibly flying three times. Dragon capsules are being developed to carry astronauts to the space station as early as next year; it's too soon to say whether those, too, will be recycled, he said. The mission to the Earth-orbiting laboratory will be the eleventh commercial resupply services flight for SpaceX. The Dragon capsule to be blasted off first flew in September 2014, and it delivered nearly 2.5 tons of cargo to the orbiting ISS laboratory The payload will include important materials to support more than 250 science and research investigations taking place during Expeditions 52 and 53. When the Dragon arrives at the space station, U.S. astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer will grapple Dragon using the station's 57-foot-long robotic arm. Ground commands then will be sent from mission control for the station's arm to rotate and install the Dragon capsule to the station's Harmony module. The vast majority of this Dragon has already been to space, including the hull, thrusters and tanks. In September 2014, and it delivered nearly 2.5 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory. The Dragon returned to Earth about a month later, splashing down into the ocean. In a presentation at the International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflightlast year, Benjamin Reed, director of commercial crew mission management at SpaceX, revealed the mission. 'We will be reflying our first Dragon capsule on CRS-11,' he said, using the company's designation for that cargo mission, known as SpX-11 by NASA. The payload will include important materials to support more than 250 science and research investigations taking place during Expeditions 52 and 53.. Pictured, a Dragon capsule being mated to the tope of a rocket ready for launch SPACEX'S DRAGON V2 SpaceX hopes to soon end production of the cargo Dragon spacecraft to focus on a next-generation version of the Dragon being developed for commercial crew missions. Those CRS-2 Dragon missions will use 'propulsive' landings, where the capsule lands on a landing pad using its SuperDraco thrusters rather than splashing down in the ocean. That will allow NASA faster access to the cargo returned by those spacecraft, and also build up experience for propulsive landings of crewed Dragon spacecraft. Advertisement While SpaceX designed Dragon to be reusable, the company's CRS contract with NASA required the use of a new Dragon spacecraft for each cargo mission. According to SpaceNews, Reed said SpaceX has been working with NASA to demonstrate that the spacecraft can be safely reused for additional cargo flights. This will be the 100th launch, and sixth SpaceX launch, from this pad. Previous launches include 11 Apollo flights, the launch of the unmanned Skylab in 1973, 82 shuttle flights and five SpaceX launches. 'It's a great example of the partnership we have with NASA,' he said of that effort to win approval for the reuse of Dragon spacecraft. 'We've carefully gone through a process of proving that you can reuse various components all the way up to a whole system, and how you certify that.' OTHER REUSABLE SPACECRAFT Orbiters Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour (Pictured), flew dozens of missions In almost six decades of spaceflight, only a handful of spacecraft have been blasted into orbit multiple times. The Space Shuttles are the most famous, and orbiters Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour, flew dozens of missions. According to Ars, only two other kinds of spacecraft, besides the space shuttle, have flown more than one time into orbit: The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle taxis on the flightline at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Florida, USA. X-37B: The US Air Force has two of these autonomous, orbital test vehicles built by Boeing. Each of these spacecraft has made two flights, the second of which recently returned to Earth after a record 718 days in space. This mini space shuttle launches on an expendable Atlas V rocket and lands on a runway. Soviet VA spacecraft: First developed to fly cosmonauts around the Moon, the VA capsule flew an uncrewed test flight in Earth orbit for 30 days in 1977. Less than a year later it was launched again, but this test flight made just one orbit around the Earth, according to CollectSPACE. A single Gemini spacecraftwhich was an orbital class vehicledid make two suborbital flights. Advertisement The biggest challenge to reuse, he said, was stopping saltwater from getting inside the capsule after it splashes down. 'We've been working hard to update the capsule, to ensure that you don't have to worry about the seawater issue,' he said. SpaceX plans to reuse Dragon spacecraft through the remainder of its current CRS contract, which runs through SpX-20. He did not discuss how many Dragon spacecraft are available to be reused, or how many times SpaceX believes a Dragon capsule can be flown. SpaceX hopes to be able to end production of the cargo Dragon spacecraft. 'We'll be reflying Dragons going forward, and be able to close down the Dragon 1 line and move all the way into Dragon 2,' he said, referring to the next-generation version of the Dragon being developed for commercial crew missions. Earlier this month SpaceX completed a record breaking launch. Those CRS-2 Dragon missions will use 'propulsive' landings, where the capsule lands on a landing pad using its SuperDraco thrusters rather than splashing down in the ocean. That will allow NASA faster access to the cargo returned by those spacecraft, and also build up experience for propulsive landings of crewed Dragon spacecraft. 'That's a perfect step in the pathway to crew,' he said. 'We'll get very comfortable with doing propulsive landings with cargo first, and then with crew.' Earlier this month SpaceX completed a record breaking launch. THE KENNEDY LAUNCH PADS This July 16, 1969 shows the huge, 363-foot tall Apollo 11 Spacecraft 107/Lunar Module S/Saturn 506) space vehicle launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39. Since the late 1960s, Pads A and B at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 have served as backdrops for America's most significant manned space flight endeavors - Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz and space shuttle. Located on Merritt Island, Fla., just north of Cape Canaveral, the pads were originally built for the huge Apollo/Saturn V rockets that launched American astronauts on their historic journeys to the moon and back. Following the joint U.S.-Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission of July 1975, the pads were modified to support space shuttle operations. Both pads were designed to support the concept of mobile launch operations, in which space vehicles are checked out and assembled in the protected environment of the Orbiter Processing Facility and the Vehicle Assembly Building, then transported by large, tracked crawlers to the launch pad for final processing and launch. During the Apollo era, key pad service structures were mobile. For the space shuttle, two permanent service towers were installed at each pad for the first time, the fixed service structure and the rotating service structure. On April 12, 1981, shuttle operations commenced at Pad A with the launch of Columbia on STS-1. After 23 more successful launches from A, the first space shuttle to lift off from Pad B was the ill-fated Challenger in January 1986. Pad B was designated for the resumption of shuttle flights in September 1988, followed by the reactivation of Pad A in January 1990. The space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center Friday, July 8, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Atlantis was the 135th and final space shuttle launch for NASA. Advertisement Elon Musk's space firm launched its Falcon 9 rocket to deliver Inmarsat-5 F4, a commercial communications satellite in iots first launch for the company. The payload was so heavy (13,448lbs) and going into such a high orbit (22,000 miles) that the Falcon 9 rocket didn't have enough propellant left to land, SpaceX said before the flawless launch. 'All systems and weather are go,' it said at 6:35pm. The satellite was deployed approximately 32 minutes after launch when it will come under the command of the Boeing and Inmarsat satellite operations teams based at the Boeing facility in El Segundo. 'From here I-5 F4 will be manoeuvred to its geostationary orbit, 35,786km (22,236 miles) above Earth, where it will deploy its solar arrays and reflectors and undergo intensive payload testing before beginning commercial service,' Inmarsat said. A new study has found that many Americans don't how clean water gets to their homes - and what happens after wastewater is flushed or drained away. Researchers asked people to draw diagrams showing how water reaches the sink and how it's returned to the environment. Only 7 per cent of the participants had an almost accurate understanding, and many used the word 'magic' to describe parts of the process. Scroll down for video A student-drawn diagram of the water treatment process, which received a near perfect score of six out of seven for including water system components such as a water sources, drinking treatment, distribution, household use, collection system and wastewater treatment The researchers, based at Indiana University, Bloomington, asked 578 university students to draw diagrams illustrating how water reaches the sink and how it's returned to the natural environment. The diagrams revealed that 29 per cent of the participants didn't draw a water treatment plant, and 64 per cent didn't draw and wastewater treatment plant. 'Climate change will increase the competition for water and the risks to the supply,' said Dr Shahzeen Attari, a professor at Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs 'Water infrastructure is increasingly fragile. 'It's going to take political will and public support to respond to new and old risks, and we may not support the adaptation strategies we need if we take our water systems for granted. THE WATER TREATMENT PROCESS Water is first pumped from water sources such as reservoirs, lakes, rivers, or underground aquifers. It then travels from pumping stations to water treatment facilities. The first step in the cleaning process is removing sediment and particles from the water, with the help of coagulants. Coagulants cause the particles in the water to stick together, and this process is called flocculation. The water treatment process is a cycling loop that begins with obtaining water from a source such as a reservoir, lake, river or underground aquifer Then, the floc is removed from the water via a process called clarification, and it can be done in two ways. One method sinks the floc to the bottom of a tank, and the other method pumps air into thr water and floc, causing particles to float to the top. Then, the water is filtered through carbon, sand and gravel and chlorine and ozone disinfect the water from smaller microorganisms that can't be filtered out. The water is then distributed for household use in showers, kitchen sinks and toilets. Once water's been used, it's now considered wastewater and is either flushed or drained away, where it travels to wastewater treatment plants through pipes. Pictured is an industrial water treatment plant Once water's been used, it's now considered wastewater and is either flushed or drained away. It travels to wastewater treatment plants through pipes, where sludge and objects are removed from it via multiple cycles or catchment screenings and filtration. Even after this, disease causing organisms can remain, so chlorine and other chemicals are used to disinfect the water. Then, the water is returned to its source in the environment, and the process starts all over again. Advertisement 'Whether it's in schools or through other means, public environmental education must address these gaps.' Dr Attari and her team conducted the study in two stages - first, they asked 15 Indiana water experts to draw a diagram illustrating their understanding of the processes by which clean water reaches the tap in the average home in the US, and how it's returned to the natural environment. A student-drawn diagram of the water treatment process, which received a score of three out of seven because it only includes water source, distribution and household use Then, the researchers asked the students to draw a diagram illustrating their understanding of the process, and to show all of the processes that the water goes through. Only 7 per cent of the students had a near accurate understanding of the process, and many used the word 'magic' to describe parts of the process. The researchers say that the students' lack of knowledge isn't an indication that they don't care. According to the study, more than one in three students said they think of water quantity at least daily or weekly, and their top three concerns are cleanliness, a limited supply and infrastructure failures that contaminate the water. A student-drawn diagram of the water treatment process, which received a score of four out of seven for featuring a water source, household use collection system and wastewater treatment 'Drinking water is the most essential among all resources,' said Kelsey Poinsatte-Jones, a research assistant at Indiana University and a co-author of the study. 'Most people expect to have immediate access to safe water, but the complex system that makes that possible is hidden from view.' 'Given all the risks now that are related to water, it's critically important that Americans can make informed decisions about water supplies, policies and management,' said Kelsey Hinton, a communications associate at Community Water Center in Sacramento, California and the third co-author of the study. 'Our study suggests we're not ready to do that.' Advertisement Researchers have discovered hundreds of huge craters, with many over 3,000 feet wide, on the seafloor of the Arctic Ocean. The craters in the Barents Sea, north of Norway and Russia, formed through huge mounds full of methane exploding suddenly and catastrophically around 12,000 years ago, and are still leaking methane. Scientists say the discovery could help explain why so many craters have appeared in Siberia over recent decades, with the same processes causing these explosive events. Scroll down for video The craters in the Barents Sea, north of Norway and Russia, formed through huge mounds full of methane exploding suddenly and catastrophically around 12,000 years ago. The craters are connected to deeper gas chimneys, showing gas flow from deeper hydrocarbon reservoirs. Hundreds of gas flares are seen in the water above. WHAT CAUSED THEM? Through modelling, the authors found that methane reservoirs in ancient sediments became less stable between 17,000 and 15,000 years ago, causing methane hydrates to decompose, migrate upward, and recrystallize at shallower depths. As the glacier thinned near the end of the last glacial period roughly 11,000 years ago, the pressure on pockets of methane buried in the seafloor decreased, resulting in explosive blow-out, the authors say Advertisement Even though the craters were formed some 12,000 years ago, methane is still leaking profusely from the craters. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and of major concern in our warming climate. 'The crater area was covered by a thick ice sheet during the last ice age, much as West Antarctica is today,' said says Karin Andreassen, first author of the study and professor at CAGE Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate. As climate warmed, and the ice sheet collapsed, and enormous amounts of methane were abruptly released. This created massive craters that are still actively seeping methane. 'Today more than 600 gas flares are identified in and around these craters, releasing the greenhouse gas steadily into the water column. 'But that is nothing compared to the blow-outs of the greenhouse gas that followed the deglaciation. The amounts of methane that were released must have been quite impressive.' A few of these craters were first observed in the 90s, but new technology shows that the craters cover a much larger area than previously thought and provides more detailed imaging for interpretation The craters are in the Barents Sea, north of Norway and Russia 'We have focused on craters that are 300 meters to 1 kilometre wide, and have mapped approximately 100 craters of this size in the area. 'But there are also many hundred smaller ones, less than 300 meters wide that is' says Andreassen. In comparison, the huge blow-out craters on land on the Siberian peninsulas Yamal and Gydan are 50-90 meters wide, but similar processes may have been involved in their formation. The Arctic ocean floor hosts vast amounts of methane trapped as hydrates, which are ice-like, solid mixtures of gas and water. These hydrates are stable under high pressure and cold temperatures. The ice sheet provides perfect conditions for subglacial gas hydrate formation, in the past as well as today. Some 2000 metres of ice loaded what now is ocean floor with heavy weight. Under the ice, methane gas from deeper hydrocarbon reservoirs moved upward, but could not escape. It was stored as gas hydrate in the sediment, constantly fed by gas from below, creating over-pressured conditions. 'As the ice sheet rapidly retreated, the hydrates concentrated in mounds, and eventually started to melt, expand and cause over-pressure. 'The principle is the same as in a pressure cooker: if you do not control the release of the pressure, it will continue to build up until there is a disaster in your kitchen. More than 600 gas flares are identified in and around these craters, releasing the greenhouse gas steadily into the water column Craters were caused by a reaction similar to a pressure cooker 'These mounds were over-pressured for thousands of years, and then the lid came off. 'They just collapsed releasing methane into the water column' says Andreassen. Similar processes are ongoing under ice sheets today Major methane venting events such as this appear to be rare, and may therefore easily be overlooked. 'Despite their infrequency, the impact of such blow-outs may still be greater than impact from slow and gradual seepage. 'It remains to be seen whether such abrupt and massive methane release could have reached the atmosphere. 'We do estimate that an area of hydrocarbon reserves twice the size of Russia was directly influenced by ice sheets during past glaciation. 'This means that a much larger area may have had similar abrupt gas releases in the overlapping time period ' says Andreassen Another fact to consider is that there are reserves of hydrocarbons beneath the load of West Antarctica and Greenland ice sheets today. 'Our study provides the scientific community with a good past analogue for what may happen to future methane releases in front of contemporary, retreating ice sheets' concludes Andreassen. Advertisement While the Baroque cities and beaches of eastern Sicily have had plenty written about them, it can be harder to know where to start with the wild and wonderful west of Sicily. But with a good place to base yourself and a hire car, the area opens up, and there are plenty of sights to see, wines to discover and incredible food to share. On our first day we left Catania airport and started our road trip, stopping off for lunch in the portside town of Porticello. Lauren's Sicily odyssey began in Porticello where she tucked into a spot of spaghetti We settled down at I Piscaturi for spaghetti alle vongole and a crisp sorbetto al limone under the shade of parasols. Feeling refreshed, we set off towards what was to be our home for the week along the increasingly narrow Sicilian roads. After a few heart-stopping moments (we were later told that the only place in Italy with a more cavalier approach to road safety is Naples), we pulled into our villa for the week. At Chirchiaro, which is let out by the Sicilian experts at The Thinking Traveller, we were whisked on to the patio for some local wine and cheese with Antonio, whose family own the property and who proved to be the perfect host. After a three-course meal that had been prepared for us so we wouldnt have to venture out on our first night, we tumbled into bed with the promise of fresh doughnuts from a woodfired oven the next day. Over breakfast, Antonio shared the secrets of several day trips that could all be easily done from our helpfully located base. The view of the vineyards from Chirchiaro, where they grow grapes for Curatolo Arini wines The Chirchiaro farm foreman overseeing the grape harvest a few steps from Laura's villa (she even helped to pick the grapes!) Heading north theres the historic capital of the island, Palermo. A busy, bustling town, this place is a feast for the senses. Park further out and walk into the central area, where street food is king, and the ancient food markets teem with activity. Although there are weird and wonderful dishes on offer such as spleen burgers, a crisp panelle chickpea fritter goes down exceptionally well with a cold beer. If all that proves a bit lively, take the coastal road west to the Zingaro nature reserve, where secluded coves perfect for swimming wait around every corner. If you want to stay for dinner, head to the picturesque town of Scopello, where the Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue ad with David Gandy was filmed, and try the pasta con le sarde at La Terrazza. If youre heading west, then the salt pans in the Saline Nature Reserve are dotted with windmills and offer incredible views, as well as an insight into how salt helped to shape Sicily as a trade hub. The picturesque town of Scopello, pictured, is where the Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue ad with David Gandy was filmed At the Zingaro nature reserve, there are secluded coves perfect for swimming around every corner You could stop off at Marsala, where sweet wine was exported en masse by an entrepreneurial Englishman in the 18th century, but on Antonios advice we pushed on to the port of Trapani, where you can eat fresh seafood at Taverna Paradiso, and youll often see fishermen stopping off to ply their wares. From Trapani take the cablecar to the hillside town of Erice, a cobbled warren of streets that all lead to incredible views over the countryside. Grab a pistachio-flavoured ice cream and have a wander, this is even better if you can time your trip to coincide with the sun going down. The nearby ruins at Segesta offer another beautiful spot to watch the sunset. The hillside town of Erice contains a cobbled warren of streets that all lead to incredible views over the countryside At the port of Trapani, pictured, you can eat fresh seafood at Taverna Paradiso, and youll often see fishermen stopping off to ply their wares In the southwest we stopped off to see Mazara del Vallo, where they host an early morning fishing auction, and where a statue of a satyr was pulled out of the sea, and now stands proudly in its own museum. The southwest is littered with beautiful sandy beaches, and one of the best happens to lie by the finest fish restaurant, Giorgio Locatellis favourite, Da Vittorio. An unassuming place on first glance, all that first alerts you to the world-class cooking is the woodfired oven churning out delicious smells outside. This is the place to have the deliciously sweet raw red prawns, or gamberi rossi, or try one of their seafood pastas in a rich tomato sauce. If you can bear to move after such a feast, then the ruins at Selinunte, strewn with pomegranate plants, are a lovely place to watch the sunset. At La Pineta, in nearby Marinella di Selinunte, you can choose a lobster and eat it right on the beach by torchlight, with the sand between your toes and the water lapping in front of your table. This is also wine country, and at the vineyards of Planeta we heard about the passion and tradition of wine-making here. The family have opened up a hotel called La Foresteria, with a restaurant where the cooking is refined and perfectly paired with Planetas wines. Lauren leans against a pillar at the Ancient Greek ruins at Selinunte, on the southwest coast Bright idea: Sunseekers enjoy the scorching weather at the Zingaro Nature Reserve While we had been flitting about western Sicily, our host family, including Antonios gracious and generous parents, had been busy preparing a traditional Sicilian meal for us - Anelletti al forno, with rings of pasta baked into a crisp cake, delicate pastries and a watermelon jelly laced with jasmine all paired perfectly with the Curatolo Arini wine made from indigenous Zibibbo grapes. Having drunk the wine, it was time to see where it came from, and we happily tripped back to our villa to help with the grape harvest. It was with a heavy heart that we set off from our adopted home. But we were determined to see Mount Etna before we left, and after a long days drive we were welcomed into the Monaci delle Terre Nere hotel, a boutique country hotel set in the foothills of the volcano, with a nightcap of the local Amara blood-orange liqueur. Catania, pictured, which lies near the foothills of Mount Etna, has a fish market that's a great spot for lunch Highlights of the east included Catania, where you can have lunch in the fish market at Osteria Antica Marina. In the southeast Vendicari nature reserve you can swim next to flocks of flamingos, then eat on a platform above the waves at La Cialoma in Marzamemi, before stopping off in Noto for the best lemon granita at Caffe Sicilia. We just had time for a lounge by the pool, a look at the lava formations of Etna and a stop-off at the courtyard where they filmed for The Godfather before heading back to the airport. Sicily has so much to offer, with its cooking pot of cultures and fantastic hospitality. And dont be lured by the slightly easier east. If you head to the western coast, an adventure awaits. Advertisement Like giant time capsules, these abandoned towns beckon tourists to enter... if they dare. From Wild West saloons that died when gold mines closed to bustling cities evacuated in the light of nuclear disaster, the deserted communities offer a glimpse of times gone by. In Taiwan the futuristic seaside holiday resort Sanzhi Pod City looks like a creepy scene from an alien film, with UFO-shaped structures peppering the landscape. While on Pamban Island in India the historic town of Dhanushkodi crumbles in the arid heat after being pummelled by a devastating cyclone in 1964. Similarly, the South American town of Chaiten in Chile was nearly wiped out by a volcano that erupted in 2008, and then the flooding of the Blanco River finished it off. Today toppled homes are left slowly eroding into the landscape. Scroll down to see MailOnline Travel's round-up of some of the eeriest ghost towns in the world, which lure millions of inquisitive visitors each year... Sanzhi Pod City, Taiwan The Sanzhi Pod City in Taiwan was designed as a seaside holiday resort in 1978 for US military officers deployed to the Far East and wealthy Taiwanese However, in 1980 the buildings were abandoned after investment losses by developers Hung Kuo Group and a number of bizarre deaths, including several suicides from construction workers with no signs of depression The Sanzhi Pod City in Taiwan was designed as a seaside holiday resort in 1978 for US military officers deployed to the Far East and wealthy Taiwanese. However, in 1980 the buildings were abandoned after investment losses by developers Hung Kuo Group and a number of bizarre deaths, including several suicides from construction workers with no signs of depression. There were also numerous car accidents. A Dutch graveyard lies beneath the site, and construction workers claimed they were haunted by ghosts. Locals believe the resort was also haunted by a paranormal ornament of a dragon destroyed during the construction process. Chaiten, Chile The South American town of Chaiten in Chile was nearly wiped out by a volcano that erupted in 2008, and then the flooding of the Blanco River finished it off After the volcano erupted for the first time in 9,000 years, the Chilean government tried to rebuild the town, first about 10km north, and then again in its original location, but the town's future is still unresolved The South American town of Chaiten in Chile was nearly wiped out by a volcano that erupted in 2008, and then the flooding of the Blanco River finished it off. After the volcano erupted for the first time in 9,000 years, the Chilean government tried to rebuild the town, first about 10km north, and then again in its original location, but the town's future is still unresolved. Toppled homes and tangled telephone wires remain as some of the few signs that people once lived there. Rhyolite, Nevada Then there are the former gold rush towns that boomed before they busted, such as Rhyolite, situated 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas in Nevada It grew rapidly from its founding in 1905 but the excitement was shortlived. By 1910 the mine was operating at a loss, a year later it closed, and the town's 1,000 inhabitants began to leave Rhyolite, situated 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas in Nevada, is a former gold rush town that boomed before it busted. It grew rapidly from its founding in 1905, when thousands of developers, miners and gold-seekers flocked to the area. By 1907, it had electricity, railroads, water mains, telephones, an opera house and a school - but the excitement was shortlived. A year later, investors carried out a study and found the area and its ore had been overvalued, and by 1910 the mine there was operating at a loss. A year later it closed, and the town's 1,000 inhabitants began to leave. Ten years later - and just 15 years since Rhyolite was founded - it was empty. Dhanushkodi, India The town of Dhanushkodi on the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island in India was a popular tourist spot with its white sands and blue waters. Other attractions included a post office, temple and railway station However, the community was destroyed in a devastating cyclone in 1964. It was hit by 170 mph winds and tidal waves measuring more than 20 feet high The town of Dhanushkodi on the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island in India was a popular tourist spot with its white sands and blue waters. Other attractions included a post office, temple, railway station and jetty service to transport travellers to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. However, the community was destroyed in a devastating cyclone in 1964. It was hit by 170 mph winds and tidal waves measuring more than 20 feet high. An estimated 1,800 people died in the cyclonic storm on December 22 including 115 passengers on board the Pamban-Dhanushkodi passenger train. The entire town was marooned and the government declared Dhanushkodi as a ghost town, unfit for living. Kolmanskop, Namibia Family homes that were abandoned are now filled with sand in Kolmanskop, a once prosperous mining town deep in the Namib Desert The German-style village flourished after diamonds were discovered in 1908, but its decaying homes have been left to rot Family homes that were abandoned are now filled with sand in this once prosperous mining town deep in the Namib Desert. Deserted for more than half a century, the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a German-style village, flourished after diamonds were discovered in 1908, but its decaying homes were left to rot after the mining field was exhausted. It was completely abandoned in 1954 and is now said to be haunted. St. Elmo, Colorado St. Elmo in Colorado is one of America's best-preserved ghost towns. Founded in 1880, nearly 2,000 people settled in the community when mining for gold and silver started However, slowly the mining industry started to decline and in 1922 the railroad discontinued service. Eventually the inhabitants moved elsewhere, with the wooden buildings left to rot St. Elmo in Colorado is one of America's best-preserved ghost towns. Founded in 1880, nearly 2,000 people settled in the community when mining for gold and silver started. Attractions included a telegraph office, general store, five hotels, and numerous Wild West-style saloons. However, slowly the mining industry started to decline and in 1922 the railroad discontinued service. Eventually the inhabitants moved elsewhere, with the wooden buildings left to rot. The community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and although it's technically considered a ghost town, people still live in St. Elmo. Centralia, Pennsylvania Centralia is a former coal-mining town 100 miles northwest of Pennsylvania and one of the least populated areas in the state after the fire department set the town's landfill ablaze on May 27, 1962, in an ill-fated attempt to tidy up for Memorial Day The fire wound up igniting the coal outcropping and slowly spread to the massive network of mines threatening residents with poisonous gases and dangerous sinkholes. Only lonely streets and streams of sulfurous gases remain Centralia is a former coal-mining town 100 miles northwest of Pennsylvania and one of the least populated areas in the state after the fire department set the town's landfill ablaze on May 27, 1962, in an ill-fated attempt to tidy up for Memorial Day. The fire wound up igniting the coal outcropping and slowly spread to the massive network of mines beneath homes and businesses, threatening residents with poisonous gases and dangerous sinkholes. Only lonely streets and streams of sulfurous gases remain. The event wiped the town off the map. A $42million federal relocation program helped 1,000 people move and around 500 buildings were demolished by the end of the 1980s. By 2010, there were just ten residents still living there, refusing to leave despite the hazards to their health. Kayakoy, Turkey Kayakoy, a Unesco World Friendship and Peace Village, is located in the Fethiye Peninsula, not far from white sand beaches and pricey resorts on the Aegean coast The village was abandoned when its inhabitants returned to Greece in a population exchange between the two countries in 1923 following the Greco-Turkish War Kayakoy, a Unesco World Friendship and Peace Village, is located in the Fethiye Peninsula, not far from white sand beaches and pricey resorts on the Aegean coast. The village was abandoned when its inhabitants returned to Greece in a population exchange between the two countries in 1923 following the Greco-Turkish War. Set against the Taurus Mountains, the village has hundreds of crumbling stone houses and two churches that seem to be trapped in time. Dating as far back as the 18th century, the weathered ruins are part of a protected archaeological site that has become a big draw for travellers. Pripyat, Ukraine The city of Pripyat in the Ukraine was abandoned in April 1986 after one of the reactors at the Chernobyl power plant went into meltdown Photographers from around the world visit Pripyat to snap shots of abandoned classrooms and scattered possessions Pripyat, an abandoned city near Ukraines northern border with Belarus, is arguably the most famous ghost town in the world. Residents were forced to flee with few of their belongings after one of the reactors at the Chernobyl power plant went into meltdown in April 1986, sparking the worlds worst nuclear disaster. Photographers come from around the world to snap shots of desolate hospitals, abandoned flats, a frozen Ferris wheel and scattered possessions, including childrens toys, in the once-thriving Soviet town of 50,000 people. An exclusion zone covering an area of more than 1,000 square miles around the abandoned plant was created to protect people from the effects of any lingering radiation. Tourists may obtain day passes, and some workers who are rebuilding parts of the site are allowed in for limited hours only each month. Scientists say the area will not be safe to live in for another 20,000 years. Hashima Island, Japan James Bond fans will recognise Hashima Island, also known as Battleship Island (Gunkanjima), as the lair of 007s enemy in Skyfall More than 5,000 of people lived here until April 1974, when a coal mine shut down and the concrete island was abandoned James Bond fans will recognise Hashima Island, also known as Battleship Island (Gunkanjima), as it served as inspiration for the lair of 007s enemy, Raoul Silva, in Skyfall. Exterior shots of the island were used in the 2012 blockbuster. More than 5,000 of people lived here until April 1974, when a coal mine shut down and the concrete island was abandoned. In the decades since then, towering industrial and residential buildings have been battered by the elements and left to crumble. Oradour-sur-Glane, France Destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, the village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the scene of the massacre of 642 residents in June 1944 The village has been left untouched since the massacre, and a new village built nearby is home to more than 2,000 people Destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, the village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the scene of a massacre of 642 residents in June 1944. Today, its ruins stand as a memorial to the villagers, including more than 400 women and children, who were gunned down or burned alive. The village has been left untouched since the massacre, and a new village built nearby is home to more than 2,000 people. Varosha, Cyprus The shores of Varosha were once graced by glamorous film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot, but are now deserted Varosha was abandoned when the resort was invaded by Turkish troops, and today is fenced off and still occupied From afar it looks like any beachside resort that would be teeming with sunseekers, but upon closer inspection it is one of the eeriest seaside sights in the world. The shores of Varosha were once graced by glamorous film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot. But in the summer of 1974 the city of 40,000 was invaded by Turkish troops and abandoned by locals. Today, the resort is fenced off and occupied by Turkish troops, and its dilapidated hotels are being reclaimed by nature. Bodie, California The town of Bodie, California, is a classic example of a settlement that thrived during the gold rush and was left to wither and die The Wild West town had just a handful of residents in the 1940s and was named a historic park in 1962 after it was abandoned The town of Bodie, California, is a classic example of a settlement that thrived during the gold rush and was left to wither and die after the boom ended. It had a population of around 10,000 in the 1880s, but experienced a gradual decline as miners moved elsewhere in search of other sources of gold. The Wild West town had just a handful of residents in the 1940s and was named a historic park in 1962. Though deserted, its buildings are still furnished with the belongings of previous owners. Imber, England This village on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire was evacuated in December 1943 as Allied troops prepared for the invasion of Europe Imber remains a training ground for British soldiers, although it opens to tourists usually around Bank Holidays and Christmas This village on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire was evacuated in December 1943 as Allied troops used it to prepare for the invasion of Europe during World War II. Residents were never allowed to return, and it remains a training ground for British soldiers. However, it reopens a handful of times every year, usually around Bank Holidays and Christmas. Port Arthur, Tasmania The former convict settlement at Port Arthur is now a World Heritage Site and Tasmanias most popular tourist attraction Even though Port Arthur's prison closed in 1877, a new community grew around it and thrived over the next century The former convict settlement on the Australian island is now a World Heritage Site and Tasmanias most popular tourist attraction. Even though its prison closed in 1877, a new community grew around it and thrived over the next century. The town gained notoriety in April 1996 when 35 people were killed and nearly two dozen wounded in Australia's worst mass murder. Fordlandia, Brazil Fordlandia, in the Brazilian rainforest, was created by Henry Ford in 1928 as a rubber plantation that would feed his Michigan factories The industrialist hoped to instil the American way of life in his Brazilian workers, but the project was abandoned by the end of World War II Deep in the Brazilian rainforest is the ruins of a town called Fordlandia, which was created by Henry Ford in 1928 as a rubber plantation that would feed his Michigan factories. The industrialist hoped to instil the American way of life in his Brazilian workers, but the project was abandoned by the end of World War II due to a host of problems, including leaf disease and tensions between American managers and natives. In 1945, Fords grandson, Henry Ford II, sold the land at a loss. Pyramiden, Norway Named after a pyramid-shaped mountain, Pyramiden, Norway was a Soviet-era coal mining town that was officially abandoned in 1998 Most of its buildings are still intact and it is owned by a Russian firm, and there have been efforts to transform it into a tourist hub Polar bears are now some of the primary residents of Pyramiden, Norway, which was a Soviet-era coal mining town that was officially abandoned in 1998. Most of its buildings are still intact and it is owned by a Russian firm, and there have been efforts to transform it into an official tourist destination. Named after a pyramid-shaped mountain nearby, the Soviets bought the community from Sweden in 1927, and it was home to some 1,200 people at its peak. Spinalonga, Greece Run-down and left to the elements, this settlement was a leper colony until 1957, five years before the island was deserted Today, tourists can walk around Spinalongas ruined buildings, which were once home to lepers, and take in spectacular views of the sea Run-down and left to the elements, this settlement was a leper colony until 1957, five years before the island was deserted. The barren rocky island was fortified centuries ago and once housed lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece, who were kept in isolation. Kyle Sandilands isn't easily embarrassed but even he was left blushing after co-host Jackie O forced him to reveal one of his deepest, darkest secrets live on air. During Thursday's episode of the Kyle and Jackie O show on KIIS 1065, Jackie 'O' Henderson spilled that as a 12-year-old, Kyle used to spy on his then 16-year-old stepsister Debbie in the shower. Jackie, 42, then called Debbie to force the 45-year-old shock jock to admit what he'd done to his stepsister directly. Bad habit: During Thursday's episode of the Kyle and Jackie O on KIIS 1065, Jacqueline 'O' Henderson spilled that as a 12 year old, Kyle Sandilands used to watch his then 16-year-old stepsister Debbie in the shower 'Every other weekend Kyle would stay at his stepsister's place. He would sneak around the side of the house and look through the window at her having a bath or a shower,' Jackie live on air. She then announced she had, 'Debbie on the line,' but once he was faced with his stepsister, Kyle stalled, ashamed. 'This is embarrassing,' he said after a pause, to which Debbie, who had stepped out of a meeting to take the call, answered: 'No matter what happened, you're still my brother. You're lucky you're in another state but you're still my brother'. Confession: 'Every other weekend Kyle would stay at his stepsister's place. He would sneak around the side of the house and look through the window at her having a bath or a shower,' Jackie live on air Fess up! She then announced she had, 'Debbie on the line,' but once he was faced with his stepsister, Kyle stalled, ashamed Confession: Kyle took a deep breath and finally admitted to Debbie, 'I used to stand on a bucket, underneath the bathroom window and watch you in the shower' 'Brother...Brother in inverted comments!' Jackie quipped, only making the situation more tense. Kyle took a deep breath and finally admitted, 'I used to stand on a bucket, underneath the bathroom window and watch you in the shower'. Jackie piped up: 'And he didn't do it just once Debbie, he did it every fortnight,' to which Kyle snapped, 'Shut your mouth, please!' Sex-pose: The confession comes after Kyle revealed some details of his sex life with younger girlfriend Imogen Anthony, 26 Debbie laughed heartily and replied: 'I grew up with three brothers Jackie, nothing surprises me'. Kyle responded: 'I'm so sorry you had to hear this in this way... I'm so humiliated. Do you look at me differently?' Luckily his stepsister took it all in her stride, admitting, 'Why would I look at you differently? I was skinny and I was rocking back then!' to which Kyle quipped, 'You were pretty hot'. He explained: 'I see myself as like a human oil and drilling rig, like one of those oil pumps. I just keep pumping until it's finished' Debbie ended the call by saying, 'Still love you sweetheart.' The confession comes after Kyle revealed some details of his sex life with younger girlfriend Imogen Anthony, 26. He explained: 'I see myself as like a human oil and drilling rig, like one of those oil pumps. I just keep pumping until it's finished.' Fargo (C4) Rating: Call me an irrational optimist but, after its deliciously strange and funny start, I'm prepared to believe that Fargo (C4) is back to its finest and will stay that way. Hoo yes, okey-dokey, as they say in Minnesota. Of course, I made that mistake with Fargo last time round, when the series could not sustain the surreal brilliance of the first episode, with its shoot-outs and UFOs. Over the next ten weeks it dribbled away into slush. This time it's more restrained. Not so self-consciously bizarre, less ostentatiously odd. Quirky instead of full-on crazy. Except, that is, for the casting Ewan McGregor stars as Emmit Stussy, a successful businessman being blackmailed by gangsters, while his frustrated loser of a little brother Ray is played by... Ewan McGregor. A chubby and balding McGregor stars alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the hit US series During the opening party at smug Emmit's palatial home, the camera hinted that we would never see them in the same frame. There's rich Ewan in a white tuxedo, schmoozing his guests, while poor Ewan is in the corner, silently throttling a champagne glass. But moments later, they were sitting across a desk in Emmit's den, chatting away as the lens swung between them in a continuous shot. It was difficult to imagine the two men were one actor they barely even looked alike. They share an accent, though, the Minnesota twang that is part Abba, part Deputy Dawg. McGregor has it perfectly. It's peculiar that the only actors these days who can do really good American accents are Brits. Double trouble: McGregor's two characters Emmit and Ray Stussy share an accent - the Minnesota twang that is part Abba, part Deputy Dawg. McGregor has it perfectly Not that David Thewlis bothered. He played a crook with a vault full of dodgy dollar bills that needed laundering, and he sported a North London accent so precise that you could almost identify which street in East Finchley had been his childhood home. DELUSION OF THE NIGHT I know you lot think Im Pablo Escobar, bragged a 15-year-old phone thief arrested on The Met: Policing London (BBC1). The coppers fell about laughing. A billionaire crime lord, this toerag was not. Advertisement He was denying it, though. When a puzzled Emmit asked where he was from, Thewlis deadpanned: 'America.' Fargo, inspired by a 1996 film by the Coen Brothers, revels in its curious details. Fate hinges on unconsidered trifles, such as the scrap of paper that blows out of a car window: without it, a burglar goes to the wrong house, where he kills the occupant, which leads to his own murder and sets the whole story cartwheeling away . . . all because of a scrap of paper. And it was just such a detail, a spark that sputtered onto a bundle of twigs, that brought about the most famous blaze in history the Great Fire of London in 1666. The Great Fire (C5) Rating: Historians Suzannah Lipscomb, Dan Jones and Rob Bell retell the story, filling in much information that is generally forgotten, in The Great Fire (C5) which continues tonight and concludes tomorrow. Every schoolboy knows (or did, when that sort of thing was taught) the conflagration began at a bakery in Pudding Lane. But what your teacher omitted to say was that, in 17th-century England, pudding was not a dessert, but a polite name for offal. That must be why, even today, we don't eat black pudding with custard. An arsonist's delight: Historians Suzannah Lipscomb, Dan Jones and Rob Bell (pictured) retell the story, filling in much information that is generally forgotten, in The Great Fire (C5) which continues tonight and concludes tomorrow Much of the show was an arsonist's delight, explaining how the September winds not only spread the flames but doubled their intensity, and why wattle-and-daub buildings only burn when they are run-down and dilapidated. Rob even pinpointed the spot where the Great Fire started and laid a blue plaque. Unluckily, it was in the gutter, on a double yellow line. Plaques on the ground are never a good idea. Spike Milligan saw one on the deck of HMS Victory that read: 'Nelson fell here.' 'I'm not surprised,' Spike said. 'I nearly tripped myself.' She has admitted to dating a Gold Coast drug dealer and dabbling in threesomes. And Jackie 'O' Henderson, 42, has once again raised eyebrows by confessing that she used to lock lips with her own cousins when she was growing up in her native Tasmania. The bizarre admission came after Kyle blurted out her childhood secret live on air this Thursday, following a segment in which he was forced to tell his step-sister Debbie that he used to spy on her in the bath. 'Jackie, she used to do things with her cousins': KIIS FM's Kyle Sandilands blurted out Jackie 'O' Henderson's childhood secret live on air this Thursday 'Jackie, she used to do things with her cousins. Jackie and her cousins would kiss in Tasmania!' Kyle told Debbie, attempting to play down the bizarre nature of his own actions. 'Yeah, once,' Jackie mumbled as Kyle hooted with laughter. Not much is known about Jackie's past boyfriends, however the personality did reveal in January last year that she dated a drug dealer. Former flame: Not much is known about Jackie's past boyfriends, however the personality did reveal in January last year that she dated a drug dealer The blonde mentioned her shady ex during a competition with Kyle and guest Guy Sebastian, to establish who had dated the most 'Bogan' people in their past. 'Drug dealer on the Gold Coast, drove a Kombi van...hello,' Jackie giggled, much to Kyle and Guy's delight. Naturally it didn't take long for co-host Kyle to chime in, playfully teasing: '[He was] selling bags of weed out the back.' While Guy added: 'Such class.' Scandalous: Naturally it didn't take long for co-host Kyle to chime in, playfully teasing: '[He was] selling bags of weed out the back.' While Guy added: 'Such class' She has also previously admitted to having a threesome in the years before she was married to her husband Lee Henderson. During a segment on the Kyle And Jackie O Show in 2014, Jackie confessed: 'I've had one', explaining hers was with another woman and a man, who was not her husband. 'It was a pretty long time ago,' she assured fans. Her assets are often a focal point, with Alesha Dixon previously quipping that 'the nipples get more attention than the BGT acts'. So Amanda Holden appears to have taken new measures to ensure her chest doesn't steal the show, by investing in thick covers. Britain's Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern revealed the news, telling The Sun: 'Ive nabbed a pair of Amandas nipple covers. Theyre like silicone.' Scroll down for video Under wraps: Amanda Holden appears to have taken new measures to ensure her chest doesn't steal the show on Britain's Got Talent by investing in thick nipple covers The presenter cheekily added: 'She let me keep them, but I think Ill sell them on eBay.' Referring to David Walliams' cheeky bottom flash on Monday's live episode of Britain's Got Talent, Stephen continued: 'I dont know whats happening with all the nipples and bums at the moment.' Amanda has been known to display her sizzling physique in an array of racy outfits for her judging duties on Britain's Got Talent. Flesh-flashing: Amanda (pictured with co-judge Alesha Dixon) has been known to display her sizzling physique in an array of racy outfits for her judging duties on Britain's Got Talent Cheeky! Britain's Got More Talent host Stephen Mulhern revealed the news, admitting: 'Ive nabbed a pair of Amandas nipple covers. Theyre like silicone' And the mother-of-three recently revealed that she would be doing her best to spark Ofcom complaints with her racy ensembles this year. Amanda's comments came after her ensembles raised eyebrows on last year's show, sparking a number of complaints to TV watchdog Ofcom. However, a spokesperson for Ofcom revealed that they wouldn't be launching an investigation into the show in June last year. Cheeky! Referring to David Walliams' cheeky flash on Monday's episode of BGT, Stephen continued: 'I dont know whats happening with all the nipples and bums at the moment' They said: 'We assessed a number of complaints about the suitability of clothing worn by two female judges before the watershed, but won't be taking the matter forward for investigation. 'The dresses worn by the judges did not raise issues under our rules on nudity, and the judges were not portrayed in a sexualised way.' The star has, however, received plenty of praise for the flesh-flashing ensembles she has worn on the live semi-final shows this week. She is one of Poland's most famous exports. And on Wednesday night Joanna Krupa returned there to show off the assets that made her so. The 38-year-old was a guest of honor at designer and fellow Pole Dawid Wolinski's fashion show in Warsaw. Scroll down for video Phwoar-saw! Joanna Krupa flashed serious underboob as she attended fashion show in native Poland on Wednesday The former Real Housewife Of Miami flashed some serious underboob in a sexy black dress, with sheer mesh detailing around the bust. The thigh-high split showed off the model's envy-inducing pins, as well as a dainty pair of nude ankle strap heels. Another native stunner, Zuzanna Bijoch, joined her on the red carpet in a sheer black cocktail dress, which did little to hide her black underwear. The reality star has had a busy week, showing off even more cleavage in a sporty shoot for Coobie Seamless Bra. Poland's finest: The 38-year-old was a guest of honor at designer and fellow Pole Dawid Wolinski's fashion show in Warsaw Show off: The former Real Housewife Of Miami flashed some serious underboob in a sexy black dress Complete: The thigh-high split showed off the model's envy-inducing pins, as well as a dainty pair of nude ankle strap heels See-thru: The slinky number featured sheer mesh detailing around the bust Sizzling: The beauty highlighted her honed pins in the sizzling look She then switched gears, posing in a series series of slinky numbers with variety of kitschy knick-knacks, as she modeled in a sexy shoot for NeoNail hybrid nail polish. The onetime Dancing With The Stars contender married Romain Zago in 2013, but E! News reported on May 8 that the pair of them separated this past December. A report US Weekly ran this May 17 alleged she's got a burgeoning romance with businessman Nico Santucci, and the magazine's quoted a source who's gossiped: 'Joanna and Nico are feeling it out and like each other. Theyve been hanging out.' Piercing: Wolinski couldn't keep his eyes of Joanna Hold on: She grabbed his face as she prepared for a smooch Diversion: But it ended up being just a cheek peck To be sure: Joanna had to keep checking everything was in place Work it! The pair posed up a storm together on the carpet Poland's finest: Another native stunner, Zuzanna Bijoch, joined her on the red carpet in a sheer black cocktail dress, which did little to hide her black underwear Quoth another source of Nico and Joanna: 'They've been inseparable and enjoying their time together, and they spent Mother's Day together.' In an interview Express.co.uk ran this past December, Joanna brushed off Internet sniping about her penchant for showing off her body on Instagram or in magazines. She said: 'I'm very proud of my body, I work really hard, I workout and try to stay in shape and eat healthy. I'm super proud of it and I believe if you have it you flaunt it! No matter what shape or size you are you should feel confident.' Picture perfect: Her ample cleavage was on display as she posed on the red carpet Daring! The blonde beauty showcased her delicate decolletage in the strapless look Bouncy: The reality star has had a busy week, showing off even more cleavage in a sporty shoot for Coobie Seamless Bra She arrived back in Sydney on Wednesday night after a luxurious trip to Turks and Caicos. And besides picking up a glowing tan, Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) also appears to be sporting a new hairdo. The 29-year-old wife of Sam Worthington showed off her new shorter hairstyle while visiting a friend in Sydney on Thursday morning. A cut above the rest! Lara Bingle shows off new stylish shorter hairdo while visiting a friend in Sydney The model rugged up on the first day for the cool morning, bracing the first day of winter in a long cream coat. Lara appeared unaccustomed to the chilly weather after spending the past few weeks in the south of France and Turks and Caicos. The blonde beauty could be seen clutching her arms to chest, juggling a brown handbag and phone in her hands in an apparent attempt to stay warm. Not used to the cold? The model rugged up on the first day for the cool morning, bracing the first day of winter in a longline cream coat Stylish: The mother of two paired the look with light tan suede shoes and wearing a white ensemble which matched her outer layers underneath The mother of two paired the look with light tan suede shoes and wore a white ensemble which matched her outer layers underneath. Lara's new hairstyle saw her sporting a middle part rather than her trademark swept over side parting. The ends of her locks also appeared shorter and blunter, her shade of blonde also a touch lighter. Different: Lara's new hairstyle saw her sporting a middle part rather than her trademark swept over side parting and blunter, shorter ends. Pictured right in January Bold style: The ends of her locks also appeared shorter and blunter, her shade of blonde also a touch lighter Visting a friend: Lara made her way from her car up to a white picket fenced house in Balmain, located in Sydney's inner west, and could be seen waiting to be let in Lara made her way from her car up to a white picket fenced house in Balmain, located in Sydney's inner west, and could be seen waiting to be let in. The blonde beauty could then be seen being greeted by another woman who also let her inside the property. Lara's trip to Sydney comes as she spent a week last month down under, attending business meetings and promotional appearances for her skincare brand The Base. She has spent the past few weeks holidaying in the south of France and then Turks and Caicos, before arriving back in Australia on Wednesday. After her split from fiance Ben Higgins, Lauren Bushnell has insisted that 'the ring goes back' - though when asked if she'd returned it already, she replied: 'Not yet.' Interviewed by TMZ, Lauren confirmed that she and Ben had ended their romance, but when she was asked if they might reunite at some point, she replied: 'I mean, I feel like I have no idea what's gonna happen in my life, moving forward.' Lauren and Ben got engaged at the end of the 20th season of The Bachelor, which ABC aired last year, but the pair told People earlier this month that they'd split up. Scroll down for video Seen in January: After her split from fiance Ben Higgins, Lauren Bushnell has insisted that 'the ring goes back' - though when asked if she'd returned it already, she replied: 'Not yet' When TMZ spoke to Lauren this Tuesday at LAX, they asked if she might mull a gig as The Bachelorette in the ABC franchise, and she replied: 'Probably not right now.' To hear the platinum blonde Portland-born reality TV personality tell it, 'I'm trying to - I'm just trying to, like, recover, move forward' from the breakup of her relationship. Asked later in that interview if she was 'dreading sending the ring back,' she replied: 'I dont know, no, Im just trying honestly, Im just trying to move forward, just make the best of a situation thats kind of awful.' Photographed last October: When TMZ asked if they might reunite at some point, she replied: 'I mean, I feel like I have no idea what's gonna happen in my life, moving forward' She also dished to TMZ that she's 'trying to find an apartment' in Los Angeles, noting: 'I used to live in LA before I moved to Denver, so I'm moving back to LA.' While in town, she'll 'Blog. I have a blog. I'm gonna work on my blog, fashion, I don't know,' and she's held that 'I'm just trying to take it day by day, okay?' As to her romantic life: 'Oh, gosh, I'm not open to dating anyone, at this point, to be honest. I need a second to, like, calm down, breathe, and then, that's....' Spot the rock: Lauren and Ben got engaged at the end of the 20th season of The Bachelor, which ABC aired last year, but the pair told People earlier this month that they'd split up Prodded: 'But reality TV dating, definitely not? Maybe?,' Lauren, who was an Alaska Airlines flight attendant before her stint on The Bachelor, allowed: 'Not right now.' After getting together on The Bachelor, she and Ben had starred on an eight-episode spin-off reality show called Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? for Freeform. While on The Bachelor, Ben had notoriously declared his love for both Lauren and her runner-up JoJo Fletcher, who then went on to become The Bachelorette. She's the swimwear model known for her glamorous LA lifestyle. But Elyse Knowles has swapped luxury photo shoots for manual labour as she films The Block with boyfriend Josh Barker. The 24-year-old blonde appeared to be having difficulty during a renovation in Glen Eira, Melbourne on Tuesday. Be careful! The Block's celebrity contender Elyse Knowles (pictured) appeared to struggle carrying household items while filming in Glen Eira, Melbourne on Tuesday Elyse, this year's celebrity contender on The Block, wrapped up against the chill as she moved several household items. She appeared to struggle while holding a large pillow and a stone ornament, and lost her balance momentarily. Later, she looked a little downcast carrying a plastic bag and Yamaha sound system in a large cardboard box. Don't break a nail! The 24-year-old has swapped luxury photo shoots for manual labour as she films reality TV series The Block with boyfriend Josh Barker While The Block previously focused on 'everyday' contestants, recent seasons have also included high-profile figures. Former AFL star Darren Jolly and his wife Dee have previously taken part, filming two seasons back to back. And it appears Elyse, a regular face on Melbourne's social scene, may be struggling with the physical work. Famous face! Elyse, a model and brand ambassador, is this year's celebrity Block contestant Living the dream? She is a regular on Melbourne's social scene, but often works in Los Angeles Photos published in May show the Billabong model appearing to take it easy on a building site in Elsternwick. She was pictured strolling around in jeans and pink work boots, while another female contestant did the heavy lifting. The Daily Telegraph previously reported Elyse and Josh may 'ruffle some feathers' on the show and could receive 'special treatment'. She stunned fans when she stripped down to lingerie and showed off her incredible pregnancy figure at her 24-week mark the night before. But model Erin McNaught covered up as she went for a stroll in Brighton and Hove in England on Wednesday. Enjoying a mini-break, the 35-year-old media personality looked stylish in a photo that she posted to her Instagram account on Wednesday. Mini-break: Pregnant Erin McNaught covered up as she went for a stroll in Brighton and Hove in England on Wednesday Stunning! The former Miss Australia stripped off to her underwear to flaunt her baby bump at 24 weeks this week The model mum opted for a casual black dress with a hemline that dropped to her ankles and a small black bag for the essentials. Against a backdrop of an overcast sky, Erin kept warm with a jacket in a similar shade on what appeared to be a cold day. The TV presenter teamed the look with bright white trainers, perfect for a leisurely stroll in the Victorian beach town. Delicious: The model shared photos of her appetising morning meal Donning a pair of oversized sunglasses, the brunette bombshell whipped her hair back into a loose bun for an understated look. Erin seemed to be spending quality time with her parents as she mentioned them in the caption alongside the post - which also included snaps of her breakfast and a stroll along the beach. 'Last montage of my little #minibreak to Brighton with my mum and dad (who'd never been before!)' the star wrote. Expecting: Erin and her husband Example (pictured left) are already parents to two-year-old Evander and have another one on the way It comes after the mum-of-one, who married her rapper husband Example (Elliot Gleave) in 2013, stripped off for a selfie in her underwear. The image showed the former Neighbours actress' growing baby bump in all its glory at 24 weeks. It's not the first time Erin has flaunted her baby body, with the expectant mum regularly sharing images of her pregnancy journey on Instagram. The new arrival while be the second child for Erin and her husband, who are already parents to two-year-old son Evander. Monika Radulovic made a fashionable entrance at the IWC Schaffhausen ladies lunch in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday. The Bosnian-born model, 26, stunned in an off-the-shoulder crop top and leather trousers at Beta Bar on Castlereagh Street. Monika, a former Miss Universe Australia, was attending the launch of the Swiss luxury watch company's new Da Vinci collection. She's one to watch! Monika Radulovic (pictured) looked stylish at the IWC Schaffhausen ladies lunch at Beta Bar in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday The brunette beauty, who is engaged to artist Alesandro Ljubicic, looked flawless in her stylish monochrome ensemble. She flaunted her midriff in a black-and-white top with flared sleeves, and completed the look with slinky trousers. Monika also wore a pair of black heels and opted for a glamorous make-up look, including mascara and red lipstick. Model and student: Monika, a former Miss Universe Australia, was attending the launch of the Swiss luxury watch company's new Da Vinci collection She styled her hair loosely and accessorised with a Louis Vuitton clutch and, of course, a flashy gold watch. Monika was joined at the event by fashion model, student and blogger, Chloe Moo. Chloe looked radiant in a longsleeve dress and beige heels, and opted for natural look make-up. He reportedly earns $3 million a year in his role as Today host. But Karl Stefanovic is certainly no diva, cutting a casual figure as he checked into a humble country caravan park, in late April. The 42-year-old appeared to be settling in for a long night, stopping by a bottle shop to pick up 12 cans of pre-mixed rum on the way to his accommodation. Drinking in his surrounds? Karl Stefanovic checks into country NSW caravan park with 12 cans of pre-mixed rum Karl visited Yamba, located north of Sydney, in late April accompanied by a Channel Nine producer. A Channel Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that Karl was in Yamba 'filming a story about the crisis in the prawn industry for the Today show.' Besides his duties on breakfast, Karl occasionally works on special projects for the network such as reports for 60 Minutes. The Today host, who split from his wife of 21 years Cassandra Thorburn last year, cut a casual figure for the country outing. Fly in visit: Karl visited Yamba, located north of Sydney, in late April accompanied by a producer Thirsty? Before checking into the caravan park Karl stopped by a bottle shop where he purchased 12 cans of pre-mixed alcoholic rum beverages On the move: After picking up his booze, Karl and his colleague headed to their caravan park accommodation He wore a white shirt with the top buttons left undone, partially tucking it into his black skinny jeans. Before checking into the caravan park, Karl stopped by a bottle shop where he purchased 12 cans of pre-mixed alcoholic rum beverages. After picking up his booze, Karl headed to his caravan park accommodation. Checking in: He was seen checking into his accommodation at the holiday site Thrifty stay! Cabin accommodation at the park starts at $123 per night, while camping sites cost as little as $33 He's no diva: Karl reportedly makes $3 million a year in his role as the host of Today Multi-talented: Besides his duties on breakfast, Karl occasionally works on special projects for the network such as reports for 60 Minutes Cabin accommodation at the park starts at $123 per night, while camping sites cost as little as $33. The next day Karl headed to nearby Ballina airport to check in for their flight. He could be seen outside the airport engrossed in a phone call, suit and laptop bags slung across each shoulder. Relaxed: Karl appeared to be in high spirits during the outing Happy: Karl is currently in a relationship with model-turned-shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough The Today host has been spending plenty of time at airports of late and was seen last Saturday kissing girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough farewell at Sydney airport as she left for the United States. Karl and the model-turned-shoe-designer reportedly met in December last year and were spotting canoodling on a yacht in February. Jasmine and Karl made their event debut as a couple last month at the Justin Cassin show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The journalist split from Cassandra, who is also mother of his three children, last September. Talking to Jasmine? Karl could be seen outside the airport engrossed in a phone call, suit and laptop bags slung across each shoulder Heading home? The next day Karl was seen at Ballina airport checking in for a flight In March, Ksubi founder Dan Single was rushed to hospital after shattering his legs following a fall from the third floor of his Paris hotel. And on Wednesday, his wife, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, raised the concern of fans who noted she looked 'skinny' in her recent Instagram images. Posing in a checked, retro-style top and wide-legged white trousers in a new image, the 25-year-old appeared slimmer than she has been in recent months. Is the stress taking its toll? Concerned fans noted that Bambi Northwood-Blyth looked 'skinny' in her latest Instagram snap The couple have been under some strain of late, with Dan, 36, revealing he shattered 'every bone from my feet to my hips and pelvis' in a 35-metre fall out of his room at the Hotel Grand DAmour in March. Dan was then blasted for starting a GoFundMe fundraising page in April to cover his medical expenses. 'I have been in a coma for two weeks, had eight operations and am covered in pins and bolts in my bones,' Dan revealed on the now-deleted page. Before and after: Bambi is pictured before the fall Stressed? The couple have been under some strain of late, with Dan Single, 36, revealing he shattered 'every bone from my feet to my hips and pelvis' in a 35-metre fall in March He continued: 'I fell three floors (35 metres) out of my hotel room in Paris, did a summersault and landed on my feet which saved my spine and my brain (a miracle says the doctor, one in 100 million chance).' Dan removed the crowdfunding campaign he set up to cover his medical costs shortly after posting it, as it was met with an avalanche of abuse. The GoFundMe page backfired spectacularly when the former BRW Young Rich lister was labelled 'disgusting' and 'pathetic' by commenters. Still in Paris: Dan was blasted for starting a GoFundMe fundraising page in April to cover his medical expenses Dan was blasted for asking strangers to raise $250,000, despite leading a lavish lifestyle. Shortly Bambi took to Instagram to share a shot of them kissing before the fall. The brunette beauty tied the knot with Dan in Byron Bay in January 2014, with Bambi becoming a step-mother to Dan's son Justice, 10, at the age of 22. Slammed: The GoFundMe page backfired spectacularly when Dan was labelled 'disgusting' and 'pathetic' by commenters In hiding: Bambi temporarily deleted her Instagram account last month The cast of Wonder Woman headed out to a fan screening of the comic book movie Wednesday night in New York. Star Gal Gadot was joined by Robin Wright, Chris Pine and director Patty Jenkins at the event two days before the highly-anticipated film's opening. Israeli actress Gadot, 32, in a black and white patterned mini skirt that flaunted her super-slim frame. Promotional duties: Gal Gadot headed out to a fan screening of Wonder Woman on Wednesday night in New York Gadot wore her brunette locks in an updo and went bare-legged in strappy black sandals. She sported a dark red manicure and a matching shade of lip color. She carried her cell phone in one hand as she made her way into the movie theatre. Stylish: Israeli actress Gadot, 32, wore a black and white patterned mini skirt that flaunted her super-slim frame and went bare-legged in strappy black sandals. In an interview published on THR.com Wednesday, Gadot praised the work of her director Jenkins. 'We are all used to having male protagonists in movies [directed by men]. But the way Patty has captured the Wonder Woman character, she is very relatable to everyone. Boy, girl, man, woman everyone can relate to her,' she said. Jenkins also added her own point of view, questioning the presupposition that 'certain jobs are masculine. Pressure is on: The star was joined by Robin Wright, Chris Pine and director Patty Jenkins at the event two days before the highly-anticipated film's opening 'But why a director would fall into that [category] makes me very confused,' she told THR.com. 'Because it feels like a very natural job for a woman. It's incredibly maternal in a way. You're caretaking all of these sorts of things.' It's also been revealed that Gal received original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter's blessing to play the lead role the movie. When asked if she supported the new movie to ET Online, Carter said: '100 per cent. I am the bearer of the torch and now I'm passing it forward to Gal and to Patty.' And Carter believes she, Gadot and film director Patty Jenkins share a special bond because of the movie. She explained: 'The three of us share some sisterhood by living and breathing this character. I really want you all to embrace this.' Big deal: A lot is riding on the success of the film which is a rare example of a big studio comic book movie directed by a woman and starring a woman Jenkins has revealed she was desperate to gain Carter's 'blessing' prior to creating the new production based on the DC Marvel Comics, and to receive her 'guidance' during the making of the latest movie because she didn't want the project to be considered an entirely separate entity to the series Carter starred in. The creative mastermind explained: 'To get her guidance, as the person who has been carrying the mantle of Wonder Woman for all these years and is the one who inspired so many of us to love Wonder Woman.' 'I wanted to learn from her. I also wanted her blessing and I wanted her to know we're not here to do the 'new' Wonder Woman. We're here to try to carry forth something so beautiful that she really brought into the world and we just want it to go into the future.' She's the Australian beauty who welcomed her second child into the world in December. And it seems Teresa Palmer has hit the parenting nail on the head, allowing her boys Bodhi Rain, three, and Forest Sage, six months, to power nap at the airport before boarding their flight. The 31-year-old snapped her two youngsters passed out alongside each other in a pram, posting the moment to her Instagram on Wednesday. Recharge the children! Teresa Palmer puts Bodhi, three, and Forest, six months, down for a nap ahead of their flight The two boys appeared exhausted after accompanying their mother in New York for the release of her film, Berlin Syndrome. Forest was plastered face down in the double pram sporting a grey one-piece suit and bare feet. While Bodhi curled up on his side in matching grey tracksuit pants and a camouflage jumper. Sleepy head: The actress takes her children everywhere when travelling for her work The Australian actress made the most of the cute photo opportunity as the boys' feet dangled over the edge of the pram. She captioned the snap: 'Goodbye NY it's been swell' which she followed up with thanking pram rental company, Baby Chic NY. Fans flooded the comment section with their support of the beauty's latest acting role. Getting plenty of sleep: The mother-of-two proves that children well rested children are happy children One fan was particularly impressed with Teresa bringing her children along for the adventure saying: 'I adore that you 're going everywhere with your kids . I think kids love it to be with their mom. I'm doing it too with mine.' Another expressed their admiration of the mother's talent: 'Tez, you played that role wonderfully. Claire was strong and smart and the whole movie was great.' Welsh-born Australian actress Lyn James has died at the age of 87. Best known for her long-running role as Helen Gordon, in the medical drama The Young Doctors, news of her passing was confirmed on Thursday. '[Lyn] enriched my life, and the lives of many others through her kindness and generosity,' her manager Darren Grey said in a statement. Vale: Welsh-born Australian actress Lyn James has died at the age of 87 '[She] was a very special lady with a heart of gold and it was my absolute privilege to have known her,' he noted. The actress played Helen Gordon, a receptionist, in The Young Doctors from its inception in 1976 until it ended in 1983. She is survived by her husband Eric Tayler, who is an award-winning producer and director, their son Nicholas, their actress daughter Sally, and her grandchildren. Screen star: The actress played Helen Gordon, a receptionist, in The Young Doctors from its inception in 1976 until it ended in 1983 Lyn was born Margaret James in Wales, the daughter of Jack, a theatre actor and the granddaughter of photographer Levi Ladd. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London from the early age of 16. There she met New Zealander Eric who would later become her husband, as well as her co-star in many productions for various theatre companies. Stephanie Davis has sparked concern among fans after posting a cryptic tweet. The 24-year-old former Hollyoaks star cradled her son Caben-Albi, who she shares with on/off beau Jeremy McConnell, in the sweet snap yet penned the caption: 'So long guys' - leading to a shock reaction from fans. Some of her 440,000 followers on the microblogging site swarmed the comments section to voice their worry, with one user writing: 'Hope you are ok Steph, Caben needs you', among other concerned messages. Scroll down for video 'So long guys': Stephanie Davis has sparked concern among fans after posting a cryptic tweet Embattled Stephanie suffered a difficult 2016 after a convoluted and public battle with Jeremy, who was arrested and appeared in court last month on an assault charge against the actress. Their love story began when they starred together on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2016 before becoming embroiled in a toxic romance which first ended in April - a month before she announced she was expecting. After a bitter nine-month battle in which Jeremy denied paternity, once he was proved to be the father he swore to step up and moved from his native Dublin to be with her in Liverpool. Last month however Stephanie was reportedly 'shaken' after calling the police on Jeremy at her home. Merseyside Police confirmed to MailOnline that Jeremy was taken into custody after voluntarily coming to the station. Happy days: The 24-year-old former Hollyoaks star cradled her son Caben-Albi, who she shares with on/off beau Jeremy McConnell, in the sweet snap yet penned the caption: 'So long guys' - leading to a shock reaction from fans Back on: While he awaits his appearance in court in August, he has returned to Stephanie, where the duo have been playing happy families with six-month-old Caben While he awaits his appearance in court in August, he has returned to Stephanie, where the duo have been playing happy families with six-month-old Caben. After posting the image two days before on Instagram, showing the slimline star cradling her son while sporting a sizzling ensemble which flaunted her incredibly slender frame, she later posted the same snap on Twitter on Wednesday. In her Instagram version of the snap she penned a caption reading: 'My ray of sunshine' yet the Twitter version featured the cryptic note: 'So long guys'. Fans quickly swarmed to the comments beneath the Tweets to write: 'Hope you are ok Steph,Caben needs you... don't lose touch with your family cos of a man.... Where are you going Stephanie?' The big move: While fans deemed the comment a point of concern, her note coincided with reports that she is planning a surprise move to Hollywood in 2018 after securing a number of currently undisclosed roles A representative for Stephanie declined to comment when approached. Despite the concern, a source close to Stephanie told MailOnline said the tweet was taken out of context she was merely jesting about everyone saying she was moving to Hollywood, nothing for anyone to worry about. Her note coincided with reports that she is planning a surprise move to Hollywood in 2018 after securing a number of currently undisclosed roles. A source told OK!: 'Steph is in final talks with huge Hollywood acting agent. With some offers of some huge roles already on the table. 'Family life is great, they are both smitten and are now cracking on with their careers and a move to Hollywood in 2018 could be on the cards.' While the insider insists things are going well for Steph and Jeremy, a fresh report claims the actress has fallen out with her parents over Jeremy s demands to give their son his surname. Feud: While the insider insists things are going well, a fresh report claims the actress has fallen out with her parents (including mum Pauline pictured) over Jeremy s demands to give their son his surname According to The Sun, Stephanie and Jeremy have given Caben the McConnell surname as part of their plan to create a stable family unit, but Steph's family are allegedly frustrated that Davis has been dropped after Jeremy left Stephanie to go through pregnancy alone. A source close to the couple has claimed: 'Understandably Stephs family are wary of Jeremy coming back in to her life and making big decisions.' 'Yes Caben-Albi is his biological child, but from the moment he was conceived until he was born he was Baby Davis.' 'On every hospital visit, scan and document he was called Baby Davis to Stephs family, this is his identity...Jeremy still has to prove himself as a good dad to Caben and good partner to Stephanie.' It's thought the tension over Caben's surname was the reason behind Stephanie's mother Pauline unfollowing her daughter on Twitter on May 26, with Steph unfollowing her mum days later. A spokesperson for the stars declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. She's just returned from a romantic break at the Cannes Film Festival. And Paris Hilton, 36, clearly still can't get enough of her boyfriend Chris Zylka, 32, gazing lovingly into his eyes as they partied together on Wednesday. The pair were both decked out in black as they posed together outside the Revolve store in Hollywood during which they once again could not tear their eyes away from one another - in yet more PDA sessions. Scroll down for video Eye love you: Paris Hilton gazed at her boyfriend Chris Zylka as they partied together in Hollywood on Wednesday Paris looked stunning in a snug-fitting black dress cut at the knees to reveal her toned legs, which were lengthened by her staggering ankle boots. She matched the item with a black fur jacket with a cut-out detail showing off her tanned shoulders, although the overcoat was possibly unnecessary in the LA heat. Her blonde locks tumbled down to her shoulders in straight lengths while her make-up was naturally flawlessly applied. She accessorised with a pair of steel-studded fingerless black leather gloves, a statement designer watch and a matching handbag. Happy couple: The pair were both decked out in black as they posed together outside the Revolve store Quite an item: Paris looked stunning in a snug-fitting black dress cut at the knees to reveal her toned legs. Meanwhile, Chris looked ultra-cool in a black leather jacket Meanwhile, Chris looked super cool in a black leather jacket rolled up at the sleeves to reveal a bulky timepiece and plentiful tattoos. The actor and model paired the item with snug-fitting trousers and a pair of black and white converse shoes. Paris and Chris only went public with their relationship in February, but Paris has already said the Leftovers star is 'the one'. Blonde bombshell: Paris accessorised with a pair of steel-studded fingerless black leather gloves, a statement designer watch and a matching handbag 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.' Love at first sight: Paris and Chris only went public with their relationship in February, but Paris has already said the Leftovers star is 'the one' Road ahead: Proving the romance is going from strength to strength, the socialite even admitted she was keen to have children with the hunky actor. Pictured: Paris leaves in a car Proving the romance is going from strength to strength, the socialite even admitted she was keen to have children with the hunky actor. She confessed to ES Magazine: Its like the meaning of life to have your own family. 'And Im happy that I waited to find the right person. Im so in love. Hes the man of my life. Were best friends.' Star-studded: Charlotte McKinney leaves Revolve rocking a khaki top and a low-cut denim shirt Kourtney Kardashian was spotted on Wednesday evening leaving a church service in Beverly Hills. The 38-year-old reality star cut a casual figure in a simple white top and slate grey skinny jeans that showed off her impressively lean pins. She added some flair to the otherwise underwhelming outfit by donning a cropped, peacock blue, furry jacket. Scroll down for video Spiritual journey? Kourtney Kardashian leaves a Beverly Hills church and struts to her car in a fluffy cropped jacket amid news her ex Scott Disick is spotted with EIGHTH woman She wore her raven locks scraped back and wore a face of natural-tone make-up, finishing things off with some clear amber aviators. She strolled along in a pair of killer black heels. She left the church and walked to her car, stopping to sign a couple of autographs as she went, for passers-by. Earlier in the day she was seen taking her daughter Penelope to a Color Me Mine pottery class in Los Angeles showing off her Cannes tan. Meanwhile, Penelope's dad Scott boarded a private jet out of France on Tuesday with a mystery brunette, his eighth female companion in a week. He arrived to the French city with 19-year-old Bella Thorne last week and was then pictured looking very affectionate with ex Chloe Bartoli, UK model Maggie Petrova and another ex, Ella Ross. Showing off her Cannes tan: She left the church and walked to her car, stopping to sign a couple of autographs as she went, for passers-by Hug it out: She wore her raven locks scraped back and wore a face of natural-tone make-up, finishing things off with some clear amber aviators He also hung out with Sofia Richie (who claims they're just friends), London-based model Bridget Satterlee, 19 and Justin Bieber's ex Chantel Jeffries. Scott, 34, spent his time on the French Riviera surrounded by scantily-clad women whilst Kourtney, was holidaying across town with her toyboy beau, Younes Bendjima, 24. But Kourtney is now back in California looking after the duo's three young children. On Tuesday, it was reported the Kardashian clan have cut ties with Scott after his very public flirtations. According to TMZ, the famous family are convinced his actions are part of a plan to make his ex Kourtney jealous, following her new romance with Younes. The reality dynasty are said to be outraged by his steamy displays with Bella, Sofia and a number of other models, as they fear the photos of his antics will one day be seen by his and Kourtney's three children. Kourtney is now believed to have banned Scott from seeing their children Mason, seven, Reign, two and Penelope, four - as she is ashamed the photos of him courting the girls will likely be seen by the kids one day. Having too much fun: Scott, 34, has been going wild in Cannes this week and pictured with numerous scantily clad women She jetted into Sydney airport on Wednesday looking relaxed and refreshed after a luxury holiday in Turks and Caicos. And Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) showed off her post-holiday glow while attending a Tiffany & co launch party in Sydney on Thursday. The 29-year-old went braless in a white satin outfit that showcased her slender frame seven months after giving birth to her second child Racer. White hot: Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) went braless while attending a Tiffany & co launch party in Sydney on Thursday The skincare entrepreneur was a vision in white, pairing a low-cut singlet with matching pants. The chic ensemble highlighted her glowing complexion, days after she enjoyed fun in the sun during her island getaway. Lara, who is married to actor Sam Worthington, opted for a minimalist look, adding a simple gold bracelet and her wedding band as accessories and wearing simple black sandal heels. Braless! The skincare entrepreneur was a vision in white, pairing a low-cut singlet with matching pants Yummy mummy: The 29-year-old showed off her post-holiday glow in a white satin outfit Chic: Lara, who is married to actor Sam Worthington, opted for a minimalist look, adding a simple gold bracelet and her wedding band as accessories and wearing simple black sandal heels Minimalist: Her makeup consisted of dewy foundation, mascara and brown lipstick The skincare entrepreneur showcased her glowing and youthful face for the event. Keeping her makeup minimal, Lara drew attention to her piecing blue eyes. Lara kept her brows natural and only added a swipe of mascara and a dark red lipstick. Blonde beauty: The model's cropped blonde locks were worn loosely and neatly parted at the centre Stunner: Lara's white on white streamlined ensemble showcased her enviable figure Fashionista: The skincare entrepreneur was a vision in white, pairing a low-cut singlet with matching pants The bob is back! For the Tiffany and Co event, she showcased her blunt lob with loose waves The blonde beauty has been seen frequently chopping her locks shorter and shorter in recent months. For the Tiffany and Co event, she showcased her blunt lob with loose waves. She kept consistency with her outfit and presented a streamlined ensemble. Fashionista: Opting to keep her path in the centre, she kept consistency with her outfit and presented a streamlined ensemble Mummy's night out: Running into an old friend, Lara even stopped to give him a hug Show stopper: Lara appeared to be in her element and in high spirits at the star-studded event Lara appeared to be in her element and in high spirits at the star-studded event. Beaming and glowing the mother-of-two happily posed for photographers and mingled with guests. Running into an old friend, Lara even stopped to give a fellow guest a hug. Shining star: Beaming and glowing the mother-of-two happily posed for photographers and mingled with guests It's all in The Base: The skincare entrepreneur showcased her glowing and youthful face Relaxed: After jetting into Sydney airport on Wednesday, Lara looked relaxed and refreshed for the night Like Lara, stylist Nadia Bartel also flew into Sydney earlier this afternoon for the Tiffany and Co event. Sporting a strapless white maxi dress, Nadia looked radiant as she posed for snaps. The fitted dress featured pleats and showcased her bronzed glow and lean physique. Stunner: Sporting a strapless fitting dress, Nadia showed off her toned and lean physique The brunette beauty paired her look with black pumps that perfectly matched her handbag. The blogger opted for a glowing and luminous look and styled her blonde tresses in loose waves. Keeping her accessories minimal, Nadia opted for a pair of dainty gold hoop earrings. All bronzed up: The blogger opted for a glowing and luminous look and showcased kept her blonde tresses in loose waves Dressed all in red, Natalie Roser wore Australian brand Kookai for the Tiffany and Co showcase. The showstopping dress that was off-the shoulder and had skin tight silhouette also featured a slight bell sleeve. The bronzed beauty teamed her look with a pair of strappy heels and a rectangular clutch. Aussie bride: Dressed all in red, Natalie Roser wore Australian brand Kookai for the Tiffany and Co event Lady in red: The bronzed beauty teamed her look with a pair of strappy heels and a rectangular clutch Fierce: The model's makeup was also bold sporting black eyeliner, full eyebrows and a matching red lip Natalie's hair was styled into a slicked back ponytail. Adding a some edge to her sleek look, she opted for a side path. The model's makeup was also bold sporting black eyeliner, full eyebrows and a matching red lip. Cleavage: The loose fitting ensemble featured a low cut v-neck showcasing the models ample assets Former Miss Australia, Renae Ayris sported a blue jumpsuit for the evening. The loose fitting ensemble featured a low cut v-neck showcasing the models ample assets. Perfectly contouring her cleavage, Renae looked radiant as she posed for photos. Oops! Getting a bit of help from some self tanner, the beauty was all bronzed up, unfortunately forgetting to add the lotion to her hands which remained pale. Matching: Renae paired her outfit with a blue clutch which she held onto throughout the night Blonde beauty: Renae completed her look with loose tousled waves and a side path Renae paired her outfit with a blue clutch which she held onto throughout the night. Getting a bit of help from some self tanner, the beauty was all bronzed up, unfortunately forgetting to add the lotion to her hands which remained pale. But not letting anything ruin her evening Renae smiled radiantly, reminding onlookers why she was named Miss Universe Australia. Renae accessorised her look with a gold choker and a pair of elegant earrings. Her makeup was also kept simple, sporting a luminous glow and rosy cheeks. Renae completed her look with loose tousled waves and a side path. Daring: Kate Waterhouse wore an oversised fluffy baby blue jumper and coordinated her look with a full length metallic skirt Fashion and lifestyle blogger, Kate Waterhouse also made an appearance to the Tiffany and Co event. Wearing a oversised fluffy baby blue jumper she coordinated her look with a full length metallic skirt. Keeping the focus on her outfit, Kate opted for simple black strappy heels. Where to look first? Keeping the focus on her outfit, Kate opted for simple black strappy heels Daring: Kate sported a bold makeup look with a smokey burnt red eyeshadow, drawing attention to her hazel eyes She accessorised her look with a large and busy purse as well as a few bracelets. Kate sported a bold makeup look with a smokey burnt red eyeshadow, drawing attention to her hazel eyes. The rest of her makeup was kept glowing and luminous along with a burnt orange blush for added colour. Her own touch: Wearing a custom Alex Perry dress, Elle Ferguson kept warm adding a black long sleeved top to her dress Girl boss: The WAG and blogger showed off her enviable curves in the figure hugging dress and teamed the outfit with black peep-toe boots Elle Ferguson dressed in head-to-toe black for the night. Wearing a custom Alex Perry dress, Elle kept warm adding a black long sleeved top underneath. The WAG and blogger showed off her enviable curves in the figure hugging dress and teamed the outfit with black peep-toe boots. Minimalist: Elle accessorised with a Chanel cross body bag and various dainty gold chains around her neck Luminous: Sporting a bronzed look, the blonde beauty was glowing and radiant as she posed for photos Cute couple: Elle who atteneded the event with her AFL boyfriend, Joel Pattful, kept her mid-length locks in symmetrical waves Elle accessorised with a Chanel cross body bag and various dainty gold chains around her neck. Sporting a bronzed look, the blonde beauty was glowing and radiant as she posed for photos. Elle who attended the event with her AFL boyfriend, Joel Pattful, kept her mid-length locks in symmetrical waves. Dressed in white: Australian athlete and model, Amy Pejkovic, also attended Tiffany and Co's launch wearing a mini white floral lace dress Australian athlete and model, Amy Pejkovic, also attended Tiffany and Co's launch wearing a mini white floral lace dress. Teaming her look with a black biker jacket, she made it look effortless throwing it over her shoulders and matched the look with pointed toe sock boots. The halterneck ensemble that also featured a daring high cut, showed off Amy's bronzed and toned long legs. Fit and fiesty: The halterneck ensemble that also featured a daring high cut, showed off Amy's bronzed and toned long legs. Crimped out: Her signature blonde locks were also left out and styled in messy beach waves The model kept her accessories matching, carrying a black clutch and a wearing a silver watch. Amy looked luminous as she smiled for photographers, sporting a glossy pink lip. Her signature blonde locks were also left out and styled in messy beach waves. Bright and bold: Love Child actress Sophie Henserr also made a bold appearance at Carriageworks on Thursday night Cover up: Wearing a showstopping sheer Alice McCall floral dress, Sophie concealed her look with a black bra underneath Love Child actress Sophie Henserr also made a bold appearance at Carriageworks on Thursday night. Wearing a showstopping sheer Alice McCall floral dress, Sophie concealed her look with a black bra underneath. Keeping the attention on her frock, she paired the maxi dress with a pair of strappy khaki heels. Beauty: Sophie left the accessories to her signature smile and large engagement diamond ring Shining bright: Her makeup was luminous with highlighter drawing attention to her rosy cheeks and defined cheekbones Sophie left the accessories to her signature smile and large engagement diamond ring. She kept her blonde lob straightened and out of her face, sporting a centre part. Her makeup was luminous with highlighter drawing attention to her rosy cheeks and defined cheekbones. Gorgeous: Plus sized model, Bree Warren, brought her A-game on Thursday night striking a pose for photographers Plus sized model, Bree Warren, brought her A-game on Thursday night striking a pose for photographers. Also getting the sheer memo, the Australian beauty opted for a burnt orange see through shirt. Drawing focus to her ample assets, she wore a black bralette underneath. Peek-A-Boo: Also getting the sheer memo, the Australian beauty opted for a burnt orange see through shirt Bree teamed her look with a pair of wide black pants that featured a flare at the bottom. The stunner completed her look with a some black strappy heels that showcased her nude manicure. The bikini babe drew attention to her bronzed face and heavily contoured and perfectly defined cheekbones. Sporting dark regrowth, she let her soft blonde waves down for the night out. He's been enjoying life in LA, after buying a $3million home there in 2014. And Stephen Merchant, 42, certainly looked to be in high spirits as he stepped out with a mystery blonde in the city on Wednesday. The 6ft 7in star appeared upbeat as he towered above his female companion, after stocking up on groceries at a Whole Foods store. All smiles: Stephen Merchant certainly looked to be in high spirits as he stepped out with a mystery blonde at the Whole Foods store in Wednesday Sporting an unkempt beard, the 6ft 7in star opted for a casual ensemble for the outing, teaming a navy T-shirt with jeans and trainers. His companion also went for a dressed down look, paring a grey sweater with denim hot pants and flip flops. The duo both looked to enjoy the outing, chatting away as they carried a couple of grocery bags back with them. Keeping it casual: Sporting an unkempt beard, the 6ft 7in star opted for a casual ensemble for the outing, teaming a navy T-shirt with jeans and trainers Stephen has kept his cards close to the chest when it comes to his love life in a past, but said that his busy schedule had prevented him from dating in the past year. The Logan star confirmed that he was no longer with actress Christine Marzano, 30, who he started dating in late 2014. Speaking to The Times in February, he said: 'Im not with Christine. 'You know, Ive been dating, but in the past year Ive been on Logan from April to September and then I was in New Orleans, then I was in New Mexico, then I was here, then I was back to LA. So when am I supposed to ? Moving on: The Logan star recently confirmed that he was no longer with actress Christine Marzano, 30, who he started dating in late 2014 The actor has also been romantically linked to author Alexandra Heminsley and Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell, although the actress later denied that they were dating. Stephen has no doubt had a jam-packed schedule of late, starring as Caliban in blockbuster Logan, which hit screens earlier this year. The star, who co-wrote The Office with Ricky Gervias, is also set to direct wrestling film Fighting With My Family, due out next year. She's recently enjoyed a relaxing break in France with husband Tom Ackerley. But it seems to be back to business for Margot Robbie as she arrived at London's Heathrow Airport to catch a flight to LA on Thursday. The 26-year-old showed off her enviable pins in a pair of tight-fitting leather trousers as she made her way through the terminal with her suitcase. Chic: Margot Robbie showed off her enviable pins in a pair of tight-fitting leather trousers as she arrived at Heathrow Airport to catch a flight to LA on Thursday Looking chic as ever, the blonde beauty teamed the racy trousers with a striped blouse featuring flared sleeves and a pair of leather boots. Wearing her glossy tresses down over her shoulders, she displayed her glowing complexion, accentuating her lips with a berry lipstick. The Suicide Squad star had earlier been seen out and about in London in another stylish ensemble as she enjoyed a break from her busy work schedule. Beauty: Wearing her glossy tresses down over her shoulders, she displayed her glowing complexion, accentuating her lips with a berry lipstick Opting for a girly look, the star put on a leggy display in a denim pinafore dress, which she teamed with a white polo neck top and trainers. Pulling her hair back into a pony tail, Margot looked to be in high spirits, flashing a big smile as she left a restaurant in the capital. The actress did not make an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this year, instead enjoying a holiday in the French Riviera with husband Tom and their pals. Girly look: The Suicide Squad star had earlier been seen out and about in London in another stylish ensemble, as she enjoyed a break from her busy work schedule Leggy display: Opting for a girly look, the star put on a leggy display in a denim pinafore dress, which she teamed with a white polo neck top and trainers The group took to social media to post pictures from their envy-inducing holiday, with Margot sharing a snap of her with three girlfriends while all donning flower crowns. She captioned the pic: 'Early midsummer party', which has racked up over 600,000 likes. The pals joined the Suicide Squad actress in celebrating a friend's engagement as they stayed in a lavish countryside chateau complete with its own pool. Stylish: Leaving the capital on Thursday, Margot looked chic in a striped blouse featuring flared sleeves Finishing touches: She completed the look with leather boots and an elegant shoulder bag Effortless: Margot looked effortlessly stylish as she wheeled her suitcase through the terminal Meanwhile, it has been reported that Margot has cut down on her work commitments, as she hopes to start a family. A source told OK! magazine that she and Tom, who wed in a secret ceremony in Australia in late 2016, were now turning their attention to children. 'Margot made a pact with Tom when they married that she was going to make building a family together her near-term priority,' the insider said. Jetsetter: Margot recently enjoyed a getaway in France with husband Tom Ackerley Fans: The stunner made sure to sign autographs for fans after arriving at the airport They added: 'She told friends, as well as co-workers, she was so looking forward to 2017 because her hope was that she and Tom would be parents before the year was out.' The former Neighbours star confirmed she had married Tom by posting a snap on Instagram in December, which showed her flashing off her pear-shaped diamond ring. Margot first met Tom in 2013 on the set of World War II drama Suite Francaise in France. Baby plans? It was recently reported that Margot has cut down on her work commitments, as she hopes to start a family with Tom Secret wedding: Margot confirmed she and the Brit had got married by posting a snap on Instagram in December Britains Got Talent judge David Walliams sent Twitter wild on Wednesday evening after seemingly 'revealing' the secret behind contestant Josephine Lees mesmerising act. There were visible gasps from the audience as illusionist Lee managed to escape from a large box during the live semi-final, before finally revealing herself to be one of the hooded figures responsible for putting her inside. But as viewers questioned exactly how she had seamlessly managed to fill two roles during the brief act, a quick-witted Walliams hinted that she made have had some very familiar help, telling her: Sisters are doing it for themselves. Scroll down for video Furore: Britains Got Talent judge David Walliams sent Twitter wild on Wednesday evening after seemingly 'revealing' the secret behind contestant Josephine Lees mesmerising act The off-the-cuff remark may well have been a reference to the feminist commentary that served as an unconventional soundtrack to Lees act, but some viewers were quick to read more into the Little Britain star's comment. David Walliams blatantly giving away the fact Josephine Lee has a Twin Sister on #BGT Sisters are doing it for themselves! Indeed! wrote one. Others were quick to notice an alternative, with one eagle-eyed fan writing: Well we just worked out that whole magic trick she went into the steps below the box #BGT. Another added: '#BGT well that was easy.she climbed into the steps under the box and swapped with the assistant behind who climbed in box pushed off by her.' Flippant: As viewers questioned exactly how she had seamlessly managed to fill two roles during the brief act, a quick-witted Walliams hinted that she made have had some very familiar help, telling her: Sisters are doing it for themselves. Meanwhile Cowell, 57, shocked fans when he claimed he didn't like the voice over, which had focused on the fact that she was a female magician in a male-dominated industry. Addressing the starlet, he explained: 'I get it you're a girl,' before cheekily adding: 'I like the legs!' in reference to the fake set of pins she had wheeled out on stage. As his fellow judges looked on at him open-mouthed, Walliams was quick to quip: 'We've got a pure feminist on the panel!' as he pointed at Simon. Blasted: Meanwhile Simon Cowell was blasted by Britain's Got Talent viewers after he made 'anti-feminist' comments during Thursday's semi-final episode During the act, Lee's voice-over announced: 'As a grown woman I want to rewrite the story of females in magic. 'It's a story that's been full of injustice for women, powerful women who have been mistaken for witches.' As she gestured to a pair of prop legs, she remarked: 'After all that struggle, what did we become next? Just a pair of legs bringing on a table. 'Our personalities rendered invisible. the word assistant suggests inferiority.' Legs eleven! Cowell was criticised for claiming he liked Lee's legs in reference to the fake set of pins she had wheeled out on stage After watching the performance, Cowell remarked: 'I get it your a girl, you don't want to be the assistant but I got a bit sick of it.' His comments were not echoed by the other judges, with Alesha Dixon remarking: 'It's lovely to see a woman at the forefront of magic. 'I think you might give [BGT finalist] Issy Simpson a run for her money!' Unimpressed: After Lee performed her illusionist act, the 57-year-old media mogul shocked fans when he claimed he didn't like her voiceover Shocked: Viewers were horrified by Cowell's remarks, taking to Twitter in their droves to blast the father-of-one Viewers were horrified by Cowell's remarks, taking to Twitter in their droves to blast the father-of-one. One shocked fan remarked: 'it's 2017 and simon cowell literally just said the only thing he liked about a woman on #BGT was her legs and not her feminist message.' Others added: '#BGT #Sexist Simon. Outrageous comments on #BGT. Rubbished awesome #feminist magician's story but loved the legs!!! #SexistSimon.' Girl power: His comments were not echoed by the other judges, with Alesha Dixon remarking: 'It's lovely to see a woman at the forefront of magic 'Annoying commentary. I get it, you're a girl... I mean I like the legs' Simon Cowell casually being a sexist pig, ugh' 'Simon Cowell should apologise for how disgusting his comments were towards Josephine Lee. He should support feminism not mock it.' Some viewers were on his side, however, with one viewer remarking: 'Have to agree with everything @simoncowell said I mean the commentary just irritated me! I wasn't in the mood for a lesson on feminism #bgt.' MailOnline has contacted Britain's Got Talent for further comment. TV chef Justine Schofield and Channel Seven presenter Matt Doran have reportedly ended their relationship after enduring two years of long-distance. A friend close to the Everyday Gourmet host told The Daily Telegraph on Friday the pair had broken up, despite Matt recently returning from the US for an Australian role. 'Unfortunately it just didnt work out for whatever reason,' the mystery insider said. 'Unfortunately it just didnt work out': Former Masterchef cook Justine Schofield and TV presenter beau Matt Doran 'split' after enduring 'exhausting' long-distance relationship, according to an inside source in The Daily Telegraph on Thursday Rising star: Justine rose to fame after appearing on MasterChef's first season in 2009, before securing her own TV show, Everyday Gourmet The duo famously met at a Channel 10 function back in 2014. Justine, who rose to fame after appearing on MasterChef's first season in 2009, first traveled to the US to visit her man in 2015. The souce also added: 'They tried really hard and Justine especially made a lot of effort to travel to the US as much as she could.' The publication went on to claim that after Matt signed on with Seven's Sunday Night current affairs show, Justine has 'unfollowed' the presenter on all social media platforms. 'They tried really hard and Justine especially made a lot of effort': Justine first traveled to the US to visit her man in 2015, but the 'friend' claims they have now broken up Despite unfollowing each other on Instagram, the pair have kept old loved-up photos in their feed, posted as recent as March. Justine, who was based in Sydney, would reportedly visit Matt, who was in America hosting the TV series Crime Watch Daily, every couple of months. And last year, Justine told Adelaide Now about the 'exhausting' travel schedule due to their transcontinental romance. 'I'm exhausted, it's taking a toll': Justine previously admitted the the constant travelling of their long-distance relationship was exhausting, while Matt agreed it was 'tough' and 'challenging' 'I'm exhausted, it's taking a toll,' she confessed, but said the constant travelling has provided some unexpected foodie benefits. Meanwhile, Matt similarly told Daily Mail in 2015 that he was missing his girl. He said the relationship was 'going well' at the time, adding: 'It's challenging, absolutely... It's tough, won't lie.' Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Justine and Matt for comment. She rose to stardom on the inaugural season of The Face Australia in 2014. And three years later, Chantal Monaghan, 20, says she still keeps in contact with supermodel Naomi Campbell, who mentored her on the show. 'I spoke to Naomi just on Friday last week... I feel like we have a really good connection because she's travelling a lot and I hardly ever go home to Brisbane and I'm over there by myself,' she told The Daily Telegraph this week. Famous friends: Chantal Monaghan, 20, says she still keeps in contact with supermodel Naomi Campbell, who mentored her on The Face Australia in 2014 'She is like a mother figure to me. We just have general conversation like 'What am I shooting?', 'How are you?', 'I'm so proud of you'. It is just general stuff like that. The statuesque beauty, who has modelled for the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, recently returned home to Australia from her base New York to shoot Myer's Spring campaign. She applauded the department store's use of diverse models. Connection: 'I spoke to Naomi just on Friday last week... I feel like we have a really good connection because she's travelling a lot and I hardly ever go home to Brisbane and I'm over there by myself,' she told The Daily Telegraph this week Myer gig: The statuesque beauty, who has modelled for the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, recently returned home to Australia from her base New York to shoot Myer's Spring campaign 'I feel really lucky because Myer is using really diverse models now... Now everyone wants my hair natural so it is amazing to embrace that,' the curly-haired star said. Last month, Chantal reflected on her grueling climb to the top of the modelling world. Aussie beauty! Chantal shot to fame after appearing on The Face Australia in 2014 and is now busy preparing to appear at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Sydney After being eliminated from The Face, she went on to score a contract with Chic Management in New York which launched her career to international heights. After a few years of people recognising her from her stint on television, she soon became known for her prestigious campaigns and famous friends such as Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid. Chantal said: 'People haven't mentioned The Face to me in a while of course it comes up but it isn't how people know me, and instead they will say I saw your Westfield campaign, or about walking for Jean Paul Gaultier.' International star: Chantal has also done campaigns for notable high-end brand Armani and jetted around the world for fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, Sydney and New York Working hard: 'It is nice to be recognised for the hard work because I am all about working hard and having no regrets' She continued: 'It is nice to be recognised for the hard work because I am all about working hard and having no regrets'. Chantal has also appeared in campaigns for notable high-end brand Armani and jetted around the world for fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, Sydney and New York. The It crowd: Through the job, Chantal has quickly become part of the It crowd through mingling with the world's most well-known models Through the job, Chantal has quickly become part of the It crowd through mingling with the world's most well-known models. Despite being besties with some of the world's most influential young women, Chantal merely says: 'It all comes with the job'. 'Karlie is loving, so sweet, I see her around town a bit and I met Gigi back in Paris, I think, and I see her at castings, and she is so sweet too,' she said. She's known for her array of scantily-clad snaps on her Instagram feed. Proud of her incredible curves, Ashley James, 30, slipped into a plunging bikini as she encouraged her 88,900 followers to love themselves no matter their size or shape and life their lives without any body hang ups on Thursday. The blonde bombshell sizzled in the mixed print two-piece that managed to contain her ample cleavage while she posed infront of the idyllic pool, smoldering to the camera. Scroll down for video Love yourself: Ashley James, 30, slipped into a plunging bikini as she empowered her 88,900 followers to love themselves and life their lives without any body hang ups on Thursday While accentuating her incredible hourglass figure, the stunner wrote alongside her daring snap that she wanted to share a untouched snap to empower others. 'Thought I'd share a pic where my body isn't all stretched out with good angles,' she wrote. 'Drank and ate my way through the entire two weeks in Marbella and Sardinia. 'Definitely need to get back into a healthier balance with exercise (for my mind as much as my body), but you know what, I think I still look good a little squishier. 'Hope this helps if you're feeling be pressure to be "beach body ready", whatever the f*** that means. Life is for living.' Her heartfelt response comes after she shared a sexy snap while posing alongside her pal and housemate Charlotte De Carle as they lived it up on a trip to Marbella. Pretty in pink: Her heartfelt response comes after she shared a sexy snap while posing alongside her pal and housemate Charlotte De Carle as they lived it up on a trip to Marbella The MIC beauty took to Instagram to share yet another titillating snap, which saw her strip down to a sexy pink one-piece adorned with the words 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' while Charlotte's read 'Brunettes Do It Better'. Ashley looked simply sensational in the pink number which flaunted her eye-popping curves while Charlotte went for a cheeky red number. While they looked incredible from the front, the blonde beauty revealed the back of the suit was cut into a thong style - so she admitted they were feeling coy with regard to those standing behind them. The former Made In Chelsea star penned: 'Charlotte is a liar, we all know blondes have more fun... but for real how good are these swimsuits? Apart from they are thongs, so sorry to the people who had the witness us from behind!' In another sexy snap, Ashley was seen to be posing sultrily against the wall of her villa, the blonde's enviably slender figure was clear for all to see as she posed in nothing but the saucy bra top. Bikini babe: In another sexy snap, Ashley was seen to be posing sultrily against the wall of her villa, the blonde's enviably slender figure was clear for all to see as she posed in nothing but the saucy bra top Feeling fruity: Not stopping there, the bombshell then used the opportunity of her lost luggage to stock up on clothes - posing in a brand new bikini printed with pineapples all over (above) Plunging into a deep V at her chest to give an ample glimpse of her assets, the look was then made even sexier by its mesh panels - before it cut off beneath her bust to leave her petite waist on show. Not stopping there, the bombshell then used the opportunity of her lost luggage to stock up on clothes - posing in a brand new bikini printed with pineapples all over. Soaking up the sunshine in the skimpy triangle top and tie-side bottoms, Ashley's impressively toned stomach took centre stage as she posed seductively for fans. Having lost her suitcase en route, she was embracing the lighter side of her suitcase situation, she revealed in the caption: 'The one good thing about not having a suitcase is that I got to go shopping and found this cute pineapple bikini.' Oops: Taking to the social media site to reveal her luggage woes, the stunning blonde had already posted a rather cheeky snap of her in the bath naked with her friend Ashley had first revealed her luggage woes, when she took to the social media site to post a rather cheeky snap of her in the bath naked with her friend, soon after touching down in the Spanish hotspot. She captioned the raunchy photo: 'When your suitcases don't arrive and you have no clothes. Cheers Gatwick!' She jokingly added: 'Very excited to DJ tomorrow, let's hope my luggage turns up before then!' The siren has been enjoying a lengthy holiday over the last few weeks - having shared snaps from Dorgali, Italy earlier this week. Stunning: The siren has been enjoying a lengthy holiday over the last few weeks - having shared snaps from Dorgali, Italy earlier this week (above) In a scintillating Instagram holiday snap, Ashley spoke to fans about feeling confident in her own skin - after openly discussing her battle with body dysmorphia in the past. The stunning blonde left little to the imagination in a black lace bodysuit with oblique detailing. Holidaying in the picturesque Dorgali commune in Sardinia, Ashley posed seductively with her ample assets on display. The radio host completed her look with subtle gold jewellery and shades of dark eye shadow. Red hot: Ashley James gave Pamela Anderson her run for her money in a modern take on that red one-piece Continuing to promote body confidence she wrote: '"Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images." Cheri K. Erdman Trust me. Wearing @bluebellaofficial #noretouchig [sic].' The seductive pics come a day after Ashley channeled Pamela Anderson in Baywatch with her very own red bikini snap. The buxom blonde came close to popping out of the extremely plunging swimsuit as she walked sexily out of the sea. Sharing the seductive footage online, she told fans: 'BAE WATCH! Found a red swimsuit so naturally I had to be really basic and give my best Pamela Anderson impression, especially as we're DJ'ing in Marbella this weekend at a beach party she's attending!' The former Made In Chelsea beauty, 30, has given the Baywatch slow-motion run her best go in a new video Ashley regularly puts out unretouched images of her slim bikini body out on her social media as part of a fight against unrealistic body image. But even she was shocked at her immediate reaction to the now-famous unairbrushed Kim Kardashian bikini photos which were taken during her recent trip to Mexico. Posting a lengthy caption with a sexy shot of her in a revealing red swimming costume, Ashley admitted that she had to scold herself over judging Kim's 'cellulite'. Wistfully penning a memory of her time on holiday in Holbox Island, Ashley turned her commentary to the subject of Kim's derriere. The buxom blonde came close to popping out of the extremely plunging swimsuit as she walked sexily out of the sea Sharing the seductive footage online, she told fans: 'BAE WATCH! Found a red swimsuit so naturally I had to be really basic and give my best Pamela Anderson impression 'To be honest, when I first saw the photos I thought two things. Firstly, I loved seeing cellulite because I thought it was great that she could of edited images and she didn't,' the model began. 'Secondly, my immediate subconscious reaction was to be judgmental of her body, and I had to stop myself because I realise - why do we do this or care about how another woman's body looks?' Ashley's post then became philosophical in nature, and she proffered some advice for her fans that she follows herself. 'Does judging Kim Kardashian make me feel better about myself? I think judgement is natural, but I always to train myself not to think it and I never say it out loud to others.' She has looked impeccably glamorous at every promotional event and premiere for their new film The Mummy so far. And Annabelle Wallis only upped the style stakes on Thursday, as she made a radiant appearance at the AOL Build Series in London. The actress, 32, looked truly stunning in a blue and red floral maxi dress as she joined Sofia Boutella and a host of their other co-stars for the intimate interview. Scroll down for video Flower power: Annabelle Wallis only upped the style stakes on Thursday, as she made a radiant appearance at the AOL Build Series in London Radiant: The actress, 32, looked truly stunning in a blue and red floral maxi dress as she joined Sofia Boutella and a host of their other co-stars for the intimate interview The Peaky Blinders star was the picture of class in the maxi frock, patterned with oriental-style navy and red flowers all over. The dress remained utterly feminine by pulling into a chic ruched high neckline, before it fell into soft short sleeves across her shoulders. Cinching in at her enviably petite waist, the frock then billowed into a soft chiffon skirt all the way to the ankle, where it was lined with her vibrant red hem. Stunning: Cinching in at her petite waist, the frock billowed into a soft chiffon skirt all the way to the ankle - where it met sky-high nude heels Stylish: The dress remained utterly feminine by pulling into a chic ruched high neckline, before it fell into soft short sleeves across her shoulders Gorgeous: Styling her golden tresses into loose, bouncy waves and adding a sweeping of blusher and a pink lip, Annabelle proved her effortless and natural beauty as she arrived Keeping all eyes on her show-stopping look, she accessorised with simple sky-high nude heels - adding further height to her already statuesque frame. Styling her golden tresses into loose, bouncy waves and adding a sweeping of blusher and a pink lip, Annabelle proved her effortless and natural beauty as she beamed for cameras at the interview. The Oxford-born actress looked particularly animated as she imitated the film's Mummy villain and answered plenty of fan questions with her co-star Sofia Boutella. Getting into it: The Oxford-born actress looked particularly animated as she imitated the film's Mummy villain and answered plenty of fan questions with her co-star Sofia Boutella Excited: The girls proved their chemistry extended off screen as well as on as they promoted their new film The Mummy together at the BUILD LDN talk Model material: The French-Algerian star, 35, looked equally as chic as her blonde co-star in a form-fitting green dress, which drew attention to her impressively slender figure Svelte: The dress hugged her physique from head to toe with the green floral material, accentuating her slim waist before stylishly cutting off just shy of the ankle The French-Algerian star, 35, looked equally as chic as her blonde co-star in a form-fitting green dress, which drew attention to her impressively slender figure. Pulling into three-quarter length sleeves, the frock was then made sexier by an oval cut-out at her bust, which teased at her cleavage underneath. The dress hugged her physique from head to toe with the green floral material, accentuating her slim waist before stylishly cutting off just shy of the ankle. Finishing touch: Perfectly nailing the colour-clash friend, the former dancer teamed the frock with shimmering burgundy court shoes and she joined Annabelle at the event Radiant: Sofia highlighted her striking natural beauty with a defined brow and soft pink lip Perfectly nailing the colour-clash friend, the former dancer teamed the frock with shimmering burgundy court shoes and she joined Annabelle at the event. The glamorous girls happily answered questions from fans with their other co-stars Jake Johnson, Courtney B. Vance and the film's director Alex Kurtzman. However leading man Tom Cruise was missing from the event - who they have been jetting across the world with to promote their 2017 reboot of the hit 1999 flick, The Mummy. Having a giggle: The glamorous girls laughed as they chatted about their new film with fans Star-studded: They were joined at the talk with fellow co-stars Jake Johnson, Courtney B. Vance and the film's director Alex Kurtzman (centre to right) The blonde recently confessed it was actually very awkward filming some of the racier scenes with Hollywood star Tom. 'It was like a wet T-shirt contest in a very strange environment,' the 32-year-old told The Daily Telegraph Australia. The rumoured girlfriend of Coldplay's Chris Martin was not the only one to bare all in the flick - with Tom too stripping off, but in a morgue. Suited and booted: Jack opted for a smart navy blazer and pale blue shirt (L) while Courtney was more quirky in a red gingham shirt and baker boy cap One missing: However leading man Tom Cruise was missing - who they have been jetting across the world with to promote their 2017 reboot of the hit 1999 flick, The Mummy Much-anticipated: The new horror film is a remake of the famous Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz version released in 1999 'There is a lot of his skin, which was very interesting on the first few days of filming,' she continued. 'I was like, I never thought Id be in this environment when he wakes up in the morgue and he is a little naked.' The new horror film is a remake of the famous Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz version released in 1999, and follows the awakening of an ancient princess from her crypt beneath the desert. As well as The Mummy, Annabelle also appears in King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword this year, directed by Guy Ritchie. Terrifying: The flick follows the awakening of an ancient princess from her crypt beneath the desert Leading lady: Meanwhile Sofia graced the cover of this month's Harper's Bazaar Arabia Wow: Stunning in the black and white shots, she discussed her childhood in Algiers, to moving to Paris at 10, to becoming a dancer for the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson Isla Fisher was springtime chic on Thursday when she swung by the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan. The Muscat-born 41-year-old was attending BookExpo 2017, where she joined an onstage panel that also included Denis Leary and John Hodgman. Moderated by James West of Mother Jones, their comedy-centered discussion, per the BookExpo website's page describing it, was entitled Do I Amuse You?. Scroll down for video Isla Fisher was springtime chic on Thursday when she swung by the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan Isla had slid herself into a sleeveless dress with light blue and orange floral patterns of various sizes speckled across a deep purple background. Mrs. Sacha Baron Cohen's wavy red hair fell free over her shoulders, and she'd completed her look by way of a black pair of platform ankle-strap heels. Meanwhile, Denis had flung a deep blue blazer over a pale blue T-shirt that complemented the slightly faded jeans he'd worn with walnut brown boots. Having a chat: The Muscat-born 41-year-old (right) was attending BookExpo 2017, where she joined an onstage panel that also included Denis Leary (center) and John Hodgman (left) Apparently so: Moderated by James West of Mother Jones, their comedy-centered discussion, per the BookExpo website's page describing it, was entitled Do I Amuse You? A dapper John had popped a pocket square into his navy blazer, buttoning on a pink, blue and white checked shirt and folding up the hems of his khaki trousers. Isla's churned out multiple books, including two teen novels called Bewitched and Seduced By Fame that were published before she found fame as an actress. More recently, the mother of two's veered into children's book writing, with Marge In Charge out last year and its sequel Marge And The Pirate Baby released this January. The look: Isla had slid herself into a sleeveless dress with light blue and orange floral patterns of various sizes speckled across a deep purple background Denis has published several comedy books, starting with No Cure For Cancer in 1992 and including Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide To Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy And Stupid in 2008 and Suck On This Year: LYFAO @ 140 Characters Or Less in 2010. He also wrote the book Denis Leary's Merry F#%$in' Christmas, out 2012, and his latest book, to be entitled Why We Don't Suck: And How All Of Us Need To Stop Being Such Partisan Little Bitches, will be out October 24, according to Amazon. John's books include three spoof almanacs: The Areas Of My Expertise, out 2005, More Information Than You Require, out 2008, and That Is All, out 2011. His latest book, a memoir called Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches, will, per its Amazon page, be available to buy the same day as Denis' latest book. Top 10 Manly Drinks 10 Classic Cocktails Every Guy Has To Try (And How To Make Them) The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. From romantic dates to business events, alcohol (in moderation, of course) can be a social lubricant. We understand that not every man is apt to grab a cold one, but for the Don Drapers of the millennial era, we've put together one hell of a must-drink list for you to incorporate into your personal and professional life. While there is nothing wrong with a man enjoying cosmos and sugary cocktails, here are our top ten manly drinks to quell your cravings for bolder beverages. Mixologists regularly perfect these recipes for their patrons, and twists on the old recipes are popping up across the country. Finding a masculine drink that fits your lifestyle isnt necessary, but this list gives any type of drinker (the more experienced to the less-than-often) the chance to see what types of variety is out there, without having to sample every single one. With a favorite drink, its about finding the right taste for your personality and lifestyle even if that means some cranberry juice and a lime. Irish Car Bomb While they may scream fraternity, Irish Car Bombs definitely put hair on your chest. Ordering it at a typical Irish bar, or a pub in Ireland, could result in a beating (because, you know, Ireland), but for the tamer Irish-American lads, its a must. Dig up a shot that consists of half Irish Cream (Baileys is always a good choice) and half Irish Whiskey, throw it into a stout of Guinness, and chug it like its the last drink youll ever consume. Dont drink this one on a full stomach. Traditional Irish Car Bomb Recipe & Shopping List Shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey Shot of Baileys Irish Cream Pint of Guinness Stout Tools Jameson Whiskey Shot Glass An ode to using Jameson in lieu of other whiskeys, this shot glass is a rare promotional item that can be used for drinking car bombs, or simply decorating the man cave. $10.95 at Amazon.com Guinness Embossed Gravity Pint Glass Whether youre seeking an everyday item for your kitchen, or a gift for the beer drinker in your life, this Guinness pint glass duo is ideal for your at-home car bomb consumption. $17.39 at Amazon.com Add the Baileys to the shot glass first, letting it layer the bottom. Add the whiskey on top. Pour Guinness into a pint glass until full and let settle. Drop in the whole shot glass and chug. Be careful: the slower you drink, the worse it tastes, as it tends to curdle. Old Fashioned One of the most popular of the drinks on our list, the Old Fashioned even has a website dedicated to its origins, how to make it, and how not to screw it up. According to research, the drink was invented in the 1800s as a morning cocktail and eventually became more of a social beverage. Purists have given actual rules for the drink, including excluding cherry or orange slice garnishes, not adding any unnecessary liquors, and implementing the stirred, not shaken method, which wouldnt please Mr. Bond. Its a simple drink, consisting of sugar to taste, bitters to taste, and about 2 ounces of either bourbon or rye whiskey served in an old fashioned or double old fashioned glass. You can add ice, but you should probably taste the drink first to make sure its not too strong. After all, its literally straight high proof liquor. Traditional Old Fashioned Recipe & Shopping List 3 dashes of bitters 1 tsp of water 2 sugar cubes 3 oz bourbon whiskey 1 slice orange 1 maraschino cherry Tools Diamond-Cut Old Fashioned Glass Traditional and simple, this party set of glasses is ideal for at-home bar set ups or having guests over to enjoy one of the simplest of cocktails. Its also fancy enough to please girlfriends and wives who arent thrilled with traditional bar items. $29.00 at Amazon.com Swizzle Stick Replace throwaways with this stainless steel version of the traditional swizzle stick. $6.88 at Amazon.com In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the bitters and water into the sugar cube, using the back of the teaspoon used for the water. Almost fill the glass with ice cubes and add the bourbon. Garnish with the orange slice and cherry. Serve with a swizzle stick. Sidecar This one has a history behind the name and a fun one, at that. Though its not entirely clear, the drink is supposedly named for and invented by an anonymous American army captain who either drove or rode in a motorcycle with an attached sidecar. However, some say that it was named for the method of pouring leftover liquor into a shot glass, which is also called a sidecar. Either way, and whichever one you want to believe, its a delightful drink and has been popular among the best bartenders since the 1920s. While there are variations, the simplest recipe for this one is a shaker with a few ice cubes, two parts brandy, one part triple sec, and one part lemon juice. Shake it and strain that baby into a frosted glass. Simple, elegant, and just enough alcohol to still enjoy the party (or the rest of your day). Classic Sidecar Recipe & Shopping List 1.5 oz cognac 1 oz Cointreau orange Liqueur oz fresh lemon juice Sugar for frosting Tools Personalized Cognac Glass When the Sidecar drinker in your life already has more than enough cognac glasses, its time to give them something a little personal with this monogrammed version of the traditional barware. $17.99 at Amazon.com Innovee Home Shaker Every at-home bartender needs his own shaker set and this set even comes with a strainer, jigger and recipe book for beginning mixologists. $15.95 at Amazon.com Slice a lemon wedge down the middle and use it to moisten the edge of the cocktail glass. Frost the glass with sugar. Shake the Cointreau orange liqueur and cognac together with cracked ice and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve. Whiskey Sour Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough. Mark Twain clearly chose his favorite liquor, and as one of the most popular choices for mixed manly drinks, the famous author made a favorable decision. This one is also a one-liquor kind of drink, and is made with about 1.5 ounces of bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add it to a shaker with some ice and garnish with a cherry. If youre feeling particularly manly, you can leave out the cherry and amp up the bourbon content. Serve it on the rocks and enjoy. Traditional Whiskey Sour Recipe & Shopping List 2 oz blended whiskey 1.5 lemons (juiced) sliced lemon tsp of powdered sugar 1 cherry Tools Whiskey Sour Glass These crystal whiskey cocktail glasses were designed by famed mixologist Charles Schumann for a touch of extravagance in a non-bar setting. $60.00 at Amazon.com Winco Three-Piece Shaker Set If youre not in need of a fancy shaker set, this simplistic three-piece set is the key. $8.81 at Amazon.com Shake the whiskey, lemon juice and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass. Decorate with the half slice of lemon, top with the cherry, and serve. Gin and Tonic Believe it or not, the gin and tonic was developed for medicinal purposes. It was initially used by the British in the 19th century to fend off signs of malaria during their invasion of India; the ingredients in the drink were thought to be an effective cure for the disease. It has since been proven that the British are just professionals at inadvertently creating great drinks (they are also responsible for the gin gimlet), but in time it became nothing short of a classic. A simple recipe consisting of a great gin, some tonic, and lime its an easy one to master. Simply add about 2 ounces of gin to a frozen glass, fill the glass with ice, squeeze in a lime wedge, and then add the tonic. Add in some more lime, stir, and enjoy. Traditional Gin & Tonic Recipe & Shopping List | 2 oz gin 5 oz tonic water 1 lime wedge Tools Home Essentials Highball glass Set at an ideal price point, this four-piece highball set adds to the home bar while not stripping away from your budget. $24.59 at Amazon.com SILVERgrade Muddler & Stirrers Throw away the traditional stirring set for this fun take on an old favorite- especially if you need a hand in pulling together drinks for yourself and/or guests. $9.97 at Amazon.com Pour the gin and tonic water into a highball glass almost filled with ice cubes. Stir well. Garnish with a lime wedge. Rusty Nail Though a rusty nail could easily lead to needing a drink, this is an actual beverage, and a popular one at that. Its literally half and half: half scotch, half Drambuie. Mixologists recommend starting with about 2 ounces of scotch and adding ounce of the Drambuie and increasing to taste. The more Drambuie, the sweeter the drink becomes. Add some ice, stir, and voila! Traditional Rusty Nail Recipe & Shopping List 1.5 ounces Scotch whiskey oz Drambuie Scotch whiskey 1 twist lemon peel Tools Amlong Crystal Old Fashioned Glass Add something fancy to your collection with this boxed set of four old fashioned glasses, ideal not only for a Rusty Nail but a variety of other whiskey favorites. $24.80 at Amazon.com Pour the scotch and drambuie into an old fashioned glass filled to the brim with ice cubes. Stir well. Garnish with a lemon twist. Yes, its THAT simple! Boilermaker While some may think of a Boilermaker as an actual occupation (a person who makes boilers), avid drinkers know that its actually a drink. One of those get the party started combinations, a Boilermaker is the simplest of ideas: a shot of whiskey and a pint of beer. Many men will use the beer as a chaser, but others will maintain the Irish Car Bomb mentality of mixing the shot with the ale. Either way, its a high dosage of alcohol that generational hipsters are huge fans of so much so that there are even bars dedicated to the art of the Boilermaker. For example, New Yorks Boilermaker, in the East Village, offers nothing but. Oxalis in New Orleans has a large menu of different pairings, and some bars are now offering monthly menu changes to accommodate their bartenders latest and greatest suggestions. To think, the drink that many would order just to increase their alcohol content has now given way to connoisseurs of the taste. The Original Boilermaker Recipe & Shopping List 2 oz whiskey 10 oz beer Tools USMC Beer Mug & Shot Glass Escape the traditional glasses and use this personalized set for your next Boilermaker. Available in a variety of options for your own use, or as a gift. $21.95 at Amazon.com This one is too easy to mess up- simply fill the shot glass with whiskey, drop the full shot glass into the full mug of beer, and drink immediately. Its like a car bomb without the cream. Rob Roy Were not talking about the operetta (or the later film with Liam Neeson), were talking about the drink famously created at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in the late 1890s which was, actually, named for the performance. Often seen in a martini glass, the ingredients are, again, like most of these drinks, simple: 5/6 oz Sweet Vermouth, 1-1/2 oz Scotch Whisky, and a dash of Angostura Bitters. Served straight up or on the rocks (iced, if youre not familiar with the difference), its usually stirred and then strained into a chilled glass. Traditional Rob Roy Recipe & Shopping List 1.5 oz Scotch whiskey oz sweet vermouth Another easy one to add to the bar menu- simply stir the ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and enjoy. Black and Tan "My favorite black-and-tan is a "mother-in-law": a mixture of stout and bitter." The drink isnt just a punchline, but an actual reference to a mixture of beer. Commonly known as a half and half in Ireland, the American version is referred to as a Black and Tan- which is a mixture of a pale beer and a dark beer. In Ireland, the name is actually seen as disrespectful due to the term Black and Tan being used to nickname the Royal Irish Constabulary Reserve Force, which was sent to invade Ireland in the 1920s. Mixologists often use a pale ale or lager for the lighter side, and a stout or porter for the dark. The Only Black & Tan Recipe & Shopping List Lager beer Stout or Porter beer Tools Zak Designs Star Wars Pint Glass Add something unique to your home bar with these Star Wars pint glasses. May the force be with you. $21.99 at Amazon.com Gently pour half of the lager beer into the pint glass. Using a tablespoon for separation, place it about an inch over the lager, dome side facing upward, with the tip of the spoon pointed slightly downward. Slowly pour the stout or porter over the tablespoon so it trickles down the side of the glass. Manhattan While visions of the cityscape of New York City come to mind, its easy to forget that theres a popular drink that goes by the same name. The origin does come from the Big Apple, placing it at the Manhattan Club in the late 1800s. There are various versions of its creation, all relating back to the city, but no one truly knows its real creator. This is the one drink on the menu that has multiple variations, but the manliest of them all is also the easiest to make. Its a simple combination of two ounces rye whiskey (or Canadian, if you prefer), a dash of bitters, and ounces of sweet, red vermouth. Stir it over ice and use it to impress the ladies. Traditional Manhattan Recipe & Shopping List 1 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch whiskey oz sweet vermouth Tools PureCopper Martini Glass No home bar is complete without at least one set of martini glasses, but for the consistent martini or Manhattan consumer, this copper version is a sure thing. $34.95 at Amazon.com Mix the whiskey and vermouth together and serve in a martini glass. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. Advertisement Emmy Rossum married her longtime beau Sam Esmail over the weekend in front of 130 family and friends in New York. The 30-year-old actress beamed a huge smile as she walked out of Central Synagogue holding hands with her new husband on Sunday. Emmy stunned in a chic and classic flowing ivory gown by Carolina Herrera with off the shoulder neckline and embroidery detail at the waist. Blushing bride: Emmy Rossum looked simply stunning as she left Central Synagogue with her new husband Sam Esmail on Sunday Vision in white: The Shameless star looked beautiful in an off the shoulder Carolina Herrera gown Emmy wore understated makeup, her brown hair swept back in an elegant bun and sported diamond earrings and a long white veil. She completed the look with Paul Andrew pumps - Herrera has a strict 'no toes' policy for brides. According to Vogue, Emmy's 'something old' for the day was her vintage Chaumet round-cut diamond engagement ring, circa 1920. Sam, 39, looked handsome in a dark suit and tie and black-rimmed spectacles. The big day: Emmy wore her brown hair swept back in an elegant bun and sported a long white veil Star-studded: Hilary swank attended the wedding with boyfriend Philip Schneider Look of love: Hilary and beau exchanged a loving glance as they stood outside the temple Party frock: The 42-year-old star went for a sequinned red number with leather jacket and black heels According to E! News the couple tied the knot with two wedding bands costing $75,000. Stars who turned out for the nuptials included Robert Downey Jr., William H. Macy and Hilary Swank. Hilary, 42, looked gorgeous in a sequin encrusted red frock which she teamed with a black leather jacket and heels. She was joined by her handsome beau Philip Scheider who sported a black tuxedo suit. Nearest and dearest: Robert Downey Jr was also at the nuptials with wife Susan Happy couple: Emmy met the Mr. Robot creator in 2013 on the set of The Comet and the couple got engaged in August 2015 Looking sharp: Christian Slater looked dapper in a black tuxedo suit Dressed up: The 47-year-old actor was joined by wife Brittany Lopez Suited up! Of course Emmy's co-star William H. Macy and star of Mr. Robot Rami Malek were both there to show their support Enlisting the services of company Repeat Roses, Emmy's gorgeous wedding blooms were turned into bouquets and donated to patients throughout Mount Sinai Hospital. The charitable star later took to Instagram to share photos of her pink, purple and red wedding flowers after they'd been delivered to the Manhattan hospital. The star-studded reception was held at the Guggenheim Museum and several of Emmy's Shameless castmates were in attendance. Now for the party: The couple were whisked off to their reception at the Guggenheim Museum VIP bash: Guests looked very glamorous in long evening wear Landmark: Guests are pictured outside the Guggenheim ready for the reception Instead of switching into a second dress the Mystic River star opted to stay in her wedding gown all night. On Saturday the couple had a rehearsal dinner at Orsay and Emmy wore a bold red halterneck dress and colorful strappy heels. Emmy met the Mr. Robot creator in 2013 on the set of The Comet and the couple got engaged in August 2015. 'As soon as I got engaged, I immediately knew that I wanted Mrs. Herrera to make my wedding dress,' she told Vogue. Picture prefect: Before the wedding the couple posed for photos in front of the Ed Koch bridge Ready for happily ever after: Emmy looked beautiful in a white lace dress while Sam was handsome in a blue suit Capturing the moment: The couple chatted as they walked away from the camera in another great shot Milestone event: The wedding celebrations kicked off with a welcome party on Friday night at Laduree 'I knew Id be getting married at the temple, which is quite grand, and that the reception would be at the Guggenheim, so we knew that it needed to be a dress that could hold up to that. 'And it was Mrs. Herreras idea to make it quite modern and fresh, and kind of use the shape of the Guggenheim on the bodice,' she said. 'Shes such a joy to work with. She knows exactly what is chic and classic, and I trust her implicitly.' Emmy was previously married to Justin Siegel from 2008 to 2010. Lady in red: Emmy stunned in a fitted red dress on Saturday night as she stepped out for a rehearsal dinner with her loved ones Upscale eatery: Emmy and her guests gathered at French restaurant Orsay for the rehearsal dinner Everytown For Gun Safety hosted Julianne Moore at the Empire State Building for their National Gun Violence Awareness Day event on Tuesday. The 56-year-old actress had donned an intricately patterned red-and-white dress with sleeves that flared out into sheer white pleats over her forearms. While at the event, the star stood at a microphone and addressed other attendees as well, gesturing with a look of marked concern across her face. Scroll down for video High point: Everytown For Gun Safety hosted Julianne Moore at the Empire State Building for their National Gun Violence Awareness Day event on Tuesday She also wore strappy dark heels that added six inches to her petite frame. The Still Alice Oscar-winner did look rather pleased indeed, though, when she was handed a figurine resembling the iconic New York City landmark she was inside. Julianne held forth to People this week about her work with Everytown For Gun Safety, the birthplace of the Wear Orange Campaign. The look: The 56-year-old actress had donned an intricately patterned red and white dress with sleeves that flared out into sheer white pleats over her forearms The actress recalled: 'When the Sandy Hook shooting happened on Dec. 14, 2012, my daughter was 10 and was coming to work with me on a movie set.' She's remembered that 'I asked hair, makeup, crew and other actors: "Please dont mention this to her." I was going to wait to tell her with her dad.' Ultimately, though, 'somebody posted something about it on her monitored Instagram account. She said: "Mommy, did a bunch of little kids get shot today?"' Pop of conrast: Below the waist, the outfit was pleated as well, and it was hemmed at the knees, giving a glimpse at her toned legs and her dark ankle-strap stiletto shoes At which point, 'It occurred to me that I wasnt protecting my daughter by trying to keep the news away from her, so I wanted to get involved.' She's said: 'I reached out to the nonprofit organization Everytown For Gun Safetyand started the Everytown Creative Councli in 2015 - gathering other members of the creative community including Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Schumer, Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Aniston, who support gun-violence prevention.' Julianne plugged: 'Thats why the Wear Orange campaign is so important. It calls for people to wear orange on June 2 to send a message to end gun violence. The Wear Orange campaign shows that you can make a difference.' Having her say: While at the event, Julianne stood at a microphone and addressed other attendees as well, gesturing with a look of marked concern across her face Feted: The Still Alice Oscar-winner did look rather pleased indeed, though, when she was handed a figurine resembling the iconic New York City landmark she was inside She maintained that 'This is not an anti-gun or pro-gun argument. Its a safety issue. In our country we have a right to bear arms. But we also have a responsibility to bear arms safely. On an average day, seven kids or teens are killed by guns. With regulation, you reduce deaths.' To hear her tell it, 'Were not talking about something outrageous. Were talking about closing the background loophole, when guns are allowed to be sold without background checks, so there are fewer illegal guns in the world.' In her words ,'If we can manage to do that, thats a pretty awesome thing and something we need to ask our legislators to do as well.' She recently confirmed her split from Gary 'Gaz' Beadle on Twitter, accusing him of cheating on her and labelling him a 'selfish narcissist'. And Emma McVey was keen on showing the former Geordie Shore star what he was missing out on, as she hit the beach in Dubai. The 24-year-old stunner, who had joined her love rat ex in Australia for three months before the break-up, flaunted her enviably toned and taut figure in a skimpy pink bikini as she lined the sun-kissed shores. Scroll down for video Pink to make the boys wink: Emma McVey, 24, was keen on showing her ex Gary 'Gaz' Beadle what he was missing out on, as she hit the beach in Dubai Emma looked every inch the beach babe in the minuscule two-piece which served to accentuated her sizzling physique and golden glow. The strapless bandeau bikini top cupped her cleavage to perfection and bared her flawless decolletage, as well as her enviably toned washboard abs. The matching bottoms rested high on her hips, allowing her to showcase her long, lean legs as she strolled out of the waters and relaxed on a hammock. After relaxing a bit in the sun, Emma decided to head back into the waters for another dip - this time showing off her peachy posterior. Think pink: The stunner, who had joined her love rat ex in Australia for three months before the break-up, flaunted her enviably toned and taut figure in a skimpy pink bikini as she lined the sun-kissed shores Sizzling: The strapless bandeau bikini top cupped her cleavage to perfection and bared her flawless decolletage, as well as her enviably toned washboard abs Beach babe: The matching bottoms rested high on her hips, allowing her to showcase her long, lean legs as she strolled out of the waters Bronzed: Her golden glow was topped up to perfection It's over: She recently confirmed her split from Gary 'Gaz' Beadle on Twitter, accusing him of cheating on her and labelling him a 'selfish narcissist' The model tamed her glossy brunette locks in place with a pair of shades and opted for a glamorous application of make-up. The beauty's frolicking in the scorching summer heat comes after she hit out at her ex in a lengthy Twitter rant. She wrote: 'I keep getting sent photos and videos of Gary with young girls, of which are both from when we were together and from now that we have just broken up.' Bottoms up: After relaxing a bit in the sun, Emma decided to head back into the waters for another dip - this time showing off her peachy posterior Mane attraction: The model tamed her glossy brunette locks in place with a pair of shades Scorching hot: Emma looked sensational in the tiny bikini from all angles The model revealed that she'd been dumped by text, saying: 'Whilst he's been filming Geordie Shore he decided to send me a TEXT ending things, telling me to move my stuff out of OUR home that I furnished and paid for without even an explanation. 'After begging me to go to Australia with him and making me leave my career, I still find out he still managed to cheat on me throughout our relationship and continually lie.' Emma admitted she felt relieved after becoming single, writing: 'A leopard never changes its spots and Gary will always be a selfish narcissist who cares about no one but his one night stands and himself.' Chilling: The beauty decided to relax on the hammock after frolicking in the ocean got too much for her Not risking a wardrobe malfunction: Due to the barely-there material, Emma found herself adjusting her bottoms in place Beauty: Emma oped for glamorous coat of make-up Gaz and Emma dated for nine months, after getting together in August last year. Meanwhile, Gaz has adamantly denied that he cheated on her - with a source telling The Sun: 'The only thing he did wrong was dump her by text message. 'He had been loyal throughout their time together it just wasnt working out and he was away so was forced to end things on the phone. 'She isnt being truthful with herself by trying to tell the world that he cheated.' Johnny Depp had no idea his managers had used his assets to total $40 million in debt according to a new report. The 53-year-old actor's former team had used the significant amount of money in order to cover up years of mishandling his money according to legal documents obtained by TMZ on Thursday. According to the docs the firm - The Management Group (TMG) - had been taking out the loans in 2006 with the largest being $22 million from City National Bank. The gossip site reports that Depp believes the worst part of all is that they had used his personal properties as collateral for the exchange. Ouch: Johnny Depp had no idea his managers had used his assets to total $40 million in debt according to a new report from TMZ on Thursday The suit also alleges that the management team were not so careful with his money and even forgot to cancel the lease on the hospice home for his mother which ultimately cost the A-lister $350K. TMZ also reports that one of Depp's neighbors was paid $3,000 a month beginning in April 2007 to resolve a property dispute but the actor insists that they did nothing to actually resolve the issue which has resulted in a total of $320K lost. According to their documents, the star had only realized that there was an issue when TMG informed him that he would need to sell a significant portion of his property in France to 'remain solvent' in 2015. A newly revealed testimony in Depp's ugly legal battle alleges The Management Group kept Depp in the dark about his financial situation and says the group allowed his sister to spend his money unchecked This comes after a whistleblower who worked for the actor's former business managers has claimed the actor was kept in the dark about his financial situation and his sister was allowed to spend his money unchecked. Depp sued his former business managers Robert and Joel Mandel for $25million in January, alleging their company (TMG) treated his money as their own and caused him to get into millions of dollars in debt, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Then, in May, Depp filed a motion demanding a judge allow a whistleblower testimony to be unsealed in his lawsuit. Depp sued TMG in January, alleging the company and his former business managers, Robert and Joel Mandel (pictured together), treated his money as their own The Mandel brothers, who work as business managers for a slew of celebrities in Los Angeles, quickly countersued and alleged Depp knew he was running low on money but continued to spend irresponsibly. However, according to the whistleblower's, testimony, that was not the case. Ex-TMG employee Janine Rayburn says in her unsealed testimony she believes the actor did not know the state of his finances, and was even kept in the dark regarding how his money was being spent. TMG attempted to keep Rayburn's claims under seal, but on Friday a court gave Depp the go-ahead to include claims arising from her testimony in his lawsuit. The court also said the transcript of her March 2 deposition should be public, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In the failed attempt to keep those claims quiet, TMG cited a confidentiality agreement and said Rayburn lied under oath. Rayburn worked as an account manager at TMG from 2008 until 2010, and Depp was one of her eight clients. The famed Disney pirate filed a motion in May demanding a judge allow a whistleblower testimony to be unsealed in his lawsuit The whistleblower, Janine Rayburn, said the company allowed Depp's sister, Christi Dembrowski (pictured with Depp) to use Depp's money for personal things, such as her daughter's wedding and multiple vacations She also said she began taking notes about her day-to-day practices when she felt like she might be fired, and said she made notes about things she found 'odd,' planning on bringing them up to her bosses. In those handwritten notes, which were entered into testimony, she refers to Robert Mandel as an 'idiot,' and says he does not believe her, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In court, Rayburn testified: 'I do not believe Johnny was aware of his financial situation. To my knowledge, financial statements were not sent to him' Rayburn also refers to Depp's sister, Christi Dembrowski, as a 'nasty b****' and claims Robert Mandel did whatever she asked because he was afraid of her. Dembrowski has a close relationship with her brother, and is in charge of Depp's production company, and introduced him to people at TMG in the late 1990's. Rayburn says the company allowed Dembrowski to use Depp's money for personal things, such as her daughter's wedding and multiple vacations. The ex-TMG employee claims Mandel did not get Depp's permission for these expenses, but, when she approached Dembrowski, the sister said: 'My money is his money. His money is mine.' Rayban said her job included day-to-day business such as processing bills, depositing checks, recording investments and meeting other client needs. In court, she testified: 'I do not believe Johnny was aware of his financial situation. To my knowledge, financial statements were not sent to him.' However, when questioned by TMG's attorney Michael Kump, Rayburn said she did not work on the team that prepared cash flow analysis documents or budgets, so did not know if they were sent to the actor. 'The Court's unsealing of whistle-blower testimony and the handwritten notes she took in 2010, both of which the Mandels sought to block from public view, review a steam of unethical and illegal acts,' Depp's lawyer Adam Waldman told the Hollywood Reporter. Waldman also said these acts include instructing Rayburn to notarize 'fake' documents and change numbers in his financial statements. Rayburn claimed the instruction to notarize Depp's signature happened when he was not present, and said she has no idea why they were having her do so, as she only saw the signature pages. She said her refusing to do those things and asking too many questions about how Depp's account was being handled lead to her being fired. Finally, Rayburn was fired in 2010 and paid severance of $40,000 in exchange for signing a confidentiality agreement. TMG claims Rayburn's testimony is fueled by anger at being fired seven years ago, and say she is a 'serial liar.' Rayburn referred to Depp's sister, Christi Dembrowski (pictured second from the right, next to Depp in 1995), as a 'nasty b****' and claims Mandel did whatever she asked because he was afraid of her. Dembrowski is in charge of Depp's production company, and introduced him to people at TMG in the late 1990s The company also says Depp's reliance on Rayburn's 'highly speculative statements is ridiculous.' Waldman, however, said Rayburn's claims are very substantial, and the actor's forensic accountants Edward White & Co and Miriam Fisher, who heads the tax department at Latham & Watkins, 'independently verified many of the whistle-blowers most damning allegations.' However, Kump claims when it all comes to trial 'Depp will be proven a liar and a fraud.' Depp's suit claims the Mandels loaned $10 million of his money to third parties close to him without permission and kept messy financial records. He accused them of using his money to invest in businesses the pair had a stake in. He also claims the company launched a global media smear campaign against him. Depp fired the Mandel pair late in 2016, and it was revealed in April the actor is $40million in debt. It has been a long time since they were hanging out at old West Beverly Hills High. And while these two have had their ups and downs in real life and on screen, Tori Spelling and Ian Ziering were very happy to have a mini Beverly Hills, 90210 reunion. The hangout session actually took place one town over in West Hollywood on Wednesday, where the pair was spotted catching up on a couch at The London hotel. They were there to promote his wife Erin's website called The Millennial Mamas. The event was hosted by Mom.me. Scroll down for video Almost 90210: Ian Ziering and Tori Spelling were reunited at The London hotel in West Hollywood for the launch of his wife's mommy blog on Wednesday Tori wore her blonde locks in a side braid as she sat back with a beverage while chatting with her former co-star. The 44-year-old actress wore a red tunic top with blue ripped jeans and brown heels. 'Great time today': Spelling, 44, enjoyed the launch party for Millennial Mamas with Ziering's wife Erin and Veena Crownholm More mamas: The Hottie And The Nottie actress Christine Lakin attended with her daughter Georgia 'Great time today supporting my fellow #mamistas,' Spelling wrote in an Instagram post about the event. Tori gave birth to her fifth child, a son named Beau Dean, on March 2nd of this year. Ian, 53, and Erin celebrated their seven-year anniversary three days prior to the rooftop party. Baby joy: True Blood actress Ashley Jones posed with her smily son Hayden at the event The way they were: The 90210 cast are photographed in 1995 L-R Ian, Gabrielle Carteris, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Tori and Brian Austin Green Tori and Ian became household names when they both starred on Beverly Hills, 90210 and were one of just a handful of the cast members to stay on the show for its entire ten year run. She played Donna Martin on the show created by her father Aaron Spelling and Ian played high school student Steve Sanders - despite being in his mid-thirties by the time the show wrapped. Ian has previously been critical about Tori's decision to deal with she and husband Dean McDermott's relationship issues on reality TV, but the pair have seemed to bury the hatchet since he made the comments. Advertisement Britain's Got Talent faces an Ofcom investigation today after hundreds of viewers complained about a plunging dress worn by judge Amanda Holden that left little to the imagination. Some 216 complaints have been made to the communications regulator over the racy 11,250 dress by Julien Macdonald which the 46-year-old presenter wore during the semi-final of the ITV talent show last night. And the gown appears to have sparked significantly more outrage than Coronation Street's shocking gang rape episode centred around character Bethany Platt, aired at 9pm yesterday, which received a mere 13 complaints. Holden wore the controversial dress, the SS16 Look 37, after admitting days earlier that she was seeking complaints once again this year, as she joked: 'Will people be complaining to Ofcom? I hope so, I really do.' Last year's Britain's Got Talent final saw 90 complaints regarding Alesha Dixon and Holden's dress choices sent to Ofcom and 200 sent to ITV, although the regulator deemed them both 'suitable' for the show that year. Scroll down for video She's got front! It was hard for the studio audience and viewers at home to place their focus elsewhere as Amanda Holden made her way to her seat in the very saucy ensemble Nipping out: Holden came very close to baring all in her plunging gown on Britain's Got Talent on ITV yesterday evening All eyes on her: Holden's controversial gown is set to be investigated Ofcom after 216 complaints were made to the regulator Shock: The gown appeared to have sparked significantly more outrage than Coronation Street's shocking gang rape episode centred around character Bethany Platt, aired at 9pm yesterday, which received a mere 13 complaints. If ITV was found to have breached the broadcasting code last night, Ofcom would write to them with guidance on their programming decisions while a sanction such as a fine would only apply in extreme cases, unlike this one. On Coronation Street, some fans were left feeling 'physically sick' by the latest scenes from the harrowing grooming storyline involving 16-year-old Bethany, played by Lucy Fallon. She has been manipulated by evil older boyfriend Nathan Curtis, played by Christopher Harper, who runs a sordid sex ring. And last night viewers were horrified as they witnessed the build up to the teenager being gang raped. In the episode, viewers witnessed physical abuse, as Nathan burned Lucy with a cigarette in one particularly shocking scene. And during a party he threw, she was seen sitting on a bed as a group of men surrounded her. Holden, who appears with judges Dixon, Simon Cowell, and David Walliams is currently in her tenth year on the hit show Britain's Got Talent - and has been known to take plenty of risks when it comes to her dress choices. But Walliams backed Holden today. In a post, retweeted by Holden, he said: 'What's the big deal with Amanda Holden's dress on BGT? Simon Cowell has been wearing low-cut tops that show off his moobs for years.' As she first emerged onto the stage last night, host Ant McPartlin was taken aback by the gown, which featured a deeply plunging neckline atop a gaping open back and a formfitting body dropping to the floor in length. Holding onto Cowell's hand as she descended the stairs, the mother-of-two also came dangerously close to a wardrobe malfunction as she teetered along in her heels - yet again making a risque statement. Walliams backed Holden today. In a post, retweeted by Holden, he said: 'What's the big deal with Amanda Holden's dress on BGT? Simon Cowell has been wearing low-cut tops that show off his moobs for years' Main attraction: The 46-year-old judge stole the show as she stepped out with Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams Turning heads: Slashed to the navel, the figure-hugging garment showed off the 46-year-old judge's cleavage and clung to her hourglass curves Dazzling! Even presenter Ant McPartlin was taken aback by Holden's racy gown on the show as she dazzled in a plunging khaki gown The first hit... In 2015, her flowing princess gown was hit with 90 complaints alongside Alesha's sexy look Last year: 2016 saw her sheer gown scoop 19 complaints - again with a racy touch In disbelief, McPartlin said: 'Look at what Amanda's wearing... what Amanda isn't wearing!' Walliams also made a dig, telling a female choir: 'You're really classy, none of you are wearing a really inappropriate low-cut top!' After two concurrent years of receiving complaints, Holden appeared determined to stun once more last night as viewers were left stunned by her wardrobe choices during what is seen as a family show. In 2015, she wore a princess-style gown once again with a deeply plunging neckline, while last year she opted for an entirely sheer number with a key-hole neckline under which she went braless again. Taking to Twitter during the show yesterday, viewers were shocked by the racy ensemble, with one posting: 'Does Amanda Holden know this is a family show and doesn't need to dress like a stripper #BGT. Another said she would be down to mini nipple tassels by the final - put em away love, it's a family show, while one social media user asked: Is it Amanda's birthday? She's dressed in that festive suit Another said: I think David speaks on behalf of all of us about Amanda's dress.' And one added: 'Wow, wonder if Amanda will be down to her undies by the final?! #nexttonothing #familyshow #inappropriate. 'Wonder if she'll be down to her undies': Viewers flocked to social media to comment on Amanda's daring dress - which many labelled 'inappropriate' Priorities: Holden didn't seem too bothered about a wardrobe malfunction on her top half as she raised her dress to avoid a fall Perfection: The blonde beauty also sported an immaculate coat of glamorous make-up for the event Risque: Floor length in design, the backless gown cinched in at her impeccably tiny waist and highlighted the contours of her fabulous frame as she headed to the judges table Dixon showed off her tanned and toned legs in a short white dress with fringed detailing. Adding to the glamour, the 38-year-old Mis-Teeq star wore her glossy raven locks slicked back and donned vibrant scarlet lipstick. She finished off the look with a pair of silver chandelier earrings that tied together the elements of her stylish ensemble. Holden's racy ensemble came after she joked she is 'hoping' to spark complaints from viewers with the racy wardrobe she has lined up for Britain's Got Talent's live shows. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, she quipped: 'I haven't done my job if they aren't!' Careful! Holding onto Simon Cowell's hand as she descended the stairs, the mother-of-two also came dangerously close to a nip slip as she teetered along in her heels 'Kids watching': The viewer reaction over her dress continued to pour in, with many citing the family element of the show Sexy: The rest of the daring number boasted semi-sheer panelling which showed off her sensational figure Bold fashionista: Addressing her outfit choices for the live shows that are set to air on ITV as of Monday night, Amanda teased that she will be continuing her love of racy ensembles, as they will be 'very flattering' and 'very feminine' Legs eleven! Alesha also dazzled on the night, showing off her tanned and toned pins in a short white dress with fringed detailing Addressing her outfit choices for the live shows, Amanda teased that she will be continuing her love of racy ensembles, as they will be 'very flattering' and 'very feminine'. She also revealed that she will be the first person to don the glamorous frocks, as she purposely leaves all planning when it comes to her wardrobe until the very last minute, to ensure they have never been worn before. The talent judge added: 'I like to know no one six foot tall and skinny has worn it on a red carpet before.' In 2015, Amanda and Alesha garnered 90 complaints to the broadcasting watchdog after both sporting perilously plunging gowns which were slammed for the appearance on a family show. A year later their outfits met 19 complaints, yet Ofcom revealed the dresses would not be investigated as they 'did not raise issues under rules on nudity'. Marilyn Monroe's Los Angeles home, located in the quiet Brentwood neighborhood where Jennifer Garner and Reese Witherspoon reside, has sold for $7.25 million. According to a Thursday announcement from real estate group Mercer Vine, the property, which was listed for $6.9m, was on the market for only 10 days. After multiple offers, the deal closed at $350,000 over asking. The small Spanish home is where the star of such Hollywood classic films as 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1955's The Seven Year Itch and 1959's Some Like It Hot, was found dead in 1962 at the age of 36. A new owner: Marilyn Monroe's former home in the Brentwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles has sold for $7.25 million Hoping to make a profit: The home was last sold in November 2012 for $5.1 million On the market: The four-bedroom three bathroom home was offered for $6.9 million, listed by Lisa Optican of Mercer Vine agency The home was described as 'an authentic 1929 hacienda.' Nestled in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood, the four-bedroom three-bathroom villa covers 2,624 sq ft. It comes with swimming pool, citrus grove and guest house. Screen icon: The actress was found dead at the property in 1962, after overdosing on sleeping pills. She was 36. Here she is seen in 1953 Fun in the sun: The star had made over a dozen hit films and been married three times before her death It features terra cotta tile floors throughout, beamed ceilings and casement windows. The home was last sold in November 2012 for $5.1 million. 'When you walk the house and grounds, youre immediately struck by its serenity and warmth,' the listing agent, Lisa Optican, said in a statement. 'Its an absolute oasis in the heart of one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles.' Described as an 'authentic 1929 hacienda' the home has terra cotta tiling throughout Simple: The kitchen appears to have modern appliances but is rather pared down Tragic: Monroe was found dead in her bedroom on August 5, 1962 after overdosing on sleeping pills Monroe purchased the property, partially furnished, several months before her death for $75,000. She opened up about her home in an interview with Life magazine in 1962. 'Anybody who likes my house, Im sure Ill get along with,' she told Life associate editor Richard Meryman. Original features: The home has beamed ceilings throughout Lots of history: The dwelling covers 2,624 sq ft with a swimming pool and citrus grove Private: The property is nestled in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles Reflecting on the interview after her passing Meryman wrote: 'It was a small, three-bedroom house built in Mexican style, the first home entirely her own she had ever had. 'She exulted in it. On a special trip to Mexico she had carefully searched in roadside stands and shops and even factories to find just the right things to put in it. The large items had not arrived -- nor was she ever to see them installed.' Monroe died of an overdose of sleeping pills on August 5 1962. She was discovered by her psychiatrist lying face down on her bed clutching a telephone receiver. The Hollywood star had only moved into the property four months before her sudden death and it was partially furnished; here she is seen in 1953 Malin Akerman oozed cool girl chic while out to lunch Thursday. While meeting up with a pal, the blonde beauty flaunted her figure in a simple summer outfit that offered plenty of skin. Wearing a cleavage-baring halter top and tight skinny jeans, the Swedish-Canadian stunner also revealed a hip back tattoo between her toned shoulder blades. Fashionista! Malin Akerman was chic and simple while lunching in Los Angeles Thursday, seen donning skinny jeans and a stylish halter Combining blue jeans and a flirty top, the Billions actress's outfit was the perfect balance of comfortable and alluring. The 39-year-old's top offered a subtle taste of skin, baring her breastbone and toned shoulders. A key necklace accented her warm skin tone, already looking like she was wearing a summery bronze. Nice ink! The 39-year-old starlet displayed a tattoo of a lotus upon her back during lunch Summer style: The Billions actress's outfit showed off her summer tan and sculpted shoulders in addition to a cool back tattoo As Malin turned around for a second, onlookers could spot a tattoo between the starlet's sculpted shoulder blades. The illustration appeared to be a Buddhist lotus design in black ink, in honor of the star's Surprisingly, the starlet's back isn't the only place that's home to body art. She also has two other inkings, son Sebastian's initials on her wrist as well as matching puzzle pieces she got with hairstylist and best friend Maranda Widlund. Fan of body art! Surprisingly, the blonde's back isn't the only place with tattoos. She also has son Sebastian's initials on her wrist and matching puzzle piece ink she got with hairstylist and best friend Maranda Widlund The starlet has been riding high since her new show Billions debuted last year, earning teams of fans for its high intrigue stories about financial crime. Malin will take the big screen in 2018's Rampage starring Dwanye Johnson and Joe Manganiello, which is currently filming. The second season of Billions wrapped up at the beginning of May, now available to stream on Showtime. On Wednesday she appeared to stand her ground against critics who deemed her dress 'inappropriate' to meet the Indian Prime Minister in. And on Thursday Priyanka Chopra appeared in good spirits as she attended a Question and Answer session in London for her latest flick, Baywatch. The Bollywood star, 34, oozed understated elegance in a cream ensemble. Scroll down for video Understated: On Thursday Priyanka Chopra appeared in good spirits as she attended a Question and Answer session in London for her latest flick, Baywatch Showcasing her classic style, Priyanka opted for a long-sleeved lace top, patterned with delicate cut-out panels. Clashing textures, she teamed it with an intricate silk skirt, revealing a glimpse of her slender pins under the high-low hemline. And injecting a splash of colour, the outfit was completed by a pair of green chunky platform sandals. Wearing her raven hair in a centre parting and rocking a bold berry lip, the actress put on a classy display. Natural glamour: The Bollywood star, 34, oozed understated elegance in a cream ensemble On Wednesday the Bollywood superstar appeared to hit back at critics for trying to shame her over a dress she wore during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The actress was accused of 'disrespecting' the prime minister by wearing a knee-length dress revealing her lower legs during an audience with Modi in Berlin. Chopra was attacked on social media by critics who found the outfit unsuitable for the occasion, with many offended the star had not chosen to wear Indian attire. Leggy: Showcasing her classic style, Priyanka opted for a long-sleeved lace top, patterned with delicate cut-out panels But the star of the hit American spy thriller Quantico stood up against the bullying, hitting back with a photo showing her and her mother wearing short dresses with the caption 'legs for days....#itsthegenes'. The former Miss World describes herself as a 'strong-willed feminist' who has campaigned to close the gender pay gap in Bollywood and change attitudes towards women in her home country. 'For so many years women were told to act a certain way, to dress a certain way, to think a certain way, even not to think at all,' Chopra told AFP in an interview last year. 'People misconstrue the word feminism. It is not hating men, or making men small. It is just saying, 'We want our independence to make our own choices the way men have done for so long.'' Natural beauty: Wearing her raven hair in a centre parting and rocking a bold berry lip, the actress put on a classy display Chopra has been landing bigger roles in Hollywood since boosting her international profile through 'Quantico'. The actress has been cast as a villain in the newly-released 'Baywatch' film. She stars in the reboot of the iconic 90s TV series starring David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, both of which have cameos in the film. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson takes on Hasselhoff's leading character Mitch Buchannon who is forced to hire High School Musical star Zac Efron's character, a disgraced Olympic gold medalist Matt Brody. Kelly Rohrbach, meanwhile, plays CJ Parker - the character previously made famous by Pamela Anderson. It was released in the US on May 25 and in the UK four days later. Many pitted them as love rivals but in actual fact, only one of these two friends was interested in Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Sofia Richie and Scott Disick's sometimes lover Chloe Bartoli decompressed from their eventful Cannes trip over lunch in New York. The 18-year-old star and her stylist pal stopped in for a bite at Bar Pitti in the West Village on Thursday. Talking about boys? Sofia Richie and Scott Disick's sometimes lover Chloe Bartoli decompressed from their eventful Cannes trip over lunch in New York on Thursday Both the women seemed a little on the tired side as they left the eatery - and for good reason as it has been a very big week. Chloe, who was linked to Scott prior to his split with Kourtney Kardashian going public, was seen rekindling the flame with the reality star last Friday. The stylist and Scott were seen making out the day after he was at the same pool with actress Bella Thorne. Scott then went on to get very close to four other women before jetting out of the country with another mystery lady. Kicking back: The 18-year-old and her stylist pal stopped in for a bite at Bar Pitti Need some shut eye:Both the women seemed a little on the tired side as they left the eatery - and for good reason as it has been a very big week Low key: For her lunch, Sofia wore some relaxed fit jeans, a Gucci T-shirt and Puma sneakers Scott also did his best to get flirtatious with Sofia last week despite her being besties with Chloe. Not that Sofia was having any of it, with the teen seen blocking his would-be advances. She later took to twitter to slam suggestions she was anything more than friends with the 34-year-old. Sexy workout wear: Chloe meanwhile showed off her physique in a cropped white top and high waisted leggings Rekindled the flame: The stylist and Scott were seen making out on Friday - the day after he was at the same pool with actress Bella Thorne Sofia tweeted: 'Just so everyone can get their panties out of their asses, Scott and I are just homies #relax.' And Sofia did seem relax - albeit a little tried - Thursday wearing a dressed down designer look. For her lunch, Sofia wore some relaxed fit jeans, a Gucci T-shirt and Puma sneakers. Chloe meanwhile showed off her physique in a cropped white top and high waisted leggings. Nice try: Scott also did his best to get flirtatious with Sofia last week despite her being besties with Chloe She makes regular appearances in global headlines thanks to her often risque social media snaps. But Chloe Lattanzi has announced she will take a break from her popular Instagram account after being slammed by a fan for sharing glamorous selfies while her mother Olivia Newton-John is battling cancer for the second time. Announcing the news by sharing an image of Olivia on Instagram this Friday, Oregon-based Chloe wrote to fans: ' Some woman commented that I couldn't post happy pictures of myself because of what my mother is going through.' 'I am so sad and no one has any idea what I am going through': Chloe Lattanzi has vowed not to post on Instagram after being slammed for sharing glamorous selfies while her mother Olivia Newton-John battles cancer Taking a break: Announcing the news by sharing an image of Olivia on Instagram this Friday, Oregon-based Chloe wrote to fans: ' Some woman commented that I couldn't post happy pictures of myself because of what my mother is going through' 'I am so sad and no one has any idea what I am going through. I don't want my life to be public and this the greatest struggle a daughter could go through,' she continued. 'And the last thing I need is someone telling me that I can't distract myself and post normal creative pics on my Instagram. My mom is fine and the one thing she told me is to keep being creative positive and take my mind off anything negitive [sic]', she went on. Chloe went on to express her and her mother's desire for privacy during this difficult time. I'm going to leave my Instagram for a while': Marijuana farmer Chloe went on to express her and her mother's desire for privacy during this difficult time 'I'm going to leave my Instagram for a while. Not. Because im ashamed that I posted a pic that wasn't to do with my mom, but because I'm angry [sic].' 'Angry that there are such incredibly insensitive a**holes out there making me feel ashamed of trying to feel normal. Good bye for a while,' wrote Chloe. She completed her post by thanking her fans for their support. Hours later, Chloe returned to her Instagram page to share another farewell post, this time uploading a short video of her mother playing with a horse. 'Just wanted U to see my mamas great! And set your worries at ease [sic],' Chloe explained in the caption. Earlier this week, the aspiring pop star confirmed that Olivia will be using cannabis oil and 'other natural healing remedies', in addition to modern medicine to battle her cancer. Natural approach: Chloe revealed on Wednesday that her mother will be using cannabis oil and 'other natural healing remedies', as well as modern medicine Chloe, who has battled drug addiction and eating disorders in the past, owns a legal marijuana farm in Oregon with fiance James Driskill. On Tuesday, Olivia confirmed she had postponed her North American tour dates in June after learning her breast cancer had returned and spread to her back. She previously battled breast cancer in 1992 at the age of 43, undergoing a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction. China's ex-statistics chief Wang Baoan was jailed for life for accepting 153 million yuan ($22.4 million) worth of bribes China's ex-statistics chief was jailed for life on Wednesday for accepting 153 million yuan ($22.4 million) worth of bribes, becoming the latest senior official to be convicted in a sweeping anti-corruption campaign. Wang Baoan, the former head of the National Bureau of Statistics, was also found guilty of using his position to help others with such things as loan applications, project approvals and employment, according to a court in the northern province of Hebei. He is the latest in a long line of officials to be brought down by President Xi Jinping's unprecedented anti-corruption drive started more than four years ago. Former China Telecom boss Chang Xiaobing was also sentenced Wednesday to six years in prison and fined 500,000 yuan for graft. Critics of the crackdown say it is open to abuse for political reasons. The campaign resulted in nearly 1.2 million people being punished by the end of 2016, a senior official said previously. The writing was on the wall for Wang after he was thrown out of the ruling Communist Party last August for actions including "superstitious activities" and "insatiably" trading power for sex. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the party's internal anti-corruption watchdog responsible for expelling Wang, described him as "morally bankrupt" and "completely" lacking in political beliefs. Wang committed his crimes between 1994 and 2016 during which time he held positions in a range of government departments including the tax office and finance ministry. Armed police boarded a Malaysia Airlines flight which was forced to return to Melbourne after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit claiming he had a bomb A Sri Lankan student who tried to enter an airline cockpit with what he said was a bomb before terrified passengers overpowered him, had been released from psychiatric care just before boarding the plane, Australian police said Thursday. Passengers on Malaysian Airlines flight MH128 from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur said they feared for their lives when the 25-year-old rushed towards the cockpit shouting that he wanted to "blow the plane up". "He had been released from psychiatric care (on Wednesday), and from there we believe he has purchased a ticket on this plane," Victoria state police chief Graham Ashton told reporters. Several passengers wrestled the man to the floor, Ashton said. The crew gave them seatbelts to hog-tie him before the plane made an emergency landing at Melbourne airport. Armed officers from an elite police unit boarded the flight, handcuffing the man and escorting him off. Photographs taken by a passenger and supplied to AFP showed black-clad officers carrying rifles in the cabin. The suspect, who lived in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong and was studying to be a chef, said he was carrying a bomb but the device was actually a bluetooth speaker slightly larger than an iPhone, Ashton said. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the incident was "not currently being treated as terrorism-related". A passenger speaks to the press after Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 landed safely at Melbourne airport following a bomb scare "I'm informed the man has a criminal history and has previously been treated for mental health issues," he said. The unnamed man was charged with making threats and false claims, and endangering an aircraft's safety -- offences that carry a 10-year sentence. He was due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court later Thursday. Malaysian Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi earlier told AFP the incident was "not a hijack" but involved "one disruptive passenger (who) tried to enter the plane's cockpit". - 'Very traumatic' - Police officers stand guard as a Malaysia Airlines returns to Melbourne's airport after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit claiming he had a bomb While officials played down the incident, passengers spoke of a terrifying 90-minute ordeal after the plane took off. A business class passenger, former Australian Rules football player Andrew Leoncelli, spoke to Melbourne radio station 3AW. "The staff were saying 'Sit back down sir, sit back down sir'. He goes 'No, I'm not going to sit back down, I'm going to blow the plane up'," Leoncelli said. "The staff screamed out 'I need some help, I need some help'. So I jumped up, undid my buckle, and approached him." Leoncelli said the man ran to the back of the plane, where two other passengers grabbed him, removed the device, and "put hog ties on him". Passenger Arif Chaudery said he joined several others to subdue the Sri Lankan. "Families, kids, they were very scared, and some screaming... so three or four guys, we jumped as quickly as possible," he told Channel Nine television. "We just put him on the floor and finally staff brought the belt, so we handcuffed him and tied his legs and put his face on the floor." A passenger who gave her name as Laura told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation she feared for her life. "I thought the plane was going to go down, I thought the bomb was going to go off, I really did think I was going to die," she said. Some passengers questioned why it took so long for the elite unit to arrive after the plane landed, complaining they had to wait about an hour. Some passengers questioned why it took so long for the elite unit to arrive after the plane landed, complaining they had to wait an hour. But Ashton said there was no delay for such a "life or death scenario" and that officers had to sift through reports of more than one alleged attacker and confirm if the device was explosive before they could safely remove passengers. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Thursday that passengers and crew were being offered support after the "frightening" experience. The incident came just months after Canberra called off the search for missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 after a vast underwater hunt off Australia's west coast failed to find the plane. MH370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, disappeared in March 2014, while another passenger jet, MH17, was shot down in July of the same year while flying over Ukraine, in twin tragedies to hit Malaysia's national carrier. Uber's head of finance Gautam Gupta is to depart in July to become chief operating officer at a younger startup in San Francisco Uber confirmed Wednesday that the company's head of finance is leaving, just after the on-demand ride service trimmed its quarterly loss to $708 million on rising revenue. Gautam Gupta will depart Uber in July to become chief operating officer at a younger startup in San Francisco, according to the company. "Over the last four years, (Gupta) has been indispensable in helping build Uber from an idea into the business it is today," founder and chief executive Travis Kalanick said in a statement. "We couldn't have done it without him, and I will miss his energy, focus and infectious enthusiasm." Uber said that its revenue during the first three months of this year rose some 18 percent to $3.4 billion, but the company logged a loss of $708 million without taking into account stock compensation for employees. Uber cited the numbers as progress, given that losses in the preceding quarter totaled $991 million. "These results demonstrate that our business remains healthy and resilient as we focus on improving our culture, management and relationship with drivers," an Uber spokesperson said. "The narrowing of our losses in the first quarter puts us on a good trajectory towards profitability." Uber has seen a shake-out in its executive ranks as it works through a series of scandals that included disclosures about a culture of sexism, cut-throat workplace tactics, covert use of law enforcement-evading software, and release of a dash-cam video showing Kalanick berating and cursing at one of Uber's drivers. Uber said Tuesday that it had fired an engineer accused in a trade secrets suit involving files he purportedly purloined from Alphabet's self-driving car unit Waymo. The case stems from a lawsuit filed in February by Waymo, formerly known as the Google self-driving car unit, which claimed a former manager took a trove of technical data with him when he left to launch a competing venture that went on to become Otto and was later acquired by Uber. Anti-riot police were at the protest, following clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the weekend, but the crowd dispersed at around midnight without incident A general strike Thursday gripped the northern Morocco city of Al-Hoceima, rocked by nearly a week of protests demanding the release of the leader of a popular movement. The strike that saw nearly all of the shops in the city centre shuttered came after thousands of people demonstrated in Al-Hoceima for sixth straight night. "This three-day strike is the result of what is happing here, the marginalisation of a region that is only asking for its daily bread," a shopkeeper told AFP. Al-Hoceima is in the neglected Rif region, which has been shaken by social unrest since the death in October of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri. The 31-year-old was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season. Since then protests have snowballed in the port of Al-Hoceima, sparking a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment. Nasser Zefzafi, who emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on Monday after three days on the run. His mother, in remarks to a Moroccan television on Thursday, urged King Mohammed VI to show clemency and release her son. Late Wednesday, between 2,000 and 3,000 protesters once again took to the streets of Al-Hoceima, shouting slogans such as "We are all Nasser Zefzafi" and "Corrupt state". "Arrest us, we are all activists," read one banner. Initial protests in the fishing port of Al-Hoceima triggered a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption, repression and unemployment A shopkeeper said the strike will go on "until our prisoners are freed". The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with Morocco's central authorities, and was at the heart of Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011. - 'Mobilisation' - Najib Ahamjik, often referred to as the movement's number two, remains at large but continues to use social media to call for "mobilisation" and to strike. Nawal Benaissa, one of the public faces of the Popular Movement, was among three young women on Wednesday who urged protesters to demand "freedom for prisoners". On Thursday morning, she said she was called in to the police station in Al-Hoceima and questioned about the call to strike. The 36-year-old mother of four was seen leaving the building again a short time later. By mid-afternoon most of the shops in the city centre were shuttered, apparently in response to Benaissa's call for a strike. Policemen were deployed on the main square and police vans were stationed in side streets, empty of pedestrians save for small groups of youths. Nawal Benaissa of the Popular Movement or Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi during a protest in Al-Hoceima on May 31, 2017 "Anyone who threatens shopkeepers who are still open will be arrested," a local official warned. The strike was also observed in the neighbouring towns of Beni Bouyaach and Imzouren, a resident said. "Today, it is the entire population that is on strike. It is a message to our king, Mohammed VI, so that he comes to Al-Hoceima," said another shopkeeper. Prime Minister Saad-Eddine Al-Othmani discussed the unrest with the interior minister and said the Rif "is at centre of the government's preoccupations", the official MAP news agency reported. - 'Stay peaceful' - Zefzafi was detained along with others on Monday for "attacking internal security", after a warrant for his arrest issued Friday sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants. Cilia Hirani, a member of the Popular Movement, told AFP that everyone in the Rif "believes in freedom, in humanity and in social justice". "If you imprison our leaders, we will resist and we will resist until our demands, which are rights in democratic countries, are granted," she said. A new video of Zefzafi has been posted on social networks, apparently recorded shortly before his arrest, in which he says: "My brothers, the moment is very sensitive... Stay peaceful, above all." State media and politicians have remained largely silent about the events, but the local branches of three parties including the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a joint statement warning of a "serious situation" and criticising the response of the authorities. Out of around 40 people reported arrested on Friday, including core members of Al-Hirak, 25 have been referred to the prosecution. Their trial began Tuesday but was pushed back to June 6 at the request of their lawyers, who have complained their clients were ill-treated during their detention. Seven suspects were released on bail and another seven were freed without charge. President Vladimir Putin wants Russia to do more business with India Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian premier Narendra Modi looked to bolster declining trade Thursday, as the defiant Russian strongman sought to burnish a fragile recovery at the Kremlin's economic showcase despite tensions with the West. Among the deals Modi and Putin oversaw on the third leg of the Indian leader's four-nation tour of Europe was the inking of an agreement for Moscow to build two more reactors at a nuclear plant in southern India. Modi is the guest of honour at this year's three-day Saint Petersburg Economic Forum -- Russia's answer to Davos -- that Putin wants to use to push the idea that Russia has turned the page on a brutal recession caused by low oil prices and sanctions over Ukraine. Speaking to journalists as the showcase kicked off, the combative Kremlin strongman insisted that measures against Moscow, including economic sanctions, had ended up having "zero effect". Putin said he hoped "Russophobia" in the West would "not last for too long, not forever, if only because the understanding has to come that it is counterproductive and harms everyone." He again struck out at allegations the Russian state was behind hacking attacks targeting elections in the West after accusations he meddled in the last year's US vote but did hold out the possibility that "patriotically minded" hackers might have been involved. "If they are patriotically minded, they start making their own contribution which they deem right in the fight against those who demean Russia," he said. "Theoretically this is possible. But we are not involved at the state level." - India ties - For the Kremlin, India represents the sort of major emerging market it wants to do more business with as it looks to insulate itself against geopolitical shocks with the unpredictable Donald Trump in the White House. "Russian-Indian economic cooperation is once again heading in the direction of growth and it is in our shared interests to strengthen this positive tendency," Putin said at a joint press conference with Modi. Russia and India enjoyed a decades-long alliance forged during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union was New Delhi's largest trading partner, diplomatic ally and main arms supplier, providing everything from tanks to aircraft. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour at this year's three-day Saint Petersburg Economic Forum But the relationship became unmoored following the collapse of the USSR, as India underwent an economic transformation and increasingly sought to build trade ties with Western nations. - US businesses back?- While India is occupying pole position at the forum, other visiting international leaders include UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. Bosses from Chevron, Exxon and Boeing are among 144 US firms at the event, the best attendance in years after Washington previously warned business leaders against attending due to political tensions. While Russia is talking up its recovery, the situation remains precarious and attention will also focus on talk of much-needed reforms to modernise its creaking economy. But analysts warned that with Putin likely to bid for another term as president in elections next year there are unlikely to be any radical changes. "Structural changes are necessary but to put them into action is not easy," Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said. The Stratolaunch plane is pushed out of the hanger for the first time in the Mojave desert, California on May 31, 2017 A colossal aircraft capable of launching satellite-toting rockets into space is closer to testing, having been rolled out of a hangar in the desert, its creators said on Wednesday. The project backed by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been proceeding for about six years and was on track for its first launch demonstration as early as 2019, Stratolaunch Systems Corporation chief executive Jean Floyd said in a blog post. "This marks a historic step in our work to achieve Paul G. Allen's vision of normalizing access to low Earth orbit," Floyd said. "This is a first-of-its-kind aircraft, so we're going to be diligent throughout testing." In the weeks and months ahead, Stratolaunch -- touted as the biggest airliner ever built -- will be testing fuel systems, engines and more on the ground at its air and space port in the Mojave desert, according to Floyd. Support structures were removed from the plane during the past few weeks, allowing it to rest on its 28 wheels for the first time. The Stratolaunch aircraft weighed in at 500,000 pounds (226,796 kilograms) and has the world's largest plane wingspan, measuring 385 feet (117 meters), according to the company. The aircraft is 238 feet from nose to end, and it is 50 feet from the ground to the tip of its vertical tail. When the ambitious venture was launched some six years ago by philanthropist Allen, partners in the project vowed it would revolutionize orbital travel in the post-space shuttle era. Using huge passenger jet engines, it would tote a rocket and be able to launch payloads, satellites and someday humans into low-Earth orbit, Allen said at the time. Allen vowed that the project would result in greater flexibility than ground-based rocket launches and better cost effectiveness for cargo and human missions to space. Private space travel is also among the big visions of tech industry star Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX as well as electric car company Tesla. SpaceX is poised to blast off its next delivery of food, supplies and science experiments to astronauts living at the International Space Station on Thursday. The launch of SpaceX's 11th commercial resupply mission aboard an unmanned Dragon cargo ship is scheduled for 5:55 pm (2155 GMT). If all goes as planned, a Falcon 9 rocket will propel the Dragon into low-Earth orbit, where it will eventually connect with the space station, circling the Earth at a height of some 250 miles (400 kilometers). Lesotho, with a population of about two million people, is surrounded by South Africa, which relies on it for essential water supplies to Johannesburg and other cities. The southern African mountain kingdom of Lesotho holds a snap election on Saturday, with experts predicting another fractious coalition government, unlikely to tackle its dire levels of HIV-AIDS and unemployment. The vote is the third general election since 2012 in the country known as Africa's Switzerland where years of political in-fighting have stymied attempts to fight poverty. Lesotho, with a population of about two million people, is surrounded by South Africa, which relies on it for essential water supplies to Johannesburg and other cities. Parliament was dissolved in March when Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili lost a vote of no confidence after his seven-party coalition government broke up within two years of being formed. His predecessor, Thomas Thabane, came to power in 2012 but fled to South Africa in 2014 following an attempted putsch by the army. That crisis led to early elections in 2015. Mosisili and Thabane are again the leading candidates to emerge from complex post-vote negotiations to become the next prime minister. "A coalition is the most likely outcome, but it is unlikely to be a successful one," Charles Fogelman, a specialist on Lesotho politics at the University of Illinois, told AFP. Thomas Thabane came to power in 2012 but fled to South Africa in 2014 following an attempted putsch by the army "Both of the previous coalitions have collapsed under the weight of succession and power battles, and it is hard to imagine future coalitions not doing the same." Mosisili's party, the Democratic Congress (DC), is forecast to ally with the Lesotho Congress of Democracy (LCD) and the Popular Front for Democracy (PFD). Thabane's party, the All Basotho Convention (ABC), and the Alliance Democrats (AD) of Monyane Moleleki, a former minister of police, are also vying to form a possible coalition government. - Old rivals trade barbs - Thabane, who said his life was in danger when he fled in 2014, returned to Lesotho in February. "Some soldiers plotted to kill me at the instruction of Prime Minister Mosisili... but now I am back and ready to take over government powers," Thabane told supporters at his final election rally. A police officer walks past the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission warehouse Mosisili used his own final rally to accuse Thabane of running away to seek foreign protection and of "chowing through the public's money while sitting there doing nothing." Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Letsie III, who has no formal power, and it has a mixed parliamentary system. Eighty lawmakers are voted in by constituents, while another 40 seats are distributed proportionally. A party needs more than 61 of the 120 seats available to rule without being forced into a coalition. Reflecting frustration at the country's politics, voter turnout has declined sharply from 66 percent in 2002 to just 46 percent in 2015. Analysts like Fogelman have called for electoral reforms to boost support for democracy and to avoid ill-fated coalition governments that survive only a few years. The 2014 attempted coup against Thabane was allegedly led by army chief Tlali Kamoli. Soldiers attacked police headquarters, looted weapons and killed one officer. There were successful coups in 1986 and 1991. Motlamelle Kapa, a political analyst at the National University of Lesotho, said that politics were being undermined by the security forces. "There needs to be a total depoliticisation of the security agencies, which are often used to fight political battles," Kapa told AFP. "The security forces are at the core of the country's political challenges. They tend to side with individuals." South Africa is often criticised for allegedly interfering in Lesotho, which gained independence from Britain in 1966. The country, which suffers a 22.7 percent adult HIV rate, exports textiles but many citizens seek work in South Africa. Lesotho citizens, known as Basotho, are famed for their horse-riding skills, and many people in rural areas use ponies as their daily mode of transport. A general view taken on May 31, 2017 shows the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and neighbourhoods in Palestinian-dominated east Jerusalem next to the historic Old City It's a dilemma many Palestinians from Jerusalem confront: Resign yourself to becoming an Israeli citizen or press ahead as a person without a state. "I don't really want to do it, but there is no other solution," said a 28-year-old Palestinian lawyer from east Jerusalem who has applied for Israeli citizenship. She applied in the summer of 2014 but is still waiting for a final answer. The lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid potentially damaging her case, was given her first interview a year after applying. She said it was "very difficult" to bring herself to apply, but concluded that having the passport "will definitely make my life far easier for travel and work." Fifty years after Israel seized east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, the more than 300,000 Palestinians in the city are in a unique situation. They hold neither full Palestinian nor Israeli citizenships, instead having permanent residence granted to them by Israel and access to services. They pay taxes for work and on property, but can't vote in general elections, though they can participate in municipal elections. Israel can withdraw their permanent residence if it can prove they live in the occupied West Bank or elsewhere outside Jerusalem, meaning many feel their presence in the city and country of their birth is under threat. As a result, recent years have seen increased numbers seeking to become full Israeli citizens, lawyers and non-governmental groups say. Figures from the Jerusalem Legal Aid Centre show 6,497 east Jerusalemites applied for citizenship between 2009 and 2016, of whom 3,349 have been granted it. Israel's interior ministry had not responded to an AFP request for comment and figures. Figures published by the Times of Israel news website showed a sharp increase in citizenship applications for east Jerusalem residents beginning in 2006, though the numbers have somewhat fallen in recent years. Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza are not entitled to apply for Israeli citizenship, but those from east Jerusalem are. The young lawyer recalled how getting visas to Western countries was a bureaucratic nightmare with permanent residence papers, but doing so with an Israeli passport would be straightforward. "My sisters are out of the country and it is illogical to wait a long time to get European visas," she said. A Palestinian man walks past members of the Israeli security forces standing guard at the Damascus Gate in east Jerusalem on May 31, 2017 "Also, I need it for my work as a lawyer in Israel. My position will be stronger if I get the citizenship." She is expecting a decision in the next year, but knows taking Israeli citizenship will mean she cannot travel to many Arab countries which have no relations with the Jewish state. - 'Shame but no regret' - For Palestinian residents of east Jerusalem, taking Israeli citizenship is a sensitive issue. The Palestinian government sees east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while Israel sees the whole city it captured in 1967 as its undivided capital. For many Palestinians of east Jerusalem, taking Israeli citizenship is tantamount to accepting the Jewish state's sovereignty in the city. "We need to raise awareness of our Palestinian identity in Jerusalem and we should not try to legitimise the occupation," anti-settlement activist Fakhri Abu Diab told AFP. Ziad Haidami, a lawyer in Jerusalem, said he has had clients deciding to take the step for a variety of reasons. "One wanted to become a police officer, another wanted to do long-term studies abroad," he said. All of them enter his office "like thieves" to avoid being seen, concerned that others will know they are seeking Israeli citizenship, he said. "But Jerusalem Palestinians are increasingly making that choice because they are telling themselves that Israeli nationality will protect them and no Palestinian administration can do that in Jerusalem," he said. Mohammed, 27, who was granted citizenship two years ago, admits there is a stigma. "Only my close circle knows I took Israeli citizenship," he told AFP. "But I don't regret the step at all. My life became much easier and more comfortable," he added, saying dealing with the government became more practical and he can travel faster. Palestinians who do decide to apply however say they face major delays and point out that interviews are conducted in Hebrew only, despite the fact that Arabic is a national language of Israel. A Palestinian woman sells fruit on the street in east Jerusalem on May 31, 2017 "The ministry of interior is still reviewing applications made in 2013 and 2014," said lawyer Ziad al-Haidami, who represents a number of residents applying. Israel's interior ministry has previously denied claims of intentionally making the process difficult, saying the large number of applications and the work of processing them is time-consuming. A combination picture shows a file photo from June 7, 1967 of Israeli paratroopers Tzion Karasenti (L), Yitzhak Yifat (C) and Haim Oshri (R) next to the Western Wall in Jerusalem and the same veterans posing 50 years later in the same place Fifty years after the 1967 Six-Day War, a photograph of three awestruck Israeli paratroopers at the freshly captured Western Wall remains a potent symbol of Israel's lightning conquest of east Jerusalem. Zion Karasenti, Yitzhak Yifat and Haim Oshri, all 22 in 1967, were captured on film by a news photographer as they stared at the ancient stones, the holiest site where Jews are allowed to pray. Now retired, they are often asked to restage the iconic shot but Karasenti says that each time old emotions are rekindled. "I've come here 20 times a year for 50 years -- do the math -- and I still have shivers when I remember that moment," he told AFP. The picture, by Israeli photographer David Rubinger, was published around the world and adopted at home as encapsulating the euphoria of the Jewish state's victory over the armies of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. When the three soldiers arrived with their comrades at the shrine, in the walled Old City of Jerusalem, they had been battling Jordanian soldiers for two days, Karasenti recalled. "We had been fighting for 48 hours without sleeping or eating and almost without drinking," he said. They did not at first realise they had arrived at the site, the remains of the retaining walls of biblical King Herod's Jewish temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Jews had been denied access to the shrine, adjacent to Islamic holy sites at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, since Jordan seized east Jerusalem in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. "We continued to fight until we reached the Al-Aqsa mosque... where we waited for our commander," Karasenti said. When the officer arrived, he told them to fight on and they descended an iron staircase to find themselves next to the Jewish shrine which they had never before seen. - 'While we were crying' - "It's impossible to describe what we felt when we realised we were at the foot of the wall," Karasenti said. "It was at that moment that David Rubinger took a picture while we were crying." Rubinger, who died in March aged 92, said in a 2006 interview with the London Jewish Chronicle that he followed the army's advance into a narrow passageway in front of the wall. "I was lying down to get more of the wall in," he said. "These three soldiers walked by in awe. I just took a couple of frames of them, never thinking it was a great picture." About 20 minutes later the army's chief rabbi arrived, carried on soldiers' shoulders and bringing with him a Torah scroll and a shofar -- a ram's horn blown in Jewish ritual to symbolise freedom. Rubinger told the Jewish Chronicle he had thought that the shot of the well-known rabbi among the troops at the wall was the image of the day. Israeli veterans of the Six-Day War Zion Karasenti (L), Yitzhak Yifat (C) and Haim Oshri (R) pose with a copy of their 1967 photo at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City on May 11, 2017 "I was crying when I took it. I came back home, developed the film and showed the pictures to my wife, Annie. I said, 'Look at this fantastic picture of Rabbi Goren.' She said, 'Yes, but the one with the three soldiers is better,'" he recalled. "It turned out Annie was right." Rubinger, who had been covering Israeli news since the state was founded in 1948, had an agreement with the military that granted him access to the battle front. In exchange he gave them a negative of the paratroopers' photo. The army then started distributing low-cost prints through the Israeli government press office, he said in the interview. "People all over the world pirated it," he said. "I was very upset but, in retrospect, I have to be grateful to everybody who stole the picture. That's what made it famous." In the wake of the success of that photo and others, Rubinger won a reputation as Israel's national photographer. His other work has included the return home of Israeli commandos from the 1976 Entebbe hostage rescue mission and studies of prime ministers David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir in moments of relaxation. He is the only one to have a permanent exhibition in the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Israel has continued to occupy east Jerusalem since the 1967 war and subsequently annexed the territory, although the move was not recognised by the international community. Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its united capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector, including the Old City where the Western Wall is located, as the capital of their future state. Wolf is a guitar that was custom made for Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia A guitar of Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia on Wednesday raised more than $3 million at an auction to support a leading civil rights group. Known as Wolf, the custom-made electric guitar was a constant concert companion of Garcia until the jam rock icon died in 1995. The original buyer put the guitar back on auction to raise money for the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Alabama-based group which wages legal battles against white supremacists and other hate groups. At a charity concert in New York, Brian Halligan, the CEO and co-founder of marketing firm HubSpot, bought Wolf for $1.932 million including the premium. An anonymous charity matched his pre-premium $1.6 million bid, bringing the total donation for the Southern Poverty Law Center to $3.2 million. Halligan is one of the legions of "Deadhead" fans, who for years journeyed from concert to concert to experience the band as part of a welcoming community of fellow travelers. The Grateful Dead officially disbanded last year with a series of farewell concerts, but the fan base remains fervent. - "Somewhat priceless" - Halligan - who co-wrote a book on the Grateful Dead's lessons for marketing -- promised to take good care of the guitar and to lend it upon request. "I don't plan on selling it or trading it, and so it's somewhat priceless," the entrepreneur told AFP. "I doubt this will sell anytime soon, if ever," he said. The auction comes as the Southern Poverty Law Center voices alarm at a rise in hate crimes, especially targeting Muslims and immigrants, since Donald Trump began his presidential campaign. The group, founded in 1971, tracks activities of hate groups and hits them with legal challenges. Morris Dees, the co-founder of the center who is credited with driving hate groups into financial hardship, vowed to put the money from the guitar "to good use." "We will not stop until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream," he said, quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King's 1963 speech on the National Mall in Washington. - Odyssey for guitar - The auction took on a party atmosphere at a music venue, the Brooklyn Bowl, as artists including Nels Cline of Wilco and folk rocker Cass McCombs put on Grateful Dead-inspired winding jam rock. Wolf has a long history. It was constructed by luthier Doug Irwin, with Garcia debuting it at a 1973 concert with Hell's Angels bikers in New York. He bequeathed the guitar back to Irwin, who had fallen destitute in the intervening decades, but the move set off a battle within the Grateful Dead who initially objected and said Wolf belonged to the band rather than Garcia personally. After Irwin won out, it was bought for $789,000 in 2002 by Dan Pritzker, a Deadhead philanthropist and heir to the Chicago family behind the Hyatt hotel chain. Pritzker decided to put the guitar back on sale to support the center amid alarm at the direction of the United States since Trump's victory, said Arlan Ettinger, president of the Guernsey's auction house behind the sale. The guitar's auction price, while high, does not top the 2015 record of $2.4 million paid for a Gibson guitar on which John Lennon played "Love Me Do" and other early Beatles songs. Afghan men receive medical treatment at a Kabul hospital, among hundreds wounded in the massive blast Kabul was reeling Thursday from its deadliest attack since 2001, with anguished families burying their dead as authorities cleared away mangled wreckage and public anger mounted over the government's failure to protect citizens in the heart of the capital. No group has so far claimed Wednesday's attack, launched from a sewage tanker packed with explosives, which tore a massive crater in the ground and killed at least 90 people, mainly civilians, while wounding hundreds. The brazen attack during the holy fasting month of Ramadan highlighted the ability of militants to strike even in the capital's most secure district, home to the presidential palace and foreign embassies that are enveloped in a maze of concrete blast walls. Angry citizens demanded answers from the government over the perceived intelligence failure leading to the assault, which underscores spiralling insecurity in Afghanistan. "For how long will we have to tolerate this bloodshed in our country?" a sobbing resident asked on local Tolo News. "I have lost my brother in the blast and the government is constantly failing to provide us with security." Kabul blast Authorities swept off debris and shards of glass littered across the streets, and cleared away the charred carcasses of blown-up vehicles, as shocked residents held emotionally charged funerals. With more than 400 people wounded, the injured spilled over into hospital hallways as huge crowds gathered outside waiting for news of their loved ones or searching for still missing relatives. Health officials warned some victims may never be identified as their bodies were torn into pieces or burned beyond recognition. Doctors at the crowded Wazir Akbar Khan hospital performed dozens of back-to-back surgeries Wednesday to save the wounded, some not even stopping to break their Ramadan fast, witnesses said. Afghanistan's intelligence agency has blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network for the attack. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is expected to approve the execution of 11 Taliban and Haqqani prisoners, a government source told AFP, in apparent retaliation to the assault. Rescue workers were digging bodies from the site hours after the explosion, as anguished residents searched for missing relatives The Taliban -- currently in the midst of their annual "spring offensive" -- denied they were involved. The Haqqani Network, long thought to have ties to neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy military establishment, is led by Sirajuddin Haqqani -- who is also the Taliban's deputy leader. It has carried out numerous attacks in Kabul, including the 2008 Indian embassy bombing that killed almost 60 people. In another retaliatory measure, Afghanistan cancelled proposed home and away cricket fixtures with Pakistan, saying it could not play against "a country where terrorists are housed and provided safe havens". - Kabul deadly for civilians - Global outrage swelled Thursday over the blast, the deadliest single attack in Kabul since the Taliban were toppled from power in a 2001 US-led invasion. The sound of the bomb, which went off near Kabul's busy Zanbaq Square, reverberated across the Afghan capital US President Donald Trump told Ghani in a phone call that the timing of the attack during Ramadan underscores "the barbaric nature of the terrorists who are enemies of all civilised people". The lights at the Eiffel Tower were switched off on Wednesday night to honour the scores of victims. The explosion, which Kabul residents compared to an earthquake, left several embassies damaged. At least 11 Afghan guards working for the US embassy were among those killed and 11 American citizens working as contractors in Kabul were among the wounded, US officials have said. Germany said an Afghan guard had been killed at its embassy, which was "in the immediate vicinity" of the attack, while several other countries also reported damage to their missions. Germany on Thursday announced a temporary suspension of group deportations of rejected Afghan asylum seekers following the Kabul attack. The European nation has drawn criticism for sending back Afghans to an increasingly dangerous country. Frequent mass casualty attacks made the city the deadliest place in Afghanistan for civilians in the first quarter of 2017, according to the United Nations. Afghan troops backed by US and NATO forces have been struggling to beat back the insurgents, and the White House is considering sending thousands more soldiers to break the deadlock in the battle against the Taliban. US troops in Afghanistan number about 8,400 now, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies. They mainly serve in an advisory capacity -- a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. As the cyclone advanced on Bangladesh, local authorities increased the maritime threat to its highest level and ordered all fishing vessels to remain at port The Bangladesh navy said Thursday it has rescued 23 fishermen from the Bay of Bengal and is searching for scores more missing since a cyclone hit two days ago. Most were plucked from a sinking boat which had broken down, leaving them stranded at sea when Cyclone Mora hit on Tuesday, killing seven people and destroying thousands of homes. The navy said its ships were conducting an "extensive search" of the area after the storm left a trail of devastation along the coast. They are also carrying food, emergency relief and two medical teams to Kutubdia and Saint Martin's, two coastal islands that were hit hard by the cyclone. "At least 15 ships have been deployed to search for survivors in the Bay of Bengal after the storm," a senior Navy official said. "They are still in the sea and have rescued 23 fishermen from the water." A navy helicopter and a maritime patrol aircraft are also conducting aerial searches for survivors, it said. As the cyclone advanced on Bangladesh, local authorities increased the maritime threat to its highest level and ordered all fishing vessels to remain at port. Bangladeshi villagers stand next to a house destroyed by Cyclone Mora in Cox's Bazar However Mushtaq Ahmed, a fishing industry representative in Cox's Bazar, said eight boats carrying around 150 fishermen had failed to return. "We heard some 60 fishermen were rescued by Bangladeshi and Indian navy ships. If they're our men, we think some 90 fishermen are still missing," he told AFP. "They could be moored on a island or adrift at sea. In the past we have seen that most of the fishermen return to their fishing ports within a week or two. We hope this time they will also be back in good health." Bangladesh suffers frequent cyclones and fishermen are often reported missing only to be found in their villages after the storm has subsided. - Extensive search - Ahmed said it was the first time the navy had conducted such an extensive search for missing fishermen after a cyclone. The rescues brought the total number of people plucked from the sea since Tuesday to 56. An Indian navy ship rescued 33 Bangladeshi survivors on Wednesday and handed them over to the local authorities, senior government official Zillur Rahman Chowdhury told AFP. "All 33 are fishermen," Chowdhury said, adding they were tossed into the sea after their boats were caught in the cyclone. Meanwhile, aid workers said emergency food and aid had reached tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox's Bazar, which bore the brunt of the storm. The World Food Programme said it was handing out 100 tonnes of high-energy biscuits to nearly 20,000 refugee families after the cyclone destroyed or damaged thousands of homes. Rohingya refugees rebuild their house, which was destroyed by Cyclone Mora, at a camp in the Cox's Bazar district "After a day of going hungry with my kids, this is amazing," said Rohingya refugee Abdul Khalek after he received 30 packs of biscuits for his family of eight. Thousands of Rohingya have been sleeping in the open since the storm hit, despite continuing rain. Cyclone Mora came after heavy rains in Sri Lanka caused the worst flooding the island has seen in well over a decade, killing more than 200 people. South Asia is frequently hit by flooding in the summer with the arrival of the annual monsoon rains. A massive truck bomb ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter on Wednesday, bringing carnage to the streets of the Afghan capital and shattering windows hundreds of metres away No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for Wednesday's powerful blast that ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter, killing at least 90 people and wounding hundreds of others. The attack, condemned by the international community, underscores how the Afghan capital has become one of the deadliest places in the country for civilians. As the silence stretches and public anger grows, AFP looks at the main suspects: The Afghan Taliban The Taliban have denied they were involved -- but analysts say that should not be taken at face value. Currently in the midst of their so-called "spring offensive", the Taliban -- who seek to drive foreign forces from Afghanistan and to rule the country through their extremist interpretation of Islam -- are by far its biggest and most powerful insurgent group. They were ousted from power in a US-led invasion in 2001, but have seen a resurgence since the withdrawal of frontline NATO combat troops in 2014, briefly capturing key cities in addition to vast swathes of countryside. In recent years the group -- sensitive about its public reputation -- has shied away from claiming attacks on civilian targets, though analysts believe this could be a tactic of convenience. "Don't rule out #Taliban involvement. Casts itself as more moderate than ISIS, so won't rush to take credit for attack on civilians," tweeted Washington-based regional expert Michael Kugelman after Wednesday's attack. Islamic State The Islamic State group (IS), by contrast, has little hesitation in raising its hand to take credit for bloody attacks, including those on 'soft targets', as it seeks to spread its so-called 'caliphate' from its Middle East base. They have carried out several attacks in Kabul, nearly as deadly as Wednesday's: last July they claimed a bombing that killed more than 80 people in the city. In March, they claimed a deadly raid on Afghanistan's largest military hospital that officially killed 60 people, slaughtering patients in their beds -- though survivors and analysts suggested that attack also bore the hallmarks of the Taliban. The group -- made up mainly of former disaffected Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters -- has gained some traction in Afghanistan since formally designating the country its 'Khorasan' province. The US military last month dropped the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb -- dubbed the "Mother Of All Bombs" -- on IS positions in eastern Nangarhar province, killing dozens of jihadists, whom they have vowed to wipe out. But while its supporters celebrated Wednesday's assault in Kabul on social media, the group has not claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq propaganda agency. The Haqqani Network Afghanistan's intelligence agency has blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network for the attack, which has long been thought to have ties to neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy military establishment. Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is also the Taliban's deputy leader, they have carried out numerous operations deep in the heart of Kabul, including the 2008 Indian embassy bombing that killed almost 60 people. Pakistan launched a military operation targeting militant safe havens along the border with Afghanistan in 2014 that drove many, including the Haqqanis, over the border. They remain a force, but have not carried out a major attack in some time. Al-Qaeda and other groups The group behind the 9/11 attacks were written off as a spent force by many in Washington following the killing of their chief Osama Bin Laden deep inside Pakistani territory in 2011. Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal, while testifying before US Congress in April, said this was a mistake and its symbiotic relationship with the Taliban, which has strengthened, meant that "Al-Qaeda has more areas to plant its flag". Nevertheless the group that provided the impetus for the international intervention in Afghanistan has not carried out a significant attack there in years, and observers think it is unlikely to be behind Wednesday's blast. Several Pakistani groups round out the jihadist landscape in Afghanistan, including the Pakistani Taliban, the formerly India-centric Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, none of whom are believed to have the capacity to have carried out Wednesday's attack in Kabul. Hillary Clinton has been reluctant to embark on serious and public self-criticism of her campaign loss Hillary Clinton went a step further Wednesday in blaming her election loss to Donald Trump on Russian cyberattacks, saying Americans including associates of the Republican president likely had a hand in the effort. The Democratic nominee in last year's bitterly fought White House race addressed a technology conference in California, speaking at length about what she termed a Moscow-led campaign of "disinformation" against her that influenced the vote. "The Russians, in my opinion, and based on the intel and counter-intel people I've talked to, could not have known how best to weaponize that information unless they had been guided," Clinton told the Recode conference, referring to an avalanche of false information, social media bots and hacks of Clinton campaign emails. Some of those people helping the Russians, she said, had access to "polling and data information." Asked by a moderator who those individuals might be, Clinton said: "We're getting more information about all of the contacts between Trump campaign officials and Trump associates with Russians before, during and after the election. So I hope that we'll get enough information to be able to answer that question." "I'm leaning Trump," she said of the connections. "I think it's pretty hard not to." - 'Covfefe' returns - The Republican president struck back in a tweet late Wednesday, criticizing Clinton for failing to take responsibility for her loss. "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC," he said. Trump-Russia connections He was referring to Clinton's assertions during her talk that fake news about her was spread on Facebook, and that the Democratic Party, unlike the well-funded Republicans, did not have a sophisticated data system. Clinton snapped back at the president in a brief message on Twitter. "People in covfefe houses shouldn't throw covfefe," she wrote. Trump used the non-existant word in an incomplete sentence tweeted just after midnight Tuesday. The tweet remained online for some 5.5 hours, sparking worldwide ridicule. The message was finally deleted early Wednesday, and Trump joked about it in a subsequent tweet. When White House spokesman Sean Spicer was asked about the cryptic word he told incredulous reporters that Trump "and a small group of people know exactly what he meant." He gave no further explanation. - Russian 2016 role probed - Several US congressional committees have launched investigations into Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 election and its possible coordination with Trump campaign aides or associates. The Department of Justice has appointed a former FBI director as a special counsel to head a separate, independent investigation. Protesters march against President Trump outside the Embassy of Russia on March 4, 2017, in Washington, DC Clinton, who ruled out a new election bid, told Recode that the best example of such coordination took place in October. WikiLeaks released emails hacked from her campaign chief John Podesta within an hour of a 2005 video of Trump boasting about how he could get away with groping women was leaked to the press. "They had to be ready for that, and they had to have a plan for that and they had to be given the go-ahead; 'OK, this could be the end of the Trump campaign. Dump it now,'" she said. As she had done previously, Clinton also said that then-FBI director James Comey dealt her campaign "a tremendous hit" when he briefly re-opened an investigation into her use of a private email account and server just days before the election. "He dumps that on me on October 28, and I immediately start falling," she said. The presidential vote was November 8. While she said she takes "responsibility" for the loss, Clinton appeared reluctant to publicly discuss her own campaign mistakes. Despite losing the indirect but all-important state-by-state electoral college count, "I won three million more (popular) votes than the other guy," she said. Rwanda is to hold presidential elections on August 4 Rwanda's media regulator has said the election body does not have the mandate to regulate social media use by presidential candidates, a measure seen as an assault on free speech. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) ruled last month that once campaigning starts on July 14, any social media updates by presidential candidates must be submitted to them for pre-approval. However, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) which oversees the media, said in a statement late Wednesday that the NEC had "no mandate to regulate or interrupt the use of social media by citizens." "RURA as the statutory regulator has not had any discussions with NEC on this subject and would like to reaffirm the right of citizens to express themselves on social media ... while respecting existing laws," wrote spokesman Anthony Kulamba. The ruling created a furore, with opposition leaders seeing it as a bid to block criticism of President Paul Kagame while US ambassador Erica Barks-Ruggles said it was a "very, very serious limitation on the freedom of expression." The measure even raised eyebrows within government, with Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo writing on Twitter: "No offence to Rwanda NEC but Rwandans should express themselves freely on social media in election season." Since the end of the 1994 genocide in which around 800,000 mostly Tutsi people died, Rwanda has been praised for its stability and economic performance. However, it often comes under fire for a lack of political freedom. Rwanda is constitutionally a multi-party system but there is practically no opposition within the country. All recognised parties generally support the policy decisions made by the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) -- with the exception of the small Democratic Green Party which was the only one to object to 2015 constitution changes allowing Kagame to seek re-election. Only four candidates have declared their intention to run against Kagame in the August 4 poll. Kagame has been in charge since taking power at the head of a rebel army in 1994 and has already served two seven-year terms as president. Kagame won previous elections with well over 90 percent of the vote. The Saudi-led coalition has patrolled the waters off Yemen to enforce a blockade of rebel-held areas since it launched a military intervention in support of the government in March 2015 An oil tanker has come under fire off Yemen while passing through the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait into the Red Sea, a Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government said Thursday. The shipping lane connecting the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean beyond is a key transit route for oil and gas from the Gulf, and Washington has expressed growing concern about its security. Three rocket-propelled grenades were fired at the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker from a boat on Wednesday morning, the Saudi-led coalition said. "None of the crew was hurt," said the coalition statement carried by official Saudi Press Agency, adding that the tanker had sailed on into the Red Sea. It was not clear if any of the RPGs hit the ship. The attack happened near Perim, or Mayun in Arabic, an island that commands the strategic strait and has been controlled by coalition forces since 2015 when they seized it from Yemeni rebels. The coalition, which has in the past accused the Huthi rebels of threatening the security of shipping passing through the strait, said it was investigating who was behind the latest attack. There has also been a resurgence in attacks on shipping in the area by Somali pirates in recent months. "Arms and ammunition smuggling activities into Yemen that are carried out by Huthi militias threaten maritime security in this vital part of the world," the coalition statement said. The rebels control most of Yemen's Red Sea coastline, although a government offensive launched at the start of the year has pushed them away from the strait itself. In January, the rebels attacked a Saudi frigate off the Yemeni coast killing two sailors in what the coalition said was a suicide attack. In September and October, two US warships and a United Arab Emirates vessel contracted to the coalition were targeted by missile fire from rebel-held territory. In March, the head of US Central Command, General Joe Votel, warned that coastal defence missiles, radar systems, mines and explosives boats deployed by the rebels posed a threat to shipping in the strait. The Saudi-led coalition has patrolled the waters off Yemen to enforce a blockade of rebel-held areas since it launched a military intervention in support of the government in March 2015. The strike groups of USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan joined Japanese destroyers Hyuga and Ashigara for the exercise in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) A pair of US aircraft carriers and Japanese naval vessels conducted a joint drill in waters off the Korean peninsula Thursday, in an apparent show of force days after the latest North Korean ballistic missile test. The strike groups of USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan joined Japanese destroyers Hyuga and Ashigara for the exercise in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), where Monday's missile landed. The drills came as Washington and Tokyo step up their rhetoric with an eye to stopping North Korea's missile and nuclear programmes. Pyongyang has now conducted a dozen ballistic missile tests this year, in defiance of UN sanctions warnings and amid fears that it may be preparing for another nuclear test. The US-Japan drill on Thursday comes shortly after the Pentagon tested an interceptor system to strike down a dummy ballistic missile. Last month, naval exercises were conducted in the same waters with the USS Carl Vinson and South Korean and Japanese aircraft taking part. Washington described Thursday's drill as "routine training". "The Ronald Reagan and Carl Vinson Strike Groups were joined by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) for routine training to improve interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Asia Pacific," the US Seventh Fleet said on its Facebook page. Japanese military officials declined to comment on the drill. The United States has led the efforts to bring further sanctions to punish the North and is urging China, Pyongyang's main sponsor, to play a greater role in applying pressure on the unpredictable regime of Kim Jong-un. US President Donald Trump has said Monday's missile test showed "disrespect" for China, while Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe vowed that the "North Korean problem is the international community's top priority". Along with South Korea, Japan is the most directly threatened by Pyongyang's provocations -- Monday's test was the second time this year that a North Korean missile has fallen close to its shores. Heroin and methamphetamine are the product of choice for the region's narco-gangs, but new substances are fast emerging Southeast Asian drug cartels are diversifying the narcotics they produce, the UN's crime agency warned Wednesday, with more than 160 new highs hitting the market in the last eight years. The Golden Triangle -- where Laos, southern China, Thailand and Myanmar intersect -- is the world's second largest drug producer after Latin America. It is notorious for churning out heroin and methamphetamine. But cartel chemists are now also making new drugs to hook customers on cheap compounds that have yet to be made illegal. So-called New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are appearing at an alarming rate with 168 new drugs detected since 2008 across 11 Southeast Asian nations and China, according to a report released Wednesday by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). "The world of drugs has become much more complex," Martin Raithelhuber, an expert on synthetic drugs at the UNODC, told AFP. Golden Triangle drug network "We are seeing a lot of new substances around, substances you may not even have heard of but they're there." While heroin and meth remain the product of choice for the region's narco-gangs, new substances are fast emerging with just three detected hitting the streets in 2008 compared to 80 last year. The new compounds act as stimulants, hallucinogens, sedatives and opioids and can be taken alone or cut with existing drugs on the market to save costs or intensify the high. Many NPS are so new that governments struggle to ban them -- and when they do chemists can simply tweak the formula to create a fresh compound with similar properties. With little research on new highs, the risks to the user rise. One of the most famous new highs in recent years is fentanyl and its many derivatives. An opioid that is 100 times more powerful than heroin, fentanyl is wreaking havoc across North America. An estimated 2.6 million Americans are hooked on prescription opioid painkillers with 33,000 fatal overdoses a year. Raithelhuber said most of the new highs detected in Southeast Asia, many of them fentanyl type substances, were aimed at European or North American consumers. But some of the new compounds were turning up in drugs for the domestic market. In Thailand and Malaysia ecstasy tablets are increasingly been cut with chemicals like ketamine, mephedrone and alpha-PVP. Meanwhile tablets in Indonesia are turning up with PMMA and DOC, new compounds with similar properties to the active ingredient of ecstasy: MDMA. Israeli actress Gal Gadot attends the world premiere of "Wonder Woman" in Hollywood, California, on May 25, 2017 Lebanon has banned the screening of Hollywood blockbuster "Wonder Woman" because of its lead actress Gal Gadot, who served in the Israeli military, on the grounds of a long-standing boycott of the Jewish state. The decision sparked a social media frenzy, with some Lebanese mocking the authorities but others welcoming it as part of a campaign to isolate Israel. An official with Lebanon's General Security told AFP the interior ministry has "decided to ban the screening of this film based on the recommendation of the Arab League's Israel Boycott Office". Lebanon and Israel are still technically in a state of war, and the Arab League maintains a Damascus-based office responsible for coordinating a regional boycott of the Jewish state. Lebanon's economy and culture ministry, which oversees the boycott of Israeli products locally, recommended the film be banned after last year requesting the Arab League office issue a blanket ban on all the work of the 32-year-old actress. Gadot, who like most young Israelis did military service, made headlines in 2014 for a Facebook post defending the Jewish state's blistering offensive in the Gaza Strip run by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas. "I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens," she wrote. "Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children." The Lebanese ban has sparked a storm on social media, with some welcoming the decision which led to advertising posters for Wonder Woman across the capital vanishing overnight. "The campaign to boycott supporters of Israel in Lebanon has succeeded," said the Arabic-language Facebook page of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which seeks to isolate Israel over its occupation of the Palestinian territories. But many in Lebanon mocked the decision as censorship or a waste of time, pointing out the film could be viewed online. "Liberating Palestine one movie at a time. #LiveLoveCensorship," wrote the Stop Cultural Terrorism in Lebanon group, which promotes freedom of expression. - 'In typical Lebanese fashion' - Blogger Elie Fares accused the government of inconsistency, pointing out that several of Gadot's movies have aired in Lebanon in past years. Israeli actress Gal Gadot attends the world premiere of "Wonder Woman" in Hollywood, California, on May 25, 2017 "In typical Lebanese fashion and because we definitely have our priorities in order, Lebanon's government decided to rise up from its slumber and resist, even though the movie has been announced for over three years now," he wrote on his "A Separate State of Mind" blog. "The fact of the matter is that if you have a problem with the content of a movie, the actor or actress leading it or anything pertaining to it... Simply don't go watch it," he added. "Call for a boycott, but you sure as hell have no right in making sure no one else gets to watch it too." Lebanon is considered one of the most liberal countries in the Arab world, with a thriving arts scene. But its interior ministry's censorship bureau occasionally bans content considered to incite confessional dissent, attacking morals or state authority, or to reflect Israeli propaganda. So far, Lebanon appears to be the only Arab country to order a ban on Wonder Woman, which remains scheduled for release across the region including in Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia later this month. The recent flooding in Sri Lanka is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon Three people drowned Thursday when their makeshift raft capsized in Sri Lanka, which has been hit by its worst flooding in 14 years. Police said the victims, who included a mother and her 14-year-old son, had ignored official warnings not to venture outdoors because they had a funeral to attend. The drownings in Nagoda in the country's south follow the deaths of 203 people from Friday's heavy rains, most of them buried under landslides. "We have appealed to the people not to go out to check their flooded homes without proper safety gear," navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge said. "These are avoidable deaths." Among the 203 people killed on Friday were 45 school children, officials said. Another 95 are still listed as missing. The Disaster Management Centre said the situation across the country was improving and thousands of security personnel were working on relief and recovery operations. Sri Lanka announced on Wednesday that it will tighten construction laws, saying many landslide victims would have survived had their homes not been built on slopes. Decades of illegal construction had worsened the flooding by blocking drains and eliminating natural rainwater stores, including marshland. The flooding is the worst since May 2003 when 250 people were killed and 10,000 homes destroyed after a similarly powerful monsoon, officials said. Monsoon rains last year also caused flooding and landslides, killing more than 100 people. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Both claim it in full and have fought two wars over the mountainous region Pakistan on Thursday said two of its civilians were killed and seven injured in Indian cross-border shelling in the disputed Kashmir region. Senior government official Raja Tahir Mumtaz said the incident occurred in the Poonch sector along the Line of Control (LoC), the de-facto border that divides the Himalayan territory. "These civilians were sleeping in their houses, one of the dead was a 65-year old," Mumtaz said, adding that four women were among those injured. Mohammad Ashfaq, a police official in the area, added that several houses were also damaged due to the mortar fire. Nafees Zakariya, Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman, confirmed the deaths in a press briefing in Islamabad and accused India of carrying out unprovoked ceasefire violations. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Both claim it in full and have fought two wars over the mountainous region. India said last week it had destroyed military bunkers being used to harbour militants in Pakistani territory, a claim denied by Islamabad. It came after New Delhi accused Pakistan of murdering and mutilating Indian soldiers at the border. Tensions reached dangerous levels again last September, with both sides blaming one another for cross-border raids. There have since been repeated outbreaks of firing across the LoC, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries including of civilians. The strife-torn Central African Republic (CAR) topped the Norwegian Refugee Council's 2016 list of the 10 most neglected countries suffering displacement crises The world is turning a blind eye to millions of Africans who have fled their homes due to conflict, a Norwegian charity group said Thursday, warning the victims are increasingly vulnerable to crisis. The strife-torn Central African Republic (CAR) topped the Norwegian Refugee Council's 2016 list released Thursday of the 10 most neglected countries suffering displacement crises, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan and Nigeria. More than 12 million people have been forced from their homes in these countries combined, according to NRC figures. Each year, the council presents a list of the most ignored crises. "The fact that most of these people do not turn up at our doorsteps, gives us no right to close our eyes to their suffering and does not remove our responsibility to assist," the council's Secretary General Jan Egeland said in a statement. "Many of the displaced people have fled their homes multiple times, and each time they get increasingly vulnerable," he added. Although one in five Central Africans are displaced from their homes due to violence between the pro-Muslim Seleka and the pro-Christian anti-Balaka groups, only 38 percent of a UN appeal for humanitarian assistance to the country was covered last year, the NGO said. The African countries haven't received enough economic help to meet basic needs, "limited media attention", and that there's a "lack of political will to solve the crises", it added. "Economic support to alleviate humanitarian crises must be given based on needs, and not be subject to geopolitical interests," Egeland said. "In addition, we need to work for long-term political solutions, which can lift countries out of a negative spiral of violence, war and poverty," he added. Other countries on the NRC list are Yemen, Palestine, Ukraine, Burma and Somalia. A vehicle carrying migrants travels through Agadez, Niger, en route to Libya in June 2015 At least 44 Libya-bound migrants, including women and babies, died of thirst after their vehicle broke down in the scorching Sahara desert of northern Niger, local officials said Thursday. "The number of migrants who died in the desert is 44 for now," said Rhissa Feltou, the mayor of Agadez, a remote town on the edge of the Sahara that has become the smuggling capital of Africa. A security source who asked not to be named said "the sub-Saharan migrants, including babies and women, died of thirst because their vehicle broke down". "There were six survivors who were rescued by the army in the heart of the desert near Achegour," the Agadez mayor said. A humanitarian source said five of them were from Ghana and one was from Nigeria. The arid dusty town in central Niger is a major transit point for migrants seeking work in Libya or Algeria or trying to reach the sea to sail to Europe. Last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 335,000 migrants heading northwards out of Niger. Many perish while trying to cross the desert in crammed pick-up trucks with often meagre provisions of water as jerrycans carrying fuel take priority. To protect themselves from the sand and sun, the migrants cover up from head to toe, most wearing hoods, sunglasses, jackets and gloves. Temperatures in Agadez currently hover around 40 degrees Celsius but have hit almost 50 degrees (122 Fahrenheit) in the past. The Red Cross, which said "at least 44 migrants have died", dispatched a team to the site "to gather information" on the circumstances. - Rape, kidnappings common - The 750-kilometre (465-mile) trip from Agadez to the Libyan border takes between two and three days with only very short petrol and toilet stops on the way. In early May, eight migrants from Niger, five of them children, were found dead in the desert while heading to Algeria. Also in May, soldiers on patrol in northern Niger rescued around 40 migrants from various west African countries who had been abandoned in the Sahara by smugglers they had paid to get to Libya. The group included people from The Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal and Niger, all of them hoping to reach the Libyan coast and from there cross the Mediterranean to Europe. Many migrants are kidnapped by traffickers or bandits and often subjected to sexual and other abuse. Hunger, fever, fractured limbs and dehydration are also common problems. Accidents are frequent on the rough tracks used by smugglers who drive for hours without stopping across the desert and the dunes. Libya has long struggled to control its 5,000 kilometres (3,000 miles) of southern borders with Sudan, Chad and Niger, even before the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi. In the chaos that followed, traffickers stepped up their business, with tens of thousands of people each year making the perilous crossing to Italy just some 300 kilometres away. Germany and Italy last month called for an EU mission to be installed on the border between Libya and Niger to reduce the migrant flow. By mid-April this year, Italy had registered nearly 42,500 migrants coming by sea, 97 percent of them arriving from Libya. Some 171 people have been reported killed since gunmen waving black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group began rampaging through the Muslim city of Marawi last week Philippine airstrikes aimed at Islamist militants who are holding hostages as human shields killed 11 soldiers, authorities said Thursday, as they conceded hundreds of gunmen may have escaped a blockade. The friendly fire deaths bring to 171 the number of people reported killed since militants waving the black flags of the Islamic State (IS) group began rampaging through the Muslim city of Marawi last week. Shortly after the violence erupted President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law across the southern region of Mindanao, home to 20 million people, to quell what he said was an IS bid to establish a base in the mainly Catholic Philippines. But the government's narrative of being in "full control" of Marawi took a hit Thursday when defence chiefs said 11 soldiers were killed in a misguided bombing mission. Philippines "It's very painful. It's very sad to be hitting our own troops," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters in Manila. "It's sad but sometimes it happens in the fog of war." Lorenzana also warned that many militants may have escaped, despite checkpoints throughout the city and surrounding it. "We have reports they are going to some of the towns around Marawi city," Lorenzana said. Local authorities have repeatedly warned that the trapped residents and hostages are in grave danger of being killed in the air assaults He said there were about 500 militants at the start of the unrest and only between 50 and 100 were believed to still be in Marawi. According to the military, 120 gunmen have been killed, meaning as many as 330 remain unaccounted for and could have slipped out of the city. Adding to concerns about the rising threat of IS, Lorenzana said militants from Saudi Arabia, Chechnya, Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia were among the dead. - Appeals to end airstrikes - The military has relentlessly dropped bombs and fired rockets at the militants, who have been hiding in residential areas of Marawi where local authorities believe about 2,000 people are trapped. The gunmen are also holding hostages, some of whom have been forced to speak on propaganda videos calling for troops to withdraw. Local authorities have repeatedly warned that the trapped residents and hostages are in grave danger of being killed in the air assaults, and on Thursday repeated calls for them to end. "We continuously appeal to the chain of command... to refrain from using airstrikes," Zia Alonto Adiong, a local politician and spokesman for the provincial crisis management committee, told reporters in Marawi. The International Committee of the Red Cross on Wednesday called for a humanitarian ceasefire. The military has relentlessly dropped bombs and fired rockets at the militants, who have been hiding in residential areas of Marawi where local authorities believe about 2,000 people are trapped Lorenzana said airstrikes may be curtailed because of the friendly fire incident, but Duterte signalled his intent to destroy all terrorist threats in Marawi and across Mindanao. "If its war, my orders are really are to wipe them out, everyone. When I say wipe them out better if you shoot him in the head, shoot him again in the heart," Duterte said in a speech in Manila. However he did not comment on the friendly fire deaths. The militants have murdered 19 civilians, the military has said, while insisting none has died in any air assaults or the intense street-to-street battles. Thirty-two soldiers and police officers have been confirmed killed. The clashes erupted when security forces raided a house to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Filipino militant regarded as IS's leader in the Philippines. He is on the US government's list of most-wanted terrorists. Authorities said they were taken by surprise when many gunmen emerged to protect Hapilon and then went on a rampage through Marawi, which has a population of 200,000. The militants mostly belonged to a local group called the Maute and the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang that Hapilon has helped lead for many years. A Muslim separatist rebellion in the southern Philippines has killed more than 120,000 people since the 1970s. The main Muslim rebel groups have signed accords with the government aimed at forging lasting peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy. The Maute, the Abu Sayyaf and other hardline groups have rejected the peace process. Poaching has risen sharply in recent years across Africa, fuelled by rising demand in Asia for ivory and rhino horn, coveted as traditional medicine and a status symbol China on Thursday rejected allegations that two of its diplomats working in Uganda were involved in the trafficking of ivory from the African country. The Chinese embassy officials are suspected of helping move ivory from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, using Uganda as a transit point, Ali Munira, a spokeswoman for Uganda's top anti-corruption body, told AFP this week. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has ordered a probe into possible collusion between the country's wildlife agency and the diplomats, Munira said. But China dismissed reports of the allegations as "totally unfounded". "We have rigorous regulations and laws on governmental officials, embassy members, and visiting groups to forbid them from buying or engaging in (smuggling) activities," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. But she added: "We will punish them if they are found to be engaged in such activities." Poaching has risen sharply in recent years across Africa, fuelled by rising demand in Asia for ivory and rhino horn, coveted as traditional medicine and a status symbol. Uganda is a major transit country for the illegal trade. China announced in December that it would ban all ivory trade and processing by the end of 2017, a move hailed by conservationists as a "game changer" for African elephants. More than 35,000 elephants are killed across Africa every year for their tusks. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned the ivory trade in 1989. But China permits the resale of ivory bought before the 1989 ban -- and also has a stockpile purchased with CITES approval in 2008, which it releases for sale with certification. Up to 2,000 people are believed to be trapped in Marawi, where Philippine government forces are battling Islamic State group-linked Islamists, with warnings that some are being held as human shields Muhamer Macayman cowered for four days as bullets tore through the shanty home he was hiding in, praying neither the rampaging Islamist militants nor the Philippine soldiers hunting them would kill him. Like many others, Macayman became trapped when gunmen flying the black flags of the Islamic State group launched an assault on the southern city of Marawi last week, triggering clashes that have claimed more than 170 lives. Aid workers and local lawmakers have called in vain for a humanitarian ceasefire, warning an estimated 2,000 stranded people are in grave danger of being caught in the crossfire of battle, military airstrikes, hunger and sickness. But Macayman was among the lucky ones, and recounted to AFP on Thursday a terror-filled initial phase of the ordeal hiding in his home with his father, followed by an epic escape that involved a perilous swim across a raging river. "We kept still and quiet and prayed that our ordeal would end," said Macayman, 21, as he recalled watching eight-centimetre (three-inch) bullet slugs apparently from automatic rifles hit the corrugated roof of his home then fall to the ground. Macayman, a Muslim like almost all of Marawi's 200,000 residents, said his greatest fear was the militants who were in the strategically better position uphill. With food running low after four days, and the growing danger of being discovered, Macayman, his father and six other men from their village slipped out in the dark to embark on what turned into a five-day escape. Their mission was to raise the alarm and seek help for the children and others who were unable to undertake such a gruelling mission. "Getting out was difficult because they (militants) were firing over the rooftops," Macayman told AFP as he recovered at an evacuation centre. - Human shield - The escape involved climbing a mountain at night and swimming the Agus river to reach the city's west side. Those trapped in Marawi include women and children, as Islamist militants and Philippine government forces battle around them, laying waste to the mainly Muslim city "One of our companions is heavyset and he nearly drowned because of the strong current," Nasser Abdul, 45, one of Macayman's friends, told AFP about the swim. Both men said they dared not use lights or cook at night during the journey for fear of alerting the militants. "We survived on dry noodles, eaten raw," Macayman said. When they got to safety and alerted authorities, a military convoy was dispatched to pick up Macayman's trapped neighbours on Wednesday, including Abdul's four young children. In a dramatic rescue in which both soldiers and civilians came under sniper fire, the soldiers formed a human shield around the residents, who waved pieces of white clothing toward a white truck, an AFP photographer saw. No one was injured in the attack, though the impoverished village of huts made of coconut planks bore signs of the militants' ferocity. The house of a local politician was reduced to its concrete shell, with part of its upper front wall blown out, apparently with high explosives. A ramshackle police detachment, with barracks made of bamboo and thatch, was burnt to the ground. Lieutenant-Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, military spokesman for the government campaign to retake Marawi, said the situation was growing increasingly desperate for those who remained trapped, with the militants holding some people as "human shields". "There is a real sense of confusion, of hunger. There is also the pressing issue about of course the lack of food, the lack of water, and the lack of protection," he said. The Philippine military has also relentlessly bombed the buildings where the militants have been hiding. It has insisted the airstrikes are "surgical" but, highlighting the dangers for everyone on the ground, defence chiefs said 11 soldiers were killed on Wednesday when a bombing mission went wrong and hit troops. Macayman said he could only attribute his survival to God. "It's a sign from above," he said. US President Donald Trump (left) and European Council President Donald Tusk pictured at EU headquarters in Brussels on May 25, 2017 European Council President Donald Tusk made a personal appeal Thursday to US President Donald Trump not to pull Washington out of the Paris climate agreement. Tusk warned Trump on Twitter against such a move as he prepared to host an EU-China summit Friday designed to fill the void on climate if the US withdraws from the landmark 2015 pact. "@realDonaldTrump please don't change the (political) climate for the worse," Tusk said after Trump tweeted he would make his final decision at 1900 GMT. Tusk will join Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the executive European Commission, in meeting Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the summit on Friday. Li pledged to "steadfastly" implement the Paris pact as he held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel before travelling later Thursday to Brussels for informal talks. The European Union and Chinese leaders will throw their full weight behind implementing all aspects of the Paris agreement, regardless of US participation, according to a draft statement expected to be published Friday. The United States is the world's second biggest carbon emitter, after China. The US administration under Trump -- who once called climate change a Chinese "hoax" -- has resisted intense pressure from US partners to respect the global accord. America's international allies and Trump's domestic opponents lashed out Wednesday at media reports that he had made up his mind to pull Washington out of the agreement to curb carbon emissions. Trump said he'd been "hearing from a lot of people, both ways. Both ways." The summit in Brussels could mark a dramatic shift in global politics, with the EU taking over from the United States in working with China to fight climate change. Niger attack Six members of the Niger security forces were killed when heavily-armed attackers ambushed a military position near the border with Mali, a security source told AFP on Thursday. "There are six dead in this terror attack," he said, indicating that the assault in the southwestern town of Abala was carried out on Wednesday evening by "heavily-armed men" who arrived in 14 all-terrain vehicles. Four of the dead were national guards and two of them military police, he added, saying the attack happened at 7:00 pm in the evening. The source said the security forces were still engaged in a gunbattle with the attackers, with "military aircraft" engaged in "a search and sweep operation to hunt down" any further gunmen. Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum and several other officials went to the town on Thursday to attend a funeral for the victims, he said. Abala, which is located in the western Tillaberi region, was one of the areas where a state of emergency was declared in March following a spate of deadly attacks blamed on jihadists from Mali. Last week, two police officers and a civilian were killed in an attack on a police post in the same region. The state of emergency was imposed following a string of attacks in Tillaberi and the neighbouring region of Tahoua targeting army posts and refugee camps. Officials have blamed the violence on Malian jihadists linked to the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) group. These include an attack in October which killed 22 soldiers during a daring assault on a refugee camp and another attack in February which left 16 soldiers dead and another 18 wounded. Under the state of emergency, Niamey closed a dozen rural markets and banned the movement of vehicles in many western areas in order to crack down on cross-border infiltrations from its restive neighbour. The UN's multinational force MINUSMA has just over 12,000 military and police personnel stationed in Mali since July 2013 in what is considered the UN's most dangerous active peacekeeping deployment. In a separate attack on Thursday, four French soldiers were wounded, one of them seriously, when a mortar was fired at a MINUSMA camp in the northern city of Timbuktu, the French chief of staff said. The soldiers were part of the "Barkhane" counter-terror force which has 4,000 soldiers including 1,700 from France operating across five countries in the Sahel region. Bahrain's King Hamad met US President Donald Trump in Riyadh on May 21, 2017 Authorities in Bahrain have clamped down on dissent in the wake of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf last month -- a move that experts say is no coincidence. "The human rights situation was already bad, but the timing of the latest crackdown is striking and it's unlikely to be coincidental," said Jane Kinninmont, senior research fellow at Chatham House. Trump last month embarked on his first foreign tour since taking office, beginning with Saudi Arabia where he had a string of meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders including Bahrain's King Hamad. Less than 48 hours after he left the Saudi kingdom, five people were killed and 286 arrested on May 23 when police fired on a rally outside the home of Sheikh Isa Qassim, Bahrain's most high-profile Shiite cleric. "That does suggest that the calculations are being made," said Kinninmont. "I think the main thing that is definitely different is... the amount of force that was just used. It does seem like a change." Authorities said the sit-in, which had been going on for months, had become a refuge for "wanted persons and fugitives". On Wednesday, a state tribunal also dissolved the Waed movement, the country's main secular opposition group, on the grounds that it supported "terrorism". The state last year ordered the dissolution of Shiite opposition group Al-Wefaq, once the largest bloc in Bahrain's parliament. Al-Wefaq leader Sheikh Ali Salman has been behind bars since 2014. Sunni-ruled but Shiite-majority Bahrain has been rocked by unrest since 2011, when the authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite-led protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister. The government accuses the mainly Shiite and Iran-backed opposition of "terrorism" aimed at toppling the state. Tehran has denied involvement. - 'Blank cheque' - Gulf powerhouse Saudi Arabia worries about its regional rival Iran interfering in Arab states by using Shiite communities to advance Tehran's interests in Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Trump has voiced similar concern, accusing the Islamic republic in his speech to Arab leaders in the Saudi capital Riyadh of exporting global "terrorism". The American president, who ducked questions about human rights abuses during his Gulf visit, said ties with Manama would no longer be strained under his administration, unlike during that of his predecessor Barack Obama. Bahrain, located between Saudi Arabia and Iran, is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. The US State Department is pursuing plans to sell F-16 warplanes to Bahrain, lifting restrictions put in place by Obama over the Al-Khalifa monarchy's crackdown on dissent. Rights groups and analysts both warn that the worst is yet to come. The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy said Trump "effectively gave Hamad a blank cheque to continue the repression of his people". "Trump has effectively embraced longstanding US Gulf allies and, in a break from previous administrations, said that he would not lecture them on human rights issues, signalling a hands-off US policy," said Adam Baron, visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in Bahrain since 2011, including leaders of the opposition. Some including Qassim have also been stripped of their citizenship. In April, the kingdom approved a constitutional amendment allowing military courts to try civilians accused of "terrorism", sparking condemnation by rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Last month, public prosecutors referred the first civilian case to a military court. Muslims account for just 10 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population and have emerged as king makers in a country where the majority Sinhala-Buddhist community is split down the middle between two national parties Sri Lanka-based Western diplomats Thursday urged Colombo to investigate a wave of anti-Muslim violence in the Buddhist-majority island following repeated arson attacks targeting shops, mosques and a cemetery in the past month. The European Union delegation chief Tung-Lai Margue urged the government to ensure perpetrators were prosecuted swiftly as the envoys visited a mosque in Sri Lanka's capital to express solidarity with Muslims in the wake of the attacks. "It is important that the government and the police ensure that there is no impunity for hate crimes," Margue said in a statement after Thursday's visit to the Dewatagaha mosque in Colombo. Margue was accompanied by top diplomats from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Switzerland. Rights groups have accused Sri Lankan police of failing to stop a series of hate crimes and not prosecuting a controversial Buddhist monk who went into hiding last week. Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the arson attacks targeting Muslims. Activists have warned that police inaction could spur communal unrest similar to the anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four dead. 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 as king makers in a country where the majority Sinhala-Buddhist community is split down the middle between two national parties. US President Donald Trump expressed support for moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and has appointed a strong supporter of the move as his ambassador to Israel President Donald Trump postponed moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem on Thursday, avoiding a provocative step as he tries to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who welcomed Trump to the city last week, expressed disappointment at the delay but made it clear he still values Trump's support. Palestinian leaders were relieved by a decision that they said "gives peace a chance," and a spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he hoped the "wise decision" would help revive the peace process. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly pledged that he would shift the embassy from Tel Aviv to the city claimed as capital by both Israel and its Palestinian neighbors, and he appointed a US ambassador who shares this goal. But since coming to office in January, Trump has met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders both in Washington and in a visit to the region last week and has committed himself to seeking a long-elusive final peace deal between them. Congress passed a law in 1995 making it US policy to move the embassy to Jerusalem, symbolically endorsing Israel's claim on the city as its capital. But the law also allowed each president to issue and renew a six-month waiver on carrying out the move. On Thursday, the stay came up for renewal for the first time on Trump's watch, and he followed the example of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama in instructing his secretary of state to hold off on the move. - No retreat - "No one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the president's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance," the White House said, in a written statement. "President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend America's national security interests," it explained. "But, as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when." Netanyahu's office expressed disappointment, but not anger. "Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem," a statement said. "Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate today's expression of President Trump's friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future." Hussam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the United States, also issued a statement. "This is in line with the long-held US policy and the international consensus and it gives peace a chance," he said. "We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace." A US official speaking on condition of anonymity stressed that "it's a question of when, not if" the embassy will move but that Trump "doesn't think the timing is right." "In timing such a move, he will seek to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians," he told AFP. - Peace process - Trump's advisors are reported to be divided about the wisdom of quickly making good on the pledge, a move that would delight many Israelis but dismay Palestinians and raise concerns among Israel's Arab neighbors. White House strategy chief Steve Bannon supports the move, but Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is less keen and has said Trump is "being very careful to understand how such a decision would impact the peace process." In Washington, pro-Israel lobby groups are also divided on the policy. Progressive group J Street, which favors a two-state peace deal with the Palestinians, welcomed the delay of a move that could imperil efforts to find a deal on the status of the city negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians. "American governments have avoided and objected to actions that could be interpreted as prejudging the outcome of those negotiations," the group argued. But the biggest pro-Israeli group in the US capital, AIPAC, expressed concern. "We are disappointed that the president has not yet followed through on his pledge to move the embassy, and we hope that he does so soon," it said. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli rule in the west and Jordanian in the east until 1967, when Israel was attacked by allied Arab armies. Israel fought back and its victory left it in control of the entire city. Palestinians want East Jerusalem -- including the Old City and its sites holy to Muslims, Jews and Christians -- to become the capital of their eventual state. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (C), Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere (L) and Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel attend a meeting with the state Premiers of the German Federal states at the Chancellery on June 1, 2017 Germany has temporarily suspended the group deportations of rejected Afghan asylum seekers following the Kabul truck bomb attack, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday. The foreign ministry would reassess security in the country by July, and until then Germany would carry out only "voluntarily repatriations and deportations of violent extremists and criminals in individual cases," she said. Germany said the previous day it had postponed a scheduled deportation flight of rejected Afghan asylum seekers after the truck bomb killed at least 90 people and wounded hundreds. The bombing in Kabul's diplomatic quarter killed an Afghan guard at the German embassy and wounded two embassy staff, one of them German, the other one Afghan. Germany, Europe's most populous nation, has taken in over one million asylum seekers since 2015, the peak of the mass influx of mostly Middle Eastern refugees and migrants to the continent. While it has generally granted safe haven to people from war-torn Syria, Germany has increasingly been sending back Afghans, arguing that much of their country, where the German army has helped stabilisation efforts for years, is safe. Between December and March, Germany sent back a total of 92 Afghan nationals on several charter flights to Kabul, accompanied by over 300 police, according to government figures provided to parliament. The deportation policy for war-torn Afghanistan has however been highly controversial, and the debate intensified after this week's attack. Refugee rights group Pro Asyl demanded that such deportations be scrapped for good, arguing that Afghans must not be sent back to "a country that cannot protect civilians". Some 200 students staged a sit-in at a vocational school in Nuremberg Wednesday and clashed with police who came to detain for deportation a 20-year-old Afghan student who had been in the country for over four years. Police used batons and dogs, and three officers were injured, but they eventually managed to detain the student, reported public broadcaster BR, adding that the student speaks German and had been offered a job. Fomer FBI director James Comey will testify on Russian meddling in last year's US election on June 8 at the Senate Intelligence Committee. Former FBI director James Comey will testify on June 8 before a congressional panel probing allegations of Russian interference in last year's US election, the Senate Intelligence Committee said Thursday. Comey was fired by President Donald Trump early last month as the FBI's own Russia probe increasingly focused on possible collusion between Trump's campaign and a Russian bid to tilt the election in his favor. Comey is expected to be questioned about the circumstances of his firing and allegations that Trump has tried to stifle the agency's investigation and divert attention to intelligence leaks that have hurt his administration. His hotly awaited appearance on Capitol Hill comes as probes by the Justice Department and several Congressional committees have moved toward Trump's inner circle, with investigators said to be examining contacts between top White House advisor and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Last week, The Washington Post reported that Kushner made a pre-inauguration proposal to the Russian envoy to set up a secret, bug-proof link with the Kremlin to discuss bilateral relations and other issues like the Syria conflict. Besides Kushner, other Trump aides and advisors are also in the spotlight. On Wednesday, the House Intelligence Committee issued subpoenas for Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen and his former national security advisor Michael Flynn -- who was also allegedly part of the discussions between Kushner and Kislyak. The Senate panel hearing is expected to quiz Comey on memorandums he allegedly wrote on three conversations he had with Trump in January and February. The memorandums -- the contents of which have been leaked to the media and have not been denied by Comey -- reportedly document the president's efforts to get the FBI to ease the investigation's focus on Flynn. Comey's testimony will come after a new independent special counsel, former FBI director Robert Mueller, was appointed to take over the Justice Department and FBI Russia investigations. Mueller was chosen to lead the department's investigation on May 17 amid concern of political interference. Mueller, respected for his independence and thoroughness, has so far been silent about taking over the investigations. He reportedly has met with Comey to discuss the probe, and Comey reportedly sought his approval to testify. - Attorney general pressed on Russia ties - Besides Kushner, Cohen and Flynn, the Justice and Congressional investigations are also looking into the Russia ties of former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, political consultant Roger Stone, and foreign affairs advisor Carter Page. Meanwhile on Thursday, two Democratic senators, Patrick Leahy and Al Franken, issued a statement calling the FBI to provide information on alleged meetings that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had with Russian officials last year and that were not reported by Sessions. "If it is determined that the attorney general still has not been truthful with Congress and the American people about his contacts with Russian officials during the campaign, he needs to resign," they said. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday again denied state involvement in any US election cyberattacks, but admitted "patriotically minded" hackers might have been involved. People pray in front of portraits of the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster at a memorial altar in Seoul The daughter of a South Korean tycoon blamed for the deadly 2014 Sewol ferry disaster will be extradited on Tuesday from France, a source close to the case said. Yoo Som-Na was detained in Paris in May 2014 and is wanted in South Korea on suspicion of embezzling millions of dollars from subsidiaries of her family's company, Chonghaejin Marine Co. South Korean authorities believe the alleged embezzlement contributed to safety defects that led to the April 2014 disaster that claimed the lives of 304 people, most of them high school children. Yoo, 51, was detained for 13 months in France but released in the middle of 2015. But in June last year, then prime minister Manuel Valls signed a decree for her extradition. Yoo appealed the decision but it was upheld by the Conseil d'Etat, the top court for administrative justice. The source told AFP that she "will be taken to the prison at Versailles (west of Paris) on Tuesday and then directly extradited to her country". Yoo strongly denies the accusations. The extradition comes after she lost her appeal against her extradition. Her father Yoo Byung-Eun had been the target of a massive manhunt in South Korea after he refused to respond to an official summons following the ferry disaster. The tycoon, who in addition to his substantial business interests also ran a religious group, was found dead in a plum orchard two months after the disaster. A post-mortem on his badly decomposed body failed to determine the cause of death. The overloaded 6,825-tonne Sewol was carrying 476 people when it capsized off the southern coast of South Korea. A Libyan Airlines aircraft flies over Tripoli International Airport, after forces belonging to the Libyan unity government took control of the facility on June 1, 2017 Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government on Thursday took control of Tripoli International Airport, which was largely destroyed in 2014, after the withdrawal of rival militias from the site. "This is the beginning of the reconstruction of state of institutions" and the return to rule of law, said General Najmi al-Nakoua, leader of the newly formed presidential guard. The airport, located south of Tripoli, was badly damaged during fierce fighting in mid-2014, after which the Fajr Libya coalition of militias seized the capital and installed a government. Flights in and out of Tripoli have been operating through Mitiga airport, formerly a military base east of the capital, that is under the control of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). The airport had been controlled by forces loyal to Khalifa Ghweil, who headed a rival government and was dismissed after the formation of the GNA. Ghweil, who has refused to give up his post, defiantly announced plans in February to reopen the airport and said that construction was underway. On Friday, forces loyal to Ghweil tried but failed to retake positions they had lost in March, in fighting with GNA fighters that cost the lives of more than 50 people. Since then, the rival forces gradually left their strongholds in the south of Tripoli, allowing the GNA to gain further ground in the capital. General Nakoua said that besides the airport, "several barracks and military sites" were handed over to the GNA. The presidential guard's mission was to protect state institutions, strategic facilities as well as members of the GNA, he said, without elaborating. Libya has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 toppling of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with rival militias and administrations vying for control of the oil-rich country. A rival authority based in the country's east has also refused to recognise the GNA since it started working in Tripoli in March last year. "Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men," the company said on its Twitter account Gunfire was heard at a hotel and a casino resort in the Philippine capital on Friday, and the Islamic State group (IS) quickly claimed responsibility. People ran screaming out of Resorts World Manila, which is across a road from one of the main terminals of the Philippines' international airport, according to television footage. "Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men," the company said on its Twitter account. "The company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe." IS said "lonewolf soldiers" from its group carried out the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors terrorist organisations. There were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries. Police surrounded the complex following the reports of the gunfire, which occurred just after midnight. "I was about to return to the second floor from my break when I saw people running. Some hotel guests said someone yelled 'ISIS'," Maricel Navaro, an employee of Resorts World, told DZMM radio. ISIS is another acronym for the Islamic State group. "Guests were screaming. We went to the basement locker room and hid there. People were screaming, guests and employees were in panic," Navaro said. "When we smelled smoke, we decided to go for the exit in the carpark. That's where we got out. Before we exited, we heard two gunshots and there was thick smoke on the ground floor." - Militant rampage - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law last week across the southern region of Mindanao to crush what he said was a rising threat of Islamic State there. Gunfire at casino complex in Philippine capital He declared martial law shortly after militants went on a rampage through the southern city of Marawi, which is about 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Manila. Security forces are still battling the militants in Marawi, and the clashes there have left at least 171 people dead. Duterte said last week he may need to declare martial law across the rest of the country if the terrorism threat spread. On Friday Duterte declared the attacks in Marawi were "pure ISIS". A Muslim separatist rebellion in the southern Philippines has killed more than 120,000 people since the 1970s. The main Muslim rebel groups have signed accords with the government aimed at forging lasting peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy. However a range of hardline militants groups have rejected the peace process and in recent years have sought to unite behind IS. Military tanks maneouver through a village as they advance towards a position of Islamist militants in Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao on June 1, 2017 One of those groups is the Abu Sayyaf, an infamous kidnap-for-ransom gang that has abducted hundreds of Filipinos and foreigners in the southern Philippines since the early 1990s. It was also accused of being involved in the bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that claimed more than 100 lives, one of the nation's deadliest terrorist attacks. One of the leaders of the Abu Sayyaf, Isnilon Hapilon, is regarded as the new head of IS in the Philippines. He is believed to be among those fighting in Marawi, military chiefs have said. A member of the peacekeeper troops stands guard at a UN refugee camp in the city of Nyala, in South Darfur, in January 2017 The United States and key world powers on Thursday urged Khartoum and a rebel group to end a renewed bout of fighting that has erupted in Sudan's war-torn Darfur after months of relative calm. The fighting in East and North Darfur states comes just weeks before Washington formally decides on whether to lift decades old trade sanctions imposed on Khartoum. The United States, Britain and Norway, the so-called troika of powers on Sudan, and the resident European Union embassies in Khartoum expressed "deep concern" over the latest round of fighting that began on May 20 between Sudanese forces and the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement -- Minni Minawi group (SLM-MM). Khartoum says the fighting, which erupted after months of relative calm, began as many rebels returning from Libya and South Sudan clashed with government forces in East and North Darfur states. "We call on all parties to show restraint, cease all military actions, return to the unilaterally proclaimed ceasefires and finalise as soon as possible a joint cessation of hostilities agreement," a joint statement issued by the troika and EU embassies said on Thursday. In January, Khartoum announced a unilateral six-month ceasefire in Darfur. Khartoum limits international media access to Darfur, and Sudanese authorities could not be reached for comment on details of the fighting. Before leaving office, president Barack Obama eased US sanctions against Sudan, but kept Khartoum on a six-month probation period before Washington formally lifts the trade embargo. An end to fighting in Sudan's hotspots -- Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states -- has been set as a precondition for sanctions being formally lifted. Obama also kept Sudan on Washington's blacklist of nations designated as state sponsors of terrorism. Khartoum has been subject to a US trade embargo since 1997 over its alleged support for Islamist groups. Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was based in Khartoum from 1992 to 1996. Washington believes Khartoum's terror ties have ebbed, but has kept sanctions in place because of the scorched-earth tactics it has used against ethnic minority rebels in Darfur. According to the United Nations, 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced since the Darfur conflict erupted in 2003. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide related to the conflict in Darfur. He denies the charges. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had vowed to quit White House business panels if President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris climate deal Captains of industry, corporations and business groups distanced themselves from the White House on Thursday, as many expressed frustration with President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. The reactions from across the business world -- including oil producers, the tech sector and finance -- stood apart from Trump's portrayal of the decision as a needed corrective to rules that could stymie commerce. Tesla founder Elon Musk confirmed he would quit White House advisory councils on business in protest. "Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world," Musk wrote on Twitter shortly after Trump's announcement. Disney chief Robert Iger followed suit, saying he was resigning from the panels "as a matter of principle." Other tech and industrial sector representatives expressed frustration with the White House's decision and pledged to continue working to combat global warming. "Disappointed with today's decision on the Paris Agreement," Jeff Immelt, CEO of General Electric, wrote on Twitter. "Industry must now lead and not depend on government." The Information Technology Industry Council was equally scathing. "This is clearly disappointing, and a setback for America's leadership in the world," ITI President Dean Garfield said in a statement. "Despite this, the tech industry's determination to innovate and problem-solve for the threats posed by climate change and generate clean energy opportunities that create jobs and grow our economy remains unchanged." In his first ever tweet, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein called the decision a "setback" for the environment and for US global leadership. The statement created clashing appearances, with several former Goldman bankers having taken on important roles in the administration, including former Chief Operating Officer Gary Cohn, who was present for Trump's announcement in the White House Rose Garden. - Big oil opposed - Oil supermajors ExxonMobil and Chevron reiterated their support for the endangered agreement, while automaker General Motors said the White House's decision would not lessen its resolve on the climate. "GM will not waver from our commitment to the environment and our position on climate change has not changed," the company said in a statement. "International agreements aside, we remain committed to creating a better environment." Chevron spokeswoman Melissa Ritchie said her company "supports continuing with the Paris Agreement as it offers a first step towards a global framework." The accord aligns with the company's own policy on carbon emissions, she said. An Exxon spokesman said the 2015 accord was "critical" given the rising emissions from India and China. "It's the first major international accord to address climate change that includes emissions reduction pledges from both developed and developing economies," he told AFP. "We believe that the United States is well positioned to compete within the framework of the Paris agreement." The US Chamber of Commerce, a business lobby that had long criticized the prior Obama administration's energy policies, said had it had not taken a position on the Paris Agreement but favored policies that both promoted energy production and protected the environment. "America should choose a path for an energy future that is achievable, affordable and most importantly meaningful," the organization said in a statement. Matt Sonnesyn, vice president of the Business Roundtable, which includes the heads of major US corporations, said the private sector was part of the solution to climate change. "Business Roundtable CEOs have long held the view that the consequences of climate change are potentially serious and far-reaching," Sonnesyn said. On Wednesday, a group of major US companies including Apple, Facebook, Gap, Google and Unilever signed off on a plea for the US to keep participating in the climate deal. "Dear President Trump, as some of the largest companies based or operating in the United States, we strongly urge you to keep the United States in the Paris Agreement," the letter read. Displaced Syrians who fled the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqa are seen during a sandstorm at a temporary camp in the northern Syrian village of Ain Issa on May 19, 2017 Around 200,000 people have fled the Islamic State stronghold of Raqa, a US military official said, as US-backed Syrian forces prepare for an assault on the city. US Colonel Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the coalition, said the refugees were moving into camps and built-up settlements nearby. The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-Syrian Arab alliance fighting the Islamic State group, "have made the decision to ask the civilians to depart, as opposed to staying in Raqa," Dillon said. The SDF is closing in on Raqa from the north, west and east, but has not yet battled its way to areas south of the city. Meanwhile, Russian aircraft have carried out a series of strikes against IS convoys fleeing the city, Moscow said Thursday. The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has said she believes an agreement in the Security Council to impose new sanctions on North Korea could come by Friday The United States presented a draft UN Security Council resolution Thursday that would impose new sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, diplomats said. The text -- drafted in agreement with China, traditionally Pyongyang's sole diplomatic and military ally -- was expected to be submitted to a Council vote on Friday. The text of the draft, a copy of which AFP obtained, again condemns "in the strongest terms" Pyongyang's series of nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The Council calls on the North to "abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner," and end all ballistic missile test launches. An annex to the resolution adds to an already lengthy blacklist another 14 individuals and four entities accused of contributing to the missile programs whose assets would be frozen and who would face a travel ban. Those listed are bank and corporate executives involved in military financing, or officials in North Korea's Workers' Party. The first on the list, Cho Il-U, is described as the man "believed to be in charge of overseas espionage operations and foreign intelligence collection" for Kim Jong-Un's regime. The entities listed include Koryo Bank, two trading houses linked to North Korea's military, and the army's Strategic Rocket Force. For weeks, the United States has been negotiating with China on how to respond to Pyongyang's missile tests. Washington is counting on Beijing to bring the North in line. "China has agreed to this text... and the American idea is to move rather quickly," one Council diplomat told AFP. The diplomat added that none of the Council's five veto-wielding permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the US -- have threatened to block the resolution. The North has carried out two atomic tests and dozens of missile launches since the beginning of last year in its quest to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental United States -- something President Donald Trump has vowed "won't happen." The Security Council had threatened to boost sanctions against Pyongyang after one of its May test launches. The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Tuesday that she believed Washington and Beijing could reach a deal on new sanctions by week's end. The Security Council adopted two sanctions resolutions last year to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang and deny Kim the hard currency needed to fund his military programs. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has joined forces with governors from California and Washington state to work on climate change -- and defy Donald Trump Democratic state governors from California, New York and Washington formed an immediate alliance Thursday committed to countering climate change, defying Donald Trump's announcement that the United States was leaving the 2015 Paris accord. The three states represent more than one-fifth of US gross domestic product, are home to 68 million people, or nearly one in five Americans, and account for at least 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, the governors said. California's Jerry Brown, New York's Andrew Cuomo and Washington state's Jay Inslee -- all Democrats -- urged other states to join their United States Climate Alliance, saying that they were committed to taking aggressive action against climate change. They remain committed to achieving the US goal of reducing emissions by 26-28 percent from 2005 levels, and meeting or exceeding the targets of a federal Clean Power Plan, they said. Cuomo said the "reckless" decision, announced by the Republican commander-in-chief on Thursday, would have "devastating repercussions" for the planet, and accused the US administration of abdicating its global leadership. "New York State is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris accord regardless of Washington's irresponsible actions," he said. "If the president is going to be AWOL in this profoundly important human endeavor, then California and other states will step up," said Brown. "While the president's actions are a shameful rebuke to the work needed to protect our planet for our children and grandchildren, states have been and will continue to step up," added Inslee. The governors said the alliance would work to sustain and strengthen existing climate programs, promote the sharing of information and best practices, and implement new programs to reduce carbon emissions from all sectors of the economy. Trump announced from the White House that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement and try to negotiate a new global deal on climate change, provoking swift condemnation of European leaders. Fighters from the Kurdish female Women's Protection Units march at a training facility in the northeastern Syrian Kurdish town of Derik on June 1, 2017 The US military offered assurances to Turkey on Thursday over supplying arms to Kurdish fighters against the Islamic State group, after Ankara called the move "extremely dangerous." "We are being transparent with Turkey on the details on what we are providing," said Baghdad-based Pentagon spokesman Colonel Ryan Dillon. "We are maintaining full accountability of the weapons we are providing the SDF," he said, referring to the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-Syrian Arab alliance now moving in on the Islamic State group's Syria stronghold of Raqa. The SDF includes fighters from the Kurdish Peoples' Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey links to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) separatists it calls a terror group. In May, US President Donald Trump approved arming the YPG to support the assault on Raqa. Turkey on Tuesday said arming the YPG was an "extremely dangerous" move and urged Washington to reverse its "mistake." The arms going to the SDF could include anti-armor weapons like rocket-propelled grenades or TOW missiles, in addition to vehicles, AK-47s and small-caliber machine guns. Dillon said any arms provided will be recorded by serial number. "We will maintain that in our database, and we will share that information with allies to the north that are concerned about the weapons we are providing," he said. Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein used his first ever tweet to decry President Trump's decision to exit the Paris climate accord Goldman Sachs, which has been a source of advisors to President Donald Trump, joined a chorus of big companies to criticize the US leader's decision Thursday to exit the Paris climate agreement. "Today's decision is a setback for the environment and for the U.S.'s leadership position in the world," Goldman Sachs chief executive Lloyd Blankfein said on Twitter. It was the first Twitter post for Blankfein, who joined the social network six years ago. His statement was also retweeted on Goldman Sachs's official account. Blankfein supported Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign, but he had expressed hope about Trump's administration since the election. The Trump administration has hired a number of former Goldman senior executives to fill top roles, including Blankfein's former deputy Gary Cohn. Cohn, the head of the president's National Economic Council, had been seen as supporting the Paris agreement. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also worked previously at Goldman, as did White House strategist Steve Bannon. LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) - Authorities says a Pennsylvania woman has been scammed out of her $159,000 life savings by a man who told her she'd face Mafia retaliation if she didn't give him money. Attorney General Josh Shapiro says that man, 45-year-old Yancey Taylor, gambled away the money at casinos. Taylor is from Donora, a Pittsburgh suburb, but the charges were announced Tuesday in Lancaster County, where the alleged 69-year-old victim lived. Police say Taylor stole the money from the woman in 2013 and that she received threatening phone calls when she tried to resist. A state grand jury investigated the case, which began when the woman rented some property she owned in Westmoreland County to Taylor in 2012. Online court records don't list an attorney for Taylor, who faces a preliminary hearing June 9. LONDON (AP) - The European Union's executive outlined Wednesday a series of measures it thinks could shore up the euro currency in the coming decade, ideas that were raised - and often rejected by Germany - during the eurozone's debt crisis. In a wide-ranging discussion paper that forms part of a strategy to reinvigorate the EU following Britain's vote to leave the bloc, the European Commission said there is a "growing awareness" that further steps are needed to complete the euro's financial architecture. The euro's shortcomings really came to the fore during the debt crisis that affected many of its members, notably Greece, from 2010 on. The eurozone's member states and its main bodies, like the European Central Bank, found themselves firefighting the crisis and trying various solutions. Though new institutions have been created, such as a bailout fund, and there is now more coordination among the 19 eurozone countries over policy, the Commission thinks more needs to be done, quickly, to put the currency on a surer footing. German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends an Indian-German Business Summit 2017 in Berlin, Tuesday, May 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) "What we're saying now is that we should not be waiting for another crisis but rather move forward, use this context of the debate of the future of the EU," said Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU vice president who is responsible for the euro. In the paper, the Commission presents many ideas, both for the short- and long-term. For the short-term, through to 2019, it proposes completing such things as the banking union, an agreement on a European deposit insurance scheme, new financial instruments to diversify banks' balance sheets and better converging economic policies among eurozone countries. As longer-term efforts, from 2020 and 2025, the Commission sees bolder steps, including the creation of a "European safe asset" - a financial instrument for the common issuance of debt. The Commission acknowledged that having jointly issued debt faces a number of legal, political and institutional hurdles. The idea of sharing debt was heavily debated during the years when Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus required financial bailouts. Germany, for one, has been opposed to debt sharing because of worries it could weaken incentives for individual countries to pursue sound fiscal policies. Germany would be putting up its own hard-won economic reputation to the benefit of others, diluting its own position. Other ideas include getting euro countries to act as one within the International Monetary Fund and the creation of a European-type IMF as well as a eurozone Treasury. Also proposed was the creation of a permanent EU finance minister, who would also chair eurozone finance meetings. The role would be akin to Federica Mogherini's role as the EU's foreign affairs chief. "We are today calling for a far-reaching debate on strengthening the euro area's governance and of its democratic accountability," said Pierre Moscovici, the Commission's top economy official. Whether the Commission's ideas have any chance of coming to fruition will largely depend on Germany, Europe's biggest economy and the chief contributor to the sovereign bailouts of the past few years. Germany has been adamant that it won't back proposals that weaken incentives for eurozone members to make their economies stronger - Germany's bailout cash has come on condition that governments reform their economies and public finances. French President Emmanuel Macron has made bolstering the euro's resilience a key part of his administration's plans. He is expected to try to ease German concerns by pushing through wide-ranging economic reforms in France - as he tried to do when he was economy minister for his predecessor as president, Francois Hollande. "Macron knows that shifting German policy will be hard," Charles Grant, director of the Centre for Economic Reform, said recently in an article. "He hopes that success will give him the credibility to go to Berlin and propose a concordat on the euro and much else." The Commission knows that compromises will be needed to push through its proposals. "It is time to put pragmatism before dogma, to put bridge-building before individual mistrust," it wrote in the closing remarks to its paper. WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) - Federal authorities say 19 people have been indicted in a New York mob investigation that includes allegations of fraud in a $25 million hospital expansion and in other public building projects. Murder, extortion and drug dealing are among the other crimes cited in the indictment. Many of the defendants were arrested Wednesday and were awaiting court appearances in suburban White Plains. Those named include Matthew Madonna, described in the indictment as the street boss of the Luchese (loo-KAY'-zee) crime family. He is currently jailed in Trenton, New Jersey, on other charges. It was not immediately known who his lawyer would be for the New York case. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Supreme Court won't review a lower court ruling that spares the state's prison system from having to reveal where it gets drugs used in executions. Missouri's high court didn't comment Tuesday in rejecting a request to review the case from the American Civil Liberties Union, the nonprofit Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and other plaintiffs. They say the state's source of execution drugs should be disclosed under open-records laws. The Missouri Department of Corrections has refused to divulge where it gets pentobarbital, a powerful barbiturate. The Missouri Court of Appeals ruled in February that any disclosure of the identities of "individuals essential to the execution process" could hinder the state's ability to execute prisoners. An attorney for the media groups says more appeals are planned. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghan insurgents have stepped up their attacks since the drawdown of NATO troops from Afghanistan in 2014, devastating the capital of Kabul with increasingly deadly and brutal assaults and leaving Afghans feeling embattled and exhausted following 16 years of war. Attacks have been claimed by an Islamic State group affiliate as well as the Taliban. The latest suicide assault carried out on Tuesday killed 90 people, when a truck bomb exploded as the streets were packed with early morning commuters heading to work. Here's a partial list of serious attacks since 2014. 2017 Afghan Municipality workers sweep a road in front of the German Embassy after a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing a big number of casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) May 31 - A powerful suicide bombing in the Afghan capital Kabul kills 90 people. May 27 - 18 people, mostly civilians, were killed when a suicide car bomber targeted a convoy of provincial security forces in eastern Afghanistan. May 26- Taliban fighters attacked an army camp in the southern province of Kandahar, killing 15 soldiers. May 21 - Militants launched attacks on several check points in southern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 members of the security forces. May 20- Three people were killed when gunmen stormed a bank branch in eastern Paktia province. May 19 - A roadside bombing killed 11 people in eastern Afghanistan as they were traveling to a wedding. May 17- Gunmen stormed the local headquarters of Afghanistan's state media in the eastern province of Nangarhar, setting off clashes that killed 10 people. May 3- A suicide car bomb attack in the capital Kabul killed four people April 25- The Taliban overran three security checkpoints in Afghanistan's northern Takhar province, killing eight policemen April 21- Gunmen wearing army uniforms stormed a military compound in Balkh province, killing more than 140 soldiers. April 12- At least five people were killed when a suicide bomber on foot carried out an attack in the capital, Kabul. March 21- A suicide car bomb targeted a checkpoint in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, killing at least six members of an intelligence unit. March 16- Afghan officials say Islamic State militants killed three Shiite elders as they were returning home from a graduation ceremony at a local religious school. March 8- Gunmen wearing white lab coats stormed a military hospital in Afghanistan's capital, killing 50 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. March 1- Twin Taliban suicide bombings in the Afghan capital followed by a shootout killed 22 people Feb. 17- The Islamic State group launched an attack on Afghan security posts, killing 17 soldiers. Feb. 7- A suicide bomber struck an entrance to Afghanistan's Supreme Court, killing at least 19 people. Jan. 10- Two large bombs - one triggered by a suicide attacker - exploded in the capital Kabul, killing at least 38 people. 2016 Aug. 24, 2016 - Gunmen assault American University in Kabul, killing 12. July 23, 2016 -A suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest among a large crowd of demonstrators in the Afghan capital, killing at least 61 people. April 19, 2016- A suicide bomber backed by heavily armed militants kills 64 people in Kabul. March 2, 2016- Taliban attack the Indian Consulate in eastern city of Jalalabad, killing four Afghans. Feb. 1, 2016_A suicide bomber detonates his explosives outside an Afghan Civil Police building in Kabul, killing at least 20 people. 2015 October - Taliban take control of Kunduz City in northern Afghanistan holding it for four days before being driven out. Sept. 14, 2015- More than 350 inmates escape after an attack by Taliban insurgents on the main prison in eastern Ghazni province. Aug. 22, 2015- A suicide bomber attacks a convoy in Kabul, killing four U.S. contractors. Aug. 7, 2015 - A series of attacks kill at least 44 people and wound over 300 in one day in Kabul. June 22, 2015- Taliban attack the Afghan Parliament in the capital, Kabul. Two civilians were reported killed. 2014 March 20, - Insurgents attack a Kabul hotel frequented by foreigners, killing 9 people, including two small children and four foreigners Security forces inspect the site of a suicide attack in front of German Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing a big number of casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) An Afghan man drives his damaged car after a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing a big number of casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) Wounded men lie on their beds in Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing a big number of casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) A wounded cameraman from 1TV channel, a local TV channel, receives some assistance near the site of a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) Security forces carry the wreckage of car near the site of a suicide attack where German Embassy is located in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) An injured woman is seen after a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) An injured Policeman is seen after a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) People carry an injured man after a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) Security forces inspect near the site of a suicide attack where the German Embassy is located in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Rahmat Gul) Wounded men lie on their beds in Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing casualties and sending a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital. (AP Photos/Massoud Hossaini) BAYONNE, N.J. (AP) - Federal law enforcement officials are investigating a New Jersey city that prevented a Muslim group from building a mosque, a rejection that the group said was motivated by religious hatred. Matthew Reilly, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in New Jersey, confirmed that it is investigating after Bayonne rejected the mosque's application. The Department of Justice on Tuesday unveiled a $3.25 million settlement between a different New Jersey town and an Islamic group - a deal that requires the town to allow a mosque to be built after a similar zoning dispute. The Bayonne Muslims filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its zoning board last week arguing that their two-year effort to convert an abandoned warehouse into a mosque and community center was met by virulent attacks against their religion and then unfairly voted down by a zoning board. The zoning board in the working-class city across the harbor from New York City voted 4-3 in favor of the mosque proposal in March, but it needed a minimum of five votes to pass. Those who voted against it cited parking and traffic concerns, although the Bayonne Muslims say that the building is located in an uncongested part of the city with ample parking. The Bayonne Muslims' lawsuit takes issue with the zoning board's reasoning for its denials, but also lays out the anti-Muslim attacks they were faced with after proposing the community center. They say that included flyers calling for boycotts of Muslim-owned businesses with references to the Sept. 11 attacks and anti-Muslim graffiti on the walls of the church they rented for prayer services. Signs saying "Save Bayonne" and "Stop the mosque" were displayed around the town. At one zoning board hearing, a group began loudly reciting a Christian prayer while a group of Muslim attendees was praying quietly in a corner, the suit says. One person argued to the zoning board that the mosque should be denied because people would become radicalized and kill people, while another said that the Muslim' beliefs should be carefully examined, according to the suit. WNYC-FM was the first to report on the federal investigation. In the other case, The Islamic Society of Basking Ridge sued Bernards Township, an upscale town in central New Jersey, last year, claiming it changed its zoning ordinances in order to deny the group's plans. The Justice Department also sued the town last year, alleging it treated the group differently than other religious groups. The $3.25 million is to settle the Islamic Society's lawsuit against the town, split into $1.75 million for attorneys' fees and costs and $1.5 million for damages. Through a spokesman, the township committee denied discriminating against the Islamic Society and maintained the denial of the group's proposal was "based on accepted land use criteria only." It noted that the group's members have used other township facilities to practice their religion for years. A similar lawsuit cost nearby Bridgewater Township almost $8 million in a 2014 settlement. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on VA Secretary David Shulkin's "State of the VA" report (all times local): 12:55 p.m. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin says President Donald Trump is "deeply engaged" on veterans' issues and willing to provide funding support to strengthen VA services. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin speaks during a briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Shulkin is warning the VA is "still in critical condition" despite efforts to reduce wait times for medical appointments and expand care in the private sector. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Shulkin spoke at a White House briefing on the "state of the VA." He says both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are "impatient and anxious" to move forward on improving the VA. Trump's budget proposal calls for a 3.7 percent increase in total VA funding. It calls for $29 billion over the next decade for expansion of the Choice program, which would allow veterans to seek outside medical care from private doctors. It would pay for it in part by cutting some disability benefits for elderly veterans. Major veterans' groups oppose the cuts. The American Legion says the funding trade-off is "stealth privatization." ___ 12:10 p.m. President Donald Trump's promised White House hotline for veterans' complaints will be soon up and running. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin says a "soft launch" of the hotline begins Thursday. He is seeking to have it fully operational by Aug. 15. The hotline's phone number is 855-948-2311. An automated greeting on Wednesday welcomed callers to the "White House-VA veteran complaint hotline" and notes it is operational Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. It is closed on federal holidays. During the presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged a 24-hour hotline so veterans' complaints will not "fall through the cracks." Shulkin spoke at a White House news briefing on the "state of the VA." ___ 11:45 a.m. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin says employee accountability at the VA is a "broken" process. At a White House briefing, Shulkin said the department must wait at least a month under current law before it can discipline an employee for misconduct or poor performance. He says as a result there are currently 1,500 disciplinary actions pending. Shulkin says that means the government is paying VA employees even though they are "violating our core values." He cites cases in which VA employees who watched porn at work or were convicted for DUI are still working. Shulkin urged the Senate to pass legislation to make it easier to dismiss employees. He was speaking on the "state of the VA," having completed his first 100 days as VA secretary. ___ 11:30 a.m. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin is warning the VA is "still in critical condition" despite efforts to reduce wait times for medical appointments and expand care in the private sector. In a "State of the VA" report released Wednesday, he points to decades of disrepair and bloated bureaucracy. He offers a blunt diagnosis: "There is a lot of work to do." Veterans can get "same-day" services at medical centers but are still waiting too long for new appointments at about 30 locations nationwide. Many primary care centers are understaffed. Inventory systems at several facilities are woefully out of date, and employee accountability is "clearly broken." Shulkin says the VA had about 1,500 disciplinary actions against employees pending, citing legal requirements that it wait weeks before taking action for misconduct. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin speaks during a briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Shulkin is warning the VA is "still in critical condition" despite efforts to reduce wait times for medical appointments and expand care in the private sector. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A retired police officer in Louisiana has been convicted of kicking an auto burglary suspect in the face while the arrestee was being handcuffed by an officer. The Times-Picayune (http://bit.ly/2rUxfLa ) reports that Criminal District Court Judge Franz Zibilich found 66-year-old Van Ballard guilty of the felony charge on Tuesday. Zibilich imposed a two-year suspended sentence and two years' inactive probation for the retired New Orleans police officer. Ballard testified Tuesday that the kick to the 20-year-old suspect's face was accidental. But the judge said he didn't find Ballard's explanation credible after viewing the body camera footage of the Nov. 3 arrest. Ballard retired from the New Orleans department in 2012 after 25 years on the force. After the arrest he was suspended as an Orleans Parish reserve deputy sheriff. TORONTO (AP) - Canada's defense minister repeated a threat Wednesday to cancel the purchase of 18 fighter jets from Boeing Co. because of the company's trade complaint against Canadian plane maker Bombardier. Harjit Sajjan said Boeing's action against Bombardier is "unfounded" and not the behavior of a "trusted partner." He said buying the Super Hornet fighter jets "requires a trusted industry partner." Sajjan urged Boeing to withdraw the complaint in a speech. Canada's foreign minister has also threatened to block the order. "Our government - and I stress this - our government is disappointed in the action of one of our leading industry partners," he said. Chicago-based Boeing's trade complaint prompted a U.S. Commerce Department anti-dumping investigation that could result in duties being imposed on Bombardier's new larger CSeries passenger aircraft. Boeing insists the plane receives Canadian government subsidies that give it an advantage internationally. Canada's threat is coming amid increasing trade disputes with the U.S. Scott Day, a spokesman for Boeing, noted that Sajjan also recognized Boeing as a strong partner in the past and for the future. Day defended the company's trade action. "This is a commercial matter that Boeing is seeking to address through the normal course for resolving such issues," Day said in an email. Boeing petitioned the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate subsidies of Montreal-based Bombardier's CSeries aircraft. Boeing says Bombardier has received more than US$3 billion in government subsidies that let it engage in "predatory pricing." Brazil has also launched a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization over Canadian subsidies to Bombardier. Sao Paolo-based Embraer is a fierce rival of Bombardier's. The Quebec government invested US$1 billion in exchange for a 49.5 percent stake in the CSeries last year. Canada's federal government also recently provided a US$275 million loan to Bombardier, which struggled to win orders for its new medium-size plane. But Bombardier won a 75-plane order for the CSeries from U.S.-based Delta Air Lines in 2016. Bombardier said its planes never competed with Boeing in the sale to Delta. The Canadian government said late last year it would enter into discussions on buying 18 Super Hornet jet fighters from Boeing on an interim basis and hold an open competition to buy more planes over the next five years. Canada remains part of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Sajjan said he would have more to say about the issue next week. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on legislative action in Springfield as the General Assembly's session closes out (all times local): 11:40 p.m. Democratic Illinois Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago says he wishes the House had sent Gov. Bruce Rauner a budget because it included much of what the Republican wanted. The Illinois General Assembly adjourned its spring session Wednesday without meeting the May 31 deadline for adopting a state budget. It's the third year in a row legislative Democrats have been unable to reach a deal with Rauner. Cullerton worked with Republicans all spring to produce a $37 billion budget that was at Rauner's spending level. It included $5 billion in new taxes and Cullerton compromised on spending reductions and property tax relief that Rauner wanted. But Rauner threatened to veto the plan and the House didn't vote on it. Now it will take three-fifths supermajority votes in both houses to approve a budget if one is to take effect before the fiscal year begins July 1. ___ 11:15 p.m. Illinois lawmakers have adjourned their regular legislative session without approving a spending plan for the third consecutive year. The Democrat-controlled Legislature and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner are already deadlocked in the nation's longest-running state budget standoff. They left the Capitol late Wednesday, again without a budget deal. Legislators faced a 12:01 a.m. deadline Thursday to adopt an annual budget or face the prospect of needing supermajority votes to approve one. The House adjourned without taking up a $37 billion Senate spending plan, saying Senate Republicans didn't provide any votes. House Speaker Michael Madigan says Democrats will meet in "continuous session" over the summer to negotiate a deal. Rauner, a businessman who took office in 2015, blames Democrats for not enacting pro-business and union-curbing measures he says will help dig Illinois out of its fiscal troubles. Democrats claim Rauner's demands are unrelated to the budget and an attack on the middle class. __ 11:00 p.m. Illinois lawmakers have signed off on a proposal to restore an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools. State senators overwhelmingly OK'd the measure late Wednesday just before the end of the legislative session. The House has already endorsed the plan. Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul of Chicago is the measure's sponsor. He says Chicago residents deserve to elect their school board members like other districts in the state. Chicago voters elected board members until legislation took effect in 1995 giving the city's mayor authority to appoint the board. The change was made to deal with the district's systemic problems. Candidates would run for a 21-member elected board beginning with Chicago's 2023 primary election under the plan. __ The bill is HB1774. ___ 10:40 p.m. Illinois lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a plan to make the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum a separate state agency from the state's Historic Preservation Agency. The Senate backed the proposal 55-0 late Wednesday. The House endorsed it in April, weeks after Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an executive order doing the same thing. The administration says the move saves over $3 million. Passing legislation means the change can't be rescinded by a future governor. Under the plan a board appointed by the governor will oversee operations of the Springfield museum, replacing separate boards that currently help oversee the museum. ___ The bill is SB136. ___ 10:20 p.m. State lawmakers have endorsed a plan making it easier for transgender individuals to change the gender listed on their birth certificates. Senators OK'd the proposal 32-22 late Wednesday. The House endorsed it last week. It would allow transgender citizens to change their gender designation with authorization from a medical professional confirming they have undergone medically appropriate treatment. Current law requires proof of a surgical operation. Democratic Sen. Toi Hutchinson of Olympia Fields is the bill's sponsor. She says it would treat transgender people with dignity by implementing the same standards now used for driver's licenses, passports and in 13 other states. Advocates say these updated standards help protect from discrimination transgender people who do not want or cannot afford surgery. A Republican argued an individual's gender is determined by biological sex. ___ The bill is HB1785. ___ 9:30 p.m. State lawmakers have approved a plan to increase Illinois' minimum wage to $15 over five years. The Senate voted 30-23 Wednesday evening, a day after the House backed it. The state's minimum wage is $8.25. The proposal would raise it incrementally until 2022. The plan also includes a tax credit for some small businesses. Democratic Sen. Kimberly Lightford is a sponsor. She says it's the best chance to raise wages and improve living conditions for many Illinois residents. But opponents worry about the impact on businesses. Republican Sen. Kyle McCarter of Lebanon calls raising the wage an "artificial way" of helping people. Gov. Bruce Rauner's spokeswoman didn't immediately return a message Wednesday. The Republican has said he'd support a minimum wage increase in conjunction with other regulatory changes. ___ The bill is SB81. __ 9:25 p.m. Illinois lawmakers have approved a plan to revamp the state's 20-year-old school funding formula. State senators endorsed the measure 35-22 late Wednesday after the House OK'd it. The proposal would direct new funds to districts based on student population needs and available local resources. No district would receive less money than they currently do under the plan. Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill is sponsoring the proposal. He says it would end the inequity of Illinois' current model. The state has the nation's largest spending gap between poor and wealthy districts. The proposal is based on a framework produced by a bipartisan commission convened by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner last year. But Republicans and Rauner's education secretary decry Manar's plan as a thinly veiled "bailout" for Chicago Public Schools. Education advocates and school associations widely support the proposal. ___ The bill is SB1. 8:50 p.m. Illinois lawmakers have approved a plan to initiate the sale of the 16-story James R. Thompson Center in Chicago over objections from Republicans. The Democrat-majority Senate gave final approval Wednesday to advance the sale of building that houses about 2,200 state employees. The House approved the plan a day earlier. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has pushed to sell the building, saying it's not cost effective with roughly $326 million in deferred maintenance. But he opposes the Democrat-backed plan over questions about city zoning and a retail tenant lease. Republicans have introduced their own plan for the sale. Senate President John Cullerton dismissed the concerns ahead of the floor vote, saying Democrats are following through on Republicans' call to sell. ___ The bill is SB886. __ 8:35 p.m. A Democratic candidate for governor says Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan must negotiate a budget deal face-to-face or "they both need to go." Evanston Sen. Daniel Biss is among several hopefuls for the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nomination. He spoke to reporters after the House finished its spring session without agreeing to an annual spending plan for the third straight year. Biss says the battle is between the first-term governor and long-tenured speaker. The two must meet alone until they agree or be replaced. Biss says it seems as if Rauner and Madigan are "not even trying." Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says House work on the budget has been collaborative. He says many members have worked on reaching an agreement and Biss' suggestion makes no sense. A Rauner spokeswoman did not immediately respond. ___ 8:10 p.m. The Illinois House has propelled forward a plan to overhaul the state's decades-old public school funding formula. Lawmakers OK'd the proposal 60-52 Wednesday in the session's final hours. It now heads back to the Senate. The measure would direct more funds to the neediest districts to help them implement practices that bolster student success. All districts would continue to receive what they got this year. Only new money would be funneled through the model. Illinois has the nation's widest spending gap between low and high-income districts. Homewood Democratic Rep. Will Davis is sponsoring the plan. He says implementing the formula will help close that gap. Republicans took part in crafting the framework but peeled off over concerns that Chicago Public Schools receive more than they should under the amended proposal. ___ The bill is SB1 . ___ 7:00 p.m. The Illinois House has advanced a tax credit program aimed at trying to keep businesses in the state. State Rep. Mike Zalewski (zuh-LESS'-kee) says his proposal will give small and medium-sized businesses a fair chance at competing with larger corporations. The Riverside Democrat says the plan would cut taxes and fees affecting smaller businesses, extend tax credits for employers that create jobs and crack down on businesses that send jobs overseas, among other things. Lawmakers voted 63-50 Wednesday, the final day of the spring legislative session. It awaits consideration by the Senate. Zalewski says the plan is an overhaul and extension of a corporate tax incentive program which has been criticized as expensive and too favorable to large businesses. Republicans and business groups oppose the measure saying the plan also adds new taxes which hurt businesses. Gov. Bruce Rauner's spokeswoman says the bill was under review. __ The bill is HB160. ___ 6:50 p.m. The Illinois House has approved a plan to make consolidating local governments easier. House lawmakers voted 75-34 for the proposal Wednesday. Democrats in that chamber have advertised the measure as one of the "structural" changes requested by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. It is aimed at easing the process of merging or dissolving townships or for cities to absorb townships occupying the same geographical area. The measure would also allow county boards to create townships that are larger than the current limit of 126 square miles. Numerous Republicans rose in support of the measure. But they also urged its Democratic sponsor Rep. Sam Yingling of Grayslake to bring forth an additional plan that would allow voters to initiate the process. Plainfield Republican Rep. Mark Batinick characterized the plan as "giving a starving man a cracker." ___ The bill is SB3 . ___ 5:25 p.m. Gov. Bruce Rauner says lawmakers' inability to create a budget plan he'll accept for the third straight year is a "dereliction of duty." Democratic Illinois House leaders announced Wednesday they would not take a vote on the budget the Senate sent because they don't trust the Republican governor's actions. Rauner continues to demand cost-cutting restrictions to workers' compensation and a property tax freeze for homeowners. Democrats approved versions of both which Rauner says aren't sufficient. Illinois has been without an annual spending plan since Rauner took office in 2015. The deadline for a budget for the upcoming fiscal year is 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Budget approval after that requires three-fifths majority votes in each chamber. House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago says Democrats in his chamber will work with the GOP during June to approve a balanced budget. ___ 4:15 p.m. The Illinois House has signed off on a workers' compensation measure that Democrats say addresses reforms requested by Gov. Bruce Rauner as part of a budget deal. The measure headed to the Republican governor's desk after the House approved it 64-51 on Wednesday. But Rauner has already indicated that it doesn't go far enough. The proposal requires insurance companies to get state approval for the rates they charge. House Speaker Michael Madigan issued a statement Wednesday saying the move shows Democrats are willing to take up elements of Rauner's agenda. The Democrat says the House won't vote on a state budget on the last scheduled day of the spring legislative session. He says lawmakers will continue working with Republicans in June. __ The bill is HB2525. ___ 4:10 p.m. Illinois House Democrats say they will not vote on a state budget on the last scheduled day of the spring legislative session. Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan told reporters Wednesday that his party would continue working with Republicans during June to fashion a balanced budget. The fiscal year begins July 1. Budget approval after Wednesday takes a three-fifths supermajority vote. In a statement, Madigan denounced Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's "reckless strategy of holding the budget hostage to create leverage for his corporate agenda." Rauner has insisted for two years that he would approve a balanced budget in return for business-friendly "structural" changes and a property tax freeze. Chicago Democratic Rep. Greg Harris is Madigan's budget negotiator. He says there is reluctance to act on a Senate-approved $37 billion proposal because Senate Republicans didn't provide any votes for passage. ___ 3:10 p.m. The Illinois Senate has agreed with House changes to a measure that protects immigrants from indiscriminate federal attention. Democratic Senate President John Cullerton's "TRUST Act" now goes to Gov. Bruce Rauner. It prevents federal authorities from stopping, questioning or detaining immigrants unless they have a valid federal warrant. It also would have prevented local police from cooperating with federal agents unless a federal criminal warrant was presented and barred federal authorities from entering "safe zones" such as schools or publicly funded clinics. But the House altered the measure to allow local police to converse with federal agents. And it removed a deadline for local police to compile paperwork validating that an immigrant helped with a criminal investigation. Cullerton put that in a separate bill approved Tuesday. ___ The bills are SB31 and SB32 . ___ 1:15 p.m. The Illinois House is indicating that there won't be a budget agreement before the end of the day when lawmakers face a critical deadline. The House adopted a resolution saying after they adjourn on Wednesday, members would meet in "continuous session." Democratic House Speaker Madigan used the tactic two years ago when the budget impasse began to call members to the Capitol over the summer to continue negotiations. The House and Senate have until 12:01 a.m. Thursday to adopt an annual spending plan or face the prospect of needing supermajority votes to approve one. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrat-controlled Legislature remain at odds over new revenues and other pro-business reforms. ___ 12:50 p.m. Illinois senators have overwhelmingly approved a plan to make it harder for authorities to confiscate property from innocent owners. The Senate endorsed the measure 56-0 Wednesday. It'll head to the House. The plan would place the burden of proof on law enforcement when seizing a person's property in connection with a suspected crime. Current law allows authorities to confiscate property without even charging an owner for participating in illegal activity. The practice has been sharply criticized. Oak Park Democratic Sen. Don Harmon is sponsoring the proposal. It would make authorities prove an owner consented to his or her property being used for illegal activity instead of requiring owners to show they weren't connected. Harmon says it would also create an expedited process for such cases so that innocent owners can regain their property more quickly. ___ The bill is HB303 . ___ 12:15 a.m. The Illinois General Assembly returns for the final day of its spring session not much closer to a budget agreement than when it started in January. The House and Senate have until 12:01 a.m. Thursday to adopt an annual spending plan or face the prospect of needing supermajority votes to activate one. A House committee positioned late Tuesday a Senate-approved budget for a floor vote Wednesday. That $37 billion proposal relies on a tax increase of more than $5 billion. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has turned thumbs down on that plan because lawmakers have not given him the "structural" reforms he desires in return. They include workers' compensation cost-restrictions and a local property tax freeze. The Senate OK'd versions of each but they don't meet Rauner's expectations. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump, who blasted Hillary Clinton for using a personal email server, might be a walking magnet for eavesdropping and malware if he is using an unsecured cellphone to chat with foreign leaders. Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to counterparts around the world, urging them to call him directly to avoid the red tape of diplomatic communications. The practice has raised concern about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander-in-chief's communications. In today's world of cyber espionage, cellphone security experts say such a policy is not only unorthodox, but dangerous. Voice calls can be intercepted. A cellphone's signals to nearby phone towers can give up its precise location. Even cellular networks are vulnerable. And knowing someone's number makes it easier to infect a phone with malware. FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Trump, who blasted Hillary Clinton for using a personal email server, might be a walking magnet for eavesdropping and malware if he is using an unsecured cellphone to chat with foreign leaders. Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to counterparts around the world, urging them to call him directly to avoid the red tape of diplomatic communications. The practice has raised concern about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander-in-chief's communications. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) "Hillary Clinton's email server was like Fort Knox compared to Trump just carrying around a regular cellphone," said Andrew McLaughlin, former deputy chief technology officer for the Obama administration. "That's how bad the vulnerabilities are." Running against Clinton for the presidency, Trump repeatedly criticized his rival for using a non-government email account while she was secretary of state. Trump argued that Clinton should not be given access to classified information because she would leave it vulnerable to foreign foes. But Trump may be running into problems of his own. He has urged the leaders of Canada and Mexico to call him on his cellphone, according to former and current U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the practice. Trump, who disdains working through official channels, also exchanged numbers with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two spoke after France's election earlier this month, according to a French official, who would not comment on whether Macron intended to use the line. All the officials demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to reveal the conversations. Neither the White House nor Trudeau's office responded to requests for comment. Trump administration officials also wouldn't say what type of cellphone the U.S. president was using or describe any security upgrades it might include. "I think it's a really bad idea," said Matthew Green, who teaches at the Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute and previously served as senior technical staff member at AT&T Laboratories. Green said cellular phones are not terribly secure and the communications traverse a cellular network with well-known vulnerabilities. He was referring to the Signaling System 7, which links mobile phone networks. If a phone has been hacked, a person can listen and monitor the device even if the president is using an encrypted phone. Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat with a degree in computer science, sent a tweet to the president Wednesday: "Please do not use your cellphone for sensitive calls. SS7 flaw in networks allows foreign intel to monitor conversations." When former President Barack Obama wanted to continue using his Blackberry, U.S. security officials gave him a modified one that allowed him limited use with enhanced security. The White House said at the time that Obama was permitted to keep his Blackberry through a compromise that allowed him to stay in touch with senior White House staffers and a small group of personal friends. "What we ended up with was a military-grade, encrypted phone that had the microphone ripped out," said McLaughlin, who thinks the White House communications office has prevailed upon Trump to use some kind of phone with enhanced security. He suggested one with strong encryption, disabled location services and one that talks with a military network instead of commercial cell services. McLaughlin also said it's possible that the number that Trump is giving to world leaders rings to someone else's phone, who then transfers the call to the president, a system that could protect Trump from anyone trying to monitor his communications. BERLIN (AP) - The Council of Europe's anti-torture committee is praising Germany's effective discontinuation of surgically castrating some sex offenders, although the law has not been repealed. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture in 2012 criticized Germany for the practice, while acknowledging it was done voluntarily under well-controlled circumstances. In a report released Thursday in Strasbourg, France, the committee says during the period covered between 2013 and 2015 "not one single surgical castration had been carried out" but it urged that laws be changed to prevent it permanently. It said some prisoners reported being were pressured into so-called "chemical castration" - anti-androgen treatments to reduce male hormone levels - and stressed that this needed to be voluntary. Germany responded that castration is used only to treat a person's "serious illness." JERUSALEM (AP) - An Israeli soldier was injured on Thursday in a stabbing attack by a 15-year-old Palestinian girl who was then shot and critically wounded by troops at the scene, the army and the girl's father said. The attack took place near an Israeli settlement in northern West Bank. Okab Infeat said his 15-year-old daughter Nouf had gone to school on Thursday to pick up her eighth-grade report card and didn't return home. Infeat said he was questioned by Israeli security forces for four hours about the girl and her family life. Infeat said his daughter did not suffer from social or psychological problems. The Israeli military said the soldier was moderately wounded. In its initial statement, it referred to the assailant as a woman, not a teenage girl. The army said the soldier and the assailant were taken by ambulance to an Israeli hospital. Since violence escalated in 2015, Palestinians have killed 42 Israelis, two visiting Americans and a British student in attacks. During that time, some 246 Palestinians died by Israeli fire; Israel has said most of them were attackers. Israel blames the violence on incitement by Palestinian leaders, which is compounded by social media sites that glorify and encourage attacks. Palestinians say the attacks stem from frustration from decades of Israeli rule in territory they claim for their state. BEIRUT (AP) - The founder of the Islamic State group news agency was reported killed with his daughter in an airstrike last week in eastern Syria, opposition activists said Thursday. The militant group itself has not reported the death of the Aamaq agency founder, Baraa Kadek. Activists said Kadek was close to the IS leadership, gaining their trust and reportedly meeting with the enigmatic leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Kadek's brother, Hozaifa, and former friends reported his death, saying he died when a suspected airstrike by the U.S.-led international coalition fighting IS hit his home in the town of Mayadeen in Deir el-Zour province. The brother posted the announcement on his Facebook page. A former colleague said Kadek and his daughter and wife were wounded in an airstrike last Friday and that he died of his wounds Wednesday. Mohammed Khaled, executive manager of Aleppo 24, an activist-operated media platform and a former friend of Kadek, said his wife remains in critical condition. IS supporters and activist websites reported Wednesday that a prominent IS cleric was also killed in an airstrike. The circumstances and whereabouts of the death of Turki al-Binali, a Bahraini cleric who rose to be one of the group's leading ideologues, were conflicting. Some supporters said he died in an airstrike in Deir el-Zour; other activists said he died in Raqqa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said an IS leading figure, believed to be from the Gulf, was killed in airstrikes in the last 48 hours, though it couldn't confirm if it was al-Binali. If confirmed, al-Binali's death would be a major blow to the group as it struggles with intensified attacks in Iraq and Syria. Al-Binali was also among the IS leaders that helped set up the group's branch in Libya. He also provided religious justification for the enslavement of hundreds of women from Iraq's Yazidi minority. There was no immediate comment from the coalition on the reported deaths. Last week, the coalition told The Associated Press it had carried out a series of airstrikes on May 25 and 26 targeting IS media infrastructure and "propaganda facilities." It said at the time that targeting such facilities "degrades" the group's capabilities and its tools to inspire attacks on foreign lands. At the time, activists said the coalition airstrikes killed at least 35 civilians, including family members of IS. Mayadeen has become a refuge for IS leaders as the group comes under attack in Mosul in Iraq and their de-facto capital Raqqa in Syria. Some Syria watchers said the group's media operations have moved to Mayadeen as the coalition and allied Syrian Kurdish-led forces close in on Raqqa. Khaled, the former friend, said Kadek became trusted by the IS leadership after he supported their presence in the city of Aleppo in 2013. The militants later clashed with other rebel factions, who eventually chased them out of Aleppo. Khaled said Kadek met with al-Baghdadi in 2014 in Iraq during an introduction to the Aamaq network. "He even bragged in one of his posts about being 'honored' by a meeting with al-Baghdadi," Khaled said, speaking from Syria. Kadek was also a friend of Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, IS's powerful spokesman who was killed in an airstrike in Aleppo in September 2016. Aamaq news agency- which surfaced in 2014_has become the group's fastest and most reliable media arm. IS militants have used it to post news, videos and claims of their attacks worldwide. It has remained online despite bans from social media platforms. The group has other media outlets, including a daily recorded news bulletin and a weekly magazine. Kadek was first known for his support of the moderate opposition and rebel groups, founding a media platform to cover their news. Khaled said his transformation was remarkable and came as funds dried up for the network he founded in the early days of the revolt against Syria's government. Originally from Aleppo province, he joined IS in 2013, covered their activities in Aleppo and later moved on to found Aamaq. In other developments, a Syrian Kurdish party denied rumors that an Iraqi government-backed and mainly Shiite militia, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, had entered northern Syria on Thursday and seized two villages abandoned by the Islamic State group. Some Iraqi Shiite factions have aligned themselves with Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces, such as Harakat Nujaba. Speculation on social media raised concerns the Iraqi Shiite militiamen would try to seize Syrian territory at the expense of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in the north. An Iraqi Shiite lawmaker and a spokesman for the PMF, Ahmed al-Asadi, denied the move into Syria, saying the forces "only want to secure the nearly 400-kilometer (250-mile) -border from the Iraqi side. However, an Iraqi Shiite commander who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for the PMF, said they had in fact entered two Syrian villages for a couple of hours "to convey a message to the Americans and (Kurdish-led) Syrian Democratic that we are able to do it." ___ Associated Press writers Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad and Philip Issa in Beirut contributed to this report. GENEVA (AP) - Atletico Madrid's transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday, hurting Manchester United's hopes of signing France forward Antoine Griezmann. The FIFA ban prevents Atletico from registering new players until January. Atletico had lined up Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette as a potential replacement for Griezmann. "This ruling is unfair and causes an irreparable damage to our club," Atletico said in a statement. FILE - This is a Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 file photo, of Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann as he celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid in Leverkusen, Germany. Atletico Madrid's transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday June 1, 2017, harming Manchester United's hopes of signing Antoine Griezmann. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner/ File) FIFA imposed a one-year ban on Atletico last year for signing dozens of youth players in breach of rules that prevent international child trafficking and luring youngsters from their home country. Atletico denied wrongdoing, though it agreed not to sign players in the January transfer window while its appeal at CAS went ahead. "With this decision, FIFA considers that CAS has shown once again clear and strong support for FIFA's efforts to protect underage players," the world soccer body said in a statement. Atletico can still sell Griezmann with Man United having been ready to pay a release clause in his contract reportedly of more than 100 million euros ($112 million). Still, Atletico would have to cope with only its existing players through the group stage of the Champions League and first half of the league season before it could add to its squad. Atletico joins Barcelona and Real Madrid in serving transfer bans after signing youngsters from around the world. Those signings were all approved by the Spanish soccer federation, which is led by longtime FIFA vice president Angel Maria Villar. The CAS judging panel acknowledged that "not all of the alleged violations of the FIFA regulations concerning the registration of minor players could be upheld." The panel cut the fine imposed by FIFA on Atletico to 550,000 Swiss francs ($566,000) from 900,000 Swiss francs ($927,000). Two of the three-man CAS panel in Atletico's case also sat in judgment of Barcelona's appeal in 2014 - and reached the same conclusion. When Real Madrid's one-year transfer ban was halved last December - clearing the club to sign players this offseason - its appeal was heard by a single CAS judge. Atletico made a pointed reference to its local rival's lighter judgment in its statement Thursday. Claiming it had received "discriminatory treatment," Atletico noted that "recently and in a similar case, the penalty was partially lifted." Although the FIFA sanction is typically called a "transfer ban," it is technically a block on registering new players. Atletico can sign new players this offseason but they could not play in a competitive match until January. When Barcelona served a one-year FIFA ban in 2015 it still signed Arda Turan in the offseason from Atletico. The Turkey midfielder was then sidelined for several months before making his debut in January 2016. Atletico target Lacazette has a "verbal agreement" to move to Madrid, Lyon said two weeks ago. Another reported deal that could be at risk is Tottenham's interest in Kevin Gameiro, another France forward at Atletico. Gameiro signed for Atletico one year ago when the club stocked up after successfully getting the FIFA sanction frozen during the appeal process. NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A U.S. Navy officer will soon be sentenced for revealing military secrets and other crimes. The Navy says a sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin Thursday in Virginia for Lt. Cmdr. Edward C. Lin. The proceeding on a base in Norfolk could last into Friday. Navy prosecutors had abandoned efforts to convict Lin of spying for China or Taiwan. They struck a plea deal in May instead that portrays him as arrogant and willing to reveal military secrets to impress women. The 40-year-old Lin faces dismissal from the Navy and up to 36 years in prison. Lin has had an impressive military career. He was on the staff of an assistant secretary of the Navy in Washington. He also was assigned to a unit in Hawaii that flies spy planes. CAIRO (AP) - Two Republican U.S. senators slammed Wednesday a law recently passed by Egypt's president as "draconian" for imposing heavy restrictions and effectively banning the work of non-governmental organizations - the latest among measures cracking down on dissent in the country. Republican Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham urged President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to bring the law on NGOs in line with international standards and the Egyptian constitution. "Congress should strengthen democratic benchmarks and human rights conditions on U.S. assistance for Egypt," they said in a statement. Egypt is the second largest recipient of military aid from the United States after Israel, receiving about $1.3 billion annually. President Donald Trump met with el-Sissi in the White House in April but made no mention of Egypt's human rights record in the post-meeting statement, signaling more tolerance as opposed to the Obama administration, which kept human rights higher up in its agenda with Egypt. The law has triggered wide international backlash and raised concerns over human rights conditions in Egypt. The European Union said the law is "likely to directly affect" its assistance, which relies on cooperation with NGOs. Amnesty International said the law is a "catastrophic blow" and could be a "death sentence" for human rights groups in the Mideast country. Similarly, Germany's Federal Government Human Rights Commissioner, Barbel Kofler, expressed his concern about the law. But Egypt defended the law, saying it was drafted and passed in accordance with constitutional provisions. The Foreign Ministry said the law "supports and empowers civil society." The legislation was put into effect just one week after Egyptian authorities arrested potential presidential candidate Khaled Ali on charges that he violated public decency. He has since been released on bail pending trial. Authorities have also blocked access to a string of websites critical of the government, including Qatar's Al-Jazeera Network, Mada Masr and Daily News Egypt. El-Sissi is grappling with an insurgency by Islamic militants in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, an economy struggling to keep up with demands and employment needs of Egypt's surging population, and a sustained campaign of violence against the country's Christian minority. BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Serbia's new president Aleksandar Vucic says he will open talks next week on who will become the next prime minister after he resigned the post to assume the presidency. Vucic said Thursday he will discuss the issue with the representatives of parliamentary parties before making the decision. In Serbia, the president appoints a prime minister-designate who then needs parliamentary approval. The populist Vucic is widely expected to appoint a loyalist and maintain control of the government even as he moves into the largely ceremonial presidential position. His Serbian Progressive Party holds the majority in Serbia's 250-member parliament. A former extreme nationalist, Vucic was sworn in as president Wednesday after sweeping the election in April. Opposition groups accuse him of imposing an autocratic rule. WARSAW, Poland (AP) - The United Nations announced Thursday that it will hold its 2018 Climate Change Conference in Katowice, a Polish city in the heart of a coal-producing region that is one of the most polluted areas in all of Europe. Environmentalists welcomed the decision and said they hope it will inspire the development of renewable energy in an area whose economy is dependent on coal and heavy industry. Ilona Jedrasik, a Warsaw-based spokeswoman for environmental group ClientEarth, said she hopes "it will give a strong signal to the local community that our economy needs transformation to one based on low emissions technology and green energy." FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2016 file photo wind turbines spin near Leipzig, central Germany, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. World leaders affirmed their commitment Thursday, June 1, 2017 to combating climate change ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on whether he would pull out of the Paris climate accord. Trump is expected to announce his decision on Thursday afternoon. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader,file) There are actually many local initiatives to develop green energy that are little-known and which should be encouraged, she said. "Those in the coal industry know we need to do this but don't get any direction from the government to make the transition," she said. The choice of Katowice was announced Thursday during a meeting in Tuczno, Poland, between Polish Environment Minister Jan Szysko and Patricia Espinosa, the executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Espinosa said that 2018 will be an "important year for international climate diplomacy as nations move forward to implement the Paris Climate Change Agreement." Poland also hosted such conferences in 2008 in Poznan and in 2013 in Warsaw, and presided over a meeting in Bonn in 1999. BRUSSELS (AP) - Russia's envoy to NATO warned Thursday that Moscow is concerned by the alliance's military deployment in the Baltic States and Poland, and will respond to the buildup, as thousands of U.S. and European troops trained on land, sea and in the air in central and eastern Europe. "NATO is building a new military security situation that we cannot ignore, that we should address using our own military instruments," Ambassador Alexander Grushko said in Brussels. He declined to spell out what kind of measures Russia might take, saying only that "NATO's movements will not be left without a response in terms of military planning." British troops arrive in Romania after crossing the border from Bulgaria in Giurgiu, Romania, Thursday, June 1, 2017 to take part in the alliance's Noble Jump 2017 exercise which tests the readiness of alliance troops. Some 2,000 troops and more than 500 vehicles will head to the Cincu training area in central Romania from bases in Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Norway and Albania, joining around 2,000 Romanian troops and over 1,000 enablers.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) Twelve NATO countries are deploying a total of around 4,600 troops to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland and the four battlegroups are due to be fully up and running within two weeks. NATO says it's a deterrent move aimed at countering aggression by Russia, which seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014. "NATO is a defensive alliance and we do not seek confrontation with Russia," NATO spokesman Piers Cazalet said. "NATO had no plan to deploy forces in the region before Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea." Separately, around 4,000 U.S. and European troops from 14 nations were taking part in the annual Baltic Operations navy exercise that opened Thursday in the Baltic Sea port of Szczecin, in Poland, one of Russia's neighbors. The war games involve ground forces backed by about 50 ships and submarines and over 50 aircraft, and will run through June 16. In Romania, meanwhile, another 2,000 soldiers, 1,000 assistance personnel and 500 vehicles from 11 NATO nations were training in the alliance's "Noble Jump 2017" drill. In a conversation with reporters that painted a bleak picture of NATO-Russia ties, Grushko also said that Moscow sees no shift in U.S. defense policy since President Donald Trump came to office. "In real steps, there is not any change of U.S. policy through NATO vis-a -vis Russia," he said, noting that Washington has increased defense spending in Europe by 40 percent in its 2018 budget. Grushko also questioned why European allies would boost spending, as Trump insisted they should during last week's NATO summit, when their combined defense budgets are already greater than Russia and China together. He also said that the multitude of global threats means it's impossible for any group of states or organization like NATO "to create an island of security." "If Europe is really interested in improving its own security, it is simply not possible to do it without Russia," Grushko said. Following the summit and G-7 meetings last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that Europe's relationship with the U.S. had shifted significantly, saying that "the times in which we can fully count on others are somewhat over, as I have experienced in the past few days." ___ Monika Scislowska reported from Warsaw, Poland. British troops stand near their vehicles after crossing the border from Bulgaria in Giurgiu, Romania, Thursday, June 1, 2017 to take part in the alliance's Noble Jump 2017 exercise which tests the readiness of alliance troops. Some 2,000 troops and more than 500 vehicles will head to the Cincu training area in central Romania from bases in Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Norway and Albania, joining around 2,000 Romanian troops and over 1,000 enablers.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) A British serviceman, his arm tattooed with poppies that reads "We Will Remember Them" stands near vehicles in the Romanian border checkpoint in Giurgiu, Romania, Thursday, June 1, 2017 to take part in the alliance's Noble Jump 2017 exercise which tests the readiness of alliance troops. Some 2,000 troops and more than 500 vehicles will head to the Cincu training area in central Romania from bases in Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Norway and Albania, joining around 2,000 Romanian troops and over 1,000 enablers.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) LONDON (AP) - Queen Elizabeth II could become involved in a spat between a racehorse owner and the country's horse-racing authority over the barring of a jockey from competing in the prestigious English Derby. The British Horseracing Authority has intervened to stop Gina Mangan from riding 1,000-1 shot Diore Lia in Saturday's race at Epsom, saying that the jockey was too inexperienced and the BHA had a "responsibility to place the welfare of our participants, both equine and human, first." Mangan has competed in 69 races in her career and ridden one winner - in 2009. Richard Aylward, who bred the horse, said Mangan has been left "badly scarred" and "in a terrible mess" by the BHA's decision. He entered Diore Lia in an attempt to raise money for his chosen charity, the Great Ormond Street Hospital for children, of which Queen Elizabeth II is a patron. The queen will be attending the Derby. "It's my intention to speak to her about what has happened when she comes in the parade ring before the Derby," Aylward said. "Our story needs telling," Aylward added, "because I've been left very, very upset about what has gone on and I feel so sorry for Gina." Aylward still plans to enter Diore Lia for the Derby, whose prize money of 1.625 million pounds ($2.1 million) makes it the richest race ever staged in Britain. Paddy Pilley - an apprentice jockey with 34 winners to his name - was named Thursday as horse's rider. Leading jockey Ryan Moore said the BHA "has done the correct thing." "You would have been asking the horse and jockey to do something at Epsom that they simply weren't equipped to do," Moore told Betfair. "It is not quite like turning up at the start of the Formula One race driving a tractor, but it isn't far off. Perhaps more accurate would be sending someone out to war after they had only had experience in the army reserves." The BHA said last week that there would be "no restrictions in place" to stop Mangan from riding at Epsom, but that race conditions could be discussed "on an ongoing basis, if appropriate." "In the circumstances we believe they have taken the right decision," said Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, "albeit in hindsight it would have been far preferable not to have given Gina the public green light to ride earlier in the week." GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (AP) - Interstate 25 outside Denver is back open after a tanker fire shut down the highway. All lanes were open in both directions in time for Thursday's commute after crews worked through the night to repair damage from Wednesday's fire. As the fire began, the driver of the truck jumped out, tumbling onto the road as cars drove by. Another person ran toward him and helped him away. A tanker smolders along the retaining wall separating northbound from southbound lanes on Interstate 25 Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Greenwood Village, Colo. The highway is closed along with a nearby light rail station, forcing motorists to seek other routes through Denver's busy southeast corridor. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The fire quickly engulfed the truck and sent a large plume of black smoke billowing into the sky. Investigators say the truck lost a tire and crashed into the concrete barrier in the median, but it's not clear if that ignited the fire. The charred barrier seemed to be the only sign remaining Thursday of the accident. The driver was taken to a hospital. His condition has not been released. Highway workers look over a retaining wall as the remains of a tanker smolders along the barrier separating northbound from southbound lanes on Interstate 25 Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in Greenwood Village, Colo. The highway is closed along with a nearby light rail station, forcing motorists to seek other routes through Denver's busy southeast corridor. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) BOSTON (AP) - A man U.S. immigration officials are trying to deport has been released from custody after civil liberties advocates challenged his detention. A lawyer for 32-year-old Sreynuon Lunn tells The Boston Globe (http://bit.ly/2qEtEgy ) his client was released without explanation May 25 from a Boston jail, where he'd been held since Feb. 6 on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lunn was born to Cambodian parents in a refugee camp in Thailand. Both nations deny he's a citizen. He was granted permanent U.S. residency in 1985. He has been convicted of crimes, and immigration officials have unsuccessfully tried to deport him multiple times. His lawyers say those failures demonstrate he wouldn't be removed in the foreseeable future, so it would be unlawful to keep him detained. A ICE spokesman declined comment. ___ Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The man responsible for a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University last year left behind a torn-up note in which he urged his family to stop being "moderate" Muslims and said he was upset by fellow Muslims being oppressed in Myanmar, The Associated Press has learned. Abdul Razak Ali Artan also told his parents in the note, reassembled by investigators, that he "will intercede for you in the day of Judgment," according to the investigative case file of the attack obtained through an open records request. "My family stop being moderate muslims," says the handwritten note transcribed by investigators and found by Artan's bed in his family's apartment. FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 file photo, investigators collect evidence as police respond to an attack at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Abdul Razak Ali Artan, 18, was shot and killed by an Ohio State officer moments after driving into a crowd and then attacking people with a knife. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Artan also wrote: "In the end, I would like to say that I pledge my allegiance to 'dawla,'" an Arabic word that means state or country and a likely reference to the Islamic State group. "May Allah bless them." He concludes by saying he's leaving his property to his beloved "but yet 'moderate mother.'" Artan's family was baffled by that note, which caused them a great deal of anguish, said Bob Fitrakis, a Columbus attorney representing the family. To this day, the family has no idea why Artan took those actions, he said Thursday. "The family is mystified by what happened. They're absolutely clueless," Fitrakis said. The 18-year-old Artan was shot and killed by an Ohio State officer moments after driving into a crowd on Nov. 28 and then attacking people with a knife, leaving thirteen injured. In a series of Facebook rants previously reported, Artan nursed grievances against the U.S. "If you want us Muslims to stop carrying lone wolf attacks, then make peace" with the Islamic State group, he warned in those posts in which he also railed against U.S. intervention in Muslim lands. Artan posted those comments at 9:49 a.m. on Nov. 28, three minutes before the attack began, according to an unclassified FBI report showing the time line of the attack that was released through the open records request. One of his brothers saw those comments and tried too late to contact him, thinking maybe it was a joke or his account had been hacked, Fitrakis said. The records provided new details about Artan, including a visit he made to Washington, D.C. a few days before the attack where he also made unidentified purchases at a Walmart. The family didn't realize he'd traveled there, has no idea why he went, and urges anyone with information about that trip to contact authorities, Fitrakis said. The day before the attack, Artan left his job at a nearby Home Depot, saying he was tired, a co-worker told investigators. This was unusual, "as he never left early from work," the co-worker said. Artan had told the co-worker several times that fall he was disgruntled with school and wanted to drop out, according to the records. The morning of the attack, Artan bought a set of knives, a tomato and a cucumber at 7:20 a.m. at a Walmart on the west side of Columbus, with his movements captured by video and photos and released in response to the AP's records' request. The "suspect was pleasant and very polite during the checkout process," the Walmart cashier told investigators. At 7:50 a.m., Artan dropped his sister at a high school near their home on the city's west side. He paid a brother $40 he owed him around 9:30 a.m., when the brother last saw him, according to FBI records. After arriving on campus, Artan drove his brother's Honda Civic over a curb and into a crowd of people and crashed it into a planter. Artan then got out and started slashing at people with an eight-inch knife, records show. In a coincidence, a nearby building had been evacuated because of a reported gas leak. "I'm going to . . . kill you," Artan told one female student, using an expletive, the records show. Somali-born Artan came to the U.S. in 2014 as the child of a refugee. He had been living in Pakistan from 2007 to 2014. Authorities believe Artan's attack was partly inspired by an American-born cleric killed in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen. ___ Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/andrew-welsh-huggins CHICAGO (AP) - United Airlines says it will start flying between Los Angeles and Singapore, a distance of about 8,700 miles, making it the longest route to or from the United States. Westbound flights will be a derriere-numbing 17 hours and 55 minutes. They will leave Los Angeles each evening and arrive two days later local time in Singapore. The eastbound leg will take 15 hours and 15 minutes with the prevailing tail wind. The airline said Thursday that assuming it gets government approval, flights will start Oct. 27 using Boeing 787 planes. The longest current U.S. flight is Qantas' 8,578-mile trip between Dallas-Fort Worth and Sydney, Australia. Among flights that don't touch the U.S., Qatar Airways flies a 9,032-mile route between its hub in Doha and Auckland, New Zealand. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily delay moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem (all times local): 9 p.m. President Donald Trump has stepped back from a campaign promise to move the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. FILE - In this May 23, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. A senior Israeli official is expressing disappointment over Trump's decision against relocating the embassy to Jerusalem and is accusing the U.S. of caving in to Arab pressure. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Trump says he's putting off moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv because it could have a negative impact on efforts to promote peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Trump's reversal is a blow to Israeli hard-liners and American supporters who have pushed for the move over the years. Palestinian and other Arab leaders are praising Trump's decision. Israel considers Jerusalem to be its capital and insists the holy city must not be divided. Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital for a future, independent state. The White House insists that Trump is merely delaying and not abandoning his pledge to relocate the embassy. ___ 4:10 p.m. One Mideast analyst says President Donald Trump's decision not to immediately move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem represents a "very traditional approach to Arab-Israeli peacemaking." Robert Satloff, who runs the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, says it's a move that could bring the Israelis and Palestinians "back to the debate," while avoiding anything that might upset either side too much. But the decision is being denounced in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says the move has damaged prospects for peace. And Israel's intelligence minister is accusing Trump of a "surrender" to pressure from Arab and Muslim nations. Palestinian leaders are cheering the move. They say it improves the atmosphere for future negotiations by demonstrating Trump's seriousness. __ 11:25 a.m. The Palestinians are praising President Donald Trump's decision not to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, saying it strengthens the chances of peace. President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdeneh (nah-BEEL' ah-boo reh-DAY'-nuh), says the decision is an "important positive step" that illustrates the U.S. seriousness about promoting peace. The Palestinian ambassador to Washington, Hussam Zomlot, says the move "gives peace a chance." Zomlot says: "We are ready to start the consultation process with the U.S. administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace." The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as their capital. Israel captured the area from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war and claims all the city as its eternal capital. ___ 11:20 a.m. Israel's prime minister says the U.S. decision not to move its embassy to Jerusalem has hurt the prospects for peace with the Palestinians. In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that it believes all embassies should be in what it called Israel's "eternal capital." The statement says: "Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem." It says that despite the disappointment, Israel appreciates Trump's friendship and his commitment to moving the embassy to Jerusalem in the future. ___ 11 a.m. Jordan has welcomed President Donald Trump's decision to delay moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to contested Jerusalem. The pro-Western kingdom had warned that such a move was a "red line" that it would bolster extremists if crossed. Jordan is the custodian of a major Muslim holy site in east Jerusalem, an area captured and annexed by Israel in 1967 and sought by Palestinians as a capital. More than half of Jordan's citizens are of Palestinian descent. Jordanian government spokesman Mohammed Momani said Thursday that "we strongly welcome the decision and highly value the message it is sending." Momani says the president's decision shows "how much the administration values the advice of its allies" and that the focus must be on relaunching serious Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. ___ 10:50 a.m. A senior Israeli official is expressing disappointment over Trump's decision against relocating the embassy to Jerusalem and is accusing the U.S. of caving in to Arab pressure. Cabinet Minister Yuval Steinitz says the refusal to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital makes no sense. Steinitz is a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Steinitz tells Israel's Army Radio station: "I think the time has come to put an end to this farce. Everybody recognizes Israel as the capital of Israel. When Trump comes here, he goes to Jerusalem, not Tel Aviv." When told that Trump said he will move the embassy later, Steinitz says: "I hope that happens before the Messiah comes." He said leaving foreign embassies in Tel Aviv is "a surrender to unfair Arab and Muslim pressure." ___ 10:20 a.m. The White House says President Donald Trump decided to delay moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem to maximize chances of reaching a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians. But press secretary Sean Spicer says Trump still intends to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. Spicer says, "The question is not if that move happens, but only when." Spicer says the six-month waiver Trump signed Thursday shouldn't be considered a retreat from Trump's "strong support for Israel" and for the alliance between the U.S. and Israel. He says pursuing a Mideast peace deal fulfills the president's "solemn obligation to defend America's national security interests." Trump was facing a Thursday deadline to either waive or comply with a law requiring him to move the embassy. ___ 10:02 a.m. President Donald Trump has temporarily waived a law requiring the U.S. to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Trump's move to renew the waiver for six months keeps the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv for now. Trump has said he's reviewing whether to fulfill his campaign promise to move it to Jerusalem. Trump was facing a Thursday deadline to renew the waiver or see the State Department lose half its funding for its overseas facilities. Presidents of both parties have renewed the waiver every six months for years. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, but the Palestinians claim east Jerusalem for the capital of a future state. The U.S. says its policy on Jerusalem hasn't changed and that Jerusalem's status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - A team of forensic experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday that it is about to start identifying the remains of 123 Argentine soldiers buried in a Falklands Island cemetery after the 1982 war. Argentina lost a brief but bloody conflict with Britain after Argentine troops invaded the South Atlantic archipelago. Both countries reached a deal last year to identify the remains of the fallen soldiers. Red Cross officials said the process will begin June 19. Laurent Corbaz, leading the Humanitarian Project Plan on Falkland Islands of the International Committee of the Red Cross, right, Lorenzo Caraffi, Red Cross Head of Delegation for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, center, and the head of the Red Cross mission in Buenos Aires, Diego Alonso Rojas Coronel attend a press conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, June 1, 2017. The Red Cross will work to identify the remains of unidentified Argentine soldiers that died during war with Britain and buried in Darwin cemetery on the Falkland Islands. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) "We're realistic and not naive. Identifying 100 percent of them will not be possible," Laurent Corbaz, who heads the project for the Red Cross, said at a news conference in Buenos Aires. Ten forensic experts will carry out exhumations and the remains will be collected at a laboratory near Darwin Cemetery. They will then be sent to Argentina, where they will be compared with DNA samples from family members of some of the fallen soldiers. Laboratories in Britain and Spain will also be involved in this process. Corbaz said the team expects several challenges, including a lack of "DNA presence" since the land where the bodies were buried is acidic and "not good" for the preservation of remains. He also said several dead soldiers were buried in one of the 123 tombs, complicating identification. In all, the war claimed the lives of 649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers. The South American country still claims the South Atlantic islands, which it calls the Malvinas. Britain says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection. Laurent Corbaz, leading the Humanitarian Project Plan on the Falkland Islands of the International Committee of the Red Cross, speaks during a press conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, June 1, 2017. The Red Cross will work to identify the remains of unidentified Argentine soldiers that died during war with Britain and buried in Darwin cemetery on the Falkland Islands. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) BERLIN (AP) - German authorities have arrested a Syrian man on suspicion of membership in the extremist Nusra Front group. Federal prosecutors say the 22-year-old suspect, identified only as Ahmet A. A., was arrested Wednesday in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In a statement Thursday, prosecutors said the man is suspected of having joined the Nusra Front in 2012 together with a previously arrested other man, Abdul Jawad A. K. The men's full surnames weren't released because of German privacy laws. Prosecutors said Ahmet A. A. took part in fighting against Syrian government troops, including during fighting in the Syrian city of Tabqa in 2013. President Vladimir Putin insisted Thursday that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking, yet Russians have been blamed or suspected in several recent attacks. Putin alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in cyberattacks could have been falsified in an attempt to smear Russia. He didn't specify which ones. Here are some recent attacks in which Russian hackers have been blamed or suspected: ___ FRENCH ELECTION - This year's French presidential campaign ended with a hacking attack and document leak targeting centrist Emmanuel Macron just before he won. U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Rogers, the National Security Agency chief, has pinned the attack on Russians in testimony before a U.S. Senate panel. However, the head of the French government's cyber security agency, Guillaume Poupard, told The Associated Press on Friday that his agency found no trace of a notorious Russian hacking group in its investigations. ___ YAHOO DATA BREACH - The U.S. Department of Justice has alleged that two Russian intelligence agents hired a pair of hackers to engineer a 2014 heist that affected at least a half billion Yahoo user accounts in the second-worst data breach in internet history. Court documents say the hackers appeared mainly interested in sifting through the email of Russian and U.S. government officials, Russian journalists and employees of financial firms and other businesses. ___ DEMOCRATS - The U.S. has accused Russia of coordinating the theft of emails from the Democratic National Committee and other institutions and individuals in the U.S. to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Following the hack, embarrassing internal Democratic documents, along with both personal and official information about Democratic members and hundreds of congressional staff, were posted online. ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) - Thousands have rallied in Croatia calling for reform of the education system in the European Union's newest member country. Rallies were held in the capital, Zagreb, and several towns on Thursday, a year after similar protests drew tens of thousands. Croatia has long planned an overhaul of its education system to bring it into line with the standards of other EU countries. It has made little progress although the country joined the bloc in 2013. Protest organizers have demanded that the education minister resign. They have accused the government of promoting conservative values and intolerance amid a surge in right-wing sentiments in the country. JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's finance minister met with the Palestinian prime minster in the West Bank city of Ramallah this week in the wake of President Donald Trump's recent visit to the region, Israeli and Palestinian officials said Thursday. It's the first such meeting between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials in Ramallah since 2014, when U.S.-mediated peace talks collapsed. Moshe Kahlon's office said on Thursday that he and Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai of the Israeli defense body COGAT met with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah this week. The office said they discussed the goodwill gestures Israel approved ahead of Trump's visit, aimed in part at laying the groundwork for restarting peace talks. The measures include construction permits for Palestinians in parts of the West Bank that had previously been off limits, economic concessions and expanded hours at the Jordan border crossing. Palestinian government spokesman Yousif al-Mahmoud confirmed the meeting and added that the focus should be on "the political solution" to the conflict and that economic incentives are not enough. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - State-linked Saudi news websites are reporting that a car bomb has exploded in a restive town in the country's Eastern Province, which is heavily populated by minority Shiites. Video circulating on social media showed a car engulfed in flames and thick plumes of black smoke. The Saudi media outlets, such as al-Marsad, say the car bomb exploded in the town of Qatif in a district with shops and apartment buildings. Al-Marsad and others say two people inside the car may have been killed. Violence between Shiite militants and security forces there has increased in recent weeks, with several incidents of militants firing rocket-propelled grenades at police. The Islamic State group has also previously launched attacks on Shiites in Qatif. The Interior Ministry did not immediately comment on the explosion. BERLIN (AP) - Hertha Berlin has signed German forward Davie Selke from Bundesliga rival Leipzig. Hertha says the 22-year-old Selke, who had been in talks with former club Werder Bremen, has signed a "long-term deal." Kicker magazine reported a transfer fee around 8 million euros ($9 million), rising to 10 million euros ($11.2 million) with bonus payments. Selke was tipped as a future striker for Germany but was unable to establish a starting place at Leipzig. Over 21 league appearances, most as a substitute, he scored four goals last season. Selke is Hertha's second signing of the off-season following the arrival of Australian forward Matthew Leckie last week. On Wednesday, the club sold defender John Brooks to Wolfsburg a reported fee of 20 million euros ($22.4 million), a record transfer for an American player. NEW YORK (AP) - Declaring "this is a time for big dreams," former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday launched a political action committee that's stoking fresh speculation he may seek the presidency in 2020. The 74-year-old Democrat unveiled American Possibilities PAC through social media and in an email that directs supporters to a new website. The committee allows him to raise money for candidates, pay for politically related travel costs and maintain relationships with longtime donors. "This is a time for big dreams and American possibilities," Biden says in a message posted on the new site. "If that's what you believe - and you're ready to help elect folks who believe that, and to support groups and causes that embody that spirit - then I'm asking you to join me today." FILE - In this May 24, 2017 file photo, former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Declaring "this is a time for big dreams," Biden on Thursday, June 1, 2017, launched a political action committee that's stoking fresh speculation he may seek the presidency in 2020. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) In a related email to supporters, Biden wrote that "the negativity, the pettiness, the small-mindedness of our politics drives me crazy." He did not mention President Donald Trump by name but said that kind of politics is "not who we are." Biden's move comes as his party searches for new leadership six months after nominee Hillary Clinton's stunning loss. Clinton remains a prominent voice in party affairs along with 2016 candidate Bernie Sanders, although a new wave of Democrats is working to steer the party's message. Among them: Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and California Sen. Kamala Harris. While Obama has maintained a low profile since leaving the White House, Biden has been politically active. He campaigned for Democrats in Delaware and New Jersey in recent months in addition to headlining a fundraiser for the New Hampshire Democratic Party in late April. New Hampshire, of course, traditionally hosts the nation's first presidential primary election every four years. "He will be a consistent, vocal presence for the Democratic Party all over the country," Biden spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield said of his role in party affairs. Biden, raised in working-class Pennsylvania, has run for president twice before. Should he run and win in 2020, he would be the oldest president ever elected. "It's time to reach deep into the soul of this country and once again give everyone - and I mean everyone - the opportunity to achieve the impossible," Biden wrote. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A Princeton University professor says she canceled lectures this week after receiving death threats following a commencement address in which she called President Donald Trump "a racist and sexist megalomaniac." Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an assistant professor of African American Studies at the Ivy League school in New Jersey, spoke to graduates at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, on May 20. In a Wednesday statement, Taylor provided examples of racially derogatory and misogynistic slurs she said were in the emails. She said the emails followed Fox News coverage of her speech, and she blamed Fox News for the backlash. She said it ran the story to "incite and unleash the mob-like mentality of its fringe audience." Fox News hasn't responded to a request for comment. Taylor said that in the commencement address, she wanted to warn graduates about the world they graduated into and she said she argued that Trump "poses a threat to their future." The author of "From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation" said she canceled appearances this week at Seattle's Town Hall and the University of California-San Diego. She said she released her statement because she will "not be silent." Taylor has declined to comment further. She is on sabbatical from Princeton for the 2016-17 academic year. MEXICO CITY (AP) - Authorities say that three men have been arrested in connection with the April 14 murder of a journalist in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Investigators say they have established that the killing of Maximino Rodriguez was related to his work, but aren't giving details. Rodriguez covered the police beat for local online portal Colectivo Pericu. He was shot inside his vehicle. Surveillance camera footage helped authorities locate the killers' vehicle in the state capital of La Paz. State and federal authorities said in a press conference Thursday that the men were arrested along with six others on Tuesday. There was no mention of who ordered the killing or the specific motive. Six journalists have been killed so far this year in Mexico. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump had the world on edge Thursday as he neared an announcement on whether he'll keep the U.S. in a global climate pact. The White House signaled that withdrawal was likely. During the campaign, Trump criticized the environmental accord signed by nearly 200 nations in Paris in 2015, saying it would cause job losses in the U.S. Withdrawing would also fulfill a promise Trump made as a candidate, but the president is also known to change his mind at the last minute on major decisions. A look at how Trump has handled some of his other top campaign pledges: U.S. EMBASSY in ISRAEL: Trump's pledge to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem remains unfulfilled, at least for now. Hours before he was to reveal his decision on the climate pact, Trump decided to temporarily leave the embassy in Tel Aviv. He signed a waiver delaying such a move for at least six months, something his predecessors from both political parties have done routinely for decades. The White House said Trump made the decision to "maximize" the chances of negotiating a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians, a decades-old diplomatic stalemate that Trump wants to help resolve. Moving the embassy risked infuriating Palestinians, who claim east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, and inflaming regional tensions. Trump hasn't abandoned his pledge to move the embassy, the White House said, adding that "the question is not if that move happens, but only when." ___ NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: Trump in late April informed Mexico and Canada's leaders that he will not pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement and would instead seek changes. During the campaign, Trump slammed NAFTA as one of the worst deals in U.S. history and pledged to renegotiate it if elected. Trump's decision came hours after administration officials said he was considering pulling the U.S. out of NAFTA altogether. Trump has cited a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a driver behind his decision. ___ TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP: Within days of taking office on Jan. 20, Trump kept his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation agreement finalized during the Obama administration that would have reduced prices and boosted sales abroad for automakers, farmers and tech companies. Trump also criticized this deal during the campaign, saying it would be a "disaster" for American jobs. He has stated a preference for one-on-one agreements with countries, instead of sweeping, multinational arrangements. ___ Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter; http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap TORONTO (AP) - A former engineer has been found not guilty of criminal negligence in the collapse of a Canadian mall that killed two women when part of the roof-top parking deck caved in. A judge in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, acquitted Robert Wood on Thursday. Wood had declared the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake was structurally sound just weeks before the collapse in June 2012. He admitted to changing his inspection report after his partner had signed off on it. Wood was the only person charged. He had pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal negligence causing death and one of causing bodily harm. TORONTO (AP) - Canada announced Thursday US$867 million (US$641 million) in loans and guarantees to lumber producers as they deal with the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood exports. The government package announced is meant to help forestry companies explore new markets and innovate. Natural Resource Minister Jim Carr acknowledged the measures risk raising the ire of American officials but he said the loans are at market rates. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced in April duties ranging from 3 percent to 24 percent on softwood lumber imports with an average of about 20 percent. Ross argued that Canada unfairly subsidizes its industry. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said it is unfair and punitive but said Canada is eager to reach a settlement. "We have been here before," Freeland said. The two countries have previously patched over their differences on lumber imports, most recently with a compromise that expired in 2015. It has long been a major trade irritant that has roiled relations between the United States and Canada for more than three decades. The tariffs come amid increasing trade tensions between the two countries. Softwood lumber, which includes pine and other varieties, is heavily used in the construction of new homes. Carr called the aid an appropriate response that will withstand scrutiny but the U.S. Lumber Coalition, an alliance of American producers, disagreed. "Today's announcement of a new government subsidy for Canadian softwood lumber producers only further tilts the trade scale in Canada's favor, threatening more than 350,000 jobs in communities across the United States," U.S. Lumber Coalition spokesman Zoltan van Heyningen said in a statement. "The U.S. Commerce Department's recent anti-subsidy duties were a step in the right direction, and we appreciate the Administration's support. But Canada continues to push back and refuses to play by the same set of rules." DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) - Jason Dufner putted for birdie on every hole until the last one and shared the lead at 7-under 65 with David Lingmerth at the Memorial. Jordan Spieth wasted no time getting into the mix. One week after he finished a shot behind at Colonial, Spieth closed with a flourish of birdies at Muirfield Village and was among those at 66. Dufner hit every green in regulation until his 7-iron to the 18th came up short and into the bunker. He blasted out 12 feet by the hole and missed the par putt. Lingmerth, who picked up his first PGA Tour victory at the Memorial two years ago, also bogeyed his last hole. Jordan Spieth tees off on the 15th hole during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2017, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Dustin Johnson was on the other end of the spectrum. He didn't make a birdie and shot 78. Jordan Spieth watches his shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2017, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) David Lingmerth, of Sweden, hits out of the bunker on the 18th hole during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2017, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) David Lingmerth, of Sweden, reacts after an eagle on the 15th hole during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2017, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Dustin Johnson hits from the 13th fairway during the first round of the Memorial golf tournament, Thursday, June 1, 2017, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) LOS ANGELES (AP) - Put this in your pipe and smoke it. High Times, the magazine that for decades has been the go-to bible for backyard pot growers and cocktail party tokers has been sold to a group of investors that includes reggae musician and ganga guru Damian Marley. The son of the late reggae superstar Bob Marley is one of 20 investors who acquired a 60 percent stake in High Times, its digital media platforms and its increasingly popular Cannabis Cup trade shows. The purchase price wasn't revealed but Adam Levin, whose Los Angeles-based investment firm, Oreva Capital, put together the deal, said the company is valued at $70 million. Levin, whose company specializes in acquiring undervalued media properties, said he, Marley and other partners believe they have landed a gem. Although other magazines have struggled, High Times' new owners say it has retained a loyal print subscriber base of more than 200,000 with millions more following it online. Perhaps its most lucrative source of income, however, is its Cannabis Cup trade shows at which prizes are awarded for the best buds. What began as a single, somewhat clandestine meeting in an Amsterdam hotel room in 1988 has grown to 11 events last year with more planned for 2017. As many as 25,000 people attended one in Southern California in February. As marijuana use becomes legal in more and more states, Levin sees those audiences growing, as well as opportunities for more branding of concerts, clothing and other sources of revenue. It's a dramatic change from the early years of the magazine that was founded in 1974 by former drug smuggler Tom Forcade and once sold at newsstands in the same opaque plastic bags used to shield the covers of porn magazines. "It was much more of a crazy, burgeoning pot smuggler magazine when it originated," Levin acknowledged Thursday. He added, however, that it is now the trusted brand of cannabis lovers everywhere. "We're the Wine Aficionado of the cannabis industry," he said, referring to the popular wine magazine. SEATTLE (AP) - A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a former soldier who lied his way to a Purple Heart to three years in prison and ordered him to repay nearly $650,000 in stolen government benefits. Darryl Wright, 48, a former Idaho National Guardsman, feigned injuries from an explosion in Iraq in 2005 and doctored statements from fellow soldiers to obtain two awards, a Combat Action Badge and a Purple Heart, which is reserved for those wounded in action. The Army has since revoked the awards, though Wright still has the medals. FILE--In this Aug. 25, 2016, file photo, former National Guard soldier Darryl Lee Wright leaves a courtroom at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Wash. Prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison sentence Thursday, June 1, 2017, for Wright, who lied his way to a Purple Heart and hundreds of thousands of dollars in government benefits. (AP Photo/Gene Johnson, file) He pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud last year. Prosecutors were seeking a prison term of five years, and they wanted the judge to order Wright to return the medals and a Purple Heart license plate. Settle declined to go that far, but he did order Wright to serve three years, followed by three years of supervised release, and to repay $646,300 in benefits. Wright's attorney, Christopher Black, called it "the right sentence." "He acknowledged responsibility for the bad decisions that he's made and apologized for them," Black said. He described the defendant as a "complicated man" with psychological issues, but said he has been doing well in therapy. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Reese Jennings and Gregory Gruber said Wright parlayed the medals he received to obtain "every possible benefit that might be available to a wounded veteran," including a wide range of disability benefits and the forgiveness of more than $40,000 in student loans. Prosecutors said he defrauded 16 state, federal, local and private agencies, programs and organizations. "This guy was a master at weaponizing his phony status as a Purple Heart Veteran," Jennings said. In applications for benefits, Wright claimed to be so severely disabled that he could only focus his attention for five to 10 seconds, and he said he needed a live-in caregiver. In reality, he served as chairman of the planning commission in Snoqualmie, a city east of Seattle where he lives; coached high school basketball; and had held a full-time federal government job in Seattle. His fraud came to light because a co-worker in the U.S. Commerce Department discovered in 2009 that he had fabricated National Guard orders in an effort to be paid for a week of skipped work. Wright accused the co-worker, Cristina Jackson, of violating his privacy, and the department initially tried to punish her instead of him. Eventually, she reported what was going on to the department's inspector general, whose findings against Wright eventually made their way to federal prosecutors. "I can finally say it's over," Jackson said after the sentencing Thursday. "I still think the judge was way too lenient and gave him more credit than he deserved, but for me it was enough that it was all memorialized in court." Wright claimed to have been injured in a rocket attack in Kirkuk, Iraq, on Aug. 30, 2005. Then a first lieutenant with the Idaho National Guard, he was near a battalion headquarters building when two rockets landed about 100 yards away. Initial reports filed by him and by others in his unit referenced no casualties. "As far as anyone on our team getting hurt, no, that didn't happen," then-Capt. Mark Moeckli told The Associated Press last year. But in 2010, Wright successfully applied for a Purple Heart. In his paperwork, he claimed he "was violently thrown and knocked unconscious from the percussion of the rockets' impact." Wright also claimed Social Security disability benefits, insisting he was frequently bedridden. The VA paid his sister to be his live-in caregiver, though investigators said she performed no such service. By May 2013, the siblings were bringing in benefits totaling $10,000 a month, prosecutors said. The sister later pleaded guilty to related charges. ___ This story has been corrected to show the year of the feigned injuries was 2005, not 2006. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A federal appeals court is expected to hear arguments in September in the case of a transgender teen in Virginia who sued his high school for the right to use the boys' bathroom. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tentatively scheduled arguments for its September session in Gavin Grimm's case against the Gloucester County School Board. Grimm's case is back in the appeals court after the Supreme Court declined to hear it. The Supreme Court's decision came after President Donald Trump revoked guidance saying transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice. The 4th Circuit relied on that guidance when it ruled in favor of Grimm last year. Grimm is graduating high school this month, but says he will keep fighting on behalf of others. MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) - Morocco's government ion Thursday defended police actions in a northern town where arrests of demonstrators have aggravated public anger over corruption and poor economic conditions. Prime Minister Saadeddine El Othmani said at a government meeting that the interior and justice ministers assured him authorities are acting "in the respect of human rights" in demonstrations in El Hoceima. He insisted on the need for public security and stability for the North African kingdom. The six political parties that make up the parliamentary majority issued a statement Thursday insisting on the respect for the right to demonstrate. It urged more "positive" government interaction with protesters. El Hoceima has been shaken by protests since the death of a fish vendor in October, crushed by a garbage compactor while trying to save fish that officials had confiscated. The protests have drawn national attention to the plight of Morocco's impoverished northern Rif region and pose a challenge to the new government. Morocco's parliament will hold a special session Tuesday with the justice and interior ministers about the tensions in El Hoceima, government spokesman Mustapha Khalfi told The Associated Press. Protest leader Nasser Zefzafi was arrested Monday after a three-day manhunt that prompted violent clashes between demonstrators and police. He faces charges of threatening state security, according to a statement from the El Hoceima royal prosecutor. Some 40 other activists also have been arrested and 32 are facing criminal investigation, the prosecutor said. Some are accused of receiving foreign money and support for protests seen as threatening Morocco's reputation for stability in a volatile region. They face trial Tuesday. The arrests have sparked protests in cities around Morocco, primarily in the evening after observant Muslims break the daylong fast of the holy month of Ramadan. Ahmed El Hajj, president of the Moroccan Human Rights Association, said authorities have violently dispersed demonstrations in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Taza. Human rights activists are demanding the release of Zefzafi and the other protesters and say authorities are increasingly aggressive against demonstrations. A lawyer for some arrested protesters, Mohamed Ziane, said some have suffered beatings. He told the AP that authorities have agreed to medical examinations and an internal investigation. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The sudden collapse of spillways at the nation's highest dam has raised alarm among those building, running and regulating big dams around the world because it seemed to come with little warning the spillways were on the verge of failing, dam experts investigating the crisis at California's Oroville Dam said Thursday. February's breakup of the main spillway and then the backup spillway at the 770-foot-high (230 meters) Oroville Dam stands as an "extremely significant" event among dam disasters and near-disasters in modern U.S. history, said John France, an engineer leading the investigation by two national trade associations representing dam-safety and dam-engineering professionals. The significance was only partly due to the size of the Northern California dam, France said. FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2017, file photo, construction crews clear rocks away from Oroville Dam's crippled spillway in Oroville, Calif. The sudden collapse of spillways at the nation's highest dam was unique because it came without warning, and the investigation into why that was is sure to change the way big dams are built and run around the world, an independent team searching for explanations into this winter's near-disaster at Oroville Dam says. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) Unlike most dam failures, which happen in flooding and after signs that a structure is being overwhelmed by water, "what happened was a surprise," France said. "I'm sure there are lessons to be learned," he said. "I'm confident they're going to be significant and change the practice of dam safety engineering in the country and perhaps in the world." The national Association of State Dam Safety Officials and the United States Society on Dams created the independent panel to try to identify the operational and physical failures that made the two spillways at Oroville Dam give way. Authorities ordered the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people below the dam on Feb. 12 with an hour's notice, fearing the disintegration of the spillways and the hillside around them could lead to massive, uncontrolled releases of water. Residents were allowed to return home in two days. The dam holds back the state's second-largest reservoir and is an anchor of the state's complex north-south water delivery. Federal and state agencies that manage and oversee Oroville Dam also are conducting separate investigations into the spillway failures. State officials with the Department of Water Resources, which runs the half-century-old dam, at times have pointed to the torrents of runoff pouring into the dam at the time of the crisis. But the amount of water streaming down the two flood-release spillways when they began to collapse was relatively small. The state water agency and others involved are cooperating with the independent probe by the dam groups. The independent probe will cover everything from the preliminary work leading up to Oroville's construction in the 1960s to this winter's spillways failures, members of the investigation team said. "We recognize how significant this incident is," said Dan Wade, another member of the investigating team and a program director for the San Francisco Public Utility Commission. Dam professionals around the country, many of them working with dams as old or older than Oroville, want independent and thorough answers on the Oroville crisis, he said. NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on speech by Muslim activist at speaking at New York City college (all times local): 6:30 p.m. A Muslim-American activist whose role as a commencement speaker has been criticized is being given a standing ovation by graduating students. Linda Sarsour is telling graduates of the City University of New York's Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy on Thursday that they must commit to demanding change. Critics of Sarsour, who don't like her views on Israel, have spoken out against her being the keynote speaker. But the school administration is standing behind the decision. The dean says it is important to listen respectfully to differing ideas. Sarsour was one of the lead organizers of the Women's March on Washington. She has been critical of Israel's policies in the occupied territories. ___ 1 p.m. A lead organizer of the Women's March on Washington is scheduled to speak at a college commencement ceremony in New York City, despite protests from critics who don't like her views on Israel. Palestinian-American civil rights activist Linda Sarsour (SAHR'-sohr) is scheduled to speak Thursday at the City University of New York's Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. The Brooklyn-born, hijab-wearing Sarsour has been critical of Israel's policies in the occupied territories and supports the movement to boycott, divest from and sanction the country. That position has made her a target by pro-Israel critics, including some who have spread false Internet reports claiming she supports Islamic State militants and Sharia law. Sarsour says those accusations are ludicrous. CUNY has stood behind its decision to invite her to speak. Romelu Lukakus agent claims Everton promised the striker he could leave this summer if certain clubs came in for him. The Belgium striker, who has two years left on his existing deal, has refused to sign the new contract on offer which would make him the highest-paid player in the clubs history. Lukaku has stressed his decision was not about money but ambition, having regularly spoken about playing in the Champions League. Romelu Lukaku With former club Chelsea and Manchester United, both in Europes elite club competition next season, both linked with a move for the player, his agent Mino Raiola has suggested there is a get-out option for his client. Lukaku had a promise that if certain clubs came this summer that he could leave this summer, Raiola told talkSPORT. We are not in concrete talks with anybody at this moment, but hearing the market I think some clubs will contact Everton. If the price is right for Everton and the project is right for Lukaku then I think he will want to make another step, but we are not there yet. Premium Bonds are celebrating 60 years since the first draw on June 1 1957. For the June 2017 draw, Ernie paid out over 2.3 million prizes worth more than 66 million in total. This brings the grand total number of prizes since the first draw in 1957 to 371 million and the overall value of those prizes to 17.4 billion. Ernest Marples, the Postmaster-General, pressing a button to start up Ernie for the first Premium Savings Bonds draw (PA) The popularity of the bonds over the decades means about one in three UK adults now hold the investments. Alderman Sir Cuthbert Ackroyd, the then Lord Mayor of London, bought the very first Premium Bond on November 1 1956. The investment caught the imagination of the British public to the extent that by the end of their first day on sale, 5 million worth of Premium Bonds had been sold. By the time of the first prize draw on June 1 1957, there were 23,000 prizes drawn with a top prize then of 1,000. The first jackpot winner in 1957 was from Cumbria. Bruce Forsyth pushing the button to start Ernie (PA) Junes Premium Bond millionaires are a man from Devon and a woman from Surrey. The two jackpot winners this month are the 363rd and 364th people to have won the top 1 million prize since it was introduced in April 1994. Ernie or Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment generates numbers at random for the prize draw. Now in its fourth generation, the first Ernie was invented by a Bletchley Park codebreaker. Across the UK, there are still more than 1.3 million unclaimed Premium Bond prizes worth more than 55 million collectively. Pam Grewer, 21, checks through some of the bonds for the first Premium Savings Bonds draw (PA) Premium Bonds holders can reduce the chances of their prizes becoming unclaimed by registering to have any prizes paid directly into their bank accounts. There is no time limit for claiming prizes. The odds of each individual bond number winning a prize are 30,000 to one. Each bond number has the same chance of winning, regardless of when or where it was bought, according to provider National Savings and Investments (NS&I). In May, savers were dealt a blow when NS&I, which has a duty to balance various interests and bear in mind the wider market, slashed the Premium Bond prize pot as well as cutting some of its savings rates. Money held with NS&I has 100% security as it is backed by the Treasury. The first officer on the scene of the Manchester Arena suicide bombing has described how he screamed for his colleagues after the blast. Mark Renshaw, 24, a PCSO for British Transport Police, spent two hours using makeshift items as stretchers as he and his emergency service colleagues tended to the dead and injured. Twenty-two people died and scores more were injured when Salman Abedi brought disaster to the city as fans left an Ariana Grande concert last Monday. Mourners hold a minute's silence in St Ann's Square, Manchester, as they mark the passing of exactly a week since the Manchester Arena terror attack (Owen Humphreys/PA) 22.05.17 is a date etched in our minds forever. Today Manchester Victoria reopens and were here all day if you need us.#WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/1MGoHgor3T British Transport Police (@BTP) May 30, 2017 Mr Renshaw told the Manchester Evening News of one girl who tapped him on the vest and asked Can you help my mummy?, to find she had died in the attack. Speaking to the paper, he said: I heard an extremely loud explosion that literally shook me, everything shook. I saw people running and screaming and my initial response was to go the same way they were all running, but something kicked in and I ran through the barriers up the steps and into the foyer. It was pretty obvious what had happened. I remember screaming down my radio to get my colleagues and first aiders here. I was scared, but I couldnt have stood outside the station thinking, Im safe here when there were people inside who I could have been helping. I would have regretted that. I have no regrets. A man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft and making false threats after he threatened to detonate a bomb and attempted to enter the cockpit of a Malaysia Airlines plane flying out of Australia. Manodh Marks appeared in court on Thursday and faces a potential 10-year prison sentence on each charge. His lawyer Tess Dunsford told the magistrate that Marks had a psychiatric illness and would not apply for bail. He did not enter pleas. A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A380-841 plane (Steve Parsons/PA) Police said the 25-year-old Sri Lankan had been discharged from a Melbourne psychiatric hospital on Wednesday before buying a ticket for the flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Marks was tackled and tied up by passengers after making the threat and the flight returned to Australia. He did not have a bomb. Police said Marks has no terrorist links or associates. About 10 minutes after Flight 128 took off from Melbourne, Marks walked from his economy seat to the cockpit door clutching an electronic device and threatening to blow up the plane, creating panic among passengers. Passengers subdued him and tied him up with belts. Police in tactical gear board a Malaysia Airlines plane after a man tried to enter its cockpit (Andrew Leconcelli/AP) At that point, he was essentially trussed up, Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said. Marks, who is in Australia on a student visa while studying to be a chef, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court. He did not enter pleas to the charges. He will appear in court next on August 24. Scott Lodge said he was one of four passengers who pounced on Marks. All of a sudden, someone has him in a chokehold and got his arm behind his back and the other guy eventually choked him and he passed out, Mr Lodge said. Police take statements from passengers evacuated from the plane (Andrew Leconcelli/AP) Mr Ashton described the device Marks carried on the plane as an amplifier-type instrument. Passenger Andrew Leoncelli described it as a boombox portable music player. He was saying: Im going to the blow the F-ing plane up, Im going to blow the plane up,' Mr Leoncelli told Australian Broadcasting Corp. He was agitated, is the best description 100%, he was agitated. The Airbus A330-300, which was carrying 337 passengers, returned to the airport about 30 minutes after take-off. Passengers were kept on the plane for 90 minutes after landing and the plane was searched for potential bombs at a remote part of the airport, Mr Ashton said. Police wearing body armour took Marks off the plane. The airline said the incident would be investigated. President Donald Trump looks set to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement, the worlds first comprehensive treaty on climate change. Here are the key questions about it. A global deal, agreed under the United Nations in the French capital in December 2015, which will see action by all countries to curb rising temperatures. President Donald Trump looks set to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement (Andrew Harnik/AP) If we continue to pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere on current trajectories, we are facing a world with temperatures of more than 4C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, hotter globally than at any time in human history. This will lead to sea level rises, more intense storms and flooding, more extreme droughts, water shortages and heatwaves as well as massive loss of wildlife and reduction in crop yields, potentially sparking conflict and mass migration. The higher temperatures rise, the worse the situation will be so we need to halt the emissions that cause global warming. By pulling out of the #ParisAgreement, Trump will make the United States the worlds foremost climate villain.https://t.co/S1efp75F3j pic.twitter.com/NuBSz5tz3Y Friends of the Earth (Action) (@foe_us) June 1, 2017 The Paris Agreement commits countries to take action to limit temperature rises to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to keep them to 1.5C, which requires emissions to be cut to net zero by the second half of the century. Current climate plans by countries are not enough to meet the targets so there is a five-year review and ratchet mechanism to increase ambition, and finance for poor countries to develop along a low-carbon path and to cope with the impacts of climate change. Then president Barack Obama signed up to the deal, without ratification by the US Senate, last year. Our reaction to news that Trump is set to pull the US out of the #ParisAgreement on climate https://t.co/z8aiFE0E8v #fossilfree pic.twitter.com/1K6VgQLakF Friends of the Earth Scotland (@FoEScot) May 31, 2017 In pulling out Mr Trump, who has described climate change as a hoax by the Chinese to hurt US manufacturing, would be honouring a pledge made on the campaign trail to quit Paris and boost fossil fuel production at home. Certainly in some quarters, with a strong vein of climate scepticism in parts of the establishment and among some of Mr Trumps supporters. But surveys show the majority of Americans want to stay in the accord, solar jobs are booming and US entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk are driving forward clean tech. Even major oil companies have urged the US to stay in. States such as California have already pledged to continue action to cut their emissions regardless of what the president does. We *should* rely on good science and 97% of climate scientists agree climate change is real and man-made https://t.co/xeF0mSTnCR pic.twitter.com/8GOzU1sejs Climate Reality (@ClimateReality) June 1, 2017 A country can serve notice it is quitting the deal three years after it came into force for them, and it then takes another year to leave. It would also be possible for the US not to formally leave but simply refuse to meet its commitments, which are voluntary for countries. America has agreed to reduce its emissions by 2025 to 26-28% of 2005 levels, about 1.6 billion tonnes. Climate change is an existential threat to our futurestaying in #ParisAgreement is the best way to protect our children & global leadership Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 31, 2017 There are concerns that the failure of the worlds second biggest polluter to honour its commitments will make it harder for the world to curb temperature rises to well below 2C. On the global stage, it would undermine the overwhelming consensus achieved in Paris to take action on climate change, with only Syria and Nicaragua not signed up to the agreement, and raises fears other countries may back slide on their commitments. If Mr Trump withdraws from Paris, it will hardly come as a surprise, and so far countries are holding the line. "I call on world leaders, business & civil society to take ambitious action on climate change." - @antonioguterres #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/15A1DAkLzZ UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) June 1, 2017 Of the other industrialised nations, only Russia has not yet ratified the deal, and China and India are pushing ahead with curbing coal power and boosting renewables and electric vehicles. The EU and China are set to announce deeper commitment to climate action after a summit on Friday. With falling prices of clean technology, some analysts say the switch to a low carbon world is already unstoppable, and countries which fail to take advantage of the shift will lose out. Final year students were sent an email telling them they would not graduate this summer in what a university has blamed on a system error. Edinburgh University has told students to ignore the email, which told students they would not graduate because they were not expected to complete their studies until later in the year. The message appeared in their inboxes with the subject title: Graduation Ceremony Cancelled No Award. Students at a University graduation ceremony as Edinburgh final year students were sent an email telling them they would not graduate this summer (David Cheskin/PA) It read: You recently registered to attend a graduation ceremony this summer. However, we are now advised that you are not expected to complete your studies until later in the year, and therefore we presume that you may be eligible to attend the next available graduation ceremony. We can reassure you that no graduations have been cancelled - please ignore a recent email that we are urgently investigating #EdinburghGrad The University of Edinburgh (@EdinburghUni) June 1, 2017 A similar message also appeared when students logged into the university portal. Student Calum Mackie, 24, discovered the message in his inbox just after midnight on Thursday and spent a stressful night worrying he may have failed his degree. He said: I panicked because we just finished exams a couple of weeks ago and it would be around now that results would start to be known to the university, and if there would be any resits, so I immediately thought I had failed something and would not be able to graduate, and I could not even get in touch with the university to check because it was the middle of the night. I checked on the portal in case it had been some kind of hoax and the university portal had the same message so I thought it was legit. Im down to be doing teacher training this year so if I werent to graduate this summer I thought it was going to mess up my plans for summer and this year. It was really worrying. False emails circulating that graduation ceremonies have been cancelled. @EdinburghUni reassure all graduation ceremonies are going forward. Edinburgh University Students' Association (@EdUniStudents) June 1, 2017 The English literature and history student said many of his friends studying different subjects also received the email. He said: Those that were up last night and found the email were really worried and anxious and others woke up this morning to find it. Everyone seems to have been very panicked and worried and now we have found out from the university that it was sent in error, everyone seems frustrated that it was sent to so many students. Students were sent an email from the university at around 9.30am on Thursday telling them to ignore the earlier message. It said: We are aware that a number of final year students have received an email, apparently from the university, informing them that their graduation has been cancelled. Please ignore this message. No graduations have been cancelled. Your final degree results will be released in line with the published schedule. We are looking urgently into this situation. Graduation ceremonies take place in late June and early July. An Edinburgh University spokeswoman said: Our preliminary investigation suggests that these emails were regrettably issued as a result of a system error. There was no breach of our systems and no student data was compromised. The university has written to all students affected to reassure them that their graduations have not been cancelled and asking them to ignore the emails. Televised debates involving multiple political parties create a bickering match and fewer participants would allow for more policy discussion, experts have said. The latest seven-way prime-time showdown broadcast on the BBC has been branded by some commentators as truly dreadful and as lively and entertaining as a pub-lock in. It was during the 2010 General Election that clashes taking the format of political party leaders challenging each other on screen, often standing at a lectern on stage, were first seen in the UK. Professor Tony Travers of London School of Economics and Political Science, described British politics as competitive and combative, and said televised debate events are a bit of a mess. He added: They are inevitably a bit of a bickering match because they encourage, as the one did last night, people to turn to each other and challenge each other and chip in. (But) in a sense, that is how British politics works. Labours Jeremy Corbyn, Home Secretary Amber Rudd of the Conservatives, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, Ukips Paul Nuttall, Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas, Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party depute leader Angus Robertson, all featured in Wednesdays clash. Prime Minister Theresa May boycotted the event, drawing cross party criticism with Ms Lucas calling the decision extreme cowardice. Protesters outside the TV debate in Cambridge (Gareth Fuller/PA) Branding televised debates a slightly ungainly process, Prof Travers added: At one level you can see why the Prime Minister did not want to get involved in it. Yet on the other hand, her not being involved in it seems to have done her political harm. Comparing the debate broadcast earlier in the week on Channel 4 and Sky, which featured an interviewer and audience, Prof Travers said that was no more elegant. He said debate audiences watching on television can end up focusing and making judgments on what those taking part look like, their body language and how they react. Then quite what their negotiating stance on Brexit is, or how old people should be treated, can get lost in the melee, he added. Tim Farron and Jeremy Corbyn during the debate (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Professor Justin Fisher of Brunel University London said the current inclusive debate format on a national level does not work, and that the first televised political spars were significant for two reasons. He said: One they were novel, and two there were only three participants. The desire to be inclusive has meant the debate format is much less useful or indeed interesting. It is impossible to have a debate with seven people. Prof Fisher said the insistence at the General Election in 2015 that all the parties were included in the debates, set a precedent, which creates a risk of diluting the format. West Brom captain Darren Fletcher will join Stoke on a free transfer next month. The midfielder is out of contract at the end of June and has agreed a two-year deal at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke have confirmed. Fletcher had been in contract talks with the Baggies, having triggered a one-year option in his favour earlier this season, but has opted not to extend his two-and-a-half-year stay. #SCFC are delighted to announce the signing of Scotland international Darren Fletcher on a two-year deal #WelcomeDarren pic.twitter.com/A3QbIB2a9k Stoke City FC (@stokecity) June 1, 2017 Fletcher told the clubs official site: Its all happened incredibly quickly, but I am delighted to be here. This is a fantastic club with a top manager and a great group of players and I am really looking forward to this opportunity. I loved every moment of my time at West Bromwich Albion and I loved every moment of my time with Manchester United, but this is a new challenge for me now, and I like to think I respond well to new challenges. Fletcher, 33, follows Saido Berahino to Stoke after the striker moved to the Potters from Albion for 12million earlier this season. He becomes Mark Hughes first summer signing as the manager refreshes his squad with record 18million signing Giannelli Imbula expected to leave. Mark Hughes has spoken of his delight after making Darren Fletcher his first signing of the summer #SCFC pic.twitter.com/RgI4NpNqYv Stoke City FC (@stokecity) June 1, 2017 Just two weeks ago Albion boss Tony Pulis was convinced Fletcher would stay at The Hawthorns and his exit is a huge blow. Pulis held talks with the clubs Chinese owners last week as they plan for next season and he must now replace his captain. Fletcher made 97 appearances for the club and was handed the armband within a week of joining from Manchester United in 2015. Of course there is a disappointment in seeing Fletch move on and we wish him well, Pulis told West Broms official site. I was happy that we made him a fair and competitive offer but, as is his right, he has chosen to accept another opportunity. He has been my captain since he came into the club and he has led the team superbly. But that is football and we move on. Nothing stays the same forever and the game moves on. We are determined to progress the team forward during this transfer window and this does not change that. US president Donald Trump has temporarily waived a law requiring the US to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Mr Trumps move to renew the waiver for six months keeps the US embassy in Tel Aviv for now. The US president has said he is reviewing whether to fulfil his campaign promise to move the facility to Jerusalem. The American leader faced a Thursday deadline to renew the waiver or see the State Department lose half its funding for its overseas facilities. Presidents have renewed the waiver every six months for years. Donald Trump visited Jerusalem last month (Evan Vucci/AP) Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, but the Palestinians claim east Jerusalem for the capital of a future state. An especially emotional visit today @yadvashem with @POTUS. Thank you for taking such a strong stand for Israel and the Jewish people! pic.twitter.com/XaQ5w1owwk Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) May 23, 2017 The US said its policy on Jerusalem has not changed and that Jerusalems status must be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move has hurt the prospects for peace with the Palestinians. His office said it believes all embassies should be based in what it called Israels eternal capital. A statement said: Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem. It added that despite the disappointment, Israel appreciates Mr Trumps friendship and his commitment to moving the embassy to Jerusalem in the future. The Palestinians praised Mr Trumps decision, saying it strengthens the chances of peace. To @POTUS & @FLOTUS: Our dear friends, we were happy to host you during your wonderful visit to Israel. Best wishes from the Israeli people. pic.twitter.com/zEEbeIfSZg Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) May 27, 2017 President Mahmoud Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeneh said the decision is an important positive step that illustrates the seriousness of the US in promoting peace. The Palestinian ambassador to Washington, Husam Zomlot, said the move gives peace a chance. Mr Zomlot said: We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace. Joe Root was one of Englands injury victims but also provided the career-best hundred which ensured they began their Champions Trophy campaign with an emphatic victory against Bangladesh at The Oval. Root (133no) was required in only the third over of Englands Group A chase of 305 for six, after Jason Roys miserable run of form continued with just a single on his home ground. Alex Hales (95) was the dominant presence in a second-wicket stand of 159 which put England on course to outdo Tamim Iqbal (128) and Mushfiqur Rahim (79), and Root and Eoin Morgan (75no) did the rest in another three-figure partnership as the hosts got up and running in their own tournament with eight wickets and 16 balls to spare. Tweet of the match Here comes J Roy!@englandcricket are chasing 306 to win this #CT17 opener. pic.twitter.com/lS7tsi7HE9 Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 1, 2017 Happy return Hales has not added to his 11 Test caps since his last visit to The Oval 10 months ago, when he managed only 18 runs in two innings against Pakistan, dropped a sitter and ended up being fined 1,500 after marching up to the stairs from the England dressing room to remonstrate with the third umpire. Back on duty against the white ball, his 95 set England on their way to a comfortable win thanks as well to Root, of course. Cruel game England's Jason Roy leaves the field (John Walton/PA) Hales opening partner Roy just cannot get started. Even Morgans unequivocal support could not get him out of his rut, an attempted flick over short fine-leg simply bringing an outstanding catch from Mustafizur Rahman - with just a single to his name. Roy has made 51 runs in his last seven one-day international innings, and no half-century for anyone in his last 13 attempts. Stat of the match Englands 308 for two is the highest run chase in the 19-year-history of the Champions Trophy, beating Sri Lankas 297 for three against the hosts on the same ground in 2013. Moment to forget WICKET Jason Roy out for 4 c Amla b Rabada. ENG 4-1 #ENGvSA Updates: https://t.co/ydZRMnJFJ3 pic.twitter.com/eUFI6CL4jh England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 29, 2017 If only England could take your pick, Roys dismissal or Chris Woakes early departure with a side strain. Marginally, the second is perhaps the most worrying - because in Jonny Bairstow England have an in-form alternative to open the innings. A Woakes replacement will be harder to find. Whos up next? England v New Zealand (Cardiff, June 6) Bangladesh v Australia (London, June 5) Sir Ben Ainslies Land Rover BAR team bounced back from a disastrous defeat to end Thursdays racing at the Americas Cup on a high by securing a play-off place. The British team retired in their first race of the day with Emirates Team New Zealands victory already secured, but later dug deep to see off Groupama Team France in a thriller. The victory sent Land Rover BAR into their rest day on Friday safe in the knowledge they had earned themselves another week in Bermuda. Sir Ben Ainslie's team endured a mixed day in Bermuda (Land Rover BAR/PA) Great Britains bid to qualify for the main event was delayed after light winds forced organisers to postpone Wednesdays races. Ainslie and co went into their contest with New Zealand aiming to add to their two wins over Swedens Artemis Racing. But the helmsman was left to rue a control system failure that affected the teams daggerboard as Britain opted not to complete the race with New Zealand long since finished. That heavy defeat put more pressure on the clash with France who had lost to SoftBank Team Japan by almost six minutes in the days opening race but Britain crossed the finish line just ahead of their opponents to avenge Mondays defeat. The win moved Ainslies team on to five points in the qualifying table with an unassailable lead over Sweden and France. In the days other race on the Great Sound, defending champions Oracle Team USA defeated Japan to sit top of the standings on seven points, although they will skip the semi-finals and automatically advance to the Americas Cup proper. President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on tackling climate change has been labelled an act of vandalism and irresponsible. Mr Trump was accused of ignoring science and putting peoples lives and prosperity at risk by rejecting the deal, which aims to avert dangerous climate change. "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris."@POTUS' full remarks: https://t.co/j5Zc2TYT10 The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) June 1, 2017 But it was also claimed the move would isolate the US, as other countries continued to take action, and that the shift to a low-carbon world was now unstoppable. Donald Trump made his announcement on the White House lawn (Susan Walsh/AP) UK Environmental law firm ClientEarths chief executive James Thornton said: Trumps decision to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement is an act of vandalism that has the potential to do great harm to current and future generations. An act of vandalism that has the potential to do great harm to current and future generations https://t.co/IAIWsgufwu ClientEarth (@ClientEarth) June 1, 2017 Even without the US as a party, Paris still represents our best chance of avoiding severe and destabilising climate change. The rest of the world must continue to build on Paris to speed the transition to a cleaner, lower-carbon world. John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: The government that once launched the Apollo space programme and helped found the United Nations has today turned its back on science and international cooperation. Trump choosing fossil fuel industry profits over the security, health & prosperity of ppl across globe. Just astonishing.#ParisClimateDeal Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) June 1, 2017 Professor Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the Royal Society, said the agreement had been the result of a consensus of the worlds leading climate experts. He said: The future is in newer, cleaner and renewable technologies, not in fossil fuels. Such technologies will also help in our fight against air pollution and ensure greater energy security globally. President Trump is not putting America first, he is tethering it to the past. "President Trump is not putting America first, he is tethering it to the past" #ParisAgreement https://t.co/xR9cO3j6z2 The Royal Society (@royalsociety) June 1, 2017 Nick Molho, executive director of the Aldersgate Group, an alliance of business, politics and civil society leaders driving action for a sustainable economy, said Mr Trumps decision would not result in a U-turn on climate action in the US or globally. Several US States have made clear commitments to continue investing in low carbon technologies and major US businesses such as Walmart have set ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy, he said. Many American cities remain committed to Paris. pic.twitter.com/dSxVskxjuJ Gareth Redmond-King (@gredmond76) June 1, 2017 Globally, the shift to a low carbon economy was gathering pace, he said, with coal use in China and India slowing faster than expected, record levels of investment in renewables, and recent commitments by world leaders. Stephanie Pfeifer, chief executive of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, said the US administration was failing to recognise what is already an inevitable and irreversible direction of travel away from dependence on fossil fuels and towards a low carbon future with all the jobs, growth and innovation that this entails. Proud to be sitting in the front row of the Rose Garden in support of @POTUS's announcement on the #ParisAccord that will save WV jobs. pic.twitter.com/cSFlsF7fFS Rep. Alex Mooney (@RepAlexMooney) June 1, 2017 The Church of Englands lead bishop on the environment also condemned thedecision. The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said: I am, frankly, very disturbed by President Trumps decision to revoke the United States commitment to the Paris Agreement, which was a global commitment made in good faith. How can President Trump look in the eye the people most affected, including the worlds poorest in the places most affected by climate change now, and those affected by increasingly frequent extreme weather in parts of the USA? The leader of what used to be called the new world is trapped in old world thought and action. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the withdrawal was bad for the environment, bad for the economy, and it puts our childrens future at risk. Prime Minister Theresa May has told Donald Trump of her disappointment at his decision to pull America out of the Paris Accord on climate change. In a phone call with the US president shortly after his White House announcement, Mrs May stressed that the UK remained committed to the 2015 agreement, which aims to limit the rise in global temperatures caused by the use of carbon-based fuels. But she came under fire for failing to add her name to a joint statement issued by the leaders of France, Germany and Italy to say that the Paris climate accord cannot be renegotiated as Mr Trump has demanded. To all scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, responsible citizens who were disappointed by the decision of the US: pic.twitter.com/qxjPX8MhKt Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 1, 2017 Declaring their regret at Mr Trumps move, president Emmanuel Macron, chancellor Angela Merkel and prime minister Paolo Gentiloni said they remained committed to the irreversible accord and regarded it as a cornerstone in the co-operation between our countries, for effectively and timely tackling climate change. In a video message from the Elysee Palace, Mr Macron said there was no question of Mr Trump renegotiating the US commitments under the Paris Accord, saying: There is no plan B because there is no planet B. In a statement issued on Twitter shortly after Mr Trumps announcement, Business Secretary Greg Clark said: UK played a major role in securing Paris Agreement and we are committed to it. Clean growth a key pillar of our modern industrial strategy. UK played a major role in securing Paris Agreement and we are committed to it. Clean growth a key pillar of our modern industrial strategy. Greg Clark (@GregClarkMP) June 1, 2017 And in a statement, Downing Street said: President Trump called the Prime Minister this evening to discuss his decision to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement. The Prime Minister expressed her disappointment with the decision and stressed that the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement, as she set out recently at the G7. Protesters gather outside the White House in Washington DC (Susan Walsh/AP) She said that the Paris Agreement provides the right global framework for protecting the prosperity and security of future generations, while keeping energy affordable and secure for our citizens and businesses. Number 10 said that Mrs May and Mr Trump had agreed on the importance of continued co-operation on wider energy issues. But Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who described Mr Trumps move as profoundly regrettable, said it was an appalling abdication of leadership by the PM not to join her French, German and Italian counterparts in signing the joint declaration. Merkel, Macron, Gentiloni, Trudeau, Obama speak out. May hides behind bland Downing St briefing. So bad for Britain and so weak. https://t.co/1riC4kKgbc Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) June 1, 2017 And former Labour leader Ed Miliband asked: Theresa May, why are you missing from this statement? You cant stand up for Britain because you wont stand up to Trump. Weak leadership. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn mocked the famous photos of Mrs May during her January visit to Mr Trump in the White House, as he said: Pulling out of the Paris climate deal is reckless and regressive. Instead of hand-holding, Ill work for a sustainable future for our planet. Pulling out of the #ParisClimateDeal is reckless and regressive. Instead of handholding, I'll work for a sustainable future for our planet. pic.twitter.com/ONKUMZQmzm Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 1, 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron urged Mrs May to use any influence she may have over the US president to urge him to reverse his decision. If the special relationship between the PM and Trump exists, it exists for moments like this.We need to make him see sense on climate change Tim Farron (@timfarron) June 1, 2017 You have gone to Washington to hold Donald Trumps hand, now is the time to hold his feet to the fire, said Mr Farron. We need to make him see sense on climate change. Prime Minister: if your special relationship with Donald Trump means anything, prove it. BREAKING: Donald Trump has pulled out of the #ParisAgreement. What the UK does now is up to us. pic.twitter.com/nvdcr8NtFc The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) June 1, 2017 Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said: We are the climate movement. We will not be stopped by Trump. We are stronger. We will win. But Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: Trump says he will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Trump gets elected. Trump withdraws. Thats democracy, folks. Mr Trumps predecessor Barack Obama, who helped forge the 2015 agreement, said the US had joined a small handful of nations that reject the future, and that other nations would now reap the future benefits of investment in low-carbon energy. The European Commission said in a statement: The world can continue to count on Europe for global leadership in the fight against climate change. Together, we will stand by the Paris Agreement, we will implement the Paris Agreement. The world can continue to count on Europe for global leadership in the fight against #climatechange. #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/D9WQzl6H4L European Commission (@EU_Commission) June 1, 2017 Climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said the EU deeply regrets Mr Trumps decision and will seek new alliances around the world including among American supporters of the accord to ensure that the agreements provisions are implemented. By Joseph Akwiri MOMBASA, Kenya, May 31 (Reuters) - Four police officers and a civilian were killed on Wednesday and two more police are missing after their truck hit a landmine on a road along Kenya's northern coast, a police report said. The vehicle was heading towards Mokowe, near the popular island resort of Lamu, according to the report, filed at Kiunga police station in Lamu. "KDF (Kenya Defence Forces) officers responded and when they reached the scene they found four bodies in uniform and another body in civilian clothes," the report said. Two more officers who were riding in the truck have not been accounted for. The commissioner for the Coast region, Nelson Marwa, said he was aware of the attack but did not have details. Police were unavailable for comment. Last week, three roadside bombs killed 11 police officers in attacks along Kenya's long northeastern border with Somalia. Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for all three attacks. Al Shabaab, which has launched devastating attacks on civilians in Kenya, says it is fighting because Kenya sent troops into Somalia in 2011 after a string of attacks and kidnappings on Kenyan soil. The Kenyan soldiers are there as part of a 22,000-strong peacekeeping force intended to shore up the weak U.N.-backed government. Somalia has been riven by civil war since 1991, when clan warlords overthrew a dictator then turned on each other. (Additional reporting by Humphrey Malalo in Nairobi; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Catherine Evans) The next EnVision Bus Read more [...] By Roberta Rampton and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, May 31 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump discussed trade with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a White House visit on Wednesday and welcomed the signing of business deals worth billions of dollars and the jobs they would bring. General Electric Co said earlier it had signed deals with Vietnam worth about $5.58 billion for power generation, aircraft engines and services, its largest ever single combined sale with the country. "They just made a very large order in the United States - and we appreciate that - for many billions of dollars, which means jobs for the United States and great, great equipment for Vietnam," Trump told reporters at the White House. Phuc said on Tuesday he would sign deals for U.S. goods and services worth $15 billion to $17 billion during his Washington visit, mainly for high-technology products and for services. Communist Vietnam has gone from being a bitter adversary of the United States during the Cold War to an important partner in the Asia-Pacific, where both countries share concerns about China's rising power. Phuc told Trump the relationship had undergone "significant upheavals in history," but that the two countries were now "comprehensive partners." However, while Hanoi and Washington have stepped up security cooperation in recent years, trade has become a potential irritant, with a deficit widening steadily in Vietnam's favor, reaching $32 billion last year, compared with $7 billion a decade earlier. Trump, who has had strong words for countries with large trade surpluses with the United States, said he would be discussing trade with Phuc, as well as North Korea. Washington has been seeking support for efforts to pressure North Korea to drop its nuclear and missile programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States. Hanoi has said it shares concerns about North Korea. Analysts said that while the Trump administration welcomed new business deals with Vietnam, it wants to see moves on trade. Murray Hiebert, a Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said the view was that deals were "nice, but not enough." "They want Vietnam to bring some ideas about how to tackle the surplus on an ongoing basis," he said. On Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressed concern about the rapid growth of the deficit with Vietnam. He said it was a new challenge for the two countries and he was looking to Phuc to help address it. The deficit with Vietnam - Washington's sixth largest - reflects growing imports of Vietnamese semiconductors and other electronics products in addition to more traditional sectors such as footwear, apparel and furniture. Vietnamese Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh presented Lighthizer on Tuesday with suggestions to address some U.S. concerns, such as advertising on U.S. social media, electronic payment services and imports of information security and farm products, Vietnam's trade ministry said. Vietnam also urged the United States to remove an inspection program for catfish, speed import licenses for its fruit and make fair decisions on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on Vietnamese products, the ministry said. Vietnam was disappointed when Trump ditched the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, of which Hanoi was expected to be one of the main beneficiaries, and focused U.S. trade policy on reducing deficits. Phuc's meeting with Trump makes him the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White House under the new administration. It reflected calls, letters, diplomatic contacts and lower-level visits that started long before Trump took office in Washington, where Vietnam retains a lobbyist at $30,000 a month. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton, David Brunnstrom and David Lawder; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Jonathan Oatis) LIMA, May 31 (Reuters) - Two Peruvian policemen were killed in an ambush on Wednesday by suspected drug traffickers in a remote Andean coca growing region, a regional police chief said on local radio. The deaths come a week after Peru announced security forces would enter criminally controlled coca-growing areas for the first time as part of a plan to eradicate half the country's supply of the leaf used to make cocaine. The police chief said the deaths occurred in Luricocha district in a region known as the VRAEM, where traffickers have formed alliances with remnant bands of Shining Path rebels and about 75 percent of Peru's coca is grown. "They were returning from a road patrol when they were ambushed by alleged drug traffickers; there were six to eight attackers," Alexis Bahamonde, head of police in the VRAEM, said on RPP radio. Peru and Andean neighbor Colombia are the world's biggest cocaine producers, according to the United Nations. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Sandra Maler) MOSCOW, June 1 (Reuters) - The following are some stories in Russia's newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. VEDOMOSTI www.vedomosti.ru - Life insurance has become a leading instrument of Russia's insurance market in the first quarter of 2017, the newspaper said, citing a central bank official. - Ecuadorian company Celek has terminated its contract with Russian state energy company Inter RAO for deliveries of equipment for HPP Toachi Pilaton. Inter RAO prepares to launch a case in international arbitration, the daily reports. - In the next five years Germany's BASF plans to open seven projects in Russia, four of them will be related to petrochemicals, the newspaper said. - Russia's largest food retailer X5 Retail Group has agreed a strategic partnership with Belarus's Nesvizh baby food factory. KOMMERSANT www.kommersant.ru - The Centre for Strategic Research led by former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin has proposed a plan of Russia's economic development for a period until 2035. - Civil activist Eldar Dadin will receive 2 million roubles ($35,000) in compensation for illegal criminal prosecution, the newspaper said. He spent two years in jail for repeated violation of rules of mass rallies. ($1 = 56.6876 rub) (Reporting by Margarita Popova; Editing by Dmitry Solovyov) By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS, May 31 (Reuters) - One of Europe's top bank watchdogs has warned European Union officials that Spain's Banco Popular may need to be wound down if it fails to find a buyer, an EU official told Reuters. Elke Koenig, who chairs an EU body that winds down troubled banks, recently issued an "early warning", the official said. Koenig's Single Resolution Board (SRB) initially declined to comment on Banco Popular, but following publication of the Reuters story said it never issued warnings. Such a move would highlight growing concerns about Spain's sixth-largest bank, although there is no suggestion that winding down Popular is inevitable. Popular's problems come some five years after Madrid spent more than 40 billion euros ($45 billion) rescuing lenders hit by the financial crisis. The sector has since consolidated, leaving just 14 banks out of 55 in 2008. Popular, which has been unable to sell off 37 billion euros of soured property loans quickly enough, is seeking a buyer after Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos ruled out a state bailout. The bank says it could extend a deadline of June 10 for binding offers. "Koenig has said ... that the Single Resolution Board is following the (Banco Popular) procedure with particular attention with a view to a possible intervention," the EU official said, adding the bank's merger bid "may be fruitless". "General preparations are under way although no concrete steps have yet been taken," a second source said. In a statement issued after publication of the Reuters story, the SRB said it could not confirm "the interpretations regarding alleged quotes made by the chair of the SRB". Popular's troubles, although isolated in Spain's largely robust banking sector, could rattle investors. If Popular were to run out of other options and be closed, it could be the first case in Europe using new rules to impose losses on bondholders. That could in turn make funding more expensive for other Spanish banks, undermining one of the euro zone's largest countries. The European Central Bank declined to comment, while a Banco Popular spokesman said it was working on several plans including a merger, a capital hike and asset sales. But the European watchdog fears these could prove difficult, while the ECB, which supervises the bank, is also watching closely, a third person said. UNTESTED SCHEME As head of the SRB, Koenig can push for the bank's liquidation, but could face opposition in Spain in the same way as Italy, which has grappled with similar problems, has resisted measures such as closing a large bank. The European regime to shut banks, introduced after the financial crash, has yet to be used and Koenig would, in practice, require ECB and European Commission backing, as well as the tacit support of euro zone countries. One euro zone official said that finance ministers had not discussed any winding down of Popular. The bank could sell fresh shares, although shareholders would balk at injecting further money into a stock which has slid in recent years to a tiny fraction of its earlier worth. Spain's biggest bank Santander and state-owned lender Bankia are seen as the most likely to step in to save the lender and several bankers in Spain said the process was still under way.. In the meantime, Popular continues to grapple with loans at risk of non-payment, which amount to more than 40 percent of the total credit it has given. And it now has a capital cushion that is thin compared to its peers. Its chairman, Emilio Saracho, has said it likely needs more, after a multi-billion-euro loss last year. If its situation deteriorates and European authorities demand it be shut, Spain would face the possible imposition of losses on bondholders. That could make it harder and more expensive for Spanish banks as well as the country itself to raise money. Some small Spanish lenders plan to raise funds in coming months. ($1 = 0.8904 euros) (Additional reporting by Jesus Aguado in Madrid; additional reporting and writing by John O'Donnell; Editing by Alexander Smith and Mark Potter) By Makini Brice PORT-SALUT, Haiti, June 1 (Reuters) - For Roseleine Duperval, the United Nations mission to stabilize Haiti will always remind her of one thing - her 8-year-old daughter, who she says was fathered by a Uruguayan peacekeeper. Duperval is among a group of Haitian women who embarked on a long and largely fruitless journey to try to force peacekeepers who they say fathered their children to contribute to their upbringing. While some have succeeded with their paternity claims, barely any have secured any form of child support. "Since I became pregnant, he never sent money," said Duperval, who still has identity documents she says her daughter Sasha Francesca's father left behind, apparently because he wanted to be legally recognized as the father. "I have to call friends all the time to help me support my (child)." The paternity and child support issue is another awkward legacy of the 13-year U.N. mission, known as MINUSTAH, which is winding up in October after being sent in to stabilize a country riven by political turmoil. The mission introduced a cholera epidemic that killed about 10,000 people and has also been dogged by accusations of sexual assault. Paternity cases in recent years have confirmed seven children in Haiti as having had U.N. peacekeepers as their fathers, according to figures released on the peacekeeping body's conduct and discipline website. More than two dozen Haitian women are still pursuing paternity claims, second only to Democratic Republic of Congo in the number of claims against a U.N. mission worldwide since 2010, according to U.N. data. The cases also highlight a lack of accountability, critics say, since many of the women's paternity claims are never confirmed either way. Even when paternity is proven, the process rarely delivers any financial support for mothers. Under the United Nations' "zero-tolerance policy" against sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual relationships between peacekeepers and residents of countries hosting a U.N. mission are strongly discouraged. However, the world body says its peacekeeping arm does not take responsibility for financial assistance to children fathered by peacekeepers. It says the peacekeepers' countries, or the fathers themselves, must organize payment. In practice, that often means mothers must raise children alone in some of the world's poorest, most troubled nations. "If you ignore the problem of paternity long enough, it will go away," said Sharanya Kanikkannan, from the New York-based advocacy group Code Blue, which aims to end impunity for sexual abuse by U.N. personnel. "Missions move on; children grow up." WAITING FOR ANSWERS A Reuters reporter interviewed four women in the Haitian seaside town of Port-Salut, who had, along with their children, undergone DNA tests with a view to establishing paternity. They said U.N. officials tracked them down in 2014 by asking members of the local community who claimed to have given birth to "MINUSTAH babies" to come to the capital, Port-au-Prince, for tests. Ismini Palla, spokeswoman for U.N. peacekeeping in New York, confirmed the DNA tests took place. She said the United Nations facilitated tests but did not provide them. It was not immediately clear who provided or paid for the tests. The four women's samples were sent to Uruguay, the country of origin of the supposed fathers. Uruguayan authorities were tasked with locating the men and conducting their own DNA tests, Palla said. Of the four Port-Salut women interviewed by Reuters, DNA testing proved two of the Uruguayan peacekeepers were the fathers, Palla said. However, the other two claims, including Duperval's, could not be confirmed because the Uruguayan military was unable to locate the alleged fathers, Palla said. All four women Reuters interviewed said the United Nations had never communicated to them the test results. Palla disputed this. MIXED LEGACY Haitian lawyer Mario Joseph represents 10 women, including Duperval, who say they had children with U.N. peacekeepers. He said he planned to file a lawsuit against the United Nations in Haitian courts for child support, although it was not clear when. "The United Nations, which promotes human rights, does not respect the rights of Haitians," said Joseph. Worldwide, U.N. peacekeeping missions have faced 111 paternity claims, according to U.N. data. Only 17 claims worldwide have been confirmed, including the seven from Haiti. Figures are not publicly available from before 2010. The United Nations has pledged fresh efforts to increase support to victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, like a report presented by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February that vowed to put victims first. But the United Nations has announced actions against sexual abuse before, and critics question whether the proposed measures will address underlying issues. "These aren't people who are asking for charity," said Kanikkannan, from the Code Blue group. "These are people who are asking for rights." (Editing by Gabriel Stargardter and Frances Kerry) By Katya Golubkova ST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 1 (Reuters) - Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom is not afraid of competition from new nuclear players China and South Korea, Rosatom's head said on Thursday, even though Russia is battling those countries for major projects in South Africa and elsewhere. Alexei Likhachyov, Rosatom chief executive, also said at an economic forum in St Petersburg that nuclear energy could help drive closer economic cooperation between Russia and firms from Europe and Japan. "With the challenges linked to the increasing share and role of nuclear energy in world power generation, there could be not enough competition as of today," Likhachyov told the forum. He added the world nuclear industry was losing out from the fact that Japan and Germany had stepped back as major players. Following the 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Germany decided to phase out nuclear energy by 2022 and Japan has restarted only four of its 42 reactors. But he added that new players and new markets would boost the nuclear industry. "It is absolutely understandable why new players have arrived, and Korea and China are indicative in that respect. We work with both countries and don't see here fundamental threats," he said. The two leading Western reactor makers - French Areva and Japanese-owned Westinghouse - have been hit by delays and cost overruns at reactor-building projects, but South Korea's KEPCO and Chinese firms such as CGN and SNPTC are formidable new competitors for Rosatom. All major reactor makers are eagerly awaiting a tender from South Africa to build up to 10 reactors in what would be one of the world's biggest nuclear projects since the Fukushima disaster. "We always rate our chances as very high, but everything will be decided by the government of South Africa," Likhachyov said in response to a question from Reuters at the forum. Rosatom has a global order book of more than $100 billion - bigger than all its Western competitors combined - but some of those orders are not seen as realistic and the company has a reputation for being used by Moscow as a means to achieve political ends. Likhachyov, a former Russian deputy economy minister, was appointed to head Rosatom last year after the previous chief executive took up a senior position in Russia's presidential administration. He has promised to turn the state firm around by making it earn money independently of the Russian government and to increase its global market share. "We are on the threshold of the fourth industrial paradigm, another revolution," Likhachyov said on Thursday. "Atomic energy more than anything else fits the role of moderator in this process." (Writing by Alexander Winning and Geert De Clercq; Editing by Dale Hudson) BERLIN, June 1 (Reuters) - Germany and China vowed on Thursday to expand their partnership and pledged to continue fighting climate change, sending a signal to Washington hours before U.S. President Donald Trump announces if he will quit a global climate deal. Berlin was the first stop in Europe for Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, amid growing concern in Germany over some of Trump's policies, especially on climate change and protectionism. He was due to head later for Brussels. "China has become a more important and strategic partner," Merkel said at a news conference with Li, pointing to political, economic, social and cultural ties. "We are living in times of global uncertainty and see our responsibility to expand our partnership in all the different areas and to push for a world order based on law," she said. The two held wide-ranging talks on issues from trade, civil rights, the North Korea crisis and climate change and a multitude of business deals were signed. "We are both ready to contribute to stability in the world," Li said. As the world awaits Trump's decision on climate change after he denounced the Paris pact in his 2016 presidential campaign, Li said China was committed to tackling the issue, both via the Paris Agreement and by setting national targets. "China will stand by its responsibilities on climate change," he told reporters in Berlin. European and Canadian officials have warned Trump that the U.S. risks ceding global leadership on combating climate change to China, if it withdraws from the Paris accord. Merkel vented her frustration with Trump on Sunday after what she described as unsatisfactory talks of G7 leaders, saying Germany and Europe could no longer totally rely on traditional allies. Since then she has hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Li. ECONOMIC GIANTS Merkel said she wanted quick progress on an EU-China investment deal and that this would be a precondition to any free trade talks, a move Li said would be timely. With bilateral trade of 170 billion euros last year, China was Germany's most important trading partner, said Merkel. "These are impressive figures and we both said we want to extend this," said Merkel, adding the signing of business agreements pointed to future cooperation in cars, aviation technology, recycling and artificial intelligence. Among the deals signed was one between Daimler and joint venture partner BAIC Motor Corporation on upgrading a Mercedes-Benz factory in Beijing for electric cars. Li said he believed they two had found a solution on the issue of Chinese quotas for electric cars after a lengthy discussion. However, thorny issues remain between the two exporting nations, with Merkel saying she had pressed China to open up its market more to German firms who want a level playing field. "We need fair market access ... and it's very important to protect intellectual property and ensure trade and business secrets are kept and of course in times of cyber possibilities that's not always easy," said Merkel at a business event later. Merkel also tackled civil rights, saying she and Li had resolved the issue of German political foundations working in China which she said were crucial for a stronger civil society. "We believe our political foundations make an important contribution and I am pleased that all our bureaus in China can be registered and hope they can resume work," she said. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers, Emma Thomasson, Andreas Rinke and Michelle Martin; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Tom Heneghan) June 1 (Reuters) - OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said on Thursday at an economic forum in Russia's St Petersburg: * Too early to say when production caps could be imposed on Libya and Nigeria, they have a lot of issues to solve; * On oil price decline: we have no issues with people taking positions in the market, we are focusing on fundamentals; * Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told him Russia was fully committed to complying with output cuts. (Reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov) By David Dolan and Tiisetso Motsoeneng ISTANBUL/JOHANNESBURG, June 1 (Reuters) - Turkcell's $4.2 billion lawsuit against South Africa's MTN over a disputed Iran licence will go ahead in a South African court after years of delay, the Turkish mobile operator said on Thursday. Turkcell alleges that the South African mobile company used bribery and wrongful influence to win a lucrative Iran licence originally awarded to Turkcell. MTN has rejected the allegations and on Thursday reiterated its stance that the lawsuit had "no legal merit". Istanbul-based Turkcell first brought the suit against MTN in the United States in 2012. A year later it withdrew the U.S. suit and filed in South Africa, where the case has been stuck in procedural wrangling since. Turkey's top mobile operator is no stranger to protracted lawsuits and is itself the subject of a decade-long struggle between three of its shareholders. "We are delighted that the case is finally coming to trial in South Africa," said Serhat Demir, a Turkcell vice president. "Turkcell will be seeking the earliest possible trial date, and looks forward to vindicating its claims before the South African courts." Turkcell's claim was delayed by objections from MTN and Turkcell's responses to the objections, it said. On May 5 a South African high court rejected another 30 objections from MTN, clearing the way for the case to go to trial, it said. The trial could be held towards the end of 2018, Turkcell's lawyer in South Africa, Eric van den Berg, told Reuters. MTN TO FIGHT CASE Shares of MTN fell as much as 2 percent in Johannesburg trade, while Turkcell shares were down a third of a percent in Istanbul. Iran is the third-largest market for MTN, which until the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran recently had been struggling to repatriate around $1 billion in accumulated dividends from its 49 percent stake in Irancell. "Recent developments in the matter were procedural in nature and had nothing to do with the merits of the case," MTN said in a statement. "MTN continues to believe that there is no legal merit to Turkcell's claim and will accordingly oppose it." In papers filed in November 2013 with the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, Turkcell claimed it was the victim of "corruption and bribery" that caused it to lose the contract in Iran. It claimed that MTN, its former CEO and current Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko and former executive Irene Charnley "acted wrongfully" and interfered with Turkcell's relationship with the Iranian government. Nhleko has denied that he authorised bribes or that any bribes were paid. Charnley has described Turkcell's claims as "without substance". Turkcell also alleged MTN promised to "influence the South African government with regard to the manner in which South Africa would vote on Iran's nuclear program at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," according to the court papers. South African officials have denied those allegations. MTN previously appointed a retired British judge to lead an external investigation into them. That probe dismissed the accusations as "a fabric of lies, distortions and inventions". (Additional reporting by Can Sezer; Additional reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng in Johannesburg; Editing by Keith Weir) By Gergely Szakacs BUDAPEST, June 1 (Reuters) - Businessmen close to Prime Minister Viktor Orban have emerged as the biggest shareholders of MKB Bank less than a year after Hungary's fifth-largest lender was privatised. Holding company Konzum, partly owned by businessman Lorinc Meszaros, an Orban ally, said on Thursday it would acquire a 45 percent stake in MKB Bank by taking control of private equity fund Metis. Konzum said it planned to buy a further 4 percent stake in MKB but did not say who from. At 1144 GMT, Konzum shares traded 17 percent higher at 345 forints, off earlier gains of 20 percent. The Budapest blue chip index was up 0.8 percent. Meszaros, mayor of Orban's home village and a close friend of the prime minister, also has stakes in the media and energy sectors where the Hungarian premier wants to boost the influence of local investors. Meszaros owns 19.6 percent of Konzum. The MKB deal fits into Orban's drive to boost the share of local investors to more than half in the bank sector, a market dominated by foreign names such as KBC, Austrian Erste Bank and Raiffeisen or UniCredit and Intesa SanPaolo. MKB, which was stripped of a large chunk of its distressed assets under central bank resolution, made a 12 billion forint ($43.84 million) net profit in the first four months of 2017, more than last year's total net income. Konzum will take over the Metis fund from private equity investor MINERVA, one of the three buyers that originally purchased MKB at its privatisation tender last year. The ownership structure of Metis had been unknown. Konzum did not disclose how much it was paying for the Metis fund. Orban's ruling Fidesz party, which faces an election next April, had taken issue with foreign banks not providing enough credit to local firms as Hungary clambered out of the global financial crisis after 2010. "I think the issue of Fidesz-linked crony capitalism is under-appreciated and when growth is as strong as it was in Q1 is brushed over by the market," Nomura analyst Peter Attard Montalto said in emailed comments to Reuters. Montalto said the government aimed to boost economic growth by keeping up credit expansion and locally-owned banks like MKB could help achieve this goal. Hungarian businessman Tamas Szemerey, a cousin of National Bank Governor Gyorgy Matolcsy, who is one of Orban's strongest allies, announced last month he was taking a 20.2 percent indirect stake in MKB. MKB Chief Executive Adam Balog, a former state secretary at the Economy Ministry under Matolcsy and former deputy governor under Matolcsy at the central bank, took a 9.8 percent indirect stake. ($1 = 273.73 forints) (Reporting by Gergely Szakacs and Krisztina Than; Editing by Adrian Croft) DAKAR, June 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Millions of insecticide-treated bed nets are being delivered to protect people from malaria in the West African nations of Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, where the mosquito-borne disease is one of the biggest killers, aid agencies said on Thursday. The countries' health ministries are working with United Nations agencies and local partners in a drive to ensure every household receives at least one bed net in the coming weeks. "This is not just a distribution drive but also a mass information campaign," said John James, representative for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Sierra Leone. "Teams will be going door-to-door, and using social media and radio to raise awareness ... the goal is to reach every last house," James told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. More than a quarter of people in Sierra Leone - at least two million - suffer from the disease, which accounts for a fifth of the country's child deaths and four in 10 of its hospital admissions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet the number of new malaria cases in the country dropped by almost a third between 2010 and 2015, the biggest reduction of the disease in West Africa, Abu Bakarr Fofanah, Sierra Leone's minister of health and sanitation, said in a statement. Malaria is the leading causing of death in Guinea Bissau - accounting for almost a sixth of all deaths, the U.N. says. "Mosquito nets are the most effective barrier against malaria and can make the difference between life and death," said Aygan Kossi, the WHO representative in Guinea Bissau. The world has made huge strides against malaria since 2000, with death rates plunging by 60 percent and at least six million lives saved globally, according to the WHO. However efforts to end one of the world's deadliest diseases - which kills around 430,000 people a year - are under threat as mosquitoes become increasingly resistant to measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and anti-malarial drugs. Ghana, Kenya and Malawi will pilot the world's first malaria vaccine from 2018, offering it for babies and children in high-risk areas as part of real-life trials, the WHO said in April. (Writing By Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith; 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) SAO PAULO, June 1 (Reuters) - Brazilian federal police carried out raids on Thursday in a probe of suspected corruption in the 2012 mayoral race in Sao Paulo, South America's largest city. Police said in a statement they were searching for evidence related to plea-bargain testimony given by the Ricardo Pessoa, the former chief executive officer of engineering firm UTC Engenharia SA. Pessoa testified in 2015 that he was approached by the treasurer of the Workers Party (PT) to pay a 2.6 million-real ($806,501) debt that the campaign of the PT's candidate, Fernando Haddad, had with a graphic design firm. Haddad, who won the 2012 election but lost his re-election campaign last year, has denied any wrongdoing. UTC Engenharia did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Pessoa's plea-bargain testimony is part of Brazil's larger "Car Wash" corruption probe that has seen over 90 people convicted, and led to a graft investigation into President Michel Temer, about a third of his cabinet and scores of sitting congressmen. Separately on Thursday, federal police in Rio de Janeiro carried out raids and served one arrest warrant in a probe of suspected fraud in contracts to supply meals to schools and prisons. The six-month-old investigation uncovered evidence that at least 12.5 million reais ($3.87 million) in bribes may have been paid to unnamed state government officials in Rio de Janeiro by a contractor, who was also not named in a police statement on the raids. ($1 = 3.2238 reais) (Reporting by Pedro Fonseca; Writing by Ana Mano; Editing by W Simon and Frances Kerry) By Marc Frank and Sarah Marsh HAVANA, June 1 (Reuters) - With less than a year until Raul Castro steps down as president, Cuba's parliament approved documents on Thursday confirming the Communist Party as the country's guiding force and banning the concentration of private property and wealth. The national assembly was summoned for an extraordinary session to approve Communist Party documents reaffirming the one-party political system and state domination of the socialist economy, even as the Caribbean island allows some private business and foreign investment. The ratification by assembly deputies was unanimous, as is usually the case after some discussion. The meeting was called as U.S. President Donald Trump considers rolling back the U.S.-Cuban detente launched under his predecessor, Barack Obama, due to what he charges is a lack of democracy and respect for human rights in Cuba. While the documents were drafted before Trump's election last November, their approval sent a clear message that Cuba will not make the political and economic concessions that Trump has demanded. "These documents reaffirm the socialist character of the Revolution ... and role of the Party as the highest leading force of the society and state," the state-run Cuban News Agency quoted Castro as saying during closing remarks. The meeting was closed to foreign journalists. The documents resulted from last year's Communist Party Congress and include a theoretical justification for ongoing efforts to loosen up the Soviet-style command economy and a "national plan for economic and social development until 2030." The theory document cites as guiding lights Cuban independence leader Jose Marti; communists Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin; and Fidel Castro, the late president who led Cuba's 1959 revolution. The documents make some reference to the incipient private sector, such as family firms, but also stress the means of production and most farm land as "property of the whole people" through the state. Cuba's economy is currently staving off a crisis as a tourism boom that followed the 2014 deal between Castro and Obama to improve relations fails to offset declining shipments of bartered fuel from key socialist ally Venezuela and a drop in exports. Critics say the government should bolster growth by carrying out more reforms, while hardliners who distrust market economics and any change that would lessen their hold on power balk at that. Castro, who took over the presidency in 2008 from his ailing brother Fidel Castro, has vowed to step down as president next February and as head of the Communist Party by 2021. First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is seen as the heir apparent. Castro, 85, said last year that those who fought in the revolution and who remain in Party and government positions would all leave office over a five-year period. However, Cuban authorities have been at pains to highlight at every opportunity that the revolution will not end with the deaths of the "historic generation" or the handover of power. (Editing by Frances Kerry) ALGIERS, June 1 (Reuters) - Algeria has agreed to allow 41 Syrian refugees stranded on its frontier with Morocco to stay in the country as a humanitarian gesture, the foreign ministry said. Earlier this week the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR urged Morocco and Algeria to allow the group safe passage after they had been trapped for weeks in a dispute between the North African neighbours. In a statement on APS state news agency, Algeria's foreign ministry said the refugees, including children and a pregnant woman, would be allowed to stay after being blocked in the border town of Figuig. Morocco and Algeria blamed each other for the situation. The two countries often exchange diplomatic barbs over their 1,500-km (970-mile) frontier, which stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sahara Desert. It has been shut since 1994 because of disputes over security. Morocco said the Syrians attempted to enter Morocco through Figuig between April 17 and 19. It accused Algeria of forcing them to cross into Morocco. Algeria rejected the accusation, saying Moroccan officials had tried to send the group into Algeria. (Reporting by Patrick Markey; Editing by Andrew Bolton) NAIROBI, June 1 (Reuters) - Al Shabaab militants killed at least one person and destroyed a telecom mast in an attack on the town of Fafi in north-eastern Kenya, Kenyan officials and the militants said on Thursday. The attack was the latest in a series of deadly raids by the group that has killed more than a dozen Kenyan police officers in recent weeks. A local official, Yasin Shabel, said at least one person, a teacher, was abducted on Wednesday night and later killed by the heavily armed attackers. "The abducted teacher was killed some distance away from Fafi. His body has been recovered," Shabel told Reuters. Al Shabaab, through its spokesman for military operations Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, said it had killed two policemen in the Wednesday night attack and had carried out another attack on a convoy of security vehicles headed to Fafi on Thursday morning. He said they captured two police vehicles. The police were not immediately available for comment. Al Shabaab says it is fighting because Kenya sent troops into Somalia in 2011, after a string of attacks and kidnappings on Kenyan soil. The Kenyan soldiers are in Somalia as part of a 22,000-strong peacekeeping force intended to shore up the weak U.N.-backed government. (Reporting by Noor Ali and Feisal Omar; Writing by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Andrew Bolton) By Shihar Aneez COLOMBO, June 1 (Reuters) - Diplomats on Thursday condemned violence against Muslims in Sri Lanka and urged the government to uphold minority rights and freedom of religion. More than 20 attacks on Muslims have been recorded since April 17, including including arson at Muslim-owned businesses and petrol-bomb attacks on mosques. Muslims have blamed the attacks on Body Bala Sena (BBS) or the "Buddhist Power Force", an organisation that says the spread of Islam is a threat to Buddhism as the dominant religion. It denies any involvement. "It is important that the rule of law be applied against those perpetrators and it's important that minority rights and freedom of religion are upheld," one of the diplomats, Canadian high commissioner Shelley Whiting, told reporters. President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe have ordered police to uphold the law, but the violence against Muslims has not ended. Muslims comprise around 9 percent of Sri Lanka's population of 21 million. Buddhists make up about 70 percent of the population. Buddhist groups accuse some Muslim organisations of radicalising the community and forcibly converting people to Islam. Muslim leaders have denied the claim. Tung-Lai Margue, ambassador of the European Union, said he hoped the police would make arrests in the coming days. Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson said acts of hate had been directed "unacceptably at the Muslim community". "To my knowledge, this kind of collective public diplomatic intervention is unprecedented in Sri Lanka," Alan Keenan, Sri Lanka project director at the International Crisis Group, said on Twitter. In 2014, three Muslims were killed in riots stirred up by hardline Buddhist groups. President Sirisena was elected the following year after a campaign in which he promised to solve the issues faced by ethnic minority Tamils and Muslims. Churches also have faced similar attacks in the past. The government ended a full-blown 26-year civil war by defeating Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009. (Reporting by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Andrew Bolton; Editing by Andrew Bolton) By Herbert Lash NEW YORK, June 1 (Reuters) - Shifting more U.S. energy production to renewable sources such as wind and solar power is doable but will require greater use of natural gas and overcoming opposition to building pipelines, a senior executive of a U.S. utility said on Thursday. Consolidated Edison Inc no longer defaults to the traditional utility solution of building more infrastructure to meet growing demand for power, said Craig Ivey, president of the company unit serving New York City and nearby suburbs. Con Edison believes in clean, low-carbon energy, but a balance must be found to satisfy environmental goals, he told an audience of New York real estate brokers. Boosting the production of wind, solar and other alternative sources to meet a goal of generating half of New York's energy needs by 2030 cannot be done without natural gas, Ivey said. "It is simply not possible to provide all the energy we need for our residents and businesses with wind, solar, battery storage and other alternative methods," Ivey said in a speech to the Real Estate Board of New York. Con Edison would need tens of billions of dollars in transmission and distribution system upgrades beyond the levels needed to meet the state's Clean Energy Standard, Ivey said. The company has reduced its carbon footprint since 2005 by 48 percent and in the past six years, 6,600 large buildings in New York City have converted to natural gas. A debate has simmered in New York and New England about whether more pipelines are needed to enable natural gas to be the bridge fuel from coal and oil-fired power plants to cleaner renewable sources like wind and solar. Environmentalists and New York state have taken the position that new pipelines, like Williams Cos Inc's proposed Constitution gas pipe from Pennsylvania to New York, are not needed. They would invest more in renewables and energy efficiency. The gas industry argues that more plants are needed to replace retiring coal and nuclear plants, such as Indian Point just north of New York City, before more wind and solar projects can be built. Indian Point will close in 2020 and 2021. (Reporting by Herbert Lash; Additional reporting by Scott DiSavino; Editing by Daniel Bases and Peter Cooney) PARIS, June 1 (Reuters) - Several French soldiers were wounded on Thursday, one seriously, in a mortar attack claimed by al Qaeda's local affiliate on a United Nations peacekeeping camp in northern Mali. In a statement, the French army said the attack on Thursday morning targeted the MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Timbuktu, close to a French unit operating as part of a separate counter-terrorism operation. "In this attack several French soldiers were wounded, including one in a serious condition," the French statement said. An al Qaeda affiliate in Mali, Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen, said it carried out the "barrage of mortar shells". The claim was made in a post on social media, according to a translation by the SITE Intelligence Group. France intervened in 2013 to drive out al Qaeda-linked militants who had seized northern Mali the year before. It has since deployed more than 4,500 soldiers, known as the Barkhane force, across the region to hunt down Islamists. That operation paved the way for the United Nations to deploy its more than 10,000-strong MINUSMA peacekeeping force to the West African state. (Reporting by John Irish; Additional reporting by Aaron Ross; Editing by Andrew Bolton) By Diego Ore and Andrew Cawthorne CARACAS, June 1 (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro pledged on Thursday to hold a referendum on a new constitution he has proposed to try and quell two months of anti-government unrest that has killed at least 62 people. His comments came after criticism from opponents and some within his own government that his plan to create a new super-body, known as a constituent assembly, to rewrite the national charter was anti-democratic. Chief state prosecutor Luisa Ortega had said creating the assembly without a plebiscite, as happened in 1999 when Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez rewrote the constitution, threatened to "eliminate" democracy in Venezuela. Maduro said on state television: "I shall propose it explicitly: the new constitution will go to a consultative referendum so it is the people who say whether they are in agreement or not with the new, strengthened constitution." There was no immediate reaction from Venezuela's opposition, which now has majority support after years in the shadow of the ruling Socialist Party whose popularity has plunged during the OPEC nation's brutal economic crisis. Foes are likely to try and turn any referendum into a vote on Maduro himself. They have been calling for the next presidential election, slated for late 2018, to be brought forward. The government has said elections for the new constituent assembly will be held in late July, although opposition leaders say the process is skewed to ensure a pro-Maduro majority. There was no word on when the plebiscite would be held. Earlier, authorities announced that gunmen had killed a judge involved in the sentencing of Venezuela's best-known jailed political leader, Leopoldo Lopez. The judge, 37-year-old Nelson Moncada, was shot and stripped of his belongings as he tried to get away from a street barricade on Wednesday night in Caracas' El Paraiso district, the scene of regular clashes, the prosecutor's office said. This week has seen widespread violence around the Venezuelan capital, with security forces repeatedly breaking up marches by opposition supporters towards government offices downtown, and skirmishes continuing into the night. "DEMOCRACY BEING ELIMINATED" Protesters frequently block roads with trash and burning tires, sometimes asking passers-by for contributions towards a self-styled "Resistance" movement against Maduro. El Paraiso has seen nightly clashes between demonstrators, pro-government gangs and National Guard soldiers. The government said Moncada was one of the judges who ratified Lopez's 14-year jail sentence, and suggested that might have been the motive for his killing. "We cannot exclude the possibility this was done by hitmen hired by right-wing terrorists to keep creating and spreading terror," Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said, referring to Venezuela's opposition. Victims from two months of unrest have included supporters on both sides, bystanders and members of the security forces. The latest death came in Lara state, where 46-year-old Maria Rodriguez was shot during a demonstration on Thursday, the state prosecutor's office said, without giving more details. Maduro, 54, calls his opponents coup-mongers seeking his violent overthrow with U.S. support akin to the short-lived ouster of his predecessor Hugo Chavez in 2002. Ortega, the chief prosecutor, launched a blistering attack on Maduro from the steps of the pro-government Supreme Court, criticizing its ruling this week endorsing the assembly plan. "It seems that participative and protagonistic democracy, which cost Venezuelans so much (to get), is being eliminated," said Ortega, who broke with Maduro a few weeks ago. "This sentence is a backward step for human rights," she added, before reading extracts from a past Chavez speech. In further political drama, the Supreme Court ordered opposition leader Henrique Capriles on Thursday to avoid roadblocks in the Miranda state that he governs, or face jail. Miranda includes part of the capital, Caracas, and the volatile towns of San Antonio de Los Altos and Los Teques, where anti-government street barricades have been common. Capriles, a 44-year-old lawyer, narrowly lost a 2013 vote to Maduro after Chavez's death from cancer and has been at the forefront of this year's protests, calling for civil disobedience. Authorities have already barred Capriles from running for new political posts for 15 years, over allegations of "administrative irregularities" that he denies, potentially hobbling another bid to run in 2018. (Additional reporting by Andreina Aponte, Eyanir Chinea and Alexandra Ulmer; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Andrew Hay, Toni Reinhold and Paul Tait) Prof. Siri Gunasingha Prof. Siri Gunasingha was aptly appreciated by people including the Prime Minister because of his eruditeness, creativity, innovation and uniqueness. Although I have been an ardent admirer of this great personality, it is not my intention to concentrate on his great works, be it in the form of prose, verse or visual or performing art. Rather I would like to focus my attention on the great human being who lived in Prof. Gunasingha. Thanks to Prof. Sunanda Mahendra, Prof. Somaratne Balasuriya and Mr. Jayasumana Dissanayake I had the rare privilege of meeting with Prof. Gunasingha. At the first meeting with Prof Gunasingha, I would have been the only lay person among the gathering, all the others being celebrities in the literary field. But Prof. Gunasingha never showed less mercy to me, instead treated me as one of his friends. In the course of time, thanks to Mr.Jayasumana Dissanayake, I managed to see him whenever he came to Sri Lanka. I had the privilege of meeting with him at his brothers residence in Etul Kotte. There were instances in such meetings, when while we were talking, there were some calls on his brothers land phone which yearned for his interaction for long times. Sometimes I feared that I was embarrassing him by being there to overhear the delicate, pleasant (one way) conversation alluding to nostalgic memories. But he was a poet and was the least embarrassed and such conversations were well enjoyed by him as I noticed him finishing the call with the same enthusiasm, warmth and love as when he started answering the call. One evening we were at a restaurant somewhere close to the Diyawanna Oya and when we were about to leave the place I suddenly became unconscious. Later on, around nine p.m, when I opened my eyes I was in my bed. I wondered how it happened and I found myself in my evening clothes as I was in the restaurant. When I asked my wife how it happened, she told me that two gentlemen had brought me home. She described the two gentlemen, and as both had striking personalities with unforgettable features, the entire story was unfolded to me. To my surprise my old car was in my garage. Then I could imagine what had happened. My god! They must be waiting for a bus in this dark night on a bus route where there were no buses after 7pm. I drove my car as fast as possible and I found them waiting at the bus halt! Having noticed a car stopped near them they would have thought that a person who had recognized them would have stopped the car to offer them a lift. They recognized me and refused to get boarded. After much coaxing, I managed to convince them that I was fit to drive, after which they agreed to accept the offer. By the time we reached the restaurant, all the other vehicles except Mr. Jayasumana Dissanayakes brand new car had left. While getting down from my humble car Prof. Gunasingha bade me good night. That was the last word I heard from him. Good night, Dear Sir! -Sarath Samarasekera 13 Sri Lankan representatives for Cannes Lions 2017 including the winners of the Young Lions Competition, Young Marketer, Roger Hatchuel Academy and the Michael Konig Young Journalist Bursary - Young Journalists A team of 13 young Sri Lankans from the local marketing communications industry have been selected to represent the country at the numerous programmes designed to develop the youth in our industry which is said to take place this June at the Cannes Lions international festival of creativity in Cannes, France. This year marks the 10th year that Sri Lanka has had an active partnership with the Cannes Lions under the auspices of Metal Factor in Sri Lanka. Six teams emerged victories at the local Young Lions competition, which had an excess of 74 participants, and was organized by Metal Factor in collaboration with the International Advertising Association (IAA), the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). The winning local teams will now prepare to compete against the best teams in the world at the Cannes Lions competition in their respective categories. Hailed as the Olympics of the advertising industry, the Cannes Lions competitions attract the industrys top talent, who will come together to compete on a global stage. The Sri Lankan teams will go on to compete in Cyber, Design, Media, Print, Film and Young Marketers categories of the Young Lions Competitions at Cannes. After a rigorous judging and evaluation process at the local competitions, Udara Dharmasena and Havishmi Sivananthan from Neo Ogilvy won the title in the Cyber category, Amrit Paulraj and Falul Hallaj from Leo Burnett Sri Lanka secured the top spot in the Design category, whilst Achala Ramanayeka and Kumarini Rajakaruna from Dentsu Grant won in the placement in the Media category. Jayana Silva and Aysha Musthafa from Leo Burnett Sri Lanka were chosen to be contenders in the Print category and Kaushalya Kathireson and Sahil Gunesekera from Shift Integrated won the title in the Film category. In the Young Marketer competition conducted in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, Umeshinie Kurukulasuriya and Ashani Ratnayake from Nestle Lanka won the Young Marketers competition. This year an under graduate from the University of Moratuwa Samangi Wadinambi Arachchi was selected from students from across section of tertiary institutes attended the Roger Hatchuel Academy. Commenting on this years competition, Ranil de Silva the Sri Lankan Representative of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity stated: This year, we celebrate 10 years of adding immense value to the Sri Lankan marketing communications industry. We will have a wide cross section of representation at the festival this year which will definitely enhance the depth and breadth of our professionals in the industry. I have been advised by the juries that the performance by each team was very impressive and the titles were hard fought. I am extremely proud of these thirteen young professionals who will now represent their companies and our country at the 64th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Since 2008, Metal Factor has provided opportunities for nearly 100 young professionals to gain international exposure at some of the worlds most renowned advertising festivals. These Sri Lankan professionals will carry the flag for Sri Lanka when they compete against the best young professionals in the world. I do hope they will bring home a Lion. They will also have an opportunity to learn, network, expand their horizons and gain valuable new insights from the greatest and biggest festival of advertising. At the Cannes Lions festival industry leaders and movers and shakers from creative industries who are redefining the global communications landscape will be sharing their perspectives. The experience will certainly have a remarkable impact on the professional growth of our young professionals. The Sri Lankan level of the competition also brought together top leaders from the advertising fraternity, who reviewed and judged the work that was submitted by each of the competing teams. The young Lion competition were chaired by Laila Gunasekera Martenstyn Vice President, Dentsu Grant, Sri Lanka, Surani Perera - Manager Brand Planning, Leo Burnett, Sri Lanka lead the Roger Hatchuel academy selection process and Sean Pompeus - Director Client Service, Mullen Lowe Sri Lanka chaired the young Marketer competition in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1954, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is an eight-day programme that focuses on creative inspiration, celebration, education and networking. Over 15,000 delegates from around 100 countries attend the festival, making it the only truly global meeting-place for communications professionals to connect, share and discover the latest advancements, trends and innovations in the industry. The most coveted creative accolades, The Lions, are also judged and presented at the festival. Over 40,000 submissions in 23 categories are rigorously reviewed by respected industry professionals before the highly coveted awards are presented. Metal Factor is established by a renowned advertising professional Ranil de Silva which he spearheads as a CSR initiative for an industry which has rewarded him immensely. Metal Factor represents in Sri Lanka some of the worlds most respected festivals. Metal Factor via these festivals provides young professionals with the opportunity to gain immense experience by participating in the various competitions. Metal Factor is committed to uplifting the standards of the marketing communications industry in Sri Lanka and is dedicated to help Sri Lankas Ad industry to gain global acclaim. Winners of the Design Category - (From Left to Right) Ms. Sheron Jayasundera - President, 4As, Falul Hallaj & Amrit Paulraj of Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, Laila Gunasekera - President, IAA & Head for the competitions and Ranil de Silva from Metal Factor, the local representative for Cannes Lions in Sri Lanka Winners of the Film Category - (From Left to Right) Laila Gunasekera - President, IAA & Head for the competitions, Ms. Sheron Jayasundera - President, 4As, Kaushalya Kathiresan & Sahil Gunesekere of Shift Integrated and Ranil de Silva from Metal Factor, the local representative for Cannes Lions in Sri Lanka Winners of the Young Marketers competition from Netsle PLC - (From Left to Right) Umeshinie Kurukulasuriya, Sean Pompeus - Director Client Service, Mullen Lowe Sri Lanka and the head of the Young Marketers competition and Ashani Ratnayake Winners of the Cyber category - Udara Dharmasena and Havishmi Sivananthan of Neo Ogilvy Winner of the Roger Hatchuel competition - (From Left to Right) Ms. Sheron Jayasundera - President, 4As and Samangi Wadinambi Arachchi from University of Moratuwa Winner of the Michael Konig Young Journalist Bursary - (From Left to Right) Dr. Sumanthri Samarawickrama Senior Lecturer, Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa and Kamanthi Wickramasinghe Prime Minister Ranil Wickremessinghes private visit to the US was unavoidable and planned a couple of months earlier and therefore, he had no option but to undertake it, cabinet spokesman, Lands and Parliamentary Reforms Minister Gayantha Karunatilaka said and added the visit was for a medical checkup. Minister Karunatilaka said Mr. Wickremesinghe has instructed relevant Ministers and officials to keep in touch with him round the clock to appraise him on the flood situation and called for situation reports every six hours. He also gives advice regularly to Ministers and officials from the US on flood relief operations, Minister Karunatilaka added. Minister Karunatilaka said if Mr. Wickremesinghe did not undertake this visit, he would have to wait for several months to rearrange it. Commenting on certain media reports on Mr. Wickremesinghes visit to the US at a time when the country was trying to come to terms with a devastating flood and landslides, Minister Karunatilaka said Premier Wickremesinghe held a several rounds of talks with Ministers and officials and gave clear instructions on how to face the unprecedented natural disaster before he left. Before his departure to US, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe met President Maithripala Sirisena. He told ministers and officials not to let circulars, Financial or Administrative regulations hamper flood relief operations. It was in one of these meetings that the Central Bank was directed to release Rs. 2 billion to commercial banks to launch a soft loan scheme for flood victims, Minister Karunatilaka said. (Sandun A Jayasekera) One of the national governments positive missions has been to grow the food that we need in Sri Lanka instead of busting up millions of dollars to import junk food or processed rubbish. As a tropical paradise, Sri Lanka has been blessed with thousands of varieties of nutritious vegetables, grains and fruits and we need to be aware of the need not just to eat well but to eat wisely. According to physician and nutritionist Dr. Al Sears we need to monitor what chemicals go into our food. And even when theres science to prove the health risks of new ingredients, the authorities drag their feet. It can take years or even decades before the authorities pull harmful additives out of the market. He says that when a processor wants to add a new chemical to food, the authorities do not require testing. The food company just sends a notice to the officials saying the ingredient is generally recognized as safe or as safe. In other words, the food industry tells the authorities whats safe instead of the other way round. The officials allow untested and unsafe ingredients in the market. And once they are in the market they usually just stay there. The officials rarely yank safe status and sadly when they do, it usually only happens when people get sick and die. Dr. Al Sears says for example, in the United States it happened with partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats (Margarines). They were considered safe for years. But in 2013 the US Food and Drugs Administration (UDA) withdrew its safe status after these fats were linked to serious heart disease. Yet the FDA still permits trans fats at low levels in foods. Artificial food colourings are another example. At least six of them were considered safe for years and later banned by the FDA. Two others -- Red No.3 and caramel colouring used in colas -- have been found to cause cancer in animals. But the FDA still lists them as safe. Theres another so-called safe ingredient we need to reflect upon, Dr. Al sears says. Its widely used in food products in the US even though its banned in the European Union. Its called carrageenan. This common food additive is extracted from red seaweed (Chondrus crispus). Its sometimes called Irish moss. Carrageenan has no nutritional value. Its used as a thickener and emulsifier. Food companies add it to improve the texture of ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, soy milk, almond milk, chicken stock, deli meats and other processed foods. There are two forms of carrageenan -- degraded and food grade. In animal studies, the degraded form has been proven to cause tumours. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a possible human carcinogen. But food grade carrageenan isnt much better. Tests show that the food grade type also contains some of the degraded form -- in some cases as much as 25%, Dr. Al Sears says. The food grade version can become degraded. When we eat food-grade carrageenan, it can break down and become degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. It also becomes degraded with exposure to heat, bacteria and mechanical processing. Even the food grade version has been shown to cause inflammation and colon cancer in animals. It causes the same kind of inflammation that is the root cause of many serious diseases. In Sri Lanka, the Consumer Protection Authority responsible for food safety needs to play a much bigger role in making the people aware of unsafe or dangerous substances in some of the imported junk foods or processed food that we are importing and giving even to children. The European Union (EU) today emphasized the importance of the Sri Lankan Government and the Police to ensure that there is no impunity for hate crimes in the country. EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Tung-Lai Margue said it was important that religious communities are at the forefront of efforts to promote understanding and oppose the spreading of hate. "Sri Lankans know all too well the consequences of religious and ethnic hatred. These reprehensible actions are intended to sow discord at a time when national reconciliation and tolerance is moving forward, he said. He expressed these views after visiting Dewatagaha Mosque in Colombo to meet leaders of the Muslim community. Apart from the EU Ambassador, the Heads of Missions of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Switzerland together with other diplomatic representatives today visited the mosque. Issuing a statement, the EU Delegation said the visit followed in the wake of attacks on mosques and businesses owned by people in the community. The ambassadors expressed their solidarity and welcomed the clear condemnation for these hate crimes from President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. They emphasised the importance of the rule of law and called for prompt action to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes were swiftly brought to justice. (By Thilanka Kanakarathna) Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe The Government would be compelled to bring in laws making provisions for forcible evacuation and to ban cultivation along mountain slopes if the attitude of people did not change, Minister of Disaster Management Anura Priyadharashana Yapa said yesterday. The Minister said he would immediately take up the matter in the cabinet as more disasters were bound to happen, taking into consideration the global environmental situation. The attitudes of the Sri Lankan people are such that they do not adhere to the warnings of impending disasters and refuse to leave their dwelling places in such situations. In such a situation eviction laws are essential, the Minister said. It is also essential to bring in laws to ban cultivation of crops along the mountain slopes, in order to prevent landslides, he added. The Minister said the recent disaster could be claimed as a man made one, considering the attitude of the people. Meanwhile the latest data from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said the death toll from floods have risen to 203 while 89 people were still missing. Some 631,346 people belonging to 164,264 families were affected by adverse weather, by last afternoon. The highest death toll of 84 was recorded from Ratnapura, while 63 have died in the Kalutara District, 28 from Matara, 15 from Galle, five from Hambantota and four each from Gampaha and Kegalle. At least 1537 houses were totally destroyed while 7791 were partly damaged. The government claimed that the affected areas were returning to normal. Buses were said to be plying in most of the affected areas. However, the bus service is still to commence along the Embilipitiya-Matara Road as of yesterday. Several damaged roads have been restored by the security forces. Only the Matara-Godagama entrance of the Southern Highway was still closed. Around 276 contaminated wells have also been restored. All district secretariat offices in the affected areas were converted into disaster management co-ordination centres and are expected to remain open 24 hours. District Secretariat offices are considered as essential services. Meanwhile the Department of Meteorology predicted strong winds along the sea areas of Puttalam via Potuvil, Colombo, Hambantota, Batticaloa and Mulaithivu. Winds were expected to travel at 70 kmph. Landslide warnings continue in Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Kalutara, Matara, Hambantota and Nuwara Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur in the Uva Province, Batticaloa and Ampara districts, particularly in the afternoon. Rains would exceed 70mm occasionally. (Reports from Yohan Perera , Sandun Jayasekera, Thilanka Kankaratne and Chathuranga Pradeep) Video by Isuru Pix by Kushan Pathiraja Sri Lankas gradual movement towards the North Pole could be the reason for landslides occurring in the country during the last few days, one of the top geologists in the country said yesterday. Professor Kapila Dahanayake from the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya told Daily Mirror that the Islands movement, at approximately 8 cm per year towards the North Pole, could be the reason for the landslides. This gradual movement, which would have begun at least a million years ago, had resulted in forming glacier sediments which comprises sand, boulders, clay and pebbles on Sri Lankas surface. It has been these glaciers that got washed away in the form of landslides during the past few days, Professor Dahanayake said. If one looks at the landslides that occurred, it is clear that what came sliding down the mountains with the gushing rain water were piles of sand and boulders rather than large rocks. This can be seen in the landslides that took place at Morawaka and a number of other locations, he added. He said that boulders comes down together with sand and clay, which softens as a result of the heavy rain. However Professor Dahanayake said responsible persons in the country were not ready to accept his theory. He said this situation would prevent the country from taking effective steps to stop more tragedies in the future. It is high time that one looks at this situation seriously, he warned. (Yohan Perera) A Malaysia Airlines flight was forced to return to Melbourne airport Wednesday after a passenger tried to force his way into the cockpit claiming he had a bomb, offcials said. Malaysian Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the passenger, who he identified as a Sri Lankan national, appeared to have been drunk and was overpowered by the plane's crew and later arrested by airport security in Melbourne. It is not a hijack. One disruptive passenger tried to enter the plane's cockpit, he told AFP. The passenger... claimed to have a bomb. But it was not a bomb but a powerbank, Aziz said. Everyone on board is safe... He was taken out of the plane handcuffed by Australian security officers. Kuala Lumpur-bound Flight MH128 departed Melbourne at 11:11pm (1311 GMT) on Wednesday but turned back shortly afterwards when a man allegedly threatened those on board, Australian police said. It is alleged that a man tried to enter the cockpit and threatened the safety of passengers and staff, Victoria state police said in a statement, but added that he did not gain entry to the cockpit and was subdued. Passengers are currently exiting the plane and speaking to investigators, police said. A passenger sitting in business class, who identified himself as Andy, told Melbourne commercial radio station 3AW the man threatened to blow the plane up. The staff were saying 'Sit back down sir, sit back down sir'. He goes 'No, I'm not going to sit back down, I'm going to blow the plane up', Andy told 3AW. The staff screamed out 'I need some help, I need some help'. So I jumped up, undid my buckle, and approached him. Andy said the man ran to the back of the plane, where two other men grabbed and disarmed him of a giant black thing and put hog ties on him. Malaysia Airlines said the passengers would be put up at hotels and offered another flight. The incident came just months after Canberra called off the search for missing flight MH370 carrying 239 passengers and crew, after a vast underwater hunt off Australia's west coast failed to find the plane. (Reuters) It is a mad haste, to be the first to post stories from disaster zones The Editors Guild could initiate a discourse We have been witnessing painful Screaming of the State machinery at times of tragedy and disaster. It is now far worse than what it was over 12 years ago in December 2004, when the Tsunami swept the Southern and Eastern coasts. Tragedies have not been too rare in the recent past. Beginning from Sinhala and Hindu New Year day, in just 38 days there were three tragedies, beginning with the Meethotamulla waste dump slide, collapsing of a multi storey building in Colombo and the Mora rain storm that now accounts for more than 200 deaths, 80 odd missing and more than 400,000 displaced. The lethargy and inefficiency of the State is part of the socially justifiable excuse for media to leave their actual responsibility aside to go big time with distribution of donations at times of national grief. We thus come to the important question, What responsibility has the media in times of national tragedy?Answering it begins with the condition, media is fundamentally responsible to society, in how information and news is disseminated. Our media, including the State owned and especially the electronic, web/digital and social media do not function with that responsibility to society. In times of tragedy, web/digital and social media lives with a panic button. Tragedy and disaster are grieving events in this new and competing media culture to post unchecked, unedited often source-not found info. It is a mad haste, to be the first to post stories from disaster zones. Electronic media thats audio and visual media, is far worse in shaping social psyche. Though not very apt in reporting and coverage, print media in general still reports and covers events and incidents in a comparatively decent and a palatable way. Web/digital and social media is not of much importance, except when mainstream media picks from web/digital and social media and develop them, their way. In Sri Lanka we dont have an adequate critical mass in web/digital and social media for them to be taken seriously as positively impacting on society. Despite some pundits claiming social media played a major role in the past two elections, social media is more a Sinhala Buddhist racist platform, dominated by a very small group with fake names and anonymous presence. Even issues like deforesting, is taken on an anti-Muslim campaign and not as an environmental issue. In short, no media in Sri Lanka functions with a conscious responsibility towards society, towards people. There is not much difference between State owned and private media either in how social responsibility is ignored and shirked. It is in that sorry context one gets trapped in the visual media culture that dominates the recipient mood. For visual media with FM radio following, any Sinhala Buddhist event or festival and any tragedy is a media product that could be sold and used for station image building. Vesak was there for over a week. They had numerous Buddha relics used for big sponsorships and station image building among the Sinhala Buddhist audience. These religious marketing does have their limitations. They can only attract a particular religious population in this long polarised society. Yet Christian/Catholic, Hindu and Muslim events and festivals dont gain that market space as Vesak and Poson. Thats a 70.4 per cent segment in society, all media compete to capture. Tragedies and disasters in this country nevertheless cut across those ethno-religious demarcations. The Muslim person whose mosque and the business were attacked, does not ask the victim, if she or he is Muslim, when distributing relief. The Christian whose church was attacked does not choose who gets their relief distributed. The Tamil who collects relief dont ask if they would go to Sinhalese. Tragedies and disasters turn the whole society into a single emotionally charged, large donating station with media stations stepping in as popular collecting centres. It is within this social mood, tragedies and disasters become good media boosters that can be used right across the country. This is truer especially with visual media stations. It is the ability of visual media in particular to immediately commodify tragedies and disasters that allow them to leave social responsibility by the wayside to access wider social reach for station image building. In fact over the years, media outlets have established themselves as very conspicuous and large distribution centres. Their advantage is that people dont question responsibilities in their rush to hand over relief. The fact is, even in its most lethargic and inefficient level of delivery, no media can match the State machinery. No donor agency can reach the affected people the way the State can. It is the State that mobilises the three forces into relief work. No media has the resources for necessary logistics, as does the State. It is still the State that has mobility to move into affected areas, even though in depleted form. This fact, the superiority of the State in deployment of personnel, equipment and machinery for relief and distribution of material as aid is never highlighted in media. Most visual and electronic media design programmes to promote themselves over and above the State and its operations. With Non-Governmental Agencies and the media also joining in relief supply, there are patches created that go unattended to and areas that are over fed with relief. This was a common deformity even during Tsunami relief work. There were families who had never been to sea, getting not one FRP boat but two. There were families who got funds to repair their houses, not from one, but from two or three donors. There were also those many families who were still pleading for help and aid. Non-Governmental Agencies and media outlets collecting aid at the expense of the ordinary public with large hearts, only move around easily accessible points for due coverage of donations as their charitable work. One would note that in this present disaster too, there are popular areas the media often talk about. There are areas that were totally neglected, even by politicians for many days. It is more the visual media channels that highlight their own relief work in competition with others. News coverage in them on the Mora storm that created havoc in Southern Sri Lanka, begins with their own relief voyage given high priority. Thereafter it is about the human tragedy in pictures, the crying and the weeping. Some news about possible further damage with a weather report presented in the drabbest and crudest manner with less information than necessary follows thereafter. Often news on flooding and earth slide disaster concludes with some favourite politician or two given publicity. This disaster reporting certainly is NOT disaster reporting. Most importantly, disaster reporting is about avoiding presentation of news in a manner that could panic society. It is an accepted norm, disaster reporting must prioritise and provide all what the Government decides without comments and how the State operates. It should keep the people informed of developing situations covering every aspect of State initiated and operated disaster control measures. Disaster reporting is also about educating people to meet emergency situations. Reporting should also include lapses by the State in a constructive dialogue with responsible State officials avoiding political colours. In short, the media has to play the role of the watch dog it is expected to be and the credible informant/educator it should be in times of crisis. This responsibility is openly violated today-violated for the benefit of image building in a competitive advertising market. What is conveniently forgotten is human tragedies dont ethically and morally allow for competition for individual gains. Not even in business, in an ethical, civilised world. Disaster coverage and reporting has thus been developed into three clear phases. The immediate reporting of the disaster, its nature, extant of damage caused, information for people on safe places and safety measures to be taken and also precautions is perhaps the first phase of reporting disaster. The second phase is to create awareness and provide information on what is happening on the ground in terms of relief and recovery and play vigilante on how efficient the relief work is, and to question if they cannot be better executed or if there are easy and more comfortable alternate options. Third is post damage and perhaps more important for the future. The media among other players can develop a discourse on what had gone wrong to cause a tragedy, if it could have been avoided, how similar disasters can be negated in the future and what planning needs to be put in place for that. A research by Erin L. Bohensky and Anne M. Leitch, on 2011 Brisbane flood reporting by media, titled Framing the flood: A media analysis of themes of resilience in the 2011 Brisbane flood say: ..the news media was one important vehicle of several through which the flood could be understood and internalised. Examining how the flood was framed in the media provides insight into the broad public perception of floods. In particular, analysis of local and national newspaper reporting of the Brisbane flood illuminates how experience of a natural disaster frames perceptions of climate change and perceptions of governments ability to respond to a disaster event. Does our media coverage of the Mora storm provide such possibilities for the future? Sadly not. It is thus important to discuss not only in society but also within media and professional organisations on their responsibility in disaster reporting and coverage. Perhaps The Editors Guild could initiate that discourse. Mullaitivu Police arrested two passengers with explosives on a tip-off while they were travelling in a Trincomalee-bound bus. The Police had taken into custody 20 detonators, 5 dynamite sticks and two service cords which were in their possession. The arrested suspects with the explosives were identified as Abdul Azeez Abul Hassan and Rahamuthulla from Pulmudai. They were arrested by a police team under the supervision of Mullaitivu Police HQ OIC, Chief inspector Lal Chandrasiri. (J.A.L Jayasinghe and Romesh Madushanka) NASA made an announcement about its first mission to enter directly into the sun's atmosphere at an event at University of Chicago's William Eckhardt Research Center on Wednesday. As part of the unmanned mission, the Parker Solar Probe, named for solar astrophysicist Eugene Parker, will go to the sun's outer atmosphere next summer. The probe will move more than 430,000 miles per hour (the equivalent of traveling from New York to Tokyo in less than a minute) and be seven times closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft. NASA plans to use advanced material technologies in the form of a heat shield and new solar panels to reach the sun's corona, which is the outermost part of its atmosphere. This area's temperature measures around 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA will use the information it mines from the mission to better forecast space weather, which impacts satellites, astronauts and the Earth. DCFS Director Steps Down As Controversy Swirls Over Death Of Semaj Crosby: Reports By Stephen Gossett in News on May 31, 2017 9:59PM The embattled head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is out. According to reports by the Sun-Times and the Tribune, George Sheldon resigned on Wednesday as director of DCFS as the department faces a deluge of controversy in the wake of the April death of 1-year-old Semaj Crosby. Sheldon will likely be replaced by the department's general counsel Lise Spacapan for the interim as a replacement is sought, according to reports. He will relocate back to Florida. "The recent public attention to the challenges still confronting this agency were a strong inducement to stay and continue the progress already made... I yield, however, to the strong temptation to return to work in my home state, where I have spent most of my professional career," Sheldon wrote in a letter of resignation to Gov. Bruce Rauner obtained by the Tribune. The department has been plagued by scandals in recent months, the most high-profile being the death of young Crosby. Department of Children and Family Services officials, working on a neglect investigation, had visited the Will County house where the 16-month-old girl lived just hours before she was reported missing. Police and FBI later found the body of Crosby there. Authorities said the home was in "deplorable condition." The Tribune reported on Tuesday that a DCFS supervisor had started a contest that incentivized investigators to close cases quickly, offering $100 gift cards to those who logged the most closings within a month. The department and the state's Executive Inspector General had launched a joint probe into the department, the Sun-Times notes. Sheldon's own tenure was preceded by a long rocky patch for the department. Accusations of abuse and neglect have dogged the department going back multiple directors. Sheldon was the fifth person to serve in the post within just 18 months; and the department has now seen eight people take the post within just five years, according to reports. President Maithripala Sirsena has turned down a request made by certain foreign countries to declare an Emergency Situation in Sri Lanka to offer further assistance, since it will affect the countrys reputation, Highways State Minister Dilan Perera said. Addressing the weekly SLFP weekly news briefing at the party office Minister Perera said if an emergency situation was declared, the joint opposition will use it for their political advantage and therefore such action was not necessary as correctly decided by President Sirisena. Some 19 countries have already come forward to assist Sri Lanka in the disaster. They have asked us the areas we need help. The government agencies will dispatch all relief material and food donated by foreign countries to the affected areas. The money given by foreign countries will be used to construct houses that had been fully destroyed, Minister Perera said. Minister Perera said at todays government group meeting held headed by President Sirisena it was decided to set up a Contingency Plan to face an unexpected natural disaster. The Contingency Plan includes to keep a fleet of boats, airplanes, choppers, dry rations, clothes, drugs and a trained armed forces personnel in readiness to deploy in disaster affected areas. The correct leadership of President Suirisena and policies of the good governance have led a large number of countries volunteering to help Sri Lanka at this hour of distress which was not forthcoming in the recent past. Minister Perera said certain natural disaster affected areas during the previous regime were still to be rehabilitated, with no facility to build houses for victims and construct roads and infrastructure as there were no foreign countries to help Sri Lanka. What happened at that time was if Russia helped us, the US would turn back to Sri Lanka. If India helped, China and Pakistan would be offended. But today Sri Lanka is a friend of all countries rich and powerful and therefore no issue of helping us has arisen by any one due to our foreign policy, Minister Perera added.(Sandun A Jayasekera) Rejecting rumours that some schools in the City of Colombo would re-open today (1), Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam confirmed that all schools in flood affected districts, including Colombo, would remain closed till Friday (2). A rumour spread yesterday afternoon that several schools in Colombo and Gampaha Districts would be reopened. However, Minister Kariyawasam said that none of the schools in districts affected by the adverse weather would re-open today as claimed. Meanwhile, Western Province Education Minister Ranjith Somawansa said the Provincial Council initially decided to re-open schools in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts today (1) as a result of the risk of floods reducing and with only schools in Kalutara to remain closed. However, the Education Ministry had since issued instructions to keep all schools closed as per the previous decision taken by the government, he told Daily Mirror. The death of Siri Gunasinghe last week left the nations cultural establishment numbed. And not for nothing: Professor Gunasinghe, who among other things was one of only two novelists here who directed a movie (and a landmark one at that), was the last of the bilingual literati that made the waves here and overseas. Everyone else who followed him were politically and philosophically of a different breed, the sole exception (at least to an extent) being Gunadasa Amarasekera. The truth is that modernity is not incongruent with nationalism. The truth is that modernity can and does subsist on tradition Gunasinghes death, a personal tragedy as it is, interests me more for what it means to our cultural establishment, the same establishment which has tried so hard to chart a kind of modernity that was not uprooted. That is has failed, and that its failure has to do largely with the culture of inferiority which has gripped our people since 1956, leaves no room for doubt. At the cost of simplifying an already simplified situation, I will hence say this: politically, socially, and philosophically, our country has imbibed a potent form of anti-intellectualism. We are so confused as to why this anti-intellectualism has come about, moreover, that we rationalise it in terms of the nationalist/anti-nationalist dichotomy which provides an easy point for the political commentator. The truth is that modernity is not incongruent with nationalism. The truth is that modernity can and does subsist on tradition. To understand how this simple point has evaded our notice, its apt to look back at 1956 and what transpired subsequently. Political movements never really end. They can only be stopped, and that at the cost of stalling an otherwise gradual social process. 1956, on that count, was less a movement than an experiment, which signalled (ironically) the upheaval of the anglicised elite through the leadership of a scion of that same elite. I remember reading in one of those travel books (by Discovery) on Sri Lanka that the 1956 election passed power from the legatees of colonialism to an indigenous leader. That is patently false. Power was passed, yes, but only from one shade of Westernisation to another. As subsequent elections showed, it was basically a social transformation effected by the grassroots but denied by the self-contradictions of its own leadership. 1956, on that count, was less a movement than an experiment, which signalled (ironically) the upheaval of the anglicised elite through the leadership of a scion of that same elite S. W. R. D. Bandaranaikes programme, as I mentioned in this column last week, derived for the most from two sources: Western liberalism and the Bengali Renaissance. The former, critics and commentators have explored. The latter, to a considerable extent at least, they have not. A tragedy at one level, primarily because we tend to forget that in trying to emulate the Tagorean experiment of fusing modernity and tradition, Bandaranaikes own personality denied the validity of such a fusion for anything other than our cultural sphere. This latter point merits further discussion. Amartya Sen, in an article written to the New Republic six years ago, contended that Tagore, far from being the romantic traditionalist he is touted as today, was actually a modernist railing against the social order of his day. He was at odds with Gandhi, whose idealisation of the spinning wheel or chakra as a symbol of a return to the past he critiqued as lacking judgment and energy (The chakra does not require anyone to think). Despite his enthusiasm for Gandhis political campaign, consequently, he was doubtful about Gandhis social persona, filled as it was with repulsion towards Western civilization. In this, however, Tagore was no imitator, no rootless cosmopolitan who idealised that same Western civilization he championed with regard to the progress it attained in the realms of science, literature, and political philosophy. That kind of fearless, revolutionary thinking seems to be lacking in our modernists of today. Sadly. In the fifties and sixties, a Siri Gunasinghe or a Lester James Peries could critique the conventional wisdom by carving a different path, one that brought together tradition and modernity. It happened in Tagores land of birth as well: Satyajit Ray was his intellectual and artistic heir, and to an extent at least he was responsible for prolonging the Bengali Renaissance from Tagores death to the end of the 20th century. In comparison, the modernists of today are a horde of gandabba commentators, either rubbishing the same roots which sustained them or condemning those roots to the dustbin of history. Added to that was another, more potent problem: unlike in Bengal and even India (also nurtured by a Renaissance), the cultural revolution which 1956 wrought was first affirmed and then denied by its political leadership. 1956 in that respect could not have happened were it not for three figures: Professor Sarachchandra, Lester James Peries, and Martin Wickramasinghe. All three were well versed in Western modernity, while Sarachchandra and Wickramasinghe were equally versed in the national ethos (Peries upbringing denied him that ethos until later on). He was at odds with Gandhi, whose idealisation of the spinning wheel or chakra as a symbol of a return to the past he critiqued as lacking judgment and energy (The chakra does not require anyone to think). The political pamphleteers behind Sinhala Only, on the other hand, were less interested in that kind of fusion than in an irrationally radical chauvinism which, ironically, gave birth to the same political figures who would deny any place to that chauvinism later on. In other words, it is in 1956 that we see the basis for the later and equally narrow-minded demands for separatism and federalism, not to mention the present day anti-unitary campaigns of the TNA. Plainly put, what happened that year was a bifurcation of our intelligentsia into the indigenous and the uprooted. It gave a set of false channels for the underprivileged to vent out their collective rage, which in the end left class structures intact and empowered the uprooted elite while giving the impression that they were placed on the same pedestal as that of the indigenous. The lack of any congruence between the cultural and the political in the revolution wrought that year facilitated that: the same revolution which helped the likes of Siri Gunasinghe would deny bilingualism its due place and hypocritically demean English (in the political sphere) while fermenting a culture of envy among those who could not wield it. The most immediate result of this, obviously, was the absenting of an educated bilingual intelligentsia. That is why (and I am going back to my earlier point) I say that we are seeing a horrendous form of anti-intellectualism. Here. Today. Those who are unable to wield the language of access, English, repudiate their roots to join the English-speaking intelligentsia. Those who are able to, and by dint of that ability are members of that intelligentsia, sustain the myth that there are no indigenous intellectuals, and that to become an intellectual, one must deny ones cultural sensibilities. Small wonder, then, that anti-intellectualism is on the rise. Without a modernity that takes over from the past, only an aberration in the form of a gandabba, neither-here-nor-there people and nation can result. Anti-intellectualism thrives on just that. And you know what? We dont seem to be worried. Not by a long shot. Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the electricity sector regulator, calls for public comments on the Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP) 2018-2037, prepared by State Utility, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The LCLTGEP describes the lowest cost electricity generation sources in Sri Lanka, new plant additions, price comparisons for 20 year time period. PUCSL expects comments from the general public In the areas shown below;Proposed (Base case) generation plan/ plant addition Electricity Demand Forecast Reliability criteria and economic parameters used for the plan Proposed candidate energy supply technologies, their costs and efficiency parameters Fuel prices Renewable technologies and their cost parameters Social and environmental damage cost. Scenarios selected for analysis Modelling tools used to prepare the plan Future fuel mix and use of indigenous resources The LCLTGEP 2018-2037 Total Addition to the National Grid (Including Committed* Power Plants) Source of Power Generation MW Major Hydro 842MW Mini Hydro 215MW Solar 1389MW Wind 1205MW Bio Mass 85MW oil Based Power 425MW Natural Gas 1500MW Coal power 2700MW New additions to the grid (with Committed) 8361MW *Committed Plants Plants that are in the implementation process and has reached its financial closure. The committed power plants are as follows. Power Plant Capacity (MW) Year of Operation Thermal Furnace Oil based Thermal Power Plant 100 70 2017/2018 Kelanitissa Gas Turbines 335 2 Units by 2019 1 Unit by 2020 LNG operated Combined Cycle Power Plant 300 Open Cycle 2019 (Open Cycle operation with Diesel as initial fuel) Combined Cycle 2020 Hydro Uma Oya HPP 122 2019 Broadlands HPP 35 2020 Moragolla HPP 30.2 2022 Wind Mannar Wind Power Plant 100 2020 Share your ideas with PUCSL on the Sri Lanka's energy generation plan through; Fax - 0112 392 641 0112 392 641 Email - consultation@pucsl.gov.lk consultation@pucsl.gov.lk Address - Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, 6th Floor , BOC Merchant Tower St. Michaels Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. PUCSL will also hold an oral submission on 15th June 2017 at Bandaranayke Center for International Studies at BMICH. Register with PUCSL If you wish to participate and share your ideas. Disaster relief The amount allocated this year to buy vehicles, mainly for Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Public Officials, is over Rs 1,200 million The electronic media showed planes unloading goods sent in by friendly countries. However, how much of them reached the hapless victims is a question still unanswered Soon after the presentation of a Supplementary Estimate of Rs. 369 million for the purchase of luxury vehicles for Ministers and officials, the Government last Friday had appealed to the United Nations, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and the neighbouring countries to provide assistance to the flood and landslide hit people in Sri Lanka. The Supplementary Estimate would put at a total; the amount allocated this year to buy vehicles, mainly for Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Public Officials, at over Rs 1,200 million. However, with public pressure and criticism mounting President Maithripala Sirisena had ordered to stall the purchase of those luxury vehicles on Tuesday, but only until next year. This years heavy rain that resulted in floods in Nilwala Ganga, Kalu Ganga Gin Ganga and the Kelani Ganga and landslides in the Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura Districts was a major disaster in the recent history as it had claimed the lives of nearly 300 people, including those who are said to be missing. Unlike last years floods in the Kelani valley the floods in the Ratnapura area this time were so swift, that people had very little time to remove their valuables or to evacuate to safer areas, resulting in a heavy toll. The international community had responded favourably to the Governments appeal for aid, with India being the first to send in two shiploads of relief items before any other country did so. Sri Lankas long-time friend Pakistan, the country that helped during Sri Lankas war against the LTTE since its beginning followed by dispatching a ship with relief goods on Tuesday, while Indias third relief ship had also arrived in Colombo port on the same day. China, Israel and Australia were also among the countries that had come forward immediately to assist Sri Lanka in its hour of need. The country had witnessed the magnanimity of the friendly countries last year as well when the Kelani Ganga overflowed inundating large swathes of areas on both sides of its downstream from Avissawella to Modara and during the landslides in Mawanella. The electronic media showed planes unloading goods sent in by friendly countries. However, how much of them reached the hapless victims is a question still unanswered. Using these doubts among the people Opposition supporters at the grassroots level in areas affected have been floating rumours that the Government was fond of disasters as they could bring in shiploads of relief materials. Sri Lanka is not immune to the floods and landslides due to its topography and the clearing of forests in the central hills for the commercial plantations by the British. Laws had been promulgated for the mitigation of adverse effects of floods as far back as 1920 and the Communist Party leaders such as Dr. S.A. Wikramasinghe had put forward proposals in 1930s to divert major rivers that played havoc annually in the wet zone to the dry zone, to prevent floods and drought concurrently in both zones. Therefore the flood and landslide are not new phenomena and the preparedness for them had long been a must for the Governments. With measures taken by the governments in later years under various schemes the floods refrained from unleashing its fury annually or reduced it to some extent. The lower part of the Kelani valley experienced a major flood disaster last year after 27 years. Yet, floods with less ferocity occasionally occurred in the country compelling the authorities to have the preparedness at hand. However, the situation has not been so, as the country witnessed last year, especially in respect of the flood victims. It was the ordinary people and the voluntary organisations that bore the major share of responsibility of rescue and relief during the Kelany Valley floods a year ago. Fishermen even from Beruwala and Wattala had sent in their boats immediately to evacuate the victims and the navy continued to supply food and medical requirements to the people still marooned, throughout the six days when the area had been under water. While showing on TV the ship loads of relief items being unloaded the authorities provided only a pack of essential food items worth Rs. 1,500 (valued by them) for each affected family for the whole first two months after the tragedy, while getting the victims to fill so many forms with promises to pay compensation for their losses and damages. It was after two months and after a poster campaign by the JVP demanding the payment that had been promised to cover their immediate needs that a sum of Rs. 10,000 was provided to each family. However, authorities of religious places such as temples, kovils and mosques in the area and people even from faraway places helped the victims to sustain their lives. Many organisations that collected relief items with a huge hue and cry, though they did a good job, missed many victims living away from main roads. Meanwhile, tenants and landlords were fighting with Grama Niladharis demanding the initial relief amount of Rs. 10,000 to be paid to them, in respect of rented houses. Electronic media institutions competed with each other in collecting and distributing relief items among the victims as they did this year while boastfully telecasting their meritorious acts. They must be commended for the assistance they lent to the victims, though the long propaganda had been irritating. By that time, the people who lived in single storeyed houses had lost everything in their possession except for wooden, plastic and metal items. Most of the electronic items had been damaged irreparably and each house had a huge pile of garbage containing what was their wealth until a few days before. With a form to be filled by the victims to get the immediate relief of Rs. 10,000, the Grama Niladharis circulated another form to be filled by the victims for the payment of another Rs. 15,000 as compensation for the losses and damages. But nothing materialised except for the symbolical payments by politicians at certain places, mounting hopes among the people affected. After that three more different forms were distributed among the victims for the same purpose throughout the year, including one by university students with the concurrence of the Grama Niladharis as a survey and one from the Disaster Management Ministry, which necessitated those without bank accounts to open one for the authorities to deposit the compensation. Finally almost one year after the tragedy authorities had deposited last month a sum of Rs. 15,000 in those bank accounts, bringing the accumulated total State assistance for a victim family to Rs. 26,500. Yet, there are still complaints about not receiving the second payment. It took more than a month for the Local Government bodies to clear the flood hit areas of the mountains of garbage, in fact the wasted wealth of the people which had already been blocking the roads and waterways, inviting a worse tragedy in case of another round of natures fury. It was only after a month they thought to borrow the vehicles from their nearby counterparts not affected by the disaster, for the disposal of garbage. High level meetings were held during last years disasters and politicians and officials waxed eloquent on short-term and long-term plans for the prevention of floods, especially in Colombo District and mitigating landslide damages. They talked about removing unauthorised structures that hampered the waterways and their maintenance, clearing of all canals in the downstream of Kelani Ganga, stopping forthwith the unauthorised filling of wetlands in Colombo and the suburbs. It is high time for the authorities themselves as well as the civil society and the media to take stock of what really happened and what the authorities said and did last year in respect of disaster mitigation and distribution of aid including that received from friendly countries. Social and Economic rights in the Proposed Constitution The recent article by Niran Anketell on the proposal to constitutionalize social and economic rights was interesting and certainly a welcome opening for a discussion on the issue especially on the verge of constitutional reforms on a national scale. The topic itself, would have raised a few eyebrows and I am sure, to the dismay of many who have lobbied for social and economic rights being incorporated in to the constitution. Although no occasion for an in-depth analysis on different types of human rights, it would be imperative to outline as to what socio-economic or 2nd and 3rd generation rights are as opposed to civil and political rights, also called first generation rights , which are enshrined in the present constitution of Sri Lanka. It was Czech jurist Karel Vasak who introduced this classification of human rights to three generations namely civil and political, social and economic and finally collective or group rights. The politically charged cold-war atmosphere added a unique colour to this debate allowing the Soviet-led socialist bloc to emphasize on 2nd generation rights which they felt were the real basis on which the civil and political liberties could be made meaningful. The crux of this argument; it would be futile for a person without food, shelter or education to have freedom of expression or right to associate. On the other extreme of the spectrum the classical liberal definition that civil and political rights are the ones which should be constitutionally recognized and judicially enforceable while socio-economic concerns should be a state prerogative in the form of public policy. Chapter 6 of our constitution deals with this aspect as it lays down Directive Principles of State Policy in achieving socio-economic equality and the judiciary is not empowered to interfere with it; in a sense giving substance to a definite separation of powers between the legislative and judicial arms of the state. The perennial debate Now the current debate ensues from the fact that the Public Representations Committee on constitutional reform, has suggested that socio-economic rights such as the right to education, decent living conditions, the right to work and fair wages, etc., be included making them justiciable. A cursory glance at the countries that have opted to follow this approach reveals the fact they are all developing nations having large segments of society in need of government interventions to fulfil their rights to a decent human life. South Africa, Brazil, Nepal, Kenya have taken steps in realizing that unequal and vicious distribution of wealth is an impediment to the realization of lofty ideals of any type of rights and at least theoretically made them justiciable as a starting point. Notable are relatively new constitutions such as those of Kenya (2010), Columbia (2013) and Nepal (2015) who have taken the path of making these rights justiciable and it would be interesting to know that 158 countries in the world have at least one social or economic right entrenched in their constitutions. There seems to be, apprehensions with regard to 2nd and 3rd generation rights being justiciable in the Constitution and some of them warrant serious attention. The 2nd Republican or the 1978 constitution for the first time contained a fundamental rights chapter (chapter 3) including articles from 10 to 14 entrenching a persons inalienable right to his liberty and political rights. Conferring the Supreme Court with fundamental rights jurisdiction in terms of Article 126 was the mechanism of their vindication. The efficaciousness of such vindication might be open to debate; yet none would dare to question the wisdom of including them in the constitution. It is from this perspective that the arguments presented by Mr. Anketell sounds illogical. True, vesting of social rights jurisdiction on the judiciary would, in a sense, detract from the prerogative of the legislature and to a certain extent the Executive, to form public policy. Yet the issue is whether the legislative supremacy or an overarching Executive Presidency had or more importantly, will fare any better or worse with whatever reforms in the future in terms of their sacrosanct duty for the well being of each and every individual of the national state. Violation by omission rather than action The misguided notion that only first generation or negative rights i.e. where the state is enjoined not to violate the civil liberties of citizens should be entrusted to the judicial wing of the state stems from a neo-liberal disposition that in essence, is vary of government intervention in economic policy-making. It finds its way in to constitutional and juristic thought through an inherent fear of holding the state accountable for equality in income distribution, ensuring fair play at workplace, upholding the right to living standards of the underprivileged and the marginalized segments as ultimately it leads to the redistribution of national wealth more equally and to leakage of the treasure chest of the very rich. They are rather happy with the lofty sounding rights such as those guaranteeing protection from arbitrary arrest, torture and cruel and inhuman treatment, etc., as it does not call in to question amassing massive hoards of wealth as large segments languish in starvation. There seems to be, apprehensions with regard to 2nd and 3rd generation rights being justiciable in the Constitution and some of them warrant serious attention The contention that making 2nd and 3rd generation rights justiciable and vesting the power on the judiciary to enforce them would make the judiciary deferential to the executive is not substantiated by any valid grounds. The judicial deference to the executive has been the rule rather than the exception since the day this constitution came to being and the fate of a handful of judges who were not so deferential is public knowledge. Yet one struggles to find a nexus between such deference and socio economic rights and to suggest so is actually whimsical as it could very well be the case even with merely civil and political rights. The reluctance to vindicate even those entrenched civil and political rights during the emergency rule specially with regard to suspected Tamil insurgents would be a valid example that proves this point. A judge who is brave will always be so and in the alternate, a deferential and timid one will be so whether the rights chapter is a skeletal one with only 1st generation rights or an inflated one with socio-economic rights. To be over anxious on judges being deferential on this basis is premature. Rights viz a viz Devolution The next contention that justiciable socio-economic rights in the constitution would militate against a move towards devolution too is precocious, at best. True, a broad devolution to the periphery will entitle the peripheral unit to decide what is best suited to the development of their subjects based on the unique potentials each unit has and peculiarities in land, labour, investment opportunities at their disposal. At a glance it would seem counterproductive for a court, likely at the center , to impose on that provincial or local body , a national blue print in terms of socio-economic conditions that it would deem the entitlement of citizens and there could be some validity in the argument that it would embroil the courts in mundane distributive politics. Yet, it should always be borne in mind that nothing, should be allowed to deprive a citizen in the national state to enjoy life to the maximum and to be a beneficiary of normative concepts that hold any citizen should be on equal standing as any other in the country, irrespective of which part of the island he or she is in. To deny that would be to perpetuate certain inequalities and difference that exist among different segments of society sometimes aggravated by geographical dissimilarities. For example the Northern Provincial Council is entitled to emphasise more on education of its constituents more than industrial development yet that should not be at the expense of normative and universally recognized right to have a decent and an adequate standard of life. It is precisely why justiciable rights of this nature would hold them in good stead and not otherwise. In conclusion let us not be oblivious to the socio economic realities that afflict broad sections of our society at a time when the income gap seem to be widening and resources are being concentrated on a select few and civil and political rights alone are but an utopia without substance. It is precisely why countries such as South Africa and Brazil having ventured to make these rights justiciable are constitutional beacons in ensuring fair play and equality in the lives of broad masses. I am confident that our judiciary, which has been tested yet not defeated , bent but not broken , will stand up to yet another call of duty in terms of vindication of the rights of the citizens of this country. Yes, Modi government lied about Netaji mystery The Netaji mystery has been disturbing the country insolently for the last seven decades. And it seems there is no end to the mystery in the near future either. The Narendra Modi government did promise a lot after it took a very bold step to declassify all secret files about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army (INA). But has it all fizzled out? Looks like it. The ministry of home affairs (MHA) in its most recent reply to a Right to Information (RTI) request has concluded in no unclear terms that the government endorses the death of Netaji in a plane crash in 1945. The MHA response states: After considering the reports of Shah Nawaz Committee, Justice GD Khosla Commission, and Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry, the government has come to the conclusion that Netaji had died in the plane crash on 18.08.1945. MHA's response to RTI request. It is true that the first two inquiries backed the plane crash death story of Netaji, but neither was well received inside or outside Parliament because of the unprofessional and unethical manner in which the probes were carried out. That is why the Mukherjee Commission had to be formed in 1999, through a Kolkata High Court order. A former judge at the Supreme Court, Justice Manoj Mukherjee probed the matter for six long years and travelled to all countries that had some connection with the mystery. In his detailed report, he concluded - based on authentic evidence and logical reasoning - Netaji did not die in the plane crash. He further hinted in his report that Netaji might have escaped to Soviet Russia. Mukherjee Commission's findings. Now the MHA in its RTI reply so brazenly lies about Netajis fate and twists Mukherjees report to ascertain the plane crash, which according to Mukherjee had not even taken place. The reply is articulated by the ministry in such a way that it shares the governments conclusion on Netajis fate. Being a researcher who has been studying the matter for more than 12 years, it is very hard for me to digest this government position. When PM Modi met a delegation of the Bose family and researchers including this writer in 2015, he had given us the assurance that he would do everything possible to settle the Netaji mystery. We are thankful to him for declassifying the Netaji files, but that process was also stopped abruptly, stating that all available files had already been released to the National Archives of India. We had discussed with him and home minister Rajnath Singh the importance of releasing to the public domain the secret files held by our intelligence departments and foreign countries. It has been a year-and-a-half since the meeting and theres no real progress on either front. All this while the BJP has been blaming the Congress party for concealing the truth about Netajis death. With the new revelation, they have taken a sudden U-turn and have become one with the Congress party. Many of BJPs spokespersons have appeared on live television debates, holding Congress prime ministers - starting from Jawaharlal Nehru - responsible for the mystery. Is this RTI reply BJPs unofficial apology to the past Congress leadership? If it is not, the government still has time to correct this grave mistake. Since this is dubbed as the official position of the government, the MHA can release a statement to the contrary and repudiate this response. It can even produce irrefutable evidence of the plane crash to support its current view. In the Tengger Desert of North West China, an epic battle between man and sand has raged for decades. Back in the 1950s, when China built its first lifeline railway line though the desert, time and again the tracks were overwhelmed by drifting dunes. Their chief weapon in the struggle? An unexpectedly mundane material: straw. Its still being used today. On an exposed, yellow Tengger dune, local man Xu Jianli and I hunch over shovels, surveying a stack of two-foot-long wheat-straw. How on earth can this frail stuff halt rolling dunes, I wonder? Xu Jianli scoops up an armful and briskly takes me through their simple desert-busting technique. Finn Aberdein in the solar farm. Just get on with planting. Make sure it stands up proud. Were filming with Mr Xu as part of a six-part series for BBC World News. Im one of four presenters tasked with investigating lesser-known cultural, economic and technological stories from across this rapidly changing nation. Its a chance to unpack some of modern Chinas diversity. And for me, as someone whos studied and worked in and around the country for 20 years, shooting this story in the remote North West is a reminder of how little of this vast civilisation I really know. Back on the dune, Mr Xu plunges his spade to wedge a double row of straw upright in the sand, creating a bristly windbreak. Repeat this enough times, he says, and you can stop sand in its tracks. Sure enough, the next dune along is criss-crossed entirely, like a checkerboard of standing straw. With the wind thus blocked, a crust of soil can form over time and plants and insects can return. Although these days the Tengger Deserts railway is lined with reclaimed green lungs of shrubs and trees, desertification remains a monumental problem for China. Estimates suggest between one sixth and one quarter of the country is now arid. Expanding deserts threaten the livelihoods of a reported 400 million people, and fuel sandstorms which reach as far as Beijing and beyond. In 2015, residents in the capital complained of Sand-ageddon, when the worst storm in a decade turned skies yellow and caused air pollution to reach hazardous levels. Thus, in a country Chinas size, challenges are often of epic proportions. And so solutions, when decreed by the machinery of power, tend to be larger-than-life too. A couple of hours drive from our Tengger location is the dusty provincial town Yanchi, the site of my next story. Its in a barren part of one of Chinas poorest provinces, Ningxia, with thin soils and low agricultural yields. But it is blessed with an abundance of one natural resource sunshine. China is hoping that the sun can help solve the problem of how to fuel its economy into the future. The country still overwhelmingly relies on coal power stations, with a devastating impact on air quality and health. But as the cost of solar power falls, policy is gradually turning towards renewable energy. The writer with the dragon dancer. We arrive in Yanchi and unpack our drones, which struggle skyward in the cold December air. The footage they capture reveals what looks like a gigantic, space-age armadillo. In fact, its the worlds largest solar farm, an initiative by Chinese firm CMIG New Energy with government backing. When we film its only half complete. When finished, 7.5 million solar panels will hug the rolling plains, generating 2 Gigawatts of energy: enough to power two million homes daily. A phalanx of photovoltaic panels slowly ripples around me as they follow the sun passing overhead. Mr and Mrs Guo live in a village a short walk from the gates of the solar farm. They are sorghum farmers in their seventies, faces ruddied by years of hard work in the fields. Im interested to know what they think of the glinting behemoth in their backyard. I wonder if shell talk about how incongruous it feels. But no, instead she leads me behind her house and proudly shows me her own personal solar panels, also installed by the company. In their shade, a few chickens peck at seeds on the dry earth. Having lived for years in an adobe house, suffering through bone-biting winters, shes just pleased they now have abundant electricity. This rapid change exemplifies what is happening all over the country. Elsewhere in the series, we explore the production of ice-wine made from frozen grapes in the sub-zero temperatures of Liaoning; take a walk around inside the worlds fastest supercomputer in Wuxi; and hang out with Chinas young internet stars the live-streamers making millions from online video. But my favourite story takes us to the rugged South West, and the outskirts of Chongqing. Its one of the most dramatically located cities in China, a dizzying urban landscape of glass, steel and neon threaded between green mountain peaks and perched atop a shoulder of land jutting into the Yangtze. Chongqing is famed for its fiery hotpot, made more potent by what I call "numb nuts" the fearsome Sichuan peppercorns which leave a fizzing numbness in your mouth. As the crew gather to simmer meat and veg in the bubbling red broth, I notice our Chinese cameraman has a runny nose. Never fear, he says, hot pot can cure everything! Sure enough, the next day hes fighting fit. We set out for Chongqings Tongliang district to film a traditional art form with a different kind of fiery twist. Our subject is the dragon that most symbolic creature of the Chinese zodiac. Dragons were traditionally believed to control the rainfall, of vital importance to an agricultural society. And here in the hinterland of Chongqing, dragons are everywhere: on shop signs, in hotel names, in towering municipal sculptures, and in the all-conquering dragon dancing teams nurtured in the areas schools. Its from within this regions dense, misty hills that an acrobatic tradition has evolved to a whole new level, with the fire dragon dance. Night is falling in Gaolou, a small country town within Tongliang. Were setting up at one end of the town square. Crowds of rowdy schoolchildren gather, eager to watch a foreign film crew at work. At each corner of the square is a stove, each containing a crucible of iron being fired to a precise temperature of 1400 degrees. Troupes of male dancers are stripping off their shirts and donning red pantaloons. The crowd is told to move back. The show is about to commence. Two dancing dragons soar onstage. And with that, the pyrotechnics begin. From the stove beside me, one man ladles out a blob of molten iron and tosses it high into the air. A second performer then expertly smashes the burning blob mid-air with a spade creating an immense cascade of white-hot sparks which falls like incandescent rain over the whole performance space. Its a spectacular sight. The night sky is ablaze with floating fire. And amongst the confusion, the dragons duck and weave. As the crew films me describing the action, I try to dodge the falling embers. They scorch tiny holes in my hat, and one singes its way down my back. Meanwhile, the troupe in front of me dances bare-chested in the showers of fire, impervious to the pain. You may have seen some dragon-dances in your time but this one gets under the skin. Gov. Candidate JB Pritzker On Tape With Blagojevich Discussing Political Appointments By Rachel Cromidas in News on May 31, 2017 10:56PM J.B. Pritzker / Facebook Back when Rod Blagojevich was governor and the FBI was wiretapping his phones in late 2008, the disgraced ex-governor, since convicted for attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat, chatted about political appointments with billionaire businessman and current Illinois governor candidate J.B. Pritzker. According to an extensive Tribune report on the tapes, Blagojevich apparently asked Pritzker if he wanted Obama's Senate seat, to which Pritzker replied he was "really not that interested," and asked Blagojevich if he would instead like to appoint him as Illinois State Treasurer. At the time, it seemed likely that the treasurer role would be left vacant by its occupant, Alexi Giannoulias. (Ultimately, it wasn't.) After the conversation turned to the treasurer role, Blagojevich asked Pritzker for a large campaign contribution. He also asked Pritzker whether he would like to be Illinois' attorney general. "My interest in holding public office is, you know, always large," reportedly Pritzker replied on the Nov. 6 call. Pritzker, a top Illinois campaign donor, had developed a close relationship with Blagojevich over years of democratic campaign contributions and public comments both men made supporting each other. In the Tribune's transcript of a later call Pritzker and Blagojevich had over the potential treasurer appointment, the pair were cagey when talk turned to campaign donations. They also got in some jabs about Pritzker's sister, Penny Prizker: Pritzker already had raised the idea of being named state treasurer if an opening occurred, and he followed up during a Nov. 14, 2008, call with the governor. "I've got a lot of reasons why it makes sense. The problem for you would be the same problem with the Senate really," Pritzker said. "I've given you contributions." "Total nonissue," Blagojevich replied. "First of all, you give money to everybody, like (Attorney General) Lisa Madigan, OK?" "Yeah, yeah, yeah, no question," Pritzker said. "Which, incidentally, if you can do for me what you did for her, before the end of the year. Can you think about that?" Blagojevich asked, aware that Pritzker had donated $50,000 to Madigan during the previous year. "I can't, I mean, not while everything's up in the air, but I hear ya," Pritzker said. "I hear ya and, and and But anyway " "If we go in that direction, though, if that does happen, I mean there's some other people who can help us that you know," Blagojevich said. "Sure," Pritzker said. "If you feel skittish about that, which I believe you shouldn't, but go ahead," Blagojevich said. "Yeah," Pritzker replied, "I don't think we should even talk about it but I understand what you're saying." Earlier in that same call, Blagojevich talked about Pritzker's qualifications for treasurer that included "banking and financial experience and know-how." "Yeah, I don't know about banking, right?" Pritzker said. "You throw my sister (Penny) and Superior Bank in." Both laughed. "What happened to her bank?" Blagojevich asked. "Did it collapse or something?" "Yeah, she was chairman of the bank," Pritzker said. "It had subprime loans. I mean bad stuff." "Superior Bank turned out to be an inferior bank," the governor remarked. "Inferior. Exactly, exactly. Very good," Pritzker said. "I like that. Inferior Bank. I haven't thought about that. That's a good one." Pritzker also reportedly laid out a case for why it might make sense to appoint him to the Senate seat after all: It could work, he told Blagojevich, "if the announcement was you're doing this because it's a good government move, because this is going to be a terrible couple of years, that you need somebody with financial expertise, and someone who's above politics and not running for it and not beholden to anybody and, you know, whose only interest is in fixing the economy and so on." In separate conversations with his aides that did not include Pritzker, Blagojevich boasted about Prizker's ability to raise millions of dollars for the governor and asked staffers whether it would be worth it to give him the Senate seat. "Incidentally, he asked me for it. Don't repeat that," Blagojevich said. Of course, as the Tribune notes, Pritzker did not in fact ask Blagojevich for the Senate seat in the recorded calls obtained by the paper. Pritzker's campaign responded to the Tribune's story Wednesday afternoon with a statement denying that anything improper was discussed in the phone calls described by the Tribune: "If one listens to the actual calls released in the story there was nothing untoward about JBs conversations with the Governor," said Pritzker campaign spokeswoman Galia Slayen. "Throughout JBs life hes had an interest in serving the people of Illinois and thats exactly what he expressed when discussing a potential opening in the Treasurers office. In fact, when the Governor brings up whether JB would be interested in being appointed to the Senate, on multiple occasions JB expresses he is not and moves away from the type of conversation that landed Rod Blagojevich in prison. "This is just a continuation of attacks made by Bruce Rauner and Republicans and its no coincidence that it was published by the Chicago Tribune on the last day of another session where Governor Rauner has failed to pass a budget." As Capitol Fax noted in its story on the report, Prizker last donated to Blagojevich in 2006, two years before the conversations. Photo: Huge 3-Alarm Fire Tears Through Logan Square Furniture Store By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 1, 2017 2:45PM Twitter / Chicago Fire Media Update: The Chicago Fire Department said at around 10:50 a.m. that the fire had been struck out. Damage to the building was "extensive," the department said, but firefighters were able to save the buildings on either side. The affected stretch of Milwaukee Ave. will be shut down throughout Thursday, if not longer, as crews worked to demolish the remnants, CFD said. Dept of buildings working with owner to demolish fire building. Effort to begin shortly. Milwaukee will be closed for at least today Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 1, 2017 Original: An extra-alarm fire tore through a Logan Square furniture store on Thursday morning, according to the Chicago Fire Department. The blaze shut down a stretch of the busy Milwaukee Ave. corridor to traffic. The fire broke out at around 7:30 a.m. at Famsa Furniture, at 2943 N. Milwaukee Ave., the department said. The fire eventually spread to the roof and caused a portion of the roof to collapse. The fire was elevated from a two-alarm to a three-alarm at around 8:40 a.m. Milwaukee Ave was blocked off between Kimball and Central Park while firefighters worked to quell the fire. A 2 11 fire store front 2943 n milwaukee Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 1, 2017 Fire thru roof now. pic.twitter.com/3qA05BMTwJ Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 1, 2017 Alert. Fire on Milwaukee now a 3 11. With collapse Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 1, 2017 At around 9 a.m., the department said that nearby elevated lines had caught fire while crews battled to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings. But no one was inside the store when the alarm was triggered. No injuries have yet been reported. More elevated lines now on fire. Building was not yet open for business no one inside when fire alarms tripped pic.twitter.com/k3wmD0EfWy Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) June 1, 2017 Large plumes of smoke and flames were spotted several miles away in surrounding neighborhoods. CBS and WGN news chopper footage showed fire crews dousing the roof as smoke and fire poured off. This post will be updated. Illinois Now Has The Lowest S&P Bond Rating Of Any State, Ever By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 1, 2017 5:50PM Getty Images; Photo: Mark Wilson Add another victim to the embarrassing budget impasse's pileup. A leading credit rating agency just downgraded Illinois' bond rating to just one step above junk. It's the lowest rating any state has ever received by Standard & Poor'sand it very well could fall lower still. The agency left little doubt as to the cause of the ding, which arrived one day after lawmakers in Springfield again missed a deadline to pass a budget, with the stalemate now 700 days strong and the state's unpaid bills hitting a staggering $14 billion. "The rating actions largely reflect the severe deterioration of Illinois fiscal condition, a byproduct of its stalemated budget negotiations," S&P analyst Gabriel Petek said in a statement. The unrelenting political brinkmanship now poses a threat to the timely payment of the states core priority payments." With the disastrous effects of the absence of a budget so palpable on state universities, social services and even K-12 education, a credit grade might seem esoteric or abstract, but it of course has real-world consequences, too. The downgrade increases borrowing costs, which have already spiked. A dip into junk push many mutual funds away from the state's securities, Bloomberg notes. It appears that the threat of hitting that even-lower-than-the-new-low low is very real, too. After failing to meet an agreement on Wednesday, lawmakers gave themselves one more month to come up with a budget. If Springfield again fails by July 1, S&P said they will probably push the rating down again, to junk. "In our view, the ongoing budget impasse has increased the nonpayment risk associated with Illinois' obligations that require a budget appropriation before they can be funded. We now view these payment obligations as having speculative-grade characteristics," S&P said. Illinois has negative-outlook ratings from the other major agencies, Moody's and Fitch, also. No state has ever been downgraded to junk by any those or S&P, according to Reuters. Update: Moody's announced on Thursday that it also downgraded Illinois' ratings. The agency lowered the state's general obligation bones to Baa3, down from Baa2. "The state's negative outlook is consistent with its potential for additional credit weakening because of a continuing political impasse that has left Illinois increasingly vulnerable to adverse revenue trends and severely underfunded retiree benefit plans," Moody's wrote in a release. Riot Fest Adds At The Drive In, Cap'n Jazz, Best Coast & More To 2017 Lineup By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 1, 2017 3:00PM Best Coast, photo by David Black from the bands Facebook page Riot Fest has been building one of the area's festival bills to beat this year, with a seemingly impossible Jawbreaker reunion, along with sets from Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, New Order and Paramore. And now a slew of just-announced new acts show that even on the second wave, Riot Fest isn't done trying to impress. The heavy hitters joining the bill include At the Drive-In, to shred eardrums for a mile around, Chicago indie-emo pioneers Cap'n Jazz, making their first local public appearance since 2010, and fuzz-poppers Best Coast. Other new additions announced are Black Pistol Fire, The Casualties, Mad Caddies, Cockney Rejects, Radar State, RVIVR, Versus, Seaway, Like Pacific, Grayscale, Warm Brew, Culture Abuse, Potty Mouth, Skating Polly, Upset, Gin Rummy, The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black and Kembra Pfahler. Riot Fest lands in Douglas Park from Sept. 15 - 17, and tickets are still available. The full lineup thus far is below, just in case you forgot GWAR and Andrew WK will also be playing that weekend. Nine Inch Nails (Friday headliner) Queens of the Stone Age (Saturday headliner) Jawbreaker (Sunday headliner) New Order Paramore Prophets of Rage M.I.A. Wu-Tang Clan Mike D (DJ Set) A Day To Remember At the Drive-In Gogol Bordell Taking Back Sunday Dirty Heads Vic Mensa TV on the Radio Ministry Dinosaur Jr. (Performing Youre Living All Over Me) New Found Glory FIDLAR Bad Brains (40th anniversary set) Death From Above 1979 Action Bronson Pennywise Built to Spill (Performing Keep It Like A Secret) X Peaches The Lawrence Arms (Performing Oh, Calcutta!) The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (Performing Lets Face It) The Orwells Bayside (Performing The Walking Wounded) Say Anything Mayday Parade (Performing A Lesson In Romantics) Best Coast Capn Jazz The Cribs Dead Cross Streetlight Manifesto Minus the Bear The Menzingers LIARS GWAR Buzzcocks GBH Real Friends Hot Water Music Shabazz Palaces Andrew W.K. Fishbone (Performing Truth & Soul) The Story So Far State Champs Four Year Strong Beach Slang that dog. (Performing Retreat From the Sun) Knuckle Puck Black Pistol Fire Chon, Slaves The Hotelier The Casualties Mad Caddies The Flatliners Dessa Cockney Rejects Saul Williams Versus Engine 88 Nothing More Radar State Alice Bag RVIVR Tobacco Seaway Like Pacific Sleep on It Grayscale Downtown Boys The Smith Street Band Potty Mouth The Regrettes Culture Abuse Skating Polly HDBeenDope Gazebos Warm Brew Kitten Forever Upset Gin Rummy The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black and, of course, the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue When Viktoria Halmagyi Parvin was 6 years old, her grandmother took her to a Christmas Eve midnight service in her hometown of Budapest, Hungary. It was the early 80s and Christianity was highly discouraged by her countrys communist government. The sounds, the smells, the music, it was very special, Parvin remembered in a recent interview. More importantly, she saw a significant change in people when they entered the church. Her countrymen, oftentimes somber, came alive with hope and cheer. It didnt take her long to realize a life in the clergy is what she wanted, perhaps against all odds. On Sunday, Parvin, 43, will be installed as the pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Charlottesville. I call this an unexpected blessing, she said. As a teenager, Parvin said, she knew her calling was to serve God. But, in a country that didnt look favorably on Christianity, let alone a woman pastor, she was faced with a dilemma. I had to make the difficult choice to leave my country, perhaps never to return, she said. But I found my calling and I knew what I needed to do. In 1997, Parvin embarked on seminary school in Chicago, where she eventually completed her religious studies. I would describe my journey from Hungary to the present day as one of full of surprises, said Parvin, who was the interim pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Albemarle County for 18 months. And my journey is also one about determination. Once you know your path in life, you need to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Parvin said that helping the members of her congregation find their spiritual calling is one of her most important tasks. As a pastor, I see myself as a facilitator. Im lucky that my path and destiny were so clear to me, but that isnt the case for everyone. Still, everyone has a calling, and as pastor, Im here to help find it for everyone who wants to. Parvin said she believes she has a role in bringing people together. Our country and people are very divided, and the current political climate is partly to blame for that. We need to find a way to accept each other. Without the willingness to accept each other, we wont be able to bridge the divide. Thats one of the reasons Parvin feels so connected to the Lutheran Church. We exclude no one and include everyone. We accept people with a different sexual orientation, different faiths or different cultures. Thats very important to me. Patty Marbury was the chairwoman of the churchs search committee tasked with finding a new pastor. According to Marbury, there are two reasons why Parvin was the perfect choice for St. Mark Lutheran Church. We were looking for a candidate to not only care for and nurture our congregation, but whos also equipped to lead our mission outreach to the community. After speaking with Viktoria, we soon learned she has those qualities, she said. Second, St. Marks is one of only two Lutheran churches in Virginia that have the reconciling in Christ status, according to Marbury. That means that we not only accept people from the LGBT community, but we affirm them. Were not in the business of trying to change them, but we accept them for who they are. In looking for a new pastor, we needed someone who wholeheartedly believed in that mission. Viktoria Parvin fit that bill. The past few weeks, Parvin has been getting to know the people of St. Marks. What wonderful and caring people. I love sitting down with folks in a one-on-one setting and really getting to know them, she said. Im very excited about the future. When not busy with church, Parvin likes to listen to music. Depending on her mood, she enjoys Bach, chamber music, or pop music. She often goes for walks on the Monticello Saunders Trail. I go walking there to relax and also to reflect and find spirituality. Being one with nature is a special thing. It is, perhaps, my biggest hobby. Parvin often thinks back to her grandmother and that Christmas Eve service so long ago. That defining moment set her on her path that eventually would lead her to Charlottesville. Parvin will be installed as the pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church, at 100 Alderman Road, at 3 p.m. Sunday. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate, she said. Toward the end of a rally organized by Charlottesville clergy in response to an anticipated event that would have shown support for the citys statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, a brief confrontation between a City Council candidate and a social justice activist raised eyebrows. While a circuit court judge last month issued a temporary injunction to prevent the removal of the statue, the controversy over the Lee statue and protests around it continue to divide the community. Following the torch-lit white nationalist protest in Lee Park on May 13 that drew national attention, faith leaders banded together Wednesday morning to confront racism in a peaceful manner. We were called here as representatives of the church universal and to stand for peace, love and justice something that we can all get behind, said the Rev. Phil Woodson, of Charlottesville First United Methodist Church. People that are part of the ongoing work of ending racism in the city put out a call, understanding there was intended to be a gathering to protect the statue, which implicitly means to uphold white supremacy in our community, said the Rev. Tracy Howe Wispelwey, of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The rally that the clergy members organized to preempt statue supporters featured liberal activists and church groups carrying Black Lives Matter banners and similar signage. The event remained peaceful under the watchful eye of about 20 Charlottesville police officers and detectives including Chief Al Thomas and Deputy Chief Gary Pleasants but a brief flare-up drew attention away from the waning crowd in front of the Lee statue. As the rally was winding down, Kenneth Jackson, an independent candidate for City Council who is opposed to the removal of the Lee statue, and activist Veronica Fitzhugh argued about the confrontational tactics that have been used against right-wing activists and avowed white nationalists in recent weeks. * * * In recent days, the tactics of local left-wing activists have been called into question following a number of incidents. Jackson said the demonstration Wednesday was unnecessary, particularly in light of recent events. I think this is divisive because theres no reason for them to be here, he said as the event was getting started. A week after the torch-lit demonstration, several white nationalists who participated in the event were confronted by about a dozen activists. The group, which included Fitzhugh, called them Nazis and ordered them to leave the Downtown Mall. And recently, flyers featuring the personal information of those nationalists and other right-wing activists have appeared in the downtown area. The flyers were made by activists associated with Showing Up for Racial Justice Charlottesville. Jackson and several others have said they are concerned because some of those flyers and online social media posts about them have allegedly said kill Nazis. We came out here today to stop hate, to stop people from posting signs, harassing others and talking about killing people, Jackson said moments before his argument with Fitzhugh. You cant have love when you do that. Thats not love. While talking with Jackson on Wednesday, Fitzhugh said she did not suggest killing anyone. However, she said she would not respect Nazis rights, adding that she believes that violating the law in some cases is necessary for righteous movements. There are some things that are worth being wrong for ... thats how laws are changed. Thats how civil rights happened, she said. * * * The situation is not a joke anymore. My family is in fear for their lives right now, said David Caron, a man who was identified in the flyers, which included the home addresses of alleged local Nazis. Caron is an associate of right-wing blogger Jason Kessler, founder of Unity and Security for America, an organization that advocates for federal restrictions on immigration from non-Western countries. Kessler was among the small group of right-wing activists and nationalists that Fitzhugh and others confronted earlier this month downtown, demanding that they go home. Kessler also was identified in the flyers. Kessler attended the rally in the park Wednesday but said he was only there to support Jackson. Im not looking for any unnecessary trouble. When the time comes for us to demonstrate again, we will demonstrate. But Im not interested in getting into a turf war with these people, he said. On Wednesday, ProPublica, an investigative journalism nonprofit, reported that Kessler spoke before the May 13 rally during a luncheon in Pen Park. Kessler has said he attended that days events as a journalist for The Daily Caller, which is widely read in right-wing circles. His article now includes an editors note that says he made a speech stating his support of the white-nationalist organizations that had gathered in Charlottesville that day. That group included Richard Spencer, president of the white-nationalist National Policy Institute and a leader of the so-called alt-right movement. The Daily Callers executive editor also told ProPublica that it had suspended its freelance relationship with Kessler. * * * The violent feelings directed toward white nationalists is not coming solely from groups like SURJ. Im here waiting for the white supremacists to show up because Im in a bad mood today and I need an excuse to hit somebody, said Laurens Martin, a tramp who considers Charlottesville one of his home bases. I heard about the event with the torches the other night and I was really sad I wasnt here, he added. Standing next to Martin, Jeffrey Thompson said he does not agree with trying to remove the statue, but he expressed animosity for white nationalist groups. Theyre just going off with some German-Nazi bull-crap. And thats all it is, Thompson said. I believe in the freedom of cultures, but thats just one culture that needs to go away, he said, citing groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Brotherhood. Observing the demonstrators from a distance, both Martin and Thompson said they were unaware beforehand that rallies had been organized in the park Wednesday. As they continued to watch the rally, Thompson alleged that white supremacists have recently harassed his homeless uncle by setting fire to his belongings. Moments later, his frustrated uncle arrived but declined to speculate on who had been setting fire to his clothes and bedding. Police spokesman Lt. Steve Upman said in an email Wednesday that authorities had received a report of clothes on fire in Lee Park on Tuesday night and that there were reports of a blanket and an air mattress being set on fire earlier this week. * * * Even among the faithful demonstrators, clergy members offered different opinions about the Lee statue and what should be done about the calls for its removal. Howe Wispelwey said she thinks that removing the Lee statue is one way to dismantle white supremacy. In my mind, thats one of the things that means, she said. Woodson said his congregation has mixed feelings about what should be done with the Lee statue, which he said has become a focal point for disruption in the community. What Ive learned through my conversations is that, beyond the statue, what people truly want to address are issues of systematic and complicit racism that still permeates throughout culture and society, he said. Its difficult to have those conversations while we continue to focus on the statue. Photo shows the logo of Tencent. [File photo] A handful of US and Chinese internet giants are expected to do battle with each other in the next chapter of global internet competition, according to venture capitalist and former dotcom star analyst Mary Meeker, the Financial Times reported. Meeker released her annual internet trends report, a guide to the global internet and technology industry's development, on Wednesday in the United States. The expansion of internet companies in the last half-decade has been "epic" in Meeker's eyes. She pointed out that the rise of internet giants has not only brought threats to companies in other industries, but has triggered turf wars between themselves as they expand beyond their initial markets. "People don't spend enough time looking at how intense the competition is," Meeker said to the Financial Times. Five of the world's top six most valuable companies are internet companies, which includes Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook, according to rankings compiled by Bloomberg in April. Chinese internet giant Tencent is also in the top 10. Meeker said the internet markets in China and India have strongly benefited the two countries' economies. In addition, their mobile payment infrastructure is leading the world. Meeker said as the digital service market in India is expected to increase rapidly, both US and Chinese internet giants regard it as "a global priority". Tencent made a strategic investment in Flipkart, India's biggest e-commerce firm, this April. And Chinese fintech giant Ant Financial Services Group, Alibaba's payment affiliate and owner of Alipay, has acquired a stake in Paytm, India's largest mobile wallet operator by user number. Meeker believes that US companies such as Amazon are making more aggressive approaches in new markets after they learned lessons from their failures of marching into China. "These companies are making sure they put more capital to work earlier," Meeker said. She expected that new companies will dominate emerging categories of online activity just as Uber and Didi Chuxing have dominated ride hailing. China's National Health and Family Planning Commission is planning to implement a nation-wide ban on smoking in public places by the end of 2017. [Photo/163.com] More smokers in Chinese cities are quitting the habit compared to a decade ago thanks to regional tobacco control regulations and improved public awareness, according to a report released on World No-Tobacco Day on Wednesday. The quitting rate -- which measures the percentage of participants who quit smoking during the survey period -- rose from 6 percent in 2006 to 9.2 percent in 2015, Liang Xiaofeng, deputy director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), said at a press conference in Shanghai. "Although the percentage has increased, it is far lower than in other countries," he said. The report was based on five surveys performed from 2006 to 2015 in both urban and rural areas, including the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Kunming as well as rural areas of Yichun in Heilongjiang Province and Tongren in Guizhou Province. Around 800 smokers and 200 non-smokers in each area participated in each survey, organized by China CDC in cooperation with the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Project. The ITC project is an international research program to evaluate key policies of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It is conducting surveys in at least 28 countries covering more than 50 percent of the world's population. The surveys in China found people in rural areas lacked knowledge about tobacco's harmful effects to human health, apart from lung cancer. The latest survey from 2013 to 2015 showed only 53 percent of rural participants knew smoking may lead to heart disease, 12 percentage points lower than in urban areas. Only 35 percent of people in rural areas knew smoking could cause stroke, 5 percentage points lower than in urban areas, according to the report. "The results show tobacco control publicity is badly needed to improve public awareness in the countryside," said Liang. There are over 300 million smokers and 740 million people exposed to second-hand smoke in China. Over 1 million people die of tobacco use every year, with another 100,000 deaths caused by second-hand smoke exposure, figures show. China has set a target to reduce the smoking rate among people aged 15 and older to 20 percent by 2030 from the current 27.7 percent, according to the "Healthy China 2030" blueprint issued by the central authorities last October. Since China ratified the WHO FCTC in 2005, the country has made a number of tobacco control efforts, including banning tobacco advertisements, increasing tobacco taxes and putting forward regional smoking bans. As of 2016, 18 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, had implemented regional smoking bans, and a draft of national tobacco control regulations in public areas is currently being reviewed, according to Song Shuli from the National Health and Family Planning Commission. "The local bans, which have covered one-tenth of our country's total population, have provided reference for national legislation on tobacco control," said Song. Flash Photo taken on May 31, 2017 shows the press conference held by Fred Dixon, presidentand CEO of NYC & Company, in Manhattan, New York, the United States. China is one of the fastest growing international marketfor New York City as nearly one million Chinese visited the Big Apple in 2016, said Fred Dixon here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/WangYing) China is one of the fastest growing international market for New York City as nearly one million Chinese visited the Big Apple in 2016, said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company, the city's tourism marketer. "It (China) is still one of the brightest spot on the horizon in terms of potential growth," said Dixon in response to a question by Xinhua at a press conference held Wednesday morning at the newly launched Whitby Hotel in Manhattan midtown. He said businesses across the city, including hotels, cultural institutions and restaurants, are turning to Chinese travellers, many of them have started offering Chinese language tours, and hot tea, slippers and other amenities. In order to attract more Chinese visitors, NYC has also expanded its footprint in China by enhancing cooperation with its local partners and more presence on the country's social media, he said. According to NYC & Company's statistics, over 950,000 Chinese visited NYC in 2016, surpassing Brazilians and Canadians in the ranks of tourists to the city. That represents a sevenfold increase since 2007. Only visitors from Britain outnumbered the Chinese in 2016, but their total of about 1.2 million has not grown since 2007. Flash Chinese premier Li Keqiang arrives in Berlin for his official visit to Germany May 31st, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Berlin on Wednesday, starting a two-day visit highlighting cooperation on innovation. Li and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held the two nations' yearly prime ministers meeting that same day, with innovation high on the agenda. The two leaders also planned to attend a forum on the topic and talk with business executives from both sides. On his arrival, Li said his visit is meant to build on the Sino-German friendship, and to promote innovation while enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Gu Junli, a German studies expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "The synergy of the Made in China 2025 strategy and Germany's Industry 4.0 campaign is likely to be a major topic of the premiers' meeting. "Germany is seeking intelligent manufacturing, while China is trying to deeply integrate manufacturing with the internet, to have the power of the market improve the pattern and quality of the manufacturing industry." The nations' different approaches provide a huge opportunity for cooperation, and Li's visit is expected to expand and deepen the cooperation, he said. Gu said key areas may be renewable energy and environmental protection, which are growing pillar industries in Germany. Ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde said in an interview with Chinese media before the visit that "manufacturing industries of the two nations are highly complementary. China is a big manufacturing country, while Germany is a strong one. "A new round of industrial revolution is speeding up, gaining momentum ... which has brought an unprecedented opportunity for strategic cooperation." Shi said there are 8,000 German companies operating in China with a total investment volume of more than 60 billion euros ($67 billion), while nearly 2,000 Chinese enterprises are operating in Germany. Those companies will be a key strength in advancing cooperation, he said. Two strong nations joining hands will have an effect far beyond their boundaries, Shi said. He cited the potential for construction under the Belt and Road Initiative. That refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which aim to increase connections between Asia, Europe and other areas. He also mentioned the possibility for Beijing and Berlin to jointly influence the establishment of global standards for intelligent manufacturing. The forum during Li's visit is expected to forge new, innovative ways to cooperate in fields such as smart manufacturing, electric vehicles and innovation by young people, he said. Hubertus Troska, a member of Daimler AG's board who is responsible for China, said the trends of connectivity, autonomous driving, sharing and electric mobility are revolutionizing the auto industry, "perhaps nowhere faster than in China". "In line with China's economic development plan, we will meet both opportunities and challenges head-on with further innovations and upgraded manufacturing," he said in a written interview with China Daily. Flash In a case of apparent "friendly fire," Philippine military airstrikes aimed at Islamist militants "Maute" in the southern city of Marawi killed 11 soldiers and wounded seven others, defense and military officials said Thursday. Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told a news conference the soldiers were killed and wounded by a rocket bomb fired by an SF-260 attack plane around noon on Wednesday. "One of our SF-260 aircraft conducting airstrike (when) the last ordnance round it (fired) went wayward for an unknown reason and accidentally hit and caused the lives of our ground forces," Padilla said. "This is a case of friendly fire. It was an accident," Padilla added. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana broke the news about the tragedy earlier Thursday. "Maybe the coordination was not properly done so we hit our own people. We don't know yet what exactly happened," he said. Lorenzana told another news conference later in the Malacanang presidential palace that an investigation is underway to look into the incident, noting President Rodrigo Duterte has already been informed of the incident. He said the military is sending more troops to Marawi to fight the remaining 50 to 100 extremists still holed up in the embattled city. "The situation is very fluid. We're almost there. There is only one pocket of resistance," he said. A battalion of marine soldiers landed in Marawi City on Thursday to augment the troops on the ground. "We have just delivered 21 armored vehicles to Marawi. All of them will be used against the Maute ISIS," Lorenzana said. The military said ongoing clashes have killed more than 90 militants, 19 civilians and 36 soldiers and policemen. Lorenzana also said that at least eight foreign terrorists fighting along with the Maute IS group were among the dead militants. "There were two from Saudi Arabia, two from Malaysia, two from Indonesia, one from Yemen and one from Chechnya," he said. "We don't have any record of them coming through the proper channel, through the airports. There's only one way, maybe coming from Indonesia or from Malaysia," Lorenzana said. On May 23, heavily-armed militants attacked the city of about 200,000 people when the military was searching for a leader of Abu Sayyaf hidden in the city. The troops launched a counter-offensive that resulted in a series of clashes. New Delhi: Bharti Airtel and Telenor India today filed a joint application before National Company Law Tribunal for approval of their merger following nod from the market regulator SEBI and stock exchanges -- BSE and NSE. "Telenor India and Airtel have today filed the joint company application before the New Delhi Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal for approval of the proposed Scheme of merger. The merger is inter alia subject to other statutory approvals including from the Competition Commission of India," Bharti Airtel said in a statement. The company said that it has received the approval of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE Limited (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) for the proposed scheme of merger. Airtel and Telenor signed the agreement for merger on February 2017 under which Airtel will acquire Telenor Indias running operations in seven circles -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP (East), UP (West) and Assam. "These circles represent a high population concentration and therefore, offer a high potential for growth. The proposed acquisition will include transfer of all of Telenor Indias assets and customers, further augmenting Airtels overall customer base and network," the statement said. It will also enable Airtel to further bolster its strong spectrum footprint in these seven circles, with the addition of 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band -- widely known as 2G spectrum but it is now being used for 4G services as well. Mumbai: Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy has said that it was possible to check rising number of job losses in India's IT sector provided major players adopted some crucial changes in their structure. "It is possible to protect jobs if senior executives of companies take salary cuts and invest in training employees," The Economic Times quoted Murthy as saying. Murthy said that for employees and industry players there was no need to panic as it was possible to protect jobs. Murthy pushed for a more humane approach to deal with rising number of layoffs. "A stable corporation is one where everyone is happy." Murthy says there will be no unions in India's IT sector as long as industry leaders embraced "compassionate capitalism". According to Murthy after dot com crisis industry adopted similar measures to cushion the impact and protect jobs. "Industry leaders need to identify new areas of opportunity, Mount training programs and give them time to train. Give youngsters enough time to pick up new skills and technologies," he added. Mumbai: Digital wallet provider Paytm has initiated talks with Snapdeal to buy latter's digital wallet business FreeCharge in a deal estimated at $50 million. Parent companies of both the firms are discussing share sale agreement right now. "Japser Infotech which runs the e-commerce platform Snapdeal is understood to have received a definitive agreement from Alibaba backed One97 Communications which operates Paytm to acquire the formers payment wallet business FreeCharge," a report in The Financial Express cited sources as saying. Snapdeal is suiting other probable buyers for its digital wallet business FreeCharge. Report added that it is contacting public sector banks and other companies including Times Internet for the deal. In February this year, Snapdeal had first time approached Paytm for the sale after its talks with PayPall, another digital wallet provider, did not materialise. The e-commerce player has also tried to clinch a deal with other industry players like MobiKwik and Bank of Baroda. FreeCharge is currently engaged with multiple interested parties and expects to conclude a deal in the near future, FE report quoted a FreeCharge spokesperson as saying. In May 2015 e-commerce player Snapdeal bought FreeCharge for $400 million or Rs 2,400 crore in an 80 per cent stock and 20 per cent cash deal, the report said. New Delhi: Shares of drug firm Pfizer Ltd today surged over 7 per cent after the company entered into a pact with AstraZeneca AB to acquire the 'Neksium' brand in India for Rs 75 crore. After a positive opening, the stock further went up by 7.15 per cent to Rs 1,785.80 on BSE. At NSE, shares of the company soared 7.33 per cent to Rs 1,788.50. The company is well placed to grow the Neksium brand further through its existing reach, coverage and equity in the gastrointestinal therapy area, Pfizer said in a statement yesterday. Pfizer Ltd MD S Sridhar said: "The Neksium acquisition is aligned with our stated ambition of portfolio expansion through organic and inorganic growth in our focus therapy areas". With this acquisition, the company will accelerate growth and strengthen its leadership position in the gastrointestinal (GI) therapy area, he added. Mumbai: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai police has set up a `refund unit to distribute Rs 40 crore to 35,000 investors who were cheated in various bogus `Ponzi schemes. The special court for Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors Act has ordered sale of assets of nine firms which are accused of cheating investors, and distribute the proceeds to the victims. EOW is investigating cases against nine companies including Cosmos Publicity, KokanPark, C U Marketing, Symatic Finance, Adventure Group, VJS Group, Parle Finance and Shivanand Finance. Many of the victims were retired persons who had invested their lifes savings in the fraudulent schemes run by these companies, police said. Following the courts order, EOW has set up a refund unit at Traffic Training Institute at Byculla here. The investors cheated by these companies should visit the cell with documents, police said. New Delhi: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today reported 9.29 per cent decline in total sales at 12,339 units in May. The company had sold a total of 13,604 units in the same month last year, TKM said in a statement. Domestic sales were down 13.48 per cent to 10,914 units as against 12,614 units in May last year, it added. TKM exported 1,425 units of the Etios series in May 2017 as compared to 990 units in the same month last year, a growth of 43.94 per cent. Commenting on the performance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Director and Senior Vice-President - Sales & Marketing N Raja said ambiguity surrounding the proposed GST structure made customers postpone vehicle purchasing plans. "We expect this impact to magnify in June 2017 until the customers have a clear understanding of the final pricing post the GST rollout," he added. Raja further said the company expected the government to review the proposed tax structure, under GST regime, for greener vehicles such as electric, hybrid to achieve cleaner mobility solutions. "We do hope the government will continue to extend the prevailing tax benefits for greener technologies which are purely based on the fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness," he added. Under the proposed GST rates, hybrid vehicles are to be taxed at 28 per cent with 15 per cent cess, same as that of other large luxury cars and SUVs. 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. Mumbai: Amruta Fadnavis, the banker wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has demanded exemption from levying the GST on sanitary napkins prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs). There is a raging debate about making sanitary napkins tax free, which are set to be taxed at 12 per cent under the upcoming tax regime. Recently, the women's wing of the NCP launched a signature campaign to press for its demand of making sanitary pads tax-free. "I personally feel that self help groups which make sanitary pads, the non-branded ones, should not fall under the 12 per cent tax bracket," Amruta said at the launch of her new single 'Phir Se' here last night. In the music video, she features alongside megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Amruta said though it was her dream to work with Big B, but performing with him made her absolutely nervous. "Initially, I was very confident. Director Ahmed Khan and his team are very friendly. But when I was supposed to be in front of Bachchan sir, I got nervous. But he makes you feel like a colleague and a friend. He never makes you feel (he is) a superstar," she said. Bachchan, who was also present at the event, said he immediately said yes to the song not because she was CM's wife but a talented lady. "When she approached me, I couldn't say no. Not because she is chief minister's wife but because she is a lady who wants to make use of her talent and be successful on her own merit. I really liked it," the actor said. When asked if her husband has heard the song, Amruta replied, "He said he loved the song, loved the music. He is a super big fan of Bachchan sir so he had to like the overall video too". The single has been composed by Jeet Gangulii, arranged by Abhijit Vaghani and written by Rashmi Virag. Half of the profits earned from the video will go to farmers' relief fund. Hyderabad: Software and services exports from Telangana were up by nearly 14 per cent to Rs 85,470 crore in FY17 from Rs 75,070 crore in FY 16, Minister for IT and Industries K T Rama Rao today said. "Telangana IT/ITES exports achieved a healthy 13.85 growth rate that is nearly four percent higher than the national average of 10 per cent. It was Rs 85,470 crore. "During the last one year, the IT/ITES sector provided employment to an additional 24,506 professionals, taking the total workforce to 4,31,891 in the State," he said. The minister was speaking after releasing his departments performance report. He said data from 2016-17 revealed the state has shown impressive results in terms of IT exports and employment. Telangana targets to achieve more than Rs 120,000 crore worth of IT exports by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 16 per cent, and create more than 4 lakhs of direct employment and 20 lakhs of indirect employment by 2020, he added. According to a report released by the government, T-HUB Phase- II, which is coming up in an area of about 3 lakh sq ft, will be operational by first half of 2018. It shall house 3,000 entrepreneurs. The minister also launched T Wallet - an official digital wallet of the state, which offers anytime, anywhere platform for digital payments with no additional charges for citizens. The wallet supports payments for both government, private organisations and individuals and is accessible on desktops, laptops, smartphones, feature phones and at MeeSeva centres. On the occasion, Rao also presented awards to some companies for excellence in certain fields. Modi asked Russian companies to set up defence manufacturing units in India to tap the growing defence spending. St. Petersburg: India and Russia on Thursday vowed to develop a credit rating industry that is independent from political conjecture a move that follows apprehensions about global agencies being biased towards large economies like the United States and China. In a joint declaration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin also said they would also explore harmonisation of the respective laws in the two countries regarding credit ratings. The move assumes significance in the wake of several commentators and policy makers in India raising concerns that the global rating agencies have not been upgrading Indias sovereign credit rating despite its improving economic and political fundamentals, even as China was viewed favourably by the same agencies. Globally, there are a handful of rating agencies and most of them are headquartered in the US. Most of the agencies including Fitch, S&P and Moodys have given India the lowest investment grade rating just a notch above the junk grade. With Russia developing its own civilian aircraft and India planning to connect unserved cities through UDAAN scheme, the aviation sector has got a special focus of both the countries. The Regional Connect-ivity Scheme of the government of India provides an opportunity for strengt-hening cooperation in joint production and setting up of joint ventures in India in the field of aviation manufacturing to serve the demand created, the declaration said. Russian aircraft provides a low-cost alternative to established players like Boeing and Airbus. Both the countries have also pledged for early commencement of negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the five-nation Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). A joint feasibility report on the proposed agreement was completed last year. It has concluded that the proposed pact is feasible and mutually beneficial with substantial potential welfare gains and augmentation in trade in goods, he said. We will jointly encourage our business communities to use the existing workable schemes and mechanisms for settlements in national currencies elaborated by the Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Russia, the declaration said. India has implemented such agreements with several countries including Japan, South Korea and Singapore. EAEU holds huge potential to increase trade. It has a population size of over 180 million. Speaking at a CEO conclave of both the countries, Mr Modi invited Russian companies to partner Indian firms in setting up manufacturing facilities to make high-tech defence equipment in India. India is sixth biggest manufacturer in the world and we want to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent, he said. Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ali Fazal, who is working with Hollywood veteran Judi Dench in his maiden English movie 'Victoria and Abdul', said the actress was extremely welcoming towards him. At the trailer launch, Fazal talked about the experience of working with one of the most celebrated international actors and said, "We shot for the film for about 50-60 days but the first time when I met Judi Dench, we had lunch together, just to meet each other and break the ice. I was literally on the floors! I touched her feet, shook her hand and hugged her." "She was extremely welcoming. She made me at ease. And I think that relationship began there, while we were having lunch in London. After that, we became friends. As an actor, your job is half done when your co-star becomes your friend, especially when it's Judi Dench," he added. Ali also said the Oscar winner wanted to come to India to promote the film as she loves the country. "We had a lot of conversation regarding Indian films, though her perception of Bollywood was song and dance, I shared how we are much more than that. She loves our country. In fact, she was little heartbroken when she got to know that she is not coming to India; which is quite ironic because even Victoria never visited India," said the 30-year-old. Directed by two-time Academy winner Stephen Friers, 'Victoria and Abdul' stars Ali Fazal in the lead role opposite Hollywood star Judi Dench. The film is slated for a September 22 release in the US. Mumbai: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has urged smokers to quit the cigarette addiction. The 74-year-old actor took to Twitter and shared a message, which states that smoking is a threat to development. The tweet also tells us the time when the ' PINK' star himself quit smoking. He wrote, "T 2441 - #WorldNoTobaccoDay - 31 May 2017, "Tobacco - a threat to development.". I left smoking almost 35 years ago!! Will you?" T 2441 - #WorldNoTobaccoDay - 31 May 2017, "Tobacco a threat to development." .. I left smoking almost 35 years ago ..!! Will you ? pic.twitter.com/V9rbD7hcrF Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) May 30, 2017 The UN goodwill ambassador also wrote on his blog that smoking is really injurious to health. The actor shared, "Quit the habit of smoking, it is injurious to health. Aarrggh.. Sounding like those adverts that come before the screening of any film." On the professional front, Bollywood's Shehenshah is currently preparing for his film '102 Not Out' with Rishi Kapoor and 'Thugs of Hindostan' with Aamir Khan. Gal Gadot in a still from the movie. Mumbai: It looks like 'Wonder Woman' will not get a 'wondrous' start in Lebanon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lebanon has officially banned the first ever female led superhero movie 'Wonder Woman,' as the film's lead, Gal Gadot, is Israeli and has served in the military. The decision was taken by the Lebanese government. The ban was decided by a six-member Ministry of Economy committee. A group called Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon launched a campaign to boycott the film as Gadot had praised Israel's military during the 2014 Gaza-Israel war, sending prayers to soldiers who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, on her Facebook page. It should be noted that Lebanon is officially at war with Israel and has a decades-old law that boycotts Israeli products and bars Lebanese citizens from travelling to Israel or having contacts with Israelis. Helmed by Patty Jenkins, 'Wonder Woman' stars Gadot as the titular character alongside Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston and David Thewils. The movie is slated to hit the theatres on June 2. Rating: Director: Vijit Sharma Cast: Parvin Dabas, Pooja Batra, Omi Vaidya, Dhruv Bali Director Vijit Sharma marks his directorial debut with Mirror Game Ab Khel Shuru. The film, which deals with the subject of psychiatric genetics, is engaging till the last frame but the treatment of it lacks commercial value. Vijit has made a fairly decent attempt at making a psychological thriller, sans masala and 'nach gaana, which is typical to Bollywood thrillers, in a surprisingly good fashion. Jay (Parvin Dabas), a professor of psychiatric genetics, is trying to validate his research on psychiatric genetics. But around the same time, his marriage hits a rough patch. Ronny (Dhruv Bali), Jay's student, wants him to help with his research thesis but, in return, Jay asks Ronny to kill his wife and after much persuasion, Ronny finally gives in to his sadistic demand. Vikram (Omi Vaidya), a friend of Jays, is not in favour of his deadly plan but Jay pays no heed to his advice. The professor, who exhibits symptoms of schizophrenia, avoids medication for over two months. As planned, Ronny kills his wife but, unfortunately, Jay gets embroiled in police investigation. Shonali (Pooja Batra), a psychiatrist by profession, meets Jay to monitor his behavioural changes. Will Jay prove his innocence or Ronny turn his back on him by revealing their plan of action to the cops? This is what you have to find out in Mirror Game Ab Khel Shuru. The best part of Vijit Sharmas film is that it is so layered that it surprises you at regular intervals. This 100-minute film doesnt have any interval, adding brownie points to the film. A song-less thriller is what Bollwood needs right now and Mirror Game has broken free from the traditional way of Indian filmmaking. The Hollywoodish treatment of the film may prove to be the biggest obstacle in wooing Indian viewers. For it is too soon for a Bollywood flick to introduce the untouched genre of no nonsense filmmaking that is beyond the sensibilities of a regular Indian movie goer, but, again, there has to be a beginning. It is certainly a brave attempt on the part of the makers to invest on such an experimental subject. Mirror Game Ab Khel Shuru is purely a Parvin Dabas film, where he plays the role of a troubled professor, quite well. Despite having a small role, Pooja Batra stands out. Omi Vaidya does not have much to do in the film and is a passable character, an add-on. The transformation of debutant Dhruv Bali from a timid student to a violent player is too good for his first film. On the whole, Mirror Game is an interesting watch but with six other films releasing this Friday along with it, the film is highly likely to meet with a very poor fate. Lack of marketing is one of the glaring factors that should be blamed for it. The only hope is critical acclaim and good word-of-mouth publicity. It is most common in people suffering from Alagille Syndrome where the mutated genes AG1 and NOTCH2 play a part. (Photo: AFP) Washington D.C.: A study has recently found that a genetic change that may cause jaw malformation can also trigger hearing defects. Researchers from the University Of Southern California - Health Sciences explained that the structures supporting the jaws of ancestral fish gave rise to three tiny bones in the mammalian middle ear: the malleus, incus and the stapes, which transmit sound vibrations. Therefore, if a genetic change causes a jaw malformation in a fish, an equivalent genetic change could trigger hearing defects in mice and humans.The researchers studied two genes - JAG1 and NOTCH2 - that are mutated in most patients with Alagille Syndrome (AGS). In nearly half of patients, AGS involves hearing loss - in addition to liver, eye, heart and skeletal defects.While some of this is sensorineural hearing loss resulting from deficits in the sensory cells of the inner ear. The researchers also wondered about the contribution of what is known as conductive hearing loss, involving structural components of the middle ear such as the vibrating bones.Knowing that the equivalent genetic mutations caused jaw malformations in zebrafish, the researchers introduced the mutations into mice and observed defects in both the incus and stapes bones, and corresponding hearing loss. They performed hearing tests on 44 patients to determine if their hearing loss was conductive, sensorineural or mixed.The findings in zebrafish and mice revealed that the conductive hearing loss was the most common type, affecting nearly one-third of all ears. CT scans of five AGS patients revealed a much more complicated picture: a surprising diversity of structural defects in the middle ear with variable effects on hearing. Only one of the five patients had a stapes defect, specifically associated with conductive hearing loss.Teng concluded that if patients are aware of possible conductive hearing loss earlier in life, then they can more promptly seek medical aids for an improved quality of life.The study is published in Scientific Reports. Stories of children suffering from dreadful diseases like cancer are disheartening but how lack of awareness and superstition making children suffer more is outrageous. While cancer is known to be a possibly fatal disease making life an ordeal, people in some parts of the world try to cure rare conditions by black magic rather than seek medical help. A three-year-old from Papua New Guinea has faced the consequences of such ignorance as his parents decided to seek help from witch doctors when he had a swollen red eye. When drops by a local doctor failed to make a difference for Bongre Anton Peter, his parents sought assistance in superstition rather than looking for better medical help. The tribal belief in black magic failed to cure what was actually a tumour growing inside the childs eye, as it went on to completely swallow the eye and protrude 10 cm from the face. Now the child is in a dire condition as doctors have given him just weeks to live unless he urgently gets radiotherapy. Now Bongre is receiving treatment at a local hospital as his parents and family are desperately trying to raise funds for radiotherapy in Australia or New Zealand. They are applying for emergency passports and medical visas to save Bongres life after the blunder involving black magic. Srinagar: A police constable, who went missing from north Kashmir's Kupwara district last month, was murdered allegedly by his colleague as a revenge for sodomizing him, the police said on Thursday. Constable Sameer Ji Kumar, who went missing on May 14, was killed by SPO Aijaz Ahmad after Kumar resorted to an unnatural sexual act with Ahmad, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, central Kashmir range, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, told reporters here. Bhat said initially the SPO had told the police that Kumar had jumped into river Puhroo in Kupwara in a state of emotional outburst over a failed relation with a girl. The police made every possible effort to retrieve Kumar's body, with even marine commandos being pressed into service, but without any success. Subsequently, a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted to solve the case. On sustained questioning by the SIT, Ahmad allegedly "confessed" to his crime of killing Kumar and throwing his body in river Puhroo on May 15, the DIG said. "He (Ahmad) said that during their visit to Pahalgam on May 14, Kumar had resorted to unnatural sexual act with him and also threatened him that he would disclose it to their colleagues. "In order to protect himself from the social stigma, he (Ahmad) made up his mind to kill Kumar," Bhat said. Giving details, the DIG said Kumar had taken Ahmad, who also happened to be his friend, to Pahalgam after procuring three liquor bottles from Batwara area of Srinagar. After reaching Pahalgam, they consumed liquor along with some cannabis and decided to stay in the car for the night where Kumar resorted to unnatural sex with Ahmad, Bhat said. In the morning, they went to see Kumar's uncle Dileep Kumar, who is a head constable. Then the three left for Kupwara as Dileep was transferred there from Anantnag. They dropped Dileep at Kupwara and started back towards Srinagar, the DIG said. Bhat said when they reached Yunsu bridge in Handwara area of Kupwara, Ahmad stopped, went down from the car, picked up a stone and hit Kumar on the head with it. Ahmad then disposed off Kumar's body in river Puhroo near Kachri Kultoora after driving there, the DIG said. He then washed his vehicle with his shirt, Bhat said. He said the police has seized the car, the stone and clothes of the accused and sent those for forensic examination. The DIG said efforts are on to trace Kumar's body. Thodupuzha (Kerala): A nine year-old boy, who took Rs 10 for purchasing puffs, was allegedly branded by his mother with burning firewood, causing injuries, police said. Police have registered a case under Sect 21 of the Juvenile Justice Act (care and protection of children) and arrested the boy's mother, police said. The incident occurred at Perumbilli here on Wednesday. When the boy failed to go to school on the re-opening day today, one of his neighbours enquired and saw the burn injuries on his stomach, hands and face. He immediately informed the child welfare committee, who took the child to a hospital. The boy, a third standard student, is now under the care of the child welfare committee. Police said the mother had alleged that she had taken the extreme step as the boy allegedly had the habit of stealing money. The accused in the gangrape case of a girl from Hardoi, in Uttar Pradesh have been identified as liftman Vinay, Santosh and Shivkumar (arrested). (Photo: File/Representational) Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh police on Thursday arrested one person out of three for allegedly gangraping a girl at the King George's Medical University (KGMU). The other two are still absconding. The accused have been identified as liftman Vinay, Santosh and Shivkumar (arrested). The victim, hailing from Hardoi, was tricked and later abducted. The woman filed a complaint and the police is making its efforts to nab all the accused. The lawlessness in the state is on the rise with some or the other heinous incident being reported every day. Recently, the social media was set on fire, after a video of two women being molested by a group of men in broad daylight in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur surfaced. Around 12 to 14 boys can be seen in the video, molesting the women, even while they pleaded to let them go. Proving the sheer fearlessness of the perpetrators, the boys filmed the entire development and posted it on social media. Besides manhandling and molesting the girls, the boys were laughing and making jokes the whole time, while the distraught girls kept on begging to be spared. Surprisingly, it was not much long ago when Yogi Adityanath-led government has launched 'Anti-Romeo' squads to check on eve-teasing in public areas, to ensure the safety of girls in the state. Veeramani attacked Anoosha with a kitchen knife, slashing her on the neck while the latter was cooking, police said. (Representational image) Hyderabad: Angered at her mother not being taken care of properly, a woman who returned from abroad a few months ago, attacked her sister-in-law at their house in KPHB on Thursday. Veeramani attacked Anoosha with a kitchen knife, slashing her on the neck while the latter was cooking, police said. The cops registered a case against Veeramani for attacking Anoosha and Veeramanis techie husband for harassing Anoosha. Police said Srinivas, an employee of a private firm and his wife Anoosha, 30, are staying in KPHB. Srinivass sister Veeramani, 38, and her husband Shankar returned from the United States in January 2017. After their return the couple were staying with Srinivass family and Srinivass mother Jhansi, 70. A few days after coming to Hyderabad, the couple started fighting with Anoosha for petty reasons like lack of facilities or Anooshas failure to take proper care of Jhansi. Meanwhile, around five days ago, Anoosha went to her parents home for vacation. She came back on Wednesday and was planning to go back to her parents home once again for some more days. On Thursday morning Veeramani picked up a fight with Anoosha saying that she was not taking proper care of her elderly mother. The argument turned serious and Veeramani in a sudden fit of rage, attacked Anoosha with a knife used for cutting vegetables. Anoosha suffered a deep wound on her neck. However, she is out of danger. She filed a complaint stating that she was being harassed by Veeramani and her husband, KPHB inspector Kushalkar said. Based on her complaint, a case was registered against the couple and they were detained for questioning. Anoosha was sent for medical examination by the police. Bhopal: A journalist of a Hindi daily was late on Wednesday evening shot dead when he was filing his reports in his office in Pipliya Mandi under Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur district. Kamlesh Jain, 42, who was working for an Indore-based daily, was fired from close range by two assailants who fled the spot on motorcycle after committing the crime, Pipliya Mandi police station in-charge Anil Singh Thakur said on Thursday. The incident occurred at around 8.30 pm. He was rushed to the district headquarters hospital at Mandsaur, nearly 15 km away, where doctors declared him brought dead. His family members suspect hand of local bootleggers in the murder. According to them, the victim had an altercation with some people involved in illicit liquor business in the locality four days back. They had reportedly threatened to eliminate him. My brother had detailed the incident before the local police fearing threats to his life from the local hooch traders. But, no action was taken, Kamleshs brother, Manish Jain said. We are probing all angels. We are aware of the altercation between him and the traders. We have detained three people in connection with the incident, police told this newspaper. According to the police, a .32 caliber pistol is appeared to have been used in the crime. A gun-battle broke out when the security forces were cordoning off forests between Kodenar and Kudur after receiving inputs about movement of ultras. (Photo: PTI/Representational) Raipur: As many as 13 Naxalites, two of them allegedly involved in the deadly attack on the CRPF personnel on April 24, were arrested on Thursday from two places in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district. While 11 cadres were apprehended from Chintagufa police station area, two others were held from Chintalnar police station limits by a joint team of security forces, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada range) Sundarraj P told PTI. The composite squad of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and district force was out on a search operation in the forests of Chintagufa and Chintalnar, around 450 kms from here. Two ultras, identified as Madkam Deva (23) and Podiyam Joga (25), members of Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisaan Mazdoor Sangthan (DAKMS) - a frontal wing of Maoists, were arrested from Chintalnar, the DIG said. The duo was allegedly involved in the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel of the 74th battalion on April 24 in Burkapal area wherein 25 troopers were killed, he said. Rest of the 11 arrested ultras were also active as lower rung members of the banned outfit and allegedly involved in the incident of triggering a blast coupled with firing on a police party in Bagdeguda area of Chintagufa on May 19, the officer said. "Moreover, all of them were allegedly involved in several other naxal incidents, including attacks on police party and attempt to murder," the DIG said. They were produced before a local court, which remanded them in judicial custody, he said. Meanwhile, security forces busted a 'transit camp' of Naxalites following an exchange of fire in Bastar district on Thursday. A team of the Special Task Force (STF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of police was conducting a combing operation in the interior area within Mardoom police station limits, Superintendent of Police Sheikh Arif Hussain told PTI. A gun-battle broke out when the security forces were cordoning off forests between Kodenar and Kudur after receiving inputs about movement of ultras. Rebels soon fled, following which the security team came upon a Naxal hide-out, used as a 'transit camp' while on the move, and recovered a muzzle-loading gun, a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) and gelatin rods, the SP said. The victim shot himself with his service weapon. (Representational Image) Visakhapatnam: A 21-year-old Naval Sailor Vikash Yadav allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon when he was on sentry duty at INS Rana at Eastern Naval Command in Vizag city on in the early hours on Thursday. Vikash Yadav was a native of Bhind area in Madhya Pradesh. He was working at the electrical mechanical power class-1 of the ship. The matter came to notice after the sailors on the ship heard the gun shot. Vikash was immediately rushed to INHS_Kalyani where the doctors declared him brought dead. The Malkapuram police have registered a case and investigation is on to ascertain the reasons behind the extreme steps. New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday announced that it will organise its own Electronic Voting Machines challenge on June 3, after the Election Commission rejected the party's 'open hackathon' request. The party will invite wizards and technical experts from political parties, the Election Commission and also the companies which provide the EVMs to the poll panel, for the challenge. AAP's Delhi unit secretary Saurabh Bharadwaj said the party will have a "bigger and better" EVM challenge than the one planned by the poll panel on the same day. The machine to be tested in this exercise will be the same used by Bharadwaj in the Delhi Legislative Assembly last month to demonstrate how it can be tampered with. The EC had called this machine a "look-alike" and not an "ECI-EVM". The ruling AAP in Delhi also took a dig at the poll body for imposing "restrictions" in the latter's EVM challenge. The Election Commission had recently announced the EVM challenge, calling political parties to tamper with the voting machines used in the state polls held in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa recently. This was done following doubts raised by parties like the AAP, BSP and Congress over the "reliability" of the machines after the parties' poor performances in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and Delhi civic body polls. Only the NCP and CPI(M) have responded to the EVM challenge announced by the Commission. In the EC's challenge, the participants -- three members per party -- would be allowed to "physically examine" EVMs and check circuits, chips and motherboard. However, they will not be allowed to replace any part. The AAP had written to the Commission asking it to remove the restrictions as it "would not be possible to tamper with the machines without giving people a free hand to do so." "We will organise a bigger and better EVM hackathon. Our machine is capable of getting tampered with and we have proved it. Now, let the EC hack our machines with the same kind of restrictions it has put to conduct its own challenge," Bharadwaj added. How Churches Can Offer Fair Compensation on a Tight Budget CAROL STREAM, Ill., June 1, 2017 / Also in the June issue of Church Finance Today, to Church Finance Today. This monthly publication keeps church treasurers and bookkeepers informed with timely and practical information on issues all churches face when managing money: internal controls, compensation, reporting, and budgeting. In addition, subscribers receive is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxystrengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God. Share Tweet Contact: Sandra Hoekstra-Lower, Christianity Today , 630-260-6200 ext 4224, shoekstralower@christianitytoday.com CAROL STREAM, Ill., June 1, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- How do churches offer fair compensation without breaking an already stretched budget? While there are no easy answers, there are a number of steps churches can take. Church Finance Today asked financial managers at small and large churches and experts in church finance this question. They shared a number of helpful insights in the June issue of Church Finance Today.Also in the June issue of Church Finance Today, Richard Hammar answers the question "Do 1099 forms need to be issued to people receiving charitable funds?" Subscribe today to Church Finance Today. This monthly publication keeps church treasurers and bookkeepers informed with timely and practical information on issues all churches face when managing money: internal controls, compensation, reporting, and budgeting. In addition, subscribers receive SkillBuilders , a supplement offering specific steps to improve money management practices. Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxystrengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God. This comes after rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Kapil Mishra made new allegations of corruption against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleague Satyendra Jain on Saturday. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has ordered probe of alleged scam in purchase of medicines by the Delhi Government. The searches are being carried out at various locations in Delhi. This comes after rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Kapil Mishra made new allegations of corruption against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleague Satyendra Jain on Saturday. Mishra said Kejriwal and Jain, the Delhi health minister are misappropriating funds from the health department. Mishra fell out with the party early this month when he was removed as the water minister, days after, he accused the Delhi Chief Minister and his former cabinet colleagues of corruption. The three accused Makutty, Josey Kandathil and K. Sharafuddin had slaughtered a calf last week in protest against Centre's decision to impose restrictions on the trade of cattle meant for slaughter, triggering nationwide outrage. (Representational Image) Kannur: The Kerala Police on Thursday arrested eight Youth Congress workers including former Indian Youth Congress (IYC) Kannur Parliament constituency committee Rijil Makutty for killing an ox. The three accused Makutty, Josey Kandathil and K. Sharafuddin had slaughtered a calf last week in protest against Centre's decision to impose restrictions on the trade of cattle meant for slaughter, triggering nationwide outrage. The Kannur Police earlier on Sunday registered a case against district president of Youth Congress and other Congress workers under Section 120 (A) of the Kerala Police Act, for slaughtering calf in public view. The police filed the case on the basis of a video where the president of Youth Congress, Rigil Pookkutty and other Youth Congress workers could be seen slaughtering the calf. The incident comes amid hue and cry over Centre's new rule prohibiting sale of animals for slaughter or religious sacrifice at livestock markets and animal fairs. Students' Federation of India (SFI) also staged a protest in Kerala against the ban by eating beef outside University College, Trivandrum. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Centre's decision was surprising which was unsuitable for a democratic nation. However, welcoming the Centre's decision, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said the step is laudable and has been taken 'in the interest of farmers.' Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan earlier ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes. "Aim of the rules is very specific. It is only to regulate the animal market and the sale of cattle in these markets, and ensuring welfare of cattle dealt in market. And the rule provides for a strict animal monitoring committee and an animal market committee at the local level," Vardhan told ANI. He said the seller and buyer both have to ensure that the cattle is not being bought or sold in the market for slaughter purposes. "An undertaking to this effect has to be given to the member secretary of the animal market committee from the seller as well as the buyer," Vardhan added. As per the notification, cattle are defined as "bulls, bullocks, cows, buffalos, steers, heifers and calves and camels". The rules also state that the purchaser shall not sacrifice the animal for any religious purpose or sell it to a person outside the state without permission and must keep in with the state's cattle protection laws. Bengaluru/New Delhi: In a delicate balancing act that reaffirms Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's control of the Congress government in the state as he faces up to a resurgent BJP under a rising B.S. Yeddyurappa, the All India Congress Committee said the next elections would be held under the leadership of Siddaramaiah, much to the discomfiture of old Congressmen. The announcement on Wednesday ended a long running tussle for the top job, that the CM would have liked to see assigned to his nominee and sop to the Lingayat community, Mr.S.R. Patil. Instead in this PCC rejig that is a run up to assembly polls next year, long serving Dr Parameshwar has been retained as PCC president, but has had to give up the high-profile Home portfolio with immediate effect. In a gesture that may or may not reverse a long held Lingayat grouse against the Congress party after it showed Lingayat leader Veerendra Patil the door, S.R. Patil, Lingayat leader from north Karnataka has been made the working president. Kolar MP, K.H. Muniyappa eyeing the PCC president post, is the new permanent invitee to Congress working committee. And ST leader from Belagavi, Satish Jarkiholi is the new AICC secretary. The biggest blow is to the Congress' election whizz in the state, D.K. Shivakumar who will be Chairman of the Campaign Committee. Hoping to be the KPCC president, he may have to wait another four years before he can take a shy at the top job. New Delhi: Namrata Jain, who hails from naxal-affected Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, on Wednesday qualified the prestigious civil services examination. "Elated to learn Namrata Jain from Dantewada clinched 99th rank in UPSC exams! Maybe someday she'll become the district's collector," Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said in a tweet. Dantewada district comes under the state's Bastar region, considered as den of the naxals. Nandini K R, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), has topped the prestigious civil services examination. A total of 1,099 candidates (846 men and 253 women), including 500 in General category, 347 belonging to Other Backward Class, 163 from Scheduled Caste and 89 from Scheduled Tribe, have been recommended for appointment to various central government services, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) said. The civil services examination is conducted by the UPSC annually in three stages-- preliminary, main and interview--to select candidates for the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. Around 50 students on Sunday took part in a 'beef fest' as a mark of protest against the new rule. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Chennai: The students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT- Madras) on Thursday staged protest against the Central Government's notification banning the sale of cattle for slaughter. With the police deployed in front of the IIT campus, the students protested at the main gate and raised slogans against the Centre's controversial notification. Around 50 students on Sunday took part in a 'beef fest' as a mark of protest against the new rule. Later, R Sooraj, a PhD student of aerospace engineering at the college, who was also part of the 'beef fest', was allegedly attacked by a few students from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Sooraj, who is a member of the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC), was injured in his right eye and was hospitalized. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the attack on the students and requested his Tamil Nadu counterpart Edappadi K. Palaniswami to take necessary action. Expressing strong disapproval of the Centre's move, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier this week, had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by attacking the BJP-led government at the centre and the RSS, saying there was no need for the people of his state to draw lessons from New Delhi or Nagpur on their food habits. Kozhikode: With the flow of cattle from other states coming to a halt, the price of beef went up across the state, according to market sources. The price which was around Rs 240 went up to Rs 280 in several parts within two days of the ban on cattle sale. Soon after the ban on cattle sale, even trucks that were moving with cattle were stopped in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. A beef merchant in Sulthan Bathery, Zachariya Mannil told DC that the price was increasing as the market was facing a shortage of cattle. There are a few lucky ones who purchased sufficient cattle anticipating the high demand during the Ramadan season, he said, adding that the beef had been priced arbitrarily in rural areas as there were only a few outlets. In cities there are more outlets where the industry is more regulated, he added. Without cattle from other states we will not be able to fulfill the demand in the state, he added. Ajmal Ahammed, a meat trader of Edavanna, told DC that the demand would be higher in the coming days as there were only local farmer suppliers able to sell cattle. Till date we have survived as we had sufficient stocks. But now we are groping in the dark, he added. Sangh Parivar organizations which have been already extracting huge sums of money from cattle traders who transport cattle to the state, have now started torturing them, it was pointed out. The shortage of cattle has also provided a good price for a few cattle farmers. Many of them are hesitant to sell the stock anticipating an increased price in the coming days. n Judicial system has evolved two appoaches bail as a right for the financially able; for the rest, its upto judicial discretion Hyderabad: The Law Commission of India, a recommendatory body for reforming existing laws and judicial procedures, has said the existing system of bail in India is inadequate and inefficient as some 2.38 lakh under-trial prisoners languish in jails across the country for years. The commission, in its 268th report, Amend-ments to Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Provisions Relating to Bail, says the present system of bail is heavily influenced by economic status and discriminates against the poor and the illiterate. Scathingly, the commission pointed out, our judicial system seems to have evolved two approaches to bail bail as a right for the financially-able; and for the rest, bail is dependent on judicial discretion, exercised through manipulation of the amount of reasonable bail that will be required. Observing that the accused persons ability to pay appears to have become the decisive factor for granting pre-trial release, the commission said, one of the most frequently voiced criticisms of the system of bail is that it is based on money as surety...it discriminates against the poor. The commission also noted that grotesque crimes, involving extreme violence, were on the rise throughout the country. Over the decades, the number of murders annually repor-ted has increased by 250 per cent, rape by 873 per cent, kidnapping by 749 per cent since 1953. The commission was of the view that in the backdrop of increasing crime rate, insufficient infrastructure of justice, lack of modernisation of investigative machinery and various other challenges, the bail system cannot be fashioned into a tool for a responsive criminal justice system. Strongly suggesting that pre-trial confinement should be minimised, the commission also recommended that under-trials for crimes for which the maximum sentence is seven years should be released if they have already served a third of the period as under-trials. Under-trials who could be given more than seven years in jail if convicted (except death penalty and cases of terrorism) may be released if they have already served half the sentence in jail, it said. The panel recommended for no change in the bail provisions with regard to special cases, such as narcotic crimes and terrorism, except in the rarest of rare circumstances when conditional bails could be granted. With regard to the exception, the panel said, absolute restriction on granting of bail would undermine the right to liberty of the person accused of an offence. Therefore, when certain supervening and inexorable circumstances exist, bail must be allowed. If the person accused of an offence is suffering from serious life-threatening ailment and requires medical help which may not be available in jail hospitals, then the bail shall be granted. Hyderabad: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the people of Telangana are not getting what they dreamed of, and therefore, the grand old party would like to give them what they wish for. "People of Telangana are not getting what they had dreamed of and we would like to give them that," Gandhi told reporters in Hyderabad. Earlier in the day, criticising the government over recent economic indicators that showed the country's Gross domestic product (GDP) growth to have slowed down, Gandhi took to Twitter comparing the GDP figures with rising unemployment growing in the country. According to statistic, India's Gross domestic product (GDP) slowed sharply to 6.1 percent in the three months ending March 31. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 6.1 per in the January-March quarter, the immediate three months after the demonetisation was announced on November 8, 2016. Gandhi is on a visit to Telangana where he is due to hold rallies across the state. On an average, 180 animals are slaughtered each day, with this number rising to around 200 on Fridays, an employee at the slaughterhouse told DC. Bengaluru: The famed beef market at Russel Market, still ensconsed in its ramshackle blue building in the heart of Shivajinagar, is bustling on a Wednesday afternoon. Stalls line the long, dimly-lit interiors as customers shuffle between them, haggling and making their purchases. In here, its business as usual for the butchers, although the Central governments gazette notification from May 23 has resulted in a marginal, but significant decrease in supply. Outside, uncertainty prevails over the Central governments new gazette notification, titled Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017, which were announced on May 23 have met with nationwide criticism since. The interim stay on the implementation of these rules, however, granted by the Madurai High Court, has brought some measure of relief. Read | Those who framed rules have not consulted farmers: A Manju Farmers and beef merchants, the communities that will feel the earliest and perhaps the hardest impact, are confused over what this entails. Multiple explanations of the new notification have been offered of the new notification, which has spelled out fresh rules aimed at the protection and welfare of cattle. On ground, it has resulted in a 10% decrease in the supply of cattle to Bengalurus only licensed slaughterhouse on Tannery Road and thereby, in a shortage of meat at the 1000-odd stalls that lie scattered across the city. On an average, 180 animals are slaughtered each day, with this number rising to around 200 on Fridays, an employee at the slaughterhouse told DC. The meat is supplied to all stalls in the city, including Bannerghatta Park. With a shortage in the supply of cattle, around 160 animals are now being slaughtered, he explained, adding that this number is likely to stay on the decline over the next few days, leading to a rise in prices. A veterinary doctor at the slaughterhouse says that bull and buffalo brought to slaughterhouse are above 12 years of age, as the animal husbandry department is very specific about the age of the cattle. Cows and other animals which don't fit the criteria are not slaughtered here under any circumstances, he said. Fuelled by short supply, rise in prices likely With the conflict in demand and supply of beef, sources in the beef merchant community are of the opinion that price of beef may shoot up from coming week. Beef which is sold at Rs 200-220 per kg may be available for Rs 250-270 if the situation continues to remain the same. Short supply of animals will lead to short supply of meat to shops. There are high chances of variations in beef prices, said a source. They should be made to clean dung first The ban on cattle sales in live markets for the purpose of slaughter continues to draw debate and criticism, with even High Courts differing in their stands. The farmer community, likely to be one of the worst-hit if the ban is brought into place, is in a quandary, left with no choice but to retain even unproductive cattle. Farmers, who rear cattle for dairy, sell unproductive animals to slaughterhouses to do away with the burden of having to care for them. They fear that they might have to devote their income to tending for aging, or male cattle if restrictions clamp down on slaughterhouse sales. Nanjappa, a farmer, says a cow becomes unproductive after a certain age, when it can no longer bear calves and produce milk. Likewise, bulls and buffalo are a burden too, with the former sometimes sold as soon as they are born, or utilised for laborious tasks. They lose their ability for hard labour too and as our survival is dependent on produce, the fate of which is uncertain due to drought, no farmer can afford to keep unproductive animals. No other farmer is going to want to buy them either, he said. Each cattle requires around Rs 100 worth of fodder each day. With the agriculture sector reeling under severe drought for the last couple of years, a farmer cannot afford to keep non-milking and unproductive cattle with him, he added. Citing the new rule which had banned the sale of cattle to a slaughterhouse in live market, a market expert pointed that no farmer would purchase aged, handicapped or unproductive cattle from another farmer in the market. The new rule lacks logic, he said. Opposing the new regulation, minister of state for Mines and Geology Vinay Kulkarni, who owns a dairy of 3,000 heads of cattle, had said that those who were pressing for anti-cow slaughter laws should learn the ropes of animal husbandry and dairy farming. They should be made to clean dung first, only then will they know the problems that come with cattle rearing. Vigilantism a real threat, say merchants Beef merchants in Shivajinagar and Johnson Market appeared largely unaware of the centres new gazette notification when DC spoke with them on Wednesday. However, cow vigilantism is a very real threat, with reports of violence in UP dominating mainstream media. Reports of a group of vigilantes lynching innocents to death have left me completely shaken, said a beef merchant, on condition of anonymity. I fear for such occurrences here, too, if the new rule is implemented. However, we are sure that the Siddaramaiah-led government will oppose the new rule as people of all communities eat beef and do so of their own accord. Nobody is being forcibly fed. 10 lakh jobs at stake As many as 10 lakh people, the majority of whom belong to minority and Dalit communities are currently employed in the state beef industry. According to members of the community, this is also their only source of income. If the slaughter of cattle is banned, he said, most of the people would be left with no jobs and their families future hang in the balance. Jameel, a shop-owner in Shivajinagar, says, "Whatever I am today is because of this shop. I feed my family with what I earn from this job and have no other source of income. I can't imagine my future and that of my family, if this shop were to be shut." When contacted, an official from Fire and Rescue Service Department said, We had breathing apparatus ready. For people standing outside the building, we do not think there is a need for a mask. CHENNAI: For over 48 hours, about 200 policemen and 400 fire personnel working in three shifts struggled to curtail the situation in T. Nagar and douse the fire. Though firemen who entered inside the building were provided headgears, authorities failed to notice and provide safety equipment to the policemen standing within 100 metre radius inhaling the deadly smoke. Pulmonologists say the health issues associated with this are many. The severity of the problem depends upon proximity and heat. If they are really close, mucus (inner lining of nose, throat and windpipe) will be burnt, as the smoke is very hot. If you are fortunate to be little far, the irritant substances in the smoke will enter your lungs and precipitate a lot of coughing which is similar to having an asthmatic attack,. Dr Raj B. Singh, senior pulmonlogist at the Apollo Hospital told DC. Concurring with Raj Singhs views, Dr Murugan of the RGGGH said that the immediate effect could be carbon monoxide poisoning which decreases bodys oxygen supply and then the windpipe contracts due to inhalation of hot smoke. In long term, asthma patients might note worsening of their symptoms. At times, people might also be affected of lung and cardiovascular diseases. Suggesting preventive measures, doctors say the victims must check their lung function to find out if there is any reverse airflow obstruction. Doctors must provide 100 per cent oxygen after which the patient must completely stay away from smoke. Medication, if needed will help better the condition, said Raj. B. Singh. The same danger also applies to the residents who are staying nearby. Though the police requested residents in nearby localities to clear the area, about 20 per cent of them continue to stay there. When contacted, an official from Fire and Rescue Service Department said, We had breathing apparatus ready. For people standing outside the building, we do not think there is a need for a mask. home World Pope Francis cancels trip to South Sudan due to security concerns The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not be traveling to South Sudan this year after it was determined that the proposed trip would be too dangerous due to the deteriorating situation in the war-torn country. South Sudan, which gained independence from Muslim-majority Sudan in 2011, has been under civil war since 2013 due in part to ethnic divisions between the Dinkas and the Nuers. The proposed trip was supposed to be an ecumenical event with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, but it was postponed due to South Sudan's worsening security situation. In October 2016, Catholic Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro of Juba and other leaders from other Christian denominations traveled to Rome at the invitation of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which is now part of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. The delegation invited the pope to visit South Sudan and proposed to make it an ecumenical event, involving Welby, who made a pastoral visit to the war-torn country in 2014. According to Crux, Francis discussed the proposal during a visit to Rome's All Saints Anglican Church on Feb. 26. The Christian leaders reportedly asked the pope to "please, come to South Sudan, even for a day, but don't come alone, come with Justin Welby." "We are looking at whether it is possible, or if the situation down there is too dangerous," the pontiff said at the time. "But we have to do it, because they - the three [Christian communities] - together desire peace, and they are working together for peace," he added. On Tuesday, Vatican spokesperson Greg Burke confirmed that the proposed visit will not take place this year. Francis had hoped that the visit could have helped bring peace to South Sudan, where some 300,000 are believed to have died since the civil war began in 2013. South Sudanese Bishop Erkolano Lodu Tombe, President of Caritas South Sudan and Bishop of Yei, has previously stated that the proposed trip would have reinforced "the trust the local people have in their own local Church authorities." Apart from the civil war, South Sudan has been hit by a drought that had also affected other African countries, such as Somalia. More than one million South Sudanese are in imminent danger of famine, and as many as 5.1 million are in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance, according to Caritas Internationalis. Burke said that the trip to the troubled African country is still being considered, but "not for this year." Francis had visited another country going through a civil war in 2015 when he went to the Central African Republic amid strong security. He briefly met with the president of South Sudan in Uganda during that same trip. CHENNAI: The Madras high court has upheld the election of DMK working president M.K. Stalin from the Kolathur assembly constituency during the state Assembly election held on April 13, 2011. Justice M. Venugopal dismissed the election petition filed by defeated AIADMK candidate Saidai Duraisamy, who sought to declare the election of DMK candidate Stalin as null and void and consequently to declare him as duly elected from the constituency. A perusal of the averments made by the petitioner in his election petition, this court comes to an irresistible conclusion that there was no categorical averment that Stalin had given his consent to his party functionaries to bribe the voters. Moreover, a consent in law cannot be inferred even from the mere knowledge alone. Apart from that, Stalin cannot be held even vicariously liable for the alleged act of his party functionaries/workers in bribing the voters and self-help group members at Eswari Hospital when the same was done without his consent, the judge added. The judge said in regard to the allegation of money distribution by the Stalins party by adopting Thirumangalam formula in a novel way of community feedings, courier service, currency in the newspaper, Arathi plate contributions and slips to the voters to purchase consumer items, this court points out that there was no convincing, satisfactory and acceptable proof produced on the side of the petitioner and as such, it is held by this court that the same remains unproved. The judge said the petitioner has indulged in vague allegations of corrupt practice and it was to be pointed out that mere surmises or conjectures would not be sufficient to constitute corrupt practice. Moreover, the allegations of corrupt practice made by the petitioner in regard to incurring of election expenses (more than permissible limits) against Stalin were made based on mere lurking assumption or presumption or suspicion and simmering doubt and not rested on unambiguous, clear-cut, specific, cogent, coherent and convincing evidence of sterling unimpeachable/un-assailing character, as opined by the court, the judge added. Hyderabad: Opposition leaders from the Congress, BJP and the TD on Thursday demanded Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao immediately seek a CBI probe into the multi-crore Miyapur land scam, as it involves ministers and senior IAS officials, including one working in the Chief Ministers Office. Speaking in the Gandhi Bhavan, AICC general-secretary Digvijay Singh said the Congress has no confidence in the CID probe ordered by the CM and wants the CBI to take over the investigation. Referring to missing government land in various scams, including Bhoodan land, Mr Singh said that the Congress will not object if the CM orders a CBI probe into all land deals, even those finalised during the Congress rule. He said it is not proper for the CM to take action only against a few lower-rung officials and allow the matter to fade away, as happened in the cases related to gangster Nayeemuddin, where the CM suspended some police officials and took no action against politicians involved. Mr Singh accused minister for animal husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav of involvement in the Miyapur land scam, and alleged that the Chief Minister needed such a minister to help him in arranging finances. Mr Yadav has denied any involvement in the scam and has demanded that Mr Singh prove it. Elsewhere, TS TD working president A Revanth Reddy alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Mohd. Mahmood Ali and his peshi officials were involved in the scam, as is a senior IAS officer working in the CMO, who is a close relative of the main accused in the Miyapur land scam, P.S. Prasad, better known as Goldstone Prasad. Mr Revanth Reddy demanded that the Deputy CM be sacked immediately. He too was dissatisfied with the case being handled by the CID because this was bigger than any previous scam, he said. The TD leader said that the audit report that suspected that the scam had taken place had reached the Deputy CMs peshi a long time ago but was suppressed by Mr Mahmood Ali. He asked how it was proper for the CM to review the land scam in the presence of his secretary, who is the sister of Goldstone Prasads wife. Mr Revanth Reddy said that without revealing the corruption charges to the public, the CM had earlier dismissed the then Deputy CM T. Rajaiah from the Cabinet, so how can he now keep Mr Mahmood Ali in his Cabinet when there were allegations of his involvement in the land scam? BJPs chief spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao called this a major land scam and also demanded a CBI probe since it allegedly involves the CM and several of his Cabinet colleagues. Why is the CM silent? Why did he not dismiss Mahmood Ali? he asked. Why is the CM not taking action against IAS officials involved in this? Mr Rao wanted to know. He said Goldstone Prasad has had cordial relations with the Chief Minister for the last few decades and his absconding in the last few days raises doubts, as if he had received a hint about it before the CM initiated action against the sub-registrars involved in the case. Two sub-registrars have been arrested in the Miyapur land scam case, along with the heads of two companies to whom they helped sell land at a ridiculously low price, causing huge losses to the public exchequer. Hyderabad: Goldstone Prasad was certainly not a one-trick pony. The mastermind behind the Rs 587 crore Miyapur land scam had different modus operandi for different parcels of lands that he set his eyes on. When it came to grabbing patta/government lands, he had an ingenious way. In one instance in 2005, when Prasad wanted to grab land in survey number 78 in Hafeezpet along the IT corridor, he created two sets of fabricated documents of the lands, registered it in the names of his benamis, adding his daughters and relatives as parties. Then, based on the two sets of false documents, he would have one of his benamis go to court claiming the lands, and another file a counter. After some days, the second party would give Prasad an Assignment Deed, stating that they did not have rights over the land. Then, he would effect a Compromise Decree in court and go into possession of the disputed lands. The original patta owners the government would never figure as a party. Without the governments knowledge, Prasad registered a 70 acre parcel. One of the inheritors of the Khurshid Jah Paiga lands in survey numbers 77 to 80 in Hafeezpet, Mohammad Moizuddin Khan, said they did not know anything about the cases and they had not been named respondents. I had settled in London and did not know about the issue until a few months after Prasad cooked up the Assignment Deed. I had to come back to fight the land grabbers case in court, Mr Khan said. False cases long fights A goldsmith in Neredmet wanted to construct on a land plot but some people claimed to own the land. He had to struggle for three years in district court. A government employee had a three-bedroom house on 400 square yards of plot in Boduppal. With market value increasing, some persons began threatening him stating that they were having genuine records. Some persons claimed entire colony of Subash Chandra Bose Nagar in Hafeezpet 10 years ago and came with proclainer to demolish the houses. After a long struggle in court, the colony association got injunction orders. But, before the courts order, the private party demolished about 30 houses. Similar cases have reported in Puppalaguda, Manikonda, Narsingi, Kismathpur and surrounding areas to city. Yousuf misdeeds led to Rs 686cr loss Cyberabad police after arresting Balanagar Sub Registrar Mohammed Yousuf found that he had registered government and prohibited lands violating the provisions of the Registration Act that caused a loss of around Rs 686 crore to the Government in the form of stamp duty and registration fee. Police also found that the suspects claiming to be the legal heirs to Nawab Mohammed Khaisaruddin Khan executed the General Power of Attorney in favour of PA Parthasarathi who is the director of Trinity Infra Ventures. Police established that this fraudulent deal was executed at the instance of Parthasarathi and other members of Trinity group. Investigations also revealed that Miyapur was a jagir village of Nawab Khaisarudin Khan and the pucca book was prepared in 1917-1918. As per records, the lands covered in survey numbers 20 and 28 in Miyapur area are government lands. The suspects approached Hayath-unnisa Begum and got executed the registration sale agreement in 2016 in favour of one Mohammed Shareef through Yousuf. The internal audit revealed other details. As per the contents, 70 per cent of the rights were on the lands in Miyapur and 50 per cent were in other neighbouring villages. The fabricated documents included the entire land of Miyapur village and seven other villages so the market value cannot be assessed. The loss of revenue also cannot be determined, officials said. Police also found another accused in the case, Adv Krishna Reddy, who also conspired with the others to execute the deal. In the agreement of sale, 5 per cent of share is allotted to him for protecting and safeguarding their interests till date. While, Yousuf and Mohammed Mubrajuddin Khan were arrested, four others involved in the case are still at large. Teams have been formed to nab them. Aarti Sharma with her children. She said her husbands business failed after note ban came to effect. (Photo: ANI) Lucknow: In a shocking incident, a woman has offered to sell her kidney in order to pay for the education of her children. The woman, Aarti Sharma, is a resident of Rohta locality in Agra. With the help of a social organisation, she has uploaded a letter on the social media, offering her kidney for sale on Wednesday. Talking to reporters on Thursday, Aarti said that her four children three daughters and one son were studying in a CBSE school which had shown them the door after she failed to pay their fees. Aarti, who lives with eight other family members in a 330-sq-ft rented room in Eco Colony, Rohata, said her husband was in the business of readymade garments which had shut down after demonetisation, causing financial distress to the family. Aarti also approached the local officials for help, who told her to make your children study according to your status. She met UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who assured her of help but nothing has been done till now. I sold my LPG cylinder to travel to Lucknow to meet Chief Minister. Though the CM met us on April 29 and assured help, no assistance has been received till date, she said. Aarti said that one of her friends told her that we have two kidneys and it was then that she decided to sell one kidney for the future of her children. Her husband Manoj Sharma said, It was Aartis decision to put up her kidney for sale. I work as a taxi driver and earn only Rs 4,000 to Rs 5000 a month. Our landlord has warned us to either pay the rent or vacate. Vijayawada: The state Cabinet on Thursday decided to rationalise schools and shut down those where the number of students per class is less than 10, and is willing to go for public opinion. Briefing details of the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said, It isnt fair to have two teachers where there are less than 10 students and single teacher where student strength is more, and there is necessity to set this education system right. The Cabinet has decided to provide input subsidy of Rs 1,680.05 crore to benefit 13.21 lakh farmers. Mr Naidu said, The government plans to provide minimum Rs 15,000 per farmer, including insurance for the last season. He even mentioned about discussing IT policy. The AP Cabinet has approved for draft ordinance on conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes. The Cabinet had also decided to increase the age limit of medical teaching faculty in government medical colleges from 60 years to 63 years, as many professors are superannuating and with the increase in the number of medical seats. The Cabinet has decided to organise Nava Nirmana Deeksha, scheduled from June 2 to June 8, on the occasion of the State Formation Day. The Sheela Bedi Committee recommendations on sharing of assets and liabilities related to nine BC federations under Schedule IX of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, were approved. Usman Road sported a deserted look on Thursday after City Police declared the area around Chennai silks a danger zone and announced traffic diversions in T Nagar. (Photo: DC) Chennai: It was a bad day for business in shopping hub T Nagar as most of the commercial establishments, big and small, especially those on South Usman road had to shut shop due to the fire in the Chennai Silks building on Wednesday. Police declared the area a danger zone as smoke failed to die down until late evening. Police cordoned off the area around the building and announced traffic diversions in the area around noon. Vehicles were not allowed to use the Usman Road flyover as fire personnel were carrying out operations from the flyover to douse fire on the first and second floors of the building. Motorists who wanted to commute via Usman road flyover from South Usman road were diverted towards Burkit road and proceed to their destination. Similarly, vehicles towards North Usman road from Mahalingapuram road were diverted towards Bazullah road and those intending to go via Duraisamy subway from Ashok Nagar were diverted towards Arya Gowda road to proceed to their destination. According to a senior police officer, "The traffic restrictions would continue in the night as the fire was yet to be completely put off." Residents in the surrounding areas complained of irritation in the eyes due to the thick smoke. Eateries and restaurants near the building were seen evacuating the gas cylinder from their establishments to prevent any untoward incident. "The shops shut down keeping their own safety in mind. We had a tough time keeping the curious visitors away," a police officer said. No safety measures taken to prevent mishaps Why do authorities wake up only when there is an accident? And why do they go to sleep thereafter? This is the million dollar question on the minds of lakhs of Chennaiites who have been witnessing incidents of fire and building collapses due to apathy of government authorities. If it was the Vadapalani fire accident, which claimed four lives, in the first week of May, it is the major fire at a shopping complex in T Nagar on Wednesday that alarmed people on the substandard safety measures in commercial places. Both the incidents expose poor planning and lack of monitoring by various government departments. "Since the establishment of the retail shops in this area, we have been fighting for the safety norms here. It is an irony that many commercial establishments continue to function, even though they do not own adequate safety measures. Emergency exit cannot be found in many shops," K. S. Sridhar, president of the T Nagar Welfare Association, said. As people with political connections own most of the shops, it is impossible to impose stringent measures on them, Sridhar opined. Social activists reiterate on the need for coordination between government departments to ensure that such mishaps do not repeat. "Chennai corporation, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and fire service department should coordinate to appoint an IAS officer to check building violations. If the accident had happened in the peak hours, it would have claimed many lives. Why can't corporation remove encroachments from the roads, so that it can facilitate the entry of emergency vehicles?" asked V. Rama Rao, a civic activist. Another social worker Anupriya Murugesan said they would like to know whether the building has received fire compliance certificate. "Most of the buildings in the city possess no automatic sprinkler system, causing a massive damage. The Wednesday fire accident should be a lesson to the government officers to ensure safety in all the city buildings," she said. Hyderabad: The girls of Osmania University have performed better than their male counterparts. On Wednesday, Professor S. Ramchandram, the University Vice Chancellor, announced that 65.92 per cent of female candidates and 47.21 per cent of male candidates had passed the undergraduate examinations held in March-April 2017. According to the results, there has been a five per cent improvement in performance as compared to last year. The overall pass percentage across degree courses is 57.23 per cent, with 35,574 of the 62,160 third-year candidates graduating. The pass percentage for B.A. is 63.95 per cent, for B.Com. it is 56.2 per cent, for B.Sc. it is 53.14 per cent, and for B.B.A. it is 90.13 per cent. The total number of candidates who appeared for the second and third year undergraduate examinations was 1,28,967, which consisted of 61,816 boys and 67,151 girls. Of these, 12,451 were B.A. candidates, 74,588 were B.Com. candidates, 38,781 were B.Sc. candidates, and 3,148 were B.B.A. candidates. The number of students appearing for backlog courses was 3,180 from the B.A. section, 14,158 from the B.Sc. section, 12,932 from the B.Com. section, and 368 from the B.B.A. section. Students can check their results and their scores on the University website. Candidates are requested to collect the memorandum of marks from their respective colleges after June 20, 2017. There is also provision for candidates to receive a copy of their answer scripts on payment of Rs 1,000 per paper. Requests for re-evaluation will be accepted at TS Online Centres between June 5 and June 16 free of cost, or between June 17 and June 21 at a cost of Rs 200. MALAPPURAM: As India debates a virtual meat ban across the country that is allegedly targeting minorities, a temple at Punnathala in Malappuram district hosted an Iftar party for around 500 men and women on Tuesday evening during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The exemplary event was organised as part of the ongoing deity restoration celebration at the Shree Lakshminarasimhamurthy Vishnu Temple here. Over 200 Muslim families in the vicinity of the temple turned up to be a part of the spectacular show of harmony. We take each and every family in the locality into consideration irrespective of religious affiliations to plan our programmes and celebrations. Earlier, we had planned a mass banquet as part of the temple celebrations. However, as it is the month of Ramzan, we changed our plan and decided to organise a mass iftar so that our Muslim brothers and sisters too could participate, says Cherusseri Unnikrishnan Nair, president of the temple committee. The Iftar and the cultural conference are the highlights of the week long Punaprathishta (restoration) and Naveekarana Kalasham (renovation) at the temple. The dilapidated idol of the deity at the temple, which is centuries old, will be restored on Sunday. The Muslim families in the locality too have given funds for the restoration of the once neglected temple. There is no religious divide here. Nobody turned their face when asked for donations for the temple restoration, Instead they promoted the drive. We help each other for our family functions too. This is the tradition handed over to us by our ancestors. We want to impart this culture to our next generation as well to show that cohesion is important when the younger generation are increasingly exposed to hatred and religious enmity, says Nair. The event was a great success with overwhelming support from the youngsters, he said. Yadgir: State BJP Chief B.S. Yeddyurappa on Wednesday accused both Congress and JD(S) of indulging in a futile attempt to spoil his partys image as they have become jittery over the good response his visits were eliciting in drought -hit areas. Speaking after inaugurating a convention of backward classes at Yergol village near here, Yeddyurappa took strong exception to the remark by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that BJP leaders were touring the drought affected areas during the rainy season. "Let Siddaramaiah abandon his helicopter and tour by road, he will realise how grave the situation is. If the Chief Minister has an iota of concern for the people, let him tour the affected places. I have been touring the affected places for the last 18 days and Congress-JD(S) leaders are not able to stomach the good response I'm getting", he remarked. The CM had promised to spend Rs 50,000 crore on Krishna basin projects. But so far they have provided only Rs 35,000 crores. "If the CM is really concerned about farmers, let him demonstrate his commitment by waiving their loans", he declared. Yeddyurappa, who had earlier visited Yergol tank, attacked senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for neglecting the irrigation schemes in the area. "Though he represented Gurmitkal constituency for over 40 years, he never paid attention to developing irrigation, which is the backbone of agriculture", he remarked. Yeddyurappa, who has been under fire from the Opposition for having hotel made breakfast with Dalit families during his tour, sharply reacted to the comments. "I have been visiting Dalits for the past forty years and attending to their grievances. But the Congress party has been using Dalits and minorities as their vote banks since Independence. They are being exploited by keeping them in the dark without extending them any facilities. Therefore, Congress leaders have no moral right to question my visits" , he asserted. Former Minister Govind Karjol, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje, and Narasimha Naik, former Minister also spoke. Hyderabad: Terming BJP national president Amit Shahs recent tour in Telangana state as a big flop, AICC general-secretary Digvijay Singh on Thursday said that though the BJP created a media hype about the visit and on several Opposition leaders joining the BJP, it was ultimately proven a huge drama. Speaking to media at the Gandhi Bhavan here, Mr Singh said the BJP wants to spread Hindutva in TS by sowing hatred among Hindus and Muslims to get political mileage. The BJP should know that this would never happen, he said. Mr Singh said that BJP leaders have started campaigning against enhancing of reservations to backward Muslims, claiming that this would lead to an increase in Muslim population in the state. When asked about the possibility of an alliance with the Telugu Desam in TS as mentioned by senior Congress leader S. Jaipal Reddy, Mr Singh, who is the party in-charge for the state, said, We are opposing TD in Andhra Pradesh. In Telangana, it is irrelevant. I dont know what Jaipal Reddy told you, but we are very strong and will go alone in the state in all the 119 Assembly seats. Referring to the recent Union government orders banning cattle sale for slaughter, Mr Singh said that it was not for the Centre or state governments to dictate to the people of this multilingual and multiracial society what they should or should not eat. He also said it was for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately start talks with all political parties over a consensus Presidential candidate. Since Modi is heading the ruling dispensation, it is for him to take an initiative in this regard, Mr Singh said. CHENNAI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday greeted DMK president M. Karunanidhi on his 94th birthday and said he is one of the tallest among contemporary political leaders and one of the two poles of Tamil Nadu politics since 1969. In a lengthy greetings message released to the media by the DMK headquarters, she said Karunanidhi had been the unquestioned leader of the DMK since 1969 and added, It is not an easy task to remain at the helm of a political party for 48 continuous years. It is quite possible that it is a record in politics in any democratic country. Since 1957, he had won every election to the Assembly, she pointed out and said Although there were many opportunities for him to play a role at the Centre, he remained devoted to Tamil Nadu and Tamil people. She also acknowledged Karunanidhis crucial support to the Congress in 1971, 1980, 2004 and 2009. She said few leaders could claim that their and work straddled two centuries.. Beginning in the 1940s, Karunanidhis political life dominated the better part of the twentieth century in office or outside. Sonia hailed him as an administrator, known for implementing radical ideas of the Dravidian movement and for quick decisions and added he paid equal attention to development and welfare. As a leader of the Opposition, he was a formidable adversary who kept the government on its toes with his mastery over facts, brilliant arguments and sharp wit. He was a journalist, novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright, script writer, actor, producer of films and an acknowledged scholar, the Congress leader said. Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Tuesday ordered an inquiry by the state police's CID into the alleged illegal transfer of 796 acres of government land to private individuals in Medchal district. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who held a review meeting with ministers and senior officials on the issue, directed that tough action be taken against those responsible for the alleged land transfer, a release from his office said. The Cyberabad police have arrested a sub-registrar and two directors of different real estate firms for allegedly transferring government land to private companies and causing losses to the state exchequer. R Srinivasa Rao, sub-registrar of Kukatpally, and PS Parthasarathi and PVS Sharma, directors of the two firms, were arrested yesterday for alleged "illegal" transfer of government land in Miyapur village on the city outskirts, a Cyberabad police release said. A police complaint said, Trinity Infra Ventures Ltd represented by its authorised signatory Parthasarathi (director) registered four documents in favour of Suvishal Power Gen Ltd, represented by its signatory Sharma (director) by transferring the government lands which were registered at Sub Registrar's Office (SRO), Kukatpally. "During the course of the investigation, it was found that the four documents were registered at SRO, Kukatpally, in violation of Registration Act-1908 provisions and thereby causing loss of Rs 587.11 crore to the state," it said. According to police, Parthasarathi and others prepared a general power of attorney (GPA) from one Ameerunnisha Begum and seven others on January 15, 2016 to show that the land belonged to these persons. Later Parthasarathi executed a deed in favour of Suvishal Power Gen Ltd on January 21, 2016, it said. "Thus Parthasarathi and Sharma in collusion with Srinivasa Rao, got registered government lands and caused major revenue loss to the government," the release added. According to the CMO release, the Chief Minister ordered cancellation of 'anywhere registration' policy (allowing registration of a property anywhere), it said. Favouring "cleansing" of the registration department, he asked officials to prepare a strategy for the purpose, it said. Rao claimed that no government land has gone into the hands of some private individuals. Noting that registration of government lands in the name of anybody else is not allowed as per law, he said some persons got government lands registered as per convenience for obtaining bank loans with the help of some government officials. However, the illegal registration had been cancelled when it came to the notice of government, the release quoted Rao as saying. Russian President Boris Yeltsin had an excuse for his erratic behaviour. He was an uncontrollable alcoholic. US President Donald Trump has none. He is a teetotaller. Common to both of them is a loyalty to Russia. Historians examining the events of the past week will be forgiven for interpreting Mr Trumps imperious behaviour at international summits as being an unfinished chapter from The Decline & Fall of the US Empire. Never since the end of the end of the Cold War has any American President so carelessly or so wantonly eroded the position of his countrys pre-eminence in global politics. Mr Trumps first trip abroad as President looked perfect on the drawing board. First stop: Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam. Next, Israel, the cradle of Judaism. After that, Rome, the bedrock of Roman Catholicism. And finally Sicily, the Mafia nursery. In Saudi Arabia, he received the genuflection from obsequious acolytes invited by his hosts from over 40 mainly Sunni Muslim countries. He lectured them (rather than his more culpable Saudi hosts) on the need to eradicate terrorism within their borders. In Europe, Mr Trump told delinquent Nato members to pay up, or shut up. At a stroke, he vitiated the very premise under which Nato had been created as a united bulwark against communism. He then shrugged off US responsibility towards a common defence one for one, and one for all. In essence, he reminded them that the American motto E pluribus Unum may be expressed in a European language but it loses all meaning beyond the US East Coast. And in Sicily, at the G-7 meeting, he stood apart from fellow industrialised powers, creating almost overnight a new formula: G-6 +1. The final slight came when he told leaders that his decision on the Paris Agreement on climate would be conveyed to them after a week. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacted with incredulity. She looked as if she been treated as a door-to-door salesperson, told to come back next week. It is a given that every leader who is new on the job (except for repeat offenders) needs time to learn the tricks. Mr Trump, however, is a ambitious Icarus without a wiser Daedalus to caution him. For diplomacy to be effective, his predecessor George W. Bush had once said, words must be credible. Mr Trump believes what he is saying at any particular moment is automatically credible. For him diplomacy has less to do with credibility than with the power now available to him to browbeat other nations. Career diplomats are wringing their hands in despair at seeing their President uncorking US policies that have taken decades to mature. Mr Trump, like some disoriented centipede, opens his mouth only to put his other 99 feet in. Mr Trump has returned to the White House to find that he and his closest aides are under siege, not by the paparazzi but by the insidiously persistent investigations by the FBI, House Intelligence Committee and probably also the KGB. Can it be accidental that the New York Times should ask the not-so-rhetorical question: Do we really want Mike Pence to be President? The vacuum in this geopolitical sinkhole created by Mr Trump is being filled by Russia and by China. Russia once conquered space with its sputniks and astronauts. Today, it has mastered cyberspace. When systems collapse the first reaction in the West is to look for Russian fingerprints. China, meanwhile, is determined not to be distracted from its ambition to be the prime superpower by 2117. Our diplomats are to be complimented for persuading Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the congregations at Beijing and in Riyadh. He stood in the front line at both. Prime Minister Narendra Modi abstained from both. India may well regret that Gandhian act of self-abnegation. Has India anticipated how Chinas declared plan to invest in Pakistans agriculture could impact the Indus Waters Treaty? That treaty weaned Pakistan off PL 480 dependence. If Pakistan were to become the granary of China, how would this affect Sino-Indian relations? There is a riparian higher than Indias Upper Riparian. By arrangement with Dawn In line with the direction of the Supreme Court, a special CBI court in Lucknow framed charges of criminal conspiracy under Section 120(b) IPC in the Ayodhya case against veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani and others including Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharati, now Union minister for water resources, on Tuesday. Accordingly, the plea of the accused to be discharged from the case was rejected. They were, however, granted bail. Now that criminal charges have been framed, it is morally imperative for Ms Bharati to resign from the Union Cabinet, although legally she may not be bound to do so. A minister arraigned in a criminal case cannot be trusted to fulfil her obligation to uphold the Constitution. If she does not resign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should remove her. All the accused who are MPs should also resign their seats. After all, the Election Commission is in the process of finalising the widely-discussed recommendation that people against whom charges have been framed in a criminal case in which the minimum sentence is two years or more should be banned from contesting elections for a certain length of time. It will be in the interests of justice if the Supreme Court monitors the progress of the case in Lucknow. The CBI has the bad reputation of obeying the party in power. It can easily try to weaken the conspiracy case by presenting shoddy evidence to the trial court if it is quietly instructed to do so. A violation of basic human rights: M. Ashraf, The writer is a former IAS officer who last served in J&K as director-general of tourism There should be absolutely no doubt in anyones mind that tying Farooq Ahmed Dar, a shawl weaver from a village in Kashmirs Budgam, to the fender of a Rakshak jeep to use him as a human shield and parade him through villages to deter stone-pelters has damaged the Indian Armys image. The nastiest was when Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat not only defended the act, which had triggered outrage in Kashmir and beyond, but also chose to honour Maj. Nitin Leetul Gogoi, the officer who was in the eye of a storm over the episode and facing a court of inquiry ordered by the Army itself, with his commendation card. For some critics, the image, in a way, refreshed the brutalities committed by the American Army on civilians in the Vietnam War. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, tweeted, Indian Army Chief shows criminal leadership, backing as innovative troops use of Kashmir man as a human shield. At home, a number of very senior retired officers of the Army also decried the use of human shield. In fact, one of them, Lt. Gen. H.S. Panag, who has served in Kashmir, went to the extent of saying: This image will end up being the defining image of the Indian Army, just like the Napalm girl was for the Vietnam War. And when Maj. Gogoi was honoured, Lt. Gen. Panag had to say: IA traditions, ethos, rules & regs swept away by the mood of the nation! I stand by my views even if I am the last man standing! However, these things usually happen only in a war and in enemy territory. When it comes to Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces are faced here with limited terrorist actions and not really full-fledged armed conflict in the state. Yet the Army is being used against own citizens. No one uses ones own citizens in ones own country as a protective shield, no matter how grave the provocation is! Tying an innocent man in front of a jeep and parading him through 30 villages or so to instil fear among the population is preposterous. As it turns out, Dar, had nothing to do with stone-pelting or any protests. The Army is supposedly fighting a war against its own people. Such an attitude is not going to improve the situation, but worsen it further and in turn damaged its own image further. This was an out-of-the-box thought: Tajinder Bagga, The writer is a Delhi BJP spokesperson The Indian Army is one of the finest and most-disciplined armed forces of the world. The prime objective of the Indian Army is to secure the nation and maintain law and order whenever called for. And for fulfiling these two objectives, the Indian Army in particular and security forces in general, have the right to do whatever they deem fit in greater interest of national security. In the case of Maj. Nitin Leetul Gogoi, which is being discussed, some people are crying Army did this and Army did that, but the real question is what did they do that forced the Army to come in the first place? The Army unit in question went to Budgam not to do any counter-terror operation but in response to an SOS call given by a small Indo-Tibetan Border Police unit stationed there, who had informed Maj. Gogoi that around 1,200 people had cornered a polling booth and were trying not just to burn down the booth in Budgam but were posing a serious threat to the lives of the electoral officers present there, as well as the heavily-outnumbered ITBP unit. Being at the receiving end of stones thrown relentlessly is not a joke. A stone thrown with precision can even kill a human being instantly. Even when Maj. Gogois unit reached the spot, his unit too was heavily outnumbered by a thousand-plus brainwashed, radicalised stone-pelting mob. There were only two outcomes in such a situation: either the mob would have pelted stones and killed the soldiers, or the soldiers would have resorted to firing in self-defence, resulting in heavy casualties among stone-pelting Kashmiris. Under the given circumstances, this was an out-of-the-box thought and a perfect solution. All those talking about human rights violations and questioning the integrity of the Indian Army should come out and stand in front of 1,200 stone-pelters and suggest what they would have done when the alternatives were either to shoot relentlessly in self-defence or get stoned to death. They should also remember how separatists and stone-pelters are dealt with in other countries by peeping into Turkey, China and even Pakistan. The nation is in need of thousands of Maj. Gogois. We should also thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring a free hand to the Army and conveying this clear message to all concerned that the government stands tall with the Army. Scientists using data from NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, have identified bright areas in craters near the moons south pole that are cold enough to have frost present on the surface. The new evidence comes from an analysis that combined surface temperatures with information about how much light is reflected off the moons surface. We found that the coldest places near the moons south pole are also the brightest placesbrighter than we would expect from soil aloneand that might indicate the presence of surface frost, said Elizabeth Fisher, the lead author of the study, published in Icarus. Fisher carried out the data analysis while doing research at the University of Hawaii at Manoa after earning her undergraduate degree. She is now a graduate student at Brown University. The icy deposits appear to be patchy and thin, and its possible that they are mixed in with the surface layer of soil, dust and small rocks called the regolith. The researchers say they are not seeing expanses of ice similar to a frozen pond or skating rink. Instead, they are seeing signs of surface frost. The frost was found in cold traps close to the moons south pole. Cold traps are permanently dark areaslocated either on the floor of a deep crater or along a section of crater wall that doesnt receive direct sunlightwhere temperatures remain below minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 163 degrees Celsius). Under these conditions, water ice can persist for millions or billions of years. More than a half-century ago, scientists suggested that lunar cold traps could store water ice, but confirming that hypothesis turned out to be challenging. Observations made by NASAs Lunar Prospector orbiter in the late 1990s identified hydrogen-rich areas near the moons poles but could not determine whether that hydrogen was bound up in water or was present in some other form. Understanding the nature of these deposits has been one of the driving goals of LRO, which has been orbiting the moon since 2009. Fisher and her colleagues found evidence of lunar frost by comparing temperature readings from LROs Diviner instrument with brightness measurements from the spacecrafts Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter, or LOLA. In these comparisons, the coldest areas near the south pole also were very bright, indicating the presence of ice or other highly reflective materials. The researchers looked at the peak surface temperatures, because water ice wont last if the temperature creeps above the crucial threshold. The findings are consistent with another teams analysis of LRO data, reported in 2015. That study compared peak temperatures with ultraviolet, or UV, data from the Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project, or LAMP. Both LOLA and LAMP are able to measure surface brightness without sunlight. LOLA does so by measuring reflected laser light, and LAMP, by measuring reflected starlight and the UV skyglow of hydrogen. These findings demonstrate once again the value of studying the moon from orbit long-term, said John Keller, the LRO project scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. All of this work begins with comprehensive data sets made up of years worth of continuous measurements. Together, the two studies strengthen the case that there is frost in cold traps near the moons south pole. So far, however, researchers have not seen the same signs near the moons north pole. What has always been intriguing about the moon is that we expect to find ice wherever the temperatures are cold enough for ice, but thats not quite what we see, said Matt Siegler, a researcher with the Planetary Science Institute in Dallas, Texas, and a co-author on the study. Water ice and other deposits also have been identified in cold traps near the north pole on Mercury. Though it is the closest planet to the sun, Mercury appears to have up to 400 times more ice than the moon does, by Sieglers estimate. Scientists are still figuring out which scenario is more normal. Another tantalizing question is how old the moons ice is. If the water was delivered by icy comets or asteroids, it could be as ancient as the solar system and could mark the early delivery of water to Earth and the moon. But if the water was produced by chemical reactions driven by the solar wind, it is much more recent. Or both may be true. There could be eons-old ice deposits buried below ground and newer water at the surface. In any case, Siegler said, theres enough evidence now to argue for further investigation. Not only could the moons ice provide resources for exploration, it also might help us understand the origins of Earths water. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The Parker Solar Probe is set to orbit within 3.9 million miles of the sun's surface, where temperatures exceed 2,500 Fahrenheit (1,377 Celsius) (Photo: AFP) A new NASA mission aims to brush by the sun, coming closer than any spacecraft in history to its scorching heat and radiation in order to reveal how stars are made, the US space agency said Wednesday. After liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida in July 2018, the Parker Solar Probe will become the first to fly directly into the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona. The plan for the unmanned spacecraft is to orbit within 3.9 million miles (6.3 million kilometers) of the sun's surface. Temperatures in that region exceed 2,500 Fahrenheit (1,377 Celsius), for which the spacecraft is equipped with a 4.5-inch-thick (11.43 cm) carbon-composite shield Roughly the size of a small car, the probe will make seven flybys of the sun over a seven-year period, in what NASA described as a "mission of extremes." Traveling at a speed of 430,000 mph, the spacecraft will move fast -- like going from New York City to Tokyo in less than a minute. Scientists hope its data will improve forecasts of solar storms and space weather events that affect life on Earth, satellites and astronauts in space. Time for a visit The spacecraft will measure plasma waves and high-energy particles, and carry a white light imager to capture images of the structures through which it is flying, according to Nicola Fox, mission project scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. "We will brush closely by it," she said at an event in Chicago to unveil the mission, which NASA has touted as promising to provide humanity's closest-ever observations of a star. "You can learn so much from looking out the window," Fox said. "You can see the sun is shining, you can see the birds are singing. But until you actually go out, you have no idea quite how hot it is out there or how windy it is, or what the conditions are like." "I think we have really come as far as we can with looking at things and now it is time to go up and pay it a visit," she added. A 20-day launch window for the spacecraft's liftoff atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket opens July 31, 2018. Re-named after astrophysicist Initially called Solar Probe Plus, the mission was renamed after the astrophysicist Eugene Parker, 89, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago. He published the first paper to describe solar wind -- the high-speed matter and magnetism constantly escaping the sun -- in 1958. "This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft for a living individual," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "It's a testament to the importance of his body of work, founding a new field of science that also inspired my own research and many important science questions NASA continues to study and further understand every day." Parker, who is days away from his 90th birthday, described the mission as "very exciting." "One would like to have some more detailed measurements of what's going on in the solar wind," he said. "I'm sure that there will be some surprises," he added. "There always are." Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on May 31 announced to send a spacecraft to Touch the Sun humanitys first mission to the parent star through a live-streamed event aired on NASAs TV and posted on space agencys website. The unmanned spacecraft, atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket, will liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida in July 2018 and will fly directly into the suns atmosphere called corona, which is several hundreds of time hotter than the suns atmosphere with temperature at 500,000 degree Celsius or higher. A 20-day launch window for the spacecraft's liftoff opens July 31, 2018. Until NASAs announcement yesterday, the mission was known to be called as Solar Probe Plus (SPP). It has now been renamed to Parker Solar Probe (PSP) to honour solar astrophysicist who predicted solar winds the high-speed matter and magnetism constantly escaping the sun in 1958. Placed in orbit within four million miles of the suns surface, and facing heat and radiation unlike any spacecraft in history, the spacecraft will explore the suns outer atmosphere and make critical observations that will answer decades-old questions about the physics of how stars work, said NASA. The resulting data will improve forecasts of major space weather events that impact life on Earth, as well as satellites and astronauts in space. In order to obtain valuable data about the Sun, the probe needs to sustain exceeding 1,400 degree Celsius and the stars radiation. To do so, NASA has covered the probe with an 11.5cm thick carbon-composite heat shield. Travelling at a speed of 430,000 mph, the probe will make seven flybys of the sun over a seven-year period, in what NASA describes as a mission of extremes. The spacecraft will measure plasma waves and high-energy particles, and carry a white light imager to capture images of the structures through which it is flying, according to Nicola Fox, mission project scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. "We will brush closely by it," she said at an event in Chicago to unveil the mission, which NASA has touted as promising to provide humanity's closest-ever observations of a star. Interestingly, this will not be the only mission underway to get close to the Sun. Apart from it, the European Space Agency (ESA), is also working on own mission to the Sun. The ESA mission will be called Solar Orbiter and will take place in February 2019. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The topic is a big talking point for military officials and private security researchers at the International Conference on Cyber Conflict in Tallin this week. Veteran espionage researcher Jon DiMaggio was hot on the trail three months ago of what on the face of it looked like a menacing new industrial espionage attack by Russian cyber spies. All the hallmarks were there: targeted phishing emails common to government espionage, an advanced Trojan horse for stealing data from inside organizations, covert communication channels for grabbing documents and clues in the programming code indicating its authors were Russian speakers. It took weeks before the lead cyber spying investigator at Symantec, a top US computer security firm, figured out instead he was tracking a lone-wolf cyber criminal. DiMaggio won't identify the name of the culprit, whom he has nicknamed Igor, saying the case is a run-of-the-mill example of increasing difficulties in separating national spy agency activity from cyber crime. The hacker comes from Transdniestria, a disputed, Russian-speaking region of Moldova, he said. "The malware in question, Trojan.Bachosens, was so advanced that Symantec analysts initially thought they were looking at the work of nation-state actors," DiMaggio told Reuters in a phone interview on Wednesday. "Further investigation revealed a 2017 equivalent of the hobbyist hackers of the 1990s." Reuters could not contact the alleged hacker. The example highlights the dangers of jumping to conclusions in the murky world of cyber attack and defense, as tools once only available to government intelligence services find their way into the computer criminal underground. Security experts refer to this as "the attribution problem", using technical evidence to assign blame for cyber attacks in order to take appropriate legal and political responses. These questions echo through the debate over whether Russia used cyber attacks to influence last year's US presidential elections and whether Moscow may be attempting to disrupt national elections taking place in coming months across Europe. The topic is a big talking point for military officials and private security researchers at the International Conference on Cyber Conflict in Tallin this week. It has been held each year since Estonia was swamped in 2007 by cyber attacks that took down government, financial and media websites amid a dispute with Russia. Attribution for those attacks remains disputed. THE SMOKING GUN "Attribution is almost never a clean, smoking-gun," said Paul Vixie, creator of the first commercial anti-spam service, whose latest firm, Farsight Security, helps firms track down cyber attackers to identify and block them. Raising the stakes, a mystery group calling itself ShadowBrokers has taken credit for leaking cyber-spying tools that are now being turned to criminal use, including ones used in the recent WannaCry global ransomware attack, ratcheting up cyber security threats to a whole new level. In recent weeks, ShadowBrokers has threatened to sell more such tools, believed to have been stolen from the US National Security Agency, to enable hacking into the world's most used computers, software and phones. "The bar for what's considered advanced is lowered as time goes by," said Sean Sullivan, a security researcher with Finnish cyber firm F-Secure. The Moldovan hacker's campaign to steal data and resell it on the web came to light only after infections popped up last year at a major airline, an online gambling firm and a Chinese automotive software maker, which are all customers of Symantec products used to secure their business networks. Igor appears to have targeted the auto-tech company to steal its car diagnostics software, which retails for around $1,100 but Igor sold for just a few hundred dollars on underground forums and websites he had created. His aims in trying to break into the airline and gambling firm remain a mystery. Considering the audacity of this attack, the financial rewards for Igor are pretty low, DiMaggio wrote in a blog post on his findings to be published on Wednesday. As a threat, Symantec rates Trojan.Bachosens as a very low risk virus, in part because the attack singles out only a handful of specific firms rather than the wide-ranging, random attacks used by many cyber criminals to scoop up the greatest number of victims. "I think those days are over when we can say in black and white: We know this is an espionage group," DiMaggio said. The Symantec researcher has not reported Igor to local authorities, calculating that exposing the methods of the attack will be enough to neutralize them. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Clinton also claimed she was treated unfairly for accepting millions of dollars in speaking fees from Wall Street firms. (Photo: AP) New York: Hillary Clinton pointed that Russia, which she believes orchestrated a vast campaign of fake news to discredit her candidacy in the last year's presidential polls, as one of the reasons for her defeat. Clinton linked Russia's interference in the 2016 elections to US President Donald Trump and said she hoped investigators would be able to unmask a plot to interfere in the US elections, reports the Fox News. "I take responsibility for every decision I made, but that's not why I lost. Anti-American forces are going after our economy and they are going after our unity as a nation," she said at the annual Code Conference in California. Clinton said that a Russian-led misinformation campaign was launched against her using social media networks that weren't able to cut through the fake news circulated on the sites. "What we saw in this election particularly the first time we had the tech revolution really weaponised politically. It was aimed at me but it's a much deeper more persistent effort to literally turn the clock back on so much of what we have achieved as a country," she said. Clinton also claimed she was treated unfairly for accepting millions of dollars in speaking fees from Wall Street firms. "I have to say. I never thought someone would throw out my entire career because I made a couple of speeches," she said. "Men got paid for speeches they made. I got paid for the speeches I made," she said. Clinton faulted US President Trump as he seemed close to pulling the US out of the landmark Paris climate accord. (Photo: File) Los Angeles: Hillary Clinton has a hunch about President Donald Trump and his mysterious tweet about "covfefe." "I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians," the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate quipped Wednesday. The former first lady and New York senator later turned more serious during an interview at a conference hosted by tech blog Recode. She suggested that Trump and his allies were using Twitter and other social media to sidetrack Americans' attention from the investigations into the influence of Russia during the presidential campaign or the Republican health care bill. "You can't let Trump and his allies be a diversion. They are a threat," Clinton said at the event near Los Angeles. "They want to influence your reality," she added. "And that ... is what we're up against and we can't let that go unanswered, whether it's on Twitter, Facebook or anywhere else." Trump tweeted shortly before 10:30 am IST that "Despite the constant negative press covfefe." The tweet ended there. Clinton talked at length about Russian involvement in the 2016 contest, referring to US intelligence assessments that Russia not only meddled in the election but did so to help Trump defeat Clinton. With multiple investigations underway, she asked, "How did they know what messages to deliver? Who told them? Who were they coordinating with, or colluding with?" To pull it off, Russians would have needed to be "guided by Americans," she added later. In other remarks, she faulted Trump as he seemed close to pulling the United States out of the landmark Paris climate accord. To back out, she said, would be "throwing out the economic opportunities that being part of the Paris agreement provide for the United States." She called it "totally incomprehensible." President Donald Trump walks Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to his car following their meeting at the White House in Washington. (Photo: AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump talked trade with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a White House visit on Wednesday and welcomed the signing of business deals worth billions of dollars and the jobs they would create. The US Commerce Department announced 13 new transactions with Vietnam worth USD $8 billion, including USD $3 billion worth of US produced content that would support more than 23,000 American jobs. These include deals for General Electric Co (GE.N) worth USD $5.58 billion for power generation, aircraft engines and services, its largest-ever combined sale in Vietnam. Caterpillar Inc (CAT.N) and its dealer in Vietnam also agreed to provide generator management technology for more than 100 generators in Vietnam, the company said. "They (Vietnam) just made a very large order in the United States and we appreciate that for many billions of dollars, which means jobs for the United States and great, great equipment for Vietnam," Trump told reporters at the White House. The Commerce Department estimate of the deals was considerably less than the USD $15 billion figure given by Phuc during a speech at the Heritage Foundation, adding that most of the total involved the import of US equipment. Communist Vietnam has gone from being a Cold War enemy to an important partner for the United States in the Asia-Pacific, where both countries share concerns about China's rising power. Phuc told Trump the relationship had undergone "significant upheavals in history" but that the two countries were now "comprehensive partners." Phuc's meeting with Trump makes him the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White House under the new administration. However, while Hanoi and Washington have stepped up security cooperation in recent years, trade has become a potential irritant, with a deficit widening steadily in Vietnam's favor, reaching USD $32 billion last year, compared with USD $7 billion a decade earlier. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said it was important to shrink the US trade deficit with Vietnam but noted that the southeast Asian country of 80 million people was the fastest-growing market for US exports, rising 77 percent since 2014 to USD $4.4 billion. "The growth of the middle class and the increasing purchasing power in Vietnam are further incentives to strengthening our long-term trade and investment relationship," Ross said. Trump, who has had strong words for countries with large trade surpluses with the United States, said he would be discussing trade with Phuc, as well as North Korea. Washington has been seeking support to pressure North Korea to drop its nuclear and missile programs, which have become an increasing threat to the United States. Hanoi has said it shares concerns about North Korea. In his Heritage speech, Phuc welcomed Trump's plans to attend the November APEC summit in Hanoi. He called it a sign of US commitment to the region and "an important occasion for the United States to assert its positive role." In a reference to somewhat warmer ties between Washington and Beijing under Trump, who has been courting China's support on North Korea, Phuc said Vietnam welcomed good relations between the two powers, but hoped these would serve the interest of other nations in the region too. He urged Washington and Beijing "to act with full transparency and in a responsible manner so as not to impact negatively the region and relations among other nations." Murray Hiebert, a Southeast Asia expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that while the Trump administration welcomed new business deals with Vietnam, its view was they were "nice, but not enough." "They want Vietnam to bring some ideas about how to tackle the surplus on an ongoing basis, he said. On Tuesday, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressed concern about the rapid growth of the deficit with Vietnam. He said it was a new challenge for the two countries and he was looking to Phuc to help address it. The deficit is Washington's sixth largest and reflects growing imports of Vietnamese semiconductors and other electronics products in addition to more traditional sectors such as footwear, apparel and furniture. Phuc said the two economies were "more complementary than competitive" and said US exports to Vietnam had seen a rapid rise. On Tuesday his trade minister, Tran Tuan Anh, presented Lighthizer with suggestions to address some US concerns, such as advertising on US social media, electronic payment services and imports of information security and farm products, Vietnam's trade ministry said. Vietnam also urged the United States to remove an inspection program for catfish, speed import licenses for its fruit and make fair decisions on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on Vietnamese products, the ministry said. Vietnam was disappointed when Trump ditched the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, of which Hanoi was expected to be one of the main beneficiaries, and focused US trade policy on reducing deficits. Bryan Moles, left, leaves court with attorney Eugene Ohm on Thursday, in Washington. Moles was arrested at Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington on Wednesday and faces charges of unlawful possession and transportation of a firearm. (Photo: AP) Washington: A Pennsylvania physician who was behaving suspiciously and had made threatening remarks was arrested on Wednesday at the Trump International Hotel in Washington after police found an assault-style rifle and handgun in his car, authorities said. Bryan Moles of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody at the downtown hotel, where he was staying as a guest, police said. At a news conference, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham said his department, as well as the Secret Service, received a tip from the Pennsylvania State Police at about 12:30 am. The tipster reported that Moles was traveling to the Trump Hotel in Washington, armed with weapons and ammunition. Moles, 43, checked into the hotel about 30 minutes later, Newsham said. Authorities worked with hotel security to locate Moles' car, and later, Moles himself inside the hotel. "I was very concerned about this circumstance," Newsham said, "and I believe the officers and our federal partners, and in particular the tipster, averted a potential disaster here in our nation's capital." The Secret Service said in a statement that special agents from its Washington Field Office, as well as local police officers, began investigating potential threats made against people the agency protects, but at no time were they at risk. The statement didn't identify the people. The Secret Service protects presidents and vice presidents and their families, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries, facilities and major events. A police report said authorities saw a firearm in Moles' vehicle and found another inside the glove compartment. Police seized a Glock 23 pistol, a Bushmaster assault-style rifle and 90 rounds of ammunition. Newsham declined to comment on what may have motivated Moles. The police chief said Moles is being interviewed, and is giving authorities information. He is being charged with carrying a pistol without a license and having unregistered ammunition. Newsham added that the department does not presently have enough evidence to charge Moles with making threats, although a department spokesman earlier indicated that was part of the tip to Pennsylvania authorities. Pennsylvania records show Moles renewed his license to practice medicine in October 2016. It wasn't immediately clear where he works. Moles worked at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, until late 2013, according to Dan Laurent, a spokesman for Allegheny Health Network. Moles served in the US Navy from 1992 to 2006. He was a hospital corpsman, and was in the reserves in Erie for the last nine years of his service. He received several honors, including a Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and a Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon. Hotel spokeswoman Patricia Tang said in a statement that "authorities arrested a guest who was behaving suspiciously," but referred further questions to authorities. FBI spokeswoman Minique Crump said the agency initially responded, but referred further questions to the local police, who are taking the lead on the investigation. Edinboro is about 100 miles north of Pittsburgh. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior their talks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: AP) St Petersburg: India and Russia on Thursday concluded a much-awaited pact for setting up the last two units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant with Moscow's help in Tamil Nadu after overcoming initial hurdles to finalise the strategic deal. The General Framework Agreement (GFA) and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant are seen as a major outcome of the annual summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We welcome the conclusion of the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant," said a vision document issued after the Modi-Putin talks. The reactors will be built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroy export company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled 'A vision for the 21st Century' said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an "energy bridge". It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. "We will strive to build an 'energy bridge' between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency," it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India's "Make In India" initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India" signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said that there has been a "steady and demonstrable" achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of India's largest energy hubs. "Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation," as per the document. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior their talks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: AP) St Petersburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as Prime Minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow, in St Petersburg. "Normally, international relations see ups and downs but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs," the prime minister said and thanked the Russian president for playing crucial role in getting India Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) membership. On the other hand, Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Modi also mentioned to Putin about his visit to the cemetery this morning where he paid homage to the victims of the World War II. "You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred," Modi told Putin. Putin's brother was killed 70 years ago in the siege of Leningrad during the World War II. He thanked Modi for visiting the war memorial, saying such places have special place in Russian people's heart. The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide- ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. Canberra (Australia): A Malaysia Airlines plane returned to Australia after a mentally ill passenger threatened to detonate a bomb and attempted to enter the cockpit before he was tackled and tied up by passengers, police said on Thursday. The 25-year-old Sri Lankan man had been discharged from a Melbourne psychiatric hospital on Wednesday before buying a ticket on the late-night flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said. Flight 128 was about 10 minutes into a flight from Melbourne when the man walked from his economy seat to the cockpit door clutching an electronic device and threatening to blow up the plane, creating panic among passengers. Passengers subdued him and tied him up with belts. "At that point, he was essentially trussed up," Ashton told reporters. Ashton described the device the man carried as an "amplifier-type instrument." Passenger Andrew Leoncelli described it as a Boombox portable music player. "He was saying 'I'm going to the blow the f-ing plane up, I'm going to blow the plane up,'" Leoncelli told Australian Broadcasting Corp. "He was agitated, is the best description -100 percent, he was agitated." He added "Two or three brave, young Aussies have taken him on and got him to the ground." Police Superintendent Tony Langdon credited the flight crew with also playing a part in tackling the man. "We believe that the actions of the passengers and crew were quite heroic," Langdon said. The Airbus A330-300 carrying 337 passengers returned to the airport about 30 minutes after takeoff. Passengers were kept on the plane for 90 minutes after landing and the plane was searched for potential bombs at a remote part of the airport, Ashton said. Police wearing body army took the man off the plane. They have determined he had no "terrorist" links or associates, Ashton said. Victoria State Premier Daniel Andrews offered government support for the passengers stranded by the ordeal. "I don't think any of us have a true understanding of the trauma, just how frightening this experience would have been," Andrews said. Andrews cautioned against governments responding to the drama by banning mentally ill passengers from flying. "We want to be very careful not to be driving people away from getting the care they need," he said. "We don't want to be stigmatizing any more than mental illness is already stigmatized." The man, who is studying to be a chef in Australia on a student visa, would likely appear in court later Thursday on charges related to endangering a plane or making a false threat, Ashton said. Such charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The airline said the incident would be investigated. Malaysia's state-owned airline has had two recent high-profile disasters. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over the Ukraine in 2014 with the loss of all 283 passengers and 15 crew. And Flight 370 with 238 people aboard disappeared four months earlier. It is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean but has not been found. St Petersburg: India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, "the most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people." "I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations," the Russian president told Modi. "As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO," he said. "I would like to remind that the process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it," Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. "Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO)" where India's membership will be confirmed, he said. Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putin's hometown as Prime Minister. "India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues," he said. Modi thanked Putin for his active role in getting India SCO membership. "I thank you for all the initiatives taken," he said. Putin noted that in 2017 Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. "Normally, in international relations there are ups and downs. But history is witness, there have been no ups and downs in Indo-Russia relations. We have always moved forward," Modi said. Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of Sarvajan sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), Modi added. Police said that the suspects still in custody have not been identified or charged. (Photo: AP) London: Manchester police say they have released a man who had been arrested in the concert arena bombing investigation without charging him. Police said the 21-year-old man was set free on Wednesday night. 10 men are in custody being questioned about possible roles in the blast while six people, including a woman, have been released without being charged. The suspects still in custody have not been identified or charged. Police say that the 22-year-old bomber Salman Abedi acted largely alone when he was assembled the device he used to kill 22 people and injure dozens more at an Ariana Grande concert on May 22. Abedi died in the blast. The prime minister last night arrived in the Russian city of St Petersburg, the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad, on a three-day visit. (Photo: AP) St Petersburg (Russia): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet on Thursday for an annual summit the highlight of which is expected to be the signing of an agreement to build the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant with Moscow's help. The two countries are also expected to sign a number of other agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centrepiece of the summit, and the two units of the plant, with a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of electricity each, will significantly boost India's nuclear power generation. Indian officials have said that last-minute talks are taking place with Russian officials to work out the language of the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The reactors are being built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. "There is a lot of mutual trust and personal chemistry between the two leaders that has developed over the last three years," Pankaj Saran, India's ambassador to Russia said. Also at the summit today, "the leaders will take stock of the current relationship and discuss a blueprint for a vision of the future," he said. The prime minister last night arrived in the Russian city of St Petersburg, the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad, on a three-day visit. Other than the annual summit, he will attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum tomorrow. It's the first time that an Indian prime minister is attending the economic and business summit. Trade between the two nations stands at USD 7.8 billion, down from USD 10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to USD 30 billion in the next five years. Modi will begin his Russia sojourn with a visit today to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for some 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Modi will then be received by Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian president's official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides. Ahead of his arrival, Modi wrote an article in Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazetta in which he said India and Russia are "natural partners" in fighting terrorism and asserted that ties between the two nations have "withstood the test of time." "We have been together in times - good and bad," he wrote. "India-Russia relations have been the one constant in a world that has changed dramatically since 1947. They have withstood the test of time, and grown from strength to strength. The resilience of our relationship is based on the fact that it rests on the principles of equality, trust and mutual benefit," Modi said. He also hailed the erstwhile Soviet Union's help to India in building its industrial base. He said both countries are opening new areas of cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications and science and technology and they have set up funds to facilitate investment in high technologies. London: The British government is "disappointed" by reports the United States could withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, a senior minister said on Wednesday, vowing instead to influence Washington to "take the right step". "It is disappointing," British interior minister Amber Rudd said, reacting to reports that US President Donald Trump is set to announce his decision to withdraw from the historic climate change deal. A US withdrawal from the 196-party pact signed in Paris 18 months ago would deal a devastating blow to global efforts to combat climate change. "But I hope that we can use our relationship with President Trump and our close relationship with the US to try and influence, to try to make sure that they nevertheless take the right step," Rudd said. She made the comments while participating in a televised debate ahead of the June 8 general election. At the time of the Paris accord, Rudd was Britain's energy and climate change minister. London: Britain's main opposition leader castigated Prime Minister Theresa May for refusing to debate him on live television Wednesday, as narrowing opinion polls injected drama into the country's election campaign. In a last-minute change of plan, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn joined a multiparty debate organised by the BBC in Cambridge. May has refused to do any live TV debates, and Corbyn had previously said he wouldn't take part without her. But buoyed by rising poll ratings and the chance to make May look evasive Corbyn changed his mind. "I invite her to go to Cambridge and debate her policies, debate their record, debate their plans, debate their proposals and let the public make up their mind," he said. Corbyn was joined at the debate by representatives of smaller parties, including Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and UK Independence Party chief Paul Nuttall. The Conservatives were represented by Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who accused Labour of having a "money-tree, wish-list manifesto and no plan for Brexit." The other participants traded barbs over everything from immigration to public spending, but were united in attacking May's refusal to appear. "Theresa May called this election because she is taking you for granted," said Leanne Wood, leader of the Welsh party Plaid Cymru. "She won't turn up to these debates because her campaign of soundbites is falling apart." At a campaign rally in southwest England, May denied she was running scared. "I've been taking Jeremy Corbyn on directly week in and week out at Prime Minister's Questions" in the House of Commons, she said. "I think debates where the politicians are squabbling amongst themselves doesn't do anything for the process of electioneering." May called a snap parliamentary election for June 8 three years early arguing that a bigger majority for her Conservatives will strengthen Britain's hand in Brexit negotiations with the European Union. When campaigning began last month, polls showed the Conservatives up to 20 points ahead of Labour. Since then, the bombing that killed 22 people at a Manchester concert and some policy missteps by May's party have thrown the contest into uncertainty. The pound fell below USD $1.28 Wednesday, its lowest level in more than a month, after pollster YouGov suggested Britain could be headed for a hung Parliament in which no party has an overall majority. YouGov stressed that was just one possible result of its research, which is based on a mix of polling and demographic modeling. But it follows a trend. "Every single pollster, using whatever method, has found a rise in Labour support and something of a decline in Conservative support," said polling expert John Curtice. Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, said there are still many unknowns especially whether young voters, who have shifted to Labour in large numbers, will actually turn out to vote on June 8. But he said the outcome of the election was now in doubt. "We can't be sure Theresa May is going to achieve her political objective of a landslide majority," he said. "We don't know whether she is going to achieve her original ambition in calling this election or not. That's what's changed." Medics from Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said that the soldier was brought to hospital with a stab wound on his upper body. (Photo: File/Representational) Jerusalem: A Palestinian woman stabbed an Israeli soldier outside a Jewish settlement in the northern West Bank on Thursday before being shot and critically wounded, the army and medics said. The attack came just days before the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War in which Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including east Jerusalem. The soldier was brought to hospital with a stab wound on his upper body, medics from Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said. The assailant was in critical condition, the medics added. The attack took place at the entrance to Mevo Dotan, a Jewish settlement southwest of Jenin. The army said the assailant used a knife and was shot by military forces at the scene. A wave of unrest that broke out in October 2015 has claimed the lives of 266 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, 2 Americans, 2 Jordanians, 1 Eritrean, 1 Sudanese and 1 Briton, according to the report. Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. The violence has subsided in recent months. Islamabad: Pakistan said on Thursday that at least three people were injured when Indian forces resorted to "unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control. According to an army statement, Indian troops opened fire at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning. "Three people were injured when Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing," it said. Pakistani troops were "effectively engaging Indian positions and responding to the fire," the statement said. The two sides regularly accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement in which civilians are killed and injured. Pakistan last week said that a 60-year-old woman was killed when an Indian shell landed on her house and exploded in Naali village of Bhimber district. Islamabad: Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said India has become a major obstacle for durable peace in South Asia and called the Kashmir issue an unfinished agenda of the partition. The president highlighted the issue of Kashmir and the strained bilateral relations between Pakistan and India while addressing a joint session of Parliament, the Dawn reported. Terming Kashmir as an unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent, the president said: "India has become a major obstacle for durable peace in the region". "Instead of positively responding to Pakistan's peace efforts, India sent Kulbhushan Jadhav, terrorists and other spies," he said. The Pakistan Army sentenced Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav on charges of espionage after a secret trial. Ties between India and Pakistan have been tense of late over a number of issues, including the status of Kashmir and the Jadhav issue. India has accused Pakistan of supporting militants, who infiltrate from the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir into the Valley and target Indian security forces. One such attack in 2016 killed 18 Indian soldiers and India retaliated with 'surgical strikes' on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Zakaria said that the ICJ stated clearly that its decision on provisional measures was not concerned with jurisdiction/ merits and it considered that Kulbhushan Jadhav would not be executed until the full hearing. (Photo: AP/File) Islamabad: Days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, Pakistan said on Thursday that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals. Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria released a statement which he claimed was aimed at addressing certain misrepresentations/false statements/allegations made in the Indian media following the ICJ's provisional measures order of May 18 in the Jadhav case. Zakaria asserted that irrespective of the ICJ's stay, Jadhav would remain alive, until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and later with the Pakistan President. He accused the Indian government of misusing the media to create a false impression of winning Jadhav's case in the ICJ. "Indian media, backed by the official quarters, misled people in the two countries by propagating that India has won" in Jadhav's case, he said. "The discussions that ensued in the two countries showed a complete lack of understanding of the matter," Zakaria said. He said the Indian media, based on the reported briefing by official quarters, called ICJ's letter dated May 8, 2017, the day India filed its petition, to the Pakistan government as a stay on Jadhav's execution. "This is a lie. The ICJ noted that lie," Zakaria claimed. Jadhav, 46, was in April sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against the country. The ICJ on May 18 stayed the execution of Jadhav. Zakaria said that the ICJ stated clearly that its decision on provisional measures was not concerned with jurisdiction/ merits and it considered that Jadhav would not be executed until the full hearing. "This is nothing unusual," Zakaria asserted. He said that a full hearing will take place after the court sets down a timetable on June 8 at the Hague. "We have given the court our arguments on merits and jurisdiction. It has not ruled on any of these arguments," he said. Zakaria said that the case at the ICJ concerns whether Jadhav is entitled to consular access. Asserting that Pakistan's position in this matter has been made clear, Zakaria said, "We had sought information from India" on January 23, 2017, on the basis of Jadhav's confession and statements. "India has not responded despite reminders," he said. He also said that in the three previous cases in the ICJ, the request for release or acquittal was not granted by the court, which stated that it does not have the power to give out such orders. Zakaria said that the case is also about whether Jadhav is entitled to consular access because of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and not about whether the ICJ can act as a court of appeal for Pakistani legal proceedings. He claimed the propaganda that the Pakistani side did not counter the Indian argument related to the 2008 consular access agreement is also a lie. The ICJ ruling had triggered criticism of the Pakistan Foreign Office for its poor handling and also for its choice of attorney Khawar Qureshi, who presented Pakistan's case before the ICJ. Beijing: China on Wednesday welcomed the inauguration of a coal-fired power plant under the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in electricity-starved Pakistan, saying it will benefit the people in the country. "It is estimated that most of the power projects will be completed preceding the year 2019, easing the lack of energy in Pakistan, which will benefit the people," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters here. She welcomed the inauguration of the first unit of Sahiwal Coal Power Plant in Punjab Province. At present, 17 priority projects are under construction under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The power plant, which is the biggest electricity power station in the area generating over 90 billion kilowatts of power, is an important project under the CPEC framework, she said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the inauguration ceremony. He highly appreciated the fact that the work has completed in 22 months, Hua said. She said the energy projects were a game changer for the people along the CPEC route. "We have also seen the benefits brought by the CPEC projects and Belt and Road Initiative," Hua added. Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indias deputy high commissioner here and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violation by India along the Line of Control that killed two civilians and injured five others. Foreign office said in a statement that India resorted to firing in Battal, Jandrot and Kotli sectors. The Director General (South Asia & SAARC), Dr. Mohammad Faisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, J P Singh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces on June 1, it said. One person was killed and four others injured in Battal sector, while one person was killed and another injured in Kotli sector. The foreign office said the deliberate targeting of civilians is contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws. The Director General urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC, it said. Two militants who were holed up in a house at Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district were killed in an encounter with security forces. An Army official said operations are still continuing in the area. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3:30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the two militants opened fire on the forces, triggering the gun-battle, he said. Sorry, the page you are looking is no longer available. Click here to go to Home In what appears to be a classic case of making a mockery of the entire education system in the State, the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has not only failed students who have qualified in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains but given them 3 or 6 marks in Physics and Chemistry. These students, who appeared for Bihar Intermediate (also called Class XIIth) exams were seething with rage over callous attitude of officials of BSEB, which conducts the examination. Anuj Kumar was one of the 500 Intermediate students protesting in front of the BSEB office here. He had a genuine grievance. He has qualified the JEE (Mains) and appeared for JEE (Advanced). Anuj hoped if not the IITs, he would get admission in at least the NITs. But lo and behold, the boy who scored 85 in JEE (Mains), has been given just six marks in Physics, six in Chemistry and 65 in Maths in the Intermediate exams conducted by the BSEB. Another student Ravi, who scored 105 in JEE (Mains), has been given three marks in Physics, six in Chemistry and 50 in Maths. Ravi and Anuj are not isolated cases. Sanjeev, who scored 150 in JEE (Mains) and was looking forward to studying in a prestigious engineering institute, was shocked to know that he had secured only two marks in Physics. As the students protested, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hurriedly convened a meeting with Education Minister Ashok Choudhary, Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and other senior officials. A dismayed Nitish gave marching orders to the Education Secretary Jitendra Srivastava and replaced him with another IAS officer Robert L Chongthu. The BSEB has been asked by the State Government to seek application for scrutiny of marks by aggrieved students from June 3 to June 12 so that all such grievances could be redressed by June-end. And those students who still remain failed in one or two subjects could appear for compartmental examination in July first week. I have taken it as a challenge to improve the education system, said Nitish who has sought a detailed roadmap for revamp of secondary and higher secondary education after the BSEB results showed that around 65 per cent students could not clear their intermediate examinations this year. A human rights organisation has criticised the Indian Army for awarding a commendation to one of its officers who used a civilian as a human shield in Kashmir, saying support for such "lawless action" will lead to future lawlessness by security forces and protesters. "The Indian Army's rewarding of an officer for actions that included serious human rights violations undermines accountability and the stature of the military," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement yesterday. It was referring to Maj Nitin Leetul Gogoi being commended for evacuating security personnel and election staff who were threatened by a mob in Jammu and Kashmir, in which he used a bystander unlawfully as a "human shield." The Indian Army has defended Gogoi's action. In a recent interview to PTI, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, defending the episode, said the Army was facing a "dirty war" in Kashmir which has to be fought through "innovative" ways. HRW's South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly, however, said, "Soldiers have a difficult task in Kashmir and should be rewarded for saving lives, but not by deliberately placing others at risk and violating their rights." "Support by senior army and government officials for a lawless action merely fans the flames of future lawlessness by security forces and protesters," Ganguly said. "Public praise by senior officials for an act of outrageous cruelty should put to rest any belief that the government is serious about holding security force personnel to account for serious abuses." The seven-storied Chennai Silks building, which was ravaged by a major fire, will be razed down within three days after authorities found the stability of the structure was very weak. Finance Minister D Jayakumar, who was monitoring the rescue operations, on Thursday said that after consulting with several experts including a technical team from Anna University and professors from Indian Institute of Technology, it was found that the Chennai Silks building was severely damaged due to fire and its stability is weak. "Therefore, the work to raze down the remaining parts of the building will begin today. It will be completed within three days", Jayakumar said. However, the minister said that the building will be demolished manually since it is located in a congested area. "People's safety is more important. Therefore, special equipments will be used to demolish the building manually", Jayakumar said. The fire in Chennai Silks, which broke on Wednesday morning, was dowsed only on Thursday morning with fire service personnel battled almost 30 hours to put off the flames. Police said the owners of the Chennai Silks could not obtain permission to construct more than four floors. However, after getting a stay order from a court, they went on to construct seven floors. Chennai Silks houses a jewellery showroom on the ground floor, textile varieties, garments and gift items in the remaining six floors. Meanwhile, Urban Development Minister Udhumalai Radhakrishnan said that the government will demolish other buildings in busy areas, which have violated the regulations. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat arrived here today to review the security situation and operational preparedness of the armed forces posted in Kashmir and along the Line of Control. "Gen Rawat and some senior Army officers arrived at Badamibagh Cantonment area this morning for a routine day-long visit," an Army official said. He said the purpose of the Army Chief's visit was to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the Valley. "The Chief of Army Staff is being briefed by Corps Commander and other top officers about the situation in the Valley, especially after killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat. "He will also be briefed about the situation along the Line of Control in the wake of reports of activity at infiltration launch pads on the other side of LoC," the official added. Meanwhile, a General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed, while two others, including a BSF jawan, were injured today as Pakistan violated ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the Modi government for the decline in GDP growth and said her apprehensions about demonetisation had proven to be correct. There had been rampant job losses and the agriculture and the unorganised sector was in "worst shape", the chief minister said. "Right at the time demonetisation was announced by the Central government, I had voiced my concern that the country would have to face severe loss of jobs and drastic decline in productivity due to demonetisation. My apprehension is now proven to be true," she said in a tweet. "The Q4 GDP figure this fiscal has come down to 6.1%. The corresponding GDP figure in the previous fiscal was 7.9%. So, the decline is nearly 2 per cent point." "Rampant job loss has been reported across the country with the agriculture and unorganised sector in worst shape," Banerjee said. "What have the people, who pushed the country to this crisis, to say?". "Yesterday, a grenade attack was carried out on a police deployment party in Sopore town in which four policemen were injured," Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, S P Vaid told reporters here. "The description of assailants and CCTV footage helped in identifying and arresting two persons, including one who had hurled the grenade at the police party," the DGP said. Vaid said during interrogation, the arrested persons provided information about the hideout of the militants at whose behest they had carried out the attack. "The security forces laid a cordon around the area. As they were closing in on the house where the militants were hiding, they opened fire. The security forces retaliated leading to death of the two militants," the DGP said. He said both slain militants were locals and belonged to the Hizbul Mujahdieen. "They have been identified as Aijaz and Basharat," he added. Two militants, who were killed by security forces in an encounter in Baramulla district's Sopore area today, belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen and were behind an attack on a police party. The mark sheet of candidates who appeared for the civil services examination will be made public within 15 days, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has said. Nandini K R, an officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), has topped the civil services examination 2016, the result of which was declared yesterday. Anmol Sher Singh Bedi is the topper among male candidates, securing overall second rank. He is an engineering graduate in Computer Science from BITS, Pilani. A total of 1,099 candidates (846 men and 253 women), including 500 in General category, 347 belonging to Other Backward Class, 163 from Scheduled Caste and 89 from Scheduled Tribe, have been recommended for appointment to various Central government services. "The mark sheets will be available on the website (www.upsc.gov.in) within 15 days from the date of declaration of result," the Commission has said. The prestigious civil services examination is conducted by the UPSC annually in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview --to select candidates for the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. UPSC has a 'facilitation counter' near the examination hall in its campus. Candidates can obtain any information or clarification regarding their examinations or recruitments on working days between 10 AM to 5 PM in person or over telephone. The candidates can call on 011-23385271, 23381125 and 23098543. He said unless the opening of the FDI rules is accompanied by some reasonable possibility of getting orders, an investor is not going to set up an establishment in the country. Entry of foreign investors "is linked to the kind of orders they will get and the only entity which can place the orders is the Government of India. "There are no two procurers, there is only one and that is why the strategic partner policy now has been brought in as it will supplement the FDI policy," he said when asked about the reasons of poor response of investors in the sector. Whether the strategic partner comes through FDI route or the investor comes with just a technology tie up, they would be free to do so, he added. Seen as a major initiative, the 'strategic partnership model' aims to create a vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country through involvement of both the major Indian corporates as well as the MSME sector. Under the policy, select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities. In 2016, the government relaxed FDI norms in several sectors including defence. India imports 70 per cent of its military hardware from different countries. As per the policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent has been permitted in the defence sector through automatic route, and beyond that limit through government route on case to case basis, wherever it is likely to result in access to modern and state-of-art technology. The minister stated that the FDI changes in the sector opened the door and effort is to encourage them to set up facilities in the country. "They are enabling. They themselves do not ensure that immediately the entry of participants will take place and the reason is very simple that there is only one purchaser within India and thats the Government of India," he said. Talking about the procurement proposals, Jaitley said under the Defence Procurement Policy, a particular mechanism is there by which decisions are being taken. "The manner in which the proposals have been cleared by the defence acquisition council over the last three years is unprecedented when you compare it with the inaction during the previous regime," he added. During April 2000 and March this year, defence sector has attracted FDI worth only USD 5.12 million (Rs 25.49 crore). The strategic partnership policy in defence will help attract FDI as global investors would be assured of orders, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today said. Union minister for defence and finance Arun Jaitley on Thursday blamed Pakistan for scuttling environment required for holding bilateral talks between the two neighbours. Briefing media on the NDA's third anniversary, Jaitley said every time India took steps to ease tensions, Pakistan respondened by orchestrating attacks at Army bases in Pathankot and Uri. The minister, however, said the forces were "dominating" the LoC to repulse designs of Pakistan's army and non-state actors on this side of the border. His comments came as Army Chief General Bipin Rawat along with top military commanders, reached Jammu and Kashmir capital Srinagar on Thursday to review the security situation along the border. Intelligence reports suggest that nearly 250 terrorists were waiting to infiltrate from eight launch pads across the LoC. "The Government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situation in the past... The fact that our Prime Minister dropped in at Lahore at a social function in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family, were all steps intended to ease the tension. But each one of these have been responded by, let us say, a Pathankot or a Uri or by mutilation of two of our soldiers. And, therefore, that environment which must exist for talks has been successfully prevented by Pakistan," Jaitley said. Despite reports suggesting that the situation in the Valley is at its worst, Jaitley commented it is "better" than what is being made out. "The security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure on them, and the results, some of which are evident almost on a daily basis... The situation in Kashmir is better than the impression," the minister stressed. He though admitted that the scenario was challenging only in south Kashmir. Elsewhere in the state it is normal as the the two-day meeting of the Goods and Services Tax Council was held in Srinagar recently. In a first, Uttar Pradesh police's 'Anti-Romeo Squad' apprehended two 'Juliets' in state's Agra town, about 250 kilometres from Lucknow, on charges of ''harassing'' two youths. According to the reports, the girls had been ''exerting'' pressure on the youths to marry them and lodged a report of eve teasing, when they refused. Police sources said that a few days back the squad had arrested two youths from Jagadishpura area after it was informed by the girls that they had tried to molest them. The youths, however, claimed that they were innocent and alleged that were victims of harassment and not the girls. During the investigation, it was found that the youth had been living in rented accommodations, which were owned by the parents of the girls. The girls, who were friends, had been having an affair with the youths for the past few months. Police said that the girls had been "exerting" pressure on the youths to marry them but they did not agree. Angry over their refusal, the girls lodged a complaint with the cops accusing the duo of harassing them. The squad on Wednesday apprehended the two girls and booked them for ''harassing'' the youths, sources said. They were later released on bail with a warning not to harass the duo. The 'Anti-Romeo Squad' has drawn flak from several quarters, including the women's rights activists and opposition parties, who termed it ''unconstitutional'' and accused it of indulging in ''moral policing''. There were reports that the Squad had harassed innocent couples and young lovers. The state government, however, claimed that the Squad had been a huge success and earned the praise and support of the people. It also said that during the past two months, the squad had warned over 3.38 lakh 'Romeos' and booked over one thousand people on charges of eve teasing and molestation. A teenaged Kashmiri boy, who had joined militancy just a week back, is back home, state police said today without sharing details. Tufail Mir (19), a student of Degree College Bemina, went missing from his home a week ago and had reportedly joined militancy. "He is at his home, with his people," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, central Kashmir range, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, told reporters here when asked about his status. He, however, did not share any details about whether Mir was arrested or he had surrendered. When asked, Bhat said, "Why should we tell you whether it was arrest or surrender?" In the recent months, a number of locals have joined militant ranks, particularly Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. Tufail, a resident of Parimpora area on the outskirts of Srinagar, was believed to be the fifth youth from Srinagar to have joined militancy in the last one year. After his disappearance, his family had sought public help in tracing him. Later, his picture in a camaouflage T- shirt and holding an AK rifle surfaced on the social media. Despite unrest and violence, hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit devotees have reached to the Valley from different parts of the country, to pay obeisance at Ragnya Devi temple in Tullamulla, Ganderbal on the occasion of annual Kheer Bhawani festival on Friday. Reports said more than 500 Pandit devotees left Jagti Township in Nagrota area on the outskirts of Jammu city on Thursday morning and they are expected to reach Tullamulla by evening. The divisional commissioner, Jammu, Mandeep Bhandari flagged off the fleet of buses. In Tullamulla hundreds of Muslims are eagerly waiting for their Pandit brethren. "No matter what the situation is in the Valley, Pandits are our brothers. People in and around Tullamulla area wait for the day eagerly throughout the year. This day is special in our village as it gives us a chance to meet our displaced brethren. They (Pandits) are part and parcel of our society and that will be the happiest day of my life when I would see them back in the Valley, Abdul Majeed, a resident of Ganderbal told DH. The festival symbolises Valleys religious harmony and revives the strong bonds between the Muslims and the Pandits in the Valley, who pray together every year for the return of displaced Pandits. Even after their exodus from Kashmir in 1990 after insurgency broke out, Pandit community has not given up their practice of visiting the temple. Annually thousands of them residing in different parts of the country throng the shrine and interact with their old Muslim neighbours. This year also thousands of Pandits, including men, women and children are expected at the shrine from various far-off places including Delhi and Jammu to offer special prayers on the occasion of annual Holy day Zyeshth Ashtami. Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced holiday in the Kashmir Valley on the occasion of Kheer Bhawani Mela on Friday. Like previous years, Muslims, in a sign of brotherhood, have erected many stalls to distribute refreshments and soft drinks among the pilgrims this time too. The software exports from Telangana have touched Rs 85,470 crore in 2016-17, registering a growth rate of 13.85 percent, which is nearly four percent higher than the national average. We have achieved a healthy growth rate of 13.85 percent, which is nearly four percent more than the national average of 10 percent, the State Information Technology Minister KT Rama Rao said here on Thursday while releasing IT performance report. The minister released the annual report of IT, Electronics and Communications department on the eve of the third formation day celebrations of Telangana. Hyderabad accounted for 98-99% of the total exports. During 2016-17, the IT industry provided employment to an additional 24,506 professionals, taking the total workforce to 4.31 lakh. Telangana, which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in June 2014, was on track to achieve IT exports of Rs 1.20 lakh crore, providing jobs to 8 lakh people, by 2020. The growth in IT exports was higher than the national average for the third consecutive year. In 2013-14, the exports stood at Rs 57,000 crore. "We have declared that we will double the exports and direct employment by 2020. We are on course to achieve this," Rao said, adding that indirect employment would jump up to 20 lakh. The IT Minister, however, said that layoffs are a common practice in the technology industry. According to a report released by the government, the second phase of the T-HUB (Telangana hub), an incubator facility for the IT start-ups coming up here in an area of about 3 lakh sq ft, will be operational by first half of 2018. It would house 3,000 entrepreneurs. The Minister also launched T Wallet - an official digital wallet of the state, which offers anytime, anywhere platform for digital payments with no additional charges for citizens. The wallet supports payments for the government, private organisations and individuals and is accessible on desktops, laptops, smartphones, feature phones and at Mee Seva (Citizen Services) centres. An HIV-infected woman was allegedly thrashed by doctors at Gorakhpur medical college hospital for failing to inform them about the infection. According to the sources, the woman, a resident of Basti district, about 200 kilometres from Lucknow, was nine months pregnant and had been admitted to the hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday night. She delivered a healthy child late in the night, sources said. The lady doctors flew in rage after they saw the blood report of the mother and child the next day. Both were HIV infected. They allegedly thrashed the woman for failing to inform them about the infection. The incident triggered panic in the ward and many women patients and their attendants reportedly ran away from there. Senior officials at the medical college, however, feigned ignorance about the incident. The incident took place on May 28 in Karka village under Darbha police station area and 26 people were arrested yesterday in connection with the case, Station House Officer (SHO) Darbha Vivek V K told PTI. The victim, identified as Budhuram Naag, was allegedly killed by over two dozen villagers, who accused him of practising black magic and blamed him for a series of misfortunes in the village. Naag, who belonged to Dhurva tribe, was the pujari (priest) of the village. He also acted as a 'baiga' (witch doctor), who used to cure people using traditional practices, he said. A group of villagers had earlier warned the victim of dire consequences if he did not quit his practices. However, Naag continued to do it. On May 28, the villagers held a meeting in the village, where they sought to remove Naag from the post of 'pujari' holding him responsible for the deaths and other troubles in the village, he said. An argument broke out between Naag and the villagers during the meeting, which turned into an altercation. Nearly 30 villagers, including Budhram (45)- the husband of the sarpanch (village head), attacked him with stones, sticks and rods that left him critically injured, the SHO said. Naag's two daughters, Parvati and Raimati, escaped from the spot fearing that they would also be attacked by the villagers, he said. "The victim succumbed to his injuries next day while undergoing treatment at a local hospital, following which his daughter Parvati lodged a complaint," the officer added. Based on the complaint, a case was registered against 29 accused under section 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 302 (murder) and under sections 4 and 5 of the Chhattisgarh Witchcraft Atrocities (Prevention) Act 2005 in this regard, he said. "Of them, 26 were arrested and efforts are on to trace three others," the SHO said adding that further probe was on. Meanwhile, chairperson of the Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti, an anti-superstition body, Dr Dinesh Mishra advocated the need to provide proper education and health facilities in backward areas to prevent such incidents. "Such incidents were also reported in Darbha region of Bastar in the past. Superstitious beliefs are more prevalent in the tribal-dominated pockets of the state due to the absence of proper health services and education facilities," Dr Mishra told PTI. "To convince the people not to fall for such unscientific beliefs that diseases caused by 'black magic', there is a need to conduct regular health camps as well as awareness camps in these areas," he said. A 55-year-old man was allegedly stoned and beaten to death by villagers in Chhattisgarh's tribal-dominated Bastar district on the suspicion that he practised witchcraft, police said today. The government will consult opposition leaders on presidential candidate once it makes up its mind, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. Jaitley's response at a press conference here was to a query on opposition recently urging the government to declare its candidate first and create a consensus on the candidate for presidential election ahead of Pranab Mukherjee's term comes to an end on July 24. The BJP is likely to hold consultations with its NDA allies and opposition leaders after the Election Commission of India notifies presidential poll schedule which is expected around mid-June as it happened last time on June 16, 2012, a party leader said. The polling had taken place on July 19, that year. A top BJP leader had recently said that serious exercise on the presidential poll will begin after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns home this weekend from his on-going four-nation foreign tour. Though the party top brass is searching for a suitable candidate, who has all accomplishments to carry a social message, for the top Constitutional post, it has not been able to lay its hand on any particular person, said BJP sources. The BJP's hunt for a face is spread over a wide range of background -- from socially and economically backward to achievers in fields. An eminent personality's name had come up during the internal discussion but he was not found above board on all the parameters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in mind for Rashtrapati Bhavan, said sources aware of developments. The BJP leadership after identifying problems will hold consultations with its ideological mentor RSS to shortlist the final candidate for the top Constitutional post. BJP president Amit Shah met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at its headquarters in Nagpur earlier this week, leading to the buzz that presidential poll came up for discussion, Sangh official spokesperson outrightly denied it. A source in the RSS claimed all the names doings the rounds are nowhere on the radar for the presidential election. With BJP president Amit Shah confident of installing a figure of the NDA's choice owing to numbers on their side after non-NDA parties such as TRS and YSR Congress have openly indicated support in their favour, the party will prepare a list of at least three candidates to hold consultations with its partners and opposition parties. This move would be to hedge its ultimate choice of candidate for presidential election, according to said party sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin today held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as Prime Minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow in St Petersburg. "Normally, international relations see ups and downs but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs," the prime minister said and thanked the Russian president for playing crucial role in getting India Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) membership. Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Modi mentioned to Putin about his visit to the cemetery this morning where he paid homage to the victims of the World War II. "You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred," Modi told Putin. Putin's brother was killed 70 years ago in the siege of Leningrad during the World War II. He thanked Modi for visiting the war memorial, saying such places have special place in Russian people's heart. The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide- ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. He, however, conceded that some "patriotic" individuals could have carried out cyber attacks in the West to pay back for what he said was its "Russo-phobic hysteria." "If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia," he said during an exclusive interaction with editors of international news agencies. "Theoretically it's possible." But he quickly distanced himself from suggestions that the Russian state was involved in election hacking. "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so," he said when asked if Russian hackers could try to influence the German parliamentary elections later this year. Russian hacking of elections has been at the centre of a controversy since the US elections that gave Donald Trump the presidency. US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping Trump win against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Putin said that in any case hackers cannot possibly sway election outcomes because the electorate is not so easily manipulated. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign. No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America," he said. He said it's also possible that Russia could have been framed by hackers from other countries. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." Russian President Vladimir Putin today rejected suggestions that elections anywhere could be manipulated by hackers, and denied that his government had ever done it or would do so. India and Russia today agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the aviation sector by setting up joint ventures in the field of manufacturing, as India is set to become the third largest global aviation market by 2020. "The Regional Connectivity Scheme of the government of India provides an opportunity for strengthening cooperation in joint production and setting up of joint ventures in India in the field of aviation manufacturing to serve the demand created," according to vision documents, issued after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The move is aimed to cater to increasing exports and demands of India's regional air connectivity scheme. The Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, too, provides incentives for made-in-India aircraft and encourages global OEMs for establishing aircraft assembly plant in India, including fast-tracking clearances. India is the fastest growing aviation market in the world and has become the third largest domestic aviation market in terms of domestic passenger traffic, beating Japan, according to Sydney-based aviation think-tank Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). India's domestic air passenger traffic stood at 100 million in 2016 and was behind only the US (719 million) and China (436 million), as per CAPA. This is likely to grow manifold with the launch of government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme that seeks to take flying to the masses with airfares capped at Rs 2,500 per hour. The joint declaration also focuses on development of high speed railways, dedicated freight corridors, new technologies for efficient rail transport as well as ship-building and river navigation. India and Russia today signed the much-awaited agreement on setting up of two more units of a nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu and decided to give a "new direction" to the defence cooperation between the two "great powers". The two countries also decided to hold the first tri- Services exercises, named 'Indra-2017', this year and start joint manufacturing of frigates, adding on to the co- production of Kamov-226 military helicopters. These decisions were taken at the wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here which covered issues like terrorism and increasing trade and investment. Addressing the media jointly with Putin after the talks, Modi said the relations between India and Russia have been unwavering, based on "mutual love, respect and strong trust". "From culture to security, our relations have been at par... We speak in one language," he added. He said the two leaders had decided to speed up the bilateral cooperation in all fields, for which an 'Action Plan' has been devised. Noting that India and Russia were celebrating the 70th anniversary of their relations, Modi said there has been no impact on the ties in all these decades. Putin described the talks as substantative and said the India-Russia "partnership is developing into strategic and priveleged one." A Joint Declaration issued after the talks said that "the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership is a unique relationship of mutual trust between two great powers." It said the relationship covers all areas of cooperation, including in the spheres of political relations, security, trade and economy, military and technical field, energy, scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and foreign policy. The relationship helps promote national interests of both countries, and contributes to the establishment of a more peaceful and just world order, the declaration said. Among the major outcomes of the summit meeting was the signing of the agreement on setting up of Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) with the Russian help in Tamil Nadu, which Modi said will further strengthen the ties between the two countries. "We welcome the conclusion of the the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant," said a vision document issued after the Modi-Putin talks. The reactors will be built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled 'A vision for the 21st Century' said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an "energy bridge". It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. "We will strive to build an 'energy bridge' between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency," it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India's "Make In India" initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India" signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said that there has been a "steady and demonstrable" achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of India's largest energy hubs. "Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation," as per the document. Talking about terrorism, Modi said the views of the two countries are similar on the problem in whichever form it exists, whether in Afghanistan, Middle East or Asia-Pacific. "India and Russia stand together on terrorism and new challenges to the security," he said. Referring to trade, Modi said the two countries were close to achieving the target of USD 30 billion by 2025. At present, trade between the two nations stands at USD 7.8 billion, down from USD 10 billion in 2014. Russian investment in India is USD 4 billion while Indian investment in Russia is USD 8 bn, Putin noted. We visited Switzerland, a land of picturesque locales, as part of our Europe trip. We started the trip with Germany, where we stayed with our son who was on deputation there. We then left for Switzerland from Stuttgart by road, along with my sons colleagues. For this trip, we had accommodation for three days in a farmhouse, close to Zurich, with five bedrooms, kitchen and dining room. On day one, we started early in the morning and headed straight to Mount Titlis. The 10,000 feet-high mountain can be reached by cable car. One will be mesmerised by the scenic view during the one-and-a-half-hour ride. The snow capped mountain offers a greyscale landscape. One can do sledging and also play in the snow. There is a restaurant on the top that offers European food. Outside the restaurant, one can see people posing for selfies in front of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajols cutouts from the film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. One of the scenes from the movie was shot at this place. We had a good time there till about 4 pm and returned to the farmhouse. The second day of our trip started at around 7 am with a one-hour journey to Blausee. The water there is a clear blue and there is an interesting story behind the lake being blue in colour. After spending some time there, we moved towards Trummelbach Falls. I must really appreciate the engineering, especially the path constructed inside the caves to view the falls. There are ten viewpoints in total. Our next destination was Interlaken city meaning in between two lakes. The day ended with some shopping. The next day, a frogs croaking in the morning was our alarm. It was raining and we had no choice but to start our journey in the rain. We travelled to Lucerne, an old city, which was around 70 km from our farmhouse. There is the famous Chapel Bridge there, decorated with flowers on either side, a river flowing beneath it and shelter over the bridge to protect from sun or rain. Since it was raining, we could not explore the entire city. We then moved towards Zurich where we visited a church. We then left for our next and final destination, Rhine Falls. The bluish water was gushing down with all its might, making a roaring sound. We took a motorboat to reach a rock in the middle. As our trip came to an end, we left with fond memories of our beautiful Swiss sojourn and a smile on our faces. (The author can be contacted at venugopalhk@gmail.com) If everything goes as per plan, the renovated KSRTC bus stand will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 18, District in-charge Minister A Manju said. After inspecting the works under progress at the bus stand here on Thursday, Manju told reporters that the state-of-the-art bus stand is being constructed at a cost of Rs 32.98 crore. Around 36,000 sqft is being utilised for commercial purposes and the remaining 56,000 sqft is for public use. The commercial space is expected to fetch a revenue of Rs 15 lakh per annum, he said. The parking area at the bus stand can accommodate 1,000 two-wheelers and 100 cars. People should make use of the facility. The city bus service will cover a distance of 12 km and buses will ply to 22 routes, mostly rural areas, he said. The minister directed the KSRTC and City Municipal Council officials to clear the dilapidated buildings adjoining the bus stand and construct new ones. He also inspected the parking facility, rest room and basement. CMC member Yashwant, Hassan Urban Development Authority Chairman H R Krishnakumar and KSRTC Divisional Controller Yashwant Kumar among others were present. The engineers of Cauvery Irrigation Corporation will perform Parjanya Homa' (propitiation of rain god through a sacred fire ritual) for good rain. The Homa will be held at Talacauvery or near Bhagandeshwara Temple at Bhagamandala on June 4. The sacred fire ritual will be held at a cost of Rs 10 lakh and it will be held under the guidance of priests from Kerala. Water Resources Minister M B Patil and District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam will offer special prayers on the day. Harangi reservoir executive engineer Rangaswamy said no official order has been issued to conduct the ritual. It has been a tradition from the time of Mysuru Maharajas to offer speical prayers at Talacauvery before the onset of monsoon. The farmers in the KRS dam catchment area offer prayers for rains every year. There is no need to apply special meaning to the rituals, he added. Bhagandeshwara Temple executive officer Jagadish Kumar said no preparations have been done for Parjanya Homa in Bhagamandala. Prakruthi Foundation had organised Parjanya Varuna Yaga in Bhagamandala in previous September. Fifteen priests from Maharashtra used 100 kg clarified butter, jackfruit wood, sandalwood and banyan wood in the three-day sacred fire ritual. But, on the last day, during Poornahuthi, the concluding offerings, the locals staged a protest and stopped the ritual. Bhagamandala resident Mohan said Kodagu has received good pre-monsoon rain. Therefore, there is no need for the government to spend money and make hasty decisions to get rain, he felt. The farmers are facing problem as there are no proper toilet facilities in the government Goshala (cattle shed) at Panchanahalli in Kadur taluk. The cattle shed on the premises of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) accommodates 6,000 cattle. Hundreds of farmers, who come to the shed to obtain cattle feed, answering nature calls at an open ground. Even though there are toilets on the APMC premises, they are not fit for use and the farmers have been relying on the fields nearby. Farmer Ningappa said the district administration has not maintained good toilets. Another farmer Manjunath expressed concern that there are high chances of spreading of infectious diseases as the farmers have been urinating and defecating in the open. In the cattle shed, dry grass of five kg and 2.5 kg will be provided to each cow and calf respectively. Also, 12 kg and six kg green grass are supplied to cows and calves. Water tanks too have been facilitated. Cattle feed is stored in four godowns. The feed is distributed to farmers through token system. A total of 3,200 quintal feed is supplied per day. Sixteen members of Art of Living Vyakti Vikasa Kendra have been voluntarily working at the shed. Veterinary department deputy director Dr Prabhulingu said the veterinary doctors examine the cattle for diseases. Farmer Chandrappa urge the authorities to make meal arrangement for the farmers who are halting at the cattle shed. The Reserve Bank of India has appointed S Ganesh Kumar as executive director (ED) with effect from June 1, 2017 consequent upon voluntary retirement of Chandan Sinha, as ED. Ganesh Kumar will look after Department of Information Technology, Department of Payment and Settlement Systems and Department of External Investments and Operations. Ganesh Kumar joined the Reserve Bank in 1984 and as a career central banker, has served in the areas of payment systems, supervision, foreign exchange, information technology and government and bank accounts in the apex bank. Prior to being promoted as ED, Ganesh Kumar was chief general manager-in-charge, Department of Information Technology in the Reserve Bank, the central bank said. The government will consult the Opposition leaders on the Presidential candidate once it makes up its mind, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. Jaitleys response at a press conference here was to a query on the Opposition recently urging the government to declare its candidate first and also create a consensus on the candidate for the Presidential poll ahead of Pranab Mukherjees term. The BJP is likely to hold consultations with its NDA allies and Opposition leaders after the Election Commission of India notifies the poll schedule around mid-June, as it happened in 2012, a party leader said. The polling had taken place on July 19, that year. A top BJP leader had recently said that serious exercise on the Presidential poll will begin after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns home this weekend from his on-going four-nation tour. Though the party top brass is searching for a suitable candidate, who has all the accomplishments to carry a social message, for the top Constitutional post, it has not been able to lay its hand on any particular person, said BJP sources. The BJPs hunt for a face is spread over a wide range of background from socially and economically backward to achievers in fields. An eminent personalitys name had come up during internal discussion, but he was not found above board on all the parameters the prime minister had in mind for Rashtrapati Bhavan, said sources aware of the developments. The BJP leadership, after identifying probables, will hold consultations with its ideological mentor RSS to shortlist the final candidate for the top Constitutional post. Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday reviewed the prevailing situation in Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC) with field commanders. Rawat, who arrived here for a one-day visit, was briefed by senior army commanders on the prevailing security situation and the recent operations conducted by the security forces. He was also briefed about the situation along the LoC in the wake of reports of activity at infiltration launch pads on the other side of the border, they said. Later, Rawat held a security review meeting at the Chinar Corps headquarters here, where he underlined the need to maintain high vigil. The army chiefs visit to Kashmir came on the day the LoC witnessed a flare-up again, with troops exchanging fire since morning. Last month, during his two-day visit to the Valley, the general had expressed worry over the rising casualties of soldiers. Meanwhile, the army has released a list of the 12 most wanted militants in Kashmir. The list figures names like Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Abu Dujana, Hizbul commanders Zakir Musa and Reyaz Naikoo (alias Zubair). Naikoo is likely to be the next Hizbul commander of Kashmir after the killing of Sabzar Bhat by security forces last week. India and Russia on Thursday decided to upgrade and intensify bilateral defence cooperation through joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of key military hardware and equipment. The decision to ramp up defence cooperation was taken during the annual summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here. A vision document, issued after the talks, said both the countries also decided to work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation. We will upgrade and intensify this (military) cooperation, through joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of military hardware and military spares, with increasing reliance on the adoption and sharing of future technologies, in compliance with the obligations of the sides under the existing agreements on military-technical cooperation, it said. The two countries said bilateral defence cooperation is built on strong mutual trust and it will grow further. The two countries will hold first ever tri-services exercise Indra later this year. Russia has been one of Indias key suppliers of arms and ammunition. A student from Bihar who cleared JEE (Mains) and has appeared for JEE (Advanced) in pursuit of a dream seat at a premier engineering institute in the country finds himself in a strange situation. The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has awarded Anuj Kumar just six marks in physics and six in Chemistry in the Class XII board exams. Anujs is not an isolated case. Another student Ravi, who scored 105 in JEE (Mains), has been given three marks in Physics, six in Chemistry and 50 in Maths. Sanjeev, who scored 150 in JEE (Mains), was shocked to know that he had secured only two marks in Physics. These students, who appeared for the Bihar Intermediate (also called Class XII) exams, were seething with rage over the callous attitude of BSEB officials. Along with nearly 500 other students, they staged a protest outside the BSEB office here. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hurriedly convened a meeting with Education Minister Ashok Choudhary, Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and other senior officials. Nitish gave marching orders to Education Secretary Jitendra Srivastava and replaced him with another IAS officer Robert L Chongthu. The state government ordered the BSEB to seek applications for scrutiny of marks by aggrieved students from June 3 to June 12. Students who still fail in one or two subjects can appear for the compartmental examination in the first week of July. I have taken it as a challenge to improve the education system, said Nitish, who sought a detailed roadmap to revamp secondary and higher secondary education system in the state after the BSEB results showed that around 65% students could not clear their intermediate examinations this year. With muzrai officials admitting to preparing inaccurate maps, the Infosys Foundation is likely to withdraw support for the restoration of the Vasanthapura temple tank. We were not involved in preparing the plan. We are just facilitators and are funding the tank restoration plan, Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty told DH on Thursday. Earlier this week, DH had reported how the government was filling up a 350-year-old stepped temple tank (kalyani) in southern Bengaluru to build a road to a private developers property. Officials have since said they would build a park there, and not a road. We dont know about the real estate interests associated with the development plan, Sudha said. The foundation is funding the restoration generously, and grants add up to at least Rs 2.5 crore, according to official sources. Sudha wouldnt disclose the amount she is giving away. She said she had taken up work on the kalyani as the heritage structure had been in shambles. Government officials referred to me this temple tank, she said. Govt: cant save tank Meanwhile, apologetic muzrai officials said they had got the map all wrong and had no plans to build an approach road to a private land developers property. They said they would use the space for a park instead. Under scrutiny after DH exposed their plan to cover up the 17th century tank, they said they would correct the map, but wouldnt be able to save the tank. The BDA will acquire about 25,000 sq ft of temple land to widen the road leading to Kanakapura Road, and the temple is set to lose a portion of the tank. Moreover, the tank is not archaeologically significant, muzrai officials claimed. Neither the Archaeological Survey of India nor the state archaeology department had listed the tank as protected monuments, a muzrai department note said. Archaeology officials say that is because heritage shrines where rituals are conducted regularly fall under the muzrai department and not the archaeology department. The BDA has decided to acquire a portion of the tank to the north. The government is empowered to acquire such pieces of land. It had earlier shifted a monument while widening Ballari Road on the way to the international airport, G V Sridhar, muzrai assistant commissioner, told DH. The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday granted bail to Sunkanna, a judgement writer at the Additional Registrar of Enquiries - 1 in the Lokayukta office. Sunkanna was arrested for taking a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a constable for not raking up an old corruption case against him. The constable was attached to the APMC police station in Ballari. Sunkanna is said to have asked Sudhakar, a colleague of the constable, to demand bribe for not taking up the Lokayukta proceedings against the constable. The constable wrote a letter to the Lokayukta about the demand for bribe by the judgement writer through Sudhakar. Justice Rathnakala granted conditional bail to Sunkanna as he has been in custody for more than 50 days. As the investigation in the case is nearly completed and since Sudhakar has also been granted bail, the judge granted bail to Sunkanna. After spending 37 days in police and judicial custody, AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran was on Thursday granted bail by a Delhi court in the Election Commission bribery case. Special Judge Poonam Chaudhary granted bail to Dhinakaran and his aide Mallikarjuna while asking them to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and two sureties of the same amount. The court granted them bail on the grounds that they were no longer required for custodial interrogation and asked them not to influence witnesses or tamper with the evidence. Dhinakaran and Mallikarjuna have been asked to surrender their passports and cannot leave the country without permission from the court. Dhinakaran was arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on April 25, days after a middleman, Sukesh Chandrasekhar, was apprehended from a hotel in Delhi. While seeking bail, Dhinakaran said there was no reason to keep him in custody and no public servant was made an accused in the case, though he was booked on graft charges. The police argued that Dhinakaran conspired with others to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process through corrupt means and practices. Sukesh and hawala operator Nathu Singh will remain in judicial custody until June 12. Lalit Kumar, a co-accused also said to be a hawala operator, will remain in judicial custody until June 5. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George asked BBMP officials to construct a canal along the periphery of the lake in Kodichikkanahalli to prevent flooding that occurred in the area last year. Before the onset of the monsoon, George visited the areas around Kodichikkanahalli which were submerged following torrential rain last year. He was accompanied by Mayor G Padmavathi, BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad and other officials. George said Rs 139 crore earmarked for flood control is awaiting Cabinet approval but Rs 25 crore of the amount would be released shortly. Later, the minister visited DLF road in Avani Sringeri Nagar where many houses were demolished to clear encroachments on a stormwater drain. The 2.6-km stormwater drain is under construction. At RR Layout and Srinivas Layout in Arakere, he reviewed development work taken up in packages, including storm water drain work in Vysya Bank Colony, and instructed officials to speed up the work. A Lokayukta enquiry report has confirmed large-scale irregularities in handling of Rs 136-crore Bidar infrastructure project fund. The report submitted by Lokayukta chief engineer stated that almost all the infrastructure works were executed in violation of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act and also by paying more than what the bidder had quoted for the work. The complaint filed to the Lokayukta in 2014 had stated that certain officials at the district administration in Bidar had siphoned off most of the funds that the Union government and the state governments had released in October 2008. The chief engineer was directed to make spot visits to inspect the files pertaining to the works taken up by the district administration. Senior IAS officer Harsh Gupta was the deputy commissioner when Rs 136 crore was released to the district for taking up various works. The fund was released to upgrade Bidar infrastructure in view of Guru-ta-Gaddi, a celebration to observe the centenary of Guru Granth Sahib. Since thousands of devotees were expected at Nanded in Maharashtra, the crowd was also expected to visit the Gurudwara complex and other places in Bidar. Hence, the Centre had allocated Rs 136 crore fund to upgrade the infrastructure in Bidar. This fund was part of the Centres additional central assistance, the report said. The team, led by chief engineer Lokayukta, which inspected the documents in April 2015 found that funds were released in two instalments one Rs 40.82 crore and another Rs 95.20 crore during September-October 2008. The report stated that the then DC, Bidar, (Harsh Gupta) had requested the state government to exempt these works from the provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. Though the state government had not accorded any exemption, all works were split into piece works of below Rs 5 lakh budget. Act violated The works were split only to avoid the provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. The files perused reveal that only short-term tenders were invited. Though there was poor response to the tenders called, the district administration made no attempts to recall the tender. In certain cases, single bidder was allotted the work after negotiations. All these are in violation of the provisions of Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. Some works were allotted to the contractors by paying more than the bidding amount, the report stated. Even as the district administration took up works worth Rs 114.89 crore by 2011, the state government issued an order in January 2011 directing the administration not to take up any more work. Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty said that he is yet to go through the file. I was told about this case. However, the file has not been placed before me yet. Besides, I have instructed the officials not to place any file before me out of turn, unless it concerns larger public interest and pertains to serious problems to the general public, Justice Shetty said. The Congress is learnt to have put the results of the recent elections to some district office-bearers of Youth Congress on hold following complaints of electoral malpractice. The results of elections to the posts of office-bearers of Bengaluru and Hubballi cities and Kolar district have been put in abeyance. The oath-taking ceremony of the state office-bearers of Youth Congress scheduled on June 4 has been postponed to June 7 for the same reason. It is said the newly elected state office-bearers, including the president, will not be allowed to assume office till an enquiry is done. The party has already appointed a three-member enquiry committee to look into the charges of electoral malpractice. Many of the aggrieved Youth Congress leaders, including newly elected state and district-level office-bearers, complained that the ballot boxes were tampered with in order to rig the elections. They also provided audio and video clippings as evidence to substantiate their charges, sources in the Congress said. The aggrieved leaders have demanded that the party should either order re-counting of votes or declare the elections null and void. The elections to the posts of new office-bearers were held recently and Basana Gouda Badarli was elected the state Youth Congress president. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddys daughter Sowmya Reddy has been elected as the vice-president of Bengaluru city Youth Congress Committee. The state government on Thursday sought three months time to find convicts who have been absconding after they were released on parole across the state. State Public Prosecutor P M Nawaz sought time to report the progress on their capture. The state government had released 46 convicts on parole across the state and most of them went absconding. Of the 46 convicts, 14 have been captured while two were confirmed dead. As many as 26 convicts are absconding. While hearing a suo motu petition filed by the High Court of Karnataka, a division bench comprising Justice Jayant Patel and Justice N K Sudhindra Rao directed the state police to constitute a team of officers to take steps to trace the convicts. The Director General and Inspector General of Police should constitute a team of officers under the supervision of Additional Director General or Inspector General of Police to see that appropriate steps are effectively taken to trace the convicts who are absconding and lodge them in jail. The bench directed the government to submit the progress report on the matter on August 22. From the drought situation in the state to the sale of drugs, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had to face tough questions from the young citizens of the state, on Thursday. Over 200 children from across the state interacted with the chief minister at an event organised by the Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) and Unicef at Vikasa Soudha. At the three-hour interaction, Siddaramaiah answered a volley of questions, some with humour and some with serious consideration. One student, from a government hostel near Nimhans in Bengaluru, said, The hostel staff harass us and dont serve food on time. During menstruation, it is difficult to get even essential supplies. The chief minister immediately instructed an official to inspect the hostel. He assured the tearful student that action will be taken against the staff if they are guilty. Another student, Devika from K R Puram, told the chief minister that sale of tobacco and drugs had increased in her neighbourhood in A Narayanapura ward. Children are also involved in the sale of cigarettes. What measures will you take to stop the sale of cigarettes and drugs? she asked. Siddaramaiah said that though cigarette packets carry a warning about the dangers of smoking, people still smoke. I used to smoke too, but I stopped when I had health issues, Siddaramaiah said. He also called up the jurisdictional DCP and spoke to him. A child here is telling me that drugs are being sold in K R Puram. Look into this matter immediately and submit a report. If you find anyone selling drugs, file a criminal case against them, he instructed the DCP. A child from Indi taluk asked, CM sir, for the past two years, we have not been getting milk at our school. Why is that so? The surprised CM asked the commissioner for public instruction for an explanation. Sowjanya, the commissioner, answered that milk was being supplied to all schools and told the CM that she would enquire about the childs school. When the CM advised children to join government schools instead of private ones, one student replied that government schools dont have basic facilities. Why is the literacy rate in the state dropping?one student asked. He interrupted the child to say that the literacy rate has increased. He then turned to the commissioner and asked her what the exact figure was. When she was unable to answer, Siddaramaiah questioned her, Arent you the commissioner? Dont you know the literacy rate? KPCC president G Parameshwara has said that his responsibility has increased now as he has been retained as the president ahead of the election year. He was speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday after submitting his resignation as home minister. The state Congress chief said the high command directed him to step down as minister as the party has to be strengthened to face the Assembly elections next year. He said Energy Minister D K Shivakumar and MLC S R Patil too have been given responsibility in the party. The idea is to make all work unitedly. The appointments and changes should not be construed as promotion or demotion, he added. Replying to questions, he said the Congress is ready to face the elections anytime. The BJP may be of the view that the elections may be advanced. But the Election Commission of India cannot do so without consulting the state government, he added. He said he would contest the next Assembly polls if the party high command directs him to. Otherwise he would continue as MLC and engage in party work. Parameshwara said he functioned as home minister for one-and-a-half years. My work has given me satisfaction. I could make thousands of appointments to the Police department. The police could get Rs 2,000 additional allowance. Construction of 11,000 houses has begun, he said. When his attention was drawn to the M M Kalburgi murder case, he said the investigation is on. According to the CID, there are similarities in the murders of Narendra Dhabolkar and Govind Pansare of Maharashtra and Kalburgi, he added. A 40-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary was hacked to death by a gang in Anekal on Wednesday night on the outskirts of southeast Bengaluru. The deceased, Harish, was recently appointed as vice president of the BJPs Yuva Morcha for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of Anekal taluk, the police said. The incident occurred around 11 pm near Heelalige gate in Anekal when Harish was returning home on his motorcycle after partying with his friends. Around five men with lethal weapons waylaid him, threw chilli powder on his face and hacked him to death. According to police, the assailants are related to Harish. The police suspect the motive behind the murder was a fishing contract Harish procured at Heelalige lake. Heelalige lake was filled to the brim after the recent rains, making fishing a profitable prospect. Three brothers identified as Sandeep, Rajesh and Santhosh, who are Harishs distant relatives, also eyed the fishing contract, said a senior police officer. Meanwhile, Harish who had recently become the vice president of the SC/ST Yuva Morcha wing, claimed that he had already bagged the contract and did not allow the three brothers and others to fish in the lake. Last week, Harish had picked a quarrel with the three brothers who were fishing at the lake. Harish went to one of the brothers Rajeshs house and assaulted him and his parents for not heeding his warnings. On Wednesday night, the three, along with two other associates identified as Kishore and Karthik, accosted Harish near Heelalige gate and hacked him to death, the police said. All suspects are at large. Suryanagar police have formed teams to nab them. At this stage, the murder does not look political in nature, said Amit Singh, superintendent of police, Bengaluru Rural. We are probing the murder from all angles, he added. BJP state unit president B S Yeddyurappa on Thursday that it would not be right on the part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to again allot the Home portfolio to minister K J George. George is very close to the chief minister. We struggled to ensure that he was stripped of the Home portfolio. However, an adamant Siddaramaraiah always functions the other way round, he said, while speaking to reporters here. In the past six months, three BJP workers were murdered in Bengaluru. The government is not taking any measures to speed up investigations. It should also act quickly and arrest those behind the murder of BJP worker at Anekal on Thursday, Yeddyurappa urged. Two local Hizbul Mujahideen militants, responsible for a grenade attack on the police on Wednesday evening, were killed in an encounter with the security forces on Thursday. The encounter took place in the Sopore town of north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Two soldiers were also wounded in the gunfight. A police officer said that a joint party of the armys 22 Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation after receiving information about the presence of militants in the Nathipora area of Sopore, 52 km from here, in the early hours of the day. As the search party intensified the combing operation, the hiding militants threw a grenade and opened indiscriminate fire on them, resulting in injuries to the two army men. In the retaliatory action, both the militants were killed, he said, adding that two AK-47 rifles and other ammunition were recovered from the site. In the grenade attack, which was aimed at a police station in Sopore, four policemen had been injured on Wednesday evening. State police chief Shesh Pal Vaid said the person who had thrown the grenade was identified with the help of CCTV footage and the description provided by the policemen who were attacked. Vaid said the person was picked up and interrogated, and he led the police to the terrorists. While most of the encounters in the recent months have been happening in the southern districts of Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama, a senior police officer said that north Kashmir has more militants active on the ground. Contrary to what is being projected in the media that south Kashmir is the hotbed of militancy, figures reveal that the north has more active militants. The militants in the north are mostly foreigners, he told DH. A sailor was found dead under suspicious circumstances on board INS Rana of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam during the early hours of Thursday. Sailor Vikash Yadav (21) reportedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon when he was on sentry duty. Yadav was a native of Bhind in Madhya Pradesh. Yadav was working at the electrical mechanical power class-1 of the ship, naval sources said. The matter came to light after sailors on board heard the gun shot. Yadav was immediately rushed to INHS-Kalyani, where doctors declared him brought dead. The Malkapuram police, who have jurisdiction over the naval dockyard area, have registered a case. An investigation is on to ascertain the reasons behind Yadavs decision to take his life. In a press statement, however, the navy did not mention the reasons behind the young sailors demise. A Board of Inquiry is being ordered to investigate into the incident, it read. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asked security personnel to be cautious about forwarding unverified social media content, warning it could create trouble in the country. Addressing the BSF investiture ceremony here, Singh said social media has become a tool to spread rumours. Noting that the enemy is spreading rumours and false information using social media tools like Facebook and WhatsApp, the minister said officers and other personnel should not forward messages or posts that are not authentic and not in the interest of the nation. It is seen that the personnel and officers put up and forward information or videos on their Facebook page or WhatsApp (that can pose threats to security). You should not forward such things unless it is authentic and in the interest of the country, as you not only protect our borders, but also the countrys unity and integrity, he said. Describing BSF as Indias first wall of defence, Singh said the force has come out of the shadows of the army and registered its independent identity at the borders. Rajnath said infiltration by militants from Pakistan has come down to a large extent after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror hubs across the LoC in September last year. India and Pakistans admission as full members to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at a political and security groupings summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced on Thursday, while hoping that they would strictly follow its charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan will help improve bilateral relations. Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO, Hua told a media briefing here. She confirmed that the lengthy process of their admission into the group, which took years until China gave its nod, was over and the two countries would become full members at the groupings summit to be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 8-9. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif are expected to be present at the summit. Speculation is also rife that Modi and Sharif may also meet on the sidelines of the summit. The member states of the SCO are accelerating the MOU procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well, Hua said. The first-ever expansion of the group comes at a time Indo-Pak tensions are high and relations between Beijing and New Delhi were beset with strains over the $50-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Centre is exploring the possibility of using treated municipal waste for laying roads. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari held a meeting with Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu here on Wednesday and discussed generation of waste in urban areas and ways to recycle it. Gadkari also directed the Central Roads Research Institute (CRRI) to submit a detailed report on how municipal waste can be used for road building works, a senior official in the road transport ministry told DH. The CRRI had recently submitted a report to the ministry, stating that 65% to 75% of the segregated waste can be used for laying of roads. The CRRI earlier conducted a study taking over 200 samples of garbage generated in Delhi. It recommended that the waste can be used for the construction of roads, and monitored for two years. If the experiment is found to be a success, it can be used on a large scale, the report said. Gadkari is keen on using this for the construction of the Meerut Expressway (NH 24) near Delhi on a pilot basis. Relief to municipal bodies The ministry is of the view that the use of solid waste will reduce huge mounds of waste in the dumping yards and will also give relief to urban municipal bodies that are struggling to handle the waste generated on a daily basis. In India, around 62 million tonnes of waste is generated annually, of which 43 million tonnes is collected. Around 11.9 million tonnes of the collected waste is treated and 31 million is dumped in landfill sites, said the environment ministry. According to an estimate, waste generation will increase to about 165 million tonnes in 2030. The Centre on Thursday said that a recent notification on cattle trade had nothing to do with the slaughter of cattle, which is governed by the respective state laws. The clarification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (via a notification) has nothing to do with the state laws. This only deals with who can buy cattle from the farmers market and who cant, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The animal markets are meant for farmers and not for traders, Jaitley said at a press conference, adding, This is the only effect of the notification. Every state has its own legislation or no legislation (with regard to the slaughter of cattle). The ban will not override the state laws. The existing laws are continuing and the notification has nothing to do with state legislations with regard to not allowing the slaughter of cattle, said Jaitley, who also holds the defence portfolio. He said, You have a provision in the Constitution, Article 48 (Directive Principles), which says that certain category of animals has to be protected. Jaitley was replying to a question on three chief ministers, including from Kerala and West Bengal, writing to the Centre opposing the notification regulating cattle trade in which animals cannot be sold for slaughter. Since the 1950s, right from Nehrus era, state after state have been framing legislations. Now there are two categories of states ones which have prohibited slaughter, others which have not. Those laws are continuing, he said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said on Monday that the Centres decision was unconstitutional. She described the ban as an attempt to encroach upon the states power. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, too, urged other non-BJP chief ministers to raise their voice against the restrictions on cattle trade, saying the Centres anti-federal, anti-democratic and anti-secular move is an attempt to usurp power from the state governments. Under the notification, titled the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, those who wish to sell cattle bulls, cows, buffaloes, steers, heifers and camels may do so only after they formally state that the animals have not been brought to the market for sale for slaughter. Buyers of cattle at animal markets will have to prove they are agriculturalists and declare that they will not sell the animals for a period of six months from the date of purchase. The rules, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on May 23, also says buyers should follow the state cattle protection and preservation laws and not sacrifice the animal for any religious purpose. The rules also prohibit cattle purchased from animal markets from being sold outside the state, without permission. Canyon Crest Academy is the first high school in the nation to screen two student IMAX short film documentaries in an IMAX theater. Two Envision Cinema student films, Be Conscious and Change in the Water will be shown Wednesday, June 7 at the Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 IMAX & RPX Theatre. CCA Envision Cinema will offer a reception of light hors douevres from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., followed by the screening of the two short films and a Q&A with the directors. Popcorn and soda concessions are included in the screening. Tickets are $10 per person and $25 per family and all funds raised from the event support CCA-TV and the Envision Cinema program at Canyon Crest Academy. Back in October CCA had nine films chosen as official selections in the All American High School Film Festival, the worlds largest high school film festival at the AMC Times Square in New York City. Two of the CCA films were recognized in the Best of Fest screening, out of 1,900 submitted films from 48 states and 15 countries. Due to the Envision film programs overall excellent body of work, CCA was one of five schools in the nation chosen to receive a $5,000 grant at the festival from the new IMAX Big Picture in Focus Young Filmmakers Program to produce two environmental documentaries that will be promoted and distributed by IMAX. Bee Conscious is a documentary short film that discusses the threats and issues surrounding the declining bee population, produced by student filmmakers While experts believe this problem is a real threat to our food supply, many people have a lack of knowledge on the topic. Student filmmakers Reed Martin, Gabriel Gaurano, Timothy Zhang and Navin Bose spoke with experts who work in fields directly influenced by or related to bees who gave their professional insight and opinions on the decline of the bee population. This documentary covers the possible threats to the bees, the effects bees have on us as humans, and what people can do to help this issue. The documentary short film Change is in the Water focuses on the attempted ocean conservation efforts of an environmentally-sustainable, surf industry brand Enjoy Handplanes. Following their journey and discussing the reasons behind their ecological actions, this film highlights a handful of individuals who hope to make a big difference in a worldwide problem. Student filmmakers Navin Bose, Gabriel Gaurano and Reed Martin spoke with surfers, environmental experts and representatives of the surfing industry to discuss the cultural significance of protecting the water for surfers, wildlife, and society as a whole. Come support Envision Cinema and celebrate the students accomplishments on June 7. Tickets are available at https://fs30.formsite.com/ccaf/IMAX/index.html or through Facebook at facebook.com/ccatv. Solana Beach is on its way to becoming the first jurisdiction in San Diego to move toward an energy alternative to SDG&E, striving for the promise of cheaper electricity rates, greater local control and a higher percentage of renewable energy. In a historic 4-1 vote on Wednesday, May 24, the Solana Beach City Council launched into the exploratory phase of a three-phase plan to shift Solana Beachs 7,800 energy customers out of SDG&Es monopoly and into city-run community choice aggregation (CCA). The vote initiated contracts with two energy consulting firms The Energy Authority (TEA) to run operations and Calpine (formerly Noble Energy) to handle data management. The city would set its own energy rates and run the CCA as a non-profit, with any surplus revenues going into a lockbox reserved for purchasing energy or lowering residents rates. The council made plans to avoid exposure to financial risk; throughout the first phase, the city can abandon the CCA entirely without having to pay its consultants a dime. Phase One of the program will last roughly six months, during which time the consultants will delve into regulatory affairs, develop an implementation plan, conduct a technical study and, most importantly, embark on a wide-reaching campaign to teach residents about their options and opportunities under the proposed energy regime. If the city does follow through with a CCA, it would form a separate entity similar to its sanitation department and buy energy from wherever it pleases and SDG&Es infrastructure to deliver energy. All Solana Beach residents will be automatically enrolled in the CCA and will be able to opt out at no cost if they prefer to retain their SDG&E service. Workshops and public forums could start as early as this month. That information-gathering will be crucial, said Solana Beach Mayor Mike Nichols, to giving the council the confidence to move on to the plans later phases. Time will tell, he said. The only way to do that in a smart and thorough manner is to enter into Phase One to find out what that means. Im hoping all the answers will come back and well be able to keep the ball rolling. Lets see how this goes. In Phase Two slated to take six months to a year the city will set rates and identify energy sources. If the city chooses to back out then, the most it would owe TEA and Calpine is $156,000. Phase Three would see the CCA in full operation for up to five years before the contract needs to be renegotiated. After speculating that the prospect of CCAs is already compelling SDG&Es parent company, Sempra Energy, to offer more renewable power, Councilman David Zito started to make the motion for the vote. But Councilwoman Judy Hegenauer an avid CCA advocate prior to joining the city council this year chimed in first, seizing the historic moment. I think Im going to cry, she said before uttering the formal motion. Once the vote went into the record books, a round of applause went up from the two dozen supporters and activists looking on many of whom had spent many an evening at city hall during Solana Beachs six-year saga to find energy alternatives. You guys are paving the way for every other city in the region. Thats a legacy, said Nicole Capretz, executive director of the San Diego-based Climate Action Campaign and a member of Solana Beachs climate advisory board. You will all be remembered for this vote. You will have moved us forward. While Solana Beach is the first jurisdiction in SDGEs 4,000-square-mile service area to break away, other parts of California have gotten further along. Nine cities in California have created their own CCAs, none of them south of Los Angeles. Del Mar and Encinitas are exploring their own CCAs, and the city of San Diego is expected to take up the issue after the summer. San Diego County, meanwhile, voted earlier this year to hold off on a feasibility study in order to see how other jurisdictions proceed. The councils lone dissenter was Councilwoman Ginger Marshall, who peppered consultants with questions all night and cast doubt on the presumption that a CCA would necessarily lead to cheaper rates or the city using a higher percentage of renewable energy. Without switching to 100 percent renewable energy, Solana Beach will not be able to meet the goals laid out in its draft Climate Action Plan, the first draft of which was opened to public two weeks ago. Recent Solana Beach resident Bob Wilcox a postdoctoral researcher into fusion energy urged the city to maintain its long-term resolve to prioritize low-emission energy, even if it ends up costing more in the decades ahead. This is a relatively affluent community, and we need to recognize that responsibility and lead by example, he said. The first 50 percent or so of carbon reductions is relatively easy, relatively cheap. As we get closer and closer to zero emissions, its going to get more expensive, and we need to recognize that and be prepared that were going to need to spend some money on storage, spend some money on pumped hydro[electric], things like this, in order to get our emissions much lower. And this might wind up being more expensive than what we could get through SDG&E, but I encourage the city to go forward with the CCA and be prepared for the sort of difficult decisions that will be made in the future as we push closer and closer toward zero emissions. Gal Gadot almost quit acting, and then she got the Wonder Woman gig People with diabetes who are observing Ramadan are being reminded how to best manage their condition during the fasting process. The holy period, which began on Friday, 26 May, involves practising Muslims going without food for more than 17 hours a day. Ramadan draws to a close in the UK on Sunday, 25 June. People are being reminded how important it is to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to avoid periods of too high or too low blood sugar levels. Unless you are underweight, or close to being underweight, it is best to avoid overeating at Suhoor and Iftar, the meals before and after fasting. Although it can be tempting, eating large quantities of food is likely to result in too high blood glucose levels at least initially and could lead to weight gain despite the fasting period in between. Speak to your doctor if you need help with managing your food intake through Ramadan. Hypoglycemia can develop in people that are on insulin or classes of tablets known as sulphonylureas or glinides. Ask your doctor if you need to know whether your tablets can cause hypos (too low blood sugar levels). Avoiding drinking for long periods of time can put people with diabetes at risk of dehydration. The risk is increased further if blood sugar levels are on the high side. Although the Quran states fasting is necessary in a bid to promote chastity and humility for Allah, people who are unwell or pregnant are exempt from taking part. Should people with diabetes wish to pursue the fasting process it is highly recommended they speak to their diabetes healthcare team first. Guidelines on diabetes and Ramadan were updated and reissued last year by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). As well as the newly updated advice, which was developed and written by the Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) International Alliance, a nutrition and adjustment of medication plan were also included. Blood sugar levels need to be monitored thoroughly during Ramadan and people need to be aware of the symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels. OnePlus 5 is rumoured to feature dual rear camera setup and will be the first Snapdragon 835 smartphone in India OnePlus 5, the 2017 flagship smartphone from the Chinese smartphone maker is expected to launch on June 15. The company had already confirmed that the device will arrive in summer and now the official launch date seems to have leaked on Chinese social networking site Weibo. As always, OnePlus has begun creating the hype around its next smartphone launch. The biggest change this time is expected to come in the form of a dual-rear camera setup. The company has partnered with DxOMark in order to develop a competitive smartphone camera experience. It also recently posted a low-light camera sample on Twitter with good details and colour reproduction. Ahead of the official announcement, OnePlus confirmed that its upcoming flagship will be the first smartphone with Snapdragon 835 in India. The smartphone has made its way through a few benchmarking platforms and has performed better than Samsung's Galaxy S8+. The handset has also appeared on different retail channels and it is expected to be priced around $449. The retail listing suggests it will feature a 5.5-inch Quad HD display and option for upto 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Other rumours include dual 12MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, Android Nougat and front mounted fingerprint sensor. Like Apple's iPhone 7, OnePlus is also likely to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack and might also come in multiple colour options. Samsung's Bixby assistant is reportedly unable to comprehend English syntax and grammar Samsung is further delaying the launch of voice feature on its Bixby digital assistant in the US. The feature was initially said to arrive with Galaxy S8 in April but got delayed until June. The Wall Street Journal reports that the service has been delayed further and Samsung has not offered any timeframe as to when the feature will actually become available. Bixby was touted as the important new addition to the company's Galaxy S8 flagship lineup and is reportedly "struggling to comprehend English syntax and grammar." "Bixby Voice benefits from time to further enhance natural language understanding, and we are currently growing our user testing in the US to prepare for launch," a Samsung spokeswoman said in a statement. With Bixby, Samsung tried to compete with Apple's Siri available on iPhones and Google Assistant available on a number of Android smartphones. Bixby on the Samsung's Galaxy S8 currently supports text search and image recognition features and can be accessed via a dedicated button. The South Korean company recently rolled Bixby voice for Korean users in its home market. Virtual assistants are seen as the first way to hook up consumers with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft are fighting to develop a smarter AI assistant that can eventually replace the touch and type-based methods of interaction. With Bixby, Samsung was expected to compete with the main players but its assistant now seems to fall short. Airtel has alleged that Reliance Jio wrongly classified 95% of its users in J&K as postpaid subscribers, after police in the region directed all telecom carriers to suspend prepaid services. Bharti Airtel is seeking the cancellation of Reliance Jios telecom license in Jammu & Kashmir. The incumbent telecom operator has alleged that Reliance Jio flouted subscriber verification guidelines, causing a serious security breach in the J&K region. Airtel has accused Jio of wrongly classifying 95% of its subscribers in the region as postpaid users. Further, Airtel has accused Jio of blatant manipulation and violation of directions, resulting in compromised security of the sensitive region. Airtel has written to the Department of Telecom (DoT) seeking punitive action on Reliance Jios rule violation. By violating the subscriber verification guidelines, RJIL has caused a serious security breach and is therefore liable for punitive action in terms of clause 39.11(i) of the unified licence, Airtel wrote in its official complaint to the DoT. The company further added, The act of providing the services to prepaid customers by fraudulently disguising these customers as postpaid customers has seriously compromised the security of the state as well. Hence, a more stringent action by cancellation of license of J&K service area should be taken, in line with clause 10.1 (ii) of unified licence agreement. The clauses mentioned by Airtel call for the setting up of a committee to investigate the alleged security breach and decide on a Rs 50 Crore penalty for each lapse. Another clause asks for suspension of Jios license for endangering the lives of security personnel in the area. On May 27, the J&K Police had directed all telcos to stop their services citing security reasons. However, an exception was made on voice services for postpaid users. Airtel has alleged that this is the reason Jio wrongly classified its prepaid users as postpaid, and the company has also sought permission from the government that other telcos be allowed to do the same. Reliance Jio has rubbished Airtels allegations, calling them completely baseless, malicious and tantamount to willful disparagement. In a response to ETs questions, Jio has also said that there is no difference between the processes of registration of prepaid or postpaid customers. Jio also took a firm stand against Airtels accusations saying, Each of the processes has been strictly followed by RJIL in accordance with the stringent norms and guidelines prescribed by the Department of Telecom and the J&K government with regard to subscriber acquisition in the state. Reliance Jio and Airtel have been at loggerheads for a while now. Reliance Jio's competitive pricing plans and free voice, data offers threw other telecom operators off their game, causing a war in India's telecom industry. Jio and Airtel have previously argued over prefrential treatment to the former by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The two have also locked horns over Airtel's misleading Ad campaign claiming to be the fastest network in the country. Looks like the telecom war between Airtel and Reliance Jio is here to stay and the duo will continue to battle it out over special offers and tariff plans for time to come. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Subscriber content preview Kelly Gottschalk said she was shocked when she toured thousands of acres of empty land near Boise after she became fund director in 2015. DALLAS (AP) Failed land-development deals in Idaho and Colorado have cost the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System approximately $100 million, officials for the system say. The deals account for a significant portion of the half-billion-dollar losses the fund has endured in recent years because of bad bets on real estate and private equity. . . . A renowned Donegal fiddle player says she is devastated after her antique 19th century fiddle was seriously damaged while checking in through security at Dublin airport. Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh says she was travelling to Shetland in Scotland to do some recording when the delicate instrument was taken out and examined by security staff and then placed back in its case unfastened, and it fell from the case as she went to pick it up. She said she her normal procedure when arriving at an airport is that she would be expected to take the fiddle from the case to present to security staff but claims this not done on this occasion and it was taken from her for examination. She said after her fiddle case fell to the ground she also lost a personal trinket that she carried in the case for good luck, given to her by another fiddle player. Speaking on Highland Radio this morning she said the fiddle was given to her by her late father and the damage to it could effect her livelihood as a musician as she is unable to tune it following the fall. She said the instrument was delicate and valuable and the loss of it was devastating as it was priceless to her. The former Donegal person of the year and member of Altan says she has travelled with this fiddle thousands of times without incident and the loss of its use was like losing a family member. She posted images of the damage to her Facebook page added she was so mad at what happened. She says she has raised the matter with Dublin Airport Authority. The image shared by Mairead via Facebook Pamela Scott's Dundalk branch officially opened its doors this morning. The renowned women's fashion brand can now be found on Earl Street in the building formely occupied by Tommy Hilfiger and adjacent to McKenna Man. To mark the occasion, 20 will be listed off all full-priced items, with the offer to remain through until Sunday. The last of the original Irish-owned fashion emporiums on Grafton Street, Pamela Scott continues to trade successfully against the multinationals year after year, by constantly modernising and adding new younger labels without ever alienating its traditional, loyal customer base. Currently celebrating 40 years in business, the famous family-run store is the flagship of the esteemed Flairline Group, established in 1970. Today Pamela Scott stocks leading labels such as Sophie B, Twist, Zapara , Olsen, Gerry Weber, Bianca and Betty Barclay, with Exclucive Occassion dresses catering for Weddings, Debs, Confirmation a lengthy list of stunning eveningwear brands from all over the world. Flairline opened the original 3,500 sq ft Pamela Scott store on Grafton Street in 1976. Founder Sean Barron is still the company's driving force and his four sons are active in the business. John is Personnel and Stores Director, Richard is Head Buyer, Robert is Marketing and IT Director, and Scott is Director of Distribution and Logistics. All play a major role in the development of the company. In 1987 fire completely destroyed the two-storey outlet. Undeterred, the Barrons re-opened for business 10 days later on a temporary site 10 doors up Grafton Street and in 1989 opened their bright and airy new 14,000 sq ft Pamela Scott store. Since then, a further 23 Pamela Scott stores have opened: Marketing Director Robert Barron says, "Having grown up alongside Pamela Scott, the store celebrating its 30th birthday is something that I am very proud of. Pamela Scott began by offering Irish women access to high-fashion looks at great prices. Thirty years on and we are still serving customers who have been with us from the beginning while attracting a whole new customer with a range of new contemporary brands." A 44-year-old Louth man has been convicted of IRA membership by the Special Criminal Court. Michael Connolly, of Grange Drive in Dundalk, had been observed driving in convoy with another man, who was then found with two improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Connolly had pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA, on December 16, 2014. The three-judge, non-jury court had heard that Connolly and another man were seen together in the Ardee area that morning. They left the same house at the same time in two cars, and were then observed at a service station in Clonmellon, before both cars travelled in convoy to Mullingar. The two men were later stopped by members of the Special Detective Unit on the N52, and two IEDs were found in a brown paper bag in the other mans car. There was also telephone contact between the two men that morning. The judges had heard that the accused had failed to answer material questions, when interviewed under a provision that allows for inferences to be drawn from such a failure. The court had also heard belief evidence from Garda Assistant Commissioner Michael OSullivan that Connolly was a member of the IRA at the time. The prosecution had argued that Connolly and this man had engaged in a joint enterprise on the day. The defence had argued that there was no other evidence to support the belief evidence and asked for an acquittal. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, sitting with Judge John OHagan and Judge Flann Brennan delivered a guilty verdict this morning, Thursday, June 1. Justice Hunt said the court accepted beyond reasonable doubt the veracity of the belief evidence, which had been informed by a review of information held by gardai. It was also satisfied that the accused was the driver of the same car at all times that morning, and had travelled in convoy with another man to a house in Mullingar. It was satisfied that the other man had collected the improvised devices there and that the accused was a willing and knowing participant in this enterprise. The judge then addressed the possibility that the defendant was operating in some capacity other than as a member of the IRA that morning. Although Connolly had consistently denied being a member during his interviews, the court noted that he had stayed silent following specific questions. Justice Hunt said that it was proper to draw inferences from this, and that the silence corroborated the other strands of evidence. Connolly was convicted and remanded in custody for sentencing on Monday, July 10. A jury has begun deliberating in the trial of a man accused of raping a woman on their first date after they met on the Tinder dating app. The Louth man (36) is alleged to have raped the university student in his car after driving her up the Dublin mountains. He has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping her at Kilmashogue Lane, Rathfarnham, Co Dublin on September 11th, 2014. The two met up days after they began communicating on Tinder and they went for a drive together. The complainant alleges the defendant drove them to an unlit country road and raped her in the car. In his charge to the jury Mr Justice Paul Butler said that what happened in the car that night was down to one persons word against another. He said the jurors might ask themselves why would anyone put themselves through all this if it wasnt true but, he said, that was not the answer. He said it was dangerous to convict on the uncorroborated evidence of a complainant. It was open to the jury to convict but it must be most careful if it were to convict in such circumstances. Mr Justice Butler said the jury may consider the evidence of the distressed state of the woman as corroboration only if the alleged rape was the only explanation for such a state. Man accused of raping woman he met on Tinder claimed they had consensual sex The jury began on Wednesday and will resume deliberations on Thursday morning. In his closing speech Michael Bowman SC, defending, told the jury the evidence that the woman was distressed after the date meant nothing and was not worth an ounce of intrinsic evidence. He said that the woman had gone on Tinder and spoken to six men in the 36 hours after the alleged rape. She had also added the accuseds name to a previous sexual partners list on her phone. Was she equally as upset when she was texting on Tinder? Is she as distressed as she presents to the outside world?, he said. Counsel submitted that the womans housemate, who made the initial contact with gardai, was sucked in too and did not know that the alleged victim was back on Tinder. He said this woman did not know her friend was texting You bet I have a naughty side to a man on Tinder even as gardai arrived at their apartment to investigate the complaint made by her friend. He said that the garda in the case formed a view that here is a terribly nice young girl up from the country who wouldnt dare tell a lie and said that gardai did not test her account properly. No effort was made to critically analyse what she had said or cross reference her texts with the statement made to gardai, he said. The jury heard evidence that texts to and from the accused on Tinder and Whatsapp were deleted. Having deleted the texts she thought they were gone for good. She thought that gave her free rein to characterise [the accused] any way she wanted. How lucky, how blessed is he, that there is a capacity to retrieve deleted texts, counsel said, adding that without this evidence his client would be convicted in a heartbeat. He said the woman had misrepresented the entirety of the relationship and said she cannot be relied on. He said the fact that the woman had gone to a GP and not a sexual assault treatment unit was more consistent with needing to get a morning after pill than with rape. Local Louth farmer, Andrew Workman, has been listed as a finalist for the Tillage Farmer of the Year Award at the nationwide Farmer of the Year Awards, which were held in Dublin on Friday, 26th May. The Zurich Farm Insurance Farming Independent Farmer of the Year Awards, now in their fourth year, recognised excellence in all areas of the Irish farming industry, aiming to shine a light on one of the most successful and important sectors within the Irish economy. The Farmer of the Year Awards, sponsored by Zurich Insurance, featured six categories including Beef, Dairy, Tillage and Farm Safety. In addition, a special Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Martin Ryan from Newport, Tipperary, and a Grand Prix Award was presented to Peter Hynes from Aherla, Cork, as overall Farmer of the Year. See full winners list below. Speaking at the awards, Declan OHalloran, Head of Sales & Agri Business for Zurich Insurance, The Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate excellence across a wide range of farming categories and to reward Irelands farmers for their contribution to their communities and to society. Andrew Workman was recognised as being amongst the best in the Tillage Farmer of the Year category and were proud to help recognise this accomplishment. On behalf of Zurich, Irelands fastest growing farm insurer and a title sponsor of this event, I would like to congratulate Andrew Workman on reaching this standard, as well as all of the winners and finalists of the 2017 Farmer of the Year Awards. These Awards are a celebration of their successes and a showcase of some of the world-class work carried out by Irelands farming community, and its great to see them becoming an annual highlight in the farming calendar. The title sponsor for the Awards for the 4th year is Zurich Insurance, one of the countrys leading farm insurers. Zurich Insurance provides the complete farm insurance solution including cover for Property, Livestock, Business Interruption, Liability, Agricultural Vehicles, Personal Accident and Farm Home. Category sponsors for the Awards are the Health & Safety Authority, The ICMSA, The Irish Independent and Teagasc. With only weeks to until Mundy makes a very welcome turn to the Oriel Centre on Saturday 1st July, an exciting young trad group Teorann has just been announced as support on the night. The Teorann line up comprises of Grainne Smith and Louth musicians Finnian OConnor and Fiachra Meek. Grainne Smith is a multi-instrumentalist with numerous All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil an hEireann titles to her name. Her accordion playing is strongly rhythmical with echoes of Joe Burke and Paul Finn and her singing style is reminiscent of Dolores Keane. Grainne skills have been recognised amongst her own peers and she has supported many artists including Beoga, Goitse, Dublin City Ramblers, Martin O'Connor and Zoe Conway. Louth man Finnian OConnor is a talented piper from the renowned OConnor family. Finnian has a highly melodic piping style and is inspired by great pipers such as Paddy Keenan and Liam O'Flynn and has a similar style to John Mc Sherry. Fiachra Meek from Bellurgan is a traditional and contemporary guitarist, uilleann piper, vocalist and bodhran player and some of his biggest musical influences include Paul Brady and Andy Irvine. He explores different collections and provides a solid and flexible base for Teoranns melodies. Teorann have toured throughout Europe bringing their music to an appreciative audience and as well as holding a residency at Raglan Road, Orlando. Their musical talents will add to what is guaranteed to be an entertaining night with Mundy. Limited tickets are available for this show. For tickets, contact the Oriel Centre on for tickets log onto www.orielcentre.ie or phone 042 9328887. Amazon is one of the biggest companies in the world, especially when it comes to retail. You can find nearly anything you could ever want on the website as well as some things you never even knew existed! But did you know that you can also use the mega-site to make money of your own? Its true. Amazon allows people to sell their own products on the website, allowing you to reach millions of potential customers every day. In fact, over one-third of their sales are from third-party sellers. This means that theres a lot of room to make money, no matter what you specialize in. Heres a short guide to selling your products on Amazon.com. Learn the Rules As with any company, Amazon has a set of rules and regulation that you need to understand before you try to sell your products on the website. The good news is that they dont change very often, so once you learn them, youll be able to keep up with any changes that may come down over the coming years. There are regulations that dictate what you can and cannot put on your product page, rules for filling and shipping orders to your buyers, policies, and agreements that you will have to sign as well as a list of forbidden seller activities and actions. All of these can be found on Amazons Policies and Agreements page. Make sure you read these thoroughly before deciding to sell on the site, or you may find that your experience and sales arent what you thought theyd be. One of the reasons Amazon is so good for third-party sellers is because of these regulations. So learn them, follow them, and you will give yourself a good chance of being successful. Optimize Your Listings Once you are accepted onto Amazon as a seller, you will be competing against thousands of other sellers who may be in the same niche as you are. Because of this, you need to give customers a reason to buy from you rather than someone else. This means that you need to make sure your product listings are clear and as concise as possible. The biggest reason you want accurate product descriptions is because you want your customers to be happy. If they receive something that is different from the way it was described, then you not only run the risk of a bad review but of losing that customer forever. The bad review will affect the way people view your products in the future, which may cause your sales to drop. And if that customer never returns, youre going to have a tough time finding others to replace them, for the same reasons. So always write the best, most accurate product descriptions as possible. Watch for Feedback and Reviews When someone leaves feedback on your product, you should respond to it, whether its good or bad. Thanking someone for a good review will make them more willing to do it again in the future, and addressing a bad review by trying to fix it is a great way to keep a customer rather than losing them to a competitor. Unfortunately, most people will not leave a positive review unless they are asked to do so, so make sure you ask your customers for feedback every chance you get. The easiest way to do this is to send a note along with the product during shipment. This way, you dont have to email every single customer and they may like the personal touch of a physical request. Win the Buy Box If you want to see your sales soar, then you want to compete for the Amazon buy box. This is a feature that Amazon has that will place a specific seller in the Buy box on the right-hand side of their page, meaning that customers will be able to easily click on it for the product. There are a lot of factors that go into having your product in that box. It may take some time to get your factors correct, but they include smart pricing, the number of competitors in your niche, your sellers history (orders arrive on time without problems) as well as customer reviews. Shoot for the buy box and you will see your product sell more frequently, giving you more money. Amazon is a great opportunity for people to sell their products on a giant website with millions of customers. Do it right, and youre sure to make money! COLUMBUS A rolling car show will be cruising into town. The 25th annual Tour Nebraska is set to kick off this weekend and Columbus is one of about 35 communities along the route. Organized by the Nebraska Rod and Custom Association, the event welcomes members who have vehicles at least 30 years old to participate in the ride around the state. In all, 480 cars will be part of the tour, the highest number ever. We started with 76 and the previous record was 424. Last year we had about 380, said Gary Hedman, president of the association and tour administrator. The Doniphan man came up with the idea for the tour after attending a car show in Norfolk. While he enjoys car shows, Hedman said he had more fun driving his car there than competing for ribbons and trophies. So the idea of a vintage vehicle tour was born. It just kind of took off, he said. The tour starts Saturday in Cordova and ends Sunday afternoon in Kearney, totaling about 600 miles. Among the classic vehicles that will be showcased is a 1963 Chevrolet Impala owned by Allan Jedlicka. The rural Richland man will be behind the wheel of the two-door hardtop while taking part in his 10th tour. Its a great getaway, said Jedlicka, who travels with his wife. He bought the white Chevy a decade ago in Omaha because it was like the first car he owned, which Jedlicka sold when he was entering the Navy. The tour helps attract new people to the NRCA, a group thats membership sits at about 1,850. Hedman said the associations goal isnt only to bring together those who have a love for classic cars. It also works to protect the rights of special interest vehicle owners who drive on Nebraska streets and highways. Tourism is another perk of the tour. Many of the communities along the route benefit from the travelers coming through on scheduled stops or overnight stays, Hedman said. Many of the drivers also get to see new places in the state. A lot of people in Nebraska dont take the time to explore what is out there in Nebraska, said Hedman, who will drive a maroon 1932 Ford coupe. The tour is expected to roll through Columbus around 8 a.m. Sunday. The vehicles will arrive from the south on U.S. Highway 81 and turn onto Howard Boulevard before continuing toward Monroe, Genoa and Fullerton. Jedlicka said one of the best parts of the event is seeing people lined up to check out the cars as they cruise by. People will sit in lawn chairs and in the back of pickups and wave. We wave and honk. We never drive by without a wave, he said. The line of cars, which is broken into two groups, can be up to 15 miles long. About 1,000 people, including drivers and passengers, are expected to take part in the tour. Some participants are association members living in other states, including Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Michigan. The estimated value of the vehicles is $7.2 million. Arrangements have been made at scheduled stops and local law enforcement will help control traffic as the tour passes through. In Columbus, Hedman said Howard Boulevard is a great place to see the vehicles. We hope to cruise right by there, he said. Each participant receives two American flags that can be displayed on their vehicle. Whats more American than an American flag and hot rods? Hedman said. The tour will travel through Shelby and Rising City and just south of David City along Highway 92 on Saturday. A map of the route and itinerary are available on the associations website at nrca.wildapricot.org. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. Conservative hopes to cash in by promising Lansing to the lobbyists You could argue that Michigans Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley and I just have a slight difference of opinion. Calley is proposing a ballot initiative that would amend the states constitution to give the state legislature most of the year off. Id rather give most of this legislature all of the Republican majority, in fact the entire year off. Hell, if it were up to me, these sad bags of flesh would never work in anything resembling public service again. And I d encourage Rick Snyder to pack his buddy Calley in a child seat before he zooms off on the getaway from our state the ex-governor will almost certainty make the moment hes done with his second term. The Republican Party acts as if we arent aware that its dominance of our states government since 2011 has led to the poisoning of our seventh-largest city. Amidst a myriad of other failures, only cloaked by the success of President Obamas auto rescue and Medicaid expansion, Michigans schools have seen the worst test score gains in America. Obviously, these massive failures werent the result of an overactive government too involved in everybodys business, but the opposite. Michigans GOP is a party that has been captured by corporate interests and immune to any serious oversight by voters, thanks to its built-in advantages from gerrymandering and billionaire backers. Conservatives always attack governments ability to function as they seek employment in it. But our legislature is a uniquely safe target for Calley, who is nearly indistinguishable in his lack of charm and admirable accomplishments from his chief rival for the Republican gubernatorial nomination Bill Schuette. Instead of fixing our roads or making a reasonable effort to get Flint water they can drink from the tap, our state lawmakers have fixated on more giveaways for the rich and a bill that bans banning plastic bags. By backing this corporatist wet dream in front of the states political elite at the Mackinac Policy Conference , Calley hopes to raise his profile among special interests and kickstart his fundraising. But his plan to have our legislature meet only 90 days a year would, as Michigan Radios Jack Lessenberry notes, do the nearly impossible it would make our situation in Michigan even worse: Since they could only meet for a few weeks every year, and wouldnt be paid enough to live on, all our lawmakers would have to be retired or have full-time jobs. Not many jobs allow you to take off for a few weeks every so often. Nor is anyone going to seriously cripple their career for a part-time political job that can only last six to eight years. So what we would get is incompetents and lobbyists. This would also amount to a serious transfer of power away from the peoples directly elected representatives to the governor and, especially, the special interests. This plan would cut out the middle man and transition Michigan directly to a government of, by and for the lobbyists. The notion of public service seems quaint in a era where the president of the United States only preparation for his job was avoiding taxes and stealing the valor of other generous donors, but we need to be doing more to Michigans government transparent and responsive to the people. Not less. Brian Calley may look forward to our representatives copying and pasting legislation from anti-worker and fundamentalist think tanks even more often than they do now. But heres a wild idea: How about we elect people who want to work full-time on the behalf of the people? It would a nice change from the last 7 years in this state. [Photo by Bill Rice | Flickr] Comedian John Oliver, incensed over proposed changes to unravel Net neutrality protections for consumers, on Sunday unleashed a torrent of criticism against the Federal Communications Commission and urged viewers to register their protest online. The response led to a digital meltdown on the agencys site that night. Oliver, host of HBOs Last Week Tonight and a former writer for The Daily Show, targeted a proposal by Ajit Pai, the agencys new chairman, that would loosen Net neutrality regulations. It would allow Internet service providers to abide by market forces and largely self-police their conduct. Pai last month proposed reversing the Obama administrations decision to regulate ISPs under Title II, saying the move stifled innovation and made it more difficult for companies to invest and modernize. Domestic broadband investment fell by US$3.6 billion, or 5.6 percent, from 2014 to 2016, he noted. Oliver, who famously unleashed his viewers on the FCC in 2014, in the run-up to its implementation of Net neutrality rules, launched a blistering new attack on Pai, a former Verizon attorney. Verizon represents itself as being in favor of an open Internet, Oliver noted, in a video featuringCraig Silliman, EVP for public policy and general counsel. The FCC just wants to put the regulation of ISPs on a different legal footing, Silliman argues. Verizons reasoning was analogous to O.J. Simpson asking why you wont let him hold onto one of your Samurai swords, Oliver said. Come on, Juice, you know why, he quipped. Access Denied The FCCs website fell victim to distributed denial of service attacks starting Sunday night, according to David Bray, the agencys chief information officer. The attacks were deliberate attempts by external actors to bombard the FCC comment system with a high amount of traffic to its external cloud host, he said. These actors were not attempting to file comments themselves, Bray maintained. Rather they made it difficult for legitimate commenters to access and file with the FCC. The FCC is working with its commercial partners to address the situation and will monitor events going forward, he said. The proposed changes have divided the FCC. As a commissioner, Pai sided with the more market-oriented conservatives during the Obama administration. Pais proposal would undo years of work at the agency, said Commissioner Mignon Clyburn last month, when Pai proposed the changes. Broadband providers should not be in the drivers seat, determining how you use the Internet, controlling what content you view, or dictating what devices you can use, Clyburn argued. Open Access Oliver raised some legitimate concerns, Tim Mulligan, senior analyst at Midia Research, including open competition between incumbent ISPs and new entrants in the digital space, and fair access for smaller Internet search engines, content providers and other companies. The principal of Net neutrality is a crucial aspect of the digital economy which underpins the ability for new market entrants to compete for digital engagement, he told the E-Commerce Times. John Oliver is merely helping to bring the issue to the attention of the wider public, Mulligan said. He is helping to demystify the issue, which in a world of increasing consolidation through operator/media mega mergers such as AT&T-Time Warner is an important act of awareness raising. The FCCs latest proposal is an orchestrated march to destroy consumer protections, charged broadband analyst Craig Settles. Eliminating Net neutrality would give incumbents the ability to neuter free speech, he added. As far as the relevancy and credibility we give John Oliver, there were millions of people who responded to the call to support Net neutrality three years ago, he told the E-Commerce Times. The only thing John Oliver does is make a complex issue understandable by the average citizen and issue a reasonable call to action, Settles maintained. Whats important here is the message, not the messenger. A Verizon spokesperson declined our request to comment for this story. 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A mosque in the northern Swiss city of Winterthur near Zurich that has faced accusations of allowing hate preaching in the past will close its doors for good after the holy month of Ramadan ends on June 24. Atef Sahnoun, the president of the An'Nur cultural association that runs the mosque, confirmed the closure to the SonntagsBlick newspaper, according to swissinfo, a service of the Swiss national broadcaster. Sahnoun told Blick the association had been unable to find new premises. In addition the mosque has been stricken by financial problems and is leaderless, with no one willing to take on the presidency, said the paper. But public pressure may also have contributed to the closure of the mosque since it became the subject of allegations of allowing radicalization and hate speech by attendees. The mosque was originally slated to close by the end of 2016, as the company that owned the property refused to renew the long-term lease, but the place a worship gained a temporary extension after a meeting in January. The mosque was raided in November 2016, after its Imam was accused of having called on worshippers to murder other Muslims who refused to take part in communal prayers. The umbrella association of Islamic organizations in Zurich (VIOZ) had suspended the mosque after the incident. In an interview on the national broadcaster SRF in December, the mosque's president asserted that keeping tabs on worshippers who may be problematic is not part of his job. He also denied that prayers being held at the mosque were radical in nature. Around 350,000 and 400,000 Muslims live in Switzerland, around 12 percent of whom are Swiss citizens. They represent a diverse community divided along ethnic and linguistic lines with around 80 percent originating from the Balkans region and Turkey. Around 12-15 percent are said to actively practice their faith by regularly visiting one of about 250 mosques. These are managed by Islamic communities which are organized mostly as small private associations as well as a small number of foundations. While Muslims in Switzerland are generally well integrated, recent charges of radicalization in mosques in Winterthur and Geneva have led to questions about the surveillance of mosques, external influence and funding. Saida Keller-Messahli, the president of Forum for a Progressive Islam, says the situation in Switzerland is "alarming." "Huge sums of money from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Turkey are flowing to Switzerland," she told the NZZ newspaper. She claimed the Saudi-funded Muslim World League, an NGO that promotes the spread of Islam, for example, supports at least 30 Albanian mosques where Salafist ideas are preached. In November, the umbrella association of Islamic organizations in Zurich (VIOZ) suspended the troubled Winthertur mosque that was raided by police. An imam is suspected of inciting violence and became the subject of a criminal investigation. (Photo: Reuters / Omar Sobhani)An Afghan child, who is a refugee, sleeps on a bed during a registration process at an United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camp on the outskirts of Kabul June 20, 2013. Pope Francis has condemned as a "brutal act" the massive suicide bomb that tore through a busy neighborhood in Kabul, killing at least 90 people and the head of the World Council of Churches has denounced the deed while warning against countering every act of violence with violence. A suicide attacker detonated a bomb hidden inside a tanker truck close to the heavily protected diplomatic area during the morning rush hour on May 31 leaving some 400 people injured by the blast, which left a deep crater, the BBC reported. In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope expressed his condolences to all those affected by the bombing. "Having learned with sadness of the abhorrent attack in Kabul and of the many dead and seriously injured, Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt condolences to all affected by this brutal act of violence," said Francis. The pontiff offered his prayers for the victims and for peace in the country. At the same World Council of Churches general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, reached out with condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones due to senseless violence. "I condemn this attack as a cruel act against innocent people. We stand with you in shock, in prayer, in sadness," said Tveit, "and we appeal for peace during a time when so many are hit by this type of violence." The blast came only days after the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "This attack comes at a holy time for many, during a month that people observe with fasting, prayers, and good deeds," Tveit. "The need for unity, the need for peace grows more urgent every day. We must walk toward justice and peace together." "What if we counter every act of violence with correspondingly larger acts of unity and love?" he asked. The United Nations Security Council and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" in Kabul and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice, The Associated Press reported. The council called it a "heinous and cowardly" attack and reaffirmed "that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security." The U.N.'s most powerful body urged all countries to cooperate with the Afghan government in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators. Guterres' spokesman spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the secretary-general "expressed his abhorrence at this act and underlined the need to reinforce the fight against terrorism and violent extremism." Prominent religious and political leaders expressed strong disapproval of the recent ban in Switzerland on the construction of Muslim minaret towers. The Rev. Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, told Ecumenical News International that his organization, "[R]egrets that some sectors of Swiss society and politics found it necessary to take the issue of the construction of minarets in Switzerland to a referendum, and to force a decision for or against a ban." "This action has framed this interest in explicitly sectarian terms vis-a-vis Muslims," Noko continued. "It thereby undermines efforts at inter-religious understanding and harmony in Switzerland, and the Swiss reputation and heritage of tolerance and hospitality." The ban was approved on Sunday by a 57.5 percent vote from Swiss citizens, much to the shock of government officials. Heavily backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party and other conservative groups, propaganda for the campaign included posters depicting minaret towers as missiles on top of a Swiss flag. The Swiss Council of Religions (SCR), a national body made up of Jews, Christians and Muslims, released a statement saying that their group, "decisively rejects the Minaret Initiative." Defining themselves as being, "dedicated to protecting religious peace in Switzerland and to strengthening trust among the churches and religious communities, " the SCR said that the minaret initiative, "instrumentalizes religion for political aims and engenders mistrust among the populace." The United Nations has also criticized the move, with UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Asma Jahangir calling the ban a, "clear discrimination towards the members of the Swiss Muslim community," in a statement released on Monday. "I have serious concerns about the negative consequences of the outcome of this vote on the freedom of religion or belief of members of the Swiss Muslim community," Jahangir said. Only four minarets actually exist in Switzerland, in the cities of Geneva and Frankfurt, while there are an estimated 200 mosques and prayer rooms throughout the country. Muslims account for about 4.5 percent of Switzerland's 7.6 million population. The deadline to sign up for this free community event that is open to all is Nov. 16. Kennebunk Post "We need to invest in our kids," said resident Brenda Robinson. "That's how we keep graffiti out of Waterhouse Center and mischief out of the downtown on Saturday night." Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o... Joan Grande, beloved mother of pop star Ariana Grande, released a statement on Twitter about the recent attack in Manchester that took place at her daughter's concert. In addition to sharing her condolences to the victims, Joan offered her support and thanks to those who helped the individuals who were injured from the attack. As the statement was released on Memorial Day, Joan also extended her thanks to those in service. "This past week I have spent in reflective thought, prayer and deep sorrow. I join my daughter in extending my help and services to all those affects by the diabolical act of terror which occurred in Manchester," Joan said in the statement. "My heart goes out to all the victims: those who lost their lives, those injured, those recovering and all survivors of that night, along with the families and friends whose grief knows no bounds." Joan was at the concert when a suicide bomber unleashed an explosion that killed 22 people. She tried to help by leading some people backstage moments after the attack. "I stand with you all in the face of evil and we stand together to never let it rule our lives," the statement continues, "Thank you to all those who helped in any way that night in Manchester. I continually thank those who are and were in service protecting our freedoms every day all over the world! #MemorialDay" The attacker has been identified as Salman Abedi. Abedi was known to the police for a series of violent acts he committed in the past. Ariana has been working on returning to Manchester for another concert to show her support for the victims and their families. George Clooney was a no-show for the Aurora Prize for Awakening Community ceremony on Sunday in Yerevan, Armenia. The soon-to-be dad explained why he could not attend the ceremony in a video message. "I really would have been [in Yerevan], but if I came there and my wife had the twins while I was there, I could never come home," he jokingly said. His wife, Amal Clooney, 39, is expected to give birth in June. Last year, the actor was able to attend the ceremony and serve as the co-chair of the award's prize selection committee. He presented an award at the inaugural gathering which honored the survivors of the Armenian genocide. Both George and Amal have been consistent human rights advocates. In the past, the Golden Globe winner was hesitant on having children. He won a bet against actresses, Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfeiffer, that he would not be a father by the age of 40 and extended it up to ten years- which he clearly would have won. However, he is clearly ecstatic with the thought of being a father and will soon be able to see his children. Amal's baby news has turned Clooney into embracing the role of being a father. "I don't know how you fully digest [having two], but I'm excited," he told ET in March. "It will be fun." The Clooneys are in full preparation mode as they await the arrival of their twins. The couple is currently staying in London, where they can savor their last few weeks of peace and quiet. "They're counting down the days and pretty much at the edge of their seats," a source shared recently. "Every day, one of them is like, 'It's going to be today. I can feel it' and then it doesn't happen." There is no doubt that there is never a dull moment in the Clooney household! If youre having a tough time deciphering this years wide-open and puzzling Belmont Stakes, especially having to sort through 15 or 16 horses and trying to figure out who can get the mile and a half and is in peak form, then just go a different direction and dont fill your brain with all kinds of speed figures and statistics, which in most cases can prove meaningless going this far. That will just confuse you even more. If you love Classic Empire, just stick with him as the most talented horse remaining on the Triple Crown trail and who deserves to win one of these more than anyone else. If you like grabbing hold of the wise guy horse, who will be bet down, then go for Tapwrit off his fairly decent effort in the Kentucky Derby, in which he was bothered badly at the start and was closing well enough on the rail to finish sixth. And his Tampa Bay Derby victory is not a bad race on which to base your overall opinion of the horse. But if you want to get a bit more adventurous and take a shot on a horse who not only could win the Belmont, he could win in impressive fashion, then why not take a good hard look at the Japanese invader Epicharis. Form-wise, this is a horse who went into the UAE Derby undefeated, set a very solid pace, with pressure on his inside and then outside, and refused to quit when challenged at the top of the stretch by the big favorite Thunder Snow, who lunged forward and stuck the tip of his nose in front right on the wire. Throw out Thunder Snows debacle in the Kentucky Derby, which was a non-race, and look at his huge effort in the subsequent Irish 2,000 Guineas, in which he was a strong second to the brilliant English 2,000 Guineas winner Churchill, while finishing well clear of the others. In Japan, we have already seen Epicharis destroy his opponents by 12 widening lengths at 1 1/8 miles and also win by seven and eight lengths. And we have seen him come through a small opening on the rail to win a one-mile stakes in a gutsy effort. As for the projected big field in the Belmont Stakes, he has already competed in fields of 13, 14, 15, and 16. While many of the American horses are suspect at 1 1/2 miles, the same cannot be said of Epicharis, who should relish the distance. His sire, Gold Allure, won the Japan Derby on dirt as well as the Derby Grand Prix, both at 1 1/4 miles. Gold Allure is a son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner and mega-stallion Sunday Silence, and in his tail-female family you will find two of the worlds greatest class and stamina influences, Nijinsky II and Vaguely Noble. Epicharis, in fact, is inbred to Nijinsky and also has the RF (Rasmussen Factor), being inbred to the great producer Special, through her son Nureyev on top and daughter Fairy Bridge, the dam of super sire Sadlers Wells, on the bottom. He of course is also inbred to Northern Dancer. On the dam side, Epicharis half-brother, Meisho Naruto, won two group 3 stakes at 1 1/4 miles. The strongest part of Epicharis pedigree is his female family. His dam, Stapes Mitsuko, is by Carnegie, winner of the Prix de lArc de Triomphe and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and was third in the Breeders Cup Turf. Carnegies dam, Detroit, also won the Arc de Triomphe. Epicharis third dam is by Diatome, who won of the Washington D.C. International after finishing third behind the legendary Sea-Bird in the Arc de Triomphe. Diatome is by Sicambre, winner of the French Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris at 1 7/8 miles. Also in Epicharis female family is Shill, a daughter of Buckpasser, out of Quill, winner of the Acorn and Mother Goose Stakes and second in the CCA Oaks; and also China Rock, a stakes winner in Japan at 1 3/4 miles. Talk about influential stallions, three of Epicharis four great-grandsires are Sadlers Wells, Nureyev, and Halo. So, as you can see, this is a pedigree inundated with class and stamina and a number of classic winners and champion sires. Japanese form has proven itself in Americas classic races on several occasions, going back to just last year when Lani, after running well in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, finished a fast-closing third, beaten 1 1/2 lengths, in the Belmont Stakes. And many people believe Casino Drive would have won the 2008 Belmont Stakes had he not injured himself two days before the race, especially considering Big Brown never finished the race, the winner was super longshot Da Tara, and Casino Drive was coming off a 5 3/4-length victory in a sharp 1:47 4/5 in the Peter Pan Stakes. No one can say for sure just how Epicharis will fare coming all the way from Japan. But based on his dominant form in Japan, his form against Thunder Snow, and his outstanding pedigree, he has to be an attractive proposition, in much the same way the Irish invader Go and Go was in 1990 when he romped by 8 1/4 lengths at odds of 7-1. Hungarian bankers are understandably wary of intervention in their industry. Six years of punitive bank taxes, not to mention the prohibitively expensive conversion of all the countrys Swiss franc loans into forint in 2014, have left a legacy of mistrust between banks and policymakers. So when central bank (MNB) officials said in February that they were planning measures to cut the cost of mortgages for Hungarian consumers, it caused consternation in the financial sector. Many saw the announcement as a sign that the Hungarian authorities were unhappy with the recent recovery in bank profitability. Others fretted that the move could mark the start of a new wave of populist bank-bashing ahead of next years parliamentary elections. Talk of capping mortgage spreads well below current market levels fanned the fears and prompted a succession of bankers to issue urgent warnings of the dangers of undermining their industry. After all this, the MNBs unveiling last month of the outcome of its deliberations came as something of an anti-climax, as well as a surprise. LUXEMBOURG, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Created in response to unprecedented global demand from patients and physicians and to provide a long-sought after alternative for the biopharmaceutical industry Multipharma Group today announces the launch of Inceptua Medicines Access, a new speciality business unit that is offering a transformational approach to providing access to pre-approval and unlicensed medicines in an increasingly complex environment. Led by a recognized team of specialist industry experts, Inceptua Medicines Access is poised to not only meet today's needs but to transform the sector with its new and innovative service offering. A new global provider, Inceptua Medicines Access, has been launched by a team of the healthcare industry's most specialized and experienced senior executives with a proven track record in the medicines access field. They have been involved in many of the initiatives that have grown and shaped the market and built access solutions for the benefit of patients, while mitigating the risks involved in providing access to pre-approval and unlicensed treatments. Inceptua Medicines Access includes three distinct but collaborative divisions: - Inceptua Medicines Access Pharma focuses on engaging with biopharmaceutical clients to provide controlled pre-approval access programs to their medicines - Inceptua Medicines Access Healthcare focuses on sourcing and supplying unlicensed medicines on an on-demand basis for hospitals, pharmacists and physicians - Inceptua Medicines Access Consulting offers leading-edge strategy support services to biopharmaceutical clients "The sector has not adapted nor kept pace with the needs of the biopharmaceutical industry, healthcare professionals and their patients worldwide", said Mark Corbett, Executive Vice President, Inceptua Medicines Access. "Current demand combined with a complex and dynamic regulatory and political landscape means we need a new way of thinking about ethical and compliant access to pre-approval and unlicensed medicines. Inceptua Medicines Access offers unsurpassed understanding and a service customized to your needs ." "We are inspired by patients and never lose sight that everything we do is for a person and family in need. We want to provide our clients and customers with a best-in-class service that makes us the go-to global provider for pre-approval and unlicensed medicines", concluded Corbett. There has been a rapid, increasing and significant expansion in the need for access to medicines and therapies to meet today's healthcare burden in areas of high unmet medical need - from patients seeking access to investigational treatments in advance of regulatory authorization, to physicians requesting medicines not available in their countries. The current environment is primed for a new way of thinking and approach when it comes to medicines access strategy. Inceptua Medicines Access has been established to offer the specific capabilities needed to meet this unprecedented demand and will navigate the complex and highly dynamic environment in a regulatory compliant way. Inceptua Medicines Access is transforming medicines access by taking a holistic approach to the environment, offering industry-leading insight into the needs of all stakeholders in the provision of pre-approval and unlicensed medicines. The business unit will harness state-of-the-art technologies to improve and accelerate the supply process while maintaining a clear focus on quality and compliance. Inceptua Medicines Access aims to transform the future of access to pre-approval and unlicensed medicines, powered by understanding and insight into the needs of biopharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations, and delivered with compassion for patients and the medicines they need. "Inceptua Medicines Access is being launched into the market by a highly experienced and specialised team." said Peter Krantz, Chief Executive Officer, Multipharma Group. "The expertise and global infrastructure of the Multipharma Group provides the ideal platform on which to launch Inceptua Medicines Access. This foundation is coupled with a passion to provide healthcare professionals and the biopharmaceutical industry with a new leading alternative." He added, "The establishment of Inceptua Medicines Access is the logical next step in the expansion of Multipharma, and perfectly complements the existing services supporting clinical trials of comparator sourcing, strategic planning, global depot solutions and clinical manufacturing. With this new addition Multipharma is poised to become a major global provider in the clinical trial services, pre-approval and unlicensed medicines space." For business inquiries contact: Mark Corbett mark.corbett@inceptua.com / medicinesaccess@inceptua.com About Inceptua Medicines Access Inceptua Medicines Access is a transformative global medicines access provider designed to rise to the evolving challenges of the environment offering unsurpassed understanding and insight into the needs of biopharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations. Inceptua Medicines Access offers unrivalled implementation and delivery of services, and cutting-edge solutions. We are leading experts working in partnership with the biopharmaceutical industry, regulators and patient organizations to deliver urgently-required medicines to healthcare professionals treating patients in need. Inceptua Medicines Access aims to transform the future of access to pre-approval and unlicensed medicines, powered by understanding and insight into the needs of biopharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations, and delivered with compassion for patients and the medicines they need. Inceptua Medicines Access is a business unit of Multipharma Group, a specialist multinational company headquartered in Luxembourg that has been providing medicine supplies for clinical trials since 1997. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.inceptua.com . About Multipharma Multipharma specializes in worldwide comparator drug sourcing whilst supporting the industry's global clinical supply chain. Our multinational team individually tailors comparator-sourcing solutions to meet your specific needs, offering you an all-round service from the planning stage through to material reconciliation. We are committed to safety, and reliably supporting our clients every step of the way, leaving them safe in the knowledge that every potential obstacle has been considered, and every eventuality planned for. Our worldwide presence and extensive global network enables us to fulfil these services throughout the duration of your trial, and we'll always keep you fully updated and informed. Contacts for media inquiries or further information Nicola Lilley SO What Global nicola@sowhatglobal.com +44-7983-128-712 Mark Corbett Executive Vice President Inceptua Medicines Access mark.corbett@inceptua.com The 80th EU-US Inter-Parliamentary Meeting will take place this Friday and Saturday, 2 and 3 June 2017 in Valletta, Malta Programme Three working sessions have been agreed between the European Parliament and the US Congress: Recent political and economic developments in the EU and the US and opportunities for strengthening transatlantic cooperation; Security in the Mediterranean including developments in Libya, naval operations, preventing irregular migration and terrorism; Democracy support in third countries and other areas of EP/US Congress cooperation in foreign policy. Members will have the opportunity to hear expert testimony from former European Parliament President Pat Cox on the importance of joint parliamentary action on democracy support, notably in Ukraine. They will also be briefed by Rear Admiral Andrea Romani, the Force Commander of Operation Sophia (EUNAVFOR MED) on the security situation in the Mediterranean. In addition to these sessions, the agenda includes a visit aboard one of the Italian navy vessels participating in Operation Sophia. Objective The aim of the meeting is to take stock of the current legislative agendas on both sides of the Atlantic and see how to strengthen further our cooperation on the common areas where both Houses have responsibility. Given the Maltese setting, Members will address questions of security cooperation with a focus on the Mediterranean area as well as examining how to strengthen non-military approaches, such as the use of EU and US parliamentary diplomacy in helping to stabilise volatile countries and regions. The previous such meeting under the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue (TLD) took place in November 2016 in Washington DC. Trumps approach to Europe has been unenthusiastic, but unexpectedly reassuring. It has been argued that Trumps undeniably anti-European statements were mostly made on the campaign trail and, as such, were no more than electioneering. Once he took up the reins of government some of his past statements were corrected or moderated, for example, when he admitted that NATO was not obsolete after all. As far as actual policies are concerned, Trumps approach to Europe shows continuity from the previous administration. The deployments of US and other Allied presence to NATOs Eastern flank took place on schedule and NATOs Eastern member states now have the largest Allied presence since they joined NATO. The prevailing view is that the business of government and the checks and balances of the American system have pushed Trump towards continuity. With his Presidency mired in controversy and weak approval ratings, it is more likely than ever that he will stick to continuity and allow US foreign policy to be run by the professionals. However, this view may be overly optimistic. True, Trump does not prioritise foreign policy and is less interested in Europe than he is in other parts of the world, but his approach towards Europe is fundamentally different from his predecessors on at least three major counts. First, Trump is the first US President in post-war history who does not support European integration. In fact, he has been openly supportive of anti-European forces within the European Union. It is not often remembered today that European integration would never have come about had it not been for the support of the United States, pushing Germany and France to co-operate. Since then, there have been periods when US-EU relations were uneasy, such as during the war in Iraq, but all US presidents until Trump have always supported and endorsed the rationale for the existence of the EU. This President is different. He was jubilant about the UKs decision to leave the EU and predicted that more states would follow. He openly sympathised with far-right anti-European politicians including Nigel Farage and Marine Le Pen. Second, Trump does not understand the value of alliances, whether it is NATO, the EU or the World Trade Organisation. For him, alliances and international organisations are vehicles for the exercise of power. If alliances do not do what he expects them to do, he turns against them, calling them obsolete. Trumps win-win logic is clearly absent from his world outlook. He will continue to show limited support for Western institutions. Third, Trump vehemently rejects values as a rationale for policies. He was prepared to do deals with Assad and Putin and has famously shown no warm sentiments towards democratically elected leaders. Democracy promotion is ridiculed now by todays White House. Humanitarian missions are off-the-agenda, for which the White House is unapologetic. The only ideology is transactionalism, the cult of the deal, which offers quick, measurable benefits, such as Trumps proposed massive arms deal with Saudi Arabia. All these features distinguish Trump from his predecessors and lay the ground for a very different kind of transatlantic relationship. Up until now, US leadership might have been resented in some quarters in Europe, but, nevertheless, it was seen as fundamentally beneficial for Europe and for Europes survival. This time around, America has a President who not only does not care about Europe but also does not get it. The European method of consensus building is clearly an anathema to Trump. None of this is to say that the transatlantic relationship will break down under Trump, or that he would create a lasting split. As Trump remains distracted by various probes and questions about his fitness for office, the odds are clearly in favour of continuity in foreign policy. It is also not beyond the realms of possibility that Trump will not even last until the end of his term. However, the Presidential election reminded us again that a considerable part of US electorate is tired of American leadership in world affairs. Trump ran his campaign on a strongly protectionist ticket, arguing against free trade and migration. His campaign had racist and sexist undertones, yet proved successful enough to win the Electoral College. Once elected, Trump did not retreat from some of his most extreme promises. To Chinas delight, he pulled America out of the almost complete Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Re-negotiations of the NAFTA agreement have been launched and, of course, the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with Europe is effectively dead before negotiations even start. In a nutshell, under Trump, America is becoming an anti-globalisation, introverted power. Europeans would be wise to draw lessons from this. The era of relying on the US security umbrella is coming to an end, regardless of the fate of this Presidency, which was, in fact, stated in remarkably strong words by Chancellor Angela Merkel following Trumps first visit to Europe. Americas moral leadership of the western hemisphere is also weakening, which has major implications for the EU. Europes security is becoming increasingly tenuous, while the world is becoming leaderless and less stable. In order to survive and prosper in the world with declining US leadership, Europeans will have to redouble their defence effort, move forward with European integration and become more creative in forging relations with other major powers. Trumps lecturing of the Europeans at the NATO meeting in Brussels was bad form and probably counter-productive, but he had a point in his criticism of Europeans weak investment in defence. If this does not change, the survival of Europe, or at least some parts of it, may be at stake. Europe must integrate more, not less, in order to play effectively on the international stage. Otherwise, it will appear divided and ineffective. There is little doubt that future integration efforts will focus around the Eurozone. Finally, Europe must learn to forge its relations with China, Russia and other powers without assuming that the US will always be supportive, ready to come to its rescue, as this may prove to be a false assumption. The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time. Thursdays early morning session was a volatile affair in AUD pairs. After attempting a rally on good domestic data, prices soon reversed lower on data out of China. While Australia should avoid a recession, there are still many concerns weighing on the AUD. The Ozzie just cant catch a break. Early in todays session, AUDUSD caught a bid on decent retail sales and CAPEX data, only to reverse back down on weak China data. The pair spiked from 0.7424 to 0.7455 to the session lows of 0.7384 in a little over an hour. It reminds us that even if Australia data holds up, AUD pairs are also dependent on the Chinese economy, and the data lately has been a concern. China PMI Weakness A Worry For Ozzie Bulls Chinese data has been slowing in the second quarter and yesterdays Caixin PMI unexpectedly dropped to 49.6. Anything under 50 is considered to be in contraction territory. This number was at odd with yesterdays official figure of 51.2, but nevertheless will worry those relying on a strong Chinese economy like Australia. Even the official PMI data, which on the surface may have looked strong and steady, contained some cause for concern. As ANZ noted yesterday, The manufacturing PMI held up well in May, overshadowing the decline in the producer price index. Both the purchasing price and producer price indices within the PMI survey continued to trend lower: the purchasing price index fell to 49.5 in May from 51.8 prior, while the producer price index retreated to 47.6 in May from 48.7 in April. We maintain our view that the producer price index may have peaked in February and will extend its downtrend in the coming months. This indicates the possibility of weaker growth momentum in Q2 compared with Q1. The downside risks will have been intensified by the regulatory tightening in recent weeks. AUD pairs took an immediate dive lower this morning on the release of the Caixin PMI data and in most cases made fresh weekly lows. AUDGBP struck 0.5735, and appears to have broken down from the bear flag it formed throughout most of May. New 2017 lows look likely in the coming sessions. Australia Likely to Escape a Recession With retail sales declining for two months in a row in February and March there were concerns Australia may slide into a recession. However last nights report showed a surprise upturn of 1% in April. This was even better than the 0.3% expected and makes the bad weather blamed for the previous months declines a little more believable. Back to back quarters of weak consumption would have been a red flag for the Australian economy so there will be relief at this recent report even if the Australian dollar failed to show it. Another plus from last nights economic data came from CAPEX data. It shows the Q1 investment improved and this will reduce the likelihood of a negative GDP print next week. The outlook for investment has been increased to AUD 85bn, up from an initial AUD82bn, and this is across all industries. The RBA will be encouraged by these data when it meets next week as there are nascent signs of recovery in investment and consumption looks as though it was only temporarily weakened by the weather, said Credit Agricole in a report out this morning. AUD Outlook Despite some positives in recent data, the fact that Australia is narrowly avoiding a recession will do little to inspire the RBA. While the central bank were keen to highlight the positives at the beginning of the year, it is clear now they were correct in maintaining a neutral stance as the data has failed to follow through. An increase in the cash rate seems some time off and this will undoubtedly keep pressure on AUD pairs, especially against the Euro and the US dollar, where central banks are expected to be more hawkish in the near term. Hello again everyone, I've submitted my partner's DS-260 and am now collecting documents, waiting for police certificates, medical exams, etc! I should note that we are completing the whole process from the UK, so we won't be dealing with the NVC. However, I just realized that we're going to be travelling to the US in July to visit my family and I did not list this on the DS 260 as one of the 5 most recent visits to the UK. At the time I submitted the DS 260 it was not one of the 5 most recent visits to the US, but by the time my partner has her visa interview, it more than likely will be. Do I need to amend the form to account for this, if so how? Or will the trip exist in a sort of grey area due to where it falls in the application process and she can just mention it during her interview? Thanks! There is a Jewish holiday to talk about: Shavuot has just occurred, from May 31-June 1. Shavuot is one of the three pilgrimage holidays. This holiday is prescribed in the Torah, so it is of very early origin. The holiday commemorates the Giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. It is also a holiday for the first harvest of the year. When there was a Temple in Jerusalem, prior to the year 70 CE, Jewish families would make a pilgrimage to the Temple, bringing the first fruits of the barley harvest, and of other new growth. Traditionally Jews eat dairy meals on Shavuot. At the synagogue services, the Book of Ruth is read, because it describes the barley harvest. I personally love the story of Ruth, because she is the prototypical convert to Judaism, and I am a convert myself. I want to mention the Interfaith Service for Peace and Justice that I attended on May 8. The service was a collaboration of many religious groups in the Harrisburg area. It was held at the lovely Hadee Mosque on Division Street in Harrisburg. There were representatives of many faiths present. The service was opened with a Buddhist ceremony. There were prayers given by Christian ministers, prayers given by Muslims, prayers given by a Hindu, prayers given by Jews, prayers given by a Bahai. We heard the Muslim call to prayer. Rabbi Choper and Rabbi Cytryn collaborated in blowing the Shofar. There was a lovely interpretive dance performed. There was a beautiful drum performance. We all sat in silence, led by a local Quaker. We all prayed togetherpeople of many faithsfor peace and for justice in our world, because we all know that much work needs to be done to bring it. I was so happy to be with such a wonderful diverse group of people who all wished to reach out to others and to join hands in friendship. We need so much more of that. I also wanted to mention that we now have a chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom established in the Central Pennsylvania area. We started meeting in April, and already I feel so blessed with new friendships with local Muslim women. At our last meeting, I learned about Ramadan, which started at the end of May. Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar, so it moves around the year. So this year it is in June, during the longest days of the year. That is very hard on those who must refrain from food and water from sunrise to sundown. Most Muslims must work or go to school, so this places an extra burden on them. I quite admire my sisters ability to do thisfor 30 days! It almost makes me feel that we Jews have it relatively easy with fasting on Yom Kippur, and on minor fast days. I wish all my Muslim friends a Ramadan Mubarak, and hope that you find this holy month spiritually refreshing. I feel so blessed to be living in this Central Pennsylvania area, where we can build such friendships. I hope that we can all can work to build bridges between our faith communitiesall our faith communitiesespecially in these times where there is so much polarization. We need to talk to each other and make friends with those that worship differently from us. We will find, I believe, that we are so much more alike than we are different. And we all worship the same God, regardless of the names we use. Emily Burt-Hedrick is the President of the Congregation Beth Tikvah This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate State Sen. Carlos Uresti, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud- and conspiracy-related charges in two separate cases May 16, pleaded not guilty to all charges. The San Antonio Democrat didnt appear in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio as previously scheduled Wednesday. His attorney, Mikal Watts, filed a motion Tuesday waiving Urestis right to appear in court, according to the filing. Senator Uresti has entered a plea of not guilty on all charges, because he is not guilty of all charges, Watts said in an email Wednesday. It is a shame they do not allow a person to plead innocent because thats exactly what he is innocent of every one of these charges. In the first case, Uresti, 53, is facing 11 felony counts relating to his involvement in bankrupt San Antonio oil-field services company FourWinds Logistics. He is accused of steering investors to FourWinds, which prosecutors say was a Ponzi scheme. In the other case, Uresti and Lubbock businessman Vernon C. Farthing III are accused of bribing former Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo to secure a contract. The two-count indictment alleges that Farthing paid Uresti $10,000 a month between 2006 and 2016 as a consultant. Uresti then funneled about half of the money to Galindo, prosecutors allege. Uresti, whos also an attorney, could face up to 200 years in prison if convicted on all counts. As much as he wanted to enter live pleas of not guilty in open court today, he is instead attending this morning a bill signing ceremony in Austin with the governor, Watts said. Gov. Greg Abbott signed two bills sponsored by Uresti that are designed to improve child care in Texas, including one intended to improve the states foster care system, Uresti said in a news release. Gary Cain, a former FourWinds consultant who was indicted with Uresti and FourWinds CEO Stan Bates in the first case, also pleaded not guilty and didnt appear in court. According to the indictment, Cain, 60, continued to receive large payments from FourWinds through his business, Trinity Global Funding & Consulting, despite knowing that investor funds were being misused. Chad Muller, Cains lawyer, declined to comment. Bates, 45, also pleaded not guilty Wednesday without appearing in court. Uresti, Bates, Cain and three other FourWinds officials who already have pleaded guilty are accused of conspiring to misuse investor funds to enrich themselves and others. In the Reeves County public corruption case, Farthing, 44, previously waived his arraignment. Galindo, 53, who was county judge of Reeves County from January 1995 to December 2006, signed a plea deal in which he agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and failure to file tax returns. A plea hearing is set for June 12. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors are now seeking to remove Watts as Urestis criminal attorney in the FourWinds case because Watts, in a separate civil case, represented a woman who is identified as a Victim 1 in the FourWinds indictment. U.S. prosecutors said in a sealed motion Thursday that Watts has a conflict of interest and may be called as a witness in their case against Uresti, according to Watts response filed with the court Friday. Watts and Uresti both represented Denise Cantu of Harlingen in a wrongful-death case involving two of her children. Cantu invested the bulk of the proceeds from that settlement with FourWinds. She ended up losing about $800,000 of her $900,000 investment. Watts disputed that he should be disqualified. He said his representation of Cantu ended with the completion of the wrongful-death case in October 2012, according to his response. He added that he has no confidential information from representing Cantu that would either help Uresti or harm Cantu. I dont think the motion to disqualify me is a close call, Watts said in an interview. Theres no actual conflict. She hasnt been a client for four years. The two matters are not substantially related. Theres no temporal relationship between the two representations. Further, Watts said in his court filing, he had no recollection of speaking in detail with Cantu. Other lawyers at his firm handled the litigation, he said. Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot. In January, Cantu filed a fraud suit against Uresti in Hidalgo County. She says Uresti and others tricked her into believing she was investing with FourWinds to buy and sell frac sand, which is used in fracking to extract oil and gas from shale. Instead of using her money to buy sand, though, she said company officials distributed most of the money among themselves. In a court filing, Uresti has denied the allegations. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ruby Cigarroa, a distant relative of famed surgeon Francisco Cigarroa, always wanted to be a nurse. At Southwest High School, though, she earned a cosmetology license, enabling her to work as a hairdresser. She wanted to continue her education and grew tired of working nights and weekends that kept her away from her children, who are now 3 and 5. A nurse friend told her about Project QUEST, a workforce development program that is now helping Cigarroa, 30, get through the licensed vocational nurse program at St. Philips College. Project QUEST has paid for Cigarroas tuition, uniforms, shoes, medical supplies, books, software, CPR classes and exam fees. It gave Cigarroa gas vouchers to help her commute to the East Side community college from her home near Lytle, and paid for required vaccinations that her insurance didnt cover. I didnt have any history in the medical field and I was really nervous about it, Cigarroa said. It comes a little more naturally than I thought. Project QUEST is marking its 25th anniversary this year with a couple of other milestones. The organization Thursday announced a new executive director, former USAA Vice President David Zammiello, and an April study by the New York-based Economic Mobility Corporation that said it had a marked effect on graduates who pursued health professions. Project QUEST provides students with tuition assistance and wraparound services so they can pursue careers in growing sectors of the local economy. Nearly 900 students are currently enrolled, more than half pursuing a registered nurse or LVN certificate. Cigarroa is scheduled to graduate in August and aspires to become a registered nurse. Others are enrolled in information technology or manufacturing programs. The average participant is 30 years old and Latina, with two children, making $11,000 per year. Besides the kind of help Cigarroa received, the program assists students in other ways, including money for utility bills, child care and food. Researchers for the study, funded mostly by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, interviewed 175 Project QUEST participants about their earnings and careers and compared the results to 168 members of a control group who had applied but couldnt get into the program due to space constraints. The groups were formed between April 2006 and October 2008, when Project QUEST only funded training for health care professions such as nursing, medical records coding and surgical technician. The study found Project QUEST participants earned, on average, about $5,000 more per year than the control group after six years. Researchers also found that 72 percent of Project QUEST alumni were employed year-round by the sixth year, compared with 57.1 percent of the control group. Fewer Project QUEST students reported trouble with rent, mortgages, utility bills or food security. Still, more than 30 percent were worried about food running out. The program also helped more participants older than 25 to earn $24,000 or more by the sixth year, but 18- to 24-year-olds in the control group were more likely than Project QUEST students to achieve that threshold. Mark Elliott, a lead researcher, said he has not seen a similar program with a such a significant positive impact on its students over time. San Antonio has the most effective workforce development program in the country, Elliott said in April when the study was released. Community organizers from COPS and the Metro Alliance facilitated the 1992 founding of Project QUEST, defend it every year against possible cuts in city, state and federal funding, and lobby for increases whenever possible. The April study has given them ammunition. For several years, the city has contributed $2.2 million annually to Project QUEST, while the state has given between $300,000 and $500,000, said Pearl Ceasar, a Catholic nun serving as the programs executive director until Zammiello takes over June 26. Project QUEST is also in the third year of a four-year, $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to pay for cybersecurity training. Possible policy changes under the Trump administration have left Ceasar unsure if that grant will be renewed. After anxiety over a spending proposal before the Legislature that would have killed the grant program that benefits Project QUEST, leaders were relieved the two-year budget that emerged contained about $520,000 for Project QUEST, Ceasar said. She is pushing for a $300,000 increase from the city, which would bring San Antonios contribution to $2.5 million. Its become our citys job-training program, Ceasar said. Its won so many accolades from all over that it would be foolish for the city not to fund it. Mayoral candidate Ron Nirenberg supports the increase, COPS/Metro leaders said. Mayor Ivy Taylor, who sits on Project QUESTs board of directors, said Wednesday that she couldnt commit to the increase at this point but thinks Project QUEST is effective. I want to know more about why they need this level of increase at this time, Taylor said. I want to have the opportunity to make a broader impact and build a system that can touch even more lives than building an extraordinary program. We have great programs but we dont have a functioning system. amalik@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Yolanda Aldana had lost custody of her two children and was in jail for petty theft when she found out she was pregnant. Unaware that she was already 16 weeks along, Aldana had been using heroin and methamphetamine. She wanted to make a change, but she felt judged by all of the people she turned to for help. She started taking methadone to wean herself off of heroin and entered rehab. She knew if she didnt get clean she could lose custody of this child, too. The last day Aldana used was June 2, 2015. Her daughter was born a month later, 10 weeks early and suffering from withdrawals due to her exposure to drugs in the womb, a condition called neonatal abstinence syndrome. Aldanas daughter was one of 324 babies diagnosed with NAS in Bexar County in 2015, the most recent year state statistics are available. Bexar County accounted for a quarter of the states NAS cases, more than double the next highest county, Dallas. Bexar has consistently ranked first in NAS cases since the state began recording the data in 2009. Aldana, who has been clean for two years and kept custody of her baby, is now working to help expectant moms with drug addictions. She sits on the advisory board for a new countywide collaborative, led by researchers at UT Health San Antonio, that is working to address the local prevalence of NAS. I just had the worst experience ever and this is why I do this, Aldana said. Im getting my story out because I dont want other women to have the experience I went through. I was trying, and people just kept pulling me down and bringing me down. Aldana said the people running the rehab program judged her for being on methadone, calling it a legal way to get high. Bee Courtois, director of addiction treatment services at the countys mental health authority, the Center for Health Care Services, said that stigma is common throughout the county, but shes working to correct it. Pregnant women who are addicted to heroin or pain killers are advised not to quit cold turkey because withdrawal can endanger their pregnancy and the baby. Instead, methadone or buprenorphine is recommended to curb withdrawal symptoms. Courtois is a member of the Bexar County Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Collaborative, which includes academic researchers, San Antonios major hospital systems, representatives from the state health agency and Child Protective Services, a family law practitioner and several patient partners, including Aldana. The groups goal is to identify the most beneficial research it can conduct to address Bexar Countys high NAS number and disseminate the findings and resources in the community, according to Lisa Cleveland, a leader of the collaborative and assistant professor at the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing. A lot of times when researchers do research in the community they kind of just drop in, take what they need and then leave, Cleveland said. We really want to be able to show the community, Thank you for your participation, this is what we learned. The collaborative expects to launch a website this summer for women to access resources and more. There will be a blog page where our patient partners like Yolanda can communicate with other women who may have experienced what she went through and give them some hope, Cleveland said. Problem in Bexar County The state tracks only NAS cases in deliveries funded by Medicaid, meaning NAS is likely underreported in Texas. But a 2016 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said state Medicaid programs cover an estimated 80 percent of all NAS-related hospital bills. Given that national statistic, Cleveland said Texas data, while incomplete, probably will capture a pretty good portion of the cases. Though Bexar County accounts for only 8.5 percent of all Medicaid-funded births in Texas, it has 25 percent of the states NAS cases, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The total number of NAS cases in Texas increased by 75 percent from 2010 to 2015. Courtois, with the Center for Health Care Services, said the proximity of San Antonio to smuggling routes makes illegal drugs here cheaper and more accessible, contributing to the countys NAS problem. The drugs get funneled through the south, so theyre funneled through here and then sent on up to Chicago and New York. They go through Hwy. 281 and I-35 and continue on up, she said. Nearly 33 percent of Bexar Countys Felony Drug Court participants cited opiates, like pain killers and heroin, as their drug of choice in 2016. They are consistently cited more than any other drug, including marijuana and alcohol. Aldana first turned to heroin to manage her back pain, which kept her in bed for a month, unable to care for her two young daughters without help. Her doctor prescribed pain killers, increasing the dosage every time the pain returned, until the doctor lost his authority to write prescriptions. Desperate to numb the pain, Aldana made a decision she would come to regret. Someone told me heroin was just like Vicodin (a prescription painkiller), so I tried it and it was better, Aldana said. It was cheaper and it lasted longer. A teacher noticed one of her daughters had worn the same outfit to school several days in a row and notified Child Protective Services. Aldana was asked to take a drug test and failed, leading the agency to take action. All this time, Im using, but I think Im doing the right thing because my kids are fed, theyre taken care of, Aldana said. But in reality, Im just some drug addict who thinks everything is good, but its not. At first Aldana and her kids moved in with her mother, but Aldana felt smothered and unsupported. Within a week, she left. The state granted her mother legal custody of the children. Aldanas addiction eventually led to her arrest for petty theft. Success of Mommies Program After she was released from her week-long stint in jail, she was sent to the Restoration Center, operated by the Center for Health Care Services, and joined the Mommies Program. The program, which requires near-daily participation for about three months, is free to any pregnant woman diagnosed with a substance abuse problem. The women work with a clinician to manage their addictions with methadone or buprenorphine and can receive free transportation, child care and parenting classes. Courtois helped establish the program in 2007 amid growing concern about NAS in Bexar County. Babies born to mothers on methadone or buprenorphine can still develop NAS, so Courtois said she measures the programs success by the number of days the baby has to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, participation in the Mommies Program led to a 33 percent reduction in the time babies with NAS spent in the neonatal unit. The Mommies Program is now a statewide model. Changing the conversation Babies with NAS experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those in adults: excessive crying, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitches and seizures. Cleveland said NAS is serious, but manageable and time-limited. Little research has been done on the long-term effects. NAS is not going to last forever, and really we have no good evidence to show that these babies wont go on to be just fine if theyre raised in a loving supportive environment, Cleveland said. State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, proposed a bill this year that would have charged pregnant women who gave birth to babies with NAS with a Class A misdemeanor. The bill didnt pass, but Cleveland worries it could be re-introduced. There are better ways to manage it, she said. By really creating an environment where women feel comfortable providing this information to their primary health-care provider in a way that they feel that theyre not going to be incriminated and (will) receive the help that they need is probably a better way to go about it. Cleveland said many pregnant women worry that Child Protective Services will take their children away if they admit to using drugs or have a baby with NAS. But Patrick Crimmins, a spokesman for the Department of Family and Protective Services, said state action is determined on a case-by-case basis. Aldana hopes her work with the collaborative will make women feel more comfortable telling their doctors about their drug use and asking for help. Everyone was so against me, saying, Oh, youre just going to go back to using, she said. Look at me now. I proved you wrong. Im going to help those girls who are doing for themselves and trying. The city of San Antonio will file a lawsuit Thursday challenging Senate Bill 4, the recently signed law that will punish local governments like San Antonio that have policies preventing law enforcement officers from asking about immigration status. The lawsuit will be filed on behalf of the city by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, District 4 Councilman Rey Saldanas office said Wednesday. AUSTIN Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday its too early to predict what, if anything, will be included on a special session agenda. Well be making an announcement as soon as feasible, he said, taking questions from reporters at a bill-signing event. Only Abbott can call a special session of the Legislature, which ended its regular session Monday without acting on a key bill to continue several state agencies, including the Texas Medical Board. That legislation got caught up in a tussle over bills pushed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that would change the property tax system to provide for automatic rollback elections and restrict the public restrooms that transgender people can use. Patrick carried through on a threat to force a special session by stalling action on the state agencies bill because the House wouldnt follow the Senate in passing the measures he wanted. Instead, the House passed bills to give Texans more information about their property taxes and provide for schools to provide an alternative to students who dont want to use restrooms that align with their biological sex. The Senates bathroom bill would have required people to use the restrooms in government buildings, schools and universities that align with the sex on their birth certificate. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, opposed that measure, saying it could threaten Texas economy by prompting boycotts since such legislation is widely viewed as discriminatory. Abbott has promised to make an announcement on a special session this week, but at a Wednesday bill-signing, he said it wasnt yet time. He said he is waiting for State Comptroller Glenn Hegar to certify the state budget approved by lawmakers in the regular session. That certification is needed before we can actually say that the current session is concluded, Abbott said. That hasnt been an impediment in the past. Former Gov. Rick Perry in 2013 called lawmakers back into an immediate special session on the last day of that years regular session. Besides having sole authority to call a special session, Abbott is the one with the power to set the agenda of such a session. Asked whether the bathroom and tax issues would be included, Abbott said, It is premature to say what, if anything, will be on a special session call. pfikac@express-news.net The Texas Attorney Generals office announced Wednesday a settlement with a Utah-based home security company over allegations that unregistered salespeople went door-to-door, in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Vivint Inc., and its subsidiary, Smart Home Pros, formerly Advanced Residential Marketing, began door-to-door solicitations in Texas in 2012 without being authorized to do so, by the Texas Department of Public Safety, according to a news release and documents provided by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. It also alleges some of their employees engaged in those sales after expressly being denied registration by the agency. Vivint has disputed the allegations, but agreed to enter into an assurance of voluntary compliance to avoid litigation, according to the document, which was filed in the 353rd District Court in Travis County on May 24. Under terms of the settlement, Vivint said it would ensure its employees are properly registered with DPS before going door-to-door, and that they also would provide consumers with a notice informing them of their right to cancel contracts with the company, the release states. Vivint also agreed to pay $135,000 to the state, and $75,000 for attorney's fees related to the investigation, the document states. Separately, the family of a Stone Oak man who was fatally shot in 2015 by a former Vivint salesman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man and the company. RELATED: Door-to-door salesman sentenced to 60 years in death of San Antonio homeowner The parents of Kerry OToole, 53, filed a lawsuit May 17 in Bexar County Civil Court against Richard Luis Amezquita, Vivint and its subsidiary. Amezquita, 37, was convicted last week of murder and sentenced to 60 years in prison in OTooles death. Amezquita said he shot the homeowner in self-defense after he said OToole choked, kicked and threw rocks at him and his car. Plaintiffs Harry and Georgette OToole, representing their sons estate, allege that ARM and Vivint were negligent in hiring and retaining Amezquita, and that the comanies were negligent in failing to adequately supervise Amezquita while he worked for them and did not train him properly. The suit seeks damages, including for funeral and burial expenses, however no monetary amount was given. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate What later became known as World War I had been raging for nearly three years on June 26, 1917, when 33 veterans of the Spanish American War some of whom may have ridden with Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders formed Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 76, the first VFW post in the state. Through a second worldwide war, various police actions and the war in Afghanistan (now the longest in American history), Post 76 continued on. Today it is the oldest VFW post in the state and the eighth-largest in the world. This month, the post will celebrate the centennial of its founding at its headquarters on 10th Street just off Broadway. The festivities will take place the weekend of June 30-July 2. During its first three decades, VFW Post 76 was without a permanent home. Members met in a variety of locations, including the Spanish Governors Palace, the YMCA and area churches, according to Albert Mirales, post commander from 2011 to 2016. In 1947 the post purchased its current headquarters on 10th Street for $15,000. The Victorian-style house features impressive Corinthian columns, a wide wraparound veranda, and both a basement and attic. At one time, according to the post website, the home had 17 rooms, five fireplaces, two kitchens and several handsome stained glass windows, at least three of which exist to this day. More Information VFW Post 76 Centennial Celebration June 26 is the post's actual birthday, but the celebration will take place the following weekend. June 30: Free barbecue for members after a short ceremony in recognition of the post's centennial Three bands Face painting and games for children Party July 1: Dignitaries at 1 p.m. ceremony and barbecue meal July 2: Fourth of July picnic and ceremony in recognition of centennial celebration For more information, visit vfwpost76ontheriverwalk.org. See More Collapse Recently designated a State Historical Site by the Texas Historical Commission, the house dates from 1895. It was built for Mary Francis Drake, who came to San Antonio from Milwaukee with her daughter Mabel and son Harry in 1890. Independently wealthy, she purchased the land on the San Antonio River for $3,000. The buildings architect is unknown. Over the years, the home was sold several times until, in 1901, it was purchased by the Petty family for $5,650. They lived there until 1947, when it was sold to Post 76. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is the countrys largest group of veterans who either saw combat or served in an area where combat took place. In addition to lobbying for veteran benefits, the VFW is a fraternal, educational and service organization. One of its primary missions is to help vets reintegrate back into society when they return from military service. Perhaps Post 76s most visible public outreach is its honor guard, a volunteer group established in 2007 that provides full military honors at funerals for deceased vets who are interred in civilian cemeteries. The service includes a three-volley rifle salute, folding and presenting of the flag, taps sounded by a live bugler and a commemorative certificate for the family. Over the past few years, Post 76 has experienced dramatic growth, from about 280 dues-paying members in 2005 to more than 1,700 today. Membership is $35 annually or $300 to $400 for a life membership, depending on the veterans age. Mirales credits three things for this growth: location, location, location. When I came in 2005 there was all but brush, he said, sweeping his arm toward an area of the property that today overlooks the bustling Museum Reach portion of the San Antonio River. Back then, the river was this little stream where people might do some fishing. Where you see those apartments there, it used to be an empty lot. As a result we have a lot of people walking by all the time telling us they never knew we were here. Another complex of 200 apartments, plus a five-story parking garage are being constructed along the eastern and southern edges of the property. The post and its members have, to a large extent, embraced these changes. Were going to have to do some creative thinking on how were going to continue to operate in an environment where were going to have a lot of young people, millennials, Mirales explained. Its a new challenge and a way to keep the mission going. I often say, Were old, but were not old-fashioned, he added. Because 76 is an open post, theres a full bar where the public is welcome to enjoy adult beverages either on the veranda or at any of a number of colorful picnic tables that overlook the river bend. The canteen is open until 2 a.m. every day, depending on the crowd. The post also runs several events throughout the year. These include: Veterans Day Out: Once a month, veterans living at the extended-term care facility at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital are taken to the post, where they have lunch and play bingo. For them to get out of that hospital environment and come down here for a couple of hours and eat homemade enchiladas, theyre in heaven, said commander Johnny Ornelaz. 10th Street River Festival: An official Fiesta event with food and beverage booths and live music. Held during the last weekend of Fiesta. Vietnam Veterans Day: Honors vets with a wreath-laying ceremony. Held on the closest Saturday to March 29. Easter at the Post: Egg hunt, pinatas, games, hot dogs, chips and drinks and door prizes. Every child goes home with an Easter basket. Held the Saturday a week before Easter. Back to School Haircut Day: Volunteer barbers give free haircuts to elementary-age schoolchildren. Children also get a backpack with school supplies, hot dogs, chips and drinks and door prizes (including several bikes). August. Breakfast with Santa Claus: Tacos and Santa with donated presents for the kids. December. The post also awards two $1,000 college scholarships to graduating Fox Tech High School students and four $1,500 scholarships to Highlands High School seniors. The Highlands scholarships honor Sgt. Matthew Mendoza, a Highlands graduate and Post 76 life member who was killed during his second tour of Iraq. The post building also has a memorial room named in his honor that serves as something of a military museum. One of the VFWs mottos is that we honor our dead by serving the living, said Mirales. Were doing exactly what the motto says to do. rmarini@express-news.net Twitter: @RichardMarini COMING FRIDAY: The Rose Window at Mission San Jose. Astana Summit: India and Pakistan to become Full members of SCO Published: June 1, 2017 India and Pakistans admission to the China-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the SCOs summit to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Astana Summit will be held on 8-9 June. The summit will complete the admission procedures of these two countries. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisaiton (SCO) granted full membership status to Pakistan and India during its Ufa summit held in Russia in 2015. India signed the Memorandum on accession in June 2016. The presence of worlds two most populous countries, China and India in the grouping would make SCO as the organisation with the largest population coverage. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) SCO is the political and security grouping headquartered in Beijing. It was founded in 2001. The full members of the organization are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The groupings main objective is military cooperation between the members. The grouping also works towards intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status at present. China founded this grouping, called the Shanghai Five, in 1996. It comprised Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In 2001 Uzbekistan was invited to join it and the SCO was officially born. After the Astana Summit Declaration in 2005, SCO has emerged as a regional security organization. Mongolia is the first country to receive observer status at the 2004 Tashkent Summit. Pakistan, India and Iran received observer status at the 2005 SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 5, 2005. SCO is primarily centred on its member nations Central Asian security-related concerns, often describing the main threats it confronts as being terrorism, separatism and extremism. The role of China as well as strategic importance of SCO has increased over the period of a decade and now address problems like terrorism, separatism and militancy in the region. Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017 Topics: India-International Relations International Shanghai Cooperation Organisaiton (SCO) Latest E-Books This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A raving, anti-Muslim lunatic stabs three good Samaritans, two fatally, on a train car in Portland. A Republican House candidate slams a reporter to the ground for asking a question about health care in Montana. A scuffle breaks out on the Texas House floor, where a Democrat threatens to assault a Republican, who then threatens to shoot the Democrat. Its difficult to imagine these recent events unfolding just three years ago. Suddenly, violence has become a first resort in American politics, combat the only option. When did the lights go out? For me, it was on November 12, 2015, the day then-candidate Donald Trump declared in a speech in Iowa, I love war in a certain way, but only when we win. That day, I realized Trump was actually advocating violence. In the speech, Trump celebrated the torture of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who walked off his outpost in eastern Afghanistan in 2009. Captured by the Taliban, he was beaten, confined to a cage and locked in chains for five years until he was released in a prisoner swap. Trump was upset that an Army lawyer had recommended against jail time for Bergdahl. In the old days, he would have been shot for being a traitor, Trump said. Hes going to get nothing. I mean, seriously, in the old days When we were strong and when we were smart, youre shot. At the time, I called Trumps speech a meltdown. I didnt realize he was tapping into a blood lust that would help catapult him to the Oval Office. Thats not to say President Trump created this blood lust. He recognized it, though saw its value, exploited it, thrust it into the mainstream. Now, even his worst critics are infected by it. (See Kathy Griffin, fired by CNN on Wednesday for a nauseating photo shoot in which she held a prop of Trumps bloody, severed head.) Jeremy Joseph Christian, the racist lunatic who stabbed three people in the throat on Portlands light-rail system last week as they tried to defend two young women from him, was both a critic and a supporter of Trump, posting contradictory political views on Facebook. A common thread to the posts, though, is a desire to channel his views into violence. U.S. Rep. Gregory Gianforte of Montana (yes, he won) is a Republican. In his alleged assault this month of Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs, its easy to hear echoes of Trump egging him on. Absolute scum, Trump said of journalists at a 2015 rally in South Carolina. Remember that. Scum. Scum. State Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, discerned a different drop on the slide to incivility. On Monday, the former San Antonio councilman found himself near a scuffle involving Republican state Rep. Matt Rinaldi and Democratic state Rep. Alfonso Poncho Nevarez. On the House floor, Rinaldi boasted to Latino Democrats that he had called immigration officials on demonstrators who were protesting an anti-sanctuary-cities law, the same sort of legislation touted by the Trump administration. Nevarez suggested to Rinaldi that they take the matter outside, prompting Rinaldi to threaten to shoot Nevarez in self-defense. Bernal blamed the incident on the legislation itself. Already signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Senate Bill 4 forces local jurisdictions to allow police to inquire about a detained persons immigration status. The House rejected an amendment by Bernal that would have exempted children from such scrutiny. That went down on party lines, Bernal said. And thats when I knew that something was different, something had changed, and we were in a different, darker place than we were before. After that, the session just wasnt the same. Rinaldis profiling of the Latino demonstrators as undocumented immigrants was itself an act of violence, Bernal added. It felt like a grenade that (Rinaldi) threw onto the ground, Bernal said. But it also showed that Senate Bill 4 can be used like a weapon. Real, serious harm will befall people, and it will fall on them indiscriminately. bchasnoff@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Drama unfolded on Interstate 35 Tuesday as flash flooding from heavy rains made high-water situations dangerous across San Antonio and trapping a mom and her 10-month-old son near downtown. "I was thinking, 'God, just please keep us safe,' the whole drive home," said Ashley Duhon, 21, adding that the rain was coming down so hard that drivers slowed to around 20 miles per hour on the highway. "With how fast people drive here, I'm sure you can imagine how hard it was raining." Duhon was headed home to Fort Sam where she and her husband live with their 10-month-old son Dalton. RELATED: 8 tips to escape your car in a high water emergency Soon enough, Duhon's car stalled out in the water that was piling up on the lower level of I-35 in the downtown area. She thought about how fast water can become deadly. "So I just acted. I hopped out my car and grabbed by baby," she said. "I wasn't scared at the time. I don't even think I was thinking. I was just doing what my instincts said to do." Moving quickly, Duhon left behind her keys, cell phone and that night's dinner in the car and she grabbed Dalton out of the back seat and headed to the underpass nearby. A man slowed down and asked if they needed help. "We hitched with this awesome man who I don't even think I asked his name in all this commotion," she said. RELATED: Thunderstorms, hail hit San Antonio area, Hill Country She said she regrets driving through the weather, and wouldn't do it again. Instead, she plans to pull over and wait out the weather in a safe place. Monte Oaks, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said .076 inches of rain fell Tuesday. "I look back now and realize how stupid and dangerous it was for me to continue driving that weather with my son," she said. "I hope people take flooding in San Antonio more seriously." Her car was towed from the scene and is a repair shop, Duhon said. As for Dalton? "My son is doing great," she said. "That little turd doesn't even realize that something beyond crazy happened yesterday." kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 GAMBIER, Ohio The way Chuck Dudgeon sees it: If I dont tell the story of ag, someone from D.C. will and I dont like the way they spin things sometimes. Dudgeon runs a small cow-calf operation in Knox County, Ohio, and he is not afraid to open his farm to visitors. Tours He has given tours to students from nearby Kenyon College, many of whom have never set foot on a farm, let alone seen a cow. Dudgeon has also hosted the countys Agricultural Awareness Day, that gives around 600 local fourth-graders a connection to the farm. And, as a member of the Knox County Cattlemens Association, he hosted educational events for the Ohio Cattlemens Association. In late May, he opened up his farm to the Mount Vernon Rotary Club and members of the club were not shy about asking where their beef comes from. This is the second year the Rotary has visited the Dudgeon Farm, and Lynda Small, who attended with her Rotary member husband, said she enjoyed her visit last year, when they watched an artificial insemination demonstration. This is a wonderful spread. They do a really nice job here, she said. This years presentations focused on helping members make informed decisions when making purchases at the meat counter. Preservation Anytime we can bring members of the community together with members of the farming community, its a positive thing, said Lisa Schott, a Rotary member and managing director of Kenyon Colleges Philander Chase Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust organization. Schott has worked with Dudgeon to preserve his 300 acres in an agricultural easement meaning the land can be used for only agriculture. When you look at this land 100 years from now, it is going to look basically the same, said Schott. And my vision will never change, said Dudgeon, who runs 100 head of brood cattle Angus and Simmental crosses on the land. Dudgeon has, however, been changing some of his farm practices, dabbling in embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI). Although not new to industry, Dudgeon said both ET and AI are a new and exciting challenge for him. He had three calves to show the Rotary members from his recent breedings one born as an embryo transfer, one artificially inseminated and one born naturally. Marbling The heifer born as a result of the embryo transfer is rated in the top 1 percent for marbling, Dudgeon explained to the members. Marbling is what gives the meat its tenderness, its flavor and juiciness, explained Lyda Garcia, a meat scientist at Ohio State University. Garcia, faculty adviser for the Ohio State Meat Science Club and supervisor of the meat judging team, shared how she teaches her students to judge carcasses and various cuts of meat. She broke down why certain cuts are higher priced and more highly desired than others, and then challenged members to do some judging of their own. Grass or grain Rotary members particularly wanted to know which was better for them: grass- or grain-fed beef. Garcia explained grass-fed beef takes longer to get to maturity, sometimes creating a tougher meat product. But grain-fed beef lack some of the extra vitamins that grass-fed beef take in. While grass-fed may contain slightly higher OMEGA acids, Garcia said the difference is too minimal to scientifically say grass-fed beef is healthier for you. At the end of the day, its really up to the consumer. As long as youre eating beef, I dont care what you eat, Dudgeon said. Rotary Korey Kidwell, Rotary president, said every fifth Tuesday is reserved for a special event, such as a visit to Dudgeons farm. It provides local business leaders an opportunity to go some place new and learn something they probably didnt know, said Kidwell. The future of a possible new polo-oriented resort on the outskirts of Middleburg may be in jeopardy in the wake of a foreclosure process recen Country's First Automatic Coastal Warning for Disasters to come up in Odisha Published: June 1, 2017 From July, Odisha will commission the ambitious Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) to warn the vast population residing along its 480 km-long coast in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or a cyclone. Andhra Pradesh is also reportedly developing such system to alert the people in case of natural calamities. Salient Highlights The warning can be disseminated just by pressing a single button from a control room in the State capital in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters. It would trigger loud sirens simultaneously from towers at 122 locations including tourist destinations, fish landing centres and coastal habitations situated across the state. The sound emanating from the towers can be heard in localities up to a radius of 1.5 km. Thus, Odisha become the first state to have developed an automatic public address system that can be activated across the state. The towers will be installed in 22 blocks under six coastal districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri and Ganjam The EWDS comprises of Satellite-Based Mobile Data Voice Terminals (SBMDVT), Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), Mass Messaging System (MMS) and Universal Communication Interface (UCI) for inter-operability among different communication technologies. The project at an estimated cost of 82 crore will be implemented with assistance from the World Bank. The EWDS will help the people to move to safer places before government agencies commenced evacuation. Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017 Topics: Disaster Managament National Odisha States Latest E-Books Since 1945, a chief foreign policy objective of the Soviet Union, and then Russia, has been to divide Germany and the United States. Initially, the Soviets pursued this strategy in a literal sense, by unilaterally creating a communist puppet state in East Germany. Then, Moscow attempted to prevent the Western allies access to Berlin. In 1961, the Soviets built a wall dividing the city. Moscow undertook all these gambits to pressure America into conceding that preserving a free and independent Federal Republic of Germany, strongly anchored in the West, was not worth the effort. Yet Soviet attempts to drive a wedge between the United States and Germany had the opposite effect. From the heroic Berlin Airlift (which kept the Western half of the city alive throughout an 11 month-long Soviet blockade) to landmark speeches by John F. Kennedy (Ich bin ein Berliner) and Ronald Reagan (Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!), Soviet aggression only hardened American resolve. Throughout the Cold War, a longing for strategic nonalignment, pacifism, deeply-ingrained cultural anti-Americanism and postwar guilt towards the Soviet Union all provided fertile ground for Kremlin efforts at neutralizing West Germany. Due to his policy of Westbindung, or binding Germany to the West, Konrad Adenauer earned himself the sobriquet Chancellor of the Allies from his political opponents. The Federal Republics joining NATO was hotly contested; many Germans preferred reunification with the East and neutrality on Josef Stalins terms to taking the Western side in what JFK termed a Twilight Struggle. Mass German resistance to American foreign policy came to a head with the Euro-Missile crisis of the early 1980s, when the German Bundestag barely approved the positioning of nuclear-tipped NATO warheads on its territory. To this day, the largest demonstrations in postwar German history were those protesting this deployment. Mehr zum Thema 1/ Given its sheer size and geographic location at the center of East-West confrontation, Germany was Americas most important European ally during the Cold War. And, long after the Cold War ended, this partnership remains our most important in continental Europe. Though it is no longer the American protectorate of yore, Germany is still heavily reliant upon the United States for its security and economic well-being, and the United States continues to station tens of thousands of soldiers on German soil. Russia aims at arousing the anti-American sentiment And as it once again seeks to divide the West against itself, post-Soviet Russia has revived its efforts to split Germany from the United States. The most sophisticated, recent example of this strategy was the Edward Snowden imbroglio, which, while intended to harm the reputation of the United States generally, was aimed specifically at arousing anti-American sentiment in Europes biggest country and economic powerhouse. Of all the nations in the world where the National Security Agency conducts operations, it was those in Germany (like the alleged hacking of Chancellor Angela Merkels cell phone) that elicited the most outrage. This outsized reaction was explainable not only by unique German sensitivities concerning surveillance matters, but a deliberate strategy on the part of Snowdens handlers in Russia to ensure the maximum possible damage to American interests. Time at the lake or on the river, barbeques and kicking off summer with family and friends Memorial Day is a time where we celebrate our freedom, but we must stop to remember the cost. It is a day for us to remember those who died fighting for our country and protecting our way of life. Before you set off to enjoy summer, I ask that you pause to remember and honor Memorial Day with me. I visited the local VFW in Cape Girardeau recently which is named after three Missouri heroes. Lloyd Dale Clippard, Richard Gene Wilson and Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. Clippard was a member of the U.S. Navy and just 19 years old when he became Cape Girardeaus first WWII casualty. He had been on duty for three short months when he and his fellow sailors were attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. His remains were never recovered and are entombed in the hull of the USS Utah. Wilson was a combat medic for the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He died trying to rescue a wounded soldier at the Battle of Yongju. Taylor was an Army Infantryman in Vietnam. He died in combat in the Dinh Tuong Province, fighting against the threat of Communism, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. This week, I heard stories from Forest ONeill of Rolla who recalled many of his fellow Marines that were lost in battle against North Korea. It was December of 1950, Forest and his fellow Marines were fighting their way out of the Chosin Reservoir in temperatures that were 20 and 30 degrees below zero. Sadly, not everyone made it out alive, but Forest and his fellow Marines made sure everyone, dead or alive, made it home. During the Vietnam War, Missouri lost 1,422 brave soldiers. Earl Wayne Ellis, Dennis Edward Isgrig, Charles Wayne Buntion, Warren Paul Seawel, Frederick John Shuh and Larry Lee Thomure along with too many others are honored on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in D.C. If you arent able to pay tribute in person, I encourage you to visit VirtualWall.org and learn more about those from Missouri who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Today we fight a new war, the Global War on Terror. This war has presented new challenges but the bravery, heroism and sacrifice of Missourians has remained unchanged. Army Sergeant Robert Gene Davis from Jackson, Missouri gave his life for freedom in Afghanistan. As Davis convoy charged forward, an improvised explosive device detonated underneath his Humvee. Army Specialist James R. Burnett, Jr. from Stoddard County was killed in action by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan as well. Staff Sergeant Bradley Joe Skelton of Gordonville volunteered to come out of retirement and go on another tour of duty with the Missouri National Guard. It was during this second tour when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. As we pause to remember those weve lost, I am inspired by Korean War Veteran Forest ONeill who said Dont give up. Never quit. Its difficult to put my depth of gratitude into words. Thank you feels insufficient compared to what these families have endured. From World War II, The Korean War and Vietnam to the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Missourians have fought bravely and died valiantly. Their families have sacrificed dearly, but as we celebrate our freedoms this weekend, we know their sacrifices are not in vain. The son of a former Prime Minister of Gabon was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by bribing government officials in Africa. Samuel Mebiame, 43, was a consultant to a mining company owned by an Och-Ziff joint venture. He worked for the joint venture from 2007 to 2012. Hes a dual citizen of Gabon and France. He lived in Paris before his arrest in Brooklyn last year. In Niger, Mebiame paid more than $3 million in bribes to a top official. He also gave the official luxury cars. In return, the Och-Ziff joint venture received licenses for uranium concessions. In Chad, Mebiame bribed a high-ranking government official with cash and luxury foreign travel for the official and the officials wife. The Och-Ziff JV was granted uranium concessions including an asset stripped from a French-owned company at Mebiames urging. In Guinea, Mebiame obtained confidential government information by bribing officials with cash, the use of private jets, and an S-Class Mercedes Benz. Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC agreed in September to a $412 million FCPA settlement with the DOJ and SEC. The violations related to Mebiames bribery in Africa and to other offenses in Libya. As part of the settlement, an Och-Ziff Africa unit pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information. The company was charged with a conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Och-Ziff CEO Daniel Och agreed to pay nearly $2.2 million to settle SEC charges that he caused FCPA violations. Mebiame pleaded guilty in December. He was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in New York. His father, Leon Mebiame, was prime minister of Gabon from 1975 to 1990. He died in December 2015. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. I never go anywhere without a notebook. I have notebooks of varying sizes and weights so that I can fit one in almost any bag. You never know when inspiration is going to strike and in my experience, it strikes when you are thinking about something else, something totally mundane, like which sort of pasta to buy. Obviously, you cant write a whole novel in the pasta aisle. But you might just scribble down a word or a sentence which holds the key to a scene or a plot point youve been wrestling with for days and weeks. Clare Fisher By Justine Stoddar All the Good Things began with a voice. I was in bed. Like most people in bed, I just wanted to sleep. But a voice called me up. It belonged to a young woman, Beth. Shed done a bad thing and she felt like she was no thing. She was spiky and charming and I knew it would be some time before we were ready to let each other go. I take my characters for runs. When Im not sure what a character would do in a particular situation, I take them out for a run. I chat to them the way Id chat to a running buddy (although not out loud). Sometimes well plod on in silence. Getting to know your characters is like getting to know people: it takes time and persistence. I write to move people. I read to be moved and I write the kind of books Id like to read. Beth is a young woman in prison and her story is a difficult one, but I hope it is one that makes people reconsider their assumptions and one that moves. I cant go a day without reading. I really cant. I never leave the house without a book. Im extremely nosy. Some of my earliest memories are of eavesdropping on adult conversations. Its still one of my favourite past times now. As a writer, youre always listening to how people speak, interesting turns of phrase, bits of themselves they reveal without meaning to. South London is a part of me. I live in Leeds now but a part of me will always remain in south London, where I grew up. This is evident in my novel; the somewhat shambolic streets of south London, teaming with all sorts of different people, is the kind of place a vulnerable young woman like Beth can feel at home. I dont believe in good and bad people. Its too easy to judge others, especially when they are in a different situation from you. Beth is in prison but she is, like the prisoners I met whilst researching the book, more like you and me than you might think. Shes done a bad thing but shes not a bad person. Writing is hard. Most of the time its like driving in the dark. You mostly have no idea where youre going. You just have to hope. Editing is fun. Its not the sob fest people might imagine. Its getting to know your characters and your stories better; making sure that youve done the very best job you can. Your first apartment will be a disaster. You come to New York in search of something. Your life is still in the process of formation. This means you probably dont have a job, or much money. So you have to take what you can get, at first. For me, that meant a matchbox-sized place in the East Village, with fleas and ceilings that routinely caved in. But take heart! Because Anna Pitoniak Your second apartment will be better. And your second job will be better. If New York seems impossible when you first arrive, thats because it is; because you havent found your footing yet. It takes time. The city may be daunting, but youll get better and better finding your groove within it. The subway is your friend. Its safe, its clean (for the most part), and it runs 24 hours a day. Its almost always faster to take the subway instead of a caband its definitely always cheaper. The subway is one of New Yorks greatest assets, and it makes the city your playground. The parks are your friend, too. You must find ways to escape the intensity from time to time, and this is where Central Park comes inor Riverside Park, or Prospect Park, or any of the green spaces in the city. A sunny afternoon spent lounging on the grass, watching the breeze play in the trees, and youll almost forget where you are. Times Square is to be avoided at all costs. If youre a tourist visiting for the first time, then sure, theres some novelty to it. But if you live in New York, you learn very quickly that Times Square is a nightmare. The only decent time to go to Times Square is when its completely empty, like at 3 a.m. during a blizzard, and I dont know why youd do that. During a heat wave, the water is the best place to be. If youre like me, you dont have access to a sailboat or a yacht. But thats okay, because New York has plenty of free rides. When the city gets sweltering hot, head for the Staten Island ferry, or the water taxi to Red Hook. Youll feel so good that youll almost forget about your air conditioning bill. You can eat like a king for just a few bucks. The true New York City meal is one eaten cheaply and on the go: a slice of pizza on a paper plate, a styrofoam container of halal meat over rice. New York can be expensive, but its also a place where you can get dinner for two dollars. Culture is there for the taking. Gallery openings, bookstore readings, off-off-Broadway plays, museums, outdoor concerts, the opera, the balletthere is incredible culture to be found everywhere you look. Its one of the best things about New York, and so much of it can be done for free, or on the cheap. No excuses! Even the big city sometimes feels like a small town. Out of the eight million people in New York, how likely is it that you run into your friend on the subway platform, or on the sidewalk, or at the coffee shop? But it does happen, and more than you think. Those are the moments when youll realize that, against the odds, youve made a home for yourself in this crazy place. But heres some good news for coffee lovers. A new study has found that drinking a cup of coffee daily reduces your risk of developing liver cancer by 20 per cent, and five cups of coffee daily can reduce your chances by half! Even coffee that has been decaffeinated can have protective properties, but at a smaller percentage than caffeinated coffee. The universities of Southampton and Edinburgh conducted the study that gives substantial proof that coffee does in fact reduce the risk of liver cancer. Not only does coffee reduce the risk of developing cancer, it is also a way to increase your metabolism and lose weight. It helps fat cells break down body fat so that it can be used for energy instead of accumulating it below the skin. Coffee keeps you alert and helps to fight mental diseases like Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Dementia, and also lowers the risk of getting Type II Diabetes! So not only is it a tasty treat, it helps you stay healthy and attentive for longer. Well, there you go. Have that cup of joe! The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the official body of apparel exporters in India, has sought continuation of the Rebate of State Levies (ROSL) on Export of Garments scheme in its current form under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. The GST Council will decide on tax rates for the textile and garment sector at its meeting on June 3. The data of Indias apparel exports shows that after the commencement of disbursement of ROSL, the apparel sector has been registering double digit growth, AEPC said. Indias apparel export registered momentous growth of 31.7 per cent in April 2017 compared to same period last year. During March-April, 2017, Indian garment exporters were able to increase production by around 30 per cent for achieving this growth and employed at least 5 per cent more workers during the same period. The big jump in apparel exports is the result of recently implemented incentive called ROSL on Export of Garments, as it helped the industry to increase the production at very competitive rates for a larger share of global markets. It is important that ROSL is continued even in GST era to ensure sustained growth momentum, said AEPC chairman Ashok G Rajani. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the official body of apparel exporters in India, has sought continuation of the 'Rebate of State Levies (ROSL) on Export of Garments' scheme in its current form under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. The GST Council will decide on tax rates for the textile and garment sector at its meeting on June 3.# 80 per cent beneficiaries of ROSL scheme are exporters with a turnover of less than 10 crores (SMEs) per year. We made a presentation to finance minister last week to continue ROSL in current form under GST regime. We have also rolled out a study of more than 1,000 exporters on the key contributors to exports and we will be sharing the results shortly, he added. ROSL scheme is in tune with the recognised economic principle of zero rating of export products and in recognition of the fact that at present only central levies are rebated by the way of drawback schemes. With GST being operational from July 1, 2017, any dilution in the ROSL scheme will hit the apparel export sector badly impacting the job growth, Rajani said in a statement. India is at the cusp of major tax reform and move like GST is a milestone. However, to provide seamless business environment policymakers have to be flexible and address the collective wisdom of industry for a robust economic system, especially when the industry provides jobs to 129 lakh workers, he concluded. Other textile and apparel bodies like The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) and Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA) have also urged the Centre to continue ROSL benefit under the GST regime. The continuation of ROSL scheme will certainly lead to an increase in exports of made ups articles which in turn will create more employment, according to Ujwal Lahoti, chairman, Texprocil. He said that any increase in the exports of made ups will create additional employment in the entire value chain such as spinning and weaving besides the made ups sector especially in the rural areas and for women. (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Reduction of corporate tax from the current 20 per cent to 15 per cent for the countrys readymade garment export sector has been proposed in Budget 2017-18 presented in Bangladeshi parliament. For readymade garment companies possessing internationally recognised green building certification, the Budget proposes reduction of tax rate to 14 per cent. Readymade garments sector is playing a vital role in the economic development and employment generation of the country. This sector is under manifold pressure due to adversities in the international market and claiming cash incentives along with withdrawal of withholding tax. Considering the contribution of this sector in the economic growth and employment generation, we have been providing various incentives and tax benefits for them. Withholding tax rate on readymade garments export is currently 0.70 percent and they are enjoying reduced corporate tax rate of 20 percent. I propose to reduce the corporate tax rate to 15 percent for this sector, finance minister AMA Muhith said in his Budget Speech. Stating that the government plans to integrate the issue of environment in its tax policy, Muhith said, he proposes to reduce the tax rate of a readymade garments company to 14 percent if the factory of such company has an internationally recognised green building certification. Reduction of corporate tax from the current 20 per cent to 15 per cent for the country's readymade garment export sector has been proposed in Budget 2017-18 presented in Bangladeshi parliament. For readymade garment companies possessing internationally recognised green building certification, the Budget proposes reduction of tax rate to 14 per cent.# To encourage employment of more women in the readymade garment sector, the government will continue its efforts to expand the sector together with improving its working environment, he said. (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India HON PM BAINIMARAMA SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF NEW ANGLICAN CHURCH CENTRE AND HEADQUARTERS Vinaka vakalevu - Thank you. Your Excellency the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps;Members of the Diplomatic Corps;Leaders of Churches;Invited Guests;Ladies and Gentlemen.Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.Im delighted to be here this morning as we celebrate the opening of the beautiful Moana Anglican Services and Teaching Centre here in the heart of Suva.It is a privilege to welcome this new centre which will be known as MAST to our capital city. The Anglican Church, and its followers, are a tremendous source for good in Fiji, and through this new centre, I am confident they will continue their excellent work to uplift the Fijian people.The Anglican community in Fiji serves under the Diocese of Polynesia, and Fiji is honoured to be home to the dioceses Holy Trinity Cathedral right here in Suva. The diocese serves Anglicans not only in Fiji, but in Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands as well. And the MAST Centre will also be the hub for the work of the Anglican Church in the South Pacific.Here at this new facility, as we look out over the stunning beauty of the Pacific Ocean, we can appreciate the splendour of the world that God created for us to enjoy. But we cannot pretend that the world is a perfect world. There are still many ills that plague human society, and Fiji has not been spared.Whether it is hunger, poverty or injustice in any of its forms, our faith must inspire us to live by the word of God and lift up those around us to do the same.Our Anglican community in Fiji does that every day in their work to care for those in need, comfort those in pain and treat every man, woman and child with dignity and respect.In the aftermath of Cyclone Winston last year, I was very glad to see your community rally support from Anglicans around the world to come to the aid of those who were suffering from the devastation. And I know I speak for every Fijian when I thank you all for that effort. Again, you showed that the message of compassion that you preach is practised by your followers who are fully dedicated to making Fiji a safer and more caring place to call home.Through their service, Anglicans demonstrate the deep love they have for all of Gods people. Your embrace of the idea that all faiths in Fiji deserve respect and equality under the law shows that you truly live out the teachings of Jesus Christ. You bring love, understanding and knowledge into our society, and we look forward to many more years of working alongside your Church to serve and uplift the Fijian people.In short, our Anglicans are valued members of the community of faiths in Fiji. Here in our islands, no faith is favoured, but all are given fertile ground to grow and prosper, and we are very pleased that you have chosen to grow in Fiji through the construction of this new community centre.Im told this centres facilities will be open as a venue to use for conferences or educational purposes for other groups and religious organisations. So this centre will become a true fixture of this community, open to Fijians of all backgrounds a house of knowledge and inclusion.I pray that this new centre serves this community well. I pray that the Fijian people can find warmth and peace in its halls and facilities. And I pray that we all continue to find the strength, to live out the teachings of Christ to protect the vulnerable in our society, and build a better world for all those who come after us.May God bless you all, and may He continue to bless Fiji. Actor John Abraham has started shooting for his upcoming production Parmanu - The Story Of Pokhran, based on the successful nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan in 1998. John on Wednesday took to Twitter, where he shared a photograph of the film's clap-board and captioned: "Day 1.. 'Parmanu. The Story of Pokhran'. Our biggest test ever!" Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran also stars Diana Penty and Boman Irani. John has also written the film along with Saiwyn Quadros and Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh (writers of Neerja). The music of the film is helmed by Sachin-Jigar. "The road to Pokhran has been paved. It's time to embark on a journey to revisit the mission that changed the place of India on the world map and turning the course of modern India's position in the world as a strong nuclear state," John said in a statement. The film is slated to release on December 8. "For us, this is not just a film. It's a dedication from our side to all our soldiers of our country from all the forces. Also to all the scientists to dedicate their lives for the country. "We are just sharing their story with the world and we are very proud of it. It's a film that every fellow Indian will surely be proud of," said the film's producers Prernaa Arora and Ajay Kappor. Varun On A Popular Celebrity Chat Show The 'Judwaa 2' actor will be the next guest on Filmfare's newly-launched celebrity chat show titled Famously Filmfare where he will talk at length about his life, relationships and career. Salman Calls Varun's Mother 'Laali Maa' Varun will be seen sharing some of his first few memories of Salman where he mentions how Bhai fondly calls his mom Laali Ma and loves the food she makes. Hunger Chronicles The actor will also be narrating an anecdote where he will be seen talking about an incident where Salman had once snatched away a roti from Varun when the latter was a kid because he was hungry. His Rumoured Tiff With Sidharth Malhotra On the show, Varun will also be opening up about his equation with Alia Bhatt and his rumoured tiff with Sidharth Malhotra. Salman's Special Surprise In Judwaa 2 Buzz is that Salman Khan will soon be shooting for his cameo for Judwaa 2. One hears that his twin characters of Raja and Prem from Judwaa will be seen reuniting with Varun Dhawan's twin characters in the climax sequence of the sequel. Angelika Satarial Angelika Satarial is the drummer for the black metal band Satarial. Hottest Drummer She is one of the hottest and the prettiest drummers in Russia. Moscow, Russia The band Satarial hails from Moscow and has been in the underground scene for more than 20 years. Topless Drummer Angelika Satarial is well known as the 'topless drummer'. Angelika She used to play the drums being completely topless. However, that has stopped now. Controversy Galore The band has attracted many controversies for their notorious ways. She's Right! The band members feel that their lifestyle is correct and they have the right to live life as per their choice. Satarial Satarial has involved nudity, witchcraft, paganism and various other things in the concerts. Police Raids There were many instances where the police had raided their concerts and arrested the band members. Great Metal Albums The band has released many albums already and their songs are well known in the Russian metal scene. Lolita Satarial The band features another woman named Lolita Satarial. Satarial Tour India? Satarial also hopes to perform in India someday and give an electrifying performance to metalheads. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/31/17 -- Constellation Software Inc. ("Constellation") (TSX: CSU) today announced that its wholly-owned division Volaris Group Inc. ("Volaris") has completed the acquisition of the operating subsidiaries and assets of Smartrak Holdings Limited ("Smartrak") - software providers of telematics solutions in Australia and New Zealand. Smartrak's fleet management and safety location-based solutions are used in more than 23,000 assets, across 300 plus private, government and emergency services across Australasia. Smartrak joins AssetWorks and Kinetic Software in Volaris' Asset Management vertical. About Volaris Group Volaris acquires, strengthens and grows vertical market technology companies. As an Operating Group of Constellation Software Inc., Volaris is all about strengthening businesses within the markets they compete and enabling them to grow - whether that growth comes through organic measures such as new initiatives and product development, day-to-day business, or through complementary acquisitions. Learn more at www.volarisgroup.com. About Constellation Constellation acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses. Contacts: Constellation Software Inc. Jamal Baksh Chief Financial Officer (416) 861-9677 jbaksh@csisoftware.com www.csisoftware.com LONDON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 93 countries recorded improvements in peace in the last year, while 68 deteriorated US political turbulence led to North America deteriorating more than any other region in the world in terms of its peacefulness deteriorating more than any other region in the world in terms of its peacefulness Several European countries recorded a deterioration in Positive Peace levels coinciding with populist political parties gaining significant electoral traction The global economic impact of violence totalled $14.3 trillion or 12.6% of world GDP, and is far greater in less peaceful countries, costing the equivalent of 37% of GDP in the world's 10 least peaceful countries or 12.6% of world GDP, and is far greater in less peaceful countries, costing the equivalent of 37% of GDP in the world's 10 least peaceful countries Iceland topped the list as the world's most peaceful country, followed by New Zealand and Portugal , which replaced Denmark and Austria topped the list as the world's most peaceful country, followed by and , which replaced and Syria ranked the least peaceful country for the fifth consecutive year - Afghanistan , Iraq , South Sudan and Yemen complete the bottom five ranked the least peaceful country for the fifth consecutive year - , , and complete the bottom five Despite overall improvements, the number of countries experiencing record number of deaths from terrorism jumped to an historic high of 23, including Denmark , Sweden , France , and Turkey The world became a more peaceful place in 2017, according to figures released today in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI). Since last year 93 countries recorded higher levels of peace while 68 deteriorated, resulting in an improvement in world peace. The improvement was mainly driven by lower levels of state-sponsored terror - extra-judicial killings and torture - and the prior withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan by all but four of the 50 countries that provided military assistance. The 11th edition of the index, published by international think-tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) , captures the impact of political polarisation in the US stemming from the divisive 2016 Presidential Elections. Despite improvements in Canada, the growing intensity of internal conflict, increases in terrorism and higher perceptions of criminality saw the US fall 11 places to 114th, resulting in North America recording the largest drop of any region. Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of the IEP commented: "While the true extent of the significant political polarity in the US will take years to be fully realised, its disruptive influence is already evident. Underlying conditions of increasing inequality, rising perceptions of corruption, and declining falling press freedoms have all contributed to this deterioration in the US, leading to the overall decline in peace in the North America region." The report also analyses the rise of populism through the lens of Positive Peace - a measure of the attitudes, structures and institutions that sustain peace. The sharp increase in support for populist parties in the past decade closely corresponds with deteriorations in Positive Peace, with some of the largest falls recorded in Italy, France and Spain. Steve Killelea continued: "The increasing role of populist parties in mainstream European politics is reflected against a backdrop of deteriorating Positive Peace, specifically in terms of persistent challenges to the free flow of information, levels of corruption and acceptance of the rights of others. Without addressing these underlying drivers of peace it will not be possible to build more peaceful societies." Despite the global number of deaths from terrorism decreasing by 10% between 2014 and 2015, the number of countries witnessing historically high levels of terrorism hit an all-time high in this year's report at 23, including Denmark, Sweden, France, and Turkey. Europe was significantly impacted, with major attacks in Nice seeing France fall five places in the overall ranking to 51st. The impact of other attacks such as in Brussels and London were also evident, although the more recent attack in Manchester has yet to be reflected in the figures. Overall, the most significant increases in deaths from terrorism were in OECD countries, which have collectively experienced a 900% increase between 2007 and 2016. The IEP estimates the global impact of violence to have been 12.6% of world GDP in 2016 or $14.3 trillion. While still staggeringly high at $1,953 for every person in the world, this represents a slight (3%) decrease from 2015 and the first reduction since 2011 - the year that corresponds with the start of the Syrian war. On average, violent conflict accounts for 37% of GDP in the ten least peaceful countries, compared to only 3% for the ten most peaceful. Syria remains the least peaceful country for the fifth year running, having fallen 64 places since the index began - the largest decline of the past decade. Iceland maintained its position as the world's most peaceful country, a title it has held onto since 2008, while New Zealand and Portugal replace Denmark and Austria in second and third position. Portugal's notable climb to third in the overall rankings was driven by a steady recovery from its fiscal crisis, resulting in overall greater internal stability for the country that was ranked 16th less than five years ago. Steve Killelea concluded "Although this year's uptick is reassuring, the world is still mired with conflict in the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, refugee flows and terrorism in Europe. When combined with the increasing level of peace inequality, whereby the least peaceful countries are moving further apart from the most peaceful, the resulting scenario is one in which further improvements in peace are not guaranteed." REGIONAL RANKING + HIGHLIGHTS Six of the nine regions became more peaceful with the greatest improvements recorded in South America. Europe held onto its position as the most peaceful region, while the MENA region remains the most violent. Countries in Europe make up eight out of the top ten ranks, making it the world's most peaceful region, despite record levels of terrorism in a number of countries. Progress has been driven in part by a steady economic recovery which has bolstered scores for indicators such as likelihood of violent demonstrations. Poland witnessed the greatest deterioration as public protests resulting from political tensions escalated. More broadly, southeast Europe experienced widespread decline as an increasingly prominent nationalist rhetoric led to a deterioration in relations with neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia . In the UK, the political uncertainty generated by the Brexit vote had little impact following the appointment of the new prime minister, which acted as a stabilising counterbalance. The overall GPI score for North America fell in 2016 but its place as the second most peaceful region remained. The US experienced a significant decline, which contrasts with Canada's improvement bringing it to 8th position in the GPI. The level of external conflict and weapons export indicators played a significant part in Canada's improvement, despite rises in incarceration rates and terrorism impact. Most countries in the Asia-Pacific region experienced improvements in their overall scores, with New Zealand , Japan and Australia amongst the most peaceful globally and the Philippines and North Korea remaining among the least peaceful. The subsidence of political volatility in Cambodia last year meant it made more progress than any other country in the region. South America had the largest regional improvement in this year's index, surpassing Central America and the Caribbean as the fourth most peaceful region, spearheaded by progress in Guyana and Argentina . Chile , ranked 24th in the Index is the region's most peaceful country, while Colombia , despite the ratification of the peace accord between the government and the FARC, remains the region's least peaceful country. Central America and the Caribbean fell one place since last year, with five of the 12 countries in the region experiencing deteriorations in peace. The region's most turbulent country, Mexico , saw the most substantial decline as a consequence of deteriorating relations with the US, while Costa Rica , 34 in the overall GPI, was the region's top performer, despite a slight deterioration. Sub-Saharan Africa's average score fell this year with the most notable deterioration in Ethiopia . The government-imposed six-month state of emergency was reflected in indicators of domestic conflict, resulting from rising ethnic tensions and widespread violence stemming from public protest. The Central African Republic recorded the biggest improvement in the region and globally, as the country continues to emerge from a wave of inter-communal violence. Meanwhile Sierra Leone and Guinea , which have recovered from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, also registered improvements in their overall level of peace. Most countries in Russia and Eurasia recorded improvements in the 2017 GPI, but the region retains the third-worst regional score. Moldova , Kazakhstan and Georgia are the most peaceful countries in the region, and despite slight improvements in overall peacefulness, Azerbaijan , Russia and Ukraine are the three least peaceful. South Asia hosts some countries as peaceful as Bhutan (ranked 13th overall), yet also some of the least peaceful countries in the world such as Pakistan (152nd) and Afghanistan (162nd). The scores for Sri Lanka and Pakistan improved this year, while the only deteriorations (although moderate) were registered in Nepal and Afghanistan . In Nepal , a high level of political instability is partly to blame for the slow progress in rebuilding efforts after the devastating earthquake of 2015, while Afghanistan's overall score deteriorated for the sixth successive year as overall hostility continued to increase. MENA witnessed a further deterioration in its overall score in 2017, with regional instability exacerbated by the intense rivalry between Shia Iran and the Sunni Arab Gulf monarchies, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront. That said, almost half the countries have bucked the overall negative trend in the region by achieving an improvement in their overall score. Morocco continues to benefit from a broader degree of political and social stability, while tensions between Qatar and some fellow Gulf Arab states have eased. Iran's overall score has also improved following a high turnout in elections in early 2016 which is reflected in a reduction in political instability and the likelihood of violent demonstrations. For more information, go to http://www.visionofhumanity.org. NOTES TO EDITORS GPI report, video, and interactive maps are available at: http://www.visionofhumanity.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlobPeaceIndex (GPI2017) Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/globalpeaceindex About the Global Peace Index (GPI) This is the 11th edition of the GPI: the world's leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It gauges on-going domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and the degree of militarisation in 163 countries and territories by taking into account 23 indicators. About the Institute for Economics and Peace IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has offices in Sydney, New York, The Hague and Mexico City. Global Contacts Hill + Knowlton Strategies: Metin ParlakMetin.Parlak@hkstrategies.com+44(0)20-7413-3338 Amanda Parmer Amanda.Parmer@hkstrategies.com +44(0)20-7413-3218 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- ML Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MLG)(FRANKFURT: XOVN.F) ("ML Gold" or the "Company") reports it has completed 15 holes in its phase I drill program at the Palmetto Gold Project in Nevada. The primary purpose of the program is to confirm and expand the extensive drilling database currently being modelled, together with the new drilling, to calculate a maiden gold resource at Palmetto. ML Gold also reports that the internal review and QA/QC procedures in place at the Palmetto Gold Project identified errors in a batch of samples that were previously reported by the assay lab to the Company. This triggered re-analysis of hole PAL-17R01 and backlogged additional samples. As a result of the reanalysis, a new zone over 21.3 metres (m) at 1.25 grams per tonne (g/t) gold has been identified. This new zone occurs beneath the previously reported interval of 27.4 m at 1.1 g/t and effectively expands the total mineralized interval to 68.6 m at 0.87 g/t (see table below). Hole PAL-1701 was successful in showing that the Discovery zone is still open to depth by intersecting 68.6m of 0.87 g/t gold. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interval Silver Hole ID Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) (m)Gold (g/t) (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discovery Zone (Depth extension) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAL-17R01 0 -85 184.4 253.0 68.6 0.87 1.32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 184.4 185.9 1.5 1.45 0.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 195.1 222.5 27.4 1.10 1.63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 211.8 219.5 7.6 3.56 3.07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 231.6 253.0 21.3 1.25 1.43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 240.8 243.8 3.1 8.26 6.58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Bowering, Chairman of ML Gold comments "Observations from the initial drilling suggest there is a large new area of gold and silver mineralization trending northwest toward an old mercury mine on the property, indicating that more zones could be on this new trend. With the potential for several zones on the property, Palmetto is starting to look very similar to the North Bullfrog deposits currently being operated by Corvus Gold Inc, 150km southwest along the same Walker Lane mineral belt." Quality Assurance/Quality Control Sample preparation and analyses for this program were completed at ALS Minerals Lab in Reno Nevada. Gold was determined by 30g Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) finish. Other elements were determined by Ultra Trace Aqua Regia digestion with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) finish. A comprehensive quality assurance/quality control program including duplicate samples, blanks and standards form part of ML Gold's sampling protocol in addition to the laboratory's own quality assurance program. The field program was supervised by ML Gold staff and contractors and the technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101, and reviewed by Adrian Smith, Director, and a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101. ML Gold Corp. has an option to acquire a 100% right, title and interest to the Palmetto project (see news release dated October 18, 2016). The Palmetto Project is located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, within the southern portion of the Walker Lane Gold Trend. ABOUT ML GOLD CORP. ML Gold Corp. is a Canadian listed Company, focused on creating shareholder value through discoveries and strategic development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. For additional information please visit the Company's website at www.mlgoldcorp.com. ML GOLD CORP. Andrew Bowering, Chairman 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 may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if 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 may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, currency risks including the exchange rate of US$ for CDN$, changes in exploration costs and government royalties or taxes in Canada, the United States or other jurisdictions and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's 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 risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause 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. 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 affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Contacts: ML Gold Corp. Investor Relations 604-669-2279 604-602-1606 (FAX) info@cap-ex.ca www.mlgoldcorp.com DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 1, 2017 / As rental demand advances to an all time high, real estate developer Marcus Hiles, Chairman and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, continues to invest in the housing markets of Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Recent market research released by HomeUnion , a real estate investment firm, analyzed the most expensive markets in the U.S for single-family rental (SFR). Dallas had the second highest SFR rent growth in the nation with an average increase of 5.6% year-over-year. Austin and San Antonio both made the list with 2.8% and 2.4% increases, respectively. According to study published by Harvard University, a variety of factors have contributed to this shift on a national level. Changes in the real estate and financial sector have led to over 43 million families and individuals choosing to rent property - a record-breaking increase of approximately 9 million in the last ten years. Sociological trends may account for part of the surge in demand, and the latest U.S. Census illustrates a large percentage of the population of Dallas is between the ages of 20 and 29. Millennials are statistically likely to marry and have children later in life, and groups of unmarried individuals or those making less than $25,000 per year have seen the most movement towards renting a home over the last decade. Trends in the real estate market are also correlated with a period of population growth and economic prosperity at the state and municipal level. Luxury rental demand expanded regionally in 2015, and according to recent data from the Department of Labor , Dallas experienced labor force expansion to over 3.75 million with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country - closing 2016 at 3.5%. Texas saw construction of more than 69,000 new apartments in 2016, largely focused in the big four metro areas. As the preference for delayed home buying develops, Marcus Hiles plans for the success of his communities and their residents. Rental property has grown in popularity across all income tax brackets, and amenities such as concierge services, fitness centers, meeting rooms, swimming pools, and lounges provide an upscale standard of living for successful young adults and families. Community social events and sustainable living accommodations have become a standard of living for environmentally conscious and socially connected millennials. New technology and the "Internet of Things" (IoT) has made townhomes and apartments smarter options for Texans looking to live comfortably. As Chairman and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, Marcus Hiles has owned, developed, and managed more than 15,000 townhomes and apartments in Texas. His residential communities focus on signature amenities, beautifully chosen environments, and superior school districts for upscale lifestyle design. As the son of a humble pastor, his commitment to family life and community improvement includes philanthropic contributions worth over $2.5 million in K-12 school programs, 59 acres of personal land for public use and wildlife conservation, and fully-paid, privatized healthcare for employees. Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com Western Rim Property Services- Marcus Hiles - Home - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Rim-Property-Services-Marcus-Hiles-1013270532051763/ Marcus Hiles (@marcus.hiles) - Instagram photos and videos: https://www.instagram.com/marcus.hiles/ Marcus Hiles - New Luxury Apartments in Frisco, TX - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsJNbfOh-g Contact Information MarcusHiles-News.com www.MarcusHiles-News.com marcus@marcushiles-news.com SOURCE: Marcus Hiles POXEL S.A. (Euronext POXEL FR0012432516), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative treatments for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, announced today that it will be featured as a presenting company at the Jefferies 2017 Global Healthcare Conference and at the Kepler Cheuvreux Biotech Days Conference. The Jefferies Conference is being held from June 6-9th at the Grand Hyatt New York hotel in New York City, NY. The Company will present a corporate overview on Tuesday, June 6th at 4:00 pm Eastern Time in #1 Ballroom and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors. The presentation at the Jefferies conference will also be available by live webcast. To access the Jefferies webcast, please visit the following link http://wsw.com/webcast/jeff105/poxel.paThe webcast replay will remain available for 90 days following the live presentation. The Kepler Cheuvreux Biotech Days Conference will be held from June 8-9th at the Kepler Chevreux office at 112 Avenue Kleber, 75016, Paris, France. Poxel will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors. About Poxel SA Poxel uses its development expertise in metabolism to advance a pipeline of drug candidates focused on the treatment of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. We have successfully completed a Phase 2 clinical program for our first-in-class lead product, Imeglimin, which targets mitochondrial dysfunction, in the U.S., EU and Japan. Our second program, PXL770, a direct AMPK activator, is in Phase 1 development. We intend to generate further growth through strategic partnerships and pipeline development. (Euronext: POXEL, www.poxel.com) View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170531006113/en/ Contacts: Poxel SA Jonae R. Barnes, +1-617-818-2985 Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Public Relations jonae.barnes@poxelpharma.com or Investor relations Media EU/US MacDougall Biomedical Communications Gretchen Schweitzer or Stephanie May, 49 89 2424 3494 or 49 175 571 1562 smay@macbiocom.com or Investor relations Media France NewCap Florent Alba/Nicolas Merigeau, 33 1 44 71 98 55 poxel@newcap.fr PETAH TIKVA (dpa-AFX) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about Cytori's new BARDA contract option; Endologix's encouraging data from post-market registry study of Ovation Platform; Exactech's progress with its new Truliant Knee System; Jazz Pharma's upcoming catalyst related to acute myeloid leukemia drug candidate VYXEOS; MannKind's distribution agreement for the commercialization of inhaled insulin Afrezza in Brazil; Novo Nordisk's approval of Hemophilia B treatment and Teva's HALO study data. Read on... Cytori Therapeutics Inc. (CYTX) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, have executed a contract option valued at approximately $13.4 million. The present option increases the overall BARDA commitment to Cytori technology to approximately $34.6 million thus far. A U.S. pilot clinical trial of Cytori Cell Therapy in thermal burn injury, dubbed RELIEF, is expected to be initiated in Q4, 2017. The RELIEF trial will be funded by the new BARDA contract option. CYTX closed Wednesday's trading at $1.00, up 2.04%. Endologix Inc. (ELGX) has reported encouraging 30-day data from LUCY study, its post-market registry study evaluating Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft Platform for the endovascular treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in women. The Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System received FDA approval in November 2012. The post-market registry study, LUCY, enrolled a total of 225 patients, including 76 females in the treatment group and 149 males in the control group, at 39 sites in the U.S. The primary endpoint of the study was the 30-day Major Adverse Event ('MAE') rate. The 30-daya data showed that at least 28% more women became eligible for minimally-invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) when using the Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System. The rate of MAE was 1.3%, the lowest rate reported for EVAR, compared to other contemporary, prospective, post-market registries. No deaths were reported in the registry study. Longer-term data from the LUCY study will be shared after the one-year follow-up, the Company said. ELGX closed Wednesday's trading at $4.82, up 4.56%. Exactech (EXAC) announced that the first surgeries using its new Truliant Knee System were performed successfully. Truliant, which recently received FDA clearance, is designed to help surgeons address the remaining clinical challenges of total knee replacement. Truliant is in pilot launch with a group of U.S. surgeons, and full market availability is expected in the United States during 2018, the Company said. EXAC closed Wednesday's trading at $30.30, down 0.33%. Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc's (JAZZ) New Drug Application for VYXEOS, proposed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, has been accepted for priority review by the FDA. Though the exact decision date for VYXEOS has not been specified, we estimate that the decision could be announced by October 1, 2017. VYXEOS received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA in May 2016 for the treatment of adults with therapy-related AML or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. VYXEOS was also granted Fast Track Designation for the treatment of elderly patients with secondary AML by the FDA, and Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA and the European Commission for the treatment of AML. JAZZ closed Wednesday's trading at $145.56, down 1.76%. Shares of MannKind Corp. (MNKD) were up over 19% in extended trading on Wednesday on news of the Company's supply and distribution agreement with BIOMM SA for the commercialization of inhaled insulin Afrezza in Brazil. Under the supply and distribution agreement, Biomm will be responsible for preparing and filing the necessary applications for regulatory approval of Afrezza, including from the Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria and, with respect to pricing matters, from the Camara de Regulacao de Mercado de Medicamentos. Upon satisfactory approval from these regulatory bodies, MannKind will manufacture and supply Afrezza to Biomm, and Biomm will be responsible for promoting and distributing Afrezza within Brazil. Afrezza, a drug-device combination product, is a novel, ultra rapid-acting mealtime insulin therapy to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes that was approved in the U.S. in June 2014. Mannkind licensed the global rights to Afrezza to Sanofi under an agreement signed in August 2014. However, in January 2016, Mannkind and Sanofi terminated their partnership. Commercial product sales commenced in August 2016, after Afrezza transitioned from Sanofi to MannKind. MannKind's total net revenue for the first quarter of 2017 was $3 million, which included $1.8 million from the sale of surplus bulk insulin to a third party, and $1.2 million of recognized Afrezza product dispensed to patients. MNKD closed Wednesday's trading at $1.52, down 7.88%. In after-hours, the stock was up 19.08% to $1.81. The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk's (NVO) Nonacog beta pegol, under brand name REBINYN, for the treatment of adults and children with hemophilia B. Hemophilia B, also called factor IX deficiency or Christmas disease, is a rare inherited blood clotting disorder caused due to insufficient levels of a blood protein called factor IX. Individuals with this disease have prolonged or spontaneous bleeding from an injury or surgery. On April 4, 2017, an FDA panel reviewed the Nonacog beta pegol data package, and discussed the overall strengths and weaknesses of the application. The panel was not asked to vote on a recommendation for approval of Nonacog beta pegol. Novo Nordisk expects to launch REBINYN in the U.S. in the first half of 2018. NVO closed Wednesday's trading at $42.37, up 1.07%. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.'s (TEVA) phase III study of Fremanezumab for the prevention of chronic migraine has met all primary and secondary endpoints in both monthly and quarterly dosing regimens. In the study, dubbed HALO, patients treated with Fremanezumab experienced statistically significant reduction in the number of monthly headache days of at least moderate severity compared to placebo. Based on the positive results, Teva plans to submit a Biologics License Application to the FDA for Fremanezumab later this year. Teva's Phase III HALO study in Episodic Migraine will report topline results in the coming weeks. TEVA closed Wednesday's trading at $27.86, up 0.14%. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Karlsruhe (ots) -- Querverweis: Bildmaterial wird uber obs versandt und ist abrufbar unter http://www.presseportal.de/bilder -Funf Prozent des Tagesumsatzes werden fur Bildung von Kindern und Jugendlichen gespendet.Am Freitag, 24. November, ist bei dm GIVING FRIDAY. Das Unternehmen spendet funf Prozent des Tagesumsatzes an verschiedene Bildungsprojekte fur Kinder und Jugendliche. Jeder einzelne dm-Markt hat entschieden, welche gemeinnutzige regionale Initiative er unterstutzen mochte. "Kunden, die am 24. November bei uns einkaufen, zahlen selbstverstandlich den selben gunstigen Dauerpreis wie an allen Tagen. Was es dazu gibt, ist eigentlich unbezahlbar: die schone Gewissheit, gemeinsam zu helfen", erklart Erich Harsch, Vorsitzender der dm-Geschaftsfuhrung. Ganz unter dem Motto givingisthenewblack sammelt dm alle Eindrucke von Kunden und Mitarbeitern aus den mehr als 1.850 dm-Markten in den Sozialen Netzwerken. Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter: www.dm.de/givingfriday.dm macht den UnterschiedAm letzten Donnerstag im November feiern die US-Amerikaner "Thanksgiving". Die meisten von ihnen nutzen den darauffolgenden Freitag als Bruckentag und beginnen mit ihren Weihnachtseinkaufen. Handler werben mit Rabatten und Aktionen. Am 24. November ist dm statt mit Rabatten mit Gaben fur den guten Zweck dabei. "Wir mochten, dass unsere Kunden immer gunstig bei uns einkaufen konnen. Daher bieten wir verlassliche Dauerpreise und beteiligen uns nicht an Rabattschlachten", erganzt Mario Bertsch, Bereichsverantwortlicher Nationale Kommunikation, das Konzept. "Passend zur Vorweihnachtszeit mochten wir mit dem Einkauf etwas Wertschopfendes verbinden und das Geben in den Mittelpunkt stellen", sagt Marina Schlattmann, Projektmanagerin Nationale Kommunikation bei dm, "und so entstand die Idee zu diesem ganz besonderen Tag."Black Box - Highlight-Produkte der Lieblingsstars An diesem Tag gibt es auch fur die Kunden wieder etwas ganz Besonderes: Funf Internet-Stars haben ihre Lieblingsprodukte von dm-drogerie markt in jeweils eine Black Box gepackt. Die Boxen gibt es exklusiv in limitierter Stuckzahl ab dem 24. November in allen deutschen dm-Markten und Online unter dm.de.Zu dm-drogerie marktSich in der Gesellschaft einzubringen und diese positiv mitzugestalten, gehort zum Selbstverstandnis von dm-drogerie markt. Fur sein nachhaltiges Engagement erhielt das Unternehmen bereits den Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis und den Deutschen Kulturforderpreis. Wichtigster Baustein des burgerschaftlichen Engagements sind unterstutzende Aktivitaten fur regionale und lokale Initiativen im Umfeld der dm-Markte. 2017 tragt dm zum Diskurs unserer offenen Gesellschaft bei. Mit der alverde-Reihe "In welcher Welt wollen wir leben?" gibt dm Denkanstoe und Impulse. Daruber hinaus unterstutzt dm die burgerschaftliche Initiative "Die offene Gesellschaft", die sich fur die Bewahrung und Starkung unserer Gesellschaft in Deutschland einsetzt und am 17. Juni 2017 alle Burger dazu aufgerufen hat, sich in Form des Social Dinings in der Offentlichkeit fur unsere Werte einzusetzen. Seit 2009 starkt dm mit "Singende Kindergarten", dem kostenfreien Weiterbildungsprojekt fur Erzieherinnen und Erzieher, bei Verantwortlichen und Kindern den Mut zur eigenen Stimme. 2.700 Kindergarten und 5.400 Erzieher haben bereits an "Singende Kindergarten" teilgenommen.OTS: dm-drogerie markt newsroom: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/50659 newsroom via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_50659.rss2Pressekontakt: dm-drogerie markt Herbert Arthen Tel.: 0721 5592-1195, Fax: 0721 62514-90 E-Mail: herbert.arthen@dm.de www.dm.de BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:15 am ET Monday, the Federal Statistical Office released Swiss retail sales data for May. After the data, the Swiss franc changed little against its major rivals. As of 3:16 am ET,the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0941 against the euro, 1.2485 against the pound, 0.9596 against the U.S. dollar and 117.39 against the yen. At 3:30 am ET, Switzerland's manufacturing PMI data for June is due. 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. TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- ATLAS Mara Limited (LSE: ATMA) LSE: ATMA 1 June 2017 Results of Annual General Meeting held on 31 May 2017 Atlas Mara Limited ("Atlas Mara" or the "Company") announces that at its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") held yesterday on 31 May 2017, all the resolutions put to all shareholders were passed on a poll. Resolutions 1 to 10 (inclusive) were passed as ordinary resolutions. The results of the votes cast on each resolution are as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resolution Total Total Votes Votes votes for votes total withheld (% total against votes) (% total votes) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 To receive and approve the 44,073,830 0 44,073,830 586,179 Directors' Report and 100% 0% Accounts and the Auditors' Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Election of Ms. Rachel F. 44,073,830 0 44,073,830 586,179 Robbins 100% 0% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Election of Mr. Tonye Cole 41,059,908 3,013,922 44,073,830 586,179 93.16% 6.84% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Election of Ms. Olufunke 44,073,830 0 44,073,830 586,179 Opeke 100% 0% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Election of Mr. Amadou Raimi 44,067,163 6,667 44,073,830 586,179 99.98% 0.02% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Election of Mr. Eduardo 44,067,163 6,667 44,073,830 586,179 Chivambo Mondlane, Jr. 99.98% 0.02% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 Election of Mr. Robert E. 44,067,163 6,667 44,073,830 586,179 Diamond, Jr. 99.98% 0.02% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Election of Mr. Ashish J. 40,423,444 3,650,386 44,073,830 586,179 Thakkar 91.72% 8.28% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Following the departure of 44,067,163 6,667 44,073,830 586,179 Mr. John Vitalo from the 99.98% 0.02% Company, effective 15 February 2017, to note and ratify his removal as a director on the board of the Company, all applicable subsidiary boards, and all applicable boards of affiliated companies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 To re-appoint KPMG Inc. as 44,073,830 0 44,073,830 586,179 auditors of the Company to 100% 0% hold office from the conclusion of this annual general meeting until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting on such remuneration and terms of engagement as may be fixed by the Board ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The full text of the resolutions passed at the AGM can be found in the Notice of AGM which is available alongside the AGM results on the Company's website at http://atlasmara.com. Contact Details Investors John-Paul Crutchley, +971 4 275 6000 Kojo Dufu, +1 212 883 4330 Media Teneo Strategy, +44 (20) 7260 2700 Anthony Silverman About Atlas Mara Atlas Mara Limited (LON: ATMA) is a financial services institution listed on the London Stock Exchange. Its vision is to create sub-Saharan Africa's premier financial services institution through organic and inorganic growth by combining the best of global institutional knowledge with extensive local insights. With a presence in seven sub-Saharan countries, Atlas Mara aims to be a positive disruptive force in the markets in which we operate by leveraging technology to provide innovative and differentiated product offerings, excellent customer service and accelerate financial inclusion in the countries in which the Company operates. For more information, visit www.atlasmara.com. Contacts: RNS Customer Services 0044-207797-4400 rns@londonstockexchange.com http://www.rns.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - RM plc (RM.L) on Thursday announced that the Competition and Markets Authority or CMA has unconditionally cleared the proposed acquisition of the Education & Care business of Connect Group PLC (CNCT.L). It was on February 7 that RM announced the proposed acquisition of the Education & Care business. Accordingly, the company expects the acquisition to complete on or around June 30. The company said it will make a further announcement in due course. 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. HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704) (TSE: 4704), a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced that they have been honored as the global winner of a VMware 2016 Global Partner Innovation Award in the Technical ISV category. Trend Micro was recognized at VMware Partner Leadership Summit 2017, held in Ranchos Palos Verdes, Calif. "I am pleased to recognize this year's Global Partner Innovation Award winners, which are given to a select group of partners for their exceptional efforts in 2016," said Ross Brown, senior vice president, Worldwide Partners and Alliances, VMware. "VMware is proud to see Trend Micro win Partner of the Year and we look forward to our continued collaboration." Since 2011, Trend Micro has been recognized every year by VMware for the Japan Partner Award. However, this is the first year the company has received the Global Technical Partner Award. Recipients of a Global VMware Partner Innovation Award were acknowledged in 21 categories for outstanding performance and distinctive achievements during 2016. "We have a long-standing history of innovation and success with VMware," said Partha Panda, vice president of corporate and business development for Trend Micro. "More than 10 years ago we partnered to bring modern security to the software-defined data center and cloud, and since then have continuously enhanced our relationship. We've had many successes along the way with joint product innovation, sales activity, and tech support collaboration, making us particularly proud of an award that recognizes the strength of our partnership." Trend Micro Deep Security, powered by XGen, has been specifically built and optimized to secure VMware customers around the world. Modern data centers using VMware products are able to fully protect their hybrid cloud environments from the latest threats without slowing down business operations. Additionally, Trend Micro recently integrated its Mobile Security for Enterprises with VMware Airwatch to protect organizations from unsecured mobile devices. About VMware Partner Leadership Summit VMware Partner Leadership Summit 2017 offered VMware partners the opportunity to engage with VMware executives and industry peers to explore business opportunities, customer use cases, solution practices and partnering best practices. An invitation-only event, VMware Partner Leadership Summit 2017 provided partners with resources to develop and execute comprehensive go-to-market plans in 2017 and beyond. The event concluded with awards ceremonies recognizing exemplary achievements in the VMware Partner ecosystem. About Trend Micro Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cyber security solutions, helps to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Our innovative solutions for consumers, businesses, and governments provide layered security for data centers, cloud environments, networks, and endpoints. All our products work together to seamlessly share threat intelligence and provide a connected threat defense with centralized visibility and control, enabling better, faster protection. With more than 5,000 employees in over 50 countries and the world's most advanced global threat intelligence, Trend Micro enables users to enjoy their digital lives safely. For more information, visit www.trendmicro.com.hk. MEDIA CONTACT: Claudius Lam Trend Micro + 852 2866 4362 (Office) + 852 9022 0876 (Mobile) Email Contact VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE: GET.CN) (OTCQB: GLNNF) (CSE: GET.WT), (FKT: GJT) is pleased to announce that Glance Pay, its mobile payment solution for merchants, has signed with one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, The Donnelly Group. The Donnelly Group is an award-winning hospitality company, operating in both Vancouver and Toronto. "The Donnelly Group understands what instills our competitive advantages and mobile payments, well done, is simply a demand of the times. We are excited to partner with Glance Pay and provide a mobile payment solution," says Reid Ogdon, VP Operations, The Donnelly Group. "When you look at popular culture today, The Donnelly Group sets the stage for innovation and a remarkable foresight to give guests an incredible experience at each of their venues. Leading the industry, with over eighteen years in business, Glance Pay is extremely proud to work with The Donnelly Group and speak to their core values of providing guests with a superior product, service, design and community with a collaborative approach. The Glance Pay solution aligns with these important ideals," says Desmond Griffin, CEO, Glance. About The Donnelly Group The Donnelly Group is an award winning and diversified hospitality company, operating in both Vancouver and Toronto, with continued expansion plans to grow in the coming months. The Donnelly Group establishments include Vancouver's Cinema Public House, The Lamplighter Public House, Library Square Public House, Tavern, The Bimini Public House, The Blackbird Public House, The Butcher & Bullock, The New Oxford, The Three Brits, The Railway Stage & Beer Cafe, Clough Club, Granville Room, Royal Dinette and six Barber & Co locations, along with Belfast Love and Gift Shop in Toronto. The ethos of the company is to inspire modern pub culture - be true to yourself and your neighbourhood; the people will follow. 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 app, large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. 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. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements(collectively "forward- looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to Glance's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For more information about Glance, please go toGlance Technologies'website For more information, contact: Christina Rao Vice President, Investor Relations +1-(604)-723-7480 investors@glancepay.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release. Carl Data Solutions Inc. (CSE: CRL)(CSE: CRL.CN)(FRANKFURT: 7C5)(OTC PINK: CDTAF), a developer of Big-Data-as-a-Service (BDaaS)-based solutions for data integration, business intelligence, and Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) applications, continues to expand it's offerings for water flow and dam monitoring. The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has developed a custom app for water distribution and reservoir monitoring that integrates through the FlowWorks Inc. API to allow easy access to the software powered by Carl. The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality was an early adopter of the FlowWorks water monitoring system which they use to supplement their SCADA system. For the past 7 years, FlowWorks has been used to monitor the regional water distribution and reservoir to ensure there is adequate water for homeowners, irrigation and firefighting, and helps the water treatment staff understand daily consumption patterns. It also empowers end-users to produce their own reports, freeing up Technical Services to work on other issues. "With FlowWorks you don't need a large IT department," said Rob Blain, Technology Services Manager. "It has given us tools that previously have only been available to larger communities." Since the reservoir is monitored by the municipality 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Technology Services team wanted to simplify the process. They wanted water operators to be able to quickly and reliably know what the key operational values are without the need to log in to a website or remember passwords. "This application started as a comment from one of our water treatment staff who said, 'wouldn't it be nice if we could see all the major values on one screen?' We took that one comment and developed an application to deliver the required high level view," said Blain. "We are now able to answer usage questions faster and with higher accuracy in near real-time." Greg Johnson, Carl's CEO, commented, "We encourage our customers to continue to explore the potential FlowWorks has for simplifying operations and saving time. Reservoirs, tailings ponds and dams are all great uses of our sensor data monitoring, reporting and alarming features." About FlowWorks FlowWorks is a powerful Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based application for collecting, monitoring and analyzing all types of environmental data. FlowWorks is flexible, affordable and easy-to-use compared to competing software packages. The FlowWorks Application has the unique ability to collect data from all types of monitoring equipment, gauges and sensor hardware, SCADA systems and other sources of public and private data to merge the information into a single platform to perform comprehensive analytics and reporting, saving time and money for the end user. More information on the FlowWorks Application can be found at www.FlowWorks.com. About Carl Data Solutions Inc. Carl Data Solutions Inc. is focused on providing next generation information collection, storage and analytics solutions for data-centric companies. Building on its recent acquisitions, ETS, Flow Works Inc. and AB Embedded Systems, Carl helps its clients analyze and understand all forms of environmental data through a powerful platform of data collection, monitoring, analysis and reporting tools. Carl Data continues to develop applications to work with new cloud-based mass storage services and analytics tools (Big-Data-as-a-Service (BDaaS) to provide scalability for municipalities, utilities and other industrial verticals. These data collection and storage methods allow the company to build smart Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based applications that can collect data from many diverse sources and provide deep insight for decision-making purposes. More information can be found at www.CarlSolutions.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors: Greg Johnston, President, Chief Executive Officer, Director Carl Data Solutions Inc. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170531-CUSTOMAPP_800.jpg Contacts: Carl Data Solutions Inc. Kimberly Bruce Corporate Communications (778) 379-0275 kimberly@carlsolutions.com HAMBURG/GEESTHACHT, Germany, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Indivumed, a worldwide leading biotechnical company in the field of personalized cancer medicine, and Intermed, a medical trading and logistics company, will join forces in the field of personalized cancer medicine in the future. Intermed, as an affiliated partner company, also performs services for LADR Der Laborverbund Dr. Kramer & Kollegen. Intermed invests and participates in Indivumed in order to accelerate the expansion of Indivumed's worldwide leading Cancer Database in Germany and, in addition, to distribute through the physician-managed LADR Laborverbund innovative cancer diagnostic test's offered by Indivumed's subsidiary Indivutest GmbH. Innovative diagnostics and logistical perfection "As a result of the alliance formed with Intermed, we are very glad to receive logistical support for the expansion of our cancer database and, at the same time, be able to provide Central-European wide highly-innovative diagnostic tests for personalized cancer medicine," says Prof. Dr. med. Hartmut Juhl, Founder and CEO of Indivumed GmbH. Prof. Dr. med. Jan Kramer, owner and Managing Director of Intermed and of LADR Der Laborverbund Dr. Kramer & Kollegen, emphasizes that, "By investing in Indivumed GmbH, we partner with one of the leading companies in the field of personalized medicine." Cancer database and liquid biopsy - the key to proper treatment With the worldwide leading cancer database, Indivumed holds an essential scientific key solution for further development of personalized cancer medicine. This has been demonstrated by Indivumed's participation in the development of the new, groundbreaking diagnostic field of 'Liquid Biopsy'. "We are looking forward to partner with IndivuTest GmbH, making available to patients new, highly innovative diagnostic tests through our LADR laboratory network and the logistical possibilities of Intermed across the nation," continues Professor Kramer. About Indivumed GmbH and IndivuTest GmbH INDIVUMED GmbH an ISO certified global oncology research company based in Hamburg, Germany, has established the world's leading Cancer Database and biobank, retaining unique patterns of biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, and proteins as they existed in the human body. This Cancer Database makes possible multi-omics capabilities that will allow for characterization of samples and data, such as whole genome gene expression analysis, expression analysis of cancer relevant proteins, expression analysis of cancer relevant phosphoproteins and bioinformatic solutions for integrating molecular, biological and clinical information. IndivuTest GmbH is a subsidiary of Indivumed GmbH established in 2002. IndivuTest was spun off in 2012 with the objective of making Indivumed's scientific experiences in tissue analytics available to patients and contribute significantly to the establishment of individual cancer therapies in oncology. IndivuTest offers innovative diagnostic services, which include genomic analyses of blood samples ("liquid biopsy") and comprehensive analyses of tissue to identify optimally suited drugs and therapies of individualized cancer treatments. For further information, please visit http://www.indivumed.com and http://www.indivutest.com About Intermed and LADR Der Laborverbund Dr. Kramer & Kollegen Intermed is an owner-run, dynamic trading and logistics company with more than 900 employees. For more than 30 years, Intermed has supplied physicians, laboratories and health institutions with medical devices and has set up its own logistics system all over Germany. In addition, Intermed is a partner of the medical supply centers in the LADR Der Laborverbund Dr. Kramer & Kollegen, a laboratory network which, with its medical laboratory supply centers and cooperating laboratory associations, provides more than 20,000 doctors' practices and more than 350 clinics and hospitals with medical laboratory services. For further information, please visit http://www.intermed.de and http://www.LADR.de Contact: ISG Intermed GmbH & Co.KG Spandauer Strasse 24-26 21502 Geesthacht Prof. Dr. med. Jan Kramer Tel: +49-4152-803-100 Indivumed GmbH Falkenried 88 20251 Hamburg Prof. Dr. med. Hartmut Juhl Tel: +49-40-413383-0 Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced today that Aaron Graff has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and made a member of the Ferring Group Executive Board, effective immediately. Aaron Graff joined Ferring in 2002 as Vice President Global Marketing, Business Development, and Medical Affairs, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. After leading the acquisition and integration of Israeli biopharmaceutical company BTG in 2005, he relocated his team to the newly established Ferring International Center in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, where he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Asia Region and Global Marketing. Since 2010, Graff has led Ferring's U.S. operations from its U.S headquarters in New Jersey, first as Chief Operating Officer and since 2016 as Chief Executive Officer. "Under Aaron's leadership in the United States, our U.S. business grew at double-digit rates," said Michel Pettigrew, President of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. "His broad, global professional experience and track record make him uniquely qualified for this important role." Prior to joining Ferring, Graff worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb for over 17 years in a variety of sales, marketing and commercial operations management positions. Ends About Ferring Pharmaceuticals: Headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. A leader in reproductive and maternal health, Ferring has been developing treatments for mothers and babies for over 50 years. Today, over one third of the company's research and development investment goes towards finding innovative treatments to help mothers and babies, from conception to birth. The company also identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and orthopaedics. Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in nearly 60 countries and markets its products in 110 countries. For further information on Ferring or its products, visit www.ferring.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601005645/en/ Contacts: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Lindsey Rodger Tel. +41 (0) 58 451 40 23 lindsey.rodger@ferring.com or Carine Julen Tel. +41 58 301 01 78 carine.julen@ferring.com AS Tallinna Vesi's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders was held on Thursday, 1st of June 2017 from 09:00-9:54 at the Tallink Spa&Conference Hotel conference room "Galaxy". 14,719,829 votes, i.e. 73.6% of the Company's 20 million votes were represented at the meeting. THE AGENDA OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 1. Approval of the 2016 Annual Report RESOLUTION: with 14,712,079 votes in favour ( i.e. 99.95% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to approve the 2016 Annual Report. 2. Distribution of profit RESOLUTION: with 14,714,749 votes in favour (i.e. 99.97% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to approve the profit distribution proposal. The net profit of the Company in 2016 is 18,390,000 (eighteen million three hundred and ninety thousand) euros. To distribute EUR 10,800,600 (ten million eight hundred thousand and six hundred) euros of AS Tallinna Vesi's retained earnings of 51,384,000 (fifty one million three hundred and eighty four thousand) euros as of 31.12.2016, incl. from the net profit 18,390,000 (eighteen million three hundred and ninety thousand) euros for the year 2016, as dividends, of which 0.54 (zero point fifty four) euros per share shall be paid to the owners of the A-shares and 600 (six hundred) euros per share shall be paid to the owner of the B-share. Remaining retained earnings will remain undistributed and allocations from the net profit will not be made to the reserve capital. Based on the dividend proposal made by the Management Board, the Council proposes to the general meeting to decide to pay the dividends out to the shareholders on 26th June 2017 and to determine the list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends on the basis of the share ledger as at 23.59 on 16th June 2017. 3. Recalling Mr. Mart Magi from the Supervisory Council of AS Tallinna Vesi RESOLUTION: with 14,683,636 votes in favour (i.e. 99.75% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to recall Mr. Mart Magi from the Supervisory Council of AS Tallinna Vesi. 4. Extension of the term of a Supervisory Council member and election of a new Supervisory Council member RESOLUTION 1: with 14,681,946 votes in favour (i.e. 99.74% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to extend Mr. Allar Joks' term as a Supervisory Council member of AS Tallinna Vesi retrospectively from the expiry of his term on 29.05.2017 and proactively as from the date of the adoption of this resolution for a new statutory term. RESOLUTION 2: with 14,582,564 votes in favour (i.e. 99.07% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to elect Priit Rohumaa as a Supervisory Council member of AS Tallinna Vesi from 01.06.2017. 5. Election of the auditor RESOLUTION: with 14,682,736 votes in favour (i.e. 99.75% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to appoint AS PriceWaterhouseCoopers as the auditor and Mr. Ago Vilu as the lead auditor for the financial year of 2017. To pay the fee to the auditor as per contract to be entered into. 6. CEO update CEO update can be found here. Eliis Vennik Head of Communications AS Tallinna Vesi Tel: (+372) 62 62 275 Eliis.vennik@tvesi.ee Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de ClearStructure Financial Technology's portfolio management system delivers flexible web-based solution to direct lenders DANBURY, Connecticut, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearStructure Financial Technology proudly announced today that their portfolio management system, Sentry PM, has been named the Best Direct Lending Solution of 2017. Sentry PM allows direct lenders to utilize a single system for all of their research and operational needs, from due diligence to origination to the daily administration of each loan. The flexibility within the product lets direct lenders customize loan structures to meet the unique needs of their borrowers. CV Magazine was created by a team of business experts, advisors and insiders and provides readers with news of business strategy, analysis, corporate case studies and emerging trends to business leaders and decision makers. The Technology Innovator Awards were created and designed to recognize and reward the individuals, departments, and firms whose innovative thinking and commitment to technology make the industry what it is today. Each winner is chosen through a combination of votes gathered from the magazine's network of respected industry partners, together with an in-depth and rigorous in-house research process. Laura Hunter, Awards Coordinator, commented: "Now celebrating its third year, the Technology Innovator Awards return in 2017 to celebrate the talented individuals, teams and firms that form the backbone of this dynamic industry. Those who go on to win can be confident that their recognition was well deserved." "In recent years, ClearStructure has focused on the direct lending market to better serve the demands of this rising industry. This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation that comes out of the ClearStructure team," stated Jeremy Hintze, COO of ClearStructure. About ClearStructure Financial Technology: ClearStructure Financial Technology delivers state-of-the-art technology solutions capable of meeting the diverse needs of the investment industry. The Sentry solution offers managers full front-to-back-office functionality on a single platform across all asset types. ClearStructure's Sentry product suite is now used by many of the largest and most respected financial institutions and investment firms in the world. For more information about ClearStructure and the Sentry PM system, visit: www.clearstructure.com. 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Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2018) - Lucky Minerals Inc. (TSXV: LJ) (OTCQB: LKMNF) (FSE: 8LM) ("Lucky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter of intent ("LOI") with Monterra Resources S.A. ("Monterra"), a private company incorporated under the laws of Panama, to acquire 100% of Goldmindex S.A. ("Goldmindex"), a private Ecuadorian company, by way of a share exchange between Lucky and Monterra (the "Transaction"). Robert Rosner, Lucky Minerals' CEO commented, "Lucky's management and directors are excited to enter into this Transaction. It builds upon Lucky's solid base in the core of the mineralized and intensely altered Emigrant Mining district in Montana, and adds a prospective land package in the heart of a prolific Ecuadorian mineral belt." Commenting on behalf of Monterra, Monterra's head of Corporate Affairs and International Investor Relations, Peter Nesveda, said, "Monterra Resources is very pleased to be working with Lucky Minerals and looks forward to the exploration of Monterra Resources' substantial Fortuna concessions located near a number of significant gold and copper discoveries made during the last 20 years in Ecuador." Assets Being Acquired Through the Transaction, Lucky is gaining Goldmindex's 100% interest in a 54,985 hectare (550 km2) contiguous property position comprising 12 individual mineral concessions located 50 km south of Cuenca, the capital of Azuay province (the "Fortuna Property"). The Fortuna Property is accessible via the Pan American highway, secondary all-weather roads and a network of gravel roads, and has a readily available workforce nearby and a year-round operating season. There is a power transmission line within 10km and abundant water available to support exploration activities on the Fortuna Property. To view the entire News Release and full details of the transaction, please follow the link: http://www.luckyminerals.com/2018-02-20-nr-lucky-minerals-goldmindex/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Robert Rosner" Chief Executive Officer Shaun Dykes, M.Sc. (Eng); P.Geo (#20044), is a non-independent Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, who is responsible for the review of all scientific and technical information contained in 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. Contact Information: Robert Rosner (866) 924-6484 info@luckyminerals.com JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The acquisition will strengthen Fractal's strategy consulting capabilities Fractal Analytics (www.fractalanalytics.com), a pure play provider of analytics & AI, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of 4i Inc. to expand its growth strategy consulting capabilities. 4i, a Chicago-based firm, empowers Fortune 500 companies to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities through its proprietary 'foresight analytics' approach and business consulting expertise. "4i has an impeccable track record of problem solving and serving clients in addressing their growth challenges through sophisticated capabilities," said Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder and Group Chief Executive, Fractal Analytics. "We share a common vision of powering strategic, tactical and operational decisions in enterprises through analytics & AI. This partnership will help us in being even more strategic to our clients." "Traditional business models are under a lot of pressure due to significant changes in consumer behavior, consumer demographics and marketplace dynamics leading to a need for better (and faster) strategic and operational decisions driven by analytics & AI," said Dr. Eugene Roytburg, Managing Partner, 4i. "Our coming together with Fractal will address this need effectively." Lana Klein, Managing Partner, 4i echoed the sentiment. "We were looking for a partner who shared our vision, aspirations and had synergetic capabilities, so that we can jointly maximize value for our clients and accelerate our own growth.We're pleased to have found such a partner in Fractal Analytics." 4i will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fractal Analytics and will continue delivering services to clients, while getting immediate access to Fractal Analytics' IP, capabilities, infrastructure and talent. "We are excited about what this means for our clients," added Pranay Agrawal, Co-founder and CEO of Fractal Analytics. "Finding growth is one of the foremost challenges our clients are tackling. Our combined value proposition of bringing data, AI, technology and consulting capabilities together will resonate well with our clients." About Fractal Analytics Founded in 2000, Fractal Analytics is a strategic analytics partner to the most admired Fortune 500 companies globally and helps them power every human decision in the enterprise by bringing analytics & AI to the decision-making process. Fractal Analytics has presence across 12 global locations including the United States, UK and India and has been recently featured as a 'Hot Artificial Intelligence (AI)' company by Forbes. Fractal has also been recognized as a 'Cool Vendor' and a 'Vendor to watch' by Gartner. About 4i, Inc. 4i's forward-looking, foresight analytics driven approach helps clients uncover future growth opportunities, size future demand, develop successful growth strategies, and identify new innovations to succeed in tomorrow's marketplace. The company's foresight analytics have been proven over time to deliver consistently accurate results that help companies realize unparalleled growth opportunities. 4i has operations in US, Ukraine and Mexico. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks were broadly higher on Thursday, despite ongoing concerns about the political outlook in Europe and the Trump administration's possible withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Investors also took weak Chinese manufacturing data in their stride. Closer home, the euro area manufacturing sector gathered further momentum in May as initially estimated, while the U.K. manufacturing sector growth moderated in May from a three-year high, separate reports showed. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 0.40 percent at 391.58 in late opening deals after ending 0.1 percent lower on Wednesday. The German DAX was rising half a percent and France's CAC 40 index was adding 0.7 percent while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.4 percent at 7,548, just shy of a record high it hit the previous day. British satellite telecommunications firm Inmarsat soared 6 percent on a report that Japan's Softbank has begun talks with the firm for a possible tie-up. Astrazeneca gained 1.5 percent after U.S. drugmaker Pfizer Inc acquired its brand Neksium. Novo Nordisk advanced 1.5 percent as it received FDA approval for a new treatment to treat hemophilia B, a chronic and inherited bleeding disorder. France's Saint Gobain was up 1.7 percent after launching a 750 million euro bond issue. Automakers Peugeot and Renault rose 1-2 percent after industry data showed French car registrations rose nearly 9 percent in May. Vivendi gained 2 percent after it won conditional EU approval to take de facto control of Telecom Italia. Spanish bank Banco Popular slumped 8 percent on reports that senior EU officials have warned the bank could be dissolved if it can't find a buyer by a self-imposed June 10 deadline. Regional banks Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Credit Agricole, Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group were down between 0.2 percent and 0.6 percent after JPMorgan and Bank of America warned of revenue weakness in the current quarter. British telecoms giant BT Group fell over 1 percent on concerns over its cash flows. 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. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The British pound retreated from recent highs against the other major currencies in the European session on Thursday. The pound fell to a 2-1/2-month low of 0.8755 against the euro and more than a 2-month low of 1.2441 against the Swiss franc, from early highs of 0.8714 and 1.2507, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar, the pound dropped to 1.2829 from an early high of 1.2892. The pound edged down to 142.53 against the yen, from an early 5-day high of 143.22. If the pound extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around around 0.88 against the euro, 1.23 against the franc, 1.25 against the greenback and 140.00 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. NEW YORK, NY and LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- WCN, a pioneer of innovative recruitment technology, today announced plans to launch its latest solution known as INTERN during the 2017 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, June 6-9. Offering clients the ability to better manage intern programs, WCN will highlight the new product in Booth No. 312. WCN's INTERN brings to bear decades of recruiting expertise and a commitment to driving change through better technology. Too often, internship programs are poorly managed, with students slipping through the cracks and spending their time wondering what they're supposed to be doing in what are pivotal roles for them. Available within WCN's Talent Acquisition Technology Suite, INTERN supports these programs systematically, from intern placement to performance reviews and beyond, whether candidates are on track to be considered for a full-time offer or not. The all-in-one system provides valuable intelligence that can reduce administrative burdens and increase internal engagement. INTERN helps place candidates based on competencies and preferences and tracks their progress, with the ability to integrate with ATS and CRM for those who do convert into hires. Other key features include the addition of built-in checklists that prepare incoming interns and surveys that share valuable feedback with employers to improve future recruitment. "Internships are an invaluable opportunity for students to get outside the classroom and gain real-world experience," said Jeanette Maister, managing director - Americas for WCN. "And interns are an important talent pool for employers looking to identify candidates needed to fill open requisitions. WCN's INTERN solution offers users on all sides the unprecedented ability to manage this experience and ensure the success of the interns and the programs." The 2017 NACE Conference & Expo is the premier professional development and networking event for university recruiting and career services professionals, attracting more than 1,800 professionals to the conference center at Paris Las Vegas. In addition to exhibiting its products and thought leadership in Booth No. 312, WCN will present in two conference sessions on Tuesday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 7. Conference attendees interested in speaking with the WCN team can pre-book an appointment at http://bit.ly/NACE17_RSVP. For the full conference schedule and information about registration, visit https://www.naceweb.org/conferenceexpo/default.htm. About WCN WCN is a leading pioneer in the field of innovative recruitment technology. With over 20 years' experience, WCN solutions are built to accelerate and improve recruiting from start to finish, creating a more meaningful and transparent experience for recruiters and candidates. Using WCN talent acquisition technology, organizations can drive real change by accelerating and improving the entire process of finding, assessing and managing events and hiring the best talent at every level -- from emerging to lateral hires, veterans and diversity. To learn more, visit: www.wcnsolutions.com. BINGEN, Washington, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --The Netherlands Ministry of Defence (NMOD) has awarded the Short Range Tactical UAV (SRTUAV) contract to Insitu for its proposed Integrator offering. The baseline offering is for three Insitu Integrator systems that will replace the ScanEagle systems currently in use by the NMOD defence forces, which have been in service since 2012. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518285/Integrator_LR.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518116/Insitu_Integrator.jpg Integrator is a multi-mission, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that carries custom payloads for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The system was designed to be a modular, flexible and multi-mission capable solution for land and maritime operations including force protection, target acquisition and battle damage assessment. The air vehicle has a payload capacity of 18 kg (40 lb) and supports an evolving set of sensors, delivers line-of-sight communications up to 55 nautical miles, and is supported by runway-independent launch and recovery systems. Integrator is controlled by ICOMC2, which enables one operator to control multiple unmanned vehicles from a single workstation. It is the baseline aircraft for the RQ-21A Blackjack, a program of record with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps that achieved full rate production in the fall of 2016. "Whether the mission is to support boots on the ground or increase safety in commercial marketplaces, our team is dedicated to providing our customers with the solutions they need to make critical decisions," said Ryan M. Hartman, Insitu president and CEO. "We are proud to continue to support the Royal defence forces with the capabilities they need to ensure security for the Netherlands and their global allies." NMOD defence forces will receive their Integrator systems beginning in 2018. About Insitu: Insitu is an industry-leading provider of information for superior decision making. With offices in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, the company creates and supports unmanned systems and software technology that deliver end-to-end solutions for collecting, processing and disseminating information. We proudly serve the diverse needs of our global customers in the defense, government and commercial industries. To date, our systems have accumulated more than 980,000 flight hours and 120,000 sorties. Insitu is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company. For more information, visit insitu.com. Follow us on Vimeo, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Highlights: -- The updated Feasibility Study results verify positive economics for Phase 1 of the Molo mine, which will utilize a unique, fully-modular build approach taking into account current-day flake graphite prices. -- The updated Feasibility Study is based on Front End Engineering and Design (FEED), and Detailed Engineering studies as opposed to a Basic Engineering study. -- Phase 1 will consist of a fully operational and sustainable graphite mine with a permanent processing plant capable of producing approximately 17,000 tonnes per annum ("tpa") of high-quality SuperFlake graphite concentrate per year with a mine life of 30 years. -- A build cost of US$18.4 million confirms that the Molo Project will have the lowest capital mine cost (CAPEX) of any new and competing graphite project. -- Phase 1 will realize a pre-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 25.2%, a post-tax IRR of 21.6% -- Project Operating costs (OPEX) include all-in costs for freight and insurance (CIF) to ship Molo SuperFlake concentrate to international European port (Rotterdam) and verifies Molo OPEX as one of the lowest in the industry on a full-cost, CIF basis. -- Phase 1 build time of 9 months -- Based on the positive results of the updated Feasibility Study, the Company will be initiating an economic analysis for eventual Phase 2 expansion that will incorporate its unique modular approach to produce approximately 50,000 tpa of finished SuperFlake graphite concentrate. NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX: NEXT)(OTCQB: NSRC) ("NextSource" or "the Company"), is pleased to report the positive results of its updated Feasibility Study ("updated FS") for its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in southern Madagascar. The updated FS was undertaken to reflect the Company's decision to revise Phase 1 of its Molo mine plan from a demonstration plant to a fully operational and sustainable graphite mine with a permanent processing plant capable of producing approximately 17,000 tpa of high-quality SuperFlake concentrate per year with a mine life of 30 years. The updated FS for Phase 1 of the Molo Project was based on a Front End Engineering and Design study (FEED), and subsequent Detailed Engineering studies. The updated FS incorporates the procurement of all mining equipment, off-site modular fabrication and assembly, factory acceptance testing (FAT), module disassembly, shipping, plant infrastructure construction, onsite module re-assembly, commissioning, project contingencies and three months of capital. All capital and operating costs expressed below are considered to be accurate to +/- 10%. Craig Scherba, P.Geo., President and CEO of NextSource commented, "We are very pleased with the results of the updated Feasibility Study. It verifies that Phase one of our Molo mine plan is economically viable using an industry first, fully modular build approach under current and realistic market conditions and reaffirms the Company's strategy of using a two-phased approach to establish the Molo as a world-class producer of high-quality flake graphite. Phase one will be implemented with an incredibly low capital cost, competitive operating costs and with an initial production volume that can be easily absorbed into the current market. This will allow us to quickly penetrate the market, generate revenue and establish strong relationships with key buyers. These results are a significant achievement given the very difficult reality that every junior graphite project is currently facing; depressed graphite prices coupled with high project capital costs that render almost every immerging graphite project as non-economical, and therefore non-fundable until market conditions improve. For Molo to realize a post-tax IRR of over 21% under these current market conditions is considerable and can be attributed to our unique modular build methodology, which provides us with a tremendous first-mover and economic advantage over other companies. Our end goal is Phase two production, where we can expect even better enhancements to the project economics through economies of scale, which is expected to further decrease operating costs on a per tonne basis. Based on the positive results of our updated FS, the Company will be initiating an economic analysis that will incorporate our unique modular approach for Phase 2 expansion, which will produce approximately 50,000 tpa of SuperFlake." As the Company did for its previous 2015 Molo FS, this updated FS uses an all-in OPEX cost for freight and insurance (CIF) to ship Molo SuperFlake concentrate to the end customer's port, which is how graphite is sold. As a conservative scenario, the CIF transportation costs were based on shipping to the European port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Based on disclosed market information, no other competing graphite project who has released results of either a preliminary economic assessment or a feasibility study have included an all-in CIF transportation cost as part of their respective OPEX; they typically report an "at the plant" OPEX cost only, which results in a higher NPV and Internal Rate of Return. The NPV and IRR stated below factors in an OPEX that accounts for all-in CIF transportation costs to customer port. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updated Phase 1 Feasibility Study Results Pre-Tax Post-Tax Highlights(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NPV at 8% Discount Rate $34.0 M $25.5 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 25.2% 21.6% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payback Period 4.2 years 4.8 years ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average annual graphite concentrate production 17,000 tonnes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average production costs of graphite concentrate (at plant) $432.92/ tonne ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average production costs of graphite concentrate (Delivered CIF Port of Rotterdam) $688.43 / tonne ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average selling price (in USD) $1,014 / tonne ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Direct CAPEX $14.5 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indirect CAPEX $0.4 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Environmental and Permitting $0.7 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Owner's Costs $1.1 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contingency (10%) $1.7 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub Total CAPEX $18.4 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working Capital (3 months) $3.1 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total CAPEX $21.5 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Projected build period 9 months ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1)Unless otherwise noted, all monetary figures presented throughout this press release are expressed in US dollars (USD). The exchange rates used in the financial model are 12.85 South African Rand (ZAR) to US$1, moving in line with purchasing power parity. (2)Direct CAPEX includes process equipment, civil & infrastructure, mining, buildings, electrical infrastructure, project & construction services. When compared with the results of the Company's previous 2015 Molo Feasibility Study ("2015 FS"), the following can be highlighted: -- By decreasing initial production from 53,000 tpa to 17,000 tpa, overall CAPEX has been reduced by over US$169M (US$18.4M versus US$188M); -- Dry stack tailings can be utilized for Phase 1 production instead of cyclone deposition, which significantly reduces the CAPEX associated with a conventional tailings deposition facility; -- Despite a smaller initial annual production of SuperFlake versus the 2015 FS, the total all-in OPEX for CIF delivery to customer port Rotterdam was reduced from US$709 per tonne of SuperFlake to $688; -- Head grade to the plant increased from 7.04% C to 8.1% carbon ("C") -- Total time to build and commission the Molo mine has been reduced from 18 months to 9 months; -- Number of on-site personnel to construct the Molo mine reduced from 1500 with a traditional 'stick-build' construction process to 50 with modular assembly; -- The updated FS uses a lower average weighted selling price of US$1014 to reflect current market conditions versus US$1694 used in the 2015 FS; and -- The updated FS assumes 100% equity funding, whereas the 2015 Molo FS assumed 50% debt funding on an eight year operational basis. The selling price used in the updated FS is the volume weighted average sales price for the various flake sizes and grades of SuperFlake graphite concentrate that are expected to be produced from the Molo deposit. This price is based on current quotes and projected real (as opposed to nominal) estimates provided by UK-based Roskill Consulting Group Ltd ("Roskill"), who are recognized as a leader in providing independent and unbiased market research, pricing trends and demand and supply analysis for the natural flake graphite market. No pricing premium for valued-added applications was applied on any sales. Furthermore, no financial or operational calculations and/or scenarios in the updated FS financial model with regards to downstream value-added processing of SuperFlake graphite concentrate were included. This includes purification, spherodization coating for battery-grade graphite and thermal expansion for specialty graphite applications, such as foils. PHASE 1 MOLO OPEN PIT PROVEN AND PROBABLE MINERAL RESERVES (1) The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources did not change as a result of the updated FS. As disclosed in the Company's 2015 Molo FS, the following are the proven and probable mineral reserves. Category Tonnage C Grade (%) Proven 14,170,000 7.00 Probable 8,367,000 7.04 Proven and Probable 22,437,000 7.02 (1) Proven reserves are reported as the Measured Resources inside the designed open pit and above the grade cut off of 4.5% C. Similarly, the Probable Reserves are reported as the Indicated Resources inside the designed open pit and above the grade cut-off of 4.5% C. Mineral Reserves are effective as of August 14, 2014. MINERAL RESOURCES The Molo project hosts the following mineral resources: - Measured mineral resource of 23.62 MT grading 6.32% C. - Indicated mineral resource of 76.75 MT grading 6.25% C. - Inferred mineral resource of 40.91 MT at 5.78% C. Effective date of the Mineral Resource tabulation is August 14, 2014. The Mineral Resources are classified according to the Canadian Institute of Mining definitions. A cut-off grade of 4% C was used for the "higher grade" zones and 2% C for the "lower grade" zones. Please note that while the 'high' grade resource occurs within the 'low' grade resource, each was estimated and reported separately. A relative density of 2.36 tonnes per cubic metre was assigned to the mineralized zones for the resource estimation. The resource remains open along strike and to depth. The Mineral Resources are inclusive of the Mineral Reserves above. SENSITIVITY ANALYSES The sales price of US$1014 per tonne used for the updated FS reflects current market conditions. Several analyst reports forecast an increase in selling prices of flake graphite that, should they materialize, would have an additional positive impact on the Molo Project's economics. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount Rate Net Present Value (NPV) ---------------------------------------------- Before Tax After Tax ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8% $34.0 M $25.5 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10% $24.8 M $18.0 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12% $18.0 M $12.4 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROJECT SUMMARY Location The Molo project is situated in the Tulear region of south-western Madagascar and is located 11.5km east of the town of Fotadrevo, covering an area of 62.5 hectares within the Company's overall property claim position of 425km2. The Molo deposit itself is 220km by road from the port city of Fort Dauphin, where the Port of Ehoala, a modern deep-water port built by the World Bank and Rio Tinto in 2009, is located and will be used for the Project. Mine & Processing Circuit The updated FS considers an open pit, fully-modularized mining operation using a 100% owner-operated fleet that will process an average of 240,000 tonnes of ore per year of mill feed (ore) that will be processed on site. The processing plant will produce an average of 17,000 tonnes per year of finished SuperFlake concentrate. All supporting infrastructure including water, fuel, power, tailings and essential buildings are included. Permanent accommodation for Phase 1 will be supported by NextSources' existing camp located in the nearby town of Fotadrevo. The Phase 1 modular mine will utilize two 1.4 megawatt diesel generators, with one running and one on standby. Water will be supplied from a well field that has been defined by drilling and geo-hydrological modelling. The processing plant will consist of conventional crushing, milling and flotation circuits followed by concentrate filtering, drying and screening. Phase 1 will employ dry-stack tailings, which will forfeit the need for a wet tailings facility and is designed to accommodate the run-of-mine tonnage for the 30 year life of mine. This is based on a co-disposal strategy where the finer tails are deposited with a coarse mining waste product that optimizes the waste footprint and environmental impact. A wet tailings facility is not required at the Phase 1 tonnage, but feasibility level designs have been completed for a tailings dam, which will be required at higher tonnages. This has been done to ensure that environmental permitting is in place for the ultimate production throughput and scaling delays are minimized. For the 30 year mine life of the project, the ore mined is expected to yield an average grade of 8.1% C. The ore will go through a process involving grinding, flotation, dewatering, drying and sieving/classification. The process flow sheet has been designed for the standard purity of 96% C for all flake sizes, and will be capable of reaching purities in excess of 98% C (as demonstrated in the 2015 Molo FS technical report). The final products will be bagged and shipped in containers to various markets via the ocean shipping port of Fort Dauphin. The project will see the creation of approximately 170 direct jobs. Metallurgy The updated FS is based on a full suite of metallurgical test work performed by SGS Canada Metallurgical Services Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. These tests included lab and bench scale process development work, a bulk sample/pilot plant program, and metallurgical variability testing. The overall graphitic carbon recovery into the final concentrate is 87.8%. Metallurgical Data - Flake Size Distribution and Product Grade Product Size% Distribution Product Grade (% Carbon) +48 mesh (jumbo flake) 23.6 96.9 +65 mesh (coarse flake) 14.6 97.1 +80 mesh (large flake) 8.2 97.0 +100 mesh (medium flake) 6.9 97.2 +150 mesh (medium flake) 15.5 97.3 +200 mesh (small flake) 10.1 98.1 -200 mesh (fine flake) 21.1 97.5 Pricing Matrix - Flake Size Distribution Grouping and Product Grade Product Size % Distribution Product Grade (% Carbon) greater than 50 mesh 23.6 96.9 -50 to +80 mesh 22.7 97.1 -80 to +100 mesh 6.9 97.2 -100 mesh 46.8 97.6 Social Responsibility and Environment All environmental and social responsibility information for the Molo Project has been completed to Equator Principles, which are the standards adopted by the majority of international commercial banks, as well as the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Performance Standards. They are the highest environmental and social standards in the world. These standards have been incorporated into the design of the Molo Project's facilities and operations given NextSources' commitment to follow international best practices. There is a global consumer shift to take social responsibility into account when developing projects and NextSource has worked hard to ensure that it met this requirement. Community Relations Since the beginning of the project in 2010, through the comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, NextSource has been intimately involved with the local communities and other stakeholders including the local authorities (Fokontany), regional, and state government in relation to the environmental, social and permitting processes. Technical Report Filing A National Instrument 43-101 technical report relating to the updated FS technical report, based on Phase 1 of the Molo mine plan and using a unique modular build design, will be posted on NextSource's website at www.nextsourcematerials.com and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, within 45 days following this news release. QUALIFIED PERSONS The updated FS was prepared in accordance with National Instrument (NI) 43-101 standards by Mr. Johann de Bruin, PrEng. and is the Qualified Person who verified the technical data using industry acceptable standards and signed off on the relevant sections in the 43-101 report to be filed on SEDAR. . Mr. de Bruin, independent of the Company, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this press release. To learn more about NextSource's 100%-owned, feasibility-stage Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar, please visit the Company's website at www.nextsourcematerials.com. ABOUT NEXTSOURCE MATERIALS INC. NextSource Materials Inc. is a mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that is developing its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in southern Madagascar. The Molo Graphite Project is a feasibility-stage project and ranks as one of the largest-known and highest quality flake graphite deposits in the world. Please see "Molo Feasibility Study, National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Molo Graphite Project located near the village of Fotadrevo in the Province of Toliara, Madagascar Prepared by DRA Projects (Pty) Limited" for certain other details and assumptions relating to the above mineral resource and reserve estimates and data verification procedures. Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are related to the results of the updated Feasibility Study, the results of the previous 2015 Molo Feasibility Study, funding of the development of the Molo Project, implementation and commencement of the build-out of the Molo Project, commencement of production at the Molo Project, commencement of procurement for mine infrastructure, the procurement of equipment to construct a mine, value engineering, any and all product test results and product analysis, and the permit application. These are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release 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. Contacts: NextSource Materials Inc. Brent Nykoliation Senior Vice President, Corporate Development +1.416.364.4911 brent@nextsourcematerials.com NextSource Materials Inc Craig Scherba President and CEO craig@nextsourcematerials.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- CIC Capital Canada, a member of the French banking group Credit Mutuel CM11-CIC, announced today the launch of a new US$500 million North American Growth Fund, with US$150 million dedicated to Canada, mainly for investment in Quebec and Ontario companies. Established in Montreal since 2010, CIC Capital has managed the Emerillon Capital venture capital fund, a partnership with Desjardins, since 2013. This fund holds equity positions in a dozen promising Quebec and Ontario technology businesses and was an investor in Maluuba, an artificial intelligence company acquired by Microsoft in 2017. In Canada, the new North American Growth Fund targets mainly CA$5-20 million deals in growth equity and buyout investments generally in companies with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in the CA$3-15 million range. Preferred sectors include food and beverage, healthcare, information and communications technologies, specialty manufacturing, business services and aerospace. CIC Capital usually invests as a co-investor and always as a minority shareholder, leaving entrepreneurs and business leaders with broad autonomy to pursue their vision and strategy. CIC Capital invests its own capital, providing a source of evergreen capital (up to ten years), making it possible to match the investment period with industrial time, and avoid pressure on portfolio companies typically associated with investment liquidity considerations. This confers broad flexibility to tailor the amount, duration and use of investment capital to match the real needs of entrepreneurs, while having the ability to reinvest as required. "The launch of this new fund is great news for local entrepreneurs, particularly for the leaders of family businesses who seek a solid and stable partner, a source of patient and flexible capital, and an experienced team to support them for the long term," stated Ludovic Andre, president of CIC Capital in Canada and managing director of Emerillon Capital. A subsidiary of CM-CIC Investissement, CIC Capital is positioned to guide local businesses to investment, export and international partnership opportunities in Europe through the transatlantic presence of its parent company, active in the private equity space for over 30 years, and its network of offices in France, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. CM-CIC Investissement manages EUR2.6 billion of its own funds and is invested in more than 350 businesses, providing the CIC Capital team a privileged access to deep multi-sector knowledge for the benefit of entrepreneurs. "Since we do not have to return invested capital to limited partners when a traditional investment vehicle reaches term, we have full freedom to reinvest in our portfolio companies," added Christophe Tournier, member of the CM-CIC Investissement management board. "The evergreen nature of our own capital, combined with our international development, represent key differentiators in the private equity space." To complement its Montreal presence, CIC Capital plans to open a Toronto office and to progressively grow its footprint south of the border with offices in Boston and New York. ABOUT CIC CAPITAL CANADA CIC Capital is a subsidiary of CM-CIC Investissement, the private equity arm of Groupe Credit Mutuel (CM11 - CIC), one of the largest banking groups in France and one of the most financially sound European institutions. Since 2013, CIC Capital has managed the Emerillon Capital venture capital fund, established in partnership with Desjardins. In 2017, CIC Capital launched its US$500 million North American Growth Fund, with US$150 million dedicated to Canada, mainly for investment in Quebec and Ontario companies. For more information, please consult the fund fact sheet. Contacts: Media Relations: Lyla Radmanovich Pelican Public Relations 514-845-8763 lylarad(at)rppelican.ca THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- MEXICAN GOLD CORP. (TSX VENTURE: MEX)(OTC: SRXLF)(FRANKFURT: 4QW1) ("MEX" or the "Company") today announced the appointment of Mr. Gavin Nelson as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. As a member in good standing of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, Mr. Nelson has over 10 years of finance experience in public practice and corporate accounting and reporting, including being responsible for all levels of financial reporting and day-to-day accounting oversight for a number of public exploration companies, as well as other private entities. Mr. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Administrative and Commercial Studies, with a minor on Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. He succeeds Ms. Vivian Gu who recently accepted an accounting position with another employer. Brian Robertson, President and CEO, stated, "We are very pleased to have Mr. Nelson join Mexican Gold and look forward to working with him as the company advances. We also wish to thank Ms. Gu for her contributions and dedication to the company and wish her well with his future endeavors." About Mexican Gold Corp Mexican Gold Corp. is a Canadian based mineral exploration company committed to building long-term value through ongoing discoveries and strategic acquisitions of prospective precious metals deposits in Mexico. Mexican Gold is exploring the Las Minas Project, which is located in the core of the Las Minas district in the Veracruz State, Mexico. The district is host to one of the largest under-explored skarn systems known in Mexico and has a strong production history that dates back to the Aztec era. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about the magnitude or quality of mineral deposits, anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs, future operations, results of exploration, prospects, commodity and precious metals prices, future work programs, anticipated financial and operational results, capital expenditures and objectives and the completion and timing of mineral resource estimates. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks identified in the Company's disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com. 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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based on the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) have reviewed or accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Contacts: Mexican Gold Corp. Brian Robertson President & CEO 807-474-4270 or 807-251-1816 807-474-4272 (FAX) info@mexicangold.ca www.mexicangold.ca GORING-ON-THAMES, England, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Touch Medical Media has named Elizabeth Yeu as the new Editor-in-Chief of their journal US Ophthalmic Review. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/515766/Touch_Medical_Logo.jpg ) Following her appointment as the first Editor-in-Chief of the journal Dr Yeu noted that she is looking forward to working with US Ophthalmic Review to infuse energy and create greater educational opportunities for authors and readers alike. Dr Yeu graduated from a combined medical school program at the University of Florida. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Rush University (Chicago, IL), where she served as Chief Resident. Upon completion of her Cornea fellowship in 2008, Dr Yeu served as an Assistant Professor at the Cullen Eye Institute until 2013. She currently teaches residents as an Assistant Professor at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. She serves several national organizations, and is currently the Chair for the Young Eye Surgeons (YES) Clinical Committee for the ASCRS, an Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology and serves on various committees for the AAO as a Communications Secretariat and a Reviewer for the Annual Meeting Program Refractive Surgery Committee. Dr Yeu has authored numerous articles and is a frequent lecturer in the areas of refractive cataract surgery, ocular surface disease management and surgical treatment of astigmatism "I hope that a true synergy can be the product of our combined efforts. I will strive to increase awareness for authorship contribution, indexing and publishing of content, and work to expand the editorial board." US Ophthalmic Review was launched in 2007 and specialises in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of ophthalmology. "We are delighted to welcome Dr Yeu to the journal, whose understanding of the unmet learning needs amongst ophthalmologists will help us to develop the most useful and relevant content for our readers" said Nicola Cartridge, Editorial Director at Touch Medical Media. touchOPHTHALMOLOGY (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishes the US Ophthalmic Review, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specializing in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of ophthalmology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals. www.touchOPHTHALMOLOGY.com Touch Medical Media is a trading name of Touch Digital Media Limited, a private limited company registered in England and Wales at The White House Mill Road, Goring, Reading, England, RG8 9DD with registered number 08197142. For inquires please contact: Nicola Cartridge - Editorial Director nicola.cartridge@touchmedicalmedia.com Leading the Debate on the Advances in Healthcare BALA CYNWYD, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2017 / Law office of Brodsky & Smith, LLC announces that it is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of Rice Energy Inc. ("Rice" or "the Company") (NYSE: RICE - News) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law in connection with the sale of the Company to EQT Corporation. ("EQT"). Click here to learn more http://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/rice-energy-inc-nyse-rice/, or call: 877-534-2590. There is no cost or obligation to you. Under the terms of the transaction, Rice shareholders will receive only 0.37 of a share of EQT common stock and $5.30 in cash for each share of Rice stock they own. The transaction values Rice at only approximately $27.04 per share. The investigation concerns whether the Board of Rice breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders and whether EQT is underpaying for the Company. The transaction may undervalue the Company and would result in a either a loss or no real gain for many long-term holders of Rice stock. For example, shares of Rice stock traded at $33.05 per share on June 2, 2014 and $27.38 per share on October 3, 2016. In addition, an analyst has set a price target for Rice stock at $40.00 per share. If you own shares of Rice stock and wish to discuss the legal ramifications of the investigation, or have any questions, you may e-mail or call the law office of Brodsky & Smith, LLC who will, without obligation or cost to you, attempt to answer your questions. You may contact Jason L. Brodsky, Esquire or Evan J. Smith, Esquire at Brodsky & Smith, LLC, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 510, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, by visiting http://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/rice-energy-inc-nyse-rice/, or calling toll free 877-LEGAL-90. Brodsky & Smith, LLC is a litigation law firm with extensive expertise representing shareholders throughout the nation in securities and class action lawsuits. The attorneys at Brodsky & Smith have been appointed by numerous courts throughout the country to serve as lead counsel in class actions and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE: Brodsky & Smith, LLC EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Liquor Stores N.A. Ltd. (the "Company" or "Liquor Stores") (TSX: LIQ), North America's largest publicly traded liquor retailer, has posted a new investor presentation to the company's website that warns against the strategy proposed by dissident shareholder PointNorth Capital. Liquor Stores also commented on further evidence of PointNorth's poor and misleading disclosure. Liquor Stores' new investor presentation is available on the company's website at this link: http://www.liquorstoresna.ca/investors/Investor-Information/Proxy-Contest. The presentation highlights the danger of PointNorth's strategy, which will destroy shareholder value of $2.65 per Liquor Stores share, and details management's proactive plan to continue to drive profitability of the Company. More Evidence of PointNorth's False and Misleading Disclosure In its proxy circular, PointNorth failed to disclose that its dissident nominee John Barnett, served on the Board of the failed wireless provider Mobilicity alongside PointNorth founder John Bitove, and that Mobilicity's original equity investors lost $250 million in a bankruptcy filing. Canadian law requires PointNorth to disclose the fact the Mr. Barnett was a Mobilicity director within the year before it obtained protection from creditors under the Companies Creditors' Arrangement Act. When confronted with this material omission, PointNorth made an obscure filing that most shareholders would never notice before they vote. PointNorth is mailing the correction but provided no link on its proxy fight website. Nor did PointNorth mention the correction in the news release and letter to shareholders that it distributed electronically on the very same day that it quietly filed the correction. In order to provide the transparency that shareholders require, Liquor Stores has posted the correction on the Company's website. It is available at this link: http://www.liquorstoresna.ca/investors/Investor-Information/Proxy-Contest. Liquor Stores believes this lack of transparency continues an alarming and long-established pattern of PointNorth disclosure deficiencies. For example, Point North failed to tell shareholders: -- The terms of its Golden Leashes -- That it sold off part of its position in Liquor Stores shares after the record date for voting -- That certain other dissident nominees, beyond Mr. Barnett, have problematic track records Liquor stores advises shareholders to give serious consideration to PointNorth's disclosure deficiencies. Vote the WHITE proxy for Liquor Stores' nominees Liquor Stores urges shareholders to read its Management Information Circular, available on the Liquor Stores website at http://www.liquorstoresna.ca/investors and under the Liquor Stores profile at www.sedar.com. Liquor Stores recommends that shareholders vote the WHITE proxy for the Board's eight experienced and qualified incumbent nominees. Vote today. Meeting Details Shareholders are advised to vote only the WHITE form of proxy today, or no later than 10:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) or Noon (Eastern Time) on Friday, June 16, 2017. The record date for the Annual Meeting was the close of business on April 21, 2017 (the "Record Date"). All registered shareholders of record as at the Record Date are invited to attend the Meeting which is taking place at Meeting Place 1 at the Hyatt Place Edmonton-West located at 18004 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. (Edmonton time). If shareholders have any questions or require any assistance in executing their proxy or voting instruction form, please call D.F. King Canada at: -- North American Toll Free Number: 1-800-301-9627 -- Outside North America, Banks, Brokers and Collect Calls: 1-201-806-7301 -- Email: inquiries@dfking.com -- North American Toll Free Facsimile: 1-888-509-5907 -- Facsimile: 1-647-351-3176 ABOUT LIQUOR STORES N.A. LTD. The Company operates 252 retail liquor stores in Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Liquor Stores' retail brands include: Liquor Depot, Liquor Barn, and Wine and Beyond in Alberta (178 stores); Liquor Depot and Liquor Barn in British Columbia (34 stores); Brown Jug in Alaska (22 stores); Liquor Barn "The Ultimate Party Source" and Liquor Barn Express in Kentucky (15 stores), Joe Canals Discount Outlet in New Jersey (2 stores), and LQR MKT in Connecticut (one store). The Company's common shares and convertible subordinated debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols "LIQ" and "LIQ.DB.B", respectively. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward looking statements or information (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable securities legislation. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among others: the anticipated outcomes of PointNorth's actions and strategy for Liquor Stores and the potential consequences to Liquor Stores and its business and share price of the election of PointNorth's director nominees and the implementation of its strategy; and matters with respect to the upcoming Meeting, including the scheduled date and time of the Meeting and the cut off time for proxies. Forward-looking statements reflect our current plans, intentions, and expectations, which are based on management's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Our plans, intentions, and expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. There is no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which these forward-looking statements are based will occur. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this press release and our other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Some of the factors that could affect future results and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to: risks relating to government regulation and changes thereto (whether by court decisions, citizen referenda, or otherwise); competition; the state of the economy including general economic conditions in Canada (including Alberta) and the U.S.; the unpredictability and volatility of Liquor Stores' common share price; restrictions on potential growth; availability of sufficient financial resources to fund the Company's capital expenditures; changes in commodity tax rates and government mark- ups; risks relating to future acquisitions and development of new stores; the ability of management to execute the Company's business and strategic plans; Liquor Stores' ability to locate and secure acceptable store sites and to adapt to changing market conditions; poor weather conditions; dependence on key personnel; labour costs, shortages and labour relations including Liquor Stores' ability to hire and retain staff at current wage levels and the risk of possible future unionization; supply interruption or delays; dependence on suppliers; reliance on information and control systems; income tax changes; leverage and restrictive covenants in agreements relating to current and future indebtedness of Liquor Stores; and credit risks arising from operations. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The information contained in this press release, and as disclosed in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, identifies additional factors that could affect the operating results and performance of Liquor Stores. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Liquor Stores assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Contacts: Investors Matthew Rudd Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Liquor Stores N.A. Ltd. (780) 702-7389 Media Louise Kozier Longview Communications (604) 694 6033 PRINCETON, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- In magazines, on social media platforms, and among friends, more people than ever seem to be openly discussing their experience with or desire to have plastic surgery. Dr. Eugenie Brunner, a facial plastic surgeon in Princeton, says there is a noticeable shift in the way people discuss cosmetic enhancement, and as attitudes change for the positive, more individuals are willing to act on their aesthetic goals. Dr. Brunner says more patients are coming to her practice feeling empowered and proud of their decision to enhance their appearance, soften signs of aging, or restore a feature that has changed over time. In the past, she notes some individuals would be shy or self-conscious about acting on these goals. She believes that as celebrities and other famous personalities have come forward about their cosmetic procedures, the inclination to criticize people who have "had work done" has become outmoded. In addition to the demeanor of patients during a consultation, Dr. Brunner says she has noticed people have become more willing to share the details of their treatment with friends, family members, and others. While some individuals still prefer to keep plastic surgery a secret, Dr. Brunner notes that many men and women are excited to share their experience and show off their results. Other factors Dr. Brunner acknowledges as playing a role include the growing number of non-surgical cosmetic enhancements available, which may be more appealing to individuals who are uncertain about an operation. Additionally, she says the ability to achieve natural-looking results is encouraging for many people who simply want to minimize the visible effects of time without dramatically altering their appearance. Dr. Brunner believes that, as plastic surgery sheds any residual negative connotation, more patients will feel comfortable making cosmetic decisions that best suit them. "Most patients are very happy and excited about their cosmetic procedures, because the results make them look fresher and smoother, not different or out-of-proportion." About Eugenie Brunner, MD, FACS Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Eugenie Brunner is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. She has been named a Castle Connolly "Top Doctor" eight times and received a Patients' Choice Award twice. Dr. Brunner is a member of several esteemed medical organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery. She earned her medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School - University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and her undergraduate degree from Rutgers College. Dr. Brunner is available for interview upon request. For more information about Dr. Brunner and her practice, please visit brunnermd.com and facebook.com/BrunnerMD. To view the original source of this press release, click here: https://www.brunnermd.com/news-room/evolving-attitudes-make-plastic-surgery-more-appealing-for-princeton-patients/ Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3144597 Contact: Cosmetic Facial Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation Laser Center Woodlands Professional Building 256 Bunn Dr., Ste. 4 Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 921-9497 Rosemont Media (858) 200-0044 www.rosemontmedia.com WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Kane Biotech Inc. (TSX VENTURE: KNE) (the "Company" or "Kane Biotech") today announced the intention of the Company to undertake a non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of up to 33,333,333 units ("Units") at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $4,000,000. Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Share at a price of $0.18 per Share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance of the Warrant. The closing of the Offering is scheduled for July 14, 2017. The Company reserves the right to call the Warrants, at their exercise price of $0.18 per Warrant, in the event that the Shares have traded for ten (10) consecutive trading days at a closing price at or exceeding $0.25 per Share. If the Company wishes to call the Warrants, the Company must provide written notice to the holders of the Warrants that it is calling the Warrants. Investors will have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to exercise the Warrants and, in the event that any Warrants are not exercised, such Warrants shall be cancelled. Insiders of the Company, including the Chairman and the CEO, have informed the Company that they will be subscribing for a minimum of $1,500,000 (12,500,000 Units) of the Offering. Certain persons may assist the Company by introducing potential subscribers for the Offering and, subject to compliance with applicable legislation, may be entitled to receive a finder's fee and/or broker warrants in such amounts and on such terms as may be determined by the Company. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for business development, technology and product commercialization, patent and trademark filings, regulatory expenses, clinical trials and general working capital. The Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Kane Biotech Inc. Kane Biotech is a biotechnology company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of technologies and products that prevent and remove microbial biofilms. Biofilms develop when bacteria and other microorganisms form a protective matrix that acts as a shield against attack. When in a biofilm, bacteria become highly resistant to antibiotics, antimicrobials, biocides, disinfectants, high temperatures and host immune responses. This resiliency contributes to numerous human and animal health related problems such as wound care infections, recurrent urinary tract infections, tooth decay, medical device associated and hospital-acquired infections, and foodborne bacterial infections. According to the United States National Institutes of Health biofilms are estimated to be responsible for 80% of all human bacterial infections and cost individuals, industry, governments and hospitals billions of dollars each year. As such, there is significant interest in safe and effective products that can combat the biofilm problem. Kane Biotech uses patent protected technologies based on molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation and methods for finding compounds that inhibit or disrupt biofilms. The Company has evidence that these technologies have the potential to significantly improve the ability to prevent and/or destroy biofilms in several medical and industrial applications. Kane Biotech has a portfolio of biotechnologies, intellectual property (patents, patents pending, trade secrets and trademarks) and products developed by the Company's own biofilm research expertise and acquired from leading research institutions. StrixNB, DispersinB, Aledex, bluestem, AloSera, coactiv+ and Kane are trademarks of Kane Biotech Inc. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "KNE". The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, including, without limitation, our anticipated future operating results, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may" and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: the Company's early stage of development, lack of product revenues and history of operating losses, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital, unproven markets, supply of raw materials, income tax matters, management of growth, partnerships for development and commercialization of technology, effects of insurers' willingness to pay for products, system failures, dependence on key personnel, foreign currency risk, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, as well as the Company's ability to anticipate and manage the risks associated with the foregoing. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to the Company's, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Contacts: Kane Biotech Inc. Mark Ahrens-Townsend President & CEO 204-477-7592 204-474-7552 (FAX) ir@kanebiotech.com www.kanebiotech.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2017) - Gunpowder Capital Corp. (CSE: GPC) (CSE: GPC.PR.A) (OTCQB: GNPWF) (FSE: YS6N) ("Gunpowder" or the "Corporation") is extremely pleased to announce that the Corporation's common shares have been approved for listing onto the OTCQB Marketplace, and that effective at market open today, the Corporation's common shares will commence trading on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "GNPWF" (www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GNPWF) completing the application process which the Corporation announced, via press release, back on June 1st, 2017. Previously, the Corporation's common shares traded on the OTC Pink. Mr. Frank Kordy stated: "Listing on the OTCQB is part of Gunpowder's overall strategy to increase its potential audience of investors internationally. Management strongly believes that listing the Corporation's common shares onto the OTCQB will enable Gunpowder's story to reach a much larger institutional and private investor audience both in the USA and internationally. Management also strongly feels that the OTCQB listing will provide prospective American based investors increased transparency, while providing our existing American based investors increased liquidity. We are very pleased to have obtained the OTCQB listing and that the process is now completed. Furthermore, we see this listing perfectly complementing our existing Canadian Securities Exchange listing and we also see this listing as the next logical step in building world class Company for our shareholders." About Gunpowder Capital Corp. Gunpowder Capital Corp., is a merchant bank and advisory services firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gunpowder invests in both publicly traded and private businesses that have successful management teams and attractive economic models. Gunpowder partners with these businesses to support their growth initiatives with its proven methodology of appropriate financing and structured exits. Gunpowder offers debt financing, including mezzanine and bridge loans, equity financing and advisory services. Gunpowder is also building a portfolio of companies in which it takes a long term position and view. For more information please visit www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com. For further information please contact: Mr. Frank Kordy CEO & Director Gunpowder Capital Corp. T: (647) 466-4037 E: frank.kordy@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com Mr. Paul Haber CFO Gunpowder Capital Corp. T: (416) 363-3833 E: paul.haber@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. - 30 - FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- VPR Brands, LP (OTC PINK: VPRB), a market leader specializing in vaporizers and accessories for essential oils and extracts, will be featuring its products and company for presentation at the LD Micro Invitational the 6th and 7th of June at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air in Los Angeles, California. Investors will be able to get a first hand look at the company's newest and most innovative products while meeting and greeting company management. "Thinking outside the box as usual, we decided to sponsor the event and present our products and company information at our own designated sponsor table for the whole two days rather than take a 20 minute speaking slot. We felt this will allow us to interact with a larger group investors yet offers us a more personal setting, to give individual attention to attendees. We believe being right in the center of the action will best serve our company in terms of exposure and networking," said Kevin Frija, CEO of VPR Brands. About LD Micro Conference: The 7th Annual LD Micro Invitational will highlight some of the best companies in the micro-cap world who will be presenting to individual and institutional investors, as well as to analysts, bloggers, bankers, and the media. We will open on the evening of June 5th with speakers and panels. On the 6th, over 100 names will be presenting throughout the day. On the 7th, we will shake things up, with companies across three unique themes presenting: Reg A+, "The Best of Buy-Side", and "Show Me the Money" which focuses solely on names with large insider buying over the past year. About VPR Brands, LP: VPR Brands is a technology company, whose assets include issued U.S. and Chinese patents for atomization related products including technology for medical marijuana vaporizers and electronic cigarette products and components. The company is also engaged in product development for the vapor or vaping market, including e-liquids, vaporizers and electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) which are devices which deliver nicotine and or cannabis through atomization or vaping, and without smoke and other chemical constituents typically found in traditional products. For more information about VPR Brands, please visit the company on the web at www.vprbrands.com and http://www.vaporin.com Forward-looking statements: This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions, and other factors discussed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. Contact Information: VPR Brands, LP Kevin Frija CEO and CFO (954) 715-7001 info@vprbrands.com www.vprbrands.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Automatic Data Processing has released private sector employment data for June at 8:15 am ET Thursday. Following the data, the greenback dropped against its major counterparts. The greenback was trading at 1.1393 against the euro, 113.29 against the yen, 0.9637 against the franc and 1.2948 against the pound around 8:16 am ET. At 8:30 am ET, the U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended July 1 and trade data for May are set for release. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Editors Note: There is a video associated with this press release. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) invite North Americans to join the increasing number of communities using the Local Environmental Observer (LEO) Network, a unique observation platform where traditional ecological knowledge, local knowledge and science converge to record and highlight instances of unusual change in nature and the environment. The LEO Network is supporting a unique cross-cultural and trilateral collaboration between Canada, Mexico and the United States. As of today, the LEO Network has seen the roll-out of new user hubs in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada; and Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Each new hub is supported by experts and technical resources that will help members make region-specific observations and identify drivers of environmental change. Today, those interested in and concerned about the changing environment in North America have the ability to share personal observations around environmental change impacts and discuss them with topic experts in a growing community of indigenous and non-indigenous observers. "Anybody can join the LEO Network and make an observation. LEO has empowered people to report unusual environmental events immediately from their computer or smartphone. We believe that the expanded network and our new hub partners will bring important perspectives on the impacts of environmental change on our shared ecosystems and biodiversity. That includes the voices of everyday citizens, youth, scientists, and local and indigenous communities across Canada, Mexico and the United States," says Cesar Rafael Chavez, Executive Director, Commission for Environmental Cooperation. In the spirit of traditional ecological knowledge, the LEO Network prioritizes the importance of the human connection to environmental observations. It is uniquely equipped to capture the environmental and health impacts on people, including the ability of community members to be resilient and adapt to the effects of these environmental changes. So far, Network observers have catalogued more than 710 observations of the natural world on the LEO Network platform to-date. Tribal Alaskan communities have catalogued observations of the changing environment-things that they had already been noticing for generations-including observations made while engaging in subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering. "ANTHC created the LEO Network to amplify the voice of our tribal members' ecological observations in remote communities to our people, leaders, scientists and researchers," said Andy Teuber, ANTHC chairman and president. "By sharing this Alaska Native solution with the First Nations Health Authority, the Government of the Northwest Territories and El Grupo de Ecologia y Conservacion de Islas, we hope to improve the resiliency and health of all indigenous people." With the platform's expansion, the reach of the LEO Network broadens even further, allowing for deeper conversations on diverse topics of shared relevance across the North American region-including sea star wasting disease, "the Blob" (a giant patch of warm water in the Salish Sea and other parts of the northern Pacific Ocean), changing salmon migration patterns, and the unusual changes to nesting patterns of marine birds in Mexico due to ecosystem change, to name just a few examples. To date, the LEO Network's membership includes more than 1,684 citizens, including tribal elders, institutions, scientists, fishermen, hunters, and youth. Its database of published observations is steadily growing, covering a range of topics that includes plants, insects, fish and marine life, terrestrial species, unusual patterns of weather, permafrost, ice and snow. The LEO Network expansion is made possible with the partnership of the First Nations Health Authority (in partnership with the University of Victoria), the Government of Northwest Territories, and El Grupo de Ecologia y Conservacion de Islas, A.C. (GECI). Anyone can become a LEO Network observer. Watch and share this video and add your voice to the LEO Network at www.leonetwork.org. Watch our video to find out how you can make an observation For more information on the growth and expansion of the LEO Network across North America, click here. About the LEO Network The Local Environment Observer (LEO) Network is a network of local observers and topic experts, who share knowledge about unusual animal, environment, and weather events. For more information, visit www.leonetwork.org. About the CEC The Commission for Environmental Cooperation facilitates collaboration and public participation to foster conservation, protection and enhancement of the North American environment for the benefit of present and future generations, in the context of increasing economic, trade, and social links among Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For more information, visit www.cec.org. About the ANTHC The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is a non-profit Tribal health organization designed to meet the unique health needs of Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska. In partnership with the more than 158,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people that we serve and the Tribal health organizations of the Alaska Tribal Health System, ANTHC provides world-class health services, which include comprehensive medical services at the Alaska Native Medical Center, wellness programs, disease research and prevention, rural provider training and rural water and sanitation systems construction. ANTHC is the largest, most comprehensive Tribal health organization in the United States, and Alaska's second-largest health employer with more than 2,500 employees offering an array of health services to people around the nation's largest state. For more information, visit www.anthc.org. Notes to editors: -- Traditional ecological knowledge has been amassed over the course of thousands of years, and recognizes the symbiosis between humans and nature based on respecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems and the sustainability of local resources. It refers to a cumulative body of indigenous peoples' knowledge, beliefs, and practice, evolving by accumulation and handed down through generations in traditional narratives and observations. -- The LEO Network expansion can be traced back to the CEC's 2015 and 2016 trilateral Ministerial Statements, which include a commitment to integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into the work of the CEC. (See www.cec.org/about-us/council/council-statements.) To view the video associated with this press release, please visit the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-i9XKhqBl4 Contacts: Media contacts Sandy Wong Yulu Public Relations sandy@yulupr.com Megan Ainscow CEC mainscow@cec.org VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Accend Capital Corporation (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: ADP.H) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement (the "Option Agreement") pursuant to which it has been granted an option to acquire approximately 2,400 additional hectares surrounding the Silverside Cobalt Property from Caamo Capital Corp. and Gino Chitaroni (collectively, the "Vendors"). On May 29, 2017 the Company announced that it would acquire (the "Transaction") approximately 384 hectares in Lundy Township, approximately 30 kilometers Northwest of Cobalt, Ontario known as the Silverside Cobalt Property (the "Property"), on which historic exploration dates back to the early 1900's. Following a review of recent exploration work on the Property, the Company has decided to option a number of additional claims surrounding the Property in a total package of approximately 2,400 additional hectares. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Company has the right to acquire the additional claims at any time for a period of ninety days following approval of the acquisition of the Property by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). Total consideration for the additional claims consists of cash payments totaling $175,000 and 250,000 common shares in the Company. In consideration for the granting of this option, the Company will pay a one-time non-refundable deposit of $25,000 to the Vendors and will issue 50,000 common shares upon the approval of the acquisition of the Property by the Exchange, both these amounts will be deducted from the consideration payable under the Option Agreement should the option be exercised by the Company. Simon Clarke, a director of the Company stated, "the acquisition of the Silverside Cobalt Property and the additional acreage available pursuant to the Option Agreement, provides a strong entry into the cobalt sector at a time when cobalt is evolving into a key electric metal for lithium ion and other batteries. The significant growth projected in these industries is anticipated to drive increasing demand for cobalt. There is also a need to reduce dependence on traditional areas of cobalt supply where concerns around conflict mining and ethical production persist; our strategy is to focus on building a quality asset base which can help address these concerns." At the present time, the Company does not consider the additional acreage provided in the Option Agreement to be material to the Transaction or the Property. The Company does not intend to prepare a technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this additional acreage in connection with the Transaction. Readers are reminded that completion of the Transaction, and the further transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement, remains subject to a number of conditions including completion of satisfactory due diligence, completion of any necessary financing; completion of a technical report in respect of the Property, approval of the Exchange and such other conditions as are customary in transactions of this nature. For further information concerning the Transaction, Readers are encouraged to review the Company's news release of May 29, 2017 and the filing statement which will be prepared by the Company in connection with the Transaction and made available under the Company's profile on SEDAR. This news release has been reviewed by Adrian Smith, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. On behalf of the Board, Accend Capital Corporation Andy Edelmeier, Chief Executive Officer Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance. The Transaction cannot close until the required approvals are obtained, and the outstanding conditions satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain 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 other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for cobalt and certain precious metals, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the Province of Ontario, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's 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 risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause 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. 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 affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Contacts: Andy Edelmeier 604.897.8149 andy.edelmeier@gmail.com Simon Clarke 604.551.9665 simonclarke@telus.net VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 19, 2017 / Roughrider Exploration Limited (TSX-V: REL) ("Roughrider" or the "Company") - Further to its News Release dated June 22, 2017, announcing that it had signed an option to acquire the Iron Butte oxide gold-silver project located along the western margin of the Battle Mountain-Eureka Gold Trend in Lander County (the "Iron Butte Project"), the Company is pleased to announce that it has received TSX Venture Exchange approval for, and acquired, an option (the "Option") to acquire a 100% interest in the Iron Butte Project, subject to certain royalty interests, from an arm's length private vendor. In connection with the acquisition of the Option, the Company issued 75,000 common shares (the "Shares") and paid aggregate cash payments totaling USD $25,000. The Shares are subject to a hold period expiring November 14, 2017. The terms of the Option agreement are fully disclosed in the Company's June 22, 2017 news release. About Roughrider Exploration Limited Roughrider's focus is exploring the 131,412 hectare (324,728 acre) Genesis uranium project located in the Wollaston-Mudjatik geological trend extending northeast from Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. Roughrider has the option to earn an 85% interest in Genesis from Kivalliq Energy Corporation. Roughrider has recently signed an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Iron Butte oxide gold-silver project located along the western margin of the Battle Mountain-Eureka Gold Trend in Lander County, Nevada. For further information, please contact: Scott Gibson Chief Executive Officer 604-697-0028 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. UNITED STATES ADVISORY The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. SOURCE: Roughrider Exploration Limited Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, "tribal elder", parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2017) - Rheingold Exploration Corp. (CSE:RGE) ("Rheingold" or the "Company") - a company currently focused on the exploration and development of natural resource projects targeting metals used in the manufacturing of traditional and innovative batteries, has entered into an Option and Purchase and Sale Agreement with Woodbury Resources, LLC of Denver, Colorado and Bi-Petro, Inc. of Springfield, Illinois, whereby Rheingold has an option to purchase the oil and gas leases located primarily in Cumberland and Jasper Counties, Illinois ("Option Agreement"). The Option Agreement allows Rheingold to purchase 37,500 acres previously leased for oil, gas and lithium extraction by Woodbury and Bi-Petro in the 'Woodbury Carper Lithium Resource Project'. The Project represents a lithium resource development opportunity at shallow drilling depths (less than 4,000 feet) in the heartland of the United States, located on fee acreage that is easy to permit and drill, with several existing wells capable of producing large volumes of lithium-rich brine. Total option purchase price, subject to the Company completing its due diligence, is US$8.0 million, Payable as follows: $100 on signing $99,900 in 90 days from signing $2,000,000 in 6 months from signing, of which the Company may make in Shares $2,000,000 in 12 months from signing, of which the Company may make in Shares $3,900,000 in 17 months from signing, of which the Company may make in Shares Hunter Stuart Energy Advisors has previously been hired by Rheingold to locate prospective lithium properties for the Company. Clifford C. Clark, a geologist working with Hunter Stuart Energy Advisors states: "The Carper Sandstone is a known oil and gas producing zone in the State of Illinois with several hundred wells that have produced oil from the Carper. The optioned property covers an accumulation of Mississippian-age Carper Sandstone that was deposited in an ancient delta referred to as the 'Woodbury Carper Delta'." "The lithium was discovered as a result of drilling three exploratory wells in the search for oil and gas from the New Albany Shale and Carper Sandstone. All three wells had significant shows of oil in the Carper Sandstone at 3,600-3,800 feet and shows of gas in the New Albany Shale at 4,000-4,100 feet, which led the operator to set production casing and test the wells," explains Clark. Clark continues: "Two wells that are included in the assets under the Option Agreement have produced brine from the Carper Sandstone that have been tested for lithium content (tests are not NI 43-101 compliant). The lithium readings from known and credible laboratories were measured at 108 ppm and 243 ppm . The Carper brine from the #1 Swim Well measured at 108 ppm lithium in a test performed by XENCO Labs of Midland, Texas, an accredited laboratory, using EPA6010B methods. The Carper brine from the #2 Holsapple Well measured at 243 ppm lithium in a test performed by TechLabUSA in Ft. Collins, Colorado, also an accredited laboratory using EPA6010B methods." Clark believes more testing using advanced methods for determining lithium content is needed to more precisely determine the lithium content of the brine on the optioned properties. Clark concludes: "The leasehold is located in a rural area that has existing road, electrical, and natural gas infrastructure in place. This project is privately owned land and it takes less than a month to get a drilling permit versus sometimes up to years to get a permit on Federal Lands. Assets that would be included under the Option Agreement, and are located in Cumberland County, Illinois, include three wells of which two are producing and the third is not yet completed. It is significant to note that the optioned land has a permitted salt water disposal well, which may be used to dispose of the brines." Rheingold's president, Logan Anderson adds that, "Rheingold is extremely pleased that the Hunter Stuart team, utilizing their experience and database of oil field brine data from over 100,000 wells, has negotiated this option on a highly prospective lithium property in an area of the United States that has immediate access to all of the services needed." Qualified Persons The technical portions of this press release were prepared by Clifford C. Clark a Licensed Professional Geologist (State of Illinois) and reviewed by Fred J. Bonner P.Geo., a Director of Rheingold and a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. For more information, please contact: loganbanderson@outlook.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Logan Anderson" Logan Anderson, President Forward-looking statements This release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and certain of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to the same. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. THE CSE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. 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. BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- By 2016, financial executives of organizations with defined benefit plans had largely modified their financial statements to reflect mortality assumptions that the Society of Actuaries released in 2014. The upshot was a 4% to 8% drop in reported funded status -- since the new assumptions revealed that participants would require benefit payments for two to three years longer, on average, than previously believed -- and a hope among many sponsors that the issue of longevity risk was behind them. Yet the story continues, perhaps to the surprise of some sponsors, according to a new report, Thought Mortality was Dead?, from global investment firm Cambridge Associates. The Internal Revenue Service decided, somewhat unexpectedly, to delay its implementation of the new mortality tables until at least 2018. As a result, CFOs and sponsors now face new decisions and obligations related to three areas that are at least partially prescribed by IRS guidance: minimum contribution requirements, premiums that must be paid to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) and lump-sum distributions to vested former employees. "The IRS's delayed implementation of these mortality tables definitely creates a wrinkle for CFOs, and the answers aren't straightforward," says Greg Meila, Senior Investment Director in the pension practice at Cambridge Associates and coauthor of the report. The report points to several topics that CFOs and sponsors may have to address: Contributions to the plan may have to increase. The funded status used to determine the level of minimum required contributions will decline, due to the new mortality assumptions (similar to how accounting funded status dropped following the initial 2014 mortality table update). A lower funded status means higher required contributions to make up the deficit. And some plans that are already in a weakened position may feel compelled to make even greater near-term contributions to avoid regulatory consequences of funding levels dropping below critical threshold levels. Premiums due to the PBGC (the government agency designed to provide a backstop to failing pensions plans) may rise dramatically for certain plans. One source of the hike is the jump in underfunding levels due to the IRS adopting the new mortality tables, since lower funded status means higher PBGC premiums. That's on top of a requirement, resulting from recent legislation, to pay higher rates per $1,000 of underfunding. Lump-sum distributions may become key topics of discussion and decision-making. For sponsors that were already considering offering lump sums to their terminated vested participants over the next few years, the remainder of 2017 offers a rare window in which the value of the lump sum required to be paid will be lower than next year, when the IRS actually adopts the new mortality tables. But making those distributions now isn't a "no brainer" for many plans. Paying out benefits -- especially large lump sums -- while the plan is underfunded results in a lower funded status in percentage terms. And depleting funds means it will necessarily be harder to make up for shortfalls with investment returns. "Effectively addressing questions about how the IRS's delayed implementation of new mortality expectations may affect minimum contributions, PBGC premiums and lump-sum distributions requires financial executives to think hard about the objectives they care about the most," Meila says. "For example, the CFO of a publicly traded corporate plan may care a great deal about the volatility of financial statement impacts, while a privately-held company CFO or non-profit CFO may care more about the timing and volatility of required contributions or the impact on debt covenants. Tackling these issues calls for sponsors to craft an overall pension strategy that both incorporates and prioritizes the objectives most relevant to them, subject to their unique constraints and risk tolerances." To access the full report, please visit: https://www.cambridgeassociates.com/research/thought-mortality-dead-considerations-pensions-given-irss-delay-implementing-rp-2014/ For more information, or to speak with Greg Meila, please contact Eric Mosher of Sommerfield Communications at +1 (212) 255-8386 or eric@sommerfield.com. About Cambridge Associates Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm founded in 1973 that builds customized investment portfolios for institutional investors and private clients around the world. Working alongside its early clients, among them several leading universities, the firm pioneered the strategy of high equity orientation and broad diversification, which since the 1980s has been a primary driver of performance for these leading fiduciary investors. Cambridge Associates serves over 1,100 global investors - primarily foundations and endowments, pensions and family offices - and delivers a range of services, including outsourced investment (OCIO) solutions, traditional advisory services, and access to research and tools across global asset classes. Cambridge Associates has more than 1,300 employees - including over 150 research staff - serving its client base globally. The firm maintains offices in Arlington, VA; New York; Boston; Dallas; Menlo Park and San Francisco, CA; Toronto; London; Singapore; Sydney; and Beijing. Cambridge Associates consists of five global investment consulting affiliates that are all under common ownership and control. For more information about Cambridge Associates, please visit www.cambridgeassociates.com. Media contact: Eric Mosher Sommerfield Communications (212) 255-8386 eric@sommerfield.com SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- CloudGenix, Inc., the software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) leader, today announced it has signed a partnership agreement with TBI, a leading distributor of data, network, cloud, voice and managed services. This agreement will allow TBI partners to deliver to its clients the industry's first and only application-defined SD-WAN solution. With CloudGenix, enterprises can now eliminate complex routing protocols and hardware routers, and directly set up business rules and app-SLAs -- all while reducing WAN cost by 50 to 70 percent. As a leading technology distributor, TBI advises and consults on the right solutions to solve organizational challenges, especially those related to increasing bandwidth, upgrading outdated systems, adding new services and migrating or deploying cloud solutions. TBI helps recommend technologies like SD-WAN that assist with convergence and modernization. "Enterprises want more than a better router," said Jeff Newton, vice president of enterprise sales and IT at TBI. "By partnering with CloudGenix, we can now offer them a radically simplified, cloud-first network built on business intent and application reachability." With the CloudGenix Instant-On Networks (ION) product family as part of its portfolio, TBI offers the leading solution for companies deploying modern applications, including SaaS- and cloud-based apps such as Office365, AWS, Azure, Unified Communications and VoIP. ION allows network managers to set up business rules and app-SLAs instead of working with arcane networking protocols, cutting network configurations by 90 percent. No longer is network performance based on reachability, but instead on app-criteria, including performance, security and compliance. At the same time, CloudGenix gives enterprises the freedom to work with any carrier, independent of connectivity types. The network acts as a centralized database storing 100 percent of network and app flows, reducing fragmentation across devices, and providing access to application and network insights. "Partnering with TBI was an easy decision for CloudGenix," said Kumar Ramachandran, CEO of CloudGenix. "TBI's extensive portfolio of solutions, as well as its unique capabilities in handling provider relationships and back-office support make it an important partner as CloudGenix continues to drive adoption of our SD-WAN to help businesses save time and money in their transformation efforts." About TBI TBI is the nation's leading third-party technology distributor. Since 1991, it has assisted Systems Integrators, VARs, MSPs, IT consultants, developers, software distributors and more in advising and sourcing the right technology solutions. TBI serves as a partner's advocate, ensuring the proper provisioning of cloud, Internet, data, mobility, voice, and managed services from best-in-class service providers to achieve clients' desired business outcomes. Through training and marketing programs focused on the benefits of technology to the business, TBI empowers its partners to be the foremost authority to advise and source all of their clients' technology needs. With the largest back-office in the industry, TBI partners are fully supported by pre- and post-sales operations, project managers, and solutions engineers certified in the latest industry-leading technologies. About CloudGenix CloudGenix (www.cloudgenix.com) is the software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) leader, revolutionizing networking by transforming legacy WANs into a radically simplified, secure, application-defined fabric and virtualizing heterogeneous underlying transports into a unified hybrid WAN. Enabling application-specific, service-level agreements (SLAs), CloudGenix controls network application performance based upon application-performance SLAs and business priority. CloudGenix ION (Instant-On Network) radically simplifies how WANs are designed and managed, enabling customers to build "networks without networking," and achieve more than twice the performance at less than half the cost -- leading to a much faster time-to-value once deployed -- and extending data center-class security to the network edge. Founded in 2013 by a team that has previously delivered industry-leading products in networking, SDN, cloud, security and web-scale applications, CloudGenix serves world-class financial services, legal, retail and technology organizations. The company is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, Charles River Ventures and the Mayfield Fund and has headquarters in San Jose, California. Contact CloudGenix pr@cloudgenix.com DUBLIN, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Tofu Market 2017-2021" report to their offering. The global tofu market to grow at a CAGR of 4.02% during the period 2017-2021. Global Tofu 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. According to the report, one driver in the market is health benefits of tofu. The growing awareness among consumers about the health benefits of plant-based nutrients such as soy-based foods is driving the global tofu market. Tofu is one of the world's most concentrated sources of high-quality vegetable protein. The frozen, dried tofu has twice the protein of beef, fish, and chicken, and negligible cholesterol levels. One trend in the market is increasing demand for plant protein nutrients. There is increasing demand for plant protein nutrients. The growing awareness among consumers about the health benefits of such nutrients has led to the increasing growth of the soy protein ingredients market. Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is fluctuating prices of soy. The widening gap between the demand and supply in recent years has increased the costs of raw materials substantially. Any surge in the price of raw materials, such as soy, not only increases the manufacturing cost but leads to reduced profit margins for vendors. This factor, along with the need to sustain in the competitive market, influences manufacturers to experiment with inexpensive substitutes. Key vendors: Hain Celestial House Foods Group Hugli Holding MORINAGA Pulmuone VITASOY Other prominent vendors: Amy's Kitchen Eden Foods Kikkoman San Jose Tofu The Nisshin OilliO Tofurky 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 product Part 07: Geographical segmentation Part 08: Key leading countries Part 09: Decision framework Part 10: Drivers and challenges Part 11: Market trends Part 12: Vendor landscape Part 13: Key vendor analysis Part 14: Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/q9mfn9/global_tofu 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 BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Colabor Group Inc. (TSX: GCL) ("Colabor" or the "Corporation") held its Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") on May 31, 2017. A total of 59,565,288 common shares representing 58.33% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation were represented in person and by proxy at the Meeting. At this Meeting, the following resolutions were approved: 1. Election of Directors The seven candidates nominated as Directors were duly elected to the Board of Directors of Colabor by majority vote, as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------- Name In favour Withheld Number % Number % ---------------------------------------------------------------- Marc Baillargeon 57,178,941 99.20% 460,058 0.80% Robert J. Briscoe 55,745,873 96.72% 1,893,126 3.28% Robert Cloutier 55,838,673 96.88% 1,800,326 3.12% Stephane Gonthier 57,352,955 99.50% 286,044 0.50% J. Michael Horgan 57,374,445 99.54% 264,554 0.46% Robert B. Johnston57,398,220 99.58% 240,779 0.42% Elaine Zakaib 57,297,764 99.41% 341,235 0.59% ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Appointment of Auditor The resolution appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, to act as auditor of the Corporation until the next Annual Meeting of shareholders or until the appointment of its successor, and authorizing the Board of Directors of the Corporation to fix its remuneration, was approved in a proportion of 96.96%. 3. Approval of Unallocated Options Under the Corporation's Stock Option Plan Shareholders present or represented by proxy at the Meeting also voted 96.43% in favour of an ordinary resolution concerning the approval of unallocated options under the Corporation's Stock Option Plan. ABOUT COLABOR Colabor is a distributor and wholesaler of food and non-food products serving the foodservice market (cafeterias, restaurants, hotels, restaurant chains) in Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, as well as the retail market (grocery stores and convenience stores). FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release may contain forward-looking statements reflecting the opinions or current expectations of Colabor Group Inc. concerning its performance and business operations and future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may differ. The Corporation assumes no obligation beyond what is required under law to update forward-looking statements pursuant to changes in the beliefs, estimates and opinions of management or to other factors. Contacts: Investors: Colabor Group Inc. Jean-Francois Neault, CPA, CMA, MBA Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer 450-449-0026 ext. 1308 / Fax: 450-449-6180 jean-francois.neault@colabor.com Media: MaisonBrison Inc. Martin Goulet, CFA Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations 514-731-0000 ext. 229 / Fax: 514-731-4525 martin@maisonbrison.com CARLSBAD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 1, 2017 / V Group, Inc. (OTC PINK: VGID) ("V Group") is pleased to update its shareholders about the Company's new CBD drinks called Patience. As reported in prior press releases, Patience is a CBD infused, Vitamin enriched product produced by the Company's incubation partner, Leaf of Faith. Patience made its debut on May, 28th 2017 at an industry event in San Bernardino, California. Leaf of Faith produced 5,000 units to prepare for the event. The product was produced in two flavors, Fruit Punch and Raspberry. The brightly colored product was packaged in an attractive, slim 16oz bottle with exciting and colorful comic style labels. The event was attended by about 10,000 people. "The event was the perfect venue to debut and test market the CBD drinks. The customers that attended were knowledgeable and eager to try new and exciting products. By all accounts, the product was a hit!" stated Larry Twombly, CEO of V Group, Inc. The Company received direct positive feedback from all who sampled the product. Working from one small booth, Leaf of Faith sold a total of 4,359 units during the event generating $17,436.00 in revenue, creating over $8,000.00 in profit that can be invested back into the brand to produce more units. Many customers returned to the booth multiple times. Many also purchased multiple bottles to bring them home with them. Leaf of Faith, along with V Group, is going to use the valuable information they received during the event to make some small changes in the product. The Company expects to be ready to attend more events within 30 days. Upcoming events include festivals in places such as Las Vegas, Colorado, California, just to name a few. Mr. Twombly explains, "The Company is excited to attend as many industry events as possible with as much product as possible over the next 180 days. This will give us a fantastic opportunity to create a following while generating revenue and developing a distribution base." Leaf of Faith is currently developing a website and a social media presence. This will be accomplished in the next 30 days. V Group will be updating the public as soon as this is completed. "V Group, Inc. would like to thank the Company's shareholders, investors, vendors and partners for all the support the Company has received. These are exciting times, hardworking times, fun times. I'm glad to be a part of it," stated Larry Twombly. V Group, Inc. Contact: info@anddrinks.com Web Site: www.anddrinks.com Phone: (760) 613-8828 SOURCE: V Group, Inc. RESTON, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Intermarkets, the media company connecting advertisers and consumers through its portfolio of high-quality, influential websites, today announced that it has been named an Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for 2017, the publication's second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. The list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies that have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. selected just over 200 honorary companies. Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Nebraska, Inc.'s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. "To be included in Inc.'s Best Workplaces alongside reputable companies is a true honor," said Kevin Lucido, founder and CEO of Intermarkets. "Intermarkets highly values its employees, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to provide the best work environment possible for them. This ultimately leads to excellent service for our clients." The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees' responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent -- that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. Intermarkets has previously been recognized by the publication on the Inc. 5000 list seven times for its revenue growth and has received national recognition for its company culture as an Ad Age Best Place to Work in 2016. About Intermarkets Intermarkets is a media company connecting advertisers and consumers through our portfolio of high-quality, influential websites. These sites attract more than 30 million unique viewers per month, driving over one billion page views. Advertisers are empowered to reach our mature, affluent and educated readers throughout this portfolio via carefully selected and vetted digital advertising solutions. Founded in 1997, Intermarkets is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. It has been honored for its revenue growth on the Inc. 5000 list seven times and recognized as a Best Place to Work by Ad Age in 2016. The Intermarkets Portfolio includes iconic brands such as The Drudge Report, The Political Insider, TellMeNow, and many others. Learn more at www.intermarkets.net. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Age's "The A-List" in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit www.quantumworkplace.com. Media Contact Lacy Gallagher Blast PR for Intermarkets Email Contact WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Sonoco Products Co. (SON) said that it expects fourth quarter and full-year 2017 GAAP earnings to be $0.59 to $0.69 and $2.27 to $2.37 per share, respectively. The full-year range includes amounts previously disclosed by the Company of approximately $0.39 per diluted share, related to after-tax charges for pension settlement distributions to certain pension plan participants, restructuring charges and acquisition costs which were partially offset by non-base insurance settlement gains for the first nine months of 2017. Both ranges include an estimated range of charges related to expected fourth-quarter after-tax restructuring charges and acquisition-related expenses. Base earnings are expected to be within the Company's previously reported guidance of $.68 to $.74 and $2.75 to $2.81 per diluted share, respectively. President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Sanders said, 'Following record performance in 2016, we are again expecting to achieve record base earnings in 2017, and based on a solid start to the fourth quarter we remain comfortable with achieving our base EPS guidance of $2.75 to $2.81.' Sonoco estimates 2018 base earnings per share to be in the range of $3.00 to $3.10, with a projected midpoint target of $3.05 per diluted share. Sonoco expects 2018 net sales to be approximately $5.3 billion, an estimated increase of approximately 6 percent from the Company's 2017 sales forecast. Key drivers for sales growth in 2018 are expected to include acquisitions of $128 million and volume/mix growth of approximately $117 million. In addition, higher expected selling prices and a favorable impact of foreign exchange are expected to add $63 million to net sales. CFO Saunders added the Company's 2018 capital deployment strategy is expected to be weighted toward investments to grow its existing businesses, including significant investment to the Company's domestic paper mill system as well as organic growth initiatives, particularly in thermoformed containers. 'We also expect to pursue accretive acquisitions in our targeted growth areas and continue our 93-year tradition of returning substantial amounts of cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases, including more than $925 million over the past five years.' Commenting on the Company's 2018 forecast, CEO Sanders said, 'We are optimistic about 2018 and projecting nearly a 10 percent improvement in base earnings in addition to our strongest generation of cash from operations and free cash flow in five years. This would be the fifth consecutive year of record base earnings, which we believe illustrates the consistency built into our business model.' In 20/20 Vision Targets, Sonoco expects to grow top-line sales to greater than $6 billion and driving improvement of base EBITDA margins to 16 percent. 'We expect to achieve our top-line target by producing greater-than-industry-average organic growth and by making accretive acquisitions adding approximately $1 billion of revenue in our focused growth businesses,' said Sanders, adding acquisitions are expected to be focused in flexible packaging, thermoformed containers, protective packaging and consolidating industrial acquisitions that improve scale and capability in emerging markets. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de SAN FRANCISCO, November 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The globalautomotive tinting film marketis expected to reach USD 4.48 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing installation of tinting films on windows and windshields is expected to drive the market growth. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160524/371361LOGO ) Rapid expansion of automotive sector in China, Japan, and Argentina is expected to trigger consumption of tinting films over the forecast period. Increasing consumer disposable income coupled with technological advancements such as the advent of bio-based polyester films is expected to fuel market growth. The benefits offered by the product include heat protection, protection against harmful UV rays, glare, and improved vehicle aesthetics. Growing consumer awareness regarding the benefits along with recovery of automotive industry across the globe is expected to drive demand. Tinting films help in reducing solar heat gain & winter heat loss and maintain sustainable & comfortable environment. In addition, the use of Ultra Violet-A filtering tinting films reduce the risk of skin cancer & skin damage. Environmental benefits offered by product along with rising safety concerns among consumers is expected to drive growth. Browse full research report with TOC on "Automotive Tinting Film Market Analysis By Application (Windows, Windshields), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles), And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/automotive-tinting-film-market Further Key Findings From the Report Suggest: Window tints installed on the windshields block around 43% heat and 99% UV rays, which is expected to augment product demand. Windshields application segment is projected to account for 60.2% by 2025. Passenger cars accounted for 66% of global tinting film industry in 2016 on account of the growing demand for window tints in premium passenger cars to protect center console and automotive electronics from heating LCVs are expected to denote a CAGR of 5.3% owing to the use of the vehicles for home deliveries and improvements in trade and transportation in developed economies of North America and Europe and North America accounted for the largest revenue share in 2016 on account of growing demand for window tints in windshields to enhance glare protection for improved clarity while driving accounted for the largest revenue share in 2016 on account of growing demand for window tints in windshields to enhance glare protection for improved clarity while driving China accounted for the largest revenue share in Asia Pacific and expected to grow at a predicted CAGR of 6.1% on account of growing demand for luxury cars coupled with increasing installation of colored tints in the country accounted for the largest revenue share in and expected to grow at a predicted CAGR of 6.1% on account of growing demand for luxury cars coupled with increasing installation of colored tints in the country Companies including 3M and Eastman have goodwill in the industry, which gives them an added advantage over local manufacturers in expanding the distribution network to maintain competitive prices Browse related reports by Grand View Research: Rosin Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/rosin-market Medical Adhesives Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-adhesives-market Specialty Polymers Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/specialty-polymers-market Lamination Adhesives Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/lamination-adhesives-market Grand View Research has segmented the global automotive tinting film market on the basis of application, vehicle type, and region: Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Windows Windshields Vehicle Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Passenger Cars Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCVs) Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Europe Germany U.K Asia Pacific China India Japan Central & South America Brazil Middle East & Africa Read Our Blog By Grand View Research: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/bulk-chemicals 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. Thecompany 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: sales@grandviewresearch.com Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. singer Ariana Grande has promised to return to Manchester to play a charity concert in memory of the victims of the deadly terrorist attack targeting her program in Manchester, England, earlier this week. 22 people were killed and 64 others injured when an Islamic State suicide bomber carried out an explosion at the foyer of the Manchester Arena as the concert closed and balloons were released into the crowd Monday night. Grande, who left the stage unhurt, returned to her home town of Boca Raton in Florida in a private plane Tuesday. The 23-year-old teen actress-turned-singer canceled some of the remaining concerts of her European tour until the one planned for June 5. Grande said Friday that she planned a concert as 'an expression of love for Manchester.' The concert, the date of which is not scheduled, would raise money for the victims of the attack and their families. 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. Consent Solicitation DGAP-News: IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG / Schlagwort(e): Sonstiges Consent Solicitation 01.06.2017 / 17:25 Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent verantwortlich. Press Release (only English version available) Dated 1 June 2017 IKB Funding Trust II (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of IKB Deutsche Industriebank Aktiengesellschaft, Dusseldorf, Germany (the "Bank")) has issued a Solicitation of Consents (the "Consent Solicitation") to Certain Amendments (the "Proposed Amendment")to IKB Funding Trust II's Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement") relating to EUR400,000,000 Noncumulative Trust Preferred Securities (with an aggregate outstanding Liquidation Preference Amount of EUR400,000,000) (the "Securities") (ISIN: XS0194701487; Common Code: 019470148; Dutch Security Code (Fonds Code): 14826; German Security Code (WKN): A0BDRX) The Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., Central European Summer Time, on 26 June 2017 (such time and date, as the same may be extended or earlier terminated, the "Expiration Time"). Consents may not be revoked at any time, except under certain limited circumstances. If the Requisite Consents (as defined below) are obtained by the Expiration Time, we expect that the Proposed Amendment to the Trust Agreement will be signed as soon as the Requisite Consents are received and will become effective promptly after the Expiration Time. The Consent Solicitation is only being made to existing holders of the Securities on the record date of 31 May 2017. It is a condition to our completion of the Proposed Amendment that we have received valid consents from holders of at least a simple majority in liquidation amount of the Securities at the time outstanding (the "Requisite Consents"). A beneficial owner wishing to participate in the Consent Solicitation and who holds an interest in Securities through a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must properly instruct such broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee to arrange for their direct participant in Euroclear or Clearstream, as applicable, through which they hold the relevant Securities to deliver a Consent to the relevant Clearing System to cause a Consent to be given in respect of such Securities on such beneficial owner's behalf at or prior to the Expiration Time. We have not registered the Consent Solicitation or the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state securities law in the United States. 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Beeson (the "Regular Trustees"), The Bank of New York Mellon, as property trustee (the "Property Trustee"), and BNY Mellon Trust of Delaware, as Delaware trustee (the "Delaware Trustee" and, together with the Regular Trustees and the Property Trustee, the "Trustees"), the Information and Tabulation Agent or any of their respective directors, employees, affiliates, agents or representatives, if applicable, makes any recommendation as to whether holders should deliver consents to the Proposed Amendment pursuant to the Consent Solicitation, and no one has been authorized by any of them to make such a recommendation. Date Calendar Date and Event Time Laun- 1 June 2017. Launch of the Consent Solicitation. ch Date Expi- Unless extended The deadline for Consents to be received rati- by us in our sole by the Information and Tabulation Agent. on discretion, 5:00 Time p.m., Central European Summer Time, on 26 June 2017. Con- The date on which the Requisite Consents sent are received. Date Exe- On or as soon as Assuming that the Requisite Consents have cuti- practical after been received by the Expiration Time, the on Consent Date. date on which we and the Trustees, the Date sponsor and the Bank execute the proposed amendment agreement affecting the Proposed Amendment (the "Proposed Amendment Agreement"). Re- Expected promptly The date on which the results of the sult after the Consent Consent Solicitation will be announced. An- Date. noun- ce- ment Date We will make (or cause to be made) all announcements regarding the Consent Solicitation by press release issued in accordance with applicable law. Additional Documentation; Further Information; Assistance Any questions regarding the terms of the Consent Solicitation should be directed to the Information and Tabulation Agent at its addresses and telephone numbers set forth below. If you have any questions about how to deliver a consent in the Consent Solicitation, you should contact the Information and Tabulation Agent: Lucid Issuer Services Limited Tankerton Works 12 Argyle Walk London WC1H 8HA United Kingdom Attn: Yves Theis/Thomas Choquet Email: ikb@lucid-is.com Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7704 0880 [IMAGE] The Consent Solicitation is made with regard to the securities of a foreign company in reliance on the exemption afforded under Rule 802 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Consent Solicitation is made for the securities of a foreign controlled company. The Consent Solicitation is subject to disclosure requirements of a foreign country that are different from those of the United States. Financial statements, if any, have been prepared in accordance with foreign accounting standards that may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies. It may be difficult for you to enforce your rights and any claim you may have arising under the federal securities laws, since the Bank is, and a majority of its assets are, located in a foreign country, and some or all of its officers and directors may be residents of a foreign country. You may not be able to sue a foreign company or its officers or directors in a foreign court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a foreign company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court's judgment. This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. 01.06.2017 Veroffentlichung einer Corporate News/Finanznachricht, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. Die DGAP Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter http://www.dgap.de Sprache: Deutsch Unternehmen: IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG Wilhelm-Botzkes-Strae 1 40474 Dusseldorf Deutschland Telefon: +49 (0)211 8221-4511 Fax: +49 (0)211 8221-2511 E-Mail: investor.relations@ikb.de Internet: www.ikb.de ISIN: DE0008063306 WKN: 806330 Borsen: Freiverkehr in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Munchen, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Open Market in Frankfurt Ende der Mitteilung DGAP News-Service 579733 01.06.2017 ISIN DE0008063306 AXC0268 2017-06-01/17:26 FREMONT, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- TUV Rheinland, a leading international testing service provider for quality and safety, today announced that it will be holding a seminar to provide medical device manufacturers with an introduction to the regulatory side of the growing medical device market. The seminar will be held on June 8th, at the IoT Excellence Center in Fremont, California. As wireless medical devices are ubiquitous in today's healthcare environment, patient's safety and data are at increasing risk unless manufacturers have the tools and knowledge needed to make this technology safe. This seminar will provide attendees with an overview of the requirements which need to be addressed for wireless and wearable medical devices to make it safely to market. Sessions will include an overview of the 60601 Safety and EMC requirements, human medical device factors and usability, what you need to know about risk assessment (ISO 14971), and how to device manufacturers can be compliant in the European market. "Most medical devices are intended to interact with other technology wirelessly, and the main purpose is to make sure that real data is transferred for diagnostic purposes on the spot and proper functioning of the medical device is not compromised," said Uwe Meyer, Medical Business Field Manager, TUV Rheinland. "However, when configured incorrectly these devices can leak private data, transmit erroneous information or otherwise malfunction when needed the most. It's important to harden these devices against cyberattacks, which are increasing across the healthcare industry." To register for the seminar, or to see the day's agenda, please visit: http://education.tuv.com/event/medical-devices-seminar About TUV Rheinland: TUV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group maintains a worldwide presence with 19,700 employees; annual turnover is more than EUR 1.9 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all aspects of life. TUV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, oversees projects, and helps to shape processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, TUV Rheinland employs a global network of approved labs, testing and education centres. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com MEDIA CONTACTS: Frank Dudley Director Communications TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc. (978) 266-9500 Carissa Ryan Scratch Marketing + Media TUV@scratchmm.com Study Finds Private Equity Continues to Attract New Investments from Family Offices Key points: On average, private equity makes up 21% of a family office portfolio the highest proportion of any asset class. Also, eight in 10 family offices intend to maintain or increase their allocations to this asset class going forward; Allocations to private equity funds represent the highest proportion (34%) of the family office private equity portfolio, with the key pull factors being diversification and consistent deal flow; Family office executives point to skills and resource gaps as the key challenges faced by those who choose to invest directly. Campden Wealth, with support from KKR, today released a new study looking at the challenges and opportunities related to investing in private equity. The research, titled "Private Equity and Co-Investing for Family Offices", builds on quantitative data collected for Campden Wealth's Global Family Office Report 2016 (GFO). It provides insight based on interviews with family office executives, which explain and contextualise some of the key trends, including factors which motivate family offices to invest in private equity, the problematic gap between expected and realised returns; as well as advantages and disadvantages of passive and direct approaches to private equity investing. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006144/en/ On average, private equity makes up 21% of a family office portfolio - the highest proportion of any asset class. Also, eight in 10 family offices intend to maintain or increase their allocations to this asset class going forward. Based on data collected for the GFO 2016, allocations to private equity represented over a fifth (21%) of the average family office portfolio. A 2% increase from 2015 was reported among multi-year participants in the study (family offices who participated in the GFO in 2015 and 2016). Family office executives who participated in qualitative interviews earlier this year, pointed to diversification benefits and the potential of higher returns as the key factors that attract them to private equity. Private equity is expected to further strengthen its position within the average family office portfolio as eight in 10 GFO 2016 participants indicated they intend to either maintain or increase their allocations to this asset class. There is an indication family offices will co-invest and invest more directly in the future as 51% and 40% respectively stated they plan to increase their activity within those areas. Private Equity Allocations % of the average family office portfolio Private Equity includes: Direct venture capital/private equity, private equity funds and co-investing Average Direct venture capital/private equity 11 Private equity funds 7 Co-investing 3 Commodities 2 Hedge funds: includes all strategies 8 Equities, developed markets 18 Equities, developing markets 6 Fixed income, developed markets 9 Fixed income, developing markets 3 Cash or equivalent 8 Real estate direct investment 15 REITs 1 ETFs 2 Agriculture (forest, farmland, etc.) 2 Tangibles 1 Other 2 Future intentions for private equity allocations % of family offices Stay the Row % Decrease same Increase Direct venture capital/private equity 11 49 40 Private equity funds 23 48 29 Co-investing 6 43 51 Allocations to private equity funds represented the highest proportion (34%) of the family office private equity portfolio in 2016, with the key pull factors being diversification and consistent deal flow. Increase from 31% to 41% was reported among multi-year participants between 2015 and 2016. Interviewed family office executives pointed to the benefits of diversification and consistent deal flow as the key factors that attract families to funds. They also highlighted the advantages of access to a skilled pool of investment professionals, which can be attractive to family offices with insufficient resources. One family office executive from North America explained: "One significant advantage that private equity funds have over direct investing is the sector-specific skill-set and knowledge of their managers, and the resources that they can put towards each deal. My recommendation for those who want to invest in private equity would be work with fund managers first, they know how to do it." Private Equity allocations, direct and indirect % of portfolio share, private equity holdings only 2016 Active management role 26 Passive shareholder role 17 Early-stage venture capital 8 ALL DIRECT 51 PE funds 34 Co-investments, club and office-to-office deals 14 Deals syndicated by investment bank 1 ALL INDIRECT 49 Family office executives point to skills and resource gaps as the key challenges faced by those who choose to invest directly. Higher expected returns, absence of agent fees and greater sense of control over operations and exit are the key factors that prompt families to invest directly, say family office executives. In 2016 GFO participants expected an average return of 16% on their direct deals, compared with 14% of all indirect investments. However, interviewees also stressed the challenges frequently faced by those who pursue this approach, including: restricted access to high quality deals, limited team resources and knowledge gaps. They highlighted the importance of thorough due diligence and a team's ability to grow the businesses that they intend to invest in as the key success factors. One family office executive from North America explained: "If you want to invest directly, be aware that for the potential of generating higher returns, you will have to burn some shoe leather and get some work done. It's very time consuming and stress levels are significantly higher." Notes for editors: About the research: Quantitative data analysed in this report was derived from a survey conducted for the purpose of the Campden Wealth Global Family Office Report 2016 (GFO 2016). A total of 242 respondents participated in quantitative survey in 2016, representing family offices with an average AUM of USD $759. Of these, 115 responded to questions related to private equity specifically. To provide clarification for the key private equity-related trends that emerged from the in-depth analysis of the GFO 2016 dataset, six qualitative interviews were conducted with family office executives in April 2017. The sample of respondents came from Campden Wealth's existing community of family offices in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Emerging Markets. About Campden Wealth Campden Wealth is the leading independent provider of information, education and networking (in print, in person, online and via research) for generational family business owners and family offices globally. Campden Research supplies market insight on key sector issues for its client community, and their advisors and suppliers. Through in-depth studies and comprehensive methodologies, Campden Research provides unique and proprietary data and analysis based on primary sources. Campden Wealth also publishes the leading international business title CampdenFB, aimed at members of family-owned companies in at least their second generation. Campden Wealth further enhanced its international reach and community with the acquisition of the Institute for Private Investors (IPI), the leading membership network of private investors in the United States, founded in 1991 and with the establishment of Campden Family Connect PVT Ltd a joint venture with the Patni Family in Mumbai, India in 2015. About KKR KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds. For additional information about KKR Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co. The views expressed herein are the views of Campden Wealth Limited and Jim Burns of KKR and not of KKR. This press release does not necessarily reflect the views of KKR or any investment professional at KKR. This press release is not intended to, and does not relate specifically to, any investment strategies or products that KKR offers. This information is not research and should not be treated as research provided by KKR. Nothing contained herein constitutes investment, legal, tax or other advice nor is it to be relied on in making and investment decision or other decision. KKR disclaims liability for anyone's use of or reliance upon the information contained herein. This information should not be viewed as a current or past recommendation or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006144/en/ Contacts: Media: Campden Wealth: Zuzanna Sojka, +44 (0) 20-3763-2827 zuzannasojka@campdenwealth.com or KKR: Kristi Huller or Cara Kleiman +1-212-750-8300 media@kkr.com Regulatory News: Pixium Vision (Paris:PIX) (FR0011950641 PIX), a company developing innovative bionic vision systems to allow patients who have lost their sight to lead more independent lives, announces the evolution of its share capital. The number of voting rights and shares composing its share capital as at May 31, 2017 is as follow: Total voting rights Total number of shares composing capital Total real voting rights*: 13,337,004 13,364,710 Total theoretical voting rights **: 13,364,710 * The actual (or net) voting rights correspond to the total number of voting rights exercisable at General Meetings. They are calculated based on the total number of voting rights attached to the total number of shares, less any shares without voting rights (treasury shares, etc.) **Theoretical (or gross) voting rights include all voting rights attached to the shares (including those without voting rights). ABOUT PIXIUM VISION Pixium Vision's Mission is to create a world of bionic vision for those who have lost their sight, enabling them to regain partial visual perception and greater autonomy. Pixium Vision's bionic vision systems are associated with a surgical intervention as well as a rehabilitation period. The company is developing two bionic retinal implant systems. IRISII, the company first bionic system, obtained CE mark in July 2016. In parallel, Pixium Vision has recently completed the pre-clinical study phases for PRIMA, a sub-retinal miniaturized wireless photovoltaic implant platform, and is planning to initiate first-in-human trials. Pixium Vision collaborates closely with academic and research partners spanning across the prestigious Vision research institutions including the Institut de la Vision in Paris, the Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory at Stanford University, and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. The company is EN ISO 13485 certified. For more information, please visit: www.pixium-vision.com; And follow us on: Twitter: @PixiumVision; Facebook: www.facebook.com/pixiumvision LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pixium-vision Pixium Vision is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment C). Pixium Vision shares are eligible for the French tax incentivized PEA-PME and FCPI investment vehicles. Pixium Vision is included in the Euronext CAC All Shares index Euronext ticker: PIX ISIN: FR0011950641 Reuters: PIX.PA Bloomberg: PIX:FP Disclaimer: This press release may expressly or implicitly contain forward-looking statements relating to Pixium Vision and its activity. Such statements are related to known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could lead actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements to differ materially from Vision Pixium results, financial conditions, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Pixium Vision provides this press release as of the aforementioned date and does not commit to update forward looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a description of risks and uncertainties which could lead to discrepancies between actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements and those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to Chapter 4 "Risk Factors" of the company's Registration Document filed with the AMF under number R16-033 on April 28, 2016 which can be found on the websites of the AMF - AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of Pixium Vision (www.pixium-vision.com IRIS is trademark of Pixium-Vision SA View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006213/en/ Contacts: Pixium Vision Didier Laurens, +33 1 76 21 47 68 CFO investors@pixium-vision.com or Media Relations: Newcap Media Annie-Florence Loyer, +33 1 44 71 00 12 +33 6 88 20 35 59 afloyer@newcap.fr CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Alliance Creative Group, Inc. (AllianceCreativeGroup.com) (OTC PINK: ACGX) is pleased to announce that it has recently formed a partnership with Abcon Products. Abcon Products is an industry-leading manufacturer that supplies plastic packaging solutions for produce and packaged food needs. Alliance Creative Group is a full-service product-development agency helping clients connect their products and services to their customers since 1997. Together they help their clients create, package, distribute and market their products in retail and online. The most popular rigid packaging is clamshells, which are vented or non-vented plastic containers used for many fruits and herbs. This agreement will help both parties continue to provide quality clamshells and other related products to the largest food distributors and retailers in the U.S, while increasing capacity and sharing valuable resources to provide a better overall customer experience. Steve St. Louis, CEO of Alliance Creative Group, Inc., said, "After working in this industry for 20 years now I have found that nothing beats quality relationships and experience. I am very pleased that we are stepping up our partnership with Abcon Products to help both parties handle their current and expected future business needs and continue to grow together. We offer full-service programs to our customers that sometimes include the packaging, fulfillment, warehousing and transportation services and we believe the Abcon Products agreement will help us continue to exceed our clients' expectations." TJ Sprague of Abcon Products said, "We have had a mutually beneficial relationship with Alliance Creative Group and we are looking forwarding to leveraging their 6 strategic warehouses East of the Mississippi including New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin and Illinois, and finding ways to speed up the growth of both of our companies." About Alliance Creative Group, Inc. Alliance Creative Group, Inc. (Stock Symbol: ACGX) is a full-service product-development agency that since 1997 has been helping clients connect their products and services to their customers. ACG focuses on creative and design services, printing and packaging, brand and product development, fulfillment, logistics and transportation, strategic consulting, digital marketing and engagement, and software development. For more information, visit www.AllianceCreativeGroup.com or www.ACGX.us. About Abcon Products Abcon Products supplies plastic packaging solutions for produce and packaged food needs. Whether it is recommending an existing package that will extend shelf life or customizing for a perfect fit, they work with their clients to showcase their products. On top of consistently supplying plastic packaging that is a cut above the rest, they offer labeling services to meet your individual needs. Over the past decade, Abcon Products has labeled hundreds of millions of retail items, helping numerous growers & shippers to merchandise their products to exact specifications. For more information visit http://www.abconproducts.com/ About PeopleVine PeopleVine is a software platform combining CRM, marketing, CMS, and sales into a single, seamless customer engagement suite. PeopleVine was started in 2014 with the vision of providing a consolidated platform for businesses to better connect and engage their customers. PeopleVine is a turn-key platform providing 60+ out-of-the-box pages and experiences to further engage with consumers. PeopleVine users can either leverage the out-of-the-box experience or customize it by making a few design tweaks to building their own experience on the same APIs we used. Flexibility is key to ensuring a consistent and unique branded experience, but also saves developers time by not having to start from scratch. Together with our fully integrated marketing and automation engine PeopleVine is able to ensure continuous engagement all tracked and managed from a single platform. To date over 200 companies across 15 industries have used PeopleVine to power their websites, text campaigns, ecommerce, memberships, and more. Whether launching a loyalty program or your entire website, our tools make it easy to get going -- and growing -- quicker. For more information www.PeopleVine.com About Primary Trucking Primary Trucking is an asset-based carrier located in Chicago, IL. We specialize in truckload freight outbound from Chicago. We have over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry and we have the tools to be your primary source for transportation. We customize transportation solutions based on our customers' needs. If you need to move your freight locally or coast to coast, we have you covered. No job is too big or too small. We can handle anything, from moving a few pallets to moving an entire warehouse. Primary Trucking is your "Primary" source for transportation needs. For more information go to www.PrimaryTrucking.com About Rapid Freight Solutions Rapid Freight Solutions (Rapid) provides domestic shipping services nationwide, quickly and safely moving products across the country. Rapid specializes in LTL, air freight, hot shot, trade-show, flatbed, intermodal, over-dimensional, step-deck, and refrigerated trucking. Thanks to our team's 30 years of experience, we have relationships with more than 140 carriers nationwide, helping ensure our customers quality service with competitive pricing. For more information, go to www.RapidFreightSolutions.com This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulation, and other risks described in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Alliance Creative Group, Inc. Investor Relations and Media Contact Paul Sorkin 1-847-885-1800, ext. 175 Paul@ACGemail.com BIELEFELD, Germany, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- itelligence AG, the globally leading SAP consulting firm for the SME sector, is strengthening its market presence in the Benelux region sustainably. Goldfish ICT, Utrecht, and itelligence Benelux Holding are announcing today that itelligence Benelux Holding will be acquiring the shares and Goldfish ICT will join the itelligence group. Both organisations will benefit from this transaction since itelligence is broadening its market position in the Benelux countries. In turn, Goldfish ICT will get access to the global extensive SAP expertise itelligence has to offer. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518663/NorbertRotter_CEO_itelligence.jpg ) (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518664/MichaelDorin_CFO_itelligence.jpg ) Norbert Rotter, CEO, itelligence AG: "With Goldfish, we are strengthening our presence in the economically important Benelux region, giving us access to interesting customers with growth potential, particularly from the pharmaceutical as well as the life sciences and agriculture sectors. In these market segments, the itelligence SAP portfolio will offer an enormous innovation potential for our new Benelux customers. We are looking forward to being able to call on the know-how of our Goldfish colleagues in these sectors, which we intend to make use of worldwide in future." Goldfish ICT was founded in 2000 and has developed into a full-service provider, offering process and IT consulting based on SAP solutions as well as an extensive range of managed services. Some 70 employees provide consulting services for national and international rollouts to renowned customers. Goldfish's consulting work focuses primarily on the food, agriculture, life sciences and chemical sectors. Michael Dorin, CFO at itelligence AG: "With the acquisition of Goldfish ICT, we are pursuing our strategic goal of being among the leading SAP partners in each of our most important markets. We can now expect to see significant increases in sales in attractive growth sectors in the Benelux." itelligence Benelux Holding is part of the globally operating company itelligence AG and offers international solutions, services and support in the SAP environment. This year, itelligence AG has been rewarded two SAP Pinnacle Awards in the categories 'SAP S/4HANA Partner of the Year - Small and Midsize Companies' and with 'Digital Marketing Momentum Partner of the Year'. Wim Jansen, Managing Director, itelligence Netherlands: "Goldfish and itelligence Benelux will become one of the leading SAP partners in the Netherlands with over 200 employees and an annual turnover of 40 million euros. Goldfish's excellent sector-specific know-how will also provide a basis for a more international focus on the growth sectors of food and pharmaceuticals." The founder and partners of Goldfish ICT, Rene Caubo, Frans Nieuweboer and Marcel Pothof, as well as the Goldfish ICT management and employees will continue their careers at itelligence. Rene Caubo, General Director and founder of Goldfish ICT: "Goldfish ICT is ready for the next step in its development. Many of our customers are successful and have expanded their operations outside of the local market. I am pleased that we shall be able to offer a more international perspective to these customers as well as new opportunities to our employees. Both will benefit from the dense international network and broader portfolio itelligence has to offer." About Goldfish ICT Goldfish ICT is an ambitious, medium-sized consultancy firm operating out of Western Europe. Its services range from implementation and optimization projects to application management and hosting. The company supports clients in the food & agriculture, life sciences, wholesale and professional services industries with successful track-record in both on-premise and cloud-based projects. Goldfish ICT is an SAP recognized expertise partner and value-added reseller. About itelligence itelligence is one of the leading international full-service providers of solutions in support of SAP solutions, employing more than 5,800 highly qualified employees in 24 countries. As a frequently awarded SAP partner, itelligence is an SAP Hybris Gold partner and global value-added reseller. itelligence is an SAP-certified provider of cloud services, SAP-certified provider of hosting services for SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud and an SAP platinum partner. itelligence realizes complex projects in the SAP solution-based environment worldwide. The company's services in support of SAP solutions range from consulting and licensing to application management services and hosting services to proprietary industry-specific solutions. In 2016, itelligence generated total sales of EUR 777.9 million. Media Contact: Head of Corporate Public Relations itelligence AG Silvia Dicke itelligence AG Konigsbreede 1 D-33605 Bielefeld E: silvia.dicke@itelligence.de T: +49-(0)-521-91448-107 W: http://itelligencegroup.com/de/ BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European markets ended Thursday's session in the green, putting a halt to their recent losing streak. Bargain hunting helped to drive the markets higher, as investors stepped in to snap up stocks at lower prices. Automakers performed well after European new car registrations rebounded in October. Solid corporate news from companies like Bouygues and British Land also contributed to the positive mood among investors. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index advanced 0.81 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks increased 0.54 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, added 0.50 percent. The DAX of Germany climbed 0.55 percent and the CAC 40 of France rose 0.66 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. gained 0.19 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 0.63 percent. In Frankfurt, Deutsche EuroShop climbed 3.10 percent. The real estate investment company confirmed its FY outlook after reporting an 18 percent increase in consolidated profit for the first nine months of 2017. Deutsche Bank advanced 2.47 percent, a day after U.S. buyout fund Cerberus took a 3 percent stake in the bank. Volkswagen jumped 2.52 percent after it unveiled plans to launch 15 new energy vehicles over 2-3 years. In Paris, industrial group Bouygues soared 5.06 percent. The company confirmed its FY17 profit growth view after more than doubling its nine-month net profit. Food services and facilities management company Sodexo, which is buying U.S. company Centerplate, tumbled 1.84 percent. In London, private equity firm 3i Group rallied 2 percent after good first-half results. Engineering giant GKN sank 4.76 percent after saying its write-offs related to troubles with its U.S. plant could be up to 130 million. Property development and investment company British Land gained 4.12 percent despite reporting lower underlying profit in the half year to September. Home appliance manufacturer Electrolux fell 2.53 percent in Stockholm despite issuing positive outlook for 2018. Europe's new car registrations rebounded in October, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association showed Thursday. Passenger car sales climbed 5.9 percent year-on-year in October, reversing a 2 percent fall in September. Registrations totaled 1.17 million units. Eurozone inflation slowed slightly as initially estimated in October, final data from Eurostat showed Thursday. Inflation eased to 1.4 percent in October from 1.5 percent in September. The rate came in line with the flash estimate released on October 31. France's unemployment rate increased in the third quarter, data from the statistical office Insee showed Thursday. The jobless rate climbed to 9.7 percent from 9.5 percent in the second quarter. This was the highest since the fourth quarter of 2016. UK retail sales grew only moderately in October on weak food and clothing demand, the Office for National Statistics reported Thursday. Retail sales increased 0.3 percent in October from September, but slightly faster than the expected 0.2 percent and reversed the 0.7 percent drop seen in September. Stripping out fuel, sales volume grew 0.1 percent following a 0.6 percent drop in September. Economists had forecast sales to remain flat. First-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly increased in the week ended November 11th, according to a report released by the Labor Department on Thursday. The report said initial jobless claims rose to 249,000, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 239,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to edge down to 235,000. A report released by the Labor Department on Thursday showed U.S. import prices rose by less than expected in the month of October. The Labor Department said import prices rose by 0.2 percent in October after climbing by 0.8 percent in September. Economists had expected import prices to increase by 0.4 percent. Meanwhile, the report said export prices were unchanged in October after increasing by 0.7 percent in the previous month. Export prices had been expected to climb by 0.4 percent. Growth in Philadelphia-area manufacturing activity slowed by more than expected in the month of November, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia on Thursday. The Philly Fed said its diffusion index for current manufacturing activity in the region dropped to 22.7 in November from 27.9 in October. While a positive reading still indicates growth in regional manufacturing activity, economists had expected the index to show a more modest decrease to 25.0. Industrial production in the U.S. increased by more than anticipated in the month of October, the Federal Reserve revealed in a report released on Thursday. The Fed said industrial production climbed by 0.9 percent in October after rising by an upwardly revised 0.4 percent in September. Economists had expected production to rise by 0.5 percent compared to the 0.3 percent uptick originally reported for the previous month. Homebuilder confidence in the U.S. unexpectedly improved in the month of November, according to a report released by the National Association of Home Builders on Thursday. The report said the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 70 in November from 68 in October. Economists had expected the index to be unchanged. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 19, 2017) - Romios Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: RG) (OTC Pink: RMIOF) (FSE: D4R) ("Romios" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the offering of a non-brokered private placement of up to 8,000,000 flow-through units (the "FT Units") for up to $600,000 (the "FT Offering") and up to 6,666,666 working capital units (the "WC Unit") for up to $400,000 (the "WC Offering") for an aggregate of up to $1,000,000 (the "Offering"). Proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to advance the exploration program on the Company's promising Burgundy Ridge discovery located in the southern portion of the Newmont Lake Project Area within its large (75,996 hectares/187,786 acres) Golden Triangle Property in northwestern British Columbia, and other properties. Each FT Unit is priced at $0.075 and consists of one (1) common share and one-half (0.5) of a share purchase warrant. Each full warrant ("Warrant") entitles the holder to purchase one (1) common share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.12 per Warrant Share until the date which is twelve (12) months following the Closing of the Offering. Each WC Unit is priced at $0.06 and consists of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant ("WC Warrant"). Each WC Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) common share (a "WC Warrant Share") at a price of $0.12 per WC Warrant Share until the date which is twelve (12) months following the Closing of the Offering. Eligible Finders may receive up to 7% of the value of proceeds of the sale of FT Units or WC Units in cash and up to 7% of the number of FT Units or WC Units sold in the form of broker warrants. Each broker warrant issued in respect of the sale of FT Units (the "FT Broker Warrants") entitles the holder to acquire one (1) common share of Romios at $0.075 for a period of twelve (12) months from the Closing of the Offering and each broker warrant issued in respect of the sale of WC Units (the "WC Broker Warrants") entitles the holder to acquire one (1) common share of Romios at $0.06 for a period of twelve (12) months from the Closing of the Offering. Existing Shareholder Offering The WC Offering will be open to participation by existing shareholders (the "Existing Shareholder Offering") resident in Canada as of the record date of October 18, 2017 (the "Record Date"). The Existing Shareholder Offering comprises up to 6,666,666 WC Units. The Existing Shareholder Offering will be open for a period of up to twenty eight (28) days, expiring on the earlier of November 16, 2017 and the closing of the WC Offering. There is no minimum offering. The maximum amount to be raised under the Existing Shareholder Offering is $400,000. All securities issued pursuant to the Existing Shareholder Offering are subject to a statutory four month hold period and regulatory approval. The particulars of the WC Units are set out above. The Company intends to use the proceeds raised under the Existing Shareholder Offering of up to $400,000 to maintain its existing operations, activities and assets. The use of proceeds of the Offering set out above will be adjusted pro rata subject to the funds raised on the Existing Shareholder Offering. The Existing Shareholder Offering is open to all existing shareholders of the Company resident in Canada until the earlier of November 16, 2017 and the closing of the WC Offering. Shareholders interested in participating in the Existing Shareholder Offering should contact, or have their registered broker contact, Yvonne So, assistant to Bill Johnstone, Assistant Corporate Secretary of the Company, at yso@grllp.com or (416) 865-6789 to obtain a copy of the subscription agreement for WC Units. Requests should be received by no later than November 9, 2017 so that subscription agreements can be signed and funds can be received by the Company by no later than November 14, 2017. In the subscription agreements, subscribers will be required to represent that they held common shares of Romios on the Record Date and will continue to hold common shares on closing, indicate the total number of WC Units they wish to subscribe for at the price of $0.06 per WC Unit and provide funds (certified cheque or wire transfer) for the purchase of the WC Units. The Existing Shareholder Offering is being allocated to subscribers on a "first come, first served" basis wherein the subscribers who are first to submit a completed subscription agreement and pay the corresponding subscription proceeds will be accepted up until the maximum amount of the Existing Shareholder Offering is reached. The sale of the WC Units will remain open until the earlier of November 16, 2017 and the full subscription for the WC Offering. In the event that there is an over-subscription for WC Units as at November 14, 2017, subscriptions will be adjusted pro rata (in proportion to the aggregate amount of cleared funds received) to reduce the offering to a maximum of $400,000 for WC Units. Although the Existing Shareholder Offering is not being offered pro rata, all shareholders of the Company effective as of the Record Date will be treated equally. However, the Company reserves the right not to accept subscription amounts of less than $1,200 (20,000 WC Units) in respect of WC Units to avoid disproportionate administrative costs. The Company is using other available exemptions to place the WC Offering. The Existing Shareholder Offering is being made under Ontario Securities Commission Rule 45-501 Ontario Prospectus and Registration Exemptions relating to distributions to existing security holders and under Multilateral CSA Notice 45-313-Prospectus Exemption for Distributions to Existing Security Holders and the legislation adopted pursuant thereto in other jurisdictions in Canada, as well as under other applicable exemptions without issuing a prospectus. The existing shareholder exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment from a person registered as an investment dealer. The Offering is expected to close on or before November 16, 2017, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, or such other date as is agreed between the Company and the subscribers. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a statutory four month hold period. About Romios Gold Resources Inc. Romios Gold Resources Inc., a progressive Canadian mineral exploration company established in 1995, is engaged in precious and base metal exploration primarily focused on gold, silver and copper in its properties in British Columbia centrally located between Galore Creek Mining Corporation's large copper-gold-silver deposit and Barrick's high grade gold mine at Eskay Creek. In addition to the Lundmark-Akow Lake and Hislop properties in Ontario, Romios has other property interests in Quebec and Nevada. 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 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. For further information, please contact: Tom Drivas, President and Director, (tel) 416-221-4124, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) romios@romios.com. Frank van de Water, Chief Financial Officer and Director, (tel) 416-221-4124 or (email) fvandewater@rogers.com. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO), the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services (CRM/BPO) in Latin America and among the top three providers worldwide, today announced that Company executives will participate in the Baird 2017 Global Consumer, Technology and Services Conference at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City. Mauricio Montilha, Chief Financial Officer, will present to attendees of the Baird 2017 Global Consumer, Technology and Services Conference in New York City. The presentation will begin at approximately 9:40 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. A live webcast and replay of the presentation will be available through Atento's Investor Relations website at investors.atento.com. 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, Atento 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 the fourth consecutive year. For more information, please visit www.atento.com Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/329706/atento_fondo_blanco_rgb_logo.jpg TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Integrated Asset Management Corp. ("IAM") (TSX: IAM) celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the IAM Private Debt Group. June 1st marks the 30th anniversary of IAM's Private Debt Group; originally formed as First Treasury, co-founded by John Robertson (Chair of the IAM Private Debt Group and President & CEO of IAM) and the late David Elliot, President of First Treasury, on this day in 1987. Since 1987 the Group has managed money for institutions, originating and managing senior-secured fixed rate loans to businesses in nearly every province in the country and across a broad swath of industries; establishing ourselves as the market leader in the Canadian private debt markets. The team has completed over 250 loans, raising more than $3.0 billion from our investors - consistently delivering above average returns and managing our portfolios to ensure minimal credit losses; always treating investor's money as if it were our own. We remember when spread sheets were something created by hand, only the biggest institutions possessed computers and the internet was a relatively unheard of tool just beginning to make its' presence felt as the common place for research and business interaction. We've weathered market and economic calamities, changes in the institutional investing space and in our own family. Across those years our purpose has been the same - to pursue the best Canadian businesses we could find, to work hard to understand them and structure loans that made sense both to the borrower and to our investors. From the outset, our foremost goal was to manage those loans closely to ensure surety of our investor's capital and to generate the returns we promised. In 2016 we raised over $1.0 billion from existing and new LPs ($667.0 million in our fifth corporate credit fund and $347.0 million in our first infrastructure debt fund) and during 2017 we have invested over $380 million of their money in 23 different loans across a widely diversified group of industries. We're proud of the unparalleled track record we've created and the number of well known (and sometimes not so well known) businesses our capital and counsel has helped to grow and expand. On this, the celebration of our first 30 years in the private debt markets we thought you might be interested to see a sampling of some of the loans we've made so far this year. $ 40,000,000 Integrated Asset Management Corp. ("IAM") (TSX: IAM) and its private corporate debt group, IAM Private Debt Group ("PDG"), announce the funding on February 2, 2017 of a $40 million loan to Fortress Bioenergy ("FBEL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortress Paper Ltd.("Fortress Paper") (TSX: FTP). FBEL is the owner and operator of the electricity cogeneration facility located at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Inc. ("FSC") mill in Thurso, Quebec. $ 28,000,000 Integrated Asset Management Corp. ("IAM") (TSX: IAM) and its private corporate debt group, IAM Private Debt Group ("PDG"), announce the closing on March 28, 2017 of a $28,000,000 senior term loan to Flying Colours Corp. The capital raised by Flying Colours Corp. will repay current creditors, and provide growth capital to deploy across Canadian operations in Peterborough, ON and US operations in St. Louis, Missouri. Philip Robson, President of IAM Private Debt Group said, "It was important for us to get involved once again with the principals of the strong, growing company that Flying Colours has become. The rigorous business model of aircraft completions developed over time by management provides strong support for the loan. We're happy to have the company in our portfolio, and provide patient capital for growth going forward." $ 28,000,000 Integrated Asset Management Corp. ("IAM") (TSX: IAM) and its private corporate debt group, IAM Private Debt Group ("PDG"), announce the closing of a $28,000,000 senior term loan to The S.M. Group International Inc. (SMi). The capital raised by SMi will replace current bank facilities, and support the company's ongoing growth. Founded in 1972, SMi is a privately-owned engineering, integration and construction management company which distinguishes itself for its know-how and multidisciplinary expertise. The company focuses on the deployment of safe, sustainable and high level integrated solutions for various types of infrastructure projects to ensure future generations a better quality of life. IAM is one of Canada's leading alternative asset management companies with approximately $2.5 billion in assets and committed capital under management in real estate and private debt as of June 1, 2017. Contacts: Philip Robson President IAM Private Group 416.367.3972 probson@iamgroup.ca John Robertson President & CEO Integrated Asset Management Corp. 416.367.2593 jrobertson@iamgroup.ca www.iamgroup.ca TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Cura-Can Health Corp. ("Cura-Can" or the "Company"), a private, federally incorporated company, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 9398252 Canada Inc., operating as Lift Resource Centre ("LRC"), pursuant to a share exchange agreement under which Cura-Can issued an aggregate of 450,000 Class A shares as consideration for all of the issued and outstanding shares of LRC. LRC will operate under Cura-Can's wholly-owned subsidiary, The Clinic Network Canada Inc. ("TCNC"), to gain the economic benefits of consolidation under Cura-Can's clinic network business vertical. All of the LRC business development and operations management will be immediately integrated into TCNC's infrastructure. TCNC and LRC carry on the business of patient education and consultations for medical cannabis under license from Lift Co. Ltd. ("Lift"). In connection with the acquisition, TCNC have entered into a new licensing agreement with Lift and have committed to expanding to at least 12 locations across five provinces by the fall of 2017. "We're excited to continue to improve access to medical cannabis for Canadians across the country," said Matei Olaru, CEO of Lift. "This arrangement will allow TCNC to expand LRC with the support of the entire Lift ecosystem and introduce Canadians to a suite of unique and personalized services unavailable anywhere else." Michael Steele, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cura-Can, commented, "the acquisition of LRC further enhances Cura-Can's business objective of expanding its distribution network of resource centres and virtual clinics to provide Canadians access to medicinal cannabis. This platform will also be a springboard for the launch of Cura's hemp and CBD products." About Cura-Can Cura-Can is a private Canadian based business focusing on the development of unique high-quality CBD medicinal products for distribution within the Canadian and approved international markets. Cura-Can is developing a unique series of distribution platforms for its SELECT house-branded CBD products through its corporately owned cannabis clinics across Canada, as well as joint ventures with various market leading medical clinic and pain management networks. Cura-Can will also be working collaboratively with licensed producers in Canada, in marketing SELECT products to the LP client population. About Lift: Lift (lift.co) is Canada's leading cannabis media and technology platform. Through its cross-national events, the industry's leading publications, and lift.co - the largest database of medical cannabis products, reviews and patients in Canada - Lift is the voice of Canada's cannabis industry. The Company continues to be in the early stages of evaluating potential opportunities only, and has not entered into any preliminary or definitive form of agreement that would result in the Company entering into the hemp/cannabinoid industry as a licensed producer, nor can there be any assurance that such an agreement will be reached in the future. The Company clarifies and confirms that it is not a licensed producer and has no present intention of filing an application with Health Canada to become a licensed producer under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR"). Any transaction resulting in the Company's entry in the hemp/cannabinoid industry will require various approvals, including that of the Company's board of directors, shareholders and any relevant stock exchange, and none of these approvals have been sought at present. The licensing requirements of Health Canada under the ACMPR are stringent and must be complied with before any license is granted by Health Canada under the ACMPR pursuant to which the Company could produce and sell products permitted by the ACMPR, which requirements include the construction of facilities meeting specified ACMPR criteria and the Company successfully passing a site inspection by Health Canada of such facilities. These requirements can be found on Health Canada's website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/index-eng.php. Contacts: Mr. Michael A. Steele President and CEO Cura-Can Health Corp. Cell: 416-464-8960 steeleconsult@aol.com Mr. Matei Olaru CEO Lift Co. Ltd. matei@lift.co VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Orca Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ORG) ("Orca" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it held its annual meeting of shareholders ("Annual Meeting") in Vancouver, British Columbia on Tuesday, May 30, 2017. The following matters were voted upon at the Annual Meeting: Election of Directors The nominees listed in the management proxy circular for the Annual Meeting were elected as directors of the Company. The seven nominees will serve on the Company's board of directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until the earlier of their resignation and such time that their successors are elected or appointed. The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors held at the Annual Meeting are set out below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard P. Clark 48,113,336 99.98 8,833 0.02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Chase 48,056,609 99.86 65,499 0.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alexander Davidson 48,072,970 99.90 49,199 0.10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Field 48,056,670 99.86 65,499 0.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- L. Simon Jackson 48,073,275 99.90 48,833 0.10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hugh Stuart 48,073,336 99.90 48,833 0.10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derek White 48,053,336 99.86 68,833 0.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approval of Stock Option Plan Shareholders approved an ordinary resolution ratifying the Company's Stock Option Plan, as more particularly set out in the management information circular in connection with the Annual Meeting. Appointment of Auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was reappointed as auditor of the Company for the upcoming year, and shareholders authorized the directors of the Company to fix the remuneration of the auditor. Highlights of Presentation at Annual Meeting on Revised PEA The Company provided a presentation to shareholders in attendance at the Annual Meeting, which focused on its updated preliminary economic assessment on the Block 14 Gold Project (the "Revised PEA") (see Company Release May 30, 2017). Highlights of this presentation are summarized below. As a result of discovering more water, Orca will be expediting towards definitive feasibility study on its Block 14 gold project in Sudan. As announced in a news release on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, below are the results for the Revised PEA (see Company Release May 30, 2017) along with the updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate: Highlights of the Revised PEA on a 100% Basis: Using a gold price of US$ 1,100/oz for mine design, and US$ 1,200/oz for economic analysis, highlights of the Revised PEA include: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax NPV7% US$ 278.2 M (+78% from Jul '16 PEA) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax IRR 26.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- After-tax NPV7% US$ 227.7 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- After-tax IRR 23.1% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In-Pit Mineral Resources(i) INDICATED: 41.0Mt grading 1.46g/t for 1,928 Koz (+57% from Jul '16 PEA) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFERRED: 3.4Mt grading 1.56g/t for 173 Koz (+25% from Jul '16 PEA) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life of Mine (LOM) 13.2 years ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avg. LOM Production 135,000 oz Au/year ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avg. Gold Recovery 84.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Cost US$701/oz for LOM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in Sustaining Costs US$ 752/oz for LOM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial CapEx US$211 M (including 25% contingency) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sustaining CapEx US$ 92 M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payback Period 3.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i)The Preliminary Economic Assessment is preliminary in nature, that 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, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Revised PEA Detail Mineral Resource Estimate Project Mineral Resource Estimates were updated in February 2017 (News Release February 2, 2017) by independent consultant MPR Geological Consultants of Perth, Western Australia using Multiple Indicator Kriging (MIK), and are shown below at a range of cut off grades. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposit Cut off Indicated Inferred -------------------------------------------------------- Au g/t Mt Au g/t Au koz Mt Au g/t Au koz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Galat Sufar South 0.60 54.1 1.29 2,246 18.3 1.2 716 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.80 39.0 1.52 1,909 12.6 1.5 591 -------------------------------------------------------- 1.00 28.6 1.75 1,609 9.0 1.7 485 -------------------------------------------------------- 1.20 21.1 1.99 1,347 6.4 1.9 395 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wadi Doum 0.60 3.2 2.04 213 2.1 1.3 84 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.80 2.5 2.44 196 1.2 1.7 64 -------------------------------------------------------- 1.00 2.0 2.79 183 0.7 2.2 52 -------------------------------------------------------- 1.20 1.7 3.10 172 0.5 2.6 44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Block 14 0.60 57.3 1.33 2,459 20.3 1.2 800 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.80 41.5 1.58 2,105 13.8 1.5 654 -------------------------------------------------------- 1.00 30.6 1.82 1,792 9.7 1.7 536 -------------------------------------------------------- 1.20 22.8 2.07 1,518 6.9 2.0 439 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: Defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Numbers may not add up due to rounding. The Mineral Resource has been estimated using the results of 79,815 metres of drilling (6,136m of diamond drilling and 74,505m of reverse circulation drilling) completed between November 2012 and December 2016. Processing Based on the results of metallurgical test work by SGS Mineral Services in Vancouver, Lycopodium has defined a process flowsheet which is based on a processing rate of 3.4 Mtpa. The treatment plant design incorporates single stage primary crushing with a jaw crusher to produce a crushed product which flows to a crushed material surge bin. Surge bin overflow is conveyed to an emergency stockpile. Material from the emergency stockpile is reclaimed by front end loader (FEL) to feed the mill during periods when primary crushing is off-line. The milling circuit is configured as a two-stage circuit with a SAG mill and ball mill (SAB), both with the ability to operate in closed circuit. Milled material undergoes pre-leach thickening to increase the slurry density feeding the leach and carbon in leach (CIL) circuit to minimise tankage, improve slurry mixing characteristics, and reduce overall reagent consumption. The leach step consists of a leach and CIL circuit incorporating three dedicated leach tanks ahead of six stages of CIL for gold adsorption. Gold desorption and recovery is provided via a split AARL elution circuit, electrowinning, mercury retorting and gold smelting to recover gold from the loaded carbon to produce dore, and safely remove mercury. Tailings are thickened to recover and recycle process water from the CIL tailings with the tailings pumped to the tailings storage facility (TSF). A summary of the ultimate recoveries used in the study is summarized below: --------------------------------------------------- Grind (micro m) Au Recovery Ag Recovery ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- East Zone Oxide 53 89.7% 32% Main Zone Oxide 53 91.8% 35% NE Zone Oxide 53 91.8% 33% WD Oxide 53 91.8% 33% East Zone Transition 75 84.9% 69% Main Zone Transition 75 81.3% 47% NE Zone Transition 75 83.1% 58% WD Transition 75 83.1% 58% East Zone Fresh 94 81.0% 68% Main Zone Fresh 94 83.7% 59% NE Zone Fresh 94 82.4% 63% Wadi Doum Fresh 53 85.7% 57% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Process Cost Summary Process operating costs have been developed for each material type. In general, costs have been built up from first principle estimates, with quotations obtained for major reagents and consumables and consumption rates based on metallurgical test work, calculations or modeling. Minor reagents, laboratory, expatriate labour rates and a number of G&A costs have been sourced from the Lycopodium database. The process operating cost includes all direct costs to produce gold bullion for the Project. Power will be generated on site using diesel generators under a Build Own Operate ("BOO") contract. A cost of $0.50/l has been used in determining the power costs. The table below details the Process costs used in the study which are inclusive of general and administrative costs. Process costs (including G&A) are presented on the basis of fixed, $18.0M/yr and variable costs. Costs are based on pricing as at 2Q 2017 and have an accuracy of +/- 30%. -------------------------- Variable Cost ---------------------------------------------------- Main Zone Fresh US$ 10.65 / t Main Zone Transition US$ 10.33 / t Main Zone Oxide US$ 9.09 / t East Zone Fresh US$ 10.56 / t East Zone Transition US$ 11.55 / t East Zone Oxide US$ 10.15 / t NE Zone Oxide US$ 8.54 / t Wadi Doum Fresh US$ 12.10 / t ---------------------------------------------------- Mining The Mining section of the study has been completed by Deswik Europe. Both GSS and Wadi Doum are amenable to development as open pit (OP) mines as all mineralization commences at surface with limited pre-strip. Mining of the deposit is planned to produce a total of 41.0 Mt of CIL feed from Indicated Resources and 3.4 Mt of feed from Inferred Resources and 104.4 Mt of waste (strip ratio 2.35:1) over a 13.2-year project production life, with 6 months of pre-production waste strip. Mine planning for Block 14 was conducted using DESWIK software. As derived from a geotechnical assessment completed by SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd, inter-ramp pit slope angles range from 37 degrees in the near surface weathered oxide rock mass to between 58 degrees and 65 degrees in the fresh rock depending on structural geology controls and vertical inter-ramp height. Pit optimizations were carried out using a gold price of US$1,100/oz, a royalty rate of 7% and processing costs detailed above and mining costs detailed below and a series of optimized shells generated for each area and preliminary pit design undertaken based on a feed rates of 2.6, 3.0 and 3.4Mtpa to determine optimal throughput rate. 3.4mtpa showed the highest NPV and was selected for pit design. Cut off grades (Au g/t) were estimated as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Material Main Zone East Zone NE Zone Wadi Doum ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxide 0.50 0.55 0.50 0.80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transitional 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fresh 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contract open pit mining costs were derived from first principles based on equipment required and include pit and dump operations, road maintenance, mine supervision and technical services cost. In addition Wadi Doum mining costs include the haulage of material to the process plant. The average open pit operating cost (US$/t mined) is shown below: -------------------------------- Mineralised Rock Waste ------------------------------------------------ Main 2.79 2.55 East 2.83 2.59 NEZ 2.57 2.44 Wadi Doum 2.71 2.57 Total 2.79 2.57 ------------------------------------------------ In addition, a transfer cost of $7.74/t will be incurred on material from Wadi Doum. The revised PEA study is based on Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. The table below shows the breakdown of material by resource type within the pit designs: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposit Indicated Resources Inferred Resources % Indicated ------------------------------------------- Mt Au g/t Koz Mt Au g/t Koz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Galat Sufar South 38.7 1.40 1,740 3.0 1.5 141 93% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wadi Doum 2.3 2.59 188 0.5 2.2 32 83% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 41.0 1.46 1,928 3.1 1.6 173 92% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Numbers may not add up due to rounding Capital Cost Summary A capital cost estimate was developed to an accuracy level range of +/- 30% to cover engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up of the mine and processing facilities, as well as the ongoing sustaining capital costs. The capital cost estimates were developed for a conventional open pit mine, CIL process plant and supporting infrastructure for an operation capable of treating 3.4 million tonnes of material per annum. For the purpose of this PEA, power supply via a third-party Build Own Operate Transfer and a contract mining scenario have been assumed. The estimate covers the direct costs of purchasing and constructing the CIL facility and infrastructure components of the project and an allowance for mining related infrastructure. Indirect costs associated with the design, construction and commissioning of the new facilities, owner's costs, and contingencies have also been estimated, based on percentages of the direct capital cost estimate. Risk amounts are specifically excluded from this estimate. A breakdown of the capital cost estimates is shown below: ------------------------- Pre-production Capex US$ '000 -------------------------------------------------- Mine 8,332 -------------------------------------------------- Process Plant 122,392 -------------------------------------------------- TSF 7,902 -------------------------------------------------- EPCM 15,810 -------------------------------------------------- Owner 15,078 -------------------------------------------------- Construction Sub Total 169,514 -------------------------------------------------- Contingency 41,113 -------------------------------------------------- Construction Total 210,627 -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- Sustaining Capex US$ '000 -------------------------------------------------- TSF 54,709 -------------------------------------------------- TSF Closure 4,418 -------------------------------------------------- Generator 1,535 -------------------------------------------------- Other 31,385 -------------------------------------------------- Sustaining Total 92,046 -------------------------------------------------- Water Supply Work undertaken by GCS during the course of the pre-feasibility study showed that the HA8 water resource had limited expansion potential. As a result, SkyTEM Surveys of Denmark, an airborne geophysical contractor specialising in water exploration were contracted to fly a 5,000km electromagnetic survey with the aim of expanding the HA8 discovery and investigating a new area to the west of Block 14 (Area 5) where two old production wells are located. The survey in Area 5 returned positive results over a large area and has now been followed up with drilling. The aquifer, which is hosted within the Nubian Sandstone Formation (NSF), has been intersected in 6 boreholes between 58m and 90m from surface. Pump test results have shown consistent aquifer yields and GCS are comfortable that the aquifer has a high probability to sustain the output required for a 3.4Mtpa process plant. The bore field will be connected to plant site at GSS by an 80km HDPE pipeline. Environment In 2014, Orca initiated comprehensive environmental baseline studies under the supervision of Mineesia Ltd., a UK consultancy with experience of remote desert projects. Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment were submitted to the Government in 2015 as part of the Environmental Protection and Management Plan. The site is located in a remote location, with no human settlements nearby (the closest town, Abu Hamad is 200km to the south). There are numerous artisanal and small-scale mining operations in the vicinity of the Project, although these are mostly illegal and unlicensed. No other sources of industry are present in the area. There are no permanent surface watercourses within the Project area and there is no evidence of significant groundwater in the crystalline basement. Soils have little to no agricultural potential. Vegetation is sparse and fauna, including domestic livestock, is limited due to the scarcity of permanent water sources. About Orca Gold Inc. Orca Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ORG) is a Canadian resource company focused on exploration opportunities in Africa, where it is currently focused on its 70% owned Block 14 project in the Republic of the Sudan. On behalf of the Board of Directors: Richard P. Clark, CEO and Director Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding Orca's (the "Company", the "Corporation", "we" or "our") plans and expectations relating to the Block 14 project ("Block 14") in northern Sudan and the revised Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "Revised PEA") and Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") currently being completed and/or conducted by the Corporation. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute "forward-looking statements" to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed. The assumptions, risk and uncertainties outlined below are non-exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation, or industry results, may vary materially from those described in this press release. 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, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are not guarantees of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made including without limitation, assumptions about the following (the "Forward-Looking Factors"): future prices of gold and other metals; successful exploration, development, and production of Block 14; the timing and completion of the DFS; the timing and likelihood of a production decision; performance of contractual obligations by counterparties; operating conditions; political stability; obtaining governmental approvals and financing on time; financial projections and budgets; obtaining licenses and permits; government regulation of the Corporation's mining activities; environmental risks and expenses; market conditions; the securities market; price volatility of the Corporation's securities; currency exchange rates; foreign mining tax regimes; insurance and uninsured risks; financial projections and results; competition; availability of sufficient capital, infrastructure, equipment and labour; dependence on key personnel; dependence on outside parties; conflicts of interest; litigation; land title issues; local community issues; estimation of mineral resources; realization of mineral resources; timing and amount of estimated future production; the life of Block 14; reclamation obligations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; and anticipated costs and expenditures and our ability to achieve the Corporation's goals. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable, the assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, social, economic, political, regulatory, competitive and other risks and uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Corporation and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the Forward-Looking Factors above, and those factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's documents filed from time to time with the securities regulators in the provinces of Canada. In addition, a number of other factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, and there is no assurance that the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation will be consistent with them. For further details, reference is made to the risk factors discussed or referred to in the Corporation's annual and interim management's discussion and analyses on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available electronically on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements and information are made or given as at the date of this press release and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or 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. Contacts: Elina Chow Investor Relations 416.645.0935 x 226 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee have revealed former FBI Director James Comey will testify before the committee next week. Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Virg., announced Thursday that Comey will testify on June 8th. A statement from Burr and Warner said the hearing will begin at 10 am ET in open session followed by a closed session at 1 pm ET. Comey, who was fired last month, will testify about Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election and is likely to face questions about his private conversations with President Donald Trump. Recent media reports have claimed Trump urged Comey to drop an investigation of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's contact with Russian officials. According to CNN, Comey has spoken privately with special counsel Robert Mueller to work out the parameters for his testimony to ensure there are no legal entanglements. 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. Olaine, 2017-06-01 19:34 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following decisions have been adopted by the annual general meeting of shareholders: 1. Report of the Board on results of operations in 2016. To take notice of the Report of the Board on results of operations in 2016. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 2. Report of the Council on results of operations in 2016. To take notice of the Report of the Council on results of operations in 2016. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 3. Report of the Auditing Committee on activities in 2016. To take notice of the Report of the Auditing Committee on activities in 2016. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 4. Approval of the JSC "Olainfarm" Audited Consolidated Annual Report of Group and Parent Company for 2016. To approve the Audited Consolidated Annual Report of JSC "Olainfarm" group and of Parent Company for 2016. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 5. Distribution of reserves 5.1. To use part of JSC "Olainfarm" reserve in amount of EUR 281 701,56 (two hundred eighty one thousand seven hundred and one euro and 56 eurocents) to pay out to JSC "Olainfarm" shareholders (ISIN code of the shares LV0000100501), paying EUR 0,02 (two eurocents) per share. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 5.2. Set December 15, 2017, as the record date and December 20, 2017, as the date of payment of the reserve's part in amount of EUR 281 701,56 (two hundred eighty one thousand seven hundred and one euro and 56 eurocents). Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 5.3. The remaining part of the reserve in amount of EUR 40 449.68 (forty thousand four hundred forty nine euro and 68 eurocents) to remain with JSC "Olainfarm" reserve. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 6. Distribution of profit of 2016. 6.1. To use part of the year 2016 profit of JSC "Olainfarm" in amount of EUR 9 014 449,92 (nine million fourteen thousand four hundred forty nine euro and 92 cents) to pay dividends to shareholders of JSC "Olainfarm", (ISIN code of the shares LV0000100501) paying in dividends EUR 0,64 per one share effectuating payment in three stages in II, III and IV quarters, but part of the profit in amount of EUR 625 550.08 (six hundred twenty five thousand five hundred fifty euro and 08 eurocents) to retain undistributed and to reinvest in development of JSC "Olainfarm". Dividends of EUR 0.22 per share shall be paid in stage I, dividends of EUR 0.22 per share shall be paid in stage II and dividends of EUR 0.20 shall be paid in stage III. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 6.2. Set the following order for calculation and payment of dividends I stage (II quarter): set Set June 15, 2017, as the record date and June 20, 2017, as the date of payment; II stage (III quarter): Set September 7, 2017, as the record date and September 12, 2017, as the date of payment; III stage (IV quarter): Set December 7, 2017, as the record date and December 12, 2017, as the date of payment. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 7. Report of the Board on budget and on planned operations in 2017. To take notice of Report of the Board on budget and on planned operations in 2017, which include JSC "Olainfarm" unconsolidated turnover forecast for 2017 in amount of 96 million euro and JSC "Olainfarm" unconsolidated profit in amount of 12,7 million euro, consolidated turnover forecast for 2017 in amount of 127 million euro, but consolidated profit in amount of 15,5 million euro. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 8. Amendment of Statutes. 8.1. Express article 6.2. of the Statutes as follows: "6.2. Revision comission consists of three members of the revision commission. Members of the revision commission are elected at the shareholders meeting for 2 (two) years term." Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 8.2. Approve new edition of the Statutes. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 9. Election of the Certified Auditor for 2017 and setting of renumeration of the Certified Auditor. 9.1. To elect SIA "Ernst & Young Baltic" (license No.17, unitary registration No. 40003593454) to be the certified auditor of JSC "Olainfarm" in 2017. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 9.2. To set EUR 47 600,00 (forty seven thousand six hundred euro and 00 eurocents) as the total remuneration of the Certified Auditor for 2017. Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 10. Elections of the Council. 10.1. To elect the Council of JSC "Olainfarm" consisting of the following members for the further term of five years, setting that term of the Council powers commences on June 02, 2017: Name, last name: 1. Valentina Andrejeva 2. Andis Krumins 3. Ivars Godmanis 4. Aleksandrs Raicis 5. Gunta Veismane Voting: Voting: the following number of votes has been placed for each candidate: for V.Andrejeva - 1958268 votes or 19,85% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; for A.Krumins - 1972155 votes or 19,99% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; for I.Godmanis - 1985074 votes or 20,12% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; for A.Raicis - 1973321 votes or 20,00% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; for G.Veismane - 1958210 votes or 19,85% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights. Abstain (not casted)- 19600 votes or 0,20% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights. 10.2. To set the total monthly remuneration of all the Council members at the amount of EUR 13 500,00 (thirteen thousand five hundred euro and 00 eurocents). Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. 11. Election of the Auditing Committee and setting of renumeration of the Auditing Committee. 11.1. Elect member of the JSC "Olainfarm" Auditing Committee: - Deputy Head of the Council Valentina Andrejeva, - Member of the Council Gunta Veismane, - Viesturs Gurtlavs. Voting: Voting: the following number of votes has been placed for each candidate: for V.Andrejeva - 3275872 votes or 33,20% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; for G.Veismane - 3275599 votes or 33,20% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; for V.Gurtlavs - 3295557 votes or 33,40 % from the number of present shareholders with voting rights; Abstain (not casted) - 19600 votes or 0,20% from the number of present shareholders with voting rights. 11.2. Set monthly remuneration of the member of the Auditing Committee in amount of EUR 5350,00 (five thousand three hundred fifty euro and 00 eurocents). Voting: the resolution was adopted with the necessary majority of votes. Information prepared by: Salvis Lapins JSC Olainfarm Member of the Management Board Rupnicu iela 5, Olaine, Latvia, LV 2114 Phone: +371 6 7013 717 Fax: +371 6 7013 777 E-mail: Salvis.Lapins@olainfarm.lv Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Delray Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 1, 2017) - The Florida Healthcare Law Firm is pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website! We've been asked for a long time to put together a usable platform for compliance tools and services ... so we finally did it! Compliance is a funny thing in healthcare. It's like a virus - growing, morphing and can be tough to live with. And yet it's a large part of what we do at the Florida Healthcare Law Firm every day and have done for nearly 30 years. "Compliance" means a lot of things to people. It's tough to define and frightening to consider. It seems way too big, expensive and unattainable, which is why we built www.RiskShieldTools.com, to show you what we know and to have an opportunity to show you that compliance can be understandable and affordable. "When I first got into healthcare law, I wondered how physicians and other healthcare providers kept on top of all of the regulations. I was pretty sure that they didn't devote classes to the Anti-Kickback Statute in medical schools. And I saw overworked office managers tasked with being the office know-it-all on complex laws like HIPAA and the Stark Law," says Attorney Jacqueline Bain, one of the lead developers of RiskShield Tools and Certified in Healthcare Compliance. The new website is highly interactive. We developed the first guided self-assessment survey of its kind that will help you get on track with compliance and stay on track! We combine legal advice with traditional consulting services; and that efficiency is unique! No more tension between lawyer and consultant. Our assessment tools are tied to benchmarks set by the Federal government. That helps you weave compliance into your business without disrupting it! We would also like to thank our amazing staff who donated their time and energy to make this site what it is. For any questions, suggestions, feedback or comments, please E-mail us. Media Contact: Autumn Piccolo, Florida Healthcare Law Firm 561-455-7700 apiccolo@floridahealthcarelawfirm.com Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. According to the Complaint, during the Class Period, Anadarko made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company's maintenance and safety protocols concerning certain of its vertical wells were inadequate; that due to those shortcomings, these wells were at an increased risk of explosion; and that as a result of the above, Anadarko's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On April 17, 2017, a deadly explosion killed two people and critically injured another in a home located within 170 feet of an Anadarko well. On April 26, 2017, The Denver Post reported that the Company "plans to shut down 3,000 vertical wells in northeastern Colorado" after the April 17 explosion. On May 2, 2017, the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District concluded that the fatal home explosion on April 17 was linked to a faulty gas line connected to an Anadarko well. After release of this news, Anadarko's stock price dropped materially, which caused investors harm. 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. VICTORIA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 1, 2017 / FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE MKT: FSI; FRA: FXT) is the developer and manufacturer of biodegradable polymers for oil extraction, detergent ingredients and water treatment, as well as crop nutrient availability chemistry. Flexible Solutions also manufactures biodegradable and environmentally safe water and energy conservation technologies. Today, the Company announces the full results of the recent Watersavr trial in San Diego, CA CEO, Dan O'Brien, states, "The trial was conducted in San Diego with the participation and cooperation of the City of San Diego. We feel very hopeful, that once the City has reached internal consensus on the importance of this trial, it will begin graduated deployment of Watersavr onto all City reservoirs." Mr. O'Brien continues, "The following bullet points illustrate the success of the trial and by how much Watersavr can exceed the economic breakeven point when water prices are high. We are pleased to have helped San Diego identify a major economic and environmental benefit." The trial reduced evaporation losses by 46%. San Diego reservoirs lose 5 feet or more per year through evaporation. On the City's 8,000 acres of water surface, $14 million worth of water per year would be saved at the recorded 46%. If the reduction was only 20%, $6.4 million worth of water would be saved per year. 6000 gallons per minute! The breakeven point is 4% savings based on San Diego's costs for water. San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board has allowed Watersavr on drinking water, so savings can begin immediately. The City water department will be able to re-purpose the money saved each year to continuously improve the City water system. Mr. O'Brien concludes, "With the trial results 11.5 times higher than the break-even point, the down side is nearly invisible while the upside is better water service for all San Diego taxpayers. And the icing on the cake is less water wasted." To view the graphic, please click here. To view the graphic, please click here. Evaporation Mitigation Trial Using WaterSavr in Collaboration with the City of San Diego Contribution by: Rosalva Morales - Associate Engineer-Civil, Water System Operations Division Michael J. Simpson - Senior Water Operations Supervisor, City of San Diego Michael Williams - Water Production Superintendent, City of San Diego Sukhpreet Mann- Junior Engineer, Water System Operations Division David Verlee - Managing Director, WaterSavr [a division of Flexible Solutions Ltd.] Dan O'Brien - CEO, Flexible Solutions Ltd. To view the graphic, please click here. February 2017 To view the graphic, please click here. Overview Annual evaporation losses in the San Diego region will range from 5 feet to 5 feet per year, depending on the location of their reservoirs and the annual weather patterns. For the City of San Diego, with over 8000 acres of surface area in reservoirs when they are full, the evaporative losses should be in excess of 40,000 acre feet of water per year (about 35 million gallons water loss every day). Over the last 50 years, there have been various attempts to reduce this high water loss due to evaporation, but no viable solution has been implemented in the City of San Diego After consultation with various staff of the City of San Diego, it was agreed that a proper evaporation mitigation solution needs to have the following criteria: 1) safe for both human consumption and the environment; 2) cost effective versus other means of saving or augmenting water supplies; and 3) proven effectiveness. Since the safety aspect of WaterSavr has been reviewed and accepted by regulatory agencies, the main purpose of this trial was to prove the effectiveness of WaterSavr as a monolayer suppressant and review the potential cost effectiveness in today's market for the City of San Diego vs alternative solutions. Safety aspect of WaterSavr WaterSavr has been used safely in 4 continents, including in the USA in California, Texas, and Nevada over the last decade. Specifically, in the USA, WaterSavr has received the following approvals: NSF AINSI 60 EPA Gold Seal TCEQ Approval for Texas SNWA and Nevada Fish and Wildlife Trial Approval from Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Trial Approval from San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board What is WaterSavr? Developed and Manufactured by Flexible Solutions under U.S. Pat 6,303,133 (global patents filed). The only commercially available method that has been proven safe and economically viable for reducing evaporation on large drinking water reservoirs. Formula: 10% Cetyl+Steryl Alcohols (Hexadecanol and Octadecanol ) - Extract of Palm Oil. 90 % Calcium Hydroxide (food grade hydrated lime) The chemistry of WaterSavr is as follow: Hexadecanol and Octadecanol -CH3(CH2)15(17)OH To view the graphic, please click here. To view the graphic, please click here. To view the graphic, please click here. WaterSavr is hydrophobic and will stay on water surface until biodegradation. WaterSavr is hydrophobic and naturally spread across the water surface on a reservoir - see example below: To view the graphic, please click here. Spreading WaterSavr after 60 seconds. To view the graphic, please click here. Spreading WaterSavr after 120 seconds. Method of Testing The location of the trial was at the Alvarado Treatment Plant in San Diego - right beside Lake Murray. The entire trial was under strict supervision with a 24 / 7 guard on standby and the whole plant area gated. Strict access was required for the assurance of proper data gathering during the trial. Testing was done with both an official representative from the City of San Diego and a WaterSavr representative at all times. Two Class A evaporation pans were brought to the site with a special attention that both pans were perfectly levelled and on pallets. Water from the treatment plant was always available to refill the pans when required. The initial set up of the pans included an evaporation test without WaterSavr, over a weekend, to make sure that both pans had no leaks and had identical evaporation. The data was confirmed that both pans had no leak and evaporated at the same rate. Both Class A evaporation pans were painted white. It was agreed that painting the pans in white provided better reflection of the sun, hence lowering the wall temperature and therefore, replicating more closely, the temperature around the various reservoirs in San Diego. To view the graphic, please click here. Two identical Class A Evaporation pan - perfectly levelled. Instead of a still wells, a straight metal rod was placed across the edges of both pans and a stainless steel screw pointed down. Water level was raised in each pan until the screw created a "dimple" with the water surface. This method allows the screw position to be checked and corrected without touching the water and provides better visual confirmation for the staff monitors when replacing the water lost to evaporation each day. On a daily basis, when weather permitted (data was not collected on days with rainfall), each pan was refilled until the screw point just dimpled the surface. A graduated cylinder was used and the amount of water added to each pan was recorded by both a WaterSavr representative and a City of San Diego staff for quality assurance. After each large rainfall, both pans were thoroughly cleaned and reset to equal levels. A pre-measured dosage of 120 MG was applied to the WaterSavr pan as per agreed protocol. To view the graphic, please click here. Screw touches water surface to create a dimple on water surface To view the graphic, please click here. Pre-measured in Alvarado treatment laboratory, 120 milligrams of WaterSavr were provided in small containers for proper dosage Official Results The trial was officially started on November 16th, 2016, and officially ended February 3rd, 2017. Due to seasonal rainfall and various observed holidays during the trial period, the trial had to a few days when data was not collected. Interestingly, although the evaporation reduction using WaterSavr through the trial period was on average 45%, the daily readings would vary from day to day. This daily data variation was expected and is due to the natural degradation of WaterSavr through UV. As per manufacturer's recommendation, WaterSavr is to be reapplied on reservoirs every three days at a rate of 1LB per acre. It should also be noted that two data set during the trial period were deleted from the overall results. The data collected on January 17, 2017 showed WaterSavr saved 100% of the evaporation and this was due to unseasonal cold weather that day. Reversely, on November 23, 2016, a 43% increase in evaporation using WaterSavr was also recorded and we suspect a man-made error. DATE BASELINE PAN (ML) WATERSAVR PAN (ML) WATER SAVING 2016-11-16 2000 1000 50% 2016-11-17 2750 2250 18% 2016-11-18 4000 1750 56% 2016-11-19 3750 3250 13% 2017-01-18 3000 1200 60% 2017-01-26 2200 1275 42% 2017-01-27 1450 1200 17% 2017-01-28 2900 1400 52% 2017-01-29 2900 1400 52% 2017-01-30 2900 1400 52% 2017-01-31 3000 1900 35% 2017-02-01 3450 1000 71% 2017-02-02 1950 1000 48% 2017-02-03 2450 950 61% Total 38700 20975 45% Note: A parallel trial, using the same protocol, was done in Cardiff, California during a portion of the trial. This trial location was about 30 miles away from the Alvarado treatment plant and is located closer to the ocean. The results of this trial were, on average, within 5% variance from the trial done with WaterSavr with the City of San Diego. To view the graphic, please click here. Measurements done daily - difference between the two lines is water save. To view the graphic, please click here. Daily percentage saving using WaterSavr. Financial Cost Effectiveness of WaterSavr Based on local data assumptions about the cost of water, regional evaporation rates, cost of labor to spread the product, and confirmation of the water evaporation prevention data from the trial, the cost of using WaterSavr during the high evaporative season will be less $160 per acre foot. See Appendix I for full detailed calculations Assumptions are as follow: Cost of importing water from MWD: $900 per acre foot Annual average evaporation rate: 5 feet High evaporation season: April through October equals about 70% of annual evaporation Cost of local labor to spread WaterSavr: $40 per hour Evaporation saving average: only using 35% saving to stay conservative (although 45% savings was done through the trial) Cost of WaterSavr: $2.75 per LB Based on current local price of imported water in San Diego, using WaterSavr instead of importing more water to replace the evaporative losses avoided by using WaterSavr, should provide over 600% return on investment. In simple terms, using WaterSavr is the same as preventing evaporation losses at $160/acre foot instead of replacing evaporation losses at $900/acre foot. Assuming that the current reservoirs in San Diego were full, the annual budget for both WaterSavr and spreading cost would be $1.7 million over the high evaporation season. However, using these local assumptions, it would provide savings of over $7 million annually to the City of San Diego. Next Steps A purchase order from the City of San Diego will be placed this Spring 2017 to start spreading WaterSavr on Lake Sutherland. About Flexible Solutions International Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (www.flexiblesolutions.com), based in Victoria, British Columbia, is an environmental technology company. The Company's NanoChem Solutions Inc. subsidiary specializes in biodegradable, water-soluble products utilizing thermal polyaspartate (TPA) biopolymers. TPA beta-proteins are manufactured from the common biological amino acid, L-aspartic and have wide usage including scale inhibitors, detergent ingredients, water treatment and crop enhancement. The other divisions manufacture energy and water conservation products for drinking water, agriculture, industrial markets and swimming pools throughout the world. FSI is the developer and manufacturer of WaterSavr, the world's first commercially viable water evaporation retardant. WaterSavr reduces evaporation by up to 30% on reservoirs, lakes, aqueducts, irrigation canals, ponds and slow moving rivers. Heatsavr, a "liquid blanket" evaporation retardant for the commercial swimming pool and spa markets, reduces energy costs by 15% to 40% and can result in reduced indoor pool humidity. Safe Harbor Provision The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "Safe Harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, are forward looking statement with respect to events, the occurrence of which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company is detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Flexible Solutions International 206 - 920 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1Z8 CANADA Company Contact: Jason Bloom Tel: 250.477.9969 Toll Free: 800.661.3560 Fax: 250.477.9912 Email: info@flexiblesolutions.com If you have received this news release by mistake or if you would like to be removed from our update list please reply to: Danielle@flexiblesolutions.com To find out more information about Flexible Solutions and our products please visit www.flexiblesolutions.com. SOURCE: Flexible Solutions International, Inc. According to the Complaint, during the Class Period, United Technologies issued and reaffirmed unfounded and inflated earnings guidance, primarily based on the planning assumptions in two of the Company's key business units: UTC Aerospace Systems ("UTAS") and Otis Elevator Co. ("Otis"). United Technologies failed to disclose or indicate that its earnings forecast relied on planning assumptions for the UTAS and Otis units that were not fully scrutinized and were too aggressive. On July 21, 2015, the Company cut its 2015 earnings guidance, based on the weak performance of the UTAS and Otis units. When this news was announced, the Company's stock price dropped materially, which caused investors harm. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 1, 2017 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against United Technologies Corporation ("United Technologies" or the "Company") (NYSE: UTX) for possible violations of federal securities laws between April 21, 2015 and July 20, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period, should contact the firm prior to the July 11, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline . 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. OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Canada's unions are welcoming today's announcement that the federal government is taking steps to support forest sector workers and communities affected by the United States' imposition of duties on Canadian softwood exports. "The forestry sector is one of Canada's key economic drivers and these unfair and unjustified U.S. duties threaten more than 25,000 good jobs in nearly every region of our country," said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. "The CLC is pleased that the government is acting quickly and taking concrete steps to help affected workers, communities and companies," he added. In particular, the CLC welcomes the following steps announced today: -- Reducing lay-offs by extending the maximum period for Work Sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks; -- Expanding access to retraining and skills development programs to help workers transition to new jobs; -- Wage insurance or "Targeted Earnings Supplements" for workers who find new jobs that pay less; -- Federal loans and loan guarantees from the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada to help forestry companies in the short and medium term; and -- Investments to diversify export markets overseas and promote the diversification of the forest products sector in Canada. Yussuff said he was pleased to see the federal government adopt some of the measures proposed by the CLC and its member unions, and was hopeful there was more to come. "Today's announcement is a good first step for addressing a dispute that could drag on for years. We look forward to working with the government to build on this relief package to ensure no workers are left behind as the situation evolves," he said. "We'd like to see an extension of Employment Insurance benefits for workers in hardest-hit regions, a move that made an enormous difference to workers and communities affected by falling oil prices in 2015 and 2016," he added. Yussuff said the CLC believes that a negotiated settlement is in the best interests of both Canada and the United States, and that he looks forward to supporting efforts to negotiate a new Softwood Lumber Agreement which gives Canada fair access to the U.S. market. Contacts: Kerry Pither National Director, Communications 613-294-2203 kpither@clc-ctc.ca WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump announced his decision on Thursday to withdraw from the landmark Paris climate accord that seeks to reduce carbon emissions and slow the effects of climate change. In a statement from the White House, Trump said the move was made in order to fulfill his solemn duty to protect the U.S. and its citizens. Trump indicated he would begin negotiations to re-enter the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the U.S., its businesses, its people and its taxpayers. The president described the Paris climate accord as the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the U.S. to the exclusive benefit of other countries. 'As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country,' Trump said. He added, 'This includes ending the implementation of the nationally determined contribution, and very importantly, the green climate fund, which is costing the United States a vast fortune.' Trump claimed compliance with the agreement and its energy restrictions could cost America as many as 2.7 million jobs by 2025. The president declared that he is a strong supporter of defending the environment but argued the agreement unfairly punishes the U.S. With the announcement, Trump has followed through on a campaign promise despite opposition from numerous corporate leaders. The decision makes the U.S. only the third country to reject the agreement, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-participants in the 195-nation accord. (Photo: Michael Vadon) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Ag Growth International Inc. (TSX: AFN) ("AGI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders held on June 1, 2017. A total of 9,365,306 common shares, representing approximately 58.41% of AGI's outstanding shares, were represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. The following nominees were elected as directors for the ensuing year, with the specific voting results being as follows: Votes Director Votes For Percentage Withheld Percentage -------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- Gary Anderson 8,385,135 93.13 618,759 6.87 Tim Close 8,491,516 94.31 512,379 5.69 Janet Giesselman 8,950,756 99.41 53,138 0.59 Bill Lambert 8,953,853 99.44 50,041 0.56 Bill Maslechko 7,480,604 83.08 1,523,291 16.92 Malcolm (Mac) Moore 8,949,372 99.39 54,523 0.61 David White 8,953,308 99.44 50,586 0.56 In addition, all other resolutions presented at the meeting were approved by AGI's shareholders, including the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors and the approval of certain amendments to and reconfirmation of AGI's shareholder rights plan. Detailed voting results for all resolutions will be posted under AGI's profile at www.sedar.com. Company Profile AGI is a leading manufacturer of portable and stationary grain handling, storage and conditioning equipment, including augers, belt conveyors, grain storage bins, grain handling accessories, grain aeration equipment and grain drying systems. AGI has manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, Italy, Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom, and distributes its products globally. Contacts: Investor Relations Steve Sommerfeld 204-489-1855 steve@aggrowth.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/07/17 -- Quadro Resources Ltd. ("Quadro" or the "Company") (NEX: QRO.H) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MEK) ("Metals Creek") and Benton Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: BEX) ("Benton") whereby Quadro will be provided with an option to acquire a 100% interest in Metals Creek's and Benton's Staghorn property, located in Newfoundland, and all rights to their newly optioned Rose Gold property (the Rose Gold property is contiguous with the northern border of the Staghorn property, and is further described in Metals Creek's press release of April 12, 2017) (collectively the "Option"). Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Quadro must complete a 2:1 share consolidation, settle certain outstanding debts and payables, complete no less than a $1 million financing, and issue 4,000,000 common shares (post-consolidation) to each of Metals Creek and Benton. Quadro must also assume all of Metals Creek's and Benton's obligations under the Rose Gold property option, for which the optionor has agreed to accept common shares of Quadro in lieu of the 225,000 common shares of Metals Creek and 225,000 common shares of Benton (450,000 shares combined) originally negotiated. The Option Agreement will be subject to a royalty to be granted in favor of Metals Creek and Benton (the "Metals Creek/Benton Royalty"), as well as existing royalties held by Ed Northcott and Gilbert Lushman (the "Northcott/Lushman Royalty"), and by Shawn Rose (the "Rose Royalty"), all as outlined below. To view the map please click the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/QuadroMap67.pdf -- The Metals Creek/Benton Royalty represents a 3km area of interest that is subject to a 3% NSR in favour of Metals Creek/Benton, 2% of which can be purchased at any time for $2 million; -- The Northcott/Lushman Royalty represents a 3km area of interest that is subject to: (i) a 2% NSR in favour of Ed Northcott and Gilbert Lushman, 1% of which can be purchased at any time for $1 million; and (ii) a 1% NSR in favour of Metals Creek/Benton; and -- The Rose Royalty the together with a 1km area of interest is subject to: (i) a 2% NSR in favour of Shawn Rose, 1% of which can be purchased at any time for $1 million; and (ii) a 1% NSR in favour of Metals Creek/Benton. Pursuant to the terms of original option agreement on the Staghorn property, Benton was in process of earning an initial 60% interest in the Staghorn by paying Metals Creek $50,000 ($30,000 paid), issuing 500,000 shares of Benton (350,000 issued) and completing $500,000 in work expenditures (fully expended) over a 3-year period. Benton and Metals Creek have agreed to dissolve this agreement in favour of completing the Quadro Option on a 50%-50% basis. The Option is subject to Quadro completing a 2:1 share consolidation (the "Consolidation"), settling approximately $250,000 of debt by the issuance of shares for debt (the "Debt Settlement") at $0.10 per share (post Consolidation), and completing a financing to raise $1 million (the "Financing"). The Financing will consist of: (i) up to $250,000 of non- flow through units at a price of $0.10 per unit (post Consolidation), each unit consisting of one common share and one warrant exercisable at $0.15 for a term of eighteen months subject acceleration if the shares of Quadro trade at $0.45 or greater for 10 consecutive trading days; and (ii) up to $750,000 of flow through shares at $0.10 per share (post Consolidation). Barry Coughlan, President and CEO of Quadro, "Management believes that the Staghorn and Rose Gold projects are among the most prospective properties in the region with excellent geology, multiple new gold zones and large land holdings in a very active area where other explorers such as Marathon Gold Corp., Antler Gold Inc. and Torq Resources Inc. have completed extensive exploration efforts with tremendous early success." Quadro must have a minimum of $1 million cash on closing, net of all liabilities other than up to $55,000 of payables to be settled in cash, as a condition precedent to the grant of the Option and must also settle the remainder of its debt pursuant to the Debt Settlement. Closing of the proposed transactions is subject to the TSXV acceptance of a filing required to be made in respect of the Option, the Consolidation, the Debt Settlement and all other necessary regulatory approvals and acceptances, as well as the other conditions precedent. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS T. Barry Coughlan, CEO "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections." For more information on the Company, interested parties should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Contacts: Quadro Resources Ltd. Tel: (604) 683-3331 Fax: (604) 685-8677 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/01/17 -- Pele Mountain Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: GEM) ("Pele" or the "Company") today announced the signing of a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with Enirgi Group Corporation ("Enirgi Group"), changes to its management team, and the sale of its Eco Ridge project. Pele has entered into a non-binding LOI with Enirgi Group as a new strategic direction for the Company. Enirgi Group is actively developing opportunities for its direct-extraction process ("DXP") lithium processing technology within North America. Under terms of the LOI, Pele will become the vehicle for this opportunity, in exchange for a controlling interest by Enirgi Group. Rob Scargill has been appointed as Pele's Interim President and CEO, to guide Pele's transition with its new strategic relationship with Enirgi Group, until further notice. Mr. Scargill is a qualified Mining Engineer whose 28-year career includes experience in mine management, mine operations, and mine development, along with executive positions at Australian and Canadian public companies. Mr. Scargill has been with the Enirgi Group since 2009. Pele's Chairman, Wayne Richardson, is the President and CEO of Enirgi Group. Mr. Scargill stated, "Enirgi is commissioning its commercial-scale DXP demonstration plant in Salta, Argentina and is successfully producing lithium carbonate on a daily basis. We see excellent potential for Pele to apply this technology in North America and are already investigating opportunities with existing brine resource holders to partner on unlocking lithium production adjacent to Tesla's Gigafactory." Terms of the LOI include that Enirgi will be issued 85-percent ownership of Pele on a fully-diluted basis. In consideration, Pele and Enirgi will enter into a: (i) Management Services Agreement pursuant to which Enirgi shall provide management services to Pele; (ii) Technology Agreement to provide Pele exclusive rights to and to exclusively develop and market Enirgi's DXP technology in North America, and not to license the said technology to any other third party in North America; and (iii) Marketing Agreement pursuant to which Enirgi will provide Pele, access to its direct extraction technology and marketing services. In addition, the parties will endeavor to work together to undertake lithium brine exploration and development in North America and identify and implement the most efficient and economic solutions to explore, extract, concentrate, and convey lithium brine. In addition to leading these efforts, Mr. Scargill is also empowered to lead Pele's capital restructuring and amelioration of the Company's financial position. The LOI with Enirgi Group and the transactions contemplated thereby remains subject to negotiation and settlement of definitive agreements, which is expected by June 30, and shareholder and regulatory approvals. Following an internal review of its Eco Ridge project, Pele's Board has concluded that due to continuing weak uranium and rare earth prices, Eco Ridge remains uneconomic and offers limited short or mid-term benefit to shareholders. Moreover, due to prevailing weak rare earth prices, Pele has also been unable to generate the necessary support for its proposed monazite processing facility in Elliot Lake. Therefore, the Company has entered into a sale agreement with an arm's-length purchaser to sell the claims, surface rights and leases comprising Eco Ridge for gross proceeds of $380,000 payable in cash, which closed late in the afternoon on June 1st. Al Shefsky, Pele's President and CEO and a director since its founding more than twenty years ago, has resigned his executive and board positions with Pele, effective immediately. Pele's Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Shefsky for his commitment and dedication over many years on behalf of the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavours. The Company and Mr. Shefsky have signed a mutual termination and release agreement (the "Release Agreement") pursuant to which, among other things, Pele has agreed to make a payment of $80,000 (subject to applicable withholdings) to Mr. Shefsky and to extend his existing stock options for a period of 1 year from today's date in full and final satisfaction of any and all salary and severance obligations (accrued and otherwise). Mr. Shefsky has agreed to provide Pele with some modest transition support and the parties exchanged full and final releases. Mr. Shefsky commented, "It has been my great privilege to work at Pele Mountain Resources during the past two decades. I want to thank the members of the Board and the valued employees of Pele for the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated team. Going forward, Rob Scargill will be the Interim- President and CEO of Pele. Rob is a highly qualified professional with extensive expertise in mining and processing operations and works with the capable and dynamic team at Enirgi Group. I wish Rob and everyone at the Company well as Pele goes forward to pursue the exciting new opportunity outlined in the LOI announced today". Concurrent with the aforementioned developments, Pele also announced its intention to proceed with the consolidation of its common shares on the basis of 10 pre-consolidation common shares for each one post-consolidation common share (the "Consolidation"), which was previously approved by its shareholders at its annual and special meeting held on March 9, 2017. The Company expects the Consolidation to take effect on June 9, 2017. The Consolidation will reduce the number of issued and outstanding common shares of the Company from 209,996,930 pre-Consolidation common shares to approximately 20,999,693 post-Consolidation common shares. The Company's trading symbol will remain "GEM" on the TSX-V. About Enirgi Group Enirgi Group is a privately held multi-national conglomerate that owns and operates a portfolio of assets and operations located around the world in the manufacturing, chemicals, engineering and resources space. Enirgi Group's newly formed Advanced Materials Division is advancing the development of a lithium brine project at the Salar del Rincon in the province of Salta, Argentina. Enirgi Group is wholly-owned by Sentient Group of Global Resource Funds. The Sentient Group Limited is an independent private equity investment firm specializing in the global resources industry with over $2.7 billion of assets under management in metal, mineral and energy assets across the globe. About Pele Pele Mountain Resources Inc. has a strategic relationship with Enirgi Group Corporation to market and develop the Enirgi DXP lithium extraction technology in North America. The Company is seeking to partner with holders of lithium brine resources to unlock value through application of the technology. Pele shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "GEM". Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance, including statements as to the following: the timing of, consideration for and future sale of the Eco Ridge property, the outcome of a strategic review by the Board and any new direction in business, the entering into a relationship agreement with Enirgi Group, including any strategic cooperation relating to Enirgi Group's DXP technology or in the lithium industry or the entering into of a management services agreement with Enirgi Group; the settlement of any of Pele's indebtedness; the future use, application or licensing of Enirgi's DXP Technology in the United States or elsewhere. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Pele's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Whether actual results and developments will conform with Pele's expectations is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including factors underlying management's assumptions, such as risks related to board approvals, regulatory or shareholder approvals (if required) for any transaction, negotiation of definitive documentation; risks relating to the closing of acquisitions and settlements of debts with creditors; risks relating to the development and marketing of new processing technologies; and financial risks relating to a lack of operational cash flow. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Pele is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. For more information see the Company's disclosure documents on SEDAR at www.sedar.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. Shares Outstanding: 209,996,930 Contacts: Pele Mountain Resources Inc. Rob Scargill Interim-CEO (800) 315-7353 www.pelemountain.com Altratech Ltd, a Cork, EIRE-based developer of a viral RNA diagnostic kit, raised 5.2M in total funding. The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Growth Fund and Infinity Capital led a 2.2m investment while the company secured 3m in EU Horizon 2020 funding. In conjunction with the funding, Cyril McGuire of Infinity Capital, who most recently invested with Kernel Capital in Corlytics and MPSTOR (acquired by Sanmina Corp. 2016) has joined the Board. The company intends to use the funds for the continued development of its innovations in viral detection. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Tim Cummins and UCC-based Dr. Brian OFarrell with initial investment from the Kernel Capital managed Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Fund, and led by Dr. Tara Dalton, CEO, Altratech is developing a single-use portable semiconductor test kit for point of care testing of infectious viral diseases. The technology has the potential to decentralize clinical blood testing into in the field point-of-care settings enabling rapid diagnosis and decision-making on-site. FinSMEs 01/06/2017 Evolve Vacation Rental Network, a Denver, CO-based vacation rental management company, raised $11m in funding. The round was led by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, with participation from Annox Capital, Allen & Company LLC, and PAR Capital Ventures. The company, which has raised $23m in total funding, plans to use the funds for expansion and continued development of its tech-enabled services platform. Founded in 2011 by Brian Egan and Adam Sherry, Evolve provides a rental management platform focusing on marketing and booking vacation properties, and giving owners the option to configure on-the-ground services. It currently services more than 4,000 properties in over 500 markets across North America and has secured over $150m in gross bookings for its owners. FinSMEs 01/06/2017 Global Energy Transmission Corporation, a Woodland, Wash.- and Moscow, Russia-based provider of long distance high power wireless power solutions for industrial applications, raised $2.5M in seed funding. The round was led by IP Fund (Russia), which participated via PapayaFIN Ltd, and Draper Associates (US). The company intends to use the funds to develop its industrial wireless power charging system and deploy wireless power networks across major cities worldwide. Led by Leonid Plekhanov, Founder and CEO, GET has demonstrated its first prototype Distant Wireless Power System drone charging solution in June 2016. It enables the first continuous wireless powered electric drone flight over a large area. The system can continuously deliver enough energy to power heavy drone flight by wirelessly recharging onboard batteries for commercial parcel delivery services and other applications. The company also presented its wireless power network plan for a series of power hot spots for drones to recharge as they complete deliveries across a region. GET plans to deploy a power hot spot network for drones, with light-weight antenna receivers available for mounting on drones, which can be registered to the GET Wireless Power Network (WPN) with subscription service. FinSMEs 01/06/2017 Lithium Technologies, Inc., a provider of cloud-based social media management and online community solutions, is to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in software, data and technology-enabled businesses. The terms of the transaction expected to close within 30-45 days, subject to customary closing conditions were not disclosed. Led by Rob Tarkoff, President and CEO, Lithium provides a platform that enables brands to manage multiple digital touchpoints, facilitate conversations, and drive smart decisions through data connecting customers, content and conversations at the right digital moment. The company, which delivers digital customer experiences at scale for large brands including Airbnb, AT&T and Sephora, will maintain its headquarters in San Francisco and continue to operate business as usual. FinSMEs 01/06/2017 What you think is very clear, is not very clear, told union finance minister Arun Jaitley to a reporter at a Delhi presser on Thursday called to take stock of Modi governments 3-year performance. The reporter was asking about the impact of demonetisation on the GDP citing the sharp decline (6.1 percent) in the Jan-Mar quarter. Jaitley played down the impact of demonetisation saying it wasnt the primary reason for economic slowdown. There are several factors that contribute to GDP. There was impact on growth on account of other factors, even before demonetisation. One particular factor you mention (demonetisation) (Sic), said Jaitley defending the governments high-disruptive move announced on 8 November. Though Jaitley is partly right, his argument is weak as from the Jan-Mar quarter numbers it is quite evident that demonetisation indeed left a great deal of pain on the economy. A sharp slowdown in the cash-dependent sectors such as construction, trade, hotels, financial services and real estate show this. Except government spending and growth in agriculture, all other key components of GDP have showed a decline. Thus, Jaitley, at best, has dodged the question smartly on the impact of note ban on growth instead of responding with the facts. But what is more interesting is part of Jaitleys own admission that there was slowdown in the economy even before demonetisation on account of several factors. This directly contradicts the rationale of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he said in Parliament in February this year that demonetisation was done since the economy was strong at that point. Modi used the analogy that an operation can be performed only in a healthy body. Since the economy was in strong condition, the timing of demonetisation was the best," Modi had said in Lok Sabha during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on President Pranab Mukherjee's address (read a report here). "When can you have an operation? When the body is healthy. The economy was doing well and thus our decision was taken at the right time,"Modi said. Now that Jaitley has admitted that economy was already facing slowdown on account of multiple factors even before demonetisation shock contradicts Modis logic. But, Jaitley is absolutely right in saying a 7-8 percent growth is good enough for India in an environment where rest of the world is facing an economic slowdown. I do believe in the current global situation, a 7-8 percent growth is a fairly reasonable, the FM said. Further, when the impact of all pro-growth reform policies plays out, there will be certainly beneficial results in the economy, Jaitley said. Certainly, Modi governments three years in office has clearly managed to get the reform juggernaut moving by kicking off the reforms process with respect to Goods and Services Tax (GST), bankruptcy code, focus on large corporate loan defaulters and major drive to rationalise subsidies. Clearly, this government has fared far better than the UPA regime in terms of proactive approach to reforms and change in the way government offices function. Also, in the three years of Modi government rule, it has created a good image with no major corruption cases involving central ministers and the government has largely kept its promise on keeping to the reform process. But the government needs to face the tricky challenges too and areas where it could not perform better. During the presser, Jaitley seemed to play down the talk of jobless growth saying jobs can be created only within the economic structure. But, this government will be doing a mistake if it is undermining the problem of unemployment and act fast to create more job opportunities for millions of workers entering the countrys workforce every month. Early this year, rating agency Crisil said that over 1.5 million people are entering the job market every month and the rapid adoption of automation which reduces the dependency on labour is only aggravating the situation. The unemployment rate in the country was 4.9 percent in 2013, 4.7 percent in 2012 and 3.8 percent in 2011. As for the scheduled castes, the unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in 2011, which has now risen to 5 percent. That means, while there has been a steady increase in the number of jobless people since 2011. Similarly, setting the banking sector in order is a big task before the government. Else, this can paralyse the banking sector, limiting its ability to support the growth of the economy. Similar is the case of private investments. Though India has seen record FDI inflows in the 3-years, private participation on capital formation on ground has been rather poor and the cycle is yet to turn. If India has to emerge as the manufacturing, economic powerhouse in the Asia, competing with China, it needs to grow much more than the 7 percent mark, create more jobs and facilitate investments. Jaitley would have done well acknowledging the impact of demonetisation on the economy and take corrective measures instead of being in denial mode. His admission that demonetisation was performed on the economy that was already fighting a slowdown directly contradicts the claim of his boss who said economy was doing well at that point and was ready for a surgery. New Delhi: Swedish furniture retailer Ikea has acquired land in Bengaluru from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation for an undisclosed sum as part of its plans to start retail operations in India. The 14 acres site in Bengaluru is the third land acquisition by the home furnishing retailer after Hyderabad and Mumbai. Ikea is slated to open its first store in India in Hyderabad early next year. "The IKEA store in Bengaluru is planned to be around 4.5 lakh square feet and is expected to have more than 5 million visitors per year," the company said in a statement. The company has acquired the land located in Nagasandra on Tumkur road from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation. Commenting on the development, IKEA India CEO Juvencio Maeztu said: "Karnataka is a highly strategic and important market for Ikea. Along with retail stores, Ikea's purchasing team will also grow local sourcing and engage with local artisan and communities in many projects." The store would employ 500 to 700 co-workers in which 50 percent would be women. Besides, 1,500 people would also be engaged indirectly in services. "Each IKEA store will employ 500-700 co-workers directly and another 1,500 people indirectly in different services. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and having 50 percent women in our organisation at all levels is non-negotiable," he said. Ikea, which received government approval in 2013 for its Rs 10,500 crore proposal to open retail stores under 100 percent FDI, plans to open 25 stores by 2025 in nine Indian cities. "The company in parallel is evaluating suitable sites in the cities," the company said. Ikea's first store in Hyderabad will be a massive 4 lakh square feet in size and will include all features of a global IKEA store, including restaurant and play and development area. In July 2015, Ikea had announced purchase of 13 acre land close to the IT hub in Hyderabad's HITEC city and bought land in Mumbai in March last year. Presently, IKEA operates 390 stores in 46 countries with a sales volume of 34.2 billion euros. When MakeMyTrips co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Keyur Joshi tweeted that he was in favour of freedom of food and not in favour of the beef ban, wasnt Joshi aware of the consequences of the current mood in the country? Was it recklessness or just a Trump moment where he tweeted out his support for a cause without thinking of the repercussions as co-founder of the travel portal, Make My Trip? The retaliation from Twitter was swift and acidic. More than Joshi, it was the travel portal MakeMyTrip that was targeted with a hashtag #boycottmakemytrip trending on Twitter. Not surprisingly, Joshis account has been deleted and later he tweeted out a series of unconditional apologies. Make My Trip soon distanced itself with its co-founder and put out a tweet to that effect. Not that the critics were buying that either. Mahesh Murthy, co-founder, Seedfund says that every company wanting to do business in India has to choose between being principled or pragmatic. It's important to train your leaders - and all your folks who are active on social media - on what they should and should not say. And also on what you may likely do if they say something that they shouldn't. It is not just the new rules of doing business in India. It is the new rules that apply in much of the world, he says. Notwithstanding Joshis and MakeMyTrips tweets, the fury against the portal and Joshi continued unabated on Twitter. Will MakeMyTrips brand image be damaged by the personal comment of its co-founder? Santosh Desai, managing director and CEO, Future Brands, said: There are consequences of making public statements. As part of an organisation, an individuals public statement is perceived as part of the organisation. He cites the example of Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra who is careful about his statements and what he tweets. The incident brings to mind the controversy surrounding Snapdeal when its brand ambassador Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said at an event that his wife Kiran Rao had asked if they should move out of the country as she feared for the safety of their child in a climate of rising intolerance. The first to drop the actor was the tourism ministry from its signature campaign Incredible India. A month later, Snapdeal chose not to renew Khans contract as its brand ambassador. However, the incident holds a mirror to the business environment in India. Though the PM has been forthcoming and has launched programmes to woo investors to come to India and participate in the Make in India programme, the reality is that there is a section among his ardent fans who is damaging that intent. Seen through a ground-up lens, it might be disappointing to some that doing business in India has come to this. But to any multinational or Indian business with ambition, it is no different from how it must behave in China - with deep respect to the ruling Politburo and their decisions, or in Russia - where it has no option other than to be openly pro-Putin, or in the Arab world, where the business and its employees have to be deeply deferential not only to the rulers but also to the religion there, says Murthy. The issue is that any personal remark blowing up in the face of the company when it is has nothing to do with the employee or the brand ambassador or anyone linked to the company is slowly becoming a norm in the country. The thinking here is pragmatic: that it's more important to live and fight another day than to die today. This is especially true in companies like MakeMyTrip which are publicly listed and have significant Chinese ownership. Chinese firms perhaps understand better than most the need to be deeply supportive of local governments wherever they are, says Murthy. Some companies who were caught in similar situations in other countries chose to leave that country than do business there. Murthy cites the examples of Google which chose to leave China because it didn't agree to modify search results - and this helped Baidu grow to a market cap of $65 billion - much of that could have gone to Google instead if it was cooperative with the Chinese government. As they say a principle is a principle only if it costs you money. And it can be costly having principles, he says. Sometimes the effect is positive like in the case of Google. Its employees in their personal capacities played a part in toppling dictatorships in Egypt and elsewhere during Arab Spring. In those cases Google was clear to differentiate between its official stand and the personal views of their employees. That stand hasn't impacted Google in those territories, points out Murthy. India is now merely another of the countries on the list where you cannot offend some, so to say, sacred cows, says Murthy. It's not the first, and it won't be the last. Is this ideal? Probably not. Is this pragmatic? Quite likely yes. As an ordinary citizen, Joshi would have been battered for this remark by trolls. As a co-founder of an established travel portal, the backlash was vitriolic. One of the Modi governments poll promises was jobs. In one of his poll campaigns, Modi has said his party would create one crore jobs. But with the angry trolls boycotting companies and uninstalling apps, the bridge between getting a job and being jobless is too far to cross. In a throwback to the two Snapdeal episodes, online tour operator MakeMyTrip was trolled on Twitter purportedly by the Hindutva brigade after one of the company's co-founders made some hard hitting comments on the Central government's new rules on cattle sale. Keyur Joshi, who is one of the co-founders of MakeMyTrip, had expressed his displeasure on Twitter over the government's new cattle sale rules that have effectively made beef sale and consumption impossible in India. In the tweets now deleted Joshi said m takes away right to choice of food, I rather not be a Hindu. @narendramodi @BJP4India can't decide what people eat. Soon after, all hell broke lose with online trolling army attacking him and even MakeMyTrip, threatening a down-rating of the app and also uninstalling it. The company, however, issued to a statement clarifying that Joshi was not a current employee and that the comments were Joshi's personal views. #BoycotMakeMyTrip started trending on Twitter. Here are some samples of the hate tweets against Joshi: If he has so hatred about divine Hinduism, we hate @makemytrip of which he is a part of.! We #BoycottMakeMyTrip bcz of him@makemytripcare pic.twitter.com/UStUkKrjMN #GiveUpAMeal Shishir (@shishir_heg) May 31, 2017 I m using Make My Trip for long time. I m proud Hindu and following Hinduism ideology. I #BoycottMakeMyTrip and never use it in future. pic.twitter.com/GgvytHIOo4 Intellectual (@ProudlySayGujju) May 31, 2017 And the hate continues, even after Joshi apologised and deleted his account: Srry bt I hve 2 ask u Will u allow me 2 eat ur mother by chopping her in pieces 2 save my right 2 eat? @makemytrip #BoycottMakeMyTrip SirKhujliwal (@SirKhujliwal) June 1, 2017 Despite all the hate mongering on the Twitter, MakeMyTrip app on Google Store has got a 4.2 star rating as of now. The whole episode, however, is a throw back to two episodes connected to e-commerce company Snapdeal. One when Snapdeal was at receiving end of hate after Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel's reported statement that his company's app is only for rich people and that he (CEO) was not interested in expanding the business to poor countries like India and Spain. Previously, in a classic case of mistaken identity and blind trolling, a section of online army started uninstalling Snapdeal app, instead of Snapchat. In the latest incident, though Joshi is not a present employee of MakeMyTrip, the trolls attacked the company presumably thinking he is still with the company. However, the mistaken identity is a minor issue when considering the larger issue of hate vitiating even the business environment in India. Interestingly, this too has a direct connection with Snapdeal. That happened after Aamir Khan made a comment on the rising intolerence in India at an Indian Express event in November 2015. (Wife) Kiran and I have lived all our lives in India. For the first time, she said, should we move out of India? Thats a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make to me. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers everyday. That does indicate that there is a sense of growing disquiet, he said, expressing alarm over the rise in violence in the last six to eight months. Soon after he said this, not only did he face backlash on social media, even Snapdeal, for which he was an ambassador then, also came under attack. The Snapdeal app was down-rated and uninstalled by the trolls. The company even decided against renewing the actor's contract later. Though it was clear then that there was a concerted effort to attack the company and its business for taking the actor's service, there was no concrete proof for this until Manohar Parrikar, a senior BJP leader and former defence minister, admitted to the media that there was an online army engaged in teaching people like Khan a lesson. "When the actor did this... then the company which he was endorsing was... an online trading company. Some of our people are very smart, I know. There was a team which was working on this," he said. He also said this army's strategy was to order from Snapdeal and return the product, thus hitting the company where it hurts the most. "...They had to pull his advertisement," Parrikar was quoted as saying. Though he did not name the company or the actor, it was clear that it was Khan and Snapdeal he was referring to. The MakeMyTrip incident proves that the troll army has only gained in strength and free speech continues to be in danger in India. The BJP government has done nothing to rein them in. Ali Fazal, who entered Bollywood with a small cameo as the engineering student Joy Lobo in Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots (2009), has come a long way. He will next be seen in his first international lead-role film, Victoria & Abdul opposite Academy award winning actor Judi Dench. Victoria & Abdul is the extraordinary story of a supposed liaison between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant Abdul Karim. This controversial relationship between the British monarch and the Indian servant was well-kept secret until the diary of Karim was found. This film is based on the book by author Shrabani Basu. Fazal, during the time the film was in process, in an interview with The Indian Express had said that he was really lucky to have got the opportunity to be a part of the film. I got a chance to work with so many stalwarts from British cinema. Judi Dench, of course, who is a legend. Then there was my director Stephen Frears. He is the man who made some of British cinemas salient trendsetters. I love My Beautiful Laundrette and Dangerous Liaisons," said the actor. Speaking to media persons during the trailer launch, Fazal also explained how he got the part: "It was a proper process. A lady, whose name I cant take, but I owe it to her. She told me about the auditions. Then I called Nandini, the casting director. The process started. One day, I got a call that they have liked me and would want to meet me. It was a long list of names out of which I was selected and I feel really nice about it. There were some of my colleagues, those who I really respect, and to have been picked over them means something." Fazal also spoke to the media regarding his experience working with the legendary actress. "We shot for the film for about 50-60 days but the first time when I met Judi Dench, we had lunch together, just to meet each other and break the ice. I was literally on the floors! I touched her feet, shook her hand and hugged her. She was extremely welcoming. She made me at ease. And I think that relationship began there, while we were having lunch in London. After that, we became friends. As an actor, your job is half done when your co-star becomes your friend, especially when it's Judi Dench," he said, reports Deccan Chronicle. Fazal also said Dench wanted to come to India to promote the film as she loves the country; she has been here before. Both, Fazal and Dench, discussed about Indian food and films. Produced by BBC Films and Focus Features, Victoria and Abdul is directed by two-time Academy winner Stephen Frears, who has previously directed films like The Queen (2006). Philomena (2013) and much recent Florence Foster Jenkins (2016). The film is slated to release on 22 September in the US. Baywatch, the film, starts with an introduction to the lifeguards on the beaches of Emerald Bay. There's Dwayne Johnson, who plays the head lifeguard, Mitch Buchannon. The screening we're in has cut out any visual references to body parts, and yet, there's plenty of sexualisation of the female lifeguards in the introductory scenes. The slow-mo shots of the women running along the beach have not been cut out because you know, male gaze. Meanwhile, the lifeguard team gets a new recruit in Zac Efron (his character's called Matt Brody), who seems to have the best role. He's the outsider, the only one who's not that serious about lifeguarding, and he's funny. He's hired after a long scene of tryouts, which is basically just an excuse for showing off Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson's bodies. Cue: lots of slo-mo shots of them lifting things tyres, fridges, you name it as hip-hop plays in the background. Brody (Efron) is an ex-Olympic swimmer. And there's a lot of shirts going off in the first few minutes. It's all about the machismo on the one hand, and sexualisation of the women on the other. Gender is clearly depicted in extremes here. The camaraderie between Mitch and Brody is definitely funny. They remind you of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill from 21 Jump Street. But trouble is brewing in the form of Victoria Leeds (Priyanka Chopra), an elite club owner who's actually a vicious diva with an agenda of her own. Priyanka owns the frame whenever she's on screen, and totally holds her own against Efron and Johnson. Victoria commands a whole underground world of crime and drugs, unbeknownst to our heroes. She gets friendly with the lifeguards, but only because she has some reasons involving real estate. She's also shown threatening local politicians to get her way. She'll remind you of the Priyanka Chopra of Aitraaz. Characters are introduced with style but as far as plot is concerned, it's all very convenient that some or the other incident keeps happening. A fire breaks out on one day and someone falls off a pier on another. It's not terribly convincing. Also, the background score is jarring. It's like the makers decided they would populate every scene with more music than one can comprehend. The whole thing is set up to show in multiple ways, how brave Mitch is and how amazing his team of lifeguards are. Brody is clearly the underdog, as he struggles to keep pace. It's all very predictable. The plot finally picks up some pace when the same boat that Victoria Leeds was threatening a politician in, catches fire. Nobody sees her, but when the politician's body is found, they know something fishy is up. Mitch is an idealist and wants to solve the mystery behind the recent events and the death, whereas Brody is a realistic and wants to let the police solve it. What follows is a bunch of random, disconnected episodes of them in pursuit. To their credit, The Rock, Zac and Priyanka perform very well and really seem to have 'sunk' into their characters. It's just that they have no plot to support them. The biggest problem with Baywatch is not that it's a bad representation of a popular TV show, or that it has way too many distractions instead of a solid story. These are forgivable. Beyond the barely acceptable performances, Priyanka Chopra (who looks like she could have done this role in her sleep), and the camaraderie between Zac and The Rock, there is nothing about this film that grabs your attention. Except, at every point in the film, it is trying so hard to get your attention be it with the cameos, the sexualisation or the overdone background score. Eventually though, it all seems forcefully tied together and uncohesive. Mumbai: Actor John Abraham has started shooting for his upcoming production Parmanu - The Story Of Pokhran, based on the successful nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan in 1998. John on Wednesday took to Twitter, where he shared a photograph of the film's clap-board and captioned, "Day 1.. Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran. Our biggest test ever!" Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran also stars Diana Penty and Boman Irani. John has also written the film along with Saiwyn Quadros and Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh (writers of Neerja). The music of the film is helmed by Sachin-Jigar. "The road to Pokhran has been paved. It's time to embark on a journey to revisit the mission that changed the place of India on the world map and turning the course of modern India's position in the world as a strong nuclear state," John said in a statement. The film is slated to release on 8 December. "For us, this is not just a film. It's a dedication from our side to all our soldiers of our country from all the forces. Also to all the scientists to dedicate their lives for the country. We are just sharing their story with the world and we are very proud of it. It's a film that every fellow Indian will surely be proud of," said the film's producers Prernaa Arora and Ajay Kappor. What's more fun than passing off stalking celebrities on social media as work? Very little, right? And so, we scanned the Instagram and Twitter accounts of celebs from India and abroad, to bring to you weekly updates from the interwebz. Who tweeted to whom? Who reposted last night's party pics? Who went on a rant about what. Whatever it is, don't worry, we've got you covered. We stalk, you read. Deal? This edition of the Social Media Stalkers Guide has Farah Khan sharing a hilarious picture from her, SRK and Karan Johars hay days which is so bad, its almost good. Salman Khan eats the threads of his jeans (yep, that happened) and Priyanka Chopra gives her haters a piece of her mind! So much stalking, such little time. Farah Khan throws it back with SRK, Karan Johar #80sparty #blastfromthepast @iamsrk looking rather embarrassed at my antics with @karanjohar circa 2000! A post shared by @farahkhankunder on May 29, 2017 at 7:56am PDT Farah Khan Kunder throws it wayyy back with this #80's party picture circa 2000. We see a glaringly pink Farah with KJo sporting a studded hairband, and Shah Rukh Khan wearing an extremely questionable shirt as the three give us major BFF goals. All India Bakchod trolls Salman Khan All India Bakchod shared this hilarious video of Salman Khan during the promotions of Tubelight, on their official Facebook page with the title 'When you're hungry af but your only option is mess food'. The video sees a very bored looking Khan eating his jeans. Yep, you read that right. He eats the thread of his jeans. Twice. That will be all on this topic folks. Priyanka Chopra claps back at haters Legs for days.... #itsthegenes with @madhuchopra nights out in #Berlin #beingbaywatch A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 30, 2017 at 4:23pm PDT Priyanka Chopra shared this cheeky photo with her mother Madhu Chopra as a clap back to all the people that were criticising her for 'showing her legs' during her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Berlin. Chopra captioned the photo 'Legs for days' as she let the haters know that she wasn't fazed by them. Akshay Kumar packs up for his holiday All zipped and packed up #HolidayTime A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on May 31, 2017 at 8:37am PDT Akshay Kumar took to Instagram to share this adorable video of himself wearing a black hoodie that zips up all the way to the top. Hashtagging the photo with the caption #HolidayTime, the star not-so-subtly let his followers know that he would heading out for his vacation. Kumar's upcoming movie Toilet Ek Prem Katha is all set to release on 11 August. #Throwback Jr Bachchan visits Sr Bachchan at the hospital Abhishek Bachchan put up this precious black and white picture on Instagram with the hashtag #throwbackthursday and then went on to explain the conditions under which the snapshot was clicked. Circa 1985, Amitabh Bachchan was hospitalised with Mysthenia Gravis, and the photo shows the Bachchan clan (Shweta, Abhishek and a bevy of cousins) by Sr Bachchan's bedside. The children were apparently told that they were being taken out for a fun outing. Abhishek went on to reminisce the innocence of childhood in his nostalgia inducing caption. Other than put on a fake American accent and be the representative Indian actor in Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra also takes pride in creating social media storms with her tweets, Instagram posts and life decisions. Case in point: Priyanka Chopra's trench coat Met Gala dress Priyanka Chopra doesn't think using the term woman of colour is wrong Then on her visit to Berlin to promote Baywatch, Priyanka Chopra managed to offend two different parties with her social media posts. One - the easily shocked were outraged that she wore a short dress to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was serendipitously in Berlin on the same day. Two - she posted selfies with brother Siddharth from the Holocaust Memorial. Though Chopra realised her mistake and deleted the photos from social media, twitter was not easily pacified and there were tweets outraging against her insensitivity. Priyanka Chopra took selfies at the Holocaust memorial.. is this a another attention seeking stunt ??? Shouldn't have done that .. sahil (new acc ) (@DeepikasWarrior) May 31, 2017 Is it respectable for @priyankachopra to be taking selfies at the #Holocaust Memorial? pic.twitter.com/BKPpJOAsE7 Sara Muzzammil (@SaraMuzzammil) May 30, 2017 Taking selfies at the Holocaust Memorial sounds like EXACTLY something @priyankachopra would do tbh. sparkling diamond (@sashemjay) May 31, 2017 In the midst of all kinds of rumours about his show being cancelled to his friends abandoning him, the news of Kapil Sharma being conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award ought to bring him some joy. Not to be confused with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is India's highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award that Sharma has been chosen for is presented by a certain Dadasaheb Phalke Academy that has been honouring talent from the Hindi and regional cinema since 2000. This academy acknowledges 22 different crafts of the industry, right from make-up artists to spot boys. Of course, the fact that Kapil Sharma is being presented this honour for the second time has raised many questions. When the award was first presented to the comedian in 2014, he turned up so late that the dignitaries and the audiences had all left. But those were different times for Sharma. This time around Sharma has promised the organisers that he will be punctual. And then there are times when awards choose people: such as the case of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award being bestowed upon Gulzar sahab. In such cases, the awardee means as much to the citation as the honour to the person it is conferred upon. And, then there are times when people end up choosing awards. The announcement of Sharmas Phalke brings to mind the time when then-president Barack Obama was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. Of course, there is no comparison between Kapil Sharmas Phalke and Barack Obamas Nobel. But to risk an audacious comparison, in both cases, one cant figure out the reason why they were honoured and its timing, which in some strange manner, equates them. Back when President Obama got the Nobel after just eights months into his first term he was as surprised as some of his critics and even when he remitted office in 2106 he jokingly confessed that he still didnt know why he got it. The Phalke that Sharma is getting is the same that will also be given to Priyanka Chopra for Being An International Icon. Moreover, the award comes to her under a newly introduced 'Internationally Acclaimed Actress' category. Just like a category being created to honour Priyanka Chopra, a category would have to be created for Kapil Sharma for he doesnt fit any pre-existing ones. Kapil Sharma getting this or any such award three years ago would have made perfect sense for it was around that time that the comedian had practically redefined the standards of being considered successful as a comedian. There have been comedians before him and there is an entire generation of new-age comedians who have taken the internet by storm, but never before had any comic enjoyed this kind of success in India. Kapil Sharma might not be the typical stand-up comedian but with his own shows (the first got cancelled as he left the channel and the second was a bigger success) he is at a place where scores of comics aspire to be through the routine of open mics, shows, specials, etc. Even up until last year any award that Sharma would have got would have been just fine; in 2016 he was ranked No. 7 on Forbes India Celebrity list higher than an Aamir Khan, Deepika Chopra and Priyanka Chopra, a remarkable jump from no. 27 in 2015 and no. 96 in 2012. It would be fun to see how Sharma circa mid-2017 would react to getting an award whose name is associated with the father of Indian cinema. Only a few months ago one could have imagined Sharma inviting Dhundiraj Govind Dada Saheb Phalke on his show or asking him a question while hosting an award function - Gala kharab tha shooting ke din kya? Aapki filmon mein awaaz nahin aati? (Did you have a bad throat the days you were filmingwhy were your films silent?) The Sharma of yore would have had the most fun while receiving an award a la Jerry Seinfeld, who when being given an HBO Award did thank the organisers but added all awards are stupid. Seinfeld was amid friends and had em in splits as he ranted the whole feeling in this room of reverence and honouring is the exact opposite of everything I had wanted my life to be about. To say Wonder Woman is the best DC universe film doesnt say much considering the incredibly low bar set by Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad. On the bright side its definitely an improvement over those two films, with Gal Gadot delivering a fun performance as the human ass kicking goddess, and if youre into explosions theres plenty of that in the film for your enjoyment. Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, is very much like Captain America: The First Avenger. They share the World War 2 setting, an origin story that transcends from a period setting to modern times, and a charming central character that discovers powers they didnt know they had. The film plays out like one giant flashback, after Wonder Woman receives an old photo of hers from Bruce Wayne. Were taken to her childhood where she was brought up on a Greek looking paradise island with other female Amazonian warriors where she years to become the best warrior of them all. Things take a turn when a man named Steve (Chris Pine) washes up ashore and shes taken on an adventure to vanquish an evil overlord. Its a fairly predictable plot but director Jenkins infuses just enough action beats to keep things entertaining. There are plenty of crowd pleasing male bashing women empowerment lines, which are not very incisive but still work given the target audience. Watching Wonder Woman stop a flood of bullets in a battlefield, and then thrash Nazis in buildings is fairly fun escapist stuff. The bad guy Danny Huston as a Nazi general is interesting, mirroring his terrifying turn from 30 Days of Night. Ideally the film should have released before BvS - it would have been a much more memorable journey for both the character and the audience. The sense of newness is missing and there is almost no element of surprise, because weve seen Gadot blasting things in the previous movie. That way her powers, even though rendered in pretty VFX, dont really wow you at any point its more a matter of waiting for her to unleash her powers. The climactic fight between our heroine and the bad guy has some emotional value and makes it seem like the stakes are high, which is a nice change from the soulless action of the previous movies. On the downside the film suffers from many of the same problems that BvS and SS did the overuse of CGI, the overwrought action where people are thrown from one end of the screen to the other, the unintentionally hilarious dialogue, the awful character development of the side characters, and the Martha style mommy issues. It sometimes feels like there are two films playing made by two different people one a fun adventure with a strong female character and the other a checklist of cliched things from the DCU. The best moment in the film is not an action spectacle but one where there is no action its a delicately funny scene on a boat where Wonder Woman and Steve chat awkwardly, the former effortlessly chastising the latters human faults. One wishes the studio let director Jenkins delve more into these character driven moments than forcing epic action spectacle as the main selling point. In any case Justice League now seems more interesting than it did before. ST PETERSBURG, Russia India's SREI Infrastructure Finance hopes to sign a $500 million joint venture this week with Russian state lender VEB to finance exports of equipment to India, managing director Hemant Kanoria said on Thursday.Kanoria was speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the St Petersburg economic forum where Russian and foreign businessmen gather every year in June. "We are looking at a joint venture with VEB which will be trying to support equipment exports from Russia into India. This would be heavy equipment going into the mining, construction and other industry in India," Kanoria said, adding that the machinery could be leased or purchased in India."We are looking at half a billion dollars to do a memorandum of understanding with them." Asked if the venture could be announced at the St Petersburg forum, Kanoria said: "Yes". He said SREI had also mooted creating a joint infrastructure fund together with the state-run Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) but progress had been slow so far. SREI's projects in Russia have stalled since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow after its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region, forcing partners in its Russian venture to pull back. These include the European Bank for Reconstruction (EBRD) and Development and Germany's DEG.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending this year's St Petersburg forum and also holding a bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Reporting by Sujata Rao; editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. New Delhi: Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal on Thursday denied before a court his involvement in serial blasts in Delhi in September 2008 that claimed 26 lives and left 135 people injured. Bhatkal told Additional Sessions Judge Siddharth Sharma the allegation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police that he had hatched a conspiracy for carrying out the blasts, was unsustainable. He refuted the allegation by the police that he purchased nails and aluminium sheets from a hardware shop at Udupi in Karnataka while his associate Asadullah Akhtar had bought cycle ball bearings from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh which were used for the blasts. "The police have yet not produced any forensic evidence that proves that the nails and other materials allegedly purchased from Karnataka and ball bearings from Lucknow were similar to those used for the blasts," his counsel MS Khan told the court. The two separate chargesheets were filed in connection with the blasts at Karol Bagh, which claimed 21 lives and left 64 injured, and the twin explosions at Greater Kailash. Nine people were injured in the twin blasts at M-block market in Greater Kailash-I. The police had said that Bhatkal and Akhtar, along with others, were part of conspiracy to carry out the blasts at several places in Delhi on 13 September, 2008. They had claimed that the accused had waged war against India by carrying out the terror attacks. The charge sheets alleged the offences were punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Information Technology Act. Bhatkal was arrested by the National Investigation Agency from Indo-Nepal border on the night of 28 August, 2013. Later, Delhi Police took his custody in blast case at Greater Kailash-I. Five cases were lodged in connection with the blasts at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, Barakhamba Road in Connaught Place, besides the one in Greater Kailash and recovery of a bomb near India Gate. All the five cases were clubbed by the trial court for the purpose of framing of charges and trial on the ground they arose from the series of the same transaction. Chandigarh: Acting on a directive from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the Punjab police on Thursday booked three people, including a Congress leader, for allegedly beating and stripping a Dalit in Amritsar district. Inspector General LK Yadav told the commission that "arrest warrants were issued against three accused, including Congress leader Lakhbir Rinku". The accused had on 17 April allegedly beaten up Kashmir Singh and stripped him at Bagga village in Majitha. Later, they allegedly posted his semi-naked picture on Facebook. The commission had directed the police to immediately arrest the culprits after the case was brought to its notice by Akali Dal general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia in Chandigarh. Commission director Raj Kumar Chhanena also called for action against police personnel who demonstrated "criminal negligence" by not taking action on the victim's complaints. He called for the release of two relatives of the victim who were in jail. Yadav said he would also look into why they were arrested. "The role of the police personnel associated with the incident would also be examined," he said. Briefing the commission, Majithia said even 15 days after the victim had submitted a complaint to the commission, the grievance had not been addressed. "People who committed the crime are roaming free and even threatening the victim. A concerted effort is being made to protect the criminals as well as police personnel who aided the accused in committing the atrocities," he alleged. He said there was a second incident on 29 April 29, when the victim's family was attacked, and his wife and daughter were molested. Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has directed the CBI to look into "all cases of issuance of fake certificates" by the Gwalior-based Board of Secondary Education, Madhya Bharat. A Division Bench comprising Justice VK Shukla and Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi passed the order on a bunch of petitions pertaining to certificates issued by the Board, in favour of candidates hailing from Uttar Pradesh. The court noted that while the Board was registered under the Societies Registration Act, it was "completely lacking" the authority to hold examinations and issue certificates. "We find that the Board is not at all in existence and issuance of certificates is a designed activity, by luring such candidates who on their own will not at all be in a position to clear examinations conducted by a duly recognised board," the court said. Noting with concern the Board's submission that the fake certificate submitted by one of the petitioners was not issued by it but "obtained from a gang" and that FIRs have been lodged at Haryana, Delhi and Gwalior "in reference of such fake certificates", the court said, "It would be much more expedient and in the interest of cleansing of education system that Director, Central Bureau of Investigation, should take up the matter, to which state of UP has no objection." Directing the Secretary, Basic Shiksha Parishad, UP to produce a copy of the order before the CBI Director, the court asked the probe agency to "lodge cases where fraudulent cases are apparent, for bringing guilty persons to book". Srinagar: Army chief General Bipin Rawat arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to review the security situation and operational preparedness of the armed forces posted in Kashmir and along the Line of Control. "Gen Rawat and some senior army officers arrived at Badamibagh Cantonment area this morning for a routine day-long visit," an army official said. He said the purpose of the army chief's visit was to review the security situation and operational preparedness in the Valley. "The Chief of Army Staff is being briefed by Corps Commander and other top officers about the situation in the Valley, especially after killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat. "He will also be briefed about the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of reports of activity at infiltration launch pads on the other side of LoC," the official added. Meanwhile, a General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed, while two others, including a BSF jawan, were injured on Thursday as Pakistan violated ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has written to India asking for information about its former army officer, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Mohammed Habib Zahir, who went missing on 6 April from Nepal, reports Times of India. This request is important in light of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case which is currently being heard at the International Court of Justice. The Pakistani media has earlier cited anonymous Pakistan security officials to say that India had abducted Habib in order to secure Jadhavs release but the issue had not been raised officially with India till now, the report says. Indian officials have denied knowledge about Habib but Pakistan government sources said that Islamabad is sure that he is in Indias custody. Habibs family had told the police that he may have been kidnapped by "enemy spy agencies", an apparent reference to Indian intelligence agencies, according to News18. His son had lodged an FIR with Rawat police station near Rawalpindi. Habib, who had retired in October 2014, had reportedly been offered a job at the United Nations in Lumbini, Nepal and someone by the name of Mark Thompson had contacted him, both via email and telephone. He was also provided an air ticket, Dawn had reported. Habib went missing near the Nepal-India border, while visiting the Nepali town of Lumbini for the job interview. He has been untraceable since 6 April. According to another News18 report, top Indian intelligence sources had said that Habib was on a sensitive ISI mission in Nepal and was to stay there for two weeks when he disappeared. Once the ISI lost touch with him, they refused to acknowledge any links with him, they said. Investigations into Habibs disappearance are still on, Nepal embassy officials told Times of India. With inputs from PTI Lucknow: An eyewitness produced by the CBI in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case on Thursday deposed before a special court as part of the day-to-day trial being conducted on the direction of the Supreme Court. Munna alias Habibullah had witnessed the entire incident 25 years ago, according to the prosecution. After the recording of his statement, defence counsel Vimal Srivastava started his cross-examination in the court of special judge S K Yadav in Lucknow. The cross-examination will continue on Friday. The CBI's counsel had on Wednesday furnished a list of the 196 witnesses examined by courts in Lucknow and 57 in Raebareli to the lawyers of BJP leader L K Advani and the other accused in the case. The defence counsel had sought copies of statements of these witnesses which were provided to them. Subsequently, the court had issued summons to the CBI witness. The judge had on 30 May framed charges against former deputy prime minister Advani (89), BJP veteran M M Joshi (83), Union minister Uma Bharti (58) and nine others for criminal conspiracy in the demolition case. The 16th-century structure in Ayodhya was pulled down on 6 December, 1992. The Supreme Court had ordered restoration of the conspiracy charge against them on 19 April. The nine others against whom charges were framed were BJP MP Vinay Katiyar (62), VHP's Vishnu Hari Dalmiya (89), one-time Hindutva firebrand Sadhvi Rithambara (53), Ramvilas Vedanti, Baikunth Lal Sharma, Champat Rai Bansal, Mahant Nritya Gopaldas, Dharam Das and Satish Pradhan. The charge of conspiracy is in addition to the existing charges against them including promoting enmity between different groups on the ground of religion for which they are already facing trial. Vedanti, Sharma, Bansal, Gopaldas, Dharam Das and Pradhan were allegedly present when the structure in Ayodhya was demolished. The maximum punishment which could be awarded to Advani and others upon conviction in the matter could be up to five years imprisonment or fine or both, according to a lawyer. On 23 May, the Government of India issued rules regulating the cattle market. The regulations seem to have affected the country even before they have been implemented or even read. Kerala went ballistic and, without most people having read or understood the rules, issued threats against the government of India. Members of the Congress party went so far as to slaughter a baby cow in public and distribute the meat to equally vicious spectators of this perverted cruelty. Kerala has no licensed slaughterhouses except the ones for export, so god knows what they were getting upset about except Kerala no longer needs a reason to kill somebody dogs, cows, women, children, elephants, other party workers. West Bengal put up a lesser howl and Tamil Nadu made a feeble protest because they are the ones who run the most illegal cattle markets in India and supply pregnant, sick, diseased and baby animals to Bangladesh and Kerala respectively. Some strong opinions have been expressed by political leaders and students unions but are devoid of legitimate content because almost none of these have observed or even seen livestock markets. Unfortunately, what gets conveyed and leads to mass hysteria is just political rhetoric. The context and provisions of the rules have been slaughtered in the process. Let us understand the need to regulate the livestock markets. Only two kinds of animals are brought to livestock markets ones that are useful for milch purposes or ploughing purposes and the ones that are to be sold for meat purposes. The ones that are useful are taken reasonable care of and their transport is less prone to smuggling as they find end users easily. Moreover, their health and appearance has to be kept in reasonable shape for them to fetch a high price. The second kind of animals that come to be sold for meat is another universe of hell. The farmer usually sells his discarded cattle for meat in intermediary markets to commission agents. These agents buy a dozen or so and take them to bigger markets and sell them to bigger agents. After many such transactions in many intermediate markets, at some point they are congregated, stuffed into trucks and taken to other states to be sold to bigger contractors. The interstate movement of cattle in North India is towards West Bengal via Jharkhand, Odisha or Bihar. In the southern states, the cattle are transported towards Kerala from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and even Maharashtra. Please bear in mind that most state Acts for slaughter or transport of cattle out of the State require extensive permissions from Animal Husbandry or Revenue Authorities. While none of this is followed, a system of "hafta" exists and police check posts simply let the overloaded trucks pass for a fee in blood money. Knowingly or not, everyone involved in the chain becomes a part of the smuggling racket which has plagued India. However much we may want to believe otherwise, this racket is not unorganised or organic by any stretch. There is an organised cattle trafficking mafia that operates in every state in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs in 2006 established the links between cattle smuggling and terror funding. In 2008, HUJI militants arrested after the Assam blasts confessed that they sourced all the money to conduct their activities through smuggling of cattle. Every year, in Uttar Pradesh alone, more than 100 police personnel get killed by cattle smugglers. On the Indo-Bangladesh border, scores of BSF jawans get butchered by the cattle smuggling mafia every year. The profit margins for export of meat to the gulf countries through Bangladesh is extremely high and there is nothing that the mafia wouldn't do to anyone who comes in their way. There is an unwritten prohibition on the entry of women in the Ghazipur cattle market in Delhi. The "sights are disturbing", they say. The animal slaughter section of the Sonepur cattle market in Bihar is a place where only "known middlemen" are allowed to enter. Anyone who walks in with a camera will surely not walk out with one and may also have to be carried out on a stretcher. Reason being, the picture isn't pretty. The tortured animals tied with short ropes, stand in lines for days and sometimes weeks, waiting for a buyer or the appropriate time for transport towards further hell. Their spirits are broken due to gross mishandling. Little calves can be seen looking for their mothers who are sold elsewhere. The cruelty issues for cattle slaughter are huge. The death march that starts from the farmer's doorstep does not end at one market or with one buyer. They exchange multiple hands and are invariably ill-treated by each successive buyer. The question of feeding and giving water does not arise because they have to be slaughtered anyway. Sometimes, the weak ones are given alum water to drink to make their kidneys fail. This way, water is retained in their bodies making them look fatter so that they fetch a higher price. They are made to travel from one market to another on foot, stuffed in trucks, in smaller vehicles and also in trains. The common factor here is the absence of necessary permissions and total disregard of existing laws for prevention of cruelty. It is quite common in southern states to see chillies stuffed in the eyes of cattle, to make them stand up in pain even when they are on the brink of death due to exhaustion. To maximise profits and cut costs, the cattle are stuffed into trucks beyond imagination. Some suffocate to death, many get fractured bones, punctured eyes, broken tails, prolapsed uteruses, broken necks. In the absence of ramps for loading and unloading, the animals are thrown from vehicles often causing crippling injuries. They are pulled onto vehicles by strangling them and pulling with brute force. Such blatant brutality is generally not shown to animals that are still productive for agricultural use. Regulating the markets and creating connections directly from the farms to the slaughterhouses, through established channels such as the dairy cooperatives, hurts nobody other than the mafia, their contractors and middlemen. Moreover, the dairy industry needs to be accountable for disposing its byproduct in a responsible manner. The Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Government of India has also worked on sustainable and income generating models of keeping non-milking animals. These need to be implemented by state governments. The dairy sector is not an amorphous entity as most urban people believe. It is highly organised through milk cooperatives and Dairy Development Boards in each state. These channels need to be used for disposal of cattle that can be sold for slaughter so that there is accountability and reasonableness in the transactions and to minimise cruelty. After having taken into account despicable cruelty and grave issues such as the threats of cattle smuggling and their implications on people and animals, the drafting committee framed the rules. Tamil Nadu opposes it for strange reasons. One of their arguments for opposing the Jallikattu ban was that they do not want their precocious cattle smuggled to Kerala and slaughtered. Now, they oppose a rule that actually addresses the problem. West Bengal has been a respondent in Writ Petition 881 of 2014 and present at each hearing and consultation and deliberation that took place while arriving at the notification. The West Bengal counsel was in court on 13 July, 2015 when court asked the union government to frame the rules and also on the day when union government informed the court that the draft livestock rules were notified on 17 January, 2017. Why did they wait till the order was finally passed? And they suspect that it has anything to do with Ramzan! The Congress party has put up an eye-opening demonstration in Kerala, defeating the provisions of their own Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and Regulations 2011. The unfortunate attempts reek of desperation and cowardice. The rest of India breathed a sigh of relief. If Environment Minister Dave has left a legacy, it is this rule. New Delhi: The Indian army chief's views on Jammu and Kashmir "exemplifies all that is wrong with the way the Modi government is dealing with the situation there", the CPM has said. In an editorial titled "Damaging the Army's Image", the CPM journal People's Democracy pulled up general Bipin Rawat over an army major's decision to tie a Kashmiri civilian to his jeep to act as a human shield. Army chief Rawat, had in a recent interview, defended major Nitin Gogoi's action, and also given him a commendation even while an enquiry into the widely criticised action was being held. "The army chief, by commending this act, has let down the high professional standards of the army," the editorial said. "Some former serving generals of the Army have decried the use of the civilian as a human shield. They have correctly pointed out that the Army cannot treat its own people in such a manner." The Communist Party of India-Marxist said general Rawat was reflecting the views of the Modi government "which seeks to suppress the people of Kashmir, who are voicing their political protest, through the sole reliance on use of force. "Not only the people of Kashmir but the army itself will suffer irreparable damage due to the government's blind adherence to the use of coercive force against the civilian population." A day after a research scholar of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras was assaulted by a group of students for participating in a beef festival on the campus, students of IIT Bombay and IIT Madras protested on Wednesday. A peaceful march was held inside the campus of IIT Bombay where students chanted slogans against the increasing Hindutva vigilantism. With placards in their hands demanding justice for R Sooraj, the protesting students said the march was a spontaneous reaction to the increasing incidents of violence happening on educational campuses in the country in recent times, reported Hindustan Times. The protest was unusual as IIT-Bombay students generally stay away from contentious socio-political issues, Hindustan Times reported. A similar protest was organised outside the campus Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) on Wednesday condemning the assault on Sooraj. Members of organisations like the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Students Federation of India (SFI) gathered outside IIT-M and shouted slogans. They also shouted slogans against the central government. Police later arrested the protestors. Members of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam also held a beef eating protest outside IIT-M. Meanwhile, police on Wednesday said they had registered a case against eight persons in connection with the attack on Sooraj. No arrests have been made. Sooraj was allegedly attacked by a group of students affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh. The scholar received serious injuries after he was allegedly thrashed by around six fellow students for participating in a beef fest. Sooraj suffered a major injury on his right eye and was admitted to a hospital. The beef-eating festival was organised in protest against the central government's new rule banning sale of bovines for slaughter. Earlier, on 27 May, students of IIT-BHU and BHU, who were peacefully protesting against the brutal attack on Dalits in Saharanpur during Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanaths visit, were allegedly attacked by the police, The Indian Express reported. With inputs from agencies Jammu: A labourer was killed and two others, including a BSF trooper, were injured on Thursday in firing exchanges between Pakistani and Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said. "A labourer was killed and a driver injured from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) in the firing. A Head Constable from Border Security Force (BSF) was also injured in the attack," Defence Ministry spokesman Lieutenant colonel Manish Mehta told IANS. Indiscriminate firing was started by the Pakistan Army early on Thursday, to which the Indian troops retaliated. "Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing and shelling on our positions on the LoC in Rajouri district's Naushera sector and Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch," Mehta had earlier said. The Pakistani forces were firing using small arms, automatics and mortars, he said. "Our forces are effectively retaliating," Mehta added. Meanwhile, the Pakistani side also claimed that at least three people were injured when Indian forces resorted to "unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control. According to a Pakistan Army statement, Indian troops opened fire at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC on Thursday morning. The two sides regularly accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement in which civilians are killed and injured. Pakistan last week said that a 60-year-old woman was killed when an Indian shell landed on her house and exploded in Naali village of Bhimber district. With inputs from PTI Raipur: As many as 13 Naxalites, two of them allegedly involved in the deadly attack on the CRPF personnel on 24 April, were arrested on Thursday from two places in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district. While 11 cadres were apprehended from Chintagufa police station area, two others were held from Chintalnar police station limits by a joint team of security forces, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada range) Sundarraj P said. The composite squad of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and district force was out in a search operation in the forests of Chintagufa and Chintalnar, around 450 kilometres from here. Two ultras, identified as Madkam Deva (23) and Podiyam Joga (25), members of Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisaan Mazdoor Sangthan (DAKMS) a frontal wing of Maoists, were arrested from Chintalnar, the DIG said. The duo was allegedly involved in the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnels of the 74th Battalion on 24 April in Burkapal area wherein 25 troopers were killed, he said. Rest of the 11 arrested ultras were also active as lower rung members of the banned outfit and allegedly involved in the incident of triggering a blast coupled with firing on a police party in Bagdeguda area of Chintagufa on 19 May, the officer said. "Moreover, all of them were allegedly involved in several other Naxal incidents, including attacks on police party and attempt to murder," the DIG said. They were produced before a local court, which remanded them in judicial custody, he said. Meanwhile, security forces busted a 'transit camp' of Naxalites following an exchange of fire in Bastar district on Thursday. A team of the Special Task Force (STF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of police was conducting a combing operation in the interior area within Mardoom police station limits, Superintendent of Police Sheikh Arif Hussain. A gunbattle broke out when the security forces were cordoning off forests between Kodenar and Kudur after receiving inputs about movement of ultras. Rebels soon fled, following which the security team came upon a Naxal hideout, used as a 'transit camp' while on the move, and recovered a muzzle-loading gun, a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) and gelatin rods, the superintendent of police said. New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday said it will lodge an FIR against the members of BJP Yuva Vahini, who were involved in vandalism and sloganeering outside the party office here. "Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is nothing but Bharatiya Jungleraj Party. They engage in hooliganism, in diverting attention and suppressing voices," said Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar. "Today (Wednesday) around 10.30 am, workers of the BJP's Yuva vahini indulged in vandalism, sloganeering and misbehaviour outside the Congress office. This has become BJP's culture to abuse the top leadership of Congress and indulge in vandalism," he added. Kumar further said: "They reached the most secure area of the national capital, which shows they had full backing of Delhi Police and the central government." Amid the furore over the cattle market regulations being seen as a Hindu right-wing conspiracy, a judge of the Rajasthan High Court has renewed the bizarre call to nominate the cow as Indias national animal, and to escalate the punishment for cow slaughter to life imprisonment. These calls utterly blur the distinct agendas of Hindu ultra-nationalism, and animal protection advocacy. As highly sympathetic animal rights activists, we reject such calls as inherently devastating for the cows, and indeed, all other animals, especially those designated as food or livestock. One, petitioning only for the cow is inconsistent with animal ethics where we make no distinctions between the innate value of animals of all species. In fact, the political fetishising of the cow for over 60 years since Independence has arguably done more harm to the cow as the concern has never been for the cow. The Hindutva agenda has always been to mobilise the cow to advance the idea of a Hindu Indian nation. The animal vulnerabilities of the cow which is what animal advocacy is concerned with have been completely disregarded. The state of cattle in India is perhaps most pitiful of any nation in the world, subject as they are to violent beatings in cattle markets, chillies in their eyes, repeated pregnancies for milk production, range of pregnancy-related issues for dairy that go untreated the list is limitless. Making the cow a national animal only serves a communal agenda further, in which animal advocacy has no interest. Two, objectifying the cow as a national animal based on her ostensible sacrality, we argue, in fact results in greater violence for the cows. Nature religion scholar Catherine Albanese makes the crucial distinction between nature as sacred, and nature as sacred resource. Where nature is a sacred resource and not inherently sacred, regardless of the utility to humans violence to nature is endemic. The cows sacrality emphatically comes from her value as a sacred resource. The panchagavya from the cow milk, butter, ghee, urine and dung, as well as a spectrum of other products leather, bones, gelatin, hooves, meat undoubtedly have economic value, making the cow the most commercially valuable animal. Commercialising the animal is founded upon violating the animal, and the cows sacrality is almost indistinguishable from her economic value. Three, as animal advocates, a logic of cow protection that is profuse with violence for other animals is against our ethical practice. Indeed, even Hinduism regards all animals as sacred; the Mother Cow is the mother of all living creation. All other religions equally emphasise compassion to all life as a core ethical practice. However, the politicising of the cow results in prolific violence for all animals, especially the buffalo who are slaughtered prolifically. In fact, the bulk of Indias beef exports come from buffalo beef. The buffalo and goats and sheep bear the cross of being as valuable as the cow for their milk and meat, and yet having none of the protections, weak as they may be. Last, the cow doesnt need us to recognise her as a national animal she just needs us to fully acknowledge her as an animal. The growing strand of animal studies in environmental politics work argues for a recognition where animals are animals (emphasis in original) in order to fully understand their specific vulnerabilities as animals. Protecting an animal has no meaning unless we are aware of their animal, species-specific vulnerabilities. This, in fact, would change the entire paradigm of what cow protection even comes to mean. The cow as mother, sacred and goddess in fact fully obscures her animal vulnerabilities further, and is entirely unhelpful to effective animal advocacy. The paradigm of the animal advocacy movement in India needs to significantly shift. We need our own mega-politics of resistance and liberation. By continuing to buy specifically into cow politics, we erode our own credibility, and end up becoming complicit in divisive communal politics that we were never interested in to begin with. The focus of this work needs to focus on all animals, especially all those objectified as food sources. Chennai: The fire that gutted a textile showroom in Chennai has been extinguished and work to demolish the building housing it is expected to commence soon, as a top central portion collapsed on Thursday. Tamil Nadu finance minister D Jayakumar told reporters that the building will be demolished manually within three days as it has no structural stability. The demolition work will begin soon, he said. Although the building could be demolished within seconds using modern technology, it could not be considered in view of the structure being located in a key commercial area in corporation limits, he said. Fire and Rescue Services office said the fire has been put out. However, as a precaution fire tenders have been stationed there. Twelve persons were rescued from the seven storied building, which houses Chennai Silks, a leading textile showroom on the busy Usman Road, when the fire broke out at about 4 am on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu revenue minister RB Udhaya Kumar said a portion of the building collapsed on Friday due to the heat produced by the blaze and the particular stretch had no supporting pillars and it looked like a conference hall. He said a team, comprising top government officials and experts including one from the IIT Madras have begun assessing the fire ravaged building since morning. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the structure, Kumar said the next step for the government was to "remove the building without causing any disturbance to commercial and residential buildings in the vicinity." Stating that preliminary assessment showed that "pillars were strong and brick walls have cracked," he said there were several technical methods to bring down the structure. Lauding fire fighters for putting out the fire risking their lives, he said there was no loss of life due to efforts including declaration of the area as out of bounds for public. He said the mishap was a "lesson in safety" for all. About violations in the building construction, the minister said corporation officials were scrutinising it. Appropriate action will be initiated if warranted, he added. On demolition work, a senior official said the rubble will be deposited in the rear of the building creating a platform for the "jaw crusher," a machinery that will aid in the demolition. About three years ago, the T Nagar Residents Welfare Association (TNRWA) had approached the Madras High Court over alleged violations in a section of buildings and lack of fire safety mechanism in the neighbourhood. Secretary, TNRWA, B Kannan told PTI that the mishap proved yet again the acute need to ensure fire safey. He said the petition was before the court and the government had sought time in the matter. Chennai: The New India Assurance Company Ltd will soon appoint assessors to determine the loss suffered by the Chennai Silks showroom that was gutted down in a fire, said a senior insurance official. The multi-storied textile showroom is covered under a package policy for shops, the official said, preferring anonymity. The policy covers stocks, building, cash-in-till, sign boards and other assets for damage due to fire and other perils. "The fire was put out today (Thursday). The surveyors will be appointed soon," the official told IANS. The Coimbatore region of New India Assurance Co Ltd bagged the insurance for the showroom for the first time. Earlier it was insured with the National Insurance Company. The loss is estimated to run into several crore of rupees as stocks, building and other assets have been destroyed. "We understand the jewellery has been safeguarded by moving it to a different place. To that extent, our loss will be less," the official added. The Chennai Silks group's jewellery outlet was also located in the fire-hit building. The building suffered major damage as portions of it gave in due to intense heat as the fire raged for over 30 hours. According to Tamil Nadu government officials, the remaining portion of the building will be pulled down after studying its stability. The showroom caught fire on Wednesday morning and it burnt for over 30 hours. A huge fire that gutted a leading textile showroom in Chennai's downtown T Nagar on Wednesday morning, continued to rage on for more than 24 hours after it broke out. No one was injured and 12 people were rescued from the seven-storied building on Wednesday. T Nagar is the market place in Chennai which has several silk shops. The fire, which was first reported at around 4 am on Wednesday morning, had engulfed almost five floors of the seven-storey building which houses Chennai Silks, a leading textile brand, affecting normalcy in the key commercial area. The fire reportedly rekindled every now and then sending bursts of smoke and soot billowing on the streets. #Visuals from Tamil Nadu: 4th to 7th floor of Chennai Silks Building collapsed, 60 Fire tenders at the spot, no casualties reported. pic.twitter.com/7gZa00wUG6 ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Tamil Nadu: Chennai Silks Building starts collapsing at around 3 am after fire fighters fought hard to douse the fire for more than 24 hours ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 According to India Today TV, the key concern of fire personnel was that the entire building doesn't cave in. At around 3 am on Thursday, five floors (from seventh to second) collapsed after hours of blazing inferno. A tragedy waiting to happen? The incident drew attention to the dangers thousands of shoppers and businessmen face everyday. The teeming shopping hub in the heart of the city largely remains non compliant to fire protection guidelines. The narrow serpentine roads in the area proved to be a major challenge for fire tenders struggling to get the water tankers and fire-fighting trucks through. According to a report in The News Minute, a Madras High Court-appointed monitoring committee had found in a 2006 survey that close to 75 buildings on Ranganathan Street in T Nagar were violating existing norms. Since then little has been done to address the several red flags it raised. Incidentally, the Chennai Silks building was also facing demolition for planning violation in 2006, however, it somehow managed to stave it off, according to The New Indian Express. Around 60 fire tenders and at least 450 rescue operators have been deployed in the area. The fire department decided to deploy excessive force to contain the fire from spreading before it could be put out completely, according to India Today TV. The fire affected the traffic which led to closure of commercial establishments and retail outlets in the vicinity. Also, some residents living close to the showroom were asked to stay away by authorities. Top officials told PTI that more than 100 tankers had so far supplied water to douse the fire and 150 firemen were still on the job to put out the blaze. A PTI correspondent who visited the spot this evening found almost nil visibility due to thick smoke, which had spread upto two to three kilometres. Road users, including two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, were put to acute discomfort. Parts of the Chennai Silks building in Chennai collapsed around 3.19 am. Visuals from @PTTVOnlineNews pic.twitter.com/bBJfoqchJM Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) May 31, 2017 Officials from multiple state agencies, including fire and rescue, city police, Chennai Corporation and revenue department are on the spot coordinating to douse the fire. The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained though it is suspected to be due to short-circuit. "Our priority now is to put out the fire and extinguish smoke. We will look into the cause later," an official said. The blaze was noticed at about 4 am and several fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot. However, accessing the building and spraying water inside proved challenging in the centrally air-conditioned showroom. "We had to demolish a portion of the front exterior of the building so that water could be let deep inside," a fire officer said. Fire fighters battled hard to get into the showroom from the ground floor even as the sound of things coming crashing down heavily from within was quite audible from outside. Firemen surrounded the building and sprayed water from high-pressure valves to try and douse the blaze. Even after more than 10 hours of fire fighting efforts, flames were still seen smoldering inside parts of the building on several floors. Though some cracks could be seen in the building, officials declined to state if it was due to fire and whether it would affect the structural stability of the structure. "We will check everything...we will see if there were any violations later and consider appropriate options, if warranted," a senior official said. The mishap is expected to cause loss worth crores due to the gutting of commercial stock and the building. "By using skylift, we rescued 12 people. None was injured... smoke is emanating from the basement and it is being extinguished," a Fire official told reporters, adding that an electric short-circuit might have caused the fire. Officials said to ensure safety, the showroom and the area around it had been declared out of bounds for the public. With inputs from PTI Five Pakistan soldiers died in retaliatory firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch on Thursday, media reports said. According to CNN-News 18, the retaliatory firing took place at Nowshera sector of Poonch. Jammu & Kashmir: 5 Pak soldiers killed & six injured in retaliatory fire assaults by Indian Army, in Bhimber & Battal sector- Sources pic.twitter.com/cCCTJj77k4 ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Earlier, on Thursday, Pakistani troops violated ceasefire and killed General Reserve Engineering Force personnel in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district. Two others, including a BSF trooper, were injured, reported IANS. The personnel were injured as Indian and Pakistani armies exchanged heavy fire and shelling along the LoC in Mendhar area of Poonch district. The officials were working on Dabraj road of Mendhar when a mortar shell landed near them, according to Greater Kashmir. The injured, Radha Krishnan, Mohd Parvez and Sarvan Kumar were rushed to Mendhar hospital. Two of them, whose condition is serious, have been referred to Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu. "A labourer was killed and a driver injured from the General Reserve Engineer Force in the firing. A head constable from Border Security Force was also injured in the attack," defence ministry spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said. Meanwhile, according to CNN-News18, Pakistan has summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner over LoC firing. Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh summoned by Pakistan foreign office over alleged LOC firing ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 On Thursday, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said India has become an "obstacle" to peace in South Asia. The president, addressing the national Assembly, also termed Jammu and Kashmir as an "incomplete agenda" of the partition of the subcontinent. He accused India of not responding to Pakistan's "peace efforts". With inputs from agencies Chandigarh: Haryana minister Anil Vij, a long-time proponent of declaring cow as national animal, has said if steps were not taken to protect the bovine it may become endangered. The Haryana health minister said this while hailing the verdict of a Rajasthan High Court which asked the state's BJP government to take necessary steps to get cow declared the national animal and ensure its slaughterers were punished with imprisonment for life. "I welcome the Rajasthan High Court judge's verdict", Vij told PTI. Referring to the slaughtering of a calf in Kerala's Kannur district by Youth Congress activists, he said, "We are seeing a new frenzy on part of some people to put the cow in danger". "If cow is not protected, it may become endangered. And cow can only be protected when it is declared as a national animal", he said. In October 2015, the outspoken minister had pitched for declaring cow as the national animal, and even launched an online poll on the issue. The five-time Ambala Cantt MLA had then mooted on Twitter the idea of making cow the national animal, replacing tiger. Vij said that he had reasoned that the cow needs protection as the tiger can protect itself. "There is a mafia that is involved in slaughtering cows. Like the peacock is protected by virtue of being the national bird, the same will be the case when cow is declared as national animal", Vij stated. He said when he had launched the online poll, a cross-section of people had supported him on the issue including Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev. When asked that Congress often accuses the BJP of "politicising" cow, Vij said, "Cow is not a religious or political tool. Everyone drinks cow's milk, people from all religions drink her milk, which is good for health. If we are asking to protect this animal, where is the question of doing politics in this". Notably, for protection and upkeep of cows, Haryana Assembly had in March 2015 passed the Bill which clamps a complete ban on cow slaughter in the state and provides for rigorous imprisonment ranging from 3-10 years for killing the animal. Let me make this clear at the onset I unequivocally condemn the violence that occurred on the 30 May and wish for the perpetrators to be brought to book after the due process has been followed. There is no two ways of looking at this issue. That said, this article is an attempt to articulate what many of the people whom I have spoken to feel about politics within our institute Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras). Politics in an Ideal University An institute of national importance, like IIT-Madras, by its very nature, is a melange of different cultures which brings together students from different parts of the country. Students, who speak variety of languages, celebrate different festivals and practice a number of different customs, are brought together under one umbrella, bound by a common goal of studying a discipline and excelling in the same. But that is not all. An ideal university, which an institute of national importance strives very hard to be, is a place where students grow together, learn life-lessons together. It's a place where students are given the freedom to explore what the world has to offer, a place where they are given the opportunity to try new things without the fear of being judged. Institutes, like IIT, are places where students are given the time to reflect on the happenings in the world and allowed to form opinions. The ultimate objective of such institutes is the creation of a reflective citizenry who can make the nation a better place to live, and insofar as an activity helps in achieving this, institutes should encourage students to pursue that activity, be it art, music, sports, or even politics. Lets accept it it is impossible for a melting pot of different languages, cultures and customs to be apolitical. Tensions are omnipresent between different groups of people, and negotiating between these tensions is what politics is all about. Politics is the art of negotiating the different I(s) to achieve a common We and in this sense, is inherently educating and fulfills the objective of creating a reflective citizenry. Shouldnt such politics then be encouraged? IIT believes in the affirmative. IIT's belief in allowing students to experience politics has been tempered by an understanding that student politics, like the one found in colleges throughout India, may prove to be counter-productive. To strike a balance between these competing interests, IIT administration actively encouraged students to write their own Students' Constitution back in the 1980s and had it redrafted last year by students again, and that document has been the guiding light for all political activities on campus. Politics for the sake of education one can say, is the unofficial motto behind politics within IIT-Madras campus. Whats the beef with the beef party? In light of the above, let us evaluate the beef party that was organised in the campus recently. One cannot question the right of the students to organise the protest or eat beef at Himalaya Lawns. What one can question, however, is the appropriateness of eating beef as a sign of protest. Activities inside the campus must help students learn and grow, and if the intention was to educate students about why the newly-notified rules were flawed, would eating beef further that aim? Will joking about how they are eating "gau mata" as they relish beef enable discussions between those who oppose eating beef and those who dont? Will calling people who oppose organising the beef fest sanghis and right-wing fascists, further the space for a constructive dialogue in campus? No. And therein lies the problem. I do not doubt the legality of holding a beef party. I question the intention behind the same. If the intention was to hold a discussion on the merits and demerits of the new rules in a bid to educate students as the organisers claimed, the beef party was not the appropriate thing to do. I have informed the organisers of the beef party and the members of the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle and other left-leaning organisations time and again that while their activities are legally correct, the way they go about organising their activities is destroying space for dialogue on campus. Posting posters calling for burning Rams effigy and pasting satirical posters of Purohits with the head of a cow with the caption "Mein Calf" is borderline incitement and hurtful to religious sensibilities. My pleas, however, have fallen on deaf ears. The North South Divide between the Right and the Left Some of the students who were present when Manish and Sooraj fought, are people who I describe as the right-leaning students. While the left-leaning students can be encapsulated in APSC et al, the right-leaning student group does not have formal organisation that can be used to describe it. Rather interestingly, there is a rough regional divide between the right and left leaning student groups the left leaning students are mostly from South India, especially from Kerala, while the right leaning students are mostly from North India. Sooraj, for instance, is from Kerala while Manish is from Bihar. The right-leaning students have repeatedly shown complete disregard to any spirit of accommodation they are not tolerant at all. Intimidating behaviour is their way of expressing their frustration against the left-wing students and despite repeated appeals to them to desist from unruly behaviour, there has been no positive change. These students disrupted two meetings of the Student Legislative Council, which is IIT Madras apex student body, the second time seeing a fight between the left and the right. Talking to some of them revealed that many of them, like Manish, are from rural areas and have been brought in a manner that makes them find acts like eating beef unpardonable. That, coupled with their steadfast unwillingness to accept that differences that are inherent in people destroys space for dialogue and blocks the possibility of peaceful resolution of any problem. To conclude, the prevailing atmosphere in the campus is not one that is suitable for dialogue. Both groups of students do not see eye to eye and a feeling of biased coverage by the media impacts students on the campus. This being the case, it is important for the institute administration to come forward and hold a frank dialogue with these students and impress upon them the need to maintain civility within the campus. Braving out the story and then trying to sweep things under the carpet IIT Madras' administrations tactic till date has only aggravated problems and I hope that this time around, the administration doesnt do the same. The author is a final year student pursuing his integrated M.A in Development Studies at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Madras. Opinions are personal New York: A human rights organisation has criticised the Indian Army for awarding a commendation to one of its officers who used a civilian as a human shield in Kashmir, saying support for such "lawless action" will lead to future lawlessness by security forces and protesters. "The Indian Army's rewarding of an officer for actions that included serious human rights violations undermines accountability and the stature of the military," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement on Wednesday. It was referring to Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi being commended for evacuating security personnel and election staff who were threatened by a mob in Jammu and Kashmir, in which he used a bystander unlawfully as a "human shield." The Indian Army has defended Gogoi's action. In a recent interview to PTI, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, defending the episode, said the Army was facing a "dirty war" in Kashmir which has to be fought through "innovative" ways. Rawat had said the main objective of awarding Major Gogoi, when a court of inquiry was finalising its probe into the incident, was to boost the morale of young officers of the force who are operating in a very difficult environment in the militancy-infested state. "This is a proxy war and proxy war is a dirty war. It is played in a dirty way. The rules of engagements are there when the adversary comes face-to-face and fights with you. It is a dirty war... That is where innovation comes in. You fight a dirty war with innovations," Rawat said, in what were the general's most comprehensive comments yet to the media on the issue. HRW's South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly, however, said, "Soldiers have a difficult task in Kashmir and should be rewarded for saving lives, but not by deliberately placing others at risk and violating their rights." "Support by senior army and government officials for a lawless action merely fans the flames of future lawlessness by security forces and protesters," Ganguly said. "Public praise by senior officials for an act of outrageous cruelty should put to rest any belief that the government is serious about holding security force personnel to account for serious abuses." The army chief's Commendation medal to Gogoi, who had tied a man to an army jeep and used him as a human shield from stone throwers in April was criticised by human rights activists, Kashmiri groups and by a few retired army generals. A video of the incident had triggered a row with many condemning it. Amzad Khan, a 37-year-old who was recently arrested for alleged Islamic State (IS) links, has told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that a Germany-based woman was the handler of a pro-IS community on a messaging app, which spreads the terrorist outfit's propaganda. According to a report in Hindustan Times, NIA is looking into Khan's claims as the interrogation continues to progress on other fronts. The report states that the woman is recognised by her vague chat group name Nau Lee on the Telegram app, which apparently connects a group of IS-sympathisers across the world. Khan, who operated under a number of aliases online, was popularly known as Ayan Salafi Khan in the online domain. Khan was arrested in April this year, shortly after he was deported from Saudi Arabia for his alleged affiliation to the West Asia-based terror organisation. Hailing from Rajasthan, Khan had emerged as a major suspect in the case against unknown and unidentified persons involved in Islamic State-related activities in countries at peace with India. He was also believed to be the influencer behind brainwashing several Indians in Kerala to join the terror group. Khan was the president of Junood-ul-Khalifa-Fil-Hind (JKH), a terror group that has pledged loyalty to IS and is responsible for sending recruits from India to Syria. Now, Khan's claims about a German woman, if proven true, can establish the penetration of a systematic global network into the Indian social media domain. The NIA says that it may consider approaching the other countries named by Khan, but added that his claims needed to be verified first. Meanwhile, allegations that Telegram groups are being used as tools to spread Islamic State propaganda are not new. In April this year, reports emerged that a 30-year-old British Muslim Islamic State fighter has been allegedly using Telegram to push out bomb-making guidelines for his supporters, to encourage them to launch bomb attacks in London. Various media reports, emerging from time to time, have suggested that the Germany-based app, that promises heavily encrypted and secure messaging service, has become the preferred mode of communication for terror outfits. What makes it even more preferable to radical elements is the fact that unlike Whatsapp, the app offers a range of security features including sending self-destructive messages. It also has scope for much larger communities (up to 5,000 people can join a group chat) as opposed to other similar applications. The app's website touts 'heavy encryption' and fast and limitless media exchange as its key USPs. According to an article in The Verge, the app is not only popular because of its stringent security messages, but also because it allows any developer to build a Telegram client of their own. This feature not only minimises the chances of hacking attacks, it opens up a slew of local languages to be used as a medium on the channel. A report in The Quint narrates a personal anecdote of an author, who happened to stumble upon a group where the handlers would single out people based on their religion and geographic location and approach them separately. In India, too, reports have surfaced that pro-Islamic State Twitter accounts have been dishing out extremist agenda to people with a slightly religious inclination. As long back as in 2014, NIA had busted a young Bangalore-based engineer, said to be behind an anonymous pro-Islamic State Twitter account, according to NBC News. If Khan's claims find merit during NIA's investigation, it will reinstates the suspicion that terror outfit handlers have already seeped into the India social media space, waiting to vitiate young minds they find to be susceptible, to be reprogrammed to suit the terror group's agenda. New Delhi: An Indian parliamentary delegation on a visit to Sweden has sought from the Scandinavian nation partnership in combating international terrorism, emphasising its dangers, especially in the South Asian region. The 10-member delegation led by union minister of state (MoS) for parliamentary affairs SS Ahluwalia visited the north European country with an aim of promoting and strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries. During the visit, which concluded on Wednesday, Ahluwalia emphasised on the threat posed by international terrorism, especially in the South Asian region, and the need for the international community to join hands to combat this global menace, including its state sponsorship and funding, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs on Thursday. Stressing the gravity of the menace, Ahluwalia said the perpetrators were not small-time anarchists but "well-educated, well-motivated, well-trained, well-armed, well-connected and well-funded terrorists". The minister expressed New Delhi's gratitude to Sweden for its unequivocal championing of India's candidature for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The minister sought Sweden's support for the Global Convention against International Terrorism at the UN. An Infosys employee was found dead in companys office premises in Chennai on Tuesday night. Ilayaraja Arunachalam (30), from Tamil Nadus Tiruvannamalai district, was last seen at his Mahindra World City premises on the outskirts of Chennai on Monday by his colleagues, but he never returned home. Later in the evening, his wife Revathy filed a police complaint following which police launched a search operation. His naked body was found in the companys dormitory, which is generally used by employees to take rest. Kancheepuram SP Santosh Hadimani was quoted as saying in The Indian Express, He entered the dormitory around 8.15 pm on Monday. He did not return after he had left for work on Monday morning. We found his body at 11 pm on Tuesday. There were no injury marks on his body. No suicide note has been found". His body was later sent for post-mortem at the Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital. While police are yet to confirm the cause of death, the family suspected it to be murder. They protested outside the hospital demanding action against the suspects. The Indian Express also reported that the hospital's preliminary report suggests that the deceased could have been strangulated. This incident raises a serious question of security in software companies. In January, Infosys employee Rasila Raju was found dead in her Pune office, following which Infosys had assured that it would revamp its security measures across its campuses. According to the Business Standard report, Infosys said in a statement that the company would extend necessary support to the family. Ghaziabad: Intelligence agencies are probing the Saharanpur caste clashes and "stringent" action will be initiated against BSP supremo Mayawati if she was found complicit in the conspiracy, Uttar Pradesh minister Rajendra Pratap Singh said on Thursday. A Dalit man had died in a caste clash soon after Mayawati's visit to Saharanpur in the troubled district on 23 May. "Intelligence agencies are probing the root cause of the violence. In case Mayawati is found to be behind the conspiracy of Saharanpur clashes, stringent action will be taken against her by the state government," Singh said. Interacting with media persons Ghaziabad, Singh, who is the state minister for Rural Engineering department said that "violence had broken out after Mayawati's Saharanpur visit". He also attacked the BSP chief claiming she was frustrated over losing her vote bank. "The BJP has benefited and this is the reason she is conspiring to defame the Yogi government," the minister alleged. Mayawati had visited Saharanpur on 23 May, to meet the victims of violence that had broken out earlier that month. However fresh violence erupted the same day in which one person, who was returning after attending the BSP chief's event, died. Mayawati has also attacked the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state over the violence and held the state administration responsible. Talking about the law and order issue in the state, Singh said that the mentality of the police needs positive change. He claimed that crime was not rising in the state. It is 14-year-old garbage that cannot be cleaned in such short period, he added taking a pot-shot at opposition parties which had earlier held power in the state. Kabul: No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for Wednesday's powerful blast that ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter, killing at least 90 people and wounding hundreds of others. The attack, condemned by the international community, underscores how the Afghan capital has become one of the deadliest places in the country for civilians. As the silence stretches and public anger grows, AFP looks at the main suspects: The Afghan Taliban The Taliban have denied they were involved but analysts say that should not be taken at face value. Currently in the midst of their so-called "spring offensive", the Taliban who seek to drive foreign forces from Afghanistan and to rule the country through their extremist interpretation of Islam are by far its biggest and most powerful insurgent group. They were ousted from power in a US-led invasion in 2001, but have seen a resurgence since the withdrawal of frontline NATO combat troops in 2014, briefly capturing key cities in addition to vast swathes of countryside. In recent years the group sensitive about its public reputation has shied away from claiming attacks on civilian targets, though analysts believe this could be a tactic of convenience. "Don't rule out #Taliban involvement. Casts itself as more moderate than ISIS, so won't rush to take credit for attack on civilians," tweeted Washington-based regional expert Michael Kugelman after Wednesday's attack. Islamic State The Islamic State group (IS), by contrast, has little hesitation in raising its hand to take credit for bloody attacks, including those on 'soft targets', as it seeks to spread its so-called 'caliphate' from its Middle East base. They have carried out several attacks in Kabul, nearly as deadly as Wednesday's: last July they claimed a bombing that killed more than 80 people in the city. In March, they claimed a deadly raid on Afghanistan's largest military hospital that officially killed 60 people, slaughtering patients in their beds though survivors and analysts suggested that attack also bore the hallmarks of the Taliban. The group made up mainly of former disaffected Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters has gained some traction in Afghanistan since formally designating the country its 'Khorasan' province. The US military last month dropped the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb dubbed the "Mother Of All Bombs" on IS positions in eastern Nangarhar province, killing dozens of jihadists, whom they have vowed to wipe out. But while its supporters celebrated Wednesday's assault in Kabul on social media, the group has not claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq propaganda agency. The Haqqani Network Afghanistan's intelligence agency has blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network for the attack, which has long been thought to have ties to neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy military establishment. Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is also the Taliban's deputy leader, they have carried out numerous operations deep in the heart of Kabul, including the 2008 Indian embassy bombing that killed almost 60 people. Pakistan launched a military operation targeting militant safe havens along the border with Afghanistan in 2014 that drove many, including the Haqqanis, over the border. They remain a force, but have not carried out a major attack in some time. Al-Qaeda and other groups The group behind the 9/11 attacks were written off as a spent force by many in Washington following the killing of their chief Osama Bin Laden deep inside Pakistani territory in 2011. Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal, while testifying before US Congress in April, said this was a mistake and its symbiotic relationship with the Taliban, which has strengthened, meant that "Al-Qaeda has more areas to plant its flag". Nevertheless the group that provided the impetus for the international intervention in Afghanistan has not carried out a significant attack there in years, and observers think it is unlikely to be behind Wednesday's blast. Several Pakistani groups round out the jihadist landscape in Afghanistan, including the Pakistani Taliban, the formerly India-centric Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, none of whom are believed to have the capacity to have carried out Wednesday's attack in Kabul. Bengaluru: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara resigned on Thursday to continue as the ruling Congress' state unit president and lead the party in the next state legislative assembly elections, due by May 2018. "As directed by the party's high command, I have resigned from the cabinet to continue as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and prepare for the state assembly elections by next May," Parameshwara told reporters here. The party high command comprising President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday directed Parameshwara to resign as minister and devote his time and energy to brace the party for the elections. "I thank Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for asking me to continue as KPCC president and steer the party under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership for the elections than being a minister," pointed out Parameshwara. A member of the State Legislative Council (MLC) since 1 July, 2014, the 65-year-old Dalit leader joined the cabinet on 30 October, 2015 and continued to head the party's state unit even after his six-year tenure ended in October 2016. "They (Sonia and Rahul) preferred me to continuing as the KPCC president than being a minister in the cabinet. We have taken up the upcoming elections seriously, as the whole country is watching Karnataka, the only southern state where the Congress is in power," asserted Parameshwara. All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi declared in New Delhi on Wednesday that the party would contest the next elections to the 225-member assembly under Siddaramaiah's leadership. A former minister in the previous Congress government (1999-2004), Parameshwara was elected KPCC president in October 2010 and contested in the 2013 assembly elections from the Koratagere assembly segment in Tumakuru district but lost to Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) nominee Sudhakra Lal. Tumakuru is about 70km from Bengaluru. "Though I was home minister for 19 months, I abolished the orderly system in the police department, recruited 23,000 constables and promoted 12,000 of them during my tenure," recalled Parameshwara. The high command also appointed party lawmaker SR Patil as the party's state unit working president and state Energy Minister DK Shivakumar as chairman of the poll campaign committee. "The objective of these appointments is on par with the party's policy of inclusiveness. Congress wants to give an opportunity to all communities. The idea is to fight the ensuing elections to retain power again," added Parameshwara. New Delhi: Taking cognisance of a complaint alleging rights violation in the 'human shield' incident involving the Army in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the defence ministry seeking details of the action taken on it. The complaint was filed by a Bhubaneswar-based activist, who alleged that the army had violated the law by tying a man to a jeep and using him as a "human shield" against stone-pelting in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir in April. The complainant, Akhand of the Civil Society Forum on Human Rights, said he had approached the NHRC around mid- April and submitted a letter to it in connection with the incident. Subsequently, senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz too had urged the commission to take cognisance of the incident, sources said. As per the NHRC case details, the commission had last month ordered to send a copy of the complaint to the authorities concerned and sought an action taken report from them within four weeks. "It is requested that an action taken report be sent to the commission within four weeks of the receipt of this letter", read the NHRC communication sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Defence. Since the complaint filed by Soz was related to the same case, "the Congress leader has been informed that cognisance has already been taken by the NHRC, and that he can keep track of the case", a source said. Major Leetul Gogoi had tied Farooq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Budgam, to a jeep and allegedly used him as a shield against stone-pelters in the Valley. A video showing Dar tied to an army vehicle on 9 April, the day the by-election to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency was held, had triggered a public outcry, prompting the army to institute a probe. The incident has been criticised by human rights activists, Kashmiri groups as also a few retired army generals. After gunning down Hizbul Mujahideen's Sabzar Ahmad Bhat in a recent encounter in south Kashmir, the Indian Army released a list of 12 most wanted militants, according to reports on Thursday. The names were made public on Tuesday, four days after Bhat was killed in Tral by the security forces. The list figures names like Abu Dujana, Mohd Yasin Ittoo, Zakir Musa, Riyaz Ahmad Naikoo, Bashir Wani, Showkat Tak, Zeenat Ul-Islam, Altaf Dar, Saddam Paddar, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Abu Hamas, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commanders Junaid Mattoo and Wasim. The militants have been categorised into A and A++. According to CNN-News 18, those listed under A++ are Paddar, Musa, Wani, Naikoo, Dujana, Dar, Tak, Wasim and Mattoo. According to Zee News, the list shares the names and pictures of the militants along with the areas they are currently operating in and the strikes they have carried out. Names of the respective outfits and the militants ranks are also included. Among the militants mentioned in the list, Paddar alias Zaid, the Hizbul district commander in Shopian, is the most wanted, army sources told India Today. He was close to the group's former commander Burhan Wani, who was killed by the troops in 2016, Indian Army has released a list of 12 most-wanted terrorists active in J&K including Lashkar commanders Abu Dujana and Bashir Wani pic.twitter.com/8eYR7Ri1ax ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 The army is also hunting for Naikoo, who is reportedly the next Hizbul commander in Kashmir, after the death of Bhat, The Times of India reported. The listed militants are recently-recruited locals who are active mostly in south Kashmir. In Kashmir, shutting down of educational institutions to prevent student protests has become the new norm for the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP coalition. The government has been struggling to restore normalcy in the Valley ever since the killing of militant commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat last week. Deputy magistrate of Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, on Wednesday issued an order stating that all higher secondary schools and colleges will remain closed on Thursday. It will be the third consecutive day when education institutions will be shut because of a fear of protests by the student community. But this move raises an important question: For how long can a jittery state government shutdown educational institutions to maintain the calm? The state government on Wednesday said that classes in various institutions across the Valley shall remain suspended on Thursday "as a precautionary measure." In central Kashmir's Budgam district, all higher secondary schools and colleges have been asked to suspend classes on Thursday, whereas in Anantnag and Shopian districts of South Kashmir, classwork has been suspended in all educational institutions. In North Kashmirs Kupwara district, the district administration has issued a notice asking all degree colleges to suspend classes on Thursday. "It is a weird logic to close down all higher education institutions if there is a problem in a few. You cant shut down the entire education system and say it is a precautionary measure... which responsible government does that," asks Bashir Ahmad Dar, a noted academic and former secretary of the Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education. Last year, during the unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July, the state government had blamed the Hurriyat Conference and separatist leaders for denying education to students. Now, the same government itself is closing down schools and colleges amid fears of protests, highlighting their hypocrisy on the issue. "Somehow, since students started protesting after an incident in Pulwama Degree College, the first area where the government wants to impose its writ was schools and colleges," Mushtaq Ahmad Lara, a retired lecturer at Amar Singh College, told Firstpost. "If students are protesting, there should be a dialogue with them inside the classrooms and not in police stations. Go to the police station on residency road and check how many parents keep waiting for their children outside in the evening every day," he added. Last year, educational institutes in the Valley had remained shut for at least 130 days after Wani's killing on 8 July, forcing parents to send their children to Jammu and other parts of the country for education. This year, trouble began when around 60 students, including women, were injured by government forces, who fired smoke shells and small lead balls which could potentially blind at students inside the Government Degree College at Pulwama. Since that April day, student protests have been reported from almost all the parts of Valley and have sustained for a longer time than expected. State education minister Syed Altaf Bukhari had warned students that those falling short on attendance will not be allowed to take their exams and announced the dates for mid-term exams in schools while making the 'golden test' a six monthly test for classes 10th and 12th students mandatory. "The problem is that the shutdown of schools is not done at my direction but by the security agencies," Bukhari said. "I can only assure the students that no one will be detained by the police... but they should be in their classrooms and not on the streets." In over 27 years of conflict in the Valley, educational infrastructure and academic activities have been severely affected. That is why, in the early 1990s, a majority of the middle-class Kashmiris started to send their children outside the Valley for better education. New Delhi: Delhi Police has arrested a Delhi University student and detained his juvenile accomplice for lynching an e-rickshaw driver after he objected to them urinating at GTB Metro Station in north Delhi, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Police said the accused student Shekhar Kapasia, 19, and his juvenile friend were captured in a CCTV footage which helped them to identify them. They were arrested from their hideouts in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar on Tuesday night. Kapasia, a BCom second year of Sri Aurobindo College in Malviya Nagar, is a resident of Sant Nagar. His juvenile accomplice, 17, is studying at a south Delhi school, and is a resident of Malviya Nagar. Both of them are natives of Muzaffarnagar, police said. "We have identified five other youths. We are interrogating Kapasia and the juvenile to ascertain the hideouts of their associates involved in killing e-rickshaw driver Ravinder Kumar on Saturday. Seven police teams and a team of Crime Branch are conducting a manhunt to trace their hideouts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana," Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mahadeo Dumbere told IANS. "Kapasia and his juvenile accomplice told investigators that the verbal altercation with Kumar turned abusive and they took it personally. They planned to take revenge and later returned with their friends. One of them tied up stones in a cotton towel and attacked Kumar multiple times," Dumbere said. The police teams had looked for suspects from around 300 students of the School Of Open Learning (SOL) of Delhi University, whose examination centre was located in Kirori Mal College, on the day of the incident. Records of some students from Sri Aurobindo College were also checked. Kapasia and the juvenile were identified later as they were caught in a CCTV footage enquiring about Kumar's whereabouts from other e-rickshaw drivers near GTB Nagar Metro Station, police said. They had a verbal altercation with Kumar after he objected to them having alcohol and urinating near the GTB metro station. Kumar was later declared brought dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the country's top civil and military officials to discuss Islamabad's strategy to counter India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav spy case ahead of the next hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Express Tribune quoted sources privy to the meeting as saying that the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting discussed Pakistan's options and preparation to defend its stance in the case, whose next hearing is scheduled on 8 June. The meeting was attended by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Zubair Hayat, Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Air Chief Sohail Aman and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser to Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, and the National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. (R) Nasser Khan Janjua participated in the meeting. The NSC meeting was held a day after Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali briefed the Parliamentary Committee on National Security that Pakistan will appoint its ad hoc judge at the ICJ and that he will himself lead Pakistan's legal team at the United Nation's court. The paper said the participants also discussed names of former judges of the superior judiciary to select the ad hoc judge for the ICJ. However, no name was finalised. India last month moved the ICJ against the death sentence awarded to Jadhav by a military court for "fomenting terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi". The UN court had granted provisional suspension of the execution on 18 May. New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday said the latest GDP numbers have exposed the "lies" of the BJP-led NDA government which now needs to answer as to why the Indian economy is facing a "serious slowdown". Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma also dared the government to come out with a white paper on the state of the Indian economy and the GDP numbers under the old and new methodology for the last 10 years which he claimed will "expose" the government's "false claims". "The latest numbers on the economy expose the lies of the BJP government. First unemployment rises, now GDP growth falls," he said. Sharma said the fall in GDP numbers have confirmed the worst fears that despite the tall claims made by this government, the Indian economy is going down and GDP growth is flat. "There is a visible slowdown as all the key parameters of the economy have moved to the negative," he said, adding that the national investment rate has come down by 7 points and the manufacturing index is in the negative. The credit offtake is the lowest in the last 63 years, he said, adding that there is under-utilisation of installed capacity in the manufacturing sector. The Congress leader said the prime minister and the finance minister have created a "false perception" that the country's economy is growing whereas the growth is flat. "It is only the false perception created by the new series and the new methodology. The truth will be out that the economy is facing a serious slowdown. This government has much to answer. "We would like to advise them to stop making false claims to befool the people of the country any longer and should instead focus on the economy. It is nor surging but a shrinking economy," he said. Sharma said the Congress party would reiterate its demand for a white paper on the state of the Indian economy. The government must release the GDP numbers for the last 10 years as per the old series and the new series, he said. "Then the truth will be out that the Indian economy registered its highest growth during the UPA regime and since this government has assumed office the growth has nosedived," he claimed. "The earlier figures will show that for six years we were growing at double digit," he said, adding that one has to deduct 2 percent from the GDP number to know the real growth as this government for the last three years adopted a new series and methodology to calculate GDP. Sharma said jobs are not being created and are being lost instead and this government has much to answer and that is why the Congress party's demand for a white paper and the 10 years of GDP numbers under the old and the new methodology which the NDA government adopted from 2014 onwards. Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to pass any immediate direction on petitions filed by owners of shops along highways against the order to close down. A vacation bench of justices B P Colabawalla and A M Badar said the petitions would be posted for hearing on 7 June, before a regular bench. "We are not going to pass orders without (hearing) the state's stand. Heavens are not going to fall in four days," said Justice Colabawalla. Owners of liquor outlets from Thane, Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts have moved the court against orders of the collectors/excise superintendents directing them to shut the shop forthwith. The orders followed the Supreme Court's ban on liquor vends within 500 metres of national and state highways from 1 April. The petitioners have claimed that the apex court's order did not apply to them as these shops were located along state roads and not highways. Bhopal: A 42-year-old reporter working with a Hindi daily was shot dead in his personal office at Piplia Mandi area in Mandsaur district on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. Police have registered a case of murder against six persons and arrested two of them on Thursday, an officer said. The incident occurred at around 8:30 pm when two persons entered the office of Kamlesh Jain and one of them shot him in his chest, Piplia Mandi inspector Anil Singh Thakur told PTI on Thursday over phone. "The duo fled the spot on their motorcycle soon after committing the crime," he said. Jain was rushed to the Mandsaur district hospital by people from the neighbourhood of his office who reached the spot after hearing a gunshot. He was declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital. Thakur said a 0.32 calibre pistol is suspected to have been used in the crime. "Jain was a social person and he used to help people in his capacity," he said. On the motive behind the crime, the inspector said Jain's family has informed the police that he had an altercation with some persons in the recent past. "We rounded up two persons and investigation is on," Thakur said without elaborating. Mumbai: Minor incidents of violence marred the start of an unprecedented 'indefinite strike' by over half a million Maharashtra farmers in support of various demands including the long-pending loan waiver package, in Mumbaiu on Thursday. Striking farmers, who had warned they would not indulge in any farming activity, including sowing for the upcoming kharif season, resorted to the agitation after talks with the Maharashtra government failed on Tuesday. Stray incidents of violence were reported from some parts including Nashik, Satara and Pune where aggressive farmers emptied tankers of several tonnes of fresh milk being transported to the cities and destroyed stocks of fresh vegetables being taken to the markets. In another incident near Satara, the driver of a milk tanker was roughed up by some farmers and prevented from proceeding to his destination. Stones were also pelted at some police vehicles near Nashik. The strike has elicited "good response" from farmers all over the state, except from agriculturists in the coastal Konkan, who are not part of the agitation. Movement of agricultural goods has been restricted since midnight. Most Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) plazas wore a desolate look as farmers, traders, head-loaders, transporters and other officials virtually kept off. The APMC traders told the Times of India that the supply of perishable items like milk, vegetables and fruits will get affected, if the strike continuous for more than two-three days. The strike has garnered support from more than 2000 villages and political parties like Swabhimani Sangathana and Shiv Sena have also stood behind the protest, the Times of India reported. On Tuesday, representatives of the Kisan Kranti Morcha (KMM), a state-level coordination committee of various farmers organisations, had a meeting met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, but failed to get any concrete commitments. The farmers' demands include complete waiver of farm loans, free electricity, appropriate remunerative prices for their produce, grant for irrigation and higher price for milk and implementation of the MS Swaminathan Committee recommendations. With inputs from IANS Tarakeswar/Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said meetings and processions will not be allowed any more at the iconic College Square in Kolkata, as it disturbed students of nearby educational institutes. Banerjee made the announcement taking note of repeated complaints of disturbance by students. "I know it (meetings, slogans, processions) creates disturbances for the students of Calcutta University, Presidency College (now university). I agree with you. Your demand is genuine. You write a letter to the city police commissioner," she told research scholars of Calcutta University, who were invited to attend an administrative meeting at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. The research scholars had drawn her attention to regular disturbances created by meetings, processions in that area. "Political parties should think about it. I too held meetings there. But Trinamool Congress will not hold any meeting there henceforth. Everybody should follow it," she said, adding a law would be formulated to this effect. Just hours after Banerjee's announcement, Kolkata police officials said the restrictions to holding meetings and processions in and around College Square will be applicable from Monday and those who had earlier applied for programmes there will be allowed tomorrow and day after. No fresh applications from Thursday onward would be entertained, they said. Opposition leaders cutting across party lines reacted sharply to Banerjee's instructions. "College Square has been a place for agitations and protests since the days of British rule in the early 19th century. Mamata Banerjee is simply trying to find an excuse to silence us. But such tactics won't bear any results," senior CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty said. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said, "The instruction is aother trick to stop opposition from holding protest marches." State BJP president Dilip Ghosh questioned what Banerjee was doing during the years when her own party staged protest rallies against the central government. College Square, located along the College Street, is part of Kolkata's heritage and is near various reputable and oldest educational institutions of the country such as Calcutta University, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Hindu and Hare Schools, besides the Calcutta Medical College. College Street is also known as the 'Oxford of the East' for the innumerable book shops selling old and new books and hundreds of publishers. Apart from political parties, different associations, NGOs, and pressure groups also use College Square as a spot for protest. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, College Street and College Square were synonymous with the Naxalite movement as several students of Presidency College and Calcutta University joined the armed struggle. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday slammed the Modi government for the decline in GDP growth and said her apprehensions about demonetisation had proven to be correct. There had been rampant job losses and the agriculture and the unorganised sector were in "worst shape", the chief minister said. "Right at the time demonetisation was announced by the Central government, I had voiced my concern that the country would have to face severe loss of jobs and drastic decline in productivity due to demonetisation. My apprehension is now proven to be true," she said in a Facebook post. "The Q4 GDP figure this fiscal has come down to 6.1%. The corresponding GDP figure in the previous fiscal was 7.9%. So, the decline is nearly 2 per cent point." "Rampant job loss has been reported across the country with the agriculture and unorganised sector in worst shape," Banerjee said. "What have the people, who pushed the country to this crisis, to say?". Chandigarh: The Haryana government has decided to conduct aerial surveys using drones to keep a check on encroachments and illegal constructions on government properties in the state. A pilot study of the project would be conducted in Karnal, Gurugram and Faridabad. The decision to employ the innovative solution to the encroachment problem was taken in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on Thursday. "On the success of this pilot run, the project would be implemented in the remaining districts also," he said. The chief minister directed the urban local bodies department to prepare a roadmap, along with the timeline, for the implementation of the project, and to submit the report within a week. He also asked the department to take the assistance of Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC) and National Remote Sensing Authority (NRSA) for the satellite imagery of the areas and also for setting up of ground control points necessary for conducting the survey. Khattar directed the departments concerned to gather complete information, within a month, about any illegal construction or encroachment on their land, so that action could be taken against those found guilty. He also asked various departments to ensure strict enforcement of laws for against illegal encroachments and construction in their respective areas. Shillong: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Meghalaya has resigned from the party after senior party members opposed his plans to organise a "bitchi-beef party" to celebrate three years of Modi government. Bernard Marak, the District President of the BJP in West Garo Hills, alleged that the BJP leaders were not respecting the tradition and culture of the indigenous people. "Tribal people in the northeastern states have our own style of celebrating and feasting... In Garo Hills, a cow is slaughtered on a festive occasion. Therefore, we wanted to organise bitchi-beef party to celebrate three years of Modi government but the party leaders are against it," Marak told IANS. "What is the point of being part of a political party that does not want to keep our Garo tradition and culture alive? They (BJP leaders) cannot dictate us on our food habits," he said. Bitchi in Garo dialect is rice beer. Bachu Chambugong Marak, President of the BJP's North Garo Hills district, said: "We will organise the beef party because beef is our traditional food. We, the Garo people, cannot live without eating beef." However, BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli brushed aside the allegations. "The BJP has nothing against the tradition or food habits of any tribal society. "They are making these statements to create political fortunes with the elections around the corner," he said Bachu said: "We will automatically quit the party if the leadership cannot solve the issue. But if the party can solve the problem, we will remain in the party. There will be no support for the party in the Garo hills if it bans beef." On Wednesday, several BJP leaders in the state had threatened to quit the party if the Modi government refused to repeal the new cattle trade and slaughter rules. "Most party leaders in Meghalaya are not happy with the new rules which are directly affecting the socio-economic status of the people," BJP Vice President John Antonius Lyngdoh said. "We cannot accept the new rules on cattle trade and slaughter. We cannot go against our food behaviour besides putting the economic interest of those people dealing in cattle trade and slaughter in jeopardy," he said. Mumbai: A court in Mumbai on Wednesday asked authorities to give a copy of the CCTV footage to the two men who have alleged that former MLA Pankaj Bhujbal, an accused in a money laundering case, threatened them inside the court building. The special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act cases passed the order on an application filed by Amit Balraj and Sudhir Salaskar, both accused in the same case as Pankaj and his father, former state minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Balraj and Salaskar, former employees of Bhujbal's Mumbai Education Trust, wanted CCTV footage of the corridor outside courtroom number 16 where the Bhujbals were produced on 16 May. They alleged that the Bhujbals held a meeting with their business associates in the courtroom when the judge was not there. Further, they alleged that Pankaj who has not been arrested in the case yet threatened them in the corridor. The duo filed a complaint with the Colaba police who registered a non-cognisable offence for criminal intimidation. Balraj and Salaskar had in February 2017 filed a plea seeking to become approvers in the case. The court directed that the department concerned should give a copy of the CCTV recording dated 16 May, 2017 from 11 am to 3 pm "of the passage outside courtroom number 16" to the applicants. St. Petersburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invited Russian companies to invest in India by forming joint ventures, saying opportunities for them have opened up, especially in defence production, through recent policy initiatives. "I invite Russian companies to start joint ventures with Indian businesses. In the defence sector, we have recently framed rules to precisely facilitate such partnerships," Modi said, while addressing a meeting in St Petersburg with CEOs of both the countries, referring to the Strategic Partnership policy in defence manufacturing approved by New Delhi in May. "I urge Russian companies to examine this policy carefully to see how they can take advantage of this new policy," he added. The Strategic Partnership 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. It was finalised by the Defence Acquisition Council on 20 May, and the Union Cabinet took note of it on 24 May. Russia has been a traditional supplier of defence equipment to India. The prime minister mentioned in this regard that the presence of Russian companies in India has been steadily growing over the years. Bilateral trade between the two countries is currently worth around $7 billion. Modi arrived in St Petersburg on Wednesday evening on the third leg of his four-nation European tour. On Friday, Modi will for the first time attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday urged the Centre to increase the food grain allocation for additional 15 lakh people under the National Food Security Act. Stating that there has been an increase of around four to five percent in the state's population during the past six years, the government urged the Centre to increase the upper ceiling of beneficiaries for Odisha under the National Food Security Act(NFSA). The Centre allocates food grain to the state based on the 2011 census. "Keeping in view the projected population growth from 2011 to 2017, and more importantly the backwardness of the state having higher density of SC/ST, I would request you to increase the upper ceiling of the state by 15 lakh individuals for coverage of the left out eligible population into NFSA fold," food supplies and consumer welfare minister SN Patro said in a letter to union consumer affairs minister Ram Vilas Paswan. Patro said Odisha has been allotted an upper ceiling of 3,26,41,800 individuals to be covered under the NFSA, 2013, in priority to the 'Household' and 'Antyodaya Anna Yojana Household' categories. He said the upper ceiling for the state has been determined as 82.17 percent of rural population, and 55.77 percent of urban population with reference to the NSS Household Consumption Survey data for 2011-12 available with the Planning Commission. The state population as per the Census 2011 is 4,19,74,218. As per the provisions of the NFSA, the state government has so far identified 3,23,45,133 individuals, which is 99.09 percent of the Government of India upper ceiling and 77.06 percent of Census 2011 population of Odisha. "There would be around 4-5 percent increase in population of the state during the last six years as evident from the trends in the census report where the projection is at 436.50 lakh. In case 78 percent of the projected population growth figure is taken, the upper ceiling of the NFSA beneficiaries for Odisha will be at 340.49, around 14 lakh less than the existing limit at 3,26,41,800 fixed by the Centre," said Patro. Panaji: Taking a swipe at the Narendra Modi government on its third anniversary, the Congress today said the situation at the country's borders is "alarming" as 172 terror attacks have taken place in the last three years and scores of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives. Stating that the national security is in danger and the internal security too is under threat, the Congress accused the Modi government of boasting about their three years in office against such backdrop. "Modi government just completed three years in office but the state of affairs of our national security is bad. The government has failed tremendously on every front.They are going gaga over their rule of three years, but the fact is our national security is in danger," AICC secretary Amit Deshmukh told reporters here. "There are incidents such as Dinanagar, Udhampur, Pathankot, Srinagar, Pampore, Akhnoor and the list is long. However, the government does not seems to be looking into its failure, but is busy tom-tomming their three-year rule," he said. The Congress leader said the situation at the borders is "alarming and the internal security is also under threat". "As many as 172 terror attacks took place in the last three years. 12 major terror attacks have taken place in the last 21 months alone. A total of 578 jawans and 877 civilians were killed in the last three years," he claimed. According to Deshmukh, a total of 203 jawans martyred in Jammu and Kashmir alone, whereas Pakistan is indulged in ceasefire violations on 1,343 occasions in J&K. He said the demand of armed forces for defence capital budget has been drastically reduced by over Rs 8,000 crore. "Because of our international polices, jawans are humiliated and martyred," the Congress leader said Visakhapatnam: A 21-year-old sailor was found dead with bullet injuries on-board the Navy vessel INS Rana in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. A spokesman of the Eastern Naval Command said there was no clue yet on whether the sailor Vikash Yadav, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, shot himself or if his gun went off accidentally. He was immediately shifted to the local Naval hospital where he was declared brought dead. His family and local police have been informed about the incident. "A Board of Inquiry is being constituted to investigate the incident," the Navy spokesperson said. "Vikash, an electrical mechanic of power class 1, sustained a bullet injury while on duty as security sentry in the early hours today. He was immediately shifted to the navy hospital where he was declared brought dead," he added. Vikash hailed from Bhind and was unmarried. No case is registered yet over the incident with the Visakhapatnam city police, a senior official said. Mumbai: Maharashtra agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar on Wednesday expressed confidence that farmers will not take part in the strike that is set to start from Thursday as it would result in huge losses for them. A section of farmers from Ahmednagar district have decided to go on a strike, stopping supply of milk, fruits, poultry and vegetables to neighbouring cities, to press for their various demands. "Vegetables and milk are perishable items. Farmers cannot not bear losses (by refusing to sell them). Farmers spend substantial amount of money and time on producing vegetables," the BJP leader said. Of some 1.5 lakh farmers in Ahmednagar and neighbouring Nashik districts, not more than 10,000 would take part in the strike, he claimed. "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will have a 'plan B' ready to face any situation if farmers stop sending vegetables and milk to Mumbai," Fundkar said. Meanwhile, Shivajirao Suryawanshi, the farmers' leader who has called for the strike and who met Fadnavis last night, told reporters here that he objected to presence of Minister of State for Agriculture Sadabhau Khot at the meeting. "Khot did nothing for farmers despite representing them in the state cabinet.... Hence I opposed Khot's presence in the meeting and left it midway through," said Suryawanshi. Fundkar, who was not present at the meeting, however claimed that Suryawanshi wanted the Chief Minister to announce loan waiver for farmers on the spot, and left the meeting after two and a half hours of discussion. Meanwhile, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe also said in Mumbai that farmers would face heavy financial loss due to the strike. "A certain ideology is forcing farmers to go on strike. It is very sad.... I think the farmers will not succumb to the strike call," he said. On Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari had suggested that local communist leaders were behind the strike. New Delhi: The process of honouring outstanding personalities from different walks of life with Padma awards for 2018 has begun with the home ministry inviting nominations. The last date for receipt of nominations for the top civilian honours for 2018 is 15 September 2017, according to a notification issued by the home ministry. The awards seek to recognise works 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. With the online portal, the public at large have been enabled to participate in the nomination process, an official statement said on Thursday. 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, Union Territories, ministries, departments of the government of India, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, central and state ministers, chief ministers and governors of State, and Members of Parliament, among others. 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 Republic Day next year. Jammu: Pakistan on Thursday violated the ceasefire by shelling mortars and opening fire on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing retaliation from Indian troops. The exchange of fire was going on when last reports came in. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 07.30 hours", a defence spokesman said. Pakistani troops also opened fire along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 07.40 hours, he said. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on", he said. On 17 May, Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on 15 and 16 May. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. The Pakistani Army had on 13 May pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. Pakistani troops have violated ceasefire and have killed General Reserve Engineering Force personnel in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, PTI has reported. A labourer was killed and two others, including a BSF trooper, were injured, reports IANS. The personnel were injured as Indian and Pakistani armies exchanged heavy fire and shelling along the LoC. The exchange occurred in Mendhar area of Poonch district. The officials were working on Dabraj road of Mendhar when a mortar shell landed near them, according to Greater Kashmir. The report identifies the injured as Radha Krishnan, Mohd Parvez and Sarvan Kumar. They were rushed to Mendhar hospital. Two of them have been further been referred to Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu in serious condition. "A labourer was killed and a driver injured from the General Reserve Engineer Force in the firing. A Head Constable from Border Security Force was also injured in the attack," Defence ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta told IANS. This incident comes on the heels of Pakistani troops opening fire along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district from 07.40 am on Thursday. According to a defence spokesman, "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 07.30 am". On 17 May, Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on 15 and 16 May. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. With inputs from agencies New Delhi: In a noble and humane gesture, a group of pensioners donated fund for welfare of the families of the military and paramilitary personnel killed in anti- terrorist operations. A delegation of 'Bharat Pensioners Samaj', a conglomerate of 725 pensioners associations, met union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday and handed over a cheque of an amount contributed by them, an official release issued on Thursday said. The pensioners said they were contributing this amount to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the specific purpose of welfare and care of the families of the military and paramilitary personnel who had sacrificed their lives in anti-terrorist operations. The letter accompanying the cheque states that 'Bharat Pensioners Samaj' reiterates its resolve to stand solidly behind the government and urges that those who "insult our men in uniform or hamper the army operations against terrorists, should be dealt with an iron hand". Appreciating the gesture, the minister said, regardless of the amount donated by the senior citizens, the matter of fact is that the value of the amount is many times more than it appears to be, for the simple reason that it has been collected with a sense of impeccable patriotism and it has been contributed from the most hard-earned pension drawn by them. Singh, minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), said, "We are proud of the Indian Army which is among the best forces in the world and we are also eternally indebted to the supreme sacrifices made by our army personnel." The sacrifices of a soldier, he said, cannot be compensated by any amount of money, but yet, a gesture like this is only meant to reaffirm our commitment to the motherland and to those bravehearts who laid down their lives so that we could live. Before giving details about our special investigation, we have to thank retired Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma. If people like Sharma did not exist, a lot of us at FP Special Forces would not have jobs. People like him are the ones who with their enlightening words of wisdom give people reasons to keep us employed inspire us to conduct meaningful probes. Apart from saying that the cow should be made the national animal, Sharma on Wednesday said that peacocks are brahmacharis (celibate) who impregnate peahens with their tears. "Peacock too has his qualities. He is a life-long celibate. He does not indulge in sex with peahen. The peahen gives birth after it gets impregnated with the tears of the peacock. A peacock or a peahen is then born... Lord Krishna used peacock's feather for celibacy of the bird," said the wise judge, assuring all of us in less than two minutes that the Indian judiciary is in safe hands... following his retirement, of course. Sharma's revelation made us realise some startling facts. First off, there are several videos which clearly show some unsanskaari peacocks mating. The videos are obviously doctored (Duh!). But what is startling is the huge number of these doctored videos that are available on the internet. There are also several websites that spread lies about how the male peacock spreads his tail feathers to attract the peahen, after which the peafowls align their sexual organs (known as cloacas) and have (gasp!) sex! These facts based on scientific evidence, logic and common sense are obviously lies which try to hide the "alternative facts", based on...well...err...who needs reasoning anyway? Clearly, you do not need it to become a high court judge. We at FP Special Forces are a bit too obsessed with alternative facts and bring you a super-duper-mega-exclusive 'alternative' interview with a peacock. (If you are wondering how we managed to interview a peacock, by the way, just remember that there was a Pakistani reporter who once actually interviewed a buffalo.) There has been a lot of speculation about how you bear offspring. What is the truth? We are above your petty human ways. The only human being who knows our sanskaari ways is the one who goes by the name of Sharma. We indeed use our tears filled with good values and a hint of misogyny to impregnate peahens. Sex is an obsolete way of reproduction for us. But sex is just natural and also a lot of fun. What is so wrong about sexua-...? Silence, lowly mortal! What your kind will never understand is that good values can never be fun. Fun equals sin. Genitals equal sin. Lust is bad. Reproductive fluids are bad. Orgasms are evil. Higher beings do not have what you call 'fun'. But what about other animals? Sex is a natural way of reproduction for them too, isn't it? Why do you think this planet has seen so many mass extinctions till now? Disaster struck life on earth many times because most animals were paying for their sins. Eventually, when all life around us starts declining, we the peafowls will ultimately rule the earth because we never had sex. Some reports have alleged that you spread your feathers in a large fan-like shape to actually mate with peahen. Is that true? What profanity! That is just a sign we use to tell peahens that our tears have become sanskaari enough to be used to bear children. Natural selection has nothing to do with it. These are just lies spread by human beings using the most evil thing that has existed science. Finally, what are your views on Pahlaj Nihalani? He was definitely a peacock in his last life. New Delhi: In a rare gesture, home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday broke protocol and hugged BSF constable Godhraj Meena who has suffered 85 percent disability after militants' bullets hit him during an attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur in 2014. Meena's bus, part of a Border Security Force convoy, was ambushed by militants on 5 August, 2014 near the 'narsu nalah' area in Udhampur with a heavy gunfire. The citation of the 44-year-old trooper said he was on guard duty in the bus and his bravery, acute presence of mind and accurate fire kept the two militants at bay and thwarted their attempts to enter and target the about 30 personnel onboard. Meena, who is not able to speak properly as one bullet had pierced through his jaw, received a thunderous applause from the officials and jawans when the home minister pinned the gallantry medal on his chest. Even before Meena could accord the mandatory salute, the home minister hugged and patted him and saw him off from the dais with a firm and long hand shake. BSF officials said as per protocol, the home minister, after pinning the medal and handing over the citation, has to shake hand with the awardee and the person moves ahead after according a salute to him. "What we saw today is rare, very rare. This is only in very special cases like that of Meena who has suffered 85 percent disability after the attack. He is not able to talk and walk properly but despite this he dons his uniform with pride," a senior officer said. The officer said Meena has now been deputed for conducting administrative duties. This retaliation had led a total of four BSF personnel, including Meena, being decorated with gallantry medals. The others included constable Subhendu Roy, driver Daljit Singh and constable Rocky who was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra'. Later, during his speech, Singh said he was proud of Meena's bravery and grit. He also awarded the police medal for gallantry (posthumous) to the wife of the constable and cook of the BSF unit Sanjay Dhar. Dhar was posted at the 'Pittal' border post along the Indo-Pak International Border in Jammu and laid down his life while saving his friend who had got injured in an unprovoked firing incident by Pakistan on 16 July, 2014. Singh, during the annual investiture ceremony of the BSF, also awarded gallantry medals to a total of seven troops of the border guarding force for their daredevil actions during ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border and while handling attacks by militants in Jammu and Kashmir. He also decorated five personnel of the 41st battalion of the force for undertaking an anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker in 2014, where the team killed two Maoists. Two militants who were holed up in a house at Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district were killed in an encounter with security forces. An army official said operations are still continuing in the area. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3.30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the two militants opened fire on the forces, triggering the gun-battle, he said. The two terrorists were reportedly instrumental in throwing a grenade on its men on Wednesday in Sopore town in which four policemen were injured. The encounter comes as the situation in the Valley was already precarious after the killing of Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, the Hizbul Mujahideen commander and Burhan wani's successor in a gunfight with security forces. Bhat along with another militant, Faizan, was killed in a gun-battle with security forces in the Saimoo area of Tral on Saturday. Security forces have increasingly facing backlash from from protesters and stone-pelters after such encounter operations. There is increasingly a trend of hero-worship after the slaying of prominent militants. Situation in Kashmir had deteriorated after Bhat's encounter as separatists had called for shutdowns to protest the top-rated militants killing. The Hurriyat Conference had also called for a "March to Tral" on 30 May. The authorities had to imposed a curfew in seven police station areas in the Old City and one in uptown Mysuma as a preventive measure. However, thousands of kashmiris defied the strict restrictions to attend the funeral prayers. The mourners chanted anti-India and pro-freedom slogans while the dead body of the slain Hibzul Mujhaideen commander was being carried on the shoulders, angry young men fought with each other over who will carry the dead body for the funeral prayers. Before being gunned down on Saturday, Bhat had escaped the security forces dragnet many times, reprotedly with the aid of local stone-pelting mobs. Last month's security forces cordon on 20 villages in south Kashmir's Shopian is believed to have been to nab Bhat, who was said to be hiding in the area but he managed to escape. There have been several instances of mobs indulging in stone-pelting on the forces to disrupt such anti-militancy operations in Kashmir. At times, the security forces have also suffered casualties because of such incidents. On 24 May, another similar incident was reported when some terrorists, including the suspected Kashmir chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Abu Dujana escaped from the dragnet of security forces in Pulwama district, as a stone-pelting mob gave them cover. In another such incident in March, a group of nine heavily armed rebels were trapped in an open field near Kakapora. However, as troops moved in,hundreds of villagers armed with stones descended on the field, to aide the terrorists. WHY DONT YOU READ THESE? New Delhi: The two pilots of the Sukhoi jet that had crashed after taking off from Tezpur in Assam suffered fatal injuries, the Indian Air Force on Wednesday said five days after the wreckage of the plane was found. Squadron Leader D Pankaj, 36, and flight Lieutenant S Achudev, 26, could not initiate ejection from the plane's cockpit before the crash that occurred 60 kms from Tezpur Airbase on 23 May, the IAF said. Spokesperson of Tezpur 4 Corps Lieutenant Colonel Sombit Ghosh said that the mortal remains have been brought to the Air Force base in Tezpur. The wreckage of the Sukhoi-30 MKI jet was found on 26 May in a dense forest area in Arunachal Pradesh after a three-day search operation. "Analysis of the flight data recorder (black box) of the aircraft and certain other articles recovered from the crash site revealed that the pilots could not initiate ejection before the crash," IAF Spokesperson Anupam Banerjee said in Delhi. The plane had taken off from Tezpur airbase at around 10:30 am on 23 May and had gone off the radar around 11:10 am. It was on a routine training mission as part of a two-aircraft formation. The wreckage of the jet was spotted from air on Friday, and search teams could reach the crash site only on Sunday due to inclement weather after which the black box was recovered. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident, according to Wing Commander Banerjee. The first batch of the Russia-made fighter jet was inducted by the IAF in the late 1990s. A frontline fighter jet, SU-30 MKI aircraft were deployed in the Tezpur airbase on June 15, 2009 for guarding the Sino-India frontier in Arunachal Pradesh. At present, two squadrons comprising around 36 aircraft are deployed at Tezpur. The anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has gone on an overdrive to recruit new cadres in a bid to shore up its dwindling numbers. The cadres have been recruited over the past five months mostly from the Moran inhabited zone in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and the western districts of Nalbari and Baksa. They are being trained at a camp near Taga in Myanmars Hukwang Valley which is close to the Chindwin river. The exercise is being supervised by a senior functionary Nayan Medhi who is also a member of ULFAs executive council. Assam director general of police Mukesh Sahay was quoted by The Shillong Times and some Assamese local dailies as confirming the development on the sidelines of a meeting of the Unified Command at the 4 Corps headquarters of the army in Tezpur on 12 May. According to informed sources, the issue also came up for discussion at the meeting chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh with the director generals of police from the North East at the North Block on 16 May which also stressed the need to keep the security forces on high alert in the vulnerable zones along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh and India-Myanmar borders. A police official claimed that three linkmen of the outfit who had helped in the recruitment have been identified and they would soon be apprehended. All the new cadres would have to undergo a rigorous course of three months beginning with drills and political classes that shifts to combat tactics, ambushes and lessons on survival in harsh terrains as the training draws to a close. Taking part in operations comes at a later stage after continuous attachment to veteran units and acclimatisation of the routes. ULFAs strength and support base have vastly diminished in the past decade and especially after the group split in 2011 when a section of senior functionaries led by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa decided to engage in talks with the Centre. It is estimated that the strength of the anti-talks faction led by chief of staff Paresh Baruah is only around 250 scattered in Myanmar and Bangladesh. It may be recalled that ULFA and three other groups including the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) had formed an alliance in 2015 for an effective campaign of independence for the North East and the contiguous Naga-inhabited region in Myanmar. At least four deadly ambushes have since been carried out in the North East resulting in the death of several army and paramilitary personnel. As many as eight separatist outfits from the North East have camps and training facilities in Myanmars Sagaing division that include six groups from Manipur. Camps in the northern region of Sagaing division bordering Kachin and contiguous to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are under the effective control of NSCN(K) led by Naga rebel chief SS Khaplang. Last year Khaplang played a key role in forming the Special Elite Unit an assault group of experienced cadres with the mandate to gather information and identify spots for operations against the security forces. The attack on the Assam Rifles in December last year in Arunachal Pradesh is believed to have been carried out by this unit. An overground ULFA functionary attributed the recruitment to the deadlock in the peace process between the government and the pro-talks group. Everybody had high expectations from the peace process but since it has not been able to produce any results, it is but natural that the boys would be attracted to the other side across the border, he said on condition of anonymity. Employment avenues in Assam and the other states of the North East are meager with the result that a vast number of young adults have been moving out to the different metropolises of the country every year in search of jobs. Those who are left behind are usually targeted for recruitment by militant outfits. The ongoing training in Hukwang Valley is as much an indication of the protection enjoyed by ULFA and the other groups in Myanmar as the continuous rebuff by the Myanmarese army of New Delhis repeated pleas to dismantle the rebel bases. The Myanmarese government has never accepted that the North East militants have been operating out of camps from its territory. The chances of a crackdown have further receded after the army and NSCN(K) clinched a ceasefire agreement in 2012 after years of an informal pact. The army is already engaged in war in Kachin and Shan States and would not prefer to open a hostile front with the Nagas. The author is a senior journalist in Guwahati and author of Rendezvous With Rebels: Journey to Meet Indias Most Wanted Men. Amritsar: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results of the civil services examination 2016 on Wednesday, with Amritsar's Anmol Sher Singh Bedi securing the second rank in the prestigious all-India competition. An elated Sarbjit Singh Bedi, father of 23-year-old Anmol, told media at his residence in Green Avenue area here that it was the first attempt of his son, who has remained topper throughout his academic carrier. "My son, born and brought up in Amritsar, studied at the local Spring Dale School and then earned his engineering degree in Computer science. "He was always keen on appearing in UPSC examination," said Bedi, a teacher at Guru Nanak Dev University in Jalandhar. Anmol is the topper among male candidates and has graduated in engineering from BITS, Pilani. Nandini K R, who hails from Karnataka, has topped the prestigious civil services examination for 2016. As many as 11,35,943 candidates had applied for this examination, out of which 4,59,659 candidates actually appeared. A total of 15,452 candidates qualified for the mains examination held in December, 2016. Of these, 2,961 candidates qualified for the personality test or interview conducted in March-May. A woman has allegedly been gang raped by three persons in Lucknows King George's Medical University. The Uttar Pradesh police on Thursday arrested one of the three accused while two others are still absconding. Uttar Pradesh: Woman allegedly gang raped in Lucknow's King George's Medical University. One accused arrested, two absconding pic.twitter.com/Kt4if6ree5 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 1, 2017 The rape survivor, who is from Hardoi, was tricked and later abducted. She was accompanying her husband, who is admitted at the KGMU, reported Zee News. On Wednesday, she was reportedly approached by a liftman, who took her to a room on the pretext of bringing food to her. The other two accused were already present in the room. The accused have been identified as Vinay, Santosh and Shivkumar. The woman has filed a police complaint. The crime rate in Uttar Pradesh has gone up in the last couple of months. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the four Greater Noida rape survivors on Thursday and assured them that the guilty will not be spared. The four women of the same family were raped when they were travelling in a van to meet an ailing relative. They were intercepted at the Jewar-Bulandshahr highway and raped at gunpoint. Yogi assured them that his government was committed to the safety and security of girls and women in the state. He also said that criminal elements would soon be behind bars. The chief minister asked the state police chief to expedite the action to nab the culprits. A financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the family and free education to the children has also been announced. Recently, a video of two women being molested by a group of men in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur also surfaced. The main accused in this incident has been arrested and the hunt is on for the other accused. Farmers across Maharashtra have decided to go ahead with a state-wide indefinite strike from Thursday after their talks with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on various issues, including the long-pending demand of a loan waiver, collapsed. The farmers took to streets in cities like Mumbai and Pune as stray incidents of violence were reported from some parts including Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur and Pune. Aggressive farmers reportedly emptied at least two tankers with several tonnes of fresh milk being transported to the cities, destroyed stocks of fresh vegetables, tomatoes, onions, being taken to markets, according to Hindustan Times. In another incident near Satara, the driver of a milk tanker was manhandled by some farmers and prevented from proceeding to his destination to transport the commodity, while stones were pelted at some vegetable and police vehicles near Nashik, IANS reported. The strike has elicited "good response" from farmers all over the state, except from agriculturists in the coastal Konkan, who are not part of the agitation. Movement of agricultural goods has been restricted since midnight. Most Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) markets wore a desolate look as farmers, traders, head-loaders, transporters and other officials virtually kept off. The striking farmers have warned they would not indulge in any farming activity, including sowing for the upcoming kharif season. On the outskirts of Nashik and Ahmednagar, small groups of farmers set up 'check-posts' to verify if goods carriers were transporting fruits, vegetables, milk, etc. before permitting passage. This is probably the first time farmers have resorted to a strike in the state. A group of farmers, including Jayaji Suryavanshi, Vijay Kakade-Patil, Dhananjay Dhorde among other had met Fadnavis at his official residence late on Tuesday night, however, the talks failed to achieve a breakthrough, according to DNA. A farmer leader from Pune said that the government was trying to tell them why they can't waive off their loans while the desperate farmers sought immediate relief, according to The Times of India. Distressed after repeated years of drought and falling market prices, the farmers seek free electricity, appropriate remunerative prices for their produce, grant for irrigation and higher price for milk and implementation of the MS Swaminathan Committee recommendations. Meanwhile, the farmers' strike is likely to spell trouble for cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur as people could face shortages of essentials fruits, vegetables, milk and food grains in the coming days. The Times of India report quoted earlier states that the supplies in market would only last for three to four days at the most. Authorities also fear a steep rise in prices of essential commodities, which will not only inconvenience the buyers but will impose a financial burden on thousands of small vendors. The farmers have decided to cut supplies to the neighbouring state of Gujarat as well, even though it would not be as badly hit as Maharashtra. The state consumes 60 to 70 percent of its daily produces, and only a small percentage is sold in Gujarat. Government hopeful of solution, has a plan B ready The government, however, said that it is still hopeful of working out a solution while hinting the strike could have been incited by elements of 'certain ideology' apparently alluding to the local communist leaders. BJP national vice president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe had said, "A certain ideology is forcing farmers to go on strike. It is very sad....I think the farmers will not succumb strike call." Maharashtra agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar, on Wednesday, expressed confidence that a solution will be worked out as the strike would result in huge losses for the farmers. "Vegetables and milk are perishable items. Farmers cannot not bear losses (by refusing to sell them). Farmers spend substantial amount of money and time on producing vegetables," the BJP leader said. Of some 1.5 lakh farmers in Ahmednagar and neighbouring Nashik districts, not more than 10,000 would take part in the strike, he claimed. The minister also claimed that Fadnavis will have a `plan B' ready, in case the situation arises where farmers stop sending vegetables and milk to Mumbai," Fundkar said. BJP national vice president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe also said here that farmers would face heavy financial loss due to the strike. Meanwhile, Shivajirao Suryawanshi, the farmers' leader who has called for the strike and who met Fadnavis on Wednesday night, told reporters that he objected to presence of minister of state for agriculture Sadabhau Khot at the meeting. "Khot did nothing for farmers despite representing them in the state cabinet....Hence I opposed Khot's presence in the meeting and left it midway through," said Suryawanshi. Fundkar, who was not present at the meeting, however claimed that Suryawanshi wanted the Chief Minister to announce loan waiver for farmers on the spot, and left the meeting after two and a half hours of discussion. A group of around 200 farmers of Puntamba village in Ahmednagar district were the first to announce the strike from 1 June and many others followed suit. The Fadnavis government had been under severe fire from not only the opposition parties Congress and NCP but also its own allies the Shiv Sena and the said Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader and MP Raju Shetti. In a massive show of strength on Tuesday, Shetti completed his 'atonement march' and met Maharashtra governor CV Rao to apprise him of the serious situation involving farmers. The march was held from Pune to Mumbai on 22 May, to atone for the blunder of allying with the BJP and supporting Narendra Modi, according to Mint. Farmers believed Modi and the promises that he made during the 2014 election campaign. But he has betrayed our faith and we have launched this protest to atone for our mistake of believing him, Shetty had said at the launch of the march, which coincided with the Modi government completing three years in power. With inputs from agencies In the past, Reynolds has called for the assassination of Iranian scientists and clerics,[6] and advocated the use of nuclear weapons against North Korea "if they start anything."[7] In 2016, on his Twitter account, Reynolds suggested running over protesters objecting to the fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his tweet he wrote, "run them down" next to a link to a news story about the protests.[8] Society has had an unhealthy obsession with women's clothes, their bodies and their behaviour for time immemorial. The Egyptians wanted to represent their women with narrow waists, high shoulders. The period of Renaissance in Italy portrayed beauty in the form of zaftig women. Victorian-era England emphasised on hourglass figures for women this meant tight corsets which would enhance the bust and crinolines which would make the derrieres of women look larger visually. This obsession with maintaining a certain look for women throughout society has had implications on the quality of life for women and the quality, let's face it, has been inferior. Pick up any story about rape, sexual assault, the survivor or victim's clothes are discussed in great detail. Turn to any page on any lifestyle magazine, there will be reams dedicated to who showed the best cleavage, who could have shown a little more, who showed too much. Remember when Deepika Padukone apparently showed 'too much cleavage'? Priyanka Chopra has legs, yet trolls abused her online for meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with those very legs. Comedian Aditi Mittal recently said in an interview how she puts up very few videos of herself on YouTube because of how many people comment about her 'cameltoe'. Add to this endless obsession about women's bodies, a university in Belgium which emailed its students asking them to wear low-cut tops to their graduation ceremony. According to a report in CNN, the email which was sent out to 100 medical students from the Free University of Brussels said that it would be "preferable for young women to wear a low neckline because it would look better in photos." "From an aesthetic point of view, it would be better if the young women would wear a skirt or a dress, as well as a low neckline, and the men, a suit. Of course, ladies, this guidance isn't mandatory" Screenshots of the email were posted to the ULB Confessions page and had evoked reactions from students. The university posted its apologies on Facebook and Twitter "It goes without saying that the instructions related to the clothing of young graduates are contrary to the values of the ULB and this faculty," The Guardian quotes the apology. Of course the university apologised, but it's just a reminder that society really needs to stop obsessing over women's clothes, bodies and just chill. via GIPHY Yeah, we feel the same way. Washington: NASA on Wednesday announced that it has renamed the Solar Probe Plus spacecraft humanity's first mission to a star, which will be launched in 2018 - as the Parker Solar Probe in honour of astrophysicist Eugene Parker. "This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft for a living individual," said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The announcement was made at a ceremony at the University of Chicago, where Parker serves as the S Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. In 1958, Parker, then a young professor at the university's Enrico Fermi Institute, published an article in the Astrophysical Journal called "Dynamics of the interplanetary gas and magnetic fields." Parker believed there was high speed matter and magnetism constantly escaping the Sun, and that it affected the planets and space throughout our solar system. This phenomenon, now known as the solar wind, has been proven to exist repeatedly through direct observation. Parker's work forms the basis for much of our understanding about how stars interact with the worlds that orbit them. "The solar probe is going to a region of space that has never been explored before," he said. "It's very exciting that we'll finally get a look. One would like to have some more detailed measurements of what's going on in the solar wind. I'm sure that there will be some surprises. There always are," Parker added. In the 1950s, Parker proposed a number of concepts about how stars, including our Sun, give off energy. He called this cascade of energy the solar wind, and he described an entire complex system of plasmas, magnetic fields and energetic particles that make up this phenomenon. Parker also theorised an explanation for the superheated solar atmosphere, the corona, which is, contrary to what was expected by physics laws, hotter than the surface of the Sun itself. Many NASA missions have continued to focus on this complex space environment defined by our star - field of research known as heliophysics. "Parker Solar Probe is going to answer questions about solar physics that we've puzzled over for more than six decades," said Parker Solar Probe Project Scientist Nicola Fox of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. "It's a spacecraft loaded with technological breakthroughs that will solve many of the largest mysteries about our star, including finding out why the sun's corona is so much hotter than its surface," she said. Parker Solar Probe is on track for launch during a 20-day window that opens on 31 July, 2018, NASA said. A special court in Delhi granted bail to AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjuna in the Election Commission bribery case on Thursday, media reports said. The court granted the relief to the two saying they were no longer required for custodial interrogation and they should not try to influence the witnesses or tamper with evidence. According to Times Now, the court also ordered the police to prove the conspiracy charges. Tis Hazari court grants bail to TTV Dinakaran & aide Mallikarjun on personal bond of Rs 5 lakhs; they also have to surrender their passports ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Special judge Poonam Chaudhry, who was scheduled to pass the order on the bail pleas of Dinakaran and Mallikarjuna on Wednesday, said the order could not be completed and it would be pronounced on Thursday as stenographers were on leave. Dinakaran was arrested here on the night of 25 April, after four days of questioning, for allegedly attempting to bribe unidentified Election Commission officials to get the undivided AIADMK's two leaves election symbol. His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, which was later on cancelled by the Election Commission after reports of alleged irregularities. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa who was elected from the constituency. The EC had frozen the AIADMK symbol after two factions of the party one led by Dinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam staked claim to it. Dinakaran had been accused of allegedly arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels. Dinakaran had sought bail on the ground that there was no reason to keep him in custody and no public servant was made an accused in the case though he was booked on graft charges. The bail was vehemently opposed by the crime branch of the Delhi Police which had said that the AIADMK leader had conspired with others to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process through corrupt means and practices. With inputs from PTI Thiruvananthapuram: As part of his nationwide tour to strengthen the party base ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP president Amit Shah will meet people from various fields in Kerala during his three-day visit to the state starting Friday. A meeting with the state leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is one of the main programmes scheduled for Shah during his day-long visit to Kochi. The BJP chief is expected to discuss matters related to the expansion of the NDA in Kerala during his visit. Shah is scheduled to hold a meeting of BJP office-bearers, Sangh Parivar leaders and special invitees on 3 June in Thiruvananthapuram. He will lay the foundation stone for the party's new state headquarters here and is also scheduled to attend a booth committee meeting on 4 June, BJP spokesperson M S Kumar told reporters. Ending the decades-old bipolar politics of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, the BJP scripted a new chapter in the 2015 state Assembly polls by winning a seat. It was the first ever victory of a BJP candidate in an Assembly or a parliamentary election in the southern state. The vote share of the party in Kerala had increased from around 6 percent to 16 percent in the 2016 Assembly polls. The Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a political party formed by the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, a powerful social organisation of the backward Ezhava community, joining the NDA also helped the saffron party make inroads into the traditional vote-banks of UDF and LDF to a great extent. Chennai: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP's) state unit on Wednesday lashed out at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for its criticism of the party-led government at the Centre on the issue of ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, and challenged it to hold a beef-eating protest as some other groups were doing. The party's state unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan also refuted DMK leader MK Stalin's charge of the NDA's 'non-performance', saying people were now backing the party in many states, apparently indicating at the BJP coming to power in Uttar Pradesh, among others. "I ask brother Stalin, if you can, why don't you stage a beef-eating protest like the students (of IIT-Madras did). Let's see what happens in Tamil Nadu then," she told reporters. Stalin had earlier in the day led a protest against the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter. Stoutly defending the central notification against sale of cattle for slaughter, Soundararajan claimed it was done with the "noble intention" of protecting cows, which were "holy" and like a "mother". Lives of farmers would be better if the cows were with them and not by just slaughtering them, she said. She accused Stalin of spreading falsehoods and took exception to him branding her party and its government at the Centre as "anti-people". Among others, the Chennai Metro rail was up and running even as the Centre was allocating sufficient funds to Tamil Nadu in various sectors, including housing and energy. She also questioned what the DMK had done for farmers. "Have you built one dam, taken up one water management scheme? Have you taken efforts for intra-state river linking? What visionary steps have you taken for farmers? People will no more accept your criticism of BJP," she said. On the beef fest controversy at IIT-Madras, she asked why it was permitted in the first place. She flayed the teachers for failing to anticipate the reactions the event could draw. She also asked students not to get carried away by the controversy over the notification and said there was no ban on eating beef as was being made out. Bhopal: Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Thursday accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of indulging in politics of caste and appeasement, which he said is the antithesis of the BJP's political philosophy. His remarks came amid speculation about the increasing bonhomie between the JDU chief and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a tie-up between the two parties, something Kumar has repeatedly refuted. The JD(U) had broken its 17-year alliance with the BJP in 2013 after Narendra Modi was declared the saffron party's prime ministerial candidate. Kumar had last week called on Modi, a day after he gave a miss to the luncheon meeting hosted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi for opposition leaders in Delhi. However, he had denied the speculation, saying he met the prime minister to discuss Bihar-related issues. Rudy, the MoS for skill development and entrepreneurship (independent charge), at a press conference in Bhopal said it is difficult to decipher the politics of Kumar. "Bihar's politics is an antithesis of the BJP's political philosophy which is opposed to casteism, dynastic and appeasement politics," he said. Replying to a query, the minister said, "Both (Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav) practise politics of casteism and appeasement. I do not have a simple analysis of Bihar's politics. It will be hard for me to analyse the politics of Kumar." Asked who will the NDA's choice for the presidential election, the BJP leader said his party will consult its alliance partners to decide on the candidate. He added: "It would be good if they (opposition) agree (to the NDA's choice)." The Union minister criticised the liquor ban in Bihar, saying it has created a parallel liquor economy in every village of the state. "The state government is free to take such decisions, but it has been seen that bags of school children are checked (for liquor) in Patna every morning," he said. The minister said the BJP won the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly elections because the people believed in the NDA government at the Centre. "We have changed the narrative in the country. People believe in the prime minister's programmes and it is reflected in elections. "Now, the BJP is at the helm of government in 13 states. It has scored a win in panchayat elections in Odisha and entered new territories," he said. New Delhi: A delegation of Delhi BJP MLAs met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and demanded "dismissal" of the Kejriwal government for its alleged misgovernance and corruption. The delegation headed by Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta also demanded "arrest" of Delhi urban development and health minister Satyendar Jain, who has been facing allegations of corruption and irregularities. "The delegation told the home minister about the collapse of administration and development in Delhi due to corruption, incompetence, inaction and irregularities at the top level in the Kejriwal government," Gupta said. The AAP government had complained that its officers were "not cooperating" with it, but the "truth" was the officers were feeling "highly demoralised" because of "pressures and misbehaviour", Gupta alleged. The "unavailability" of medicines in Delhi government hospitals was also raised during the meeting, he said. The delegation comprised OP Sharma, Jagdish Pradhan and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, besides Gupta. The Kejriwal government has also been accused of corruption by its sacked minister Kapil Mishra. The anti-corruption branch is investigating several complaints of corruption related to the Delhi Jal Board and health and public works departments of the Delhi government. Jain was on Thursday examined by the CBI in connection with its probe into allegations of money laundering. Chennai: Ruling AIADMK's mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR on Thursday hit out at the Centre over its recent ban on cattle sale for slaughter at animal markets, days after Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that an official comment could not be given without knowing the details. The daily sought to know if Modi's regime was for "protection of the country or cow?" Although neither Palaniswami nor his senior ministers have commented against the Centre on the issue, the AIADMK daily posed questions on it and other matters to the Modi regime. Asked about the write-up, a former minister and senior AIADMK (Amma) leader merely said,"It is the view of the editor." Only the views of party top office-bearers which includes the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues could have the "official stamp," he told PTI. The daily, perceived to be sympathetic to jailed leader VK Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran criticised the Modi government in a short verse format. The write-up posed a slew of questions to the BJP-led government at the Centre beginning with the cattle controversy. Among the sharp questions asked were: Is this a regime of achievements or one of CBI raids? Is this a government which is being greeted by all or is this a regime for Sanskrit development? The Tamil daily also asked, "whether this is a government aimed at diminishing the pluralism of the country and one that carries palanquin for Patanjali and Bhagawad Gita?" It summed up Modi's regime saying "three years have gone by through big talks". Days ago, Palaniswami had said that he cannot comment on the matter based on media reports. The Chief Minister had said he will express his views only after fully studying the notification on curbs on cattle sale for slaughter. Rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam had said that the Centre should reconsider it. The main Opposition party DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli too hit out at the Centre by displaying in its front page a caricature showing Modi riding a cow with a man seated behind. The pillion rider was shown wearing a T-shirt with words 'India' on it. It had a caption in English which said,"World is going forward, India is going coward." The first three letters (cow) in the word 'coward' were highlighted in bold letters. The footnote in it claimed that it was an image doing the rounds in messaging platform Whatsapp. New Delhi: The Congress party, which has been asked by the Election Commission (EC) to complete its organisational polls by the end of this year, is likely to postpone the elections in some poll-bound states. The party has received requests from its units in poll-bound states like Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Mizoram to postpone organisational elections. "The postponement will be done as per the ground situation. If they can to hold elections, they will hold, and if they are not able to hold, then they will be given some time," said a senior party leader. There was a meeting with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on this issue. Members of party's Central Election Authority (CEA) were also present in the meeting. There will be another meeting of CEA members on Thursday. The Congress had earlier drawn up schedule of its delayed organisational polls keeping in mind the election of party chief, which is likely to be completed by 15 October. According to the schedule, election to the post of party President will be held between 16 September and 15 October. It had also told to the party units to complete the membership drive by 15 May. The Congress has been seeking extension of time to hold organisational elections ever since the present term of party chief Sonia Gandhi ended in 2015. The dissidence brewing in Bharatiya Janata Party's Nagaland unit came to the fore on Wednesday as more than a hundred leaders and workers participated in demonstrations, demanding the ouster of state party president Visasolie Lhongou. The agitating party members alleged that Lhongou was sabotaging the party to politically benefit the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF). The rift within the party comes at a time when the BJP state unit is already under attack following the Centre's decision to impose a ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter. Speaking to Firstpost about the resentment among the office bearers, IK Sema, BJP advisor for Nagaland, said, "The main problem the Nagaland unit of BJP is facing is that the state president is not actually working to bring the party to power. He is acting more like a ruling Naga People's Front leader than a BJP one." He also said that the state president was nominated by the saffron party's central leadership in Delhi, on the advice of the NPF leadership. NPF, that has been in power in Nagaland for the last three consecutive terms, is an old ally of the NDA. The saffron party, with only four MLAs in the state, share the power in the state by dint of this alliance, which makes the central leadership's stance towards the NPF relatively soft. A source in the state BJP told Firstpost that Lhongou, on the pretext of this alliance, has forced the saffron party to play second fiddle to NPF in Nagaland. "If we work hard and apply proper strategy, we can certainly win over the state in the election to be held early next year. But when the party president himself is working for another party, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to integrate the region with the national growth agenda will remain a mirage," he added. Explaining why the state president is suspected of sabotaging the party, HK Khulu, a worker of Nagaland's BJP unit said, "When Nagaland was boiling against the NPF-led state government's decision to hold Urban Local Body elections with 33 percent reservation for women, earlier this year, the state president gave the green signal to go ahead with the elections in a meeting held with the cabinet without any discussion with other leaders of the party." Khulu also said that there were rumours that the BJP president is going to contest the upcoming election with a nomination from NPF. He maintained that until and unless the leadership of the state BJP unit is changed and the party is reorganised, the chances of the party winning were weak. "Last April, we let the central leadership know about these problems. The ball now lies in the central leaderships court," he added. The agitating leaders and workers demonstrated in front of the party office in Dimapur on Wednesday, holding placards in their hands. A press release signed by Sema alleged that in August 2016, the state president had leaked a document of decisions made by the BJP leadership in Nagaland to the then chief minister who is an NPF leader. The release also alleged of the dictatorial functioning of the state chief. It said that he dropped six office bearers of the party without any consultation with advisors, senior colleagues or legislators. "The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) had clearly recommended reinstating three senior office bearers James Vizo, Mghtao Achumi and Yanghose Sangtam. But the state president, instead of acting on it, called the PAC unconstitutional," the release said. BJP's alliance with the ruling NPF has been a constant cause of concern for the saffron party's office bearers. On 10 November last year, a team of BJP leaders in the state had handed over a memorandum to Governor PB Acharya, alleging massive corruption in the NPF-led government. A source within the party told Firstpost: "The ruling NPF is facing powerful tides of anti-incumbency against it. If the alliance continues, it may harm BJP's prospects in the upcoming election." But, after the memorandum was submitted to the governor, three of the office bearers were dropped from their positions, which only intensified the suspicion against the state president that he was working on behalf of the NPF. But Lhongou dismissed such claims. Speaking to Firstpost, he said, "I do not know what the intention of the dissident group is. State BJP has been functioning as per the directives of the central leadership of the party." He also rubbished the rumours that he is going to contest the upcoming election on an NPF ticket. By Byron Tau Updated May 31, 2017 4:44 p.m. ET The House Intelligence Committee issued seven subpoenas on Wednesday, in a sign that its investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election is ramping up in scope and intensity, according to people familiar with the matter. The Republican-led committee issued four subpoenas related to the Russia investigation. Three subpoenas are related to questions about how and why the names of associates of President Donald Trump were unredacted and distributed within classified reports by Obama administration officials during the transition between administrations. Those subpoenas seek information on requests made by former national security adviser Susan Rice, former CIA Director John Brennan and former United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power for names to be unmasked in classified material. The three didn't personally receive subpoenas, the people familiar with the matte said. Mr. Brennan, Ms. Rice and Ms. Power didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Ms. Power hasn't previously been reported as a potential witness in the probe so her inclusion in the subpoenas may mean Republicans are broadening their areas of investigation. Rajkot (Gujarat): Congress's Gujarat chief Bharatsinh Solanki on Thursday said that he would not contest the upcoming Assembly election, even as speculations continued about the possibility of Leader of Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela quitting the party. Solanki, on a three-day visit to hub of Saurashtra region, denied that the party was unable to make up its mind on the candidates and told reporters that the first list of around 45 to 50 contestants for the elections by the end of this month. Asked about the constituency he planned to fight from, Solanki said: "I am not going to contest the elections." He parried further questions on this. State Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said: "Solanki was an MP before 2014 and has been a Union minister. So it is not surprising for him not to contest Assembly polls." The announcement assumes significance in wake of strong rumours that Vaghela set to jump ship shortly. The buzz in the state after his return following a meeting with the Congress top brass in Delhi on Wednesday is that he is in final stages. Vaghela himself told IANS on Wednesday evening that nobody could predict tomorrow when asked if he was planning to quit. "My existence is not tied to anyone or any party," he said. When Solanki was asked about this, he sought to downplay it. "He (Vaghela) may have said that today I am alive but may not be tomorrow. How to decipher Bapu's statement depends on how media interprets it." Chandigarh: Facing heat over alleged irregularities in various land deals during his tenure, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday said that if the BJP government felt anything wrong had been done, it should initiate action. "I am saying nothing illegal has been done (on land deals). Why should the government wait for the Dhingra Commission report (to be made public)? If they feel anything wrong has been done, they should take action," Hooda said, referring to the committee set up by the BJP government to look into various land deals. Hooda said that not even a single inch of land had been given to any developer by the previous Congress government and asserted that if any wrongdoing was proved, he would retire from politics. Commenting on a private TV channel airing the purported SN Dhingra Commission's report, Hooda said, "I do not know which report they are showing." He said there is a court injunction against making it public. "However, what is being shown on the TV, I will get it examined. Conjectures are being drawn without any base," he said. He said the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued injunction twice, restraining the release of the content of the report of the commission which probed alleged irregularities in grant of land licences to a firm owned by Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Two weeks after the CBI questioned Hooda in connection with a case of alleged irregularities in land deals in Manesar, most of the state Congress legislators had on Tuesday come out in his defence asserting that no wrong had been done by him. They had charged the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state with misusing such agencies and unleashing "witch-hunt" and "political vendetta". Meanwhile, senior Haryana Minister Anil Vij hit out at Hooda, saying "everyone knows that benefits were extended by his government to the royal son-in-law Vadra. The Congress party has been defending Vadra from day one and terming him innocent. Vadra too has said that he has not done anything wrong, but everyone knows the facts". Replying to a question, the outspoken minister dismissed the charge that the BJP government was going soft on the alleged misdeeds of the previous Congress government despite making land deals a big issue during the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls campings. Vij said, "We set up the Dhingra Commission because we wanted to bring out the misdeeds of the previous government to the fore... now there is an injunction in making the report public." The commission had submitted its 182-page report to Khattar on 31 August, 2016. The contents of the report are yet to be made public by the state government which had given an undertaking in the Punjab and Haryana High Court not to release the report until directed by the court. Hooda had petitioned the high court challenging the constitutional validity of the panel and had accused the government of resorting to political vendetta. It was during the hearing of Hooda's petition that the state government had told the court that it would not make public the report. Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Thursday offered to resign after he had been instructed by Congress high command to do so. Parameshwara said that he will hand over his resignation letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Wednesday, Congress said it had asked Parameshwara to quit the state cabinet and devote himself to his duties as the Karnataka party president. "He (Parameshwara) will continue to be the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president and will devote his full time and energy in discharging responsibilities of the party president, he will resign from the state cabinet immediately," an AICC statement released by party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi had said. Gearing up for the Assembly polls due next year, the party restructured its state unit while accommodating all castes and sections. "The Congress president and vice-president have decided that the coming election of the state will be fought under the leadership of K Siddharamaiah, the present chief minister of Karnataka," Dwivedi had further said. Parameshwara will devote all his time and energy to the party affairs and will resign from the state cabinet immediately. The statement had also said that SR Patil has been appointed as the working president of KPCC along with present working president Dinesh Gundurao. While Gundurao will take care of the party affairs in southern Karnataka, Patil will take care of northern Karnataka. The party also appointed DK Shivakumar, a minister in the state government, as chairman of the campaign committee for the coming elections. Top Congress leaders from Karnataka on Monday had met Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss the party's strategy ahead of next year's assembly election in the state. Sources said all senior party leaders from the state including Siddharamaiah and Parameshwara were present during the meeting. The issue of strengthening the organisation ahead of 2018 assembly polls was also discussed but no decision could be taken to replace the PCC chief. Karnataka is likely to go to polls in May next year. With inputs from agencies New Delhi: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday rejected criticism that the Centre was infringing upon states' rights on the cattle issue, saying the order has nothing do with slaughter of cattle which is governed by respective state laws. "It (central notification) has nothing to do with legislation or no legislation. Is this farmers' market meant for those involved in slaughter trade or not this is the only effect of the notification. And whether you can slaughter or not, that is the state legislation which applies," Jaitley told a media conference. He was replying to a question on three chief ministers, including from Kerala and West Bengal, writing to the Centre opposing the order issued by the union environment ministry regulating cattle trade in which animals cannot be sold for slaughter. Jaitley said there is a provision in the Constitution, Article 48 on directive principles, which says that certain category of animals have to be protected. "You have, during the 1950s, during Nehru's era, state after state framing a legislation. Now there are two categories of states ones which have prohibited slaughter, others which have not. Those laws are continuing," he said. "This clarification which has come has nothing to do with those state legislations," he added. Ever since the environment ministry came out with the notification on 23 May, banning the sale of cows and buffaloes for slaughter at animal markets across India, states ruled by opposition parties and political opponents of the BJP have come out strongly against it, terming it an attempt to impose food habits on people and strike at the roots of federalism by taking away states' powers. South India has and will keep Rahul Gandhi occupied for much of this week. It is an important and complicated patch for the Congress, that is in power in two of the six south Indian states. With the BJP aggressively looking to expand its footprints in the Peninsula, it is a turf the party has to protect along with its allies if it wants to stay relevant. The problem with the Congress, however, has been it has shown an inconsistency and a tendency to shoot itself in the foot with the manner it has done its politics in south India. Take the ugly Kannur episode for instance, where youth Congress activists in their enthusiasm to defy what they ignorantly interpreted as a beef ban, slaughtered a cow in public glare. It showed that the grand old party of India had in its ranks activists with zero empathy and sensitivity. For a change, Rahul reacted in quick time. Realising the political damage the visuals that went viral had done, the Congress vice-president suspending the activists. But the image of the Congress with blood on its hands stuck and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan stole a march, emerging as the champion of the anti-notification lobby. The Congress in Kerala, a state with a 25 percent beef eating population, has been reduced to a sidekick in the debate, with the Reds organising over 300 beef fests and keeping the pot boiling literally. Across the Mullaperiyar, the Congress at least has the fig leaf of being a junior partner to the DMK. But here as well, it is hardly part of the narrative on the cattle controversy. Is it because one of its senior most leaders, P Chidambaram had a role to play by emphasising the need to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act? In April during the budget session, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, headed by P Chidambaram pointed out a link between cattle trafficking and cattle markets. Its report said : "There is a wide and deeply entrenched nexus due to which this menace has proliferated and the government needs to strike at the roots of this nexus, if it has to completely curb this problem," says the report. The BJP will now turn around and say it has acted precisely on the recommendations of the Congressman-headed Standing committee. In both states, the Congress is nowhere getting to occupying the anti-BJP space now completely dominated by Vijayan and MK Stalin. Partly, the dilemma is also governed by its notional status as a national party, even though its current electoral strength would betray that impression. A strong pro-beef stance it fears, could work to its disadvantage in the cow belt, where the BJP's slogan to treat cattle as a holy cow finds more traction. This dilemma is making it fall between two stools. On Thursday, Rahul will be in Telangana on the eve of India's youngest state celebrating three years of existence. Even though his party took the call to divide Andhra Pradesh, the electoral benefit accrued to the Telangana Rashtra Samiti and the Congress ended up taking the hit in both Telugu states. When he addresses a public meeting in Sangareddy, it will be the beginning of an attempt to revive the party's sagging fortunes in Telangana. But the party is a divided house, even over the choice of the venue of his public meeting. The ire of disgruntled leaders is directed at Jagga Reddy, who is organising the show. Reddy was former chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy's Man Friday and Kiran's opposition to formation of Telangana is well documented. Jagga Reddy lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election in May as the Congress candidate and went on to contest a by-elections in September as the BJP-TDP candidate only to lose again. He returned to the Congress the following year, establishing himself as Telangana turncoat number one. Rahul Gandhi's Telangana show will be like a T20 match, where incidentally, BJP chief Amit Shah spent close to three days last month. The BJP has been positioning itself as the alternative to the TRS, punching above its weight, cadre strength and available leadership talent. The threat for the Congress also would be that many of its leaders, looking out for options, have reached out to the BJP. Rahul will also visit Guntur in Andhra on Sunday to demand special category status for the bifurcated state. Andhra is even more of a challenge than Telangana, as the Congress is still seen as the villain of the division saga, against the wishes of the people of Andhra. The opposition space is completely taken over by YS Jaganmohan Reddy, with the Congress reduced to being a party of has-beens. Tamil Nadu in contrast presents a confused scenario. While officially it has an alliance with the DMK and Rahul will also attend Karunanidhi's birthday celebrations on 3 June, he did try to flirt with the AIADMK when Jayalalithaa was hospitalised. That was a blunder because not only it miffed the DMK, the possibility of a relationship with the AIADMK also came to nought with the BJP playing a smarter game on the political chessboard. The AIADMK now is firmly under the BJP's control. Strange are the ways of politics that a party that got just 2.8 percent of the voteshare in the 2016 assembly elections is able to exercise control over a party with a 41 percent voteshare. Karnataka is the only state where Rahul Gandhi has got things a bit sorted. He put a leadership in place this week, one year ahead of elections and it is for Siddaramaiah and team to deliver now. He has tried to balance the caste arithmetic by making the leader of every caste something of consequence in the state leadership. Amit Shah will be in Kerala this week, perhaps to gauge for himself the reaction on the ground to the cattle notification. With the battlelines drawn in this warzone featuring formidable regional and national players, the battle for the final frontier is truly on. Hyderabad: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is expected to train his guns on the BJP-led government at the Centre and the TRS administration in Telangana when he addresses a public meeting on Thursday. The public meeting meeting will be held at Sangareddy town. Gandhi would reach Begumpet airport here in the afternoon and garland a statue of late Rajiv Gandhi and greet Congress workers at different places in the city before reaching Sangareddy in the evening, according to his schedule released by the state Congress. The Congress leader would release a 'chargesheet' against the "failures" of the TRS government. Gandhi's rally, named 'Telangana Praja Garjana' (roar of Telangana people), would boost the morale of the party rank and file in their fight against the TRS government, Telangana Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had said earlier. The Ambedkar Stadium at Sangareddy, the venue of the meeting, holds significance. It is the same location where former prime minister Indira Gandhi addressed a public meeting in 1979 and led the Congress back to power in the 1980 general elections. "Therefore, Rahul Gandhi's address from the same location after 38 years would be of historic significance and of very high sentimental value", Reddy had said. Washington: A Pennsylvania physician who was behaving suspiciously and had made threatening remarks was arrested on Wednesday at the Trump International Hotel in Washington after police found an assault-style rifle and handgun in his car, authorities said. Bryan Moles of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody at the downtown hotel, where he was staying as a guest, police said. At a news conference, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham said his department, as well as the Secret Service, received a tip from the Pennsylvania State Police at about 12.30 am. The tipster reported that Moles was traveling to the Trump Hotel in Washington, armed with weapons and ammunition. Moles, 43, checked into the hotel about 30 minutes later, Newsham said. Authorities worked with hotel security to locate Moles' car, and later, Moles himself inside the hotel. "I was very concerned about this circumstance," Newsham said, "and I believe the officers and our federal partners, and in particular the tipster, averted a potential disaster here in our nation's capital." The Secret Service said in a statement that special agents from its Washington Field Office, as well as local police officers, began investigating potential threats made against people the agency protects, but at no time were they at risk. The statement didn't identify the people. The Secret Service protects presidents and vice presidents and their families, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries, facilities and major events. A police report said authorities saw a firearm in Moles' vehicle and found another inside the glove compartment. Police seized a Glock 23 pistol, a Bushmaster assault-style rifle and 90 rounds of ammunition. Newsham declined to comment on what may have motivated Moles. The police chief said Moles is being interviewed, and is giving authorities information. He is being charged with carrying a pistol without a license and having unregistered ammunition. Newsham added that the department does not presently have enough evidence to charge Moles with making threats, although a department spokesman earlier indicated that was part of the tip to Pennsylvania authorities. Pennsylvania records show Moles renewed his license to practice medicine in October 2016. It wasn't immediately clear where he works. Moles worked at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, until late 2013, according to Dan Laurent, a spokesman for Allegheny Health Network. Moles served in the US Navy from 1992 to 2006. He was a hospital corpsman, and was in the reserves in Erie for the last nine years of his service. He received several honors, including a Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and a Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon. Hotel spokeswoman Patricia Tang said in a statement that "authorities arrested a guest who was behaving suspiciously," but referred further questions to authorities. FBI spokeswoman Minique Crump said the agency initially responded, but referred further questions to the local police, who are taking the lead on the investigation. Edinboro is about 100 miles north of Pittsburgh. China on Thursday said that it hoped the tensions between India and Pakistan will ease after they are awarded the full membership of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at its annual summit this month. "We hope India and Pakistan will strictly follow the charter of the SCO, and the idea of good neighbours, uphold the Shanghai spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. The summit is scheduled to be held in early June in Kazakhstan's capital Astana."I can see both the friends from Pakistan and India. I hope someday you can sit close to each other," a smiling Hua said while looking at the reporters from both the countries sitting in two corners of the press conference hall. "I can see both the friends from Pakistan and India. I hope someday you can sit close to each other," a smiling Hua said while looking at the reporters from both the countries sitting in two corners of the press conference hall. The ties between India and Pakistan have continuously deteriorated since the terror attack on an Indian army base in January 2016, which was followed by another dastardly attack of the same nature at another army camp. India and Pakistan will be admitted to the six-member China-led grouping that has Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.Formed in 2001, the grouping is about military cooperation among the member nations and counter-terrorism. Formed in 2001, the grouping is about military cooperation among the member nations and counter-terrorism."Now the SCO will complete first membership expansion since its establishment and it will become a regional organisation with the largest coverage and involve the biggest population," Hua added. "Now the SCO will complete first membership expansion since its establishment and it will become a regional organisation with the largest coverage and involve the biggest population," Hua added. June 8 it is. Prep is at fever pitch in Americas newsrooms for the high drama media event next week - Comey will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on June 8 as part of ongoing investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election and collusion with President Donald Trump's campaign. The Committee said Comey will testify in an open session at 10 a.m., followed by a closed session. Former FBI chief Comey was unceremoniously fired by Trump on May 9 while he was in the West Coast addressing team members. Soon after, the New York Times and Washington Post scooped stories on how Trump reportedly told Comey to drop an investigation into former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn. I hope you can let this go, the president reportedly told Comey. The wildly unpredictable Trump-led White House has powered a return to the fiercest news gathering war since the Watergate scandal in the 1970s that led to Nixons fall from grace with the Post and New York Times matching each other scoop for scoop round the clock. We tell people what they didnt already know. We hold government and powerful people and institutions accountable, says Post editor Martin Baron in a recent interview on how the killer app is and always will be investigative journalism. Expect both the Post and New York Times to be firing on all cylinders next week. But before that, these are the stories playing on loop in Washington D.C. Will U.S exit climate deal? Thats at 3 pm EST At 3 pm local time Thursday, well know if Donald Trump goes ahead and pulls the U.S. out of the Paris climate-change agreement, which has the backing of a hundred and ninety-five countries and was brokered after many sleepless nights over endless coffee by Obamas most trusted colleagues. Trumps Twitter posts and The White House are both signalling that Trump is likely to exit the global pact although top aides prefer to tread middle ground with caveats in the fine print instead of a walkout. What does Trumps coterie stand on this? Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wants Trump to stay in, chief strategist Steve Bannon supports an exit ( this works for Americas coal belt which voted heavily for Trump). fireworks next week but before that Putin denies state involvement in hacking More grist on the Russia story as America waits for the James Comey revelations. Russian President Vladimir Putin waded into the swirling controversy making the distinction once again between patriotic hackers and the state. "We don't engage in that at the state level. No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America, Putin said at a meeting with senior editors of leading news agencies. U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory. #CrookedHillary is back That hashtag has been dusted out and in circulation once more as Trump and Hillary Clinton are back to trading jabs on Twitter. Speaking at a tech conference in the US West Coast, Clinton ratcheted up her old war cry that Russian cyber attacks cost her the 2016 election. Riding on the news that sacked FBI chief James Comey will testify as early as next week confirming Trump pressurised him to let go the investigation into Michael Flynns links with Russia, Clinton is back from her silence zone and will likely stay that way unless Comey gives Trump a clean chit. 'Covfefe' lives on Despite the looming Comey bombshell, Donald Trumps wacky humor has millions contemplating total balderdash - Covfefe. A California man has Trumps midnight typo as his numberplate, we also know that Trumps nine day excursion to Arabia hasnt changed his sleep cycle - 4 hours lasting from the midnight tweet till the next one; those who invert their body clock to match Trumps and set their Twitter notifications on will be richly rewarded. Albany police are seeking a suspect who fled after a stun gun failed to stop him during a Wednesday morning confrontation in the Fred Meyer parking lot. The incident stemmed from a shoplifting call at the nearby Home Depot, where three suspects were reported to have taken a collection of power tools. Albany police detective Aaron Davis happened to notice the trio in a light-blue Honda Pilot at Fred Meyer. He approached the vehicle on foot and was able to arrest Lisa Galligan, 30, of Lane County. Once she was handcuffed, Davis managed to get a second suspect, Dylan Thomas Cagle, 32, also of Lane County, out of the car. For unknown reasons, Davis deployed his Taser to subdue the driver, but the driver was able to drive away, striking a parked car during his escape. An Oregon State Police trooper arrived to assist in the middle of the scuffle. Cagle and Galligan were both booked into the Linn County Jail on felony warrants. By Yeganeh Torbati | WASHINGTON WASHINGTON The United States on Thursday blacklisted nine companies and government institutions, including two Russian firms, and three people for their support of North Korea's weapons programs.The announcement from the U.S. Treasury came as diplomats said the United States and China were likely to propose on Thursday that the U.N. Security Council blacklist more North Korean individuals and entities over the country's repeated ballistic missile launches.Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying Moscow was puzzled and alarmed by the U.S. decision to sanction a Russian citizen and firms over alleged connections to North Korea.He said Russia is preparing retaliatory measures, and that the sanctions would not help efforts to restore relations between Moscow and Washington, RIA news agency reported.The United States has struggled to slow North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, which has become a security priority given Pyongyang's vow to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.Washington has worked to step up both unilateral and international sanctions in an effort to cut off funds and supplies to the reclusive state.The measures announced by the U.S. Treasury on Thursday sanctioned Ardis-Bearings Llc, which it said is based in Moscow, and its director, Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin, for acting as a supplier to a North Korean trading company involved in the country's missile and weapons of mass destruction programs. Another Russian firm, Independent Petroleum Company, and a subsidiary were blacklisted for signing a contract to provide oil to North Korea and shipping over $1 million worth of petroleum products to North Korea, Treasury said.The head of Independent Petroleum, Eduard Khudainatov, was chief executive of Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft from 2010 to 2012 before Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed his close aide, Igor Sechin, to replace him.Khudainatov then became a Rosneft vice president and subsequently left Rosneft and took over the much smaller IPC, which produces about 40,000 barrels of oil per day, compared with more than four million barrels a day at Rosneft. IPC was set up in December 2012, according to filings.The Treasury also sanctioned a major North Korean zinc company, the Korea Zinc Industrial Group, and the Korea Computer Center, which it said is a state-run information technology research center that generates foreign currency for the North Korean government through programming and software development. The center is believed to have offices in Germany, China, Syria, India and the Middle East, Treasury said.A North Korean intelligence official, Kim Su-Kwang, was also sanctioned. The Treasury said he had worked undercover at a United Nations organization in Europe.The steps freeze any funds the individuals or companies may have in the United States, and bar Americans from dealing with them.The United States has been negotiating with China for five weeks on possible new U.N. sanctions and the 15-member U.N. Security Council body could vote on a draft resolution to add names to its targeted sanctions list as early as Friday, diplomats said. The Trump administration has been pressing Beijing to rein in North Korea, warning that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development.Traditionally, the United States has negotiated new sanctions with China - North Korea's neighbor and only major ally - before involving the other 13 council members. Russian support would be needed for the approval of a new resolution.Any new names added to the U.N. blacklist would be subjected to a global asset freeze and travel ban.The Security Council first imposed sanctions on Pyongyang in 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs and has ratcheted up the measures in response to five nuclear tests and two long-range missile launches.North Korea is threatening a sixth nuclear test and has conducted repeated missile tests this year.(Corrects name of Russian news agency in paragraph 3.) (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati in Washington, Michelle Nichols at the United Nations and Jack Stubbs and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Writing by David Alexander and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The Bangladesh Navy on Thursday rescued 20 people after their boat was caught in Cyclone Mora, that has wreaked havoc even as the Indian Navy returned 33 Bangladeshi fishermen who were saved off the country's coast. The Navy launched a massive rescue campaign mobilising 15 ships, a helicopter and a patrol aircraft, a Navy spokesman said. "The 20 cyclone survivors were rescued from near the offshore island of Kutubdia... most of them were exhausted or wounded, requiring first aid," the spokesman said. The Navy's comments came hours after an Indian Navy ship returned 33 Bangladeshi fishermen at a ceremony joined by Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The fishermen, who were rescued from the Bay of Bengal by Indian Navy a day after Cyclone Mora battered the country's southeastern coast, were handed over to Bangladesh on Thursday. Shringla handed them over to Chittagong's administrative chief or deputy commissioner Zillur Rahman at the Chittagong port. Rahman also received the relief materials that the Indian government sent for the people affected during Cyclone Mora. As many as 300,000 people had been taken to shelters in more than 10 districts most vulnerable to the cyclone. The districts affected by the storm include Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barisal and Pirojpur. Bangladesh is often hit by bad storms between April and December that cause deaths and widespread destruction. Cyclone Roanu hit the southern coast of Bangladesh last year, leaving 20 people dead and forcing half a million to flee their homes. The Mora cyclone formed after heavy rains in Sri Lanka caused floods and landslides killing over 200 people. BERLIN The European Union should continue accession negotiations with Turkey but a reintroduction of the death penalty would clearly put an end to the process, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday.Turkey abolished the death penalty in 2004 as part of a campaign for EU membership. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said he will approve its reinstatement if parliament submits such a proposal or if the measure is backed in a referendum."I am not of the opinion that the accession negotiations with Turkey should be stopped now," Juncker said in Berlin during a debate with students about the future of Europe. European officials should still try to convince Turkey that it was in its own interest to adopt reforms and move towards Europe instead of turning away from the continent and its values, Juncker said."If Turkey will ever become a member state, I do not know," Juncker said. He said he recently made clear in a long conversation with Erdogan that a reintroduction of the death penalty in Turkey would be a red line in accession talks. "I told him: If you reintroduce the death penalty, then it's time to end," Juncker said.Tensions between Turkey and the EU are high over rights and security issues, but the bloc depends on the help of NATO ally Ankara on migration and the conflict in Syria.After meeting European Council President Donald Tusk and Juncker last week in Brussels, Erdogan was quoted as saying he had been presented with a new 12-month timetable for renewing ties. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Andrew Bolton) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Britain wants the United States to take a leading role in addressing climate change, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Thursday but he would not be drawn on what his response would be if President Donald Trump pulls out of the Paris accord. Trump is expected to say whether to keep the United States in a global pact to fight climate change, and a source close to the matter told Reuters said he was preparing to pull out of the Paris accord. "We're not there yet. We continue to lobby the US at all levels to continue to take climate change extremely seriously." Johnson told Sky news. He added that other countries such as India and China needed to make further progress on reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Earlier on Thursday, Germany and China vowed to expand their partnership, pledging to continue to fight climate change hours beforeTrump announces whether Washington will quit a global climate deal. Germany is the first stop for Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on a European tour that comes amid growing concern in Germany over some of Trump's policies, especially on climate change and protectionism. "China has become a more important and strategic partner," Merkel said at a joint news conference with Li, pointing to political, economic, social and cultural ties. "We are living in times of global uncertainty and see that we have a responsibility to expand our partnership in all the different areas and to push for a world order based on law," she said. Washington: A Washington DC-based environmental group has called a last-minute protest on Thursday to oppose President Donald Trump's expected withdrawal from the Paris climate deal. The protest, organised by 350 DC group, was announced on Wednesday night and is set to follow Trump's announcement on Thursday of whether the US will remain a party to the 196-nation agreement aimed at curbing the effects of climate change, The Hill magazine reported. So far, about 470 Facebook users had committed to going to the protest and more than 1,000 were 'interested' in attending. Trump is reportedly leaning towards a withdrawal from the deal, a move that would signal the president's strongest effort yet to unravel former President Barack Obama's environmental policies. "This decision sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the world that the US doesn't honour its commitments," the Facebook event page for the protest reads. "The Paris agreement was signed by 196 countries and is the backbone of international action to tackle the greatest challenge facing our civilization: climate change." At the G7 Summit last week, Trump declined to pledge his support for the climate accord, breaking from the group's other leaders and irking some, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who called climate talks with Trump "unsatisfying". Editor's Note: This article was originally published on 1 June, it has been republished in light of Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. United States president Donald Trump is keeping the world guessing about his stand on the Paris Agreement on climate change. If he signs on the order to formally withdraw the United States from the international agreement, as widely expected, it would isolate the country in the international arena and may even badly hit the American economy at a time when the world is beginning to shift towards low-carbon economic growth. Above all, it is bound to make the planet a warmer place to live in. Though non-binding in nature, the 2015 Paris Agreement represents the collective will of all countries to save the planet from the catastrophic impacts of climate change in the decades to come. If the worlds biggest polluter, presently, and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions of the past does not want to be a part of even a non-binding deal, it would certainly weaken global climate action. It would also be a major blow to the very concept of multilateralism and treaties negotiated by the United Nations. United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate deal would mean that the country will continue to emit more and more carbon into the atmosphere. Even if other countries reduce emissions, as committed, this would enhance the global temperature as simulation studies had shown. It would be wrong to assume that American action would have no impact at all on global climate. Trump is a known climate change sceptic and has packed his administration with climate deniers and other sceptics in key positions. He has no advisor on climate change or science and technology. During his presidential campaign and in the weeks following his inauguration, he had made it amply clear that he does not believe in climate change and that he would do everything at his command to roll back all climate actions initiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Clearly, all this was not just campaign rhetoric, as many had predicted. In March, he signed an executive order to scrap the Clean Power Plan, which Obama had put in place to fulfil pledges made by America under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions. In this sense, the march backwards from international commitments had already begun in March. A formal withdrawal from the deal negotiated under the umbrella of the United National Convention on Climate Change is now a mere question of legality. As it is, Paris was not a great deal. It was a weak deal hammered out under a great push by the industrialised world, led by America. Since America and other Western countries were not ready to accept any binding cuts in emissions unlike the binding nature of the Kyoto Protocol Paris Agreement was proposed as a way out. It, for the first time, brought the rich and the poor, developed and developing all countries under one ambit. The idea behind the Paris deal was that every country should commit to reduce emissions on its own and make available a plan to do so. The logic was that if all such commitments are implemented, the world would collectively be able to keep the planet below the critical threshold of a less than two-degree rise in temperature. If Trump pulls America out of this deal, the very premise of the Paris Agreement falls flat. It is difficult to say at this stage if other countries too will walk out, but certainly, it would be difficult for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to keep the flock together and march towards a global climate framework by 2020, as planned. Trump is unleashing his anti-climate action at a time when the world has begun to shift to a low-carbon path of development. Actions taken by India and China, in rolling out renewable energy in the past two years, have been recognised globally and would be a great contributor to climate action if the momentum continues. Several other countries on similar growth trajectories are doing the same. Incidentally, America has a bilateral agreement with China on climate change. If Trump is withdrawing from Paris Agreement, he should also scrap the climate deal with China. Like the fossil fuel industry, whose interests Trump is seeking to protect, America has a huge stake in renewable technologies as well. If America is going strong on coal and oil, research and development into renewable energy will take a hit. This, in turn, would impact the renewable industry and its competitiveness globally. Ironically such a thing would negate what Trump is claiming to do make America great again. If renewable is going be at the centre of all energy development in future, this sector will also create new jobs and manufacturing opportunities. Thats why leading American corporations have appealed to Trump not to walk out of the Paris Agreement. Overall, Trump symbolises a victory for the fossil fuel industry, which has been operating all these years through lobbyists and sponsored and fake research, to undermine climate change and the science behind it. Now, it wont have to spend money on all this. The president is on the side of fossil fuels. The planet can fend for itself. Paris: Donald Trump, considering a US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, is not the first American president to test international partners' patience by challenging a climate deal that took years to negotiate. Here is a brief history of America's chequered involvement in the two-decade-old process that yielded the 2015 Paris accord endorsed by 196 nations the first universal pact on curbing global warming. Kyoto Right from the start, when the UN climate convention was signed in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the United States resisted any notion of greenhouse gas limits being imposed on countries "top-down". Instead, Washington has consistently insisted on national sovereignty when it comes to determining which gases to reduce, how, by how much, and by when. Donald Trump's possible Paris Accord withdrawal a reminder of America's chequered past with climate agreements In 1997, the US joined most of the rest of the world in agreeing to the Kyoto Protocol, which listed binding emissions-curbing targets only for rich nations those most responsible for carbon pollution blamed for global warming. The US agreed to the deal after extracting several concessions from negotiating partners. Bill Clinton's vice president Al Gore signed the treaty on America's behalf in 1998, but the Democrat administration could never muster the two-thirds support required from the Senate to officially ratify it. And when Clinton was replaced by oilman George W. Bush in 2001, the writing was on the wall. Bush like his father before him objected to a pact he said gave developing countries free rein to burn fossil fuels and grow their economies while rich nations' hands were tied by emissions restrictions. The pact entered into force without America in 2005 after Russia signed on, tipping the agreement over the legal threshold of 55 ratifiers required. Canada later withdrew from the deal, and New Zealand, Japan and Russia failed to take on a second round of carbon-cutting pledges. Copenhagen In 2009 the world's nations gathered with the task of replacing the Kyoto Protocol with a new pact requiring action from all countries including China and India, the world's first- and third-biggest carbon polluters, and second-placed US. But talks in the Danish capital ended in near-failure amid bickering between rich and poor countries over how to share responsibility for cuts. The US, with backing from others, insisted that any deal not be termed a "treaty" that would require Senate ratification, or contain emissions limits that are binding under international law. In the end, the meeting yielded a non-formal "accord", which enshrined the target of limiting average global warming to two degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, but listed no emissions targets or cutoff dates. Paris The next deadline, set at talks in Durban in 2011, was for a global deal to be finalised by 2015. US president Barack Obama led with China's Xi Jinping to rally 195 countries around the common goal. But with a Republican-dominated Senate back home, he could do only so much. The end product was a compromise: a legally-binding core agreement that sets out the overarching goals and objectives of limiting warming. Countries' intended emissions cuts to this end are listed in a separate non-legally binding register, and are termed "contributions" rather than "commitments". This allowed Obama to ratify the agreement without Senate approval. But it also means there will be no repercussions apart from a diplomatic cold shoulder for Washington withdrawing from the hard-fought pact and breaking its pledge to cut emissions by 26-28 percent over 2005 levels by 2025. Brussels: The European Commission president has said that it was the "duty of Europe" to stand up to the US if President Donald Trump decides to pull his country out of the Paris climate change accord. Jean-Claude Juncker said that "the Americans can't just get out of the agreement," adding that "it takes three to four years" to pull out. Juncker went on to say that the Group of Seven leaders "tried to explain this in clear simple sentences to Trump" at a recent summit in Italy. He said that even though "it looks like that attempt failed" ... the "law is the law". In a jibe at the US administration, Juncker told the audience at an event of the Confederation of German Employers in Berlin that "not everything that is written in international agreements is fake news." Juncker said, "If the US president pulls out of the Paris agreement, and he will in the next days or hours, then it is Europe's duty to say that that is not how it works." A White House official said earlier in the day that Trump was planning to pull out of the Paris accord, although a final decision hadn't been made. Trump on Wednesday declared that abandoning the Paris climate agreement would be a victory for the American economy. The European Union and China, meanwhile, will reaffirm their commitment to the Paris accord this week regardless of whether the US pulls out of the pact, a senior EU official said. The official told reporters that the EU and China will also "spell out" how they plan to meet their commitments to the landmark international accord to fight global warming at talks in Brussels on Thursday. The official is involved in preparing the meeting between EU Council President Donald Tusk, Juncker and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, but can't speak on the record because their meeting statement wasn't finalized. Li and a major Chinese delegation are due to arrive in Brussels on Thursday following talks in Berlin. "The EU and China are joining forces to forge ahead on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and accelerate the global transition to clean energy," EU climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete said about the upcoming EU-China summit, stressing they remain committed to Paris. A White House official said on Wednesday that there could be "caveats in the language" announcing a withdrawal, leaving open the possibility that his decision isn't final. That possibility was met with derisive howls from EU lawmakers when a session of the European Parliament was informed about it. "Climate change is not a fairy tale. It is a tough reality which affects peoples' daily lives," European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said in a statement. "People die or are obliged to leave their homes because of desertification, lack of water, exposure to disease, extreme weather conditions. If we don't act swiftly and boldly, the huge human and economic cost will continue to increase." Tajani suggested that Washington's withdrawal should be a signal for Europe to step up its efforts and reap the benefits. "Our climate action strategy represents an opportunity to attract investment, innovation and develop new green technologies," he said. "We have got the talent and the will to make this possible in all sectors." Tajani said earlier he would confer with Tusk and Juncker about "joint initiatives to be adopted together as a European Union" to offset the decision. The EU official involved in organising the EU-China meeting said it would "send important signals for the multinational system," as Trump moves to unpick some of the international trade agreements the U.S. has signed up to. Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy for the Union of Concerned Scientists advocacy group, said "I don't think any other countries will follow the U.S. out of Paris, so if he does leave, Trump will be in splendid isolation with the leaders of Syria and Nicaragua." In Madrid, the leaders of India and Spain expressed their commitment to fighting climate change and reiterated their support for implanting the Kyoto and Paris accords. In a joint statement issued following talks in the Spanish capital between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy, the two countries said taking action on climatic change was a priority for both nations. On Tuesday, Modi said in Berlin that it would be a "crime" to spoil the environment for future generations as the world awaits a decision on US climate policy. Rajoy and Modi agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in the field of combating climate change. Berlin: Downplaying the increased tensions between US president Donald Trump and German chancellor Angela Merkel, Berlin's envoy to Washington Peter Wittig has described the bilateral relationship as "good and productive". "This is a healthy relationship. Chancellor Merkel and the US president have a good and productive relationship," said ambassador Wittig on Wednesday. "They met in Washington very extensively. They met now in Europe. They are on the phone frequently," he added. Trump on Tuesday called Germany's trade and military spending policies "very bad" for the US as tensions between him and Merkel increased, Xinhua news agency reported. His remarks came two days after Merkel cast doubts on the European Union's alignment with the US and Britain, saying that Europeans should determine their own destiny. Addressing an election campaign in Bavaria, Merkel on Sunday said that following Trump's election and Brexit, Europeans "really have to take destiny into their own hands". "The times when we could fully rely on others are to some extent over," Merkel said. Germany's minister for foreign affairs Sigmar Gabriel also criticised president Trump on Monday, accusing him of "short sighted policies which stand against the European Union and are weakening the West". However, as tensions between the two sides escalated rapidly, Merkel on Tuesday stressed German ties with the US, saying that the relationship is of "outstanding importance". ABIDJAN Mutinous soldiers in Ivory Coast on Monday blocked the main border crossing with neighbouring Burkina Faso, residents and the head of a national transportation association said, as a four-day army mutiny worsened. "It's today that it's really started on the border with Burkina Faso. Many trucks are blocked," Adama Toure, head of the association, said, referring to the border north of the Ivorian town of Ouangolodougou. Local residents and truck drivers also confirmed the closure. (Reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. TOKYO Japan's navy and air force began a three-day military exercise with two U.S. aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan on Thursday adding pressure on North Korea to halt an accelerating ballistic missile programme.Japan's Maritime Self Defence Force has sent two ships, including one of its four helicopter carriers, the Hyuga, to join the U.S carriers, the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, and their eight escort ships, Japan's military said in a release.Japanese Air Self Defence Force F-15s are taking part in simulated combat with U.S. Navy F-18 fighters at the same time, the military said."It's the first time we have exercised with two carriers. It's a major exercise for us," a Japanese military spokesman said. The Sea of Japan separates Japan from the Korean peninsula.The United States sent the warships to the region after a surge of tension on the Korean peninsula over fears the North was about to conduct a sixth nuclear test, or another test in its bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the mainland United States. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to work with other countries to deter North Korea, which on Monday conducted a short-range ballistic missile test. The missile reached an altitude of 120 km (75 miles) before falling into the Sea of Japan in international waters, but inside Japan's exclusive economic zone where it has jurisdiction over the exploration and exploitation of maritime resources. The launch followed two successful tests of medium-to-long-range missiles in as many weeks as North Korea conducts tests at an unprecedented pace, North Korea can already strike anywhere in Japan with missiles, raising concern in Tokyo that it could eventually be threatened by a North Korean nuclear strike.South Korea's new liberal president, Moon Jae-in, who took office on May 10, has taken a more conciliatory line than Abe, pledging to engage with his reclusive neighbour in dialogue. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Robert Birsel) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Washington: Congressional investigators are probing whether Attorney General Jefferson Sessions had an additional meeting with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign, a media report said. Investigators are requesting additional information, including schedules from Sessions, a source with knowledge of the issue told CNN on Wednesday night. They are focusing on whether such a meeting took place on 27 April, 2016, at the Mayflower Hotel, where then presidential candidate Donald Trump was delivering his first major foreign policy address. Prior to the speech, then Senator Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended a small VIP reception with organisers, diplomats and others. In addition to the Congressional investigators, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also seeking to determine the extent of interactions the Trump campaign team may have had with Kislyak during the event as part of its broader counter-intelligence probe of alleged Russian meddling in the election. However, neither the Congressional investigators nor the FBI have concluded whether the Mayflower private meeting took place, reports CNN. Sessions had previously failed to disclose meetings with Russian officials. During his confirmation hearing on 10 January, Sessions testified that he "did not have any communications with the Russians" during the campaign. He also said in a written statement submitted to the Senate judiciary committee that he was not in contact with anyone linked to the Russian government during the election. However, Sessions has not listed two Kislyak meetings that he disclosed in March on the security forms he submitted this year. Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday dismissed accusations by Afghanistan linking it to Wednesday's horrific Kabul bombing that killed 90, and wounded over 400 people. Foreign ministry spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said such accusations will only hinder the peace process. "Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and has the highest stakes in peace and stability in Afghanistan," he said. The Afghan National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan's spy agency, has attributed Wednesday's attack to the Pakistan-based Haqqani network and claimed it was directly aided by the ISI. "Certain elements, who have no interest in peace in Afghanistan and who want to damage Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, have been maligning Pakistan. Pakistan is Afghanistan's friend and well-wisher and has contributed to the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, whenever asked," he said. In recent years, Kabul and Washington have repeatedly accused Islamabad of sheltering insurgent groups, such as the Haqqani network, that attack Afghan and US troops. India and Iran have also accused it of sheltering terrorist groups on its soil. Kabul: At least 90 people were killed and hundreds wounded on Wednesday when a massive truck bomb ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter during rush hour, in the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since 2001. Bloodied corpses littered the scene and a huge cloud of smoke rose from the highly-fortified area which houses foreign embassies, after the explosion tore a massive crater in the ground and blew out windows several miles away. No group has so far claimed the powerful blast, which officials said was caused by 1,500 kilogrammes of explosives hidden inside a sewage tanker, in what appeared to be a major intelligence failure. Rescue workers were digging bodies from the site hours after the explosion, many of them disfigured and charred, as anguished residents searched for missing relatives. "They were going to their work like any other day and now they are lost," a young Afghan man said of his missing uncle and cousins, sobbing quietly outside Kabul's Emergency hospital. "I have searched in three hospitals and haven't found them." The attack, just days into the holy fasting month of Ramadan, underscores spiralling insecurity in Afghanistan, where the NATO-backed military, beset by soaring casualties and desertions, is struggling to beat back insurgents. "In this powerful attack 90 people have been killed and 400 wounded, including many women and children," said the government's media centre, with health officials warning the toll could climb further. Eleven American citizens working as contractors in Kabul were among the wounded, a senior US official told AFP. President Ashraf Ghani slammed the bombing, the deadliest single attack in Kabul since the Taliban were toppled from power in a 2001 US-led invasion, as a "war crime". Afghanistan's intelligence agency blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network for the attack. The Taliban currently in the midst of their annual "spring offensive" denied they were involved, while strongly condemning the blast. The insurgent group rarely claims responsibility for attacks that kill large numbers of civilians. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for several recent bombings in the Afghan capital, including a powerful blast targeting a NATO convoy that killed eight people earlier this month. The sound of the bomb, which went off near Kabul's busy Zanbaq Square, reverberated across the Afghan capital, with residents comparing it to an earthquake. Most victims appear to be civilians. "The vigilance and courage of Afghan security forces prevented the VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) from gaining entry to the Green Zone, but the explosion caused civilian casualties," NATO said in a statement. The BBC said its Afghan driver Mohammed Nazir was killed and four of its journalists wounded. Local TV channel Tolo TV also tweeted that a staff member, Aziz Navin, was killed. The explosion damaged several embassies in the area, which houses diplomatic and government buildings and is a maze of concrete blast walls, vehicle barriers and armed security guards. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the "despicable" attack killed an Afghan guard from the German embassy, and added that some employees had been injured, though he did not give further details. He said the bomb had gone off "in the immediate vicinity" of the German embassy. France, India, Turkey, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Bulgaria similarly reported damage to their embassies, including shattered windows, as the blast drew an avalanche of international condemnation. The White House issued a scathing statement condemning the "atrocious" attack. "That this attack would occur during the holy month of Ramadan underscores the senseless and barbaric nature of this attack," a White House spokesman said. Amnesty International said the bombing shows that the conflict in Afghanistan is "dangerously widening in a way that should alarm the international community". Germany was forced to postpone a scheduled deportation flight of rejected Afghan asylum-seekers in the wake of the attack. The European nation has drawn criticism for sending back Afghans to an increasingly dangerous country. Wednesday's blast was the latest in a string of attacks in Kabul. The province surrounding the capital had the highest number of casualties in the country in the first three months of 2017 due to multiple attacks in the city, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Afghan troops are backed by US and NATO forces, and the White House is considering sending thousands more soldiers to break the deadlock in the battle against the Taliban. US troops in Afghanistan number about 8,400 now, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies. They mainly serve in an advisory capacity a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. Prashant Paruchuri, Vice President at Veteran Supply Services in Washington D.C, waits for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trips to the U.S. He lines up along with the throng wherever Modi is speaking, knowing the Indian PM will break protocol and come to greet the crowds. During other times, Mann ki Baat is Paruchuri's direct link to Modi. Paruchuri, like many others in the US, now awaits Amazon to deliver the book. I come from a small town in Andhra Pradesh, I have been living in the US for 16 years. I listen to Mann ki Baat in Telugu or English anytime I have a swing slot during lunch break at office. Any political leader could have done this. But it's only Modi who has actually made it successful using simple tools. I hope other leaders will do the same to connect more and directly to their constituents and use constructive criticism," says Paruchuri, keen to dive deeper into Modi's strategy behind Mann ki Baat. For Prakash Sharma, who came on a work project for Deloitte to the US, Modi is on the monthly menu at both work and home. I loved his Mann ki Baat with Barack Obama. There's no doubt that Modi is a fine orator and he strikes a chord in all of us. Especially for people like me who speak Hindi, says Sharma. Sharmas colleague at Deloitte, Gopal Prasad, whos on his first assignment in the US after Modi took power in 2014, concurs. I like the episodes where Modi talks to students before exams. Nobody spoke to us like this when we were kids. Its really useful and much better than television," says Prasad. (Modi famously made light of exam results citing his own indifferent performances.) Prasad, a native of Ranchi, Jharkhand, now lives in Maryland and tries never to miss the once-a-month broadcast streamed on the NaMo app simultaneously with All India Radio. Partisan politics is kept out in Mann ki Baat and an appreciative Prasad is hoping that technology allows a two-way conversation where listeners can ping in questions live and hear from the PM. So far people write letters, leave voice messages or email. Prasad has a suggestion ready - making the upper and middle berths in Indian trains more accessible for senior citizens and pregnant women. "We have so many mechanical engineers, Im sure we can come up with a solution if the PM talks about it, he says. The radio show, now critiqued and collated into a book, is the outcome of Team Modi's yen for communication. Here, every month, the PM reaffirms his craft of social messaging, he creates a space notches above the political infighting of the day. The book, "Mann Ki Baat A Social Revolution On Radio," written by Bluekraft Digital Foundation, chronicles the phenomenon, its initial exuberance and the subsequent maturing and settling down of a platform for seeking and amplifying social messaging. For those cued into the internet and social media, radio may seem passe. But the book, released last week in the presence of India's four highest functionaries, speaks about the ubiquitousness of Mann Ki Baat. It betrays Modi's understanding that reach in terms of magnitude is still with the radio. The ingenuity of Modi, the communicator, lies in choosing a seemingly over-the-hill medium to reach out to the masses. For those like Paruchuri, Sharma and Prasad, there are interesting insights in the book on why Modi, despite being the most tech savvy politician of his generation, chose the radio to speak his Mann Ki Baat. From titbits such as how the name Mann Ki Baat was coined to which historical speeches on radio inspired Modi, from the mass movements that Mann Ki Baat has spawned to how it has promoted participative governance, the book covers some unreported aspects. Particularly interesting is the part about Modi and Barack Obama. How did Modi convince Obama to do a radio show and speak with such candour? The story of two quintessential political outsiders, one a tea vendor and the other a child brought up by a single mother, seems even more inspiring now that it is in print. With a foreword by Shinzo Abe, and recommendations by Bill Gates and Aung San Suu Kyi, the book celebrates a unique movement in participative governance. What has Modi spoken about most in these 3 years on this platform? What is it that he has completely avoided? How many people are even aware that their Prime Minister talks to them through radio every month? Mann Ki Baat, the book, answers these questions. Some metrics and quotes from the teams servicing the programme add colour. The book is key to understanding Modis core focus areas and governance mantras beyond all the noise of media coverage. The book makes its point via interesting facts. Read at a sophisticated level, the book is a peek into a social reformer. Mann Ki Baat, the book, chronicles history as it is being made. It captures a man popular among Indians overseas as also India's youth and the techno-savvy. Modi's 40 million fans on Facebook (and 30 million follows on Twitter) are force multipliers to the NaMo app where Mann Ki Baat is streamed with video. A book adds to this legacy. Twitter | @byniknat St Petersburg (Russia): India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week, Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Thursday as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, "The most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people." "I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations," the Russian president told Modi. "As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming a full-fledged member of the SCO," he said. "I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it," Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. "Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO) where India's membership will be confirmed," he told Modi. Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putin's hometown as prime minister. "India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues," he said. Modi thanked Putin for his "active role" in getting India SCO membership. "I thank you for all the initiatives taken," he said. Putin noted that in 2017, Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. "Normally, in international relations, there are ups and downs. But history is a witness, there have been no ups and downs in India-Russia relations. We have always moved forward," Modi said. Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of sarvajan sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), he added. St Petersburg (Russia): They both are strong leaders with cult-like following but when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vladimir Putin, he struck a very personal chord when he recalled how the Russian President's brother was among several family members who had laid down their lives for the country. Meeting 64-year-old Putin for the second time in eight months, Modi in his opening remarks mentioned his visit to the Piskariovskoye Cemetery where over 5 lakh victims of World War II and the 900-day siege of Leningrad are buried. "I had an opportunity to visit (the cemetery) and pay homage to those who laid down their lives for Russia," 66-year-old Modi said. Looking at Putin, he said, "you are a political leader whose family has made sacrifices" for the glory of Russia. "Your brother was martyred," he said, referring to Putin's brother Viktor who died more than 70 years ago during the siege of Leningrad. "Met President Putin. We had a wonderful meeting during which we discussed India-Russia relations," Modi later tweeted. Met President Putin. We had a wonderful meeting during which we discussed India-Russia relations. @KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/drBG3Yb2Fh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 1, 2017 According to an account Putin gave to Russkiy Pioner magazine in 2008, his father had six brothers - five of whom were killed during the 1941-1944 war, along with some of his mother's relatives. During the two year, four month siege, Leningrad which was renamed Saint Petersburg, its original name, in 1991 water and power supplies were cut off, and disease was rife as a Nazi Germany blockade stopped essential humanitarian supplies, including food, from entering the city. Putin had told the magazine how his emaciated mother was carried out of a crumbling building on a stretcher close to death, after two-year-old Viktor, died from diphtheria and starvation, following months of siege and violent war. Putin's other brother, Albert, was born in the 1930s but died in infancy. Putin, who was born in 1952, seven years after the siege ended in 1944, thanked Modi for visiting the cemetery. "I would like to thank you specially for visiting Piskariovskoye," he said. "Places like these have special significance for the Russian people. Thank you." Putin is known for rarely showing his emotions but he appeared moved when Modi mentioned the sacrifices made by his family. St Petersburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage at the Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery in St Petersburg, a reminder of the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives during the nearly 900-day Siege of Leningrad, as St Petersburg was then known, during the Second World War. Modi laid a wreath at the cemetery where the bodies of about half a million Russian people, including 420,000 civilians, are laid to rest. These people died mostly due to cold and starvation because of the siege laid by the Nazis from September 1941 to January 1944. Modi also signed the visitor's book at the memorial. The prime minister arrived in Russia on Wednesday on the third leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe. Later on Thursday, he will hold the 18th India-Russia annual bilateral summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin. India and Russia are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties this year. On Friday, Modi will attend, for the first time, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. From Russia, he will leave for France on the fourth and final leg of his tour and hold his first meeting with newly elected French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Before Russia, the prime minister visited Germany and Spain. St Petersburg: Russia on Thursday said it was preparing to supply S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems to India and both governments were "simply discussing" the terms. Precontract preparations underway on the supplies of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile complexes to India, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin told reporters in St Petersburg. "It is difficult to say yet how much time they will take. There is an agreement between governments and now we are simply discussing the terms," Russia's official Tass News Agency quoted Rogozin as saying on the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to this Russian city. India had announced on 15 October last year a deal on the Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over $5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters. The deals were announced following talks held between Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Goa. The S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region. It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the media at St Petersburg International Economic Forum in St Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday. Modi's visit to Russia comes amid him and other world leaders expressing their commitment towards fighting climate change after United States president Donald Trump indicated that the United States might pull out of the Paris climate accords. This is the full text of 'Saint Petersburg Declaration by the Russian Federation and the Republic of India: A vision for the 21st century'. We, the leaders of India and Russia, in the year that marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, note that the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership is a unique relationship of mutual trust between two great powers. Our relationship covers all areas of cooperation, including in the spheres of political relations, security, trade and economy, military and technical field, energy, scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and foreign policy, and helps promote national interests of both countries, and contributes to the establishment of a more peaceful and just world order. Our bilateral relations are based on deep mutual understanding and respect, similar priorities in economic and social development, as well as in foreign policy. We favour the same approaches to ensuring peace and security and shaping a global architecture that reflects the cultural and civilizational diversity and at the same time strengthens the unity of humankind. India-Russia relations have stood the test of time and have been immune to external influences. Russia unwaveringly supported India in its struggle for independence and helped it to achieve self-sufficiency. In August 1971, our countries signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, which outlined fundamental principles of mutual relations such as respect for each other's sovereignty and interests, good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence. Two decades later, in January 1993, India and Russia reaffirmed the inviolability of those provisions in the new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.The Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation on 3 October, 2000, took the bilateral relations to a new level characterised by coordinated approaches towards ensuring international peace and security, addressing major global and regional issues, as well as close cooperation in economic, cultural, educational and other areas. This partnership was further elevated to the level of a special and privileged strategic partnership on 21 December, 2010. Advancing the comprehensive development of the Indian-Russian relations is an absolute priority of the foreign policy of both States. We will continue to widen our scope of cooperation by launching large-scale initiatives in different spheres and enhance and enrich our bilateral agenda so as to make it more result-oriented. The economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector. We will strive to build an "energy bridge between our States and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency. India and Russia note that wider use of natural gas, an economically efficient and environmentally friendly fuel, which has become an integral part of the global energy market, is highly significant for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will assist in fulfilling the provisions of the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as achieving sustainable economic growth.Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to Indias energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation. With concerted efforts on both sides, there has been a series of steady and demonstrable achievements in our civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulam site and transforming it into one of Indias largest energy hubs. We welcome the conclusion of the General Framework Agreement and Credit Protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. We will work towards the implementation of the strategic vision for strengthening cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy signed between the two countries on 11 December, 2014. The future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with Government of Indias Make in India initiative. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India signed on 24 December, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations. We are interested in launching joint projects on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Arctic shelf of the Russian Federation. We will develop joint strategies to harness the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of deep sea exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources, polymetallic nodules, and other marine resources utilising strengths in the field of maritime research and training to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. We welcome cooperation among energy companies of both States in modernising the existing power stations and building new ones in the territory of India. We will endeavour to develop joint projects in each others countries through sharing of technologies, the experience of working in different terrains and climatic conditions, and use of energy efficient technologies for creation and propagation of cleaner, climate-friendly and affordable energy resources. Our major economic objectives include expanding trade and investment and diversification of trade in goods and services, in particular increasing the share of high-technology products in bilateral trade, fostering industrial cooperation, improving the environment for entrepreneurship and investments and developing cooperation in banking and financial matters between the two countries. As the next stage of our strategic partnership, we will extend our bilateral technical, economic and scientific cooperation with third countries by undertaking joint development projects in mutually agreed sectors. We will coordinate our efforts to promote settlements of Indian-Russian trade in national currencies to reduce the dependence of our bilateral trade on other currencies. We will jointly encourage our business communities to use the existing workable schemes and mechanisms for settlements in national currencies elaborated by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Russia. We will coordinate our positions in order to develop a credit rating industry that is transparent for the market participants and independent from political conjuncture. In this sense, we support work aimed at exploring the opportunities of harmonisation of our legislation in the area of credit ratings, as well as the recognition of ratings of our local credit rating agencies. We acknowledge the importance of developing economic cooperation at the regional level. We will facilitate an early commencement of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Republic of India. We appreciate the compelling logic of regional connectivity for peace, progress and prosperity. We believe that connectivity must be strengthened It should be based on dialogue and consent of all parties concerned with due respect to sovereignty. The Russian and Indian sides being guided by the principles of transparency, sustainability and responsibility, reiterate their commitment to building an effective infrastructure for the International North South Transport Corridor and implementation of the Green Corridor. We take note of the fact that both States are committed to building knowledge-based economies, on the basis of latest scientific advances and innovation. We will broaden cooperation in designing, developing, manufacturing and bringing to foreign markets high-technology products and strengthen scientific collaboration in areas such as space technology, aviation, new materials, agriculture, information and communication technologies, medicine, pharmaceuticals, robotics, nanotechnology, supercomputing technologies, artificial intelligence and material sciences. We welcome the establishment of the high-level committee on Cooperation in High Technologies between the two countries. We will work together to step up joint efforts aimed at modernising infrastructure, explore ways to jointly respond to urbanisation challenges, address issues related to ensuring food security, preserving water and forest resources, and share experience in carrying out economic reforms and national programs for the development of small and medium enterprises and in skill development. We will work together to further develop the potential for cooperation in the diamond industry with an objective to take full advantage of existing strengths and resources of both our countries in this area. We will also intensify our joint efforts to counter undisclosed synthetic stones entering diamond market and to support the development of generic marketing programmes for diamonds. Recognising the strength of Russia in shipbuilding, river navigation and desalination technologies, we will work together to develop joint projects through the transfer of technology and experience sharing for developing inland waterways, river embankments, ports and cargo containers towards effective utilisation of extensive river systems in India. We will work together in the development of high-speed railways, dedicated freight corridors, and application of newer technologies for efficient rail transport through joint development and sharing of technologies, and training of personnel to benefit from each others competencies in the railroad sector. We will work together to improve market access for agriculture and food commodities in each others country and develop joint strategies through research & development for utilisation of existing potential in the agriculture and food processing sector covering an entire spectrum of activities from farming, harvesting, production, processing to marketing strategies.We will work together to explore joint projects for effective use of natural resources in each others country through application of existing technologies and development and sharing of newer technologies for search in the field of mining & metallurgy for affordable and climate-friendly utilisation of natural resources. We note that India will become the third-largest aviation market by 2020 and in this connection, recognise that the regional connectivity scheme of the Government of India provides an opportunity for strengthening cooperation in joint production and setting up of joint ventures in India in the field of aviation manufacturing to serve the demand created and for export to third countries. Our bilateral defence cooperation is built on strong mutual trust. Russia exports its modern military technologies to India. We will upgrade and intensify this cooperation, through joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of military hardware and military spares, with increasing reliance on the adoption and sharing of future technologies, in compliance with the obligations of the sides under the existing agreements on military-technical cooperation. We will work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation. We will continue holding regular joint land and sea military exercises, and training in each others military institutions. This year will see the first ever Tri-services exercise INDRA 2017. We see ample opportunities for bilateral cooperation in space research, with a view to using relevant technologies for the benefit of society. We will continue joint work to prevent and respond to natural disasters. We intend to enhance and actively promote greater cooperation between our regions and states, with a particular emphasis on the far east region of Russia. India and Russia regard the establishment of the multi-polar global order in international relations as a reflection of natural and inevitable process of evolution of interstate relations in the 21st century. In this regard, we will enhance collaboration to democratise the system of international relations based on the principles of the rule of law and the central role of the United Nations coordination of world politics. We believe that there is a need to reform the United Nations and in particular, the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities and to respond more effectively to emerging challenges and threats. Russia reaffirms its strong support for Indias candidature for a permanent seat Russia reaffirms its strong support for Indias candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council. We will support the advancement of a positive unifying global agenda, effectively engage in international efforts to strengthen peace and ensure global and regional stability and security, confront challenges and threats, and actively promote just and coordinated approaches to crisis resolution. We will work to foster the democratisation and reform of global political, economic, financial and social institutions, for them to better accommodate the interests of all members of the international community. We oppose any recourse to unilateralism or lack of respect to sovereignty, ignoring the core concerns and legitimate interests of the countries. In particular, we do not accept the unilateral use of political and economic sanctions as a means of exerting pressure. We intend to further build up fruitful cooperation within BRICS, which, as a result of our joint efforts, enhances consistently its authoritative and influential role in global affairs. We will continue to develop cooperation within other multilateral forums and organisations, including the WTO, G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as Russia-India-China cooperation. India's full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will considerably enhance the organisation's capabilities to ensure peace and stability, achieve economic development and prosperity in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as improve the organisation's international standing. We will continue facilitating efforts to build an open, well-balanced and inclusive security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region based on shared principles and taking into account the legitimate interests of all States of the region, including through the development of relevant dialogue in the framework of the East Asia Summit. We will further coordinate our positions on the challenging issues of restoration of peace and stability in the West Asia and North Africa, settlement of the Syrian crisis, achievement of national reconciliation in Afghanistan, including in the agreed framework of the Moscow dialogue, using the laid down principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, while encouraging the countries to lead the change from within. India and Russia have a shared commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.Russia is convinced that India's participation in multilateral export control regimes will contribute to their enhancement. In this context, Russia welcomes India's applications for the membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement and reiterates its strong support for India's earliest admission to these export control regimes. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons. Together, we will continue efforts to combat international terrorism, which poses a great threat to the maintenance of peace and security. We are convinced that the unprecedented spread of this threat requires a decisive collective response on part of the entire global community, without double standards and selectivity, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. We urge all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists. We call for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the global counter-terrorism normative and legal framework to combat this scourge. Sharing common approaches to providing security in the use of information and communication technologies, we intend to keep working together for developing universal rules, standards and principles of responsible behaviour of the States in this context, on the basis of democratisation and a model representing multi-stakeholders with the primacy of the State, in global internet governance. We recognise the necessity to activate bilateral interaction in this sphere on the basis of the Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Security in the use of information and communication technologies.Taking into account the profound mutual interest, sympathy and respect between the peoples of India and Russia, we will contribute to further developing bilateral contacts in the sphere of culture and sports, including by organising annual festivals and exchanges. We welcome the organising of events in different cities in both countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia in 2017-18. Bilateral cooperation in the sphere of education offers great opportunities. We will work to strengthen cooperation in the field of education through promoting direct contacts among universities and academic institutions and providing assistance to students from the two countries. Our bilateral cooperation in the sphere of science and technology offers great opportunities. We are committed to working together to address global challenges like climate change, environmental protection, clean energy, cyber security, affordable health care, marine biology, etc through scientific discoveries and to explore priority areas of common interest. We are working together to create networks of knowledge centres, connectivity of minds and scientific corridors to augment innovation led technology development for societal development. We intend to further foster development of tourism and people-to-people contacts, including by easing the visa regime. We are confident that India and Russia will continue to remain a role model for harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership and strong friendship between two States. Building on the shared vision of the development of bilateral relations, we will succeed in further realising the immense potential of India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership for the benefit of our States and the international community as a whole. With inputs from PTI There's still time for the Oregon Legislature to tackle all of the big-ticket items on its list for this session before the clock runs out July 10. But the odds against that are mounting. We've been hearing all session long from worried mid-valley legislators that a summertime special session (possibly more than one) might be required to take care of unfinished business. Because we thought we saw a path forward for the Legislature, we tended to discount those worries. But last week, Peter Courtney, the Senate president, weighed in with a gloomy forecast about the work that still remained for lawmakers. It's true that Courtney often has a "glass almost completely empty" outlook on the world, but when he starts talking about uncertain summer schedules, it's a broad signal to his legislative colleagues that they might need to think about reworking their vacation plans. Here's the problem: Many of the Legislature's top-priority items are clogged in the legislative pipeline. In some cases, something has to give before legislators can really make progress on key issues and it's still not certain who's going to signal a willingness to compromise, and on what. It's a prospect that could lead to a lengthy impasse that could set the stage for a long summer in Salem. The top of the legislative docket still looks the same as it did in February: When lawmakers convened, they knew they had to grapple with a substantial budget shortfall, currently estimated at $1.4 billion and, as the session progressed, many of them have come to terms with the fact that balancing the budget, as the state constitution requires, would require a mix of budget cuts and new revenue. Complicating the picture: Legislators also knew they would be called upon to craft a transportation package to help pay for work on Oregon's roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Failure to get this work during the 2015 session was a keen disappointment. The problem here is that the transportation plan requires money to pay for it: The estimated price tag for the bill (which still hasn't been introduced) is $8 billion. Courtney said last week he didn't think the Legislature had the votes to pass the transportation deal. Since the transportation package calls for tax increases to pay for it, some Republican support in each chamber will be required to meet the three-fifths majorities required for tax increases. Our hunch now is that the Legislature will, in fact, pass the transportation bill. But then the question becomes whether a separate budget deal can be crafted through a combination of spending cuts and revenue increases that will attract sufficient Republican support, and that's where you start to really see the fault lines take shape in the Legislature. Republican leaders say they want to see $1 billion in spending cuts. In the meantime, Democratic leaders such as Speaker of the House Tina Kotek are pushing a proposal to increase corporate taxes; although Republican leaders said earlier in the session that they would take a look at tax proposals if they went hand-in-hand with spending cuts, they lately have been blasting Kotek's proposal. If the talks break down, the Legislature would have to pass a budget that's heavy on program cuts to meet the July 10 deadline for a balanced budget. At that point, Democrats would be betting that the public outcry at the cuts would be such that it would create momentum during a special session for tax increases to restore programs. Republicans would be betting that their constituents will be just fine with the spending cuts. It's a potential impasse that could stretch into the fall, especially in the absence of a political figure with the clout to compel the parties to work toward a compromise. Forget what we said earlier about a hot summer in Salem: This could stretch well into the cooler weather. (mm) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia comes at a time when there are growing concerns in India over Moscow's newfound closeness to China and Pakistan. The average citizen, long accustomed to Russia standing by India and against Pakistan, finds Moscow's recent overtures to Pakistan hard to digest. This shift is due to the changing power equations in the world. Russian president Vladimir Putin is regarded by United States' lawmakers and strategic thinkers (but not by President Donald Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner) as an evil dictator out to grab smaller eastern European countries much as he did with the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. As a result, Moscow has little option but to move closer to cash-rich China, at a time when few Western democracies are willing to engage with Putin. Possibly with an eye on Afghanistan, as well as a chance to sell arms to earn much-needed dollars, Russia is also reaching out to Pakistan, China's time-tested friend. The China-Russia-Pakistan nexus is worrisome for India as it could change the strategic balance of the region. However, when Modi and Putin sit down to talk during the former's visit, especially during the restricted one on one meetings, there is a good chance that they will clear much of these perceived misconceptions. If India is wary of Russia's new found warmth for China and overtures to Pakistan, Moscow has been watching with as much concern New Delhi's growing warmth towards the United States. The process which began with the India-US civil nuclear deal, signed by the UPA government, has moved swiftly under Modi. But with uncertainty marking Donald Trump's presidency and his NATO allies, worried about a change of US policy, New Delhi too will be circumspect. In this uncertain global environment where a multi-polar world is emerging, neither Modi nor Putin will want to abandon their age-old ties. What is needed is to reinvigorate ties. But with the uncertainty marking Trump's presidency and his NATO allies, worried about a change of US policy, New Delhi too will be circumspect. In this uncertain global environment where a multi-polar world is emerging, neither Modi nor Putin will want to abandon their age-old ties. What is needed, in fact, is to reinvigorate these ties. Modi is well aware that Moscow had in the past firmly backed India on world forums, and for decades had refused to sell arms to Pakistan because New Delhi had often made the point that all arms supplied to its army finally ended up being used against India. Soon after taking office in 2014, Modi is said to have told Ministry of External Affairs officials that India cannot forget that Moscow had stood firmly with it in every war against Pakistan. In the past, India-Russia ties have also had a major consensus on important global issues. The political ties with Russia were always strong. It was, after all, one of the few countries that sided with India during the Bangladesh liberation war, when the United States was sending out its seventh fleet to back Pakistan. But today, all this has changed. Now, Russia is one of the biggest backers of China's One Belt One Belt (OBOR) policy. Putin was present at last months mega event organised by China, while India decided to boycott it. India, down the years, has been the biggest buyer of Russian arms. Even today, India continues to buy arms from Russia, though Israel, United States and France also figure in the list. But past certainties are now breaking down. "A kind of inertia has crept into the India-Russia ties. This has to go. Both sides have to think afresh, be more innovative in their approach to infuse new life into the relationship,'' said Nandan Unnikrishnan, a leading Russian expert from the Observer Research Foundation. "If Modi and Putin sit down together and have a heart to heart discussion, many of the current concerns on both sides can be addressed,'' Unnikrishnan said. Afghanistan is another area where India and Russia no longer see eye to eye. Earlier, New Delhi and Moscow were on the same page hoping to strengthen the elected government and having no truck with the Taliban. But a fresh initiative has been on the cards for the last year or so, to stabilise Afghanistan. China, Russia and Pakistan have held at least three meetings on the issue. With Islamic State (IS) presence in Afghanistan steadily growing, both China and Russia are worried about the spread of jihadi forces in their restive Muslim-dominated regions of Xinjiang and Chechnya. However, as of now, the initiative has achieved little success. Instead, the government in Kabul is literally under siege as the Taliban continues to attack at will. The latest is a massive explosion in Kabul on Wednesday which killed at least 90 persons. Afghanistan and terrorism are certain to be discussed at length during the Modi-Putin meeting. Modi's talks with Putin in St Petersburg, as part of his four-nation tour, is slated for Thursday. A major focus for both sides will be to give a thrust to their economic ties. While their relationship has flourished in defence, nuclear and space, trade has always remained a major constraint. Having collaborated with India before, Russia is well placed to take advantage of Modi's Make in India policy. Last year, at the BRICS summit in Goa, an intergovernmental agreement was signed for the joint production of a lightweight helicopter Kamov Ka-226. The joint venture was signed between India's Hindustan Aeronautics and Rosoboron Export Russia Helicopters. The $100 billion deal entails that India will buy 60 of these helicopters in a fly-away condition from Russia. Another 40 will be assembled in India, while the remaining 100 will be entirely manufactured in the country. A forward movement on the helicopter deal is likely to be announced in St Petersburg during Modi's visit. A couple of other MoU's to boost bilateral trade are also expected. But, this time around, signing agreements is not the primary concern. It will be essential to remove the barriers that have led to the fraying of bilateral ties. Each party's concerns must be frankly discussed to restore mutual confidence and build trust once again. Islamabad: Pakistan said on Thursday that it will continue to provide "diplomatic, moral and political" support to Kashmiris in their "struggle" for the right to self-determination. Pakistan's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said this while giving a statement in the senate, the upper house of Parliament. He said, "Pakistan will continue its diplomatic, moral, and political support to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination". Aziz said, "The arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and reported deaths of some Indians in the recent blast in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, which is very close to Pakistan's border, clearly shows continuing Indian presence in the neighbouring country, which is orchestrating terrorist attacks in Pakistan." "This state terrorism by India is condemnable and needs to end forthwith," he said, adding that Pakistan is cognisant of the "nefarious designs of New Delhi" and is actively taking complete action in this regard. Aziz said Islamabad has effectively highlighted Indian interference in Pakistan at the international fora. He said, "Indian atrocities in Kashmir are continuing unabated and have intensified" after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. "Pakistan strongly condemns Indian barbaric activities in Kashmir," Aziz added. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday the Paris climate pact was "essential", speaking hours before President Donald Trump was due to declare whether the United States would withdraw from it. "I will wait for the decision," said Merkel, stressing that Germany Europe's biggest economy, undergoing a transition to renewable energy would stick to its commitments under the 2015 agreement. "I consider it an essential treaty... and I am happy that other countries see it the same way," she added. Fears were growing that Trump who has called climate change a "hoax" and refused to sign up to a pledge on the deal at last week's G7 meeting in Italy would pull Washington out of the landmark deal. Earlier Thursday, also in Berlin, China's Premier Li Keqiang pledged to stay the course on implementing the accord, saying it was in China's own interest to do so. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said Tuesday in Berlin that failing to act on climate change would be "morally criminal". And European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has hit out at Trump's purported decision, noting it would take three or four years to exit from the Paris deal. A US withdrawal would come less than 18 months after the historic 196-nation pact was adopted in the French capital, the fruit of a hard-fought agreement between Beijing and Washington under Barack Obama's leadership. Manila: An air strike during Philippine military operations to drive Islamist rebels out of a southern city has killed 10 government troops, the defence minister said on Thursday, in a major blow to efforts to defeat fighters linked to the Islamic State group. Seven other soldiers were wounded on Wednesday when two air force SF-260 close air support planes dropped bombs on a target in the heart of Marawi City, Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told a news conference. The first plane hit the target but the second missed. "It's very sad to be hitting our own troops," Lorenzana said. "There must be a mistake somewhere, either someone directing from the ground, or the pilot." The armed forces have used a combination of ground troops and rocket strikes from helicopters since the weekend to try flush rebels of the Maute group out of buildings. Wednesday was the first day the SF-260 planes were deployed. The pro-Islamic State Maute group has proven to be a fierce enemy, clinging on to the heart of Marawi City through days of air strikes the military has said are "surgical" and on known rebel targets. The Maute's ability to fight off military with greater numbers and superior firepower for so long will add to fears that it could win the recognition of the Islamic State leadership in the Middle East and become its Southeast Asian affiliate. The deaths of the soldiers take the number of security forces killed to 38, with 19 civilians and 120 rebel fighters killed in the battles in Marawi over the past nine days. Lorenzana said militants who were Saudi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Yemeni and Chechen were among eight foreigners killed fighting with the Maute rebels. In an earlier text message to reporters, he said of the "friendly fire" incident: "Sometimes that happens. Sometimes the fog of war ... The coordination was not properly done so we hit our own people." The unrest started on 23 May, when Maute rebels ran amok, torching and seizing buildings, stealing weapons and police vehicles, taking hostages, and freeing prisoners to join their fight. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is concerned that radical ideology is spreading in the southern Philippines and it could become a haven for militants from Southeast Asia and beyond. Lorenzana said the military might suspend air strikes, describing the rebels as a small force that "cannot hold that long". The military was carrying out air strikes on locations where it believes Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called "emir" of Islamic State, and point man for its operations in the Philippines, is hiding. By Marcin Goettig | WARSAW WARSAW Polish authorities said on Thursday they had found the remains of two other people in the coffin of former president Lech Kaczynski while investigating the plane crash in Russia that killed him and 95 others in 2010.The caskets of 11 further victims also contained body parts of others, prosecutors said after examining 24 coffins from the crash, which some officials of the ruling right-wing party have blamed on an explosion aboard, without providing evidence.The April 2010 crash near the western Russian city of Smolensk - the worst such disaster for Poland since World War Two - has left Polish society deeply divided over the cause despite the previous, centrist government's conclusion from its own investigation that pilot error was at fault.Poland's current government under the Law and Justice (PiS) party, led by Lech Kaczynski's twin brother Jaroslaw, took direct control of the prosecutors office and moved to re-examine the Smolensk crash after coming to power in late 2015, saying the previous investigation was not conducted properly. Deputy Prosecutor General Marek Pasionek told reporters that in 12 of 24 coffins reopened since last year, bodies had been swapped in two, one contained half the body of another person while nine other caskets held scattered remains of other victims.He said the coffin of Archbishop Miron Chodakowski contained only the upper half of his body while the lower half belonged to late General Tadeusz Ploski.In the coffin of General Bronislaw Kwiatkowski there were 14 body parts belonging to seven other people, Pasionek said, adding that post-mortems would be finished by April next year. In Moscow, the Kremlin and Russia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to calls and emails asking for comment.MISTRUST "Today we know that there was no diligence in (the post mortems conducted in Russia). There was nonchalance in the best case, and ill-will in the worst case," Magdalena Merta, the widow of Tomasz Merta, a senior culture ministry official who died in the crash, told the Polish state agency PAP. She accused Russia of "displaying a filthy attitude towards our dead". The current government's move to reopen the coffins had split families of victims between those who mistrusted the post-crash procedures conducted in Russia and those who wanted their loved ones to be left to rest in peace.While some high-ranking PiS officials repeatedly suggested that a bomb onboard brought down the plane, the PiS-led investigations has not produced supporting evidence, but have turned up the apparent failure of post mortems conducted in Russia to correctly identify the victims.The plane crash occurred as pilots tried to land the Polish delegation in a Soviet-made TU-154 plane near Smolensk to take part in commemorations of thousands of Polish officers executed there by Soviet secret police in 1940. The victims' coffins were sealed in Russia and returned to Poland within two weeks of the plane crash. Last year, Polish prosecutors ordered the coffins to be reopened.The current commission's findings could worsen relations with Moscow - already strained over the conflict in Ukraine - but may also ease divisions in Polish society."It seems that these post-mortems have been conducted diligently and they finally seem to have convinced some of our compatriots that there was no assassination," Radoslaw Sikorski, who was foreign minister under the previous government, told TVN24 on Monday when some of the findings were leaked.Russia has so far refused to return the wreckage of the jet to Poland, a member of NATO and the European Union, citing its own continuing investigation.Nine post-mortems conducted by Poland before 2016 and showed that six bodies were in coffins that did not bear their names, officials said at the time. (Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. St Petersburg: Russian president Vladimir Putin on Thursday rejected suggestions that elections anywhere could be manipulated by hackers, and denied that his government had ever done it or would do so. He, however, conceded that some "patriotic" individuals could have carried out cyber attacks in the West to pay back for what he said was its "Russo-phobic hysteria." "If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia," he said during an exclusive interaction with editors of international news agencies. "Theoretically it's possible." But he quickly distanced himself from suggestions that the Russian state was involved in election hacking. "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so," he said when asked if Russian hackers could try to influence the German parliamentary elections later this year. Russian hacking of elections has been at the centre of a controversy since the US elections that gave Donald Trump the presidency. US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping Trump win against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Putin said that in any case hackers cannot possibly sway election outcomes because the electorate is not so easily manipulated. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign. No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America," he said. He said it's also possible that Russia could have been framed by hackers from other countries. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." Riyadh: An explosion took place in a Saudi Arabian community dominated by minority Shiites on Thursday and emergency vehicles converged on the scene, a witness told AFP. It was the latest incident in Qatif, where Islamic State group jihadists have carried out deadly attacks in recent years but where Shiite discontent has also raged. "The explosion was very huge," the witness said, asking not to be identified. Armoured and other police vehicles sealed off the area after the explosion, the witness said. Saudi television channel Al-Arabiya reported a car bombing was the cause of the explosion. Video and photographs posted on social media showed a vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of a street, with dense black smoke rising around it. Other images showed what appeared to be at least one charred body lying beside a vehicle, which looked like an SUV, after firefighters extinguished the blaze. The Sunni extremist IS which views Shiite Muslims as heretics in 2014 began a campaign of bombings and shootings that has killed more than 40 Shiites in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, which includes Qatif. In August, police said they shot dead a would-be suicide bomber targeting a mosque in Qatif district. Two months later, a gunman killed five people at a Shiite meeting hall in Saihat district of Qatif. Most of Saudi Arabia's Shiites live in the oil-rich east, where they have long complained of marginalisation. Alongside IS attacks, Shiite discontent and general crime are also behind a wave of violence in the area. In 2011, Shiite protests began in the area and developed into a call for equality in the Sunni-majority Gulf country. Police then issued a list of 23 wanted people, many of whom have since been detained or killed in shootouts. Last month, violence escalated around a redevelopment project in the old section of Awamiya, a Qatif-area town. The interior ministry said criminals engaged in the drug and arms trade were involved in the unrest. A police officer was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade, following the shooting deaths of an infant and a Pakistani man, in Awamiya. London: Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Party challenger Jeremy Corbyn have offered clashing views of the risks and rewards of leaving the European Union as Britain's election nears. May told voters on Thrusday that Brexit offers Britons a chance to throw off the "shackles" of the European Union (EU) and forge a brighter future for Britain. She warned that putting Corbyn in charge of the upcoming delicate negotiations with EU leaders would be a disaster because he "doesn't have a plan" and "doesn't believe in Britain." Corbyn's party has trailed badly in the polls for most of the brief campaign season but has been gaining ground in recent surveys. The vote is on 8 June. He told a rally that May's Conservative Party risks "crashing out" of the EU without a trade deal. In a stunning rebuke to world leaders, his own courtiers, India and China, Donald Trump has announced that the US will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and instead begin negotiations to "re-enter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction, fulfilling one his his campaign pledges that will draw wild cheers from Americas coal country that voted Trump. Justifying his shock move, Trump used India and China as key drivers for his decision: "Not only does this deal subject our citizens to harsh economic restrictions, it fails to live up to our environmental ideals. As someone who cares deeply about the environment, which I do, I cannot in good conscience support a deal that punishes the United States -- which is what it does - the worlds leader in environmental protection, while imposing no meaningful obligations on the worlds leading polluters. For example, under the agreement, China will be able to increase these emissions by a staggering number of years -- 13. They can do whatever they want for 13 years. Not us. India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid from developed countries. There are many other examples. But the bottom line is that the Paris Accord is very unfair, at the highest level, to the United States", Trump said. Criticism rained down thick and fast from around the world, Tesla founder Elon Musk confirmed he would quit White House business panels, heads of state expressed sadness and outrage. "While reports of the end of the Western-led liberal world order may be premature, at least on climate change, Washington has just become the spoiler. And New Delhi? A multilateralist champion", writes wonk Alyssa Ayres of Council on Foreign Relations. This should make PM Modi's end-June visit to Washington even more interesting. Delhi believes it took great steps to make the deal happen. https://t.co/yEgNVyP0B4 Milan Vaishnav (@MilanV) June 1, 2017 Link: Trump's statement on pulling out of Paris climate deal, video starts at TC 1:03:24 Trump says Paris imposes no obligation on world's biggest polluters. He cites India. whose per cap emissions are a tenth of Americas, scoffs James Astill of The Economist who insists Trump makes more sense while tweeting gibberish. Trump did not stop with a single reference to India, he hammered away repeatedly: "China will be allowed to build hundreds of additional coal plants. So we cant build the plants, but they can, according to this agreement. India will be allowed to double its coal production by 2020. Think of it: India can double their coal production. Were supposed to get rid of ours. Even Europe is allowed to continue construction of coal plants." The United States is the worlds second-largest carbon polluter and its bid to cut emissions so that global warming is limited to less than 2C is a critical part of the Paris agreement. Together, the US, China and India are the top three carbon polluters in the world. Focus now shifts to what the US-less climate groupings will do. None of this US backtracking will kick in immediately though - the U.S. withdrawal will take until November 2020 to unravel timing perfectly with the next election. Is this Trumps way of distracting media coverage from the coming high drama of a Comey testimony or is he serious, a shocked wonkery circuit is asking. Trumps line is that pulling out will put the shine back on American coal mining but experts say this is merely well crafted political messaging to woo voters who are easily angered because they are already so badly off. Coal miners are struggling because cheap and generous supply of natural gas is flooding the market. Critics are slamming Trumps decision - Trump has instead chosen to abuse the health of the planet, the patience of Americas allies and the intelligence of his supporters, says The Economist. In the fag end of 2015, nearly 200 countries signed the Paris agreement setting individual targets to reduce global emissions to 56 gigatons in 2030. These emissions include carbon dioxide generated from burning fossil fuels that scientists blame for a warming planet ( because they trap heat ), sea level rise, droughts and more frequent violent storms. Last year was the warmest since the 19th century. The US now joins Syria and Nicaragua as the world's only pull-outs in the 195-nation accord. ANKARA Turkey's National Security Council said on Wednesday that the U.S. government's decision to arm the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in Syria was "not befitting" of a friend.In a statement released after a 4-1/2-hour meeting chaired by President Tayyip Erdogan, the council said Turkey's expectations on the matter had been disregarded."It has been stressed that the policy of supporting the PKK/PYD-YPG terrorist organisation, acting under the guise of the Syrian Democratic Forces, by disregarding Turkey's expectation is not befitting of a friendship and alliance," the council said in a statement. The United States said on Tuesday it had started distributing arms to the Syrian Kurdish militia who are battling to help retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from Islamic State.Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a three-decade insurgency in Turkey and is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Turkey and European Union. Turkey warned the United States that its decision to arm Kurdish forces could end up hurting Washington, and relations between the two NATO allies have been strained since then. The United States regards the YPG as a valuable partner in the fight against Islamic State militants in northern Syria. It says that arming the Kurdish forces is necessary to recapturing Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria and a hub for planning attacks against the West.Ankara says that advances by the YPG in northern Syria could inflame the PKK insurgency on Turkish soil. It has also voiced concern that weapons given to the YPG would end up in the hands of the PKK. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Alison Williams) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Istanbul: Thirteen soldiers were killed on Thursday when a helicopter crashed in southeast Turkey after hitting a high-voltage power line, the army said. The Cougar helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from a base in Sirnak province bordering Iraq, killing all 13 onboard, it said in a statement. "Our hero comrades in the helicopter fell as martrys,"the army said. Initial findings showed it was an accident, said the army, adding that an investigation was underway. Turkey's chief of staff, general Hulusi Akar, travelled to the region to carry out an inspection, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. In a separate statement, the local governor's office said rescue teams had been dispatched to the scene. In March, seven people, including four Russians, were killed when a privately-owned helicopter crashed in Istanbul after hitting a television tower. By Michelle Nichols and James Pearson | UNITED NATIONS/SEOUL UNITED NATIONS/SEOUL The United Nations Security Council will vote on Friday on a U.S. and Chinese proposal to blacklist more North Korean individuals and entities after the country's repeated ballistic missile launches, diplomats said on Thursday.The draft resolution, seen by Reuters, would sanction four entities, including the Koryo Bank and Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People's Army, and 14 people, including Cho Il U, who is believed to head North Korea's overseas spying operations. If adopted, they would be subjected to a global asset freeze and travel ban. The measures could have been agreed by the council's North Korea sanctions committee behind closed doors, but a public vote would amplify the body's anger at Pyongyang's defiance of a U.N. ban on ballistic missile launches.The United States had been negotiating with Pyongyang ally China for five weeks on possible new sanctions. The pair reached agreement and circulated the draft resolution to the remaining 13 council members on Thursday. It was not immediately clear if council veto power Russia would support the draft resolution after the United States on Thursday imposed its own sanctions on two Russian firms for their support of North Korea's weapons programs.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow was puzzled and alarmed by the U.S. decision and that Russia was preparing retaliatory measures, Russian media reported. The Security Council first imposed sanctions on Pyongyang in 2006 over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs and has ratcheted up the measures in response to five nuclear tests and two long-range missile launches. North Korea is threatening a sixth nuclear test.The Trump administration has been pressing Beijing aggressively to rein in North Korea, warning that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the U.N. Security Council on April 28 that it needed to act before North Korea does. Just hours after the meeting, chaired by Tillerson, Pyongyang launched yet another ballistic missile.Within days the United States proposed to China that the Security Council strengthen sanctions on North Korea over its repeated missile launches. Traditionally, the United States and China have negotiated new sanctions before involving the other council members.Since then Pyongyang has launched several more ballistic missiles, including a short-range one on Monday that landed in the sea off its east coast. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols and James Pearson; Editing by James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Beirut: An airstrike by the US-led coalition has killed the founder of the Islamic State propaganda media outlet Amaq in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zor, his brother said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Reuters could not independently confirm whether he had been killed. There was no immediate comment from the United States-led coalition against Islamic State. The post said the strike killed Rayan Meshaal and his daughter in their home in the city of Al-Mayadin. Syrian opposition activists had been sharing news of Meshaal's death on social media."I'm pleased to announce the martyrdom of my older brother Baraa Kadek, known as Rayan Meshaal...in an air strike by the coalition," the Facebook post reportedly by his brother said.Islamic State often claims responsibility for attacks worldwide through Amaq channels on social media. Rita Katz, director of the US-based SITE monitoring service, said on Twitter that a coalition strike allegedly killed Meshaal in Deir al-Zor. Katz added Amaq had "shown itself as ISIS' state media agency" since its founding in 2014 and had issued claims for at least two dozen attacks around the world. 3) Amaq was founded in 2014 during #ISIS fight for Kobani in northern Aleppo, & has since shown itself as #ISIS' state media agency Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) May 31, 2017 Islamic State militants control swathes of Syria's vast eastern deserts and most of Deir al-Zor province bordering Iraq, but they have been on the back foot over the past year.With air strikes and special forces on the ground, the U.S.-led coalition is supporting an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias in a campaign to capture Raqqa city. The Syrian Democratic Forces are advancing on Raqqa, Islamic State's urban base of operations in Syria, and have seized tracts of territory in northern Syria from the jihadist group. The SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, expect to storm Raqqa in early summer with the help of new weapons from the coalition. Islamic State is losing ground in both Syria and Iraq under assault from an array of sometimes rival forces in both countries. Many of its fighters who have retreated from other fronts are believed to be massing in Deir al-Zor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said air strikes in Al-Mayadin last week killed more than 100 people including children and other family members of Islamic State fighters.The Britain-based war monitor said coalition warplanes killed more than 40 children and levelled the municipality building. The U.S.-led coalition says it is careful to avoid civilian casualties in its bombing runs in Syria and Iraq, and investigates any allegations. St Petersburg: President Vladimir Putin asserted on Thursday that Russia's "trust-based" relations with India which he described as one of its "closest friends" will not be diluted by Moscow's growing ties with Pakistan and other countries. During an interaction, Putin told PTI that there is no other country in the world that Russia has "deep cooperation" in delicate areas such as missiles, and it benefits from cooperation with India. But at the same time, Putin sidestepped a question on Kashmir, and said "it is up to you" to assess whether Pakistan is fuelling terrorism in the Indian state. "But no matter where the threat comes, it is unacceptable and we will always support India in its fight against terrorism," he added. Putin further said that just because Russia has a "special relationship" with India, it does not mean India should be restricted in having contacts with other "partnering countries. This is ridiculous." "We do not have any tight (military) relations with Pakistan. The US, do you have (close relations)?," he said, speaking through an interpreter. "And for sure our relations with Pakistan have no impact on trade between India and Russia." Sitting around a rectangular table with a select group of global news agency editors, the 64-year-old Russian leader took questions one by one on subjects related not only of interest to the editors' countries but also of wider global concerns such as Syria, US President Donald Trump and the future of an emerging multi-polar world. "India is a huge country of more than 1 billion population. Russia is also a huge country. Both Russia and India have a lot of context and mutual interests. We are respectful toward all Indian interests," he said, citing the deep defence relations between the two countries. "I don't think we should push figures here in our military cooperation because it has an unprecedented level in its volume and quality. (But) there is no other country in the world that we have such deep cooperation in delicate areas such as missiles, and we benefit with cooperation with India. And this results from our trust-based relations with India," he said. He did not elaborate, but this was a clear reference to the Russia's long willingness to share high-end defence technology including missile technology with India, which most other countries restrict. On a question, if Russia will use its influence to get Pakistan to stop terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "We will always support India in its fight against terrorism. I believe Pakistan is taking immense steps to stabilise the situation in the country." He noted that India and Russia, as part of their summit, are "having a frank dialogue on all these threats. India for us is one of our closest friends. We not only understand each other but also support each other." The interaction was held at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling complex of grand buildings filled with 18th-century paintings, porcelain, lawns, waterways and pavilions overlooking the Gulf of Finland. May has been the most violent month of the year. Starting with killing of five policemen and two bank guards in south Kashmir's Kulgam district on 1 May, the month ended with 80 people being killed in a major blast in Kabul near the diplomatic district, including the Indian mission. The attacks, where many terror organisations were involved, were largely attributed to Islamic State and the Taliban. The month began with the attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad in Kashmir. On 2 May, Islamic State militants killed at least 37 Iraqi refugees and wounded 100 others heading to a refugee camp in Syria near the borders with Iraq. On 3 May, eight people were killed and 28 more were injured when a suicide car bomber detonated next to a convoy of NATO vehicles near the US embassy in Kabul. On 9 May, Islamic State members executed 47 of their prisoners in Kirkuk's Hawija in Iraq, including 12 of their comrades. 21 May witnessed four different attacks by Islamic State in three different countries Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan and claimed lives of at least 70 civilians. Many such attacks continued throughout the month across the world, including Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan but on 22 May came the Manchester attack. Thought to be a suicide blast at first, it was later ascertained that the bomb went off while the attacker was detonating it. The blast killed 22 people and Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. It was during the live concert of US pop sensation Adriane Grande. Even though Wednesday's (31 May) Kabul attack and 22 May Manchester attack were covered by media the most, the month of May witnessed more than 1,000 killings. However, experts have said that the Islamic State has vowed to transform the month of Ramadan into a month of unparalleled bloodshed. In 2015, just before Ramadan began, an Islamic State spokesperson had said, "Aspire to battle in this noble month make Ramadan a month of disasters for the unbelievers." And in many cases, its supporters are helping them do so. An Islamic State supporter told The Atlantic, "Ramadan is the holy month of jihad. People want to win the honour of attaining martyrdom in Ramadan." Adding perspective to this narrative, a former extremist said, "What they are doing is not jihad in any sense according to Islamic tradition. I would counter by saying that just as one receives multiplied rewards for good deeds in Ramadan, they receive multiplied bad deeds for sins. So what of the person who spends the sacred month of Ramadan oppressing people and killing innocents?" With the attack in Manchester and the killing of 28 Coptic Christians in Egypt on 26 May, terrorism researchers were worried that this year's Ramadan could once again see a flurry of attacks. What confirms these fears is the 12-minute statement by Abul Hasan al-Muhajir. Recorded in Arabic, Abul Hasan could be heard calling for attacks and repeating that civilians in the West are legitimate targets. The United States could influence or even disrupt work by other nations to combat climate change until late 2020 even if President Donald Trump quits a global agreement, legal scholars said on Wednesday. Trump will honour a campaign pledge to pull out of the 195-nation Paris Agreement, a source briefed on the decision told Reuters on Tuesday. Trump tweeted he would announce his formal decision "over the next few days". UN rules for the 2015 pact, which seeks to shift the world economy from fossil fuels this century, say Washington would formally have to wait until November 2020 to withdraw. Trump could shorten the formalities to just one year by exiting Paris' 1992 parent treaty. Quitting the Paris Agreement would leave Trump in a legal grey zone until the next US presidential election in 2020, retaining a vote as other nations work on detailed rules on issues such as how to monitor greenhouse gas emissions. In the worst case "the US could make it more difficult to adopt the Paris rules", said Daniel Bodansky, a law professor at Arizona State University. "To the extent that (withdrawal from Paris) is already going to harm relations with our allies, staying in and being obstructionist would be even more harmful," he said. Trump has promised to promote the coal industry over renewables. Bodansky noted, however, that Washington did not try to obstruct other nations' work on the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which obliged rich nations to cut emissions, after President George W Bush angered US allies by deciding in 2001 not to take part. Megan Bowman, a law lecturer at King's College, London, said the four-year waiting period was partly intended to insulate the agreement from a shift to a Republican presidency after Democratic President Barack Obama. "The downside ... is that if they (the United States) are recalcitrant they are sitting at the table, able to obstruct or stall the process," she said. Paris imposes few legal obligations before 2020 and has no sanctions for non-compliance. The Paris Agreement's Article 28 says any nation wanting to pull out has to wait three years from the date the agreement gained legal force, which was 4 November, 2016, before seeking to leave. It then has to wait another year. International Pariah In Berlin, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stressed that withdrawal would take years. "The Americans can't just leave the climate protection agreement. Mr. Trump believes that because he doesn't know the details." Trump would be taking a riskier step by withdrawing from Paris' parent treaty, the 1992 Climate Convention, even though it would require only a year's notice and void US commitments under Paris. That Convention, seeking voluntary actions to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and a landmark in cooperation between rich and poor nations, has had bipartisan US support. It was signed by Republican President George Bush. Paris goes one step further by obliging all nations to set domestic targets to curb emissions to limit a creeping rise in temperatures blamed for more heat waves, downpours and rising sea levels. Leaving the Convention would make the United States an "international pariah on global climate change", said Robert Stavins, director of Harvard University's environmental economics program. Johan Rockstrom, director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre, said a US presence in the Paris negotiations until 2020 would be "the most negative thing ... they would still be allowed to vote in the room". But he said a quick, clean break by the United States from the 1992 Convention might be best for other nations which could then work without risks of obstruction. With the news that the Trump Administration has signaled its intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, I reached out to a number of leading experts on global climate governance and U.S. climate policy for advanced comment. Contributors include Jessica Green, Jennifer Hadden, Thomas Hale, Matthew Hoffmann, Angel Hsu, Joanna Lewis, Johannes Urpelainen, and Stacy VanDeveer. I asked all of them to reflect on the following three questions. 1) What do you think the the consequences of U.S. withdrawal will be for the agreement? (2) How do you think other actors will respond to U.S. withdrawal in terms of their own commitments and actions? (3) What affect will this move have on U.S. standing in the world? What follows is my synthetic take on peoples answers, my own editorializing, and then each scholars full comments unedited. I also have a piece this afternoon on the decision on The Monkey Cage. Contributors to the forum are sanguine that the agreement will survive and indeed that withdrawal may in the short-run spur a commitment by leading countries, sub-national governments, and private actors to up their efforts. On some level, U.S. withdrawal could be good for the agreement if staying in meant that it sucked up all the energy and time by seeking to renegotiate the terms. Since withdrawal is not immediate, what role the U.S. will play in the interim remains to be seen. If recent discussions in Bonn are an indication, that may mean sending a skeletal crew of junior people to sit on the margins. U.S. withdrawal creates space for the EU and China to position themselves as they have already done as global climate leaders. Over the longer-run, however, it may be harder to sustain a race to the top when other countries observe the United States backsliding in the domestic sphere. We should have a better sense in 2018 when progress to date and the rules for how to track and review pledges are set to be finalized. The loss of U.S. contributions on global climate finance appears highly likely, which may, in turn, dampen other contributions, a very bad omen for international efforts to support adaptation and resilience. While the agreement can survive four years without the United States, eight years of a hostile Trump administration would pose a more significant challenge since the world needs U.S. participation (namely, domestic action) for the agreement to be effective. The commitments made in Paris in 2015 were a down payment on what is required to have an even outside chance of keeping temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. If we cannot ratchet up ambition in 2020, then we are in for a world of even more significant warming and weird weather than any of us are prepared for. All of the contributors agree that this is a major unforced error by the United States, which was totally unnecessary given the flexibility of the agreement. After having exercised 8 years of leadership to remove the stigma of previous inaction, the United States has reversed course and punched itself in the face at a moment when the rest of the world is poised to move on to next generation clean energy that will protect the planet and be the source of jobs and wealth in the future. The best case scenario at this point is that United States elects a new president in 2020 who reverses course and promptly re-joins the agreement in January 2021. Until then, weve got some work to do. 1) What do you think the the consequences of U.S. withdrawal will be for the agreement? Jessica Green, New York University I am optimistic about this. The administration has already managed to alienate its allies on other issues; this will be another one to add to the list. The net effect of this, I think, will be to unify the other major emitters, and reinforce their commitment to climate leadership. I dont think that the agreement will fall apart, though I concede that US withdrawal might embolden some laggards. But already, major powers have reaffirmed their support including the EU, China and Russia. Its already clear that the business community will continue to develop pro-climate policies, even without the US in the Paris Agreement. States and cities are also forging ahead. NYC Mayor de Blasio says that NYC is aiming to exceed the US goal of 28% below 2005 levels by 2030. Again, this just demonstrates that the train has left the station on climate. Pretty much everyone else is on board. An appropriate analogy here is the UN Law of the Sea. The US signed, but never ratified this treaty, which governs maritime activities from fishing and shipping to navigation and safety. Virtually every other country in the world has ratified, and the treaty has been relatively effective (with the notable exception of managing the worlds fisheries). The US also essentially abides by all the rules, although it is not a party. US non-participation hasnt upended the agreement by any stretch of the imagination. Theres good reason to think that the same will hold for Paris. Jennifer Hadden, University of Maryland Ultimately, global greenhouse gas emissions are the only thing that matters for the climate. The Paris Agreement will continue without U.S. participation, as other world leaders have made clear. The main challenge in reducing emissions globally will be to secure sufficient support for domestic implementation of countries climate pledges (the NDCs) without U.S. involvement. It was widely thought that U.S. funding, technical cooperation, and support/pressure would be critical in translating the NDCs into real action. Other actors (state and private) may try to fill the gap on finance, but Im skeptical that other actors will be able to play the leadership role as effectively in the short term. Thomas Hale, University of Oxford The good news is that Paris was designed to be resilient to political shocks like Trump. The withdrawal will only kick in after the next presidential election, meaning the US may never actually exit the Agreement. However, 2018 is a critical year for implementation of the Paris Agreement. Countries have agreed to finalize by the end of 2018 the Paris rulebookincluding the regulations around how national pledges will be be tracked and reviewed, and the process through which countries will ratchet up their commitments in the future. Getting these details right is crucial for the long-term success of Paris, and the US has often been a strong force for good on these kinds of transparency requirements. Trump makes it much harder for the progressive countries to shift the traditional laggards on these issues. Also in 2018, the UNFCCC will hold a facilitative dialogue to take stock of the current national pledges, as well as action by cities, business and others, in order to kick off the process of putting forward a new round of pledges in 2020. Its crucial to build positive political momentum around this moment in order to close the emissions gap by 2020, and US backsliding will have the opposite effect. Matthew Hoffmann, University of Toronto U.S. withdrawal may matter little to the functioning of the Paris Agreement. The decentralized nature of the agreement (Hale 2016; Keohane and Victor 2016, Falkner 2016) insulates it to some extent from the recalcitrance or absence of any one party. Long-term, the Paris Agreement needs the US if it is to be an effective agreement in the sense of achieving its goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees, but in the short term U.S. withdrawal wont necessarily hurt the functioning of the Paris Agreement. Withdrawal is a symptom of the larger problem of U.S. hostility towards climate action under the Trump Administration. So many of the things that observers are worried about in terms of consequences of U.S. withdrawal (e.g. loss of U.S. leadership, loss of funding pledges, signaling that scaling back commitments is okay) are happening anyway. This means that there is at least the possibility that the US withdrawal will be good for the Paris Agreement. With the US getting out of the way, there is opportunity for other countries to lead and for there to be an increase in solidarity around implementing Paris commitments. Angel Hsu, Yale-NUS College Thank you Trump, tweeted former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Christiana Figueres, half tongue in cheek. You have provoked an unparalleled wave of support for Paris and determined resolve on climate action. Deeply grateful. Like Figueres, I am cautiously optimistic that the Trump Administrations announced withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will backfire and the mounting backlash will lead to stronger climate action in the near and long-term. The Trump Administrations announcement is, on its face, disastrous for global climate action. The move, however, has incited a backlash from leaders inside the U.S. and abroad that promises to swamp the Administrations efforts to undermine multinational climate diplomacy. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg today pledged $15 million to the UNFCCC, replacing the funding that would be pulled with the U.S.s departure. Mayors of 83 U.S. cities, representing more than 40 million Americans, responded to Trumps announcement vowing to adopt, honor, and uphold the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement. These subnational leaders, along with the presidents of more than 80 universities and hundreds of businesses, have formed a coalition that is negotiating with the UNFCCC to have its dedication to the Paris Agreements goals and targets accepted alongside national contributions. The governors of Washington, New York, and California have meanwhile formed an alliance reaffirming their shared commitment to meet the Agreements goals. These states account for about one fifth of U.S. population and GDP. These immediate reactions fill me with hope that the Administrations decision will merely give the U.S. a diplomatic black eye but will not have lasting repercussions for global climate action. Joanna Lewis, Georgetown University The involvement of the United States in the international climate negotiations for the past eight years has been extremely constructive. US leadership was instrumental in mobilizing the support of key countries like China and India, which built the momentum needed to get 195 countries to support the agreement. US withdrawal will certainly be a disappointment to the international community, but one that has been anticipated since November. As I witnessed in Bonn last month, the US was already playing a substantially reduced role in the negotiations, and was hesitant to commit to much in the face of domestic policy uncertainty. So short of a complete policy reversal on climate change from the Trump Administration, even if the US were to stay in the agreement it is likely they would have played a significantly diminished role, if not a destructive role. Johannes Urpelainen, Columbia University Its hard to say whether U.S. withdrawal is better or worse than the alternative. On the one hand, withdrawal may complicate future re-engagement under a less hostile president or encourage some other countries to consider the exit option. On the other hand, withdrawal would prevent the Trump administration from sabotaging the negotiations and allow other governments to move forward. Stacy VanDeveer, University of Massachusetts-Boston Im persuaded by Hoffmann & others arguments that it is not clear at all that the US staying is better for the climate regime than a full US withdrawal. Staying in offers lots of opportunities to create problems. The UNFCCC system, in the short and medium term, seems likely to chug slowly along. With committed US leadership, it may stay a rather slow place for progress, but since the option of committed global US leadership on climate (and on many other things) was taken off the table by American voters Im not sure the near term impacts on the climate regime are that bad. Now in terms of specific topics in the regime, the impacts may be different. So financing will be harder with the US outside, I suspect. Liability and damages discussions? Im not, given how hostile the US has been to serious language (let alone action) on that front. In terms of rule setting and implementation review, I imagine deals struck between Brussels and Beijing will become the global norms and processes. I think the most important near term domestic consequence is that it muddles messages to market and US state and local actors about federal energy & climate policy slowing some progress that would otherwise be achieved. But again, domestic impacts of Paris withdrawal are hard to separate of the asinine energy & climate policies of this administration, generally. Last words from me on this: A larger and negative set of consequences will be seen in other global/multilateral fora. If Trump officially withdraws, it is that much more likely that the administration and its minions work to block climate and energy policy development on other forums (and this, I think, has mostly been missed in commentary to date). So G7, UNSC & USGA, World Bank, the Ozone regime, etc. will probably now all be places where US officials work to block/impede/derail climate and clean energy progress and where the US finds itself alone and isolated. (2) How do you think other actors will respond to U.S. withdrawal in terms of their own commitments and actions? Jessica Green This is where the picture is perhaps not as rosy. Paris depends on what one scholar, many years ago, referred to as tote board diplomacy: basically, public commitment and transparency would socialize governments into a culture of complying, and eventually, ratcheting up their commitments. Without US involvement, tote board diplomacy cant work as well. Countries or regions that lead will have a harder time sparking a race to the top. Low income countries are a different story. Its pretty clear that there will be no more US funding for adaptation, or any of the number of funds associated with the UNFCCC process. This will not only hurt developing countries, but provide political justifications for less (or no action). Jennifer Hadden Indications are that other countries still intend to make good faith efforts to implement their current NDCs. The fact that so many countries have adopted domestic climate laws or executive actions supporting their NDCs is evidence that this is already happening. But if there is not sufficient support or pressure for implementation, we should expect more countries will miss their targets. Current NDCs were never sufficient to address the climate challenge the ratchet mechanism was introduced because of the need to increase ambition over time. While I think the current round of NDCs will still more or less stand, the ratchet is likely in danger. The Paris Agreement still enjoys widespread support from non-state actors. Its notable that the negotiations around Paris included a parallel process to garner commitments from cities, states, and firms. Ive always thought of this non-state action as the resilience plan of the Paris Agreement, and this is where it will be most useful. I think that this non-state action will continue, and may even strengthen in some cities and states if climate action becomes part of the resistance. However, Paris was important (in part) because it provided a signal to markets regarding the direction of future policy. If that signal is muddied, private actors may not act as aggressively in the short term regarding investment decisions and R&D. Thomas Hale Trump just launched a massive natural experiment (without ethics approval!) that tests a fundamental IR theory about collective action. Countries made their Paris pledges with the expectation that the US would likely fulfill its target. Now that Trump has made clear this is not going to happen under his watch, will other countries continue to cooperate or defect in the face of US free-riding? My expectation is that the bottom up nature of the Paris Agreement makes it likely almost all countries will follow through on existing pledges. Indeed, all major emitters have pledged to do. In a few years well know the answer. More difficult to know is how this will affect the next round of pledges scheduled to be delivered in 2020. Will countries raise their ambition in the face of US defection? I think many will need a push (perhaps from a newly confident China, transnational city and business networks, civil society, or others) to get there. But at the same time, contra the conventional wisdom on collective action, for a good number of actors Trumps withdrawal will actually increase the incentive to do more. Mayors and governors in Democratic-leaning areas can score electoral points by taking matters into their own hands. CEOs and investors with planning horizons beyond 4-year electoral cycles will move to ensure they will not be caught out by the climate regulations that could likely follow Trump in the 2020s (many of those that do business abroad, that is most big firms, are already becoming Paris-compliant to manage global regulatory risks and costs). And, in electoral politics, Trump is politicising what has traditionally been a low salience issue by associating it so personally with his own polarizing brand. For some key voting blockse.g. young peoplethis could be an enthusiasm booster in 2018 and 2020. Matthew Hoffmann Thats the million dollar question. So far the rhetoric coming from Europe, Canada, China, and India seems to indicate that other countries will respond by isolating the US on this issue and carrying on with implementing their commitments under Paris. The real test of this will come in 2018 in the initial stock taking to see if those initial defiant responses translate into long term commitment to act on climate change. Beyond states, I expect sub and non-state actors to step up as they have before when the international process stalls or is steeped in uncertainty. The number of actors, and especially major corporations, urging the US to stay in Paris (which is fundamentally a proxy for urging the US to act responsibly on climate change) has been impressive. These actors will hopefully now put actions behind these words, moving on climate change in the face of US withdrawal. Angel Hsu There is cause for optimism that other nations will reaffirm their commitments to the Paris Agreement goals in the wake of the Trump Administrations announcement. National leaders in China and the EU have reacted to the U.S.s withdrawal with defiance, framing climate action as an opportunity to collaboratively reshape their societies to be more resilient and prosperous in the face of rising global temperatures and sea levels. It is true that the U.S.s outlying position will give cover to countries that are unable or unwilling to meet their pledged goals. Free ridership is a slippery slope, and if the U.S. abandons multinational climate diplomacy other nations may follow. Yet the Trump Administration has, through words and deeds, positioned itself as a sole actor on the global stage, vowing to go it alone without mind of allegiances and alliances. America First is not a slogan that engenders international support or begs other nations to follow. The current administration is unpopular at home and abroad, making it an easy decision for world leaders to stand in opposition of its decisions. By turning away from international climate diplomacy, President Trump may spur other nations to double down on their own commitments in defiance of his much maligned regime. Joanna Lewis We have already seen all the major economies speak out against the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. It will most certainly damage our relationship with the EU, Germany and France in particular. While the EU has long been a global leader on climate change, it is somewhat surprising how outspoken Chinas leaders have been in reconfirming their support for the Paris Agreement in the face of US withdrawal. China and the United States moved in lockstep over the past four years as they jointly announced their national pledges, signed the agreement, and then ratified the agreement. But China appears to be poised to continue to move forward even without the US by its side. Forceful statements from President Xi Jinping in Davos, followed by Chinas U.N. ambassador in New York, have reaffirmed the countrys position to remain in the Paris Agreement and fulfill its international obligations. Given recent coal consumption trends, China increasingly looks on track to meet its Paris pledges ahead of schedule. Johannes Urpelainen Because the Paris Agreement allows countries to choose their own actions, most governments are unlikely to react strongly. They have already chosen targets that are in their self-interest, and U.S. withdrawal is unlikely to have large impacts on the costs and benefits of climate mitigation. Some non-state actors may increase their ambition and the European Union or China could try to re-claim climate leadership. The most serious problem that Trumps hostile position creates is climate finance, as industrialized countries will find it difficult to meet their goals without the United States, but this problem would be present even if Trump remained inside as a hostile participant. Stacy VanDeveer In the climate regime, I think the best way to understand other responses may be in terms of leaders, laggards and middling followers (or some such typology). That is, Trump taking the US out probably straightens the spines of leaders and encourages them to push harder, faster (and try to accrue domestic and international gains from this). It probably also emboldens laggards those states and firms who were mostly pretending to endorse Paris and its implementation. For the middlings/followers, their reactions seem likely to respond to both Trumpian policies and others responses to it. So, if EU and Chinese actors can double down on rhetoric and commitments and progress over the next 6-14 months, then they might offer followers incentives and paths toward progress. If they do not, and the regime simply chugs along with traditionally slow progresss, I think followers and indifferent actors simply ride along on their indifferent, low ambition pathways. Lastly, I agree with the conventional wisdom that US withdrawal is a big win for China (globally) in terms of both soft power aspects and econonmic and development and political cooperation across the developing world and in Europe. The Europeans MUST have a partner to continue to lead on slow, global progress. With the US out, they have only one option: China. This is a win for China. (3) What affect will this move have on U.S. standing in the world? Jessica Green The US will lose big on the global stage by withdrawing. All issues are connected, and our foreign policy agenda (such as it is) will suffer greatly from our unwillingness to cooperate on climate. This happened with Kyoto, when Bush announced the US withdrawal. I also agree with the conventional wisdom, bolstered by the upcoming EU-China statement on their commitment to cooperate on climate policy, that rising powers like China are ready and willing to step into the void. Jennifer Hadden Leaving the Paris Agreement will create credibility problems for the United States in other realms of international cooperation, making it harder to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. It will also damage bilateral relations with key countries, especially big emitters like the European Union and developing counties that were counting on U.S. assistance. More generally, this decision erodes global goodwill towards the United States, which may have lasting reputational consequences. Thomas Hale Its hard to imagine a better way to squander so much influence for so little gain. Trump has given every country in the world a legitimate reason to resist US diplomatic pressure on every other issue he holds dear: trade, migration, terrorism, etc. Moreover, in many countries around the world, opposing Trumps climate belligerence will score big points in public opinion, giving politicians of every stripe an incentive to resist US interests. Matthew Hoffmann Its fairly clear that this will be a significant blow to US standing in the world. Especially coming on the heels of the disastrous NATO meetings, the US seems intent on convincing the rest of the world that it does not care about or intend to uphold long standing commitments to international order. The world is learning very quickly to not trust the US under the Trump administration. Angel Hsu The administrations announcement will certainly diminish the U.S.s standing on the international stage, and not only in climate diplomacy circles. It is clear that Europes progressive leaders view the Trumps decision as a rogue act. French President Emmanuel Macron made sure to point out that his American counterpart acted in opposition to the will of the American people, calling Trumps decision a step taken by the United States federal government. Even before Trumps announcement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that Europe could no longer count on the U.S. and that, Europeans must really take our destiny into our own hands. President Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is yet another diplomatic disaster for the U.S., a move that distances us from our allies and exacts untold damage on our reputation in the global community. This is not the first time, however, that our seemingly schizophrenic government has exposed its fickleness to the world. The George W. Bush Administration abandoned the Kyoto Treaty within months of taking office in an act that Trump now echoes. The peculiarities of the U.S. electoral system allow for such unwelcome vicissitudes (both Bush and Trump lost the popular vote). The administrations withdrawal may, paradoxically, strengthen international support and engagement with U.S. subnational and non-state actors. Californias governor Jerry Brown arrived in Beijing today intending to bolster his states relationship with China, opening a new avenue of climate diplomacy. Brown will host a Global Climate Action Summit next September in San Francisco, meaning that the U.S. will promote international climate negotiations even without the federal governments acquiescence. American business leaders of all stripes have spoken out against the U.S. withdrawal, showing resolve to pursue climate action, with or without the federal government, in an increasingly globalized world. These budding relationships and coalitions will build international repute for Americas subnational and non-state actors while the federal governments world standing sinks. Joanna Lewis Relinquishing its global leadership role on climate change will greatly diminish the ability of the United States to shape multilateral outcomes in which it has a stake. In addition, walking away from climate and energy cooperation could be destabilizing for the broader U.S.-China relationship. During the eight years of the Obama administration, there was no other issue on which the countries had greater common interest. As the US steps aside, it is creating a void that other nations are likely to fill. And there are already signs that China may take on an enhanced global role. The Chinese government is host to two key international meetings in Beijing next week that were originally conceived by the U.S. government as part of its broader climate and energy strategy, the 8th Clean Energy Ministerial and 2nd Mission Innovation Ministerial. These events are a great opportunity for China to demonstrate its new leadership on climate change and clean energy. Johannes Urpelainen Given that the vast majority of the worlds governments and people consider climate change a serious threat, withdrawal would further undermine the reputation of the United States and isolate the Trump administration. Stacy VanDeveer Of course it will be hard to separate the impact for US standing of this one decision from the overall impacts on US of the Trump administration generally. But it my view the biggest impacts are: (1) a nearly instant return of the US reputation for not keeping most of the promises it makes in multilateral fora; (2) an acceleration of US blaming and anti-US rhetoric in domestic politics around the world; and (3) a consequent weakening of US negotiating positions in most multilateral fora. As during the depths of the Bush II administration, I think we will see a lot more use of climate and a small number of other issue around the world by domestic leaders who gain support by condemning the US, its president, its immorality, its irresponsibility, the threats it poses, and so on. ELKO What does the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution mean to high school students living in an ever-changing society and political climate? High school students rose to the challenge of writing a 300-word essay to answer the question, How has the 14th Amendment shaped American Society? and competed in the 2017 Law Day Essay contest. Three Elko High School seniors were awarded first, second and third place by Nevada Supreme Court Justice Lidia S. Stiglich and Elko District Judge Nancy Porter Wednesday. The first place winner, Maria Alvaraz, received $100, an invitation to tour the Nevada Supreme Court in Carson City, and lunch with Justice Stiglich. Alvarez said she has always enjoyed history, government and politics subjects in school and took on the topic as an extra credit assignment to learn more about the amendments to the U.S. Constitution. I typically tend to take opportunities where I can get that much more insight, and have a better rounded knowledge about it, she said. Alvarez plans to move to Cabo San Lucas after graduation to help run a family business. Placing second and third were Dillon McKinzie and Lizzy Andreozzi, each of whom received $50 and a signed certificate from Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael A. Cherry. The three winning essays had their strengths in describing the 14th Amendment, said Stiglich. Each of their essays were different, said Stiglich. Ms. Andreozzis was wonderful because it started (with) whats the base, whats the structure that protects all of us, and how do we guarantee these rights. Mr. McKinzie talked about how social movements in the United States have actually helped materialize and really helped the courts connect these rights to spread them, from against slavery all the way up to gay marriage, Stiglich explained. Then Ms. Alvarezs really was a reminder that were not living up to the ideals of the 14th Amendment in how people should be treated, Stiglich said. Its a reminder of how we have to do more and do better so that we are living up to freedom and equality for all people. I thought they were all very powerful, Stiglich said. Dead men tell no tales, but they are the best part of the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. I think it is time for Johnny Depp to hang up his hat as Captain Jack Sparrow. I really enjoyed the first two Pirates films, the third was OK and the fourth was tolerable. The fifth, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, just seems to be a tired rehash of all the good jokes from the other movies. Sparrow is still the drunk pirate that gets himself in ridiculous situations, but now his luck seems to have left him. After an unfortunate decision on his part, an enemy from Sparrows past is released from imprisonment to hunt the pirate down. This enemy is Captain Salazar, played by Javier Bardem. Salazar is a fantastic villain who has no mercy for pirates. Salazar and his crew are ghosts, so trying to fight them doesnt work real well. The heroes of the piece have to find other ways to thwart them. One of those ways is to find the Trident of Poseidon, which can only be located through a map that no man can read. Of course, the person who finds a way to read it is a woman, Carina Smyth, played by Kaya Scodelario. She is helped by Henry Turner, portrayed by Brenton Thwaites. As his name suggests, Henry is the son of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, the two main characters from the first three films. Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley do return in this film, but their roles are small. Geoffrey Rush and Kevin McNally also return as Captain Hector Barbossa and Gibbs, respectively. The special effects in the film are well done, but the plot is just ho-hum. None of the characters go through any real development, except possibly Barbossa. He starts out as a greedy pirate captain concerned only with riches, but by the end his main goal is to protect a treasure that cant be bought. This film wasnt horrible, but I think the franchise has lost the magic that made the first film so wonderful. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is rated PG-13 for sequences of adventure violence, and some suggestive content. The movie is 129 minutes long. Rating for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales 2 popcorns out of 5 At least 36 people died after a gunman burst into a Manila casino, firing shots and setting gaming tables alight, a spokesman for the Philippine president said on Friday, in what officials believe was a botched robbery attempt. There was no evidence linking the attack at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex to fighting between government troops and Islamist militants in the country's south, said Ernesto Abella, a spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte. Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men. Resorts World Manila (@rwmanila) June 1, 2017 The country has struggled with turmoil in the Mindanao region, due to the presence of terror group Abu Sayyaf, an affiliate of both al-Qaeda and ISIS. Intel officials estimate that an alliance of at least 10 Islamist militant groups have a heavy presence in the southern Philippines. Last week, the Philippine military launched a failed attempt to capture the Isnilon Hapilon, the self-proclaimed ISIS leader in the Philippines. Late last month, ISIS-linked militants carried out a series of attacks in the southern part of the country. The U.S. plays a large role in security in the country, providing $441 million in security funding to the Philippines from 2002 to 2013. In 2014, the U.S. and the Philippines signed a 10-year accord allowing the U.S. to establish military bases in the Philippines. The country is a popular tourist destination with 650,000 Americans visiting the country each year. About 220,000 Americans, many of them military veterans, live in the island nation, according to State Department figures. Today, the two countries have a strong trade and investment relationship, with over $25 billion in goods and services traded. In late April, U.S. President Donald Trump invited Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to the White House. A pending state Senate bill would provide government-funded universal health care for California's 39 million residents. The bill faces a Friday deadline for passage out of the Senate if it is to be considered by the state Assembly. Here's how University of Massachusetts-Amherst researchers, in a study commissioned by the influential California Nurses Association, suggest the state pay for it: The total annual cost is estimated at about $406 billion a year. Existing state and federal health care funding could provide $225 billion. Researchers say better efficiency and lower negotiated pharmaceutical drug costs could save $75 billion. The remaining $106 billion could be paid for with a sales tax increase and a new tax on business revenue. The researchers suggest a 2.3 percent sales tax and a 2.3 percent gross receipts tax, which would apply to all corporate revenue. The plan would eliminate out-of-pocket health care costs, like copays and deductibles, for consumers. Poor residents would get a tax credit to offset the higher sales tax. Critics say the plan is unrealistic, including its expectation that President Donald Trump's administration would waive rules about federal Medicare and Medicaid dollars. The former executive director of an Iowa nonprofit that promotes healthy, affordable school meals is accused of embezzling at least $169,000 over a five-year period, according to an audit released Thursday. Norma LaMantia deposited hundreds of checks meant for the School Nutrition Association of Iowa into her personal bank accounts from 2011 to 2016, the investigation by State Auditor Mary Mosiman's office found. The checks which came from dozens of school districts and food companies to pay fees for association events were diverted for LaMantia's personal expenses and to support her addiction to casino gambling, the report said. LaMantia, 73, allegedly admitted to the embezzlement in an interview with auditors and a Davenport police detective last month, saying she had blown through her personal funds "and then I took some money from the association." At one point, she said she felt "so guilty" about what she'd done in 2014 that she paid back $10,650 but hid the reason for the repayment on financial documents, the report said. As part of the scheme, LaMantia created bank accounts that appeared to be related to association business but were not known to board members, the report said. She then sent some money from those accounts to herself, falsely writing on the checks that they were to cover "rent," the audit said. Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said Thursday his office is reviewing the report to determine "what the appropriate action is as far as criminal charges." First-degree theft, which applies to embezzlement over $10,000, carries up to 10 years in prison. LaMantia had been the association's executive director for a decade before resigning under pressure last year, after board members began to question her financial activities. LaMantia, who worked from her Davenport home, was paid about $19,000 annually under a contract that required her to work 20 hours per week. The association, which has 950 members who are employed at school districts across Iowa, aims to "ensure children have access to healthy school meals" by providing education and training and setting standards for certification and credentialing. Its largest event is an annual conference, where food companies, equipment suppliers and other vendors rent exhibit space and districts pay registration fees for their employees. A phone number listed for LaMantia rang busy. The association's new executive director, Nancy Hogstad, declined comment but noted the group's conference will be held as scheduled later this month in Des Moines. Mosiman also released two other special investigation reports Thursday that documented alleged embezzlement. One found $83,000 was improperly spent or diverted by the former finance coordinator of the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa in Marshalltown. The other found $91,000 in improper spending on personal credit cards by the former treasurer of the ambulance service in Anthony, a town of 565 in northwest Iowa. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy It's not easy to blow my mind. But earlier this week, I sat down and read a research report by RethinkX. I've been picking up the pieces of my consciousness ever since. I'm now convinced that I -- and you -- will probably never buy another car again. Ever. No -- seriously! Image source: Getty Images I won't bury the lead: The report convincingly argues that in just 13 years, 95% of all passenger miles traveled on U.S. roads will be provided by fully autonomous fleets of electric vehicles. This is a very different forecast than most mainstream predictions, which posit that such a transition will take a generation or two. What's the source of that significant disagreement about the pace of change we can expect? According to the ReThinkX authors, here's the crux of the matter: The authors predict that using TaaS (i.e., Uber without drivers) will reduce costs of transportation by up to 90%! And this transition will start before the decade ends. What will send those costs plummeting so dramatically, practically overnight? There are three key factors: Higher vehicle utilization: Instead of sitting in our garages and driveways, and being used (on average) 4% of the time, TaaS cars will be used 40% of the time, spreading costs out more. Much higher lifetime miles for vehicles: For several reasons, they posit that the average TaaS car will last for 500,000 miles; The current average for consumer owned vehicles is 140,000. Ancillary cost declines: There will be massive drops in what we pay for insurance (machines are safer drivers), maintenance (thanks to technological advances and simpler engines), and fuel (no more internal combustion engines). The obvious boon Disruption like this offers some huge advantages. Here are the primary ones outlined by the authors: For your household: The average family will see a boost in disposable income of $5,600 per year. The average family will see a boost in disposable income of $5,600 per year. For the American economy: Major productivity gains will be realized because people will be able to work while traveling. GDP could increase by between $500 billion and $2.5 trillion. Major productivity gains will be realized because people will be able to work while traveling. GDP could increase by between $500 billion and $2.5 trillion. For the government: We'll see a steep drop in costs associated with infrastructure, and huge income from selling land no longer needed for transportation. We'll see a steep drop in costs associated with infrastructure, and huge income from selling land no longer needed for transportation. For the disadvantaged: There will be a virtual elimination of transportation costs, opening up opportunities for employment, and increased mobility for senior citizens. There will be a virtual elimination of transportation costs, opening up opportunities for employment, and increased mobility for senior citizens. For the environment: Carbon emissions will be drastically reduced. Obviously, those are very exciting prospects. Between insurance, gas, and car payments, my own family spent over $7,000 on transportation last year. Seeing that number potentially fall below $1,000 would drastically accelerate our path to financial independence. But there's a dark underbelly to this forecast The plight of some oft-overlooked segments of the American population was thrown into sharp focus by the 2016 presidential election. As a former high school teacher in a rural town, I could see where many of those unhappy voters were coming from: Their communities were often crumbling before their very eyes. Unfortunately, these same populations could suffer the most from the coming swift transition in transportation. Why is that? Cuts in manufacturing: In the U.S., millions of people are employed in car and auto parts manufacturing. With the shift to TaaS, the number of vehicles on American streets is expected to drop from 247 million to 44 million, meaning large numbers of those jobs could disappear. In the U.S., millions of people are employed in car and auto parts manufacturing. With the shift to TaaS, the number of vehicles on American streets is expected to drop from 247 million to 44 million, meaning large numbers of those jobs could disappear. Cuts in fossil fuel demand: The shale energy boom helped energize local economies in several American regions. That business has slumped since the price of oil fell; a major shift to electric vehicles means oil likely won't see a comeback. The shale energy boom helped energize local economies in several American regions. That business has slumped since the price of oil fell; a major shift to electric vehicles means oil likely won't see a comeback. Cuts in the number of driving jobs: Most of us don't fully appreciate just how many people are employed as drivers. This graphic from NPR offers a telling illustration of the point. Image source: NPR The RethinkX paper suggests that Uber, Lyft and Didi are the companies with the greatest potential to win in the coming environment. But what of Ford (NYSE: F) and General Motors (NYSE: GM),two of the country's bigger employers? Their recent investments in autonomous driving might be too little too late if the U.S. driving fleet shrinks by 80%. And then, there's the Middle East. On the one hand, that already unstable region will become far less important to America as our need for oil diminishes. On the other, it could become significantly more destabilized, and it's impossible to tell how far the repercussions of that could travel. Consider that Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iran, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Algeria, Russia, and Nigeria all counted on oil rents to provide over 10% of their GDP as recently as 2014. We have no idea what will happen... and that's OK Recently, I read a story about how a large segment of economists thought the U.S. economy would be ruined due to high unemployment when baby boomers entered the workforce in the late 1960s. As more and more people looked for work, the reasoning went, competition would be sky high, and many would be left without jobs. The first-order prediction -- that there would be an influx of young workers -- was correct and easy to forecast. But second-order assertions -- how we would react -- are just about impossible to predict. If you find yourself worrying about what will happen as the pace of change accelerates, that's important to remember. The most helpful mental/emotional stance I think one can take in the face of such rapid change is illustrated by an ancient Taoist story about a farmer's interpretation of his luck. This version of the tale comes from Alan Watts' The Watercourse Way: Will the rapid adoption of autonomous electric car fleets be a boon for Americans and the U.S. economy, or cause dangerous upheaval. The only honest answer is: "Maybe." 10 stocks we like better than FordWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Ford wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of May 1, 2017 Brian Stoffel has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Oil prices were mixed on Thursday, with Brent crude down on concerns that key producers were still adding to the global crude glut but U.S. crude up slightly after a larger-than-expected domestic inventory drawdown. U.S. crude futures settled up 4 cents at $48.36 a barrel, while Brent ended down 13 cents at $50.63. After settlement, both benchmarks fell, failing to sustain the lift from the morning news of declining U.S. crude and gasoline stocks. "Eight straight weeks of declining crude and the market is barely up," said Gene McGillian, manager of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. The market is telling us that unless we have significant inventory draws, the idea that were going to have stronger prices doesnt look to be realistic. Weekly data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed crude inventories dropped 6.4 million barrels, exceeding the 4.4 million-barrel drop forecast. Gasoline inventories also dropped sharply ahead of the start of the summer driving season, the EIA said. [EIA/S] On Wednesday, a Reuters survey found output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in May, the first monthly increase this year, as higher supply from two states exempt from a production-cutting deal, Nigeria and Libya, offset improved compliance with the accord by others.. U.S. production increased, and the expectation is that ongoing activity in U.S. shale will continue to boost output, offsetting OPEC efforts. OPEC and other producers, including Russia, have agreed to restrict output by 1.8 million bpd to drain stockpiles that are close to record highs in many parts of the world. U.S. production is closing in on levels from top producers Russia and Saudi Arabia. It hit 9.34 million bpd last week, highest since August 2015. In Libya, output has recovered to 827,000 bpd after technical problems were resolved at the Sharara field. On Thursday OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said to an economic forum in Russia that it was too early to say when production caps could be imposed on Libya and Nigeria as they have a lot of issues to solve. The group, however, last week discussed cutting output by a further 1 to 1.5 percent, and could revisit the proposal should inventories remain high and continue to weigh on prices, sources said. Russia, which has cut production by 300,000 bpd under the deal, could increase production next year to as much as 11.07 million bpd, the country's deputy energy minister told Reuters. (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson and Ahmad Ghaddar in London, Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio) Uber posted a $708 million loss in the most recent quarter and said its head of finance is leaving the company, the latest executive to depart in what has been a very tough year to date. Uber told The Associated Press Thursday that its first-quarter loss was narrower than the $991 million loss it posted in the previous quarter. It had revenue of $3.4 billion, up 18 percent from the final three months of last year. Even before the announced departure of head of finance Gautam Gupta, which the company announced Thursday, Uber has struggled . The San Francisco company recently lost its head of communications, president and other senior executives as it faces allegations of sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace. CEO Travis Kalanick had to apologize earlier this year after video of him arguing with an Uber driver was made public. And the Justice Department is probing allegations that Uber used an app to thwart authorities who were trying to determine if the company was following local regulations. Gupta's departure comes just days after Kalanick's mother was killed in a boating accident. The company this week followed through on threats to fire star autonomous-car researcher Anthony Levandowski, whose hiring touched off a bitter trade-secrets fight with Waymo, the former self-driving car arm of Google. Waymo has alleged that Levandowski downloaded 14,000 documents containing its trade secrets before he left the company to found a startup that was later purchased by Uber. On Thursday, an Uber driver was killed outside of Chicago by a 16-year-old girl in a bizarre and apparently random attack with a knife and machete. Uber said it's launching a search for a chief financial officer. Gupta, who had been with Uber for four years, is going to work at another startup. Uber is looking for a chief financial officer with experience at a public company as it considers its own initial public offering. The federal government is contributing about $17 million to upgrade airports in upstate New York. The money is being allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program. It will be used for renovations and improvements in 36 projects at facilities in the Hudson Valley, Albany area, Southern Tier and central, western and northern New York. Rochester and the Finger Lakes are set to receive about $4 million, the Hudson Valley just over $3.5 million and the Albany Airport around $3.2 million. Western New York will get about $2 million, central New York around $1.5 million, northern New York about $2 million, and Edwin A. Link Field in Binghamton just over $587,000. The funding was announced Wednesday by U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, both Democrats. Nigel Farage may have been named as a person of interest in the FBIs Trump collusion investigation, but the former UK Independence Party leader says hes laughing it off, calling the claims an example of "fake news." It is total hysterical rubbish, Ive never even been to Russia, Ive had no business dealings in Russia, I had nothing to do with Russia whatsoever. This is the liberal elite who are bad losers who are trying to find a way out, he told FOX Business' Stuart Varney, regarding the report by The Guardian. Farage says "liberal elites," who had trouble coping with Brexit and the election of President Donald Trump, are lashing out because they have no one else to blame for their political losses in 2016. They have to find a conspiracy theory that fits and it must be that the Russians have set the whole thing up, so suddenly I am at the center of an international spider web as if Im somehow between Putin, Trump and Julian Assange, he said. A California farmer is facing a $2.8M fine by state and federal regulators for planting wheat on his own land. John Duarte, owner of Duarte Nursery, said the government is retaliating against him for filing a due process claim against them. Because we work for the Pacific Legal Foundation here in California and filed a due process, a fifth amendment civil right suit against the government for sending me cease and desist notice without any form of hearing, without getting the facts right to begin with, they retaliated with a $2.8 million law suit against me, he told the FOX Business Network's Stuart Varney. In 2012, the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a cease-and-desist notice after an engineer who assessed Duarte's land determined it was being tilled too deeply. Duarte said he is being prosecuted under the Clean Water Act which adopted a rule allowing farmers to plow their own land so long as plowing does not turn a wetland into dryland. What they are contending at this point is that my four to seven inch plowing, the same type of plowing that we growers use all over America every day, either required a permit that has never been issued for a wheat grower before or that I should have conducted practices such as farming around the vernal pools, Duarte said. According to the Northern California farmer, the Federal attorney told Duartes tractor operator why the government filed a retaliatory Federal destruction of wetland lawsuit against Duarte. Well, they are suing us so we are suing them back, Duarte claimed the Federal prosecutor said. Lawmakers in Washington State are looking to strip funds from Evergreen State College in the wake of chaotic, radical protests and a threat that shut down the campus on Thursday. "In response to a direct threat to campus safety, the college is closing immediately for the day. All are asked to leave campus or return to residence halls for instructions," the college stated on its website. This comes on the same day that Republican State Rep. Matt Manweller announced a three-pronged legislative response to recent, extreme demonstrations at the college, which followed one white professors refusal to leave campus for a Day of Absence, asking all white students and faculty leave the premises for a day. Manweller introduced a bill to privatize the college over the course of five years. He will also order an investigation into whether any civil rights laws have been violated and push to remove $24 million in capital funding currently allocated under the state budget to Evergreen College. Colleges and universities need to be a place that is open to debate and the free exchange of ideas regardless of skin color, religion or ethnicity. Public money should never be spent on institutions that advocate for openly racist policies, Rep. Manweller said in a statement to FOX Business. The campus erupted into chaos last week after Professor Bret Weinstein emailed event organizers, indicating he would not exit the premises on the Day of Absence. Traditionally, people voluntarily participating in the activity attended workshops off campus while others remained on site. On a college campus, ones right to speakor to bemust never be based on skin color, Weinstein wrote, saying group organizers could take his email as a formal protest of this years structure. Since then disturbing videos have been released of students screaming and cursing at administrators, and there have been repeated calls for Weinsteins resignation, with students asserting his email was racist. Weinstein was told by police last week he was no longer safe on campus and was forced to hold class in a nearby park, according to The Washington Post. These students, in their ignorance and anger, are trying to undo the civil rights movement and return us to a Jim Crow era of education policies," Rep. Manweller told FOX Business. "We said no to segregated education 50 years ago and were saying no today." Similar instances of attempts to stifle free speech have taken place at college campuses across the country. One notable instance at Berkeley College earlier this year involved the cancelling of a speech by controversial Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos amid violent protests, which caused President Donald Trump to get involved. If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2017 Since then conservative firebrands, like Ann Coulter, have had speeches canceled at venues around the country as well. This issue has become so widespread, Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust took it up during her commencement address to graduates, saying: It is not about the freedom to out-shout others while everyone has their fingers in their ears. For free speech to flourish, we must build an environment where everyone takes responsibility for the right not just to speak, but to hear and be heard, where everyone assumes the responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect. Evergreen State College did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment. President Donald Trumps decision on Thursday to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate changean agreement supported by nearly every other nation in the worldis perhaps the kookiest policy calculation of his young presidency. Heres why it matters. Environmental The agreement seeks to save the planet from global warming which the vast majority of scientist overwhelmingly believe is primarily caused by humans and our industrialized development. Left unabated, increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue raising temperatures which melt glaciers and ice caps, subsequently swelling sea levels and resulting in displacing tens of millions of people living on low-lying islands and/or shorelines. But theres moredroughts will deplete global food supplies and lead to famine, more diseases and elimination of many plant and animal species. Not so Make America (or the world) Greatish. Given the enormous global consequences of denying and/or delaying addressing this monumental issue is why in 2015, after more than two decades of effort, 197 nations (including the US) singed onto the Paris Agreement, the most comprehensive effort to address climate change ever. Late last year, the Agreement received enough home-nation ratifications from those signatories that it entered into force. Of note is that the US contributes roughly 15 percent to global warming, China being the only nation doing more. The US commitment as part of the Agreement is to reduce emissions by 26 percent to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. The overall Agreement goal is to reduce temperatures by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) this century. Security If not abated, global warming will also lead to the increased possibility of conflicts impacting ouran other nationsnational security. Increasingly scare water and land resources have been, and will continue to be, a leading cause of conflict in the world. That will be exacerbated by the booming planetary population growth which is projected to increase from 7.5 billion today to 8.5 billion by 2030. The Presidents own Secretary of Defense James Mad Dog Mattis testified before Congress that he sees global warming as a national security issue. Geopolitics At the recent Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Italy, the President found himself in the lonely position of being the only leader of a highly developed economy that had not personally committed to the Paris Agreement. Other leaders made their case in can attempt to change Mr. Trumps position, given he said during the campaign he would pull out and that climate change was a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. Days before, President Trump met with the Pope who also made the case for the Agreement. (The President was even presented with 192 papal pages of reading materials on climate change.) This pull out position places us in a group of only two of three nations which dont support the Agreement. Nicaragua doesnt support it, but only due to the weakness of the Agreement. They wanted it tougher. That leaves the only other nation to not support the Agreement: Syria. Rah rah really? Thats the other nation we want to align with on this critical matter? Its one thing to be isolationist as the President has moved toward, and evidenced through his stern talking to leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at their recent Brussels meeting, but its quite another to be seen as an international paranoid pariah. Thats now the closed case assessment of many around the world. What a whacky and weird calculation for the President to make. Economics Interestingly, even some old skool climate change policy opponents, including energy executives, have said the US should stay in the Agreement in order to have a seat and the policy table. For example, the Presidents own Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, the former CEO of Exxon Mobil, is a supporter of the Agreement. The same goes for several coal company executives who have urged the President not to pull the Paris plug. In addition to wanting to have a seat at the policy table, many of these energy executives understand that the energizing economics of climate change are already occurring and that to facilitate our prosperity, we should be doubling down on renewable energy technologies and encouraging investment in the future as opposed to pursuing the dirty energy past. Renewable energy and efforts to address global warming are an economic endeavor accepted by, and invested in, not only niche investors but by large institutional investors throughout the US and world. The fact is that even given clean coal technologies which have made major progress over the last decade, there will never be another new coal-fired plant built in the US. Coal, for all the vast resources that still exist and enormous good it has done for our nation and the world, will never be used like it has been in the past. On the positive flip side, we have plenty of room and opportunities to help fuel-inject our economy through wind, solar and other renewable power sources. US Politics The kookiest of the calculations is that even given all of the other variablesthe economics, geopolitics, national security, and ohsaving the worldthe President chooses to side with the extreme segment of his voter base that is either ill-informed or decisively dim on this issue. A University of Michigan study revealed that 70 percent of Americans favor staying in the Paris Agreement (over 80 percent support more wind and solar endeavors). A Yale study determined that over 50 percent of Americans are worried about climate change. So, the Presidents crazy calculation is that somehow the minority who supported him last year should dominate over the definitive facts and circumstance in which we find ourselves today. Thats not only pandering politics, but an extremely poor policy proposition. The only silver lining (and its hard to see through the horrible haze of global warming and contemporary US politics) is that in order to fully pull out of the Agreement, no nation may do so for three years, and then there is a year before policies should reflect the pull out. That means the US is not permitted under the Agreement to formally and fully pull out, at the earliest, until November of 2020-just after the next presidential election. There is that. Former CFTC Commissioner Bart Chilton was Chair of the CFTCs Energy & Environmental Markets Advisory Committee, is a political and policy commentator and author of Ponzimonium: How Scam Artists Are Ripping Off America. He can be reached at bartchilton.com@bartchilton.com. America's most famous sex symbol continues to make headlines. KATE UPTON CHANNELS MARILYN MONROE Over the years, we learned her cosmetic surgery records surfaced, indicating that she'd had a chin implant and possibly a nose job (those X-rays and medical notes were since sold at auction for $25,600). In addition, Forbes ranked Monroe as 2013's sixth highest-earning dead celebrity (after Michael Jackson, Elvis, Charles M. Schulz, Elizabeth Taylor and Bob Marley). She was also named the new face of Chanel No. 5 in October of that same year! On what would have been her 91st birthday (June 1, 1926), we got to thinking: What else would surprise us about America's favorite platinum-blonde icon? Here's 10 crazy facts you might not have known about Marilyn: #1. Monroe received only $50 to pose for the nude photos that appeared in the inaugural issue of Playboy magazine. Photographer Tom Kelley originally took the pictures in 1949 for use in a calendar, but Hugh Hefner bought the negatives from the calendar company years later after Monroe's star was on the rise. He paid $500, but the shots made him millions. #2. It's often said that Marilyn Monroe was a size 16, but a fashion editor for The Times of London dispelled that rumor when she had the chance to try on articles of Monroe's clothing. "Quite the opposite," wrote Sara Buys. "While she was undeniably voluptuous in possession of an ample bosom and a bottom that would look at home gyrating in a J-Lo video for most of the early part of her career, she was a size 8 and even in her plumper stages, was no more than a 10." #3. Monroe was hyper aware of her persona, and her friends sometimes commented on how different she was when she wasn't "in character." Author Truman Capote once found her gazing into a mirror and asked what she was doing, to which she replied, "Looking at her." And Monroe's "Misfits" co-star Eli Wallach recalls walking around NYC with her, saying, "Nobody noticed who she was because she was just being herself suddenly her walk, attitude and appearance would change and in moments everyone would be ogling her and asking for autographs. 'I just wanted to be Marilyn Monroe for a moment,' she said." #4. Monroe stuttered throughout her childhood and teens. "I don't know how it happened Sometimes if I was very nervous or excited, I would stutter," she once said in an interview. A speech therapist would help her overcome the impediment by instructing her to use a breathier tone of voice, but it's said that her stutter returned during the production of "Something's Got to Give " her final picture due to stress. #5. Need a great side dish to go with your next holiday meal? A 2010 collection of Monroe's writings, letters and poems included her personal recipe for stuffing, which was found scribbled on a piece of stationery from the City Title Insurance Company. The New York Times reprinted and recreated the unorthodox recipe (containing liver, heart, beef, egg and raisins, among several other ingredients) and gave it surprisingly high marks for flavor, texture and presentation. #6. The skin-tight dress Monroe wore while singing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" at John F. Kennedy's 1962 birthday bash sold at auction for $1,267,500 in 1999, making it the most expensive item of clothing ever sold at the time. That dress would be sold again in 2016 for $4.8 million. The white dress she wore during "The Seven Year Itch" eventually fetched 5.6 million at a 2011 auction. #7. Monroe had "the heaviest peach fuzz beard of any actress in Hollywood," said Monroe expert Gene London. According to London, it was due to a hormone cream she slathered on her face to help her skin glow on film. "They [studio chiefs] wanted to remove the facial hair, but Marilyn absolutely refused. She said that when the light hit the fuzz it caused her face to have a soft glow, so they didn't have to photograph her through special lenses, lace or Vaseline the way they did with so many stars." #8. When Monroe married bespectacled playwright Arthur Miller in 1956, Variety ran a headline reading "Egghead Weds Hourglass." #9. Rock musician Marilyn Manson derived his name, and that of his group, from the names of Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson in order to project a dichotomy between good and evil. But oddly enough, in his autobiography, Manson (nee Brian Warner) says nobody ever suspects that the Monroe half might be just as dark as the Manson half. "Marilyn Monroe had a dark side, just as Charles Manson has a good, intelligent side," he wrote. #10. When Monroe died, the New York Times reported that suicides in the city skyrocketed, reaching a then-record high of 12 in just one day. "If the most wonderful, beautiful thing in the world has nothing to live for, then neither must I," wrote one of the victims in a suicide note. Veterans are stepping up to speak out against Kathy Griffins recent photo shoot with controversial photographer Tyler Shields where shes depicted holding a bloodied mask of President Donald Trump. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. strongly condemns comedian Kathy Griffins incredibly revolting attack on the President of the United States, wrote VFW National Commander Brian Duffy in a statement released on Wednesday. Her apology is not accepted," added Duffy. "What she did was not humorous nor should it be protected speech or expression. Playing to an audience with a severed head is what our enemies do. The USO should end its relationship with her. KATHY GRIFFIN DUMPED BY SQUATTY POTTY The VFW is recognized as a nonprofit service organization comprised of veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. The message came after CNN announced it was terminating the 56-year-olds hosting duties for their New Years Eve program. A spokesperson for the network called the photos disgusting and offensive on Tuesday. The USO also commented on their relationship with Griffin on Wednesday: Griffin traveled to Afghanistan for her first USO tour in 2003 where she entertained the troops. She then organized a holiday fundraiser that collected and delivered gifts specifically for military families. KATHY GRIFFIN APOLOGIZES FOR PHOTO SHOOT Griffin participated in another USO tour in 2006 when she traveled to Iraq and Kuwait. In 2010, Griffin hosted VH1 Divas Salute The Troops from the Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego, Calif. TMZ reported Wednesday Griffins gory photo had caught the attention of the Secret Service. While the federal law enforcement agency did not directly cite the image in any of its recent tweets, it did respond to Twitter users who reported the shocking picture online: The Secret Service also issued a warning that may have hinted at the image: Law enforcement sources told the gossip site the Secret Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the photo shoot. Griffin admitted Tuesday she went too far on her latest photo shoot with Shields. In a Twitter post, she said the image is too disturbing and it wasnt funny. KATHY GRIFFIN SLAMS ASHTON KUTCHER Shields told Fox News on Tuesday that Griffin was hoping to create a bold message. Kathy and I are friends and we worked together before, so when we started doing this shoot, she said, Id love to do something political. Id love to make a statement, he explained. We kind of figured out what would be the best image to make out of that. Shields added the image was meant to serve as art and hes aware that it could make some viewers uncomfortable. Thats what art is meant to do, he said. Some people look at it and they love it. Some people look at it and they hate it I understand there are going to be people that hate this. Its a very touchy subject but this is not real. We didnt kill anybody nor do I feel anybody should be killed. Its no different from a movie. It just happens to be a still image. As for his recent collaboration with Griffin, he doesnt regret it. I cant speak for her, [but] I know she loves to stir the pot, he said. For me, I love the idea we have freedom of speech. The fact that Im allowed to make an image like this says a lot. To me, thats a powerful thing nobodys killed me for this image so its not that bad. I love Kathy and I hope they let me visit her in Guantanamo. Katie Couric can breathe a little easier. On Wednesday a judge dismissed a $12 million lawsuit filed against her by a Virginia gun club that said she defamed them in a film she narrated. The Virginia Citizens Defense League had filed the suit against Couric, the documentary "Under the Gun," director Stephanie Soechtig, Epix, and others who worked on the film. The eight-second scene in question shows Couric interviewing members of the VCDL and asking: If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?" The film shows members of the group rendered silent by Courics question. However, in the unedited version, one person responds that if youre not in jail, you should have the right to buy guns. Couric and Atlas Films motion to dismiss stated: "No reasonable viewer could interpret the film that way, because just before the exchange in question, the film explicitly depicted them explaining why they oppose background checks." Couric had said earlier, however, that she regretted the clip edit. "I take responsibility for a decision that misrepresented an exchange I had with members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL)," Couric wrote last year. "My question to the VCDL regarding the ability of convicted felons and those on the terror watch list to legally obtain a gun, was followed by an extended pause, making the participants appear to be speechless.... I regret that those eight seconds were misleading and that I did not raise my initial concerns more vigorously." A custodial worker is providing more than just clean rooms to patients in Arizona, as hes tapped into his musical talents to help bring them peace during their stay. Two hours before his shift starts at Banner Desert Medical center and Cardon Childrens, Rolando Maaba comforts patients, staff and visitors with his piano playing, Fox 10 reported. Music is very, very important, especially when I work in a hospital, he told the news outlet. I can help some people, the patients and their relatives I give them something to be calm, and to forget the problem and some healing. Music is very important. Especially for that. DOG FLU IN FLORIDA: HEALTH OFFICIALS CONFIRM 7 CASES OF POTENTIALLY DEADLY VIRUS Maaba, who is from the Philippines, taught himself how to play the piano more than 40 years ago. His melodies have become a staple for staff and helps ease the stress of their jobs. When I dont hear, Ill peek out and see whats going on, Tricia Bruce, a patient navigator with the American Cancer Society told Fox 10. Every day its an enjoyment. When he comes on his shift, I know and I make sure my door is open just so I can get that peaceful afternoon. UNNECESSARY BREAST SURGERIES GET UK DOCTOR JAILED FOR 15 YEARS Maaba said its difficult to explain where his musical talents came from, but he feels like its part of his purpose in life. Maybe upstairs God gifted me that talent, he told Fox 10. The Ohio attorney general sued five drugmakers on Wednesday, accusing the companies of perpetrating the state's addictions epidemic by intentionally misleading patients about the dangers of painkillers and promoting benefits of the drugs not backed by science. Attorney General Mike DeWine said the companies created a deadly mess in Ohio that they now need to pay to clean up. "This lawsuit is about justice, it's about fairness, it's about what is right," DeWine said in announcing the complaint filed in Ross County, a southern Ohio community slammed by fatal drug overdoses from painkillers and heroin. A record 3,050 Ohioans died from drug overdoses in 2015, a figure expected to jump sharply once 2016 figures are tallied. DeWine wants an injunction stopping the companies from their alleged misconduct and damages for money the state spent on opiates sold and marketed in Ohio. The attorney general also wants customers repaid for unnecessary opiate prescriptions for chronic pain. "These drug companies knew that what they were doing was wrong and they did it anyway," DeWine said. The drugmakers sued by DeWine are Purdue Pharma; Endo Health Solutions; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and its subsidiary, Cephalon; Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals; and Allergan. They variously manufacture OxyContin, Percocet and a host of other painkillers that DeWine said represent the heart of the problem. Christina Arredondo said her 24-year-old pregnant daughter, Felicia Detty, died after a painkiller addiction led to heroin and overdose. She said she's hopeful the Ohio lawsuit can begin to curtail the epidemic by fighting it "from the top." "It's not like they're going out to buy some cocaine on the street," she said. "They're going to the doctor for a torn ligament in their shoulder, or migraines, or having a tooth pulled." Janssen on Wednesday called the lawsuit's accusations legally and factually unfounded. The company said it acted appropriately, responsibly and in the best interests of patients. Another defendant, Purdue Pharma, said it shares DeWine's concerns about the opiate crisis and is committed to working together on a solution. It won't say if it's challenging the lawsuit. Teva Pharmaceuticals says it's still reviewing the lawsuit and is unable to comment. Endo declined comment. A message was left seeking comment with Allergan. DeWine, a Republican expected to run for governor next year, joins other states that have filed similar lawsuits. His move comes after years of calls for such action by Ohio Democrats. Democratic candidate Nan Whaley, Dayton's mayor, is airing online video spots in which she criticizes sitting Republicans for doing too little to solve the heroin and opioid epidemic. Whaley says taking on drug companies for their role in the crisis will be her highest priority as governor. Another gubernatorial contender, Democratic state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, said he had previously called for such an action. "I hope that whatever financial settlement this lawsuit might bring will be put toward helping the victims of this epidemic," he said. "In the meantime, the General Assembly must do more to provide the resources our counties desperately need now for drug treatment and other services." In 2015, Kentucky settled a similar lawsuit with Purdue Pharma for $24 million. Oregon reached a settlement in 2015 with opioid painkiller manufacturer Insys for off-label promotion of Subsys, a fentanyl spray more powerful than heroin. It was also among 27 states that reached a settlement with Purdue, the maker of OxyContin, in 2007. A Massachusetts couple is in a race against time to save their 13-month-old son from an extremely rare, fatal disease often referred to as childhood Alzheimers. Last month, Purnell Nell Sabky was diagnosed with the genetic disorder Niemann-Pick Type A, and doctors told his parents that, without intervention, he likely would not live to see his third birthday. MAN DIES FROM FLESH-EATING BACTERIA AFTER SWIMMING WITH NEW TATTOO Niemann-Pick Type A is caused by a lack of a specific enzyme, and the disorder prevents the body from metabolizing fat, which leads fat to accumulate around the organs. Patients typically develop an enlarged liver and spleen by 3 months old, and fail to gain weight and grow normally. At around age 1, patients with the disease usually begin to experience a progressive loss of mental abilities and movement, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In addition to the complications of his body, hell start to grow distant from us, Sam Sabky, Nells father, told Boston 25. He wont be able to smile, he wont be able to laugh, and thats really the hardest part to deal with. With no treatment or cure available, the Sabkys doctor told Sam and his wife, Taylor Sabky, that a genetic therapy was on the horizon but that a lack of funding was preventing it from moving forward. They are now racing to raise $750,000 by the end of June with the hopes of treating Nell before his disease progresses much more. CUSTODIAL WORKER USES MUSICAL TALENTS TO HELP HOSPITAL PATIENTS You think of all the things that your child has ahead of him, and then you hear something like this, and it cuts short all those dreams and wishes, Taylor told Boston 25. We want him to have a future, to grow up, to do the small things like saying mama and dada, to do more long-term things. You think about him getting married, you know, what hes going to do for a career. The money raised will go to the Wylder Nation Foundation, which is working with researchers at the University of California San Franciscos Bankiewicz Laboratory to make the treatment available to patients, Boston 25 reported. While Nell would be the first patient to enroll in trials, the family is aware of how delicate the timeline is. We can dictate this timeline on our terms and try to give him a shot at life, Sam told Boston 25. And at the very worst, we can take comfort at the fact that we move the ball forward for maybe the next kid or the kid after that. And thats a legacy wed be really proud that Purnell left on the world. As of Thursday, the familys GoFundMe page had received more than $191,000 in donations. If youve been struggling to get some sleep, youve probably given your coffee habit a once-over. But if youre still finding yourself in tired-but-wired mode even after cutting back on coffee, it may be time to look at what else youre consuming. Thats because you might be filling up on caffeine without even knowing it. A significant amount of caffeine can be found in non-coffee drinks, foods, and even pain relievers, said Donald Hensrud, MD, MPH, an associate professor of nutrition and preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic. And that adds up quickly: You can easily exceed the recommended daily amount of caffeine 400 milligrams (mg) a day, according to the Food and Drug Administration even if you dont drink coffee. Related: You must read this if you drink more than 4 cups of coffee a day Think caffeine might be causing your sleepless nights? Read on to learn some surprising sources of it that might be messing with your shuteye. Surprising caffeine culprit: Orange soda No, its not just cola that packed with caffeine. Sunkist actually beats Coke when it comes to caffeine content: One 12-ounce can of the orange stuff includes 41 mg of caffeine. Compare that to Coke, which has just 34 mg in the same size can. Related: Can soda give you Alzheimers disease? Surprising caffeine culprit: Flavored almonds Sure, if the flavor is coffee or chocolate, its only reasonable that the food will contain some caffeine. But Blue Diamond really plays up the jolt in their Oven Roasted Cafe Mocha Almonds. Each ounce of the nuts clock in at 24 mg of caffeine. Related: 6 reasons to eat a handful of nuts every day Surprising caffeine culprit: Pain relievers Caffeine helps pain medications work better particularly for headaches because it increases dopamine production while also blocking pain signals in the brain, says Hensrud. Thats why some pain relievers include caffeine as an ingredient. For instance, Excedrin Migraine has 130 mg of caffeine, Bayer Back & Body has 65 mg, and Anacin has 64 mg. Surprising caffeine culprit: Protein bars Again, any flavor with chocolate will have some caffeine, but the amount may be more than youd expect in one little bar. For instance, Clif Bars Cool Mint Chocolate has 49 mg per bar more than a 12-ounce can of Coke. But other non-chocolate flavors might, too. Clifs peanut toffee buzz also has 49 mg, thanks to artificially added caffeine. Related: The 12 best protein bars for men Hard part is, you might not be able to find out if your bar is packing: Not all manufacturers list caffeine on their labels its missing from brands like Gatorade and PowerBar, even in their chocolate-based flavors. Surprising caffeine culprit: Fancy water If water claims to boost your energy, chances are its doing it by flooding you with caffeine. In fact, some energy waters boast about their caffeine content. Vitamin Water has 50 mg in a 20-ounce bottle, and Avitae has 45 to 90 mg in a 16.9-ounce bottles, depending on flavor. Many are getting an additional buzz from guarana, a Brazilian plant with double the caffeine content of coffee beans and the amount from the plant isnt always included in the caffeine content on the label. The bottom line on caffeine All of these sources can add up quickly. For example, if you had two tall cups of Starbucks Blonde roast in the morning, 3 ounces of Blue Diamond almonds with a Vitamin Water in the afternoon, a Clif Bar before working out, and a couple of Excedrin for a headache, youd be at 841 mg for the day over double the recommended amount. Too much caffeine doesnt just leave you uncomfortably buzzed, either. Side effects of overconsumption include heartburn, gastrointestinal upset, sleep problems, heart palpitations, decreased calcium and iron absorption, and urinary problems. Related: Eat less of this so you wont wake up to pee Its also possible you can feel jittery and gross even if youre taking in less caffeine than the recommended 400 mg mark. Thats because your genes affect how you metabolize coffee, and some people may feel greater effects at smaller doses than others, Hensrud said. First published on MensHealth.com If you keep up with the latest yoga trends, and things like goat yoga and salt yoga are old news to you, youve likely come across Instagram posts of yogis contorting their stomach muscles into shapes that give off alien vibes. Alien yoga, which is technically called Nauli, is one of six yoga moves that falls under the label Kriya, Stacey Pierce-Talsma, DO, MS, an associate professor at Touro University California COM, told Fox News. Its a different type of yoga than many Americans (even the most devoted yogis) are used to. Western yoga classes are mostly vinyasa based, and the focus is on asana the poses and breathing, Danielle Acoff, a yoga instructor who demonstrates Nauli on her Yellabella Instagram account, told Fox News. CAN JAMBA JUICE'S NEW COLLAGEN SMOOTHIE REALLY REDUCE WRINKLES? Nauli, on the other hand, focuses on holistic health. It is just one of several [yoga exercises] that look to cleanse and balance the sense and digestive organs to promote better health, Pierce-Talsma said. Sounds promising in theory, but experts say theres little proof it lives up to the detoxing hype. Could Nauli promote health in the GI tract by engaging the musculoskeletal system? We dont know, but its an interesting consideration, Pierce-Talsma said. SOCIAL MEDIA MAY BE FUELING PLASTIC SURGERY TRENDS, DOCS WARN The move involves standing with your feet hip-width apart. With knees slightly bent and hands rested on your thighs, exhale deeply and suck your rib cage toward the back of the spine. Then, alternate contracting the left and right sides of the ab muscles to create a rolling movement with your stomach. Because it can be complicated to master, Acoff recommended learning from an instructor, but she added that anyone can do it. According to Nauli.org, you should approach the exercise with caution if youre pregnant or have hernias, heart disease, gastro issues, ulcers, hypertension or experience any pain whatsoever during the movement. Acoff also warned not to do it on an empty stomach. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS There is not a soul in the political world that can question my unwavering loyalty to President Trump over the last two years. While there are things I would have done differently, I have been a fierce defender of him and his agenda. I have not been paid, or promised anything, but rather, I believe that Mr. Trump can put America on an unprecedented path to success. I must state, that my conclusions here are based entirely on the same information available to the public. I have derived most of my opinions straight from the fire hose of anonymous sources. While my loyalty to President Trump remains steadfast, the same does not apply to some of his staff who are failing him, some of whom are obstructing his agenda and the promise to Make America Great Again. I have endured thousands of interviews, many hostile, while trying to justify the short comings of White House staff leaking, failing and at times defying the wishes of the Oval Office. The most important thing is to stop is the leaking. Leaks are quickly becoming a matter of national security and an issue causing longtime allies like the UKs MI-5 to lose trust in our government. You must have a chief of staff who has unilateral authority and the desire to address this. Which leads us to Reince Priebus, whom I personally respect, but who was brought on for one reason; to bridge the gap between Trumps antiestablishment campaign promises and the entrenched Washington, D.C. elite. Reince failed his first test, with the still flailing promise from the campaign trail of repealing and replacing ObamaCare. In its current form it will likely not pass the Senate. Reince lacks the ferocity to give firm direction to his team and lacks the commitment to a president who was essentially elected to over throw the very establishment for which Reince held the chairmanship. This seat would be best suited for a Corey Lewandowski or the like. There can be no doubt that Corey, with a reputation of fierce loyalty to Trump, can be abrasive, but no one can doubt his effectiveness. I would bet that within 30 days the leaks would stop. The next most critical issue is Trumps communication team. Now holding two roles (communications director and press secretary), Sean Spicer has the worst job in the world. I know Sean and think he is a remarkably talented strategist and even better man, but he is not the right spokesman for President Trump. President Trump needs a media savvy charismatic loyalist who has worked in Washington, who believes in his agenda whole heartedly and is willing to emotionally invest his or her self in articulating the Trump vision, while simultaneously taking on the Republican Party. In theory, shaking up the communications team in this way gives the White House a unique ability to reposition for a new direction. They could change the White House briefings to two days a week for open questions to the press secretary and three days a week for issue based briefs with a representative from the respective department. Let the experts address policy questions and articulate specifics. Use this momentum to train the press. The Trump administration owns that podium and while at this point the press will likely report whatever they want, regardless of what is said, the White House could at least focus the coverage on issues near and dear to the administration. They could also use this as an opportunity to institute new rules. For example, once a question has been addressed and its been established that we have nothing more on that, the next reporter who asks the same question would conclude the press conference. This allows reporters to hold each other accountable and creates tension amongst them, breeding a respect for whomever is behind the podium. It is time for President Trump to go on the offense and stop being reactive. The challenge from the White House needs to be: Hey, Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell, why havent you passed a tax break for Americans; why havent you passed a working health care bill, etc. And it must be relentless. President Trump ran against the Washington establishment and they are still working against him still. Much like during the 2016 election, they should fear him and in turn, if they dont support his agenda, he should put them in the hot seat. President Trump needs to make it known that it is Congresss fault that Americans are suffering because they refuse to do their job. If you threaten their chance for reelection, they will magically start getting stuff done. Trump should wield his 31 million follower Twitter account and do the same. I would be remiss to finish this piece without any criticism of Donald Trump himself. Intended with the utmost respect to the president, he needs to address some things personally. First, he needs to make a practice of having someone, anyone, in his communications department review his tweets, before hitting send. This is not to censor him, but to keep his team in sync with the rapidly moving tempo. Second, he needs to define son-in-law Jared Kushners role and let him address it personally with the public. He has an extraordinary amount of influence and responsibility. While I dont doubt his competency, as close as I am to the Trump team, I have never even heard him speak, nor do I know his thought process. The American people are curious and many are concerned; this will put much of that to rest. Ultimately, the goal is to accomplish the Trump agenda and second, for people to trust the Trump administration. Right now, neither is happening, but this doesnt have to be the case. I maintain my steadfast support for President Trump, but he must run his administration like he ran his campaign and be willing to run over those who stand in his way. Sometimes, when dark storms gather, and we range furiously against each other, the sky clears and all men good and true suddenly find themselves in agreement. So it is with the news that former FBI Director James Comey will share his feelings with a Congressional committee on June 8. However else we might be divided we can all agree that Trump shouldnt have fired Comey on May 9. He should have done so on January 20. This was, after all, what the Democrats had wanted, to hear them talk about how Comey had thrown the election to Trump. If the election had been on October 27, I would be your president, Clinton announced at a Women for Women International event on May 2. But on October 28 Director Comey announced that he had received a batch of new Clinton emails from Anthony Weiners computer, and that he was reopening the investigation of her. Three months earlier, Comey had detailed her lapses and declared her handling of classified information careless but not criminal. Now we all wondered what would come next. Then on November 6, two days before the election, Comey announced that the new emails had been read, and absolved Clinton a second time. That was too late for the early voters, however, and too late also for people who sensibly had figured out how theyd vote and had moved on to other things. Was Clinton right to blame her loss on Comey? Well never know. What the polls said on October 27 didnt matter. The pollsters had spectacularly failed to predict what would happen on Election Day, and even without Comey most Trump supporters knew all they had to know to cast their votes. What we didnt need, however, was the posturing of the drama queen to tell us of news or great import, and then to announce like "Saturday Night Lives" Emily Litella, Never mind! We didnt want to know that he felt mildly nauseous at the thought that he had swayed the election. At that point we didnt give a damn about how he felt. We especially didnt need Comeys Dear Diary effusions that read like schoolgirl crushes in middle school. We wondered why we had to know that the FBI director, wearing a blue suit, tried to blend in to the blue curtains of the White Houses Blue Room. Heaven forfend that Trump would recognize him. A modest peck on the cheek would do. But no, Trump had to call him over and give him a bear hug, a great public display of affection. Now were told that Comey thought that Trump was trying to shut down the investigation of Mike Flynn, whom Trump had fired as National Security Adviser on February 13. A few days later, Trump met with Comey and told him he hoped there wouldnt be a further investigation of Flynn. I hope you can let this go, Comey wrote in his notes, I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. He is a good guy. Was Trump was pressuring Comey to lay off Flynn? That apparently is what Comey will tell Congress. Except there are three problems with this. First, the White House disputes that Trump asked Comey to end any investigation of Flynn. Second, even if Comeys account is accurate, it doesnt necessarily amount to pressure to end an investigation. Maybe Trump was simply feeling sorry about having to fire a friend, someone whom indeed he had considered as a possible vice-president. Thats consistent with what Comey said next, according to his notes. I agree [Flynns] a good guy. So maybe thats all that happened. Although I might feel better had Trump not asked Mike Pence and Jeff Sessions to leave the room when he spoke to Comey. In Sessions case, he had to be asked twice. I wish Sessions were in the room all the time. Still, theres a third reason not to get worked up about Comeys testimony. The best evidence that Trump wasnt pressuring Comey is that Comey didnt resign. If Comey had been ordered to stand down, that would have been the proper thing to do. Instead, he simply carried on, as did the investigation in general. Acting FBI Director Andrew G. McCabe, a Comey loyalist and Democrat, afterwards said, There has been no effort to impede our investigation to date. Now, in Robert Mueller, we have a special prosecutor of unimpeachable integrity, charged with getting to the bottom of all the innuendo. If theres anything to find about Flynn and Russia, itll come out. And its becoming increasingly clear that Trump was right, and that theres nothing there. The world from which President Trump returns on his historic trip to Muslim Saudi Arabia, Jewish Israel, Christian Vatican, and agnostic Brussels, is different from the world prior to his trip. Hope exists where it did not, because of this trip. This is not rhetoric. It is a fact. Trumps Middle East speech was ground-breaking. In Saudi Arabia, the heart of Islam, President Trump made a declaration as bold and defining as President Ronald Reagans unvarnished declaration that Soviet Communism would end up on the ash heap of history and was nothing less than an evil empire. Said Trump: This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects or different civilizations. This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life and decent people, all in the name of religion, people that want to protect life and want to protect their religion. This is a battle between good and evil. Bingo. Without prevarication or condescension, without self-blame or pretended empathy, pretense or parsed words, the president laid it all on the line. He gambled on truth. It worked. The Middle Eastern world, groping in a darkness of rolling terror, geopolitical tumult, deteriorating civil order and unsparing recrimination, suddenly stopped. Leaders of the three major faiths paused, listened and responded positively. Said the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bravo President Trump, adding an effective and historic speech defining approach towards extremism and terrorism with candid respect and friendship. Said Egypts President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the speech, President Trump is a unique personality that is capable of doing the impossible. Said president of the Palestinian State Mahmoud Abbas, standing beside Trump and talking of a peace accord, I want to thank you [for inviting me to work on an] historic deal to bring about peace, adding you have the desire to see it come to fruition and to become successful. Said Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, for the first time in my lifetime, I see a real hope for change, adding hope to roll back aggression and terror. The Vatican reported President Trump and the pope spoke of a joint commitment, including to promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the Middle East and protection of Christian communities. In essence, like Reagan confronting the Soviets in June, 1982 and Churchill confronting the Nazis in May, 1940, Trump distilled the issue. He elevated global discussion, taking everyone with him to a unifying, catalyzing plane, articulating clearly the stakes shared by all countries, religions and people: Good versus evil. As if on cue, and punctuating President Trumps point, Islamic terrorists struck in Manchester, England blithely and without conscience killing innocent children and parents, showing complete disregard for human life or morality, corroborating their inveterate evil. Historic antecedents of the Trump speech are not hard to find. The most obvious is Ronald Reagans 1982 declaration of resolve to beat the Soviet Union, which runs against the tide of history by denying human freedom and human dignity. Like Trump, he decried violence and domination of the human soul by evil, affirming a conviction that freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few but the inalienable and universal right of all human beings, including freedom from terror and totalitarianism. Similarly, in 1983, Reagan labeled the Soviets an evil empire, and in 1985 borrowed express language from John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State to President Eisenhower, to articulate his own revitalized roll back strategy for ending permanently the spread of Soviet communism worldwide. The outcome, we all know now, of Reagans clear thinking, personal courage, unbending resolve to end Soviet evils reach and roll it back, was just that the Soviet Union and its evil underpinnings ended up on the ash heap of history, where Karl Marx thought democracy belonged. Reagans strategy, which he once joked was we win, they lose, proved prescient. While history never repeats itself exactly, the lessons it teaches are forgotten at our peril. President Trump obviously is onto something. While he has an A-team of advisers inside the White House and more in his cabinet, bigger game is afoot. What President Trump did on his first foreign trip was nothing short of miraculous. Peace does not come in one trip, faith is not sustained in one act, life is not changed by one speech, but the future is defined has always been defined by those who can envision, articulate, and work relentlessly to turn authentic hope into incontrovertible reality. By all appearances, President Trump is trying to do that. We have not seen this kind of leadership in a very long time, not in the Middle East not anywhere. Hope exists where it did not before this trip, because of his personal outreach, resolve and authenticity. Now to the hard work. Ever since the Asian predatory wasp or hornet (Vespa velutina) entered Spanish air space in 2010, something strange has been happening in the fields of the Cantabrian coastline in northern Spain. Scientists are not surprised at what local residents are reporting: a fall in the number of butterflies, flies, hornets and, above all, bees . Wasp traps in in Arzua (A Coruna). OSCAR CORRAL Honeybees are a gourmet dish to the Asian hornet, yet 70% of all crops for human consumption depend on the bees pollination work, says Greenpeace. Everything suggests that the voracious insect, which originated in China and reached Spain via France, is winning the war against its native cousins. Beekeepers are bracing for July, the month when the Asian hornets will be back to attack their hives People tell you that they are seeing a lot fewer insects, and the wasp traps confirm this: at first very few Asian hornets were getting caught, and a lot of other species. Now its the other way around, explains Carlos Valcuende, of the Confederation to Defend Bees on the Cantabrian Coast. In the seven years that these black-chested insects have been crisscrossing Spanish skies, not a single global report on their environmental and socioeconomic damage they are causing has been produced. It affects a very overlooked sector, says a spokesperson at the Beekeepers Association of Guipuzcoa, in the Basque Country. If it were attacking vineyards in France, or txacoli vines here, people would pay more notice. Beekeepers are very worried about the effects of the Asian hornet. I. Schaefer Basque and Galician beekeepers have come together to sponsor research on the damaged produced by the Asian hornet in their respective territories. We are drawing up an inventory of the queens we are capturing in Cantabria, but the study is of the homespun variety because we didnt have enough funds for anything else, says Valcuende. The authorities should be doing this. In Galicia, where the number of detected swarms grew by 70% between 2015 and 2016, beekeepers have joined forces with the universities of A Coruna and Santiago, as well as with local authorities in A Coruna, to assess the damage produced by the Asian hornet in this northwestern province. Xesus Astray, spokesman for the Galician Beekeepers Association, has some French friends who visit the region every four years, and they have noticed a change. The Environment Ministry says that this is a problem mostly for beekeepers They see what we dont: that Galicia is increasingly green but just green, without the colors contributed by flowers, and that is because there are fewer pollinating insects, says Astray. The Asian hornet has only added to the woes of the honeybee, whose extermination began in the 1990s due to the proliferation of pesticides, says Astray. At some bee colonies, mortality rates have reached 50% since the arrival of the Asian hornet, and there has been a worrisome decline in production by the stressed honeybees that do survive the wasp attacks. Meanwhile, the Environment Ministry says that this is a problem mostly for beekeepers. For now there is no evidence that it has any significant effects on the natural surroundings, say official sources at the ministry. Biological warfare The industry has been patching up the problem with homegrown solutions, such as destroying nests and capturing the queens with all kinds of bait (including dark lager). But the wasp troops keep growing exponentially, and the battle will only be won when scientists tailor a specific bait for this insect. Sandra Rojas, an expert on pollination biology, has been studying the Asian hornet invasion for four years. She explains that the traps used to date are not selective, and have also killed many native species. It is very likely that [the plague] will affect the entire food chain, because the creatures that normally eat the arthropods that Asian hornets hunt, such as spiders, birds or bats, now have less food. Scientists are now searching for a pheromone that will prove irresistible to the Asian hornets, and to them alone. Around 20 environmental, university and professional groups have teamed up in Galicia into a group called Stop Vespa Velutina to demand state funding for scientific research. In the meantime, beekeepers are bracing for July, the month when the Asian hornets will be back to attack their hives. English version by Susana Urra. The United States government, including the Department of Defense, is at risk of allowing some of its most sensitive information to be seen by a Chinese company whose chairman has close ties to that countrys Communist party. International Data Corp. (IDC) markets itself as the premier global market intelligence firm. It specializes in information technology (IT) and security, and numbers among its clients the National Security Administration, the Departments of Defense, Commerce and Energy, the U.S. Census Bureau and the General Services Administration. Earlier this year, IDCs parent company, based in Boston, was purchased by China Oceanwide Holdings, a Chinese conglomerate whose president and chairman, Zhiqiang Lu, has been a member of the Peoples Political Consultative Conference, which advises the Chinese Communist Party. The contracts that IDC and now China Oceanwide hold with the various government departments are small, less than $100,000 each. IDC provides technical advice, consultation and solutions to its clients. That means that it has access to sensitive IT data, and its IT security recommendations could potentially influence government procurements. And that access could now be available to IDCs new owners, China Oceanwide. IDC declined to comment for this article. Patrick Evans, a Pentagon spokesman, acknowledged the Pentagon has contracts with IDC. In a written statement, Evans says: The Department of Defense does not (nor does the U.S. government) have a blanket ban on products from Chinese companies, and DoD does not blacklist suppliers or individual products. The sale of IDC was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a branch of the Treasury Department that assesses potential risks from the purchase of U.S. companies by foreigners. CFIUS is a broken process, says Dean Popps, a former acting assistant secretary of the army for acquisitions, logistics and technology under the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Since it was created 40 years ago, it has been driven by business interests, not national security. No one is in charge. To be sure, Chinese companies have been on a U.S. buying spree in recent years. In 2013, Shuanghui International purchased Smithfield Foods, the worlds largest producer of pork. In 2005, Beijing-based Lenovo bought IBMs personal computer business, a sale that the Pentagon warned posed a security risk. In 2014, Lenovo followed up by acquiring Motorola Mobility, a maker of mobile phones, from Google. China Oceanwide now owns 29 percent of Lenovo. All those deals were approved by CFIUS. Its a stunning story of the stealing of America. Its being done under our very noses, one blip at a time. Its a stunning story of the stealing of America, says Popps. Its being done under our very noses, one blip at a time. We know how our enemies operate. Its theft of intellectual property, its theft of trade secrets. And in production, they outdo us because they dont have environmental restrictions. The levers are all over the place but the American people havent gotten the message yet. Hes not the only one concerned with the approval procedures in place. CFIUS does its work very quietly and there is no public record of the discussions that are held within CFIUS, says Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Relations. Its decisions are not challengeable in court. When Chinese companies want to acquire U.S. companies, it often doesnt come to the stage where CFIUS says no. Despite President Trumps promise to bring jobs back to America, Gupta sees a turf battle being waged within his administration. Nationalists like Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon want to restrict sales of U.S. assets to foreign buyers, while globalists, led by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, see opportunities in a worldwide economy. If you go back and look at the Obama administrations national security strategy, theres no mention of any prioritization of our strategic supply chain, Popps says. It is an argument between globalists and nationalists. And the globalists refuse to admit that there is ever any security threat. At heart, Popps thinks that America has lost the ability to produce its own goods, even those that are essential to national security. He asks: What won World War II for us? We were turning out a ship a day because we had the manufacturing capability to provide what is necessary for our own security. Conservatives like to say let the market decide winners and losers. But with the direction things are going in the world, the U.S. stands to lose either way. On Wednesday, Hillary Clinton spoke at the annual Code Conference in Ranchos Palos Verdes, California, and her appearance underscored two key developments in todays Democratic Party: we need fresh faces and we need a new, winning message. Clinton surely has been critical of the outside factors that led to her election loss, especially Russian involvement, citing colleagues and political analysts, as well as American intelligence officials who, in Clintons words, concluded with high confidence that the Russians ran an extensive information war campaign against my campaign, to influence voters in the election. I take very serious issue with the role Vladimir Putin played in the 2016 election and it is my view that Putin has broadly succeeded in driving a wedge through American politics, as readers of my previous columns know. Yet, while Putin is winning, both the Republicans and Democrats seem more interested in rehashing the election, rather than focusing on delivering the policies and reforms they promised to voters. For the Trump administration, it seems the only positive spin that the President would like to put on his weekly scandals and consistent shortcomings is that he won the 2016 election, despite it being nearly seven months ago at this time, and that his base continues to support him. For the Democrats, meanwhile, Hillary Clintons comments at the Code Conference show how blaming her loss on Russian meddling and raising up the banner of the resistance has distracted from the Democratic partys real business at hand: rebuilding and reorganizing to win back Congress and multiple critical governorships in 2018 and beyond. Hillary Clinton cannot continue to blame others for her and the party leaderships own faults for her losing campaign. This is not how a major party must operate in order to lead the country, nor is it a credible way to advance a policy agenda that meets the needs of American voters. It is, however, the precise talk that could immediately extend the partys losses into 2018 and 2020. The party simply cannot afford to keep losing. Under President Obamas leadership, the Democratic Party suffered net losses of 11 Senate seats, 62 House seats, and 10 governorships since 2010, as well as nearly 1,000 state legislative seats nationwide. To reverse this trend, the Democratic Party must acknowledge that Clinton was a weak candidate, abandon its anti-coalition building resistance wing, which only further divides the country, and provide a winning alternative for voters the next time they come out to the ballot boxes. First and foremost, this means offering Americans real solutions on issues that matter to them: health care, taxes, and infrastructure. 2016 is now in the past and the 2020 campaign has begun. It is essential that the Democratic Party take critical steps at this time to ensure its future viability and actually deliver the leadership America wants, not just criticize the leadership we have right now. Just as I argued and we succeeded in implementing during Bill Clintons presidency, the Democratic Party can only truly unite the country when we shift away from obstruction and center our strategy on an effective policy agenda that promotes critically needed reforms for hard-working voters and our countrys middle-class. The makers of our Constitution conferred, as against the Government, the right to be let alone -- the most comprehensive of rights and the right most valued by civilized men. -- Justice Louis D. Brandeis, 1928 After the Watergate era had ended and Jimmy Carter was in the White House and the Senates Church Committee had attempted to grasp the full extent of lawless government surveillance in America during the LBJ and Nixon years, Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. FISA declared that it provided the sole source for federal surveillance in America for intelligence purposes. FISA required that all domestic intelligence surveillance be authorized by a newly created court, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. Since 1978, FISC has met in secret. Its records are unavailable to the public unless it determines otherwise, and it hears only from Department of Justice lawyers and National Security Agency personnel. There are no lawyers or witnesses to challenge the DOJ or the NSA. Notwithstanding this handy constitutional novelty, the NSA quickly grew impatient with its monitors and began crafting novel arguments that were met with no resistance. Those arguments did away with the kind of particularized probable cause about targets of surveillance that the Constitution requires in favor of warrants based on the probability that someone somewhere in a given group could provide intelligence data helpful to national security, and because the FISC bought these arguments, the entire group could be spied upon. The FISC unleashed the NSA to spy on tens of millions of Americans. That was still not enough for the nations spies. So beginning in 2005, then-President George W. Bush permitted the NSA to interpret President Ronald Reagan's executive order 12333 so as to allow all spying on everyone in the U.S., all the time. The NSA and Bush took the position that because the president is constitutionally the commander in chief of the military and because the NSA is in the military, both the president and the NSA are lawfully independent of FISA. The NSA does not acknowledge any of this, but we know from the Edward Snowden revelations and from the testimony of a former high-ranking NSA official who devised many of the NSA programs that this is so. The NSAs use of FISC-issued warrants is only one of a half-dozen tools that the NSA uses, but it is the only tool that the NSA publicly acknowledges. FISC-issued warrants do not name a person as a suspect; they name a category. For example, it could be customers of Verizon, which includes 115 million people. It could be telephones and computers located at 721-725 Fifth Ave. in New York; thats Trump Tower. It could be all electronic devices in the 10036 ZIP code; thats midtown Manhattan. When the NSA obtains a FISA warrant and captures a communication, the participants often mention a third person. The federal minimization statute requires the NSA to get a warrant before surveilling that third person. Last week, we learned that last month, the FISC rebuked the NSA for failing to minimize by continuing to surveil third parties to the sixth degree without warrants. Here is an example of warrantless surveillance to the sixth degree. The NSA surveils A and B pursuant to a FISC-issued warrant; A and B discuss C; the NSA, without a warrant, surveils C talking to D; C mentions E, and D mentions F; the NSA surveils E and F without warrants, etc. This continues going out to six stops from the A-and-B conversation, even though this is prohibited by federal law. The final stop, which involves huge numbers of people, has been proved to have no connection whatsoever to the warrant issued for A and B, yet the NSA continues to spy there. But it doesnt stop there. The Bush interpretation of EO 12333 is still followed by the NSA. Its logic -- "I am the commander in chief, and Ill do what I need to do to keep us safe, and the NSA can do what I permit" -- permits universal surveillance in flagrant violation of FISA and the Constitution. It was used to justify the surveillance of Donald Trump before he was inaugurated. It no doubt still is. The availability of the information acquired by this massive spying is a serious threat to democracy. We know from the Susan Rice admissions that folks in the government can acquire intelligence-generated data -- emails, text messages, recordings of telephone conversations -- and use that data for political purposes. Just ask former Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. And we know from recent tragedies in San Bernardino and Orlando, even Manchester, that the NSA is suffering from information overload. It has too much data to sift through because it does not focus on the bad guys until after the tragedies. Before the tragedies, it has no focus. The now public rebuke of the NSA by the FISC is extraordinary, but it is also a farce. The FISC is virtually owned by the NSA. That court has granted 99.9 percent of requests made by the NSA since the court was created. Despite all the public revelations, the FISC looks the other way at non-FISC-authorized NSA spying. The judges of the FISC have become virtual clerks for the NSA. And the FISC has become an unconstitutional joke. Where does all this leave us? It leaves us with a public recognition that we are the most spied-upon people in world history and that the president himself has been a victim. This fall, the NSA will ask Congress to reauthorize certain spying authorities that are due to expire at the end of the year. Congress needs to know just how unconstitutional, intrusive and fruitless all this spying has become. Perhaps then Congress will write laws that are faithful to the Constitution -- and if so, maybe the folks empowered by those laws will follow them. Do any of these lines sound familiar? If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your insurance plan, you can keep it. The Affordable Care Act will cut your yearly premiums by $2,500. The law will bend the health care cost curve downward and save taxpayer money. Oh, and the website will be as easy to use as Amazon. These are the arguments ObamaCare supporters, including in the liberal media, deployed to pass their federal health care takeover. They should sound familiar and completely unrelated to the experience of most Americans. Many in my home state of Tennessee lost the insurance plans they liked. Premium prices have almost doubled, and doctors are harder to find. Barack Obama promised his namesake law would boost the economy, but across the country, small and large businesses report ObamaCare harms their ability to hire and grow. Under ObamaCare, for the first time in decades, average life expectancy in the U.S. declined, and the mortality rate rose. While not perfect, the new AHCA reflects conservative values of constitutionalism, limited government and the free market, containing an option for states to waive ObamaCare regulations that are driving up the cost of insurance. Yet defenders of the indefensible, a law which cost Democrats the House of Representatives, Senate and White House, are making all sorts of dishonest claims about the American Health Care Act, a better alternative that will return stability and choice to the individual insurance market. Not only that, insurance would mean actual health care. High-deductible ObamaCare plans are barely worth the paper theyre printed on much like reports that ObamaCare was just fine until Donald Trump came along. In reality, Tennesseans and others voted for the president in large numbers because local health insurance exchanges are near collapse. Remember when ObamaCare creator Jonathan Gruber admitted Democrats relied on the stupidity of the American voter to foist their disaster on the public? Republicans, on the other hand, trust in Americans ability to see past the disinformation and make their own health care decisions with their own money, the idea at the heart of the AHCA. Because our plan repeals billions of dollars of taxes on everything from prescription drugs to insurance itself, those voters will have more to invest in health care (or whatever they like). The AHCA expands health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and tax credits to help low-income earners and middle-class families purchase insurance. Importantly, it modernizes Medicaid to ensure only those who truly need the program take advantage. If you can believe it, ObamaCare's Medicaid expansion favors able-bodied adults over the poor and disabled who rely on the program. Thats unfair. Charges that the AHCA discriminates against patients with pre-existing condition are untrue. In fact, the law contains funding to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. Claims that the law punishes rape victims are cynical acts of desperation and proven false. ObamaCares individual and business mandates are gone, another feature the Freedom Caucus and I liked about the original AHCA. Others we didnt like as much, and my conservative colleagues and I worked hard to give states and consumers greater flexibility in the version that passed the House. While not perfect, the new AHCA reflects conservative values of constitutionalism, limited government and the free market, containing an option for states to waive ObamaCare regulations that are driving up the cost of insurance. The AHCA is only the start. While the Senate considers the House bill, the President and his Secretary of Health and Human Services are making every effort to exempt individuals, families and businesses from ObamaCare regulations. HHS Secretary Tom Price, a conservative doctor like me, knows exactly what the Trump administration must do to help more people afford insurance. Like me, he knows insurance is meaningless without access to good doctors and medicine. In Congress, the Freedom Caucus, GOP Doctors Caucus and other concerned members are working to expand generic drugs, reduce the costs of starting a medical practice, and to encourage life-saving medical innovation. But opponents of real health care reform will say anything to protect ObamaCare at the expense of the people it hurts. To me, Americans well-being is more important than any partys political legacy. And it's more important than insurance companies bottom lines. Right now, numerous government bureaucracies are funneling taxpayer money to a few big insurers, whose profits are soaring along with the national debt. The object is to bring transparency to a process thats become too convoluted and cumbersome to comprehend, much less afford. The price of an office visit or medical procedure shouldnt be such a mystery. The truth is that Republicans are working hard to undo the damage ObamaCare has done and improve health care in America for all of us. Were putting patients first. Editor's note: The following column is adapted from a post which originally appeared on AEIdeas.org, the blog of the American Enterprise Institute. The left-wing Guardian newspaper said the presidents decision to withdraw from the global climate treaty signed by his Democratic predecessor represents a blunt rebuff to European hopes and has turned America into the ultimate rogue state. Britains Independent declared: It is not even isolationism, it is in-your-face truculence. The president of France called the decision disturbing and unacceptable. The US National Environmental Trust declared: This is no way to conduct policy. It looks like amateur hour at the White House. The president being attacked is not Donald Trump. It is George W. Bush, who was chastised for his 2001 decision to withdraw the United States from the Kyoto treaty on global climate change signed by the Clinton administration. Of course, the predicted apocalypse never happened. To the contrary, the Wall Street Journal reports that after Bushs withdrawal the U.S. reduced emissions faster than much of Europe thanks to business innovationnamely, hydraulic fracturing that is replacing coal with natural gas. It turns out that technology, not treaties, is the best way to curb emissions and to do so without harming consumers by dramatically increasing the cost of electricity. In the years after Bushs Kyoto withdrawal, electricity prices in the U.S. were half of the European Union average (which went up by 55% from 2005 to 2013) and one-third of the price in Germanywhere emissions, ironically, went up thanks to the abandonment of nuclear power. No matter; the left-wing outrage machine savaged Bush anyway, just it is savaging Trump today for his pending announcement of Americas withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement signed by Barack Obama. Keep the pangs of outrage in perspective. Weve seen this movie many times before. Republican president withdraws from cherished international agreement. Left goes into apoplexy. Rinse and repeat. Its like Groundhog Day. The same thing happened when Bush withdrew the U.S. signature from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Guardian declared it would provoke anger from the international community, and provide further evidence for what many see as the Bush administrations increasing unilateralism. Judge Richard Goldstone, the chief prosecutor at The Hague war crimes tribunal on the former Yugoslavia called it unprecedented and a very backwards step that smacks of pettiness adding, The US have really isolated themselves and are putting themselves into bed with the likes of China, the Yemen and other undemocratic countries. To continue reading Marc Thiessen's column on AEIdeas, click here. Editor's note: The following column originally appeared on The Resurgent website. It is not very brave these days to stand up and denounce President Trump. Hollywood and the media will turn you into a hero. But it is a brave thing to stand up to the zeitgeist and culture of fear and bullying the left and media have instilled on the issue of climate change. But President Trump is doing just that. He is defying the left, the media, his children, and many world leaders. In short, he is leading. President Trump is withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. It is the right decision for a number of reasons. First, the Paris Accord is being treated by many as a treaty with treaty obligations, but President Obama never submitted it to Congress for passage. Second, though President Trump could have left it in place and done nothing, his successor could have easily revived it if left in place. Third, the structure and implementation of the Paris Accord set a terrible precedent. President Obama worked for what amounts to a global agreement with voluntary measures, but those measures would impact the American economy. But, despite that impact, President Obama did not present the Paris Accord to Congress for ratification or debate. I do believe the climate is changing. I do believe humans play some role in it. But I also think the certainty with which much of the left clings regarding climate change is more by faith than fact. For years the left has preached climate doom and gloom and they have never been right. They have warned of global cooling and now of global warming. Their only solution in all cases is a command and control economy. Many of them have started profiting from the scare tactics of climate change and others have financial investments that would profit from carbon trading and other schemes. They drive around in SUVs and fly private planes while telling the rest of us to cut back. For a group of people convinced were all going to die, they sure dont act like they really believe it. I simply do not think climate change is an issue worth caring much about and trust that humanity will find ways to adapt to a climate that would change whether or not we were on the planet. But fundamentally, regardless of my views, I think any President of any party trying to bind this nation to a global agreement that will deeply affect our economy must do so only with the consent of the Senate through its constitutional obligation to approve treaties. In a move that only hastens Americas retreat from global political and economic leadership, it is now apparent that President Trump will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. First and foremost, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is the wrong move. As a dealmaker, President Trump may very well have been able to renegotiate within the parameters of the Agreement, but to be clear, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement isolates the United States and only threatens our most important national interests. Trumps move to withdraw of course also comes after his week abroad in Europe, where the President of the United States unmistakably failed to endorse Article 5 of the NATO treaty, unfortunately leaving our generations-old allies to question Americas commitments. I reference the NATO treaty here, a hallmark of our post-war global order, alongside the Paris Agreement because the two treaties share an essential detail: That is, they both were designed to uniquely communicate to our allies that, regardless of transitions of power between US administrations, America keeps her word. Unfortunately, Trumps likely move to withdraw does much to threaten the integrity of our international commitments. R. Nicholas Burns, a former Under Secretary of State in the administration of George W. Bush, has stated that, in terms of leaving the Agreement, I cant think of anything more destructive to our credibility. Specifically, withdrawal from the Agreement jeopardizes our relationship with multiple strategic allies at a time when diplomatic relationships are already weak. Just days ago, without mincing her words, Chancellor Angela Merkel said, The times in which we could rely fully on othersthey are somewhat over, after what she described as a disappointing discussion over climate policy at a contentious G7 meeting in Italy. The U.S. departure from the Paris Agreement also creates a far-reaching leadership void that none other than our chief economic rivals will swiftly fill. The renewable energy industry will reach a value of $6 trillion dollars in the coming decades, yet the Trump administration seems poised to forfeit Americas global lead in the industry to China. Unlike President Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed the importance of collaborating with foreign leaders on the issue of climate change and has recently taken up the issue alongside the newly-elected French President, Emmanuel Macron. Most importantly, at home, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement does nothing to create new jobs for Trumps most loyal supporters and only further divides our nation. The consequences of this division, deepened by Trumps latest move, further delay any semblance of a pro-growth economic agenda, including making critically-needed infrastructure investments, providing tax relief to the middle class, and fixing the broken health care market which costs American households tens of thousands of dollars each year. The Trump Administration must not ignore the American peoples concerns and must instead actually work toward implementing a forward-seeking agenda that allows President Trump to keep the promises he made to hardworking Americans as well as keep Americas promises to her allies. When the Paris climate agreement was signed in April 2016, it was touted by the Obama administration and a vast array of its climate-alarmist proponents as a supreme victory for the global environmental movement. Now, a little more than a year later, the agreement that had effectively been in the works for nearly a decade in one form or another is dead, and with it, much of President Barack Obamas climate-change legacy. Americans of every stripe should celebrate the Paris agreements demise, for it represents a stunning victory for taxpayers and middle- and lower-income families and the elevation of science over irrational fears about the future of Earths climate. The Paris climate agreement required the United States to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. To meet this target, the United States would have had to reduce its emissions by such a radical extent that virtually every aspect of American life would have been negatively impacted. Mandates would have forced the closure of many of the least-expensive power plants nationwide, raising energy prices at a time of tepid economic growth and sky-high deficits. Manufacturers, domestic energy producers, and countless related industries would have been driven out of business or forced to significantly scale back their operations while taxpayer-subsidized, inefficient, high-cost renewable-energy industries thrivedall at the expense of everyday Americans. Under the Paris agreement, major economic and geopolitical competitorsincluding China, India, and Russiawould have been allowed to grow their low-cost carbon dioxide emissions while the United States would have been forced to implement draconian cuts, making their economies comparatively more attractive to corporations looking to slash costs and significantly reducing Americans ability to compete in an increasingly global marketplace. Despite the Paris agreements immense costs, the treatys proponents insist it is a necessary step forward in the alleged battle against human-caused climate change. But even the U.N. Environment Programme, a noted climate alarmist agency, admitted on its own website the treaty would deliver no meaningful environmental improvements. According to the United Nations post-Paris analysis, if all the parties to the agreement were to meet their promised emissions goals, the Paris treaty would result in less than half the greenhouse gas cuts required to halt temperatures at an upper limit of 2 degrees Celsius. Even if one believes human greenhouse gas emissions are driving dangerous climate changeand we think the best science shows they arentthe Paris agreement would not have prevented one iota of rising temperatures, sea levels, or instances of extreme weather. Climate alarmists, including some within the White House, have told the president any rollback of the Paris agreement would have detrimental political consequences for the president. Thankfully, Trump was not swayed by these empty threats. There was absolutely no political upside for Trump to reverse course on his campaign promise to exit the Paris agreement. Had he done so, left-wing environmentalists would not have suddenly fallen in love with Trump, and the swamp Republican establishment wouldnt have warmly embraced him either. However, what would have unquestionably occurred had Trump kept the Paris treaty alive is there would have been a tidal wave of criticism from climate skeptics and working class Americans, turning some of the presidents closest allies into his fieriest critics. By rejecting climate alarmists sky-is-falling political fear mongering, Trump adamantly declared he isnt interested in being bullied by the anti-science, redistributionist zealots on the left. Instead, Trump is standing alongside entrepreneurs, business owners, and working American families, many of whom voted for Trump in November, in declaring with one voice that U.S. climate and energy policies ought to put America first. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway were two of 11 Trump administration staffers who received ethics waivers, according to a list made public Wednesday evening. In addition to the 11 named staffers, the list also noted that so-called "blanket" waivers were given to all appointees in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), commissioned officers in the White House Office and former employees of the law firm Jones Day, including White House Counsel Don McGahn. The EOP waiver states that all presidential appointees "may participate in communications and meetings with news organizations regarding broad policy matters." That clears the way, ethically, for Steve Bannon, Breitbart's former chief executive and now Trump's chief strategist, to ring up reporters at the news site. Priebus, the former head of the Republican National Committee, is permitted to "participate in communications and meetings involving the [RNC]." Conway, Trump's former pollster, is allowed to "participate in communications and meetings involving former clients which are political, advocacy, trade, or non-profit organizations." Four of the waivers were given to former registered lobbyists: Michael Catanzaro, Shahira Knight, Andrew Olmem and Joshua Pitcock. Catanzaro and Knight have drawn some of the most intense scrutiny of government watchdogs because their new jobs seem to closely align with their private-sector lobbying. As a lobbyist for CGCN Group, Catanzaro's clients included Devon Energy, an oil and gas company based in Oklahoma, and other energy providers. In the Trump administration, he's a special assistant to the president, focusing on energy policies. Catanzaro's duties can include "broad policy matters and particular matters of general applicability relating to energy and environmental policy issues," according to his waiver. "The Administration has an interest in you working on covered matters due to your experience and expertise on these issues." Knight, a former employee of Fidelity Investments, is focusing on issues related to taxes, retirement and financial services. Pitcock, who had been Indiana's sole lobbyist in Washington and now serves as Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, is permitted under a waiver to stay in the room when matters involving Indiana arise. The publication of the waivers marked a bid by the White House to end a standoff with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) over the disclosure that former lobbyists and other individuals are shaping policy in areas they worked in before joining the administration. Other executive branch agencies and departments, such as Treasury, State and Defense, are expected to share similar information with OGE by Thursday. The White House waivers were vetted by McGahn and Stefan Passantino, the chief ethics officer. The White House says it only grants waivers if those lawyers find it's too impractical for the person to recuse from the ethics issues triggered by their past work. "To the furthest extent possible, counsel worked with each staffer to recuse from conflicting conduct rather than being granted waivers, which has led to the limited number of waivers being issued," White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters told the Associated Press. Trump signed an executive order in January stating that lobbyists hired into government would be banned from working with former clients on "particular" issues they had formerly been involved with for two years unless they received a waiver. After the order was signed, the OGE requested to review the waivers and make them public in an effort to ensure that the Trump administration was following the order. On May 16, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney requested that the OGE suspend its inquiry to review the waivers and make them available to the public. OGE Director Walter Shaub responded with a 10-page letter declining Mulvaney's request and reiterating that the executive branch had until June 1 to comply with the order. Fox News' John Roberts and the Associated Press contributed to this report. The White House said Wednesday that President Trump has yet to make a decision on whether the U.S. will remain in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and effectively referred all questions about Russia meddling investigations to the presidents personal attorney. The president has taken input from a lot of individuals. When he has a decision made, well make that clear, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said at the daily White House press briefing about the Paris agreement. Trump last weekend at the G-7 summit in Brussels declined to reaffirm the United States commitment to the deal, despite the other six nations confirming their commitment. The president said at the time that he planned to make a decision within a week, amid reports that his inner circle is divided about staying in the pact, which attempts to get industrial nations to reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants associated with climate change. Im hearing from a lot of people both ways. Youre going to find out very soon, Trump told reporters Wednesday before an Oval Office meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Spicer, in response to questions related to a CNN story earlier in the day stating former FBI Director James Comey could soon testify in public before the Senate intelligence committee, said such questions should be referred to Trump's outside counsel. The president last week hired New York attorney Marc Kasowitz as his outside counsel for federal investigations into whether Trump associates colluded with Russia in the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump earlier this month fired Comey, saying he wasnt doing a good job. Comey reportedly said afterward that Trump tried to get him to drop an investigation into ousted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Trump fired Flynn in February for not fully disclosing conversations with the Russian ambassador. According to the CNN story on Wednesday, Comey has spoken with Robert Mueller, the recently-appointed Justice Department special counsel for the Russia investigations, about testifying publically on Capitol Hill. Expectations were not met on Wednesday at the meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS), where representatives had met to discuss a diplomatic way out to the serious economic and political crisis in Venezuela where rolling demonstrations have left dozens of opposition protesters dead in recent weeks. The OAS meeting on Wednesday. LENIN NOLLY (EFE) More information La falta de consenso entre cancilleres americanos aplaza una posible salida diplomatica para Venezuela After debating for over five hours in Washington DC, regional representatives were unable to reach consensus. Members will now attempt to hammer out a common text in preparation for the OAS general assembly scheduled for later this month in Cancun, Mexico. There is a will to reach a consensus that will seek a way out to the circumstances in Venezuela, said Mexicos foreign secretary, Luis Videgaray, at the end of the meeting. We have agreed to agree, he added. But divisions among Caribbean member states, which remain loyal to Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, prevented a solution from being reached on Wednesday. We have agreed to agree Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray The deadline for an agreement is the general assembly of June 19-21. Videgaray said that if a resolution does not emerge from that gathering, it would be deplorable, and a lost opportunity. A day earlier, the Mexican foreign secretary had stated that Venezuela has ceased being a democracy. On Wednesday, Videgaray again underscored the constitutional violations, as well as the economic and humanitarian crisis that the country is experiencing under Maduro. His condemnation was backed by over a dozen members. The number two official at the US State Department, Tom Shannon, listed some of Maduros authoritarian actions and concluded that there is a disruption of the democratic order in Venezuela. English version by Susana Urra. One case illustrates the unique challenges facing the Trump administration in reforming a broken immigration system. Constantino Banda-Acosta was arrested in May on DUI charges related to a hit-and-run crash that severely injured a 6-year-old boy in California. The 38-year-old illegal immigrant from Mexico had been deported 17 times since 2002, federal records show. Yet, despite Banda-Acostas DUI arrest and others for domestic violence, the U.S. Attorney's Office refused to prosecute him for criminal re-entry after deportation. As a low-level criminal alien, Banda-Acosta met the guidelines of President Barack Obama's "prosecutorial discretion" policy. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WITH LENGTHY RAP SHEET CHARGED IN DEADLY CALIFORNIA CAR ACCIDENT That policy backfired May 6, when Banda-Acosta, allegedly driving drunk and speeding, slammed his vehicle into the Lake family -- driving home from a day at Disneyland. Banda-Acosta left the scene, but was stopped a mile away in his damaged pickup by the Border Patrol near San Diego. He left 6-year-old Lennox Lake unconscious and without a heartbeat on the pavement. With the help of his parents and paramedics, the boy survived. Yet, based on federal court records, this is the first time U.S. prosecutors charged Banda-Acosta with a federal immigration violation, despite having multiple chances to put him behind bars for 5 years or more at various times. "This is yet another harrowing example of why immigration enforcement is critical to the rule of law and safety of American citizens," said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa. "When someone is able to re-enter the country after being removed [17] times and puts the life of a child in jeopardy, it should be a wakeup call to all of us that border security and enforcement of our laws must be a priority to ensure safety and justice in America. PRESIDENTS BUSH AND OBAMA TO BLAME FOR HARM CAUSED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DEPORTED 17 TIMES Grassley has asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to investigate the case and explain how the Trump administration would handle it differently. A look at Banda-Acosta's record, provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shows him stopped multiple times while trying to gain entry using counterfeit documents, and trying to sneak past the Border Patrol. But it also reveals for every time he was stopped, he somehow got through. And when arrested for crimes allegedly committed in the U.S., while the San Diego County Sheriff honored ICE detainer requests, the U.S. Attorney failed to file federal charges requiring jail time. Number of times Constantino Banda-Acosta has been deported: ? 11/12/2002 Removed to Mexico via the Tecate Port of Entry based on an expedited removal order issued. ? 2/9/2003 Removed to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry based on an expedited removal order after Banda attempted to illegally enter the U.S. using counterfeit documents. ? 1/8/2004 Removed to Mexico via the Calexico Port of Entry after Banda attempted to illegally enter the U.S. by presenting a counterfeit alien registration card. ? 7/19/2004 Removed to Mexico via the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. ? 12/29/2004 Removed to Mexico via a port of entry in Nogales, Arizona, after Banda attempted to illegally enter the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry concealed in the trunk of a vehicle. ? 4/8/2007- Removed to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry after Banda attempted to illegally enter the U.S. by making an oral false claim to United States citizenship. ? 8/24/2007 Removed to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry following the reinstatement of a prior removal order. ? 3/12/2008 Removed to Mexico via San Ysidro Port of Entry. ? 2/16/2009 - Voluntarily returned to Mexico by U.S. Border Patrol agents. ? 6/23/2009 Voluntarily returned to Mexico by U.S. Border Patrol agents via Yuma, Arizona. ? 1/18/2011 - Removed to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry after Banda was transferred from the George Bailey Detention Facility to ICE custody. ? 1/22/2011 - Repatriated to Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after using an entry document belonging to someone else. ? 2/9/2011 - Returned to Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. ? 3/4/2011 - Removed to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry after attempting to illegally enter the U.S. by presenting a counterfeit Mexican passport. ? 3/27/2011 Voluntarily returned to Mexico via Harlingen, Texas. Banda was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents after he illegally entered the U.S. on foot. ? 1/10/2017 - Removed to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry. ? 1/17/2017 Removed to Mexico via San Luis, Arizona after he was stopped by Border Patrol agents patrolling the border. "While, obviously, many Americans drive impaired and cause crashes, this one could have been prevented if one of the many immigration officers who dealt with him had imposed greater consequences that would have dissuaded him from coming back," said Jessica Vaughn, with the Center for Immigration Studies. "Between the lack of consequences, the lure of a job, the availability of bogus documents and the gaps in our border security, to this guy our immigration system was a revolving door -- with a welcome mat on our side. And when he faced no consequences for breaking our immigration laws, why would he fear consequences for breaking other laws?" The Trump administration has promised changes and Grassley hopes they follow through, beginning with Kate's Law, which would mandate a five-year mandatory minimum jail sentence after the second expedited removal order. If that law that been in effect at the time, Bando-Acosta would have been in prison beginning in 2003. Under the bill, any subsequent arrest would have gotten him an even longer sentence. The law is named for Kathryn Steinle, a 32-year-old woman who was fatally shot in San Francisco in 2015, allegedly by a felon who had been deported but returned to the U.S. Unlike the prosecutorial discretion adopted by the Obama administration, new Attorney General Jeff Sessions has ordered prosecutors to "charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense" in all cases, including immigration crimes. FAMILY OF KATE STEINLE FILES LAWSUIT OVER DEADLY SHOOTING ON SAN FRANCISCO PIER "People who re-enter, after being convicted of committing a crime, they get deported and come right back," Sessions said last week in Tennessee. "So you just can't deport them again. They have to be punished and that sends a message more and more that you shouldn't come back. And if we build a wall, then they're not coming back." In his letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Grassley is demanding to know if Acosta, charged with a second DUI, would qualify for priority deportation. Although there is still no certainty, despite the charges, that ICE will ever get its hands on him again. Under current California law, if Banda-Acosta makes bail, he will not be held for deportation. California requires at least one felony conviction. Being charged with felony hit-and-run doesn't qualify. And unless ICE knows of his release, there is no certainty they would be in place to pick him up at jail for deportation. Hillary Clinton says shes not running for president again, but she may be running out of excuses for why she lost the White House to President Trump. Former FBI Director James Comey, Facebook, The New York Times, Russia, WikiLeaks, misogyny, the pressure of high expectations and the Democratic National Committee have been among the people, organizations and attitudes Clinton has saddled with responsibility in recent days for her stunning November loss. Clinton, who has said she's writing another book, has often told her interviewers she takes absolute personal responsibility for the loss. However, in other questions, shes spread the blame liberally. I take responsibility for every decision I make but thats not why I lost. Hillary Clinton I take responsibility for every decision I make but thats not why I lost, Clinton said Wednesday at the Recode Code Conference in California. The former Democratic standard-bearer was perhaps her most forthcoming at Recode, even slamming her party for an inept election operation. It was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, its data was mediocre to poor, non-existent, wrong, Clinton said. I had to inject money into it the DNC to keep it going. But those charges drew a swift rebuke from former DNC director of data science Andrew Therriault, who fired off a series of tweets on Thursday critical of Clinton -- before deleting them. "DNC data folks: today's accusations are f------ b-------, and I hope you understand the good you did despite that nonsense," Therriault wrote in one message. Clinton on Wednesday night also took aim at The New York Times typically viewed as a left-leaning publication for treating her secret server scandal like it was Pearl Harbor. And the man in charge of that server investigation, Comey, didnt escape Clintons wrath, either particularly at issue for Clinton was the letter Comey sent to Congress late in the campaign announcing new evidence in the case may have been discovered. Comey ultimately never recommended Clinton be prosecuted. I cant look inside the guys mind, Clinton said. He dumped that on me on Oct. 28, and I immediately start falling. She told a Women for Women International event in early May: if the election had been on Oct. 27, Id be your president. It wasnt a perfect campaign there is no such thing but I was on the way to winning until the combination of Jim Comeys letter on Oct. 28 and Russian WikiLeaks raised doubts in the minds of people who were inclined to vote for me but got scared off, Clinton said, drawing a link between anti-secrecy site WikiLeaks and its rumored connection to Russian spies who allegedly meddled in the 2016 election. Misogyny is named as a factor in a May 26 New York Magazine article. Once I moved from serving someone a man, the president to seeking that job on my own, I was once again vulnerable to the barrage of innuendo and negativity and attacks that come with the territory of a woman who is striving to go further, Clinton said. And she again namechecks Comey and the Russians. I would have won had I not been subjected to the unprecedented attacks by Comey and the Russians, aided and abetted by the suppression of the vote, particularly in Wisconsin, said Clinton, who did not visit Wisconsin a single time after the Democratic National Convention in July. Clinton is set to speak later Thursday at BookExpo in New York City. Its unclear wholl face the blame there. James Comey, the former FBI director who was fired by President Trump last month, is expected to tell a Senate committee that the president asked him to back off the investigation into Mike Flynn, a source told The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. The report said Comey could testify as early as next week. The New York Times first reported that Comey in February wrote a memo that Trump had asked him to shut down the investigation into Flynn, the former national security adviser. The memo's existence was confirmed by Fox News. The memo reportedly said that Trump said to Comey that, I hope you can let this go. The president reportedly was referring to Comeys FBIs investigation into Flynn. Flynn was forced to resign Feb. 13, the day before the conversation between Trump and Comey depicted in the memo. A Comey associate, who wasnt authorized to discuss details of the testimony, told The Associated Press that Robert Mueller III, who was appointed earlier this month by the Department of Justice to lead the governments inquiry, is allowing Comey to make certain statements. A spokesman for Mueller responded to Fox News request for comment, but said he did not have any information on Comeys potential testimony, or whether Mueller has cleared the former FBI director for public testimony. Congress is currently out of session. It resumes next Tuesday. No date for testimony in front of the intelligence committee has been set. The committee welcomes the testimony of former Director Comey, but does not have an announcement to make at this time, a Senate Intelligence Committee spokeswoman told Fox News on Wednesday. The House panel pursuing its own investigation of the Trump campaign and possible Russia ties also has sought information from Comey, asking the FBI to turn over documents related to his interactions with both the White House and the Justice Department. Trump has repeatedly dismissed allegations that his campaign collaborated with Russia ahead of the presidential election. Early Wednesday morning, the president tweeted Witch Hunt! in reference to testimony by Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan before Congress on the topic. But later in the day, the White House showed it was beginning to offload the Russia crisis to Trumps longtime personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz. At a Wednesday briefing, press secretary Sean Spicer refused to answer a reporters questions about developments in the probe, saying all such inquiries must be directed to Trumps outside counsel. It marked the first time the White House officially acknowledged that outside counsel had been retained. Fox News Brooke Singman contributed to this report. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The expanded airplane laptop ban is not booting up just yet, federal officials told Fox News on Thursday. The Department of Homeland Security is considering widening the the policy, which now applies to flights coming in from select countries. Speculation increased after an electronic device in the cabin of a JetBlue flight caught fire this week. But officials told Fox News that situation was not a security situation and more a matter for the Federal Aviation Administration. The DHS element is the security, said DHS Spokesman Dave Lapan. Its the FAA looking at the safety issue. Lapan revealed that the FAA has been part of the meetings on the possible expansion of the laptop ban, which DHS Secretary John Kelly has repeatedly called likely. Expansion of the ban on electronic devices larger than a cellphone has been more complicated than federal officials initially thought, Lapan said. The airlines didnt at first have a sense of the threat environment and they have since learned more after meeting with Federal Law Enforcement officials, Lapan said. Likewise, the Department [of Homeland Security] has learned different things. We knew it was complex and difficult but those challenges have become clearer. The initial ban of certain electronic devices on U.S.-bound flights from 13 international airports was due to reports of increased terror threats that suggested Al Qaeda and other groups were looking to smuggle explosive materials onboard planes. The ban also renewed post-9/11 regulations on liquids on planes. According to DHS, the airports affected by the initial ban are: Jordans Queen Alia International Airport, Cairo International Airport, Ataturk International Airport, Saudi Arabias Kin Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Moroccos Mohammad V Airport, Qatars Hamad International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Abu Dhabi International airport. Last week, the TSA introduced new screening protocols for carry-on bags at about a dozen U.S. airports, and that program could, also, potentially expand to other airports. The program requires travelers to place any electronics larger than a cell phone in a separate bin for X-ray screening. According to the TSA, officials at the security checkpoints may also advise travelers to place other carry-on items in separate bins. But the ultimate timing of a decision, according to DHS officials, is up to Secretary Kelly, who said last week: Well make a decision when the time is right. It will happen when it happens, Lapan told Fox News. Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report. The abrupt resignation of James Runcie, the head of the Education Departments student financial aid office, has some Republican lawmakers vowing to take a closer look into allegations that billions of dollars were mismanaged while he was in charge. We do not want to issue a subpoena, but he has been asleep at the switch, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., told Fox News. He owes the American taxpayers an explanation of how $6 billion was improperly disbursed by his office and he still received a $75,000 performance bonus. Just hours before he was scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee to discuss an audit conducted by the departments inspector general, Runcie announced his resignation, citing differences between operational leaders like himself and political appointees. In a memo obtained by Politico, Runcie told colleagues he could not stay on given the risk associated with the current environment at the Department. The fact of the matter is that Congress requested Mr. Runcie to testify and Mr. Runcie refused to appear, Elizabeth Hill, a spokeswoman for the Department of Education, told Fox News. Meadows told Fox that Runcie had been reluctant to appear before the committee in the past and that lawmakers had considered a subpoena even before he resigned. A decision on compelling his testimony will come within weeks, Meadows said. Fox News did attempt to reach Mr. Runcie for comment. Runcies office has oversight over the $31 billion Pell Grant program and $1.2 trillion in outstanding student loans and is considered to be one of the largest consumer lenders in the country. Under his management, late payments on student loans spiked and the office has received poor performance reports from the departments inspector general and the Government Accountability Office. Shortly after Runcie resigned, Education Inspector General Kathleen Tighe testified the department had not been in compliance with federal law aimed at reducing overpayments for three years. According to the May IG report, the department reported a 3.98 percent error rate for the Direct Loan program, which was more than double its set target error rate. And for the Pell program, the 7.9 percent improper payment rate far exceeded its 1.9 percent target. Republicans also called out large bonuses Runcie received, including $75,000 in 2015. According to department figures, that is a 96 percent increase from three years earlier. Since 2010, Runcie has pocketed $430,000 in bonuses, Meadows said. After he stepped down, Democrats stepped up to defend Runcie. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., expressed on Facebook her displeasure that "political meddling" by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos would cause Runcie to resign. Congress needs to get to the bottom of whats going on here, she added. In the past, Warren has been outspoken about the departments relationship with student loan servicer Navient, which continued despite ongoing allegations of improper activity. At a 2014 Senate hearing, she pressed Runcie about reupping their contract even though they had demonstrated time and time again that it hasnt followed the rules. In 2016, Warren wrote the office about $24 million spent on lobbying by the servicer. Navient spokeswoman Patricia Christel says the company's total lobbying expenditures for 2016 were $2.1 million, not $24 million. She tells Fox News that "an assessment of the facts would make clear that Navient delivers better results than any other servicer." Warrens office did not respond to Fox News requests for comment. In 2014, the Justice Department accused Sallie Mae of illegally overcharging active-duty military members for loans. Navient denied any wrongdoing. After reviewing its activities, Runcies office exonerated the student loan servicer, but a 2016 report by DOEs inspector general faulted the office for conducting a deeply flawed investigation and for knowingly issuing a press release that was unsupported and inaccurate. In responding to his resignation, several Republican lawmakers also referred to outstanding concerns about security issues related to the Internal Revenue Services data-retrieval tool, which simplifies the process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Numerous reports from independent watchdogs point to a disturbing pattern of mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor performance. Most recently, weve been troubled by the lack of accountability in the FAFSA data breach, said Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee. The digital retrieval tool was taken offline in March after the system was hacked, exposing the personal information of thousands of taxpayers. Thieves used the data to file nearly 8,000 fraudulent refunds. According to Diverse: Issues in Education, the breach may have come to the attention of the IRS in September after a 31-year old private investigator attempted to use the tool to gather information on then-president candidate Donald Trump. A nonprofit legal watchdog claimed Thursday that newly unearthed documents show Hillary Clinton sent and received more classified information on her private server than previously known, and that the papers also show top aide Huma Abedin did favors for Clinton Foundation insiders. Judicial Watch released more than 2,000 pages of documents it obtained pursuant to a May 5, 2015 court order, after filing a lawsuit against the State Department for failing to comply with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The new documents included 115 Clinton email exchanges that were not previously turned over by the State Department. These shocking new Clinton emails show why the Justice Department should reevaluate, reopen, or reinvigorate Clinton, Inc. investigations, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said on Thursday. The casual violation of laws concerning classified material and noxious influence peddling show the Clinton State Department was corruption central in the Obama administration. According to Judicial watch, on Dec. 6, 2010, Clinton shared classified information with non-U.S. government employees Justin Cooper, an aide to former President Clinton, and Clinton Foundation Director Doug Band. The email allegedly shows Clinton instructing her aide to print the correspondence, which involved allegations of theft by Bangladeshi banker and Clinton Foundation donor Muhammad Yunus. Yunus was accused of embezzling $100 million from the Grameen Bank, which he founded. In another instance, on March 14, 2011, Judicial Watch says State Department official Maria Otero emailed Clinton information about the Grameen Bank, and it was deemed classified and confidential by the State Department, but later redacted. Judicial Watch claimed Clinton responded to Otero using her HDR22@clintonemail.com account, and copied Abedins unsecure email account as well- huma@clintonemail.com. Judicial Watchs new emails appear to show multiple Abedin email exchanges from an unsecured server. They also appear to show that Clintons then-scheduler, Lona Valmoro, forwarded Clintons daily Secretary of State schedule to top Clinton Foundation officials, along with a number of favors that were requested. In a May 10, 2010 email between Abedin and Band, Abedin said she hooked up people from the Russian American Foundation with the right people at the State Department. The Russia-American Foundation was then staffed by Clinton political supporters, according to Judicial Watch. Additional documents allegedly show that Chelsea Clinton emails, an email sent by Clinton to Abedin saying she did not wish to fly on the same plane with former First Lady Michelle Obama to Betty Fords funeral, and an email chain between Clinton staffers showing they drafted a doctors statement as to why Mrs. Clinton fainted due to dehydration causing her to hit her head and suffer a concussion in December 2012. Judicial Watchs email shows that the same group, including Cheryl Mills, Huma Abedin, Jake Sullivan and Philippe Reines, prepared a discharge statement when she was released from the hospital. Fitton added: No wonder Clintons allies in the State and Justice Departments had been slow-walking and hiding these emails. Judicial Watch published the emails on their website. Conservative author Mark Steyn told Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" Wednesday that Hillary Clinton's recent comments about her defeat in the presidential election were "bizarre" and showed that she and the Democrats "still can't actually believe" what happened. "What Donald Trump did was unprecedented," Steyn told host Tucker Carlson. "He had no ground game ... he veered erratically off message ... And yet somehow, he manages to beat the most qualified candidate ever to run for the presidency of the United States. CLINTON CALLS OUT RUSSIA FOR ELECTION LOSS "If it was a military campaign, theyd be teaching it at staff colleges across the world for the next two centuries. Its remarkable," Steyn added. Earlier Wednesday, Clinton appeared at a technology conference in Silicon Valley and blamed a number of external factors for her defeat to Trump, including the spread of "fake news" on social media by Russians allegedly colluding with the Trump campaign. However, Steyn mocked Clinton for claiming that "whatever happens, the Russians are behind it" and suggested that she was overlooking the flaws in her own campaign. "[Clinton] paid talentless, mediocre people large sums of money to do the same things theyve done for every other candidate," he said. "And Trump just comes along, hes bored stiff by all that, and he just does it his way and blows all those stupid conventions out of the water. And the Republicans hated him for doing that, and the Democrats still cant actually believe he did it." President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Here is some immediate reaction from political leaders and organizations: Against Withdrawal: Former President Barack Obama- A year and a half ago, the world came together in Paris around the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children, Obama said in a statement after Trumps announcement. Even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet weve got. Former Vice President Joe Biden--tweeted: "We're already feeling impacts of climate change. Exiting #ParisAgreement imperils US security and our ability to own the clean energy future." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,- President Trumps decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is a devastating failure of historic proportions, Schumer, D-N.Y., said. Its now crystal clear President Trump is comfortable both ceding the moral high ground and the economic upper to hand to countries like China, and endangering the future of our planet. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.,--Pulling out of the Paris Accord defies the overwhelming support for action from credible scientists, the governments of 194 different countries and many religious groups," Pelosi said. "Faith leaders from Pope Francis to the evangelical community have urged us to act to preserve the beauty of Gods creation." Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.,-- President Trumps decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement is an abdication of American leadership and an international disgrace. Sen. Tom Carper, D-W.V., tweeted: Withdrawal from #ParisAgreement means wed stand with Assad instead of leading global efforts to #ActOnClimate and overcome global warming. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., tweeted: Instead of listening to biz leaders, the Pope & his daughter, Trump is choosing isolation over opportunity. #ParisAgreement #ActOnClimate Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Texas, tweeted: The world needs to know that President Trump does not speak for all Americans. There are millions of us still committed to #ActOnClimate For Withdrawal House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.,-- The Paris climate agreement was simply a raw deal for America. Signed by President Obama without Senate ratification, it would have driven up the cost of energy, hitting middle-class and low-income Americans the hardest, Ryan said. I comment President Trump for fulfilling his commitment to the American people and withdrawing from this deal. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., -- I applaud President Trump and his administration for dealing yet another significant blow to the Obama Administrations assault on domestic energy production and jobs, McConnell said. By withdrawing from this unattainable mandate, President Trump has reiterated his commitment to protecting middle class families across the country and workers throughout coal country from higher energy prices and potential job loss. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, -- I commend President Trump for putting American jobs first. This is great news for the Texas economy and for hardworking Americans all across our country, Cruz said, further slamming Obama for entering the plan. The Paris agreement would have destroyed $3 trillion in American GDP and killed 6.5 million industrial sector jobs by 2040, while even EPAs own models conclude that it will have a negligible impact on global temperatures. Sen. Rand Paul, R-K.Y., tweeted: "Thank you @realDonaldTrump for keeping your promise on Paris Agreement & protecting KY jobs from a bad deal. @FriendsofCoalKY adding This action by @realDonaldTrump is great news for the economy and could save as many as 6 million U.S. jobs. Republican National Committee-- "Today, President Trump once again delivered on his campaign promise to put American workers first, said Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. "The president is sending a clear message that we will no longer remain beholden to burdensome international deals at the expense of our taxpayers." Heritage ActionPresident Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement is the right course of action. By not succumbing to pressure from special interests and cosmopolitan elites, the president demonstrated he is truly committed to putting Americas economy first. Fox News' Chad Pergram, Mike Emanuel, Doug McKelway, Kelly Chernenkoff contributed to this report. World leaders reacted with dismay Thursday to President Trump's announcement that he was pulling out of the Paris climate accord, while three prominent European heads of state rejected his suggestion that the deal could be renegotiated. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said in a joint statement that they regretted the United States' decision to withdraw from the accord, but affirmed "our strongest commitment" to implement its measures and encouraged "all our partners to speed up their action to combat climate change." While Trump said the United States would be willing to rejoin the accord if it could obtain more favorable terms, the three European leaders said the agreement cannot be renegotiated, "since it is a vital instrument for our planet, societies and economics." Macron repeated that belief in an English-language speech from the Elysee presidential palace, unprecedented from a French president in an address at home. He said, "I do respect this decision but I do think it is an actual mistake both for the U.S. and for our planet." "Wherever we live, whoever we are, we all share the same responsibility: make our planet great again," Macron added. The European Union's top climate change official, Miguel Arias Canente, said in a statement that Trump's decision to leave the Paris accord made it "a sad day for the global community," adding that the bloc "deeply regrets the unilateral decision." Canete also predicted that the EU would seek new alliances from the world's largest economies to the most vulnerable island states, as well as U.S. businesses and individuals supportive of the accord. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement "a major disappointment" and said it was "crucial that the United States remains a leader on environmental issues," according to his spokesman. Norway's largest pension fund with 53 billion euro ($59.5 billion) in assets under its management said it would continue to invest in renewable energy despite the American president's decision, saying in a statement that "Donald Trump is jumping off a train that has already left the station." Chief executive Odd Arild Grefstad cited the growth of renewable energy in U.S. states such as Texas, New York and California as signs that "the world has started the transition from fossil to a renewable economy." In Mexico, former President Vicente Fox criticized Trump's move, saying on Twitter: "He's declaring war on the planet itself." Fox, who has clashed with Trump since last year's presidential campaign, said the U.S. leader's decision "condemns this generation and those to come" and would leave "a dark legacy just to satisfy your greediness." Bill Ford, chairman of the Ford Motor Co., also weighed in, saying: "We believe climate change is real, and remain deeply committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our vehicles and our facilities." Before Trump announced his decision Thursday afternoon, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told reporters during a visit to Berlin that fighting global warming was a "global consensus" and an "international responsibility." Without mentioning the U.S. specifically, Li said that "China in recent years has stayed true to its commitment" and pointed out that his was one of the first countries to ratify the 2015 Paris Agreement. While traveling abroad last week, Trump was repeatedly pressed to stay in the deal by European leaders and Pope Francis. Withdrawing would leave the United States as one of just three countries outside the agreement. The other two are Syria and Nicaragua. Russia joined the chorus speaking out for the climate accord. Speaking to reporters on Thursday before Trump's decision was announced, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said Russia "thinks highly" of the accords and sees no alternative to it. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that its implementation will not be as effective "without the key signatories." Scientists say Earth is likely to reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner if the U.S. retreats from its pledge because America contributes so much to rising temperatures. Calculations suggest withdrawal could release up to 3 billion additional tons of carbon dioxide a year -- enough to melt ice sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Manuel Moix on Thursday. Victor Sainz Spains anti-corruption chief, Manuel Moix, announced he was resigning from his post on Thursday following revelations that, since 2012, he has been the owner of a 25% share in an offshore company in Panama, a dealing that was camouflaged through ownership of a property jointly inherited with his three brothers. Spains State Attorney General, Jose Manuel Maza, has defended Moix, saying: There is no existence in his behavior of any kind of irregularity or illegality, adding: The State Attorney is an independent institution. Maza said that he did not believe the behavior of Spains anti-corruption chief had affected the office of the State Attorney. Maza said Moix was standing down for personal reasons I met with Moix for some time and we talked about his situation. He has given me his opinion about the information on his behavior, said Maza, adding that Moix was standing down for personal reasons. Moixs decision comes after the revelations on Tuesday about his tax affairs. It was clear from the outset that neither Maza or Justice Minister Rafael Catala were not prepared to back him fully. They will now both have to appear before Congress to explain an affair they have sought to play down. Spains legal associations, including the conservative Association of Attorneys, which backed Moixs appointment in February, had called for him to step down, a move backed by opposition parties. Moixs appointment sparked controversy: firstly, because he had no previous experience in the anti-corruption division of the State Attorneys office; and secondly, because during his tenure as the leading state attorney in Madrid, he was seen by many as the governments point man to oversee criminal investigations into corruption related to the Popular Party such as Gurtel, Punica, and most recently, Lezo, where the former head of the Madrid regional government, Ignacio Gonzalez is accused of siphoning off public funds. English version by Nick Lyne. President Trump is expected to announce Thursday that his administration will back out of the Paris Climate Agreement that was agreed upon in 2015 by nearly 200 countries, including the Obama administration, two sources told Fox News. Trump, who vowed to pull out of the deal during the 2016 campaign, is expected to withdraw, but officials cautioned that there may be "caveats in the language, leaving open the possibility that the decision is not final, a senior White House source told The Associated Press. The accord would have forced the U.S. to reduce fossil fuel emissions by nearly 30 percent by 2025. Word of Trump's decision comes a day after the president met with Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Like his boss, Pruitt has questioned climate scientists who claim the Earth is warming and that man-made climate emissions are to blame. Since taking office, Trump and Pruitt have moved to delay or roll back federal regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions, while pledging to revive the long-struggling U.S. coal mine industry. What is not yet clear is whether Trump plans to initiate a formal withdrawal from the Paris accord, which under the terms of the agreement could take three years, or exit the underlying U.N. climate change treaty on which the accord was based. Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that the decision to pullout would be a "stunning abdication of American leadership and a grave threat to our planet's future." Ryan Zinkie, Trumps Interior Secretary, told reporters at a news conference in Anchorage Wednesday that he cant comment on the agreement because he hasnt read up on it. During Trumps overseas trip last week, European leaders pressed him to keep the U.S. in the landmark agreement. In a possible jab at the likely U.S. pullout, the United Nations tweeted on Wednesday a quote from Secretary General Antonio Guterres: "Climate change is undeniable. Climate action is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable." The U.S. is the world's second largest emitter of carbon, following only China. Beijing, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its targets under the Paris accord, recently canceling construction of about 100 coal-fired power plants and investing billions in massive wind and solar projects. Fox News John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Two powerful Senate committees are probing alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election - and possible collusion with the Trump campaign, but only one panel has managed to line up key witnesses. Both the Senates Judiciary and Intelligence Committees are leading separate investigations, but the two panels are dueling for informationand the Senate Intel Committee is winning. Fox News has confirmed that former FBI director James Comey will testify before the Senate intelligence committee on June 8. On May 19, the fired FBI chief declined Judiciarys request to testifybut this wasnt Judiciarys first disappointment. The Judiciary Committee has primary responsibility for FBI oversight, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who sits on the Judiciary Committee said when Comey declined the panels request. If former Director Comey testifies, he should do so before both the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees. Days after Comeys May 9 ouster, the Intelligence Committee heard testimony from Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. On that same day, Intel committee members met with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who penned a letter to the president recommending Comeys firing. The day after, the Judiciary Committee followed Intels lead, and requested the same committee briefing with Rosenstein on May 12, and invited McCabe for one as well, but the committee received no response. Judiciary also requested the Comey memos which reflected conversations he had with President Trump regarding the investigation, and former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who reportedly will hand over subpoenaed personal and business records to the Intelligence Committee. The FBI said it is still reviewing the request to provide Comey memos following the announcement of special counsel, a Judiciary committee spokesperson told Fox News in an email on Wednesday. Weve not heard back on our requests for briefings from McCabe and/or Rosenstein. But the Department of Justice downplayed the Judiciary Committees concern with a lack of response from Rosenstein, noting he briefed the full Senate May 18. This request came in before the Deputy Attorney General appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel and before he had briefed all 100 members of the U.S. Senate, DOJ Director of Public Affairs Sarah Flores told Fox News. Since that appointment, briefings related to that ongoing investigation from the Department would now be coordinated with Special Counsel Muellers office. When asked about a possible McCabe appearance or response to the Judiciary Committees request, an FBI spokesperson told Fox News that the bureau works with all of our oversight committees on their requests. But former FBI special agent and former bureau national spokesman John Iannarelli told Fox News that it makes perfect sense for top witnesses to choose to provide testimony before Intelligence, rather than Judiciary. Choosing the Intelligence Committee over Judiciary makes perfect sense because this is for intelligence purposeshas the president or his staff compromised intelligence? Iannarelli said. This is an intelligence-based inquiry, anyway. Iannarelli added: This could also be further indication that nothing is here that actually compromised sensitive intelligence, especially because Comey agreed to testify in an open setting. But the Judiciary Committee isnt giving up. On May 20, Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-IA, took to Twitter and said the Committee would continue. JudiciaryCom must continue FBI oversight even w SpecCounsel Cant wait months for Mueller report Judiciary needs to know so we can act&clear, Grassley tweeted. Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., sits on both committees, and will have her opportunity to press Comey when he testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Feinsteins office told Fox News they would not comment. Despite media reports that Comey has been cleared by Special Counsel Mueller to testify in public next week, a Mueller spokesperson told Fox News that he had no information on Comeys potential testimony, or whether Mueller cleared him for public testimony. Congress is currently out of session, and will resume business next Tuesday. Comey will testify before the Intelligence Committee on Thursday, June 8, in an open session, followed by a closed session. President Trump trolled Hillary Clinton after the former Democratic presidential nominee blamed a litany of factors -- including Russia, Facebook and national misogyny -- for her 2016 loss during a Wednesday forum in California. Trump even resurrected his infamous "Crooked Hillary" nickname for Clinton in a Twitter jab at his ex-general election foil. "Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC," Trump wrote. Clinton responded to Trump by mocking a viral typo of his, tweeting, People in covfefe houses shouldnt throw covfefe. Donald Trump Jr. appeared to have gotten in the last word, however, alluding to his dad's digs in the White House. "What house is he in again??? That's what I thought. You're trying too hard," he wrote on Twitter. Clinton, in a Recode Code Conference interview earlier on Wednesday, took several shots at Trump and the methods he used to win the heated election. "What we saw in this election, particularly the first time we had the tech revolution, really weaponized politically," she said. "It was aimed at me, but it's a much deeper, more persistent effort to literally turn the clock back on so much of what we have achieved as a country." President Trump will not yet move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem -- at the least postponing an oft-repeated campaign pledge -- however, the White House said Thursday the delay was only in the interest of serving a possible peace deal and the move would happen eventually. Trump signed the Jerusalem Recognition Act Waiver on Thursday morning, officially delaying the move of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv. No one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the President's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance, the White House said in a statement. President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend America's national security interests. But, as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when. A senior administration official told Fox News the White House was optimistic peace was possible in the long-running and seemingly unsolveable conflict, which has perplexed numerous administrations. All parties in the region were notified the President would sign the waiver, a senior administration official told Fox News. "Israel's consistent position is that the American embassy, like the embassies of all countries with whom we have diplomatic relations, should be in Jerusalem, our eternal capital," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem. Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate today's expression of President Trump's friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future." Fox News John Roberts contributed to this report. President Trump on Thursday directly accused the Obama Administration of improperly surveilling the American people, a day after Congressional subpoenas were issued seeking records from U.S. spy agencies about Obama officials requests. The CIA, NSA and FBI were served with subpoenas Wednesday afternoon for documents relating to former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice, ex-CIA director John Brennan and former U.N. ambassador Samantha Power. The subpoenas, signed by House Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Ca., explicitly referenced the unmasking of U.S. citizens. The big story is the unmasking and surveillance of people that took place during the Obama Administration, Trump tweeted. The inclusion of Powers name on the subpoenas marks her first appearance in the controversy surrounding the Obama administrations use of unmasking. Capitol Hill sources told Fox News they are devoting increasing scrutiny to Power a former historian and winner of the Pulitzer Prize who worked as a foreign policy adviser in the Senate office of Barack Obama before joining his administration because they have come to see her role in the unmasking as larger than previously known, and eclipsing those of the other former officials named. Rice has previously denied any improper activity in her use of unmasking. The allegation is somehow Obama administration officials utilized intelligence for political purposes, that's absolutely false, Rice told MSNBC on April 4. President Trump said at that time that he personally believed Rice had committed a crime. None of those named on the subpoenas has been formally accused of wrongdoing. Nunes last month stepped aside from the House's investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election after he was hit with ethics charges involving the handling of classified information. However, subsequent comments he made in late April -- and which emerged only recently -- suggested he was still deeply involved in the Intelligence Committee's probe related to Obama-era spying. "I went and looked at what I knew existed on the unmaskings, but what I found was a treasure trove of stuff thats really bad in terms of surveillance on Americans and that is critical to the job that I have as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee," Nunes said in remarks reported by The L.A. Times. "Its really horrible because it endangers America, because the work that our intelligence professionals do is so critical to our safety, to have an administration, a past administration, abuse these powers and put our country in jeopardy, theres nothing, theres no words that can explain the damage theyve done and the damage that theyve created." Fox News James Rosen contributed to this report. Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn that could host life , may have tipped over long ago. NASA's Cassini orbiter , which has been studying Saturn and its many moons up close since the probe arrived in 2004, has found evidence that Enceladus' axis of rotation has rotated by 55 degrees. That would mean the moon moved more than halfway onto its side. A collision with an asteroid or some other object in deep space may have caused the moon's tilt, NASA officials said in a statement. [ Photos: Enceladus, Saturn's Cold, Bright Moon ] "We found a chain of low areas, or basins, that trace a belt across the moon's surface that we believe are the fossil remnants of an earlier, previous equator and poles," Radwan Tajeddine, a Cassini imaging team associate at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who led the new study, said in the statement . Tajeddine and his team of researchers suspect that the impact occurred near Enceladus' south pole, he said. There, the icy moon's surface consists of strange-looking, geologically active terrain of a type that scientists call " tiger stripes ." The long, linear fractures seen on Enceladus' south pole differ from the texture around the moon's north polar region, where tons craters and fissures point to an old surface unchanged by geological activity . "The geological activity in this terrain is unlikely to have been initiated by internal processes," Tajeddine said. "We think that in order to drive such a large reorientation of the moon, it's possible that an impact was behind the formation of this anomalous terrain." Shortly after Cassini arrived at Saturn, the spacecraft discovered mysterious plumes of water spewing into space from the tiger stripes in the icy moon's surface, hinting at the existence of a subsurface ocean. Whether the tiger-stripe terrain was created by an impact or some other geological process, Tajeddine and colleagues think it likely "caused some of Enceladus' mass to be redistributed, making the moon's rotation unsteady and wobbly," NASA officials said in the statement. "The rotation would have eventually stabilized, likely taking more than a million years. By the time the rotation settled down, the north-south axis would have reoriented to pass through different points on the surface a mechanism researchers call 'true polar wander,'" the statement said. This would explain why the north and south polar regions are so vastly different in texture and geological activity, the researchers suggested. It's possible that the two poles looked the same before something came by and bumped into the little moon, the scientists said. The results of the study by Tajeddine and colleagues were published online in the journal Icarus on April 30. Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience . Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook and Google+ . Original article on Space.com . Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, threatened to leave two White House advisory councils should President Trump pull the U.S. out of the landmark Paris Climate Agreement. Musk said he will have no choice but to depart the councils if Trump makes the decision. Trump will announce his decision on the involvement of the U.S. in the accord on Thursday. Two sources told Fox News that he is expected to pull the U.S. out of the deal. The accord, agreed to by the Obama administration along with almost 200 other countries in 2015, would have forced the U.S. to reduce fossil fuel emissions by nearly 30 percent by 2025. During Trumps overseas trip last week, European leaders pressed him to keep the U.S. in the landmark agreement. Trump promised during his presidential campaign to pull the U.S. out of the deal. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a rush transcript from "Your World," June 1, 2017. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. So Nancy Pelosi says the new sanctuary cities law in Texas is an act of cowardice. So not looking after the needs of legal residents and their wallets is an act of bravery? Really? Is it me, or is the whole world turning upside down? Just look at the grief Texas State Representative Matt Rinaldi is getting for dare threatening to call ICE on illegal immigrants who had somehow gotten into the state chamber holding up signs claiming, "I am illegal and here to stay." And now the media's pouncing not on the threats made against him, including from a Democratic colleague who all but pulled a Tony Soprano to say he knows where Rinaldi parks. That trigger event isn't getting covered. What is getting covered is Rinaldi's promise to shoot the guy in self-defense if he did. No, Rinaldi is the crazy gun-carrying bigot in an open carry state and Texas is the even crazier sanctuary city-killing state. Simply because he and lawmakers there want to make sure that in Texas at least, law enforcement agencies in such cities comply with federal immigration guidelines. In other words, follow the law. And if they don't, pay some steep daily fines. If that's cowardly, how is it refusing to call law-breakers what they are brave? I don't know. All I do know is it's been going on for a while. Remember these illegals protesting across the street from the White House back in 2014. Not a one arrested. Not a one, even questioned. They weren't hiding who they were. Authorities were too afraid to do what they should. Don't ask. But do tell. We live in an age where illegals can demand rights they do not have, Supported by powerful Democrats ignoring a Constitution they do not uphold. When did anti-illegal immigrant become anti-immigrant? When did shielding those who shouldn't be here take priority of those who already were, and are? When did we go from melting pot to a nation of crack-pots? My friends, it's not cowardly to say you're looking out for those here legally. It's cowardly not to. And there's no bravery in ignoring our Constitution. What's cowardly is refusing it even exists. We are a nation of laws, honored by those who respect them, not flaunt them. Who value them, not ignore them? Because it's one thing to provide and brag about a sanctuary for people who shouldn't be here. It's quite another to say it's cowardly to look after the very real legal citizens paying the bills here. Content and Programming Copyright 2017 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2017 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of CQ-Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. Just over a year after SeaWorld announced they would be phasing out their theatrical orca shows, SeaWorld San Diego has debuted its next-generation replacements. Over the weekend, SeaWorld San Diego held a soft opening for its Orca Encounter and Ocean Explorer experiences two attractions that will replace the Shamu shows that have drawn steady backlash from animal-rights activists and politicians in recent years. The Orca Encounter, much like the original Shamu shows, will continue to feature performances from killer whales and their trainers. But as a reviewer for The L.A. Times notes, the orcas now play second-fiddle to a 138-foot high-definition infinity screen playing a scientific edutainment film for the audience. Any appearance of the actual killer whales or their choreographed behaviors is supplemented with additional footage of orcas performing those behaviors in the wild. LAST KILLER WHALE BORN AT SEAWORLD PARKS SeaWorlds new Orca Encouter also takes place in the same arena as its previous Shamu shows, albeit redressed with a Pacific Northwest background. Fox 5 San Diego shared a live clip of Ocra Encounter from SeaWorld San Diego on Wednesday, when the attraction officially opened to guests: Meanwhile, the new Ocean Explorer area features rides, an aquarium, and a Submarine Quest attraction that puts guests on a mission of scientific discovery, according to the SeaWorld website. A third new area, to be called Electric Ocean, is slated to open later this summer as a nighttime experience for guests: SeaWorlds website bills itself as Electric Ocean as an after-dark destination where world-class DJs transform the night into an all-ages club beneath the waves. CAN SEAWORLD SURVIVE WITHOUT ITS FAMOUS WHALES? Brady MacDonald, the reviewer for The L.A. Times, described the current additions to SeaWorld San Deigo as slow and boring, but it remains to be seen how activists will view the changes from an animal-rights standpoint. SeaWorld originally announced the end of its Shamu shows in March 2016, via an open letter SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby penned for The L.A. Times. In it, he acknowledged an attitudinal change in the way the public views captive orcas, and assured that the parks would be phasing out their theatrical orca productions in favor of natural orca encounters. Manby also announced the end of the captive breeding program at SeaWorld, though he claimed SeaWorld would not be releasing the born-in-captivity whales back into the wild, as its not a wise option. Most of our orcas were born at SeaWorld, and those that were born in the wild have been in our parks for the majority of their lives. If we release them into the ocean, they will likely die, wrote Manby. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Manbys 2016 statement also came just a few years after the release of the 2013 documentary "Blackfish," which accused SeaWorld of mishandling and mistreating the mammals. The documentary further focused on an orca named Tilikum, who killed his trainer during a live show in 2010. SeaWorld San Diegos Orca Encouter and Ocean Explorer attractions are currently open. The Electric Ocean area is slated to launch on June 17. You wont be seeing anymore wistful wish-you-were-here posts on social media about this idyllic town in Switzerland. That's because the village has voted to ban tourists from taking photos. The commune of Bergun/Bravuogn, north of the popular alpine resort town St. Moritz, voted to bring in the new law in its municipal assembly on Monday, according to The Local. But why? Well, the residents believe it is just far too beautiful and posting photos of it on social media may cause others to feel depressed they are not there. FLORENCE'S MAYOR HAS CLEVER PLAN FOR DEALING WITH LOITERING TOURISTS It is scientifically proven that beautiful holiday photos on social media make the viewer unhappy because they cannot be there themselves, said the village tourist office in a statement. The tourist office has already taken down photos of the village from its own Facebook and Twitter accounts and intends to remove them from its official website. The picturesque alpine village has lush, green mountains, rivers and glaciers. The ban would see offending tourists face a fine of 5 Swiss Francs (about $7), with the tourist office claiming all proceeds going to help protect the landscape But if the whole thing just whiffs of a marketing ploy to you, youre not wrong. Speaking to The Local, the villages director of tourism Marc-Andrea Barandun admitted that it sort of is. The law is technically real it was indeed voted for by the town council but the threatened fine is unlikely to actually be imposed on any visitors. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS But in the background of course the idea is that everyone talks about Bergun. So its a combination of both we made the law and also theres some marketing [aim] behind it, he said. This clever ploy hasnt gone down well with everyone though. Many people have criticized the ban on Berguns Facebook page. One commenter said the village should be ashamed of its disgusting behaviour, adding that there is no way Im going to visit this village again! Another claimed it was the worst joke Ive ever heard." Only time will tell if the old adage all publicity is good publicity holds true for tourism. A view of Caracas, the world's most dangerous city. Teresa Garcia Alcaraz More information Las ciudades mas peligrosas del mundo Forty-three out of the worlds 50 most violent cities are in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to an annual report by Mexicos Citizen Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice (CCSPJP). The list does not count cities currently considered to be in combat zones. The Igarape Institute in Brazil has confirmed this situation, noting that 14 out of the 20 countries with the highest homicide rates are in the same part of the world. Latin America and the Caribbean are home to eight percent of the global population, yet account for 33% of homicides. Latin American cities have the highest levels of inequality on the planet Robert Muggah, Igarape Institute Venezuela has the dubious honor of being the only country with four cities in the top 10, with the capital, Caracas, leading the world ranking at 130.35 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants. The Mexican city of Acapulco comes in second with 113.24 homicides per 100,000 residents, followed by San Pedro Sula in Honduras, with a rate of 112.09 per 100,000. The CCSPJP report only focused on cities with 300,000 residents or more, and did not factor in deaths in combat zones or in locations with no reliable data collection. This means that a lot of cities were left out of the list. The government of strife-torn Venezuela, for instance, has not released accurate statistics on 2017 homicides. In order to reach a reliable figure for Caracas, an estimate was made based on activity at the Bello Monte morgue, which receives all kinds of victims those who died in gang warfare and from gunshots, but also from car accidents. This information is of vital importance because the citys funeral parlors do not organize wakes for victims of violence (mostly from firearms) that might involve gang warfare. Robert Muggah, research director at the Igarape Institute, says that Latin American cities have the highest levels of inequality on the planet, which might be one of the main reasons for their high ranking. Venezuela has the dubious honor of being the only country with four cities in the top 10 While national elites grow not just business leaders but also high-ranking politicians and members of government) a large section of the population still lacks access to basic services such as drinking water (15% in Dominican Republic), electricity (18.1% in Nicaragua) or a sewer system (39% in Bolivia). Muggah says that fast urban growth also has an impact on security. In an article titled Why is there so much crime in Latin America? published in Insight Crime, author Nathalie Alvarado lists five factors that favor the rise of uncontrolled violence: an increase in local drug markets, a surge in organized crime, drug traffic exchanges between nations, and corruption at government level. The list The 10 most dangerous cities in the world, according to the CCSPJP, are the following (figures represent murders per 100,000 residents): 1. Caracas, Venezuela (130.35) 2. Acapulco, Mexico (113.24) 3. San Pedro Sula, Honduras (112.09) 4. Distrito Central, Honduras (85.09) 5. Ciudad Victoria, Mexico (84.67) 6. Maturin, Venezuela (84.21) 7. San Salvador, El Salvador (83.39) 8. Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela (82.84) 9. Valencia, Venezuela (72.02) 10. Natal, Brazil (69.56) English version by Susana Urra. A United Airlines flight had to return to O'Hare International Airport Thursday after its engine caught fire when it struck a bird after takeoff. The Chicago Aviation Department said Flight 1738 to Miami departed about 7:45 a.m. and reported the engine issue after takeoff. United Airlines spokeswoman Erin Benson told the Associated Press the pilot shut down one of the plane's engines Thursday after reporting a bird strike, and that the plane landed safely at O'Hare. Tim Arnold, who was on the flight, told Storyful there was a loud burst five minutes after the plane took off and "the plane dove to its left side." "It started smelling of engine burning up, then we saw the flames," Arnold told Storyful. "Lots of people were terrified onboard. The crew was quick to keep everyone calm and the pilot returned us back to Chicago." Arnold said the "landing was rough due to the failure, but the pilot got us back safe and fire trucks were on scene to handle the engine." Another passenger on the flight told WSVN in Miami "the smell of smoke that was the most scary." I just saw a spark of fire just coming out of the wing of the airplane, said another passenger, and then it was smelling really bad, like something was burning. That was about it. It was scary, very scary. The airline was able to switch passengers to another plane and the flight departed Chicago again at 10:40 a.m. Benson said the airline will reach out to customers "to compensate them for the inconvenience." The flight landed in Miami around 2:24 p.m. Thursday, according to WSVN. Read more from WSVN. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Two bounty hunters and the fugitive from Minnesota they were tracking shot each other dead in a hail of bullets at a Texas car dealership in front of panicked customers, officials said Wednesday. The two men, identified by authorities as Fidel Garcia and Gabriel Bernal from Corpus Christi, had pursued Ramon Michael Hutchinson, 49, on Tuesday to a Nissan dealership in Greenville, located about 50 miles northeast of Dallas. Stew Peters, a bail investigator with the private Minnesota-based company U.S. Fugitive Recovery and Extradition, told the Associated Press that Hutchinson had been sought since March when he failed to appear for a court hearing in Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis. Hutchinson, listed in court records as a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, was facing several charges that included assaulting a law enforcement officer. The two had tracked Hutchinson to the dealership, and after waiting for several hours, approached him Tuesday evening. Garcia and Bernal then drew their weapons and Hutchinson responded by drawing his own pistol, which he dropped, according to a statement from Kathy Lucas, spokeswoman for the city of Greenville. The men fought as Hutchinson retrieved his weapon and began firing. The other two fired as well and Lucas said about 20 shots were fired in the span of six seconds. Customers and employees fled for cover. Cell phone video released Wednesday by the city of Greenville and posted by FOX 4 News shows the moments before several rounds of shots ring out. WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO BELOW The video shows Garcia and Bernal confront Hutchinson in an office with a dealership employee and another woman inside when the gunfire began. An employee was also with two customers in the office right next to them, but none of them was hurt. A woman at the dealership called 911 while hiding in the bathroom. Please hurry, she told the 911 dispatcher. I hear a woman screaming. "Mr. Garcia felt the defendant would ultimately appear at that dealership," Peters told the AP. "Unfortunately Mr. Hutchinson was more prepared for a gunfight." Rick Ford, the owner of the dealership, told FOX 4 the bounty hunters came into the showroom and identified themselves as federal agents. Ford said he and his employees didn't give the men permission to be in the showroom, but never asked them to leave or to show their badges. Peters told the AP he didn't know Bernal, but had been friends with Garcia for a decade and said he would not misrepresent himself. "He always performed his investigations with the utmost integrity," Peters said, adding that Garcia commonly wore both audio and visual recording devices while working. It's not known if he was wearing the devices Tuesday. Garcia sat on the board of the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators and another board member, Bradley Smith, described him to the AP as a "gentle giant." "He was a big man and he had a big heart to go with it," Smith said. Private investigators registered in Texas are licensed through the state Department of Public Safety, according to Smith, who added that bail-bond companies seeking fugitives in Texas are required to use registered investigators. Tuesday's shooting was the second time in about a month in the U.S. when violence erupted as private groups were attempting to apprehend fugitives. Authorities in Tennessee say seven people they described as bounty hunters shot at four people in a car April 23 in Clarksville, killing one man and injuring another. It appears the larger group targeted the wrong vehicle and all seven have been indicted on first-degree murder charges. Not one of the men in the car was wanted on outstanding charges. Read more from FOX 4 News. The Associated Press contributed to this report. An Ohio man pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in the shooting death of a police officer during a traffic stop last year in New Mexico. Jesse Denver Hanes of Columbus entered the plea in state district court in Las Cruces after reaching an agreement with prosecutors in which six other charges were dismissed. The plea came a day after Hanes agreed to also plead guilty to federal firearms and carjacking charges involving events that followed the Aug. 12, 2016, shooting of Hatch policeman Jose Chavez. In both cases, Hanes could face life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced later this year. "Today is a very satisfying day, but also an extremely sad day of remembering a fallen officer," District Attorney Mark D'Antonio said in a statement issued after the plea hearing. D'Antonio said the agreement amounts to justice because of the potential sentence and the pain it will spare the Chavez family. Chavez was a two-year veteran of the Hatch police force and a father of two children. Chavez pulled over a vehicle in the farming village of Hatch that was carrying Hanes and two other people. Authorities have said Hanes fired at Chavez and then fled, driving south on Interstate 25 to a rest stop where he was accused of taking another car after shooting and injuring the driver. Dona Ana County deputies took Hanes into custody after he crashed on a state highway. Hanes was wanted in a deadly shooting in Chillicothe, Ohio, at the time of his arrest in New Mexico. The Ohio charges are pending. Even though President Trump issued a sweeping order to cut federal red tape earlier this year, a Northern California farmer is still facing a nearly $3 million fine for plowing his own land. In what one observer called a perfect poster child for the regulatory issues we need fixed, John Duarte, owner of Duarte Nursery, bought more than 400 acres of land to grow wheat back in 2012. In February of the next year, after planting the wheat, the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a cease-and-desist order, preventing Duarte him from harvesting his crop. Duarte, they said, had violated the Clean Water Act by not obtaining a permit to discharge dredged material into seasonal wetlands considered the property of the United States. Duarte sued the Army Corps and the state. This is government bullying and retaliation for me filing a due process claim against them. John Duarte You cannot remove my pleasure to farm my property without some kind of due process that gives me a chance to explain and compare facts with you, he told a radio show that caters to farmers. The U.S. Attorneys Office counter-sued Duarte Nursery to enforce the Clean Water Act violation. He now faces trial in Federal Court this August, and a fine of $2.8 million. Duarte told Fox News he believes his real transgression was fighting back after being denied the right to harvest. This is government bullying and retaliation for me filing a due process claim against them, he said. Legal papers in the case are laden with language about tilling implements and techniques, land topography and arguments over how deep soil was plowed. But Duarte and his supporters say the crux of the matter is property rights, and whether the Trump administration will be able to roll back an intrusive and vindictive bureaucracy. In February, President Trump signed an executive order to lower regulatory burdens on the American people by implementing and enforcing regulatory reform. Duarte hoped he had been rescued. This is the type of regulatory abuse we think President Trumps Executive Order is meant to fix, Ellen Steen, general counsel for the American Farm Bureau Federation, told Fox News. These are not brand new regulations. It is enforcing regulations that have been on the books for decades that are written broadly and vaguely that allow the Army Corp to enforce these major penalties. Last week, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., co-wrote a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions about the Duarte case. The prosecution of Mr. Duarte raises concerns that the Congressional intent behind the farming exemptions in the statute is misunderstood, read the letter. Specifically, it is the Agriculture Committees view that even occasional farm activities, including grazing, qualify as normal farming under the statutory exemption. According to Conaway, Mr. Duartes case clearly highlights the need to keep the federal government out of Americas backyards, fields and ditches. The Army Corps of Engineers told Fox News they cannot comment on matters in litigation and referred queries to the Department of Justice. Citing the same reason, the DOJ also declined to speak about the case. The farmland Duarte is battling with the government over is located in Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfas district. His chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, said Trumps order did not give Congress the power to simply roll back regulations. It can start the process of rescinding, but it is not a magic wand, he said. Despite Trumps order, agencies have pushed forward, Spannagel said. This flawed interpretation of the Clean Water Act started in the Sacramento Army Corps and has spread, he said. There are other cases in Northern California were the farmers settled because they couldn't afford to fight any longer. Duarte said the massive fine puts more than just his family in financial jeopardy. Right now, I run a profitable business, he said. I have 500-600 employees who rely on my company. If this doesnt get cleaned up very quickly, we will most likely face insolvency. A California mother and her boyfriend were convicted Tuesday in the 2014 fatal beating and torture of her 3-year-old daughter. Two juries heard separate trials for Sarah Lynn Krueger, 27, and Ryan Scott Warner, 29. They were both found guilty of first-degree murder with special allegations of torture and assault causing the brutal killing of Kruegers daughter, Kayleigh Slusher. Krueger and Scott were accused of killing Kayleigh on Jan. 30, 2014 in Napa, and placing the girl's body in a freezer, according to police. The pair apparently removed the body from the freezer before fleeing the apartment. MOTHER DENIED BOND IN 3-YEAR-OLD DROWNING DEATH IN POOL The following day, a friend of Krueger and Scotts notified the Napa police asking them to make a welfare check at the couples apartment, People reported. The police found Kayleighs body partially frozen on her bed. The couple was arrested on Feb. 2, 2014, at an El Cerrito metro station, according to KTVU. She had severe injuries and bruising to her head, Kecia Lind, Napa Valley Deputy District Attorney, told People. Essentially just all over her body, arms, legs, torso, buttocks. It was tough. The medical examiner described the amount of pain and suffering she would have been in during the time she was dying. It wasnt a quick process. Lind suspects that Kayleigh had been abused in the months before she died. It appears most of the abuse took place the month or two prior to her being killed, she said. FATHER CHARGED IN SC CHILD ABUSE DEATH OF 1-MONTH-OLD SON Krueger and Warner are scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, but they both face life in prison with no chance of parole. Were pleased with the verdicts, Paul Gero, Assistant Napa County District Attorney, told KTVU. Its what we asked for. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Veterans in Connecticut may soon get clear recognition of their service to the country on their driver's licenses free of charge. The state's House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill last week to allow veterans to include an American flag on their licenses or identification cards for free. The initiative is to give the men and women "a deserved recognition of their status." Veterans already had the option to include the symbol on licenses and ID cards, but were forced to wait until their renewal date and pay a $30 fee. If the bill is signed into law, veterans can change the licenses whenever they want. MAN SPENDS 6 HOURS WAVING AMERICAN FLAG OVER HIGHWAYS Xavier Roman, 28, lives in Hartford, Conn., and told Fox 61 that every small gesture makes a big difference. "Sometimes you dont have that extra dollar to fully pay for something and when you get that military discount, it goes a long way," Roman told the station. "Veterans can go to a Home Depot or a Lowes and the retail and can be comfortable in providing possibly a 10 percent discount," State Rep. Jack Hennessy (D-Conn.) said. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Thursday. If the bill passes, it will be handed to Gov. Dan Malloy to sign into law. Click here for more from Fox 61. A disgruntled customer opened fire at a McDonalds drive-thru in Florida, hitting the manager before speeding off, police say. Altamonte Springs Police department said the man was placing his order a 24-hour McDonald's on Wednesday night when he started arguing with the manager at the window, Fox 35 Orlando reported. The incident quickly escalated and the suspect opened fire, wounding the manager before speeding away. The manager, who has not been identified, was taken to a nearby hospital. He is reportedly in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries, police said. Police said several hours later Volusia County Sherriffs Office reported that a man had turned himself in for a similar sounding crime. The suspect is being questioned, but has not been arrested for a crime. Read more news at Fox 35 Orlando. Evergreen State College in Washington state was abruptly closed Thursday morning after officials received a "direct threat to campus safety." "All are asked to leave campus or return to residence halls for instructions," said a statement on the college's website. Law enforcement thought the threat via a 911 call was credible enough to forward to Evergreen State College in Olympia, and school officials decided to close the campus, Sandra Kaiser, Evergreen's vice president for college relations, told reporters Thursday. Campus police declined to elaborate on the nature of the threat when contacted by Fox News. Officers were "visible and present" on campus Thursday, and school officials were waiting to hear from law enforcement when they "can give the all clear," Kaiser said. She hoped classes would resume Friday. The Olympia school became the center of controversy after activists asked white students to leave campus to talk about race issues. It's a reversal from the longstanding annual "Day of Absence," in which minorities traditionally attend programs off campus. When a biology professor, Bret Weinstein, objected to the event, the activists demanded that he resign. "They imagined that I'm a racist," Weinstein, who has taught at Evergreen for 15 years, told Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" last week. "That has caused them to imagine that I have no right to speak." Evergreen State said participation in the event has always been optional. "White students have never been required to leave campus, for Day of Absence, or any Evergreen activity," the college said. Advocates claim the effort helps increase social awareness, but critics have called it divisive. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Michigan farmer, barred from selling at an open-air market in a nearby city after refusing to let a gay couple get married on his property, is suing the city. Steve Tennes, who owns Country Mill farms, filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday alleging that East Lansing is excluding him from its farmers market because of his Christian belief that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. Tennes, who is represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian nonprofit that litigates for religious freedom, says that initially the city unsuccessfully attempted to exclude him from last years farmers market on grounds that his beliefs on marriage violated a city human rights ordinance. He told Fox News that in a letter last year telling him not to participate in the farmers market, the city specifically mentioned a comment Tennes made on his farm's Facebook page expressing his views on same-sex marriage. But that effort was unsuccessful and Tennes participated in the market last year. This year, however, the city broadened its non-discrimination ordinance that requires anyone seeking to do business in East Lansing to not discriminate against same-sex couples. It then advised Tennes that he was not welcome to sell in East Lansing. All Steve wants to do is sell his food to anyone who wants to buy it, but the city isnt letting him, ADF attorney Kate Anderson said. People of faith, like the Tennes family, should be free to live and work according to their deeply held beliefs without fear of losing their livelihood. If the government can shut down a family farmer just because of the religious views he expresses on Facebook by denying him a license to do business and serve fresh produce to all people then no American is free. East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows was quoted in local publications as saying Tennes refusal to allow a same-sex couple to hold its wedding at his 120-acre farm -- which is 22 miles outside the city limits -- violated the citys policy about vendors and discrimination. The mayor said barring Tennes from the market was not because of views expressed on Facebook, but because of his orchards exclusion of same-sex couples seeking to marry there. "This is about them operating a business that discriminates against LGBT individuals and thats a whole different issue," Meadows said. In his lawsuit, Tennes, a Roman Catholic, says that his Facebook comment, which was in response to a customers question about his views of same-sex marriage, was indeed a factor in the citys banning of him from the farmers market. He cites the fact that the citys initial notice to him that he was barred from the market came shortly after his Facebook post and, further, that the citys notice made specific reference to it. The lawsuit notes, however, that Tennes Facebook post had nothing to do with East Lansing or the farmers market. The question about his position on same-sex marriage, he said, followed postings on The Country Mills Facebook page by Caitlin Ortis urging people to boycott Tennes orchard because of his refusal to allow her to marry her partner, Liane, at his farm. "As fall approaches for my Michigan friends and family, when choosing a cider mill to go to, please remember that THE COUNTRY MILL in Charlotte MI refused to let Liane and I have our wedding there because of how we identify," Ortis wrote. "Please support a local cider mill that does NOT discriminate against LGBTQIA+ folks or any folks for that matter. Please feel free to share this post." People of faith, like the Tennes family, should be free to live and work according to their deeply held beliefs without fear of losing their livelihood. Kate Anderson, attorney Tennes told Fox News that while he has his religious beliefs about marriage, some of his employees are LGBT people and that his customers include people of all faiths, races and ethnicity. My wife Bridget and I feel tolerance is a two-way street, he said. A Hunter College student missed his graduation Tuesday morning because of New York City train delays, but a few commuters came up with their own impromptu ceremony so he didn't miss that special moment. Jerich Alcantara was on the E train traveling from Queens to his graduation ceremony that was scheduled for 10 a.m. at the college's Brookdale campus in Manhattan, Fox 5 NY reported. He was dressed in his purple cap and gown, but around 9 a.m. the train got stuck in the tunnel for more than three hours. ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS' PAPER TOSS GOES VIRAL "The train's emergency brakes went off and they couldn't fix it for an hour and a half," Alcantara told Fox 5 NY. "So after that, they called rescue trains to pick us up and those didn't show up for another 20 or 30 minutes." Alcantara didn't walk across the stage a moment many graduates look forward to. "I announced to the whole train I said 'Hey guys, thanks for coming out today to see me walk and graduate,'" he recalled. Straphangers looked at the graduate and couldn't bear to see him miss his graduation, so they came up with their own ceremony. "We got my buddy to hand me the diploma that he drew up on his phone and he handed it to me shook my hand like he was the dean, it was great," Alcantara said, adding that another rider played music through a portable speaker he happened to have in his backpack. NAVY DAD SURPRISES DAUGHTER AT GEORGIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADUATION His friends also threw him another "ceremony" when he finally got to the venue. "And they played some music for me there as well," he said. "They had me walk down the center aisle, walk across the stage just as if I was doing graduation with them." The president of Hunter College told the news station that she looks forward to personally handing Alcantara his diploma. Click here for more from Fox 5 NY. 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 SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox Google Ad UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex A place of worship is now a place of refuge for a 26-year-old mother from Ecuador. The unidentified woman and her two daughters, ages 8 months and 2 years, have moved out of their Waltham apartment and into a Sunday school classroom. IMMIGRATION ACTIVISTS ARREST HURTS HIS OWN PUSH FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR ILLEGAL STUDENTS This wasn't an easy choice for her, it wasn't something you want to do. You don't want to lock yourself in a building and not come out, Gabriella Chavez, an advocate with SLICK Refuge Community, said. Chavez said the woman was first arrested five years ago in Arizona when a man brought her into to the U.S. against her will. She was ordered to leave the county in December when a judge refused to grant her request for asylum. She worked and she had everything going here .and unfortunately because of her immigration status she was faced with the threat of being separated from her family, Chavez said. WOMAN LIKELY WALKING TO CANADA FREEZES TO DEATH IN MINNESOTA University Lutheran is part of a network of churches across the state that have agreed to house and protect people in fear of deportation. This is the first case, but Mass Community Action Network co-director Janine Carreiro-Young predicts it wont be the last. Read more at Boston 25. A public college in New York City is offering an undergraduate class called the "Abolition of Whiteness," adding to what critics say is a growing number of courses aimed at the study of "whiteness" at colleges and universities around the country. Hunter College -- a public school in Manhattan that is part of the City University of New York -- is advertising a course in its Fall 2017 catalog that examines "how whiteness and/or white supremacy and violence is intertwined with conceptions of gender, race, sexuality, class, body ability, nationality, and age." The "Abolition of Whiteness," taught by Prof. Jennifer Gaboury, can be taken as either a women and gender studies course or a political science class, according to the school's online course catalog. The class has drawn ire on conservative media sites, such as the Daily Caller and Campus Reform, where some readers expressed outrage over the course's title. Critics say the course is part of a rise in white studies classes in higher education, which they claim are "divisive" and detrimental to student learning. "These courses really pound a wedge between people based on race," said Arizona State Rep. Bob Thorpe, who had tried to ban a course at Arizona State University called "Whiteness and Race Theory." "They're not bringing people together and creating unity on the college campus," Thorpe told Fox News. "The taxpayers are funding these kinds of courses as well," said Thorpe, claiming, "You're not really seeing these classes in private institutions." But educators and those who work in academia say such classes are being distorted and critics are failing to recognize a fundamental purpose of higher education: to make students think for themselves. "Academic freedom protects the right for people to teach things that some might consider divisive," said Hans-Joerg Tiede of the American Association of University Professors. "A provocative title may encourage students to really think about the issues," said Tiede, who likened criticizing course titles -- like the one at Hunter College -- to judging a book by its cover. These courses really pound a wedge between people based on race. Arizona State Rep. Bob Thorpe Georgetown University, for instance, a private Catholic school, offers a popular theology course called, "The Problem of God," which "grapples with deep and difficult questions about life, meaning purpose and fulfillment," according to Georgetown's website. "It explores the notion of God and fundamental aspects of belief in such a being," says the school, where theology courses are a requirement for undergraduate students. "I am sure there may be people who look at Georgetowns course catalog and consider the class title to be offensive," noted Tiede. Tiede said he was not familiar with the "Abolition of Whiteness" course being offered at Hunter College but said the class was likely reviewed by a committee of people before it was approved. Neither the school nor the professor was immediately available for comment when contacted by Fox News. A syllabus for the course was not available online. "A course like this could investigate a number of issues regarding race relations in the United States," Tiede said. "Unfortunately, you have a far-right, outrage machine out there that is trolling the internet for titles that may upset some readers and to use that to sort of stoke resentment against higher education," added Tiede. "Im not questioning the right to do that I just don't think its productive or promotes the rights that higher education seeks to encourage." Thorpe, meanwhile, disagrees, saying such "white studies" courses only reinforce prejudices -- and may in some cases spur violence -- against a particular group. Thorpe and other critics note that such "polarizing" courses on white studies are on the rise across higher education institutions around the country. A class at Ohio State University, titled "Crossing Identity Boundaries," teaches students how to detect microaggressions and white privilege. And the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a course called, "The Problem of Whiteness," which has been roundly criticized by state Republican lawmakers. "I am extremely concerned that UW-Madison finds it appropriate to teach a course called, The Problem of Whiteness, with the premise that white people are racist, Rep. Dave Murphy, chairman of the Wisconsin Assemblys Committee on Colleges and Universities, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in a December 2016 interview. "If you had a class that said 'the problem with women' or 'the problem with blacks' it would never happen," Thorpe said of the course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "I think of Martin Luther King's famous words about how we should judge a person based on the content of their character and not the color of their skin," said Thorpe. "You would think that this would be a fairly settled issue but it is not." The overwhelming humanitarian catastrophe that is the Syrian civil war has been a special focus of Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Haley recently returned from a visit to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan and Turkey where she experienced a first-hand view of what many have been facing. It was amazing to see, she said of her many meetings with Syrian refugee families. The message she kept hearing, she said, was: We want to go home. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Haley recounted her visits to refugee camps that are temporary home to almost 3 million Syrians. Some have been living in limbo for as long as five years. She points to the humanitarian generosity of the United States for helping save the refugees' lives. The U.S. is the No. 1 provider of aid, she notes, providing more than $6.5 billion so far. US AMBASSADOR TO UN HAILS TURKISH SCHOOL FOR SYRIA REFUGEES "My goal in the trip to Jordan and Turkey was really to see what the status of the refugee situation was there," she said. "Jordan and Turkey deserve major props for how they host refugees. They are very welcoming their mindset, it is our duty to welcome them in. They have established health care for all of them, education for all of them, they get stipends, they are doing training, psychological support across the board. They are doing as much as they can." Haley has long harshly lambasted the diplomats from Russia, Syria and Iran on the Security Council for continuing the war that has claimed so many lives. The fighting has also driven millions of others out of the country and into the refugee camps. Moscow has so far vetoed eight Security Council resolutions regarding Syria as it works to protect the Assad regime from world anger. This week, Haley detailed to the Council diplomats the unimaginable cost of the continued fighting, highlighting a report by Amnesty International that detailed unspeakable horrors in Syrian President Bashar al Assad's notorious Saydnaya Prison. ON THE SYRIAN BORDER, HALEY CONFRONTS CIVIL WAR'S REALITY Haley said "the Assad regime has constructed a crematorium in the prison to dispose of the victims' bodies...Russia and Iran have either aided in or passively looked away as the Assad regime commits atrocities that are reminiscent of the history's worst war crimes." Haley said the message she took to the refugees was that the U.S. would not give up on trying to ease their suffering. But, she added, the ultimate goal is to help the displaced Syrians return home. She told Fox News that of all the refugees she met, not one expressed a desire to migrate to the United States. They all wanted to return home. Not one of them said we want to go to the United States, she said. And our goal should be, support those host countries that are feeling the pressure and the strain." Ms. Haley recounted one refugee who approached her with that plaintive message. "I had one refugee man come and stop me as I was walking though the camp, she recounted. And he said 'please keep talking about us. We watch you and we want you to keep supporting us. We don't need your money, we don't need food.' He said: 'We just need you to keep talking about how brutal Assad is and we need you not to forget us.'" HALEY WANTS UN TO SHIFT AID FOCUS TO NATIONS HOSTING SYRIANS Haley will return to the region next week. She will first stop in Geneva, Switzerland and address the UN Human Rights Council, becoming the first U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to do so. She is expected to call out the Council for what critics have long said has been one-sided criticism of Israel, while protecting violators of human rights such as Iran and Cuba. She will then travel to Israel for meetings with Israeli officials and is also expected to meet with Palestinian officials. Ben Evansky contributed to this report. A New York school custodian convicted last month of raping a minor more than a year ago was allowed to continue working his job after police failed to tip off district officials about the crime, a superintendent wrote in a letter to concerned parents and faculty. Samuel Campbell, a Brookside Elementary School janitor who has worked in the district since 1998, was convicted on May 1 of numerous charges, including third-degree rape of a victim under 17 and endangering the welfare of a child, stemming from an incident last April, The Journal News reported. Superintendent Raymond Sanchez wrote in a letter this week to parents and staff that law enforcement agencies in Poughkeepsie -- where Campbell was taken into custody -- didnt tip off the district about the ongoing arrest and conviction. 5 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARRESTED IN ALLEGED GANG RAPE "Had we been notified of his arrest, Mr. Campbell's employment would have been suspended until the legal process was completed," Sanchez wrote, adding that he would have been directed to stay away from visiting Brookside or any other school in the district." Town of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Ken Roman told Fox News that his agency handled the arrest and is looking into the matter, but would not comment further. Mr. Campbell never told the district that he had been arrested, charged, and tried, Sanchez said in the letter. Additionally, Mr. Campbells employment with the district predated fingerprinting laws and therefore the district never received notification of his initial arrest. Throughout the period from April 2016 to his conviction on May 1, 2017, he missed no significant time at work. Campbell is set to be sentenced Friday. FoxNews.com's Greg Norman contributed to this report. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the U.S. State Department over reports that it would not host a dinner ending the day's fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Erdogan said Thursday that the decision not to host an Iftar dinner amounted to discrimination and was causing Turkey's "views on the United States to change." He was speaking at an Iftar dinner in Ankara. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson turned down an initial proposal to hold an Iftar dinner but was still considering other possibilities for recognizing the occasion, according to State Department officials. Erdogan said: "Did you not say you did not oppose freedom of religion? What is this that you are doing?" One person was killed, two people were unaccounted for and at least a dozen others were injured in a massive explosion at an ethanol plant in central Wisconsin Wednesday night, officials told FOX6. Fire crews arrived at the Didion Milling plant after the blast occurred about 11 p.m., authorities told WKOW-TV. Three medevac flights also assisted at the scene. "We are praying for our team, Riley Didion, the president of Didion Milling, told WISC-TV. There's a lot we don't know right now. Our prayers are with everyone." A hospital spokesperson said they were treating people from the incident, but did not specify the number or extent of their injuries. All lanes of Highway 146 -- between highways 16 and 33 -- were closed in both directions due to the ongoing situation, state transportation officials said. The blast caused power outages in Cambria and nearby Randolph, but was mostly contained by 12:30 a.m. Officials were still on the scene Thursday morning. Two Republican U.S. senators slammed Wednesday a law recently passed by Egypt's president as "draconian" for imposing heavy restrictions and effectively banning the work of non-governmental organizations the latest among measures cracking down on dissent in the country. Republican Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham urged President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to bring the law on NGOs in line with international standards and the Egyptian constitution. "Congress should strengthen democratic benchmarks and human rights conditions on U.S. assistance for Egypt," they said in a statement. Egypt is the second largest recipient of military aid from the United States after Israel, receiving about $1.3 billion annually. President Donald Trump met with el-Sissi in the White House in April but made no mention of Egypt's human rights record in the post-meeting statement, signaling more tolerance as opposed to the Obama administration, which kept human rights higher up in its agenda with Egypt. The law has triggered wide international backlash and raised concerns over human rights conditions in Egypt. The European Union said the law is "likely to directly affect" its assistance, which relies on cooperation with NGOs. Amnesty International said the law is a "catastrophic blow" and could be a "death sentence" for human rights groups in the Mideast country. Similarly, Germany's Federal Government Human Rights Commissioner, Barbel Kofler, expressed his concern about the law. But Egypt defended the law, saying it was drafted and passed in accordance with constitutional provisions. The Foreign Ministry said the law "supports and empowers civil society." The legislation was put into effect just one week after Egyptian authorities arrested potential presidential candidate Khaled Ali on charges that he violated public decency. He has since been released on bail pending trial. Authorities have also blocked access to a string of websites critical of the government, including Qatar's Al-Jazeera Network, Mada Masr and Daily News Egypt. El-Sissi is grappling with an insurgency by Islamic militants in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, an economy struggling to keep up with demands and employment needs of Egypt's surging population, and a sustained campaign of violence against the country's Christian minority. An Israeli soldier was injured on Thursday in a stabbing attack by a 15-year-old Palestinian girl who was then shot and critically wounded by troops at the scene, the army and the girl's father said. The attack took place near an Israeli settlement in northern West Bank. Okab Infeat said his 15-year-old daughter Nouf had gone to school on Thursday to pick up her eighth-grade report card and didn't return home. Infeat said he was questioned by Israeli security forces for four hours about the girl and her family life. Infeat said his daughter did not suffer from social or psychological problems. The Israeli military said the soldier was moderately wounded. In its initial statement, it referred to the assailant as a woman, not a teenage girl. The army said the soldier and the assailant were taken by ambulance to an Israeli hospital. Since violence escalated in 2015, Palestinians have killed 42 Israelis, two visiting Americans and a British student in attacks. During that time, some 246 Palestinians died by Israeli fire; Israel has said most of them were attackers. Israel blames the violence on incitement by Palestinian leaders, which is compounded by social media sites that glorify and encourage attacks. Palestinians say the attacks stem from frustration from decades of Israeli rule in territory they claim for their state. Cyberspace faces an approaching risk of "permanent war" between states and criminal or extremist organizations because of increasingly destructive hacking attacks, the head of the French government's cybersecurity agency warned Thursday. In a wide-ranging interview in his office with The Associated Press, Guillaume Poupard lamented a lack of commonly agreed rules to govern cyberspace and said: "We must work collectively, not just with two or three Western countries, but on a global scale." "With what we see today attacks that are criminal, from states, often for espionage or fraud but also more and more for sabotage or destruction we are getting closer, clearly, to a state of war, a state of war that could be more complicated, probably, than those we've known until now," he said. His comments echoed testimony from the head of the U.S. National Security Agency, Adm. Michael Rogers, to the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 9. Rogers spoke of "cyber effects" being used by states "to maintain the initiative just short of war" and said: "'Cyber war' is not some future concept or cinematic spectacle, it is real and here to stay." Poupard said "the most nightmare scenario, the point of view that Rogers expressed and which I share" would be "a sort of permanent war between states, between states and other organizations, which can be criminal and terrorist organizations where everyone will attack each other, without really knowing who did what. A sort of generalized chaos that could affect all of cyberspace." Poupard is director general of the government cyber-defense agency known in France by its acronym, ANSSI. Its agents were immediately called to deal with the aftermath of a hack and massive document leak that hit the election campaign of President Emmanuel Macron just two days before his May 7 victory. Contrary to Rogers, who said the U.S. warned France of "Russian activity" before Macron's win, Poupard didn't point the finger at Russia. He told the AP that ANSSI's investigation found no trace behind the Macron hack of the notorious hacking group APT28 identified by the U.S. government as a Russian intelligence outfit and blamed for hacks of the U.S. election campaign, anti-doping agencies and other targets. The group also is known by other names, including "Fancy Bear." Poupard described the Macron campaign hack as "not very technological" and said: "The attack was so generic and simple that it could have been practically anyone." Without ruling out the possibility that a state might have been involved, he said the attack's simplicity "means that we can imagine that it was a person who did this alone. They could be in any country." "It really could be anyone. It could even be an isolated individual," he said. Poupard contrasted the "Macron Leaks" hack with another far more sophisticated attack that took French broadcaster TV5 Monde off the air in 2015. There, "very specific tools were used to destroy the equipment" in the attack that "resembles a lot what we call collectively APT28," he said. "To say 'Macron Leaks' was APT28, I'm absolutely incapable today of doing that," he said. "I have absolutely no element to say whether it is true or false." Rogers, the NSA director, said in his Senate Armed Services hearing that U.S. authorities gave their French counterparts "a heads-up" before the Macron documents leaked that: "'We are watching the Russians. We are seeing them penetrate some of your infrastructure. Here is what we have seen. What can we do to try to assist?'" Poupard said Rogers' comments left him perplexed and that the French had long been on alert about potential threats to their presidential election. "Why did Admiral Rogers say that, like that, at that time? It really surprised me. It really surprised my European allies. And to be totally frank, when I spoke about it to my NSA counterparts and asked why did he say that, they didn't really know how to reply either," he said. "Perhaps he went further than what he really wanted to say." Still, Poupard said the attack highlighted the cyber-threat to democratic processes. "Unfortunately, we now know the reality that we are going to live with forever, probably," he said. Poupard said France suffers "about 20" very serious attacks each year "very serious means that they shouldn't have happened and the impacts were very serious for the entire nation." The attack on TV5 was a rare public example. In 2016, others targeted government administrations and big companies quoted on the benchmark French stock market index, the CAC-40, he said. Pointing fingers at suspected authors is fraught with risk, because sophisticated attackers can mask their activities with false trails, he said. "We suffered attacks that were attributed to China, that we think came from China. Among them, some came from China. China is big, I don't know if it was the state, criminals," he said. "What I am certain of is that among these attacks, some strangely resembled Chinese attacks but in fact didn't come from China." "If you start to accuse one country when in fact it was another country ... we'll get international chaos," he said. "We'll get what we all fear, which is to say a sort of permanent conflict where everyone is attacking everyone else." One of the founders of ISIS propaganda arm reportedly was killed in his hometown during a coalition airstrike in eastern Syria. Rayan Mashal and his daughter were in their home Wednesday in the city of Al-Mayadin, part of Deir ez-Zor province, when coalition forces launched a bombing attack, according to the Facebook post Wednesday by Mashals brother, Hozaifa Abo Alyaman, the Middle East Media Research Institute reported. "I break the news to you of the death of my older brother Bara' Kadek, known as Rayan Mash'al, together with his daughter Lian, as a result of a coalition forces aerial bombing of his home in the region of Al-Mayadin in Deir ez-Zor," the post said. Mashal was one of the founders of the Halab news agency at the beginning of the rebellion in Syria before going on to co-found ISIS media division, known as the Amaq news agency, in 2013, according to an announcement of his death by the pro-ISIS Al-Haq media outlet. The militant group itself has not reported the death of Mashal. It is through social media channels that ISIS often claims responsibility for terror attacks throughout the world. Amaq has become the terror groups fastest and most reliable source of information, using it to post videos and claims of attacks. It has remained online despite bans from social media platforms. Rita Katz, director of the U.S.-based SITE monitoring service, said on Twitter that a coalition strike allegedly killed [Mashal] in Deir ez-Zor and that since its founding, Amaq claimed responsibility for at least two dozen attacks worldwide, according to Reuters. There was no immediate comment from coalition forces. Last week, the coalition told The Associated Press it had carried out a series of airstrikes on May 25 and 26 targeting the ISIS media infrastructure and propaganda facilities. It said at the time that targeting such facilities degrades the groups abilities and inspiration for foreign attacks. Al-Mayadin has become a refuge for ISIS leaders as the group has come under increasing attack in Mosul in Iraq and their de facto capital Raqqa. Some Syria watchers said the groups media operations have moved to Al-Mayadin as the U.S.-led coalition and allied Syrian Kurdish-led forces close in on Raqqa. The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story. "You are performing rather than signing": S. Sargsyan to Aznavour Serzh Sargsyan attended a ceremonious event held at the Charles Aznavour House-Museum, during which the key of Charles Aznavour House Museum was handed over to Aznavour Foundation by the State. *** Serzh Sargsyans Remarks at Charles Aznavour House-Museum Key Handover Ceremony Dear Friends, Dear Charles, I am very happy to be here today and enjoy this warm and nice atmosphere in the Charles Aznavour House-Museum, which makes credit not only to Yerevan, but to the whole society of Armenia. Yerevan is rich in tourist attractions, historical sites and cultural centers, but this house-museum adds relish to Yerevan and gives new impetus to our cultural life. There is no need to introduce Charles Aznavour. He is already well known, the Maestro. We are happy to be your contemporaries and regularly enjoy your art and your performances. In fact, you are performing rather than signing on the stage, since every song of yours is a full-fledged artistic performance. Aznavour is a legend, a walking legend, which belongs not only to France, Armenia and the Armenian people, but to the whole humanity. The Armenian-French relations are interconnected by thousands of ties and the proof of that is that the last three presidents of France Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande have visited Armenia. Francois Hollande has paid three visits to Armenia; twice as the President of France. I do hope that this tradition will be upheld by President-elect Emmanuel Macron, and together with you, dear Maestro, we will host him in this house-museum. I wish you robust health, long life so that we could enjoy your art many years ahead. Thank you very much for accepting the proposal to have a house-museum in Yerevan. It is an honor for us, and you may rest assured that we will live up to the honor. Thank you and accept my congratulations. Detectives investigating the Manchester Arena bomber have released more CCTV images of him as they piece together his movements after returning to the UK from Libya. Salman Abedi left Britain on April 15 and returned on May 18, four days before carrying out his suicide attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert. Some 22 people were killed in the bombing. Many of Abedi's movements and actions in the four days after he returned were carried out alone, but detectives have not ruled out that he may have been part of a "wider network". The newly-released images of him include some with a blue suitcase that is yet to be located. Police are appealing for anyone who saw Abedi in the Rusholme area of Manchester between May 18 and 22 to come forward. Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "We know that Abedi left the country on 15 April and arrived back on the 18 May and we now know from our enquiries that he purchased parts for the bomb after arriving back. "What we still need to understand is if he had any of the bomb parts in his possession before he went out of the country, this is why we are tracking his movements so carefully. Read more from SkyNews. 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. Recent actions by South Korea President Moon Jae-in and China's President Xi Jinping have raised questions about the sincerity of both countries in helping the U.S. reign in North Korea's nuclear program. President Trump invited President Xi to visit Mar-a-Lago last winter, and expressed optimism about the good intentions of President Xi in this Monday tweet: "North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbor, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile...but China is trying hard!" But some analysts believe President Xi and South Korean President Moon are playing a duplicitous game with China hoping to pull South Korea, as well as North Korea, closer into its orbit and away from the U.S. sphere of influence. A NEW BALANCE OF TERROR: WHY NORTH KOREA CLINGS TO ITS NUKES South Korea's President Moon lashed out at the U.S. on Tuesday after his own defense ministry failed to notify him that the Pentagon sent four more batteries of THAAD (Theatre High Altitude Area Defense missiles) to South Korea. China is also wary of those missiles, fearing the U.S. may place them in Japan, too, as a part of a NATO-like alliance of Japan, South Korea and the U.S. to block Chinese ambitions. "It's another symptom of the fact that relations between the U.S. and South Korea today and will become ever more troubled as we see the events on the Korean peninsula unfold," said Graham Allison, professor of government at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and author of the new book, "Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap?" South Korea's Jeju Air said on Tuesday that China had approved a plan to double its flights to China starting Friday. Cultural exchanges between the two countries are also being increased. That, as it becomes clear China's moratorium on the purchase of North Korean coal exports have largely been a ruse. US CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL MISSILE INTERCEPT TEST, PENTAGON SAYS "We know that the Chinse bought North Korean coal in February after the announcement [of the moratorium] in March, in April, and in May," said Gordon Chang, author of "The Coming Collapse of China." "The Chinese have been buying minerals that the UN Security Council resolution prohibits North Korea from selling. Indeed, in the first quarter of 2017, China-North Korea trade was up 37.4 percent from the same period in 2016. Yet, the U.S. remains hopeful that it will be Chinese influence that ultimately gets North Korea to halt its nuclear program. "At this point, I do believe and I think the administration believes that China is doing back-channel networking with North Korea in a way that's getting them to try and stop the nuclear testing," UN Ambassador Nikki Haley told reporters on Tuesday. But many experts agree that only U.S. action will force North Korea's hand either a concession like pulling out U.S. THAAD missiles out of South Korea, or a tougher stance perhaps sanctioning Chinese banks that are helping to fund North Korea's nuclear program. Either way, the growing consensus is time is running short. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Below is a look at the accord and what a withdrawal would mean. What is the Paris Climate Agreement? Nearly 200 nations, including the United States under President Barack Obama's administration, agreed in 2015 to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to combat climate change. The countries each set their own emissions targets, though these goals are not legally binding. A priority "is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius," according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Developed nations are also supposed to offer financial aid to developing ones so they can move toward cleaner energy sources, NBC News reported. What did the United States pledge? The U.S. pledged to lower its annual greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels, which would be a reduction of about 1.6 billion tons of annual emissions. The U.S. is the world's second-largest emitter of carbon, while China takes the top spot. Beijing, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its targets under the Paris accord, recently canceling construction of about 100 coal-fired power plants and investing billions in massive wind and solar projects. The Obama administration pledged as much as $3 billion to less wealthy nations by 2020, with the U.S. giving $1 billion, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. PARIS AGREEMENT GIVES US LEVERAGE OVER CHINA, OBAMA'S TOP ECONOMIC ADVISOR SAYS Who hasn't signed the accord? Nicaragua and Syria. They are the two holdouts in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which includes a total of 197 countries, Reuters reported. What has been Trump's stance? Trump claimed before taking office that climate change was a "hoax" created by the Chinese to hurt the U.S. economy. The assertion stands in defiance of broad scientific consensus. During his overseas trip in May, European leaders pressed Trump to keep the U.S. in the landmark agreement. While at the G-7 Summit in Taormina, Italy, Trump declined to join fellow G-7 members Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom in their pledge to uphold it. PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT: TRUMP EXPECTED TO PULL OUT OF PACT How will a withdrawal happen? Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt is part of a small team working out withdrawal details, Axios reported on Wednesday. Who supported leaving the deal? Pruitt and Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon supported an exit. "It's a bad deal for America," Pruitt told Fox and Friends in April. Jared Kushner, the president's senior adviser and son-in-law, generally thinks the climate deal is bad, according to the AP, but would like to find a way to see if the U.S. emissions targets can be changed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and 21 other Republican senators sent Trump a letter last week urging him to follow through on his campaign pledge to pull out of the climate accord. Most of the senators who signed are from states that depend on the continued burning of coal, oil and gas. "We applaud you for your ongoing efforts to reduce overregulation in America," the letter was quoted by the New York Times as saying. Twelve House Republicans have also signed a letter which encouraged leaving the deal, according to the newspaper. What has the response been to withdrawal from the U.S.? Trump is "choosing to put American jobs and American consumers first" with his announcement that the U.S. will withdraw, Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday. He praised Trump's leadership and said Trump is "is choosing to put the forgotten men and women of America first." Abandoning the pact was one of Trump's principal campaign pledges. "Even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I'm confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we've got," Obama said in a statement on Thursday. Five Nordic countries had written Trump a last-minute letter which urged him to "make the right decision" and keep America signed onto the Paris climate accord. The leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce global warming was a commitment "to our children." Before Trump's announcement, House Democratic leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, on Wednesday called the president's expected decision "a stunning abdication of American leadership and a grave threat to our planet's future." The agreement "honors our collective moral responsibility to leave future generations with a planet that is clean, healthy and sustainable," she said. On Wednesday, the U.N.'s main Twitter page quoted Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying, "Climate change is undeniable. Climate change is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable." The European Union and China will reaffirm their commitment to the Paris climate change accord this week regardless of whether Trump pulls out of the pact, a senior European Union official said. The EU and China are expected to "spell out" how they plan to meet their commitments to the accord at talks in Brussels on Friday, the official told reporters Wednesday. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte continued to lash out at Chelsea Clinton for the second straight day after she criticized a comment he made about rapes committed by soldiers. Duterte, speaking at a Navy event Wednesday, questioned if the daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton criticized her father for his affair with Monika Lewinsky in the White House during his presidency. He reiterated his remarks Thursday in a speech to newly appointed government officials. PHILIPPINE'S DUTERTE SLAMS CHELSEA CLINTON OVER RAPE COMMENT CRITICISM "When your father was screwing Lewinsky and the rest of the young girls there in the office of the president, on the table, on the floor, on the sofa, did you raise any" criticism? Duterte said Thursday. Duterte, who took office last year, is known for his foul-mouthed comments about leaders and has previously targeted President Barack Obama, Pope Francis and the U.S. ambassador to the Phillipines. He has claimed that he was being sarcastic when he told troops last week that he would take responsibility for any crimes they commit while implementing martial law that he declared in the southern third of the country even if they rape three women. Chelsea Clinton, who was a teenager when her fathers scandal began, reacted to Dutertes rape comment on Twitter saying: Not funny ever. She has not responded to the recent criticism from the Philippine leader. PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT JOKES ABOUT RAPE IN SPEECH TO SOLDIERS Dutertes often profanity-laced speeches are shown live on the government television station and are usually later edited by the presidential palace to mute the foul language. Official transcripts replace expletives with ellipses after the first letter of the word, as most local newspapers also do. That was the case Wednesday when his live speech contained crude expletives about Bill Clinton's relationship with Lewinsky that were later muted in the video posted on the government website. The presidential palace Facebook page livestreams Duterte's speeches and they are archived without scrubbing expletives. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The United Nations announced Thursday that it will hold its 2018 Climate Change Conference in Katowice, a Polish city in the heart of a coal-producing region that is one of the most polluted areas in all of Europe. Environmentalists welcomed the decision and said they hope it will inspire the development of renewable energy in an area whose economy is dependent on coal and heavy industry. Ilona Jedrasik, a Warsaw-based spokeswoman for environmental group ClientEarth, said she hopes "it will give a strong signal to the local community that our economy needs transformation to one based on low emissions technology and green energy." There are actually many local initiatives to develop green energy that are little-known and which should be encouraged, she said. "Those in the coal industry know we need to do this but don't get any direction from the government to make the transition," she said. The choice of Katowice was announced Thursday during a meeting in Tuczno, Poland, between Polish Environment Minister Jan Szysko and Patricia Espinosa, the executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Espinosa said that 2018 will be an "important year for international climate diplomacy as nations move forward to implement the Paris Climate Change Agreement." Poland also hosted such conferences in 2008 in Poznan and in 2013 in Warsaw, and presided over a meeting in Bonn in 1999. A masked gunman stormed a hotel-casino complex in the Philippine capital early Friday, shooting up a TV screen, torching gambling tables and stuffing a backpack with casino chips before being found dead of an apparent suicide, officials said. Metropolitan Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said the English-speaking suspect described him as "white, with a mustache" and about 6 feet tall, was found dead with his rifle on the fifth floor of the Resorts World Manila complex. Police are still searching the suspect's car, parked on the second floor. Before the attack, Albayalde said he got out of the car and entered the building with his rifle. The guards at the door then ran away after seeing the armed man, according to Albayalde. The suspect took 113 million pesos ($226,000) worth of gambling chips, which were found in a bag he was carrying. Abayalde says there was no indication the incident was terrorism, saying the suspect lost in the casino and wanted to get his money back, or went "totally nuts." A guard was shot during the melee but survived, and more than 70 others suffered mostly minor injuries in a stampede to get away from the gunman, who was wielding an assault rifle. The attack sent hundreds fleeing into the night and produced an immediate claim of terrorism from an Islamic State-affiliated operative, according to U.S. terror monitors. But within three hours of the violence at the complex near Manila's airport, police insisted that they uncovered no ties to terror and suggested the motive could have been robbery. "He would have shot all the people gambling there" if it had been terrorism, said the national police chief, Gen. Ronald dela Rosa. "But he did not hurt anyone." Added dela Rosa: "Do not panic. This is not a cause for alarm. We are just alert. ... We cannot attribute this to terrorism without concrete evidence." The security guard shot was the waist by the gunman and about 75 others suffered mostly minor injuries such as bruising as they stampeded to get out, said police officer Jeffrey Francisco. The violence unfolded as Muslim militants aligned with the Islamic State group fended off government forces for a 10th day in the southern city of Marawi. That unrest had sparked fears that the militants might attack elsewhere to divert the focus of thousands of troops trying to quell the siege. In Friday's attack, the gunman stole gambling chips, shot TV screens and set gambling tables ablaze by pouring gasoline on them at Resorts World Manila, dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa said CCTV footage showed the gunman ignoring a security guard who tried to question him at the entrance to the complex. He did not hurt the guard but went straight to the gambling area, dela Rosa said. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs confirmed there were reports of explosions and gunfire at the resort and urged people to avoid the area. During an address at the White House Rose Garden to announce he withdrawal of the US from the Paris Climate Accord, Trump said the White House is "closing monitoring the situation." "It is really very sad what is going on throughout the world with terror," Trump said. "Our thoughts and our prayers are with everyone involved." Videos posted on social media showed hotel guests running out of the resorts with sounds of apparent gunfire in the background. Smoke began billowing from the upper floor of the building and some reported seeing masked men guns inside the building. A witness at the resort told ABS-CBN News that he saw the attacker setting casino tables on fire. He added that hotel guests, some foreigners, headed toward the emergency exits while others ran to the building's basement. Resorts World Manila is touted as a popular tourist destination that includes a shopping center, casino and hotels. It's located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The Philippines have been grappling with unrest in the Mindanao region, where President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law through mid-July in an attempt to crush the insurrection. Militants linked to the Islamic State group laid siege to Marawi to take control of the city. Duterte sent in the military, with 3,000 soldiers and 30 warplanes involved in the fight to clear the city of ISIS militants, among them foreign fighters from Yemen and Chechnya. On May 23, the Philippine military launched a botched raid to capture the self-proclaimed head of ISIS in the Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon. Around 500 ISIS fighters had stockpiled weapons in Marawi. Around 90 percent of the city has been cleared of ISIS militants in recent days, but there have been setbacks including friendly fire bombing that killed Philippine soldiers in recent days. The SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. terrorism monitor, said an Islamic State-linked Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi claimed "lone wolf soldiers" of the Islamic State group were responsible for the attack. An English message by the operative was distributed across several pro-IS Telegram chat groups, SITE said. According to SITE, he wrote: "The lone wolf soldiers of Khilafah attack the heart of Kufar the city of Manila in Resort World." In recent years, small militant groups in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have begun unifying under the banner of the Islamic State group. Jose Calida, the top Philippine prosecutor, said last week that the violence on the large southern island of Mindanao "is no longer a rebellion of Filipino citizens." Fox News' Jennifer Griffin, Alex Diaz, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Russia's envoy to NATO warned Thursday that Moscow is concerned by the alliance's military deployment in the Baltic States and Poland, and will respond to the buildup, as thousands of U.S. and European troops trained on land, sea and in the air in central and eastern Europe. "NATO is building a new military security situation that we cannot ignore, that we should address using our own military instruments," Ambassador Alexander Grushko said in Brussels. He declined to spell out what kind of measures Russia might take, saying only that "NATO's movements will not be left without a response in terms of military planning." Twelve NATO countries are deploying a total of around 4,600 troops to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland and the four battlegroups are due to be fully up and running within two weeks. NATO says it's a deterrent move aimed at countering aggression by Russia, which seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014. "NATO is a defensive alliance and we do not seek confrontation with Russia," NATO spokesman Piers Cazalet said. "NATO had no plan to deploy forces in the region before Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea." Separately, around 4,000 U.S. and European troops from 14 nations were taking part in the annual Baltic Operations navy exercise that opened Thursday in the Baltic Sea port of Szczecin, in Poland, one of Russia's neighbors. The war games involve ground forces backed by about 50 ships and submarines and over 50 aircraft, and will run through June 16. In Romania, meanwhile, another 2,000 soldiers, 1,000 assistance personnel and 500 vehicles from 11 NATO nations were training in the alliance's "Noble Jump 2017" drill. In a conversation with reporters that painted a bleak picture of NATO-Russia ties, Grushko also said that Moscow sees no shift in U.S. defense policy since President Donald Trump came to office. "In real steps, there is not any change of U.S. policy through NATO vis-a -vis Russia," he said, noting that Washington has increased defense spending in Europe by 40 percent in its 2018 budget. Grushko also questioned why European allies would boost spending, as Trump insisted they should during last week's NATO summit, when their combined defense budgets are already greater than Russia and China together. He also said that the multitude of global threats means it's impossible for any group of states or organization like NATO "to create an island of security." "If Europe is really interested in improving its own security, it is simply not possible to do it without Russia," Grushko said. Following the summit and G-7 meetings last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that Europe's relationship with the U.S. had shifted significantly, saying that "the times in which we can fully count on others are somewhat over, as I have experienced in the past few days." ___ Monika Scislowska reported from Warsaw, Poland. The founder of the Islamic State group news agency was reported killed with his daughter in an airstrike last week in eastern Syria, opposition activists said Thursday. The militant group itself has not reported the death of the Aamaq agency founder, Baraa Kadek. Activists said Kadek was close to the IS leadership, gaining their trust and reportedly meeting with the enigmatic leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Kadek's brother, Hozaifa, and former friends reported his death, saying he died when a suspected airstrike by the U.S.-led international coalition fighting IS hit his home in the town of Mayadeen in Deir el-Zour province. The brother posted the announcement on his Facebook page. A former colleague said Kadek and his daughter and wife were wounded in an airstrike last Friday and that he died of his wounds Wednesday. Mohammed Khaled, executive manager of Aleppo 24, an activist-operated media platform and a former friend of Kadek, said his wife remains in critical condition. IS supporters and activist websites reported Wednesday that a prominent IS cleric was also killed in an airstrike. The circumstances and whereabouts of the death of Turki al-Binali, a Bahraini cleric who rose to be one of the group's leading ideologues, were conflicting. Some supporters said he died in an airstrike in Deir el-Zour; other activists said he died in Raqqa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said an IS leading figure, believed to be from the Gulf, was killed in airstrikes in the last 48 hours, though it couldn't confirm if it was al-Binali. If confirmed, al-Binali's death would be a major blow to the group as it struggles with intensified attacks in Iraq and Syria. Al-Binali was also among the IS leaders that helped set up the group's branch in Libya. He also provided religious justification for the enslavement of hundreds of women from Iraq's Yazidi minority. There was no immediate comment from the coalition on the reported deaths. Last week, the coalition told The Associated Press it had carried out a series of airstrikes on May 25 and 26 targeting IS media infrastructure and "propaganda facilities." It said at the time that targeting such facilities "degrades" the group's capabilities and its tools to inspire attacks on foreign lands. At the time, activists said the coalition airstrikes killed at least 35 civilians, including family members of IS. Mayadeen has become a refuge for IS leaders as the group comes under attack in Mosul in Iraq and their de-facto capital Raqqa in Syria. Some Syria watchers said the group's media operations have moved to Mayadeen as the coalition and allied Syrian Kurdish-led forces close in on Raqqa. Khaled, the former friend, said Kadek became trusted by the IS leadership after he supported their presence in the city of Aleppo in 2013. The militants later clashed with other rebel factions, who eventually chased them out of Aleppo. Khaled said Kadek met with al-Baghdadi in 2014 in Iraq during an introduction to the Aamaq network. "He even bragged in one of his posts about being 'honored' by a meeting with al-Baghdadi," Khaled said, speaking from Syria. Kadek was also a friend of Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, IS's powerful spokesman who was killed in an airstrike in Aleppo in September 2016. Aamaq news agency which surfaced in 2014_has become the group's fastest and most reliable media arm. IS militants have used it to post news, videos and claims of their attacks worldwide. It has remained online despite bans from social media platforms. The group has other media outlets, including a daily recorded news bulletin and a weekly magazine. Kadek was first known for his support of the moderate opposition and rebel groups, founding a media platform to cover their news. Khaled said his transformation was remarkable and came as funds dried up for the network he founded in the early days of the revolt against Syria's government. Originally from Aleppo province, he joined IS in 2013, covered their activities in Aleppo and later moved on to found Aamaq. In other developments, a Syrian Kurdish party denied rumors that an Iraqi government-backed and mainly Shiite militia, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, had entered northern Syria on Thursday and seized two villages abandoned by the Islamic State group. Some Iraqi Shiite factions have aligned themselves with Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces, such as Harakat Nujaba. Speculation on social media raised concerns the Iraqi Shiite militiamen would try to seize Syrian territory at the expense of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in the north. An Iraqi Shiite lawmaker and a spokesman for the PMF, Ahmed al-Asadi, denied the move into Syria, saying the forces "only want to secure the nearly 400-kilometer (250-mile) -border from the Iraqi side. However, an Iraqi Shiite commander who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for the PMF, said they had in fact entered two Syrian villages for a couple of hours "to convey a message to the Americans and (Kurdish-led) Syrian Democratic that we are able to do it." ___ Associated Press writers Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad and Philip Issa in Beirut contributed to this report. The main task of our army is to ensure full safety of our nation: Artsakhpress Artsakhpress news agency had an interview with Spokesperson of the Artsakh Republic Defense Army, Colonel Senor Hasratyan on yet another disinformation and threats disseminated by Azerbaijan on May 31 and other issues of public interest. -Mr Hasratyan, yesterday the Azerbaijani side disseminated yet another disinformation, accusing the Republic of Artsakh Defense Army of ceasefire violation with mortars. To what extent this information corresponds to reality? -I have already had an occasion to answer this question and I completely refuted this disinformation disseminated by the adversarys agitprop. Specifically it refers to the messages about the "blame" invented and circulated by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's press service and their imaginary successes. In these messages the Azerbaijani side on the one hand ascribed the baseless blame of shelling their settlements with mortars to the Armenian armed forces, on the other hand they released another disinformation, mentioning that they have destroyed a permanent fortification and video monitoring system of Artsakh Army? This information is just a typical example of Azerbaijani primitive propaganda. What refers to the shelling of the Azerbaijani settlements, I must say that this tactic is not special to the Armenian side not only for today, in "neither peace nor war" situation, but also during the hottest and brutal military actions. In response to the idle chatter of Baku's agitprop, I need to note that no cases of ceasefire breach with mortars have been registered on May 30 to overnight May 31, as well as during the day. -In addition to the disseminated information, they also issued such a statement that Azerbaijan MOD did not consider it unnecessary to warn that if continued, the Azerbaijani armed forces will shell logistics facilities of the Armenian side, with artillery weapons. What can you say about this? -To issue statements after such false pompous accusations is a special style of Azerbaijani agitprop. The main task of our army is to ensure full safety of our nation, and we are ready at any time and under any circumstances. The Azerbaijani agitprop must understand that constantly issuing pompous statements in information field does not mean to have real success in battlefield. It show wars, including the experience of our war. -What is the reason of the change of the frequency of spreading daily reports about the situation on the frontline? -I will try very briefly to present my point of view. We all, and especially those journalists who are associated with army, should understand that those decisions made in our armed forces, are deeply thought out, and they are made to solve solely military tactical issues. KABUL, Afghanistan -- Tucked deep inside the compound of Afghanistan's paramount foreign and domestic intelligence agency is a detention facility that houses the country's most hardened accused terrorists. It's a quiet place of old pale buildings, few windows and layers upon layers of security. Outside, a low-profile, gray Toyota Hilux pulls up and two freshly captured terrorists, blind-folded, are carefully pulled from the back of the pickup and led into their new confinement at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) facility. Inside, a young Taliban fighter is brought upstairs from the cell he shares with several others and led into a small, dimly lit ground floor room. Wearing his prison garb of black flip-flops and a deep green, orange-trimmed shalwar -- the traditional men's Afghan dress -- he sits down, appearing nervous. There are neither handcuffs nor blindfolds. His name is Haibatullah, and like many Afghans only uses one name. He is 18 years old. Haibatullah agrees to speak to Fox News, of his own will, to detail his descent into the dark path of Taliban terrorism, which started when he was 17, some 10 months ago. A friend, he says, convinced him to travel more than 300 miles from his home in the southeastern province of Ghazni to the Pakistan border city of Quetta, a city known to be a haven for Taliban members and one filled with people who support the group's hard-line ideology. "He said that the Americans and foreigners do whatever they want to our country," Haibatullah says, referring to his friend's "motivation" speech. "And we must fight the foreigners." Once in the Quetta camp, which he refers to as the "secret brick camp," the indoctrination of hate only went deeper. For two months, Haibatullah was trained to use an array of guns and weapons and recite verses from the Quran to convince him that it was "mandatory to use jihad against foreigners" and "fight the infidels." Haibatullah -- a timid, unshaven, almost child-like figure -- cowers a little more and suddenly announces that he has something to say. He buries his head in his hands and weeps silently. For long moments, nothing is said. During training, a mullah told him to prepare to be a suicide bomber, but he refused on the grounds that he "was not ready." He says he was repeatedly told to engage in sexual acts with the mullah, but he continued to say no. Then one day after lunch, Haibatullah -- just 17 at the time -- claims that the mullah called him away. He woke up in a state of confusion and excruciating pain some time later, his legs covered in blood. "After that," Haibatullah goes on, fidgeting and grief catching his voice. "He told me that he filmed the rape and if I didn't follow his orders and bomb myself, he would reveal the tape." Haibatullah was raped two more times after that. The mullah, he says, called his parents and told them that their son was with the Taliban and because of that he had nowhere to go, nobody wanted him. Haibatullah suspects others also were drugged and raped, but he never said a word and nor did anyone else. According to a NDS official, who was present in the room during the detainee interview but requested to not be named, Haibatullah's story is almost certainly true and not unique. Drugging victims and filming rapes for blackmail has become a standard weapon of coercion used by Taliban leadership. Another high-ranking NDS official also pointed out that the mullahs generally separate the "most vulnerable minds" for such atrocities, and that they also are witnessing an increase in detainees who have been intravenously administered large amounts of human growth hormone. After training and filled with silent shame, Haibatullah crossed freely back with others into Afghanistan, where he spent several more weeks in the eastern Laghman province, awaiting mission orders. The instruction came in November. Their target was the German Consulate in the northern province of Mazar-e-Sharif. They were told to kill, that only foreigners would be inside and that they must kill each and every one of those foreigners. So Haibatullah and four Taliban comrades took a private car north to Mazar-e-Sharif, believing it to be their last day on earth. On the morning of Nov. 11 last year, one of his crew -- adorned with a suicide vest -- rammed a truck into the consulate. The blast overturned nearby cars, blew out shop windows and left a crater in the ground. The others, including Haibatullah, opened fire. Of the assailants, Haibatullah alone survived. The attack remains something of a blurry horror movie. He remembers the chaos, the body parts, the burning building and the smell of smoke. He remembers running across the street, reeling with shock and fear of what he had just done. He remembers his head pounding with the sound of the "big bang" repeating over and over. He remembers walking a little way, unable to control his legs. And then in the midst of it all, Haibatullah curled up on the hard ground and fell asleep. He doesn't know how long he slept, but when woke up he wasn't sure whether he was alive or dead. Then the shout of an NDS Special Forces soldier rang out, ordering him not to move. Haibatullah's "fight for freedom against foreigners" had just ended in handcuffs. That attack left 20 civilians dead and more than 120 wounded. Although the target, no members of the German Consulate staff were injured. While Haibatullah says he is still not sure whether having Americans and other NATO forces in Afghanistan is a "good or bad thing," he reiterates multiple times that one thing is for certain: His acts in Mazar-e-Sharif, the killing of his own countrymen, was a mistake. "I am 100 percent regretful," he says. The Taliban leaders did not pay Haibatullah or his cohorts a salary, but their expenses such as fuel and food were covered. Before carrying out the German Consulate attack, they were each given $50. In his pre-Taliban life, Haibatullah had completed his education up until ninth grade and then joined his father selling vegetables at a local bazaar. He says no members of his family or extended family belonged to the Taliban or any associated group, and that they were a poor, yet proud, family. "My father even used what money he had to enroll me in a private school," Haibatullah recalls. He says he did not inform them that he was leaving for a jihadist camp, but once he had arrived in Quetta he called to say he was attending a madrassa to further his religious studies. His father cried with disappointment that he had abandoned his family. Since Haibatullah's capture, his devastated parents have traveled to see him at the detention facility, yet those visitor moments are filled with dishonor and sadness. Nonetheless, he rejects the notion that he should be considered a terrorist. Haibatullah is currently awaiting trial and will be moved to another detention facility after sentencing. Typically, notes an NDS official, terrorists found guilty receive anything from a 20-year sentence, to life behind bars, to execution, depending on their crimes. "The Taliban are puppets of Pakistan. They are coming into Afghanistan to fight a proxy war and they are all bad people," Haibatullah says, looking around at the dirt-smeared walls and the bare sliver of afternoon sunlight from the small high window. "It is because of them, I am here." His head low and flanked by guards, the detainee prepares to be led away. "It is better I am here," Haibatullah adds. "Because if I ever see that mullah again, I will kill him." Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots are ready to take part in a summit in Geneva to work out a peace accord reunifying ethnically divided Cyprus as long as Greek Cypriots drop unacceptable "conditions," Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday. The island's Greek Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades insists on first dealing with the issue of the withdrawal of Turkish troops that Greek Cypriots consider a threat. More than 35,000 troops remain in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north after Turkey's 1974 invasion that followed a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Anastasiades has proposed that an international police force oversee post-reunification security, but the minority Turkish Cypriots see Turkish troops and military intervention rights accorded to Ankara as their only protection. "If you're talking about zero troops and zero guarantees, then there's nothing left to talk about," Cavusoglu told reporters after talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. The dispute over how a summit should proceed has brought two years of negotiations which have made significant strides toward a deal to a standstill. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet both Anastasiades and Akinci in New York on Sunday. Cavusoglu said a Geneva summit must take place to determine whether a deal is reachable, adding that "this is the last window of opportunity." The Turkish top diplomat also repeated a call for Anastasiades to cease a "unilateral" Greek Cypriot oil and gas search off the island's southern coast that he said ignores the rights of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. He said Turkey, which doesn't recognize Cyprus as a state, would take "steps" if the hydrocarbons search isn't put on hold. The Greek Cypriot government says drilling is its sovereign right and that any potential gas proceeds would be held in escrow and divided up after a peace accord. French energy company Total is set to start exploratory drilling in one licensed area, or block, in mid-July. ALIEN: COVENANT (R) 2.75 STARS This return to the world of chest-ripping monsters works, just barely, thanks to bright spots provided by Danny McBride and Katherine Waterston. Rated R for sci-fi violence, bloody images, language and some sexuality/nudity. 122 min. [MC, PV, RF] BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) 3 STARS Theres more than enough magic here to recommend this enchanting return to the story of Belle and her Beast. Rated PG for some action violence, peril and frightening images. 129 min. [RF] BORN IN CHINA (G) 2.75 STARS This Disneynature film focuses on three animal families in the wilds of China, and it has all the amazing footage you expect. Rated G. 79 min. [RF] BOSS BABY (PG) 2.5 STARS Though this manages to deliver a nice message about an older brother eventually welcoming a new baby to the family, its an odd sort of cartoon. Rated PG for some mild rude humor. 97 min. [RF] THE CIRCLE (PG-13) 2 STARS This movie about the danger of social media firms abusing peoples private information fails badly, despite the efforts of Emma Watson. Rated PG-13 for a sexual situation, brief strong language and some thematic elements including drug use. 115 min. [RF] DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL (PG) 1.5 STARS Though youngsters love the Wimpy Kid books, theres precious little that even they will like in this movie about a road trip that feels like it will never end. Rated PG for some rude humor. 91 min. [MC, PV, RF] EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2.5 STARS Though it takes a bit of an unexpected turn at the end, this is a sweet story of a girl forbidden to go outside because of an immune deficiency disease. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief sensuality. 96 min. [MC, PV] THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS (PG-13) 2.75 STARS This mindless tale is more fun than the past couple of Furious outings. The plot has the crews leader betraying them for an evil hacker. Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of violence and destruction, suggestive content, language. 136 min. [RF] GIFTED (PG-13) 3 STARS Chris Evans proves that he can handle roles more subtle than Captain America, but its a sweet 7-year-old who makes this movie a real treat. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some suggestive material. 101 min. [RF] GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (PG-13) 3.5 STARS This second outing with the Star-Lord, Gamora, Baby-Groot and Co. is as much fun as the first, with inspired action scenes. Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language, and brief suggestive content. 136 min. [MC, PV] IN OUR HANDS: THE BATTLE FOR JERUSALEM (NOT RATED) NR This docudrama tells the story of the Battle of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War through the eyes of the IDFs 55th Paratrooper Brigade, highlighting their role in the liberation of Jerusalem. Not rated. 109 min. [RF] KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (PG-13) 2 STARS This Sword in the Stone update comes off as an excessive, undercooked epic, its frenetic and out-of-focus action overwhelming a minimal story told through a weak lead, Charlie Hunnam as Arthur. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some suggestive content and brief strong language. 126 minutes. [MC, RF] SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE (PG) 2 STARS The young will enjoy this new adventure with Smurfette and her friends, but its clear this animated franchise is on the decline. Rated PG for mild action, rude humor. 90 min. [MC] SNATCHED (R) 1 STAR Failing to be funny despite a strong cast, this tale of a mother and daughter getting kidnapped in the tropics fails because of a weak script that goes nowhere. Rated R for crude sexual content, brief nudity, and language throughout. 90 min. [MC, PV, RF] THE WALL (R) 2.5 STARS This tale of an Iraqi sniper who pins down a pair of American soldiers creates tension that drives the story, though its focus limits where the film can go. Rated R for language throughout and some war violence. 90 min. [RF] THE ZOOKEEPERS WIFE (PG-13) 3.5 STARS With Jessica Chastain in the lead role, this is a compelling tale that mixes love, fear, war and pain as a Polish couple hide and move Jews in what was a thriving zoo. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, disturbing images, violence, brief sexuality, nudity and smoking. 124 min. [RF]Rob Hedelt: 540/374-5415 A Ruther Glen man with a violent criminal history, including murder and sex offenses, was sentenced on Wednesday for his part in a drug ring. George Thomas Cushing Jr. was ordered to serve 10 years for three counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics. The 45-year-old was arrested in May 2016 along with 10 other suspects accused of running a heroin and prescription pill operation in Caroline County. Cushing was arrested with several others during a raid of a house in the 11400 block Railroad Lane in the Ruther Glen area. In addition to drugs, officers seized two handguns, a rifle, digital scales and nearly $2,000 in cash was seized, according to police. Caroline Commonwealths Attorney John Mahoney said Cushing will be back in court in relation to the drug sting. Cushing faces additional charges of drug distribution and weapons violations by a convicted felon. His trial on those charges is set for Aug. 10. Cushing has a sordid criminal history, including convictions on sex offenses involving two girls and the murder of a prostitute in Caroline nearly 30 years ago, a case that remained cold until his arrest in 1999. In 2009, Cushing was on the run for about a month after being accused of raping two South Carolina girls, 11 and 14 at the time. He eventually pleaded guilty to committing or attempting to commit a lewd act on a child younger than 16, according to court records. It appears that Cushing could face probation violation charges from that case as a result of his drug convictions in Caroline. In September 1989, a prostitutes body was found on a service road near motels in Carmel Church, according to Free Lance-Star articles at the time. Anna Marie Pina, a 25-year-old known to work the truck stops in the area, had been choked and stabbed 10 times. The case remained a mystery for a decade, until Cushing and James Huff were arrested and charged with capital murder and robbery. Cushing was convicted in 2003 of killing and robbing Pina. Huff was acquitted. Cushing was given a 40-year prison sentence, with all but 15 years suspended, for Pinas death. But since the crime happened before Virginia abolished parole, Cushing got out early. He served only about five years, said Mahoney. This article has been updated to show the correct charges against James Huff and the outcome of his trial. A man who failed to intervene last year when his 5-year-old daughter was being burned by her mother pleaded guilty to felony child neglect Thursday in Stafford Circuit Court. Norris Tywell Robinson, 42, of Stafford, was also convicted of failure to seek medical attention. He will be sentenced on Sept. 1 According to prosecutor Ed Lustig, deputies went to the Days Inn on Simpson Road in Stafford early Oct. 21 after receiving an anonymous call. The caller asked police to check on the children in a motel room. The caller said the childrens mother was having a breakdown and was hearing demons. The caller feared for the childrens safety. Deputies D.G. French and C.M. Neuhard knocked on the motel door, but got no answer. After getting a key from management, police opened the door but the chain was attached. After finally getting in, police found 35-year-old Carmen M. McLainRobinson in the bathroom along with her 5-year-old daughter. The child had scars on her face, shoulder and back and told a deputy, Mommy did this to me she would heat it up and put it on my face. It was not clear what source of heat the child was referring to. A 1-year-old child in the motel room was unharmed. The child was taken to Mary Washington Hospital and doctors later determined that her injuries were anywhere from several days to more than a week old. McLainRobinson, who was convicted of child abuse in April and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month, told police that the child had obtained cleaning supplies from the housekeeping staff and sprayed herself in the face with them. Norris Robinson told deputies that he noticed the injuries on the childs face, but didnt ask any questions about them. He said he did purchase wound care products for the child. The couples children are in the custody of social services. A Stafford man has been charged with multiple larceny offenses in connection with an incident last week in which he tried to pay a cab fare with a stolen bottle of cologne, authorities said. Deputy A.C. Wolford went to the Target at 25 South Gateway Drive in Stafford May 24 in response to a reported theft of a bottle of cologne, Sheriffs spokeswoman M.C. Morris Moncure said. The suspect was seen running toward U.S. 17 and was out of sight by the time police arrived. Wolford was given a description of the suspect and was told that the same man had stolen cologne from the store on two prior recent occasions. Wolford viewed surveillance footage of the suspected thief and left the store. A short time later, Wolford was dispatched to the Days Inn at 14 Simpson Road regarding a passenger who refused to pay his taxi fare. The cab driver told police that the man claimed he had lost his money and offered the driver a bottle of cologne as payment. Wolford recognized the passenger as the same man hed just viewed on the Target surveillance footage. A search of his motel room turned up a bottle of cologne that had been stolen from Target. Salvatore J. Scavone was charged with grand larceny, multiple counts of misdemeanor larceny and defrauding a cab driver. He was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Four World War II-era biplanes rumbled in the distance against a canvas of cotton-ball clouds and skies the color of cornflower blue. They sounded like motorcycles with wings as they neared Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, where about 50 family members and friends of retired Air Force Col. Philip Adair gathered on Wednesday to pay their final respects. All eyes were turned toward heaven when one of the Stearman PT-17s peeled away, showing the missing man formationthe hole left in the flying section from one pilots departure. That touched my heart, said Gale Clem, Adairs youngest daughter. Knowing it was his friends doing it means so much more. Pilots from the Flying Circus near Bealeton volunteered to perform the ritual after Adair died May 13 at age 97. Adair and his wife, Carol, had come to know the performers when they lived in southern Fauquier County. The couple and their four children had settled in Goldvein in 1971, after Adair served 30 years in the Air Force. At the end of his life, Adair lived in Spotsylvania County with his wife and Clem and her family. He died of complications following a heart attack. When the Adairs lived near the Flying Circus, the pilots who perform in the barnstorming air show would come by to see the couple. Even though the elder flyer was a man of few words, he probably shared some of his World War II stories with them. After he learned to fly on a Stearmanthe same kind of plane involved in his last tributeAdair joined the 89th Fighter Squadron of the 80th Fighter Group, which would come to be known worldwide as the Burma Banshees. The fighter pilots provided air cover for transport planes bringing supplies over the Himalayan Mountains. The most dangerous part was the northern section, where Japanese pilots would attack unarmed transports. Adair and others with the 80th Fighter Group came to their rescue. The men painted a death head skull behind the noses of their P-40s; Adair added some blood to the image painted on his plane, the Lulu Belle. American pilots sometimes set off a siren to further intimidate the Japanese. The noise came to be called the Burma wail, and thats what led to the groups nickname as the Burma Banshees. No sirens pierced the air during Wednesdays service, but there was the sound of gunfire as part of the full military honors. The Joint Base Andrews Honor Guard gave a three-volley salute and presented a crisply folded flag to Adairs widow. A lone bugler played taps, followed shortly by the appearance of the four airplanes. They were piloted by Chuck Tippett, Dave Brown, Mike Truschel and John Weyrich. As recently as six months ago, Adair had flown with the Flying Circus pilots and well-remembered the cockpit in which hed once trained. The Rev. Ron Roach, pastor of Grove Baptist Church in Goldvein, said Adair didnt darken the church door often, but he did agree to speak at a mens breakfast. He talked about the 139 combat missions hed flown, including one on Dec. 13, 1943, when he intercepted an enemy formation of 64 airplanes. He had two confirmed victories that day and two more probable onesand earned the Silver Star, one of several flying medals he would receive. We were sitting there on the edge of our seats with our mouths open, Roach said of Adairs accomplishments. The heroics that he did in World War II helped a lot of Americans stay alive. Judith Adair described her father as a quietand stubbornman who instilled in his children the same code of honor, dignity and respect that he followed. He loved the military, and he also enjoyed fishing, time with his family and collecting Packards, luxury cars built through the late 1950s. Philip Adair Jr. was too overcome with emotion to say much, but he uttered: My father was one of the greatest generation. Gail Clem followed her fathers footsteps and joined the Air Force. She described her service as an amazing journey, as shes sure her fathers had been. I cant imagine what it was like for him, with all the action he got to see, she said. The action continued until the very end. Daniel Purvis, who helps keep the back-to-back services at Quantico National Cemetery running on time, said flyovers are rare there. Hes seen three in five yearsand never one featuring antique airplanes. You have to earn that, he said. IS there voter fraud in Virginia? Yes. Is it rampant? Resoundingly, no. Capital News Service in Richmond did a study recently, trying to replicate one done earlier by the Public Interest Legal Foundation and the Virginia Voter Alliance. That initial study, forebodingly entitled Alien Invasion, claimed 1,046 aliens registered to vote illegally in just 10 of the 133 Virginia localities: Stafford, Prince William, Hanover, Loudoun, Bedford, Fairfax and Chesterfield counties and the cities of Alexandria, Roanoke and Manassas. CNS, part of Virginia Commonwealth Universitys School of Mass Communications, also studied those 10 localities. Using the state Freedom of Information Act, voter registration records and voter history data, it found that 240 people who werent citizens were registered for Virginias last election, and that 28 of those noncitizens voted. It also found that half the noncitizens who voted in party primaries voted in a Republican primary. The Alien Invasion report claimed that, in some Virginia jurisdictions, those registered to vote outnumber the number of citizens eligible to cast a ballot. State Sen. Mark Obenshain, RHarrisonburg, in a press release in February, said there were eight localities in which the number of registered voters was higher than the voting-age population. Not so, according to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, the states official source for population and demographic data. The center asserts that there are zero localities where voter registration outnumbers the voting-age population. Across the nation, stricter voter ID rules make it harder for many citizens to vote, and more are being pushed all the time. President Trump has signed an executive order to create a commission to investigate voter fraud, with Vice President Mike Pence chairing it. Critics say the real purpose of this is to suppress voters who might vote Democratic. Many find it hard to disagree with that claim. With Virginia Republican and Democratic primaries upcoming on June 13 for statewide offices, the House of Delegates and some local offices, the issue of voting purity is extremely relevant, but does the outcry over voter fraud reflect reality? Virginia is only one state, and the study that was replicated includes only 10 localities, but consider this: There are about 2.68 million people in the localities studied. In the last election, 28 noncitizens in those localities voted. Half of those voted in the Republican primary. Thats 28 out of 2.68 million. Who wants to bet that stricter voter ID laws wont deprive multiple times that many of their constitutional right to vote? Yes, there is voter fraud out there, somewhere, and mistakes are made. Still, Virginia lawmakers must carefully consider any changes that make it more difficult to vote. This isnt what some Republicans say, but the study contradicts Democrats assertion that voter fraud is completely nonexistent. Someone seems to be trying to game the system, all right. For the most part, though, it is not noncitizen voters. After moving to Stafford several years ago, I had to call a county department for assistance. After several weeks without a response, I contacted my supervisor, Bob Thomas. In a matter of days, my concerns were addressed. Constituent service is a vital function. If elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, Thomas will not let us down. I ask that my neighbors join me in voting Bob Thomas for delegate on June 13. Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. An Essex farmer plagued by fly-tippers is facing another huge clean-up bill after 20 lorryloads of industrial waste were dumped on his farm. Ruthless waste criminals cut the padlock off a metal gate and dumped load after load of bricks, rubble and soil in a field in East Hall Lane, at Berwick Ponds Farm, Rainham. Shocked farmer Harry Fisher checked the field at 8.30pm on Tuesday (30 May) and it was clean, but he arrived the following morning (Wednesday 31 May) at 6am to find the mounds of waste. See also: Video My farm is a fly-tipping warzone We have been hit big time. Its going to cost us a lot of money and time to clear it up, said Mr Fisher. I hope the authorities will look at our stewardship headlands and realise more must be done to tackle fly-tipping on farms. The latest incident has been reported to the Environment Agency. An insurance officer from NFU Mutual is due to visit the farm on Thursday (1 June) to assess the damage and calculate the cost of the clean-up bill. There could be another claim, which is not doing our premiums any good, said Mr Fisher. Warning sign At the road entrance, a sign from Havering council warns would-be waste criminals: No Fly-tipping. Max penalty 50,000 & or two years imprisonment. Hidden CCTV cameras maybe (sic) in use. Offenders will be prosecuted. But the warning sign did not deter the fly-tippers. Mr Fisher said he would contact the council to find out if any footage was recorded of lorries entering the area around the time of the incident. He is also considering buying his own CCTV cameras. In addition, he said he plans to place concrete blocks in front of his fields to prevent fly-tippers from entering. It will take us 30 minutes every morning to remove the blocks with a telehandler so we can get a tractor into the fields and 30 minutes every night to put them back, he added. Tenancy given up Mr Fisher, who farms 240ha growing potatoes and cereals, has already had to give up a 38ha tenancy at nearby Aveley because it was repeatedly targeted by fly-tippers. Stop The Blot is a Farmers Weekly campaign designed to raise awareness of the damage caused by fly-tipping Stop The Blot is a Farmers Weekly campaign designed to raise awareness of the damage caused by fly-tipping It cost 50,000 to clean up the mess, he said. Since then, the landlord has been broken into and had more fly-tipping there. Its getting to the point where you might as well shut all the gates and not bother farming at all. Mr Fisher estimates between 10 to 15% of his time is now spent dealing with fly-tipping incidents and the inconvenience they cause. Has your farm been targeted by fly-tippers recently? Email your pics to philip.case@rbi.co.uk to help Farmers Weekly raise awareness of the blight of fly-tipping on farms for our Stop The Blot campaign. Story Highlights Half of U.S. adults would change at least one aspect of their education Major or field of study is greatest source of regret WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Approximately half of all U.S. adults who pursued or completed a postsecondary degree would change at least one aspect of their education experience if they could do it all over again, including their major or field of study, the institution they attended, or the type of degree they obtained. These results are based on nearly 90,000 interviews conducted as part of the Education Consumer Pulse survey from June 29, 2016-March 26, 2017. The Education Consumer Pulse, launched in 2016 by Gallup and Strada Education Network, consists of interviews with U.S. adults aged 18-65 from all 50 states and the District of Columbia about their education paths and experiences. Among the three key education decisions Gallup asked about -- field of study, institution and degree type -- U.S. higher education consumers most commonly say they would change their field of study. Thirty-six percent of U.S. adults who pursued or completed a postsecondary degree would choose a different field of study. Significantly fewer (28%) would select a different institution, and 12% would obtain a different degree type. Across Education Levels, Major/Field of Study Is Most Common Regret Across all education levels, U.S. adults are much more likely to say they wish they could change their major or field of study than the type of degree they obtained. Those with some college, but no degree, and those whose highest level of education is a bachelor's degree are the most likely to have second thoughts about their major, 42% and 40%, respectively. By comparison, associate degree holders and those who completed a technical or vocational program are slightly less likely to say they would change their field of study. Postgraduate degree holders are the least likely to report they would pursue a different field of study, with about a quarter of those who pursued or obtained a postgraduate degree saying they would change their field of study. Those with some college, but no degree, are the most likely to say they would change at least one of their education decisions. Surprisingly, even though individuals in this group were unable to complete their degree, the 59% who would redo an education decision if they could is roughly similar to the 54% of associate degree holders and 52% of bachelor's degree holders who say the same. Meanwhile, those who pursued (41%) or obtained (37%) a postgraduate degree are by far the least likely to say they would change at least one of these education decisions. Most U.S. Adults Say They Had High-Quality Postsecondary Education Although approximately half of all U.S. adults regret at least one of their education choices, most report they had a high-quality postsecondary experience. For all education levels, other than those who left college without a degree, at least half of adults strongly agree that they received a high-quality education. Bottom Line The finding that half of all U.S. adults would change at least one aspect of their education path if they could suggests students need more information and guidance before making important education decisions. Of the three critical education decisions Gallup asked about, individuals are most likely to say they would choose a different field of study. This could be rooted in the challenges consumers face in using their education to obtain their preferred job, such as when their field of study does not directly align with their desired career. It also could reflect changes in the employment market since graduates pursued or obtained their postsecondary degree. Still, U.S. adults' mostly positive assessments of the quality of their postsecondary experience suggest that students can benefit from postsecondary training and that institutions are largely delivering on students' expectations for meaningful training and education. These data raise several key questions for postsecondary leaders, policymakers, employers and consumers of education. These include how and why students select their field of study and why so many would change this, or some other aspect of their education path. Like those in other industries, education leaders can learn a great deal from surveys asking current and former students about their experiences as education consumers. This is an important first step to improve outcomes for future students and encourage innovation in postsecondary education. Learn more via the Education Consumer Pulse Inaugural Report: On Second Thought: U.S. Adults Reflect on Their Education Decisions. Follow @GallupEDU and @StradaEducation online and use #EduPulse to join the conversation. A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now? This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise. Corvallis Police Department TUESDAY, MAY 30 FORGERY: 2:14 p.m., 300 block of Southwest Third Street, Corvallis. Police responded to Dairy Queen for a report of two counterfeit $20 bills found in a cash register. The reporting party said she was not sure if the transaction was caught on surveillance. Police took the bills into evidence. There are no suspects at this time. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: 4:41 p.m., 2000 block of Northwest Circle Boulevard, Corvallis. Police responded to a report from a girl who said a man had followed her while walking home from school. She told police she noticed the man and began running and the man sped up to match her pace. The girl arrived at her mother's office and the two were unable to locate the man. Police spoke with people in the area but were unable to find witnesses. TRESPASSING: 7:45 p.m., 3100 block of Northeast Newcastle Place, Corvallis. Police responded to a report from a woman who had arrived home and discovered all of the interior doors in her home were opened while she was gone. The woman said she has a residential alarm system, which indicated the doors were opened and that someone had tried to open the sliding glass door. Police received a suspicious person call in the neighborhood and discovered a man, Christopher Beach, 35, of Corvallis, sitting on the retaining wall in front of the woman's home. Beach told police he had entered the home because he was told, or believed, that someone inside needed help and was being injured. He told police it was his Christian duty to enter the residence and search for the person needing help. Police determined nothing was stolen from the home or damaged. Police believe Beach entered the home from an unlocked garage door. Police arrested Beach for criminal trespassing. Beach was booked into the Benton County Jail and later released. New book : Beautiful Bonn Bonn So schon ist Bonn/Beautiful Bonn is the title of a new book with photos from Bonn and the region. All the text is in both German and English, making it a great gift or keepsake for international people living in Bonn. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Beautiful Bonn contains many photos from the government quarters, old villas and scenes from along the Rhine River. Texts are written by Martin Wein and photographs are from Volker Lannert. The bilingual book is more than a perfect hostess gift or something for international visitors. Its an introduction to 2000 years of a city that began as a Roman military camp and transitioned to the United Nations city it is today. And a chapter on carnival well describes the Rhineland mentality. All of the text has been translated into English, with 96 pages total, making it a fitting present for visitors from abroad. Photographer Volker Lannert illustrates his unique view of Bonn: The Rhine Pavilion at the riverside looks particularly nostalgic in the romantic light, the Kennedy Bridge reveals its architectural elegance and even the Rheinaue Lake looks invigorating despite the blanket of green algae. Its about time that we rediscover the former German capital of Bonn, said the authors. The book captures many facets from small town charm to metropolitan culture, global sustainability, Rhineland customs, financial strengths and recreational value. The book So schon ist Bonn/Beautiful Bonn (ISBN 978-3-8319-0677-2) is published by Ellert & Richter. It contains 73 pictures on 96 pages with German and English text, and is available for 11.95 euros in book stores. 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. Article Protecting the worlds oceans an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs. The content you are looking for has either been removed or requires you to login to view Please login below or register for an account With Naijapals.com Microsoft has now introduced a rewards scheme for Bing users in different countries News oi -Vijeta Microsoft Rewards for Bing users now available in UK Microsoft Rewards program that was limited to users in the US is now also available in UK. Microsoft is allowing users to accumulate points for using its search engine Bing. Microsoft then allows users to redeem the accumulated points against various rewards such as Xbox gift cards, Groove Music passes and skype credit. Microsoft also allows users to donate their reward points to various charity organization it has partnered with. Microsoft has put forth this reward scheme in order to attract consumers into using Bing. Microsoft has also set the Bing as the default search engine in its internet browser Microsoft Edge. Bing has been promoted a lot throughout Windows 10. How to Check Someone's WhatsApp Messages by just knowing their Phone Number Microsoft Rewards works similarly in the US and UK. Users get 3 points for every Bing search which is doubled for Microsoft Edge users. Users can obtain a maximum of 30 points everyday not only through searches but also by participating in quizzes. If a user accumulates 500 points in a month he or she moves to the next level. Once on the next level users have an opportunity to earn up to 150 points in a day. Microsoft has plans of introducing this scheme to France, Canada and Germany very soon. Best Mobiles in India Microsoft, Qualcomm team up to launch Snapdragon-based Windows 10 laptops News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Windows 10-based laptops with Snapdragon processor to be launched soon. At the Computex 2017, Microsoft and Qualcomm have joined hands to launch Snapdragon equipped Windows 10 laptops. They have announced that Asus, Lenovo and HP will be first three companies to launch devices powered by the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform. The first set of devices that will be launched with the upcoming platform will be fanless and slim portables and will belong to both laptop and 2-in-1 lineups. The companies haven't revealed the name of the models, their pricing or availability details, but it is likely that these products will start shipping later this year. The devices based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform are described as "always connected" and claimed to bring the best of smartphones to the laptops and PCs. The Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform uses a modified version of the ARM-based Snapdragon 835 SoC used for the flagship smartphones right now. Microsoft and Qualcomm assure that these upcoming devices will be connected constantly and have a long lasting battery life that will make them last over a day. GIGABYTE launches new AORUS Gaming Series Motherboards Being slim and fanless, these devices are claimed to pave way for a variety of shapes and sizes including detachable and foldable convertibles. The Windows 10 software powering these devices will work as it does on the traditional PCs. Notably, Qualcomm has shown off a motherboard that is relatively smaller than the ones used by its competitors. The performance rendered by the new Qualcomm platform is said to be similar to that of the Intel's U series Core processors that are also meant for the fanless devices. Though the new platform will be using other ARM-based processors with time, it will focus on the Snapdragon 835 SoC highly. It is claimed that the Snapdragon-powered PCs need not wake up to receive messages and notifications. It is said that the Cortana voice assistant of Windows 10 can listen to the instructions just like the smartphones. Asus unveils the new ZenPad 3S 8.0 tablet Notably, all the products that will be based on the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform will have a SIM card slot and the manufacturers are all set to adopt the eSIM standard that will allow them to choose a service provider and top up the accounts via an app instead of swapping SIM cards. Though the pricing of the models hasn't been disclosed, it is likely that the pricing of such products will be less than that of the premium laptops and flagship smartphones that exist in the market right now. It is believed that these upcoming models might be priced in the range between $700 and $800. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) going on sale on June 22 in Europe: Specs revealed News oi -Chandrika The phone runs on Android 7.0 Nougat operating system The Samsung Galaxy J series smartphones have been subject to a lot of leaks and rumors. We have been seeing them visiting various benchmarks as well, which hinted towards their imminent launch. Now, according to a German retailer, Cyberport, the Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) will be available for purchase from June 22 in Europe. The website even contains the specifications and features of the upcoming phone. Moreover, the shipping price is also listed, which is 279 Euros (approximately $313). To remind you, this is not official as no word has been heard from Samsung. Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) will come with Android 7.1 out-of-the-box In any case, you may want to know if the specs listed on the website match the previous rumors. As per the retailer, the Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) is powered by an Octa-core Exynos 7870 chipset comprised of eight ARM Cortex A53 cores clocked at 1.6GHz. While the RAM capacity is not given for some unknown reason, the phone is said to come with 16GB of native storage. The storage space can be further expanded via a microSD card slot. Besides this, users will also be able to use Samsung Cloud for storing files, media, apps and games. So being a mid-ranger, the memory part of the Galaxy J5 (2017) is decent. The smartphone features a 13MP primary shooter with LED flash as well as a 13MP front-facing camera with wide-angle lens. On the software front, it will be running on Android 7.0 Nougat OS right out of the box. Display-wise, the Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) is listed as having a Super AMOLED display with the resolution of 7201280 pixels. If this retailer's claims turn out to be legit, the device should go on sale in other parts of the world as well. Source Via Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) spotted on TENAA with Android 7.0 News oi -Chandrika The Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) will be launching soon Today, we told you that Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) has been listed on the website of a German retailer. Apart from the pricing and release date, the listing has also revealed the specifications and features of the smartphone. Now, another phone from the Galaxy J series has made its way to the popular benchmarking site, GFXBench. This time, it is the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) with an incomplete model number SM-J727X. The benchmark listing has revealed that the device is powered by a Qualcomm-made Cortex A53 system-on-chip (SoC) based on the ARMv8 architecture. It also comes with an Adreno 506 GPU and eight cores clocked at a maximum frequency of 2.2GHz. Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) going on sale on June 22 in Europe: Specs revealed So even if the name of the processor has not been mentioned, it is most likely to be the Snapdragon 626. If you remember, the Samsung Galaxy Pro (2017) and Samsung Galaxy C7 Pro (2017) also employ the same chipset. According to this latest GFXBench listing of the purported Galaxy J7 (2017), it will come with a 5.5-inch display with the resolution of 1280720 pixels. Considering the pixel count of the screen, it could have an unconventional 16:9 aspect ratio. We also assume it to be covered by a 2.5D curved glass on top. Talking about other specs, the smartphone is likely to come with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of default storage. This contradicts with previous leaks, which suggested that the phone would have 3GB of RAM. Moving on, there seems to be a mistake on the optics front as the listing shows the Galaxy J7 (2017) with an 8MP primary camera. While the phone is expected to feature either a 12MP or a 13MP rear camera. On the front, it bears a 5MP selfie camera with support for full HD video. Recently, another leak suggested that the phone would feature rear dual cameras. However, chances of that happening are pretty low. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) is said to run on Android 7.0 Nougat OS. Source Via Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Gets listed for Rs. 40,600 Going by the previous rumors, the Galaxy Note 7R might be released initially in the Korean market. Now, a Korean website has revealed the potential price tag of the refurbished device. The listing points out that the Galaxy Note 7R might be priced at 699,600 won (approx. Rs. 40,600). The previous rumors tipped that the refurbished smartphone might cost half of the original device, but it looks like Samsung will not price it that low. Source Theres a R at the rear A recent report showed that it will be pretty easy to distinguish between the original Galaxy Note 7 and the refurbished units as there will be a big R' branding at the rear of the latter. Besides the R branding at its rear, the refurbished unit will look pretty similar to the original one in terms of design. Source White paper report After the numerous explosion incidents caused by the Galaxy Note 7, the company conducted an investigation as to find out the reason behind the issue. Soon, Samsung will disclose a white paper report that details all that happened with the ill-fated phablet. Galaxy Note FE to have a smaller battery When it comes to the innards, the Galaxy Note 7R is believed to be powered by a smaller 3200mAh battery under its hood. The original Galaxy Note 7 has a more capacious 3500mAh battery. A late June launch possible It is likely that the refurbished Galaxy Note 7 will be launched in the company's home market Korea at first. There are reports citing that the launch could be delayed until the end of this month. While there is no confirmation regarding the launch date, it is likely that the Galaxy Note 7R aka Galaxy Note FE might be launched in Korea, China, and a few other markets. Sony Xperia XZ Premium launched in India: Price, Key features and more News oi -Samden Sherpa Sony Xperia XZ Premium will take on other flagship smartphones from brands like Samsung, LG amongst others. Sony has just launched its flagship Xperia XZ Premium smartphone in India. This smartphone comes with top-of-the-line features and specifications and it looks like it will going up against some of the other flagships from brands like Samsung and LG amongst others that have been recently announced in India. The key highlight of this smartphone is that it is powered by 4K HDR display, super fast download speeds, stunning loop design and a high performance camera along with some intelligent features. Sony will now stop manufacturing premium standard smartphones That being said, the new smartphone from Sony will be available from June 12 onwards. As for the pricing the Xperia XZ Premium will come at a price of Rs. 59,990 and will be available at Sony Centers, select retail outlets, and exclusively on Amazon.com. Moreover, there will be limited pre-booking offer for the Sony Xperia XZ Premium and it will start from June 2 and the last day will be June 11. As part of this offer, customers who pre-book the smartphone will get a Sony SRS-XB20 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker worth Rs. 8,990 for free. Separately, Sony has got bundle offers with this smartphone. Buyers will receive a 3-month subscription to Sony LIV worth Rs. 349 for free as well as Gameloft's Modern Combat 5 with 5,200 in-game credits. Specifications The Sony Xperia XZ Premium comes with a 5.5-inch 4K (2160x3840 pixels) HDR Triluminos display with a sRGB 138 percent spectrum and the X-Reality for Mobile display engine. The smartphone is powered by the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC which is coupled with 4GB of RAM. The phone offers 64GB of inbuilt storage and it is further expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. Cameras The smartphone is equipped with a 19-megapixel Motion Eye camera with a 1/2.3-inch Exmor RS memory stacked sensor and as per the company it is capable of shooting videos at 960 frames per second. Camera features include predictive hybrid autofocus and predictive capture, a 25mm f/2.0 lens, and 1.22-micron pixel sensor. Talking about the front camera, there is a 13-megapixel 1/3.06-inch Exmor RS sensor that is supported by a 22mm wide-angle f/2.0 lens. The company also says that the camera has been optimized with its SteadyShot technology that provides 5-axis stabilization. Battery and Software The new handset is backed by a 3230mAh non-removable battery and it comes with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology as well. While Sony has launched the dual-SIM (Nano-SIM) variant of the XZ Premium in India, it runs on Android 7.1 Nougat. Other features The device is dust and water resistance with an IP65/68 rating, and it comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back of the smartphone. Connectivity options include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS/ A-GPS, USB Type-C (3.1), and a 3.5mm audio jack. Sensors like accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, digital compass, gyroscope, and proximity sensor is also present on the phone. The smartphone phone measures 156x77x7.9mm, and weighs 191 grams. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy. Hill AFB Airmen generate 3,000th F-35A sortie, adopt upgraded ALIS By 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs / Published May 31, 2017 HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- The 3,000th F-35A Lighting II sortie departed Hill Air Force Base generated by maintainers from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve's 419th FW May 22, 2017. That sortie, and all others flown that day were carried out with the new version of the Autonomic Logistics Information System. Commonly called ALIS, it's the F-35A's information technology infrastructure. The 3,000th sortie, with tail number 5079, was piloted by Lt. Col. Dave DeAngelis of the 419th FW. Airman 1st Class Michael Wilkins, a crew chief assigned to the 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, launched 5079. It was his first solo launch after arriving here a month ago. "I didn't even know I was doing it until today," he said. "It's a cool story for the first crew that you've done." Col. Michael Miles, the 388th Maintenance Group commander, praised the Airmen responsible for the achievements made in the F-35 program. "Our Airmen are some of the best the Air Force has to offer," he said. "The 388th and 419th Maintenance Group personnel are pushing the program forward by unlocking F-35 combat capability, gauging aircraft and equipment durability, and rapidly accomplishing F-35 weapons system training," he said. Operationally implementing the upgraded version of ALISALIS 2.0.2.4is another milestone for the Airmen working in the F-35 program at Hill AFB. "The biggest improvement is the incorporation of the propulsion system within ALIS," said Senior Master Sgt. Jory Cyr, the 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit lead production superintendent. "This alleviates the need to have multiple products to manually track time change items and inspection times. This ALIS update combines air vehicle and propulsion system times in one location." Cyr said aircraft maintainers here attended classes, which highlighted changes between the previous and current versions of ALIS, and a support team was available in each section to answer questions. "Aircraft maintenance does not stop when we install these new updates so there were numerous man hours spent making sure all the documentation was correct within the new system prior to flying each aircraft," he said. "The 34th AMU was able to fly 100 percent of our local scheduled sorties after the upgrade showing the outstanding dedication and attention to detail by everyone within the 388th Fighter Wing." The successful ALIS upgrade and F-35 milestones are proving that the Air Force's newest fifth-generation fighter and the Airmen who maintain it are key to America's defense. "The culmination of the ALIS 2.0.2.4 and our 3,000th sortie is important because it highlights how fast the program at large is moving forward and how locally we are generating sorties at a very high ratewith only 22 aircraft assigned," Miles said. "For example, in March we flew each of our aircraft an average of 17 times. Our Airmen are out-producing the entire F-35 enterprise and the Hill AFB stand-up of F-35 operations is ahead of schedule." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dunford to Consult with U.S. Partners During Asia Trip By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, May 31, 2017 Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left Washington today for meetings in Asia, Joint Staff officials said. Dunford will visit Japan, Singapore and Australia on the trip, officials said. Dunford will attend the IISS Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore. The dialogue, begun in 2001, has grown to be the preeminent foreign affairs and defense forum on Asia. Leaders from around the Asia-Pacific region will participate or listen to the discussions. Asia-Pacific Security Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will be one of the keynote speakers and is expected to discuss the Trump administration's policies toward the region. The IISS lists the title of Mattis's presentation as "the United States and Asian-Pacific Security." Dunford will participate in the discussions and will use the conference to meet with counterparts from across Asia. IISS officials expect discussions about the situation with North Korea. They also expect discussions of the situation in the South China Sea. The chairman moves from Singapore to Australia where he will attend the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations. Often called the "two-plus-two" meeting it will bring together Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Australian Defense Minister Marise Ann Payne and Mattis to speak about the Australia-U.S. alliance. Dunford will meet with Australian Chief of Defense Forces Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin. Australia is one of America's closest allies and has been with the United States in every conflict since World War I. The United States, Australia and New Zealand signed a mutual defense treaty in 1951. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Eager Lion exercise builds multinational partnership in Jordan By Staff Sgt. Leah Kilpatrick May 31, 2017 WADI SHADIYA, Jordan -- On a hilltop in the country of Jordan, two F-16 Fighting Falcons break the calm morning silence is broken when they drop their explosive payload. As a cloud of powdery dust and shrapnel rise from the target area, the engines of five M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks roar to life and move into position atop a hill overlooking a ravine. A radio crackles as a platoon leader's voice pours from the speakers. "Alpha, get ready. Top hat. Top hat. Top hat." Two 62-ton behemoths maneuver forward of the berm. "3. 2. 1. Fire!" With a deafening boom, bursts of flame leap from the main guns. This was the scene at the culminating combined arms live-fire exercise during Eager Lion 2017, a two-week-long multinational combined training exercise. Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment "Warhorse," 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division built interoperability with their partners during this time. "Eager Lion is a fantastic exercise," said Lt. Col. Brian McCarthy, commander of the Warhorse Battalion. "We've been here about two weeks, and it's been a great exercise to test both the interoperability between the American Army, American Marine Corps, Italian forces, and of course, our hosts, the Jordanians. It's been a great opportunity for us to increase our lethality and develop some great relationships." The seventh iteration of the annual exercise began for the Warhorse Soldiers on May 7, when they convoyed with their equipment from a logistics support area in Wadi Shadiya to a vast training area. They spent the next 10 days conducting mounted maneuvers with tanks and M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, dismounted maneuvers with infantry Soldiers, a live-fire accuracy screening test range, an unknown distance live-fire range, and a squad live-fire. Company A commander, Capt. Colby Burkhart, said his primary training objective was direct fire control measures. During the course of the training, however, he managed to get more learning opportunities than he anticipated. "I think we have a newfound understanding of how to incorporate the required control measures," said the armor officer and Glendale, Ariz. native. "I think we learned it's definitely a different environment. The weather always plays a factor. We can have all the technology in the world, and a cloud of dust can degrade your ability to fight. It affects your lasers. It affects visibility for driving. We just learned how to fight through all of the different elements that were thrown at us." The company is usually organized into three tank platoons, but the task organization was augmented for this mission, integrating an infantry platoon with two tank platoons. This allowed for a true combined arms experience and an additional challenge for Burkhart and his platoon leaders. "There was a bit of a learning curve, but we definitely validated that it is possible and that we can effectively incorporate the infantry and the Brads with a tank company," Burkhart said. "The dismounts were primarily used for any kind of a dismounted objective where we would need to enter and clear a building or to clear any type of dead space." "We used all the capabilities that they have," he continued. We got to shoot Javelins out here. We got to shoot AT-4s out here. That's one of the capabilities that the tank company does not have. It was definitely a challenge. I'd say I learned a lot just incorporating the different skill sets that each platoon brings to the fight." Through joint, combined cooperation, the troops -- U.S., Italian, and Jordanian -- learned the differences and similarities in each other's tactics, practices, vehicles and weapon systems. Working together, bridging the language gap, and learning about their brothers-in-arms helped to build camaraderie, cohesion and understanding. Ultimately, the training strengthened relationships not only company to company, platoon to platoon, or squad to squad, but also Soldier to Soldier. "I think [my Soldiers] gained an appreciation for other services and other nations, other militaries, simple stuff, like communicating with a significant language gap," said 1st Lt. Kevin Northrop, platoon leader, 3rd Platoon, Company C, 3-8 CAV. "For one thing, whenever you deploy, you're not going to deploy to a region and just be working with American Soldiers or just the Army. You're going to be working with the Marines or other services. Most likely, you'll be working with other nations." "That's hard to replicate, so [it's good] for the [Soldiers] to get to do that on their level where they don't really see it that much," Northrup explained. "I think this is the first time for most of them where they got to work with other nations. I think that was a big takeaway and one of the reasons this was really important for them to experience." Staff Sgt. Patrick Robitaille, a tank commander assigned to Co. A, 3-8 CAV, agreed with Northrup's positive assessment. "[My Soldiers] gained better cohesion and teamwork," he said. "They've learned valuable experience on working with another nation and just how to put tactics together and implement everything that we operate." In addition to this training, the Warhorse Soldiers wrapped up their crew, squad and platoon mounted and dismounted training with a company-level CALFEX, incorporating the two tank platoons and a Bradley platoon with dismounts armed with M4 carbines, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons, AT-4s and Javelins. The company CALFEX validated Burkhart's integration of armor and infantry, and gave the Soldiers a glimpse of how all the puzzle pieces fit together to create a lethal force on the battlefield. There has always been a friendly rivalry between the armor and infantry communities, and while the Soldiers still jab at each other, many of them developed newfound appreciations for one another's work. "The tanks have a lot of firepower, for as much as we rag on them," said Northrop, an infantry officer from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. "They bring a lot to the fight, especially with the CALFEX, where we were able to have the tanks up supporting us against those armored threats, allowing my Bradleys to move up and set in position. "They were suppressing while my dismounts moved out," he described. "So those larger pieces of support that don't always get worked in when you're doing platoon or smaller training really allowed us to train those pieces. How all those things are incorporated is something you don't get to do a lot, so being able to do that, and to do that in a foreign country, was really a cool experience." All the planning, coordination, and joint and combined training culminated successfully in the CALFEX. "I think it's amazing that we were able to come and be a part of that combined arms live-fire, because we learned a lot about how other countries operate and also their culture, just integrating with them with their tactics and ours and maneuvering our tanks in another country, learning the terrain and letting our Soldiers learn as well," said 1st Lt. Henry Rodriquez, platoon leader, 3rd Platoon, Co. A, 3-8 CAV. "And just using all these different munitions and seeing how lethal we are all together was amazing and definitely something I will always remember." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pacific Partnership 2017 Draws To a Close Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170531-12 Release Date: 5/31/2017 12:48:00 PM By Lt.j.g Emily Wilkin, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2017, embarked aboard USNS Fall River (T-EPF-4) arrived in Singapore May 31, marking the conclusion of this year's mission. Fall River departed Singapore March 4 and served as the command platform for the Pacific Partnership 2017 mission. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual, multilateral disaster response preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. "Pacific Partnership 2017 gave us the chance to build lasting partnerships and friendships with all of the countries we visited. These partnerships will allow us to be better prepared to work together in the future." said Capt. Stanfield Chien, Pacific Partnership 2017 mission commander. Pacific Partnership 2017 conducted mission stops in three countries - Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam and was the first Pacific Partnership completed solely utilizing a T-EPF vessel, vice the USNS Mercy. Throughout the mission, Pacific Partnership personnel shared and gained expertise working side-by-side with their host nation counterparts through subject matter expert exchanges in medical, engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Key leader and community engagement events provided for direct engagement with local citizens and enhanced relationships with partner nation military and government leadership. Pacific Partnership 2017 was the first Pacific Partnership mission to visit Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy hosted a large scale humanitarian aid and disaster response field training exercise (FTX) that included ship to shore movement, simulated crowd control and water purification training. This FTX integrated the Sri Lankan Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force with the U.S. Sailors, Soldiers and Marines. The Seabees of Amphibious Construction Battalion One completed five engineering projects with Sri Lankan Navy engineers to benefit the greater Hambantota community for years to come. Representatives from Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, and the United States joined Sri Lankan civic leaders in Matara for a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) discussion. Held in conjunction with International Women's Day, this even enabled the various experts to share their respective countries' national action plans for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325). Following Sri Lanka USNS Fall River made a goodwill port call to Yangon, Myanmar, becoming the first U.S. naval vessel to visit Myanmar since WWII. Pacific Partnership 2017 then traveled to Malaysia, visiting Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. At the University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Pacific Partnership 2017 conducted the first large scale humanitarian aid and disaster relief training event in Malaysia integrating joint, multinational, and civilian agencies. U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps members actively participated in community engagements within the local area, including a field day with the Sarawak Scouts on the island of Borneo. Pacific Partnership 2017 made its final country stop in Vietnam, visiting Da Nang for the fourth consecutive year and making its inaugural stop in Khan Hoa Province. While in Vietnam, Pacific Partnership teamed up with Project Hope to complete numerous medical engagements, joint replacements, restorative burn care, physical therapy and cardiology procedures among many other medical specialties. Utilizing subject matter expert exchanges to share best practices and techniques, the medical team in Vietnam completed over 100 engagements, including several events aboard the Vietnamese Hospital ship Khanh Hoa-1. The U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet Band conducted public band performances and participated in cultural exchanges through music during community engagement events. "Pacific Partnership continues to help the United States deepen relationships with host nations across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, Commander, Task Force 73 and execute agent for the Pacific Partnership mission. "Through meaningful and productive relationships we build credibility with our partners that ultimately leads to trust. Trust is the intangible foundation that allows nations to work together effectively in times of crisis when it matters the most." Pacific Partnership 2017 was made up of over 500 U.S. Military personnel stationed all around the globe, working side-by-side with host nation counterparts to be better prepared for a humanitarian aid and disaster response situation in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghans Demand Answers After Kabul Hit By Deadliest Attack Since 2001 Frud Bezhan May 31, 2017 How did a sewage tank truck packed with explosives penetrate a heavily fortified area of the Afghan capital and carry out the deadliest attack in Kabul since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001? That is the question angry Afghans want the government to answer, and provide some explanation for the security lapse that resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people and more than 400 wounded. The May 31 explosion, whose casualties were mainly civilians, including women and children, occurred during the morning rush hour in the district known unofficially as the Green Zone, home to foreign embassies, NATO's headquarters, and the presidential palace A number of Kabul residents have accused the national-unity government of a major security and intelligence blunder. That has added to mounting pressure on the deeply divided and unpopular government of President Ashraf Ghani, which has faced criticism for its handling of the growing Taliban insurgency. "For God's sake, what kind of an interior minister and security chiefs do we have?" one Kabul resident who witnessed the attack said. "[Militants] come to the heart of Kabul and are able to carry out suicide bombings." The bombing followed a recent shakeup of security agencies, prompted by a wave of violence including the April 21 Taliban attack on a military compound in Balkh Province that killed over 140 army personnel. The Kabul explosion occurred in Wazir Akbar Khan, considered one of the capital's safest districts. Foreign embassies are protected by dozens of 3-meter-high blast walls and government offices are guarded by police and security forces. The blast was so powerful it left a 4-meter crater in front of the German Embassy. Windows in buildings as far as 2 kilometers away were broken. Another man, who said the explosion felt like an earthquake, told RFE/RL it was a clear failure by government officials. "Officials sit safely in their offices and don't ask what is going on here," the man said, not wanting to give his name for security reasons. "What should we do in this situation? Should we run away from this country, or strap bombs to our bodies and blow ourselves up?" There has been no claim of responsibility, though a series of attacks in the Afghan capital over the past year have been claimed by either the Taliban or Islamic State (IS) militants. Kabul Province had the highest number of casualties in the country in the first three months of 2017. The blast comes amid the ongoing spring offensive by the Taliban, and its fighters have been stepping up their push to defeat the U.S.-backed government. Taliban fighters now control or contest about 40 percent of the country, according to U.S. estimates, though Ghani's government holds all provincial centers. The bombing was a "horrific act of violence and a heartbreaking reminder of the toll that Afghan civilians continue to pay in a conflict where armed groups deliberately target them and the government fails to protect them," Amnesty International said in a statement. In March, gunmen dressed as medical staff attacked the 400-bed Sardar Daud Khan hospital and battled security forces for hours, killing more than 50 people and wounding dozens in an assault claimed by IS militants. The government was loudly criticized for what many Afghans saw as a serious security failure. In July 2016, suicide bombers attacked a demonstration by members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara minority in Kabul, killing 84 people and wounding more than 230. IS fighters claimed responsibility. Those events led to an extensive overhaul of the security agencies. Defense Minister Abdullah Habibi and Army Chief of Staff Qadam Shah Shahim resigned under pressure from the government after the Balkh attack. And after the IS attack on the Kabul military hospital in March, nine military officers, including a general and colonel, were dismissed. Several of the officers dismissed over the Balkh attack also face prosecution for negligence. Ghani has also fired dozens of officials from the Interior and Defense ministries and replaced army corps commanders across the country. "The government changes some ministers or sacks some commanders," another Kabul man told RFE/RL. "But nothing changes and the civilians are the ones paying the price." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-blast- public-demand-answers-latest-security -failure/28521325.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Act before time runs out, urges UNICEF, as Yemen grapples with 'unprecedented' cholera outbreak 31 May 2017 Amid an "unprecedented" increase in suspected cholera cases in war-torn Yemen where medical facilities are teetering on the edge of collapse the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has stepped up its response but warned that time may be "running out." "More and more children die every day in Yemen from preventable causes like malnutrition and cholera," said Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement yesterday. "Anyone with a heart for children cannot let the situation continue. Stop the conflict [now]," he urged. According to the UN agency, more than 65,000 suspected cases of the deadly disease have been reported in the country, of which about 10,000 were reported in the past 72 hours alone. Some 532 people, including 109 children have succumbed to the disease over the past month. The numbers are feared to rise as more cases are verified. Responding to the outbreak, UNICEF has sent in three aircrafts carrying over 40 metric tonnes of lifesaving supplies including medicines, oral rehydration salts (ORS), diarrhoea disease kits and intravenous fluids to treat more than 50,000 patients. It is also helping provide chlorinated drinking water, disinfect wells and set up water filling stations and storage. But needs continue to increase, with medicines and other vital medical equipment in short supply, said UNICEF. This latest crisis comes as the country has been reeling under the effects of a conflict, now into its third year, that has rendered water treatment plants barely functional and water sources severely contaminated by sewage and uncollected garbage. Half of the country's health facilities aren't working, and medical staff haven't been paid for over eight months. "The situation in Yemen is teetering on the verge of disaster [] over 27 million Yemenis are staring at an unforgiving humanitarian catastrophe. The biggest victims of this man-made tragedy are Yemen's most vulnerable population its children," underscored Meritxell Relano UNICEF Representative in Yemen. "The international community needs to support long-term investments in social services like water and sanitation. Otherwise, deadly disease outbreaks will strike again and kill many more." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Warning signs are flashing' in crisis-torn Central African Republic, warns senior UN official 31 May 2017 Despite "vast improvement" in security in parts of the Central African Republic (CAR), there are still deep tensions and some fear of a sudden relapse, a top United Nations human rights official said while visiting the strife-torn country. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour said he was struck by the improvements in the capital, Bangui, such as "bustling markets and signs of growing economic life" and a "police, justice and corrections institutions beginning to take form." In Bambari, within the Ouaka prefecture, where clashes between armed groups killed numbers of civilians and displaced a significant population, Mr. Gilmour saw a fledging gendarmerie, police, judiciary and civil authorities. Calling it a "town without armed groups," Mr. Gilmour said Bambari "represents a model of hope of the possible way forward," due to the collaboration between Government forces, UN peacekeepers from the UN Integrated Stabilization Mission, known as MINUSCA, international partners and non-governmental organizations. The senior UN official warned, however, that armed groups are coalescing and continuing with "atrocious attacks" against women and children, even as disarmament has stalled, attacks on peacekeepers continue, and deployed forces battle without sufficient resources. "This is a time for leadership, strengthened partnerships, and a coordinated approach that puts Central Africans' 'Human Rights Up Front'," Mr. Gilmour said referring to the UN initiative to prevent and respond early to large-scale human rights or humanitarian violations. "Warning signs are flashing and must not be ignored," stressed Mr. Gilmour. Clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, plunged the country of 4.5 million people into civil conflict in 2013. According to the UN, more than half the population is in dire need of assistance. Despite significant progress and successful elections, CAR has remained in the grip of instability and sporadic unrest. Fresh violence surfaced earlier this year. As of May 2017, there were more than 500,000 internally displaced persons nationwide, a figure that had not been reached since August 2014. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al-Shabab Commander Defects to Somali Forces By Harun Maruf May 31, 2017 An al-Shabab military commander has defected and surrendered to Somali government forces, authorities in Mogadishu said. Minister of Information Abdirahman Omar Osman confirmed on Twitter that Bishar Mumin Farah had surrendered Wednesday in the south-central part of the country, in Hiran region. A Somali general who interviewed the defector told VOA the al-Shabab commander had been sent to Hiran, a large and populous area of central Somalia, "in order to execute attacks during the holy month of Ramadan." General Mohamed Ahmed Tredice said Farah left his camp around 1 a.m. Wednesday and surrendered to government troops at sunrise. He also handed over two AK-47 automatic rifles and ammunition. "He is a young man who had been brainwashed," but who eventually realized that al-Shabab's activities were evil and that he no longer wanted to be a part of the militant group, the general said. Relatives contacted Before deciding to defect, Farah had been in contact with some of his relatives who are members of the government forces. They were among the troops that received him Wednesday. Farah is the first high-profile member of al-Shabab known to have defected since early April, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo offered a two-month amnesty to members of the extremist group. Several "foot soldiers," rank-and-file members of al-Shabab, had turned themselves in previously. Before coming to Hiran region, security sources told VOA Somali, the defector had been al-Shabab's deputy commander of militias in Harardhere, the biggest town controlled by the militant group in Mudug region, in north-central Somalia. Tredice said Farah also had been a deputy commander of al-Shabab units in three other parts of the country in Hiran, the Middle Shabelle and Galgudud regions. Estimates of Hiran's population range up to and above 1 million, but like much of the demographic data available for Somalia, are highly uncertain. The government's Population Estimation Survey in 2015 listed Hiran's total population at above 500,000, with the majority of the region's people either nomads or rural dwellers. The commander of the Somali army's 52nd Battalion said Farah's surrender clearly would be a setback for the militants. "We welcomed him," he added, "but we'll transfer him to the relevant government agencies, intelligence and the courts." VOA's Falastine Iman contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spokesman Reports on Progress in Effort to Defeat ISIS By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 Iraqi forces are closing in on the final terrorist-held areas in western Mosul, while partnered forces in Syria are just a few kilometers from the key city of Raqqa, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said today. The Iraqis are making steady progress as they approach the last three western Mosul neighborhoods that are held by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Army Col. Ryan Dillon told Pentagon reporters in a teleconference from Baghdad. "The remaining ISIS fighters hold less than 10 square kilometers of the city," he said, adding, "Liberating these final neighborhoods will be among the most difficult fighting the [Iraqi forces have] faced in their campaign to defeat ISIS." The coalition conducted 21 strikes in the past week in support of the Iraqi security forces' efforts, hitting mortars, machine guns, multiple vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and factories where they're made, he said. The coalition has struck more than 120 vehicles in the past week alone, he said, describing vehicle-borne bombs as the terrorists' weapon of choice in Mosul. The Iraqi government has instructed civilians to evacuate Mosul's Old City. However, the terrorists are targeting fleeing civilians, Dillon said. "Citizens have been herded and forced into buildings, being trapped to be used for ISIS' sinister tactics," he said. "They have been shot by ISIS snipers while trying to evacuate, and we have seen them victims of ISIS-emplaced bombs and bobby traps as they attempt to flee." Iraqi forces have established safe passages along the forward line of troops to get civilians to muster points and screening sites outside of the city, he said. Partnered Forces Make Gains in Syria Syrian Democratic Forces continue to close in on ISIS around Raqqa, gaining about 350 square kilometers in the last week, Dillion said. "The SDF is poised around Raqqa -- they're within 3 kilometers of Raqqa city from the north and the east, and are about 10 kilometers from the city to the west," he added. The coalition conducted 59 strikes in support of the isolation of Raqqa this past week, hitting fighting positions, construction equipment, artillery systems and command-and-control nodes, he said. The coalition continues to engage ISIS targets wherever they are found, Dillon said. Throughout the combined joint operations area, he said, the coalition struck multiple ISIS revenue-producing targets this week, including fuel trucks, fuel tanks, oil stills and wellheads. 'Unacceptable' Presence Inside Deconfliction Zone The coalition has observed pro-regime forces patrolling in the vicinity of the established deconfliction zone around the Tanf training site in southern Syria, he said. Coalition forces have operated there for months, training and advising vetted partnered forces in the fight against ISIS, Dillon explained. "Pro-regime patrols and the continued armed and hostile presence of forces inside the deconfliction zone is unacceptable and threatening to our coalition forces," he said. "We are prepared to defend ourselves if pro-regime forces refuse to vacate the deconfliction zone." The coalition has communicated its position through the deconfliction line with the Russians and dropped leaflets to the force inside the deconfliction zone, he noted. "The coalition is dedicated and focused on the defeat of ISIS. Our partnered forces are dedicated and focused on the defeat of ISIS," Dillion said. "We think all parties in southern Syria should remain focused on the defeat of ISIS, which is our common enemy and the greatest threat to the region and worldwide peace and security." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2018 Budget Request for European Reassurance Initiative Grows to $4.7 Billion By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 The Defense Department's fiscal year 2018 budget request includes nearly $4.8 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative to enhance deterrence and defense and improve the readiness of forces in Europe, the U.S. European Command director of strategy, plans and policy said today. Air Force Maj. Gen. David W. Allvin held a telephone briefing with reporters, speaking from Eucom headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. ERI funding for next fiscal year is up $1.4 billion over fiscal 2017, he said, noting that the funding increase will support the deterrence of future Russian aggression and malign influence through increased joint air, sea and land force responsiveness and expanded interoperability with combined multinational forces. "This is one of our nation's commitments to Europe, and it demonstrates our strong dedication to the trans-Atlantic bond and the defense of our allies," Allvin said. After Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2014, the United States authorized ERI at $985 million in 2015, $789 million in 2016 and $3.4 billion in 2017. Operation Atlantic Resolve, funded partly by ERI, demonstrates to NATO allies and the world the 'U.S. intent to fulfill NATO treaty commitments to respond to threats against allies. ERI Focus Areas Allvin said ERI's main focus areas include: -- Increased presence. "We're proposing a more robust U.S. military rotational presence throughout the theater that is capable of deterring and, if required, responding to any regional threats," he said. The ERI 2018 budget funds this at $1.7 billion, according to the budget document. -- Exercises and training. Eucom is increasing the training tempo to improve overall readiness and interoperability with U.S. allies and partners, the general said. This is funded at $218 million. -- Enhanced pre-positioning. "This is a strategic placement of equipment throughout the theater that supports our steady-state activities while also enabling us to rapidly deploy forces into theater if required," he added. This is funded at $2.2 billion. -- Improving infrastructure. This is funded at $338 million. -- Building partnership capacity. The general said this strengthens the ability of allies and partners to defend themselves and enables their full participation with U.S. operational forces. This is funded at $267 million. The fiscal 2018 ERI budget request also includes $150 million to continue train, equip and advise efforts to build Ukraine's capacity to conduct internal defense operations to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and support institutional transformation efforts, according to the fiscal 2018 budget document. "As we continue to address the dynamic security environment in Europe," Eucom Commander Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti said in a news release this week, "ERI funding increases our joint capabilities to deter and defend against Russian aggression. These significant investments will further galvanize U.S. support to the collective defense of our NATO allies and bolster the security and capacity of our U.S. partners." Allvin said that ERI facilitates Eucom's capability as a warfighting command "that's ready with assets, equipment and experience to confront aggression." Specific Actions According to the Eucom news release, in fiscal 2018 the U.S. Army will continue its rotational armored brigade combat team and combat aviation brigade presence. The Army also will increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, capability; enhance integrated air and missile defense efforts; continue enhanced interoperability and deterrence exercises; and enhance its prepositioned stocks unit sets of equipment. The Air Force will increase ISR processing, exploitation and dissemination activities with European allies, continue supporting missions such as NATO air policing and theater security, and enhance pre-positioning of contingency air operations equipment. The Air Force also will improve airfield infrastructure and preposition air operations equipment and enablers in NATO ally countries. The Navy will increase theater anti-submarine warfare support and pre-position anti-submarine warfare equipment. It also will increase surface mine-countermeasure assets, and plan and design for infrastructure improvements in NATO ally countries related to theater anti-submarine warfare and joint reception and staging onward movement and integration. The Marine Corps will increase its rotational presence throughout the theater and increase pre-positioning assets. The Defense Department will support NATO and multinational exercises and Eucom's Joint Exercise Program, participate in NATO very-high-readiness joint task force exercises, and fund multinational information-sharing capability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MWSS-473 trains in obstacle breaching during Maple Flag 50 US Marine Corps News By 2nd Lt. Stephanie Leguizamon | June 1, 2017 Marines with Engineer Company, Detachment Bravo, Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, trained in obstacle breaching as part of exercise Maple Flag 50, May 28, 2017. The Marines used field expedient Bangalore torpedoes to clear an abatis created by Canadian Armed Forces members at the Primrose Lake Evaluation Range, a training area to the north of 4 Wing and Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake and part of the larger Cold Lake Air Weapons Range which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. An abatis is an obstacle formed by felling trees in such a manner as the trees fall interlocked, pointing at a 30-degree angle towards the direction of approach of the enemy. Especially when fortified with wire entanglements and other obstacles, an abatis can present a menacing improvised anti-tank obstacle. A Bangalore torpedo is an explosive charge placed within one or several connected tubes allowing Marine engineers to clear paths through wire obstacles, heavy undergrowth and, in this case, an abatis approximately 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. Marines gathered in the early afternoon to practice making calculations necessary to ensure the breach was a success before driving from main side 4 Wing Cold Lake to the demolitions range. "We've taken several classes in preparation," said Cpl. Melvin Clemens, a combat engineer with MWSS-473. "We've studied how to time a time-fuse, relative explosive factors, and how to calculate stand-off to ensure we're a safe distance away from an explosive." While an abatis can easily be simulated using lumber, for Marines, training with an actual abatis of felled trees is an extremely rare opportunity. "This exercise is awesome," said Sgt. Michael Nadon, a combat engineer with MWSS-473. "I've never had the opportunity to breach an authentic abatis. This is a huge opportunity for the combat engineer community." The Marines were accompanied by Canadian Armed forces range staff and augmentees of Maple Flag. Canadian Army Master Corporal Brock Hogan is a reconnaissance patrolman from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He is augmenting Maple Flag for two weeks and assisted in coordination and transportation of the Marines to the demolition range. "I want to learn how the engineers work," said Hogan. "I can take it back to my guys and we can all work better together, whether we're Canadian or American." Marines learned about creating effective obstacles as well as breaching them. Before the time fuse was ignited 2nd Lt. Kevin Roy, the opposition forces commander for MWSS-473 during Maple Flag and executive officer of Engineering Company, spoke to Marines about thinking critically to make an abatis more effective against enemy forces and creating a defense in depth. At 5:45 p.m. Hogan and Lance Cpl. Zachary Hooper, a combat engineer with MWSS-473, ignited the time fuse and everyone retreated to a safe position. Exactly four minutes and 59 seconds later a satisfying blast echoed through the area. When Marines and Canadian troops returned to the blast site the mission was deemed a success. The training event was made possible thanks to considerable coordination between Canadian range personnel and operations planners. Canadian Army Sergeant Major Mitchell Booker is the Range Operations Master Warrant Officer for the Air Force Tactical Training Centre, 4 Wing Cold Lake, and manages Primrose Lake Evaluation Range. Booker's team prepared the abatis under his direction and he oversaw the event. There are strict safety and environmental protocols to follow on any live fire range. Canadian range personnel were present to ensure Canadian safety protocols were followed and precautions were taken to prevent adverse effects on the environment and surrounding wildlife. An environmental officer here at 4 Wing Cold Lake closely monitors weather conditions and range fire hazard level. The MWSS-473 engineers are schedule to repeat the exercise on Sunday increasing the level of difficulty with added fortification to the abatis. "The Canadians give us huge support," Nadon said. "They support us with accommodations, food, water and demolitions. They're true allies." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Key West visits Singapore during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170601-11 Release Date: 6/1/2017 8:45:00 AM From Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 Public Affairs SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) arrived in Singapore, June 1, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. With a crew of approximately 140, Key West will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. "Operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region is what we do as part of the forward-deployed submarine force in Guam," said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Tembreull, executive officer. "This port visit to Singapore is an excellent opportunity for the crew to build upon our existing partnership while experiencing the rich culture of Singapore and beauty of this part of the world." Key West was commissioned on Sept. 12, 1987 and is the third ship of the U.S. Navy named for the city of Key West, Florida. "This has been a very busy year for Key West and these men have worked very hard," said Command Master Chief Eric Baker, chief of the boat. "They are ready for this well-deserved port visit after a successful training and exercise period, and are eager to explore and take in the culture and sights that Singapore has to offer." For some of the crew, this is their first time visiting Singapore. "I'm excited about our stop in Singapore," said Fireman Paul Macmillan. "I'm excited to explore an entirely different culture and try some new foods!" Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Key West is one of the most capable submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance. Key West is a member of Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 15, which is located at Polaris Point in Apra Harbor, Guam. COMSUBRON 15 staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines stationed in Guam. The submarines and submarine tenders USS Frank Cable (AS40) and USS Emory S. Land (AS39) are part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed naval force are capable of meeting global operational requirements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Olympia visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170601-12 Release Date: 6/1/2017 8:46:00 AM By Lt. j. g. Mitch Hennessy, USS Olympia Public Affairs FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, May 31, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crew's interaction with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. "The Western Pacific deployment is considered the culminating event for a submariner," said Cmdr. Ben Selph, commanding officer. "Olympia's crew is truly excited to be able to operate in this theater, as well as contribute to the strong regional ties with our allies overseas." Olympia is a multi-mission capable platform with a wide range of applications. This submarine is capable of executing anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. "The Sailors of Olympia have executed the long task of honing their skills and readying the submarine for a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific," said Master Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Roland Midgett, chief of the boat. "Since our last deployment, the crew has changed out quite a bit and has many Sailors deploying away from homeport for their very first time. The excitement of visiting a country surrounded with unique traditions and so much history makes Japan a magnificent place to visit. We are grateful to have this opportunity to learn more and explore some of what Japan has to offer, as well as strengthen the military relationship between our countries." Many crew members are excited to experience the rich culture of Japan. "I'm really excited to see a new culture for the first time and experience what it's like to be in another country," said Fire Control Technician Fireman Brandon Russo. Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Olympia is one of the most capable submarines in the world. Named for the capital city of Washington, Olympia was commissioned in November 1984 in Newport News, Virginia. Olympia is currently homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Friendly fire kills 10 troops in southern Philippines Iran Press TV Thu Jun 1, 2017 9:14AM Government airstrikes meant to hit Takfiri Daesh terrorists in a city in the southern Philippines have mistakenly killed 10 government troops and injured seven others, an army official says. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the incident took place on Wednesday when military aircraft bombed and fired rockets at positions in the southern city of Marawi, where Daesh terrorists have been hiding and holding hostages for more than a week. "A group of our military armed men were hit by our own airstrikes. Ten killed," Lorenzana said. "It's sad but sometimes it happens in the fog of war. The coordination was not properly done." Military chiefs in the Philippines had previously said the military operations to flush out Daesh involved "precision" and "surgical" airstrikes, assuring that no trapped civilians or hostages would be harmed in the urban areas. The clashes erupted on Tuesday last week when gunmen waving black flags of Daesh rampaged through the mostly Muslim-populated city in response to an effort by security forces to arrest a Filipino on the US government's list of most-wanted terrorists. That individual and his gunmen have pledged allegiance to Daesh. Eighty nine militants have been killed over the past days in the efforts to drive them out of the city and about 2,000 civilians are still trapped in the militant-held areas. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law across the southern third of the county to prevent collateral damage. The Daesh militants have forced 200,000 Marawi residents to flee. The Maute group is one of the less than a dozen new armed groups that have pledged allegiance to Daesh and formed a loose alliance in the southern Philippines. It has been blamed for a bomb attack that killed 15 people in the southern Davao City President Rodrigo 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Perpetrators Unknown A Day After Massive Kabul Attack RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan June 01, 2017 One day after a massive truck bombing that killed at least 90 people and wounded more than 400 in Kabul's diplomatic quarter, no group has stepped forward to claim responsibility. A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, flatly denied responsibility for the May 31 attack and said the group condemned any untargeted attacks that caused civilian casualties. But Reuters reported that Afghanistan's main intelligence agency, the National Directorate for Security, believes it was carried out by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network with assistance from Pakistan -- a charge also leveled by some former Afghan officials. Neighboring Pakistan has condemned the "terrorist attack" in a statement from the Foreign Ministry voicing solidarity with Afghanistan. No word was heard from the extremist Islamic State group, which has previously staged major attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and was behind other high-profile attacks in Kabul this year, including one on a military hospital in March that killed more than 50 people. The gruesome killings prompted an outpouring of sympathy and outrage from around the world. The UN Security Council condemned them as "heinous and cowardly," and urged all countries to cooperate with the Afghan government in identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The 15-member council also reaffirmed on May 31 that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, a statement said. Kabul police said the explosives were hidden in a tanker truck that exploded in the Wazir Akbar Khan area during the morning rush hour. Many of dead and wounded were women and children, the Afghan government said. The Health Ministry warned that the toll could rise as more bodies were pulled from the debris. Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Najib Danish told RFE/RL that more than 50 vehicles were either destroyed or damaged. Several houses were also damaged, Danish said. "We are very sad for the killed and wounded people," said Jawid, a Kabul resident. "It is inhumane to commit such acts of terror even during [the holy month of] Ramadan and cause such distress and grief." The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission said Afghan security forces had blocked the truck before entering the heavily protected Green Zone where many foreign embassies as well as its headquarters are located, suggesting the explosion may not have reached its intended target. Many of the dead and wounded were Afghan civilians but foreign nationals were also injured, and the blast prompted widespread condemnation. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani slammed the attack as a "war crime." U.S. President Donald Trump called Ghani to offer his condolences and support, the Afghan president's spokesman said. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement that "the United States strongly condemns today's deadly attack in Kabul." "In the face of this senseless and cowardly act, the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering; the United States stands with the government and the people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity for their country," the statement said. Nine Afghan guards at the U.S. Embassy were killed and 11 American contractors wounded in the attack, the State Department said. One other Afghan guard was reported missing. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said employees at the German Embassy were injured and one Afghan security guard was killed. The BBC said an Afghan driver was killed and four of its journalists were injured. Iran's official news agency, IRNA, said the residence of the Iranian ambassador was heavily damaged and part of the diplomatic compound was destroyed. The French, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Kazakh embassies reportedly sustained some damage too, but no staff injuries were reported. The NATO statement praised "the courage of Afghan Security Forces, especially the police and first responders." Amnesty International called the attack "a horrific act of violence and a heartbreaking reminder of the toll that Afghan civilians continue to pay in a conflict where armed groups deliberately target them and the government fails to protect them." The blast was the latest in a series of attacks in the Afghan capital. Kabul province had the highest number of casualties in the first three months of 2017 as a result of multiple attacks in the city, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-day-after-kabul- blast-no-claims-responsibility/28522132.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Macedonian Parliament Approves New Government Headed By Socialist Zaev RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 01, 2017 Macedonia's parliament has elected a new center-left coalition government led by former opposition leader Zoran Zaev, ending a six-month political stalemate. Lawmakers voted 62-44 just before midnight on May 31 to confirm a 26-member cabinet proposed by Zaev, who leads the Social Democrat Union. Five lawmakers abstained and nine were absent. Zaev was sworn in as prime minister by the parliament speaker immediately after the vote. Zaev promised his government would step up economic reforms and speed up the country's bid to join the European Union and NATO. With his ascendance, the 11-year rule of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party comes to an end. VMRO-DPMNE followers have been unhappy with the governing coalition's appointment of ethnic Albanians to be speaker of parliament as well as to serve in nine cabinet posts. Zaev formed an alliance with two small ethnic Albanian parties to control 62 of parliament's 120 seats after his party finished second in December elections that produced a hung parliament. About a third of Macedonia's population is ethnic Albanian, and ethnic tensions brought the former Yugoslav republic close to civil war in 2001. Heather Nauert, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, congratulated Zaev and said the United States stood ready to help the country carry out reforms that strengthen the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom, and government accountability. The European Union also welcomed the move. "The EU is ready to support the work that the new government, as well as the opposition, will do to constructively implement all parts of the Przino agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities," EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement, referring to an accord among Macedonian leaders brokered by the EU last year. "This is also essential to bring the country back on its European integration path, a process that the citizens clearly want and deserve," Mogherini said. In a statement, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he spoke with Zaev and congratulated him. "We agreed on the importance of addressing urgently needed reforms, including on good governance and the rule of law," Stoltenberg said, adding that such reforms will benefit all citizens of Macedonia and will "further advance the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations." In a separate development, authorities in Macedonia said the health minister in the outgoing government, Nikola Todorov, was shot at on June 1 outside the ministry as he headed there to hand over the post to the new minister. The Interior Ministry said the gunman targeted Todorov -- a member of the VMRO-DPMNE party -- who escaped unharmed. The suspected assailant was detained on the spot. With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/macedonian-parliament- approves-new-government-headed-social-democrat-zaev- ethnic-albanian-coalition/28521923.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump to Keep US Israeli Embassy in Tel Aviv for Now By Ken Bredemeier June 01, 2017 President Donald Trump is keeping the U.S. embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv, even while promising to eventually move it to Jerusalem. Trump, in his long campaign for the presidency, vowed to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem to concur with the Israeli government's long-standing preference. But the issue is caught in the unending debate over the creation of separate Jewish and Palestinian states, with both the Israelis and Palestinians claiming Jerusalem as their capitals. The White House said Thursday that Trump's decision to keep the embassy in Tel Aviv, where most other foreign governments also have their diplomatic missions, should not be considered "in any way a retreat from the president's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance." The White House statement said Trump made the choice "to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians." "As he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy," White House officials said, "the question is not if that move happens, but only when." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was disappointed with Trump's decision. However, Netanyahu said he hopes the U.S. embassy will eventually move to Jerusalem and that he appreciates the U.S. president's expression of friendship. "Israel's consistent position is that the American embassy, like the embassies of all countries with whom we have diplomatic relations, should be in Jerusalem, our eternal capital," Netanyahu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Compares Hackers To 'Artists,' Says They Could Target Russia's Critics For 'Patriotic' Reasons RFE/RL June 01, 2017 Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russian hackers might target those who criticize their country out of "patriotic" feelings, but insisted that the government has no involvement in such cyberattacks. Putin's comments during a June 1 meeting with senior editors of international news agencies in St. Petersburg come amid the continuing fallout over what U.S. intelligence says was a Kremlin-directed hacking-and-propaganda campaign to influence last year's U.S. presidential election. Responding to a question about concerns in Germany that Russian hackers could meddle in that country's upcoming federal elections, Putin said it was "theoretically possible" that "patriotic" hackers could attack those who "speak negatively about Russia." "At a government level, we are never engaged in this. That's the most important thing," Putin said at the televised meeting, which was held during Russia's annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He added that hackers could come "from any country in the world." U.S. intelligence officials accuse Putin of ordering an "influence campaign" using hacking and propaganda in a bid to hurt Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who lost to President Donald Trump in the November 8 election. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the charge. Addressing the June 1 meeting, Putin asserted that "no hackers can fundamentally influence outcome of an election in another country." He offered positive words about Trump, who has said he wants to improve ties with Moscow but whose administration has been dogged by FBI and congressional investigations into contacts between his associates and Russian officials. Putin said that Trump, a wealthy businessman who had never previously held elected office, benefits from his lack of political experience. "He has a fresh set of eyes," Putin said, calling his U.S. counterpart a "straightforward person and a frank person." Putin also criticized what he said was "Russophobia" among countries seeking to isolate Russia -- a clear reference to U.S. and EU sanctions targeting Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and backing of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. He claimed these punitive measures had "zero effect" and said he hoped they would be ended because they are "counterproductive" to all sides. Putin also asserted that that Russia was being forced into bolstering its military presence in the Far East by what he said was a U.S. buildup on the Korean Peninsula. He criticized the construction of elements of a U.S. antimissile system in South Korea and Alaska, saying it constituted a challenge to Moscow. "This concerns us greatly, and we've said this repeatedly over the past 10 years," Putin said, referring to U.S. missile-defense plans. "It destroys the strategic balance in the world." With reporting by Interfax, Reuters, Bloomberg, and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-patriotic- hackers-target-critics-not-state/28522639.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gunfire, Explosions Reported at Manila Resort By VOA News June 01, 2017 Gunshots and explosions have been reported at Resorts World Manila, a hotel located in Pasay, just south of the Philippines capital. According to media reports, at least one gunman opened fire on guests and employees inside the hotel, seriously injuring several people. Pictures posted on social media showed smoke pouring out of the building. Armed police and rescue services were deployed at the scene. The hotel posted a note on Twitter that it was under lockdown and "working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe. Though no one immediately claimed responsibility for the incident in Pasay, it came as the Philippine military has been battling Islamic State-linked militants in the southern city of Marawi. The violence in Marawi erupted last week when security forces tried to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called leader of Islamic State in the Philippines. The militants responded by taking over parts of Marawi and seizing hostages. Hapilon is wanted on terrorism charges by the United States, which has offered a $5 million reward for his arrest. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte vowed earlier Thursday to "wipe out" the IS jihadists in Marawi. "If it's war, my orders really are to wipe them out, everyone," Duterte said. "When I say wipe them out, better if you shoot him in the head, shoot it again in the heart, just to be sure." So far, the fighting in Marawi has killed at least 120 militants, 30 security forces and 24 civilians. Government officials have disclosed one their airstrikes meant to hit Islamic State militants in Marawi instead killed 10 Philippine soldiers and wounded seven others. The errant bombing was one of several military airstrikes on Wednesday as troops on the ground tried to dislodge the militants. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Missile Defense Agency Chief: BMD System 'Ready to Defend the Homeland Today' By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, May 31, 2017 Yesterday's successful test of part of the nation's ballistic missile defense system shows that the United States can defend itself against the threat of ballistic missile launches from North Korea or Iran, the director of the Missile Defense Agency said today. Navy Vice Adm. James D. Syring, speaking to members of the press by telephone from Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, said the test replicated an operational scenario that concerns the military and represents a critical program milestone. "I was confident before the test that we had the capability to defeat any threat that [North Korea or Iran] would throw at us," Syring told reporters, "and I'm even more confident today, after seeing the intercept test yesterday, that we continue to be on that course." Ground-Based Midcourse Defense The Ballistic Missile Defense System can target an incoming ballistic missile at three points in its trajectory. These are the boost phase, from launch through ascent, 1-5 minutes; the midcourse phase, when the missile booster burns out and the missile coasts in space toward its target, up to 20 minutes; and the terminal phase, a brief period when the missile reenters the atmosphere, according to the MDA website. Yesterday's test involved the midcourse phase and was system's first live-fire event, matching a ground-based interceptor carrying an exo-atmospheric kill vehicle against an intercontinental ballistic missile-class threat designed to replicate something that might come at the United States from North Korea or Iran, Syring said. During the test, the target ICBM launched from the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Sensors fed target acquisition and tracking data to the command, control, battle management and communication system. Sea-based x-band radar positioned in the Pacific Ocean also acquired and tracked the target. The ground-based missile defense, or GMD, system received the target tracking data and developed a fire-control solution to intercept the target. Then a ground-based interceptor -- a multistage solid-fuel booster -- launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, carrying the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle toward the target ICBM's location in space. The interceptor released the kill vehicle, which used guidance data transmitted from ground and onboard sensors to collide with and destroy the target warhead, the MDA website says. The interceptor tested yesterday is the same configuration that will complete the fielding of 44 total interceptors by the end of 2017, the admiral said. Challenging Mission Syring said that though this was a developmental test, the scenario is the same as one they would expect to occur during an actual operational engagement. "Based on all the data we've received to date, all indications are that all our system performed exactly as designed," he said. Ballistic missile defense is an incredible challenge, the admiral explained. The defending missile must intercept a missile that can travel thousands of miles per hour, in this case outside the earth's atmosphere. "Our mission becomes more challenging as time goes on as [adversaries] continue to develop increasingly complex threats. But yesterday's test did demonstrate that the system continues to improve and mature, and it is ready to defend the homeland today," Syring said. The next test, to take place in the fall or later in the 2018 calendar year, will involve one target and two interceptors/kill vehicles, the next step in ever-increasing operational realism. The program plan for testing adversary ICBM salvos is scheduled for the 2023 time frame, the admiral said. Ahead of the Evolving Threat Syring said that the interceptor tested yesterday outpaces the threat to the United States through 2020. "The intelligence community gives us a body of evidence about where they think the threat is today and where it will evolve by 2020. We design tests specifically to incorporate the attributes of that threat today and what the intelligence community predicts it will be in say three years," he added. The entire test program is based on intelligence forecasts and projections and where adversaries may be with respect to reentry vehicle technology, countermeasure technology and rocket-motor technology, the admiral said. "And, we seek to replicate many of those intelligence projections in the tests that we conduct," he added. An ongoing program for a redesigned kill vehicle will be flight-tested by the end of calendar year 2019 and, Syring said, "will be the next step in not only improving reliability but improving performance against the evolving threat." The fiscal 2018 MDA budget proposal includes a multi-object kill-vehicle program that MDA and industry partners will begin developing in 2018 and are targeting the 2025 time frame for that. "We're in a very good step-wise progression here of not only increasing reliability but being ahead of where we believe the threat will go in terms of complexity, countermeasures and ultimately consideration for capacity down the road," the admiral added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Vice Admiral Jim Syring, MDA Director; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office May 31, 2017 Department of Defense Off-Camera Press Briefing by Vice Admiral James Syring on Missile Defense STAFF: Thanks for coming in this morning. I know for most of you, it's still very early, 10 a.m., so it's 6 a.m. in reporter time. (Laughter.) So, hey, I've got Vice Admiral Jim Syring here with me. He's the director of the Missile Defense Agency. Everything we'll say here today is on the record. I'd ask just for the sake of time that you limit your questions just to one question and a follow-up. And please announce yourself if you're going to ask a question since we can't see you. And with that, I'll turn it over to Admiral Syring. VICE ADMIRAL JIM SYRING: Hello, everybody. Good morning. CAPTAIN JEFF DAVIS: Thank you, Chris. And thank you, Admiral. Jeff Davis here. We've got -- we've got about 35 or so reporters assembled here, and we'll turn it over to you. I know you have some videos to show, and then we'll call the questions from here. ADM. SYRING: Thanks, Jeff. I'll start. Thanks again, everybody, for being here. I do have a video I want to show of the test that we'll release publicly after we show you all this morning. I want to just share some of the additional details about the test that we conducted yesterday with our industry partners and the warfighters who actually executed the test. It was our first GMD test against an ICBM-range target, and it was the first test of the upgraded GBI, which will complete the balance of the 44 interceptors by the end of 2017. During the test, the ICBM-class target was launched from the Reagan test site on Kwajalein Atoll. Multiple sensors provided the target acquisition and tracking data to the command and control system. The Sea-Based X-band radar position in the Pacific Ocean also acquired and tracked the target. The GMD system received the target-tracking data, developed the fire-control solution, and then successfully intercepted the target with a direct hit. Although this was a developmental test, this is exactly the scenario we would expect to occur during an actual operational engagement. Based on all the data we've received to date and all indications are that all our systems performed exactly as designed and this test represents a critical -- critical milestone in the life of the program. As I've said many times before, ballistic missile defense is an incredible challenge and you all know we're talking about intercepting a missile that can travel thousands of miles per hour with another missile traveling just as fast outside the earth's atmosphere in this case -- hitting a bullet with a bullet. Our mission becomes more challenging as time goes on, as I've spoken in the past, as they continue to develop increasingly complex threats. But yesterday's test did demonstrate that the system continues to improve and mature, and it is ready to defend the homeland today. We look forward to further analyzing the data from yesterday's test because we improve and learn from each test regardless of the outcome. In this case, it met its primary and secondary objectives. The lessons we learn from this test will allow us to continue to mature the system and stay ahead of the threat. Our next test will be next year. It will be a salvo test against another ICBM target in the fall to late calendar-year timeframe. I want to show the video, the highlights of the video of the test yesterday. And I think we can push that to you all. And then after the video, I'd be happy to take your questions. (BEGIN VIDEO PRESENTATION) (END VIDEO PRESENTATION) CAPT. DAVIS: OK. We've seen the video, sir. ADM. SYRING: Great. Ready for questions. CAPT. DAVIS: Sure. We'll start with Kristina Wong from Breitbart. Q: Thank you, General (sic). Wanted to know -- in -- in what phase was the target intercepted? And was it a single launch to a single interceptor? Or were there multiple targets launched? ADM. SYRING: It was a single target with a single interceptor, and it was intercepted in the mid-course phase of flight. Q: So is that distinct from the -- the boost phase, or the terminal phase? ADM. SYRING: That's correct. Q: OK. Thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, to David Martin from CBS. Q: Admiral, you said in your statement that the X-band radar was part of this. X-band radar takes forever to get in position. So how -- how realistic was this test, since you obviously knew when it was coming, and you could, you know, position all you -- all the sensors that you -- you needed, and that wouldn't necessarily apply in the case of the real thing? ADM. SYRING: So the test realism -- to answer your question directly, it was a very realistic test. We had a sensor, the SBX was out as it is today, performing a mission, and did participate in the test. The test assets that were part of the test provided the detection and queueing to the GMD system, and in this case, provided us the discrimination support required for the intercept. However, the system is able, today, to operate without the X-band radar. We use it in the test construct to gather the data that we need to gather, and to aid in the discrimination effort. But I don't want you to walk away to think that it was not a realistic test scenario. Q: (OFF-MIKE) ADM. SYRING: It actually replicated -- without going into classified details -- an operational scenario that we're concerned about. Q: Did the target include decoys? ADM. SYRING: Yes, it did. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, to Jennifer Griffin, from Fox News. Q: Admiral Syring -- STAFF: Hey, Jeff, if -- if possible, could we get people to come a little closer to the speaker? (CROSSTALK) STAFF: We're having a difficult time hearing them. CAPT. DAVIS: I think Jennifer has a louder voice. Let's try. Q: -- Admiral Syring, just to follow up on David Martin's question, when the interceptor was launched from Vandenberg, was it given a warning as to -- did it know what time the ICBM target had been launched? Was that communicated, or did it know that there was a 4-hour window, and detected the missile not knowing when it would be launched within that window? ADM. SYRING: Jennifer, it was not notified when -- it was not notified when the target was launched. So in a normal operational scenario, the overhead assets would detect that launch and would queue the entire system to then generate the weapon tasking order to the GMD system that would then queue the interceptor to launch to intercept the target. But everything that we did was operationally realistic in terms of the timeframe that it would have happened. Now, we did know the test was going to be yesterday. We did know the timeframe that it was going to be. But that is due in almost 100 percent fact of the safety constraints that we're up against in the Pacific Ocean. We're launching an interceptor 100 miles north of the LAX, we're launching an interceptor that's flying thousands of miles past Hawaii; and that requires us to shut down large parts of the ocean in terms of mariners, ship traffic and air traffic and its infeasible to do it any other way. But the tasking that was provided to the interceptor would have been the tasking that would have been provided to the system and the specific interceptors if it had been a North Korea launch. Nothing was different. Q: And sir, you mentioned that there were lessons learned. What were some of the lessons learned? ADM. SYRING: We don't have -- we're going through the data. We always learn in these tests, but we do know 100 percent confidently that the primary and secondary objectives were met, and it wouldn't be worth the time and effort and money to test if we never found anything. So we view it as data collection, data gathering opportunity. And I don't know what we'll find yet, but we do know that the objectives of the test were met. MODERATOR: OK, next to Tony Capaccio from Bloomberg. Q: Hi, sir. Can you talk a little bit about how this ICBM target was much different than 18 or 19 you've used since 1999? Did a replicated KN08 or Taepaedong 2? ADM. SYRING: I can't -- Tony, I can't go into the threat characteristics of the target, but I can tell you that it flew at a higher altitude and a longer range and a higher velocity than any other target we've flown to date. Q: On decoys, you know that the arms control community for the last 20 years has criticized your operation for not using counter measures. Can you talk a little bit more about the decoys? Were they considered primitive or fairly sophisticated countermeasures? ADM. SYRING: Tony, I can't go into the specifics of that. I'm saying as much as I can to even say there were decoys in the test. But it's not the first time that we've tested with decoys in countermeasures. Q: And there were warfighters. Can you talk a little bit about the NORTHCOM force that actually operated this? ADM. SYRING: Tony, it was the warfighters here in Colorado Springs that operated the system and got the detection and fired the interceptor. Q: OK, thanks. ADM. SYRING: It was all done with warfighters on console. MODERATOR: Warfighters on console. I'm sorry; tell me your name again? Q: Dan Wasserbly with Jane's. Admiral, I just wanted to -- to follow up. You said the SBX radar also acquired and attracted a target. Did it speak the GMD system? Did it help discriminate decoys from the target? ADM. SYRING: It did. It -- and I'm just being a little careful here, it did -- it did provide information to the GMD system. Q: Information that was used in the intercept? ADM. SYRING: That's correct. Q: And you mentioned FTG-11, that will also be the exact same target that was used in this one? Or different, faster, slower? ADM. SYRING: Different front end, but same range and same ICBM class of target. And I'll just leave it at that. MODERATOR: Next to Sydney Freedberg. Q: Admiral, about that next test, you mentioned it will be a salvo test, does that mean multiple incoming, multiple outgoing? Go into a little detail about what that next step is in testing this weapon. ADM. SYRING: It'll be one target and two interceptors. Q: And what's the value of that in stretching the system beyond what you've already done? ADM. SYRING: I think you may have seen the Colonel up in Alaska talk about -- we shoot more than one in an operational, real-world scenario -- like every system does. The Aegis system does, the THAAD system does. We want to exercise the GMD system with more than one interceptor to gather data for what a first interceptor would do in terms of kill and what the second interceptor would see. And this is really a desire of the operational test community to see this scenario which is the next step in ever-increasing operational realism. MODERATOR: Next to Phil Stewart from Reuters. Q: Hey there. First, how -- how would you characterize this interceptor now? Is it still developmental? And secondly, what kind of notification's given to Russia and to China? They're not probably too happy about the success of the test. ADM. SYRING: First, the interceptor is not developmental. The interceptor that was shot yesterday is production representative of what will field the balance of the interceptors going into the ground by the end of this year. So the same interceptor configuration that will complete the fielding of 44 interceptors by the end of 2017. And there were no treaty violations in the test and no notifications given either. MODERATOR: OK. Next to Patrick Tucker from Defense One. Q: Thanks, Admiral. Could you go into a little bit more detail about the extra sensors that were used as part of the test and are they as abundant in the Pacific as they were during this test? ADM. SYRING: OK, so if you think about where we test, we test in basically the eastern two-thirds of the Pacific where we don't have TPY-2, the Japan radar coverage that we would use against a country like North Korea for detection. So the radars that we used was a TPY-2 on the Kwajalein Atoll -- on Wake Island, I'm sorry, not Kwajalein, on Wake. And then the SBX to replicate and -- I'm being very careful here -- to facilitate the execution of the test. If it was an operational scenario the TPY/2s in Japan would play heavily in that. The radar in Alaska, today at Clear would play heavily into the intercept solution. And the overhead sensors as well. So what we did in the construct of the test since we don't have -- we're much further south and much further east than where we have radar coverage, that's the purpose of having a TPY-2 on Wake and the SBX there to facilitate the testing and the way the test was outlined. I hope that makes sense. Q: Yes, it does, thanks . CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Next Helene Cooper from The New York Times. Q: Admiral, was there a confirmed kill or a glancing blow? ADM. SYRING: The information we have was it was a direct hit and we will -- we don't have any indications it was a glancing blow at this time, we have indications it was a direct hit, a complete obliteration. But we will analyze the lethality data over the next 30 days and literally we've got to get down to determining within which centimeter on the RV did it hit. And that takes us, you know, 30 days to go through that analysis and modeling. Q: Thank you and also -- (CROSSTALK) ADM. SYRING: That's how accurate we need to be. Q: OK, and did all of the thrusters in the kill vehicle operate -- wasn't there a case, like a while ago, where one of them failed? ADM. SYRING: The data analysis that we're undertaking today will validate all of the proper operation of -- not just the thrusters, but the other part of the kill vehicle that was flown. CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Next, Hans Nichols from NBC, maybe we'll come a little closer (CROSSTALK) ADM. SYRING: And, hold on just a second, let me -- the second part of the question was that the thruster in the January 2016 test did not fail. That didn't happen. We flew the control test flight to validate the performance of the thrusters, which was the primary objective, and we did. There was another issue found with the flight computer on that particular vehicle that caused one of the signals to not flow to the thruster, in layman's terms. But it had nothing to do with the thruster and everything that we needed to get out of that test we got and I think was validated during the operational intercept yesterday. CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Hans Nichols from NBC News. Q: Yeah. Thanks Admiral, could you tell us how far off the coast the intercept happened and then you mentioned that the altitude was exo-atmospheric, could you also give us an indication there? ADM. SYRING: I'd like to answer your question, but I can't. Just because I don't want to be that specific, but suffice it to say it was well over 1,000 miles off the coast -- I would say thousands of miles off the coast. Q: OK. Can you say before or after Hawaii? ADM. SYRING: Northeast of Hawaii. So it was before Hawaii. If you're looking at it from the West coast. Q: OK, thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Queue is empty folks, Kristina Wong from Breitbart. Q: Yes, Admiral sorry -- sorry for misspeaking and calling you General earlier. What counter measure -- (CROSSTALK) ADM. SYRING: That's an honor when they call me general. (LAUGHTER) Q: What countermeasures were employed? And how well did -- I think it was the kill vehicle, how well did it discriminate? And did the target have a homing beacon on it? Device? ADM. SYRING: I can't go into the countermeasure package on the vehicle and the target absolutely does not have a homing beacon on it. Q: OK, thank you. (CROSSTALK) CAPT. DAVIS: OK, next Marcus -- ADM. SYRING: Despite what some have written. Q: Thanks. CAPT. DAVIS: Marcus Weisgerber from Defense One. Q: Hey Admiral I look for clarification. You mentioned decoys have been used in the past, is the first success when decoys were used? ADM. SYRING: I'm sorry you broke up the last part of that question. Q: You said that decoys have been used in the past, is this the first success when decoys have been used? ADM. SYRING: No. Q: OK, and in terms of -- (CROSSTALK) ADM. SYRING: We've been successful in the past. Q: And just in terms of the overall threat you've talked about left of launch before and stuff like that. Essentially how much time do you expect the technology that was used in this test and -- this actual test itself to by you in terms of the threat that's evolving? ADM. SYRING: It's a good question. The interceptor that we flew yesterday certainly keeps pace with -- I would actually say helps us outpace the threat -- through 2020. And the new development that we have going with the redesigned kill vehicle which is ongoing, which will flight test by the end of calendar year '19 will be the next step to not only improving reliability, but improving performance against the evolving threat. And then I think you saw our budget announcement that we now have a multi-object kill vehicle program in the budget. And that will start development this year in '18, in fiscal year '18. And we're targeting the 2025 timeframe for that. So we're on a very good stepwise progression here of not only increasing reliability, but being ahead of where we believe the threat will go. In terms of complexity, countermeasures and ultimately consideration for capacity down the road. CAPT. DAVIS: Next Courtney Kube from NBC. Q: Hi Admiral. Just -- can you just explain -- I don't quite understand what you mean that -- that you think that with this test you've outpaced the threat through 2020? Can you explain exactly? Forgive me, I don't -- I don't understand what you mean by that. ADM. SYRING: Sure, so the intelligence community gives us a body of evidence of where they think the threat is today and where it will evolve by 2020. And we designed tests specifically to incorporate the attributes of that threat today and what the intelligence community predicts it will be in say three years. So our entire test program is based on intelligence forecasts and projections. And where they may be with reentry vehicle technology, with countermeasure technology, with rocket motor technology. And we seek to replicate many of those intelligence projections in the tests that we conduct. And what we see in 2020, without going into classified details, was very well replicated in the test that we conducted yesterday. Q: And just to be clear, so you believe based on the success of this test yesterday that the threat that exists to the U.S. from either Iran and North Korea is mitigated now? That the U.S. has confidence that you have defenses to defend against anything that they might throw at the U.S. in the next couple -- like in 2020? Is that fair? Is that a fair characterization of what you're saying? Just to dumb it down a little for me ADM. SYRING: I was confident before the test that we have the capability to defeat any threat that they would throw at us. And I'm more confident today -- even more confident today after seeing the intercept test yesterday that we continue to be on that course. Q: Thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Ryan Browne from CNN. Q: Hello, Admiral. Thank you for doing this. Just a question. I know you said that a salvo interceptor will be used in the next test. Is there any plans to test enemy ICBM salvos like multiple threats in the near future? ADM. SYRING: Not -- not in the near future. Our program plan has it out in the 2023 timeframe. Q: Thank you. CAPT. DAVIS: Follow-up from Helene Cooper, New York Times. Q: Thank you, sir. Just a quick question. How close to the real speed of an incoming ICBM does the test warhead come? ADM. SYRING: Just a second. I'm just checking classification. CAPT. DAVIS: They say you don't need to do that, sir. They'd love to hear the classification -- (Laughter.) ADM. SYRING: How about if I just -- it's within the expected range and altitude of an ICBM. And there's a range -- an ICBM flies greater than -- it's open source -- greater than 5,500 kilometers; and speed -- the speed we saw yesterday is representative -- and I'll just leave it at that -- of what we would predict an ICBM to fly at. Very, very close. CAPT. DAVIS: And another follow-up from Tony Capaccio from Bloomberg. Q: Sir, would you -- are you claiming that yesterday's test was the most realistic to date conducted, or pretty much replicates the realism that you said was in play in June of 2014? ADM. SYRING: I wouldn't say it was the most realistic to date because we -- all the testing that we do, Tony, in the recent years has been very, very operationally realistic. So I don't want to compare one test to another. But this did represent a very real operational scenario in the Pacific. (CROSSTALK) Q: Was this like a mobile missile you're worried about or one from a silo launch? ADM. SYRING: I'm worried about all of them. Q: Was SBIRS used, by the way, in this -- ADM. SYRING: And -- what's that? Q: Was SBIRS used in this case to track the initial launch? ADM. SYRING: Yes, it was. Q: Thanks. ADM. SYRING: Yes, it was. CAPT. DAVIS: And Dan from Jane's STAFF: You've got about three more minutes. CAPT. DAVIS: Dan from Jane's. Q: Thank you. Admiral, just -- one of the criticisms we've heard is the sort of time of day that these tend to take place in the morning when the sun helps illuminate the target. Is that a fair criticism? And are there any plans, I guess, in the future to test at night or inclement weather or anything like that? ADM. SYRING: What we did today, we've tested at different times of the day, but we believe that it was within the operational envelope of what we would expect. CAPT. DAVIS: OK and the last question goes to -- ADM. SYRING: I don't want to get into specifics of the classified details of that question, but it falls within what we would expect. CAPT. DAVIS: OK. Luiz Martinez from ABC News. Q: Hi Sir. Looking at the pictures of the missile at the launch pad in Kwajalein that doesn't look like a Minuteman. Was this kind of a specific missile design intended to replicate what we may be seeing in North Korea or was this some kind of prior design that was in the U.S. inventory? ADM. SYRING: Our intention wasn't for it to replicate a Minuteman. It was to replicate a threat missile from a country like Iran. And a re-entry vehicle In terms of its performance and how it flies and what the system saw before intercept. Q: OK. Just to clarify, did you say replicate a missile from Iran or North Korea as well? ADM. SYRING: From North Korea or Iran. In this case it was a Pacific scenario. CAPT. DAVIS: One last real quick one here from Richard Sisk, Military.com. Q: Yes, Admiral, do you have a cost estimate on the test? ADM. SYRING: $244 million. Q: You said earlier, you know the next testing, I couldn't hear it, and did you say it's going to be this fall or next fall? ADM. SYRING: Next fall, in the -- I'll say August/September timeframe. CAPT. DAVIS: OK thank you ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, Admiral for your time, any final words before we sign off? ADM. SYRING: Nope. Thank you very much. If you have follow up questions, my PAO Chris Johnson, is available and will follow-up with you immediately. Hopefully you'll get the video and I appreciate the interest and the questions. Thank you. STAFF: The video is on DVIDS now, guys. CAPT. DAVIS: Thanks everybody. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1198464/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: 99 percent of ballistic missiles on combat alert Iran Press TV Thu Jun 1, 2017 1:22AM Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says that 99 percent of his country's ballistic missiles are on combat alert. "Today, the Strategic Missile Force is maintained at the level allowing for reliably solving nuclear containment tasks. A total of 99% of launchers are in a combat-ready state and 96% of them are constantly ready for an immediate launch," Shoigu said during a Wednesday meeting. He added that Russia is currently developing a state of the art missile system with the ability to bypass an echeloned anti-missile defense system. The announcement was made a day after the US military conducted its first-ever intercept test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Following the test, North Korea announced that it is prepared to test-launch an ICBM. One of the country's state-run newspapers reported on Wednesday that the North Korean army was waiting for orders from their leader Kim Jong-un to test a real ICBM. Pyongyang also stressed that no foreign powers could halt its progress towards becoming a nuclear and missile power. In mid-May, the United Nations Security Council called on Pyongyang not to conduct any further missile tests. The North, under an array of sanctions for its missile and nuclear programs, says it is developing arms as deterrence against the US threat. North Korea has also said it would not abandon its missile and nuclear programs unless the US ended its hostility toward Pyongyang. Unsettled by North Korean missile and nuclear programs, the United States adopted a war-like posture, sending a strike group and conducting joint military drills with North Korea's regional adversaries Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, the US military has begun deploying an advanced missile system in South Korea known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), raising the ire of North Korea, China, and Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh Militants Leave Raqqa, Cross Euphrates - Russian Military Sputnik News 08:13 01.06.2017(updated 13:17 01.06.2017) Daesh (banned in numerous countries) militants continue to cross the Euphrates River in Syria from their stronghold of Raqqa despite being encircled by Kurdish and US-led coalition forces, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The ministry said in a statement the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), together with the US, UK and French special forces, have "virtually blocked" Raqqa from the north. "At the same time, the SDF stopped its offensive, resulting in ruptures in the IS' [Daesh] ring of encirclement. Using this, the terrorists cross the Euphrates and seek to transfer their formations in the southern direction of Syria," it said. The Russian troop command in Syria will do its utmost to prevent Daesh from breaking through further south from Raqqa, the ministry added. "The command of the Russian grouping of forces in the Syrian Arab Republic will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the breakthrough of the IS [Daesh] units from Raqqa to the provinces of Homs and Hama," it said in a statement. According to the Defense Ministry, Russia's Aerospace Forces thwarted two attempts by Daesh to break through to Palmyra from Raqqa in the past week. "The first convoy of terrorists from Raqqa heading to Palmyra was destroyed by the Russian Aerospace Forces on May 25. IS militants made another attempt to break through to the Palmyra area on the night of May 29 to 30. Three motorcades left Raqqa under the cover of darkness and took several routes southward," the ministry said in a statement. They also destroyed more than 80 Daesh jihadists, 36 vehicles, eight fuel trucks and 17 pickup trucks that tried to flee the occupied city of Raqqa on Tuesday. "The Russian Aerospace Forces hit the detected targets. The IS lost more than 80 terrorists, 36 cars, eight fuel trucks and 17 pickup trucks equipped with mortars and large-caliber machine guns," the ministry said in a statement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria Conflict Tilts Increasingly to East of War-ravaged Country By Jamie Dettmer June 01, 2017 Syria's conflict is tilting to the east of the war-wracked country, where Syrian army forces and Shi'ite allies this week launched several offensives in the desert bordering Iraq and the U.S.-led coalition conducted a series of airstrikes. One strike Wednesday killed a senior Islamic State propagandist. U.S.-backed Sunni rebels also have been mounting raids along the Syria-Iraq border. Syrian government officials claim to have inflicted heavy losses on IS since Wednesday with attacks by the regime's Republican Guard to the west of Deir al-Zor and by the Syrian Arab Army's 104th and 123rd brigades in prolonged skirmishes in the city's al-Rishdieh and al-Hawiqah districts. The attacks mark a surge in the regime's weeks-long military offensive in eastern Syria, which has coincided with repeated hints by the leaders of Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias that they may decide to cross the border, move into Syria and link up with the forces of President Bashar al-Assad. The militias have been redoubling their efforts to clear IS fighters from villages on the Iraqi side of the border. The military movements not only are squeezing Islamic State and hindering the jihadists from going back and forth across the border, which in the past they have used to great tactical advantage, according to analysts. They also appear to be tied to a jockeying for position among rival local forces backed by different powers, raising the specter of Syria's partition, dividing the country into zones of influence. Aron Lund, an analyst at The Century Foundation, a U.S.-based research institution, says the moves are not just about driving out IS from eastern Syria, but preventing rivals from filling the void. "The presence of foreign embeds and air cover for many of the forces now fighting in Syria Russian and Iranian troops on Assad's side, Americans with the Kurds, Turkish special forces among some rebels, Jordanian and American or even Norwegian advisers among other rebels is another driver of the eastward motion," Lund said. "As the Islamic State contracts, Assad and some of his rivals are hurrying to grab as much as they can of the Euphrates and border areas, while they are still in play," he added in an email to VOA. Some U.S. analysts argue that the push eastward by Assad's forces which escalated after May 4 Russian-brokered "peace talks" in the Kazakh capital of Astana that saw Moscow, Tehran and Ankara sign off on a cease-fire for four western and southern Syria territories is part of a Damascus-Tehran plan to block the United States and any proxy forces from expanding into eastern Syria. "These movements suggest that pro-regime forces intend to insert themselves into the campaigns against IS in Raqqa city and Deir al-Zor province - thereby preempting long-term expansion by the U.S. in eastern Syria," said Chris Kozak of the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based research institution. The institute has warned that a linking of Assad's forces with Iraq's Iranian-backed militias would strengthen Tehran's hand in both Syria and Iraq across the Levant, undermining the Trump administration's stated aim of opposing the expansion of Iranian influence in the region. It has advocated that the U.S. refocus its campaign against IS in Syria toward Deir al-Zor province as "a long-term base for operations against both IS and the Russo-Iranian Coalition in Syria." Airstrikes, launched by both the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian regime, as well as Iraqi government warplanes, continued to pummel parts of eastern Syria into Thursday, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based watchdog that relies on a network of activists inside Syria for its information. The observatory had no details on casualties, but last week, the U.N.'s human rights chief warned of a "rising toll of civilian deaths" in both Deir al-Zor and Raqqa, the one-time de facto capital of IS. Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called in a statement for all air forces operating in Syria to take greater care to distinguish between legitimate military targets and civilians. His statement came after reports of at least 35 civilian deaths in an airstrike on al-Mayadin, a town held by the jihadists near Deir al-Zor. Some of the civilians were thought to be family members of foreign IS fighters. Many of the group's fighters have been massing in Syria's Euphrates basin area after fleeing from other fronts in both Syria and Iraq. Spokesmen for the U.S.-led coalition say they try to be careful to avoid civilian casualties in airstrikes, but are faced with challenges because jihadists are mixed in with civilians and use them as human shields. On Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in an interview with CBS the Pentagon was doing "everything humanly possible" to avoid noncombatant casualties as it pursued "annihilation tactics against IS." Some NGO's say the civilian death toll is likely to climb amid President Donald Trump's accelerated pace of combat. The U.S.-led coalition has officially acknowledged responsibility for more than 450 civilian deaths since its bombing campaign began in 2014, including 105 in Mosul, Iraq in March. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 13 Turkish troops killed in helicopter crash in Sirnak Iran Press TV Wed May 31, 2017 9:41PM Thirteen Turkish troops have died in a helicopter crash in the country's southeastern Sirnak province. The Cougar military chopper went down on Wednesday after hitting an electrical power line close to the border with Iraq, killing all on board. "Our hero comrades in the helicopter fell as martyrs," said a statement released by the Turkish army. It added that initial investigations show that the crash was due to pilot error. In March, a helicopter with seven passengers on board crashed in the Turkish city of Istanbul, killing all aboard. The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, which is owned by Turkish conglomerate Eczacibasi, came down shortly after takeoff from Istanbul's Ataturk airport. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Jun 1, 2017) - Tarku Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:TKU) (the "Company" or "Tarku") announces that, following reception of the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has completed the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of Eureka Exploration Inc. ("Eureka"), which shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tarku.. Eureka assets encompass 5 well-positioned exploration properties near Chibougamau and Matagami in Northern Abitibi, Quebec and aggregates 285 claims or 15,454 ha. along regional gold bearing trends. This acquisition shall significantly increase Tarku's land position in Quebec. Since the April 25th press release, 11 pending claims were granted by the Ministere de l'Energie et des Ressources naturelles of Quebec and are integrated into the transaction. As previously announced, changes in directorship and management are being made to reflect the new vision of Tarku. Effective immediately, Julien Davy will be stepping in as the new president and a director of the Company and Benoit Lafrance will act as exploration manager and a director of the Company while Sylvain Laberge will remain as CEO and Jeff Sheppard will remain CFO of the Company. The management would like to thank Bernie Kennedy and Tom McNeill, who both handed in their resignation, for their contribution as directors and founders of the Company. Mr. Kennedy shall remain on the advisory board. Julien Davy began his career as an exploration geologist in the summer of 1996. Since then, he has assessed numerous projects at the exploration or more advanced stages in Canada and abroad, and has been involved in the acquisition and mining investment aspects. Julien has a Master's from Universite du Quebec a Montreal and a MBA from HEC in Montreal. He has held the position of President at Stria Lithium and Senior Exploration Geologist at Osisko Mining Corp., and was an investment consultant for SIDEX s.e.c. of Montreal. Julien also worked for NioGold Mining Corp. in Val-d'Or, Hecla Mining in Venezuela, Cambior Exploration, Anglo-American Exploration and the Ministry of Natural Resources of Quebec. Benoit Lafrance, who holds a PhD in Mineral Resources from the Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi and has more than 20 years' experience, shall also be joining the Board. During his career, Benoit worked on numerous exploration projects, mining development projects, feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments and stakeholder consultations. He has held the positions of Vice President Exploration at Focus Graphite, Researcher at CONSOREM, Senior Geologist at Cogitore Resources and Geologist at the Ministry of Natural Resources of Quebec. In 2011, Benoit and other members of the CONSOREM team received the AEMQ's Jean-Descarreaux Award. Benoit possesses ideal expertise for developing and applying innovative ideas and techniques to generate new exploration approaches and targets. Finally, concerning the private placement of $193,500 announced on April 20, 2017, Tarku confirms that Tim Termuende, a director, participated in the placement for an amount of $3,250. Summary of the transaction: Tarku acquired all of the common shares and common share purchase warrants of Eureka issued and outstanding in consideration for the issuance of 10,000,000 common shares of Tarku (the "Tarku Shares") and 900,000 common share purchase warrants of Tarku (the "Tarku Warrants"), each Tarku Warrant entitling the holder to subscribe for one (1) Tarku Share at a price of $0.10 until June 29, 2018. Eureka owns a 100% interest in the following properties: Chibougamau district Based on the innovative approach of using a different geological model than the typical "Chibougamau Cu-Au mineralization type", Eureka took a wide land position for orogenic gold potential along a regional fault in the northern part of the Chibougamau district. Richardson - 42 mining claims covering 2,319 ha, located 20 km NNE of Chibougamau: The Richardson property is located along the regional Barlow fault. Despite the absence of documented gold occurrences at the time of staking in early 2016, the exploration model used by Eureka for targeting orogenic gold has been proven successful with the discovery of a mineralized felsic volcaniclastic rock containing 1.7 g/t Au (associated with disseminated sulphides) during preliminary fieldwork conducted in 2016. In addition to its gold potential, the Richardson project also includes a mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex representing a favourable setting for Ni-Cu-PGE (platinum group elements) mineralization as well as a historical intercept of 2.75% Zn over 0.6m (historical drill hole), highlighting the potential for Zn-Cu-Ag-Au volcanogenic massive sulphides (VMS) mineralization. The Richardson property is located along the regional Barlow fault. Despite the absence of documented gold occurrences at the time of staking in early 2016, the exploration model used by Eureka for targeting orogenic gold has been proven successful with the discovery of a mineralized felsic volcaniclastic rock containing 1.7 g/t Au (associated with disseminated sulphides) during preliminary fieldwork conducted in 2016. In addition to its gold potential, the Richardson project also includes a mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex representing a favourable setting for Ni-Cu-PGE (platinum group elements) mineralization as well as a historical intercept of 2.75% Zn over 0.6m (historical drill hole), highlighting the potential for Zn-Cu-Ag-Au volcanogenic massive sulphides (VMS) mineralization. Bullion - 26 mining claims covering 1,435 ha located 25 km NNE of Chibougamau: The Bullion property is located along the regional Barlow fault. Historical data on the Bullion project reveals gold results ranging from trace quantities up to 2 g/t Au over 2 meters (associated with disseminated sulphides) in 1984 drilling . This mineralization, along with the new Eureka gold showing on the Richardson project, enhances the gold potential along the new regional trend. With the adjoining Bullion and Richardson projects, Eureka Exploration holds 16km of 100%-owned land position on an underexplored, prospective gold-bearing regional structure that has seen only 8 drill holes completed in the 1980's. This faulted contact on the northern edge of the most northerly sedimentary basin of the Abitibi shows similarities to the Detour Lake Mine geological context. Tarku/Eureka caution that mineralization within the Detour Lake mine may not be indicative of the mineralization that may be identified on its Chibougamau properties, which remain a conceptual exploration targeting model. Matagami district Eureka also used a different geological model than the typically applied VMS-type model used by the other companies to identify base metals in the Matagami district. Following this approach, Eureka took a significant land position which targets gold mineralization along regional fault zones east of Matagami district. Apollo - 104 mining claims covering 5495 ha located 50 km east from Matagami: The Apollo project is located along the regional Riviere Waswanipi ductile shear zone that affects alkaline lavas, polygenic conglomerates (Timiskaming-type) and porphyritic intrusions anomalous in gold. This geological context shows potential for "Orogenic Gold associated with Alkaline Rocks and Porphyritic Intrusions" mineralization type. This faulted contact on the northern edge of the Abitibi is interpreted as being similar to the Detour Lake Mine geological context. Tarku/Eureka caution that mineralization within the Detour Lake mine may not be indicative of the mineralization that may be identified on its Chibougamau properties, which remain a conceptual exploration targeting model. The Apollo project is located along the regional Riviere Waswanipi ductile shear zone that affects alkaline lavas, polygenic conglomerates (Timiskaming-type) and porphyritic intrusions anomalous in gold. This geological context shows potential for "Orogenic Gold associated with Alkaline Rocks and Porphyritic Intrusions" mineralization type. This faulted contact on the northern edge of the Abitibi is interpreted as being similar to the Detour Lake Mine geological context. Tarku/Eureka caution that mineralization within the Detour Lake mine may not be indicative of the mineralization that may be identified on its Chibougamau properties, which remain a conceptual exploration targeting model. Admiral - 24 mining claims covering 1,334 ha, located 25 km east from Matagami The Admiral projects include two regional shear zones and shows potential for mesothermal orogenic gold as highlighted by the Lac Olga Ouest showing located immediately east of the claims (historical geological sampling recovered samples ranging from trace quantities to 5.9 g/t Au in a quartz-carbonate-pyrite vein; grab sample). The Admiral projects include two regional shear zones and shows potential for mesothermal orogenic gold as highlighted by the Lac Olga Ouest showing located immediately east of the claims (historical geological sampling recovered samples ranging from trace quantities to 5.9 g/t Au in a quartz-carbonate-pyrite vein; grab sample). Atlas - 89 claims covering 4,870 ha located 50 km east from Matagami The Atlas project contains aluminous-type alteration and volcanic sequence with facies and geochemical affinity similar to the Bousquet Formation of the southern Abitibi. This distinctive geological environment highlights the potential for the presence of gold-bearing Volcanogenic Massive Sulphides mineralization (Au-Ag-Cu-Zn VMS). Tarku/Eureka caution that the mineralization within the LaRonde mine may not be indicative of the mineralization that may be identified on its Matagami district properties, which remain a conceptual exploration targeting model. Each of the Eureka Properties are subject to (1) a 1% NSR royalty in favour of Julien Davy, half of which (0.5% NSR) may be bought back for $500,000 and (2) a 1% NSR royalty in favour of Benoit Lafrance, half of which (0.5% NSR) may be bought back for $500,000. About the new Tarku (www.tarkuresources.com): Tarku Resources Ltd. is an exploration company focused on generating sustainable projects for precious and base metals by conducting exploration in areas with strong geologic potential and high levels of social acceptability. Tarku holds 100% of the interests in all its projects. Project generation is the foundation of mining development and the vision of Tarku is to generate exploration projects with excellent potential for partners or buyers to build into mining properties. The foundation of the Company is based on an experienced management team with a track record of success. The goal of Tarku is to provide success for its shareholders through the implementation of strategic property acquisition, the use of innovative exploration techniques and the exploration of fertile ground. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Company's properties. Regulation 43-101 disclosure Benoit Lafrance P.Geo, Ph.D., exploration manager and director of Tarku, is the qualified person under the guidelines of National Instrument 43-101, respecting standards of disclosure for mineral projects, who prepared, supervised and approved the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding our intentions and plans. The forward-looking statements that are contained in this news release are based on various assumptions and estimates by the Company and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from results forecasted or suggested in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We caution you that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as discussed in the Company's filings with Canadian securities agencies. Various factors may prevent or delay our plans, including but not limited to, contractor availability and performance, weather, access, mineral prices, success and failure of the exploration and development carried out at various stages of the program, and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward- looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Vancouver, June 1, 2017 - Guyana Goldstrike Inc. (the "Company" or "Guyana Goldstrike") (TSXV: GYA) is pleased to provide a progress report on the Company's achievements for its shareholders and potential new investors. Peter Berdusco, Guyana Goldstrike's President and CEO, commented: "We are extremely proud of our accomplishments that have been achieved to date. We have successfully completed the acquisition of the Marudi Gold Project and financed the Company through a private placement to execute on its corporate strategy and business plan. We are now advancing Marudi and will continue to update our shareholders and investors as the project moves forward." Acquisition and Call to trade In a news release on March 3, 2017 the Company announced it had completed the acquisition of Romanex Guyana Exploration Ltd. ("Romanex"). Romanex is a privately-held mineral exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Guyana. Romanex holds a one-hundred percent interest in the Marudi Mountain mining license (the "Marudi Gold Project" or "Property") located in Guyana, South America. Following completion of the acquisition, the Company changed its name to "Guyana Goldstrike Inc." Trading in the common shares of the Company began on March 21, 2017 after the completion of final filings with the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is now listed as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer under the new symbol "GYA". Romanex is now a fully owned Guyanese subsidiary of Guyana Goldstrike fulfilling all operational activities on the Property. Financing The Company announced in a news release on March 17, 2017 that it had completed a non-brokered private placement of 8,885,235 units at a price of 20 cents per unit for gross proceeds of $1,777,047. Each unit consists of one common share of the company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional common share of the company at a price of 30 cents per share for a period of 24 months. Management Guyana Goldstrike has assembled a strong well-rounded management team with extensive mining experience in Guyana. The Company's most recent addition was announced in a news release on March 24, 2017 with the appointment of Rodney Stevens as an independent director of the Company. Mr. Stevens is a CFA charter holder with over ten years' experience in the capital markets, first as an Investment Analyst with Salman Partners Inc., then as a merchant and investment banker. While at Salman Partners, Mr. Stevens became a top-rated analyst by StarMine on July 17, 2007 for the metals and mining industry. About the Marudi Gold Project The Marudi Gold Project, a permitted mining license consisting of approximately 13,500 hectares, located 230 Km from the town of Lethem in southern Guyana. Over $30MM USD in historic exploration has been spent on the Property (which includes 42,000 Meters of diamond drilling). There is good infrastructure in place, easily accessed with an all season road through an open savannah. The property was acquired in 1998 by Vannessa Ventures from Sutton Resources/Barrick, and then further acquired by Guyana Frontier Mining where the project was partially funded by Teck Resources. The Marudi Gold property contains a historic non-compliant resource estimate of 880,000 ounces of hard rock gold "Au". There exists strong potential to increase the hard rock ounces through further exploration on the open areas of the development sites. This information is taken from a report prepared in March 2004 by consulting geologists for Vannessa Ventures (Guyana) Ltd. The information contained in the report is based on estimates from two main development sites: Mazoa Hill consisting of 760 Koz of Au at 5 g/t based on 4.7 million tonnes and Marudi North consisting of 120 Koz of Au at 2.7 g/t based on 1.4 million tonnes. The information was derived from surface expressions and average grades from bore holes where the results were greater than 1 part per million. The other information is not known and the historic estimates does not use the Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) classifications and for that reason additional work would need to be done to upgrade or verify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Historic Estimates The historic estimates contained in this news release should not be relied upon. These estimates are not National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant. While the Company considers these historical estimates to be relevant to investors as it may indicate the presence of mineralization, a qualified person for the Company has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101 and the Company is not treating these historical estimate as a current mineral resource. About Guyana The Republic of Guyana is located in South America between Venezuela and Suriname. The country is English speaking under British Common Law with a democratically elected government. It has an established mining act and rich history of gold production. In 2013, 458,000 ounces of gold were produced by operators mining in the country. The Guiana Shield belt has 110 million ounces of gold inventory and is world-recognized as a premier gold region. With geological continuity with West Africa, the shield is highly prospective and very under-explored. Two mines have recently declared the commencement of commercial production in 2016: Aurora deposit (Guyana Goldfields) and the Karouni deposit (Troy Resources). Qualified Person Locke Goldsmith, M.Sc., P. Eng, P. Geo, Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager for Guyana Goldstrike, acts as the Company's Qualified Person for technical disclosure in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Goldsmith has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. For further information contact info@guyanagoldstrike.com or 1.877.844.4661. Website: www.guyanagoldstrike.com Follow Us: Facebook: facebook.com/guyanagoldstrike Linkedin: Guyana Goldstrike Twitter: @GYAGoldstrike On behalf of the Board of Directors of Guyana Goldstrike Inc. Peter Berdusco President and Chief Executive Officer This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. As U.S. children flock to virtual charter schools, states are struggling to catch up and develop rules to make sure the students get a real education and schools get the right funding.The future of virtual schools is part of the larger school-choice debate seeing renewed attention since the installation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, an online charter investor and advocate who sees them as a valuable option for students.While some perform well, the sector has been plagued by accounts of low standards, mismanagement, and inflated participation counts at schools that are reimbursed based on the number of enrolled students. Ohio's largest online charter school, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, this month lost the latest round of its battle over $60 million the state says is owed for enrollment that cannot be justified.Findings of underperformance at e-schools have been so prevalent that even supporters have called for policymakers to intervene."There's overwhelming consensus that these schools are performing terribly poor and yet, you know, nothing's happening," said Gary Miron, a Western Michigan University professor who researches online charters for the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado and believes such schools can work, but not under the current model.Nationwide, enrollment in virtual schools has tripled over the past decade, and some 278,000 students as young as kindergarteners were enrolled in 58 full-time online schools across 34 states for the 2015-16 school year, according to data from the policy center. Other groups' estimates put virtual enrollment even higher. Half the virtual schools are charters and the rest are district-run, but charters have most of the students. Spring session ended with another thud Wednesday, as Democratic fear of blowback from raising taxes trumped a desire by some to put a spending plan on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk.The end result is that for the second year in a row, partisan dysfunction at the Capitol sent lawmakers into a summer overtime session, leaving unanswered questions about whether an agreement can be reached to ensure elementary schools open on time this fall, universities can avoid further cuts and the poor can get social services.While the budget went unresolved, lawmakers did approve a plan to crack down on gun offenders sought by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, sent the governor a long-in-the-making bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022, voted to allow the state to sell the Thompson Center and rewrote how Illinois doles out money for schools. They also found time to designate corn as the state grain. (It's already the official state vegetable.)The blame game quickly commenced. House Speaker Michael Madigan said Democrats will continue to work throughout June to "close the Rauner budget deficit." House Democrats want to work "cooperatively" with Rauner, Madigan said, but many "just don't have a high level confidence in how the governor has conducted himself."Rauner had vowed to veto a Democratic budget that included an income tax hike and sales tax expansion, but he nonetheless classified the House's inaction on a spending plan as a "complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly.""Please, members of the General Assembly in the majority, do not travel around the state holding sham hearings about a balanced budget," Rauner said. "Don't go through a process of just trying to create phony headlines around the state."Madigan's decision not to hold budget votes Wednesday held some political benefits as he tries to protect a Democratic majority that's kept him in power for all but two of the last 34 years.Not only was Madigan able to sidestep the immediate pressure from some of his House Democrats to vote for a tax increase, but going into overtime also pushes GOP lawmakers to join in a solution or split the blame for the continued stalemate. That's because starting Thursday, passing a budget will require at least some Republican votes to reach the three-fifths benchmark now required.The sides remain deeply entrenched, though, so Democrats and Republicans could be heading toward a repeat of last year, when they agreed to a stopgap budget to keep schools open and punted on a full-year plan.A session that started in January played out against the backdrop of the 2018 election. Rauner, who's seeking re-election next year, has failed to get Democrats to agree to his economic agenda he says is needed to spur growth in Illinois. In recent months, the governor has highlighted the idea of freezing property taxes after previously pressing for changes to collective bargaining, term limits on lawmakers and an overhaul of the state's workers compensation system.Democrats have long objected to Rauner's effort to tie those issues to the budget-making process, and point to Rauner's shifting agenda as proof that he's unwilling to cut a deal.This month, Madigan tried a new approach, leading House approval of Democratic versions of the bills on Rauner's wish list. Among them: workers comp changes, property tax credits for veterans and seniors, streamlining how the state buys goods and services, the Thompson Center sale authorization, and making it easier for local governments to consolidate.Rauner's office repeatedly has dismissed Madigan's efforts as phony, saying they don't go far enough to cut costs for taxpayers and spur business growth.Senate Democrats might not have seen eye-to-eye with their House counterparts on a budget approach, but they agreed that the Republican governor was never interested in negotiating a compromise."Every time they (Republicans) would say, 'We need more time, we need more time, we need more time,' we kept pointing to the fact that the clock was running out, they're just running down the clock," said Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields, who led a group of senators that came up with the tax hike portion of their budget package.Hutchinson complained that negotiations were clouded by a notion, pushed in recent attack ads and robocalls by the Rauner-funded Illinois Republican Party, that Democrats were intent on raising taxes.While it might seem odd that a politician would claim credit for backing tax hikes, which tend to be unpopular with voters, some Senate Democrats embraced their status as the only ones who voted to raise taxes."I know it's easy to lump us all into the same group of 'ineffectual, we haven't gotten our jobs done' (lawmakers). Well, we in the Senate have done our jobs," said Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago. "We stood up, we passed a balanced budget. We now need everyone to step up and do their jobs and do this for the state of Illinois."But once the Senate bill reached the House, it hit a dead end. House Democrats spent the last week privately debating the measure. One group declared it was time to act to end the impasse, saying Rauner would attack them whether they voted to raise taxes or did nothing. Some were uncomfortable voting for a tax hike as part of a budget plan that also called for deep cuts.The contingent that ultimately prevailed was those unwilling to go on the record as voting in favor of taxes that Rauner would veto, saying it didn't make sense to open themselves to criticism over a proposal that would never become law."To some, the question is what's going to hurt them more? Voting for a tax increase or not voting for a budget? But at this point either one doesn't make a difference because neither one is going to get signed by this governor," said Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates.After the House adjourned, Rauner's campaign sent out a fundraising appeal signed by the Republican governor using familiar themes in bashing Madigan. Rauner said Democrats "are willing to push our state further into debt and destruction just to continue the corrupt, self-serving agendas of Speaker Madigan and the Chicago machine."Rauner said he sent out the email "to make something explicitly clear to our supporters and our opponents: Team Rauner will never give up on this fight for reform."In the end, Illinois will again be without a budget plan in place, extending the fight that has consumed state politics for the last two years. Some lawmakers were shell shocked that despite the months of back and forth, they are essentially no closer to a deal than when the impasse began."The budget crisis has gotten worse, right, we've got universities that are in significantly worse shape, dipping into their reserves. You've got school districts concerned about opening. You've got social service agencies dying on the vine," said Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago. "But in terms of the political posturing ... here we are in the same place we were 700 days ago with no end in sight."Meanwhile, lawmakers also sent the governor bills that would:--Make voter registration automatic for Illinois residents seeking a new or renewed driver's license or state ID, unless they choose to opt out.--Prohibit state law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal civil immigration laws, a measure aimed at fostering trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement under President Donald Trump.--Prevent people accused of murder from using the so-called "gay panic defense," in which those accused of murder contend they acted out of passion after learning a victim was gay as way to reduce possible punishment.--Expand automatic expungement for juvenile records. It also would seal juvenile records from the public that haven't been expunged unless "their use is needed for good cause." Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the bill acknowledges that teenagers make mistakes and ensures those decisions don't impact the rest of their lives. Republicans in the state of Washington didn't 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 didn't work out that way: The repeal left the state's 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."It's much easier to break something," said Pam MacEwan, who served on a Washington state commission charged with implementing the law in the mid-1990s and now oversees the state insurance market there. "It's more difficult to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. ... And that's when people get hurt."The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office echoed that warning last week, when it concluded that the health care 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.Senate Republican leaders contend that their legislation will be different. "We're working to lower the costs and give people more personal, individual freedom," Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said last week.There were similar assurances in the Washington statehouse when legislators there began to pull apart the Washington Health Services Act in the mid-1990s."We will do everything we can to stop the government health care bureaucracy that is now poised to limit personal choices," Clyde Ballard, the Republican speaker of the Washington House of Representatives, said at the time.The Health Services Act, which Democratic Gov. Mike Lowry signed in May 1993, was an ambitious effort to overhaul the state health care system by guaranteeing residents health insurance and putting new government controls on rising health care costs. It was designed to complement the national health care overhaul that President Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton were pursuing at the time.Washington state prohibited insurers from denying coverage to consumers, even if they were sick, a revolutionary protection then.A state commission was empowered to clamp down on insurance premiums to limit increases.And to get all Washingtonians covered, the state became the first in the nation to require residents to have coverage and to require employers to offer health benefits.The law was controversial from its inception, as major business groups and insurers balked at its many new regulations. Just a few Republicans joined Democrats in the state Legislature to pass the legislation.Within a few months, it became clear that there would be problems implementing it, in part because the state couldn't secure necessary federal approval to require employers to provide coverage."We had to reform the reform," said Phil Dyer, a Republican who would help lead the repeal effort as chairman of the Senate health committee.GOP legislative candidates railed against the law on the campaign trail in 1994. And that fall, the party picked up 30 seats, taking control of the House and coming within one seat of taking the Senate.When the new Legislature convened in 1995, GOP lawmakers set about pulling apart the law, bringing along Democrats who feared Republicans would repeal it through a ballot measure if they didn't cooperate.The hastily crafted repeal _ which the Legislature sent to the governor in three months _ kept some popular parts of the law such as the guarantee that everyone could get coverage, even if they were sick. It scrapped parts voters didn't like, including the requirement that state residents have health insurance.The state's insurance market started teetering soon afterward.First, health insurers sought a series of double-digit rate hikes in 1995 and 1996. The health plans warned that with no requirement to have coverage, people were signing up for insurance only when they got sick, sending costs skyrocketing.Then, in November 1998, Premera Blue Cross, one of the state's leading insurers, announced it would stop selling health plans, citing more than $100 million in losses. Regence and Group Health Cooperative, the state's other two leading plans, quickly followed."This was a crisis," former Gov. Gary Locke said in a recent interview. "It was totally unacceptable."Locke, a Democrat elected in 1996, brought together insurance executives, state legislators and others, who began meeting regularly to try to salvage the market.The rescue effort took until 2000. That year, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing insurers to once again screen out sick customers and re-establishing a special government "high-risk pool" plan for those who couldn't get health coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition.Even those who worked on the rescue package acknowledge it was an imperfect solution. When President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, 1 in 7 Washington state residents still lacked health coverage, according to federal data.Today, the uninsured rate in the state has been cut in half, thanks to the federal health care law.Obamacare not only guarantees coverage, it requires Americans to have insurance. The law also provides federal money to help states offer Medicaid coverage to very low-income Americans. And it funds subsidies for low- and moderate-income people to offset the cost of private health plans they can buy on insurance marketplaces.Washington's Obamacare marketplace, which the state runs itself, has done better than most, though even its defenders acknowledge that more must be done to control premiums, which have risen dramatically for some consumers in recent years.But many state leaders, including former insurance executives, caution that congressional Republicans rushing to roll back Obamacare risk sowing the same kind of chaos that crippled Washington state's insurance market two decades ago."That's what scares me," warned Cheryl Scott, the former chief executive of Group Health Cooperative, who worked with the governor to rescue the market in the late 1990s."If we're not careful, we are going to be repeating history." Following a spike in deadly attacks on police, more than a dozen states have responded this year with Blue Lives Matter laws that come down even harder on crimes against law enforcement officers, raising concern among some civil rights activists of a potential setback in police-community relations.The new measures build upon existing statutes allowing harsher sentences for people who kill or assault police. They impose even tougher penalties, extend them to more offenses, including certain nonviolent ones such as trespassing in Missouri, and broaden the list of victims covered to include off-duty officers, police relatives and some civilians at law enforcement agencies.Proponents say an escalation of violence against police justifies the heightened protections.What were getting into as a society is that people are targeting police officers not by something that they may have done to them, but just because theyre wearing that uniform, said Republican state Rep. Shawn Rhoads of Missouri, a former detective.People who have been protesting aggressive police tactics are expressing alarm.This is another form of heightened repression of activists, said Zaki Baruti, an activist and community organizer from St. Louis County. It sends a message to protesters that we better not look at police cross-eyed.Police deaths on the job have generally declined over the past four decades, from a recent high of 280 in 1974 to a low of 116 in 2013, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. But they rose last year to 143, including 21 killed in ambushes the highest number of such attacks in more than two decades.Nearly all states already have laws enhancing the punishments for certain violent crimes against law officers. Feds Need Help Civil Rights Concerns In a whitewashed cinderblock room here at the Frederick County Detention Center, each new inmate answers two questions: What country were you born in? and Of what country are you a citizen?A sheriffs deputy will investigate any inmate who says he was born in another country, using computer equipment and databases provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Those found to be in the country illegally could face extra jail time and deportation.The Sheriffs Office in this western Maryland county is one of 41 law enforcement agencies, generally county jails run by sheriffs, who have agreed to help federal immigration authorities deport unauthorized immigrants in what are known as 287(g) partnerships. The participants stand in stark contrast to sanctuary cities: Instead of declining to cooperate with federal immigration officials, these sheriffs have volunteered to investigate the immigration status of prisoners when they book them.Despite concerns about the added personnel costs and the possibility of being sued for civil rights violations, a variety of local officials, from conservative sheriffs in Texas to a liberal county executive in New Jersey, have embraced the program.Many sheriffs who are participating cite a desire to investigate prisoners as soon as possible, to root out those with serious criminal histories before they are released on bail. Some of the sheriffs, especially along the Southwest border, say they want to help federal authorities protect national security. Many of them agree with President Donald Trump that its time for a crackdown on illegal immigration.I think the general populace is tired of illegal immigration tired of the costs and tired of being victims of crimes, said Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins.In New Jersey, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, who describes himself as a liberal Democrat, said he wants his New York City suburb, where 42 percent of residents are immigrants, to continue taking part in the program as long as it targets only violent criminals.Serious criminals, especially those who commit sexual assaults against women and children or engage in violent felonies dont deserve to remain in this country to prey on the very immigrants we cherish in Hudson County, DeGise said in a speech this year.Created in 1996, the 287(g) program peaked in 2011, with 65 local police agencies actively participating. That number dropped to 46 in 2013 amid growing concerns about its operations. A 2010 report by the Department of Homeland Security inspector general called for better training of participating officers and more thorough reporting requirements to prevent racial profiling and other civil rights violations.The Trump administrations focus on unauthorized immigration has sparked a resurgence of interest in the program. Trump pledged to encourage more 287(g) partnerships in a Jan. 25 executive order. That was followed by a Department of Homeland Security memo pledging to engage immediately with all willing and qualified law enforcement jurisdictions.Forty-one agencies have now entered into the agreements, including 11 since the presidential election.In Frederick, the Sheriffs Office has identified 1,444 prisoners for possible deportation since it entered into a 287(g) agreement in 2008. Jenkins said that sometimes, his department identifies an unauthorized immigrant but declines to recommend deportation to ICE because the person has witnessed a crime, is pregnant, or is receiving care for a serious medical condition, among other mitigating factors. But ICE is aware of local officers decisions, and can choose to overrule them.The new administration will need all the help it can get if it plans to deport a significant number of the estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the country, or even the estimated 820,000 who have been convicted of crimes.An April report by the Homeland Security inspector general found that ICE agents are overwhelmed by their caseloads and lack clear guidelines on which arrests to prioritize.Agencies that want to help through 287(g) apply to ICE. If they are accepted into the program, they sign an agreement, which ICE can renew annually or withdraw at any time. The agreements give local officers, after they receive federal training, the right to investigate federal immigration matters under ICE supervision during the jail intake process.Some border-state sheriffs, such as A.J. Andy Louderback of Jackson County, Texas, see themselves as the first line of defense for larger cities that attract scores of immigrants. Jackson County joined the program in January, and Louderback said at least a dozen other Texas counties have plans to do the same.For public safety, theres no better or more effective way of checking people who come through the jail, Louderback said. It doesnt matter if theyre from Mexico or Saudi Arabia. We need to find out about that person.But some departments that might otherwise participate in the program have been dissuaded by the cost. Sheriff Leon Wilmot of Yuma County, Arizona, used to participate but dropped out years ago after the federal government stopped reimbursing him for staffing costs.I dont have the manpower. I would not use our tax dollars to do a federal function, Wilmot said.Harris County, Texas, dropped out of the program this year when newly elected Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the cost of paying deputies to do the work had reached $675,000 per year while staffing shortages elsewhere in the county jail were costing millions of dollars in overtime.Harris County, where Houston is located, was once the biggest producer of ICE arrests under 287(g). In 2013, the last year for which ICE released statistics, Harris County identified 1,880 immigrants for possible deportation, the largest number of the 46 agencies active in the program that year. In total, agencies participating in the program identified 15,281 unauthorized immigrants in 2013 and more than three-quarters, 11,767, were deported or left the country voluntarily.In addition to the cost, some agencies are concerned about becoming vulnerable to civil rights lawsuits, said Andy Capps, director of research for the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.The American Civil Liberties Union has been fighting new 287(g) agreements, organizing protests with the help of local immigrant advocates, said Chris Rickerd, a policy attorney for the ACLU. He said the program erodes trust in local police.When people see a deputy in one of these programs, they no longer know whether its an officer there they can call for help or an immigration official there to check their status. Thats the core of the dilemma, Rickerd said.The ACLU has also cited potential civil rights issues in opposing 287(g) agreements, despite ICE assurances that it will not tolerate racial profiling or other civil rights abuses.The National Sheriffs Association, which represents more than 3,000 elected sheriffs, doesnt take a position on whether sheriffs should pursue the agreements.We dont say its a good program or a bad program, said Director Jonathan Thompson. We do feel it can be an effective way to allow county sheriffs to cooperate fully with ICE. A 17-year-old transgender Kenosha high school student can continue using the boy's restroom, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday, rejecting school district arguments against the practice.In September, U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper granted Ashton Whitaker, a senior at Kenosha Tremper, permission to use the boys' bathroom. Kenosha Unified School District appealed the ruling, arguing that the harm to other students, particularly boys using the bathroom, outweighs any harm to Whitaker.A unanimous three-judge panel of the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals disagreed with the district. Judge Ann Claire Williams wrote, "The harms identified by the school district are all speculative and based upon conjecture, whereas the harms to Ash are well-documented and supported by the record. As a consequence, we affirm the grant of preliminary injunctive relief."The 7th Circuit covers Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana."I am thrilled that the Seventh Circuit recognized my right to be treated as the boy that I am at school," Whitaker said in a statement released by the Transgender Law Center, which helped bring his case."After facing daily humiliation at school last year from being threatened with discipline and being constantly monitored by school staff just to use the bathroom, the district court's injunction in September allowed me to be a typical senior in high school and to focus on my classes, after-school activities, applying to college, and building lasting friendships."A lawyer for the school district didn't immediately return a message for comment from The Associated Press.Whitaker's attorneys called the decision a legal landmark, as it is the "first federal appeals court to find conclusively that a transgender student has the right to be treated in accordance with the student's gender identity at school under both Title IX and the Constitution."The court ruled without reliance on President Barack Obama's guidance on how school districts should interpret Title IX, a guidance later withdrawn by President Donald Trump.In eighth grade, Whitaker told his parents he was transgender and began openly identifying as a boy when he started as a freshman at Tremper High. Last year, he began hormone replacement therapy and legally changed his name to Ashton.While his school peers largely accepted him as a boy, and he used the boys' restroom for almost six months without incident, district administrators at one point insisted he use only girls' restrooms or a gender-neutral bathroom in the school's main office. Instead of doing that, or risking discipline for using the boys' rooms, Whitaker began severely limiting his fluid intake, which led to fainting and dizziness.The school stood its ground and said Whitaker would need to complete physical gender transition before being allowed to use the boys' restrooms. Whitaker and his mother then sued. For the first time, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has formalized its guidelines for independently investigating police shootings -- the latest step in the state's efforts to be a national leader on the issue.Before April, the state investigators charged with reviewing police shootings were relying on their agency's general guidelines for investigations and even in some cases on unwritten understandings about how to handle these specific cases.Going forward, state agents will be able to say -- literally -- that they're handling these sensitive investigations by the book.The stakes could not be higher: public turmoil over shootings has resulted in riots in cities around the nation in recent years, including last summer in Milwaukee. Police unions have also expressed concern that a perceived lack of public support is making it harder to recruit and keep good officers."The public wants to see a fair process and I think the written policies spell out what the process is and I think it is a good policy," said Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison), who helped write the Wisconsin law that requires independent investigations of police shootings. "In a lot of ways they could be a model policy."A spokesman for the Milwaukee Police Department declined to comment on the new guidelines, but the executive director of the state's largest police union welcomed them."This is the first time that we're aware of that the department has had a formal policy and that's a very positive development," said Jim Palmer of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. "There are benefits for the public and for officers to know what the policy looks like."The new 20-page guidebook will also serve as a set of best practices for other police investigators around Wisconsin who, like DOJ agents, do outside reviews of shootings by other law enforcement agencies. Because police shootings vary so widely, agents will still be able to work outside the guidelines to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, state officials said.Johnny Koremenos, a spokesman for the Justice Department and GOP Attorney General Brad Schimel, said the guidelines would also be used in agency training for local police. The policies reflect what the agency has learned from reviewing best practices nationally and 60 investigations since 2014 in which police used force or a suspect died."It has been a continuous review of (officer-involved death and officer-involved shooting) events in the state of Wisconsin and what is happening around the country," Koremenos said.The guidelines, which come out of a DOJ review begun in April 2016, revise the agency's past practice of allowing police involved in shootings to review video and audio of the incidents before being interviewed by investigators.In at least five cases since 2015, officers being investigated in a shooting were allowed to review recordings of the event before discussing it in depth with DOJ agents, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported in March. Starting in July 2016, DOJ stopped allowing officers to review those recordings in advance of their interviews without sign off from a district attorney.The new guidebook reflects lessons learned from the DOJ's investigation of a December 2015 shooting of a hostage in Neenah, Koremenos said. The Appleton Post-Crescent first reported about concerns over the differences in how state agents questioned a hostage-taker in that case compared with how they questioned two police officers who mistakenly shot the hostage.In that case, the accused hostage-taker was interviewed and recorded with no attorney present three hours after the standoff at Eagle Nation Cycles ended. The officers were interviewed four days later, accompanied by a union attorney; no recording was made.Though this change in interviewing practices was adopted last summer, it wasn't put in writing until the guidelines were issued last month. Taylor, the Democratic lawmaker, said that was critical."You really do have to put policies in writing," she said.The guidelines cover everything from the management of the shooting scene to the release of information to the news media. They also call for:* Requiring DOJ agents to disclose any relationships they may have had with officers involved in a shooting. The rules don't specifically address concerns from Taylor and the ACLU of Wisconsin about DOJ agents investigating police departments that formerly employed them.* Limiting DOJ's investigation to a strict review of whether officers committed a crime. The family attorneys of Tony Robinson, a 19-year-old biracial man killed by a Madison police officer, have objected to a DOJ interview also being used for the officer's disciplinary review in that case.* Recording DOJ interviews of officers. If officers object, DOJ cannot force them to have their statements recorded since it could prevent the evidence from being used in any resulting criminal case.Wisconsin's model has been drawing attention outside the state as a way of boosting public confidence in the outcomes of shooting investigations. A report last year by the Stanford Criminal Justice Center pointed to the transparency, experienced state investigators, public support, flexibility and promptness of the state's system."(These) five attributes of Wisconsin's system make it an especially favorable way of achieving independence," the report reads. On Wednesday, in the morning, at ANZAC Square, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs de Jersey attended the 2017 Indigenous Veterans Ceremony and laid the first wreath. In the afternoon, His Excellency assumed duty as Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Honourable Chief Justice Catherine Holmes assumed duty as Acting Governor of Queensland. In the evening, at Suncorp Stadium, His Excellency attended the 2017 Holden State of Origin Game 1. Description GIS - 01 June, 2017: The Committee of Parliamentarians on the Chagos Archipelago met on 31 May 2017 under the chairmanship of the Minister of Defence, Minister for Rodrigues, Sir Anerood Jugnauth to exchange views on latest developments relating to the Chagos Archipelago. The Committee, according to a Communique issued by the Minister Mentors Office, noted that no progress had been made in the talks held between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, following the understanding reached in New York last September to defer, at the UKs request, the consideration of item 87 of the UN General Assembly agenda entitled Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. The Committee welcomed the decision of the Government of Mauritius to proceed with the action which it had initiated at the level of the UN General Assembly and to call for the consideration of item 87 by the General Assembly. It reiterated that Mauritius has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and does not recognise the so-called British Indian Ocean Territory. Prior to the meeting of the Committee, Sir Anerood Jugnauth met Mr. Olivier Bancoult, Chairman and Leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, to exchange views on the Chagos Archipelago issue. Mr. Bancoult reaffirmed the full support of Mauritians of Chagossian origin to Government action with regard to the completion of the decolonisation process of Mauritius and the effective exercise by Mauritius of its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, and in particular the action which it had initiated at the level of the UN General Assembly. The Committee of parliamentarians on the Chagos Archipelago comprises the leader of the Opposition as well as representatives of political parties represented in the National Assembly. Description GIS - 01 June 2017 : The integrated approach to social housing provision comprising adequate infrastructure, amenities and recreational facilities aimed at enhancing the quality of life of families through a safe and healthy environment was the focus of the message of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Showkutally Soodhun, at the handing over ceremony of cheques to 276 beneficiaries of Roof Slab Grant Scheme in Port Louis on 31 May 2017. The Vice-Prime Minister pointed out, that in line with the new approach, the residential developments of National Housing Development Company Ltd (NHDC) pave the way for modern design of housing estate. The size of housing unit has been extended from 39 m2 to 50 m2, and childrens playgrounds, parking for residents, greenspace areas, petanque courts are incorporated on site. Access to transport facilities and job markets is also a prerequisite in the planning of upcoming housing estate, said Mr Soodhun. Cheques totalling Rs 17 m were handed over to the 276 beneficiaries under the Roof Slab Grant Scheme. Mr. Soodhun appreciated the efforts and determination of the latest beneficiaries of the Roof Slab Grant Scheme in owning and building their houses, while reiterating Governments commitment to provide decent living conditions to the population. He annpounced that morcellement projects and construction of additional housing units are in the pipeline. Roof Slab Grant Scheme The Roof Slab Grant Scheme applies to households who own a plot of land and need assistance to complete the construction of their houses. Households earning less than Rs 10 000 monthly benefit from a maximum one-off cash grant of Rs 75 000, and those earning between Rs 10,001 and to Rs 15 000 monthly are eligible for a maximum one-off cash grant of Rs 40 000. The grant is for casting of the roof slab for an area up to 110m and payment is effected after construction has reached beam level. Description GIS - 01 June, 2017: A two-day workshop on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and the GMO Act 2004: Validation of Amendments Proposed to the GMO Act 2004, aiming to pave the way for the next stage of our economic development opened yesterday at the Boname Hall in Reduit. The workshop is organised by the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security in collaboration with the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute and the Embassy of the United States in Mauritius. Its objective is to review the amendments being proposed to the Act. Some 45 participants are attending. Present at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Seeruttun, stated that the country is now ready to transform itself into a high-income economy and innovation is the key driver of economic growth in terms of wealth generation and job creation. Biotechnology is one of the vehicles of innovation that could contribute positively towards this vision, he said. Speaking of the review of the GMO Act 2004, the Minister recalled that the Act was partially proclaimed in 2004, and a revised draft of the GMO Act is already available. The associated regulations to accompany this Act, he underlined, are being finalised and amendments proposed will consequently be validated. He also pointed out that all these initiatives will assist to protect human, animal and environmental health, protect consumers in making their choice regarding GMOs, and maintain international quality and safety standards to facilitate trade. Minister Seeruttun stated that the National Biosafety Committee has been working on a series of regulations and technical guidelines to support the implementation of this legislation. He further stated that this year, necessary steps will be taken for the GMO Act to be fully proclaimed so that it plays its regulatory functions and provisions are also being made for the setting up of a National Biosafety Office. The Minister underlined that well regulated systems for genetically modified plants should be in place for the development of biotech crops, so that no harm is caused to human, animal and the environment. The governance of biotech crops, he said, is characterised by a precautionary approach and most African countries are parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, an international agreement on biosafety that came into force in 2003. Mauritius was the first country in the world to sign this convention, he added. As life increasingly migrates into the digital realm, more agencies within municipal government are finding that digital inclusion the effort to provide all residents with equal access to technology, as well as the related skills to benefit is vital to the well-being of the public. Cities such as Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Austin; Kansas City, Mo.; and Louisville, Ky., have laid out official digital inclusion strategies and forward-thinking plans, and many other cities now have appointees or departments dedicated to the issue.At the same time, the number of tangentially related government agencies contributing to the work is rising, and as it does local government leadership is acknowledging that digital inclusion is an increasingly vital foundation for healthy, equitable cities, cities in which the entire populous has a chance to advance and thrive. Angela Siefer, director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, the leading group in the field, stopped short recently of calling digital equity collaborations between disparate departments common, but she did say such efforts were definitely increasing. Oftentimes its one or two people from the city, Siefer said, but what would really make a dent in digital equity is for more of the departments to be engaged in communitywide efforts and developing partnerships with the organizations that are increasing home broadband adoption, that are teaching digital literacy skills, and that are distributing low-cost computers. The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a prime example. Although seemingly unrelated to digital inclusion, the agency has become heavily involved in obtaining digital equity for the community it serves specifically the 5,000 Austinites currently residing in public housing, about half of which are children. When you look at our chief aim as a public housing authority, its not just brick and mortar, said Catherine Crago, head of strategic initiatives and resource development for Austins housing authority. but its family self-sufficiency. Were in a high growth market, and theres an affordable family housing crisis in Austin. In her work, Crago has encountered adults who want badly to learn to read, parents who lack transportation to take children to the library, and seniors or residents with disabilities who could increase time with care providers if they could complete paperwork in advance online. Crago said better digital skills would help these public housing residents overcome such issues and eventually move into their own permanent residencies. Google Fiber, which came to Austin in 2014, has also volunteered to help supply Austins public housing with high-speed Internet. In Austin, the housing authoritys digital inclusion work has become so prevalent that tech officials in Louisville recently said theyve reached out to better shape their own digital equity work. Kansas City, another place Google Fiber established an early presence, is also at the forefront of cross-departmental collaboration for digital inclusion. Rick Usher, Kansas City's assistant city manager for small business and entrepreneurship, heads the city's digital inclusion efforts, and he said a digital inclusion coalition began soon after Google Fiber made its initial announcement. That group now includes 30 different entities. While many are community and nonprofit partners, some are also part of the government. While the housing authority in Kansas City has worked on digital inclusion, its the health department there that sets the city apart. Sarah Martin-Anderson is the manager of community engagement, policy and accountability for the KC Health Department, and she said her agencys last community health improvement plan posited questions that really focusing on healthy communities. Whereas most community health improvement plans tend to focus on the prevalence of diseases, Kansas Citys tackled factors that lead to better health, factors associated with education, violence prevention and economic mobility. What we found was every time we did a session for each one of those issue areas, digital inclusion came up, Martin-Anderson said. It was kind of like a cross-cutting issue. Kansas Citys health department is currently helping to amass data related to health and digital inclusion, with plans to develop related interventions and policies. Martin-Anderson also stressed how vital digital skills are becoming in finding the right health-care providers and venues. While she doesnt know the end result of her agencys work with digital inclusion, Martin-Anderson said it is an exciting and valuable catalyst for cross-departmental collaborations. She said teamwork between health professionals and data and analytics statisticians has been a natural fit. We have so much in common, and were just all trying to find creative ways to find social problems, and we all love data, Martin-Anderson said. Once we realize that, everyones on board. But the public agencies across the country that have done the most to further digital inclusion in the past decade are, without question, libraries and parks and recreaction departments. There is perhaps no better example of this than Philadelphias KEYSPOT Program , which includes a number of public computing centers. Andrew Buss, Philadelphia's director of innovation management within the Office of Innovation and Technology, said KEYSPOT was initially funded by a federal grant, and its creation established a physical infrastructure of KEYSPOT centers, 19 or so of which currently operate inside parks and rec buildings. Post-grant, Philadelphia has continued KEYSPOT, and other agencies are doing valuable digital literacy work, organizations such as the Office of Adult Education. More than 700,000 Philadelphia residents visit KEYSPOT centers each year, many of which need help with seemingly basic tasks such as attaching documents to emails. Jennifer Kobrin, director of digital initiatives with the Office of Adult Education, said many adults who have poor technology skills also have connected anxiety or insecurity. Workers from the Office of Adult Education deal with such hang-ups regularly. Once a resident has access to tech, or even to tech classes, these workers can help in a way that lends itself to real progress. The reason? Its not just teaching them about the software; its getting them to be honest about what they dont know and why they have trepidation toward technology. When you get an office of adult education involved, you have that perspective thats so deeply rooted in basic understanding of adult learners, Kobrin said. To that end, Philadelphias Office of Adult Education is offering technology tutor training so that members of the community will be equipped to help not only as a tutor, but as a resident who interacts with neighbors, grandparents and others. Its a learner issue, its a human issue, its a city resident issue, said Marjorie Morris, director of communications and development for the Office of Adult Education. Its an entire city issue. There is a metaphorical chasm at the heart of civic tech. Standing on one side of the divide are municipal and state governments, anxious to enhance digital services, reduce costs, bolster efficiency, and, ultimately, serve the public better. On the other side, straining to see whats across, are tech startups that have often done in the private sector exactly what the governments want so badly to accomplish. Now, if only the two sides could meet.Thoughts about what causes this disconnect are frequent and diverse inadvertently confusing procurement processes, challenges of scale that make civic tech infeasible for all but giant companies, the lucrative allure of private-sector startup success but those standing at the edge agree on one thing: There must be a way to cross.The stakeholders are certain of this because there are, in fact, companies making the leap, and there are governments developing programs that function as a crude rope ladder, pulling startups over after they try to reach. These efforts increasingly fuel hopes that a mutually beneficial bridge can be built, one that enables private-sector expertise to join city and state governments permanently.Entrepreneurs that have crossed this gap have been richly rewarded, both financially and spiritually, and the governments that have hauled them over have built better digital services that impact real peoples lives. Yet the question remains: How can they do a better job of working together to cross this divide?as a startup making software to ease the organizational burdens of private adoption processes. For one of the companys co-founders, Felicia Curcuru, this was personal work her sister had adopted two children a decade prior.By watching her sisters experience, Curcuru saw that navigating multi-year adoptions was stressful and complex, even for the most eager, willing parents. Statistics confirmed her anecdotal observation 6 million children are orphaned worldwide annually, 3 million families express interest in adoption, and 1 million take steps toward doing it. Yet, only 250,000 families complete adoptions. Why? High costs, long processes. And as a result, children suffer.Through Binti , Curcuru and Co-Founder Gabe Kopley worked to change this. They created a TurboTax-esque software that removed hassles for would-be parents, and their company was successful. Binti, however, wanted to do more.Around this time, Curcuru began volunteering as a court-appointed special advocate, visiting the same foster child each week and serving as her voice during court hearings every six months or so. Like many burgeoning tech companies, Binti is based in San Francisco, where rising mean income and subsequent demographic shifts make it difficult for the county government to find foster parents. Curcuru became aware that the foster system where she lived could be improved, and she thought the lessons her startup had learned facilitating private adoptions could help.The question then was how does one turn good intentions and tech-sector experience into actual government work that benefits real people?We had interest in beginning to work in foster care, she said, but, to be honest, it was a little bit intimidating. Id never worked with government, Id never worked in government. How do you know who to reach out to? How do you begin that? From the outside, procurement is really challenging. It was like a black box.Curcuru and Binti needed a bridge across the civic tech chasm, and San Francisco built them one. In 2014, the same year Binti began its work in the private sector, the city launched a program called Startup in Residence (STiR). As chief innovation officer for the tech-heavy city and county of San Francisco, Jay Nath knew the benefits that cooperation between the public and private sectors could reap, and his awareness led to STiR.One of the insights that we had is we have a number of challenges and pain points that entrepreneurs have no visibility into, said Nath. For that reason, you often see companies working on things they experience. Buses being late, voting issues, etc., but not really the inner workings of governments. We went with an idea to share some of the needs we have that the technology marketplace really hasnt addressed.The program embeds startups inside city or county departments for 16 weeks, where they work unpaid on a pilot basis alongside agency staff and develop solutions to problems government workers face each day. For Binti, this meant joining with San Francisco Human Services, where the company learned that social workers were evaluating prospective foster parents with a single Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that had as many as 70 columns of information per applicant and was nearly impossible to track. Unwieldy and inefficient, the cluttered spreadsheet process was error-prone, and it was causing social workers to spend too much of their time getting people through the process.Binti built software to modernize this, software that officials estimate saves social workers 40 to 60 percent of the time they used to spend evaluating applicants. The benefits for Binti have been astounding as well. With its work for San Francisco as a reference, the company is now working with 21 of the 58 counties in California, and its also in discussions with other states.STiR has grown its reach, too, evolving from a purely San Francisco-based program in 2014, to a regional initiative in 2016 and 2017 with embedded startups in Oakland, San Leandro and West Sacramento city governments.Curcuru said the unpaid pilot structure of STiR gave her company invaluable flexibility. If Binti had been signed on a contract, staff members would have had to know in advance what they were going to build. The startup team, however, didnt know what the foster-care system needed until it shadowed workers.Of course, other city, county and state governments might have less of a geographical head-start in tech than San Francisco does when attempting to connect with the startup world. Its this mix of flexibility and education that is found at the heart of the most promising efforts.thats so crucial in fostering civic tech innovation, a prolonged and deep effort to create a welcoming culture is key. This thinking has enabled city governments in places like Chattanooga, Tenn., or Kansas City, Mo., to make progress bridging the public-private gap.Chris Crosby is a veteran of the tech sector, and an architect of three software companies, including most recently Xaqt , which builds smart city data and analytics platforms. Basically, Xaqt comes into local governments, takes existing data sets and aligns them with smart city programs to bolster efficiency throughout municipal tech efforts. About a year ago, Crosbys company began working with Kansas City.Crosby points to stakeholder buy-in as one of the most important factors in determining whether tech startups will be successful building tools for city government, and that, he said, starts with culture. Kansas City had an existing office of innovation when Crosby and Xaqt began working there, which made it easy to bring the company into city hall a few days a week.Were sort of merging the mindset and brain share around what the reality of city hall looks like every day to people who have to worry about filling potholes or are the lights turned on, those types of things, said Crosby. So weve been able to customize our platform and tools in such a way that addresses acute pain points for the city.When building software, the company has ensured throughout the process that city workers will actually use it once its complete. The lessons Xaqt learned from Kansas City have subsequently enabled the company to scale out its software to work with St. Louis. Xaqt is also close to contracts with four other municipal governments. Crosby said that Kansas City which in addition to a culture of innovation also has procurement processes in place that allow things like pilots with startups has really become a pilot and a proving ground for Xaqt and the civic tech solutions it has to offer.One way that Kansas City accomplished this was through an Innovation Partnership Program thats now in its third year its an initiative that has a number of similarities with San Franciscos STiR. Kansas Citys program reaches out to the startup community and challenges it to come to the city with proposals. Theres a 30-day application process, seven to 12 companies are selected and then they do a pilot at no cost to the city for 90 days. Afterward, the agency that a participant has worked with can either secure a contract, demo its pilot elsewhere, or continue to refine it. Of the eight participants in last years program, two secured contracts with Kansas City.Bob Bennett, chief innovation officer of Kansas City, said that in addition to installing a culture thats friendly to startups, another key is making the RFP process easier for companies to navigate. Like many in government seeking to broaden the quantity and quality of the vendors they work with, Bennett admitted that the process can be frustrating. Often, RFPs for tech projects only attract responses from the same handful of megacompanies, which use similar consulting processes that rarely surprise with ideas.There have been efforts to simplify RFPs for the uninitiated, to be sure. In fact, STiR has made its application process an RFP, a move that San Franciscos CIO Nath said may have inadvertently led to a world record, when the program attracted 17 RFPs in parallel. However, Bennett said that even if the obstacle of the RFP is mitigated, challenges remain.Kansas City, for example, has 95,000 street lights, and no idea-generating startup can handle that sort of scale. Learning to facilitate cooperation among two private entities to solve a public-sector issue is also important for governments looking to leverage talent from startups.When you put together a gumbo that includes all of these firms with the city, you come up with something where the citizens win, and thats our purpose for existence as a city government, Bennett said.apartment dwellers often must rely on landlords to set the heat for buildings. There are, of course, regulations that require property owners to maintain temperature minimums, but when the rules are broken, finding tangible proof is difficult, if not impossible.A nonprofit startup, Heat Seek , however, has set out to fix this, creating temperature sensors to monitor and report findings and violations. The startup is currently working with groups such as the Legal Aid Society to install its creation throughout New York, and the City Council is considering a bill that would require Heat Seeks tech to be installed by any landlord who has more than three buildings. Noelle Francois, executive director of Heat Seek, said its success was made possible by its participation in Big Apps , a civic innovation competition created by a New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC) initiative.Big Apps is a large, comprehensive program filled with workshops, mentorship pairings and opportunities for collaboration, and its unique for a few reasons: Its older than other startup collaboration efforts with a history of seven years, it evolved from an incentivized campaign to enhance open data, and its aspirations have long been to diversify New Yorks economy. For Big Apps, improving government efficiency and the lives of New Yorkers has become a more prominent goal as the program evolved.Perhaps the most relevant characteristic of Big Apps, as it applies to the gap between governments and startups, is that the program seeks to increasingly narrow the problems it sets before participating technologists and startups, said Kate Daly, senior vice president of initiatives at the NYCEDC.Narrowing the focus has been very successful because it allows people to come together in a much more targeted way, said Daly.The decision to narrow the focus is the result of many years of running Big Apps and learning from past years.In short, bridging the gap between startups and governments is a process that requires a commitment to overcoming institutional challenges and working through necessary adjustments along the way. Its not an easy road. But as these jurisdictions demonstrate, there is hope for those interested in bringing new ideas and tech innovations into government, provided the culture is amenable. Cloud Players: Whos Who in the Government Market We examined the industrys big players in the state and local government market. Using purchase order data from SmartProcure and state term request for proposal data from the Center for Digital Government, we hunted down cloud vendors serving thousands of agencies across the country. Check out the results. Public cloud growth may crest worldwide this year as modern cloud computing enters its second decade, but state, county and local agencies are likely to continue their migrations from private to public cloud.The reason is simple: From Arkansas to Arizona, consolidation, transformation and lean initiatives are in. Having weathered the Great Recession, state and local governments increasingly seek the most cost-effective ways to deliver enhanced services to their customers residents who expect more from public agencies after positive digital experiences in the private sector. Moving to cloud makes sense on several basic levels and within five years it may become the norm.Thats the forecast from Gartner. In its report, published in December, the IT research firm said organizations are increasingly moving beyond just experimenting with cloud to seeking strategic relationships with providers, based on the breadth of their vision and delivery.Overall, the global public cloud market is entering a period of stabilization, with growth expected to peak at 18 percent this year and taper off in following years, said Gartner Research Director Sid Nag in a statement on Feb. 22. Still, efforts to optimize costs and effect transformation hold strong promise and results for IT outsourcing buyers, he said.Gartner predicts that through 2020, cloud adoption strategies will influence more than half of IT outsourcing deals.For public agencies, cost is one of the biggest reasons for the move to public cloud. Privately built and maintained clouds can be expensive and deliver minimal returns, said Lauren Nelson, a principal analyst at Forrester Research. The CIA had the spending power to commission its own Amazon-built custom cloud, but state and local agencies typically havent had that throwing power, she noted.The last seven years, building private clouds has been a really hard journey for local companies, and local and state governments are particularly challenged by that, Nelson said. The challenge is how do you feasibly do that.Security is another key factor. As public cloud providers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Salesforce increasingly meet federal Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program standards, and boost their own internal safeguards, state and local agencies are getting on board.Shawn McCarthy, research director for IDC Government Insights, said control and security are more important than cost to government agencies. Cost is a driver for cloud but its no longer the main driver, he said. Just as important is the ability to improve security, to improve access control, the ability to streamline your configuration management.Gartner cited growing evidence that the security of business data in the cloud for most mainstream enterprises is equal to or greater than what mainstream IT can provide on-premises.Government agencies are also realizing that public cloud providers that do one thing build and sell cloud can do it better than government agencies whose focus is sometimes spread thin among many lines of business. Thats why a migration to public cloud makes sense for agencies, said Neville Cannon, public sector research director at Gartner.From March 1, 2012, to March 1, 2017, state and local agencies issued more than 16,000 cloud-related purchase orders, for a total spend of nearly $463 million, according to SmartProcure.At the federal level, IDC Government Insights reported that total cloud spending is projected to rise from $2.2 billion this year to nearly $3.3 billion in 2021.The state and local numbers didnt differentiate by model, but on the federal side, IDC showed that the infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) model is expected to lead the pack, with spending anticipated to rise from $1.4 billion this year to nearly $2.2 billion in 2021.Gartner agreed in February, predicting IaaS would demonstrate the highest growth this year in the $246.8 billion public cloud services market worldwide. IaaS is forecast to grow nearly 37 percent this year to $34.6 billion. Platform as a service (PaaS), another of the three models most commonly associated with government agencies, is predicted to grow more than 23 percent this year to nearly $8.9 billion. And software as a service (SaaS) is expected to be the biggest money generator of the three, growing more than 20 percent this year to about $46.3 billion.Public agencies may not do away entirely with their own data centers, but those that have moved to public cloud are seeing benefits. Instead of being tasked with running all that infrastructure, their IT staff is freed up to focus on developing solutions to the core problem of government: effectively delivering services to citizens.That can be a game-changer for IT departments eager to focus on data-driven operations. In its report,, Gartner said that no-cloud policies would be nearing extinction in 2020, about as rare as a no-Internet policy is now, noting that many mainstream software vendors already consider cloud their first option for new apps.It will be largely unthinkable to eschew cloud deployments as a matter of policy, the report reads. The question for government agencies is what their cloud strategies will look like.For federal-level agencies, McCarthy said 2017 is already bringing a lull in cloud growth. A key reason is a common complaint heard from local governments too: legacy systems.While the system may be cheaper to host in the cloud, the cost of getting there may be expensive, he said, noting that eventually agencies will have to take the leap as the silver tsunami washes out more and more workers capable of running COBOL and other venerable programs and architecture.In fact, legacy systems are responsible for dragging down agency savings attributable to the cloud averaging around 16 percent down toward zero, said Cannon. Eventually, a tipping point will arrive. Organizations that are putting this off because its too different now, that situation is never going to get easier, he said.As budgets continue to be trimmed, it can leave agencies stuck with legacy systems but unable to adapt or evolve, said Dave Rey, Salesforces executive vice president for the public sector.If they dont look at changing this paradigm, [look] at moving this off-prem to a cloud, theyre going to have a very difficult time effecting innovation. It absolutely eats up a lot of free dollars, said Rey, who estimated that legacy systems can consume 70 to 80 percent of IT budgets.Asked by Gartner where theyd spend new or discretionary funding in 2016, 31 percent of government agencies said in cloud services or solutions, which ranked first out of 11 options.But Cannon warned against thinking governments move to cloud would be accomplished with startling swiftness, adding that its much, much slower than people believe or might hope.Nelson cautioned agencies to do their due diligence and realize cloud is not one size fits all. I think youll see almost every organization will be using cloud to a certain extent, but the extent and the scope of that will vary for a very long time, she said.Several use cases show where agencies of varying sizes are headed in cloud.In Seattle, Chief Technology Officer Michael Mattmiller said the city has maintained applications including its Microsoft Office 365 email system in the cloud for several years and works with other cloud vendors including Amazon Web Services. But he questioned whether cloud will soon become an all-or-nothing proposition for government.In 2012, a time Mattmiller said likely pre-dated at-scale cloud deployment for the city, officials were faced with an on-premises data center nearing the end of its life. After an investigation, they decided remaining on-premises was more cost-effective in terms of hardware, staffing and operational expenses.Over four years of planning, officials stood up a new co-located, three-tiered data center that houses mission-critical systems like the police and fire computer-aided dispatch and records management software, enterprise resource planning and utility billing systems.We opportunistically leverage cloud where it makes sense. Broadly, in the city, we see ourselves having a data center that we maintain and control for at least the next five to 10 years, Mattmiller said, noting that theres simply not a path to cloud for all of the roughly 1,200 applications the city maintains.Of the three cloud delivery models, Mattmiller said SaaS seems to offer the most opportunity because of the speed at which solutions and access can be deployed. SaaS costs, he said, are more predictable than IaaS or PaaS the latter of which also presents questions about portability should the city need to change vendors.Having moved Seattles email system to the cloud, Mattmiller suggested that telecommunication services might be the next candidate for cloud migration.In New Mexico, Albuquerque too has a hybrid approach to the cloud and continues to host many enterprise applications and data stores internally.We have found the cloud to be especially beneficial for services that are citizen-facing and/or require technology that would be unique for us, said Associate CIO Brian Osterloh.The citys website is based in an open source content management system hosted in the cloud and uses unique database and middleware technology. The cloud lets us source the needed expertise while allowing city resources to focus on the strategic value of the Web; i.e., the content, Osterloh said.In San Diego, CIO Jonathan Behnke said the city has taken a hybrid public-private approach to cloud but stood up its own private cloud about four years ago, where it maintains nearly 400 applications. The city has kept an eye on Microsoft Azure and Salesforce solutions, but finds some public solutions are still cost-prohibitive.We do see some things that are a better fit for our private cloud but then we still see a profound effect from the cloud on how we do business, Behnke said.Key issues for the city in public cloud are retaining data ownership and keeping downtime to an absolute minimum. Ten percent discounts from public cloud providers whose servers crash are fine, Behnke said, but the 10 percent wont bring back critical services to residents.Overall, our private cloud competes very well with the public cloud model, he said. The agility is there, but its too costly to go all-in.Behnke sees future processes like municipal permitting primarily ending up in cloud models, and on-premises models becoming orphaned. And he agreed that the SaaS cloud model is often preferred for its automatic updates and economies of scale but said PaaS can offer real value in the right circumstances.In June 2016, San Diego debuted its Get It Done app that lets citizens submit mobile service requests. On the back end, its run by enterprise resource planning software from SAP. But the entire front end runs on Salesforces PaaS platform. More than 10,000 residents are using the app less than a year after its arrival, and staffers are able to quickly push results, including photos of completed services, out to residents.In Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott signed on Jan. 15, Executive Order 06-17, which reorganized state IT under the new Agency of Digital Services and should also enable the state to leverage its tech buying power.John Quinn, Vermonts new CIO, said hes been asked by the governor to inventory state software, scrutinize contracts and determine which apps could be moved to the cloud quickest. Currently the state operates in a hybrid environment, one that Quinn sees continuing for the next few years but is planning long-term to migrate everything to its private cloud, which will better prepare legacy systems and applications for an eventual move to the public cloud.The state is in the testing phase on moving some servers and apps to Microsoft Azure. Vermont already uses cloud-based Microsoft Office 365, Quinn said, and is working on enabling multifactor authentication so it can use Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint as well.We are very focused on a cloud-first strategy. Whenever it makes sense financially, its our position to move to the cloud first as long as it meets our security requirements, Quinn said, noting that Vermont looks closely at public cloud solutions to ensure they are CJIS-compliant and meet HIPAA and FTI standards for preserving health and tax information, respectively.Quinn said his personal preference is for the SaaS model asking rhetorically, Who better to support Microsoft servers than Microsoft themselves? but that depending upon the situation, the state might consider IaaS and PaaS models too.I think there are efficiencies to be gained by moving to a SaaS solution and to a cloud-based environment to free up resources, whether it be infrastructure people or server people, to work on other priorities, he said. Burghs Eye View Ohios Interactive Budget City Health Dashboard Look At Cook District Mobility When Stephen Goldsmith was deputy mayor of New York City in 2010 and 2011, the city was working on processes to make data available to the public. We have now gone from fulfilling that transparency goal, which has its own value, to thinking more fully about open data in its role for creating better community outcomes, he said. That means considering how a sister agency could use data or how community groups could use it to identify and solve problems in their own neighborhood.You begin to think about data as driving value, as contrasted to data as transparency for its own sake, he said. Then visualization becomes critical. In fact, data without visualization is barely open data at all.Goldsmith, who is now a professor of practice of government at the Harvard Kennedy School and director of the Innovations in American Government Program, pointed to Los Angeles GeoHub as an example of a site whose purpose is organizing data around what is most important to a city, which is location. He sees the open data maturity model following a similar path to the growth of e-government itself it starts focused on one narrow goal, and then gradually becomes part and parcel of how government operates.took an in-depth look at five interactive sites that give both government agencies and their constituents fresh views of their data. We also interviewed the developers about the thinking behind their creation.If a neighborhood association in Pittsburgh is concerned about gang activity, its members can now map data about graffiti and crimes such as car break-ins using a new Web visualization tool called Burghs Eye View Determined to make its open data sets more valuable to residents and community groups, the citys Analytics and Strategy team used open source tools to create a Web application that offers residents visual representations of everything from crime and other public safety incidents to 311 service requests, building permits and code violations. Data updates refresh the maps every night or even every hour.Burghs Eye View comes in two flavors, one that is public-facing and another for city departments with slightly different information. (For instance, in the public version, crime data is made anonymous to the block level for privacy reasons.) The idea actually developed after requests from the police department for better tools.There was a variety of data coming from non-police sources that could be very useful to the police, including 311 calls, said Laura Meixell, assistant director of performance improvement in the Department of Innovation and Performance.Officers in the field as well as those in the intelligence unit were interested in getting that non-emergency request data to look at patterns. Police and other first responders were very interested in data on abandoned buildings and condemnations, as well as places where the Bureau of Building Inspection had identified serious structural issues, so they would know that before entering the building, she said.The public-facing version was launched in October 2016, and Meixell said her team is building up a constituency via good old-fashioned shoe leather. I had my whole staff going around with community affairs teams to community meetings, she said. If a neighborhood association held a meeting, we would show up and request 15 minutes to give a presentation. We want to help them understand how city data and operations can influence how they do their jobs.As an example, neighborhood organizations often try to help homeowners with tangled title situations, in which many generations of a family might live in a house, but it is unclear who owns it and should pay taxes. Neighborhood organizations have had success with that and their work can be driven by data we have, she said.The site already has more than 10,000 users. One organization asked us to enable customized embeddable mapping, so they could zoom in on their neighborhood and include the characteristics they were interested in, and embed that on their organizations website, Meixell said. That is definitely doable.The site was created in-house using RStudio, an open source integrated development environment. There are a lot of companies that would charge a lot of money to put this stuff together, Meixell said. Although you need skilled staff members, the barrier for that has been coming down when it comes to data visualization, she believes. For the scope we are building here, there are cheap and open source products you can start using right away. We started with one guy who had taken a course in grad school, but no one else had. We just sort of taught ourselves to do this.The in-house-created portal was born out of requests from the Pittsburgh police department for better data tools.A year ago, if Ohio residents went looking for state budget details, they could find them in static documents and PDF files, but many of them were outdated by the time they were posted online. Today, citizens can get a much fuller picture, with the Ohio Office of Budget and Managements (OBM) Interactive Budget portal What was definitely unavailable in previous budget documents posted online was context, said Derek Bridges, program administrator for the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System, the states enterprise resource planning system. He also has responsibility for several business intelligence initiatives. It is fairly common for governments to build transparency sites, but they focus on which suppliers government gives money to. It was our stance, however, that those sites dont tell the whole story of where the states money comes from, how it gets appropriated and where it goes. There is no single place to find that breadth of information.Creating a data visualization of the budget was something OBM executives had wanted to do for some time, Bridges said. The opportunity presented itself because we were looking to move up the curve in terms of our maturity with data visualization throughout the state, he said. On the IT side, we were rolling out Tableau as our data visualization enterprise service. That allowed OBM, at minimal additional cost, to roll out this Interactive Budget website. They didnt have to go buy a bunch of software on their own.In creating the site, the state tried to cast a wide net in terms of audience and make it as usable as possible to the general public, understanding that this site explains $70 billion in annual revenue and expenses.One budget view shows state grants paid to government entities or nonprofits, with spending broken down by payee. The first time we showed this to people, some said that it didnt show them anything, Bridges recalled. Our argument was that it tells you a lot. These are all the grants and subsidies that the state distributes to universities, school districts and other entities. This tells the story. More than 80 percent of our spending is going to these subsidies. This gives you a picture of the variety of places the money is going.The site is organized with a drill-down hierarchy. On the left margin, you can drill back up through layers to where you started. We try to leave the user breadcrumbs, Bridges said. This is explaining a lot of data. We didnt want people getting lost.Users can download a PDF version of any visualization with one button click. We wanted to allow people to grab a picture, Bridges said, understanding that they may navigate to a point, and then come back later. It might take them time to find the visual they were looking for. Having that PDF or a printout should make it easier, he added.The Interactive Budget is just the first step for Ohio. Since the Department of Administrative Services purchased a Tableau server and the state has rolled out enterprise data visualization as a service, 19 state agencies have a site on the server. Two hundred employees have desktop licenses, and 100 employees have received training.The states new data visualization brings context to $70 billion in budget information.A new online data visualization tool, the City Health Dashboard , has been created to improve city-level understanding of health and empower mayors, city managers and health officials to enact policies that target the risk factors and health conditions impacting their communities.The website, created by the New York University School of Medicines Department of Population Health, presents 26 measures related to health across five areas: health outcomes, health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. The data include traditional health metrics such as premature mortality, teen birth rate and adult obesity prevalence, as well as non-health measures that impact health, including unemployment rate, third-grade reading proficiency, neighborhood walkability and air quality.The initial version of the dashboard includes data for four cities: Flint, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Providence, R.I.; and Waco, Texas, although the goal is to scale it up to include hundreds of cities.Developed with NYUs Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, in partnership with the National Resource Network and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the dashboard puts into a framework data that hasnt been visible to city-level managers before. Many of these data elements are available at the county level, but city managers are responsible for making policies that influence the people who live in their boundaries, said Marc Gourevitch, chair of the Department of Population Health at the NYU School of Medicine and principal investigator for the City Health Dashboard.If a city is in the far southwest corner of a county that is four times as big as the city, the obesity rate data for the county is not that helpful, he said, and collecting that kind of data can be very expensive and time consuming. The goal was to take data sets that power county-level data and code it to the city level.City Health Dashboard is a Ruby on Rails Web application with a Postgres database. For data visualizations, it uses Google Maps and amCharts. The app was designed by L+L Design and built by Andy Glass.The visualization aspects of the site are key to its value, Gourevitch said. Imagine you are a health official in Waco concerned about obesity issues. Now you have a way to look at obesity rates on a map broken down by neighborhood census track. You could also see how those trends align with maps of walkability or physical inactivity among people who live in these neighborhoods. That can be illuminating if you are trying to decide what to do about it, he said. What are the barriers to physical activity? What can be done about it? Changes could be made in terms of urban design or the creation of parks.The tool quickly graphs overlays of metrics and tells policymakers whether there is a strong or weak correlation between them.Speaking with city managers and mayors over the last year, Gourevitch said, it has been striking how much demand there is for such a tool. There is real hunger for data at the city level that is standardized. This allows them to compare where they are with similar cities. If we scale this to hundreds of cities, which is our goal, it will be possible to compare health measures with those in a like city, and get a sense for how they are doing.Several years ago, when Chicagos open data movement was getting off the ground, Web designers Derek Eder and Nick Rougeux created an application that tracked local lobbyist data ( www.chicagolobbyists.org ). That caught the eye of Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey, whose office asked the duo to create a tool to make the countys budget easier to understand. The result, called Look at Cook , was launched in 2012 to give citizens a tool for asking questions about local government spending priorities and a way to track that spending over time. Look at Cook tracks government budgets and expenditures dating back to 1993.Eder and Rougeux had experience in creating data visualizations through their work at the Web development shop Webitects. Their challenge was applying those skills to dense budget documents. Budgets are complicated, and it can be very challenging to convey that information to the public, Eder said. The actual budget is released as a giant book, and even the summary is 300 pages long. Condensing that into something that people can meaningfully get information out of was a bit of a challenge, but one we wanted to take on.The real value of visualization is the ability to create something that at a glance allows you to see the overall picture as well as the trend lines, he said. Because budgets are more than just one number every year, we allow you to dive into individual funds and departments, such as corrections, and see those trends, Eder explained. I have found with this site and other budget visualization sites that they are the clearest way you can describe what the government is doing. For example, citizens could trace the impact of funding cuts for the Jail Diversion and Crime Prevention Division on the Corrections Department and Juvenile Justice Division.In Cook County it is particularly important to clarify what the county is responsible for, Eder said. There is not a 100 percent overlap between the city of Chicago and the county, but most of the county is Chicago, so it can be difficult to discern whether the city or county operates a particular hospital or jail. Budget visualization is a great way to show what things the county is responsible for, he said.The website is maintained by what Eder calls something of an unusual partnership. He continues to host the site while Fritchey owns the domain. Eder and Rougeux did the work pro bono and continue to help update it once a year. They used open source tools, notably Highcharts, a JavaScript charting library, and the Fusion Tables database tool from Google.All this information was available before, Eder said. As a citizen, you could go down to the countys offices and look at the budget data. It was there. It was not a secret. What we did was make it more accessible.Cook County, Ill., helps answer citizens questions about local government spending priorities in a visually driven format.The Washington, D.C., Department of Transportation (DDOT) has long sought to better understand congestion. A new interactive website tracks key performance indicators and allows district employees and citizens to get a better picture of specific metrics.The project, which went live in February 2017, grew out of a request from the City Council to better understand multimodal congestion in the district. We at DDOT took that request and ran with it, and probably took it further than was originally envisioned, but we made it so it really met the needs of the agency as well, said Stephanie Dock, a research program administrator. The first aspect of the project was creating a baseline understanding of how the system is operating, with a focus on walking, biking, bus and driving. (The regional Metrorail system is not yet included.)DDOT defined a series of performance measures that were meaningful for the system and sorted by data that it could capture regularly and reliably for the entire district. Having this data up on the website means that whenever someone at DDOT is doing a project, we dont need to do an initial round of data collection, Dock said. They can begin by looking at this data.The site allows information to be filtered easily, Dock said. Users can move between time periods. For example, looking under congestion, and which bus routes are busiest, as you click through, you can pick times of day, and clicking through time periods, you can watch how those routes change throughout the day. I find it fascinating which routes carry huge numbers of people in the early evening, for example.The data will let DDOT start to overlay data sets. It can match high-ridership bus routes and travel time indexes for vehicle congestion. If you have a really high ridership route on a very slow-moving road, adding buses isnt necessarily going to solve the problem, she said. Then you might be adding more congestion.DDOT worked with data visualization agency Clever Franke to develop the site. The council gave us funding and a timeline, Dock recalled. We had an all-out sprint from January to September last year to figure out the measures, calculate the data and build the website. Because of that funding, we got something built that is visually appealing and simple to use and interact with.A new website visually showcases multimodal transportation congestion in Washington, D.C. (TNS) - Hurricane season arrives June 1, all too soon for those still trying to recover from last fall's Hurricane Matthew, but unveiling new forecast products designed to help everyone prepare for the next big one.Emergency managers in both Volusia and Flagler counties are encouraged by the new products from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. They include an interactive storm surge watch and warning graphic, and an experimental graphic estimating the time and date a storm's winds may arrive in a given region."This information really helps people to know what to expect during a disaster and I'm really hoping it saves lives," said Steve Garten, emergency services director for Flagler County.Even more than the graphics, the potential for better analysis of storm systems with NOAA's new GOES-16 satellite will be a huge leap forward, said Jim Judge, Volusia County's emergency management director. The improved graphics and forecasting tools give everyone a better idea of what to expect and when, Judge said.Matthew passed northward offshore last Oct. 7, having trekked a devastating path through the Caribbean. By the time it departed the North Carolina coast, the storm had claimed the lives of at least 585 people and caused at least $15 billion in damages. Most of the deaths occurred in Haiti. Matthew claimed five lives in Volusia County and caused nearly $600 million in damages in Volusia and Flagler counties.The storm's center missed a local landfall by about 25 miles, a blessing many won't soon forget."Had it been 15 miles more westward, you and I wouldn't be talking about hotels from the ocean to the Halifax River," said Bob Davis, president and CEO of the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County.As it was, Matthew caused an estimated $67.7 million in damages to beachfront hotels in Volusia County. Today, about 98.9 percent of the hotels have recovered from the storm, Davis said."The Silver Beach Inn and one or two smaller ones are still closed," as they work to recover from hurricane damage, he said. A couple of additional hotels, La Playa and Acapulco, are closed for complete remodels and rebranding. While those hotels may have experienced damage, he said, their re-openings aren't tied to damage recovery.The storm ripped dozens of feet of dunes away from the Flagler County shoreline, collapsing sections of State Road A1A and forcing at least the temporary condemnation of several homes. Flagler officials estimate the total cost of dune restoration could top $50 million.This year's six-month Atlantic hurricane season may be more active than normal, the Weather Service has warned. It also started early, with Tropical Storm Arlene in the Atlantic in April.If a storm does approach Volusia and Flagler counties, local emergency officials hope the new forecast products will help convince residents of the dangers of approaching storms and help everyone the timing and potential hazards.Advances in forecasting who's at risk from a hurricane or tropical storm have been dramatic over the past 25 years, said Judge. Back then, "the cone of uncertainty was huge, it encompassed almost the whole state of Florida," he said. "Now it's about 1/10th the size of what it was in 1992."The new graphics include an interactive graphic for storm surge watches and warnings and an experimental graphic illustrating the "earliest reasonable arrival time of tropical storm-force winds."GOES 16 has been amazing meteorologists across the country with its improved satellite images of thunderstorms and lightning. The satellite offers coverage five times faster than other available satellites with four times better resolution and three times more channels for catching weather imagery, giving forecasters a much more detailed image of the structure and features of storm systems.Also new this year, the Hurricane Center will have the option this year of issuing advisories, watches and warnings for disturbances that haven't yet reached tropical cyclone status, but which may pose a threat of tropical storm or hurricane conditions within 48 hours.The interactive storm surge watch and warning graphics were used on experimental basis last year. They'll be fully operational this season, with the Weather Service issuing watches and warnings when there's a risk of life-threatening inundation from the sea or a risk of an area being isolated by surge-related flooding.Storm surge blamed for nearly 50 percent of deaths during hurricanes is often hard to understand and doesn't always coincide with the path and timing of the center of a tropical system. During Matthew, the Flagler County coast experienced one of the largest storm surges along the Southeastern United States coast. NOAA scientists concluded the combined surge and tide along the coast of Flagler and St. Johns counties was about 5 to 7 feet, topped by large waves.The surging ocean rushed down beach approaches and flooded entire neighborhoods, surprising many who chose to ignore evacuation warnings and ride out the storm. Given the door-to-door rescues required after the storm passed, Garten said the new advisories will help get "a crucial message" to residents."It puts it into perspective," he said. "Storm surge is hard to visualize. If I tell you your house is going to be under 9 feet of water it's so hard to comprehend."But, he added, residents aren't the only ones who have a hard time visualizing the amount of seawater that poured into coastal areas in the north end of the county.He said he had a hard time convincing FEMA investigators until he showed them the video of rescue workers going from house to house on jet skis after Matthew passed.The Hurricane Center also is introducing an experimental new graphic estimating the earliest potential arrival time of tropical storm-force winds. The colorful graphic will help residents and emergency officials in the path of a storm evaluate when their pre-storm preparations should be complete, the Hurricane Center stated.As another hurricane season approaches, something else weighs on Garten's mind."I want people to understand they did not survive a Cat 3 storm (during Matthew). They did not," he said. "We barely had Cat 1 winds."Peak gusts were 87 mph along the northern Flagler County coast and 94 mph in Volusia County.But apparently Matthew did leave an impression on many.The American Automotive Association reported this week that Matthew apparently inspired more Floridians to prepare for storm season. A AAA survey showed three of every four people surveyed said they were making advance preparations, an increase of 17 percent over a similar survey last year.Sorry, but your browser does not support frames.2017 The News-Journal, Daytona Beach, Fla.Visit The News-Journal, Daytona Beach, Fla. at www.news-journalonline.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. In Washington state, if the federal government is not funding it, "it" does not get done, especially anything to do with disasters and emergency management. SeeAnd, if you note the issue of staffing and the hiring freeze, there will be another vacancy coming. John Vidale, profiled in the article, is also leaving Washington state and headed to California. Who wouldn't want to "evacuate this state" based on the little to no investment in seismic safety, let alone warning?Then there is this article from a California perspective,The one thing I'd like to note is that the state of California is providing $10M in state funding toward the system. That is exactly $10M more than the state of Washington has provided.I can't find an earlier reference, but as I recall, even the state of Oregon has provided some state funding toward the Shake Alert system. Trying to balance the needs of rural and urban residents is no easy task. Different demographics have inherently different needs and resources available to them. And although the conversation surrounding smart tech largely centers on cities, Snohomish County is working to establish itself as the state of Washington's first smart county.Snohomish's recently released RFI is looking for input from anyone and everyone about how to improve services delivered by the county that, according to the document, may include, integrated information and communications technology, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data, publicly deployed infrastructure, rural broadband capacity, urban informatics and data analytics, mobile/civic applications, sensor-based networks, and/or urban wireless networks (including 5g).Part of the impetus came from a regional trade mission to Guadalajara and Mexico City, organized and led by the Trade Development Alliance and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, which opened the eyes of some county officials as to what is possible in the smart technology field.We are wide open to ideas, said county CIO Trever Esko. There is nothing we have a predisposition for or against, and we are excited about any opportunities people want to put on the table and talk to us about.While it may be easier for cities to go after more targeted regions where residents have more uniform needs and obstacles, counties vary widely in terms of who needs what. Counties, he said, need more broad strategic perspective about how they are going to serve a region."Snohomish, just north of King County, home of Seattle, has a unique mix of rural, urban and tribal governments that all need to be served by any smart technology that is introduced. Overall, Esko said he is hoping that RFI responses will help drive an improved quality of life for county residents regardless of what part of the region they are from. My vision is that balance between improving quality of life for both urban and rural communities, he said.The county is in a period of transition. Ten to 15 years ago, said Esko, the county primarily relied on agriculture and farming, but technology and advanced manufacturing have overhauled the local economy.Residents in the more urban areas of the county are looking for such things as connectivity, equity and access to government services, he said. In rural areas, we are more focused on quality of life and quality of mobility issues.Because the county has such a diverse population, county officials have gotten inspiration from some more unique places. One example that caught Esko's attention was the Baltic nation of Estonia . They have to deal with regional issues more than just an urban center... he said, adding that overall, the city hopes that forthcoming initiatives or programs act as a way of both driving quality of life issues to residents and spurring economic development for local businesses to provide services to residents as well.One asset available to the county is the already-built infrastructure and public utilities. These roads, highways and thoroughfares can be leveraged for next-generation technology infrastructure," such as IoT-enabled sensors or fiber-optic cable, which ultimately will lead to a more connected population.Although the RFI has only been out for a limited time, the county is already receiving great responses. A lot of them have been from nontraditional companies, said Esko, adding that no matter how crazy some of the submissions are, it is making us think creatively about ways we can serve our residents. Public agencies across the United States are already evaluating online voting. And while casting a vote via the Web may not be an all-inclusive answer, it's certainly a potential solution to our democracys far greater problem of low voter turnout, according to the creator of a new podcast on the issue. The Future of Online Voting ," which became available on Thursday, June 1, is the latest entry in entrepreneur Andrew Weinreichs ongoing Predicting Our Future series, which debuted earlier this year.Spoiler: Weinreich, a startup founder who created pioneering social network website SixDegrees.com , thinks online voting is an inevitability.But his new topic exploration also examines tech- and non-tech-centered solutions to voter disillusionment, including changing or expanding Election Day, having states award their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote, and eliminating gerrymandering.He acknowledges the podcasts questionable timing arriving as questions continue to swirl about Russias involvement in the 2016 presidential election but said in its first episode, which examines the effect online voting could have on the role of the electoral college, the question continues to be timely.If I lost a presidential election in a country of 325 million people where fewer than 100,000 votes in a handful of states determined the outcome, I wouldnt be asking myself why I didnt win over some of the people who voted for my opponent. Id be asking myself why wasnt I able to get any of the 45.3 percent of the voting age population who stayed home on Election Day, Weinreich said in the first episode In March,s Reid Wilson reported that roughly 139 million Americans voted in the November presidential election or 60.2 percent of those who were eligible to vote, according to the U.S. Elections Project.Before we even get to technology, there are things that are compelling that can be done, that should be done. We know that anything that makes people feel like their votes dont count reduces the likelihood they will vote, Weinreich told, adding that eliminating the electoral college and gerrymandering are the most intelligent things to do.But he acknowledges in the episode that getting rid of the electoral college is unlikely, and circles back to boosting voter participation.Thad Hall, subject matter expert at applied research company Fors Marsh Group, said in the podcast that having the freedom to opt out of the voting process is a very American ability.And while Weinreich called voting via the Internet fascinating from a technological perspective, he noted in the podcast that two essential questions about it remain: whether more people will vote and the risks involved.The remaining two episodes, coming on subsequent Thursdays, examine election hacking, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and voter apathy in a nation with thousands of elected officials.Two potential options for replacing current voting machines include using next-gen optical scan systems or touchscreen systems with paper backup. Los Angeles County , the nations largest local election jurisdiction, may opt for the latter in its ongoing system redesign.As for online voting, Rice University Professor Dan Wallach tells Weinreich in Episode 2 that hes not a fan of because of its risks, and he questions whether designers can create systems robust enough to withstand malware and DDoS attacks.Even if they did, Wallach said local governments, unlike well protected Internet companies such as Google, could still be an Achilles heel.Your local county clerks office doesnt have that level of infrastructure. Your local county clerks office has some modest backbone connection that can be completely overwhelmed, Wallach said in the second episode.Weinreich added that he believes turnout will rise if online voting becomes an option, partly because doing so will transform the process roughly comparable to the difference between branding and direct marketing, with online voting being the equivalent of direct marketing.You will begin to see at some point your church, your synagogue, your fraternity begin voting over the Internet. And we will become accustomed to seeing that, he told, admitting that when this will happen is not yet clear.For national elections, I think its far enough away that I couldnt put a number of years on it, he added, noting that local elections will likely become earlier adopters.Risk, of course, is difficult to impossible to assess, though the May WannaCry ransomware attack and last years Russian hack of Democratic National Committee emails give many people pause.Threats exist at all levels, Weinreich said from when voter registries are compiled to when votes are cast, tabulated and reported, so agencies will need to be creative in establishing audit trails and performing aggression analysis testing.Other options in online voting, he said, could include using an independent channel to verify that residents voted the way they did, such as having the system call voters to review their ballots, or a paper trail.[But] having a paper trail at a point where the votes are received could be too late," Weinreich said. "They could be tampered with at the point of entry. If youve got to provide a paper trail, whats the advantage to voting over the Internet? Turning 311 from a hotline into a platform for citizen engagement and customer service is not simple but cities are proving it can be done. Comcast's gigabit internet service (TNS) -- Comcast turned on its new, superfast gigabit internet service across Oregon and Washington on Wednesday. It's the region's broadest rollout yet for a speedier, pricier tier of residential online access.A gigabit is 1,000 megabits per second, 40 times faster than the federal broadband standard, quick enough to download an entire high-definition movie in 40 seconds. Few households need gig connections now - they're faster than many online services and home electronics can accommodate.But gigabit speeds have become a gold standard for internet service as household gadgets proliferate and put more demands on homes' connections. And some tech professionals and gamers already have the hardware to take advantage of gigabit speeds.Speed: Up to 1 gigabit per secondPrice: $160 a month with no service contract, or $110 for new Comcast internet customers who agree to a one-year contract. Bundled pricing for Comcast cable TV and phone customers varies, but gigabit service is typically $50 to $70 more per month. Modems are $10 a month, though customers can buy their own.Availability: Throughout Comcast's service territory in Oregon and Southwest Washington, an area that includes Portland, Vancouver, Beaverton, Hillsboro and Eugene.Data cap: 1 terabyte, which is 1,000 gigabytes. Comcast offers unlimited data for an extra $50 a month.Comcast's new gig service costs $160 a month, more than double what the company charges for a considerably slower, 25-megabit-per-second connection. (Modems cost extra to rent or buy.) Comcast is offering a $110 gigabit plan for new customers who sign a one-year contract, and other prices for households that also subscribe to cable TV or phone service.Comcast generally limits subscribers to 1 terabyte of data per month, which is far more than most households use in a month. Yet the faster speeds enable far more data consumption, which makes it more likely subscribers will hit that data cap. Comcast offers unlimited data for an extra $50 a month.With its new gigabit service, Comcast is delivering what Google Fiber could not or would not. Google flirted with bringing gigabit connections to Portland for more than two years before dropping its plans last summer -- apparently deterred by the high cost of running fiber throughout neighborhoods.In the meantime, CenturyLink introduced gigabit connections in portions of its Oregon service territory, including much of Portland and Vancouver. Google Fiber charges $70 a month for its gig service in other markets; CenturyLink currently advertises an introductory, $80 monthly rate for gigabit speeds.Comcast's service is distinguished by its broad availability. The company is already the Northwest's largest internet service provider, with 600,000 subscribers in Oregon and Washington. It uses its existing cable network to build the faster service rather than string new fiber to neighborhoods as CenturyLink did, and Google Fiber had planned to do.Comcast also introduced gigabit speeds to Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and several other U.S. markets Wednesday.As Comcast rolls out its new service, it continues to pursue an Oregon property tax break lawmakers created two years ago in the vain hope of luring Google Fiber to the region. That break, for service providers offering gigabit speeds, could be worth several million dollars a year to Comcast (the actual amount would depend on property tax assessments).Comcast claimed it qualified for the tax break last year, based on a limited 2-gigabit connection it offered to customers willing to pay extremely high fees . The state Department of Revenue denied Comcast's eligibility , though, and the two sides are currently litigating the dispute.Even with the new gigabit service, though, Comcast may never get to take advantage of the tax break. With Google Fiber out of the picture in Portland, a House committee voted unanimously last week to repeal the tax exemption.The repeal, House Bill 2770 , is now before a joint legislative committee. (TNS) -- If you live 100 miles from Atlanta, odds are you wont read this column in print. If you live much farther than that, theres a decent chance you literally dont have the bandwidth for it.As our lives and economy become inexorably more digital, urban and suburban Georgians may take ubiquitous high-speed internet for granted. Not so in rural Georgia. Wide swaths of the state might as well be extraterrestrials when it comes to the (ahem) World Wide Web. They may have dial-up internet, but imagine comforting yourself with that consolation the next time you roll your eyes at a web page taking 10 whole seconds to load.Thats why members of the House Rural Development Council spent half of their first meeting , last week in Tifton, discussing the obstacles to full deployment of broadband statewide.Theres a line of thought that, because broadband is vital 21st-century infrastructure for commerce, government should provide it where the private sector cant or wont. Government has promoted traditional commerce via roads, canals, ports, railroad tracks and airports, the thinking goes, so it ought to do the same for e-commerce.There is, however, a qualitative difference due to rapid technological change. Buy and clear land to lay asphalt, and its not just that the asphalt will last in some cases for decades; resurfacing the road is a lot like the original construction.Thats not necessarily true for broadband. What once required stringing fiber-optic cable over long distances at the cost of as much as $18,000 per mile (done aerially on utility poles) or even $40,000 per mile (if buried underground) could soon be accomplished wirelessly to a far greater extent. Wiring every residence with miles of fiber may become as obsolete as an 8-track player.Might a more logical comparison be rural electrification? While some materials might need to be upgraded one day, they could be used for a generation before then. Much of the cost concerns right-of-way, so publicly subsidizing the initial deployment could make it economical for the private sector to assume later expenses.But here, too, the analogy breaks down. When FDR launched rural electrification in 1935, just 10 percent of rural Americans had electricity and in Georgia then, 70 percent of the population lived in rural areas. Something like two-thirds of Georgians (if we include city residents without electricity) lacked a utility that made possible the 20th century as we knew it.The broadband situation is different. An estimated 9 percent of Georgia households lack access to high-speed internet (the various definitions of broadband, and issues with measuring access that are too complicated to recount here, make the exact number elusive). Thats a significant, but much smaller, proportion. The private sector has been much more effective this time around.No, the most likely solution is to get government out of the way.Industry representatives who addressed the lawmakers in Tifton, though competitors in many parts of the state, largely agree about what would help. One is cutting taxes on materials and equipment used to deploy broadband, as most other states (with which we compete for these private investments) have done. Another is more controversial: Lowering fees for stringing fiber on poles owned by municipal utilities and EMCs, which charge two to three times as much as Georgia Power.The third is where this topic touches other subjects the council will mull, if lawmakers allow themselves some creativity.In rural areas, just four of every 10 households with access to broadband actually subscribes to the service. A higher uptake rate would make the economics of rural broadband more practical for service providers. And it just might be worthwhile to subsidize service for lower-income Georgians, rural or urban.Consider two examples. Telemedicine is increasingly sophisticated and, conceivably, could cut the states Medicaid costs enough to offset any broadband subsidies needed to make it possible. And while Georgias public schools are already wired for high-speed internet, it may be that wider use of online instruction would generate enough savings to subsidize broadband in students homes.Those latter possibilities are far from proven. But they represent the kind of holistic thinking that could yield a true 21st-century solution to this 21st-century problem. (TNS) -- With the Federal Communication Commission's recent vote to consider reversing net neutrality rules, many might be wondering how that could affect their lives.Net neutrality has a handful of functions, but its main function is to keep internet service providers from speeding up, slowing down or blocking content users may want to access, said Sherry Lichtenberg, principal for telecommunications research and policy at National Regulatory Research Institute."There will no longer be protection for blocking access to websites you want to go to or having carriers favor their own sites or browsers over the one you want to go to," she said. "It takes away the protection, essentially, that allows you to do whatever you want on the internet."That's one take on things, but the FCC, with Chairman Ajit Pai at the helm, believes the commission overstepped with the 2015 rules. The FCC's notice of proposed rule-making, which was adopted May 18, said the decision to apply utility-style regulation to the internet represented a "massive and unprecedented shift in favor of government control of the internet."The order to classify the internet as Title II put online investment and innovation at risk, the FCC said in the notice.Its biggest concern is that over the past two years, investment in broadband networks declined and service providers have pulled back on plans to build new infrastructure.Another of the commission's biggest concerns over net neutrality is online privacy, which is supposed to be regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. Lichtenberg called the rule a way to restore internet freedom is misleading in fact, the ruling would be the opposite."It's allowing the big ISPs Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, Charter to have the option of deciding how your online experience would work," she said. "There are some instances where this actually happened in the past and the fight has been about, 'Well, it's not happening now, so everything is going to be fine.' But it's sort of like taking a vaccine so you won't get measles; hopefully, no one will get measles, but you still want the vaccine. So that is why the net neutrality rules are important."The commissioners are not all in agreement that reversing net neutrality is a good idea. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn disagrees, while Pai and Commissioner Michael O'Rielly want to see the rules reversed.Clyburn recognizes the internet as a necessity in 2017 and said in her statement that the decision to reverse the open internet rules would harm consumers' abilities to run online businesses, access content and exercise free speech without the service provider or anyone else getting in the way."Today's notice of proposed rule-making, more appropriately known as the Destroying Internet Freedom NPRM, deeply damages the ability of the FCC to be a champion of consumers and competition in the 21st century," Clyburn's statement said. "It contains hollow theory of trickle-down internet economics, suggesting that if we just remove enough regulations from your broadband provider, they will automatically improve your service, pass along discounts from those speculative savings, deploy more infrastructure with haste and treat edge providers fairly."While Pai doesn't disagree that the internet is an essential tool for participating in the modern world, he believes the success of the internet comes from the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that aimed to preserve the free market that existed for the internet."As a result of these rules, small ISPs faced new regulatory burdens associated with common carrier compliance," said Pai in a statement. "Innovative providers hoping to offer their customers new, even free services had to feat a Washington bureaucracy that might disapprove and take enforcement action against them. With the possibility of broadband rate regulation looming on the horizon, companies investing in next-generation networks hesitated to build or expand networks, unsure of whether the government would let them compete in the free market." An easy GIS fix Eye in the sky Remote-control landscaping Tapping academia Repurposed software In these days of agile development, with Silicon Valley preaching the virtues of failing fast and moving on, its hard to see a place for the traditional great big IT procurement in government.There are a ton of applications that are being produced daily that perform simple functions for government. There are a ton of small projects that you can do that have a potentially large impact, said Mike Barba, a business consulting senior manager at Grant Thornton.Big projects have gotten a bad reputation over recent years. They can be hard to justify, and when they fail, they fail on a grand scale. Sometimes if you try to boil the ocean, you can get lost within the projects. People forget about the outcomes they are trying to achieve. They think about goals and milestones but forget about the business value, Barba said.Across state and local government, IT leaders these days are doing just the opposite. They are thinking small, implementing lightweight tech fixes that generate big returns. Lets take a look at five projects that demonstrate how a modest investment in technology can sometimes yield substantial results.Each year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development asks cities to take a point-in-time census, a head count of the local homeless population. And each year Aurora, Colo., takes its best shot and comes up short.Logistical difficulties have made it hard to get an accurate count across this 155-square-mile area, and while it seemed like technology might afford some kind of an assist, city leaders were wary of embracing any big-budget solution. We had been talking about wanting to go higher tech, but with a lot of new technologies just the thought of doing it is overwhelming, said Homelessness Program Director Shelley McKittrick.The city found its fix in a low-budget technology currently emerging as a go-to solution for municipalities seeking lightweight means to address a range of large-scale issues. The solution: GIS, or geographic information systems.Cities have increasingly turned to GIS to help solve diverse problems. Loudon County, Va., uses it to help farmers identify the best land for growing crops. Georgia officials employ GIS to manage flood plains and prioritize transportation management issues.Aurora used Esris Survey 123 tool, a GIS-enabled smartphone app, to help its volunteers conduct the latest point-in-time survey. The results were dramatic: A homeless population previously estimated at 420 individuals swelled to some 526 people.We counted a lot of people who otherwise would not have been counted, people whom we wouldnt have known were there, and next year we expect to get even more, McKittrick said. Moreover, the technology driving these improvements was extremely small and simple. Because we were able to train people on the fly very easily on the day of the count, what seemed like a pretty audacious goal became a little easier and a little more fun.On the day of the survey the city sent out 40 volunteers riding in eight vans, all equipped with phones bearing the survey. In addition to a short questionnaire, the app incorporated the ability to pinpoint the location of the homeless individual on a map in real time. This allowed volunteers to work more efficiently, without risk of duplicating one anothers efforts.Thanks to the GIS app, the teams discovered trends they had not seen in the past, including a local parking lot that had become a gathering place for individuals sleeping in their cars. That information not only rounds out the census but also helps the city to consider how it will address homelessness going forward.We can start to say, OK, this is what we need. We need this many units of subsidized housing, we need this many jobs for the people who are able to get back to work. Without this data, we didnt know any of that stuff, said McKittrick.Bakersfield, Calif., allows citizens to shoot off fireworks on a modest, reasonable scale. That gives some people the idea that they are free to blow up just about any old rocket they please, and thats a problem for the fire department.On the 4th of July you have a large number of folks on the streets using fireworks in a legally authorized manner. But then you have the folks who use large, almost professional-grade mortars and other explosives, said Fire Chief Doug Greener.Policing the situation is legally tenuous. The city can issue an administrative citation with fines up to $1,500 if it can catch the miscreants, but thats hard to do. We show up in a cul-de-sac and there is smoke and debris and 50 people standing around. Who shot that rocket off? Its very difficult to nail down, Greener said.Last year the city opted for a low-cost fix in the form of two $1,500 drone aircraft. Each comes with a high-def camera and a tablet that can be mounted in a command vehicle. In terms of technology it is fairly reasonably priced for what it does, Greener said.A shakedown flight last July 4 proved that the drones may be an asset in the effort to control over-the-top fireworks. We really were able to get a very quick 360-degree view of a good portion of the city, and we could see that the illegal fireworks activity was truly citywide, Greener said. In fact, in an after-action report we talked to the council and advised them that this is not just any one part of town or any specific neighborhood. This is a widespread issue.Fire officials had long suspected that this was true, but they needed to prove it in order to make the case for future Independence Day resources. You can say it all day long, but unless you can show it visually, it doesnt have the same impact.While the fire department is still pondering privacy issues surrounding drone use , Greener is convinced this lightweight technology will help his people subdue a messy situation.We could carpet the city with firefighters but it would be very, very expensive, he said. When you consider the price of this technology, and you weigh that against personnel costs, this is going to be a very cost-effective way to boost our process and make us more efficient.Welcome to Travis County, Texas, (pop. 1.1 million) where outdoor amenities rank high: There are roughly 40 parks here spread out across some 1,200 square miles.Its up to the park rangers to water all that grass. They are the ones who turn the sprinklers on and off, and its a daunting task. You can imagine it is very time-consuming. You have to drive a lot, said county CIO Tanya Acevedo . For park rangers, this is not what they want to spend their time doing.The county found a tidy answer to this geographically sprawling problem. It assigned IP addresses to park sprinklers in order to make them operable from a remote location.The IP-enabled sprinklers became possible with the completion of a countywide fiber backbone that was years in the making. Now that the fiber is built out and we can put IPs on sprinklers, the rangers no longer have to drive hundreds of miles. They can literally operate it through a browser, Acevedo said. So this allows them to focus on other things, like beautifying the parks and making them safe.The rollout, which should be completed by the end of the year, will also enable the county to make better use of its resources. When someone has to drive to each location, you can only be so good in terms of when you turn it on and when you turn it off. Now when it rains we can turn them off right away, rather than have them run for hours while it is raining, she said.County officials didnt have sprinklers in mind when they deployed the extensive fiber backbone. They were just trying to meet the rising expectations of the citizenry, many of whom reside in the famously progressive city of Austin.The people who go to these parks are high tech, they want wireless capabilities, so we were really meeting that need. Enabling IP-based sprinklers was sort of a happy afterthought, Acevedo said. The first intention was just to service the constituents and get them the wireless connectivity they needed.Looking ahead, IT leaders see a range of additional uses for their high-speed connectivity. We want to put sensors on the manhole covers so anytime they are opened, it will activate a security notification. We are looking at attaching cameras, and also using it to control lighting, heating [and] air conditioning in county facilities, Acevedo said. We see a lot of possibilities.When Rhode Island tech leaders seek maximum bang for minimum buck, they turn to local universities. Students arent just low-cost labor. Theyre also a source of fresh perspectives.We are trying to build our talent pipeline with innovative, creative and technologically savvy people, said Kevin Parker, Rhode Islands director of government innovation. If we went to a traditional consulting company for our technology problems, we may not get that same organic diversity of thought. This helps us to shift the cultural mindset, to shift the way we think.He described a recent crop of student interns as a model of how this works. These are young people with fascinating backgrounds, he said. For example, Nick Sarazen writes music professionally and is a cognitive, linguistics and psychological science student at Brown University. We are seeking very diverse perspectives, which helps us introduce new ideas to the work we are doing.By garnering a diverse group of students, the innovation team can drive new and unexpected outcomes. We want to make enhancements to the user experience in the RI.gov platform, so we have our designer-in-residence, Sherry Wu, from the Rhode Island School of Design, who has brought new ideas and new bandwidth to help create an e-government solution that makes sense to our end users, Parker said. We often struggle with having a human-centered design approach to citizen interaction. By partnering with the student population, we can facilitate emerging approaches and get a fresh set of eyes.As of spring 2017, the department had three student interns on the books, with several more planned for the coming months. We have seen the traditional gargantuan tech projects that go on until the end of time, Parker said. The student-centric effort offers a lighter, more agile approach.In addition to the internships, the department also reaches out to the local academic community through its Government Innovation League, launched in February. Through the program, about 20 staffers from 10 government agencies have committed to spending 20 percent of their time in the states innovation office. They come with specific problems, and the innovation team helps to pair them with local students who bring solutions.Finally, the innovation team is looking to tap directly into the resources of academia by offering up government case studies for classroom use.We want to take the interesting problems in government and incorporate them into classes, said Billy Watterson, director of programs in the Governors Office of Innovation. For example, we are always looking for ways to make it easier for residents to find answers to their questions. So we are looking to partner with university programs where students use natural language in computer science to look at problems like that.Government can see big gains by tying itself this closely to the academic world. Its a way to get your foot in the door, to show students that you can in fact get interesting things done in state government, where we always have a challenge in trying to attract top talent, Watterson said.Sometimes the business of government gets so big, it can be hard to keep track of it all. That was the situation in the Riverside, Calif., Innovation and Technology Department in mid-2015. Every Monday the team would gather to review Excel spreadsheets tracking the status of some 130 projects, from new systems to new apps to software upgrades.This was messy and ineffective, so department leaders went scouting for a simple, inexpensive fix. Turning to SharePoint, a Microsoft product they already owned, they built The Hive, a workflow tool that consolidates the departments project management information.Heres the kicker. Other city departments got a look at The Hive and realized they needed a similar solution, so the IT team scaled it up. Two years later the system is hosting data on 2,800 projects from virtually every city agency.Once the users got excited, that started the snowball effect. Now we have more demand for more workflows than we ever thought possible, said Lea Deesing , the citys chief innovation officer.The tools growth happened organically. IT leaders showed others how they could access The Hive to track projects the technology team was working on. That sparked interest, and things took off from there.Now city utilities are using it to track construction projects and substation improvements. Theres a pilot project underway to develop a workflow process for submitting employee injury reports. The marketing department uses The Hive to manage requests for marketing collateral citywide. The system can store mixed media, so they also are using it as a repository for collateral. When someone wants a modified version of a flier or a newsletter next year, they can refer back to those materials and have them available, Deesing said.More than just helping to track projects, the system aids department leaders in driving specific performance outcomes. Riversides strategic plan lays out concrete performance measures, and departments use The Hive to chart that data in support of quarterly reviews. Our goals as department heads have to tie in with those specific goals that are laid out in the strategic plan, and this gives us a way to track our progress on those goals and to give timely updates, Deesing said.The IT team continues to develop the systems functionality. Right now it is working on a dashboard that will make things more legible and hopefully help to highlight any issues that may be developing around performance metrics.Lets recall that all this was built on the back of a software platform the city already owned. It it is very seductive to look to trendy new software vendors who make wide-reaching promises about their products, Deesing said. But repurposing the tools your organization already owns and leveraging those tools in a creative way can bring value to your organization.What do all these projects have in common? In each case, tech leaders thought small and won big. They used simple fixes to tackle complex problems.Some say its the future of government IT.There are budgets driving this, and there are political realities. And it also is a way of reducing overall risk, Barba said. Sometimes by going small, by using something canned that does 80 or 90 percent of what you want right out of the box, you have a better chance of achieving results quickly. QUERYING THE SYSTEM FALSE ALARMS (TNS) If you enjoyed that bomb vegan pizza enough to post about it on Instagram, you might have tipped off the Jacksonville, Fla., Sheriffs Office.Last year the Sheriffs Office set up social media alerts for bomb threats, high school violence and drug use, black activist groups and abortion-related postings in an apparent attempt to ensnare perceived threats before they materialized, according to public records obtained by the Times-Union. In the first month and a half of 2016, alerts set up on a monitoring software called Geofeedia went off at least 146 times, but the intelligence value of the captured postings appears to have been negligible.Of the 146 Geofeedia alerts examined by the Times-Union, nearly half were false-alarm bomb threats usually triggered by people describing food, beer and other things as bomb. More than 40 alerts were set off by an array of abortion-related postings set up under a Roe v. Wade alert that may have been used to monitor for threats against abortion clinics. High school campuses were monitored for violent language and drug references, and black protest movements against police shootings and former State Attorney Angela Corey were also closely watched.None of the alerts documented over that six-week time span contained any hint of criminal activity.Joseph Giacalone, a retired New York Police Department sergeant and social media surveillance expert, said that many departments that use the software set up broad search parameters and end up with more information that they know what to do with.Like anything else, its garbage in, garbage out, Giacalone said. If you get way too much data initially, its overwhelming.The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office canceled its contract with Geofeedia days after the software company lost access to data from social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. That followed revelations by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California that the tools were being used by police to monitor protesters demonstrating against the death-in-custody of Freddie Gray by Baltimore police and the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.The Sheriffs Office in March declined to say whether it still monitors social media after public records revealed that it had been using the technology to spy on police shooting protesters. In April, the office said it could not locate any policies guiding the use of social media monitoring software or any other social media tools.Though civil rights advocates have bristled at law enforcements use of the technology across the nation and in Jacksonville to target free speech activity such as Black Lives Matter demonstrations, Giacalone stressed that there is no right to privacy online, especially with public postings. He added that while the dragnet searches that set off alerts like the ones obtained by the Times-Union rarely provide useful intelligence, more targeted searches are likely to yield better results for the Sheriffs Office.Social media is the biggest law enforcement tool theyve gotten since DNA, Giacalone said.Targeting specific geographical areas, surveillance tools like Geofeedia can be utilized to search an entire neighborhood immediately after a shooting to find leads and witnesses, Giacalone said. But the former cop stressed that while police departments are right to use the technology, they are doing themselves a disservice by not developing policies or practices around the surveillance tools to ensure against abuse of the systems.Its almost like they think that if they put it on paper, they give defense attorneys a chance to attack it, he said. But not having anything is even worse. It looks like youre trying to do something underhanded, but its really not that simple.The 146 alerts obtained by the Times-Union fell into four categories of named alerts: Bomb Threat, NationalBlackOut, Roe v. Wade, Angela Corey Protests, and HS Alerts.Of the 67 Bomb Threat alerts, 15 of them described food, six of them described beer, and 20 used the word bomb as an adjective in some other way. One was a job listing, and sixteen were links to news articles with the word bomb in the headline. There were also two mentions of the phrase photo bomb.Bomb crab burger I had the other day, one Instagram user said in a captured posting that was typical of the category.The NationalBlackout alert appears to have been targeted for a New Black Panther Party-led movement to divest money from corporate-controlled interests and instead invest in black-owned businesses. None of the 13 postings ensnared under the alert appeared relevant, however. Two were set off by the BlackLivesMatter hashtag and the rest were random mentions of the word protest, including multiple anti-circus protest postings.In monitoring for protests against Corey, the former state attorney, the alerts were triggered by random postings simply containing the word Angela or the BlackLivesMatter hashtag.Happy Valentines to you too thanks for the meal lol from my baby girl Angela, one posting read.The Roe v. Wade alert displayed the widest variety of keywords, including abortion, murderer, Wade, Roe, Constitution, trimester, fetus, pro-choice, pro-life, birth control, Planned Parenthood, Supreme Court, March for Life, protest and demonstration.The keywords monitored for on high school campuses included: fight, fire, shoot, blow, and kill.Rachel Levinson-Waldman, a senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice who follows the use of social media monitoring tools by police, said that postings picked up by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office alerts and documented in public records have included largely protected free-speech activity and useless miscellanea.It certainly seems like these kind of dragnet alerts are a waste of time, Levison-Waldman said. California will award $9.5 million to bring 10 battery-electric buses and supportive infrastructure to serve disadvantaged communities in the south San Joaquin Valley city of Porterville. In addition to the buses, the project will include installation of charging stations and solar panels. Funding is from the California Climate Investments (CCI), the states cap-and-trade program. Manufactured by GreenPower Motor Company and expected to arrive by early 2018, the ten new GreenPower EV350 40-foot electric transit buses and the charging infrastructure will service all nine of the Porterville Transit routes in the disadvantaged communities of Porterville, East Porterville, Strathmore and the Tule River Indian Reservation. GreenPower will build a manufacturing facility for all-electric buses and batteries, expected to open in 2018. Southern California Edison will support the installation of infrastructure and provide special rates for high-voltage bus charging. The $9.5-million award to the City of Porterville was one of only nine awards from the highly competitive Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Pilot Project solicitation. In addition to the grant amount, the project partners GreenPower, San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Management District, and Southern California Edisonwill contribute more than $7 million in a combination of cash and in-kind matching funds. The award is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environmentparticularly in disadvantaged communities. Chinas GAC Motor celebrated the production of its 1 millionth vehicle six years after the company was foundeda white 4WD GS8 that rolled off the assembly line on 15 May at its factory in Guangzhou, China. In 2016, GAC Motor sold more than 380,000 vehicles worldwide, marking a 96%year-on-year increase and 85 percent compound growth rate for six years in a row. In the first four months of 2017, GAC Motor has already broken previous records with 163,000 cars sold, achieving a 65.1% year-on-year increase. The companys best-selling SUV, the GS4, also became the fastest model within its price range to break the 500,000 mark, and is setting a sales pace of 35.5% year-on-year growth. The advanced GS8 now leads the high-end, seven-seat SUV category with sales exceeding 10,000 units in March and April. GAC Motor says that it maintains a far lower component defective rate than industry average. To guarantee product quality and safety, GAC Motor has set the very strict 6520 quality control system that places zero flaw as the goal and improve product quality standards comprehensively. GAC Motor now ranks 5th in J.D. Power Asia Pacifics 2016 China Initial Quality Study, the highest among all Chinese brands for the fourth consecutive year. The signature model GS4 also received a gold medal from C-ECAP (China Eco-Car Assessment Program) with clear advantage in low emissions while ensuring optimal performances and safety. Centered on GAC Automotive Engineering Institute, GAC Motor has expanded a global automotive R&D network supported by the companys technology center, top global suppliers and research institutes. GAC Motor has established strategic partnership with the worlds top 10 auto suppliers including Aisin Seiki, Michelin, Continental and Faurecia. After GACs establishment of its first North America R&D Center in Silicon Valley this year, GAC Motor has begun recruiting talents in all fields from research and development, and vehicle engineering to marketing communications and management. An officer accused of murdering a 2-year-old boy is asking the court to reduce his bond. Jacob Anglesey, 35, a Green River Police officer, who is charged with first-degree murder, is scheduled to appear in the Third District Court of Judge Richard Lavery for a bond hearing. Anglesey is currently being held on a $1 million cash or surety and is requesting the bond be reduced to $500,000 cash or surety, which is an amount he still cant afford to pay, the court documents state. According to the motion for reconsideration of bond document, since Angleseys prior employment was with the GRPD, he has been in solitary confinement for the past 415 plus days while he is awaiting trial. The document also states the trial has been pushed back so the defense can have expert witnesses testify. The document also states Angleseys attorney, Joshua Merseal, has noticed significant changes in Angleseys demeanor since December of last year. Dr. Chuch Dennison, PhD, a forensic psychologist was asked to conduct a forensic psychological evaluation to evaluate how the solitary confinement is affecting him. The evaluation was done by Dr. Dennison, but is sealed. The Case Anglesey, was placed on administrative leave, after he was indicted for a first-degree murder charge Feb. 3, 2016, in the Third District Court of Judge Nena James in front of a grand jury. At that time, the jury convened to determine whether or not there was enough probable cause to charge Anglesey with first-degree murder, which stemmed from the 2009 death of Konnor Allen, a 2-year-old boy. Allen was the son of Phylicia Rasdall and Corry Allen. The jury trial was scheduled to take place in February of 2017, but Anglesey requested the trial date be continued. His request was granted by Third District Court Judge Richard Lavery. The jury trial is now scheduled to start Sept. 11, 2017, at 9 a.m. In an article titled Childs death under investigation, in The Green River Stars March 18, 2009, edition, The male child, Allen, had suffered a head injury and was transported by ambulance to the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County; and subsequently Life Flighted to Primary Childrens Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Allen died from the injury. An autopsy was conducted by the Utah Medical Examiners Office. The article also states, the person reporting accident was an off-duty police officer who was at the residence at the time of Allens injury. This officer was later identified as Anglesey. In 2009, Anglesey reported the the child was injured in a fall. According to information released by the Sweetwater County Attorneys Office, after the incident, the Sweetwater County Attorneys Office was notified and they contacted the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation to conduct an investigation. DCI presented its initial findings to a special prosecutor, requested by then Sweetwater County Attorney Brett Johnson, and appointed by the Sweetwater County Commissioners on March 12, 2009. After reviewing the investigation, the appointed special prosecutor declined to initiate charges, but the case remained open with DCI. In 2015, DCI agents presented their findings and expert reports to Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe, the release states. The investigation presented alleged inconsistent statements from Anglesey as to the cause of Allens injuries, and the medical exam report. Also included were medical reports citing the injuries to Allen were caused by non-accidental trauma. Anglesey, who worked at the GRPD for years, was best known as the police departments K-9 handler. The Green River City Council will have a major decision to make in regards to if it will continue offering residential solid waste services or if it will franchise the business to private industry. It seems to me most cities have gone to privatization quite some time ago, Mayor Pete Rust said. Rust said hes received emails about the issue every day, but said he hasnt received a lot of communication from residents regarding the issue. Also, according to Rust, the response he has received hasnt been overwhelmingly supportive for either continuing the service under the city or allowing a private business to take over. One of the more attractive incentives for privatizing the service is the estimated costs to residents being lower than what the city can provide. Estimates suggest residents would save money on their monthly solid waste bills if a private business were to take over the service. According to budget presentation documents from the citys finance department, a private vendor, Wyoming Waste Management Systems, proposes it could provide its platinum-level service in Green River for $33 a month, compared to service through the city offered at $43 a month during the first year of operating the transfer station set to open later this year. Savings are continued to be projected by year three of operation, with the private service estimate of $34.11 per month versus $53 per month through the city and year five projections continuing the trend with $35.47 per year against $57 per year. Those estimates are projected to result in $1.085 million in savings to residents during the fifth year of operation and would result in $115,000 paid to the city in franchising fees. The main reason why the citys solid waste cost estimates are so high are due to the city needing to purchase specialized equipment for the transfer station, a cost that would get passed along to residents in their bills. Previous Council discussion about a loan to purchase the equipment focused on the need to secure a revenue stream for whatever organization would end up issuing the loan, resulting in a need to increase rates on residents. Another issue involved with the privatization debate is what would happen to the citys solid waste employees. If the city switches to a private company for its solid waste service, those jobs would be eliminated. Wyoming Waste Management Systems representatives have told the Council theyre listening to concerns about the employees future. However, regardless of how the employee issue is ultimately dealt with, Rust said tough choices are in the Councils future. There are some difficult decisions to be made, Rust said. Mosaic artist Gregory Gaylor is opening his studio to the public on June 3 from noon to 5 p.m. The studio is at 813 Muir Ave. in Rock Springs. New artwork as well as a few older pieces will be on display. Former Green River resident and artist Peter Butler will be a special quest for the afternoon. Five years ago, Gaylors studio and much of his artwork was destroyed in a fire. Since then, Gaylor rebuilt his studio, painstakingly cleaned a few pieces that were able to be saved, and started creating new work. On April 10, 2012, the studio burned to the ground. We lost everything. Kath... Just last week, Vanessa Ferguson was in Los Angeles, singing with the legendary Gladys Knight on NBCs singing competition, The Voice. This week, Ferguson will be back home in Greensboro, and the city will welcome her with fanfare. It will present her with a key to the city at the Vanessa Ferguson Block Party. The free event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Center City Park, 200 N. Elm St. in Greensboro. The block party will also feature a DJ and food trucks, as well as local musical acts Shelby J, Abyss and Tim Jackson, and Sybil. Ferguson will perform Saturday evening at Barber Park. Her concert launches the 2017 free summer Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, a collaboration among the city, ArtsGreensboro and the Levitt Foundation. Ferguson, 32, made it to the top eight of 48 contestants on this season of The Voice. But when viewer voting cut the remaining contestants from eight to four, Ferguson was among those to go. Now, a Greensboro audience will get to hear the voice that took Ferguson to the national stage. A native New Yorker, she wants to show her gratitude to her adopted city. Any success I gain is success for the city, Ferguson said before leaving California. For the second year, the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation awarded Greensboro a $25,000 challenge grant to support free outdoor concerts this summer. Last years series attracted more than 6,000 people to 10 free concerts. Ferguson was among its performers. Ferguson is known for performing several genres, including R&B and jazz. In Saturdays show, she said, she will perform a combination of original songs and covers. Performing on The Voice has brought her more career opportunities, she said. She has declined to elaborate because details arent finalized, but she says she wants to record an album as soon as possible. But first, she said, shes ready to come home. From what Im hearing, the city is sort of lifted in a really great state of support, Ferguson said. I am anxious to see that when I get back. While Greenwich, CT, is a haven for hedge fund gurus, it doesn't exactly evoke the image of horse country. However, tri-state buyers with an equine interest are in luck: A gorgeous horse farm is up for grabs for $39 million. At this price, the farm galloped to the top of this weeks most expensive new listings on realtor.com. The stunning equestrian property, which is close to New York City and on the Greenwich-Stamford border, features a 36-stall show barn with an upper-level lounge with views of the indoor riding ring. There are also 14 spacious grass paddocks, a jumping derby field, two outdoor riding rings, and a pond. What doesn't the property have? Well ... a traditional home. There is a living space, office bedroom, staff quarters, and bathrooms above the stable. It looks like a fun place to hang out, with an antique bar, billiard table, and fireplace. But the priority on this property is truly the ponies. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH To create a more civil, connected world, the Stanwich School Class of 2017 must reach across the classroom or workplace to find commonality where at first only difference lived, Steve Ginsburg, regional director of the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League, told graduates in his commencement speech. Get into conversations outside your comfort zone, listen before you talk and make sure you do your best to humanize and understand those you disagree with, said Ginsburg. I believe you can reach your potential for leadership, personal worth or self-esteem if you first nurture your respect, compassion and empathy. On Thursday afternoon, 13 Stanwich students received their diplomas in a ceremony in the schools gymnasium. The event marked the schools fourth graduation in its 19-year history. Todays graduates that sit on that stage behind me are 13 diverse individuals, each with unique backgrounds, abilities and interests, who through the course of their Stanwich time have homogenized as a remarkably friendly, considerate and cohesive group, said Head of School Charlie Sachs. Faculty speaker Seb Mineo, an Upper School math teacher, highlighted a defining personal trait of each member of the Class of 2017. As you travel through life, you are guaranteed to face unexpected challenges, he advised the graduates. These challenges will often seem overwhelming and at times, isolating. There is no textbook or class that will prepare you for them. Rely on your personal strengths and your community. More Information Stanwich School June 1 The graduates: 13 Valedictorian: Haolin Wang Salutatorian: Aiden Sebold For a full list of graduates, see XX See More Collapse Haolin Wang, top of her class, was named valedictorian. She also won the Head of Schools Leadership Award for her individuality, determination, perseverance, resilience, vision, commitment to social improvement and empathy. Instead of looking into the future, I would like to encourage you to cherish the present, said Wang, speaking to her classmates and their families at graduation. I hope you will always remember the laughter and tears we had in high school whatever you do and wherever you go. Aiden Sebold received the salutatorian title. Addressing the crowd, Sebold spoke of the advantages of Stanwich Schools small size. At Stanwich, because of our small classes, there is nowhere to hide when it is time to discuss a lesson and participate in class, he said. Another benefit of small class size is the chance to get to know people who are very different from you and who you may never have been friends with at a larger school... Being a small group forced us to spend a lot of time together, and in doing so, we learned to tolerate our various quirks. A lifer who joined Stanwich in kindergarten, Samantha Erfe collected the Faculty Mission Award, a prize bestowed on the student who exemplifies the overall mission of the school: to be the best, help others be their best, and make Gods world a better place. Both the Faculty Mission Award and the Head of Schools Leadership Award were awarded for the first time this year. Several students were commended for exceeding expectations with their Moral Leadership Projects, a three-year endeavor in which students channel their passions to take action on a social issue. Shelby Crimmins, Samantha Erfe, Alexander Gardner, Lauren Henderson, Haolin Wang and Isabelle Nelson were recognized. The Stanwich Class of 2017 will enroll at Fordham University, St. Michaels College, Quinnipiac University, Marist College, Lafayette College, University of Connecticut, University of California, Berkeley, University of Arizona, Tucson, Bentley University, Muhlenberg College, Emerson College and the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design at the University of Bridgeport in the fall. emunson@greenwichtime.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. A senior cabinet secretary has launched a scathing attack on Melanie Onn, claiming the former MP has not stood up for the people of Grimsby. Priti Patel also insisted workers in the town would not suffer if a Conservative Government was in charge of Brexit negotiations and said she was prepared to address the way money is spent on foreign aid. Ms Patel spoke to the Grimsby Telegraph during a visit to the Grimsby Institute with the Conservatives' parliamentary candidate for the town, Jo Gideon. Asked why she thought Ms Gideon would make a good MP for the town, the Secretary of State for International Development launched an strongly worded attack against Labour's Melanie Onn , claiming she had "not stood up for the town's residents." "The people of Grimsby have been ignored by the Labour Party for far too long," she said. "If you look at the fact that they voted for Brexit, their MP voted to keep Grimsby in the European Union. "Their MP voted to give more money and more powers to the European Union and has not stood up for them. (Image: Jon Corken) "When you look at the local issues in Grimsby, where has the Labour MP been on getting more investment in, standing up for the people of the town on public services, and trying to get new businesses and jobs, but also batting for the people of Grimsby in Westminster? "Jo will be a strong voice for Grimsby, not just in Westminster but locally too and she will have all our support in achieving that." Asked whether workers in the town's fish processing industry, which relies on good trading relations with other European countries such as Iceland and Norway, would not suffer during Brexit negotations, Ms Patel said: "Absolutely. Theresa May has said she will put protection of workers rights at the forefront of the negotiations but also the rights of EU citizens working in Britain and Brits working abroad in Europe and of course that is crucial to the trading relations that we have. "I know there have been Labour MPs decade after decade locally here but it is the Labour Party in Government which basically sold our country out when it came to Europe, the Lisbon Treaty and all the issues in terms of money, immigration but also many of the rights and protections for the United Kingdom." (Image: Jon Corken) Ms Patel also said that while she was looking to make changes to the way the state invests into its foreign aid budget, she added that it was "not right to turn your back on the world" and that a Conservative Government would continue to "support the worlds poorest." In response to Ms Patel's comments, Labour's Melanie Onn said: The Conservative candidate for Great Grimsby clearly hasn't told Priti Patel that she voted to remain in the European Union. I have one thing, and only one thing, in common with Theresa May. We both voted remain, but accept the result, and voted to start the Brexit process. Brexit is happening, I have been clear from the day of the result that it would be wrong for any politician to try to block it. My focus now is getting the best Brexit deal for Grimsby. Thats where the similarities with the Tories end. Priti Patel said last year that she would like to see us halve workers rights if we leave the EU. "I introduced a bill in Parliament to protect rights such as maternity pay and parental leave and make sure the Tories dont use Brexit to make people work longer for less." She added: On public services, I have been campaigning to protect funding for Grimsbys schools and to save Scartho and Great Coates nurseries. The Tories are planning to close our outstanding nurseries and cut millions of pounds of funding from Grimsbys schools. On the NHS, all the Tories can say about the state of our local NHS trust is that 'it's a pity', but have no solutions. "We need a strong local voice for Great Grimsby, who understands the town and is prepared stand up to the Government. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to the Grimsby Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking news A Grimsby man has tragically died following a crash on the A18 last night. The man, named locally as Alan Critchley, was taken to Grimsbys Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital after his Suzuki motorcycle collided with a Renault Clio close to the Whites Lane junction, between Barton Street and Lincoln Gate, Ludborough, at about 4.45pm. He was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. A section of the A18 was closed while emergency services attended the incident with the air ambulance called to the scene. Since the horrific tragedy, tributes have since been flooding in on Facebook as friends and relatives share their memories of a great funny guy. On the Grimsby Telegraphs Facebook page, Andrea Holden said: The kindest man, nicest man, nicest relative anyone would want in their family. He has certainly left a massive hole in our hearts. (Image: Jon Corken) Marie Green said: I have known Alan since he was about 3. An amazing, kind, intelligent and thoughtful young man. So sorry. My love and prayers go out to Nicky and the rest of the family. Meanwhile, posting on Mr Critchleys Facebook page, Andy Robertson said: Lost a really good friend far too soon. Loved his humour, sarcasm and always there for you when you needed someone. Geo Wesly said: Gutted, shocked. Great, great guy whom I had the pleasure to call a friend and work colleague. Raych Johnson said: Honestly can't believe this has happened, I am in such shock. You were a great colleague and friend and our nights watching films and drinking tea will always be remembered in the office - you will be sadly missed. In an emotional post, Gemma Currie-Blissett said: Devastated isn't the word. There aren't many people that I would call a true friend to me but you Mr... was one of them, I know since I've got out the taxi circuit we haven't caught up as often as we should have ... if only I'd have known. Lincolnshire Police are asking anyone who saw the Suzuki travelling along the A18 from the Laceby direction to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 313 of 31st May. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to the Grimsby Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking news AFTER a frustrating start to the week for the 2017 Isle of Man TT races, qualifying finally got underway and some of Lincolnshires top riders performed well. Peter Hickman in the RST Superbike event, on his 1000cc BMW, finished fifth with a lap time of 18:44 mins and an average speed of 124.09 mph. Last years headline makers Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop immediately took up where they left off last year, setting the pace with 125mph+ laps. Intermittent afternoon rain resulted in a number of damp patches around the 37.73-mile course, most notably at Greeba, on the approach to Glen Helen and in Governors Dip, but conditions were otherwise good. Bruce Anstey, on the Padgetts Honda, was first away just before 6.35pm with James Hillier, Ian Hutchinson, Josh Brookes and Lee Johnston on their Supersport mounts following the Kiwi rider down Glencrutchery Road. Ivan Lintin, Hickman and Michael Rutter were also among the early starters on their Lightweight machines, whilst the returning Guy Martin - pictured below - set off slightly later on his Supersport Honda as he got his first taste of the Mountain Course on closed roads since the 2015 PokerStars Senior TT. (Image: Paul Soulby) Hutchinson, on the McAMS Yamaha, was first to complete a lap at 118.845mph with Dunlop second across the line and quickest on the opening lap of TT2017 at 120.371mph. Broughton ace Gary Johnson was also above the 120mph mark at 120.311mph, just over half a second slower than Dunlop. Hutchinsons lap made him third quickest ahead of Dean Harrison and Jamie Coward (both 118.160), Hillier (117.884) and Conor Cummins (117.673). Martins first lap was a solid 115.808mph with Brookes back on 108.171mph. Meanwhile, Dan Kneen was reported as having stopped at Cronk-y-Voddy although he was able to proceed. Second time out and Hutchinson and Dunlop both lapped in excess of 121mph, at 121.147 and 121.020 respectively. Anstey and Hillier were next with 119.794 and 119.776 respectively, while Johnson was slightly slower on his second lap at 119.341. Martin improved to 117.092mph. McLean was the fastest newcomer with a fastest lap of 112.89mph. Rutter was quickest in the Lightweight class with a speed of 113.946 on the Paton from Lintin (113.856) with Dan Cooper, Hickman and Stefano Bonetti all inside the 111mph lap barrier. At 7.10pm it was the turn of the 1000cc machines with David Johnson first away on the Norton. The Aussie hasnt got a Supersport bike at his disposal so waited slightly longer than other riders for his first laps of 2017. Steve Mercer lapped at 120.906mph with Hillier (120.986) and Rutter (120.986) slightly quicker but it was that man Dunlop who was laying an early marker down on the Bennetts Suzuki and a speed of 125.680mph sent him comfortably to the top of the leaderboard. Hutchinson cruised across the line with a lap of 122.704mph but this was only good enough for fourth as Dan Kneen slotted into second on the Penz13.com BMW with a fine lap of 124.642mph. Dean Harrison (122.853) moved up to third with Peter Hickman (121.472) and Lee Johnston (121.322) completing the top six whilst Guy Martins opening lap on the Superbike saw him post a speed of 118.739mph. There were changes later in the session though and although Dunlop broke the 125mph barrier once more, Hutchinson took the first night honours with the fastest lap on the night with a speed of 125.839mph. Hickman (124.093) jumped up to fourth although Rutters lap of 124.117mph made him quickest in the Superstock class from Anstey (123.722). This could be your newest Mountain Dew fusion flavor. Photo: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images People with inside knowledge say that PepsiCo has made a bid for Vita Coco, the coconut-water brand thats slowly remaking itself into a coconut-everything empire by owning the coconut in different areas of the store. The acquisition would help the struggling soda-maker diversify its offerings. Right now, these mostly encompass sugary drinks and chips ending in -tos (Doritos, Cheetos, Fritos, Tostitos, etc.). Sources tell Reuters that the offer was less than parent company All Market thinks its organic cash cow is worth, which is also probably why they add theres no certainly these discussions will result in a deal. Back in February, CEO Mike Kirban told Bloomberg that Vita Coco is now worth nearly $1 billion, and that strategic acquirers are coming out of the woodwork left and right as a result. We talk to quite a few of them regularly, he said. It sounds like one of those was PepsiCo, which makes a lot of sense because you could say Pepsis been on a health vision quest lately. In October, the company announced it wants sales of its everyday nutrition category (PepsiCo-speak for healthier snacks, things with protein, bottled water, and unsweetened tea) to outpace the rest of its products rate of growth by 2025. It also recently bought kombucha-maker KeVita and took a dive into organic Gatorade. Vita Coco, meanwhile, just rolled out a coconut-milk product, is in the middle of ramping up its line of artisanal boxed coconut waters, and is launching a new coconut oil over on the cosmetics aisle that Pepsis execs must love, since nobody can say a damn word about its sugar content. Summer is for fried clams. Photo: Melissa Hom Every month in New York, theres a bewildering number of new dishes to eat, drinks to imbibe, and food-themed events to attend. Often, the hardest part is just figuring out whats really worth your limited time. So Grub kicks off each month with a curated collection of dishes, drinks, and events that should absolutely be on your agenda. Make your plans now. 1. Head to the beach for fried clam rolls. Its time to go to the beach to eat, and the Rockaways have become something of a dining destination in recent years. Each season brings at least a few new vendors to check out, so this year theres Super Burrito and its Mission-style burritos, as well as Riis Park Beach Bazaar, where rookie Rockaway Clam Bar has established a beachhead. A spinoff of the popular Red Hook Lobster Pound, it specializes in you guessed it all things clams: fried clam rolls, clam sliders (with lobster salad!), New England clam chowder. There will also be fried lobster rolls and sides like tater tots with Old Bay and Parmesan, if you must. 2. Or head to Coney Island for your annual hot-dog fix. While were on the subject of beach eats, summer isnt summer without a trip to Coney Island. The revival of Feltmans, which invented the hot dog some 150 years ago, is a great reason to head down there this month. 3. Check out a festival featuring some of New Yorks best Jewish food. For the fourth year in a row, the Taste of Jewish Culture will pave the midtown streets with kugel. Organizers the Workmens Circle gave curator Noah Arenstein the theme of diversity of delicious, and he responded with the festivals most robust lineup yet. Court Street Grocers, La Newyorkina, Mile End, Taim, and Breads Bakery all return, joined by a host of new vendors. Many are non-Jewish food businesses, whove been tasked with re-creating Jewish dishes, like Mysttik Masaala, Astorias Souvlaki Lady, and Destination Dumplings. The festivities go down June 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 4. Grab a drink in the great outdoors. Unsurprisingly, given the owners resumes, Brooklyns Diamond Reef has proven to be one of the if not the years most popular new cocktail bars. Even better, it has a solid backyard with good chairs and grilled food! It will be a good place to try some of their new summer drinks (all $12), like the frozen Banana Hammock (rum, banana, lime, almond, and a floater of rum) and the Night Rider (gin, ginger, German bitters), before inevitably ordering a few Penichillins. For Brooklynites looking to do a tour de outdoor drinking, some notable new openings to add to your booze course include Miss Ada, Madre Mezcaleria, and the Drift. 5. Or have one at the top of a Williamsburg hotel. Rose, like brunch, inspires some weirdly opinionated bad takes. But who cares, because people like to drink it during summer for a reason: Its good and refreshing, and you get a little drunk. But everything tastes better with a view, which is a good enough reason for the Wythe Hotels rooftop bar, the Ides, a pop-up bar dedicated to the pink stuff with five varieties by the glass, eight by the bottle, three by the magnum, and one by the double magnum, if youre looking to have a lot of fun. 6. Hit up a backyard barbecue at the Meat Hook on Wednesday, then eat outside at Win Sons new sidewalk cafe. The meat dudes at the Meat Hook will host backyard cookouts in their Williamsburg storefront backyard every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can expect those parties (cash only) to be like the backyard barbecues your family hosted except youll get to drink more, and the burgers will definitely be better. Over in East Williamsburg, modern Taiwanese restaurant Win Son debuted a sidewalk cafe (18 seats) thats open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Its good timing, too, as theyre rolling out the first summer dishes including a take on jia dan tsung yuo bing (the BK Egg Bomb, $19), a fried egg fused to a thin scallion pancake enhanced with beef tartare. Black Seed Bagels new Italian combo. Photo: Noah Fecks 7. Head to Black Seed Bagels for an Italian combo on their new sandwich rolls. The Montreal bagel specialists at Black Seed Bagels are expanding their bread game. Using their bagel dough, theyre now making sandwich rolls baked in wood-fired ovens. Those rolls are used for six classic sandwiches that range from $8 to $12. Theres the Miami Vice, a Mile End smoked-turkey-melt version of the Cuban; a banh mi with Mile End bacon bits; and a classic Italian combo with ham, salami, provolone cheese, tomato, onions, pepperoncini peppers, sliced olives, and Italian vinaigrette. 8. Start plotting your ice-cream itinerary. Summer is grilling season, but its also (more importantly, depending on who you ask at Grub) ice-cream season. Some great new ice cream has already hit the streets, including whatever Brooks Headley is doing this week, and Dominique Ansels cold-brew soft serve ($7.25). Luckily, thats not the only new soft serve in town. Bushwick cafe Supercrown has also debuted its own coffee soft serve ($5 for a cup or cone, $7.50 for a float or milkshake), made with the beans it roasts in-house, while West Village bakery Mah-Ze-Dahr now serves vanilla and dark-chocolate soft serves ($5 to $7) of its own. But for something you cant get from a Mister Softee truck, head out to Flushings New World Mall, where vendor Erqal is serving extra-creamy, very milky Uyghur-style ice cream ($2). 9. Then go to an ice cream social for a cause thats not your schools PTA. From noon to 4 p.m. on June 11 (the event was originally scheduled for June 4, but had to be pushed back a week), Nolitas T Shop will host the latest edition of its ice cream social, Sundae Sunday ($25 in advance, $30 at the door). Owner Theresa Wong brews the tea, author and former Lucky Peach test kitchen director Ben Mims is in charge of pastries, and Saveur editor and The Dumpling Galaxy Cookbook co-author Max Falkowitz will serve ice cream. (Grub can personally vouch for the quality of the goods here.) Expect cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and affogatos, with the added bonus that all proceeds will go to the immigrant advocacy nonprofit Make the Road NYC. 10. Attend a discussion and dinner about the current state of the oceans. On June 15, GrowNYC and Greenmarket will host a Q&A ($15) between New York Times best-selling author Paul Greenberg and Blue Moon Fish co-owner Stephanie Villani about the state of seafood and the fishing industry. The event, which will go from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., will also celebrate Villanis new cookbook, The Fishermans Wife. There will be drinks and seafood appetizers before the conversation, and following it, there will be a full seafood dinner ($300) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chefs including Oceanas Bill Telepan, Grand Banks Kerry Heffernan, Del Postos Melissa Rodriguez, and others will prepare a four-course dinner that will raise funds for GrowNYCs Project Farmhouse. 11. Celebrate Portugal Day at Aldeas collaborative dinner with Chicagos Fat Rice. Heres a collaborative dinner worth getting excited about: On June 8, George Mendess Aldea will host Abraham Conlon of Chicagos buzzy (and acclaimed!) Fat Rice for a one-night-only event (tickets are $140). The dinner, which starts at 7 p.m., isnt a random pairing. Mendes is the countrys most well-known Portuguese chef, and Conlons restaurant mines the Portuguese-influenced cuisine of Macau, China. The duo is cooking together for Portugal Day, serving canapes and a four-course dinner of octopus terrine with soy and olive oil; grouper with passion fruit and black-olive puree; pork with smoked mussels and chourico; and early season strawberries with ginger shortbread. In keeping with the theme, each course will be paired with a wine from the 50 Great Portuguese Wines list. 12. Head to Vics, where theyll serve special pies from four of New Yorks favorite pizzerias this month. All month long, downtown Italian restaurant Vics will supplement its menu with four of chef Hillary Sterlings favorite pizzas ($18 to $22) from around the city. Its pizza for a cause, as some of the proceeds will go to Share Our Strengths No Kid Hungry. The pies will pop up one at a time, starting off (and through June 6) with GGs square vodka pie with prosciutto, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. From June 7 through June 12, you can eat Di Faras classic pie without the insane wait, and Paulie Gees will take over from June 13 to 19 with its Monte Cristo (mild Gouda, Canadian bacon, and maple syrup). Finishing off the festivities will be pizza-nerd-king Adam Kubans Margot, which will serve its ranchero pizza with pickled jalapenos and a buttermilk ranch dressing. 13. Get tips on how to stir-fry better from a Chinese-food authority. One of the Wests foremost authorities on Chinese cooking, English writer Fuchsia Dunlops cookbooks including Land of Plenty, Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook, and Land of Fish and Rice have been universally acclaimed. Avid home cooks with a serious bent toward woks, then, will want to jot this down: The English author will return to New York on June 21, when shell give a talk on Chinese food culture, accompanied by a tasting, at the 92nd Street Y. Last week, Samsung started pushing out an update to its Galaxy S8/S8+ flagships in the UAE. It brought fixes to some issues, including those related to Bluetooth connectivity. Now, the same update has started hitting units in the UK. It weighs in at around 620MB. The update also takes care of a bug that caused the devices to reboot while controlling music playing through a wireless speaker. In addition, changes related to SD card are also included. Finally, the update also brings the May security patch. 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Issues related to the Haitian compatriots detained on the Mexican border and a possible extension of the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) program for the 50,000 Haitians living on American soil were particularly at the heart of the discussions. For his part Secretary Kelly said he told President Moise that the two countries could "work together as we move forward on any future extensions" for Haitians facing repatriation from the United States. But he stressed that the US humanitarian program for Haitians should never be permanent. "The operative word in the law is 'temporary.' It's not meant to be an open-ended law, but a temporary law." Washington recently extended until January the temporary humanitarian program that has enabled tens of thousands of Haitians to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation since the 2010 earthquake. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21037-haiti-flash-extension-of-tps-procedures-to-follow.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - John Kelly : A cynical attempt to justify the uncertainty dixit Congresswoman Clarke Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement following the visit of Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21101-haiti-flash-kelly-suggests-that-the-usa-work-with-haiti.html in Haiti yesterday Wednesday. "[...] Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly spent four hours in Haiti. Despite calls from more than two dozen humanitarian organizations for Secretary Kelly to visit resettlement sites and areas impacted directly by the earthquake, Hurricane Matthew, and the cholera epidemic, reports indicate that he will spend the entirety of his brief trip in the National Palace. This comes across as a cynical attempt to justify the uncertainty he has created about the fate of the Haitian people whom he has threatened with a decision to offer a six-month extension of Temporary Protected Status. I sincerely doubt that such a cursory trip will provide Secretary Kelly with the type of substantive knowledge required to truly comprehend the magnitude of conditions on the ground and/ or properly inform his decision making on what is truly in the best interest of this nation and her nationals that are currently provided a full measure of Temporary Protected Status, beyond the six months he has ordered. Temporary Protected Status has literally been a lifeline for the people of Haiti who continue to suffer from a much compromised infrastructure, are unable to provide adequate food for their people and healthcare services needed to abate a raging cholera epidemic. I believe that a more comprehensive and substantive assessment of conditions on the ground would be the most humane approach to determining how his decision to lift protection from the close to 50,000 nationals who are such a significant lifeline for those in Haiti who continue to live in such distress would be truly impacted by his decision. I invite Secretary Kelly to travel with me and other members of Congress to spend several days in Haiti touring resettlement locations and learning from Haitian advocates about why this extension is so vital." HL/ HaitiLibre By Lily Lee | Published on 2017/05/31 All healthy men of South Korea should proudly walk into the army to fulfill their duty. While they are serving the country for 2 years, we will miss them but know that we will happily welcome them with open arms when they are back on the screen. It is definitely a sacrifice, to invest that time, especially in this industry, where time is gold. Many male celebrities share a common concern where they will be forgotten while they are away from the camera, out of sight, out of mind. However, they are determined to give their all to the country as a humble, honest citizen and we respect them for that. Advertisement There are many pictures of male celebrities right before they go into the army and they promise us to serve diligently and we promise them to be anxiously wait for their return. These pictures captured their determination, love for their country and sometimes shyness at their freshly shaven/ short cut hair. Zo In-sung Leeteuk Cho Kyuhyun Kim Nam-gil Song Joong-ki Lee Seung-gi Rain Lee Ki-woo By. Lily Lee Sales of Lidls own label Pimms alternative soar By Lisa Riley Lidl has reported a surge in sales of its own label Pimms alternative boosted by the sunny weather prior to the bank holiday weekend. The discounter said it had seen sales of Peytons, launched at the beginning of May, boom in the run up to the long weekend up 160% in the week that commenced 15th May - as sun-seekers picked up the tipple. In addition to the hot weather boost, Peytons benefitted from its budget 6.99 price tag significantly below the cost of popular alternatives such as Pimms (rsp: 15) and Sainsburys own label Pitchers (rsp: 12), said Lidl. Consumers have been rushing to snap up a high quality cooler for a fraction of the price, said Lidls spirits expert Tristan Stephenson, adding, with its "classy fruity flavours and notes of summery spice", the drink was perfect for barbecues and dining alfresco. Peytons, pitched as best enjoyed in the 'traditional way', is available to buy at Lidl stores across England, Scotland and Wales. Distell revives Angostura distribution deal By Jo Gilbert Distell, Africas leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders and RTDs has announced it is reviving its distribution partnership in the UK with Angostura, worlds largest producer of aromatic bitters. From July 3, Distell will once again distribute the rum and bitters producers portfolio via UK channels. Angostura, whose portfolio includes Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Angostura Orange Bitters and a premium rum range is resuming its partnership with Distell after three years with Cellar Trends. The partnership will see the two teaming up once again for the distribution of Angosturas portfolio to the UK channels, building on what has always been a strong relationship, according to Angostura CEO Genevieve Jodhan. Fraser Thornton, Distells European managing director said Distells investment in its UK commercial team over the past 12 months has encouraged the partnership. I am delighted we have been able to re-acquaint ourselves with Angostura to distribute their exceptional Rum and Bitters portfolio throughout the UK supported by exciting events such as the world renowned Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge. This further strengthens the range of brands we have to offer the trade and consumers, he added. The announcement follows another made back in March, when Distell revealed it had extended its partnership with Stock Spirits to enhance its spirit range in the UK. Taking effect from June 1, the UK deal builds on Distell's existing arrangement with Stock Spirits in Slovakia and Italy, and will add a number of brands to the Distell UK portfolio, including Amundsen Expedition Vodka, Zoladkowa Crystal Deluxe Vodka a, Zoladkowa Gorzka, Lubelska, Stock XO brandy and limoncello brand Limonce. Bodega Argentos Silvia Corti on going organic By Jo Gilbert Over her 13 years with Mendoza producer Bodega Argento, winemaker Silvia Corti has seen a number of major changes take place. A significant one came along 2011, when the winery was taken over by Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Vineyards, which owns wineries across the world, including Bodega Garzon from Uruguay and Renwood Winery in California. For Bodega Argento, which is has its commercial gaze set firmly on the UK market, the takeover meant that the producer went from sharing a winery with other labels, where - as Corti puts it they werent the main focus, to setting up in their own facility. The move set in motion a new organic direction for the label, which is to eventually encompass the full range of wines. Six years later, they have released their first organic wine, Reserva Malbec, which is currently at launch phase in the UK. For Corti, this is not an entirely new direction but more of a return to form. [Organic] used to be typical when I was a child. Then went to university and in Argentina around that time a lot of chemical engineering was going on to try and produce what nature produces. So going organic for me was like going back to a typical management of a vineyard. Corti and Argento are proponents of the new Argentina, big on fresh fruit, thrifty with oak. In the UK, where they have strong footholds, their approach is fresh and fun, seen in campaigns like the Buenos Aires-inspired Comuna wines launched in Sainsburys last winter. Argento is clearly brand-orientated. But for Corti, to whom the brand owes much of its success, Argentos ability to translate to key international markets comes from an equally strong focus on extracting the best expression of the fruit and terroir. Going organic is the next logical step, says Corti: You get better expression of the fruit when you make organic. A lot of producers that make organic wine, do it just so they can put it on the label, not because of the philosophy behind it. For us its a philosophy. Within four years, the plan is to convert all five of Argentos vineyards to become fully organic. Thats everything from the classica to the reserva (made from 35% own grapes and the rest coming from growers) and their single vineyard wines. The addition of a single vineyard wine made from parcels of land at their Altamira vineyard is also part of their quality evolution. For our single vineyard, 100% of the grapes come from Altamira, Corti says which is also where some of grapes for the Malbec Reserva are grown. Weve been trying to put Malbec in all vineyards, because it's the most important variety. Finca la Cerezas in Uco Valley, theres more minerality, flavour and more freshness to the fruit. In Central Valley, where we have another vineyard, the grapes produce more dark fruit and velvety tannins. In the Eastern Valley, there are softer wines with red fruit. In La la Cerezas we have cooler nights so there is more expressions of the black fruit and more minerality. Another change for Argento is the route the to market. From now on, their wines will be solely distributed to the on-trade, via Bibendum, with one final SKU in the process of being withdrawn from Majestic. Building on their flagship Malbec, the first organic launch will be followed by their second most important red grape, Cabernet Franc, along with Bonarda, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. Harpers to helm Bellavita retail debate By Jo Gilbert Harpers is heading to Bellavita this month, where we will be chairing a panel discussion on ways to penetrate the UK off-trade. The three-day annual expo which shines a spotlight on Italian enology and gastronomy is heading to the Business Design Centre in Londons Islington this month from 18 to 20 June. The show brings together the trade to get the jump on future Italian food and wine trends, discover NPDs and bring together buyers, chefs, sommeliers and hoteliers, There will also be a focus on routes to the UK off-trade, with Harpers shaping part of the debate. A focused session dedicated to cracking multiples and independent retailers will be held on the last day of the fair, chaired Harpers regular contributor, Angela Mount. Mount will bring her extensive experience working closely with the UK off-trade in her former role as head of wine buying for Somerfield, and her consulting work helping wine producers to develop styles and strategy for the UK market. The panel will be made up of leading multiple and independent retailers who will discuss changes in customer demands and shopping habits, and give their views on what retailers need to do to improve the shopping experience for consumers. Join Harpers and Angela Mount at the panel discussions on Tuesday, June 20, at 12pm. To register for entry to the show and the panel discussion, register for free at https://www.bellavita.com/expo-events/london/ ShareBar Comments must be on-topic and civil in tone (with no name calling or personal attacks). Any promotional language or urls will be removed immediately. Your comment may be edited for clarity and length. A fashion industry company that featured on the reality show Shark Tank is facing Court for allegedly running an unlawful unpaid internship program. Legal action has been commenced in the Federal Circuit Court against Her Fashion Box and its sole director and majority shareholder, Kathleen Enyd Purkis. The Sydney-based company sells online subscribers fashion boxes containing fashion accessories and beauty products, and featured on the second season of Shark Tank. The legal action comes after a Fair Work Ombudsman litigation last year resulted in the Federal Circuit Court imposing $272,850 in penalties against the media company AIMG BQ to send a serious message not to disguise employment relationships as unpaid internships. The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Her Fashion Box company underpaid three employees a total of $40,543 for various periods of work between 2013 and 2015. The three employees, aged in their mid-20s, were at times underpaid their minimum hourly rates, overtime, public holiday pay and annual leave entitlements, it is alleged. One worker was a graphic designer with a university degree who allegedly worked two-days per week for almost six months without pay. This was allegedly under a purported unpaid internship before she received a one-off payment of just $1000. She was allegedly underpaid $6913. The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges she was in fact engaged as an employee and performing productive work, and therefore entitled to be paid minimum Award rates and entitlements. Another graphic designer engaged by Her Fashion Box was allegedly underpaid a total of $15,511 over a period of two years of full-time work as a result of underpayment of his minimum Award entitlements. The third employee, engaged on a full-time basis as a brand partnerships manager, was allegedly underpaid a total of $18,119 over a 12-month period. The Fair Work Ombudsman also alleged that Her Fashion Box further contravened the law by failing to comply with four Notices to Produce documents or records issued by Fair Work inspectors. Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said legal action has been commenced because of the lack of co-operation with inspectors and the significant amounts involved for young employees. Her Fashion Box faces maximum penalties of up to $51,000 per contravention and Purkis faces penalties of up to $10,200 per contravention. The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking Court Orders requiring the company and Purkis to back-pay the employees in full. They have been only partially back-paid to date. An injunction restraining Her Fashion Box and Purkis from underpaying workers in future is also being sought. If the injunction is granted, the company and Purkis could face contempt of court proceedings for any further underpayment contraventions proven in court. A directions hearing took place in the Federal Circuit Court in Sydney on 31 May 2017. James said her agency had received a number of requests for assistance from Her Fashion Box workers since 2015 with employees claiming they had been underpaid due to allegedly unlawful internship arrangements. Unpaid placements or internships are legitimate in certain cases for example, where they are part of a vocational placement related to a course of study, said James. The law prohibits the exploitation of workers by characterising them as interns or as doing work experience when they are fulfilling the role of an employee. Such workers must be paid minimum employee entitlements. Legitimate internship and work placements can be a genuine way for people to further their learning or gain skills that assist in finding stable employment, but only if these arrangements are entered into lawfully in accordance with an approved program. Employers cannot simply choose to label an employee as an intern in order to avoid paying their staff according to their lawful entitlements. A separate decision of the tribunal at the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, in which the court sided with NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy in a long-standing dispute with PJSC Gazprom (Russia) under the contract for gas supply dated 2009, will become a serious signal for foreign investors, Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko has said. "This is a serious signal for us that foreign investors will come to the territory of Ukraine," Petrenko said in Kyiv on Thursday at a press conference, commenting on the publication of a separate decision of the Stockholm Arbitration. The minister also regarded this decision as an event that ended the blackmail period of the Russian Federation regarding the price of gas for Ukraine. "This means that the period of blackmail and the era of Russia's blackmail over the price for gas has come to an end. Ukraine, as the largest buyer of Russian gas in the last 25 years of independence, defended the economic and reasonable conditions for the purchase of this commodity. Politics and corruption destroyed in this sphere", Petrenko said. He expressed confidence that Ukraine would win in other cases and suits against the Russian Federation, filed with international courts, "because we have the truth, the law is behind us and we will win all these international cases that were voiced." The multi-million euro donation the largest ever made by a first-time donor to UNICEF will be used to provide emergency assistance to children in Syria, and to protect children from abuse and violence in Bolivia and Vietnam, according to a press release from UNICEF Finland . Its great that Im able to help, the anonymous donor says. Im also donating to efforts in Finland as there are people in need of help also here but those in the most urgent need of help are often elsewhere. The donor says the decision to make the donation was made after seeing tragic photographs of the conflict in Syria and children being pulled from the rubble in Aleppo. News reports from around the world started to make me anxious. At times, it has been impossible to watch the news. It's horrible to see how so many people are living in difficult circumstances, they explain. UNICEF Finland reveals that half of the donation will be used to provide emergency assistance, mostly to children in Syria. The remaining three million euros, in turn, will be used over a three-year period to strengthen the child welfare systems and develop the services, practices and legislation promoting child protection in Bolivia and Vietnam. The donor hopes that the donation will encourage not only individuals but also businesses to lend a helping hand. Corporate social responsibility, they remind, is a factor that is weighing in increasingly on the decisions of both consumers and job applicants. People applying for a job are more and more interested in the values of the company, they state. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: George Ourfalian AFP/Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi VATT on Wednesday published the results of a study on the effects of housing benefits on rents that contradict both public assumptions and previous studies. Differences in general housing allowances are not reflected in the rents of the allowance recipients at least not to the extent that is widely believed in Finland, states the Government Institute for Economic Research (VATT). The assumption that housing allowances trickle largely down to rents has been repeated in the public debate, but our findings show that such concerns have been exaggerated, Essi Eerola, the research director of VATT, tells in a press release. Helsingin Sanomat reported last year that the number of housing benefit recipients has risen over the past roughly one-and-a-half decades by 20 per cent to 820,000. The Social Security Institution of Finland (Kela), in turn, revealed that spending on housing allowances rose to an all-time high of 1.7 billion euros in 2015. The Finnish government has acknowledged the concerns that the up-tick in housing allowance spending is benefiting primarily lessors rather than the recipients. In April, it cited such concerns as the main reason for re-instating a square metre-based cut-off point for rents for calculating housing benefits. The cut-off point had been abolished in 2015. VATT examined the effects of housing allowances on rents by taking advantage of certain characteristics of the housing allowance system that was in place in 2015. Housing allowances were at the time calculated progressively based on the floor area of the house, with the cut-off point for rents being higher for a 30-square metre flat than for a 31-square metre one. Eerola and Teemu Lyytikainen, a senior researcher at VATT, argue that their study provides clear evidence that differences in the cut-off point have no impact on the relative rents of allowance recipients. They also warn against drawing too far-reaching conclusions based on the findings. The findings, for example, provide no indication of whether or not the housing allowance system in itself has contributed to the increase in rents, according to Eerola and Lyytikainen. The study focused particularly on housing allowance recipients living in privately-owned small flats in large cities. With the square metre-based cut-off point being binding for over 80 per cent of such allowance recipients, the differences in the cut-off point had a notable impact on the allowances. The research data were obtained from the database of the Social Security Institution of Finland (Kela). The data cover all housing benefit recipients between 2008 and 2013. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Tuomas Arkimies Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and Chairman of the Committee on Business Cooperation with Ukraine of the Japan Business Federation Keidanren Teruo Asada at a meeting in Kyiv have discussed the prospects of attracting Japanese business, including the establishment of Japanese production in Ukraine. "I want to thank Japan for the full support of Ukraine both economic and political. We deeply appreciate our relations and are interested in developing them. We have good signals on bilateral trade and good opportunities to attract Japanese companies to the Ukrainian market. We welcome the activities of Japanese businessmen in Ukraine," Groysman said. He assured the Japanese guest that Ukraine is committed to carrying out "important and complex reforms" this year. "And the growing economy is a good signal for investment. Especially since we have a wide range of cooperation areas - from IT to agriculture and infrastructure. We are interested in creating real production in Ukraine," the prime minister added. Teruo Asada, in turn, stressed that Japanese business could be very useful for Ukraine, as it is interested in such areas as renewable energy, construction of high-speed highways, including on a concession basis, modernization of port infrastructure. "Your country can be proud of human capital, which is very attractive to Japanese enterprises. And we hope for the success of the reforms announced by your government aimed at improving the business climate. We are committed to investing in Ukraine, and I think our countries will be able to develop a strategy for cooperation under a win-win formula," the expert said. A former Sinn Fein councillor who tortured a convicted fraudster will be sentenced today after a court rejected most of his last-minute objections to evidence in the case. The Special Criminal Court ruled that, contrary to his claims, Jonathan Dowdall (40) did make a threat to his victim that he was in the IRA and that the man's family would be killed if he went to gardai. The three-judge court made its decision after Dowdall and his father, Patrick (60), pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and threatening to kill Alexander Hurley, but then contested some of the evidence. The judgment came after fresh evidence was given by Mr Hurley and the two accused in a "Newton" hearing aimed at resolving disputed facts. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said the court rejected Dowdall's claims that he never told Mr Hurley he was in the IRA and that he never threatened to kill his family. The court also rejected Dowdall's claim that he did not invite Mr Hurley to dinner before he was imprisoned. It was accepted Dowdall invited Mr Hurley in and, when they got to the front door, Patrick Dowdall ushered the victim into the garage. The judge said the court was not satisfied Dowdall made the first phone call to Mr Hurley the day before his ordeal and gave the defence the "benefit of the doubt" on this. The court also accepted there was no mention of the UDA in the incident, saying Mr Hurley's evidence was "flawed" on this. The court judged the victim's ordeal to have lasted around two hours. The prosecution maintained it lasted nearly three hours and the defence estimated 30 minutes to an hour. Tortured A dispute over whether Mr Hurley took Dowdall's motorbike insurance without his permission was not found to be relevant to the construction of a sentence. Sentencing is due to go ahead this afternoon. The court has heard Mr Hurley was tortured in the Dowdalls' garage at their home on Navan Road, Dublin, on January 15, 2015. Dowdall told the court in evidence he had been "worried sick" Mr Hurley was going to steal his identity and was "genuinely sorry" for what he had done. He said what happened had "ruined" the lives of his family and affected the victim, but added that there was "a lot behind it". Patrick Dowdall said what happened was not planned and had been a "spur of the moment thing" that got out of hand. They both gave evidence that there was no mention of the IRA to the victim, as claimed by the prosecution. Mr Hurley gave evidence that Jonathan Dowdall told him "he was part of Sinn Fein and the IRA". He said Patrick Dowdall "backed up" the statement, saying his son was "a very highly recognised figure". Mr Hurley admitted he had posed as a barrister but denied he went to Dowdall's house to engage in an act of deception. "I did not set out with that mindset," he said. "I do 100pc accept that I took wrong turns in earlier life, we all make mistakes, but I did not do that." The militants have violated the "ceasefire regime" twice since the beginning of the day by opening fire on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 112.ua TV channel reported. "For the first night since the new 'truce' the militants have opened fire twice," the website of 112.ua TV channel said, referring to the statement by Anton Myronovych, spokesman for the press center of the ATO headquarters. According to him, the sniper of militants fired in the area of Pavlopil, and anti-tank grenade launchers of illegal armed formations were used in the area of Shyrokyne. Gardai at the scene of a shooting in a garage in Sheridan Court, Dorset Street Members of the Gardai at the scene of a shooting in an underground car park at Sheridan Court, Dorset Street, Dublin The body of Michael Keogh is taken away The killers of the latest victim in the bloody Hutch/Kinahan feud found the best time to ambush him through a Facebook post. It is understood this enabled them to target dad-of-two Michael Keogh on his way to work. Gardai believe that Keogh (37), who was shot a number of times in the head and body, was targeted in a revenge attack for the murder of Gareth Hutch on May 24 last year, as well the feud murder of Michael Barr a month earlier. Keogh was not a suspect for either murder, but one of his associates is suspected of being the gunman in the Hutch murder and had "active involvement" in Barr's killing at the Sunset House pub in April 2016. Keogh had posted on Facebook early on Tuesday morning about starting a new job. Gardai confirmed last night that they were investigating if this post alerted his killers to the fact he was going to work at 6am yesterday, when he was assassinated in an underground car park. The chief suspects for the murder of Keogh are the Hutch gang, but the involvement of dissident republicans intent on avenging the murder of Michael Barr has not been ruled out. "Mr Keogh was a soft target. It looks like he helped his killers with that social media post about his job," a source said last night. "It is his associate who gardai want to question about those two feud murders, but Mr Keogh may certainly have had some knowledge of them. "His associate has also been investigated in relation to the feud murder of Eddie Hutch." Keogh, a father-of-two, had just started a new job in construction. While not considered a major criminal, he was linked to the so-called 'New INLA' faction, which has aligned with the Kinahan cartel in the capital's deadly feud. "New job new start hopefully all goes well," Keogh wrote on Facebook on Tuesday morning. Horror Keogh, who lived in the Sheridan Court council flats, on Dorset Street, was found in his car beside the flats by a council worker shortly before 10am yesterday. A car, believed to be the getaway vehicle, was found burnt out on Clonliffe Avenue at 7.30am. A handgun with an attached silencer was discovered inside. It is believed that Keogh was shot dead shortly before this but an exact time is not known. The car - a grey Opel Astra with the registration number 12D 16387 - was stolen in the Dublin area in April. Its number plates had been replaced and were fake. One of the first people who arrived at the murder scene spoke of his horror after seeing Keogh's body lying in a parked car. The man, an employee of Dublin City Council, said he was the second person to arrive at the scene. "The window of the car was shattered and he was lying across the front seats of the car," he said. "There was blood on his chest and he was clutching his car keys in his hands. His hands were on his chest. "It looked like he must have been putting his keys in the ignition when he was shot." Keogh was the brother of notorious INLA bomb-maker and Kinahan associate Jonathan Keogh (32), and is suspected of visiting him abroad a number of weeks ago. The murder victim was thought to have knowledge of the spate of crimes that his younger brother is suspected of. Gardai have not ruled the possibility that Michael was involved in one or more of five attacks against the cars of Hutch family members over five days last week. These attacks led to a huge increase in tensions in the feud, which has now claimed 12 lives after the murder of Keogh yesterday morning. There are now fears of a massive revenge mission from the Kinahan cartel. The murder is being treated as the first to be carried out by the Hutch gang since the Regency Hotel bloodbath in February, 2016, which escalated the feud. "The feeling is that the cartel will strike back in a very severe way for this and more murders are expected even within the next few days," a source said. "The situation is extremely volatile and dangerous." Bullet Fears of further violence have not been helped by the fact that Hutch mob criminal James 'Mago' Gately (30) has been released from hospital. He spent over a fortnight being treated for bullet injuries to his jaw. Mago was the victim of drive-by shooting at the Topaz petrol station on the Clonshaugh road, off the N32, shortly after 1.30pm on May 10. Gardai believe that he was targeted by the Kinahan cartel, who have placed him near the top of their hit-list. Members of the Garda Technical Bureau at the scene of Michael Keoghs murder in an underground car park in Dorset Street The latest murder victim in the capital's gangland feud was involved with the New INLA. The gang, whose members were primarily involved in extortion rackets, got involved with the Kinahan cartel as guns-for-hire in the early stages of the feud last year. It is suspected of involvement in a number of murders and other attacks on the cartel's behalf. Small-time criminal Michael Keogh (37) is understood to have got involved in the activities of the New INLA because of his close relationship with his on-the-run younger brother Jonathan (32), who is a key member of the organisation. Up to 20 criminals are now key members of the New INLA, which set up base in Ballymun last year. The gang was involved in a crime summit at the Regency Hotel April last year, but fled after getting "spooked" by a garda surveillance team who were monitoring their meeting. The gang is also believed to be behind two attempts to murder Limerick criminal Sean 'Cowboy' Hanley in 2015. One of the senior gang members is suspected of involvement in a pipe bomb attack targeting Dublin drug dealer Charlie 'The Walrus' O'Neill, before the 53-year-old died of natural causes in August 2015. Bombs Investigations into the New INLA were stepped up after a viable bomb and a Glock pistol were seized and a Latvian man arrested after armed gardai pulled over and searched a vehicle near Mountrath, Co Laois, on February 25 last year. Michael Keogh's brother Jonathan was given an eight-year jail sentence by the Special Criminal Court in July 2009 after he was caught making pipe bombs in September of the previous year. After his release, he continued to be involved in major criminal activity and joined the New INLA, which then forged links with the Kinahan cartel as part of the feud that has now claimed 12 lives. In March, a close associate of the Keogh brothers was jailed for his role in a "depraved and barbaric" assault in which a 53-year old man was pinned to a kitchen floor with a nail-gun. Gerard Mackin (33) and a 52-year-old associate were each given three-year jail senten- ces at the Special Criminal Court for assaulting the man in Co Limerick in September 2015. Before being arrested and remanded in custody on those charges in May last year, Mackin was a senior member and main player in the New INLA. In 2014, Mackin's associates caused a major security alert when gardai received intelligence that they planned to steal a number of garda uniforms from a Co Louth station. When Mackin was refused bail last year in relation to the offence, a senior detective told Limerick District Court that the crime related to an attempt to extort money from the victim, who is a member of the Traveller community. Bludgeoned Mackin, who is originally from west Belfast, has been involved in a number of serious underworld scrapes since he was cleared of the murder of Eddie Burns as part of a dissident feud in the North. He was the first person found guilty in a Dublin court for a murder in Belfast under the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Act of 1976. However, in 2010 the conviction was quashed by Dublin's Court of Criminal Appeal and a retrial ordered, but it collapsed after three days, meaning Mackin was free to leave Portloaise Prison. Burns (36) was gunned down in west Belfast in March 2007 on the same night that his friend Joe Jones was bludgeoned to death in an alleyway in north Belfast. Another key member of the mob is a 31-year-old Ballymun criminal who is also on the run after being arrested for the murder of Gareth Hutch on May 24 last year. Last June, his home was searched by detectives investigating the separate murder of Vincent 'Vinnie' Ryan (25) the previous February. An investigation into Ryan's murder is continuing and five people have been arrested. Ryan (25), a younger brother of murdered Real IRA chief Alan Ryan, was shot dead in McKee Road, Finglas. It is understood that gardai seized paperwork and a powder substance from the home of the Ballymun criminal, who is suspected of having "key knowledge" about Vinnie Ryan's murder. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov wants the speedy introduction of the visa regime with the Russian Federation. "I believe that this issue has not just become imminent, but become overripe. It must be fulfilled as soon as possible," Turchynov told reporters before the sixth National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv on Thursday. "We will have an open entrance to Europe, and it is necessary to build a border in the east that will protect civilization from the aggression of the Russian Federation, from the penetration of hybrid provocative technologies of the Russian Federation to the West. And it is Ukraine that has ran afoul of Russia - probably this is our historical mission," he said. Turchynov said that if the decision on the introduction of a visa regime with the Russian Federation is to be taken by the Verkhovna Rada, then the measures of its implementation should be developed by the Cabinet of Ministers. Some13 trucks from the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with humanitarian assistance have entered an uncontrollable part of the Donetsk region on Wednesday, May 31, the official website of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said. "Some 13 trucks from the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross traveled to the uncontrolled territory through the Novotroyitske checkpoint," a report says. "Vehicles transported food, hygiene kits, medicines and building materials with a total weight of about 222 tonnes for the residents of the Donetsk region," the State Border Guard Service reported. ABINGDON, Va. Teresa Robinette crushes the coal of the mountains to make her art come alive. She wants her paintings to breathe, like people with pure pain and passion. And, yet, she wants to share stories full of hope, humor and happiness. I think the reason Im here is to re-acquaint the world through Appalachia with my work, said Robinette. I have a voice, too, and maybe the stories that Im focusing on might be a little bit different. Thats why this glass-half-full artist, at 57, has returned home to her roots in Norton, Virginia. And its why shes sought a show in nearby Abingdon, wheres she has assembled her art for the month of June at the Wolf Hills Brewing Company. The purpose of this exhibit is to say hello to Abingdon, to support fellow artists and to add to the creative energy flowing through town, Robinette said. The brewery is gracious to share its walls, and I like an atmosphere of happy, interested people. Thats what you get with Teresa Robinette: happy, interesting conversation. OK, its not always happy. She tells how she lost her father to black-lung disease in 1979 when he was only 49. And she relates how she returned to Norton after seven years of living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Robinette came home to Norton in either 2005 or 2006 honestly, she cannot remember to care for her ailing mother, who eventually lost her battle with cancer late last year. Oh, Santa Fe. That artsy town, still, draws Robinettes imagination. She posts photos of the place on her Facebook page. And she sometimes longs to return to that vibrant center with its seemingly countless art galleries. Oh, but then she knocks on wood. And, she says, shell hopefully spend the rest of her life in Southwest Virginia in the little city that still captures her heart. Norton sits at the center of Wise County, overlooking majestic High Knob. This is where Robinette grew up. And this is where she finds herself again, as she begins to speak of a last, great project. Its all on the drawing board, still, for this artist a multi-year project, she says, that would profile 23 dynamic Appalachian women while showcasing their diversity. She wants to paint large portraits and write. And she talks about someday finding a large gallery to showcase her work as she tells, too, about eventually publishing a book. All this is a dream, for now. But thats what fuels any artist, Robinette will tell you whether youre a writer or painter or photographer. It takes a dream plus a little frustration and maybe even a little anger to really get your creative motor running, Robinette suggests. And then? Well, then, friends, its time for show and tell. Robinette smiled as she shifted gears and turned her conversation to three paintings samplings of what she plans to show off at Abingdon. Ghost on the Clinch showcases a little boy next to a house while another house portrait, The Owners, displays a couple. She is also showing The Family, featuring a couple at the front of a log house. Teresa, shes a very sweet and kind woman, said the Abingdon art shows curator, Sabrina Adams. Five stars. Robinette started early with art. I was one of those little, bitty kids who knew they were going to be an artist. Leaving Norton at age 17, Robinette studied art at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and then stayed in the city through a graduate program. She worked a high-stress job for an advertising agency. And she moved, going to places like Florida and Colorado before ultimately landing in New Mexico. Today, again, shes at home in the mountains. And I started using some of the skills that I learned in restoration and conservation to create paint. So if I want yellow, golden grass, I find natural materials and I create it, Robinette said. Its a little less toxic, but a little more time-consuming. And it gives an authentic fingerprint of where it comes from. Robinette is a realist in her paintings. And the paint I use makes me different, she quickly added. Lets say for example I want a good black, the artist said, explaining how she breaks down coal or charcoal. You add it to a medium. Sometimes you have to liquefy it. You boil things down, like flowers or fauna ... And I do that because I want Appalachia to be part of everything that I do. Memorial Day weekend proved safer for those traveling Virginias highways compared to last year, according to the Virginia State Police. During the four-day holiday period, a preliminary report counted seven drivers and passengers who died in six traffic crashes statewide, according to a report released Wednesday. In the same time period in 2016, traffic crashes claimed a total of eight lives on Virginia highways. The six fatal traffic crashes occurred in the cities of Christiansburg and Norfolk and the counties of Augusta, Bedford, Carroll and Rockingham. A majority of the 2017 deaths were from motorcycle crashes. Of the six vehicle fatalities over the holiday weekend, four were fatal motorcycle crashes. Two of those motorcyclists were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. May is Motorcycle Safety Month. State troopers responded to a total of 652 traffic crashes statewide during the four-day period. The number of traffic deaths on Virginias roadways continues to decrease, down 50 percent since 2015, Col. W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police superintendent, said in a written statement. However, even one fatality is too many, especially when taking basic safety precautions can save a life. Specific data for Tennessees Memorial Day vehicle fatalities was not immediately available. However, traffic deaths during the month of May decreased from last year, from 108 deaths in 2016 to 77 deaths in 2017. Vasyl Hrytsak, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), believes it is reasonable to restrict entry into the territory of Ukraine for Russian citizens by limiting the right to visa-free entry to holders of biometric passports. "We are able to de facto visit Europe [without visas] on biometric passports starting from June 11. Why not introduce a requirement requiring citizens of the Russian Federation to hold at least similar documents to enter here [...] Such a measure could be taken at this point," Hrytsak told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday. He spoke about the threats posed by the Russian special services to citizens of Ukraine who visit Russia for personal purposes or for the purpose of employment in that country. Hrytsak said the Russian special services frequently make attempts to recruit Ukrainians visiting Russia, and Ukrainians are recruited by using both psychological and physical pressure. Boonsboro Warriors are ready for road playoff test at South Carroll Boonsboro is on a roll and feeling good as it gets set to hit the road and challenge South Carroll in the Maryland Class 2A-1A West second round. Verkhovna Rada deputy from the People's Front Party faction Anton Gerashchenko has said the killer of acting director of the state-owned Ukrspyrt concern Viktor Pankov escaped capture. He added the assassination was a contract killing. "Unfortunately, we were not able to catch him immediately after the killing," Gerashchenko told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday following the sixth annual National Prayer Breakfast. Gerashchenko said Pankov's murder was probably a contract killing, adding that Pankov was involved in a complicated state-run organization that worked in the shadows, instead of for the people of Ukraine. On the morning of May 30 an assassin shot Pankov multiple times in the back in Kyiv's Darnytsky District. The killer drove away in an Audi sedan. Pankov in 2008 and 2009 was a board member of the national joint-stock company Nadra Ukrainy. In 2012 he began working at Ukrspyrt as deputy general director in charge of legal issues, and later as acting Ukrspyrt general director and first deputy director in charge of production and financial issues. He left Ukrspyrt in December 2013. At the start of 2014 Pankov was an advisor to the chairman of the board of Chornomornaftogaz. In March 2014 he returned to Ukrspyrt as deputy director in charge of legal issues. In December 2014 the Agriculture and Food Ministry sacked Mykhaylo Labutin as Ukrspyrt general director, naming Pankov as acting director. Pankov in 2016 was put in charge of Ukrspyrt's main office. Over the past day, militants have fired upon positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces 35 times in the Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) area, as a result of which two servicemen have been wounded, the press service of the ATO headquarters has reported. "During the past 24 hours, the shelling of the positions of the ATO forces by the pro-Russian militants did not abate, although the intensity of the enemy's armed provocations along the entire disengagement line somewhat decreased, yet Russian terrorist groups used weapons against the Ukrainian Armed Forces 35 times, twice, including artillery systems forbidden by Minsk agreements ... Two soldiers of the Ukrainian army were injured," a message posted on the staff's Facebook page on Thursday morning, says. In the Mariupol sector, the militants opened fire on the Ukrainian positions 15 times, significantly intensified with the onset of twilight. The illegal armed formations fired at the strongholds of the ATO in the vicinity of Krasnohorivka from the mortars of the 120-mm, 82-mm caliber and small arms. Nearby, in the Maryinka area, the militants also used 82-mm mortars and grenade launchers. The enemy sniper fired there as well. It was restless in this sector near Shyrokyne, Vodiane, Pavlopil, Berezova and Chermalyk, where the illegal armed formations were traditionally ranging with a variety of small arms and grenade launchers of various modifications. The militants also fired from an infantry fighting vehicle and 82-mm mortar shells nearby Vodiane and Shyrokyne. In the Donetsk sector militants often used weapons on the outskirts of Avdiyivka. In the southern and eastern suburbs of this settlement, the enemy was ranging on the positions of the Armed Forces from small arms and grenade launchers. In the evening one of the strongholds of the ATO forces was intensively fired on from mortars, including a 120-mm caliber. One violation of the conditions of non-use of weapons was recorded in the north-east in Verkhniotoretske, Zaitseve and Troyitske. Militants used infantry weapons there. In the Luhansk sector there were recorded eight cases of the use of weapons by illegal armed formations. In particular, after 18.00 and until midnight the militants fired on from the grenade launchers and small arms on the strongholds of the ATO forces in Krymske, Novozvanivka and Donets station. The enemy's infantry fighting vehicle also fired on Krymske. The first Moldovan-Ukrainian checkpoint opened in the Transdniestrian sector of the border with Ukraine is a provocation meant to escalate tensions, the Foreign Ministry of the unrecognized Transdniestrian Moldovan Republic said on Wednesday. "Obviously, the joint control of Moldova and Ukraine over a sector of the Transdniestrian-Ukrainian state border is an intentional and provocative step, which targets, in particular, a strong response from Transdniestria," the ministry said in connection with the stationing of joint Ukrainian-Moldovan posts at the Ukrainian Kuchurhan border checkpoint. "This unilateral measure is being implemented outside the framework of the international negotiating process and in disregard of Transdniestria's standpoint; it flagrantly violates the regulations on inadmissibility of sanctions and blockades, settlement of every problem at the negotiating table, and freedom of Transdniestria's international economic contacts on which the parties to the negotiating process have earlier agreed," the ministry said. "No doubt, the purpose of such tactics is to provoke deterioration of regional security for the purpose of stepping up aggressive measures against Transdniestria. In this context, the Foreign Ministry calls attention of Moldovan and Ukrainian representatives and all parties to the international negotiating process to the fact that Transdniestria has taken comprehensive steps towards settling the problem with political and diplomatic methods," it said. "Having demonstratively overstepped any form of civilized political dialogue, including the international format of the negotiating process on the settlement of the conflict between Moldova and Transdniestria, the organizers of this measure have thereby publicly assumed the full liability for possible consequences of those destructive actions," the ministry said. Tiraspol also noted the role of the European Union. "Moldovan-Ukrainian customs and border control on the border with Transdniestria, which has been pushed for with the direct support of the European Union, is an element of the comprehensive strategy of blocking, which inflicts substantial damage and gradually limits the potential of the Transdniestrian Moldovan Republic in every significant area," the ministry said. "The unwillingness to listen to Transdniestria's arguments and the refusal to discuss this problem in the 5+2 format "are irrefutable proof of the exclusively political nature of the steps taken by Moldova and Ukraine under the cover of some international actors," the ministry said. The ministry highlighted the common opinion on the joint control exercised by Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcers, which the top three Moldovan officials, namely President Igor Dodon, Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu, expressed several days ago. Moldova and Ukraine opened the first joint checkpoint in the Transdniestrian sector of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border on May 31. A government spokesman told Interfax that the checkpoint had been installed at the largest border crossing point, Kuchurhan-Pervomaisk. "The purpose of joint control is to facilitate the movement of goods, vehicles and passengers on the 'one stop - one window' principle, including customs clearance of exported and imported goods in the Transdniestrian region, among them excised commodities," the report said. The Moldovan-Ukrainian agreement stipulates that Moldovan customs and border officers will be stationed at the Kuchurhan checkpoint in the Ukrainian territory bordering the Transdniestrian checkpoint of Pervomaisk. The joint control will be exercised in two stages. During the initial stage, which will last for about six months, Moldovan and Ukrainian customs officers will jointly control exclusively exports of goods from Transdniestria. The Moldovan border police will monitor vehicles and passengers, register foreign citizens who cross the border in both directions, and notify interested persons of national migration laws. The second stage will embrace control of exported and imported goods and also vehicles and passengers. No restrictions or bans that may change the existent border crossing procedures will be imposed on Transdniestrian economic entities and individuals. The joint checkpoint, which opened on Wednesday, is the fifth crossing point on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border and the first one in the Transdniestrian sector. Since June 1 the agreement on mutual trips of citizens of Ukraine and Turkey has come into force on the basis of internal passports in the form of ID cards. "The agreement on the entry of citizens stipulates that citizens of Ukraine and citizens of Turkey, who use passports in the form of ID cards with a contactless electronic chip, will be able to enter, leave, follow transit and stay without visas on the territory of Turkey and Ukraine, respectively, for up to 90 days within 180 days," the press service of the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. As it was reported, Ukraine and Turkey on March 14, 2017, agreed on mutual travel with the use of internal passports in the form of ID cards. On May 17, Ukraine's Cabinet endorsed the agreement. Later, head of Ukraine's State Migration Service Maksym Sokoliuk said that the Turkish authorities officially on May 20 published decision 2017/10324 to amend the mutual travel procedure and the recognition of the new form of (internal) Ukrainian passports (ID cards) as a travel document for Ukrainian citizens visiting Turkey. Judge issues ruling in dispute between Monroe County, Huffs Lake Monroe property owners Joe and Nicole Huff violated the terms of an agreement they had reached with county officials, a judge has ruled. Ukraine's Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko has said that the legal mechanisms for the introduction of a visa regime with the Russian Federation are ready and the department will help colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work out the decision in legal terms. "The legal mechanism is absolutely ready. It is a technical process. If there is a political decision, Ukraine is ready," Petrenko said, answering the question as to whether Ukraine is ready in a legal manner to introduce a visa regime with the Russian Federation if an appropriate political decision is taken. According to the minister, the team of the Justice Ministry is ready to help colleagues from the Foreign Ministry "to quickly develop solutions in fulfillment of political decisions and launch this process." "I think that this issue is relevant and it, as the NSDC secretary said, it had even already overriped," Petrenko said. One person is dead and another injured, according to reports from the scene of a Tuesday morning pair of crashes on Robinson Road in Hickory. This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ Ayodhya is a storm that will pass. The dignity and honour of the Supreme Court cannot be compromised because of it, former Justice SP Bharucha had observed way back in 1994. Even 25 years after the demolition of the disputed shrine in the temple city on December 6, 1992, the storm has refused to subside. Instead, it is back with a bang, with many hopeful of a negotiated settlement of the century-old dispute. And there are reasons for it. It was the Supreme Court which first stirred the pot by suggesting a negotiated settlement of the emotive issue with the Chief Justice of India JS Khehar even offering to act as a mediator between the two sides laying claim over the historic site in the temple city. The observation had come on Subramanian Swamys plea for early hearing of a civil dispute over the site that the Hindus believe to be the birthplace of Ram. The CJIs observation that sensitive issues are best settled through negotiations was quickly picked up by the Hindus while the Muslims, by and large, remained sceptic. Their apprehensions are rooted in Vishwa Hindu Parishads old call for liberation of birthplaces of Ram (Ayodhya), Krishna (Mathura) and Shiv (Kashi), which however does not figure in the BJPs agenda as they are active mosques. Namaaz was not offered in Ayodhya shrine since the surreptitious appearance of Rama idol in the mosque in 1949. Perhaps the answer to the knotty question of negotiated settlement is buried in the pages of history. The Gyanvapi Mosque was built after destroying the Hindu temple, the remnants of which exist on its walls even today. Kashi Vishwanath temple was built adjacent to the mosque. Similarly, in Mathura temple and mosque co-exist at the Krishna Janma Sthan. Interestingly, both Mathura and Kashi are protected under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991. Prayers are held peacefully in both the holy cities though under heavy police deployment. The BJP had also not seconded the Vishwa Hindu Parishads claim on the Kashi and Mathura mosques on the plea they were active masjids. Is there a learning here for the leaders of today? Though the rigidity of rebuilding a mosque where it existed has diluted over the years, the Muslims have been demanding the reconstruction of the Babri mosque within the 67 acres of acquired area. The question is, if a mandir and a mosque can co-exist in Kashi and Mathura, why not in Ayodhya? After winning Uttar Pradesh, several ministers have been indicating, the climate is conducive for a negotiated settlement now that Yogi Adityanath is the chief minister of the state. And Yogi on Wednesday said as much. The Ram Mandir issue will be resolved through dialogue between two communities. The state government will provide all support in the dialogue process to resolve the deadlock on the issue, he said. The confidence for a negotiated settlement comes from the fact that it is for the first time since the unlocking of Babri Mosque in 1986 when numerically-strong BJP governments rule both the Centre and the State, that too under their two most prominent Hindutva faces -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Mahant Yogi Adityanath. The stand of both Yogi and Modi is unambiguously clear -- Ram Mandir at his Janmasthan. The foundation laying of the temple in 1989 was done during the Congress rule at both the Centre and in UP. Whereas the 1992 demolition took place when ideologically heterogeneous parties were at the helms -- Kalyan Singh (BJP) was the chief minister and PV Narsimha Rao (Congress) Prime Minister. But there are many a slip between the cup and the lip. The question is, can there be a negotiated settlement of the century old dispute? Efforts made in the past have failed. Then what is it that is generating hope besides the same party rule in Centre and state? The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has rejected the offer for a negotiated settlement but Shias and some individuals have come forward in its support. Perhaps its the subtle change in the Muslim mood that has raised the hopes. It was best reflected in a statement of a senior Muslim in Lallanpura in Prime Minister Narendra Modis Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi during the 2017 Assembly elections, We have had enough, take away Ayodhya, but give us security. We have lived in fear for so long. So far the government has not made any move to resolve the issue through talks though efforts are on in small groups. Time to watch Modi and Yogi as hints have already started coming before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. (Views expressed are personal) Prime Minister Narendra Modis Russia visit raises a fundamental question: Is Moscow still Indias tried and trusted friend? Russias growing relations with Indias adversaries, China and Pakistan, have spurred unease in New Delhi. However, many in India have failed to grasp the factors driving Moscows overtures to Islamabad or its sale of offensive weapon systems to Beijing. Such moves have little to do with India. Russia may be in decline economically but, geopolitically, it is a resurgent power, spreading its geopolitical influence to new regions and pursuing rearmament at home. Russia is the only power willing to directly challenge US interests in West Asia, Europe, Caspian Sea basin, Central Asia and now Afghanistan, where America is stuck in the longest war in its history. In keeping with the maxim that countries have no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests, Russia has rejigged its geopolitical strategy to respond to the biting US-led sanctions against it since 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin has significantly expanded the geopolitical chessboard on which Moscow can play against the US and Nato. Putin has made Russia the central player in the bloody Syrian conflict, fuelled by outside powers. Until Russia launched its own air war in Syria in September 2015, the US-British-French alliance had the upper hand there, aiding supposedly moderate jihadist rebels against Bashar al-Assads regime and staging separate bombing campaigns against IS. Russias direct intervention, without bogging down its military in the Syrian quagmire, has helped turn around Assads fortunes and reshaped Moscows relationships with Turkey, Israel and Iran. As part of his multidimensional chess game, Putin is also building Russian leverage in other countries that are the key focus of US attention from North Korea to Libya. But it is Russias warming relationship with the medieval Taliban the US militarys main battlefield foe in Afghanistan that seriously conflicts with Indias interest. Russias new cosiness with the Taliban, of course, does not mean that the enemy of its enemy is necessarily a permanent friend. Moscow is opportunistically seeking to use the Taliban as a tool to weigh down the US military in Afghanistan. Because of the Talibans command-and-control base and guerrilla sanctuaries in Pakistan, Moscow has also sought to befriend Islamabad. This imperative has been underscored by Washingtons refusal to bomb the Talibans command and control in Pakistan. The paradox is that as India has moved strategically closer to the US, American policy has worked against Indias regional interests, propelling Moscow to forge closer ties with China and to build new relationships with the Taliban and Pakistan. The US still continues to fecklessly accommodate China and battle the Taliban on just one side of the Afghanistan-Pakistan divide. Russia is equally nonchalant if its geopolitical chess play squeezes Indian interests. The revival of the Great Game in Afghanistan is just one manifestation of the US-Russian relationship turning more poisonous. Another sign is Moscows stepped-up courting of Beijing. For example, with Russia staying quiet, last years BRICS Goa Declaration, at Chinas insistence, omitted any reference to cross-border terrorism or to any Pakistan-based group, yet mentioned IS and al-Nusra. Putin attended the recent One Belt, One Road summit in Beijing despite his concern that China is using that project to displace Russia as the dominant influence in Central Asia. With Russia becoming the largest crude oil exporter to China, Moscow-Beijing ties are booming economically, yet underlying political suspicions and wariness remain. In the India-Russia case, it is the reverse: Relations are warm politically but the two-way trade is in sharp decline, slumping to less than $8 billion in 2015. US-led sanctions against Russia, by promoting Moscow-Beijing closeness, are undercutting a central US policy objective since the 1972 opening to Beijing to drive a wedge between China and Russia. For Putin, the sanctions represent war by other means and a justification for Russia to countervail US power. With the US Congress threatening to impose additional sanctions even as a special counsel investigates alleged collusion between President Donald Trumps election campaign and Moscow, US-Russian tensions and rivalries will continue to buffet Indias regional interests, but serve as a strategic boon for China. Against this background, Modi faces an exigent challenge to revitalise a flagging partnership with Russia while safeguarding Indias regional security and its $3 billion development aid to Afghanistan since 2002. This challenge is compounded by the fact that a robust relationship with Moscow is vital to a balanced Indian foreign policy, to leveraging Indias ties with other powers, and to managing an increasingly muscular China. A drifting relationship with Russia would crimp Indias options, to its serious detriment. Brahma Chellaney is a geostrategist and author The views expressed are personal West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday she was correct in opposing the demonetisation move by the Centre, a day after data showed a weaker-than-expected economic growth that may have been hit by the ban on high-denomination banknotes. Right at the time demonetisation was announced by the Central Government, I had voiced my concern that the country would have to face severe loss of jobs and drastic decline in productivity due to demonetisation. My apprehension is now proven to be true, she wrote on Facebook. Rampant job loss has been reported across the country with the agriculture and unorganised sector in worst shape. What have the people, who pushed the country to this crisis, to say? she asked on the social networking platform. Government data showed Indias economic growth slowed to 6.1% in the fourth quarter ending March 2017, compared with 7.1% in the previous quarter, as the note ban decision slowed activity in cash-dependent sectors - indicating India was no longer the worlds fastest-growing major economy. The gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.1% in the full financial year 2016-17, slower than 8% recorded in the previous year. After Novembers demonetisation drive, the government has come under criticism from opposition political parties and economists for putting a poke on Indias growth story and triggering job cuts. Banerjee was the first to tweet her opposition to Modis demonetisation announcement in November last year and was also the first to announce a plan to take her opposition to states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab. The Q4 GDP figure this fiscal has come down to 6.1%. The corresponding GDP figure in the previous fiscal was 7.9%. So, the decline is nearly 2 per cent point, Banerjee jibed. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also criticised the Union government over the economic indicators that showed the countrys GDP growth to have slowed. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, however, played down the impact of demonetisation on growth saying that a 7-8% growth is very reasonable and clarified that global factors were responsible for a GDP growth of 6.1% in the three months of January to March. Jaitley also rubbished claims of jobless growth as oppositions propaganda. People need some issues for propaganda. Jobs dont get created outside the economic sector. If growth increases, jobs will also grow, Jaitley said. European Union Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn has said Brussels is concerned about politicization of the appointment of members of the external control commission which will conduct an independent evaluation (audit) of the efficiency of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the obligation of filing electronic declaration for members of non-governmental organizations and members of supervisory boards from among non-residents. The recent changes in the law on e-declaration that obliged NGO members and members of supervisory boards from among non-residents to disclose their income declarations is a mistake, he said during the launch of the EU anti-corruption initiative in Kyiv on Thursday adding that he is happy that the Ukrainian president wants to correct this error. Hahn noted that it is also necessary to appoint the remaining two auditors of the NABU while observing the existing laws. NABU is among Ukraine's achievements in the fight against corruption, but the EU is concerned that its independence and efficiency are often questioned, the commissioner said. At the moment, the EU is concerned by the fact that the appointment of auditors of NABU is being politicized, he added. Ride-hailing giant Uber has reported another multibillion dollar loss even as its revenues grow. The San Francisco-based company said Thursday that its losses in the first quarter narrowed to $708 million from $991 million in the previous three-month period. Uber told The Associated Press that it had $3.4 billion in revenue for the period, 18% higher than the final three months of last year. The company is not publicly listed but has been mulling an IPO. It said in a statement the narrowing of our losses in the first quarter puts us on a good trajectory towards profitability. Uber also said its launching a search for a chief financial officer as its head of finance, Gautam Gupta, departs, becoming the latest high profile executive to leave amid a string of troubles facing the company. Gupta worked for the company for four years but was never promoted to the CFO position. This year the company has also lost its head of communications, president and other senior executives as it faces allegations of sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace. Betting big on the offline market, Chinese handset maker Xiaomi on Thursday said it plans to set up 100 Mi Homes, its flagship store, in India in two years. The company had recently launched its first store in Bengaluru and plans to open its exclusive outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. Mi Home is an extension of our e-commerce business. We launched our first store in Bengaluru and on our first day itself, we did a revenue of Rs 5 crore. We believe this Mi Home strategy will disrupt our offline retail in India. Once we have perfected our business model (in these cities), we would want to open at least 100 Mi Homes in the next two years, Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Jain said. The Chinese firm had forayed into India through the online route, which contributes over 90 per cent of its sales in the country today. More than 90% of sales today comes from online, because that is where our focus has been. But we have started multiple things offline like Mi Homes. We are working with a few chains in South and we have launched our distribution in five cities -- Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With these things coming along, we hope our share of offline market would be 20-25 per cent by the end of this year, he said. Xiaomi, which crossed $1 billion revenue in India in 2016, has a 14.2% market share in the offline space. We want to grow the share of offline within Xiaomi and within the overall offline space we want to grow our share, because we see a huge demand even in the offline market. We are very bullish on offline. We are trying to bring online efficiency into offline. We expect in the next few years,at least 50 per cent of our sales should come from online and 50% from offline, he said adding that the company will also look at setting up rural distribution in the future. The company had setup its second manufacturing plant in India and would be open to setting up more facilities if the demand for its products continues. A labourer was killed and five people, including a BSF jawan, injured on Thursday morning in Pakistani shelling along the line of control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Unconfirmed reports claimed a soldier, too, had died but no confirmation had come from the army, police said. Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said the labourer with the General Reserve Engineering Force (Gref) was killed in Mankote area of Mendhar in Krishna Ghati sector, which along with Nowshera in Rajouri came under heavy fire from across the LoC early in the morning. Identity of the deceased has not been ascertained. The injured Border Security Force head constable was identified as havaldar Mohammed Nizamuddin of 50 BN BSF. He was being treated at an army hospital in Mendhar. Four Gref personnel were also injured when Pakistan targeted Balnoi area at about 7.30am, Mendhar sub-divisional police officer Riaz Tantray told HT. Two of the men -- driver Radha Krishan and Pervaiz Ahmed -- were seriously injured and moved to the district hospital in Rajouri. The other two were being treated in a Mendhar hospital. Gref is part of the Border Roads Organisation, a division of the ministry of defence responsible for the upkeep of road network along Indias frontiers. Tantray said police had received unconfirmed reports about the death of an Indian soldier in Mankote. Army hasnt confirmed it yet, he said. Intense shelling was on in the area and was hampering evacuation of villagers. The latest ceasefire violation comes after a lull of two weeks. Krishna Ghati is the area from where a rogue border action team of Pakistan crossed the LoC, ambushed a patrol and beheaded two Indian soldiers, Paramjit Singh and Prem Sagar, on May 1. The killings triggered heavy exchanges between the two sides in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Three civilians, including a young girl, were killed in Nowshera while 10 people, including four soldiers, were injured in the shelling that continued for a fortnight. Ceasefire violations along the LoC go up in the summer as snows melts and mountain passes open through which militants sneak into India. Pakistani troops give cover fire to infiltrators. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand Cabinet on Thursday gave nod to the Trivendra Singh Rawat governments first annual budget 2017-18 and its draft of start-up policy. The policy will be presented in the assembly during its 13-day budget session beginning June 8. A decision to this effect was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, according to sources. However, no media briefing was held about the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting. The Council of ministers also cleared a plan to hike the annual pension of freedom fighters from Rs 11,000 to Rs 21,000, an official told Hindustan Times. Sources said the BJP governments first annual budget would be a zero deficit budget. It will also be a gender-equal budget having substantial financial allocation for schemes relating to women empowerment, a source said. Rawat refused to say much about the annual budget. It will be a good budget, he told the media after the Cabinet meeting and refused to reveal the plan outlay of the maiden budget. As part of the BJP governments maiden eco-friendly move, the Cabinet approved a proposal whereby the old practice of distributing hard copies of the annual budget would be stopped. Instead, soft copies will be made available to ministers, officials and media persons, an official said, adding that the soft copies would be available in pen drives. The draft start-up policy aims to check the forced migration from the hills by creating self-employment opportunities for the local youth, the official said. It would be based on the Centres Start-up India programme. It has, however, been tweaked a bit in view of the requirement of the state, he said. The proposed policy offers incentives to three categories of unemployed--adults, adolescents and women, a source said. The Cabinet also approved a plan to merge two schemes dedicated girls welfare Nanda Devi Kanyadhan Yojna of the social welfare department and Gaura Devi Kanyadhan Yojna of the women and child development department. The twin schemes have been integrated but beneficiaries will continue to get incentives, an official said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Home to hundreds of ghost villages, Uttarakhand is now seeking to repopulate its hamlets through a campaign that is the brainchild of chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. The chief minister Thursday launched a campaign on social media -- #SelfieFromMyVillage -- to check mass exodus from the hilly terrains and promote reverse migration. The migration issue keeps cropping up from time to time. It is rightly expected of the government to work towards checking the migration and we are committed to deal with the issue, Rawat said on his official Twitter handle. ; Trivendra S Rawat (@tsrawatbjp) June 1, 2017 Rawat made an appeal to all the people hailing from Uttarakhand but living in other state or outside country to visit their native villages during the summer vacations. One thing each person who has been associated with this state can do this summer. I request everyone with connections in villages of Uttarakhand to visit their respective villages alongwith their kids, Rawat said on Twitter. The chief minister said that such visits would help your kids forge a bond with your ancestral village & will help connect with those left behind. Do share pictures of you and your kids using hashtag #SelfieFromMyVillage. Every picture will help bring out a completely different aspect of Uttarakhand, he added. In 17 years of its existence, Uttarakhand has remained witness to constant mass migration, leaving several villages uninhabited mostly due to lack of basic infrastructure like roads, hospitals and schools. Most of these ghost villages, with their crumbling houses and overgrown vegetation, are located in the hill districts. Rawat further asked the pravasi Uttarakhandis to invite friends and families to accompany you on your bonding trip to your villages & help Uttarakhand. The campaign drew immediate response on social media with several people uploading photographs from their native villages in the hill state and tagging the CM. A Twitter user, Yogesh Dhami, uploaded several photos of snow clad mountains and the terrain of his native Kanda village in Bageshwar district. Stating that the photos are neither from Switzerland nor Kashmir, Dhami also urged others to visit his village. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias first text-based early warning system for air pollution that measures particulate matter less than one micron is set to become a reality in the next few months. While Ahmedabad in Gujarat became the fourth Indian city to launch the Air Quality Index (AQI) on May 12, authorities of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) are now putting in place the Air Information and Response (AIR) Plan, in which SMS alerts and advisories would be sent to citizens warning them of rising air pollution levels. Experts said that even though Ahmedabad enjoys a cleaner air than Delhi, the system was put in place to save lives and help people avoid the ill effects of pollution. Delhi on the other hand had its AQI installed around seven years ago but is still to come up with such a system. As of now pollution data would be displayed on 12 LED screens across the city, website of SAFAR and on mobile apps. We are putting in place the SMS-based alert system but it would take a few months, said a senior official of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). Such early warning systems become all the more important because international studies have claimed that Indias worsening air pollution caused some 1.1 million premature deaths in 2015. How will the system work? A senior official of AMC explained that once the AQI of Ahmedabad is generated, a nodal officer would start informing various government agencies such as the pollution control board, the press, medical practitioners and telecom companies. LED screens would display the pollution data at 12 locations and people can also see the data on websites and through mobile apps. In addition, SMS alerts would be sent to doctors, schools, colleges, hospitals and traffic police. Schools would hang coloured flags telling students about the air quality. Doctors on receiving the SMS can advise patients on the Dos and Donts and distribute pamphlets, said Dileep Mavalankar director of Indian Institute of Public Health in Gandhinagar (IIPHG). Any individual who registers with the system would get alerts on how the pollution could rise over the next two to three days. Depending on the air quality, we would send advisories such as wearing masks, limiting outdoor work, changing work schedules etc, said an official of the AMC. The system comprises two stages Air Quality Index (AQI) and Air Information and Response (AIR) plan. While the AQI tells us how clean or polluted the air is, the AIR is all about communicating the data to the citizens through alerts and advisories, thus allowing them to take precautions against pollution, said Gufran Beig programme director of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) that falls under the Ministry of Earth Sciences which tracks the AQI in four Indian cities. A few other cities across the world such as Beijing, Los Angeles and Mexico City have similar warning systems too. While Delhi was one of the first cities to come up with the AQI during the Commonwealth Games in 2010, it was followed by Mumbai and Pune. Ahmedabad is the fourth city in India to have it. But while other cities, including Delhi, have limited themselves to just generating data, they lag behind in communicating it to the citizens. Ahmedabad with its AIR has moved a step ahead to complete the circle where this data could be used to save lives by informing people, said an expert. Experts said that AIR would be different from the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which was prepared to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region. While GRAP is all about what actions government should take to reduce pollution AIR would advise vulnerable people about dos and donts to avoid health problems. The AMC has tied up with IIPHG, Natural Resources Defence Council and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology to develop the system. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A firefighter was killed and two of his colleagues suffered burn injuries in a bid to douse the blaze in a four-storey building in central Delhis Anand Parbat on Wednesday night. A heated tin shed on the second floor of the building collapsed on them. A cylinder blast triggered the collapse, said Atul Garg, chief fire officer, Delhi Fire Services. The collapse left 51-year-old fireman Bijender with severe burn injuries. He and his colleagues, station officer Avtar Singh and leading fireman Sunil Kumar, were rescued and rushed to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital where Bijender died during treatment. His colleagues are said to be out of danger. The blaze also left two locals, Dhananjay and Pandit, with burn injuries. The two civilians, however, were discharged after being given first aid. The building that caught fire is located in Gali No. 8 of Anand Parbat Industrial Area. The upper floors of the building house an electric heater manufacturing unit. The call about the blaze was made to the fire department around 10.15 pm on Wednesday. The caller only said that a factory had caught fire. We do not know what triggered the blaze, said a fire officer. When the firefighters entered the burning upper floors of the building, there was a sudden collapse of the tin shed on the second floor which left three of them trapped under the debris. Soon, more than half of the first floor also collapsed. About one dozen fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was controlled by 12.45 am. The police are investigating the circumstances under which the fire occurred. In February, two firemen were killed and two others injured when an LPG cylinder exploded during the firefighting operations at a restaurant in west Delhis Vikaspuri. A 37-year-old man was arrested on Thursday in Kolkata by the Delhi Police crime branch in connection with a kidney racket that was busted last week in the national capital. This was the fifth arrest so far in the case, police said. The arrested man was identified as Arun Das. He was caught by the investigating team on Thursday evening, said police. Officials said another team also carried out searches at Batra Hospital and seized some documents in connection with the racket. They said some doctors of the hospital were being questioned. Praveer Ranjan, joint commissioner of police (crime), told HT that Das used to refer patients to his contacts in Delhi who would then arrange donors for the recipients. He also used to act as a link between recipients and donors. Das is a close aide of Jayant Sahoo, who was arrested along with Sulekha Panda, Anoj Patra and Birju Paswan, last week for indulging in illegal sale and purchase of kidneys. He is the fifth person to be arrested so far in the case, said Ranjan. Das had referred a Hyderabad-based family that was looking for a donor to Sahoo in Delhi. Das had a contact in Hyderabad who had put the family in touch with him. The joint commissioner said police teams were looking for a few accused in Bhubhaneswar, Hyderabad, West Bengal who also refer patients to their Delhi contacts. The racket was busted after an MBA student, along with a news channel reporter, contacted the crime branch in April. The student had posed as a donor to dig deep into the racket and through spy devices provided to him by the crime branch recorded his meetings with the middlemen, as well as his screening process at the hospital. The man underwent a screening test in front of a medical team at Batra Hospital that had cleared his interview despite him giving some wrong answers. However, the hospital denied any wrongdoing and assured cooperation in the probe. The middlemen gave the complainant a separate identity with fake ID cards, so that he could pass off as a member of the family of the recipient. The middlemen targeted helpless families, who were looking for kidney donors. They were induced and charged huge amount of money with the promise to complete necessary documentation and formalities for the smooth transplant operation. (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that a street in Delhi has been named after Russias former Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin, a friend of India, who passed away recently. Hailing Ambassador Kadakin and his contribution to the India-Russia ties, Modi said the late diplomat was a glorious son of Russia and a great friend of India. A street in Delhi has been named after Ambassador Kadakin, Modi said addressing a joint press event with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kadakin, 67, a fluent Hindi-speaking career diplomat considered a great friend of India, died in Delhi in January this year after a brief illness. He was serving as the Russias ambassador to India since 2009 and was credited with playing a significant role in promotion of relations between the two countries. Kadakin began his diplomatic career as a Third Secretary at the Russian Embassy in India in 1972. He held the position of the Head of the Russian diplomatic mission in New Delhi from November 2009. Kadakin was born in Chisnau in then USSR on July 22,1949. He graduated with honours from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1972. It is no coincidence that Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Europe just a few days behind the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi. Major governments across the world are assessing the direction the European Union will go in the coming few years. Depending on how the EUs senior members decide to redefine the role of Europe, a continent that has punched well below its weight globally could make up for lost time. Three developments have made Europe geopolitically more consequential. The first is the coming departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union. This will and has changed the constellation of power in Brussels. Germany is even more dominant than it was before. And it may now have an effective partner again in France under the reformist presidency of Emmanuel Macron. The second is the widening Atlantic divide. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is now part of a chorus of European leaders openly critical of the United States president, Donald Trump. There is a recognition that Brussels will need to shed its long-standing tradition of riding on the coat-tails of Washington. The third is the broad sense among Europes leadership that the rightwing populist wave that had rocked capitals all across the continent, triggered Brexit and had even threatened the gates of Paris is now ebbing. Successive defeats by anti-establishment populists in Austria, the Netherlands and France have calmed European nerves. Prime Minister Modis European tour is partly designed to position India for this new Europe. His three stops Germany, France and Spain reflect New Delhis sense that these will be the three most important governments in a post-Brexit EU. He has served to remind Europe that the Indian government might be rightwing, but on climate change and counterterrorism it is very much in the global mainstream. Also, when it comes to democratic values and the rules-based world order that is a cornerstone of Brussels worldview, India is much closer to Europe than Beijing. Europes newfound scepticism about Chinas Belt-Road Initiative is a sign this viewpoint is finding traction. India and Europe are hardly destined to cooperate a lot of work will be needed on both sides. Indias protectionist trade policies are one point of difference. Europe sees itself as a standard-bearer of free trade. The sense Modis government is culturally intolerant and thuggish does not help either. India on the other hand will hope Europeans start to see the world in more realistic, power-based terms. The first step in putting flesh on the bones of a new India and Europe relationship would be to complete the long-awaited free trade agreement. Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) Nazar Kholodnytsky has sent to the prosecutor general the finalized requests for the removal of parliamentary immunity from MPs Yevhen Deidei and Andriy Lozovoy. "Yesterday the documents were signed, I again sent the relevant requests to the prosecutor general," Kholodnytsky told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday, answering a question on whether the SAPO finalized the requests for the removal of immunity from Deidei and Lozovoy. As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine prepared a submission to the Verkhovna Rada requesting the removal of parliamentary immunity from lawmakers Hennadiy 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 reported on 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. On May 26, Member of the Vidrodzhennia group in the Ukrainian parliament Bobov admitted to tax evasion and pledged to pay $1 million in unpaid taxes. The same day, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko confirmed the receipt of UAH 37.9 million from the MP. The prosecutor general's press secretary said that the request for stripping Bobov of his parliamentary immunity from prosecution was removed after relevant criminal proceedings had been closed. The Rajasthan High Courts verdict directing the Centre to christen the cow as Indias national animal is bound to raise several questions, particularly the tendency of some judges to get drawn into political controversies. The 193-page verdict in Hindi urges the cow be given the status of a legal person and directs the State and its advocate general to be persons in loco parentis for the animals preservation. The Latin phrase is a legal doctrine under which an individual assumes parental rights, duties and obligations without going through the formalities of legal adoption. The judge has also recommended enhancement of punishment for cow slaughter from the present seven years to life imprisonment. The judgment comes at a time when many states are protesting the Centres decision to ban the slaughter of all cattle cows and buffaloes bought in agricultural markets. It is likely to embolden vigilante groups who, in the name of cow protection, have carried out violent attacks on minorities suspected of cow slaughtering. Also, the obscurantist observations in the judgment could provide an opportunity to critics to question the quality of judges and the appointment system. The verdict comes close to the heels of controversy involving sitting Calcutta High Court judge, Justice CS Karnan, who is facing arrest orders for his intemperate language used against judges of the Supreme Court and his colleagues. Personal choices of judges ought not to have any role to play in their verdicts. The basic norm that judges should speak through their judgments and not outside has been violated here. This principle is reaffirmed through Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharmas interviews, which clearly reflects that his judgment is tainted with personal bias. This should be the sole reason to review his directive. In an interview to a news channel, Justice Sharma gave a peculiar reason for his order the supposed celibacy of peacocks. He said his suggestion was only because it was a voice from my soul. This was a case where the judge should have restrained himself from enlarging the scope of the petition before him and going into issues that could have had political overtones. Whether an animal should be declared national or not is the executives prerogative. Justice Sharma should have restricted himself to the allegations made in the petition filed by the NGO Jago Janta Society seeking directions to save cows kept in Jaipurs Hingonia gaushala and other cow sheds, given the sensitivity attached to the issue. This judgment could harm the image of our judiciary, which should not be seen as endorsing a religion since it is meant to protect every citizens fundamental rights. Cracking the joint entrance examination (JEE Main) for admission to the countrys premier engineering has proved to be far easier than passing Bihars tainted Class 12 examinations for several students. Vivek Kumar cleared the JEE Main this year, scoring 109 out of 360 under the reserved category. The cut off under the category was 49 and that allowed Kumar to take the JEE(Advanced) examination on May 29 for a seat in the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). His joy was short-lived, however, as Kumar failed to clear the Bihar Class 12 board examination. He got 12 out of 60 in Physics (theory) and just 17 out of 60 in Chemistry (theory) two key subjects in the IIT entrance test. But Kumar is not the only one to have been tripped by the Bihar board. Shubam Sharma also qualified for the JEE (Main) with a rank of 78,000 in the reserved category, but has failed the Class 12 examination, securing just six out of 60 in Physics. I had done well and I am not sure how they failed me in Physics, said Kumar. His anger was shared by Ompriya, a student from Jamui. He has cleared the entrance test for admission into a top-notch marine engineering college, but has failed the Bihar examination, securing 34 marks out of 100 in Chemistry. JEE entrance tests are considered to be one of the toughest in the country with an acceptance rate of around 1%. Only one out of five students taking the JEE(Main) qualifies for the next stage. Eyebrows have been raised after many successful JEE candidates failed the Bihar board examination this year. The Class 12 examination conducted by the Bihar School Education Board (BSEB) was in the news last year after a huge scam in the conduct of the examination and evaluation of answer sheets was unearthed. Several people including Ruby Rai, the topper in the Arts stream, were arrested after it was found that the merit list had been fudged. Rai during a subsequent investigation pronounced the subject of political science as prodigal science and claimed it was related to cooking. The scam led to a countrywide furore, prompting the state government to introduce several corrective measures such as bar coding of answer sheets to prevent manipulation. The results for this year announced earlier this week shocked many. Compared to the overall pass percentage of 62.19 last year, only 35.25% passed this year. Students who have cleared the JEE(Main) are particularly agitated and have been protesting in front of the BSEB office. Aware that the Bihar board lacks credibility, chief minister Nitish Kumar promised to get the answer sheets of the students re-evaluated. BSEB chairman Anand Kishore said the copies would be checked again during scrutiny. Students have to apply for scrutiny between June 3 and 12. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nine out of 11 dental colleges under Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) have given their consent to charge uniform fee. Giving further relief to students, the nine dental colleges will refund the excess fee charged from the students after the first counselling. In a meeting chaired by BFUHS vice-chancellor (V-C) Dr Raj Bahadur, before the second counselling for master of dental surgery (MDS) seats, principals of the nine dental colleges proposed and approved a common fee structure. Christian Dental College, Ludhiana, and Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Amritsar, however, persisted with the previous fee structure. In order to bring parity in the fee structure, the V-C had earlier conducted a meeting with the principals after the first counselling, but the colleges could not reach a consensus then. With the sincere efforts of the V-C, the meeting held on Wednesday remained fruitful in terms of fee structure, which varies from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the popularity of a subject. Other than the Ludhiana and Amritsar colleges, the nine colleges slashed their fee so that there is parity and no exploitation of students in terms of charging of tuition fee, said a senior official of the varsity. Second round conducted Meanwhile, the varsity conducted the second round of counselling for MDS seats at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College on Wednesday. The counselling for MD and MS seats was held on Tuesday. The university had invited online applications from candidates who are eligible with the reduced cut-off percentile for NEET-PG 2017 by May 29. The varsity received 100 fresh applications for the second round, including 74 applications for MD and MS seats and 21 for MDS and five for ultrasonography. For the MDS, there are a total of 94 seats, including 35 in government colleges, 55 management seats and four all-India quota seats. In a relief to the Punjab government and BFUHS, the Supreme Court had set aside the order of the Punjab and Haryana high court directing the university to recast the merit list for admission to postgraduate medical courses. The state government was directed to proceed with the counselling process. The BFUHS has already conducted the first counselling from April 13 to 15.The notification for the examination was out in October 2016 and exam held in January 2017. The second counselling was held back after rural medical officers moved the high court against the varsity and the state government. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Diluting the previous Akali governments initiative to promote technical education in remote areas by opening Punjab Institutes of Technology (PITs), IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (PTU) on Wednesday decided to close four of the nine institutes due to non-viability. As per the notification issued by the PTU registrar, admissions to four PITs at Amritsar, Khunnimajra in SAS Nagar and two at Dinanagar have been discontinued with for the 2017-2018 session. Meanwhile, admissions are being carried out at the remaining five institutes at Batala, Rajpura, Hoshiarpur, Moga and Sultanpur Lodhi . Students not opting for BTech Officiating vice-chancellor and secretary, technical education, Kahan Singh Pannu told HT that there were hardly any students interested in taking admission to the BTech course at these institutes. We have not closed these institutes, but are restructuring them into skill development centres. The staff of these PITs would be used at these centres, said Pannu. Sources said with most of the students showing no interest in pursuing BTech, the PITs have failed to meet their purpose, due to which the authorities have taken the decision to convert these into skill development centres. These institutes were the brainchild of former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, who wanted to provide the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) standard of education to the rural youth through these institutes. As per the proposal, faculty of the IIT standard were to be recruited at these institutes, which were opened during the tenure of the previous regular V-C Dr Rajnish Arora in 2012-2013. These institutes were opened at centrally funded polytechnics already running in these areas to promote technical education. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Lily James has hit back at bodyshamers who claim she is too thin and insisted she has always been healthy. The 28-year-old actor was branded a bad role model when she took on the role of Cinderella in the live action adaptation of the Disney classic, because some people thought she was too skinny, reported Contactmusic. They were saying Im a bad role model. Ive always been healthy. I eat! I do have a tiny waist and quite big hips so it looks in proportion, you know? I have an hourglass shape. And while Lily was blasted for being too thin, she acknowledged that a number of other actresses are often told they need to lose weight for roles. Lily James and Robert Madden in Cinderella. Yeah, Ive heard that story. And you hear those stories all the time. Its so disheartening. I hope its not getting worse, because people are talking about it and people are aware. Follow @htshowbiz for more Bollywood actor Ali Fazal, who is working with Hollywood veteran Judi Dench in his maiden English movie Victoria and Abdul, said she was extremely welcoming towards him. At the trailer launch, Fazal talked about the experience of working with one of the most celebrated international actors and said, We shot for the film for about 50-60 days but the first time when I met Judi Dench, we had lunch together, just to meet each other and break the ice. I was literally on the floors! I touched her feet, shook her hand and hugged her. She was extremely welcoming. She made me at ease. And I think that relationship began there, while we were having lunch in London. After that, we became friends. As an actor, your job is half done when your co-star becomes your friend especially when its Judi Dench, he added. Ali also said the Oscar winner wanted to come to India to promote the film as she loves the country. We had a lot of conversation regarding Indian films, though her perception of Bollywood was song and dance, I shared how we are much more than that. She loves our country. In fact, she was little heartbroken when she got to know that she is not coming to India; which is quite ironic because even Victoria never visited India, said the 30-year-old. Directed by two-time Academy winner Stephen Friers, Victoria and Abdul stars Ali Fazal in the lead role opposite Hollywood star Judi Dench. PATNA As many as 163 candidates trying their luck in the election for ward councillors of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) are crorepatis and 88 are facing criminal cases, some of them as serious as murder and attempts to murder. These details were revealed in a study by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), in association with Bihar Election Watch (BEW), based on declarations made by the candidates. Of the total 1008 in the fray, only 866 have filed their nominations with proper details provided in the stipulated format. The campaigning for the municipal polls is no less aggressive and interesting than in case of the assembly polls. Even assets owned by the candidates and criminal charges faced by them are comparable with assembly elections, said convener of BEW, Rajeev Kumar. The polling to elect councillors from 75 wards of PMC will be held on June 4 and results will be declared on June 9. The board will be reconstituted later this month after election of mayor and deputy mayor from among the elected councillors. Briefing the media about the candidates in the fray, Kumar said Madhu Chaurasia, who is contesting from ward number 2, is the richest with personal assets worth over Rs 15.83 crore. As many as 24 candidates have movable and immovable property valued over Rs 5 crore, while six candidates have declared no property at all. As many as 88 candidates are facing criminal cases and 8% of all (numbering 66) have been accused in serious criminal cases. Eight of them are facing murder cases (section 302 of IPC) and 14 have been charged in cases related to attempt to murder (section 307). Altogether 16 candidates are facing cases related to atrocities on women, including bid to outrage modesty, said Kumar. Statistics show that most of the candidates are in the age-group of 31 to 40, while 41 of them are aged between 21 and 24 years. As many as 293 candidates are in the age group of 31-40, and 270 in age group of 41-50. As far as educational qualification of the contestants is concerned, 38 possess post graduate degrees, 26 have professional degrees like MBA, BCA and engineering, while 173 are graduates. About 44% candidates are either literates or have passed intermediate examinations. As many as 227 contestants are barely literate, while 18 candidates are illiterate. Although the PMCs elections are not contested on party symbols, its being viewed keenly by poll analysts because it would be the first major electoral exercise after massive victory of RJD-JD (U)-Congress Grand Alliance (GA) in the November 2015 Bihar assembly poll. The municipal elections are important in that they will provide an indication of the popular mood ahead of the 2019 general elections. Political activists aligned with different parties plunge into the electoral arena in their individual capacity and procure the support of the rank and file of their respective outfits. ======================================= DETAILS These facts were revealed in a study by the Association of Democratic Reforms together with Bihar Election Watch, based on declarations made by the candidates ====================================== Patna Municipal Corporation polls 2017 FACTS and FIGURES Total number of candidates in fray: 1008 Those furnishing full details in forms: 866 Crorepatis in contest: 19% (number 163) Average assets of candidates: 73.24 lakh Asset of richest candidate: 15.83 crore Number of candidates having nil balance: Six Women candidates in polls: 466 out of 866 (51%) Candidates facing criminal cases: 88 (10%) Those facing murder/attempt to murder case: 22 Post graduates/graduates in fray: 237 Number of illiterates: 18 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The first cargo flight of the Afghanistan-India air corridor to take Afghan goods to India will leave Kabul for New Delhi on June 15, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace on Thursday. The Afghanistan-India air corridor plan has entered implementation phase, a project which was initiated by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani last year, Pajhwok news agency reported. The project entered operationalisation stage on Wednesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CEOs of Ariana Airlines and Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) in the presence of Ajmal Ahmady, senior economic advisor to the President of Afghanistan and other officials. Ariana CEO Captain Nadir Omar announced the dates for the first two cargo flights to New Delhi. According to Omar the first flight will depart Kabul for New Delhi on June 15 while the second flight will depart from Kandahar on June 20. The air corridor programme, which is funded by the Afghanistan government, will help the private sector export their goods to India by air under an incentivised programme. The plan, initially announced during the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in December last year by the principals of the two countries, is intended to further improve bilateral ties through developing sustainable trade linkages. The current volume of trade between the two countries stands at roughly $350 million, and the governments of the two countries intend to increase this to $1 billion in the coming 3 years. The formation of BJP government in Uttar Pradesh in March rekindled the hopes of Ram Dulari, a resident of Khuja in Kaushambi district, that her village will finally get electrified. Ram Dulari is the mother-in-law of Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and she, with other villagers, have appealed to the BJP leader for electricity. In 1997, the barat (marriage procession) of my son-in-law arrived at the village in the light of patromax. As he is deputy CM now, he can ensure no more marriages are solemnised in darkness. I want to see an illuminated bulb in the village before I die, said Ram Dulari. Khuja, which does not have power since Independence, is among the 800 villages under 498 gram sabhas in Kaushambi that have not seen electricity yet. Village head Mahesh Chaurasia said he managed to get Khuja selected under the Ram Manohar Lohia Scheme under the previous Samajwadi Party government but due to low commission in the contract, corrupt district-level officials did not let power infrastructure come up in the village. Prem Tiwari, a villager, demanded that corrupt officials who were responsible for keeping the village in darkness should be punished. I appeal to the deputy CM to not only ensure electricity in Khuja but also in other villages of the district, he said. District magistrate, Kaushambi, Manish Kumar Verma said several villages in the district were without electricity which would be covered under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana by December this year. I had no idea that the village had a high-profile status. I will ensure that not only Khuja but all villages are covered under the rural electrification scheme, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Army chief General Bipin Rawat and his top commanders landed in Srinagar on Thursday for a security review, even as cross-border shelling and gunfire escalated and Pakistan summoned Indias deputy high commissioner in Islamabad over casualties. It is rare for the armys senior-most generals to congregate in Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation and operational preparedness of soldiers posted in the state and along the Line of Control (LoC), the de-facto border between Indian and Pakistan. The air force was also represented at the review. In New Delhi, defence minister Arun Jaitley said Indian soldiers are in a commanding position along the LoC. In the past few weeks, our armed forces, the Indian Army and BSF, are dominating the Line of Control, he said. At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed and six more were wounded in retaliatory firing by the Indian military in the Bhimber and Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir. One of the men injured in the shelling by Pakistan. (HT Photo) The army was responding to unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, which fired machine guns and 82mm and 120mm mortar shells at Indian outposts and villages across the border. A General Engineering Reserve Force labourer was killed, while two more men, including a BSF trooper, were wounded on Thursday in Pakistani firing in Rajouri and Poonch districts. But Pakistan accused India of targeting civilians in border towns, killing a villager. The Pakistani foreign office summoned the deputy high commissioner JP Singh and condemned the ceasefire violation. The border burned on a day Rawat was in Srinagar for a two-day security review after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat on May 27. The army gunned down a number of militants in the past weeks, but has been unable to tamp down on local anger. Thousands showed up at the funeral of Bhat on Sunday. Jaitley dismissed reports of mounting unrest and public anger in the Valley, saying the situation was mostly normal. The situation in Kashmir is better than the impression. Indian security forces have piled pressure on militants and the results are visible, he said. The minister hit out at Pakistan for scuttling chances of a dialogue. The government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situations in past each was responded by say, a Pathankot, Uri or mutilation of soldiers, he said, referring to attacks on army bases allegedly carried out by militants from Pakistan. The comments come amid a series of ceasefire violations by the neighbouring army. The army on May 23 announced that it fired at and damaged Pakistani posts along the border as part of counter-insurgency operations to stop militants from crossing into India. The offensive was called punitive fire assaults across the LoC to bring down the number of militants trying to enter the state. The army released what it said was a video of the military action that showed heavy artillery blasting temporary bunkers and shelters on a tree-covered mountain. The video was shot in Jammus Naushera sector on May 9. The army found itself in the middle of a firestorm after a video clip showed a man tied to the fender of an army jeep and paraded through villages. The incident deepened the army-civilian divide and sparked violent protests in the militancy-hit valley. The major, who uses the Kashmiri weaver as a human shield against stone-throwing mobs, was awarded the army chiefs commendation card in May. (With agency inputs) EUACI, the EU's three-year Anti-Corruption Initiative, has been launched in Ukraine. The program costs EUR 15.84 million. "I am happy that today we are launching this large-scale initiative to battle corruption. The EU wants to help Ukraine combat graft and expects Ukraine to take the corresponding actions," said Johannes Hahn, the European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. The anti-corruption initiative will be implemented with the support of the EU and the Danish government. Hahn said the aim of the EU program is to boost the capacity of newly formed Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions, as well as step up outside control over the process of reform from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and support involvement of civil society and media. The European Commission's contribution to the program's budget is EUR 14.5 million, while the Danish Foreign Ministry is contributing EUR 1.34 million. The program is comprised of three elements. The first is to strengthen anti-corruption organs in the ability to conduct investigations and punish corrupt practices. Various types of support will be provided, including expert advice and IT assistance. The second component provides for the creation of a consultative council of international experts, who will help the Verkhovna Rada's committing on preventing and combating corruption to track legislation in the sphere of corruption and implementation of reforms. The third element will foster involvement of civil society and media in anti-corruption activities, especially in the regions, by means of issuing grants. Defence minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused Pakistan of scuttling the environment that must exist for bilateral talks between the two neighbours even as he asserted that Kashmir situation is better than is being perceived. He further said that while India has taken several significant steps to ease tension, Pakistan responded by terror attacks at Pathankot, Uri and mutilating the bodies of Indian soldiers. The Government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situation in the past... The fact that our Prime Minister dropped in at Lahore at a social function in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs family, were all steps intended to ease the tension. But each one of these have been responded by, let us say, a Pathankot or a Uri or by mutilation of two of our soldiers. And, therefore, that environment which must exist for a talk has been successfully prevented by Pakistan, Jaitley said. Addressing the media on completion of three years of the Modi government, Jaitley said the Indian Army and the BSF are dominating the Line of Control (LoC) irrespective of where the troubles are being created by foreign insurgents or domestic terrorists. The security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure on them, and the results, some of which are evident almost on a daily basis... The situation in Kashmir is better than the impression, he said. The Indian Army had last week said it launched punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting some damage, days after two of Indian soldiers were beheaded. It had 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. Admitting that the situation in challenging in South Kashmir, he said it is normal in the rest of the state and recently the two-day meeting of the GST Council was held in Srinagar. The arrest of a doctor for allegedly signing papers on the basis of which three Pakistani nationals got Aadhaar has triggered fresh concerns over authentication process for the 12-digit unique identity number. Police arrested Dr C Nagalakshmamma, a gazetted officer, who works at a government hospital in Bengaluru, on Monday. A day later, police arrested Ravikumar, a group D employee at the hospital. Prima facie it looks like Dr Nagalakshmamma blindly signed on the paper given to her by Ravikumar, deputy commissioner of police (Crime), HD Ananda Kumar, said. While there does not seem to be any conspiracy, a crime was committed and we have booked both. Bengaluru police commissioner, Praveen Sood, said the procedure of authentication needed to be looked at afresh. Even before Aadhaar, gazetted officers were caught authenticating documents without any verification. Hence, this definitely needs to be looked at. Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Bhatia said in the absence of verification at the time of authentication the system was prone to such lapses. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) says biometric authentication is foolproof. However, a lack of verification of documents submitted at the time of enrolment could lead to such mistakes. Bhatia added, Once a person is enrolled in the system, there is no way to identify the fraud because the person would be authenticated. Officials at the regional office of the UIDAI could not be contacted, despite repeated attempts. Police have sought information from them regarding the number of persons who have enrolled in the system based on documents authenticated by gazetted officers. Police arrested the three Pakistani nationals along with an Indian on May 24. They had lived in Bengaluru for two years. The three Pakistani nationals did not have valid visa and were residing here illegally, Sood had said after their arrest. They managed to get valid Aadhaar numbers based on forged identities. Police said 30-year-old Mohammed Shihab, who is from Kerala, fell in love with a Pakistani woman called Samira Abdul Rahman when working in Qatar two years ago. The couple got married, allegedly in the face of opposition from both sets of parents, and decided to flee to India. But before leaving, they met another Pakistani couple Kirhon Ghulam Ali and Kashif Shamshuddin in the west Asian country who were also planning to move to India to escape their parents wrath. All three Pakistanis are believed to be residents of Karachi, police added. DCP Kumar said investigations so far had not uncovered any conspiracy by the Pakistanis andShihab to commit crimes in India. The two couples have stuck to their stand that they came to Bengaluru because their parents had opposed their unions, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Deputy commissioners of all districts in Mizoram bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh have issued orders banning import of birds, chicken and pigs from neighbouring countries. The deputy commissioners of Champhai, Aizawl, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Siaha and Mamit issued the orders after receiving warning from the central government, saying that bird flu has been prevalent in China. Veterinarians said import of pigs and piglets was also banned as pigs are carriers of the avian influenza virus. The vice-president of BJPs Bareilly region minority wing was shot at by unidentified persons on Thursday evening. Raees Ahmed, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, was shot thrice and is admitted to a private hospital, said police. His condition is stated to be critical, police added. Raees Ahmed was shot around 7pm. He was apparently returning home on a motorcycle when the attack took place, said superintendent of police (rural) Khyati Garg. We dont know much about the attackers or possible motive yet. The attackers targeted Ahmed in Deochara area. Bhamora police station personnel rescued Ahmed and took him to the hospital. Police at the spot where the BJP leader was attacked in Bareilly on Thursday. (HT Photo) This is the first such attack on a politician in the district since Yogi Adityanath took over as chief minister in March. BJP MLA of Bareilly (city) Arun Kumar condemned the attack. We will demand that the district administration investigate the matter and arrest the attackers. The Samajwadi Party (SP) slammed the ruling BJP following the attack. The attack on Raees Ahmed proves BJP has failed completely to curb violence in Uttar Pradesh, said Subhlesh Yadav, district president of SP. This months raging controversy about beef has the Bharatiya Janata Party unfazed. It all started when the environment ministry banned the sale of cattle for slaughter through an animal market, a term it defined broadly. The order angered many people, particularly in the South and the North-east. Some BJP leaders from these regions have defended their practices regarding cows. But here are five reasons why the rest of the BJP loves the beef on its plate. 1. Idea of India: BJP leaders insist that eating beef is against the idea of India. Even in states where many people eat beef, such as Kerala, the cow is also revered. Any criticism of the BJP on the issue of cow slaughter, its leaders believe, will eventually help it drive home the point that the opposition is targeting an idea of India that is widely held. 2. Seeing is believing: The video footage of youth Congress workers in Kerala slaughtering a cow has gone viral, forcing the partys leadership to distance itself. The BJP feels that the video will have a huge impact on the psyche of Indians, pushing the Congress further against the wall. 3. 2017 polls: With the exception of Bihar, the BJP has swept central India also known as the cow belt in recent elections. Gujarat, with a significant vegetarian population, and Himachal Pradesh, where beef eating is not prevalent, will both hold assembly elections later this year. The more the opposition creates a row over cattle slaughter, the better the BJP thinks it will do. 4. Opposition in spot: The DMK in Tamil Nadu and Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal have gone on the offensive against the BJP government for the new restrictions on cattle. The BJP strategy is not to get drawn into the nitty-gritty of the order and convert it into an issue about cow slaughter. Protection of cow and its progeny is a constitutionally ordained direction, wrote BJP general secretary P Muralidhar Rao on Twitter. BJP stands to promote this view among the people. 5. Hindutva: The sanctity of the cow is integral to the ideology of Hindutva. A controversy about cow slaughter helps the BJP play to its gallery. With over 80% of Indians identifying themselves as Hindu, and most of the faithful not approving of the consumption of beef, the BJP expects that the controversy will help it politically and ideologically. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that a recent notification on cattle trade had nothing to do with the cow slaughter laws in states, rejecting criticism that the government was encroaching upon states rights. The clarification has nothing to do with the state laws. This only deals with who can buy cattle from farmers market and who cant, Jaitley said at a press conference. Slaughter of cow considered sacred by Hindus is banned in many states, but some allow it, in addition to the consumption of its meat. On Thursday, Jaitley defended last weeks notification, saying, Article 48 of the Indian Constitution says certain category of animals have to be protected. The notification said cows and buffaloes cannot be sold for slaughter at animal markets across India, allowing only farmland owners to trade at animal markets. Covering bulls, bullocks, cows and buffalos, the rule prompted criticism from several states where consumption of beef is not outlawed. The most prominent disapproval came from chief ministers of states not ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party. We wont accept the Centres decision it is unconstitutional, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said on Monday, dubbing the ban as an attempt to encroach into state power. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan too last week urged his counterparts to raise their voice against the restrictions on cattle trade, saying the Centres anti-federal, anti-democratic and anti-secular move is an attempt to usurp power from the state governments. On Thursday, Jaitley categorically stated the ban will not override the state laws. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former principal secretary (Industries) in Mizoram government, editor of an online news portal and others were booked by CBI in connection with a four-year-old Ponzi scheme case where they are accused of floating a fake company. The development comes nearly two months after Delhi high court transferred the case to CBI after Delhi police was unable to make any headway in the investigation. The case pertains to a complaint filed by advocate Sanser Pal Singh, a resident of Burari in Delhi. He had alleged that in 2013, he had come in contact with Devender Verma who introduced him to a person named Manujeet. The advocate was motivated to invest in a firm called Mizoram Direct Marketing Limited, which Devender and Manujeet claimed to be a public entity owned by the government of Mizoram. To convince Sanser, several meeting were held at various hotels in Delhi so that he could invest Rs 25,000. A woman, who identified herself to be the wife of one of the accused as well as an official of the firm presented the so-called proposal. The accused was also showed online news about the success of the company on a website called Officers Times. Sanser then invested Rs 5,000 and was told to invest the remaining Rs 20,000 in 10-15 days. However, Sanser found out that he had been duped. He also found out that the Mizoram Direct Marketing Limited was basically a front organisation, which duped many people by making them invest money. According to FIR, all of the people who met Sanser and convinced him to invest were part of the scam. Sanser even called the so-called editor of the website who recommended that he invest in the company. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) booked one of its own officials for allegedly being part of a racket which issued fake identification cards of the agency to people. The official, identified as Gulzari Lal, worked as a clerk in the probe agency and allegedly connived with two others including a woman known as Mami. The case came to light when the probe agency was carrying out an investigation in another case of a CBI DSP who was booked for bribery charges. The DSP, Neeraj Agarwal, along with another individual, was booked by CBI after Pradip Shah, the retired head cashier of Bank of Barodas Mumbai branch, filed a complaint alleging that the agency official demanded a bribe of 50 lakh from him. The other individual was identified as Bhaskar Tiwari. Agarwal and Tiwari were booked for demanded money in return for settling an income tax case that could be made out against the retired head cashier. In subsequent searches at Tiwaris residence, CBI said it recovered a fake ID card of the probe agency in Tiwaris name. The card was valid till 2040. When confronted with the fake ID card, Tiwari allegedly told CBI that it had been issued to him by Gulzari Lal. He said that he had come in contact with Lal through a canteen operator, Yadav, in Lok Nayak Bhavan. During the questioning of Bhaskar Tiwari and Gulzari Lal, involvement of one lady referred to as Mami also surfaced. The said two persons are part of a racket involved in preparing fake identity cards and misuse of the same, the FIR stated. The Congress has carried out an elaborate revamp exercise in its faction-ridden Karnataka unit to pacify all warring leaders and the same formula is expected to be used in other states as well in a bid to stem the partys electoral slide that started with the debacle in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is keen to make the party fighting fit for all upcoming elections, including the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and for that, unity in states is paramount. The changes in Karnataka suggest that all factions will be taken on board to bring about that harmony in states. Gandhi realises that a revival at the national level is possible only when the Congress resurrects itself in states and for that it is important to strengthen the regional satraps. Despite coming from the Janata Parivar background, chief minister K Siddaramaiah remains as of now the powerful Congress leader in Karnataka and any attempt to undermine his authority could have hurt the partys chances of retaining power in the upcoming assembly elections. Like Captain Amarinder Singh in Punjab and Virbhadra Singh in Himachal Pradesh, Siddaramaiah is considerCongress names Sam Pitroda as head of overseas department, creates fishermen celled a mass leader in Karnataka, a reason why the Congress leadership decided to go to elections under him once again and projected him as the partys chief ministerial candidate. Karnataka is the only big state after Punjab where the Congress is in power and fancies its chances given that the BJP is a divided house with a section led by backward caste leader KS Easwarappa up in arms against its chief BS Yeddyurappa who belongs to the powerful Lingayat community. A win in Karnataka will boost the sagging morale of Congress workers across the country given that the party appears doubtful about its fortunes in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, which go to polls in December this year. But Gandhi wants to correct the perception that the grand old party has lost the drive and energy to fight the elections and having broad-based consultations with state leaders before revamping is part of his strategy. The same formula is expected to be replicated in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and other states. The other message from the Karnataka reshuffle is that the Congress leadership will henceforth strictly follow the one-man one-post formula. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), the Muslim wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is going to organise cow milk parties in the month of Ramzan across 25 states, the outfits national convenor Mohammad Afzal has told HT. The MRM was set up in 2002 by former RSS chief K Sudarshan with the objective of reaching out to Muslims. Such milk parties have already started in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh, and will kick off in West Bengal next week. Iftar is the meal with which Muslims break their fast during the month of Ramzan. Cow milk is healthier than beef. That is why we will serve cow milk for breaking the fast during iftar. Were going to organise several hundred iftar parties during the month of Ramadan across 25 states and cow milk will be served in each of them, Afzal said. He said that the highest number of iftar parties with cow milk on offer will be organised in Uttar Pradesh, where the number is expected to exceed 100. The declaration follows a controversial notification that banned the sale of cows for slaughter in animal markets. Several states ruled by opposition parties such as Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura have already announced that they will not abide by the decision. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has also questioned the timing of the move, coming right before Ramzan. In Bihar, cow milk parties during iftar have started. Such parties were held in the districts of Vaishali and Araria on Tuesday, while on Wednesday, such a party was organised at the High Court mazar in Patna, said Tufail Khan Quadri, the joint secretary of the outfit in Bihar who also heads BJPs minority morcha in the state. These milk parties are being organised in each of the 38 districts in Bihar. About a dozen parties have taken place in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh all BJP-run states Afzal said. In West Bengal, such parties will be held in the Muslim-majority districts of Murshidabad and Malda, apart from Burdwan, Asansol and Kolkata. Cow milk parties during iftar will start in West Bengal after the 10th day of Ramzan. We will not be able to organise such events in each of the states districts this year but hope to raise awareness against beef consumption and for the protection of cows, said Izharul Haque, West Bengal in-charge of MRM. In Kolkata, BJPs cow protection cell, too, is slated to organise a cow milk party in central Kolkata on June 6, though it would not be during an iftar. Incidentally, the first milk party in Kolkata was held in November 2015, when the Bengal unit of BJP organised it to counter a beef party organised at Esplanade at the heart of the citys business district. The milk party was held at the same place. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Participants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation, who served in the Kyiv-2 police battalion, Adam Osmayev and Amina Okuyeva, were attacked in Podil residential area in Kyiv, director of the communication department of the Interior Ministry, Artem Shevchenko, said. "In Podil in Kyiv, there was an audacious and insidious enemy attack on the patriots of Ukraine, ATO participants, volunteers who in 2014 defended their country in the ranks of the Kyiv-2 police battalion, Adam Osmayev and Amina Okuyeva. The attacker introduced himself as a foreign journalist and approached them with a request for an interview. Then he opened fire from a gun, and wounded Adam," Shevchenko wrote on his Facebook page Omayev's wife, Okuyeva, opened fire in self-defense and seriously wounded the assassin, the spokesman said. AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dinakaran, allegedly involved in the Election Commission bribery case, was on Thursday granted bail by a Delhi court against a surety bond of Rs 5 lakh. His close aide Mallikarjuna, who was arrested in the case too, was also granted relief by special judge Poonam Chaudhary. The court granted bail saying the duo was no longer required for custodial interrogation. Both men were asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and two sureties of the like amount. The court further asked them to not try and influence witnesses or tamper with evidence. Both men were arrested on April 25. MUZAFFARPUR Rekha Devi does not know who to blame -her fate or the poor health facilities at the government owned hospital, for the loss of her child. A resident of Raghunathpur under Musahari block in Muzaffarpur district of north Bihar, 25 kilometers east of the district headquarters, Rekha lost her baby boy within minutes of his birth in an auto rickshaw, while traversing the decrepit road leading to the sadar hospital. She had to take an auto rickshaw because the authorities at the primary health centre (PHC) at Musahari failed to provide her an ambulance to transport her to the Muzaffarpur sadar hospital, for her delivery, after she developed severe labour pain. Had the PHC authorities provided an ambulance, she would not have had to go through the trauma of negotiating jerky roads in an auto rickshaw and could have delivered her baby safely in the hospital. But, destiny had something else in store, said Sanjay, her brother-in-law. Rekha is now recovering at the hospital. This was not the first instance in which a patient had to bear the brunt of the inadequate medical infrastructure in the district and callousness of those manning the government medical facilities. Earlier, a woman from Pilkhi (Muzaffarpur), Soni Kumari, gave birth to a baby on the verandah of sadar hospital as doctors on duty refused to admit her because she did not have the test reports that, they said, she ought to be carrying. She ran from one office to another to collect her reports despite being in pain and ended up delivering her baby on the floor. Later, the hospital administration got her admitted to female ward to save its face, said an employee familiar with the case. In another instance, the body of an unidentified woman was carried in a hand pulled garbage tricycle to be disposed of at the mortuary of Muzaffarpurs Sri Krishna Medical College Hospital recently after it lay unattended for two days at a park, just 20 metres away from its main gate. The conditions have not improved despite the state health society writing thrice to the civil surgeon-cum-chief medical officer of the district, asking him to improve the facilities after taking cognizance of the reports appearing in HT. Thanks to the HT reports, the state health society had provided four more ambulances to the sadar hospital. Civil surgeon Dr Lalita Singh admitted she had a few ambulances and a mortuary van at her disposal which, she claimed, the needy could freely access. But, when asked about non availability of the ambulances or mortuary van to those in need in the instances cited by HT, she remained silent. Months after the BJP succeeded in forming its government in Goa though it lacked majority, the Congress, which had emerged as the single largest party in elections, on Thursday accused state Governor Mridula Sinha of failing to act judiciously in the matter. The BJP under Manohar Parrikar cobbled up an alliance comprising some local parties and Independents to install its government in March, even though the saffron party had won 13 seats against the Congress tally of 17 in the elections held for the 40-member House in February. We emerged as the single largest party (in the elections) and still continue to be so if you go by law. As per a rule, the leader of the single largest party should have been invited by governor to stake claim to form government, AICC secretary for Goa Amit Deshmukh told reporters in Panaji. Deshmukh said the convention of inviting the single largest party to form government was not followed in Goa, which is the cause for their grouse against the governor. It was for the governor to act judiciously in the mater related to formation of government. However, she failed to act judiciously, the Congress leader said referring to Sinhas invitation to BJP to prove its strength in the House in March. The Parrikar government proved its majority on floor of the Assembly on March 14 with the support of 13 MLAs of BJP, and three legislators each of Maharashtravadi Gomantak Paksha (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), besides three independents. Congress MLA Vishwajeet Rane had abstained from voting. Deshmukh alleged the incumbent Parrikar government is undemocratic. They (government) dont have the mandate and the way they have come to power is kind of power grabbing. Democracy is bulldozed, he said. Members of a cow vigilante group stabbed a college student multiple times for not taking photographs of their protest after mistaking him for a journalist in Gohana town of Haryanas Sonepat district on Thursday. The BA second-year student, Shivam, is battling for life at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. He reportedly went to the event with a journalist and was fiddling with his friends camera. The Gau Raksha Seva Dal held a protest demanding sedition charges against Congress workers in Kerala who slaughtered a cow in public last Saturday to defy new Central rules that no cattle can be sold or bought in animal markets for slaughter. The gau rakshaks self-styled cow protectors thought Shivam was a photographer and asked him to take photographs of them handing a memorandum to district officials. The student allegedly refused, which triggered an argument, but bystanders pacified the protesters. The gau rakshaks followed him after the protest, accosted him in a market, and stabbed his stomach and chest with knives, police said. He was admitted to local hospital initially but taken to Delhi because of his condition, police inspectorKuldeep Deswal said. The main suspect, identified as 19-year-old Mohit, was arrested. But two more suspects, both relatives of Mohit, are on the run. A case of attempt to murder was lodged against the three people and it mentions the accused as members of the cow protection group. But the group disowned the trio, saying they were troublemakers who join any protest, the police inspector said. The protest was against beef festivals in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, organized by groups against the latest curbs on cattle trade. The slaughter of cows, an animal considered sacred by many Hindus, was banned in most states but seldom implemented strictly until the BJP came to power at the centre in 2014 and won several assembly elections subsequently. BJP-ruled states such as Haryana enacted tough laws to enforce the ban and self-styled vigilantes took it upon themselves to protect cows. Such groups have been accused of thrashing men they accuse, often without proof, of slaughtering cows or carrying the animals to slaughterhouses. Hindu religious leader Acharya Dharmendra has disagreed with the statements of Rajasthan high court judge (retd) MC Sharma on national animal status for cow and peacocks not having sex to procreate. Cow cannot be termed an animal, so national animal status should not be demanded for it, Acharya Dharmendra, who is an accused in the Babri mosque demolition case, said on Thursday. Cow should be given status of national mother, as it is revered as mother in the country. And, cow killers should be given capital punishment, he added. The 75-year-old seer who heads the Khand Peeth (Virat Nagar) in Jaipur shared his views while passing through Kota after extending his bail from a court in Baran in case of provocative speech. The case is from 2008 and he was sentenced to two years imprisonment last month. He said judge Sharmas observation that peahens get pregnant through tears of peacocks did not hold any ground. Peacocks breed through sexual intercourse. Peahens getting pregnant by swallowing tears of peacocks is merely part of a poem, he said. The seer expressed anguish over a recent public cow slaughter in Kerala and beef consumption in the country and said, Beef eaters are enemies of mankind and cow killings are being justified for vote bank politics. He added, Naxals (Maoists) are being given Rs 15 lakh for their surrender whereas gau rakshaks (cow protectors) are being termed as goons. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government and Rajasthan government, also led by the party, of not fulfilling the Hindu communitys aspirations. He said the Narendra Modi government came to power at the Centre by criticising the pink revolution, but beef exports had increased. He also said Pakistan was still being considered a neighbour instead of an enemy country. The seer criticised Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje for not withdrawing the provocative speech court case against him. He said court cases against a large number of BJP workers had been withdrawn. The seer added he was not against Muslims. He said he was an admirer of patriotic Muslims such as former president APJ Abdul Kalam and freedom fighter Ashfaqulla Khan. The mortal remains of Squadron leader D Pankaj, one of the two pilots in the Sukhoi jet that had crashed on May 23, was cremated in Tezpur on Thursday. The body of Flight Lieutenant S Achudev, who was the other pilot killed in the crash, were sent to his native place in Kerala, a defence spokesman said. With IAF officials paying their last respects to the two pilots at the Tezpur Air Force base in Salonibari, Squadron Leader Pankajs mortal remains were cremated at Parua under Tezpur police station, defence spokesman Lt Col Sombit Ghosh told PTI. The family - his parents, younger brother, wife Richa and two-year-old daughter - were present at the Air Force base, he said. IAF officials handed over Pankajs official documents wrapped in the national Tricolour to his wife, he said. Pankajs younger brother performed the last rites in the presence of IAF and Army officials. Air Officer Commanding of Tezpur station, KVR Raju and General Officer Commanding of 4 Corps, Brig Samantray paid their last respects. Sonitpur district administration and Journalist Union also paid their tribute to the two pilots. Flight Lt S Achudevs body was sent to Thiruvananthapuram where the Kerala chief minister is scheduled to pay his last respects tomorrow before it is taken to his native place Calicut, Ghosh said. Talking to the media, AOC Raju said the black box of the crashed Sukhoi-30 has been sent for examination to find out why both the pilot were unable to eject to safety. Mortal remains of the two pilots of the crashed Sukhoi-30 were recovered on Wednesday from the crash site in dense forest area on hills in Assam-Arunachal Pradesh eight days after it had gone missing on May 23 when the aircraft crashed approximately 60 km from Tezpur Airbase after taking off from there on a routine training mission. The India-Canada relationship is resilient enough not to be affected by a motion passed by the Ontario Assembly describing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide, Canadian high commissioner Nadir Patel said on Thursday. While appreciating concerns expressed by India about such developments in Canada, Patel said the private members motion in Ontario in April and Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus presence at an event in Toronto in May that featured Khalistani flags should be seen in perspective. The Canada-India relationship is far more resilient to be sidetracked by a private members resolution that was voted for by 35 members in a provincial assembly, Patel told Hindustan Times. We appreciate and respect Indias concerns and we dont downplay themIf any information suggests wrong-doing, we will act on it, he said, adding security cooperation was one of the key aspects of bilateral ties. Prime Minister Trudeau attending the Khalsa Day celebrations is just that. If somebody shows up with signs but no laws are being broken, theres nothing we can do. The prime minister attending the event doesnt mean the government is a supporter of breaking up India, he said. Bilateral ties have not been affected by controversies in recent years but the recent developments had angered New Delhi. The external affairs ministry described the motion in the Ontario Assembly as misguided and based on a limited understanding of India. Trudeaus presence at the Khalsa Day event featuring Khalistani flags and posters of extremist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had caused consternation in New Delhi and an Indian official described it as surely a matter of concern. But Patel pointed out that the vast majority of the Indian-origin community in Canada was peace-loving and had made significant contributions to bilateral relations. He also pointed to the healthy state of bilateral exchanges, with eight Canadian cabinet ministers visiting India in nine months to take forward cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to education. Bilateral trade, currently worth about $8 billion, increased by almost 30% in the past two years and Canadian investment in India has grown during the same period years, with an estimated $14 billion in new investments. Patel noted that India is also the second largest source of international students in Canada. The number of Indians going to Canada for studies increased by an estimated 70% in 2016 and during the first five months of this year, the increase was almost 200% over the figures for the same period last year, he said. According to official statistics, the number of Indian students in Canada has risen from just 4,899 in 2006 to 32,070 in 2015. Reports have suggested the spike in recent months was due to the unfavourable climate in the US that followed the election of President Donald Trump. Patel attributed the increase to aggressive marketing, lower costs, the easy visa process and Canadas safe and welcoming environment which embraces diversity and multiculturalism. The envoy will next week lead a delegation of 150 Indian companies to mark the 150th anniversary of the confederation of Canada and explore new avenues for business. We are supportive of Indias reforms. At the same time, the India story is not known in Canada, he said. Representatives of the companies will spend three days in Toronto for business meetings with Canadian firms. They will also visit potential partners, participate in networking events and join the Canada-India Business Symposium. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Climate experts and environmentalists are of the opinion that India should stick to the Paris climate deal even if US President Donald Trump pulls out of the accord signed by 195 countries to fight global warming. Trump is expected to announce his decision by Friday morning (India time) on the 2015 accord under which all countries, barring Syria and Nicaragua, agreed to cut carbon emissions to fight climate change. It is not a good thing or bad thing, Ravi Shankar Prasad, joint secretary with the climate change division of the environment ministry, said on Thursday about the possibility of a US pullout. Both China and India have said they will honour their commitments regardless of the US position. But a pullout could see countries revisit their emission targets, which are fairly ambitious. Nobody can say climate change is not a concern, Prasad said but added, countries like India would not do anything that is not equitable. The way that the agreement is structured, the developed countries have to take the lead. Experts say India should stay on course to benefit from rapidly transforming global energy economy, where there is a distinct shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as wind and sun. India must use this as an opportunity to stress its climate leadership credentials on the world stage, Ashish Fernandes, senior campaigner at Greenpeace India, said. While a US withdrawal could ease pressure on India to meet its own emission target but it could also see the US reduce or junk its financial commitment to the Green Climate Fund. The fund was set up with contributions from developed countries to help developing countries such as India to cope with climate change. Of the $3 billion promised, the US, which is the second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, is still to pay $2 billion. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the earths atmosphere and warm the planet. China is the largest emitter while India is ranked third. Trump, who has called climate change a hoax, in the run-up to the presidential election spoke against the Paris accord. He promised to cancel the deal, saying it was bad for US business. The US had committed to cut emissions by 26 to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025. Ranjeet Mehta, director at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Delhi, made a business case for staying with Paris agreement. The renewable energy market is estimated to be worth $6 trillion by 2030, he said. India has set an ambitious target of meeting 40% of its energy needs using renewable sources by 2022 and increase renewable capacity to 175 gigawatts (GW), with 100 GW coming from solar power. India is feeling the effects of climate change with rising temperature, water shortage and agricultural stress, Arunabha Ghosh, founder-CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, an NGO, said. A US withdrawal will most certainly affect the mood inside and outside the negotiation chambers But India will persist, Ghosh said. Despite the positive spin, a US retreat will be a big blow for the planet. Whether he pulls out of the Paris agreement or forces a revision of US targets, Trump spells bad news for the global movement to tackle climate change. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, the most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people. I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations, the Russian president told Modi. As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO, he said. I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it, Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO) where Indias membership will be confirmed, he told Modi. Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putins hometown as Prime Minister. India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues, he said. Modi thanked Putin for his active role in getting India SCO membership. I thank you for all the initiatives taken, he said. Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. Normally, in international relations there are ups and downs. But history is witness, there have been no ups and downs in Indo-Russia relations. We have always moved forward, Modi said. Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of Sarvajan Sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), he added. PTI ANZ ZH AKJ ZH Indian security forces have built up a lot of pressure on insurgents in the past few weeks in Jammu and Kashmir and the results are visible on a daily basis, Union defence minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, the minister dismissed reports of mounting unrest and public anger in the Valley and said that the situation on the ground was mostly normal. We say this during the GST meetingthe situation is challenging in some pockets of south Kashmir but normal in Srinagar. The comments after months of clashes between security forces and the public amid widespread discontent over alleged human rights abuses, such as the tying of a Kashmiri man to an army jeep. The army has gunned down a number of militants in the past few weeks, including top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat last week, but has been unable to tamp down on local anger. Thousands showed up at the funeral of Bhat on Sunday. A series of ceasefire violations has also rocked the Line of Control. In the past few weeks, our armed forces that is the Indian army and BSF are dominating the line of control. The minister also hit out at Pakistan for scuttling chances of a dialogue. The government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situations in pasteach was responded by say, a Pathankot, Uri or mutilation of soldiers, he said, referring to attacks on army bases allegedly carried out by militants based in Pakistan. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On Friday, June 2, at 10.30, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Unjustified Sanctions Influence on Ukrainian Lottery Market Operation" about an unfounded sanction mechanism as a discriminating tool on the lottery market. The participants will include Vice President of M.S.L. LLC nationwide lottery operator Yevhen Vlasenko and Partner of law firm "Jurimex"head of the M.S.L. legal department Maryna Slobodnychenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). Accreditation is required by phone: (095) 273 2469. Safia Jamal first wore the hijab at 20, when she moved from her hometown of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh to Delhi, for her graduation. I lived in a small locality back home, but this was the first time I felt uncomfortable, she says. People stared on the streets, passed comments, so I opted to cover myself. Religion may have been only one of the factors for her, but others did not see it the same way. While she was studying MCA at an all-womens university near Jaipur, a male teacher told her to dress properly for a viva. Taken aback, Safia asked him what he meant. He told me, remove that round thing you wear around your head, you dont have to show youre Muslim here. As a visible Muslim woman, Safia often runs up against prejudice, from those who question her decision to wear a hijab, and very often, from those who expect her to behave a certain way because of it. Twenty-seven year old Saman Quraishi is familiar with this dilemma. I am a hijab-wearing Muslim woman, who dances the salsa, goes to Midnight Mass, makes rangoli and has friends who are boys. I dont know why people find this so difficult to digest, she says. In a political climate where triple talaq is a hot-button issue on daily television news, Muslim women are suddenly at the centre of mainstream discourse. But what are their concerns and apprehensions? THE ROAD TO EMPOWERMENT Education, education, education, says Kouser Fatima, a Bangalore-based dentist who curates Muslim Voices India, a crowd-sourced Twitter handle. Muslim women need to think of educating themselves, their daughters because this is where the community lags behind. Numbers tell the same story. The total number of literate Muslim women is 51.8%, as against the national average of 55.9% for all religious communities. The gap is wider for higher education. A 2007 study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development found the main factors contributing to low enrolment and high incidence of drop outs among Muslim girls were a combination of poverty, absence of separate girls school, conservative attitudes and early marriages. For Safia, coming to Delhi for a BSc degree from Jamia Millia Islamia was not negotiable. My elder sister is the first woman graduate in my family. The extended family and neighbours back home didnt approve, but my parents were supportive of our decision, she says. Safia recently moved to Banglaore in search of a job. And when she was in Delhi, she learned to navigate the big city alone, taking tuition classes for pocket money or just hanging out with friends at nukkad chai stalls. In Kheri, I didnt do anything. There were no challenges, nothing to do, she says. Samreen Hussain, who teaches law at Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow, echoes this. Muslim women need education to broaden their horizons, she says. Things are changing, she feels. In her batch at Aligarh Muslim Universitys law college in 2009, most women were studying with the full support of their family. Most of her classmates work now as judges, in PSUs, as teachers, or lawyers. Women need to step out into the world so they can break patriarchal norms, she says. WORKING FOR A FUTURE If the numbers in higher education are low, the poor representation of Muslim women in the workforce is shocking. According to 2001 Census figures, the work participation rate for Muslims in general was the lowest at 31.3, eight points lower than the national average. But Muslim womens presence was a miniscule 14.1, compared to the national average of 25 for women. As per Census 2011, 85% of Muslim women are not part of the workforce. In 2000, Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, former member of planning commission, authored Voice of the Voiceless, a report on the status of Muslim women. Seventeen years later, the needle hasnt moved much. No miracles have been created for Muslim women as far as government schemes are concerned. The biggest challenge facing them is dire, abysmal poverty, says Hameed. Most Muslim Women in India are self-employed in sewing, embroidery, chikan kari, zari, beedi or agarbatti rolling, but the work is usually sub-contracted and poorly paid. There is a lack of skill and livelihood, when it is there, is meagre, explains Hameed. To make matters worse, ever so often, some obscure cleric pipes up with a fatwa that women should not work outside, making things even more complicated. Safia points to another reason. In our community, a girls security and settlement is not a job, but marriage, she says. A lot of distant relatives tell my mother, your eldest daughter is 27, shes past the marriageable age. REPRESENTATION MATTERS The triple talaq debate is an example of how the All India Muslim Personal Law Board missed an opportunity for reform, says Hameed. We need better representation of women in these bodies. Not women that are just rubber stamps, but who have an agency or voice of their own. The All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board was formed in 2005, but has hardly ever taken a position contrary to the Board. Like in religion, politics too is strewn with hurdles for women. Back in 2013, Saman was figuring out what to do with life after finishing a social work degree from Mumbais Tata Institute of Social Sciences. One day, her father asked if she would like to attend a political rally by Arvind Kejriwal near their home in Old Delhis Daryaganj. When I reached there, I was among a handful of women. It was such a novelty that I was invited on the stage and asked to give a speech, she recounts. Samans speech on womens safety moved Kejriwal so much, he invited her to join AAP. She worked for the partys outreach, and since she was too young to contest at 23, was made the campaign manager for Matia Mahal. For the first campaign meeting, people said they couldnt come before 10 because of special Ramzan prayers. No one believed me when I said, I will come at 10.30 at night, says Saman. But slowly, word spread that she was, indeed, at every campaign meeting the sole young woman among 60-odd men, an indicator of how women are missing from politics. They listened to me because I had conviction. But soon enough, the character assassination and personal comments started, she says. Saman quit AAP two years later, disillusioned with politics, but her stint taught her that men hold a lot of sway over how women vote. For Kausar, the issue of representation is one she wrangles with every day, on social media. Here, as in other areas, representation matters. I feel we have to engage, most people are really ignorant. But the kind of anti-Muslim vitriol you see online, I have never seen in real life, she says. Kausar also has to field the occasional backlash from anonymous Muslim men, uncomfortable with the idea of a woman speaking out openly. Our issues are hijacked by Muslim men or liberal, feminist voices who very often look down upon the same people they claim to defend. Muslim women need to form a community and reclaim our own voice, she says. (This is Part 4 of HTs series #BeingMuslimNow. Part 1 explored the alienation and mistrust among Muslims for the ruling dispensation at the centre. Part 2 focuses on communitys political options and choices in contemporary India. Part 3 looks at the move towards internal reform and empowerment within the community. Next: Naseeruddin Shah on what it is to be a Muslim in India.) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An unknown militant group has claimed responsibility for the death of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Sabzar Bhat, who was slain by security personnel in a South Kashmir encounter a few days ago. The group which identified itself as Mujahideen Taliban-e-Kashmir said they provided information on Bhat to security forces because he was coming in the way of Kashmirs Islamic struggle. A video that surfaced on the social media on Wednesday showed an armed masked man swearing allegiance to former HM commander Zakir Musa in his quest to turn Kashmir into an Islamic state. Another clip posted on Thursday showed three masked men telling both militants and Kashmiri citizens to follow Musa unless they wanted to face the same fate as Bhat. We provided information on the militants in Arampora, and we will continue to do so if anybody comes in our way, one of them said. Sabzar got what he deserved, and we dont care who becomes the new chief. While security agencies remain tight-lipped on this development, Musa issued neither a confirmation nor a denial. Social media users chose to brand this as a ruse of security agents to divide militant ranks. Two days after announcing his split from the HM, Musa had called for unity among all militants in Kashmir. However, the firebrand militant also reiterated that he would always fight alongside those who believe in sharia or sahadat (establishing Islamic rule or attaining martyrdom), and not take orders from people sitting on carpets in Pakistan. He also denied forming a separate militant group or joining a new organisation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Armed miscreants on Thursday looted Rs 16.80 lakh from a branch of State Bank of India at Baajlachowk in Deoghar district, police said. Six armed miscreants entered the SBI branch at Baajlachowk in the district and took the branch manager and other employees hostage at gun point and looted the money. After looting the money they fled from the branch. On being informed of the incident, DIG (Santal Paragana), Akhilesh Jha and Deoghar Superintendent of Police, A Vijayalaxmi along with police force rushed to the bank for investigation. Confirming the incident, Vijayalaxmi said the miscreants took away the mobile phones of the employees. She said the miscreants entered the bank posing as customers and escaped within 10 minutes after looting the amount. We are verifying CCTV footages of the bank to apprehend the culprits, some of them have already been identified, Vijayalaxmi said. adding that a massive raids were going on for the purpose. A journalist in Madhya Pradeshs Pipliyamandi was shot dead at his office in a busy market on Wednesday night, a murder his family members said was carried out by local bootleggers he exposed recently. Kamlesh Jain, 42, was alone in his office at Lovely Chouraha filing stories for the Indore-based Hindi daily that he worked for when two suspects came on a motorcycle, shot him twice at close range and sped away. Pipliyamandi is a small town, 15kms from the district headquarters Mandsaur. Police said this is the first time that such an incident has taken place in this town. Jains killing underscores the difficulties journalists face in India, a country that has ranked among the worst in the world for press freedom. Wednesdays murder led to a spontaneous protest with traders raising slogans against the police. DIG Avinash Sharma rushed to Pipliyamandi. The victims brother Manish Jain said that Kamlesh had an altercation with some people involved in illegal liquor trade at a railway crossing four days back and that these people had threatened to kill him. My brother had given an application to the local police station informing them of the incident, but no action was taken, Manish alleged. According to sources, Kamlesh tipped off local police about some local dhaba (restaurant) owners who were selling alcohol illegally. The tip led to one of their vehicles carrying liquor being seized by police. Pipliyamandi town in-charge Anil Singh Thakur did not confirm the motive and said multiple angles were under investigation. DIG Avinash Sharma said the suspects had been identified and they will be apprehended soon. He denied that Kamlesh had given an application to the police alleging a threat to life. We are aware of the altercation at the railway crossing, and a Dial-100 team had reached the spot after receiving call from Kamlesh, but the other party had left the spot by then, he said. Police sources said that they have detained three persons Jaswant Sondhiya, Jeetu and Banti all from village Bhanchkheri in Pipliyamandi. None of them have been charged yet, the sources said. The legal fraternity in Rajasthan is aghast at former high court justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma for the cow and peacock statements he made on the last day of his tenure, saying constitutionally the judgment was not correct. Justice Sharma recommended declaring cow a national animal, and cited benefits of cow urine and cow dung, while disposing of a 2010 PIL on a government-managed cow shelter in Hingonia near Jaipur. The judge also said peacock does not have sex and the peahen gets pregnant drinking the tears of the peacock, evoking strong reactions. Lawyers and former high court judges felt that law and faith should not be mixed and such a judgment on the last day was against judicial dignity. Former Rajasthan high court judge Pana Chand Jain said, What is the need of national animal status to cow as in the Constitution under article 48, cow has been given protection. The article states that the bovine cannot be slaughtered. The respective state governments are given rights to completely ban bovine slaughter. He asked what was the benefit in calling cow a national animal a law cannot be made and there is no need to declare it as there is already a law to protect it. Asking the chief secretary and attorney general to work on declaring the cow a national animal was unconstitutional as it cannot be implemented because the law making authority is the legislative assembly of the state. Constitutionally, the judgment is not correct, he said. On the peacock remarks, justice Jain said, I am not aware what is there in religious books but practically it is not understandable. The cow cannot be compared with peacock. He said that when in this country, there is no declaration of a national language, then the question of declaring cow as national animal does not arise. Rajasthan high court advocate RP Singh said, What he (justice Sharma) said about the sex life of a peacock is factually unfounded. Faith and law need to be kept at a respectable distance. Kuldeep Mathur, president of the Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association in Jodhpur, said a judge should work within the purview of law. He said it is the work of a legislator to decide whether the cow should be declared a national animal. If the legislature thinks fit, it can make laws for the welfare of animals. He said there were several legal provisions for conservation of cows, which need to be strictly enforced. Moreover, a high court judge should speak on scientific basis, he added Senior advocate Anand Purohit said a high court judge should not give such a judicial order a day before retiring. This is contrary to judicial dignity, he said. A Jammu and Kashmir policeman bludgeoned a colleague with a stone and threw the body into a river for allegedly assaulting him sexually, officers said on Thursday. Police registered a case of murder against Aijaz Ahmad, a special police officer (SPO) posted in Srinagar, for killing constable Sameer Kumar. Kumar allegedly sodomised Ahmad in the car they were travelling in north Kashmirs Handwara on May 14 to drop a relative of the constable. Police said a search is on to trace the body in Handwaras Pohru river. Ahmed allegedly admitted to killing Kumar after his disappearance. He was the main suspect as the two were friends and often seen together. Initially, the SPO made up a story that an inebriated Kumar jumped into the river over a failed affair with a girl. Central Kashmir deputy inspector general of police GH Bhat said the SPO revealed all during sustained questioning. Ahmed and the constable left for the tourist hub of Pahalgam in south Kashmir on May 13. They allegedly drank alcohol and smoked cannabis, and stayed in the car until sunrise after reaching the town around 3am. The duo then went to meet Kumars uncle, who has to be dropped in north Kashmirs Kupwara. Ahmed revealed that during their journey to Pahalgam, constable Kumar sexually assaulted him and threatened that he would disclose the incident to their colleagues, Bhat said. The embarrassment and prospect of living with social stigma allegedly prompted him to plot Kumars murder. The officer said the SPO stopped his car near a bridge across the Pohru on their way from Kupwara, picked up a stone and hit the constable on his face and head. Kumar died in a few minutes and he threw the body into the river. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi expressed anguish on Thursday over the way the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government headed by K Chandrasekhar Rao shattered the dreams of various sections of people who fought for a separate state for decades. Gandhi was addressing a public meeting organised by the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee at Sangareddy, about 70km from Hyderabad, on the eve of the third anniversary of the formation of Telangana. He said the Congress, under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, granted separate statehood to the region as it understood the dreams and aspirations of the people despite knowing that it would be a politically disastrous move and face stiff resistance from various forces opposing bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. But have your dreams been fulfilled in the last three years? Have you been able to get your due share of waters, jobs, land and financial resources? Gandhi asked. He said Telangana had become captive in the hands of just four family members of KCR (as the CM is popularly known). This family has usurped the rights of the people and made all others, including MPs, MLAs, ministers and other public representatives subservient to it. The chief minister is not working for the common man, but for contractors and lobbyists. He (KCR) has done nothing for the people except changing the names of schemes introduced by the previous Congress government and trying to redesign the projects taken up by us. What kind of Telangana is this? Is this the Golden Telangana you had fought for? Lashing out at the TRS government, the Congress vice-president said not a single job was created in the last three years, while farmers could not get fresh loans. The so-called loan waiver scheme was just bogus. When the Congress was in power in the state, it had waived crop loans worth Rs 70,000 crore in one stroke. Though the TRS government is making tall claims, many farmers were still not able to get fresh loans from banks, he said. Gandhi said he was terribly disturbed to know that farmers were handcuffed and paraded for demanding remunerative prices for their crops. He also criticised KCR for trying to water down the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 brought in by the previous UPA government to safeguard the interests of farmers who would be losing their land to irrigation projects. While the Congress sought to protect their rights by making it mandatory to take the approval of farmers for land acquisition, this chief minister is usurping their land forcibly, he alleged. Gandhi also said the TRS government failed to provide jobs to the unemployed youth, fulfil its promise of providing education to the students free of cost from KG to PG and facilitate industrialisation. While (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi talked about Make in India, KCR promised rapid industrial growth. The Congress party, if voted to power, will ensure that every product used by the people will have Made in India and Made in Telangana imprint, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Kerala police arrested on Thursday eight workers of the Youth Congress, who allegedly slaughtered a calf in Kannur last week to protest Centres new notification on cattle trade. The incident triggered outrage, and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had dubbed it a thoughtless and barbaric act. The Congress later suspended three people, including Rejil Makutty, who led the crowd from the party. The activists slaughtered the animal at the heart of the North Kerala city, while shouting slogans against the Narendra Modi government. They later cooked the meat and distributed it. Their protest was in response to a notification issued by the Union government outlawing the sale of cattle for slaughter. Cows are considered holy by Hindus, and Saturdays slaughtering boomeranged on the Congress when Kerala BJP president Kummanan Rajasekharan posted a video of the demonstration. A number of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders spoke up against the issue, including Gujarat and UP chief ministers. Youth Congress leaders admitted that they made a mistake with the demonstrations. Sources said the party members thought beef festivals had become common, and slaughter-and-cook demonstration would have been something unusual. Kerala is ruled by a Left government, one of the strongest critics of the BJP. Its chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and his Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee, were among the most prominent critics of the notification issued last week. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A proposed beef party by some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Meghalaya to mark the third anniversary of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has sparked a controversy with one office bearer quitting the saffron outfit and another likely to be asked to resign. I quit the party as the BJP is trying to impose their ideology on us. Whats wrong if we planned to celebrate the third anniversary in our own traditional way? Bernard N Marak, former West Garo Hills district president of the BJP, questioned. The leader hit the headlines a few days back after he stated that the saffron party would bring down prices of beef in Meghalaya if it comes to power after next years assembly polls. Bernard told the Hindustan Times that the party was to be held in the second week of June in a bid to clear doubts of the local people that BJP was trying to impose a ban on consumption of beef. Meghalaya has a dominant Christian population and consumption of beef is common among the Khasis, Garos and Jaintias - the three major tribes of the northeastern state. The party was growing rapidly in Garo Hills. But now many people are worried and there could be more resignations, Bernard, who plans to contest as an Independent candidate from Tura (South) in 2018, said. The partys North Garo Hills district president Bachu C Marak also posted about holding a beef party with bitchithe local term for rice beeron Facebook on Wednesday. BJPs Meghalaya in-charge Nalin Kohli, who was in Shillong, told HT that the state unit will take steps to remove Bachu or will welcome his resignation. The BJP as a disciplined party will not tolerate any members who, for their personal political gains, digress from Modijis agenda of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (With Everyone, For Everyones Development), Kohli said. The post announcing a beef party that was uploaded on Facebook by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bachu C Marak. (Photo: Facebook) There are 26 assembly seats in Garo Hills and some party leaders feel the Centres decision to ban the sale of cattle at animal markets for slaughter could affect the partys prospects in the next assembly polls. In a notification announced last week, the government said cows and buffaloes cannot be sold for slaughter at animal markets across India, allowing only farmland owners to trade at animal markets. The notification, which banned the sale of cows, bulls, bullocks, buffaloes, steers, heifers, calves, and camels, has triggered a political storm in India. Kohli, however, feels Bernard and Bachu used the beef row to find a convenient excuse to play the martyr card. None of this will make us digress from the single-minded goal of ousting the corrupt Congress government of Mukul Sangma. More credible leaders and personalities are getting drawn to the BJP on a regular basis, he said. On Wednesday, former legislator Manas Chaudhuri and leader of Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) Sounder Strong Cajee joined the BJP in Shillong in Kohlis presence. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The missing Kashmiri teenager, whose gun wielding photographs went viral on social media a week ago and raised fears that he might have joined a militant organisation, has returned to his family, police said on Thursday. Deputy inspector general of police (central Kashmir) GH Bhat confirmed Tufail Ahmad Mir, a college student from Srinagars Qamarwari area, had returned home, but refused to say whether the teenager was arrested or he surrendered to the force. Why should I tell you whether he has surrendered or was arrested? the DIG asked. On further prodding, he said that the boy is not with us and that he is with his home people. 19-year-old Dar went missing on May 20 and a few days later pictures of him posing with a gun appeared on social media in Kashmir. He had recently joined college and was in his first semester at the Government Degree College in Bemina when he went missing. A senior police official confirmed Dar met with militants to join their ranks. An increasing number of local men have been joining militancy after Burhan Wani, a popular Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander, was killed in an encounter in July last year but just a few of them are from the summer capital, Srinagar. Wani is said to have taken to militancy after security forces allegedly thrashed him and his brother Khalid in 2010 without any provocation. Last month, a 23-year-old man from Shopian, who escaped from police custody earlier this month, released a video saying he had joined the militant ranks and that tyranny and illegal detention had led him to becoming an insurgent. On May 14, the then Kashmir police inspector general, SJM Gilani said that around 200 militants were active in Kashmir valley and around 110 were local men. Superintendent of police (east city) Gurvinder Pal Singh told the Hindustan Times last week that two men from his area of the city had joined militancy after Wanis death. Last week, junior home minister Hansraj Ahir told the Parliament that 88 people had joined militancy in the restive valley in 2016 when large parts of Kashmir were rocked by protests against the killing of Wani. It was the highest in six years and potentially linked to public angst after Wani was killed by security forces. At least 56 of them were from south Kashmir, the epicentre of the agitation that saw violent clashes between stone-pelting protesters and security forces. The VII International Conference "UkrCemFor 2017. Cement industry. Best Practices. Development prospects" with a focus on highlighting the important aspects of cement industry took place on May 23-25, 2017 in Radisson Blu Hotel in Kyiv. Forum Organizer The Ukrcement Association of Cement Producers of Ukraine, Co-organizer A7 CONFERENCES. Partner NIKO Trading. Partners - CRH Group, Ivano-Frankivsk Cement, Dyckerhoff Ukraine, Heidelbergcement Ukraine, JSC Eurocement Ukraine, Aggreko, Altkom, PLITOS, Inlab Architects, EKTA, Altis Hodling, NORDIMPIANTI, Official Carrier Turkish Airlines. "UkrCemFor 2017" for the 7th time became a communication platform and brought together key players of the Ukrainian and European cement industry leaders. The event focused on the important aspects growth of Ukrainian cement market, quality of products and the use of advanced production technology of cement and building materials. Volodymyr Omelyan, Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine said: "We have been talking about cement roads for a long time. And my dream, as a minister, is that the East and South regions of Ukraine have a concrete covering of motorways. Plans of 2015-2016 were destroyed by our reality, when 95% of the roads were no longer usable. We must now repair and restore them to the previous state. At the same time, looking ahead, we understand that there is no alternative to concrete roads. Among the roads, which we are already planning to build in concrete, will be the roads of Dnepropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Zakarpattia regions. It will be, at least, the southern part of the road, which will connect Gdansk and Odesa." Pavlo Kachur, Head, Association of Cement Manufacturers of Ukraine, "Ukrcement" noted: "The high-quality product is not just a guarantee that the buyer will get the product for which he paid. First and foremost, it is the safety of his life. Because if cement is defective, the design of the building may collapse and lead to tragedy. As a result of common actions of the manufacturer, the seller and the public organization we want to benefit the ordinary consumer. We want them not to be cheated on the scales, on product quality or fake label." Miguel Machado, Development Director Ukraine, CRH Ukraine noted: "The advantage of fighting the counterfeit is the creation of a cement image as a reliable product. It is also possible to track the product and track the quality from the manufacturer to the end user, and this creates conditions for fair competition, without external factors affecting the quality, and the product is developing according to the needs of the end user. And, finally, the share of cement with a guarantee of quality increases, and the state takes a step towards increasing the transparency of the economy. In turn, the construction industry and the economy as a whole are becoming more stable". Roman Skilsky, Executive Director, Ukrcement Association said: "We often face with a poor quality of cement, which is being sold to Ukrainians. There are manipulations on the chemical composition, when a lower-quality commodity is sold at higher price, or on low-grade goods. But it is worth to note that Ukraine produces high-quality cement, and the infrastructure of cement production is available throughout the country. We can provide ourselves with cement completely, even with a significant increase in demand for it." Among the other speakers of the Forum: Volodymyr Shulmeyster, First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine (2014-2016); Director of the area "Infrastructure of the Future", Ukrainian Institute for the Future; Petro Mykhaylyshyn, Chief Executive Officer, Epicentr K; Elena Borisova, Manager of Energy Efficiency Programs and Climate Change, EBRD; Georgiy Geletukha, Chairman of the Board, Bioenergy Association of Ukraine; Dr. Martin Schneider, Chief Executive, Verein Deutscher Zementwerke e.V. (VDZ); Vitaliy Vlasenko, Team-lead of the project on illustrative specifications at ProZorro, Advisor to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine; Oleg Tsilvik, Deputy Chairman of the Board, Union consumer Ukraine; Olexander Rotov, Chairman of the Board, Confederation of Builders of Ukraine; Ljudmyla Kripka, Head of Department of Scientific, Technical and Legal Information, Ukrcement Association; Eugene Poluleh, Executive Director, JSC "HeidelbergCement Ukraine"; Valery Virozhemskiy, First Deputy Director for Science, SE DerzhdorNDI; Oleg Ostroverkhiy, Ph.D., Expert Association "Ukrcement"; Helmut Leitgeb, Regional manager, Deltabloc International GmbH; Olena Shuk, Construction Sector Head, Better Regulation Office Delivery; Andriy Shklyar, Head of the Expert Department, Center for Transport Strategies; Igor Gameliak, Doctor of Technical Sciences, National Transport University; Eamon Geraghty, Technical Director, CRH Group Services; Dr. Natalya Parasyuk, Project Manager PMR, The World Bank; Julija Glockler, Project Manager, Cement Chemistry, VDZ; Sergey Rubalsky, Director General, Global Certific; Sergiy Tolmachev, Professor, KhNADU; Sergii Koretskyi, CEO, LLC "Institute UKRDORPOEKT"; Valeriy Savenko, CEO, NIKO TRADING; Anders Skaerlund Petersen, Project Director, PMP certified, Flsmidth; Dimitri Braizew, Area Manager, AUMUND Fordertechnik GmbH; Lina Durak, Deputy head of representation in Uzbekistan, DAL Teknik Makina Ticaret ve A.S.; Stanislav Babych, Director, Sigma Engineering; Olena Omelchenko, Head of International Trade Practice, Ilyashev & Partners Law Firm; Yulia Andrusiv, General Manager, Aggreko Ukraine, Belarus & the Baltics; Myroslav Sanytsky, Professor, Lviv Polytechnic National University; Yuriy Kaygorodcew, Director, PLITOS, Inlab Architects; Andrii Shklyar, Head of the Expert Division, the Center for Transport Strategies; Viktor Andrusiv, Executive Director, Ukrainian Institute for the Future and others. Among participating companies: Verein Deutscher Zementwerke e.V., IBAU HAMBURG Ingenieurgesellschaft Industriebau mbH, VGH AG, RHI AG, AUMUND Fordertechnik GmbH, The World Bank, EBRD, Deltabloc International GmbH as well as delegations of many equipment producers and research institutes of cement industry. General TV Partners News One, General news partner Interfax-Ukraine, Exclusive business media partner Business Newspaper, Exclusive media partner LigaBusinessInform. Media partners: Swiss Travel Magazine, CEO Club, Global Cement Magazine, International Cement Review, Group of editions Kapstroitelstvo, Ukrainian Building Community (UBC), Build journal, Delovoje Vedomosti, Build Portal, ProfBuild, Global Ukraine, Industry in focus, Cement and its application magazine, Kyiv Post, URE Club, UBJ, Property Times, Publishing House Ukraine Business. Supported by Ukrainian American Coordinating Council, TUID, Arab Union for Cement and Building Materials and others. The materials and video of from the conference are available on the website: a7conf.com/ukrcemfor17/en Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who meet in St Petersburg on Thursday, are expected to sign an agreement for building the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant. The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centrepiece of the summit, and the two units of the plant -- which will have the capacity to produce 1,000 MW of electricity each -- will boost Indias nuclear power generation. Indian officials told PTI that last-minute talks are taking place with Russian officials to work out the language of the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The reactors are being built by Indias Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russias Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom. Rosatom is the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. There is a lot of mutual trust and personal chemistry between the two leaders that has developed over the last three years, Pankaj Saran, Indias ambassador to Russia, told PTI. The two countries are also expected to sign a number of other agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties, in addition to a vision statement that the two leaders will release. At the summit on Thursday, the leaders will take stock of the current relationship and discuss a blueprint for a vision of the future, Saran said. The Prime Minister arrived in St Petersburg for a three-day visit on Wednesday night. The Russian city of St Petersburg was the former capital of imperial Russia founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703 and was known as Petrograd and Leningrad. PM Modi will attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday. Its the first time that an Indian prime minister is attending the economic and business summit. Trade between the two nations stands at $7.8 billion, down from $10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to $30 billion in the next five years. Modi will begin his Russia sojourn with a visit on Thursday to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for about 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Modi will then be received by Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian Presidents official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides. Ahead of his arrival, Modi wrote an article in Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazetta in which he said India and Russia are natural partners in fighting terrorism and asserted that ties between the two nations have withstood the test of time. We have been together in times -- good and bad, he wrote. India-Russia relations have been the one constant in a world that has changed dramatically since 1947. They have withstood the test of time, and grown from strength to strength. The resilience of our relationship is based on the fact that it rests on the principles of equality, trust and mutual benefit, Modi said. He also hailed the erstwhile Soviet Unions help to India in building its industrial base. He said both countries are opening new areas of cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications and science and technology and they have set up funds to facilitate investment in high technologies. India and Russia on Thursday signed the much-awaited agreement on setting up of two more units of a nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu and decided to give a new direction to the defence cooperation between the two great powers. The two countries also decided to hold the first tri-Services exercises, named Indra-2017, this year and start joint manufacturing of frigates, adding on to the co-production of Kamov-226 military helicopters. These decisions were taken at the wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here which covered a range of issues, including terrorism and increasing trade and investment. Addressing the media jointly with Putin after the talks, Modi said the relations between India and Russia have been unwavering, based on mutual love, respect and strong trust. From culture to security, our relations have been at par... We speak in one language, he added. He said the two leaders had decided to speed up the bilateral cooperation in all fields, for which an Action Plan has been devised. Putin described the talks as substantative and said the India-Russia partnership is developing into strategic and priveleged one. The two sides signed five agreements, which included one on setting up of Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu with the Russian help. Modi said the nuclear agreement, which was a major outcome of the summit meeting, will further strengthen the ties between the two countries. Putin said, India and Russia have agreed in joint plans to erect 12 NPP units of Russian design. The other pacts included a contract for a high-speed train service between Nagpur and Secunderabad, an MoU for export of precious stones and jewellery and a programme on cultural exchanges. We welcome the conclusion of the the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant, said a Vision Document issued after the talks. The reactors will be built by Indias Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russias Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled A vision for the 21st Century said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an energy bridge. It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. We will strive to build an energy bridge between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency, it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with Indias Make In India initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the Programme of Action for Localisation in India signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Ministers Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said that there has been a steady and demonstrable achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of Indias largest energy hubs. Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to Indias energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation, as per the document. Referring to the defence ties, Putin said the two countries agreed on designing and producing state of the art weapons. Talking about terrorism, Modi said the views of the two countries are similar on the problem in whichever form it exists, whether in Afghanistan, Middle East or Asia-Pacific. India and Russia stand together on terrorism and new challenges to the security, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as Prime Minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow in St Petersburg. Normally, international relations see ups and downs but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs, the PM said and thanked the Russian president for playing crucial role in getting India Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) membership. Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Modi mentioned to Putin about his visit to the cemetery this morning where he paid homage to the victims of the World War II. You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred, Modi told Putin. Putins brother was killed 70 years ago in the siege of Leningrad during the World War II. He thanked Modi for visiting the war memorial, saying such places have special place in Russian peoples heart. The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a vision statement that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of Indias largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. A 21-year-old sailor allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service revolver on board the naval vessel INS Rana early on Thursday, the Navy said. The sailor, Vikash Yadav, was doing security sentry duty at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. A Navy spokesman said Yadav, a native of Bhind area in Madhya Pradesh, was an electrical mechanical power class-1 employee in the warship and allegedly shot himself around 5am on the vessel stationed at the naval dockyard. His family and local police have been informed of this unfortunate incident. A board of inquiry is being ordered to investigate into the incident. The 21-year old sailor is unmarried, the spokesman said. Fellow sailors, who heard the gunshots, rushed to the spot and immediately shifted him to local naval hospital INHS Kalyani, where the doctors declared him dead. The Malkapuram police registered a case and investigation is on to ascertain the reasons behind the alleged suicide. This is the second instance of a Navy personnel killing himself. In January, a Navy cadet accused his trainers and superiors of mentally and physically harassing him in a note before he purportedly jumped off a building at the Ezhimala Naval Academy in Kerala. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A German woman known by her vague Telegram group name Nau Lee is suspected to be the pivot of a multinational set of Islamic State (IS) sympathisers, including Indians. She is said to have motivated IS suspect Amzad Khan, a 37-year-old Indian who was arrested by Saudi Arabian police last September and deported this April. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), the nations anti-terrorism organisation, is verifying his statement about the girl from Germany who he said was the admin or controller of the Telegram group he was part of. Close to 20 people from nations as diverse as the Maldives, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany and India were members of the social media group, called Nau Lee, agency officials said. Telegram is an encrypted messaging service similar to social media applications such as WhatsApp and has emerged as a favourite online tool used by IS terrorists and sympathisers. The NIA could approach law-enforcement agencies of countries mentioned in the group. But Khans claims have to be ascertained before our investigators can decide an action plan, an official said. The members followed a common ideology and shared IS-related news and posts within the group, according to the NIA interrogation report, which is available with Hindustan Times. Khan said in his statement that he was an active Twitter user and operated his handle with an alias, Ayan Khan Salafi. He began following around August or September 2015 a person from the Maldives, who added him to the Telegram group. Khan couldnt remember his name now. The Telegram address got him in touch with suspected IS operative Mohammad Masiuddin alias Musa of West Bengal. Arrested last year, he is the lone Indian to be interrogated by the FBI of the US for links with the worlds most brutal terrorist outfit. The NIA has accused Masiuddin of waving IS flags in Srinagars Jamia Masjid area in May 2016. Masiuddin allegedly added Khan to another Telegram group filled with IS sympathisers, but he couldnt follow their chats as the members communicated in Bangla. The language barrier prompted Khan to detach himself from that group. Above all else, he is accused of being in touch with Syria-based IS recruiter Yusuf-al-Hindi. He allegedly wanted to go to Syria, but his romance with a medical student from Uttar Pradesh held him back. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A former Rajasthan high court judge who made national headlines for saying peacocks didnt have sex told HT on Thursday that his theory didnt need scientific evidence as it was backed by religious texts. In an exclusive interview to HT at his Jaipur residence, former HC judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma said peacocks were mentioned in all Hindu texts respectfully as being celibate creatures. Theres a reference in Bhagwat Purana about peacocks not having sex. Sharma became a national talking point on Wednesday when he told reporters that peacocks were celebrated in Hinduism because they procreated by swallowing tears, and not sex. He was commenting after a judgment where he asked the government to declare the cow Indias national animal and extolled the virtues of cow urine. He was hearing the case pertaining to several deaths at a government-run cow shelter since 2011. Sharma who retired from the HC on Wednesday said that he had mentioned his widely ridiculed peacock theory in a judgment last year, a copy of which is with HT. The main characteristic of the peacock is his celibacy. The peahen gets pregnant by swallowing the tears of the peacock. The feather of this sacred bird is adorned by Lord Krishna. The culling of such a bird is a matter of national concern, the judgement, dated January 11, 2016, reads. Sharma had rejected bail of a 17-year-old boy charged with poisoning wheat and maize seeds which led to death of 12 peacocks in Bundis Keshupura village. Wednesdays judgement had come amid increasingly shrill rhetoric around cow protection that has already claimed several lives, including that of a Muslim dairy farmer in Rajasthan two months ago. But Sharma dismissed criticism of his decision and said he had merely suggested, not ordered, that the cow be declared a national animal. You dont connect this with anything political, connect it with cows only. Does he plan to join politics? Sharma rejected any speculation and said his only ambition was religious. Bhagwan ki pooja path karenge (I will devote my time to worshipping gods.) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Thursday and the two countries concluded a much-awaited agreement to build the last two units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. After Putin, he is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on June 26 in Washington, Hindustan Times has learnt. This would be a highly-anticipated first meeting between the two after Trump took office in January. Government sources said counter-terrorism, maritime security and Afghanistan will top Modis agenda during his two-day visit to the US from June 25. In St Petersburg, the Russian Presidents hometown, Modi and Putin discussed ways to take their energy and strategic ties forward. Russia and India signed five pacts, reflecting the partnership between the traditional allies. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and Russias Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulator of Russias nuclear complex, will jointly build the reactors of the 6,000 megawatt plant. The final two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000MW of power. International relations see ups and downs, but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs, the Prime Minister said and thanked President Putin for playing a crucial role in getting India the SCO membership. Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Also, he said in an exclusive interview to PTI that Russia does not have any tight military relationship with Pakistan, and asserted that its close friendship with India cannot be diluted. But he sidestepped a question on Kashmir, saying no matter where the threat comes from, it is unacceptable and we will always support India in its fight against terrorism. Modi, who is on a four-nation tour, will return from France on June 3. He will travel to Astana in Kazakhstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on June 8 and 9. His official functions in Washington will be confined to the first half of June 26. The possibility of the Indian private sectors commitment to create jobs and opportunities in the US is likely to be his agenda. That could be an attempt to bridge gaps as latest US policies are inimical to immigrant workers following Trumps poll promise to create and protect American jobs. On his way to the US, he will stop in the Netherlands. He will visit Portugal on his return journey. President Vladimir Putin on Thursday insisted that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking and scoffed at allegations that hackers could influence the outcome of elections in the United States or Europe. But the Russian leader admitted the possibility that some individual patriotic hackers could have mounted some attacks amid the current cold spell in Russias relations with the West. Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of leading international news agencies, Putin also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers participation in attacks - he didnt specify which - could have been rigged in an attempt to smear Russia. I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack, Putin said. Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily. US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trumps election victory, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaigns ties with Russia have shattered Moscows hopes for a detente with Washington. Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the outcome of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so. He noted that Russia can work constructively with any German leader, adding that he had good ties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel despite some differences. Russian meddling was also a concern in France, with Putin publicly expressing his sympathy for President Emmanuel Macrons rivals in the campaign. Macrons aides claimed in February that Russian groups were interfering with his campaign, and a document leak hit Macrons campaign in the final hours of the French race. Moscow has strongly denied all allegations of election meddling. Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, cant sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. Im deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another countrys election campaign, he said. No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America. Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia, he said. Theoretically its possible. Russias relations with the West have been at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis. The US and the EU have slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Putin today said that economic restrictions against Russia have had zero effect. He predicted that the current strain in relations will ease, because its counterproductive and harmful. Touching on tensions in the Pacific, Putin said that Russias military deployments on a group of Pacific islands also claimed by Japan have been caused by concerns about the US military buildup in the region. The four islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of the World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Putin said the US will likely continue to build up its missile shield in the region even if North Korea agrees to curb its nuclear and missile programs, in the same way it has continued to develop missile defenses in Europe despite a deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions. Former Rajasthan high court judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma is facing a storm of criticism for suggesting the cow be made Indias national animal and that peacocks didnt have sex to procreate. But in an exclusive interview to HTs Rakesh Goswami, the judge defended his theory on the basis of religious evidence. He also said he planned to go back to being an advocate and had no political ambition. Below are the excerpts: Youve been trolled on social media for what you said about cows and peacocks yesterday. How do you react to this? I have already given a copy of the order on cows to you. Subsequently, I will also give you one of my earlier orders which talks about peacocks. You will find everything there. A copy of the earlier order by former Rajasthan high court judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma on peacocks. You think all that you have said in the judgements has scientific evidence? Scientific evidence isnt everything theres religious evidence. Theres a reference in Bhagwat Purana about peacocks not having sex. Do you think it is the duty of the high court to suggest what should be made a national animal? Anybody can suggest. Theres a difference between suggestion and direction. The government has to follow a direction otherwise it faces contempt of court. Suggestions is the discretion of the government -- whether to accept or not accept. But that suggestion coming from a high court judge carries a lot of weight. We function in a double capacity as a high court judge and as a public man. Did the suggestion to make cow the national animal come from a judge or a normal citizen? At this time, it came in a judgement. But not as a direction; it is expected (from the government). At a time when Rajasthan made national headlines for a man who was lynched for carrying cows, do you think it was appropriate for you to extol the virtues of cows? I dont want to comment on anything except my judgement. Was there nothing wrong with the timing of the judgement? Im hearing the case for six years. The position of gaushala (the state-run Hingonia cow shelter in Jaipur) has improved. You dont connect this with anything political, connect it with cows only. A lot of people are asking if you want to join politics? What do you want to do now? Its useless. I have moved an application to the Bar Council of Rajasthan to renew my license and I will return to practice. Once an advocate, always an advocate. So you have no political ambitions? No.. I have religious ambitions. Which means what? Bhagwan ki pooja path karenge (I will devote my time to worshipping gods.) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two Special Investigation Team officers visited the office of late India Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anurag Tiwari, who was allegedly murdered for being aware of some big scam in his department, as claimed by his family. Tiwari, 36, was found dead under mysterious circumstances near the state guest house on Meera Bai Marg in Lucknow on May 17. He was the commissioner of the food and civil supplies department. The officers were accompanied by Tiwaris brother, Manish. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Manish said he welcome the probe but was not satisfied. Only an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation will be able to bring to light the conspiracy, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi criticised on Thursday the Union government over the recent economic indicators that showed the countrys GDP growth to have slowed. Falling #GDP. Rising #unemployment. Every other issue is manufactured to distract us from this fundamental failure, said Gandhi, in a post on Twitter that linked to a news article on Wednesdays announcement of GDP figures. Data from the governments central statistics office showed an unexpected slump in the Gross Domestic Product growth that slowed to its lowest in more than two years in the March quarter. That meant India was no longer the worlds fastest growing major economy. The annual economic growth at 6.1% in the January-March period was lower than the lowest analyst estimate of 6.5% in a Reuters poll. It was also lower than Chinas growth of 6.9% for the first three months of 2017. Rahul Gandhis Congress, the arch-rival to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party has routinely accused the government of trying to ignore serious issues. On Wednesday, a Congress spokesperson accused the BJP of involvement in vandalism outside the partys headquarters in New Delhi. BJPs politics has three main ingredients -- to spread violence, divert attention (from real issues) and suppress voice (of dissent). Indulging in violence and vandalism, abusing the top Congress leadership and spreading garbage has become the character of the ruling party, Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar told reporters. He was reacting to violence outside the Akbar road headquarters of the Congress allegedly by Hindu Yuva Vahini workers. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has offered help to a person in Pakistan who highlighted his infants health condition on the social media. Sushma Swaraj said late on Wednesday night that India would offer a medical visa after Ken Sid posted a picture of his ailing child on Twitter with the message: Why my bud suffers for medical treatment!! Any answers (Pakistan Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs) Sir Sartaaj Azeez (sic) or Maam Sushma?? In response, Sushma Swaraj tweeted: No. The child will not suffer. Please contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa. No. The child will not suffer. Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa. pic.twitter.com/4ADWkFV6Ht https://t.co/OLVO3OiYMB Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 31, 2017 Ken Sids Twitter profile describes himself as a civil engineer, who works as a project manager in Forman Christian College, Lahore. Love to design execute and built. Dont have time for politics, the profile reads. Sushma Swarajs gesture comes days after she helped rescue through the Indian mission in Islamabad an Indian woman who was forced to marry a Pakistani. Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants responsible for a grenade attack on policemen in Sopore town in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday evening were killed in an encounter with security forces early on Thursday, police said. At least four policemen were injured when a suspected militant lobbed a grenade outside a police station in Sopore. Director general of state police SP Vaid tweeted that the two militants were killed in a joint operation at Sopore. Vaid told the Hindustan Times the grenade thrower was identified from close circuit television camera footage and the description provided by the policemen who were attacked. He was picked up and interrogated and then he led us to the terrorists, Vaid said. The Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police were involved in the operation that took place at Natipora area of Sopore. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation (CASO) in Natipora at around 3:30am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said told PTI news agency. During the searches, the two militants opened fire on the forces, triggering the gunbattle, he said. An army official said two AK assault rifles and other warlike stores were recovered in the sanitisation operation. The incident comes days Sabzar Ahmed Bhat, who succeeded Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, was killed by security forces in south Kashmirs Tral region. The 27-year-old Bhat, believed to be the successor of slain Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, was gunned down at a hideout in Tral. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday posted senior IAS officer Dipak Agarwal as the new divisional commissioner of Saharanpur which has witnessed repeated instances of caste clashes since May 5. As many as 19 other IAS officers have also been transferred by the state government, an official spokesman said here. Secretary (Revenue) Dipak Agarwal will be the new commissioner of Saharanpur in place of Mahendra Prasad Agarwal, who has been transferred to the finance department, an official spokesman said here. Medical health and family welfare secretary V Hekali Jhimomi has been made commissioner of Mirzapur in place of Ranjan Kumar who has been sent to revenue department as secretary, the spokesman said. Secretary culture Manoj Misra has been made the commissioner of Faizabad. Principal secretary to the chief minister, Shahi Kumar Goyal, has been given the additional charge of the additional resident commissioner of the state in New Delhi. Principal secretary Prashant Trivedi, who was awaiting posting, has been made the principal secretary medical health and family welfare and MNREGA additional commissioner Anuj Kumar Jha has been made the Director Information, the spokesman added. Violence first broke out in Saharanpur about 40 days ago following a procession to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. On May 5, a person was killed and 15 people were injured in clashes between Dalits and upper caste Thakurs. About a dozen police vehicles were set ablaze and 12 policemen were injured on May 9. On May 23, another person was shot dead and two others were wounded. On May 24, the UP government had suspended Saharanpur SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey and District Magistrate NP Singh while transferring divisional commissioner MP Agarwal and DIG J K Shahi. Seventy-four days after it was sealed by the authorities following a siege by cow vigilantes over rumours that it served beef, a hotel in Jaipur finally reopened on Thursday. Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) had sealed the Hotel Hayat Rabbani on March 19. Samples of meat had been seized for tests. The hotel remained shut despite a forensic science laboratory (FSL) report stating that the meat seized from the hotel was not beef. The owners moved the court, which directed the JMC to unseal the hotel. The civic body challenged the order. The hotel was opened after the Jaipur district and sessions court quashed the appeal by the civic body on May 23. Naeem Rabbani, the owner, was a relieved man on Thursday. The hotel has finally been opened today after the court order. In the last 74 days, I sustained loss of lakhs of rupees and have been through extremely tough times, Rabbani said. When the court ordered the opening of the hotel for the first time on April 29, the JMC opposed it and I filed case of contempt of court against the civic body, he said. Earlier, on March 19, a crowd of more than 100 cow vigilantes led by Sadhvi Kamal Didi, the self-styled chief of Rashtriya Mahila Gauraksha Dal assembled in front of the hotel, chanting slogans of Bharat mata ki jai and Narendra Modi zindabad. The hotel Hayat Rabbani in Jaipur is involved in various illegal activities including lodging Pakistani nationals illegally and employing child labourers. The locals from the area have also complained to me that every Sunday beef is served in the hotel, the Sadhvi had then told the Hindustan Times. Kavita Srivastava of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties termed the reopening of the hotel as a moral victory. The illegal act of the Jaipur mayor to seal the hotel on baseless facts has been reversed by the judiciary and has exposed the collusion between the JMC-police and gau rakshaks, said Kavita Srivastava of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties. Naeem Rabbani was targeted as he is a Muslim, she said. Srivastav also demanded that Kamal Didi be arrested and action be taken against police officials who were present at the time of the incident. Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar has said that Muslims consider Ram as one of their 1,24,000 prophets. Kumar, who was speaking about the Ram Mandir issue here on Thursday, also spoke about the benefits and divine status of cows. Kumar, named an accused in the Ajmer Dargah blast by the National Investigation Agency in its chargesheet, was cleared of the charges by the agency in its closure report in April this year. The court, before accepting the NIAs closure report expressed the desire to hear the complainants lawyer, who will now file an application for further investigation in the case. While making a case for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Kumar said that there is talk among Muslims that their ancestors were Hindus and Ram was one among their 1,24,000 prophets. Kumar added that there is a movement among Muslims to donate money and bricks and even do kar seva (voluntary service) for the construction of the temple. In addition, he said that Muslims of Ayodhya never went to pray at the Babri Masjid as they knew that their prayers would never be accepted and would rather be a sin. The RSS leader also said that cow sacrifice is a crime in Mecca Sharif and the Vatican too. In every religion, cows meat has been equated with disease while cows milk has been considered synonymous with medicine and treatment. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Just a day after West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee set up a self-regulatory body to check fat donations to and arbitrary fee hikes by private schools in the state, the authorities of different city-based educational institutions welcomed the move but was not sure of its efficacy. While representatives of some schools welcomed the move as it paved the way for self regulation instead of a direct interference by the government, some felt that the measure can become successful if it is really able to rein in the arbitrary fixation of fee-structure by the authorities of different schools. Read: Bengali will be compulsory in all West Bengal schools: CM Mamata Banerjee The regulatory body was the highlight of an hour-long meeting of the chief minister with the authorities of the prominent private schools of the state. Mamata Banerjee hauled up the representatives of a few schools and asked them why they were taking fat amounts to admit students and were raising the various fees arbitrarily. Krishna Damani, a member of the trustee board of South Point High School which is one of the largest in the world with about 13,500 students, told HT on Thursday that the element of self-regulation is a better proposal than a government-appointed regulatory body. This school will have representative on the body. Read: Mamata pulls up Kolkata school for playing Modis Mann ki Baat to students The proposed body will have representatives both from the educational institutions and the state government. The joint representation will be able to bring about the desired balancing act of ensuring the fund flow and avoid arbitrary hikes in different charges and fees. Had it been just a government-appointed body with only state representatives, the purpose would not have been served since the educational institutions have the practical experience, said Damani. However, the founder of Young Horizon school, Sourav Mukherjee, who is also a member of the proposed body was not willing to whole-heartedly welcome the decision until the effectiveness of the body is proved on the ground. Read: After Kejriwal, Mamata slams private schools, sets up regulatory body to check donations It is Catch-22 situation. It cannot be denied that some schools are charging exorbitant fees and accepting big amounts as donations. There should be a balance. Let us see how far the proposed body achieves its desired objective. The proper evaluation of the step can be done only after some time by watching the results, said Mukherjee. The principal of Heritage School, Seema Sapru, who will also be a member on the committee, echoed Damani. This is a practical step. Through this body the interest of all stake holders, including the school authorities, students and parents will be served. I wholeheartedly welcome the decision, she told HT. Read: Mamata Banerjee pulls up private hospitals, to set up a health regulatory commission Incidentally, Ananya Maity of Heritage School topped the ISC results with a total score of 99.50%. She was from the humanities stream. The regulatory body is a welcome move. It should be able to rein in excessive fee hikes and donations, Ranjan Mitra, the principal of Future Foundation School remarked on Wednesday itself. Wednesdays meeting with the school authorities was seen as a measure by the chief minister to rein in the institutions that have regularly been accused of taking fat donations from guardians to admit students and fleece guardians through steep hikes of fees. Guardians can approach the committee with their grievances against school authorities. I shall meet after a year to review the work of the body, Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON West Bengal state committee of CPI(M) on Thursday formally adopted a resolution demanding party general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, be nominated to Rajya Sabha from West Bengal for the third time. Party state secretary Suryakanta Mishra shot off a letter to the politburo informing the 16-member body of the decision. Read: Bengal CPI (M) wants Yechury again in Rajya Sabha, looks for Congress support Yechurys performance as a parliamentarian received accolades not just from the Left parties but from several non-NDA parties, especially Congress, the leaders of which are keen to see Yechury in the upper house for the third term. Our state secretary has argued that the central leadership of the party should clear his nomination, said a member of the state committee. Congress president Sonia Gandhi has already expressed her partys support for Yechury. (HT Photo) He also pointed out that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi are keen on having Yechury in the Rajya Sabha. With assured Congress support and with 31 Left Front MLAs in the kitty, our general secretarys entry to Rajya Sabha for the third time is assured if our central leaders dont hold him back, the state committee member added. The Left needs Congress support to get Yechury elected to the Rajya Sabha. However, the party central committee, where the Kerala lobby is thought to wield big influence, may not be open to the idea of sending Yechury for the third time. Incidentally, Yechury was the first general secretary to represent the party in Parliament after being elected as the party chief. After rumblings within the party grew over his candidature, Yechury himself indicated in end-April that he is not willing to seek re-election to Rajya Sabha. After serving the city as the cradle of countless agitation programmes for about 200 years, College Square, regarded as Kolkatas protest hub is going to fall silent soon, thanks to chief minister Mamata Banerjees instructions following a complaint from research scholars of Calcutta University that is within a stones throw from the historic square. Fuming opposition leaders have vowed to resist her plan. Meetings and rallies should be stopped in College Square. Political parties do it. I also do it, but only twice a year. Others keep doing it all the time. How can students study if people are raising slogans constantly on microphones? Trinamool Congress wont conduct any meetings there, and all parties must follow it, remarked Mamata Banerjee at an administrative meeting at Chinsurah of Hooghly district on Thursday. Read: TMC in a fix over rise of BJPs aggressive Hindutva in Bengal This is a super proposal. I know political parties hold numerous agitation programmes at the spot and microphones blare all the time. You please submit an application to Kolkata Police and we will turn it into a silence zone, she said reacting to a students complaint that numerous agitation programmes at the spot make it difficult for them to study. College Street is also lined by shops selling old and new books on either side. (Wikipedia) Opposition leaders across the political spectrum reacted sharply to the chief ministers instructions. Within an hour of the chief minister issuing instructions, it became clear that the opposition will rush to College Square to protest the gag order. Incidentally, the chief minister was reacting to a suggestion by a research scholar who told the chief minister that they face difficulties because of blaring microphones. Before he could even complete a sentence, Mamata Banerjee took over and told the students to submit a formal complaint letter to Kolkata Police. She also told the DGP on the dais to convey her instructions to the city police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. College Square located on the 1.5-km long College Street is a part of Kolkatas heritage. It not only accommodates more than half a dozen reputable and the countrys oldest educational institutions, but also is the location of the citys famous market of new and old books with hundreds of publishers dotting the entire zone. Mamata Banerjee is trying to find a pretext to deprive the opposition of a traditional spot of protest, opposition leaders have alleged. (HT Photo) The institutions in this area are Hindu School (set up on January 20, 1817), Hare School (1818), Presidency University (1817), Calcutta University (1857), Calcutta Medical College (1835) and Sanskrit College (1824). Read: Narada sting and saffron push may really hurt Mamata Banerjee for a while to come College Square has been a spot of agitation and protest since the days of Henry Derozio and Young Bengal movement in the early nineteenth century. Mamata Banerjee is simply using an excuse to silence us, remarked CPI(M) politburo member and Lok Sabha MP Md Salim. Calcutta University was not set up day before yesterday. Educational institutions and protest meetings co-existed for decades. The chief minister got her own people to raise the point so that she could utilise the opportunity to muffle the voice of the opposition, said BJP state president Dilip Ghosh. He made it clear that BJP will not abide by it. A Left rally on College Street against Mamata Banerjee government . (Facebook) Significantly, apart from political parties, different associations, NGOs, pressure groups and bodies all use College Square as a spot of protest. College Street has been a centre of protest for more than a century. The chief ministers direction is nothing but high-handedness. If she is keen on curbing noise pollution, the government should be enforcing the no-horn zones near hospitals first, remarked Amal Kumar Mukhopadhyay who spent nearly 50 years in College Street, first as a student of Presidency College and then as its principal. It was all staged. Why should students of Calcutta University travel all the way to Hooghly to raise this question. Actually, she is scared of the opposition after our successful March to the secretariat on May 22, and is determined to silence us somehow, said leader of the Left parties in the assembly Sujan Chakraborty. In the end sixties and early seventies, College Street and College Square were the hotbeds of violence during the Naxalite days as students of Presidency College and Calcutta University turned rebels by the dozens, turning the entire zone into a major headache for Kolkata Police. Even after Naxalism faded away, parties of all hues used College Square as a frequent seat of agitation programmes. Marching from College Square to Esplande became a preferred choice of political parties. A Death In The Gunj Cast: Vikrant Massey, Ranveer Shorey, Kalki Koechlin Director: Konkona Sensharma Rating: 3/5 Konkona Sensharmas directorial debut A Death In The Gunj is set in McCluskieganj, nearly 60 kilometres from Jharkhands capital Ranchi. It was home to the hundreds of Anglo-Indian families whose mixed culture was often referred as chutney as they borrowed traditions from different communities. A majority of them later migrated to nearby cities especially Kolkata, and then to other countries. A Death In The Gunj is actually about a death in McCluskieganj. McCluskieganj, the town, isnt a patch over its earlier self, but this story begins in 1979 when all wasnt lost. Some fine English-speaking members of a family arrive from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to spend quality time with Mr and Mrs Bakshi (Om Puri and Tanuja). Others who join Nandu (Gulshan Devaih) and Vikram (Ranvir Shorey) are Bonnie (Tillotama Shome), Mimi (Kalki Koechlin), Brian (Jim Sarbh) and Tani (Arya Sharma). Some of them occasionally switch to Bengali as well. You start meeting and realising the traits of different members of this odd group. If Vikrams infidelity is quite obvious, Nandus overarching patriarchy isnt hard to detect either. Bonnie appears to be the most grounded and finds it hard to deal with Mimi who doesnt believe in hiding heartbreaks. Mimi is like a defiant teen stuck in a time wrap. Aloof, sarcastic and loner, she brings to the table a genuineness that binds the motley band together. The story is centred around 23-year-old student Shutu (Vikrant Massey), Nandus cousin, whos struggling on many fronts. From sexuality to depressive behaviour, he has many battles to conquer. A soft target for family bullies, Shutu is the thread that makes A Death In The Gunj a layered film. A Death In the Gunj isnt about just one theme or a person. Different tracks lead to different meanings and they might not have a common resolution. The colonial hangover has reflections in crumbling buildings and the gun nailed on the wall. The Bakshi family and their friends love their drink and mostly perceived as the refined version of rural landlords. Its just been three decades since independence, but women of this family behave and talk like todays women - confident, vocal and ready to resist male domination. Be it a kabaddi match or a hunting game, men want to display their masculinity. Mostly in your face, sometimes subtle. Easy to spot. The one emotion that comes out of this weird gathering is the sense of loneliness, the feeling of not being desired, the pain of not being loved back. Its a recurring theme throughout the 104-minute film. Konkona Sen Sharma tries to give it a blanket look of just another day in a sleepy town, but she has treated it like a thriller. There are many characters who keep crossing and hurting each other. They swiftly resort to physical and verbal violence. Vikrant Masseys Shutu emerges as the one to sympathise with in all this. Its his silence that makes the atmosphere hauntingly eerie. A Death In The Gunj totally relies on acting skills of a stellar cast. Ranvir Shoreys astonishing aggression to Tilottamas self-centredness, each of them has a tale to tell. This was the prime requirement in a film thats unconventional and doesnt intend to bring you to a conclusion. Only good performances could have given it a discreet yet perceptible appearance. Vikrant Massey stands out among these immensely talented actors, and is the face youll recall about this film many years later. Sirsha Rays camera work helps set a gloomy, mysterious, dark (not sinister) mood. The choice of locations and background scores does the rest. For the want of a better word, A Death In The Gunj has a distinct feel. Konkona Sen Sharmas film is a successful experiment despite loopholes. And it is brave. Interact with Rohit Vats at Twitter/@nawabjha ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Baywatch Director - Seth Gordon Cast - Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, Alexandra Daddario, Ilfenesh Hadera, Kelly Rohrbach, Jon Bass, David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson Rating - 1/5 It is said that US marines forced Saddam Hussein to watch South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut a movie in which he is depicted as Satans boyfriend over and over again in the days leading up to his hanging. The purpose of this exercise which, depending on your taste in movies, could mean anything from plain humiliation to mild torture remains unclear. However, in the future, to ease the pain of anti-terror operatives, confused by which movie to show Basher al-Assad or Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, might I suggest Baywatch. Like the show on which it is based, it centres around a team of lifeguards with an identity crisis. Theyre led by Mitch Buchannon (played by The Rock, in yet another of his saintly alpha male roles), who deals with most matters by hurling insults at whoever is within earshot. Usually, that person is Matt Brody (Zac Efron), a washed-up Olympic gold medalist with a drinking problem, looking for a new job (and valuable life lessons along the way). But their paradise is being threatened by a business tycoon named Victoria Leeds (played with moustache-twirling, cat-scratching over-the-topness by Priyanka Chopra, even though she has neither a moustache to twirl, nor a cats head to scratch). Mitch believes Victoria is leading a Scarface-like drug smuggling operation on his beach, and decides to get to the bottom of it sharing most lifeguards natural thirst to solve murky real estate scams. Two motivational speeches later, his Avengers of the beach are neck deep in a 21 Jump Street clone with a fraction of the laughs. The earliest, most telling sign of Baywatchs fate was in the casting. None of the actors (Jon Bass excluded) have shown any particular comedic chops. Sure, The Rock is an endless reservoir of charm, and there are few scenes he cant elevate just by cracking that famous smile, but Efron is only as good as the script hes given. Unfortunately for him, it often seems as if they made Baywatch off the cuff, without a firm plan, buoyed by barrels of Chinese money. He can be funny just take the two Neighbours movies as an example but even he cant polish a scene in which involves him inspecting a dead mans nether regions (without gloves). And as far as the women are concerned, their presence seems to register only when they are running in slow-motion, or when they are gawking (like the rest of us) at other women running in slow-motion. Its as if they took the Bechdel Test a concept which states that a movie has to have at least two women in it, who talk to each other, about something besides a man and somehow managed to strip it naked and parade it in front of an obnoxious crowd of sexist monsters. Entertainingly, writer Kelly Sue DeConnick proposed an (only slightly) exaggerated update to the Bechdel Test. She called it the Sexy Lamp Test. If you can replace your female character with a sexy lamp and the story still basically works, maybe you need another draft, she said. Im not for a moment saying that Priyanka Chopras character could be replaced with a sexy lamp in Baywatch, but if you concentrate hard enough, you could easily picture her villain as an unremarkable, pudgy man with daddy issues which, if you think about it, is essentially the same thing. Baywatch is a comedy which makes the bizarre decision to not feature known comedic actors in lead roles. It is written by two men whose biggest credits include Freddy vs Jason and Friday the 13th (comedies, but not intentionally). It boasts unpardonably terrible CGI, even worse green screen effects, and the maturity of a 12-year-old boy whose internet privileges have been revoked. It gives the impression of being stitched together almost as an afterthought, the sort of film in which scenes intended to be in the first act end up in the third and everyone smirks at each other thinking we wont notice. Well, we noticed. This is a shipwreck of a film. Everyone involved is flailing about overboard. And the best lifeguards in the business are busy solving crimes. Note: Unsurprisingly, the CBFC has murdered Baywatch. Scenes that you saw in the trailer end abruptly. There is virtually no swearing. Visual gags have been hacked to bits. Theyve tied a gag around the films mouth and pushed it into the ocean to drown. Theres no telling just how badly it ruins the film, but it most definitely destroys the experience. Watch the Baywatch trailer here Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop A 19-year-old married woman was found hanging at her Dahisar (east) house in a suspected case of suicide. The police have arrested her husband and two of her in-laws in a case of dowry harassment. The woman identified as Yashwanti was at home with her husband Prashant at their Dahisar (east) house on Tuesday evening. While Prashant was in another room, she looked herself in a room and hanged herself, said Subhash Sawant, senior inspector at Dahisar police station. In his statement to police, Prashant claimed that he got alerted after hearing a noise in the room where Yashwanti had locked herself. When he tried to open the door and could not get to the room, he raised an alarm and alerted the neighbours. When the neighbours heard Prashants voice, they arrived at their house and managed to enter inside only to find Yashwanti hanging from the ceiling. Officials said she was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where she was declared dead. Meanwhile, her parents were also alerted of the incident. 25-year-old Prashant, who works in a private firm, got married to the teenager in November last year. Her parents, in their complaint to the police, alleged that Prashant and his family used to regularly harass Yashwanti for dowry. They would demand cash and harass her to bring money from her maternal house. They would ask her to get her mangalsutra locket made bigger, said an officer from Dahisar police station. Based on the complaint by Yashwantis parents, a case of dowry harassment was registered against Prashants family. Her father is a farmer, said police. The police have so far arrested three members including Prashant, his father and brother for harassing the woman. Prashants sister-in-law is wanted in the case, officials said. Blinded by the lights of a Scorpio, a 30-year-old dropped his four-year-old daughter 15-ft off a bridge and fell on her, killing her on the spot. The incident took place when Nilesh Satvi, his wife and daughter Gauri were returning from a wedding in Virar to their home in Kalbhol village. Satvi, who got drunk at the wedding, took Gauri on his shoulder while crossing a small bridge over a rivulet. As the SUV driver honked, Satvi turned around, lost his balance, and the duo fell off the bridge. SB Dhone, assistant police inspector, Virar police station, said, Nilesh fell on Gauri breaking her skull and rib cage. She succumbed to her injuries at the spot. Satvi suffered minor injuries as Gauri cushioned his fall. He was given first aid and discharged from a government hospital. According to the girls mother, at the wedding, Satvi got into a fight with three men, who allegedly molested her. Based on her complaint, the trio was arrested. We have registered a case of accidental death. The woman has blamed her husband for the childs death. She claimed he strangulated her as he was upset after the fight. We are awaiting a post-mortem report, said another police officer. More colleges have secured a 100% result in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in the Mumbai region as one out of every 10 colleges has got cent percent results all students passed the exam. The data from the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) showed that 114 out of 1,183 colleges in the region have achieved the perfect score. Last year, 66 colleges had all their students clearing the HSC exam. Besides these, around half of the colleges scored 90% pass percentage or more. Another 294 colleges registered pass percentages between 80% and 90%. Narendra Pathak, principal of S K Somaiya College, Vidyavihar, where all the class 12 students have passed, said, We are very proud of the achievement of our students and teachers. I must also congratulate their families. We aim at innovation and use holistic teaching means so that our students are not pressured and enjoy their studies. However, there were such schools too that missed the perfect score by a mark. We missed out on achieving the perfect 100, by one percent, said Vidyadhar Joshi, vice-principal, Vaze Kelkar College, Mulund. A teacher from a junior college said many schools with perfect scores are either minority institutes with no reservation for the backward classes or those located in posh areas. Its difficult to get 100% results if you have a sizeable number of students from the weaker sections, he said. But for some, the dogged pursuit of cent percent result is detrimental to students. I have never believed in trying for 100% results. Teachers should understand that not all students are of the same caliber, said Madhavi Pethe, ML Dahanukar College. Experts identified two dangerous spots in the city the Mithi river, on which a thick layer of disease-causing foam has surfaced, and the Mumbai-Pune expressway, on which a man was killed and two were injured in an accident on Thursday. While milk overflowed from two tankers damaged by protesting farmers in Maharashtra, water is likely to overflow and flood 66 spots in Mumbai this monsoon. 1. Mumbai river foams like Bengaluru lake Mumbaiites, if youve spotted thick white foam bubbling to the surface of the Mithi river, beware. Experts say it is dangerous. 2. One dead, two injured in accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway A 41-year-old man died while two others were injured after the car they were travelling in hit another vehicle on the Mumbai-Pune expressway on Thursday morning. 3. WATCH I Maharashtra farmers spill milk on highway, protest may hit supplies to Mumbai Two tankers of milk heading towards Mumbai were damaged as farmers from several districts in Maharashtra started their strike on Thursday. 4. These 66 spots in Mumbai will flood this monsoon too, is the BMC ready to tackle it? Ahead of monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 66 chronic flooding spots in Mumbai, most of which are in the island city. 5. Fourth-time lucky: After failing thrice, policemans son tops UPSC exams from Mumbai With an all India rank of 55, a 26-year-old son of a policeman is the Mumbai topper in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, results for which were declared on Wednesday. Worli police station has been operating without a detection staff for six months now. Senior police officers had decided to disband the detection staff because of acute shortage in manpower. Every police station has a detection squad , which investigates serious offences. The squad usually works in two shifts, with either an assistant police Inspector or a police sub inspector leading the team of five constables. The detection staff is very important because it keeps track of every crime registered with the police station and investigates the important ones, said an officer. Sources said that in the absence of a detection squad for six months, a special team would be formed for important cases. Every police station has a sanctioned strength of 180 personnel, of which only 140 odd are filled. At a time, about 20 to 30 officers are absent because they have weekly offs or are deployed on official work. So the actual strength comes down to about 100. Police stations have to focus more on law and order situations, due to which the decision to disband detection staff was taken. We have two detection officers but no one to work with them, said another officer. Worli police station has high profile cases registered frequently. The decision might have to be revoked. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A row has erupted over remarks reportedly made by Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Madhav Bhandari regarding a strike called by farmers on Thursday. A section of farmers from Ahmednagar had threatened to stop supplying milk, fruits, poultry and vegetables to Mumbai and other cities, until their demands were met. On Wednesday, Bhandari reportedly said the state government stood to lose nothing if farmers went on strike. He added that the strike would only affect farmers themselves. The farmers will incur losses if they store grains and do not sell them, he said. State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said Bhandaris remarks reflected the BJPs anti-farmer stance. Farmers went on strike owing to the unprecedented situation. Our country needs farmers, even if the BJP doesnt The whole of Maharashtra belongs to them, he said. Sawant said farmers were in opposition to the BJPs Samvad Yatra, which indicated the partys faltering position in the country. Trees removed for transplantation from Metro III construction sites at Aarey Milk Colony may not survive because they have not been replanted in the right way, said environmental groups. The Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro project will affect 2,811 trees , of which 1,727 will be transplanted and 1,074 will be axed. According to Maharashtra (Urban Areas) and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, three new saplings have to be planted for every tree being felled. A tree can also be transplanted to some other place. Additionally, the rule says that five trees can be planted along a 100 sq m stretch. We found that 16 trees had been planted along a 100 sq m stretch violating the state act. The new trees were seven inches in girth as opposed to rules that deem 12 inch girth for each plantation. Also, some trees were carefully transplanted but most of them did not have branches or leaves. In such a case, the tree goes into shock, said Zoru Bathena, Khar resident. There is a procedure that needs to be to be followed and this should not be done hurriedly. A tree that was transplanted at Aarey Colony. (HT) Over 3,000 trees need to be planted for the Metro III project. A survey by a Bombay high court (HC)-appointed committee and Bathena on Thursday revealed that close to 300 saplings had been planted and 50 trees had been transplanted so far by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC) at a spot, which is half a kilometre away from the Aarey picnic spot. The trees are being planted to compensate for the trees felled for the metro project. Transplanted trees that lack girth. (HT) On May 18, the Supreme Court dismissed a special leave petition and upheld the HC order to axe trees for 27 metro stations. MMRC contractors began cutting trees and expects to complete it before monsoon sets in. Bathena added that the grievances were pointed out before the HC committee. They asked me to submit the grievances with a senior committee, which would hear the matter. Metro officials said that they were following the law. MMRC is following all the conditions put down by the Tree Authority for plantation and transplantation said a spokesperson from the MMRC. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Five months after global bids for the civil construction of the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway were floated, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has still not received any bids. The MSRDC had invited a request for qualification (RFQ) in January, but later scrapped it and issued fresh bids with new conditions in March. On Wednesday, the MSRDC extended the last date to submit civil construction bids for the expressway. It said that there were some technical glitches, because of which the companies could not submit bids. The last date to submit the bids is June 5. There was a technical glitch with the payment gateway, so the bidders could carry out online transactions and submit bids online. We extended the date till June 5, said Kiran Kurundkar, joint managing director, MSRDC. He added that some bidders submitted physical bids, but they could not be opened as it was an online process. However, sources said that the response was poor as companies wanted certain conditions in the reissued RFQ to be removed. The Corporation had added conditions companies must have experience of constructing access-controlled expressways or freeways. The reissued RFQ document also stipulated disqualification of companies under corporate debt restructuring (CDR) or strategic debt restructuring (SDR), which has been opposed by several interested companies. Many companies have told us to remove the CDR, SDR and alleged that such stipulations are tailor-made for select construction companies, but we cannot scrap tendering midway. We will see the response, and if it is poor, we will change the conditions, said a senior MSRDC official. The expressway will link Mumbai with Nagpur, with an eight-lane access controlled road like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It will not only cut travel time between the two cities, but state government officials said it will also become a game-changer for the state. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON How does one musical instrument bring together the sounds and cultures of Switzerland, Japan, India and South Africa in a single performance? Canadian tabla fusion artist Gurpreet Chana, 30, showed a smitten group of 150 enthusiasts exactly how at Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla, during his unique percussion performance on Thursday. His instrument, the hang (pronounced hung), looks like a UFO and is made up of two convex steel shells with a hollow interior that produces a variety of rich sounds when played with the hands. The indentations on the steel surface produce different pitches, some high, some low, with the centre giving out the lowest note, says Chana. Flip it over, and you can recreate the hollow bass sound of the south Indian ghatam and South African udu drum as well. In the world of music, hangs are relatively new. The first one was created by two physicists in a workshop in Switzerland only 17 years ago. But theyre also rare. Only about 7,000 of them exist across the world, because each is handcrafted according to a particular tuning or scale. Chanas hang is tuned to the Japanese scale, Ake Bono, which gives his compositions a unique eastern melody and rhythm. Chana first encountered the instrument in 2003, at a world music festival in Quebec and says it was love at first stroke. But it took him five years to get the hang of it and procure one of his own. The best thing about it is there is no right or wrong way of playing the instrument, he says. There are no rules and the emphasis is wholly on the experience of stringing notes together to make your own composition. Only a handful in the audience knew about the instrument. Many needed a quick web search before they decided to attend. Byculla residents Nidhi Parekh, 23, and Satyashree Loke, 24, had heard about it on social media and thought it would be really cool to attend a rare musical performance in the heart of a museum. Investment banker Abhishek Thanvi, 26, was taking a walk around the museum when he stopped to hear Chana play. I was amazed by the music because it was different from anything I had heard before. I ended up staying for the entire performance, he says. Chanas cutest fans were probably a group of four kids aged between seven and 10 who sat in the front row, armed with pencil and paper, waiting for him to take his gloves off after the performance. We were feeling very hot, but all of us liked how he played the hang, and now we want an autograph, said Thea Patel, 7, before rushing off with her friends Annanya Shah, Jiyaan Gandhi and Maahir Patel to get the autograph. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 41-year-old man died while two others were injured after the car they were travelling in hit another vehicle on the Mumbai-Pune expressway on Thursday morning. The accident took place around 3am near Khopoli in Raigad district, 40 kilometers from Panvel city. According to the police, the car was coming towards Mumbai from Pune. As it was crossing the Khopoli area, it hit another vehicle moving in the same direction. Three persons who were in the car suffered severe injuries on their head and other parts of their bodies. They were rushed to a nearby hospital by locals. However, one of them died after sometime. He has been identified as Dana Sehgal, and was a native of Tamil Nadu, said a police officer from Khopoli police station. The injured are reportedly out of danger, and are under observation at the hospital.The deceaseds body has been sent to a government hospital for postmortem. The reason behind the accident has not been understood so far. We have not arrested anyone yet, the officer said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The states divisional fee regulatory panel has suggested that the Dahisar school, which expelled 70 students for not paying the hiked fees, readmit them and collect the dues but keep it on escrow till the dispute ends. An escrow is a bond, deed, or other document kept in the custody of a third party that takes effect only when a specified condition has been fulfilled. The panel held a meeting with parents representatives and management of the Universal High School, Dahisar, on Thursday. Offering suggestions to resolve the fee hike row, the panel said the school and parents can enter into an agreement in which the school readmits the children and parents pay the hiked fees for the time being. The school can keep the amount with a third party and dispense it later based on the conclusion of the case, said BB Chavan, deputy director of education, Mumbai region and secretary to the panel. The schools chairman said the committee asked them to consider readmitting the children on humanitarian grounds. We have agreed to readmit students if they pay fees within two days and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the school in the future, said Jesus Lall, chairman of the school. The panel has no jurisdiction in this issue because the parents have not filed any official complaint with them, added Lall. But the parents were against it. If we would have wanted to pay the fees, we would have done that in the beginning itself. We are not paying the fees because we feel the hike is unjustified, said one of the parents. The panel was set up as the appellate authority under the Maharashtra Educational Institutions Collection of Fee Regulation Act, 2011. The panel intervened on the Tawdes request, but we asked the parents to appeal to us following legal procedure. We will formally hear the case, once that is done, said Chavan. For the past four months, the school management and parents have been locked in a dispute over a 14% hike in school fees from Rs 96,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh. The parents had also complained about this to education minister Vinod Tawde. On May 26, the school wrote to the students parents informing them that their children had been de-enrolled for not paying the hiked fees. Tawde also threatened to shut the school by cancelling its no-objection certificate (NoC) if the 70 students were not readmitted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Shiv Sena staged a walk out from the tree authority meeting saying that the state governments was interfering in the civic bodys work. The Sena criticised the state government for granting the municipal commissioner power to sanction hacking of up to 25 trees for any project without the tree authoritys approval. According to the December 2016 state legislative bill, the municipal commissioner can approve cutting of up to 25 trees for any project without the tree authoritys permission. The Sena walked out of the meeting protesting against the dilution of powers. Yashwant Jadhav, Sena group leader, also called it an interference in the civic body and a decision against the environment. Jadhav has written to state environment minister and senior Shiv- Sena leader Ramdas Kadam to amend the state government rule and give the tree authority its power back. Jadhav has also written to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta. Under the ease of doing business manual, the state government legislative assembly had approved a bill giving civic chief powers to permit hacking of up to 25 trees. Following an order from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to reduce time taken to get permissions, a BMC review had revealed that the tree authority takes up the maximum time. The BMC in 2015 had suggested changing tree authority norms to ensure developers get quick permissions. Before this new rule, the municipal commissioner had the power to permit cutting of nine trees without the tree authoritys approval and permits for a number that was more than this was given by the tree authority, which meets every 45 days. The authority is headed by the municipal commissioner, and its members include corporators and horticulturists. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj came to the rescue of a man from Mumbai, who was stuck in Mozambique. Anand Krishna Singh, who works in Africa, was allegedly accused of theft and beaten up at gunpoint by his employer and his passport was taken away. His sister Anita Suvarna wrote and tweeted to the authorities, tagging Swaraj. The tweet that led to prompt action: Swaraj immediately responded and asked the embassy to contact her. The embassy responded with this tweet: High Commission has established contact with Mr Anand and trying to resolve the issue. India in Mozambique (@IndiainMoz) May 31, 2017 The tweet was retweeted by Swaraj. His sister Anita told HT, I am very happy. The ministry has come as a great help. Thanks to the government for us the Acche Din has come. My brother will be returning tomorrow. Read more: The story of how Sushma Swaraj helped Uzma Ahmad return from Pakistan The Thane crime branch on Thursday destroyed 33 of the 59 live shells, which they discovered from Shildaighar area in Thane in 2015. After discovering the shells in October 2015, the officers started destroying the shells from Wednesday after getting an approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. On Wednesday, they destroyed 11 shells. The 33 live shells were divided into three sets of 11 each, put in 3 pits that were 4ft deep and blasted away at 7.45am 8.45am and 9.45am. The shells are 50-years-old and it known as UXO (unexploded ordnance). On Wednesday, we destroyed 11 of them as it was the first attempt and so we had taken maximum care. Along with NSG commandos, Thane bomb squad, fire fighters, and local police carried out the operation, while an ambulance was kept at stand by, said an officer from the Thane crime branch. A diameter of 1km around the blast site was cordoned off and villagers were asked to move away to a safe distance on temporary basis. The shells were found abandoned in 2015 at Shildaighar Thane and it was a week back when the police got an order from the Ministry of home affairs to destroy the shells, added the officer. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two tankers of milk heading towards Mumbai were damaged as farmers from several districts in Maharashtra started their strike on Thursday. Some farmers also opened the taps of tankers carrying milk in Goregaon in Nagar district to let it flow. Watch the protest, here Cities such as Mumbai and Pune are likely to face a shortage of vegetables, milk and fruits as farmers from several districts in Maharashtra announced the strike after talks between chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and their representatives failed on Tuesday. This is probably the first time farmers have resorted to a strike in the state. Distressed over falling prices of agriculture produce and other issues, farmers have demanded a loan waiver and the state government has sought time for deliberation on the issue. A damaged truck (HT) Western Maharashtra is being seen as the region worst affected with the strike where milk tankers were emptied and vegetables were thrown on roads. According to reports, in Ahmednagar, Niphad and Sangamner farmers emptied milk tankers on roads wasting hundreds of litres of milk. Similarly, in Daund near Pune vegetables were thrown on roads. A protest in Pune. (HT) Kisan Kranti Morcha has already declared they will forcefully stop those who dont participate in the strike. We want to create shortage of milk and vegetables in the cities to pressurise the state government, said Jayaji Suryavanshi, a member of the steering committee of the Morcha. We will also stop farmers from supplying agriculture produce to any city. We have made certain preparations to achieve this, Suryavanshi said. The state government has been under pressure to waive off farm loans as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Uttar Pradesh government declared a loan waiver. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Spilling milk, emptying onion trucks this is the first time farmers from Maharashtra are seen in an aggressive avatar. THE DEMAND Distressed over falling prices of agricultural produce and other issues, farmers have demanded a loan waiver. During 2016-17, banks had disbursed farm loan worth Rs 40,000 crore to the states 13.7 million farmers. The loan disbursement has been 80% of the overall agriculture credit target which was set at Rs 51,000 crore for the fiscal. Bank of Maharashtra, the largest public sector lender in the state, has seen sharp rise in its NPA from 9.55% in 2015-16 to 13.26% in 2016-17. Part of the reason, bankers say, was also demonetisation when recovery almost came to a halt. As the UP government waived farm loan worth Rs36,369 crore, Maharashtra has been under pressure to do something similar. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier said the cost of extending the loan waiver to 31 lakh farmers is Rs30,500 crore and if the government decided to bear it, that would mean depriving other sections of society from their social schemes. The CM said rather than giving loan waivers, the state will focus on sustainable growth of agriculture. Due to impressive agricultural growth 12.5% this year from the negative growth rate last year the collective income of farmers grew by Rs 40,000 crore. When asked to scrap infrastructure projects to avail funds to waive the farm loan, the CM had said the international funding agencies fund the infrastructure projects, but there was no provision of funding the loan waiver to the farmers. POLITICAL PRESSURE FROM ALLIES Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray recently gave a veiled threat of pulling out of the government if his demand to waive off farmers loan is not accepted. Addressing the farmers, Thackeray said his party would give unconditional support to the government if it grants a farm loan waiver. Give a loan waiver and all the Sena ministers will vacate their seats and will give unconditional outside support. If the waiver is announced, we will ensure the government completes its full term, Thackeray said. NDA ally Swabhimani Paksha, headed by farmers leader Raju Shetti, will go no holds barred against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government over loan waiver for distressed farmers. Accusing the government of deceiving farmers, Shetti said he was repenting his decision of supporting the government, which had adopted a Mar Jawaan, Mar Kisaan (Die Youth, Die Farmer) policy. The farmers who elected this government will eliminate it. The jawans being martyred at the border are from farmer families and in villages, farmers are killing themselves. The government is following a Mar Jawaan, Mar Kisaan policy, he said, adding farmers are against the Mumbai-Nagpur expressway for which their land will be acquired. FARMERS STRATEGY While farmers want a loan waiver, the state government has sought time for deliberation. The strike is the farmers way of creating shortage of milk and vegetable supplies to putting pressure on the government to give in to their demands. A guitar of Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia on Wednesday raised more than $3 million at an auction to support a leading civil rights group. Known as Wolf, the custom-made electric guitar was a constant concert companion of Garcia until the jam rock icon died in 1995. The original buyer put the guitar back on auction to raise money for the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Alabama-based group which wages legal battles against white supremacists and other hate groups. At a charity concert in New York, Brian Halligan, the CEO and co-founder of marketing firm HubSpot, bought Wolf for $1.932 million including the premium. Known as Wolf, the custom-made electric guitar was a constant concert companion of Garcia until his death. (AFP) An anonymous charity matched his pre-premium $1.6 million bid, bringing the total donation for the Southern Poverty Law Center to $3.2 million. Halligan is one of the legions of Deadhead fans, who, for years journeyed from concert to concert, to experience the band as part of a welcoming community of fellow travelers. The Grateful Dead officially disbanded last year with a series of farewell concerts, but the fan base remains fervent. Halligan who co-wrote a book on the Grateful Deads lessons for marketing promised to take good care of the guitar and to lend it upon request. I dont plan on selling it or trading it, and so, its somewhat priceless, the entrepreneur told AFP. I doubt this will sell anytime soon, if ever, he said. The auction comes as the Southern Poverty Law Center voices alarm at a rise in hate crimes, especially targeting Muslims and immigrants, since Donald Trump began his presidential campaign. The group, founded in 1971, tracks activities of hate groups and hits them with legal challenges. Morris Dees, the co-founder of the center who is credited with driving hate groups into financial hardship, vowed to put the money from the guitar to good use. We will not stop until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream, he said, quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther Kings 1963 speech on the National Mall in Washington. The auction took on a party atmosphere at a music venue, the Brooklyn Bowl, as artists including Nels Cline of Wilco and folk rocker Cass McCombs put on Grateful Dead-inspired winding jam rock. Wolf has a long history. It was constructed by luthier Doug Irwin, with Garcia debuting it at a 1973 concert with Hells Angels bikers in New York. He bequeathed the guitar back to Irwin, who had fallen destitute in the intervening decades, but the move set off a battle within the Grateful Dead who initially objected and said Wolf belonged to the band rather than Garcia personally. After Irwin won out, it was bought for $789,000 in 2002 by Dan Pritzker, a Deadhead philanthropist and heir to the Chicago family behind the Hyatt hotel chain. Pritzker decided to put the guitar back on sale to support the center amid alarm at the direction of the United States since Trumps victory, said Arlan Ettinger, president of the Guernseys auction house behind the sale. The guitars auction price, while high, does not top the 2015 record of $2.4 million paid for a Gibson guitar on which John Lennon played Love Me Do and other early Beatles songs. Follow @htshowbiz for more. A rice importer in Mauritius got a shocker when export quality rice bags imported from Karnal in Haryana were found to contain 24,000kg of sand. The entire conspiracy was scripted by a driver based in Loni, Ghaziabad, who swapped the 120 rice bags midway while transporting the consignment from Karnal to the inland container depot (ICD) in Loni. According to the police, a Karnal-based rice mill dispatched the consignment to ICD in Loni on March 6. The truck reached the Loni depot around 5.30am on March 7. The rice consignment was later dispatched through rail to a port in Gujarat from where it was shipped to Mauritius on April 11. The consignment was opened in Mauritius on April 12. The importer found that the first two rows of bags contained rice while the remaining rows of bags were filled with sand. The importer sent a communication to the rice mill in Karnal and they sent us an objection along with a penalty of Rs 8 lakh. We traced the swap after the rice mill informed us, said Nitin Gupta, the transporter. According to the police, Gupta had hired the erring container truck and the driver from a third party as his trucks were not available on March 6. After the goof-up, when Gupta checked the container depot records, he found that the factory seal was different and the weight of the consignment unloaded at the Loni depot was different from what was dispatched from Karnal. He also said generally, the trucks reach inland container depot in Loni by 1am from Karnal, but that particular truck reached the depot around 5.30am on March 7. Suspecting a fraud, Gupta lodged an FIR at the Loni police station for criminal breach of trust and also for cheating against the truck driver. On Thursday, the Loni police arrested truck driver Firoz Ahmad and Majid, his accomplice. They told us that they had unloaded the consignment of rice at Mandola and received a sum of Rs 56,000 in return. Truck driver Firoz received Rs 16,000. They both were arrested. We are also on the lookout for the people who hatched the conspiracy and usurped the export quality rice. More arrests will follow after the accused are questioned in detail, said Srikant Prajapati, circle officer (Loni). The police said they have also received a different complaint earlier about a similar goof-up and will further investigate that matter as well. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday announced a compensation of 5 lakh to the family members of 38-year-old man, who was shot dead in Jewar, off Yamuna Expressway, on May 2. In the incident that sent shock waves across the country last week, a car was waylaid on the Jewar-Bulandshahr Road and four women travelling in it were dragged to the nearby fields and gang-raped. The family was also held hostage and allegedly robbed. The decision came after the five members of the family including two alleged rape victims met Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Thursday. Sources said that the chief ministers meeting began at 1pm and lasted for forty-five minutes. The family members were accompanied by lawmaker from Jewar constituency, Dhirendra Singh, former vice-president of Jewar municipality, Younis, a venerable village elderly, Mozam Khan and other senior citizens. During the meeting, CM Yogi was briefed about the case in detail. He later asked senior officers to provide the financial assistance to the wife of the 38-year-old who died trying to save the honour of the women he was travelling with. The chief minister also directed senior officers to check out the schemes through which they could be benefited. Yogi also said the administration would provide free education to the children in the family. Sources said that after hearing the details of the incident from the male members of the family, the chief minister directed principal secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar, to improve the law and order situation in Gautam Budh Nagar. Arvind Kumar was also asked if investigation into the incident should be expedited and measures undertaken to ensure the security of the public, especially those commuting on the expressway, is not compromised. The meeting with the chief minister was arranged by Dhirendra Singh, who had been camping in Lucknow for the last three days to fix an appointment with the CM. The women did not talk to Yogi, but he assured them that justice will be done. He also lauded Singh for remaining at Ground Zero since the incident and offering all support to the family. People have reposed faith in me in elections and it is my responsibility to be by them in their time of need. It was my duty to have the chief minister meet the family, Singh said. Read I Police claim to have detained one in Jewar rape case The incident took place at 1.30am on May 25. Eight members of the family were travelling to Bulandshahr from Greater Noidas Jewar when they were waylaid by the six robbers. The gang looted about 50,000 in cash and valuables before allegedly raping the women and killing the man who tried to fight them off. Since the incident, the police have launched the man hunt for the accused and also roped in a number of teams. However, the accused have continued to remain at large. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON MOMBASA, Kenya, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday launched the passenger train service of the 480-km Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), paving way for the nation's endeavor for industrialization and prosperity. Terming it as "a new chapter" in the history of Kenya, the president said the modern railway will replace the meter gauge railway that was constructed more than 100 years ago during the British colonial rule. "Today we celebrate the laying of one of the key cornerstones to Kenya's journey of transformation to an industrial, prosperous and middle-income country," he said ahead of embarking on the inaugural trip from Mombasa to Nairobi. The launch came one day after the Kenyan leader launched the first SGR cargo service between the two cities. Kenyatta said that the SGR was made possible due to the close Sino-Kenya friendship. "I want to thank our partner and true friend China for the support that has enabled the construction and completion of the project after only two and a half years," he said. The 3.8-billion-U.S.-dollar infrastructure project was constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, with 90 percent of the funding coming from China. Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong, who attended the launching ceremony as the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, said the Mombasa-Nairobi railway has been an early fruit that came out of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in late 2015. "The Mombasa-Nairobi SGR is an exemplary project of China-Africa cooperation on the construction of roads, railways, aviation networks and industrialization," Wang said, adding that the SGR will bear great significance in boosting the development in Kenya and the region, speeding up Africa's industrialization process, and expanding the reach of the Belt and Road to more African countries. "China stands ready to work with Kenya to make the Mombasa-Nairobi railway become a railway of prosperity and development for Kenya, and a new example of the transformation and upgrade of China-Africa cooperation," said Wang. Welcoming passengers who are ready to board the inaugural train, Angela Obunga, a Mombasa West Railway Station staff, said she is happy with her new job for passenger service at the station as the new railway is launched. "It is good for Kenya because it will now have an efficient train service plying the Nairobi Mombasa route. Transportation between the two cities will be more reliable and convenient," she said. The SGR, providing both cargo and passenger transport services, will cut dramatically the time and costs for the movement of goods and people. It is expected to reduce the time for a passenger traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi to merely four and a half hours compared to nearly 10 hours on bus. Time to transport cargo from Mombasa to Nairobi, meanwhile, will also decrease from two days to eight hours. Edward Ngugi, another SGR passenger service clerk, said the commissioning of the SGR will mean less congestion on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Public expenditure on the maintenance of the road will also reduce due to less wear and tear as people will begin favoring railways to transport goods. Whistle-blower Rahul Sharma, who had filed a case against a relative of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on charges of involvement in the PWD scam, was allegedly held captive by two men at gun point outside his colony in Greater Noida on Wednesday. Sharma has filed a complaint in this regard at Bisrakh police station in Gautam Budh Nagar. According to officials, Sharma was on his way to Ghaziabad from his flat in Gaur City, Greater Noida around 12 noon on Wednesday when the two bikers stopped his car and asked him to alight. The pillion rider, the complainant said, brandished a gun and threatened him. When I raised an alarm, the two fled from the spot, Sharma told police at Bisrakh police station. According to sources, the two men on bike were wearing helmets and overtook Sharmas car near Gaur International School. The pillion rider loaded the pistol and pointed it towards the car but guards and locals from nearby societies raised alarm. In his complaint Sharma said that the two fired a shot in air and as the pillion rider was loading the gun second time, locals raised an alarm. The two bikers, then, fled the spot. Sharma and his cousin tried to chase the duo but lost them. The police have, however, denied that a shot was fired in the air. Bullets fired at Rahul Sharma who filed 1st corruption case agnst Bansal Family relatives of Kejriwal. God is kind. He is safe. FIR Lodged Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishraAAP) May 31, 2017 Suspended Aam Aadmi Party minister Kapil Mishra tweeted about the incident claiming that bullets had been fired. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, station house officer at Bisrakh police station, said that they have lodged a case of attempt to murder against unidentified persons in connection with the incident. We have lodged a case. He (Sharma) did not relate the incident to any graft complaints that he had lodged earlier. We are investigating. We have scanned CCTV footage of the incident and didnt find any shot being fired in air, he said. Sharma, is also the founder of a non-profit organisation, Roads Anti-Corruption Organisation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Ghaziabad development authority has identified nearly 165 instances where its property has been encroached on or occupied in an unauthorised manner. According to official estimates, the properties are worth 1,600 crore. The officials said that a survey was ordered to identify the encroachment in authoritys jurisdiction and a report was compiled by engineers. GDA vice chairperson, Kanchan Verma, sought the report and asked the surveying engineers to certify the report. We have identified properties which have been encroached on. Such encroachment even exists on land procured by authority in housing schemes. The engineers who carried out the survey have been asked to certify their reports. The encroached properties will be identified and put up for auction. The list will also be sent to the state government, Verma, said. The officials have identified encroachments and submitted the survey report for all eight zones. Of the eight zones, four were identified in zone 1 (Raj Nagar Extension), 11 in zone 3 (Raj Nagar, Patel Nagar and Lohiya Nagar etc), 44 in zone 4 (old city), 30 in zone 6 (Indirpauram, Vaishali etc), six in zone 7 (Raj Nagar etc) and 68 in zone 8 comprising areas of Loni. We are conducting a drive against such encroachment and all the properties and land will soon be restored to their earlier state. Apart from this, we have also expedited the payment from private developers which has been delayed for years. The pending amount is around 450 crore and during the past one month we have realised around 115 crore. The amounts were pending on account of compounding and development fee charges. To clear other encroachments, the authority has also served notices on hundreds of residents and commercial establishments to remove diesel generator sets from government lands. As part of another another drive, the authority on Thursday also demolished major encroachment on a green belt of nearly 3km from Hapur Chungi to Vivekanand Nagar. JCB machines were used to demolish permanent constructions, car parking areas, private parks and even fencing by residents. Read I Ghaziabad authority starts anti-encroachment drive from new vice-chairpersons residence The corporation has submitted a list of 28 green belt areas. We will seek the help of officials in clearing all encroachment over the green belt areas . After clearing the encroachment, the green belts should be fully developed with greenery and trees. The drive on Thursday was unprecedented, said Akash Vashistha, an environmentalist who filed a petition at the National Green Tribunal for saving and clearing green belts from encroachment in Ghaziabad. A 23-year-old engineer, who was shot dead on Wednesday morning in Sector 62, was conferred with the best employee award at mobile manufacturing company Lava in Sector 64 on several occasions. Anjali was scheduled to complete her year in service at the Lava plant on June 9 and was very happy. She was student of electronics and communication (E&C) at Lovely Professional University in Jallandhar and was one of the two students to have secured jobs during campus placement. Her family members were shocked after receiving a call at 7am saying their daughter had been killed. This morning she got up after receiving a phone call and ran to the ground floor. This suggests she was panicked. She had no rivalry with anyone, said Jyoti Rathour, her mother. #Noida: CCTV captures unidentified man shooting a 24-year-old woman techie in basement of society in Sector 62 @httweets @HTNoidaGzb pic.twitter.com/mPqaVYCbsR Peeyush Khandelwal (@journopk) May 31, 2017 Jyoti said she had a conversation with Anjali on Tuesday night. She said during the conversation, which lasted for half-an-hour, Anjali did not betray any signs of anxiety. Even her roommates said that she was happy and they watched a movie together. Anjalis six roommates described her as a charming and cheerful person. Over the past one year, the six women lived together at 303 flat of block B in Shatabdi Rail Vihar in Sector 62. She was jolly and a fun loving person. She wasnt scared of anything. Sometimes we heard her shouting on the phone, but she would later say it was a call from a friend and everything was fine, said her roommate Damini. Anjalis younger sister Anamika, 17, and brother Ajay, 12, live with their parents at Jagadhri, Haryana. A week ago, she visited her home after her sister met an accident. Her father Tejpal Singh, who works as an office superintendent at Indian Railways workshop at Jagadhri said that Anjali was supposed to visit them again this weekend. I regret not being able to speak to her last night. She was a responsible daughter who was always by her siblings in good times and bad, her father said. A stack of books placed on the table at Anjalis room in Shatabdi Rail Vihar bore testimony to her penchant for literature and competitive services. A writing on the wall said, I have my goals. Lava is just a subsidiary. Another wall writing said, Hope, may it be a light to you in a dark places, when all other lights go out. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If President Donald Trump pulls the United States out of the Paris climate deal, he will be standing with only other two nations in the world Syria and Nicaragua who are not participating in the historic agreement signed in the winter of 2015. The remaining 192 nations have joined hands to fight climate change, which harm the rich and the poor alike. That should be a reason for cheer. The worlds biggest economy, on the other hand, has always shied from contributing to a greener world. In 1997, President Bill Clinton agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, which provided the first global mechanism to reduce carbon emissions. It then failed to get ratified by the Republican-dominated US Senate. Clintons successor, George W. Bush, wrote off the protocol completely. What Trump is doing is not new. The Kyoto Protocol without the US still enabled developing countries to grow in a more environmentally sustainable manner. India and China accounted for around two-thirds of the projects registered under Kyotos Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a program for facilitating green economic development. China became the world leader for producing solar and wind energy and for manufacturing the needed technology, stealing the thunder of the European nations that had pioneered the field. India received help building the Delhi metro and growing forests in Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and elsewhere. Because of Kyoto, the emissions of India and China have been many times lower, and the world more generally has been cleaner. Rich countries, meanwhile, have been allowed to offset their own emissions by funding these clean energy initiatives. Former president Barack Obama, who was among the most important contributors to the Paris negotations, wanted to target green energy in emerging markets by investing heavily in research on super energy-efficient appliances, hybrid vehicles and off-shore wind turbines. Trump is undoing this effort by cutting federal funds for clean energy research and investments. The Paris accord included a promise that by 2020 developing countries would receive 100 billion dollars yearly to encourage green economic growth. Trumps likely abandonment of the agreement imperils that hope. Still, the loss of American participation might be a blessing in disguise for the developing world. As a part of the Paris climate deal, India assured the world that 40% of its capacity to generate energy would come from green sources by 2030. Chinas plan sets a target of 20% renewable energy by 2030, which would require more than double the total green energy produced under Indias plan. More emphasis on green power would mean more rural electrification and more jobs. In 2016, one-third of Indian households lacked electricity. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that green power will create a million new jobs in India and will boost its exports through the sale of new commodities. India already has the fourth biggest wind power capacity after China, the US and Germany. In May 2017, Indias solar power generation price for the first time dipped below that of traditional thermal, which should make the use of sun power more widespread in rural areas. Under the Goods and Service Tax to be enforced from July 1, electric cars will get a tax rate of only 12% while other cars will be taxed at 28%. These proactive measures signal that India is unlikely to back Trump on climate change. According to media reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week assured German Chancellor Angela Merkel that India will stick with the Paris agreement and contribute to mitigating climate change, provided it gets help from the developed world. Former US president Barack Obama wanted to target this market by investing heavily in research on super energy efficient appliances, hybrid vehicles and off-shore wind turbines. But, Trump has undone his effort by cutting federal funding for clean energy research and the US would lose an opportunity to harness this flourishing market. One result of Trump pulling out of the agreement would be additional negotiating strength for India and China. The rules of the Paris agreement still have to be finalised before 2018, two years before the deal becomes operational. But India and China account for one-fifth of the global population and make up the worlds biggest market for green energy: the other signatories cannot afford to lose them if they are to reach their target of keeping temperature rise within 2 degrees or less of pre-industrial levels by 2100. Surely the climate-friendly community does not need the United States to make the planet cleaner. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday directed deputy commissioners (DCs) and administrative secretaries to address all issues raised by MLAs about the problems of the common man and apprise them of the action. Amarinder, however, made it clear during his meetings with officials that political interference of any kind would not be tolerated in matters of governance. The CMs diktat comes after resentment among Congress MLAs, who had met Amarinder and Congress state chief Sunil Jakhar over the last week, complaining that administrative secretaries and DCs were not according them due respect and still taking orders from Akali leaders. Jakhar was also present at the meeting as Amarinder told officers that MLAs needed to be heard and given respect as elected representatives of people. The Congress MLAs from Ludhiana district had earlier complained against then Ludhiana police chief Kunwar Pratap Singh leading to his transfer. Amarinders bid to keep political interference to the minimum in running the administration by reposing his faith on top officers in his government, is leading to heartburn among the party MLAs, who claim the bureaucracy had cold-shouldered them even during the 10 years of the SAD-BJP rule. Taking cognisance of the 30,000 pending service-related cases against government employees, Amarinder directed scrapping of all frivolous cases to restore the confidence of the employees and enable them to function in a free and fair manner. He also ordered Rs 10 meals to be made available under the governments Sanjhi Rasoi scheme in all districts by July 1, 2017. He set a deadline of July 31 for the completion of joint verification of beneficiaries for pension and atta-dal schemes, with DCs to act as nodal officers. Stressing the need for the government to be prepared for GST implementation from July 1, the CM asked the administrative secretaries to formulate schemes and programmes to take forward the government agenda, with year-wise targets clearly defined. Addressing the administrative officers, Amarinder called for better coordination between the irrigation and agriculture departments to ensure adequate supply of clean canal water for crops, especially cotton. He also ordered for taking the cases registered against those responsible for distribution and sale of spurious insecticides and pesticides during the previous regime, to a logical end. Chandigarh GMDA Ordinance approved The Haryana Cabinet on Thursday approved the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) Ordinance, 2017. The Ordinance aims at developing vision for the continued, sustained and balanced growth of Gurugram Metropolitan Area by providing quality of life and reasonable standard of living to the residents through generation of employment opportunities. The ordinance seeks to provide for integrated and coordinated planning, infrastructure development and provision of urban amenities, mobility management, sustainable management of urban environment, and social, economic and industrial development. Extension of metro rail from Narela to Kundi Haryana Cabinet approved the extension of metro rail from Narela in Delhi to Kundli in district Sonepat. The project will be financed by the state government and the Central government in the ratio of 80:20 by and implemented on the funding pattern adopted in the case of Gurugram, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) metro extension. The state government will contribute Rs 968.20 crore as its share in the project. The length of this extension is 4.86 kms with three stations namely, Narela Sector 5, Kundli and Nathupur. All the three stations will be elevated. The metro extension from Narela to Kundli is proposed to be constructed from April 2018 to March 2022. Govt job to martyr Mandeeps brother The Cabinet gave nod for the proposal to give appointment in Group-C post to Sanjeev Kumar, elder brother of martyr constable Mandeep Singh, on compassionate grounds. Army constable Mandeep Singh, resident of village Antheri, district Kurukshetra, was killed in militant firing in Machhal sector, district Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir on October 28, 2016. The state government has so far given employment to dependents of 120 martyrs. HUDA renamed The Haryana Urban development authority (HUDA) will now be called Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) Police talk of terror link as youth kills self in Patiala house raid, questions remain A 24-year-old computer engineer was purportedly found dead at his house in Darshan Nagar of Patiala on Thursday, and the police claimed he was a bomb-maker who killed himself due to fear of cops who were conducting a raid. Police also claimed to have found a pressure cooker bomb and a pipe bomb and other explosive material from the house. Read more Punjab govt repeals law, scraps Khalsa University in Amritsar The Punjab government led by Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday promulgated an order to repeal the Khalsa University Act, 2016, with a view to protecting the heritage character of Khalsa College, Amritsar. Read more Can poetry fight cancer? Facebook fund drive for Chandigarh student shows how When an actor-writer from the city heard of a fellow poets sudden diagnosis of leukemia, or blood cancer, her first reaction was helplessness. Not only because the disease is potentially fatal, but also because her friend, Anam Narula, a 21-year-old BSc student at DAV College, Chandigarh, does not have the means to get the expensive treatment. Read more Flood reveals encroachment of graveyard by colonisers in Bathinda Earth had caved in at many places due to the flood last week, and 10 graves in two rows appeared, visibly hollow. It also came to light that large portions of the wakf boards more than 19 acres have been carved into plots being sold mainly to illiterate migrant labourers without any lease document. Read more As Congress MLAs sulk, CM Amarinder asks officers to give them due respect Amarinders bid to keep political interference to the minimum in running the administration by reposing his faith on top officers in his government, is leading to heartburn among the party MLAs, who claim the bureaucracy had cold-shouldered them even during the 10 years of the SAD-BJP rule. Read more Tighter visa rules: US wants social media, employment info of 15 years The Trump administration has rolled out a new questionnaire for US visa applicants worldwide that asks for social media handles for the last five years and biographical information going back 15 years. Read more For more stories, visit www.punjab.ht and follow us on Twitter and Facebook The Punjab government led by Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday promulgated an order to repeal the Khalsa University Act, 2016, with a view to protecting the heritage character of Khalsa College, Amritsar. The promulgation orders were issued here by governor VP Singh Badnore under clause (1) of Article 213 of the Constitution, thereby implementing a decision taken in April by the state cabinet and also the chief ministers promise to protect the glorious legacy of the 125-year-old Khalsa College. According to a press release by the CMs office, the ordinance provides that admission to the affected students shall be given in other appropriate educational institutions of the state as per their eligibility. Higher education minister Aruna Chaudhary said the Khalsa College, Amritsar, had, over a period of time, become a significant icon of Khalsa heritage, and the university established in 2016 is likely to shadow and damage its character and pristine glory. The state cabinet, during its April meeting, had decided to ensure that the students are accommodated in some other college at par, after taking their choice into consideration, to ensure that the future of the 300 students already admitted in the university is not jeopardised. The ordinance, called the Khalsa University (Repeal) Ordinance, 2017, will come into force on and with effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette. Khalsa University, Amritsar, was established through the Act by the previous SAD-BJP alliance government despite huge criticism from not only the residents of Amritsar but also from the alumni of the college and intellectuals of the state, said the press release. Amarinder had all along maintained that the move by the Khalsa College Society to destroy its rich heritage status by converting this prestigious institution into University was appalling, it added. The government also felt that there was no point in establishing an additional university in Amritsar, which already had several reputed institutions of higher learning. While the Guru Nanak Dev University has won wide acclaim and recognition at the national level, Sri Guru Ram Dass University of Health Sciences and the Indian Institute of Management, Amritsar, were also among institutions of national repute, added the press note. It was strongly felt that taking away a chunk of land from Khalsa College to make a university would adversely affect the existence of the college. Further, the unique identity of its building will also be diminished, with its architectural grandeur and marvel getting destroyed in the process. With one of its ministers in eye of a raging sandstorm, the two-month-old Captain Amarinder Singh government seems to be fighting its first credibility crisis a bit too early. As allegations of benami sand mining deals against power and irrigation minister Rana Gurjit Singh gather storm, rumblings within the cabinet and the party are also growing louder that the minister should step down till his name is cleared by the judicial commission set up by the CM. Requesting anonymity, a cabinet minister said the Congress came to power on a promise of clean governance and it cannot forsake it in two months. One man should not be allowed to take the whole party down, he said. Another cabinet minister said: Rana will have to go. Its just a matter of time. The government cannot be seen as giving him a clean chit. However, senior cabinet minister Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, said the CM has ordered a judicial probe and they should wait for the outcome. But the governments worry is not so much of losing face as the prospect of the issue derailing its preparedness for the budget session. Its much-hyped ammo of white paper on financial mismanagement during the 10-year rule of the Akaki-BJP government may go unnoticed, if not unused, if the Opposition AAP and the SAD-BJP stall the session demanding Ranas ouster, resulting in a washout. On the back foot, the government is also mulling to delay the session to mid-June expecting the storm to blow over. The MLAs, who have been meeting the CM in the last few days in batches with problems in their constituencies, have left it to state party chief Sunil Jakhar to convey their feelings to the CM that the issue should not be allowed to linger on. The minister should quit till his name is cleared. It is a huge embarrassment for us and our government as just nine ministers have been sworn in and one of them is already facing charges of benami stakes in sand mines. People have no faith in the judicial commissions set up by the government. The intent should show on part of the CM or the minister should resign on his own calling, a MLA said, wishing not to be named. But some wannabe ministers are not so forthcoming. It is too early to say anything. The government made sand mining a fair game by going for e-auction. Rana is an established industrialist and does not need to go for benami deals, All India Youth Congress chief and Gidderbaha MLA Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said. Though Rana has said Amit Bahadur and Kulvinder Paul, who have bagged mining contracts, are his former employees and his friend Capt JS Randhawa has claimed they are working partners of his son Sanjit Randhawas firms, what may queer the pitch for Rana is the three other firms in which Bahadur is a director bear the same email id or address as his company, Rana Sugars. Even if the money trail for mining bids may lead to bank accounts of Randhawas firms, the ministers poll affidavit shows he owes Bahadurs firms loans running into crores of rupees. Justice Narang may have to recuse Though the Amarinder government seems to be in no mood to give into allegations of Opposition that justice JS Narang (retd) has links with Rana, sources in government said he would have to recuse himself if indeed a client-counsel relationship is proved. A judicial commission is formed under the Commission of Inquiry Act and the name of the judge is approved by the Chief Justice of India. Yet if a client-lawyer relation is proved, he will have to recuse himself, a senior government official said. AAP leader Sukhpal Khaira has alleged that Narangs son, Amitjeet Narang, has worked as counsel of ministers nephew, Rana Prabhdeep Singh. But upbeat minister in no mood to step down A white kurta-pyjama and colour-coded vest, pocket square and turban in pastel shades, Punjabs power and irrigation minister Rana Gurjit Singh is not known as much for his millions as his dressing style among Punjab MLAs. Even the dressing down in the media over reports of his alleged benami sand mining bids have not affected Ranas flourish to dress up. In his white kurta-pyjama, orange turban, vest and pocket square, the minister looked upbeat as he came to his office at the secretariat on Wednesday. Rana does not have many friends in the party and government to stand by him but he does not seem to need any. He has the confidence of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh himself and some of his close friends. A day in Ranas life remains quite the same. Accompanied by his confidant, Khadoor Sahib MLA Ramanjit Sikki, he went to meet CMs chief principal secretary Suresh Kumar for some work before heading to his room full of people waiting for him. He met a few in the back room in his office and also asked his staff to allow the media in, but not for a bite. I have nothing to say to the media till the judicial commission gives its report, is all that he told reporters. Not just Rana, even the CM may want to brazen it out as one wicket out of nine falling in two months is a bad start. But you cant fault him in his dressing sense, a Congress MLA quipped as Rana went past him in the corridors of the CMs office. Ranas confidence is sheer bravado or righteousness, only time will tell. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Veteran Kannada film producer and distributor Parvathamma Rajkumar, the widow of matinee idol Rajkumar, died at a private hospital here on early Wednesday. She was 78. Thousands of people bid her a tearful adieu as her mortal remains were laid to rest with state honours. Parvathamma died at 4.40 a.m. due to cardiac arrest after her blood pressure dropped, said MS Ramaiah Hospital spokesperson Prakash. Parvathamma is survived by three sons and two daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and grand-children. All her sons -- Shivaraj, Raghavendra and Puneeth -- are also popular Kannada cine stars. A cancer patient, Parvathamma was admitted to the hospital on May 14, and was on ventilator for 12 days due to multiple organ failure after the malignancy spread to her lungs and liver, said Prakash. Sandalwood superstar Rajkumar passed away here on April 12, 2006, at the age of 77. The three sons and other family members were present by her side during her final moments, added Prakash. Puneeth performed the last rites at Kanteerva Studio in the northwest suburb. Her body was buried adjacent to Rajkumars memorial. Parvathammas body was brought to the studio in a procession from her house in a cortege, drapped in the Indian tricolour, while thousands of people lined up enroute to bid her farewell. Security was tightened at the Rajkumars house at Sadashivnagar after her body was shifted from the hospital and kept to allow the public pay homage to her. Police had tough time in regulating the crowds, including hundreds of fans of the Rajkumars who thronged the house for a last glimpse of their amma (mother). Kannada legend Rajkumar died in 2006. The Kannada film industrys fraternity, including cine stars, actors, producers, directors, distributors and theatre owners made a beeline to pay their respects to her. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Ministers DV Sadananda Gowda and Anantha Kumar and Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were among the politicians also visited to the Rajkumars house to mourn Parvathammas death. Mourning her, Siddaramaiah said she was an example of an old saying -- Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Parvathamma is basically from Mysuru distrtict. I pray God to give strength to her family to bear the griveious loss. May her soul rest in peace, said Siddaramaiah in a condolence message to the family. Born on December 6, 1939, at Saligrama in Mysuru district, Parvathamma produced about 80 Kannada films and was distributor for over 100 films. She was married to Rajkumar at the age of 14 in 1953. As in the case of her husband 11 years ago, Parvathammas eyes were also donated to Narayana Netralaya in the city with the consent of her family soon after she passed away. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop After a well deserved family holiday in London, filmmaker SS Rajamouli is back to work mode. While the entire nation is stunned by the success of Baahubali 2, its director hasnt let the overwhelming response to the film get to his head. He has quickly moved on to his next project and it turns out he even has found a producer. Apparently, DVV Danayya, known for producing films such as Desamuduru, Julayi and Naayak, will bankroll Rajamoulis next which will be an action-based revenge drama. Danayya will be producing Rajamoulis next and they have even locked the story. If everything goes as planned, the shoot will commence from the year end. Rajamouli has already begun working on the script and he is likely to spend six months before going on floors, a source told HT, refusing to comment on the cast. He hasnt finalised on the cast yet. He usually doesnt think about the cast without finalising his script. While reports are doing the rounds that he might team up with Prabhas again, the source said it is very unlikely. Prabhas has Saaho, and its a very big project and it will require him to dedicate a lot of time. Therefore, its very unlikely that he will team up with Rajamouli again and definitely not right away. The source also revealed that this project wont be made on an exorbitant budget unlike Baahubali. However, it could be made with a star who can appeal to audiences beyond Telugu industry. The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be locked. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop If a new study is to be believed, availing of maternal leave puts women in a Catch-22 situation. Women are judged negatively if they choose to take maternity leave and equally badly if they work on. In the University of Exeter study of workers attitudes, mothers who took time off to care for babies were seen as less committed and competent at work. Meanwhile, those who continued working were viewed as less caring parents. The results suggested women are damned either way, according to lead author Thekla Morgenroth. This is a no-win situation for women? she said. Morgenroth noted that the results show that perceptions of competence, whether in the work or family domain, were never boosted, but only impaired, by the maternity leave decision. Both decisions had negative consequences, albeit in different domains. Availing of maternal leave puts women in a Catch-22 situation. (Shutterstock) It is important to have policies which allow women to balance work and family life, but its also important to understand peoples use of these policies may have unintended consequences, added Morgenroth. The study examined the attitudes of 137 women and 157 men, all employed, mostly from the US and the UK. Three groups of participants were given information about a fictional woman. The only difference between the information was whether the woman had chosen to take maternity leave. In one version she had taken leave, in another she had continued working, and in a third (control group) the issue was not mentioned. Participants were then asked to evaluate the woman as a worker and a parent with negative family results for a woman who kept working, and negative working results for a woman who took maternity leave. The majority of participants were working full-time (70%) and had no children (71%). The average age of participants was 33 years. The study is published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more. China said on Thursday it will stick to the Paris climate deal as the world awaited an announcement by US President Donald Trump on whether to keep the United States in the global pact to fight climate change. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump denounced the accord, and called global warming a hoax aimed at weakening US industry. A source close to the matter said Trump was preparing to pull out of the agreement. A US withdrawal could deepen a rift with its allies. The United States would join Syria and Nicaragua as the worlds only non-participants in the landmark 195-nation accord agreed upon in Paris in 2015. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the agreement had not been reached easily and it represented the broadest consensus of the international community. Climate change is a global challenge. No county can place itself outside of this, she told a daily news briefing. No matter what changes other countries made in their positions, China would follow its green, sustainable development concept, strengthening measures to deal with climate change and would conscientiously follow the Paris agreement, Hua said. At the same time, we will continue to resolutely be a protector and promoter of the global climate system process, proactively participating in the multilateral climate change process, Hua said. We are willing to work with all sides to jointly protect the Paris agreement process, promote the actual rules and regulations of the agreement in follow-up talks and effectively enact them, and promote global green, low carbon, sustainable development. Asked whether China had talked to the Trump administration about the Paris agreement, she said: China and the United States have close communications about a wide variety of topics, and of course, this includes the issue of climate change. Climate change was widely seen as one of the few bright spots of cooperation between Beijing and the previous Obama administration in Washington. China and the European Union are set to issues a statement at a high-level meeting in Brussels committing to implement the climate deal, in a effort to bolster the pact as Trump appears set to abandon it. China overtook the United States as the worlds biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2007. But a US withdrawal from the deal would give China more opportunity to burnish its image as a global leader. China had fought previous attempts by foreign governments to limit carbon emissions, claiming it should be allowed the same space to develop and pollute that industrialised nations had. But with its capital often choked by smog and its people angry about the environmental degradation that rapid development has wrought across the country, Beijing has become a strong proponent of efforts to halt global warming. Bangladeshs navy was searching for 81 fishermen still missing on Thursday after more than 63 were rescued from the Bay of Bengal following a devastating cyclone which killed several people and left thousands homeless. Still 81 fishermen are missing out of 144 fishermen. Bangladesh Naval Force have rescued 33 and Indian Naval Force rescued 30, said Mostaque Ahmed, head of the Coxs Bazar Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association. Cyclone Mora, with wind up to 135kph and heavy rain, hit southeast Bangladesh around Coxs Bazaar and the border with neighbouring Myanmar on Tuesday, leaving thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees hunkered down in ruined camps. The Rohingyas have fled from their homes in northwest Myanmar to escape communal violence and Myanmar army crackdown. The Bangladeshi government has estimated that in all, there are about 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh following a new influx last October, when the Myanmar army launched an offensive in response to insurgent attacks. Authorities in Coxs Bazar and neighbouring Chittagong district evacuated 350,000 people from low-lying areas before the storm roared in from the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. Though the fishermen were rescued, most of the boats, the main instrument for our survival are totally damaged and it is not possible to get them replaced quickly as we are not solvent, Ahmed told Reuters by phone from Coxs Bazar. Still we are grateful to the government as now the air force with helicopters is searching the remaining missing fishermen. Cyclone Mora formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off Indias southern tip, killing 202 people in recent days, authorities said. GMB, one of Britains largest trade unions, on Thursday insisted that outsourcing IT work to India was to blame for the recent computer failure at British Airways (BA), which had resulted in large-scale cancellation of flights and had inconvenienced thousands. According to GMB, the computer failure could have been avoided and it was another example of alleged shortcomings of BAs IT systems, since a number of staff was made redundant and work was outsourced in 2016. GMB national officer for aviation Mick Rix said: We can only feel genuinely sorry for the tens of thousands of passengers who are stranded at airports and face having their travel plans and holidays ruined. This could have all been avoided. BA in 2016 made hundreds of dedicated and loyal IT staff redundant and outsourced the work to India. BA have made substantial profits in for a number of years, and many viewed the companys actions as just plain greedy. However, BA told Hindustan Times that the problem arose due to a power surge and had no link to outsourcing of IT work. The airlines flights to India were also hit, but are back to normal after the computer issue affected not only passengers but also BAs share value. A BA spokesperson said: There was a loss of power to the UK data centre which was compounded by the uncontrolled return of power which caused a power surge taking out our IT systems. So we know what happened we just need to find out why. It was not an IT failure and had nothing to do with outsourcing of IT, it was an electrical power supply which was interrupted. We are undertaking an exhaustive investigation to find out the exact circumstances and most importantly ensure that this can never happen again. Several British banks and companies have outsourced work to India over recent years, but there have been complaints from customers about service received from some call centres in India. Some companies have reverted the outsourced work back to Britain. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US television network CNN on Wednesday fired a comedian from its annual New Years Eve coverage after she provoked outrage for being photographed holding up a prop depicting Donald Trumps bloodied severed head. The US president castigated Kathy Griffin saying she should be ashamed of herself for the grisly-looking photograph. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! he tweeted. Griffin, 56, who had co-hosted CNNs annual New Years Eve coverage for the last decade, apologized on Tuesday and said she had asked the celebrity photographer Tyler Shields to remove the picture from the internet. But it was not enough to save her job with CNN. CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Years Eve program, its communications division announced on Twitter. The network had said earlier it was evaluating its New Years Eve coverage and called the picture disgusting and offensive. First Lady Melania Trump also criticized the outspoken Trump critic, who has twice won Emmys for her reality show My Life on the D List. As a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing, the presidents wife said in a rare statement. 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, she added. In a 31-second video posted to social media late Tuesday Griffin said: I beg for your forgiveness. I went too far. I made a mistake and I was wrong. Trumps eldest son Donald Jr, who runs the family business in New York, and Mitt Romney, the defeated 2012 Republican presidential nominee, were among those conservatives who slammed the photograph. Our politics have become too base, too low & too vulgar, but Kathy Griffins post descends into an even more repugnant & vile territory, Romney tweeted. Even Trump critics vented disapproval. It is never funny to joke about killing a president, tweeted Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Trumps former election rival Hillary. I think she was thinking she was making some artistic statement, but that image has no place in our political dialogue, Al Franken, Democratic Senator from Minnesota and a former comedian on long-running television show Saturday Night Live, told MSNBC. The Secret Service said it would look into the incident, posting on Twitter that threats against protectees receive the highest priority of all of our investigations. Squatty Potty, a Utah-based bathroom products company, suspended an advertising campaign featuring Griffin, calling the picture deeply inappropriate. China said on Thursday India and Pakistan should improve their ties and uphold the spirit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) after becoming its members later this month. India and Pakistan are slated to become members of the SCO, a regional security bloc led by Beijing, at the groups summit in Astana in Kazakhstan later this month. This is the first time since its launch in 2001 it will expand its membership. A flag-raising ceremony is scheduled to take place at the SCO headquarters in Beijing on June 15 to mark the new admissions. The groups current members are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Until now, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan were observers while Belarus, Turkey and Sri Lanka were dialogue partners. Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO, Hua Chunying, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) said on Thursday at the regular ministry briefing. Hua was referring to the unease among the original member countries about the inclusion of the two because of the state of ties between India and Pakistan. Observers here feel that after the inclusion of the two countries, the SCO could face a rocky diplomatic path ahead, given New Delhi and Islamabads hostilities over issues such as Kashmir, terrorism and the path to peace in Afghanistan. The hostility between the two states is unlikely to be dispelled in the short time. Together with their complicated relations with China and Russia, analysts believe their admission may have negative effects on the SCO, bringing more internal conflicts and lowering the level of mutual political trust and the efficiency of multilateral cooperation, Sun Zhuangzhi, secretary-general of CASSs SCO Research Centre, had written in the state media last year. There are positives as well. The scope of the group will be expanded from China, Russia, and Central Asian countries to South Asia, covering over 60% of Eurasia. In addition, more opportunities will be brought to the SCO, Sun wrote. It was at the SCO summit in Ufa in Russia in 2015 that the founding members launched the process to accept the membership of India and Pakistan. The member states of the SCO are accelerating the procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well, Hua said. We hope India and Pakistan (will join) as full members at the Astana summit. We also expect the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries, Hua said. Now the member states of the SCO are accelerating the legal processes. Everything is going on smoothly. Now, the SCO will complete the first membership expansion since its establishment. It will become a regional organisation with largest coverage involving the biggest population (in the world), she said. Pakistan said on Thursday alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav will remain alive till he does not exhaust the right to seek clemency. Irrespective of the ICJs stay, Jadhav will remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the COAS (army chief) and later with President, foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. He said the Indian petition at the International Court of Justice was about Jadhavs entitlement to consular access. It is not about whether the ICJ can act as a Court of Appeal from Pakistani legal proceedings. That is why barrister Khawar Qureshi informed the court that India cannot obtain from the Court what it is seeking. He also told the court that India is using media to create false impression about the case. The spokesperson said India had failed despite reminders to provide information sought on January 23 by Islamabad on the basis of Jadhavs confession of spying and fomenting terror in Pakistan. He termed the ICJ stay on Jadhavs hanging as nothing but usual. The ICJ has stayed the execution of Jadhav, who has been awarded capital punishment by a Pakistani military court on charges of fomenting terrorism in Balochistan and Karachi. A colossal aircraft capable of launching satellite-toting rockets into space is closer to testing, having been rolled out of a hangar in the desert, its creators said on Wednesday. The project backed by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been proceeding for about six years and was on track for its first launch demonstration as early as 2019, Stratolaunch Systems Corporation chief executive Jean Floyd said in a blog post. This marks a historic step in our work to achieve Paul G Allens vision of normalizing access to low Earth orbit, Floyd said. This is a first-of-its-kind aircraft, so were going to be diligent throughout testing. The Stratolaunch plane is pushed out of the hanger for the first time in the Mojave desert, California on May 31, 2017. Touted as the worlds largest aircraft built yet, the plane is apparently on track for its first launch demonstration as early at 2019. (AFP) In the weeks and months ahead, Stratolaunch touted as the biggest airliner ever built will be testing fuel systems, engines and more on the ground at its air and space port in the Mojave desert, according to Floyd. Support structures were removed from the plane during the past few weeks, allowing it to rest on its 28 wheels for the first time. The Stratolaunch aircraft weighed in at 226,796 kilograms and has the worlds largest plane wingspan, measuring 385 feet, according to the company. The aircraft is 238 feet from nose to end, and it is 50 feet from the ground to the tip of its vertical tail. When the ambitious venture was launched some six years ago by philanthropist Allen, partners in the project vowed it would revolutionize orbital travel in the post-space shuttle era. Using huge passenger jet engines, it would tote a rocket and be able to launch payloads, satellites and someday humans into low-Earth orbit, Allen said at the time. Allen vowed that the project would result in greater flexibility than ground-based rocket launches and better cost effectiveness for cargo and human missions to space. Private space travel is also among the big visions of tech industry star Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX as well as electric car company Tesla. SpaceX is poised to blast off its next delivery of food, supplies and science experiments to astronauts living at the International Space Station on Thursday. The launch of SpaceXs 11th commercial resupply mission aboard an unmanned Dragon cargo ship is scheduled for 5:55 pm (2155 GMT). If all goes as planned, a Falcon 9 rocket will propel the Dragon into low-Earth orbit, where it will eventually connect with the space station, circling the Earth at a height of some 400 kilometers. Pakistans options for defending its position at the next hearing of Kulbhushan Jadhavs case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) were reviewed by the civil-military leadership during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The Hague-based world court stayed the execution of Jadhav, sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged involvement in spying and subversive activities, in response to a petition from India. The next hearing of the case is on June 8. The meeting of the National Security Committee, chaired on Wednesday by Sharif, discussed Pakistans options and preparation for the hearing. The meeting was attended by army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, defence minister Khawaja Asif and foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz. After the ICJ stayed Jadhavs execution on May 18 till it gives a final decision on Indias petition to annul his death sentence, Pakistani leaders said the 46-year-old former naval officer cannot be freed or acquitted by the world court. They have also said his case will be handled according to Pakistans laws and Constitution. During Wednesdays meeting, the civil and military leadership discussed the strategy to deal with Jadhavs case and to defend Pakistans stance, The Express Tribune quoted its sources as saying. The question of giving India consular access to Jadhav was reviewed, the report said. Consular access to any foreign detainee is just a routine formality. But in case of Jadhav, who is an Indian spy, India needs to accept his status as a spy before requesting for consular access to him, a source was quoted as saying. In the first place, our side has challenged the ICJ jurisdiction to hear the case. The world court is yet to decide about the merit of the case after which the issue of consular access would arise provided that the UN court proceeds to negate Pakistans stance. The meeting was held a day after attorney general Ashtar Ausaf Ali briefed the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about Pakistans plans to appoint an ad hoc judge at the ICJ. The ICJs provisions allow Pakistan to appoint such a judge as an Indian judge is a member of the panel hearing Jadhavs case. The meeting discussed names of former judges of the superior judiciary but no candidate was finalised, the report said. Following widespread criticism of Pakistans lawyers at the May 18 hearing, Ali will himself lead the countrys legal team at the next hearing. A statement from the Prime Ministers House, issued after the meeting, did not mention the discussions on Pakistans strategy at the ICJ but criticised India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting expressed serious concern over the atrocities of Indian forces on the innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir and resolved to continue moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris, the statement said. It added the National Security Committee also discussed the internal and external security situation and the situation on the borders with India and Afghanistan. Satyarup Siddhanta only discovered he was at the centre of an Everest fraud when he spotted news of a couple whose false claim to have scaled the worlds highest peak has set off a debate about how mountaineering feats are authenticated. The Indian couple had doctored his summit photo, superimposing their own faces to support their claim, and were awarded an official summit certificate from the Nepal authorities before other climbers raised doubts. Ascents of many of the worlds highest peaks are validated based largely on trust, a system that has until now worked within the close-knit community of high-altitude climbing. But as the numbers heading up Everest have boomed, many are questioning whether summits need to be validated more scientifically. For an Everest summit, climbers have to provide the Nepali or Chinese authorities with a photo from the top and a report from the team leaders and government liaison officers stationed at base camp. In 2016, Indian couple Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod provided just that, before other climbers said their story and photos didnt add up. In one photo, Tarakeshwaris face had been superimposed on Siddhantas, the colour of his boots changed and Indias national flag pasted over his hands. In another, Siddhanta had been replaced by Dinesh. I looked at their photo and immediately recognised the people around, Siddhanta told AFP. I took out my own photo to compare. I was shocked, it was my photo. Satyarup Siddhanta poses for a photograph with the equipment he had with him during his successful bid to summit Mount Everest, at his home in Bangalore. (AFP Photo) The couple were stripped of their summit certificate and banned from Nepal for 10 years. An honourable sport A record 509 paying clients headed to Everest at the beginning of this spring climbing season hoping to make it to the summit. Standing at the top of the 8,848-metre (29,029-foot) mountain adds a star to a climbers resume, and many go on to forge careers as motivational speakers and authors. But the growth has diminished the exclusivity of Everest and created a new pressure to summit, particularly for those who have been sponsored or raised money for their climb. Climbing was never a competitive sport, but now there is so much pressure to find some way to be the first. Theres the pressure to find sponsors and then the pressure to be special, said German journalist and climber Billi Bierling. That has resulted in climbers sometimes offering bribes for authentication of a failed climb. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, one of the oldest operators in the Himalayas, told AFP that his company had received such offers -- but turned them down. We have been offered but it would be foolish to partake, he said. We would not jeopardise our reputation for a single climber. Another Nepali guide also said that he was aware of climbers trying to bribe their sherpas to lie about ascents. Competition between expedition operators has also created another new pressure as a growing number of cut-price climbing companies have started leading expeditions to Everest. Operators fiercely guard their summit records and there are reports of climbers being handed summit certificates despite not making it to the top so the firm can still claim a perfect success rate. If it becomes more common, the government should take steps. Perhaps have an expert panel assess the summits, Sherpa said. The head of Nepals tourism department, which grants the certificates, conceded the system had loopholes. The department is considering giving climbers GPS trackers -- a system also open to exploitation as the small devices can easily be given to other climbers. We dont expect mountaineers who come to climb Everest to cheat, Dinesh Bhattarai said. That sentiment is also shared by Himalayan Database -- considered one of the most authoritative records of mountaineering feats within the climbing community. The archive -- a record of expeditions to around 400 peaks in Nepal dating back to the 1920s -- was originally started by journalist Elizabeth Hawley, once described by Edmund Hillary as the Sherlock Holmes of the mountaineering world. If you tell me youve summited, Im going to believe you. Its you who has to live with the lie if you do, said Bierling, who in recent years has largely taken over management of the database from 92-year-old Hawley. The database has 21 Everest ascents marked as disputed and another 18 considered unrecognised, meaning it was obvious the climbers had not achieved what they claimed. Mountaineering used to be honourable. Now if we cant count on the word of climbers -- thats sad, said Bierling. After having denied any Russian interference in the 2016 US elections, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hinted the involvement of patriotic minded private hackers from his country, but insisted his government had no role in it. Putins admission about the possibility of the involvement of private hackers marks a significant shift from his earlier position of categorically denying any Russian role in the interference, and dismissing allegations of it as anti-Russia hysteria. The Russian president said at a meeting with editors in St Petersburg that free-spirited hackers are like artists and they target whoever they like. If they are patriotically minded, they start making their contributions which are right, from their point of view to the fight against those who say bad things about Russia, he said. But, one, he insisted the Russian government had nothing to do with the hacking we dont engage in that at the state level and, two, he didnt think hackers can influence elections anywhere in the world. US intelligence has accused Russia of hacking computer networks of the Democratic National Committee and passing stolen data to WikiLeaks in an operation authorised by Putin to harm Hillary Clinton and help Trump win the race to the White House. These and other related allegations are under multiple investigations in the United States by the FBI, both chambers of Congress and the Pentagon all of which are focussed on members of Trumps campaign team, some of whom are now serving in the administration. In a related move fraught with more trouble for the Donald Trump White House, US Senate officials have said former FBI chief James Comey will publicly testify next week on his conversations with the president about the Russia probe. Meanwhile, The Guardian reported British politician Nigel Farage has emerged as a person of interest in the Russia probe for his links to people at the heart of it, such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and some Trump campaign aides. The Guardian was told by a source: One of the things the intelligence investigators have been looking at is points of contact and persons involved If you triangulate Russia, WikiLeaks, Assange and Trump associates, the person who comes up with the most hits is Nigel Farage. Hes right in the middle of these relationships. He turns up over and over again. Theres a lot of attention being paid to him. Farage is not accused of any wrongdoing and is not target or a suspect, the publication said, but as a person of interest he might be in possession of information or evidence to shed more light on the investigation. An explosion took place in a Saudi Arabian community dominated by minority Shias killing two people on Thursday and emergency vehicles converged on the scene, a witness told AFP. It was the latest incident in Qatif, where Islamic State group jihadists have carried out deadly attacks in recent years but where Shia discontent has also raged. The explosion was very huge, the witness said, asking not to be identified. Armoured and other police vehicles sealed off the area after the explosion, the witness said. Saudi television channel Al-Arabiya reported a car bombing was the cause of the explosion. Footage of the aftermath of the explosion in Shia-majority #Qatif (Saudi Arabia). A group is yet to claim responsibility for the blast. pic.twitter.com/iaGuH0Dqmp ersin (@e_sklt) June 1, 2017 Video and photographs posted on social media showed a vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of a street, with dense black smoke rising around it. Other images showed what appeared to be at least one charred body lying beside a vehicle, which looked like an SUV, after firefighters extinguished the blaze. The Sunni extremist IS -- which views Shia Muslims as heretics -- in 2014 began a campaign of bombings and shootings that has killed more than 40 Shiites in Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, which includes Qatif. In August, police said they shot dead a would-be suicide bomber targeting a mosque in Qatif district. Two months later, a gunman killed five people at a Shia meeting hall in Saihat district of Qatif. Most of Saudi Arabias Shiites live in the oil-rich east, where they have long complained of marginalisation. Alongside IS attacks, Shiite discontent and general crime are also behind a wave of violence in the area. In 2011, Shiite protests began in the area and developed into a call for equality in the Sunni-majority Gulf country. Police then issued a list of 23 wanted people, many of whom have since been detained or killed in shootouts. Last month, violence escalated around a redevelopment project in the old section of Awamiya, a Qatif-area town. The interior ministry said criminals engaged in the drug and arms trade were involved in the unrest. A police officer was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade, following the shooting deaths of an infant and a Pakistani man, in Awamiya. President Donald Trump signed an order on Thursday to keep the US embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv temporarily instead of relocating it to Jerusalem, despite his campaign pledge to go ahead with the controversial move. After months of fierce debate within his administration, Trump chose to continue his predecessors policy of signing a six-month waiver overriding a 1995 law requiring that the embassy be transferred to Jerusalem, an action that would have complicated his efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The White House insisted the decision - sure to disappoint Israels US supporters - did not mean that Trump was abandoning the goal of eventually shifting the embassy to Jerusalem. But a US official said no timetable has been set. He has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the White House said in a statement. The question is not if that move happens, but only when. With a deadline looming, Trump made the decision to defer action on the embassy to maximise the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend Americas national security interests, the White House said. Palestinian leaders, Arab governments and Western allies had urged Trump not to proceed with the embassy relocation, which would have upended decades of US policy by granting what would have been seen as de facto US recognition of Israels claim to all of Jerusalem as its capital. Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate todays expression of President Trumps friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said in a statement. No mention of embassy Trump avoided any public mention of a potential embassy move during his visit to Israel and the West Bank in May. Despite that, most experts are skeptical of Trumps chances for achieving a peace deal that had eluded other US presidents. The status of Jerusalem is one of the major stumbling blocks. Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it, a move not recognised internationally. Israel considers all of the city its indivisible capital. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Jerusalem is home to sites considered holy by the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. Successive US administrations have insisted that Jerusalems status must be decided in negotiations between the two sides. On the campaign trail, Trumps pro-Israel rhetoric raised expectations that he would act quickly to move the embassy. But after he took office in January, the issue lost momentum as he met Arab leaders who warned it would be hard to rejuvenate long-stalled peace efforts unless he acted as a fair mediator. Some of Trumps top aides pushed for him to keep his campaign promise, not only because it would be welcomed by most Israelis but to satisfy the pro-Israel, right-wing base that helped him win the presidency. The state department, however, recommended against an embassy move, one US official said. No one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the presidents strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance, according to the White House statement on the signing of the waiver. The United Kingdom has handed over seven refurbished Westland Sea King multi-role helicopters ordered by Pakistan last year for its navy. The helicopters were officially delivered on May 24 during a ceremony in the UK that was attended by Pakistani high commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas and Christopher Bob Richardson from Britains defence ministry. The Pakistan Navy had ordered the surplus Sea King helicopters from the UK in 2016, according to a statement from the Pakistan high commission in London. The helicopters will undergo maintenance before they are shipped to Pakistan later this year. Abbas referred to the relationship between the armed forces of the two countries and the role played by Britain in building the capacity of Pakistans armed forces in terms of equipment support and training. The seven helicopters will join the six Sea King helicopters that are part of the Pakistan Navys air arm. The Sea Kings are used for multiple roles, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, troop transport and search-and-rescue missions. June 5th, 2017 June 10th @ Realioctane Instagram: @ Realioctane Facebook.com/ioctanelive Following his impressive appearance at Appleton Signature Nights, where I-Octane thrilled the crowd with hit songs and a surprise duet with Ginjah on "One Chance", The reggae and dancehalll star headed to Miami for the 11th annual staging of Best of The Best Concert. "It was a great staging of Appleton Estate Signature Nights at M10 Bar and Grill. The audience had a fantastic time rocking to the sweet reggae and dancehall music from I-Octane, one of the hottest names on the Jamaican music scene., -Tamika West, marketing manager, J Wray and Nephew Limited.Armed with the saying "Veni Vidi Vici ( I came, I saw, I conquered.) conquered he did. As the artist touched the stage, and the band played it's first note, Octane was on par with his audience, feeding from their vibes it fueled him to deliver his well earned moniker of King of the Stage. The energy and showmanship that Octane is well known for, was in full force on the May evening under Florida's heavenly stars.Bayfront Park in downtown Miami was pulsating with music lovers being treated to the best of the best, I-Octane served up a great blend of his new material along with fan favorites that had the crowd enthusiastically singing along, and it was hard to tell where the music ended and the audience began." I-Octane Tek it to the crowd @bestofthebest #BOTB2017" - Caribbean Source" I-Octane Best of the Best 2017. When you great you just great." - Dreamland Tv Jamaica" I-Octane gave the #BestOfTheBest fans a great show!" - DancehallStarzArmed with prolific lyrics, and a stand out stage presence, I-Octane left the crowd with wanting more and a remarkable haunting memory. "Thank you to Jabba and the city of Miami, but most of all, thank you to my fans, without you there is no me." - I-OctaneCatch I-OctaneRed Stripe Premier League Finals at Jamaica's National Stadium in Kingston, and onat Digicel Jamaica's Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica.Social MediaTwitter: Republican US Senators John McCain just said that China is starting to behave like a bully with regards to the issue on the South China Sea. This was due to the previous actions of the country by militarizing of islands in the said territory. Senator John McCain said last Tuesday in his speech in Australia that China is really acting like a bully with its claim for the South China Sea. He also added that the country was affirming that it has the right towards the territory across the globe. This was also evident by China's militarizing artificial islands in the territory. Moreover, the US senator also claimed that the Chinese started to fill in the islands in the South China Sea. With that alone, it only showed that the country is militarizing artificial islands; thus, a complete violation of the international law. But according to Reuters, representatives from China strongly rejected this claim. Because of this latest report, some countries were wondering if this will create and develop tension between China and the United States. This report escalated days before the regional security conference to be held in Singapore wherein the two countries are delegates. Aside from China, some countries in Asia are also contesting their rights over the South China Sea namely, Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The said territorial conflict was even brought up before the International Court at The Hague wherein the Philippines has been granted the rights over the said territory. However, Financial Times reported that despite the presence of the said verdict from the said International Court, China is still firm in its decision that the country holds the rights over the South China Sea. Lately, President Rodrigo Duterte just asked the other countries which are also claiming rights over the said territory for a shared exploration. It looks like China would not accept that offer; instead, the county is said ti be building artificial islands in the South China Sea. Other countries also were not pleased regarding China's aggressiveness. But with Senator McCain's claims, still, it will be impossible if China will be threatened. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russia' President Vladimir Putin had a meeting in Moscow. Amongst other things that were discussed at the meeting, the most important topic discussed was about the oil market partnership and Syria. Leaving the past hostility behind, Saudi Arabia and Russia are working towards an oil market partnership. Notably, it was the second meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to reports from Reuters, it is indicated that a deal between Russia and Saudi Arabia is on the cards between the two biggest oil exporters of the world. And, with this deal, it might send the oil prices soaring up. Tuesday's discussion in Moscow between Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russia' President Vladimir Putin had the duo discussion on oil market stabilization. Another aspect that was also discussed at the meeting was Syria. Additionally, several other projects related to real estate, transportation, retail, infrastructure energy projects were also discussed. It must be mentioned that the meeting, which follows the Riyadh's summit, had the Russian President, Vladimir Putin praising the Deputy Crown Prince. Moreover, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also heard saying that both Russia and Saudi Arabia are currently in the best phase, due to the common factor and also their efforts in overcoming disagreements. He further emphasized that "The most important thing is that we are succeeding in building a solid foundation to stabilize oil markets and energy prices," Notably, non-OPEC countries like Russia has previously been non-cooperative in dropping the oil output, jointly with the OPE countries. However, it was last year that the non-OPEC countries agreed to cooperate for the first time in 15 years. They will be extending their support until March 2018. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TELSA CEO Elon Musk just proved that he is true to his words when he confirmed that he is ready to leave the advisory council of President Donald Trump. According to him, this will happen if the U.S. government particularly the administration will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. It can be recalled that President Trump received backlash and criticisms when he made it uncertain if he will still keep the U.S in a global agreement to fight climate change. Some sources close to the issue and the said matter said that he was actually planning to pull America out from the said accord. According to CNN, the world most especially allies o the U.S. are waiting or the announcement of Donald Trump with regards to the Paris Agreement. With the latest news, it was reported that the president will announce his decision this Thursday which will determine the future of the said agreement. It was U.S. Former President Barack Obama who took part and signed in the Paris Agreement which was agreed upon by 195 countries last 2015. With regards to the agreement, all the participating countries should get rid of fossil fuels and to employ clean energy practices. The very purpose of this pact is to stop the worsening of the global warming. In case President Donald Trump ill withdraw its support from Paris Agreement, the U.S. will be implementing a more backward position on climate change and global warming. Moreover, Techly reported that the most powerful country in the world will be joining Nicaragua and Syria which originally pulled out from the agreement too. Reports escalated that there is a bigger chance that President Donald Trump will withdraw its support from Paris Agreement. If this will take place, it will be very clear that the U.S. sets a more negative stance on climate change than North Korea which is one of the country-signatories. At present Elon Musk, TESLA CEO belongs to Donald Trump's advisory councils namely Manufacturing Jobs Initiative and the economic advisory board. He is likewise threatening Trump to quit from these councils should he pulls U.S. out of the Paris Agreement. So far, this is the latest tension between the president and the Silicon Valley. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Slovak diplomat Miroslav Lajcak delivers a speech after he was elected as president of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York, May 31, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Slovak diplomat Miroslav Lajcak was elected on Wednesday as president of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. As the only candidate nominated for the position, Lajcak was elected by acclamation by the 193-member Assembly. Lajcak is currently the minister of foreign and European affairs of Slovakia. He was Slovak ambassador to Japan from 1994 to 1998. Lajcak also ran for the position of UN Secretary-General in 2016. He will replace the current president, Peter Thomson of Fiji when the next assembly session convenes in September this year. Addressing the assembly after his election, Lajcak said his priorities would include peace, migration, development as well as climate change. Calling for a focus on people, Lajcak promised that he would "bring the UN closer to the world citizens" and guarantee peace and decent lives for ordinary people on a sustainable planet. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Lajcak on his election, saying he will collaborate with the new president in charting a course for lasting peace, justice, human rights and human dignity. A Malaysia Airlines plane just returned to Australia after a passenger threatened to detonate a bomb while inside the plane. It was then found out that the passenger was mentally ill who also attempted to enter the cockpit before he was tied up and tackled by flight crews and some passengers. It was reported that the passenger who was mentally ill is a 25-year old Sri Lankan man who was just discharged from a psychiatric clinic. After his release from the hospital, it was learned that he reserved a flight and purchased a ticket heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to ABC News, the police and the authorities discovered that the Malaysia Airlines plane was already about 10 minutes from Melbourne when the Sri Lankan man headed to the cockpit door while clutching a device. Together with this, he also started to threaten to blow up the said plane which made the passengers panic. After that, the passengers, as well as the light crews, tied him up with the use of the belts. Then with regards to the device, he was holding, it was discovered that it was an amplifier-type of an instrument while one passenger identified it as a portable music player. Some of the passengers noticed that the man who was discovered to be mentally-ill shouted that he would blow up the plane they even noticed that he was nervous and restless upon doing it. Because of this, the authorities credited the passengers particularly the flight crews who successfully subdued the suspect for a fear that it will create more tension and panic. It was also considered that the actions of the crew and the passengers were somewhat heroic. After the plane returned to Australia, Fox News reported that the passengers were asked to remain inside for about 90 minutes. The authorities and bomb experts searched for possible bombs at a distant part of the airport. They also confirmed that the man or the suspect was not related to any terrorist groups, only that he is mentally ill. Because of the said incident, some suggested that mentally ill passengers should be banned from flying. The passengers who were stranded for the ordeal were also offered government support. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. T he Golden State California is the inspired theme of a new exhibition at the Design Museum in Kensington. The West Coast states countless cutting-edge design innovations have changed the way we live. Yet surprisingly, this is the first show to acknowledge their impact. There have been many shows about West Coast mid-century design, says co-curator Justin McQuirk. But this is the first to examine Californias global reach in many areas of design. California is Hollywood films birthplace and it was here that much mid-century, light-filled modern architecture was pioneered. The internet was first developed in California and hi-tech giants Apple, Facebook and Twitter are headquartered in Silicon Valley today. The entrepreneurial, individualistic spirit of Californians can be traced back to the settlers who ventured as far as the Pacific Ocean, as well as to the 1848 Gold Rush. But the show, California: Designing Freedom, charts its design history since the Sixties. Inspired by nature: evoke lush LA greenery with a set of four cheese plant leaf coasters by Finest Imagery (15) That decade saw Californias eco-conscious hippy counterculture raise concerns about the environment and experiment with self-build architecture far from the polluted cities. One of its heroes was architect Buckminster Fuller, a champion of solar and wind energy, whose transparent geodesic domes brought people into closer contact with nature. The show features 200 objects, among them a Fuller dome, surfboards, psychedelic posters, original artwork for classic 1982 movie Blade Runner, the 1984 Apple Mac the worlds first personal computer and Googles self-driving car. Apple has sold over a billion iPhones but just as the state is a hi-tech powerhouse, so its mid-century design heritage is perennially appealing. It evokes an easy, laid-back lifestyle. Furniture created by West Coast designers was clean-lined and contemporary yet comfortable and colourful. They favoured rounded shapes inspired by nature and organic forms. Californian modernist architecture, too, aimed to connect with the great outdoors. Take Pierre Koenigs glass-fronted Stahl House, built high in the lush Hollywood Hills and famously photographed by Julius Shulman in the Sixties. LA-based husband-and-wife design team Charles and Ray Eames produced furniture in organic, sculptural shapes. Their home was modern yet cosy with wood-lined walls, a profusion of plants, rugs, cushions and exotic ornaments bought on their travels. They weren't averse to homely clutter, and their taste still influences interiors today. In modern mode: cactus vase, 40; Soren 5 shelving unit 429; Soren magazine table, 150; Hendrick chair, 499; Soren coffee table, 199; Astrid cushion, 30; Felix rug, 160. All from the Palm Springs collection, new for summer at John Lewis John Lewiss colourful new Palm Springs collection, named after the Californian city where mid-century architecture thrived, channels this spirit. The 300 pieces, including furniture, lighting and rugs, available from late summer, demonstrate the styles enduring popularity. The ranges many stylised plant and animal motifs, including owl-shaped vases, echo the mid-century periods love of nature. Soft, rounded shapes are presented in dark wood, glass and brass, while the textiles nod to the vibrant colour, plants and environment of the Palm Springs region, says Philippa Prinsloo, head of design at John Lewis. The informal vibe has also inspired Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin, which stocks California-style Truman armless sofas while Atkin and Thymes Californian-style furniture includes the Newton sideboard, made in mango wood with brass-plated handles. American designer Jonathan Adlers L-shaped Malibu sofa evokes Hollywood glamour, while his funky needlepoint cushion spelling out San Francisco recalls Sixties flower power. Adlers website also stocks Slim Aarons powder blue-tinted photo of The Beverly Hills Hotel. The Design Museum Shop is another source of Californian-themed products, many inspired by the states lush vegetation, including Finest Imagery coasters shaped like cheese plant leaves, and Arpers outdoor Leaf chair. Other items tap into Californias original design heritage, including Eames chairs and Buckminster Fuller-style domes. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser The recently reunited Orbital take their rightful place at the top of this year's Forbidden Fruit bill. Edwin McFee hears about their return, their views on the new crop of dance stars, and why festivals will always have a special place in their hearts. This article can only be read with a Premium Account Please Log In or Subscribe to continue reading This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed Wednesday that it received a phone call about protesters who disrupted the final day of the Texas legislative session to oppose a new state law that allows law enforcement to ask people for their immigration status if detained. The federal agency said a "more careful" review of records found there was a call placed at 12:05 p.m. on Monday to the national ICE Tip Line. "This call was logged and a formal report was forwarded to the ICE Homeland Security Investigations office in San Antonio," the statement said. The confirmation was a reversal from ICE's statement Tuesday, which stated: "ICE is not aware of receiving any calls related to this matter." That initial statement had raised questions from some about whether state Rep. Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, had called ICE on Monday. After telling Hispanic House Democrats he had done so, a brief scuffle broke out on the House floor and Rinaldi and state Rep. Alfonso "Poncho" Nevarez, D-Eagle Pass, exchanged threats of violence. In a statement released on Facebook Monday, Rinaldi said he "called ICE on several illegal immigrants who held signs in the gallery which said "I am illegal and here to stay." State Rep. Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, accused Rinaldi of racial profiling. Nevarez said Rinaldi had no evidence that there were illegal immigrants in the House gallery. 'It did happen' State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, on Tuesday night tweeted a photo that Rinaldi took of his cellphone log that showed two calls to the ICE tip line at 10:55 a.m. and 10:56 a.m. on Monday. Stickland said he couldn't explain the apparent discrepancy in the times compared to ICE's statement that it received a call at 12:05 p.m. "I know for certain that those are Rinaldi's call logs and it did happen," said Stickland, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, of which Rinaldi also is a member. "He had received so many calls that it had gone off of his recent calls on his phone, and so he logged online to get the log." An ICE official said the "contents of the calls received by the tip line are confidential." The agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, didn't respond to a question about whether any action was taken in response to the phone call about the protesters. Stickland said he spoke Wednesday with Rinaldi, who said Monday he was under protection from the state Department of Public Safety. Rinaldi has not responded to requests for comments since his Monday statement. "He's obviously shaken up by the whole thing. The number one priority is safety and his pregnant wife," Stickland said. Another contested issue is whether the protesters had signs that read, "I am illegal and here to stay," as Rinaldi has stated. Some Democratic lawmakers have said those signs were not in the gallery, which DPS cleared after protesters began to chant and wave banners with the messages: "See you in court" and "See you at the polls." Stickland said he saw signs in the gallery that said: "I am illegal, here to stay" without an "and" in the middle. He said one of the reasons why the confrontation between Rinaldi and Democratic Hispanic House members got so intense was that most of the sergeants-at-arms were on the Capitol's third floor, helping to clear out protesters from the House gallery. That's why the House parliamentarian, Chris Griesel, was trying to separate members - a far cry from his normal duty of ruling on points of order. Calls for healing With Gov. Greg Abbott possibly calling a special session soon, Stickland said he hopes there are a lot of "personal conversations" between those involved in Monday's scuffle before the House returns. "The body and the members have a lot of healing to do. People say stuff in the heat of the moment and out of anger. I joked that 'when Stickland is the voice of reason trying to slow stuff down, you know we're in big trouble,' " Stickland said with a laugh. He's known as a firebrand and a foe of House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. The U.S. Coast Guard is searching Wednesday evening for a 20-year-old swimmer who went missing in Galveston earlier this afternoon near the 61st Street fishing pier, according to a news release from the organization. The missing swimmer has been identified only as Jacobi, who was last seen wearing red shorts with no shirt. David Kawai TORONTO - Canada's defense minister is repeating a threat to cancel the purchase of 18 fighter jets from Boeing Co. because of the American company's trade complaint against Canadian plane maker Bombardier. Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said Wednesday that Boeing's action against Bombardier is "unfounded" and "not the behavior of a trusted partner." DALLAS - Investors pushed Exxon Mobil to account for the threat that a warming planet and global climate policies poses to its business in a historic shareholder vote on Wednesday. Bucking the Exxon board, shareholders approved - by a margin of nearly 2-1 - a resolution calling on the nation's largest oil company to publish an annual assessment of how global climate policies that aim to limit rising temperatures will affect the value of its sprawling oil and gas operations over the next quarter century. The decisive vote came as President Donald Trump neared a decision on withdrawing the United States from the Paris agreement, an international accord on dramatically reducing greenhouse gases, primarily from fossil fuels. The passage of the resolution - coming just a year after shareholders rejected a similar measure - signaled the growing concerns about climate change across society and underscored the fears about the oil industry's long-term future as governments adopt climate rules to lower carbon emissions and, ultimately, reduce demand for the oil and gas Exxon pulls out of the ground. "The days of only the hard-core environmentalists wanting these climate disclosures are in the past," said Brian Youngberg, an analyst at Edward Jones in St. Louis. "It's going to be across the entire industry." Exxon has some 20 billion barrels of oil equivalent in proved reserves, more than a decade worth of oil and gas, and it cut 8.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from its operations over the past few years. At the meeting, shareholders rejected every other shareholder proposal, including one asking Exxon to report on methane emissions from wells. That garnered about 39 percent of the shareholder vote. Sixty-two percent of Exxon's shareholders, however, voted for the nonbinding resolution on the annual climate risk assessment, compared to about 38 percent last year. Several institutional investors backed the measure, including the investment fund of the Church of England and New York State Common Retirement Fund. The company's annual shareholders meeting at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas showed growing concerns about climate policies among investors haven't been assuaged even by the pro-fossil fuel policies of the Trump administration. As part of the resolution that passed on Wednesday, investors have asked Exxon to put out its first climate risk report next year, but the resolution held no legal authority requiring Exxon to do so. In a news conference, Exxon CEO Darren Woods didn't say whether the company would commit to putting out an annual report on climate policy risks. "We felt like we were addressing the needs and requests and concerns of shareholders and the broader public," Woods said. The company, he said, will have to "step back and reflect on the vote" and see "where the opportunities are to better express our position." Exxon, which once cast doubts on climate science and the impact of fossil fuels on global warming, has in recent years moderated its stance. Earlier this year, Exxon added a climate-change expert to its board after shareholders passed a measure making it easier to nominate directors. Last week, Woods, echoing the position of his predecessor, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, wrote a letter to Trump imploring him to keep the United States in the Paris agreement to "maintain a seat at the negotiating table." The company has also come out in favor of a so-called carbon tax, as a way to use market forces to lower greenhouse gas emissions by discouraging fuels that emit high amounts of carbon dioxide. But the world's biggest public oil company still maintains oil and gas will make up 55 percent of the world's energy supply in 2040. In a presentation Wednesday, Woods said Exxon believes oil companies will have to invest more than $11 trillion in oil and gas projects by 2040 to meet growing global energy demand, which it believes will increase by 25 percent as standards of living and populations rise worldwide. Meanwhile, oil and gas production will naturally decline over time, he said, arguing technological advances will help lower emissions, as the so-called shale revolution has. That technological breakthrough dramatically increased production and lowered the cost of natural gas, which has replaced dirtier fuels such as coal. "We think the goal should be to reduce emissions at the lowest cost to society," Woods said. Still, he said, "we're going to look for opportunity where we can make even clearer the way we're managing that (climate) risk and the way it impacts our business." On other business, investors signaled approval of the company's 2016 compensation plan for executives, which included a $16.8 million pay package for Woods. But the nonbinding vote came in at 68.5 percent, well below votes of around 90 percent garnered in the two previous so-called say-on-pay votes. Shareholder resolutions for reports on lobbying and compensation for women failed, earning 28 percent and 8 percent of the votes, respectively. James Osborne contributed to this report. "I, Daniel Blake" is about a 59-year-old British construction worker who gets out of the hospital after having a heart attack. His situation is pretty straightforward. He needs government assistance until his doctors can certify that he's healthy enough to return to work. What follows is a Kafkaesque journey into government-agency hell. It's directed by Ken Loach and can be looked at in one of two of ways. This is either the story of what happens when a government stops caring about its people - or it's a story about how things go to hell once government gets involved at all. In any case, it's about a system that seems designed to make people feel that they're entirely worthless and should just die and decrease the surplus population. Loach is that kind of a filmmaker, a downbeat guy with a social conscience whose films deal with the hardships of working-class life. But there's something about this movie, which won the Palme d'Or prize at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, that is very easy to take. It's serious, but it's not a downer, or at least it doesn't feel that one. The lift comes from the casting of a comedian, Dave Johns, in the title role. Johns doesn't make "I, Daniel Blake" into a laugh-a-minute or even a laugh-an-hour exercise. But he keeps things from getting unbearable with his lightness of being. He just doesn't seem cut out for tragedy. This is a temporary situation, as he sees it. Obviously, someone will soon realize that he really can't go back to work and that he needs a little help. It's just a little hiccup that he has to call heartless bureaucrats and then wait on hold listening to Muzak for upwards of two hours. But soon everything will be sorted out. More Information 'I, Daniel Blake' Rated R: for language Running time: 100 minutes 4 stars out of 5 stars 'I, Daniel Blake' Rated R: for language Running time: 100 minutes xxxx See More Collapse This is the paradox of the movie: At least half the scenes are about frustrating and even maddening situations, not only maddening to poor Daniel, but maddening to anyone who watches, as in the audience. But the actual experience of "Daniel Blake" is not one of frustration. In fact, the film brings a kind of satisfaction, a sense of "Oh, good. Somebody is finally showing how horrible this is." Johns is terrific, the heart and soul of the movie, playing the kind of guy that's the heart and soul of any industrialized country on the planet. So this is the guy they want to throw on the garbage heap? This is the guy who is expendable? It's enough to make you want to scream, except you don't have to scream. Ken Loach does the screaming for you. A Houston man is charged with murder in the shooting death of a man found outside a home in Missouri City, authorities said Wednesday. Todrick K. Idlebird, 25, is accused of fatally shooting 35-year-old Jason Thompson on April 15 at 12800 Dunlap, according to the Houston Police Department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Laredo actress and former beauty queen titleholder died in Round Rock, north of Austin, authorities said. Margaret Ann Garza, 31, was found lifeless early Tuesday at her residence in the 1800 block of Mathers Mill Trail, according to Round Rock Police Department. At 6:31 a.m., officers responded to reports regarding a female not breathing, authorities said. EMS and Round Rock Fire Department personnel were at the scene when police arrived. Authorities identified the woman as Garza. An autopsy is pending and an investigation is underway. Many Laredoans posted anecdotes about Garza on social media as news spread of her death. READ MORE: Man who beat 3-year-old to death in Laredo motel room sentenced to 30 years in prison A five-minute video interview with Garza produced by director and filmmaker Ryan Bazan had garnered about 12,000 views on YouTube as of Wednesday evening. The video is titled, IN LOVING MEMORY MARGARET ANN GARZA RIP mi buena amiga. I speak for a lot people when I say that any person who crossed paths with Margaret knew she was a charismatic individual who had this aura surrounding her with so much positivity, said El Cenizo Mayor Raul L. Reyes, a close friend of Garza. Reyes and Garza met about 15 years ago, back when she participated in beauty pageants. Since, Reyes noticed she was attentive and loving to those who surrounded her She seemed to see the good in people There was never a dull moment with her, Reyes said. She was a good friend of the City of El Cenizo because she volunteered in numerous events. I really have no words to express my condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Garza. Two people who were always supportive of their daughter. Career Garza was an actress known for her roles in Blackout, Snatch 'n' Grab and Mercury Plains, according to the Internet Movie Database website. Margaret dared to dream big. She did things most people only aspire to. She loved pageantry, singing, acting and modeling, her obituary states. RELATED: Here's how Laredoans spent their Memorial Day weekend Margaret was crowned Miss Texas Belleza Latina in 2007 and Miss Belleza Latina International in 2008. She appeared in various ads in television and in print. Garza had several acting roles and most recently appeared in the nationally televised series The Son, as well as Mercury Plains with Scott Eastwood and Pizza Joint, which will premiere this June, according to her obituary. Funeral information The family will receive condolences Friday at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A vigil and rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral cortege will depart the chapel at 9 a.m. Saturday to St. Patrick Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Over the weekend, I was flabbergasted to read about a student from a charter school in Memphis, Tennessee, who was reportedly accepted by 149 colleges. A red flag goes up when a student applies to more than 20 colleges but 149 is a whole flag corps. I'm working on a book about college admissions. As I wrote in April, I've grown used to the annual media hoopla that accompanies students who are accepted by all eight Ivy League schools. Perpetuating the Ivy League lust among young scholars is a pox on an already stressful process. But at least I knew that story was coming it happens every year. This one is something new, and just as awful. That the fledgling, five-year-old Power Center Academy High School aided and abetted Shariah Edwards in applying to so many schools is a cautionary tale: It shows how ambitious educators can exploit their students to justify unwise college decisions. According to her school counselor, Edwards was given a list of colleges that don't have application fees (which usually range from $75 to $90). In a quixotic attempt to "maximize her options," she kept coming in every week to apply to more schools. Best practices, like those established by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, advise students to thoughtfully compile a sensible list of schools that include "reach" schools (colleges that accept fewer than 20 percent of its applicants), "on-target" schools (where a student's qualifications match the admissions requirements), and "safety" schools (those for which the applicant is somewhat overqualified). What Edwards did was apply to dozens of safety schools in order to find one that would offer the most monetary aid, but that doesn't adequately explain why she kept going until she had 149 offers. You see, Power Center Academy encourages students to become a Million Dollar Scholar a dubious distinction that celebrates racking up scholarships from as many schools as possible, even though only one can be utilized. One news report gushed that Power Center Academy students "received more than $30 million in scholarship money." This is deceptive at best. Yes, students were offered $30 million, but unless Ms. Edwards plans to simultaneously enroll in all 149 schools, she cannot actually receive all that money. Students should target about one dozen schools, not twelve dozen (which is kind of gross). One article features a photo of Ms. Edwards in her graduation regalia, proudly holding one of those oversized checks that are given to pro athletes and game show winners. The amount written on the check is a staggering $7,620,548. But after crunching the numbers, that means Edwards would receive, on average, approximately $13,000 per year in financial aid per school. That's nice, but it's no reason to stop the presses. If Shariah Edwards wanted to get a strong financial aid package, why didn't she and her counselor take the time to strategically plan where to apply instead of taking the shotgun approach? Why had she not made a college decision as of May 26 weeks after the May 1 decision deadline? Why would a school think it prudent to create a Million Dollar Scholar program for students who met such a pointless quota? The answer is hidden underneath the clickbait headlines: So schools can claim they are doing a great job. Power Center Academy is not alone. If you've ever been to a high school commencement or awards ceremony, at some point the principal is likely to mention that the graduates of Your School have been offered more than $X million in scholarship money. I repeat: Those totals mean nothing. Even if Ms. Edwards accepts a sizable scholarship, that means about $7.5 million in scholarships will not be available for her use. But it sure sounds impressive if you're a parent considering sending your child to that high school. This issue isn't new. For years the Miss America Pageant claimed that it was the "world's largest provider of scholarships for women" and purportedly provided almost $45 million in scholarships to its competitors. But in 2014, comedian John Oliver pointed out in a scathing report on his HBO show Last Week Tonight that those numbers were highly deceiving. Miss America says that it provides all these scholarships, but what they actually do is make these scholarships available. And since contestants cannot accept more than one scholarship offer, the amount of money provided to these women is far less than advertised. Like $44.5 million less. In comparison, the Society of Women Engineers disbursed roughly 230 new and renewed scholarships (valued at $750,000) in 2016 and there was no bathing suit competition. The fact is, most scholarships are used to recognize and attract talented students to an institution. News flash: Scholars get scholarships. Any high school can brag about how much scholarship money was made available to their seniors, yet the students actually receive far, far less than is publicized. Trying to accumulate over a million bucks in scholarship money from as many schools as possible is a wantonly irresponsible use of a high school's precious counseling resources. The best high schools don't need to tout how much money is made available to their students nor do they encourage their students to pursue ludicrous achievements for the sake of making headlines. The best schools help students find the right college fit one kid at a time. David Nathan, a Houston teacher, is working on a book about college admissions. Bookmark Gray Matters. It's a quixotic attempt to "maximize your options." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This story ran in the Chronicle on May 23, 1982. The words and headlines are reprinted. Next month's merger of Texas International with Continental Airlines will make Houston the home of a major U.S. airline, but one in a somewhat shakier financial position than the scrappy regional airline it replaces. The benefits, however, of blending the complementary routes and equipment of the two airlines will more than offset the publicized problems associated with the merger, said Marc Klee, an analyst with National Aviation & Technology Corp, a mutual fund specializing in aviation stocks. Texas International, the Houston-based carrier rescued from bankruptcy in 1972 by Francisco A. Lorenzo and his partner, Robert J. Carney, won an eight-month war to take over Continental last September when TIA paid $96.6 million for 50.3 percent of Continental's stock Texas Air now needs agreement 60 percent of Continental stockholders to exchange their stock for certain shares of TAC to complete a merger designed to eventually make the two airlines one Houston-based unit, a wholly owned subsidiary of Texas Air Corp. The new company will be called Continental Airlines Corp. Last year, Los Angeles-based Continental ranked as the 10th largest U.S. airline, and Texas International ranked 19th, but together they move into eighth place - the spot formerly occupied by Dallas-based Braniff International. The industry yardstick, according to the Air transport Association, is revenue passenger miles, or the movement of one paying passenger one mile. Combined the two Texas Air siblings flew 10.1 billion revenue passenger miles last year. For eight months of 1981, the 48-year-old Los Angeles-based Continental waged a ferocious battle to prevent the takeover, and saw its 1980 losses of $20 million triple to $60 million in 1981. Continental employees tried valiantly to secure control of the stock themselves, but were unable to succeed. The suicide of President Alvin L. Feldman in late summer also changed the company's approach. Texas Air Corp., meanwhile, had problems of it own. The holding company last year began an East Coast shuttle designed to compete with Eastern Airline's successful Boston-New York-Washington flights that was paralyzed by the cutback in air traffic after the August controllers strike and ended the year with an $11.6 million loss. Texas International Airlines also saw profits slide - from a $4.7 million profit in 1980 to what the company terms "a significant loss" in 1981. Texas Air Corp. lost more than $47 million in 1981 and attributes more than $14 million of that to TIA operations. The merger outlined by Texas Air Corp. and echoed by Continental spokesmen, calls for two separate airlines "synergistically" feeding one another and more efficiently using equipment around two major hubs, Houston and Denver. Labor groups report that they are in the process of merging seniority lists and the company's proxy statement notes that by this fall the route system of the two airlines will be "given an identity" based on the continental name. "The pilot groups are proceeding along with a merger of the seniority lists," said John Mazor, a spokesman for the Washington, D.C., headquarters office of the Air Line Pilots Association. "The two master executive councils are negotiating with each and the two companies about merging the lists." Texas International President Robert Galloway says TIA will avoid the labor problems encountered by Pan American World Airways in its takeover of Miami-based National Airlines. "Pan Am's management tried to put the merger together too fast and got into a very poor bargaining position," Galloway said. Galloway said that the first step toward one company is to get the respective union groups at the two airlines to agree between themselves about the seniority lists, and then to eliminate as much retraining as possible. Training pilots, for instance, on different planes can cost $10,000 to $20,000 per pilot, Galloway said. Since February, TIA has also been approaching its union groups asking for 7 percent productivity concessions that involve reducing the reserve force. "We're asking unions to relax work rules built into the industry for 20 or 30 years." Galloway said. So far, response has not been overwhelming for mid-contract concessions. The Transport Workers Union, representing only 24 employees, has agreed to the 7 percent productivity increase, and the pilots have agreed "in principle," Galloway said. The other two TIA unions, the Association of Flight Attendants and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, have turned management down flat. "For the union, there was no advantage in signing the new contracts," said Janey Powell of TIA's Association of Flight Attendants. For the past four months, Continental's unions have also been working on productivity concessions. Continental management says it needs $60 million more in cuts to return the airline to productivity. No agreement has been reached, however. Because TIA already has labor contracts more productive than Continental's, Texas International employees are understandably reluctant to make more concessions, Galloway said. "Our more productive labor contacts are one of the reasons we're in somewhat better financial shape than Continental." TIA's president said. Continental's President George Warde affirms that he began discussions on productivity at Continental soon after coming aboard last August. "Continental's business plan for 1982 is based on the idea that business won;t be getting any better," Warde said. "Our labor force has to face up to whether they want to work for us for less money, or end up going out to work for somebody else for less money." In the wake of the announcement that Arthur Andersen & Co. has qualified Texas Air Corp.'s 1981 financial statements, TAC Chairman Lorenzo announced that the corporation and its subsidiaries had $100 million cash on hand last week. Both Continental and Texas International presidents have said that they don't anticipate borrowing any more money for the rest of 1982. Continental, which has been described as being in a dire financial situation, "isn't in default or arrears on anything," Warde said. Its bankers did not extend its lie of credit beyond January because its cash balances had fallen below agreed-upon limits, Warde said, not because it had missed a payment on principal or interest. Continental owes $205 million in long-term debt and has $25 million loan ($10 million of which is guaranteed by TIA) made in February due on Dec. 31. "Business for all the airlines has been so sad that bankers are now wanting to secure loans," he said, adding that other airlines also had their lines of credit cut off and were selling assets. "Look at Pan Am, which hasn't made money in 10 or 12 years," Warde said. "Continental is in great shape compared to Pan Am." Pan Am, the seond largest U.S. airline in revenue passenger miles, lost $600 million on airline operations in 1980 and 1981, plus a net loss of $127 million during the first quarter of 1982. Continental lost $90 million on airline operations during 1980 and 1981 along with a $15.4 million net loss during the past quarter. Airlines, by most accounts, aren't expected to turn a great profit in 1982, and maybe not even in 1983, when the market is expected to improve. "We're not exactly on the blue chip list," said Galloway. "But this year should be somewhat better than the last." Although the industry's problems have been well documented recently in Braniff's failure, National Aviation & Technology's Klee points out that Texas Air cannot be compared to Braniff, because it has plenty of cash to make it through the summer season, which is to airlines what Christmas is to retailers. "The key is cash flow and Texas Air has enough cash for operating purposes," Klee said. Texas Air, moreover, joins "the really successful carriers" like Delta, American, and United, with the development of a dominant hub-and-spoke system in Houston and Denver. By next month, Continental and Texas International together will account for 40 percent of operations at Houston Intercontinental. While acknowledging the Continental's financial condition, Klee maintains his bullishness on the merger. "Most mergers don't provide synergy," he said. "With continental and Texas International, each one has what the other needs. UPDATE Later in 1982, the boards of Continental and TI voted to approve the merger, taking the Continental name and making Houston home to a major carrier. In 1983 and 1990, the company filed for bankruptcy but eventually turned a $224 million profit in 1995. After a failed attempt at a merger with United in 2006, the two companies reignited talks in 2008 and this time completed the deal. Chicago-based United in 2010 officially replaced Continental's name and consolidated its headquarters in the Windy City. BUSINESS & ECONOMY COMING NEXT THURSDAY Xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The "Pyramid of Hate" is an illustration created by the Anti-Defamation League to show how bias can progress from harsh words to violent deeds. It's an educational tool consistent with the organization's mission statement: "To stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all." Anti-Muslim posts that appeared on a Pearland City Council candidate's Facebook page, which I discussed in my column last Friday, are examples of the pyramid's lower levels: stereotyping and name-calling, for example. And on the very day my column was published, a dramatic example of the higher, more dangerous levels played out in Portland, Ore. Two men were stabbed to death and a third was wounded when they intervened as a man screamed anti-Muslim insults at two women on a commuter train. The attacker faces two counts of aggravated murder and other charges; the three men he stabbed have been hailed as heroes. It's important to point out that none of the Facebook posts I wrote about encouraged or sanctioned violence. One message called for banning Islam, another for banning the Quran. Some crude imagery was employed. Many people who engage in hateful speech would never consider harming anyone. But over time, as intolerant comments rain down on us from our social media feeds, from talking heads on cable news, and perhaps even from people we encounter in our everyday lives, they lose their power to shock. This leaves a safe space for those with truly ill intent, like the Portland attacker, to occupy. In Pearland, the anti-Muslim posts appeared on the personal Facebook page of Woody Owens, 69, an engineering firm executive who faces a 30-year-old Muslim pharmacist, Dalia Kasseb, in a June 10 runoff for a City Council seat. Screenshots of the posts were featured in a video created recently by the Brazoria County Democratic Party. Owens told me on Thursday that he did not share any of the posts featured in the video. He said Facebook had contacted him to report that it was removing the video, which was posted on the party's Facebook page. "They said there was no validity to it," Owens said. But Facebook has not removed the video; it was still online Thursday. The posts included in the video appear to have been removed from Owens' page. A Facebook spokeswoman said the company could not comment on individual users. Denial and skepticism Owens said he was unsure how the posts appeared on his page. "I'm not a real Facebook person," he said, adding that the entire episode was an irritating distraction: "I was on City Council from 2000 to 2013 and I'll stand on my record." Kasseb said she is skeptical of Owens' denial. And in any event, this isn't the first time messages appealing to intolerance have surfaced in Pearland elections this year. I've written previously about a letter warning that "gay rights Democrats" were trying to take over local government in Pearland, and about a school board candidate's Facebook post that warned about Muslim candidates running for local offices. Kasseb said it's not a reach to suggest a connection between such messages and the actions of the attacker in Oregon. "I'm not insinuating that my opponent is trying to cause violence," Kasseb said. "But if this is part of our norms, and this is something that we're used to, then where will it stop? When will it be enough?" After Germany's defeat in World War I, a young rabble-rouser named Adolf Hitler made speeches blaming Jews for the problems of his proud, struggling nation. Hitler's fiery rhetoric struck a chord with frustrated German audiences, laying the groundwork for the human devastation that would soon sweep across Europe. "The Holocaust started with hateful speech," said Dena Marks, the Anti-Defamation League's regional associate director. "There's a slow progression up from the bottom of the pyramid, with the top being genocide." Backlash in Pearland A few ugly social media messages are a long way from genocide, of course. And there are clear signs of a backlash against intolerance in Pearland. The school board candidate who posted the item about Muslims, incumbent Rusty DeBorde, lost his seat to an 18-year-old high school senior who pledged to support students' rights to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity. And the valedictorian of Pearland High School emphasized the importance of kindness and tolerance in his speech to his classmates a few days ago. In Portland, "the three gentlemen who stood up to defend those ladies represent the best of America," said M.J. Khan, the president of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. In the same sense, perhaps Pearland's emerging young leaders represent the best of that community. They have the chance to create a new illustration: the Pyramid of Love. A Texas woman and her California co-conspirator were sentenced Thursday to federal prison for their roles in a sweeping multi-million Medicare scam. Konna Hanks of Houston was hit with just over three years behind bars, while Zaven Sarkisian of Fresno, California, was handed a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years. "The sentence imposed today demonstrates the gravity of Sarkisian's actions," Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez said in a statement. "He created an elaborate scheme and used others to bilk millions out of Medicare even after they attempted to cut his federal funding." Between 2012 and 2014, Sarkisian spearheaded the formation of 11 diagnostic testing clinics used to fraudulently bill Medicare for services that were either unnecessary or never performed. Marketers like Hanks paid Medicare users to go to Sarkisian's clinics, and in return Sarkisian doled out $80 to $100 cash to the marketer. Sarkisian convinced his co-conspirators to routinely order ultrasounds, allergy tests and other diagnostics that weren't needed, and told others to write poor circulation, shortness of breath, heart problems and allergies in every chart. Eventually, Medicare put one of Sarkisian's clinics on pre-payment review, staunching the flow of unnecessary tests. But then the fraudster recruited other people to launch new clinics in their names, even though Sarkisian would own the places and take home the proceeds. In the end, Sarkisian and Hanks admitted to causing losses of more than $4 million and $2.5 million, respectively, prosecutors said. Two other co-conspirators - Darryl Johnson of Richmond and Hmyak "Hamlet" Samsonyan of Katy, also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Lyft has returned to Houston. One look at the ride-hailing company's layout of the Bayou City though may make people ask their drivers if they know where they're heading before accepting a ride. LYFT VS. UBER: Which ride-sharing company costs more? According to a Lyft press release, Galveston and Katy are within city limits. From what we can gather, Lyft has meshed two maps together, one of east Texas over a street map of Houston. Either way, it has people questioning if they'll get to where they need to go if this is the map Lyft is using for all its drivers. Lyft returned to Houston after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a law that bans the finger printing requirement for ride-sharing companies. Here's to welcoming Lyft back to the city and hoping they get this whole geography thing down soon. The well-known Austin transgender drag queen, Christi Long (a.k.a. Christi Foxx Paris), is speaking out after someone she thought was a friend raped and beat her with a hammer in her home. According to the Austin Chronicle, Long and the unnamed friend were hanging out at her place over the Memorial Day weekend when he started pressuring her for sex. "I said no. No means no," Long told the paper. I told him to get off me and shoved him, but he grabbed my head and forced me down." LOOKING FOR CHANGE: Texas mom urges Abbott to meet her transgender child in hopes for a change of heart The assailant refused to leave Long's home after the attack, so she began yelling. However, the yelling did not deter him and when she tried to escape, he beat her head with a hammer landing Long in the hospital with 12 staples in the back of her head. (Story continues below ... ) After the attack, Long shared a post to Facebook in an effort to raise awareness for her situation. "So earlier today, I was beaten nearly to death. I spent all day talking to nurse's [sic] and lawyers and Advocates i [sic] can't share all the details. But Sexual Assault is never okay. No Means No even if the person is a transsexual women [sic]. What happened to me I don't feel like a Victim but someone who is willing to stand up to a bully and that's exactly what i'm [sic] going to do. Please understand that due to the nature of the case I cannot share all the details till he has been convicted. But there is a chance you might know him just be careful who you hang out with...." Long is using the experience and trying to make something positive of it. According to KXAN, Long wants to raise awareness about sexual assault, especially in the transgender community. "No matter what you identify as, you need to come forward if somebody sexually assaults you. You need to contact law enforcement," Long told the station. "Whenever you say 'no,' no means no and it should always mean no." A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with her medical expenses as she deals with a court case to try to get her attacker behind bars. President Donald Trump is nearing a final decision on whether to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, with one White House official saying Wednesday that the president is leaning toward an exit but three others cautioning that he has not reached a verdict. The matter has deeply divided the administration for months. Ivanka Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have urged the president to remain in the deal, and White House strategist Stephen Bannon and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt have been pushing for a withdrawal. A withdrawal would put the United States in the same camp as Nicaragua and Syria: a tiny group of countries refusing to participate in the almost universally supported Paris climate change agreement. Trump added to the intense speculation about the future of the agreement, tweeting Wednesday night that he will announce his decision in the Rose Garden on Thursday afternoon. Earlier in the day, he stoked the uncertainty during a brief appearance with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the White House. "I'm hearing from a lot of people, both ways," he said. More than 190 nations agreed to the accord in December 2015 in Paris, and 147 have since formally ratified or otherwise joined it, including the United States - representing more than 80 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. A U.S. withdrawal would remove the world's second-largest emitter and nearly 18 percent of the globe's emissions from the agreement, presenting a severe challenge to its structure and raising questions about whether it would weaken the commitments of other nations. Trump has already, through executive orders, moved to roll back key Obama administration policies, notably the EPA's Clean Power Plan, that comprised a key part of the U.S. promise to reduce its emissions 26 percent to 28 percent below their 2005 levels by 2025. In 2015, emissions were 12 percent lower, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Paris decision has deeply divided the administration, with internationalists, such as Tillerson, arguing that it would be beneficial to the United States to remain part of negotiations surrounding the agreement, as a matter of leverage and influence. Conservatives, such as Pruitt, have argued that the agreement is not fair to the U.S. and that staying in it would be used as a legal tool by environmental groups seeking to fight Trump environmental policies. Trump has long been lobbied by people on both sides of the issue, inside and outside the White House. A broad range of advocates, from former Vice President Al Gore to Pope Francis to scores of companies - including Exxon, Chevron and BP - have urged Trump to allow the U.S. to remain part of the accord. But other forces have leaned on him to exit the agreement. Experts at the influential Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, have argued that the Paris agreement should be viewed as a treaty and submitted to the Senate for approval. Trump also has cited the organization's research concluding that remaining in the Paris accord would inflict economic harm on the United States in return for little environmental benefit - a conclusion environmental groups insist is flawed. A group of 22 Republican senators, including Texans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, wrote to Trump, urging him to exit the Paris accord. Reactions to the prospect of Trump withdrawing from international accord came quickly on Wednesday, even as the president himself declined to officially announce his decision. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, tweeted that if Trump does leave the accord, he would have "no choice but to depart councils" on which he has advised the president in the past. (Musk has been part of White House manufacturing jobs initiative.) "Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement would be a grave mistake," Harold Wimmer, president of the American Lung Association, said in a statement. "Everyone deserves to breathe air that will not make them sick or cause them to die prematurely." Faced with a federally mandated freeze on new housing vouchers, the city of Houston is gearing up to provide $3.4 million in rental assistance for hundreds of chronically homeless people and families with young children. The temporary initiative is designed to help sustain city efforts to reduce homelessness while Houston's Housing Choice Voucher Program remains suspended, and allow families with kids to move to neighborhoods with better schools. "Instead of coming to a dead stop indefinitely, this (would give) us just a hiccup of delay," said Eva Thibaudeau, director of programs for the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County. "It's a wonderfully straightforward solution." The proposal relies on a combination of federal grants and local housing dollars and is contingent on City Council and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approval. Neither initiative is expected to come to City Council for approval before mid-June. 'Innovative solution' HUD last month ordered the Houston and Harris County housing authorities to stop issuing new vouchers in a bid to cut costs from their federally-funded programs, leaving roughly 33,000 families on their waiting lists in limbo. Houston's housing authority also revoked about 900 vouchers from families whose chosen homes had yet to be inspected, and Harris County rescinded nearly 60 vouchers. Among other things, the freeze would have hampered Houston's efforts to house its chronically homeless population, a top priority for the last two mayoral administrations. By setting aside $2.4 million in federal HOME funding, the city expects to be able to help house roughly 250 chronically homeless people who otherwise would have qualified for a voucher through the housing authority, a separate agency. "This is an effort to backfill on a temporary basis," Housing Director Tom McCasland told City Council's housing and community affairs committee Tuesday. Housing Authority President Tory Gunsolley lauded the plan, calling it an "innovative solution." "I think it's very admirable that they're stepping up at a time when we're not able to step up, and we are happy to partner with them on continuing the good work that was going on with ending homelessness," he said. The Houston area's homeless population has been decreasing steadily, and, despite recent public outcry about homeless camps and panhandling, reached a multi-year low in January of roughly 3,400 people. The Houston Housing Authority's freeze also bars current voucher holders from moving into higher-cost units, dealing a blow to the city's plan to help 350 families with a housing voucher and children in kindergarten through third grade move into low-poverty neighborhoods zoned to high-performing elementary schools. 'Important commitment' The voucher mobility program was announced in January in response to a federal finding that Houston's housing practices violate the Civil Rights Act. Houston now is seeking to set aside $1 million in local housing dollars to cover the increased cost of moving to a more expensive unit, if the family has children between 4 and 8. Research shows that living in so-called "high-opportunity" neighborhoods improves children's chances of upward mobility. "Affirming the city's commitment in terms of the right to choose the neighborhood in which these families live was an important commitment for the mayor and an important commitment for the city," McCasland said. If City Council and HUD approve, the city would reach out to eligible families to gauge interest and, in the case of outsized demand, select recipients by lottery. "At the end of the day, there are kids who, with a little bit of additional assistance, could be in terrific elementary schools," McCasland added. "That is one of the best ways to end intergenerational cycles of poverty." Harris County Housing Authority spokeswoman Timika Simmons said the agency still is evaluating how to respond to its voucher freeze. Houston's firefighters pension fund has sued Mayor Sylvester Turner and numerous city officials over the pension reform plan Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Wednesday, putting up another potential hurdle in Houston's efforts to solve a 16-year fiscal crisis. The Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund argues in the lawsuit filed Tuesday in state district court that the reform plan undercuts the board's legal authority to "select legal counsel and an actuary and adopt sound actuarial assumptions," in violation of the Texas Constitution. The pension board also is asking the court to permanently block the city from acting as though the reforms will become law July 1. If successful, the lawsuit could throw a wrench into the city's plan to pay down its $8.2 billion pension debt over 30 years by issuing $1 billion in pension obligation bonds, cutting retiree benefits by $2.8 billion and capping future costs, even if the market dips. "Our board is already being asked to knowingly violate its duty to the Texas Constitution through provisions contained in SB 2190," pension board Chairman David Keller said in a statement. "We will not collude in an act we believe to be illegal." Turner was confident the pension board, which lobbied unsuccessfully against the reform plan in Austin, also would fail to block the reforms in court. Turner added that he finds it interesting the pension board did not sue the state. State lawmakers, who control the fire pension, had to approve Houston's pension reform plan. "I think at some point in time you've just got to stop digging a hole," Turner said. "I think they need to do what's in the best interest of the people they claim to represent, firefighters both active and retired. But it's their call. We feel very comfortable about the legislation." The injunction the fire pension board seeks presumably would extend not only to the reform package, the cornerstone of Turner's policy agenda thus far, but also to the city budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, which City Council passed Wednesday. The $2.4 billion general fund budget assumes the reforms will take effect and includes a correspondingly smaller payment into the firefighters fund of $70 million, down from $93 million this fiscal year. The fire pension, however, views the correct payment as $148 million, an increase due in part to it having lowered the fund's assumed rate of investment return to 7.25 percent from 8.5 percent. The reform plan that goes into effect July 1 actually assumes an even lower rate of return - 7 percent - but it offsets the higher cost with benefit cuts. The reform plan's 7 percent assumed rate of return is key to the lawsuit because, the suit argues, placing that figure in state law gives the city and its actuaries a role in determining the fund's cost projections, something the fund thinks it alone should have control over. The plan also includes a new process for determining the city's contribution to the fund, which the lawsuit argues also unlawfully strips power from the fire fund because the bill requires the city and the pension board to reconcile their cost projections if they differ too widely. "The city's contribution rate will ultimately be determined by actuarial assumptions set by both the board and the city and their actuaries - not the board's own determinations alone based on its actuary," the suit says. Charles "Rocky" Rhodes, a constitutional law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, said it is difficult to say whether the fire pension's challenge will be successful. "This case is bringing issues of first impression regarding what benefits are guaranteed to pensioners by the Texas Constitution," he said. "There are just some very novel issues that are involved that make it hard to predict what the final outcome will be." Houston's pension problems stem from benefit increases approved by the mayor and City Council in 2001. Those changes caused the city's costs to rise sharply rather than gradually, as flawed studies had predicted. Despite reforms to the police and municipal plans in 2004 and 2007, the city has failed to keep up with rising costs, leaving the three plans underfunded by about $8 billion today. The fire pension's lawsuit is far from the only thing that could derail the city's reform efforts. The new pension law requires voters to approve the $1 billion in bonds Turner plans to inject into the underfunded police and municipal pensions. If voters reject the November referendum, those groups' benefit cuts would be rescinded. The city secretary also is reviewing the validity of a petition that calls for a vote on giving 401(k)-style retirement plans to all city workers hired after the start of next year. Young Chinese dancer to tour US with piece inspired by daily life Right & Left, choreographed by Gu Jiani, will tour the United States in June. [Photo provided to China Daily] With a table, two chairs and a white floor, Chinese dancer-choreographer Gu Jiani interprets the context of daily life and explores the delicate nature of human relationships in her piece Right & Left, which was staged at the Inside-Out Theater in Beijing over the weekend. With this work, she will kick off a tour of the United States from Thursday to June 22, performing at the San Francisco International Arts Festival and the Seattle International Dance Festival, and in Los Angeles and New York. Right & Left was staged at the University of Michigan and Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2015 and 2016. Gu and contemporary dancer Li Nan paired up for the performances. Gu will team up with contemporary dancer Wang Xuanqi during the US tour. Right & Left started from a vague idea Gu got while she was in Hong Kong to display one of her short choreography works, Side By Side, in 2013. "There are two peopleone sitting on the floor and the other swinging upside down," says the 28-year-old. Her interest in how the environment influences relationships among people inspired the 50-minute Right & Left. Gu, a former dancer with the Beijing Modern Dance Company, started to choreograph independently in 2013. "I asked myself: How do I live, how do I deal with others and how do I face myself," says Gu. "I am not sure how the audience will feel after watching the dance. But more or less, people will see themselves in my work." The music is a mix of Chopin's Waltz No 10 in B Minor Op 69 No 2, The End by Danish film composer Nikolaj Egelund and daily sounds recorded by Gu, including footsteps and car horns. Beijing-based projection artist Li Aping manipulates the lighting through the performance. The audience gets a feeling that the stage is cut into pieces and the two dancers move in the shadows. "Gu is unafraid to break the rules of classical dancing as she and Li (Nan) weave in and out of the light, or continue halfway into the wings as if the dancing extends beyond its visual confines," Huffington Post said about Right & Left when the piece was staged at the Festival Melbourne in Australia in October. Born and raised in Mianyang, Sichuan province, Gu was trained in classical ballet and Chinese dance from a young age. She was first introduced to the arts by her parents, who were both employees of a State-owned company and enjoyed music and dance. But she was not content with conventional training and started her own exploration of body movements. "I am interested in how my body works and what I can do with it," says Gu. Gu became a professional dancer after graduation from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. After working for the dance company in Beijing for four years, she moved to the US as a visiting artist for six months. There, she had the time to think and find her own dance vocabulary. "Everything went smoothly for me but I wanted to break out and figure out what I wanted to do," says Gu, who set up the N Space Body Project along with Li Nan to collaborate with young artists. Last year, the Shanghai International Arts Festival commissioned Gu's work, Exit, which premiered in October. Exit is inspired by the principle of action and reaction and explores human desire and how people seek paths to liberty and self-fulfillment. Gu has a studio in the outskirts of Beijing, where she practices dancing along with other young artists. "We do rehearsals for hours every day, and lots of ideas come out of them. The process is very exciting," she says. Revoked vouchers leave housing dreams uncertain Center steps in to help woman begin new life after foster care Revoked vouchers leave housing dreams uncertain Center steps in to help woman begin new life after foster care Montoya Thomas had been counting down the days until she could move into her apartment, the first she would be able to call her own after 15 years in a dozen foster homes. The day she signed her lease, Thomas rode the 99 bus to the Greenspoint-area apartment, an air mattress, bedding and packets of instant oats and Kraft Mac & Cheese tucked into the bag on the seat next to her. "I'm almost there, almost to the finish line," she thought as the complex came into view. That joy soon would fade to worry, though, as Thomas' first month's rent came due. After her housing voucher was revoked in April - a month shy of her 21st birthday, when she would age out of foster care - the Lone Star College student became a renter thanks only to a six-month grant of about $500 a month from a local foundation. Still, that left Thomas to make the $400 a month from her part-time job at McDonald's stretch to cover her $250 portion of rent, plus utilities, her phone bill and other necessities, including food and bus fare. Thomas was among some 900 Houston families - including a dozen young adults aging out of foster care - whose vouchers abruptly were rescinded by the local housing authority due to insufficient federal funding. Montoya Thomas, then 20, holds her head in her hand as she looks out the window of her new apartment Monday, May 8, 2017 in Houston. Thomas, who aged out of foster care in May, received a housing voucher through the Houston Housing Authority, but it was revoked because of federal budget uncertainty. Harris County's HAY Center Foundation stepped in to provide Thomas assistance with her rent. less Montoya Thomas, then 20, holds her head in her hand as she looks out the window of her new apartment Monday, May 8, 2017 in Houston. Thomas, who aged out of foster care in May, received a housing voucher ... more Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Revoked vouchers leave housing dreams uncertain 1 / 13 Back to Gallery Seemed like a sure bet The freeze marks the latest setback in Houston's struggle to address an affordable housing crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. It also provides a glimpse of the anxiety and uncertainty awaiting low-income families if Congress implements the budget cuts to housing programs that President Donald Trump's administration has proposed. Maybe it had been a mistake, Thomas would think later, to hang so much hope on the voucher. Then again, it seemed like such a sure bet. After 15 years spent worrying whether home still would be there when she got back from school or work, Thomas finally could see a path this spring to having her own place. Houston's housing authority had approved her application for a Housing Choice Voucher in March, meaning she would have to contribute just 30 percent of her income toward rent - $120 a month - if she found a qualifying apartment. The federal government would cover the rest, giving her the financial flexibility to finish her physical therapy degree and launch her career. Vouchers can be difficult to use in Texas, where landlords can reject tenant applicants because they receive housing assistance, but after 3 a.m. nights scouring the internet, Thomas found a complex that would accept her. The $750-a-month apartment off Greens Crossing seemed clean and safe, and it was just a few buses from work and school. More Information By the numbersDemand for housing vouchers far outstrips supply in Houston and across the country. After opening its voucher waiting list last fall for the first time in four years, the Houston Housing Authority accepted less than half of the 68,000 families who applied. As of April, there were: 28,000 families on the Houston Housing Authority's voucher waiting list. 18,000 Houston families living with a Housing Choice Voucher subsidy. 900 families whose vouchers were revoked. 12 young adults aging out of foster care whose vouchers were revoked. "A lot of people, when trying to find an apartment, they said you ought to crawl before you walk," Thomas recalled. She had higher expectations for herself. The housing authority signed off on Thomas' unit in mid-April, pending a final inspection scheduled for the second week in May. She remembered calling and emailing the agency for updates a lot in those intervening days. Less than two weeks before her inspection date, a housing authority staff member picked up Thomas' call to say the agency was rescinding her voucher. "All I got from housing was, 'I'm sorry this happened. But we can't continue on with the process,'" Thomas said. "It's like, that's it?" 'Messed up all of our plans' Facing a projected $9 million shortfall because of lower-than-expected federal funding, Houston's housing authority heeded instructions from Washington in April to revoke subsidies from all families who had yet to gain final approval for their living arrangements. Thomas and two other young adults aging out of foster care were among those who had their apartments picked out and were just waiting on inspections. Six more had vouchers but had not found places yet, and three were slated to pick up their vouchers the last week in April but were told not to come in. "It just kind of messed up all of our plans," Thomas said. Sean Jackson, a lawyer with the advocacy group Disability Rights Texas, called the freeze, which also prevents more than 28,000 families from getting off the voucher waiting list until January at the earliest, tragic. "They did everything they were supposed to do, right?" he said. "And then they get right to the finish line, and you jerk it out from under them." Tory Gunsolley, president of Houston's housing authority, does not disagree. "We were deeply saddened that we had to pull back, and we're working to try to find other help and assistance for them," he said. "We realize this is a traumatic event to have to go through." Although Trump has proposed steep cuts to the Housing Choice Voucher program for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, Congress actually increased voucher funding by $674 million this year. Because rents have risen faster than tenant incomes, however, that leaves an estimated 60,000 vouchers unfunded nationally, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. As a result, about 140 housing authorities across the country, including Houston and Harris County's, were forced this year to temporarily close their programs to new families. Thomas still hopes to get her voucher back, but volleys in the meantime between determined optimism - "I just have to be positive so I can expect positive outcomes" - and deep anxiety, which she knew would come. "I probably just wasn't prepared," she said. "I had a plan A, but not a plan B and C." Most of Thomas' peers whose vouchers were cut have yet to secure long-term housing, according to Harris County's HAY Center, which supports young adults aging out of foster care. Thomas was more fortunate. She managed to move into her apartment in early May, after the HAY Center's foundation arm agreed to pay her deposit and subsidize her rent for six months. "It's just like what someone would do for their own kids," said Mary Green, the center's director of transition services. The worry sets in Before her move, Thomas had begun to picture nights watching TV in bed, listening to the rain. First, though, she needed to sign a stack of papers agreeing to follow complex rules, pay the $750 monthly rent, plus utilities, acquire renters' insurance, and so on. Thomas asked intermittent questions as the assistant manager explained each page: "Do I do my full name?" "Where do my visitors park?" "How much are late fees?" During the apartment walk-through, Thomas thought about where she would put the couch she hoped to get and wondered whether her first meal here would be nachos or pasta Alfredo. She panned the apartment with her phone, taking a Snapchat video for her friends. "I finally made it, guys," she said. Within a week, though, the worry set in. This was temporary. Thomas' bank account was "tapped." Her $69 cell phone bill was due. Her $250 portion of rent - more than twice what she would have owed with a voucher - soon would be too. She had missed her biology final because the three buses she took to school didn't make it in time. She didn't think it would have been this hard with a voucher. "I'm trying to get through this first bill." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO - State Sen. Carlos Uresti, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud- and conspiracy-related charges in two separate cases May 16, pleaded not guilty to all charges Tuesday evening. The San Antonio Democrat did not appear in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio as previously scheduled Wednesday. His attorney, Mikal Watts, filed a motion Tuesday waiving Uresti's right to appear in court, according to the filing. "Senator Uresti has entered a plea of 'not guilty' on all charges, because he is not guilty of all charges," Watts said in an email Wednesday. "It is a shame they do not allow a person to plead 'innocent' because that's exactly what he is - innocent of every one of these charges." In the first case, Uresti, 53, is facing 11 felony counts relating to his involvement in bankrupt San Antonio oil field services company FourWinds Logistics. He is accused of steering investors to the company, which prosecutors say was a Ponzi scheme. Bribery case In the other case, Uresti and Lubbock businessman Vernon C. Farthing III are accused of bribing former Reeves County Judge Jimmy Galindo to secure a contract. The two-count indictment alleges that Farthing paid Uresti $10,000 a month between 2006 and 2016 as a consultant. Uresti then funneled about half of the money to Galindo, prosecutors allege. Uresti, who's also an attorney, could face up to 200 years in prison if convicted on all counts. "As much as he wanted to enter live pleas of not guilty in open court today, he is instead attending this morning a bill signing ceremony in Austin with the governor," Watts said. Gov. Greg Abbott signed two bills sponsored by Uresti that are designed to improve child care in Texas, including one intended to improve the state's foster care system, Uresti said in a news release. Gary Cain, a former FourWinds consultant who was indicted with Uresti and FourWinds CEO Stan Bates in the first case, also pleaded not guilty Tuesday and didn't appear in court. According to the indictment, Cain, 60, continued to receive large payments from FourWinds through his business, Trinity Global Funding & Consulting, despite knowing that investor funds were being misused. Chad Muller, Cain's lawyer, declined to comment. Bates, 45, also pleaded not guilty Wednesday without appearing in court. Uresti, Bates, Cain and three other FourWinds officials who already have pleaded guilty are accused of conspiring to misuse investor funds to "enrich themselves and others." Bid to remove lawyer In the Reeves County public corruption case, Farthing, 44, previously waived his arraignment. Galindo, 53, who was county judge of Reeves County from January 1995 to December 2006, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and failure to file tax returns. A plea hearing is set for June 12. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors are now seeking to remove Watts as Uresti's attorney in the FourWinds case because Watts, in a separate civil case, represented a woman who is identified as a "Victim 1" in the FourWinds indictment. U.S. prosecutors said in a sealed motion Thursday that Watts has a conflict of interest and may be called as a witness in their case against Uresti, according to Watts' response filed with the court Friday. Watts and Uresti both represented Denise Cantu of Harlingen in a wrongful-death case involving two of her children. Cantu invested the bulk of the proceeds from that settlement with FourWinds. She ended up losing about $800,000 of her $900,000 investment. Watts disputed that he should be disqualified. He said his representation of Cantu ended with the completion of the wrongful-death case in October 2012, according to his response. He added that he has no confidential information from representing Cantu that would either help Uresti or harm Cantu. "I don't think the motion to disqualify me is a close call," Watts said in an interview. "There's no actual conflict. She hasn't been a client for four years. The two matters are not substantially related. There's no temporal relationship between the two representations." President Trump yet again takes a step away from the global community by joining Nicaragua and Syria as the only counties in the world not participating in the Paris Climate Agreement. For the record, the only reason Nicaragua didn't sign was because it was't strong enough, and Syria was a little too busy barrel bombing their citizens. There's overwhelming consensus in the scientific community on climate change, but Trump still thinks it's a Chines hoax, or maybe a Chinese covfefe. Click through the gallery below for many more covfefes by Nick Anderson. President Trump announced Thursday afternoon that the United States will pull out of the 195-country Paris climate agreement, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the world's only non-signatory nations. The move is sure to stoke anger and anxiety among our European allies and to lift the stature of nondemocratic countries such as China, which will pose as guardians of a new kind of international order. There will be plenty of time to study the environmental and diplomatic fallout from the decision, but for now let's look at the domestic side of the ledger. First, pundits can dispel the notion that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have the secret sauce for pacifying Trump and keeping him from descending into right-wing lunacy. Whatever influence they exercise is either the antithesis of what one would expect from "Manhattan Democrats" or is ineffectual in moving the president. Arguably, along with women's entrepreneurialism (which the princess of nepotism touts without self-awareness) and child care, climate change ranks at the top of Ivanka's issue list. (Recall that she brought in Al Gore to talk to her father.) So much for her sway. It turns out for those hoping for a more statesmanlike, moderate presidency, Ivanka and Jared are hardly indispensable. There is no benefit to the public of their continued presence in the White House (unless helping to seal Trump's fate in the Russian affair can be considered an unintentional but appreciated contribution to American democracy). Second, if Democrats needed any more incentive to get their troops mobilized - beyond a Simon Legree health-care plan, a starvation budget and evisceration of Environmental Protection Agency regulations - this will do it. The trick for Democrats will be in maintaining through the 2018 elections the exceptional level of engagement they are now experiencing. They will no doubt use Trump's actions to continue making headway in upscale suburban neighborhoods with more educated voters. Third, this is one more instance in which Secretary of State Rex Tillerson comes up on the losing side of an issue squarely within his department's domain. (Recall that he couldn't even hire his first choice for deputy, and that he meekly accepted draconian budget cuts for his department.) Reports indicated that he argued strongly in favor of remaining in the agreement. (To be clear, Defense Secretary James Mattis reportedly was in favor of staying in the agreement; he too was ignored.) To his credit, Tillerson, unlike Homeland Secretary John F. Kelly and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, has kept to a minimum his rationalizing and spinning on behalf of the president on Russia and other topics more generally. However, he remains a fish out of water. He still has not fully grasped the language of international relations, the role of public diplomacy or the empathetic management style of secretaries such as George P. Schultz, who endeared himself to those who worked for him. He seems downright uncomfortable in his post. It shows. Since he too apparently contributes little to the final decision on major issues, he might do the country a favor and restore the art of resigning on principle (!). Fourth, Trump's announcement will not enhance his image as a pro-business president. A wide array of CEOs from virtually every sector of the economy have lobbied strenuously to keep the United States in the agreement. CNBC reported: "In April, a group of 16 companies - including Apple, Google, Walmart, mining company BHP Billiton, and oil majors BP and Shell - laid out exactly why the Paris Agreement will help U.S. companies. "'U.S. business interests are best served by a stable and practical framework facilitating an effective and balanced global response. We believe the Paris Agreement provides such a framework,' the CEOs said. "Tesla chief Elon Musk, who is a prominent prop in Trump's periodic meetings with business executives, threatens to stop coming to these photo op's. Others may also stay away." Trump has been touting his magic powers ("animal spirits") to talk up markets and give businesses a sunny and predictable business environment in which to hire, invest and expand. Pulling out of the agreement risks putting him in a newly adversarial relationship with businesses - and some big pro-business donors. Watching other countries take the lead in green technologies won't help Trump's promise to get America back to winning again. In short, Trump's decision is a loser in terms of domestic policy. He seems concerned only with pleasing his most enthusiastic fans, which is a problem when they are a declining share of the electorate. Want to watch democracy in action? Drive down to City Hall on any given Tuesday. You'll see Houstonians of every stripe - from homeowners association presidents to the self-proclaimed President Joseph Charles (of Royalty) - bring their grievances to the mayor and City Council. Your elected officials have to sit there and listen to their constituents' concerns about potholes, homelessness, immigration and any issue covered by our city's 627 square miles. These regular town hall meetings can feel slow or informal - or just provide a chance for voters to vent. But at their core is true Americana. Politicians need to understand the thoughts and feelings of citizens if our government aspires to be truly representative. People need to feel their voices are being heard if lawmakers hope to earn their trust. Even in Washington, Congress has self-imposed district work weeks to ensure that our elected representatives have the opportunity to take the pulse of their bosses back home. This week after Memorial Day is supposed to be one of those district work weeks. So you may be surprised to find that not one Houston-area representative - Republican or Democratic - is hosting a town hall meeting. Some Houston congressmen, like John Culberson, held call-in town halls over the phone. Or, like Brian Babin, they held smaller meetings with community groups. Gene Green's office said he usually holds town hall meetings during January and August recesses. That won't cut it. Right now, Houstonians deserve a face-to-face meeting with their representatives in Washington, if only to answer one big question: What, exactly, is going on up there? The usual minutiae of federal regulations and congressional hearings can be confusing to the average voter. But this year it looks like Washington has entered a veritable twilight zone. The president's Twitter feed alone has us scratching our heads. President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday night that Congress needs to add more money to health care. This follows him celebrating a House bill that cut $800 billion from Medicaid. Trump's own proposed budget cut an additional $600 billion. How should voters respond to this kind of incongruity? What do our members of Congress think? In Houston, in particular, home of the world-class Texas Medical Center: What does that incongruity mean for the future of health care? Whether at home or abroad, the White House seems to invite chaos. A Republican-controlled Congress can't seem to agree on policy. No one seems to be able to speak with certainty about what's going on. Local representatives are supposed to act as voters' eyes and ears in the Beltway. They're supposed to serve as the voice of Houston. Democrats and Republicans alike are running away from that duty. Don't expect Houstonians to take it lying down. Protesters have started gathering every Tuesday outside the local offices of our state's two senators: John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. There's also a planned event at Baldwin Park on Saturday as part of the nationwide March for Truth. But protests and marches are no replacement for the traditional town hall meeting. Houstonians deserve to be heard, and they deserve to know that their representatives are listening. Society's most vulnerable Regarding "We can't fix all the world's ills, but we must try" (Page F1, Sunday), I admire and thank Rabbi David Lyon for his sermon in support of the State Supporting Living Centers (SSLCs) for severely and profoundly mentally disabled children and adults. My daughter is one of them, and in her case the SSLC provided solutions unavailable in the community. The SSLCs fill the vacuum that parents of disabled children encounter once their children have completed their special-education programs. These state institutions specialize in developing outstanding vocational opportunities with adaptive systems so that even the most disabled can go to work. Every two years there are legislators who try to cut the funding for SSLCs even though they provide much-needed services with economies of scale. In addition to retardation, our sons and daughters have physical handicaps and additional mental disorders. They need these institutions because they cannot function in the community. The interfaith community should take this up as a moral issue. The religious leaders of our state of Texas should raise their voices of compassion for the most vulnerable of our society - those who are not only retarded but also unable to talk, walk, hear or see. Every religious group ought to be their voice. Luisa Kluger, Houston Europe's debt Regarding "Trump, Merkel not giving ground" (Page A1, Wednesday), as I have reflected on Memorial Day as we spent time at the graves our own family who died in battle and read about the president's trip to Europe and the reaction of Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and others about the commitment of the U.S. to NATO, I am a bit puzzled. The U.S. fought two world wars to liberate Europe from German aggression. According to the U.S. Battle Monuments Commission, more than 100,000 American troops are buried on European soil. Those are not all who died or were wounded. European soil is drenched with the blood of Americans. We have kept and still maintain thousands of troops in Europe to fend off the supposed Russian threat. Then there's the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after War World II. To call upon our NATO allies to pay more for their own defense is totally appropriate. History validates our commitment to Europe and others. But we can no longer afford to save the world. America first is the clarion call of our time. Royal Lunsford, Spring Pasadena's dysfunction Regarding "Pasadena curbs access to data" (Page A1, Wednesday), the latest of a continual series of recent stories on the dysfunction of the Pasadena city government leads to one conclusion: Citizens get what they deserve when only 13 percent of registered voters took time to cast a ballot in the May 6 election. A failure to vote in my opinion takes away a citizen's right to complain. Raymond Ruiz, Pearland Legislative sameness Regarding "Costly special session was easily avoidable" (Page A10, Wednesday), this school librarian is furious! Gov. Greg Abbott may call a special session on a bathroom bill! A silly solution to a nonexistent problem. Yet, school finance has once again died without any real attempt to fix it. I am sick to death of our legislators using education and our children as props in their campaign rhetoric. They ALL talk about the importance of education and how they value our children. However, session after session they continue to kick a battered can down the road. Rachel Hinds, Pearland Not even a hint May will resign as latest poll warns she could lose majority (File photo/Chinanews.com) LONDON, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Sterling fell in early dealings Wednesday after a shock opinion poll warned Prime Minister Theresa May could lose her majority in next week's general election. According to figures released Wednesday by pollsters YouGov, May's Conservatives could end up on June 8 with 310 seats, 16 short of having a majority in the House of Commons. Labour's projected 257 plus minority party seats would add up to 340, creating what would be a minority government of another coalition. Although the gap between the two big rivals, the Conservatives and Labour, has narrowed, May's party is still on course to win with a majority, but not necessarily the landslide predicted jut a few weeks ago when May called the snap election. YouGov used a complicated method to work out its latest figures, not based on a single poll, but on the responses of 50,000 people who have taken part in other YouGov polls. Stefan Shakespeare, CEO of YouGov said that it would only take a small shift in favor of the Conservatives to see them win a healthy majority in the general election. That has led most political commentators to apply caution to the results, but still they indicate that the runaway victory at one time almost guaranteed can no longer be taken for granted. Campaigning in the city of Bath in England's West Country, May was asked about the YouGov poll which dominated the front page of the Times newspaper in London. "The only poll that matters is the one on May 8 when people vote," she said. The Prime Minister was asked if she would resign if the Conservatives lost their majority next week. She gave no answer, but said the election was a crucial choice, with her promising to negotiate the best Brexit deal for Britain when negotiations start with Brussels just days after the election. May also faced criticism for refusing to take part in a live television Wednesday night after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn announced he would, after all, participate. May has consistently said she prefers to meet voters on the campaign trail than take part in a line-up of leaders on television. Political commentators are now busy analyzing why May's fortunes have slumped in polls. "May's lead has fallen because she has run an inept, cliched campaign, thinking that a 'strong and stable' slogan could suffice rather than a serious range of thought-out policies," Professor John Tonge, one of Britain's leading experts on political sciences, told Xinhua on Wednesday. "Labour is winning the campaign, promising items it can ill-afford, partly because Corbyn is coming across better than people imagined. There's still a big difference between winning a campaign and winning an election though. Labour won the campaign in 1987, for example, but still heavily lost the election," added the expert. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. According to Harris, there would also need to be some link between the employees gang membership and their employment for the claim of potential damage to be considered credible. For example, if a prison officer joined a gang, this could be seen as striking at the heart of the employer's reputation and posing a serious conflict of interest, she tells HRD. On the other hand, if a street sweeper joined a gang, it may be harder to argue that there is a direct link to their employment that justifies dismissal. Harris says its important that employers have a policy in place which clearly specifies conflicts of interest and the likely consequences if such a situation arises during employment. She also says employers could have grounds to dismiss an employee for any unlawful actions they commit in connection with an offensive association. Under the Crimes Act 1961, it is an offence to participate in an organised criminal group, she tells HRD. Again, whether the behaviour could justify dismissal will depend on the type and seriousness of the offending, the nature of the job, and other factors. OTTAWA Opposition MPs accused Heritage Minister Melanie Joly Wednesday of misleading the House of Commons after she told them a former Ontario Liberal cabinet minister had never spoken to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus office about an appointment something Madeleine Meilleur seemed to confirm publicly herself. Meilleurs appointment as Official Languages Commissioner, a non-partisan parliamentary watchdog, has drawn opposition fire for two weeks now ever since her nomination was formally announced on May 15. Advertisement In the Commons, both the Conservatives and the NDP attacked the Grits for nominating Meilleur, an Ontario Liberal MPP since 2003 who donated to the federal Liberals and financially supported Trudeaus bid to be party leader. The opposition believe Meilleurs partisan leanings make her unqualified to serve as a non-partisan agent of Parliament, such as the information commissioner and the auditor general. Its incredible to see how the Liberals are completely erasing the line between the independence of agents of Parliament and partisan politics, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said. Her donations to the Liberal party and to the prime minister should have disqualified her from the process. Joly insisted that an independent process was used and that Meilleur was the best candidate of 72 who sought the job. But some have raised doubts. Advertisement Michel Doucet, an outspoken Acadian lawyer specializing in language rights, let it be known that he had applied for the job. The current interim Official Languages commissioner, Ghislaine Saikaley, also applied, HuffPost has learned. Saikaley issued a statement Wednesday recusing herself from hearing the numerous complaints her office received about the appointment process to avoid a potential conflict of interest. If the [appointment] process was independent, Conservative MP Denis Lebel asked during question period, why did Ms. Meilleur meet with people in the Prime Ministers Office? These discussions never took place. Melanie Joly Joly responsed that Ms. [Katie] Telford and Mr. [Gerald] Butts never discussed with Ms. Meilleur the subject of becoming the official languages commissioner. Advertisement These discussions never took place, she said. But that seems to fly in the face of comments Meilleur gave at a committee hearing on May 18. When NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair asked whom she had spoken to in the Liberal party about wanting to become a senator or a commissioner, Meilleur said she approached Butts, Trudeaus principal secretary, and Telford, his chief of staff. I spoke to Gerald Butts, she said. I know him well, because he worked for Mr. McGuinty, in Toronto, and I worked with him. I expressed my interest and was told that now there was a process an open and transparent process. I was told that I had to go through the process. That's what I did. Later, questioned by Conservative John Nater, Meilleur said she had also spoken to Telford in an unspecific manner. Advertisement I had a coffee with Katie and I was asking her if I could offer my service to serve Canadians just that I'd like to continue to serve, she said. In the House, Conservative MP Erin OToole said the evidence didnt support Jolys comments that Meilleur had never discussed her appointment as official languages commissioner with Butts or Telford. He asked Speaker Geoff Regan, a Liberal from Nova Scotia, to make a prima facie finding of contempt in this house because the minister refuses to correct the record. Regan declined to rule and tried to shut down all the complaints about Joly after more than seven MPs stood up to suggest she was being less than truthful. Conservative MP Sylvie Boucher objected to Jolys suggestion that the opposition was consulted. That is not true, Boucher said. She should stop saying that. Joly notified the Conservative and NDP official languages critics but not the party leaders, whom she is legally obliged to consult. Advertisement We dont agree with the appointment at all. And she should take responsibility for that, Boucher said. What a crock of nonsense. Thomas Mulcair Mulcair also complained that the Liberals had potentially appointed someone who may not be able to investigate the prime minister because her past political donations might place her in an apparent conflict of interest. What a crock of nonsense, Mulcair said. How can the Liberals explain appointing a commissioner who cannot even investigate the prime minister? Conservative Lisa Raitt wondered what it all meant for the appointment of another watchdog of Parliament the ethics commissioner. Current commissioner Mary Dawsons term expires in July and she is currently investigating Trudeaus potential conflict of interest in vacationing at the Aga Khans private island in the Bahamas. Are we waiting to see how somebody's chat with Gerry and Katie goes before we get someone in this place? Raitt asked. Advertisement Also on HuffPost CP OTTAWA Either Heritage Minister Melanie Joly lied to the House or the Liberal governments pick for Commissioner of Official Languages, Madeleine Meilleur, lied to a Commons committee vetting her appointment, the leader of the NDP charged Thursday. Advertisement Thomas Mulcair said Joly and Meilleur cant both be right. Either Meilleur had discussed her potential appointment as commissioner with Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus principal secretary, Gerald Butts as she told MPs on May 18 or she had not, and Joly was right when she told the House Wednesday that Meilleur had never discussed the appointment with Butts or Trudeaus chief of staff, Katie Telford. Joly responded that Telford and Butts had never spoken to Meilleur about her appointment. I would like to be precise in the fact that never was there any discussions relating to the fact that she could become the official languages commissioner, Joly said. Aha! Mulcair, his head nodding up and down, had his opening. Duly noted that the minister has just said that Madeleine Meilleur intentionally misled this Parliament, the NDP leader said. That makes her ineligible to named to a high office like commissioner of official languages. Advertisement Each day since Trudeau announced Meilleurs nomination as official languages commissioner on May 15, the opposition has stood united against her appointment. Meilleur was, until last June, an Ontario MPP and Liberal cabinet minister who donated to the federal party and financially supported Trudeaus bid to be the party leader. The opposition does not dispute Meilleurs qualifications as a well-known champion of minority French-language rights, but they remain dubious that the process that handed her the prestigious government watchdog position was both non-partisan and merit-based. This appointment process has turned into a fiasco wrapped in a dumpster fire, cried Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. Conservative MP Michael Chong told HuffPost Canada Trudeau should do the right thing: withdraw Meilleurs nomination and propose another candidate that has the consensus of the other parties and who is above partisan reproach. I care about this, he told HuffPost. This role has never been partisan, and it is an incredibly important role to protect and defend and promote linguistic minorities whether they are anglophones in Quebec or francophones in the rest of the country. Advertisement Trudeau has demonstrated that he doesnt fully understand and respect Canadas two official languages, Chong said. He noted that the prime minister refused to answer an anglophone Quebecer in English during a town hall in January and instead spoke to the woman in French, citing the fact he was in Quebec. Mr. [Stephen] Harper was criticized for being overly partisan, but he appointed Graham Fraser whose partisan credentials were above reproach, Chong noted. The former journalist was appointed to the position in 2006. [Agents of Parliament] report not to the prime minister, not to the Liberal Party of Canada but to parliamentarians. The opposition parties were informed in writing on May 8 that Trudeau planned to nominate Meilleur, but the Conservatives and NDP argue that a letter outlining her impending nomination wasnt a true consultation as defined in the Official Languages Act. Advertisement The NDP has formally complained to the interim official languages commissioner, Ghislaine Saikaley, asking her to investigate the complaint. But Saikaley recused herself from the potential probe, as she had applied for the job. Also on HuffPost: There's no doubt that losing a loved one to a drunk driver is devastating. A new ad campaign from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is remembering those lost to a preventable tragedy by putting their names and faces forward. The group's 2017 "Impaired driving impacts everything" ad features the faces of 12 Saskatchewanians whose lives were cut short by impaired driving. (Watch the video above.) Advertisement Using personal photos, provided by family and friends of the victims, the ad shows each person enjoying a happy moment in their life, before erasing them from the photo. Tyler McMurchy, SGI's media relations manager, says the powerful campaign has touched many hearts since it began airing on television and social media last month. "Saskatchewan is small enough that so many people in our province seeing it will know someone in the video," he explained, adding the people featured in the video lived in cities and town all over the province. Advertisement Over the last decade, more than 600 people have been killed and more than 4,000 injured in impaired driving collisions in Saskatchewan. SGI ran a similar campaign in 2016, but used stock photos. McMurchy said they decided to ask the families of real victims to participate in 2017, in the hope of reaching more people with their message. "When we talked to these families, they kept making one point: they wanted something good to come out of something so terrible." Joe Hargrave, the minister responsible for SGI, said drunk drivers have ruined too many lives with their decision to drive impaired. Advertisement I want to thank the families who came forward and agreed to share their stories, Hargrave said in a statement. Their goal our goal is that this campaign prevents others from experiencing the pain of losing a loved one because of someones decision to drive impaired. The 12 people featured in SGI's ad are: Quinn Stevenson,17, from Saskatoon Brandy Lepine, 17, from Prince Albert Danille Kerpan, 25, from Kenaston Tanner Kaufmann, 37, from Regina Ben Darchuk, 53, from Prince Albert Adrienne Gardiner, 28, from Ile-a-la-Crosse Sarah Wensley, 17, from Saskatoon Van de Vorst family, from Saskatoon James Paul (JP) Haughey, 17, from Saskatoon To read more about their stories, visit SGI's website. The province-wide campaign will appear on radio ads, billboards, commercials and online from May 14 to June 16. Advertisement Reporter question: Are you concerned that serial killer Karla Homolka has been occasionally volunteering at a Montreal elementary school? Do you think there should be any rule changes or law changes to prevent a criminal like Karla Homolka from being able to volunteer in scenarios like that? Mulcair: The crimes of Karla Homolka are so horrific that its so difficult to look at a case like that otherwise than through the horror of the crimes she committed. On a human level its very difficult to go beyond that. Theres an open question for the people in that community and in those schools. I understand shes been volunteering in a Christian school. Everybody is going to have to take their own stock of that and make sure that first and foremost the security of their kids is taken care of. Beyond that, it really becomes a question of forgiveness. I guess thats part of this discussion and whether or not someone whos paid their debt and if youre ensuring the safety of the kids, beyond our revulsion at the horror of the crime, is there any way for atonement and forgiveness? Im going to leave that to those parents because they have the obligation of ensuring the security of their kids. Reporter question: Changing any rules or some on the other side? The Conservatives are Mulcair: Ive been at this for a long time so whenever theres an individual case that you can hold up and say doesnt this require us to go back through all the rules what youre essentially asking is, whats your opinion on the horror of those crimes? You cant get beyond that. No one is going to understate the horror of the crimes of Karla Homolka. Its not a question of what the federal government does or doesnt do or what the Parliament does or doesnt do after that. Its a question of whether or not the people in that community, a Christian community apparently from what weve read, find it in their hearts to ensure first and foremost the safety of their kids and the degree of atonement when somebody has paid their debt to society. I think those are tough ethical and moral questions. OTTAWA If Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is eager for his question period face-off with the prime minister, he'll have to be a little more patient. Justin Trudeau is making the new leader wait. After a week-long trip to Europe for NATO and G7 meetings, and a personal audience with the Pope Tuesday, Trudeau, who arrived in Ottawa Wednesday, has decided not to show up to question period Thursday. Advertisement Trudeau met with his cabinet Thursday morning and is scheduled to speak to summer students working for the federal government at 1:15 p.m. ET during their orientation session. His schedule does not permit it today, Trudeau spokesman Cameron Ahmad told HuffPost Canada. Ahmad wouldnt say whether Trudeau plans to show up Friday, when party leaders rarely make an appearance. On Monday, Trudeau is scheduled to appear on the American morning show, "Live with Kelly and Ryan," as it kicks off two-days of shows in Niagara Falls. The PMO did not respond when asked if the prime minister would also be absent on Monday. Advertisement Question period is held Monday to Thursday from 2:15 p.m. to about 3:00 p.m. and Fridays between 11:15 a.m. and noon. It is the chance for all members of Parliament to hold the government accountable. Its clear to us that the prime minister doesnt take Parliament or question period seriously, despite the fact that he continues to claim that he wants to be open, transparent and accountable, said Scheers spokesman Jake Enwright, who noted Trudeau was in Ottawa Thursday and on Parliament Hill. During the election, Trudeau said he wanted to reform question period so that the prime minister would answer questions once a week for a longer period of time. The opposition has raised fears that Trudeau will choose to only make himself answerable and accountable once week. The Liberals insists Trudeau will show up more often and are pushing forward with their plans. Because of his European trip and the House of Commons taking a week-long break in May, Trudeau has not attended question period since May 16. Advertisement During the Tory leadership race, Scheer told HuffPost politics podcast Follow-Up that he was unsure about how he felt about having a dedicated prime ministers question time, such as exists in Britain, but said he planned to treat Parliament with a heightened level of deference. What I like about the British system is that ministers and the prime minister feel really tied to the House, like they really do pay the House the respect that that it deserves, said Scheer, the former Speaker of the House of Commons. If the ultimate goal is having a government be more accountable then I think we can find a lot of ways to improve it, Scheer said. If the ultimate goal is to make things easier on the government and make it more convenient then I'm not interested in that conversation and I wouldnt be as prime minister either... I shouldn't ask the House to make things more convenient for me as prime minister, the prime minister should be finding ways to make the government more accountable to the House. Advertisement Also on HuffPost While many dissidents of U.S. President Donald Trump are happy to express their dissatisfaction online or in conversation, one Mexican businessman is bringing his vexation to the bathroom. Antonio Battaglia, a corporate lawyer, is planning to launch a "Trump"-branded toilet paper in his home country later this year, the Associated Press reports. Advertisement Arguably, the best part of his plan is the reported slogans: "Softness without borders" and "This is the wall that, yes, we will pay for." Este mexicano creo el papel higienico marca Trump para ayudar a los inmigrantes pic.twitter.com/Diatr0mu4X EL PAIS America (@elpais_america) May 28, 2017 Battaglia told Mexican news site Expansion that he was initially inspired to release a product that took a stand after hearing the way Trump characterized Mexican people during his presidential campaign. "It annoyed me and I started to look for a way to do something that would have an impact," Battaglia said, adding that 30 per cent of the profits will finance programs that support migrants and Mexicans deported from the U.S. Advertisement A prototype of the design shows a caricature likeness of the president, complete with Trump's signature hair-do and thumbs up. It also boasts the contents of four "puros rollos" which can be translated either as "pure rolls" or "pure nonsense." According to AP, Mexico's Institute of Industrial Property has granted Trump's company trademarks on his name for hotels, tourism and construction, among other things. But Trump forgot to cover toilet paper, and Battaglias trademark was approved in October 2015. There has been no word on whether the paper will be made available in Canada, but fear not. Amazon.ca has plenty of toilet paper featuring Trump's face, if you really want to be that kind of person. Follow HuffPost Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost Mar-a-Lago, Trump's 'Winter White House' See Gallery When I left my country Trinidad and Tobago for China to study Chinese language and culture, never in my wildest imagination did I think that twenty-one years later I would still be here. Two decades is a long time, yet I often tell my friends that it feels like only two years. That is because, China is an exciting place to be, with lots of opportunities for go-getters or those who seek adventure, culturally. It so happens that I fall into both categories. At first, I was not sure whether I would like my experience in China, so I initially planned to study for only one year when I left Trinidad for Beijing in 1996. But as fate would have it, I fell in love with China, its people, and its culture. I extended my course for another three years to learn all I could about this fascinating country. Upon graduating in 2000, I became the first person from my country to attain a degree in Chinese language and culture. Studying at the Beijing Language and Culture University gave me more than I bargained for. With over 90 percent of the student population being international, I also learnt about the cultures of many other countries from friends who came from almost every corner of the globe. A major turning point in my life came in late 1998, when I met my husband-to-be, who is a Chinese national. We met at the famous Changan Theater. I often tell people that if it wasnt for us going to the Changan Theater to see Butterfly Lovers a play known as the Chinese equivalent to Romeo and Juliet we would not have met. Two years later, after I graduated, we got married and moved back to my husbands hometown, which is located in Zhengzhou City, Henan province. We are now the proud parents of two teenage sons. Lisa Sankar-Zhu and her family, photo provided by author Before moving back to Beijing last year, I lived for fifteen years in Henan province, where I was further steeped in Chinese culture, Henan being the birthplace of Chinese culture and the home of four of the eight ancient capitals of China. Being in China has allowed me the rare chance to meet many distinguished people, such as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, U.K. Prince Charles, and the late Venezuelan President Chavez. It has also allowed me to do things which I think I would not otherwise have had the chance to do. For example, during the 2010 Expo in Shanghai, I was appointed pavilion director of the CARICOM Joint Pavilion for part of the six-month duration to assist the fourteen participating countries. In 2010, I published my first book, The Emperor, His Bride and the Dragon Robe. It is an original Chinese fairy tale picture book which tells the story of a young Chinese emperor and two young women who vie to become his bride and the next empress of China. The book was launched at the 2010 Expo in Shanghai. Then, in 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Trinidad and Tobago from May 31 to June 2. On the second day of the visit, on June 1, the then Prime Minister and first female prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar presented President Xi with both an English and Chinese copy of the book as State gifts. President Xi Jinpings visit to Trinidad and Tobago was considered historic for more reasons than one, including the fact that it was a State visit and the first visit ever by a Chinese president. I was in China when the news first broached. In an e-mail to me, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, who knew about the book, requested copies. I had met him on a trip back to my country one year prior to President Xis visit. He didnt say why he wanted the copies, and I arranged for them to be delivered to him without asking. It did occur to me that he might make it available to some of our government officials to review so they could make reference to it during their meetings with the Chinese delegation. But I quickly dismissed that thought as mere childlike fantasy. Then on the second evening of the visit, my mother, full of exhilaration, telephoned me to say that it was televised on the local news when my book was presented as a State gift to President Xi. To this day, I feel highly honored. Among my to-do list is a musical play for children based on the book and ultimately a feature 3D animation film, also based on the book. Through this book, the play and movie, as well as other intellectual properties in the pipeline, I hope to share my love for China and engender in children around the world a similar love for Chinese culture. I believe people should have dreams no matter how big or small, and that they should take every good opportunity at hand to make their dreams come true. But most importantly, I believe that people must strive to make more opportunities for themselves to fulfill their dreams rather than wait around for a few opportunities to come along by chance. In this regard, I like to use one of Francis Bacons quotes: A wise man will create more opportunities than he finds. Lisa Sankar-Zhu,The author is Chairwoman of the Caribbean-China Friendship Association and CEO of Golden Mushroom, photo provided by author Edmonton police are investigating a video showing a man falling through the roof of a food kiosk at West Edmonton Mall. The footage, which went viral on social media this week, shows two men climb over a railing and jump onto the roof of a Cinnzeo shop. The first man lands, but the second misjudges his jump, landing on a transparent part of the roof and crashing through. A security alarm then goes off. Advertisement The Cinnzeo location's manager, Henry Gallant, told Global News that a graveyard shift employee alerted him to security footage of the incident, which occurred after hours. I see some kid come flying through our roof, he hit our granite countertop, his head bounced off quite badly, his back bent fully backwards and then he bounced forward," he said. He told CTV Edmonton that the footage also showed the man in pain, apparently collapsing twice before he ran out of the frame. Advertisement An anonymous friend of the daredevils, who posted the video to Twitter under the handle SlaveOfMostWise, told 90.3 AMP Radio that his pal told him he was winded after the fall and knocked out for about 20 seconds. The mall's security alarm woke him up, his friend said. But the extent of his injuries are still unclear. An Edmonton police spokeswoman told HuffPost Canada that officers have been to the mall to chat with staff. Torontos soaring house prices are making it difficult for businesses to attract and retain talent, potentially threatening the future of Canadas largest economic engine. Thats the conclusion in a new Toronto Region Board of Trade study, which found that more than two-thirds of the citys young professionals have essentially given up on buying a home or upgrading to a larger one. Advertisement Its a sign of how desperate the situation has become for homebuyers in Toronto, where the price of an average single-family home rose above $1.5 million in recent months, while an average condo now goes for more than $540,000. The problem is putting employers into a difficult position, says Jan De Silva, president and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. We are hearing it directly from the business community, and we are even experiencing it as an employer, she told HuffPost Canada. We just said goodbye to a member of our team for this reason. Advertisement One-bedroom condo? No, thanks The survey of young professionals in Greater Toronto defined as those between the ages of 18 and 39 found 68 per cent said they are not likely to buy a home or upgrade to a larger one. Of those, 58 per cent said it was due to cost. The survey also found little appetite for the small condos that are mushrooming around the city these days. Half of those surveyed said they want a single-family home, and 81 per cent said they do not want a condo. Only four per cent said they wanted a one-bedroom condo, the single most common type being built around Toronto. De Silva blames Torontos high housing costs on this seemingly incorrect mix of housing, as well as under-investment in transit in recent decades. Other experts have also suggested that a lack of transit is putting a premium on downtown locations, while a lack of detached home construction is pushing up prices of family homes. What's Going On In Housing? Our weekly newsletter delivers the news and analysis you need on Canada's housing market. Sign up below and don't miss an issue. Like some other business groups, the board of trade is calling on policymakers to make room for the missing middle type of housing the low-rise apartment buildings, townhomes, laneway houses and duplexes that offer larger spaces for families than condo buildings. Providing young professionals with more options to allow them to live and work in the GTA will ensure we have the talent we need to be one of the most competitive and sought after business regions in the world, De Silva said in a statement. Follow HuffPost Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also on HuffPost With elections in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, new members of the legislature will take their seats and navigate an environment like nothing they've previously experienced. Whatever training exists will focus on office management, parliamentary rules, and political caucus roles. Very little, if anything, will be mentioned of the landmines awaiting families who stand beside those whose names appeared on the ballot. I was recently asked what would be the most important piece of advice I would offer newly elected politicians. It's an easy answer, but one I took for granted when I was first elected. Put your family first. And even when you think you are putting your family first, make sure you really are. The political world is a weird environment. The political world is particularly cruel to families. Macleansreported only a few years ago that 85 per cent of federal MPs were divorced. That's a staggering number. Dwarfing numbers in the general population. But sadly, not surprising, as the skills you hone to survive politics, are potentially damaging to families. Advertisement Once elected, you find yourself drawn into a new family -- the political party. It's easy to believe you are present at home, or completely committed there, but your time is taken by the dinner circuit, meetings, community functions, and now, with accessibility so easy through social media, private messages. If I didn't respond right away I felt as though I was not serving my constituents properly. By responding quickly, and regularly, and to every message, it gets worse, and your family is left further and further behind. The political world is a weird environment. Adoring fans appear when you are doing what people want. Anger, threats, and insults, that would have no place in any other environment, when you don't. People (including politicians themselves) wanting pictures and selfies. Then there's the soul stealing experience of watching people eulogize you on social media when you leave office, regardless of whether it's by choice or not. I'm fortunate. My wife has been beside me since the day we campaigned for and won our first election in 2004. She's been there as my absolute rock through the highs and lows of both our personal life and our political life. I say "our political life" because having now left office, I realize it was something she lived through as much as I did. She endured living with a politician, because, like being a church minister, few people master the art of leaving the politician at work and opening up at home. Family time becomes tied to work -- a date night at a function, or people stopping you to talk about the issues of the day during a family trip. So I, like many trying to make up for our own inadequacies in balancing home and work, tried to demonstrate my devotion, and tried to hold things together, with trips, gifts, a little actions like reaching for my wife's hand, or building a project with my son. Advertisement Despite that, putting away the phone and e-mail, even on a family trip, was difficult. My constituents expected me to be there. Or at least that's what I told myself. I lived in a world where I was absolutely committed and in love with my wife and son, and would do absolutely anything for them to make them happy, but also lived in another life trying to make everyone else happy and be the best Member of the Legislature I could be. Therein lies the risk they don't tell you about when you run for office. Every politician becomes a different person on the job and in their political world than they would otherwise be. In politics, you are unreasonably expected to be perfect. You are expected to always have a smile and be "on your game." You can't ever show doubt in what you are saying. Politicians have to demonstrate the confidence they believe (and know) they are right. They have spin for every argument. They learn to fill the gaps in conversation. Silence is an opportunity to make another argument in favour of a position. Listening is something politicians just are generally incapable of doing when they are in that mode (have you ever watched question period or a parliamentary debate?). Those are traits which, if managed well, project a confident leader in politics, but when they drift into your personal life, create issues of doubt and trust, on even the smallest issues. My political personality drifted into interactions my family. In today's over connected world, it's easy to not put aside the smart phone and keep responding to constituents at all hours. It's easy to believe you are spending quality family time when you are not, or brush off concerns of your spouse or children by saying "it's just work." It becomes too easy to miss your family saying "we love you, and would rather you actually spend your time with us, not your phone." Politicians develop weird relationships with constituents, some of whom they have never met in person. If you tend to be overly empathetic like me, you start feeling you have to solve their problems for them. But what about your own family? They get taken more and more for granted. I've lived it. For every hug or kiss that warmed my heart, I missed out on hundreds more. For every time I saw my son before bed, I missed many more opportunities. Looking back, there were plenty of times I convinced myself I was doing everything I could to be present and put my family first. I know now as much as they are my priority, I did not show it. How can you when you multitask your family? Advertisement My political personality drifted into interactions my family. My wife would sometimes tell me I was spinning, or remind me I was lost in replying to messages. She never complained, though had every right to, when I was so deep in work and talking to constituents I became a visitor at home. My 10-year old son told me recently he felt he couldn't bother me when I was in politics, but is happy to have me home, involved, to play cards, or build Lego. He says he can interrupt me now if I'm working. He's seen something change. I didn't recognize that my work as a politician was impacting my relationships with my wife, my son, and those around me, even though they tried to tell me. Making me, at times, a different and detached person. Over time I did start to make choices putting family first. I declined more invitations to attend events to spend time with my family. I chose not to seek a federal nomination because I didn't want to risk losing my wife and son to the federal political world. When I was approached about taking on a leadership role with the Nova Scotia Green Party in 2016 I told federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May I wouldn't take the position because I wasn't sure whether staying in politics was the right for my family, and I wouldn't risk losing them. My family had been through hell and back in politics (some certainly of my own making). I'd come to realize the only thing that really mattered was my deep love for my wife and son, and commitment to them. I'd like to think I did improve balancing life over time, though I never got it right. As the 2017 Nova Scotia election campaign got underway, I came to a harsh realization that the political life was still impacting how I interacted with my family and others. It was hurting me and my family. It was an easy decision to put my love for my wife and son first. I knew going in politics isn't (and shouldn't be) forever, but unwavering commitment to my marriage and family is. Andrew's new book Bloodsport: Confessions of a Recovering Politician is expected to be released later this year. The preceding essay is based on excerpts from it. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook If your social media feeds have been anything like mine this week, aside from a "covfefe" break they've been burning up with Toronto Life's latest real-estate troll: "We Bought a Crack House." To get ahead in Toronto's cutthroat housing market, they bought a literal crack house: https://t.co/TfQcJvegJZ Toronto Life (@torontolife) May 30, 2017 If you haven't read it yet, the magazine sums up "the reno from hell" thusly: "It was a crumbling Parkdale rooming house, populated by drug users and squatters and available on the cheap. We were cash-strapped, desperate to move and hemmed in by a hot market. Five years, three contractors and $1.1 million later, our home reno nightmare is finally over." Advertisement Now some folks were mad about the contractor woes, which was presumably what the couple expected, but many others were infuriated by their entitled attitude expressed in the piece, which readers felt sought sympathy for what happened to the couple while lacking empathy for what happened to the home's in-crisis now-former residents. Their self-awareness didn't seem to stretch much beyond wondering "whether the tenants, angry at being evicted, had vandalized it" and an apparently irony-free reference to anti-capitalist graffiti. Mixed-income neighbourhoods are always better than economic segregation. While the couple is being mocked mercilessly online -- check this GoFundMe campaign -- they merely set themselves up as symbols of gentrification by writing the piece and are only a small part of the problem. In fact, gentrification isn't the problem, either -- just the unbridled kind. Gentrification doesn't have to displace people if it's managed, because mixed-income neighbourhoods are always better than economic segregation. Advertisement Full disclosure, I live nearby so I am also part of the problem, though I didn't displace any vulnerable residents before moving here nine years ago. But, much like the couple in the article, I did choose to raise a family here because it was all we could afford. Now the reason Parkdale is -- or at least was -- affordable is because of the neighbourhood's large percentage of low-income residents (the average household salary is below $50,000) and those with addiction and mental health struggles, not unlike the former residents of that rooming house. And the reason why this percentage is so high -- and why Parkdale has so many rooming houses in the first place -- is because it used to be a wealthy enclave full of Victorian mansions. But they began moving away after the Gardiner Expressway was built, cutting the residents off from the lake. Then in the 1970s, the "deinstitutionalization" movement resulted in two local psychiatric hospitals releasing their patients into the community. So the old mansions were converted into multi-unit rooming houses, providing shelter for poverty-stricken single people, many with mental health and addiction issues and all with nowhere else to go. Advertisement Now what was also not mentioned in the article is that Parkdale is currently going through a rooming house crisis as rich people return to buy and convert them back. The Globe and Mail made a rooming house conversion their Home of the Week earlier this year when a pair of lawyers put their now-single family dwelling on the market for $2.2 million. It's not all their fault, but I do believe in ethical consumerism. "It's all we could afford back then," said the owner, "reminiscing about the decision to buy a ramshackle building with seven units crammed into two-and-a-half storeys." Last month, a study on rooming houses by the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, a non-profit founded in response to gentrification concerns, found that 28 rooming house and bachelorette buildings have been converted over the past 10 years, costing the area 347 affordable housing units. It also found that 59 more rooming houses are in "imminent risk," threatening to make 818 more people homeless. Now is this trend the fault of the Toronto Life couple? Many on my Facebook wall and in my office are arguing nope. Obviously it's not all their fault, but I do believe in ethical consumerism. Buyers are as responsible as sellers, even when the transaction is totally legal on both ends, because the free market has no ethics so it's up to us to decide where and how to spend our money. Advertisement This couple got the place "cheap" precisely because it was a rooming house, so they financially benefited by kicking out the tenants who may no longer have a roof over their heads. (Or would have financially benefited if they had a better contractor.) Meanwhile, just down the block there's a rent strike going on because tenants are angry over rent hikes and a lack of repairs in their apartment towers and the Toronto Star recently reported that "every Toronto Community Housing project in Parkdale -- over 1,200 units in all -- is expected to be in 'poor' or 'critical' condition by 2021." But the problem is bigger than one couple, and it's not solved by keeping them out of the area. It's also not solved by keeping vulnerable people in rooming houses that are run like slums. I've seen Parkdale's gentrification firsthand since we moved here and some of it has been positive -- streets are much safer with more people on them at night, there are many vibrant new small businesses alongside the old ones, young families have livened up the parks and community centres and when a group of NIMBY condo dwellers tried to stop a new methadone clinic, it opened anyway. Advertisement Parkdale's mix of incomes, cultures and experiences is precisely what makes it such a wonderful neighbourhood. The free market doesn't care so, ultimately, the city needs to step up and deal with the situation. But gentrification has also pushed housing to crisis level. Parkdale is full of services and amenities -- soup kitchens, legal aid, health clinics and community centres, not to mention the nearby Centre for Mental Health and Addiction -- so these residents can't just be priced out of the area. That's why that study warned "continued loss of rooming houses in Parkdale will be catastrophic to the lives of hundreds of mostly low-income, vulnerable residents who depend on Parkdale's social and community supports and are at risk of eviction, displacement, and homelessness." It also noted that Toronto's social housing waiting lists surpassed 177,000 people last year while the city's 4674 shelter beds reached 96 per cent occupancy and called for a non-profit and public sector strategy "to preserve, maintain, and develop this disappearing stock of affordable housing." The free market doesn't care so, ultimately, the city needs to step up and deal with the situation -- and they, too, are currently conducting a study. Advertisement They could start by buying up privately owned rooming houses, ensuring that they remain available but are also livable rather than rat-infested slums. They could perhaps pay for it by increasing property and land transfer taxes. Or, as one friend suggested, they could open a municipal bank. Or maybe dip into the upcoming influx of marijuana money, or finally get the province or feds to pony up. Regardless, it would be a good investment because the Housing First model has proven that people who are housed cost the government much less in health care and policing than people who are homeless. The article's writer, Catherine Jheon, by the way, later emailed Metro to say that they now "understand why the story and my insensitive descriptions triggered anger around real issues of affordable housing, homelessness and more." Advertisement What's Going On In Housing? Our weekly newsletter delivers the news and analysis you need on Canada's housing market. Sign up below and don't miss an issue. So if this uproar leads to progress in Parkdale, then we can thank them for making people angry enough to finally see what is currently happening to our most marginalized community members. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: In the aftermath of last month's CRTC's zero rating decision, there have been several pieces in the Globe and Mailraising the possibility that Canadian cultural policy might benefit from zero rating Cancon. In other words, rather than rely on net neutrality rules (including restrictions on zero rating) to ensure that Canadian content benefits from a level playing field, perhaps it would be even better to tilt the rules in favour of Cancon by mandating that domestic content not count against monthly data caps. Advertisement The issue was raised during the CRTC zero rating hearing as Canadian Media Producers Association argued that: [T]he Commission should be open to considering ways in which differential pricing practices related to Internet data plans could be used to promote the discoverability of and consumer access to Canadian programming. The CRTC rejected the argument, concluding that "any benefits to the Canadian broadcasting system would generally not be sufficient to justify the preference, discrimination, and/or disadvantage created by such practices." In response, anti-net neutrality advocate Roslyn Layton argued that Canada should exempt Canadian content from data charges, an idea picked up by Kate Taylor and Robert Everett-Green. To date, Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly has been a vocal net neutrality supporter and there is no indication that she plans to change that position. Indeed, abandoning net neutrality in order to support Canadian content would raise of host issues including the prospect of increased surveillance of Internet usage, unenforceable regulations, and diminished value of Canadian content. Advertisement When Canada first debated net neutrality regulations in 2009, the Canadian cultural community was solidly in favour of it. For example, the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA), the predecessor to the CMPA, stated: The CFTPA submits that certain ISP traffic management practices, such as discriminatory traffic throttling, diminish the range of distribution options and degrade the quality of the Internet as a content distribution platform. If left unchecked, such practices threaten to reduce the diversity of Canadian programming that is available to Canadians. It is therefore critical that a regulatory framework be adopted that ensures that ISPs do not become gatekeepers of Canadian content on the Internet, undermining the ability of Canadian independent producers to play their role. The CFTPA, therefore submitted that the CRTC should require "as a condition of service that ISPs refrain from employing any traffic management practice that discriminates on the basis of application or protocol." Similar support came from ACTRA, the Canadian Media Guild, the Documentary Organization of Canada, and the Canadian Conference of the Arts. What these groups rightly recognized was that Canadian content depends upon a level playing field against the large intermediaries such as the major ISPs that often control both carriage and content. That has not changed over the past eight years. If anything, a level playing field is more important given that a media giant such as Netflix would be granted even greater power in a system that permits zero rating since it would have the financial ability to buy access unavailable to Canadian players. Advertisement Consigning Canadian content to the mandatory free lane would send a signal that it can't compete. Beyond the issue of a level playing field, Taylor and today's CMPA seem to hope that making Canadian content cheaper by reducing or eliminating data costs will increase its marketplace success. Yet the more likely outcome will be that Canadian content will be viewed not as cheaper, but rather as content that can only find an audience if the government requires that it be distributed for free. Consigning Canadian content to the mandatory free lane would send a signal that it can't compete, the precise opposite of what Joly has been promoting. Were the government to overrule the CRTC on the issue, it would then face the challenge of making a Cancon-specific zero rating system work. A system treating all Canadian content as data free would require Internet providers to engage in widespread surveillance of all user Internet activity, identifying the content of the bits running on their network (how to categorize video content on YouTube, Facebook, Periscope and other services is anyone's guess). The system would eliminate private viewing, discourage the use of virtual private networks to protect privacy, and add huge costs to network services. In other words, free Canadian bits would actually be very costly, paid for in lost privacy and increased Internet access costs for all since ISPs would pass along the added costs to consumers. Alternatively, Taylor suggests zero rating entire services that meet Cancon minimums. For example, a music service with 35 per cent Cancon would be zero rated. This too raises a multitude of problems. First, zero rating was about whether a provider could zero rate aspects of its service, not if the government would require all providers to give away data for free. Leaving it to the government to determine how providers should price specific content is exceptionally problematic. Second, the system could be easily gamed as providers could simply include a sufficient amount of Cancon to meet the requirement but with no guarantees anyone would actually watch it. Advertisement Taylor concludes her column by asking what Joly might get in return for promising Hollywood and Silicon Valley net neutrality. The answer is that net neutrality benefits Canadians and Canadian creators just as much -- if not more -- than it does companies such as Google and Netflix. This blog was originally published on http://www.michaelgeist.ca Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: "It is a disgrace to the human, the most elevated being on earth, that the elephant, the biggest creature on the land, is exploited, harnessed, and tortured in captivity to such inexplicable proportions." Powerful words from a spiritual institution led by a revered world renowned spiritual leader, who has launched a petition in the Supreme Court of India to ban elephants in festival and temple rituals. The overarching question is "whether the holding of elephants in captivity and using them in festivals and temple rituals is dharmic and necessary at all." The Thrissur-based NarayanashramaTapovanam, founded by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha argues that there are no Hindu scriptures that purport use of elephants in temple rituals, and suspects that the practice has crept insidiously into the cultural landscape due to "ill-directed instigation of some class of people". Advertisement Elephants are exploited under the veil of culture and religion, and denied adequate water, food and shelter. In order to restrain the gigantic animal the handlers use heavy shackles around their hind ankles, toss them around their back and tether them to a front leg. Often the shackles are tightened so severely that they cut through the flesh, causing raw bleeding wounds that are seldom treated. "Can we think of chaining a human similarly, in any circumstances, in prison or captivity?" They are paraded beneath the scorching sun, decorated in heavy caparison, and forced to carry unbearable burden on their delicate spine, including three to four men on their back weighing approximately 300 kilos, and a heavy plaque depicting the temple deity. "Does a beast that serves man so much, by carrying him on his back, by responding to his multiple commands and cues, deserve to be tortured and pained mercilessly, only to meet man's selfish ambitions, fueling his undue pride and ego?" Advertisement In dispelling arguments that elephants were used for royal defense since time immemorial, and therefore should be used in cultural festivals, the petition quotes ancient texts such as Mathangaleela written in eighth century A.D. It offers 45 synonyms for the word "elephant", each derived from its physical and mental aspects. Synonyms like vaarana, (obstructs, resists and eliminates the enemies), and ashtapraharana, (beats and attacks with eight limbs (4 legs, 2 tusks, a trunk and a tail) explain the science of taming elephants for kings and emperors. "But nothing in these names, or the qualities and merits of the elephant, apparently indicate that they were to be a part of Temple worship or festival, and the sacrosanct replica of the installed idol is taken from the sanctum sanctorum and mounted on the tusker, in order to ornament or enhance the installed Deity's divine brilliance." The temple authorities are ignoring this ancient wisdom, and turning a blind eye to the suffering of the embodiment of Lord Ganesh. When elephants are forced to perform unnatural rituals, it sometimes drives them insane and they run amok. So the torture is intensified using vicious weapons such as bull hook, and dagger. If he deems it necessary, the handler also uses extreme measures to control the elephant, "There are instances when the mahout collects the inflammable chemical from match stick buds, heaps it on the back foot of the elephant, and lights it. One can imagine how the animal will be writhing in pain to bear the torture. Elephants are mortally afraid of fire." Advertisement Citing a wide range of ancient Hindu tenets, the petition argues that violence has no place in our society, let alone in temples where the defenseless elephants, considered the embodiment of Lord Ganesh, are subjected to unimaginable torture. "The basic dharmic tenet is best expressed in the following proverbial verse, which summarizes the entire gamut of dharma effectively: 'Listen to the entire code of dharma, and after listening, bear it constantly in mind: Do not inflict on another whatever is unfavorable or torturesome to oneself.'" "Manu, the ancient law giver, summarizes the virtues and restraints all people have to adhere to in their life: "Non-hurting, truthfulness, non-stealing, cleanliness and sensory control; these are the common codes of life for all the four varnas, as told by Manu." (Manusmriti 10.63)" "The spirituo-moral, ethical and administrative manual of Bhagavadgeeta has the following to say with regard to non-hurting as a fundamental and ultimate virtue or discipline that any thinker, moralist or devotee or devotional proponent should not miss at all:13.29 'Seeing the equally present God equally in everything and all, one, the devotee, does not hurt another, and hence, thence, attains to the supreme state.'" Advertisement The elephants have not committed any crime against humans to be captured from the wild and torn from their families in order to quell the insatiable selfish drive for money and status-quo. "What did the elephant, living in the forest, do to man to deserve this kind of torturous treatment and enslavement? If religion holds anything immoral or sinful, elephant persecution should be counted as the first and the worst." But the harsh reality is the elephant lobby groups are too conceited to humbly follow their dharma and obey the laws of the land. "The laws of the country do not allow anyone to hurt another. Does not the same apply to animals also? Merely because these mute creatures cannot raise their voice of protest, should man be allowed to inflict cruelty on them?" Left to the Temple authorities or the Tantris, the issue will not be rectified. As such, the judiciary is the only haven for elephants. Therefore, in consonance with the Constitution, especially the fundamental duties enshrined in Article 51A (f) (g) & (h): Advertisement Boston Globe via Getty Images BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 25: A well-used doorknob on the steel door of an old safe at the Custom House Block on the Boston Waterfront is pictured on Jan. 25, 2017. The building is being renovated into offices. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) I lived in a rooming house in Parkdale when I was 15 years old. I hadn't thought about it in years, but then Twitter went crazy on Tuesday, responding to a story in Toronto Life, a first-person account called "We Bought a Crackhouse." As I laughed along at the responses to this tone-deaf and callous couple (including a tongue-in-cheek GoFundMe campaign), it dawned on me that I'd once been the kind of tenant the writer joked about demolishing a house around. Advertisement At the end of 1993, my parents sprang it on me that we were all moving to San Francisco. I fought this bitterly, mainly because I was crazy about a boy at my school, but I didn't tell them that. I argued I should finish up the school year, for the sake of my grades and graduation date. My mom knew Lillian Demko through friends. She and her husband owned one of those sprawling grand old houses on a side street in the triangle between King, Queen and Jameson streets, and they rented rooms on the third floor. She'd been a professional figure skater. That's all I really knew about her. The house was not renovated. The floors creaked and the windows stuck. My room faced the street. It was furnished with Canadiana antiques I didn't appreciate at the time, and the requisite number of doilies. It was like living inside one of the Frances Hodgson Burnett books I'd loved as a kid. The rules were clear and strict. No coming in after curfew, wipe the sink and toilet seat after using, no drugs or alcohol. I wish now that I'd been braver, lifted my head, opened my eyes and looked around me. Most people seemed to stay a few months, and for part of the time I lived there, the room across the hall was empty. Later an older man moved in. How old? In my teenaged mind he seemed ancient, but was probably closer to 35. I'm sure -- well, I hope -- I asked his name, but it's long forgotten. We didn't interact much. Advertisement What I remember most about the other tenant is that he seemed sad. He didn't have visitors, no friends or family stopping by to see him or take him out. A rooming house is not an ideal place to entertain, but I had friends over sometimes, so I know it was allowed. I have a vague memory of him dressed in an ill-fitting suit, heading out for job interviews, but it's possible I'm pasting a scene from Dickens onto my own recollections. I'm sure I seemed sad to him, too. I survived on Kraft Dinner, slept through my alarm and missed an exam at school, and listened to Jane Says on repeat for hours. I missed curfew a few times and felt real fear. Standing on the sidewalk late at night in 1990s Parkdale, alone and female, was no joke. In the end, I chose to face the reprimands of my land-lady, which were fairly mild, over walking the streets to find a payphone to call a friend. I felt scared a lot of the time, walking up to Queen Street to buy food, or to the streetcar stop on King. But nothing bad ever happened. Sometimes people talked to me on the street, yelled things at me. Some of them were probably mentally ill, but others were just generic assholes, the kind you can find in any neighbourhood. I wish now that I'd been braver, lifted my head, opened my eyes and looked around me. When rooming houses disappear from the housing mix, we lose these kinds of landing places. In remembering all this, I realize I was one of those "vulnerable people" we see cited in discussions about housing and the effects of gentrification. I don't know what particular struggles the other tenant was facing, because I was too caught up in my own teenage angst and awkwardness to ask, but what we had in common was that we were alone. Advertisement I'm not suggesting the house the Toronto Life couple bought had been some idyllic commune, but there is the feel of a slur about the way the author used the phrase "rooming house," as if that in itself was enough to get the reader on board with their eviction of both the tenants and the squatters that followed. But technically, a rooming house is any private house in which rooms are rented for living or staying temporarily. (I guess what I'm trying to say is: #notallroominghouses) When rooming houses disappear from the housing mix, we lose these kinds of landing places. Places where newcomers to the city can live while they search for work, where people without family can live in a household, and where a mixed-up teenager can finish a school year. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook NurPhoto via Getty Images This is an exciting election for the Green Party. We have a real opportunity to get more Greens elected and increase our vote share, but we'll only achieve this with hard work and by getting volunteers onto doorsteps: it is an election where every vote really does count. The opportunity is crystal clear in a seat like Bristol West, where our candidate, Molly Scott Cato, only needs a 4% swing to beat Labour. In other seats too we stand a real chance of electing more Green MPs in this election, and every Green vote we receive across the UK renews and increases the authority with which we can talk in the media about the Green policies you want to see in action. The policies that inspired the audiences of the television debates not just to think about the MP they want, but the country that they want to build. Advertisement We've been going all out to get Molly Scott Cato elected to Parliament, with hundreds of volunteers knocking on tens of thousands of doors... and we're not done yet. We still have floating voters and voters who think they need to vote Labour to keep a Tory MP out. We will only change minds through meaningful conversations on the doorstep. On Friday, 9th June, I don't want people will wake up to hear that we didn't win our seat in Bristol by just 100 votes so we'll keep on going, as a party and as a movement, doing everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen, to get every vote we can for Molly. You can get involved by registering to volunteer here https://molly4bristol.org/get-involved/ and spend next weekend on the path to making history: helping to get our second Green MP elected. If you can't make it to Bristol then please volunteer in the Isle of Wight, Sheffield or another local seat. Having worked with Molly, it's clear to me that she's everything that Parliament needs over the next five years. As an economist who's an expert on Europe, the fact she's a Green is almost the icing on the cake. Last election we secured 1.1 million votes, which helped ensure that Greens were represented in the televised debates, and it is this support we need to ensure we get better media coverage. We need to retain that vote and beat UKIP to keep our place on TV and radio. Advertisement Caroline Lucas, defending her seat in Brighton Pavilion, has done an incredible job over the last seven years as our only Green MP, but she needs Molly next to her in the Commons, especially as she has come to wonder where the rest of the opposition are on some of the most vital issues of our time - our NHS and public services, our environment and climate change. And, of course Brexit. Where Labour have whips and party lines, the Greens have the freedom to stick to our principles. One more Labour MP among scores wouldn't make much difference but imagine the difference another Green MP would make! That's a message we have been pushing hard in other seats too, like the Isle of Wight, Sheffield Central and Bath. As Greens, we often point to the unfair first past the post electoral system and the fact that in far too many seats people's votes won't affect the outcome. It is true that, with more than a million votes, a fairer electoral system would have given us more than 20 MPs last time, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't vote Green. Not at all. Green votes will change the political climate. By demonstrating support for our distinctive stance, not just on protecting the environment but also on issues like a universal basic income, scrapping SATs tests and lowering the voting age to 16, we will influence the other parties. Yes, when Labour announces bold new policies, we're glad to find they've been reading our last manifesto - even if they do still have a long way to go to match our commitments on a publicly owned NHS, scrapping nuclear weapons and offering people a say on the Brexit deal. Let alone to have a set of policies that work together to create the kind of Britain we want to live in. Every vote for a Green candidate sends a signal that this is what we want. We want to do politics differently. We want a government that believes the best way forward is by working with each other rather than against each other. One that puts the rights of citizens above those of corporations, which ensures that nobody is left behind. Advertisement Lacheev via Getty Images Ok, so some of this might not feel like small stuff, but I promise you it is. If little Jemima finds your secret stash of Jaffa Cakes and eats them all, aged 14 months, it doesn't condemn her to a life of obesity. If all the other newborns from your NCT class sleep in their cots from day one, and yours doesn't, it doesn't mean they'll still be sleeping in your bed aged 19. I couldn't care less whether the pureed broccoli you are feeding your baby is organic or not, so long as they are warm and clean(ish) and cuddled a lot. Here's the stuff nobody gives a shit about in the long term. 1. How you gave birth. And this comes from a fully-signed-up-hypnobirther, who refused induction. It mattered SO much to me that I had a "natural" birth. And now, having had a vaginal birth with no drugs, and 20 months later a planned and morphine-fuelled C section (and let me add, you can still hypnobirth a C section), I can honestly say it makes not a shred of difference (although morphine is excellent. Stockpile it if you can.) You can't tell at the school gates which kids came out which way. If it's getting you down, stop it. If you had a bad experience, speak to the hospital and get a debrief. And if someone is judging your choices, they shouldn't (especially if they don't own a vagina). Advertisement 2. Breast vs bottle. *Yawn.* Honestly. The boob PR machine is very strong, and yes, it's free and it's convenient. But the pressure to succeed when your boobs or baby won't cooperate is more than unnecessary when you have a sore undercarriage, a plunge in happy hormones and are sleep-deprived. Do what works for you, and your baby, and your family. And if someone asks how you are feeding darling Jemima, the correct answer is "through her mouth". 3. You can talk to your mum-mates about sleep deprivation, because parents get it. But nobody at work cares that you've been up since 4am. The intern is just as knackered as she was clubbing 'til dawn, and her story is cooler than yours. And to all the knackered parents out there, repeat after me: "This is just a phase." You have my hugest sympathies though. It's shit, it really is. 4. Professional opinions. So what if Supernanny says that's how it's done. Maybe your baby hasn't read the Gina Ford routine. The books are great, but you can discard the bits that aren't relevant to you. And if you really need help, speak to your GP or health worker. Every time I tried to make my kids fit a certain mould, it didn't work. When I left it to them, on their schedule, soon enough they slept longer / ate their greens / used the loo. Don't compare your kids to others - some walk early, some potty-train late and some grow up to run multinational corporations. I haven't yet seen any research to join the dots between these achievements. 5. And to the woman on the bus earlier, I couldn't care less how amazing your organic lentil casseroles are. I don't care about the Suzuki music lessons. I'm managing my way and my kids are very loved, occasionally indulged and frequently cuddled. They watch a bit too much telly, their food is often beige and they can't control their volume to my specifications, but they are happy. And so am I. Advertisement You can read more from me at www.bellfrombow.com/the-blog Like my Facebook page or follow me on Instagram Jenny Matthews via Getty Images This blog is part of a series from the Women's Budget Group, examining what each party's manifestos mean for women on a range of issues from Brexit to tax to funding for violence against women services Almost a year after the EU referendum, this election is the first time voters in the UK can have a say on our post Brexit future. But what are the parties offering, and what will that mean for women? The Women's Budget Group analysis of the manifestos finds there are still more questions than answers. Advertisement In the immediate aftermath of the referendum we were told simply that Brexit means Brexit, but it was many months before the Government White Paper set out what Brexit might actually mean, with no consultation over the different possible options. So with only two weeks to go before polling day, what do the parties' manifestos have to say on their approach to Brexit, and what might that mean for women? There is clear division between the parties about the form that a new trading agreement with the EU should take. The Conservative Manifesto rules out membership of both the Single Market and the Customs Union in favour of a 'a deep and special partnership including a comprehensive free trade and customs agreement', although it also argues that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'. Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party all favour remaining in the Single Market with both the Liberal Democrats and the Greens promising a second referendum at the end of the Brexit negotiations, which would include the option of staying in the EU. The SNP is arguing for Scotland to remain in the Single Market as the UK leaves the EU. Advertisement It is highly unlikely that the 'comprehensive free trade and customs agreement' promised by the Conservatives will give the UK the same terms for trade with the EU as the Single Market. Even a 'good deal' is likely to result on some sectors facing tariffs and non tariff barriers to trade with the EU. The 'no deal' option would mean trading on World Trade Organisation terms, which would lead to a significant increase in tariffs and other barriers. There is general agreement among economists that leaving the Single Market would damage the UK economy, with 'no deal' leading to significant damage. The Conservative manifesto emphasises the 'unique opportunities' that the UK has 'to forge a new set of trade and investment relationships around the world'. However, it appears unlikely that trade agreements with third countries can make up for the loss of trade with the EU. It is not clear what form these trade deals with non-EU countries would take. The UK is unlikely to be in a strong position in negotiations with third countries if we end up with a poor trade deal with the EU since our need for deals with other countries would become more pressing, weakening our bargaining position with them. Work by trade and gender experts has shown that trade agreements can have significantly different impacts on women and men as a result of differences in economic position, caring responsibilities and political power. All of the manifestos, with the exception of the Women's Equality Party, are silent on what these gendered impacts might be, or the specific policies needed to address them. Here we focus on three main questions: What will Brexit mean for women as workers? What will Brexit mean for women as consumers? What will Brexit mean for women as users of public services? What will Brexit mean for women as workers? In the short term, uncertainty about the final trade deal with the EU has meant many companies have been unwilling to invest, leading to concerns about possible job losses. In the longer term there are likely to be winners and losers. Increased barriers to trade will hit sectors that rely heavily on export to the EU, and the industries that supply them while if the price of imports from the EU increase, then this may increase domestic opportunities for some UK firms, although it may also raise prices for consumers (see below). The TUC estimates that about one in ten jobs in the English regions and Scotland and one in twenty jobs in Wales and Northern Ireland are linked to EU exports. Sectors such as textiles and clothing, which have a majority female workforce are heavily dependent on trade with the EU. And if the economy goes into recession, as most economists predict, this is likely to lead to job losses for both women and men not only in these sectors but across the board. Advertisement Many of women's rights at work are underpinned by EU law. Once we leave the EU there will be nothing to prevent a future government from reducing these rights. Research by the Work Foundation for the TUC suggests that following Brexit there is a risk of an increasingly polarised labour market, with improvements in terms and conditions for some, with a growth in low pay and poor working conditions for others. What will Brexit mean for women as consumers? The cost of Brexit on consumers depends on what tariffs are included in any new trade deal. The Conservatives manifesto argues that 'no deal is better than a bad deal', which would mean the UK trading with the EU under World Trade Organisation (WTO rules). USDAW has calculated that the combination of increased tariffs under WTO rules and a fall in the value of the pound could cost the average household 580 a year. Many essential goods such as fruit, vegetables and footwear, would see some of the largest increases, hitting the poorest families hardest. This is likely to have a particular impact on women, who tend to have primary responsibility for household budgets. EU consumer law sets the framework for consumer rights in the UK. Once we leave the EU there will be nothing to prevent a future government from reducing those rights. Consumer rights could be particularly impacted by trade deals with non-EU countries. The US for example allows for the chlorination of chicken or hormones in beef and would be likely to want to ensure access to UK markets for these products. If the UK economy was badly hit by a poor trade deal with the EU this could make it harder for the government to resist demands that we lower consumer standards to allow these products to be imported into the UK. Advertisement What will Brexit mean for women as users of public services? Women are the main users of public services and the majority of those working in the public sector. If the UK economy goes into recession as a result of leaving the EU this will reduce the tax base to pay for public services and social security benefits. We know that the austerity policies introduced by the 2010 Coalition Government, following the financial crisis, and continued by the 2015 Conservative government have hit women hardest. Women have lost income as a result of cuts to in and out-of-work benefits and have been hardest hit by cuts to public services. All the parties have made commitments in their manifestos for additional spending on the NHS and/or investment in infrastructure. Will the next Government, of whatever party, deliver on these commitments if the economy goes into recession and the tax base shrinks? In addition, countries like the US are likely to want greater access to UK public services for their companies. Again, a poor trade deal, or no trade deal, with the EU would put the UK in a weaker position to resist this pressure. Based on trade deals elsewhere, and the now abandoned deal between the US and the EU (TTIP), such a trade deal could include provisions that would give overseas companies the power to sue the UK government if it took action that would damage the profitability of these companies such as increasing the national minimum wage or bringing services that have been privatised back 'in house'. LatitudeStock - David Williams via Getty Images This blog is part of a series from the Women's Budget Group, examining what each party's manifestos mean for women on a range of issues, from Brexit to tax to domestic violence We all need a safety net. Our social security system helps protect us in case of unemployment, illness or disability, helps support us in old age and helps with the additional costs of disability or bringing up children. Since 2010 there have been a series of cuts and changes to benefits and tax credits, that have hit women hardest. The Women's Budget Group has estimated that by 2020 women will have paid three quarters (75%) of the cost of changes to social security and tax since 2010. So what are the party manifestos saying about social security this time around, and what will that mean for women? Advertisement It is notable that the focus of the manifesto commitments on social security has been on those issues which have generated high profile public campaigns. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, the Women's Equality Party and UKIP all commit to removing the unpopular 'bedroom tax'. Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party would also all reverse the decision to cut housing benefit for those under 21. But there is less attention paid to overall cuts to housing benefit, including capping Local Housing Allowance, (the amount that can be claimed in housing benefit) to the lowest third of rents in an area. This has disproportionately affected women, as the Government's own equality impact assessment predicted. Only the Liberal Democrats have committed to raising Local Housing Allowance to the level of average rents in the area. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Women's Equality Party also all criticise the two-child cap, which will limit the child element of benefit and tax credits to two children for any children born after April this year. This has been widely condemned by campaigners, particularly because of the 'rape clause', which exempts third and subsequent children who have been conceived as a result of rape from the cap, but requires women to provide evidence that they have reported being raped, despite the fact that only a small minority of women who are raped report it. The two-child cap is just one of a series of problems for women with Universal Credit. The system of monthly payments makes it harder for families to budget and insistence that it is paid to a single bank account increases women's vulnerability to financial abuse. (The Scottish Government has already committed to splitting Universal Credit payments). In addition, Universal Credit creates disincentives for second earners to work, or increase their earnings, particularly since the Government cut work allowances (the amount that can be earned before Universal Credit is reduced). The Labour manifesto commits to a serious review of the Universal Credit system, including the two-child cap and work allowances. The Liberal Democrats will reverse cuts to work allowances. WEP says nothing about work allowances but does suggest they will look at the system as a whole by ensuring "that the social security system works towards creating gender equality rather than increasing inequalities". The Green Party also says nothing about work allowances but will "Redress benefits injustice with a social security system that gives everyone confidence they will get support when they need it" and "take steps towards the introduction of a universal basic income". Advertisement The focus on high profile issues means that other areas of social security, which are equally important to women, receive less attention in the manifestos. A significant part of the cost to women of social security changes over the past few years has been the freeze in the level of benefits and tax credits. This reduces the value of benefits and tax credits as prices rise and is leaving families struggling. If, as has been predicted, there is a further increase in the cost of basic goods once the UK leaves the EU, already struggling families will find life even harder. Disappointingly, most of the parties are silent on this freeze. Only the Liberal Democrats and Women's Equality Party manifestos contain a commitment to reverse it. Similarly, the manifestos are silent on the overall household benefit cap, which particularly hits Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) households, which are larger on average. Disabled women (and men) have been hit hard by changes to disability benefits including Employment Support Allowance, ESA, (for disabled people not in work) and Personal Independence Payment, PIP, (to meet the additional costs faced by disabled people and available to those in and out of work). Labour and the Liberal Democrats both propose changes in this area including reforms to the assessment process and increases to ESA. Unlike the other parties the Conservative manifesto contains no proposals for changes to working age benefits or tax credits. Universal credit will continue to be rolled out on current plans. There are no plans to reverse any of the changes to benefits that have had, or will have, a particular impact on women. Advertisement The commitments from most parties to remove the two-child cap and the bedroom tax are evidence of the positive impact that public campaigns can have on party policy. However, cuts to social security are having a devastating impact on the lives of women across the UK, as is the faulty design of Universal Credit. The Women's Budget Group believes that all policies should be subject to a full equality impact assessment, which would expose the need for serious reform in other, less high profile areas. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. An East Yorkshire family who survived the horror of the Manchester terror attack plan to pay homage to those who died at Sundays concert. Laura Smith, 30, her daughters Lehanna, 10, and Aaliyah, 8, and her partner Luke Valentine, 33, have been offered free tickets to attend the Ariana Grande benefit concert this weekend because they were among the audience in Manchester Arena last week. The family have said they plan to spend the day paying the respects to the victims of the attack as well as helping their young children come to terms with the horror they witnessed. We plan to make a day of it, visiting the city and the tributes left there for those who died, said Ms Smith, of Hornsea. We have been offered free tickets but I do want to pay for them, its not about the money. Im petrified, but if my daughters are brave enough to want to go back then thats what I want to do. I dont want them growing up feeling afraid to go to these sorts of places and enjoying themselves. Ms Smith said the family had originally purchased the tickets on Get Me In for a Christmas present for her little girls, and they had been so excited to see the American popstar. They were packing themselves up and getting ready to leave the Arena when they heard the explosion in the concourse. Ms Smith said: I knew it was bad. People who had just left the Arena started running back in, screaming. The look of fear on their faces. Ive never seen anything like it. I tried to stay calm because of the girls, but I couldnt stop them noticing the people around us. We managed to get out, and we were swept along with the crowds. She said her daughters, particularly Aaliyah, had been struggling since the attack last Monday. They are still sleeping in the same bed, because they say they have to look after each other, said Ms Smith. The next day I had to sit them down and try to explain what had happened, because everybody at school knew they had been to the concert. I tried to explain to them that while we have been very lucky, other people havent been, because there was a man there who wanted to hurt us. Then on the Wednesday we took them to the tributes in Victoria Square. And I think thats when we had a breakthrough, looking at the messages strangers were leaving for the people who had died. Ms Smith said while she is petrified to go to back to Manchester Arena, she wanted her daughters to understand, and not to be afraid of enjoying their lives. She said: The girls want to go and I want them to go, so they wont be afraid. And if they are brave enough to go I can be too. We want to stand in solidarity with Manchester, and with the families of the people who lost their lives. We want to show we wont let these people stop us from living our lives. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for our free newsletter for crime and punishment stories sent straight to your inbox Colin Graves, 37, of South Lodge, Pickering Park, west Hull, was fined 10, must pay 50 compensation, and have up to 20 days rehabilitation, for stealing a purse containing 290 after entering the Max Spielmann shop in North Point Centre, Bransholme, as a trespasser. He must pay 85 costs and an 85 surcharge. Timothy Prime, 29, of Alfriston Close, Bransholme, was jailed for four months, and was banned from driving for 12 months, for driving while disqualified; failing to report an accident in which damage was caused to another vehicle; and putting three people in fear of violence by using threatening words or behaviour. He must pay a 115 surcharge. Adrian Abel, 40, of Morpeth Street, west Hull, was discharged conditionally for 12 months for using threatening words or behaviour. He was made subject to a restraining order indefinitely, and must pay 85 costs and a 20 surcharge. Christopher Bennett, 34, of Fitzroy Street, west Hull, must have six months of treatment for alcohol dependency, attend 31 days of a Building Better Relationships programme, and have up to 20 days rehabilitation, for three offences of sending a voicemail that was grossly offensive or indecent, obscene or menacing. He was made subject to a restraining order indefinitely, and must pay 85 costs and an 85 surcharge. Leo Marshall, 30, of Rosmead Street, east Hull, was fined 250 for using threatening words or behaviour. He must pay 85 costs and a 330 surcharge. Jordan Scott, 19, of Broad Oak, Bilton, was fined 175 for putting a person in fear of violence by using threatening words of behaviour. He must pay 85 costs and a 30 surcharge. Kenneth Young, 37, of Albert Avenue, west Hull, was discharged conditionally for 12 months, and must pay 1,900 compensation, for stealing 1,900. He must pay 85 costs and a 20 surcharge. The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel We have more newsletters Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top Hull Foodies stories sent straight to your e-mail A new Beverley bistro and charcuterie has opened, bringing a new style of eaterie to the towns dining scene. The Pig & Whistle is serving up a world of flavours on small plates at the pint-sized Sow Hill venue. Owner James Allcock invited the Mail to take a peek inside on the venues opening day. He says: It has been really well received. I think this is something different for the area. If you removed the chain venues, there would not be many independents and someone doing something a bit different. I think thats what we have got and ultimately it should just fit nicely with what is already here and compliment whats already available in Beverley. From oysters to sharing boards and local ales to Spanish sherries, the bistro aims to tickle the tastebuds of Beverleys eating out crowd. The small plates format is popular in London, where James trained under celebrated chefs Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing. He says: Our focus is cured meats and a large variety of cheeses. Add to this cold-smoked salmon, fresh oysters, bar bites and sharing boards, and you have yourself a world of flavours. We present culinary delights from places as diverse as Lindisfarne and Saint-Marcellin. Pay us a visit and well take your palate on a journey around the British Isles and Europe. James, who helped 1884 Dock Street Kitchen become one of Hulls most prestigious restaurants, aims to make the neighbourhood bistro and charcuterie a warm and welcoming place. A former Visit England Gold winner at Hulls 1884, which was also a Remarkable Restaurant of the Year at the REYTAs, James says: The Pig & Whistle is relaxed and friendly, simultaneously offering a few surprises and a unique atmosphere. In the process weve created eight local jobs. This not only helps the employment market, but also provides these people with the opportunity to see how a professional restaurant runs from the very start. James says tables are booking quickly for the venue, with several nights already fully-booked. The long-awaited opening comes after he originally targeted an April opening but had to overcome residents objections before securing a licence for the venue. Visit www.pigandwhistlebeverley.co.uk for more information. Kris Kobach's political comeback is complete. Here is what it means. Kris Kobach's victory as Kansas attorney general will usher in an office that will be active in challenging the federal government in court. Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Li Jinzhang makes announcement (photo/Chinese Embassy in Brazil) The long-expected China-Brazil investment promotion fund of $20 billion to increase production capacity cooperation has been officially launched in Sao Paulo, The announcement was made at the 2017 Brazil Investment Forum in Sao Paulo on May 31, local time. The fund will support financial investment in basic infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and IT industry projects. The first batch of programs will consist of 30 programs, and the list will be made public on June 1, local time. The initial capital pool consists of $15 billion investment from China and $5 billion from Brazil. The fund will be operated by both sides and will be used so that both sides can cooperate on projects together. The two countries agreed to set up a fund in May 2015 when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Brazil. In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Li Jinzhang said that China-Brazil cooperation is at a key stage of transformation and upgrade and financing cooperation has been playing a helpful role over the past decades of bilateral ties. Production capacity cooperation stays at a prominent position in China-Latin America cooperation. Once the China-Brazil fund is in successful operation, it will help promote more countries to set up similar mechanism. I believe such new form of cooperation will have a strong vitality, said Li. Brazilian Planning Minister Dyogo Oliveira said the fund is going into operation at the right moment, given that Brazils two-year economic recession, the longest in its history, is showing signs of coming to an end, Xinhua reported. This launch is marked by particular importance, as it confirms the confidence between Brazil and China, said Oliveira. It is taking place at a time when we and our international partners are seeking support for projects in infrastructure, energy and technology. Guest Column: Time to Reassess growth Across the Commonwealth The Massachusetts budget process demonstrates economic progress does not always create revenue for the commonwealth. Total employment is eclipsing previous highs, unemployment rates are below 4 percent, and per capita state GDP is strong. Yet the state's budget is difficult to balance and news stories about revenue shortfalls feel like waking up in Groundhog Day. Balancing the budget in an imbalanced economy with limited income growth, regional disparities and outdated tax codes will always be difficult. Health care costs and other non-discretionary budget items pose central expenditure challenges that we must address. But underperforming revenue statewide and regionally also requires serious attention. To start, job growth has not resulted in income growth. Comparing job growth between 1995 to 2000, when there was an economic boom (driven by "dot-coms"), to the five years between 2010 and 2015 is telling. Statewide job growth from 1995 to 2000 was 11.5 percent, only slightly above our job growth of 10.3 percent from 2010 to 2015. Yet according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, from 1995 to 2000 personal income expanded by 43 percent. In stark contrast, personal income increased by just 22 percent from 2010 to 2015, about half the rate of income growth of the earlier five-year period. Put another way, the economy of today is not generating the revenue of yesterday. Too many people are not earning enough income. Moreover, expanded personal income growth may not lead to more state revenue. Three major changes to the state tax code during the last 20 years cost the state $3.8 billion per year. That includes the ballot initiative in 2000 to lower the income tax rate from 5.85 percent to the tax rate today of 5.1 percent. While sensible for many reasons, these rate reductions dampen our revenue collections. From a regional economic perspective, a dangerous divide has emerged. Income, education attainment, and population growth differ substantially within the state. For example, median household income in Franklin ($55,221) and Berkshire ($49,956) counties is much lower than Greater Boston counties like Middlesex ($85,118) and Norfolk ($88,262). Towns in these counties have far fewer adults with bachelor's degrees and face declining populations, impacting their ability to pay for schools and basic services. Disparate opportunity is unacceptable, and underperforming economic regions means lower state tax revenue. Three actions could start to address these challenges. First, workforce development policies and investments must remain laser-focused on creating higher-wage jobs. The strong correlation between education attainment and wages means placing more emphasis on training lower- to middle-skilled workers for the jobs of tomorrow. Economic development initiatives must generate and retain the full spectrum of jobs in every region of the state, not just recognized hotbeds of innovation like Boston's waterfront and Kendall Square. Gan Fubao shows the 1978 Gaokao exam paper. (Photo/Jiangnan City Daily) This year marks the 40th anniversary of the resumption of Gaokao, Chinas college entrance examination. Gan Fubao, an elderly man in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, carries deep sentiment toward the Gaokao. He has a collection of every exam paper since 1978. His current collection has 39 exams. Gan Fubao sorts out his collection of Gaokao exam papers. (Photo/Jiangnan City Daily) Gan Fubao often digs out old high school textbooks; one of his favorites is mathematics. (Photo/Jiangnan City Daily) Gaokao is the most competitive test for Chinese students. However, it was even more life-changing for the educated youth forty years ago in 1977 when China resumed this system after the ten-year-long Cultural Revolution. Even though Gan was already 30 years old in 1977, he took the Gaokao that year. Fortunately, he fulfilled his college dream and was accepted by Jiangxi University. After graduation, Mr. Gan quit his job as a laborer and started working as a technician with higher income. It was the Gaokao that changed his fate. This years Gaokao is just around the corner, and Mr. Gan will continue to add to this collection of exams. After retirement, his happiest time every day is to play with his granddaughter beside the Fuhe River. He will watch her grow up and tell her his Gaokao stories in the future. Gan Fubao plays with his granddaughter. (Photo/Jiangnan City Daily) Gan shows the Gaokao exam attendance sheet he used in 1977. (Photo/Jiangnan City Daily) As It Goes with Israel Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | June 1, 2017 (Photo: David Rubinger/GPO) Dear Friend of Israel, In the spring of 1967, the winds of war were blowing in the Middle East. For months, Israels neighbors had engaged in hostile, provocative acts toward the Jewish state, accompanied by equally hostile, provocative rhetoric. Egypt sent troops into the Sinai, and blockaded the Straits of Tiran, cutting one of Israels key shipping routes. Egyptian president Nasser made his intentions clear: This is our chance, Arabs, he thundered, to deal Israel a mortal blow of annihilation. The president of Iraq echoed his words, saying, The existence of Israel is an error which must be rectified. Syrias defense minister said the time has come to begin a battle of annihilation. Israel realized her very existence was at stake. She could sit and wait for her enemies to attack. Or, she could send her armies in self-defense against the hostile forces surrounding her. She chose the latter course. On the morning of June 5, 1967, the entire Israeli air force struck at Egyptian airfields while Egyptian pilots were still eating breakfast. It was a brilliant move within hours, hundreds of Egyptian planes were destroyed. Similar attacks were launched against Jordan and Syria, crippling their air forces. Israel then concentrated on fighting Arab forces on the ground, winning numerous victories. Six days later, Israel accepted an offer of cease-fire from her enemies. The Six-Day War was a stunning victory for the Jewish state. Israeli forces gained control of Gaza and Sinai from Egypt, Judea and Samaria (comprising the West Bank territories) from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The Holy City of Jerusalem, divided since the founding of the modern state of Israel in 1948, was at last united under Israeli rule. In 1968, one year after the Six-Day War ended, author Eric Hoffer wrote a memorable article reflecting on Israels plight. I have a premonition that will not leave me, he concluded. As it goes with Israel, so will it go with all of us. Hoffer was right. Radical Islamists have declared war not just on Israel, but on the West, and indeed against anyone who does not subscribe to their hateful ideology. Weve seen this countless times most recently in Manchester, England, and in the massacre of 29 Coptic Christians in Egypt. As the anniversary of the Six-Day War nears, let us continue to thank God for Israels amazing victory in 1967, and for her survival against all odds through the ages. And, as we continue our fervent prayers for peace, let us also continue to speak with moral clarity about the threat that faces not just Israel, but freedom-loving people everywhere. With prayers for shalom, peace, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein Founder and President A Chinese navy fleet kicked off its four-day visit to Sri Lanka on May 31 to provide relief to the people affected by recent floods and landslides. According to an official statement from Chinas Ministry of National Defense, the Chinese navy fleet has already contacted its Sri Lanka counterparts, pledging to provide disaster relief assistance, as well as donating relief supplies, including 500 kilograms of rice, 500 kilograms of flour, 300 boxes of potable water, 300 boxes of instant noodles, 10 rubber search boats, and medicine. Shen Hao, commander of the fleet, told the media that the relief supplies are from the fleets own reserve, adding that they have tried their best to collect as many supplies as possible to help the victims. Ravindra Wijegunaratne, who commands the Sri Lankan Navy, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government and the navy fleet, saying that the donated supplies are critical for the countrys disaster relief. He also stressed the importance of the cooperation between the two navy forces, adding that such cooperation will be even closer in the future. According to Xinhua News Agency, at least 202 people have been killed and 96 people are still missing following heavy rains that triggered flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka since Friday. The floods were the worst to hit the island country since 2003. US Embassy Not Moving to Jerusalem The Fellowship | June 1, 2017 JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 23: (ISRAEL OUT) US President Donald Trump (L) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wave after delivering a speech during a visit to the Israel Museum on May 23, 2017 in Jerusalem, Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump spend his second and final day visited Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem, then visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and delivering an address at the Israel Museum, both in Jerusalem, before departing for the Vatican. (Photo by Lior Mizrahi/Getty Images) While many who stand for Israel had hoped that the American embassy in the Jewish state would be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, such a relocation will not happen at this time. The Times of Israels Eric Cortellessa reports that the embassy move will be delayed for at least six months. Until then, all who stand for Israel can look forward to the day when the United States embassy will sit in the biblical and eternal capital of the Jewish people: Announcing the move, the White House insisted it did not represent a weakening of his support for Israel. While President Donald J. Trump signed the waiver under the Jerusalem Embassy Act and delayed moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, no one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the Presidents strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance, the White House statement said. The White House said the president still stood by his promise to move the embassy. President Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend Americas national security interests. But, as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when. Its a question of when, not if, an official said, adding that Trump doesnt think the timing is right, right now. The official added: In timing such a move, he will seek to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians 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! Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jim Carrey is set to face trial for the death of his girlfriend Cathriona White after a judge refused to dismiss two wrongful death lawsuits filed against Carrey. White, a make-up artist from Ireland, was found dead in her Los Angeles home in September 2015. A post-mortem found the 30-year-old died from an overdose of various prescription drugs, with a coroner recording her death as suicide. Whites mother, Brigid Sweetman, and estranged husband, Mark Burton, are suing the 55-year-old actor, alleging that Carrey provided the drugs used in Whites suicide. A judge at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday made it clear she would not throw out the case despite Carreys lawyer, Raymond Boucher, requesting him to do so and branding the lawsuits predatory and malicious. Judge Deirdre Hill has set a trial date for 26 April 2018 and estimated the trial will last 20 days. Speaking after the hearing, Mr Boucher said: "Mr Carrey loved Ms White dearly and so obviously it will be a very painful process for him." Carey, who is famed for his roles in The Mask, The Truman Show and Dumb and Dumber, denies all the allegations launched against him. In court his lawyer, Mr Boucher, suggested it was probable the allegations under drugs legislation would not tally with the statute of limitations, saying the wrongful death claims were too vague. Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Show all 10 1 /10 Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Jim Carrey gets serious, beardy in new film True Crimes Burton's original complaint, which he filed last year, claimed: "Carrey wrongfully and illegally obtained these drugs in clear violation of California law." It also accused Carrey of attempting to "conceal and obfuscate his involvement and culpability in Miss White's untimely and tragic death". Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up In a statement issued at the time, Carrey remarked on the lawsuits, saying: What a terrible shame. "It would be easy for me to get in a back room with this mans lawyer and make this go away, but there are some moments in life when you have to stand up and defend your honour against the evil in this world. I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved. Cats troubles were born long before I met her and sadly her tragic end was beyond anyones control. I really hope that some day soon people will stop trying to profit from this and let her rest in peace. Additional reporting from Press Association Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Captain Ska's general election protest song targeting the Conservatives, 'Liar Liar Ge2017' is on course to reach the top of the charts, but radio stations are still refusing to play it. The track, which mocks Theresa May and outlines what the band see as her hypocrisies, is currently the most downloaded song on Amazon in Britain and iTunes in the UK, meaning it will certainly chart very highly on Sunday, possibly becoming UK No.1 in the Top 40, but it has yet to receive a single play on mainstream radio due to impartiality rules. We do not ban songs or artists, however our editorial guidelines require us to remain impartial and the UK is currently in an election period so we will not be playing the song, BBC Radio 1 said in a statement. Recommended The band behind the Theresa May protest song A Change.org petition entitled 'Force Radio Stations to play Captain SKA's "Liar Liar GE2017"' has already attracted nearly 4,000 signatures however. "[The refusal to play the song] is shameful and outlines the censorship in this country - now the music we hear is selected for us," petition filer Laurence Ejraee wrote. "A song writer from Captain SKA has stated, "This can only be seen as an attempt by the media owners to undermine public opinion. Thousands of people have downloaded this track and we demand that it is aired as any other song would be". "This is against what the charts should be about. I am demanding Capital FM, Heart and future chart shows (such as the BBC Radio 1) air the song "Liar Liar GE2017" like all other songs would be." Captain Ska told the Guardian they were overwhelmed by the song's success and "just so glad the musical message is resonating. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A long-growing crack in the Larsen C ice shelf, one of Antarcticas largest floating platforms of ice, appears to be nearing its endgame. Researchers with Project MIDAS, working out of Swansea University and Aberystwyth University in Wales and studying the shelf by satellites and through other techniques, have released a new update showing that the crack grew a stunning 11 miles in the space of just one week between May 25 and May 31. It now has just 8 miles to go before an iceberg roughly the size of Delaware breaks free into the Southern Ocean. There appears to be very little to prevent the iceberg from breaking away completely, the researchers write. Elsewhere in their post, they note that the crack has now curved towards the front of the ice shelf and the ocean, meaning that the time when a major break could occur is probably very close. The researchers have estimated that the section of ice set to break off could be around 2,000 square miles in area. The US state of Delaware isnt much larger than that. When it calves, the Larsen C Ice Shelf will lose more than 10 per cent of its area to leave the ice front at its most retreated position ever recorded; this event will fundamentally change the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula, write the Project MIDAS team. We have previously shown that the new configuration will be less stable than it was prior to the rift, and that Larsen C may eventually follow the example of its neighbour Larsen B, which disintegrated in 2002 following a similar rift-induced calving event. The prospect of an enormous iceberg afloat in the seas around Antarctica could draw further attention to the threat of climate change at a time when President Trump is considering whether to exit the Paris agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan An ice shelf is the floating extension of a glacier that itself grows from the land out into the ocean. The loss of a large iceberg from Larsen C would not raise the sea level, since the ice is already afloat. However, the thinning and loss of ice shelves leads glaciers to flow more rapidly into the sea, and as ice is transferred from atop the land into the water, sea levels will rise somewhat. Washington Post Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} There is an "international responsibility" to fight climate change, China's Premier Li Keqiang has said in a clear message to Donald Trump ahead of his expected announcement that the US will withdraw from the historic Paris Agreement. Despite widespread reports of the US's imminent departure, Mr Li insisted there was a "global consensus" on the issue. In contrast, Theresa May was decidedly low-key about the prospect of the US quitting the accord, saying it was "up to the President of the United States" and refusing to agree it would be a "blow" to the supposed special relationship between the US and UK. Mr Li did not mention the US or Donald Trump, but his comments were obviously addressed to Washington. He said China had "in recent years has stayed true to its commitment" to address the issue a hint that the US would pay a diplomatic price for signing up to an international agreement, then abandoning it. Beijing had also been "actively promoting the Paris Agreement and we were one of the first countries to ratify the Paris agreement", Mr Li added. He appeared to reference a past claim by Mr Trump that climate change was a "hoax" perpetrated by China. 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 "Fighting climate change is a global consensus, it's not invented by China... and we realise that this is a global consensus agreement and that as a big developing nation we should shoulder our international responsibility," he said. The Chinese Premier was meeting with senior European Union officials at a summit in Brussels. The European Union and China plan to issue a joint statement the first time this has happened pledging to fully implementation of the Paris Agreement. It commits them to cutting back on fossil fuels, developing more green technology and helping raise billions of pounds to help poorer countries cut emissions. "The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever," the statement, by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and China's Li, will say. "The increasing impacts of climate change require a decisive response." Miguel Arias Canete, the European commissioner who has led climate talks with Beijing, said of the Paris accord: "No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward." Donald Trump doesn't believe in climate change Like Mr Li, he contrasted China's constancy on climate change with the apparent change of heart by the US. "I have lots of trust in the Chinese. They are very tough negotiators but they are very consistent with what they negotiate," Mr Canete said. "At a moment in which the United States have doubts about the benefits of remaining in the Paris agreement ... two major players [the EU and China] in the climate arena declare that they are committed to the Paris agreement." Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Microsoft Rewards has launched in the UK, and aims to tempt more people over to Bing. Its the companys latest attempt to poach Googles users, and arguably the most desperate so far. Microsoft will reward you for using the Bing search engine, with points you can exchange for a number of freebies. 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 Youll need to be signed into Bing with your Microsoft account, in order to earn points. Each Bing search will get you three points, but this will be doubled if youre also using Edge, Microsofts answer to Google Chrome. Level 1 users can earn up to 60 points per day, simply by searching for 10 things through Bing. If you manage to reach 500 points in a month, youll become a Level 2 member, and will be able to earn up to 150 points per day through search. On Bing.com, Level 1 members can earn points for up to 10 searches a day and Level 2 members can earn points for up to 50 searches a day (30 PC, 20 mobile), explains Microsoft. The search limit resets every day, so you can start earning again tomorrow. You can get your hands on extra points by taking quizzes at Microsoft Rewards, though youll have to sign up for an account first. Microsoft will also give you a point for every 1 you spend through the Microsoft, Windows and Xbox stores. You can exchange those points for a selection of prizes, such as an Xbox Live Gold Membership that usually costs 9.99 (6,000 points), a one-month Groove Music Pass that usually costs 8.99 (9,500 points) and a 12-month Groove Music Pass (110,000 points, or 99,900 for Level 2 members). In 2012, Microsoft launched the Bing It On challenge, which displays Bing search results and Google search results side-by-side and invites users to blindly choose which set they prefer. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} When a 15-year-old ran away with her 30-year-old teacher Jeremy Forrest five years ago, a media frenzy ensued. He was called a paedophile and accused of abducting her. But now 'Gemma' (not her real name) has shared her side of the story in an interview with Cosmopolitan and revealed what it was like when they were caught. They grew close over months and Gemma says she became obsessed with Jeremy: When I wasnt with him, Jeremy was all I thought about, and I lived in constant fear that wed be discovered. Recommended Report into the Jeremy Forrest affair damns school for ignoring seven But rumours soon spread and Gemma started having panic attacks. Four months after starting seeing each other, the police came. She denied everything and the next day, Gemma and Jeremy ran away together. The couple fled to Bordeaux, but little did they know, theyd been caught on CCTV driving down to Dover. At this point, there was a frenzy back in the UK - the media were reporting Jeremy was a paedophile whod kidnapped Gemma. But in her eyes, she was his girlfriend. They both tried to disguise themselves by dyeing their hair but it all ended after eight days in Bordeaux. Recommended Teacher Jeremy Forrest jailed for five and a half years for child Jeremy and Gemma were caught whilst walking hand-in-hand. A man in plain clothes came out of nowhere and grabbed Jeremy. Gemma started screaming and begging strangers for help - she thought he was being mugged, not caught. I couldnt breathe and the only word I understood was police, she said. But then she too was grabbed. It was the police, and as she was bundled into the back of a van, Jeremy mouthed, Its fine. But the next time the couple would see each other would be in court. French police officers asked if Gemma and Jeremy had had sex and whether she voluntarily went to France - she answered yes to both. Having been caught, Gemma was kept in the embassy, where staff kept a very close eye on her in case she ran away. But, Gemma says, she was never going to do that - she felt relieved at no longer having to keep the secret. When she returned to the UK, it was impossible for her to go back to a regular school and she went to a special institution alongside children with behavioural problems to finish her GCSEs. At the same time as Gemma was taking her exams, Jeremy had his trial. He was found guilty of child abduction and sex with a minor, and sentenced to five-and-a-half years. He served three and was released last August. Gemma became depressed - her letters to him were intercepted and splashed across the news, and when she finally started dating another man, it turned out he was trying to sell stories about her. Now hes out of prison, Jeremy is dating someone else and Gemma has had another healthy relationship too, although shes currently single. Although she doesnt regret what happened with Jeremy, she now sees it for what it was: a dangerous infatuation. One that cost both of us dearly. The full story is in the July issue of Cosmopolitan, available today. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Students who go to elite schools and have wealthy parents are at greater risk of substance abuse, research shows. A report conducted by Arizona State University studied two groups of students in affluent communities as part of the New England Study of Suburban Youth (NESS) and found that, despite being popular among peers, performing well in school and being highly regarded by teachers, privileged kids were more likely to develop addictions to alcohol, cannabis cocaine and ecstasy compared to national norms. After assessing the participants as high school seniors, researchers continued to annual monitor them across four college years, and from the age of 23 to 27. We found rates of addiction to drugs or alcohol among 19 to 24 per cent of women in the older cohort by the age of 26, and 23 to 40 per cent among men, Professor Suniya Luthar explained. These rates were three and two times as high respectively, as compared to national norms. Among the younger cohort by the age of 22 years, rates of addiction were between 11 and 16 per cent among women - close to national norms, but 19 to 27 per cent among men, or about twice as high as national norms. World's 10 deadliest street drugs Show all 10 1 /10 World's 10 deadliest street drugs World's 10 deadliest street drugs Whoonga Whoonga is a combination of antiretroviral drugs, used to treat HIV, and various cutting agents such as detergents and poisons. The drug is widely available in South Africa due to South Africas high rate of HIV sufferers, and is believed to be popular due to how cheap it is when compared to prescribed antiretrovirals. The drug is highly addictive and can cause major health issues such as internal bleeding, stomach ulcers and ultimately death Getty World's 10 deadliest street drugs Scopolamine Scopolamine is a derivative from the nightshade plant found in the Northern Indian region of South America (Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela). It is generally found in a refined powder form, but can also be found as a tea. The drug is more often used by criminals due its high toxicity level (one gram is believed to be able to kill up to 20 people) making it a strong poison. However, it is also believed that the drug is blown into the faces of unexpecting victims, later causing them to lose all sense of self-control and becoming incapable of forming memories during the time they are under the influence of the drug. This tactic has reportedly been used by gangs in Colombia where there have been reports of people using scopolamine as way to convince victims to rob their own homes World's 10 deadliest street drugs Heroin Founded in 1874 by C. R. Alder Wright, heroin is one of the worlds oldest drugs. Originally it was prescribed as a strong painkiller used to treat chronic pain and physical trauma. However in 1971 it was made illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Since then it has become one of the most destructive substances in the world, tearing apart communities and destroying families. The side effects of heroin include inflammation of the gums, cold sweats, a weak immune system, muscular weakness and insomnia. It can also damage blood vessels which can later cause gangrene if left untreated World's 10 deadliest street drugs Crack cocaine Crack cocaine first came about in the 1980s when cocaine became a widespread commodity within the drug trafficking world. Originally cocaine would have attracted a high price tag due to its rarity and difficulty to produce, but once it became more widespread the price dropped significantly. This resulted in drug dealers forming their cocaine into rock like shapes by using baking soda as a way of distilling the powder down into rock form. People were doing this because it allowed for them to sell cocaine at a lower quantity and to a higher number of people. The side effects of crack cocaine include liver, kidney and lung damage, as well as permanent damage to blood vessels, which can often lead to heart attacks, strokes, and ultimately death World's 10 deadliest street drugs Crystal meth Not just famous because of a certain Walter H White, but also because it is one of the most destructive drugs in the world. First developed in 1887, it became widely used during the Second World War when both sides would give it to their troops to keep them awake. It is also believed that the Japanese gave it to their Kamikaze pilots before their suicide missions. After the war crystal meth was prescribed as a diet aid and remained legal until the 1970s. Since then it has fallen into the hands of Mexican gangs and has become a worldwide phenomenon, spreading throughout Europe and Asia. The effects of crystal meth are devastating. In the short-term users will become sleep depraved and anxious, and in the long-term it will cause their flesh to sink, as well as brain damage and damage of the blood vessels World's 10 deadliest street drugs AH-7921 AH-7921 is a synthetic opioid that was previously available to legally purchase online from vendors until it became a Class A in January 2015. The drug is believed to have 80% of the potency of morphine, and became known as the legal heroin. While there has only been one death related to AH-7921 in the UK, it is believed to be highly dangerous and capable of causing respiratory arrest and gangrene World's 10 deadliest street drugs Flakka Flakka is a stimulant with a similar chemical make-up to the amphetamine-like drug found in bath salts. While the drug was originally marketed as a legal high alternative to ecstasy, the effects are significantly different. The user will feel an elevated heart rate, enhanced emotions, and, if enough is digested, strong hallucinations. The drug can cause permanent psychological damage due to it affecting the mood regulating neurons that keep the minds serotonin and dopamine in check, as well as possibly causing heart failure World's 10 deadliest street drugs Bath salts Bath salts are a synthetic crystalline drug that is prevalent in the US. While they may sound harmless, they certainly arent the sort of salts you drop into a warm bath when having a relaxing night in, they are most similar to mephedrone, and have recently been featured throughout social media due to the zombification of its. The name comes from the fact that the drug was originally sold online, and widely disguised as bath salts. The side effects include unusual psychiatric behaviour, psychosis, panic attacks and violent behaviour, as well as the possibility of a heart attack and an elevated body temperature World's 10 deadliest street drugs Purple Drank One of the more unusual drugs around at the moment, purple drank was popularised in 90s hip hop culture, with the likes of Jay Z and Big Moe all mentioning it in their songs. It is a concoction of soda water, sweets and cold medicine, and is drunk due to cold medicines high codeine content, which gives the user a woozy feeling. However it can also cause respiratory issues and heart failure World's 10 deadliest street drugs Krokodil Krokodil is Russias secret addiction. It is believed that over one million Russians are addicted to the drug. Users of krokodil are attracted to the drug due to its low price; it is sold at 20 a gram while heroin is sold for 60. However, krokodil is considered more dangerous than heroin because it is often homemade, with ingredients including painkillers, iodine, lighter fluid and industrial cleaning agents. This chemical make-up makes the drug highly dangerous and likely to cause gangrene, and eventually rotting of the flesh Luthar goes on to explain that looking at the lives of these adolescents provides some clues to the cause of this elevation in substance abuse. She revealed that each of the participants attended the best schools and as such were under enormous pressure to achieve academically. Without question, most of the parents wanted their kids to head off to the best universities, as did the kids themselves, she added. In addition, Luthar was quick to point out that with affluence comes ease in acquiring drugs explaining that these kids had plenty of disposable income to get high-quality fake IDs, alcohol and both prescription and recreational drugs. As to what can reverse this trend, the professor believes that warning ambitious youngsters of the affects substance abuse can have on their futures will help alongside reducing the pressure to attend university in order to have a successful career. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Fourteen billionaires have added their names to a growing list of the worlds richest people who promise to give away their fortunes. They have joined the Giving Pledge, an initiative set up by Bill and Melinda Gates and famed investor Warren Buffett in 2010 to persuade anyone with a billion dollars in net assets to use their wealth to fund good causes. Philanthropy is different around the world, but almost every culture has a long-standing tradition of giving back, said Melinda Gates, co-chair of the couple's foundation. Bill and Warren and I are excited to welcome the new, very international group of philanthropists joining the Giving Pledge, and we look forward to learning from their diverse experiences. The Giving Pledge now has 168 signatories from 21 countries around the world. Heres what you should know about some of the most recent additions: Mohammed Dewji Tanzania - $1.39bn Mr Dewji is reported to be Tanzanias only billionaire. He inherited his fathers conglomerate METL, which has interests in everything from textiles to drinks manufacturing. He has taken it from $26m revenues in 1999 to over $1bn last year, according to African Business magazine. That rapid rise has led him to become Africas youngest billionaire. Dong Fangjun Peoples Republic of China The Chinese billionaire is chairman of investment company Dongfang Huiquan Financial Holdings. He says he grew up on a farm in rural Shandong Province where he deeply understood the taste of poverty. Anne Grete Eidsvig and Kjell Inge Rkke Norway - $2.7bn The couple say their philanthropy focuses on three areas: local community, higher education and the environment, with a special focus on the oceans. The last of the three is especially appropriate as their joint $2.7bn fortune has been made in shipping and offshore oil drilling. Kjell Inge Rkke began building the couples empire from a single 69-foot trawler which he bought in 1982. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou Monaco, Cyprus - $1.37bn The flamboyant founder of easyJet is probably the best known in the list. He founded the budget airline in 1995, aged just 28, with help from his shipping magnate father. Mr Haji-Ioannou said he signed up to the Giving Pledge after being inspired by a phone call from Bill Gates, the worlds richest person. Dagmar Dolby United States - $3.6 billion The widow of the surround sound pioneer, Ray Dolby, German-born Ms Dolby said she and her husband agreed to give away the majority of their $3.6bn in wealth before he died in 2013. Nick and Leslie Hanauer United States Venture capitalist Nick Hanauer made a good investment when he backed a promising startup called Amazon.com which is now one of the most valuable companies in the world. He also founded aQuantive, a digital advertising agency which he sold to Microsoft for $6.3bn. He and his wife Leslie set up a family foundation, which focuses on public education and the environment. Len Ainsworth Australia - net worth $1.21bn The Australian entrepreneur founded Aristocrat Leisure in 1953 but stepped aside in 1994 after a cancer scare, according to Forbes. The company is the worlds second-biggest gaming-machine company. The full list: Leonard H Ainsworth Australia Mohammed Dewji Tanzania Dagmar Dolby United States Dong Fangjun Peoples Republic of China Anne Grete Eidsvig and Kjell Inge Rkke Norway Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou Monaco, Cyprus Nick and Leslie Hanauer United States Iza and Samo Login Slovenia Dean and Marianne Metropoulos United States Terry and Susan Ragon United States Nat Simons and Laura Baxter-Simons United States Robert Frederick Smith United States Harry H Stine United States Merkel says EU to fulfill obligations under Article 15 of China's accession to WTO BERLIN, June 1 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said here Thursday that the European Union (EU) will fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). She made the remarks at a joint press conference with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is paying an official visit to the European country. The EU supports the WTO obligations and is committed to seeking solutions in line with the rules, Merkel said, pledging that the 28-nation bloc will offer equal treatments to Chinese enterprises. For his part, Li said China welcomes the EU's implementation of the obligations under Article 15 and hopes that all sides abide by the current international economic and political order in face of global uncertainties. According to Article 15, WTO member nations should have stopped using the surrogate country approach to conduct anti-dumping investigations on China by Dec. 11, 2016. However, in a new methodology proposed last November on the EU's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy calculations, the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, while scrapping the "non-market economy" list, replaced the approach with "market distortion," which many observers say remain a surrogate method. The Chinese premier is on a two-day official visit to Germany for the annual meeting of the two countries' heads of government, a mechanism that has been in place since 2004. Germany is the first leg of Li's ongoing three-day Europe tour, which will also take him to Belgium. In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Public concern over the NHS has risen sharply in the last month to its highest level in 15 years, according to an Ipsos Mori poll. The health service was cited by six in ten people as one of the most important issues facing Britain today up to 61 per cent in May from the previous months result of 48 per cent. The findings echo a recent poll for The Independent that indicated three in four people believe the NHS is in a bad condition, with 51 per cent of people saying the Tories bear the most responsibility for the current problems facing the NHS. Concern about the NHS has hit its highest recorded level since April 2002, according to the Ipsos Mori and Economist Issues Index. "The warnings around inadequate NHS funding have been growing in number and volume over the past few years and now seem to be cutting through with the public in a significant way," said Dan Wellings, senior policy fellow at health charity The Kings Fund. This is the fifth highest level of concern recorded since 1997 and the highest it has been since April 2002, prior to Gordon Brown announcing 40bn of extra funding for the NHS, he wrote in a blog post commenting on the poll. Audience member during May's comments on NHS: 'Bollocks, absolute bollocks' Brexit, the Conservatives main campaign issue, was mentioned as a concern by 45 per cent of people, while 27 per cent cited education, 25 per cent said immigration, and 20 per cent said the economy. When asked to name the single most important issue facing the UK, as opposed to listing a range of different matters, Brexit came out top. Leaving the EU was picked as the number one issue by 32 per cent of people, followed by the NHS, chosen by 21 per cent. Polling data was gathered between 5 and 15 May before the health service IT system was hit by a global cyber attack and last weeks Manchester attack. Recommended What a Conservative win in the general election means for the NHS But the health service has been the subject of a number of alarming headlines in recent weeks: Nurses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike ballot over low pay; paediatricians have warned of staff shortages so severe a third of specialist children's wards have been forced to close; and last winter was confirmed as the worst on record for A&E delays. The Conservatives have promised an extra 8bn over the next five years for the NHS in their manifesto. While some might point out this falls well short of the 350m a week promised by the Leave Campaign, its a clear attempt to woo back voters from Labour, who have pledged a real-terms spending increase of 11.6bn by 2022-23, a reduction of one million from waiting lists, and a pay rise for NHS staff. The Liberal Democrats have said they will raise income tax by 1p to fund a real-terms increase in health spending of 8.5bn in the same time period, according to analysis by health think thank the Nuffield Trust. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Health experts have called the Conservative manifesto deeply disappointing, with the Health Foundation predicting it will create a funding gap of 12bn in the next four years. In a Brexit-dominated campaign and with sharply polarised views about the strengths and weaknesses of the main parties, most commentators do not think the NHS will be a decisive factor at the ballot box," said Mr Wellings. However, such high levels of public concern do suggest that the NHS will need to be a high priority for the incoming government. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Chemicals found in fossil fuel-powered vehicle exhausts, cosmetics, electric and traditional cigarettes, glue and building materials may increase the risk of cancer because they can interfere with the bodys natural repair mechanism, according to a new study. Researchers found that formaldehyde stalls and destabilises structures involved in replication of DNA and selectively depletes the BRCA2 gene, which helps suppress tumours. They suggested the chemical and other aldehydes might trigger cancer in people with a faulty copy of the gene. However, another scientist, commenting on the research, said it was rather misleading to suggest that everyday items containing the chemical, like shampoo, could be an important cause of cancer in humans. Many things are carcinogenic but the effect is so low they are not considered major health problems. For example, toast, coffee, sunlight and granite all increase the risk of cancer. But, writing in the journal Cell, the researchers said their discovery of aldehydes effect on DNA could be important. The public health significance of our findings is emphasised by the ubiquity of exposure to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, particularly in the urban environment, from sources including tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes, automobile combustion emissions, building materials, and even cosmetics, they said. Recommended Breast cancer indicators explained through lemons And Professor Ashok Venkitaraman, director of the Medical Research Council Cancer Unit at Cambridge University, added: Our study shows how chemicals to which we are increasingly exposed in our day-to-day lives may increase the risk of diseases like cancer. He said people who inherited a faulty BRCA2 gene might be particularly affected by the chemicals. It helps to explain why the faults in our stars namely the faulty genes we are born with could make some people particularly sensitive to the cancer-causing effects of these chemicals, Professor Venkitaraman said. An important implication of our work is that it may be aldehyde exposure that triggers cancer susceptibility in people who inherit one faulty copy of the BRCA2 gene. This may help us in future to prevent or treat cancer in such people. 13 ways to help prevent cancer Show all 13 1 /13 13 ways to help prevent cancer 13 ways to help prevent cancer Stopping smoking. This notoriously difficult habit to break sees tar build-up in the lungs and DNA alteration and causes 15,558 cancer deaths a year 13 ways to help prevent cancer Avoiding the sun, and the melanoma that comes with overexposure to harmful UV rays, could help conscientious shade-lovers dodge being one of the 7,220 people who die from it 13 ways to help prevent cancer A diet that is low in red meat can help to prevent bowel cancer, according to the research - with 30 grams a day recommended for men, and 25 a day recommended for women 13 ways to help prevent cancer Foods high in fibre, meanwhile, can further make for healthier bowels. Processed foods in developed countries appear to be causing higher rates of colon cancer than diets in continents such as Africa, which have high bean and pulse intakes 13 ways to help prevent cancer Two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables a day were given as the magic number for good diet in the research. Overall, diet causes only slightly fewer cancer deaths than sun exposure in Australia, at 7,000 a year 13 ways to help prevent cancer Obesity and being overweight, linked to poor diet and lack of exercise, causes 3,917 deaths by cancer a year on its own Getty 13 ways to help prevent cancer Dying of a cancer caused by infection also comes in highly, linked to 3,421 cancer deaths a year. Infections such as human papilloma virus - which can cause cervical cancer in women - and hepatitis - can be prevented by vaccinations and having regular check-ups 13 ways to help prevent cancer Cutting back on drinks could reduce the risk of cancers caused by alcohol - such as liver cancer, bowel cancer, breast cancer and mouth cancer - that are leading to 3,208 deaths a year 2014 Getty Images 13 ways to help prevent cancer Sitting around and not getting the heart pumping - less than one hour's exercise a day - is directly leading to about 1,800 people having lower immune functions and higher hormone levels, among other factors, that cause cancers 2011 Getty Images 13 ways to help prevent cancer Hormone replacement therapy, which is used to relieve symptoms of the menopause in women, caused 539 deaths from (mainly breast) cancer in Australia last year. It did, however, prevent 52 cases of colorectal cancers 2003 Getty Images 13 ways to help prevent cancer Insufficient breastfeeding, bizarrely, makes the top 10. Breastfeeding for 12 months could prevent 235 cancer cases a year, said the research AFP/Getty Images 13 ways to help prevent cancer Oral contraceptives, like the Pill, caused about 105 breast cancers and 52 cervical cancers - but it also prevented about 1,440 ovarian and uterine (womb) cases of cancer last year 2006 Getty Images 13 ways to help prevent cancer Taking aspirin also prevented 232 cases in the Queensland research of colorectal and oesophagal cancers - but as it can also cause strokes, is not yet recommended as a formal treatment against the risk of cancer However, another scientist at Cambridge University said no one should worry about the studys findings. Professor Paul Pharoah, a cancer epidemiologist, said the link between aldehydes and the risk of cancer had been known for a long time. For example, it is well known that a high alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, he said. However, this study tells us little about how important those risks are and it is rather misleading to suggest that shampoo, for example, is an important cause of cancer in humans. What these researchers have done is to use biological models to show how specific chemicals called aldehydes might be capable of inducing cancer. While this is important in helping us to understand the biology of cancer it has no immediate implications for the general public. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The number of European Union (EU) nationals seeking British citizenship has more than tripled during the past year, in a huge surge since the Brexit vote. In the first quarter of 2017, 9,400 EU applicants sought UK citizenship three times as many as in the same period as last year, according to The Times. Applications from the founding EU states France, Germany and Italy more than quadrupled to 4,790 the highest such figure in at least seven years. The number of applications from French nationals quadrupled from 208 to 848 between the first quarter of 2016 to the same period this year. Those from German nationals rose from 163 to 832. Applicants from Italy meanwhile, increased from 180 to 1,062, while Spanish applications rose from 124 to 463. Polish applications rose from 728 to 1,937. Stephanie Ben-arros, a French national married to a British man who has been living in the UK for 17 years, told The Independent that after the Brexit vote she decided to apply for Permanent Residency (PR), which would enable her to get UK citizenship. Britain's decision to leave the EU had put extra pressure on her to be able to prove her rights to live in the country, Ms Ben-arros said. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty What if somebody knocks on my door and says I need a visa to stay in England. I felt like I was not as free to travel as I used to be, as free to stay in this country without being able to prove that I can stay and that Im working here," she added. The HR of the company I used to work for actually asked me the day after Brexit whether Id need a visa now. I felt betrayed from the moment it happened. Ive always loved England, and Ive worked very hard while Ive been here. Now I feel in the middle of two countries. Alex Cadier, a 24-year-old journalist from France who now lives in London, said he had wanted to apply for UK citizenship at some point, but felt an urgency to do so after the Brexit vote. He told The Independent: I wanted to apply for nationality before, but Brexit has made it feel urgent - I'd just like to know that I can live here without the burden of my immigration statues hanging over my head. EU citizens can apply to become British if they can prove they have been resident in the UK for five years and pass exams that assess their ability to speak the English language and their familiarity with British history and customs. Adult citizenship applicants must pay 1,282, plus a total of 200 to take the required tests and 80 to attend a citizenship ceremony, while registering an under-18 costs 973. It comes as the latest figures showed a statistically significant drop of 84,000 in net migration to the UK, driven by a big increase in EU citizens leaving the country as well as a smaller fall in people coming to the country. Applications for Irish passports among Britons has also surged, increasing by by 70 per cent in a year, with 70,000 issued in 2016 compared with a previous average of 50,000, according to Ireland's ambassador to the UK. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The number of child sexual offences with an online element has increased by nearly half in the past year, a new report has revealed. An average of 15 sex crimes are committed against children using the internet each day in the UK, according to police figures obtained by the NSPCC through a Freedom of Information request. In 2016, a total of 5,463 sex crimes committed against children as young as three years old had an online element, the charity warned. The figure has risen by 44 per cent, up from 3,903 in 2015. It comes after new legislation was implemented in 2014 that requires police forces to cyber flag any crime involving the internet. NSPCC policy manager Lisa McCrindle told The Independent the figures showed police are becoming more astute at recognising the link between online and offline offences. There is a whole range of offences linked to the online element, from making contact, asking children to share images, to describing sexual actions. The police are now recognising there may well have been a contact element as well, rather than just an online element, she said. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA Children are spending more and more time online, and they distinguish less and less between online and offline worlds, so those that want to interact with children are able to exploit that. The figures give us an insight into how crimes are changing and how access to children is changing through the use of the internet. The charity is now calling for the next government to prioritise online education and enforce tougher safeguarding regulations, including minimum content standards and age verification for certain sites. Recommended How we need to improve online security NSPCCs CEO Peter Wanless said: These figures confirm our fears that offenders are exploiting the internet to target children for their own dark deeds. We cannot idly sit by knowing that more and more innocent young people are being harmed online. Todays worrying data leaves the next government with no choice but to urgently address this issue. We are calling on them to force internet companies and social media sites to adhere to rules that keep their young users safe. It comes just weeks after the charity warned child sexual exploitation was being woefully underreported. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An investigation into the foreign funding of extremist Islamist groups may never be published, the Home Office has admitted. The inquiry commissioned by David Cameron, was launched as part of a deal with the Liberal Democrats in December 2015, in exchange for the party supporting the extension of British airstrikes against Isis into Syria. But although it was due to be published in the spring of 2016, it has not been completed and may never be made public due to its "sensitive" contents. It is thought to focus on Saudi Arabia, which the UK recently approved 3.5bn worth of arms export licences to. Theresa May: London terror attack shows Britain too tolerant of extremism A spokesperson from the Home Office told The Independent a decision on the publication of the report would be taken after the election by the next government. But in a separate interview with The Guardian, a spokesperson said the report may never be published, describing its contents were very sensitive. Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, has written a letter to the Prime Minister pressing her on when the report will be published and what steps she proposes to take to address one of the root causes of violent extremism in the UK. You will agree with me that the protection of our country, of the British people, is the most important job of any government," he wrote. "Certainly, more important than potential trade deals with questionable regimes, which appear to be the only explanation for your reticence. When will this report be finished and published? And what steps do you propose to take to address one of the root causes of violent extremism in the UK? Mr Brake accused Ms May of adopting a short-sighted approach to the funding of violent Islamist groups in the UK and urged that those who fund them should be called out publicly. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty Accusing the Conservatives of being "worried about upsetting their dodgy friends in the Middle East", he said party had "broken their pledge to investigate funding of violent Islamist groups in the UK". He added: That short-sighted approach needs to change. It is critical that these extreme, hard line views are confronted head on, and that those who fund them are called out publicly." It comes after Home Secretary Amber Rudd suggested during a leadership debate, that UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia are good for industry. The Government has recently approved 3.5bn worth of arms export licences to Saudi Arabia and a stream of British ministers have visited the kingdom to solicit trade, despite its ongoing involvement in the bombing campaign in Yemen. Government figures compiled by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) show the UK has licenced over 4.1 billion of arms to the Middle East since the last election in May 2015, and that two thirds of UK arms exports go to the Middle East. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The mother of the Manchester attacks youngest victim has been informed of her daughters death, after she regained consciousness in hospital. Lisa Roussos, 48, was critically injured by shrapnel in the bombing that killed eight-year-old Saffie and injured her older sister, Ashlee Bromwich. A family friend, Mike Swanson, said Ms Roussos was awake and out of surgery in hospital, having previously been on life support. [She] is fully aware of the situation and is now out of any danger, he added in a Facebook post. I am very proud of the strength that Lisa and Andrew have as a couple their bravery though this is commendable. They are all now together. Ashley the eldest daughter is also out of danger and is talking to her mother. Mr Swanson, who runs a computer repairs business next to the familys fish and chip ship in Leyland, said the family is now attempting to rebuild their lives. 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 headteacher of Saffie's school, Chris Upton, described her as a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word, adding: She was loved by everyone. Saffie was one of seven children killed in the bombing, which struck a foyer linking Manchester Arena with Victoria station as fans left a concert on 22 May. Isis claimed responsibility for the atrocity, which killed 22 people in total and injured dozens more, including 50 people who remain in hospital. Police are piecing together the last movements of bomber Salman Abedi, after finding that he purchased the core components for the device alone. Investigators are still probing the possibility of a wider terror network behind the 22-year-old, but fears he built other bombs are easing after all equipment and chemicals were accounted for in searches. Greater Manchester Police said 10 suspects remain in custody on suspicion of terror offences after another man was released without charge on Wednesday. The 21-year-old man had been arrested in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, following searches in the area last week. He was reportedly Tasered during the arrest by armed officers and led away in a protective forensic suit Manchester attack: City pays tribute one week on Following the release of two of Abedis cousins and his former landlord, Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said the release of further suspects can be expected. We still have a number of people in custody and we will be seeking to extend the custody of some of them as we work to understand what has gone on, and whether Abedi was helped, he added. There has been huge progress made over the week and the speed of the inquiry remains the same. It will be a long investigation and it will take considerable time before we fully understand what has happened. Investigators have been attempting to piece together Abedis movements between when he arrived back in Manchester from Libya on 18 May, and the bombing four days later. Det Ch Supt Jackson confirmed that Abedi himself had made most of the purchases of the core components himself, following reports he had visited DIY shops in Manchester and used at least three different properties to prepare the bomb. What is becoming apparent is that many of his movements and actions have been carried out alone, during the four days from him landing in the country and committing this awful attack, he added. CCTV photo of Salman Abedi, issued by Greater Manchester Police, on the night of the terror attacks (PA) It is vital that we make sure that he is not part of a wider network and we cannot rule this out yet. There remain a number of things that concern us about his behaviour prior to that attack and those of his associates. The UKs terror threat level was raised to critical following the attack but put back down to severe days later, while hundreds of soldiers are now being taken off the streets. Around 1,000 military personnel were deployed to guard sensitive sites and bolster police as part of Operation Temperer. Military support was kept in place over the Bank Holiday as hundreds of events were held around the country, before the measure was gradually scaled back this week. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of Defence Staff, paid tribute to all members of the armed forces involved in the operation. Whether in niche or specialist roles in support of law enforcement or in static support of policing, the collective calm professionalism of the military has been evident for all to see, he added. Of course, our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or suffered life-changing injuries and we must all stay vigilant against further attacks or atrocities. (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) (AFP/Getty Images) Wherever based or deployed, many in the armed forces and wider defence family do and will continue to make an important contribution to our nation's efforts to counter terrorism. Heightened security will be in place at Old Trafford on Sunday, as Ariana Grande returns for a tribute concert alongside artists including Coldplay, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and Take That. On Thursday morning, general sale tickets sold out in less than 20 minutes, causing Ticketmasters website to temporarily crash. Fans who were at the 22 May concert have been given free passes, with registration extended after complaints that those who brought their initial tickets through third-party websites could be excluded. All proceeds will go towards the We Love Manchester fund set up for victims and their families, while bar operator Central Fusion will also be donating its profits. Police are continuing to appeal for information on sightings of Abedi with a blue suitcase between 18 and 22 May, which he was carrying on repeated trips to the Wilmslow Road area of Manchester. They have released an image of him with the luggage, taken from CCTV in the city centre on the day of the attack. Anyone with information is asked to call the anti-terror hotline anonymously on 0800 789321, or send images and footages to police by visiting the UK Police Image Appeal website. Additional reporting by PA Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The UKs nuclear submarines are vulnerable to a catastrophic cyber-attack that could potentially spark a nuclear war, a think tank has warned. The report, titled Hacking UK Trident: A Growing Threat and published by the British American Security Information Council (Basic), said such an attack could neutralise operations, lead to loss of life, defeat or perhaps even the catastrophic exchange of nuclear warheads (directly or indirectly). The Ministry of Defence claims Britains four nuclear Trident submarines cannot be hacked while at sea because they are not connected to the internet a claim the report authors said was false and complacent. Submarines on patrol are clearly air-gapped, not being connected to the internet or other networks, except when receiving (very simple) data from outside, they wrote. As a consequence, it has sometimes been claimed by officials that Trident is safe from hacking. But this is patently false and complacent. Malicious software could be secretly installed on the submarines computer systems when they are docked in the UK. Tridents sensitive cyber systems are not connected to the internet or any other civilian network," says the report. Nevertheless, the vessel, missiles, warheads and all the various support systems rely on networked computers, devices and software, and each of these have to be designed and programmed. All of them incorporate unique data and must be regularly upgraded, reconfigured and patched. A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched Show all 5 1 /5 A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched 538201.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched 538205.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched 538204.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched 538203.bin Getty Images A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched 538202.bin Getty Images The replacement of the Trident submarines is a controversial political issue. Both Labour and the Conservatives have pledged to go ahead with the renewal, but Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly spoken of his opposition to Trident and his belief in nuclear disarmament. A cyber-attack on the NHS last month caused widespread disruption across the health service. The hack, designed to extort money from computer users, led to GPs and hospitals cancelling appointments and medical staff forced to use pen and paper for records after systems failed. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, has refused to deny that the UK's nuclear submarines use the same Windows XP software that was hacked in the attack on the NHS. Experts have previously warned that Britain's nuclear power stations are also vulnerable to a cyber-attack that could lead to the nightmare scenario of radioactive material being released or electricity grids shut down. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has expressed disappointment over reports that Donald Trump plans to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Ms Rudd, a former Climate Change Secretary, also said she hoped the UK could use its influence with the US President to make sure America takes the right step. Theresa May has been silent on the issue despite the open criticism of Mr Trump by other European leaders and a petition raised by Greenpeace urging her to speak to the Republican billionaire. Ms Rudd filled in for the Prime Minister during the BBCs general election leaders debate after Ms May's controversial decision not to take part. "It is disappointing the Americans are pulling out," Ms Rudd said, after a member of the audience asked how the panellists would respond to the expected announcement. "But I hope that we can use our relationship with President Trump and our close relationship with the US to try and influence, to try to make sure that they nevertheless take the right step." Picking up on Ms Rudds remark, Angus Robertson, the deputy SNP leader, said he was more than disappointed, Im appalled that President Trump is walking away from a global approach to one of the biggest challenges we face both at home and abroad. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the UK should "absolutely adhere" to the Paris Agreement and also urge the US to do the same. Recommended EU leaders snub Donald Trump as bloc brokers climate pact with China In addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, he said the switch to renewables was also about "levels of air quality and air pollution in our cities, which are not being addressed by this Government". ClientEarth, a group of activist environmental lawyers, has twice successfully taken the Government to court to force it to improve its plan to cut air pollution and recently announced it would do the same again after Ministers published their third attempt. During last years Conservative leadership contest, ultimately won by Ms May, some saw Ms Rudd as a potential candidate but she decided not to run. However she challenged then leading contender Boris Johnson to make clear he was not a climate science denier, stressing how important she believed the issue was. Donald Trump doesn't believe in climate change When I consider who to back as leader of the Conservative party and future Prime Minister, knowing where they stand on this issue, which is so important to me and I think is so important to the whole country and to everyone here, will be absolutely central to who I support, she said. And I will be very, very clear about that and very vocal in holding anybody to account on that the getting the sort of commitment that will reassure all of us. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Both the Conservatives and Labour plan to punish the young if they win the election while continuing to spare older voters, a damning report says today. Neither of the main parties will deliver fairness between generations, the detailed analysis of their tax-and-benefit proposals warns. Under either Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyns leadership, so-called millennials people born after the early 1980s will lose hundreds of pounds more than older voters, or baby-boomers. Recommended The Tory manifesto is a menu without any prices Labour would take more from younger people (580) than the Conservatives (475) by 2022, the Resolution Foundation found. However, a higher proportion of the extra burden would be imposed on the young by the Tories (48 per cent, compared with 43 per cent), because Labour plans higher tax rises overall. Meanwhile, Labour would reduce the income of each baby-boomer by 195, while the Conservatives would take only 120. The conclusions will embarrass the Prime Minister, after the Conservative manifesto pledged a restored contract between the generations as one of five big challenges facing the country. However, it also poses harsh questions for Mr Corbyn, who has repeatedly spoken up for young people and won strong support from that age group. Laura Gardiner, senior policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said Tory plans to curb pensioner incomes were dwarfed by looming benefit cuts to hit younger people retained from the days of George Osborne. Labours manifesto also failed to promise to lift the long benefits freeze imposed by the former Chancellor, although Mr Corbyn has since claimed it would be scrapped. Ms Gardiner said: Younger generations remain the big losers when it comes to tax and benefit changes planned. Under both parties, millennials are set to face losses of around 500 a year by the end of the parliament, largely as a result of continuing to roll out George Osbornes benefit cuts. Younger voters will be encouraged that their interests have at last made an appearance in the political debate, but disappointed that they still look set to bear the biggest burden in the years ahead. The benefits freeze due to run until 2020 is widely recognised to be a key driver behind alarming forecasts of rising poverty in the years to come. The Tories would also press ahead with cuts to be imposed with the switch from tax credits to universal credit, while Labour would only alleviate them. Three-quarters of the cuts, announced by Mr Osborne in 2015, are still to come, hitting families with young children the hardest. The Resolution Foundation said they would easily outweigh Ms Mays plans to means test winter fuel payments and loosen the triple lock on up-rating the state pension. Labour opposes ending the pensions lock and curbing fuel payments and would only head off the universal credit cuts to a limited extent. It is imperative that whoever takes power next month thinks again about how it supports working families, Ms Gardiner added. The think tank said Labours plans for income tax hikes, raising 6.4bn overall, would hit people in their 50s the hardest. For that reason, so-called Generation X those born between 1965 and 1984 would lose more (760) than Millennials, under Labour plans. They would lose 390 under the Tories. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Former adversaries George Osborne and Ed Balls will be reunited at the general election as they take part in ITV's coverage of the vote. Used to facing off over economic policy in their former roles as Chancellor and Shadow Chancellor, the pair will join presenter Tom Bradby to give expert political analysis as the results come in. Mr Osborne, now editor of the London Evening Standard which has run a series of front-page stories critical of his former party following his sacking as Chancellor said he hoped to provide "a different perspective on whats happening and how all the main characters might be feeling". Recommended Labour will seek a minority government in event of hung parliament Mr Balls, who lost his seat at the last election in 2015, said: "Its the first time in over twenty years that neither George Osborne nor I will be actively involved for one of the two main parties." Rounding out the panel will be newscaster Nina Hossain, political editor Robert Peston, national editor Allega Stratton, and political scientists Jane Green and Colin Rallings, ITV said. In the run-up to polling day, party leaders will face each other on a pair of BBC Question Time leaders' special episodes. On Friday 2 June, Theresa May will meet Jeremy Corbyn for a question-and-answer session in York. It is due to last 90 minutes and it will not be a head-to-head debate. Viewers can tune in from 8.30pm on BBC One. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron will go up against the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh on Sunday. Again on BBC One, the second programme will begin at 5.55pm and last one hour. Both programmes will be presented by regular Question Time host David Dimbleby. (Xinhua) 19:28, June 01, 2017 MACAO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A one-billion-dollar fund for cooperation and development between China and Portuguese speaking countries officially launched its headquarters here on Thursday, starting its service for Chinese and Portuguese speaking countries' enterprises. China-Portuguese Speaking Countries (PSCs) Cooperation and Development Fund held the headquarters launching ceremony at the eighth International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum held on Thursday. The fund was founded in 2013 by China Development Bank and Macao Industrial and Commercial Development Fund, and is managed by China-Africa Development Fund. Its headquarters is located in Macao Business Support Center for now and will move into the China-PSC Trade and Service Complex after the complex construction is finished. Macao's Secretary for Economy and Finance Leong Vai Tac said earlier that the location of the fund's headquarters to Macao is expected to enhance awareness about its operation and strengthen the special administrative region's role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the PSCs. The fund has invested in over 20 projects in Mozambique, Angola and Brazil, covering cooperation in agriculture, manufacture and energy. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Labour has unveiled a multibillion-pound industrial strategy to create a million new jobs, just as official data shows the country slipping into a Brexit slump. Vowing to end deindustrialisation, the party is pledging to pump investment into key sectors to fire the UKs economy which is now the slowest growing among advanced nations. The key initiative would also bid to ensure wealth and opportunity is spread across the country, amid official statistics revealing the UK to have the highest levels of regional inequality in Europe. Recommended Labour will seek a minority government in event of hung parliament Writing exclusively for The Independent, Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow Business Secretary, promised a Labour government would unleash the untapped potential of every part of the country. But the strategy also marks the start of an emboldened Labours approach to tackling Theresa May on Brexit, which the Prime Minister considers her strongest ground in the election. In a day of personal attacks, Mr Corbyn questioned the honesty of Ms Mays Brexit team David Davis, Boris Johnson and Liam Fox while the Tory leader accused Mr Corbyn of being incompetent and unpatriotic. As Labour was boosted by a string of positive polls, Brussels signalled it was willing to postpone the start of the withdrawal negotiations if Mr Corbyn wins the election and needs more time to prepare. Explaining the new industrial strategy in The Independent, Ms Long-Bailey said it was part of concrete policies to rewrite the rules in favour of the majority of people in Britain. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Where the Conservatives had failed to give industries, businesses and workers the support they needed, Labour would set up a National Transformation Fund and network of Regional Development Banks, she said. They would provide the engine Britains economy needs to drive investment in the infrastructure and green and cutting-edge industries of the future creating jobs, developing skills and providing support for small and medium businesses. Crucially, the transformation fund was expected to create most jobs in the North-east, North-west and Yorkshire rather than London and the South-east. Ms Long-Bailey wrote: The choice before voters runs deeper than how much each party will spend on the NHS, or whether or not primary school children will get free school meals as important as these are. Across the western world, the political and economic settlement of the past forty years is crumbling. For years, policymakers believed that Britain could sustain an economy on the back of growth in the financial sector and the South-east, relying on the welfare state to redistribute to areas of the country that were left out of this growth. Ms Long-Bailey added: Labours vision couldnt be more different. We are clear that there is no way out of this failed economic model without a government that is prepared to intervene in the economy and to put power in the hands of people and their local communities. General Election round-up: June 1 Labour believes it can create the new jobs by growing supply chains (100,000), increasing research and development (130,000), moving to a low carbon economy (380,000), housebuilding (257,000) and investment in transport, education and digital infrastructure (197,000). On the campaign trail in Essex, Mr Corbyn accused the Prime Ministers three-strong Brexit team of having fibbed over the impact of Brexit. And he sought to contrast their record with that of Labours negotiating team, led by shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer, who had the skills and experience to get the best for Britain. We know the three Tories in whose hands Theresa May has placed our national future David Davis, Boris Johnson and Liam Fox, Mr Corbyn said. Now I dont do personal attacks, so let me just say that in Labours Brexit team, there is no one who has fibbed to the British people about spending an extra 350m a week on the NHS because of Brexit, and nobody who has promised to use Brexit to slash workers rights, or slash tax for big corporations in a continental race to the bottom, or peddled illusions about the difficulties ahead. The Prime Minister spent a second day trying to focus the election back on the UKs EU withdrawal, after the furore around the dementia tax and criticism of her refusal take part in TV debates blew her campaign off course. Speaking in the North-east and referring to Mr Corbyn, Ms May said: What we know in this election is that the only other person that can be Prime Minister in seven days time is simply not up to the job. He doesnt believe in Britain. He doesnt have a plan. He doesnt have what it takes. The clashes took place against the backdrop of confirmation that the UK is now the worst-performing advanced economy in the world a year after flying high, before the Brexit vote. Canada expanded by 0.9 per cent in the first three months of the year the last of the G7 countries to report growth figures putting Britain at the bottom of the groups table. General Election polls and projections: June 1 In the UK, growth slumped to just 0.2 per cent in the January-March period, also behind Germany (0.6 per cent), Japan (0.5 per cent) France (0.4 per cent) and the US (0.3 per cent) and equal with Italy (0.2 per cent). Meanwhile, a poll by YouGov for Queen Mary University of London for the first time showed more voters in the capital say they think Labours leader would make a better Prime Minister than Ms May. Some 37 per cent picked Mr Corbyn and 34 per cent Ms May, when asked who would be best to lead the country. A survey taken after manifesto launches last month had the Conservative leader ahead by 38 to 32. Overall Labour surged to a 17-point lead in the capital, reaching 50 per cent, up from 41 per cent a month ago. In the same poll the Tories were on 33 per cent, down from 36 last month. In March the parties were just three points apart. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Betting on Jeremy Corbyn is following the same pattern seen for Donald Trump ahead of his upset win in the US presidential election. Mr Trump was considered the outsider by bookmakers, but the majority of bets went his way. The same as is reportedly happening for Mr Corbyn. Big spenders gravitated toward Hillary Clinton and are doing so too with UK favourite Theresa May, a pattern of betting also seen in the Brexit referendum when high rollers backed Remain - a result which was widely expected but ultimately not achieved. Ms May has accounted for 80 per cent of money wagered in the last few weeks, with one punter placing more than 360,000 on her party to seize victory on 8 June, according to odds comparison site Oddschecker. Recommended Jeremy Corbyn surges ahead of Theresa May in London At the same time, the odds are converging as Ms May's chances lengthen slightly and Mr Corbyn's shorten, Oddschecker said. A similar process was observed before the unexpected result of the US election, the site said. However, the same thing happened in the run-up to the French presidential election, when Emmanuel Macron achieved the predicted victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, meaning the phenomenon is not a sure sign of an upset to come. Bookies have also given their latest views on the general election race. Betfair spokeswoman Naomi Totten said: After a solid performance in the [BBC general election] debate, Jeremy Corbyn hit a low of 4/1 to be Prime Minister after the election with the absent Theresa May drifting slightly to 1/4. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Boris Johnson was backed to a low of 12/1 this morning, perhaps a sign that punters think May will be ousted as leader given her lacklustre campaign performance. A Tory majority hit 3/10 post-debate, their highest price since election was called, with 'no overall majority' backed into a low of 4/1. In the 'most seats' market, 76 per cent of bets have been backing Labour since the debate, with their odds backed from 14/1 to 10/1. Betfred said it had Mr Corbyn at 9/2 as the next Prime Minister and a Labour majority at 14/1. A spokesman said: May, from being in [the] position of it being for her to lose is now having to up her game with Labour policies proving more popular than expected. Paddypower said was also offering the Labour leader at 9/2, the shortest so far, while a 'no overall majority' outcome was running at 5/1, down from 6/1 after YouGov's controversial poll suggesting there may be a hung parliament. Eighty-two per cent of bets with Paddypower had gone on Labour, a spokesman said. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Labour will not seek any coalition with other parties and will attempt to form a minority government if it comes out of the general election as the largest party in a hung Parliament, Emily Thornberry has said. The admission from the Shadow Foreign Secretary - just one week before the election - comes after a polling company's model suggested Britain could be heading into hung Parliament territory, with the Conservatives losing their majority and Jeremy Corbyn's party gaining seats. Her comments amount to a firm rejection of Prime Minister's repeated claim that a vote for Mr Corbyn's party in next week's election would result in a coalition of chaos with Labour propped up by MPs from parties like the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party or Greens. In an address to the party faithful in Basildon as the Labour leader outlined his plans for Brexit - Ms Thornberry said: We're fighting to win and we're fighting to win with a majority and that's what we're fighting to do. If we end up In a position we're In a minority, we will go ahead and we will put forward a queens speech and a budget And if people want to vote for it then good, and if they don't want to vote for it they're going to have to go back and speak to their constituents and explain to them why it is that we have a Tory government instead If we are the largest party, we go ahead - no deals - with our manifesto and our budget and our queens speech. And that's the conversation we've had, isn't it? That's it. Mr Corbyn said: We are fighting to win this election. When asked if there would be a future deal after polling day, he added: we're not doing deals, we're not doing coalitions, we're not doing any agreements. We are fighting to win this election on a manifesto I'm very proud of. It comes after the Labour leader told The Independent only winning the election will be a good result for his party next week, as polls showed his party closing the gap on Ms Mays stuttering campaign. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images In the last fortnight Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey said if Labour wins as few as 200 seats a loss of 29 it would be a successful campaign, while allies have suggested the party is heading in the right direction if Mr Corbyn matches or increases the 30.4 per cent vote share won by Ed Miliband in 2015. But asked what would mark a good result next week, Mr Corbyn replied unequivocally: Winning the election. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Nigel Farage has dismissed reports he is being considered a person of interest in the FBIs investigation into alleged links between Donald Trumps campaign team and Russia as extremely doubtful. The former Ukip leader described the Guardians report as fake news claiming it took him a long time to finish reading it as he was laughing so much. This hysterical attempt to associate me with the Putin regime is a result of the liberal elite being unable to accept Brexit and the election of President Trump, Mr Farage said in a statement. For the record, I have never been to Russia, Ive had no business dealings with Russia in my previous life and I have appeared approximately three times on RT (Russia Today) in the last 18 months. I consider it extremely doubtful that I could be a person of interest to the FBI as I have no connections to Russia. The unconfirmed report said Mr Farage had been drawn into the probe because of his relationships with Mr Trumps aides and Julian Assange. The FBI declined to comment when contacted by The Independent. 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 Mr Farage met the WikiLeaks founder at the Ecuadorian Embassy in March, months after the campaign group released hacked DNC emails, an event which is credited by many with turning the US election in Mr Trumps favour. He said the visit was organised by LBC Radio with a view to conducting an interview, which has not emerged. Being a person of interest in the ongoing probe does not imply wrongdoing, and is used to describe people who have information that can assist an investigation. Mr Farage was the first British politician to meet Mr Trump after his election victory, making a high-profile visit to Trump Tower in New York. He also has links with Breitbart founder and White House strategist Steve Bannon, as well as other Trump campaigners and aides. The FBIs investigation is under fresh scrutiny after the firing of the agencys former director, James Comey, after he reportedly refused Mr Trumps request to drop an investigation into Michael Flynn. It is running alongside separate probes in Congress into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, which Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied. US intelligence agencies have accused Mr Putin of personally commissioning the DNC email hack and other interference helping Mr Trump to victory, although the President has dismissed the report. Additional reporting by PA Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Nigel Farage is reportedly being treated as a "person of interest" in the FBI's investigation into alleged links between Donald Trump's campaign team and Russia. The former Ukip politician has been drawn into the probe because of his relationships with Mr Trump's aides and Julian Assange, the Guardian reports. One of the things the intelligence investigators have been looking at is points of contact and persons involved, a source told the newspaper. Hes right in the middle of these relationships. He turns up over and over again. Theres a lot of attention being paid to him. Being a person of interest in the ongoing probe does not imply wrongdoing, and is used to describe people who have information that can assist an investigation. The FBI declined to comment when contacted by The Independent. Mr Farage dismissed the report, telling the Daily Mail: I don't believe it. I have never been to Russia. I have never had any business dealings with Russia. Nigel Farage is 'knighted' on Russia Today programme In a statement, the serving MEP described the Guardian's report as fake news, claiming he laughed as he read it. "This hysterical attempt to associate me with the Putin regime is a result of the liberal elite being unable to accept Brexit and the election of President Trump," Mr Farage said. For the record I have never been to Russia, I've had no business dealings with Russia in my previous life and I have appeared approximately three times on RT (Russia Today) in the last 18 months. I consider it extremely doubtful that I could be a person of interest to the FBI as I have no connections to Russia." Mr Farage met the WikiLeaks founder at the Ecuadorian Embassy in March, months after the campaign group released hacked DNC emails credited with turning the US election in Mr Trump's favour. When questioned on the reason for the encounter, he said it was organised by LBC Radio with a view to conducting an interview. Mr Farage was also the first British politician to meet Mr Trump after his election victory, making a high-profile visit to Trump Tower in New York. He is believed to have previously met the President on the campaign trail in Mississippi in August, and attended the Republican national convention in Ohio when Mr Trump was nominated in July. 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 Mr Farage also has links with Breitbart founder and White House strategist Steve Bannon, as well as other Trump campaigners and aides. He said he has "never received a penny from Russia" but admits meeting Russian officials including Moscow's ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko, and has made appearances on the state-owned Russia Today channel. Mr Farage appeared on US programme Fox and Friends - one of the President's favourite shows - on Thursday, attacking Hillary Clinton as a "bad loser...who blames everyone else for her own failings". The FBI's investigation is under fresh scrutiny after the firing of the agency's former director, James Comey, after he reportedly refused Mr Trump's request to drop an investigation into Michael Flynn. It is running alongside separate probes in Congress into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, which Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied. Speaking at a meeting with international news agencies on Thursday, the Russian President said his government has never been involved with hacking. Picture: (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) He said that some individual patriotic hackers could attacks amid worsening relations with the West but insisted that we don't engage in that at the state level". US intelligence agencies have accused Mr Putin of personally commissioning the DNC email hack and other interference helping Mr Trump to victory, although he has denied the claims. An online persona calling themselves Guccifer 2.0 have claimed responsibility for stealing the communications, which were published by WikiLeaks. The cyber attack was previously blamed on a group of Russian hackers known as Fancy Bear or APT28, who were also linked with hacks targeting Emmanuel Macron before the French presidential election. Mr Trump and Mr Putin pledged to improve US-Russia relations when he took office but tensions have risen over the American attack on a Syrian government air base and other issues. Mr Putin said the current atmosphere makes it somewhat inconvenient to work with one another or even to talk, but some day this will have to stop". He claimed Mr Trump was being targeted by Russo-phobic hysteria in the US but predicted this will end, sooner or later", adding: "We are patient, we know how to wait and we will wait. Additional reporting by agencies Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Party leaders will face each other on a pair of BBC Question Time leaders' special episodes ahead of the general election on 8 June. On Friday 2 June, Theresa May will meet Jeremy Corbyn for a question-and-answer session in York. It is due to last 90 minutes. It will not be a head-to-head debate. Tune in from 8.30pm on BBC One. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron will go up against the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh on Sunday. Again on BBC One, the second programme will begin at 5.55pm and last one hour. Recommended Even Iran managed to get everyone to election debates Both programmes will be presented by regular Question Time host David Dimbleby. Members of the audience will question the leaders, who will answer consecutively but not debate each other. It follows the refusal of Ms May to take part in televised election debates. Home Secretary Amber Rudd stood in during the BBC's debate programme. All the other party leaders took part. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Head of BBC Newsgathering, Jonathan Munro, said: "It is firmly in the public interest for audiences to hear from those seeking election. "We know they connect with these formats because they are a public moment to focus on and audience members from all across the country get the chance to ask politicians their own questions." Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May has expressed regret over Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord in a personal phone call with the US President. Ms May did not put her name to a joint statement released by the leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Thursday evening but told Mr Trump of her belief the Paris agreement represented "the right global framework for protecting the prosperity and security of future generations". A Downing Street spokesman said: "President Trump called the Prime Minister this evening to discuss his decision to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement. "The Prime Minister expressed her disappointment with the decision and stressed that the UK remained committed to the Paris Agreement, as she set out recently at the G7. "She said that the Paris Agreement provides the right global framework for protecting the prosperity and security of future generations, while keeping energy affordable and secure for our citizens and businesses. "The President made clear that the door remains open to future US involvement in the Agreement." The spokesman added: "The Prime Minister and President agreed on the importance of continued cooperation on wider energy issues." A statement released by Angela Merkel's spokesperson on Twitter said she was "disappointed w/ Pres Trump's decision. Now more than ever we will work for global climate policies that save our planet". Trump announces exit from the Paris climate agreement She issued a joint statement alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni that said the agreement could not be re-negotiated, pouring cold water on Mr Trump's claim he would try to do so. The trio said: "We deem the momentum generated in Paris in December 2015 irreversible and we firmly believe that the Paris Agreement cannot be renegotiated, since it is a vital instrument for our planet, societies and economies." Business leaders including Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and General Electric boss Jeff Immelt also criticised Mr Trump's decision. Mr Musk said he would step down from the President's advisory committee. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May has defended a Conservative parliamentary candidate who made "shocking" comments about rape and homosexuality. Peter Cuthbertson, the Tory candidate for Darlington, had said a woman's "promiscuity" was relevant in determining whether she had consented to sex in rape cases. At a press conference, the Prime Minister said: "Peter has made clear that his views have changed." The 33-year old public affairs consultant made the comments, and others, in a series of blogposts in the early 2000s. In another blog post on the Conservative Commentary website Mr Cuthbertson praised a courageous priest jailed in Sweden for preaching against homosexuality. He also accused left-wing students, pensioners, nurses, doctors, teachers, local council workers" of seeming to "conduct never-ending campaigns to seize more money from other people". The blog posts were written when he was a university student aged between 18 and 20. In her answer to the question, Ms May did not condemn the prospective MP, and instead laid out her record on domestic violence: You reference my own position on some of these things: I have been very clear as home secretary over six years and continuing as Prime Minister, a number of issues that ive been addressing particularly around domestic violence. Were seeing more people willing to come forward an report allegations of rape and were seeing more prosecutions for rape. I think we have seen a step change in the way the criminal justice system deals with these cases but we need to keep looking at this. Thats why weve announced that we will bring in a single piece of domestic violence legislation with a clear definition of domestic violence - so that we eradicate this abuse in our country. Its not just abuse of women, of course, because domestic violence can take place against men as well and we should never forget that. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Labour's election coordinator Andrew Gwynne told the Guardian newspaper, which first reported the comments, that they were absolutely shocking. Mr Cuthbertson had told the newspaper that he definitely does not have all the same views as my adolescent self. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa Mays ex-communications chief has penned a devastating critique of her former bosss botched social care U-turn, which knocked the Tory election campaign off course. Katie Perrior said the ground should have been laid to publish the policy weeks in advance, but it was instead whacked out in a manifesto and briefed the night before. She also said those in charge of the Conservative campaign had failed to manage lofty expectations of a landslide when it first launched. Ms Perrior wrote in The Times: As for the social care policy it was the selling of it that was the problem. I sat in too many meetings in Downing Street talking about the frontline problems of social care and the NHS not to have huge respect for the effort to tackle this issue head on without ducking the costs. But policies like this need weeks of warming up journalists, charities and industry leaders not whacked out in a manifesto and briefed the night before. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images The damaging decision to U-turn on her social care policy just days after it appeared in the Tory manifesto, led to Ms May facing questions over her claim to be the strong and stable option and a collapse in her partys huge poll lead a YouGov poll today put it at just three points. It also underlined divisions in the Prime Ministers team, with key aide Nick Timothy said to have pushed it into the manifesto against the wishes of Ms Mays other top advisor, Fiona Hill, and election guru Lynton Crosby. Ms Perrior, Ms Mays director of communications between July 2016 and April 2017, left her post after the election was called, amid reports of a rift with other members of the Downing Street team. Theresa May sidesteps question on whether she'll stand down On the failure to manage expectations, she said: Either that effort to dampen down early on was abandoned, or we were no longer listening. She pointed out that the partys internal polling at the start of the campaign gave the Tories a 50 seat majority, and argued that the data should have been leaked in order to temper expectations weeks ago. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May has backed a plan that describes NHS resources as a source of untapped value and called on the health service to take a more commercial approach to selling off its assets. The Prime Minister was accused of backing the sell-off of parts of the NHS after she said she would implement the so-called Naylor Review, a 42-page report commissioned by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. The review, published in March, calls for the disposal of NHS assets to the private sector, recommending that inefficiently used or unused NHS land and property should be sold to property developers. The report suggests the creation of a powerful new NHS Property Board that would coordinate such activities. Releasing land from the NHS estate which is no longer required to deliver health and care services, is a major opportunity for the NHS, the report says. The review has investigated the opportunities presented by releasing inefficiently used or unused land for other purposes, in particular for residential development. Ms May made the comments backing the implementation of the plan during her set-piece BBC interview, when she was asked how she would fund a commitment to extra NHS spending. Theres a report that was done on the NHS, the Naylor Report, which set out what was needed and were backing the proposals in the Naylor Report, she told presenter Andrew Neil. Her suggestions attracted criticism online, with one critical video blog accusing her of supporting privatisation going viral and being viewed tens of thousands of times. The Independent has also been contacted by a number of NHS workers who are concerned about the issue. Labours shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth criticised the plans. Labour have repeatedly warned of the neglect of NHS infrastructure. Under the Tories hospitals are crumbling and as we have seen IT systems left dismally insecure because of Tory cuts, he told The Independent. Thats why we will invest 10bn in NHS buildings and IT. The Tory response is to now sell off buildings and land with no explanation of when the NHS will see a penny piece of the proceeds. The choice in this election is now clear; investment with Labour to put patients first or the NHS going backwards under the Tories. The National Health Action Party said selling off public assets was the wrong approach. Theresa May facing a grilling from Andrew Neil on BBC One (BBC) Theres huge amounts of money in property, and the public purse is a perfect stream of income, basically, for anyone who can get their hands on it, said spokesperson Deborah Harrington. We own this, its ours. Its been handed down through the generations since 1948. We all contribute to this society that provides these things, and were being told now theyre unaffordable unless we cannibalise them, constantly reducing our property and ownership. Some health experts defended the approach, however. Nigel Edwards, chief executive of health think tank the Nuffield Trust, told The Independent the NHS has a lot of money tied up in land and buildings and selling some of it off may not spell disaster for the health service. Making good use of the NHS estate can enhance healthcare and improve patient outcomes, but poor use of the estate can make being cared for a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for patients, he said. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images The NHS is currently looking at how to make its land and buildings work better. Selling or generating income from surplus property no longer needed for patient care creates funds that can be invested to improve services. So the proposals under consideration, if done well, should help, not hinder the NHS in caring for more patients. A Conservative source said: On the back of a strong economy, we are promising the biggest ever investment in NHS buildings and technology, 10bn, that will help to transform the quality of care for patients. In truth the only way to increase funding for the NHS and our public services is to get the right Brexit deal in order to grow the economy, something only Theresa May can deliver. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: Within the framework and priorities of US national security and its ongoing threats, mainly from the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, the strategic cooperation between Washington and Baku is essential, fundamental and constantly growing, Peter Tase, a political analyst and international relations expert with the Milwaukee-based Marquette University, told Trend June 1. According to Tase, although US President Donald Trumps newly proposed budget to the State Department operations and its foreign-aid programs will experience enormous cuts, American diplomacy in the Caspian Region especially the close partnership that exists between United States and Azerbaijan will continue to flourish and strengthen in the next years. The expert noted that the cooperation between Washington and Baku continues to have positive effects, as the South Caucasus region, and especially Azerbaijan, have an exceptional potential in the energy sector in addition to its strategic geographic location, topography, and close proximity to Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics. It is certain that the US Government maintains a keen eye towards strengthening its areas of cooperation in the private sector and government-to-government partnership with Azerbaijan, added Tase. According to him, the current Government of President Ilham Aliyev has transformed and diversified the national economy of Azerbaijan, enabling this landlocked nation to reach admirable levels of economic growth and embrace every effort to eradicate poverty nationwide. European and US companies have established cooperation agreements with their Azerbaijani counterparts to further develop the oil and natural gas industries, while advocating for initiatives that are environmentally friendly, noted the expert. US companies and investors ought to take advantage of lucrative projects in the agricultural sector of Azerbaijan, and particularly the potential of production growth that the cotton industry is experiencing today. US investors can embark in a profitable initiative that could establish a supply chain infrastructure focused on the cotton industry and other agricultural sub-sectors that have an exciting potential in the city of Sabirabad. Additionally, other areas of cooperation with an enormous potential in the national economy of Azerbaijan and beneficial to foreign corporations are shipbuilding and repair industry, commodity chemicals industry, food and dairy products industry, green engineering initiatives, added the expert. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Sex education for schoolchildren under the age of 16 should only include normal science of reproduction and chromosomes, Ukip said as it criticised those obsessing on gender queer theory. David Kurten, Ukips education spokesperson, said it is wrong to suggest anything to do with non-reproductive sexual acts, sex-change operations or gender fluidity should be taught to pupils under the age of consent. He said such topics could be introduced after a child turns 16 as they are becoming adults and therefore can deal with these different concepts and understand them. Mr Kurten said parents are the primary educators of their children, adding counselling should be offered to those pupils who want to talk about their feelings and specific things, those at risk of sexualisation at an early age or those who have become sexually active before 16. Speaking at a press conference in central London, Mr Kurten said: We must protect our children from damaging and confusing fringe ideologies which sexualise children at an early age and confuse their natural development as boys and girls both in primary, secondary and even pre-schools. No one would have thought 10 years ago that it would ever be considered politically incorrect to call children boys or girls, to call parents mothers or fathers, or if you say there are two biological sexes determined by your chromosomes rather than 40 or 50 or 60 different genders then this is on the way to being considered a hate crime. Of course it isnt. Its science. We must continue to teach scientific facts of reproduction and that your chromosomes determine your biological sex the right age to do this is 11. But children deserve a childhood. They should not be sexualised with concepts which are grossly inappropriate for their age. Mr Kurten said he has seen materials aimed at seven-year-olds describing sex acts, which are nothing to do with reproduction, in graphic detail. He went on: This is wrong, as was the call of the NUT [National Union of Teachers] to introduce some kind of sex education into nursery schools. Two-year-olds in nursery schools can hardly talk. Its wrong to suggest anything that might open the door to teach about non-reproductive sexual acts, sex-change operations or gender fluidity to two-year-olds or even four-year olds in primary schools, or even 11-year-olds in secondary schools. While countries in Asia are flying ahead of us in academic attainment and eastern European countries are training their own young people with all the technical skills they need to succeed, in Britain part of the debate about education is focused by obsessing on gender queer theory and whether boys should wear girls uniforms. This is nonsense and we need to focus and lead our young people to what is important [that] they have the skills they need to survive and thrive in the 21st century. Asked what age would be considered appropriate to teach pupils about gender fluidity and sex changes, Mr Kurten replied: As you know, the age of consent in this country is 16 so I dont think we should be promoting any kind of sex education beyond the normal science reproduction and chromosomes up to 16. After 16, when people are transitioning to becoming adults and people can deal with these different concepts then we can introduce them at an age when people can deal with and understand it. But certainly in primary school and definitely pre-school, I wouldnt allow it. Mr Kurten was challenged whether Ukips approach could create difficulties for children at a later age, such as with their mental health, by not allowing teaching on topics beyond reproductive science until post-16. He highlighted the role of parents before adding: If there are specific individuals who are at risk of sexualisation at an early age, who become sexually active at an early age before the age of consent which is 16 and then if there are specific people who want to talk about specific things then we need to provide a means for specific people, specific children to be counselled, to be able to talk about their feelings and talk about what they need to talk about. But I dont think we need to do that for the mass of children under 16. I think we need to teach the scientific facts but we shouldnt be teaching children anything that might encourage them into early sexual activity whether thats heterosexual or homosexual. Mr Kurtens education speech also included calls for a national plan to allow 500 grammar schools and technical schools to ensure they are in every town, city and borough in the country. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images He accused the Conservatives of paying lip service to grammar schools by failing to lift the ban in seven years of government. Addressing universities, Mr Kurten said there shouldnt be safe spaces or no platforming on campuses. He added: If students cannot respond in a mature manner if they disagree with an idea they shouldnt be at university. Press Association Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Trump administration is moving toward handing back to Russia two diplomatic compounds, near New York City and on Maryland's Eastern Shore, from which its officials were ejected in late December as punishment for Moscow's interference in the 2016 presidential election. Then-President Barack Obama said 29 December that the compounds were being used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes, and gave Russia 24 hours to vacate them. Separately, Obama expelled from the United States what he said were 35 Russian intelligence operatives. Early last month, the Trump administration told the Russians it would consider turning the properties back over to them if Moscow would lift its freeze, imposed in 2014 in retaliation for US sanctions related to Ukraine, on construction of a new US consulate on a certain parcel of land in St. Petersburg. Two days later, the US position changed. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at a meeting in Washington, that the United States had dropped any linkage between the compounds and the consulate, according to several people with knowledge of the exchanges. In Moscow on Wednesday, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Russia was taking into account the difficult internal political situation for the current administration, but retained the option to reciprocate for what he called the expropriation of Russian property, if these steps are not somehow adjusted by the US side, the news outlet Sputnik reported. Senior Tillerson adviser R.C. Hammond said that the US and Russia have reached no agreements. He said the next senior level meeting between the two governments, below the secretary of state level, will be in June in St. Petersburg. Before making a final decision on allowing the Russians to reoccupy the compounds, the administration is examining possible restrictions on Russian activities there, including removing the diplomatic immunity the properties previously enjoyed. Without immunity, the facilities would be treated as any other buildings in the United States and would not be barred to entry by US law enforcement, according to people who spoke on the condition anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic matters. Any concessions to Moscow could prove controversial while administration and former Trump campaign officials are under congressional and special counsel investigation for alleged ties to Russia. Changes in the administration's official posture toward the compounds come as Russian media recently suggested that Kislyak, about to leave Washington after serving as ambassador since 2008, may be proposed by the Kremlin to head a new position as UN undersecretary general for counter-terrorism. Kislyak, who met and spoke during the campaign and transition with President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trump's White House adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and others, is known to be interested in the post. His replacement as ambassador, current Deputy Foreign Minister Anatoly Antonov, was confirmed last month by the Russian Duma, or parliament. Officials in Moscow said Russian President Vladimir Putin will officially inform Trump of the new ambassador when the two meet in July, at the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. It will be Trump's first meeting with Putin as president. The UN General Assembly must first approve establishment of the counter-terrorism slot, part of a larger UN reorganisation and the first new post at that level for decades. Russia will almost certainly claim the slot as the only member of the five permanent members of the Security Council without one of its nationals in a senior UN position. Jeffrey Feltman, a former senior US diplomat, is currently undersecretary-general for political affairs; comparable jobs for peacekeeping, humanitarian affairs and economic affairs are held, respectively, by nationals from France, Britain and China. Secretary General Antonio Guterres will decide who fills the new job, although both Russia and the United States are expected to make their views known. Kislyak has repeatedly rejected descriptions of him in the US media as a spy. Asked whether US intelligence considered him to be one, James Clapper Jr, the former director of national intelligence, told CNN Sunday that, Given the fact that he oversees a very aggressive intelligence operation in this country - the Russians have more intelligence operatives than any other nation that is represented in this country, still even after we got rid of 35 of them - and so to suggest that he is somehow separate or oblivious to that is a bit much. The Russian compounds - a 14-acre estate on Long Island, and several buildings on secluded acreage along the Corsica River on Maryland's Eastern Shore - have been in Russian possession since the days of the Soviet Union. According to a Maryland deed in 1995, the former USSR transferred ownership of the Maryland property to the Russian Federation in 1995, for a payment of one dollar. Russia said it used the facilities, both of which had diplomatic immunity, for rest and recreation for embassy and UN, employees, and to hold official events. But US officials dating back to the Reagan administration, based on aerial and other surveillance, had long believed they were also being used for intelligence purposes. Last year, when Russian security services began harassing US officials in Moscow - including slashed tyres, home break-ins and, at one point tackling and throwing to the ground a US embassy official entering through the front of the embassy - the Obama administration threatened to close the compounds, former Obama officials said. In meetings to protest the treatment, the Obama administration said that it would do so unless the harassment stopped, and Moscow dropped its freeze on construction of a new consulate to replace the one in St. Petersburg, considered largely unusable because of Russian spying equipment installed there. Russia had earlier blocked US use of a parcel of land and construction guarantees in the city when sanctions were imposed after its military intervention in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. The threat of closing the compounds was not pursued. In late December, after US intelligence said there had been election meddling, and in response to the ongoing harassment in Moscow, Obama ordered the compounds closed and diplomats expelled. We had no intention of ever giving them back, a former senior Obama official said of the compounds. Trump, then at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, appeared to disparage the Obama administration sanctions, telling reporters, I think we ought to get on with our lives. Surprisingly, Russia did not respond. It later emerged that Flynn, in a phone conversation with Kislyak, had advised against retaliation and indicated that US policy would change under the Trump administration. The Kremlin made clear that the compound issue was at the top of its bilateral agenda. Russia repeatedly denounced what it called the seizure of the properties as an illegal violation of diplomatic treaties. On 8 May, the US undersecretary of state for political affairs, Thomas Shannon, traveled to New York to meet with his Russian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on what the State Department described as a range of bilateral issues and what Russia called irritants and grievances. Ryabkov brought up the compounds, while Shannon raised St. Petersburg and harassment, suggesting that they deal with the operation of their diplomats and facilities in each others' countries separate from policy issues such as Syria, and proposing that they clear the decks with a compromise. Russia refused, saying that the compound issue was a hostile act that deserved no reciprocal action to resolve, and had to be dealt with before other diplomatic problems could be addressed. In an interview with Tass, Ryabkov said Moscow was alarmed that Washington carries on working out certain issues in its traditional manner, particularly concerning Russia's diplomatic property in the states of Maryland and New York. Two days later in Washington, Tillerson told Lavrov that the United States would no longer link the compounds to the issue of St. Petersburg. Immediately after their 10 May meeting at the State Department, Tillerson escorted Lavrov and Kislyak to the Oval Office. There, they held a private meeting with Trump. The night before the President had fired FBI Director James Comey, who was then heading an FBI investigation of the Russia ties. Comey, Trump told the Russians, was a real nut job, and his removal had taken off the Russia-related pressure the president was under, the New York Times reported. Later in May, the Justice Department appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller III as special counsel to oversee the federal investigation. 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 In a news conference at the Russian Embassy after his meetings with Tillerson and Trump, Lavrov said of the compound closures, Everyone, in particular the Trump administration, is aware that those actions were illegal. The dialogue between Russia and the US is now free from the ideology that characterised it under the Barack Obama administration, he said. Copyright The Washington Post Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The White House disclosed Wednesday evening that it has granted ethics waivers to 17 specific appointees who work for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, including four former lobbyists. The waivers exempt the appointees from certain portions of ethics rules aimed at barring potential conflicts of interest. In letters posted on the White House website, the White House counsel's office wrote that the waivers were in the public interest because the administration had a need for the appointees' expertise on certain issues. Among the high-profile figures who received waivers: White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, who were both permitted to engage with their former employer or clients. In addition, a blanket waiver was given to all executive office appointees to interact with news organisations a move that gives senior strategist Stephen Bannon permission to communicate with Breitbart News, the conservative website he used to run. The waiver information - which was requested of all federal agencies by the Office of Government Ethics in April - provides a window into how far the Trump administration is willing to bend on its drain the swamp pledge. As a candidate, Trump vowed to take a hard line on lobbyists, which he promised would not shape his administration. White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said in a statement Wednesday that the voluntary release of the ethics waivers is part of the president's commitment to the American people to be transparent. The White House Counsel's Office worked closely with all White House officials to avoid conflicts arising from their former places of employment or investment holdings, Walters said. To the furthest extent possible, counsel worked with each staffer to recuse from conflicting conduct rather than being granted waivers, which has led to the limited number of waivers being issued. Three of the former lobbyists given waivers to work in the White House serve as staffers to the National Economic Council, headed by former Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn. (Cohn himself did not need a waiver because he recuses himself from participating in matters specific to Goldman Sachs, according to a White House official.) His aides that received ethics exemptions include Michael Catanzaro, a domestic energy and environmental policy adviser. Catanzaro was granted permission to work on a broad portfolio of matters of interest to his former energy sector clients, including emissions regulations, clear air standards and renewable fuel standards. Shahira Knight, a White House adviser on tax and retirement policy, received a waiver to participate in a range of tax and financial policy matters. Knight, a former tax lobbyist, served as vice president of Fidelity Investments' public affairs and policy group before joining the White House. Andrew Olmem, who lobbied on bankruptcy and securities issues at the firm Venable before joining the White House as a financial policy adviser, has an exemption to meet with former clients involved in Puerto Rico's financial crisis and engage in a range of insurance and financial policies. Joshua Pitcock, who serves as chief of staff to Pence, was issued a waiver when it comes to broad policy matters affecting the state of Indiana, for which he previously worked as a lobbyist. Among the topics he is permitted to wade into: refugee policy, veterans' issues, environmental regulations and health care. A waiver was granted to Priebus, who was given permission to participate in communications and meetings involving the Republican National Committee, where he served as chairman. Conway received a waiver to interact with former clients of her polling firm, which includes a wide range of political and conservative advocacy organisations. In addition, six members of the White House counsel's office including counsel Donald McGahn II were granted waivers to participate in matters in which their former law firm, Jones Day, is representing the president, his campaign committee or other related political entities. Trump's predecessors also issued ethics waivers to appointees who had potential conflicts of interest. The Obama administration handed out at least 66 such exemptions to appointees across the federal government including senior figures such as White House adviser Valerie Jarrett and regularly posted the ethics waivers online. 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 Until last week, it was unclear that the Trump White House would follow suit. Earlier in the month, Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, questioned the ethics office's legal jurisdiction and asked OGE to suspend its collection of waiver information. OGE Director Walter Shaub Jr issued a forceful letter defending the office's legal standing and asserting his intention to implement ethics rules with independence, free from political pressure. As the showdown escalated, the White House announced Friday that it would release the waiver information. Copyright The Washington Post Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A New York City college graduate can say that he received his diploma on a crowded, delayed subway ride, not at the traditional ceremony he had intended to attend. Jericho Marco Alcantara was en route to his commencement ceremony at the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing when a relatively quick commute turned into a three hour affair. I was on track to be at my commencement at 9:15 a.m., but the delays altogether ended up taking almost three hours, Mr Alcantara told New York Magazine. After 45 minutes, I knew I was already late, but I kept hoping that Id at least make it to walking the stage. It was not to be. Family, friends, and some strangers seized the opportunity to make memories, though, and an impromptu ceremony was held on the E train for Mr Alcantara to honour his hard-earned nursing degree. A video taken by a fellow passenger shows Mr Alcantara receiving his diploma (it was on a cell phone) from a friend. Someone else played Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day in the background. If you want a copy of my diploma, turn on your AirDrop, Mr Alcantara joked in the video. 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 Mr Alcantara said that the ceremony sort of just happened, they didnt really think about it much before going through with it. Everyone was getting antsy and impatient, so I figured Id lighten the mood by thanking everyone for coming out, he said. That led to applause, and the rest just followed. The recent graduate isnt alone in suffering on the citys subway. Delays are increasingly frequent these days, with more than 70,000 logged each month now compared to about 28,000 a month in 2012. State and city leaders, while saying that they are focusing on infrastructure, have done little to fix the underlying issues and New Yorkers have been fuming about it. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} He was held up as a hero without a cape the sort of brave, compassionate human being whose actions while on board a Portland light-rail train last week made his mother proud. By Wednesday, though, Micah David-Cole Fletcher seemed to have had enough; enough of the media spotlight, the many laudatory internet stories and even the swelling donations. So Fletcher, 21, sat down in a room, turned on a camera and decided to speak out. He was one of at least three people who stepped in to try to stop a mans xenophobic tirade directed at two girls Friday. That man killed two other men, the authorities say, and Fletcher suffered a serious stab wound. But Fletcher, a Portland State University student, was worried that while he was being lionised, two other very important victims of Fridays attack were being largely forgotten. We need to remember, this is about those little girls, Fletcher said in a video that he posted on Facebook on Wednesday. Just remember that, you know, they got hurt too. During the approximately seven-minute video, Fletcher thanked supporters for their generosity but worried that long-standing local attitudes and biases caused aid to flow more freely to him than to one of the girls. By Wednesday night, the video had been viewed more than 80,000 times. We in Portland have this weird tendency to continue patterns that weve done forever, and one of them is this same old, just to put it bluntly, white saviour complex, he said. Suffice to say, I think its immensely, immensely morally wrong and irresponsible how much money we have gotten as opposed to how much support, money, love, kindness, that has been given to that little girl. Fletcher, who identified himself as a poet, expressed his misgivings less than a day after he attended the first court appearance for the man accused of the fatal attack. An affidavit filed Tuesday also laid out new details about what happened. Prosecutors said the man charged with murder in the attack, Jeremy Joseph Christian, had shouted at two girls on the train, one described as African-American, and the other as an African-American Muslim who was wearing traditional Muslim dress. During Christians profanity-laced tirade, which appeared to be aimed at the girls, he told them to go home and referred to Isis and Saudi Arabia, according to the court document. Soon after, a tussle began in which Christian and Fletcher shoved each other, the affidavit said. After Fletcher told the man to get off the train, Christian stabbed Fletcher in the neck, the documents said, before proceeding to fatally stab two other men, Ricky John Best, 53, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23. Fletchers wound to the left side of his neck missed being a fatal injury by millimetres the documents said. He did not immediately respond to a Facebook message seeking comment Wednesday night, and members of his family also did not respond to a phone call and an email. 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 But in his video, Fletcher called on viewers to imagine that they were one of the girls on the train. Her life is never going to be the same, he said, before marvelling that those brave young girls lived through Fridays harassment and attack and yet find ways to wake up in the morning with smiles on their faces. Copyright The New York Times Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The countrys largest gun rights lobbying group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), is backing legislation that would make it easier for people to buy silencers, or suppressors. Restrictions on their sale were first introduced during the administration of Franklin D Roosevelt, and advocates say the sound of a gun being fired acts as a loud, obvious safety signal for people to take cover, run the way other way or simply be alert. They say that while there is little evidence that gun crimes are committed with weapons fitted with silencers, they fear that if suppressors were easier to obtain, so might their use in armed crimes. They also say that the bills sponsor's justification for the measure - that it is to protect people from suffering hearing damage - is countered by the simple use of ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones. The NRA wants to get a weapon that has a stealth capability onto the market, Andrew Patrick, a spokesman for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, told The Independent. Theyre looking to sell more weapons. The NRA and others are latching onto this hearing issue, but there are already safe solutions. The bill being backed by the NRA, which last year spent $2,280,000 on lobbying to push the rights and influence of gun owners, was introduced earlier this year by Republican Jeff Duncan, a congressman from South Carolina. His bill, HR367, is termed the Hearing Protection Act and seeks to frame the issue as public health matter, saying that gun owners risk suffering hearing damage without access to silencers. The measure has received high-profile backing from the Presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, who paid a visit to a manufacturer of suppressors in Utah, SilencerCo, where he tested its products. The company subsequently posted a 38-minute of Mr Trump Jr, shooting and talking to the companys CEO, Joshua Waldron. Mr Trump Jr, and his brother, Eric, are currently trustees of the Trump Organisation and oversee the President's financial assets. Donald Trump Jr: If women can't handle basic workplace harassment teach kindergarten I love your product, says Mr Trump Jr, a keen hunter, who led an advisory for his father on the US Second Amendment, the part of the constitution which gun rights advocates claim gives them the right to bear arms. Its just a great instrument. Theres nothing bad about it at all. It makes total sense. Its where we should be going. The NRA strongly backed the campaign of Mr Trump, and its endorsement of him in March 2016 was the earliest moment in a presidential cycle that the group had offered such support. The group did not respond to inquiries. However, earlier this year, at its annual conference in Georgia, the NRAs Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, said: The NRA helped put President Trump into the White House, and arent we darned glad we did it? 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 He added: We never lost sight of the fact that unless we got into the fight, Hillary Clinton would have completely destroyed our rights. NRA members all over the country met that challenge, and we won together. The silencer or suppressor - experts point out that the equipment reduces the sound of gunshot but does not silence it - was first patented by American engineer Hiram Percy Maxim in the early 1900s. He later went on to use the same technology for car exhaust pipes, or mufflers. Gun silencers are currently prohibited in a handful of states, while gun owners may use them only after going through a much more rigorous background check process in 37 other states. Activists claim the move to reduce legislation is also driver by economics. Since Mr Trump was elected, gun sales have reportedly dropped off. The industry is looking for new products and sales, and there is mounting demand for silencers, which carry price tags that can top $1,000. McClatchy News said that in 2008, about 18,000 silencers were sold in the US. By 2016, that number had risen to 200,000, and experts believe if the legislation passes, that number would soar further. This legislation is nothing more than a transparent giveaway to the gun industry to help sell more silencers and increase profits, said Chelsea Parsons, of the progressive Centre for American Progress. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump shook the Prime Minister of Vietnams hand so hard he left a mark on his hand. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is meeting with Mr Trump in Washington to discuss regional cooperation. During their meeting the US President shook the Vietnamese leaders hand with enough force to leave an imprint. Those in the room were able to witness the mark, as Mr Trump lived up to his reputation of having an unusual handshake style. Observed by the naked eye, after shaking hands, the American leader left his "mark" very clearly on the hands of the leader of Vietnam, journalist, Vu Hoang, said. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is the first leader to visit the Trump White House from Southeast Asia. Mr Trump is due to travel to Vietnam to attend an Asia-Pacific economic summit in November, which Mr Phuc said would be an opportunity for the US to assert its positive role in the region. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The US currently has a trade deficit of $32 billion (25 billion) with Vietnam and Mr Phuc is expected to sign a goods and services deal with the US for between $15 and 17 billion (12 and 13 billion), according to Foreign Policy. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The mayor of New York has pledged that the city will continue its commitment to the Paris Agreement even if Donald Trump abandons the historic accords. Bill de Blasio is the latest in a growing line of mayors controlling some of Americas largest cities who have reinstated their commitment to fight climate change locally. The President withdrawing from the Paris Agreement would be horribly destructive for the planet, the country, and this city, he wrote on Twitter. Trump signs order overhauling Obama's attempts to slow climate change President Trump should know that climate change is a dagger aimed straight at the heart of New York City. The Paris Accord was the biggest step forward we've taken in many years. It's unconscionable for the president to step away from it. But we'll take matters into our own hands. I plan to sign an executive order maintaining New York Citys commitment to the Paris Agreement. Mr Trump has not yet announced his decision but multiple reports say he has told aides he will withdraw the US from the accords, following years of controversial statements on climate change including calling global warming a hoax. Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angles, has urged Mr Trump to embrace the Paris Agreement and was among more than 70 mayors who pledged to forge ahead even in the absence of federal support with an open letter to the President. 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan The letter, sent in December, was signed by Mr Blasio, Mr Garcetti and the mayors of cities including Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Orlando, San Francisco and many more. American allies around the world have sounded public warnings over the consequences of withdrawing from the agreement, seeing nations including China and Russia restate their commitments. Li Keqiang, the Chinese Premier, said says fighting climate change is a global consensus [that is] not invented by China, in apparent reference to a 2012 tweet by Mr Trump where he claimed global warming was created by and for the Chinese to damage American trade. The US is the worlds second-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, responsible for 15 per cent of all emissions. Mr Trump claimed he was still listening to a lot of people both ways on Wednesday but the White House signalled that he was likely to decide on exiting the global pact, fulfilling one of his principal campaign pledges. When signing the agreement last year, Barack Obama said it might one day become viewed as the moment we finally decided to save the planet. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} German Chancellor Angela Merkel has described the Paris climate deal as an essential pact and said she was pleased that many other governments took the same view. Ms Merkel's statement comes as several world leaders attempt to lobby Donald Trump into keeping the US in the accord that aims to fight climate change. According to reports, the President is set to announce that he is pulling the country out of the agreement. EU President Donald Tusk pleaded with Mr Trump on Twitter to not change the (political) climate for the worse by withdrawing, while Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the accord, saying it would be less effective without the participation of major countries. Recommended Carbon maps reveal those causing the most and least climate change Mr Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he was continuing to hear arguments from both sides of the issue. On Saturday, Ms Merkel said at the conclusion of a G7 summit in Italy that a debate between leaders over climate had been very unsatisfying. There are no indications whether the United States will stay in the Paris Agreement or not, Ms Merkel said at the time. Despite recent reports that the US is poised to withdraw from the deal, other countries along with Russia including India and China have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting global warming. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told Ms Merkel during a meeting that China will continue to implement promises made in the Paris Agreement, to move towards the 2030 goal step by step steadfastly. But of course, we also hope to do this in cooperation with others, he added. In the agreement, all countries agreed to work to limit the rise of the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Representatives from 196 nations also agreed to adopt green energy sources and cut down on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The US is currently one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world. Scientists say that Earth is likely to to be affected by more dangerous levels of warming even sooner if the US pulls back from its pledge to cut carbon dioxide pollution. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Barack Obama has accused Donald Trump of rejecting the future after he confirmed he would pull America out of the landmark Paris climate deal. The former US President said those nations that remained signed up to the accord would reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. But he added: This [Trump] Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future. Recommended Trump confirms withdrawal from Paris Agreement on climate change Mr Obamas administration played a key role in negotiating the deal and the two-term President made protecting the environment a priority for his administration. Speaking after Mr Trump announced America was withdrawing from the agreement with immediate effect, the former President said the US should be at the front of the pack when it came to lowering emissions and developing green technology. For the nations that committed themselves to that future, the Paris Agreement opened the floodgates for businesses, scientists, and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation on an unprecedented scale, Mr Obama said. 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan Under the Paris Accord, the US agreed to reduce emissions by between 26 per cent and 28 per cent of 2005 levels by 2025. However, Mr Trump said America would stop adhering to the emissions reductions standards immediately. The Paris Agreement is a global deal agreed under the United Nations in the French capital in December 2015, which will see action by all countries to curb rising temperatures. Then-president Mr Obama signed up to the deal, without ratification by the US Senate, last year. In pulling out, Mr Trump, who has described climate change as a hoax by the Chinese to hurt US manufacturing, is honouring a pledge made on the campaign trail to quit Paris and boost fossil fuel production at home. He claims the deal allows countries such as China and India to continue polluting, and gain a "financial advantage" over the US. Here is the full statement from Mr Obama on the Paris climate agreement A year and a half ago, the world came together in Paris around the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children. It was steady, principled American leadership on the world stage that made that achievement possible. It was bold American ambition that encouraged dozens of other nations to set their sights higher as well. And what made that leadership and ambition possible was Americas private innovation and public investment in growing industries like wind and solar industries that created some of the fastest new streams of good-paying jobs in recent years, and contributed to the longest streak of job creation in our history. Simply put, the private sector already chose a low-carbon future. And for the nations that committed themselves to that future, the Paris Agreement opened the floodgates for businesses, scientists, and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation on an unprecedented scale. The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet weve got. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: The Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding districts continues to be a matter that necessitates serious attention, Alev Kilic, director of AVIM Center for Eurasian Studies, said in an article published on Turkishny, the leading Turkish-US web portal. The third parties failure in facilitating the resolution of the conflict has contributed to the maintenance of the status quo that is a major source of instability in the South Caucasus with a potential to turn into a serious confrontation between the two sides, according to the article. Correspondingly, the recently published report titled Legal Opinion on Third Party Obligations with Respect to Illegal Economic and Other Activities in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan, which was prepared by professor Alain Pellet and circulated as a UN General Assembly and the Security Council document, draws a general legal context of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and reveals the wrongful acts of Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, reads the article. The report elaborates on the legal consequences arising from the direct or indirect involvement of third states, as well as natural and legal persons, the responsibility of third parties (states, natural and legal persons) involved in the illegal activities of Armenia, and measures that might be taken by international community, the article said. The report explains in detail that according to international law, the secession of Nagorno-Karabakh cannot be justified on the basis of the right of peoples to self-determination, the article reads. This is due to the unlawful use of force of Armenia and the violation of Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. The report reveals several contradictions within the Armenian discourse, Kilic wrote, adding that for instance, Armenia claims that the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh exercised their right to self-determination of which they had been deprived by Azerbaijan since, on November 26, 1991, the Azerbaijani Parliament had abolished the autonomy previously enjoyed by Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the report argues that this argument is contradictory: it shows that up to the armed conflict Nagorno-Karabakh and its inhabitants enjoyed a status of autonomy, which seems, without much doubt, to largely correspond to the generally admitted standard of self-determination, said the author. Therefore it is stated in the report that the deprivation of autonomy was the consequence, not the cause, of the armed conflict, the author wrote, adding that indicating that the right to self-determination is a peoples pursuit of its political, economic, social and cultural development within the framework of an existing state, the report states that the right to self-determination can mean the right to independence/secession in specific conditions that is not the case with regard to Nagorno-Karabakh: in cases of alien subjugation, domination and exploitation or cases involving colonial or occupied peoples. Therefore, the report states that population of Nagorno-Karabakh can only be granted the highest degree of self-rule within Azerbaijan but not independence, according to the article. Another noteworthy contradiction involves Armenias stance with regard to the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), the author wrote. The government of Armenia claims the NKR is a sovereign, independent state possessing all the characteristics of an independent state under international law and it exercises control and jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh and the territories surrounding it. However, the report points to the fact that the NKR has not been formally recognized as a State by the Republic of Armenia itself, let alone by other countries, suggesting that even Armenia is well-aware that its hands are tied since it is in breach of Charter of the UN as Article 2 of the Convention, which states that All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations, the article reads. Armenia has been using the argument of the independence of NKR to divert attention away from Armenias involvement in the Karabakh conflict and paint NKR as the direct party of the conflict to avoid any responsibility in the face of international law, the author said. However, as mentioned in the report, there seems to be little doubt that the situation prevailing in Nagorno-Karabakh is the result of the use of military force by Armenia. In spite of Armenias weak and unpersuasive denials, this military involvement was in fact acknowledged by the highest Armenian authorities and is attested from numerous various independent sources, according to the article by Kilic. Furthermore, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in its verdict regarding Chiragov and Others v. Armenia case, which is also quoted at length in the said report, confirms that Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories are under Armenias occupation by highlighting Armenias effective control in the said regions, reads the article. The Republic of Armenia, from the early days of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has had a significant and decisive influence over the NKR, and that this situation persists to this day, the article said. In other words, the NKR and its administration survive by virtue of the military, political, financial and other support given to it by Armenia which, consequently, exercises effective control over Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding territories, including the district of Lachin, the author wrote. The report also points out that the Azerbaijanis in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts were victims of an ethnic cleansing, reads the article. The Azerbaijani population, which constituted around 25 percent of the population of the Nagorno-Karabakh and exclusive population of the surrounding territories estimated to be around 95 percent of the total population of this area. While casting out the native Azerbaijani population of the occupied Azerbaijani territories, Armenia has been settling ethnic Armenians in these territories since the very beginning. These are violations of the law of belligerent occupation, particularly Article 43 of the 1907 Hague Regulations and Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Apart from these unlawful settlement policies, the report also elaborates on numerous other illegal activities of Armenia and its serious breaches of obligations arising from norms of international law (the exploitation of the Azerbaijani natural resources in the occupied territories, the alteration of the cultural heritage of the region, promotion of the occupied territories as a touristic destination, organization of illegal visits and other activities, the article said. All these activities can be can be regarded as an attempt to Armenianize the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, further complicate the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and thus, sustain and benefit from the status quo in the region, the author wrote. Unfortunately, third country companies via their economic activities and organizations under the name of humanitarian assistance have been also contributing to the adverse unlawful situation in the occupied territories. The report indicates that all states are required to invoke the responsibility of Armenia and to take measures against it, including by means of sanctions, as well as criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings, according to the article. Indeed, as explained in the 57-page report, third countries must avoid any actions contributing to the maintenance of a status quo in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, Kilic wrote. Yet, it can be observed that there is an opposite stance especially in the West, as proven for instance by the recent visit of Belgian parliamentarians to Nagorno-Karabakh, reads the article. Unfortunately, such moves acknowledging the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories hamper the efforts towards the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and by doing that, increase the possibility of eruption of a full-scale war in this volatile region. Therefore, third countries would be well-advised to adopt a firmer stance against Armenias activities and to avoid any action that would compromise a settlement in the region in accordance with international law and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the article said. International community must pay serious attention to keeping the basic international legal principles intact, especially in the case of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The mayor of Pittsburgh has torn into Donald Trump after the president said he was elected to represent Pittsburgh not Paris. Bill Peduto, Pittsburghs Democratic mayor, noted on Twitter that his city voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and said that his city would still adhere to the guidelines put in place by the Paris accord that Mr Trump is pulling the US out of. As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy, and future, Mr Peduto wrote in one of the messages. Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80 percent of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world, and will follow Paris Agreement, he wrote in another. That message was later seen by the mayor of Paris, who wrote that Paris and Pittsburgh stand together in the Paris agreement. Pittsburgh voters, in addition to preferring a world in which Ms Clinton is sitting behind the Resolute Desk, also tend to support regulating carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, as a pollutant. A full 80 percent of adults in Pittsburgh support doing so Allegheny County, which encompasses Pittsburgh, according to Yale Universitys Climate Change Communication. When accounting for the whole Pittsburgh metropolitan area the support drops only slightly, to 77 percent. 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan Mr Trump promised on the campaign trail to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, which was negotiated for heavily by former President Barack Obama. During the campaign, Mr Trump said that climate change was a hoax perpetuated by the Chinese, and later mocked the idea that climate change which is a calculation based temperature measurements over an extended period of time exists because the Northeast United States went through a cold spell while he was in his New York penthouse. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} World leaders, as well as heads of business and climate change activists, have piled the pressure on US President Donald Trump to not make the "serious mistake" of withdrawing from the global Paris climate change agreement - a key element of attempts to curb the effects of climate change. Numerous reports, citing White House sources, have said that Mr Trump is poised to withdraw the US from the agreement. Having spent weeks refusing to be pushed into a corner by allies from around the world, Mr Trump has said he will announce his decision on Thursday afternoon. The US is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world. If the US pulls out it will be a major blow to the accord signed by nearly 200 countries in December 2015 to lower emissions. Mr Trump had made withdrawing from the Paris pact a central plank of his presidential election campaign as part of his 'America First' policy of protecting US businesses from international interference. Mr Trump has said the accord would cost the US economy trillions of dollars without tangible benefit. However, in recent weeks Trump officials have sought to characterise Mr Trump's views as "evolving" and even on Wednesday Mr Trump himself said he had been hearing from "both sides". But his lack of commitment to the agreement has left allies frustrated - with German Chancellor Angela Merkel particularly strident. If Mr Trump announces a withdrawal he has two options. He can initiate a formal withdrawal policy from the agreement which could take up to three years or he can withdraw entirely from the UN climate change body that oversees the agreement, which would be faster. However, in Berlin, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stressed withdrawal would take years, saying, The Americans can't just leave the climate protection agreement. Mr. Trump believes that because he doesn't know the details. European leaders tried to explain the process for withdrawing to him in clear, simple sentences during summit meetings with EU officials, Nato members and the Group of Seven (G7) nations last week, Mr Juncker said. It looks like that attempt failed, This notion, 'I am Trump, I am American, America first and I am getting out,' that is not going to happen, Mr Juncker added. 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 Dr Rachel Cleetus, Lead Economist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told The Independent that what makes the Paris Agreement strong is the near-universal consensus. However, Dr Cleetus remains somewhat optimistic despite what she called a serious mistake on the part of the administration if and when they finally release the details of the withdrawal. She explained that market trends of increasing investment in renewable energy cannot be ignored. If Mr Trump announces a decision on Thursday it may be an attempt to outflank China and the European Union who will seek on Friday to buttress the Paris agreement. In a statement backed by all 28 EU states, the European Union and China will commit to full implementation of the accord, EU and Chinese officials said. Richard Gowan, a UN expert with the European Council on Foreign Relations, told The Independent that Mr Trumps decision to withdraw from Paris is a grim signal that this administration remains committed to undermining the UN system. The White Houses confirmation that Mr Trump is expected to make this decision comes on the heels of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urging the US to stay in, but also indicating that others would take its place as a leader on addressing global warming. Mr Trump may not care, but he has just created an astonishing opportunity for the Chinese to assert themselves in the UN system, Mr Gowan said. The Sierra Club said a US withdrawal from the Paris deal would be a historic mistake. Friends of the Earth said the action would sacrifice our planet to the fossil fuel industry and make America the world's foremost climate villain. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that the worlds economies could boost economic growth by nearly three per cent by 2021 if they institute policies that would lower greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050 that growth could reach up to five per cent. New money in renewable energy topped new investments in the oil and gas sector for the first time in 2015, reaching approximately $350bn. President of Ceres, a sustainability non-profit that works with large investors, Mindy Lubber said that overall there is nothing good about Mr Trumps planned withdrawal. She is concerned that a withdrawal would send the wrong economic signal. But, she said there is so much momentum in states that investments will not dry up or go abroad where there will be a more clear and consistent commitment to clean energy. She also said that cities and states are still committed to combating climate change as well, even Republican governors like Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Phil Scott of Vermont, and governors of the states that control 40 per cent of the countrys GDP. Ms Lubber noted that over a thousand US companies and several multi-billion dollar pension funds around the country have committed to taking their money away from fossil fuels and moving towards more sustainable forms of energy. Thanu Yakupitiyage, US communications director of climate advocacy group 350.org, said that US businesses "outside of the coal industry...from high tech, like Google, Apple, and Facebook, to consumer facing brands like Best Buy and Walmart have expressed a commitment to go green because of consumer demand and the risks climate change poses to their supply chains; they understand that clean energy is ultimately cheaper than fossil fuels. Tesla's Elon Musk has threatened to quit White House advisory councils if the president pulls out. Mr Musk - who heads the electric car maker - said: I've done all I can to advise directly to Trump and through others in the White House. The potential for a quick and clear commitment to the Paris agreement by the US has also been reduced by the fact that Mr Trump's advisers are split on the issue. Senior adviser Steve Bannon, who wants Trump to focus on actions that will rev up his conservative political base, has long opposed it. Jared Kushner, Trumpas son-in-law and top adviser, has come to the view that the standards set out in the agreement did not work for the U.S. economy and the question was whether to try to change those standards within the agreement or pull out, another senior administration official said. The expected withdrawal flies in the face of the advice of some of the respected Cabinet members like Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, a former Exxon Mobil CEO, and even his own daughter Ivanka. Mr Mattis and others in the Department of Defence (DoD) have noted that the Pentagon does a substantial amount of work addressing rising sea levels, changing sea routes for warships due to melting glaciers, and the effects of drought and floods on US national security interests. Francesco Femia, Co-President of the Center for Climate and Security, a think tank of senior retired military officers and national security experts told The Independent that Mr Mattis also thinks climate change is a problem that needs to be solved by the whole of government, not just the DoD. Climate change can impact military infrastructure, like bases in coastal areas around the world. It can also have an indirect impact through not just political penalties, but also strategic penalties, said Mr Femia. A withdrawal would make it difficult to cooperate with allies and partners on a range of security issues, he said. Though he felt Mr Mattis would continue the work of the agency, he explained fighting and adapting to climate change is so important to allies in Nato, the EU, and especially countries in the Asia Pacific region who are concerned about increasing tensions in the South China Sea, that withdrawal "will not make DoDs job easier. It sends the signal that "we don't care, we're not serious about addressing this global risk." If leaders at the recent G7 summit intimated to Mr Trump that the US was crucial to the success of the deal, it may have opened the door to exercise some leverage and scale back commitments on emissions reductions. The ripple effect of encouraging other countries, especially those relying on cheap coal to develop their fledgling economies, to do the same could be devastating to the planet. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the Russian government didn't meddle in the 2016 US election, but "patriotically minded" private Russian hackers may have done so, according to the New York Times. The statement is something of a shift from Mr Putin's past statements on the matter, when he denied that any Russian involvement in any form took place. Mr Putin said that Russian hackers could have taken it upon themselves to try and influence the 2016 US election, saying that hackers "are like artists" who make decisions on who to target depending on how they feel on any given day. "If they are patriotically minded, they start making their contributions - which are right, from their point of view - to fight against those who say bad things about Russia," he said. The Russian leader, however, stuck with his past statements that the Kremlin was not directly involved with any hacking efforts. "We're not doing this on the state level," he said. 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 Russia has been the focus of American investigations for it's purported role in meddling in the 2016 election, which saw several major hacks that are said to have damaged Democrats while propping up Donald Trump's campaign. Those hacks included a massive theft of Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign emails. The US intelligence community concluded in January that Mr Putin had personally directed a Russian "influence campaign" that included cyberattacks and the dissemination of false information in order to help Mr Trump's campaign. The Russian leader seemed aware of the potential that Americans could potentially release evidence linking the 2016 cyberattacks to the Russian government, and opted to say that modern technology can be manipulated. If done, a falsified trail could be made to lead back to the Kremlin. "I can imagine that someone is doing this purposefully - building the chain of attacks so that the territory of Russian Federation appears to be the source of teh attack," Mr Putin said. "Modern technologies allow to do that kind of thing, it's rather easy to do." Mr Putin's slightly new position on the issue is similar to remarks from US President Donald Trump, who has said that Russian officials weren't likely responsible, and that the hacks could have been perpetuated by "somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds." Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} India is set to become the first country in the world to use green energy to power its domestic ports. The country's government has pledged to convert all 12 of its major domestic ports to renewable energy by 2019. The plans will see the ports powered with almost 200 megawatts (mw) of solar and wind energy - a capacity officials hope could reach 500mw in the coming years. These renewable energy projects will help in the reduction of carbon emission and lead to improvement of environment around the ports, a senior government official told The Economic Times. All our ports are cash-rich... The ports have started the process of setting up renewable energy projects from profits. Separately, Indian Railways has sharpened its focus on undertaking renewable power projects and plans to install 1,000 mw of solar plants, which will be installed on signalling panels and rooftops of rail stations 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 It comes as world leaders cemented their commitment to tackling climate change as Donald Trump prepares to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, China is set to announce a deeper alliance with Europe to uphold the international agreement signed by 195 countries in 2015. The UKs Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the US had already taken important steps to cut emissions and progress needed to be made in China and India. Recommended The country where the price of solar is tumbling to record low "The states of the US, where so many of the important decisions on emissions are taken, have already made a huge amount of progress and that progress will continue," he said. "Further progress needs to be made by other countries - notably India, China and others. They are huge emitters. We need to tackle this globally." With falling prices of clean technology, some analysts say the switch to a low carbon world is already unstoppable, and countries that fail to take advantage of the shift will lose out. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Japan and the US have begun a three-day military exercise in the Sea of Japan adding pressure on North Korea to halt its accelerating ballistic missile programme. Japans navy sent two ships, including one of its four helicopter carriers, the Hyuga, to join the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, and their eight escort ships yesterday. Japanese F-15s are also taking part in simulated combat with US F-18s. Its the first time we have exercised with two carriers. Its a major exercise for us, a Japanese military spokesman said. The Sea of Japan separates Japan from the Korean Peninsula. Recommended North Korea releases first pictures of latest nuclear missile test The United States sent the warships to the region after a surge of tension on the Korean Peninsula over fears the North was about to conduct another nuclear test in its bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting mainland United States. Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister, has vowed to work with other countries to deter North Korea, which on Monday conducted a short-range ballistic missile test. The missile reached an altitude of 120km before falling into the Sea of Japan in international waters, but inside Japans exclusive economic zone where it has jurisdiction over the exploration and exploitation of maritime resources. The launch followed two successful tests of medium-to-long-range missiles in as many weeks. North Korea can already strike anywhere in Japan with missiles, raising concern in Tokyo that it could eventually be threatened by a nuclear strike. South Koreas new liberal President, Moon Jae-in, who took office on 10 May, has taken a more conciliatory line than Mr Abe, pledging to engage with his reclusive neighbour. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Japan's military has launched a three-day exercise alongside the US in the Sea of Japan to put pressure on North Korea to halt its accelerating ballistic missile programme. Japan's Maritime Self Defence Force sent two ships, including one of its four helicopter carriers, the Hyuga, to join the two US carriers, the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, and their eight escort ships, Japan's military said in a statement. . Japanese Air Self Defence Force F-15s are taking part in simulated combat with US Navy F-18 fighters at the same time, the military said. "It's the first time we have exercised with two carriers. It's a major exercise for us," a Japanese military spokesman said. The Sea of Japan separates Japan from the Korean peninsula. The US sent the warships to the region after a surge of tension on the Korean peninsula over fears the North was about to conduct a sixth nuclear test, or another test in its bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the mainland US. 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 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to work with other countries to deter North Korea, which on Monday conducted a short-range ballistic missile test. The missile reached an altitude of 120 km (75 miles) before falling into the Sea of Japan in international waters, but inside Japan's exclusive economic zone where it has jurisdiction over the exploration and exploitation of maritime resources. The launch followed two successful tests of medium-to-long-range missiles in as many weeks. North Korea can already strike anywhere in Japan with missiles, raising concern in Tokyo that it could eventually be threatened by a North Korean nuclear strike. South Korea's new liberal president, Moon Jae-in, who took office on 10 May, has taken a more conciliatory line than Mr Abe, pledging to engage in dialogue with his reclusive neighbour. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The world is heading towards a permanent war in cyberspace, the head of Frances digital security agency has warned. Guillaume Poupard, director general of the National Cybersecurity Agency of France (ANSSI) said intensifying attacks were coming from unspecified states, as well as criminal and extremist groups. We must work collectively, not just with two or three Western countries, but on a global scale, he added, saying attacks could aim at espionage, fraud, sabotage or destruction. We are getting closer, clearly, to a state of war - a state of war that could be more complicated, probably, than those we've known until now. He was speaking as the world continued to reel from the global WannaCry ransomware attack, which crippled the NHS earlier this month. Targeting computers an outdated Windows operating system, it infected more than 230,000 computers in 150 countries in just a day, including Russia, India and Taiwan. It came amid allegations that Russia-backed hackers were responsible for cyber attacks affecting elections in the US and France. Man who accidentally halted global cyber attack: 'I'm no hero' But investigators have found no evidence that a prolific Russian group was behind a hack targeting Emmanuel Macrons campaign just days before the presidential election. It saw a huge cache of data and documents from the candidates team posted online hours before reporting restrictions kicked in across France, meaning they could not be properly analysed and claims circulating on social media went unchallenged. Recommended Putin says Russians may have hacked US election Analysts who found traces of Russian code in the leaks said they could be linked to the group initially suspected of orchestrating the Democratic National Campaign (DNC) leak. Vitali Kremez, director of research with US-based cyber intelligence firm Flashpoint, said his analysis indicated that APT 28, a group tied to Russias GRU military intelligence directorate, was behind the attack at the time. But a probe by ANSSI has found no trace of the outfit, also known as Fancy Bear or Sofacy, which has also been blamed for attacks targeting White House, German Parliament, Nato and French media. Mr Poupard described the Macron campaign hack as not very technological and said "the attack was so generic and simple that it could have been practically anyone". Without ruling out the possibility that a state might have been involved, he told the Associated Press the technique used means that we can imagine that it was a person who did this alone, adding: They could be in any country. It really could be anyone. It could even be an isolated individual. French Presidential Election Show all 20 1 /20 French Presidential Election French Presidential Election Voters line up to cast their ballots REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Police patrol polling stations in France REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Trogneux REUTERS French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron casts his ballot REUTERS French Presidential Election SAA/ French Presidential Election REUTERS French Presidential Election Front National leader Marine Le Pen casts her ballot REUTERS French Presidential Election Early ballots are read as results continue to come in Reuters French Presidential Election Macron supporters react as results come in early in the evening AP French Presidential Election Supporters of Front National leader Marine Le Pen cheer as early results come in Reuters French Presidential Election Alamy French Presidential Election Front National leader Marine Le Pen takes to the stage to address her supporters as fans cheer Reuters French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron greets supporters on Sunday night AP French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte Trogneux celebrate the incoming results EPA Politicians across Europe have pointed the finger at Russia for alleged attempts at interfering in elections but Vladimir Putin has persistently denied the claims. US intelligence agencies have accused the Russian President of personally commissioning the DNC email hack and other interference helping Mr Trump to victory. Mr Putin admitted on Thursday that patriotic Russian hackers could have launched attacks amid worsening relations with the West, but insisted that we don't engage in that at the state level. Analysts previously said APT 28 had registered decoy internet addresses to mimic the name of Mr Macrons En Marche! party, then used the domains to send corrupted emails to hack into the campaigns computers. The leak came just little over a day before the second and decisive vote in the French presidential election, Mr Macrons En Marche! party confirmed it had been the victim of a massive and coordinated hack that had given rise to the diffusion on social media of various internal information. A spokesperson said the communications only showed the normal functioning of a presidential campaign, but that authentic documents had been mixed on social media with fakes to sow doubt and misinformation. Far-right American activists are believed to be behind early efforts to spread the documents on social media, before they were picked up by Ms Le Pens supporters in France. (Getty Images (Getty Images) Ben Nimmo, of the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab, said the mass document drop appeared to have been deliberately timed just hours before restrictions kicked in. He told The Independent that the contents appeared to be 99 per cent boring but the En Marche! leaks and other conspiracy theories targeting Mr Macron had exposed a real confluence of interest between Russia and the far right in Russia and France. Theyre not necessarily coordinated, but theyre interested in a lot of the same stuff, Mr Nimmo added. The cyber attack came just 10 days after the En Marche! digital chief Mounir Mahjoubi said it had been targeted by Russia-linked hackers but that those hacking attempts had all been thwarted. There have been repeated allegations of Russian interference in elections across Europe and the US, with Mr Macron previously targeting state media for spreading fake news to damage his campaign. The new French president raised the issue directly with Mr Putin at a meeting in Versailles, telling a joint news conference Russia Today and Sputnik were agents of influence which on several occasions spread fake news about me personally and my campaign. They behaved like organs of influence, of propaganda and of lying propaganda, Mr Macron added, after barring journalists from two Russian outlets from his headquarters. The Kremlin appeared to favour his opponent Marine Le Pen during the campaign, with Mr Putin granting the far-right leader an audience a month before the first round vote. Sputnik, RT and the Kremlin have all rejected allegations of meddling in the French election. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} EU leaders have launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump as he prepares to announce his decision to remove the US from the Paris climate accord. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker accused the US President of ignorance, claiming he doesnt get close enough to the dossiers to fully understand them. Speaking in Berlin, he revealed it could take as long as three to four years to leave the agreement, meaning the US would only be removed from the pact after the next presidential election. It comes as the bloc reached a historic pact with China to uphold the international agreement to combat climate change in the face of Mr Trumps expected retreat. Beijing and Brussels have reportedly agreed to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, according to documents seen by the Financial Times. Mr Trump is expected to announce whether he will follow through on his campaign pledge to remove the US from the Paris accord on Thursday, after claiming during the election race that global warming was a hoax aimed at weakening US industry. Numerous reports, citing White House sources, have confirmed he is poised to withdraw from the agreement - seen as one of his predecessor Barack Obamas greatest achievements. However Mr Juncker said exiting the agreement will be a more complicated process than Mr Trump appears to believe. 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 Thats not how it works. The Americans cant just leave the Climate Protection Agreement. Mr Trump believes that because he doesnt get close enough to the dossiers to fully understand them, Mr Juncker said. This notion: I am Trump, I am American, America first and Im going to get out of it it, that wont happen...the law is the law and it must be obeyed. Not everything which is law and not everything in international agreements is fake news and we have to comply with it. European Council President Donald Tusk issued his own plea to the US leader, urging him not to change the (political) climate for the worse. Plans to forge ahead with measures to lead the energy transition are expected to be announced in a joint statement from EU leaders and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Brussels on Friday. In a seeming dig at Mr Trumps position, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said climate change is a "global challenge" no country can ignore. However, she stopped short of naming the US. China is the top emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, with the US trailing close behind. Both were key to the 2015 Paris agreement, which was signed by 195 parties. Recommended Donald Trump might be the dimmest President the US has ever had Withdrawing from the Paris pact became a central message of the Trump presidential campaign. He promised his America First policy would protect US businesses from international interference, and claimed withdrawing from the accord would save the US economy trillions of dollars. The pact was the first legally binding global deal to fight climate change. Virtually every nation voluntarily committed to steps aimed at curbing global emissions of "greenhouse" gases. These include carbon dioxide generated from burning of fossil fuels that scientists blame for a warming planet, sea level rise, droughts and more frequent violent storms. The US would join Nicaragua and Syria as the only non-participants if it withdraws from the agreement. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A new report has accused the EU of disregarding human rights and international law in its desperation to slow refugee boat crossings across the Mediterranean Sea. The bloc has pledged tens of millions of euros in funding for authorities in Libya, despite the countrys ongoing civil war and allegations of torture, rape and killings earning it the moniker hell on Earth among migrants. Research by the US-based Refugees International (RI) group warned that the EUs push to prevent boats leaving the Libyan coast now the main departure point towards Europe could fuel horrific abuses. The fate of people who are seeking international protection is effectively absent from the plans outlined by EU leaders to tackle the Central Mediterranean route, its report concluded. With the ongoing violence and chaos in Libya, a country that lacks an asylum system and where the rule of law is absent, EU countries must accept people on their territory through orderly, legal processes that are viable alternatives to ruthless criminal networks. The EU and its member states should also ensure that their funding and actions in Libya do not result in or contribute to human rights abuses against refugees and migrants. Risking all: African migrants wait in Tripoli after a failed attempt to make away at sea (Reuters) Researchers gathered harrowing testimonies from asylum seekers who had managed to survive the crossing to Europe, which has claimed a record of more than 1,700 lives so far this year. Among them was Ali, a 17-year-old boy from Gambia who was detained in what he believed was an official detention centre in Zawaiya. He said UN workers brought food, clothes shoes and other supplies, which were then sold for profit by guards who gave detainees only one portion of bread and a handful of pasta each day. The Arab people working in the prison, if someone is sick, they finish them off, Ali told Refugees International. They beat a boy, he vomited blood. I saw it in front of my eyes. When another man died after a severe beating, the teenager and other migrants were ordered to bury his body themselves in a shallow grave outside. During his detention the boss of the prison also forced people into to build a house, which Ali and four others did unpaid until they were allowed to leave detention and attempt the journey to Europe. It is one of numerous accounts of forced labour in Libya, where the International Organisation of Migration warned people were being openly traded in slave markets. Gunpoint: this week migrants aboard a German charity rescue dinghy were met by the Libyan coastguard who opened fire causing some to jump into the sea (Jugend Rettet) Smugglers and armed gangs have exploited lawlessness, since the UK and France led a military campaign to oust Muammar Gaddafi, to expand their ruthless trade, and it is frequently unclear whether squalid detention centres are run by officials, militias or both. Ali had already been forced back to Libya once after his boat was intercepted by the Libyan coastguard, which has recently been filmed firing into the air during rescues and cutting across humanitarian ships, after allegedly causing drownings and opening fire on a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) vessel. Ali said the armed guards who boarded a dinghy he was travelling on in November 2016 demanded money before they started to beat people with the guns. They hit me on my head with their guns. Humanitarian groups say forcing people back to Libya from international waters is a violation of international law, particularly non-refoulement principles that prohibit people being returned to a country where they face torture or other ill-treatment. But despite training and equipping the Libyan coastguard, the EU appears to have made no move to censure it for venturing outside territorial waters and has not publicly condemned numerous clashes with international ships deployed by commanders in Rome. As well as torture and killings in detention centres, RI said women and girls in Libya are at particular risk of widespread sexual abuse. 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 Rape is so prevalent among migrants in Libya and on journeys to it that some women passing through Ethiopia or Sudan are given a contraceptive injection, but many of those arriving on boats to Italy are pregnant. Juliette, a 25-year-old woman from Cameroon who spent four months in Libya, told RI that when someone kidnaps you, he can call his brothers to tell them he has women and girls. In front of me, men came to take girls away to rape them, she added. Especially Nigerian girls. A teenage boy from Ghana said Libyan guards at his detention centre took women away one by one to rape, passing some on to be taken away overnight by unidentified men. An Eritrean man who had been held by smugglers near Tripoli, said Libyan men abducted a 21-year-old-woman, who later died days after finding out she was pregnant. In some cases, sexual abuse is used as an alternative to large bribes for release, while other migrants are extorted and forced to call family members abroad for payment. Izza Leghtas, RIs senior advocate for Europe and the author of the report, said EU countries know full well the dire conditions faced by migrants. Desperate journeys: Rescued at sea, refugees detail abuse in Libya EU countries cant send refugees and migrants back to Libya without violating international law, so theyre empowering the Libyan authorities to do so instead, she added. Ms Leghtas said abuses by smugglers were well-known but the reports findings on official detention centres were particularly worrying given rising international support. The Europeans are so focused on closing down this route that theyre not being responsible, she told The Independent. You cant tackle one piece the crisis [by stopping sea crossings] and then not follow through. The EU should be doing everything it can to help people who are escaping this nightmare. RIs report called on the EU to urge Libya to end the criminalisation of migration, open detention centres and ensure returned refugees are registered and treated in accordance with international law, while calling for a UN investigation into alleged sexual abuse at detention centres. A spokesperson for the European Commission said it was unable to comment on the findings before formally receiving the report. Brussels is supporting initiatives led by Italy to strengthen cooperation with Libyas fragile UN-backed Government of National Accord one of two governments still vying for power in the country. Waiting game: the EU is committed to facilitating safe spaces as alternative to detention (Getty) (AFP/Getty Images) Following a show of commitment at a summit attended by EU leaders in Malta in February, a 90m (80m) programme to reinforce protection and resilience of migrants, refugees and host communities in Libya was adopted last month. More than half of the funds are allocated to disembarkation points for migrants forced back by the Libyan coastguard, detention centres, healthcare, protection for vulnerable groups and 15,000 voluntary humanitarian returns to countries of origin. The plan envisions the creation of unspecified safe spaces as an alternative to detention although it was unclear how they would be created assistance and information at transit points and increased monitoring of migration flows. Another 42m (37m) is going to socio-economic development for Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA), which is itself accused of working with smugglers and militias, as well as perpetrating abuse in detention centres including torture and murder. The plan to be implemented by UN agencies proposes quality services for Libyans and migrants, including health centres, education and jobs, although deep-seated prejudice against sub-Saharan Africans sees them regularly denied access to current facilities. Ms Leghtas said the plans were disconnected from the reality on the ground, pointing out that many of the UNs own workers are stationed in neighbouring Tunisia because Libya is considered so dangerous. A lot more needs to be done to address this emergency, she added. For refugees, Libya is death and torture that is what they are fleeing. A spokesperson for the Libyan interior ministry did not respond to The Independents request for comment but Jalal Othman, director of communications for the GNA, previously said authorities are facing immense challenges and lack funding, equipment and training. He added: We completely deplore any violence against migrants." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A gunman's attack on a hotel and casino complex in the Philippines was a robbery and not a terrorist attack, the country's national police chief has said. Police said the assailant shot himself dead following the incident on Thursday evening. The Resorts World Manila complex was on lockdown following reports of a shooting earlier in the day. The incident triggered a huge official response with armed police and the army involved. The Manila Standard reported that some victims had suffered severe gunshot wounds. Donald Trump had called it a "terrorist attack" and said he was monitoring the situation. The Philippines fire protection bureau said there was fire broke out on the second floor of Resorts World in the wake of the robbery attempt. 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 Resorts World Manila said on Twitter: "The company has followed emergency protocols to ensure safety of guests and employees as far as the situation allowed." "We ask for your prayers and consideration during these trying times." Local journalist April Chang shared this Facebook video from the scene. NBC News cited a source as saying "there are quite a few injuries". Pictures circulated on social media of the resort, close to the city's airport, showing plumes of smoke pouring from a building. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: The only nation in the world to border Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan is the only predominantly Muslim republic in the European part of the former Soviet Union, wrote Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman, a former breaking news editor for the Jerusalem Post and a former editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Jewish Times, in her article published by the Jewish Press (jewishpress.com). Azerbaijan is a meeting point of Christian and Muslim worlds, says the article, to complete the diversity picture, the nation also boasts its own ancient and indigenous 35,000 member Jewish population. Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafi Harpaz has been quoted multiple times as saying that there is no anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan, noted the author. For the re-emerging Silk Road, Azerbaijan is the only route between Central and South Asia that avoids Russia and Iran. It is both a source and, potentially, a transit for alternative energy supplies vital for Europes supply diversification, says the article. Overwhelmingly Muslim, yet staunchly secular and tolerant, Azerbaijan serves as an example much needed in the world today, wrote Jaffe-Hoffman. Since the ethnic Azerbaijani population of Iran is estimated to be from 25 to 30 million people strong, Azerbaijan is a unique gateway into Iran. Despite that, Azerbaijan is the only predominantly Shia society that is not under Irans influence and has strong ties to Israel, added the author. On his visit to Baku in December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the nearly $5 billion military cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan as a positive example of Muslim-Jewish coexistence, according to the article. Israel is the Jewish state, and Azerbaijan is a Muslim state with a large Muslim majority, Netanyahu said after meeting with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev. Here we have an example of Muslims and Jews working together to promise a better future for both of us. The world sees so much intolerance and darkness. This is an example of how the Muslim-Jewish relationship can and should be everywhere. Israel also has a strong economic relationship with Azerbaijan, noted Jaffe-Hoffman, an agricultural agreement between the two countries was signed during Netanyahus recent visit. Azerbaijans geographic position makes it a key to Georgias strategic relevance and Central Asias westward connection. Simply put, without Azerbaijan, Georgia becomes a regional impasse, while Central Asian nations get locked out of access to European energy and transport infrastructures, added the author. A peaceful resolution of Azerbaijans protracted conflict with the Russian regional proxy Armenia would set a precedent for other similar conflicts, according to the article. Azerbaijan has capitalized on its location at the heart of regional and global constellations since its independence with a degree of success, noted the author adding that for the US to build on this and to connect to Azerbaijan would make a smart and cost-effective strategy for building diplomatic and political bridges and peace. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} US President Donald Trump has signed a waiver allowing him to delay any decision on moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - but his administration has said the move will go ahead. A statement issued by the White House on Thursday, however, said that the president still intends to relocate the US' diplomatic seat in the country, and that the move was a question of "when not if". The controversial election campaign promise was condemned by most of the international community, as well as Palestinians and liberal Israeli circles, which view Israel's annexation of the east side of the city as illegal. Trump: Israelis and Palestinians are 'reaching for peace' The holy city is claimed by both sides of the Arab-Israeli conflict as their undisputed capital. Control of it remains one of the core issues preventing Palestinians and Israeli peace. While many prominent Israeli politicians said they would welcome the fulfilment of Mr Trump's promise after his election in November, the new administration has continually equivocated over whether the move will take place. The relocation would upend decades of US policy by granting what would have been seen as de facto US recognition of Israel's claim to all of Jerusalem as its capital. In January Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas wrote to his US counterpart to warn him that the symbolic move would trigger violence in the Territories - and perhaps the wider Middle East - describing the scenario as potentially "opening the gates of hell." Israeli media has reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet has met for special consultations with police, security services and the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in preparedness for scenarios of worsening violence if the US does move its embassy to the city. Though Israel is disappointed that the embassy will not move at this time, we appreciate today's expression of President Trump's friendship to Israel and his commitment to moving the embassy in the future, Mr Netanyahu's office said in response to the delay. US Congress ruled in 1995 that the US embassy should be relocated to Jerusalem, but every sitting president has stopped the legislation by signing a waiver delaying its implementation every six months. Thursday June 1 was the last possible day for Mr Trump to decide whether to sign the waiver or not. "While President Donald J. Trump signed the waiver under the Jerusalem Embassy Act... no one should consider this step to be in any way a retreat from the President's strong support for Israel and for the United States-Israel alliance," a statement fro the White House said. Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum "As he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when." Many presidential candidates have made similar pledges in the past to appeal to right-wing Jewish voters, but none have followed through during their administrations. During Mr Trump's visit to Israel and the West Bank last month the president reiterated his sincere desire to broker a peace deal in the decades-long conflict. He did not, however, offer any insights into new policy, nor did he address the issue of the embassy move. However, both the Israelis and the Palestinians sought to portray the move by Mr Trump as directly affecting moves for peace. Mr Netanyahu's office said it believes all embassies should be in what it called Israel's eternal capital. Maintaining embassies outside the capital drives peace further away by helping keep alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem, a statement said. As for the Palestinians, they praised the move for ensuring that peace efforts have a chance. Mr Abbas' spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, called the decision is an important positive step that illustrates the US seriousness about promoting peace. The Palestinian ambassador to Washington, Hussam Zomlot, said the move gives peace a chance. We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration," Mr Zomlot said. "We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has allegedly confirmed reports that US President Donald Trump shouted at him during the US leaders visit to the West Bank last month. You tricked me in [Washington] DC! You talked there about your commitment to peace, but the Israelis showed me your involvement in incitement [against Israel], Mr Trump is alleged to have shouted at the Palestinian leader, an outburst that was followed by several minutes of shocked silence, Israels Channel 2 claimed last week, citing an unnamed American official. The rest of the meeting was reportedly tense and took a while to get back on track. Trump: Israelis and Palestinians are 'reaching for peace' The PA has repeatedly denied the report, saying that the 23 May meeting went well. However, London-based pan-Arab newspaper al-Araby al-Jadeed claimed on Wednesday that Mr Abbas himself had appeared to confirm the story, quoting the Palestinian leader as saying that Mr Trump had expressed anger with him and that the encounter had been uncomfortable." The US president allegedly showed his Palestinian counterpart videos in which Mr Abbas was recorded as saying, We incite and the Israelis incite. In an effort to calm Mr Trump, Mr Abbas said he told the president, You have the CIA, ask them to analyse the film clips and youll discover that that they were taken out of context or fabricated with the aim of inciting against the Palestinians. Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Mr Abbas remarks were supposedly made at a high-level Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) meeting on Tuesday. Palestinian sources have again denied the reports. The allegations certainly dont match up with the warm words exchanged between the two leaders during a televised media conference after the meeting in Bethlehem on 23 May. Meeting you in the White House earlier this month given us hope and optimism of the possibility to make the long-standing dream of lasting peace come true, Mr Abbas said, emphasising the Palestinian leaderships desire for a two-state solution. Mr Trump and Mr Abbas met in person for the first time at the White House on 3 May, when the US president boldly stated his desire to do whatever is necessary to achieve a lasting peace deal in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the Washington meeting Mr Trumps administration called on the PA to do more to tackle violence against Israelis and end payments to the families of those killed or imprisoned by Israel. Israel has long accused many sections of Palestinian society of fomenting hatred towards Israelis in everything from school textbooks to social media posts. The Palestinians dismiss Israeli allegations that violence against Israeli citizens is caused by incitement, claiming instead is the result of nearly 50 years of Israeli military occupation and a lack of hope for gaining independence. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Women have been told they are not allowed to wear traditional Islamic clothing such as the burka and niqab in newly liberated areas of Mosul as part of new security measures imposed for the month of Ramadan, Iraqi police have said. A statement from Nineveh police - the province in which the city is located - said that face coverings would temporarily be banned so Isis suicide bombers could not disguise themselves as women in public places. Another precaution banned the use of motorcycles, which have been used in the past to launch new attacks on liberated areas of the city. Women liberated from Isis controlled areas take off their veils and burn them in defiance The order came into effect on Sunday, the first full day of Ramadan. The holy month in which Muslims do not consume food or water in daylight hours is used as an opportunity to reflect on earthly appetites and desires, bringing those who fast closer to God. Unfortunately, in recent years the holy month has also become a time of increased attacks by jihadi extremists; since fasting officially began on Saturday suicide bombings in Baghdad have killed 26 people enjoying ice cream at night, and more than 90 have died in a huge truck bomb detonated in Kabul. US-backed Iraqi coalition forces had hoped to have driven the militants from the city before Ramadan started, but fighting for the final three Isis-controlled neighbourhoods of West Mosul has proved as difficult as any other area of the city. In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty Fighters were holing themselves up in the citys Grand al-Nuri Mosque in preparing for a last stand, Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday. The medieval building is where Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the establishment of the so-called caliphate after his fighters swept across Iraqi from Syria in the summer of 2014. The eight-month long campaign is almost at an end, although the UN and humanitarian agencies have warned that up to 200,000 civilians remain trapped behind the front line, where food and water are running out and access to medical care is almost non-existent. The fall of the city will effectively mark the end of Isis as a land-occupying force in Iraq. In neighbouring Syria, Kurdish ground forces, assisted by US air strikes, are closing in on Raqqa, the militants self-styled capital. The battle for the northern Syrian city is also expected to be long and bloody. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The people of Kabul are losing patience with the weak and divided government of President Ashraf Ghani after a suicide truck bomb ripped through the citys diplomatic quarter, killing 90 people and wounding more than 400. Wednesdays grisly attack - the latest in a series of grim extremist incidents carried out by the Taliban and Isis across Afghanistan since the withdrawal of international troops in 2014 - occurred at rush hour at a busy intersection, setting dozens of cars on fire and shattering windows a kilometre (0.5 miles) away. With no claim of responsibility, it is unclear what the intended target was. What is certain is that the incident took place inside Kabuls heavily-fortified diplomatic district, metres away from the German embassy building and a stones throw from the Presidential Palace - an area which is supposedly the safest in the city. Video shows destruction wreaked by bomb in Kabul While a number of foreign nationals were harmed, all of the dead were - as usual - Afghan citizens. A number of people are still missing. As they mourn loved ones at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, Kabuls residents are increasingly angry at the chronically fragile security situation. For God's sake, what is happening to this country?, Ghulam Sakhi, a shoemaker whose shop is close to the site of the blast, said to Reuters. People leave home to fetch a loaf of bread for their children and later that evening, their dead body is sent back to the family. While the Taliban issued a statement shortly after the incident denying responsibility and condemning the excessive loss of civilian life, many observers believe the insurgent group is to blame for the carnage, rather than Isis, which has also carried out recent high-profile attacks. Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Show all 13 1 /13 Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people A man reacts in shock after a suicide car bombing in a diplomatic zone of Kabul, Afghanistan, left at least 80 people dead Reuters Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people The Taliban has denied responsibility for the deadly suicide car bombing that set more than 50 cars alight Reuters Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Two Afghan men carry one of the many injured in the attack REUTERS Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people A man tries to drive his vehicle heavily damaged in the blast AP Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Two men walk away from the scene, covered in blood REUTERS Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people The bomb was detonated near the German embassy in the citys heavily guarded diplomatic district REUTERS Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people One of many cars destroyed in the attack burns Reuters Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people The attack sent plumes of smoke over Afghanistans capital AP Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Several buildings have been damaged in the blast AP Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people The car bombing is thought to be one of the most deadly attacks ever to hit the capital Alamy Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Wounded victims lie on their beds in Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul AP Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Relatives of Afghan victims mourn outside a hospital after the blast in Kabul Reuters Kabul bomb blast kills at least 90 people Crowds in Kabul survey the damage after the deadly attack EPA Afghanistan's main intelligence agency has blamed the Haqqani network, an affiliate group directly integrated into the Taliban, claiming it acted with the help of Pakistan's intelligence service (a claim denied by the Pakistani foreign ministry). In what is being viewed as a move aimed at placating his critics, President Ghani on Thursday reportedly ordered the revenge execution of 11 Taliban militants currently on death row. The Taliban responded by warning the government against harming any of their prisoners, threatening retribution for which the government will be responsible. Calls for senior members of the government and security services to step down are growing across the country. Suicide bomb kills at least 80 and wounds more than 350 in Afghanistan There are dozens of checkpoints at which vehicles are stopped on their way into Kabul, but a high-tech security gates and scanners funded by China delivered a year ago have still not been set up because of bureaucratic hold-ups. Right now, thousands of our people are in mourning. Why and for how long do we have to suffer this situation? said shopkeeper Enayatullah Mohammadi. We want our leaders to ensure security in the country and if they can't, they should resign, he added. Although the Taliban lost control of Afghanistan following the US invasion of 2001, it has steadily regained ground since US and allied troops left in 2014, and is now in control of some 40 per cent of the country. The chaos has also allowed Isis Afghan affiliate to flourish, complicating the war against Islamist insurgents. In March the Pentagon urged US President Donald Trump to send reinforcement troops to cope with the deteriorating security situation. Around 8,400 US military staff and 5,000 soldiers from Nato ally countries are currently deployed to Afghanistan. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Iraqis trapped inside the last tiny Isis-controlled pocket of Mosul have reported that militants have been shoring up defences outside the citys Grand al-Nuri mosque, a symbolic move ahead of their final showdown with coalition forces. In the last two days all roads leading to the beautiful medieval building on the west bank of the Tigris River have been sealed off, and families ordered behind the front lines to serve as human shields against approaching Iraqi troops, residents inside the city have said. Isis swept across more than a third of Iraq from neighbouring Syria in a series of surprise attacks in the summer of 2014; its position as a powerful player in the region was assured when its fighters stormed Mosul, Iraqs rich, cosmopolitan second city. Children of Mosul describe life under Islamic State The citys capture home to 1.5 million people was a surprise even to Isis. Shortly afterward its conquest, it was from al-Nuri mosque that Baghdadi, in his only public appearance to date, announced the creation of the so-called caliphate, imploring devout Muslims from across the world to join the extremists in their vision. Iraq and its US-led coalition partners were never going to let the militants hold the city forever. But the fight has been more bloody, and taken longer, than expected. When Operation Inherent Resolve began in October 2016, Iraqi generals confidently predicted the battle would be finished by the end of the year. Eight months of gruelling street-by-street warfare, fending off suicide car bombs, snipers and boobytraps, the Iraqi authorities refuse to release casualty figures for fear of letting the enemy know their heavy losses. Thousands of civilians are also dead many after being accidently targeted in US-led coalition air strikes and almost one million have been displaced by fighting to internally displaced persons camps around the region. Up to 200,000 people are believed to still be trapped in the last three labyrinthine Old City neighbourhoods still under Isis control. Those who have managed to flee report that food and water are running out, and access to healthcare is almost non-existent. In some cases, Isis has been sealing families inside their houses to prevent them escaping as Iraqi soldiers advance from the north, soldering doors and windows shut. In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty Isiss black flag still flies from al-Nuris crooked minaret, but its unclear for how long. Its very possible the mosque itself, which has not been structurally surveyed since 1970, will be destroyed in the coming fighting. Even when Isis is vanquished, residents returning to the city may find nothing but rubble where their homes used to be. The group may morph into an insurgency movement rather than a land-holding force in the country, but the scars it has left on Mosul and its people will last for decades to come. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Isis attack came as Abdullah Zare and his comrades were preparing for the defence of Khan Touman. Round after round of mortar fire pounded the town. People screamed as they fled, some fell injured, some dead. As the Basij fighter shot back at the enemy through the smoke and dust, a shattering explosion sent Zare flying through the air. He had been hit by spraying shrapnel, leaving him deafened and covered in blood. He crawled using his left arm, the only part of his body he could move, for a hundred long metres until his fellow Iranians rushed forward and pulled him behind the safety of a wall. I could hear bullets in the air as I was crawling, some were landing near me, I could only go very slowly, I dont know why I didnt get hit, he reflects. Maybe I was very lucky, maybe Allah protected me. I am very glad I am alive. The injury had taken place during Zares second journey to Syrias civil war. He was one among the contingents of thousands sent by Iran in a mission kept very much in the shadows, but one which has played a key role in ensuring the continuing survival of Bashar al-Assads regime through years of strife. Iranian fighters are also active in the conflict across the border in Iraq. This week they were with Shia Iraqi forces which freed the final remaining Yazidi villages occupied by Isis. One of the last to fall was Kocho, the place of one of the most notorious atrocities of the caliphate in which male residents were lined up and executed and the females taken off to be sold, some as sex slaves. Yazidi volunteers and Baghdads regular troops also took part in the operation. But the victory was announced by Hadi al-Ameri, commander of the Badr Brigade, a powerful Iraqi group which had fought against American and British forces during the occupation. Ameri himself has spent long periods of time in Iran and is a protege of General Qassem Soleimani, the hugely influential chief of the Quds force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. With the successful offensive the Iranian and Iraqi Shia militias are now at the Syrian border from the Iraq side while in Syria, the Iranians and the Assad military have established a route from Damascus to their Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. Abdullah Zare is convinced he made the right decision to fight because of the savagery he has witnessed Reflecting the twists and turns of the regions geopolitics, American and British warplanes are now providing air cover for the Shia militias, with Iranians in the rank, in the campaign against Isis in Iraq. Meanwhile Donald Trump attacked Iran during his recent visit to Riyadh for exporting terrorism in the region while signing a $110bn (85bn) arms deal with Saudi Arabia to counter the supposed Shia threat. Along with Russian air power and special forces, Hezbollah and Iranian fighters have turned the tide of the conflict in Syria. But for Tehran this has come at a heavy cost, with more than a thousand killed in the last four years. Very little of the operations is publicised in Iran where there is growing questioning of the war, especially among the young people who recently voted the reformist Hassan Rouhani to a landslide victory in the countrys recent presidential election. Zare is very fortunate not to be among the Iranian dead in Syria. He received severe injuries to his legs and spine, damage to his liver and lung at Khan Touman. He could not be moved for hours because of the intensity of the combat and there were no ambulances available when an opportunity came during a lull in the fighting. A bread van used to move him to a hospital to the nearest city, Aleppo, had its roof sheared off in a blast during the journey. In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Show all 30 1 /30 In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian family arrives at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian woman, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, reacts as she stands with her children in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past resident fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood , after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-regime fighters, gesture as they drive past residents fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood, after regime troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian residents, fleeing violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, arrive in Aleppo's Fardos neighbourhood Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-regime fighter speaks with a child, as residents flee violence in the restive Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood. Syrian rebels withdrew from six more neighbourhoods in their one-time bastion of east Aleppo in the face of advancing government troops AFP/Getty Images In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Smoke rises as seen from a governement-held area of Aleppo, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers targeting rebels-held areas in the eastern neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria. According to media reports, the army is now holding on 99 percent of Aleppois eastern neighborhoods EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian pro-government forces patrol Aleppo's eastern al-Salihin neighbourhood after troops retook the area from rebel fighters Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian soldiers rest following the battle at al-Sheik Saeed neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria EPA In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian pro-government fighter walking past closed shops in the Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo's Old City. Once renowned for its bustling souks, grand citadel and historic gates, Aleppo's Old City has been rendered virtually unrecognisable by some of the worst violence of Syria's war Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The crucial battle for Aleppo entered its 'final phase' after Syrian rebels retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The retreat leaves opposition fighters confined to just a handful of neighbourhoods in southeast Aleppo, the largest of them Sukkari and Mashhad Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilans arrive at a checkpoint, manned by pro-government forces, at the al-Hawoz street roundabout, after leaving Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods. Syria's government has retaken at least 85 percent of east Aleppo, which fell to rebels in 2012, since beginning its operation Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian civilians flee the Sukkari neighbourhood towards safer rebel-held areas in southeastern Aleppo Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrians celebrate in the government-held Mogambo neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, after rebel fighters retreated into a small pocket of their former bastion in the face of new army advances. The fall of Aleppo would be the worst rebel defeat since Syria's conflict began in 2011, and leave the government in control of the country's five major cities Getty In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee Aliya inside the tent where she lives with her husband and ten children in a camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Syrian refugee women and children outside the entrance to their tents in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA Wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A Syrian refugee woman outside the entrance to the tent where her family live, in the refugee camp in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, close to the Syrian border PA wire In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria A vehicle drives past a mosque at night in Idlib, Syria. Picture taken with a long exposure Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria The night sky is seen through damaged windows in the rebel-controlled town of Binnish in Idlib province, Syria Reuters In Pictures: The crisis unfolding in Syria Damaged buildings stand in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province, Syria Reuters I could have died when I was first hit and then I could have died in that van and then in the hospital, Zare, a soft-spoken, bearded, burley man says back at his home in Tehran. The conditions were really bad because there were so many casualties. Daesh [Isis] and the other terrorists just used to fire indiscriminately into crowded areas. Thats the reason so many people were wounded and killed. Zare spent 12 days in a hospital in Aleppo before he was flown to Tehran for surgery. He has had a half-dozen operations since then and has to take 21 different tablets every day. He pays for most of the medication himself, he says, because he does not want to be accused of taking public money. It is a sensitive issue which again receives little publicity. There are people, even here in Iran, who say that we only went to Syria for money. That is very false, we went there because we believed it was the right thing to do, we were there for Iran, Zare insists, angrily. Basij fighters like him say that as volunteers they either take no money at all or a subsistence amount from the state for going to Syria. There are, however, other units operating in Syria, like the Fatemiyoun, drawn from the international Shia diaspora in Iran, who get paid between $500 and $750 a month. There is also the added attraction for those like Afghan refugees who make up a large proportion of this force of getting Iranian nationality for themselves and their families. Zare volunteered to return to Syria. But, unsurprisingly considering his state of health, he was turned down. What was the motivation for him to leave his wife and young son to go and risk his life in the first place? Dont forget as a country we are used to war. I grew up when the war between Iran and Iraq was going on, everyone felt very patriotic, I knew I wanted to fight for my country if I was needed, he says. We also believe in the words of Ayatollah Khamenei who told us about the terrible things which were going on in Syria, how the terrorists and takfiris were attacking our religion and killing innocent people, we needed to stop them. Irans Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, has declared that it was imperative that Iran confronted its enemies in Syria away from its own borders. Had the ill-wishers and plotters not been prevented from their evil deeds in Syria we would have to prevent them in the Iranian provinces of Tehran, Fars, Khorasan and Isfahan, so it is better we do it there, he stated in one of his latest pronouncements.The door for martyrdom, which was closed by the end of the war with Iraq, is now open in Syria. Donald Trump says Iran has helped commit 'unspeakable crimes' in Syria Zares background made him highly receptive to the message. He had joined the Basij at the age of 10 and grown up with its religious and political doctrine. The membership of the paramilitary, which is affiliated to the Revolutionary Guards, is constantly reminded of its duty to defend the true faith and Irans Islamic Revolution from its enemies. The relentless sectarian cultural vandalism carried out by Isis, the destruction of Shia shrines and mosques, has also been a motivation for Iranians volunteering for Syria. It was one of the reasons why Zare decided to go. But the savagery he witnessed once there quickly reinforced his view, he says, that he had made the right decision. When you find that a mother has been forced to watch her baby being cut to bits before being killed herself, when you know old people and young children have been beheaded then you realise that it is right to fight against these barbarous people. Any doubts I could have had went after that, he says. But Daesh did not suddenly come from nowhere. There are countries like Saudi Arabia which created them. We are also convinced that the Americans and the Israelis made Daesh possible. Daesh will try to harm us, harm other countries, even in Europe, as we have seen. We need to protect the people in Syria, but we must protect ourselves, protect our families. Zares son, 12-year-old Mohammed, sits listening to his father at the family home, a meticulously neat apartment filled with bric-a-brac as well as a classic motorcycle and a classic scooter, examples of Abdullahs lifelong hobby interrupted by war. Mohammed had wondered where his father had disappeared to during the first deployment to Syria, but found out about the second visit last year. Then, he says, something strange happened. I had a bad dream the night before my father was injured. I dreamt that he had been killed, he recalls, in a hesitant voice. I was worried all of the next day and then, a few days later, we heard that he had been hurt. Mohammed is very proud of his father. He would have been very sad if he had been killed, but would have had the satisfaction of knowing that he had died a martyr, he points out. He himself joined the youth section of the Basij at the age of six and is devoted to the organisation. Mohammed can hardly wait to go and fight in Syria. But a lot of young people interviewed during the election campaign spoke of not wanting to risk their lives in a foreign war just when Iran was opening up to the outside world after so many years of isolation. Is he sure about going? Yes, it is my duty. Others dont have to go, only volunteers need to go, says Mohammed. His father nods: Each person must decide for himself and Mohammed will have to make up his own mind when he is old enough to go, I cannot tell him not to go having gone their myself. Daesh may be defeated but they will come back in another form our enemies are not going to disappear. The puppet masters will make sure of that. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Russia could use nuclear weapons to defend its position if forces led by the US or Nato make a move into Crimea, a veteran politician in the country has claimed. "If US forces, Nato forces, are, were, in the Crimea, in eastern Ukraine, Russia is undefendable militarily in case of conflict, without using nuclear weapons in the early stage of the conflict, Vyacheslav Alekseyevich Nikonov told a global security forum in Slovakia. Mr Nikonov, who has served on the staff of Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin, said that he had heard this at some point "from the Russian military", according to Defense One. He was speaking the GLOBSEC Bratislava Global Security Forum. The politician added that the west was not just a force for good, and said he was concerned about the lack of dialogue between Russia and the US and its allies to find a political solution. His comments come after Russias Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov said the country would upgrade its rocket artillery brigades by 2020 and President Vladimir Putin unveiled a futuristic new tank which is invisible to missiles and capable of annihilating targets more than five miles away. In a move which angered the US and its Nato allies, Russia annexed Crimea during a period of political upheaval in Ukraine in 2014, claiming the instability threatened the interests of Moscow and the large ethnic Russian community living in Crimea. Russias continued control of Crimea and support for separatist militants in neighbouring eastern Ukraine has continued to anger Washington and Nato. Moscow refutes the annexation label following a disputed referendum which it claimed showed a majority of voters favoured separation from Ukraine. The UN General Assembly rejected the legitimacy of both the vote and the annexation, while the other members of the then G8 suspended Russia and imposed sanctions. Both Russia and Nato have built up their military across shared borders since the annexation, with both sides accusing the other of aggression. Mr Nikonov cited 400 points of Nato military installations near its borders, some armed with nuclear weapons. Russian military activity in Crimea Show all 11 1 /11 Russian military activity in Crimea Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian13-ap_1.jpg AP Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian9-ap.jpg AP Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian12-ap.jpg AP Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian11-rtp.jpg Reuters Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian10-afpgt.jpg AFP/Getty Images Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian7-rt.jpg Reuters Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian6-afpgt.jpg AFP/Getty Images Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian8-rt_1.jpg Reuters Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian-navy1-rt.jpg Reuters Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian4-ap_1.jpg AP Russian military activity in Crimea Ukraine-russian3-ap.jpg AP Moscow is believed to have the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world with at least 7,300 in its possession, while the US ranks second globally with around 7,000. Both countries have greatly reduced their nuclear arsenals since the Cold War but each retains far more weapons than any other country. Both nations have a policy of launch under attack, which means they will not rule out launching their nuclear arsenal if faced with an existential threat. The Military Doctrine of Russia, last updated in 2014, says Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, as well as in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is in jeopardy. Although President Donald Trump has faced much criticism over his alleged links to Russia, US sanctions against the country remain in place over Crimea. After Mr Trumps initial overtures to Mr Putin, relations between Washington and Moscow have become more strained in recent weeks, with the White House reiterating America's demand that Russia withdraws from Crimea. Mr Nikonov said is worrying that US officials have been fired for talking to their Russian counterparts as this could cause relations between the superpowers to deteriorate further. The Pentagon this week successfully simulated the shoot-down of a hostile long-range ballistic missile launch in the first ever live test of its kind, seen as a warning to hostile regimes such as North Korea and Iran but widely noted in the world media, including Russia. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} At the moment BAs computer system went on the blink last Saturday, I was about to experience a few outages of my own. I had touched down at Almaty airport, in the extreme south-east of Kazakhstan, at 4am, and set off east towards the Chinese border. Kazakhstan is the worlds ninth-largest nation. But it has a very thin population (numerically, if not always physically), so public transport is commensurately sparse. For the long journey east from Almaty, I squeezed into a shared taxi along with five other non-thin people for the first 80 miles. The vehicle lurched its overpopulated way through landscapes that quickly slid from green and pleasant to parched and barren. Along with the vegetation, the size of the communities dwindled. For the next 80 miles, the only way to travel was by the Kazakh version of hitch-hiking. You stand by the side of the road, not with your thumb raised (which, I dare say, is some unspeakably rude gesture) but with an arm patting downwards towards the pot-holed asphalt. Drivers understand this is an invitation to stop and negotiate a price for a lift. They did and I did. People queue with their luggage outside Heathrow Terminal 5 (Getty) (Getty Images) By early afternoon, I was drinking tea in the small town of Shozhny, in a tongue of territory flanked on two sides by China and on a third by Kyrgyzstan. Then I took a call on my mobile phone, which was on that all-too-familiar intermittent frontier of reception. Over a crackly line, the team at The Independent office in London described problems at Heathrow and Gatwick. After more calls it became clear that tens of thousands of British Airways passengers at both airports were enduring delays and confusion followed by abrupt cancellation. I wrote a background story about why 21st-century airlines are so dependent on IT. British Airways CEO denies catastrophic computer failure was caused by job cuts Journalists rely upon data communication, too. By the time I had finished, the signal had deteriorated. It reached the point where I could contact my colleagues only sporadically by text message: not an ideal way to file a 600-word article. So I found a cooperative local, texted the office asking to be called on his number, and spent 20 minutes dictating the copy to Bill an intern who became painfully aware of the olden days of reporting. Meanwhile at Heathrow, Gatwick and 100 more airports around the world, tens of thousands of passengers became painfully aware of the olden days of manual processing. Some flights got away, but without luggage. Soon British Airways abandoned its flying programme for the rest of the day. Cancellations and delays rumbled on through the bank holiday weekend. A power surge, we are told, was responsible for the global shutdown of the IT system for one of the biggest airlines in Europe. My knowledge of the principles of information systems is sketchy. But in the unlikely event I were asked to design one for an airline, it would start with redundancy: building in plenty of resilience. That means having a standby power plant comprising obsessively maintained industrial-grade batteries and generators, plus at least one entire auxiliary IT system in a different part of the world which mirrors every byte of the principal system and to which the airline can switch in a nanosecond. To reduce the risk of my own imminent redundancy, its useful to have a plan B; in this case, borrow a phone and annoy an intern. (If pushed I could have gone to plan C: grab a ride back towards Almaty until I reconnected with a mobile phone signal.) But last Saturday, BAs apparent lack of a plan B left more than 100,000 passengers somewhere they did not want to be. British Airways has some explaining to do: not just to the passengers messed around at the weekend, but also to the many prospective travellers who are unwilling to commit to a future flight without reassurance that it wont happen to then. We know the effects of a lack of back-up; now we need to understand the cause. Meanwhile, passengers must remember that an airline ticket constitutes a flimsy promise: merely an aspiration to get you from A to B. Unlike BA on Saturday, you should always have your own plan B. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} US visa applicants will have to complete a new questionnaire that requires giving social media handles from the last five years and biographical information from the last 15 years. The Trump administration approved the harsher vetting process on 23 May, which allows consular officials to ask for applicants social media handles, email addresses and phone numbers from the past five years, addresses, employment and travel history going back 15 years, and all previous passport numbers. A State Department official said that the new questions will be administered when officials determine "that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting," The Office of Management and Budget granted a six-month emergency approval for the questions - the measures are usually in place for three years. The measures have drawn criticism from various quarters, with many arguing against the need for a more burdensome process. Babak Yousefzadeh, president of the Iranian American Bar Association, told Reuters: The United States has one of the most stringent visa application processes in the world. The need for tightening the application process further is really unknown and unclear." Consular officials have "arbitrary power" to decide who gets a visa hassle-free and who has to undergo the more intense questioning. Although the new questions are voluntary, failure to provide the information could delay or prevent the processing of an individual visa application according to the form. President Trump has tried several times to implement a travel ban to stop people from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. This was not approved, and a US appeals court recently refused to reinstate the measure, calling it discriminatory. Since the President took office, much focus has been on improving national security. The US was the first country to implement a ban on laptops in hand luggage for anyone flying from certain countries. The UK soon followed suit with a similar ban. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: Armenias Metsamor nuclear power plant is the most dangerous plant for the region and Europe, Ziyafat Asgarov, first deputy speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament, said. Asgarov made the remarks at the meeting of the PACE Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development in Baku June 1. He said that the Metsamor nuclear power plant was built in Soviet times, adding that an accident at the plant can pose a big threat not only for the region, but for entire Europe. Asgarov added that the issue should be discussed. "Moreover, Armenia is located in the seismic zone, which makes the situation even more dangerous," he said. Construction of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant started in 1970. The plant was closed after devastating earthquake in Spitak in 1988 but in 1995, despite international protests, the plant was restarted and also the second reactor was launched. Ecologists and scholars from the whole region think seismic activity in the area turns operation of the Metsamor plant into an extremely dangerous undertaking. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Tourists in Florence were hit with a wet warning by the citys mayor yesterday as part of a crackdown to restore decorum at historic sites. Visitors to Florences Santa Croce basilica were ordered to stop snacking on the steps before a squad of street cleaners hosed them down. The move has been introduced to prevent people picnicking at the Renaissance jewel, as growing numbers of tourists have led to trails of rubbish lining the streets. By washing the steps every lunchtime we hope they will be too wet for tourists to lounge on, but we also hope the cleaning will encourage tourists to treat them with more respect, a city spokeswoman said. We dont aim to hose down the tourists themselves. Its a citywide problem, with the lack of public benches in the centre of Florence forcing weary sightseers to hit kerbs and steps as they refresh themselves. Santa Croce, which contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli is not the only site to be watered. The steps of Chiesa di Santo Spirito were also hosed down in the lunchtime water party. And the mayor plans to extend the hosing to the streets of the city centre - a UNESCO world heritage site. The city centre of Florence is a UNESCO protected site (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The balance between welcoming tourists and preserving the appeal of popular attractions is a pressing issue for the whole of Italy. Visitor numbers are at a record high of 56 million a year, up 55 per cent from 2001. A combination of cheap flights, affordable rental accommodation through sites such as airbnb and the lack of a major terrorist attack has helped to swell the figures. Florence alone now has 12 million visitors a year. Mayor of Florence Dario Nardella said he values tourism but also wants the city to be respected. Tourism is a huge resource, but we need to protect the beauty of the city and enforce the law. Better a bit of water on the steps than dishing out fines for picnicking. Recommended Swiss village bans tourists from taking photos People dont want to see empty bottles and greasy church steps. If we get a reputation for being rubbish-strewn, we lose the quality tourists. We want to put people off from camping out. If they sit down, theyll get wet. Instead of imposing fines, we thought this measure was more elegant. The quirky approach to keeping the city clean unfortunately hit a minor bump in the searing summer heat - the soaked steps were dry within half an hour and tourists were asked to not sit down by police. Were still experimenting, but we may have to have a second go with the hoses, said Nardella. In the three years since he became mayor Nardella has become known for his innovative interventions. In 2016 he introduced regulations forcing restaurants to use products typical of Tuscany after becoming concerned about the spread of fast-food outlets targeting tourists. He also blocked an application by McDonalds to open an outlet in the historic Piazza del Duomo, prompting the company to sue for 15.5 million in damages. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} June brings summer, but not necessarily the summertime crowds of July and August. Nows the time to savour the relative calm of European hot spots before coastal resorts and popular cities become overrun with tourists. And if you cant get away next month, start planning for a late-summer jaunt in September. Go now Northern Spain Mix Spains mountains with the seaside on a driving tour of Asturias and Cantabria. Explore the Picos de Europa mountains and historic villages such as Santillana del Mar before touring the coastal towns of Llanes and Lastres. If youre there after 23 June, you can catch the opening of a major new art gallery in Santander, Centro Botin, designed by Renzo Piano. Caminos by Casas Cantabricas (caminos.co.uk) offers a seven-night independent tour for 1,350 for two people, which includes B&B accommodation, car hire, maps and directions. Flights and/or ferry crossings are extra but can be arranged. Explore Asturias in northern Spain (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Languedoc Head inland from the Mediterranean past Nimes to reach the exquisite town of Uzes. Wander through its medieval lanes leading to the stone arcades of Place aux Herbes, where the Saturday morning market is one of Frances most picturesque. Just 13km away is La Maison du Sud, an enchanting 18th-century stone house thats been beautifully decorated and features a courtyard pool as well as three bedrooms. A weeks rental with Olivers Travels (oliverstravels.com) costs 2,602 for Saturday departures in June. Isle of Wight Before the island gets too crowded in the summer holidays, hole up in the small village of Shorwell where Queen Victoria was a regular guest and the beaches at Freshwater and Brighstone are a short drive away. The 18th-century Five Bells Cottage used to be a pub and is now a cosy, elegantly furnished two-bedroom home. Sykes Cottages (sykescottages.co.uk) offers seven nights self-catering for 756 from 23 June. Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight: you don't need to leave the UK to catch some rays (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Tanzania Whether youre looking for a honeymoon spot or in the market for a romantic holiday, combine a safari break with a few days of beach luxury. Tanzanias Selous Game Reserve has an astonishing concentration of animals including elephants and hippos, which you can marvel at during game drives and bush walks. Then fly to Zanzibar for a lazy few days on the beach. Rainbow Tours (rainbowtours.co.uk) has a twin-centre holiday with six nights at Selous and four nights at the Shooting Star Lodge in Zanzibar departing 25 June for 4,050 per person. The price includes all flights, transfers and meals. Book now for September Montenegro Away from Montenegros busy coastal resorts is a compelling world of natural wonders that can be explored on foot. On an eight-day guided walking holiday with Headwater (headwater.com), start in the north for a double bill of beauty: the Tara River Canyon and Durmitor National Park. Then head south to Lovcen National Park and the medieval towns of Perast and Kotor before taking a boat ride on pristine Lake Skadar. The price of 1,579 per person includes flights, transfers, most meals and a guide, for a 10 September departure. Montenegro is still hot in September (GettyiStockphoto) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Ithaca, Greece The home of Odysseus remains a pleasantly sleepy island of pebbly beaches, rugged mountains and relatively few tourists especially in September. The coastal village of Kioni is one of Ithacas prettiest, with forested hills curving around a dinky little harbour. Hovering above are the Kyparissa Apartments, with airy interiors and balconies with sea views. Sunvil (sunvil.co.uk) offers seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment from 898 per person, including flights and transfers, departing 9 September. Lisbon After the intense heat of August a time when many restaurants and bars are closed anyway temperatures in Portugals capital come down to the more bearable high 20s. Take in superb city views from the hilltop St Georges Castle, where within the castle walls is the historic four-star Solar do Castelo boutique hotel. Kirker Holidays (kirkerholidays.co.uk) offers three nights B&B from 648 per person, including flights, transfers and a 48-hour Lisboa Card for free public transport and entrance to attractions. Avoid the crowds in late-season Lisbon (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Now it may be that we all wake up on 9 June to learn that Theresa Mays gamble has paid off. She will have won her snap election by a landslide; she will have several dozen more Conservative MPs to swing any Commons vote, and she will have secured the best possible mandate, personal and political, to embark on negotiating the terms of Brexit. Just maybe, though, she wont. Recent polls suggesting a hung parliament or even a Conservative defeat look implausible, though it would be life-enhancing to believe that this election has turned from a walkover into a proper contest. And the spread of results indicated in the polling generally from a parliament with no overall majority to a Conservative majority in double, or even triple, digits looks impossibly wide: someones calculations have to be very wrong. Yet there does appear to be a consensus on one point: the polls have narrowed, so that the sweeping majority Theresa May had banked on and the pre-campaign polls seemed to promise is not as much of a foregone conclusion as it once was. UK General Election 2017 Show all 47 1 /47 UK General Election 2017 UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the 1922 committee on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 DUP leader Arlene Foster stands alongside deputy leader Nigel Dodds as they hold a press conference at Stormont Castle as the Stormont assembly power sharing negotiations reconvene following the general election on June 12, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discussions between the DUP and the Conservative party are also continuing in the wake of the UK general election as Prime Minister Theresa May looks to form a government with the help of the Democratic Unionist parties ten Westminster seats. Stormont and the political situation in Northern Ireland has been in limbo following the collapse of the power sharing executive due to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme scandal which implicated the DUP Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Priti Patel, International Development Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Larry the Downing Street cat runs ahead of Michael Fallon Britain's Secretary of State for Defence as he arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Britain, June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth REUTERS UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Michael Gove, Environment Secretary leaves 10 Downing Street on June 12, 2017 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May held her first cabinet meeting with her re-shuffled team today Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon (C) leaves after speaking to the media in Parliament Square. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 12 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May (C, L) holds the first Cabinet meeting of her new team. Getty UK General Election 2017 11 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May attends church in her constituency with her husband Philip May, a few days after disappointing results in a general election. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leaves Labour Party HQ this morning, following a general election yesterday. Parliament is hung, with no individual party gaining an overall majority. Post general election reaction. Rex UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - JUNE 09: DUP leader and Northern Ireland former First Minister Arlene Foster (C) holds a brief press conference with the DUP's newly elected Westminster candidates who stood in the general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A " Get May Out" demo took place opposite the gates of Downing Street, calling for May to resign, after the shock election results and Mays coalition with the DUP. Rex Features UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A demonstrator wears a mask depicting Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May, poses with a mock gravestone bearing the words "Hard Brexit, RIP", during a protest photocall near the entrance 10 Downing Street in central London AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters in London Reuters UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May flanked by her husband Philip delivers a statement outside 10 Downing Street in central Londo Getty UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party Theresa May leaves Buckingham Palace in London the day after a general election in which the Conservatives lost their majority Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 A TV cameraman watches the door of 10 Downing Street in London Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is greeted by his Office Director Karie Murphy as he arrives at Labour Party HQ in Westminster, London, after he called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying she should 'go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country' Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the Conservative Party's headquarters with her husband Philip in London REUTERS/Peter Nicholls UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ukip leader Paul Nuttall speaks during a press conference at Boston West Golf Club where he announced that he is standing down as party leader Joe Giddens/PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, leaves the counting centre for Britain's general election with her partner Jen Wilson in Edinburgh, Scotland REUTERS/Russell Cheyne UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale celebrates with candidate for Edinburgh South Ian Murray as he retains his seat at the Meadowbank Sports Centre counting centre in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, as counting is under way for the General Election Andrew Milligan/PA Wire UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as counting is under way for the General Election PA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland EPA UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, arrives at the Labour Party's Headquarters in London REUTERS/Marko Djurica UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall leaves in a car following the vote count for the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Boston, England Anthony Devlin/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 9 June 2017 British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks at the declaration at the election count at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, England. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A policer officer enters a polling station in London AP UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A woman leaves after casting her vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery near Brighton, in southern England Getty UK General Election 2017 8 June 2017 A polling station sign is seen on a telephone box outside the polling station at Rotherwick Hall, west of London Getty UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 A woman walks past a general election display in the window of a betting shop in Camden on June 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow, Getty Images UK General Election 2017 7 June 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits Atherley Bowling Club during an election campaign visit on June 7, 2017 in Southampton, England. Britain goes to the polls tomorrow June 8 to vote in a general election. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A supporter wears a pair of Jeremy Corbyn decorated tights at a general election campaign event in Birmingham, central England, on June 6, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another deadly terror attack in the nation's captial. AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 A picture taken in London, shows election leaflets from various parties displayed ahead of the United Kingdom's general elections. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 Election workers, George Gaunt and Luca Tragid deliver the first ballot boxes, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh AFP UK General Election 2017 6 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Conservative party supporters during an election campaign visit to a bakery during an election campaign visit on June 6, 2017 in Fleetwood, north-west England. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to vote in a general election only days after another terrorist attack on the nation's capital Getty Images UK General Election 2017 5 June 2017 British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a general election campaign visit to a removals depot in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Pro-Independence supporters hold a march through Glasgow AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn campaigns for the upcoming general election in Beeston, Nottinghamshire AFP/Getty Images UK General Election 2017 3 June 2017 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts to supporters after a rally at Beeston Youth and Community Centre as he visits the East Midlands during the final weekend of the General Election campaign on June 3, 2017 in Nottingham, England. If elected in next week's general election Mr Corbyn is pledging to create a million new jobs and to scrap zero-hours contracts Getty Images UK General Election 2017 1 June 2017 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson joins a selection of Scottish Conservative election candidates and activists during campaigning on May 1, 2017 in South Queensferry, Scotland. With only seven days to go until the general election on June 8th, polls are showing the SNP out in front and the Conservatives set to close in on Labour. Getty Images UK General Election 2017 29 May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May canvasses in Richmond with Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith on May 29, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. After suffering defeat in the London Mayoral election Zac Goldsmith resigned over the Government's position on Heathrow expansion. He stood as an Independent but lost in a by-election to the Liberal Democrats. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron poses for a selfie taken by carer April Preston during a General Election campaign visit to the Barlow Medical Centre, in Didsbury, Manchester Yui Mok/PA UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at an election campaign event in Wrexham, Wales Reuters UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Labour's former deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, exit the party's general election campaign 'battle' bus as they arrive at an event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn walks with supporters between venues, before speaking again at another general election campaign event in Kingston upon Hull, northern England Getty Images UK General Election 2017 22 May 2017 An anti-fox hunting protester is taken away and arrested by police outside the venue where Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May was due to launch the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto at Gresford Memorial Hall in the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, on May 22, 2017. Britain goes to the polls on June 8 to elect a new parliament in a general election AFP/Getty Images Whether this is because Jeremy Corbyns appeal was underestimated, or because the personalisation of the Conservatives campaign around May was ill-advised, or because the dementia tax debacle and the Manchester bombing refocused the campaign away from Brexit, or for some other as yet undefined reason, will be for the post-election analysts to judge. But it is not necessary to entertain the prospect of a hung parliament or even a Conservative defeat lets not push the speculation too far to realise that anything less than a substantially increased Conservative majority will amount to a defeat for Theresa May. It will also, once again, alter the political calculus around Brexit. Take the Prime Minister first. She called an early election, despite months of insisting that she would not do so, on the basis of exceptionally favourable opinion polls and a well-founded hope of gaining a stronger parliamentary mandate for the Brexit negotiations that was also hers. If she fails to achieve this, it is hard to see how her position will be tenable, either as leader of her party calling the election would have to be considered as great a misjudgment as David Camerons decision to call the referendum or as head of a government set to steer the bargaining with Brussels. So far, May has declined to answer questions about how she might respond to an election result that leaves the Conservatives little better off than before, though she has said that, if re-elected, she would serve out a full five-year term. And few leaders commit to resigning before the worst has actually happened. Cameron did not, even though it was obvious that a lost referendum would give him little choice, and May will not do so either. How long she could continue in office after a poor result, however, is a valid question. There are reports of knives being sharpened already in the Conservative hierarchy. The implications of a surprise result for Brexit and the Brexit talks are, if anything, even greater than for Theresa May. What would it mean that a prime minister who went to the country seeking an explicit parliamentary mandate for Brexit had essentially been rebuffed? (And this would surely be the significance of anything less than a clearly increased majority.) As seen from Brussels or Berlin or Paris the British bargaining position would be substantially weakened. The Governments mandate would be a lot less convincing than it would have been without a vote. How would any UK prime minister then proceed? One consequence could be that the initiative passes from the Government to Parliament. Given that the election post-dated the referendum, a slim victory for May (or less) could encourage those many MPs with misgivings about Brexit to take another look at the will of the people. They could well argue that now an election had been fought on Brexit after all, this is what Theresa May intended, even though many other issues came to cloud the vote the will of the people was rather less clear. General Election polls and projections: June 1 Whether there would be a sufficient number of MPs prepared to challenge the legitimacy of Brexit, or call for a new referendum, or as the Liberal Democrats propose legislate for a referendum on the actual terms of Brexit, would probably depend on many other considerations. But there could well be tempestuous times in the new parliament that would throw many of the May Governments Brexit calculations up in the air. The nub of the problem is this: an election result along the lines predicted when it was called, a big majority for Theresa May, could indeed bolster the Governments negotiating position in the eyes of Brussels, while helping also to confirm acceptance of Brexit at home. But a different result including one that falls short of those initial expectations, if only by a relatively small number would have the opposite effect. Not only could it encourage Brussels to drive a harder bargain, but it could reopen the still raw Brexit wounds in the UK. Of course, none of this may happen. It may well be that we wake up on the morning after the night before to hear an exultant Prime Minister claim a famous victory. In which case, it is game on for Brexit and for the talks scheduled to begin less than two weeks later. If the result is anything less than that famous victory, however, the UK will be plunged into new political uncertainty, with pretty much everything that has happened in politics over the past year called into question. There would be fury among Brexiteers, a flickering of hope among Remainers, and a rejoining of the Conservatives internecine Europe war. Whether that is a prospect to be welcomed or feared, I leave to your judgement as readers and voters. The state's bad bank has said it has delivered 2,378 social homes up to the end of last year. Announcing profits of 1.5 billion euro for 2016, t he National Assets Management Agency (Nama) said it offered councils nearly 7,000 houses or apartments over four years. Dublin has seen the largest number of social houses from the agency, 901, another 445 in Cork, 228 in Galway and 172 in Kildare. Nama also said there were only 11 ghost estates left in the country at the end of March this year, down from 332 in 2010. As the agency said i t is on course to make three billion euro by the time it finishes its work, it also revealed it funded the construction of 4,840 new homes over the last three and half years. Another 2,064 are being built and there is planning permission for another 1,114 new homes. Chief executive Brendan McDonagh said the forecast for overall profit at the agency had gone up from 2.3 billion to three billion euro on the assumption the property market will continue to grow. "It is important to emphasise that achievement of this surplus will depend on our ability to extract maximum value from the residual portfolio which is secured by many low-value assets which require extensive workout," he said. Nama said it has a target to build 20,000 new homes by 2020 if they are commercially viable. The agency borrowed 31.8 billion euro to take loans linked to property developments and land speculation off the books of the main Irish banks. A murder inquiry has been launched after a Somalian man was found dead in a flat. Abdi Rasheed Kaaheen Shire, 48, was found in an apartment on Wellington Street in Waterford city on Tuesday morning. Gardai initially treated his death as suspicious but subsequently upgraded it to a murder inquiry after a post-mortem examination was carried out. Detectives have not released the man's cause of death for operational reasons. It is understood the dead man had lived in the Waterford city area and officers appealed to members of the local and extended Somali community who may be able to help with the investigation to come forward. British Prime Minister Theresa May is fighting to sustain an overall majority in the House of Commons. Photo: PA Differing opinion poll results dented the pound yesterday as fears over the prospect of a hung parliament receded and British Prime Minister Theresa May looked to be gaining ground over her Labour opponent. The UK currency plunged in the wake of a YouGov poll showing Mrs May's once commanding lead had been wiped out, and the Conservatives would fall short of the required seats for an overall majority. But a second poll, released just hours later, had her lead at 15 points, giving the pound some respite. Still, sterling hovered just over the 87 pence against the euro mark, highlighting investors remain jittery. Investec Ireland predicted more volatility to come ahead of that general election on June 8. "It's worth remembering that polling figures have been varying widely in the past few weeks, and also that polls significantly overstated Labour's position heading into the last general election," it said, in a note to investors. "If nothing else, the wide range in polling numbers will continue to boost uncertainty and keep the pound weaker as we head towards next week's vote." The pound has reversed nearly half of its 4pc gain since Ms May called the election. Sterling dropped last week, rounding off the worst week this year, and is now tipped for weeks of volatility as investors question whether Mrs May will achieve the increased majority the market had in effect priced into the pound in recent weeks. Data last week showed UK growth in the first quarter was slower than first thought, and consumer confidence has also fallen to its lowest since the Brexit vote. US banking giant JPMorgan argued markets might actually react positively to a defeat for Mrs May. It suggested there was the possibility of a softer Brexit under Labour's Jeremy Corbyn. Meanwhile, the European securities watchdog has warned EU states that Brexit-related authorisations must be "rigorous and efficient", and that there should be no letter box entities. Financial Services Minister Eoghan Murphy had warned earlier this year of regulatory arbitrage among certain states seeking to lure post-Brexit jobs from London. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) set out nine principles that tell regulators to start from scratch when asked for a licence. Remaining in the EU without the UK will be so "painful" that it will ultimately induce Ireland to leave, an academic will tell the Seanad's Brexit hearings today. Anthony Coughlan, Associate Professor Emeritus of social policy at Trinity, has argued remaining in the bloc after Brexit would also strengthen partition. Mr Coughlan, who has been a long-time Eurosceptic campaigner, went so far as to say that Ireland should pull out of the EU at or around the same time as the UK. His opinion is in the minority. Public support for Ireland remaining in the EU remains strong at 77pc, according to a Eurobarometer poll released late last year. That compared to an EU average of 50pc. Support is also very strong among business and the main political parties. The IDA sells Ireland on the basis that it is at "the heart of Europe", and that, as a "committed" member of the European Union, it provides international companies with guaranteed access to the European market. Mr Coughlan, however, will tell the Seanad Brexit Committee today that it is "hard to point to any significant advantage for the Republic of remaining in the EU when the UK leaves". "Because of this, it is probable that at the end of the day Brexit will be accompanied by Irexit, as the adverse consequences of us seeking to stay in the EU become evident to the Irish public and to major Irish interest groups over the coming two years. "Even if we do remain members of the EU without the UK for a period post-Brexit, we are likely to find that experience so painful that it will induce us to leave." Mr Coughlan said the course of action most in the public's interest is to use the east-west and north-south strands of the Good Friday Agreement to come up with a joint approach with the UK aimed at both states exiting together. He claimed Ireland remaining without the UK would strengthen partition and make reunification more difficult, arguing it would add several new dimensions to the existing border, including customs. Other witnesses before the Seanad's Brexit committee today include representatives from SSE Airtricity, European Movement Ireland, and University College Cork. Dublin office rents are improving their competitiveness in the European market despite maintaining levels of 646 per sq m. During the six months to the end of March, Dublin office rents have slipped from being third highest in Europe to being seventh highest. While this slippage could help the Irish capital in its efforts to attract post-Brexit leavers from London, when it comes to the Eurozone cities, Dublin rents are still the third highest. That's according to the latest European Quarterly Commercial Property Outlook from agents Knight Frank. Another factor is that office rents in other key competing cities moved upwards. Paris saw its rents rise to 770 per sq m while Stockholm was the second most expensive of the Eurozone countries at 659 per sq m. Other cities that are competing for financial services passport seekers are also seeing rent increases but they are still well below those in Dublin. These include Amsterdam, where rents are 365 per sq m; Barcelona, which is demanding 261 per sq m; and Berlin, where the rate is currently 360 per sq m. Key German cities such as Frankfurt at 462 per sq m, Munich 432 per sq m and Hamburg 300 per sq m, also saw their rents stabilise. The report recorded a strong level of occupier activity in Europe in the first quarter but nevertheless most rents notched up only modest rises, with the Knight Frank Prime Office Rental Index reflecting an increase of only 0.2pc in the first three months of the year. "However, there is the potential for rental growth over the rest of the year, as the diminishing availability of prime space in European CBDs [central business districts] is creating increasingly landlord-favourable markets. Prime rental growth prospects are strongest in key cities in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain and Sweden," it adds. Indeed this is reflected in recent comments by Declan O'Reilly, director of Knight Frank's Dublin office, that Dublin office rents could rise to between 673 and 700 per square metre by next January. Knight Frank's recent letting of 557 sq m (6,000 sq ft) of space at Connaught House on Burlington Road to the US pharmaceutical company Theravance, at a rent of 672.74 per square metre, would appear to support that prediction. London office rents have peaked and continued to fall in the city's West End to 1,311 per sq m, while those in London's City financial services district have stabilised at 874 per sq m. Knight Frank identifies the technology and media sector as the key driver of Dublin's office demand and instances Facebook's lease of around 100,000 sq ft (9,300 sq m) at the Beckett Building in Dublin 3. A slowdown in investment activity across 14 European countries was also recorded in the survey, which showed that investment across all Irish commercial property fell by 35pc to 469m in the three months which was the third sharpest fall in Europe. Sharper investment falls were seen in Belgium and Italy. Six countries including Spain, Germany and Russia recorded increased investment spend. Prime Dublin office yields also stabilised during the quarter at 4.5pc, which places them in 16th position, suggesting that Irish commercial office investments offer a better return than 15 others in the group of 25. Regardless of the decrease in overall European investment volumes in Q1, investor demand for European real estate remains strong and it continues to drive yield compression. An increase of 250 per sq m to 3,500 per sq m in prime shopping centre rents has pushed Dublin up from being third to being second most expensive in Europe. Furthermore, these increases have continued to narrow the gap between Dublin and London, where, despite a fall of 58 per sq m, prime retail rents are still the highest in Europe, at 5,556 per sq m. Unchanged yields for Dublin shopping centres at 4.5pc has seen them slip from ninth to tenth place in investment rankings. John Ring of Knight Frank Ireland points out that the figures relate to average zone A rents for the major Dublin shopping centres. In the retail warehousing sector, Dublin rents, at 290 per sq m, are ranked fourth in Europe, while yields in this sector at 5.25pc are ranked fifth. Green REIT's pre-letting of a building at its Horizon Logistics Park on Dublin's northside to the UK furniture retail chain DFS at 98 per sq m has lifted this sector in the European rankings from being ninth to eighth most expensive in Europe. From an investor perspective, the survey shows that Dublin prime industrial yields have stabilised at 5.25pc. German logistics investments are seeing increasing demand as yields are falling in a number of their cities including Frankfurt and Munich. Consequently, Irish logistics yields have slipped from third place to a slightly more realistic fifth place in the European rankings. Commenting on the broader European investment market, Knight Frank says that following a strong end to 2016, investment volumes eased to 44.2bn in Q1 2017, an 8.3pc decrease compared with the corresponding quarter of 2016. On a year-on-year basis, Q1 investment activity was down in France by 33.2pc and the UK by 22.1pc. The slowdown in France reflected investor caution in the run-up to the presidential election. UK investment activity continued to be influenced by uncertainty following last year's Brexit vote. The report adds: "However, the overall decrease in UK volumes belied an upturn in the London office sector, driven by overseas buyers from Hong Kong, China and Germany." The German investment market maintained the strong momentum which has seen it overtake the UK as Europe's most active market in recent quarters. Q1 investment volumes increased by 27.3pc year-on-year, and were boosted by Blackstone's completion of its acquisition of the 3bn Office First portfolio. A strong start to the year was also observed in Spain, where an improving economy and rental growth prospects fuelled international investor demand. Unusually, Madrid overtook Paris to become the second most active European city investment market in Q1, behind only London. THE Government must "defend, protect and maintain" the British market in addition to "stepping up" diversification efforts outside the UK, Larry Murrin, CEO of Dawn Farms has stated. Mr Murrin, who has been a leading voice in highlighting the measures the Irish Government needs to take to ensure agri jobs are protected post-Brexit, believes preserving the UK market is "deliverable". "I genuinely believe and want the UK to be as important to my company five and 10 years from now as it is today. I believe that is possible with very careful movements from the Government and all stakeholders. "I've no doubt some people will say I'm mad, but I think it is deliverable," he said. "We need to defend, protect and maintain the British market. We spent 50 years developing that market, moving it from the hacking and packing stage, and in the absence of positive policies coming forward that all stakeholders can engage in, protection and maintenance is really crucial and we also need to step up our diversification networks." Speaking at a major MSD Animal Health conference focused on Sustainable Irish Food production in 2025, Mr Murrin said he has explained to Government the actions, steps and policy variations required to achieve this goal. "The Government must take positive, industry-wide measures to make long-term, very low-cost and very appropriate condition finance available to the Irish food industry in all its guises so that we can scale up, invest in our own competitiveness and take whatever steps we need," he said. "It's not a pipe dream, it is deliverable, the money in sitting there." Mr Murrin also revealed that Dawn Farms, Europe's largest multi-species business-to-business cooked meat producer, cooked enough ham to cover the Aviva stadium 5,000 times last year. The company, with plants based in Naas, Co Kildare and Northampton, UK, also produced enough pepperoni and salami to "circle the world five times," Mr Murrin claimed. Meanwhile, at the same conference, MEP Mairead McGuinness said a recent dinner between British Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker intended to pave the way for formal Brexit talks went "worse than was reported". "I don't know what they had for dessert but I think there was salt on it," she said. "We're not really in a place where both sides are able to go into a room and come out with a deal. That's doesn't say we won't be there but the politics are just not right at the moment I would have to say." Details added (first version posted on 14:52) Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 Trend: Gas output from the Shah Deniz field will be more than the estimated, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks June 1 addressing a meeting with the Shah Deniz 2 project staff as part of a ceremony for sail away of the first topsides unit built for the Shah Deniz Stage 2 platforms from the Azfen construction site in Bibiheybat. I congratulate you on this wonderful event. This day will go down in history, because today, we officially announce the opening of the topsides units for the Shah Deniz platform. In a few days, these giant facilities will be sent to the sea and installed on the Shah Deniz field, noted the Azerbaijani president. This is a big historic event, said President Aliyev, adding it is very gratifying that these giant facilities have completely been built in Azerbaijan. He noted that several years ago, particularly, when the contract for the Shah Deniz field was signed, it was impossible to imagine this. I would like to note that the Shah Deniz contract was signed 21 years ago in June during the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition. And after 21 years, we celebrate this historic day. All these facilities have been built in Azerbaijan. According to the information provided to me, majority of those who worked in the construction of these facilities 90 percent are citizens of Azerbaijan, added the president. This means that over the years, a great human potential has been formed, he said. This, of course, will strengthen the energy potential, economic potential of our country, because 16 billion cubic meters of gas as well as enough condensate will be additionally produced as part of the Shah Deniz 2 only. Contracts have been signed on all the natural resources that are to be extracted, they have buyers, and they will be sent to the world markets through the Southern Gas Corridor, which is under construction, said the president. He emphasized that each implemented project TANAP, TAP, Southern Gas Corridor, Shah Deniz 2, the construction of the platforms, the recent opening of a semi-submersible drilling rig named after Heydar Aliyev is separately a historic event. But, looking at them in general, we see what a great potential has been created in Azerbaijan, added President Aliyev. The Azerbaijani president noted that this is indeed a historic day. Twenty-one years after the signing of the contract on Shah Deniz, today, we celebrate a day of historic significance. Today, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to BP our strategic partner that has been a close friend of Azerbaijan for many years. The signing of the Contract of the Century in 1994 was the beginning of our cooperation. There are many companies that since then have worked together with us and continue to work, said President Aliyev. To remind and inform you, I would like to say that then Azerbaijan signed a contract on Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli with a consortium of foreign oil companies, and BP was one of them. It had a big share and there was a big partnership that continues today with certain changes, added the president. The head of state noted that special relations with BP are based on the fact that since then the company has been an active player in Azerbaijans energy market and the global energy market. From that time until today, many other contracts have been signed that turned our partnership into a strategic partnership. Shah Deniz is one of them. The next are the shallow waters and others. This is a good indicator of partnership. We trust BP. I am sure that BP also trusts Azerbaijan. Otherwise, they wouldnt have invested so many funds in our country, said President Aliyev. He said Gary Jones, BP regional president for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, noted yesterday and today that the investment space is number one in the activity of BP Azerbaijan. This further strengthens our cooperation, added the president. Ilham Aliyev said there is work underway to extend the term of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli contract. I hope this will take place soon. Our partnership at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli will continue until 2050. I am confident that gas output at Shah Deniz will be more than the estimated. We called the Azeri-Chirag the Contract of the Century, but now I speak of the contract of centuries. I would like to once again express gratitude to all our partners for the investments put in Azerbaijan and the successful activity, to the partners of Shah Deniz and the companies that built this unique facility. The international team working in Azerbaijan is helping the development of our country. I think the host country is creating a unique atmosphere of cooperation between the local company SOCAR and foreign investors. I congratulate you once again. I wish you success in the upcoming years. Thank you, said the Azerbaijani president. Farmers depend on cheques from Brussels to make up three-quarters of income. The latest National Farm Survey from agricultural body Teagasc shows income on farms dipped by 9pc last year, with average earnings now standing at 24,060, or less than the average industrial wage. And the snapshot of more than 83,000 farms showed farming remains highly reliant on direct payments from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. The average direct payment per farm was nearly 18,000 last year - which was 75pc of farm income on average and almost 100pc of the income on cattle and sheep farms. Teagasc economist Dr Kevin Hanrahan raised concerns over the post-Brexit environment, with a potential 10pc drop, or 130m hole, in the CAP budget after 2019. "The UK is the second largest net contributor to the EU budget," he warned, adding the terms of the "divorce" settlement were far from finalised. Teagasc economist Dr Emma Dillon said falls in milk prices and poorer crop yields contributed to the drop in income in 2016. Milk prices fell almost 10pc last year, despite production expanding after removing quota restrictions. Four-out-of-five dairy farmers increased production but income still fell 17pc to 51,809. However, a strong "rebound" was expected with an increase in milk prices this year. Tillage farms were hard hit by poor crop yields and prices, resulting in a 10pc fall in average income to 30,816. Increase in payments under the environmental scheme Glas and suckler cow payments saw direct payments to cattle farmers rise, with income rising up to 4pc. However, the average yearly cattle farm incomes remain low at just over 12,000, and 16,000 on sheep farms. One-in-three farmers works elsewhere off-farm to supplement incomes. Shane Fitzgerald, a dairy farmer from Waterford, has been awarded the prestigious Teagasc and FBD Student of the Year 2016 title. The 26-year-old, who completed his Green Cert at Kildalton Agricultural College, was presented with the award by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed at a ceremony in Dublin today. First runner-up was awarded to Gary Clarke, Tuam, Co Galway who studied at the Agricultural College in Mountbellew. Second runner-up award went to Shane Dolan, Athlone, Co Westmeath who attended Gurteen Agricultural College. On accepting his award Shane, who milks 165 cows in partnership with his father on their 250 acre farm, thanked his family and girlfriend who also attended the event at the Merrion Hotel. I cant thank my family enough for their support over the years. It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifices and it wouldnt be possible without them. Shane, who also holds a business degree from Waterford Institute of Technology, says he has always had a passion for farming and encourages young farmers to educate themselves. There are a lot of young farmers out there with a lot of drive and passion who want to make things happen. Its important to spend time in education and to value what you can learn from your peers. Its about constantly improving yourself, he said. Minister Creed described all 12 finalists as leaders of the future. In achieving such high standards, you are well placed to make a strong contribution to the development of the largest indigenous sector in the country. This expanding export orientated sector will benefit greatly from the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm that these young people will bring. I would like to express my appreciation to Teagasc for their commitment to education and training in the agri-food sector and to FBD Insurance for their continuing sponsorship, he said. Director of Teagasc, professor Gerry Boyle recognised the support of FBD in sponsoring the awards and other Teagasc initiatives aimed at improving farm efficiency and profitability. Todays finalists, like most Teagasc graduates are, or will become, the owners of a farm. Essentially Teagasc are educating future business owners. How we educate people for the role of business owner will be critically important, he said. Fiona Muldoon, chief executive of FBD Insurance, reflected on the companys commitment to supporting farmers and farm education. Through our research grants and education sponsorships such as this one and through our many farm safety and other initiatives, FBD uniquely partners with Irish farmers for the development of farming and of rural Ireland. Other finalists included: Martin Alexander, Lifford, Co Donegal, Eamonn Gallagher, Mallow, Co Cork, Linda Hanbidge, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, Robert Horan, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Melissa Jeuken, Kilnaboy, Co Clare, John Kelly, Dromard, Co Sligo, Felicity O'Brien, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, Niall O'Sullivan, Rosscarbery, Co Cork and Ciaran Taaffe, Collon, Co Louth Succession farm partnerships are a new income tax incentive to encourage farmers to transfer the farm business to their identified farming Successor. It applies only to partnerships that are registered on the register of succession farm partnerships maintained by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The new register will be open for applications from June 1, 2017. Existing partnerships that are registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine can transfer to the succession farm partnership register by fulfilling the additional criteria required by the incentive. The incentive at the time of compilation of this booklet is in the form of an annual income tax credit of 5,000 for up to five years. The credit is split annually based on the profit sharing ratio of the partnership between the Farmer and the Successor. The key criteria to be met to qualify for the income tax credit are as follows: 1. Application Make a valid application to be placed on the register of succession farm partnerships maintained by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 2. Farmer eligibility At least one partner in the Succession Farm Partnership must be a natural person who has farmed at least 3 hectares in his/her own right for the two previous years. This person is defined as the Farmer. 3. Successor eligibility Aside from the Farmer at 2 above, the other partner(s) must be a young trained Farmer who is in receipt of 20pc of the partnership profits. This Partner is defined as the Successor. The income tax credit cannot be claimed in the calendar year where the Successor reaches 40 years of age. 4. Farm Plan The Teagasc My Farm My Plan Booklet must be completed for the partnership. Teagasc is the certification body for this farm plan. This is freely available to download from the Teagasc website www.teagasc.ie. 5. Agreement A legally binding agreement (such as the one within, adapted to the needs of the parties), separate to the farm partnership agreement must be signed by the Farmer and Successor who are partners in the same registered farm partnership. The succession agreement must specify the year of transfer and outline the assets to be transferred. The year of transfer must be within 3 to 10 years of registering with the DAFM to claim the tax credit and a minimum of 80% of the farm assets outlined in the agreement must be transferred. 6. Bank mortgages/charges When a bank lends money it normally looks for security. That is, some asset which they can call on to satisfy their loan if it remains unpaid. In farming, the security is usually a legal mortgage or charge over land so that the bank can sell or let the land themselves if their loan is not repaid. This succession agreement agrees to transfer farming assets including land. If a person takes a transfer of land which is mortgaged or charged, the person taking the transfer (for example son/daughter) will also become liable for the mortgage/charge. A bank might also require the two parties to enter into a new mortgage/charge in connection with the agreement/transfer. Modern mortgage/charge documents are very broad in their scope. Particular care must be exercised if a new loan document is to be executed by the parties to the agreement. It is essential that the Parties consult with their Solicitor, Accountant and Lending Institution to clarify the existing borrowing arrangements of the Farmer, the existing borrowing arrangements of the Successor, and the proposed borrowing arrangements proposed in connection with this agreement. Matters which should not be overlooked include liability for guarantees given and security for present and future advances, and the liability of other parties in the event of default by one of them. The following are some of the questions which need to be clarified before any documentation is signed or assets transferred: Are any of the assets to be transferred, in particular the land, provided as security in any way for borrowings or loans of any kind? What are the borrowing commitments of the Farmer (if any), farming and non-farming? What has the Farmer offered as security (if any) for any/each of those borrowings? (In this context, a copy of the latest facility letter from any bank involved will be helpful). Has the Farmer guaranteed loans for any other person (e.g. son/daughter/spouse)? What are the borrowing commitments of the Successor (if any), farming and non-farming? What has the Successor offered as security (if any) for any/each of those borrowings. (In this context, a copy of the latest facility letter from any bank involved will be helpful). Has the Successor guaranteed loans for any other person (e.g. son/daughter/spouse)? 7. Legal title The Successor should satisfy him/herself that he/she will be acquiring good marketable title to the lands to be transferred on foot of this agreement, or if not, should be fully aware, on advice, of any relevant matter, burden, charge, etc. Independent legal advice should be obtained. 8. Co-ownership of land/Multiple Successors In situations where there is co-ownership of the land intended for transfer to the Successor, this specimen will have to be amended accordingly to take account of such circumstances. Similarly, in situations where there is more than one Successor, this specimen will have to be amended to take account of the particular circumstances. FAQ 1. Do I need to be on the existing DAFM register of farm partnerships to form a Succession Farm Partnership? Yes. It is necessary to have a current partnership on the DAFM register of Farm Partnerships to avail of the Succession Farm Partnership Scheme. Frequently asked questions on the DAFM register of Farm Partnerships can be found here 2. What are the benefits of being entered on the Register of Succession Farm Partnerships In addition to the benefits of forming a partnership including preferential stock relief, the support of the collaborative farming grant and the fact that the Department ensure that the members of all registered partnerships are fully catered for in the implementation of CAP Schemes such as BPS, ANC, TAMS and GLAS, there are a number of other benefits specific to the entering a Succession Farm Partnership agreement. These include a tax incentive to the partnership of 5,000 for up to five years during the Succession Agreement term until the identified successor(s) reaches the age of 40 (where there are multiple successors named the tax incentive ends when the eldest successor reaches 40. Other benefits include the efficiencies gained from the certainty provided by having planned succession within the business. The scheme is designed to encourage the successor to become invested in the enterprise as early as possible to be fully ready to take over when the time is right. 3. If I form a Succession Farm Partnership, do I need to have a Will also? Yes. It is very important to have a valid will which reflects your wishes in relation to how you want your estate to be passed on (i.e. it reflects your succession agreement) This is necessary because if the Farmer should pass away during the term of the Succession Partnership, the partnership is dissolved and the normal rules as per the Succession Act apply to the transfer of the estate. 4. What happens when the term of the Succession Partnership Agreement ends? If the partnership is still active at the end of the term of the succession partnership agreement, the partnership will revert to the main Department register of farm partnerships and will operate under the rules for the main register. 5. When do I have to transfer my assets to my successor and what proportion must I give? Under the terms of the scheme the farmer will still be required to transfer a minimum of 80pc of all assets to the successor between 3 and 10 years over the term of the succession partnership agreement. 6. Can I name more than one successor under the scheme? If the farmer wishes to name more than once successor they may under the terms of the scheme. It should be noted that the proportionate transfer of assets should be clearly outlined in the succession partnership agreement. The farmer will still be required to transfer a minimum of 80pc of all assets to the named successors between 3 and 10 years over the term of the succession partnership agreement. 7. Can any of the parties to a Succession Farm Partnership be incorporated? No. The agreement must be between the Farmer and Successor and both must be natural persons. Any incorporated members of your existing registered farm partnership cannot be party to the succession farm partnership agreement. 8. Are there financial supports available for setting up a Succession Farm Partnership? When you are entering the register of farm partnerships, registered partnerships may apply for the collaborative farming grant under the rural development programme. Details can be found here. 9. Is there a limit to the number of people who can be in a Registered Succession Farm Partnership? As with a registered farm partnership, a succession farm partnership may not consist of more than ten partners, made up of Category (i) and Category (ii) partners and Category Other. The first partner must be Category (i), the second must be Category (i) or Category (ii). Third and subsequent partners may from any of the three categories. 10. Where can I find more information on the Succession Farm Partnership Scheme? Additional information is available online at DAFM and Teagasc websites (include links) or through your farm advisor. To make an application, you should speak to your farm advisor in the first instance. It is also recommended that you take professional legal and financial advice before entering into a Succession Farm Partnership agreement. An artificial intelligence system designed by researchers at the University of Cambridge is able to detect pain levels in sheep, which could aid in early diagnosis and treatment of common, but painful, conditions in animals. The researchers have developed an AI system which uses five different facial expressions to recognise whether a sheep is in pain, and estimate the severity of that pain. It says that the results could be used to improve sheep welfare, and could be applied to other types of animals, such as rodents used in animal research, rabbits or horses. Severe pain in sheep is associated with conditions such as foot rot, an extremely painful and contagious condition which causes the foot to rot away; or mastitis, an inflammation of the udder in ewes caused by injury or bacterial infection. Both of these conditions are common in large flocks, and early detection will lead to faster treatment and pain relief. Reliable and efficient pain assessment would also help with early diagnosis. As is common with most animals, facial expressions in sheep are used to assess pain. In 2016, Dr Krista McLennan, a former postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge who is now a lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Chester, developed the Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale (SPFES), which measure pain levels based on facial expressions of sheep, and has been shown to recognise pain with high accuracy. However, training people to use the tool can be time-consuming and individual bias can lead to inconsistent scores, the researchers found. So, in order to make the process of pain detection more accurate, the Cambridge researchers behind the current study used the SPFES as the basis of an AI system which uses machine learning techniques to estimate pain levels in sheep. According to the SPFES, when a sheep is in pain, there are five main things which happen to their faces: their eyes narrow, their cheeks tighten, their ears fold forwards, their lips pull down and back, and their nostrils change from a U shape to a V shape. The SPFES then ranks these characteristics on a scale of one to 10 to measure the severity of the pain. The interesting part is that you can see a clear analogy between these actions in the sheeps faces and similar facial actions in humans when they are in pain there is a similarity in terms of the muscles in their faces and in our faces, said co-author Dr Marwa Mahmoud, a postdoctoral researcher in Robinsons group. However, it is difficult to normalise a sheeps face in a machine learning model. A sheeps face is totally different in profile than looking straight on, and you cant really tell a sheep how to pose. The Cambridge researchers used a small dataset consisting of approximately 500 photographs of sheep, which had been gathered by veterinarians in the course of providing treatment and early tests of the model showed that it was able to estimate pain levels with about 80pc degree of accuracy, which means that the system is learning. The next plans for the system are to train it to detect and recognise sheep faces from moving images, and to train it to work when the sheep is in profile or not looking directly at the camera. Robinson says that if they are able to train the system well enough, a camera could be positioned at a water trough or other place where sheep congregate, and the system would be able to recognise any sheep which were in pain. The farmer would then be able to retrieve the affected sheep from the field and get it the necessary medical attention. Allied Irish Bank's valuation may reach 13bn as the government sells down a quarter stake in the nationalised lender in a long-awaited initial public offering. The bank's shares are expected to resume trading on the Dublin and London stock exchanges at well below the 5 mark - virtually 50pc lower than the spikes witnessed in recent days. But sources close to the deal have pinpointed 12bn as the most likely valuation. That would imply a listing price of close to 4.50 per share, roughly half the 9.10 peak scaled last week. AIB's current share prices however are not reflective of the bank's true value since the state owns 99.9pc and trading volumes are wafer thin. Analysts to the nine banks working on the deal have pitched the bank's market capitalisation as wide apart as 10bn to 13bn, although that range is expected to narrow considerably. The final price range will be published in a fortnight when AIB's prospectus is lodged to the stock exchanges. On a media conference call yesterday, chief executive Bernard Byrne described AIB as a "changed bank" and a market leader "in the fastest growing, most dynamic economy" in Europe. While Mr Byrne said most of the shares will wind up with long-only investors, sources told the Irish Independent the Department of Finance and the nine-strong banking syndicate to the IPO are casting the net wide. A long-running non-deal roadshow, aimed at educating potential investors ahead of the float's official launch, extended to over 300 asset managers. Close to a third of those approached were hedge funds, sources said. The market was also well briefed about when Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, intended to fire the starting gun on the IPO. While a well-orchestrated media campaign ensured the public announcement coincided with evening news broadcasts, bankers on the deal syndicate hit the phones well before then as the pressure to lock in demand for the bank's part-privatisation intensifies. Investors said they fielded calls fielded from various banks on Tuesday morning requesting meetings about "a large IPO of a European bank". Sources who have already met with analysts from the banks working on the deal, said dividend growth and special distributions numbered among the key selling points, although these pay-outs are subject to regulatory approval. The chief risks include the timing and scale of the dividend payments, as well as a potential slowdown in the reduction of the bank's 8.6bn of non-performing loans. Increased competition from rival lenders, weaker loan growth, compressed margins and sluggish housing construction were also singled out as risk factors. The nine banks are set to collect 10-13m in fees from AIB's IPO. Richard Colwell, CEO of Red C Research and Marketing PROFITS at the Dublin-based polling firm that won the State contract to select the members for the Citizens' Assembly tumbled last year due to expansion costs. New figures show that Red C Research and Marketing recorded a profit of 30,822 in the 12 months to the end of June - an 81.5pc drop on the profits of 167,307 recorded in 2015. "Red C continued to record strong and stable revenues in Ireland in the past year, retaining its position now as one of the largest full service research agencies in Ireland," said MD and majority shareholder of Red C, Richard Colwell, in an interview yesterday. "This was coupled with significant growth in its new UK business launched in March 2016. "During the year the company also moved to larger premises in East Point Business Park, in order to better accommodate its staff of 45 full-time employees, and manage its panel of 150 interviewers across the country." Mr Colwell added: "The company expects revenues in Ireland to remain stable in the year ahead, while pursuing further significant expansion in the UK." The firm has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, recording double-digit revenue growth between 2011 and 2015. At the end of June last, the firm's accumulated profits had increased marginally to 1.73m. The firm's cash pile increased from 924,927 to 940,525. Red C enjoys a high public profile from its political polls, however, polling accounts for at most 5pc of revenue even in an election year. The firm's major clients include Vodafone, Eir, the Musgrave Group, Bank of Ireland, Dublin Airport, Bord Bia, Aviva and Aer Lingus. The company's shareholders are listed as directors Sinead Mooney, David Cullen, Richard Colwell and Arthur Wallace. Numbers employed last year increased, going from 129 to 134, and are made up of 88 part-time field and research assistants, 31 in administration and 15 directors and executive officers. The firm's staff costs - inclusive of directors' pay - increased from 3.87m to 3.96m. Directors' remuneration declined from 1.13m from 1.05m. The head of Nama has dramatically accused funds he sold billions of euro worth of property assets to of now hoarding the lands to beef up their profits. Just 6pc of land bought from Nama has been built on, according to CEO Brendan McDonagh, who was speaking at the launch of NAMA's annual report today. He said the agency had sold enough land to build 50,000 homes but just 3,000 have actually been delivered. While he said the reasons housing construction on those sites is so slow must be examined, he named hoarding by landowner as a significant factor. That is a huge issue in my view. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said constitutional concerns regarding property rights had prevented so called use it or lose it taxes being brought in to force more land into development, but the way was now clear for action. He said a vacant site levy was the best approach to punish land hoarding, he said. It can be brought in now, he added, and indicated that his successor will bring in a new levy in the Budget for next year. Nama expects to make a surplus of 3bn once its last assets have been sold off. It is 700m more than previously expected. The money is the difference between the 32bn cost of setting up Nama and the cash raised by the agency. The bulk of cash raised by Nama has gone to the banks, the final balance will be paid back to the Exchequer. Nama has reported a profit for 2016 of 1.5bn. Ryanair has been hit by cyber attacks in the past and one of its operations centres has gone down - but the depth of its failsafe systems saw the incident go unnoticed by customers, according to CEO Michael O'Leary, pictured. The carrier's chief technology officer, John Hurley, said Ryanair is increasingly moving its systems to the cloud, with its Ryanair Rooms service launched last year being hosted by Amazon. He said the airline is "strategically moving key pieces of infrastructure" to take advantage of the cloud. "We have been the subject of attacks on our systems; we have been subject to malware," said Mr O'Leary. "We've also had occasions where one of our centres has gone down. "You haven't noticed it because the DR (Disaster Recovery) system is completely effective." He was speaking as IAG-owned British Airways continues to count the cost of a weekend IT meltdown that left thousands of travellers stranded around the world. "I'm always very nervous saying it could never happen here, because it's inevitable that as we grow we will have some IT glitches along the way," said Mr O'Leary. "But we don't think we will suffer an outage the way BA suffered this weekend." Mr Hurley said that Ryanair doesn't rely on any one centre for its operations. It has five such locations, including one at its headquarters in Dublin which is home to its operational systems. Its website is based in three different data centres - one in London, another in Dublin and a third in Frankfurt, with its back-end system based at a separate data centre in London. "All of these have full DR capabilities in place, and can be fully restored in 15 to 20 minutes," said Mr Hurley. Nama has been criticised for selling off assets like Battersea Power Station in London too quickly, instead of holding out in the hope of larger return The National Asset Management Agency (Nama) is heading towards its twilight years. It is ahead of its target to pay back all of the 30bn it borrowed to buy assets from the banks. It is on target to make a profit of around 2bn. Yet, we have a housing crisis, a bunch of broke property developers, vulture funds making a financial killing and banks that are improving but still remain relatively weak from the crash. So, was Nama the right move and has it done its job effectively? The property industry doesn't believe it has. One developer, David Daly, has commissioned a report looking into how much money he believes the agency could have made for the taxpayer by managing assets differently and holding on to assets for longer. Daly's report puts the figure at 18bn. He was speaking on RTE Radio One's Marian Finucane show last Saturday, where he went even further and blamed the agency for today's housing crisis. Daly's analysis is quite simple. It was set up as an asset-management agency, but when it came to dealing with clients, he believes it didn't differentiate between developers in different circumstances; it told its clients to stop building houses; it forced developers to sell assets at knockdown prices and so it therefore contributed to the lack of housing today. Daly's view is also coloured by the bitter experience of his own acrimonious dealings with the agency and what he believes was very unfair treatment. On radio last weekend Daly recounted how he had a personal portfolio of loans with AIB which were transferred to Nama. These were secured on a range of commercial properties including the Bond Street London building which housed the Louis Vuitton store. He said he never missed a payment and the rent role on this portfolio was more than enough to cover interest payments. Separately he had bank borrowings with Bank of Ireland on his Albany Homes housebuilding business. Nama sought to appoint receivers to his personal portfolio where the borrowings were around 450m despite him remaining up to date on his payments. After a High Court battle in which Daly challenged Nama's right to appoint receivers to the commercial property companies, a settlement was reached between both sides, which saw Daly sell-off a number of prize assets and repay those debts in full. Daly is deeply aggrieved that he was forced by Nama to liquidate assets he had spent a long time building up. But most of his ire is reserved for Nama's approach to his housebuilding business, Albany Homes. When he entered Nama he did up a business plan, which he said was ignored by the agency. Whether it was ignored or not, the agency rejected it and didn't run with it. Daly argues that Nama told all developers to stop building houses. This meant that housebuilding completely stopped and on the back of it. Daly blames the agency for today's housing crisis and shortage of building. Here are some of Daly's main criticisms of Nama: 1. It told developers to stop building houses. Nama rejected developer business plans in many cases because it would have involved lending the developer more money. Back in 2010 house prices had collapsed and banks would not lend any money to build more houses. So it fell to Nama to provide the cash to complete housing projects. From Nama's point of view, how could it lend substantial amounts of money to developers, who already owed it hundreds of millions in some cases, to build houses which were falling in value? Politically even, it would never have been allowed to lend the sums needed to complete projects. However, Daly makes the point that his sites were in the wider Dublin area, not in rural Leitrim. These are the very same places in which houses are now badly needed. He argues that Nama failed to differentiate between developers and their financial positions. Looking at accounts from the period for Albany Homes, he has a point when it came to his own business. In the 12 months to September 2009, Albany group saw turnover collapse from 95m to 28m. However, on a trading level it still managed to generate a trading profit of 183,000 and positive cashflow of nearly 1m. Very few Irish builders were managing the crash as well as that. After taking a big write-down on the value of its assets, it still had shareholders funds of 67m in 2009. If Nama had backed Daly, it would not have lost money on him. However, the same cannot be said for all builders and the agency was dealing with 850 developers many of whom were not bankable by anybody. 2. Nama caused the housing crisis? This does not stack up. It is a criticism borne out of hindsight. In 2011 estate agent Saville produced a report suggesting that no major speculative house building development would take place for the next five to seven years. The property experts were predicting that nothing of any significance would happen until 2016 or possibly even 2018. This was the climate of the time. The analysis that simply blames Nama for today's housing crisis ignores the role played by developers themselves, as well as the banks, government policy failure and the fact that sheer greed by some drove the industry off a cliff. Daly told Marian Finucane that our forefathers would be turning in their graves at the sell-off of Irish assets to international funds, which he said was the biggest land ownership transfer since the Plantation. Equally, one could argue they would turn in their graves at the scale of our financial collapse in 2008 and the loss of economic sovereignty caused by property players, bankers, bank regulators and politicians. 3. Nama was supposed to be an asset management agency not simply an insolvency agency. The problem here is that Nama was set up in a hurry and expected to a bit of everything. The longer it took to manage assets, the longer the state carried the risk of having 30bn more of debt on its books. Getting rid of those debts quickly through sales, generated international interest in Ireland and reduced the risks of carrying Nama debt for too long. However, where Daly is right, I believe, is in not finding a middle ground between those two positions. If it managed assets, it might have got better prices on the upturn. Managing assets means carrying risk for longer. Nama has been criticised for selling assets like Battersea Power plant in London too quickly. If it had hung on and developed it, the State might have got a bigger return. But in truth, it would have meant financing that project to the tune of hundreds of millions, if not billions, and what if it went wrong. What if there was another Lehmans along the way? The State would have been further exposed. Equally, Ireland was so bad in 2010, that Nama had to sell better UK assets first, to try and get some money in. 4. Nama ensured the banks couldn't lend by not paying enough for the loans it bought. What the banks did, they did to themselves. If Nama had paid 50bn instead of 30bn what difference would it have made to the banks? Would they have lent money into a broken economy? I don't think so. And paying an extra 20bn would have seen taxpayer money being used to further subsidise banks. Nama took several billion in write-downs on its assets after it bought them suggesting it actually underpaid for them. Daly has a powerful story to tell and a perspective that is worth hearing. It challenges a consensus view that Ireland handled the crash with first-class honours. Nama was too big, too secretive and I have no doubt has made commercial mistakes and misjudgements along the way. But we cannot use today's housing crisis, 20/20 hindsight vision and Ireland's recent economic recovery to re-write the history of the crash. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: Azerbaijan and Belarus discussed the prospects of development of bilateral relations in the defense sphere. The discussion was held in the meeting of Belarusian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Andrei Ravkov with newly appointed Azerbaijani Ambassador Latif Gandilov, says a message posted on the website of the Belarusian Defense Ministry. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current state of cooperation and exchanged views on opportunities of development of bilateral relations in the defense sphere. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Motor insurance premiums should now come down after the uncertainty around the Setanta Insurance collapse was resolved in the courts. A failure to reduce premiums would now be seen as a breach of faith by insurers, Minister for State Eoghan Murphy told the Oireachtas Finance Committee. Mr Murphy said the Supreme Court judgement last week was a win for insurers who had complained that previous court rulings affected all insurance companies underwriting motor insurance here. They claimed the previous rulings meant they had to make financial provision for any future collapses. Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty told the committee that insurance companies had been using the Setanta situation as the main reason to fleece motorists with exorbitant rises in premiums. He asked Mr Murphy, who has been charged by the Government to push through reforms to control the cost of insurance, if premiums will now come down. Mr Murphy said a huge uncertainty had now been removed for insurance companies. The previous rulings had meant insurers had to put aside reserves on the basis that other insurers would collapse and they would have to bail them out. We now have a judgement and the uncertainty has been removed. This should help to reduce premiums down. He went on to say it would be seen as a breach of faith by the Government and consumers if insurance companies do not now lower premiums. The cost of motor insurance have gone up by 60pc in the last three years, with High Court and Appeal Court rulings on Setanta cited by insurers up to now as one of the reasons for the hikes. This is because those courts had said the Motor Insurance Bureau, which they fund, should pay Setanta claims. Insurers complained that the previous rulings exposed them to a situation where they would have to make financial provision in the event of any other insurance company going bust. Malta-regulated Setanta collapsed three years ago, with claims of 95m. The bust company only has funds to pay a third of this, according to its liquidator. But last week the Supreme Court sided with the industry-funded Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland. The judges said it is not liable for claims brought against Setanta. The courts five-to-two majority decision means successful claims against Setanta will have to be met from the States Insurance Compensation Fund. The liquidator of Malta-registered Setanta, which sold insurance exclusively in Ireland before it collapsed in 2014, says there are 1,750 claims that have yet to be paid out. We need to get our house in order. Since 2009 Ireland has experienced a strange macroeconomic cycle. Tens of billions of euro in property assets/liabilities have been locked in a financial and legal glacier. The thaw is coming, but in the meantime we've been left with a desperate and worsening housing crisis. It can be addressed, we just need to change some of our thinking on the issue. Here are five policy changes that would really help ramp up supply. 1: USE IT OR LOSE IT Legislation could be drafted and passed to introduce a 20pc penalty tax on land and property within the M50 that is lying unproductive. This will apply to zoned land, land with full planning permission and commercial and residential buildings that are either on the derelict buildings register or have been vacant for over 12 months. This will focus the minds of land and property owners both private and public to implement asset management programs to increase housing supply. There are plenty of willing SME-type developers who are finding it very difficult to get land/sites to build on who have the means and experience to purchase and develop the affected real estate as it comes onto the market. Local governments and Revenue have the data required to implement this penalty tax within a short space of time. 2: ENFORCEMENT of zoning regulations around apartment use, particularly between the canals in Dublin. If we are in a crisis then we need appropriate action. In swaths of Dublin apartments are being used as hotels, and hotel rooms are being used to house families. One website boasts that using your property for short-term lets more than doubles the rent. We have a housing crisis and apartments are being used as hotels instead of being used for the permission that was granted on them. In order to maintain levels of tourist accommodation I suggest a change in policy. A permitted development policy for obsolete offices to be converted to hotels without the need for a lengthy change-of-use planning applications. London successfully introduced a similar policy for converting offices to residential property. 3: REDUCING PARKING spaces for new buildings, one of the main impediments to apartment building is the high cost of creating underground parking. These ground works have an enormous cost particularly given the maximum heights buildings can go to in Dublin. Driverless cars and car sharing apps will make the current model of car ownership obsolete within a decade. Hundreds of vacant underground car parks will become another expensive mess to be cleaned up. With this change in policy the economics for developers, be they private or public, begin to make sense for the re-commencement of apartment construction. 4: FLAT CONVERSIONS Having lived in London, New York and San Francisco I am very familiar with this type of housing, which is particularly economical from both a production side and a consumer side. Take a house and split it into flats. Most important is proximity to transport and the speed at which 1 unit can become 2/3. It takes around eight weeks and costs around 50,000 per unit in London. Houses near transport nodes would be zoned OK to split. The increase in housing supply from this change would be significant. Where once one unit stood three units can be accommodated and car ownership likely reduced. 5: HEIGHT The IFSC and Dockland are covered with buildings of between five and eight floors. These are our urban centres of commerce and production. The architecture of the area is modern glass clad imitation sky scrapers conservative only in their height, they are in fact ground scrapers. These buildings have double level basements. The most expensive part of building these things is land closely followed by basements! Seven-storey buildings on double basements makes no social, economic, environmental or architectural sense. Toronto has five buildings being completed at 300m, the maximum height an Irish developer/consumer can hope for is 28m. Liberty Hall is 59m. From Connolly Station to The 3 Arena and from City Quay to Sir John Rogerson's Quay should comprise skyscrapers, they're efficient, free up land elsewhere, allow for concentration of infrastructure, cut down commutes and increase work-life balance, house offices, hotels, gyms, apartments, swimming pools and restaurants. These ideas are not without risks but we don't get anywhere without risk-taking. As Mignon McLaughlin wrote: "Every society honours its live conformists and its dead troublemakers." The opportunity is now. Nessan O'Donovan is a senior business developer with Lotus Investment Group, an alternative lender providing short-term lending to property SME's since 2014. Lotus IG has enabled finance for just under 1,000 homes and helped over 60 property SME's re-finance and purchase various property types across urban areas. www.lotusig.com You're selling your Dublin three-bed semi-detached house. Your asking price is 400,000. Would you accept 200 bitcoins instead? Reuben Godfrey says he would. The Dublin-based director of the Blockchain Association of Ireland is bullish about the current state of the world's most popular crypto-currency, which has tripled in value so far this year. "I believe the eventual value of Bitcoin will be 50 or 100 times what it is now," he says. "There are only ever going to be 21m Bitcoins in existence. At the moment, it represents a negligible value of international global wealth. But in future it could be many, many billions." In case you missed it, Bitcoin is booming. Its value has soared almost 300pc so far in 2017 and by 400pc in the last 12 months. Over a longer period, the rise is even more dramatic. If you had bought 1,000 worth of Bitcoin this time four years ago, you would now be sitting on 27,000. What is behind the extraordinary sudden rise in value of the eight-year-old cryptocurrency? And will it last? Experts say that a combination of user trust, utility and regulatory acceptance are the main components behind Bitcoin's sustained rise. "It has gained roots and looks like it may be here to stay," says David Dalton, head of Deloitte's financial services business in Ireland. "You can almost see this as an emerging asset class, something that's become a vestable asset." What has happened is that the number of people and organisations willing to assign value to Bitcoin is increasing and deepening. Just as significantly, the underpinning technology behind Bitcoin - blockchain - is now being considered for much more mainstream financial services. "Blockchain technology is progressing rapidly," says Dalton. "There's a huge amount of interest by financial services companies like banks and insurance companies." Dalton heads up a Deloitte 'lab' in Dublin with 25 people working on financial pilot projects, some of which include blockchain technology. "We built a trading finance prototype with five banks in Hong Kong to help blockchain improve their processes," he says. "Industries outside financial services have started to get on board too, especially in areas of supply chain." Cynics might say that underworld activities have played no small part in the continued usage of Bitcoin. Last month's Wannacry ransomware outbreak, which crippled hospitals and other organisations in Britain and around the world, was partially sustained by the ability to receive ransom payments in untraceable Bitcoin. The virtual currency has undeniably become an important crutch for cybercriminals. However, cryptocurrency experts say that this narrative is overblown. "To say that Bitcoin is a criminal currency is preposterous," says Reuben Godfrey. "It's a negligible amount involved. If you look at the Wannacry episode, I think it was in the region of $100,000 that was paid over, a tiny, negligible sum in international crime. Criminals use all sorts of currencies, so to link it all with Bitcoin is ridiculous." One of the biggest challenges that 'virtual' currencies such as Bitcoin have is credibility. Sceptics point out that there is no sovereign backing the standard, no central bank, no vault of gold. This, they argue, presents a long-term trust issue for those thinking of jumping into Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin advocates acknowledge the point but say that there are already enough people who accept cryptocurrencies to make it viable. "If you can get 500 people who will transact with you and who are committed to it, you have something," says Godfrey. "With the euro, the only reason we accept it is that we all believe in it. The central bank prints paper money and we accept that others will accept it. What Bitcoin and blockchain herald is the beginning of huge societal change. Bitcoin is the safest way to transact value that's ever existed. We really are just at the beginning." For those looking for steady investments, Bitcoin's volatility is an issue. This week, it's trading at over 2,000 per coin, almost three times its price at the start of the year. But Bitcoin has been known to rise and fall in greater volumes than ordinary 'fiat' currencies when triggered by external events. It is also vulnerable to non-regulatory interventions that other currencies don't suffer from. For example, in early 2014, the price of Bitcoin was trading at almost 1,000 on the back of a wave of enthusiasm and positive sentiment. But then the cryptocurrency's biggest trading exchange, Mt Gox, collapsed when it emerged that a huge amount of Bitcoin had gone missing. A subsequent investigation found that some 650,000 coins - roughly 1.3bn at today's exchange price - were likely to have been stolen. The price withered and stayed below its January 2014 level until the beginning of this year. Despite all of the utility and enthusiasm many people just couldn't trust the integrity of Bitcoin exchanges or transactions. However, it now looks as if some of these fears are being allayed. Investors and traders are seeing new purposes for Bitcoin, virtual currencies and especially the blockchain technologies that underpin such transactions. One recent development is the phenomenon of 'initial coin exchanges' (ICOs), a Bitcoin version of an IPO. In essence, a startup can raise finance in the form of Bitcoin. In many cases, this is for another type of virtual currency, blockchain process or related technology. It may sound circular (and it is quite unregulated) but money is being invested and made. According to the US-based specialist cryptocurrency research firm Smith and Crown, at least 100m has been raised in 2017 through this method. One example of an ICOs this week is Gene-CoinChain, a proposition to store genomic data using blockchain processes. Another is Starta Capital VC, a Moscow-based accelerator fund. "A lot of startups are doing ICOs as a way to raise capital," says Dalton. "It has the ability to disrupt the venture capital community because companies can raise funds through their coin offerings and not have to revert to traditional venture finance." However, given that ICOs are largely unregulated, it remains a question of buyer beware. There are already documented instances of scammers trying to pose as ICO merchants, including one that passed itself off as being associated with the famous Rothschild family. (The family had to publicly disown the project.) More straightforward attempts to bring virtual currency transactions into the mainstream are currently underway. The famous Winklevoss twins, who sued Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly stealing their idea for a social network, have invested the last five years in Bitcoin projects. Two months ago, a plan they had to gain regulatory approval for a virtual currency exchange was rebuffed by the US Securities Exchange Commission. However, the twins say that they remain committed to the future of Bitcoin and will try again to set up a regulated exchange. "We look at 2016 as the year of the prototype for blockchain technologies and 2017 as the year of the pilot," says Dalton. "Probably the biggest use case right now is for cross-border payments much more quickly and a lower cost than today." Bitcoin was the driver for what has become one of the biggest crossover financial blockchain companies in the world. Operating out of Dublin and Boston, Circle Financial has used the technology behind the cryptocurrency to build systems for transferring established currencies more cheaply than existing transfer systems are capable of. The company wants to bypass much of the existing middleman technology and bureaucracy associated with transfers in favour of new secure standards that are much more accessible. Company co-founder Sean Neville likens the evolution of digital money transfers to accessing content online through Google or social media. "The notion that people are connected globally through a value exchange in the same way that they're connected through Twitter or text-messaging already is something that I think is close to becoming mainstream," he says. "We may still be a little early, but ultimately this is going to happen. We're very close to a public version of a protocol for value exchange. And that will be the thing that other developers, financial developers, banks, software companies or even people in university dorms will all plug into this to create value." Neville acknowledges that Bitcoin has had a tough press at times. "It's fair to say that there is some toxicity in the mainstream around the bitcoin brand," he says. "I think that if you were to ask people who weren't that familiar with bitcoin, they might associate it with something that's not too positive such as ransomware, the dark web or other activities that regulatory regimes would obviously frown on. "When we set out to create the company, we thought of bitcoin as something that would be in the background. But we didn't have the regulatory approval we needed to move euros and sterling and so forth. So we had to decide whether or not we stayed in stealth mode until we acquired all of those licences or whether we launched with bitcoin a little bit more front and centre than originally intended. "We chose this path so that we could test our operation readiness and learn more about the product and so on. As we acquired the necessary licences, we pulled bitcoin further and further into the background like we had always intended." Is the future of bitcoin as an enabling technology that points the way for other services? Despite companies such as Stripe letting ordinary firms accept online payments in Bitcoin, there are virtually no mainstream merchants that accept the virtual currency for day-to-day goods and services. However, observers believe that this may change in time. "It is absolutely gaining some roots," says Deloitte's Dalton. "Last week I was in New York at a major blockchain event that was attended by 3,000 people. It's going to be some time before we see widespread adoption. But there's no shortage of real interest now." Godfrey agrees. "If even 20pc of global wealth goes into Bitcoin in future," he says. "If you were to construct a currency today, it would be digital." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has thrown his weight behind the Tech Week event which is expected to attract 40,000 The latest innovations in drones, Artificial Intelligence, and robots will feature at London Tech Week 2017, which will take place across the UK capital next month. More than 40,000 visitors will hear from tech, business and political leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP and Facebook's Nicola Mendelsohn. London is home to more than 46,000 technology businesses, which contribute 240,000 jobs to the city's economy. Since the EU referendum, London-based tech companies have received over 1bn in venture capital investment. Zoe Osmond, Festival Director for London Tech Week said: "With a wide range of events to appeal to different audiences, London Tech Week will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders to experience London's strengths in innovation and creativity." Among the other highlights will be a festival concert with film composer Hans Zimmer, who has worked on 'Pirates of the Caribbean', 'The Lion King' and 'Gladiator'. A promotional film which aims to spread the message that London is open to technology talent, investment and innovation, features scenes including a driverless 'POD', robots in the workplace and mayor, Sadiq Khan, taking the first roboselfie. He said: "London is Europe's leading technology hub. Our talent, diversity, entrepreneurial spirit and global connections put us at the heart of digital technology. "London Tech Week will be a fantastic opportunity to show that London is open to collaboration, innovation and ideas that could change the way that all Londoners live and experience the city." The tech week will run from June 12-16. Also taking part in the 'Leaders In Tech' summit are Google UK and Ireland MD Ronan Harris; Transferwise CEO Kristo Kaarman; and Blockchain co-founder Nicholas Cary who will discuss the opportunities in London's tech ecosystem. Other events will include the Drone Racing League (DRL) season finale and the Europas, conference and awards which will welcome 1,000 European tech startups. Airline boss Willie Walsh has apologised to British Airways customers, five days after an IT shutdown left 75,000 bank holiday travellers stranded. Mr Walsh, chief executive of BA owner International Airlines Group (IAG), broke his silence to heap praise on airline staff and chief executive Alex Cruz for the way they handled the fiasco. It came amid reports that BA is preparing to demand an independent inquiry into the problem, which experts believe may leave the company with a compensation bill of as much as 100m. Mr Walsh said the cause of the problem had been identified, and that efforts were being made to appease customers. He told the BBC: "I'm pleased that British Airways has been able to recover from the significant disruption that they faced on Saturday. "I think the team at British Airways, under the leadership of Alex Cruz, has done everything possible to get British Airways back flying a full schedule as quickly as possible. We clearly apologise to any of our customers who were disrupted. "We know the cause of the problem - it was not an IT failure, it was a problem caused by the failure of electrical power to our IT systems. "We understand what happened, we're still investigating why it happened and that investigation will take some time. "But I think the team at British Airways did everything they could in the circumstances to recover the operation as quickly as they did and our focus will be on making sure that any of our customers who experienced disruption are managed and satisfied with how we handled things. "Clearly we will do everything we can to make up (for) the disruption they suffered." The airline said the power surge caused physical damage to servers at its data centre, Boadicea House, near Heathrow. But mystery surrounds the cause of the power surge, with National Grid and local energy providers saying there had been no supply issues on Saturday. BA's board is now pushing for an investigation by professional outside experts into what happened and why back-up systems also failed, according to the BBC. It is also understood that BA's response to the crisis would come under the scope of the investigation. Around 75,000 passengers faced disruption as flights were cancelled following the incident on Saturday morning. The carrier was unable to resume a full schedule until Tuesday and many passengers who had already checked in when the issue emerged are still waiting to be reunited with their luggage. BA was accused of greed after the GMB union suggested the issue could have been prevented if the airline had not cut "hundreds of dedicated and loyal" IT staff and contracted the work to India last year. Mr Cruz said the outsourcing of jobs was not to blame for the "catastrophic" power failure. The cause of the initial power outage and the subsequent surge has not yet been revealed. A spokesman for National Grid said it had "no system issues on Saturday morning" and energy provider SSE, which runs the network in west London, said its systems were also "operating as normal" on Saturday. BA said: "We are undertaking an exhaustive investigation to find out the exact circumstances and most importantly ensure that this can never happen again." But it declined to comment on boardroom plans for an independent inquiry. BA owner IAG saw shares initially fall by around 4% in the first day of trading in London after the outage occurred. On Saturday, travellers spent the night sleeping on yoga mats spread on terminal floors after BA cancelled all flights leaving Heathrow and Gatwick. A 71-year-old man who was injured when a car driven by his wife crashed into the back of a bin truck has settled his High Court action for 1m. Farmer Patrick Meehan suffered severe injuries in the accident. His counsel Frank Callinan said Mr Meehan still needed a crutch to walk and now needed 24-hour care. Mr Meehan, who is also a retired lorry driver, of Gortward, Mountcharles, Co Donegal, had sued his wife Marie Meehan as a result of the accident on December 18, 2012. It was claimed the car she was driving suddenly and without warning collided with the rear of a rubbish truck, which was parked on the hard shoulder near Grange, Co Sligo. It was also claimed there was a failure to have any proper regard for the presence of Mr Meehan as a front-seat passenger in the car, and a failure to see or respond adequately to the presence of the truck. The court was told Mr Meehan sustained severe injuries, including several fractures, and also suffered significant cognitive impairment as a result of the accident. Liability was admitted in the case. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Anthony Barr said the very stark conflict in the medical evidence represented a very big risk in the case. The amount offered, he said, would go a long way towards looking after Mr Meehan and, on balance, the judge said it was best to take the offer. The court heard Mrs Meehan and the Meehan family were happy with the offer. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 1 By Demir Azizov Trend: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan Huseyn Guliyev held talks at the Uzbek Foreign Ministry on June 1. The sides discussed practical issues of the bilateral relations, said the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry. They also mulled the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan cooperation within international organizations. Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is insulting the Irish courts by seeking to go around a Supreme Court "bar" on Ian Bailey's extradition to France in relation to the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, according to lawyers for the Englishman. Mr Bailey (60), of Liscaha, Schull, Co Cork, denies involvement in the death of Ms du Plantier, who was found dead outside her holiday home in Schull in December 1996. French authorities previously sought the surrender of Mr Bailey in 2010, but this application was refused by the Supreme Court in 2012. A second extradition request was transmitted to Ireland in recent months, seeking the surrender of Mr Bailey for alleged voluntary homicide. Mr Bailey, who claims gardai tried to frame him for the killing of Ms du Plantier, could be tried in France in his absence. Opposing surrender yesterday, counsel for Mr Bailey, Garrett Simons SC, said his client had a "very straightforward and obvious case". Mr Simons said there was "no way around" the Supreme Court decision in 2012 which identified an "absolute jurisdictional bar" to Mr Bailey's extradition to France in relation to the alleged offence. It was an "abuse of process" for the minister, who has litigated an issue all the way to the Supreme Court, to seek to litigate the issue again, Mr Simons submitted. Counsel for the Justice Minister Robert Barron SC said there were no grounds for criticism of the minister. Mr Barron said extradition was a process between judicial authorities and the minister's role was to produce warrants to the courts for endorsement. Once the warrant is received, it must be presented to the court for endorsement. He said the minister had no power to refuse a warrant and it had never happened, as far as he knew, before. Mr Barron will continue making submissions before Mr Justice Tony Hunt in the High Court today. An Algeria-born convicted Islamic terrorist facing deportation from Ireland has used six different names since arriving here 20 years ago. The man, linked by French authorities to al-Qa'ida, used his own name and five aliases at various points, according to a submission by lawyers for Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to the Supreme Court. The 53-year-old claims his alleged links to al-Qa'ida were "made up" and is challenging his deportation. He is being held at Wheatfield Prison while he awaits the court's judgment, which is expected by the end of the month. Expand Close A member loyal to the ISIL waves an ISIL flag in Raqqa. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A member loyal to the ISIL waves an ISIL flag in Raqqa. Photo: Reuters In a submission, the minister's legal team outlined the man's use of multiple names and how he supplied false information to Irish authorities. The minister has alleged the man is involved in terrorism and his activities and associates are of serious concern and contrary to the State's security. But lawyers for the man say he denies being involved in terrorism and does not know what information the minister is relying upon. They argued in court yesterday he was at risk of torture from authorities if returned to Algeria, where he has life and death sentences hanging over him. His barrister, Michael Lynn SC, also argued the minister did not have proper regard for a Refugee Appeals Tribunal finding there was a foreseeable risk of harm to the man and had not given reasons for departing from the tribunal's finding. Although death sentences are no longer carried out in Algeria, he said the minister had not given consideration to the use of secret detention centres there. But Remy Farrell SC, for the minister, said she had acted within her powers. Read More The man was a supporter of the banned political movement Front Islamique du Salut, which sought to establish an Islamic state governed by sharia law. He fled Algeria in or around 1994 and was convicted in his absence of murder and formation of a terrorist group. The man ended up in Ireland in 1997 and gained refugee status in 2000. He would later turn up in France where he was jailed in 2005 for his role in a plot to commit terror offences there and in Spain, Andorra, Ireland and England. A Paris court heard he had been fundraising for jihadists. In a written submission, Mr Farrell and his co-counsel, Sinead McGrath BL, outlined how the man used an alias when he illegally entered Ireland. In a subsequent application for asylum he stated his parents and only brother had been killed. But it later transpired he actually had two brothers. Both were convicted alongside him of terror offences in France. After being released early from a French prison he was refused asylum there and illegally re-entered Ireland in 2009. In a bid to avoid the revocation of his Irish refugee status he made submissions referring to life and death sentences he was facing under another alias. He also claimed he had been given refugee status in France. A third alias was used in 2014 when the man sought consent from the minister to make a further application to remain in Ireland. Three other aliases were subsequently used including when he was arrested at Dublin Airport last year with a false Belgian passport seeking to board a flight to Athens. Shmael Heirouche was jailed for five years over the threats A man who warned his French housemates that recent Isil terror attacks in France were "excellent" and that Jews should be beheaded was jailed for five years. Dutch national Shmael Heirouche (40) appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to a charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm. Heirouche, who is of Moroccan ancestry, also told gardai after his arrest that if he had a sword he would cut the heads off Jews. He told one French man that those who carried out terrorist attacks in France would "get a first class ticket" to paradise. Judge Sean O'Donnabhain warned that it was a very serious matter. The judge said society had a right to be protected but that this right must be balanced by a duty of care to Heirouche, who was diagnosed as schizophrenic in Holland. Read More In 2010, a Dutch court remanded him to a psychiatric hospital for threats he had made. Heirouche insisted to the court that he "presented no danger". "Give me my sentence and I can go," he said. However, he had to be removed from the court when he continued to interject when his counsel was making submissions. To date, he has declined to fully engage with psychiatric support services. Heirouche, of James Street, Co Cork, admitted threatening to kill or cause serious harm to two French nationals at an address in Cork on November 14, 2016, contrary to Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Det Garda Geraldine Daly said the French nationals claimed Heirouche described them as Zionists and said that all Zionists should "have their throats cut". Heirouche, in referring to terrorist attacks in France, told his housemates the incidents gave him "great joy". A Dublin man who paid for a toothbrush in Boots but stole almost 1,700 worth of perfume and cosmetics has been told he's 'very lucky' not to be going to jail. Thomas Nulty (21) was given a one-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court but was warned that this was his final chance to mend his ways or face imprisonment. Judge Karen O'Connor instructed Nulty to cooperate with probation services, keep the peace and be of good behaviour for one year or, she said she would not hesitate to imprison him. You're very lucky, Mr Nulty. It's not up to your mother to keep you out of trouble, it's up to you, she added. Nulty, formerly of George's Hill Apartments, Halston Street, Dublin , pleaded guilty to stealing cosmetics worth 1,653.42 from Boots pharmacy in Blanchardstown Town Centre on December 8th last. The court heard that he paid for a toothbrush, but placed a large quantity of mixed cosmetics and perfumes in a bag and walked out of the store without paying for them. Garda Clare Cronin told the court that when caught, Nulty immediately admitted his crime and all the cosmetics were recovered. Passing sentence today, Judge O'Connor said Nulty was at a critical stage of his life where either he was going to rehabilitate himself or face imprisonment. She acknowledged that he immediately confessed the offence to gardai on arrest, but said he had been caught red-handed stealing a significant quantity of property. This is not a victimless crime; this type of offence leads to additional security costs for any business trying to operate and customers end up having to cover the cost, said Judge O'Connor. She noted that Nulty had a difficult upbringing and had spent time in care from the age of 15, but said he had already been given a number of opportunities and that this was his final chance. Nulty has 25 previous minor convictions, including drugs and public order offences, criminal damage, theft, possession of knives and violent behaviour in a garda station. Gda Cronin told Marie Torrens BL, prosecuting, that Nulty's bail had recently been revoked after he failed to sign on. Defence counsel, Mark Lynam BL, said his client had gone voluntarily into care aged 15 as he had been going off the rails and taking a mix of tablets and alcohol. The court heard Nulty found himself living in hostels at the age of 18 and hanging around with a group of peers who were a bad influence on him. Mr Lynam said Nulty was now trying to stay away from that group and get his own apartment. The court heard that the probation services are engaged with helping Nulty resettle and further his education. A BEAUTICIAN who stabbed her toddler son to death with a pair of scissors while under a delusion that he was a 'clone has been jailed for five years. Hazel Waters (46) was sentenced to seven years in prison with the final two suspended under conditions. She had the sentence handed down at the Central Criminal Court this morning. Expand Close Hassan (2) was killed in his home / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hassan (2) was killed in his home Waters, who had been a devoted mother but suffered from a personality disorder, had a psychotic episode when she killed her two-year-old boy Hassan at their south Dublin apartment. Sentencing her, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said one cannot but be moved by the event. Nobody would doubt that its a particularly tragic thing that a child of this age would be killed unlawfully by his mother. Expand Close Hazel Waters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hazel Waters Read More Waters stared intently at the judge but showed no emotion as he passed sentence. Waters of Ridge Hall, Ballybrack had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Muhammad Hassan Khan between 15-16 October, 2014. She had originally been charged with murder but she denied that charge and the prosecution accepted her manslaughter plea. Judge McCarthy said the only mitigating factor he could consider was her plea of guilty. The court heard she killed her son and left his body at their south Dublin apartment before going to her sister-in-laws house, where the gardai were called. Officers then went to Waters home to find the child in his bedroom with the scissors in his neck and his mothers bloody footprint beside the body. Waters had no history of psychiatric problems but had since been diagnosed with an underlying emotionally unstable personality disorder which in acute circumstances gave rise to a psychotic state, according to psychiatrists. She had separated from her husband, whom she alleged had been abusive, and was found to be have been under extreme stress. Psychiatrists found while she was not considered insane in law, her mental state left her with diminished responsibility at the time of the killing. Previously, Detective Sergeant Joe OHara said Waters was distressed when she went to the home of her sister in law Maria Waters. When asked where Hassan was, she told her sister in law they had taken him but was unable to say who they were or where he was. There had been a previous CRI child safety alert and the gardai were called. When the gardai went inside Waters' 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. Staining from what appeared to be blood splattering was on Waters' 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. She could not recall sending the text to Jessie and asked why she would mention cloning, she said I have no idea. She could not explain scrapes on her face. The court heard Waters had begun acting strangely before the killing. She had been in a relationship with Hassans father, Saleem Khan, since 2008 and alleged it was abusive both mentally and physically on occasion. Victim impact statements by members of Waters family and Saleem Khan were previously heard by the court. Her sister Olivia said the family were "double victims" of the tragedy, and they had never fully recovered. Saleem Khan said he had returned to Pakistan and forgave his wife "for this hideous crime." Judge McCarthy noted that the treating doctor at the Central Mental Hospital said Waters had declined to engage in psychotherapy and would not "give any explanation as to the event itself. "It is clearly a case where as she is reintroduced into the community, she must in her own interest and the interest of the community submit to treatment, the judge said. He said she had the benefit of a lesser level of moral culpability for homicide because of her plea to manslaughter. He measured the appropriate sentencing starting point was around eight to ten years, and the only mitigating factor he could give her credit for was her plea itself. It is in societys interest that she be reintroduced to society in a structured manner and remain in medical treatment, the judge said. In those circumstances I am going to suspend the last two years on her entering a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for four years on release. Another condition of the suspension is that she submits herself to the directions of the Probation Service and engages in any medical treatment deemed necessary for the purpose of rehabilitation. She must reside on release at a place determined by the probation service. One would hope that that will effectively act by way of reintroducing her to society, he said. He backdated the sentence to October 16, 2014, when Waters went into custody. It is understood that she will be returned to the Central Mental Hospital for treatment. A retired priest whose conviction for indecently assaulting a schoolboy in the 1970s was quashed has been awarded legal costs for his successful appeal. The Catholic Church had funded Tadhg O'Dalaigh's legal representation, according to lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who had opposed the costs application on grounds that he was "not out of pocket himself". Last week, The 73-year-old, of Woodview, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, successfully appealed his conviction for indecently assaulting a schoolboy at Colaiste Chroi Naofa boarding school in Carrignavar, Co Cork in the 1970s. O'Dalaigh had been found guilty by a jury and was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final two suspended by Judge Donagh McDonagh on December 18, 2014 for the offence, a sentence which he had served by the time his appeal was determined. The single incident allegedly took place at night time when the complainant awoke to find himself being masturbated. The Court of Appeal quashed O'Dalaigh's conviction over the trial judge's decision not to warn the jury about the dangers of convicting in the absence of corroboration and on Friday last, the three-judge court refused an application by the DPP for a retrial. The three-judge court felt it would not be in the interests of justice to order the retrial of someone who had served their sentence in full. The antiquity of the case and O'Dalaigh's age were also factors in the court's decision. Counsel for O'Dalaigh, Patrick Gageby SC, accordingly applied for legal costs for the appeal. However, counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Garrett McCormack BL, opposed the application adding that O'Dalaigh's legal representation was funded by the Catholic Church. In circumstances where O'Dalaigh was not out of pocket himself for the appeal, Mr McCormack asked the court to refuse the application to award O'Dalaigh legal costs. Mr Gageby said it wasn't a consideration that had ever been canvassed on the question of legal costs. He said it was not in the gift of the prosecution to speculate as to the source or origin of these matters. Those are private matters in my submission, he said. Ruling on the costs application today, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Hedigan, said the court believed it appropriate to award O'Dalaigh his costs. Although not acquitted by the jury, O'Dalaigh now stood no less innocent than if he had been. The decision to quash the jury verdict was rendered necessary by the trial judge's decision not to give a corroboration warning, which had been sought by O'Dalaigh's lawyers and opposed by the prosecution at trial. There can therefore be no blame or responsibility attributed to O'Dalaigh for what occurred, Mr Justice Mahon said. No application was made to recover the costs of the Circuit Court trial and O'Dalaigh had not benefited from State funded legal aid, the judge said. During his trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, the jury were told that O'Dalaigh had pleaded guilty in 1999 and again in 2014 to indecently assaulting a number of pupils at the same school. These convictions had been reported in the press and O'Dalagh had been named. He had acknowledged that he had indecently assaulted other boys at the school but adamantly denied assaulting the complainant. It had been pointed out that other priests had themselves been involved in the sexual abuse of pupils at the school. In effect, O'Dalaigh maintained that if the complainant had been abused as alleged, the abuser was another staff member. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend to you my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Italian Republic Republic Day, Ilham Aliyev said in his letter. The current level of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy is satisfactory. Ever-growing political, economic and cultural ties, mutually beneficial cooperation in a variety of fields are a striking example of dynamic and comprehensive development of our bilateral bonds. I am confident that we will continue making joint efforts to strengthen our friendly relations and successfully maintain our cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, President Aliyev said. On this joyful day, I wish you robust health, success in your activities and the friendly people of Italy everlasting peace and prosperity, he added. The gun seized in the raids. Picture: Garda Press Office The Criminal Assets Bureau have carried ut a series of raids in West Dublin as part of a clampdown on feuding criminal gangs. Gardai confirmed that searches were carried out on properties in the Ronanstown, Clolndalkin, Lucan and Tallaght areas as part of on-going investigations into recent organised criminal activity in the Dublin West area. During the searches gardai seized cash totalling 18,000, two vehicles (a car & a van), three watches and a bolt action pellet gun. No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing. Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll said that members of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Special Crime Task Force assisted in the searches. "Residential homes, offices of solicitors and accountants were searched." Local resident Mateusz looks on as gardai examine the crime scene The latest murder victim in the capital's savage gangland feud was heavily involved in the activities of the so-called 'New INLA' and is suspected of "peripheral" involvement in last year's murder of Gareth Hutch. However, Michael Keogh (36) had this week posted on his social media account about starting a new job and making efforts to turn his life around. Gardai believe he was seen as a soft target by the Hutch gang. The father-of-two was only on his way to the second day of his new job when he was gunned down. It is believed his killers monitored his social media page and were aware of his routine and movements. Small-time criminal Michael Keogh is understood to have got involved in the activities of the 'New INLA' because of his close relationship with his on-the-run younger brother Jonathan Keogh (32) who is a key member of that organisation. Sentence Jonathan was given an eight-year jail sentence by the Special Criminal Court in July 2009 after he was caught by gardai making pipe bombs the previous September. After his release from jail, he continued to be involved in major criminal activity and took part in this dangerous criminal gang who then forged links with the Kinahan cartel as part of the feud which has now claimed 12 lives. Up to 20 criminals are now key members of this mob - nicknamed the "New INLA" - which set up base in Ballymun on the capital's northside last year. Investigations into the mob were stepped up after a viable bomb and a glock pistol were seized near Mountrath, Co Laois on February 25 last year. Victim Michael Keogh and the car (featuring false plates) that was discovered burnt out The killers of the country's latest gangland feud victim were monitoring his social media activity to discover his movements in the days before the killing. Michael Keogh (37) was gunned down in the early hours of yesterday in the underground car park of the Sheridan Court flat complex on Dublin's Dorset Street where he lived. The shooting is the latest killing linked to the deadly Kinahan/Hutch feud which has now claimed 12 lives. It is believed his killers targeted Keogh as he was on his way to work. The victim had posted on Facebook early on Tuesday morning about starting a new job. "New job new start hopefully all goes well," Keogh wrote. Gardai believe Keogh, who was shot a number of times in the head and the body, was targeted in a revenge attack for the murder of Gareth Hutch on May 24 last year, as well the feud murder of Michael Barr a month earlier. Expand Close Click to enlarge / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Click to enlarge While Keogh has never been arrested in relation to either murder, an associate of his is the suspected gunman in the Hutch murder as well as having "active involvement" in the killing of Barr at the Sunset House pub in April 2016. Gardai confirmed last night they are investigating if his Facebook post alerted his killers to the fact he was going to work at around 6am yesterday, when he was ambushed in the underground car park. The chief suspects for the murder of Keogh are the Hutch gang but the involvement of dissident Republicans intent on avenging the murder of Barr has not been ruled out. "Mr Keogh was a soft target, he may even have helped his killers with that social media post about his job," a source said last night. Expand Close A forensics officer removes a body from the scene on Dorset Street in Dublin. Photo: Collins Dublin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A forensics officer removes a body from the scene on Dorset Street in Dublin. Photo: Collins Dublin "It is his associate who gardai want to question about those two feud murders, but Mr Keogh may certainly have had some knowledge of them," the source added. Read More Father-of-two Keogh had just started a new job in construction. While not considered a major criminal, he was linked to the so-called New INLA faction which has aligned itself with the Kinahan cartel. Keogh was found in his car in the car park by a council worker shortly before 10am. A car was found burnt-out on Clonliffe Avenue at 7.30am and a handgun with an attached silencer was found in this vehicle, which gardai believe was used as the getaway car. It is believed he was shot shortly before this but an exact time is not known. The car, a grey Opel Astra, registration number 12D 16387, was stolen in the Dublin area in April. Its number plates had been replaced and were fake. Keogh was the brother of notorious INLA bomb-maker Jonathan Keogh (32), who has been on the run for over a year. It is thought Michael Keogh may have visited him abroad a number of weeks ago. Gardai have not ruled out the possibility Michael Keogh was involved in one or more of five attacks against cars of Hutch family members last week. These attacks led to a huge increase in tensions in the deadly feud which has now claimed 12 lives. There are now fears of revenge attacks by the Kinahan cartel following his murder yesterday. The murder is being treated as the first carried out by the Hutch gang since the Regency Hotel bloodbath in February 2016, which escalated the feud. "The feeling is that the cartel will strike back in a very severe way for this and more murders are expected even within the next few days," a senior source said. "The situation is extremely volatile." Fears of further violence have been heightened by the release of Hutch associate James 'Mago' Gately (30) from hospital. He spent over a fortnight in hospital after he was the victim of a drive-by shooting at the Topaz petrol station on the N32, in Ballymun, on Wednesday, May 10. Garda have appealed for anyone with information to contact them. The woman was assaulted at her home in De Vesci Court, Fairgeen, Portlaoise Gardai are investigating the suspected link between the false imprisonment of a woman in Portlaoise and a road traffic collision on the M7 yesterday afternoon. Shortly after noon a woman in her 30s was subjected to an assault at her home in De Vesci Court, Fairgeen, Portlaoise by a man known to her. A source stated that the woman was held at knifepoint and possibly tied up during the assault. The extent of the woman's injuries are not yet known and she was forced into her car after the attack. The assailant then drove the vehicle a short distance to the nearby Portlaise Prison on the Dublin Road, where the woman managed to flee from the car. Gardai were immediately alerted and an investigation was launched. This vehicle was then involved in a serious road traffic collision on the M7 motorway at 1.30pm. The incident occurred near Ballybrittas in Co Laois. A male, aged in his 30s, suffered minor injuries and was transferred to Naas General Hospital. A source said that the injured male is suspected of involvement in the earlier assault and false imprisonment of the woman in Portlaoise. The individual and the woman are both foreign nationals and known to each other. The male will be interviewed by gardai in relation to the assault once he is discharged from hospital. Victim Michael Keogh and the car (featuring false plates) that was discovered burnt out A senior garda leading the fight on the Hutch and Kinahan gangs says he is satisfied they will catch those behind the latest gangland murder. Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll revealed that gardai have foiled in excess 20 murders since the feud began and said it was "regrettable on this occasion that we didn't get there first". Small-time criminal Michael Keogh (37) was gunned down on his way to work in Dublin's North Inner City early on Tuesday morning. A car, used in the hit, was found on fire on Clonliffe Avenue at 7.30am. But it was shortly before 10am when Mr Keogh's lifeless body was discovered in the underground car park of the Sheridan Court flat complex on Dublin's Dorset Street where he lived by a Dublin council worker Expand Close Click to enlarge / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Click to enlarge Read More Speaking on RTE Radio 1 this afternoon, A-Comm O'Driscoll said they are confident of successful outcome in this murder. "There has been continuous intervention where there have been attempts to murder it is just regrettable on this occasion that we didn't get there first. "While it is regrettable that we have had this, the first gangland murder in Dublin this year, the investigation team based in Mountjoy and those assisting from around the Dublin Metropolitan region have built up a level of experience." He said: "Based on what I am aware of, I am satisfied that we will have a successful outcome in terms of identifying the culprits and bringing them to justice in this case." A-Comm O'Driscoll said the efforts to tackle organised crime and this particular feud have been "relentless". He said gardai have intervened continuously since the murder of David Byrne in the Regency Hotel in February 2016. "It is not a case where business had stopped in terms of their targeting victims. It has been ongoing and on other occasions we have intervened. "At times firearms that we have seized have been loaded for attempted assassinations. We have seized sub machine guns, assault rifles and arrested people who were about to commit a murder." Asked how many murders have been prevented by gardai, A-Comm O'Driscoll said: "I would be absolutely certain that it is in excess of 20." He declined to say how many people are currently under threat as part of the feud. "On a regular basis we are interacting with people that we have identified as potential targets. In a formal way, we provide them with written notification of the fact that they are potential victims. There is also an onus on those people to behave in a way which will also assist in preventing those who are targeting them from achieving their aims." Asked if he needed resources more resources to tackle the feud A-Comm O'Driscoll said Templemore is full and they have moved on from the years of austerity. "We are in a very positive situation in relation to resources and it is because of that positive situation that we have been able to intervene on the occasions we have intervened on and where we have seized weapons." Father-of-two Keogh had just started a new job in construction. While not considered a major criminal, he was linked to the so-called New INLA faction which has aligned itself with the Kinahan cartel. Keogh was the brother of notorious INLA bomb-maker Jonathan Keogh (32), who has been on the run for over a year. It is thought Michael Keogh may have visited him abroad a number of weeks ago. Gardai have not ruled out the possibility Michael Keogh was involved in one or more of five attacks against cars of Hutch family members last week. These attacks led to a huge increase in tensions in the deadly feud which has now claimed 12 lives. There are now fears of revenge attacks by the Kinahan cartel following his murder yesterday. The murder is being treated as the first carried out by the Hutch gang since the Regency Hotel bloodbath in February 2016, which escalated the feud. "The feeling is that the cartel will strike back in a very severe way for this and more murders are expected even within the next few days," a senior source said. "The situation is extremely volatile." Fears of further violence have been heightened by the release of Hutch associate James 'Mago' Gately (30) from hospital. He spent over a fortnight in hospital after he was the victim of a drive-by shooting at the Topaz petrol station on the N32, in Ballymun, on Wednesday, May 10. Gardai have appealed for anyone with information to contact them. Baby William, who was delivered by members of Dublin Fire Brigade in Lucan, Co Dublin. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade A modest Dublin Fire Brigade worker has praised the mum of the 13th baby he has helped deliver while on the job. Martin Peters (36), from Ashbourne, Co Meath, and his colleague Paul Connolly were on hand to assist in bringing baby William into the world following a call out to Lucan on Tuesday. Expand Close Dublin fireman Martin Peters. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dublin fireman Martin Peters. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade It is the 13th delivery Mr Peters (inset) has been involved in as a member of the ambulance service at Dublin Fire Brigade. He said: "I just caught it - the mother did all the work, we're only there to assist. That was my 13th delivery, I'm averaging more than one a year," he said. "To help bring this baby into life is fantastic," he added. A spokesperson said mother and baby were transferred to the Coombe Women's and Infant hospital and are doing well. Employers are expected to have to pay more towards the cost of further and higher education from next year. It is part of the wider plan to put the funding of post-school education on a sound financial footing, another element of which could be a higher student contribution. There is a related proposal to raise third-level fees, linked to a "study now, pay later" loan scheme, while the Government has also committed to increasing its investment. No final decision has been taken on the employer contribution element, but Education Minister Richard Bruton wants to put a proposal to Cabinet before the summer recess, which would allow for an increased employer payment to be factored into the 2018 Budget. Mr Bruton describes the forthcoming Budget as an "important deadline" in relation to moves to address what is widely recognised as a funding crisis in third-level. Private sector employers already pay almost 400m a year through a levy based on staff numbers, into what is known as the National Training Fund, to support skills development. The minister has proposed an increase of 200m a year (over the 2015 figure of 364m) in the levy, to be phased in between 2018 and 2020, and invited views from employers and others in a consultation process launched in March. Employer reaction ranges from negative to cautious, with, for instance, the employers' body Ibec and the American Chamber of Commerce, representing US multinationals, arguing that such an increase should not be introduced in isolation. Ibec, which favours a student loan system, said in its submission that raising the levy "should be part of a new funding model for tertiary education where the graduates, state and employers share the costs". It argued that the proposal would see employers doing the "initial heavy lifting", due to inadequate Exchequer funding commitments and a lack of political will to address the contentious issue of tuition fees. This appears to be an attempt at a short-term fix due to the absence of a credible and more sustainable solution. The student loan plan has met considerable opposition and is currently being considered by the Oireachtas Education Committee. Mr Bruton and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe hosted a forum yesterday with representatives of the 28 organisations and individuals who engaged with the consultation process on the proposed new employer funding mechanism. The Education Minister said it was "reasonable to ask employers to contribute more" as their future success depended on the capacity of the education sector to respond to their needs, at a time of growing global challenges. Mr Donohoe said if there was an increase in the levy, they wanted to tease out how it should be reconfigured in order to meet the needs of employers and the wider economy. Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku hotel was the first by the number of information released in the press on April. 301 press materials were published about the activity of the hotel, according to research held by Media Consulting & Services. "Media Consulting & Services" covers materials published in more than 565 sources, including 10 television, 55 print and 500 online media, and social networking sites. Head of the Corporate Communications division of AtaHolding, Dilara Zamanova noted that 3 press releases were published about the activity of Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku hotel in May. What? Where? When? intellectual game was held by support of hotel dedicated to 28 of May Republic Day. Music Holiday event will be held in June. It should be noted that Excelsior Hotel Baku has been operating since August 2005. The hotel has 1 Imperial Lux, 2 Royal Lux, 4 Crown Lux, 45 Heritage, 9 small Duke rooms, meeting and conference rooms, business center, restaurants and Aura wellness center. A former master of the Coombe Hospital has warned that woman who have gynaecological ultrasound screening are being put at risk in some centres. Prof Sean Daly said the risk arises because of a failure to regulate medical scanning services in Ireland. "The provision of medical scanning services in Ireland is unregulated, creating a situation where Irish women may be exploited and even harmed by inadvertently trusting a medical investigation carried out by a person who is unfit or untrained." He added: "If a woman attends a hospital or clinic where a radiologist who is on the specialist register is present, then it can be assumed that the doctor has had formal training in gynaecology. "If a radiographer performs the examination and has graduated from an Irish training system, then the radiographer will have had specific training in gynaecology. The radiologist will review the images and report the examination." But he told the Oireachtas health committee that problems can arise if the radiographer or GP has not completed a specific training programme. Referring to fertility services, he said: "We are now seeing a huge rise in infertility services in Ireland and many providers are not Irish-trained. "The examination to determine the response of the ovary to drug stimulation needs to be accurate in order to avoid mistiming the ovulation or resulting in multiple ovulations and, subsequently, multiple pregnancies." He pointed out that in IVF, multiple pregnancy rates may be reduced by not allowing the transfer of multiple embryos. "Again, it is a totally unregulated area, and anybody can set up a service and claim to be an expert," he warned. Meanwhile, a leading specialist has warned that Irish women's alcohol consumption is contributing to their breast cancer risk. Women in this country face a lifetime risk of between one in eight and one in 12 of developing breast cancer, said Dr Jerome Coffey, head of cancer services in the HSE. "A proportion of that risk is due to alcohol intake," he told the committee. He said the overall incidence of cancer would go up by 50pc between 2015 and 2025 and by about 100pc by 2040. "The only way to reduce the number of new cases is through lifestyle changes," said Dr Coffey, who is also the new chair of the National Cancer Registry. "Unless those efforts are re-doubled now, then we are going to see a lot more patients with the disease." Better treatments may mean improved survival for those patients, "but you prefer not to be a patient, even if you survive", he added. "Several things have to happen as a matter of urgency. About 40pc of cancers can be attributed to lifestyle factors, so we have to focus heavily on cancer prevention." Victim Michael Keogh and the car (featuring false plates) that was discovered burnt out The latest murder victim in the capitals gangland feud was involved with the New INLA. The gang, whose members were primarily involved in extortion rackets, got involved with the Kinahan cartel as guns-for-hire in the early stages of the feud last year. It is suspected of involvement in a number of murders and other attacks on the cartels behalf. Read More Small-time criminal Michael Keogh (37) is understood to have got involved in the activities of the New INLA because of his close relationship with his on-the-run younger brother Jonathan (32), who is a key member of the organisation. Expand Close Click to enlarge / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Click to enlarge Up to 20 criminals are now key members of the New INLA, which set up base in Ballymun last year. The gang was involved in a crime summit at the Regency Hotel April last year, but fled after getting spooked by a garda surveillance team who were monitoring their meeting. Expand Close A forensics officer removes a body from the scene on Dorset Street in Dublin. Photo: Collins Dublin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A forensics officer removes a body from the scene on Dorset Street in Dublin. Photo: Collins Dublin The gang is also believed to be behind two attempts to murder Limerick criminal Sean Cowboy Hanley in 2015. One of the senior gang members is suspected of involvement in a pipe bomb attack targeting Dublin drug dealer Charlie The Walrus ONeill, before the 53-year-old died of natural causes in August 2015. Bombs Investigations into the New INLA were stepped up after a viable bomb and a Glock pistol were seized and a Latvian man arrested after armed gardai pulled over and searched a vehicle near Mountrath, Co Laois, on February 25 last year. Michael Keoghs brother Jonathan was given an eight-year jail sentence by the Special Criminal Court in July 2009 after he was caught making pipe bombs in September of the previous year. After his release, he continued to be involved in major criminal activity and joined the New INLA, which then forged links with the Kinahan cartel as part of the feud that has now claimed 12 lives. In March, a close associate of the Keogh brothers was jailed for his role in a depraved and barbaric assault in which a 53-year old man was pinned to a kitchen floor with a nail-gun. Gerard Mackin (33) and a 52-year-old associate were each given three-year jail sentences at the Special Criminal Court for assaulting the man in Co Limerick in September 2015. Before being arrested and remanded in custody on those charges in May last year, Mackin was a senior member and main player in the New INLA. In 2014, Mackins associates caused a major security alert when gardai received intelligence that they planned to steal a number of garda uniforms from a Co Louth station. When Mackin was refused bail last year in relation to the offence, a senior detective told Limerick District Court that the crime related to an attempt to extort money from the victim, who is a member of the Traveller community. Bludgeoned Mackin, who is originally from west Belfast, has been involved in a number of serious underworld scrapes since he was cleared of the murder of Eddie Burns as part of a dissident feud in the North. He was the first person found guilty in a Dublin court for a murder in Belfast under the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Act of 1976. However, in 2010 the conviction was quashed by Dublins Court of Criminal Appeal and a retrial ordered, but it collapsed after three days, meaning Mackin was free to leave Portloaise Prison. Burns (36) was gunned down in west Belfast in March 2007 on the same night that his friend Joe Jones was bludgeoned to death in an alleyway in north Belfast. Another key member of the mob is a 31-year-old Ballymun criminal who is also on the run after being arrested for the murder of Gareth Hutch on May 24 last year. Last June, his home was searched by detectives investigating the separate murder of Vincent Vinnie Ryan (25) the previous February. An investigation into Ryans murder is continuing and five people have been arrested. Ryan (25), a younger brother of murdered Real IRA chief Alan Ryan, was shot dead in McKee Road, Finglas. It is understood that gardai seized paperwork and a powder substance from the home of the Ballymun criminal, who is suspected of having key knowledge about Vinnie Ryans murder. A man has been taken to hospital following an assault in Dundalk this evening. The incident unfolded in Grange Drive, Muirhevnamor shortly before 8pm. The victim, a man in his 20s, was allegedly attacked by one other person in the estate. He was later taken to hospital where his injuries are described as "not life-threatening". No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile a young student was assaulted after thieves attempted to steal his phone in Dublin's North Inner City. The Asian man, aged in his 20s, was attacked at Liberty Park in the city. He suffered head injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Mater Hospital. No arrests have been made and gardai from Store Street are investigating. An eye-witness told Independent.ie: "This young student was walking along when a group of locals approached him and demanded he hand over his phone. He refused and they struck him over the head a number of times. "He had a gash to his head and his eye." A school has issued a warning following a "threatening approach" to a student. Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College issued the warning to students and parents after the incident was reported on Thursday morning. The Co Down school said: "There has been a report that one of our students was approached in a threatening manner by a stranger in the Whitehill area. "Police have been informed. Please can you remind your children of the importance of personal safety and report any suspicious behaviour. "If you have any concerns please contact me as soon as possible." Principal Mr Matthew Pitts told the Belfast Telegraph he has spoken to the parents of the student who was "very distressed". He said: "The student got away and ran off which is the most important thing." Mr Pitts said the school posted the warning to ensure students are not "complacent" about their safety. The PSNI has been contacted for comment. Last year there were a series of warnings issued from Bangor schools over "inappropriate approaches". In one incident a driver attempted to entice a boy from Bangor Academy into his car - he refused and the driver made off. An order of nuns has sold school lands for 3m more than the 10m guide price in the face of parents' objections. The Religious Sisters of Jesus and Mary is understood to have secured in the region of 13m from the sale of a 5.4-acre site beside Our Lady's Grove Primary School at Goatstown Road, south Dublin. The price being paid by leading house builder Durkan is a significant premium on the 10m sought by WK Nowlan Real Estate Advisors when it brought the property to the market in March. Located next to UCD in a sought-after suburb, the site could accommodate between 70 and 80 houses and apartments. Parents of children attending Our Lady's Grove and Jesus and Mary College had objected to the sale, arguing that the schools would be left with no green space or room to expand. Expand Close The 5.4-acre site next to the school which sold for 13m. Photo: Doug OConnor / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The 5.4-acre site next to the school which sold for 13m. Photo: Doug OConnor But the nuns defended their decision to sell, saying it was necessary to support the congregation's other ministries, including overseas missions and care of sisters. In acquiring the lands, Durkan will be obliged to deliver an astro-turf pitch for Jesus and Mary College, which the nuns have given a commitment to fund at a cost of 600,000. The sale also includes a 0.41-acre site under a long lease with a restrictive covenant precluding any non-childcare uses. The board of management at Our Lady's Grove had written to parents prior to the site's sale saying it "could not offer" the nuns unconditional support for a planning application for it. In a statement the order confirmed contracts had been signed for the sale. It also said: "Engagement with all stakeholders on site was initiated and meetings held. Fair and equitable agreement was sought from all stakeholders to positively progress a planning application for the lands." It said meetings would be arranged between the purchaser and stakeholders. Meanwhile, the first round of bidding on the 8.64 acres of land being sold by RTE at its Donnybrook campus has seen the 75m guide price set by Savills eclipsed already. The Irish Independent understands, however, that just one of the five parties competing for the Project Montrose portfolio has so far offered to pay in excess of 80m for the lands. Chartered Land chief Joe O'Reilly, Cork developer Michael O'Flynn, Richard Barrett's Bartra Capital, Cairn Homes and developers Bridgedale are all in the running. Senior figures in Simon Coveney's campaign team have offered ministerial roles to TDs in return for switching from his rival Leo Varadkar ahead of tomorrow's vote in the Fine Gael leadership contest. Two TDs backing Mr Varadkar have confirmed to the Irish Independent they were offered ministries by representatives of Mr Coveney's camp if they agreed to vote for him. It is understood that a total of four TDs who have been approached by Mr Coveney's supporters have reported the contact back to Mr Varadkar's team. The Social Protection Minister's camp discussed using the information to damage Mr Coveney's leadership bid but decided against it. A source in Mr Coveney's camp admitted there would be a "degree" of seeking to lure TDs over to their side by offering ministries. "There is a low hanging fruit and there are people he (Mr Coveney) should never have lost who are coming home," a source said. Another source said Mr Coveney can say with "credibility that he has scope to appoint ministers" as Mr Varadkar has too many supporters to keep happy if he becomes Taoiseach. A source close to Mr Coveney yesterday insisted he did not personally offer jobs to any TDs. However, his supporters believe they can still convince around five or six parliamentary party members who have declared for Mr Varadkar to change allegiance in the secrecy of the ballot box. Those who switch sides would not be expected to declare publicly but would be looked favourably upon if Mr Coveney was elected leader. Both sides in the leadership contest have made claims about supporters changing sides in the final week of the campaign. Mr Coveney's supporters said they believed at least two members of the Varadkar team would weigh in behind the Housing Minister tomorrow. In response, Mr Varadkar's team said two parliamentary party members who had declared for Mr Coveney had privately committed to backing its candidate. Mr Varadkar's team last night remained confident it will win the contest by a substantial margin despite the last-minute manoeuvres. Sources close to the minister say Mr Coveney's chances of a comeback have been "damaged" by the turnout levels in key Cork constituencies. In Mr Coveney's heartland of Cork South Central, Cork North Central and Cork East turnout averaged 59pc, or a total of 912 votes. Nationwide Fine Gael officials are putting the turnout at 52pc so far. "The Cork vote is above the national figure but not enough to meaningfully impact the overall position of the contest and suggests that the local enthusiasm for Simon may have been overstated," a Varadkar source said. The final constituencies will vote this evening before the parliamentary party meets to cast its ballots tomorrow. Counting will the take place in the Mansion House where the results of the membership, councillor and parliamentary party votes will be announced separately. A final result is expected by 6pm. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has launched an attack on Mr Varadkar saying he doesn't understand the green economy. The two candidates clashed on environmental issues during the final debate last Sunday after Mr Coveney said he would like to see Mr Ryan as Climate Change Minister in the future. In response, Mr Varadkar expressed concern that his party colleague was making overt propositions to the Green Party. Yesterday Mr Ryan said the Social Protection Minister "doesn't seem to realise the green economy is the one that's growing, particularly in rural Ireland". Larry Goodman and his family, who through two farms - Branganstown and Glydee - received 217,153 and 214,275 in EU payments in 2016 - giving them a combined income of 430,000 in EU farm subsidies. Mr Goodman has the largest EU farm payment by far of any individual in Ireland. His home farm at Castlebellingham, Co Louth, is the 850-acre Branganstown enterprise. However, he also owns in excess of 1,100 acres in his Glydee farm at Kilsaren. Mr Goodman is believed to own a further 350 acres as well as the privately owned ABP meat processing group. Other Irish farmers who receive significant money in EU payments included Walter Furlong of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, at 429,824. Mr Furlong has built up a large grain production outfit with his business partner Kevin Cooney. Between them they own the Cooney & Furlong Grain Company. O'Shea farms, owned by Richard, Thomas, Joseph and Seamus O'Shea in Co Kilkenny, received 244,693.61. Terence Coughlan, a tillage farmer outside Fermoy, tops the list of recipients in Co Cork. It is understood that he farms in the region of 2,000 acres and he received 227,469. However, the individuals' EU payments are surpassed by the 6m Teagasc receives and the 3.9m Commercial Mushroom PRS Co-op receives. Bord Bia received 2.28m last year, while Ornua received 1.6m. In a recent FarmIreland survey, 75pc of farmers said they are unhappy with the current farm payment system and that payments are unfairly distributed, with many saying that they would prefer a fair price for their produce instead of subsidies. Fianna Fail's Willie O'Dea joined this week's Floating Voter to discuss what it's like to be Varadkar's opposition number, why he's a good politician and what he needs to do keep the government going. Click here subscribe to the Floating Voter on iTunes "He's personable and a good debater, but he claims credit for things that we have done," says O'Dea when asked what it was like to be the opposition TD to Leo Varadkar. His advice to the expected future Taoiseach is to adapt a calm demeanour like Enda Kenny and he should be seen to be trying to keep the government together. "Any obvious attempts to force an early election will be seen through by the public," O'Dea warns Varadkar. And in a first, the Fianna Fail politician also does his version of the Rubberbandits Willie O'Dea rap. 'I swear on my tache it's decent hash but I'm flat broke and I've got no cash....' Each week on the Floating Voter, INM's political team discuss the main issues affecting Irish politics, bursting the bubble around Leinster House. New episodes on iTunes and SoundCloud every week. A furious row has broken out between Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald over the Governments response to gangland activity in Dublin city. The Dail descended into a shouting match as backbenchers from Fine Gael and Sinn Fein sought to back up their representative in a heated debate. Ms Fitzgerald accused the Dublin Central TD of being disingenuous and trying to divide communities, while Ms McDonald described the Governments actions as superficial and tokenistic. They were reacting to the murder of Michael Keogh (37) in Drumcondra yesterday. He is believed to the 13th victim of the Hutch-Kinahan feud which has plagued the north inner city since the Regency Hotel murder just over a year ago. Read More Ms McDonald described the killing as a ruthless murder, saying these gangsters walk our streets with impunity. She said people are literally terrified and the Government is contributing to an environment which allows this feud flourish. The Sinn Fein TD argued that Gardai are not being given adequate resources to deal with the problem. A visibly angry Tanaiste hit back that the north inner city had been starved of resources for decades but was now very much on the government agenda. She said the new Gardais Armed Response Unit is flat out and has prevented a large number of planned killings. Therell be no resource spared in terms of dealing with this scourge, Ms Fitzgerald said. Amid heckles from all sides of the Chamber she accused Ms McDonald of being particularly disingenuous in her comments given that many local people and councillors have acknowledge the efforts of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe in the past year. Ms McDonald replied: It seems your government imagines that people in the inner city will be happy with the crumbs from the table. As tempers rose the Tanaiste said: As usual deputy you are about dividing communities. You cannot even acknowledge the huge activity that has taken place in the north inner city. The community acknowledged the importance of the initiative underway. Theres a long way to go. Its not going to be dealt with overnight, she said. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Samir Ali Trend: The issue of extradition of Russian citizen of Armenian origin Marat Ueldanov to Russia is not on the agenda yet, Ueldanovs lawyer Gubad Salayev told Trend June 1. Ueldanov appealed against the decision of the Baku Grave Crimes Court, the lawyer said. The date of consideration of the appeal is unknown. Russian citizen Marat Ueldanov was arrested July 28, 2016 in Azerbaijan on charges under Article 234 of the Criminal Code (illegal fabrication, production, acquisition, storing, transportation, transfer or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or precursors). The Baku Grave Crimes Court held a hearing April 28 on the criminal case regarding Ueldanov. Following the proceedings, Ueldanov was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment. The Government has given unions a 'use it or lose it' ultimatum at talks on a new public sector pay deal. It wants them to agree a clause that means public servants will miss out on pay rises if they do not sign up to any new pact that is brokered by January 1 next year. A draft document circulated at the talks, seen by the Irish Independent, said the parties should agree that any union that signs up after this date will not be entitled to retrospective wage hikes. This means those who refuse to back the deal would not get a refund of any wage increases they missed out on that were paid to other workers if they sign up after that date. The document says they "will not receive any retrospective benefit in respect of adjustments to pay already implemented prior to their ratification of, or full adherence with, this agreement". It also says that the Government should have a 'get out of jail clause' in the event of the "materialisation of significantly adverse impacts as a result of Brexit" in the form of a review of the deal. But it says if the deal must be revisited, the Government will not act without consulting with unions. Sources said unions shot down the proposal to exclude unions who sign up late from retrospective increases. They said they believe the clause was an indirect warning to the ASTI, which has not signed up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement but is attending talks on an extension to the deal. The document also says that the main priority of the agreement is the "phased unwinding" of the emergency legislation that cut state workers' pay. It says that a process of performance verification will be put in place for workers. In advance of each "pay adjustment", the secretary general responsible for that sector should verify progress in that sector and make a report to an oversight body. It says a "robust" performance management system should be fully implemented in all sectors by January 1 2019. The draft proposal also says that talks should begin on incorporating Saturday as part of the normal working week, where necessary. It says these discussions will begin immediately and the parties should agree to have them concluded by the end of this year. The document says industrial peace is an essential requirement of the new pay deal. It is now expected that the negotiations, which are in their eighth day, will run into next week, with no talks to take place over the Bank Holiday weekend. Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe is likely to agree to pay rises, which have been slated at around 2pc per year, as part of the new deal to extend the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The public sector pay bill is worth over a third of Government spending, and stands at 16.4bn. Daniel Kelleher was last seen on May 4 Gardai have renewed their appeal for information on the whereabouts of Daniel Kelleher, who has been missing for a month. The 16-year-old, who is from the Glen area of Cork city, was last seen on May 4. He is described as being 6' 3'', of thin build with short, fair hair. He was wearing a light grey North Face jacket with a hood when last seen. Gardai said Daniel usually wears a tracksuit, hoody and runners. He is known to frequent the Glen and Comeragh Park areas of the city. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021 4558510, any garda station or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. The daughter of US President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner arrive at the Vatican on May 24, 2017 Ivanka Trump attends the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala "Poiret: King Of Fashion" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images) Ivanka Trump (C-L) and Jared Kushner (C-R) arrive to attend the presentation of the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud medal at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh on May 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) Ivanka Trump, daughter and assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump, walks with her husband, White House senior adviser Jared Kushner, on the South Lawn prior to their departure from the White House May 19, 2017 in Washington, DC White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump arrive at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Remo Casilli Ivanka Trump looks on during a meeting at the Sant' Egidio Christian community in Rome, Italy, May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Yara Nardi Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, arrives at a Gala Dinner at Deutsche Bank within the framework of the W20 summit on April 25, 2017 in Berlin, Germany Ivanka Trump, in person at least, is a touchstone of sensibility and decorum. A new world statesman with an interest in female empowerment and stiletto heels. Right? So it was with some surprise that the internet reacted to a tweet sent out by Ivanka Trump brand's official Twitter page, otherwise known as Ivanka Trump HQ, in celebration of the US's Memorial Day on Sunday. The tweet had advice for those wanting to mark the day: "Make champagne popsicles this #MemorialDay" it said including a link to an ice lolly recipe for the holiday in honour of fallen servicemen and women. "Turn up the music - it's a three day weekend." Critics were quick to point out that not only did this miss the point of the day but it suggested how our of touch the First Daughter was if she assumed the population had a bottle of Veuve Clicquot on ice. And a number of other titbits of Ivanka's lifestyle advice - many from her social media feeds (she has 3.7 million Instagram followers) and book, Women Who Work: Rewriting the Rules For Success - have come no closer to hitting the target. Here are some other pieces of her best advice... 1. Leave time for meditation Expand Close Daughter of U.S. President Ivanka Trump attends the W20 Summit under the motto "Inspiring women: scaling up women's entrepreneurship" in Berlin, Germany, April 25, 2017. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daughter of U.S. President Ivanka Trump attends the W20 Summit under the motto "Inspiring women: scaling up women's entrepreneurship" in Berlin, Germany, April 25, 2017. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke 'First world problems?' What are they? During the [election] campaign, I went into survival mode: I worked and I was with my family; I didnt do much else," writes Ivanka in Women Who Work. "Honestly, I wasnt treating myself to a massage or making much time for self-care. I wish I could have awoken early to meditate for twenty minutes and I would have loved to catch up with the friends I hadnt seen in three months, but there just wasnt enough time in the day. 2. Make pizza We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference I had the best time cooking a "Rainbow Pizza" with my kiddos this weekend! We fell far short on our execution relative to this awesome inspiration image, but had a blast in the process! Ivanka wrote on Instagram recently, posting a picture of her homemade broccoli topped pizza and a link to the delicious-sounding low-carb cauliflower crust pizza it was based on. Which precisely no child asked for, ever. 3. Write coded lists The First Daughter says: I write a list for connecting with each of my kids. I put real thought into coming up with ideas for memorable moments I can create with each of them. I play cars with Joseph [the older of her two sons], on the floor, for 20 minutes each day. Arabella [the oldest of her three children] loves books, so I make a note to read at least two per day to her and plan dates to the library. "I draft a general family list that includes things like how often Jared [Kushner, her husband] and I will go on an official date night (every other week!) Ive built an entire system of symbols that denote how timely each item on my to-do list is. Who said spontaneity was dead? 4. Working mother? Send emails at 11pm Expand Close U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump (2nd R) and her family, husband Jared Kushner (from L) and children Joseph and Arabella Kushner, arrive aboard the Marine One helicopter with the president to board Air Force One for travel to Florida from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S. March 3, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump (2nd R) and her family, husband Jared Kushner (from L) and children Joseph and Arabella Kushner, arrive aboard the Marine One helicopter with the president to board Air Force One for travel to Florida from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S. March 3, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Ivanka has also given her followers an insight into how she juggles so much in one day: I do all the things that must be accomplished face to face between the hours of 8am and 6pm. The rest I leave for later after the kids have gone to bed My team knows to expect emails from me at 11pm and that I dont expect an answer at that hour, unless they, like me, leave early! Studies have shown that sending staff members emails at night can make them feel pressured into replying and increase feelings of presenteeism. 5. Buy waterproof mascara Expand Close U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Along with the proper attire to wear for any occasion (as long as you're attending a ball or meeting a world leader, that is) and how to perfect your dance moves the Ivanka Trump HQ Twitter page has beauty advice for spring wedding season, including the groundbreaking tip that we should be wearing waterproof mascara in case of tears. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Jim Carrey will find a trial over his ex-girlfriends wrongful death very painful, his lawyer said, after a date was set for the star to face a jury. Cathriona Whites mother and husband are suing the actor, 55, claiming he provided the drugs used in the 30-year-old Irish make-up artists suicide. A judge at Los Angeles Superior Court indicated on Wednesday she would not throw out the case as requested by Raymond Boucher, Carreys lawyer, and estimated a trial would last 20 days. After the hearing, Mr Boucher said: Mr Carrey loved Ms White dearly and so obviously it will be a very painful process for him. Mother Brigid Sweetman claims the Canadian-born star provided the prescription drugs Ambien, Propranolol and Percocet, on which she overdosed. The Dumb And Dumber actor denies all the allegations, with his lawyers describing them as malicious and predatory. In court, Mr Boucher argued that allegations under drugs legislation were likely to fall outside the statute of limitations and said the wrongful death claims were too vague. Ahmed Ibrahim, representing the claimants, urged Judge Deirdre Hill not to delay proceedings any longer, saying Carreys lawyers would keep coming back for another bite of the apple. He also argued to keep the lawsuits wording open before the trial. Video of the Day We are clearly not alleging that Jim Carrey was selling drugs out of the back of his pick-up truck and was therefore not marketing or selling in the traditional sense of what that word would bring to mind, he added. Ms Sweetman also claims Carrey gave her daughter three sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pressured her to keep it quiet before her death in September 2015. Carrey is said to have transmitted herpes type 1, herpes type 2 (genital herpes) and gonorrhoea in 2013 and allegedly tested positive after providing the false name of Jose Lopez. Ms Whites husband Mark Burton is suing Carrey over similar claims. Ms White, from Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, was found dead in her Los Angeles home in September 2015. A coroner recorded her death as suicide. The judge said she would send her final ruling on Carreys motion to strike to lawyers in due course but indicated she would side with the prosecution at least in part. She set a date for the trial to begin on April 26. A Somali mother gives water to her malnourished son at a camp in the Sahal area on the outskirts of Mogadishu (Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP) THE famine that was declared in parts of South Sudan earlier this year is threatening to spread. In Somalia, millions of children are at risk of death. We have been here before. We know this crisis. In 2011, 130,000 children died in Somalia because we did not act quickly enough. We have the skills to prevent that from happening again. These thoughts have been tormenting me this week, as I meet children on the frontline of hunger. South Sudans declaration of famine came in February. Somalia is currently categorised as one level below that on a five-level scale used by humanitarian organisations to assess famine risk. This week, I have come to some of the areas worst-affected by that crisis in Somaliland, Northern Somalia. The situation here was caused when the rains failed six months ago and a drought occurred. If they are to live, children in Somalia need food and clean water, vaccinations and medicine. 275,000 children currently have, or will suffer with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) this year. SAM is what we call malnutrition when it reaches the life-threatening stage. But 1.4 million children are currently malnourished in total. In South Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen, the other key crisis countries affected by this famine crisis, the numbers of malnourished are even greater. On Tuesday I met eight-month-old baby boy Hassan and his Mother Ugaso at the Hargeisa Stabilisation Centre for severely malnourished children with complications in the regional capital, Hargeisa. Hassan, who was already weak, had been vomiting when he was brought in five days ago after being referred by a maternal and child health centre. His poor Mum was very shaken by her infants brush with death. Thankfully, Hassan is now getting the treatment he needs and has an excellent chance of making a full recovery. Over 680,000 people the vast majority of them women and children have already been displaced by drought since November 2016. The Gu (April-June) rains have arrived in many parts of the country, bringing flash floods. However, other areas have still had little or no rain. Most of the 260,000 victims of Somalias 2011 famine died because they were forced to leave their homes in search of food and water. Expand Close Peter Power, Unicef / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Peter Power, Unicef At the village of Sheikh Noor I met another Mother, Nada Hassan and her family, who set out from their home near Burao in Eastern Somaliland in January, and walked for six weeks to get to safety after drought killed most of their sheep and goats. They lost 430 of 500 animals, and their livelihood. Nada Hassan has eight children aged from 12 to 20. Local woman Huda, who has five children of her own, offered them shelter. This amazing woman took in the desperate family, even though they were strangers. When they do come, the rains bring with them an increased risk of deadly diseases. When a child is weakened by a lack of food and water, they do not have the natural defences to protect themselves from cholera, measles or diarrhoea. Severely malnourished children are nine times more likely to die from these diseases. So what connects Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen? It is isnt geography, it is conflict. This has in fact been termed a man-made crisis. Somalia has been lawless for decades; South Sudan the Worlds newest State has only ever known conflict in its six short years. In Nigeria, Boko Haram is causing insecurity and in Yemen a tangled civil war is playing out with international actors. One of the outcomes of conflict is that families flee, causing more displacement. Famine, conflict and displacement are conditions we Irish know well. I am visiting UNICEFs programmes in Northern Somalia, where our teams on the ground are working tirelessly to pull off a massive famine prevention programme. UNICEF nutritional experts urgently need funding to buy 1.2 million cartons of ready-to-use-therapeutic-food for Somalia, South Sudan, north-east Nigeria and Yemen. In Somalia in 2011, major funding only came in famine was declared in July too late for the 130,000 children who were already dead. We are determined not to let that happen again. This year, UNICEF and its partners have already treated nearly 70,000 children with Severe Acute Malnutrition at 330 new nutrition centres. Those children have an almost 93% recovery rate. UNICEF aid workers have given 1.2 million people access to safe water. Crucially, 280,000 children have been vaccinated against measles while 900,000 people were given oral cholera vaccines. The people of Somalia dont know what lies ahead, it could be that the worst is yet to come. But there is another possible outcome. Famine is preventable. Lets prevent it. UNICEFs famine appeal is 46% underfunded. To donate, visit UNICEF *UNICEF is the UNs aid agency for children. Peter Power is UNICEF Irelands Executive Director and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Pro-Labour leaflets featuring grime star Stormzy have appeared around Croydon urging constituents to vote for the party in the upcoming General Election. The witty leaflets states Croydon was won by the Conservative Party by just 165 votes and adds: Even your dads got more Facebook friends. Stormzy says vote Labour! Labours Sarah Jones was beaten to the Croydon Central seat to Tory Gavin Barwell in the 2015 election by just 165 votes, and is running against him again. The leaflets which arent actually affiliated with Stormzy or the Labour Party were created by a group of politically minded friends from London who were inspired to tackle the General Election head on after a series of political disappointments. Creator Sonia Williams, 30, said after the 2010 coalition, the full-on Tory horror show that followed and Brexit, they couldnt bear the thought of another one. The copywriter from Hackney said: We couldnt just stand by and watch in this election as the Conservatives won the landslide victory they obviously thought theyd get we had to try to intervene in whatever way we could to fight back for the left. Over and over again we feel that this government has let us all down, cutting essential services, pushing through a hard Brexit agenda that benefits nobody and serving only the narrow interests of the 1%. The friends decided to channel their efforts through marginal seats and found Croydon Central had been won by a small margin, so they set their sights on the south London constituency. Sonia said: The main aim of the flyers was to show just how close it was and motivate people to get out and vote because theyd know it really mattered each vote really would count. With Stormzy being from Croydon and the rise of grime4Corbyn, it pretty much wrote itself. We all reckon humour is a great way to get young people engaged with politics, to get everyone interested and talking about it. Sonia and her friends visited Croydon to hand out the flyers to locals and said the response was amazing, especially from young people. She said the approach may have been well-received due to the fact she and her friends were not officially affiliated with a party, adding: If you distrust politics and politicians, youre likely to be switched off by official campaign material, whereas maybe some anonymous randoms going on a rampage through the streets handing out these mysterious DIY flyers would pique your interest. They definitely got a laugh, but also lead to so many really awesome, honest conversations. Which is exactly what we were hoping for. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference While Stormzy hasnt publicly backed a party for the upcoming election, he has previously spoken out about his admiration for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. In a 2016 interview with the Guardian, he said: My man, Jeremy! I dig what he says. I saw some sick picture of him from back in the day when he was campaigning about anti-apartheid and I thought: yeah, I like your energy. I feel like he gets what the ethnic minorities are going through and the homeless and the working class. Corbyn also gave Stormzy a shoutout earlier in the year, praising him for a candid Channel 4 interview in which the artist spoke out about his mental health. Weve reached out to Stormzys representatives for a comment. President Donald Trump has announced he is pulling the US out of the worlds first comprehensive deal on climate change, but not everyones on board with the decision. Trump said the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, secured in the French capital in December 2015, which commits countries to curbing rising global temperatures, but he also raised the possibility of negotiating to re-enter the Paris accord or an entirely new deal on terms that were fair to the US. Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, was tweeting parts of Trumps speech, including this: We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Unfortunately for Trump it looks as though the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, was not all that keen on the decision to remove the USA from the agreement in the first place, and replied to the presidents comments with this tweet: We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Trumps move drew widespread international criticism, with campaigners in the UK labelling it an act of vandalism, and politicians both current and former speaking out against it. Trumps predecessor Barack Obama, who signed the Paris Agreement last year without US Senate ratification, described the Trump administration as joining a small handful of nations that reject the future by withdrawing from the pact. Meanwhile former vice president Al Gore was clearly not in favour of the move. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Obviously not everyone was against the decision -Republican and Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan tweeted: We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The Paris deal commits countries to holding global temperature rises to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels, which will require emissions to be cut to net zero by the second half of the century. Scientists have warned failure to curb dangerous climate change will lead to sea level rises, more intense storms and flooding, more extreme droughts, water shortages and heatwaves as well as massive loss of wildlife and reduction in crop yields, potentially sparking conflict and mass migration. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 Trend: The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) in association with the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication organized a conference on Tuesday 30 May entitled Economic Reforms: Achieved Results and Recommendations. EY was one of the sponsors of the event, which took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku. The conference invited officials from both governmental and non-governmental organizations from Azerbaijan. Mr. Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, opened the conference by welcoming the guests and speakers. Then, Mr. Yagub Eyyubov, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Mr. Nuran Karimov, President of AmCham, talked about the main areas of economic reform and challenges ahead. Mr. Elman Rustamov, Chairman of the Central Bank, Mr. Rufat Aslanli, Chairman of the Financial Markets Supervisory Authority, Mr. Aydin Aliyev, Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Mr. Karam Hasanov, Chairman of the State Committee on Property Issues, Mr. Sahir Mammadkhanov, First Deputy Minister of Taxes, Mr. Sahil Babayev, Deputy Minister of Economy, and others delivered speeches and presentations at the conference. Speakers highlighted during the event that cooperation between the government and private sector plays an important role in creating the conditions for the private sector to strengthen its contribution to delivering sustained economic growth. About EY EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and economies around the world. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In doing so, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY works together with companies across the CIS and assists them in realizing their business goals. 5,000 professionals work at 20 CIS offices (in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Togliatti, Vladivostok, Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Baku, Kyiv, Tashkent, Tbilisi, Minsk, and other locations). EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. EY in Azerbaijan EY made a major commitment to the development of Azerbaijan and the region by opening the office in Baku 22 years ago. Today, in addition to being the leading audit and consulting firm in Azerbaijan, we are the leading firm in the region. As a result of our experience and competence, we have been able to assist both domestic and international companies as well as state-owned entities to develop and manage the challenges of the international economy. There are currently 170 people working in our Baku office that serve our clients in Azerbaijan. EY's strength in the Caspian Region and the firm's commitment of resources are important to the entities operating in the region. It means that as we grow, EY will continue to demonstrate a tradition of hiring and training local professionals to be leaders in our practice. Donald Trumps decision to pull the US out of the worlds first comprehensive deal on climate change has drawn widespread international criticism, but perhaps the best reaction came from the Weather Channel. The channel provides local and national weather forecasts among other things, and their website appeared entirely appropriate after the US presidents announcement. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Trollin indeed. Trump said the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, secured in the French capital in December 2015, which commits countries to curbing rising global temperatures. But he also raised the possibility of negotiating to re-enter the Paris Accord or an entirely new deal on terms that were fair to the US. Former US president Barack Obama and former vice president Al Gore were among the decisions critics, as well as tech businessman Elon Musk. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Featured on the Weather Channels home page were a video on Antarctica turning green, a story on California losing its iconic coastline due to rising sea levels, and a piece about How sea level rise, salt water and sprawl are dooming a wilderness among other things. The Weather Channel arent the only people to make their point online however. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The Merriam-Webster dictionary has a history of checking Trumps tweets, such as the time the president claimed hed come up with the phrase prime the pump. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The internets getting sassy these days, isnt it? Clashes taking the format of political party leaders challenging each other on screen, often standing at a lectern on stage, were first seen in the UK during the 2010 General Election. The latest seven-way prime time showdown, broadcast on the BBC on Wednesday night, featured Labours Jeremy Corbyn, Home Secretary Amber Rudd of the Conservatives, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, Ukips Paul Nuttall, Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas, Leanne Wood of Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party deputy leader Angus Robertson. It has been branded by some commentators as truly dreadful and as lively and entertaining as a pub lock in. Here are some thoughts from experts about the televised debates. The debates can end up as a bit of a bickering match Professor Tony Travers of London School of Economics and Political Science, described British politics as competitive and combative, and said televised debate events are a bit of a mess. They are inevitably a bit of a bickering match because they encourage, as the one did last night, people to turn to each other and challenge each other and chip in, he added. (But) in a sense, that is how British politics works. Branding televised debates a slightly ungainly process, Travers added: At one level you can see why the Prime Minister did not want to get involved in it. Yet on the other hand, her not being involved in it seems to have done her political harm. Audiences may focus on what people look like rather than what theyre saying Travers said debate audiences watching on television can end up focusing and making judgments on what those taking part look like, their body language and how they react. Then quite what their negotiating stance on Brexit is, or how old people should be treated, can get lost in the melee, he added. Theyre designed to be slightly theatrical Travers said that the public are probably now stuck with televised debates partly because broadcasters love them. It is theatre, and it is like the House of Commons in that regard, it is designed to be slightly theatrical, which is why the broadcasters love it, Prof Travers said. The format of televised debates might work better with less people Professor Justin Fisher of Brunel University London said the current inclusive debate format on a national level does not work, and that the first televised political spars were significant for two reasons. One they were novel, and two there were only three participants, he said. The desire to be inclusive has meant the debate format is much less useful or indeed interesting. It is impossible to have a debate with seven people. Fisher said the insistence at the General Election in 2015 that all the parties were included in the debates, set a precedent, which creates a risk of diluting the format. Debates with too many people means it can be hard to get their points in Echoing the view that more participants makes real debate harder, associate professor Stephen Barber of London South Bank University said this happens because people arent speaking for very long. He added: One of the things we saw last night was people trying to get their voice heard, that is where the bickering came from, and when someone wanted to get their point in as well. And the seven-way debate was not particularly well adjudicated, according to Dr Aeron Davis, a professor of political communication at Goldsmiths University, London. It was a bit if a free for all, he said. When you have that many people, it does become hard to discern between them and see a candidate stick out. Jerry Garcia's famous 'Wolf' guitar was sold for more than 1.5m (Guernsey's/AP) A guitar played everywhere from San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom to Egypt's Great Pyramids by Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia has fetched more than 1.9 million dollars (1.5m) at a New York auction. The guitar, named Wolf, was sold at the Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley, restaurant and music venue. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Montgomery, Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC). The sale price includes the buyer's premium. The guitar was owned by devoted Deadhead Daniel Pritzker, a philanthropist, musician and film director, who bought the instrument in 2002 for 790,000 dollars (617,000). "I've been a fan of The Dead since I was a kid and playing this iconic guitar over the past 15 years has been a privilege," said Mr Pritzker. "But the time is right for Wolf to do some good." SPLC president Richard Cohen said the organisation was grateful Mr Pritzker "is willing to part with this piece of music history to support the SPLC's mission fighting hate and bigotry". The auctioneer says Wolf first appeared in a 1973 New York performance the Grateful Dead gave for the Hells Angels. The instrument bears a devilish looking, cartoon-like image of a wolf's face - eyes menacingly narrowed, ears pricked up, red tongue hanging out, fangs at the ready. The 1977 film The Grateful Dead Movie was directed by Garcia and features extensive footage of the instrument. Garcia died in 1995. AP Ivanka Trump's brand declined to comment on the allegations or the arrest and disappearances (AP) A Chinese company that made shoes for Ivanka Trump has denied allegations of excessive overtime and low wages made by three activists who have been arrested or disappeared. Associated Press reports earlier this week said Hua Haifeng, an investigator for China Labour Watch, a New York-based non-profit organisation, had been arrested on a charge of illegal surveillance, while two colleagues - Li Zhao and Su Heng - are missing and rights groups fear they have been detained. They were investigating Huajian Group factories in the southern Chinese cities of Ganzhou and Dongguan. Long Shan, a spokeswoman for Huajian Group, said: "We are shocked. As a renowned global media outlet, you have put out many untrue reports not based on facts and without our consent." China Labour Watch executive director Li Qiang said he had not been able to confirm the status of the two missing men. Ms Long said the company stopped producing Ivanka Trump shoes months ago. She said Hua Haifeng joined the group's factory in Dongguan on May 20, but left after less than a week, and Su Heng began working at the Ganzhou factory on April 28, but also left after a short time. She said she did not know their current whereabouts. "By coming to Huajian to work, they are Huajian employees. Huajian staff must comply with China's laws and regulations and Huajian's rules," she said, adding that at least one of the men "used methods like taking photographs and video to obtain the company's trade secrets, which is not in line with the company's regulations. Our company has the right to hold him accountable". She said reports of managers verbally abusing workers, including insults and a crude reference in Chinese to female genitalia, were based on misunderstanding: "It is the local dialect being used as management language." She said Huajian was looking into allegations of improper use of student interns. Ms Trump's brand declined to comment on the allegations or the arrest and disappearances. Marc Fisher, which produces shoes for Ivanka Trump and other brands, said it was looking into the allegations. China Labour Watch has been exposing poor working conditions at suppliers to some of the world's best-known companies for nearly two decades, but Mr Li said his work has never before attracted this level of scrutiny from China's state security apparatus. The arrest and disappearances come amid a crackdown on perceived threats to the stability of China's ruling Communist Party, particularly from sources with foreign ties such as China Labour Watch. Faced with rising labour unrest and a slowing economy, Beijing has taken a stern approach to activism in southern China's manufacturing belt and to human rights advocates generally, sparking a wave of critical reports about disappearances, public confessions, forced repatriation and torture in custody. AP Hillary Clinton has a hunch about Donald Trump's mysterious tweet, "covfefe". "I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians," the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate joked. The former US first lady and New York senator later turned more serious during an interview at a conference near Los Angeles hosted by tech blog Recode. She suggested that President Trump and his allies were using Twitter and other social media to sidetrack Americans' attention from the investigations into the influence of Russia during the election campaign or the Republican health care bill. "You can't let Trump and his allies be a diversion. They are a threat," Mrs Clinton said. "They want to influence your reality. And that is what we're up against and we can't let that go unanswered, whether it's on Twitter, Facebook or anywhere else." Mr Trump tweeted shortly before 1am that "Despite the constant negative press covfefe". The tweet ended there. Mrs Clinton talked at length about Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential contest, referring to US intelligence assessments that Russia not only meddled in the election, but did so to help Mr Trump defeat her. With multiple investigations under way, she asked: "How did they know what messages to deliver? Who told them? Who were they co-ordinating with, or colluding with?" To pull it off, Russians would have needed to be "guided by Americans", she added later. AP The mother of eight-year-old Saffie Roussos - the youngest of the victims to die in the Manchester terror attack - is conscious and aware of the tragedy, a family friend has revealed. Lisa Roussos (48) was critically injured in last week's bomb attack and had been on life support, unaware that her daughter had died. But a friend said she was beginning to pull through and had been told what had happened to Saffie. Mike Swanny, a neighbour and close friend of the Roussos family, said Mrs Roussos had been taken off life support. He said: "The news about Lisa being out of danger is the biggest in this since the start. She was in a critical condition at first, but she came off life support on Saturday and was up and talking on Sunday. "She's aware of the situation with Saffie. She's still in hospital, but she's moving her legs, which is fantastic. Lisa's pulling through and it's really important people know that." Saffie's older sister Ashlee was also injured in the attack and was being treated at a different hospital, but Mr Swanny said she was also making a good recovery. Read More Saffie was the youngest of the 22 people killed when jihadist, Salman Abedi blew himself up at an Ariana Grande concert on May 22. At the family's fish and chip shop in Leyland, Lancashire, a huge display of floral tributes have been laid and well wishers have also raised thousands of pounds for the family, who are originally from Cyprus. Mr Swanny said Saffie's father, Andrew (43) had been overwhelmed by the public outpouring since the tragedy. He said: "Andrew has been so strong. He's not wanted to grieve until he knew his wife was going to be okay. He's been a machine all week." "Andrew's been overwhelmed by it all, he said he didn't know these people were out there," he added. Saffie's headteacher, Chris Upton, described her as "a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word". Paying tribute to her, he said: "She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was unassuming with a creative flair." Mr Swanny, who runs a computer shop next to the Roussos family business in Leyland, said it had been very difficult telling his daughter that her best friend had died. He said: "Me and Andrew are very close and I was there from the very beginning when this all happened. "It's been hell since last Tuesday. I had to come home and tell my little girl that her best friend was not coming back." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkish and Iranian companies have signed an agreement on construction and sale of ships for a total amount of $95 million, the Turkish media outlets reported June 1. Three Turkish companies, names of which havent been disclosed, will build ships in Khorramshahr in southwestern Iran. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), the trade turnover between Turkey and Iran amounted to $11 billion in 2016. The two countries intend to bring the volume of trade operations up to $30 billion. People smugglers make about $35bn (31bn) a year worldwide and they are driving the tragedy of migrants who die trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said. Increasing numbers of desperate migrants fleeing from Africa and elsewhere due to conflicts and humanitarian crises are dying as they attempt to reach Europe via Libya, coaxed to do so by smugglers as they wait in detention centres. The death toll of people crossing the Mediterranean has reached 1,700 so far this year before the summer when many more often make the journey, compared to 3,700 for all of 2015 and 5,000 last year, said IOM head William Lacy Swing yesterday. "Now, let's be careful because those are the people we know who died, how many other bodies are submerged in the Mediterranean or buried in the sands of the Sahara?" he said in an interview on the sidelines of a conference on migration. "That's the tragedy and this is why we are so concerned to try to caution migrants about smugglers. The smugglers are really the big problem. It's about $35bn a year (that people smugglers make) and we know they're making lots of money across the Mediterranean." People smuggling now represents the third-largest business for international criminals, after gun and drug trafficking, he said. Libya has become a major point of departure for migrants from Africa, where lawlessness is spreading six years after the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi, and migrants say conditions at government-run migrant centres are terrible. After visiting Libya in March, Mr Lacy Swing said his organisation is "all ready to go" and return international staff to Libya to work at migrant centres, but has so far not been allowed to do so by the United Nations. On Tuesday the IOM and UN refugee agency UNCHR presented plans in Geneva on boosting operations in Libya. Mr Lacy Swing said the IOM was ready to help the government with Libya's own internally displaced people and work in migration centres. He said Europe's migrant crisis has been aggravated by what he called "unprecedented anti-migrant sentiment, fuelled now by suspicions that some of those fleeing terrorism might be terrorists themselves". But he urged governments to try to address the root causes of migration; conflicts, water shortages and big disparities between rich and poor countries. "In my lifetime I have never known a situation quite like today, because you have nine armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies from West Africa to the Himalayas." He said Europe needs to come up with a comprehensive plan on migration "but I don't see it happening any time in the near future, but we'll do everything we can to support them on it". He stressed "migration is not an issue to be solved, it's a human reality that has to be managed or governed". "We know that historically migration has always been overwhelmingly positive." Air strikes have intensified over the past days as US-backed fighters besiege Islamic State fighters (AP) The founder of one of the main Islamic State (IS) media outlets has been killed in an air strike in eastern Syria, activists said. The death of Baraa Kadek, founder of the Aamaq news agency, was also reported by his brother on Facebook. IS itself has not confirmed Kadek's death. Kadek and his daughter were said to have been killed in an air strike in Mayadeen town in Deir el-Zour province. Mayadeen has become a refuge for IS leaders as the group comes under attack in Mosul in Iraq and their de facto capital, Raqqa. Syrian opposition news outlets, including Halab News Network and Qasioun news agency, reported Kadek's death late on Wednesday. Kadek became known as a media activist covering the outbreak of protests in 2011 and subsequent rebel fronts. He later joined IS in 2013. Lebanon's interior ministry banned the new 'Wonder Woman' film from cinemas yesterday because an Israeli actress plays the lead role. Lebanon considers Israel an enemy country and the Ministry of Economy and Trade oversees a boycott of any business transaction concerning Israel. An interior ministry source said they had issued an order to ban the movie, which stars former Israeli army soldier Gal Gadot, based on a recommendation from the General Security directorate. The distributor for Warner Brothers in the region said the movie was set to premiere officially in most of Beirut's major cinemas last night, after private showings had been held the day before, but the public release screenings were cancelled. The Ministry of Economy said it had asked the General Security directorate to prevent screenings of 'Wonder Woman' due to Gadot's role in the film. Israel fought a month-long war with its Lebanese foe Hezbollah in 2006, and has targeted the Iranian-backed armed group in Syria in recent years, but there has been no major direct confrontation. The 2006 war killed around 160 Israelis, most of them troops fighting inside Lebanon, while 1,200 people in Lebanon, mostly civilians, died in Israel's military barrages. A UN-monitored ceasefire has largely held since the 2006 war, which also displaced a million people in Lebanon and nearly 500,000 in Israel. Former FBI Director James Comey reportedly plans to publicly testify before a Senate committee to confirm reports that US President Donald Trump asked him to drop the bureau's investigation into a top Trump aide's alleged ties to Russia. According to CNN, Mr Comey "appears eager" to discuss his interactions with the President before his firing. There is the possibility that Mr Trump obstructed justice by asking Mr Comey to drop the FBI's inquiry into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Mr Trump dismissed Mr Comey in early May a move criticised by Democrats and Republicans alike. Mr Comey was also heading an investigation into whether Trump campaign advisers colluded with the Russian government to influence the 2016 election, which is separate from the Flynn probe. The President said Mr Comey informed him three times that he personally was not under investigation. However, the New York Times reported that during one of their interactions, the President asked Mr Comey to end its investigation into Mr Flynn, according to a memo reportedly written by Mr Comey. Read More Mr Flynn resigned in February after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other top White House officials about his conversations with Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the US. The White House said the memo is not an accurate portrayal of the conversation between Mr Comey and the President. Mr Comey has apparently spoken privately with Special Counsel Robert Mueller to work out the parameters for his testimony to ensure there are no legal entanglements as a result of his public account, CNN said. Mr Mueller is now overseeing the Russia investigation for the administration. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives also have committees conducting their own probes into possible ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Meanwhile, the House intelligence committee has said it is issuing subpoenas for Mr Trump's former national security adviser and his personal lawyer, as well as their businesses, as part of its investigation into Russian activities during last year's election. In addition to those four subpoenas, the committee has issued three others to the National Security Agency, the FBI and the CIA for information about requests that government officials made to unmask the identities of U.S. individuals named in classified intelligence reports, according to a congressional aide. At a Wednesday briefing, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said inquiries about the Russia investigation must be directed to Trump's longtime personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz. It marked the first time the White House had officially acknowledged that outside counsel had been retained. Willie Cory Godbolt is arrested after eight were killed in the US. Photo: Reuters The man accused of killing a sheriff's deputy and seven people he knew in rural Mississippi led a life marked by violence, it has emerged. When Willie Cory Godbolt was 17, his mother shot and killed his father, a Brookhaven police officer, after the two had separated, Brookhaven Police Chief Bobby Bell said. In the two decades since, Godbolt was charged with misdemeanour assault or similar crimes at least a dozen times, and convicted in at least six of them, Lincoln County court records show. Last June, his wife accused him of choking and punching her, and putting his hand in her mouth so she couldn't scream. Investigators said his most violent act yet happened over the weekend when a domestic violence dispute spiralled into a killing spree that left eight people dead at three separate homes. He may face the death penalty if convicted. About two decades ago, Godbolt's mother accused his father of domestic violence, but the charges were later dropped. In 1999, using her ex-husband's police revolver, she shot him dead and pleaded guilty to manslaughter and burglary. Godbolt, shackled at his hands and feet, appeared in court on Tuesday and was denied bail. His left arm was bandaged from a gunshot wound, but it was not clear who shot him. Investigators said it was not police. Those killed were Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy William Durr; Barbara Mitchell (55); Brenda May (53); Toccara May (35); Ferral Burage (45); Shelia Burage (46); Austin Edwards (11); and Jordan Blackwell (18). Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Azerbaijans AtaBank plans to focus on the development of online services, Etibar Babashli, deputy chairman of the banks board, told a press conference in Baku June 1. We have always tried to introduce innovations in Azerbaijans banking market and we will continue to pursue this policy, Babashli said. But times are changing and today, banks have to develop IT technologies and provide innovative products. It is difficult to achieve real results by simply expanding branch network. Therefore, development of online services occupies an important place in our plans. The Caspian Development Bank [which joined AtaBank] had its own products and we are going to rework them and offer to customers, he noted. Babashli added that AtaBank will continue to stimulate the growth of cashless payments by organizing various campaigns. Meanwhile, we will not abandon traditional banking services and will continue to develop in this area, he explained. The merger of AtaBank and Caspian Development Bank was announced on April 18, 2017. As it was reported, Caspian Development Bank will be reorganized and liquidated, and its assets will be transferred to AtaBank. Under the decision of general meeting of the two banks shareholders, Dayanat Guliyev became chairman of Management Board of the renewed AtaBank, and Farah Mammadova chairman of the Supervisory Board. US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in Sicily (Flavio Lo Scalzo/ANSA via AP) Donald Trump is becoming increasingly isolated and stressed as the demands of the Presidency take its toll, according to a new report. "He now lives within himself, which is a dangerous place for Donald Trump to be," one source close to Mr Trump told CNN. "I see him emotionally withdrawing. He's gained weight. He doesn't have anybody whom he trusts." The President was already in a pretty glum mood before his first foreign trip to the Middle East and Europe, according to the source. On his return, his woes intensified as fresh allegations emerged which centre on the role of the Presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in communications with the Russian government. Last week, The Washington Post reported Mr Kushner had met a Russian ambassador to discuss setting up a channel which would be immune from security monitoring. A security analyst who worked at the CIA for 25 years said yesterday it was hard to believe the President had no knowledge of his son-in-laws actions. Im going to presume he did this at the behest of the President-elect of the United States, Philip Mudd told CNN. As ever, the President dismissed the allegations as the work of the fake news media. Mr Trump is also facing an uphill battle over his hugely unpopular healthcare reforms. The government is making a second attempt to replace Obamacare after it was forced to withdraw its last bill in a high-profile failure for the President. The first American Health Care Act (AHCA) was pulled after it was clear it did not have sufficient support from Republicans. It squeezed through the House of Representatives by 217 votes to 213 - but now faces a tough challenge in the Senate. The latest attempt faces unanimous opposition from the Democrats, as well as a number of Republicans including Ohio governor John Kasich. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConell admitted last week he didnt know how the Republicans would be able to reach the 50-vote majority required. US president Donald Trump is expected to pull the United States from a landmark global climate agreement, a White House official said - though there could be "caveats in the language" announcing a withdrawal, leaving open the possibility that his decision is not final. Exiting the deal would fulfil a central campaign pledge from the president, but would be certain to anger allies that spent years negotiating the accord to reduce carbon emissions. The official insisted on anonymity in order to discuss the decision before the official announcement. Mr Trump tweeted yesterday morning: "I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" While Mr Trump currently favours an exit, he has been known to change his thinking on major decisions and tends to seek counsel from a range of inside and outside advisers, many with differing agendas, until the last minute. The president's top aides have been divided on the accord. Yesterday afternoon, Mr Trump was meeting Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has favoured remaining in the deal. Chief strategist Steve Bannon supports an exit, while senior adviser Jared Kushner thinks the deal is bad, but would like to find a way to see if the US emissions targets can be changed. Nearly 200 nations, including the US under former president Barack Obama's administration, agreed in 2015 to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to combat climate change. Withdrawing would leave the US aligned only with Russia among the world's industrialised economies in rejecting action to combat climate change. Mr Trump pledged during his presidential campaign to withdraw the US from the pact immediately after taking office, but had wavered on the issue since winning the election. Read More During Mr Trump's overseas trip last week, European leaders pressed him to keep the US in the pact. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Mr Trump at length about the issue during a meeting in Brussels, and even at the Vatican, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin made his own pro-Paris pitch to the US president and his advisers. News of Mr Trump's expected decision drew swift reaction. The United Nations' main Twitter page quoted Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying: "Climate change is undeniable. Climate change is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable." US environmental group The Sierra Club's executive director Michael Brune called the expected move a "historic mistake which our grandchildren will look back on with stunned dismay at how a world leader could be so divorced from reality and morality". Mr Trump claimed before taking office that climate change was a "hoax" created by the Chinese to hurt the US economy. Such an assertion stands in defiance of broad scientific consensus. But chief White House economic adviser Gary Cohn told reporters during the trip abroad that Mr Trump's views on climate change were "evolving" following the president's discussions with European leaders. Word of Mr Trump's expected decision comes a day after the president met Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the US's Environmental Protection Agency. Mr Trump and Mr Pruitt have moved to delay or roll back federal regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions while pledging to revive the long-struggling US coal mines. What is not yet clear is whether Mr Trump plans to initiate a formal withdrawal from the Paris accord, which under the terms of the agreement could take three years, or exit the underlying UN climate change treaty on which the accord was based. Richard Ferrand has faced questions about his business practices before he became a legislator in 2012 (AP) A French prosecutor has announced the opening of an investigation into one of Emmanuel Macron's ministers and closest supporters, casting fresh doubts over the newly elected president's pledges of squeaky-clean government. Having previously said there were no grounds for an investigation, prosecutors in Brest, Brittany, reversed course and said they were opening a probe into territorial cohesion minister Richard Ferrand. The U-turn follows a series of media revelations and questions about Mr Ferrand's business practices before he became a legislator in 2012, when he led a Brittany insurance company. The prosecutors' statement said police will investigate whether there are grounds to suspect Mr Ferrand for property crimes, lack of probity and violating insurance codes. US President Donald Trump speaks on the phone as security experts express concern that he has been handing out his mobile number to counterparts around the world (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) US President Donald Trump, who blasted Hillary Clinton for using a personal email server, might be a walking magnet for eavesdropping and malware if he is using an unsecured mobile phone to chat with foreign leaders. Mr Trump has been handing out his mobile phone number to counterparts around the world, urging them to call him directly to avoid the red tape of diplomatic communications. The practice has raised concern about the security and secrecy of the US commander-in-chief's communications. In today's world of cyber espionage, security experts say such a policy is not only unorthodox, but dangerous. Voice calls can be intercepted. A mobile phone's signals to nearby masts can give up its precise location. Even cellular networks are vulnerable. And knowing someone's number makes it easier to infect a phone with malware. "Hillary Clinton's email server was like Fort Knox compared to Trump just carrying around a regular cellphone," said Andrew McLaughlin, former deputy chief technology officer for the Obama administration. "That's how bad the vulnerabilities are." Running against Mrs Clinton for the presidency, Mr Trump repeatedly criticised his rival for using a non-government email account while she was secretary of state. Mr Trump argued that Mrs Clinton should not be given access to classified information because she would leave it vulnerable to foreign foes. But he may be running into problems of his own. He has urged the leaders of Canada and Mexico to call him on his mobile phone, according to former and current US officials with direct knowledge of the practice. Mr Trump, who disdains working through official channels, also exchanged numbers with French President Emmanuel Macron when the two spoke after France's election earlier this month, according to a French official, who would not comment on whether Mr Macron intended to use the line. Trump administration officials would not say what type of mobile phone the US president was using or describe any security upgrades it might include. "I think it's a really bad idea," said Matthew Green, who teaches at the Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute and previously served as senior technical staff member at AT&T Laboratories. Mr Green said mobile phones are not terribly secure and the communications traverse a cellular network with well-known vulnerabilities. He was referring to the Signalling System 7, which links mobile phone networks. If a phone has been hacked, a person can listen and monitor the device even if the president is using an encrypted phone. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat with a degree in computer science, sent a tweet to the president on Wednesday: "Please do not use your cellphone for sensitive calls. SS7 flaw in networks allows foreign intel to monitor conversations." When former president Barack Obama wanted to continue using his BlackBerry, US security officials gave him a modified one that allowed him limited use with enhanced security. The White House said at the time that Mr Obama was permitted to keep his BlackBerry through a compromise which allowed him to stay in touch with senior White House staffers and a small group of personal friends. "What we ended up with was a military-grade, encrypted phone that had the microphone ripped out," said Mr McLaughlin, who thinks the White House communications office has prevailed upon Mr Trump to use some kind of phone with enhanced security. He suggested one with strong encryption, disabled location services and one that talks with a military network instead of commercial services. He also said it is possible that the number Mr Trump is giving to world leaders rings someone else's phone, who then transfers the call to the president, a system which could protect Mr Trump from anyone trying to monitor his communications. AP Russian oil companies are exploring cooperation opportunities with Saudi Arabia on specific projects in 30 various fields, in particular, mining, exploration, development of the petrochemical industry, oilfield services, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Wednesday, Sputnik reported. "I can say that we have signed an agreement between Russian and Saudi Arabian Ministries of Energy on cooperation in the energy field. Under this agreement, a working group comprising representatives of ministries and companies was set up and they regularly meet to find ways of development, joint directions of cooperation. We have identified about 30 such directions," Novak told reporters. The minister pointed out that Russia and Saudi Arabia might launch joint projects in petrochemical industry, in the field of renewable energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG) technologies among others. According to the Russian energy minister, more specific details would be announced after the Russian and Saudi companies discuss all the issues concerning these projects. On Monday, Novak said that Russia and Saudi Arabia might sign new agreements for cooperation on the sidelines of the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), set to take place on Thursday-Saturday. On Tuesday, Rosneft oil-and-gas company CEO Igor Sechin and Saudi energy minister discussed prospects for cooperation between the Russian company and Saudi Aramco in various energy projects. The 21st SPIEF is expected to gather high-ranking politicians and prominent business leaders from dozens of countries. The Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency is the official media partner of the forum. Indias geographical location is central to key international trade routes across the Indian Ocean between Europe and Asia. This offers India a great opportunity to grow into a maritime hub. India has a long coastline of over 7,500 km, which houses its 12 major ports and about 200 non-major ports. These ports serve as the countrys gateways to global trade, and cater to about 95 percent of Indias total foreign trade (by volume). Yet, inadequate port infrastructure and poor port connectivity has kept India from realizing its full maritime potential. Despite an increase in traffic volume and port capacity in recent years, Indian ports continue to underperform globally. The World Banks global performance index, 2016 ranked India 35 out of 160 countries, behind many Asian economies such as Singapore (5), China (25), and Malaysia (32). Turn-around time for ships at major ports in India is 2.04 days, while in other countries, such as Singapore, it is less than a day. This undermines the competitiveness of Indian ports vis-a-vis its neighboring countries. To enhance the efficacy of the Indias maritime infrastructure and attract foreign investment in the sector, the government of India has undertaken several policy reforms and port infrastructure development projects. Some of the major policy reforms are discussed below. Central Port Authority (CPA) Act, 2016 The government of India introduced the new CPA Act in December 2016 to replace the existing Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. The new Act seeks to provide more autonomy to the countrys major ports and attempts to professionalize their governance. Towards this end, the Act addresses a majority of the existing governance concerns, and comprises of provisions that will enable the faster development of port infrastructure. For instance, the Act empowers the board of port authority to lease land for port-related use for up to 40 years and for non-port related use, up to 20 years; the federal governments approval will be needed only for longer leases. The port authority can also appoint consultants, raise loans, and issue securities to manage expenditure. Under the CPA Act, the port authority will set tariffs, which will act as a reference tariff for purposes of bidding for public-private-partnership (PPP) projects; PPP operators will be free to fix tariff based on market conditions. As a result, the Act reduces litigation between the PPP ventures and ports. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy The government allows up to 100 percent FDI under the automatic route for port and harbor construction and maintenance projects. Revised Model Concession Agreement (MCA) In September 2016, the government released a revised MCA to encourage private sector participation in the port sector. The new MCA includes provisions, such as the substitution of the minimum guaranteed cargo requirement with the minimum guaranteed revenue, revised tariff guidelines for existing operators, and discounted revenue shares. Further, it allows private players to exit port projects after six years and gives them the power to issue bonds to refinance debt. Fiscal Incentives The government has also facilitated a 10-year tax holiday to companies that develop, maintain and operate ports, inland waterways, and inland ports. Furthermore, the government provides financial assistance of up to 50 percent of the cost of the port development project, subject to a maximum of US$3.88 million (Rs 25 crore). The aforementioned policy measures collectively promote port-led development in the country. However, the success of their intended regulatory relaxations remains contingent on how they actually benefit private players and improve the ease of doing business on the ground, without adding a different layer of bureaucratic red tapism. Image: twitter.com/India_Yamaha New Delhi, June 1 (IBNS): India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd., in May 2017, continued with its upward growth in the sales by registering a 11% in domestic sales (including Nepal) rise as compared to the corresponding period last year. Yamahas 249 cc Mid-class Street Fighter motorcycle FZ25 was launched this year followed by the launch of BS-IV variants of scooters and motorcycles which has been instrumental in boosting its sales, an official statement said. Yamahas focus to expand to tier-II and III cities with its product line up, servicing facilities and availability of spare parts has supported the brand to extend out to larger groups of target population in boosting its sales. Roy Kurian, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, said, Yamahas journey with renewed vigour was readily welcomed in all over the country. Customers have always desired efficient technology and superior design which can complement their investment for a product. This is what exactly in the world Yamaha is known for. The synchronization between customers needs and Yamahas offerings is the secret of success. Commenting on the challenges that lay ahead, Kurian said, Yamaha will defy the ongoing trends by bringing in products that rev hearts. Since last 4 years, it has reached out to a considerably larger customer base with its stylish and innovative products. Yamahas innovation in design and technology required a finer connect with the mass. It took it forward by revolutionizing buyers inclinations to match two wheelers with personality and comfort levels of riding. Keystone Realtors (Rustomjee) IPO to open on 14th November The IPO of Keystone Realtors will open on November 14th. It will close on November 16th. The issue size is of Rs 635 crore. Price band has been set at Rs 514 - 541 per share. Mi... November 10, 2022 | 3:51 pm GST officials detected Rs 55,575 crore worth of tax evasion, arrested over 700 people, in the past 2 Over the previous two years, the GST officials have discovered fraud totalling Rs55,575 crore and have detained over 700 people for defrauding the exchequer, an official told ET on Thursday. Th... November 10, 2022 | 2:58 pm Bharat Electronics inks agreement with Goa Shipyard for development of autonomous navigation Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for joint development of products/solutions in the area of Autonomous Navigation an... November 10, 2022 | 12:54 pm PSP Projects secures work order worth Rs200 crore; Stock rises PSP Projects Limited has informed to the exchanges regarding receipt of work order. In a regulatory filing, the company said, "We are pleased to inform that we are in receipt of... November 10, 2022 | 12:37 pm Five Star Business Finance IPO receives .02 times subscription application at the end of day 1 Five Star Business Finance IPO has received .02 times subscription application at the end of day 1. Five Star Business Finance, a non-banking financial organization with headqu... November 10, 2022 | 11:39 am Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey has ratified the agreement on energy cooperation with Pakistan, says a message posted on the website of Turkeys Resmi Gazete (Official newspaper). The agreement between Turkey and Pakistan was signed in Ankara on September 13, 2013. Under the document, the two countries plan to jointly produce iron ore, as well as build thermal power plants. Pakistan and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1947 and are strategic partners. Both countries are part of the Group of Eight Developing Islamic Countries (D-8). Expansion of cooperation with Pakistan will open access for Turkish companies to the Chinese market and the CPEC project the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Harbor Light Center, an addiction recovery facility on the citys northwest side, touts itself as a place that provides new beginnings to those overcoming drug or alcohol addictions. However, K. Kendall Mathews, the centers new executive director, says envisioning an addiction-free future can be harder for patients who feel they cant relate to the leadership and staff offering support. Many of the men and women who come through this program are of African decent, so when they see leaders guiding them through the program who look like them and have common experiences, it gives them hope, said Mathews. Mathews and his wife Katrina are the Salvation Armys first officers of color to be in charge of the Harbor Light Center since its launch in 1949. Salvation Army officers are ordained Christian ministers who fulfill roles not typically filled by clergy, with the goal of meeting both spiritual and physical needs of the community. In addition to addiction recovery, those roles can include aiding in disaster relief, operating thrift stories and charity shops or helping to alleviate homelessness. Though the couple has been with the Harbor Light Center for little over a month, they have worked with the Salvation Army in addiction recovery and homeless outreach for more than 25 years in Michigan, Illinois and Missouri. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, trips to the ER due to drug overdoses in Indiana increased by nearly 60 percent in a recent five-year period. The topic of substance abuse and addiction hits close to home to Mathews, who saw the impact alcoholism had on his family firsthand. Mathews says his father was a heavy weekend drinker who would sober up on Sundays in time for work on Monday. I would often see him come home filthy drunk. He wasnt abusive, and he was a great provider for our family, but he had a problem, said Mathews. In 1978, he had a terrible car accident that was alcoholism related. I remember my dad praying and asking the Lord to remove his urge for drinking, and God did that. It changed his life. That also led me to this, and that is why I am working in the business of reclaiming people and restoring them back to their families. Harbor Light aims to rebuild broken homes and broken lives by offering a variety of services. Patients can detox with medical assistances from licensed caregivers, sign up for a 14-day addictions program, take advantage of affordable transitional housing and ensure continued success with outpatient treatment services and support groups. About 14 percent of the people being served are African-American. While about 40 percent of people who take part in these programs are court ordered to be there, others feel they have reached rock bottom and sign themselves up for the program. They are at worlds end, sick and tired of being sick and tired, and they just walk in. Family members might have said, You need to come in and reclaim your life. Its a combination of the community, the court and concerned people encouraging them to take their life back, Mathews said. To the Mathews family, faith is at the forefront of their efforts. Katrina, who is the Corps Officer of the Indianapolis Harbor Light Center, pastors a church at the rehabilitation facility and encourages patients to find the strength to keep going, and Kendall seeks to let his beliefs guide him while serving as executive director. He says having leaders in charge who represent diversity is eternally significant. I had parents who encouraged me to give back to society. Thats why I dont want to just be in society, I want to be a contributor in helping to resolve social problems, he said. The people who come through these doors need to see hope, not read the word hope or hear people talking about hope, but they need to see walking examples of hope among them with faces and experiences they can connect with. This is what we present to all people, but practically to those who are of African decent. For more information about the Harbor Light Center, call (317) 929-3002 or visit corps.salvationarmyindiana.org/harborlight. Major K. Kendall Mathews (right), executive director of the Indianapolis Harbor Light Center, and his wife, Major Katrina D. Mathews, are the first Black Salvation Army officers to be in charge of the Harbor Light Center since its establishment in 1949. The topic of substance abuse and addiction hits close to home to K. Kendall, who saw the impact alcoholism had on his family firsthand. Recently, various sources have shown that in the United States today, African Americans are faced with a mixed bag of strengths and challenges. Some experts note that many of those same strengths and challenges can be found in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, who is recognized as divine by most Americans and regarded as an important historical figure around the world for his role as founder of the Christian faith. Jesus experience and the Black experience are very similar, said James Cone, professor of systematic theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. In an exclusive interview on the topic with the Recorder, Cone added, Jesus was concerned with people who are in Black peoples situation. In 1969, Cone released the book Black Theology and Black Power, a landmark account of the gospel of Christ, the church and their usefulness in the fight for racial equality and self sufficiency among African Americans. Cone has published other influential works on the topic, including God of the Oppressed (1975) and 2011s The Cross and The Lynching Tree. Cone and other scholars, religious and secular, often agree that for generations, the Christian church has been viewed by most Black Americans as a source of spiritual hope and practical empowerment. This is especially true as African Americans sought ways to cope first with the brutality of slavery, then with the pervasive racial discrimination of the Jim Crow era that triggered the Civil Rights Movement. Churches were often one of the few places where Blacks could legally meet in large numbers, but they also shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, who some say had a life and a ministry that many Africans Americans could relate to as they sought to improve their conditions. One way you see that is by looking at the fact that Jesus was born in a stable, or you might say, the ghetto, Cone told the Recorder. Marvin Scott, a professor of sociology at Butler University in Indianapolis, can also pinpoint similarities in the experiences of Jesus and Black Americans, along with examples of coping tactics that can still be used today. There are definitely parallels (between the two experiences), Scott said. Jesus provided ways for Black Americans to be able to cope and train to overcome insurmountable odds. Scott mentioned the famous Lifting the Veil of Ignorance statue at Tuskegee University in Alabama, which depicts educator and civil rights activist Booker T. Washington removing a veil off the heads of African Americans so that they can be equipped with the knowledge to reach their highest potential. Its quite a gripping statue, Scott said. What Im saying is that Jesus did the same thing for our people in providing an opportunity to have a way to live in dominant society, or the wider society, with our heads high. Many of the teachings from Jesus, Scott added, have been used by activists fighting for freedom and equality, such as those who participated in the Underground Railroad movement to shelter runaway slaves and the Civil Rights Movement. Cone noted that Jesus was a peasant who was among the poor and identified God with the poor. African Americans today, he said, symbolize those who are at the bottom in this society just as Jesus and Jews were at the bottom in Roman society. If we believe that God came in the form of Jesus, a Jew who was colonized and oppressed by Rome, then we must also assume that God is concerned about Black people who are also oppressed by white Americans, said Cone. Jesus, he noted, also did not have the support of government on his side. He lived under Roman occupation just like we live under white supremacy, said Cone. Rome was a white state and Jesus represented the people of color who were colonized by Rome. African Americans were colonized by whites in the same way Jesus was in his time. In 2017 alone, various events have revealed the unique challenges that are still frequently faced by Blacks in America. Last month, the fatal shooting of unarmed 15 year-old year old Jordan Edwards by a police officer in Texas became the latest example of violence that gave rise to the Black Lives Matter Movement and other organized efforts to stop alleged acts of discrimination by law enforcement. In its State of Black America 2017 report, the National Urban League (NUL) called attention to the fact that Blacks still live with stubborn economic inequality. According to a carefully-measured social index used by researchers, the NUL reported that the standard of living for African Americans is 72 percent that of the average white American, and Hispanics are at 78 percent. The report also states that incendiary rhetoric, mostly by Donald Trump and some of his supporters during and after the 2016 presidential election, led to a sharp rise in discrimination against immigrants, Hispanics, African Americans and other minority groups. The social cancer of hate continues to metastasize, thriving in a climate conducive to hostility towards religious and racial minorities, permeating even at the highest levels of national discourse and threatening to further crack our fractured nation, NUL President Marc Morial wrote in the report. Congressman Al Green, who is African American, recently received threats of being lynched after calling for the impeachment of President Trump. Green believes Trump committed obstruction of justice by firing FBI director James Comey during an investigation of alleged close ties between Trumps campaign and Russian interests. Were not going to be intimidated, Green, a Democrat from Texas, said in a statement. You cannot hide hate. You have to confront hate. Its unfortunate many African-Americans have to live knowing they can be threatened with lynching. Cone said just as Jesus was crucified on a cross, Black people were lynched on trees. The lynching of Jesus was very much analogous to the lynching of Black people, he said. Lynching was done in Romes time for the same reason as why Black people are shot down in our time. Examples of what can be done Although there are many challenges still on the horizon, experts note that there have also been improvements and progress for African Americans as a demographic group. The NULs State of Black America 2017 also reported good news, such as a slight rise in the number of Black owned businesses, and an increase in high school graduation rates as more African Americans go to college. Life expectancy for Black Americans has also improved. This month the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the age-adjusted death rate among African-Americans declined 25 percent from 1999 to 2015, which means Blacks are living longer. Although observers often highlight the more gentle qualities of Jesus such as his compassion, kindness and peaceful manner, experts say that he also showed signs of strength and leadership that offer examples on how to obtain more improvements. His life, they believe, demonstrated how African Americans, particularly Black men, can lead the way to growth in their communities. Jesus is a natural leader, said Kenneth Sullivan, pastor of New Direction Church in Indianapolis. You dont draw fishermen and the average working Joe type to you if youre not a manly man. Sullivans church is located in the Forest Manor area on the Eastside of the city, not far from the Meadows neighborhood that has been successfully fighting back against high rates of unemployment, poverty and crime. Sullivan said Jesus bravely stayed with a cause he believed in, and stood up for the rights of people while healing those were sick and facing other difficulties. People today, he said, can lead the way to more stability in the community by standing for justice, mentoring young people and helping those struggling with poverty become more self-sufficient. Jesus didnt preach a pie in the sky message to the people. He led them to God while also addressing their physical and practical needs. Some scholars point out that although Jesus did not have a lot of political power, but he had plenty of influence among the people who flocked to hear his sermons and teachings. He used that influence to make a positive difference for those around him. In other words, Jesus did not let his limited power stop him, and he used what he had to make things better for people in his community. Scott, the Butler professor, said many Christian evangelical churches are carrying on that mission today. That is specifically what theyre doing, Scott said. Some people may not be highly educated in those areas, but they speak to the soul of the people. It speaks to further legitimacy of their being here on the planet. They have collective influence including people in political places who speak on their behalf, and people in all kinds of organizations. So I think Jesus speaks through them today. Sullivan noted that during his Sermon on the Mount discussed in the book of Matthew, Jesus recounted the Beatitudes, or groups of people who have traits that are blessed by God, including those who are poor in spirit, seek righteousness, are meek and peaceful and persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Cone believes that Jesus did not believe in a victim mentality, and demonstrated how to stand for justice. He said Christian principles call for people be to compassionate in their own communities, families and around people who treat them like human beings. However, he added, that compassion does not mean Jesus expects anyone to be a passive person who endures oppression. The best compassion and love you can have for somebody who is trying to lynch you or shoot you down is to fight them, Cone said. Jesus never called us to be contented with slavery or oppression. Jesus called us to be liberated and free. James Cone is the professor of systematic theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York. 1. Shah Rukh Khan Is The Latest Victim Of Death Hoax, Thanks To This European News Report El Pais TV reportedly carried a breaking news story, which said, Tributes have poured in for Indian film actor, producer and television presenter Shah Rukh Khan after he was killed along with seven others when a private jet he was travelling in crashed. It is believed to have been caused by turbulent weather. He was travelling in a Gulfstream G550 jet with his personal assistant and others to Paris for a meeting. The death of Shah Rukh Khan has stunned the Indian diaspora worldwide." While the rumours were doing the rounds, SRK, in Mumbai, was filming for his forthcoming project. But his fans went crazy. 2. PC Lands In Another Controversy, Deletes Holocaust Memorial Selfies After Twitter Slams Her! PC posted selfies with brother Siddharth from the Holocaust Memorial. It's rather a minor mistake that Priyanka Chopra forgot how the place holds a lot of relevance for reasons more than one. 3. 10 Most Legit Reasons Why R. Madhavan Is An Actor We Love To Love! "Ek ladki dekhi bilkul bijli ki tarah ... one flash ... ek chamak aur main apna dil kho behta ... mujhe lagta hai mujhe us ladki se behad pyar ho gaya hai ... bas ab ek hi tamanna hai ... rehna hai uske dil mein" Here are 10 legit reasons why we love to love R. Madhavan. 4. Geeta Kapoor Is Ready For Discharge But Has No Place To Go, Family Still Hasn't Returned So many media people have visited. It has left her a little scared. She starts crying and the ward gets disturbed. She feels that people come to meet her, yet no one is taking her home, Dr Dipendra Tripathi, intensivist, SRV hospital told PTI. 5. Deepika Padukone Beats Priyanka Chopra In Maxim's Hot 100 Sexiest Women Alive 2017 List The 2017 MAXIM Hot 100 list is topped by supermodel Hailey Baldwin. The list also has names like Emma Watson, Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson and Kendall Jenner among others. While there is so much unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and the valley is more in news for stone pelters, some rare good news also makes their way. This time, a Kashmiri candidate has secured 10th position in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. Words can hardly describe my feelings. I feel on top of the world today, said Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, who is already an Indian Forest Officer at present based in Lucknow, told PTI over the phone. Bhat's mantra is simple: If at first, you dont succeed, try, try, try again. Tasaduk Hussain Itoo/Facebook Bhat, who had appeared for the examination four times, would have in November this year crossed 32 -- the cutoff age for appearing for the elite services. I believed in this quote -- Try, try, try again. I have been trying from 2010, Bhat said, his voice choking with emotion. Bhat, who belongs to the remote border district of Handwara in North Kashmir, completed his schooling and college from Srinagar before studying Veterinary Sciences in Jammu. Representational Image The product of a government college, he cleared the Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS) and later the Indian Forest Services. However, my aim was the IAS and now I am sure that I will get my home cadre, Bhat said. I have had to sacrifice every comfort to achieve my goal, Bhat, who has three brothers and a sister, added. His father, who was also a KAS officer, was elated by his sons success. He is longing to see me back in my home state so that I can serve my people, Bhat said. While last year #Jammu & #Kashmir candidate stood second, this year a JK candidate has secured 10th position in #CivilServicesExamination. Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) 31 May 2017 The father in him credits his success to his seven- month-old daughter, Mariam. After she was born in September, I cleared my preliminaries. And since then there has been no looking back, he said. As the news of Bhats success spread, congratulatory messages were flashed by Union minister Jitendra Singh and former chief minister Omar Abdullah. Congratulations to all who passed the UPSC Exam esp Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, resident of Srinagar for securing 10th position. Well done Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) 31 May 2017 It is encouraging to see that youths from militancy-hit areas are appearing and emerging as toppers in the civil services, Singh told PTI. In his message, Omar said Bhat had made the state proud and hoped that all the dreams of the son of the soil would be fulfilled. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijan is giving significant impetus to ensuring energy stability in Europe, Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev said. He made the remarks during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. He said that Azerbaijan has been successfully cooperating with foreign partners in the oil and gas sector and implementing various big projects. As a result of this cooperation, the development of such largest oil and gas fields in Azerbaijan, as Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz started, he noted. Azerbaijan is implementing projects that have become vital for Europe, he added. Thats because the diversification of energy sources plays a major role in Europes security, and Azerbaijan is ready to play this role. In a strong message to Pakistan Army which violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts on Thursday, the Indian forces launched retaliatory assaults, killing five and injuring six of their soldiers. Read more AFP/Representational Image Here are more top news of the day: 1) As Tensions Rise, Indian Army Chief Visits Srinagar To Review Security Situation BCCL In what can be termed as sending signal to both Pakistan and his own force, the Chief of Indian Army, General Bipin Rawat has reached Srinagar to review the security situation in the state. He along with other senior Army commanders arrived at Badamibagh Cantonment today. The meeting was earlier scheduled to be held in Delhi. Read more 2) Kerala Becomes The First State In India To Provide Electricity To Every Household opic Kerala, known for its high social development, has become the first state to provide electricity to every household. Marking Left Democratic Front governments first anniversary, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the formal declaration at an event. Read more 3) Another Logic: Haryana Minister Says Cow Should Be National Animal Because It Can't Save Itself AP Yesterday, Rajasthan High Court Judge said that peacock is a national bird because they do not have sex. Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma said that the peahen gets pregnant by drinking the tears of the peacock. His hilarious remarks set the internet on fire. Read more 4) Soon, Passengers Will Be Able To Buy Tickets From The IRCTC Website And Pay Later BCCL Railways have decided to provide the 'buy tickets now and pay later' service for any Express trains, an IRCTC official said today, making rail travel easier and accessible for all. Read more 5) This Aid Worker Is Rebuilding War-Torn Syria By Distributing Food Among Hungry Kids Facebook While it rains bombs and everything lies in a dismal state in the conflict area, Abdullateef Khaled, who has dedicated his life to helping the oppressed children of Syria, is a ray of hope. Read more Kerala, known for its high social development, has become the first state to provide electricity to every household. Marking Left Democratic Front governments first anniversary, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the formal declaration at an event. green world investor After coming to power last year in May, the state government is running a campaign to provide electricity in each and every household in the state. Barring 1,000 families, who reside in the forest areas with regulations, all the household have been electrified. opic However, steps have been taken to light up these areas as well. As per the central government criterion, a village is called electrified if it successfully provides electricity to 10% households. It is interesting to note that way back in 1970, Haryana government claimed that it was the first state in the country to have achieved hundred percent rural electrification in rural areas. The war in Syria that started in March 2011, has left the country devastated with millions of children, women and men displaced. People live in fear as any day could be their last. Once an extremely beautiful country, Syria is now reduced to mere wreckage. While it rains bombs and everything lies in a dismal state in the conflict area, Abdullateef Khaled, who has dedicated his life to helping the oppressed children of Syria, is a ray of hope. As an aid worker, Khaled distributes meals, teaches young kids, provides medical aid to the children, women and men residing in Syrian camps and remote villages, with the help of his team and the donations that they receive. Facebook He has been doing this for four years now. In 2013, Khaled founded One Solid Ummah, a non-profit volunteer group that does charity and humanitarian work in Syria. OSU is a group of people who share one common belief and goal assuring that the displaced and refugee women and children in Syria live, eat, and sleep better. His Facebook page is full of heart-warming videos and photos, proving humanity is still alive. He organises group Iftar for displaced children, men and women, as the team cooks over 1,000 meals for children per day. The organisation provides medical aid for patients recovering from severe injuries. People from across the world can make donations to the organisation. The money received is then directed to providing bread to civilians, sheltering them, providing medical aid, building a water well, building a mosque, setting up Quran school and youth centres and much more in the war-torn state. Khaled is the face of his organisation. He is directly involved with the Syrian children and does everything that can make them even a little happier. The plight of Syrian children Syrias children hit rock bottom in 2016, with more killed than in any other year of the civil war, the United Nations children's organisation says. Even the safest of the places like schools, playgrounds, parks, hospitals and children's own homes were not spared. In 2016, at least, 652 children died, with 255 of them in or near the school, said a UNICEF report. The figure includes only the formally verified deaths, meaning the number could be far higher. The war in Syria began as a peaceful uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad six years ago, became a powerful and full-scale civil war that has left more than 3,00,000 people dead, devastating the entire country. Syrian children and families have borne the brunt of the conflicts disastrous consequences. While hundreds of thousands have been killed more than half of the population nearly 11 million have been displaced from their homes. Facebook According to the UNICEF report, some 2.5 million children are living as refugees or are on the run searching for safety, helping to fuel the global migrant crisis. Many children have spent many bitter winters living in makeshift shelters. "Millions of children in Syria come under attack on a daily basis, their lives turned upside down, says UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. Around 6 million children are relying on humanitarian aid after six years of war. Khaleds efforts are just a small, but significant, part of what needs to be done in the country. Abdalla Omari would like you to see the world leaders in a different avatar. The Syrian artist has re-imagined the likes of Donald Trump and Barack Obama and projected them as refugees in a series of his paintings, titled 'The Vulnerability Series'. The world leaders are depicted as refugees in Omari's painting - the polar opposite of what they are. For one sole reason - vulnerability. Omari writes on his website, "In this universe without gravity, all we can hold on to is our vulnerability. I have convinced myself it is the strongest weapon humankind possesses, way more powerful than the trail of power games, bomb craters and bullet holes in our collective memories. Vulnerability is a gift we should all celebrate." Trump is shown as a vulnerable refugee who is holding a child in his arms and carrying the photo of a family he is possibly searching for. Obama is also shown as a refugee wearing a haggard look on his face. Other leaders include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, etc. We are all vulnerable. All can be lost in a second and we must remember that. The Dutch prisons are closing. Nearly 2,000 people will lose their jobs. Yes! The crime rate in Netherlands is low, the entire country has become too safe to hold inmates in prisons. In 2013, 19 prisons closed their doors and now, five more are on their way to oblivion as the numbers of criminals are forever dwindling. ap The situation has got so bad (or good?) that the country had to import 240 prisoners from Norway last year! So what did Netherlands do that we couldn't? They relaxed their drug laws. They shifted focus from punishment to rehabilitation. They introduced the electronic activity-monitoring anklet, allowing people to get back into workforce. flickr Compared to the 17 million who call Netherlands their home, only 11,600 people are holed up in jail. Now that's saying something. As of right now, no one in Ethiopia has internet access, and its not because of a major power outage with telecom providers. Its actually because students are in the midst of their exams. According to reports from within the country, a few papers were leaked for the national grade 10 exams, forcing the government to shut down internet access for the duration of the exams. A Google transparency report registered sharply dropping numbers of Ethiopian visitors to its websites on Tuesday. Access has still not been restored. The drastic move is one the government is basing on past experience. Just last year, activists in Ethiopia leaked papers for the national grade 12 exams, calling for the exams to be postponed because of a school shutdown in the regional state of Oromia. Of course, if no one can access the exam papers online, no one can cheat. Far from being a yearly occurrence, this is actually the third time in 12 months that Ethiopia has shut down its Internet. The government also blocked off Internet access in July 2016, after university entrance exam papers were leaked online, following which it was blocked off again in August. Microsoft India today hosted its first-ever Accessibility Summit in India, called #ThinkAccessAbility to improve access to technology for people with disabilities. The summit aimed to demonstrate how important it is for organisations to have accessible technology, as well as to spur discussions on the topic of making India more accessible to the differently abled as a whole. The summit was attended by leaders from the government, non-profit organizations, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and budding tech developers alike, in order to exchange views on the best practices for making technology more inclusive to all. The conference examined a number of use case, included how assistive technologies can help in treating autism spectrum disorders and special learning disabilities. Another team of three young students from IIT Kharagpur showcased something they call White Cane, a personal assistance device for the visually impaired to help them navigate safely. The conference also addressed the need for regulations to make technology more accessible as a whole, as well as make hiring practices more inclusive. We believe that inclusion of persons with disabilities is imperative for Indias growth, said Navreet Kang, secretary for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is therefore, critical that we empower them with equal access and opportunity. We look forward to public-private partnerships that can enable better social inclusion and help people with disabilities achieve more. Jayesh Ranjan, the IT secretary for the Department of IT, Electronics & Communication in Telangana, said, Our vision is to ensure that persons with diverse abilities have equal access to the physical environment, transportation, information and communication technologies, and to other facilities and services. The Microsoft Accessibility Summit provides an ideal platform to bring together policymakers and influencers to understand the policy environment and chart a direction for making life, experiences and opportunities accessible to all. Earlier this week, A German court ruled against a mother's demand that she be granted access to her deceased daughter's Facebook account. Overturning the judgement of a lower court, the Berlin court of appeals stated that the right to private telecommunications extends to electronic communications as well, meaning that private conversations are meant for only the eyes of certain people and they could not be willfully exposed to others. The woman, whose 15-year-old daughter was hit and killed by a subway train in Berlin in 2012, was supposedly looking for clues as to whether the girl had committed suicide. Facebook had refused to pass over control to the mother as the account had already been memorialised (as is standard practice) meaning it had been locked, only serving as a message board of sorts for friends and family to pay their respects and post memories. Access granted, but not really This is where it gets tricky. A regional court in Berlin ruled in the mothers favour in 2015, saying that, according to inheritance laws, the girls contract with Facebook passed to her parents. However, the appeals court has now ruled that the right to private telecommunications outweighs the right to inheritance. Its a sentiment brought on by major privacy concerns still prevalent in Germany. Its a holdover from the Nazi era Gestapo, one that was only worsened after Edward Snowdens leaks revealed the depth of spying being conducted by the US on the citizens of foreign countries. This definitely sets a precedent for future cases of this kind. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Romania highly appreciates Azerbaijan's participation in international dialogues on energy security and energy diversification projects, said Romania's Deputy Energy Minister Iulian-Robert Tudorache. He made the remarks during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. "The Caspian Sea region has an important role in increasing the security of gas supply to the world energy landscape. This status offers a position of a reliable partner in providing Europe's energy security," said Tudorache. In this regard, he emphasized Azerbaijan's contribution to the development of the Southern Gas Corridor project. "Only by increasing the cooperation between our countries, we will be able to identify new opportunities of collaboration in the energy field," he added. Romania's deputy minister pointed out that promotion of new cooperation initiatives and strengthening the existing ones will allow to reach greater stability and development of each country. "I would like to underline Romania's firm determination to discover new opportunities to develop international cooperation, including with Caspian Sea region countries, especially with Azerbaijan," he concluded. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage. As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline. Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. A 78 year-old man identified as Judas along side a 28-year old boy are facing jail term after being accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy are finally facing prison sentences after a year-long trial at the Mfoundi Crown Court in Yaounde, they are facing charges of public indecency, rape, and homosexuality. A 78 year-old man identified as Judas along side a 28-year old boy are facing jail term after being accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy are finally facing prison sentences after a year-long trial at the Mfoundi Crown Court in Yaounde, they are facing charges of public indecency, rape, and homosexuality. Cameroon-Info.Net reports, that the victim, identified as Junior, reportedly left the home to empty their dustbin with a wheelbarrow on the night of February 8, 2016. After misplacing the wheelbarrow, the boy took refuge in the depot of a transport agency in Biyemassi, Yaounde for fear of being punished. At about 11:30 P.M on that faithful day, he was said to have spotted by the two men who accused, arrested and charged him with the theft of several gas cylinders and a large sum of money in the agencys shop. The report also revealed that the two men went to the residence of the guardian of the victim and demanded FCFA150, 000 from her. Unfortunately, the poor lady could only afford FCFA 70, 000. The dissatisfied men collected the money and went back to the warehouse where they started abusing the boy for hours until passers-by and neighbors who were alerted by the constant screaming of Junior caught the suspects and handed them over to the police. Its the older man who took off my pants and ordered me to go down on my knees. They brutalised and raped me, the boy told the court. For his part, the public prosecutor said he was convinced of the guilt of the two men because of the clarity of the narrative of the alleged victim The suspects who pleaded not guilty to the crime will make their next court appearance for the verdict of the case on the 13th of June 2017 . If convicted they could be jailed on their way to prison. Source: ( Linda Ikeji) A Lagos State High Court has sentenced a man identified as Sodiq Adetayo to 21 years imprisonment by a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja for robbing a 38-year-old schoolteacher, Mrs. Kabirat Kazeem, of her handbag containing valuables. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, who handed down the sentence, found Adetayo guilty of one count of robbery though the police had charged him with armed robbery. The judge said the charge of armed robbery could not be sustained against Adetayo because the policeman that apprehended him failed to recover the knife allegedly used by the convict to commit the crime. Justice Ipaye held, I am satisfied that the prosecution has proven the charge of robbery beyond reasonable doubt. I find you, Sodiq Adetayo, guilty of one count of robbery contrary to Section 294 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. Undoubtedly, the convict was a victim of his poor background; however, resorting to crime is not the way out. I hereby sentence you to 21 years imprisonment. The prosecutor, Mr. B.T. Boye, had told the court that Adetayo committed the offence under the Anthony Bridge, Lagos, on February 10, 2015, around 6.30am. According to the prosecution, the convict attacked Kazeem under the Anthony Bridge on her way to her place of work and dispossessed her of her handbag that contained her mobile phone, ATM card, I.D. card and some cash. The prosecution told the court that the convict threatened Kazeem with a knife while demanding her bag. Source: ( Punch Newspaper ) Ilham Aliyev attends sail away of first topsides unit for Shah Deniz Stage 2 platforms (PHOTO) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today attended the sail away of the first topsides unit built for the Shah Deniz Stage 2 platforms. The Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere in Ekiti state, has asked the state governor, Ayo Fayose, to desist from his continuous attack on President Buhari and face governance in his state. The Ekiti governor is a chieftain of PDP,and he has been very critical of the Buhari-led administration. Few days ago, he called for the resignation of President Buhari over his failing health. In a statement released by the its chairman, Yemi Alade, and Publicity Secretary, Biodun Akin-Fasae, the group described Fayose as a parrot who must talk at all times. They asked him to face the issues confronting his state, particularly the lingering fuel scarcity owing to his dispute with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN. The statement in part reads It is shameful that Ekiti has become a butt of uncanny jokes and fast sliding to be a pariah among other states in Nigeria despite its God-given endowments. Currently the economic activities of the state has run berserk due to executive misapplication of strategic management of human and business relationship. Now, no one is sure of what happens next because of the misunderstanding between government and fuel marketers which has now degenerated into chaos. And this has been going on for two full weeks now and unfortunately, government is feeling comfortable and justifying its strategy by pulling down several of the fuel stations for flimsy excuse which not a few have interpreted as mere political vendetta and mere braggadocio on the part of the government. Our suggestion is that impunity to destroy economic livelihood of people should stop because we believe that no fuel marketer approved for himself the construction of any filling station. Government did. And if government would now change its mind, then a process of discussion and negotiation should be put in place rather than just breaking of the extant laws. This is what is called executive recklessness and this is very unacceptable. We wonder the whereabouts of Governor Ayo Fayose during the celebration of Democracy Day, a national activity. He was conspicuously absent from Ekiti for days only to resurface to abuse President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to resign because of ill-health. Rabi Ismail, a Nigerian actress who escaped from prison about six years ago, after being sentenced to death has been recaptured. The actress escaped from lawful custody in Hadejia Prison on December 16, 2011. According to the spokesperson for the Prisons authorities, Francis Enobore, Ismail was recaptured by the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Prisons Service with the support of men of the State Security Service. The prisoner bearing number k/22c Rabi Ismail was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide by a High Court in Kano on January 5, 2005 for killing her boyfriend, Auwalu Ibrahim, to acquire his property. Ismail was subsequently held in Kaduna Central prison from where she was transferred to Hadejia prison before she escaped six years ago. In July 2011, the Supreme Court upheld the sentence of the lower courts that sentenced her to death by hanging. The court found her guilty of drugging and drowning Ibrahim in 2002 in Kano. Rabi, who was 39 years old when she escaped six years ago, had lured Ibrahim to a picnic at Tiga Dam, where she poisoned him with chocolate and pushed him into the dam. The Controller General of Prisons expressed appreciation for the assistance rendered by security agencies, particularly the SSS and the police, in arresting the fugitive. He appealed to members of the public to continue to provide useful information to security agents concerning escapees and, indeed, any criminal element in their midst, noting that such outlaws pose security threats to the society. Source: Punch The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, again on Wednesday has once again taken fears off the minds of Nigerians as it concerns the health of President Muhammadu Buhari who is currently in London, United Kingdom to see his doctors. Mohammed gave the assurance while speaking with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo. On the issue of the Presidents health, Mr. President is in very competent hands and there is no cause for alarm, the minister said while responding to a question on the current health status of the President. The minister also gave an indication that the Presidency might not sign the 2017 Appropriation Bill recently passed by the National Assembly any time soon. He said Ministries, Departments and Agencies were still busy scrutinising the document forwarded by the National Assembly. On the issue of budget, Ministries, Departments and Agencies are still going through their budgets and they are coordinating with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, he simply said. Buhari left Nigeria for the United Kingdom on May 7 for a follow-up consultation with his doctors. His wife, Aisha, on Tuesday left the country to join him in London. Despite efforts by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB , Nnamdi Kanu to ensure that Biafra sees the light of day, a group of indigenes from the South East under the auspices South East Peoples Assembly, have called for the revocation of the bail granted to the the Kanu, by a Federal High court in Abuja last month. The group made the call in a letter sent to the Chief Judge of the high court, Justice Ibrahim Auta. The letter was signed and released by its President, Prince Chukwuemeka Okorie. The group in the statement said Kanu has in recent times flouted the conditions of his bail, one of which is that he must not address rallies, grant interviews or be in a crowd of more than 10 people. Part of the statement reads Obviously, the recklessness with which he made media statements and even organised the Sit at Home and Stay Indoor protest to mark the so called BIAFRA HEROS DAY on Tuesday, 30th May, 2017 is a threat to the unity, security and peace of Nigeria as a sovereign nation. We have no iota of doubt that he is trying to push our dear country Nigeria into an unnecessary precarious situation for his personal agenda and those of his paymasters. Sir, our decision to write this demand letter to your good office at this time is to forestall another civil unrest in Nigeria, particularly around the Igbo speaking region. As you well know, the struggle by Kanu to be relevant under the guise of actualisation of Biafra does not enjoy the support of right thinking Igbo people both at home and in diaspora. That he suddenly addresses himself as the Supreme Leader of Biafra points to how arrogant and disrespectful he is to legitimately constituted authority in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The pertinent question on our minds as stakeholders is: Has Kanu been consistent in providing the court with reports on the progress of his health and treatment on a monthly basis since he was granted bail? We fear that if Kanu is not tamed by Your Lordship as a matter of urgency, the IPOB may create a situation where it becomes difficult if not impossible for genuine development to take place in the South East under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. History has taught us that the Civil War of 1967-1970 started gradually and later turned out to be something that caused our people unimaginable losses. We cannot afford to fold our arms this time and allow a stooge imported from the United Kingdom by stark enemies of Nigeria to maintain a state of belligerence against the nation and keep the name of Igbo people in the news for the wrong reasons. At the SEPA, our very mission is that we believe in the truth and can on the strength of this declare that the temporary freedom being enjoyed by Kanu has been abused. Therefore, we join the other patriotic Nigerians in urging Your Lordship to consider adopting the appropriate procedure to ensure that Kanus bail is revoked within the next 7 (Seven) working days. It may interest you to know that the whole world is watching how you have been faring to reposition the Federal High Court on the path of excellence and restore her lost glory. Selling Out The PRICE Futures Group - 21 minutes ago Oil prices are selling off on weakening economic fears as the US sells out to China, agreeing to new emission standards that will hurt US oil and gas producers to raise prices and give China a distinct... Tight CPI Race Monica Kingsley - 49 minutes ago S&P 500 invalidated the key bull flag thesis laid out in yesterdays chart section, and both 3,815 and low 3,770s supports gave way. I think markets are positioning for too hot CPI beating expectations,... EU proposes emission rules for last combustion engine cars AP - Thu Nov 10, 7:32AM CST The European Unions executive arm has proposed pollution standards for new combustion engine vehicles that are expected to remain on Europe's roads well after the 27-nation bloc bans their sale in 2035... $SPX : 3,903.89 (+4.14%) $DOWI : 33,339.13 (+2.54%) $IUXX : 11,392.70 (+5.51%) Lean Hogs Thursday Forecast Kolhanov.com - Thu Nov 10, 7:24AM CST The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 89.075, which will be followed by reaching support level 80.675 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,... Feeder Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Thu Nov 10, 7:23AM CST The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 177.700, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 182.375 and 188.250 Rishi Sunak seeks thawed relations at UK-Ireland summit AP - Thu Nov 10, 7:23AM CST Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is aiming to repair frayed relations with Britains European Union neighbors and with skeptical leaders in Scotland and Wales $SPX : 3,903.89 (+4.14%) $DOWI : 33,339.13 (+2.54%) $IUXX : 11,392.70 (+5.51%) Live Cattle Thursday Forecast Kolhanov.com - Thu Nov 10, 7:22AM CST The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 150.975, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 154.250 Cotton Fading another Triple Digits Barchart - Thu Nov 10, 7:22AM CST Following the report day drop, cotton prices are trading are another 65 to 146 points in the red into Thursday. Cotton futures faded on report day with losses of 36 to 118 points. USDA reduced their average... CTZ22 : 87.22 (+0.83%) CTH23 : 85.29 (+0.66%) CTK23 : 84.56 (+0.92%) Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: The work on the project of developing Stage 2 of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz gas condensate field has been completed by 93 percent, Khoshbakht Yusifzade, first vice president of Azerbaijans State Oil Company SOCAR, said. Yusifzade made the remarks at the 14th International Caspian Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. He said that two wells are being drilled at the field, adding that work at another well is under completion. "The South Caucasus Pipeline Expansion Project has been completed by 85 percent, he said. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) has been constructed by 72.4 percent. The section of the pipeline stretching to the city of Eskisehir will be commissioned in the middle of 2018, he added. Afterwards, Turkey will be able to receive more than 6 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Shah Deniz field. TANAPs section stretching to the border with Greece is planned to be commissioned in 2019." As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz field development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). All those projects are a part of the Southern Gas Corridor. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to that project at a later stage. In a speech on the state of the European Union at the Brussels Economic Forum, the billionaire financier detailed the EUs dysfunction but said its not too late to fix the trading blocs problems Brexit among them. George Soros today called on the European Union to resist the temptation to punish Britain during the forthcoming Brexit negotiations, warning that the process will be immensely damaging and harmful to both sides. The famed investor and Open Society Foundations founder was addressing delegates at this years Brussels Economic Forum, in a speech that tackled what he calls the EUs existential crisis. Soros outlined several areas that the EU needs to fix if it is to once again become a desirable cross-border organization. Speaking specifically about Brexit, Soros said the divorce process could take as long as five years to complete, but he noted that there is time for the EU to change the views of those with whom it has currently fallen out of favor. Five years seems like eternity in politics, especially in revolutionary times like the present, he said. During that time, the European Union could transform itself into an organization that other countries like Britain would want to join. If that happened, the two sides may want to be reunited even before the divorce is completed. Soross view of the trading bloc is that the union has become surrounded by hostile powers, citing Vladimir Putins Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogans Turkey, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisis Egypt as potential threats to the organization. He also cited the America that Trump would like to create, but cant as another threat despite a recent meeting between U.S. president Donald Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, which the White House characterized as a meeting of shared values. A statement from the White House said that both leaders had agreed that the United States and the European Union should deepen our strong economic relationship. Azad Zangana, a former economist at the U.K. Treasury who now works for fund manager Schroders as a senior European economist and strategist, said while Soross assessment of the U.S. president is understandable, U.S. government policy in this administration hasnt been particularly dramatic from an EU perspective. It has managed to create more headlines than actual policy change as far as we can see, said Zangana. The area where we are more concerned is with the potential rise of protectionism, which could begin with President Trump in the U.S. but could come about from other areas as well. Soros stressed the need to rethink the assumption that all EU members were heading towards an ever closer union. The phrase has often been uttered by EU bureaucrats in speeches and press interviews, but may be damaging in the current climate, according to the billionaire investor. Soros said EU membership would be much more appealing for member states if they had more control over which parts of the EU they could adopt. Instead of a multi-speed Europe we should aim for a multi-track Europe that would allow member states a wider variety of choices, he said. This would have a far-reaching beneficial effect. Soros concluded by calling on pro-Europeans to do more to protect the trading bloc, saying that engagement will be key to its survival. Those who care about the fate of Europe will have to get actively involved, Soros said, adding that the EU needs new rules to maintain its values. It can be done. But it will require resolute action by the European institutions and the active engagement of civil society. Private-equity firms have a record $881 billion of dry powder to invest, up from $674 billion in December 2008, Preqin data show. CVC Capital Partners has closed a 16 billion (about $18 billion) buyout fund, raising the largest European private-equity pool ever in just five months. The firm received 15.5 billion of commitments from outside investors for its seventh private-equity fund, contributing 500 million from its own coffers, according to a CVC statement Thursday. CVC Capital Partners VII surpassed the 11.2 billion pool that Apax Partners closed in March 2008 to become the largest ever European-based private-equity fund, according to Preqin data. This demonstrates once again the increased capital concentration seen in the private equity industry, with a small group of experienced fund managers able to raise ever-larger vehicles quickly and successfully, Christopher Elvin, Preqins head of private equity products, said in an email. CVC's fundraising underscores a growing investor appetite for private equity. Its new pool closed quickly, exceeding what Apax was able to raise before the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings in September 2008, a monumental failure during a global financial crisis that had hurt private-equity portfolios and curbed many firms ability to attract fresh capital for buyouts. Luxembourg-based CVC completed fundraising in five months, its fastest pace ever, attracting 25 billion to 30 billion before turning down some investors due to its hard cap of 15.5 billion, according to the person familiar with the effort. The firm will begin deploying capital from the new pool by January, expecting to invest 3 billion and 4 billion a year throughout Europe and the U.S. over a five-year period, the person said. CVC, which has teams dedicated to healthcare, technology, media, telecom and financial services, still has about 20 percent of its sixth fund to deploy, said the person. The fund closed in 2013 at 10.9 billion. Private-equity firms have a record $881 billion of dry powder to invest, up from $674 billion in December 2008, Preqin data show. Fundraising by private equity firms has been on the rise globally over the past five years. During the first quarter, 44 buyout funds raised a total $54.4 billion, compared with 47 firms raising $50.1 billion during the same period last year, according to Preqin. The global quarterly volume has tripled from $18.3 billion raised by 27 firms in the first three months of 2012. Even with the increasing interest in private-equity, Blackstone Groups 2006 buyout fund remains the biggest ever raised at about $20.4 billion. Brokers should look to take control of online sales channels in the face of direct competition, an experienced broker has said.Luke Phillips, managing director of Mackay-based Gardian Insurance Brokers, said that online business does have its place but for larger, more complex clients youll always need a broker.Your mum and dad businesses, $0 to $2m businesses, I think potentially online is going to blossom but it needs to be looked at and controlled by experienced brokers or agents or else there are going to be a lot of solicitors making a lot of money, Phillips told Insurance Business.Phillips began his career in insurance with a building society in Queensland and moved on to a large brokerage before becoming an authorised representative.Financial services is in the family with Phillips two brothers owning a Mortgage Choice franchise for more than two decades, but Phillips found his calling in insurance and secured his own AFSL in 2014 a career highlight.As a member of Insurance Business Elite Broker rankings since 2014, Phillips said that it was mentors from the insurance industry that saw him move into a long-term career in the sector.I had better mentors around me during the start of my career on the general insurance side, Phillips said. I became more experienced on that side and I love commercial insurance. It is something where I can go out and learn a lot about other businesses, particularly in the resource sector, which is where my expertise lies.Phillips said that the variety of general insurance has been key to his enjoyment of the industry over the years. As a broker, Phillips has been able to bring together different clients with varying needs to the benefits of both businesses.[In] general insurance, you are a jack of all trades when it comes to learning about commercial risk, so it is always good to be able to offer ad-hoc advice that is not always insurance related but can assist clients in other aspects, Phillips concluded. Manulife is currently waiting for the Myanmar government to issue it a business permit, allowing the insurer to operate in the country.Company regional executive Indren Naidoo broke the news to stakeholders on May 29 during a conference meeting. Officials from Myanma Insurance, Myanmars state-owned insurance company, were also present during the conference.Naidoo noted that Manulife has had an office in Myanmar since 2014, but did not start its business in the region, choosing to wait until it could receive an official permit. The executive was confident that the company would prosper in the region once permits were issued.The Myanma Insurance office will soon relax [the entry rules], and insurance firms and agents will be welcomed, commented Myanma Insurance managing director Dr. Sandar Oo. We will have to study the performances of the international insurance distribution channels, and there will be trade specific insurance, insurance through banks, and also online and internet protocol.Eleven Myanmar reported that Myanma Insurances decision to welcome foreign insurance firms is the first development in the market in the past 70 years. The Australian Governments crop insurance rebate scheme continues to suffer poor uptake more than a year after it was launched.From the $20.2 million allocated to the program over four years, only $107,000 in rebates have been taken up.Since its launch in March last year, the scheme has received 60 applications for the one-off rebates nationwide, 48 of which have been approved, and nine of which are still in progress, with the remaining three declined, The Weekly Times reported.Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce said the lack of take-up was due to insufficient promotion to farmers by the industry and agricultural consultants.For decades the farming sector has called for support to bring multi-peril crop insurance options to market and this Government has acted to assist, a spokeswoman for the minister told the publication. Over the past two years, industry leaders and farm consultants have not been visible in encouraging farmers to take full advantage of the support this Government has put on the table.Its understood that the scheme will be reviewed by the Department of Agriculture this year.At a Senate hearing last week, department secretary Daryl Quinlivan tagged the program as something of a policy experiment, the report said.The objective of that program was to try and stimulate a private program in multi-peril insurance... but I think were getting towards the point where were not able to stimulate the development of that market, he said.Joyces spokeswoman said the Government was in talks with the farming and insurance sectors on how to increase uptake of agricultural insurance. Brokers will be empowered by technology, including automation and artificial intelligence, and need not fear for their jobs, an expert has said.While much has been made of investments in automation and AI over recent years, brokers still hold a vital role in the insurance industry. Muthu Kumaran, global practice head, insurance, at Cognizant, said that while some in the industry may be worried about the future of their jobs, their fear is unfounded.Theres a natural fear within the insurance sector, as with many industries, that technology will push people out of jobs, Kumaran told Insurance Business. The fact is, brokers will be empowered by technology, rather than replaced by it.Kumaran said that automation and similar technologies represent a huge opportunity for the industry as a supplement to human work.As knowledge-based work, broking will always require human intervention, Kumaran continued, and relationships will remain key. Meanwhile, automation will provide benefits to the broking community that will come to fruition over the coming years.Empowered by bots and other automated technology, knowledge is suddenly able to be used in more interesting and productive ways, Kumaran continued.With many claims services looking toward automation to improve efficiency and customer experience, Kumaran said that the emergence of so called robo-advisors will be used to create a more personalised offering for clients.This has the benefit of freeing brokers of tedious work, in order to concentrate on relationship-building, Kumaran said. Brokers are seeing these moves as revenue additive, enabling them to focus more on the complex aspects of providing advice.AI will help the industry perform underwriting activities in terms of research and aggregation, Kumaran noted. For example, robo-advisors or virtual assistants will be able to manage low-value activities such as lead management and scheduling, which will boost a brokers ability to add value to clients. Details added (first version posted at 14:04) Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Total investments by BP and partners in Azerbaijans oil and gas projects amount to $66 billion, said Joe Murphy, BP vice president for the Southern Gas Corridor. He was addressing the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. Murphy said BP is very pleased with its presence in Azerbaijan, which has resulted in numerous successful major projects. Murphy said today the topsides unit of the Shah Deniz 2 platform was sent offshore as part of the second stage of the Shah Deniz field development, and this is a very significant moment, adding the sail away of the topsides unit for the second block is scheduled for the third quarter of the year. It is noteworthy that the platform was built entirely on the territory of Azerbaijan, he said and noted that testing of the topsides unit was carried out onshore. Murphy noted that there are no problems concerning the Shah Deniz Stage 2, and gas will be produced and exported in 2018. Earlier, the Shah Deniz consortium sent offshore two support blocks of the platform. The gas, produced within the second stage of Shah Deniz fields development, will be exported to Turkey and European markets through expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Shah Deniz Stage 2 will add a further 16 billion cubic meters per year of gas production to the approximately 9 billion cubic meters per year produced by Shah Deniz Stage 1. A contract for development of the Shah Deniz offshore field was signed on June 4, 1996. The shareholders in the contract are BP (operator - 28.8 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), Lukoil (10 percent), NIOC (10 percent) and TPAO (19 percent). With its population accounting for more than 10% of the nation, California holds coveted market shares of top industries key to our countrys economic growth. Now its passage of Proposition 64 to decriminalize marijuana in 2018 has spurred tremendous buzz around how Californias large economy will expand to support legalized adult-use cannabis.Colorado is seen as the exemplary model, with pot revenue around the billion dollar mark within what advocates consider to be a well-regulated, well-monitored program. With legal business licenses requiring commercial coverage, innovative providers have been underwriting cannabis-specific policies in the state for years, making the industrys consistent growth possible.At nearly six times the size of Colorado, California can take cues from its neighbor but will likely require a specific regulatory framework scaled to manage what experts predict will be a massive industry boom. To unlock what insurance professionals need to know now about Californias cannabis future, join experts from the California Division of Insurance, the California Surplus Lines Association, Merlinos & Associates and PPIB as they establish the best-practices for insuring and managing risks of commercial cannabis.A follow-up to the sold out Cannabis Cover Colorado , this masterclass comes to San Francisco on August 10 and is a cant-miss for carriers, underwriters and specialty brokers preparing to enter the exciting market of cannabis coverage. President Donald Trump has withdrawn from the global climate change agreement, the Paris Accord.The decision means the United States joins Syria and Nicaragua as the only three countries not signed up to counter global warming. Even North Korea is a member in the agreement.The decision was announced at 3pm today at the White House, and marks a political departure from the environmental course of the Governments previous administration. The decision was not unexpected from the president, who had hinted all week that the country under his command would leave the 200-nation climate pact.The bottom line is that the Paris Accord is very unfair to the United States, Trump said, as he spoke of boosting jobs in coal mines and steel mills.Trump had already moved to eliminate regulations on power-plant emissions, rethink automobile fuel efficiency standards and slash research spending on energy breakthroughs. And exiting the Paris pact eliminates one last check on his administration jettisoning any and all climate policies.The implications of the decision for the insurance world and US insurance firms in particular could be huge.More and worst forest fires, more severe storms, wilder weather, droughts, irregular crop production, lost fish stocks, global conflict, and sea-level rises have all been attributed to global warming. These all have serious impact on the insurance industry especially on claims pay-outs.Withdrawing from the 2015 pact of almost 200 nations could also dissuade foreign investors from taking part in US clean-energy projects, risk retaliation on US exports, and make it harder for future presidents to enter into similar climate deals.Trump said he would now try to renegotiate a deal for America that was fairer. We will see if we can make a deal thats fair. If we can, thats great. If we cant, thats fine, he said.In recent years, many studies have been conducted by scientific researchers showing the damage continuing global warming can have. The implication for insurance is clear.One recent study showed that human-induced climate change has caused forest fires to double in terms of area in western US in the past 30 years. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The authors said that since 1984, increasing temperatures and the resulting dryness had caused fires to cover 16,000 more square miles than they otherwise would have. That area is larger than the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut combined.No matter how hard we try, the fires are going to keep getting bigger, and the reason is really clear, said study co-author Park Williams, a bioclimatologist at Columbia Universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Climate is really running the show in terms of what burns. We should be getting ready for bigger fire years than those familiar to previous generations.Research from the University of British Columbia published in Scientific Reports suggested last year that the global fisheries industry could lose $ 10 billion in annual revenues by 2050 if climate change continues unabated.And in 2015, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Christiana Figueres warned, specifically, that the global insurance industry was not prepared for the unprecedented risks associated with climate change.Figueres had some sobering words for the global industry: We have increased frequency, severity and scale of impacts because of globalization and the domino effect it has. And the insurance industry is not ready for that yet. The insurance industry is ready to take on weather impacts, but not ready to take on climate change. They are not the same thing.Although Berkshire Hathaway tycoon Warren Buffet has suggested in the past that climate change could benefit his shareholders, the opinion is not roundly shared among the industry, and has been criticised as irresponsible by environmentalists. Additional comment: Bloomberg A judge is meeting with attorneys as the trial date nears for two men charged in the murder-for-hire killings of a Delaware couple. Tuesdays pretrial conference involved Dominque Benson and Aaron Thompson, who are charged in the 2013 deaths of Joseph and Olga Connell. Joseph Connells former business partner, Christopher Rivers, is serving life in prison for the killings. Authorities have said Rivers wanted to collect on an insurance policy he and Connell took out on their auto repair business. Benson was convicted last year of conspiracy, but prosecutors said they would retry him after jurors couldnt agree on murder and gun charges against him. Thompson also is charged with murder. A fourth man, Joshua Bey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to five years in prison. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. China ushered in a tough new cyber security law on Thursday, following years of fierce debate around the controversial legislation that many foreign business groups fear will hit their ability to operate in the country. The law, passed by Chinas rubber-stamp parliament in November, requires local and overseas firms to submit to security checks and store user data within the country. Chinas top cyber authority said on Wednesday it was not targeting foreign firms with the new law, after over 50 overseas companies and business groups lobbied against the legislation that includes stringent data storage and surveillance requirements. The purpose is to safeguard (Chinas) national cyberspace sovereignty and national security rather than to restrict foreign enterprises, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said in a statement on its website. The law has sparked fierce push-back by firms and lobby groups who say vague wording of the regulations leaves foreign firms vulnerable to abstract interpretations of the rules. Earlier this month Reuters reported the CAC met foreign business groups in a closed-door meeting to try to allay these fears, including an 18-month phase-in period for aspects of the regulations, according to attendees. According to a revised draft of the rules, seen by Reuters, a phase-in period until the end of 2018 would relate to measures affecting cross-border data transfers, which has been one of the most contentious elements of the new law. The CAC notice on Wednesday made no mention of a phase-in period. It added the law is not designed to hinder international trade or the flow of data across the Chinese border. Questions Remain Firms and lobby groups say the late changes to the law, while positive, leave most of the original legislation intact and remain broad. The laws impact will therefore depend on how Beijing enforces it. Much will depend on how the measures are implemented, the U.S.-China Business Council said in a note to members last month after the CAC meeting. On top of internationally common standards, such as requiring user consent before moving data beyond country borders, Chinas new cyber law also mandates companies store all data within China and pass security reviews. This fits Chinas ethos of cyber sovereignty the idea that states should be permitted to govern and monitor their own cyberspace, controlling incoming and outgoing data flows. China maintains a strict censorship regime, banning access to foreign news outlets, search engines and social media including Google and Facebook. (Reporting by Cate Cadell in Beijing and Adam Jourdan in Shanghai; editing by Adrian Croft and Michael Perry) Related: Topics Legislation Cyber China Guy Carpenter & Co. announced the appointment of Hans van Oort from General Reinsurance Co. as managing director, Guy Carpenter Benelux, effective Dec. 1, to further strengthen the regional team. He will be responsible for continuing to enhance Guy Carpenters presence in the region. Based in Brussels, and working closely with Guy Carpenters offices in Rotterdam and London, he will report to Roelant de Haas, CEO, Benelux. During his 30-year reinsurance career, van Oort has held a number of senior managerial positions. Most recently, he was chief account executive, marketing manager, Business Unit Europe, at General Re in Cologne. He joined the company in 1997. Prior to this, he was head of the reinsurance broking and consulting department at Bloemers & Co. Herverzekering BV, responsible for the Dutch market. He began his reinsurance career in 1987. Source: Guy Carpenter & Co. Topics Auto Reinsurance Talent Human Resources Willis Programs has partnered with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) on coverage for its DairyProtector and FeedLotGuard programs. Allianz, a property casualty insurance carrier in the agribusiness industry, will offer an A.M. Best A+ rated carrier backing to the Willis program. By partnering with Allianz Willis Programs has the capability to provide enhanced coverages and services for a variety of classes. Enhancements to the DairyProtector and FeedLotGuard programs include: AgriCover for property (including extended replacement costs); AgriCover for liability (including aggregate limits per location), as well as chemical drift and environmental pollution coverage. The Allianz Extended Property Coverage for Dairy Operations also includes special coverages, including: Milk contamination increased to limit of $25,000 Livestock theft increased to limit of $5,000 Animal collision increased to limit of $5,000 Additional coverages: Building ordinance coverage limited at $25,000 Off premises power utility failure limited at $10,000 Perishable farm personal property limited at $10,000 Signs at insured location limited at $5,000 Water back-up exclusion is deleted Willis Programs, a unit of Willis Towers Watson, provides insurance programs that include underwriting, claim management and loss control expertise in over 30 niche markets. Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with branch offices in Burlington, Tampa, Detroit, Denver, Salt Lake City and Hartford, Willis Programs is able to reach independent agents and brokers across the U.S. for program distribution. Topics Carriers Agribusiness Allianz As auto accidents and fatalities increase on Americas roads, a dozen states have taken legislative action this year to further combat distracted driving. According to an analysis by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), nine states have enacted laws and three states have legislation on their governors desks to strengthen enforcement, increase penalties and fines, and focus on education and awareness efforts particularly for teens. PCI said a 14 percent increase in traffic fatalities over the past two years the largest two year increase in more than 50 years highlights the importance of strengthening distracted driving laws. Even though most states have put in place laws that restrict texting while driving, more action is needed to address distracted driving and the sharp spike in crashes and traffic fatalities that have occurred over the past few years, said Robert Passmore, PCI assistant vice president for personal lines policy, in a written statement. While there is no single answer to addressing the problem of distracted driving, the new laws passed in 2017 are important because finding the solution to this epidemic involves enacting stronger laws, increasing enforcement, raising public awareness and creating a culture of personal responsibility. The states enacting laws in 2017 against distracted driving are taking a variety of approaches to the problem. Iowa and Washington have enacted two of the strongest laws against distracted driving in 2017. Iowas law moves from secondary to primary enforcement of the states texting ban law. Now police wont need to wait to witness another driving infraction before they can pull over a texting driver. Laws in Washington and Arkansas broke new ground by expanding the definition of distracted driving to include many more dangerous behaviors that drivers engage in such as using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and even Netflix, said Passmore. We need to make sure our laws are keeping up with the new behaviors that are making our roads deadlier. Texas was one of a handful of states without a ban on texting, but the legislature recently sent a bill to Governor Greg Abbot that would establish a statewide texting ban with primary enforcement. The bill would make the offense a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $99 for a first time offense or $200 for repeat offenders. Its unclear whether Gov. Abbott, who has said he has some reservations about the bill, will sign it. His predecessor, Rick Perry, vetoed a similar measure in 2011. If the Texas bill is signed 43 states and the District of Columbia will have primary enforcement of texting bans leaving only Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota with either secondary enforcement or no texting law. Increased Fines Arkansas, District of Columbia, North Dakota and Washington are cracking down by increasing fines for distracted driving. In Arkansas fines for texting will now be up to $250 for a first-time offender and $500 for a repeat offender. Additionally, fines will double if a driver involved in a crash is texting. Colorado also has legislation on the governors desk that increases penalties for texting while driving from $50 to $300. These fines reflect the seriousness of the violation. Legislation approved in Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Vermont focuses on protecting teen drivers. Arizona banned teenagers with a learners permit from driving while using a wireless communication device and Oklahoma mandated that all driver education courses include education regarding the dangers of texting while driving. Tennessee and Vermont passed laws to prohibit the use of handheld devices in school zones. The Vermont legislation is awaiting the Gov. Phil Scotts signature. Virginia also took action to further the educational activities of DRIVE SMART Virginia. Drivers will be able to make contributions to DRIVE SMART Virginia Education Fund through their EZ Pass electronic toll collection account. The funds will be used to educate the public on issues related to safe driving, distracted road users, and other issues. PCI has made its research, Roadmap to Safer Roads, including the new distracted driving laws available online. Topics Legislation Washington Personal Auto Virginia Training Development Arkansas Vermont Arizona The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) announced the addition of four new hires in the areas of federal government relations and taxation. Mona Dooley and Kyle Glenn are joining the association as assistant vice presidents, federal government relations while Daniel Yi will be executive assistant and program manager in the federal government relations office. Margaret Labno is also joining the association as vice president, tax and accounting policy in the policy, research and international department. Labno is a tax and accounting expert. She has worked in the financial industry for nearly two decades. Most recently, Labno was the assistant vice president, tax at Zurich in North America, where she led and managed the team responsible for the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and National Association Insurance Commissioners statutory income tax reporting function for the U.S. Prior to Zurich, Labno was a senior tax manager, financial institutions group at Crowe Horwath. Dooley most recently served as senior legislative assistant to Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), where she was responsible for the Congressmans work on the House Financial Services Committee as well as the tax and economics portfolio. Prior to that, she served as a policy and government relations associate for the National Association of Manufacturers, where she led the organizations efforts to renew the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. Dooley began her career in the office of Rep. Robert Dold (R-Ill.), where she handled the House Financial Services Committee portfolio. Glenn previously served as deputy chief of staff to Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.). He was the principal liaison between the Congressmans personal office and the House Financial Services Committee. He was also responsible for advising the Congressman on financial services policy issues, coordinating with federal financial regulatory agencies, and developing and managing legislative priorities, including the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act. Glenn spent more than eight years on Capitol Hill serving three House members in various roles. Prior to his role at PCI, Yi served as special assistant to the Under Secretary of Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce in President Barack Obamas Administration. He also was a field organizer for President Obamas re-election campaign in Northern Virginia and a real estate sales associate at TTR Sothebys International Realty. PCI represents 1,000 member companies that write more than $183 billion in annual premium, 35 percent of the nations property casualty insurance. Source: PCI Topics Carriers Louisiana wont join 44 other states in regulating ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft after a proposal to standardize rules and expand access to smaller cities was blocked by New Orleans lawmakers, the bills sponsor said. Rep. Kenny Havards House-backed measure was expected to be heard by a Senate committee Tuesday. But instead, Havard, a St. Francisville Republican, pulled the bill from consideration, shelving it without a committee debate. After the meeting, he said House Bill 527 is dead in the legislative session that ends June 8. He blamed opposition from New Orleans lawmakers and taxi unions for stalling the bill, making it unable to pass. Protecting the taxi unions is what it all amounted to, Havard said, who argued that his legislation would help keep drunken drivers off the road. Forty-four other states have done this, but Louisiana is last in everything, so why not be last in regulating Uber, too? Under the bill, state and local municipalities would have shared 1 percent of each fare. Representatives from New Orleans said their city could lose $2 million annually if the agreements it has with Uber and Lyft were superseded by Havards legislation. New Orleans rate it currently charges riders a $0.50 fee under a 2015 agreement is the highest in the country, Havard said. Uber and Lyft both operate in a handful of markets in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Lafayette and the greater New Orleans area. After Tuesdays committee meeting, representatives from Uber and Lyft issued statements decrying the developments. Political gamesmanship should not keep people in Louisiana from getting the safe rides and flexible work opportunities they deserve, Uber spokeswoman Evangeline George said. Other states agreements with ride-hailing services vary widely. Most states levy a fixed annual fee, while some, such as Tennessee or Florida, do not charge anything. South Carolina imposes a similar 1 percent fee. A proposal to regulate the services in Alabama also recently stalled before the end of Alabamas legislative session this month. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Louisiana The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) says it is financially sound and ready for the 2017 hurricane season by once again securing $4.9 billion in total funding. In a media release, TWIA said its 2017 season funding includes a contribution of $147 million to the Catastrophe Reserve Trust Fund (CRTF) as a result of 2016 operations, bringing the CRTF balance to almost $740 million the highest in the Associations history. TWIA also experienced a reduction in projected exposures and minor changes in the hurricane models that led to a decrease in the 100-year Probable Maximum Loss (PML) for 2017 to $4.3 billion from $4.7 billion in 2016. TWIAs 2017 reinsurance program, effective June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018, provides $4.9 billion in total aggregate funding, sufficient to cover a 125-year storm season, or more than 99 percent of all possible storm seasons and in excess of the statutory minimum funding to a 100-year storm. The reinsurance program includes catastrophe bonds, an aggregate amount of $1.1 billion, issued in 2015 and 2017, with staggered expirations in order to provide multi-year stability, diversification, and expanded claims-paying capacity. TWIA General Manager John Polak said the organization is committed to financial sustainability, providing quality service to policyholders and operating as efficiently as possible. TWIA said key initiatives are providing continuous improvements to its claims handling processes. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) was established by the Texas Legislature in 1971 in response to regional market conditions following Hurricane Celia in August 1970. Source: TWIA Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Windstorm Hurricane Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Over the last two decades, Statoil company has invested more than $6.5 billion in Azerbaijan, making it the second largest investor in the country, said the company's executive vice-president Lars Christian Bacher. "Azerbaijan has been an important part of Statoil's international strategy over the past two decades," he said during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. Bacher noted that since the entry of Statoil in Azerbaijan in 1992, this country has been a key arena for the company's international goals. "Through a turbulent and volatile time in global affairs, Azerbaijan has proved to be a place with a stable business environment, which makes it attractive for foreign investments," he added. Bacher expressed a compliment to Azerbaijani government for providing a predictable business environment. He expressed confidence that companies like Statoil and resource-rich countries like Azerbaijan can work together to come up to a new approach in addressing the challenges in the oil and gas industry. A bill that preempts local regulations for ride-hailing companies in Texas and replaces them statewide standards has been signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. HB 100, sponsored in the Senate by Georgetown Sen. Charles Schwertner, sets statewide operating standards, including insurance requirements, for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. It takes effect immediately. These companies have been regulated in the past on a city-by-city basis in Texas. TNCs operating in the state have clashed with cities over local ordinances, particularly over driver fingerprint requirements, and have pushed for statewide regulations. Uber and Lyft subsequently withdrew from Austin in May 2016 after the city passed and voters rejected an attempt to overturn an ordinance requiring ride-hailing service drives to be fingerprinted as part of the background check process. The two companies reportedly spent $9 million in the unsuccessful attempt to convince voters to repeal the measure. The companies continued to operate in Houston and San Antonio, where fingerprinting was required, however. Other major cities, including Dallas, El Paso and Fort Worth havent required driver fingerprints. Under HB 100, local ordinances already in place would be preempted by state regulations, meaning TNCs wouldnt be required to fingerprint drivers in any city. Uber tried to get a bill passed in 2015 that would have regulated ride-hailing services statewide but the measure failed in the waning days of the legislative session. It was actively opposed by the taxi industry and the states largest cities, including Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. According to Schwertner that inconsistent patchwork of regulations was a problem. He said that 40 other states already regulate ride-hailing at the state level. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation would oversee TNCs and would have the power to revoke licenses to operate in the state if the businesses dont comply with state rules. The bill includes provisions aimed at protecting customers. It would require that ride sharing drivers undergo a yearly criminal background check, not be on the sex offender registry, and carry auto insurance. TNCs would have to provide an electronic receipt to customers, and would have to maintain records for all rides within the past five years. According to an announcement by Gov. Abbotts office, the bill also requires that the zero-intoxication standard for drivers be strictly enforced. The bill would specifically prohibit discrimination based on disabilities, and would require licensed TNCs to implement pilot programs in one of the four largest cities in the state specifically to serve customers with disabilities. Related: Topics Legislation Texas The owner of a business complex in Tallahassee, Fla., was arrested by arson investigators from the Florida Department of Financial Services on charges of arson and insurance fraud, according to CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater. Victor Herrera, owner of the Tharpe Street business complex, was arrested after an extensive investigation uncovered that he intentionally set his property on fire in order to collect insurance money. The business complex, located at 1109 Tharpe Street in Tallahassee, includes Debos Stereo Installations and Super Clean Auto Detailing & Mobile Services. Following a fire that took place on Jan. 12, 2017, the Tallahassee Fire Department requested the assistance of DFS Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI), to aid in determining the cause and origin of the incident. After an initial survey of the scene, BFAI investigators noted multiple points of origin and determined that the fire had been intentionally set. Insurance fraud investigators were also brought in to assist. DFS said investigators conducted multiple interviews as part of their subsequent arson investigation. They interviewed the owners of Debos Stereo Installations and Super Clean Auto, and spoke with Victor Herrera on several occasions. Herrera was inconsistent with this version of events and his whereabouts on the night of the fire, leading investigators to become suspicious, according to DFS. An individual with evidence of the crime came forward claiming that Herrera had offered a payout in exchange for their silence, which solidified investigators suspicions. During the course of the investigation, Herrera recanted his story and abandoned his insurance claim. A warrant was issued, and Herrera was arrested without incident on May 25, 2017. He was transported to the Leon County Jail and has been charged with arson, tampering with witnesses, providing false official statements, burning to defraud and insurance fraud. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of State Attorney Jack Campbell, 2nd Judicial Circuit. If convicted, Herrera faces up to 30 years in prison. The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Department of Financial Services that conducts statewide fire, arson and explosives investigations. The Bureau encourages Floridians who suspect or witness suspicious behavior to contact the Arson Tip Hotline by calling 1-877-662-7766. Callers can choose to remain anonymous and any information that leads to a prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services Topics Florida Fraud A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set two fires in the breezeway of an occupied apartment building in Georgia. Gwinnett County fire officials said the reward is being offered by Georgia Arson Control Inc. after the blazes were set May 16 at the Brentwood Down Apartments in the Lilburn area, northeast of Atlanta. Gwinnett County Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge says the fires were set in a way that would block the occupants from escaping from the building. Authorities said one woman was initially trapped on her balcony, unable to escape due to the smoke and heat. She was eventually helped out by police and a neighbor and wasnt seriously hurt. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Georgia Jeremy D. Morley concentrates on International Family Law. The firm works with clients around the world from its New York office, with a global network of local counsel. Mr Morley is the author of "International Family Law Practice", the leading treatise on international family law in the U.S., and "The Hague Abduction Convention", published by the American Bar Association. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a former law professor. Un ottobre da sogno per Antonio Conte: lex ct della Nazionale italiana, attualmente alla guida del Chelsea, nelle ultime quattro gare di Premier League ha collezionato solo successi, conditi da 11 reti segnate e addirittura nessuna incassata. Numeri da record che non sono certo passati inosservati alla Federazione inglese, la quale ha conferito al tecnico leccese lambito premio di Manager del mese. Unavventura oltremanica iniziata in sordina, quella di Conte, pur a fronte di tre vittorie nelle prime tre gare di campionato. A far vacillare, anche se solo per un momento, le certezze del patron del club londinese, Roman Abramovich, i risultati conseguiti tra la 4a e la 6a giornata, coincisi con un pareggio sul campo dello Swansea City e, soprattutto, con le due pesanti sconfitte subite dal Liverpool, sul terreno casalingo di Stamford Bridge, e dallArsenal. In particolare, la debacle interna coi Reds, aveva irritato non poco il numero uno russo, poiche occorsa proprio nel giorno della sua 250esima partita da presidente della societa. Come detto, solo un momento. Dopo lincontro dellEmirates, il tecnico salentino cambia modulo, adottando un piu equilibrato 3-4-3 e inserendo elementi di corsa come lo spagnolo Pedro. Una svolta totale perche, di li in poi, il Chelsea inanellera solo e soltanto vittorie: 2 gol allHull City e al Southampton in trasferta, 3 ai campioni dInghilterra del Leicester e 4 allo United in casa, con un meraviglioso numero zero nella casella delle reti subite. Un fantastico poker, ottenuto tra l1 e il 29 ottobre. Un cambio di marcia sbalorditivo, confermato dal 5 a 0 rifilato ai toffees dellEverton nel primo match di novembre, e una scalata che, man mano, ha portato i blues al secondo posto in classifica, a soli 2 punti dal Liverpool capolista. E allora, non poteva mancare il riconoscimento di migliore allenatore del mese, ottenuto surclassando tecnici del calibro di Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) e Mark Hughes (Southampton). Tanta, ovviamente, la soddisfazione: E un grande onore e voglio condividerlo con i giocatori e con la societa ha dichiarato Conte sul sito ufficiale della Premier League -. E la prima volta che lavoro in un altro Paese, con una cultura diversa, e portare la propria filosofia non e facile, ma ora sono contento di questa scelta. A completare la festa, la premiazione del fantasista belga, Eden Hazard, come miglior giocatore di ottobre. Due risultati importanti per il club, ottimo incentivo per la rincorsa al trono dei campioni, occupato dal Leicester di Ranieri. Il prossimo appuntamento per l11 di Conte sara al Riverside Stadium, tana del Middlesborough neopromosso. Il tempo di festeggiare e gia finito. Sono circa 700 mila i minori possibili beneficiari del Rei (il reddito di inclusione, ndr) su un totale di 1,8 milioni di potenziali destinatari. Il dato, e stato divulgato da Save The Children che ha sottolineato che si tratta di bambini spesso colpiti da deprivazioni che riguardano aspetti essenziali della loro vita come la salute, la nutrizione, l'educazione e il cui futuro rischia di essere compromesso. Raffaela Milano, direttrici dei programmi Italia Europa di Save The Children, ha sottolineato come affinche la strategia di contrasto alla poverta minorile sia efficace, e necessario che al reddito d'inclusione, il quale rappresenta un positivo passo avanti, siano affiancate adeguate misure rivolte in modo mirato ai bambini e ai ragazzi in condizioni di svantaggio. Secondo l'organizzazione la poverta minorile rappresenta in Italia una vera emergenza. In dieci anni osserva le famiglie in condizione di poverta assoluta con minori sono quintuplicate, passando dal 2% del 2006 al 10% del 2016: attualmente sono 669.000 i nuclei in tale situazione di disagio, per un totale di 1.292.000 bambini (il 36% dei quali ha meno di 6 anni), che rappresentano il 12,5% della popolazione sotto i 18 anni nel paese; il numero di minori in poverta assoluta ha registrato, in un solo anno (dal 2015 al 2016), un incremento del 14%. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Construction of the carbamide plant of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR has been completed by 95 percent, the plants director Khayal Jafarov said. He made the remarks during the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku June 1. He said that engineering work and procurement of equipment have been completed by 100 percent, construction work - by 89 percent, civil engineering work - by 97 percent, installation of equipment - by 75 percent. It is planned to complete all work and start adjustment and commissioning of the plant by the end of 2017, he noted. Production of carbamide at the plant will start in the first half of 2018. The plant will produce 650,000-660,000 tons of carbamide per year. It is planned to supply a quarter of production, that is, 150,000-200,000 tons of carbamide, to the Azerbaijani domestic market. The remaining part will be exported to Turkey, Georgia and the markets of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea countries. South Koreas Samsung Engineering won the tender for the construction of the carbamide plant. Samsung Engineering acts as a general contractor of the plants construction, but it has no license for production of carbamide and ammonia, which will be by-product in the carbamide production process. Therefore, the relevant licensing agreements were signed with Haldor Topsoe company (Denmark) for production of ammonia and Stamicarbon B.V. company (the Netherlands) for production of carbamide. Production at the plant will be environmentally friendly, that is, no pollutant emissions into the atmosphere are expected. The plant will have an autonomous electricity system. The plant will consume 25-26 MW of electricity per hour. At first, financing of construction work was carried out from the Azerbaijani state budget and about 205 million manats were allocated from there before the beginning of 2015, but later it was decided to switch to project finance and negotiations with banks were started. As a result, the ExportImport Bank of South Korea (EximBank) opened a line of credit worth 500 million euros under Azerbaijans state guarantee to complete the construction of the plant. EximBank will directly provide 251 million euros, while 249 million euros will be allocated by three commercial banks (Italys UniCredit S.p.A., Frances Societe Generale S.A. and Germanys Deutsche Bank AG) with the support of EximBank. The central bank of Iraq has decided to open two branches in Erbil and Sulaimani next month after a year of talks with the Kurdish government. CBI had published a list of job vacancies on online classifieds. Applicants can apply in between 1st of June to 1st of July, 2017. A source with knowledge of the talks has told that the branch in Erbil will provide all services similar to other branches of the bank in other [Iraqi] provinces. The source also said that the bank will make major changes in the Central Bank of Kurdistan, changing it to fit CBIs structure. The source added that as soon as the Erbil branch opens, the Central Bank of Kurdistan in Erbil will cease operations. The head of the Kurdistan Central Bank of Kurdistan in Sulaimani said they too are to follow Erbils steps in this regard. Abdulrahman Salih said, After opening the Erbil Branch of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Sulaimani branch will also be opened. That is why the procedures to open the bank in Sulaimani will come with a delay. The CBI had refused in the past to consider the Central Bank of Kurdistan as its official branches in Erbil and Sulaimani. This changed last year when the bank agreed to open the two branches in the Kurdistan Region. The Central Bank of Kurdistan does not have the power to issue currency and it lacks a monetary policy. | Soruce: Radaw | By S.Seal The head of the OPEC member's oil marketer SOMO said that Iraq may look at hedging part of its crude oil production as a way to protect government revenue against the risk of oil price volatility. Falah Al-Amri, who is also Iraq's OPEC governor, told, "It is in our strategy in the future that maybe we will consider hedging part of Iraqi crude ... SOMO is floating an idea now and this is yet to be studied." It is not clear what type of hedging might be considered by SOMO. Some organisations, such as Mexican oil monopoly Pemex, seek to ensure oil is sold at a guaranteed fixed price throughout the year, while others, such as Shell and BP, hedge their sales against short term oil price volatility. Short term hedging helps to smooth price fluctuations between the signing of an oil sales contract and when the oil is delivered and paid for. Al Amri said, "There are a lot of requirements that should be taken first: we need to study hedging carefully and train people, we need to know the best companies involved in hedging ... we still don't understand the hedging process completely." Al Amri also said SOMO aimed to use methods such as auctions and joint ventures to promote Iraq's oil interests and reduce imports of oil products. SOMO and Russia's Litasco have set up a joint trading company in Dubai to market crude, joining other Middle Eastern producers that buy and sell oil to boost their incomes. Last month, SOMO sold its first cargo of Basra Light crude via an auction on the Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME), which could become a platform for price discovery. DME is now the marketplace for most Omani crude sold in Asia. | Soruce: Reuters | By S.Seal By 10th of June 2017, Iraqi forces hope to eliminate Islamic state militants from Mosul of Iraq. After three years reign of IS in this second largest city of Iraq, the group is finally going to accept its defeat soon. According to reports, a target has been given to military forces to eliminate IS from Mosul within a fortnight. However, the report has also disclosed that an unknown number of IS fighters were still hidden among an estimated 165,000 civilians in the old city. The winding streets, blind alleyways and densely-packed buildings make military progress especially difficult. Major Qusay Al-Kinani, commander of Iraq's Special Operations Forces, told, "Mosul fell to (the IS) on June 10, 2014, so by June 10 this year it must be liberated." On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that the forces were in the last stages of defeating the Islamic State in the remaining neighbourhoods of Mosul. He mentioned, "The enemy (IS) is in a state of collapse and cannot achieve any of its goals in Mosul, which once they considered their capital." According to Prime Minister, 90% of Mosul has been liberated from Islamic States. He added, "Life is returning to normal on the left bank of Mosul and on the right bank most of it has been freed. We will soon declare full liberation of the city." Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, last year promised to rid Iraq of the IS by the end of 2016. Military commanders have also said that the liberation would be finished before Ramadan -- which started last Friday. The latest advance is part of a major offensive designed to secure the border areas with neighbouring Syria and cut off the IS supply routes between Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa, the capital of the IS caliphate. Maan al-Saadi, commander of special operations, said the forces have taken control of 70 per cent of al-Saha neighbourhood in north of the IS-held old city centre and killed around 70 IS militants, most of them foreigners and non-Iraqi Arabs, in the battles during the past two days. The operations near the Syrian border came as Iraqi forces, backed by the anti-IS international coalition, were conducting a major offensive to dislodge the IS militants from their major stronghold in western Mosul. Mosul came under IS control in the year of 2014. | Soruce: Business Standard | By S.Seal Permission for building an oil refinery has been given by the Iraqi government in Kirkuk. The project value shall be around $5 billion. Asim Jihad, oil ministry spokesperson, stated, The oil ministry has given approval for a new refinery to be built in Kirkuk." Baghdads decision to build a huge refinery in Kirkuk comes after the Black Force of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) seized control of the North Oil Company in the city of Kirkuk in early March, stopping the oil export for several hours before it resumed. The Kurdish force, backed by all Kurdish parties in Kirkuk, seeks to force Baghdad to implement an agreement between the Kirkuk governor and Baghdad reached in January, notably in opening an oil refinery in the multi-ethnic Kirkuk. After several days of force deployment, Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al Abadi met with a PUK politburo delegation led by the partys first deputy Kosrat Rasul Ali, Hero Ibrahim Ahmed (the wife of Jalal Talabani) and the partys Kirkuk officials. They subsequently announced they had reached an agreement regarding the problems of the North Oil Company. According to Point 6 of the January agreement, the oil ministry should "help the Kirkuk province to begin expanding the Kirkuk oil refinery and its work with Barham company to install a new refinery." Some other large companies in the Kurdistan Region have submitted their proposals to the Iraqi oil ministry, including Faruq Holding, owned by Faruq Mala Mustafa, who is very likely to receive the project. If he does, he will be borrowing a $1 billion loan from a Chinese bank. Faruq Mala said, The project has not been officially given to anyone. We will talk about it after it is announced. The oil minister had earlier said that the plan to invest in Kirkuks oil infrastructure had long been pursued, but the situation in Kirkuk and Iraq was not helpful at this stage. Jihad told the local media about two weeks ago that the oil ministry had tried to set up a refinery in Kirkuk, but due to the citys security and political situation, no company was ready to go to Kirkuk. Rebwar Taha, an Iraqi MP from the PUK, told, The Iraqi oil ministry has given the go-ahead for a modern refinery to be built which will cost $5 billion. The project will be implemented in phases and might take 3 to 5 years to finish." Kirkuk has a refinery that is 65 years old, refining only 30,000 oil barrels per day," Taha who represents Kirkuk in the Iraqi parliament added. "It cannot fulfil Kirkuks demands. This is while Kirkuk is Iraqs second biggest oil city. This is why we have asked for the refinerys production rate to be increased to 70,000 barrels a day so that oil from Kirkuk is no longer taken elsewhere under the pretext of refining it." Building this refinery will create hundreds of job opportunities for the people of Kirkuk, especially for the graduates of the mechanical and other technical departments at Kirkuk University. Some companies have submitted their proposals via Baghdad, the Iraqi government and the oil ministry," Rebwar Talabani, head of Kirkuks provincial council, told. The North Oil Company produces nearly 160,000 barrels of oil daily, from which 20,000 barrels of oil are transported through tankers to Dora Refinery in Baghdad order to fulfil the fuel demands of Al-Quds power station just north of Baghdad. In addition, 30,000 more oil barrels are used to account for internal needs. The remaining 110,000 oil barrels are exported. Half of it is sold by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and the other half by the Iraqi government. As per the agreement between Iraqi government and Kar Group, Kalak Refinery near Erbil, which is owned by Kar Group, receives 40,000 barrels of oil every day from the North Oil Company in order to refine it for the Iraqi government. | Soruce: Rudaw | By S.Seal A former Sinn Fein councillor who physically and mentally tortured a man he believed was trying to defraud him has been jailed for 12 years by the Special Criminal Court. The court found that Jonathan Dowdall's victim, Anthony Hurley, was subjected to a gratuitous, humiliating and degrading ordeal during which he was tied to a chair and waterboarded. Dowdall claimed he as a member of the IRA and Mr Hurley was told he would be "chopped up" and "fed to the dogs". Patrick Dowdall, the father of the former councillor, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in the offence. Jonathan Dowdall was also given a concurrent four years and his father a concurrent three years in prison for threatening to kill the victim. Presiding judge Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said today that these were most serious offences. The injured party was subjected to a horrendous and terrifying ordeal, he endured what can only be described as physical and mental torture at the hands of the Dowdalls, she said. Last month, footage recorded on a mobile phone was shown to the court of Jonathan Dowdall (aged 40) wearing a balaclava and holding a tea towel to the mans face before pouring water over his head. The court heard that Gardai searching Jonathan Dowdall's house in relation to a separate matter found the footage on a USB flash drive. An assertion by Jonathan Dowdall that he would have uploaded the footage to YouTube was found to be deeply disturbing" by the non-jury court. The two men had met after Dowdall had advertised a motorbike for sale on donedeal.ie. Jonathan Dowdall, with an address at Navan Road, Dublin 7 and his father Patrick Dowdall (aged 60), of the same address, had both admitted to falsely imprisoning Alexander Hurley by detaining him without his consent at Navan Road, Dublin 7 on January 15, 2015. Both men had also pleaded guilty to threatening to kill Mr Hurley at the same place on the same date. Before handing down sentence today Ms Justice Kennedy, presiding, sitting with Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain and Judge James Faughnan, read the facts of the case to the court. The judge said the case was originally listed for trial but the two men pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and making threats to kill on March 27 this year. She said a sentence hearing took place in May but a Newton hearing was necessary to resolve the conflict of the facts in the case. The judge said the Gardai were searching Jonathan Dowdalls house on the Navan Road on March 9, 2016, in relation to a separate matter, when they found a USB flash drive. The USB stick was analysed and footage was found on it of a man being forcibly detained. On May 28, 2016, Alexander Hurley was located and he made a statement to Gardai. The judge said Mr Hurley made contact with Jonathan Dowdall on January 10, 2015 regarding the sale of a motorbike. The first meeting took place between the two men on January 12, 2015 when Mr Hurley went to Mr Dowdalls home. Jonathan Dowdall dropped Mr Hurley to OConnell Street that evening and there was subsequent contact between the two men regarding the purchase of the motorbike. Jonathan Dowdall then invited Mr Hurley to his home for dinner and insisted he attend. Mr Hurley was told Patrick Dowdall had enjoyed his company on the previous occasion and so Mr Hurley accepted the invite to dinner. On January 15, Jonathan Dowdall collected Mr Hurley and they arrived at his house on the Navan Road at 7.20pm. The judge said after Jonathan Dowdall opened the door, Mr Hurley was met by Patrick Dowdall who pushed him into the garage and backed him into a swivel chair. Mr Hurleys wrists, chest and legs were tied to the chair with cable ties. Mr Hurley told Gardai he was petrified and Jonathan Dowdall called him a lying bastard from the sewer. The Dowdalls and another man described what they were going to do to him such as feed parts of him to the dogs, chop him up and store him in the boot of a BMW unless he told the truth. He was told there was no point in screaming as the garage was sound-proof and no one would hear him. The judge said Mr Hurley was accused of being a thief and how he had tried to steal a car from another person. The court previously heard how a girl came into the garage with a bucket and a tea towel. The judge said that it was blatantly untrue that there were only two men in the house at the time as some of the evidence was recorded by a female. The Dowdalls had been unable to recall in their evidence who had recorded the ordeal on the evening, she said. Ms Justice Kennedy said facilitating a young woman to record events was very concerning and described it as an aggravating factor in the case. Jonathan Dowdall proceeded to place a tea towel and pour water over Mr Hurleys head. Mr Hurley told Gardai that he thought he was drowning as he could not breathe. Mr Hurley explained to Gardai how the cable ties were tightened on him. He was told he would be fed to the dogs and his head would be burned at the stake. He was told he was stupid to mess with the IRA and he would be dead within 24 hours if he went to the Gardai. He was also told that if he told a soul about this that his parents would be dead within 48 hours of his disappearance. The court heard that at one stage Patrick Dowdall pulled out a silver pliers and threatened to pull Mr Hurley's fingers off. Jonathan Dowdall told him he was concerned that he was fraudulently trying to use his bank details. Ms Justice Kennedy said the court viewed three pieces of video footage arising from January 15 which depicted a truly terrifying ordeal which no words could adequately convey. She said the video footage depicted with the utmost clarity the abject terror experienced by Mr Hurley as a result of the Dowdalls acts and words. The judge said it was fortuitous that the recording was recovered by the Gardai so the two men could be brought to justice. Ms Justice Kennedy said it was chilling that the recording was made in the first place and the purpose of it was unknown. She said the fact Jonathan Dowdall had told the court he would have uploaded the footage to YouTube was deeply disturbing and showed that his moral compass was fundamentally skewed. She said the injured party can be seen whimpering but the callous and brutal attack continued. The judge said the men were arrested on May 17, 2016 and since then they have expressed apologies and regret. She said Jonathan Dowdall was a married man with four daughters and was an electrician by trade. He was a devoted family and community man who had a difficult upbringing, she said. The court heard Patrick Dowdall is a separated man who has four children. He also had a difficult upbringing and poor health, she said. The judge said the court wished to deprecate in the strongest possible terms the seeking of a Newton hearing. She said to have put Mr Hurley through the ordeal of having to give evidence significantly lessened the credit that would have otherwise been given for an already late plea of guilty. She said arrangements were put in place to bring Mr Hurley to the house and this indicated premeditation. She said these were most serious offences and Mr Hurley was subjected to a horrendous and terrifying ordeal. Ms Justice Kennedy went on to say that the aggravating factors were the significant harm caused to Mr Hurley, the gratuitous, humiliating and degrading nature of the ordeal, the prolonged nature of the activities, the terror experienced by Mr Hurley, the restraint by the cable ties, the use of a tea towel and buckets of water, the production of the pliers in the course of issuing threats, the impact on the victim, the recording of the event, the duration of the ordeal and the continued savage attack despite Mr Hurley's pleas to desist. Mitigating factors for Jonathan Dowdall included his guilty plea, no previous convictions, his work record, his physical and mental health, his expressions of remorse and the testimonials handed into court. Having regard to the gravity of the offence, the judge said, the court considered 14 years an appropriate sentence for Jonathan Dowdall. Taking into account mitigating factors, the court reduced the sentence to 12 years. Despite his protestations of remorse, the Newton hearing had the effect of tainting the genuine nature of that remorse, she said. Ms Justice Kennedy said that Patrick Dowdall had "less involvement" in the ordeal and the court considered 11 years an appropriate sentence. Taking into account mitigating factors such as his health issues and his history of depression, the court reduced the sentence to eight years. Ms Justice Kennedy said all sentences were to run concurrently and were backdated to May 17, 2016. Gardai have seized cash, two vehicles and a pellet gun as part of ongoing investigations into recent organised criminal activity in the Dublin West area. Officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau searched a number of properties in the Ronanstown, Clondalkin, Lucan and Tallaght areas yesterday. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR exported 573,840 tons of oil via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline in January-May 2017 as compared to 319,500 tons in the same period of 2016, SOCAR said in a message posted on its website June 1. The company exported 84,630 tons of oil from the Russian port of Novorossiysk in May 2017. SOCAR exported 1.22 million tons of oil via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline in 2016 versus 1.27 million tons in 2015. SOCAR exports the oil produced at its own fields, as well as the oil from joint ventures and operation companies working at Azerbaijans onshore fields, through Russias Novorossiysk port. Oil is delivered to the port via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline operated by SOCAR. A woman who went in to hospital for a routine day procedure but ended up losing eight pints of blood when an artery was torn has been awarded over 855,000 by the High Court, writes Ann O'Loughlin. Mr Justice Kevin Cross said he accepted the expert evidence that Gina Van Amersfoorth's pain and suffering is likely to persist for the rest of her life at its present level if not worsen. Ms Van Amersfoorth, the judge said, had gone into hospital for a routine diagnostic procedure in June 2002 to establish why she was unable to get pregnant. Unfortunately, Mr Justice Cross said, while she was under anaesthetic a surgical instrument called a trocar was inserted into her abdomen to allow telescopic examination but there was signficiant bleeding from a major blood vessel caused by the instrument. The consultant obstetrician Dr John Corristine, the judge said, had torn a main artery in the woman's pelvis and also punctured a vein and the assistance of a vascular surgeon was required. Gina Van Amersfoorth (aged 50), Grenville, Portlaoise, Co Laois had sued consultant obstetrician Dr John Corristine attached to Portlaoise General Hospital, now the Midland Regional Hospital and what was the Midland Health Board at the time as a result of the procedure carried out at the hospital on June 4, 2002. It was claimed there was a failure to take any or any adequate or proper precautions for the safety of Ms Van Amersfoorth and a failure to adequately or at all check that all equipment used during the lapasoscopy was in good and proper working order. It was further claimed the trocar was inserted away from the mid-line and too deeply in the pelvis hitting against the posterior pelvicide wall on at least two occasions and as result an artery and vein were damaged. Ms Van Amersfoorth suffered a major haemorrhage with a loss of at least eight pints of blood and required ventilation and life support for two days afterwards and was in hospital for six days in total. The defendants admitted responsibility for the operation, the scar and the initial pain and suffering, but disputed that other claimed consequences such as abdominal pain were related to the incident. Mr Justice Cross found the woman's ongoing abdominal pain, which is serious and signficant, is as a result of the 2002 procedure. Ms Van Amersfoorth's life, he said, has been significantly impaired as a result of what happened. While there are many other plaintiffs who have been more damaged than Ms Amersfoorth, the judge said it would be entirely inappropriate in any way to minimise what she has suffered. The judge said he must assess them as being very serious and significant but not catastrophic and he awarded a total of 855,793. Rightly or wrongly Minister Noonan has had a bit of a thing about returning AIB to private hands for some time and has decided the best way to get back the almost 21bn taxpayers injected into the lender was through a shares sale. His plans were thwarted last year when bank shares collapsed amid fears about the Italian banks loans books and the financial health of European banking giant Deutsche Bank. The process of selling 25% of AIB in an initial public offering (IPO) will be completed in the next four weeks, if not earlier. Thats because the appetite of investors participating in the many non-deal roadshows conducted by AIB and the Government around the world this year has been strong. There is no doubt, as the jargon goes, the bank is more than IPO-ready. It is what its Government owners and its AIB managers have worked towards since the bank turned its first profit over two years ago following the crash. That does not mean the sales process is guaranteed a smooth market ride. Political events could yet cause turbulence for markets. The debate over how best to use the substantial proceeds of possibly more than 3bn that will flow from the sale is welcome. It needed, however, to have been widened for a long time into a discussion on how banks after the crash could best serve Irish firms and households. As numerous reports from the Central Bank and ECB have shown, Irish SMEs pay some of the highest cost loans in the eurozone and households here pay the highest home loan costs. Even before the crash, the two big banks dominated. The last competition probe into Irish banks took place before the crash, over a decade ago. The rigour of that report can be judged that bank shares here famously climbed on the day its findings were published. The unspoken nature of Irish banking is the troika and the Irish authorities ensured an effective duopoly to ensure the financial system would survive financial disaster. Much shrunken, AIB, as well as Bank of Ireland, despite its British Post Office tie-up, are focused on the Irish economy. That focus has become a key selling point for the Government and its advisers as they tested the appetite of US funds who have clambered to tap investments in the recovering eurozone by acquiring part of a bank exposed to the fastest-growing European economy. In AIB, investors will take a bet on the Irish mortgage market and Irelands young population, who will need home loans when the country finally sorts out how to build enough of the right mix of houses. AIB is also IPO ready because it has managed in a fast-growing economy to strike deals with its customers and to sell off non-performing loans. The amount of its non-performing loans have fallen from a peak of 28.9bn to 8.6bn at the end of March. There is still a large non-performing loan portfolio on its balance sheet, however. At a time when the latest report from the European Commission recommended action to reduce this bad debt, including debt forgiveness, this creates uncertainty. It leaves AIB more exposed than other banks with regular levels of NPLs in the event of a downturn or further economic shock such as Brexit. The needs of Irish households and SMEs should not be overlooked. Political jitters should AIB shares price surge The Government will face political criticism should the price of AIB shares jump after they start trading in the next few weeks, a senior market source has said. It will face jitters over setting the price of shares in its official prospectus that it will publish in the next two weeks. It will be a delicate balance, the source said. But government advisers will be satisfied with the prospects for a successful sale following the so-called non-deal roadshows carried out in recent months, the source said. Conditions may be right for the Government owners to secure around 3bn from the sale of 25% of AIB. And the strong appetite may mean the shares could be floated in a shorter-than-proposed period of three weeks. The shorter the time, the less of the risk for a potential upset, the source said. AIB top managers have said the sale of 25% of the bank will be a significant step in returning part of the near 20.8bn taxpayers injected into the lender during the crisis. Speaking to reporters, chief executive Bernard Byrne and group finance director Mark Bourke predicted the sales process would not be affected by the outcome of the UK general election. The bank was now an attractive investment, helped by its level of non-performing loans having shrunk from a peak of 28.9bn a few years ago to 8.6bn at the end of March, they said. Mr Byrne said AIB was a changed bank that would appeal to investors seeking to tap strong growth in the Irish economy and its growing population. After a spend of 870m, he said AIB customers were satisfied with its digital products. Chief executive of Cork-based IT company Smarttech, Ronan Murphy said it was a matter of time before a similar incident such as the WannaCry ransomware attack, which targeted many thousands of Microsoft computers worldwide last month, happened again. The former chair of the non-profit it@cork European Tech Cluster movement in Cork predicted a similar incident would bring computers down worldwide in the next couple of weeks. He said: It is like when a tsunami hits and the water is sucked back out into the ocean. People standing on the beach thinking its over dont see the danger until a bigger wave comes back to devastate the whole place. We are all currently standing on the beach, oblivious to what is about to happen. WannaCry affected 230,000 computers globally, including the UKs National Health Service and Spains Telefonica, while companies were hit by ransom demands. Files on infected computers were encrypted and a ransom was demanded to release the files back to the owner. The computers affected had Microsoft operating systems with protection not up to date, effectively leaving them as sitting ducks, Mr Murphy said. Denis ODriscoll, aged 25, of Ballysimon Rd, Limerick, has pleaded not guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to assault causing harm to Edward OReilly who lives in Clondalkin, Dublin. Mr OReilly, in evidence, recalled travelling to Limerick on August 29, 2015, with his wife Mary Ann, a sister of the accused. They came to visit her father, also Denis ODriscoll, who had been admitted to the hospital having suffered a heart attack. He and his wife remained at the bedside of his father in law in a ward for three or four hours. As they left the ward at around 8.15pm they were with his wifes mother and a sister of his wife. They went to the ground floor to get some refreshments. While on the ground floor, they came on the accused, Denis ODriscoll, whom they know as Tony. Tony, he said, was mouthing off and he told the accused it was best left for another place. As he went out the main hospital exit, the accused came for him and an altercation and scuffle occurred. Mr OReilly realised he had been stabbed and the accused left the area. There was blood coming from a wound on his left side above the waist. Mr OReilly said he when to the Shannon Doc clinic across the road from the hospital where he got six stitches for the wound. Garda Vincent Donnellan said he took pictures of Mr OReillys wound at Shannon Doc. On examining the scene near the hospital entrance he could not find any traces of blood. The trial before a jury of eight men and four women continues. The court heard one of the taxis was forced onto two wheels by the ramming. The accused was deported from the US last week and arrested on his arrival at Dublin Airport on foot of warrants from the district court and circuit court in Dundalk that were issued in 2013. Aaron Brady, aged 26, from Monog Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, had pleaded guilty to the circuit court offences and was due to be sentenced in April 2013 but had, the court heard, instead gone to the UK and then to the US. His defence barrister said the man before the court was a different person to that shown on Garda CCTV driving the stolen car in Dundalk in the early hours of October 2, 2011. Gda Sgt John Moroney, Dundalk told the court he was in the Garda patrol van on Park St, Dundalk about 4.10am, when the car, a Golf, pulled up alongside it and he and another Garda recognised Brady as the driver. Brady gave them the fingers, revved the car so the wheels spun and he did not have his hands on the steering wheel. The car, which had been stolen in a creeper burglary in Co Cavan and was fitted with false plates, was driven dangerously by Brady on a circular route around Dundalk town centre. The CCTV of the driving was shown to Judge Petria McDonnell and shows Brady ramming three taxis before speeding off. Brady had pleaded guilty to using the stolen vehicle, criminal damage to the patrol van and dangerous driving. The deceased, Michael Keogh, is closely connected with a cartel hitman who is linked to at least two murders of Hutch associates. This hitman, a bomb-maker and member of the so-called New INLA, is wanted in relation to the murders of Garreth Hutch in May 2016 and republican gunman Michael Barr in April 2016. This is a strike back for the Hutch grouping, said one garda source. Another detective said: Its a sign that the Hutches are getting their act together after the onslaught the Kinahans carried out last year. Its the second feud death linked to the Hutch grouping and comes 15 months after their first murder, that of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in Dublin. Since then, the Kinahan cartel shot dead eight people, bringing to ten the total feud deaths linked to them. A number of Hutch associates have also narrowly escaped murder, most recently a senior gang figure in north Dublin last month. Garda sources said the Hutch gang has tried twice this year to murder the INLA hitman, but failed, and decided to target Mr Keogh. Michael Keogh A source said Mr Keogh, aged 36, was himself involved with the cartel and suspected of organising drug deals and collecting money. He was lower down the rank of the cartel, the source said. In what is the first feud murder this year, Mr Keogh was shot as he sat in his car in an underground car park at Sheridan Court, Dorset Street, in the north inner city. Detectives believe his killer shot him twice in the head using a handgun, which had a silencer attached. Gardai received a call from Dublin City Council at 7.55am yesterday when they removed a smouldering car from nearby Clonliffe Avenue, Drumcondra and spotted a gun inside. At around 9.55am, a resident of Sheridan Court discovered the deceased and alerted gardai who sealed off the scene. Mr Keogh, similar to the hitman, grew up in the north east inner city, the heartland of the Hutch grouping. The Kinahan cartel will not take this lying down, said a garda source. We already know how ruthless they are, so they will do anything you can imagine. Sources said senior cartel leaders in Crumlin, Drimnagh and the south inner city are in and out of the country. Under Operation Hybrid, with armed patrols and checkpoints - many involving the Armed Support Unit - are running in affected areas. Owen Corkery said the late Con Crowley, from Crosshaven in Co Cork, deserves formal recognition for his heroics. That man saved my life, there is no doubt about it, Mr Corkery said after meeting Edward, the duke of Kent, during his visit to Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat station yesterday. It was one of several lifeboat stations the duke patron and president of the RNLI since 1969 visited during a low-key two-day visit to Ireland. He also visited the RNLI inshore station at Dromineer in Tipperary, and lifeboat stations at Kinsale, Co Cork, Kilrush, Co Clare, and Fenit, Co Kerry. Mr Corkery was at the centre of a miracle rescue between Spike Island and Haulbowline in Cork Harbour on June 9, 2012, when he was thrown from his RIB. The out-of-control vessel circled and ran over Mr Corkery up to four times the propellers causing severe injuries to his left arm, his back and head. Mr Crowley, a member of Crosshaven RNLI, was on duty on a harbour pilot boat at Cobh when the alarm was raised. He and his crew, Nick Burke and Gerry Moran, were on the scene within two minutes. Mr Crowley hauled Mr Corkery from the water, and applied a tourniquet to his mangled arm as the Crosshaven lifeboat, with Kieran Coniry, Mark Bushe and Sandra Farrell on board, raced to the scene. Together, they ferried Mr Corkery to shore where he received further medical treatment from RNLI volunteer, Gary Heslin, before he was transferred to hospital, where doctors later had to amputate his left arm from below the elbow. Mr Corkery told the duke yesterday that if it wasnt for Mr Crowley, and for the swift response of Crosshaven RNLI, he wouldnt be alive today. He said Mr Crowley, who died two years ago, never sought praise or credit for his role in the rescue and should be formally recognised. HRH The Duke of Kent, meets Laura O'Mahony, who was saved from mudflats near Rochestown, along with her dog, Sam, by Crosshaven RNLI volunteers, Denis Cronin and Vincent Fleming. Included is Patsy Fegan, the station's operations manager.. Pictures: Jon Mathers / RNLI The duke, who was accompanied by RNLI chairman Stuart Popham, RNLI chairman of the Irish Council, David Delamer, and British ambassador Robin Barnett, also met Laura OMahony, from Sydney Park in Cork City, who was rescued by Crosshaven RNLI, along with her dog Sam, from mudflats near Hop Island in Rochestown. Ms OMahony, who was clutching a framed photograph of Sam, who has since died, told the duke she has organised fundraisers for the RNLI as a thank you. The crew of Ballycotton lifeboat, who were called out on a shout the previous night, then took the duke on a trip out to Roches Point. Earlier, the Duke visited Kinsale lifeboat station where he met crewman, Jim Grennan, who in April 2016 helped save three Portuguese fishermen from a sinking trawler, the Sean Anthony, and who also helped save 30 people from the sail training vessel, Astrid, which foundered outside Kinsale Harbour in July 2013. The duke met Christopher Keane Hopcraft, one of the young sail trainees who was rescued from the Astrid, and Janet Rutherford, who received medical attention and was brought to safety after she was injured on board a yacht. Edward, the duke of Kent, meets Crewman Jim Grennan and his daughter Maedbh, 5, at Kinsale RNLI station yesterday. He also met representatives of Kinsales fishing fleet, RNLI volunteers from Union Hall, and representatives of the GAA, who are partners in the RNLIs Respect the Water campaign which aims to halve the number of coastal drowning deaths by 2024. Kinsale RNLI lifeboat operations manager John OGorman said it was a honour for the crew to meet the duke. He has provided unwavering support to the RNLI for almost half a century. He showed a great knowledge and understanding of our lifesaving work, he said. Cork North Central Solidarity TD Mick Barry has now backed calls for a tidal barrier to future-proof the city from rising sea levels caused by global warming. I believe that the OPW proposals are crude and do not sufficiently take into account the relationship of the people of the city with the river, he said. If implemented, I would be concerned that rising sea levels in future would result in an easy fix by building the walls higher again. He called for the OPW to give more consideration to alternative proposals put forward by the Save Cork City (SCC) campaign group which has criticised the OPW reliance on raised quay walls. SCC has called for the construction of a tidal barrier at Little Island to reduce tidal flood risk, and for a raft of upstream mitigation measures to minimise fluvial flood risk. SCC has costed its barrier at 135m but the OPW insisted this week that the campaign groups figure doesnt take into account site investigation works and complex engineering issues. The OPW says it stands over its tidal barrier estimates of between 500m and 1bn. But Mr Barry said: I am concerned that the OPW cost estimates are being used as a club with which to beat down dissent on this issue. I would like to see a genuinely independent assessment as to the cost of constructing such a barrier. He said he was impressed by arguments from climate change expert, Professor Robert Devoy, who has suggested that a tidal barrier will need to be constructed sooner rather than later given rising sea levels. And he said Professor Philip OKanes argument that strengthening the Inniscarra dam combined with a tidal barrier and slow the flow initiatives upstream could guarantee against flooding of the city, should also be considered. SCC has criticised the OPWs dismissal of its tidal barrier estimate. The barrier proposal is contained in its submission to the OPW. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 1 By Demir Azizov Trend: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein has sent a message to Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressing gratitude for the promotion of human rights in Uzbekistan. Al Hussein particularly thanked the Uzbek president for the adoption of the Strategy of Action for 2017-2021, implementation of judicial and legal reforms, as well as the abolition of the visa procedure, according to the message published by the Uzbek national news agency (UzA). As it was reported earlier, on May 10-11, a delegation of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), led by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein, was on an official visit in Uzbekistan. Al Hussein had meetings with Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the Uzbek parliament, government and with representatives of civil society and media. The UN high commissioner noted in his message that this visit gave him an opportunity to understand the complexities and challenges in the full realization of human rights in Uzbekistan and to identify possible areas in which his Office can provide further support to authorities, civil society, the national human rights institution and the international community. He assured that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Central Asia will provide Uzbekistan with direct support in the region. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 1 By Demir Azizov Trend: A range of bilateral agenda issues, as well as international and regional ones, was considered during the sixth round of the Uzbek-Czech political consultations held in Tashkent city May 31, the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reported. The delegation of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs was headed by the countrys Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Jancarek. Czech Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jaroslav Siro took part in the consultations. The sides discussed the state and prospects for the development of the Uzbek-Czech cooperation in the political, trade and economic, transport and communication, cultural and humanitarian, as well as other spheres, cooperation in the international arena, including in the format of Uzbekistan-EU, the report said. The sides exchanged views on the issues of boosting the Uzbek-Czech ties, the period of holding the next meeting of the Uzbek-Czech intergovernmental commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation, the schedule of other joint events. Capcom made the biggest news recently when it revealed that it will officially release Monster Hunter XX to the Nintendo Switch. Although the announcement was made only in Japan, the gaming community expects that a Western release will soon follow. They base their speculations on how Monster Hunter Generations was made available globally last year. Sells Out In Minutes After The Announcement Right after the announcement, Japanese fans bought their copies of the Monster Hunter XX Switch version were sold out in minutes. Fans of all over the world welcomed this news with equal excitement. Considering that this is not a brand new game, but just an enhanced version of the 3DS game, this feat is quite remarkable. Its Portability Might Be Its Main Hook What made it so attractive is its portability which is what gamers are hankering for in many years. Monster Hunter XX Switch version is scheduled for release in Japan on August 25. The digital version can be downloaded for $49.82 while the physical version retails at $52. Aside from the revealing the limited-edition themed Switch, Nintendo and Capcom also announced that there will be a Monster Hunter XX limited edition. Additional treats will accompany this edition such as soundtrack CD, carrying case, key chain, production booklet and a poster. This is a collection that gamers should not pass up. Nintendo Stocks Jumped At Its Highest Since 2008 Since the Capcom made the announcement, Nintendo stocks have risen 5 percent at the close of trading last Friday. This is the highest that the shares have experienced since October of 2008. This huge jump contributed $2.2 billion to Nintendo's market capitalization. As much as this is great news in Japan, there is still no word from Capcom or Nintendo as to when they will release Monster Hunter XX in North America and in the other regions in the West. Fans in this part of the world haven't even received its 3DS version considering that it was released in Japan in March 2017. Will their wait for MHXX will be as long as this one? In a recent report, a robot priest has been unveiled in Germany, delivering blessings in five different languages.Though blessing the congregation is one of the duties of the church staff, the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau has reassigned that task to a new friend by the name, called BlessU-2. The robot-priest BlessU-2 was made in honor of the 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. It's the work of a team from the Protestant Church of Hesse and Nassau, led by clergyman Stephan Krebs. It is surely going to raise some eyebrows, however, that is by design. The robot is supposedly controversial. Krebs explained "We wanted people to consider if it is possible to be blessed by a machine," When people approach BlessU-2, it first gives a series of choices. People can decide which language you to speak, whether they would prefer a "male" or "female" voice, and also what type of blessing people would like to hear about. More so, the robot priest is part of an exhibition to mark the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation which spread all over Europe after Martin Luther's radical calls for church reform. Moreover, BlessU-2 will minister to the public until September. In its first week, it already handed out more than 600 blessings, keeping the robot so busy it sometimes needs to be cooled by a fan. On the other note, BlessU-2 could be the first robot which has been assigned to give blessings to Christians, however not the first time that artificial intelligence has been carried out in the religious world. Interestingly, last year, a Buddhist temple located in China developed a monk robot to advocate the religion's "wisdom" in a modern way. With a shaved head and wearing a yellow robe and complete the 'buddha-bot', it also features a touchscreen on his chest. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 31 By Dalga Khatinoglu Trend: Iran had planned to export 400,000 barrels of oil products a day during last year, but unanticipated gas export stop by Turkmenistan, unpredicted gas output disruption at the South Pars field, as well as soaring gas demand in the housing sector in winter led to the oil products export decrease to 290,000 b/d or about 57 million liters per day (ml/d). The reason unexpected gas shortage in the country, which led to rising liquid fuels consumption in power plants and the housing sector. During some weeks of winter, the north of Iran faced with gas outrage. Irans gas consumption in winter triples, compared to autumn. Iran had planned to deliver 65 billion cubic meters of gas to power plants during the last fiscal year (ended March 21), but it only supplied 61.5 bcm due to gas shortage in the housing sector, which reached 500 mcm/d in winter. Turkmenistan also cut 30 mcm/d gas export to Iran in January 1, 2017 due to Islamic Republics long-delayed $2 billion worth of debts. Iran had to stop gas oil export in February to supply power plants with fuel. The fuel oil export also indicates a huge drop in late fall and winter. Irans last fiscal year LPG export Fuel oil export Gas oil export 1st month 1.095 32.806 7.675 2nd month 1.16 40.622 16.121 3rd month 1.925 49.253 13.014 4th month 1.319 55.593 12.217 5th month 0.7 56.195 13.029 6th month 0.45 52.887 13.358 7th month 0 57.116 14.843 8th month 0.3 45.811 12.218 9th month 0 34.148 16.25 10th month 0 48.308 9.65 11th month 0.1 35.311 0 12th month 0 36 7.3 Average 0.587417 45.3375 11.30625 *Based on official statistics from Iran (ml/d) For the current year, Iran plans to double liquid fuel export, owing to supplying more gas to power plants. However, the figure doesnt seem achievable. It may increase the figure to 420-450 thousand b/d. During the first two months of the current fiscal year, Iran increased gas supply to power plants by 18.1 percent to 10.125 bcm. Gas oil and fuel oil consumption in this sector also decreased by 16.8 percent and 77.1 percent to 114 million and 105 million liters. It means more room for liquid fuel exports. Decreasing liquid fuels consumption in the first two months of current fiscal year (March 21-May 21) came, while Iran has added 2.4 gigawatts to nominal power generation capacity, which now stands at 76.837 GW. During the last fiscal year, Iran added 25 bcm to gross gas output and increased the figure to 285 bcm. For the current year, Iran also plans to increase the figure at least as much as last fiscal year. During the last four years, Iran decreased liquid fuel consumption in power sector from above 26 billion liters to 10.5 billion liters annually. In case if this goes on, the countrys gas oil and fuel oil usage in power sector can halve during the current fiscal year. It means adding further 25-26 ml/d or around 130,000 b/d of liquid fuel to export volume. Of course, Iran also consumes 82.35 ml/d of gasoline in transport, industry and housing sector, which can decrease with more gas supply or enhancing the energy efficiency at these sectors. --- Dalga Khatinoglu is the head of Trend Agencys Iran news service, follow him on Twitter: @dalgakhatinoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Emil Ilgar Trend: Irans oil export to Turkey increased more than two times to 211,101 barrels per day (b/d) during the first quarter of 2017. According to the statistics released by Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Authority, Iran exported more than 2.624 million tons of oil to the country in January-March. 2017 (1,000 tons) Barrels per day 2016 (1,000 tons) Barrels per day January 833.6 205,670 406.894 97,129 February 856 204,427 438.611 108,190 March 935 223,207 447.250 106,763 First Quarter Sum: 2624.6 Average: 211,101 Sum: 1292.8 Average: 104,027 Iran delivered 2.417 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Turkey in January-March, about 240 million cubic meters (mcm) more than in 1Q16. Turkey is Irans sole gas client. Iran exported 7.7 bcm of gas as well as 6.677 million tons (135,369 b/d) of crude oil to Turkey in 2016. Local Dems sweep; town rejects pot Every Democrat on the local ballot won their race Tuesday, including Jamestown resident Peter Neronhas re-election as the states top prosecutor, and local voters followed suit with the statewide trend... Voters rebuff allowing retail pot sales in shops By a margin of 157 votes, the electorate decided Tuesday not to allow local businesses to cultivate, manufacture, test or sell recreational marijuana in Jamestown. The referendum to allow the... School board agrees to contract with North Kingstown Jamestown students entering high school can continue to choose North Kingstown as their destination for grades 9-12. We are pleased to continue this historic partnership, said Ken Duva, superintendent of... Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iran has handed over a catamaran vessel to Turkey made in the Islamic Republic, IRNA news agency reported. Reza Norouzzadeh, the head of Irans Social Security Investment Company (Shasta), and officials from two Turkish companies attended a ceremony in Iran to take delivery of the $10 million vessel. According to the report, this is the first time Iran exports a vessel to its northwestern neighbor. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), trade turnover between the two neighboring countries in April stood at $921,193, of which $361,353 accounted for Irans exports to Turkey. The Corpse on the Grating Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Defense industry is developing dynamically in Turkey, and currently the countrys dependence on external supplies of military products is 40 percent, Turkish Undersecretary for Defense Industry Ismail Demir said, the countrys media reported. He noted that Turkey manufactured military products worth $5.9 billion in 2016. Turkey exported military products worth $1.7 billion in 2016, Demir said. He went on to add that currently, Turkey plans to implement about 500 projects in the sphere of defense industry. By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Twelve terrorists were detained in Turkeys western province of Izmir, Izmirs police said June 1. The detainees are members of a terrorist organization, the police said. All detainees are Turkish citizens. The name of the organization has not been disclosed. "Explosives and firearms were found as a result of the search carried out in the apartments of the detainees," the police said. The detainees had close ties with Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) and Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria, the police said. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has claimed over 500,000 lives. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey will continue to actively fight against terrorism, Turkish media cited Hulusi Akar, head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, as saying June 1. Akar stressed that the fight against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is killed. He added that at present, Turkey is fighting not only against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), but also against other terrorist organizations. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu President Trump just returned from a foreign trip that was the single most successful eight-day stretch of his presidency. But almost as soon as he landed at Joint Base Andrews, he abandoned the approach that gave him his best week in office, and returned to the form that gave him some of his worst weeks tweeting against fake news writers and opining about how Russian officials must be laughing at the U.S. Trump needs to ask himself: What made his trip so successful? For more than a week, he did not mention James B. Comey, Russia or fake news. Instead, he delivered a widely hailed address in Saudi Arabia where he pointed out that 95 percent of the victims of terrorism are Muslims and rallied the leaders of 50 Muslim nations to confront the terrorist threat. He brokered a massive arms deal with Saudi Arabia and forged the beginnings of a new regional alliance to confront the Islamic State and Iran. He became the first sitting American president to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem and pledged to launch a new effort to forge Israeli-Palestinian peace. He had a cordial meeting with Pope Francis and urged NATO nations to finally meet their financial commitments to the alliance. He deftly smoothed a diplomatic row with Britain over the U.S. leak of intelligence on the Manchester, England, bombing. The result? Critics were reduced to spreading false reports that he was not using his translation earpiece (actual fake news), criticizing his body language at photo ops and speculating about whether the first lady smacked away his hand at an arrival ceremony. They seemed small and petty while Trump was serious, substantive and dare we say it presidential. Yes, some on the left were apoplectic about Trumps refusal at the Group of Seven summit to endorse the Paris agreement on climate change. So what? They were also apoplectic when President George W. Bush withdrew from the International Criminal Court and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. If Trump is being attacked hysterically for being a conservative rather than for his tweets, hes winning. Now that hes back, Trump needs to decide: Does he want the next four years to be like his foreign trip, or does he want to return to the morass of controversy he left behind when Air Force One took off for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? If it is the former, then the answer is simple: Keep doing what he was doing on the trip. There is no reason he has to be on foreign soil to embrace the power and grandeur of the presidency. What worked abroad can also work at home. Washington is a jungle, but as president, Trump is the king of the beasts. He needs to stop fighting with the lesser animals. One of the secrets of the presidency Trump has been slow to embrace is that the office confers a certain majesty on its occupants. There is a reason the opposing partys response to a State of the Union address invariably falls flat compared with the real thing. Trumps most successful moments his terrific address to Congress, his nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch for the Supreme Court, his foreign trip all came when he embraced the dignity of the office. His worst moments came when he did not. The lesson should be clear: Stay above the fray, ignore your critics, focus on substance, and use the presidency to promote your agenda. Go on a tour to highlight the achievements of your foreign trip. Visit defense factories that will get jobs because of your Saudi arms deal. Speak to Jewish organizations about your visit to Israel and plans to isolate Iran, defeat the Islamic State, and bolster the U.S.-Israel alliance. Barnstorm the country promoting your agenda. And never mention Comey or the Russia probe not in an interview, not in a tweet. Trump does not need the tactics of the campaign to succeed in the Oval Office. The presidency is more powerful than any of the tools that got him into the office. He needs to stop acting like a candidate for president and start being who he really is: president of the United States. Marc Thiessen is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush. Follow on Twitter: @marcthiessen Baku, Azerbaijan, June 1 Trend: Turkey has lifted restrictions on supplies of Russian wheat, RIA Novosti quoted Russian Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev as saying June 1. We will continue to cooperate on a mutually beneficial basis. Turkish grain market is a priority for us, the minister said. Watches are not rocket science. Or are they? Watches are not rocket... Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well, thats a shame, because with some watches, youll need one to understand how to tell the time. Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well,... [JURIST] An Austrian man was extradited Tuesday from Poland to Austria to face war crimes charges for allegedly killing civilians and surrendering troops while fighting for the Ukrainian army. The 25-year-old man allegedly killed Russian separatists while they were injured or surrendering in eastern Ukraine [BBC backgrounder] last year. State prosecution spokesman Erich Habitzl stated that Benjamin F., as he is being identified by authorities, is being held in police custody [AP report] until they charge him with war crimes against the Donbass freedom fighters, who are members of the Russian separatist Armed Forces of the Donetsk Peoples Republic [BBC report]. The suspect denies all accusations. Russia and Ukraine have been in conflict since the annexation of Crimea [JURIST backgrounder] in March 2014. In July Amnesty International and Human Rights released the 56-page report detailing how Ukrainian government officials and Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine have subjected citizens to [JURIST report] prolonged, arbitrary detention, torture, or other forms of inhumane treatment, including refusing necessary medical attention. In June the UN human rights office reported that the human rights situation in Ukraine remains troublesome [JURIST report] following two years of conflict with Russia. A Ukrainian official said in January that the nation plans to sue Russia [JURIST report] in the International Court of Justice on claims of financing terrorism. In March of last year the EU committed to stand by its policy of refusing to recognize Crimeas annexation [JURIST report]. A Bahrain court on Wednesday dissolved a major political party that has opposed the current government, an act that Amnesty International [advocacy wbsite] said [press release] is a step towards total suppression of human rights. The National Democratic Action Society (Waad) was dissolved after the Ministry of Justice of Bahrain accused the group of advocating violence, supporting terrorism and incitement to encourage crimes and lawlessness. Amnesty has called the allegations against Waad baseless and absurd. Waad had previously criticized the Bahraini constitution in February and condemned the execution of three men in January. Waad was the last major opposition party in Bahrain, although two smaller opposition groups still exist [AP report] in the country. Bahrain has had their human rights record questioned multiple times in recently. In March Bahrains upper house of parliament approved [JURIST report] a constitutional amendment that would allow military trials for civilians accused of being involved in terrorism plots. In September 2015 32 nations joined [JURIST report] a statement to the UN urging Bahrain to protect freedom of peaceful assembly and speech, and to investigate reports of torture used on prisoners. In April 2015 a human rights group said [JURIST report] that Bahrains post-2011 reforms had failed to put a stop to human rights violations including illegal detentions and torture. And in February 2015 the Bahrain Ministry of the Interior started [JURIST report] a criminal investigation against a political opposition group for allegedly illegal content posted on social media The State Assembly of California [official website] approved the Immigrant Worker Protection Act on Wednesday in an effort to protect against workplace raids from ICE. The bill, AB 450 [text], would prohibit California employers from allowing immigration agents to enter a workplace or to view their employees files without a subpoena or a warrant. Furthermore, the bill aims to prevent employers from retaliating against employees who report unfair labor conditions. The bill, co-authored by State Senator Scott Weiner [official website] and Assemblyman David Chiu [official website], comes in conjunction with the arrests of immigrants with no criminal records having more than doubled in the first few months of 2017. David Chiu said in a statement Wednesday that In an environment of division and fear, California must continue to defend its workers, to guard its values, and ensure that its laws protect all of our residents. Those who choose not to follow the guidelines set by the bill are penalized monetarily. The Immigrant Worker Protection Act now heads to the State Senate [official website]. Immigration legal issues continue in the judicial systems. Since the election of President Donald Trump, some states and cities have proposed legislation to crackdown on sanctuary policies while others continue to stand behind their policies. Earlier this month the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) [advocacy website] filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] to challenge a recently passed bill, SB4 [text, PDF], which they claim unlawfully targets immigrants and defunds sanctuary cities. The US Ninth Circuit of Appeals heard [JURIST report] arguments earlier this May on the Trump administrations revised ban on travelers coming into the US from selected majority Muslim countries. Furthermore, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan [official website] ordered [JURIST report] the Trump administration to disclose the draft of the so-called Muslim ban executive order. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed [JURIST report] into law a bill [SB 4, text] banning so-called sanctuary cities in the state and the Mississippi Senate approved a bill [JURIST report] to prohibit local sanctuary immigration policies. [JURIST] Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine [official website] filed suit [complaint, PDF] Wednesday against five major drug manufacturers for misleading marketing practices that led to a painkiller epidemic. DeWine filed suit in the Ross County Court of Common Pleas [official website] against the manufacturers of drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Dilaudid and Percoda, alleging that the companies spent $168 million on sales representatives who downplayed the risks of the drugs while highlighting the benefits. DeWine stated [press release]: These drug manufacturers led prescribers to believe that opioids were not addictive, that addiction was an easy thing to overcome, or that addiction could actually be treated by taking even more opioids. They knew they were wrong, but they did it anywayand they continue to do it. Despite all evidence to the contrary about the addictive nature of these pain medications, they are doing precious little to take responsibility for their actions and to tell the public the truth. The suit seeks an injunction against the companies sales practices and damages to reimburse state spending in fighting the painkiller epidemic. Jessica Castles Smith, spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson a subsidiary of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., stated [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report] that the allegations are unfounded. The US District Court of the Western District of Virginia [official website] in July 2007 sentenced [NYT report] three former executives of the Purdue Frederick Company [corporate website], manufacturer of painkiller OxyContin [FDA materials], to three years of probation and 400 hours of community service in drug treatment programs. The three executives, including former president Michael Friedman, former chief in-house counsel Howard Udell, and former medical director Paul Goldenheim, all pleaded guilty [JURIST report] in May 2007 to a misdemeanor offense of misbranding a drug. Prosecutors had alleged that the company and executives were aware in 1995 that doctors were concerned about the drugs high addiction risk, but its sales representatives continued to misrepresent OxyContins effects to physicians. Purdue Frederick agreed to pay $634.5 million in fines for its role in misleading the public. OxyContin, which is a schedule II controlled substance [backgrounder] has become increasingly abused because its time-release mechanism can be easily disrupted for illicit use. California senators approved a bill [text] in a 26-12 vote on Wednesday that will add a third gender option to state IDs for people who identify as non-binary. The bill will next pass to the Assembly and, if approved, will need to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown [official website]. Should Brown sign the bill, California will be the first state to add a third gender option. Drivers licenses, identity cards, birth certificates and gender change court orders will be included in the types of documents to add a third gender option. The bill also makes it easier to make changes to identifying documents and allows for minors to apply for gender change with consent from their parent or guardian. The previous requirement that a person applying for a court judgment recognizing a change of gender needs to have undergone some kind of treatment for the purpose of gender transition is replaced by a required affidavit attesting that the requested change is not for any fraudulent purposes. The bill is expected to decrease the harassment and discrimination those whose genders do not match what is listed on their identification often experience. The transgender community has faced significant legal changes and challenges in the last year. 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 report] 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. NEWSLETTER Sign up Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Just Drinks Daily News The top stories of the day delivered to you every weekday. Just Drinks Weekly News A weekly roundup of the latest news and analysis, sent every Monday. Just Drinks Magazine The industry's most comprehensive news and information delivered every quarter ADS ADS Tambour is the French for drum and it was the logical choice for the distinctive watch that Louis Vuitton launched 15 years ago that was shaped like a drum. For its 15th anniversary makeover the case shape is once again the focus of reflections, with the Louis Vuitton designers coming up with a case middle with an inward curve. This gives the watch a crescent-shaped profile, hence the name Tambour Moon. Louis Vuitton is presenting the new Tambour Moon as a complete collection, with a choice of different sizes and complications for both men and women. The womens collection comprises a 28mm Moon Star Second model, with a stainless-steel case and a choice of black or while dials, as well as 35mm and 39.5mm Moon Star Chronograph models, also in stainless steel, with or without mother-of-pearl and diamonds. All the womens models are powered by a quartz movement and feature the Louis Vuitton monogram as their small seconds hand at 6 oclock. Tambour Moon, Moon Star Second model Louis Vuitton The mens models, on the other hand, are all powered by self-winding mechanical calibres. Naturally, for a brand inspired by travel, the Tambour Moon comes with a GMT complication housed in a 41.5mm case in stainless steel or two-tone stainless steel and rose gold. Here too, the choice of dials is classic, with black and silver versions available with a sand-blasted matte finish and a contrasting GMT scale with an oversized yellow V as the indicator for the second time zone. A chronograph version is also available with a 44mm diameter stainless-steel case and a matte finished black dial. Tambour Moon GMT Louis Vuitton There are a number of features mentioned above that indicate Louis Vuittons proximity to the customer and therefore their understanding of current market trends. No mechanical movements in the womens collection, classic dial colours for the mens and womens models, two-tone for the mens models. Louis Vuitton is clearly producing watches that are designed to sell rather than the so-called talking pieces that we see from many other brands. Plus they offer an extra-special touch that Im surprised nobody in the industry thought of before Interchangeable straps OK, interchangeable straps are nothing new and a lot of brands now offer them. But Louis Vuitton has taken things a step further: a new patented system using a composite material with a high carbon content is integrated into the strap itself, meaning that the mechanism remains invisible and that they can be changed without any need for tools. Whats more, the new straps can be retrofitted to any Tambour model, regardless of its age. There are 80 different types of straps (40 for men, 40 for women) already available for the launch of the new Tambour Moon collection, with more to come every few months up to a total of 100 different straps. The idea is that you can choose your strap in store when you buy the watch. You can also change the strap whenever you want, of course, with the straps themselves costing between 200 and 400 Swiss francs. Syrian rebels say the United States and its allies are sending them more arms to try to fend off a new push into the southeast by Iran-backed militias aiming to open an overland supply route between Iraq and Syria. The stakes are high as Iran seeks to secure its influence from Tehran to Beirut in a Shai crescent" of Iranian influence through Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, where Sunni Arab states have lost out in power struggles with Iran. Tensions escalated in the southeastern region of Syria, known as the Badia, this month when government forces supported by Iraqi Shai militias deployed in a challenge to rebels backed by President Bashar al-Assad's enemies. This has coincided with a march towards the Syrian border by Shai militias from Iraq. They reached the frontier adjoining northern Syria on Monday. A top Iraqi militia commander said a wider operation to take the area from Sunni jihadist Islamic State Group would start on Tuesday and this would help Syria's army. While in Iraq the United States has fought alongside Iranian-backed Iraqi government forces and Shai militias against Islamic State Group in Syria, Washington has lined up against Assad's Iranian-backed government and wants to block a further expansion of Iranian influence, with its regional allies. The sides are vying for pole position in the next major phase of the fight against Islamic State Group: the battle to dislodge it from the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zor where many of the jihadists have relocated from Raqqa and Mosul. Several rebel groups fighting under the Free Syrian Army (FSA) banner operate in the sparsely populated Badia, where they captured swathes of territory from Islamic State Group this year. U.S. air strikes on May 18 targeted Iran-backed fighters who had moved into the area. Also in May, Damascus declared both the Badia and Deir al-Zor priorities of its campaign to re-establish its rule over Syria, which has been shattered by six years of war that have killed hundreds of thousands of people. The government is being helped by both Iran and Russia, while the opposition has been helped by the West and regional states which oppose Assad. Rebels said military aid has been boosted through two separate channels: a programme backed by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), known as the MOC, and regional states including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and one run by the Pentagon. "There has been an increase in the support," said Tlass Salameh, head of the Jaish Usoud al-Sharqiya, one of the FSA groups backed via the CIA-backed programme. "There's no way we can let them open the Baghdad-Damascus highway," he said. A senior commander of a Pentagon-backed group, Maghawir al-Thawra, told Reuters a steady flow of weapons had arrived at their base near the Iraqi border since the pro-Damascus forces began deploying this month. He said efforts to recruit and train local fighters from Deir al-Zor had accelerated at their garrison at Tanf, on the highway some 20 km (12 miles) from the Iraqi border. "The equipment and reinforcements come and go daily ... but in the last few weeks they have brought in more heavy military vehicles, TOW (missiles), and armoured vehicles," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Two armoured vehicles newly delivered to the Tanf garrison were shown in photos sent to Reuters from a rebel source. A video showed fighters unpacking mortar bombs. In a written response to emailed questions from Reuters, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition did not say if coalition support to Maghawir al-Thawra had increased. Colonel Ryan Dillon said coalition forces were "prepared to defend themselves if pro-regime forces refuse to vacate" a de-confliction zone around Tanf. "The coalition has observed pro-regime forces patrolling in the vicinity of the established de-confliction zone around the Tanf training site in Syria ... Pro-regime patrols and the continued armed and hostile presence of forces inside the ... zone is unacceptable and threatening to coalition forces." U.S. jets this week dropped leaflets on pro-government forces instructing them to pull out of the Tanf area to the Zaza junction further from the border. The leaflets were obtained by Hammurabi Justice, a Maghawir-linked website. The Syrian army could not be reached for comment. A commander in the military alliance fighting in support of Assad told Reuters the deployment of government forces and pro-Damascus Iraqi fighters in the Badia would "obstruct all the plans of the MOC, Jordan and America". The commander, a non-Syrian, said Assad's enemies were committed to blocking "what they call the (Shai) Crescent". But, he said, "Now, our axis is insistent on this matter and it will be accomplished." The Iraqi Badr militia said its advance to the Syrian border would help the Syrian army reach the border from the other side. "The Americans will not be allowed to control the border," its leader, Hadi al-Amiri, told al-Mayadeen TV. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts prime minister and the ministers of defence and interior briefed President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday on the latest updates in the investigatios into the Friday attack in Minya that left 30 Coptic Christians dead, as well as the subsequent airstrikes on terrorist bases in Libya that authorities say were involved in the attack, state news agency MENA reported. During the meeting, El-Sisi stressed the importance of combating any threat to the stability of the country, whether domestic or international. Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar presented El-Sisi with a report on the investigations into the Minya attack, as well as the steps taken to apprehend the assailants. The meeting was also attended by the Central Bank of Egypts governor as well as the ministers of foreign affairs, justice, finance, trade, and agriculture. A number of other issues were also discussed during the meeting, including providing citizens with basic goods at affordable prices and the ongoing efforts to reclaim state land acquired illegally by private investors and others. Search Keywords: Short link: The visit comes as Sudan's cabinet approved on Tuesday a ban on agricultural and animal product imports from Egypt The ministers will discuss bilateral relations as well as recent regional and international developments, according to Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid. The visit comes as Sudan's cabinet approved on Tuesday a ban on imports of agricultural and animal products from Egypt. The Sudanese cabinet also urged the country's private sector to directly import from countries of origin, bypassing neighbouring Egypt as an intermediary. Sudan banned all Egyptian agricultural goods in March. Political tension has flared between Cairo and Khartoum recently. Last month, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that his country "does not conspire against anyone," in response to claims by Sudans President Omar Al-Bashir that Cairo had supported rebel groups in Sudan fighting against government forces. Search Keywords: Short link: The verdict can still be appealed before the Court of Cassation. The incident sparked anger across the country, prompting the prosecution to demand the maximum penalty against the convict according to the law. The 35-year-old convict was arrested by police on the same day the incident took place and confessed to the crime, prosecutors said. According to investigation in the case, the victim's neighbour kidnapped her as she was playing in front of her house in Belqas village, taking her to a secluded area and raping her. The child was later found by residents and taken to Belqas Central Hospital, where she received emergency surgery for vaginal bleeding. She was later released from hospital. In March, Egyptian authorities executed a 22-year-old man convicted of raping and murdering a five-year-old girl in Upper Egypt's Minya governorate in 2014. The most well-known case of the rape and murder of a child happened in the coastal governorate of Port-Said in 2013, when two minors kidnapped, raped and killed five-year-old Zeina Arafa, provoking rage and public outcry across the country. The convicts in this case were sentenced by a criminal court to 20 years in prison. The court apologised to the public for not imposing capital punishment, citing Egyptian law which forbids issuing the death penalty to people younger than 18 years old. Search Keywords: Short link: The sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayyeb, has ordered that a television advert for a charity run by the Sunni institution be pulled from the air as it undermined the states efforts to provide for citizens, the High Media Regulation Council announced. In a statement issued on Thursday, the council said that it had requested El-Tayyeb halt the ad for the charity Beit El-Zakat (House of Alms) which helps the underprivileged in Upper Egypt. In the 90-second ad, veteran television actress Dalal Abdel-Aziz visits a family who live in a modest structure in a rural part of Upper Egypt, with no access to clean water. Abdel-Aziz talks to the head of the family, a single mother called Afaf, who says she goes to the nearby Nile river every day to fill buckets with murky water. At the end of the advert, which is produced and directed by Hisham Gamal, the actress tells viewers that a donation of EGP2,000 will allow Afaf and her household access to clean water, encouraging donations to Beit Al-Zakat. The ad ran on major television networks in recent days after the fast-breaking evening meal of iftar, when viewership typically reaches a peak. The month of Ramadan, which began on 27 May, is traditionally a time of increased alms-giving and acts of charity by observant Muslims. The High Media Regulation Council added in its statement that the message of the advert had undermined the efforts of the state to improve the quality of water that reaches most of the population. The council also accused the ad of showing Egyptians drinking murky and contaminated water, adding that that the advert could be used as a justification for what it called the Sudanese governments campaign against Egyptian imports. The Sudanese government has suspended the import of Egyptian vegetables and fruit since September 2016, alleging that sewage water is used in irrigation, an accusation that Egyptian officials have completely denied. On Tuesday Sudan suspended all Egyptian imports of agricultural and animal products. The ad sparked debate on Facebook and Twitter, with some users criticising the government for what they said was its failure to provide clean water for citizens. Search Keywords: Short link: Thousands of people have demonstrated in northern Morocco for the sixth straight night as protesters demand the release of the leader of a popular movement in the neglected Rif region. The Rif has been shaken by social unrest since the death in October of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, 31, who was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season. Initial protests in the fishing port of Al-Hoceima triggered a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption and unemployment. Nasser Zefzafi, who emerged as the head of the grassroots Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or "Popular Movement", was arrested on Monday after three days on the run. Late Wednesday, between 2,000 and 3,000 protesters once again took to the streets of Al-Hoceima, shouting slogans such as "We are all Nasser Zefzafi". Although fewer demonstrators turned out than the previous night, the protest appeared better organised, with volunteers in fluorescent jackets including women marshalling the crowd. The mainly ethnically Berber Rif region has long had a tense relationship with Morocco's central authorities, and was at the heart of Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011. Cilia Hirani, a member of the Popular Movement, told AFP that everyone in the Rif "believes in freedom, in humanity and in social justice". "If you imprison our leaders, we will resist and we will resist until our demands, which are rights in democratic countries, are granted," she said. Najib Ahamjik, often referred to as the movement's number two, remains at large but continues to use social media to call for "mobilisation". Nawal Benaissa, one of the public faces of the Popular Movement, was among three young women on Wednesday who urged protesters to demand "freedom for prisoners". Anti-riot police were at the protest, following clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the weekend, but the crowd dispersed at around midnight without incident. Zefzafi was detained along with others on Monday for "attacking internal security", after a warrant for his arrest issued Friday sparked turmoil in Al-Hoceima, a city of 56,000 inhabitants. A new video of Zefzafi has been posted on social networks, apparently recorded shortly before his arrest, in which he says: "My brothers, the moment is very sensitive... Stay peaceful, above all." State media and politicians have remained largely silent about the events, but the local branches of three parties including the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a joint statement warning of a "serious situation" and criticising the response of the authorities. Out of around 40 people reported arrested on Friday, including core members of Al-Hirak, 25 have been referred to the prosecution. Their trial began Tuesday but was pushed back to June 6 at the request of their lawyers, who have complained their clients were ill-treated during their detention. Seven suspects were released on bail and another seven were freed without charge. Search Keywords: Short link: BROKEN BOW Information about rural development will be available at the upcoming Nebraska City/County Management Association in Broken Bow. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture press release, USDA Rural Developments Multi-Family Housing Program Director Paul Bartlett and Community Programs Specialist Natalie Furrow will speak on USDA Resources for Rural Communities at the conference. Bartlett and Furrow will be available at the USDA display booth to provide information on more than 40 programs available through Rural Development. GRAND ISLAND Constituents of 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith can meet with his representatives at mobile offices. Residents can meet with one of Smiths staff members about federal issues and take advantage of the services available through his office. Hub Territory opportunities are from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday in the Kearney County Courthouse Assembly Room in Minden and from 11 a.m. to noon June 20 at the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce. For additional information, call Smiths Grand Island office at 308-384-3900 or his Scottsbluff office at 308-633-6333. ORD, Neb. You have an image fixed in your head of a small-town Nebraska bar, an image of three weather-beaten old boys in seed caps perched on bar stools, silently sipping Busch Lights as the dusty old jukebox wheezes a dusty old country song. Works just fine, so far as stereotypes go, right up until the moment you enter Ords Scratchtown Brewery on an unseasonably warm Thursday evening. The indoor taproom and outdoor patio are packed with 30-something professionals the sort of people who do not exist in the stereotype. They sit elbow to elbow with the City Council president, a mailman, a trucker and a couple of farmers and hoist a variety of Scratchtowns own beers: double IPAs, imperial porters and dopplebocks. There is no dusty jukebox here. There is no Busch Light. Here, in this town of 2,100 people, three business partners an electrician, an ex-banker and a former Omaha Chamber of Commerce exec are brewing what may be the best craft beer in the entire state. And here, in this central Nebraska town left for dead decades ago, the Scratchtown trio and a whole bunch of other residents are also crafting one of this states best small-town success stories. You have an image fixed in your head of a small Nebraska town. Ord is busy destroying that image, one craft brew, one new family and one major project at a time. This is a happy place where people come to talk. To connect, says Caleb Pollard, one of the brewery co-owners, as he lounges on the Scratchtown patio in the late-afternoon sun. It was our dream to bring people here, from Ord and from all over, to break bread in our taproom. Our bread just happens to be beer. The Scratchtown dream started soon after Pollard and wife Christina left Lincoln and relocated to Ord, where they had no relatives and no roots. The reasons for their move are instructive: Caleb had grown tired of spending two hours in a car each day commuting to Omaha; they wanted to raise their kids in wide-open spaces; and, finally, because Ord leaders recruited them with coordinated aggression not often seen in small towns. That aggression has become a hallmark of how this central Nebraska town does business. Caleb became Valley Countys economic development director. Christina got a good job at the hospital, where shes now chief quality officer. They settled into Ord and made friends. Caleb dabbled in home brewing on the weekends. And then he started wondering: Could a town like Ord support a small-town brewery? Could he turn this crazy idea into a sudsy success near the edge of the Sand Hills? He found partners. First, his friend Jade Stunkel, who invested money and business expertise. And then the secret ingredient: an Ord native named Mike Klimek, who had recently been laid off from Omahas First National Bank and called Caleb the countys economic development director looking for financial industry work. Mike also happened to be a skilled, award-winning home brewer. Caleb told him to forget about banking. You should open a brewery, he said. Heck, we should open a brewery together. Mike wasnt having it. I found the nicest way possible to tell him he was (bleeping) crazy, he says. But Caleb kept working. He took long pickup rides on weekends with Jade, where they drove over the rolling hills and talked about what it would be like to bring craft beer and outsiders to this gorgeous but largely unknown area of the state. And he hung out on Mikes back deck on summer evenings. They drank Mikes home-brewed beer, talked life and watched as the blazing sun sunk below the horizon. One night, after they had one too many, Caleb said this: Wouldnt it be awesome to make beer in this town and live here and do this forever? Mike looked out at the sunset. Yes, it would, he said. The next morning, after Caleb sobered up, he picked up his cell and dialed Mike. We still doing this? Yes, Mike said again. Yes, I guess we are. So in 2012, the trio sunk their life savings into the construction of the first craft brewery in this part of Nebraska since ... well, since Prohibition. A lot of people in Ord were cautious, waiting to see if we could do this, Caleb says. And maybe 20 to 30 percent of people here thought we were nuts, and definitely going to fail. Which is fascinating, because not long ago, many residents of Ord thought exactly that same thing about Ord itself. To understand the towns fall and rise, we need to briefly rewind three decades, to the mid-1980s when the American farm crisis smacked Ord hard. The towns ag-dependent economy got hammered. Nobody was building, so the lumberyard closed. So did two hardware stores. People had less money for food, so the bakery closed, as did two grocery stores, as did almost every mom-and-pop restaurant in town. With crop prices spiraling ever lower, and no end in sight, many longtime Ord families picked up and moved: Texas. Arizona. California. The only real local philanthropy came in the form of college scholarships, so the areas high school students could leave home and likely never return. We were helping kids escape, says Bob Stowell, a veteran lawyer in town. The mid-80s through the 90s was a period of very, very low hope. Things started to change around the turn of the century, when a local resident donated $1.2 million to the county with the vague directive to improve the area. The county government didnt really know how to manage that money, so Stowell and several others created the Valley County Economic Development Board, filling it with city leaders and hiring a dynamic 23-year-old named Bethanne Kunz to run the new organization. In 2001, the new board put out a survey question: Would Ord residents support a city sales tax for economic development in the area? Most of the residents surveyed had the same answer: No. And yet Stowell and other city leaders followed that survey result with a serious campaign, giving nearly three dozen presentations and hosting three public community meetings. Late that year, the town voted, and the ballot measure to add a 1 percent local sales tax passed with 74 percent of the vote. That, Stowell says, began everything. The economic development board used a donated building and the new economic development money to attract a call center that brought 100 new jobs to Valley County. City leaders aggressively fought to lure a $50 million ethanol plant and $9 million corn oil factory to the area. That led to a $16 million distillers grain operation and several offshoot trucking businesses. They also gave a 99-year free lease to an international company, SubConn, that makes parts for underwater cables, a move that spawned the development of more related businesses on the outskirts of Ord. As the areas job base expanded for the first time in generations, Ord leaders used a combination of $2.6 million sales tax money and federal grants to renovate Ords downtown, a high-profile move that drew a few tourists and caused city pride to swell. And then, not content with these improvements, Ord leaders did something even bigger: They partnered with the Nebraska Community Foundation on an audacious project to teach Ord residents both adults and children how to be better leaders and better entrepreneurs. Today, heres what that looks like: The Ord area supports a four-year leadership academy, where local adults learn how to better impact their community. The school system has a mandatory eighth-grade class on leadership, and elective classes for high school students who want to start their own businesses. Theres a summer entrepreneurship camp for teenagers, and a day where high school students speed date with local businesses, and another event where they present their business plans to the public. Today, 70 percent of Ord High School students say in an annual survey that they want to return to Ord after college graduation. (A decade ago, that same survey showed that 30 percent of Ord high schoolers wanted to return home.) The towns population is steady. More shockingly, census data show the total number of young adults living in Ord spiked by 53 percent between the years 2000 and 2010. It all leads to this: Ord Public Schools boasts 626 students this year, a spike of roughly 12 percent since 2012. And, even better, public and private enrollment figures show this years Ord-area kindergarten class is the largest in the past decade. None of this happened by accident, Stowell says. The success is feeding on the success. And theres no reason it has to end anytime soon. Which brings us back to Scratchtown Brewery as the sun sets on another Thursday night. The City Council president is chatting with a businessman. The trucker is drinking Scratchtowns Black Eye Imperial Porter, which has won numerous national awards and is coveted by beer nerds across the Midwest. Everyone is talking about how people from Lincoln and Omaha and Kansas City and Denver show up here on the weekends, often just to try the brews. From your bar stool it is easy to see why Scratchtown is a runaway success. Its a product of three founders who combined business skill and brewing skill with a healthy dose of bravado. And it is also a product of Ord, Nebraska, a small town that is destroying small-town stereotypes and then clearing the rubble for places like Scratchtown. You know what term I hate? asks Mike Klimek, the Scratchtown brewer. I hate the term good enough. Caleb Pollard grins and says, Good enough doesnt go on tap here. Growing Nebraska is our vision for our state. Whether its new jobs, educational opportunities, or regulatory reform, every initiative from my administration is focused on growth. The work we do at the state supports the work of the job creators in the private sector. We work to create a business-friendly climate that supports the job creators who are the economic engine of Nebraska. The numbers show that Nebraska is growing. The latest U.S. Census report in December showed that Nebraskas population exceeded 1.9 million. Nebraska is growing at a faster pace than 32 other states nationally, including our neighboring states Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Wyoming. Those people are also attracting new investments. Recently, Nebraska won the Governors Cup for national economic development success for 101 new capital investment projects. This was the most per capita of any state in 2016. This year, Nebraska continues to see signs of growth. In March, Nebraska notched our 13th consecutive month of 1 million non-farm jobs. Nebraska ranks sixth best in the nation for our low unemployment rate, and sixth highest in the nation for our workforce participation rate. Over the past few months, Nebraska has seen significant new investments from several companies. Here are a few examples: n In April, we welcomed Facebook to Silicon Prairie with the announcement of their Papillion campus. Last fall, I traveled to Menlo Park, California to their headquarters to pitch them on building their next data center in Nebraska. n Kawasaki announced its first aerostructures production line in the United States with a $12.5 million investment at its Lincoln plant. This investment follows a 2015 trade mission I led to Japan where I visited Kawasaki to thank them for their investment in Nebraska. n Novozymes unveiled a new $36 Million investment in their Blair plant following a trade mission I led to Denmark in 2015 where I encouraged them to consider making additional investment in Nebraska and our growing biofuels industry. n Becton Dickinson announced a $100 million investment in its Holdrege facility to expand manufacturing capacity and a $60 million investment in Columbus. n Cargill invested $111 Million to convert its Columbus plant to a cooked meats operation, which is doubling the employment and size of their plant. Another great development occurred recently for Nebraska beef, our states number one industry. Over the past two years, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and I have been supporting efforts to reopen the Chinese beef market to Nebraska beef, which has been closed for years. In 2016, we led a trade mission to China to share the story of beef from Nebraska with potential customers in anticipation of the market re-opening. In 2015, we visited Beijing to urge the Chinese government to reopen the Chinese market to American beef. Last year, I visited with then candidate Donald J. Trump about the importance of the Chinese beef market to our state, and he pledged to make it a priority as president. This month, American and Chinese officials struck a deal that will allow American beef into China for the first time since 2003. Reopening the China market was a team effort. Trade has been such an essential part of growing Nebraska. Pete Ricketts is governor of Nebraska. At the podium in the White House news briefing room Tuesday, Press Secretary Sean Spicer was locked and loaded to answer an obvious question hed just been asked. He was primed to use one of his bosss very best words of praise to convey how President Donald Trump feels about his relationship with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He had prepared hard to get it just right because he knows he is performing for an audience of one: the audience that is watching live, just down the hallway and around the bend, in the office that has no corners. If he seemed a little rusty its because he hadnt formally briefed the White House reporters for about half a month the day before the herd shot round the world took off to cover Trumps first international trip to the Middle East and Europe. Spicer knew the president was expecting him to get this part just right because, after all, things have been far more than just dicey in relations between Trump and Merkel, and for that matter all of Europe. Relations between Americas president and Americas stalwart European allies are chillier than at any time in the last 70 years. In recent days, Trump has been tweeting up a storm of criticism of what he says are very bad German trade practices and a failure to pay their fair share to NATO military defense costs. Indeed, he says, 23 of NATOs 28 nations dont pay their fair share. Trumps hardline scolding is great politics back in the USA, but not so much in Europe. Merkel returned home from her talks with Trump at NATO and the G7 and told a rally in Munich: The times in which we could completely depend on others are, to a certain extent, over. Ive experienced that in the last few days. We Europeans truly have to take our fate into our own hands. But back at the Tuesday briefing, Trumps press secretary has discovered his job is much like tap dancing on eggshells. But this time, he was clearly prepared to use what he had reason to believe is Trumps best word for describing his relationship with Merkel. He found the winning word that could paint the rosiest scenario without getting all sappy, not to mention flagrantly dishonest. So Spicer confidently told the reporters: I think the relationship that the president has had with Merkel he would describe as fairly unbelievable. Unbelievable thats it. Its one of those words Trump uses when he wants you to think he is saying something is better than just wonderful. He sure doesnt want you to take him literally. Believe me. The moment Spicer used that word I started thinking of a rare fun moment I had in those decidedly un-fun days of Richard Nixons White House. It happened in the White Houses ornate East Room. Nixon was hosting some sort of reception. I was covering it. Across the room, I saw Secretary of State William Rogers, of distinguished GOP eminence, whod always seemed quite friendly in our past dealings. He waved to me, and I headed over to say hello. Earlier that day, Id attended a press conference where hed strained to sound optimistic about Nixons flawed Vietnamization plan that was supposed to transfer combat duties to the South Vietnamese army. I was just steps away from him when a woman who was known as a character in the press corps cut in front of me. She was infamous for always gushing effusive praise upon anyone she talked to, believing theyd be grateful and say something quotable. That day she didnt disappoint. Oh, Mr. Secretary, she gushed, I was at your press conference today. You were absolutely unbelievable! Rogers, genuinely surprised, looked at me, unsure of how to respond. And I saved him the trouble by speaking up: Yes, Mr. Secretary, thats precisely my opinion. You were unbelievable. Well, Rogers eyes commenced to twinkling in merriment and when the woman misunderstood and thanked me for joining in her high praise, well, the secretary of state burst out laughing. That was a time when a certain civility coexisted with journalists committing journalism. Even when we were uncovering the Watergate scandal that drove a president from office in disgrace. Today we have a president who calls the news media the enemy of the American people. And we have a presidential press secretary who rants about fake news even while serving a president who got into politics by fomenting the fake news claim that a black president was born in Kenya. Unbelievable. Martin Schram, an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service, is a veteran Washington journalist. B.C. NDP leader John Horgan leaves with B.C. Green party leader Andrew Weaver from Government House after dropping of a signed document by 44 MLAs showing there is an agreement between the two parties in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito An explosion took place in a Saudi Arabian community dominated by minority shiaon Thursday and emergency vehicles converged on the scene, a witness told AFP. It was the latest incident in Qatif, where Islamic State group militants have carried out deadly attacks in recent years but where S discontent has also raged. "The explosion was very huge," the witness said, asking not to be identified. Armoured and other police vehicles sealed off the area after the explosion, the witness said. Saudi television channel Al-Arabiya reported a car bombing was the cause of the explosion. Video and photographs posted on social media showed a vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of a street, with dense black smoke rising around it. Other images showed what appeared to be at least one charred body lying beside a vehicle, which looked like an SUV, after firefighters extinguished the blaze. The Sunni extremist IS -- which views Shia Muslims as heretics -- in 2014 began a campaign of bombings and shootings that has killed more than 40 Shias in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, which includes Qatif. In August, police said they shot dead a would-be suicide bomber targeting a mosque in Qatif district. Two months later, a gunman killed five people at a Shia meeting hall in Saihat district of Qatif. Most of Saudi Arabia's Shia live in the oil-rich east, where they have long complained of marginalisation. Alongside IS attacks, Shia discontent and general crime are also behind a wave of violence in the area. In 2011, Shia protests began in the area and developed into a call for equality in the Sunni-majority Gulf country. Police then issued a list of 23 wanted people, many of whom have since been detained or killed in shootouts. Last month, violence escalated around a redevelopment project in the old section of Awamiya, a Qatif-area town. The interior ministry said criminals engaged in the drug and arms trade were involved in the unrest. A police officer was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade, following the shooting deaths of an infant and a Pakistani man, in Awamiya. Search Keywords: Short link: Related Trump will not move US embassy to Jerusalem for now The Palestinian leadership welcomed President Donald Trump's decision on Thursday not to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem for now, saying it "gives peace a chance". "This is in line with the long-held US policy and the international consensus and it gives peace a chance," Hussam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the United States, said in a statement. "We are ready to start the consultation process with the US administration. We are serious and genuine about achieving a just and lasting peace." Trump visited Israel and the Palestinian territories last week, holding talks with both Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US president says he wants to reach the "ultimate deal" and end the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Foreign countries currently have their embassies in the Israeli commercial capital Tel Aviv since they do not recognise Israel's unilateral claim of control over all of Jerusalem. Israel occupied east Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. It claims all of Jerusalem as its united capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state. The issue is among the most contentious in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Search Keywords: Short link: Gunfire was reported at a hotel and a casino resort in the Philippine capital on Friday, the operator of the complex said, and the Islamic State group (IS) quickly claimed responsibility. "Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men," the company said on its Twitter account. "The company is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure that all guests and employees are safe." IS said "lonewolf soldiers" from its group carried out the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors terrorist organisations. Police confirmed there were reports of gunfire at Resorts World, which is across a road from one of the main terminals of the Philippines' international airport. There were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law last week across the southern region of Mindanao to crush what he said was a rising threat of Islamic State there. He declared martial law shortly after militants went on a rampage through the southern city of Marawi, which is about 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Manila. Security forces are still battling the militants in Marawi, and the clashes there have left at least 171 people dead. Duterte said last week he may need to declare martial law across the rest of the country if the terrorism threat spread. Search Keywords: Short link: 588 Shares Share At a time when physicians are feeling besieged on all sides, it hardly seems fair to write about the lack of civility demonstrated by some members of the profession on social media in Canada. But its still an important issue that needs to be addressed with the caveat that no profession or segment of society is blameless and the focus is due to the focus of this particular blog. The post is prompted by a recent workshop held at the annual Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership (#CCPL17) held in Vancouver titled Professionalism and respect within the profession: demonstrating leadership and creating a safe space for debate. The good news from the discussion social media is not to blame for outbreaks of incivility and bullying which can occur between physicians. The bad news? Incivility still appears to be rampant throughout medicine and has yet to be satisfactorily addressed. The impetus for the workshop was a fracas on social media last summer associated with a vote on a proposed fee deal for the Ontario Medical Association which saw a leader of the OMA student association subjected to threatening social media posts and the subsequent public attention drawn to the dispute. The decision was taken by conference organizers not just to focus on physician behavior on social media but rather to look at incivility and bad behavior in medicine in general and work being undertaken by the Canadian Medical Association (@CMA_docs) to address this in the spirit of professionalism. During the discussion, Dr. Michael Kaufmann, the recently retired head of the physician health program in Ontario, noted he dealt with problems caused by incivility between physicians on a weekly basis. It was also stated that hundreds of physicians across the country have been or will be found guilty of unprofessional conduct by demonstrating disruptive behavior. The lack of civility in the medical profession is mind boggling, is how one physician audience member described the scope of this behavior. Or, as Dr. Kaufmann put it more poetically, We have some broken windows in the house of medicine. So, while social media is clearly not to blame for doctors behaving badly, the point was also made that social media can breed incivility by prompting spur-of-the-moment outbursts, misinterpretations due to the sketchiness of the posts on platforms like Twitter, and in some cases the dimension of anonymity. With the medical profession feeling under attack from all sides, views that that break ranks with the majority are going to be challenged often emotionally. Students and recent graduates are often the most common targets because they are said not to understand the realities of the situation. The problem is that social media is not designed to promote measured, respectful debate. We will tell you when you can speak and what you can speak about, is how panel member Dr. Dennis Kendel (@DennisKendel), a Saskatchewan physician and active tweeter described the response when he was seen as questioning that pro-physician unity. Sadly, social media continues to be severely underused by physicians as a professional tool for information gathering and networking (despite being used by peer leader in many areas). It is also clear that the rules of engagement on social media platforms by their very nature can aggravate instances of poor communication and cause difficult situations to deteriorate. Despite encouraging social media use at the Vancouver conference, organizers and speakers appeared very cognizant of this. Witness the fact that more than once, delegates were cautioned against tweeting certain remarks or asked to do so with a degree of exquisite sensitivity rarely taught to professional journalists let alone well-intentioned civilian commentators. Well, as the late Hunter S. Thompson might have remarked, this particular missive seems to be drawing to a close without pulling together all the narrative threads as required. So: Its a tough time to be a physician. Its a tougher time to be a young physician with unpopular views. It is to be hoped the CMA initiative will have an impact. Social media is impacting discourse across society in positive and negative ways we have yet to fully figure out. Pat Rich is a digital writer, Health Quality Ontario. He can be reached on Days of Past Futures and on Twitter @pat_health. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 1 of 11 10 Mind-blowing natural wonders of the world The most mind-blowing natural wonders of the world have been hand-picked by a team of globetrotting travel experts over at Lonely Planet. In a new guide, 50 must-see spots on the map are highlighted with the vast Grand Canyon in Arizona making the cut along with the arid salt flats of Bolivia. Heading to chillier climates, the Perito Moreno glacier is deemed a top destination, with the cracking expanse of ice luring thousands of tourists every year. It is one of only three glaciers worldwide that is actually growing rather than retreating, with the frozen mass moving at a rate of almost 6.5 feet every day. A less visited spot is the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan - also known as the Gate to Hell - which is a giant pit of natural gas that has been burning for more than 40 years. Its location, in the middle of the Karakum Desert, makes it a tricky trip to plan. Read More... By Kit Yin Boey SINGAPORE, June 1 (IFR) - HSBC Holdings is marketing its first Singapore dollar Additional Tier 1 issue with yield guidance in the 5 percent area. The bank is seeking a benchmark size for the Reg S perpetual non-call five contingent convertible securities. The notes are junior to all unsubordinated and subordinated obligations, and will count towards its Tier 1 capital under Basel III rules. The bonds convert to equity if the issuer's common equity Tier 1 ratio falls below 7 percent. The notes are expected to be rated Baa3/BBB (Moody's/Fitch) while the issuer is A1/A/AA-. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and to strengthen the issuer's capital base. HSBC is sole structurer and sole bookrunner, as well as joint lead manager with DBS and UOB. ICBC Singapore and Maybank are co-managers. (Reporting by Kit Yin Boey; Editing by Vincent Baby and Daniel Stanton) Two "terrorists" died in a vehicle explosion Thursday in a Saudi Arabian community dominated by minority Shia, a foreign ministry official said. The cause of the blast has not been confirmed. It was the latest incident in Qatif, where Islamic State group jihadists have carried out deadly attacks in recent years but where Shia discontent has also raged. "Two wanted terrorists were killed in the explosion," Faisal bin Farhan, an adviser to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on his personal Twitter account. Saudi authorities use the term "terrorist" to apply not only to IS Sunni extremists but also to those in the Eastern Province engaged in criminal activity, attacks on security forces, and anti-government protest. "The explosion was very huge," a witness told AFP, asking not to be identified. Armoured and other police vehicles sealed off the area after the blast, the witness said. Video and photographs posted on social media showed a vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of a street, with dense black smoke rising around it. Other images showed what appeared to be at least one charred body lying beside a vehicle, which looked like an SUV, after firefighters extinguished the blaze. The IS group -- which views Shia Muslims as heretics -- in 2014 began a campaign of bombings and shootings that has killed more than 40 Shia in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, which includes Qatif. Last August, police said they shot dead a would-be suicide bomber targeting a mosque in Qatif district. In October 2015, a gunman killed five people at a Shia meeting hall in Saihat district of Qatif. Most of Saudi Arabia's Shia live in the oil-rich east, where they have long complained of marginalisation. Alongside IS attacks, Shia discontent and general crime are also linked to violence in the area. In 2011, Shia protests began and developed into a call for equality in the Sunni-majority Gulf country. Police then issued a list of 23 wanted people, many of whom have since been detained or killed in shootouts. Last month, violence escalated around a redevelopment project in the old section of Awamiya, a Qatif-area town. The interior ministry said criminals engaged in the drug and arms trade were involved in that unrest. A police officer was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade, following the shooting deaths of an infant and a Pakistani man in Awamiya. Search Keywords: Short link: CALGARY, Alberta, May 31 (Reuters) - Kinder Morgan Inc's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion has "met every test" in its bid to attain approval, the company said on Wednesday, responding to a vow by the British Columbia province's de facto incoming government to block the project. The expansion of the pipeline that transits British Columbia has obtained both federal and regulatory approval and has passed an environmental assessment under the province's incumbent Liberals. "Trans Mountain has followed every process and met every test put before us," Kinder Morgan Canada Ltd President Ian Anderson said in his first public comment after British Columbia's Green and New Democratic parties said on Tuesday they would use "every tool" against the project. "Over many years, our project has been reviewed, analyzed, discussed and considered thoroughly," Anderson said in a statement. The company is starting to award "significant" contracts and is moving ahead with benefit agreements, he said. The Trans Mountain expansion almost triples the capacity of the existing pipeline, which is designed to carry crude from Canada's oil sands to the West Coast. Canada's oil producers, who lack export routes, say it helps them to attain better prices. The expansion has the backing of British Columbia's Liberal Party, which lost its legislative majority in a May 9 election. The opposition Greens and New Democrats have sealed a deal to unseat the Liberals and said on Tuesday they would be consulting provincial bureaucrats on permitting for the expansion. While there is some dispute over whether British Columbia has a formal right to a veto, the province can raise hurdles that could effectively make the pipeline impossible to build. Prolonged battles over Trans Mountain and other crude pipelines have raised questions over the viability of new energy projects in British Columbia. (Reporting by Ethan Lou, editing by G Crosse) SEOUL, June 1 (Reuters) - South Korea's crude oil imports fell 2.5 percent in May from a year earlier to 90.3 million barrels, preliminary data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed on Thursday. Final data will be released later this month by state-run Korea National Oil Corp (KNOC). Details of preliminary imports and previous actual figures are as follows: (In millions of barrels) May 2017 April 2017* May 2016* Crude Oil 90.3 84.5 92.7 * Actual import figures Note: The ministry did not break down imports by country of origin. South Korea's total crude imports in April declined 5.8 percent to 84.5 million barrels year-on-year, according to KNOC data last month. (Reporting by Jane Chung; Editing by Sunil Nair) (Add chairman comments on strategic investors, IPO details) By Mai Nguyen HANOI, June 1 (Reuters) - Vietnam's sole refinery operator Binh Son Refinery (BSR) said on Thursday it has been valued at 72.88 trillion dong ($3.21 billion) as at end-2015, as it prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) late this year. The valuation will form the basis for calculating the share price of Binh Son, which operates the Dung Quat oil refinery, Vietnam's only operating refinery, and is also looking to attract strategic investors. Communist Vietnam has slowly been pushing its state-owned enterprises to privatise to boost performance. The process has gained more momentum since a new government took office last year. BSR said on Thursday that it plans to sell 5-6 percent of the company to the public in an IPO scheduled for the last quarter of this year. Chairman Nguyen Hoai Giang told Reuters the government had recently allowed the refinery operator to sell more than half of the company to either foreign or domestic strategic investors, giving a potential buyer a controlling stake. "I think that's a very open policy and will attract strategic investors strongly," Giang said. "The general psychology of strategic investors is to want to have the right to decide big issues, macro issues, as well as daily operational issues." BSR had so far talked to Japan's JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp., South Korea's SK Energy Co and Russia's Gazprom Neft among others on potential strategic stake sale, but the talks had not progressed. "We couldn't find a common voice...It's not an easy process because Dung Quat's capital is very big," Giang said. BSR's net profit fell 27 percent in 2016 to 4.49 trillion dong ($198 million), the company's financial statements showed. ($1 = 22,710 dong) (Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Editing by Richard Pullin) By Mai Nguyen HANOI, June 1 (Reuters) - Vietnam coffee export premiums tightened amid slower trading, while Indonesian discounts widened on increased supply as the harvest season started to extend, traders said on Thursday. The 5 percent black and broken grade 2 robusta was quoted at a $20 premium per tonne to London's ICE September contract in Vietnam, the world's top robusta maker, compared with $30-$40 premiums last week. Vietnamese farmers quoted local prices at 44,000-44,200 dong ($1.94-$1.95) per kg, up from around 42,000 dong a week ago, which traders said made export quotes higher than import offers. "It's hard for buyers and sellers to meet at this price...this phenomenon always happens this time every year when stockpile is thin," said Phan Hung Anh, deputy director of Anh Minh Co, a coffee-trading firm based in Daklak, Vietnam's largest coffee-growing province. Traders expected June coffee exports to reach 90,000-120,000 tonnes (1.5 million-2 million 60-kg bags), a moderate level compared to May's estimated exports of 120,000 tonnes and slightly below April's 135,000 tonnes. "Farmers would release more beans as they need money to buy fertiliser for the current crop...Brazil and Indonesia are selling, so there's no point for Vietnam to hold back beans now," said Nguyen Quang Binh, head of the coffee section at Visimex Joint Stock Company. The U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier this month forecast Vietnam's 2017/2018 harvest to increase 10 percent annually to 28.6 million bags of coffee, or 1.72 million tonnes, due to favourable weather in the first half of the year. The department also revised down 2016/2017 coffee production in Vietnam to 26 million bags, from an earlier estimate of 26.7 million due to unusual rain during the harvest that resulted in more losses than previously expected. In rival Indonesia, Lampung traders said Indonesian robusta grade 4 defect 80 were traded at a $40 discount to the July contract on Wednesday, compared with a $20-$30 discount last week. "Trades are at their busiest this week and we are having a lot of incoming supply," a trader in Lampung said. "Today alone, we are seeing around 300 incoming trucks," he said, adding one truck carries around 7 tonnes of coffee. Markets in Indonesia were closed on Thursday for a public holiday. ($1=22,705 dong) (Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Additional reporting by Mas Alina Arifin in Bandar Lampung; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath) MADRID, June 1 (Reuters) - Banco Popular has asked Deutsche Bank to come up with a plan for the troubled Spanish lender to raise capital after its previous adviser Morgan Stanley stepped down, El Confidencial reported on Thursday. Popular is testing investor appetite for a capital increase of between 4 billion and 5 billion euros ($4.5 billion-$5.6 billion) if its plans to find a merger partner falter, the online newspaper said, citing anonymous sources. Representatives for Banco Popular, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley declined to comment on the El Confidencial report. European banking watchdog, the Single Resolution Board (SRB), has warned European Union officials that Popular may need to be liquidated if it fails to find a buyer, an EU official told Reuters. Popular, which has been unable to sell 37 billion euros of soured property loans fast enough, is racing to find a partner after Economy Minister Luis de Guindos closed the door last month to a public bailout, while a capital increase has faced resistance from existing shareholders. The bank has said previously it could extend a June 10 deadline for binding takeover offers. At 0819 GMT, Popular shares were down 8.2 percent at a record low of 0.559 euros per share. ($1 = 0.8899 euros) (Reporting by Angus Berwick; additional reporting by Jose Elias Rodriguez; writing by Paul Day; editing by David Clarke) PRAGUE, June 1 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic should not adopt the euro because it would "bring nothing good," former finance minister Andrej Babis, the front-runner for October's general election, said in an interview published on Thursday. Babis, the favourite to become the country's next prime minister, was quoted as saying that joining the euro currency zone would burden the country with foreign debts and strip it of the crown, an important tool in times of economic crisis. "The euro zone was an economic project (that) became political. And I don't want to guarantee Greek debts, Italian banks. I don't want to be part of this system because it will bring us nothing good," he told the CTK news agency. The Slovak-born Babis, a billionaire former businessman, and his centrist ANO party have attracted voters with a business-style approach to government. The latest opinion poll put the party at 33 percent support, far ahead of its main rival, the Social Democrats, at 14 percent Agrofert, the company he built before going into politics, is the country's biggest private employer spanning the food, agriculture, chemicals and media sectors. He moved ownership of the company to a trust fund this year to comply with conflict-of-interest laws. Babis was finance minister in the three-party centre-left government but was dismissed this month in a spat centred on allegations that he had dodged taxes and interfered at a newspaper he owns. He has denied wrongdoing and only accepted his dismissal after being able to pick his successor. He has called the dispute a political ploy by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, head of the Social Democrats who trail ANO by double digits in polls. The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, committing to one day switching crowns for the euro. Sobotka told a Reuters summit on May 25 the next government should lead talks with unions and employers over conditions for euro adoption and also set an entry date, although that would be beyond the next parliamentary term ending in 2021. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Tom Heneghan) BEIJING, June 1 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Finance said on Thursday that it would auction 10 billion yuan ($1.47 billion) in 91-day bills on June 2. After the auction, the bonds will be issued from June 2 to June 5 and start trading on the secondary market on June 7, the ministry said in a statement. China's finance ministry also said it would reopen an issue of one-year bonds from May 4, auctioning an additional 40 billion yuan ($5.86 billion) on June 7. The bonds will be issued from June 7 to June 8, and begin secondary market trading on June 12, the ministry said in a statement. ($1 = 6.8040 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri) ANKARA, June 1 (Reuters) - Foreign currency deposits held by local investors in Turkey rose to $162.3 billion in the week to May 26, from $160.9 billion a week earlier, central bank data showed on Thursday. In December, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made a call for Turks to convert their foreign currency holdings into the local currency in a bid to support lira. Following an April 16 referendum on granting Erdogan sweeping executive powers, the lira has rebounded from sharp losses at the start of 2017. (Reporting by Nevzat Devranoglu; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by David Dolan) LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Strength in bluechip exporters helped the UK's benchmark index inch back towards an all-time high on Thursday and outperform broader European markets where weakness in banks weighed. Euro zone stocks rose 0.2 percent. The FTSE 100 , meanwhile, was up 0.5 percent, just shy of a record high it hit in the previous session. UK-listed multi-national firms, which dominate the benchmark index, are big beneficiaries of sterling weakness. The pound has been under pressure over the past week as some opinion polls point to a tighter-than-expected race in next week's general election. Firms such AstraZeneca and Rolls Royce , which get most of their revenues from outside the UK, were up more than 1.5 percent on Thursday. Shares of Spanish bank Banco Popular fell more than 8 percent, the worst performers on the day, after one of Europe's top bank watchdogs warned European Union officials that the bank may need to be wound down if it fails to find a buyer. Among the larger banks, Deutsche Bank and Credit Agricole fell about 1 percent. Overnight, U.S. bellwethers JPMorgan and Bank of America both warned of weak trading revenues in the second quarter which pulled banking stocks sharply lower on Wall Street. Shares of BT Group fell about 1 percent following a downgrade at Morgan Stanley which raised concerns over the company's cash flows. On the flipside, shares of online car retailer Auto Trader were the best performers on the STOXX 600 after Barclays upgraded the stock to an "overweight." Shares jumped 6.4 percent to a record high. Satellite group Inmarsat rose 5.8 percent with traders attributing gains to reports than Japan's Softbank was in talks with the firm on a possible tie-up. (Reporting by Vikram Subhedar; Editing by Toby Chopra) (Kitco News) - Gold prices are lower and have dropped to their daily lows in the wake of the just-released U.S. ADP jobs report that was a big miss to the upside. The U.S. dollar index is also higher Thursday, and thats a daily negative for the precious metals markets. August Comex gold was last down $9.50 an ounce at $1,265.90. July Comex silver was last down $0.346 at $17.06 an ounce. The ADP jobs report for May showed a reading of up 253,000. A rise of around 180,000 was expected by the marketplace. Traders and investors are looking forward to Fridays more important U.S. employment report for May from the Labor Department. The key non-farm payrolls number for May is forecast to come in at up around 210,000. However, the stronger ADP number on Thursday has many thinking Fridays non-farm jobs number could be a miss to the upside, too. In overnight news, China saw some downbeat economic data Thursday. The unofficial China manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) came in at 49.6 in May versus the forecasts for a reading of 50.1. This news is also an underlying negative for the precious metals markets, as China is the worlds largest raw commodity importer. The outside markets on Thursday morning find Nymex crude oil futures prices near steady. The oil market bears have regained downside momentum this week and the bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Meantime, the U.S. dollar index is higher today. The greenback bears are still in near-term technical control as dollar index prices are in a nearly three-month-old downtrend. Its a very busy day for U.S. economic data releases Thursday. Reports include the weekly jobless claims report, the Challenger job cuts report, the ADP national employment report, the U.S. manufacturing PMI, construction spending, the ISM manufacturing report on business, the global manufacturing PMI, the weekly DOE liquid energy stocks report, monthly chain store sales, and domestic auto industry sales. Technically, August gold futures bulls still have the overall near-term technical advantage as prices are in a fledgling uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls next upside near-term price breakout objective is to produce a close above solid technical resistance at $1,300.00. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at the May low of $1,217.80. First resistance is seen at the overnight high of $1,272.80 and then at this weeks high of $1,276.80. First support is seen at this weeks low of $1,261.80 and then at $1,250.00. Wyckoffs Market Rating: 6.0 July silver bears have the overall near-term technical advantage and regained some momentum Thursday. The next upside price breakout objective is closing futures prices above solid technical resistance at $18.00 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the May low of $16.06. First resistance is seen at the overnight high of $17.37 and then at this weeks high of $17.465. Next support is seen at $17.00 and then at $16.845. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0. British politician Nigel Farage on Thursday dismissed a report that he was a person of interest in the US probe of possible Russian interference in the 2016 election as "fake news." His denial came after The Guardian reported the former UKIP leader -- a driving force behind Brexit -- is on the FBI's radar over possible ties to people connected to Donald Trump's campaign and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. "In response to the Guardian article, it has taken me a long time to finish reading because I am laughing so much," Farage said in a statement. "This is fake news," he said. "This hysterical attempt to associate me with the (Russian President Vladimir) Putin regime is a result of the liberal elite being unable to accept Brexit and the election of President Trump," he added. Losing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton blames her election defeat on cyberattacks by Russia, saying Americans including associates of the Republican president likely had a hand in the effort. US lawmakers have launched investigations into Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 election and its possible coordination with Trump campaign aides or associates. The Department of Justice has appointed a former FBI director as a special counsel to head a separate, independent probe, but no evidence of collusion has so far emerged. Farage stressed that he had "never been to Russia, had no business dealings with Russia," adding that he doubted he was of interest to the FBI as "I have no connections to Russia." The Guardian report cited one source as saying: "If you triangulate Russia, WikiLeaks, Assange and Trump associates, the person who comes up with the most hits is Nigel Farage." WikiLeaks published damaging internal emails from The Democratic National Committee -- the governing body of the Democratic Party -- which laid bare the internal tension over Clinton's primary battle with Bernie Sanders. Intelligence agencies believe Russia released the emails to damage Clinton, an allegation denied by WikiLeaks founder Assange. Farage was recently spotted visiting the former hacker in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, but insisted that the meeting was organised by a radio station with a view to conducting an interview. The former UKIP leader made a stump speech during a Trump campaign rally in Mississippi, and was one of the first foreign politicians to meet with the president after his November election win. Trump tweeted that Farage would "do a great job" as Britain's ambassador to the US, a suggestion rejected by the British government. Search Keywords: Short link: Great Panther Silver Ltd. (TSX: GPR; NYSE MKT: GPL) has completed the commissioning phase of the refurbished processing plant at its Topia Mine in Mexico, the company reports. The plant, including the new handling facilities for dry-stack tailings, is now operating at planned capacity, Great Panther says. The company is continuing to deposit dry tailings at the existing Phase I tailings storage facility while it works on a resolution for an outstanding permitting condition. Mexicos environmental authority has denied a request for a change in use of soils permit required for the Phase II facility. However, Great Panther officials say they are optimistic that the issue can be resolve over the next few weeks, leading to a transition to the new tailing storage facility. We are pleased with the operation of the plant and progress to date on the permitting front, says Robert Archer, president and chief executive officer. We have had extensive discussions with all stakeholders regarding the permitting requirements and we are optimistic this will be favorably resolved in the coming weeks. We still expect to be able to process all of the ore stockpiled during the shutdown through the balance of 2017. Furthermore, the higher ore grades of the stockpiled ore put us in a good position to meet our 2017 production guidance. By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com Goldcorp Completes Sale Of Cerro Blanco Goldcorp. Inc. (TSX: G, NYSE: GG) announces completion of the previously announced sale of its 100% interest in the Cerro Blanco gold-silver project, located in Guatemala, to Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSXV: BSR). Goldcorp received approximately $18 million, a 1% net-smelter-return royalty on production, the right to receive 3.1 million common shares of Bluestone and 258,805 common share purchase warrants. Goldcorp also says it will receive an additional $15 million within six months of start of "commercial production" at Cerro Blanco. By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com Maya Gold & Silver Announces Resignation Of CFO Maya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSXV: MYA) announces the resignation of Alain Levesque, chief financial officer. The board of directors is undertaking a review of the companys requirements for its finance department, and a search for a successor to Levesques is ongoing, the company adds. Maya Gold & Silver is a Canadian publicly listed corporation focused on the exploration and development of gold and silver deposits in Morocco. ST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 1 (Reuters) - Further privatisations of Russian oil and gas companies were ruled out by an aide to President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. "I believe the question of further privatisations of oil companies, including Gazprom and Rosneft, is not on the agenda," Andrei Belousov, Putin's economic adviser, said. "We'll revisit these questions in eight years," Belousov told reporters on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in response to a proposal by former Russian finance minister Alexei Kudrin, that state-run oil companies should be sold off in the next 7-8 years. Seven years is significant because it is the time until the end of the next presidential term. Putin is expect to run in Russian elections in March next year, and polls make him favourite to win which would give him another six year term. Belousov said he viewed Kudrin's proposal "very negatively", adding: "Precisely because we don't know what the situation with oil will be in 8 years, ... what the situation will be with the oil companies, how not only market conditions will develop, but the strategy too." Kudrin is a standard-bearer for a group of economic liberals, many with influence over Russian policy-making, who believe the state has too overbearing a role in the economy and is suffocating private enterprise and curbing economic growth. They face resistance though from a rival camp, influential in the Kremlin, who believe that the state has a vital role to play in the economy, in particular to protect strategic sectors. The two are vying for the president's ear at a time when the Kremlin is starting to formulate a strategy for the next presidential term. Kudrin said that it was a black mark against Russia that, instead of shrinking the role of the state, it had allowed it to increase. "The oil sector should be privatised in the next seven or eight years," Kudrin told a panel discussion at the forum. "Let's open the barriers, foreigners will come. Right now there are lots of people wanting to work in the oil sector in Russia. I don't see any problems with privatisation in this sector," Kudrin said. In the past few months, Russia sold off a minority stake in state-owned Rosneft , one of the world's biggest oil companies, to a consortium of commodities trader Glencore and the Qatari sovereign wealth fund. The state also sold a controlling share in mid-sized oil producer Bashneft. However, economic liberals said that was not a fully-fledged privatisation because the buyer was Rosneft. (Reporting by Polina Nikolskaya and Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Christian Lowe; editing by Alexander Smith) Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours): MANUFACTURING PMI Markit will release its manufacturing PMI for Poland at 0700 GMT. CENTRAL BANK The National Bank of Poland is set to release minutes from the Monetary Policy Council April sitting at 1200. WARSAW STOCK EXCHANGE Warsaw Stock Exchange to announce revision of indices after the market close. RAIFFEISEN Raiffeisen Bank International wants to postpone the initial public offering of its Polish unit scheduled for end of June, Parkiet daily said quoting unnamed sources. ****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) * Local pension funds cut government debt holding to 5-year low * Yield-hungry foreign investors pile into local bonds * Reliance on foreign money makes South Africa vulnerable By Mfuneko Toyana JOHANNESBURG, June 1 (Reuters) - South African pension funds have cut their holdings in local government bonds to the lowest level in nearly 4-1/2 years because of political turbulence in the country, but yield-hungry foreign investors are proving less hesitant. Domestic pension funds have historically been the largest investors in South African government bonds, but National Treasury numbers show their share has fallen to 27.2 percent as of end April -- the lowest since December 2012. Conversely, foreign investors have been buying, according to data from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and now hold 39.4 percent of the bonds -- their highest level on record. The rest are held by banks and other financial companies. Local funds have steadily decreased their holdings in government debt since January 2016, after President Jacob Zuma changed finance ministers twice in one week at the end of 2015. The moves led to a sharp sell-off in the rand currency and bonds. But the political risks were heightened even more in March this year when Zuma dismissed respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan, leading to credit ratings downgrades to "junk" status by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch. Moody's, whose Baa2 rating is two notches above "junk", put South Africa on review for a downgrade. "Locals are definitely more worried about the bonds and the rand because of the (latest) cabinet reshuffle. They're more cautious about having big bond holdings," Ashburton Investments portfolio manager Wayne Mccurrie said. Investors fear policy steps to spur on the economy and keep debt in check are taking a backseat to corruption scandals and the jostling for positions as Zuma's ruling African National Congress (ANC) prepares to elect new leaders in December. Indeed, leaked documents released by South African media on Thursday alleging improper dealings in government contracts were seen healing more pressure on Zuma. "We are underweight nominal bonds and duration on South African bonds," said Wikus Furstenburg, portfolio manager at Futuregrowth, which has about 170 billion rand ($13 billion) of assets under management and ranks as one of Africa's largest money managers. The yield on the benchmark government bond due in 2026 rose to a 4-month high of 9.2 percent in the aftermath of Gordhan's axing, and at the current 8.55 percent appears attractive to foreign investors. But locals want a bit more to account for the risk. "It's simple, the yield needs to adjust to make it more attractive for the more pessimistic managers like us to get back into the market," Furstenburg said, adding that low economic growth and widening capital deficit were other major negatives. FUNDING FEARS With local money drying up and foreign loans becoming more expensive after the recent downgrades, South Africa has moved closer to the brink of a funding problem. Analysts also say inflow into government bonds from foreigners, at 44.6 billion rand ($3.42 billion) year-to-date and nearly double the corresponding period in 2016, could be short-lived if political tensions don't ease. "This is certainly a problem but not quite yet a crisis," said Investec co-head of fixed income Nazmeera Moola of Treasury's funding fix. "There is a possibility that Treasury doesn't take any hard steps and continues to borrow more, that's what leads to a debt crisis and higher debt to GDP ratios," Moola said. South African debt has already been dropped from one the widely used global bond indexes, the JPMorgan Emerging Market Bond Index Global, and risks being excluded from the larger Citi's World Government Bond Index, if both Moody's and S&P's cut the rand-debt rating to "junk". Estimates put the cost to the country of falling from these indices at around $20 billion in investment funds. An additional danger is that South Africa depends on foreign money to cover its large budget and current account deficits. This huge reliance leaves it highly susceptible to global investor sentiment volatility. Isabelle Mateos, BlackRock's chief multi-asset strategist, said South African bonds offers opportunities and continue to draw the bulk of flows to emerging markets. But she said this would quickly change if politics did not improve. "South Africa is not one of our favourites, and that has to do with political and policy uncertainty. We are not actively shorting South Africa but the upside is very limited," she said. ($1 = 13.0324 rand) ($1 = 13.0054 rand) <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ South Africa's Woes ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Graphic by Jeremy Gaunt. Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo/Jeremy Gaunt) June 1 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories from selected Canadian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. THE GLOBE AND MAIL ** The Ottawa government will unveil about C$860 million ($637.37 million) in aid for the softwood-lumber industry on Thursday in a bid to ease the pain caused by punitive duties imposed on Canada in a new timber trade dispute with the United States. ** The International Monetary Fund is urging Canada to take further action in order to address rising household debt levels and the risks of a sharp correction in the housing market. ** Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan suggested in a speech on Wednesday that Boeing - which has benefited from billions of dollars of sales to Canada over the decades - is not behaving like a "trusted partner" of Canada right now. NATIONAL POST ** Claudio Polito, a Toronto appraiser and principal owner of Cross-town Appraisal Ltd, says lenders basing mortgage decisions on value, as opposed to income and credit history, are really trying to stay on top of a market that appears to be changing rapidly. ** Speaking on a panel at the Electric Vehicle Conference in Markham on Wednesday, Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca said the most significant challenge in bringing more electric vehicles to Canada's roads is a lack of supportive infrastructure. ** Canadian crude oil exports to the U.S. on railway cars hit an 18 month high in March, in a sign that pipelines are once again filling up to capacity, according to data from the National Energy Board. ($1 = C$1.35) (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom) (Removes extraneous bullet point on Telecom Italia, adds missing word, Havas, in paragraph 3) * French billionaire makes succession plan official for Vivendi * Bollore to hand over family-run empire to his children in 2022 By Mathieu Rosemain and Gwenaelle Barzic PUTEAUX, France June 1 (Reuters) - Vincent Bollore said on Thursday he wanted his son Yannick to eventually take over as chief executive of Vivendi , the French media group where Bollore is chairman and leading shareholder. Bollore, aged 65, has already stated his plan is to hand over his majority-owned Bollore Group to his four children in 2022, the year of the conglomerate's bincentenary. Four years ago Yannick, 37, became chief executive of advertising group Havas , which is 60 percent-owned by Bollore and last year he joined Vivendi's supervisory board, chaired by his father. "You understand what my next intentions are," Vincent Bollore told Vivendi's shareholders at their annual meeting on Thursday, referring to the role of his son as head of Havas. "That is that Yannick takes over Vivendi," he said. Bollore did not provide any timing for the succession plan at Vivendi, whose current chief executive is Arnaud de Puyfontaine. Last month Bollore took a first step towards merging Havas and Vivendi with Vivendi making an offer to buy Bollore's stake in Havas for over 2.3 billion euros. A merger would add a third key division to the media group, which owns the world's biggest music label Universal Music Group (UMG) and France's biggest pay-TV group Canal Plus. Bollore's eldest son Cyrille already leads Bollore's transportation and logistics division, the biggest and most lucrative business in the group. His third son Sebastien is a board member of Gameloft, a mobile video-games maker bought by Vivendi last year, while his daughter Marie is in charge of the Bollore Group's electric vehicles business. UNIVERSAL SHARE OFFER Asked by a shareholder on Thursday about the possibility of spinning off Universal with an initial public share offer, Bollore confirmed that the group's teams were reviewing that option. "The value (of UMG) increases every day and it's true that an IPO would be an interesting thing," he said. "The key question for an IPO is to know when is the best time to do it. It's like cheese puffs, you have to take them out at the right moment." ($1 = 0.8907 euros) (Editing by Greg Mahlich) MOSCOW, June 1 (Reuters) - A consortium of Russian, Chinese and Middle Eastern funds have agreed the principal terms of an investment in Eurasia Drilling , the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said in a statement on Thursday. The consortium consists of RDIF, the Russia-China Investment Fund (RCIF), which was established by RDIF and the China Investment Corporation, as well as unnamed Middle Eastern co-investors. The RDIF statement said "further details will be provided upon signing of the transaction documentation". Eurasia Drilling is Russia's largest oilfield services company by metres drilled. The sovereign funds are thought to be interested in taking a minority stake of 13-15 percent. Sources close to the talks told Reuters in March that RCIF and Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's state fund, were considering buying a minority stake in Eurasia Drilling. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; Writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Alexander Winning) By Chris Thomas June 1 (Reuters) - Philippine shares rose on Thursday, heading for their first gain in three sessions and outperforming other Southeast Asian markets, after the lower house of Congress approved a much-anticipated tax reform bill on Wednesday. The bill, yet to be published and which still needs Senate approval, is critical to President Rodrigo Duterte's economic programme, which focuses on infrastructure spending and fiscal efficiency to lift growth to as much as 8 percent before his six-year term ends in 2022. The Philippine benchmark rose as much as 0.75 percent, its biggest intraday percentage gain since May 16, with real estate company Ayala Land climbing as much as 2 percent and telecom firm PLDT Inc jumping nearly 3 percent. "Foreign and local funds alike have long been waiting for this (bill) to pass in the Congress," said Rachelle Cruz, an analyst with AP Securities, adding that its passage would provide the boost that the market needs to go above the 8,000 level. The property sector will also gain as the Department of Finance is looking to revive REITs once the bill is passed, she said. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was nearly flat amid conflicting signals on the health of China's manufacturing sector. China's manufacturing activity contracted in May for the first time in 11 months and companies shed more jobs as demand weakened and shrinking factory prices dented profits, a private survey showed on Thursday. The findings sharply contrast with official readings on Wednesday which showed steady manufacturing growth. Singapore shares hit their highest in nearly a week, boosted by market heavyweights Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) and Jardine Matheson Holdings . SingTel was headed for a fourth straight session of gains, while Jardine Matheson climbed to its highest in more than two weeks. News that internet provider MyRepublic Ltd is seeking private equity backing for local wireless carrier M1 Ltd has shored up buying interests in telecom stocks, said Wong Kok Hoong, sales trader at Maybank Kim Eng Securities Pte Ltd. Malaysian shares fell to their lowest since May 5, with telecom firm Axiata Group hitting a two-and-a-half-month low. Indonesia was closed for a holiday. For Asian Companies click; SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS: Change at 0503 GMT Market Current Previous Close Pct Move Singapore 3226.95 3210.82 0.50 Bangkok 1562.47 1561.66 0.05 Manila 7893.96 7837.12 0.73 Kuala Lumpur 1763.54 1765.87 -0.13 Ho Chi Minh 741.46 737.82 0.49 Change on year Market Current End 2016 Pct Move Singapore 3226.95 2880.76 12.02 Bangkok 1562.47 1542.94 1.27 Manila 7893.96 6840.64 15.40 Kuala Lumpur 1763.54 1641.73 7.42 Ho Chi Minh 741.46 664.87 11.52 (Reporting by Chris Thomas; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) June 1 (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 0416 GMT. June 1 USD/VND mid-point 22,396 USD/VND interbank 22,690/22,700 USD/VND unofficial 22,700/22,715 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.23/36.45 Interbank offered rates Overnight 2.1-2.6 1 week 2.5-2.8 1 month 3.4-3.8 3 months 4.2-4.5 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) STOCKHOLM, June 1 (Reuters) - Sweden's central bank bought 1.5 billion crowns million) in nominal bonds in a reverse auction as part of its quantitative easing programme, it said on Thursday. It bought 750 million crowns of 2022 bonds at an average yield of -0.174 percent and the same amount of 2028 bonds at 0.695 percent. Investors offered to sell the Riksbank 2.8 billion crowns and 2.0 billion crowns in the two bonds respectively. (Reporting by Stockholm Newsroom) 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. The event is part of the Layalina Ramadan Festival Egyptian music ensembles Emdan El-Noor and El-Tanbura will perform on 8 June at Darb 1718 as part of the Layalina Ramadan festival. Emdan El-Noor was founded in 2011, when Egyptian artist Yahya Nadim gathered members and founders of five independent bands, all of whom brought together distinct styles to create a new and innovative blend. The artists first performed as a band in September 2011 at the Cairo Opera House. The independent singing and dancing ensemble El-Tanbura was founded in 1989 by Zakaria Ibrahim in Port Said, who brought together a number of musicians with the aim of preserving Egyptian folkloric arts and introducing them into everyday life in the country. The band gained international recognition in 1996, with the release of their CD La Simsimiyya de Port Said, recorded at the Arab World Institute in Paris. El-Tanburas music brings together a wide range of musical styles, from Sufi and religious chants to African and Ancient Egyptian music. The Layalina festival, held during the month of Ramadan, will include a variety of musical acts and performances, as well as art exhibitions. Programme: Monday 8 June 9pm to 11:30pm Darb 1718 For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: ZURICH, June 1 (Reuters) - The Swiss blue-chip SMI was seen opening broadly unchanged at 9,021 points on Thursday, according to premarket indications by bank Julius Baer . The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks: COMPANY STATEMENTS * BCV said it appointed Andreas Diemant, currently head of UBS's Swiss institutional clients unit, to its executive board as head of the corporate banking division. * Eastern Property Holdings Limited said its rental properties generated $19.24 million of net rental income during the first quarter. * Evolva said it is negotiating a sole-source contract with the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance the development and EPA registration of Evolva's nootkatone product to help in the fight against the mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus. * Gurit said its won a new contract for the production and supply of carbon fiber-based exterior car body panels to an Italian car maker. * Kudelski Group said it signed a patent agreement with Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. * Nestle : Ethical Coffee Company, which makes coffee capsules compatible with Nestle's Nespresso system, said the European Patent Office rejected an attempt by Nestle and Nespresso to have one of ECC's patents, known as "harpoons", revoked in the court of appeal. * Novartis , the University of Georgia and Washington State University have reported the early validation of a drug candidate for treating cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease which is a major cause of child mortality in lower-income countries. * SIX Group, which runs Switzerland's stock exchange, said its chief executive will leave the company in the first half of next year and the board of directors is looking for his successor. * VP Bank said it completed a share buyback programme launched in June 2016 and holds 8.66 percent of its own capital at the end of May. It also said Martin C. Beinhoff, member of group executive management and chief operating officer, will leave the bank at the end of June. ECONOMY * A strong Swiss franc continues to put pressure on Switzerland's monetary policy, Swiss National Bank (SNB) Chairman Thomas Jordan said on Wednesday. * The Swiss economy grew by 0.3 percent in the first quarter from the previous quarter, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said on Thursday. * Swiss retail sales for April due at 0715 GMT * Swiss manufacturing PMI for May due at 0730 GMT (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/ PRAGUE, June 1 (Reuters) - Following are results of Thursday's auction of 4-week Czech Treasury bills compared with the previous sale of bills with the same maturity. AUCTION DATE 01/06/17 03/03/16 YIELD (PCT) -0.250 -0.100 SOLD IN AUCTION (BLN CZK) 1.196 2.500 incl.FINMIN RETAINED (BLN) 0.000 0.000 INVESTOR DEMAND (BLN) 2.256 2.600 TOTAL VOLUME (BLN) 0.00-5.00 0.00-10.00 AUCTION OFFER (BLN) 0.00-5.00 0.00-10.00 CORRESPONDING PRIBOR 0.20 0.20 KEY POLICY RATE (PCT) 0.05 0.05 (Reporting by Mirka Krufova; Editing by Jason Hovet) 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. ANKARA, June 1 (Reuters) - Turkish exports rose 15.8 percent year-on-year in May, to $12.47 billion, the Turkish Exporter's Assembly (TIM) said on Thursday. The assembly releases its figures almost a month before official data from the Turkish Statistics Institute. Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said he expected exports to add 1.5 percentage points to growth in the first quarter. (Reporting by Ceyda Caglayan; Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by David Dolan) ANKARA, June 1 (Reuters) - Turkey's exports will rise to $200 billion in 1-1/2 years from the current level of $160 billion with the updating of the customs union agreement with the European Union, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said on Thursday. Speaking at an event for the Turkish Exporter's Assembly (TIM), Zeybekci also said Turkey had accelerated talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council on a free trade agreement and that this would be concluded soon. (Reporting by Ceyda Caglayan; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by David Dolan) ANKARA, June 1 (Reuters) - Turkey will lower import duties on construction iron, but leave the value-added tax (VAT) untouched, Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said on Thursday. Speaking at an event for the Turkish Exporter's Assembly (TIM), Zeybekci said the formal decision on import duties for construction iron would be take by this weekend. (Reporting by Ceyda Caglayan; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by David Dolan) 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. LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Britain's Nigel Farage, a leading Brexit campaigner, is a "person of interest" in the U.S. investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, the Guardian newspaper reported on Thursday, citing unidentified sources. The British newspaper said Farage had not been accused of wrongdoing and was not a suspect or target of the U.S. investigation. But it said the former leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party had "raised the interest" of FBI investigators because of his relationships with individuals connected to both the Trump campaign and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. "This is absurd, truly absurd," a UKIP spokesman said when asked about the report. "To my knowledge, the only serious Russian politician that Nigel has spent time with is Garry Kasparov." (Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) (Adds details) LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Britain's Nigel Farage, a leading Brexit campaigner, is a "person of interest" in the U.S. investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, the Guardian reported, citing unidentified sources. The British newspaper said on Thursday that Farage had not been accused of wrongdoing and was not a suspect or target of the U.S. investigation. But it said the former leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party had "raised the interest" of FBI investigators because of his relationships with individuals connected to both the Trump campaign and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Farage told the Daily Mail: "I don't believe it, I have no connections. I have never been to Russia. I have never had any business dealings with Russia." When asked about the Guardian report, a UKIP spokesman said it was absurd. "To my knowledge, the only serious Russian politician that Nigel has spent time with is Garry Kasparov," the spokesman said. CIA Director Mike Pompeo has accused Assange's Wikileaks of seeking to interfere in the U.S. election when it distributed material hacked from Democratic National Committee computers during the 2016 campaign. Pompeo said Russia's GRU military intelligence service had used Wikileaks to distribute the material and concluded that Russia stole the emails and took other actions to tilt the election in favor of Trump, a Republican, over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Farage, who has campaigned for decades for Britain to leave the European Union, was a vocal backer of Trump. He met Trump in New York just days after the election and attended the inauguration in Washington. Farage met Assange in March this year at the Ecuadorean embassy in London where he has been holed up for five years. (Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) * Joint statement on Paris agreement main aim of meeting * Premier Li to meet top EU officials in Brussels * Both sides to pledge to address steel crisis - draft (Updates with interview with EU's climate chief) By Robin Emmott and Robert-Jan Bartunek BRUSSELS, June 1 (Reuters) - China and the European Union will seek on Friday to save an international pact against climate change from which U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be set to withdraw. As China emerges as Europe's unlikely global partner on areas from free trade to security, Premier Li Keqiang will meet top EU officials at a summit in Brussels that will also discuss North Korea's missile tests and global steel overcapacity. In a statement backed by all 28 EU states, the European Union and China will commit to full implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, EU and Chinese officials said. The joint statement, the first between the China and the EU, commits to cutting back on fossil fuels, developing more green technology and helping raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer countries cut emissions. "The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever," the statement, by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Li, will say. "The increasing impacts of climate change require a decisive response," they will say. China asked that the annual the summit, normally held in mid-July, be brought forward to press home President Xi Jinping's defence of open trade at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, in response to Trump's protectionist stance. Miguel Arias Canete, the European Union's energy commissioner, told Reuters that the bloc could depend on China despite concerns among environmental groups that monitoring and verification measures in the Paris accord would be weaker without the United States. "I have lots of trust in the Chinese. They are very tough negotiators but they are very consistent with what they negotiate," Canete said. Trump's presumed plan to follow through on a campaign pledge to withdraw from the Paris accord, agreed on by nearly 200 countries in 2015, made China more important, he said. "At a moment in which the United States have doubts about the benefits of remaining in the Paris agreement ... two major players in the climate arena declare that they are committed to the Paris agreement," he said of the EU and China. "If you don't have a country who emits 28 percent of worldwide emissions (in the accord) you cannot be efficient." While China needs the EU's technical know-how to fight the pollution blighting its cities, the European Union is looking to Beijing to take action against emissions blamed for increased droughts, rising seas and other affects of climate change. China, which overtook the United States as the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2007, will support the European Union, said China's ambassador to the EU, Yang Yanyi. "China and the EU need to steadfastly adhere to the Paris agreement," Yang said in a written briefing to reporters. STEEL GLUT In a broader final communique focusing on a range of other issues, Li, Juncker and Tusk are expected to commit to free trade and reduce a global steel glut that Europe and the United States say is an attempt by China to corner local markets. The EU and China will seek to "refrain from all forms of protectionism and uphold free and rules-based trade", the leaders will say in a 60-point statement, according to a draft. They promise to "address steel overcapacity at its roots". By far the world's top steel producer, China's annual steel output is almost double the EU's total production. Western governments say Chinese steel exports have caused a global steel crisis, costing jobs and forcing plant closures. The warmer EU-China relationship, partly spurred by Trump, is despite a long-running spat with Beijing on what Europe sees as China's dumping of low-cost goods on European markets. Still, the European Union remains cautious about the direction of its second-largest trading partner, concerned by its militarisation of islands in the South China Sea and a turn toward authoritarianism under Xi. EU officials say they will bring up the South China Sea in the talks on Friday, but they will be wary to avoid a repeat of last year's tense EU-China summit in Beijing, which failed to agree a joint statement because of the maritime issue. China's claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The EU also wants an investment treaty with China to open the huge Chinese market to European companies and remove onerous rules forcing them to share know-how. A senior Chinese official said China is determined to open up and reach a deal, which seen as a forerunner to a possible future free-trade accord. (Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Stine Jacobsen in Olso and David Stanway in Beijing; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Alison Williams) (Adds details, quotes) By Kate Holton LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage is a "person of interest" in the U.S. investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, the Guardian reported on Thursday citing unidentified sources. The London-based newspaper said Farage had not been accused of wrongdoing and was not a suspect or target of the U.S. investigation. But it said he was "right in the middle" of the relationships being looked at. The newspaper said the former leader of the UK Independence Party had "raised the interest" of FBI investigators due to his connections with Trump and Julian Assange's Wikileaks, which published leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee during the campaign. Farage said on Twitter it had taken him a long time to read the Guardian article because he was "laughing so much at this fake news". "This hysterical attempt to associate me with the (Vladimir) Putin regime is a result of the liberal elite being unable to accept Brexit and Trump," he said. "I consider it extremely doubtful that I could be a person of interest to the FBI as I have no connections to Russia." Accusations that Russia interfered in the U.S. 2016 presidential election have dogged Trump since he entered office and a former FBI chief, Robert Mueller, has been named as special counsel to investigate any collusion. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia used computer hacking, propaganda and misleading news reports designed to sway political opinion in an attempt to boost Trump's chances of winning the White House. Trump has dismissed the notion that Russia played any role in his November election victory. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, a former KGB spy, has denied meddling in the U.S. election. CIA Director Mike Pompeo called Assange's Wikileaks a "hostile intelligence service" in April after it distributed material hacked from Democratic National Committee computers during the 2016 campaign. Pompeo said Russia's GRU military intelligence service had used Wikileaks to distribute the material and concluded that Russia stole the emails and took other actions to tilt the election in favor of Trump, a Republican, over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. "One of the things the intelligence investigators have been looking at is points of contact and persons involved," the Guardian quoted one source as saying. "If you triangulate Russia, WikiLeaks, Assange and Trump associates the person who comes up with the most hits is Nigel Farage." "He's right in the middle of these relationships. He turns up over and over again. There's a lot of attention being paid to him." Farage, who campaigned for decades for Britain to leave the European Union, was a vocal backer of Trump, appearing on the campaign trail and meeting him in New York just days after the election victory. Farage, who also attended Trump's inauguration in Washington, met Assange in March this year at the Ecuadorean embassy in London where the Wikileaks founder has been holed up for five years. (Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Tom Heneghan) * Joint statement on Paris agreement main aim of meeting * Premier Li to meet top EU officials in Brussels * Both sides to pledge to address steel crisis - draft (Adds China's Li in Berlin) By Robin Emmott and Robert-Jan Bartunek BRUSSELS, June 1 (Reuters) - China and the European Union will seek on Friday to save a global pact against climate change from which U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be set to withdraw. As China emerges as Europe's unlikely global partner on areas from free trade to security, Premier Li Keqiang will meet top EU officials at a summit in Brussels that will also address North Korea's missile tests and global steel overcapacity. Speaking on Tuesday in Berlin, Li underlined strong support for the 2015 Paris climate change accord from China, which overtook the United States as the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2007. "China will stand by its responsibilities on climate change," he told reporters after meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and before flying on to Brussels. In a statement backed by all 28 EU states, the European Union and China will commit to full implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, EU and Chinese officials said. The joint statement, the first between the China and the EU, commits to cutting back on fossil fuels, developing more green technology and helping raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer countries cut their emissions. "The EU and China consider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever," the statement, by European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Li, will say. "The increasing impacts of climate change require a decisive response," they will say. China asked that the annual summit, normally held in mid-July, be brought forward to press home President Xi Jinping's defence of open trade at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January in response to Trump's protectionist stance. Miguel Arias Canete, the EU's energy commissioner, told Reuters the bloc could depend on China despite concerns among environmental groups that monitoring and verification measures in the Paris accord would be weaker without the United States. "I have lots of trust in the Chinese. They are very tough negotiators but they are very consistent with what they negotiate," Canete said. Trump's presumed plan to follow through on an election campaign pledge to bolt from the Paris deal, agreed on by nearly 200 countries, made China more important, he added. "At a moment in which the United States have doubts about the benefits of remaining in the Paris agreement ... two major players in the climate arena declare that they are committed to the Paris agreement," he said of the EU and China. "If you don't have a country that emits 28 percent of worldwide emissions (in the accord), you cannot be efficient." While China needs EU technical know-how to fight the pollution blighting its cities, the European Union is looking to Beijing to take action against emissions blamed for increased droughts, rising seas and other affects of climate change. STEEL GLUT In a broader final communique focusing on a range of other issues, Li, Juncker and Tusk are expected to commit to free trade and reduce a global steel glut that Europe and the United States say is an attempt by China to corner local markets. The EU and China will seek to "refrain from all forms of protectionism and uphold free and rules-based trade", the leaders will say in a 60-point statement, according to a draft. They promise to "address steel overcapacity at its roots". By far the world's top steel producer, China's annual steel output is almost double the EU's total production. Western governments say Chinese steel exports have caused a global steel crisis, costing jobs and forcing plant closures. The warmer EU-China relationship, partly spurred by Trump, has transpired despite a long-running EU spat with Beijing on what Europe sees as China's dumping of low-cost goods on European markets. Still, the EU remains cautious about the direction of its second-largest trading partner, concerned by its militarisation of islands in the South China Sea and it sees as increased authoritarianism under Xi. EU officials say they will bring up the South China Sea in the talks on Friday, but they will be wary to avoid a repeat of last year's tense EU-China summit in Beijing, which failed to agree a joint statement because of the maritime issue. China's claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The EU also wants an investment treaty with China to open the huge Chinese market to European companies and remove onerous rules forcing them to share know-how. A senior Chinese official said China is determined to open up and reach a deal, which is seen as a forerunner to a possible future free-trade accord. (Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Stine Jacobsen in Olso, Madeline Chambers in Berlin and David Stanway in Beijing; Editing by Mark Heinrich) During excavation work in the area neighbouring the Agha Khan mausoleum on Aswans west bank, an Egyptian mission from the Ministry of Antiquities stumbled upon ten rock-hewn tombs. Mahmoud Afifi, dead of Ancient Egyptian Antiquities at the ministry, said that the tombs can be dated to the Late Period and early studies reveal that the site is probably an extension of Aswan necropolis on the west bank where a collection of tombs belonging to Aswan overseers from the Old, Middle and New kingdom are found. Nasr Salama, director-general of Aswan and Nubia Antiquities told Ahram Online that the tombs have similar architectural design. they are composed of sliding steps leading to the entrance of the tomb and a small burial chamber where a collection of stone sarcophagi, mummies and funerary collection of the deceased were found. He said that during the next archaeological season which starts in September, the mission will continue the excavation and begin comprehensive studies and restoration work on the funerary collection uncovered to learn more about who the tombs contain. Search Keywords: Short link: (Adds FBI details) By Kate Holton LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage is a "person of interest" in the U.S. investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, the Guardian reported on Thursday citing unidentified sources. The London-based newspaper said Farage had not been accused of wrongdoing and was not a suspect or target of the U.S. investigation. But it said he was "right in the middle" of the relationships being looked at. The newspaper said the former leader of the UK Independence Party had "raised the interest" of FBI investigators due to his connections with Trump and Julian Assange's Wikileaks, which published leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee during the campaign. An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment on the Guardian story, and other U.S. officials said they were unaware of any serious FBI interest in Farage. Farage said on Twitter it had taken him a long time to read the Guardian article because he was "laughing so much at this fake news". "This hysterical attempt to associate me with the (Vladimir) Putin regime is a result of the liberal elite being unable to accept Brexit and Trump," he said. "I consider it extremely doubtful that I could be a person of interest to the FBI as I have no connections to Russia." Accusations that Russia interfered in the U.S. 2016 presidential election have dogged Trump since he entered office and a former FBI chief, Robert Mueller, has been named as special counsel to investigate any collusion. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia used computer hacking, propaganda and misleading news reports designed to sway political opinion in an attempt to boost Trump's chances of winning the White House. Trump has dismissed the notion that Russia played any role in his November election victory. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, a former KGB spy, has denied meddling in the U.S. election. CIA Director Mike Pompeo called Assange's Wikileaks a "hostile intelligence service" in April after it distributed material hacked from Democratic National Committee computers during the 2016 campaign. Pompeo said Russia's GRU military intelligence service had used Wikileaks to distribute the material and concluded that Russia stole the emails and took other actions to tilt the election in favor of Trump, a Republican, over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. "One of the things the intelligence investigators have been looking at is points of contact and persons involved," the Guardian quoted one source as saying. "If you triangulate Russia, WikiLeaks, Assange and Trump associates the person who comes up with the most hits is Nigel Farage." "He's right in the middle of these relationships. He turns up over and over again. There's a lot of attention being paid to him." Farage, who campaigned for decades for Britain to leave the European Union, was a vocal backer of Trump, appearing on the campaign trail and meeting him in New York just days after the election victory. Farage, who also attended Trump's inauguration in Washington, met Assange in March this year at the Ecuadorean embassy in London where the Wikileaks founder has been holed up for five years. (Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Tom Heneghan) In light of the Riyadh Arab-Islamic-American Summit, we need to go back and visit an earlier article that appeared as President El-Sisi was about to meet President Trump in a formal visit to Washington in April, 2017 Human Rights First article, Sisis Egypt is a Poor Partner for the United States in the Fight Against Terrorism, warned President Trump against mending ties with Egypt, concluding that Hosting Egypts repressive president sends the wrong message to the world on how to overcome the scourge of violent extremism and terrorism, reckoning El-Sisi and violent extremism and terrorism are somehow connected if not synonymous. So, enough is enough; it is time to take Human Rights to task. The sweeping statements; the arrogant, know-it-all approach; and, more importantly, the incorrigible inaccuracies, call for a rebuttal. The article starts off saying the Egyptian government has portrayed El-Sisi as a religious moderate playing a leading role in the fight against violent extremism, which is, in my books, perfectly true even if portrayed implies the opposite. Indeed, El-Sisi is a moderate Muslim. He doesnt exemplify the stringently conservative notions but adheres to the Muslim altruistic traits: benevolence, humbleness, and compassion, while fighting violent extremism by, first, promoting religious reform and, second, by confronting terrorism. At the Summit in Riyadh, President El-Sisi reiterated these principles. His succinct, four-point strategy underscored confronting all terrorist organisations without discrimination; addressing all related facetsincluding funding, arming, and political and ideological support; terminating the terrorist organisations ability to recruit new fighters through ideological and intellectual reform; and tackling the instability in national state institutions in the Arab region, which is a prerequisite for terrorist organisations growth. Lets go back to Human Rights article. Since taking power by military coup from the elected, Muslim Brotherhood-backed, government of Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, Sisi has pursued policies that have fueled the grievances exploited by violent extremists. All rhetoric military coup and the elected Morsiaside, the writer believes that President El-Sisis policies create extremists, as though extremism did not exist on New Years Eve of 2011 when a bomb in an Alexandria church killed 21 churchgoers or in 97 when 70 were massacred in a Luxor Temple. The examples, prior to Sisi, are endless. For a brief period, Egypt had become a malleable pawn in the hands of Islamists, and when Egyptians reversed the course, terrorism escalated further. El Sisi had no other alternative but to go after the culprits. Besides, terrorism escalated all around the world, too, with affected countries immediately upping security and enhancing surveillance. After the many explosions in Paris, France declared a three-month state of emergency, struck ISIS targets way inside Syria, and closed borders. It conducted warrantless searches and indiscriminate, intrusive surveillance tactics. This while Belgium deployed more than 1,800 soldiers, carried several hundred raids, detentions, stops, and searches as Human Rights itself mentioned. And yet such measures were never considered repressive, suppressive, destructive, dictatorial, counterproductive, brutal, or non pluralistic, as this article suggests Sisis rule is. In a convoluted and verbose thought, the writer adds, His repressive policies have denied space to independent mainstream religious voices, who could credibly challenge and rebut extremist ideologues, while co-opting religious leaders to validate his dictatorial rule, thereby undermining their independence and credibility in the fight against extremist ideologies. Unless the writer implies the Muslim Brotherhood organisation is a mainstream religious voice which would be misleading, Independent mainstream religious voices have not been denied space. Quite the contrary, many a time El-Sisi has been critical of Al-Azhar, the real mainstream voice, but he has never instituted change. He left it to Al-Azhar to change from within; it has yet to comply. The article goes on. Sisis Egypt has received tens of billions of dollars of support from absolute monarchies in the Gulf, anxious to ensure that the popular demands for more representative government and human dignity, heard during the short-lived Arab Spring of 2011, should not take root in the Arab World. Yes, Gulf States supported June 30th and the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood president, fearing the Arab Spring consequences inflicted on Syria, Libya, and Yemen. The Gulf States also realised that Egypt is pivotal in the fight against terrorism and must remain strong. Egypts dominant role was visible at the Summit even further. Earlier, President Trump called the Egyptian president to say he was looking forward to meeting him in Riyadh and vowing further robust strategic relations. Then President El-Sisi was favoured to launch the new Global Centre for combating extremist ideology together with King Salman and President Trump. The article goes further. Sisis government perpetuated anti-Christian sectarianism and intolerance of religious diversity, is utterly flawed. It also failed to protect Christians. If anything such statements fuel rage and provoke uncalled-for reactionary measures, or maybe that is exactly what Human Rights wants to instil. Of all Egyptian leaders, El Sisi is the most respectful of other religions and other peoples in general. During his visits to the Coptic Cathedral, El Sisi identifies all Egyptians as one entity with no hyphenation, as in Egyptian-Copt or Egyptian-Muslim. In fact, during Muslim and Christian festivities, as well as crises, the president congratulates and consoles all Egyptians with no reference to Muslims or Christians. As for being unable to protect Christians, I dont believe that any country is able to fully protect its citizens against terrorism. Egypt tries though; churches are the most guarded of all buildings and institutions in Egypt, intensely barricaded with roadblocks, barbed wire, and heightened security especially during festivities. Besides, Egypt will continue to protect its Christians by going after violent extremists, and if, according to the writer, this provokes grievances, so be it. The writer goes on to say, There can be no credible reform while religious institutions operate within the framework of rigid state restrictions. Id rather see Al-Azhar reform its books and doctrines, improve its sermons, and train its sheikhs than have it continue to dwell on issues that are exploited negatively. Id call these changes improvements not rigid state restrictions. And at the Summit, President El-Sisi reiterated these notions. In his speech, he mentioned his initiative to renew the religious discourse that would lead to a comprehensive cultural revolution and illustrate the true essence of tolerant Islam. But the most convoluted message of all lies here: The government suppresses peaceful dissent and stifles pluralism. The writer is unaware that what exists in Egypt today is brazen terrorism. Hundreds of army officers and conscripts died; judges, police officers, helpless laypersons, and, of course, Copts were victimized. To consider such behaviour peaceful dissent is sheer nonsense. The writer suggested President Trump challenge El-Sisi otherwise it would fuel resentment of the United States in Egypt and beyond. This is contrary to the truth; by offering strong support to President El-Sisi, President Trump smoothened out the wrinkles and resentments left by President Obama, and remedied the snub that continued for four years. In fact, much to the chagrin of Human Rights, President Sisi was greeted warmly in Washington. Then, in Riyadh, it was clear that President Trump was fully aware of the role that Egypt has taken upon itself. He singled out Egypt for a forthcoming visit and praised President El-Sisi for focusing on the safety of Egyptians under trying conditions. The upshot of the Riyadh Summits is proof that Human Rights message is defective and biased, a repetitive broken record. The writer is an academic, political analyst, and author of Cairo Rewind: the First Two Years of Egypt's Revolution, 2011-2013. Search Keywords: Short link: Companies forced to reduce outsourcing By Park Jae-hyuk President Moon Jae-in's push for "zero irregular workers" in the public sector has put manufacturers in a quandary as many of them can ill-afford to follow suit, company officials said Tuesday. The Moon government is not directly demanding private companies convert irregular workers to regular ones, but they cannot ignore the obvious pressure. In particular, carmakers, shipbuilders, steelmakers and other manufacturers will see wages jump dramatically if they hire subcontracted or irregular workers as regular employees. Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Yoon Yeo-chul promised this week the company will complete its plan to hire 6,000 subcontracted workers as regular employees this year. "We've converted 5,700 subcontract workers to regular ones over the past five years, and will hire 300 more (regular workers) this year," the vice chairman said at the 2017 Hyundai-Kia Partners Job Fair at COEX in Seoul, Monday. Despite Hyundai's efforts, however, some workers filed lawsuits against the country's top carmaker, demanding it acknowledge their employment status and pay higher salaries. "We cannot acknowledge their positions, due to various reasons including cost issues," a Hyundai Motor official said. Shipbuilders and other manufacturers are facing more pressure than carmakers. Industry officials point out the government's campaign to turn irregular workers into regular ones may deal a severe blow to both manufacturing and services companies, as wage costs would surge amid sluggish business. The number of subcontracted workers working for Korean shipbuilders is usually double to triple the number of regular workers. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), for example, had 10,370 regular workers in the first quarter of this year, while the number of subcontracted workers stood at 25,000. Things are similar for builders, who have almost as many irregular workers as regular ones, according to the Construction Economy Research Institute of Korea. POSCO, Hyundai Steel and other steelmakers also face similar problems. The companies are seemingly struggling to afford to make irregular workers regular ones, but they remain reluctant to complain to the government, which has put top priority on reducing the irregular workforce. The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) has delayed a plan to publish a booklet that deals with irregular workers, after its criticism of Moon's labor policy came under fire from the public and the government. "Outsourcing is necessary for some industries that need to secure competitiveness. It is natural in other countries," the KEF said in the booklet. "Society should rather encourage firms to cooperate with specialized affiliates for efficiency." However, President Moon Jae-in said: "The KEF has to look at its faults first, as it has also polarized Korean society." South Korea's global competitiveness ranking stayed unchanged in 2016 from a year earlier due to flaccid economic performance, an international institute said Thursday. According to the 2017 report by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), South Korea ranked 29th in terms of global competitiveness among 63 countries surveyed. IMD is a Swiss-based organization that releases competitiveness rankings every year based on a country's economic achievements, infrastructure, and government and corporate efficiency. It has been issuing the report since 1997. South Korea ranked 10th highest among the 14 countries checked in the Asia-Pacific region and stood at 11th place among 29 nations with a population of 20 million or more. In terms of economic achievements that cover the domestic economy, international trade and employment, South Korea placed 22nd, down one notch from a year earlier, as the country's exports backtracked 6 percent on-year in 2016 amid a worldwide economic slump. Hit hard by the unprecedented political corruption scandal that jolted the nation last year, government efficiency also dropped to the 28th spot this year from the previous year's 26th. In the infrastructure sector, South Korea was down by two to 24th place mainly due to a poor institutional environment for health and education. South Korea finished 44th in corporate efficiency, marking the lowest rank in four assessment criteria, as an inflexible labor market and opaque corporate management system kept the country from earning higher marks. "The recent political turmoil and economic fundamental issues weighed heavily on the IMD result," the South Korean finance ministry said in a release. IMD suggested that the South Korean government fend off the impact of external risks on the economy and carry out structural reforms in the business and labor sectors, along with efforts to create jobs for the younger generation, according to the ministry. Meanwhile, Hong Kong topped the list in terms of global competitiveness in the 2017 findings, followed by Switzerland and Singapore. The United States, which finished No. 3 last year, was relegated to fourth place. China, meanwhile, climbed by eight to place 18th this year, while Japan stood unchanged at 26th. (Yonhap) Moon pushes 11 trillion won supplementary budget By Yoon Ja-young The government plans to impose penalties on conglomerates hiring a high portion of people as irregular workers. They will also need to meet certain conditions to be allowed to hire them. These measures are part of plans announced by the presidential jobs committee Thursday. "President Moon Jae-in's economic policy starts with jobs and ends with jobs. We will focus on restoring the virtuous circle of growth, jobs and distribution, putting priority on quality job creation and changing the economic and social system to be job-friendly," said Lee Yong-sup, vice chairman of the committee. President Moon has stressed that economic growth can only be achieved when households have more income for spending. "Within 100 days since President Moon's inauguration, we will reorient the government system in a way that concentrates on job creation. We will accelerate projects that the government can complete by itself. For projects that need a long-term perspective, we will set up five-year roadmaps," he said. The main task of the committee is to accelerate the conversion of irregular jobs to regular ones. President Moon has pledged to get rid of all irregular jobs in the public sector. A task force will devise a blueprint after analyzing the matter. Regarding the private sector, the committee said it will consider levying a financial penalty on conglomerates that hire too many people as irregular workers. "Conglomerates have room to employ regular workers. However, they are hiring them as irregular ones so they can easily fire them," Lee said. The measures, however, are expected to draw backlash from conglomerates which want flexibility. Those switching from irregular to regular jobs, meanwhile, will be given tax support. Lee stressed that all these measures will be available only following a social consensus and approval at the National Assembly. "We won't pressure the private sector," he said. Moon has pledged to create 810,000 jobs in the public sector, which has triggered concerns over financing. Supplementary budget The government is also seeking to secure an 11 trillion won ($9.8 billion) supplementary budget, also for job creation. President Moon said he will visit the National Assembly to gain support for the extra budget if necessary. "If my visit is needed to persuade the Assembly, I will visit it and explain my position to lawmakers in the form of a parliamentary speech," Moon said at a meeting with his secretaries. The government will be hiring 12,000 workers this year, which is included in the supplementary budget. Lee also hinted that tax reform may be necessary. "Regardless of whether they were progressive or conservative, there was a consensus among presidential candidates during the election that the tax system should be revised so those who are capable shoulder more taxes," Lee said. He added there won't be an additional tax burden on the middle class as the government will focus on getting rid of tax cuts and exemptions for the affluent and conglomerates. Civic organizations oppose move to delay taxing religious leaders, Wednesday, at a press conference held in front of the Financial Supervisory Service education center. / Yonhap By You Soo-sun Civic organizations chastised Rep. Kim Jin-pyo's proposal to delay the enactment of a law that would tax religious leaders. Civic and some religious organizations held a press conference, Wednesday, urging immediate enactment of a revision in the law that would implement the tax beginning 2018. The revision to the Tax Law was passed by the National Assembly in 2015 after prolonged resistance from religious leaders who are known to hold powerful influence over politicians. Under the revised law, clergy members will have to abide by the new taxation regulations imposed that would tax them at between six percent and 38 percent according to their incomes. But Kim, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is allegedly looking into ways to delay its enactment until 2020. Kim, known as a devout Christian and an elder at a protestant church, told reporters Sunday the law revision should be further put on hold as it could stir conflicts and tension. He believes more time should be given for preparation, and is collecting signatures from fellow lawmakers who share his view. His statement is drawing a fierce backlash from civic organizations, including the Korea Taxpayers' Association, the Korea Institute for Religious Freedom and other religious organizations. Only the Communion of Churches in Korea, an alliance of some protestant churches, welcomed his statement. Opposing organizations held a press conference, Wednesday, in front of the Financial Supervisory Service education center in Jongno, downtown Seoul. Rebuking Kim's statement, they urged that taxes should be imposed immediately. "Tax exemption for religious leaders has been a deep-rooted evil practice in our society," they said. "Taxes should be immediately imposed on all religious leaders." According to the Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ), a civic group that has long advocated taxing religious leaders, Korea stands as the only OECD member country that exempts the clergy from taxes. "Religious leaders should be treated no differently from other citizens," a CCEJ representative said. According to the CCEJ, the National Tax Service already has the system in place to follow through with the original plan. In addition, the CCEJ further advocates taxing clergy based on the income tax standards applied to other citizens rather than using a separate clause that has more lax standards. Park Kyung-mi, professor of Christian Studies at Ewha Womans University, said the situation is equivalent to corporations resisting tax hikes. "They put forward religious reasons, but it doesn't make sense," Park said. "There are so many privileges enjoyed by pastors at megachurches, and they don't want to let that go," she said. Park, however, warned against generalizing the problem to all Protestant churches and pastors. "These churches only constitute perhaps 10 to 20 percent of all churches. Many pastors I know make less than an average company employee. Many suffer financially," she said. North Korea fired a ballistic missile from its eastern coast early Monday morning, dealing another blow to efforts by South Korea's new government to improve inter-Korean ties. The missile, presumed to be a Scud type, was launched eastward from the vicinity of Wonsan, Gangwon Province, at around 5:39 a.m., according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). "The flight distance is around 450 kilometers," it said. The North's latest action was immediately reported to President Moon Jae-in, who ordered related government officials to convene a National Security Council meeting, said the JCS. The session started at 7:30 a.m., presided over by Moon's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong. The U.S. Pacific Command also confirmed the launch occurred near Wonsan Airfield, saying the missile was tracked for six minutes until it landed in the East Sea. "The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) assessed that the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America," the Hawaii-based command said in an emailed statement. "U.S. Pacific Command stands behind our ironclad commitment to the security of our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan." U.S. President Donald Trump was also briefed on the North's provocation, a White House official said. The Japanese government strongly denounced the North as the missile appears to have landed in waters near its territory. "This ballistic missile launch by North Korea is highly problematic from the perspective of the safety of shipping and air traffic, and is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. The North's Scud missiles using liquid fuel is known to have a range of 300-500 km, mainly targeting the South. By Kim Se-jeong The presidential committee on job creation said Thursday it will double the maternity leave pay as early as this year, one of President Moon Jae-in's pledges. In a press conference, committee chief Lee Yong-sup said the government will submit the plan to the National Assembly next week to be included in a discussion on a supplementary budget proposal. If approved, female employees on maternity leave will receive 80 percent of their monthly pay, up from the 40 percent they now receive. Thursday's announcement was part of the new government's first 100-day plan to create jobs and improve the quality of lives for workers. "The priority is to create quality jobs. With that, I believe we can restore the healthy cycle of growth, jobs and fair distribution," said Lee. He added that the government will also launch a nationwide allowance program for young job seekers. With no details given, Lee said the program is designed to lessen their financial worries while seeking jobs. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province began such a program during the Park Geun-hye administration, despite setbacks from the central government. The program was well received. The announced measures reflect the challenges facing Korea there aren't many new jobs to begin with. People work longer hours while the minimum wage is below the OECD standard at 6,470 won per hour and many earn less than that. The number of irregular workers is rising and the income gap between them and regular employees is widening. Korea's labor market is also challenging for the elderly, women and minorities. Lee said the government will push to increase the minimum wage to 10,000 won by 2020, one of Moon's campaign pledges. He also added that the administration will push the Assembly to revise the law to limit weekly working hours to 52 from the current 68. However, this may be difficult as there is already a big partisan divide. By Park Si-soo Two senior Bank of Korea (BOK) officials have been disciplined for the alleged sexual harassment of a young female colleague over nearly two years. They were stripped of their roles and official titles on Thursday. The central bank will organize a disciplinary committee to discuss the matter. "It's inappropriate to leave them working as team leaders because their acts were considered sexual harassment," a BOK official said. The scandal erupted last month after a female official about 20 filed a complaint with the bank's discipline team, claiming the senior officials sexually harassed her for nearly two years. The alleged victim said she had repeatedly been told: "Women are good at peeling fruit, and men are good at taking off women's clothes." She claimed she had frequently heard "sexually humiliating" comments in the office or at meetings outside the office. The central bank held an emergency meeting on May 18, during which judges determined that the comments were "sexually abusive" and the two should be disciplined. One of the officials reportedly denies any wrongdoing. BOK chief Lee Ju-yeol expressed regret for the scandal, saying: "Something that should not happen has happened. I will do my best to prevent a similar scandal from happening again." Gates of the Changnyeong-Haman Dam on the Nakdong River in Gyeongsang Province are seen open Thursday. Gates of five other dams on the country's four major rivers were also opened. Yonhap By Lee Kyung-min The government opened the gates of six out of 16 new dams built under the former President Lee Myung-bak administration for his Four Major Rivers Refurbishment Project, Thursday. This follows instructions from President Moon Jae-in who pledged an overhaul of what he called an "anti-environment plan." The Ministry of Environment said the opening of the gates will lower water levels by up to 1 meter, with the process expected to take up to 10 hours. The six dams to remain open for the next 30 days are the Gangjeong-Goryeong, Dalseong, Hapcheon-Changnyeong and Changnyeong-Haman dams on the Nakdong River, the Gongju Dam on the Geum River and the Joonsan Dam on the Youngsan River. The order to let the stored water flow reflected criticism both from the public and environmentalists that stagnant water inside the dams was the main cause of algal blooming, sarcastically referred to as "green tea latte." Algal blooms are known to cause deaths of animals and fish, and pose a major harm to the ecosystem. The ministry decided to open the gates on a trial basis to gauge the degree of algal bloom presence by comparing it with previous years' data for the dams which showed a sharp increase in the environmental hazard phenomenon in early June. If the 30-day measure fails to show any improvement, the ministry will revise or scrap the plan to partially open the remaining 10 dams. The government dismissed concerns that opening the gates will pose a threat to farmers nearby suffering from an ongoing drought when they need a large quantity of water in June. According to the ministry, the gates are mostly in the southern Jeolla and Gyeongsang regions while severe drought-stricken regions are in Chungcheong and the southern part of the Gyeonggi region. However, farmers criticize the government for listening only to the voices of the environmentalists whose lives have nothing to do with farming. "They do not know how crucially water in a drought determines the outcome of our farming. We are worried that not enough rain is expected this year, and releasing the water right before when we need it most seems a decision ignorant of how farming works," a farmer in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province said. Criticism remains that the measure was hastily adopted without fully considering possible side effects. If the water level gets too low, pumping stations, which currently are not buried deep enough underground to offset the new level, could malfunction. This is because air would travel into the pumps where only water should be, compromising its intended function and settings equipped to deliver only water. The Four Rivers Project, a signature project under former President Lee, remains the county's biggest and most controversial river refurbishment program. Between 2007 and 2012, the government spent 22.2 trillion won ($17.3 billion) of taxpayers' money, building 16 dams on the country's four major rivers. While Lee said the dams on the country's four major rivers would prevent flooding and droughts and boost tourism, few academic assessments or media reports were published to verify that such aims were achieved. Uijeongbu Boodaejjigae Street will be one of the busy spots in Uijeongbu where the city's newly launched "Tourists Police" will take a periodical patrol to protect foreign tourists. / Korea Times file By Ko Dong-hwan Uijeongbu has set up a police unit to safeguard foreign tourists visiting the city adjacent to northern Seoul. Gyeonggi Uijeongbu Police Station launched "Tourists Police" on Monday to help foreigners with public transport and provide other safety services, especially at night. Tourists Police will operate every second and fourth Sunday from June to October, monitoring hotspots including Haengbok-ro Street, Boodaejjigae Street and around Uijeongbu Arts Center. Six foreign residents will accompany the unit as interpreters. The pilot unit's operation period may be prolonged depending on feedback. "We will fully cooperate with other agencies to help foreign tourists enjoy their time in Uijeongbu more safely and comfortably," a Uijeongbu police official said. The city has a population of more than 420,000. President orders thorough probe By Kim Rahn The U.S. military has brought in four additional launchers for its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery deployed here, in addition to the two already in operation, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday. The Ministry of National Defense, however, failed to share the information with the new administration until very recently, the office said. President Moon Jae-in ordered a full inspection into how the additional launchers were brought in and why this was concealed, describing the incident as "very shocking," according to Yoon Young-chan, the senior secretary for public relations. The revelation could lead to an investigation into former National Security Office head Kim Kwan-jin and Defense Minister Han Min-koo, analysts said. They were appointed to the posts by ousted former President Park Geun-hye. A THAAD battery is usually comprised of six mobile launchers, radar and ancillary equipment. The former Park Geun-hye government pushed ahead with the deployment of the anti-missile system here as a deterrent to North Korea's missile provocations despite protests from opposition parties, civic groups and residents of the planned deployment site in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province. When some of the equipment was brought here in late April, the ministry said two launchers were part of the delivery. About 10 days after the surprise entry of these parts, Moon, who has said the agreement to install the THAAD battery had procedural flaws, became the new President. "Newly appointed National Security Office head Chung Eui-yong reported to Moon that four launchers had been additionally transported to Korea and have been kept at a military base," Yoon said. "The defense ministry did not mention this when it gave a policy briefing to the presidential advisory committee on May 25." By Jun Ji-hye President Moon Jae-in's top security adviser departed for the United States, Thursday, for talks on the controversial deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here. Another purpose of his visit is to coordinate the schedule for the summit between Moon and U.S. President Donald Trump, which is to take place in Washington late this month. Chung Eui-yong During his two-day stay, National Security Office (NSO) chief Chung Eui-yong will meet with U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and other officials to mediate the summit agenda. "Chung will conduct an in-depth consultation with the U.S. officials including the White House security adviser on measures to successfully hold the first bilateral summit since the launch of the new governments in both countries," Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release. "Chung will also discuss bilateral challenges including North Korea's nuclear threats." Chung and the U.S. officials are expected to touch on a set of pending issues surrounding the THAAD installation here and the countries' bilateral free trade agreement. Controversy regarding THAAD has flared anew here after it was revealed Wednesday that the Ministry of National Defense had "intentionally" omitted to detail the arrival of four additional launchers for the system in a recent briefing to Chung who replaced former NSO chief Kim Kwan-jin, May 21. Kim took the lead in the deployment decision under the former Park Geun-hye government, which was criticized for rushing to install the U.S. anti-missile system despite controversy and protests at the time. Diplomatic friction Following Moon's order for a full inspection into the reporting omission, the presidential office questioned Kim and Defense Minister Han Min-koo, Wednesday. Concerns have been raised that an ongoing investigation by Cheong Wa Dae into the Park government's THAAD deployment decision-making process could lead to diplomatic friction between Seoul and Washington. During his visit, Chung is expected to ask for Washington's understanding on Seoul's position, stressing that the incident would not affect the alliance between the two countries. Bamgol Village is nestled within a crescent-shaped ridge in Dongjak-gu, southern Seoul, in this picture taken Sept. 8, 2012. / Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar By Jon Dunbar Tucked away inside a crescent-moon-shaped ridge in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, stood Bamgol Village, a hillside community founded in the aftermath of the 1950-53 Korean War as refugees and other impoverished people moved to the rapidly urbanizing city. This place is called a "moon village," or "daldongnae" in Korean, signifying its high elevation and closer proximity to and better view of the moon. While it may conjure up romantic imagery, Bamgol along with other moon villages found in Seoul and across South Korea was the byproduct of desperation and hardship, and thus is treated more like a bad memory. Moon villages such as Bamgol were built on previously unoccupied land, usually without government approval or support. Most Bamgol residents moved in as squatters; only some managed to make legal claims to the land beneath their homes. Present-day residents told The Korea Times that Prince Yangnyeong (1394 to 1462), was once the legal owner of the land in Sangdo 2-dong. Yangnyeong, elder brother of King Sejong the Great, is entombed just south of Bamgol. Until recently, most of the land belonged to Jideoksa, a foundation run by his descendants. Bamgol was developed with a distinct lack of planning, filled with winding alleys and steep hills, riddled with small communal spaces and urban farming plots. Such places would have made an ideal playground for young children living there, but Bamgol in later years saw its population aging rapidly. The same view of Bamgol Village is seen in these two photos. The top picture, taken Sept. 26, 2015, shows a hillside community of aging houses and greenery surrounded by high-rise apartments. By April 30, 2017, seen in the lower picture, only one house remained there. / Korea Times photos by Jon Dunbar Originally the land high up on Seoul's many ridges, hills and mountains was unpopular due to its remoteness and many perils. But advances in infrastructure and construction technology bring these villages closer down to earth. As the land becomes more accessible, redevelopers take note. On March 24, 2013, Tae Ryeo Construction bought the land from Jideoksa, although some residents had their own land claims that needed to be sorted out separately. A temporary office for Tae Ryeo opened at the foot of Bamgol, with a sign out front boasting a conceptual image of a fancy new apartment complex to be built in this area. The project is, like most high-rise apartment complexes here, uninspiring and difficult to picture conforming to existing terrain. Artists visited Bamgol, covering many of its bare walls with murals and paintings depicting happy villagers, pop culture characters, animals and more. Mural villages like this have popped up across the country and city, as initiatives to beautify poor areas, inject cultural value and justify their continued existence. Meanwhile, the aging residents of Bamgol Village were happy to move out without putting up a fight. Vacancies had already been popping up for years, as residents left many leaving their worldly possessions behind but nobody else was moving in. Unlike some other high-profile cases, eviction was carried out peacefully here. When reporters of The Korea Times visited on April 30, most of Bamgol Village had been demolished, the remaining land resembling a barren moonscape. Workers hurried to lay down blue tarps to prevent the wind from kicking up dust. Less than half a dozen buildings remained inhabited: three residential, one church and one supermarket. Two others sat empty high up on the slope, with graffiti urging their absent owners to reach an agreement with redevelopers. From one remaining house, sticking out of the dirt in the middle of the crescent, an elderly resident stood watching her new neighbor: an excavator moving dirt around downhill. Places like this have made headlines, especially in China where they are referred to as "nail houses." In Korea this phenomenon is less well known, and the local word is "albakgi." While some examples exist of these places being spared from demolition, it is unlikely to happen here in Bamgol. Nor do the residents want that. The last remaining residents of Bamgol were friendly and welcoming, but all refused to speak on the record, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Once the last house of Bamgol Village is stripped away, it will be survived by at least three other moon villages in Seoul: Gaemi Village in Seodaemun-gu was granted "future heritage" status by the city which will see its lifespan extended, while Baeksa Village of Nowon-gu faces partial redevelopment combined with an ambitious rejuvenation project, and residents of Gangnam-gu's notorious Guryong Village await a way out. Korea's moon villages are disappearing, but the same can't be said for the poverty that kept those residents in place. The moon village is an understudied phenomenon showing the plight of Korea's urban poor. It presents evidence of their desperate circumstances, as well as their ingenuity in rebuilding their lives amid harsh conditions. By Richard Ruffin Everyone in Brazil stands in a line. Everyone. If there is not a line at the place that you frequent, well then there will be. Just you wait. Such lines remind me of a failed state, such as that of the former Soviet Union. I call Brazil "The country of long lines." Nothing works here. Nothing. Prices are high and the infrastructure is lacking. But the air, at least, is clean. All Brazilians complain about their politicians. "Liar," one says. "Corrupt," another one cries. Yet another mentions the word for thief in Portuguese. "Ladrao," he says. Sure, there is change, but it is bad change. Dilma Roussef lost the politicians' trust and now her vice president, Michel Temer, is in office. Some consider him worse than the woman he replaced. Why can Brazil not do to most of the politicians what they did to Dilma, namely, vote them out of office? I have some of the answers to such questions, but 500 words do not allow me the space to address such a complaint. Instead, the people choose to live with, and accept, the cabal of thieves and corrupt "politicians" that run the country. There are corrupt, incompetent and insane politicians throughout the world. Park Geun-hye was getting her advice from a soothsayer, much like the last Russian queen was getting her advice from Rasputin, a mad monk. In the USA Donald Trump, perhaps the most ignorant American man to ever hold public office, continues to run the USA as if it were a giant corporation. And as much as it tries to be, it is not. Across the Atlantic on the shores of the eastern Mediterranean Erdogan's thugs deliver punishment to the press, while he conveniently avoids democracy. Russia's Putin has many of his critics assassinated, or bullied into submission. Syria's Assad Bashar drops barrel bombs on his people, destroying large swaths of the country and its cities at the same time. Across the Middle East and Africa merciless tyrants practice tyranny, while the people below them just try to survive. What is the answer to all these problems? Your guess is as good as mine. With more than seven billion people in the world clamoring for energy and democracy, the collective politicians of this world have their work cut out for them. Detecting my accent a man recently asked me from where I hailed. "I was born in Brazil of North American parents," I told him. "However, I do not feel very American. For various reasons." Then I added. "I guess I hate Trump and the entire mentality that he embodies too much to be a good, God-fearing American." He shot back. "Call him what you may, but he is still a lot better than Temer" (the current Brazilian to hold office). "That's right," added another Brazilian. "Temer is a thief. Trump however does not have to steal from the people. That is because he is rich beyond belief." There you have it. Problems all over. Richard Ruffin writes from Curitiba, Brazil. Write to rick.ruffin@gmail.com. Boxed in by big powers, Korea needs to look beyond its immediate region and find new partners. Africa is one candidate with its economy on a rapid development path, finally starting to put its potential resources and human talent to their proper use. During The Korea Times Roundtable discussion last week, African ambassadors offered glimpses into how this potential can be nurtured and what hurdles stand in the way. One participant captured the spirit when he said, "Korea is frozen in its view of Africa 30 or 40 years ago." African envoys gather for discussions on their continent's new dynamism and stereotypes during The Korea Times Roundtable at the Times building, last Monday. From left are Mohamed Gello ambassador of Kenya; Mohammed Eldei Ali, minister of Sudan, who participated for Ambassador Mohamed Abdelaal; Nozuko Gloria Bam, ambassador of South Africa; Chafik Rachadi, ambassador of Morocco; Emma-Francoise Isumbingabo, ambassador of Rwanda; Albino Malungo, ambassador of Angola; Mohamed Ali Nafti, ambassador of Tunisia; Kim Il-soo, executive director of the Korea-Africa Center; Kim He-young, the center's research fellow; and the Times' chief editorial writer Oh Young-jin. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Kim Il-soo Last week was the undeclared week of Africa. The African culture festival, social functions organized for and by 19 African envoys in Seoul and other events took place to celebrate the Africa Day that commemorates the inauguration of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. Over the past half century Africa has made a tremendous transformation. Above all, OAU evolved into the African Union in 2002. The main agenda of the pan African organization were switched from anti-colonialism and anti-apartheid to human rights, democracy and the well-being of ordinary citizens. The new mandates of AU are the result of serious reflections on mistakes and failures of the past era and reflects new consensus on good governance aimed at delivering peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa. Exceptionally high economic growth registered by Africa since the 2000s indicates that a new direction taken by African states is not empty rhetoric but well justified by actions of substance. It is no mere compliment to coin Africa the rising continent' and the future engine of the world economy.' One of the events organized to celebrate Africa Day was a round-table meeting with African Ambassadors in Seoul jointly hosted by The Korea Times and the Korea-Africa Center. At the meeting African envoys were in one voice in anticipating more serious economic partnership between Africa and Korea. One of the reasons why African countries are interested in cooperation with Korea is our experience of economic development which all of our African partners are eager to emulate. NIS should stay completely out of politics During the election, President Moon Jae-in was resolute on reforming the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Moon pledged to close the spy agency's domestic division, while expanding its capacity for international affairs, North Korea as well as terrorism and international crimes. He has also hinted at curtailing its counterespionage function. Moon's pledges to overhaul the nation's chief intelligence agency are in response to the widespread criticism of its past abuses. The NIS has faced incessant criticism for its excessive involvement in politics. NIS director nominee Suh Hoon said this will change under the Moon administration, during a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly Monday. "It is a shame the public confidence and support in the NIS have been greatly reduced because of controversies regarding its intervention in domestic politics," Suh said. The former deputy director of the NIS vowed to separate the spy agency completely from politics going forward. The public will be closely watching to see if the agency can keep its promise this time. The need for the NIS to rebuild itself and break away from its infamous political intervention became apparent during the Park Geun-hye administration. The NIS was linked to several political controversies, such as a public opinion manipulation scandal around the 2012 presidential election. A group of NIS agents posted massive amounts of comments online favorable to Park, the Saenuri Party presidential nominee, in an attempt to influence voter sentiment ahead of the election. Suh hinted that the incident will be given further scrutiny, as the case was not properly investigated during the Park administration. Then NIS-chief Won Sei-hoon, who led the NIS from 2009 to 2013, is still waiting on appeal for his alleged involvement in the case. Those responsible for the election interference should be strictly punished. It is shocking the NIS was still engaging in such illegalities long after the end of authoritarian rule. The NIS should ensure it no longer plays any part in election meddling or other schemes that violate political neutrality. North Korea staged its third missile test in three weeks Monday. It is Pyongyang's ninth missile launch this year. With a grave national security situation, the primary goal of the NIS should be to protect the people by focusing on collecting intelligence on North Korea. The next NIS chief should implement measures for fundamental change in its organization and function so it can focus on its inherent role. Above all, the NIS should aim to rebuild itself as an intelligence agency committed to the nation and the people, not a specific administration. Earlier this week, the Seoul City administration finally removed 41 tents on Seoul Square set up by supporters of former President Park Geun-hye, after four months of illegal occupation. The supporters of the ousted president set up the tents Jan. 21 without the city's approval. They had been staging their protest against the presidential impeachment on the ground adjacent to Seoul City Hall despite the city administration's repeated requests for them to vacate the space. Their illegal occupation has resulted in the cancellation and delay of more than 30 events scheduled there. The city administration has planted grass in the spaces that had been occupied by the tents so that Seoul Square can serve its original purpose again as a place of leisure for citizens by the end of this month. Though belated, Mayor Park Won-soon's decision to clear Seoul Square of illegal protests is a rational one that will please citizens who have been deprived of their rights to fully enjoy the square. It is now time for the mayor to act firmly on returning the Gwanghwamun Square to citizens as well. Seoul's signature square in front of the government complex and the U.S. Embassy has long been occupied by tents set up for victims of the 2014 ferry Sewol sinking. Bereaved families and civic groups have staged a sit-in for more than three years. Some of the tents even carry political slogans that have nothing to do with the Sewol disaster. More citizens are becoming baffled by the purpose of the protests because the Sewol has been salvaged and Park has been removed from office. Her successor President Moon Jae-in has shown much attention to the Sewol families and has pledged to do his utmost to get to the bottom of the disaster. It is long overdue for the square to be cleared of Sewol protesters. However, Mayor Park has not been forthcoming about it, saying that it is a "humanitarian measure" to keep the Sewol tents. The mayor should be fair in applying rules on illegal occupation of public space. It is time to restore Gwanghwamun Square's identity as a place for all citizens. The city administration should swiftly start discussing the removal of the tents with the bereaved families. Lee mustn't hesitate to give candid advice to Moon New Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon assumed office Wednesday after winning approval at the National Assembly. It took 21 days for the former South Jeolla Province governor to be endorsed after President Moon Jae-in nominated him, the shortest period of time ever. The legislature passed the confirmation motion for Lee, a journalist-turned-politician, after a grueling vetting process. Among the 188 lawmakers present for the vote, 164 approved of Lee, 20 opposed and two abstained. Two votes were invalid. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party boycotted the vote, calling him unfit for the post. The conservative party charged Lee with a string of allegations, including one that Lee's wife used a false address to get assigned to a school in southern Seoul as a teacher. The brouhaha that erupted in the process of the new prime minister being confirmed at the parliament is emblematic of the heap of challenges ahead of him. His utmost task is certainly boosting ''cooperative governance,'' a key national agenda item President Moon Jae-in has championed since taking office May 10. The opposition-led parliament _ the ruling Democratic Party of Korea holds only 120 seats, falling far short of a majority in the 300-seat Assembly _ makes it all the more necessary for this to work. Although Lee managed to pass the confirmation hearing, other nominees to top Cabinet posts are facing strong opposition. Kang Kyung-wha, the nominee for foreign minister, and Kim Sang-jo, who was tapped to head the Fair Trade Commission, are facing criticism because of a variety of ethics breaches. In his inauguration speech, Lee vowed to be a prime minister in the ''lowest place'' who always communicates with citizens. We hope that he will pursue national unity and reconciliation, transcending ideological, regional and generational differences. Toward that end, he needs to be an empowered premier who will actually take charge of day-to-day state affairs, not content with being a ''ceremonial prime minister'' as the No. 2 in the executive branch. Given that President Moon promised to guarantee the premier's power stipulated in the Constitution during Wednesday's appointment ceremony, we expect that Lee will become an empowered leader. But there are already concerns that Cheong Wa Dae might pull far ahead in a fight for power, considering its bloated secretariat. Prime Minister Lee should play a role in mitigating the power of the presidential office and let the Cabinet exercise authority substantially. He can set an example by recommending nominees for the remaining Cabinet posts, as stipulated in the Constitution. Lee became the prime minister after much meandering. For genuine cooperative governance, he ought to devote himself to activating communication between the National Assembly and the administration. So sometimes, he might have to give candid advice to President Moon when necessary. S-Oil CEO Othman Al-Ghamdi gives a lecture on the global oil industry and the refiner's business at Korea University in Seoul, Wednesday. The Saudi-born CEO also urged students to work toward their goals with passion and lead changes in the business world. / Courtesy of S-Oil Workers assemble washers at an LG Electronics factory in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. The home appliance giant said the factory's productivity soared in recent years thanks to automation. / Courtesy of LG Electronics By Kang Seung-woo CHANGWON, South Gyeongsang Province -- Automated guide vehicles constantly deliver parts for washers and dryers to 140-meter-long assembly lines. Employees put together yet-unfinished products on conveyor belts at LG Electronics' factory here. Plus, semi-processed goods for home appliances are automatically sent to production lines through overhead trolleys. These scenes might be enough to sum up LG Electronics' market leadership in the home appliance business domestically and globally. "We churn out a product every 11 seconds to meet growing demand for our home appliances," an LG official told reporters on Wednesday. The factory's production portfolio ranges from top-load and front-load washers to dryers to a styler, which is designed to refresh clothes without water or detergents. "Recently, 24-inch dryers are becoming a big hit, so our workers are busier than ever," he said. According to the tech giant, the factory saw a 20 percent increase in the production of Twin Wash units compared to the previous year. Twin Wash is a unique appliance that combines a miniature top loader under a conventional front loader. Production of dryers jumped 30 percent and stylers 150 percent. In particular, the company currently produces 40,000 dryers per month for local consumers _ a tenfold increase from the previous year. LG expects the dryer market will surpass 1 trillion won in a year or two as more consumers are interested in the product due to the growing number of balcony-less houses and worsening air quality. The factory, built in 1987, initially churned out half a million home appliances a year but its capacity has now soared to 5 million. LG attributes the growth to its automated factory system. "In anticipation of increasing demand we invested heavily in automating our manufacturing facilities over the past two years. As a result, the factory's automation level has reached 60 percent," the LG official said. Although home appliance products roll off the five assembly lines at the factory, they have another phase to pass through before hitting the shelves: durability tests. "The CEO's policy is not to release products that lack reliability," another LG official said. At a nearby building, more than 500 products at once undergo durability testing. They should withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations to get the green light for final shipment. House of innovation LG Electronics globally operates 11 plants for home appliances and the Changwon factory serves as the hub of new products. After coming up with the nation's first washing machine in 1969, LG has written the history of washers, introducing various innovations. It launched a direct-drive motor for washers in 1998, followed by the first front-load washer with a direct-drive motor in 2000, the first steam washer in 2005 and the first six-motion washer in 2009 that offers six distinct wash cycles. The latest version is the Twin Wash unit that came out in 2015, which is proving to be a grand slam. And its efforts for innovation are paying off as U.S.-based Consumer Reports recognized LG appliances last month, which were named the most reliable washers and dryers on the U.S. market, including front-load washing machines and high-efficiency top-load washing machines, both in electric and gas. Italian luxury vehicle maker Maserati has lent Tottenham Hotspur player Son Heung-min its first SUV, the Levante, to drive during his off-season stay in Seoul. / Yonhap By Ko Dong-hwan Luxury auto brand Maserati has presented its first SUV to European Premier League player Son Heung-min to drive during his off-season hiatus in Korea. The Italian carmaker offered the Tottenham Hotspur attacker the Levante, a mid-size crossover that has a base-model price of more than $79,000. It went on sale in Europe in May 2016 and was released in Korea in November. "Levante might be the most matching vehicle to Son, who can play with delicacy and unstoppable power," Korea's official Maserati importer FMK told the Seoul Economic Daily. "We are proud to present the Levante to Son, who is an outstanding EPL player." Son arrived in Seoul earlier this week after finishing the 2016-17 season with 21 goals from 46 matches in all competitions setting a single-season scoring record by a South Korean in Europe. He broke Cha Bum-kun's record, who scored 19 goals for Leverkusen in the 1985-86 season. Son was also twice named the Premier League's Player of the Month, in September and April, becoming the first Asian to be so honored in one season. GE Vice Chairman John Rice speaks during a ceremony marking the opening of GE Power's plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday. The plant produces heat recovery steam generators, a core component of combined cycle power plants that recycle thermal energy from gas turbines to produce electricity. / Courtesy of GE Korea By Lee Hyo-sik General Electric (GE) opened a manufacturing plant for steam generators in Korea, a key component of combined cycle power plants, the company said Tuesday. GE Power held a ceremony to mark the opening of the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) production facility in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. Last August, the company acquired the site from Doosan Engineering & Construction, which was reeling from snowballing debt, for 300 billion won ($250 million) to capitalize on the growing combined cycle power plant market in Asia. HRSG is a core component of a combined cycle power plant that recycles thermal energy from a gas turbine to produce electricity for a steam turbine. GE said it has successfully transformed the plant into a state-of-the-art smart factory that meets its high manufacturing standard. The company has also added research and development, and design functions to the site, which will serve as its global HRSG business hub. "GE Changwon's capabilities and expertise in HRSG engineering and project execution, combined with our leading technologies and global footprint, will lead to better power solutions for customers in Korea and around the world," GE Vice Chairman John Rice said at the ceremony. The global demand for HRSG has more than doubled in recent years in line with the growing appeal of combined-cycle power plants as a higher efficiency power generation solution, according to GE Korea CEO Chris Khang. He said GE Power will continue to expand the Changwon plant, which exports more than 70 percent of its output. "GE has been operating in Koea for more than 40 years, and has been one of the major multinational corporations in Changwon. We are excited to open this innovative facility and contribute to the development of the regional economy," Khang said. "The facility is expected to further enhance Korea's manufacturing and engineering capabilities in the power generation industry. GE will nurture the Changwon plant as our HRSG hub." By Yoon Ja-young Cho Suck-rai, Hyosung Group former chairman A collection of essays about former chairman of Hyosung Group, Cho Suck-rai, was published, recollecting the life of a businessman who contributed to the country's industrial development. Around 80 leading figures from politics, business and media contributed to the book, recollecting diverse aspects of the businessman. They include Hoam Foundation Chairman Sohn Byung-doo, former prime minister Lee Hong-gu, former deputy prime minister Kwon Oh-kyu, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) Chairman Huh Chang-soo, and SK Telecom honorary Chairman Son Kil-seung. Fukuda Yasuo, former Japanese prime minister, also contributed his piece. Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, his son, published the book, on the belief that recording the life of the 82-year-old former chairman would be meaningful with regard to the country's economic and industrial development. Son Kil-seung introduces Cho as a man who's unafraid to point out what is unfair. When lawmakers visited the FKI in early 1990s, Cho revealed that the businesses were suffering from unjust pressure from banks. In exchange for giving loans, banks used to pressure businesses to subscribe to savings or other bank services. Most businesses remained silent on fear that they would face unfavorable treatment from powerful lenders. But Cho was willing to represent them. "For a good cause, Cho would take the lead despite risks of sustaining damage. It made him stand as a dignified leader of the business circle," Son wrote. Incumbent FKI chairman Huh calls him "Mr. Global." Having studied in Japan and the United States, Cho was well aware that global network matters. He led networks of global businessmen, playing the role of a mediator when there was a conflict of interests. "On the belief that businesses cannot exist without a country, he was dedicated to serving the country. He made diverse efforts to help the government, in the signing of the Korea-U.S. free trade deal, exemption of visa for Koreans and easing regulation on intellectual property," wrote Hyun Hong-choo, the late former ambassador to the U.S. Fukuda, who regards Cho as his fellow alumni of Waseda University and dear friend, also noted Cho's leadership in the Korea-Japan businessmen's meeting. Toshinori Shigei, former Japanese ambassador to Korea, also recollects that he sought Cho's advice to improve Korea-Japan relations. Cho's efforts gave birth to the Korea-Japan Business Summit Roundtable. "I think we need someone like Cho who understands both countries well more than ever, especially at this time when the relationship isn't very smooth between the two countries." Hyundai Engineering CEO Sung Sang-rok, left, shakes hands with Edra Global Energy Berhad President and CEO Dato' Mark Ling during a signing ceremony for a combined-cycle gas turbine power plant construction in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Hyundai Engineering By Jhoo Dong-chan Hyundai Engineering and Hyundai Engineering and Construction (E&C) has jointly clinched a 1 trillion won ($890 million) deal to build a power plant in Malaysia. Korean construction firms haven't won a mega deal since mid-March, but the power plant construction contract in Malaysia is generating expectations that similar good news could follow. Hyundai Engineering has struck the deal with Malaysian independent power producer Edra Global Energy Berhad to build a 2,242-megawatt combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Alor Gajah, Malacca, 90 kilometers southeast of Kuala Lumpur. The construction cost will be 1.04 trillion won. Hyundai Engineering has an 85 percent share of the deal, while its partner Hyundai E&C will hold the remaining 15 percent. Once it is completed in about 40 months, it will be the largest CCGT power plant in Southeast Asia. "Hyundai Engineering is currently building another power plant in the country and that acted as a good reference," Hyundai Engineering CEO Sung Sang-rok. "Through the deal, Hyundai Engineering will further strengthen its position in Southeast Asia's power plant construction market." In 2014, Hyundai Engineering inked a deal to build a 2,000-megawatt ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant in Jima, Port Dickson, about 60 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur. The project is currently underway and is expected to be finished next year. Edra Global Energy Berhad is Malaysia's second-largest independent power producer that was acquired by China General Nuclear Power Corp. in 2015. According to the International Contractors Association of Korea, the nation's construction companies have bagged $14.3 billion on the overseas construction market during the January to May period this year including this deal, up 4.7 percent from the $13.7 billion during the same period last year. Experts say this year will be very promising for Korean builders since oil prices are stabilizing with Iran, one of the largest oil exporters to Korea, becoming politically stable under President Hassan Rouhani's leadership. A number of emerging economies, including Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, are also expected to make big investments in their infrastructure. Market consultancies expect Korean builders to win more construction deals mounting to $35 billion this year, up by 20 percent from last year's figure. AmorePacific cell science team researcher Kim Hyoung-june, right, poses after receiving the grand prize of the 2017 Dongam Cosmetics Scientist Awards from Beautynury CEO Hahm Sung-won, left, at the Seoul National University of Technology, Friday. / Courtesy of AmorePacific By Park Jae-hyuk AmorePacific cell science team researcher Kim Hyoung-june won the grand prize of the 2017 Dongam Cosmetics Scientist Awards and 10 million won ($8,900) for his research on sunscreen, the nation's top cosmetics firm said Monday. Known as one of the most prized awards for Korean cosmetic scientists, the prize was designed to encourage researchers who develop the beauty industry and strengthen its competitiveness. Judges praised Kim's paper for suggesting the effects of short wavelength visible light on the skin, which cannot be blocked by ordinary sunscreen "Kim suggested a new way of blocking harmful light as well," said Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea (SCSK) President Park Soo-nam, who is also a professor of the Seoul National University of Technology. "His research will help in developing ingredients for sunscreen in the future. It has already contributed greatly to the nation's cosmetics industry." The Journal of Investigative Dermatology also published the study. The Nature Publishing Group prints the journal, a peer-reviewed scientific journal of dermatology. "I just represent researchers in our team who have studied with me for a long time," Kim said. "I will continue to try my best to develop technologies and will contribute to AmorePacific's innovations." AmorePacific will apply Kim's research to the company's sunscreen products such as its HERA suncare. The SCSK awarded gold prize went to LG Household & Healthcare researcher Kim Do-hyung, Biospectrum Life Science Institute researcher Shin Seung-woo and Cosmax R&I Center researcher Lee Kyung-eun. Each of them received 3 million won. New data show black drivers last year were 75 percent more likely than whites to be pulled over by law enforcement officers in Missouri. The annual report by the state attorney general's office shows the disparity rate last year increased from the year before, when blacks were 69 percent more likely than white motorists to be stopped. The state's disparity rate last hit 75 percent in 2014. That's the highest it's been since the state began compiling data 17 years ago. Police treatment of black people in Missouri fell under national scrutiny following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in August 2014. Brown, 18, was black. A Ferguson police officer who is white shot him. The latest report shows blacks in that St. Louis suburb were nearly 73 times more likely to be pulled over compared to whites last year. Between the four teachers retiring from Bird Rock Elementary School (BRES) in June, there are almost 100 years of education lessons to be learned. Before Lori Van Orden, Peggy Ray, Sandy Sibley and Barbara McDonald conclude their longtime careers, they sat down with La Jolla Light to reflect on their experiences at 5371 La Jolla Hermosa Ave. Kindergarten teacher Van Orden has been at BRES for 19 years. First-grade teacher McDonald has been there for 29 years. Ray has been teaching for 37 years in second grade at Bird Rock for 14 years and some time teaching through the Department of Defense. Second-grade-turned-first-grade teacher Sibley taught at Bird Rock for 27 years, after six years as a teacher in Connecticut. Oddly enough, in all that time, they agree the school hasnt changed much. Thats a good thing, said Van Orden. Its always been such as a strong neighborhood school with family support and hands-on parents who are here so much. Its a positive that the school has kept that. Added McDonald, Its a family and always has been. It takes a village to raise these kids, and we have a great village here, with lots of support from the families in the classrooms. The education system, however, has changed quite a bit, they insist education standards and expectations have become more rigorous and there are higher demands on students and teachers. Technology has come into the room and thats a big thing nowadays, Van Orden said. There is also more testing, maybe not at the level we teach, but there is more of it. The curriculum has also been moved up. It used to be that kindergarten was for teaching children how to behave at school, now youre expected to teach them to read in kindergarten. Ray added, There are more demands placed on teachers now, and while things are being added to the curriculum, nothing is being taken out. We are expected to design the curriculum and lessons (to include everything) as opposed to using a teachers manual you can tweak. This means teachers work 10-12 hour days and weekends. But, at the end of the day, its all worth it for these dedicated educators. Especially when you consider the young age of their joyful pupils. In elementary school, they point out, every day is the best day ever and you are their favorite teacher and youre beautiful. Sibley said, School has to be fun for them, especially at this age, or they wont want to come to school ... and neither will we! Van Orden added, A lot of things are new to them, so you get to watch them experience things for the first time. Being able to see the kids as they go through the grades is something Ill miss. First, they are yours and you see them grow through the years, and you check-in with them when theyre in second grade and fifth grade and when they come back for visits. Once they are yours, they are always yours. The kind words from parents make this such a fulfilling job. Entering the profession Each soon-to-be retiree entered the profession from a different path. For Ray, her horrible home economics teacher motivated her. I thought the teacher was horrible and I thought the stuff you did in home-ec was important and could be so much more fun. I decided I could do (better), so I did. I taught high school home-ec and worked my way down in grades until I reached second grade, she said. Sibley, who grew up in Connecticut, said teaching was a natural progression. I worked for the Park & Rec department during the summer and loved being with kids, so it was the love of kids that got me into teaching. I also have sisters who are teachers, she said. For McDonald, teaching was in her lineage. My dad was an administrator downtown. I have two sisters who are teachers. I think I was born to teach. I dont know if teaching is something you can learn, its a gift you are born with, she said. Van Orden said for her, teaching was a second career. I started in marketing and public relations. But I have two children, now grown, and when they were in school I volunteered in the classroom and in Girl Scouts, and then thought about making a career out of that. My dad was also a teacher. A message to parents By way of parting words, each shared insights into student needs and what they wish parents knew. Van Orden: Savor this time with your young child because it goes really fast. We all have adult children now and it does seem like yesterday sometimes that my own were going to kindergarten. With technology, its easy to become distracted, so put the phone down and play with your child. Sibley: There is so much going on with children, they get taken from this sport to that play-date, so slow down! And listen to them because they have good thoughts in their heads. Ray: Your kids need to fail in order to learn from their mistakes. Let them fall on their face. Dont bail them out and do things for them. Change is inevitable, so let your child experience change when you are there to support them. Help them solve problems, dont solve the problems for them. When they solve something for themselves, its like candy for the heart. It makes them feel so good when theyve done something empowering for themselves. When asked if they had a message for the Bird Rock community, they simply said, in unison, Thank you. The last day of school for Bird Rock Elementary, and these four teachers, is Wednesday, June 14. Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of... An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at... Sacramento Bee photo of Dan Walters by Jose Luis Villegas. Newsroom cuts have roiled the Sacramento Bee in recent days but it's likely that the biggest departure of them all will be the one announced on Wednesday. Dan Walters, the politics columnist who has been writing at the Bee for 33 years, is taking what Politico calls a buyout. His final column will run in the Bee on Sunday, the paper says. Walters confirmed the news to Twitter but said his politics column will continue in a forum to be named later. Im retiring from Bee but not retiring from journalism and after a brief vacation my column will resume in a different venue https://t.co/MlpcvyLIVv Dan Walters (@WaltersBee) May 31, 2017 A Californian all the way, Walters began working at the Humboldt Times in Eureka while he was in high school. He was editor of the Hanford Sentinel before joining the old Sacramento Union in 1973 and moving to its Capitol bureau just as Jerry Brown was beginning his first term as governor. Walters became the Union's Capitol bureau chief, began writing his state politics column in 1981, and moved to the Bee in 1984. From the Bee story today: He has written more than 9,000 columns about California and its politics, and his column has appeared in newspapers throughout the state. To say it is the end of an era is an understatement, said Bee Political Editor Amy Chance. In the Capitol Bureau, well miss his institutional memory, his stories about state politicians and his generosity with his time and his files. He promises we can call whenever we want. [skip] In 1986, Walters book, The New California: Facing the 21st Century, was published in its first edition. He also is the founding editor of the California Political Almanac, the co-author of a book on lobbying entitled The Third House: Lobbyists, Money and Power in Sacramento, and contributed chapters to two other books, Remaking California and The New Political Geography of California. The Bee last week cut ties with six newsroom staffers and another half-dozen are expected to leave this week, the Sacramento News and Review is reporting. This article appears in the June 2, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. ONLY A BYSTANDER? Once the United States Joins the Belt and Road Initiative, a New Paradigm for Mankind Can Begin by Helga Zepp-LaRouche, Founder and President of the Schiller-Institut, e.V. [Print version of this article] May 29China Investment Magazine, supervised by Chinas National Development and Reform Commission, carried this article by Helga Zepp-LaRouche in its May issue. The article was distributed both in Chinese and in English to every participant in the May 14-15 Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. The article has been edited. While initially almost all U.S. think-tanks were negative concerning Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), or simply refused even to take note of it, there has recently been a shift. Except for the hardcore neocon think-tanks, several now have started to report on the tremendous business opportunities the New Silk Road project would offer to U.S. enterprises. This has been especially true since the very successful summit, despite difficult circumstances, between President Xi Jinping and President Trump in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. The most obvious of many areas of such cooperation would of course be the link between the Belt and Road Initiative and the planned $1 trillion infrastructure investment President Trump promised in his election campaign, which is supposed to be presented in May. There are several roadblocks to be overcome for this to happen. The infrastructure requirements of the United States are enormous, due to decades-long non-investment by the previous administrations. Except for those who have actually been to China, most Americans have no idea how far behind China is U.S. infrastructural development is. The average speed of the Washington-Boston 736 km Acela high-speed line is only 105 km/h, with only very short segments at 145 km/h. This is by no means high speed, compared to the approximately 130,000 kilometers of high-speed rail in China, which amounts to over 50 times as much! U.S. roads are in terribly dangerous condition, and so are the bridges, and sanitation systemsbut their use is still expensive. For a trip between Washington and New York, one has to pay the substantial amount of $115 in tolls and gas per car. The American Society of Civil Engineers, at a recent conference, released the estimate that current U.S. infrastructure investment requirements are actually $4.5 trillion. There is no way that the financing of either of these amounts will come from the private equity market. Representatives of this sector in recent discussions with President Trump, put forward prohibitive conditions, such as an 11-12% return per annum, and a full return of the capital invested within ten years. The idea that the infrastructure should be financed by a toll system is also problematic. Even if that might barely work in some densely populated areas, it would certainly fail in thinly inhabited areas. But the very idea that there should be an immediate direct return on infrastructure investment, shows complete ignorance of the role infrastructure plays in the general economy. The quality and density of infrastructure is a necessary precondition for the productivity of an economy as a whole. A modern economy requires that approximately 50% of its total expenditures should be designated to be used for the expansion and modernization of infrastructure, since the life expectancy of infrastructures various categories is between 20 and 50 years. A well planned infrastructure platform is an integrated system of high-speed rail lines, waterways, highways, energy production and distribution, and communications, as well as so-called soft infrastructure such as health and education systems. The higher the technological development and productivity of an economic space becomes, the more important the speed and efficiency of the transport and density of infrastructure in general will need to be, since all the various levels of production into semi-finished and finished goods work together like a complicated machine, where each part has a role for a harmonious function. Thus, the return on infrastructure investment is actually measured by the increase of the productivity of the entire economy. Therefore the financing can not be left to the private investor, but it must be the responsibility of the state, which is devoted to the common good of the national economy. The Potential of U.S.-China Cooperation If President Trump were to simply request of Congress that it fund the infrastructure program through the Federal budget, he would run into the same opposition from the Democrats and part of the GOP that has already prevented the repeal of Obamacare. And if China and other foreign investors were simply to invest by means of the private equity marketprovided that were allowedthese investments would potentially be exposed to the fluctuations of the markets. View full size Wikipedia Because of decades-long policies of outsourcing to cheap labor countries, the U.S. manufacturing sector presently lacks a complete upstream and downstream industry chain, which is another impediment. China, on the other hand, has such a complete upstream and downstream industry chain, and it also has vast experience in the building of modern infrastructure systems, not only from its experience in China itself, but also from having built such systems in other countries. China could therefore not only help those cities with the greatest transportation needs, such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., but it could also help to replicate what China is doing domestically, namely connecting all major cities with high-speed rail systems. For regions like the one between New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, for example, an integrated infrastructure system like the system planned for Integrated Transport Development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, would make a lot of sense, since people are losing many hours every day commuting back and forth between their living quarters and work. While it takes only five hours to travel the distance of 800 miles from Beijing to Shanghai at an average speed of 185 mph (298 km/h), it takes 19 hours from New York City to Chicago, about the same distance! View full size Xinhua The United States would also benefit greatly from the construction of entirely new cities, which could be located in the very thinly populated areas in the central states of the United States They could be science cities, such as education and research centers, or they could be located near other, much needed large infrastructure projects, such as water management projects for the drought-endangered regions of the Southwest. One such project, which has been on the shelf since the Kennedy Administration, is the North American Water and Power Alliance, NAWAPA, which has recently been upgraded for the 21st Century. View full size Xinhua/Liang Xu On the other hand, such an upgraded U.S. economy could also export into the expanding Chinese market. The Chinese middle classof approximately 900 million peopleis enjoying a rapidly increasing buying power, made possible by the structural reforms implemented by the Chinese government. In 2016, the bilateral trade volume between the United States and China was already $519.6 billion, and bilateral investment grew to $170 billion in the same year. Over the last decade, U.S. exports to China grew 11%, and Chinese investments in the United States grew 5.6%. The growth potential for all of these categories is enormous, if the two complementary economies of the United States and China were to link up in this way. Such United States-China cooperation would naturally not be limited to bilateral exchanges, but given the vast requirements for infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development in the world, joint ventures almost anywhere in the world would provide a win-win perspective for the United States, China, and the third party country. Given the huge potential of the Belt and Road Initiative to develop into the World Land-Bridge proposed by the Schiller Institute in 2014, in the not so distant future a high-speed rail system could be built from the southern tip of South America in Chile and Argentina, all the way up through Central and North America, and connect to the Eurasian transport systems via a tunnel under the Bering Strait. This would provide the gateway for the United States to join the newly emerging Pacific-centered world. This would require vastly improving and expanding the Alaskan railroad corridors through Canada, and connecting that with a new rail system in the United States. The Roosevelt Precedent Such a perspective of approximately 40,000 miles of modern electrified rail, about half of which should be high-speed rail systems, would also mean an enormous investment in industrial production to supply the necessary goods and materials, as well as the training and education of the skilled labor, needed to accomplish such a huge task. Especially for the training of the youth, one can go back to the experience of Franklin Roosevelts Civilian Conservation Corpsthe CCC programwhich contributed significantly to leading the United States out of the Depression in the 30s. Roosevelt called the CCC the greatest peacetime movement this country has ever seen. It was created to address the dire lack of education and skills of the youth, a condition which in todays America takes the form of a very high level of drug addiction and drug-related crimes. At the summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping, they decided to set up four permanent dialogues, one of them devoted to economic issues. This group of experts could start to explore the project of the United States joining the BRI immediately. The most important aspect of the concept of the United States joining with the Belt and Road Initiative, however, would be to inspire the whole population with hope for the future, a better future for generations to comesomething which has been lost in the last five decades. It would also demonstrate that President Trumps promise to make America great again, does not contradict the interests of other countries, but that such win-win cooperation would move the entire world into a new era of human civilization. If the two largest economies of the world work together in this way, there will not be any problem on the planet which can not be solved. If one studies the economic theory behind the tremendous success of the Chinese economic miracle of the last 30 years, one will find out that current Chinese economic policies, basing themselves on the education of its citizens, are very much in coherence with the Confucian principle of lifelong learning and innovation, and are actually very close to the economic principles of the American System of economy, as it was developed and implemented by Alexander Hamilton, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, Henry C. Carey, and Abraham Lincoln. All of these men understood that the most important source of wealth of a country is the development of the creative powers of its own population. And therefore, they designed a system of economy that furthered exactly that, in order to catalyze the greatest rate of scientific and technological progress and innovation. It is also fascinating that the real spiritual father of the American Republic, Benjamin Franklin, was totally excited and inspired by the writings of Confucius, from whom he took the conviction that the moral ennoblement of the individual was the absolute key for the improvement of society. Franklin based his own system of moral teaching on Confucius, which was decisive for the spirit of the founding of America. A very similar intellectual closeness existed between President Lincoln and the founding father of China. The collaboration with the New Silk Road should therefore also have a cultural dimension, and exactly like the ancient Silk Road, should lead to an exchange of art and philosophy. It should do so to bring forward the best traditions and highest expression of humanity of each participating country, and in doing so, people will discover the unexpected beauty of the other cultures, and this knowledge will lead to admiration and will open new horizons. The epoch of a community of a shared future is within reach. If President Trump and President Xi Jinping join hands for this collaboration, both of them will have a place in history for having led Mankind to its true destiny. This article appears in the June 2, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. Lyndo n LaRouch e Call s fo r Committee on Manhattan Infrastructure by Diane W. Sare [Print version of this article] May 29Last week, in response to a report from Manhattan Project organizers, Lyndon LaRouche proposed that a committee be created to do something about the alarming collapse of the Manhattan area transportation grid, and to kick whoever needs it, to get it done. As anyone who has attempted to travel into or through New York City will tell you, the roads in some areas, especially on toll plazas at the bridges, look like they were hit by a carpet bombing campaign. One couple returning from Staten Island to New Jersey destroyed three tires in one large pothole! And this, where each driver pays $15 just to cross the Hudson River! Driving is a high anxiety activity, which has become like an obstacle course in a war zone. Then theres the subway. Aside from the fact that both the East River and Hudson River tunnels were built 107 years ago, in 1910, they were also damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2013, which flooded them with salt water, which is corrosive, but also leaves a nasty, rock-hard residue around cables and wires, making minor repairs impossible. Some of the tunnels have been repaired, but the Canarsie Tunnel, built in 1924, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn for 225,000 commuters each day, will have to be shut down for 15 months, beginning in 2019. The two tunnels crossing to New Jersey need to be replaced, and there is no other tunnel to absorb the traffic while new tunnels are being built. View full size Amtrak Pennsylvania (Penn) Station in Manhattan is already serving an average of 650,000 commuters per day, well over double the number of passengers for which it was built. Because it is so overloaded, and there are now so many delaysdue to ancient switches and storm damage, among other problemsno one knows which track a train will be pulling into, until just a few minutes before it arrives. As a result, there is a mad swarm of rushing New Yorkers suddenly all trying to move to the same location at the same time. In early April, when a train derailed due to old tracks, 8 of the 21 tracks had to be shut down. The system is so run down, and so overloaded, that not only is there no redundancy, but any accident is likely to have a chain-reaction, multiplier effect. A National Catastrophe Repairs on Penn Station can no longer safely be delayed, so that, although there does not seem to be any comprehensive plan yet in place, as of July 7, 2017, up to 20% of the Long Island Railroad trains will no longer be going to Long Island, and there will be similar reductions in New Jersey Transit trains. This is being called, by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and others, the beginning of the Summer of Hell. Supposedly the repairs are going to take only two months, but no one knows for sure. Moreover, although the partial shutdown begins on July 7, no plan has been announced to address the plight of commuters who need to get in and out of Manhattan each day. There are vague promises of ferries and buses, and proposals that some people should just start their work day at 4:00 ambut nothing concrete at all. View full size wikipedia One of the tasks of LaRouches proposed committee, should be to indicate the potential consequences of doing nothing about this nightmare, which clearly could implode into a catastrophe, including with great loss of life. When asked this question, rail transport corridor expert Hal Cooper said, New York City is the center of the United States. Its the financial center; its the economic center; its the social center; its the political center. If we dont repair the infrastructure, the ability of the people who work in New Yorkand I understand thats something like 1.8 million people who work in New York City [1.6 million commute into Manhattan each day to work, bringing the daytime population of Manhattan to over 3 millioned.], and a large portion of them come from outside, either Westchester County or Rockland County, or from New Jersey or Long Island, many of them wouldnt be able to get to work. An economic breakdown and collapse is going to happen, because so much of what is important in this country centers in New York City. And that is absolutely essential, and we will see a great breakdown if something is not done to correct the problem soon. Integrate Manhattan into Belt & Road In other words, the consequences of a breakdown of transportation in the New York metropolitan area would not only be catastrophic for the people in New York, but would be devastating for the nation as a whole. This implosion must be prevented, but to do so requires urgent action, and even with urgent action, we will be unable to prevent certain damage from occurring. A comprehensive plan to integrate Manhattan into Chinas Belt and Road Initiative is needed. That President Trump sent a high-level delegation to the Beijing conference in May, and has himself established a personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, is a promising beginning. Schiller Institute President Helga Zepp-LaRouche, who spoke on a think-tank panel at that Beijing conference, expressed the potential represented by Trumps commitment to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure, and to return to the American System of economics. She pointed out that Chinese estimates are that the United States needs something closer to $8 trillion in infrastructure investment, and the American Society of Civil Engineers has called for about $4.5 trillionso Trumps proposal would definitely be a step in the right direction. But there are obstacles to implementing the urgently needed projects. First, the U.S. Congress is stalling on reinstating the FDR-era Glass-Steagall Act, for which bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate, and for which the President has stated his support. But no one has thus far been willing to force it through. And second, the small-mindedness of the American people themselves who, after sixteen years of Bush and Obama, on top of the post-JFK rock-drug-sex counterculturewhich is now the culturebarely consider the future at all, except as something they would like to avoid. Many of them are just drugging themselves into oblivion, when they should be grabbing their pitchforks and chasing down their Representatives with appropriate urgent demands. There is also another important factor delaying such action, and that is the political witch-hunt against President Trump, directed from London. The hysteria being spouted in the U.S. news media about President Trump and his adminstrations relationship with anyone from Russia, and former President Barack Obamas and Hillary Clintons campaigns to harass and scandalize the new administration, are highly destructive, not so much of Trump personally, who has demonstrated a fortunate willingness to fight, but of the opportunity that now greets the American people in the wake of the Beijing Belt and Road Forum. Questions for the Committee The committee that Mr. LaRouche has called for, will have to step back and look at Manhattan as if from outer space. With the impending doom of local breakdown, it can be challenging to consider where the United States and the world will be even 50 years from now, much less 100 or 1,000 years from now, but this is the kind of thinking that is required. One factor, hopefully in the not-so-distant future, is the development of thermonuclear fusion power, which China is pursuing aggressively. With cheap, abundant, clean energy, what kind of transportation, manufacturing, water-management, and even food production becomes possible? The Belt and Road is all about connectivity. Now that the Bayonne Bridge is going to be elevated, large freight container vessels will be able to get into the New Jersey ports of Elizabeth and Newark. What are the implications for trade? Not much if our rail system is in a shambles. Should we have a rail transportation grid that connects our ports to our major cities? What about rail from Newark to China and Russia across the Bering Strait? What role would Detroit play in this? Could New York City become a manufacturing center again? How will we connect the Port of Elizabeth to the high-tech areas of Connecticut and Long Island? What about building the storm surge barrier that should have been erected before Sandy? Shouldnt those industries in Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut that contributed so much to the Apollo Project, be revived, to become part of NASAs collaboration with China on a mission to Mars, and in establishing an industrial base on the Moon? New York City and the contiguous areas have a high density of capable people and also of potentially capable people, if there were a crash program to train them. These are the questions that the people of the United States need to urgently consider, not whether Jared Kushner had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador (which would probably have been a good idea). LaRouches Four Laws provide the parameters for the needed crash program. Now we must assemble a committee of experts who can fill in the details, and by so doing, transform the way that New Yorkers think about the current catastrophe. Remember, in Chinese, the character for crisis is also the character for opportunity. PRESS RELEASE Kenya Inaugurates Flagship Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway May 31, 2017 (EIRNS)Reporting on the inauguration of the 472.3-km Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), International Railway Journal said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the first freight and passenger train today. Kenyas SGR is one of the flagship projects of the national development blueprint known as Vision 2030. The long-term development policy aims to transform Kenya into an industrialized, middle-income country by 2030. The Exim Bank of China provided 90% of the financing required for the $3.42 billion railway, which was constructed by China Road and Bridge Corp. CRRC Qishuyan was awarded a contract earlier this year by China Road and Bridge Corp., to supply 56 locomotives for the line. These included passenger locomotives, freight locomotives, and shunters. Following up on the next phase of expansion of the SGR, Uganda has announced plans to start building a $2.3 billion standard-gauge railway between its capital, Kampala, and the Kenyan border later this year. The 273-km electrified track, which will link Kampala and the Kenyan border town of Malaba, will be built by China Harbour Engineering (CHEC), and is due to be completed in the middle of 2020, Railway News had reported last January. Malaba is about 355 km northwest of Nairobi. As with Kenyas standard-gauge railway, the work is being funded by Chinas Export-Import Bank. The size of the loan, and the terms on which it is being offered, have not been made public. However, it was reported in 2014 that $8 billion would be sought, Railway News indicated. The Mombasa-Nairobi railroad has been designed with an axle-load of 25 tons, and could move 22 million tons/year at a speed of 80-100km/h for freight trains and 120km/h for passenger trains. The line is forecast to carry around 22 million tons of freight per year from Mombasa, representing 40% of the ports throughput. President Kenyatta said the line will reduce the cost of moving a container between Mombasa and Nairobi from $960 to $480, International Railway Journal reported today. A video on the building of this railway was posted by News China TV The Trump administrations long-telegraphed attack on womens contraceptive rights acquired tangible form Wednesday with the leak to Vox of the text of the proposed rule change. As expected, the Department of Health and Human Services, along with the departments of Labor and the Treasury, are planning to expand exemptions to the Affordable Care Acts contraceptive care mandate so they apply to any employers expressing religious beliefs and moral convictions against birth control. The rule essentially would allow any employer to drop birth control coverage in employee health plans virtually at whim. Aside from the retrograde nature of a rule targeting services for women, Nicholas Bagley of the University of Michigan Law School detects another big problem with the administrations effort. The White House wants it to go into effect immediately with its publication in the Federal Register. Thats a violation of the lawspecifically the Administrative Procedures Act, which requires that such rules be subject to notice and public comment before theyre adopted. Advertisement Whats the emergency here?....Wheres the fire? Nicholas Bagley, University of Michigan Its a cumbersome process, often taking a year or more, Bagley observes, but its not optional. That will make the rule change vulnerable to legal attack. The administration tries to circumvent this process by arguing, first, that the administrative process can be avoided when notice and comment is impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. It also argues that the change is trivial, so it should be covered by the millions of public comments already submitted on the contraceptive mandate, including the issue of whether to expand the exemptions. Bagley predicts that courts examining these excuses will say, No dice. The impracticability exemption typically applies when an emergency or court deadline requires a rule change. Whats the emergency here? Bagley asks. Wheres the fire? Nor is the rule change a minor tweak, he says. The new rule would make three major changes in the ACAs existing contraceptive mandate. It would expand the accommodation the Obama administration provided to religious organizations and private employers with religious scruples to any employers; it would accept undefined moral as well as religious objections; and it would allow employers to drop coverage without formally notifying the government, though employers subject to federal ERISA rules will have to disclose to employees that theyve dropped birth control coverage. HHS may have received millions of comments about contraception, Bagley writes, but it hasnt received focused feedback on these specific proposals. Thats likely to be a problem in court. As weve observed in the past, the ACAs contraceptive mandate, which requires health plans to provide a full range of contraceptive measures without charging deductibles or co-pays, has been a flashpoint of objection to the law since its inception. Objectors scored a major win in 2014 with the Supreme Courts Hobby Lobby decision, which granted an exemption to private companies whose owners expressed religious objections to contraception. The Obama administration met that ruling and objections from religious employers by shifting responsibility for providing birth control from the employers to their insurance companies, with the cost to be covered by the government. President Trump promised to roll back the rule even further, and cleared the way with an executive order last month allowing HHS and the other federal agencies to place religious liberty above the contraceptive mandate. HHS Secretary Tom Price, wearing his pastors hat rather than his healthcare regulators cap, promptly announced he welcomes the opportunity to reexamine [the] contraception mandate. The leaked regulation appears to be the product of his enthusiasm. The regulatory proposal makes numerous largely unsupported assertions that the contraceptive mandate is no big deal. The Departments have concluded that the governmental interest in the mandate is less significant than previously stated. After all, it says, the existing exemption for thousands of houses of worship hasnt harmed their employees, for the most part. Contraceptives are cheap, anyway, it saysmost forms are available for around $50 per month. And it wrings its hands over the conjecture that the contraceptive mandate might even exacerbate the long run negative effect of changing sexual behavior by, for example, providing contraceptive access to teenagers and young adults who are not necessarily in the sexually active at-risk population of women. The departments claim that birth control access mandates have not necessarily lowered rates of unintended pregnancy (or abortion) overall. Their source for this vacuous assertion is a 2015 article in the Ave Maria Law Review of Floridas Ave Maria University, which doesnt strike one as an entirely secular publication. The article states bluntly that programs designed to encourage or facilitate contraceptive use offer little, if any, public health benefit. 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. Furniture retailer Deardens, one of Southern Californias oldest businesses, said Thursday that it will close its eight stores and wind down operations over the coming weeks. Founded in 1909, the Los Angeles-based chain sold furniture, appliances and other home goods to a predominantly lower-income Latino clientele. This was an extremely difficult decision that we tried to prevent but in reality was many years in the making, Deardens Chief Executive Ronny Bensimon said in a statement. Advertisement Deardens stores are in Anaheim, Chino, Commerce, Huntington Park, La Puente, downtown Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Van Nuys. It also has a warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga. Deardens will fill all open customer orders and help its 420 employees find other work, Bensimon said. The chain saw its best year in 2006 when sales topped $100 million, Bensimon told The Times in 2009. When the last recession hit, though, revenue completely fell off the table, he said. Deardens endeavored to be more than a furniture outlet, selling perfume, watches and cookware and services such as check cashing, travel planning and bill paying. Tastes and market forces continued to shift away from Deardens, however. Like other retailers, we fell victim to changing consumer trends and although we tried to fight it, closing our business became our only recourse, Bensimon said. The closing comes as many traditional retailers are grappling with an increasing number of shoppers buying more and more goods online. Meanwhile, e-commerce juggernaut Amazon.com is reportedly preparing an aggressive push into the furniture business. roger.vincent@latimes.com Twitter: @rogervincent Looks like former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are putting down deeper roots in Washington. After renting a house for their post-White House stint in the nations capital, the Obamas have purchased the eight-bedroom, nine-and-a-half-bath home for $8.1 million, according to property records. The Obamas have said they plan to remain in Washington while their younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school at Sidwell Friends. After leaving the executive mansion in January, the family settled into a rental home owned by Bill Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart and his wife, Glamour editor Giovanna Gray Lockhart, an 8,200-square-foot home that was built in 1921 and renovated in 2011. The Obamas still own a Georgian-style home in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, the city that will house the Obama presidential library. Advertisement Spokesman Kevin Lewis, in a statement, said the purchase just made sense for the family: Given that President and Mrs. Obama will be in Washington for at least another 2 1/2 years, it made sense for them to buy a home rather than continuing to rent property. Washington records show that Lockhart sold the home for $8.1 million to Homefront Holdings LLC, which is controlled by the Obamas. The deed transfer was recorded on Wednesday. Lockhart bought the home in 2014 for $5.295 million, records show. The $8.1 million purchase price makes the Obamas new home the second-most expensive in the Kalorama neighborhood, behind the $23 million paid by Amazon founder (and Washington Post owner) Jeff Bezos for the former Textile Museum. The Obamas have called the swanky Washington neighborhood (which they share with others, including first daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner) their home, but it has really functioned more like a home base for the globe-trotting family. The former first couple traveled to French Polynesia for an extended vacation after leaving the White House, and vacationed in Italys Tuscany. ALSO Bel-Airs most notorious mansion could be an entertainers dream, a fixer-upper or a teardown Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler list their Chicago-area mansion for $4.75 million Obama is making $400,000 for a single speech. Is that so different from other presidents? The company tapped by the federal government to provide interpreters in immigration court wrongly classified employees as independent contractors and fired those who spoke out, the National Labor Relations Board said in a complaint issued Wednesday. The complaint alleges that SOS International, also known as SOSi, misclassified workers and engaged in unfair labor practices under the National Labor Relations Act, including coercion and retaliation. By misclassifying workers, SOSi circumvented labor laws that would require it to pay overtime and to provide certain benefits, such as workers compensation. The NLRBs complaint marks the first time a federal agency has recognized the contract interpreters as employees. Advertisement At a time when the climate is not union friendly, this is a major victory, said Hilda Estrada of Los Angeles, an interpreter who accused SOSi of retaliation. Im elated. The Justice Department which in 2015 awarded a contract to SOSi for up to five years and a maximum of $80 million declined to comment on contract interpreters employment status. Kathryn Mattingly, a spokeswoman for the department, said SOSi was selected in a competitive process based on technical evaluation and the best value to the government. SOSi, based in Reston, Va., said in a statement before the NLRB filed its complaint that subcontracting interpreters is not a new practice and that the views of the small handful of disgruntled interpreters who have filed protests in various venues do not represent the majority of qualified professional interpreters. The case, which now goes to a hearing before an administrative law judge of the NLRB, will affect hundreds of interpreters who work in immigration courts nationwide. Those courts are currently saddled with a backlog of 585,000 cases, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, and they are set to become even busier as President Trump pursues an agenda of mass deportation. Interpreters play a crucial role in immigration court cases: Only 11% of such cases were completed in English in 2015, according to a Justice Department report. Though the department directly employs 65 interpreters to staff immigration courts, the vast majority about 700 are subcontracted by SOSi. The contractors who complained to the NLRB said they should have been classified as employees because SOSi controlled the means and manner in which they worked a key test in determining whether a worker is an employee. I had no freedom at all, said Patricia Rivadeneira, 61, formerly a Spanish interpreter for SOSi. Theres no way you can be an independent contractor when you are ordered to be in at a certain time. You cannot leave when youre ready to leave .You were told which restrooms to use. You were told how to dress. You were told you had to wear a badge. You were told you could not even say good morning to anybody. The distinction between employee and contractor is the dividing line between benefits applying to you and obligations being met by your employer, and essentially no legal protections or mandated benefits, said Seth Harris, a former secretary of Labor under President Obama. Employers are legally required to pay workers compensation and unemployment insurance premiums for their employees, adhere to minimum wage and overtime laws, and allow employees to organize and seek remedy from discrimination. In some circumstances they must provide health insurance and family leave, and they often offer paid time off, vacation and retirement benefits. In general, there are no such requirements for contractors. That a federal contractor is accused of skirting the law is particularly outrageous, Harris said. You expect companies that are doing business with the federal government and carrying out important government functions, getting paid with taxpayer money would be held to a higher standard, he said. SOSi was not the first company commissioned by the Justice Department to provide interpreters that treated them as contractors. But some say it committed the worst offenses and thats why they took up a fight. Rivadeneira, for example, had worked in immigration court since 2002. She said she worked 4 days a week, first at Mira Loma Detention Center in Lancaster and later at Adelanto Detention Center, earning $60 per hour, with a guaranteed minimum of two hours pay for each assignment. Though Rivadeneira relied on Medi-Cal for health insurance and never took vacation, she was able to support herself and her husband and rent a two-story house in Lancaster. But when SOSi took over the contract and offered her $35 an hour, with no guaranteed minimum, Rivadeneira balked. The wage was so low that it was not worth my time, she said. Rivadeneira and others began organizing and eventually negotiated a higher flat rate. They went to work for SOSi starting in December 2015. After that, Rivadeneira continued to organize, collecting interpreters names, passing out fliers about their rights and trying to form a union activities that cost her her job nine months later, according to the complaint. Rivadeneira is not the only one. The Times spoke to five other interpreters who alleged retaliation, coercion and unfair discharge, and a lawyer for the interpreters said that as many as 40 directly participated in the NLRB action. We treated our jobs as full-time jobs, said Diana Ilarraza of Los Angeles, who became an interpreter in 1999 and said she was retaliated against for complaining about not being paid on time. It was very hard and disheartening for us to see our careers go away just like that it was a loss of dignity. The complaint names nine employees, including Estrada and Rivadeneira, who were allegedly terminated because of their organizing activities. It also alleges that SOSi interrogated and threatened employees over these activities, conducted surveillance, and ordered them not to communicate with one another or the media about the company or their work. Not all of the interpreters who work for SOSi are dissatisfied. Ramesh Ray Shrestha, a Nepali interpreter based outside San Francisco, travels weekly for SOSi, earning a flat day rate of $500 each time. He said he likes the flexibility and pay, which give him time to spend with his wife and two kids. Shrestha has one advantage Spanish interpreters do not: He speaks what is known as an exotic language and could not be easily replaced. I dont think theres a huge pool of Nepali interpreters, he said. I do have more negotiating power. The dispute has had an effect in the courts. Ten immigration attorneys and one judge interviewed for this report said the quality of interpretation in immigration court has suffered since SOSi took over the contract, citing anecdotal evidence of no-shows and poor-quality interpretations as the ranks of veteran interpreters have thinned. Helen Sklar, an attorney based in Los Angeles, said she flew to Miami in January for a hearing that had been scheduled months earlier, only to find out the case couldnt go forward because there was no Spanish interpreter. No Spanish. In Miami, she said in disbelief. According to Justice Department data, in 2016 the first full year for which SOSI provided interpreters nationwide 2,457 hearings were adjourned due to interpreter no-shows. That number was up from 1,101 in 2015, when SOSi was being phased in, and 512 in 2014, when a different company, Lionbridge Technologies, held the contract. Not having an interpreter disrupts court cases and causes costly delays. It also wears on clients. Every time they come to court they lose a school day, they lose a day of work, they pay for parking. Their friends and family come. And then finally they give up, Sklar said. They stop asking their family and friends to come and then they dont have witnesses. Attorneys also cited examples of interpreters who summarized rather than interpreted complete sentences, or interpreters who used the wrong word such as firearm instead of assault rifle, beaten instead of killed, inconvenient instead of not in my best interest. Those distinctions matter in immigration court, where a single inconsistency in a claim can mean the difference between staying in the U.S. and getting deported. Nuance is everything, said Dana Marks, a veteran judge in San Francisco and president of the National Assn. of Immigration Judges. If things are said in different ways at different times, that can be an interpreters fault, and yet, it makes the person look not credible. Not only must interpreters render testimony in a second language in real time, they must convey the class, education level, emotion and authority of the speaker, requiring a wide range of vocabulary. Many of the interpreters who had those skills have left immigration court since SOSi took over the contract, Marks said. But now that the NLRB has said they are employees who have the right to organize for better pay and working conditions, they hope to return. I plan to go back to work as soon as possible, Estrada said. nina.agrawal@latimes.com Twitter: @AgrawalNina SpaceX launched supplies to the International Space Station in a previously used spacecraft Saturday and then landed the rockets first-stage booster back on Earth. With the launch, SpaceXs Dragon capsule joins a small number of spacecraft, most notably NASAs space shuttles, to reenter space a first for the Hawthorne space company. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off a little after 2 p.m. Pacific time from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch had originally been set for Thursday afternoon but was scrubbed because of weather conditions. Advertisement The Dragon capsule for this mission was used in 2014 to carry supplies to the space station. For this launch, it was filled with almost 6,000 pounds of crew supplies, hardware and science research, including equipment to study neutron stars. In preparation for the flight, SpaceX replaced some parts on the Dragon, such as the heat shield. But most of the components, including the hull and thrusters, were reused, said Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of mission assurance at SpaceX. The majority of this Dragon has been in space before, he said during a prelaunch news conference earlier this week. About seven minutes after launch, the Falcon 9s first-stage booster landed upright at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Successful landings for the first-stage booster have become so reliable that inspection processes for the booster will be streamlined from now on, Koenigsmann said at a post-launch news conference Saturday. The Dragon spacecraft deployed about 10 minutes after launch and should arrive at the space station around 7 a.m. Pacific time Monday. The spacecraft is expected to return to Earth in July, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. SpaceX will then evaluate the Dragon, and if all goes well, the capsule could then be reused a couple more times, Koenigsmann said. Reusing a Dragon capsule is one more piece of the puzzle in creating a fully reusable launch system, said Marco Caceres, senior space analyst at the Teal Group. In March, SpaceX achieved one of its longtime goals by using a previously flown first-stage booster to launch a commercial communications satellite and then landing that booster on a floating platform at sea. During that same mission, the company successfully recovered the rockets fairing, a clamshell-like covering that protects satellites and other payloads. Successful reuse of the Dragon capsule is significant for SpaceXs materials technology, but in general, the spacecraft reuse is less significant than that of the booster, which required more cutting-edge technology to be able to land upright, Caceres said. SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk has said the first-stage booster is the most expensive part of the rocket. Company President Gwynne Shotwell has said that launch costs could eventually decrease by 30% by reusing rockets. Saturdays launch was SpaceXs seventh of the year as the company increases its launch cadence. Last year, SpaceX launched eight missions before a launchpad explosion that destroyed a rocket and commercial satellite, grounding the company for several months. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga ALSO Rocket Labs Electron rocket reaches space, but not orbit, in first test flight Ubers head of aviation talks about its plan for air transport. (Just dont call it a flying car.) Air traffic control for drones is coming. Heres how it could work UPDATES: June 3, 5:50 p.m.: This article has been updated for additional details and for clarity. June 3, 4:30 p.m.: This article was updated to include comments from a post-launch press conference. June 3, 2:50 p.m.: This article was updated with details about the SpaceX launch. June 3, 1:50 p.m.: This article was updated to include details about SpaceXs launch attempt Saturday. June 1, 3:15 p.m.: This article was updated with SpaceXs announcement of a launch delay. June 1, 6:50 a.m.: This article was updated with a clarification about why there will be no fairing recovery. This article was originally published June 1 at 6 a.m. Benito Martinez thought America was ready for the raw brutality and real-life stories told on ABCs American Crime. Unfortunately, the network pulled the plug on the anthology series after its third season. Im happy with what weve done so far and hope the legacy lasts, the actor said when he stopped by The Times video studio. John Ridleys critically acclaimed series has tackled a slew of provocative issues racism, homophobia, culture and class warfare, human trafficking and illegal immigration during its prime-time run on network television. Advertisement These are real issues that are talked about in the news every day to even more graphic detail. Its what spins every news channel, every news media outlet. We examine that ad nauseam. But when we have a show thats done the way we do it characters with great detail and great respect to the people and the situations were talking about, no compromise: These are the people, theyre not good or bad, theyre people, and this is what happens when they get thrust in that situation and some of it sucks absolutely, America was ready for it. However, he thought that the show was unfortunate in its time slots and that its content made it hard for some to watch. I dont know exactly the ins and out of why we didnt find the right night, the right lead-in or the right hour, but for those who see it, those whove tuned in they like it, they tell me they like it and they enjoy it, Martinez said. The most-read Entertainment stories this hour In Season 3, he played complex father Luis Salazar, a wealthy man who travels to the U.S. from Mexico in pursuit of a missing son who was pursuing his own American dream. Martinez said he was eager to sink his teeth into the role. One of the things they found and wanted to retell was that not everybody comes [to America] because theyre destitute. There is the American dream. No matter where you start from, you still want to come and make that better life, and heres the best opportunity for that. In his characters case, his son has a romantic vision of leaving Veracruz, working the fields and becoming a great chef in New York. There wasnt a desperation for him to leave, so when he loses contact with his family, his father decides to trace his steps and begins working on a farm too. The main arc of their story is told against the backdrop of illegal immigration and the escalation of it in the recent political landscape. What I thought was handled correctly in this approach to the characters and circumstances goes back to the [1940s] bracero program. These farmworkers came to help the farmers. It was a hand-in-hand working relationship that existed and still exists to this day. Those farmers need these workers. Thats how economically they can survive, he said. I think a lot of people are punished on both sides of it. As shooting began, Martinez was exposed to the brutal conditions that immigrants face daily, including getting through the deep workings of what its like to cross cross the desert, cross through the fence, be illegal and be in danger. What the show got right was humanizing the immigrant plight. While were filming that and hearing on the news how bad and how criminalized everybody [immigrating] is and theyre evil, bad hombres and all this other garbage, it made me more resolute in my conviction to portray this character Luis as a three-dimensional human and just understand what these adults theyre talking about their children lets see who theyre talking about. So I was very happy and very proud to play Luis and make him this three-dimensional person. Its not the first time American Crime has put a human face on scary subjects. Season 1 dealt in depth with terrorism and xenophobia, but Martinez believes Hollywood has a hard time making a convincing story of everyday people. Its unromantic, and I think Hollywood in a lot of ways would want to romanticize the human struggle. This is an everyday situation that all of these people, a lot of them, this is all they know, and this is their only chance theyre going to have to make a better way for themselves, he said. I think a lot of times when it is portrayed, theyre not three-dimensional people. Theyre just cardboard cutouts with a tagline, and its hard to do what John and the writing staff did because it takes a lot of commitment not only to make Luis a real person, but all the other farmworkers real people, the managers real people and then not make them good people. Not everybody has to be good. Luis in the end may or may not be good, depending on what your moral code is. To take that risk and not make it romantic just look at this person as a person and get to know them in this real-life struggle is challenging. The actor, who has also starred in FXs The Shield and Sons of Anarchy, was exposed to the physical circumstances that Luis was and learned from them too. Besides the blistering heat, I wasnt aware of the pesticides [they were exposed to] and how they linger. When these guys are working in the field for a full day, they were covered from head to toe. Thats because over time its just seeping into their skin, he said. I finished a days work and I was exhausted, he said of the very strenuous conditions. However, Luis emotional journey as he uncovered the truth about his son also took a mental toll as he delved into that angst and grief. It was tremendous. When I would finish certain days of filming, I would be depressed at home because its a hopeless situation. When you cant find someone, theres a desperation that gets in your bones and it weighs on your mind. You cant stop thinking about it, Martinez said. It was exhausting, but as an actor, it was exhausting in the best possible way, like coming offstage after doing Hamlet, he said. Watch Martinezs full interview, in which he discusses Luis climactic decision and his parallels to Season 1s Alonzo Gutierrez and what fighting skill he could bring to Game of Thrones, below. Follow me: @NardineSaad For Richard Cabral, American Crime is simultaneously rewarding and heartbreaking Felicity Huffman was relieved to finally play someone viewers didnt hate in American Crime Lauren Graham reflects on the bittersweet feeling of the Gilmore Girls revival now being behind her I Love Dick crams a lot of life into a double entendre. The new Amazon series from creators Jill Soloway (Transparent) and Sarah Gubbins, adapted from the eponymous book by Chris Kraus, fools around with love, faith, art, sex, academia, feminism and obsession. The story centers on struggling filmmaker Chris Kraus (Kathryn Hahn), who travels with her philosophy professor-husband Sylvere (Griffin Dunne), to Marfa, Texas, for a writing retreat. The retreats enigmatic leader, Dick (Kevin Bacon), becomes the object of Chris intense fixation, bringing renewed passion to her marriage and leading her down a path of increasingly outrageous behavior. Sitting next to each other on a couch backstage before a panel event touting the shows premiere earlier this month, Hahn and Bacon were as comfortable together as a season of acting in audacious and intimate scenes would engender. Advertisement Dick is the object of Chris crazed fixation, yet he quickly evolves beyond that. Hahn: Hes the muse. Bacon: Leave it to an all-female writers room to actually show a well-rounded male character. Thats whats so fascinating about this to me. They write with a lot of affection towards this man. I love the guy. I felt really strongly about him. They respected that. Kathryn, what do you love about your character? Hahn: I love how unapologetic and shameless she is, and a little bit guilt-free, in a way that tropes would say men are allowed to be. Shes not punished. She punishes herself for sure, but she flings herself forward into this desire. Theres something really moving to me about her steadfast forward motion. Ive never seen anything like it. Its so embarrassing. Bacon: I have to point out, you could put in another actress in the role who would be stepping out and looking at herself, saying, Maybe I should dial this back because I want people to like me. But Kathryn just doesnt roll that way. She is Hahn: - bat crazy. Lets talk about those sex scenes. Bacon: What [usually] happens is that you do a movie, and you find the realism in the diner scene, or in chasing the guy down, and then when you get to the sex scene, all of a sudden its not really related to whats outside of it. Thats not what happens on I Love Dick. I dont think that the sexuality feels out of place with the rest of the emotional pieces of it. Thats unusual. What was it like filming that early scene, where Chris and Sylvere fantasize that Dick is watching them have sex? Bacon: They did that first without me. And I didnt know what it was. Hahn: Then they brought him in to sit in a chair. Bacon: They said, You just sit here. Hahn: I was like, this is going to be a trip, Ill see you on the other side. Bacon: So Im sitting in the chair, the music comes on, and out of my periphery, here come these two dancing naked people, who just throw themselves into it. I was just dying inside, thinking this is so funny and so cool. For a seven-minute take or something. Hahn: Its like a fever, and then you break it and you drive home thinking, what just happened?! Going home to my two small children. Something just stuck out to me about what Kevin just said its true the sex scenes in this are all a deeper reveal. They dont feel unnecessary in any way. The whole show feels just as playful. Bacon: Stylistically its very experimental. Throughout the whole season, they curated a bunch of experimental films made by women filmmakers that are intercut into the show. Thats normally in art-house cinema. Or museum exhibitions. Bacon: Exactly. Not television. But theres an element to this show that is doing that. Andrea Arnold [American Honey] is one of the premiere auteur filmmakers. Jill got her to direct I Love Dick. One of the things she does as a filmmaker, after we do a take, is have us do a silent take. We would play the scene out without speaking. It was mind-blowing. Hahn: So much feeling comes up when you dont have to use language. We just went anywhere we wanted. It was so fun. See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com Justina Machado didnt realize she yearned for a show with people that looked like her mostly because it just wasnt the norm. Thats why The Cosby Show, for me was so important because I had never seen a family like that on television that wasnt Caucasian, and I was like, wow, Machado recalled during a recent visit to The Times video studio. And its why she was watching Jimmy Smits on L.A. Law in her youth, despite the adult subject matter. VIDEO: 'One Day at a Time's' Justina Machado was ready to represent I did yearn for it, but I didnt know, she said, referring to the lack of shows with Latino characters. I had no idea [it was possible]. It was and it is. And shes helping contribute. Machado stars in Netflix's reboot of Norman Lears classic sitcom, One Day at a Time. The revamped version is set in Echo Park and centers on three generations of a Cuban American family. The 44-year-old actress, who until now was best known for her role on Six Feet Under, stars as Penelope, a war veteran and recently single mother of two children whose mother (played by Rita Moreno) lives with her. What was your initial reaction to Netflix doing an all-Latino version of the series? Were you nervous, hopeful? I think I felt confident. I didnt know [co-showrunners Gloria Calderon-Kellett and Mike Royce] but I was confident, because it was Norman Lear, that it was going to have a lot of heart and it was going to have a lot of laughs and it was going to be something that I wanted to be involved in. And then when I got the script, then I knew we were on the right track because this was a story that was universal and we werent the butt of every joke. Our ethnicity wasnt what drives the show. Did you watch the original? I watched reruns of it when I was growing up, but by the time I started watching it, you know, the girls were already older and so I didnt really get what everybody loved about it. But what I did do was, when I had my first audition, was see the show. I went home and watched it, and that gave me a lot of permission. I was like, Oh, this is like a play. And Bonnie Franklin took her time, everybody took their time, and it was real. That gave me a lot of confidence to go in the next day for the audition. When I got the script ... I knew we were on the right track because this was a story that was universal and [Latinos] werent the butt of every joke. Justina Machado After 20-plus years in the business, this is your first lead role. It's funny because I did get a lead role in the late '90s and it was a show called I Love Lupe, and I remember that we shot the pilot, it was a fantastic pilot, and one of the things that was said to me, when it didnt get picked up, was that they didnt think America was ready for a Latino family. Now, I was so young back then, it was kind of a shocking thing to hear, but I just had to keep hustling, you know? And it's amazing that it's taken this long to have another lead. I almost thought it wasnt going to happen. I have to be real honest. I always knew I was going to work, I always knew I'd be a working actress. I never thought I started to believe that [a lead] wouldnt happen So this is unbelievable. How does it feel to play a version of the all-American mom? I think it's about time. I mean, maybe it's incredible to everybody else, but to us, it's about time. It's like, yes, this is a universal story, it's being told through Latino eyes, and we're trying to change you know, as other shows are the Latino narrative thats being put out there. So I think it's fantastic. Justina Machado as Penelope and Rita Moreno as Lydia in One Day at a Time. (Michael Yarish / Netflix) (Michael Yarish / Netflix) What was your reaction upon hearing that Rita Moreno was going to be playing your mother? Well, she doesnt remember, but she worked with me twice before. [laughs] But no, I mean, [its] great. I knew that it was going to be awesome. You never know what it's going to be like until you sit down and you do that first reading. I mean, she is Rita Moreno, she's a legend. What has been some of the feedback youve gotten about the show? Just so many Latinas and Latinos thanking me for representation, really just saying exactly what we said, like, we were excited, but we don't know because sometimes we're like, oh, come on, really? Really, there's another pinata? You know what I mean? We're eating tacos, great. We eat other things, people. So all of those things. So it was just I loved that they feel especially single moms, veterans, young kids, so there's so much our show has so much representation on so many levels that it's all been positive. See the most read stories this hour yvonne.villarreal@latimes.com Celebrating #HarryPotter20: How Harry Potter and his blockbuster films came of age on screen The Boy Who Lived has cast his spell on the box office since Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, the first film in Warner Bros. blockbuster franchise, hit theaters in 2001. The bestselling, seven-book series was adapted into eight record-breaking films -- and a two-part play -- as the boy wizard ventured through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the wizarding world with his pals Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, taking on the enigmatic Lord Voldemort and his magical henchmen each school year. As J.K. Rowlings debut novel Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone -- the first of the books from which the decade-spanning films were adapted -- marks its 20th anniversary, heres a reminder of how Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan reviewed the Harry Potter films. (Spoiler alert: He didnt always like them.) 1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone film is imaginative and faithful but shuns any risk-taking (2001) As his 11th birthday approaches, orphan Harry Potter learns that hes a wizard and enrolls at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where his reputation as the Boy Who Lived precedes him during his magical training. The result is a remarkably faithful copy of the book that treats the text like holy writ (hence its 2-hour-and-33-minute length), wrote The Times film critic Kenneth Turan. From the gold in Gringotts, the safe-as-houses goblin-run bank, to the centaur lurking in the forbidden forest that adjoins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, so much is presented just as written that Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone starts to resemble one of those fiendishly exact replicas of great works of art that Sunday painters can be seen working on in galleries of museums. 2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets doesnt capture the well-balanced tone of the book (2002) In their second year at Hogwarts, Harry and his pals Ron and Hermione contend with a celebrity author professor and a well-meaning house elf named Dobby who thwart the trio in unexpected ways. The darkness that invades Chamber of Secrets underlines how well the books managed to exactly balance good and evil, dark and light, so that within their pages you seemed to be experiencing both at the same time. Not so here, Turan wrote. Because Chamber of Secrets cant seem to get the balance right, it ends up broadly overdoing things on both ends of the spectrum. The films scary moments are too monstrous and its happy times have too much idiotic beaming, making the film feel like the illegitimate offspring of Alien and The Absent-Minded Professor. 3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban film comes close to capturing the essence of the books (2004) The wizarding world gets markedly darker as convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), who is believed to have killed Harrys parents, escapes from the Azkaban prison and the soul-sucking Dementors are loosed to chase him down. Director Alfonso Cuaron takes the helm from Chris Columbus, who directed the two previous films. "[T]he final hour of the two-hour-and-21-minute Azkaban is the closest any of the films has gotten to capturing the enormously pleasing essence of the Potter books, wrote Turan, adding, Those three leads (Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Emma Watson as Hermione, Rupert Grint as Ron) play characters who are now 13, an age when anger and frustration are more publicly expressed. One of the benefits of Cuarons direction, his expertise with younger actors, means that the constant determination and occasional fury exhibited by the characters, especially Harry and Hermione, are completely convincing. 4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire finally gets Harry Potter right (2005) Harrys surprising inclusion in the prestigious Triwizard Tournament, as a fourth-year student, raises concerns and brings danger to the Hogwarts castle. Its taken them long enough, but the movies have finally gotten Harry Potter right, wrote Turan. It has fallen to the veteran [director] Mike Newell, eager, in his own words, to break out of this goody-two-shoes feel, to make the first Harry Potter film to be wire-to-wire satisfying. Though memorable acting is neither called for nor delivered on the part of Goblets collection of juveniles, Radcliffes Harry does get one thing exactly right. Watching him face myriad challenges, were convinced that Harrys heart will lead him to do the right thing. He does good in the most natural way and, like so much of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, thats just how it should be. 5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix cant shake an episodic feeling (2007) With the Ministry of Magic refusing to acknowledge Lord Voldemorts (Ralph Fiennes) return, fifth-year Harry is brooding at school as he contends with spooky visions and Ministry transplant Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). His knowledge of the dark magic-fighting organization, the Order of the Phoenix, and a prophecy further complicate matters. "[Director David] Yates and his team handle the films visuals well, including the impressive sets for the atrium of the Ministry of Magic and its Hall of Prophecy, as well as fine flying sequences involving either broomsticks or equine creatures called Thestrals, Turan wrote. The director also works well with the films juvenile leads, which is important, because these are the raging hormone years at Hogwarts School, and that is especially true where Harry is concerned. Looking so disgruntled in his gray hoodie that you fear he might start rapping, Harry comes off as more Grumpy Potter than the bright light of the wizarding world. 6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is well-crafted but sometimes hard to endure (2009) As dark magic spills into the Muggle world, Harrys mentor, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), tasks him with bringing down Lord Voldemort. But Harrys discovery of an old textbook teaches him more than he expected about his past. Now in its sixth episode shot over an eight-year span, with two more features still to come, this one-of-a-kind film cycle has become as comfortable and reliable as an old shoe, providing a degree of dependability thats becoming increasingly rare, Turan wrote. As directed by David Yates, who did the previous film and is on tap for the final two, Half-Blood Prince demonstrates the ways that the Potter pictures have become the modern exemplars of establishment moviemaking. We dont turn to these films for thrilling or original cinema, we look for a level of craft, consistency and, most of all, fidelity to the originals -- all of which we get. 7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" (2010) The penultimate film sees Harry, Hermione and Ron venturing out into the real world to locate and destroy Lord Voldemorts soul-encapsulating Horcruxes as Hogwarts and the wizarding world fall to He Who Must Not Be Named. Much of the plot of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows involves the attempt to find and destroy a series of Horcruxes, and if you havent a clue about what they are or why theyre important, you might as well stay home, Turan wrote. There is something different, however, about this Potter movie, and that is the words Part 1' that end the title. Understandably distraught about Hallows being the last of the phenomenally popular J.K. Rowling novels, Warner Bros. has split the final effort into two films and is likely kicking itself for not having thought of that with the earlier books. (It should be noted that the studio reboots the wizarding world with the forthcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series. The first film hit theaters in 2016.) 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2" (2011) Harry goes wand-to-wand with Lord Voldemort, concluding Harrys final year at the wizarding school with the epic Battle of Hogwarts. In a classic storybook finish, however, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2' turns out to be more than the last of its kind. Almost magically, it ends up being one of the best of the series as well, Turan wrote. The Harry Potter films, like the boy wizard himself, have had their creative ups and downs, so its especially satisfying that this final film, ungainly title and all, has been worth the wait. Though no expense has been spared in its production, it succeeds because it brings us back to the combination of magic, adventure and emotion that created the books popularity in the first place. For more of The Times Harry Potter anniversary coverage, go here. Seeing Neil Marshalls name in the opening credits of a horror film should spark delight in genre fans gore-loving hearts, but it only brings disappointment in Dark Signal. The Descent and Dog Soldiers director serves as executive producer here, but theres little of the energy hes known for in director Edward Evers-Swindells dull, poorly structured movie. A masked serial killer strikes in Snowdonia, Wales, targeting young women and cutting off their ring fingers. Meanwhile, local radio DJ Laurie Wolf (Siwan Morris) and her engineer, Ben (Gareth David-Lloyd), are broadcasting their final show when they begin to pick up the cries of a murdered woman via EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon). Nearby, single mother Kate (Joanna Ignaczewska) waits for her boyfriend to return to her car on a quiet country road, when mysterious happenings begin to haunt her. These multiple narrative threads are loosely tied together, united largely by a lack of logic or sympathetic characters in any of them. Advertisement Evers-Swindell, who co-wrote with Antony Jones, clearly has affection for the genre. Dark Signal gives nods to Italian giallo and 80s American slashers, while still feeling like a product of Wales and the U.K. However, it creeps along without providing either scares or an unsettling mood. Instead, its punctuated by brief moments of violence; if youve ever been curious about the sound a head would make when being crushed by a shovel, this is the movie for you. ------------- Dark Signal Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes Playing: Arena Cinelounge Santa Monica See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com Why settle for Pirates of the Caribbean when you can have the pirates of the Ming Dynasty? Set along the Chinese coast during the 16th century, the lively God of War is a character-driven battle epic that plays more like a brightly rendered action-adventure than a starchy history lesson. Having pillaged their way through the Eastern Chinese coastal province of Zhejiang, Japanese pirates finally meet their formidable match in the form of a gung-ho army that has been whipped into shape by sharp-witted Gen. Qi Jiguang (Vincent Zhao). Advertisement Gordon Chans entertaining film, not to be confused with the video game series of the same name, does bear a resemblance to the 2003 Russell Crowe historical adventure, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, in the way it adeptly balances action and performance. The latter is richly on display courtesy of charismatic lead turns by Zhao and the Japanese pirate leader played by Yasuaki Kurata, as well as spirited supporting work by Regina Wan as the generals equally intrepid wife, and, too briefly, martial arts legend Sammo Hung as a philosophical commander who used to be Zhaos superior. Chan maintains his dexterous footing whether choreographing the colorful large-scale battle sequences or the stripped-down, hand-to-hand matchups that boil the conflict down to its most basic and personal essence. ------------- God of War In Mandarin with English subtitles Not rated Running time: 2 hours, 8 minutes Playing: AMC Atlantic Times Square, Monterey Park; AMC Puente Hills 20, City of Industry; AMC Orange 30, Orange. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com For nearly all 115 minutes of The Death of Louis XIV, the hypnotically grueling new film from the Catalan writer-director Albert Serra, we are peering into a royal bedchamber at 18th century Versailles, watching as Frances longest-ruling monarch slowly succumbs to gangrene at the age of 77. The room is a ravishment of red brocade, its gleaming surfaces bathed in dim candlelight and slowly lengthening shadows that the cinematographer Jonathan Ricquebourg captures in exquisitely shot digital images. But the most remarkable sight here is the Sun King, Louis XIV himself, played in an extraordinary performance by the French film legend Jean-Pierre Leaud. Wearing an enormous gray wig that dwarfs his pallid face and at times gives him the appearance of a curiously overgrown insect, Louis is less a straightforward protagonist than an object of contemplation, his increasingly immobilized body stretched across the lower half of the frame as his condition worsens by the minute. Advertisement As the title makes clear, then, this is not a life story but an end-of-life story, though the paradox here is that the kings life force seems to register all the more acutely, and cruelly, as it is incrementally drained away. Meticulously drawn from the written accounts of the Duke of Saint-Simon and the Marquis of Dangeau, who were both courtiers present at Louis XIVs bedside during his final days, Serras screenplay (which he co-wrote with Thierry Lounas) reconstructs the kings death as a grim, claustrophobic procedural, a corporeal epic in which the long, steady takes of the camera seek to capture both the mundanity and the immensity of death. By the end we seem to have registered every bead of sweat on the kings brow, every dark spot on his infected leg and every painful, wheezing exhalation that is ripped from his body. But as painstaking as it is in its record of each indignity, The Death of Louis XIV also locates an unmistakably dark humor in the rivalries and power struggles, the fluttering reactions and confused protocols playing out in the shadows. Theres a fascinating disconnect between what we see a human body preparing to shuffle off this mortal coil and the collective obsequiousness that greets his every word and spasm. The kings physician, Fagon (Patrick dAssumcao), and his valet, Blouin (Marc Susini), clash frequently over the best course of treatment, each trying to gain the upper hand. Remedies such as bloodletting and bathing in donkey milk are attempted. Doctors from the Sorbonne arrive, as does a quack peddling an elixir of animal fluids. Absurdity reigns for a moment, but there is no delaying the inevitable. The Death of Louis XIV would make an intriguing double bill with Roberto Rossellinis 1966 film, The Rise of Louis XIV. But it is also the most polished and fully realized example yet of Serras serenely experimental approach to portraiture, as seen in his earlier films such as Honor of the Knights (2007), a riff on Don Quixote, and Birdsong (2008), a gorgeous black-and-white retelling of the Three Wise Men. Like its predecessors, which have been more widely seen at festivals than in art-house theaters, The Death of Louis XIV is what some would call an exemplary work of slow cinema and others might call an endurance test. Even if intended dismissively, however, the latter assessment would suggest only that Serra has done his subject justice, transmuting the slow and steady march toward oblivion into an aptly imposing and unyielding work of art. The film would be a triumph for its casting of Leaud alone. Still best known, perhaps, for his performance as the youthful rebel Antoine Doinel in Francois Truffauts The 400 Blows (1959), the now 73-year-old Leaud has never been far from the screen since, as his myriad collaborations with Jean-Luc Godard, Rossellini, Bernardo Bertolucci and Olivier Assayas, among others, can attest. That makes him something of a kindred spirit to the character he plays here, insofar as he is a long-standing pillar of French cultural royalty, someone who would be hard-pressed to remember a time when he was out of the public eye. In The Death of Louis XIV, Leaud shows us stray glimmers of the droll conversationalist and irrepressible bon vivant the Sun King once must have been. But his performance is finally a magnificent stare into the abyss, a sustained contemplation of things we would rather not dwell upon but will ultimately have to face. He surrenders to the great equalizer that is death and emerges, somehow, looking like an artist newly born. ------------ The Death of Louis XIV (In French with English subtitles) Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes Playing: Laemmles Music Hall 3, Beverly Hills See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers justin.chang@latimes.com @JustinCChang ALSO Review: The stirring Wonder Woman comes to the rescue of the DC Comics universe Cannes diary: Closing thoughts on a so-so festival but a satisfying set of winners 70 years of Cannes in 17 seconds: The time Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette was booed The Exception is a handsomely mounted World War II-era romantic thriller, enlivened by vibrant performances and vivid sexual encounters and inspired by a little-known footnote to history, the story of a ruler who left but never went away. That would be Germanys Kaiser Wilhelm II, engagingly played by the veteran Christopher Plummer. Though the kaiser exited historys stage when he abdicated in 1918, Wilhelm lived on in exile in the Netherlands for more than 20 years, a span that inspired Alan Judds novel The Kaisers Last Kiss on which the current Simon Burke screenplay is based. Though the kaisers presence anchors the thriller parts of the story, the romance is more than capably handled by the considerably younger pair of Lily James, madcap heiress Lady Rose in Downton Abbey, and Australian hunk Jai Courtney. Advertisement As put together by British theater director David Leveaux, making his theatrical feature debut, Exception breaks no new ground but it is a solidly done and always engrossing piece of alternate history, mixing real people and events with fictional ones. The year is 1940 and topping the fictional list is German Army Capt. Stefan Brandt (Courtney), a brooding and enviably fit third-generation officer who is being held back from active duty because of some initially unspecified business with the SS in Poland. When his new assignment comes in, the captain is not happy about it. Hes to go to the Netherlands to take command of the personal bodyguard of a man hes assumed was dead, a man hes told in no uncertain terms has tremendous symbolic importance to the German people. The kaiser is living on a splendid estate outside Utrecht, shielded from pedestrian concerns by a loyal coterie that includes his aide-de-camp Col. Von Ilsemann (Ben Daniels) and his calculating empress, the Princess Hermine (the always excellent Janet McTeer). Both of these people, and the kaiser himself, harbor the not exactly realistic hope that the former ruler will, if he plays his cards right, be called back to the German throne as the physical manifestation of Gods will on Earth. As played by Plummer, whose physical resemblance to the real man is remarkable, Wilhelm is way more interesting than his entourage. An actor who is always a treat to watch, Plummer brings alternating severity and warmth to the part of a man whose mood swings were head-snapping. Most of the time the kaiser is a genial, P.G. Wodehouse-first-edition-collecting elderly party who likes nothing better than feeding his entourage of ducks. A duck will never blame you for his troubles, he says with conviction, or ask you to abdicate your throne. Speaking of thrones, talk of politics could turn Wilhelm apoplectic in an instant, screaming in fury at being stabbed in the back by the military at the end of World War I and excoriating Hermann Goering as that oaf who had the temerity to come to lunch wearing Plus fours. Capt. Brandt, for his part, is bemused by the kaiser but more deeply interested in the fetching Mieke de Jong (James), a servant girl who is the newest member of Wilhelms household. No sooner do these two lock eyes, in fact, than they proceed to passionately ignore Col. Von Ilsemanns stern injunction that female staff will not be interfered with. The captain barks take your clothes off and the young woman immediately complies. Who knew proximity to the kaiser could be such a powerful aphrodisiac? Much more serious stuff of course is also taking place on the grounds. There are strong rumors that a British spy is active in the vicinity, the dread Gestapo orders the captain to keep tabs on the kaisers visitors, and there is even the chance that top Nazi Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan) will pay a visit. These and other World War II thriller aspects, including deception and even genteel references to torture, get more prominent as The Exception goes on, but the truth is the erotic chemistry between James and Courtney is so evident that its mostly what we care about. Of course, there are complexities in that story as well. Is Mieke exactly who she seems, and is the captain exactly who he thinks he is? Or is he, as the title pointedly asks, an exception? Love during wartime has its inevitable complications, and the fact that they are familiar doesnt make them any less welcome. The Exception MPAA rating: R, for sexuality, graphic nudity, language and brief violence. Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes Playing: Laemmles Royal, West Los Angeles See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers kenneth.turan@latimes.com @KennethTuran ALSO Review: In Avi Neshers Past Life, the bitter history of a Holocaust survivor is passed to his children Al Gore, undaunted by Trump, talks red-state victories and An Inconvenient Sequel 70 years of Cannes in 17 seconds: The home away from home for luminaries Noah Baumbach tells why he cast Adam Sandler for the role thats earning the actor new respect Beer in Los Angeles has come a long way since the first L.A. Beer Week was held in 2008. There are more breweries than ever before in the Southland, with much to celebrate. Its now easier than ever to find new favorites and explore everything this thriving industry has to offer. June 17 marks the beginning of the ninth Los Angeles Beer Week, so start filling your calendar with these nine cant-miss breweries, beers and events. Visit a new brewery Nearly a dozen breweries have opened in the county since the last beer week, so theres probably something new and near you thats worth a visit. Visit the L.A. County Brewers Guild website for an interactive map of all the breweries and brewpubs in the county. A few standout newcomers are Verdugo West Brewery in Burbank, Rob Rubens Distilling and Brewing in El Segundo, Arrow Lodge Brewing in Covina, and Yorkshire Square in Torrance. Advertisement Unity: the official brew of Beer Week Each year an LABG member brewery is selected to host a collaborative brew day featuring nearly every brewery in the county. The beer is different every year, and 2017s hosting brewery, El Segundo Brewing Co., has cooked up a signature IPA dosed with the zest and juice of locally grown citrus. Unity is getting the full ESBC day one treatment with bottles being filled and hitting store shelves across L.A. on the same day. The big release is set for June 8, and over 20 satellite events at brewpubs and bars around the region will feature the hoppy brew. El Segundo Brewing Co., 140 Main St, El Segundo, (310) 529-3882. Drink your fill at a beer festival Spanning two weekends, there is ample opportunity to attend beer festivals during beer week. The LABGs Official Kickoff festival is in downtown L.A. on June 17, and Beer Camp On Tour Sierra Nevadas ambitious traveling beer tour (this year it focuses on international craft breweries alongside Americas best) closes out the Beer Week parties in Long Beach on June. In between, theres a cask beer festival to celebrate MacLeod Ale Companys third anniversary (June 18) that features special, naturally carbonated and cask-conditioned beers from 20-plus breweries such as Highland Park Brewing, Beachwood Brewing and Cellador Ales. Or check out the BFE Festival on June 23, hosted at the Wolf Creek brewpub in Santa Clarita with over 20 breweries from every corner of the country. Cheer on your favorites See how L.A. brewers compete with the best from San Diego and San Francisco at the Battle of the Guilds: L.A. edition. On June 21, breweries representing each of the rival scenes will take over all the taps at the legendary Najas Place in Redondo Beach, and you can vote for your favorite. Theres more than enough great beer at the beachside bar to make your head spin, so no matter which guild takes home the Golden Keg trophy this year, its the beer lovers that win. Najas Place, 54 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, (310) 376-9951. Explore the maturing sour beer of L.A. One indicator of the state of a regions beer scene is the quality of sour beer being produced there. The sour side of beer is more complex than the moniker would imply, and the family of acid-driven brews, wild ales, mixed fermentation beer and oak treatments is an exacting, difficult and time-consuming endeavor. There are some world-class sour beer producers in California, and you can explore a few of L.A.s best venues for drinking these complex brews on the the Sunset Blvd. Sour Beer Crawl. Organized by Mohawk Bend in Echo Park, the tour begins at 6:30 p.m. on June 19, and makes stops at the Holloway, El Prado, and Bar Bandini. Visit Mohawks site for more details and tickets. Mohawk Bend, 2141 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 483-2337. Rock out with L.A.s brewery bands Beer week isnt just about drinking beer, its also a celebration of the D-I-Y ethos that helped to propel the craft beer industry to its current heights. And what better way to celebrate in punk rock style than a battle of the bands? At the Eagle Rock Brewery Battle of the Bands, 10 ad-hoc groups assembled from brewery and beer industry professionals will take to the stage of Highland Parks Hi Hat. The popular event is moving from the larger Echo venue, so get your tickets in advance. If youre music lover, this will be the most fun youll have during beer week. The Hi Hat, 5043 York Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 761-0486. Odd beers for odd years The Rarest of the Rare event at Smog City Brewing only comes around every other year. It takes the brewery that long to amass a collection of special releases, one-off experiments, and long-aged cellar-dwelling treats to showcase. The brewery is tight-lipped about exactly which unique and delicious brews will be poured, but expect a one-two punch of bourbon barrel-aged heavyweights and funky sour, fruited and wild ales. The corks come off on June 18 from noon until 9 p.m. at Smog Citys Torrance tasting room. Smog City Brewing, 1901 Del Amo Blvd, Torrance, (310) 320-7664. food@latimes.com @latimesfood ALSO: 5 panzanella recipes you need right now Why its not OK to drink too much and talk too loudly at this L.A. bar Chef Jonathan Waxman heads back to SoCal with a new restaurant in Century City New research released this week found that a fault under the heart of San Diego can produce stronger and more frequent earthquakes than previously thought. Its the second study in recent months pointing to heightened quake risks in the San Diego area. Here is a breakdown: This map of earthquake faults shows the general route of the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon fault system, which extends from San Diego along the coast to Huntington Beach, Long Beach and into the Westside of Los Angeles. (California Geological Survey / Google Maps) (California Geological Survey / Google Maps) More, stronger quakes than previously believed San Diegos Rose Canyon fault produces powerful earthquakes more frequently than once believed, according to researchers from San Diego State University. SDSU scientists who studied the fault in Old Town determined that the system which before about 1990 was thought to be inactive generates a magnitude 6.5 to 6.8 earthquake about once every 700 years. Seismologist Tom Rockwell said that earlier work indicated that such quakes occur every 1,000 to 1,500 years on the 40-mile-long fault, which extends from San Diego Bay, through Old Town and across Mission Valley , and up Rose Canyon through Mt. Soledad, to offshore at La Jolla. The fault is known to extend as far north as Oceanside offshore. A powerful quake in the mid-to-upper 6s could cause liquefaction around San Diego and Mission bays and locally in Mission Valley, and cause the land to be offset across the fault, which would damage buildings, said Rockwell, one of Californias most experienced seismologists. The research team said they also found evidence at a dig site in Old Town that the strike-slip fault has produced at least two additional quakes in the magnitude 5.0 to 6.0 range in recent centuries shaking referred to as background seismicity. Read more about the research here. (USGS) (USGS) The prospect of a simultaneous earthquake from L.A. to San Diego In March, scientists proved how San Diegos Rose Canyon should give residents of Los Angeles and Orange counties something to worry about. Researchers said the discovery of missing links between earthquake faults shows how a magnitude 7.4 temblor could rupture virtually simultaneously underneath Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Such an earthquake would be 30 times more powerful than the magnitude 6.4 Long Beach quake in 1933, which killed 120 people. But to get to a 7.4, the earthquake would not only have to again rupture the Newport-Inglewood fault in Los Angeles and Orange counties. It would also have to jolt the Rose Canyon fault system, which runs all the way through downtown San Diego and hasnt ruptured since roughly 1650. These two fault zones are actually one continuous fault zone, Valerie Sahakian, the studys lead author, said earlier this year. Sahakian wrote the study while working on her doctorate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Sahakian is now a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey. In the past, scientists reported gaps between the two fault systems of as much as 3 miles. But this study showed the gaps are actually less than 1 miles apart. That kind of characterizes it as one continuous fault zone, as opposed to two different, distinct fault systems, Sahakian said, making it far easier for an earthquake to keep shaking land as it races down a longer fault, widening the seismic reach of the temblor. There had already been consensus among scientists over the last three decades that the fault systems were actually one, said Caltech seismologist Egill Hauksson, who was not involved with this study. We now have real evidence that this is the case, Hauksson said. The difficulty in proving it was caused by the location of the gap under the Pacific Ocean between Newport Beach and La Jolla. Drawing a better map meant trying to figure out where the fault was underwater. Read more about that research here. The Los Angeles City Council backed a proposed legal settlement Wednesday that could reduce the electric bills of Department of Water and Power customers by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next four years. The agreement, if approved by a judge, would resolve three lawsuits that took aim at the citys long-standing practice of using 8% of the DWPs yearly electricity revenue to balance the city budget. The citys general fund, which pays for police patrols, firefighters and other basic services, received about $267 million from the DWP in the 2015-16 fiscal year. DWP critics had called the yearly payment an illegal tax increase. The utility sent the money in that same period, when the council voted to increase electricity rates by an average of nearly 3.9% a year. Advertisement Under the proposed settlement, the DWP would credit its customers for 8% of the money generated by a rate hike approved last year. The credit which would be deducted from future DWP bills would cover rate hike revenue collected during the 15-month period that ends June 30. The city would put $52 million into a fund that would cover those credits, according to the settlement proposal. However, the final amount needed could change. The settlement would also require the DWP to reduce by 8% rate hikes that were approved last year that would go into effect between July 1 and 2020, according to a city official familiar with the settlement agreement. That reduction could deliver hundreds of millions of dollars more, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. The settlement would also allow the city to dodge a major financial bullet. Under the proposal, the DWP would continue to send its yearly payment to the general fund. However, the size of the payment would be lower representing 8% of the power revenue collected by the utility under a rate ordinance approved in 2008. That decreased payment is already reflected in Mayor Eric Garcettis budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which was signed last week. The mayors spending plan calls for the DWP to send $242.5 million to the general fund, a decrease of almost $25 million compared with two years ago. Garcetti spokesman George Kivork declined to discuss details of the settlement, saying only that the mayor supports the councils decision to move the proposal forward. But last month, Garcetti described the decrease in the DWP transfer as a major contributor to the citys budget shortfall. Under the settlement, city officials will be prohibited from increasing the percentage of the transfer. Thats now a capped number, Garcetti said during last months question-and-answer session on his budget plan. The transfer currently represents about 4% of the citys general fund revenue. Attorneys for the plaintiffs in the three cases did not respond to requests from The Times for comment. Opponents of the DWP transfer had argued that it violates Proposition 26, approved by state voters in 2010. Proposition 26 bars public utilities like the DWP from charging more for government services than it costs to provide them. By transferring 8% of the DWPs electricity revenue to the budget, the city was overcharging ratepayers 8%, opponents charged. The transfer has grown in recent years, even as city leaders imposed higher costs on its customers. In March 2016, the council approved a five-year package of rate hikes that represented an average increase of 3.86% per year. DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo said the five-year package of rate increases will be smaller, thanks in part to lower-than-expected natural gas prices. Vanessa Rodriguez, spokeswoman for City Council President Herb Wesson, confirmed that the council had put forth a settlement proposal but declined to discuss specifics. Los Angeles is not the only city facing a challenge to its utility transfer. This year, a Superior Court judge ruled that Glendale transferred money from its electric utility to its general fund in violation of Proposition 26. The judge ordered Glendale to repay its ratepayers nearly $57 million in power revenue. Lawyers for Glendale have filed an appeal. david.zahniser@latimes.com Twitter: @DavidZahniser Diandre Pope said his mother dropped him off at a Hollywood youth shelter when he was 15, and he started to get into trouble. Now 31, the Watts native stays in an encampment on Hollywood Boulevard, around the corner from a popular fitness club, siphoning power off a utility pole to power his telephone and sampling the capacious offerings taquitos to hot wings from a nearby convenience store. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported Wednesday that 6,000 homeless young people like Pope were tallied across the county in January, a 61% increase over the 2016 total. Advertisement Diandre Pope, 31, stays in an encampment on Hollywood Boulevard. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) The homeless services agency improved the youth count, Executive Director Peter Lynn said, which could account for part of the jump. But Heidi Calmus of Covenant House California, an international youth homeless services agency with a branch in Hollywood, said the sharp increase was no surprise. All the youth shelters have waiting lists and affordable housing is tough to find, even with a rent voucher, Calmus said. The system is overwhelmed, Calmus said Tuesday night as she and a colleague, Nick Semensky, delivered toiletry bags and sandwiches to young people living in the streets. Most of the young people are ages 18 to 24, Lynn said. Many were released from foster care or group homes, or like Pope, were set loose by their families. They distrust authority and have no appetite for giving up the freedom of the streets for another regimented living situation, Semensky said. Emergency housing is instantly available on skid row, but they will have to be with older people and they may feel like theyre in the jail or prison theyve already been in, Semensky said. And they say, If Im going to be homeless I might as well be homeless in L.A., its more exciting. Like Pope, they are on the street longer than in the past, Calmus said. Some have had bad experiences in homeless settings and now are running out of options, she added. Maggie Reyes, 24, said she spent almost a year at a youth shelter before another woman started stealing her belongings. She moved back with her mom, who has struggled to hold onto housing. She is hoping to get her own subsidized housing before the special services for young homeless people are cut off when she turns 25. Michael Z., 24, said he was thrown out of his house after graduating high school because of his drinking and drug use. He said he no longer drinks and has finally found a good job. A homeless person sleeps wrapped in plastic bags on Hollywood Boulevard. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) He asked that his last name not be used because he has to conceal his homelessness from his employer. Agencies try to help him with housing, but landing a place appears to be a distant hope at best, he added. It takes so long to rehab from the streets, he said. Reyes said the homeless youth she sees in the street are getting younger and younger. Im always running into kids who say, Im really 15 and Im like, Why are you out here? Theyre like, My mom is a really bad mom, Reyes said. Every year there are more coming than going, she said. To read the article in Spanish, click here People stand in line for a meal at the Salvation Army shelter in Hollywood. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) gholland@latimes.com Twitter: @geholland ALSO Home at last: Vets circuitous paths through homelessness meet in new permanent home Huntington Beach opposes county supervisors proposal for homeless shelter In Venice, where money meets misery, hoping for an end to homeless camps The Los Angeles City Council agreed Wednesday to pay up to $500,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man assaulted by a police officer in South Los Angeles, an arrest caught on video that resulted in a rare criminal conviction but no jail time for the officer. In a 12-0 vote, city lawmakers agreed to close the books on a federal civil rights case brought by Clinton Alford, who was kicked, punched and elbowed by an officer during a 2014 arrest. The settlement marks the financial fallout of a case that echoed the larger national debate about how police use force: a black man, assaulted by an officer, recorded on video. The officers actions were criticized by many police officials, particularly after seeing the footage captured by a nearby security camera. Advertisement Prosecutors charged LAPD Officer Richard Garcia with assault under the color of authority, a felony that could have landed him behind bars for up to three years. But Garcia was spared from jail last week under a controversial deal made with prosecutors. After completing community service, following all laws, staying away from Alford and donating $500 to a charity, Garcia was allowed to plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge that replaced the felony. Garcia was sentenced to serve two years of probation. The punishment was less severe than that recommended by a probation officer, who suggested in a report filed in court that Garcia spend a year in jail and three years on probation. Officers initially tried to stop Alford in October 2014 because police were investigating a robbery and he matched the description of the suspect, authorities said. After the assault, Alford was booked on suspicion of drug possession and resisting arrest a case prosecutors later dismissed. The 25-year-old is now facing life in prison after a jury convicted him a few weeks ago in a separate 2015 case. The charges in that case included rape, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon, according to court records. Garcia is still employed by the Los Angeles Police Department, but is on unpaid leave awaiting a disciplinary hearing. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck noted last week that the hearing could result in his firing. The City Council also unanimously agreed Wednesday to pay up to $500,000 to settle another lawsuit from a man who said he was permanently injured in 2013 after he was shot by officers and bitten by a police dog in South L.A. The Police Commission, the civilian panel that oversees the LAPD, agreed with Beck that police were justified in firing their guns at Sergio Pina. Officers told investigators they saw the 37-year-old man point a gun at one of the officers as they searched a neighborhood for him, according to a summary of the commissions decision. No gun was found at the scene, but the board said a preponderance of the evidence supported the officers account that Pina was armed. Both the commissions report and another report from Beck noted that police went to the neighborhood because someone called 911 reporting a man walking around with a gun. Becks report said Pina matched the description of the man. Pina contested the idea that he had a gun in two lawsuits he later filed, saying he was unarmed at the time of the shooting. We are pleased with the settlement because it was what the client wanted, said Dale Galipo, an attorney who is representing Pina. However, we felt we could prevail on the case had we gone to trial. The settlements were the latest in a string of police-related payouts that have captured the attention of City Hall, particularly as lawmakers took steps toward a controversial plan to borrow up to $60 million to help pay a skyrocketing legal tab. Not all of the citys costly settlements involved the LAPD. In August, for example, the council agreed to pay roughly $200 million to settle a lawsuit brought by disability rights groups over the lack of accessible publicly funded housing. But LAPD-related lawsuits have taken a toll on the citys coffers. During the last fiscal year, the city paid almost $81 million to settle such cases, a sharp increase from recent years, driven by high-dollar settlements for two wrongful murder convictions and a police shooting that left a boy paralyzed. The city has paid over $32 million for LAPD-related legal cases during this fiscal year, which ends June 30, a spokesman for the city attorneys office said Wednesday. Councilman Mitch Englander, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said in a statement that he was very concerned with the current trend of rising payouts. Englander noted that many of the settlements stemmed from encounters that predated the Police Commissions renewed efforts to minimize when officers use serious force changes that have included revamped training, new protocols and more technology. I will be looking closely at the implementation of these reforms to observe any measurable effect they have in halting or reversing this trend, he said. kate.mather@latimes.com emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @katemather and @LATimesEmily UPDATES: 6:25 p.m.: This story was updated with a comment from Councilman Mitch Englander. This story was originally published at 4:55 p.m. Calm seas and clear weather greeted the fishing boat Tammy as it set out from San Pedro on July 11, 1994, to cast its nets for sea cucumbers and then disappeared. The 40-foot, steel-hulled vessel carried a crew of four Vietnamese fishermen that night. Two of their bodies were found the next day in the shipping lanes off Newport Beach. The others were never recovered. To this day, we do not have even a death certificate for my dad because they never found him, Thai Minh Ta said of Cong Minh Ta, the boats owner. Advertisement He and other children of the ill-fated fishermen have longed to know what happened to the men and the boat that carried them to their deaths. I always wonder if some ship hit my dad and run away, hit my dad and not turn around to save him, said Lisa Nguyen, the daughter of Nhieu Van Nguyen, whose body was recovered. The Coast Guard concluded that the Tammy sank, but closed its investigation without pinpointing a cause or locating the wreckage. Now, more than two decades later, two men with extensive experience in researching and identifying submerged wrecks think the long-lost fishing boat might rest on the ocean floor in 70 feet of water near the entrance to the Port of Long Beach. Steve Lawson, a technical writer and avid wreck diver, and Gary Fabian, a computer consultant and maritime historian who discovered the sunken vessel in 1995, have spent more than a decade trying to identify it. Its location, dimensions and steel-hull construction bolster their theory that it is the Tammy. But Lawson and Fabian say they cant be certain without comparing it to photos of the boat before it sank. Three children of the fishermen contacted by the The Times said they have no pictures of the Tammy. Nor were they able to identify the wreck now corroded and covered in sea anemones and other growth from an electronic data image and underwater photos the researchers have compiled. Circumstantial evidence suggests this is the wreck, but more definitive proof is needed, said Lawson, 52. Its a mystery that needs to be solved. Wed found a virgin wreck right off of L.A. How the hell did it get there? Gary Fabian Cong Minh Ta and his family joined the waves of Vietnamese boat people who fled their homeland in the 1970s. His sons Thai, 48, and Daniel, 46, said the family lived in a refugee camp in the Philippines before coming to the United States in 1980. They eventually wound up in San Gabriel, where Cong Minh Ta worked in construction. Thai said he and his father bought the Tammy for about $300 when it was little more than a piece of metal floating on top of the water, and spent thousands rebuilding it. We worked on it for like at least eight months, he said. New cabinets, new engine. Everything on it was new except the name. Unlike other crew members, he said, his father was not a professional fisherman. He bought the boat as a business venture, but in the short time it operated, We didnt even make good money with it, Thai said. Nhieu Van Nguyen, an experienced fisherman and skipper, came to the United States with a younger brother in the early 1980s and later worked alongside Cong and Thai to overhaul the Tammy, then 30 years old. They outfitted it with nets and based it at Fish Harbor, home to San Pedros fleet of commercial boats many of them immigrant-owned, aging and in ill repair, according to news reports at the time. The Tammy would be the third net-fishing boat from Fish Harbor to sink in accidents that year. Lisa Nguyen was in her early 20s and had been in the U.S. for less than a decade when her father died at 52. Her mother was still in Vietnam, with plans to join her family. He was always a fisherman, even back home, said Nguyen, who now lives near San Diego. He had lots of experience with the boats and the water. My dad [was] all the time in the boat fishing, all the time working. On board with her father and Cong Minh Ta, 54, that summer night were Khanh Nguyen, 50, and Gioi Nguyen, 59, who was described at the time as a sometimes fishing partner of the others. Their families could not be reached for this article. According to a Coast Guard investigation report, the Tammy disappeared without so much as a distress call. Weather apparently was not a factor. It was calm, said Thai Ta, who now lives in Texas and recalled checking conditions at the time. There was no wind, no storm, nothing. Early on the morning of July 12, 1994, a pleasure boater found a mans body floating in the shipping lanes south of Long Beach. A second body was recovered about two hours later, amid debris that included ice chests, line, tarp and a white drum used to carry bait. Rescue vessels and aircraft scoured 450 square miles of the ocean for signs of the missing fishermen and the boat before giving up at dark. Its hard to have a funeral when you cant see a body, said Daniel Ta, who lives in Florida. Over time, I hoped he was still alive. Over time, my hope was dashed. Because two bodies were found in the shipping lanes, initial speculation was that the Tammy had been struck and sunk by a deep-draft vessel. The Coast Guard ruled that out, however, after all four freighters known to be in the area at the time bore no signs of a collision when examined at their next ports of call. The investigation also raised doubts about the Tammys seaworthiness and the crews skills. A harbormaster in San Pedro and an employee of the boatyard where the refurbishing was done told Coast Guard investigators that the Tammy had a tendency to excessively heel, or tip, while turning. It was not clear that the boat carried proper running lights. The investigators wrote in their report that the vessel masters past history as a prudent mariner is questionable and that he had owned and was operating another fishing boat that sank in a collision. The Coast Guard report did not name the skipper, but The Times, quoting friends and relatives, reported in the days after the sinking that Nhieu Van Nguyen was a licensed fisherman who owned a boat that sank three years earlier after colliding with a ship. The Tammy went missing after setting off from San Pedro on July 11, 1994. A year after the Tammy disappeared, Fabian was motoring back to the docks when his boats sonar fish finder bounced off something big beneath the surface, 3.1 miles beyond the Long Beach breakwater. I see this huge bump come up, he recalled recently. Any bump on the bottom to a fisherman is like buried treasure, because thats where the fish are. So I swing the boat around and get right on top of it. I didnt know it was a wreck. It couldve been a rock. Fabian later shared the location with a diver friend, who confirmed it was a sunken boat, all but untouched: Its brass steering wheel and portholes, souvenirs coveted by divers, were still intact. Wed found a virgin wreck right off of L.A., he said. How the hell did it get there? Fabian, 54, who now lives in Texas, described researching shipwrecks as an intense hobby. He has spent much of the past two decades crunching sonar data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to locate lost ships and aircraft. In 2003 he made his first significant find: the wreckage of a German U-boat that the U.S. government had acquired and sunk off the Southern California coast in a live-fire exercise in 1921. Until he found the UB88, it had been one of Californias most elusive wrecks. Just last year, he worked with NOAA to locate a Boeing B-29 lost off the coast of Saipan during World War II and a Japanese cargo ship that sank off Wake Island in 1942. Part of the excitement for me is doing the digging, Fabian said, conceding that so far, the mystery of the Tammy has been an impossible nut to crack. Over the years, as the site became popular with scuba divers, the wreck was identified as the African Queen a replica of the boat made famous in the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. But Fabian and Lawson did some research and came to a different conclusion. We discovered the African Queen was wood and not steel like the wreck, said Lawson, a Laguna Hills resident. The pair have compiled a raft of Coast Guard reports and other documentation on the Tammy, its ownership chain and its ll-fated crew. Fabian has used sophisticated electronic imaging to visualize the wreck, and Lawson has examined it on about a dozen dives. Its steel hull and dimensions point to it as the Tammy, they say, but it has lost many of its identifiers over time. There is no paint or anything left on it and no numbers are discernible, but the hull is largely undamaged, Lawson said. Some nets are still attached to the wreck, which has become a haven for wolf eels and other sea creatures. It is covered in red strawberry anemones, giving it a red or pink color, Lawson said. Also, the amount of growth and corrosion is much less than that of older wrecks, suggesting it is newer. One possible explanation for what happened to the Tammy is that a larger vessel snagged its nets and pulled the boat under, perhaps taking the two missing fishermen down with it. There is something inherently fascinating about finding man-made objects underwater, Lawson said, but fleshing out their history is all the more rewarding. To this day, we do not have even a death certificate for my dad because they never found him. Thai Minh Ta on Cong Minh Ta, the boats owner. Any time you can make a connection between the archival record with physical and tangible underwater wreckage bridge the gap between the two and identify a wreck that in itself is a discovery, he said. He and Fabian said photos of the Tammy in its prime would close the loop. Undoubtedly there are people with knowledge about the Tammy who unknowingly hold the missing piece of the puzzle, Lawson said, and we hope they come forward to prove or disprove the wrecks identity. What took the Tammy down is the million-dollar question, Daniel Ta said. Even after all these years, he anxiously awaits an answer. I have prayed about it. I have always thought about it: What really happened out there with my dad, and my dads boat, he said. That question has always lingered and floated. I really do want to know. To read the article in Spanish, click here kim.christensen@latimes.com Twitter: @kchristensenLAT ALSO Massive Big Sur landslide added 13 acres to Central California coast The Church of Scientology wanted a vacant lot. So did the city of Clearwater, Fla. One of them won Did the City of Industry put this brewery out of business, or was it poor business management? It never pays to make impetuous comments on social media at least not when youre a judge. Thats the lesson Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeff Ferguson learned this week when he was publicly admonished by the Commission on Judicial Performance for posting a disparaging comment on Facebook about a prosecutor who was running for judicial office. The admonition stemmed from a heated, 2016 judicial contest between Orange County Superior Court Judge Scott Steiner who was running for reelection and Karen Schatzle, a senior deputy district attorney for the county. Advertisement Ferguson was backing Steiner, who was censured in 2014 for having sex with two women in his chambers. According to the commission, which investigates judicial misconduct, Schatzle posted a comment on the North Orange County Bar Assn. Facebook page on April 26, 2016, saying, Scott Steiner uses his office for sex and yet so many arent concerned, crazy politics! In response, Ferguson went to Facebook and claimed: Karen Shatzle [sic] has sex with defense lawyer whike [sic] shw [sic] is DA on his cases and nobody cares. Interesting politics. Schatzle responded to the comment by writing: Im sure the Judicial Commission of Performance [sic] would love to know about your blogging! Ferguson deleted the accusation, but not before the damage was done. The commission ruled that Fergusons comment violated ethics rules and that he had acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Ferguson, they said, could not produce any factual support for his claim. The judges post was not only potentially injurious to the candidate, but also undermined public respect for the judiciary and the integrity of the electoral process, the commission wrote. According to the commissions ruling, Ferguson, who has been an Orange County judge since January 2015, provided a declaration from an attorney who claimed to have knowledge of the relationship but did not show evidence that Schatzle and the defense attorney were, at the same time, opposing each other in court. Schatzle, who lost the race, and the defense attorney denied the allegations, according to the commission. According to the commission, Ferguson later acknowledged he was wrong to write the post, recognized that it fell outside the bounds of professionalism and the decorum expected of a bench officer, and apologized for his conduct. Fergusons attorney Paul Meyer said his clients quick, late-night retort was posted for only a few minutes before he voluntarily removed it. Judge Ferguson again apologizes for his thoughtless comment, the attorney said. In a separate matter, the commission also ruled that Ferguson had violated an additional ethics rule when he failed to disclose he was friends with three criminal defense attorneys on Facebook. Ferguson has unfriended the attorneys. veronica.rocha@latimes.com Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA After a fellow journalist was shot to death in 1997, Sergio Haro linked the killing to a local drug trafficker. Not long afterward, Haro found himself the target of anonymous threats but he continued to report the story. Some people are telling me to stop writing about this, to run away, to disappear, Haro, a Mexicali-based journalist, said at the time. But that wont solve a thing. Haro was found dead Tuesday at his home in Mexicali, according the Tijuana newsweekly Zeta, where he spent much of his professional life working as an editor and reporter. Advertisement The Baja California medical examiners office reported the cause of death as a heart attack. Haro was 60. Born in the neighboring state of Sonora, Haro was one of Baja Californias most respected journalists, a familiar figure with his unruly mane of hair, wide smile and camera bag slung over his shoulder. Colleagues from Zeta said that at the time of his death, Haro was at his computer, working on an article for Fridays edition. Haros career stretched over three decades, during which he covered a multitude of subjects, from the March 1994 assassination in Tijuana of a Mexican presidential candidate to the illicit capture of totoaba fish in the upper Gulf of California. In his most recent published article, Haro wrote about payments by the Baja California government to the states media, financially benefiting some media, individual reporters, and punishing others, he wrote. Haro was the subject of a 2012 documentary, Reportero, by New York-based filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz that explored the perils of writing about organized crime in Mexico. Haro was part of a tightknit group of journalists who cover the region. One of his passions was writing about social issues, and he once spent months documenting the plight of migrant child labor in the Mexicali Valley. Miguel Cervantes Sahagun, a longtime friend and fellow journalist, said Haro was profoundly committed to social justice. He believed that in spite of the evolution of journalism, the aim must be social advocacy and exposing all that is rotten, or in the process of rotting, Cervantes said. Haro is survived by his wife, Zaida Montoya Mascareno, and their son, Luis Carlos Haro Montoya. Dibble writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune In his story The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Ernest Hemingway wrote a snappy retort to F. Scott Fitzgeralds line about how the very rich are different from you and me. Yes, Hemingways character replies, they have more money. Economist Gabriel Zucman of UC Berkeley and two colleagues add a gloss to this exchange in a new paper. The very rich also are vastly better than you and me at evading taxes, they conclude so much better that global statistics may understate the scale of wealth inequality by as much as 25%. Tax evasion is really concentrated at the top of the income distribution, Zucman told me. Advertisement Offshore wealth turns out to be extremely concentrated. ... The top 0.01% owns about 50% of it. Zucman et. al., Tax Evasion and Inequality That may seem intuitive the richer one is, the larger the temptation to dodge the tax authorities but its not the received wisdom among tax experts. They often point to the small business cash sector. As described by Ilan Benshalom in a 2012 paper, these include professionals providing services (e.g., electricians); restaurants; sole proprietors; farmers; and other small business owners. These taxpayers find it easy to evade, the argument goes, because their cash income is hard to track and theyre so numerous and small-scale that theyre not economical to audit. Estimates of the tax gap in many countries that is, the discrepancy between whats owed and whats paid typically are based on random audits. But that misses a large proportion of evaded taxes, Zucman and his co-authors argue, especially among the super-rich, who have unique options for evasion, chiefly by hiding money offshore. Theres a big industry providing wealth management services for the super-wealthy all over the world, Zucman says. Once you cross a certain threshold of over $50 million, you get offered those services. The results of his study suggest that wealth inequality is probably rising more than we thought. Zucmans research is based on two spectacular leaks of information about those services: the 2007 leak of data on more than 30,000 clients of banking conglomerate HSBCs Swiss private banking subsidiary, and the 2016 Panama Papers leak of names and addresses of owners of shell companies created by Panamanian firm Mossack Fonseca. The leaks filled a gap that can confound national tax authorities, including those in the U.S. Its relatively easy for enforcement agencies to obtain information from domestic financial institutions to match against taxpayer returns. But its harder, and sometimes impossible, to obtain the same information from offshore institutions. If you move your wealth abroad, Zucman says, its very easy to evade taxes on that income. Zucman and his co-authors, from the University of Copenhagen and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, matched the identities in both caches to tax records in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Their goal was to correct global inequality statistics so as to better capture the very rich. Their basic finding was that about 3% of personal taxes are evaded overall in Scandinavia, but the figure rises to 30% among the top 0.01% of income earners. They dont have similar figures for American taxpayers, but Zucman contends that the pattern in the U.S. probably resembles their sample. There is good reason to believe that the very steep gradient [in tax evasion by the wealthy] is also the case in the U.S., he says. It could be even worse. For one thing, the tax gap is much larger in the U.S. than in Scandinavia. According to IRS statistics, less than 82% of all tax is paid voluntarily and on time; enforcement actions raise that ratio to about 83.7%, for a tax gap of 16.3%, or an annual average of $406 billion in unpaid taxes. Evidence that Americans have taken advantage of the offshore services uncovered via the leaks accounts of 4,000 taxpayers with U.S. connections, valued at $13 billion, turned up in the HSBC records according to an analysis by 60 Minutes in 2008. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Few Americans knew Nigel Farages name. But the flamboyant far-right British politician and radio host, a key architect of Britains vote to exit the European Union, took on an oddly Zelig-like ubiquity as Donald Trump captured first the Republican nomination and then the presidency. Here was Farage, popping up at the 2016 GOP convention in Cleveland to deliver a speech. There again, at a Trump campaign rally in Mississippi in the dog-days of August. Days after the election, he and the president-elect grinned together in front of a gilded elevator at Trump Tower. Soon after Trump took office and was set to dine with family members and associates at his namesake Washington hotel, Farage materialized again and wound up with a seat at the table. Trump even broke diplomatic protocol by musing that Farage, who is widely loathed in British government circles, would make a great ambassador to Washington for Britain. That drew a stiff rejoinder from Downing Street that the job wasnt open. Advertisement Now theres a new twist to Farages odd omnipresence in American politics: a British newspapers report Thursday that he is a person of interest in the FBIs expanding counterintelligence investigation of Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign. The Guardian newspaper said while the 53-year-old Briton was not accused of any crime, the FBI was particularly interested a meeting earlier this year between Farage and Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, which last year released a trove of emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee. Farage emphatically denied the report. In response to the Guardian article, it has taken me a long time to finish reading because I am laughing so much at this fake news, he tweeted. He followed up in a rapid succession of Twitter postings denouncing the hysterical attempt to implicate him. I consider it extremely doubtful that I could be a person of interest to the FBI as I have no connections to Russia, Farage wrote. He has, however, made past appearances on Russias RT network, considered a propaganda outlet. Asked previously by reporters about his March visit to Ecuadors embassy in London, where Assange is holed up, Farage said he could not remember the reason for it, though he later told a German newspaper he was there trying to set up an interview. During the U.S. presidential campaign, Farages populist-nativist vision seemed to mesh perfectly with that of Trump. Even before he met the then-candidate, he was acquainted with Stephen Bannon, the anti-establishment provocateur who is now a senior White House aide. Farage was a founding member of the stridently anti-immigration UK Independence Party and played a key role in advocating Britains departure from the EU. Trump, who happened to be in Scotland just after the Brexit referendum narrowly passed, hailed the result, not realizing that Scotland had voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union. Calling the British vote not only a robust expression of sovereignty but a precursor of his own underdog victory, Trump later tweeted out an all-caps description of himself as MR. BREXIT! Trumps delight turned many Europeans against him sentiments that hardened when he won the election and only intensified when he held tense talks last week with European counterparts. Farages party faded into political insignificance after he left it last year and rebranded himself as a broadcaster and commentator. His rhetoric and concerns often continue to mirror Trumps. Before the Guardian story broke, he had already tweeted his disdain for Hillary Clinton and touted an appearance on Fox News, where he is a paid contributor. On the campaign trail last year, Trump supporters received Farages message with enthusiasm, even if some were nonplussed by a British politician stumping for their candidate. Farage had slammed Obama for expressing public hopes during the run-up to Brexit that Britons would stay in the EU. I come to you from the United Kingdom with a message of hope, of optimism! Farage told a Trump rally in the sweltering August heat of Jackson, Miss. Appealing to ordinary, decent people to rise up, he drew cheers when he declared: We made June 23 our independence day when we smashed the establishment! Farages meeting with Trump after his election occurred weeks ahead of one with Prime Minister Theresa May. She eventually made a White House visit, but not before Trump shocked the British by casually suggesting she get in touch if she were coming to town. In the early days of Trumps presidency, Farage won a standing ovation at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington, telling the crowd that Trumps election was part of a global revolution that had its roots in Brexit. The president had addressed the same gathering early in the day. Farage is fond of documenting his encounters with Trump on Twitter. A photograph Farage posted in November shows the two together at Trump Tower, with Trump giving a thumbs up. Dinner with The Donald! Farage tweeted in late Februrary, along with a picture, drawing snickers from the British press that he had talked his way into joining the presidents family meal. As Farage prepared to host an evening talk-radio program Thursday, he repeated his talking points as the Russia story ricocheted across social media. This FBI story is nonsense, he tweeted. The liberal elite are bad losers trying to find a way out. Total fake news! laura.king@latimes.com @laurakingLAT On the same day that President Trump announced the United States withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, environmentalists took consolation in the closure of three large coal-fired power plants the kind often blamed as big contributors to climate change. The three plants, two in New Jersey and another in Massachusetts, are the latest in a national trend toward phasing out coal-fired power plants in the face of tighter regulations and competition from cheap natural gas. The timing is kind of ironic. They are closing these plants the same day that Trump is pulling out of Paris. It shows that no matter what the president does, the country is moving towards cleaner sources of energy, said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, which was celebrating the closures. This is the future. Advertisement The New Jersey plants being closed, in Jersey City and near Trenton, are operated by PSEG Power, a subsidary of Public Service Enterprise Group, the states largest energy provider. In Massachusetts, the Brayton Point Power Station in Somerset was the states last coal-fired plant and the largest in New England. All three power plants, built in the 1960s, had been the targets of protests and lawsuits, with environmentalists charging they killed fish and spewed toxins from their looming smokestacks. But in the end, industry officials said they had to close because they were no longer economically viable. The sustained low prices of natural gas have put economic pressure on these plants for some time. In that context, we could not justify the significant investment required to upgrade these plants to meet the new reliability standards, Bill Levis, president and chief operating officer of PSEG Power, said when the plants closing was announced in October. The utility ran the Hudson Generation Station on a 250-acre site on the Hackensack River in Jersey City and the Mercer Generation Station in Hamilton Township, N.J. Both closed at midnight Thursday. On the campaign trail, President Trump spoke frequently about his desire to put coal miners back to work and revive a flagging industry. However, economists say the coal industrys decline is the result of irreversible market trends which make natural gas and renewable energy cheaper. In blaming environmental regulations under the Obama administration as the sole reason for the recent turmoil in the coal industry, Trump [is] ignoring fundamental market realities that are buffeting the industry, the Brookings Institution wrote in a report on coal in December. Natural gas prices hit their lowest levels in nearly 20 years in 2016. And while coal use in the U.S. was down last year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts a 5% increase in coal production in 2017, mainly due to expanded exports. It also forecast some growth in coal-fired electricity generation that could boost coal production in 2018. According to a tally kept by the Sierra Club, 253 of the nations more than 500 coal plants have closed or are scheduled to close by 2021. barbara.demick@latimes.com Twitter: @BarbaraDemick The House Intelligence Committee issued seven subpoenas Wednesday, ramping up its investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and into whether names of President Trumps associates were improperly revealed in classified intelligence reports. Subpoenas went to Trumps former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, and to the presidents longtime personal attorney, Michael Cohen. The Senate Intelligence Committee and a federal grand jury in Virginia also have issued subpoenas for Flynns business records. In a statement, the House committee said it had issued subpoenas seeking testimony, personal documents and business records from Flynn and Cohen. It also approved subpoenas for the Flynn Intel Group LLC and for Michael D. Cohen & Associates PC. Advertisement We hope and expect that anyone called to testify or provide documents will comply with that request, so that we may gain all the information within the scope of our investigation. We will continue to pursue this investigation wherever the facts may lead, Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas), the committee chairman, and Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), the ranking member, said in a statement. The investigative moves come as Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia, has cleared ousted FBI Director James B. Comey to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his contacts with the president, according to a Comey associate. No hearing date was set for Comeys testimony, which is likely to focus on reports that Comey filed an internal memo in mid-February saying that Trump had asked him to ease up the FBI investigation of Flynn. 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. Comeys memo, and the presidents statements, have sparked concern that Trump was seeking to block the widening FBI investigation into Trumps top aides, including at least one still at the White House. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. The latest subpoenas sparked new partisan wrangling on the House panel, with aides to Democratic lawmakers complaining that the chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), had approved three subpoenas without their knowledge. The three subpoenas to the CIA, the FBI and the National Security Agency suggested Nunes was moving independently of the panels main investigation into Russian meddling and focusing instead on an issue that the White House preferred. The three agencies were asked to provide records of any requests to unmask, or reveal, names of Trumps associates by President Obamas former national security advisor, Susan Rice, former CIA Director John Brennan and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, according to an aide familiar with the requests. Nunes came under intense criticism in March when he told a hastily called news conference that an unidentified source had told him of dozens of intelligence reports from court-authorized surveillance that included the names of Trump transition team members. He said he was going immediately to the White House to brief Trump on the information. Nunes subsequently admitted he had received the information in the White House complex, explaining it was the only safe place to examine the classified material. He stepped down from the Russia investigation in April after the House Ethics Committee said it had opened an inquiry into whether he had improperly disclosed classified information. In most cases, the identities of U.S. citizens picked up in such surveillance are supposed to be kept confidential in intelligence reports. But authorized U.S. officials can request that the names be revealed to them a process known as unmasking if knowing the name is necessary to understand the intelligence. Flynn, a retired Army three-star general, was forced to resign in February as Trumps top national security aide after news stories revealed the existence of a transcript of Flynns conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The diplomats calls were recorded as part of routine U.S. intelligence monitoring of ranking foreign officials, and the Justice Department warned the White House that Flynn could be blackmailed for his statements about those contacts. Cohen has acknowledged meeting in January with Felix Sater, a Manhattan real estate developer who worked on several projects with Trump, and a Ukrainian lawmaker who asked them to bring the White House a pro-Russian peace deal for Ukraine. Cohen was quoted in the New York Times in February saying he gave the envelope containing the proposal to Flynn, but Cohen later denied delivering it to the White House. In a separate development, a senior Justice Department lawyer and FBI veteran with experience in complex financial fraud investigations has agreed to join the special counsels investigation. Andrew Weissman has led the fraud section at the Justice Department, where he oversaw investigations into corporate wrongdoing at Volkswagen and Takata. He is the highest-ranking Justice Department official to join Muellers team. david.cloud@latimes.com Twitter: @davidcloudLAT MORE FROM POLITICS In President Trumps wake, divisions mark both Democratic and Republican parties All jokes aside, Trumps covfefe tweet sparks questions too Trump is poised to withdraw from Paris climate pact unless he changes his mind The new numbers on homelessness in Los Angeles are startlingly grim up 20% in the city and 23% overall in the county. That means volunteers found 57,794 men, women and children living on sidewalks and in parks, in cars and campers, or at overnight shelters during a three-night count in January, despite tens of millions of dollars worth of services funded by city and county agencies. In the city of Los Angeles alone, 34,189 homeless people were counted in the tally. The number of homeless veterans was up 57% despite the federal governments redoubled efforts to eliminate the problem. At a news conference on Wednesday, local leaders and officials at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority didnt try sugarcoating (as Mayor Eric Garcetti put it) the fact that they have yet to make a dent in homelessness. Yet the numbers reflect the riddle of solving this increasingly intractable problem. While the homeless population went up dramatically, so did the number of people the county did manage to house a record 14,214. Thats good. Anywhere else, it would be great. But while those folks were being housed, their ranks were more than offset by the mounting volume of people unable to escape the streets. And, no, they werent from out of town. A separate demographic survey that the homeless services authority conducts shows that 75% of the areas homeless people have been here five years or longer. L.A. Countys median rent is rising rapidly, while renters median income is shrinking. Advertisement The city and county have a plan to fix this: Reach out to chronically homeless people and get them into housing; reach out to newly homeless people and get them rapidly rehoused through rental assistance. They just cant do any of it fast enough to stop more people falling into homelessness. Not the outreach, not the provision of housing, not the rental assistance. Theres no question that a huge part of the problem is caused by the severe shortage of housing in the region. According to statistics provided by the homeless services authority, less than 3% of the apartments in greater Los Angeles will be vacant this year. Making matters worse, L.A. Countys median rent is rising rapidly, while renters median income is shrinking, according to the California Housing Partnership Corporation. Garcetti wants the city council to impose a fee on developers that would go toward building affordable housing in the city. Thats an idea worth exploring. Meanwhile, there are things that can be done to attack homelessness in the short term. The city needs to look into creative ways that other communities are using to increase the supply of housing for example, by rehabilitating existing buildings or even converting shipping containers. And elected officials cannot allow reflexive neighborhood opposition to block badly needed and appropriately scaled housing projects. The head of the Homeless Services Authority on Wednesday said his agency is working on ways to speed up the bureaucracy, including cutting the time it takes for service providers to have their contracts approved. Thats a good idea. For example, outreach to chronically homeless people can take weeks or even months to bear fruit. If more outreach workers can get on the streets faster, more people can be persuaded to move into housing. There are also homeless people who have federally subsidized rent vouchers for apartments, yet cant find willing landlords or available apartments. In particular, hundreds of homeless veterans have vouchers in hand but cant find apartments. The VA and the county need to deploy more housing navigators who specialize in finding housing and working with landlords. And more services and rental assistance need to be offered to people on the verge of homelessness before they become newly homeless statistics. City and county officials already know all this. To a certain extent, their prescription for themselves is to do everything theyre already doing but with more money. They are, indeed, about to get more money. The city can start selling bonds this year to fund homeless housing, as authorized by Proposition HHH. Officials have already recommended that the bonds finance 416 units of permanent supportive housing in the development pipeline. Additionally, the countys Measure H funding for services will become available in July. But city and county officials must act faster and move more creatively. And then they must hold themselves accountable this time next year for the results. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook With his announcement Thursday that he will pull the United States out of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, our petulant president has put the world on a path potentially, but increasingly inevitably to irreversible catastrophe. The decision fulfills Donald J. Trumps misguided campaign promise to withdraw from the pact under which nearly 200 nations (led, at the time, by the U.S.) pledged to try to reduce global warming by curtailing greenhouse gas emissions. Trumps decision, while expected, is nonetheless stunning in its short-sightedness, its rejection of clear science, and its utter disregard for the nations long-standing role as a world leader. To their credit, China and the European Union are greeting Trumps announcement with a pledge of their own to continue the fight against climate change, a move that places them in a prime position to reap the economic benefits of the future of renewable energy. And although the accord has no formal enforcement mechanism, the U.S. could find itself facing carbon-related tariffs on exports to the EU and countries that keep their commitments. Thats a bad deal for American businesses and their workers. The fight to counter global warming will be all the more difficult without the U.S., which pumped more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than any other nation growing rich in the process and continues to be the second-highest annual emitter behind China. This page has argued since shortly after Trump emerged as a serious contender for the Republican nomination that he is unfit in demeanor and background to be president, and much to the nations detriment, he keeps proving us right. In fact, what better proof that Trump is irresponsible and reckless, and that his policies are depressing, demoralizing and scary, than this embrace of foolish isolationism and this doubling down on an energy source that is in all likelihood going to cause massive disruptions in how humans inhabit the planet. Withdrawing from the Paris accord may be the clearest sign that Trump is not just retreating from decades of American leadership on the global stage, but that he is actually making the United States a force for bad and for wrong in the world. Advertisement The decision causes enormous injury to this countrys reputation and to its role in the world. Trumps rejection of the agreement over the objections of not just global political leaders and the pope but even of Exxon Mobil, for Gods sake means this country will not just cease to be part of the solution to the problem, but will put itself squarely on the other side, bolstering the credibility of the climate-change deniers, the anti-science hucksters and the irresponsible corporate cynics. It will strike a powerful blow against the common good from the coast of California to the melting permafrost of northern Alaska to the flood-prone lowlands along Americas rivers to the hurricane-ravaged communities along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Globally, it could set us on track to what climate scientists agree will be intensified floods, famines and storms, rising seas and mass migrations fueling strife over water scarcity, declining food production and epidemics. Further, the decision causes enormous injury to this countrys reputation and to its role in the world. Its notable that only two nations didnt sign on to the Paris agreement. Nicaragua, to its credit, said no because the agreement is nonbinding, and the goal of capping emissions at 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels is too low. It didnt sign because the deal wasnt good enough, compared with Trumps claim that its a bad deal for the U.S. The other nonsigner is war-ravaged Syria. And now Trumps America. Getting out of the agreement will take time. The agreement went into effect Nov. 4, 2016, and Trump said he will follow the pacts procedures for dropping out, which include a ban on withdrawal by any nation for the first three years. So Trump cant take the first formal step until November 2019, and cant withdraw the U.S. until a year later just after he presumably stands for reelection. That might seem like political breathing room, but Trump also said he would immediately renege on Obama administration pledges to reduce emissions, and would cancel a promised $3-billion contribution to help poor nations develop sustainable, rather than carbon-based, energy sources. And yet, bizarrely, Trump held out the possibility of negotiating a new climate agreement as if the rest of the world might be waiting, breathlessly, to see what new ideas he could bring to the table. But Trump has lost his moment. The world already has a global agreement and more reality-based and responsible leaders to show the way. Lets hope its not too late. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook In a speech delivered to Congress on July 4, 1821, John Quincy Adams rightly argued that America must hold high the banner for Freedom, Independence, Peace, but exercise restraint in foreign policy. He understood that we should offer our prayers and voices to others who seek liberty while avoiding the trap of venturing abroad in search of monsters to destroy. While we dont oppose all overseas military action, Adams warning has never been more relevant. After 15 years of war, Americans are weary of constant conflict, and our interventions have made us less safe. When we were attacked on 9/11, most Americans, including the two of us, supported striking the terrorists in Afghanistan. But our limited and appropriate mission to defend our homeland has morphed into a broader pursuit of regime change abroad. Invading Iraq, toppling Gadhafi in Libya and interfering in Yemen and Syria have been strategic blunders. After 9/11, Al Qaeda was mostly contained in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Today, the Islamic State network is spreading across the world. We have destabilized regions and, in so doing, helped strengthen a new generation of terror groups. Advertisement We should reject the establishment consensus, whether neocon or neoliberal, which too readily defaults to the use of force. Defending our country remains the federal governments foremost constitutional priority. To effectively carry out that responsibility, we must craft a 21st century foreign policy based on the restraint Adams envisioned. We should reject the establishment consensus, whether neocon or neoliberal, which too readily defaults to the use of force in the pursuit of perceived American interests and values when there is no direct threat to our national security. Consider the case of Yemen. Without approval by the American peoples representatives, we have been supplying arms to Saudi Arabia, which is using them to fight the Houthi rebels, a group closely aligned with Iran. We have no stake in this fight, and the policy of arming Saudi Arabia has been counterproductive. Yet we are being blamed by civilians in Yemen, who hold us responsible for the bombs the Saudis are dropping. Nearly 17 million Yemenis face the threat of famine because of this conflict. What makes matters worse is that the Saudis have formed a temporary alliance of convenience with Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, also known as AQAP, to fight the Houthi rebels. AQAP is our enemy. The group claimed credit for the attack on the USS Cole in 2000, the underwear bomber in 2009 and the intercepted plot to send bombs to Jewish organizations in Chicago in 2010. By supporting the Saudi war against the Houthis, we are creating a vacuum for Al Qaeda to gain power. Instead of changing course in light of Saudi Arabias track record and actions, our country is agreeing to what a Pentagon official called the largest single arms deal in American history with the Saudis, involving nearly $110 billion in immediate defense equipment sales and training, and up to $350 billion across 10 years. The deal comes less than a year after Congress voted overwhelmingly to allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia. Such a comprehensive commitment with an ally that is questionable at best, especially one with a poor human rights record, should not be finalized without thorough congressional debate, and we therefore support a joint resolution of disapproval in order to force such a discussion. Continuing to send billions of dollars in arms to Saudi Arabia will only further destabilize the region without eradicating terrorism. Syria is another example of failed American foreign policy. Our calls for regime change since 2011 have helped make Syria a magnet for terrorism. No one disputes that Syrian President Bashar Assad is a brutal dictator. But instead of intervening, which has made matters worse, we should seek regional cease-fires involving all the players in the region, including Russia and Turkey. A political solution will not be easy, but reactive and sporadic military involvement does nothing to advance peace. American political leaders have been tempted to call for military action in recent decades because that is seen as decisive and strong, but restraint often takes more resolve and strength. Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemys resistance without fighting, wrote the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. By repeatedly undertaking interventions without a proper understanding of our enemy, we have weakened our national security. We need to return to the founding principles articulated by Adams; we need to craft a foreign policy that reflects our values yet does not prioritize the use of our power. Rand Paul is a U.S. senator from Kentucky and a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Ro Khanna represents Californias 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Fair use is copyright laws safety valve, protecting our ability to make social, political and cultural commentary and criticism. It is a societal asset we could not culturally live without, and its adaptability is its strength. If a documentary filmmaker wants to discuss portrayals of gay people in popular media in the 1990s, fair use would allow them to present film and television clips. If a videogame reviewer wants to warn gamers that a new title is full of glitches, fair use lets them. If a journalist wants to analyze the truthfulness of a politicians statements in a prepared speech, fair use allows them to quote that politician. Anyone who creates content from amateur filmmakers to Hollywood studios relies extensively on fair use. In a recent Times op-ed article, Jonathan Taplin of the USC Annenberg Innovation Lab claimed that an ambiguous fair use definition is emboldening users of new technologies to challenge copyright infringement allegations, including takedown notices. He proposes rewriting fair use to limit reuses of audio or video clips to 30 seconds or less, a standard he mysteriously claims is widely accepted. Advertisement Without flexible fair use, many technologies wouldnt exist, and we wouldnt be able to find things on the Internet using tools like image search engines. In fact, this is not a widely accepted standard, and weakening fair use in this way will not address copyright infringement concerns on the Internet. It would hurt the music, film and TV industries as much as it would hurt individual creators. Without flexible fair use, many technologies wouldnt exist, and we wouldnt be able to find things on the Internet using tools like image search engines. In the 1980s, the newly invented VCR narrowly escaped the scrapheap of history (or at least delayed its visit) when the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, recognized the importance of protecting consumers right to record and play back television shows. The movie industrys fears of the VCR were quickly assuaged when home video became a lucrative new market. If the fair use standard was limited to 30 seconds in the early 1980s, what would have happened to the VCR, or the DVR, for that matter? Arbitrarily rigid standards would have ended or fundamentally altered these technologies. Later on, in the early days of the Internet, image search engines existence was repeatedly threatened by copyright lawsuits. Rather than make all image search illegal, courts turned to fair use, finding that search technology that makes a thumbnail of a photo so that we can find content on the Internet was worth protecting. Fair use evolves with new reuses of content and new technologies. Take music, which is highly protected by copyright law. It is a fair use to make a digital copy to your computer of an album you purchased so you can listen to it on that device. However, it may not be fair use to include five seconds of song sample in your own music that youre creating. In the film and video world, fair use as-is can protect the use of 45 seconds of a politicians speech in a documentary, or the use of two minutes of videogame footage to warn gamers of programming flaws. On the other hand, releasing 15 seconds of an unreleased film or video game simply to give audiences a sneak preview would be copyright infringement. Taplins arbitrary 30 second cutoff would ruin many consumer and highly transformative uses. Fair use is inextricably linked to our 1st Amendment right to free speech. We are careful with fair use because its the primary way consumers, creators and innovators share new ideas. Its a good thing, and it is worth protecting. Art Neill, a professor at California Western School of Law, is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit group New Media Rights. This piece is part of Blowback, our online forum for rebuttals to The Times. If you would like to write a full-length response to a recent Times article, editorial or Op-Ed and would like to participate in Blowback, here are our FAQs and submission policy. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: Is it any wonder that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has cast grave doubt on Americas reliability in the era of President Trump? (Merkel says after Trump visit: Europe must stay united because it cannot fully count on others, May 28) Merkel, whom many consider the worlds most influential leader, was not expressing idle thoughts about the negative impact of Trumps policies during a reelection campaign appearance in Munich. Meanwhile, Trumps pointed refusal to shake Merkels hand when she visited the White House in March and his boorish behavior at last weeks meeting with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and the Group of 7 summit confirmed for Merkel and other European leaders what we Americans have been witnessing at home. Advertisement The arrogant, shameless Trump will probably dismiss Merkels comments as a minor irritant and take solace in the blandishments he receives from the tough guys he so admires: Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Rodrigo Duterte and the Saudi princes. Harold N. Bass, Porter Ranch .. To the editor: The media have erroneously analyzed and evaluated Trumps recent trip abroad according to their traditional standards and not the reality of the man who is president. Trump is criticized for haranguing NATO leaders for paying less than their promised 2% of gross national product and for not committing to the Paris climate agreement. Why the surprise over this behavior? Trump has been clear on these issues since the start of his presidential campaign in 2015. Unlike our last president, Trump does not seem to care about world public opinion, following the usual protocols or kissing up to other world leaders. He steadfastly is guided by his view of what is best for American interests and, in his own often bumbling and occasionally offensive way, he consistently follows that course. There should be no surprises here. Trump does what hes said he would do. Glynn Morris, Playa del Rey .. To the editor: One wishes that Trumps friendly take on foreign policy included leaders like Merkel rather than strongmen like Russias Putin, Turkeys Erdogan or the Philippines Duterte, and absolute monarchs like those in Saudi Arabia, where an extreme interpretation of the Koran is the basis for the subjugation of all women. We know that a minority president like Trump harbors desires to have absolute power as these leaders do and feels unfairly constrained by the press and the courts. But most of us know that being friends with dictators is not good for our country or for the world. Daniel Fink, Beverly Hills Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Gov. Jerry Brown doubles down on California measure changing recall process, calling it eminently reasonable By Christine Mai-Duc State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Compton), left, and Gov. Jerry Brown talk about funding for projects under the state transportation bill, SB1, at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson. (Christian K. Lee/ Los Angeles Times) The partisan volleys have continued this week in the effort to recall state Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) over his vote to pass an increase in the gas tax. Those seeking to recall Newman submitted more than enough signatures needed to qualify the measure for the ballot, if theyre all deemed valid. Newman supporters looking to halt the recall filed a lawsuit Thursday, claiming signature gatherers had misled voters. And Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that makes changes to long-standing recall rules, an effort that Republicans have decried as an attempt by Democrats to rig the system to protect one of their own. Brown seemed to double down on that measure Friday at a press conference at Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he discussed the new gas tax, calling the new recall process eminently reasonable. The measure allows voters up to 30 days to remove their signature from a recall petition and creates a new process to review costs associated with a recall election. Brown said the bill provides an opportunity for people who have been hoodwinked to change their mind. Its all about truth and giving people the opportunity to make sure that their vote and their signature is knowingly given, Brown. The only people who would be against that are people who wanted to fool people and dont want to test it in court or in the light of day. .@JerryBrownGov responds to GOP criticism of budget trailer he signed that could make Newman recall harder. Calls it "eminently reasonable." pic.twitter.com/hSsmIPiHtP Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) June 30, 2017 Browns comments came after a roundtable discussion in which he and state Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Compton) spoke about the importance of directing transportation dollars raised by the gas tax increase to businesses owned by women, minorities and people who are disabled. Brown cast it as part of a larger question of equality and opportunity in America. But the discussion took place even as Brown mused about efforts to repeal the controversial tax package, which is expected to raise $52 billion over 10 years for road repairs and other transportation projects. If people want to not fund the roads, then they can put something on the ballot and maybe change things, Brown said. But I think most people in California want to fix the roads. Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach), who is running for governor, has filed a ballot measure to repeal the gas tax. Brown dismissed a recent poll by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley, which said that a majority of registered voters oppose the gas tax increases Brown and legislators recently approved. That was a poll that said, Do you want to raise a tax? Brown said. Of course people are going to say no. Brown added that when voters are given concrete situations like education and roads, theyre more likely to support tax increases. I think Californians are always leery of taxes. Im leery of taxes, Brown said. You want to drive around on gravel roads? Ive got a gravel road out in front of my house in the country. Its not bad. But I dont think thats what people want. I think they want real, paved roads and to have paved roads youve got to spend real money. Times staff writer Patrick McGreevy contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer says he wont run for governor, dashing hopes of GOP leaders By Phil Willon San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer speaks during a news conference about the San Diego Chargers in 2015. (Gregory Bull / AP) Republican San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who has been lobbied intensely by GOP leaders to run for California governor, on Friday rejected the idea and vowed to serve out his second term at city hall. Both House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and state Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte had urged Faulconer to run. A fiscal conservative and social moderate who has demonstrated crossover appeal by winning over Democrats, Faulconer has been seen as the GOPs strongest potential gubernatorial candidate, and one who could help Republicans in down-ballot races if he was at the top of the ticket in 2018. But Falconer nixed the idea of a gubernatorial bid in a Facebook post Friday afternoon, saying he was deeply honored by so many encouraging him to run. Its a testament to the people of San Diego, and the progress weve made to create a fiscally responsible, prosperous city that is moving in the right direction. I made a pledge last year to serve out my second term as mayor, and thats exactly what Im going to do, Faulconer said in the post. He was facing pressure to enter the race and GOP insiders who were familiar with his thinking believed he was leaning toward running. Faulconer ultimately decided not to run because he did not see a certain path to victory, according to a top state party official who did not want to be identified because they were not authorized to speak for the San Diego mayor. The last time a GOP candidate won a statewide race was in 2006. The governors race already has attracted a handful of Republican candidates, but none with Faulconers political stature. They include conservative Orange County Assemblyman Travis Allen and Rancho Santa Fe venture capitalist John Cox. Speculation is mounting that former state Assemblyman David Hadley plans to announce a run. The Democratic heavyweights in the race include Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang. A strong GOP top-of-the-ticket candidate would be expected to increase Republican turnout next fall. Faulconers decision not to run could impact some hotly contested congressional races in California, and potentially affect Republican efforts to retain control of the House of Representatives. If a Republican gubernatorial candidate fails to make the general election, creating a Democrat-on-Democrat race in November 2018, that could depress GOP turnout and affect those targeted congressional races. It leaves the Republicans without an obvious front-runner that the donors would have confidence in, said GOP strategist Rob Stutzman, who previously advised former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and 2010 GOP nominee Meg Whitman. But it still depends on the nature of the race next November. Its too early to say. Update 4:21 p.m.: This story was updated with reaction about Faulconers decision and more information about the 2018 election. This story was originally published at 3:30 p.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Assembly Democrats denounce threats made after single-payer healthcare bill was sidelined Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom blasts National Rifle Assn. recruitment video, saying it could lead to violence By Seema Mehta (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom called on the National Rifle Assn. to take down a controversial new video that he argued villanizes political rivals and could lead to violence. Come after politicians. Come after policy makers. Come after ME, Newsom wrote on his Facebook page Thursday. But do not implicitly call for demonstrations of force against your fellow Americans in a country that is already reeling. You are powerful. People are listening to you. And your message could lead to tragedy. The NRA video, which urges people to join the organization, was posted earlier this month and features conservative commentator Dana Loesch talking about political rivals who she argues use the media, schools and Hollywood for sinister purposes. The video features footage of police clashing with protesters and a bloodied Trump supporter, and flashes images such as the Hollywood sign, Disney Hall and the Los Angeles Times building as Loesch repeatedly invokes an unnamed opponent she refers to as they. Loeschs concluding remarks in the minute-long video have drawn the most ire. The only way we stop this, the only way we save our country and our freedom, is to fight this violence of lies with the clenched fist of truth, Loesch said. Im the National Rifle Assn. of America, and Im freedoms safest place. Newsom is a longtime foe of the NRA. He was a primary sponsor of Proposition 63, a ballot measure voters approved in November that requires background checks to purchase ammunition, bans possession of high-capacity magazines and other gun-safety efforts. On Thursday, the NRA claimed victory when a federal judge, at their attorneys request, granted a preliminary injunction blocking a related law that would have required Californians to get rid of large-capacity magazines by Saturday or face fines and potential jail time. Newsom, the states lieutenant governor, wrote that he felt a chill down my spine when he watched the video. He said while he and the NRA have long disagreed, the video crosses the line of appropriate political debate. He described it as dangerous because it tells viewers that our fellow Americans are to be feared and even worse. How does this video advance debate? How does it bring people together for common ideals? How does it do anything but cast Americans as enemies to be defeated in a cynical ploy to sell as many weapons as possible? he wrote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tired of exporting campaign cash, these politicos are putting California first By Mark Z. Barabak Air Force One leaves California after another fundraising foray. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) California feeds the world with its bounty, fuels the economy with its innovation, fires the imagination with its creativity. There is one export, though, that is far less celebrated: the unceasing torrent of outbound campaign cash. For political fundraisers, California has long been the Big Rock Candy Mountain, excavated, mined and, ultimately, shafted by candidates of both parties who use the boodle to run for president in Iowa or New Hampshire, or Congress in East Podunk. Now, Democratic efforts are underway to put California first, directing more campaign cash from whence it came by focusing on seven targeted House districts in the Central Valley and southern part of the state. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Federal judge blocks California gun law By Patrick McGreevy A handgun is displayed with 10- and 15-shot magazines. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A federal judge Thursday granted a request by attorneys for the National Rifle Assn. to block a law that requires Californians to dispose of large-capacity ammunition magazines by Saturday or face fines and possible jail time. U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez wrote in San Diego that the rights of voters who approved Proposition 63 in November have to be balanced against the rights of gun owners. If this injunction does not issue, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of otherwise law-abiding citizens will have an untenable choice: become an outlaw or dispossess ones self of lawfully acquired property, Benitez wrote. That is a choice they should not have to make. C.D. Michel, an attorney for the NRA and state gun owners, welcomed the decision, which allows a lawsuit to be decided on its merits before the law takes effect. My clients are pleased the Court affirmed that the Second Amendment is not a second class right, and that law abiding gun owners have a right to choose to have these magazines to help them defend themselves and their families, Michel said in a statement. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Two California Democrats join with House Republicans to vote for Kates Law By Sarah D. Wire There would be tougher penalties for people repeatedly caught crossing the border illegally, and millions of dollars less in federal funds for so-called sanctuary jurisdictions such as Los Angeles under two House immigration bills approved Thursday. Both bills would fulfill President Trumps campaign promises if they became law, but the Senate has killed similar legislation and is unlikely to be able to reach the 60-vote requirement to pass the bills. The House voted 257 to 167, with 24 Democrats crossing party lines, to pass Kates Law, which would create harsher mandatory minimum prison sentences for people who repeatedly enter the U.S. illegally. It is named after Kathryn Steinle, who allegedly was shot and killed in San Francisco in 2015 by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, a Mexican immigrant who had repeatedly entered the country illegally and was released from jail by sheriffs officials despite a request by immigration officials to keep him behind bars. Two California Democrats, Reps. Jackie Speier of Hillsborough and Eric Swalwell of Dublin, joined Republicans in voting for the bill. Swalwell grew up with Steinle and is still in touch with her family, he said. This bill is not perfect, and its shameful that the Republicans did not allow any debate. But it does improve our ability to punish individuals who repeatedly break the law and to deter those who may do so, he Swalwell said in a statement. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Committee unexpectedly opens door to Rep. Barbara Lees push to end military force authorization By Sarah D. Wire (Paul Morigi/Getty Images) In September 2001, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) was the only member of Congress to object to an Authorization for the Use of Military Force, a resolution in response to the terrorist attacks that paved the way for the war in Afghanistan. In the 16 years since, the resolution has been used by President George W. Bush, President Obama and now President Trump as justification for more than 35 military actions in nearly 20 countries around the world -- which means those presidents have not gone back to Congress for new permission to send troops into harms way. On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee opened the door to ending that 2001 authorization when it added Lees amendment to a Defense Department measure. Congress would have 240 days to debate a new authorization. At the end of that time the 2001 authorization would be repealed. Lee has lobbied hard just to get to this first step, which was approved by a voice vote in the Republican led committee. Ive been working on this for years and years and years. Im just really pleased that Republicans and Democrats today really understood what Ive been saying and Ive been explaining for the last 16 years, and that is, this resolution is a blank check for perpetual war, Lee said. Committee members broke into applause after the unexpected vote. Lee said Thursday she plans to personally call Speaker Paul Ryan and make the case for keeping her amendment in the bill when it gets to the House floor. The public wants to see a debate, Lee said. Our young men and women in harms way need to know their Congress is supporting them and backing them up, or not. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Volkswagen submits revised plan for installing charging stations as part of emission-cheating settlement By Chris Megerian (Markus Schreiber / Associated Press) Volkswagen would build more electric vehicle charging stations in disadvantaged communities under an updated plan being submitted to state regulators on Thursday. The companys subsidiary, Electrify America, revised its proposal after an earlier version was rejected as inadequate by the California Air Resources Board. The proposal is the first phase of an $800-million investment in the state, one piece of a much larger settlement over Volkswagens cheating on vehicle emission rules. Although the money is expected to yield hundreds of new charging stations and boost Californias efforts to foster the market for electric cars, its also been a source of controversy. State regulators want 35% of the money to be spent in disadvantaged communities, a target endorsed by the Legislature as well. Electrify America CEO Mark McNabb said, We will strive hard to hit it. The updated plan adds Fresno to the list of metropolitan areas, which already included Los Angeles and Sacramento, where charging stations would be installed. It made sense to get out into the Central Valley, McNabb said. We thought that was an improvement we could make to the plan. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias top elections officer to Trumps voting fraud panel: No By John Myers (Dylan Stewart / HS Insider) President Trumps voter fraud commission will not be getting the names and addresses of Californias registered voters. The panels request was denied on Thursday by Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who said it would only legitimize false claims of massive election cheating last fall. Padilla refused to hand over data, including the names, addresses, political party and voting history of Californias 19.4 million voters. Kris Kobach, the secretary of state of Kansas who serves as vice chairman of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, sent letters to all 50 states on Wednesday for information he said would help the group examine rules that either enhance or undermine the American peoples confidence in the integrity of federal elections processes. Padilla, though, suggested the effort is little more than a ruse. I will not provide sensitive voter information to a commission that has already inaccurately passed judgment that millions of Californians voted illegally, he said in a written statement. Californias participation would only serve to legitimize the false and already debunked claims of massive voter fraud made by the President, the Vice President, and Mr. Kobach. Last November, Trump tweeted that California was one of three states where serious voter fraud took place in the general election. No state or local elections official has found any evidence to back up the presidents assertion. Kobachs request says the panel seeks only publicly available information. Basic information about California voters is routinely shared with journalists, political campaigns and researchers after a written request and payment of a fee. The letter asks for data including information regarding any felony convictions, information regarding voter registration in another state, information regarding military status, and overseas citizen information. Padilla also criticized the selection of Kobach to help lead Trumps commission, accusing the Kansas official of past efforts at racial profiling and suppressing voter turnout. His role as vice chair is proof that the ultimate goal of the commission is to enact policies that will result in the disenfranchisement of American citizens, Padilla said. The presidential commissions first meeting is scheduled for July 19. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supporters of state Sen. Josh Newman sue to stop effort to recall him, alleging voters have been misled By Patrick McGreevy Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) faces a recall. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Supporters of state Sen. Josh Newman filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to stop a recall campaign against the lawmaker, alleging that signature gatherers have misled voters and the petition contains false information. The Democratic legislator from Fullerton faces a recall funded by the California Republican Party for voting with other lawmakers to increase the states gas tax and vehicle fees to raise $5.2 billion annually for road repairs. On Tuesday, the state party announced it had submitted 84,988 signatures to election officials, some 20,000 more signatures than would be needed if officials determine they are valid. The lawsuit against Secretary of State Alex Padilla was filed in Sacramento Superior Court by three residents of Newmans Senate district and paid for by the campaign against the recall. It alleges that signature gatherers misled voters to sign the petitions by saying they would repeal the car tax. The petition gathering campaign has misrepresented the nature of the petition by informing voters that it will Stop the Gas Tax when it will not, the lawsuit says. These statements are intentionally misleading statements of fact that are false beyond dispute and mislead voters The legal complaint, which also names several signature gatherers, alleges that the notice of intent to file the petition is inaccurate in saying that the tax bill provides billions of dollars for mass transit in Northern California without Newmans district benefiting from the revenue. The bill itself does not earmark where money will go, but the intent of lawmakers was that Newmans district would benefit, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit asks that the circulation of the petition be stopped and the recall effort, using the petition as drafted, be halted. This suit is about nothing less than the integrity of our election process; a recall election simply should not be certified when signatures were gathered based on lies to voters, said James Harrison, an attorney who filed the lawsuit. Former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, an organizer of the recall, said the lawsuit is without merit. Josh Newman refuses to accept accountability for his disastrous vote to raise the car and gas tax and instead has chosen to blame others for the recall against him with lies and frivolous lawsuits, DeMaio said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State to pay $2.9 million to three men wrongfully convicted in Los Angeles cases By Patrick McGreevy Kash Delano Register outside a Los Angeles restaurant in November 2013 after his release from prison. (Christina House / For The Times) The state Senate has approved payment of $2.96 million to settle three claims by men who were wrongly convicted for crimes in Los Angeles and served time in prison before they were exonerated. The approval of the payments, amounting to $140 for each day served behind bars, next goes to Gov. Jerry Brown. The largest payment $1.7 million goes to Kash Delano Register, who said he was wrongfully convicted of a 1979 murder because of a flawed LAPD investigation. He served 34 years in prison. In 2013, the Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered that Register be released from prison after it found he had been denied due process of law and a fair trial because material exculpatory information and evidence was not disclosed. The court acted after lawyers and students from Loyola Law School cast doubt on the testimony of a key prosecution witness. The Los Angeles County district attorneys office later dismissed the charges, and Register was found by the court to be factually innocent. The Senate payment for 12,427 days served in custody is in addition to a $16.7-million settlement paid to Register by the city of Los Angeles. The Senate also voted Thursday to pay $886,760 to Luis Vargas, who spent more than 17 years in custody before a court ruled him factually innocent of a 1998 rape. In 2012, DNA evidence from one of the victims showed that a suspect known as the Teardrop Rapist, not Vargas, was the perpetrator of the rape. The third payment, $340,620, goes to Reggie Cole, who was found factually innocent after serving time in prison for the shooting death of a man outside a South Los Angeles house of prostitution in 1995. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Public affairs strategist Fiona Hutton hosts fundraiser for Antonio Villaraigosa By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa in July (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles public affairs strategist Fiona Hutton is hosting a San Fernando Valley fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa in July. Hutton, who has worked on a number of statewide campaigns, also raised money for Villaraigosa during his successful campaign for mayor of Los Angeles in 2005. The July 25 fundraiser is being held at Huttons office in Studio City. Tickets run $1,000 apiece. To be a co-host, itll cost $10,000. Along with serving as president of her company, Fiona Hutton & Associates, Hutton sits on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California joins other states asking the Trump administration for information on how its enforcing immigration law By Patrick McGreevy Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra wants more information on federal enforcement of immigration laws. ( Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) A group of nine state attorneys general, including California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday seeking records that would clarify how the Trump administration is enforcing federal immigration law. The request seeks the number of immigration detentions, deportations and detainer requests, and the rationale for each, as well as clarifying information on whether Trump is following through on comments that he will not target young people who were brought to the country illegally by their parents. The attorneys general also want to know whether immigrants in the country illegally have been detained at schools, hospitals and places of worship, which the state officials feel should be off-limits for enforcement. Mixed messages from the Trump Administration on immigration enforcement are sowing confusion and increasing anxiety among immigrants, Becerra said in a statement. Today we ask the Administration to tell us what it is doing in this area. The data could be used in a barrage of legal challenges the states have filed against federal immigration policies. Becerra noted that immigration-related arrests have increased nearly 40% since Trump became president, and there is concern that some of the arrests have included young people who were given a deferral from deportation under the Obama administration. The Presidents Executive Orders, and the steps taken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement those orders, have generated new fears and uncertainties in immigrant communities across the country, the attorneys general wrote in the request for information. The other states represented in the request are New York, Illinois, Washington, Massachusetts, Iowa, Maryland, Oregon and Hawaii. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This is why Californias Legislature cant fix the states housing problems By Liam Dillon An apartment complex in Hollywood (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) For 50 years, California has had a law that aims to encourage developers to build housing. But the law has failed at helping stem the statewide shortage of homes that drives Californias affordability problems. The reason? The law requires cities and counties to produce prodigious reports to plan for housing but it doesnt hold them accountable for any resulting home building. Cities and counties resent the law. To avoid complying, theyve asked the state to let prison beds count toward their low-income housing goals, among other things. And despite knowing about the laws weaknesses for decades, state lawmakers have provided no incentive, such as a greater share of tax dollars, for cities and counties to meet their housing goals. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias attorney general joins the fight against President Trumps sanctuary city order By Patrick McGreevy Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra led a group of 10 states Wednesday in filing an court brief supporting San Francisco and other California communities that challenged President Trumps executive order to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. After the local governments won a preliminary injunction against the order, the Trump administration asked the courts to dismiss the cities lawsuit. The brief filed by Becerra argues that public safety is improved when local law enforcement agencies focus on crime prevention instead of helping federal authorities enforce immigration laws. The Trump Administration does not have the right to coerce states, counties or municipalities to do the federal governments job, Becerra said in a statement. Californias state and local law enforcement officials are in the business of public safety, not of deportation. Threatening public safety funding to compel localities to do immigration work is a dangerous game that undermines public safety. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California Supreme Court leaves in place decision upholding cap-and-trade system By Chris Megerian Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the Air Resources Board, oversees the cap-and-trade program. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) After more than four years, a legal challenge to Californias cap-and-trade program has reached an unsuccessful conclusion. The end came on Wednesday when the California Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal from business groups who consider the program to be an unconstitutional tax. The program requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gases, a system intended to provide a financial incentive to reduce emissions. The law that provided the programs foundation was not passed with a two-thirds vote in the Legislature, the legal threshold for new taxes, sparking lawsuits from the California Chamber of Commerce and the Pacific Legal Foundation. A state appeals court rejected their arguments in April, but they appealed. Business groups were also concerned the decision was too broad and could open the door to additional taxes. Despite the states victory in court, there are other legal questions around cap and trade. Gov. Jerry Brown is pushing lawmakers to extend the program past 2020 with new legislation. With this Supreme Court victory, now its up to us to take action extending Californias cap-and-trade system on a more permanent basis, Brown said in a statement. This story has been updated with a statement from the governor. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rohrabacher on meeting with Manafort while he was a foreign agent: It was a nice little dinner By Sarah D. Wire (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) When former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort belatedly filed as a foreign agent on behalf of a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party this week, he listed a meeting with just one U.S. politician Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Huntington Beach. Manaforts years-late filing with the Justice Department details $17 million in political consulting work he did between 2012 and 2014 for the Party of Regions, a Ukrainian party considered friendly with the Kremlin. Rohrabacher told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that the March 2013 meeting happened over dinner at the Capitol Hill Club, a popular Washington Republican social club. He said Manafort billed it as a chance to get reacquainted decades after they worked together in the 1970s on President Reagans campaign. Still, he assumed Manafort had an agenda. I assume when old friends call me up and are wanting to get reacquainted and stuff I always assume they are in some way under contract with somebody, Rohrabacher said. Rohrabacher, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, has long been known for encouraging improved relations with Russia, something thats made him an outlier in the Republican Party. He said Russia and the Baltic states probably came up during dinner, but it wasnt the focus of their conversation. We discussed a myriad of things, a lot of personal stuff, a lot of different analysis of the politics of the day, Rohrabacher said. It was a nice little dinner. Three days later, Manafort contributed $1,000 to Rohrabachers reelection campaign. Manaforts modest donation didnt stand out, Rohrabacher said. Ongoing FBI and congressional investigations into Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 election, and how the Trump campaign may have been involved, have heightened interest in any connections American politicians may have had with the Russian government or its proxies. Rohrabachers opponents immediately began fundraising off the revelation that Manafort met with the congressman while serving as a foreign agent. Democrat Harley Rouda, whos running for Rohrabachers seat in 2018, called it embarrassing in a solicitation email Tuesday. We need someone who cares more about Orange County and America than supporting Russia and Putin, Roudas email stated. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrats block Republican legislators proposal for forensic audit of UC Office of President By Patrick McGreevy Two months after a state audit found mismanagement at the University of California, Democratic state lawmakers on Wednesday blocked a Republican legislators proposal to have auditors go back in and look deeper at spending, this time with an eye for possible criminal activity. Assemblyman Dante Acosta (R-Santa Clarita) said the follow-up examination was justified after an audit in April found the UC Office of the President had failed to disclose a $175-million budget surplus to the Board of Regents and the public, was paying excessive salaries and expenses and had inadequate financial safeguards in place to prevent abuse. The lack of controls, the audit concluded, was putting millions of dollars at risk of abuse. I am fighting to return trust in the institution of the UC Office of the President for students, parents, faculty and staff, Acosta said. Only complete transparency can accomplish that goal. However, no Democratic lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee voted to authorize a new audit, so the motion failed. Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) said the university administration should be given time to address the recommendations of its recent audit. I believe this request is premature, he said. State Auditor Elaine Howle said Wednesday in response to a legislators question that she did not find any evidence of misuse of funds. We didnt see anything nefarious, Howle told the panel. UC President Janet Napolitano said funds were not hidden, but she has agreed to adopt policies to make the budget process more transparent. Monica Lozano, chairwoman of the UC Board of Regents, told the legislative committee Wednesday that a new audit is unnecessary and may interfere with the systems implementation of recommendations from the last audit, including the hiring of an accountant to look at UC spending. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Single-payer healthcare advocates protest at Capitol with a message for Californias Assembly speaker: Shame on you! By Melanie Mason View Twitter post Backers of a measure to establish a single-payer healthcare system in California rallied at the Capitol on Wednesday to renounce Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount), who shelved the bill last week. Several hundred demonstrators, many affiliated with the California Nurses Assn., the legislations sponsor, convened in the Capitol rotunda, where they unfurled a banner that blared Inaction = Death, before handing off signs with written complaints to a member of Rendons staff. The rally, on the heels of a smaller demonstration at Rendons district office on Tuesday, is a sign of how single-payer backers continue to seethe after the bill, SB 562, stalled on Friday. Patty Estefes, a retired nurse from San Jose, said the campaign for single-payer heathcare, in which the government would cover all residents healthcare costs, was her passion. Rendon sabotaged SB 562 and we want to take the knife out, said Estefes, explaining her sign, which had an image of the California grizzly bear stabbed in the back with a blade labeled Rendon. The image has become popular among supporters of the bill, although other Democrats have said the violence of the image makes them uneasy. View Twitter post A depiction of violence in any form is unacceptable and inappropriate. #StandwithRendon #StrongerTogether #DeathThreatsUnacceptable pic.twitter.com/KLF8nNvxdZ Rudy Salas Jr (@rudysalasjr) June 27, 2017 Meanwhile, another union leader, Robbie Hunter of the powerful State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, chimed in Wednesday with support for the state Assembly speaker. Working people have real fights, and they are not with a labor champion like Anthony Rendon, said Hunter, who denounced the criticism from single-payer advocates as unfair and unwarranted attacks. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Garcetti and Schwarzenegger urge cities and states to lead fight against climate change in Trump era By Michael Finnegan Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday called on cities and states to lead the nations fight against global warming as the federal government begins to reverse its climate change policies. The Republican former film star who signed a landmark 2006 law to reduce Californias carbon emissions and the Democratic mayor spoke out against President Trumps denial of climate science at a forum at Creative Artists Agency in Century City. Both argued that steps taken by cities and states to promote renewable energy could largely make up for the Trump administrations withdrawal from the worldwide Paris agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California voters could decide in 2020 whether to remove mandatory punishment for falsifying U.S. citizenship records By Jazmine Ulloa A proposed California law would let state voters decide in November 2020 whether to remove the mandatory punishment for a person who falsifies citizenship documents. The legislation by Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) would make the crime a wobbler, meaning prosecutors would have the discretion to charge suspects in such cases with either felony offenses or lower-level misdemeanors. That, supporters say, would bring the penalties in line with those for similar crimes committed by legal residents who falsify government records, such as drivers licenses. Assembly Bill 222 moved out of the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday with a 5-2 vote along party lines. An amendment added Tuesday places the issue on the ballot in November 2020. Bocangera said the measure was introduced as a response to President Trumps hard-line stance on immigration and would reverse part of Proposition 187, a 1994 California ballot measure to deny public services to immigrants in the country illegally. The bill would repeal provisions in the penal code that require a person to serve an automatic five-year mandatory prison sentence or pay a $75,000 fine if they are convicted on charges of manufacturing, distributing or selling false documents to conceal someone elses citizenship or residency status. It has the support of the Los Angeles County district attorneys office, which says there are far more serious crimes that carry substantially lower penalties. Today, if an underage college student uses a fake ID to purchase a six-pack of beer, he or she can be charged with a misdemeanor, Bocanegra said in a statement. However, if an immigrant is caught using that same fake ID, he or she is automatically charged with a felony and is subject to five years in prison. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Its all good: Gov. Jerry Brown (again) signs a budget without any vetoed spending By John Myers Gov. Jerry Brown, signs bills in his Capitol office on Oct. 9, 2015. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown holds two unique records when it comes to state budgets. No governor has signed more of them, and none in modern times have been as hesitant to veto items they dont like. In the budget he signed on Monday, Brown made no changes. Its not the first time. This was Browns second consecutive budget in which he took no veto actions, and his third veto-free budget since 1982. Governors have line-item veto power to erase budget expenditures, decisions that arent subject to review by the Legislature. Previous chief executives have used their unilateral power far more often, a way to trim spending from a variety of state budget-related programs. State documents show former Gov. George Deukmejian holds the modern record for the most budget changes, issuing 367 line-item vetoes on July 21, 1983. In total amount of spending, the record belongs to former Gov. Pete Wilson, whose budget vetoes in 1998 added up to more than $1.9 million. Brown also has the distinction of issuing fewer vetoes of stand-alone legislation of any governor in the last half-century, suggesting its a sign of respect for the legislative branch of government. The governors signature on the latest state budget sets in place $183.2-billion in spending, covering a wide range of programs and services while setting aside more in cash reserves than ever before. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Campaign to recall freshman state senator submits more than enough signatures to qualify for the ballot By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) at the Capitol on April 20. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The campaign against state Sen. Josh Newman has turned in more than enough signatures to force the freshman Democrat from Fullerton into a recall election. Republican Carl DeMaio, a lead organizer of the effort, said the group submitted 84,988 signatures on Tuesday. More signatures are being collected but only 63,500 registered voters in the 29th Senate District are needed to put the recall question on the ballot. It shows that there is an unbelievable grass roots movement to fire Josh Newman for his disasterous vote to support an increase in the gas tax, said DeMaio, a conservative radio talk show host from San Diego. The recall drive was complicated by recently enacted legislation that allows voters to ask that their signatures not be included in the recall petitions if they felt they were misled. Elections officials in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties must now determine whether there are sufficient valid signatures to qualify the recall. Mike Roth, a spokesman for the campaign against the recall, said special interests including Chevron have helped fuel a misleading petition drive. The recall petition is a costly power grab by out-of-district special interests that wont save taxpayers a dime and wont solve any problem voters care about, Roth said. What it will do is cost up to $3 million in tax dollars that would be better spent on our schools and public safety. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In massive shake-up, Gov. Jerry Brown breaks up Californias scandal-plagued tax collection agency By Patrick McGreevy In a move that triggers the most dramatic shake-up of the California Board of Equalization in its 138-year history, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Tuesday that strips the embattled state tax collection agency of most of its powers and duties as officials scramble to create an entirely new department by July 1. The board is the target of an investigation by the state Department of Justice, and its employees and members have been accused by auditors of mismanagement, including putting $350 million in sales taxes in the wrong accounts and improperly interfering with decisions to open field offices and transfer staff. The governor signed a bill that pares the state board from an agency with 4,800 workers to one of 400 employees, shifting the other staff engaged in the collection of sales and excise taxes to a new California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The elected, five-member Board of Equalization will also give up its role hearing taxpayer appeals to a new Office of Tax Appeals, leaving the board to advocate for taxpayers and continue setting rates for gas taxes and pipeline levies, and making sure counties fairly assess property taxes. Anticipating the governors action, officials had already started work to create a new state department by July 1. Its a short period, acknowledged Marybel Batjer, secretary of the California Government Operations Agency, who is coordinating the changes. The new department will be headed by a director appointed by the governor and requiring state Senate approval. Brown will also appoint a chief deputy and chief counsel. The recruitment is underway for those positions, Batjer said, adding that the transition will continue after July 1, obviously. Not every i will be dotted and t crossed between now and July 1. We will do our mighty best to do the most important things before July 1. Learn more on the history of the state board and whats next. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown approves a $183-billion state budget, though a few details are unfinished By John Myers (Justin Sullivan/Getty) Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday signed into law a $183.2-billion budget, a spending plan with significant boosts for public schools and a variety of programs to help Californias most needy residents. While the blueprint depends on a series of other related bills that havent reached his desk, Browns action largely ratifies the plan approved by the Legislature and ensures the state will have a budget in place for the new fiscal year that begins Saturday. This budget provides money to repair our roads and bridges, pay down debt, invest in schools, fund the earned income tax credit and provide Medi-Cal health care for millions of Californians, Brown said in a written statement released by his office. The budget boosts total state and local spending on K-12 education and community colleges to $74.5 billion, roughly $11,000 per pupil in the coming school year. It also increases funding for the University of California and Cal State University systems, and provides additional money for preschool and child care programs. Brown and lawmakers agreed to devote a portion of new tobacco tax dollars to higher payments for doctors and dentists that treat patients in Medi-Cal, the states healthcare program for the poor. Divvying up the dollars generated by last falls Proposition 56 was among one of the most contentious issues during spring budget negotiations. The budget sets aside additional money in the states rainy-day reserve fund, growing the contingency account to $8.5 billion. Brown, who rarely uses his line-item veto power in trimming budgets, left entirely intact the plan ratified by the Legislature on June 15. While the governor signed 15 budget-related bills Tuesday, a handful of other related bills have yet to make their way to his desk. Those include a plan to make an extra $6-billion payment to the California Public Employees Retirement System, or CalPERS, borrowing the money from surplus state revenues. The plan was approved by the state Senate on Monday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown says GOP healthcare bill cuts right into the heart of what is already a divided nation By Sarah D. Wire Californias senators, Kamala Harris, left, and Dianne Feinstein. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) One in three California residents are covered by Medicaid, and California is thought to have the most to lose if Republicans gather enough votes to roll back major aspects of the Affordable Care Act. California would see the nations biggest increase in uninsured people by next year and face a $24-billion budget shortfall by 2026 because of reduced Medicaid funding, Californias Democratic senators and Gov. Jerry Brown warned during a call with reporters on Tuesday. The Californians call was just one of dozens of events House and Senate Democrats held Tuesday to try to stir up anger over the bill. Brown called the bill divisive, saying it puts tax cuts for the wealthy above healthcare for the poor. This is such a political bill, he said. This bill will be the most divisive maneuver, cutting right into the heart of what is already a divided nation. The bill would increase the number of people without health coverage by 22 million and push up medical costs for millions of other poor and sick Americans, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. After pledging to pass the bill this week, Senate Republicans abruptly delayed a vote until after the July Fourth recess. A handful of Republicans have announced they are leery of the bill, saying it either goes too far or doesnt go far enough, and the White House is lobbying them to get on board. Every major medical association has come out against the bill, which was written by a small group of senators behind closed doors. Sen. Kamala Harris said the bill is being rushed to the Senate floor without hearings, debate or much time for senators to review it. Its absolutely wrong, it is harmful and it is unconscionable. The bill would restructure our nations entire health care system, she said. Sen. Dianne Feinstein said its not enough to amend the existing GOP bill, and Congress needs to start over instead. She said 10 or 12 Republican senators need to defect so the bill is not revived after a few changes, as a similar bill was in the House. I am optimistic that it is doable to kill it, Feinstein said. Its the most indefensible bill Ive actually seen in 24 years in the Senate. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print National Republicans target California water needs in new ads against House Democrats By Sarah D. Wire The National Republican Congressional Committee is going after five California Democrats for votes on a water issue. The online ads are identical except for one line tailored to target each Democrat: Reps. John Garamendi of Walnut Grove, Ami Bera of Elk Grove, Salud Carbajal of Santa Barbara, Raul Ruiz of Palm Desert and Scott Peters of San Diego. They specifically are about the Democrats voting against a bill to funnel dam permits through a single federal agency in an effort to speed up new water storage projects. Tell Congressman Garamendi to stop letting politics get in the way of our water, one ad says. Sponsored by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove), the bill passed the House last week, with a 233-180 largely partisan vote. Democrats need 24 seats to regain control of the House, and are expected to focus their attention in the midterms on tying Republicans to President Trump. Their list of seats they need to flip includes 9 of the 14 California seats held by Republicans. The ads, which will run online for the next week, could be the first glimpse of an NRCC strategy of trying to keep the focus on local issues in the 2018 election. California Democrats want to help radical environmentalists more than their drought-stricken constituents. If Democrats continue to sit on their hands and let this chance to capture much-needed water float on by, the NRCC will hold them accountable, said spokesman Jack Pandol. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Only a few California counties may use the new state law for sending every voter a ballot in the mail By John Myers A broad effort to close thousands of California neighborhood polling places in favor of absentee ballots and multi-purpose vote centers has yet to find traction beyond a handful of counties. Data collected by Secretary of State Alex Padillas office concludes only two counties have a plan in place to implement the sweeping change in state election law enacted last year. As many as 14 counties can do so in 2018, with Los Angeles County and others able to switch to the system in 2020. Change is hard, said Jill LaVine, registrar of voters in Sacramento County, one of the counties that has already approved adoption of the system to swap polling places for a limited number of vote centers offering several different election services. Meanwhile, leaders in the county that has done the most planning to move toward changing its election system -- Orange County -- have rejected the new law for 2018. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Nurses union uses the image of a California bear stabbed in the back after single-payer bill is blocked Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rep. Grace Napolitano to miss House votes for several weeks while husband receives cancer treatment By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) will miss House votes while her husband, Frank Napolitano, undergoes chemotherapy and radiation to treat esophageal cancer, her spokesman said. The congresswoman, 80, easily beat out former Democratic state Assemblyman Roger Hernandez of West Covina in the November election. She said in April that she would seek reelection in 2018, and her husbands health does not change her plan to seek an 11th term, spokesman Jerry ODonnell said. Napolitano has missed the last two weeks of House votes, though shes working some from the district, and is expected to remain in California for several more weeks to care for her husband during the treatment, ODonnell said. He did not know for sure how long Napolitano would be gone, but it is possible she might make it back for some votes during the seven-week-long treatment, he said. Napolitano said by phone she will try to return if the House votes again on the GOP health care bill. I intend to be back at work soon, Napolitano said. The House leaves Friday for a one-week break and leaves again at the end of July for the August recess. Napolitano suffered a minor stroke in 2016 that affected her ability to write and slightly slowed her walk. For the record, 8:47 a.m.: An earlier version of this post identified the type of cancer Napolitanos husband has as lung cancer. It is esophageal cancer. 8:47 a.m., June 27: This post has been updated with a quote from Napolitano. 2:45 p.m. This post has been updated to correct how many terms the congresswoman has served. 2:26 p.m. This post has been updated with more details about when Napolitano might return. This post was originally published at 2:06 p.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After a career in the majority, Jimmy Gomez prepares for life in the minority in Washington By Sarah D. Wire (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Congressman-elect Jimmy Gomez has spent his entire political career as a member of the majority party. When hes sworn in as central and northeast Los Angeles newest member of Congress in the coming weeks, hell be the most junior Democrat 194th out of 194 in Congress. Hell have to find a path forward in a Congress dominated by the opposing party. Even if Democrats win back control, hell have hundreds of more senior and just as eager colleagues ahead of him in line. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rep. Maxine Waters focuses on GOP healthcare bill at packed town hall By Andrea Castillo (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) Rep. Maxine Waters, who spoke Saturday at a packed town hall meeting in Gardena, said she worries some Americans will be forced to do what her family did if the Republican healthcare bill passes. Senate Republicans have pledged to pass a bill before the July Fourth holiday. To illustrate why she believes everyone should have access to comprehensive healthcare, the Los Angeles Democrat said she and her 12 siblings never saw a physician or a dentist their entire childhood. I was born at home in St. Louis back in the day when it was hard for minorities to get into hospitals, she said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This former Jeff Denham challenger wont run again, but hes launching a committee to elect Democrats By Christine Mai-Duc Two-time congressional challenger Michael Eggman says he wont try for a third campaign against Republican Rep. Jeff Denham (Turlock), but hes hoping to help Democrats running against the him. Eggman, a beekeeper and farmer, announced Monday that hes starting a political action committee to help oust Republicans in seven seats, including Denhams in the Central Valley, which Democrats have targeted for 2018. The committee, Red to Blue California, filed papers with the Federal Election Commission in March but so far hasnt reported raising any money. Andrew Feldman, a spokesman for the PAC, said the group has taken in about $50,000 and its goal is to raise at least $7 million in the 2018 cycle. Eggman will serve as chair of the committee. In a statement, Eggman said that while he lost last year, I learned a heck of a lot on the way. Now as Donald Trump threatens to upend the very fabric of what makes our country great, Im doing my part to join the resistance. In addition to Denhams seat, the committee will target Republican Reps. Steve Knight (Palmdale), David Valadao (Hanford), Ed Royce (Fullerton), Mimi Walters (Irvine), Dana Rohrabacher (Huntington Beach) and Darrell Issa (Vista). All seven were reelected in districts won by Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. The committee also plans to use some of the money to promote down-ballot candidates in each of the districts as a way of building a base of Democratic candidates. Eggman, a beekeeper and farmer who received a rare endorsement from Barack Obama in the Democrats unsuccessful quest to take back the House last year, lost to Denham by 5% in November. Spending in that race topped $14 million. Six Democrats have already filed to run in Denhams 10th Congressional District, including Josh Harder, a venture capital executive whose campaign manager worked for Eggman in 2016. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Politics Podcast: Theres a powerful new ally of those who support a sanctuary state By John Myers Supporters of an ambitious California effort to limit law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities begin the week with a prominent new ally. On this weeks California Politics Podcast, we take a look at the impact of Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck endorsing the sanctuary state bill thats now under consideration in Sacramento. We also discuss the decision by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) to run for governor, and how his conservative politics could have a big effect on how Republican voters view their choices in 2018. Im joined by Times staff writer Melanie Mason and Marisa Lagos of KQED News. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California wont be passing a single-payer healthcare system any time soon the plan is dead for this year By Melanie Mason View Twitter post A high-profile effort to establish a single-payer healthcare system in California sputtered on Friday when Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) decided to shelve the proposal. Rendon announced late Friday afternoon that the bill, SB 562 by state Sens. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), would not advance to a policy hearing in his house, dampening the measures prospect for swift passage this year. SB 562 was sent to the Assembly woefully incomplete, Rendon said in a statement. Even senators who voted for SB 562 noted there are potentially fatal flaws in the bill, including the fact it does not address many serious issues, such as financing, delivery of care, cost controls, or the realities of needed action by the Trump Administration and voters to make SB 562 a genuine piece of legislation. Rendon took pains to note that his action does not kill the bill entirely because it is the first year of a two-year session, it could be revived next year. But the move is nonetheless a major setback for legislation that has electrified the Democratic partys progressive flank. The California Nurses Assn., the bills sponsors and the states most vocal advocates for single-payer, blasted Rendons decision as cowardly. Acting in secret in the interests of the profiteering insurance companies late Friday afternoon abandons all those people already threatened by Congress and the Trump administration, Deborah Burger, the unions co-president, said in a statement. Burger continued: The people of California are counting on the Legislature to protect them now, not sometime next year, and as polls have shown Californians support this proposal by a wide majority. A solution to this health care emergency could be at hand; Speaker Rendon is standing in opposition. In a joint statement, Lara and Atkins, the measures authors, said they were disappointed the robust debate about healthcare for all that started in the California Senate will not continue in the Assembly this year. This issue is not going away, they added. Gov. Jerry Brown, who had signaled wariness about the proposals costs, said in a statement that Rendon made the case that theres clearly more work to do before anyone is in a position to vote on revamping Californias healthcare system. I recognize the tremendous excitement behind the measure, but basic and fundamental questions remain unanswered, Brown said. Updated at 6:44 p.m.: This article was updated with a comment from Gov. Jerry Brown. Updated at 5:38 p.m.: This article was updated to include comments from the California Nurses Assn. and the measures authors. This article was originally published at 4:38 p.m. Times staff writer Patrick McGreevy contributed to this report. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California politicians are in Dallas despite new ban on state employees traveling to Texas By Patrick McGreevy Sen. Ricardo Lara (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A day after California banned state employees from going to Texas on official business, a group of politicians from the Golden State was in Dallas on Friday for a major conference. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on Thursday announced he was prohibiting state employees from traveling at state expense to Texas and three other states that he determined have approved laws that discriminate against gay and transgender people. Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), who is openly gay, is among those attending the annual gathering of the National Assn. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). A spokesman said he is using his own money, not taxpayer funds. Lara voted for the bill that enacted the travel ban. Lara felt participating in a panel discussion on immigration was important amid debate over Gov. Greg Abbotts signage of a controversial immigration law that bans sanctuary cities for immigrants in the country illegally, spokesman Michael Soller said. Texas just passed one of the nations most anti-immigrant laws with Senate Bill 4, and California went down this road with Proposition 187 more than 20 years ago, Lara said in a statement. With LGBT and immigrant rights under assault across the country, I thought it was important to join other Latino leaders and show Californias example. Like Lara, West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tem John Duran made plans to attend the Dallas convention well before Becerra announced the travel ban, which does not apply to non-state employees. Duran is the national chairman of NALEO and said the conference was scheduled for Dallas three years ago. I dont know about the LGBT laws in Texas or AG Becerras call for a boycott -- I am not only LGBT but also Latino, Duran said in an email, adding he is very angry over Texas SB 4, which requires law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials in enforcing immigration laws. I am here supporting my elected official colleagues in Texas from Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas who are joining together to sue the state of Texas, Duran said. Being a Californian who worked against Gov. Pete Wilsons Prop 187 -- I have experiences and strategies to share with them. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Texas responds to California LGBT travel ban, saying Golden State firms fleeing over taxation and regulation By Patrick McGreevy A day after California officials said they are banning state workers from traveling to Texas on official business, an aide to Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott returned a verbal volley claiming mistreatment of businesses. On Thursday, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Texas and three other states were being put on a list of states that had adopted laws seen by Becerra as discriminatory to the LGBT community and therefore were off-limits for state-sponsored travel. That drew a response Friday from John Wittman, Abbotts press secretary. California may be able to stop their state employees, but they cant stop all the businesses that are fleeing over taxation and regulation and relocating to Texas, Wittman said. Becerra put Texas on the travel-ban list after the governor signed HB 3859 last week. The new law allows foster care agencies to deny adoptions and services to children and parents based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Becerra said the measure allows agencies to discriminate against children in foster care and potentially disqualify LGBT families from the states foster and adoption system. A spokesman for Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin also criticized California officials. It is fascinating that the very same West Coast liberals who rail against the Presidents executive order, that protects our nation from foreign terrorists, have now contrived their own travel ban aimed at punishing states who dont fall in lockstep with their far-left political ideology, said Woody Maglinger, Bevins press secretary. Updated at 1:35 pm to include comment from Woody Maglinger. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Tom McClintocks bill to streamline dam permits passes House largely on party lines By Sarah D. Wire Dam permits would be funneled through a single federal agency in an effort to speed up new water storage projects under a bill that passed the House on Thursday. Sponsored by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove), the 233-180 vote was largely along partisan lines. Reps. Jim Costa (D-Fresno), Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) and six other Democrats joined with Republicans to pass the bill. McClintock said the various local, state and federal agencies that must sign off on new projects dont have to communicate or set deadlines, and often require redundant information from permit applicants, which can make the application process drag on for years and drive up costs. Dam applications can go on endlessly, McClintock said after the vote. A lot of these projects become cost prohibitive. He pointed to a dam project proposed by the town of Foresthill in his district as an example. Conflicting demands from several federal agencies about a plan to install a spillway gate on the dam at the Sugar Pine Reservoir have driven up the cost, he said. The project application is still under review. So a $2-million project that was a heavy lift for a little community, but within reach, becomes an $11-million cost-prohibitive boondoggle, McClintock said. Under the bill, the Bureau of Reclamation would coordinate with other federal agencies on all aspects of a dam application and set deadlines for deciding whether to approve a project. Democrats who voted against the bill said the bureau would be able to set arbitrary deadlines for the at-times lengthy environmental reviews required for water projects, which could undermine reviews required by laws like the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act. Fixing the process isnt just about saving some headaches or a few hours of time. This is about making sure millions of people in California and across America have the water they need and deserve, said Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield). Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has filed similar legislation in the Senate, and McClintock said he is cautiously optimistic it will pass. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown says Senate healthcare bill has same stench as House version Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Travis Allen, a conservative and controversial Orange County lawmaker, jumps into California governors race By Phil Willon Conservative Orange County Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) is jumping into Californias 2018 race for governor, a move that could splinter the GOP vote in what promises to be a crowded and competitive race. Travis, elected to the Legislature in 2012, said he decided to run because of the years of wasteful spending and dictatorial policies pushed by Jerry Brown and the Sacramento Democrats. I am running to be the next governor of California to take back our state for the forgotten ordinary citizens of California, who will no longer tolerate the squandering of our incredible natural abundance of people, economy, and resources by limousine liberals beholden to ravenous public sector union bosses and extremist environmentalists, Travis said in a statement announcing his campaign. Outspoken and controversial, Travis has filed a ballot measure to repeal the recently approved gas tax and sponsored legislation requiring voters to show photo ID. Allen has faced criticism for claiming that a new law that barred police from arresting people under 18 for soliciting sex or loitering with intent to commit prostitution was an effort to legalize child prostitution. The purpose of the law was to treat minors as victims of sex trafficking rather than offenders. Allen, 43, worked as a certified financial planner before he ran for the Legislature. His Assembly district includes all or portions of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Garden Grove. Allen will face stiff competition from fellow Republican John Cox, a Rancho Santa Fe venture capitalist who already has put $3 million of his own money into his campaign. Former GOP Assemblyman David Hadley of Manhattan Beach also is exploring a run, and former Los Angeles Rams football player Rosey Grier announced plans to jump into the race but thus far has not established an official campaign. The race also has attracted a cadre of Democratic heavyweights, including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Treasurer John Chiang. Delaine Eastin, a former state legislator and state schools chief, is also running. In California, Democrats hold a 19-percentage point advantage over Republicans in voter registration, a strong head wind against GOP candidates running for statewide office. Because of the large field of Democrats in the race, a Republican could have a good shot of finishing in the top two in the June 2018 primary if they can put together GOP support. But Allens entry into the race could divide Republican voters, reducing the odds of a GOP candidate making it to the November general election. The first- and second-place finishers in the primary advance to the general election regardless of their party. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Coastal panel spawned by 1930s oil scandal now a player in governors race By Michael Finnegan (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) When John Chiang joined the State Lands Commission, it quickly became a platform to showcase his environmental record, starting with his 2007 vote to block construction of a shipping terminal for liquefied natural gas in Ventura County. The commission has served the same purpose for Gavin Newsom, who often uses his seat on the panel to remind Californians that he opposes offshore oil drilling. Now that both Chiang and Newsom are running for governor, they are drawing rare attention to the little-known but powerful State Lands Commission, which oversees 4 million acres of land beneath California waters. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ballot measure to expand L.A. County Board of Supervisors advances By Patrick McGreevy State Sen. Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, wants to expand the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from five to seven members. Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press ( Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors would be expanded from five to seven members and an elected chief executive post would be created under a measure recommended Wednesday by a state Senate panel despite opposition from the county. Two members of the countys 2015-16 civil grand jury testified that the group felt the current government is inadequate for a county of more than 10 million residents. They said that if the county was a state, it would be the eighth-largest state in the country based on population. The board is too small to adequately serve the diverse needs of county residents, grand jury member Molly Milligan told the Senate Governance and Finance Committee, before its 5-1 vote to recommend Senate Constitutional Amendment 12. The proposed statewide ballot measure was introduced by Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). The proposal was opposed by Phyllis Marshall, the chief legislative representative for Los Angeles County, who noted that the proposal would allow voters statewide to decide the governance structure for one county. Voters in other counties do not have sufficient knowledge to vote on a constitutional amendment to change the governing structure of Los Angeles County, Marshall told the panel before the measure was sent to another policy panel on its way to a possible full Senate vote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kimberly Ellis blames Democratic Party hacks for losses in Tuesdays congressional races By Phil Willon Kimberly Ellis (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Kimberly Ellis, who has challenged the results of the California Democratic Party leadership election she lost, blamed party establishment hacks who are the worst in the biz for losses in congressional races in Georgia and South Carolina on Tuesday. Ellis, a progressive Bay Area Democrat who tapped into a wellspring of disaffected Bernie Sanders backers, on Tuesday night sent a tweet saying that it was time for a new coalition. That drew a sharp rebuke from veteran Democratic operative Bob Mulholland, who has criticized Ellis for not conceding. Ellis blamed her narrow May loss to Eric Bauman for state Democratic Party chairperson on voting irregularities. Ellis, who lost the race by 62 votes,has called on the party to conduct an independent audit of the election. Bauman rejected that request, saying the party already has a process in place to review contested elections. The partys compliance review commission, made up of six members who were appointed during former chairman John Burtons tenure, is currently reviewing the election. On Friday, Bauman announced that the party hired the law firm of Olson Hagel & Fishburn LLC to oversee, advise and counsel the commission during the inquiry. Let's thank Jon Ossoff, his staff and the thousands of volunteers for their effort. Let's ignore Trump and Kimberly Ellis attacks on Ossoff. Bob Mulholland (@Chico_Bob) June 21, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print These legislators are trying to make sure Jimmy Gomezs replacement in the Assembly is a woman By Christine Mai-Duc As soon as Congressman-elect Jimmy Gomez announced he was running for Congress, his Assembly colleague Cristina Garcia got to work. Garcia, a legislator from Bell Gardens who became chair of the Womens Legislative Caucus in December, called Gomez, other Assembly members, and labor and environmental groups to make it clear: If Gomez won the 34th Congressional District and vacated his Assembly seat, her priority would be electing a woman in his place. With Gomez headed to Washington after his June 6 win, Garcia said its time to put her groups plan into action. Its simple, said Garcia in a recent interview. As long as we dont have parity, were going to fight at every opportunity to try to get another woman in office. Women hold 17 out of 80 seats in the state Assembly and nine of 40 of the state Senate seats. On Wednesday morning, the Democratic arm of the womens legislative caucus announced it was endorsing Wendy Carrillo, a Democrat who ran in the 34th District primary against Gomez, and who is the only woman running to replace him so far. I am impressed by her ongoing activism for environmental justice, womens rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrants and social justice movements that are the bedrocks of a progressive democracy and welcome the tenacity she will bring to further promote these issues in the state Legislature with a womans perspective, Garcia said in a statement. Eight other candidates have filed to run for or have announced campaigns for Gomezs 51st Assembly District. The election date and its accompanying filing deadlines have not yet been set, mainly because Gomez has not stepped down, so another woman could still jump in. But Garcia is hoping her caucus announcement will head that off. If the 34th Congressional District race is going to teach us any lessons, its that we dont have the luxury of having multiple women split the field, Garcia said. More than a dozen women ran in the crowded primary to replace Xavier Becerra in the central Los Angeles District. None of them won more than 10% of the vote. So Garcia and her colleagues havent just been talking about their mission; theyve been trying to shape the field of candidates, too. Garcia said she reached out to former 34th District hopefuls to gauge their interest, solicited names of potential female candidates from interest groups, and had conversations with half a dozen women who were considering jumping in. Garcia said she didnt discourage any women, but was up front with them about the challenges each might face. Shes also encouraged women who expressed interest to work it out among themselves in hopes that they could unite behind one female candidate. Its a somewhat new tactic for the womens caucus, which has struggled to unite on political endorsements in the past and is hoping to flex more muscle in Sacramento. We are being more strategic now, Garcia said. It cant just be like, I like you and you have a great heart. Thats not good enough. You have to put in the work and be able to build a coalition and win. Carrillo said it was unfortunate that none of the women in the 34th District race made it past the primary. But, she added: Men dont get asked the question of whether theyre worried about splitting the vote. The outcome in the congressional primary, Carrillo said, had more to do with a lack of money flowing to many of the womens campaigns, something she hopes to remedy. Ive learned a lot ... [about] just what it takes to build coalitions and how best to move forward in terms of having a strategy to win, Carrillo said. Ultimately, the voters are going to decide based on issues, Carrillo said. I think that I bring a very unique perspective, having grown up in the district, in terms of advocating for labor and for education and for healthcare and all the issues that residents care for. ------------ FOR THE RECORD June 21, 2:53 p.m.: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Cristina Garcia became chair of the Womens Legislative Caucus in January. She took over the position in December. ------------ Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Prompted by San Bernardino shooting, House passes bill to require reports to Congress after terrorist attacks By Sarah D. Wire Evacuated workers pray on the fairway of the San Bernardino Golf Club shortly after the 2015 mass shooting at the nearby Inland Regional Center. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Intelligence agencies would have to make recommendations to Congress on how to stop the next domestic terrorist attack under a bill inspired by the 2015 San Bernardino shooting. The bill, which passed the House on Tuesday without opposition, requires the Homeland Security secretary to submit a report to Congress within one year of a terrorist attack in the U.S. The report, which would be unclassified, must include details of what happened and recommendations for laws or policies that can be changed to prevent a similar attack. It would also include input from the attorney general, FBI director and the head of the National Counterterrorism Center. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who represents San Bernardino, filed the bill about a year after the Dec. 2, 2015, shooting in which 14 people were killed and 22 were wounded by a married couple at the Inland Regional Center. Aguilar told The Times that individual members of Congress shouldnt have to press agencies for details about what happened after an attack. By nature every terrorist event is unique, and so we need something to prod the agencies to tell us why its unique and what we can do better, Aguilar said. There is no current requirement for the agencies to submit a report to Congress after a terrorist event. We think that it makes sense to do that and that it will help us learn from these events and become smarter about it. After the San Bernardino attack, the Justice Department worked with the Police Foundation, a Washington-based research group, to create a report, but it was aimed at training law enforcement on responding to an attack. We think there are more lessons to be learned, but that only happens when those agencies work with Congress on what we can change, Aguilar said. The bipartisan bill was backed by nine other Californians: Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Corona), Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley), Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), Nanette Barragan (D-San Pedro), David Valadao (R-Hanford), Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), Steve Knight (R-Palmdale), Darrell Issa (R-Vista) and Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine). Aguilar said he is still working to line up a sponsor for the bill in the Senate. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New super PAC targets seven California Republicans By Phil Willon Former Northern California Rep. Ellen Tauscher has launched a new super PAC targeting seven vulnerable Republicans in the states congressional delegation, hoping to aid the Democratic effort to win control of the House of Representatives in 2018. Each Republican represents a district that backed Hillary Clinton in the November election. On the Fight Back California PACs list are Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock; David Valadao of Hanford; Steve Knight of Palmdale; Ed Royce of Fullerton; Mimi Walters of Irvine; Dana Rohrabacher of Huntington Beach and Darrell Issa of Vista. Of those, the former congresswoman served with Issa, Royce and Rohrabacher. This isnt personal, Tauscher said. But the fact is that Im a Californian, and they dont vote in the interest of my state. Tauscher represented Northern Californias 10th Congressional District for 14 years before becoming undersecretary of State during the Obama administration in 2009. Katie Merrill, the PACs political strategist, said the campaign will target the Republicans records on issues that directly affect voters in the district, such as the GOPs efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We intend to soften the ground. So when the Democratic nominee emerges ... they are facing a significantly weakened incumbent, Merrill said. Updated at 4:02 p.m.: This story was updated to include a comment from Tauscher. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Overhaul of Californias state tax board plagued by confusion, members say By Patrick McGreevy Board of Equalization Chairwoman Diane Harkey says there is confusion around the reorganization of the board. (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times) State tax board members on Tuesday said there remain a lot of unanswered questions about how their agency will transfer many of its duties to two new offices, a reorganization approved last week by the state Legislature in response to problems with the panel. About 4,400 of the state Board of Equalizations 4,800 employees will be transferred to a new California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, which will take over collection of sales and excise taxes, and an office of administrative law judges who will take over taxpayer appeals. The change was outlined by the boards executive director, David Gau, at a meeting with the panel Tuesday. I dont think anything is easy, Board Chairwoman Diane Harkey said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. I think its going to be expensive. There is a lot of confusion. Board member George Runner said there are questions about whether he can continue to hold educational events for taxpayers, while board member Jerome Horton said he wants to know whether he can continue to advocate for taxpayers. There are still some issues they need to work out, Horton said. Harkey said new bills will have to be approved with clarifying language on some issues. For instance, the newly approved legislation takes away the boards power to hear appeals after July 1 even though lawmakers want the board to continue handling the hearings until the new administrative law judges are operating Jan. 1. In addition, the board employs civil service workers who are trained for jobs that will no longer exist with the board, she said, adding that the new department is supposed to begin operating July 1. This is all still in flux. Its a huge step to take in a couple of weeks, Harkey said. Marybel Batjer, secretary of the California Government Operations Agency, has addressed the board employees, assuring them that they will be able to shift to jobs in the new department. She told The Times on Tuesday that planning has already begun for the new department, including the early stages of recruitment of its administrative staff. Meanwhile, board representatives, including Harkey, confirmed that investigators from the state attorney generals office have begun interviewing agency employees after Gov. Jerry Brown called for a probe into whether staff and resources were mishandled by the agency. Were just hearing that they are around, Harkey said of investigators. I think it scares everybody. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Californias Clean Air Act waiver should be yanked, Trumps former environmental advisor says By Chris Megerian (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) The head of President Trumps Environmental Protection Agency may not be prepared to battle California over air regulations, but the man who led Trumps transition team for the department is ready. Myron Ebell, who works at the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington and helped devise Trumps environmental agenda, said California should not be allowed to set its own standards for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle tailpipes. The state has that authority under a Clean Air Act waiver granted by President Obama, one of dozens that have been issued over the years. The waiver has to go, in my view, Ebell told journalists on Monday at a training program organized by the National Press Foundation. The problem, he said, is that the California regulations are a backdoor attempt to regulate fuel economy, a power thats reserved for the federal government. California said it would push forward on greenhouse gas rules earlier this year even though the Trump administration has opened the door to rolling them back on the federal level. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had previously suggested that the Trump administration could try to revoke Californias waiver, but during a recent Capitol Hill hearing he said it wasnt currently under review. Ebell has denied mainstream science on global warming. But apart from the waiver he wants to see revoked, he told journalists that he didnt have a problem with California trying to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions. I believe in competitive federalism, he said. The only problem, Ebell said, is whether Gov. Jerry Brown tries to conduct his own foreign policy and sign international treaties. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print A new audit says some California agencies sidestepped competitive bidding rules on contracts By Patrick McGreevy Two California agencies in charge of high-tech projects failed to provide proper oversight for billions of dollars in contracts awarded without competitive bidding, according to a state audit released Tuesday. State law requires the Department of General Services and the California Department of Technology (CDT) to use the competitive bidding process whenever possible to ensure fair competition and eliminate favoritism, fraud, and corruption, State Auditor Elaine Howle wrote in a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown. The investigation examined a sample of those contracts and found nine noncompetitive requests valued at almost $1 billion that agencies likely could have avoided had they engaged in sufficient planning, Howle wrote. The auditors cited approval of a request by the California High-Speed Rail Authority for a $3-million noncompetitive contract amendment to provide financial consulting services. The proposal was submitted 17 days before the existing contract was set to expire. When justifying its noncompetitive request, High-Speed Rail stated that the financial consulting services were critical to its mission and that the vendors skills were specialized and not widely available. However, it did not provide a valid reason why this vendor alone could meet the states needs, as financial consulting services are not unique, the audit found. In all, auditors estimated that the state awarded at least $44 billion in noncompetitive contracts of more than $1 million each during the five fiscal years ending June 30, 2016. The two agencies have the power to enforce contract rules but they rarely employed them, allowing agencies to continue inappropriately using noncompetitive requests, the audit concluded. State workers also allegedly wrote reports in ways that misled about which projects were competitively bid. In one case, a $3-million contract was identified as competitively bid, to which an additional $31 million in noncompetitive contracts was added through nine amendments. Amy Tong, director of the California Deptartment of Technology, agreed with the auditors recommendations, saying the agency believes that the recommendations will strengthen CDTs oversight of information technology and telecommunication procurements, especially those acquired through the noncompetitive request process. Daniel C. Kim, director of the Department of General Services, also agreed to improve the process, writing to auditors that his agency will take appropriate action to address the issues presented in the report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer has a big decision to make By Phil Willon Tom Steyer at a Los Angeles high school in 2014. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) For months, billionaire Democratic donor and environmental activist Tom Steyer has been acting like a candidate running for governor hobnobbing with Democratic loyalists, putting out a position paper on income inequality and continuing his aggressive efforts to combat climate change. Steyer says hes still considering jumping into the race. But he may have another target on his radar. Steyer has starting mounting his own challenge to President Trump, going so far as to call for impeachment and use his nonprofit, NextGen Climate, to encourage citizens to lobby their congressional representatives for it. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Lobbying firm fined $4,000 for violating gift limit buying dinner for former state Sen. Ronald Calderon By Patrick McGreevy Ron Calderon, shown in while still in the senate in 2014, was treated to a dinner by a lobbying firm that violated a gift limit. ( (Rich Pedroncelli / AP)) Mercury Public Affairs has agreed to pay $4,000 in fines to Californias ethics watchdog agency for violating the $10 gift limit on lobbying firms when it provided dinners worth $200 to former state Sen. Ronald Calderon and his wife. In October, Calderon was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty in a public corruption case unrelated to the Mercury dinner. The fines proposed against Mercury by the enforcement staff of the state Fair Political Practices Commission stem from violating the $10 gift limit and failing to report that Calderons wife also received a dinner, according to the investigative report. Calderon and his wife attended an April 2013 dinner paid for by Mercury at Mastros in Beverly Hills. Also present was former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, a non-lobbyist partner of Mercury, and four other unidentified people. The violation of the state Political Reform Act was found by a random audit by the state Franchise Tax Board. Mercurys $200 gift to Sen. Calderon, while not extravagant, significantly exceeded the gift limit, the investigative report said. A central purpose of the act is to prevent improper influence by lobbyists and the acts strict gift limit on lobbying firms is intended to effectuate that purpose. The commission will vote on the fines on June 29. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California bill aims to revive broadband privacy rules that were killed by Trump and Congress By Melanie Mason A woman works on her laptop in the Rose Main Reading Room of the New York Public Library. ( Mark Lennihan / Associated Press) Several months ago, President Trump signed into law a repeal of sweeping privacy regulations limiting what broadband providers can do with customer data. Now, an Assembly Democrat is trying to resuscitate those rules for Californians. Assemblyman Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park) unveiled a measure on Monday that would largely enshrine the sputtered federal regulations into California state law. The bill would require Internet service providers, such as Verizon, Comcast and AT&T, to get permission from customers before using, selling or permitting access to data about their browsing history. Such restrictions were crafted by the Federal Communications Commission under the Obama administration. But the FCC under Trump sought to roll back those rules before they went into effect. Congress approved the repeal in March, and the president signed it. Congress and the administration went against the will of the vast majority of Americans when they revoked the FCC rules, Chau said at a news conference, adding that with his measure, AB 375, California is goi 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Senate fails to back bill to delay the Aliso Canyon reopening, but lawmaker will try again Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State Senate Democrats pass bills designed to protect against Trumps possible changes Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 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 Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 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 With an eye toward a potential Middle East peace deal, President Trump on Thursday issued a waiver that delays moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem for at least six months, a decision in keeping with previous administrations. The move marks a reversal for Trump, who repeatedly vowed during last years campaign to swiftly move the embassy from Tel Aviv, where it has always been located, to Jerusalem. Other candidates have made the same promise, but no president has ever followed through. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, but the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem for their capital in a future state. Advertisement The U.S. and most major world powers agree that the status of Jerusalem should be settled in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and no country keeps its embassy in Jerusalem because of the dispute. In a statement, the White House said Trump made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians. It added, But as he has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy, the question is not if that move happens, but only when. After Trump took office, Jordans King Abdullah and other Arab leaders warned the White House that moving the embassy would enrage Arab communities, especially the Palestinians, and severely complicate any peace talks. Since then, the White House has said Trump is reviewing the matter. During his visit to the Middle East last month, he met with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders and called for a resumption of negotiations toward what he has called the ultimate deal. Moving the embassy is a priority for many Republican evangelicals in Trumps political base, as well as some of his Jewish supporters. Presidents of both parties have issued the waiver every six months since Congress passed a law mandating the embassy move in 1995. Trump was facing a Thursday deadline to renew the waiver or see the State Department lose half its funding for its overseas facilities. Trumps new ambassador to Israel, his former bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman, has vowed to live in Jerusalem, about 30 miles from Tel Aviv. Palestinians welcomed the waiver and said they look forward to more consultation with the Trump administration. This is in line with the long-held U.S. policy and the international consensus, and it gives peace a chance, said Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Authoritys ambassador to the United States. Israeli officials expressed disappointment, but several said they believed Trump will transfer the embassy before he leaves office. In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said that keeping embassies outside the capital only drives peace further away because it keeps alive the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem. The statement added that the Israeli government appreciated Trumps commitment to moving the embassy in the future. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told a radio interviewer that keeping the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv is a surrender to Arab and Muslim pressure. Trumps decision had been widely expected. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said last month that Trump had to weigh what effect moving the embassy would have on potential peace talks. The president has recently expressed his view that he wants to put a lot of effort into seeing if we cannot advance a peace initiative between Israel and Palestine, Tillerson said on NBCs Meet the Press on May 14. And so I think in large measure the president is being very careful to understand how such a decision would impact a peace process. Still, a few White House advisors continued to argue as late as Wednesday that Trump should fulfill his campaign pledge and relocate the embassy, or at least let the existing waiver lapse and promise to move the embassy at a later date. Military and national security officials, including Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned that moving the embassy now and the protests it might spark in Arab nations would put U.S. personnel overseas at risk, according to a person familiar with the deliberations and who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal White House discussions. In addition, Trump remains determined to help deliver a peace deal and was encouraged by his meetings with Arab leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last month. He decided that moving the embassy to Jerusalem might sap support from other Arab states and drive Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from the negotiating table, officials said. The White House has made overtures to Abbas, hosting him for a lunch in the West Wing in early May and allowing the Palestinian flag be placed behind Trump while the two leaders made statements about the visit. During his two-day stop in Israel, Trump visited Abbas in the West Bank at Abbass presidential compound in Bethlehem, just outside Israels border wall on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Trump signaled to Abbas that he must show progress in the peace talks and start delivering on several U.S. demands: shutting down terrorist incitement, stopping Palestinian Authority payments to the families of those killed or imprisoned in terrorist attacks against Israelis, and refraining from lobbying the United Nations for additional resolutions against Israel. Trump made clear to Abbas that payments to families of militants are an impediment to peace, a White House official said. Special correspondent Joshua Mitnick contributed from Tel Aviv. Twitter: @ByBrianBennett brian.bennett@latimes.com The U.S. will pull out of the Paris accord on global warming, President Trump announced Thursday, offering a statement of unabashed nationalism as he turned away from a global leadership role in the fight against climate change. It is time to put Youngstown, Ohio, Detroit, Mich., and Pittsburgh, Pa., before Paris, France, Trump declared to an audience of administration officials and supporters in the White House Rose Garden. The climate agreement would undermine our economy, hamstring our workers, weaken our sovereignty and put us at a permanent disadvantage to the other countries of the world, he said. It is time to exit the Paris accord. Advertisement The move will not fully take effect for almost four years, under the terms of the agreement, increasing the likelihood that the fate of the climate accord will be an issue in the next presidential election. In the interim, Trump said, he hopes to negotiate a new agreement on terms that are fair to the United States. Thats not likely to be easy. In advance of the announcement, world leaders lobbied Trump heavily to stay in the Paris deal and repeatedly announced their intentions to stick with the terms that were agreed to in Paris in 2015 after years of laborious negotiations. A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, responding to Trump, said she regretted the U.S. decision and would continue to work to save our Earth. In a separate joint statement with the leaders of France and Italy, Merkel said the agreement cannot be renegotiated. French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump had made an error for the future of his country and his people and a mistake for the future of the planet. Trump lashed out at foreign leaders in his statement, saying they supported the agreement because it was a massive redistribution of United States wealth to other countries. The climate deal was less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States, he said, adding that we dont want other leaders and other countries laughing at us anymore, and they wont be. The president said the accord would allow China, India and other major polluters to continue emitting greenhouse gases while imposing unfair burdens on the U.S., and it would cost millions of American jobs. The raw deal for the country that Trump described contrasts sharply with the view of many Republican business leaders, who had lobbied the White House against making this move. They and other supporters of action to combat climate change say that policies designed to limit global warming are helping the U.S. economy by building up new industries, especially solar and wind power. The agreement, which almost every country in the world has joined, is designed to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in order to keep temperatures from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius compared with pre-industrial levels. Thats the point at which scientists warn the impact of climate change worldwide would be severe. How much the U.S. leaving the accord will impede achievement of that goal remains to be seen. Technological and economic changes have steadily made solar and wind power less expensive, and the U.S. was already on a path toward meeting the commitments made in Paris amid the boom in electricity from natural gas and the plunge in prices for solar and wind power. The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created, former President Obama said in a statement responding to Trumps announcement. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet weve got, he said. When the agreement was signed, Obama had hailed it as one of his major accomplishments. Despite the trends in technology, the departure of the worlds biggest economy is certain to disrupt international plans to combat global warming. The U.S. will now join the only two other nations that refused to sign on, Syria and Nicaragua. The Central American nation complained that the accord wasnt stringent enough. The move may also harm the growing U.S. clean-energy industry, which may now see China and Europe take the lead in developing advanced technologies. That prospect drew dismayed reactions from the heads of some of countrys largest companies. Disappointed with todays decision on the Paris Agreement. Climate change is real. Industry must now lead and not depend on government, Jeff Immelt, the chairman and chief executive of General Electric, said in a Twitter message. Elon Musk, the head of Tesla, and Walt Disney Co. chief Robert Iger announced they were withdrawing from a White House advisory council on manufacturing. The most immediate impact of Trumps decision will hit some of the worlds poorest countries. Billions of dollars the U.S. had committed to a fund to help developing countries cope with the impacts of global warming wont be delivered. These countries are interested in participating in this agreement, but it is not clear how much they can do without that assistance, said Jonathan Pershing, special envoy for climate change during the Obama administration. The affected countries include island nations confronting rising sea levels and African countries combating drought-induced famine. Trump depicted the climate fund as an unacceptable and unfair drain on the American treasury. Billions of dollars that ought to be invested right here in America will be sent to the very countries that have taken our factories and our jobs away from us, Trump said. Outside economists have said the cost to the U.S. of staying in the accord would have been minimal, as it allowed flexibility to adjust targets. Keeping the treaty intact would not have prevented the administration from rolling back some of Obamas ambitious domestic climate programs, they said. But some conservatives and administration officials eager to quit the agreement warned Trump that environmental activists could use it to block the administration from its efforts to dismantle Obamas policies. Trumps decision to isolate the United States from the global climate fight could have many ripple effects. Reluctant participants in the pact, notably Russia, could opt to pull out as well. The lengthy withdrawal process mandated by the terms of the agreement gave a measure of hope to environmental activists and their allies that the damage to the climate fight can ultimately be contained either by an eventual change of heart by Trump if public pressure mounts, or by a change of leadership in the White House. The Americans cant just get out of the agreement, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said at an event in Berlin on Wednesday, in anticipation of Trumps action. At last weeks summit of the leaders of the worlds largest economic powers, we tried to explain this in clear, simple sentences to Mr. Trump, Juncker said, but it looks like that attempt failed. Not everything that is written in international agreements is fake news, he added. The bitter tone reflects how Trumps action is likely to chill diplomatic relations on matters that extend beyond climate action. The U.S. traditionally has taken seriously its international pledges, even the nonbinding ones, and has tried to induce other countries to do that, said Michael Gerrard, director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. Dropping out of such a commitment makes it very hard for the U.S. to press other countries to fulfill international commitments in all areas, not just climate, he said. While most other big countries are expressing resolve to stick with the agreement, supporters worry that if the U.S. stays out for more than a few years, that resolve will erode. It is hard to sustain an effort like this over a long period of time without the United States, said Todd Stern, who helped negotiate the accord for the Obama administration. Countries are going to stay in for the short run and hope for different politics in the White House before long. On Capitol Hill, most reaction fell along predictable partisan lines, but some showed how the climate issue could reshape politics in certain parts of the country. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), whose constituents have been dealing with repeated flooding associated with rising sea levels, called Trumps decision a strategic mistake and something that really sets us back. Down here in South Florida we understand that the environment and the economy are one and the same, he said. On the other side of the ledger, Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, a Democrat representing a state long associated with coal mining, said that while I believe that the United States and the world should continue to pursue a cleaner energy future, I do not believe that the Paris Agreement ensures a balance between our environment and the economy. In California and other liberal states where renewable energy has been aggressively embraced, plans are already afoot to usurp the role the White House is abandoning. Even though states cannot individually join the accord, they are stepping up goals for emissions reductions and forging climate agreements with like-minded counterparts in other countries. California will resist this misguided and insane course of action, California Gov. Jerry Brown said in a statement. He and the governors of New York and Washington announced they had formed a new United States Climate Alliance to guide states committed to reaching the climate goals agreed to in Paris. Mayors of 50 cities, including Los Angeles and New York, also pledged that they would adhere to the commitments made by the Obama administration. Among them was the mayor of Pittsburgh, which Trump had singled out. Its now up to cities to lead, the citys mayor, Bill Peduto, said. Halper reported from Washington and Zavis from Los Angeles. Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report. evan.halper@latimes.com Twitter: @evanhalper ALSO Reaction to President Trumps decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris agreement Elon Musk quits Trump councils in protest: Climate change is real Editorial: Trump puts the world on a perilous and fully avoidable climate path UPDATES: 5:30 p.m.: This story has been updated to indicate Walt Disney Co. chief Robert Iger has also quit a White House advisory council on manufacturing. 4:20 p.m.: The story was updated with new information. 2:35 p.m.: The story was updated with statements from Jeff Immelt and Elon Musk and a joint statement by the German, French and Italian governments. 2 p.m.: The story was updated with a statement from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 1:20 p.m.: The story was updated with additional quotes from President Trump and a statement from former President Obama. 12:46 p.m.: The story was updated with quotes from President Trumps statement. 12:20 p.m.: The story was updated with quotes from the administrations talking points. The story was originally published at 12:10 p.m. 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 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 mid-sentence. But Spicer told reporters that the public should not be concerned that the president sent what the questioner called somewhat of an incoherent tweet. Advertisement The president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant, Spicer said. Trump may have been simply complaining yet again about negative press coverage of his presidency when he tapped out: Despite the constant negative press covfefe. Period. The message stopped there. And it stayed online for more than five hours, prompting jokes and confusion across the Internet even before his hirelings in the White House press office were awake. In the morning, the message was deleted and Trump seemed to welcome the tempest hed stirred up. At 6:09 a.m. Eastern time he posted, Who can figure out the true meaning of covfefe ??? Enjoy! Who can figure out the true meaning of "covfefe" ??? Enjoy! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017 Speculation about what Trump had tweeted and why consumed hours of cable TV news chatter for the day, creating a brief distraction for the president from criticism over the federal investigation into Trumps connections to Russia and his imminent decision on whether to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. Many critics on Twitter suggested that distraction is exactly what Trump hoped to achieve. By late afternoon, covfefe had been used more than 1.37 million times on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, according to analysis for The Times by Brandwatch, a social media analytics firm. The actor Paul Reubens, writing as his television persona Pee-wee Herman, declared covfefe the word of the day. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel wrote on Twitter: what makes me saddest is that I know Ill never write anything funnier than #covfefe. what makes me saddest is that I know I'll never write anything funnier than #covfefe Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) May 31, 2017 Among the responses on Twitter, many in foreign languages, were some that suggested that Trump, a teetotaler, was drunk-tweeting or, alone in the White House, under the influence of drugs. Professional as well as amateur wits of the Internet disagreed over how to pronounce Trumps neologism. Associated Press went with cuv-fey-fey, suggesting a Spanish pronunciation, as did some others who suggested covfefe rhymed with jefe, the Spanish word for chief (pronounced hef-ay). But others thought the second syllable should rhyme with leaf. Although the word was considered most likely a misspelling of the word coverage, Spicer, Trumps top interpreter as White House press secretary, didnt offer that explanation. Instead, speaking for a boss who does not admit to mistakes, he insisted against all appearances that this was no mistake. Whatever it was, Trumps tweet did raise concerns about the health of a president who is 70 years old, overweight and just returned from a jam-packed eight-day trip across the Middle East and Europe. Conservative writer David Frum, a former aide to President George W. Bush, tweeted his speculation that Trump may have experienced a spasm while his Twitter feed was live, and lost consciousness. Because typos are rapidly fixed. This looks as if the president spasmed, passed out and nobody on staff noticed, wrote Frum, who has been a frequent critic of Trump. However innocent the truth of this matter, speculation about Trumps mental and physical health follows a long history of presidents hiding the facts about troubling medical conditions from the public. White House staff initially did not disclose a heart attack suffered by President Eisenhower. Kennedy kept secret that he had a rare autoimmune disorder called Addisons disease. Reagans speech patterns showed early signs of dementia during his final years in office, a fact reported only after he left the White House. Trump has not provided the sort of detailed medical records that recent predecessors and presidential nominees have. In September, his physician Harold Bornstein said Trump was in excellent physical health, in a letter released by Trumps campaign without medical documentation. There is no family history of premature cardiac or neoplastic disease, the doctor wrote. Mr. Trumps parents, Mary and Fred, lived into their late 80s and 90s. brian.bennett@latimes.com Twitter: @ByBrianBennett In the race to become Los Angeles next congressman, two Democrats are furiously raising money from very different corners. State Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and attorney Robert Lee Ahn will face each other in Tuesdays runoff for the 34th Congressional District. A look at the latest fundraising figures reveals where theyre drawing support from and the advantages each has going into election day: Jimmy Gomez Robert Lee Ahn $770,746 659,423 Outside district $148,900 212,201 Inside district Jimmy Gomez Robert Lee Ahn $148,900 212,201 $770,746 659,423 Total donations to District 34 candidates Data: abcdefg hijkl mnop qrstu vwxyz 1234 56789 Ryan Menezes / @latimesgraphics Source: Federal Election Commission , Times analysis Since the April primary, Ahn and Gomez have raised roughly the same amount from donors Robert Lee Ahn surprised many when he reported strong fundraising totals ahead of the crowded April primary election. Since making the runoff, Ahn has kept his fundraising numbers up and has more or less evened the financial playing field between him and Gomez. Thats notable, considering Gomez is a three-term legislator with plenty of political connections and had more than a months head start in campaigning. Between April 1 and May 17, Ahn reported raising about $350,100 from donors. During the same period, Gomez took in about $326,690. Overall, Ahn has raised roughly $874,000 since entering the race in mid-January, not including money hes given himself, while Gomez has received about $961,000. Ahn has loaned himself half a million dollars, pushing him over the top While Ahn, a relatively unknown candidate before this race, has lagged somewhat in fundraising, hes more than made up for it with his own money. Ahn loaned himself $295,000 in the primary campaign and added $195,000 ahead of the runoff. This has given Ahn a major cash advantage, and he seems to be spending nearly all of it. As of May 17, Ahn has spent more than $1.26 million, compared with Gomezs $743,380. Mail, mail and more mail Ahn has spent most of his money on printing, envelopes and other costs associated with his controversial mailers and has also spent significant amounts on consultants and promotional items such as notepads, Mardi Gras beads and potholders. Gomez has spent nearly half his money on printing and mailer costs, and other big chunks on political consultants and workers walking the district to talk to voters. Neither candidate has spent much on ads, with Ahn running them mainly on Korean TV and radio stations and in Korean-language newspapers. Gomez spent a modest amount on ads in the Los Angeles Times and on text message advertising. Gomez continues to get big money from PACs; Ahn relies largely on wealthy people With dozens of endorsements from members of the Democratic Party establishment, Gomez has raised significant sums from major donors, including from political action committees run by labor unions and trade organizations. All told, about 40% of Gomezs total contributions are from political committees, candidate campaigns and other organizations, according to a Times analysis. Some of Gomezs biggest donors include the political advocacy wings of large national unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union. Committees controlled by business groups such as financial services firm Ernst & Young and the National Assn. of Realtors have also given big to Gomez. Ahn has frequently criticized Gomez for taking money for his Assembly campaigns from private prison firms, payday lenders and pharmaceutical companies, claiming that it will be payback time for Gomezs supporters if he is elected. Ahn has told voters his donor list is filled with individuals just like you. Ahn has received just 1% of his sum from political committees and other organizations. But about 80% of the money he has raised comes from contributions of $1,000 or more. Many of Ahns donors appear to be coming from the Korean American community, which has been energized by the prospect of electing the first Korean American to Congress in nearly 20 years. According to a Times analysis, at least $330,000, or more than 37%, of Ahns money came from donors with Korean surnames. More than 75% of all the money is from outside the district and most of Gomezs money is from D.C. or Sacramento Neither candidate has raised a significant amount of money inside the 34th Congressional District, where nearly half of households earn less than $35,000 a year. A Times analysis shows that more than three-quarters of both candidates funds have come from ZIP Codes outside the district. While Gomez has tapped into money in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, Ahn has reached out to wealthier parts of L.A. County and Southern California to build up his coffers. Of the more than $961,000 Gomez has raised, at least $200,000, or about a fifth, came from ZIP Codes in the Washington, D.C., area. Ahn, on the other hand, has raised less than 10% of his $874,000 from outside California. But donors in ZIP Codes from the wealthy enclaves of Beverly Hills, La Canada Flintridge and the Palos Verdes Peninsula have helped Ahn make up the difference. Inside the district, Gomezs main foothold is in northeast Los Angeles, which is part of the state Assembly district he currently represents. Ahn has strong fundraising in Koreatown, where hes received more than $130,000 of his money, according to a Times analysis. Outside money is spilling into the race, too While the 34th District race hasnt gotten nearly as much attention or money as more competitive House races in Georgia and Montana, outside groups have been dropping more money in recent days in hopes of swaying the outcome. As of Wednesday, more than two-thirds of the money spent by independent expenditure committees, which by law must remain separate from candidates campaigns, has gone to support Gomez. The Latino Victory Fund, which aims to elect Latino officials, has spent $239,490 on mailers, phone banking, canvassing and online advertising in support of Gomez. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has also spent $16,530 on phone banking and mailers for him, while the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor reported spending $25,180 on mail to its members to support Gomez. A group calling itself the Middle Class Values PAC has spent $31,035 on mailers for Gomez despite not having reported receiving any major contributions so far this year. Gomez has also benefited from $9,230 in advertising from billboard company Outfront Media. Citizens for a Better Government, funded primarily by two Ahn donors, has spent $99,620 on mailers, data and canvassing to support him. Late-arriving money will keep the campaigns rolling through election day Ahn enters the home stretch of the campaign with about $103,520 left in the bank, while Gomez has more than double at $222,270. Ahn has received at least $130,000 since May 17. Gomez has gotten $60,000 in the same time period. The top ZIP codes funding Jimmy Gomez's campaign A broad array of groups representing unions and businesses in the nation's capital are backing Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez. ZIP Code Amount Location In CD 34? ZIP Code 20036 Amount $41,559 Location Washington, D.C. In CD 34? No ZIP Code 95814 Amount $38,100 Location Sacramento In CD 34? No ZIP Code 20005 Amount $32,350 Location Washington, D.C. In CD 34? No ZIP Code 20006 Amount $30,750 Location Washington, D.C. In CD 34? No ZIP Code 20001 Amount $25,750 Location Washington, D.C. In CD 34? No The top ZIP codes funding Robert Lee Ahn's campaign The businessman and former L.A. city planning commissioner has relied on heavy support from Koreatown and weathy enclaves in other parts of the county. ZIP Code Amount Location In CD 34? ZIP Code 90005 Amount $56,730 Location Koreatown In CD 34? Yes ZIP Code 90010 Amount $33,900 Location Koreatown In CD 34? Yes ZIP Code 91011 Amount $32,974 Location La Canada Flintridge In CD 34? No ZIP Code 90210 Amount $27,300 Location Beverly Hills In CD 34? No ZIP Code 90049 Amount $25,808 Location Brentwood In CD 34? No Source: Federal Election Commission, Times analysis christine.maiduc@latimes.com For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc. John Dean is a connoisseur of cover-ups, 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 Stephen K. 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. Advertisement 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 cover-up. It is the one thing, Dean said resignedly, for which he will be forever recalled. I can thank you and your profession, he said. I was placed in a pigeonhole, and once you people put somebody in a pigeonhole, you live there. You never get out. Nixon, fighting vainly to stay in office, famously said a year was long enough to wallow in Watergate. For Dean, its been more than four decades. As part of a deal with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and served four months in a federal safe house. He was barred from practicing law in Virginia and the District of Columbia, moved to his wifes home state of California and made his livelihood as an investment banker and regular on the lecture circuit. He has also written a shelf-load of books, including several on Watergate. The memory that persists though, is the owlish whiz-kid lawyer, with horn-rimmed glasses and his pretty blond wife perched stoically behind him, laying out Nixons treachery in a dull monotone before the Senate Watergate Committee. At age 78, he is fleshier and far more affable, with rimless glasses sliding down his nose and receding white hair combed straight back. He arrived this week in the cream-colored hotel lobby, not far from his Beverly Hills home, camera-ready in a blue blazer, striped dress shirt and red tie. John Dean is having a moment, again. Everyone the BBC, Der Spiegel, the New York Times, MSNBC and on wants to know what he thinks of Trump, of Russian interference in the 2016 campaign, about the cascade of investigations that threaten to bury Trumps presidency. He hasnt been in this great a demand since his call for President George W. Bushs impeachment for condoning torture, among other perceived abuses of power and, before that, as a ringside commentator during the Clinton-era Monica Lewinsky scandal. First, Nixon vs. Trump. Nixon was much better prepared for the job than Trump, Dean said, citing the former presidents service in the House, the Senate and then eight years as vice president. Trump just doesnt know anything about the job, and it shows, Dean said as a gas-fed fire flickered nearby. (It was a touch that Nixon, who famously kept a blaze going even during Washingtons blistering summers, might have appreciated.) Both men have authoritarian personas, Dean went on, though Trump is far more narcissistic and easier to read: We wouldnt know Nixon as well as we do but for his taping system, where his guard is down. He reveals who he is. Trump is the same in public as he is in private. Dean was careful to say he has no inside information on the Trump administration, no Deep Throat, the famous Watergate leaker, funneling him tales of intrigue from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. But, he said, he knows the odor of malfeasance, even from 3,000 miles away. Ive been inside a cover-up. I know why we could make certain things go away and other things not go away. And thats because some things, you just couldnt make them disappear, he said. He might have been roughing out a verbal draft of Scandal Containment for Dummies. I feel thats true with the Trump people. If they could make this go away, they would. I mean, theyre not stupid. They would hire good P.R. people who would say: This is how you deal with this. You make mistakes, you go out and you explain them, and people are very forgiving. Dean was raised in a Republican family, and acquired his political coloration thus, but he no longer belongs to the party, calling himself an independent. My political beliefs have not changed very much in the last 45 years, Dean said, describing himself as a fiscal moderate and social liberal. But just by staying in one place, today Im way left of center. He hasnt voted for the GOP candidate for president since George H.W. Bush ran against Michael Dukakis in 1988, backing President Obama and, last year, Hillary Clinton. So his observations on Trump and his cohorts and their alleged wrongdoing may be judged accordingly. Dean firmly believes the truth about any misdeeds, if they took place, will come out much sooner than the many years it took for the full nature of the Watergate scandal to be revealed. Unlike Nixon, Trump is surprisingly candid about himself, Dean said. The presidents admission that he fired FBI Director James B. Comey to relieve the pressure of his investigation into Russia and the 2016 election was, to Deans mind, basically confessing obstruction of justice. Another appointment was looming. His role as the Watergate whisperer and a leading expert on White House scandal was not something he sought out, Dean said, but given no choice hes embraced it. He mused about the vagaries. As a teenager, I remember marching by the White House at the Eisenhower inauguration and seeing this kind of gray figure beside Eisenhower who was all smiles, his vice president, and never would it ever to occur to me that man would become president and I would help ease him out of his job, Dean said. He smiled faintly at the memory of that distant encounter with Nixon. You just dont know where life is going to turn. With that, he slipped out a back door and headed off to his next TV appearance, this time on CNN. mark.barabak@latimes.com @markzbarabak on Twitter ALSO All is not peachy as Georgia congressional race takes a detour through San Francisco Trumps latest tweet in media war is a literal show of mock pugilism By Laura King President Trump on Sunday circulated a doctored video clip on Twitter that showed him physically attacking a crudely rendered stand-in for CNN, a post that drew rebukes from critics as an incitement to violence, but prompted renewed expressions of support from backers. In doing so, Trump also ignored pleas to stop tweeting or at least take a more presidential tone -- from lawmakers in his own party -- after he took his war against news media to new heights last week with a coarse post on the appearance and intellect of cable television host Mika Brzezinski. On Saturday he also posted several anti-media messages as Americans began their Fourth of July celebration. Sundays tweet, which used an edited version of a years-old promotional video for professional wrestling, showed Trump, clad in a business suit and tie, administering a choreographed beat-down to a figure whose face was obscured by CNNs logo. #FraudNewsCNN #FNN pic.twitter.com/WYUnHjjUjg Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2017 CNN, which has been a particular target of the president since the network was forced to retract a story relating to an element of the sprawling investigation into possible collusion with Russia by the Trump campaign, quickly condemned the tweet. It is a sad day when the President of the United States encourages violence against reporters, the network said in statement. It also tweeted a recent assertion by White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders that Trump had never engaged in such incitement. "The President in no way form or fashion has ever promoted or encouraged violence. If anything, quite the contrary." - @SHSanders45 6/29/17 CNN Communications (@CNNPR) July 2, 2017 As is often the case, the presidents surrogates were left scrambling to explain or justify an inflammatory Twitter outburst. Homeland security advisor Thomas Bossert, who was shown the clip while appearing on ABCs This Week, watched it stone-faced and then declared: No one would perceive that as a threat. I hope they dont. The night before, Trump had used a celebration of veterans at Washingtons Kennedy Center to again denounce the news media. The president, who had briefly broken a weekend golf getaway to appear at the rally, pounded away at the theme that he is being treated unfairly. The fake media tried to stop us from going to the White House, he told the raucous crowd. But Im president, and theyre not. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Increasing number of states reject request for personal information on voters from Trump commission By Colleen Shalby (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) A growing number of states have rejected a request for personal information about voters from a presidential commission on vote fraud led by Kansas controversial Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Kobach, the vice chairman of the commission, sent letters to each state and Washington, D.C., asking for voters personal information. The request asked for names, addresses, voting history and the last four digits of voters Social Security numbers. The commission was set up to look into voter fraud after President Trump alleged that he lost the popular vote in 2016 only because millions of people voted illegally -- a claim that numerous states election officials from both parties and outside experts have dismissed as groundless. As of Friday afternoon, at least 13 states had outright rejected the request from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Election Integrity. Officials in several other states either said they would not supply all the information or needed more information before making a decision. Some officials did not mince words in their nos. They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi is a great State to launch from, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann wrote in a statement. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement that strongly criticized Kobach that he would continue to defend the rights of all eligible voters to cast their ballots free from discrimination, intimidation or unnecessary roadblocks. Secretary Padilla's response to the Election Commission's request for personal data of CA voters: pic.twitter.com/UdUt55HSim CA SOS Vote (@CASOSvote) June 29, 2017 As a Kansas official, Kobach has been a leading backer of immigration restrictions and of measures to put new requirements on who is allowed to vote. His opponents note that he was fined last week for misleading a federal court in a voting rights case. Democratic elected officials in several states criticized the commission, itself, not just the information request. The president created his election commission based on the false notion that voter fraud is a widespread issue it is not, Kentucky Secretary of State Allison Grimes wrote. "I do not intend to release Kentuckians' sensitive personal data to the fed. gov't." Sec. Grimes Statement on Pres. Commission request: pic.twitter.com/9Js05x99eF Alison L. Grimes (@KySecofState) June 30, 2017 In an odd contradiction, Kobach said that Kansas, like some other states, will partially reject at least one aspect of the request. In Kansas, the Social Security number is not publicly available. Every state receives the same letter, but were not asking for it if its not publicly available, he told the Kansas City Star. The states that have fully rejected the request include California, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi and Minnesota. Others, including Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Missouri, Kansas, Utah and Texas will turn over some of the requested information. Vermont has requested an affidavit from the commission. And Wisconsin has suggested that the commission could purchase the publicly available information, just as political campaigns do. Officials in Washington state said they were reviewing the request. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Look at possible conflicts of interest in Trump teams OneWest Bank probes, 2 Democrats urge By Jim Puzzanghera Protesters gather outside a OneWest Bank in Pasadena in 2014. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) Two House Democrats want Congress to look into possible conflicts of interest in the Trump administrations handling of investigations into Pasadenas OneWest Bank a bank formerly headed by now-Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and Al Green (D-Texas) said Friday that there was room for considerable doubt as to the impartiality and the adequacy of this administrations investigations into OneWest and a subsidiary, Financial Freedom. Mnuchin was the banks chairman from 2009 to 2015. President Trump has nominated Joseph Otting, the former chief executive of OneWest, to be comptroller of the currency, a key bank regulator who is part of the Treasury Department. And Brian Brooks, who was OneWests vice chairman, reportedly will be tapped to be deputy Treasury secretary. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Healthcare issue delivers nothing but pain for Nevadas embattled Sen. Dean Heller By David Montero Dean Heller is Stephanie Diaz-Gonzalezs problem now. Shes never met Nevadas Republican senator and hadnt had much time to familiarize herself. How could she? The 25-year-old is holding down a full-time job and ra+ising a 7-year-old son, who keeps her busy with soccer games, math homework and those too-often terrifying moments when he cant breathe. When President Trump was elected and congressional Republicans moved on their top priority to dismantle Obamacare, Diaz-Gonzalez got to know Heller a whole lot better. Given his back-and-forth on the issue, she came to distrust him. I dont know if I could vote for him or support him, the Democrat said. He seems very contradictory. Which is why Heller is also Karen Steelmons problem. Steelmon, a 48-year-old Republican who grew up in northern Nevada, isnt happy with the lawmaker, who is considered the most vulnerable GOP senator in the country when he comes up for reelection next year. Obamacare has always been an abomination to Steelmon, an ardent supporter of repeal. To her, deeply held principles are at stake. Heller has never acted in favor of what I would consider conservative, constitutional principles as a general rule, said Steelmon, who would like to see the incumbent taken out in a GOP primary. And on the very few times he has, its always come as a surprise. This is Hellers dilemma. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump will meet face-to-face with Putin in Germany next week By Brian Bennett (Alexei Nikolsky / Associated Press) President Trump has governed five months under a cloud of questions about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, yet the two men will meet next week for the first time, on the sidelines of the G20 summit of world leaders in Hamburg, Germany. White House officials on Thursday confirmed plans for the private meeting but said no decisions had been made about the topics Trump will raise. So its unclear whether the men will discuss Russias election-year cyberattacks that are the focus of criminal and congressional investigations. Our relationship with Russia is not different from any other country in terms of us communicating with them, really, what our concerns are, where we see problems in the relationship but also opportunities, said Trumps national security advisor, H.R. McMaster. McMaster said he expected the two men to have a broad, wide-ranging discussion about problems in the relationship but also about where the U.S. and Russia have common interests. Theres no specific agenda, McMaster said. Its really going to be whatever the president wants to talk about, he added. The White House has refused to say whether Trump would sign legislation with new sanctions on Russia for meddling in the elections by hacking, including into some states voting systems, and by spreading false news stories. But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin indicated the existing restrictions against Russia were sufficient. Weve got plenty of those as well, Mnuchin said. Trump will also meet with the leaders of China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore and other countries during the summit of 20 major world economies. Trumps director of the White House National Economic Council, Gary Cohn, said the meeting would fall short of a typical bilateral discussion between the American president and the head of another country, but would be more than whats known in diplomacy-speak as a pull aside a quick, informal get-together on the edge of a conference. Trumps scheduled meeting with Putin in Hamburg places added significance on his stop in Poland next Wednesday. In Warsaw, McMaster said, Trump intends to bolster U.S. relationships with Poland and other central European and Baltic states that were once in Moscows orbit under the Soviet Union, but now rely on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the U.S. to counter pressure from Russia. Trumps meetings there seem designed to strengthen his hand with Putin. McMaster called Poland a front-line NATO nation with regards to the eastern flank, noting that it sent troops to fight alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan and Iraq and has exceeded its pledge on NATO defense spending. As a candidate and president, Trump has criticized other NATO countries that have not yet met those pledges for military spending equal to at least 2% of the size of their respective economies. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Travel ban seen a win by at least one conservative; Breitbart focuses on upcoming votes in Congress By Kurtis Lee After it stalled for several months in federal courts, a portion of President Trumps travel ban is set to take effect Thursday evening and will bar individuals from six majority-Muslim countries. Some in conservative media are viewing it as a much-needed political victory for Trump. Here are some of Thursdays headlines: Two wins for Trump (Washington Times) Trump has seen setbacks in his fledgling administration probes into possible collusion with Russia, infighting among his party over a healthcare overhaul, federal courts halting his travel ban. But now, the president gets a W. The Supreme Courts decision to allow portions of President Trumps travel ban to proceed is a much-needed victory for the administration, Cal Thompson writes. In doing so the unanimous court affirmed at least temporarily, pending a full hearing on the case in the fall a presidents constitutional authority to determine whether people seeking admittance to the U.S. pose a threat to our safety and security. Thompson also highlights the Supreme Court decision this week that churches have the same right as other charitable groups to seek state money for new playground surfaces and other non-religious needs. Thompson called the ruling in the case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia Inc. v. Comer, a victory for religious institutions and Trump, who at times has touched on the issue of religious freedom. Breitbart prods GOP leaders to pass pro-American immigration reforms (Breitbart) For Trump, Breitbart hasnt always delivered the most approving headlines for his administration particularly on immigration. Some right-wing bloggers and pundits dont think Trump has done enough on immigration, a key pillar of his campaign platform. This piece turns the attention to members of Congress, where two bills focused primarily on detaining people in the country illegally could come up for a vote . The GOP-run House is expected to vote for two modest immigration-reform bills as soon as this week, but pro-American reformers are using the two votes to build loud and energetic public pressure for major reform legislation, notes the right-wing website. Trump attacks Psycho Joe Scarborough, Crazy Mika Brzezinski in Twitter tear (Fox News) At first, they were friends; now, perhaps, enemies? Trump used Twitter early Thursday to jab Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who the president in past has said he admires. The tweets have drawn the ire of Republicans. Heres what the president wrote: I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2017 ...to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me. She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2017 And the response? pic.twitter.com/8YhzcCUwM1 Mika Brzezinski (@morningmika) June 29, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump plans to nominate Brendan Carr to fill final FCC seat and provide crucial vote on net neutrality rules By Jim Puzzanghera President Trump intends to nominate Brendan Carr, a former aide to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, to fill the final open seat at the agency and provide a crucial vote on the future of tough net neutrality rules. Carr, the FCCs general counsel, would fill a Republican slot on the commission and would be expected to support Pais push to roll back the regulations for online traffic. Carrs intended nomination was announced by the White House on Wednesday night. It comes after Trump nominated Jessica Rosenworcel, a former FCC commissioner, on June 14 to fill a Democratic seat. If the Senate confirms both nominees, as expected, the FCC would have its full complement of five commissioners and a 3-2 Republican majority. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gorsuch is already pushing Supreme Court to the right on religion, guns and gays By David Savage Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) When Judge Neil M. Gorsuch went before the Senate in March as President Trumps first nominee to the Supreme Court, he sought to assure senators he would be independent and above the political fray. There is no such thing as a Republican judge or Democratic judge, he said more than once. We just have judges. But in just his first few weeks on the high court, Justice Gorsuch has shown himself to be a confident conservative activist, urging his colleagues to move the law to the right on religion, gun rights, gay rights and campaign funding. He dissented along with Justice Clarence Thomas when the court rejected a gun-rights challenge to Californias law that strictly regulates who may carry a concealed weapon. The 2nd Amendments core purpose, they said, shows the right to bear arms extends to public carry. He wrote a dissent, joined by Thomas and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., when the court struck down part of an Arkansas law that gave opposite sex-couples, but not same-sex couples, the right to have both spouses listed on a childs birth certificate. The court said it had already decided that same-sex couples deserve fully equal rights under state law. And when Trumps travel ban came before the court this week, Gorsuch dissented from the majoritys middle-ground approach, which allowed the ban to take effect except for foreign travelers who had a relationship with this country, such as a close relative or a student enrolled in a university. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print When he meets South Koreas president, Trump will be asking for trade concessions and help confronting North Korea By Brian Bennett (Nicholas Kamm / AFP Photo) President Trump plans to pressure South Korean President Moon Jae-in to make trade concessions when they meet Friday, while at the same time seeking closer cooperation against North Koreas accelerating nuclear program. Both aims, outlined Wednesday by a senior administration official, could make for some difficult discussions, especially since the newly elected Moon campaigned for a softer approach to the government in Pyongyang. Moon, who arrived Wednesday in Washington, began his four-day visit by laying a wreath at a memorial at Marine Corps Base Quantico in northern Virginia to the U.S. Marines who died during the Korean War in the battle at Chosin Reservoir. Trump will host Moon and his wife, Kim Joon-suk, for dinner at the White House on Thursday before the two leaders meet one-on-one in the Oval Office on Friday morning. Having criticized the two countries trade agreement when he was running for president, Trump will argue for a more balanced trade relationship, the administration official said in a background briefing. In particular, Trump will cite the large amount of Chinese steel that is sometimes processed in South Korea before being sold cheaply in the U.S. market. The two leaders will have a friendly, frank discussion about the trade imbalance between South Korea and the United States, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Seouls trade surplus is shrinking, the official added, but there is still a large gap. The visit will mark the first time the two leaders have met since the liberal Moon took office last month after the ouster of President Park Geun-hye, a scandal-tarred conservative who had taken a hard line against North Korea. Trump and Moon share precisely the same goal, the Trump aide said -- the complete dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear program. But the approach of the two leaders is starkly different. Trump has called for maximum pressure against North Korea, seeking additional economic sanctions and demanding that China, North Koreas main ally and patron, do more to shut off assistance to Pyongyang. Moon has risen through the ranks of his countrys politics advocating for closer ties between the Koreas, which technically are still at war. Already he has taken steps to delay the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, known as THAAD, an anti-missile system intended to counter any North Korean strikes. The anti-missile system is a divisive issue in South Korea; it prompted protests last weekend at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. China has objected to installation of the powerful radar defense as well, but the White House believes the U.S. system will ultimately be fully operative. The delay should not be equated as a reversal of the decision to deploy THAAD, the official said, and suggested that the topic would not be central to the two presidents discussions. As important as anything [will be] building a rapport and getting to know each other, the official said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate Republicans aim for new healthcare bill by Friday, but skeptics remain By Lisa Mascaro (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) Senate Republicans reconvened behind closed doors Wednesday trying to break the impasse on their healthcare overhaul but emerged with no apparent strategy for resolving differences by an end-of-week deadline. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky vowed to try again for a vote after the Fourth of July recess, despite having abruptly delayed action this week. Senators were aiming for a revised bill by Friday, the Republican whip, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, told reporters, so it could be assessed by the Congressional Budget Office during the break. But senators remained skeptical after the lengthy lunchtime huddle that appeared to run long on ideas but short on consensus. I think its going to be very difficult, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). McConnell surprised senators by delaying this weeks expected votes once it became clear he did not have a majority for passage or possibly to even open the debate. As many as 10 Republican senators now publicly oppose the bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act, and leaders are scrambling to win them over with an estimated $200 billion in savings from the bill that can be applied to their particular states needs. But even with that fund of resources, it is not clear McConnell will be able to satisfactorily improve the legislation, which now threatens to cut 22 million Americans off health insurance. He can only afford to lose two Republican votes in the face of Democratic opposition. Its going to be very difficult to get me to a yes... have to make us an offer we cant refuse, Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) said on a telephone town hall late Tuesday, according to journalist Jon Ralston, who monitored the call. Fresh polling Wednesday showed paltry support for the Republican approach to overhauling the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, which has enjoyed a surge in popularity now that Republicans are closer than ever to repealing it. A USA Today poll put approval of the Senate GOP bill at 12%. Republicans, though, are under enormous pressure from their most conservative supporters and big dollar donors, including the powerful Koch network to deliver on their promised to end Obamacare. Senate Democrats, meanwhile, suggested that President Trump convene all 100 senators much the way then-President Obama did during his first days in office for a session at Blair House to see how they might be able to work together to improve, rather than repeal, the Affordable Care Act. Id make my friends on the Republican side and President Trump an offer: Lets turn over a new leaf. Lets start over, said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). President Trump, I challenge you to invite us all 100 of us, Republican and Democrat to Blair House to discuss a new bipartisan way forward on healthcare in front of all the American people. No such invitation, however, seemed forthcoming. Trump dismissed Schumers proposal he just doesnt seem like a serious person, the president said and instead promised his own big surprise on healthcare. Healthcare is working along very well, Trump told reporters at the White House. We could have a big surprise, with a great healthcare package. Asked what he meant by a big surprise, Trump simply repeated: A great, great surprise. The Republican bill, like its counterpart passed by House Republicans, does not fully gut Obamacare, but rescinds the new taxes imposed on high-income individuals and healthcare companies to pay for expanding coverage through Medicaid and subsidies for private insurance on the ACA marketplace. Senators said the private talks Wednesday focused mainly on changes to the Obamacare marketplace that could bring down the cost of insurance premiums. One idea from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to allow insurers to offer policies that do not meet the Obamacare benchmarks for what insurance needs to cover met with mixed reaction, senators said. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, warned that such changes would alter the risk pool, keeping insurance costs high. You end up with policies that, for example, dont cover maternity, Cassidy said. Do you want a policy that doesnt have maternity, which would be principally appealing to young men, when obviously typically men have had a role in that pregnancy? Other senators were floating new ideas, but McConnell gave no indication whether those proposals would be included in the final revised product. Michael A. Memoli contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement No new laptop bans, but air travelers to the U.S. will face tighter screening all over the globe By Joseph Tanfani Homeland Security officials said Wednesday they will order stricter passenger screening and other new security measures for all flights entering the United States but will not bar laptop computers in carry-on luggage as airlines and passenger groups had feared. The new order will cover about 2,000 flights a day from 280 airports in 105 countries, a move that could make international flying even more onerous just as the busy summer travel season starts. Security officials would not detail the new measures but said passengers headed to the United States will face more intensive screening at airports, and probably more security dogs. They gave no date for when the new procedures will start. If carriers dont implement the measures effectively, Homeland Security still may ban laptops, e-readers and other electronic devices larger than cell phones from cargo holds as well as passenger cabins. The decision follows intelligence, reportedly gathered from Islamic State in Syria by Israeli spy services, suggesting a lethal new threat from bombs that could be concealed in digital devices and that could evade detection by airport screening devices. In March, U.S. and British authorities banned laptops in cabins on flights from eight Muslim-majority countries in North Africa and the Middle East, saying terrorists were seeking innovative methods to bring down commercial jetliners. Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly told a security conference in Washington on Wednesday that the new security measures will be both seen and unseen and will be phased in over time. He said they will include tougher screening, particularly of electronic devices, plus new technology and procedures to protect planes from so--called insider attacks by airline employees. It is time that we raise the global baseline of aviation security, Kelly said. We cannot play international whack-a-mole with every new threat. He said terrorists still see commercial aircraft as the crown jewel target for attacks, and that intelligence has shown renewed interest by terrorists to attack airlines. Kelly told a House committee several weeks ago that the department was considering extending the laptop ban to 71 more airports overseas. But Kelly ultimately decided to tighten screening across the board, instead of focusing on laptops or chasing after each item that might be used to bring down a jetliner, senior Homeland Security officials said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief reporters, said Kelly worked with airlines to find ways to improve screening without unduly inconveniencing passengers. Intensive doesnt always mean slower, said one official. In some cases, airlines have been doing these things at international airports for some time. The officials said more security dogs, which sniff for explosives, may be used. And they said airlines and airports may institute pre-check programs like those approved by the Transportation Security Administration for use in U.S. airports. The officials said restrictions on the first 10 airports will be lifted once airlines in those countries satisfy the new security protocols, officials said. Airport authorities in the eight countries affected by that ban Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates have been told about the new security measures and will put them in place so the ban is lifted, the officials said. In recent weeks, Kelly and his aides have huddled with their counterparts overseas, as well as with representatives of major airlines, to discuss whether to expand the ban around the globe. Airlines protested that a laptop ban would inconvenience passengers and not remove the threat. Aviation experts and European security officials warned that putting laptops in cargo holds would pose other dangers because the lithium batteries could start fires. In 1988, a bomb hidden in a radio cassette player exploded aboard a Pan Am jet flying over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 passengers and crew. The plot was blamed on then-Libyan strongman Moammar Kadafi. In 2010, powerful bombs hidden in printer ink cartridges were found aboard two cargo jets headed from Yemen to Chicago. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula later claimed responsibility for the plot. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Its crunch time for McConnell after Senate GOP is forced to delay vote on healthcare bill By Lisa Mascaro ( (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)) The abrupt decision Tuesday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to temporarily shelve a vote on the Republican Obamacare overhaul gives him a few extra weeks to build support for a revised bill before it risks becoming hopelessly stalled by the opposition. The seasoned GOP leader will be aided by what amounts to a $200-billion piggy bank to push Republican holdouts into line. Thats the bills extra cost savings, compared with the House version, that McConnell can tap to provide perks to individual senators, from more opioid assistance to expanded tax-free health savings accounts. A similar strategy delay and enticements worked well in the House, where Republicans last month passed their healthcare bill on the third try. But prolonging the debate also gives Democrats and other critics time to mobilize, and ensures that senators will be exposed to an onslaught of opposition as they head home for the weeklong holiday break to defend a bill that has estimated would leave tens of millions of Americans without insurance. After the delay was announced, President Trump hosted a White House gathering of all GOP senators. But rather than rally them around the bill with the power of the presidential bully pulpit, he struck a surprisingly detached tone. This will be great if we get it done, Trump told senators in the East Room. And if we dont get it done, its just going to be something that were not going to like. And thats OK. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As vote looms, concerns over Medicaid cuts rise from some in conservative media By Kurtis Lee Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press ) The vote for now is delayed. As President Trump has urged Senate Republicans to pass a bill that would overhaul the Affordable Care Act, some, including Sens. Dean Heller of Nevada and Rob Portman of Ohio, have expressed concerns over cuts to Medicaid. Both represent states that, under Obamacare, expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income adults. The current Senate healthcare bill would deliver deep cuts to Medicaid, leaving millions uninsured. While Trump awaits a vote in the coming weeks originally scheduled for this week, but pushed back until after the July 4 recess its on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to gather enough support from within his GOP caucus to secure the bills passage. Some in the conservative media are questioning the current bill. Here is an overview of todays headlines on this and other issues: Republicans have a Medicaid problem (Weekly Standard) The Republican healthcare bill would cut Medicaid spending by $772 billion over the next decade. Chris Deaton writes that Republicans aim to offset the consequences of these Medicaid changes by offering tax credits for private insurance to people under the poverty line. In this piece, Deaton raises the question of whether low-income earners would be better off with Medicaid coverage or obtaining insurance through a GOP tax credit? He answers by noting, Its long been a contention of conservative thinkers that healthcare outcomes improve with private insurance rather than Medicaid. Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman, registers as foreign agent (Associated Press) Hes among those facing scrutiny in an FBI investigation into Russian meddling in last years election. Now, Paul Manafort, who at one time served as Trumps campaign chairman, has registered with the Department of Justice as a foreign agent. In a filing with the department, Manafort notes that his consulting firm received nearly $17 million between 2012 and 2014 from a Ukrainian political party with links to Russia, according to the Associated Press. Last spring, former national security advisor Michael T. Flynn, who resigned from his position in February after misleading administration officials about contacts with Russians, also registered as a foreign agent, for consulting work he did for a Turkish businessman. A Democratic road to recovery (American Spectator) The party is attempting a reboot. After Hillary Clintons 2016 loss and defeats in several special elections this year, Democrats are in search of a new face for the party. Even so, liberals are in lock-step in their opposition to Trump. This piece offers Democrats some advice from the right on how to recover. Leftists: You have been lied to and taken advantage of. When you eventually come out of this haze you are in, you will realize that it was done not by the president, but by the snake oil salesmen and charlatans, who took advantage of your sickness and weakness, simply for money and power, writes Judah Friedman. Ask yourselves this: What is the Democratic Party, right now, without this rage, and hate, with which it is fueling your addictions? The answer is nothing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sarah Palin sues the New York Times for tying her PAC ad to mass shooting By Associated Press Former vice presidential nominee and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is accusing the New York Times of defamation over an editorial that linked one of her political action committee ads to the mass shooting that severely wounded then-Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. In the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday, Palins lawyers say the Times violated the law and its own policies when it accused her of inciting the 2011 attack that killed six people. The lawsuit refers to a June editorial in the Times on the recent shooting of Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise. The editorial later was corrected. Palin is seeking damages to be determined by a jury. A spokeswoman for the Times, Danielle Rhoades Ha, says the company hasnt seen the lawsuit but will defend against any claim vigorously. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump succeeds where Obama failed spawning a new wave of liberal activism By Mark Z. Barabak Amanda Litman and Ross Morales Rocketto launched the Democratic activist group Run For Something, which encourages people under 35 to seek elected office. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) The night Hillary Clinton lost the White House, Amanda Litman cried so hard she threw up. In Atlanta, as the returns rolled in, Traci Feit Love faced a question from her anguished 8-year-old daughter: Now what do we do? Across the country, in the heart of Silicon Valley, Rita Bosworth wondered the same thing. The three never met, never spoke, never communicated in any fashion. But in the days and weeks that followed, they became common threads in a sprawling patchwork: the angry and politically aggrieved who with no help from politicians, political parties or any formal campaign structure have joined to fight President Trump and his policies. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump on healthcare bill: If we dont get it done ... thats OK By Associated Press (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump said that if the healthcare bill fails to pass in the Senate, he wont like it but thats OK. Trump spoke Tuesday at a gathering of Senate Republicans after their leaders delayed a vote on their healthcare bill until at least next month. Trump said, This will be great if we get it done and if we dont get it done its going to be something that were not going to like and thats OK and I can understand that. He added, I think we have a chance to do something very, very important for the public, very, very important for the people of our country. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: Press briefing with Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Energy Secretary Rick Perry Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate GOP leaders abruptly delay vote on healthcare bill until after July 4th recess By Lisa Mascaro Facing resistance from their own party, Senate Republican leaders said Tuesday they would postpone a vote on their healthcare bill until after the July 4th recess. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to provide more time to make changes to the bill to try to convince reluctant GOP senators to vote for the measure. Were going to press on,' McConnell said, adding he remains optimistic. Were continuing to talk. Since the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the bill would leave 22 million more Americans without insurance after 10 years, several Republicans senators had said they would not even support allowing the bill to be brought to the Senate floor for a vote. Meanwhile, President Trump invited all GOP senators to the White House for a meeting Tuesday afternoon. But Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a moderate who has expressed serious doubts about the bill, questioned whether revisions would make a difference. I have so many fundamental problems with the bill, that have been confirmed by the CBO report, that its difficult to see how any tinkering is going to satisfy my fundamental and deep concerns about the bill,' Collins said on CNN. McConnell is struggling to appease two factions in his party. Centrists like Collins want to lessen the impact of proposed cuts to Medicaid, while conservatives want to go further in repealing benefits provided under Obamacare. Senate leaders hope to continue talks this week, with an eye toward moving quickly when Congress returns after the holiday. McConnell plans to wait for the CBO to review any changes and reissue a score. He can only afford to lose two Republicans given the partys 52-seat majority in the Senate. Theres more work that needs to be done, its pretty obvious, said Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho as he was leaving a Senate lunch with Vice President Mike Pence. Pence ignored reporters questions about the decision. If more work needs to be done, you shouldnt try to light the fire. But the delay in a vote will give Democrats and other opponents of the repeal bill more time to mobilize, particularly as Republicans return to their home districts during the holiday. We know the fight is not over,' said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump administration warns of Syrian chemical attack, but with damaged credibility By Noah Bierman The Trump administration Monday night sent the kind of dire warning -- of the Syrian regimes apparent preparation for another chemical weapons attack, and a threat of U.S. retaliation -- that requires credibility to have a receptive national and foreign audience. Yet the initial bafflement about the warning among U.S. defense officials, and the simultaneous distraction of President Trumps unrelated tweets, seemed to undercut the seriousness of the moment. More broadly, the episode is testing the damage Trump has done to his and his administrations trustworthiness by his assaults on the intelligence community as well as other perceived enemies. Trump has spent months attacking the credibility of the intelligence community, at one point comparing their tactics to Nazis and repeatedly calling its findings of Russian meddling in the election a hoax and witch hunt, even as foreign policy experts cautioned that he was diminishing the reputation of a community he would need in times of crisis to rally public support. At a moment of crisis when U.S. decisions and actions rest upon information coming from the intelligence community, [Trump] may have diminished the credibility of that information in the eyes of the public and the eyes of the international community, said Daryl G. Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Assn. Kimball called the White House statement unusual and said such messages would normally be sent through private diplomatic channels. He added that the public allegation should be followed by a formal presentation of the evidence to the United Nations Security Council, to build international support against suspected Syrian violations of the chemical weapons ban. The four-line statement on Syria from the White House Press Secretary came just after 9:44 p.m. EDT Monday. The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children, the statement read. The activities are similar to preparations the regime made before its April 4, 2017 chemical weapons attack. If Syrian President Bashar Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price, it concluded, citing a U.S. missile strike after the previous chemical attack to reinforce the new threat. A Pentagon spokesman confirmed Tuesday that preparations for a chemical attack were observed at the same base in Syria from which its military launched a sarin nerve gas attack that killed 86 people, including children, in April. We have observed activities at Shayrat Air Base that suggest possible intent by the Syrian regime to use chemical weapons again, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway said in a statement. These activities are similar to what we observed prior to the regime chemical weapons attack against Khan Sheikhoun in April. But some senior U.S. defense and intelligence officials reached late Monday and early Tuesday were caught off guard by the White House statement. Some knew, some didnt, said a U.S. official who sought anonymity to discuss the intelligence matter. The official described the release of the nighttime statement as ungraceful, but said the assessment that Syria was preparing for an attack is sound. Such official statements are typically distributed widely across an administration for internal vetting before theyre publicly released. The White House said the relevant agencies were informed before the statement was published. Yet Trump lent further confusion about the urgency of the matter and his own level of concern by sending out a tweet about domestic politics only minutes later. He cited a Fox news report about the FBIs Russia investigation, writing as he often does about the probe, Witch Hunt! From @FoxNews "Bombshell: In 2016, Obama dismissed idea that anyone could rig an American election." Check out his statement - Witch Hunt! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2017 Indeed, Trump continued through the next morning to demonstrate his frustration with the Russia investigation and what he calls the American medias fake news with posts on his Twitter feed. Many tweets quoted supportive conservative commentators and Fox News reports. Trump was eager to go after CNN, one of his top media targets, after it retracted a Russia-related story and three journalists involved resigned. So they caught Fake News CNN cold, but what about NBC, CBS & ABC? What about the failing @nytimes & @washingtonpost? They are all Fake News! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2017 Trumps willingness to mix politics and his administrations ominous red line to Syria opened him up to criticism that he was trying to divert attention from other unfavorable news Monday. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office had found that the Republican plan to replace Obamacare would strip 22 million people of health insurance coverage over the next decade. The Syria statement also prompted a sharp backlash from the Kremlin, which is Assads military ally in his nations civil war. Russian officials denied there is evidence of an imminent chemical attack and called the White House threat unacceptable. The tensions have heightened as Trump is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next week at the G20 Summit of industrialized nations in Germany. Mondays statement may be seen as a warning not just to Syria but to Russia, which is widely seen as enabling Assads harsh tactics by bolstering his military as he has tried to retain power. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kremlin calls White House warning to Syria unacceptable, denies any Assad chemical attack in the works By Sabra Ayres The Kremlin is calling unacceptable a White House warning to Syrias government that it would pay a heavy price if it carries out another poison gas attack against its own people. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, also declared Tuesday that there is no indication that a chemical weapons strike is in the works. The White House said late Monday night that activity had been detected similar to that preceding a nerve gas attack on April 4 that killed dozens of civilians, including children, in rebel-held Idlib province. President Trump responded by launching nearly 60 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield that U.S. officials said was used for the chemical attack. It was the first U.S. attack on Syrian forces in the six-year civil war. Russia continues to deny that Assads forces carried out the April 4 gas attack and Peskov criticized the White House for saying there were signs of preparation for another such strike. Peskov said the Kremlin does not think it is possible to lay the blame on the Syrian armed forces for the April strike on the village of Khan Sheikhoun, which the U.S. and its allies said involved sarin, a banned nerve agent. Despite all the demands from the Russian side, an impartial international inquiry into a previous tragedy using chemical agents has not been carried out, the spokesman told Russian news agencies. Peskov criticized the White House warning to Assad, saying such threats to Syrias legitimate leaders are unacceptable. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Senate healthcare overhaul hits trouble as Republicans hesitant to proceed to vote By Lisa Mascaro The Senate Republican healthcare bill ran into serious trouble late Monday when key GOP senators indicated they may block the Obamacare overhaul from proceeding to a vote this week. Political turmoil has been building over the bill for days. But GOP tension burst open after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported that 22 million more Americans would lose insurance coverage under the plan and that out-of-pocket costs for many of those buying policies on the Affordable Care Act marketplace would rise. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hoped to start procedural votes by Wednesday, and President Trump called key senators over the weekend as support splintered. Its the same political dynamic that stalled the House Republican bill last month, as conservative and centrist factions wrestle for dominance. Conservatives want a more complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which they hope will lower premium costs, while centrists are trying to avoid leaving millions of Americans without health coverage. Senate bill doesnt fix ACA problems for rural Maine, tweeted Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). I will vote no on mtp, she said, referring to the motion to proceed to the bill. Conservative Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is also working to change the bill so that he can vote yes on the procedural motion. We are not there yet, Lees spokesman said. Senators have bristled at what they viewed as McConnells secretive and rushed process, and several other senators said they wanted more time before voting. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was among those Republicans who shared concerns in weekend calls with Trump. We continue to make progress, Cruz told reporters Monday, as Democrats, who oppose the bill, planned an almost-all-night protest session. Cruz is part of the gang of four conservatives -- including Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky -- who have said they cannot vote for the bill as is. Among the changes being pursued is one provision that would allow insurers to offer cheaper policies that do not meet ACAs requirements and another to let consumers sock more money into health savings accounts We can get there and Im hopeful we will get there, Cruz said. However, he declined to say whether he would agree to Wednesdays procedural vote. Also hesitant to proceed was Nevada Sen. Dean Heller, who has strongly criticized undoing Obamacares Medicaid expansion that has enabled about 200,000 people to gain coverage in his state. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, for example, wanted changes to help residents in her geographically far-flung state where healthcare costs are particularly high. Some senators, though, dismissed the budget analysis and said keeping the ACA would be worse. Its clear the CBO cannot predict the purchasing patterns for millions of Americans, said Georgia Sen. David Perdue, a Trump ally, in a statement. This bureaucratic analysis will do nothing to prevent Obamacare from failing. Others are weighing their votes. Republican Sen. Bob Corker, whose office is receiving thousands of daily calls, spent part of Monday on the phone with health officials in Tennessee as he assesses the fallout in his state of 22 million more people in the country without healthcare. I kind of figured it was going to be a pretty big number, said Corker, who remains undecided. Theres a lot of incoming. CBO says 22 million people lose insurance; Medicaid cuts hurt most vulnerable Americans; access to healthcare in rural areas threatened. 2/3 Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) June 26, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supreme Court puts off decision in three pending cases about borders and immigration By David Savage ((Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Amid its flurry of decisions Monday about Trumps travel ban and cases involving religious liberties and guns, the Supreme Court put off final rulings on three pending cases involving immigration and the U.S. border. In Hernandez vs. Mesa, the court in an unsigned opinion told the U.S. appeals court in New Orleans to take a second look at a border shooting case. The parents of a 15-year-old Mexican boy sued a U.S. border patrol agent who shot and killed the teenager when he was standing a few feet from the border on the Mexican side. The 5th Circuit had thrown out the parents suit. The facts alleged in the complaint depict a disturbing incident resulting in a heartbreaking loss of life, the court said in sending the case back for a further hearing. The court said it would rehear in the fall a Los Angeles case involving whether immigrants awaiting deportation can be jailed indefinitely, or instead have a right to a bond hearing after six months. The courts action suggests the eight justices were evenly split in Jennings vs. Rodriguez. The court also said it will rehear the case of Sessions vs. Dimaya to decide whether non-citizens can be deported for an offense like breaking into an empty home because it may be deemed a crime of violence. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Refugee advocates says even partial reinstatement of travel ban will cause hardship By Laura King Immigration and refugee advocates expressed disappointment Monday with the Supreme Courts partial reinstatement of President Trumps travel ban, saying even limited implementation could cause hardship to refugees and others seeking to travel to the United States from six affected Muslim-majority countries. However, organizations taking part in the months-long legal fight against the revised travel ban expressed hopes that the high court ultimately will reject the restrictions after arguments are heard in October. And they welcomed what they described as an implicit rebuke of the White Houses assertion that Trump has unfettered powers to exclude arrivals based on purported national security concerns. The initial rollout of the ban, days after Trump took office in January, caused pandemonium at airports across the United States and overseas as tens of thousands of visa-holders arriving from seven affected countries were turned away without warning or detained. After courts blocked that order, Trump issued a revised travel ban that took Iraq off the list. A replay of Januarys travel chaos was unlikely Monday because the courts action will allow visa-holders with bona fide ties to people or entities in the U.S. to enter, meaning students, employees and family members can still get in. But refugee advocates said the courts limited ruling, which the administration can move to implement on Thursday, could leave many would-be arrivals in limbo pending the finalizing of new vetting procedures. The administration had originally said a three-month travel ban was needed in part to review the checks to which would-be entrants are subjected. David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, said the partial reinstatement of the ban particularly threatens vulnerable people waiting to come to the U.S., including those with urgent medical conditions. We urge the administration to begin its long-delayed review of the vetting process and restart a program which changes lives for the better, said Miliband. The National Immigration Law Center, one of the groups that challenged the ban, said that as of this week, approximately 50,500 refugees from the six affected countries had been approved for travel and resettlement in the United States all having already undergone intensive checks. The Middle East Studies Assn., one the groups contesting the ban in the lower courts, said many students and academics were ensnared by the original order. Even though Mondays court move should allow entry to those studying or working at American academic institutions, many from the affected countries remained wary of leaving and then attempting to re-enter the United States, the group said. Iran along with Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Libya is one of the affected countries, and Southern California is home to a large Iranian American community that was hit hard by the original ban. Some advocates said even with Mondays limited action, there has already been a chilling effect on movement. Todays Supreme Court decision immediately places the status of many Americans families into question again, said Shayan Modarres, legal counsel for the National Iranian American Council. The group said that visas issued to Iranian passport-holders had fallen by nearly half since the legal battle over the ban began, and that obtaining a U.S. visa was becoming so onerous that many would not even try to get one. The Trump administrations new idea is to make it so hard on Iranians and Muslims to get a visa that visa officers will have the unrestricted discretion to reject visa applications, Modarres said. He added that grounds for rejection could be social media postings critical of Trump or not being able to produce airline boarding passes that could have been issued and used more than a decade ago. Advocacy groups reiterated their position which was argued in a number of the lower court cases that propelled the issue to the high court that the travel restrictions run counter to core American traditions and values. Mark Hetfield, president of the refugee resettlement agency HIAS, said the group considered the courts move an affirmation that the president does not have unfettered, unchecked authority to bar refugees from the U.S. without evidence to justify such action. But he added that the executive orders partial resurrection would once again cause irreparable damage to refugees, immigrants, and Americas reputation as a welcoming country. The initial ban prompted large nationwide protests, and advocates suggested they would again seek to marshal popular opposition to the restrictions. When the first order went into effect, tens of thousands of Americans showed the world that this is not who we are and not what we want, said Becca Heller, director of the International Refugee Assistance Project, another of the groups involved in the legal challenge. We will never give up defending the rights of those who are affected by this discriminatory executive order. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says Supreme Court action on travel ban gives him important tool By Michael A. Memoli .@POTUS statement says SCOTUS action allows him to "use an important tool for protecting our Nation's homeland." Will admin press further? pic.twitter.com/gxBJO5aYYZ Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) June 26, 2017 President Trump celebrated the Supreme Courts decision Monday to allow a curtailed version of his travel ban to take effect, calling it a clear victory for our national security. In an official White House statement, the president said he was particularly gratified that at least part of the ruling was 9-0; three conservative justices said they would have let the presidents revised executive order take effect completely. My number one responsibility as Commander in Chief is to keep the American people safe. Todays ruling allows me to use an important tool for protecting our Nations homeland, he said. The White House has long maintained that the president was acting within his authority in seeking to temporarily restrict travel to the United States. They most often point to a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that states a president can suspend or limit entry of individuals whenever the president finds that the entry ... would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rival Senate factions push competing agendas as healthcare bill hangs in balance By Laura King Heading into a week of intense jockeying and arm-twisting over the Senates polarizing healthcare plan, the rift appeared to widen Sunday between moderates who consider the measure too punitive and conservatives who want to see the sweeping bill toughened up before agreeing to back it. President Trump, who made the repeal of his predecessors signature Affordable Care Act a campaign centerpiece, expressed optimism about chances for Senate passage, but declared again that he wanted to see a plan with heart suggesting he might undercut Republican efforts to bring recalcitrant conservatives on board. With Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) seeking to push ahead with a vote this week, the bills prospects hung in the balance. Five GOP senators have said publicly they oppose the measure as written; the defection of only three Republicans would be enough to sink it. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Analysis: Atop 2017 losses, a sobering challenge for Democrats aiming at Trump next year By Cathleen Decker Republican Karen Handel, winner of last weeks special House election in Georgia. ( (Bob Andres / Atlanta Journal-Constitution)) Democrats have hoped that President Trumps deep unpopularity would propel them to gains in next years midterm election as they fight to take control of the House and improve their position in the Senate. But last years contests and this years special elections suggest a complication: Trump is so distinctive a politician that its hard to persuade voters that other Republican candidates are carbon copies of the president. Trumps outsized persona makes even those Republicans who share his views seem more moderate, an important attribute to swing voters. That presents a problem for the party out of power. Midterm elections traditionally serve as referendums on the president, but voters complicated views of Trump may give Republicans more running room than his popularity figures suggest. The votes cast by individual Republican incumbents may be more important to their survival than any linkage with the president. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Conservatives at Koch summit outline changes to Senate healthcare bill to win their support By Lisa Mascaro Tim Phillips, who heads Americans for Prosperity, the largest of the Koch networks advocacy groups, speaks to the media at the White House in Washington on March 8. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) Conservatives floated two amendments for toughening up the Senates Obamacare overhaul this weekend at the influential Koch networks confab of wealthy donors, as Republicans seek ways to win over detractors and tip enough GOP votes for passage. That the Koch network quickly panned the Senate bill is no surprise. The organization of deep-pocketed conservative advocacy groups similarly rejected the House GOP bill this spring until party leaders tacked on tough amendments to appease right-leaning Republicans. Weve been disappointed that movements not been more dramatic toward a full repeal or a broader rollback of this onerous law Obamacare, said Tim Phillips, who heads Americans for Prosperity, the largest of the Koch networks advocacy groups. But we are not walking away, he said. We worked to make the House bill better and it did get better. Were doing the same thing on the Senate front. One key lawmaker attending the weekend summit at the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and a chief negotiator on the House bill, outlined two key changes to the bill that he said could likely win enough conservative support for passage. One amendment from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) would allow companies that offer insurance policies on the Obamacare marketplace to also offer plans that do not meet the ACAs strict requirements. Such a change would in essence allow insurers to offer cheaper, though skimpier, policies that may help achieve the GOPs goal of lowering premiums for consumers. Another amendment would broaden the ability of those who buy insurance on the marketplace to sock away more money in tax-free Health Savings Accounts to help them pay for their premiums. Cruz is one of four Senate conservatives who have said they would not support the bill unless changes are made, positioning them for negotiations in the days ahead. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) needs to win back some of their votes to pass the bill with his slim 52-seat Republican majority. One of the conservatives, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), was among those feted Saturday night at a reception with Charles Koch, the billionaire industrialist who funds the conservative network. Koch told those gathered for an outdoor cocktail reception on a breezy Colorado Springs evening about how far his team has come over the years at promoting what is a libertarian-leaning conservative agenda. Now when I look at where we are, at the size and effectiveness of this network, Im blown away, he told donors. Koch met Friday with Vice President Mike Pence. But the politics in the Senate remain difficult as McConnell continues to negotiate behind closed doors and rushes the bill to a vote expected this week. On Sunday, one key centrist, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, doubted a swift resolution. Its hard for me to see the bill passing this week, she said on ABCs This Week. Another crucial vote, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who had offered his own proposal, also criticized the rush. I frankly would like a few more days to consider this, Cassidy said on CBSs Face the Nation. But Republicans are anxious to resolve the healthcare debate, which has created a logjam in their legislative agenda. Meadows also told reporters if the Senate passes the bill this week, the House could quickly follow with a weekend session -- ahead of a Fourth of July bill signing by the president. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Schiff: Obama should have acted on Russian interference, but Trump shouldnt complain By Laura King A top House Democrat says President Obama should have reacted more forcefully upon learning of Russian election-meddling, but also asserted that it was illogical for President Trump to levy such criticism against his predecessor. I think the [Obama] administration needed to call out Russia earlier, needed to act to deter and punish Russia earlier, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), said in an interview aired Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. Failure to do so, he said, had been a very serious mistake. But Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Trumps criticism of Obama made little sense in light of the current presidents own inaction in the face of decisive U.S. intelligence conclusions about Kremlin efforts to tip the 2016 race to Trump. Trump, Schiff said, is in no position to complain here in light of the fact that as a candidate, he openly urged the Russians to hack Clintons emails. To criticize Obama is now a bit like someone knowingly receiving stolen property blaming the police for not stopping the theft, said Schiff, a former prosecutor. On Saturday, Trump issued a statement on Twitter referencing a Washington Post report a day earlier detailing the previous administrations wrestling with how, when and whether to make public the degree of Russian interference. Since the Obama Administration was told way before the 2016 Election that the Russians were meddling, why no action? Focus on them, not T! the president tweeted. The Post report said Obama was worried about the appearance of improperly using mounting intelligence reports about Russian activities to aid Clintons candidacy. The subject was particularly inflammatory because at that point in the race, Trump had complained repeatedly about the rigged political process and even suggested he might not respect the election outcome. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says hes optimistic about Senate approval of GOP healthcare measure By Laura King President Trump says he believes that backers of a sweeping GOP healthcare measure are going to get there and pass the measure despite the refusal of five Republican senators to endorse the bill as written. Healthcare is a very, very tough thing to get, but I think were going to get it, Trump said on Fox and Friends in an interview aired Sunday that he had touted beforehand on Twitter. We dont have too much of a choice because the alternative is the dead carcass of Obamacare, the president said, referring to the Affordable Care Act, his predecessors signature piece of legislation. Opinion polls have indicated low public support for the version of the healthcare bill passed earlier by the House of Representatives. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), wants to bring the Senate version, unveiled days ago, to a vote this week. In addition to the five Republican senators who have publicly aired their opposition, several others have declined to explicitly endorse the bill, which would overhaul the U.S. healthcare system and set the stage for massive tax breaks that would primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans. With a 52-seat Republican advantage in the 100-member chamber, only three GOP defections would be sufficient to derail the measure, since Vice President Mike Pence could cast a tie-breaking vote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Pro-Trump group launches new attack ad against special counsel Robert Mueller By Lisa Mascaro A Southern California group backing President Trump is out with a new ad attacking special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, criticizing the investigation into the Trump campaigns possible cooperation with Russian interference in the 2016 election. The ad, called Witch Hunt, features conservative favorite Tomi Lahren reflecting Trumps own language to complain about the probe. The more than $400,000 ad buy is expected to start running Sunday. Only in Washington could a rigged game like this be called independent, Lahren says, using air quotes in the ad to emphasize her point. She is now a senior advisor to Great America Alliance, which backs Trump. The ads chief complaint echoes Trumps criticism that Muellers team has ties to Democrats, because some of the lawyers have given campaign contributions to the party. Trump has also complained of the relationship between fired FBI Director James B. Comey and Mueller, who was once his boss. Mueller is a registered Republican. Among the members of the legal team he is assembling for the Russia probe -- which is also looking into whether the president obstructed the federal investigation by firing Comey -- four have donated to Democrats. One who gave the maximum donation to Trump rival Hillary Clinton also donated to Republicans. Both Republicans and Democrats have praised Muellers credentials and ability to handle the Russia probe as an independent investigation. The group, which ran a similar attack against Comey ahead of his testimony earlier this month on Capitol Hill, has emerged as a key pro-Trump organization. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Koch brothers political network says Senate GOP healthcare bill is insufficiently conservative By Associated Press ( (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)) Chief lieutenants in the Koch brothers political network lashed out at the Senate Republican healthcare bill on Saturday, becoming a powerful outside critic as GOP leaders try to rally support for their plan among rank-and-file Republicans. This Senate bill needs to get better, said Tim Phillips, who leads Americans For Prosperity, the Koch networks political arm. It has to get better. Phillips called the Senates plans for Medicaid a slight nip and tuck over President Obamas healthcare law, a modest change he described as immoral. The comments came on the first day of a three-day private donor retreat at a luxury resort in the Rocky Mountains. Invitations were extended only to donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to the various groups backed by the Koch brothers Freedom Partners a network of education, policy and political entities that aim to promote small government. No outside group has been move aggressive over the years-long push to repeal Obamas healthcare law than the Kochs, which vowed on Saturday to spend another 10 years fighting to change the healthcare system if necessary. The Koch network has often displayed a willingness to take on Republicans including President Trump when their policies arent deemed conservative enough. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions wants to get tough on crime. These people think hes got it all wrong By Jaweed Kaleem Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions has vowed to crack down on crime by sending more criminals to prison for longer periods of time. Every one of our citizens, no matter who they are or where they live, has the right to be safe in their homes and communities from the scourge of criminal gangs, rapists, carjackers and drug dealers, Sessions said in an address to law enforcement officials in Memphis, Tenn., last month. In his view, imprisoning more criminals would make families safer, and fewer people would break the law if there were more severe punishments for crimes such as drug offenses. In a recent memo to federal prosecutors, Sessions instructed them to pursue the harshest punishments legally allowed, a reversal of an Obama-era move giving federal lawyers more leeway to reserve such prosecutions for repeat offenders and people who had committed the worst of crimes. Department of Justice officials hope the changes at the federal level where a sliver of crimes across the country is prosecuted will trickle down to a similar approach to crime in states. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Vice President Mike Pence stops in for an unscheduled chat with billionaire Charles Koch By Lisa Mascaro Vice President Mike Pence popped in for a visit this weekend with Charles Koch, the billionaire GOP donor hosting his semi-annual confab of like-minded business leaders assessing their priorities for the White House and Congress. The meeting was not listed on Pences official schedule for the day. President Trump never much enjoyed backing from Koch s sprawling, secretive, political enterprise, which has emerged as a libertarian-leaning power center, sometimes overshadowing the traditional Republican Party apparatus with its high-dollar donors and vast operations. Kochs group did not endorse the GOP presidential nominee. But the network has always had close ties with Pence. The vice president had previously attended the exclusive gathering of donors, held this weekend at the luxurious Broadmoor hotel. And his top staff was plucked from a key Koch organization, Freedom Partners. Pence and Koch and their top aides spoke for nearly an hour late Friday, according to a Koch spokesman. They discussed tax reform, the GOPs healthcare overhaul and other heavy legislative lifts that have run into resistance in the Republican-controlled Congress. The aide described the talks as casual. Pence was in the area making other stops, including at the Air Force Academy and an evening fundraiser for GOP Sen. Cory Gardner. Even without investing in Trump, the Koch network has made impressive strides in advancing its agenda this year. Congress swiftly rolled back more than a dozen regulations, including some intended to protect the environment, that Koch-backed groups complained were too rigorous and invasive in industry operations. The Koch network groups, including Freedom Partners, a free market-oriented, chamber of commerce-type organization, is pushing the Trump administration and Congress to pass tax reform and overhaul healthcare. Both those efforts have stalled in Congress amid Republican infighting, but the Koch groups is able to put their army of resources money, staff and volunteers in the states to pressure lawmakers to act. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kris Kobach fined for misleading court and refusing to produce previously exposed Trump memo By Colleen Shalby (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press) Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach has been fined $1,000 for misleading a federal court in an effort to keep two documents private. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit last year against Kobach arguing that his states proof of citizenship law violates the National Voter Registration Act. ACLU lawyers asked Kobach to produce two documents they said pertained to the case. One of those documents was a draft of a proposed amendment to the National Voter Registration Act. The second was a document that had been photographed and widely shared in late November after Kobach met with then-President-elect Donald Trump. The power of a zoom lens exposed certain details of his proposal to Trump to deport potential terrorists. In a 24-page ruling made public Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge James OHara wrote that Kobach did not accurately represent the contents of the documents when he argued against producing them. Defendant refused to produce these documents, asserting that they are beyond the scope of reopened discovery, do not seek relevant information, and are protected by the attorney-client, deliberative-process, and executive privileges, the judge wrote. The court took Kobach at his word, OHara wrote, but upon review of the documents produced under a court order found that they did relate to the voting rights case. The judge wrote that while the court could not say that Kobach flat-out lied, the defendants statements can be construed as wordplay meant to present a materially inaccurate picture of the documents. For now, the documents will remain classified, as Kobach designated them. But, OHara wrote, that status could change. Trump tapped Kobach last month to serve as vice chairman of a presidential commission that would oversee a voter fraud investigation. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Number of refugees admitted to U.S. drops by almost half By Tracy Wilkinson (Patrick T. Fallon / For the Los Angeles Times) The number of refugees admitted to the United States was cut by nearly half in the first three months of the Trump administration compared with the final three months of the Obama presidency, reflecting the new presidents skepticism toward immigration. Government statistics released Friday showed that more than 25,000 refugees were permitted to enter and reside in the United States at the end of the Obama administration. In the initial months under President Trump, the number fell to 13,000. The statistics were released by the Department of Homeland Security, based on information supplied by the State Department. Countries of origin were largely unchanged. In both periods, two-thirds of the arrivals came from five countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Iraq, Somalia and Myanmar. Refugees from two of those countries Syria and Somalia would have been banned under Trumps executive order against entries from certain Muslim-majority nations, but federal courts have blocked the order. Trumps original order covered Iraqis as well, but he omitted Iraq from his revised order. The data suggest that the Obama administration, as it was about to turn over power to Trump, significantly stepped up the number of refugees admitted. Arrivals in its final three months reflected an 86% year-over-year increase compared to the same period the previous year. In Trumps first three months, arrivals were 12% lower than for the same period in the previous year. Trump has sought to limit the number of refugees to 50,000 this year. But adverse rulings in the courts could work against him. The United States already has one of the lowest quotas of refugee admissions among major receiving countries. Nations closer to conflict zones such as Syria have taken in millions of refugees. More people have been displaced from their home nations, because of violence and poverty, than at any time since World War II. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump nominates former Dodgers co-owner Jamie McCourt as ambassador to Belgium By Lauren Rosenblatt Trump nominated Jamie McCourt, former co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as ambassador to Belgium. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) President Trump nominated Jamie McCourt, former co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to be the ambassador to Belgium on Thursday night. McCourt, who co-owned the Dodgers with her husband, Frank, until their messy 2011 divorce, has donated money to several Republican organizations, including funds for Trumps campaign and his transition to the White House. McCourt was among many business leaders who signed their support for Trump early on in his campaign, praising his plan for economic development and growth. In the months leading up to Trumps victory, McCourt gave more than $400,000 to the Trump victory fund, according to data from the Federal Election Commission. She signed a letter in October 2016 with 100 other business executives and CEOs championing Trumps plan and criticizing opponent Hillary Clinton for having thrown in the towel on strong economic growth. McCourt was listed as a 2016 State Victory Finance Chair for Trumps campaign in July, according to a report from the GOP. Robert Wood Johnson, chairman and CEO of the New York Jets and Trumps nominee for ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was also on the list as Trump Victory vice chair. After Trump won the election, McCourt continued to financially support his transition to office. In December, she helped host a fundraiser breakfast for the incoming president where tickets sold for $5,000 a piece. Prior to her support for Trump, McCourt also donated to the campaigns of several other Republican presidential candidates, including John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Carly Fiorina, although in much smaller amounts. In the past, she has also supported former President Obama, contributing to his campaign and victory funds in 2011 and donating $50,000 to the inauguration in 2009. She donated about $2,000 to Hillary Clinton for her presidential campaign in 2007, according to the FEC. McCourts ex-husband said his former wife had political aspirations of her own, with an end goal of ending up in the White House, according to a March 2010 Los Angeles Times article. Her high-profile divorce gathered a lot of public attention and ended in dispute over finances and assets. McCourt has founded and directed entrepreneurial enterprises in Los Angeles and Boston throughout her career as a entrepreneur and attorney. Her investment firm, Jamie Enterprises, invests in real estate and technology start-ups. She has degrees from Georgetown University, the University of Maryland School of Law and from MIT/ Sloan School of Management. The Senate must confirm McCourts nomination for ambassador. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Nevada Sen. Heller -- a key swing vote -- says he opposes Senate healthcare bill By David Lauter (Andrew Harnik / AP) Nevada Sen. Dean Heller said Friday that he planned to vote against the Republican healthcare bill, a potentially key defection. Although the White House and Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky have said they plan further negotiations over the bill, its going to be very difficult to get me to a yes, Heller said at a news conference in Nevada with Gov. Brian Sandoval (R). The bill unveiled Thursday by McConnell is simply not the answer, he said. In this form, I will not support it. Given the unified Democratic opposition to the bill, McConnell can afford to lose only two Senate Republicans, so Hellers announcement is significant. A no vote by Heller would not seal the fate of the bill, however. Heller is widely viewed as the most vulnerable Republican senator up for reelection in 2018 -- the only one running in a state that Hillary Clinton carried last year -- and Republican leaders have been hoping to avoid having to count on his vote. Heller cited several reasons for opposing the bill, but the chief one was its deep reductions in federal support for Medicaid. This bill will mean a loss of coverage for millions of Americans and many Nevadans, he said. Nevada, under Sandoval, has used its authority under the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid, which has given health coverage to more than 210,000 additional state residents, Sandoval said. These are folks who are worth fighting for, he added. The cutbacks the Senate bill, which would end Medicaid expansion, would cost the state $120 million a year by 2022, with the cost rising sharply after that the governor said. Thats a cost that the state cannot sustain. Heller also cited the bills impact on treatment for opioid addiction and the likelihood that the plan would fail to reduce premiums. There isnt anything in this piece of legislation that will lower your premiums, he said, contradicting one of the main arguments that supporters of the bill have made. Hellers announcement increases the pressure on McConnell to find ways of persuading several other reluctant senators to support the bill. Four conservatives, Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, said Thursday they were opposed to the bill in its current form because it does not go far enough to roll back the Affordable Care Act. Several more centrist senators, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rob Portman of Ohio and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, have voiced concerns similar to Hellers about the depth of the bills Medicaid cutbacks and its impact on opioid treatment. Collins and Portman have both said they want to review the analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office before making up their minds. The budget office has said it will release that assessment early next week. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump signs VA reform bill to make it easier to discipline and fire employees By Lauren Rosenblatt President Trump signed into law Friday a bill that will ease restrictions on the discipline and termination of employees from the troubled veterans affairs department. The Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 is designed to speed up the process to discipline an employee for misconduct and put more decision-making power in the hands of Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin. The act is in response to the 2014 VA scandals involving long wait times for medical care and attempts by VA employees to cover up the delays. Trump, who promised to improve healthcare for veterans during his campaign, said the bill was one of the largest reforms to the VA in its history and is essential to making sure our veterans are treated with respect. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support June 13 and the Senate on June 6. Although the bill is widely supported by veterans advocacy groups, civil servant unions condemn the legislation as a way to get around long-standing protections for government employees and whistle-blowers. The reform, Shulkin said, will not be used as a tool for mass firings, but rather a way to raise morale throughout the department and attract new employees. Slow, steady, incremental change isnt what this organization needs, Shulkin said. Right now, I believe this is progress. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mexico pushes back against Trumps tweet calling it the second deadliest country in the world By Kate Linthicum Mexicos Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray speaks during a news conference in Cancun, Mexico, on June 19. (PEDRO PARDO/AFP/Getty Images) After President Trump incorrectly tweeted that Mexico is the second deadliest country in the world after Syria, the Mexican government responded quickly. No, Mexico isnt the second deadliest place on the globe, said a tersely worded statement issued by Mexicos secretary of foreign relations, pointing to a host of other Latin American countries that have higher per capita murder rates. And while homicides have been rising in Mexico in recent years, rising violence in Mexico is inextricably linked to demand for drugs in the United States, the statement said. Illicit drug trade is indeed the most important cause of violence in Mexico and drug trafficking is costing thousands of lives both in Mexico and the U.S., the foreign ministry said Thursday. However, as has been repeatedly stated by the U.S. government itself, drug trafficking is a shared problem that will end only by addressing its root causes: high demand for drugs in the U.S. and supply from Mexico and other countries. In order to be effective, we must be able to move beyond finger-pointing, the statement said. The Mexican government issued the response after Trump tweeted a reference to a controversial recent study that ranked Mexico as the worlds second most-dangerous conflict zone after Syria. Trump misrepresented the study in his tweet, saying Mexico was just ranked the second deadliest country in the world. He also neglected the considerable debate about the studys accuracy. The annual Armed Conflict Survey, released this year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has been called into question by the Mexican government and others who say it wrongly points to the existence of an armed conflict in Mexico. The existence of criminal groups is not sufficient criteria to speak of a non-international armed conflict, said a joint statement issued by Mexicos secretaries of governance and foreign relations in May, adding that drug-war violence is part of a bigger regional problem. Although Mexicos homicide rate has soared the first two months of 2017 were the most violent since the government started releasing such statistics in 1997 other countries are experiencing higher homicide rates. In January, Mexico had a homicide rate of 20 deaths per 100,000 people, according to a Times analysis of Mexican crime statistics. By comparison, El Salvadors homicide rate was 81 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016, according to InSight Crime, a think tank that studies organized crime in Latin America. Venezuela had a homicide rate of 59 deaths per 100,000 people. Trump ended his tweet with a frequent campaign mantra: We will BUILD THE WALL! Mexico was just ranked the second deadliest country in the world, after only Syria. Drug trade is largely the cause. We will BUILD THE WALL! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supreme Court says final decisions of term will come on Monday By David Savage The Supreme Court is shown at sunset on Feb. 13, 2016. (Jon Elswick / Associated Press) (Jon Elswick / Associated Press) The Supreme Court announced it will hand down its final rulings for this term on Monday. But that does not mean the justices will actually decide the six cases that remain, which include three significant disputes involving immigration and the U.S. borders. Heres a look at the notable decisions so far. On Nov. 30, with one seat on the court still vacant, the eight justices heard arguments in a Los Angeles case on whether noncitizens who face possible deportation can be held in jail indefinitely or instead have a right to a bond hearing after six months. The case, Jennings vs. Rodriguez, has taken on added importance in the Trump era, but the long delay may signal that the justices are split 4-4. If so, the court may announce Monday that the case will be reheard in the fall, leaving it to new Justice Neil M. Gorsuch to cast the tie-breaking vote. Also still pending, since January, is a California case that will decide whether a crime such as breaking into an empty home qualifies as a crime of violence, triggering automatic deportation, even for an immigrant who is a longtime legal resident. A ruling in Sessions vs. Dimaya could affect thousands of deportations The third case, pending since February, is a closely watched border shooting. At issue in Hernandez vs. Mesa is whether a U.S. agent can be sued for fatally shooting a 15-year-old who was standing on the Mexican side of the border. On Friday, the justices gave a second chance to a Korean restaurant owner from Memphis who faces deportation for selling Ecstasy pills. Based on his lawyers advice, he pleaded guilty to the drug charge, having been assured it would not trigger his deportation. The lawyer was wrong. By a 6-2 vote in Lee vs. United States, the court said the Korean man may withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial. But for his attorneys incompetence, he would not have accepted a plea, said Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.. Dissenting were Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr.. The justices, including Gorsuch, are likely to rule in a significant case on religion and funding for church schools. In Trinity Lutheran vs.Comer, the justices will decide whether states may exclude church schools from receiving public funds. Also still pending, but on a different track, is the Trump administrations appeal over his blocked foreign travel ban. The court may act on that appeal at any time. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump backs L.A. Olympic bid in meeting with IOC officials By Michael A. Memoli The opening ceremonies of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times) President Trump pledged his full support for the Los Angeles bid to host a future Summer Olympics, the White House said Friday after an Oval Office meeting with the head of the International Olympic Committee. Trump met Thursday with IOC President Thomas Bach and three U.S. members of the IOC -- Larry Probst, Anita DeFrantz and Angela Ruggiero. A White House official called it a very constructive conversation in which Trump backed a potential third Summer Games in Los Angeles. With only L.A. and Paris bidding to host the 2024 games, the IOC is moving to reward both cities, giving one hosting duties in 2024 and the other in 2028. The United States hasnt hosted a Summer Olympics since the Centennial games in Atlanta in 1996. Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he discussed the citys Olympic bid during a post-election conversation with Trump last November and that the then-president elect pledged his backing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says he tweeted about tapes to influence Comeys account of their private conversations By Michael A. Memoli .@POTUS on why he wanted former FBI Dir. James Comey to believe there were tapes of their conversations pic.twitter.com/pCuibM5Z6k FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) June 23, 2017 President Trump called it bothersome that the special counsel now overseeing the Russia probe was good friends with fired FBI Director James B. Comey, and said he hinted at having tapes of his private conversations apparently falsely to try to influence Comeys eventual testimony. The president made his remarks during an interview that aired Friday morning on Fox & Friends, but was recorded on Thursday just hours after he tweeted that he did not, in fact, have tapes. Trump said that floating the possibility they did exist might have forced Comey to tell what actually took place at the events. When he found out that, I, you know, that there may be tapes out there, whether its governmental tapes or anything else, and who knows, I think his story may have changed, Trump said. My story didnt change. My story was always a straight story. Foxs Ainsley Earhardt followed up: So it was a smart way to make sure he stayed honest in those hearings? It wasnt very stupid, I can tell you that, Trump answered. Many disagree, including Republicans. Comey testified that Trumps tweet is what prompted him to as With a new AES power plant slated to start construction Monday in Huntington Beach, the company held a public meeting Wednesday night to field questions from the community. About 40 people showed up at John Eader Elementary School to hear specifics about the plant and the construction plans. The facility, intended to produce up to 844 megawatts of energy per day (enough to power 675,000 to 844,000 households at a time) will replace the companys current 1950s-era seaside plant at 21730 Newland St. Many of the speakers Wednesday were concerned about potential noise issues during construction. To help alleviate such disturbances, the company will restrict the work hours to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, AES representative Kris Larson said. Work will be suspended on Sundays and holidays, with some exceptions, he said. We are trying to stay a good neighbor in the community, company representative Josh Wynia said. Residents also were concerned about traffic and parking. Larson said equipment will be stored at the Magnolia Tank Farm site during construction and that a new entrance will be built for the facility so trucks will be restricted to driving to Pacific Coast Highway from the farm and then up Newland Street to get to the power plant. Workers will park on Newland. The current AES power plant is being replaced because it has outdated 1950s-era technology, officials say. (File photo / Los Angeles Times) The California Energy Commission authorized the license for the new plant in April. It is expected to be completed by March 1, 2020. The plant is planned be built in two phases the first with a 644-megawatt generator and the second with two 100-megawatt generators. The company has a contract with Southern California Edison for the 644-megawatt generator. There currently is not a purchasing agreement for the two 100-megawatt generators. They will not be built if they cant be contracted, according to AES spokeswoman Dalia Gomez. The facility is expected to improve on the existing one in several ways, including replacing the use of seawater to cool the plant. State legislation passed in 2010 limits a power plants ability to use seawater. At the time, environmentalists said the large pipes that take in water inadvertently suck sea life into the tubes, sometimes killing them. The new facility will use air-cooled condensers, a system similar to how a car radiator cools an engine, Gomez said. It also will use 50% less fuel to deliver the same electrical services, significantly cutting emissions, Gomez said. And it will be smaller, with a sleeker look intended to fit in with Huntington Beachs surf culture. The company has set up a hotline, (888) 372-5633, for residents to call with questions. benjamin.brazil@latimes.com Twitter:@benbrazilpilot College Park Elementary Schools principal is being transferred to another school by the next academic year, but parents and teachers are collecting signatures in hopes that the Newport-Mesa Unified School District will reconsider its decision. Supt. Fred Navarro announced Julie McCormicks transfer to staff members at the Costa Mesa school on Friday. McCormick is scheduled to become principal of Newport Coast Elementary, and Newport Coasts current principal, Duane Cox, is being reassigned to Rea Elementary in Costa Mesa, where he will replace interim Principal Alex Morales by next school year. News of McCormicks reassignment spread, and teachers and parents who support keeping her at College Park believe her reassignment isnt a smart move for students or the community. Kindergarten teacher Leslie Murtaugh said McCormick, who has been at the school for eight years and speaks English and Spanish and has studied Mandarin, is the perfect leader for College Park. Murtaugh said the school has thrived partly because of McCormicks ability to connect with Spanish-speaking parents and her dedication in helping to spearhead the schools Mandarin language immersion program in 2015. We just dont want her to go, said Murtaugh, who emailed the district Friday asking it to reconsider. Mrs. McCormick has language skills that are nearly impossible to find and are very necessary for student success at College Park, Murtaugh wrote. Her Chinese, Spanish and English make her an invaluable asset. Our Mandarin program is still in its infancy, and the district has committed to its success. McCormick declined to go into detail about her transfer, saying in an emailed statement Wednesday that it has truly been a wonderful experience being here at College Park, and I embrace the new challenge at Newport Coast. Asked whether McCormick requested the transfer, district spokeswoman Annette Franco said she couldnt divulge such information. Nitzie Morales, parent of a fourth-grader at College Park, said she was shocked to hear about McCormicks transfer and began calling parents to help start a petition as a way to voice her discontent. She questioned how the district could reassign a principal without consulting parents. Its upsetting, said Morales, who said she has collected about 100 signatures since Tuesday. Were not happy the way its being addressed. Board President Karen Yelsey said Wednesday that the board understands the transfer is difficult for the community, but she said such changes are well-thought out at the district level. Yelsey added that the district will work closely with parents and staff to find a new principal for College Park that meets the needs of the community. A forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 8 at the schools multipurpose room to gather residents input, Franco said. She added that it isnt uncommon for the district to reassign principals. Franco said one reason McCormick is being reassigned is that shes from the Newport Coast community and understands to build upon what Dr. Cox started at Newport Coast. Cox is a better fit for the Rea community, Franco added. Cox did not respond to a request for a comment Wednesday. Julie Smith, a third-grade teacher at College Park, said McCormick is a better fit there than at Newport Coast. When parent Luis Munos heard about McCormicks transfer, it felt like a bucket with cold water hit his back, he said. McCormick made sure all parents felt comfortable, Munos said. During meetings, he said, McCormick would go back and forth with no reason to translate for parents who spoke Spanish. She has the heart to make sure everyone is well-informed, he added. Morales and Munos said they will scan the collected signatures at the end of the week and email the board and superintendent. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella When a group of Laguna Beach High students heard what people in the landlocked West African nation of Burkina Faso do to get water, they knew they couldnt turn their backs and say it was someone elses problem to solve. Thus in 2016 students Charlotte Watkins and Ellie Glade joined a school club dedicated to raising money to build wells in one of Africas poorest countries. On Saturday, the schools Walking for Water Club, in partnership with the nonprofit Wisdom Spring, will host a morning of laps around the campus track, games, face painting, and a raffle, all to raise funds for wells. If [African women] can walk up to 20 miles, we can walk to get water, Watkins, club president, said in a phone interview Wednesday, alluding to the distance some African residents balancing heavy jugs on their heads will go to retrieve water. Susan Hough, right, board president of Wisdom Spring, stands with students from Laguna Beach High Schools Walking for Water Club who will participate in the fundraising walk Saturday. The students have partnered with Wisdom Spring for the walk. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) Sometimes women must wait hours for the water table to rise to collect the prized resource, according to the Wisdom Spring website. If the table does not rise, men dig up mud and the women squeeze whatever water they can, the website said. They then scatter ash atop the mud to separate it from the water. Watkins mother is a friend of Susan Hough, Wisdom Springs board president and youth project coordinator. Hough moved to Laguna Beach in 2011 from Virginia, where she was involved with Wisdoms Spring efforts to raise money for wells. The nonprofit also raises money to pay for children to go to school in Africa. A group of Virginia high school students orchestrated the first Walking for Water fundraiser in 2004 after hearing Wisdom Springs founder Sobonfu Some explain the work required to access water. In the cities of Africa, there are faucets but never a guarantee that any water would come out, the Wisdom Spring website said. There are plenty of days when people turn it on and get nothing but air. Some, who had a weakened immune system from dirty water, died in January at age 48. To date, crews have built 26 wells in Burkina Faso and have seven more scheduled to be built in the next year, including a well in Kenya, Hough said. It costs between $10,000 to $12,000 to build one well in Burkina Faso, Hough said. A contractor in Africa builds the wells. Lagunas Walking for Water Club, which has 25 members, has spent the last few months seeking sponsors and businesses willing to donate goods for the raffle. They hope to raise another $15,000 to bring their total to $30,000, enough for three wells, Glade, the clubs public relations coordinator and high school senior, said. Glade said Watkins inspired her to join the club. Its exciting that I can save lives, even though it takes a lot of work, Glade said. Its worthwhile. Charlotte Watkins, president of the student Walking for Water Club, center, stands with Greg Friedman, host of the Inner Journey show on KX 93.5, and Wisdom Spring board president Susan Hough in front of sign promoting Saturdays Walking for Water fundraiser. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) Hough said high school students inspire her with their motivation to make a difference. Having this heart is so touching, Hough said. Ive never had a group of teens so ambitious as this group. The walk starts at 9 a.m. at the schools track at 625 Park Ave. Participants can walk up to 3 miles. Adult admission is $20 and student admission is $15 with school identification. Children 4 and younger are admitted free. To register for the walk, visit eventbrite.com/e/walking-for-water-in-laguna-beach-ca-june-3-2017-tickets-34211859593. To donate, visit wisdomspring.org/donate. bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce Not enough Orange County supervisors support portable restrooms at a homeless camp along the Santa Ana River to get them approved, according to Supervisor Todd Spitzer. There is not a board majority at this time to support issuing an encroachment permit, Spitzer told Voice of OC after last weeks Board of Supervisors meeting, where several homeless advocates urged supervisors to waive a $2,000 application fee and allow advocates to install restrooms they purchased. I am working on an alternative plan, but I need some more time, and Im hoping to come back to the board [with it] in a couple weeks, Spitzer said. The rest of the supervisors didnt return phone messages asking their positions. They held a closed-door discussion of the issue last Tuesday. The controversy centers on a large homeless encampment near Angel Stadium, which homeless advocates say is a last resort for people amid a severe shortage of shelter beds and affordable housing. Homeless people along the river currently lack restroom access at night, and county shelters that have restroom access for those who stay there are either full or close to capacity each night. Given that reality, advocates say people living along the river often go to the bathroom in buckets, bags and other improvised containers, which risks spreading diseases. After county supervisors declined requests to place restrooms along the riverbed, advocates raised money on their own and purchased three porta-potties, which they placed along the riverbed until county officials ordered them removed due to lack of a permit. Advocates have been seeking that permit, and say theyve met the countys requirements for a $1-million insurance policy and maintenance agreement for the restrooms. At last weeks supervisors meeting, several public commenters asked supervisors to waive a $2,000 nonrefundable fee to apply for the permit and to allow the porta-potties. I dont understand why it is a health and safety hazard to have porta-potties down there, when they are going [to the bathroom] in the riverbed which drains to our oceans, which Im pretty sure most people in this room use, said Huntington Beach resident and activist John Safari. Its more of a health and safety hazard for the entire county for the county to not have restrooms down there. Spitzer supported the request, publicly offering to pay the $2,000 fee himself, and holding up what he said was his personal checkbook. If the $2,000 is the obstacle to bringing humanity to the riverbed while we figure out what the short- and long-term solution is, I will personally pay for it, Spitzer said. Supervisor Andrew Do pushed back, saying the porta-potties could create other problems. Once we have porta-potties out there, then it leads to public safety concerns, Do said. When you have structures that are enclosed at night in areas that are not patrolled by law enforcement what happens if something bad [happens] in there? Additionally, Do said, if the county converts the riverbed into a home, or domiciliary, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has some jurisdiction over the riverbed, may come down and may say, Hey you are violating some kind of regulation as far as the use [of] that space. Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said she agreed wholeheartedly with Do, but that a more comprehensive discussion would have to take place among supervisors. This is something that has to be addressed by the entire Board of Supervisors, and I know that we have an item on our closed session today, Bartlett said. Advocates followed up that day by sending Spitzers staff copies of the agreements he requested. But after the closed session, Spitzer said while he agrees theres an immediate need for restrooms, there simply werent enough votes for the permit and he wouldnt be wasting $2,000 on the application. A legal expert questioned whether the supervisors were legally allowed to discuss the restrooms situation in closed session in accordance with the states opening meetings law. The Brown Act limits the events that can trigger a closed session to discuss a litigation threat, and none of them seems to fit here, Terry Francke, general counsel of the open-government group Californians Aware, said in an email. Someone might sue us is a straight ticket to unlawful secrecy, he wrote. The County Counsels office declined to comment through a spokeswoman. Spitzer, meanwhile, says he was advised by county counsel that the bathroom situation is related to ongoing lawsuits about the riverbed encampment. However, none of the lawsuits are known to involve restroom access issues. Theres also a dispute over who gets to decide whether to allow the restrooms. While Spitzer said its up to supervisors, county staff say it would be a staff-level decision. OC Development Services staff review and approve encroachment permit applications, said Jennifer Nentwig, a spokeswoman for the county CEOs office. They review each encroachment permit request against the applicable existing county, state and federal regulations. Meanwhile, the advocates say they will continue to fight for restroom access along the riverbed. This story was reported by Voice of OC, a nonprofit investigative newsroom, as part of a publishing agreement with TimesOC. Nick Gerda covers county government and Santa Ana for Voice of OC. You can contact him at ngerda@voiceofoc.org. An urgency ordinance that would have prohibited the city from issuing demolition permits for structures 50 years or older died in the water Tuesday, after La Canada residents and council members roundly decried the proposal as arbitrary and unnecessary. The matter was presented in special meeting of the La Canada Flintridge City Council, where Planning Department staff recommended its passage to ensure that structures be reviewed for historical significance before those structures are demolished, according to a report. City Atty. Mark Steres explained the proposed 45-day prohibition was a stop-gap measure, requiring four yes votes, that would give the city time to establish a permanent procedure for identifying and preserving historic structures. But, under city law, the ban could be extended by up to 22 months with the councils approval. Several area Realtors, builders and residents expressed anger at an ordinance that would not only halt building projects and major renovations, but could also negatively impact the purchase and sale of La Canada properties. They also complained about being required by the Planning Department to produce historic reports for properties that are old but not historically significant. Mayor Mike Davitt said he would definitely not support the ban and suggested staff forgo its report. Know that this will not move forward tonight, based on at least my individual feelings, he said. I dont think theres anyone actually here who is in support of this. The mayor invited public commenters to share their thoughts for the record. Local Realtor Janine Morovati said a project of hers was in the plan check process last week when she was denied a demolition permit by the Planning Department on grounds that there was an ordinance in place. Sid Karsh, a Realtor and member of the citys historic preservation ordinance subcommittee, said the group was surprised by the ordinances appearance before council Tuesday. We never submitted a recommendation to the city, and the next thing I heard there was a draft ordinance submitted to the Planning Commission, Karsh said. The purpose (of forming the committee) was to make a recommendation let us do it. Councilman Jon Curtis spoke against the ordinance, and chided the Planning Department for complicating the plan check process with unnecessary red tape when the city has yet to finalize any standards or regulation. This is not something that is a little stop gap that lasts 45 days its something thats shutting down the city, putting up another barrier, he said of the moratorium. Vacancies on Youth, City councils addressed Also Tuesday, council members discussed how best to fill three open seats on the Youth Council, including two unscheduled vacancies left by graduating seniors. Having received applications from an exceptional number of qualified candidates, they opted to expand the Youth Council from nine to 11 members. After a ballot process, Megan Andrews, Gabriel Drill and Jessica Jewell were appointed to serve two-year terms. Students Bryan Guan and incumbent Kelly Steele, who will be seniors next year, were selected to finish out the one year vacancies left by this years departing seniors. Thank you for everyones enthusiasm and willingness to serve, Davitt said. It was a nice thing we had so many wonderful candidates. Council members also addressed how to fill a vacancy on their own panel, left open by the May 16 passing of Councilman Dave Spence. City Manager Mark Alexander explained they had 60 days under state law to determine how they would fill the open seat, either by appointment or special election. After some discussion, the council agreed they would accept applications from residents for an appointment to the council. Alexander said he would return at the next June 6 regular meeting with a timeline for the process moving forward. La Canada resident Rody Stephenson recommended the council consider Keith Eich, who ran against Spence and Curtis in March and earned 1,775 votes. He is the only candidate who had the initiative and the drive to run in the election, and he had a respectable number of votes, Stephenson told the council. Eich said after the meeting he was prepared to run if a special election were called, and definitely planned to apply for appointment. I have the signs, he quipped. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine La Canada High School students will be able to take back their mornings starting this fall, after the La Canada school board voted unanimously Tuesday to shift the campus start time from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The decision to try the schedule change for a one-year period was made in a special meeting convened to let board members review data collected from a survey of district parents and students. Responses indicated an overwhelming majority of support for pushing back the schedule to allow teens more brain-nourishing sleep, according to board member Brent Kuszyk. Theres definitely support for this, said Kuszyk, whose daughter Ali will be an incoming freshman in 2017-18. My daughters very happy a lot of the kids are. Tuesdays meeting was an opportunity for the board to take into consideration the many impacts the shift will have on parents, teachers and students, especially student athletes who already miss class time to travel to away games. As such, LCUSD has agreed to enter into a memo of understanding with the La Canada Teachers Assn. to assist student athletes with missed class time. It was determined buses transporting athletes to other schools for games may be able to leave a bit later, according to Governing Board President Dan Jeffries. We also asked if we could flag student athletes at registration so as to minimize fifth-period missed class time, Jeffries said in an email interview. That may have some limitations since other schedule issues are involved, but we will look at it. Other adjustments made to passing periods and morning announcements will mean the school day next year ends only 15 minutes later than other schools in the Rio Hondo League. LCUSDs decision came the same day that Senate Bill 328 a proposal by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) that would mandate California middle and high schools begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m. passed the Senate and is moving on to the state Assembly. I am very proud to see such an important public health bill moving to the state Assembly, the senator said in a statement. The best interest of our children needs to come first and by passing this legislation, the state Senate sends a strong message that it believes in that mission. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine If youre in love with the Hulu series The Handmaids Tale, this small-ship cruise is for you. Author Margaret Atwood, author of the dystopian novel that first appeared in 1985, will sail aboard a journey in July from northeastern Canada that crosses the Arctic Circle. Atwood will read from her works during the cruise aboard the Ocean Endeavour, a ship that holds 198 passengers and crew members. Adventure Canada offers this trip that begins in Iqualuit, capital of the remote Canadian territory of Nunavut, then crosses the Davis Strait to the coast of Greenland and over the circle. Passengers can expect to see polar bears, walrus, humpback whales and muskox on this journey during stops and activities at remote islands, peninsulas and fishing villages. Advertisement The company describes the trip as our most community- and art-focused Arctic itinerary. The itinerary includes a visit to Kinngait, also known as Cape Dorset, to meet celebrated Inuit stone carvers. And theres more talent aboard ship too. Besides Atwood, guests include filmmaker Les Stroud, producer and star of the TV series Survivorman; artist Rob Saley; archaeologist Lisa Rankin and Nunavut documentary filmmaker Myna Ishulutak. Prices start at $3,995, plus $250 in fees. Info: Heart of the Arctic expedition, Adventure Canada, adventurecanada.com, (800) 363-7566, info@adventurecanada.com ALSO Cruise lines roll out Mexico sailings for fall 2017 and beyond Where to find great burgers and beers on your next cruise Fast cars, slow food on tour of Italys car country A sea journey on which you dont gain weight? Bring it on and these do travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Three years ago, a crew of sailors set off from Hawaii aboard a replica Polynesian canoe to travel the world. They would forsake GPS and other modern technology, and instead navigate by the stars and the sun as their ancestors did. Their mission: to encourage communities to create a more sustainable world. Now, the canoe that stopped in 23 countries will return in mid-June to Oahu where four days of homecoming celebrations are planned. Advertisement The Hokulea, a modern-day replica of the twin-hulled canoes used by ancient Polynesian voyagers, returns to Honolulu on June 17 after a remarkable journey called the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. Malama Honua, means to care for our Earth in English. The Hokulea left Hawaii on May 30, 2014. Crews of 12 to 13 people changed at each stop. In all, nearly 250 people sailed the seven seas using only ancient wayfaring techniques. They were led by Nainoa Thompson, an expert navigator and president of the organizing and sponsoring group, the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Crew members covered more than 40,000 miles and visited more than 150 ports during the odyssey, including Tahiti, Bali, the East Coast of the U.S., the Caribbean, South Africa and Samoa. (Check out legs of the journey.) In a letter to travel partners, George Szigeti, president and chief executive of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, described the journey as the greatest accomplishment in modern Hawaiian history. Thousands of people are expected to throng Waikikis Magic Island for the ships arrival at 8:30 a.m. June 17. The homecoming will include welcoming speeches in the morning and afternoon celebrations. Visitors and locals may take free tours of the canoe June 18 to 20 while it is moored in a canal beside the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Educational displays and programs will also be offered each day by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which spent several years planning the voyage. Info: The Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage ALSO Cruise lines roll out Mexico sailings for fall 2017 and beyond Mammoth extending ski and board season into August, for only the second time Where to find great burgers and beers on your next cruise Two of Hawaiis national parks will increase admission fees to $25 travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Pakistans Thar region is a swath of desert in the countrys south long associated with poverty, drought, famine and coal. Now, with some help from China, it could soon power the country. For the record: This article incorrectly identifies Frank Umbach as associate director of the European Center for Energy and Resource Security. He formerly held that title, but is now research director at the center. China has signed billions of dollars in agreements with Pakistan to help the country alleviate its chronic energy shortages, primarily by burning coal. New projects will involve mining billions of tons of the fossil fuel annually in the region home to some of the worlds biggest coal deposits and building five new coal-fired plants to help power Karachi, a metropolis of 20 million people about 300 miles away. Advertisement Yet critics say they could also fill the countrys air with noxious smog for decades, exacerbating already intense public health crises and contributing to climate change. China, the worlds biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has in recent years emerged as a global leader in climate action. The countrys use of coal considered the single biggest contributor to anthropogenic climate change has dropped every year since 2013, as its investments in renewable energy, especially wind and solar, have soared. The Chinese are mostly exporting these quite modern coal-fired power plants. So compared to what might otherwise be operating ... these might be cleaner. Deborah Seligsohn, UC San Diego California Gov. Jerry Brown will travel to China this week for an international summit on clean energy, underscoring the countrys growing role as a center of gravity in fighting climate change. Yet Chinas domestic progress belies a spottier record abroad. It is the worlds largest exporter of coal-related financing and equipment. Its state-owned companies backed by state loans and hampered at home by tightening environmental regulations are involved in nearly 100 coal-fired power projects abroad, in countries including Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Iran. Whats going down here is, theres an overall mandate from the government for companies to go carry out projects abroad, and export their goods and its the most powerful state-owned companies that end up doing that, said Lauri Myllyvirta, a Beijing-based coal and air pollution expert at Greenpeace. And so what weve seen really reflects the power of the coal industry versus the renewable energy industry within China. What weve primarily seen going out of China is coal-fired technology. For decades, developed nations including the U.S. helped fund the construction of coal-fired power plants in the developing world. Yet in November 2015, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments 34 member states including the U.S., Japan and many European countries agreed to restrict financing for the vast majority of overseas coal-fired power plants. The World Bank in effect stopped funding new coal projects for developing nations in 2013. China, which is a member of the World Banks governing organization, but not the OECD, has yet to adopt a similar policy. The scope of Chinas coal-related exports and whether they are even cause for alarm is difficult to assess, according to Deborah Seligsohn, an expert on environmental governance at UC San Diego. In addition to coal-fired power plants, China is also building hydropower, natural gas, nuclear, wind and solar projects around the world. Last year, its foreign investment in renewables reached $32 billion, a 60% increase over 2015, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. Its exported coal plants tend to be more efficient and could be more environmentally friendly than what could be purchased elsewhere for the same price. A worker from Wuhan Guangsheng Photovoltaic Co. works on a solar panel project on the roof of a 47-story building in Wuhan, China, on May 15, 2017. (Kevin Frayer / Getty Images) The Chinese are mostly exporting these quite modern coal-fired power plants, she said. So compared to what might otherwise be operating in these countries, these might be cleaner, not dirtier. I think its hard to know whether the Chinese are having that huge an impact on what the fuel choice is in third countries, she continued. I dont think thats been proven. Beijing, grappling with slowing economic growth at home, has pushed state-owned firms to seek new markets abroad. In 2013, President Xi Jinping announced One Belt, One Road, a massive project that involves infrastructure construction and trade expansion in more than 60 countries across Asia, Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. From 2001 to 2016, Chinese firms were involved in 240 coal power projects in those countries, many of which rank among the worlds most vulnerable to the damaging effects of climate change, including heat waves, floods, droughts and melting glaciers. When the projects are complete, theyll have a total generating capacity of 251 gigawatts, according to the Global Environmental Institute, a Beijing-based nonprofit. (By contrast, only about 70 gigawatts of solar power was installed globally in 2016. About half of that was in China.) Chinas rhetoric has changed in recent years. In September 2015, Xi, in a joint statement with President Obama, agreed to recognize the importance of mobilizing climate finance to support low-carbon, climate-resilient development in developing countries. And last year, China signed the Paris agreement, a historic accord in which 195 countries agreed to curtail climate change by limiting global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. (President Trump tweeted Saturday that he would make a final decision on whether to withdraw the U.S. from the accord this week, and is said to be leaning toward doing so.) Yet since 2016, China has announced, or begun developing, several new coal projects throughout the world, according to the online magazine Chinadialogue and the nonprofit CEE Bankwatch Network. The projects total capacity more than 52 gigawatts is more than that of planned coal-plant closures in the U.S. by 2020. Chinas tough domestic standards dont apply to exports, and few of the projects have clarified their emissions standards. Public information on the projects is scarce. Theres hardly any official data on the Chinese side, said Frank Umbach, associate director of the European Center for Energy and Resource Security at Kings College London. Theyre not willing or interested [in providing it] for obvious reasons. Pakistan stands to reap huge rewards from Chinese initiatives. In 2013, the two countries signed the $54-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a project so vast involving transportation infrastructure, economic zones and a total of 19 energy projects that a Pakistani newspaper called it a Marshall Plan for Pakistan, referring to the U.S. effort to rebuild Europe after World War II. The energy projects include several power plants, three-fourths of which will be coal-fired. An estimated $5.8 billion worth of coal power projects are expected to be completed across the country by 2019. The country has a dire need for inexpensive, efficient power only 67% of its nearly 200 million people have access to electricity, according to the World Bank. In many ways, coal fills the bill its abundant, cheap and reliable. Yet the countrys embrace of coal could come at a huge environmental cost. Pakistan currently accounts for less than 1% of total global carbon emissions annually, according to the World Bank, but its emissions are increasing at 3.9% annually. Pakistani officials say the coal plants will use top-flight emission-reducing technology. But critics say that even the cleanest coal-fired power plants still pollute; many of Thars nearly 100,000 people will need to be relocated; and the region has massive solar power potential, making the new coal projects unnecessary. No sane person would want electricity from dirty energy sources, even though supercritical technology is used, Malik Amin Aslam, a former state minister for the environment in Pakistan, told Reuters. These plants, not being completely free of carbon emissions, will still harm the public health and the countrys environment. Xu Yuan, a climate change expert and professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that Chinas leaders have learned to prioritize environmental issues when promoting hydropower projects abroad public backlashes have derailed high-profile projects in Myanmar and Honduras. But coal-fired power stations are different theyre not going to kill people immediately or directly, he said. They emit pollution, which adds risk to the entire population. In that sense its quite different. Xu added that Chinas government began focusing on domestic environmental issues only after years of intense pressure at home and abroad. Many of Chinas coal-fired power plants overseas and the companies overseeing them simply dont see environmental protection as an obligation. In my understanding of how the Chinese system works, you have to make sure the problem is visible, not just potential, he said. And thats very sad. jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter ALSO Trump tweeted that China is trying hard to handle North Korea. Thats a generous way of looking at it Man investigating Chinese company tied to Ivanka Trump is arrested, and two others are missing China says granting Ivanka Trump trademarks was unrelated to her dinner with President Xi The narrative is becoming familiar. North Korea test-fires a missile; the White House issues a vaguely worded threat; and the cycle of tensions continues unabated. On Monday morning, North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile, its third in as many weeks. The projectile flew for six minutes, then landed in the waters near Japan. Advertisement Then President Trump took to Twitter. North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbor, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile...but China is trying hard! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2017 With so much else in the American political news cycle deadly stabbings in Portland, Ore., Trumps meetings in Europe, the FBIs inquiry into Trumps possible Russia ties the tweet has gotten lost in the mix. Yet if the presidents words are to be taken at face value, they may suggest a misreading of the rapidly evolving situation in Northeast Asia. Heres whats been happening, and why Trumps response may have been overly optimistic. Trump implies that China has been trying to rein in North Korea. Theres not a lot of evidence to support that idea The first thing to know is that the fundamentals of Chinas relationship with North Korea havent changed in years. China is North Koreas only major ally and trading partner; it has abetted the countrys leadership for decades. Above all, China desires stability on the Korean peninsula a political crisis in Pyongyang could send countless refugees into northeastern China and push a U.S.-friendly united Korea up to Beijings doorstep. The Trump administration has leaned on China and especially its president, Xi Jinping to dissuade North Korea from developing its nuclear program. We dont know whether or not theyre able to do that, but I have absolute confidence that he will be trying very, very hard, Trump said in April, after meeting with Xi. And some signs have been positive. China announced in February that it would ban North Korean coal imports which account for 40% of the countrys total exports to China for the rest of 2017, in line with existing United Nations sanctions. Chinese experts have said that Beijing could halt crude oil exports to North Korea should Pyongyang test a nuclear weapon (it has carried out five nuclear tests since 2006 and could soon conduct another). Fog shrouds the Friendship and the Broken bridges over the Yalu River connecting the North Korean town of Sinuiju and the Chinese city of Dandong on April 15, 2017. (Johannes Eisele / AFP/Getty Images) Yet the picture is far from clear. Visitors to the Chinese-North Korean border have witnessed coal trucks crossing, suggesting that the ban hasnt been fully implemented. North Koreas exchange rate has held stable, suggesting that its economy hasnt taken a dive. And Chinas trade with North Korea grew nearly 40% in the first quarter of the year, according to Chinese official figures. Maybe Trump is trying to shame, or guilt, or flatter Xi into doing something, said Robert Kelly, a professor of political science at Pusan National University in Seoul. But the Chinese are craftier than that. Theyre playing the long game on this one theyre thinking of the next 20 or 30 years. Thats why this stuff isnt going to work its not how the Chinese make these kinds of decisions. What about Japan? Last week, during a visit to Brussels, Trump declined to affirm NATOs Article 5 the organizations mutual-aid clause, which states that an attack on a member state is an attack on all. European leaders were unsettled. German Chancellor Angela Merkel later said that the times when we could completely rely on others are, to an extent, over, underscoring the extent to which Trumps rhetoric has damaged at least one traditional U.S. alliance. Experts say the same could be happening in East Asia, where the U.S. has traditionally played a crucial role in defining the relationships between its allies (Japan, South Korea) and China and North Korea. North Koreas latest test missile landed in Japans exclusive economic zone, a maritime buffer zone off its shores. Tokyo reacted angrily, saying that the launch violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Now, with Trump declining to publicly stand up for a historical U.S. ally, people are thinking the Merkel thought just change the names and the places, said Daniel Pinkston, an international relations expert at Troy University in Seoul. Merkels saying we dont have to count on the U.S., and we have to go it alone and now, in this part of the world, we cant count on the U.S. either, he continued. South Korea and Japan have the potential to enter into a vicious arms racing spiral. And these kinds of statements just arent supportive, or dont help to mitigate those types of dangers. Washington doesnt seem to have a coherent strategy Trumps Washington and even the president himself seems divided over how to handle the North Korea crisis. Trump has suggested the use of force against North Korea, then said that hed meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un under the right circumstances. There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea, he told Reuters in April. Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said Sunday that an armed conflict with North Korea would be catastrophic. Even throughout the Republican Party ranks, there seems to be no consensus that China is, indeed, trying hard to rein in its northeastern neighbor. Every time we hear from a Chinese official, its Well, we dont have the leverage that everybody thinks we have, said Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), who met with South Korean officials on Tuesday in Seoul. The answer is they have tremendous leverage. Gardner said he wants the Trump administration to confront China with a list of its residents who have violated United Nations sanctions. He said many of them are still doing business with North Korea, particularly in banking. Meanwhile, Gardner said, China benefits as the United States, Japan and South Korea remain distracted by the Norths continued provocations. For China, its about whats in their own self-interest, he said. Theyve made a calculation that theyd rather see a nuclear-armed madman in Pyongyang than a peninsula that has a unified ally that includes the United States. Dont forget about South Korea South Korea is a country in flux. On May 9, its voters elected a new president, the liberal Moon Jae-in. He replaced the conservative Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office this spring and indicted on corruption charges after months of mass protests. The country is also key to the U.S. defense against a potential North Korean missile strike. In March, Washington and Seoul, with Parks approval, deployed the U.S.-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, antiballistic missile system on South Korean soil, allowing the U.S., at least in theory, to intercept North Korean missiles midflight. Yet the system is controversial. China protested that THAAD could jeopardize its defense systems and retaliated with unofficial sanctions against South Korean businesses. A photo received by the U.S. Defense Departments Missile Defense Agency shows a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, interceptor being launched from Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 1, 2015. (Ben Listerman / AFP/Getty Images) On Tuesday, Moon ordered an inquiry into THAADs deployment. Since his election, South Koreas relations with China have improved. The Trump White House, some experts say, is poorly equipped to navigate these developments. The administration has not yet nominated an ambassador to South Korea, and several other important diplomatic posts remain vacant. You can just tell from the bureaucratic disinterest that the Trump people just dont take East Asia seriously, said Kelly, the political science professor. So the Chinese are gonna move into the space they vacate. Special correspondent Matt Stiles in Seoul contributed to this report. jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter ALSO Does President Trumps America first policy cede U.S. global authority? The day road rage led to a treason charge in Zambia, as democracy falters in Africa South Africas president has survived a rape trial, corruption charges and many bids to oust him After months of categorically denying Russian involvement in cyberattacks during last years U.S. presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that although the Kremlin has never used state-sponsored cyberattacks to meddle in other countries elections, some patriotically minded volunteer hackers may have acted on their own to defend Russian interests. Hackers can be anywhere and pop out from anywhere in the world, Putin said in an address to Russian and foreign media during the opening day of an annual economic forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Russian president compared hackers to artists who can act creatively, particularly when they are motivated by international relations and in the defense of Russias interests. Advertisement If they woke up today, read that there is something happening in interstate relations, he said. If they are patriotic, they start contributing, as they see it, in the fight against those who do not speak well about Russia. Putins comments are a departure from the strong denials from what the Kremlin has been saying for months since the United States intelligence community accused Russia of orchestrating the hacking of the Democratic National Conventions emails, a move that was seen as aiding the election of Donald Trump. While reiterating that Russia was not conducting cyberattacks on the state level, Putins suggestion that individual freelance Russian hackers could be operating on their own sounded similar to statements he made in 2014, when he first denied the presence of Russian troops in Crimea. Then, months after the annexation of Crimea, Russia said in a statement that the Kremlin had in fact sent troops in to the Black Sea peninsula to protect Russian interests. Like President Trump, Putin has dismissed media reports accusing the Trump administration of colluding with Russia to influence the U.S. election as fake news. On Thursday, he blamed a growing anti-Russian campaign in the media that he said was rooted in the Wests goal of monopolizing power and preventing Russia from emerging on the world stage as a global player. Such Russophobia was counterproductive, Putin said. Putin said the campaign had gone so far as to place Russia on the same threat level as Islamic State. We see, lets say, what is happening in the United States. This anti-Russian campaign, Russophobia continues, Putin said. How will the situation develop? We do not know. It does not depend on us. We are not the initiators of this process. Since coming to power in 2000, Putin has tried to assert Russia as an emerging power and himself as a global leader. At home, his popularity remains high even as the economy continues to struggle under the weight of low global oil prices and economic sanctions placed on the Kremlin after the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Some time ago, our partners in individual countries or groups of countries began to make attempts to contain Russia, to restrain its legitimate desire to safeguard its national interests by undertaking any actions that are not within the framework of international law, including economic restrictions, he said. Such sanctions have had zero effect, Putin said. Russia has no choice but to build up its military defense systems in the Pacific region in response to the challenge of Americas deployment of the antimissile system to South Korea to counter a North Korean missile threat, and to Washingtons plans to improve a launch site for antiballistic missiles in Ft. Greely, Alaska, he said. Should we just stand idly by and watch this? Of course not, Putin said. We are thinking about how to respond to these challenges. Trump-Putin Meeting By most accounts, the Kremlin was initially positive about Trumps victory in November over Hillary Clinton, whom Putin sees as promoting an anti-Russia agenda. But Trump has yet to meet with the Russian president face-to-face, and the White House stance on Russia remains unclear despite campaign rhetoric from the Trump campaign that praised Putins leadership. Putin said Thursday that Russia was patiently waiting for the anti-Russian hysteria in the U.S. to subside before any productive relationship could be established between Washington and Moscow. The two presidents are expected to meet for the first time during a Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, next month. Of course, we are ready for the dialogue with the U.S. president, and we dont know how these relations will evolve considering in the U.S. there is a continuing fight that doesnt allow them to build relations, Putin said. When it comes to our friendship with Donald Trump, how can you be friends with a person you dont know? Until a personal meeting happens, Putin said, he cant predict the nature of their relations. This is a person with a fresh view of things, even if anyone likes it or not. But it brings certain benefits, he said. Some analysts say the Kremlin is more concerned about the scandals effect on the U.S. audience than its statements have let on. When faced with uncertainty, the Kremlin frequently takes a default position with that kind of uncertainty in the form of a wait and see rather than to take a positive position, said Robert Legvold, a professor at Columbia University and an expert on foreign policy in the post-Soviet states. If things get cloudy and theres not real progress, the Russian position of wait and see will mean that nothing will happen when it comes to improving U.S.-Russian relations, Legvold said. For the Kremlin, a presidential face-to-face will hold more weight. What comes out of that meeting could be the first step in setting the agenda for U.S.-Russian relations. Tactically, I think there is a very intensive buildup to their personal meeting, said Vladimir Milov, a liberal politician and former deputy energy minister. There are fair chances that the meeting will result in establishing a strong, very warm and direct contact between Trump and Putin, and with very strong strategic implications. For one thing, the two leaders may find a lot of personal common ground and similarities and will probably get along. They understand each other; I mean they have the same language, the same body language, Milov said. Despite frustrations with the uncertainties of the White House strategy on Russia and the deepening election-meddling investigations, many believe Putin is sincere when he says he remains patient with Trump. In what could be a slight boost to Russias struggling economy, Russia last month agreed with OPEC to increase oil prices. This could satisfy Russias domestic economic woes and buy Putin more time to wait for Trump to emerge from the investigations. Putin is exceptionally good at recruitment skills. This is what they taught him at the KGB school, Milov said. He will look him in the eye, show him his soul, once again as he did with [President George W.] Bush, and say, Donald, Im 100% on your side. Im your guy. From then on, whatever happens will be determined also by Trump, who I believe was inclined to make a grand bargain with Putin from Day One, Milov said. ALSO Michael Flynn and Trumps personal lawyer among seven subpoenaed in Russia investigation Putin visits France in hopes of mending strained ties Dozens arrested at unauthorized protests in Russia urging Vladimir Putin not to seek fourth term UPDATES: 11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with additional statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin. 8:40 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting. This article was originally published at 4:55 a.m. All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. 19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc. Many around the world are not happy that President Donald Trump is withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords. "In order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord but begin negotiations to reenter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers," Trump said in a Thursday press conference. The nonbinding deal agreed upon by a majority of the world's nations in a 2015 Paris conference seeks to keep nations accountable by submitting an individualized plan to tackle their greenhouse gas emissions and then agreeing to meet regularly to review their progress. Trump, always the showman, hadn't given a concrete answer signifying our withdrawal but sent out a "stay tuned" style tweet on the subject Wednesday. I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017 Trump wouldn't need congressional approval to pull out of the Paris deal, as the Senate did not approve it, but withdrawal from the deal can't occur until November 2019 per the terms of the agreement. A year notice of said withdrawal is also necessary putting the latest date of an American government backing out in November 2020, when Trump would be running for re-election. Business leaders and politicians from around the world have responded with resounding criticism of the move, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk threatening to leave Trump's business advisory board if a withdrawal does take place. If President Trump pulls the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, it will be a horrific mistake. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) May 31, 2017 President Trump should know that climate change is a dagger aimed straight at the heart of New York City. Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) May 31, 2017 .@realDonaldTrump's withdrawal from #ParisAgreement will be his legacy: one of chaos and terror instead of hope for peace and a better world Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) May 31, 2017 Climate change is real. For the future of our planet. For the future of our children. We must act now #foreverychild.#ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/Wa7D1oTQle UNICEF (@UNICEF) May 31, 2017 Climate change is undeniable Climate action is unstoppable Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable. -@antonioguterres https://t.co/a8O14NCLUc United Nations (@UN) May 31, 2017 The leaders of Europe, India, China have also remained steadfast in their commitment to the deal and curbing their own greenhouse gases without America at the bargaining table. States like New York and California have also been exploring options that will lead to reducing emissions and pursuing clean energy options. The president has had it out for the Paris deal since the campaign trail, feverishly decrying it as Obama-era meddling to cripple American businesses. If the United States does withdraw from the agreement, it would join Syria and Nicaragua as the only two countries not participating in the accord. The state of Ohio is suing five major American pharmaceutical firms for their role in creating the conditions that led to the opioid epidemic currently ravaging their state and large swaths of North America. The suit filed Wednesday by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine alleges that Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions, Allegran, Johnson & Johnson and subisidiary Janssen, and Teva Pharmaceuticals and subsidiary Cephalon all engaged in disingenuous marketing campaigns about the effectiveness of prescription pain killers to treat chronic conditions and knowingly downplayed their addiction risks to doctors and patients. "Defendants persuaded doctors and patients that what they had long known, that opioids are addictive drugs, unsafe in most circumstances for long-term use," DeWine said in an interview with NPR. "That the compassionate treatment of pain required opioids." Often when people who are now addicted to pain meds run out in towns and neighborhoods without many healthcare options and limited employment opportunities, they often turn to prescription opioids' dirtier and stronger cousin: heroin. Drug cartels in Mexico are happy to meet rising demands for heroin from across the border and that has made the Drug War in Mexico the second deadliest conflict on Earth in 2016. The production of opium plants or poppies has exploded in the past decade, along with various competing and intercooperating drug cartels throughout Mexico intimidating journalists and buying the inaction of local governments. After dealing with years of extortion and violence, local citizens have banded together in militias to try and defend their towns and villages from cartel forces that have claimed the lives of over 23,000 last year alone. Jun 1, 2017, 9:40am ET Acura begins MDX production in Ohio The MDX joins the RDX at Acura\'s plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Acura has kicked off MDX production in Ohio, marking the second production site for the popular SUV in the United States. Already in production at the company's production plant in Lincoln, Alabama, Acura on Thursday began building the MDX at its East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) in Ohio. The MDX joins the smaller DRX utility vehicle already in production at ELP, along with the Honda CR-V. Acura spent $85 million preparing ELP for MDX production. Although the MDX is now built at two different production facilities, that won't last for long. This fall the MDX will move exclusively to Ohio, freeing up space in Lincoln to produce more units of the Honda Pilot SUV. "From our startup three decades ago producing small sedans to the three different light trucks we build today, our associates continue to demonstrate the skills needed for high quality and flexible manufacturing," said Tim Myers, East Liberty Auto Plant Manager. "I'm proud of the commitment of our team to take on new challenges to meet the needs of our customers. The Ohio plant employs 2,350 people and has the capacity to produce 240,000 vehicles per year. With the MDX's shift to Ohio, Acura now builds five of its six vehicle lines in the Buckeye state, including the NSX supercar. Jun 1, 2017, 2:30pm ET BMW appoints Designworks president to head MINI design The new design boss, Oliver Heilmer, was responsible for BMW\'s interior design up until 2016. BMW has finally appointed a new head of design for MINI, filling a role that has been vacant for several months. The company has promoted current Designworks president Oliver Heilmer to lead the MINI design team. He has been a BMW Group designer for 17 years and was responsible for BMW brand interior design until 2016. Designworks is a group subsidiary that provides design and consulting services for a range of industries including consumer electronics, lifestyle, mobility and transportation, among others. "I am confident that the MINI design team under Oliver Heilmer will implement this vision of the brand in future vehicle models and win over MINI customers," said BMW Group design head Adrian van Hooydonk. "With his design expertise and experience, Oliver Heilmer combines continuity with the freshness and vision MINI stands for." The announcement contradicts recent rumors claiming McLaren design head Drank Stephenson would be hired for the MINI position. He is credited with helping revive the storied brand in the modern era after BMW purchased the marque in the mid '90s. More recently, he criticized the company for 'wildly abusing' the brand and shifting away from its roots. Heilmer will likely face significant pressure to revitalize the brand's aesthetics without tromping on its characteristic connection to an iconic designs that dates back more than a half century. The wild MINI Vision Next 100 shows one potential design direction for an "urban go-kart" of the future, however the company has not confirmed if the concept will serve as an inspiration for actual production models in the coming years. Jun 1, 2017, 5:18am ET U.S. Army testing autonomous trucks The trucks will begin testing on public roads for the first time in a few weeks. Autonomous technology creates new opportunities on the battle field. Instead of buying tech from Google or Uber, the United States Army has decided to develop self-driving trucks in-house. The first step of the process was getting four line-hauler trucks to talk to each other so that they can travel in a convoy. It involved setting up vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems. CBS Detroit reports the project has gone well so far, and Army engineers are moving on to the second phase of testing. The trucks will begin testing on public roads for the first time later this month. They'll travel down I-69, and they'll even attempt to drive across the Blue Water Bridge, a massive structure that stretches across the St. Clair River to connect Port Huron, Michigan, and Point Edward, Canada. "You're crossing a steel girder bridge and you look for the different radar reflections, whether or not your system gets confused or not," explained Paul Rogers, the director of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). While the trucks will drive themselves, there will be a driver sitting behind the wheel ready to take over in case something goes wrong. Autonomous vehicles such as trucks and tanks can save lives by driving themselves into dangerous situations where casualties are likely. However, Army officials told CBS Detroit they ultimately plan on making the technology available to companies like car and truck manufacturers so that civilians can benefit from it, too. What is this mysterious seven-seater Jeep SUV? Jun 1, 2017, 6:16am ET It could be the Wagoneer, or it could be the production version of the Yuntu concept. Mysterious patent images showing a large Jeep SUV have leaked out of the European Union's Intellectual Property Office. Spotted by AutoGuide, the technical drawings depict a SUV that looks like a Grand Cherokee stretched to accommodate three rows of seats. However, Jeep has never indicated it's developing a seven-seater version of its biggest model, so there's more to the story than that. We know the company is in the early stages of designing a pair of brand-new range-topping models that will revive the storied Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates. The Ram-based models aren't scheduled to arrive until 2020 at the earliest, so we doubt their respective designs have already been locked in and submitted to a patent office. A more likely scenario is that the patent images show the production version of the Yuntu concept displayed last April at the Shanghai Auto Show. Defining styling cues such as the tall front end, the thin headlights, the upswept belt line, the thick D-pillars, and the horizontal tail lights seemingly carry over from the concept to the production model with minor tweaks. Of course, this is all pure speculation. We're not discarding the possibility that the Yuntu concept previewed the Wagoneer's design, and that the patent images indeed show Jeep's upcoming Tahoe fighter. The company hasn't commented on the leak, so we'll have to be patient to find out exactly what we're looking at. Flower Basket theft THEFT: On May 29, 2017 at approximately 5:00am, the depicted male stole two hanging flower baskets from a residence in the Vineyard at Wagner Farms. Anyone who knows the identity of the male is asked to contact Ptl. Meehan at 610-419-8250 or email jmeehan@bethlehemtwp.com. Wish to stay anonymous? Text TIP BETHLEHEMTWP followed by your message, to 888777, or visit https://local.nixle.com/tip/township-of-bethlehem/ 17-03539 Posted by Bethlehem Township Police Dept on Thursday, June 1, 2017 Bethlehem Township police are looking for information on a man they say stole two porch plants from a home in the Vineyard at Wagner Farms. The crime happened at 5 a.m. Monday and was captured on video, police said. Anyone who knows who the man is is asked to call Patrolman John Meehan at 610-419-8250 or email jmeehan@bethlehemtwp.com. People can also anonymously text TIP BETHLEHEMTWP and your message to 888777 or visit https://local.nixle.com/tip/township-of-bethlehem/ Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. For more than 20 years, Easton has fought to have one of its most historic properties cleaned up. Now the Hooper House, once home to Revolutionary War Col. Robert Lettis Hooper Jr., is nearly back to its Colonial era form. Art Fletcher is donating his labor at 501 Northampton St. for the landlord, the Rock Church of Easton. "We're restoring it right to the way it was," he said Thursday. "We're estimating completion between the 15th and 20th of June." Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. has tried repeatedly during his current tenure as mayor to get the property restored. His latest effort started in September 2015. A district judge upheld 40 blight citations against the church and ordered it to pay $8,000 in fines. When church attorney Kevin Santos appealed them to Northampton County Court, a judge agreed to set aside the fines if the church did the restoration work. Santos wasn't available for comment Thursday. A roof went on last fall. Workers waited for the spring thaw to resume the project, which is now underway. Fletcher is installing new windows, pointing the stone and installing wood molding. "It's a great project," Panto said Thursday. "It will be a great addition to the Downtown." Work previously stalled when the church complained it received contradictory orders from the city's code office and its historic district commission. The church sued in federal court but the case was tossed. The city initially wanted the roof ripped off last fall, fearing it had been installed improperly. The city later backed off that demand. Panto said city solicitor William Murphy and chief codes officer Stephen Nowroski have monitored the work this month and are satisfied with what they see. "The contractor's been doing a great job," Panto said. Fletcher said he's a retired contractor in New Jersey with lots of experience in historic restoration. He said many of his projects are along the Jersey City waterfront. Some of the pine timbers he'll craft into molding date back to the 1890s. He said the finished product will resemble the Bachmann Publick House, which dates to 1753. Part of the original 1760s stone facade still stands at the Hooper House, according to Tom Jones, a historic preservationist hired by the church. Fletcher said when he wraps up the Hooper House he'll take a break for a week or two and then start work on the facade next door at 503 Northampton St. That work will take three months. The church bought the Hooper House in 1979. Kevin Santos' father, the late Pastor Samuel Santos, had a plan to improve the neighborhood by purchasing and upgrading properties. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Emergency crews responded to a reported chemical spill Thursday afternoon in an industrial park in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Han-Le-Co fire Chief Robin Yoder said employees at the Health Network Laboratories headquarters at 794 Roble Road called about a chemical smell. Employees complained about feeling ill, and some were treated for throat irritation, Yoder said. Two employees were evaluated at a local hospital and released, said Drew Diskin, senior vice president of business development at Health Network Laboratories. At 4 p.m. Thursday, officials completed their investigation and the building was cleared for full occupancy, Diskin said. Lehigh County's hazmat team and fire crews responded to a chemical leak June 1, 2017, behind a Hanover Township, Lehigh County office building. (Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com) Emergency personnel found a liquid chemical in a swale that runs between the Health Network building and Route 22, Yoder said. Lehigh County Hazmat was testing the liquid to identify it, and crews were not sure where it originated, Yoder said. Emergency radio reports initially called it an ammonia leak. The chemical's smell was more concentrated behind the Health Network building, Yoder said. Lehigh County Special Operations and a handful of fire crews converged in a parking lot between Health Network labs and TruGreen. The state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were also on scene. "HNL extends its appreciation for the fast action and care to all the Hanover Township and Lehigh County responders," Diskin said. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Downtown Nazareth traveled back in time Thursday as the production of an independent film lined South Main Street with classic cars and actors clothed in 1960s garb. "Control," a movie based on the changing roles of women in the early 60s, was written and directed by Michael Owen, who moved to Nazareth in 2012. The movie follows the lives of five women, dealing with everything from marital problems to homicide and detailing the choices they had to make to take control of their lives. Although Owen has been in the spotlight before, this project is a particularly special one as the idea derived from his own experiences. "I grew up with a single mother," Owen said. "I saw her struggle with a male-dominated workplace as a script writer and how upset she got. That was in the 70s." He added that the 60s was an even worse time for women. The goal of the movie, he explained, is to portray the choices women faced and the ways in which they chose to challenge their assumed submission. Although a short film of about 40 minutes, producer Beth Clausnitzer emphasized the relevance and importance of the plot's message. "Sixty years later and (women) are still facing many of the same struggles," Clausnitzer said. The movie's website talks about President Eisenhower administration's new interstate system making it easier for people to venture farther than they ever had, which is something that Clausnitzer views as symbolic to the steps toward equality that women make in the film. "I think the role of women is so important and, as a woman, I'm proud to be a part of this," Clausnitzer said, adding there are many women on the set who are strong-willed and determined in pursuing their dreams. The plot wasn't the only part of the movie that reflected Owen's life, however. Originally from the South, he chose to film in Nazareth because its "quaint and friendly nature" reminded him of home. Being from the area, Clausnitzer expressed her appreciation for the borough's hospitality in filming. Not only was everyone welcoming and accommodating -- especially the South Main Street merchants -- but it also gave them the opportunity to showcase local businesses and help local aspiring actors to get in front of a camera, as many were asked to be extras. Not all actors were local. Mark Kochanowicz, who played the role of Detective John McMahon, came from Philadelphia to audition for the film when he heard about it from Owen, who used to be his agent at the now-closed agency, Heyman Talent East. Owen opened the agency in an effort to get local talent recognized. The filming took place on South Main Street and inside the old Nazareth Bank. Downtown Nazareth will also be part of the third sequence of filming at the end of June, along with Clausnitzer's family's ice cream store, The Cup, in Bethlehem. Editing is expected to take about six to eight months, with a 2018 premiere anticipated. The film then will be submitted to film festivals such as Sundance. Alyssa Mursch may be reached at amursch@lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The first ever archaeological dig in Portlaoise was held this week at the base of the town's historic fort walls, uncovering fascinating items from the past. Three archaeologists with Gort Archaeology carefully dug in the hot sun in the old Shaws carpark in Portlaoise all last week, in a weeklong 'test excavation' to discover more about the town's 16th century English fort walls. In what excavation director Dr Eoin Sullivan described as keyhole surgery, the three dug a metre down and found not just a range of artefacts dating back to the 1500's, but a preserved path and gully built by the English army outside their fort. This little 5m by 1metre section has told us that the maps are right. What we didn't expect to find was that beside the wall was a walkway between the wall and a ditch, and in the ditch we have found a wooden gully. The wood survived because it was deep enough, he said. We reckon after they built the fort, there was diffi culty with flooding, so they imported clay to make the raised path, he said. They have also found many pieces of glazed pottery from the mid 1500's, including one with a lovely raised wheel design. I am not sure if it is a piece of a tile or a bowl, but it is post medieval so it came from the time the fort was in full swing, Dr Sullivan said. There are also pieces of clay pipes, teacups, and from the 19th century, a donkey shoe and several horse shoes, when there was a smithy on the site. On Friday they uncovered a millstone. This is really about finding what activity went on here. Archaeology is about people not things, said Dr Sharon Greene, senior supervisor on the site. Portlaoise archaeologist Sean Murray, was thrilled with the dig. It's almost a dream come true, since I was a child I've walked past the fort and wondered about it. It's really interesting that we have found this road that people walked across in the 1500's, said Sean, who works by day in Abbeyleix Heritage Centre, and runs the Laois Archeology facebook page. Hopefully the council keeps investing in heritage projects like this, he said. Many shopowners, residents and children from the Holy Family schools visited the excavation, welcomed by the archaeologists who happily explained their work. The dig was funded by Laois County Council and Laois Heritage, and the site will soon become part of the town's new county library. The Fort Protector was the first English garrison built in Ireland, still 75 percent intact, with some walls absorbed into town buildings. It is now the subject of a conservation project by Laois Heritage Society, funded by the Heritage Council and Laois County Council. The Old Fort Quarter Festival takes place in Portlaoise on June 2, 24 and 25. A book of condolences has been opened in Mountmellick in Laois, to mark the recent bombing in Manchester. The book is available for the public to sign, in the porch of the Hare's Corner restaurant at the MDA, opposite the town's park. With handcrafted wool 'forget-me-not' flowers on its cover, the book marks the shared industrial and craft history between both places, with Mountmellick once called the 'Manchester of Ireland', such was the amount of industries there. It moreso marks the many friends and family that the community has in Manchester, long a destination for Irish emigrants. Local craft enthusiast Nina Horan and her lifelong friend Hillary Donnolly (nee Riordan) who is now settled in Manchester, are behind the thoughtful gesture. Hillary will present the signed book to Manchester Town Hall. Her young daughter had attended a Bruno Mars concert in the same arena just a fortnight before the bombing. "Many people in the community of Mountmellick have relatives & friends in Manchester. While we understand that every terrorist attack, no matter where it occurs, is a crime of unspeakable hatred, Manchester is close to many of our hearts. We would really appreciate you just popping in to sign it," said Nina, thanking her friend Dolores McRedmond for the handmade flowers and heart that decorate the book. The suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena on May 22, killed 23 adults and children, and wounding 116 more, at a concert by young pop star Ariana Grande. She returns to headline a star studded fundraising gig at the arena this Sunday. Mountmellick's book will be available to sign until June 7. Portlaoise Parish could be about to become the first parish in Ireland to stream its annual cemetery mass live on the internet, according to the town's parish priest. The Mass will be celebrated this June at the Ss Peter and Paul Cemetery on Portlaoise's Stradbally Road. It will be streamed live on the parish website http://www.portlaoiseparish.ie/ Large crowds attend every year to pay their respects to bereaved relatives and friends. Portlaoise's Parish Priest Msgr John Byrne believes this year's Mass will be a first and be important to the the town's diaspora and elderly. "It could be the first in the country if not the world. There is huge congregation that comes to the Mass every year. We are very aware of people from Portlaoise who live abroad but who have family buried in the cemetery," he told the Leinster Express. He also believes the streaming will prove popular among elderly people and those who cannot attend for other reasons. The parish is no stranger to live streaming. Live pictures have been streamed 24 hours on the parish website since 2008 after SS Peter & Paul's underwent a major renovation under the guidance of Msgr Byrne. Many Masses and other events at the parish church are shown live online. There is a spike in hits on the Parish website for special occasions including funerals. Msgr Byrne says the parish gets very positive feedback from Portlaoise people and relatives who live abroad or who cannot attend after funerals are broadcast. The mass will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4 at 1pm. The Laois mother of a child who was killed by a drink driver has hit at the 'shameful' opposition of politicians and publicans to tough new drink driving laws. Portarlington mother Gillian Treacy walked with difficulty to the stage of the Road Safety Authority's conference, to deliver a powerful speech urging support of tougher drink driving laws, as proposed by Minister for Transport Shane Ross. Her son was killed by a drunk driver while she suffered life changing injuries which still impact on her life. "I'm disillusioned by the campaign mounted by the vintners to undermine the Minister's efforts to saves lives. Equally shameful is the reluctance of some of our political representatives who on one hand say they don't endorse drink driving, and yet refuse to support the measures the Minister is making to protect people's lives, people like me, and people living in rural Ireland, from drink drivers," she said. "I'd go as far as to say the opposition to this bill is an insult to my family and the memory of Ciaran," Mrs Treacy said, urging politicians to "please stop putting narrow vested interests ahead of people's lives". With her husband Ronan, they took the brave move to share their pain of losing four year old Ciaran, in an emotional campaign by the RSA across television and radio. "I want to thank the public for their kind words of support, since we stepped into the public spotlight to share our story, and also those people who have changed their attitude towards drink driving since hearing about Ciaran," she said. "While everyone has seen how drink driving has changed our lives, what the view can never experience is the void it leaves. The pain never goes away. I don't want any other family in this country to live the nightmare we are living every day," Mrs Treacy said. When starting her speech, she had said "I should be driving home right now after dropping my three children to school. I wish I wasn't standing here this morning talking to you". Mrs Treacy suffered serious injuries in the crash in 2014 that killed her son. She was helped down off the stage after her speech. The drunk driver who crashed into her car, Finbarr O'Rourke from Portlaoise, is currently serving a prison sentence for the crime. The video is courtesy of the Irish Road Victims Association. Laois TD Charlie Flanagan is pleased that extra funding for childcare is now available in Laois A new subsidised childcare funding scheme was launched nationally this week. Laois TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan is pleased that extra funding for childcare is now available in Laois. Speaking on the matter, Minister Flanagan stated: From September every child aged between 6-months and 3-years in registered childcare will get some level of support. "The child can be in full or part-time registered childcare. There will be no minimum number of hours and no maximum number of weeks for eligibility. "I encourage every family in County Laois to examine their entitlements to make sure they get the full benefit of whats on offer. "Let me assure Laois families that this will lead to a sea of change in how childcare is provided in Ireland." Over the coming weeks, childcare centres in Laois will receive a letter inviting them to be a registered provider offering state subsidised schemes. Private Early Education Providers (PEEP), the national organisation representing private childcare providers, is raising concern on how the Government want childcare providers to implement the Universal Childcare Subsidy. PEEPs key areas of concerns include vague information they have received about signing up to the scheme and the Governments plan to roll out the administration through an existing subvention scheme Community Childcare Subvention Private (CCSP). As it currently operates, the CCSP scheme requires significant administration time and there are considerable delays in sanctioning payments. For private childcare providers to be able to deliver the universal subsidy they will have to sign up to a system that they say is not fit for purpose. A 'programme rules' document has been mentioned to childcare providers by the Government but PEEP say no further details of this have been outlined. Regina Bushell, Chair of (PEEP) said We want parents to have access to the new subsidy. But, not unreasonably, we want childcare providers to be adequately supported to deliver the scheme in a sustainable way. The Government needs to act quickly and listen to our concerns and try and turn these issues around before its too late. Read more about the new funding plan here. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A unique Irish Military Seminar takes place at the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge from June 9 to 11. Co. Kildares association with the military spans many centuries and continues to the present day. The aim of the seminar is to look at all aspects of Irish military history, drawing chiefly on events and personnel from within our nations past, said the organisers. Hosted by Kildare County Council's Decade of Commemorations Committee, in association with Irelands Military Story, Merrion Press, June Fest and Into Kildare, the inaugural Irish Military Seminar is bound to attract a lot of attention. The event will kick off with a special showing of the film, Congo An Irish Affair at 3.15pm on Friday, 9 June. All former and serving Defence Forces personnel are invited to attend this free event. A new book, The War Memoirs of Lieut. Col. C.M.L. Clemets MC will be launched by Brig Gen Joe Mulligan GOC, Curragh at 5.45 pm on Friday, June 9 in the foyer of the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. This will be followed by two talks on Thomas Ashe and The Congo. All are welcome to attend these free events. Participants in the seminar include: Helen Litton, John Dorney, Lar Joye, Dan Harvey, James Durney, Declan Power, Justin Horgan, Dr. Helene OKeeffe and Maurice OKeeffe, Wesley Bourke, Kenneth Dawson, UN Peacekeepers, Vietnam Veterans, Irish Military Vehicles Group, Lord Edwards Own and Farrell & Nephew Bookstore. Topics will cover 1798 Rebellion; The Fenians; American Civil War; Thomas Ashe (100th Anniversary of his death); Civil War in Dublin; WWI and WWII; Luftwaffe POWs; Jadotville, the Congo and Beyond; and the Vietnam War. On Sunday, June 11 there is a field trip to the Rath of Mullaghmast: Massacre at Mullaghmast A Game of Thrones This includes a visit to the Rath with archaeologist Noel Dunne and a short performance by Griese Youth Theatre. Refreshments will be available afterwards at Burtown House (In conjunction with the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups.) Admission is free to the seminar (minimal cost for field trip), however, booking is essential at 045 448327. Contact: cilldara2016@gmail.com or localhistory@kildarecoco.ie 045 448350 or 087 9871046 This is part of the Creative Ireland initiative - Creative Kildare 2017. Fourteen students and three lecturers from James Madison University, Virginia, USA arrived in Rathangan last Monday May 29 for an eight day visit. Rathangan Tidy Towns is undertaking an International Partnership Project with Waterways Ireland and James Madison University. The students are looking at community-based research projects that foster a sense of place, and raise the awareness of Ireland's rich heritage with the canal at its heart. The visitors come from a range of disciplines including Ecology, Political Science, Justice Studies, Music, Anthropology, Writing Studies/Communications and Theatre. A special forum has been organised at the RYARC centre (Rathangan Community Centre) tomorrow night, (Friday June 1) where a panel of experts will answer their questions. Paddy O'Byrne hosts the event which will discuss Rathangan's rich history, culture, and environment. The speakers are Seamus Kelly, Michael Jacob, Padraig Doyle, Fiona O'Loughlin TD, John Hoey and Cllr Mark Stafford. Arising from its participation in the development of Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan 20162020, Rathangan was invited to host the study abroad project which will include town, river and wildlife heritage. The students will also review Rathangan Tidy Towns reports for the three years and make recommendations. A massive prize fund of 3,000 is up for grabs for the best dressed window for the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. One of the racing highlights of the year, the festival takes place at The Curragh Racecourse from Friday June 30 to Sunday July 2. Now in its third year, the competition was launched yesterday (May 31) with the help of jockeys, Dylan Hogan and Gary Halpin who very sportingly allowed themselves to be wrapped up in flags and bunting to promote the competition. The duo work with legendary Curragh trainer, Kevin Prendergast and had great fun getting into the spirit of the occasion. The competition, which is sponsored by Dubai Duty Free urges local businesses in Newbridge and Kildare Town to go all out and decorate their shopfronts in a bid to reflect the spirit of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. A prize fund of 3,000 is up for grabs, courtesy of the festival title sponsor and airport retailer, Dubai Duty Free. The best window or shop front will win 1,500 and a VIP day in the private Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Pavilion on derby day on July 1. Second place will win 1,000 and four general admission tickets for the big race day, while third place will be awarded 500 and four general admission tickets to the races. Entrants should take inspiration from Dubai, travel and horse racing. READ MORE: Chanelle McCoy named as style ambassador for Irish Derby at the Curragh Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin said, This is our 10th year as title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and over the years we have created a myriad of ancillary events that happen both on and off the track. The Best Dressed Window Competition encourages the local community to engage with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival in a meaningful and fun way. We know that this festival is very important to businesses who operate locally and that is why we are happy to support this competition and would like to encourage people to have some fun and embrace more than the race. Flags, bunting and posters will be available for shops to use in their displays. Entries are now open for shops and buildings in Newbridge and Kildare Town. Businesses must first register their interest by emailing Niamh McNamara at OBrien PR tooffice@obrienpr.com , telephone (045) 407017. By registering your interest, a starter pack will be prepared for you which will contain some bunting, two flags and some posters where you can include any particular in store promotions you are running to celebrate the festival. Once your window or building is decorated, you then must email one good quality image of your display to OBrien PR, not forgetting to outline the name of your business and address. The closing date for entries is 12 noon on Friday, June 23. Judging will take place on Wednesday June 28 when the Executive team at Dubai Duty Free will view each display in person. The winner will be selected on judging day. All displays must remain in place until Monday July 3. For further details contact Niamh McNamara or Avila Lipsett at OBrien PR (045) 407017 or emailoffice@obrienpr.com READ MORE: Check out the new look Kildare racecourse for the 2017 season Carrick-on-Shannon Lotto players are this morning being urged to check their tickets following Wednesdays (31st May) 2 million jackpot win. The winning Quick Pick selection ticket was sold on Tuesday 30th May at Kennedys Topaz Store in Attyfinlay, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Incredibly, this is the second Lotto jackpot win for Co. Leitrim in the past 12 months. Last August, a lucky syndicate purchased their winning Lotto jackpot ticket worth over 11 million in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim. The winning Lotto numbers were: 15, 31, 33, 34, 36, 43 Bonus 39 The National Lottery advises players to check their tickets. If youre the lucky ticketholder, sign the back of the ticket and contact the National Lottery Prize Claims Team on 01 836 4444. So check your tickets you could be a 2 million euro richer! Owner of the winning Topaz Store in Carrick-on-Shannon, Kevin Kennedy said, "I still cant believe this incredible news. This is a fantastic win for one of our very lucky customers. Theres a great buzz in the town this morning but we havent heard any news from our winner as of yet. We wish them all the luck in the world with their 2 million windfall. "This is our biggest Lotto win to date and its a dream come true for us and our lucky customer. We have sold a lot of winning scratch cards in the past but nothing of this magnitude, he said. Meanwhile, Lotto players from last Saturdays (27th May) 4,541,179 jackpot draw are being reminded to check their tickets carefully. A National Lottery spokesperson said, "We are still waiting to hear from our winning ticketholder for last Saturdays Lotto jackpot, worth over 4.5 million. The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at An Post in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin on Friday 26th May. We would urge all players to check their tickets and if it is a winner, sign it and contact our Claims Team on 01-836 4444." Want to share that winning feeling? Fridays EuroMillions jackpot is a humongous 150 million (est). Play in store, on the National Lottery App or online by 7.30pm on Friday evening for your chance to win. Theres a super profile in The Courier of Elizabeth Riches, our excellent candidate in North East Fife. The reporter sent to follow her for the day was obviously impressed, saying that she is full of charm and charisma. When I read it, I thought that this is definitely the Elizabeth I know. Elizabeth is full of charm and charisma, chatting to everyone she meets, whatever their political preferences. You have to listen to what concerns people; individuals have their worries and theres no point in pontificating about things that hold no interest, she says. Some are worried about their childrens education and the fact Elmwood College cant offer the courses it used to, or they might be concerned about lack of broadband. As an MP, Id find solutions. This is a unique moment for the country. This election is probably far more important than any well have for a long time and I would really make a difference to North East Fife. Ill use my experience as a teacher, councillor for the East Neuk and deputy leader of Fife Council to serve the best interests of the area. The article also has conversations with voters, many of whom are impressed with Elizabeth. What comes across, though, is the long record of service the people of North East Fife has had from its local councillors. What an incredible foundation of goodwill they have built. Bob Stewart, 52, is fed up of the SNP and wants a change. Could he be persuaded to join the Lib Dems? Ive been with the SNP for years but Im very disillusioned with them at the moment, he scowls. I helped the party for years, putting up posters and dishing out leaflets. But when I needed help from them, there was a distinct lack of contact. When I needed a gate fixed, it was the Lib Dems who helped out. Ill never vote SNP again. The Lib Dems may well have my vote. Susan and Margaret OBrien say theyre voting neither SNP nor Tory and leave Elizabeth to guess as to how theyll mark their ballot papers. Many years ago, the former councillor Bob Nairn (who was Lib Dem) helped me, and I was always very grateful, says Susan. * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings Tim Farron has challenged Theresa May to sort out her mate Donald Trump on climate change. After the President announced his intention to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, the Lib Dem leader told Theresa May: You have gone to Washington to hold Donald Trumps hand, now is the time to hold his feet to the fire. If the special relationship between the Prime Minister and Mr Trump actually exists, it exists for moments like this. We need to make him see sense on climate change. Prime Minister: if your special relationship with Donald Trump means anything, prove it. Norman Lamb has the endorsement of a heavyweight today. Frank Bruno, who is a great supporter of Normans work as health minister although he doesnt support any political party, is visiting North Norfolk to campaign for him. From the Eastern Daily Press: Since meeting Mr Lamb during his time as a Health Minister, the pair have worked together on a number of initiatives to improve mental health support. Bruno, who is not party political, is a long-time ambassador for people suffering from mental health problems and has spoken of his own experiences with bipolar disorder and will join Mr Lamb on the campaign trail. The pair have worked together on a number of initiatives to improve mental health support. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Lamb said: Frank is an inspiring champion for mental health. He has spoken very candidly about his experiences, and shares my passion to fight for change. He knows how vital it is that we have MPs in the next parliament who will stand up for people with mental ill health. It will be a pleasure to welcome him back to North Norfolk. The meeting point is the Market Cross at 11.30am. Norman and Frank expect to be in North Walsham town centre for at least an hour. This election is all up in the air with just over a week to go and the key message going out to Lib Dems everywhere is target, target, target. I agree 100% with one caveat. When I wake up (or perhaps more realistically; go to sleep) on 9th June I would like us to have more MPs. Whilst the number of likely gains is small in number, each one will be a massive boost to the party and the hard-won result of hours and hours of volunteers delivering, canvassing and promoting those candidates. My one caveat however, is that I would be very disappointed if our parliamentary party was not more diverse. I know that hundreds of activists have been supporting many of our fantastic women standing for parliament in held and previously held seats; from Sarah Olney to Jo Swinson; Tessa Munt to Christine Jardine there has been a clear awareness of the need to ensure the Liberal Democrat MPs in this next parliament arent all men. However, another element of diversity the party does not seem to be following through on, as strongly, is ensuring the ethnic diversity of our MPs. We have a very strong chance to elect one such MP in Amna Ahmad, the incredible candidate for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park and who I have been fortunate enough to be campaigning for over the past four days. There is an incredible opportunity here for our party but we need people to support Amna and the team here as they push to regain the seat. Its going to be very close but Amna needs that last push now to get people voting for her which I know she can do with your support, especially at action days this coming weekend. Amna is has passion to drive for change, seen through her involvement with the development of the 1p in the pound funding pledge for NHS, social care and mental health funding that became party policy and a flagship manifesto commitment. Amna is also championing the local NHS, (including St Helier) and local schools and will fight against the proposed conservative cuts. Amna will be the strong, campaigning MP that this constituency needs. Sutton is also a great borough to visit, and Ive been getting to know it street by street! The team here are fantastic and extremely welcoming; but if you cant get down here in person then there are other ways to help through donations, phone-banking or sending stamps! I know I will be very frustrated if we miss out here by a handful of votes and Im appealing to anyone within touching distance of Sutton to come and help Amna out. Theres also.an added bonus in Sutton Borough you can campaign for Tom Brake in neighbouring Carshalton and Wallington where he is defending his seat against a UKIP / Conservative alliance. Passing motions on diversity is all well and good, but when we have the opportunity to make that change and get strong ethnic minority candidates elected we need to step up and make it happen because others wont always be there to do it for us. You can sign up to help this coming weekend here Saturday & Sunday or pledge your support here. * Edward Sainsbury irst joined the Lib Dems in 2011 and blogs from www.esainsbury.wordpress.com I am just this minute in from a nights canvassing and havent yet watched Tim Farrons interview with Andrew Neil. I will do so in a bit and add in some commentary here but you may wish to discuss it in the meantime. Its available on iPlayer here if you havent seen it either. So, Im going to watch it and comment as I go. Neil starts provocatively, stating that we wanted to have our laws made in Brussels and have no control of our borders. Tim wisely immediately responded by saying that it was important that we give the people the final say on the Brexit deal. If Theresa May is making a choice about the most extreme choice of Brexit, people should have the say over it, he said. He talked about Theresa May ripping up our free trade deal but Andrew Neil kept interrupting him and not letting him answer. He says that the best deal is one that leaves us in the single market. Neil says that staying in the single market is not leaving the EU Tim reminded us that Farage and co had spent years telling us we could be like Norway. He also made the point that the French could not exclude our exports of beef and lamb after foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. He says the the single market keeps prices low and is important for jobs. The conversation then moved on to the idea of Tim being a Eurosceptic. Tim said it was important to challenge power at every level and its possible to do that and still believe in the European ideal. There then followed a really awful section where every time Tim tried to speak, Neil interrupted him. It was not pretty to watch. Neil had put to Tim that we would campaign to remain if we got a referendum on the deal. Tim, I feel, should have just said straight up. You bet we would and then go on to explain that any deal would be worse for us than we currently have. He should have been pretty provocative and said that he spoke for all the people of this country who would suffer from a badly executed Brexit. He spoke not just for the 48% who voted to Remain whose wishes are being totally disrespected by the Government, but also those who voted Leave on the basis of a misleading campaign, thinking that they were getting 350 million a week for the NHS. Im maybe being a bit harsh because its one thing sitting here on my sofa and quite another being in that studio with someone who has no interest in making anyone look good. I have long worried that our line on Brexit is trying to keep too many people on board. Its too carefully crafted. We should just say what the party actually wants and that is to campaign full throttle against Brexit. Its an honourable position that we should proudly and boldly advance. Its easy to be a sofa strategist, but I wonder where we would now be if we had said on the day the election was called something like: If I walk into Downing Street as PM on 9th June, the political earthquake that would have brought that about would entirely justify revoking Article 50 and that would be my first act. If we had taken that more robust line, we may well have lost some people along the way but we could also have gained. I am being too hard here because it is pretty darned audacious to go out on a limb against the power of the right wing media. We have been doing that pretty constantly for the past year if not longer. All Im saying is that if wed gone a step further, we might have seriously grabbed the agenda. Nobody would have ignored a bold statement like that. Anyway, back to the interview. The subject moved on to surveillance. Tim argued against knee jerk responses which took away the freedoms of innocent people, as you would expect a Liberal to do. He made the point that we have plenty powers but the government has not properly put in place the resources to enable the police to do their job. He cited the example of the bombers family having raised concerns about him five times but nothing was done. He also explained the very reasonable plan to tell people that they had been under surveillance if they had been found innocent under much pressure from Neil who sought to make it sound as if they would be told while they were being watched, which is ridiculous. Neil then tried to have the tuition fees argument again. Tim talked about our education priorities = reversing cuts in schools budget and maintenance grants. Neil was rude, condescending and aggressive all the way through. He spoke to Tim as if he were a headmaster in a private school and Tim was a first year. The best interviews are where there is a genuine attempt to enlighten the viewer and its a serious conversation. On this point, Neil failed. To be honest, he looked like an aggressor rather than an interlocutor from the start. He let his obvious dislike for his interviewee get in the way. Tim did very well to make some very good, liberal points on counter-terrorism, Brexit, social care, education and our penny on tax for health. He missed a couple of opportunities to make points more succinctly but thats hardly surprising given Neils appalling behaviour. I have to say, though, that I wonder what they were saying to each other when the interview was over and the credits were running. * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings THE MAYOR of Limerick, along with three councillors and one member of the councils executive, will travel to Boston this week to further strengthen ties with the American city. Mayor Kieran OHanlon and Cllrs Michael Collins, Elenora Hogan and Joe Leddin will be leading a Limerick group of around 60 people on the one-week trip in Boston. The full delegation includes representative from civic, business, education, cultural and sporting life in Limerick. Also travelling are the councils Deputy Chief Executive Pat Daly, representatives from Limerick GAA, Shannon Foynes Port Company, Shannon Group, LIT, Mary Immaculate College and Garryowen Comhaltas. I will be signing a letter of friendship with the Mayor of Boston. There are a fair amount of things happening while we are over there, so the councillors will attend events on my behalf as well, said Mayor OHanlon. The Mayor of Boston, Martin Walsh, invited Mayor OHanlon to sign the friendship agreement, which its hoped will enable us to strengthen and deepen the already strong linkages between Limerick and Boston. A number of events have been organised to showcase Limerick and an ideal place to visit and also invest in. The events include a Mass, a business lunch, meetings with colleges and a parade. The mayor will also be visiting companies in Boston, including Analog Devices, which is based in Massachusetts. This visit was approved by the full meeting of Limerick City and County Council, and the estimated cost per council member is 2,000. As part of the visit, a new link for the mayoral chain, commemorating the centenary of the birth of John F Kennedy, will be presented to Mayor OHanlon. The new gold link, which costs approximately 4,000, is being sponsored by the Shannon Group. While the trip is not expected to yield an immediate jobs or investment return, it is hoped that the connections made will help the two cities to develop together in future. I hope this will create a lasting friendship with Boston, and that Limerick will continue to benefit from this letter that we will be signing. We are making people aware of what Limerick has to offer. From a sporting perspective, cultural, educational facilities, business attractions, said Mayor OHanlon. A YOUNG Limerick man appeared in court twice on the same day to face separate charges of breaching a Safety Order taken out by his former partner. The 19-year-old, who lives in the Kings Island area of the city, was initially brought before Limerick District Court after a bench warrant for his arrest was executed by gardai. The warrant, which was issued earlier this year, relates to an incident on November 20, last when its alleged the defendant called to the womans home. Having been released on bail, the defendant was brought back before the court again less than 90 minute later to face new charges. Garda Brian Begley gave evidence of arresting the teenager at his home a short time after the ealier court appearence and charging him in relation to an incident on April 19, last. Again, its alleged the defendant breached the terms of the Safety Order by approaching his ex partner at Arthurs Quay and asking her for 20 before running off. While there was no objection to bail, gardai sought to have a number of conditions imposed on the young man. Judge Mary Larkin agreed and she ordered that the man live at his home address and that he not have any contact with his ex partner pending the conclusions of the proceedings. The defendant was ordered to surrender his passport to gardai and he must not approach the house where his former partner lives. Both of the matters are due before the court again on separate dates in September. Solicitor Darach McCarthy indicated that his client will be contesting the charge relating to the earlier of the two incidents. A COUNTY Limerick teacher was in a Saudi Arabian school when a gunman killed two people and injured another on Wednesday. Residents were warned to avoid the area around Kingdom School in Riyadh after a disgruntled employee opened fire. Annie Selwyn, from Doon, was in the building at the time and was forced to hide in a cupboard. She spoke to her father, Pakie OBrien this Thursday morning from Saudi Arabia. She and other teachers hid in a cupboard after they heard the gunshots. She was very upset, naturally, this morning. It is very worrying she is so far away but thank God she is alright, he said. "Our sympathies go out to the people who were killed. You hear about these stories so often but they never come to your own door, added Pakie. Annie is one of seven siblings and is from a very popular and well known family in Doon. Pakie, his wife Anne and daughter Mary English ran Annes shop in the village until very recently. Annie, who is married to Jon, has been working in Saudi Arabia for two years. No children were present in the exclusive fee-paying school at the time of the shooting. CEO of Kingdom Holding and chairman of Kingdom Schools, Talal Al-Maiman said: "It is with regret that the administration building of Kingdom Schools witnessed this morning a shooting incident by an Arab national who was dismissed from the school four years ago on the basis of anger issues and an unstable personality." Saudi newspaper Okaz reported the shooter was an Iraqi teacher who had been fired from the school. THE new president of the University of Limerick has said that he would not have sanctioned the payment of nearly $100,000 for the online doctorates of two staff members in Florida - approved by its former president - given the university's world ranking. Dr Des Fitzgerald, who was recently appointed head of UL for a ten-year term, said that the continued revelations regarding spending in UL, including the payment of numerous six-figure severance packages not sanctioned by the Department of Education & Skills, are "shocking". Six-figure severance payments to staff and mounting costs to the State in investigating a series of allegations of misconduct in UL through a series of reviews have climbed to over 2.1m, new figures show. Sums of up to $100,000 (89,000) were spent by UL for the online doctorates of two employees in the human resources department, including their travel costs and hotel accommodation in Florida, to attend a ceremony at Walden University. UL is listed in the 500-550 bracket of the best universities in the QS world rankings league table, while Walden University is not listed at all in that guide. "Those sort of degrees are not at the standard which I would like our students to see as being something they should aspire to, or our academics either. UL has paid for many people to have the opportunity to have a postgraduate education and most of it is done internally. I think it is appropriate for the institution to do that, said Dr Fitzgerald in a wide-ranging interview with the Limerick Leader. I don't think its appropriate to pay for degrees that our own staff would not think is of any value. Its a legitimate university [Walden], but if you take the rankings of universities I would prefer to see staff going to well-ranked universities. The one in Florida is not a well-ranked university, so its not a place I think people should be aspiring to go to. Now, going forward, I would not approve 50,000 for people to have that type of training, he said. However, under correspondence received under the Freedom of Information Act, UL earlier defended the payment of these doctorates. Walden University is a recognised leader in the provision of online distance learning and has enrolled students from over 150 countries, it stated. It added that the skills and competencies acquired from participation on this programme are of key importance to the University of Limericks talent management and that the employees who availed of them interact at the most senior management level within the university and with academics locally, nationally and internationally. The correspondence said that in the case of one employee, former UL president Don Barry approved for him to undertake his Doctor of Business Adminstration (DBA) on an online basis as UL does not offer this type of programme. The second member of staffs further education programme was approved by his line manager. Dr Tommy Foy, head of human resources in UL, received a doctorate for his thesis on managing workplace stress for increased performance in an Irish higher education institution from Walden University. Dr Patrick Rockett, of the same department, received his doctorate for focusing on the cost of workplace bullying in Irish universities from the same institution. UL said that in the past five years it has supported 224 staff, including 85 on external programmes, to undertake formal further education, including two staff members of UL to undertake doctoral studies. A total of six protected disclosures have been made by current and former staff of UL to the Higher Education Authority, as well as a litany of other allegations. Among those who received confidential severance packages from UL was the former director of the UL student medical centre, Dr Niall Cahill, who confirmed that he received 209,600 following allegations of bullying against another employee, which he vehemently rejects. In an interview with the Limerick Leader this week, Dr Fitzgerald said he is willing to meet with whistleblowers in UL - at least five of whom have been offered or received large severance packages - pending the advice of the head of a new review - Dr Richard Thorn. The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General also found that some of these severance packages were higher than normal, exceeding the limits of a comparator scheme, and included confidentiality clauses regarded as not appropriate. A UL spokesperson said that confidentiality clauses predated protected disclosure legislation and that since the introduction of the legislation, it is a statutory right, under the act to make a disclosure and this cannot be prevented by any confidentiality clauses. Dr Fitzgerald also has not ruled out that an apology by UL may be warranted to some former employees who raised concerns regarding financial practices, pending the findings of the review when it's completed by September next. The former UCD vice-president also said that UL should not have issued legal proceedings against the Limerick Leader and its former editor in relation to its first report on allegations regarding spending and severance payments in UL, published in September 2015. And at the UL president's dinner on Friday night, Mr Fitzgerald revealed that the Limerick Leader was now his favourite paper. He complimented the Limerick Leader supplement edited by former editor Alan English marking the 40th anniversary of the foundation of NIHE which included a photograph of Richard Harris that conveyed the passion then felt by the Limerick public for establishment of a university. Dr Fitzgerald said he was alarmed, appalled and very concerned by the revelations in an RTE Investigates programme, on spending in third-level institutions, which largely focused on UL. Dr Fitzgerald dismissed suggestions that some staff members in UL have been sent on a long-term sabbatical overseas as a result of their involvement in these allegations, or that any employee has been dismissed from their post. Ive a duty of care to everyone in the institution, including the people who were featured in the programme. Those issues now have to be dealt with in a systematic way," he said. - See the broadsheet editions of the Limerick Leader newspaper for full analysis, plus the full interview with Dr Fitzgerald Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail A new aerial drone is being deployed by Lincolnshire Police in to help tackle hare coursers and search for missing persons. The force is expected to get the unmanned aerial vehicle in the week commencing June 5, which should operational by August following a trial period. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera, it will be able to provide pictures and video from hard to reach terrain including woodland and the coast and find missing people faster than on foot. It could even by used during a firearms incident to relay vital information quickly and safely, or to pinpoint people in burning buildings and assess damage and find people during floods. About 16,000 is being invested to get the first drone operational which includes the cost of the camera, training and licences. A total 150,000 spending is envisaged to roll-out the scheme county-wide with several more drones later this year, depending on how they can be used. Each drone is likely to have a permitted flying range of about 500 metres so they will be transported to launch areas in the back of vehicles. The project is part of Lincolnshire Police's new rural community safety plan which will also see the force receive nine new Ford Kuga 4x4s at a cost of 80,000. (Image: PA) And 500,000 is being invested in new number-plate recognition cameras that automatically read vehicle number plates and check against database records of suspect vehicles of interest. The new initiatives and kit are in response to calls from Lincolnshire Police & Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. He said: "Drones will give our force new capabilities in combatting crime and protecting our communities and residents. Since taking office I have been determined to equip the force with the best available kit to help them keep all our communities safe. "We know that we need more than one drone, it's a question of how many more and where they need to be based to be most effective. The opportunities for drones are endless. "With a new chief constable coming in it's given us an opportunity to look afresh at rural policing. "We are replacing our usual Vauxhall Astras with nine new 4x4s which mean we will be able to get down farm tracks, and access remote villages in icy weather, and if we seize a dog from hare coursers, we can put in the back of the vehicle." Inspector Ed Delderfield, who is leading the drones project, has spent months reviewing the available equipment and assessing the use of drones in other areas across the UK. This is an exciting development and we are looking forward to testing the equipment and scoping out the ways in which it can help with operations, he said. The potential is fantastic and we plan to expand the number of vehicles once we have a firm grasp of how many are required to ensure we have full coverage of the county. Insp Delderfield hopes to obtain a pilots licence within the next few weeks but will be taking the drone to the Lincolnshire Show and the Heckington Show over the summer so the public can see, and ask questions about, the equipment. NFU East Midlands Regional Director, Gordon Corner, said: We havent yet seen the PCCs rural community safety plan but this news is going to be welcomed by our members, depending on how and when the new measures are put in place. Rural crime, including hare coursing is a key issue for the NFU in Lincolnshire. NFU members will have the opportunity to discuss the plans at a meeting on June 26 at 8am at The Granary, Hubberts Bridge, Boston, when Chief Constable Bill Skelly and PCC Mr Jones Marc Jones will be present. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail An internationally acclaimed professor and author has joined the leadership team at the University of Lincoln. Professor Toby Wilkinson, who has moved from the University of Cambridge where he was head and director of international strategy, has been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor in external relations. Professor Wilkinson is now a member of the Universitys Senior Leadership Team in Lincoln and will take a leading role in realising the ambitions set out in the university's new strategic plan. Lincoln is recognised across the UK higher education sector as a bold, ambitious and innovative university which is forging its own path, and in doing so blazing a trail for others, he said. It has a strong sense of identity anchored in its home city and a deep commitment to serving the needs of society, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of its development. Recognised as one of the leading Egyptologists of his generation, Professor Wilkinson is the prize-winning author of 10 books. He has lectured on Ancient Egypt throughout the UK and overseas and was the consultant for the BBCs ground-breaking documentary on the building of the Great Pyramid. His book The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt, was named by The Times, The Sunday Times, BBC History Magazine and The Washington Post as one of the history books of the year, and won the Hessell-Tiltman Prize for the best popular history of 2010. He read Egyptology at the University of Cambridge, graduating with first class honours and winning the Universitys Thomas Mulvey Prize. He then took his PhD at Cambridge, where he subsequently held the prestigious Lady Wallis Budge Junior Research Fellowship in Egyptology. After two years at Durham University as a Leverhulme Trust Special Research Fellow in the Department of Archaeology, he returned to Cambridge in 1999. Toby has been a Fellow of Clare College in Cambridge since 2003. Prior to joining the International Strategy Office, he was development director at Clare College in Cambridge and served as chairman of the Cambridge Colleges Development Group. Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, said: We are delighted to welcome Toby to the University of Lincoln. He brings stature and strengths as an academic and as a leader which will enhance our senior team enormously. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Our free email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox A man found carrying a large sword in a market place was trying to sell it to buy alcohol. Aigar Norowski, 28, of James Street, took the sword from his landladys living room and arranged to meet an alleged antiques dealer to sell it for cash. Norowski, of James Street, Boston, admitted possessing a bladed article in a public place without a good reason, when he appeared at Boston Magistrates Court. Marie Stace, prosecuting, said police were told at 4.30am on May 13, that there was a man carrying a large sword in the Market Place and they found Norowski in an alleyway with the sword discarded nearby. He told the officers he had been out drinking and had 'drunk a lot' before he had run out of money. Ms Stace said Norowski said he had met a man who had agreed to buy a sword from him that he had at home and had gone home to get it but when he returned to the town centre had not been able to find him and did not know his name. She said he said he had seen the police and thought they might take him or the sword and had gone into the alleyway. She added he had told officers it was not an offence to carry a sword in his own country (Russia) and he had not known it was illegal to carry one here. Mitigating, Beris Brickles said the sword was in its scabbard and had belonged to his landlady who kept it in her front room. He said Norowski had been drinking heavily and had met someone who was 'some sort of antique dealer' and he had mentioned the sword and the man had said he might be interested in buying it so, as he wanted more alcohol, he had gone home to get it. There is no allegation or threat of violence, Mr Brickles told the magistrates, adding that it was not clear how many people were around at 4.30 in the morning. The motivation for this offence was not to cause harm but to buy drink, he said. The magistrates told Norowski he was a 'very silly man'. The sword could have been taken from you and used against you, they said. He was fined 333 and ordered to pay 118 in costs and charges. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail A police helicopter has been seen circling the North Hykeham area near Lincoln as people claimed seeing a man walking with a pistol. One resident contacted Lincolnshire Live to say they had seen a police helicopter circling the Brant Road and Newark Road area. And police also sent out armed response officers to the North Hykeham and Brant Road area. It came as a number of posts on Facebook suggested a man had been seen in the Tiber Road area with what was described as a pistol. Social media reports suggested he was seen walking past the Co-operative store towards Mill Lane. A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: "We have been in the North Hykeham and Brant Road area this morning following reports of a man in possession of a weapon. "After carrying out searches with officers from armed response vehicles and the police helicopter we believe the call was made in good faith but was incorrect. "This was a standard response to an incident of this nature and we always act in this manner to ensure public safety." A worker from Manor Farm Chip Shop, who did not wish to be named, said: Its the most action weve seen in North Hykeham for a long time. Another North Hykeham resident added: We nearly didnt come to the park as my daughter had sent me a text telling about the sighting and I was worried for mine and my grandchilds safety. Have you seen anything? Contact the news desk on 01522 804300 Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail Police have criticised a Skegness pub after a man lost his eye as a result of an assault with a glass. The 30-year-old victim, Carl Benham, was assaulted with a glass and rushed to hospital. The incident happened at the Marine Boathouse pub, Lumley Road, Skegness, just after 11pm on February 25. He sustained a serious eye injury and was treated at Boston Pilgrim Hospital but his eye couldn't be saved. Police called for a review soon after the incident. Following investigations police found drinking glasses and bottles being used for customers were made of float glass. Toughened glass, if it breaks, is designed to crumble into small granular chunks whereas float glass splinters. The Marinas premises licence states both the drinking glasses and the bottles must be made by toughened glass. In its statement to East Lindsey District Council, the chief constable wrote: The police believe that the staff at the premises did not do enough to comply with their obligation to prevent crime and disorder. At the time of the incident there was one door supervisor on each door. Prior to the incident, the victim and the offender were engaged in a verbal confrontation which alerted door supervisors, who then went and spoke to them both. The glassing then happened in front of both door supervisors with at least one them witnessing the glass smash into the victims face with such force that the glass was seen to smash. Despite this no member of the staff at the premises called the police or ambulance service. It was about an hour later the emergency services were notified, but still not by any member of the premises staff. The report went on to say that Mr Benham was made leave the Marine by door supervisors who should have detained him while the emergency services were called. By not notifying police about the nature of the offence it took nearly a week for a suspect to be identified and interviewed, and has seriously hampered the investigation, he wrote. It is the third time in the last decade that the Marine has been subject of a premises licence review called by Lincolnshire Police previous review hearings took place in 2008 and 2012. The previous review hearings related to CCTV provision at the premise and underage drinking. To date no venue in the East Lindsey District has been the subject of more than three premises licence reviews. The police said, to date, it is still unknown if there is enough evidence to prosecute. The police feel all drinks at the Marine should be in plastic cups after 9pm and all drinking vessels other than this should be removed from public spaces by 10pm. The review is to take place at Tedder Hall, Manby Park, Louth, on June 16, 2pm. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail A Lincolnshire woman struggled with a police officer because she had obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and couldn't bear to be touched. Ella Cerenkova of Acacia Avenue, Spalding admitted stealing a curtain from the town's B & M store. When she was caught by police she put up a fight and struggled to get free. She has since appeared at Boston Magistrates Court charged with the offences of fraud, assaulting an officer and theft. Prosecuting, Marie Stace said that at 11.35am on May 15, a store detective saw Cerenkova behaving suspiciously and saw her place a curtain, which it later transpired she had stolen from B & M, in the boot of a car parked on Sainsbury's car park in Holland Market, Spalding. She said police attended and searched the car and she struggled with police as she was arrested. She later told officers she had stolen the curtain on the spur of the moment and that she was struggling with depression and panic attacks and went into one when she was held. Officers also found a driving licence in the name of Eva Vasina in her handbag. Mitigating, Roger Lowther said she had been given a lift into town and had gone into B & M and just walked out with the curtains. He said that when the police came and she was grabbed by a police officer, she had tried to explain that she couldn't bear to be touched as she suffered from OCD. Mr Lowther said the false driving licence found in her bag had been given to her as a joke and she had had no intention of ever using it. Magistrates fined Cerenkova, who had no previous convictions, 100 on each of the three charges and ordered her to pay 115 in costs and charges. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail Thieves have jumped a fence to steal a custom made steering wheel from a classic car that the owner has spent hundreds of pounds on. Bradley Lawson has been restoring his Mark Two Volkswagen Polo Saloon, which was made in 1991, to display at car shows but it was targeted by thieves while he wasn't at home. The speakers, which cost 150, in the car were also taken at the same time as the steering wheel. The 19-year-old, from Billinghay, said he was away for the weekend when the theft took place between May 27 and May 29 - he was looking at student accommodation at the University of Derby. He said: "It's made by an American company, Grip Royal, and it had been imported. There is only five of these steering wheels in the country. "It's made from mahogany and has a chrome effect and they are really hard to come by. "It costs around 250 without the import charge, and that charge is around 30." Mr Lawson added he felt the steering wheel added to the look of the car. "All of the steering wheels are handmade so they are limited edition, you put the order in for them and when they are made they are shipped out to you." He added he was changing the locks on his car when the theft happened which is how the steering wheel was taken. "I was rebuilding the locks on the car as it's really old and it didn't have the locks on it at the weekend. "I had to go to Derby, so it was stolen between Saturday lunch time and Monday evening. "They just opened the door and took it. The house is gated and fenced off - you don't expect them to climb in, get it and then run off. "I walked past the car to go into the house and I saw one of the doors had been left open. He added that his version of the classic car was only made for a year in the 90s before it was discontinued. "It's my pride and joy. "I went door to door in the village asking if anyone had seen anything but no one has." Mr Lawson added he is also offering a 50 reward for anyone who has any information about where the steering wheel is. "I am really annoyed. "I live in a place where there are not many thefts so this has come as a bit of a shock." A police spokesman said: "He has reported having his steering wheel stolen and speakers from his 1991 Mk 2 VW Polo between Saturday and Monday. "The vehicle is a project car that he was working on, he gives an address on Fitzwilliam Place, Billinghay. He has said the total value of stolen property is 400. " Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote incident number 359 of May 31. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our free email alerts for the top daily stories sent straight to your e-mail Police were called out to a Lincolnshire beach following a report of people walking along the beach in the nude. Alford and Mablethorpe Neighbourhood Policing Team attended Theddlethorpe beach near North Somercotes yesterday, Wednesday, May 31. It came following a report of people walking around an area in the sand dunes naked. The policing team took to Facebook to remind people the beach, which is a designated National Nature Reserve, is not a naturist site. The post said: "Your Neighbourhood Team attended at Theddlethorpe beach following a report of persons walking around an area in the sand dunes naked. "Theddlethorpe is NOT a naturist beach!" According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the law states: "In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress (as opposed to considering the likelihood of this)." However, it does become an offence if it can be proved the person had intent to upset and shock. If you do want to strip down to enjoy the warmer weather then there are a number of nudist and clothes-optional destinations across the UK - with some close to Lincolnshire. The nearest official nudist beach to Lincoln is 87 miles away in Norfolk. Holkham Beach has seen some controversy over recent years, with there being a ban on nudity which has recently been lifted to allow visitors to wear as little as they like. Fraisethorpe Beach at Bridlington, is 69.5 miles away from Lincoln, and is an unofficial nudist beach but with a history of council disputes. Fraisethorpe used to be an official naturist beach, with nude bathing on the sands for 30 years or more. However, in the 1990s there was controversy that led to the official designation being taken away. Despite this, naturists still continue to use the beach. There is only one Lincolnshire beach known to naturists: North Cotes Point, which is 38 miles away from Lincoln. The location traditionally used by naturists is difficult to locate, with some people suggesting that going far enough from the nearest car park, about half a mile, to a remote enough spot is all that is required to find visitors sunbathing nude. And if you prefer something slightly more private then there is a naturist caravan site in Lincolnshire, only 34 miles away from the city of Lincoln. Featured in numerous naturist magazines, Lakeside Farm welcomes anyone no matter how little you decide to wear. Lakeside Farm does not have its own beach, it is an entirely clothes optional site, and is located only 11 miles from the more popular tourist destination of Skegness. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. A massive truck bomb exploded Wednesday morning in the diplomatic section of Afghanistan's capital, killing at least 90 people and wounding more than 300 others. A security official speaking on condition of anonymity told VOA the casualty figures hours after the blast. Earlier, Afghan health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Majroh had put the number of deaths at 80, saying it could rise. The bomb ripped through the central Wazir Akbar Khan area of Kabul, home to foreign diplomatic missions and government offices, damaging dozens of vehicles and surrounding buildings. Afghan officials said the explosives were packed in a sewage tanker. A U.S. State Department spokesman said 11 U.S. citizens working as contractors in Afghanistan were injured. None of their injures is considered life-threatening, the spokesman said. The bombing happened in an area not far from the German embassy. Pictures circulated on social media showed the blast turned a portion of the diplomatic mission into ruins. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Twitter an Afghan security guard was among those killed and that a number of employees were wounded. The Afghan Intelligence agency, NDS, in a brief statement, has blamed the Haqqani network, which allegedly is based in neighboring Pakistan and fighting alongside the Taliban. The NDS also asserted that Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, helped in planning the carnage. Afghan officials have blamed Islamabad previously for facilitating insurgent attacks in their country, charges Pakistani officials deny. In response to Duterte's remarks about rape, Clinton, daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton, wrote on Twitter, "Not funny. Ever." Duterte made the rape comment in a speech aimed to show his full support for soldiers enforcing martial law in the southern Philippines. Duterte said he would take responsibility for any abuses committed by troops, even if they rape three women. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte denounced Chelsea Clinton in a vulgar speech Wednesday for her criticism of remarks he made last week about rape. In lashing out at Chelsea Clinton, Duterte said that he was simply being sarcastic. Using a string of expletives, he asked if Clinton had reacted in the same way when her father had an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Duterte also said American forces had raped women in the Philippines and Japan. President Duterte declared martial law in the southern Philippines last week after militants laid siege to the city of Marawi, on Mindanao island. The trouble started after the militants clashed with troops who were pursuing wanted terrorist Isnilon Hapilon, the Philippine head of the Islamic State group. Duterte has vowed to take harsh measures against militants and warned that he might expand martial law nationwide. Dutertes use of martial law has raised concerns among human rights groups, who have accused him of ordering security forces to kill thousands of people as part of his crackdown on illicit drugs. The southern Philippines, particularly the resource-rich but poverty-wracked Mindanao region, has long been a hotbed of activity by fundamentalist groups. The daughter of ex-President Park Geun-hye's confidante Choi Soon-sil returned to Korea on Wednesday after being extradited from Denmark but told reporters she is completely innocent. Chung Yoo-ra was immediately taken in for questioning, and prosecutors plan to seek an arrest warrant for her in connection with alleged influence-peddling and corruption by her mother and Park. Chung Yoo-ra (in handcuffs) arrives at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. She was arrested as soon as she transited to a Korean Air flight at Copenhagen Airport in Denmark on Tuesday. /Newsis Confronted by a sea of microphones at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, Chung said, "I think I was wrongly accused. I don't know what happened between my mother and former President Park." Asked why she finally dropped her appeal against extradition from Denmark, she said, "I thought it would be better to come back to Korea and solve the misunderstanding as my baby was alone for too long." Chung is a single mother. Regarding the allegations that she received illegal favors in admission to Ewha Womans University due to her mother's ties to Park, she said, "They say I received all kinds of benefits, but I really don't know very much... I am still trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together and some of them don't connect." Chung Yoo-ra answers questions from reporters at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. /Newsis Chung, who is believed to have been a major beneficiary of her mother's vast slush funds, had been living in Germany since August of last year. She was granted preferential admission to the prestigious university despite missing almost her whole final year in high school and given passing grades despite failing to attend classes. The ensuing investigation resulted in the resignation of the university president and Chung's expulsion. "I accept the cancellation of my admission to the school because I didn't go there. I don't even know what my major was. I never wanted to go to university," Chung said. She declined to answer questions about when her infant son, who is staying with a nanny in Denmark, will return to Korea. Regarding allegations that she took huge amounts of money her mother extorted from Samsung, ostensibly for her equestrian training, Chung said, "I was told I was one of six equestrians who were sponsored by Samsung, so I thought it was like that." The family lawyer, Lee Kyung-jae, told reporters that prosecutors will have a "tough time" proving any irregularities in her admission to Ewha, not to mention her involvement in extorting the money from conglomerates. Chung was taken to the same remand prison in southern Seoul where her mother is being held. But prosecutors said they intend to make sure they do not contact each other. The U.S. on Tuesday for the first time succeeded in a simulated shoot-down of a full-size intercontinental ballistic missile. The Ground-Based Interceptor missile that hit the target Tuesday constitutes the second of three stages of the U.S. missile defense system for the U.S. mainland. The first stage is to intercept an incoming ICBM with an SM-3 missile fired from an Aegis ship in the Pacific. If that fails, a GBI launched from Alaska or California will intercept the missile above the atmosphere. If that fails as well, a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery or PAC-3 missile on the U.S. mainland is fired. Of the three stages, the second used to be considered the most difficult. But with the successful test, concerns have been laid to rest. The U.S. had succeeded only in four of nine intercept tests since 2004, and the targets were predecessor types of an ICBM. Image data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft shows evidence that Saturn's moon Enceladus may have tipped over, reorienting itself so that terrain closer to its original equator was relocated to the poles. This phenomenon is called "true polar wander." Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn that could host life, may have tipped over long ago. NASA's Cassini orbiter, which has been studying Saturn and its many moons up close since the probe arrived in 2004, has found evidence that Enceladus' axis of rotation has rotated by 55 degrees. That would mean the moon moved more than halfway onto its side. A collision with an asteroid or some other object in deep space may have caused the moon's tilt, NASA officials said in a statement. [Photos: Enceladus, Saturn's Cold, Bright Moon] "We found a chain of low areas, or basins, that trace a belt across the moon's surface that we believe are the fossil remnants of an earlier, previous equator and poles," Radwan Tajeddine, a Cassini imaging team associate at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who led the new study, said in the statement. Tajeddine and his team of researchers suspect that the impact occurred near Enceladus' south pole, he said. There, the icy moon's surface consists of strange-looking, geologically active terrain of a type that scientists call "tiger stripes." The long, linear fractures seen on Enceladus' south pole differ from the texture around the moon's north polar region, where tons craters and fissures point to an old surface unchanged by geological activity. "The geological activity in this terrain is unlikely to have been initiated by internal processes," Tajeddine said. "We think that in order to drive such a large reorientation of the moon, it's possible that an impact was behind the formation of this anomalous terrain." Shortly after Cassini arrived at Saturn, the spacecraft discovered mysterious plumes of water spewing into space from the tiger stripes in the icy moon's surface, hinting at the existence of a subsurface ocean. Whether the tiger-stripe terrain was created by an impact or some other geological process, Tajeddine and colleagues think it likely "caused some of Enceladus' mass to be redistributed, making the moon's rotation unsteady and wobbly," NASA officials said in the statement. "The rotation would have eventually stabilized, likely taking more than a million years. By the time the rotation settled down, the north-south axis would have reoriented to pass through different points on the surface a mechanism researchers call 'true polar wander,'" the statement said. This would explain why the north and south polar regions are so vastly different in texture and geological activity, the researchers suggested. It's possible that the two poles looked the same before something came by and bumped into the little moon, the scientists said. The results of the study by Tajeddine and colleagues were published online in the journal Icarus on April 30. Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. A new fad has been sweeping the nation. Himalayan salt lamps crystals of reddish-hued salt from the world's most mountainous region, that have been chiseled out in the center to place a light bulb or heat lamp. Sellers of these spa-like room accessories claim the lamps can "clear the air of electro-smog," oxygenate the brain, reduce symptoms of such mood disorders as seasonal affective disorder and even improve the immune system. Proponents claim these lamps work in two ways: They attract allergens and pollutants from the air to their surface, and they generate negative ions. "They're pretty. It would be an attractive thing to have on your mantle or your bedside," said John Malin, a retired chemist formerly with the American Chemical Society. However, there is no evidence that these lamps produce meaningful amounts of negatively charged particles, or ions, or that they reduce pollutants in the air. To assess the health claims, scientists need to answer three basic questions: Does Himalayan salt contain any special ingredients that could somehow positively affect health? Do negative ions benefit health? And if they do benefit health, do these lamps produce them in any quantity? Malin said. On all three counts, there is little-to-no evidence supporting the claims, he said. "I kind of feel like it's three strikes and you're out," Malin told Live Science. "I'm sorry to be debunking this, but I just can't find anything scientifically valid in it." [Wishful Thinking: 6 Magic Bullet Cures That Don't Exist] How it's supposed to work Himalayan salt lamps are essentially hunks of rock salt mined from the Himalayas (typically in Pakistan) that have been hollowed out to allow a space for a light bulb or heating element. When they are on, they give off a soft, red glow. But how exactly does a hunk of pretty salt accomplish the myriad health benefits sellers attribute to it? According to Solay Wellness Inc., which sells these lamps, one key to Himalayan salt lamps is that they produce negative ions. "Salt crystal is naturally hygroscopic, absorbing water molecules from the air. You will notice if your salt lamp remains unlit for long periods of time, it will begin to 'cry.' The heat from a small light bulb keeps these beautiful crystals dry and in turn releases negative ions (the healthy ones found in abundance in places like oceans, waterfalls, even your shower) into the air," according to the site. Other sites claim that the crystals attract toxins or pollutants to the rock salt surface because water molecules in the air may also carry pollutants, mold and allergens. The water vapor touches the surface of the salt, depositing these pollutants, then releasing the water vapor, according to DrAxe.com. How the lamps actually work However, these claims have little evidence to back them up and do not make sense from a basic chemistry standpoint, Malin said. One claim is that they produce negative ions that directly improve health. Unless Himalayan sea salt contains high concentrations of other trace minerals compared with ordinary table salt, the predominant ions that could form from a salt lamp are sodium and chloride ions, Malin said. "But salt is really stable, so you heat it up a little bit and nothing really happens," Malin said To dissociate the two ions, people would need to raise the temperature to about 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit (816 degrees Celsius), which cannot be accomplished with a 15-watt light bulb. (If the lamps were hot enough to dissociate the two elements, they would present a fire hazard.) If the negative ions produced come from trace minerals in the salt, then sellers should demonstrate that Himalayan salt contains meaningful quantities of those other ions, he added. So far, no scientist has bothered to test whether rock salt from Pakistan has unique trace elements at high concentrations, he said. Some small amount of water vapor in the air might adhere to the salt's surface, and some of that water vapor might dissociate salt into sodium and chloride ions. But as soon as the water vapor dried, the two ion types would immediately recombine to form salt, so that process is unlikely to produce negative ions either, he said. As for the idea that water vapor in the room attracts pollutants, then sticks to the surface of the lamp, that, too, makes little sense, he said. Some pollutants in the air might, by chance, stick to water vapor on the surface of the lukewarm piece of rock salt, but there's no evidence that the meager heat produced by a light bulb could produce significant amounts of pollutant filtering, he said. "In terms of mass removal of pollutants from the air, I just don't think it can happen," Malin said. Instead, a chunk of charcoal with a fan blowing over it would likely have much better filtering properties, he added. What's more, the amount of air in the room is so huge relative to the size of the rock crystals that few of the pollutants circulating in the room could stick to the surface of the rock salt. Even if the lamps did manage to attract pollutants, the surface of the rock salt would quickly become coated with pollutants and no more could stick. Meanwhile, the air supply is always being replenished, either through ventilation systems or open doors or windows, bringing ever-more air pollutants into the room, he said. Negative ions If salt lamps did generate meaningful concentrations of negative ions, would that be a good thing? Over decades of research, the evidence for negative ionization benefits on health are very weak. A 2013 study in the journal BMC Psychiatry reviewed data from several studies found that overall, negative air ionization has no overall effect on anxiety, mood, sleep or personal comfort. However, those studies did document a slight reduction in depressive symptoms, with higher levels of impact from higher concentrations of negative ionization. The analysis also showed a slight improvement in seasonal affective disorder, even with lower ion concentrations. The explanation for this weak effect is that the sun's stronger rays in the summer produce more negative ions than during the winter, and negative ionizers are potentially mimicking those summer-like conditions, said Dr. Alan Manevitz, a psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. However, a more established way to mimic summer conditions is with light therapy, which has been studied more extensively, he said. Overall, however, for major depression, "there's no strong research evidence that states that it benefits depression at this point in time," Manevitz said. A few isolated studies have shown modest and equivocal effects from negative ionization. For instance, in 1981, researchers at the University of Surrey in England looked at the incidence of stuffiness, nausea, dizziness and headaches in people in an office environment. They found office air had fewer negative ions than is typical outside. So the team conducted a double-blind study and found that the reintroduction of ions reduced the incidence of these symptoms over a 12-week period. The findings were published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. A 1993 study published in the Journal of Human Ergonomics found that negative ions could slightly affect people's circadian rhythms, although they had no impact on anxiety or exercise levels. The strongest evidence supporting any benefit of negative ions is as an antibacterial agent. A 1979 study in the journal Nature showed that high levels of negative oxygen ions could kill bacteria. Ionizers could also reduce the prevalence of surface and airborne bacteria in refrigerators, according to a 2009 study. However, that research applied only to sanitizing food or work surfaces, and did not make any claims about health benefits. The positive results seen in negative ionization studies may be caused by the placebo effect; the few studies showing benefits don't show a clear relationship between perceived benefits and ion concentration, Malin said. "You could have 300 [ions] per cubic centimeter or 1 million per cubic centimeter and people would say, 'Yep, I'm feeling better,'" Malin said. That means it's reasonable to conclude that if there were no added ions in the air but people were told the air had been ionized, they would also report feeling better, he added. "People are always looking for 'holistic' treatments that don't seem to cause systemic side effects and seem healthy on the surface," Manevitz told Live Science. "But consumers have to be careful." Originally published on Live Science. NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and Robert Bigelow, founder of Bigelow Aerospace, talk while standing next to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module on Jan. 16, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aliens are among us. That's the gist of comments made by billionaire space entrepreneur Robert Bigelow on CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday. Could intelligent alien life really exist on Earth and we wouldn't know about it? Not likely, according to Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, who said, "Obviously, I think that aliens are out there. The conditions for life seem to be very widespread. All the requirements for life are everywhere, that doesn't prove life is everywhere." "Could they come here and be buzzing the skies and occasionally entertaining Bob Bigelow by visiting him? It doesn't violate physics, but is it likely?" Shostak told Live Science. (Not really, because if it were, humans would have better evidence by now for their Earthly invasion, he said.) [13 Famous People Who Believe in Aliens] Bigelow noted during the interview May 28 that his grandparents spotted a UFO on a canyon road outside Las Vegas: "It really sped up and came right into their face and filled up the entire windshield of the car. And it took off at a right angle and shot off into the distance," he told "60 Minutes" reporter Lara Logan. "Do you believe in aliens?" Logan asked. "I'm absolutely convinced and that's all there is to it," said Bigelow, founder and CEO of the commercial space company Bigelow Aerospace. "There has been and there is an existing presence, an E.T. presence." When asked if he expects to see forms of intelligent life as humans explore the universe, Bigelow replied, "You don't have to go anywhere. It's just, like, right under people's noses." No proof of Earthly aliens More than half of Americans (54 percent) believe intelligent life capable of communication exists among the stars, according to a 2015 survey by marketing research firm YouGov. Plenty of money and big minds have been put to the task of finding signs of E.T., with an entire institute called SETI devoted to just that. "He's not the only Silicon Valley type, entrepreneur in the tech industry, that thinks we're being visited," Shostak said. Even so, the solid evidence of these visitors is nonexistent. "Interstellar travel is very difficult; it's an energy problem," Shostak explained. Adding to that, why would aliens come visit humans now and not 2,000 years ago? (There are no records of the ancient Romans worrying about UFOs.) If there were some reason for modern-day alien visitors, Shostak said, someone would have strong evidence by now. "Well, if you really do think they're here, then why is it that the evidence is so poor; if the evidence was so good, we wouldn't be arguing about it, we'd be investigating it," Shostak said. "We have satellites monitoring the Earth all the time. And they don't see these guys, and yet they're apparently so visible that a random guy like Bob Bigelow can see them." Hostile aliens Cosmologist Stephen Hawking believes not only that aliens are out there (though he doesn't think we'll find them anytime soon), but that they could destroy humanity. Another believer in hostile aliens is film director Ridley Scott, who recently told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that extraterrestrial beings exist, and if they decide to visit planet Earth, humans should watch out. "If you are stupid enough to challenge them you will be taken out in three seconds," Scott told AFP. Even Winston Churchill believed: "I, for one, am not so immensely impressed by the success we are making of our civilization here that I am prepared to think we are the only spot in this immense universe which contains living, thinking creatures," he wrote in an essay on the search for alien life that was recently uncovered at the Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri. Astronomers are looking deeper into the universe for signs of alien life, which could range from microbes to "little green men," using sophisticated equipment to detect chemical signatures or radio signals that could be explained by biological or intelligent processes. [4 Places Where Alien Life May Lurk in the Solar System] Right here in the solar system, NASA and private companies have spent billions on getting to know the Red Planet, with high hopes of finding signs of Martian life (though not intelligent beings), Leonard David reported in an article in Scientific American. "Yet against all odds (and researchers' hopes for a watershed discovery), Mars remains a poker-faced world that holds its cards tight. No convincing signs of life have emerged. But astrobiologists continue to, quite literally, chip away at finding the truth," reported David, author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," in a 2016 National Geographic article. What if alien life were not fleshy biological beings at all? Shostak thinks that most intelligent life may be machines. Original article on Live Science. A vivid, turquoise-colored carving from ancient Egypt has been returned to a Berlin museum more than 70 years after it was thought to have been lost during World War II. The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which oversees Berlin's state-run museums, announced that the stone slab fragment had been found in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The stone is covered with a blue Egyptian faience glaze, and it depicts Ptahmose, the mayor of Memphis under Ramses II, the warrior king and prolific monument builder who ruled during the 13th century B.C. Though the slab is broken, Ptahmose is still visible, raising both hands in a gesture of worship before the gods Osiris and Isis. [See Photos of Looting in Egypt] Dutch Egyptologist Nico Staring, currently a visiting scholar at Leiden University, matched this object in a historical photo from Berlin's Neues Museum with a new photo from the Kelsey Museum. Staring informed the curators of both institutions of his discovery, and eventually, the Kelsey Museum decided to return the stone object to Berlin, where it will go on display beginning in mid-June. This ancient Egyptian artifact missing from Berlin since World War II has been discovered in Michigan. (Image credit: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Agyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung) Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, said in the statement that the return was a "noble gesture." "Now, after more than 70 years, it will once again take its place in the permanent exhibition," Parzinger added. The Neues Museum was badly damaged by Allied air raids during World War II. Then, the building was left in ruin in the former Soviet-occupied section of Berlin. It didn't reopen until 2009, after a major renovation. When the museum was closed at the beginning of World War II, this Egyptian stone slab which had been bought from an English collection in 1910 was left hidden inside a sarcophagus. It was recorded as missing after the war. Strangely enough, the artifact had been given to the Kelsey Museum by Samuel Abraham Goudsmit, a Dutch-American physicist (and antiquities collector) who worked on the Manhattan Project. Goudsmit was in charge of the Alsos Mission, which was a secret U.S. project to investigate enemy scientific developments during World War II, specifically focused on the Germans' nuclear weapons program. Goudsmit had acquired the carving from a private collector in Germany in 1945, according to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. The Nazis famously looted art collections in Europe during World War II, but art collections in Berlin also suffered big losses during the turmoil of war. Fires and bombing destroyed artworks that had been kept in safekeeping. Other objects were looted, and some were hauled off by Soviet troops after the war. Recently, art historians located 59 Italian Renaissance sculptures from Berlin's collections,including works by Donatello, in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. This return isn't the first time the Neues Museum will display art thought to be destroyed during World War II. In 2010, construction workers who were digging a subway line in the center of Berlin stumbled upon a cache of modernist sculptures that the Nazis had deemed "degenerate art." Archaeologists recovered 11 sculptures that then were prepared for an exhibition. Original article on Live Science. Giant craters along the floor of the Barents Sea were created when methane gases erupted about 11,600 years ago. Today, smaller seeps (vertical lines) still bubble up around the craters. Craters as wide as 12 city blocks on the Arctic seafloor were put there by giant eruptions of underground methane gas. Some of these craters had been discovered in the early 1990s, but only now have scientists mapped the features in detail. Researchers have discovered that there are many more craters than first believed more than 100 giant ones and perhaps thousands of smaller pockmarks and that these features probably formed about 11,600 years ago. This happened as the retreat of ice sheets destabilized frozen gas under the seafloor. Some mounds of frozen gas exploded, creating the craters still seen today. "It's an analog for events that could take place in the future around contemporary ice sheets," said study researcher Karin Andreassen, a marine geologist and geophysicist at the Arctic University of Norway in Troms. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, Andreassen said, so studying these undersea eruptions is important for understanding how they might affect the climate. [8 Ways Global Warming Is Already Changing the World] Frozen methane Andreassen and her colleagues were funded through the Research Council of Norway with grant money earmarked for understanding methane release from the seafloor. It's well-known that methane bubbles up from the sediments under the ocean in the Arctic, Andreassen told Live Science, but these small seeps don't reach much higher than 650 feet (200 meters) into the water column above the ocean bottom. The gas dissolves back into the ocean water before it can reach the atmosphere. Hundreds of craters dot an area of 170 square miles (440 square kilometers) in the Barents Sea. More than 100 of those are more than 0.6 miles (1 km) wide. (Image credit: K. Andreassen/CAGE) Explosive methane eruptions might be much different. Andreassen and her team took the research vessel Helmer Hanssen to the Barents Sea off the northern coast of Norway. The researchers used a variety of techniques, such as collecting seafloor sediment samples. They also beamed acoustic and seismic signals to the ocean floor and subsurface and used the echoes to map the contours below. The researchers discovered more than 100 giant craters, each up to 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) wide and nearly 100 feet (30 meters) deep, in an area of 170 square miles (440 square km). The scientists also discovered many previously undiscovered mounds, known as pingos. These pingos are lumps of methane hydrate, or methane gas frozen within a lattice of water molecules. Exploding pingos It's these pingos that can explode when the conditions are right. Andreassen and her colleagues used mathematical modeling to figure out what kind of pressures, temperatures, water depths and other factors are required to keep the methane hydrate locked in the subsurface, and under what conditions the gas explodes. he site of the craters is in the Bear Island Trough (Bjrnyrenna) in the Barents Sea near Svalbard. (Image credit: K. Andreassen/CAGE) Their findings told the story of how the craters came to be. During the icy Pleistocene, which began 2.5 million years ago, an enormous ice sheet more than a mile (2 kilometers) thick covered the Barents Sea. As this sheet ebbed and flowed and scraped along the seafloor, it altered the pressures on deep reservoirs of gas far below the sea surface. The gas, mainly methane, moved upward into shallower sediments, Andreassen said. There, it was stable within the upper 1,444 feet (440 m) of the subsurface, frozen as methane hydrate and capped under the pressure of the ice sheet. But then the ice started to retreat about 17,000 years ago. The release of pressure allowed deeper hydrates to bubble up and travel to shallower sediments. Eventually, Andreassen said, this cycle led to the creation of pingos made of a thin, concentrated layer of methane hydrate under great pressure from the gas below. When the methane-hydrate crust finally gave way, the underground gases erupted out like shaken champagne. "We think that the forces must have been enormous," Andreassen said. The eruptions left behind the craters seen today. The researchers obtained further confirmation of the date of these eruptions by looking at ice scours on the seafloor. These scours indicated that the eruptions happened as the ice sheet was retreating, but while there was still ice in the area, the researchers said. Individual gashes from icebergs dragging their bottoms can be seen in some craters. [Gallery: An Expedition into Iceberg Alley] Atmospheric effects Such giant eruptions could very well have sent methane spewing into the atmosphere, Andreassen said, but there is not yet proof that the exploding pingos did, in fact, do so. Nor does anyone know whether the methane released affected the climate, she said. (Methane is 84 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide in the first decades after its release, so smaller amounts can cause greater warming relative to carbon dioxide.) Exploding pingos can't happen just anywhere that ice is retreating, Andreassen said big underground gas reservoirs must be present, too. There are areas today where that combination exists, though. The east coast of Greenland is one example, Andreassen said, along with the many Arctic basins north of Siberia and some portions of Arctic Alaska and the northwest Canadian interior. If a pingo collapsed tomorrow, though, there's no guarantee humanity would notice. These areas are remote and largely unmonitored, Andreassen said. "These are vast areas," she said. It takes weeks by boat to reach Greenland even from Norway, she added. Nevertheless, the researchers said they plan to hunt for more craters and mounds around Greenland and to the north, east and west of the Barents Sea. "We definitely know that [the eruptions] were important for the changes in the chemistry of the ocean, but we don't know yet how important it was with regard to the atmosphere and the climate," Andreassen said. "That is something we need to explore." Original article on Live Science. North Korea is ready to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile "anytime, anywhere," the state-run Rodong Sinmun daily said Wednesday. The threat came after news reports the previous day of the U.S.' success in intercepting and destroying an ICBM in a test of its ability to counter a North Korean missile launch. The daily said in a commentary, "The U.S. should know clearly that the declaration of our ability to devastate the strongholds of evil with nuclear weapons is never an empty talk." "Nobody can block our path to increasing our state nuclear capabilities," it added in its peculiar jargon. "Multiple of our powerful strategic ballistic rockets will soar into the sky continuously and concurrently in the future, too, as long as the U.S. continues its hostile policy toward" Pyongyang. Disgraced ex-President Park Geun-hye on Wednesday resisted a warrant compelling her to testify in the trial of former Cheong Wa Dae security staffer Lee Young-sun. The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant on Tuesday but rescind it after the standoff on the grounds that she "appears unable to testify under present circumstances." Park is separately on trial on 18 criminal charges in the same court. Assistant independent counsel Jang Sung-wook told the court on Wednesday, "We tried to apprehend the witness, but she put up an unexpectedly strong resistance citing her health." "We tried for about an hour to convince her to obey the warrant but were unable to enforce it," Jang added, "She is a woman and a former president, so we believed it was not proper to use physical force to execute the warrant and ended up leaving." According to sources in the independent counsel's team, Park argued that she had to appear in two consecutive court sessions on Monday and Tuesday and has a tough time sitting for long periods due to back pain. The court then decided to cancel Park's selection as a witness because there is no guarantee that she will ever turn up. The former security staffer is on trial for allowing Park's gaggle of quack doctors to perform unauthorized medical procedures on her in the presidential compound. He denies the charges. The independent counsel also named Park as a witness in the trial of de facto Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong for bribing her. But court officials believe Park will keep refusing to testify since obstruction has so far been her sole defense strategy. A prosecution source said, "In principle we can bring witnesses to court by force if we have a warrant, but there are cases where arrests are not made on humanitarian grounds, like when the witness cites health reasons." WASHINGTON - Sounding as despondent as a resident of death row, White House press secretary Sean Spicer slogged through the daily briefing on Wednesday, making little news except for news about the briefing itself. As news briefings go, it really was brief - less than 12 minutes from Spicer's opening statement to his abrupt departure. It was also oddly circumscribed by a White House edict banning TV cameras. Audio only, the White House decreed, turning an event regularly aired on live television into something out of the golden age of radio. The day before, Spicer railed against "fake news" and huffed out of the briefing room. On Thursday, there was even less. There was no briefing at all. All of which raises a question: Oh, what's the point? What's the purpose of assembling 70 or so journalists (in a room that seats 49), and letting them ask questions that aren't really answered? What's the deal with not showing the White House's public face to the public itself? Whose interest is served by this kind of non-exchange of non-information? As bad news has piled up around him, the president himself has suggested canceling the press briefings outright. Doing so would end a long, not-always-noble tradition of give-and-take between the press mob and the president's representatives. Journalists have reported from the White House grounds on a regular basis since the 1880s, first in 1881 when President James Garfield was shot by an assassin and lingered near death for more than two months. Grover Cleveland's private secretary, Daniel Lamont, established the tradition of having a White House aide regularly answer reporters' questions in the mid-1880s, according to historian Martha Joynt Kumar. Cleveland had a good reason for offloading the responsibility: Reporters had hounded him while he was on his honeymoon in 1886 with his 21-year-old wife, who had been his legal ward since she was 11. Since then, the United States has been unique among democratic countries in holding a daily briefing that is both on the record and on camera, said Josh Earnest, President Barack Obama's press secretary. Even the British, Earnest says, don't televise the prime minister's twice-daily news briefings or put them on the record, that is, directly attributable to a named individual. As a Washington institution, the press briefings have established certain pecking orders (the TV reporters sit in the front row and ask the most combative questions), and made celebrities out of both dogged reporters (Sam Donaldson, Helen Thomas) and loyal briefers (Ari Fleischer, Dana Perino). As a trustworthy source of sound bites and TV clips, the briefings have been essential in establishing the day's news - whether it be the Clinton administration's comments on a blue dress or the Bush White House's official justifications for invading Iraq. The Trump White House considered tinkering with the status quo even before it was even the Trump White House. There was discussion among officials about moving the briefings off the White House grounds (hasn't happened); about rearranging the briefing-room seating (hasn't happened); and about holding fewer briefings than previous administrations (seems to be happening). "Maybe there's a more effective way of delivering the news and having a more, you know, appropriate adult conversation with the media," Spicer said in December. To be sure, the briefings may never have had as high a profile as they did in the first two months of the Trump administration. The daily sessions were a great public curiosity, widely covered via live streams and live cable news. "Saturday Night Live" built its most memorable sketches around Spicer's alleged abuse of the press, elevating not just "Spicey's" profile but that of pixel-stained wretches like Glenn Thrush of The New York Times, too. Spicer also innovated in fitful ways, giving valuable question time to Trump-friendly talk-show hosts piped into the briefings via Skype and handing out media credentials to conspiracy peddlers. Perhaps by design, however, the evidence so far suggests that the daily briefings have declined as an important source of information about what the president is thinking and planning each day. Most obviously, Trump has shown that prefers to be his own PR man. His tweets have been his signature mode of communication, backed by semiregular interviews and sporadic news conferences. A fire hose of leaks from unnamed officials has filled in the parts of the picture that Trump refuses to address (among the frequent leaks: that Spicer's days as press secretary are numbered). Far worse, the briefings themselves have at times become untrustworthy sources of information. Both Spicer and assistant press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders have made assertions in Trump's behalf that the boss himself has contradicted within hours. The continuing embarrassment of these press encounters, as well as the stream of adverse news, makes cutting back the briefings a seemingly useful strategy for the White House. Fewer briefings and audio-only sessions will produce fewer clips of Spicer answering (or deflecting) questions about Russian election interference and ongoing investigations. No briefings at all will enable Trump to dictate his own message, without the risk that his press secretary will have to explain it all to reporters. Some Trump supporters may find that prospect appetizing. But it disappoints and scares those interested in accountability and transparency. Earnest, now an NBC analyst, said it's "valuable for our democracy" to have a senior official explaining and defending the president on a daily basis. Rather than a burden, he said, the Trump administration should relish the briefings as a platform to make its case. "One thing we know is that for all his complaints about journalists, President Trump cares a lot about what they say about him," Earnest said. "A daily briefing is a particularly effective venue for influencing the way journalists are talking and writing about the administration. . . . It's an opportunity to tell the White House press corps and the rest of the world what he's up to and why the course he's chosen is the best way to go." If the briefings were to end, the real loser would be the country, said Peter Baker, The New York Times' veteran White House reporter. "It would be . . . one more chip away at the foundational idea that people in power should be answerable to the public." While the briefings can be "an exercise in futility" for anyone seeking straightforward answers (a statement that predates Trump, Baker notes), the more important consideration is that the briefings "are literally the only time a White House can be forced to respond to questions on the record on a regular basis. Without a daily briefing, White House aides would simply hide behind anonymity to answer only the questions they want to answer, while ignoring those that may be uncomfortable or challenging, which would further a culture of secrecy and impunity in Washington." Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at ticketmaster.com for "Cirque du Soleil Crystal: A Breakthrough Experience," a new show from the international troupe known for its visually arresting spectacles. The show, which was designed for arenas, will be at the AT&T Center Oct. 13-15. It will be the second stop on the show's tour, following a run at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana. Alex Boquiren remembers a time when the East side of downtown was a culinary no-man's land with few dining and drinking options. And that was only years ago. Today, it's as if the fast-forward button was pushed on the EaDo neighborhood as construction growth is turning a sleepy area into a hip sector in the shadow of downtown's skyscrapers. And nowhere is that more evident than development at the intersection of Lamar and St. Emanuel which includes a new restaurant, SeaSide Poke, opening during the week of June 5. Boquiren, along with four other founders (Juan Cao, Vu Bui, and Kristy Nguyen), is taking a first big step as a Houston restaurateur with the opening of a fast casual poke bowl concept similar to Chipotle where customers move through a line to build their own entree. The co-owners have a couple of key pluses on their side: 1) They've settled on a food --- Hawaiian raw fish salad that continues to trend nationwide; 2) They've positioned themselves in what is to become a hot new dining area with increased foot traffic; and 3) They've hired two chefs whose individual expertise will help distinguish the SeaSide menu from Houston's other poke offerings. Chef Tai Nguyen, who comes to the operation from Uchi, boasts a resume that includes Fish & Knife and Soma Sushi. His partner is chef Vuthy "Tee" Srey, who brings 10 years of sushi restaurant work to the talbe, including Aka Sushi and, most recently, MF Sushi where he worked under chef Chris Kinjo. The two chefs plan to distinguish their poke from the original Hawaiian style and the familiar California style by investing the menu with Houston flavor. Srey said that while the poke is "island inspired" it will have its own focus with the use of local produce, some barbecue nuances (think in-house smoked salmon), and some Gulf fish if available, specifically yellowfin tuna and amberjack. Those flavors, combined with technique and creativity, should set SeaSide apart from the local poke competition. The menu is simple. In addition to build-your own (rice or salad topped by tuna, salmon and yellowtail augmented by sauces, seaweed, avocado, fish roe in bowls of two sizes, $10, and $13), the menu will feature several signature bowls. Examples of the bowls include Salmon Ponzu (salmon with ponzu sauce, orange, edamame and garlic); Truffle Yellowtail (yellowtail with shoyu, truffle, puff rice, cilantro, and togarashi); Spicy Tuna (tuna with gochujang, puff rice, breakfast radish, and shiso); and Tuna Aioli (tuna with spicy aioli, Thai chile, shallot, and cucumber). Though SeaSide is one of Houston's newest restaurants, the company was actually formed in 2015 when the partners decided to band together and test the poke waters with a series of pop up events. Those successful pop ups gave them the encouragement and incentive to pursue a brick and mortar store. And today SeaSide Poke looking fresh in its industrial chic space filled with clean lines and white subway tiles -- finds itself in the same building with the gorgeous new gastropub Chapman & Kirby, also at 2118 Lamar. SeaSide will also be neighbor to the new restaurant that Agricole Hospitality is planning on St. Emanuel, as well as Rodeo Goat ice house, Truck Yard bar, and two distilleries. EaDo is hopping, and SeaSide will be in the midst of Houston's new neighborhood for dining, drinking, and merrymaking. SeaSide Poke, 2118 Lamar, 832-319-4915 Korea's global competitiveness remains stuck at the lowest point since 2008 for the second year running. The Swiss International Institute for Management Development on Wednesday put Korea in 29th place in its global competitiveness report on 63 countries. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance said the low ranking stems mainly from a decline in government efficiency amid the leadership vacuum following the impeachment of ex-President Park Geun-hye, but corporate competitiveness also remains weak. Hong Kong led the pack, followed by Switzerland and Singapore. Japan ranked 26th for a second year but China shot from 25th the year before to 18th. The sweeping federal investigation into upstate development deals included the use of subpoenas and search warrants to gather the banking, email and phone records of a number of close aides to Gov. Andrew Cuomo who are not facing charges in the case. Last fall, then-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of Manhattan unveiled federal corruption and bribery charges against eight men, including former top Cuomo aide Joe Percoco, who is accused of using his government connections to receive payments for favors he allegedly did for companies seeking state business. A ninth, lobbyist Todd Howe, has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government. Recent court filings in the case indicate the government cast a wide net and in the investigation and collected a high volume of electronic records, including call logs for a phone number in the governor's office. The breadth of the investigation was revealed in a 511-page motion filed last week by an attorney for one of the defendants, Buffalo developer Louis Ciminelli. The attorney, Jessica Masella, did not return a call for comment. The materials collected by the government, according to federal court records, include: Gmail and phone records for Howard Glaser, Cuomo's former director of state operations, as well as Glaser's account information from three banks. Bank records from three accounts controlled by Andrew Kennedy, Cuomo's former deputy director of operations, and from the account of Joseph Rabito, the current deputy secretary for intergovernmental affairs. The government also obtained copies of Rabito's cell phone records. Personal banking records of Gil Quiniones, president and chief executive of the New York Power Authority. Email records of Joseph Nicolla, a politically connected Albany developer and president of Columbia Development Corp., who is charged in a related state corruption investigation by the office of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Nicolla's attorney, E. Stewart Jones, said this was "absolutely not" an indication that Nicolla might be charged in the federal case. He said the government had to make these documents available to defendants in the federal case because they might have some bearing on the case against former SUNY Polytechnic president Alain Kaloyeros. Kaloyeros is charged in both the state and federal matters. Phone records for a landline number assigned to the governor's office that's listed as being the one-time number of Seth Agata, a former first assistant counsel in Cuomo's office. The materials gathered by the Justice Department reveal the direction of the government's sprawling investigation and an indication of just how closely the probe brushed up against Cuomo. Indeed, the federal criminal complaint filed last September said that in July 2014 Percoco sought an opinion from an unnamed "Assistant Counsel" in the Cuomo administration about his ability to work in the private sector while on leave from state government. The assistant counsel advised in a written opinion that Percoco was banned from working for private clients before the Executive Chamber for two years, according to the complaint but Percoco allegedly said that he was planning to work for a private law firm only on "matters pending before local municipalities" for labor organizations, not before the Cuomo administration. Agata is now the state's top ethics official as the executive director of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. He has declined to address the case in the past, and a spokesman declined comment Wednesday. JCOPE is also mentioned in the document. There are numerous other public and private officials whose personal electronic records were reviewed during the federal investigation. The listings include: Cell phone records of John Regan, a onetime employee of Howe's at a subsidiary of the lobbying and law firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, who then landed a job in the Cuomo administration under Glaser. Regan has returned as a partner in Whiteman Osterman's Albany office. Cell phone records of Thomas Giordano, Cuomo's former campaign finance director, as well as records pertaining to Cuomo's 2014 and 2018 campaigns. (Notably, the document states that the government obtained the cell phone records for "Andrew Cuomo." But a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan clarified that this referred to a phone used during Cuomo's 2014 re-election campaign.) Bank records of the New York City firm GFI Mortgage Bankers pertaining to Percoco, who in 2012 received a generous short-term loan from the company. At that time, the company's principal was Abe Eisner, who has been called Cuomo's unofficial liaison to the Orthodox Jewish community. Records for New York City-based Guardhill Financial Corp. pertaining to loans made to Howe and Percoco. Banking records of William Eimicke, a consultant for COR Development where two officials are facing corruption charges and who was also Gov. Mario Cuomo's housing czar. Eimicke is founder of Picker Center for Executive Education at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, where Glaser worked as a $13,000-per-semester adjunct professor while with the Cuomo administration. Banking records of Karen Murphy, Eimicke's wife, who has sat on the boards of two nonprofit development corporations that were affiliated with SUNY Polytechnic Institute. The nonprofits are at the center of the upstate bid-rigging allegations in both the state and federal investigations. Files pertaining to Island Capital Group, the international real estate merchant bank founded by Andrew Farkas, a top Cuomo fundraiser. Cuomo once earned millions working for Farkas, even though Cuomo had in 1997 as the nation's housing secretary targeted a Farkas company. Documents pertaining to Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, a Democrat. His office did not return a request for comment. An attorney for Glaser, Michael Koenig, did not respond to a request for comment. Kennedy, Giordano and Eimicke all did not return inquiries. A Columbia University spokesman declined comment, as did spokesmen for Farkas and Regan. "As we previously said, we are assisting the U.S. Attorney in any way we can," Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi said. cbragg@timesunion.com 518-454-5303 Guilderland The meadows along Hurst Road are blanketed in sweet-scented purple phlox. Purple was Alyssa Gelfand's favorite color. Hurst Road is dotted with pretty homes and yellow triangle signs alerting drivers to horseback riders. But three teens have been killed in crashes along the idyllic landscape in less than two decades. Gelfand, a 17-year-old Guilderland High School student, died Tuesday after the car she was driving struck a tree on Sunday night. Teri Conroy's farm is a short walk from the site. She ran to the accident and says she did her best to comfort and hold Gelfand in her arms until the paramedics arrived. Her daughter and other neighbors stayed with the two teenage passengers in Gelfand's car. "I heard the crash; it was loud," Conroy said. The tree has become an ad hoc memorial. Bouquets of purple carnations mixed with white daisies and purple iris and violets were propped against the splintered trunk where the bark had been sheared away by the impact. She and another neighbor agree that the way their road dips up and down presents a safety issue. "The shape of the road ripples, almost like Christmas ribbon candy," Marilee Grygelko said. "When a driver gets to the top of one of the little hills, if he's going too fast, he can become airborne." Grygelko said some drivers enjoy "a little thrill" by bouncing over the ripples in the road. She said others are simply unaware of the road's configuration until they are going too fast. Conroy remembers that when she moved there in 1998, teens liked to use the road to go briefly airborne although she seldom sees teens drive that way these days. "What scares me now are these adult women with SUVs full of kids who go speeding down that road," Conroy said as her snowy white hens, friendly dog and calico cat scampered around her. "I won't walk my dog alongside the road because of them. I worry about my neighbors and my animals getting hurt." Conroy shared her feelings on Facebook when she learned Gelfand had died. "We don't want any more fatalities," she wrote. "For the love of life, people, slow down." Across the street, Guilderland senior Leah Clifford, 18, arrived at the memorial tree to pay her respects after school. Clifford was in a purple shirt. "Students wore purple in honor of Alyssa today because she loved the color," said Clifford. "In one of my classes, several of her close friends talked about what an upbeat, bright person she was. She always had a great smile for everyone. Her close friends said she liked interesting music and was fun to talk with." Clifford tilted her head toward a purple ribbon pinned to the tree. "They were handing those ribbons out today at school and students were writing messages, their memories of Alyssa on a long sheet of paper," Clifford said. "They brought therapy dogs in to help students get through the day." The passengers in Gelfand's car, fellow high school students Sophia Melfe, 16, and Sergio Medina, 17, suffered non-critical injuries. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, but speed contributed, according to town police. Just a short walk down the road from the tribute to Gelfand, there's another memorial tree for two teens, Korey Efaw and Melissa Herzog, who died in a car crash there in 2000. A concrete angel wearing a wreath of red roses and a purple tunic is wedged into the fork between two huge branches. The angel's paint is weatherbeaten. But someone recently left scarlet roses whose petals are wilting and edged in black. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Voorheesville With the possibility that rock climbing may eventually be permitted on the sheer limestone cliffs that plummet below Thacher State Park, it was as good a place as any to demonstrate what the Albany County Sheriff's Office has in mind for its new pair of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. "We can cover a lot of ground," Sheriff Craig Apple said, minutes before one of the department's three certified pilots, Lee Borman, launched the drone, which is about the size of a beach ball and equipped with four rotors and an airframe that can carry a camera and a mechanical hand. Borman demonstrated how the drone could carry a rescue rope over the 100-foot cliffs just yards away. Or, using an infrared sensor, it could spot a lost hiker and drop a phone, water bottle or radio to the person, as rescuers use the onboard GPS software to pinpoint a location. The drones can also be valuable in winter if someone falls through ice in a lake or other body of water. Rather than having rescuers risk falling through the ice, a drone can fly a rescue line out from the safety of the shoreline. Drones also can hover over burning buildings to help see where there are hot spots or people who may be trapped, and they can dip into hazardous material spills with sensors to see if any toxins have been released. They can be equipped with radiation detectors as well. "You can only do so much with a chopper,'' said Apple, adding that the drones can provide assistance that keeps rescuers out of harm's way. But the drones are not equipped with weapons. Apple stressed their use as crime-fighting tools has limits, due to the evolving nature of case law regarding the legal use of a drone in a criminal investigation. If police want to use a drone to view a criminal suspect's property, for example, they may need a search warrant because of the invasive spying capabilities of the devices. "Case law is going to determine that down the road,'' Apple said. "There are a lot of legal grounds that will have to be tested in years to come." Still, Apple didn't rule out their use in criminal cases and said he could see the drones being useful in situations in which someone may barricade themselves in a structure or used traps intended to harm someone. Drones can also scan large crowds and keep an eye out for potential problems or disturbances. The sheriff's office has also flown drones over the Albany County jail, but they need special permission from the FAA since the facility is so close to the Albany International Airport an area that is generally off limits to drones. Another possible use is helping to recreate auto accident scenes from an aerial vantage point, said Edward Capovani, a Scotia-based consultant who was at Wednesday's demonstration. The drones aren't overly expensive the DJI Inspire 1 used by the sheriff's office, a model also popular among hobbyists and photographers, lists for less than $2,000. But accessories including chemical sensors, high-resolution or infrared cameras, as well as GPS mapping gear, can raise costs to near $20,000. Apple said their department is outfitting the drones with seized criminal assets. He noted the cost is still a fraction of the $1,000-plus per hour it can cost to keep a helicopter in the air. The sheriff's office is one of several law enforcement agencies flying drones these days. In May, several local and state agencies attended a Homeland Security training session in Oneida County and one of the exercises included using drones in a mock manhunt through a forest. A week ago, State Park Police and sheriff's deputies from Livingston County used a drone to help find a dog that was stuck halfway down the 400-foot-deep Letchworth State Park gorge. The drone was able to pinpoint the dog's location and a parks' officer was then lowered by rope to retrieve the canine. At Wednesday's demonstration, officials from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision as well as State Police attended along with representatives from the state parks and environmental conservation departments. Also on the scene was Emily Barrett, from the University at Albany's College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland and Cyber Security. The school, which has attracted hundreds of students who want to learn about disaster response and security, is looking at developing courses in the use of drones, she said. Thacher Park has been the scene of several drone flights recently. The park has undergone renovations with a new visitors center and there are plans to possibly open rock climbing routes on the cliffs, which are known as the Helderberg Escarpment. It wasn't immediately clear when the climbing might be allowed. The drones aren't totally foolproof, and they can't always outwit Mother Nature. Apple said another agency was recently testing one at Thacher Park when a hawk swooped down and brought the machine to the ground. The drone came though relatively unscathed since, presumably, the raptor quickly realized it wasn't edible and lost interest, he added. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU Its unlikely that anyone going to a movie called Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is anticipating a strong story filled with practical real-life lessons. And thats perfectly OK. Sometimes parents just need an 89-minute cinematic babysitter. Sometimes children, especially at the end of the school year, deserve to wallow in a little potty humor. Not every family-friendly movie needs to be filled with Inside Out-style Trojan horse psychotherapy. And yet the DreamWorks Animation film still strains to meet its modest expectations. Captain Underpants is a very popular book series that doesnt seamlessly translate to the big screen, and the filmmakers cant solve this problem. The result is a cinematic wedgie: a little too dark, a little too nihilistic, a little too empty. Beyond a sadistic principal and a couple of school staffers, Captain Underpants is a movie devoid of adults. The better Peanuts TV specials handled a similar scenario by tapping into the strong friendships and carefree feelings as kids approached a holiday. Never mind if that holiday turns out to be a disaster. Humanity and fellowship wins, even on the most melancholy days. Captain Underpants presents a bleak and borderline dystopian world, where the friendship between comic book artists George and Harold (voiced by Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch) is the only light. Their primary joy is the short-term rush of pranking their teachers including hypnotizing militaristic Principal Krupp into thinking hes a superhero. This is effective in Dav Pilkeys Captain Underpants books, where the artwork suggests the slightly twisted but harmless fantasy world of a childs mind. The comics are a small blast of subversiveness, empty calories to be consumed as the real world passes by outside a car window or bedroom door. Viewed in a movie theater, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is a much more immersive experience. The central characters are part of the cartoon, not distanced from it. As the school descends into chaos with an evil professor and homicidal toilet robots, the cynicism is inescapable. Captain Underpants seems to be working on a smaller budget than DreamWorks standouts such as Megamind and the How to Train Your Dragon movies. And yet the script from The Muppets, Storks and Neighbors writer Nicholas Stoller has its moments. A whoopie cushion symphony brings Brad Bird-era The Simpsons to mind. Reenactments are animated with sock puppets. As running jokes about the planet Uranus go, the ones written here are strong. But in the end, its impossible to ignore the fact that this feature is devoid of even the simplest positive morals or takeaways. And its not quite funny or wry enough to forgive its weaknesses. Whats left is a pair of XXXL briefs, a lot of toilet humor and the sense that Hollywood could do better. Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie Animated comedy. Starring the voices of Kevin Hart, Thomas Middleditch and Ed Helms. Directed by David Soren. (Rated PG. 89 minutes.) Californias $5 fee on gun sales, which funds laws to take firearms away from criminals and mental patients, will remain in effect after a federal appeals court rejected a constitutional challenge from gun groups Thursday. The fee is part of a $19 charge that the state collects on each firearms sale to pay for background checks and notify dealers if the would-be purchaser is barred from owning a gun under federal or state law. A 2011 law set aside $5 to support state programs to identify and confiscate guns from people who purchased them legally but later became ineligible to own them because of convictions for serious or violent crimes, domestic violence restraining orders or mental illnesses. More than 18,000 Californians in those categories owned guns as of 2011, according to a legislative staff analysis. The National Rifle Association and other advocacy groups sued the state in August 2011, arguing that the fee placed an unjustifiable financial burden on Californians exercising their right to buy and own guns. They noted that most of the fee-payers were legal gun owners. But the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Thursday that the surcharge imposed a minimal burden, at most, on gun ownership rights, and was properly limited to programs aimed at reducing gun crimes. Since the U.S. Supreme Court has approved bans on gun ownership by felons and the mentally ill, we have recognized that public safety is advanced by keeping guns out of the hands of people who are most likely to misuse them for these reasons, Chief Judge Sidney Thomas said in the 3-0 ruling, upholding a lower-court decision. And while the state may not tax constitutionally protected activities to increase general revenue, Thomas said the California fee supports only programs related to gun sales and public safety. The ruling is further evidence that the Second Amendment, which declares a right to keep and bear arms, is not unlimited, said Michael McLively, an attorney with the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which filed arguments supporting the state law. It protects the right to have a handgun in the home, but it doesnt mean that every single law touching on firearms is unconstitutional, McLively said. Theres a lot the states can do to protect people. C.D. Michel, a lawyer for the gun organizations, said they were disappointed but not surprised by the ruling, since the Ninth Circuit, he contended, has ignored the Supreme Courts standards for gun laws. We look forward to the possibility of the Supreme Court clarifying its ruling in this or another Second Amendment case soon, Michel said. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko The Unification Ministry on Wednesday approved a request by several civic groups here to contact North Korea and discuss joint celebrations to mark the 17th anniversary of the historic inter-Korean summit in 2000. The last anniversary celebration took place in 2008. A ministry official said, "Just like any other civilian exchange, we approved the application... as long as such contacts do not damage the framework of international sanctions against North Korea." The groups want to discuss the schedule and locations of events with North Korean officials by fax, e-mail, parcel messages and telephone calls. If the North agrees, a South Korean delegation will travel to Pyongyang. North and South Korean organizers already met in Shenyang, China last month and discussed holding the event either in Kaesong or Pyongyang, and marking Aug. 15 Liberation Day together in Seoul. The ministry official said, "Once the schedule for the event is decided and we get a formal application for the organizers to visit North Korea, we will consider the request." In 2001, 400 South Korean representatives visited North Korea's Mt. Kumgang resort for a forum marking the first anniversary of the summit. In 2005, a joint ceremony was organized by the South Korean government, while then-Unification Minister Chung Dong-young traveled to Pyongyang and met then-leader Kim Jong-il. For the eighth anniversary in 2008, 20 South Korean representatives traveled to Mt. Kumgang, but Seoul has since refused to authorize any travel to the North. WASHINGTON - The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee issued subpoenas Wednesday for documents related to his allegations that Trump transition team members' identities were improperly unveiled in intelligence reports, inspiring Democrats to accuse him of trying to distract from their accelerating probe into Trump associates' alleged Kremlin ties. According to a senior GOP House aide, the subpoenas from chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., were issued on the same day as the panel's Russia probe leaders announced that they had filed the committee's first subpoenas for documents, records and testimony from Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, and two of their businesses. "I think they're part of the White House desire to shift attention away from the Russia probe and on to the issue of unmasking," the panel's ranking member, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said on MSNBC on Thursday, stressing that Nunes issued the agency subpoenas "unilaterally" and without consultation or buy-in from panel Democrats. "But Mr. Conaway and I are determined not to lose our focus on the Russian investigation, and so we plod on, keeping our eyes on what has to be done, and unwilling to let this other stuff distract us," Schiff added, referring to Rep. Mike Conway, R-Texas. Nunes' subpoenas focus on the FBI, the CIA and the National Security Agency - the same three agencies chairman he and Schiff contacted in March to ask for an accounting of which U.S. residents' identities normally obfuscated in foreign surveillance reports had been disclosed, and why. They sent the letter after reports revealed Flynn's undisclosed contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were established after he appeared - and was then identified, or "unmasked" - during surveillance of Russian officials. Nunes later alleged that Trump transition team members' identities may have been improperly disclosed after appearing on other intelligence reports of foreign surveillance he had been made aware of during a visit to White House grounds, though he stressed at the time that those intelligence reports were not related to Russia. But Democrats and outside watchdog groups accused him of collaborating with the White House to use the issue of "unmasking" as a way to steer the committee's focus away from its probe of alleged ties between the Trump team and Kremlin officials, eventually inspiring the House Ethics Committee to take up the issue. Under fire, Nunes announced in early April that he would hand over the leadership of the panel's Russia probe to Conaway, with assistance from Reps. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., and Thomas Rooney, R-Fla., - though he did not recuse himself from the chairmanship. The latest subpoenas have resurrected Democrats' anger, who are charging Nunes with trying to distract the committee from its Russia probe once again, just as it was kicking into high gear. But GOP leaders supported Nunes' move. "While Mr. Conaway leads the Russia investigation, Mr. Nunes remains the chairman of the Intel Committee and has the right and responsibility to conduct oversight of the intelligence community, especially as it relates to the potential misuse of intelligence agencies against Americans," said AshLee Strong, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. Nunes's office declined to comment Thursday, pointing inquiries to a tweet Nunes wrote Thursday afternoon. "Seeing a lot of fake news from media elites and others who have no interest in violations of Americans' civil liberties via unmaskings," he wrote. Hillary Clinton has found plenty of non-Hillary Clinton things to blame for her 2016 loss, including Russia, James B. Comey, debate moderators and misogyny. But her decision Wednesday to add the Democratic National Committee to that list is predictably proving pretty sensitive inside her own party. A top former DNC aide tweeted overnight that Clinton's allegations were "f***ing bull****" and even suggested that the Clinton campaign ignored its warnings about how competitive Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were. Those three states proved decisive for President Trump and, especially in the case of Michigan and Wisconsin, were neglected by the Clinton campaign. In a Wednesday appearance at Recode's Code Conference in California, Clinton pointed to the DNC's data deficit when she became the Democratic nominee. "I set up my campaign and we have our own data operation. I get the nomination. So I'm now the nominee of the Democratic Party. I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party," Clinton said, according to a transcript. "I mean it was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, its data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money into it - the DNC - to keep it going." Andrew Therriault, who served as the DNC's director of data science and now works for the City of Boston, took exception to Clinton's criticisms in tweets that have since been deleted. Screenshots of his twitter show he tweeted, "DNC data folks: today's accusations are f***ing bull****, and I hope you understand the good you did despite that nonsense." Another Therriault tweet captured by the Tax Foundation's Alan Cole and another Twitter user pointed to the Clinton campaign ignoring DNC warnings about Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Therriault said the DNC data never had those states as "even close to safe," but the Clinton team "thought they knew better." It's important to note here that Therriault left the DNC midway through 2016, so he's not necessarily privy to late DNC data in those states. But he seems to be saying that the DNC saw early in the general election what the Clinton campaign failed to really ever see. Clinton never made a concerted effort in Michigan or Wisconsin, and these two states and Pennsylvania proved the difference after they each went by less than a point for Trump. And his broader criticism that Clinton's complaints don't add up was echoed by other top Democratic data types, including Tom Bonier, who tweeted, "Fwiw, the data operation Clinton 'inherited' was the most robust data operation the DNC has ever seen, including during the Obama re-elect." He also tweeted, "One more thought: the Clinton team was using DNC data throughout the primary. If it was that bad, they knew that for 2 yrs but did nothing." And here's John Hagner, a former aide to the DNC and Democrats' House and Senate campaign committess: "I worked with DNC data every day last cycle, on winning Gov races. It was accurate and up-to-date and I'm grateful for their hard work." Hagner also tweeted, "I'll entertain any theories that the targeting was off, but don't have a lot of time for people blaming the core DNC data file." Clinton's rehashing of the 2016 election results and the reasons she lost that were outside her control has become a regular feature of her public appearances and apparently will account for a significant portion of her forthcoming book. But there is also an emerging divide inside the Democratic Party about whether her continued presence on the national political stage is helping her party move forward. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel had a tortured response this weekend when asked if Clinton running for president again would be good for the party, stating, "It's not a good question, OK." Whatever you think about Clinton's excuses for her loss and how credible they are, it's clear this whole thing is threatening to expose some real rifts within a Democratic Party that is also eager to move forward. And now that Clinton is casting blame upon her own national party for her loss, that's only going to exacerbate things. --- Therriault comments to The Washington Post: "Even if they weren't meant to be taken personally, yesterday's comments were hurtful to a lot of people, and it really upset me to see that happen to my team. After posting, my tweets got way more attention than I'd expected, and most of it wasn't from people who actually cared about DNC data; it was from people who either wanted to re-argue last year's elections or enjoyed watching Dems fight amongst themselves. I'm not interested in providing material for either of those, so I took them down to avoid further drama." A gunman burst into a casino at a resort complex in Manila early Friday, set fire to gambling tables and stuffed a bag with casino chips. He was later found dead in an apparent suicide in a hotel room. Local media reports said at least 34 died as a result of the fire. Many of the dead suffocated in the chaos as guests and staff tried to flee choking smoke at the complex, ANC News channel reported, quoting Bureau of Fire Protection sources. The resort owners were still seeking details on the deaths, Reuters reported. Earlier police said more than 70 people suffered mostly minor injuries in the stampede to escape. The only gunshot wound was to a guard at the complex, who accidentally shot himself when the suspect entered the room, the Associated Press reported, citing authorities. The attack initially ignited fears of terrorism in the Philippine capital. Authorities later expressed doubt that it was terrorism-related. After the hours-long attack at Resorts World Manila, Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa told reporters that a single gunman responsible for the assault used gasoline to set fire to gambling tables but did not fire at people. "He would have shot all the people gambling there" if it had been terrorism, AP quoted Dela Rosa as saying. "But he did not hurt anyone." Police said the motive appeared to be robbery. "It's either he lost in the casino and wanted to recoup his losses or he went totally nuts," Metropolitan Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said, according to AP. The attack sent hundreds of people fleeing into the night. Philippine police, firetrucks and SWAT teams rushed to Resorts World, where witnesses initially reported seeing a masked gunman firing at guests on the second floor of a hotel. An upper floor of a nearby mall was on fire, and photos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke pouring out of the building. Video footage showed people running out of the hotel amid billowing smoke. Dela Rosa said security footage showed the gunman ignoring a security guard who tried to question him at the entrance to the complex. He did not hurt the guard but went straight to the gambling area, Dela Rosa said, according to AP. Dela Rosa said the gunman apparently barged into a room on the fifth floor of the Maxims hotel connected to the mall and casino, laid on the bed, blanketed himself, doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire, AP reported. The bag of gambling chips worth 113 million pesos ($226,000) was found in a toilet. The suspect was English-speaking but had no identification cards. Dela Rosa described him as "white, with a mustache," and about 6 feet tall. The incident initially raised fears of a connection to fighting on the southern island of Mindanao between security forces and Islamist rebels linked to the Islamic State, who have taken hostages and burned buildings in a battle for control of the city of Marawi. As authorities struggled to ascertain what was happening at the resort complex, there were conflicting reports about what motivated the attack and whether more than one gunman was involved. "We have no official information as to the identity or affiliation of the persons responsible for this attack," Resorts World Manila said on Twitter. Earlier, the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors terrorist activity on the Internet, said a Filipino operative linked to the Islamic State claimed that "lone wolf soldiers" carried out the attack. There was no confirmation of the claim, and analysts have said that any connections between the Islamic State and Muslim insurgents in the Philippines are tenuous at best. In Washington, President Trump began an announcement regarding the Paris climate agreement by saying he was closely monitoring "the terrorist attack in Manila." "It is really very sad as to what's going on throughout the world with terror," he said. Resorts World Manila, in the southwestern part of metropolitan Manila near Ninoy Aquino International Airport, said on Twitter early Friday that it was working closely with police to ensure the safety of employees and guests, adding, "We ask for your prayers during these difficult times." Stephen Reilly, the resort's chief operating officer, told reporters that hotel guests and staff were evacuated. The large resort complex is popular with tourists and features hotels, restaurants, bars, the casino, the shopping mall and a theater. President Rodrigo Duterte responded to the violence on Mindanao last week by declaring martial law on the entire island, the second-largest in the Philippines. He has also threatened to impose military rule nationwide. The fighting in Marawi broke out May 23 when Philippine troops attempted to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of a terrorist group known as Abu Sayyaf. Thousands of residents have fled the city, and at least 140 people have been reported killed there since the siege began last week. Hapilon declared allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014 and reportedly formed an alliance with other militants under the group's aegis. But there has been little evidence of practical Islamic State involvement in the Philippines insurgency. France's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal against the extradition of the daughter of Yoo Byung-eon, the businessman and cult leader whose reckless practices are blamed for the 2014 ferry disaster that killed hundreds. Yoo Sum-na, who runs a design firm, is accused of embezzling W49.2 billion from ferry operator Chonghaejin Marine and affiliates, including W4.8 billion in consulting fees (US$1=W1,120). Yoo went into hiding shortly after the ferry disaster and was arrested in Paris in May 2014 but has fought tooth and nail against her extradition, applying for political asylum on the grounds that there was a witch hunt against her family. She can still take her case to the European Court of Human Rights. A Justice Ministry official said, "It will take time, but there's not much of a chance that the ECHR will find in her favor." Texans will be able to shoot feral hogs and coyotes from a hot-air balloon, current and former peace officers or members of the military will be exempt from the states' hunter education requirements, and owners of most boat, utility or travel trailers won't be required to have those trailers pass an annual safety inspection under terms of laws adopted by the Texas Legislature before it ended its 85th regular session earlier this week. While those are among several outdoors-related bills that made it through the legislative maze, many others, including high-profile proposals targeting use of poison to control feral hogs and charging a fee to participate in an increasingly popular deer management program, didn't. Of two feral hog-related pieces of legislation that gained traction in the recent session, the one with the most insignificant impact on Texans' efforts to control the plague of more than two million feral swine infesting the state passed. House Bill 3535 by Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, allows, through permits issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, use of a hot-air balloon as a shooting platform for taking "depredating" feral hogs or coyotes. Texas law currently allows persons who have proper permits to shoot feral hogs or coyotes from helicopters, restricting the activity to tracts of land where landowners have given their written permission. The new law adds hot-air balloons to the "aircraft" that can be used. Supporters of the law claim using the quiet hot-air balloons can be more effective than loud motorized aircraft that cause feral hogs to scatter when approached. But the limited range, lack of ability to maneuver and expense of using a hot-air balloon as a shooting platform for taking feral hogs makes it wholly impractical and ineffective. It is unlikely many, if any, Texans will take advantage of the new law. More on feral hogs The highest-profile feral hog-related bill of the session was aimed at setting protocols for approval of poisons to be used in controlling feral hogs. HB 3451, authored by Rep. Lynn Stucky, R-Denton, and co-sponsored by 120 other state representatives, would have prohibited the Texas Department of Agriculture from registering, approving for use or allowing the use of a lethal pesticide for feral hog control unless a study conducted by a state agency or institution of higher education recommended it be used. The proposal came in the wake of controversy triggered when Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller earlier this year announced emergency regulations governing use of the first toxin federally approved for use in controlling feral hogs. Concerns about secondary or collateral effects of the toxin on non-target species and humans who might consume hogs that had eaten the poison, triggered a storm of opposition. HB 3451 easily passed the Texas House of Representatives but never got out of committee in the Senate. Momentum of the bill slowed when the company manufacturing the pig poison withdrew its request for registration of the product in Texas. With passage of Senate Bill 1001, most Texas boaters, hunters who use large utility trailers to haul all-terrain vehicles and other equipment and campers who tow travel trailers will be able to avoid the hassle, if not the expense, of annual safety inspections of those trailers. The legislation, authored by Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, exempts trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7,500 pounds or less from annual safety inspections. That exempts most boat, utility and all but the largest travel trailers from safety inspection requirements. The bill addressed an issue that arose after the Texas Legislature in 2015 passed a law requiring proof of safety inspection before a vehicle could be registered or annual registration renewed. The 2015 law was aimed at motor vehicles but covered all vehicles, including trailers. Texas had long required annual safety inspections of trailers with a GVWR of more than 4,500 pounds. But the requirement was rarely, if ever, enforced, and most trailer owners affected by the law were not aware their trailers needed to pass an annual inspection. Enforcement of the new requirement, which mandated trailers pass inspection before owners could register or renew their registration, generated significant outcry from those affected. Under the terms of SB 1001, trailers exempt from the annual safety inspection but with a GVWR of more than 4,500 pounds will be required to pay an additional $7.50 in registration fees. Hunting safety With passage of HB 2009 during the session's final week, tens of thousands of Texans will not have to take and pass a state-approved hunter education course before legally going hunting. The bill co-authored by Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-League City and Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, exempts all active-duty members and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. military and all active or former peace officers from Texas' hunter education requirements. Texas law requires any person born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, to successfully complete a state-approved Hunter Education Training Course to legally hunt in the state. Proof of completion of the program is required to be carried while hunting. During committee hearings on the legislation, proponents of the exemption argued military training and peace officer training in firearms handling make the requirement to take the hunter education course redundant. Opponents, which included military and law enforcement veterans who also serve as volunteer Texas hunter education instructors, countered that firearms safety is only one component of the course, which is required to also include instruction in hunting skills, regulations and hunters' legal and ethical responsibilities. Reps. Greg and Dennis Bonnen also authored successful legislation that addresses issues surrounding abandoned or derelict vessels in Texas public waters. Scores of abandoned vessels, from boats to barges, litter Texas waters, creating environmental and navigational dangers. The problem is most common on Texas coastal waters, where the Texas General Land Office has a program aimed at removing the abandoned vessels. The legislation - HB 1625, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed Monday - makes it easier for the GLO to extract derelict vessels from state waters by modifying rules governing the legal notices and hearings required before the vessel can be removed. Managed lands A bill that would have allowed a fee to be charged for voluntary participation in an increasingly popular deer management program narrowly failed to gain final passage. Under SB 722 by Sen. Charles Perry, R- Lubbock, Texas landowners and deer hunters taking advantage of the state's Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) would pay an annual fee (expected to range from $30 to $250) that would go to help offset the costs of administering the program. The MLDP allows landowners to voluntarily enroll in a program that involves placing the property under a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department-approved wildlife management plan. In return, the landowner and the hunters on the property are allowed to take those deer during a greatly expanded deer season and afforded other advantages not offered properties not in the program. The MLDP has seen phenomenal growth in participation, growing from 813 properties covering about 3.1 million acres in 1998 to 10,250 properties covering almost 25 million acres this past year, and annually growing by 300-400 properties. The explosion of MLDP's popularity has swamped the TPWD wildlife division staffer responsible for administering the program. Charging a modest fee to participate in Managed Lands Deer Program would be a way the agency could add more staff capacity to handle the increased demands. SB 722 passed the Senate, was favorably reported from its House committee but failed to reach the House floor for a vote before the session's close. In May, Drug Enforcement Agency acting administrator Chuck Rosenberg caused a stir by proclaiming, in a speech in Ohio, that marijuana is not medicine. Many people immediately disagreed, including The Hill, which wrote that Rosenberg might as well have said the Earth is flat. But whats even more interesting is that the Food and Drug Administration has already approved two marijuana-based medicines for treatment of nausea in chemotherapy patients and help increase appetite in those with AIDS who have experienced extreme weight loss. Rosenbergs statement also flies in the face of voters in more than half the U.S. states who have made medical marijuana legal. Related: Governor's Veto Stalls Vermont Legislation to Legalize Marijuana The Context of Rosenbergs Comments Unlike the drugs approved by the FDA, Rosenberg was addressing the smoking of marijuana. However, many of the products that fall into the medical marijuana category come in many different forms, including edibles, vaporizers, pills, oils and ointments. Rosenberg, speaking at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, said that it would be awesome if it turns out there is something in smoked marijuana that helps people. But he said it should first be run through the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA relies on testing of marijuana, and that poses a problem. The federal government continues to list marijuana as a Schedule I illegal substance alongside heroin, cocaine and LSD, with no medical value. All federal-funded testing must be done with government-grown marijuana. And PBS reported earlier this year that the official marijuana used for testing is moldy and not held to any kind of standard, according to scientists. One Arizona researcher said it resembled green talcum powder more than cannabis. Thats led to less testing in the United States and more outside the country. Related: How to Grow a Cannabis Farming Business in the Blazing Marijuana Economy Studies That Show Promise of Marijuana Many studies have been conducted that show there is a great deal of promise in medical marijuana. They include the following. Multiple sclerosis. Dr. Dustin Sulak in Maine, where medical marijuana is legal, has reported that marijuana reduced suffering for those with chronic pain, helped those with inflammatory bowel syndrome to eat better and led to less painful muscle spasms from those with multiple sclerosis. Dravet Syndrome. A recently-concluded study found that cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in marijuana, reduced seizures in children and young adults with a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. Useful medicine. A comprehensive review of many different studies on the potential uses of cannabis led doctors conducting the review for the National Institutes of Health to write: Evidence is accumulating that cannabidiols may be useful medicine for certain indications. Autism. Doctors at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, influenced by positive results in early studies, have launched a two-year clinical trial to determine if marijuana can improve treatment for those with autism. Pain. Oxford University in Great Britain has launched a series of studies into the potential use of cannabis for treating pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases. The prestigious university has enough interesting in medical marijuana to plan a summit on the topic later this year, the International Cannabinoid Biomedicine Conference, designed to get researchers around the world to share information about medical marijuana. Sexual dysfunction. A European study from late last year found that CBD may prove effective for treating sexual dysfunction. Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news. Related: Science and FDA Say Cannabis Is Medicine but DEA Insists It Isn't Governor's Veto Stalls Vermont Legislation to Legalize Marijuana First Year of Recreational Marijuana Sales Are a Tax Windfall for Oregon Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Given such political conditions, Li's agenda may seem very ambitious unless China is ready to offer major trade-offs. He is trying to persuade European leaders to accord the status of "market economy" to China, and relax their actions on the dumping of Chinese goods. He also wants the EU to grant a certificate of airworthiness for a China-developed large passenger plane, the C919. "The discussion in itself shows that there is a lot of frustration in Europe on the lack of reciprocity," said Mats Harborn, president of the European Chamber. "We have open bets for Chinese investments while for us to go to China is a whiling road, so this is causing now political discussions in Europe," he said. Li's itinerary, which includes a visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels, comes in the midst of rising political demand for ensuring reciprocity in business dealings with China. Some European countries are asking the EU to make laws enabling them to closely scrutinize Chinese investments and weed out the dubious ones. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was in Berlin on Wednesday calling for joint efforts to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation. On the same day, a European industry body in China expressed concerns about discrimination against foreign investors and painted a bleak picture of investment growth by Europe-based companies. The business relationship between China and Europe is showing several contradictory trends as Beijing seeks to protect its own state-owned enterprises and its leaders seek foreign investments promising further liberalization in rules. Thomas Gatley, head of research at Beijing-based Gavekal Dragonomics, said the central government in Beijing does make some efforts to open up investment sectors by tweaking the negative list. But these actions are not implemented on the ground. "We have seen some measures in the form of revised negative list, slowly sub-sector by sub-sector, China opening up to foreign investment in the official capacity," Gatley told VOA. "But the (foreign) firms continue to find that when they try to operate in these previously closed areas, there is a lot of de facto barriers to success. That continues to be the substance of complaints by foreign companies." European companies have reported much better performance in China in the past year. Harborn said this had to do with the government's stimulus package in 2016, and there are questions if the high growth scenario will continue in the coming months. Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist for Capital Economics, said the Chinese economy showed signs of recovery in 2016 because of a generous flow of credit by financial institutions. But this may not continue as the government is cracking down on risky lending. "We had quite a sharp slowdown in credit over the past half year, particularly since the start of the year, they have been cracking down quite hard on financial risks on bank and financial institutions," Evans-Pritchard told VOA. A business confidence survey conducted by the European Chamber revealed over 60 percent of its member-companies regard China's slowing economy as the number one cause for concern. This is a significant change from past years when the focus of complaints was discriminatory treatment of foreign companies and regulatory controls. But several members of the Chamber continue to worry about discrimination, saying environmental enforcement agencies are still a lot tougher with foreign companies than they are with local ones. Another new source of worry for foreign firms is the increasing competitiveness of Chinese companies, which is something that will increase with time as Beijing goes about implementing the China 2025 plan to push the local industry into using the next generation of technology. "European companies in China acknowledge that Chinese companies are getting increasingly innovative. Rather than a challenge, this should be perceived as an opportunity," said Denis Depoux, Roland Berger Co-Head for Asia. Premier Li Keqiang called for efforts to bring China-Germany relations to a new height, through innovative cooperation and further opening up, when he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on May 31 during the annual meeting between the two heads of the governments. Premier Li said, China-Germany ties developed fast, with close high-level interaction, growing trade and investment, and expanding cultural exchange. Now, uncertainties exist in international affairs as anti-globalization sentiment and protectionism grow. China and Germany should enhance cooperation and communication based on mutual respect and trust, promote free and convenient trade and investment, and protect WTO rules, he said. He said he hopes that the two countries can tackle external uncertainties with stability in bilateral cooperation and create positive factors of stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Premier Li said that China and Germany are highly economically complementary, with wide common interests and huge potential for cooperation. China is willing to integrate its Made in China 2025 strategy with Germanys Industry 4.0 concept, by increasing cooperation in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, innovation and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). I hope Germany could help gaining airworthiness approval for C919, Chinas first domestically built large passenger jet, he added. The Premier suggested that both sides could enhance cooperation in education, culture and tourism to make personal exchanges more convenient. China supports Germany in hosting the G20 Summit this year, in an effort to promote global economic governance and sustainable growth. China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, Premier Li said, adding that China always supports European integration and is glad to see a united, prosperous and stable Europe, which is conducive to multipolarization of the world and economic globalization. Merkel said that Germany is Chinas reliable partner, and the two countries are seeing strong relations. Under the current international situation, it is important for Germany and China to maintain a close high-level dialogue. Germany is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in trade and investment, finance, new energy vehicles, medical care, humanities and other fields, based on a spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Germany will promote the synergy of Germanys Industry 4.0 campaign and Chinas Made in China 2025 strategy. Germany highly appreciates Chinas support for European integration and looks forward to the 19th EU-China leaders meeting, Merkel added. William Luther /Staff file photo On the last day this year to protest property tax valuations in Bexar County, Mayor Ivy Taylor and San Antonio Water System officials urged qualifying homeowners to apply for a homestead exemption. SAWS will start informing new ratepayers or those changing their service addresses about the exemption, which can save people $25,000 in assessed value on the house that is their primary residence, Taylor and SAWS CEO and President Robert Puente said. John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News The 2017 federal budget passed by Congress includes a $10 million reimbursement for the local governmental agencies that funded the San Antonio Rivers Mission Reach restoration project. The San Antonio River Authority and Bexar County officials praised San Antonios congressional delegation for securing the reimbursement, though they say the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still owes them more than $45 million. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A 17-year-old San Antonio man who graduated with his high school diploma in March was shot and killed Friday in Spring Branch, Texas. Tyrese Franklin was shot with a handgun around 11:30 p.m. in the 10300 block of Rebecca Creek Road.Franklin was a passenger inside a Nissan Sentra at the time of the shooting. RELATED: Police arrest suspect who T-boned 56-year-old woman's car, killing her, then fled Deputies said the driver took him to the 3300 block of Tanglewood Trail, where he was pronounced dead. Deputies said the parties involved in the shooting have been identified, but a spokeswoman with the Comal County Sheriff's Office could not confirm whether any arrests have been made. An autopsy on Franklin's body was performed on May 30, and the sheriff's office is currently awaiting the results. "Tyrese is loved by his family and friends so deeply, to know him, was to love him," reads an online obituary for Franklin. "He is remembered most for his amazing smile and light that shined from within. He could brighten your day with just his presence. Tyrese loved to laugh, no matter how sad or upset you were, he would make you smile." RELATED: Records: S.A. firefighter terminated after arrest in alleged meth-filled Craigslist meetup A GoFundMe page for Franklin's funeral expenses says he was born in Michigan and is the oldest of seven children. He graduated from San Antonio Leadership Academy in March, according to his obituary, and was involved in varsity lacrosse and wrestling. "Tyrese was a natural, he had a gift, everything that he did, he was great at," the obituary says. The creator of the page says his family would like to raise money to transport him to Michigan, where he will be buried. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Antonio native and former Mayor Julian Castro continued to fuel the 2020 presidential rumor mill in a recent interview. Castro, who most recently headed the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the President Obama administration, sat down with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith during a taping of his KLRU show "Overhead with Evan Smith. " Smith asked him outright if he had plans to run for president in 2020. "I've said very clearly that I'm not taking that off the table, that I'll look and see how things develop over the next year or so and then make a decision as to whether that's something that I want to do or not," Castro said. RELATED: Childhood photo of Castro twins surfaces as S.A. brothers continue attack on Trump On Twitter recently, Castro said the president who follows Donald Trump will have to spend 80 percent of their time fixing the executive branch of the U.S. government and rebuilding the country's leadership across the world and trust at home. Speculation around Castro and his brother U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro's future political plans have swirled this year. Joaquin Castro announced at the end of April he had no plans to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. Had Castro decided to enter the race, he would have also faced U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke. RELATED: S.A.'s Castro brothers launch social media attack on Donald Trump O'Rourke, a Democrat from El Paso, announced his plans to challenge Cruz at the end of March. After Castro announced he would not run, O'Rourke told the Texas Tribune he wished the San Antonio native well. "Joaquin is an extraordinary member of Congress, someone who has led a principled, effective fight for his constituents and our country on issues that matter most," O'Rourke said, according to the Tribune. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 Its awfully hard to wrap yourself in the flag and play down concerns about Russian ties to Team Trump. But thats one of the many compromising positions Republicans have put themselves in with their unflinching support of President Donald J. Trump. When its all said and done, Republicans will be left to wonder if Trump was worth the sacrifice. In Trumps first four months, the no-longer Grand Old Party has taken quite the reputation hit. With Trump, the GOP has sacrificed credibility on national security, patriotism, so-called family values and spending. And for what? Possible tax cuts? The Supreme Court? A House health care bill that would result in 23 million fewer Americans not having health insurance? The Muslim ban? If thats winning, what does losing look like? This was all telegraphed on the campaign trail when Republicans stood by their man after he bragged about sexually assaulting women. Locker room talk, Trump supporters said, ceding any claim to the mantle of family values and its implied morality. And with every dismissal or stated caveat on Russia, every declaration that the concerns about Russian collusion are phony or strictly political or lacking in substance, Republicans cede long-term credibility on patriotism and national security. After Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz rushed to the presidents defense, noting it was within Trumps authority to fire the head of the FBI. Ive heard what I think is a phony narrative that he did this somehow to squelch the investigation into Russia, which I dont believe there is any evidence of, Cornyn said. In a written statement, Cruz, who is all too familiar with sacrificing reputation for Trump, said Comey had lost the trust of the American people: The Director of the FBI needs to be above reproach, with an unquestioned reputation for fairness and impartiality, he said. But if Hillary Clinton had won the election, and then fired Comey in the midst of an email investigation, would Cruzs response be so mild? If Russian allegations swirled around Democrats, would Republicans be so chill? As for that phony narrative from Cornyn, Trump quickly undermined it, saying he was considering this Russia thing when he fired Comey. And when Russian officials visited the White House, Trump told them, I faced great pressure because of Russia. Thats taken off. In that meeting, Trump also disparaged Comey, who says Trump asked him to end the Flynn investigation. And, of course, Trump spilled the beans on classified information to the Russians. In one of the latest revelations, we have learned Trumps son-in law Jared Kushner tried to establish a secure back channel with Russia. Why remains unclear, which is exactly why an investigation is needed. What is clear is Russian connections abound. Kushner, Michael T. Flynn, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Michael Cohen. All are facing questions about Russia. Thats real news not fake news. Yet there was Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold recently arguing on CNN that such inconvenient truths were overshadowing unfounded conspiracies of the alt-right. My fear is our constant focusing on the Russians is deflecting away from some other things that we need to be investigating, he said. Theres still some question as to whether the intrusion of the DNC server was an insider job or whether or not it was the Russians. He was referring to the Seth Rich murder conspiracy , a particularly malignant and shameful form of fake news circulating in the dregs of right-wing media. Polls show Republicans overwhelmingly support the president digging in with each turn of the Russia story even as the majority of Americans overwhelmingly disapprove. That polling dynamic has led a number of smart people to ask when Republicans will finally stand up to Trump? Republicans have repeatedly answered that question. A better question is why Republicans cant see the patriotic concerns of the majority of Americans? With a few exceptions, theyve placed a higher value on party loyalty than character and strength, and that sacrifice will have haunting consequences. jbrodesky@express-news.net The states takeover of the Southside Independent School District is complete. Its time for the difficult work of rebuilding the communitys trust to commence. In the past four years, this mostly rural, low property-wealth district, located at the Bexar-Atascoa county lines, has been rocked by runaway school boards, allegations of nepotism, a steady stream of new superintendents and questionable contracting practices and most recently with a massive budget shortfall. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath recently removed the seven-member elected board and replaced it with a five-member board of managers he appointed. The state has elected to keep Mark Eads, who was hired in May 2016, as the districts superintendent. We applaud new board members Bruce Brannon, Velia Minjarez, Gabriel Farias, Lonna Clinch and Dolores Sendejo for their willingness to take on a challenging assignment that comes with no pay. State rules allow the appointment of individuals from outside the district to a board of managers. Some will argue that people from outside the district do not understand the dynamics and needs of the community. But we view the additions as an opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the table. There are benefits from having policymakers who are untainted by the politics and histories that develop among those residing in a close-knit community for generations. Transparency is going to be the key to success in rebuilding a strong school district. We urge the appointed managers and the community to recognize the need to treat each other with respect and civility, and to remain focused on improving the quality of education. The relatives of Villa were the first people investigated who yesterday went before the Court number 3 of Oviedo, in the framework of the "Operation Hulla", after having come on Tuesday afternoon to the headquarters of the Spanish Civil Guard in El Rubin in Oviedo. Both Villa's wife, Maria Jesus Iglesias, and his children, Rolando and Angela Fernandez - who worked for Montepio, the first as the director of the geriatric hospital of Felechosa - came shortly before 10 o'clock in the morning to the courthouse, accompanied by their lawyer, Ricardo Alvarez-Buylla, and their court agent, Laura Fernandez-Mijares. In the court of the magistrate Begona Fernandez, one of the prosecutors of Anti-corruption was waiting for them, expressly arrived from Madrid. The appearance, however, was very short: the three of them refused to answer the questions of the public prosecutor, with the excuse that the proceedings are secret and they can not know the reasons why they are investigated, which leaves them in a situation of defenselessness. The same happened the day before in the headquarters of the Civil Guard. The first to go inside the courthouse was Maria Jesus Iglesias, who helped herself to walk with a cane. She was barely ten minutes inside the courthouse. She was followed by Angela and Rolando Fernandez, who went before the Anti-corruption prosecutor and stayed there for a similar amount of time. They left the Court before 11:30 surrounded by a swarm of journalists, without saying a single word. The three of them maintained a great cold-blood at all times. Their lawyer only argued that the summary was secret and could not provide any information. The Office of the Prosecutor is investigating whether they could benefit from funds distracted from the works of the Felechosa geriatric. The controversy surrounding the ruinous management of Rolando Fernandez as the director of the geriatric center should not be forgotten, as Juan Jose Pulgar, the new president of Montepio, denounced. The son of Villa had a contract of 50,000 euros gross per year, with a shield for dismissal of 80,000. He was dismissed as a manager, although he was kept as a supervisor, with a lower salary. Fernandez responded with a medical leave. Before the judgment, he reached an agreement with the friendly society for which he would leave in exchange for 19,500 euros, far from the 80,000 that the contract established. Some time later he set up a fashion shop with his sister in El Fontan, in Oviedo, which has been closed for the last two days. Villa has been summoned to testify in court number 3, but his lawyer has already submitted a brief arguing that the former unionist is not in a position to appear before the judge. As in his other judicial process, Villa has adopted the strategy of stating that he is very sick. So far, this hasnt had good results for him. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Almost 2 million will be made available in 2017 for Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability living in private houses in the Longford/Westmeath constituency. A total of 770,740 (80% - 616,592 Exchequer Funding and 20% - 154,158 Local Authority Funding) is being made available in Longford and 1,197,989 is being made available in Westmeath (80% - 958,391 Exchequer Funding and 20% - 239,598 Local Authority Funding). Longford/Westmeath TD, Kevin Boxer Moran has said that this 1,968,729 investment across the constituency will allow extensions to be built for people with a disability as well as housing adaptations to improve mobility aid (such as stair lifts, access ramps, etc.). Deputy Moran said this was an extremely important scheme for older people and people with a disability, which gives them the opportunity to continue independent living in their own homes for as long as possible, with the comfort and dignity that they deserve. I am particularly happy that funding has been increased for both Westmeath and Longford local authorities for the 2017 grants, said Deputy Moran. The grants that are made available, whether large or small, can greatly improve the quality of life of people with a disability or who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile. Both Rebuilding Ireland and the Programme for Government support further increases in funding for the scheme, with Rebuilding Ireland undertaking to increase the target of the scheme drawdown to 10,000 homes in 2017 (from 8,000 in 2016). The grants are 80% funded from the Exchequer by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority. Grants are payable in the main to owner-occupied (private) housing. Also eligible are houses being purchased under the Tenant Purchase Scheme, private rented accommodation, accommodation provided under voluntary housing schemes and accommodation occupied by persons living in communal residences. Grants of up to 30,000 are available for an adaptation, up to 8,000 for housing aid for older people and up to 6,000 for mobility aids. Local News, Crime, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: June 01 2017 Troopers Issue more than 12,000 Tickets During Campaign to Combat Drunk and Impaired Driving over Memorial Day Weekend. Albany, NY June 1, 2017 Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that State Police issued 12,169 tickets and arrested nearly 240 people for DWI this Memorial Day weekend, as part of the STOP-DWI traffic enforcement period. The initiative, which targeted impaired and reckless drivers, took place between May 26 and May 29. "Cracking down on impaired and reckless drivers is critical to ensuring the safety of all motorists on our roadways, Governor Cuomo said. Thanks to our dedicated law enforcement professionals, we were able to catch these dangerous drivers, get them off our roads, and help prevent avoidable tragedies." During the 96-hour STOP-DWI campaign, which was partially funded by the Governors Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Police and local law enforcement increased patrols and conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "The results of this years campaign show that too many people are getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or impaired by drugs. We will not stand for this behavior, and our Troopers will remain vigilant to remove these reckless individuals from our roadways." Terri Egan, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the State Department of Motor Vehicles and Acting Chair of the Governors Traffic Safety Committee said, "It is very disappointing to see that in this day and age, so many people still think its fine to drive impaired. The message cannot be repeated often enough: You put your life and the lives of others at risk every time you get behind the wheel impaired, no matter how short the distance or how familiar the roads. We will continue to vigorously enforce these laws this summer and all year long." State Troopers arrested 237 people for DWI and investigated 146 personal injury crashes which resulted in 190 people injured. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a sampling of the total tickets that were issued: Speeding: 3,599 Distracted Driving: 290 Seatbelt violations: 2,312 Move Over Law: 218 Troopers used both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of this crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: June 01 2017 Espaillat: "Pride Month recognizes the courage it takes for LGBT people to come out as their true selves into a society that is not always accepting." New York, NY - June 1, 2017 - Today, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement in honor of LGBT Pride Month. Each year during the month of June, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community comes together to celebrate their courage, their identities, and their lives. As we celebrate Pride Month, we also must take this time to remember the 49 people killed and 53 wounded at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida during their Latin Flavor night. We embrace the survivors of this tragic shooting and the families who lost loved ones during this hateful attack. In communities across this country, LGBT people can still be fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and denied services because of who they are or who they love. It is critical that we do more to protect the dignity of the LGBT community and work to ensure full legal and societal equality. Last month, I was proud to join 194 of my House colleagues in reintroducing the Equality Act, comprehensive civil rights legislation that will provide nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people in communities across the country. Pride Month recognizes the courage it takes for LGBT people to come out as their true selves into a society that is not always accepting. It is an observance of those who have fought for equality, in some case losing their freedom or even their lives. And it is a celebration of how far we have all come. Police Place Two New Cassel Men Custody for Beating and Robbery of Chinese Food Delivery Man Local News, Crime By Long Island News & PR Published: June 01 2017 Kevin M. Franklin, 20, and Dwight McCullough, 20, are charged with two counts of Robbery 1st degree. NCPD have announced that (L to R) Dwight McCullough, 20, and Kevin M. Franklin, 20, both of New Cassel, have been arrested in connetion with a robbery that occurred on Thursday, 07/16 New Cassel, NY June 1, 2017 The Major Case Bureau have announced that two suspects have been arrested in connetion with a robbery that occurred in New Cassel on Thursday, 07/16/15 at 10:50 P.M. According to detectives, a male victim, 61, while making a Chinese food delivery, was stopped by a male subject, armed with a bat, when a second male subject came up from behind and grabbed the victim around the neck. The victim was knocked to the ground when both subjects began punching and kicking The subjects removed cash from the victims pocket and fled the scene on foot towards Grand St. The victim, who sustained contusions to the face, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. An investigation identified Kevin M. Franklin, 20, of New Cassel and Dwight McCullough, 20, of New Cassel as the suspects in the above listed crime. They were located and placed under arrest at the Washington Correctional Facility. Both men are charged with Robbery 1st degree and will be arraigned on Thursday, June 01, 2017 at First District Court in Hempstead . Additionally Franklin was identified in two other Robberies: The first occurred on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in New Cassel where a taxi was dispatched to Garland Avenue and the driver was robbed. The second occurred on Thursday, June 25, 2015 where a food delivery man was robbed at 1 Laura Drive in Hicksville Franklin is charged with two counts of Robbery 1st degree in connection with these additional robberies and will be arraigned on Thursday June 1, 2017 at First District Court in Hempstead. The Afghan Taliban paraded its forces in broad daylight without fear of retribution after overrunning the district center of Waghaz in the southeastern Afghanistan province of Ghazni last month. The Taliban detailed its exploits in Ghazni in a video, entitled Conquest of Waghaz, that was released today on its official propaganda website, Voice of Jihad. Waghaz district of Ghazni province is among the regions which has been completely liberated from enemy presence with the commencement of the blessed new military campaign of Islamic Emirate dubbed Operation Mansouri, the statement accompanying the video proclaimed. In the video, the Taliban paraded scores of fighters driving motorcycles, cars, and a US-made Humvee that was captured during the assault on the district center. The fighters operated in the open, unconcerned that they will be targeted by US or Afghan aircraft. Taliban fighters were shown raising the white banner of the jihadist group over the district center. The group also claimed to seize large quantities of weapons and ammunition during the assault. The Taliban took control of Waghaz on May 22, the same day it assaulted areas in the capital of Ghazni City. The Taliban also bombed the governors compound during the fighting. The Taliban now claims to control five of Ghaznis 18 districts (Nawa, Khogyani, Rasheedan, Waghaz, and Zana Khan), and controls 60 percent or more of nine other districts. Only three districts (Nawar, Ajiristan, and Malistan) are fully under government control. FDDs Long War Journal has assessed the Talibans claims of territorial control to be credible. Afghan forces have ceded control of some rural districts to the Taliban, excusing the districts as strategically unimportant. The Taliban has instead used these districts as bases to attack Afghan forces in more populous districts. The US military estimates that the Taliban now controls or contests 40 percent of Afghanistans districts, while the Taliban claims the number is closer to 50 percent. Ghazni is also a known haven for al Qaeda and other allied jihadist groups. The presence of al Qaeda, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Lashkar-e-Taiba cells have been detected in the districts of Andar, Deh Yak, Gelan, Ghazni, Shah Joy, and Waghaz, according to an investigation by FDDs Long War Journal. Al Qaeda has long viewed Ghazni as one of four key provinces in Afghanistan. In a letter written on Oct. 3, 2010 to Atiyah Abl al Rahman, Osama bin Laden advised key al Qaeda personnel to the eastern Afghan provinces of Nuristan, Kunar, Ghazni and Zabul from Pakistans tribal areas to avoid the US drone campaign in North and South Waziristan. [See FDDs Long War Journal reports, Bin Laden advised relocation of some leaders to Afghanistan due to drone strikes in Waziristan, and Osama Bin Ladens Files: Al Qaeda relocated operatives out of northern Pakistan.] Images from the Taliban video, Conquest of Ghazni Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Culture / Events If youre a fan of the artistss polka dots and patterns, hold tight because a sprawling exhibition is making its way to the Little Red Dot Jun 01, 2017 | By Teri Chong No stranger to the vibrant and quirky world of art, its only fitting that Yayoi Kusamas upcoming exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore is entitled Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow. The exhibition of one of the worlds most influential artists in the 21st century, this retrospective is the first to see a congregation of Kusamas works in Southeast Asia. Opening from June 9 to September 3, the exhibition invites audiences into the multi-dimension world of Kusamas creative vision. A champion of the Avant-Garde, Kusama is lauded for her signature polka-dotted artworks especially on pumpkin motifs as well as her breathtaking Infinity Room installations. Having worked with designers such as Marc Jacobs and luxury brand Louis Vuitton, Kusamas works continuously inspire other art forms. The exhibition will feature over 120 of her works, which include interactive spaces, installations, sculptures and paintings. Amongst these are new pieces that have never been exhibited prior. Leading up to Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, one of her interactive installations The Obliteration Room has been installed in the National Gallery Singapore as part of the inagural Childrens Biennale. The main exhibition will take place in the Gallerys Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery. An exploration of the influence of international artists such as Kusama, the exhibition will highlight how her works were able to reach across geographical boundaries to touch the lives of people all over the world. It will also look into the personal challenges Kusama faced, and how she overcame them to impact the art world. Other than the main retrospective, the exhibition will extend across to workshops and programmes for all ages. These include a Curatorial Rountable for a discussion on the impact and influence on Yayaoi Kusamas works. If you are up for creating your very own Yayoi Kusama inspired piece, sign up for Sunday Studio: Marbled Patterns. These marbling workshops are available at the Keppel Centre for Art Education at various timeslots. A collaboration between the National Gallery Singapore and Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow will take place from June 9 to September 3. Opening hours are from 10am-7pm from Sundays to Thursdays and 10am-10pm from Fridays to Saturdays. Prices are $15 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents and $25 for foreigners. Children enter free. For more information, do visit the National Gallery Singapore. MARTINSVILLE-Three Martinsville school buses and 30 from Henry County are missing a safety component, a defect unnoticed when they were shipped from the manufacturer. The buses were part of an estimated 4,000 across the Commonwealth with the problem, an issue the Virginia Department of Education discovered earlier this month and informed districts to start looking for. After a March 2011 vote, the department required that all school buses with automatic transmissions in Virginia have what's called a brake interlock installed. It's a device that stops the parking brake from accidentally disengaging. Its an important feature on the bus because unlike most passenger vehicles with automatic transmissions, school bus transmissions don't have a park setting. After stopping the bus, the driver places it in neutral and then pulls the parking brake valve on the dashboard. Without the interlock, the parking brake could accidentally disengage for example, if a student were to slip and fall against the brake valve. When the brake interlock is installed on a bus, a driver has to sit in the seat and push the brake pedal with their foot. Otherwise, the parking brake value won't be released. During a spot check conducted earlier this month in Richmond, officials from the VDOE found that none of the vehicles inspected had the interlock installed. The department then put out a call to each of the state's 132 school divisions, asking local officials to check all of their buses for the defect. So far, an estimated 4,000 have been discovered with the problem. Damien Tarpley, transportation coordinator for Martinsville City Public Schools, said that after checking the buses in the divisions fleet, only three had the parking brake issue. This was an oversight from the manufacturer, Tarpley said. However, they have taken the needed steps to correct the problem by ordering the new device, which will be at no cost to Martinsville City Schools. All three of the bus manufacturers, Blue Bird, IC and Thomas, have agreed to cover the full cost of retrofitting the buses for each school district. They will send employees to the districts over the summer, doing the work on site. State officials said they expect mechanics to start work on the issue within the next two weeks. The buses in question were pulled out of service as soon as the defect was noticed, in each of the local school divisions. The three buses that are not in compliance [were not] used and drivers have been placed on spare buses until the problem is corrected, Tarpley said. That precaution will continue into the fall or however long it takes to guarantee the interlock has been installed. While the brake interlock was an oversight by the manufacturer, Tarpley and his team said they take extra precautions to ensure the safety of students on each Martinsville bus. Drivers participate in two in-service training sessions a year, which cover updated safety regulations and policies that pertain to students being safely transported. Additional safety precautions have been installed such as cameras in the front and back of the buses, a third brake light in the bumper to make motorists more aware of the school buses, LED lights to make the bus more visible especially on foggy mornings and GPS [devices] to track school bus speeds and location, Tarpley said. In Henry County, Monica Hatchett, director of communications and organizational learning, said that 30 buses will be retrofitted over the summer. Riding the school bus, Hatchett said, gives students reliable, safe transportation both to and from school, as well as various after-school and in-school activities. Not only does riding the bus guarantee timely arrival and the reduction of pollution, but families also have the peace of mind of knowing that their student is supervised by caring adults during their daily commute, Hatchett said. Transporting students in a safe manner is important to both area school systems. We take this matter very seriously as approximately 1,700 students rely on school bus transportation each year, Tarpley said. Student safety is a number one priority, as we strive as a school division to be consistent and a reliable source of transportation for all students. As of Wednesday, neither the VDOE or any of the local school districts had records of any incident where a school bus rolled because of an accidentally disengaged parking brake. State officials said they would work with all groups to make sure the problem is fixed as quickly as possible. The safety of students is the departments highest priority and the department will work with school divisions, manufacturers and school bus dealers to make sure that all non-compliant buses are brought into full compliance with the state Board of Educations equipment specifications as quickly as possible, Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said in a statement. Society, movies or peers: Who is to blame for crimes by jilted lovers, stalkers? | News Brake Ep 41 If there is one thing you can be certain about in any UK election, it is that the vast majority of the press will be hostile to Labour. The likes of the Times, Daily Mail and (of course) the Sun will claim to be fair-minded and considered, etc. before announcing yet again that they are backing the Tories. The current election is no exception to this rule. The only anomaly to this was during the Tony Blair years, when the Tories were considered so unpopular that some national titles decided to give critical support to Labour. However, they were comforted by how right-wing New Labour and Blair were; offering support was therefore deemed an acceptable risk by the press barons who in truth actually decide editorial policy. The support by the press for the Tories this time round has, if anything, been even more emphatic than usual, mainly due to their mutual hatred of the EU, but also because of Jeremy Corbyn and what he represents. No lie, no personal insult, and no twisting of the facts are considered too great for these guardians of free speech. Just as the bosses press now fawns over Theresa May (echoing the same toadying that we saw when Maggie Thatcher was in office), so they all rush to stick the knife in to Corbyn at each and every opportunity. They have certainly had practice, as this has been their approach to Corbyn ever since he was elected leader of the Labour Party in 2015. So vicious has this hostility been that former newspaper editor Paul Connew felt moved to say, as Corbyn was about to be confirmed as Labours new leader, Well, even as someone hostile to Jeremy Corbyns run for leader, I have to admit his treatment by the Mail, Sun, Telegraph, Times and Express and their Sunday sisters has been as savage as anything dished out to Ed Miliband. When people talk about Corbyn, it is the image presented by the Tory press that they often see. Tories and media in cahoots Of course this hostility to the Left on the part of the right-wing press will come as no surprise to anyone. In the 1980s it was said that the Tory Party was in daily contact with Fleet Street, coordinating how the media reported events, particularly during elections. Every attempt was made to shape peoples opinions and views. No doubt similar arrangements exist today. Indeed, all the press barons quickly came on board in supporting Mays U-turn about calling a snap election. Even the Daily Express - whose owner decided to back UKIP last time around in revenge for the Tories not giving him a knighthood - has been toeing the Tory line. Interestingly, the Tory manifesto includes scrapping the second stage of the Leveson Inquiry and Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act (which would have required newspapers to pay the legal costs of action taken against them, if they didn't sign up to an approved regulator), both of which the press barons have been demanding. As BBC Media editor Amol Rajan put it on the BBC news website: Obviously there is no suggestion or evidence of some kind of deal between the prime minister and the press - but clearly she has a more constructive relationship with many of Britain's top titles than even her predecessor." The progressive press So what about the alternative liberal press? The Daily Mirror has backed Labour so far, but again they have been hostile towards Corbyn over the last two years. The Guardian, that beacon of the wet middle-classes, continues its love affair with the Lib-Dems, despite the bitter experience of the coalition government. If anything, they have led the way in attacking Corbyn at every opportunity, usually linked to endless calls for a new centre-left re-alignment. In this task, the Guardian have been aided by a mob of Blairite rent-a-quote MPs, who have popped up at every opportunity to add their moans to that of the papers regular columnists. For all their liberal-minded credentials, both the Mirror and the Guardian have, when the capitalist chips are down, backed the status quo and the rule of the rich. Their non-stop talk on how badly Corbyn is doing and how much better it would all be if Labour was to be returned to nice, safe, centre ground hands once again flies in the face of reality. These people have no answer to the millions of lost votes incurred during the Blair/Brown/Miliband years. They are happy to endlessly go on about Corbyns unelectability and Labours low poll ratings (until recently of around 30% to 32%), yet have nothing to say about the terrible results scored by the more acceptable Dutch socialists (5.7%) or the French socialists (6.4%) in other recent elections - both of which have recently discovered just how popular their more mainstream approaches actually are. Yet the experts of the press demand that Labour takes the same route over a cliff as the French and Dutch socialist parties. (In passing, we should also note the ongoing hostility on the part of the Guardian towards the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela, with its open calls for the Maduro government to be replaced.) BBC bias We should also comment on the pernicious role of the television news media. They are supposed to be impartial when it comes to reporting, above all during an election. Yet over the last two years we have seen a clear tendency to push these impartial boundaries to their limits and beyond, not least when dealing with Jeremy Corbyn. The BBC has been under attack for several years now from a Tory government, intent on holding a gun of privatisation and budget cuts to its head. As a result, the BBC has become far less willing to ruffle the governments feathers. The BBC has been using the same tactics that we have seen from papers like the Guardian, with Blairites popping up like magic everywhere on their channels to attack Corbyn. The BBC says they are just reporting the news as they see it - but, as a wing of the establishment, they are also shaping it. They often emphasise negative rather than positive aspects when dealing with Corbyn, being more than a little selective over their reporting and the tone used. This is nothing new either; ask the miners how they were treated by the BBC during the great strike of the 1980s. No wonder people have turned to social media to get their news, as an antidote to the tame reporting on our TV screens of what this government is doing. Interestingly, even this mock impartiality is not enough for some in the establishment. Murdochs News Corp want to change the laws in Britain so that Sky News can be as biased in their reporting as its counterpart, Fox News, is in America. Monopolies and the media So far nothing that has been said here will come as a shock to trade unionists or Labour activists. It reflects the nature of the press and the key question of ownership. When was the last time any major national newspaper ever supported a strike for example? Indeed, it is only when you look closer at the facts of media ownership that things start to become all too clear. The media industry is one of the most monopolised on earth. Two rich billionaires, Rupert Murdoch and Jonathan Harmsworth, 4th Viscount of Rothermere, control over 50% of all national papers sold in the UK. According to the Media Reform Council, Britain has one of the most concentrated media environments in the world, with titles owned by just three companies representing 71% of national newspaper circulation and five companies owning 81% of all local newspaper titles on sale. As of 2015: News Corp had 33.6% of the national newspaper market; Associated Newspapers 24.1%; Express Group 12.1%; and Telegraph Media Group 7%. If you add the FT at 2.6% and Independent Print Ltd at 4.5% (before the closure of the Independent as a print newspaper) then this gives a huge share of the market to papers that have tended to support the Tory Party over the years. Against this we have just the Guardian Group at 2.5% and MGN at 13.6%, although their support for Labour has always been somewhat conditional, as already outlined. This monopolisation continues into the local press. As of July 2015, Johnson Press owned 21.9% of all local titles, Garnet Group (Newsquest) 18.9%, and Tindel 11.2% representing 52% of all titles between them. Add Local World, Trinity Mirror and Archant to the list and you account for 81% of all papers on the market. Is this monopolisation just a British phenomenon? Turn to the USA where the principle of freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution and you find that six companies now dominate the whole media industry as against 50 in 1983. These in turn are owned by 15 billionaires. Freedom of the Press is guaranteed only to those who own one. This famous saying by legendary US media critic A.J. Liebling in 1960 is evidently as true now as ever. The same story could be repeated in countries all around the world. Media for the billions, not the billionaires! When Lenin, long ago, said: In capitalist usage, freedom of the press means freedom of the rich to bribe the press, freedom to use their wealth to shape and fabricate so-called public opinion, he could have been writing about the situation today. Many people talk about press regulation as being the solution to the problem. Certainly what we have seen up to now has been pretty ineffective, as we saw with the phone hacking scandal. However, the question must be asked: how effective would any new system be? At worst it would be used by the government to muzzle the press in the same way that British libel laws are used. At best it would be just as ineffectual as previous arrangements, as the wealthy elite would still own and control the press, thereby changing nothing. A good example of how useless regulation is can be seen from the Jezster article that appeared on the front page of The Sun, claiming that Corbyn had agreed to join the Privy Council as leader of the opposition to get money for the party. The claim had no basis in fact, but all that happened was that the paper was obliged by the regulators to publish an adjudication some months later, buried away in a small box inside the paper. Where is the justice in this? The Sun repeated lies over the Hillsborough disaster without being punished, apart from people rightly refusing to ever buy that rag again. Socialists must stand up against the disgraceful bias of the capitalist media, but also recognize that the issue of ownership must be addressed. Without this, real freedom of the press is meaningless. Regulation and ownership controls are not enough. The media industry should be nationalised and its resources opened up to all political trends and groups within society. This fair allocation to the billions not the billionaires - would open up the media as a real and valued resource for all, in which quality journalism would thrive and develop. Under socialism, the media could be a defender of our rights, not a defender of privilege. In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used. This Policy contains important information about your personal rights to privacy. Please read it carefully to understand how we use your personal data. We may update this Policy from time to time without notice to you, so please check it regularly. The provision of your personal data to us is voluntary. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com The report made in Petrograd recently by a delegation of Donets workers exposed the Donets coal mine owners, who are criminally disrupting and stopping production, and (for the sake of safeguarding their sacred right to enormous profits) are condemning the workers to unemployment, the country to starvation, and industry to a crisis through a coal shortage. Today we have received a telegram reporting similar outrageous and criminal conduct on the part of the coal mine owners at the other end of Russia. Here is the text of the telegram sent to the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies and to three cabinet ministers (with our corrections in parenthesis): On April 29 the (Soviet) of Soldiers Deputies and the Union of Employees at Michelsons Sudzhensk coal mines removed from office the nine-man administration owing to the criminally provocative manner in which they ran the business, which threatened to lead to a shutdown. The management has been placed (in) the hands of a Council of Engineers.a technical board directly controlled by the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies. A committee from the executive bodies in Tomsk has investigated and approved our decision. In a telegram dated May 11 Michelson refused to pay the workers. We demand full restoration. Restoration impossible.1 The mines are facing anarchy, the workersdisaster. Take urgent steps to send half a million rubles, decide the fate of the mines, confiscate them. The mines are working for national defence, daily output is 135,000 poods. A stoppage may affect railway traffic and (operation of the) factories. So far work is normal. Wages for March and April not paid in full. Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies, and Union of Employees. No more fitting expression than that used by the Soviet and the Employees Union in their telegram could be found, namely, that the capitalists are running the business in a criminally provocative manner. All the members of the Provisional Government, the so-called socialist ministers included, will be accomplices in this crime if they continue to grapple with the impending debacle by means of resolutions, commissions, conferences with employers, if they continue to waste words where they should use their power (against the capitalists). Notes 1. [The meaning is not clear. Does it mean that in case of a stoppage it will be difficult and almost impossible to get the mines restarted? Lenin] Source: Marxist Internet Archive. Insurer Aetna's announcement this week that it is planning to move its headquarters out of Hartford after 160 years is a sign that corporate decision-makers are losing confidence in Connecticut, according to an economist who served as an adviser under two of the state's former governors. And Western Massachusetts could benefit if the trend of large companies moving operations out of the Nutmeg State continues, said the head of a local economic development agency. Aetna officials confirmed this week that the company plans to relocate its headquarters to a big city -- either Boston or New York City are thought to be front-runners. State officials consoled the public, saying that despite the move in headquarters most of the company's 5,800 jobs in the Nutmeg state will stay, according to the Hartford Courant. Still, losing Aetna is a blow both psychological and economic. It comes on the heels of General Electric's decision to relocate its headquarters to Boston, and a May announcement by ticket reseller StubHub that it will move its East Granby call center to Salt Lake City. The center, which now employs 250 people, opened its first offices in East Granby in 2005 with 10 employees. So what's happening in Connecticut? And why might Massachusetts, not itself known as a low-cost state, be the beneficiary of GE's decision and possibly Aetna's? "It all comes down to business confidence. People are losing confidence in Connecticut's ability to promote fiscal discipline," said economist Donald Klepper-Smith. "Once you start losing confidence, it doesn't turn on a dime." Klepper Smith served as chairman of former Gov. M. Jodi Rell's economic advisory council from 2007 and 2010, and as an economic adviser to former Gov. Lowell P. Weicker before that. Today he studies the economies of both Massachusetts and Connecticut for clients including Farmington Bank. Insurance jobs are important for the local economy -- both in Hartford, the "Insurance City," and in Springfield, thanks to MassMutual. Insurance company workers are well paid. Every insurance job creates 2.6 jobs elsewhere in the economy and every dollar paid out in salary at an insurer creates $1.63 in economic activity as a multiplier effect takes hold, Klepper-Smith said. Employers like Aetna are drawn these days to big cites where new young employees seem to prefer to live and work. It makes recruiting easier. Also, Massachusettts has seen jobs numbers bounce back to pre-recession numbers and then keep expanding with strong health care and manufacturing industries. Corporate leaders also have confidence in leaders like Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, and the heads of the state's Democratic legislative majorities. "In Connecticut, there is a sense of head-butting," Klepper-Smith said. "When it comes down to it, the private sector needs to see some discipline in the public sector." Massachusetts gives employers that confidence. Klepper Smith cited a finding by the Connecticut think-tank the Yankee Institute showing that the average Connecticut state employee is paid $10,000 more a year than the average Massachusetts state employee. And the problem has not gone unnoticed in Hartford, where a state tax hike passed in 2015 is shouldering a lot of the blame. A May 30 statement by the Yankee Institute also noted MassLive's May 2016 reporting, which showed through emails obtained through a public records request that Massachusetts officials were tuned into major insurer's objections to the tax hike. "There's an article in Hartford Courant about raising taxes- and response from AETNA Travellers and GE," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito wrote in a June 2015 email to other state officials, including Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash. The message continued: "Would be nice to welcome more insurers to MA!" Richard K. Sullivan Jr., president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, said he and local elected officials are meeting with other Connecticut companies thinking of moving -- hopefully, he said, to Massachusetts. "The first thing we can offer is a great workforce," he said. "We can offer the people these companies are looking for." The key, Sullivan said, is to get mayors of cities across Western Massachusetts working together. And while the corporate honchos might long for the glamor of big-city Boston, Sullivan said Western Massachusetts is a good place to put ancillary back-office operations that need to be near -- but not at -- corporate headquarters. That goes for any company growing in Boston, he said. Now closing in on its two-decade anniversary, Typical Sicilian Ristorante remains one of Springfield's most popular restaurants. Currently located at the "X" in a repurposed takeout eatery, the restaurant describes its dining environment as "casual-chic." Its monochromatic interior treatment is visually punctuated by oversized food graphics; booths, a banquette, and table-chair combinations represent the seating options. The restaurant's menu, though not encyclopedic, does offer an interesting array of Italian-inspired eating experiences. Pasta choices range from Linguine Matrigiana ($17) and Penne Gorgonzola ($20) to Lobster Shrimp Fra Diavolo ($25). Chicken and veal are prominent in the kitchen's repertoire, where they're represented by offerings such as Parmigiana ($20/$23) and Marsala ($21/$24). There's also an eggplant-based dish or two to be had. Among the appetizer choices guests will find temptations that include Arancini (risotto balls -- $8), Stuffed Garlic Bread ($9), and "Typical" Calamari (they're prepared with hot peppers, garlic, and onions -- $11). We started with Typical Eggrolls ($9), a crossover culinary concept we enthusiastically endorse. The two deep-fried eggrolls, which are filled with chorizo sausage, mozzarella, and sauteed broccoli rabe, come with a dish of the restaurant's "Typical" sauce. The result is a combination that delivers an appealing contrast of textures and flavors, thanks to the crunchy wrapper, spicy sausage nuggets, and the understated bitterness of the pan-fried greens. Our second appetizer choice, Roasted Peppers Burrata ($10), brought together the savory-sweet flavor of roasted red peppers and burrata, a fresh mozzarella enhanced with heavy cream. The particularly generous portion was more than enough for two; the creamy richness of the cheese played off against the garlic with which the peppers had been sauteed. A drizzle of balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of julienned basil added a final note of complexity to the appetizer's flavor profile. Penne Typical is a signature dish at Typical Sicilian. The sauce is an "accidental" creation that uses a dollop of teriyaki and a hint of red pepper spiciness to transforms an otherwise conventional Alfredo cream into a multi-layered experience. We ordered Penne Typical with Fried Shrimp ($23 -- a version made with chicken is also available) and were impressed from the first forkful. The pasta itself had a proper al dente consistency, while the sauce, augmented with chips of sauteed garlic, baby spinach, and flat leaf parsley, entered into a most harmonious relationship with the five jumbo shrimp present. Veal Saltimbocca ($26), our other entree, was somewhat less to our liking. No problems with the portion sized, and the veal itself was of superior quality. Our quarrel was with the sauce, a pan reduction that had picked up a good deal of salt flavor from the prosciutto that was also part of the dish. A side of penne with marinara is provided with sauteed entrees. Salads are not included with Typical Sicilian entrees, although four such options are offered a la carte. A mini baguette is provided, however, along with garlic infused oil into which to dip it. Typical Sicilian incorporates a fully stocked bar as well as maintaining more-than-adequate wine selections. On the wine list reds outnumber the whites, with bottle prices starting in the low thirties. The restaurant's dessert assortment includes familiar favorites such as Tiramisu ($6.25) and Affrogato ($6.25) as well as a number of gelato and sorbet confections. We tried the operation's Lazy Cannoli ($6.25), a deconstructed treat in which the traditional pastry tube is replaced by sugar-dusted wafers and a portion of sweetened mascarpone. It's a chip-and-dip affair that's ideal for sharing. A Coppa Marscapone ($7.25) represented a rework of tiramisu minus the liqueur-soaked sponge cake. A custard cup, which contained chocolate syrup in the bottom, was filled with a whipped mascarpone cream and topped with crumbed amaretti cookies and chocolate curls. Paradoxically light yet deliciously decadent. Typical Sicilian is also known for its take-out "Pasta Buckets." Designed to serve from four to six, the buckets come in a number of variations inspired by the restaurant's entree menu. Name: Typical Sicilian Ristorante Address: 497 Belmont Avenue, Springfield Telephone: (413) 739-7100 Website: typicalsicilian.com Hours: Dinner served Tuesday through Saturday 5 P.M. to 10 P.M. Entree prices: $14.95- $29.95 Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs Reservations: Accepted for parties of five or more only Courtesy Boston Public Health Commission Boston's will launch its free three-month series of workout classes this Thursday evening. The annual event marks the beginning of summer for fitness gurus across the city who welcome the return of 26 free fitness classes per week. Thursday's kick-off event will take place in Copley Square from 5:30p.m.-7p.m., with free Zumba and line-dancing classes and freebies from Polar Beverages. Don't Edit The annual summer fitness events are sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield and hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission. By offering free courses, the city's health leaders say they are making fitness an accessible opportunity for people around the city. This year, courses will take place across parks in 14 Boston neighborhoods at a variety of times, and some classes will be instructed in Spanish. The following classes will take place weekly from June 3-August 31: Don't Edit Courtesy the Boston Public Health Commission/Facebook Monday schedules Zumba at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End at 6:00 p.m. Yoga at Gerrude Howes in Roxbury at 6:00 p.m. Salsa Dancing at Blackstone Square in the South End at 6:00 p.m. Yoga at McGann Playground in Hyde Park at 6:30 p.m. Line Dancing at Franklin Park in Dorchester at 6:30 p.m. Don't Edit Tuesday schedules Yoga at Medal of Honor Park (M Street) in South Boston at 6:30 a.m. Tai Chi at Adams Park in Roslindale at 7:00 a.m. Chair Yoga at Symphony Park in The Fenway at 10:00 a.m. Zumba at Gertrude Howes in Roxbury at 6:00 p.m. Yoga at Franklin Square in the South End at 6:00 p.m. GetFit: Full Body Fusion at Elmherst Park in Dorchester at 6:30 p.m. Don't Edit Courtesy the Boston Public Health Commission/Facebook Wednesday schedules On the MOVE! (For kids) at Thomas M. Menino Park in Charlestown at 10:00 a.m. Family Zumba at LoPresti Park in East Boston at 6:00 p.m. Line Dancing in Franklin Park in Dorchester at 6:30 p.m. HIIT at Brighton Square in Brighton at 6:30 p.m. Don't Edit Don't Edit Thursday schedules Gentle Yoga at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End at 10:00 a.m. On the MOVE! (For kids) at Medal of Honor Park (M Street) in South Boston at 10:00 a.m. Yoga at Almont Park in Mattapan at 10:00 a.m. Tai Chi at Symphony Park in The Fenway at 10 a.m. (Last class held on July 27th) Yoga at Boston Common Frog Pond downtown at 6:00 p.m. HIIT at Mothers Rest at Four Corners in Dorchester at 6:00 p.m. Don't Edit Courtesy the Boston Public Health Commission/Facebook Friday schedules Boot Camp at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End at 6:30 a.m. Don't Edit Saturday schedules Walking Group at Franklin Park in Dorchester at 8:00 a.m. Yoga at Franklin Park in Dorchester at 9:15 a.m. Family Yoga at Almont Park in Mattapan at 10:00 a.m. Don't Edit Courtesy the Boston Public Health Commission/Facebook Sunday schedules Yoga at Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain at 2:00 p.m. A federal judge has sentenced Kevin Marseille, a 26-year-old Boston man, to 18 months in prison for playing a part in an effort to steal people's personal information and bank account numbers in order to pull money from retirement accounts. US District Court Chief Judge Patti Saris also sentenced Marseille to one year of supervised release and ordered him to pay $19,741, according to the US Attorney's Office in Boston. Marseille pleaded guilty to identity theft, access device fraud and a conspiracy in February 2017. Prosecutors say Marseille approached a Mercer Inc. employee in 2014 and used her to access personal information and bank account information for people with retirement accounts handled by Mercer. Jasmine Banks, the Mercer employee, worked in Norwood for the New York-based company. Over the course of three months, she sent the information to Marseille, handing over 270 Mercer account holders' names, addresses, routing numbers and bank account numbers, including sometimes dates of birth and Social Security numbers. Marseille then loaded a pre-paid card with almost $20,000 from the retirement accounts and used them to buy products at Target and Best Buy. Mercer, the company, stepped in and stopped the withdrawals from retirement accounts and cooperated with a government investigation. Marseille was first charged with the identity theft scheme in October 2016. Banks pleaded guilty in March 2016. She was sentenced in April 2017 to four years of probation. Six months of the probation will be served through home confinement. She has also been ordered to pay $19,741 in restitution. The last coal-fired power plant in Massachusetts shut down on Wednesday, 57 years after it first opened in Somerset. The plant stood along Mount Hope Bay and served as an obstacle to environmentalists and fishermen since its inception. Groups like Conservation Law Foundation have said the plant was the number one leader in air pollution in New England. The environmental concerns led to the construction of two cooling towers in the last decade, but shortly following the towers' completion, a decision was made to close the plant, according to U.S. News & World Report. The decision to close Brayton Point, which straddles the Massachusetts-Rhode Island state line and was reportedly the largest coal plant in New England, came in 2014. New Jersey-owner Energy Capital Partners chose to shut down operations after the firm could not reach an agreement with power-grid operator ISO New England, according to the Providence Journal. Coal is one of the largest sources of energy around the world, but mining for the resource has been proven to cause negative health effects and environmental impacts, including acid rain, tainted waterways and carbon dioxide release adding to global warming. The plant's closure comes in the same week President Donald Trump's administration is expected to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, a global agreement to combat climate change. Trump's administration has promised to revive the coal mining industry, which has been in decline due to use of cheaper resources like natural gas. Somerset received $3 million from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Resources last year, the Herald News reported. Those funds will reportedly replace the offset of tax losses from the closed plant in the fiscal year 2017. State and local police are investigating after an 81-year-old woman was found dead in her apartment in Needham Wednesday night. Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey told reporters Thursday morning that the 81-year-old Laura Shifrina was the "apparent victim of sharp trauma." In a press conference, Morrissey said the Shifrina was discovered after her daughter did a well-being check on her at the Linden Street apartment in Needham on Wednesday. Morrissey said the daughter called Needham Police around 11 p.m. Wednesday night. He also said Shifrina lived at the Needham Housing Authority elderly-home complex on Linden Street for more than 15 years. #Needham victim: 81 y/o Laura Shifrina, found dead by daughter. Police looking for victim's car: red 2011 Ford Fiesta plate: 1BD712 #wcvb pic.twitter.com/XIlF5AWF0d Todd Kazakiewich (@ToddKazakiewich) June 1, 2017 An elderly woman was found deceased in her #Needham home, her veh is missing. Dial 911 if seen, do not approach. Red Ford Fiesta, MA 1BD712 pic.twitter.com/W3cbpQI06N Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) June 1, 2017 Massachusetts State Police are searching for a red, 2011 Ford Fiesta with the license plate number MA 1BD712 in connection to Shifrina's death. In a statement, Needham Police said that students and teachers at the nearby High Rock Elementary School are not in any danger. The department said they are working with Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. This is a developing story. Needham Police are investigating after an elderly woman was found dead in her apartment sometime between late Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning. The department shared a message on Facebook Thursday morning announcing an investigation into the body of a woman found dead in her Linden Street apartment. District Attorney Michael Morrissey told the Boston Globe the 81-year-old woman appears to have been murdered in her apartment, part of a Needham Housing Authority complex for the elderly. Her death is being treated as a homicide. Officials say they are searching for a 2011 red Ford Fiesta, with the license plate number 1BD-712. An elderly woman was found deceased in her #Needham home, her veh is missing. Dial 911 if seen, do not approach. Red Ford Fiesta, MA 1BD712 pic.twitter.com/W3cbpQI06N Dustin Fitch (@DustinGFitch) June 1, 2017 In a statement, Needham Police said that students and teachers at the nearby High Rock Elementary School are not in any danger. The department said they are working with Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing so rapidly that even its developers are being caught off guard. Google co-founder Sergey Brin said in Davos, Switzerland, in January that it "touches every single one of our main projects, ranging from search to photos to ads everything we do it definitely surprised me, even though I was sitting right there." By Vivek Wadhwa Full Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/05/31/is-ai-the-end-of-jobs-or-a-new-beginning/?utm_term=.faf4896f8e63 The Montana Department of Commerce works with statewide and local partners, private industry and small businesses to enhance and sustain economic prosperity in Montana. - Montana Is On The Move The Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce plans to bring together its members for economic updates every six months, starting today. The Economic Development Update Seminar, hosted by the Chamber, featured speakers from across the community to talk about development outside of the rising cost of housing. Topics included regional tourism, regional development, local tourism and development, government, health and education. By Lena Blietz MTN News Full Story: http://www.kbzk.com/story/35560411/bozeman-chamber-of-commerce-looks-to-step-up-economic-development-in-the-area The most successful individuals were, at some stage along their journey, a big loser. James Dyson failed 5,126 times before he found a version of his Dual Cyclone vacuum cleaner that worked. To many, this would make him a loser, yet today he is worth $4.2 billion. Matthew Turner Full Story: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Get-Inspired-by-These-7-Epic-Losers-Who-Bounced-11135838.php Back when parents still let their kids have cereal that was, in essence (or sometimes literally), just cookie pieces, Oreo Os were one of our go-to picks for a sugar-filled breakfast. Full Story with Milk: http://mashable.com/2017/05/31/oreo-os-cereal-back-for-good/?utm_cid=hp-h-2#a4bY3V6IhSqX Lessons learned on data-driven decision-making and creating a culture of innovation. Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher opened day two of the summit with a brief overview of the citys three principles for success and an example of each. by Noelle Knell, Elaine Pittman Full Story: http://www.govtech.com/data/Optimizing-Government-Performance-Tips-from-the-Trenches.html?utm_term=READ%20MORE&utm_campaign=Optimizing%20Government%20Performance%3A%20Tips%20from%20the%20Trenches%2C%203%20Pieces%20of%20Advice%20for%20Transitioning%20to%20Agile&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email In an effort to incentivize large-scale industry partnerships, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada will invest up to C$950 million (US$708.5 million) between 2017 and 2022 in superclusters as part of the nations Innovation and Skills Plan. ISED Canada defines superclusters as "innovation hotbeds" that build on the advantages of clusters, "dense area of business activity containing a critical mass of large and small companies, post-secondary and other research institutions." Full Story: http://ssti.org/blog/canadian-government-launches-c950-million-superclusters-initiative?utm_source=SSTI+Weekly+Digest&utm_campaign=878c364f34-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_06_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecf5992d4c-878c364f34-212414005 "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." With a market capitalization of close to $9 billion and more than 170 equity listings, the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) is one of the most vibrant in Africa. It is also where many of Mauritius ultra-high net-worth individuals store significant portions of their fortunes through equity stakes in their own and other companies, which they typically hold via both direct and indirect investments. Based on figures derived from investment agencies, the latest annual reports and confirmations from capital market registrars, these are the 15 richest people who own stocks listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. Billionaires.Africa lists individuals rather than multigenerational families who share large fortunes, but in cases where ownership breakdown among siblings and couples arent clear, we attribute the fortune to the most visible-prominent member of the family. The value of their shares is based on prices at the end of trading on Aug. 20, and valuations are converted to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates #1 Arnaud Lagesse & family Net worth on SEM: $130.4 million Holdings: Ireland Blyth Limited (IBL) Arnaud Lagesse is the CEO of Ireland Blyth Limited (IBL Group), a family-controlled business that has been in existence for close to two centuries. IBL is Mauritius largest conglomerate with more than $900 million in annual revenues. Through its subsidiaries, it engages in the agro and energy, building and engineering, commercial and distribution, financial, hospitality, life and technologies, logistics, seafood, and properties businesses. Lagesse and his brothers Benoit, Hugues, Jean-Pierre, Thierry and Stephane own a joint ownership stake of 16.81 percent of the groups total issued ordinary shares. The stake is worth $130.4 million. #2 Desmond de Beer Net worth on SEM: $80.04 million Holdings: Lighthouse Capital Property tycoon Desmond de Beer was a founder of Resilient REIT Limited, a South African Real Estate Investment Trust, where he has served as CEO since listing in 2002. He was also a founder of New Europe Property Investments Plc and its successor NEPI Rockcastle Plc. He is the largest individual shareholder of Lighthouse Capital Limited, a company that invests globally in direct property in developed and developing markets, as well as listed real estate and infrastructure securities. He owns a 13.71-percent stake in Lighthouse Capital a stake that is worth $80,044,840 #3 Barry Stuhler Net worth on SEM: $36.7 million Holdings: Lighthouse Capital South African-born Barry Stuhler is a chartered accountant who a 6.29-percent stake in Lighthouse Capital worth $36,726,456. He is the managing director at Capital Property Fund in South Africa. #4 Norbert Dentressangle Net worth on SEM: $24,227,818 Holdings: CIEL, Sun Mauritius French billionaire Norbert Dentressangle, who built his fortune in transport and logistics, owns a 5.11-percent stake in CIEL worth $11.983 million as well as a 17.32-percent stake in Sun Mauritius worth $12.24 million. #5 Chian Ah Teck Net worth on SEM: $23,678,632 Holdings: Gamma Civic, Lottotech Chian Tat Ah Teck is the executive chairman of Gamma Civic. He was previously managing director of the company from 1987 to January 2011. Gamma Civic is an investment holding. It operates in the following sectors: building materials, contracting, investments, lottery and corporate services. Chian Ah Teck owns a 6.93-percent stake in Gamma Civic worth $9,253,664.45 and also owns a 19.6-percent stake in Lottotech worth $14,424,968. #6 Dominic Galea Net worth on SEM: $22,827,748 Holdings: Mauritius Union Assurance Company, United Docks Dominique Galea is chairman at Mauritius Union Assurance Company where he owns a 15.75-percent stake worth $21.1 million. He also owns 6.6 percent of United Docks, a leading real estate developer that owns around 100,000 square meters of prime freehold land in Port-Louis. #7 Louis Boulle Net worth on SEM: $18.4 million Holdings: Ireland Blyth Limited (IBL Group) Louis Gaetan-Jan-Fredrik Boulle is a prominent boardroom guru who serves on dozens of corporate boards in Mauritius. He is the chairman of Ireland Blyth Limited (IBL Group), where he owns a 2.33-percent stake worth $18.33 million. He also owns 0.05 percent in Lux Island resorts worth $58,925.53 #8 P. Arnaud Dalais Net worth on SEM: $18.6 million Holdings: Ciel Group The Mauritian businessman is non-executive chairman of Ciel Group, one of the island nations largest business conglomerates. He owns an 8.02-percent stake in CIEL. #9 Jean-Pierre Dalais Net worth on SEM: $11.9 million Holdings: Ciel Group A member of the Dalais family, the controlling shareholders of the Ciel Group, Jean-Pierre Dalais owns a 5.46-percent stake in the company worth $11.9 million. #10 Pierre De Speville Net worth on SEM: $14,927,013 Holdings: Pierre De Speville holds a 12.83-percent stake in Medine, a Mauritian conglomerate with interests in agro, leisure, property, and education. #11 Pierre-Emile Latour Net worth on SEM: $14,594,674 Holdings: Pierre-Emile Latour holds a 10.89-percent shareholding in Mauritius Union Assurance Company, worth $14,594,674.03 #12 Timothy Taylor Net worth on SEM: $12,164,585 Holdings: Timothy Taylor holds a 9.27-percent stake in Cim Financial Services, a non-banking deposit-taking institution that avails individual consumers, SMEs and large corporates with financial services such as consumer finance, credit cards, forex, leasing and factoring. #13 Vincent Ah-Chuen Net worth on SEM: $6,698,653 Holdings: Vincent Ah-Chuen holds a 16.41-percent stake in ABC Motors, a Mauritian company that markets, distributes and repairs automobiles; a 1.13-percent stake in Mauritius Union Assurance Company and a 25.04-percent stake in P.O.L.I.C.Y Limited, an investment company in Mauritius. #14 Cyril How Kin Sang Net worth on SEM: $9,284,305 Holdings: Cyril How Kin Sang holds a 6.94-percent stake in Gamma Civic, an investment holding company. #15 Pierre-Guy Noel Net worth on SEM: $9,062,745 Holdings: Pierre-Guy Noel is the CEO of MCB, one of Mauritius largest banking groups. He owns a 0.55-percent stake in the company. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires The human body works around the clock. Our biological functions follow 24-hour cycles, or circadian rhythms, which are physiological and mental changes that are driven by our internal biological clocks. New research explains how we can reset one of these body clocks. Share on Pinterest Having meals at timed intervals could help to reset the body clock. Circadian rhythms are, in turn, governed by so-called master clocks in our brains. The master clock is, in fact, a group of intercommunicating nerve cells in the brain, located in an area known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN has approximately 20,000 neurons and can be found in the brains hypothalamus , which is a larger brain area that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst. New research looks at one of these body clocks and investigates the effect of delayed meal times on the body. Researchers from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom set out to examine the effect of a 5-hour delay in meal times on the bodys master clock, as well as on its several peripheral circadian rhythms. The first author of the study is Sophie M. T. Wehrens, of the University of Surreys Faculty of Health and Medical Science. As Wehrens and colleagues explain, although we know that circadian rhythms, the human metabolism, eating patterns, and nutrition are all interconnected, the link between meal times and the circadian rhythm has not been sufficiently investigated. An analysis of billing records for more than 12,000 emergency medicine doctors across the United States shows that charges varied widely, but that on average, adult patients are charged 340 percent more than what Medicare pays for services ranging from suturing a wound to interpreting a head CT scan. A report of the study's findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, also notes that the largest hospitals markups are more likely made to minorities and uninsured patients. "There are massive disparities in service costs across emergency rooms and that price gouging is the worst for the most vulnerable populations," says Martin Makary, M.D., M.P.H., professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the study's senior investigator. "This study adds to the growing pile of evidence that to address the huge disparities in health care, health care pricing needs to be fairer and more transparent," adds Makary, whose widely published research focuses on health care costs and disparities. For the study, Makary and his team obtained Medicare billing records for 12,337 emergency medicine physicians practicing in nearly 300 hospitals all 50 states in 2013 to determine how much emergency departments billed for services compared to the Medicare allowable amount. The Medicare allowable amount is the sum of what Medicare pays, the deductible and coinsurance that patients pay, and the amount any third party such as the patient pays. In addition, using the 2013 American Hospital Association database, the research team identified size, urban/rural status, teaching status, for-profit status, regional location and safety-net hospital status for each emergency medicine department whose billing data were made part of the analysis. Using the zip code for each emergency department, the researchers also estimated poverty rates, uninsured status and minority populations for those using each emergency room, based on data from the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau. The researchers then calculated each service bill's markup ratio, defined as the relationship between the billed charges and the Medicare allowable amount. For example, a markup ratio of 4.0 means that for a service with a Medicare allowable amount of $100, the hospital charged $400, or 300% over the Medicare allowable amount. Makary and his team found that emergency departments charged anywhere from 1.0-12.6 times ($100-$12,600) more than what Medicare paid for services. On average, emergency medicine doctors had a markup ratio of 4.4 (340 percent in excess charges), or emergency medicine physician charges of $4 billion versus $898 million in Medicare allowable amounts. The researchers also analyzed billing information for 57,607 general internal medicine physicians 3,669 hospitals in all 50 states to determine whether any markup differences, and how much, existed between emergency medicine physicians practicing in a hospital's ER, and general internal medicine physicians who see patients at hospitals. On average, charges were greater when a service was performed by an emergency medicine physician rather than a general internal medicine physician. Overall, general internal medicine physicians had an average markup ratio of 2.1 compared to the Medicare allowable amount. Makary found that wound closure had the highest median markup ratio at 7.0, and interpreting head CT scans had the greatest within-hospital variation, with markup ratios ranging between 1.6 and 27. For a physician interpretation of an electrocardiogram, the median Medicare allowable rate is $16, but different emergency departments charged anywhere from $18 to $317, with a median charge of $95 (or a markup ratio of 6.0). General internal medicine doctors in hospitals charged an average of $62 for the same service. Overall, emergency departments that charged patients the most were more likely to be located in for-profit hospitals in the southeastern and Midwestern U.S., and served higher populations of uninsured, African-American and Hispanic patients. Our study found that inequality is then further compounded on poor, minority groups, who are more likely to receive services from hospitals that charge the most," says Makary. While the study was limited by lack of data on facility and technical fees also charged by the hospital, as well as lack of patients' insurance type and the actual amount patients ultimately paid, Makary says the study highlights the urgent need for legislation that will protect uninsured patients. "This is a health care systems problem that requires state and federal legislation to protect patients. New York has passed a law that requires hospital and insurance companies to agree on a cost for the care so patients are not billed egregious amounts. Patients really have no way of protecting themselves from these pricing practices," says Tim Xu, a fourth year medical student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the paper's first author. Models such as the Maryland Waiver, Makary adds, where prices are set at the same rate no matter what hospital a patient goes to, can increase price transparency and protect patients. Currently, at least 7 states have passed some legislation to protect uninsured patients from paying so called charge master prices, a list of billable services developed and closely guarded by each hospital, noting prices that are usually highly inflated and charged mainly to uninsured and other "self pay" patients. However, Makary says a national model is necessary to unveil what is currently an inexplicably chaotic and opaque pricing system. SACRAMENTO, Calif. May 31, 2017 California Marianette Smith Sacramento, Calif. California Emerson Padua Moreno Valley, Calif. John Oliver $2.9 billion the United States Georgia Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey Oregon South Carolina Texas Utah California California United States Sean Wherley /PRNewswire/ -- California is closer to enacting major reforms in the dialysis industry that would improve patient care for 66,000 people and staffing at 562 dialysis clinics under legislation passed by theSenate."In my dialysis clinic, the workers are often stretched thin and that scares me if my blood pressure was to drop and they couldn't get to me in time," said, a dialysis patient from"I would feel a lot safer knowing that there are more trained staff on call at all times caring for me and other patients, and enough time for us to recover from our treatments and the workers to clean and maintain the equipment properly."SB 349, The Dialysis Patient Safety Act, now heads to the California Assembly for consideration.SB 349 calls for annual inspections of dialysis clinics, safer staffing levels and more recovery time for patients. In, dialysis clinics are inspected on average only once every five to six years, whereas nursing homes in the state must be inspected every year, and even restaurants receive annual inspections. The legislation mandates 45 minutes between patients to allow more time for them to recover and for staff to sanitize the equipment. Infections are the second leading cause of death for dialysis patients.Last week, dialysis corporation DaVita fired a 16-year employee less than one day after he gave a moving speech at the California State Capitol in support of the legislation. DaVita fired patient care technicianvia a phone call for alleged policy violations and three other employees at the same clinic inPadua's firing follows recent negative publicity for DaVita, coming less than 10 days after HBO's "Last Week Tonight with" broadcast a scathing segment about the company and the dialysis industry, which has been viewed more than 4.5 million times on YouTube.The two largest dialysis corporations DaVita and Fresenius madein profits from their dialysis operations inin 2015, but workers say the companies are not spending enough to improve patient care or provide adequate staffing in their clinics.Dialysis workers have reported situations where they must monitor and care for ten or more patients at the same time for hours on end, raising concerns when multiple patients are at risk of falling blood pressure, fainting, having some other complication or just needing to use the restroom.Eight states already have minimum staffing levels in dialysis clinics:andwould become the first state to enact such changes through legislation, whereas the other states did it through agency rulemaking.Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure who must have their blood removed, cleaned, and put back into their bodies. A typical treatment lasts three to four hours, and must be conducted three days a week for the rest of the patient's life.Dialysis workers inhave been uniting in a union, SEIU-UHW, for safer working conditions and stronger worker and patient protections. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.morethannumbers.org., (323) 893-6831swherley@seiu-uhw.org To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bill-to-enact-major-reforms-in-dialysis-patient-care-passes-california-state-senate-reports-seiu-uhw-300466734.html SOURCE SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West Advertisement Vivek Choudhary, Lawrence O. Olala, Karen Kagha, Zhi-qiang Pan, Xunsheng Chen, Rong Yang, Abigail Cline, Inas Helwa, Lauren Marshall, Ismail Kaddour-Djebbar, Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence, Wendy B. Bollag. Regulation of the glycerol transporter, aquaporin-3, by histone deacetylase-3 and p53 in keratinocytes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.04.031 The research study was published in theThe research team knew that AQP3 levels were found to be lower in psoriasis than in the healthy skin. The protein could help skin cells to proliferate, differentiate and also to get into the right location of the body. This could also aid in skin's hydration, wound recovery and elasticity.Histone deacetylase (HDAC) which was found to suppress AQP3 also helps to regulate gene expression and protein function.Our immune system plays a major role in psoriasis. However, current treatments could generally suppress the immune response and increase the risk of infections like cancer. Therefore, the research team hoped that they could one day directly enhance the presence of AQP3 or its key cargo glycerin.Psoriasis is marked by inflammation and excessive proliferation of cells like cancer. These clues made scientists think about the treatment potential of HDAC inhibitors.When a broad-acting HDAC inhibitor are introduced to normal skin cells or keratinocytes. They found that the expression of AQP3 went up within 24 hours.Scientists were found to reiterate AQP3 was critical, as there was no increase in glycerin. The mice also further clarified that AQP3's role in skin hydration, elasticity and wound healing was due to glycerin rather than water.Choudhary also said, that p53, natural tumor suppressor could support cell differentiation and help HDAC inhibitor enable more AQP3 and more glycerin.The research team also found that overexpressing the p53 by itself will not result in increased functional levels of AQP3.The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first HDAC inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, or SAHA to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with symptoms like dry, itchy skin and enlarged lymph nodes.Bollag said, "We think this is one of the ways it works."Several other HDAC inhibitors may also suppress the HDAC3 that were most effective at increasing the AQP3.The aquaporins are skilled in hauling glycerin which is a key ingredient in skin lotions and serves as a backbone for many lipids.Glycerin could help the skin cells mature properly. And inside the skin cells, the presence of phospholipase D enzyme that converts fats or lipids in the external protective cell membrane into the cell signals.Aquaporins could hand off glycerin and produce phosphatidylglycerol that could aid in skin cell differentiation.Bollag said, "We think phosphatidylglycerol is the key.""If you don't have enough, you may have psoriasis."The research team also found that AQP3 that is present in psoriasis are often immature and located in the cytoplasm instead of the cell membrane.This location could make it difficult to have a normal mature function of transporting glycerin, water, and other substances through the membrane.Bollag said, "If you use antibodies to visualize where AQP3 is in the keratinocytes, you will see it nicely outlining the cells because it's right there on the plasma membrane.""So clearly it's normally expressed in keratinocytes but the fact that we can upregulate it even more with an HDAC3 inhibitor suggests that normally HDAC3 keeps it in check."If psoriasis patients opt for HDAC inhibitors, low doses or topical application, they may also avoid side effects, like nausea.HDAC inhibitors may help to fight cancer by temporarily loosening the DNA, increasing the expression of tumor-suppressing genes and also making the tumors more vulnerable.HDAC inhibitors were explored for treating neurological diseases such as Huntington's disease.It is hard to grow adequate number of psoriatic cells for scientific study No real animal model of psoriasis is available.Further, the research team may also develop a model using the topical drug for genital warts. Since patients could develop psoriasis.Source: Medindia Advertisement It goes on to show a father smoking and coughing beside his daughter, noting that exposure to second-hand smoke brings the same risks. The PSA ends with the stark warning that "Every bidi cigarette brings you and those around you closer to TB." The campaign will be broadcast for duration of two weeks on all major government and private TV and radio channels, as well as community radio channels, in 17 languages, for pan-India reach. Jose Luis Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vital Strategies, commented, "We congratulate the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on the launch of this important campaign, which will reach millions of Indians. Tobacco-related diseases and TB are socially and economically costly, representing real threats to development in India.Too many lives and livelihoods are being lost due to these health epidemics, so it's important to show people that they can and should change their behaviour to protect themselves and those around them." "It's also important that this campaign shows that bidis, which often escape proper scrutiny, are as harmful as cigarettes in terms of increased risk of TB. The campaign sends out a strong message to citizen across the country. We also need policymakers to heed its message, and take action. The prevention of tobacco use and TB requires urgent attention both at the state and national level, and would be accelerated by using the new GST to tax bidis commensurate with their harm," Castro added.Health experts have long known that tobacco products like cigarettes and bidis are associated with a higher risk of TB and dying from TB - for smokers, people exposed to second-hand smoke, and bidi workers. This is one reason why civil society is advocating for bidis to be included in the highest tax slab of the new GST, along with all other tobacco products. The 30-second long PSA was rigorously pretested with a target audience who found that 'TB Cough' was "easy to understand," "believable," "made respondents stop and think" and "made respondents feel more concerned" about smoking around others. The PSA also made respondents "feel sympathetic to those with TB," "made them feel concerned about symptoms of TB," "made them more likely to visit a doctor if they had TB symptoms" and "increased their confidence to take TB medications if they got sick." Overall, respondents understood the main message of the PSA and it resonated well with them.Source: ANI Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos was in Palestine on 30 and 31 May, heading a business delegation. During his visit, Mr. Katrougalos met with the Foreign Minister of Palestine, Riyad Al-Maliki, the Minister of National Economy, Abeer Odeh, and Tourism Minister Roula Maaya. Mr. Katrougalos laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Yasser Arafat. The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, and the two sides expressed their will for closer bilateral economic relations, attracting investments and developing tourism. With the Palestinian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Economy in attendance, Mr. Katrougalos delivered a welcome address at the business conference, which was held at the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, in Ramallah, with the participation of Greek and Palestinian entrepreneurs. Mr. Katrougalos was received by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jersualem. Within the framework of his visit to Australia, Deputy Foreign Minister Terens Quick had a series of meetings in Canberra, the capital of Australia. He met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister J. Bishop, Industry, Innovation and Science Minister A. Sinodinos (of Greek extraction, with roots in Lixouri) who requested cooperation with Greece in the innovation and technology sector the head of the main opposition party, Bill Shorten, and shadow foreign minister Penny Wong. He also met with all of the federal MPs of Greek and Cypriot origin, including J. Banks, S. Georganas, M. Vamvakinou and N. Xenophon. Mr. Quick's talks focused on issues of international interest and he had the opportunity to brief his interlocutors on the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations, the course of the negotiations on the review and the debt, and other issues of mutual interest. He also thanked all of his interlocutors for Australia's firm position on the Skopje issue and compliance with the relevant UN resolutions on the name. He also met with the newly set up Australia-Greece Friendship Committee, which is chaired by J. Banks, who has family roots in Epirus and Kiato. In Australia, Mr. Quick made the following statement: "Irrespective of the political discussion I had with everyone I met with from the government and the opposition, I got the same common denominator: their love and respect for Greece. The Prime Minister in particular, as he told me, learned Greek at the school he attended, and katharevousa at that. Moreover, everyone underscored their admiration for the Greek community of Australia, expressing their gratitude for the key role the community played in developing its second homeland. Finally, I announced to the Australian-Greek Parliamentary Friendship Committee that we will be very pleased to support its plan for the creation of an ANZAC Museum in Limnos, to honour the Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians who fought in the First World War." Ladies and Gentlemen, The great Pontian studies teacher Odysseas Lampsidis, who contributed more than anyone else to the cataloguing, recovery and promotion of Pontian Hellenism, very rightly said this: "The Pontian Greeks of the first and second generation are connected to their homeland through experiences and memories." I would add that the third generation, too, is connected via the stories told by older generations. There is only one way the next generations can become connected to the Pontus: And this is through knowledge. Knowledge of the history and culture of the Pontus. Actually, the only 'means' the Pontians had, when they left their homeland, for preserving and passing on their history and culture was to safeguard collective memory through their experiences, memories and language, through narratives. "The death of a language means the loss of a way of interpreting the world; it means the fall of the culture connected with this language," the French linguist Klaude Hagege maintained. The coming generations' connection with the Pontus will depend on knowledge of the history and culture of the Pontus. Until now, studies in the culture and history of the Pontus - as a separate branch of learning - were not taught systematically at any academic institution in Greece. Nor does it exist abroad as a discrete subject of study. It is incorporated into various departments, such as Eastern, Byzantine or Ottoman studies, and departments dealing with the Near East and Caucasus regions. Nevertheless, in recent years there have been so many publications and studies, so many conferences and articles, so much scientific interest, in general, in the Pontus that the top English historian of the Byzantine Empire, Anthony Bryer who also studied the Pontus spoke at the 1st international conference, held in his honour, of a "Pontian studies renaissance." Ladies and Gentlemen, In this context, I am greatly pleased and moved to welcome the establishment of the Chair of Pontian Studies at Aristotle University's School of Philosophy, here in Thessaloniki, with Kyriakos Chatzikyriakidis, a distinguished scientist, teaching, and with funding ensured by the "Ivan Savvidi" Charitable Foundation. I have been informed that the Pontian Studies chair has many very interesting objectives: Research, study and systematic recording of the history and cultural of the geographical Pontus in modern times; teaching of Pontian history of the same period; interconnection with the structures, programmes of studies and research programmes that already exist at Greek universities and research centres; coordination of research in the field of Pontic Hellenism; a five-year research programme entitled "digitization of the timeless presence of Hellenism in the geographical space of the Pontus;" collaboration with universities, research centres and scientists abroad whose focus is on related scientific issues; hosting of and participation in international scientific conferences in Greece and abroad; publication of research and articles in reputable international journals. With all my heart, I wish the teachers and students strength and every success in the extremely important work they are beginning and that will certainly lead, progressively and "insensibly", as Cavafy says, to our rediscovering the way of Greekness. Thank you. Air Force Tech Sgt. Joshua M. Rumptz recently retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving honorably for 20 years. Rumptz was last serving with the 375th Communications Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He is the son of Michael J. and Linda M. Rumptz of Ubly. The retiree is a 1997 graduate of Ubly High School. He earned an associate degree in 2012 from the Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. 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... A Navy lieutenant commander who faces up to 36 years behind bars for illicitly sharing and mishandling classified information will appear for a sentencing hearing in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday and Friday, officials with Navy Fleet Forces Command said. Lt. Cmdr. Edward Lin, formerly a naval flight officer with the secretive Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2, out of Hawaii, was initially accused of the grave crime of espionage. Early allegations indicated Lin, who is Taiwanese, was suspected of giving classified military secrets to Chinese and Taiwanese government personnel. But on May 4, Lin accepted a plea agreement that took the espionage charges off the table. He has pleaded guilty instead to communicating national defense information, a crime under the Federal Espionage Act, and to violating orders and making false official statements, both prosecutable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. According to reports from motions hearings in Lin's case, evidence against the 40-year-old officer indicates that his misconduct stemmed not from a desire to undermine the U.S. government, but from carelessness and, in some cases, a desire to show off. The Virginian-Pilot reported that Lin was apprehended by federal agents at the Honolulu airport in 2015 before boarding a flight to China, having lied about his travel plans in an effort to avoid paperwork hassles. In another case, he failed to properly dispose of a classified flight manifest, leaving it unsecured in his luggage. Lin has pleaded guilty to sharing classified information with women, one of whom would turn out to be an undercover FBI agent. He acknowledged in his plea hearing that he had shared the information to impress them, according to reports. During Lin's sentencing, he will be allowed to present mitigating evidence, Fleet Forces Command officials said in a statement. In addition to 36 years' confinement, Lin faces forfeiture of all pay and benefits and discharge from the service. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck. When the Marine Corps grows, the Navy has to grow too. That's part of the reason the service requested funding for an extra 4,000 active-duty sailors in the fiscal 2018 budget request, released last week. The Navy wants to increase from roughly 324,000 active-duty sailors to an end-strength of 327,900, with most of the requested growth in the enlisted ranks. Much of the growth will serve the overall Navy goal of restoring force readiness ahead of the start of a planned ship build-up next year. Officials told Military.com that much of the additional manpower would simply replace sailors who weren't able to conduct regular duties for a variety of reasons. The Navy wants about 2,000 sailors for individual augmentees and to account for personnel listed as transients, patients, prisoners, and holdees, or TPPH, Rear Adm. Brian Luther, director of the Navy's Fiscal Management Branch, told Military.com during a briefing at the Pentagon. Having the extra manpower will help the Navy to "get sailors to their ships on time," he said. The planned Marine Corps plus-up from 182,00 to 185,000 Marines will also require the Navy to add personnel. Navy corpsmen deploy with Marine Corps units to provide medical aid, and Navy chaplains and religious programmers attend to their spiritual needs. In all, Luther said, 163 additional sailors will be needed for that mission. Another 1,000 sailors will be needed to man Navy Ticonderoga-class cruisers as the class completes a modernization period. The Navy initially proposed taking half its cruisers offline at once for planned service-life extension maintenance and modernization, a plan that would dramatically reduce the manpower needed to crew the cruiser fleet. But Congress disagreed, passing legislation requiring the Navy to modernize cruisers at the rate of two per year, with no more than six out of circulation at a time. The extra sailors in the Navy's budget request will allow the service to man cruisers in compliance with the congressional mandate. The Navy is also requesting a plus-up to enable its new littoral combat ship crewing strategy, introduced last year. As part of a sweeping range of changes to the LCS program designed to address a series of engineering casualties, improve training, and get the most out of the ship class, Naval Surface Forces Commander Vice Adm. Tom Rowden announced that the ships would leave behind the concept of three crews for two ships and embrace a blue/gold crewing model instead. This model, used on Navy submarines, would allow crews to get to know the ships better, officials said at the time. In all, the blue-and-gold LCS concept will require 450 additional sailors, Luther said. An additional 373 sailors will be required as the Navy approaches initial operational capability for its carrier-variant F-35C, Luther said. The F-35C, which is equipped with a tailhook and larger wings for launching and recovering from aircraft carriers, is the last of the three Joint Strike Fighter variants to reach the IOC milestone, and is expected to do so between August 2018 and February 2019. As new squadrons come online, they require not only pilots but also maintenance personnel and other staff associated with IOC efforts. Finally, the Navy is asking for 100 sailors to man the expeditionary transfer dock Herschel "Woody" Williams, a seabasing platform set to enter service in 2018, and reportedly planned to operate in the Pacific. In total, the number adds to 4,086 sailors. Like next year's proposed shipbuilding plan, the planned end strength increase will do little to add to the Navy's operating capacity, but may allow the service to accomplish its current missions better and more smoothly. "The guidance was, fix, fill the holes for '18," Luther said. The budget request now goes to Congress for debate. There it faces an uphill battle to passage amid partisan disagreement and unresolved issues pertaining to cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. A sailor assigned to the dock landing ship Whidbey Island may face punishment after dumping plastic disks of melted trash off the ship in violation of Navy regulations. The maritime littering was discovered when some 26 of the foul-smelling disks, about 20 inches across, were discovered washed up on Carova Beach in North Carolina's Outer Banks, the Virginian-Pilot reported in May. Other disks were found in nearby Kill Devil Hills, the outlet reported. Some had melted-in markings clearly identifying them as belonging to the Navy. A spokesman for U.S. Fleet Forces Command said an investigation that followed the reports determined the identity of the ship and resulted in a confession from the sailor who had thrown them overboard. "When notified of the disks' discovery, we immediately began to investigate their origin," Ted Brown, a command spokesman, said in a statement. "On May 19, Navy representatives traveled to the Outer Banks to take custody of the disks to examine them. We found markings on several of the disks confirming that they did originate from a Navy ship." The service, he said, would take appropriate action with regard to the sailor and is working to ensure that plastic material from ships is disposed of in keeping with Navy regulations. Crews routinely melt and compress plastic waste aboard ships to save space, Brown said in the release, but these are intended to be kept aboard the ship until they can be disposed of ashore. No ships are allowed to dispose of plastic in the ocean. "The Navy has already distributed a message to afloat units reminding them of the Navy's plastics processing and disposal procedures," Brown said in the release. The Whidbey Island is based out of Little Creek, Virginia, a little more than 40 miles from Carova Beach and about 90 miles from Kill Devil Hills. It most recently deployed last June with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, returning home in December. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Oklahoma will soon allow U.S. military personnel to carry their personal firearms without a state-issued concealed carry permit, but commanders may not be so lenient, Pentagon officials maintain. Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin recently signed legislation that allow active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members to carry a handgun without having to go through the application process for a concealed carry permit. Senate Bill 35, authored by republican Sen. Kim David, goes into effect November 1 and authorizes military personnel who are 21 years of age or older to carry a handgun, concealed or unconcealed, as long as they possess a valid military identification card and a valid Oklahoma drivers license or an Oklahoma state photo ID. "Our military men and women are highly trained in combat and how to use weapons; requiring them to get a license to carry a handgun is redundant and an expense our Oklahoma heroes shouldn't have to worry about," David said in a press statement. "I want to thank my colleagues and Gov. Fallin for supporting this important measure and respecting the training and knowledge of these brave men and women," he added. Oklahoma is among a dozen states that have relaxed concealed-carry laws. Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Kansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, Vermont, Maine and Alaska are states that no longer require a permit to carry concealed, according to the National Rifle Association's website. The Defense Department has also revised its policy that in the past prohibited personnel from carrying firearms on installations in the wake of "active-shooter" attacks at U.S. military bases resulting in the deaths of service members such as the July 16, 2015 shootings at two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in which four Marines and a sailor were shot and killed. The gunman, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, was killed by police in a gunfight. But "Arming and the Use of Force," a Defense Department directive that lays out the policy and standards that allows DoD personnel to carry firearms, lists very detailed guidelines commanders must follow before authorizing troops to carry firearms on base. Commanders, O-5 and above, "may grant permission to DoD personnel requesting to carry a privately owned firearm (concealed or open carry) on DoD property for a personal protection purpose not related to performance of an official duty or status," the document states. "Written permission will be valid for 90 days or as long as the DoD Component deems appropriate and will include information necessary to facilitate the carrying of the firearm on DoD property consistent with safety and security, such as the individual's name, duration of the permission to carry, type of firearm, etc.," according to the document. The policy directed the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard to develop service-specific guidelines for firearms carry that looks at firearms training standards and the scaled use of force, according to Army Maj. Jamie Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. "It says you need to put together some [standard operating procedures; you need to have some standards on that for who can, who can't and who is trained in the scaled use of force," Davis said. The scaled use of force is an "escalating series of actions an individual can take to resolve a situation" and includes "less lethal force (e.g., officer presence; voice commands; empty hand control; pepper spray, baton, Taser; other less lethal weapons) and deadly force," the document states. The lengthy document mostly deals with authorizing troops to carry personal firearms when performing official duties, but it does offer telling details about the scrutiny commanders must apply when deciding whether to authorize specific personnel to carry for personal protection. The directive states that personnel authorized to carry privately owned firearms must "acknowledge they may be personally liable for the injuries, death, and property damage proximately caused by negligence in connection with the possession or use of privately owned firearms that are not within the scope of their federal employment." The eligibility requirements also state that applicants should not be subject to past or pending disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or in any civilian criminal cases. The directive also follows the Lautenberg Amendment the Gun Control Act of 1968 that makes it a crime for any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or who is subject to a protective order for domestic violence, to possess a firearm, according to the document. Military personnel, authorized to carry personal firearms, are also prohibited from being under "the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance that would cause drowsiness or impair their judgment while carrying a firearm," the document states. Every branch of the military is going to have their own service-specific policy, "but that is going to be on base; then you fall into the whole state, local and federal laws that are applicable" when carrying off base, Davis said, adding that "it gets convoluted" because each of the 64 states and territories can have their own specific guidelines. "So if someone is saying 'hey just because you've got a [military ID] card, you can go ahead and do this.' No, that's not the case," Davis said. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. The plan to cut financial support for aging and disabled veterans included in President Donald Trump's $1.1 trillion federal budget proposal has led to bitterness and confusion among the estimated 225,000 vets who could lose the payments. The reductions may also trigger a political backlash against the president, who made reforming and increasing support for the Department of Veterans Affairs a major part of his campaign against Hillary Clinton. "Make that guy in the White House keep his promise to all of us veterans, lest we all fall by the wayside and be left on the battlefield," said a former Army staff sergeant who served in Vietnam. "Please don't do this to us," said a sailor who served on ships in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam War. "My wife and I already live our later years in constant uncertainty. We thought our VA benefits were fairly safe." Related content: "I have become aware that President Trump's VA budget sets to screw Vietnam veterans first in line by eliminating the unemployability benefit for those of us who actually served and sacrificed who have reached the age of Social Security benefits," said a former Navy lieutenant who flew the EP-3E version of the P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft in Vietnam. "What can we do? Based on this, veterans would be in better shape if a Democrat had been elected," said another vet. "I voted for Trump because of promises of helping the veterans, not taking away. I surely hope I don't regret voting for him." The comments came from a flurry of emails from veterans and spouses to Military.com in response to a story last week about the proposal in the White House budget plan to cut the Individual Unemployability (IU) benefit in part to pay for an expansion of the Choice program, which allows veterans to seek health care in the private sector. Veterans service organizations have also been flooded with calls and emails voicing concerns about the budget proposals and potential cuts to IU benefits. Veterans eligible now for IU have a 60-100 percent disability rating but are all paid at the 100 percent rate because a service-connected disability makes them unable to work. The budget proposal would cut off IU payments once the veteran reaches the minimum age for Social Security. The proposed cuts could impact about 225,000 vets currently receiving IU. At a House hearing last month, VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin said that about 7,000 of those vets are over the age of 80. The White House Office of Management and Budget proposed a budget for the VA of $186.5 billion for fiscal 2018, which begins Oct. 1, an increase of about 6 percent over fiscal 2017. OMB projected $3.6 billion in savings from trims to benefits. Much of the savings would go toward a proposed $2.9 billion expansion of the Choice program for fiscal 2018, which begins Oct. 1. Some of the emails from veterans received by Military.com questioned why IU should be cut to pay for Choice. "Taking money from me to give to profit-making medical providers is wrong. You are screwing me and my wife," said a former Marine sergeant who served with the 26th Marines at Khe Sanh. "It makes no sense for [the Department of Veterans Affairs] to have to fund the Choice program. "We did our part by serving, and so many gave their lives. Maybe some of those supporting the bill should visit the VA hospitals with veterans suffering and just waiting for their final call. Then tell their families, 'He was a good man,' " said the sergeant. Major veterans organizations slammed the budget proposals as soon as they were issued and also questioned Shulkin's push to expand the Choice program. "We are very concerned the administration's request to make the Veterans Choice Program a permanent, mandatory program could lead to a gradual erosion of the VA health care system," the Veterans of Foreign Wars said in written testimony to a hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Committee last month. At the same hearing, Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said of the proposed cuts to IU, "If a veteran was provided this benefit because of the inability to maintain gainful employment, particularly at a young age, he or she would not have been able to pay for Social Security or put money into a 401(k) or other retirement savings account." He asked Shulkin, who was testifying, "If you end the [IU] payments for veterans like this, don't you risk plunging them into poverty?" Shulkin responded that the VA is "sensitive to the issue" but had to find savings to pay for other programs. The change in eligibility for IU would save an estimated $3.2 billion in fiscal 2018 and $40.8 billion over 10 years, he said. "This is a way we think of appropriately utilizing the mandatory funds and looking at where we can make the [IU] program more responsible," Shulkin said. John Rowan, national president of Vietnam Veterans of America, said in a statement to the hearing, "We're extremely alarmed by this budget proposal, because this is the opposite of what President Trump promised veterans." Many veterans echoed that sentiment. "I am appalled at the proposed cut," an Air Force veteran said in an email to Military.com. "At first, this cut may seem logical, but the logic is flawed in many cases. Sure, there are some vets with large Social Security benefit checks, but it is also so true that many vets will have such small checks that this cut would leave them destitute." The wife of a veteran said, "My 70-year-old husband will be one of the thousands to lose his IU benefit if this legislation is approved. Frankly, it would be devastation to us financially." There was also confusion and anxiety among aging vets about having no way of knowing how the proposals will work out in Congress. "I have been receiving IU for three years. I also receive [Social Security]," one said. "If IU is cut, how does this affect me?" Other vets worried about what would happen to their spouses. "If I die, my wife can apply for the DIC [Dependency and Compensation] benefit, but without the DIC benefit, my wife would only receive my Social Security benefit of around $1,500 a month," a vet said. "She has told me that if this becomes her income, she will be forced to sell the house and take the selling price of the house and attempt to get into a low-income housing." (DIC is a tax-free benefit paid to eligible survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose deaths resulted from a service-related injury or disease.) At a White House briefing Wednesday, Shulkin said he is fully aware of the veterans service organizations' complaints as he again defended the proposed cuts for IU. "I have such great admiration and respect for VSOs, and I understand their passion and I share their commitment that it is so important that this country honor its responsibility to our veterans," he said. However, "that doesn't mean that you don't go back and revisit programs that have been around for a long time and figure out different ways to use those resources, as long as they are directed to helping veterans," Shulkin said. "Now, I understand there's not always going to be agreement. This is Washington, and we're always going to get passion over important topics." In a statement in response to Shulkin's remarks, American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt said that he welcomed Shulkin's "candor and commitment" to reforming the VA, but "last week, our headquarters was overrun with questions and concerns about the disastrous impact proposed changes to the IU program would have on our aging veteran community. "We are also alarmed by the cannibalization of services needed for the Choice program," he said. "It is a 'stealth' privatization attempt, which The American Legion fully opposes." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. jon riminella.JPG John Rimanelli, CEO of Detroit Aircraft and AirspaceX, talks about the future of electric aircraft passenger transportation at the Mackinac Policy Conference on June 1, 2017. (Emily Lawler | MLive.com) MACKINAC ISLAND, MI -- Uber for air travel could exist by 2020 in the form of an electric aircraft capable of vertical take-offs and landings, according to entrepreneur Jon Rimanelli. Rimanelli owns Detroit Aircraft and Airspace X, companies that are working to deploy the aircraft. The concept is that within a 50-mile radius of the Detroit airport, these electric aircraft will be able to land at set landing stations, pick up a pod full of passengers and transport them to any other location in the metro area. They're in the process of finalizing an agreement with Uber, the transportation network company known for on-demand rides, Rimanelli said. So say you're in downtown Detroit and want to get to the airport in Romulus. "Instead of driving a car to Metro Airport... you'd go to a heliport and for the price of an Uber X ride you can get to metro airport in about five minutes, no traffic," Rimanelli said. And it's not just to the airport. The vehicles, since they're capable of vertical take-offs and landings, only need a 40-by-40-foot footprint for a landing space. In the future you could summon rides between the whole network of landing pads across Metro Detroit's suburbs. He spoke with MLive at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference, which he's attending to build political support around the concept. "My goal here is to try to build a critical mass with political support, governor, senators, mayors of cities and just socialize this new mode of mobility," Rimanelli said. His plan is to deploy initially in Detroit, Dalls and Dubai. But from there, the company could expand to areas around other airports all over the United States. Initially the company will be using pilots, but the vehicles will be capable of full automation. He started Detroit Aircraft in 2011, but couldn't get a lot of pickup on the concept, he said because people were cautious and it's a capital-intensive business. So for a few years the company dabbled in drones before turning back to focus on passenger transport. "Now people can see how this drone technology can actually be applied to cargo or passenger transport," he said. Aside from Uber, he sees the technology pairing well with other transportation services and things like package delivery. And in the Detroit area he's been able to leverage automated vehicle technology in designing hte aircraft. Plus, for the city, putting people in the air isn't altogether new. "A lot of people realize that Detroit has a very unique history in mobilizing the mass traveling public with cars on the ground, but a lot of people don't realize it was Ford and Tri-Motor that commercialized air transportation in the 1920s," Rimanelli said. Donald Trump In this March 24, 2017, file photo President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly, an unusual invitation that breaks diplomatic protocol and is raising concerns about the security and secrecy of the U.S. commander in chief's communications. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) The ongoing investigation into ties between President Donald Trump's campaign and the Russian government continues to cause worry for many members of Congress. During interviews with MLive at the 2017 Mackinac Policy Conference hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber, several members of Michigan's Congressional delegation expressed concerns about the ongoing investigation into Russian involvement in the U.S. 2016 presidential election; potential connections to the Trump campaign; and its impact on domestic and foreign relations. "There's a big cloud over Washington right now that's just constantly swirling around, and new clouds appear with every new tweet that the president puts out," said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township. "We have to move forward, and that's not happening right now." Peters said he's concerned the Trump administration's take on foreign policy has "been undermining the ability to work with our allies" and said he views reassuring U.S. allies of the country's commitment to existing agreements as a Congressional duty. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller was appointed to lead the investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential campaign earlier this month, and many Michigan lawmakers and officials were supportive of the decision. President Donald Trump and his administration have been under intense scrutiny since he fired FBI Director James Comey. The New York Times reported Comey wrote a memo detailing the president's request to end an investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. House and Senate Congressional committees have since requested any memos or tapes detailing the President's interactions with the FBI, and have invited Comey to testify publicly. U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, R-Birmigham, said it's necessary to find out what Russia did and what, if any, impact they had on the election, as well as whether anyone on Trump's team was communicating with Russia during the election process. "This is not going to go away anytime soon," he said. "And that's the way it needs to be. We need to get to the bottom of what happened." Asked whether Congress would be able to accomplish substantive policy goals with an investigation going on, Trott replied, "Maybe." "The reality of what's happening today is the Democrats see blood in the water on Trump - they feel he's vulnerable with all these investigations, and Democrats have little or no incentive to work with Republicans," he said. Trott added he's not sure Trump has been able to leverage the political capital necessary to make meaningful advances on his policy objectives in Congress. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, said he supports taking the question out of the hands of Congress and the administration entirely, supporting a 9/11-style commission that has subpoena power to take on the investigation and "take away the excuse Congress might use to not deal with the other big questions." Ensuring the United States has an administration that can be tough with Russia is a national security issue, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said. "We need an administration that has the ability and feels they can stand up to them on behalf of the American people," she said. "If we have a White House that is compromised in any way and can't be tough with Russia - who is not our friend - they, in fact, have undercut our elections." U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, said Congress needs to worry about jobs and the economy first and foremost, but added that the country's national security requires a nonpartisan independent investigation. Soo Locks press conference U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman and U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg speak at a press conference on upcoming legislation regarding the Soo Locks. (Lauren Gibbons | MLive) A bipartisan group of Michigan lawmakers are looking to secure support for additional funding to upgrade the Soo Locks in the Upper Peninsula. Spearheaded in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, and in the House by U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, members of the Michigan Congressional delegation are hoping to drum up support for legislation to commence a long-stalled reconstruction project of the Soo Locks. The project would replace two smaller locks with a new single lock big enough to handle the largest Great Lakes ships. Congress authorized the reconstruction project in 1986, but the work has languished due to a lack of funding. The new lock would complement the existing 1,200-foot Poe Lock, which is the only one of four locks in Sault Ste. Marie big enough to handle the 1,000-foot ships that carry 70 percent of all cargo in the Great Lakes. A recent Department of Homeland Security report predicted an unscheduled six-month outage of the Poe Lock would cripple the U.S. economy, cost 11 million jobs and shut down almost all North American appliance, automobile, construction, farm and mining equipment, and railcar production within weeks. Several members of the Michigan Congressional delegation are set to tour the Soo Locks Friday immediately following the Mackinac Policy Conference. During a press conference Thursday at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Stabenow said the Michigan Congressional delegation is concerned "we're on borrowed time" for something to happen to the Poe Lock that would result in its shut down. She said it's unclear at this time how much it could cost to finish the construction, but estimated it'd be close to $1 billion. "If something happens to the Poe Lock, large vessels will not be able to move throughout the Great Lakes," Stabenow said. Bergman said the modernization of the Soo Locks would reflect the country's ability to prioritize long-term projects to protect the country's economy and national security. "We have an opportunity - not only an opportunity, but a requirement - for the betterment of the country," Bergman said. Last year, the Army Corps of Engineers got $1.35 million to re-do an economic study on duplicating the Poe, which freighter companies say will replace a flawed 2005 cost-benefit analysis that rendered the project ineligible under federal budgeting because it showed every dollar spent would only return 73 cents in benefit. #first lady First lady meets with family of additional victim of Itaewon tragedy First lady Kim Keon-hee on Thursday visited a hospital in Seoul to meet with the family of a soldier who was pronounced brain dead the previous day after being injured in the Itaew... #football S. Korea coach not yet planning alternatives for Son Heung-min's potential World Cup absence As South Korea's captain Son Heung-min tries to work his way back from a facial surgery in time for the FIFA World Cup, his national team head coach Paulo Bento does not yet have a... Rank 7 | NR Narayana Murthy & family | Company: Infosys | Net Wealth: Rs 16,400 crore | Co-founder of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy and his family only added 1 percent to their overall wealth this year, becoming one of the ten richest tech billionaires in India. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Indias USD 150-billion information & technology sector is staring at thousands of job cuts and the beginnings of employee activism as growth slows. For more than 20 years, the industry has generated enormous profits and created more than 40 million white-collar jobs. But the future could be very different and NR Narayana Murthy, the father of Indian IT industry and founder of Infosys, has a prescription for the industry in these tough times. In a conversation with Malini Bhupta of Moneycontrol, Murthy explains what leaders need to do. India's IT industry, the engine of white-collar jobs, is seeing employee activism today and unions are being formed across campuses. What do you make of this unprecedented situation? I dont want to go into what is happening in specific companies, but if your philosophy of compassionate capitalism is clear and if you operate on that philosophy, then it becomes simple to lessen the pain of middle and lower-level employees. I spent some years in Paris in the 1970s and I met with people from the Left, Centre and the Right. In fact, I met the then head of the French Communist Party - Georges Marchais. I also observed how these societies had brought in prosperity for its people. As a strong leftist person who went to France, I realised that the only way a society can solve the problem of poverty is through entrepreneurship, which will help us in creation of jobs. I realised that the only political philosophy that encourages entrepreneurship is capitalism. But, at the same time, I also realised that capitalism will only succeed if the leaders of capitalism demonstrate self-restraint in allocating a disproportionate part of wealth generated to themselves. Right from 1975, I have internalised it and I have demonstrated self-restraint in allocating for myself the fruits of the corporation. I also realized that in a poor country like India if capitalism has to become acceptable and has to be embraced by a large section of our society, then the leaders of capitalism have to eschew vulgar display of wealth. I also realised that when the fortunes of a company ebb, the leaders and seniors have to sacrifice more compared to the middle and junior level people. Such sacrifice will have to be borne by employees as well as investors. In other words, there will have to be salary cuts based on the disposable income of employees and there will have to be stringent cost control. If these are not just sufficient, then profits will have to be sacrificed and dividends will have to be reduced to take care of the employees with low disposable income and keep the corporation strong in tough times. This is how we, the founders and early adopters of Infosys, conducted ourselves at Infosys during tough times. Employees should be the last to suffer. This is what compassionate capitalism is all about. Therefore, in the interest of enhancing confidence in capitalism, we, the leaders of capitalism, must embrace compassionate capitalism. That is capitalism in the mind and socialism at heart or, capitalism based on fairness, transparency and accountability. In every decision we, the leaders of capitalism, take, we have to ask whether our decision will enhance the respect for us in the eyes of our younger employees and whether respect for our corporations will be enhanced in the eyes of the society. If we follow these principles, I believe, we will be in a position to save capitalism from premature death in India and bring the benefit of capitalism to the vast majority of Indians. A lot of observers and industry observers claim that the industry has collected a lot of flab over the years as companies benefitted by simply adding people in time and material projects, where clients paid on the number of hours clocked by the employee. But now they are finding it hard to justify so many people who are not necessarily productive. This is a key reason behind industry shedding people, claim experts. How did the industry get to this point and what is in store in future? We have to realise that newer and newer technologies will come. Automation will become more and more ubiquitous. This has to be accepted. The challenge for our industry leaders is to create new markets and create new opportunities and jobs in the scenario of changing technologies. They have to create as many productive jobs as possible for youngsters. It is also very important for us to remember that there will be highs and lows in every industry. The IT industry has had a high for 20-plus years, and now it looks like it is entering an ebb. This has happened in the past in various industries and will continue to happen in the future for various industries. There is no point in blaming the IT industry. An economy where some sectors of the economy are growing and some are shrinking but the overall economy is growing is a healthy economy. In such an economy, people who are not needed in one sector should retrain themselves and move to some other sector. This is what has happened all over the world. Let me give you a simple example. When the motorcar was invented, the demand for people who tended horses went down drastically. We cannot blame the companies that produced motorcars for the plight of the people who took care of horses. So, it is necessary for the elders of society like corporate leaders, politicians, academicians, administrators and wise men and women to sit together to see how we create new opportunities for youngsters. I would not put the entire blame on the IT industry. The market for the IT industry may shrink and that is beyond anybody. So, when the market shrinks, it is very difficult to absorb new talent at the same level as in the past. That is very unlikely. Therefore, the Indian economy has to find a solution for this problem. India has to find an answer to see how new jobs can be created in healthcare, automobile, education, retail, agriculture and construction, just to give a few examples. Simply blaming IT industry is not a fair thing. Employees are unhappy that companies are rewarding financial investors by buying back shares from them but the same companies do not wish to give them severance packages even though their balance-sheets can afford it? What is disturbing is that people who have spent 10 years or more are in the line of fire. Why is it that financial capital is being rewarded while human capital is not? It is very important for leaders of capitalism to be fair to their younger colleagues when the issue of retrenchment comes. We have to create a model where the pain is minimised. There is no doubt. All of us have to practice capitalism in mind and socialism in heart. We have to practice compassionate capitalism. If we can leverage people in good times, it is our responsibility to remain humane and lessen their pain when the difficult times come. There is no doubt on that. What is your view on share buybacks? As I said before, the pain has to be shared by both stakeholders -- employees and investors. We cannot create a zero-sum game in favour of investors. Therefore, I am not sure if this is the best time for share buybacks since it may send a wrong signal to employees that corporations are more concerned about investors than employees. Travel bookings portal MakeMyTrip is being trolled on Twitter after its co-founder tweeted regarding the central government's recent ban on sale of cattle for slaughter. Using the now trending hashtag, #BoycottMakeMyTrip, people have been trolling the website after Keyur Joshi, the co-founder of MakeMyTrip, expressed his disappointment with the government's ban. He had tweeted: Joshi apologised for his comments and deleted his Twitter account, which was flooded with hateful remarks against him. Despite MakeMyTrip clarifying that Joshi was no longer an employee of the company, the trolls did not relent and threatened to rate the app poorly: If he has so hatred about divine Hinduism, we hate @makemytrip of which he is a part of.! We #BoycottMakeMyTrip bcz of him@makemytripcare pic.twitter.com/UStUkKrjMN #GiveUpAMeal Shishir (@shishir_heg) May 31, 2017 @makemytrip Uninstalled makemytrip App on my phone after irresponsible tweets by Keyur Joshi. My freedom of choice #BoycottMakeMyTrip June 1, 2017 @makemytrip After the remarks by Keyur Joshi, I have downgraded n uninstalled your app. #BoycottMakeMyTrip Shitalkumar Pande (@sgpande) June 1, 2017 Other portals have been victims of similar trolling of late. When Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel apparently called India a "poor country", Snapdeal was mistakenly trolled instead. Seems deliberate. They wanted another round of #BoycottSnapdeal campaign; pretending as if can't differentiate b/w Snapchat & Snapdeal. /dev/null (@agarwal_mohit) April 16, 2017 Snapdeal had also been trolled in 2015 when its brand ambassador Aamir Khan stirred a controversy with his remarks on rising intolerance in India. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Deutsche Equities, ICICI Securities and IDFC Bank are in the race to get the governments mandate to advise it on the proposed sale of its shares in NLC India (formerly Neyveli Lignite Corporation). The government wants to sell shares equivalent to 15 percent of the state-owned companys equity as part of its plan to divest its holding in public sector companies. The government intended to select up to four bankers for the transaction but with only three in the fray, all three could get selected. The fee in any case is not likely to be anything but one rupee for each. NLCs equity comprises 1.52 billion shares. The government holds 89.32 percent stake in the coal mining and power generating company. At todays market price of Rs. 107, sale of 15 percent of the companys equity will fetch the government Rs. 2,453 crore. The paid-up equity capital of the Chennai-headquartered public sector company was Rs 6,669 crore as on March 31, 2016. NLC has chalked out a Rs 8,948.12 crore capital expenditure plan for the ongoing financial year. The government plans to raise Rs 72,500 crore through sale of its shares in various companies. It aims to achieve this by raising Rs 46,500 crore via minority stake sales, Rs 15,000 crore through strategic stake sales and Rs 11,000 crore from the listing of various public sector insurance companies. Total disinvestment proceeds during the current financial year so far amount to Rs 1,195.46 crore. Besides NLC, the list of companies lined up for divestment of government holding through the stock market route includes Indian Oil Corporation, NTPC, Rural Electrification Corporation, Power Finance Corporation, RITES, Rail Vikas Nigam and NHPC. With names of NLC divestment advisors likely to be out today, only the selection of merchant bankers for Rail Vikas share sale will remain. That process is also underway. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday said it has cancelled the licence of Jamkhed Merchants Co-operative Bank Maryadit in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The order was made effective from the close of business on June 01, 2017, RBI statement was put on the website. The Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Maharashtra, has also been requested to issue an order for winding up of the bank and appoint a liquidator. With the cancellation of licence and commencement of liquidation proceedings, the process of paying the depositors of the bank will be set in motion. On liquidation, every depositor is entitled to repayment of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 1 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). The Reserve Bank cancelled the licence of the bank as the bank did not comply with certain legal provisions and "its operations were being carried out in a manner detrimental to the interest of the present and future depositors and that of the public." In March, RBI imposed restrictions on Mumbai-based Kapol Co-operative Bank whose depositors were allowed to withdraw only up to Rs 3,000 of the total balance held in every saving bank or current account or any other deposit account, irrespective of the balance. These are in violation of many sections of the Banking Regulation Act. "The bank was not in a position to pay its present and future depositors in full as and when their claims accrue. The present financial position of the bank leaves no scope for its revival," RBI added. Public interest would be affected adversely if the bank was allowed to carry on banking business, any further. Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, the bank is prohibited from conducting the business of banking as per the Act with immediate effect. The issue of banning cow slaughter has to be decided by the respective states and the Centre's recent notification on sale of cattle has nothing to do with it, the BJP said today amid a major controversy. BJP leader Nalin Kohli, who is in-charge of the party's affairs in Meghalaya, said the state governments can decide on cow slaughter ban keeping in view the local food habits even as he admitted that in this state, a majority of the BJP leaders eat beef. The comment assumes significance as the BJP's Meghalaya unit has views divergent to its central leadership since its local leaders eat beef. "The BJP is saying this clearly that the question of having a law in a state on cow slaughter is to be decided by the state and not the Centre," Kohli told reporters here when asked about his party's position on the North Eastern states where majority of people consume beef. "Every state government that decides to have a law or not have a law on cow slaughter, do so keeping in mind the local food habits of that particular state and in the North East every state government will keep this in account," he said. Kohli said the Centre's notification banning sale of cattle in animal markets for slaughter is based on a Supreme Court order and recommendations made by a Parliamentary Committee. "The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017 is based on recommendations of a Parliamentary Committee report, which included members of all political parties and a Supreme Court order, he said. "The notification has nothing written on cow slaughter and beef ban. Any state can decide on this and we fully respect the federal structure. How can the Centre impose on the states? The Constitution does not permit that and the Constitution is the only book the BJP follows," said Kohli, who is a lawyer himself. With regard to the controversy, he blamed the Congress for "deliberate, false and fabricated rumours" on social media about the notification which "did not even have a word about beef or beef ban mentioned anywhere in it". Can BJP be blamed for something that the Congress party enacted in 1960 following which the Supreme Court asked us (NDA government) to frame rules? The act is Prevention of Cruelty against Animals and the Congress framed it. If it (Congress party) wants to complain, it should complain against its leaders in the past who came up with the act," Kohli said. He said the BJP was aware that "the dirty tricks department of the Congress is adopting a strategy of spit and run by putting out deliberate, false fabricated rumours" in the social media that has affected communal balance in Meghalaya. My charge is that those people spreading lies on the social media on beef issue are responsible of trying to communalize the situation," said Kohli, who is on a visit here. He said the way Congress workers slaughtered a calf in Kerala to protest against the notification was wrong. He asked, "Is that not a communal agenda? In India, majority are Hindus. Muslims and Christians eat beef. Muslims do not eat pork, so do Jews. So the Congress, if they want to protest against the Muslims, will they slaughter a pig? Stating that such protests are unacceptable, Kohli said, Are we supposed to cause pain to other religious groups in a protest and hurt the sentiments of somebody? Prohibition of cow slaughter is also mentioned in Article 48 of the Constitution and although it is not an enforceabale article, it is a Directive Principles of State Policy and mandates the states to bring laws to ban cow slaughter, he said. On the Madras High Court staying the notification, Kohli said it has been done to see whether the notificaiton was correct under the law or not. "If it is not correct, then questions can be asked if it is badly drafted. But when it is correct in law, can we call it today, before the court has arrived at a judgement, an indictment of the government," he asked. He said the party has given a show cause notice to a district leader in western Garo Hills region who had reportedly announced a beef party to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modis three years in office. "What he said was his personal views and my state president has sought explanation from him. How can slaughter of an animal be a ground for celebration of Prime Minister Modis government when the notification in itself is to prevent slaughter of animals," he asked. A technician is pictured inside a desalter plant of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, September 30, 2016. Picture taken September 30, 2016. REUTERS/Amit Dave - RTSS6X9 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Contributing 70 percent to the country's crude output, ONGC and Oil India are crucial to India's oil production. Now, the government wants to make these state-owned companies more accountable and boost production by setting up panels headed by bureaucrats to supervise their workings. The Oil Ministrys technical arm has ordered that review committees be created "for the purpose of management of oil and gas resources of nomination fields," according to a report in The Economic Times. A May 25 order stipulates that each committee will be chaired by the Director General of the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and include one more DGH official and top executives of the oil company. The panel will be empowered to review everything from work programmes to budgets for exploration and performance of oil fields. It will also review collaboration with licensees or contractors of other areas. ONGC and Oil India have been directed to implement the committees decisions and update on the progress of implementation. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently admitted that there wasnt much scrutiny of ONGC and Oil India fields, something which he planned to change. The decision to step up supervision comes at a time when the country is battling limited domestic production capacity. ONGC and Oil India have been unable to stop the slide in domestic production. ONGCs Bombay High oil wells, which are over 50-years-old, contribute the biggest share of Indias oil production but its contribution to the economy has been falling steadily. The insurance industry may be in for another round of revision in product regulations as the Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDAI) firms up plans to review product structures and benefits every 3-5 years. The move comes amid the need to adapt to changing market needs. IRDAI has constituted an insurance advisory committee consisting of members from the life insurance industry, general insurance industry and intermediaries. People privy to the developments say that the idea was to look at the entire product structure in the insurance space and look at the changes that can be made in the structures and product features taking into account the market segment and their specific needs. Once the committee formulates the product regime and the regulator accepts it, we can expect another round of regulatory changes for products, said a senior industry official. During the 2013 overhaul, there was a bit of chaos in the system as products had to be refiled. The then existing products had to be withdrawn in a few months time and products with updated features had to be filed. Almost 150-200 products were withdrawn from the market and insurers like Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) are still reeling under the impact of that decision. V K Sharma, chairman of LIC explained that the number of new policy sales have been flat for them since the number of products that they have in the portfolio following the new product regime had seen a sharp drop. He, however, added that they expected the situation to normalise by the end of this financial year. Industry sources also said that from now on, IRDAI would want to revisit the product sales numbers also on a regular basis and would seek clarifications on products that are seeing low sales numbers. Post this, insurers may be required to either modify or withdraw those products. The regulator will meet the company chief executives on June 16 as part of an annual review meeting. Product structure related discussions are expected to be on top of the list. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act states that a real estate developer cannot accept more than 10 percent of the total cost of the apartment, plot or building as the booking amount from a home buyer without first entering into a written agreement for sale with such person and register the said agreement for sale, under any law for the time being in force. Does this mean that a home buyer will have to pay an additional amount as stamp duty at the time of booking an apartment? Will this not exert additional pressure on the home buyers who in any case find it difficult to pay the booking amount as banks service only 80 percent of the home loan? A home buyer will have to register the agreement to sale like any other rental agreement at the time of booking. Under RERA he will have to pay 10 percent the day he executes an agreement with the developer and registers it. He will also have to pay stamp duty once conveyance happens. This may amount to an additional cash outflow on the part of the buyer. What this means is that for a Rs 20 lakh apartment, a homebuyer will have to pay Rs 20,000 as stamp duty and register the agreement first and then pay Rs 1.8 lakh at the time of registering the apartment or a plot. The amount paid as stamp duty for registering the agreement to sale is adjustable. This provision will work in favour of home buyers as the terms and conditions will be binding on the developer, says Manoj Gaur. Currently, the agreement for sale is not registered in most states but in Kerala the agreement signed with the builder is two-fold. The first thing has to do with the transferring of undivided share of land and the second is to do with the agreement for construction of a flat. In case of projects with villas too, the land is first conveyed to the buyer and another agreement executed for the constructed villa, says Bipin Kumar, a Supreme Court lawyer. Why has this provision been brought in? This has been done to ensure that builders sign an agreement with the buyers. Earlier, there have been cases wherein builders refused to sign the agreement to sale before 30 percent amount was paid by the buyer. Now, if the project does not take off, the risk for the buyer is minimised, as he can cancel the project and move on but after having to forsake the 10 percent amount and the registration cost. This has been done for two reasons bring in revenue for the government and to ensure that since the buyer is signing it in front of the registrar he is not being forced to sign a particular clause; the element of coercion is done away with. But there is still a grey area. It is not yet clear as to what will happen to the stamp duty paid on the booking amount if the sale deed is executed after two financial years. The rule presently is that it has to be paid within the same financial year. This aspect needs more clarity, says SK Pal, a Supreme Court lawyer. Section 17 (1)(b) of Registration Act also mandates compulsory registration of document which .purport or operate to create, declare, assign, limit or extinguish, whether in present or in future, any right, title or interest, whether vested or contingent, of the value of one hundred rupees and upwards, to or in immovable property. Hence, RERA reiterates existing laws with more flexibility when it says that the agreement can be registered under any law for the time being in force, says Abhay Upadhyay, National Convenor, Fight For RERA. There are a lot of methods which can help you pick the right kind of stocks for trading, but for investment, focus on few parameters which could help you to pick winning bets. A small analysis run on BSE 500 companies on return on capital employed (RoCE) and Price-earnings (P/E) ratio threw many companies which have outperformed Sensex returns in the last one year. These companies have either more than doubled or nearly doubled in the last one year. Companies which have a low P/E multiple compared to industry P/E have given exceptional returns of up to 280 percent in the last one year, which includes names like Escorts, Avanti Feeds, Caplin Point, REC, Hindalco, Jk Tyres, Gujarat Narmada, Sun TV, IOC, Navneet Education etc. among others, Capitaline data showed. PE is one of the important and mostly used price multiples for valuation. A higher PE indicates better operating performance. It is the most common, and widely available indicator available to investors. It is a very common and important valuation ratio used to measure the company. The standard rule is -- the lesser the PE better the stock and vice versa. However, that might not apply to growth companies. If PE of a stock is lesser than the industry PE or its peers then it gives a sense of confidence to buy the stock. However, when the company is in a growth phase, then a higher PE is justified for those stocks, which will not make that stock look overvalued, suggest experts. As market discounts in forward, companies which might have to add on benefits over its peers in terms of margin expansion, monopoly, less leverage etc., such stocks will quote higher PE and we might still see good returns, Achin Goel, Head of Wealth Management and Financial Planning, Bonanza Portfolio told Moneycontrol. Companies Like India Cement, Navneet Education, Federal Bank, Dewan Housing etc. have very good fundamentals and are available at lower PE which makes the stock looks attractive, he said. Goel further added that stocks like Escorts, Sun TV also have very good fundamentals but are trading at exceptionally high PE where investors should book profit because markets have already discounted growth factor and might not rally at the same pace as it did in the past. However, PE should not be the only parameter used for evaluating a stock. If you are not seasoned investor, chances are that you might make a mistake. Novice investor presumes when any company is trading around or below industry PE it is trading at a lower valuation. When it comes to investing, PE ratios aren't everything and should not be looked isolated. One must also study growth potential, future profitability and superior corporate governance practice, Jaikishan Parmar, Sr. Equity Research Analyst, Angel Broking Pvt Ltd told Moneycontrol. There are two types of valuation methods, relative and absolute. Relative valuation looks at the valuation methods such as P/E, EV/EBITDA, P/B, EV/Sales, etc. These relative methods compare the valuation multiples against that of the sector and comparable peers, he said. Parmar further added that the absolute valuation method, however, is independent in nature and methods like DCF take a long-term view on the future cash flows to value the company. The general theory is companies which have strong fundamentals such as healthy balance sheet and good return ratios, should get premium PE valuation compared to the companies with poor future growth rate, or weak balance sheet, suggest experts. ROCE is also important Return on Capital Employed or RoCE is another ratio which investors can use when making their investment decisions. Usually, a figure over 12 percent is good for any company. Almost 75 percent of the companies mentioned in the list have a ratio above 12%. The data is calculated based on March 2016 balance sheet numbers, Capitaline data showed. ROCE is a good indicator to check operating performance and balance sheet health. Therefore, any company with ROCE better than 12% is good. Navneet Education is one such quality name with better ROCE and comfortable P/E, Tushar Pendharkar, Head of Research, Right Horizons Investment Advisory Services told Moneycontrol. In addition, there are few exceptions in this list where the ROCE is low; however, they have strong business outlook, such as Hindalco Industries Ltd, and Indian Oil Corp Ltd, he said. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund's investors who had invested in fixed income schemes are worried that the collapse of Reliance Communications share price and a likely default may also hit them as the fund house has about Rs 600 crore debt in a group company, according to a report in The Economic Times. "With the fall in Rcom share prices, the trustee will automatically top up shares from other group companies," said Santosh Kamath, Managing Director and CIO at Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund India. "Franklin Templeton schemes have no exposure to the debt issued by Reliance Communications," he added. The fund house holds an investment worth of Rs 603 crore through five schemes--Franklin India Corporate Bond Opportunities Fund, Income Opportunities Fund, Short Term Income Plan, Low Duration Fund and Dynamic Accrual Fund--according to a data on Value Research, a mutual fund analytics company. It owns bonds in Reliance Communications Enterprises, a holding company of billionaire Anil Ambani controlled Reliance ADAG. On May 30, Moodys Investors Service and local firm CARE downgraded Reliance Communications. Moodys unit ICRA and CARE both downgraded the companys rating to default status because of delays in servicing its debt. Both these rating agencies together downgraded more than Rs 60,000 crore debt by the company including Rs 35,430 crore of bank credits. Those bonds are of about six-month maturities offering 12.33 percent and collateralised by group company shares from Reliance Communications, Reliance Capital and Reliance Infrastructure. They will mature in December. This is a loan against shares transaction which is secured by pledge of shares of Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Capital and Reliance Communications. The collateral cover of the security currently stands at 2.26 times. Shares of Reliance Communications snapped their four-day losing streak, ending 4 percent higher on the BSE today. The Anil Ambani-owned company has been the worst performer on the S&P BSE Telecom Index over the past month amid worries over its mounting debt, delayed repayments, poor earnings, and a rating downgrade. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Claris Lifesciences zoomed nearly 12 percent intraday on Thursday after investors cheered the positive developments around US FDA inspection. The company told the exchanges that the company and its subsidiary underwent a successful US FDA pharmacovigilance audit from May 29-May 31. The regulator did not issue any observations (i483s) for the plant. The firm was in the news recently for selling its stake in the joint venture for USD 20 million. The stake in JV, Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt. Ltd, was sold to partner Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc. A media report also stated that the company altogether must be mulling to exit pharmaceuticals business and foray into FMCG. The pharmaceuticals sector has been under immense pressure on the back of pricing pressure in the US along with regulatory concerns. Weak earnings growth back home also added to the pain of these companies. Stocks in the sector were down throughout last week, missing the chance to board the rally bus. However, in the past three session, including Thursday, these have played catch up probably due to attractive valuations. The stock fell over 2 percent in the past one month, while its three-day gain stood at 4 percent. At 11:33 hrs, Claris Lifesciences was quoting at Rs 344.30, up Rs 17.25, or 5.27 percent on the BSE. It touched an intraday high of Rs 366.00 and an intraday low of Rs 327.90. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Moneycontrol Research Latest quarterly numbers from Sun Pharma and Tech Mahindra have come as a shocker for investors. Both companies belong to sectors currently experiencing pain and in the midst of a major overhaul. Question is: Are the stocks good bargains at these levels or is buying them akin to catching falling knives? Both Sun Pharma and Tech Mahindra have been major underperformers over the last year, falling 38 percent and 28 percent, respectively against an 18 percent rise in the Nifty. Sun Pharma Its US business (contributing to nearly 48 percent of total revenue historically) declined sharply by USD 127 million sequentially due to market share loss in Benicar AG and pricing pressure in gGleevec. Erosion in the base business as well as continued disruptions in Halol (the facility which is still under US FDA scanner) also added to the woes. For the past four quarters, Taros (its US subsidiary) revenues have steadily declined. Besides US, the domestic business (historically contributing to 26 percent of revenue) grew a modest 6 percent. The 6.5 percent revenue decline, pricing pressure in the US base business, erosion in gross margin and inventory write-off of USD 45 million contributed to significant decline in operating margin to 21.7 percent (31 percent in the previous quarter and 33 percent in the year-ago quarter). Management Guiding to a Difficult FY18 More worrying than the quarterly performance is the managements indication that that aggressive price erosion in new launches is the new normal. Sun Pharma expects revenues to decline due to challenging environment in the US, assuming no new approval from Halol. So, expect subdued numbers to continue for a while. In fact, we expect double-digit sales decline in the US business due to pricing pressure in Sun Pharmas base business as well as that in Taros. Launches of Xelpros and Elepsia (process initiated to shift these products from Halol) and ramp-up of Bromsite and Odomzo and launch of gGlumetza, will partially help cushion the decline, but not by much. Why We are Still not Writing Off Sun Pharma Like technology, the pharmaceutical market is also changing fast and not everyone is ready to embrace the change. Analysts estimate that the generic growth opportunity will reduce to 1 percent by 2020 compared to 15 percent CAGR over 2010-15. The period of readjustment is likely to be painful, which is reflected in the financials of Indias largest generic player. Sun Pharmaceuticals is gearing up to face the change. It has stepped up its investment in research and development and guiding to a higher R&D expense in FY18 at 9-10 percent of sales. In fact, its investment in speciality is offsetting the Ranbaxy synergies. The company expects nearly 18 percent of revenue in FY20 to come from speciality business like dermatology and ophthalmology, around 6 percent from the branded drug business, and about 45 percent from the complex generics business that involves long-acting injectables and controlled substances. Investors must remember that Sun Pharma continues to be the market leader in the chronic segment in India and is extremely well entrenched in specialities like cardiology, psychiatry, neurology etc. Amid the near-term headwinds, the management is bullish about launches of Tildrakizumab and Seciera in FY19 and break-even of the speciality business in FY20. While the US FDA resolution of Halol could ease near-term pain, long term investors should gradually accumulate the stock that is currently available at 17 times FY19 earnings for its transformative journey in a market where few players will meaningfully survive. What about Tech Mahindra? The technology sector is also in the midst of change and turmoil. Tech Mahindras journey from a telecom-focused company to a multi-vertical entity with multiple acquisitions on the way hasnt been particularly smooth. In the quarter gone by, the revenue performance was impressive 1.4 percent dollar revenue growth on the back of 3.4 percent growth in enterprise and 0.8 percent decline in telecom. But the 370 basis points decline in EBIDTA (earnings before interest depreciation and tax) margin at 12 percent came as a nasty surprise. Margin plummeted due to contract restructuring, LCC (Tech Mahindra had acquired US-based global telecom network services provider Lightbridge Communications Corp) business and currency. Tech Mahindra expects LCC to take another 23 quarters to bottom out versus earlier expectation of Q4FY17. When will Margins Climb to a Respectable Level? While the Street would typically ascribe the margin decline to quarterly one-offs, we see it tough for Tech Mahindra to climb on to a more respectable margin trajectory like its large-cap peers (at least in the late teens). The companys margin performance has been disappointing in the past two years. Have They made Smart Acquisitions? We are more concerned about the effectiveness of Tech Mahindras acquisition strategy to deliver the desired transformation that technology companies in India are grappling with. The companys expansion into the network management business through the acquisition of LCC has not worked out well so far. The company has rightly shifted focus on legacy value plays to digital plays with the acquisition of HCI Group (US-based healthcare Information Technology consulting company), BIO Agency (UK-based digital transformation firm) and Target Group (one of the leading processing platform companies in the UK expected to strengthen its BFSI practice by access to IP and platform which helps automate end-to-end processes in the lending, investments and insurance market). While these assets are good on a standalone basis, synergies for Tech Mahindra from these acquisitions have not been significant so far. The company has plenty of margin levers to move up from the nadir it has touched in this quarter including improving utilisation from the current level of 81 percent, leveraging the pyramid and automation, and we expect the same to impact margins in the short term. While the stock is trading at an undemanding valuation of 10.6X its expected earnings for FY19, we are still not convinced about its ability to ramp up its business to embrace the change in the technological landscape in a profitable manner. Afghanistan ranked 1st- with a score of 9.592 - on the index that measures the impact of terrorism. At least 90 people were killed and about 461 wounded, when a massive truck bomb ripped through Kabul's diplomatic quarter during rush hour, in the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since 2001. Bloodied corpses littered the scene and a huge cloud of smoke rose from the highly-fortified area which houses foreign embassies, after the explosion tore a massive crater in the ground and blew out windows several miles away. No group has so far claimed the powerful blast, which officials said was caused by 1,500 kilogrammes of explosives hidden inside a sewage tanker, in what appeared to be a major intelligence failure. Rescue workers were digging bodies from the site hours after the explosion, many of them disfigured and charred, as anguished residents searched for missing relatives. "They were going to their work like any other day and now they are lost," a young Afghan man said of his missing uncle and cousins, sobbing quietly outside Kabul's Emergency hospital. "I have searched in three hospitals and haven't found them." The attack, just days into the holy fasting month of Ramadan, underscores spiraling insecurity in Afghanistan, where the NATO-backed military, beset by soaring casualties and desertions, is struggling to beat back insurgents. "In this powerful attack 90 people have been killed and 461 wounded, including many women and children," said the government's media centre, with health officials warning the toll could climb further. Eleven American citizens working as contractors in Kabul were among the wounded, a senior US official told AFP. President Ashraf Ghani slammed the bombing, the deadliest single attack in Kabul since the Taliban were toppled from power in a 2001 US-led invasion, as a "war crime". Afghanistan's intelligence agency blamed the Taliban- allied Haqqani Network for the attack. The Taliban -- currently in the midst of their annual "spring offensive" -- denied they were involved, while strongly condemning the blast. The insurgent group rarely claims responsibility for attacks that kill large numbers of civilians. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for several recent bombings in the Afghan capital, including a powerful blast targeting a NATO convoy that killed eight people earlier this month. The sound of the bomb, which went off near Kabul's busy Zanbaq Square, reverberated across the Afghan capital, with residents comparing it to an earthquake. Most victims appear to be civilians. "The vigilance and courage of Afghan security forces prevented the VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) from gaining entry to the Green Zone, but the explosion caused civilian casualties," NATO said in a statement. The BBC said its Afghan driver Mohammed Nazir was killed and four of its journalists wounded. Local TV channel Tolo TV also tweeted that a staff member, Aziz Navin, was killed. The explosion damaged several embassies in the area, which houses diplomatic and government buildings and is a maze of concrete blast walls, vehicle barriers and armed security guards. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the "despicable" attack killed an Afghan guard from the German embassy, and added that some employees had been injured, though he did not give further details. He said the bomb had gone off "in the immediate vicinity" of the German embassy. France, India, Turkey, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Bulgaria similarly reported damage to their embassies, including shattered windows, as the blast drew an avalanche of international condemnation. The White House issued a scathing statement condemning the "atrocious" attack. "That this attack would occur during the holy month of Ramadan underscores the senseless and barbaric nature of this attack," a White House spokesman said. Amnesty International said the bombing shows that the conflict in Afghanistan is "dangerously widening in a way that should alarm the international community". Germany was forced to postpone a scheduled deportation flight of rejected Afghan asylum-seekers in the wake of the attack. The European nation has drawn criticism for sending back Afghans to an increasingly dangerous country. Today's blast was the latest in a string of attacks in Kabul. The province surrounding the capital had the highest number of casualties in the country in the first three months of 2017 due to multiple attacks in the city, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Afghan troops are backed by US and NATO forces, and the White House is considering sending thousands more soldiers to break the deadlock in the battle against the Taliban. US troops in Afghanistan number about 8,400 now, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies. They mainly serve in an advisory capacity -- a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. The trending discourse over the sanctity of the cow took a new turn on Thursday after a Rajasthan High Court judge made some sharp observations on the matter that also included a few theories about the peacock. Judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma was hearing a case related to a government-run cowshed in Jaipur when he suggested that the cow be declared the national animal and the punishment for cow slaughtered be made more stringent. Here's a lowdown on the judge's remarks: > Judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma asked the central government to declare cow as the national animal of India. Sharma, who retires on Thursday, mentioned Nepal as an example. He said, "Nepal is a Hindu nation and has declared the cow as its national animal". > He recommended that the maximum punishment for cow slaughter be increased from the existing 10 years of imprisonment to a life term. > Sharma also presented a theory on why the peacock is the national bird. "The peacock is a lifelong brahmachari (celibate)," he said. "It never has sex with the peahen. The peahen gets pregnant after swallowing the tears of the peacock". This attracted a slew of reactions on social media platforms: > The judge told Hindustan Times, I spoke with conscience. Our religious texts tell us how important cow is. Even its dung and urine are beneficial to us. He said that the cow urine keeps the liver, heart and mind healthy, and increases the immunity of the body, apart from slowing down ageing absolving sins of the previous life. > He said that in Hindu mythology, it is believed that 33 crore gods and goddesses reside inside the cow and the animal appeared along with goddess Laxmi during the churning of ocean. > Cow is the only living being which intakes oxygen and emits oxygen, according to the judge. > Sharma said that drinking cow milk prevents cancer from entering the blood cells. > Mooing also apparently kills the pathogens in the air. Cow intakes oxygen, emits oxygen. Peacock is a brahmachari. Some wise words from Judge saab. Must correct our textbooks ASAP. https://t.co/XHmR1iFqEX Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) May 31, 2017 Sharma also quoted scientists and scholars from India and abroad to prove his points: > He said that according to a Russian scientist, coating the walls of the house with cow dung will protect the inhabitants from radiation >Further, he quoted a Madras-based scientist to say that cow dung killed cholera germs > Quoting German scholar Rudolf Steiner, he said the cow through its horns absorbed cosmic energy. The High Court order also mentioned: > Cow dung can generate 4,500 litres of biogas every year. > Sharma said, "If biogas is generated from the cow dung of all cow progeny in the country, the country can save 6.80 lakh tonnes of firewood and save 14 crore trees from being cut". Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said that Pakistan has successfully prevented an environment of dialogue and has responded with cross-border terrorism to Indias steps to ease tension. ...each one of our attempts (at easing out tensions) have been responded by a Pathankot or an Uri or even the mutilation of our soldiers. Therefore, that environment which was existent for a talk has been successfully prevented by Pak, Jaitley said. Highlighting the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards establishing peace with Pakistan, he said that PMs invitation to Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony or his surprise visit at a family function in Lahore (in December 2015) were all intended to ease the tension between the neighbouring countries. These steps, however, have been responded by cold blood by Pakistan extinguishing all possible routes towards dialogue, Jaitley said. I dont want to get into the details as to what the strategic approach is. Ill only tell you that in the past few weeks, our armed forces, the Indian Army and the Border Security Force, have been dominating the Line of Control, he said, when asked about future course of action. Jaitley didnt shy away from accepting the issues of security pertaining both, to insurgents or domestic terrorists. Neighbours pose a challenge as far as defence is concerned and therefore the government is trying to stay fully prepared, the defence minister said adding that the security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure in the border areas. Defence achievements in three years Highlighting the achievements of the government, Jaitley said, a lot of pending issues have been addressed in the past three years. The stalemate One Rank One Pension scheme was passed, Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 (DPP 2016) was rolled out. Elaborating on DPP 2016, he said that there was a need to expand domestic manufacturing in the defence sector and that a balance has to be established between public and private investments in the sector. A strategic partner policy has been rolled out with this intent, he said. FDI in defence sector Jaitley said that the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy in defence has created an 'enabling' environment for domestic manufacturing. "The defence acquisition council, over the last three years, has been unprecedented if compared to the previous tenure. As far as FDI is concerned, it has been liberalised in a phased mannermoving from 26 percent to 49 percent to 100 percent..." he said. The defence minister said that the FDI policy must be accompanied by a reasonable possibility of an investor getting orders in a bid to push the defence sector ahead and set the manufacturing industry rolling. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured a Pakistani man of a medical visa so that his two and a half-month-old infant, who is suffering from a heart disease, can be brought to India for treatment. Swaraj's assurance came after the child's father brought the matter to her notice on Twitter. "The child will not suffer. Please contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa," she said. Earlier, a man named Ravi kumar had also written to Swaraj, saying that the infant needs immidiate treatment and had sought her intervention in the matter. With beef bans and restrictions on cattle slaughter, the cow has been a trending topic in public discourse for quite some time now. But a Rajasthan high court judge became the talk of the town on Wednesday when he brought another creature - the peacock - into the picture while talking up the cow's prospects of becoming the national animal. Judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma was hearing a case related to a government-run cowshed in Jaipur when he recommended that the maximum punishment for cow slaughter be increased to life imprisonment. Speaking about the sanctity of the cow, he said that drinking its milk could prevent cancer while the animal's urine could slow down ageing and absolve the sins of a previous life. He then spoke about the the "sacred" virginity of peacocks, which according to the judge do not engage in physical sex. He said that cows are as "pure" as peacocks, further adding that peahens get pregnant by drinking tears of the male. The comments drew sharp reactions on social media, but it was cartoonists from across the country who had a field day. Here's a selection: Hindustan Times cartoonist Jayanto also came up with an illustration: US President Donald Trump I will be announcing my decision on Paris Accord, Thursday at 3:00 P.M. The White House Rose Garden. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2017 With talks about US President Donald Trump withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, he will finally announce his decision on June 2 (12.30 a.m., India). Last year, former US President Barack Obama under his presidency ratified the Paris agreement which urged 197 parties to keep a check on their greenhouse emissions. The Paris Agreement Man-made climate change requires all countries to join hands as it poses as a global threat. In the past, developed nations made their riches by exploiting cheap fossil fuel and now preach developing countries to not do the same. Though they preach, they don't lead by example. Despite being the second largest carbon emitter, US has the majority of climate change deniers. Majority of ring-wing American politicians don't acknowledge the harm human activities have done to nature. In 2012, Donald Trump had this to say about global warming: The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive. November 6, 2012 If US opts out, it will take a toll on the global efforts to control the greenhouse emissions. With global warming snowballing, the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UFCCC) decided to bring together 197 parties to agree to keep a check on their greenhouse emissions. The deal's aim is to keep the global temperature below 2 degrees celsius in this century. As of now, 147 out 197 countries have ratified the deal. Unlike its predecessor, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris deal holds the same level of stringency in the contract for all the parties. The Kyoto Protocol gave stringent clauses to developed nations and not to developing nations like China. The countries are also not legally bound to stay in this agreement. The leaving party does not have pay a price for opting out of the deal. The parties are not bound to meet their declared targets. Despite such lenient terms, Donald Trump termed the Paris agreement as 'not a good deal' for America and is now probably going to exit the deal. COP21 major highlight To financially support the developing countries, the deal insisted developed economies to scale up their investment to USD 100 billion annually by 2020. The deal will provide the developed countries a concrete strategy for their investments. Apart from this, funds administered by the Global Environment Facility will also pool in to lift the developing countries' infrastructure. This was one of the major highlight of the COP21 deal. In order to disincentivize the use of fossil fuels, it was urged that the developed nations support developing countries to adopt alternate sources of energy by providing them latest technology and financial aid. Even though it is highly likely that US will withdraw from the Paris deal, India is staying diplomatic and focused on its goal. India's energy chief Piyush Goyal stated that Trump's decision will not derail India's take on the Paris deal. He said that India is committed to its stand and it will not be affected by the other parties' decisions. India ratified the Paris deal on October 2 last year and vowed to try its best to deverease its dependency on fossil fuels and achieve its emission reduction targets. In CoP21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi listed the ambitious steps India will take up to adhere to the deal. Below are the initiatives India will follow to adopt the low carbon path. -Stressed on increasing renewable energy sources by shooting up the production of solar energy to 100 GW by 2022. -It aims to derive at least 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and use low-carbon emitting sources by 2030. -Increasing the excise duties on petrol and diesel -Increasing the levy on coal four times to Rs 200 per ton. -Increasing the nuclear capacity to 14,600 MW. In a recent plan released by the Central Electricity Authority plan, India will stop building new coal plants in 2022 adhering to its Paris deal's target. Protesters carry signs during the Peoples Climate March at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 29, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts - RTS14HJJ Carbon emissions causing 4 degrees Celsius of warming (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) could lead to enough rise in the sea level to submerge land currently home to 470 to 760 million people globally, says a report by Climate Central. Just for reference, the global average temperature across land and water surfaces in 2016 was 58.69F (14.84C), 1.69F above the 20th century average of 57.0F. "Twelve other nations have more than 10 million people living on implicated land under 4 C warming India, Bangladesh, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Japan, the US, Philippines, Egypt, Brazil, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Netherlands, in descending order of total threats," the report says. The report observes that in Mumbai and Kolkata, half of the population would be under water if warming breaches the danger zone. In Shanghai, a city of 23 million people, it is more than three-quarters of the population will be at risk. In the western part of the globe, 25 percent of New York's population could go under water in the event of a 4C increase in global temperature, the same will be the case in Rio de Janeiro but nearly twice as much is expected to happen in London. The report published in November 2015, finds that China has the most to lose from business as usual, with 145 million citizens today on implicated[land which is at risk from rising warming levels]. China also has the most to gain from limiting warming to 2 C, which would cut the total to 64 million people. Leo Varadkar, born to an Indian father, is the prospective successor of Enda Kenny who stepped down as Prime Minister on May 17. Varadkar is currently serving as the Minister for Social Protection in the Fine Gael-led Irish government. Housing Minister, Simon Coveney is his sole competitor in the race to the Irish Prime Minister's post. Varadkar's profile is multi-faceted, which makes him a unique choice for the post of Prime Minister of Ireland. Youngest Doctor-Prime Minister Currently aged 38, he could be the youngest Prime Minister in the world. Varadkar's experience in politics dates back to 2003 when he was a 22-year-old medical student in Trinity College, Dublin. He became the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in 2011 under the Enda Kenny government. Subsequently, a cabinet reshuffle made him the Minister for Health in 2014. Indian immigrant origin Born and raised in Dublin, Leo Varadkar was born to Ashok Varadkar, a Maharashtrian doctor from Mumbai and mother Miriam, a nurse from Waterford in Ireland's Southeast. The senior Varadkar had moved to England as a doctor in 1960 and met his wife during his career as a medical practitioner. Varadkar's roots would give him an edge in winning the support of the Indian community in Ireland, which could be roughly estimated to be around 91,520. Although his father was an immigrant in Ireland, his political career has seen instances which are not immigrant friendly. As the spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, he had suggested paying the foreign unemployed immigrants so that they leave the country. 'Un-closeted' Gay At the age of 36, Varadkar came out as gay publicly when he made a declaration of being a homosexual on the National Irish Radio prior to the revolutionary referendum in Ireland which legalised same-sex marriage in 2015. His statements bore immense social significance as Ireland prepared to pass the landmark law. However, he also said that it is desirable to keep his homosexuality and Indian roots completely detached from his politics, adding that his personality traits should not be highlighted in his political career. 'Taking Ireland Forward' Enjoyed speaking at the Business Breakfast in Longford rugby club & outlining my plans for #TakingIrelandForward pic.twitter.com/ooMpCXMhLY Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) May 26, 2017 Varadkar has made generous promises in his campaign named 'Taking Ireland Forward'. How should we set about #TakingIrelandForward? Find out more on my policies and ideas here: https://t.co/F9JrZJ7iNq #CampaignforLeo pic.twitter.com/HTEQ8nT7Xg Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) May 23, 2017 He assured that a referendum would be held to repeal the abortion-ban in Ireland which prohibits abortion even in case of rape, incest or mother's ill-health. He also promised the reformation of the debated water charges prevalent in Ireland which requires households using more water than the decided average usage per individual to pay extra charges for water. His Twitter campaign page @campaignforleo started gaining momentum as supporters began showing their zest. Kulbhushan Jadhav Days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, Pakistan said today that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals. Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria released a statement which he claimed was aimed at addressing "certain misrepresentations/false statements/allegations" made by the Indian media following the ICJ's provisional measures order of May 18 in the Jadhav case. Zakaria asserted that irrespective of the ICJ's stay, Jadhav would remain alive, until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and later with the Pakistan President. He accused the Indian government of misusing the media to create a "false impression of winning" Jadhav's case in the ICJ. "Indian media, backed by the official quarters, misled people in the two countries by propagating that India has won in Jadhav's case", he said. "The discussions that ensued in the two countries showed a complete lack of understanding of the matter," Zakaria said. He said the Indian media, based on the reported briefing by official quarters, called ICJ's letter dated May 8, 2017, the day India filed its petition, to the Pakistan government as a "stay on Jadhav's execution". "This is a lie. The ICJ noted that lie," he claimed. Jadhav, 46, was sentenced to death in April by a Pakistani military court on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country. The ICJ on May 18 stayed the execution of Jadhav. Zakaria said that the ICJ clearly stated its decision on provisional measures was not concerned with "jurisdiction/ merits" and it considered that Jadhav would not be executed until the full hearing. "This is nothing unusual," Zakaria asserted. He said that a full hearing will take place after the court sets down a timetable on June 8 at the Hague. "We have given the court our arguments on merits and jurisdiction. It has not ruled on any of these arguments," he said. Zakaria said that the case at the ICJ concerns whether Jadhav is entitled to consular access. Asserting that Pakistan's position in this matter has been made clear, Zakaria said, "We had sought information from India" on January 23, 2017, on the basis of Jadhav's confession and statements. "India has not responded despite reminders," he said. He also said that in the three previous cases in the ICJ, the request for release or acquittal was not granted by the court, which stated that it does not have the power to give out such orders. Zakaria said that the case is also about whether Jadhav is entitled to consular access because of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and not about whether the ICJ can act as a court of appeal for Pakistani legal proceedings. He claimed that the "propaganda" that the Pakistani side did not counter the Indian argument related to the 2008 consular access agreement is also a "lie". The ICJ ruling had triggered criticisms of the Pakistan Foreign Office for its "poor handling" and also for its choice of attorney Khawar Qureshi, who presented Pakistan's case before the ICJ. Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity I sing what I want to sing, be how I wanna be, and reach as big of an audience as I can. 1 hour ago A female victim in her mid-20s died after falling from the Anderson Lake bridge on East Dunne Avenue around 6 p.m. May 30 as a male companion shot video or photographs, according to local authorities. The woman struck her head on the bridge after jumping, according to CalFire Battalion Chief Paul Provence. The woman then plunged into the water and did not return to the surface. She was later found by Santa Clara County Sheriffs dive team at about 8 p.m. in 19 feet of water under the bridge. The victim was loaded onto a county parks boat and taken to Woodchopper flat where attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful, according to authorities. Looks like it was a recreational attempt at a jump. Were still trying to figure out exactly what happened, Provence said. The county coroners office is waiting on confirmation of proper identification before releasing the womans name. CalFire was dispatched at 6:06 p.m. after receiving a report that a person had fallen from the bridge., according to CalFire Division Chief Jim Crawford. Cal Fire and EMS responded along with a CalFire helicopter, but the female victim could not be located. Hand crews were also dispersed around the rim of the lake for spotting, according to Provence. She didnt come up at any time, Crawford said. An appeals court this week said the city council was wrong in attempting to rezone a property in north Morgan Hillwhere a developer planned to build a new hotelwithout sending the question to the voters. A group of local hotel owners who filed the initial lawsuit more than a year agoafter submitting and qualifying a voter referendum on the issue that was subsequently challenged by the city councilis ecstatic about the May 30 decision by the California Sixth Appellate District Court. Were ecstatic the court affirmed the notion that the voters should be able to decide, said Asit Panwala, attorney for the Morgan Hill Hotel Coalition. We believe in a democracy. What bothered us is the city was trying to go around the Constitution. The issue goes back to March 2015, when the city council rezoned a 3.39-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Madrone Parkway and Lightpost Way from Industrial to General Commercial. Riverpark Hospitality requested the rezoning, and planned to build a 149-room hotel on the site. Then the Morgan Hill Hotel Coalition circulated a petition asking the council to repeal the rezoning or put the question to the voters. The coalition gathered signatures from more than 4,000 voters. When presented with the petition in July 2015, the council declined to repeal the zoning or place it on a ballot. Then in January 2016, the MHHC sued the city for violating the state elections code by rejecting the certified, voter-initiated petition. In February 2016, then Interim City Attorney Gary Baum revisited the councils original rejection of the petition. He recommended the council approve a ballot measure asking the voters if they wanted the Riverpark property to retain its original Industrial zoning, but at the same time challenge the measure in court. The citys challenge was heard in Santa Clara County Superior Court, which sided with the city in a March 2016 ruling that rejected the MHHCs voter referendum. But on May 30, the Sixth District panel of three judges overturned the Superior Courts decision. The rezoning has not applied to the property due to the litigation, and the site remains Light Industrial. The city had argued that if the voters rejected the rezoning, that outcome could create an inconsistency between the citys zoning code and the general plan, which is a violation of state law. In November 2014, the council changed the propertys general plan land use from Industrial to Commercial. However, the Sixth District judges said thats an invalid argument because the electorate may not utilize the initiative power to enact a zoning inconsistent with a general plan. However, the referendum outcome could have permitted the maintenance of inconsistent zoning while the council determined how to clear up the conflicta transition period that state law allowsthe judges ruling states. Since it is undisputed that (the) city could have selected any of a number of consistent zoning districts to replace the parcels inconsistent zoning, (state law) did not preclude (the) city or the electorate from rejecting the one selected by (the) city, the May 30 ruling adds. Morgan Hill City Attorney Don Larkin said May 31 that it is up to the five-member city council to decide what to do next. Options include changing the zoning to a consistent classification through the normal council approval process, placing the question on an upcoming election ballot as a city referendum or appealing the Sixth Districts ruling to the California Supreme Court. The item will be agendized for an upcoming closed council session, Larkin said. Were going to weigh our options, he added. The city has so far spent $71,507 on legal fees for outside counsel to address the MHHC lawsuit, Larkin said. The city council hired the firm Leone & Alberts to deal with the lawsuit. The Sixth District ruling also says the city must pay the MHHCs legal costs. Panwala said this week he did not know how much that was. Placing the original referendum submitted by the MHHC, which was certified by the city clerk, on a ballot would have cost the city about $75,000. The MHHC has also argued that a new hotel at the site would create a glut of hotel rooms in Morgan Hill, causing existing lodging facilities to suffer financially. < A prosecutor seeking the death penalty for Antolin Garcia Torres, who killed 15-year-old Sierra LaMar after kidnapping her from her Morgan Hill home, told the jury May 30 that placing him on death row is the only just and moral verdict in the trials penalty phase. < Garcia Torres defense attorney, on the other hand, appealed to the jurys sense of mercy and compassion in his request for a sentence of life in prison without parole for the convicted murderer. < The same jury convicted Garcia Torres May 9 of murdering Sierra. Over the last two weeks, the jury has listened intently to more testimony about Garcia Torres background and the impact that Sierras death has had on her family and the community at large. < What is the one just verdict that can reflect the enormity of what (Garcia Torres) did to Sierra LaMar March 16, 2012? Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney David Boyd rhetorically asked the jury during closing arguments May 30 at the Hall of Justice in San Jose. What verdict captures the horror of what happened to her over the next minutes and hours (after her disappearance)? < Sierra disappeared while she was walking to her school bus stop near the intersection of Palm and Dougherty avenues, according to testimony and arguments during the guilt phase of the trial. She was a sophomore at Sobrato High School at the time. < The teens remains have not been found. < The only two sentencing options available to the jury in the capital murder case are the death penalty and life in prison without the possibility for parole. The jury began deliberating on the choice after the attorneys May 30 closing arguments. < Boyd frequently referred to a sentence of life in prison as the minimum penalty for Garcia Torres. He also asked the jury to decline to show any mercy for Garcia Torres, because he did not do so for Sierra. Boyd listed the victims of Garcia Torres murder as not just Sierra and her family, but also the communities of Morgan Hill and Fremontwhere Sierra moved from just months before she vanishedand the citizens of Santa Clara County. < Does the taking and killing of a 15-year-old, 100-pound child on her way to her school bus stop warrant the minimum punishment? Boyd said. Does this defendant deserve anything less than what he gave to Sierra Lamar? < Defense attorney Brian Matthews noted during his closing argument that the law does not require the jury to hand down a sentence of death under any circumstances. < You can decide to spare Antolins life because of mercy, sympathy, his child (and) exposure to violence and poverty, Matthews told the jury. < He explained that anyone can have positive virtues even if (theyre) convicted of a serious crime. Garcia Torres family members who testified during the penalty phase noted that he has been a loving and responsible son, family member, friend and father to his two small children. < Matthews also assured the jury that life in prison is not an easy punishment for anyone, and Garcia Torres will die in prison if they choose that sentence. Never again will he have the privilege of being with his daughters, Matthews said. It is a punishment that never ends until the day he dies. Aggravating and mitigating < Judge Vanessa Zecher instructed the jury to consider a list of aggravating and mitigating factors and circumstances related to Garcia Torres murder conviction and his background. < Aggravating circumstances, which the jury could cite to support a verdict in favor of death, include Garcia Torres criminal history. This history includes the three attempted kidnappings in the parking lots of two Safeway stores in Morgan Hill in 2009, for which he was also found guilty May 9. He was also previously convicted for misdemeanor battery. < Another aggravating factor could be the noose-like contraption Garcia Torres made in his holding cell with a plastic bag while waiting to attend the Sierra LaMar trial earlier this month. < According to testimony during the guilt phase, a sheriffs deputy noticed Garcia Torres threw the potential weapon in the trash on his way out of the holding cell when he was released to go to court. He was not charged with a crime in relation to the fabrication of the noose. < Matthews said the fact he trashed it shows Garcia Torres was not planning to use the device as a weapon. < Mitigating factors, according to Matthews, include Garcia Torres background growing up in poverty, substandard housing and a home fraught with domestic violence. His mother testified during the penalty phase that Antolins father, Genaro Garcia, frequently abused her physically and was an alcoholic. < His father is now in prison on a conviction for 17 counts of sexual assault related to his molestation of a female relative. Duncan Burrows, who works as a commercial planning manager, says his main investment priority is saving for retirement. He is now 44, and like many people his age, hes not banking on being able to retire at a fixed point in the future. The last time I used a cash savings account it was an ISA paying 7.4% The idea of fixed retirement age has become redundant for many people. The pensionable career roles of the past have long since evolved into a more flexible outlook, he says. I expect Im not alone in constantly weighing up the work versus leisure time struggle. To this end he is trying to make the most of his SIPP investments balancing this portfolio with 5 to 10% of his savings in more speculative investments. He says: When I hit 55 I will have an opportunity to look at my SIPP again and consider taking a lump sum to do something different; investing in property, our own business venture perhaps. Working will continue after that age though; the golden retirement era my parents have enjoyed will be different for me, I expect to keep actively doing some revenue generation well into my 60s. Building Up a SIPP Portfolio Burrows lives in Ilkley, West Yorkshire with his family, which includes his daughter Tizzy and dog Billy. He works for TD Direct Investing, and uses this company and Hargreaves Lansdown to manage his own investments. He says: Investing for me is all about capital growth, with a view to both my familys longer-term needs and our short-term savings goals. Im in the classic accumulation life stage. Ive built up my SIPP through lump sum transfers from previous employments. I continue to build the SIPPs capital through timely transfers over from my employers group pension when they reach a certain level. Alongside his SIPP and company pension the family home is his main asset. He adds: I also keep some ISA funds topped up for short-term savings. I dont keep much in cash, bar a bit of rainy day money. The last time I used a cash savings account was a Skipton Building Society ISA paying 7.4%. It would certainly be nice to get that kind of return in todays market. Picking a Good Fund Manager When it comes to choosing his SIPP investments, Burrows says he looks at the style of the fund manager as well as the make-up of their portfolio, saying: I like managers who stick to their chosen styles and have a solid rationale behind all of their holdings. With this in mind he says he has done well from investments in Finsbury Growth & Income investment trust (FGT), managed by Nick Train, and Castlefield UK Buffettology Fund, run by Keith Ashworth-Lord. This Finsbury investment trust has a coveted Gold Rating from Morningstar analysts as well as a five-star performance rating. Simon Dorricott, an analyst at Morningstar, says: Nick Train's process is differentiated and has proved successful over a number of market cycles. He looks for unique and high-quality companies that offer a high and sustainable return on equity and low capital intensity and are cash-generative. The result is a concentrated portfolio with clear biases relative to peers and the FTSE All-Share Index. Turnover is low, reflecting Train's long-term approach and his buy-and-hold style. He only sells out if he no longer considers a company to be of sufficient quality. The Castlefield UK Buffettology fund also has a five-star rating, reflecting its strong performance in recent years. The fund seeks to achieve an annual compounding rate of return over the long term which is superior to the performance of the UK stock market. It mainly invests in a portfolio of UK equities, but will also invest in other assets, such as collective investment schemes, deposits, warrants and cash. Stock Picks for Punchy Profits Alongside these fund holdings, Burrows also invests in a range of individual shares. He says he is looking for investments that offer long-term value, steady growth and good dividend prospects. Current holdings include housebuilder Galliford Try (GFRD) and SSP Group (SSPG), which operates fast food and restaurant outlets in airports, train stations and other travel locations in various countries. Over the past year share prices in SSP have gone up by 44% according to Morningstar data. Galliford Try has been steady long-term performer. Over five years its share price has risen by 23.53%, compared to an 8.42% increase in the FTSE 100. Against this more defensive outlook he also invests in a handful of more speculative holdings, such as Gear4Music (G4M), an online retailer of musical instruments and equipment. This is a relatively new company, but its share price has risen by a staggering 291% over the past year. In contrast the FTSE has risen 23%. In a similar vein he also has a holding in Atlantis Resources (ARL) which is involved in the development of tidal power as an energy source. Over the past year shares in this company have been up by a 31%, although over three years the picture is more volatile, with shares losing 13% of their value. Burrows says both Gear and Atlantis have shaken up their sectors in quite different ways, which has led to more recent share prices gains. Painful Market Losses in the Early Days Like most investors Burrows says that it has not all been plain sailing. He started investing in 2000, just as the dotcom bubble burst. He says: Those early days were very much trial and error, but it was a valuable time learning to do better research, and developing a trading discipline to cut losses when required. Burrows admits his Achilles heel appears to be mobile technology stocks; be it an investment in BT Group back in 2000 (BT.A) or Globo in 2015 which went into administration that year. Neither of which he made money on. I seem cursed to never understand this sector properly or get my timing right, he laments. Burrows adds that it comes to choosing investments its important to research the fundamentals, and have an understanding of how consumers are using that business services. It can also help to have a simple strategy to cut your losses, he concludes. A 35-year study of a protected alligator population at the Yawkey Center on the South Carolina coast has found that male and female alligators stop growing at some point after they reach sexual maturity. Between its fake-account scandal, trouble with settlements, and the lawsuits accusing it of discriminatory lending, Wells Fargo could probably use a win and a federal appeals court just handed it one.Back in 2013, Wells Fargo was sued by the city of Los Angeles, which alleged that the bank along with Citigroup and Bank of America was participating in discriminatory lending, and was to blame for a spike in foreclosures in the city.However, a district judge threw the suit against Wells Fargo out in 2015, ruling that Los Angeles hadnt proved that the banks policies caused minority lenders to get stuck with higher-cost loans, according to a HousingWire report.The Los Angeles city attorney appealed the ruling, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has now ruled in Wells Fargos favor. Three of the appeals courts judges ruled unanimously that the lower courts decision was correct, HousingWire reported. In a four-page ruling, they said that Los Angeles did not show a discriminatory loan during the time period covered by the lawsuit.The city claimed that Wells Fargos compensation plan incentivized loan officers to push minority borrowers into higher-cost loans. It also claimed that the banks marketing targeted low-income borrowers, and that the bank didnt adequately monitor its loans to ensure there werent disparities, HousingWire reported.However, the appeals court ruled that Los Angeles failed to demonstrate how the first two policies were causally connected in a robust way to the racial disparity, as they would affect borrowers equally regardless of race, and the third is not a policy at all.We are pleased with the appellate courts very quick decision to uphold the district courts thoughtful ruling and to confirm the dismissal of the Los Angeles city attorneys mortgage case against Wells Fargo, the bank said in a statement. We will continue our focus on helping to expand home ownership opportunities in the city and across the country.The lending giant might not want to get too comfortable, though its still facing a discrimination lawsuit filed by the city of Philadelphia. Chevron -- like other major oil companies such as ExxonMobil -- continues to field questions about how climate change could affect its business and their support for efforts to combat climate change. The subject was brought up several times at Chevrons annual stockholders meeting in Midland on Wednesday, a day after a report surfaced that President Trump was considering taking the U.S. out of the Paris climate accords. Chevron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Watson acknowledged that the company has supported the accord. But he said he views the accord as a first step. What Ive consistently said, when people ask me that question, is we need to understand what the commitments are that go with it, he told reporters following the meeting. For example, the U.S. has ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26 percent, to 1990 levels, by 2025, and so the question is, what policies will be put in place to get us there? he said. He also touched on policies surrounding transparency and cost-benefit analysis. If you look at commitments, which are voluntary around the world, there are no details behind how countries are going to get there. In fact, developing countries are specifically exempt if funding isnt provided. So how much funding will be provided by western countries, and where will that money come from? Watson said. To give you an example, Indias plan requires $2.5 trillion. So wheres it going to come from? He said his effort is to promote a better dialogue. He said that the U.S. accounts for only 15 percent of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions, while Chinas emissions are twice U.S. levels. We cant do it alone, Watson said. Its going to take efforts elsewhere. What are those efforts? What are the policies that are going to be put in place, and what are the cost-benefits? Theres much more that needs to be discussed going forward, he said. Pakistans newly appointed ambassador to the U.S., Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, is working to attract investment dollars to his country, and that job recently brought him to Midland. It was a very good visit, he said in a phone interview. All of the people there are doing a wonderful job extracting oil and providing our needs. He said he was in town to discuss with area businesses the opportunities that are opening up in Pakistan, particularly in the shale gas reserves the country holds. Pakistan is estimated to have approximately 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Midland is known for energy, and were seeing the latest technology applied in Midland, the ambassador said. Opportunities range from consulting to providing equipment and technology as the country begins working developing its shale gas reserves. Theres so much work to be done, Chaudhry said. I wanted to tell them about the opportunities coming up and give them time to make up their minds. Mark Nicholas, president of Nicholas Consulting Group and who helps area companies develop international business, urged companies to use caution in venturing overseas. In some areas, he said political unrest and security are concerns. But another concern is lack of infrastructure, particularly in oil and gas development efforts. In Texas, were blessed with infrastructure, he said, whereas oil and natural gas in other parts of the world may be stranded because of a lack of infrastructure to move the product to market. He said Pakistan lacks infrastructure and equipment such as pipeyards to hold drilling tubing and casing or sand for hydraulic fracturing. Nicholas also said that crude oil is easily transportable, either by pipe or truck, but natural gas is not so easily transported to market. Natural gas is priced locally rather than on world markets like crude. If theres no demand, natural is not really worth anything, he said. Still, he said this is the place for countries looking for help in developing their natural resources, with companies able to sell equipment or technical know-how. I think it would be wise for companies to maintain contact (with Pakistan) and keep up with developments there, Nicholas said. The opportunities may not be in production but in providing equipment like drill bits. The Railroad Commissions mission is to protect the public, preserve rights and reduce waste. That was the message of Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian during his presentation May 24 at Hart Energys Midstream Texas conference at the Horseshoe Pavilion. Christian was critical of climate change and its advocates, particularly climatologists. These are weathermen. These are the guys who tell us its going to rain the day after tomorrow, you carry your umbrella with you and more than once it hasnt happened. If they cant predict with certainty what the weather is going to be, then how in the hell can they tell us 30 years from now whats going to happen? The oil and gas industry often is cited as one culprit of climate change because the burning of hydrocarbons puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which studies show prevents heat from escaping through the atmosphere and warms the planet. The result is a melting of the polar ice caps, rising sea levels and harsher, less predictable weather. The former state representative echoed the message of others skeptical of climate change that the science behind climate change isnt settled. Is the science settled on this environmental extremist movement that tries to tell us that were doing nothing but tarnishing planet Earth? In citing former Undersecretary for Science Steven Koonins April opinion column published in the Wall Street Journal, Christian said bureaucrats within the former Obama administration spawned scientific data to manipulate public opinion. The Reporter-Telegram could not verify this statement in neither Koonins column nor a pair of video interviews with the WSJ available at the publications website. In one of Koonins recorded interviews, he said climate studies often arent considered in full. Rather, conclusions largely are taken from the earliest information in reports, and later information, explanations and clarifications often are ignored. Koonin also said that what is often left out of the climate change conversation is intense debate among scientists about the validity and extent of the situation. The public is largely unaware of the intense debates within climate science. At a recent national laboratory meeting, I observed more than 100 active government and university researchers challenge one another as they strove to separate human impacts from the climates natural variability. At issue were not nuances but fundamental aspects of our understanding, such as the apparent -- and unexpected -- slowing of global sea-level rise over the past two decades, Koonin said in his column, A red team exercise would strengthen climate science. Christian said environmental extremists dont take into consideration human ingenuity to solve problems. When the water was dirty, we filtered it and cleaned it up. Whenever we all of a sudden decided the air was getting dirty, what did we do? We filtered our smokestacks, a new technological advancement. All of a sudden, darn it, I dont know what theyre going to do now; in Texas, (theyve) developed a method to clean up the CO2 (from power plants) and make it a productive force for the production of oil and gas. The Tenaha native also took a jab at entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has received billions in government subsidies for his companies Tesla Motors, an electric car company; Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, an aerospace company; and Solar City, a solar panel and energy storage company now owned by Tesla. Im from Tenaha, Texas. My daddy bought me a 1958 Ford Fairlane six-cylinder when I was in high school. It was my first car. If you had given me $5 billion, I bet you I could have made that old Ford run on batteries by the time I was through, Christian said. Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes. James Durbin A controversial Senate bill that would withhold state tax incentives from wind farms operating within 25 miles of military bases made it to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk on Tuesday. If signed into law, Senate bill 277 would ideally spare risks for military bases such as aviation hazards and radar interference but not prevent wind farms from being developed, supporters have said. But the loss of a tax incentive would be enough to drive some companies away from some areas, leaving rural communities without the property tax boon that often comes with a wind farm, said Jeff Clark, president of the Wind Coalition, a pro-wind energy lobbying group. A Midland man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly exhibited a knife, according to court documents. Alexander James-Lawrence Sheffield, 25, was being held Thursday on a $75,000 bond for a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A man flagged down a Midland police officer in a parking lot at about 11:40 p.m. on May 26. Sheffield made slashing motions with a knife and threw a second knife on the ground toward the man, according to his arrest affidavit. If convicted of a second-degree felony charge, Sheffield could face up to 20 years imprisonment. We are collating signatures to petition ... GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. The former Marine who is accused of wanting to die by "suicide by cop" by flashing a simulated gun at Orlando International Airport has been told by the judge he is not allowed to return to the airport on Thursday morning. The judge set the bond for Michael Wayne Pettigrew at $7,500 and also ordered him not to return to OIA and not to have any contact with Mears Transpiration agents or witnesses, in addition to not being allowed to have any weapons. The 26-year-old Orlando resident is charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer after the incident near a rental car counter, which shut down Terminal A for hours, causing road closures around the airport, snarling traffic and disrupting flights Tuesday night. Pettigrew told the judge that he wanted a public defender and explained how he is a part-time student at Valencia College East campus while he is going for his associates in science. He says he only has $80 in his bank account and that his parents, whom he lives with for the last 16 years at a rented property, is helping to pay for college. According to the Defense Department, Pettigrew was court-martialed at a Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, Calif., in 2012 after stabbing a fellow Marine in the face and arm with a knife and was given a bad-conduct discharge. Trying to preventing crime in the black community. It is the central theme of a national conference being held this week in Orlando, in which key leaders in the movement are young people. National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community Central focus is bringing in young people and empowering them Conference continues Friday in Orlando Jaylen Felton is a middle school student in Orange County. "The reason I am a leader is because I'm independent and I work hard," the 13-year-old said. Felton is one of hundreds of young people from across the nation and Jamaica, attending the 32nd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community. The two-day conference is being held at the Rosen Centre Hotel on International Drive in Orlando on Thursday and Friday. "I pray about it because the crime in this African-American society is not right," Felton added. "We're here to spur the discussions and give them the opportunity to take something back to their community and replicate it, in hopes that they will empower communities and change lives," explained Darrell Daniels, one of the conference organizers. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was impressed by the sheer number of young people in attendance at the conference. Of the conferences that Ive been to, these are the most students Ive seen. So I thought that was pretty amazing and yes I think they are they key," shared Bondi. Bondi believes now is the right time for law enforcement and community advocates to enrich young people. "So just think that if one high school kid today, one child heard something, they can save one of their friends," said Bondi. View photos from the 32nd Annual National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community: https://t.co/XrojZaR6pd pic.twitter.com/lDKHfIQUtF Mayor Teresa Jacobs (@Mayor_Jacobs) June 1, 2017 "We know there is much work to be done, but I also know that until our youth step up to the plate and take responsibility for our future, we won't get there," said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. "We have some vested partners who don't look like us. It takes an entire community, that means black, white, rich, not so rich. All we have to have is committed people," Daniels added. Even at the age 13, Felton is committed to being a positive role model for his peers. "Push them to be the best that they can, then that proves that I'm a much (better) leader and I can be more responsible with things," Felton said. The initiative is co-sponsored by the Urban League. More than 1,000 people registered to attend the conference. Mark Wineman / Getty Images A San Francisco police officer who exchanged gunfire with assailants in a home-invasion robbery on May 21 in the Bayview neighborhood was identified as a 12-year veteran of the force, officials said. Officer Dack Thompson, who is assigned to the San Francisco Police Departments Field Operations Bureau, fired at a suspect who first shot at him while fleeing a home at about 11 p.m. on the 2100 block of Quesada Avenue, police said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Lockheed Martin is reducing its workforce at Port San Antonio by more than half and ceding the majority of its space to neighbor StandardAero. Lockheed told its 112 employees in San Antonio on Wednesday that 24 of them are being laid off and 44 are being offered jobs at Scottsdale, Arizona-based StandardAero. StandardAero will take over maintenance work for the F-16 fighter jets General Electric-built F-110 engine as well as work for the F-118 engine, which is used in the U-2 spy plane, Lockheed spokeswoman Laura Siebert said in a phone interview. Eliminating this space and this lease, were able to deliver upon the KC-10 contract with the Air Force, Siebert said. The decision comes as the companys contract for maintenance work on the KC-10 air refuelers engines is under protest, Siebert said. The Air Force awarded a $1 billion maintenance contract to Lockheed that the company was spreading over four of its facilities, including San Antonio. The competition is protesting to make sure that the competition was done appropriately, Siebert said. So while we have the KC-10 work we will operate that work under a reduced footprint in San Antonio. The layoffs are split, with 12 Lockheed employees losing their jobs due to completion of a maintenance contract on T56 engines which are used in the C-130 military transport planes and another 12 losing their jobs due to the slowdown in KC-10 work. Lockheed announced it was laying off a third of its workforce in September 2015 as it tried to refocus everything on our core military business, spokeswoman Cheryl Kahn said at the time. That reduced Lockheeds employee count from 235 to 148. Lockheed previously laid off 36 from its engine maintenance facility in February 2014. In true hipster fashion, a new ranking sought out which cities Americans should visit before they get too big, and one of San Antonio's neighbors made the list. Thrillist released a ranking of eight cities around the country that have yet to be ruined by popularity. The writer researched to find "under-the-radar cities" before they become the next Nashville or Portland. Roxbury, New Milford and Litchfield experienced heavy rain and some hail Wednesday evening following a tornado warning for towns along the New York-Connecticut line. At 7:16 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was recorded near Hopewell Junction, N.Y., according to the National Weather Service. The storm was moving east at 30 mph when it was initially recorded. A tornado warning was issued for areas in western Connecticut. When the warning expired at 7:45 p.m., the National Weather Service indicated that the storm was below severe limits and could no longer produce a tornado. The storm was over New Milford at 7:44 p.m., moving east at 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service. A dispatcher at the New Milford Police Department said there was heavy rain in the area just before 8 p.m. Its raining like crazy here right now, the dispatcher said at 7:59 p.m. Roxbury was hit with some hail around 8 p.m., according to a dispatcher for Connecticut State Police Troop A in Southbury. But there was no rain or hail to be found in Southbury as of 8:01 p.m., the state police dispatcher said. Southern Litchfield County was issued a severe thunderstorm warning that expired at 8:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Connecticut State Police Troop L, in Litchfield, was not hit hard by the storm, according to a dispatcher around 8:20 p.m. Its raining hard, the Troop L dispatcher said. But there have been no trees down, no damages in our area. Danbury experienced a downpour and dispatch supervisor for the Danbury Police Department around 9:25 p.m. said the area saw no storm damage. 1 Midnight tweet: Despite the constant negative press covfefe, it read. That was it. The tweet ended abruptly, as if someone stopped President Trump, or he stopped himself, or perhaps he never meant to send it. Its a good guess that the word he was looking for was coverage. It came out covfefe. Within five hours, it had been retweeted more than 115,000 times and liked more than 146,000 times making it one of Trumps most popular tweets in months. 2 Mob takedown: Federal authorities say 19 people have been indicted in a New York mob investigation that includes allegations of fraud in a $25 million hospital expansion and in other public building projects. Murder, extortion and drug dealing are among the other crimes cited in the indictment. Many of the defendants were arrested Wednesday. Those named include Matthew Madonna, described in the indictment as the street boss of the Luchese crime family. WASHINGTON President Trumps decision Thursday to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris climate accord brought plaudits from Capitol Hill Republicans but scathing condemnation from around the world and the nation while California Gov. Jerry Brown vowed an aggressive push to reduce carbon emissions with like-minded states. Trump rebuffed intense personal pleas from European leaders and American corporate chieftains, including Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook of California. He said leaving the Paris accord would save manufacturing and coal mining jobs in the United States, boasting that new mines were opening in Appalachia. In order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord but begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States, Trump said. So were getting out, and we will see if we can negotiate a deal thats fair. And if we can, thats great. And if we cant, thats fine. Trumps action fulfills a campaign promise to cancel the Paris accord, an agreement by 195 nations to submit to voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The effort was led by then-President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. While the U.S. has not ratified the agreement, the Obama administration had agreed to abide by it, promising a 28- to 36-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Scientists said Trumps action could have grave consequences for the planet, making it less likely that the world will avoid the 3.6-degree Fahrenheit rise in temperatures used as a benchmark for dangerous and irreversible climate change. In response to Thursdays decision, Brown, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee announced the formation of the United States Climate Alliance. The governors said the coalition would convene like-minded states to uphold the Paris targets and leverage aggressive climate action at the state level. ALSO Here are the countries not in the Paris Climate Accord Much hangs on whether the rest of the world, along with a host of U.S. states and cities and hundreds of major corporations, work to offset the federal governments relaxation of carbon reductions. Some analysts contend that the solar, wind and other renewable technologies have already radically altered the energy sector and there is no turning back, while others believe there is no substitute for federal action. California can be a model, a large-scale, proof-of-concept of how to be rich and sustainable at the same time and create good jobs for our citizens, but we cant solve the climate problem on our own, said Michael Wara, a professor of environmental law at Stanford University and a former climate scientist. Dan Reicher, executive director of the Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance at Stanford, agreed, noting that the administration has already moved to dismantle climate policies aimed at meeting the Paris target. The federal governments budget for clean energy vastly outstrips anything we can realistically expect states to come up with, he said. From a technological standpoint, the federal government is a difficult player to replace. But Mark Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford and director of its Atmosphere and Energy Program, said the transition to clean energy is already under way and cannot be stopped, because wind and solar are now by far the cheapest new electric power sources and far cleaner than fossil fuels. Jacobson also pointed to the other states, the 28 U.S. cities and major businesses that have committed to 100 percent renewable energy. People can deny climate change, he said, but still be for renewable energy because of the benefits: the jobs benefits, the cost benefits, the health benefits. Renewable energy is now employing huge numbers of people in the United States and is really a bright spot in the economy. Meanwhile, Brown is headed to China this week to attend an international climate summit and push clean-energy policies. In a telephone news conference, Brown called Trumps move insane. California will resist, he said. The world depends on a sustainable future. He is going the other way. Its going to affect peoples health, the stability of countries, our entire future. Musk expressed his disappointment after Trumps speech in a tweet that said he was cutting his ties with the president. Am departing presidential councils, Musk said. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world. Strong support to leave the accord came from the coal industry and 20 Republican senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who sent a letter to Trump urging the withdrawal. In a 50-minute speech delivered from the White House Rose Garden, Trump cited a study sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that projected the Paris accord would cost the U.S. 2.7 million jobs by 2025. But the study is an outlier. Government sources show four times as many jobs in solar than coal, while wind employment was up 32 percent last year. More than 1,000 companies lobbied Trump to stay in the agreement, including oil company executives who want certainty in U.S. energy policy. The United States is the worlds second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind only China, and has by far the largest share of accumulated total emissions. A U.S. exit from the accord will take at least three years to execute and put the nation in the company of war-torn Syria and Nicaragua, the only other countries on Earth that refuse to enter the pact. Nicaragua held out for a stronger agreement. Analysts predict that Trumps move will have profound and long-lasting diplomatic repercussions. Europe and China announced new collaborations on climate, and some foreign ministers suggested there could be economic retaliation, possibly in the form of a carbon tax on U.S. goods. John Holdren, Obamas former science adviser, said in an interview that Trump will also face headwinds from the American public, which is increasingly seeing evidence of climate change all around them. The fault with the Paris accord, he said, is that it should have happened in 1990. We knew everything in 1990 that was needed to justify the kinds of measures that the world finally took in 2015, he said. We lost a quarter of a century, in substantial part because of people sowing false doubt about the reality of climate change. Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Facebook Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 A Tarkington man is facing a felony charge of child endangerment for riding on a motorcycle with his infant son, authorities say. Anthony Braddick Welsh, 30, is not in custody at this time but a warrant for his arrest has been issued. Welsh was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his home in Tarkington for an outstanding traffic warrant for the City of Deer Park. At that time, however, charges against him in Liberty County had not been filed. He has since bonded out of the Deer Park city jail and his whereabouts are unknown at this time. COLLEGE STATION Corn and sorghum fields around the state appear to be in good shape overall despite weeks of dry conditions, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Dr. Calvin Trostle, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Lubbock, said corn and sorghum acreage in the High Plains is down this year as many producers have decided to plant cotton. The decision to forgo corn and sorghum is based on relatively good cotton prices, the lingering threat of sugarcane aphids in sorghum and water availability. Cotton prices are around 15 cents higher per pound than last year, and so producers are feeling pretty good about switching to cotton, he said. Trostle said awareness and monitoring of sugarcane aphids has improved producers ability to fight the pest over the past three years, but many producers remain concerned about the crop. Many High Plains producers were hammered by sugarcane aphids in 2015, Trostle said. There was evidence the pest overwintered in johnsongrass around the region. In 2016, sugarcane aphid infestations reached moderate levels with some hot spots northwest of Lubbock as the pest blew into the region on southeasterly winds. As of May 30, weve not had any reports of sugarcane aphids in the High Plains, he said. We have so much information available now for producers to put into action against the pest, and it has made a difference. Our AgriLife entomologists note that you cant understate the value of early sprays as soon as the aphids approach economic thresholds. Topsoil moisture, or the lack thereof, is also a concern for corn and sorghum producers in swaths of the High Plains, Trostle said. Poor topsoil moisture could delay plantings as dryland producers wait for rain. Surface soil moisture is getting scarce in many areas, he said. There is good deep moisture, 6-inches or deeper, but a 1-inch rain would help many producers. Trostle said June is typically a wet month in the High Plains, so moisture is not a concern yet. But some producers are choosing to go with cotton because they face irrigation limits, and the plant is more drought tolerant than corn. Dr. Josh McGinty, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Corpus Christi, said its likely corn and sorghum yields will be affected by a lack of moisture this spring. Most fields were planted early due to warmer-than-usual temperatures, but timely spring rains didnt arrive to many areas. We received 3-6 inches of rain this weekend, but its too late for most fields, he said. We needed moisture in April when corn was tasseling and sorghum was in the boot stage. At that point the crop was at its peak water demand, but it was dry and it stayed dry, so yields may have dropped off. McGinty said some areas in the Coastal Bend received rain and should fare fine. Some areas received extreme weather, including hail storms in San Patricio County and high winds, up to 60-70 mph, that laid fields near Beeville flat and unlikely to be salvaged. Dr. Ronnie Schnell, AgriLife Extension agronomist, College Station, said there was also some hail and storm damage to corn and sorghum fields near Hondo and Elgin. But overall, Schnell said, corn and sorghum fields from the Coastal Bend to Central Texas looked pretty good. Corn was beginning the grain fill-stage and sorghum was getting close to flowering in Central Texas, he said. We missed rain chances for about three weeks, but most areas received a good rain, he said. There are a lot of areas that could have used rain a few weeks ago. There was some slight moisture stress, but everything looks good. Rain was in the forecast, and Schnell said there is a possibility areas that missed substantial rains from recent storms could receive moisture from those systems as they move through the state. Schnell said sorghum producers were monitoring small numbers of sugarcane aphids but there have been no major infestations reported so far. Producers will be watching the weather for temperatures and weather that is conducive to sugarcane aphid populations building. Its a complex interaction of weather, temperatures, moisture and beneficial insects that keep their numbers in check, he said. If we get hot and dry, producers will need to monitor sugarcane aphids closely. AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: SOUTH PLAINS: Very light, scattered rain showers occurred in some counties with amounts ranging from a trace to 0.75 of an inch. More rainfall was needed for all aspects of agriculture. Subsoil and topsoil moistures were very low. Cotton was still being planted and was slow to emerge due to cooler weather. Wheat harvest began. Corn was in the V4 to V5 stages. Cattle were in good condition. PANHANDLE: Temperatures were cool, then warmed to above average and then to more normal temperatures. Some moisture was received. More rain was needed throughout the district. Soil moisture was depleting due to hot, dry and windy conditions. Soil moisture was mostly short. Deaf Smith County producers tried to wrap up corn and cotton plantings. Grain sorghum was planted, however, most of the plantings were for dryland production only. Sorghum seed blocks were still being planted with acreage up somewhat from last year. Winter wheat was moving quickly to harvest with some fields ready. Some wheat was being grazed out, and some fields were significantly affected by rust. Soil temperatures were beginning to rise, which was helping crops emerge. Summer grass pastures were beautiful, green and growing. Beef cows with new calves were enjoying the lush pastures. The breeding season was in progress, and cow body conditions were improving every day. For those of you who read the news today and thought oh boy, heres a fun distraction: This year/month marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles game-changing Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album, culminating in a re-mastered release of the record as well as an hour-long PBS documentary premiering Saturday, June 3rd at 8 p.m. ET. Here are thoughts from the Fab Four themselves, as well as other artists, on the record that re-imagined pop music. The big influence was Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys. I just thought, Oh dear me. This is the album of all time. What the hell are we going to do? -- Paul McCartney Sgt. Pepper's origin story "We were fed up with being Beatleswe'd now got turned on to pot and thought of ourselves as artists rather than just performers... then suddenly on the plane, I got this idea. I thought, Let's not be ourselves. Let's develop alter egos so we're not having to project an image which we know." -- Paul McCartney Related: The Most Inspiring Quotes from 2017 Commencement Speeches Just say no I never took it [LSD] in the studio. We didnt really shove the LP full of pot and drugs. We were more consciously trying to keep it out. You wouldnt say, I had some acid, baby, so groovy, but there was a feeling that something had happened between Revolver and Sgt. Pepper. -- John Lennon Lucy was really a girl named Lucy People later thought 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' was LSD. I swear-- we didn't notice that when it first came out." -- Paul McCartney Related: 11 Inspiring Quotes About What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur Urge to innovate When I first started in the music business, the ultimate aim for everybody was to try and recreate, on record, a live performance as accurately as possible. Without being too pompous, we decided to go into another kind of art form, where we are devising something that couldnt be done any other way. We were putting something down on tape that could only be done on tape. -- producer, George Martin Divine intervention The night we went to record 'Fixing A Hole' a guy turned up at my house who announced himself as Jesus. So I took him to the session. You know -- couldn't harm, I thought. Introduced Jesus to the guys. Quite reasonable about it. But that was it. Last we ever saw of Jesus." -- Paul McCartney No clue what come next "Now that we only play in the studios, and not anywhere else, we have less of a clue what we're going to do. Nobody knows what the tunes sound like until we've recorded them and listen to them afterward. -- George Harrison Related: 9 Surprisingly Inspiring Quotes from 'Trainspotting' Rating Ringo [Ringo] Starr is vastly underrated. The drum fills on the song A Day In The Life are very complex things. You could take a great drummer today and say I want it like that.' He wouldnt know what to do. -- Phil Collins A Day In The Life was not a typical day in the life Brian Jones and Marianne Faithfull were in attendance, along with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Donovan and Mike Nesmith, while a 40-piece orchestra, wearing funny hats and clown noses, generated a tremendous orchestral tsunami the likes of which had never been heard before certainly not on a pop record. -- journalist Darryn King The concept that wasn't a concept Sgt. Pepper is called the first concept album, but it doesnt go anywhere. All my contributions to the album have absolutely nothing to do with this idea of Sgt. Pepper and his band, but it works, because we said it worked, and thats how the album appeared. But it was not put together as it sounds, except for Sgt. Pepper introducing Billy Shears and the so-called reprise. Every other song could have been on any other album. -- John Lennon George wasn't so curious I felt we were just in the studio to make the next record, and Paul was going on about this idea of some fictitious band. That side of it didnt really interest me. The trips to India had really opened me upId been let out of the confines of the group, and it was difficult for me to come back into the sessionsIt was a job, like doing something I didnt really want to do, and I was losing interest in being fab at that point. -- George Harrison Related: Inspiring Quotes From '80s and '90s Movies Who invited these people? I still have no idea who chose some of those people [on the cover]. I think [artist] Peter Blake put a lot of the more confusing people in there. The ones I wanted were people I admired. I didnt put anybody on there because I didnt like them (unlike some people) -- George Harrison Keith just can't "If you're the Beatles in the '60s, you just get carried away -- you forget what it is you wanted to do. You're starting to do Sgt. Pepper. Some people think it's a genius album, but I think it's a mishmash of rubbish, kind of like Satanic Majesties -- 'Oh, if you can make a load of shit, so can we.'" -- Keith Richards John's dark side It is a diary form of writing. All that 'I used to be cruel to my woman, I beat her and kept her apart from the things that she loved' was me. I used to be cruel to my woman, and physically... any woman. I was a hitter. I couldn't express myself and I hit. I fought men and I hit women. That is why I am always on about peace, you see. It is the most violent people who go for love and peace." -- John Lennon A little help from John's hand "I think that was probably the best of our songs that we wrote for Ringo actually. I remember giggling with John as we wrote the lines, 'What do you see when you turn out the light/ I can't tell you but I know it's mine.' It could have been him playing with his willie under the covers..." -- Paul McCartney Related: 15 Fab Quotes About the Making of 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' The Most Inspiring Quotes from 2017 Commencement Speeches 7 Inspiring Quotes From President Trump's 2017 Commencement Speech Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Beaumont police are searching for information regarding two men suspected in the robbery of a College Street business. The two men captured on surveillance video entered A-Z Smoke Shop shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday and robbed the store clerk at gunpoint, according to information from BPD. After taking money from the register, the men reportedly brought the clerk to the back of the store and put Duct tape on him while demanding access to the safe. If you have any information regarding their identities or this crime, call Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-8477. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Back and forth they went, Rohan Rajeev and Ananya Vinay. Some of the words they spelled: Heiligenschein. Durchkomponiert. Sceloporus. One, or both of them, would be the new champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland. But late into the night Thursday, it still wasn't clear who would win yet. By 11:30, though, confetti rained down and a champion emerged. Ananya had won on "marocain," a fabric. Ananya, a 12-year old Californian, cheers for the Golden State Warriors. She is a big reader. Her bio noted that in her free time, she imagines stories. The one she was writing for herself Thursday sure was pretty rad. "I'm so happy right now," she said after she won. The two were among the brightest and best young spellers gathered for Thursday's finals, a marathon event that stretched late into the evening. Among the other words young participants were asked to conquer: pterygoideus, mollienisia, cinerarium and hesychast. Could you spell hesychast? I mean, truly, could you hang with these kids? It's okay to answer honestly: Nope. N-o-p-e. This was the 90th National Spelling Bee, an event celebrated on social media, shown on ESPN, and generally, something that serves as a true delight for even the most casual of word nerds. "It's unbelievable," said Greg Howard, father of Erin, who spoke after his daughter learned that she would be appearing on ESPN later in the night. But she went out on "klydonograph," a device that records a surge in electrical voltage on a sulphur-dusted photographic film, according to Wikipedia - in case you didn't know. "This is her second Bee," Howard said earlier. "She has worked incredibly hard, but it's very easy to see that every kid up there has worked incredibly hard. So, I'm just thrilled that the roulette wheel spun in her favor. It's been great." On Thursday morning, 40 finalists sat onstage in a ballroom, wearing T-shirts, jeans and their game faces. As they approached the mic, some nervously greeted Jaques Bailly, the steady and calming voice of the Bee. Some spelled out words with their hands. Some appeared unsure, only to get there in the end. Later, on prime-time television, at least one of these kids onstage would be named champion. But first the group had to be whittled down. In the morning and early afternoon, they were tested by words such as "perinephric." "Words fail, ironically," Howard said, when asked what it felt like to watch his daughter onstage. "There's nothing like it." Of more than 250 participants, 40 qualified for Thursday's finals, including Tejas Muthusamy, 14, an eighth-grader from Glen Allen, Virginia, in his fourth national Bee. By midday, the group had been narrowed to 15 contestants who would appear on ESPN. Erin was among them. Also in the group: Alice Liu, a smiley 10-year-old Missouri girl. And there was Alex Iyer, a 14-year-old Texan, who sure looked like he was having a ton of fun up there, at least during the parts that weren't super tough. "I feel ecstatic," Alex said, after making the ESPN cut. "I just started crying after, because I was so nervous. And, like, all of my energy, I was finally able to relax. I was just so happy. It felt surreal, because I finally achieved a goal. I didn't really think I'd get it. I was so happy." Tejas made the cut, too. He carried a lucky rock in his pocket, and said it worked "really well" Thursday. He didn't stumble until late into the night. To the victor, or victors, goes a $40,000 cash prize from Scripps, a big trophy and other awards, including a $2,500 U.S. savings bond from Merriam-Webster (boring), and trips to New York and California for televised appearances (significantly less boring). The past three Bees have ended in a tie, including the 2016 edition, a competition held after officials changed the rules in an attempt to discourage such results. Nihar Janga and Jairam Hathwar shared last year's title, winning with "Gesellschaft" and "Feldenkrais." They were in the audience Thursday night. The small but mighty Edith Fuller, perhaps the year's biggest little spellebrity, was not in the finals. She had been eliminated during prelims. Edith, the event's youngest-ever contestant, was 5 when she qualified. The home-schooled 6-year-old from Oklahoma stood tall Wednesday as she nailed "tapas," but she did not advance to the next round. Maggie Sheridan, a 13-year-old finalist from Ohio, is a triplet. One of her siblings was in the audience Thursday, as well as her parents. "Today, I'm nervous," said her father, Mark Sheridan, 57. "Last two days, I wasn't that bad. But today, especially as we walked up here, it was, like, oh my gosh, I'm nervous for Maggie. It was just so much, you know? The top 40 out of all these kids. It's, uh - I don't know. We'll get through it." "Walking into the Spelling Bee, I was super happy that I made it, and then I set a goal to make it to the finals," said Maggie. "And now here I am. So now, I'm just hoping to go as far as I can." There was a party at the Sheridan house on Wednesday night, said Mark, an engineer who spent the evening calling and texting and emailing. "We were doing that all day long, but especially after she got into the finals," he said. "I got up at 6 this morning just to read all the emails from everybody that came in. It's just fantastic." Brendan Pawlicki, 10, of Michigan, was the first to go down Thursday morning after being handed "desman." "Uh, what is it?" Brendan said, after learning his word. He was later followed offstage by Paul Hamrick, a home-schooled 13-year-old from California, who was bummed to learn that "occiput" has that tricky "u" in there. Maggie's first word was "whirlicote," something she definitely did not appear to know, in that she struggled to pronounce it. Ur-la-coat? Wore-le-coat? What is even happening with this word, whirlicote? Poor Maggie looked so hopeless up there onstage as she spit out a spelling - which seemed like any spelling, whatever, here are some letters, maybe? - as the time ticked away. "WHAT?!" Maggie exclaimed, throwing her hands to her head in shock, after learning that she had spelled it correctly and would continue in the Bee. The joy didn't last. In the next round, Maggie was asked to spell "saccharomycete." Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said the world's No. 1 polluter will stick to its pledges to tackle global warming, underscoring the risk of U.S. isolation if President Donald Trump pulls out of the Paris climate accord. Li made his comments during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, at which both leaders stressed the importance of promoting free trade allied to low-carbon, sustainable economic growth. China accepts its international responsibility and is ready to steer the world toward green growth, Li said in Berlin through an interpreter. "In sum, China will honor its commitments in the framework of the Paris climate protection agreement," he said. Li was speaking ahead of a two-day summit that begins in Brussels later on Thursday, when China and the European Union will re-commit to free trade and the Paris Agreement in a sweeping rejection of Trump's protectionist policies. Trump said on Twitter that he'll make an announcement on whether to stay in the climate accord at 3 p.m. in Washington. Trump is said to be leaning toward pulling the U.S. out of the climate-change agreement after other Group of Seven leaders failed to win him over at a summit in Italy last week. The discord prompted Merkel to suggest the U.S. had become an unreliable partner. The chancellor welcomed Li's announcement that China will stand by its obligations on climate, saying that China and Germany are partners in building a "rules based international order." "We agreed that trading nations like Germany and China should cooperate and make clear commitments to free trade," said Merkel, who held a private dinner with Li in the Chancellery on Wednesday evening. "We have underscored those commitments once again." In Brussels, EU and Chinese officials will seek to work on a stalled investment deal and China will look to make progress on being recognized as a market economy -- a status that makes it more difficult to impose anti-dumping measures to its exports. A draft statement obtained by Bloomberg says the EU and China want climate change and clean energy to "become a main pillar of their bilateral partnership, including in their economic relations." The two sides also "recognize the importance of developing global free trade and investment." The EU and China will call on all parties to uphold the Paris agreement because climate change is a "national security issue and multiplying factor of social and political fragility, and constitutes a root cause for instability," according to the draft statement. "The Americans can't just exit this climate protection treaty," EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who will be among the officials meeting Li, said in a speech in Berlin on Wednesday. "I'm opposed to behaving like vassals of the Americans. It's Europe's obligation to say: You can't do that." An EU official in Brussels told reporters on Wednesday that the accord concluded in 2015 will stay in force and continue to be implemented even if the U.S. withdrew. The summit is taking place days after Merkel gave her strongest indication that Europe and the U.S. are drifting apart. During his first foreign trip, Trump raised questions over relations with traditional U.S. allies when he hectored NATO nations for not spending enough on defense and called Germany's trade surplus "very bad." The summit gives China's leaders the chance to show that their aspirations to lead on economic globalization are sincere, said Mats Harborn, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. He said it's time for the two economies to back up their words by moving forward to complete the investment agreement and to offer reciprocal market access. At the meeting, the EU and China will seek to create momentum for a bilateral investment agreement, according to a European official with knowledge of the discussions who asked not to be named because talks are ongoing. Europeans have said an investment accord is a precondition for any move toward a broader EU-China trade deal. --Bloomberg contributors: Rainer Buergin and Tony Czuczka The Ninth Court of Appeals in Beaumont is giving special prosecutor Chris Downey 20 more days to file an appeal to the ruling of a visiting trial court judge that a statute in the Texas Open Meetings Act is unconstitutional. The court granted the unopposed motion Wednesday. According to Downey's request for the extension, the appeal "concerns important constitutional questions that require detailed briefings and discussion." In addition, the request notes the attorneys involved have several other significant cases working along with the TOMA case. The deadline to file the appeal is June 20. On April 5, 329th state District Court Judge Randy Clapp, of Wharton County, ruled at least part of the act is unconstitutional because it is vague, overbroad and violates free speech. With his ruling, Clapp, who was acting as visiting judge in the 221st state District Court in Montgomery County, dismissed charges of conspiring to circumvent the act against County Judge Craig Doyal, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and political consultant Marc Davenport. The indictments stemmed from communications in August 2015 regarding a road bond to be placed on the November 2015 ballot. If the appeals court rules against Clapp, Downey previously said, the indictments of the three would be reinstated and the case would go back into trial status. However, if the appeals court upholds Clapp's decision, the issue involving the statute then would go to the Criminal Court of Appeals in Austin, followed by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans and ultimately could wind up in front of the U.S Supreme Court. Former 9th state District Court Judge Kelly Case, in September 2015, appointed Downey as special prosecutor after District Attorney Brett Ligon recused his office due to several conflicts. Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark also was indicted along with Doyal, Riley and Davenport on the same charge. However, in March, Clark agreed to pretrial diversion to have his case dismissed if he testified for the state against the other men. E. Tay Bond, who is representing Clark, said Clark's trial was reset to the first part of December. Bond said Clark's agreement would be effective if Clapp's decision is overturned and the indictments for Doyal, Riley and Davenport reinstated. If Clapp's decision is upheld, Bond said it is likely Downey would dismiss Clark's case as well. Doyal's motion to dismiss claimed Section 551.143 of the act is facially vague and overbroad based on the definition within the act. Google Trends released a map of the most misspelled words by state in 2017, and the list is kind of pathetic. By tracking the Google search "how to spell ..." Google was able to pinpoint which words people had the most difficulty spelling. OAKLAND, Calif. - As a long-time political activist, Malkia Cyril knows how smartphones helped fuel Black Lives Matter protests with outraged tweets and viral video. But now Cyril is having second thoughts about her iPhone. Is it a friend or a foe? For all of the power of smartphones as organizing tools, the many streams of data they emit also are a boon to police wielding high-tech surveillance gear, allowing them to potentially track movements and communications that activists such as Cyril would rather keep private. Such worries are driving a nationwide push by Cyril and other activists to train members of their movement in the tactics of digital defense - something they say is crucial with an aggressive new president who has displayed little sympathy for their causes. Even as a leader in this drive, Cyril found found herself startled one recent evening in a class called "Digital Security in the Age of Trump," one of dozens such sessions held since the November election. With the help of an app, she was able to see voluminous data recorded with the snapshot of a chocolate cupcake from an office birthday celebration earlier that day. Among other information, the app showed Cyril's exact location - marked by a giant red pin atop her downtown Oakland office -- the moment she snapped that picture. It was the same information authorities could extract from the device or potentially even from the image itself if it were texted, emailed or posted on a social-media platform. "That is crazy," said Cyril, executive director of the Center for Media Justice and a member of the Black Lives Matter Network, as she shook her head at the eerie precision of the data, which included even her altitude. Had the picture been taken at a clandestine meeting of protest organizers rather than a birthday celebration, their cover could have been blown. Such concerns have fueled the nationwide spread of sessions such as this one in a fluorescent-lit classroom in downtown Oakland, where political activists over four hours learned how to encrypt messages, browse the Web anonymously and guard against accidentally revealing their locations when they want to operate in secrecy. Their fears go beyond the change in the White House. The Justice Department's announcement in April that it would review a series of police reform agreements reached during the Obama administration has heightened concerns that the federal government is sharply curtailing its oversight of state and local police forces. Many departments in recent years have expanded their capacity to track cellphones, collect massive troves of video and analyze social-media postings, yet these police forces often operate with fewer restrictions than those in effect at the federal level. Federal officials have warned for years that the spread of encryption and other defensive measures increasingly is thwarting legal surveillance of crucial targets, such as terrorists, criminals and child pornographers, making it harder to solve cases and prevent crimes. Officials also have lamented the rioting and other violence that has accompanied some political protests sparked by police killings, saying that the potential for spontaneous criminal activity can justify monitoring of some large gatherings, even when the leaders intend only peaceful political protest. The perception among political activists that they are being targeted unfairly has fueled a new wave of technical training intended to blunt what they consider government overreach that threatens their constitutional rights to free expression. But it remains unclear whether such a big, diffuse movement born on social media - Black Lives Matter began as the Twitter hashtag #BlackLivesMatter in 2013 - can maintain its spontaneous energy while curbing the use of technologies that expose activists to government surveillance. "Now that this massive infrastructure has been handed to the Republicans and Trump, people are freaking out," said Chinyere Tutashinda, national organizer for the Center for Media Justice. "People have this big scary thought in their heads, but they don't know what they can do. What can the local cops do? What can the feds do?" Fear that authorities use digital tools to aggressively monitor political demonstrations began before Trump's election. Two activist groups, the Color of Change and the Center for Constitutional Rights, sued the FBI and Department of Homeland Security in October to obtain records on the surveillance of Black Lives Matters protests and its leaders in recent years. The lawsuit points to reported incidents in 11 cities, arguing that government monitoring of political protests with surveillance technologies undermined free speech while serving to "chill valuable public debate about police violence, including the use of deadly force, criminal justice and racial inequities." Federal officials, the suit notes, used social-media tracking to monitor demonstrators after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., on Aug. 9, 2014. Baltimore County police used similar technology during the protests that followed the 2015 death of Freddie Gray from an injury he suffered while in police custody; the FBI also conducted overhead surveillance flights as those demonstrations were overtaken by rioting. The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security declined to comment for this article. The FBI issued a statement saying: "The FBI investigates activity which may constitute a federal crime or pose a threat to national security. Our focus is not on membership in particular groups but on criminal activity. As part of its work, the FBI uses a wide array of lawful investigative methods, each used only under appropriate circumstances, and always in accordance with applicable Attorney General's Guidelines, the Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide, and the U.S. Constitution." Yet law enforcement officers faced with demonstrations in volatile political climates often struggle to assess when rioting or other violence might break out, said Ronald Hosko, a former assistant director of the FBI who is now president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund, which raises money to defend officers accused of misconduct. Intelligence-gathering through digital and other tools allows authorities to evaluate threats and possible criminal activity, even when political leaders intend only to lead peaceful, legal protests. "That's what law enforcement needs to be vigilant about, to find the way in," Hosko said. But activists recount a long history of authorities' overstepping constitutional bounds because of fears of violence. Federal officials extensively surveilled the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s, wiretapping the phones of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the movement. Many activists say that, despite reforms, similar tactics continue to this day. As recently as 2015, the Department of Homeland Security monitored a funk-music parade and an unrelated community parade in historically African American neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., according to a report in the Intercept based on government records. "The apparatus that has been handed over to Trump is something that has been around for 50, 60, 70 years," said Cyril, whose mother was a member of the Black Panthers, a black nationalist group that once was the focus of intense FBI surveillance and disruption efforts. The Center for Media Justice, for which Cyril is now executive director, sponsored the class in Oakland and plans similar sessions in Detroit, Atlanta, Minneapolis and several other cities in the coming months. As Cyril pushes fellow activists to improve their digital defenses, she considers the effort long overdue. "Part of me is, 'Why are we starting now?' " she said. "I've never felt safe." The simple answer is: Trump. Or rather, the fear of Trump. Although he has at times expressed worry about government overreach - including his unsubstantiated allegation in March that the Obama administration wiretapped Trump Tower during the presidential campaign - activists say they have little hope that the administration will move to curb its own capabilities. The president's impassioned support of law enforcement, meanwhile, has convinced activists that he is not sympathetic to their concerns about questionable police shootings and other possible misconduct. In August 2015, when Trump was a candidate for president, he was asked on "Meet the Press" about Black Lives Matter protests. Trump responded by invoking high crime rates in Baltimore and Chicago, saying, "We have to give strength and power back to the police. And you're always going to have mistakes made. And you're always going to have bad apples. But you can't let that stop the fact that police have to regain some control of this tremendous crime wave and killing wave that's happening in this country." Trump's conservative Cabinet appointments, especially of Jeff Sessions as attorney general, have deepened concerns, as has the Justice Department's apparent moves to retreat from aggressive monitoring of state and local police departments - which political activists fear could embolden police departments to employ surveillance more aggressively. Such worries run especially strong among African Americans, Latinos and others who call themselves "activists of color" working to resist the administration's initiatives on criminal justice, immigration and other issues. Although laws and court precedents govern how and when surveillance tools are used, there remain broad legal gray areas as technology rapidly evolves. The Justice Department, for example, in 2015 began requiring that federal authorities get search warrants before using cellphone tracking technology, a standard that requires demonstrating probable cause that a target has committed a crime. But the federal restrictions do no apply to state and local police forces, most of which have not adopted the standard. As concerns have grown since the election in November, Equality Labs, a human rights group that works in the United States and South Asia, has led dozens of digital-security training sessions, including the one in Oakland. Other groups, meanwhile, have increased the frequency of "cryptoparties" that teach how to encrypt messages, hard drives and other digital essentials that are vulnerable to surveillance. "It's this moment when all of the sudden, people are very worried and suspicious of the government," said Matt Mitchell, an African American security researcher who founded the New York group CryptoHarlem. "They feel like using these tools will give them some semblance of freedom and autonomy and ability to speak." Better security, however, has always carried costs, because the most vulnerable technologies also tend to be the most widely available and easiest to use. Emails and text messages are vulnerable to interception and can open the door to hackers. Social-media postings create streams of data that law enforcement authorities can monitor using powerful analytical software. And cellphones, no matter how advanced or primitive, continuously transmit location data in ways that surveillance gear can collect. The more secure alternatives often require new technical skills or extra precautions, such as using the heavily encrypted Tor browser for surfing the Web more safely - if somewhat more slowly - than is possible with Chrome or Internet Explorer. Cyril acknowledged that the push for tighter security might dampen or discourage some activists who are reluctant to change familiar habits. "There is a tension, but not one that can't be overcome." The lead trainer this evening, Thenmozhi Soundararajan of Equality Labs, compared the techniques she was teaching to "safe sex" campaigns stressing the use of condoms to block HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Such measures, while not perfect, help guard against persistent dangers, she said. "You should never use the Internet without protection," she said. A Montgomery woman has been sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $2 million in restitution for selling millions of dollars worth of what prosecutors are describing as "dangerous designer drugs." Michelle Reulet was sentenced in a federal court in Topeka, Kansas on Tuesday after pleading guilty earlier this year to conspiracy and mail fraud charges for her role in the ring that sold the drugs. Prosecutors say through a business that Reulet ran called "Bully Wholesale" she and Michael Myers -- a man she lived with in Montgomery -- and two others sold the drugs that were marketed as incense, potpourri and shoe deodorizer but sold under seemingly odd names such as Pump It, Head trip, Black Arts and Grave Digger. Myers and two others have also been convicted in the case, though Myers was released in early May after being sentenced to two years he had already served. Federal prosecutors say as part of her guilty plea the 37-year-old Reulet admitted she knew the people she was selling the drugs to were buying them to get high, rather than using them to create a pleasant fragrance usually associated with incense or to remove foul odors from shoes. Their operation was so efficient that prosecutors say some of the drugs were manufactured in buckets with drill-powered immersion mixers and tried out on "testers" who helped tweak the recipes. In all, investigators say Reulet's business pulled in sales of more than $2 million. Besides the federal case in Kansas both Reulet and Myers had previous contact with local authorities. Court records showed that after Myers was indicted in the case his pretrial release was revoked at the request of federal prosecutors over a domestic violence case in Montgomery County involving him and Reulet. In the incident, records show Myers was charged with assault family violence after Reulet had called 911 and later provided a written statement to local authorities. When an obscure, frail-looking senator from Massachusetts, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 43, announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States on Jan. 2, 1960 in Washington, D.C., the presidency the most powerful office in the Free World seemed like pipe dream for young Kennedy to most American voters myself included. The inexperienced, PT-109 hero of World War II was considered a long-shot, at best, by the media, which pictured the handsome, wealthy, boyish Harvard playboy as a political neophyte but backed by the scion of the Kennedy clan, Joseph P. Kennedy, the influential and immensely rich Wall Street financier and political power broker. I believe, Jack Kennedy said in his booming voice with his pronounced Boston Irish accent, that the Democratic Party has a historic function to perform in the winning of the 1960 election, comparable to its role in 1932. I intend to do my utmost to see that that victory is won. For 18 years, I have been in the service of the United States, first as a naval officer in the Pacific during World War II and for the past 14 years as a member of the Congress. In the last 20 years, I have traveled in nearly every continent and country from Leningrad to Saigon, from Bucharest to Lima. From all of this, I have developed an image of America as fulfilling a noble and historic role as the defender of freedom in a time of maximum periland of the American people as confident, courageous and persevering. It is with this image that I begin this campaign. Kennedy, who was assassinated at the age of 43 in Dallas, TX. on Nov. 22, 1963, would have celebrated his 100th birthday last Monday, May 30. For this observer, it was an especially sad day, sadder than usual because of the confluence of two events in my personal life that occurred on this date. First, it was on this same day that my wife and I brought our infant daughter home from the hospital where she had been born on Nov. 17, 1963. Her homecoming was spoiled. Our doorman saw us arriving at the curb of our apartment at the foot of Fifth Avenue. He rushed towards my car shouting some words. As he drew closer and repeated himself, I could make out what he was saying: Kennedys been shot! Kennedys been shot! he repeated. Then came the last strawthis past Sunday, the day before Kennedys 100th birthday on Memorial Day. Early in the morning, I received a call informing me that my sister had died. She was in a hospice in upstate New York. I knew she did not have much time left in her bout with cancer but the newson top of everything else in the pastwas deeply upsetting to me. JFK has been my personal hero ever since he became president. Second only to Franklin Delano Roosevelt in my lifetime, I believe he should be considered one of the great presidents in our history in terms of inspiring our nation and lifting our spirits. Woody Klein is a Westport writer. His Out of the Woods column has been published regularly in the Westport News for the past 49 years. He was assisted in compiling this column by Irakli (known as Ike ) Kavzharadze of the Republic of Georgia with research and computer technology expertise. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A woman was allegedly raped at gunpoint Sunday night inside her Medical Center-area apartment in what appears to be the latest in a string of similar attacks over recent months in the area. According to police, a black man forced his way into the 24-year-old victim's unit at the Mission Ranch apartment complex in the 5600 block of Babcock Road as she was entering around 11 p.m. The man, who is believed to be in his 20s, was armed with a gun, police say. Once inside the unit he allegedly sexually assaulted the woman and then fled. RELATED: SAPD releases sketch, security camera footage of suspect in several sexual assaults near Med. Center Police responding to the call set up a quadrant around the area and brought in a K-9 unit to assist with the search, but they were unable to locate the suspect. Mission Ranch apartment managers, who did not respond to requests for a comment on the attack, appears to have sent tenants an email informing them of the alleged attack. "Please exercise caution at all times, be aware of your surroundings, use the buddy system," the email, which was sent to mySA.com by a resident, reads. "If you see or hear anything suspicious please call 911 immediately." Managers also distributed with the email a sketch from police of a suspected serial rapist who has been attacking women in the area. Ofc. Doug Greene, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, said investigators with the Special Victims Unit have not ruled out the alleged serial rapist as a suspect in the case. RELATED: SAPD: Multiple reports of sexual assault, stalking near Medical Center-area apartments The first reports regarding the suspected rapist came in late January, when a string of stalking and sexual assault calls were reported in the area. Police have not released the exact number of confirmed assaults in the area, but determined one suspect may be responsible for all of the reported incidents. In prior attacks, the man was reported to be armed with a knife. Police said the suspect would scratch or knock on women's doors and then force his way inside. The suspected serial rapist is described as a black man in his early to mid-20s who is about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall. He weighs about 140 to 160 pounds. He has no facial hair, and he wears a bandana to cover his face. Police say he is soft spoken and does not have an accent. He has been seen on a BMX bike but is generally on foot. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 210-225-8477. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-7867. This story has been updated with a corrected date of the reported assault to reflect new information provided by SAPD. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com cdowns@mysa.com Twitter: @calebjdowns A 20-year-old San Antonio man was arrested Tuesday, May 30, 2017, after he allegedly stormed into the far West Side residence of his ex-girlfriend and assaulted her new boyfriend as he slept, causing internal bleeding in his skull and possible permanent eye damage. Vincent Rojas now faces a charge of aggravated assault causing severe bodily injury, a second-degree felony. He remains in the Bexar County Jail. Two teens in Williamson County were arrested by Austin police for allegedly raping a girl multiple times after a meet-up at one of their homes, according to new court documents. Deshun Semaj Thomas, 17, and a 16-year-old unidentified boy were both charged with second-degree felony sexual assault for their role in the rape of a girl following a night of alcohol and marijuana consumption, an arrest affidavit states. The girl told police she worked with the two suspects at a Main Event location in the Austin area and also went to the same high school. She got off work around 11 p.m. on March 4 and asked the 16-year-old boy for a ride home. They waited for Thomas to get off work, and they all went to Thomas home, according to the arrest affidavit. RELATED: 24-year-old allegedly raped at gunpoint in Med. Center area is latest in string of similar attacks They started consuming alcohol, vodka mainly, as well as marijuana. The girl told police when offered vodka, she sipped a small amount before throwing the rest out. She was later offered some water by one of the boys, and she drank some but then started feeling sleepy, the affidavit said. The girl then told police she fell asleep on the couch. Thomas then allegedly approached her and started sexually assaulting her. The victim told him no, but he allegedly continued the sexual assault, according to the document. Later, the 16-year-old boy learned of what happened and was mad because he has always liked her, the document states. Thomas then allegedly helped move the victim into a bed where the younger teen is accused of sexually assaulting her later that night, the document states. RELATED: Police arrest suspect who T-boned 56-year-old woman's car, killing her, then fled The victim later had a conversation with Thomas on Snapchat, which she shared with police. In the conversation, Thomas reportedly apologized for what he did and asked her not to tell anyone. A friend of the victim approached police in May, telling them that Thomas had allegedly raped another one of his friends, according to the document. If convicted, Thomas and the 16-year-old boy face up to 20 years in prison. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite NASA's newest images of Jupiter aren't only spectacular to look at, they also hide details to the planet's funky climate. Barley visible among the planet's large, swirling storms are tiny white clouds that scientists now believe may produce icy weather conditions. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WILTON Growing up in Wilton in the 1970s, Pamela Aris remembers passing by the Cannon House on 436 Danbury Road on her way to school. Decades later, she helped rescue the property in 2016 with her husband James, who needed a bigger space for his dental practice in Wilton. Also known as the Hiram and Mary Cannon Jones House, the 1835 Greek Revival home was originally built for Marys family of five, she said, and remains as part of the Cannondale Historic District. The Aris couple purchased the property from John Paul, who was the previous owner for 40 years and was desperately seeking a buyer to preserve the home, she said. Were so proud to preserve the Cannon-Miller Homestead, Pamela Aris said. I just think that not only preserving the house but preserving a piece of history about some of our business founders of Wilton ... the Cannon family with the general store and the Miller family of Gilbert and Bennett that trace their roots back here. Its just a beautiful part of the history of this town, she added. The Aris couple opened their new location in late February, replacing Fraiche Hair Salon. James Aris leads his dental team with his associate, Viviane Trinh, while Pamela Aris works as the business manager. James Aris said his ultimate goal is to make the office top-of-the-line, meeting all of the needs of the community by providing a comfortable environment, convenient location and state-of-the-art technology. He is among the nations top one percent of general dentists who have earned a mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry and started working as a dentist in 1987, opening his first location in Wilton in 1994. I think were well on our way to achieve that, he said. Every single day, every single time that we come in, we improve our game. Were not stagnant. We try to take continuing education classes and learn about the latest and greatest dentistry and to bring it to our office so that we can deliver top dentistry to our patients. I think the bottom line is that we care and we hope patients feel that we care, Pamela Aris added. From the minute the patient walks through the door, their dental experience has begun. For Jessie Pirro and her mother Sadie Miles, this is true. The Norwalk women came for an appointment Thursday and left with nothing but praise for the dental team and new office. Youre so relaxed here, calm, Pirro said. They just make you feel at home, Miles added. You dont have to be afraid. The office is open Monday through Friday. For more information, call 203-762-5100. skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1044; @stephaniehnkim CAEN, (France): The worlds largest Nutella factory restarted production on Monday after it stopped work for five days as a precautionary measure over a quality defect, owner Ferreros French branch said. The factory in Normandy, France stopped making the chocolate-and-hazelnut spread due to a suspected quality defect strictly limited to the production stage, Ferrero Frances communications service told AFP. It added that the problem was very early in the process, at the stage of grinding and roasting hazelnuts. The factory started up again this morning at 6:00 am (0500 GMT). We are at 100 percent production capacity. The Villers-Ecalles site in Normandy produces around 600,000 jars a day, or about a quarter of all the Nutella made worldwide. Nutellas Italian owner Ferrero, whose products also include Ferrero Rocher chocolates, first announced production had been suspended on Wednesday. All concerns have been fully lifted, Ferrero France said on Friday. We can say that no products currently on the market are impacted by the situation and that the supply to our customers continues without interruption. The Ferrero group, with 30,000 employees and 22 production sites around the globe, also makes Kinder surprise eggs and chocolate bars as well as Tic Tac mints.AFP JAKARTA The Indonesian government is studying whether to issue a presidential regulation that sets new rules for regulating convenience stores and minimarkets in the countrys provinces. Indonesia Investments reports that the new regulation would not be aimed at undermining the minimarket and convenience store sector of Indonesia, but to protect the countrys traditional markets. Over the past decade, minimarkets and convenience stores have grown in Indonesia, especially in urban areas. The news source writes that their success comes at the expense of the traditional markets and shops (including the traditional small restaurants locally known as warung) that are typically operated by people who live close to the country's poverty line. In contrast, the convenience stores are owned and operated by the richer segments of society. Indonesia's middle and upper income level consumers are increasingly purchasing their food and beverage products at these modern retailers and therefore form the main competitor of the traditional, independent small grocers. The modern retailers are also popular because they are clean, air-conditioned, and have a high degree of food safety. Minister of Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution told the news source that the new presidential regulation would also cover the products sold in convenience stores. The government wants to open opportunities for the nation's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to sell their products in minimarkets and convenience stores, which would result in less space for the retailers to sell private-label products. Currently, 65% of the minimarkets and convenience stores in Indonesia are operated by large companies. For example, Sumber Alfaria Trijaya owns Alfamart, while Indomaret is owned by the Salim Group. The remaining 35% is owned by others through franchise agreements. The new presidential regulation is not expected to add new rules regarding the number of outlets that can be owned. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Hostess Brands has reintroduced a star-spangled line of patriotic treats for the summer: Red, White & Blue Twinkies, and Star-Spangled CupCakes. The launch is being introduced in tandem with a first-time partnership with the American Red Cross, providing consumers with a way to give back this summer. Hostess is inviting consumers to take photos incorporating an American flag and post them with the hashtag #HostessSupportsRedCross on Twitter, Instagram or directly to hostesscakes.com/redcross, which will also feature a mosaic of all photo submissions and a counter tracking how much has been raised. For each photo posted across these platforms, Hostess will donate $1, up to the pledged amount of $50,000, to the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. We are delighted to partner with the American Red Cross in this meaningful initiative, said Burke Raine, Hostess Brands senior vice president and chief marketing officer. It is important that we give back to our community, both by celebrating our national holidays and by supporting our most vulnerable citizens. Koby Langley, senior vice president for service to the Armed Forces at the American Red Cross, said: The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces division is very fortunate to have Hostess Brands as a partner in support of the military community. Along with the social media fundraising, Hostess products will be donated to Red Cross Blood Donation Centers across the country for blood and platelet donors to enjoy after rolling up a sleeve. Additionally, these products in the patriotic line of treats will have co-branded packaging and retail displays to help promote the American Red Cross. Google is not a conventional company, and we don't intend to become one. True, we share attributes with the world's most successful organizations - a focus on innovation and smart business practices comes to mind - but even as we continue to grow, we're committed to retaining a small-company feel. At Google, we know that every employee has something important to say, and that every employee is integral to our success. We provide individually-tailored compensation packages that can be comprised of competitive salary, bonus, and equity components, along with the opportunity to earn further financial bonuses and rewards.As a member of Google's Public Policy team, you help shape various product and issue agendas with policy makers inside and outside government. In addition, you will help advise our internal teams on the public policy implications of their products, working with a closely coordinated and cross-functional global team.The role requires significant experience either working with or in government, politics or a regulatory agency as well as an ability to grasp complex technical and policy issues.As our Manager for Public Policy and Government Relations, you will represent Google externally with government, regulators and third parties, as well as help manage our local public policy strategy and campaigns.You will work with a cross-functional team of Google employees in Africa as well as with a closely-coordinated global Public Policy team to advance policy positions that benefit our users.You will handle our various product agendas with policy makers inside and outside government as part of the team in West and Francophone Africa. In addition, you will help advise our product and engineering teams on the public policy implications of their products, working with a closely coordinated and cross-functional global team.Technology moves quickly, so it's important that we work closely with politicians, regulators, academics and third parties around the issues that affect the Internet and our users. We advocate for Google on the big public policy issues of the day and often play a part in high-profile debates.In this role, youll combine creativity and intellectual rigor with the organizational skills to manage different campaigns and projects to tight deadlines.Youll apply your expertise to real-world scenarios, acting as an inspiring advocate and enthusiastic team player eager to help shape the future of Internet and mobile policy.Develop and lead public policy campaigns across the full range of policy areas that impact Google and the web. Key issues include technology innovation, free expression, access, privacy, intellectual property and copyright.Engage directly with politicians and policy-makers.Engage governments and other stakeholders, particularly on issues of regional relevance.Minimum qualifications:BA/BS degree or equivalent practical experience.Experience either working with or in government, politics or a regulatory agency.Ability to speak and write in English and French fluently and idiomatically.Experience in policy related to economic and digital growth, the impact of internet and technology on society and economy.Demonstrated knowledge of the tech sector or the key issues impacting the web (e.g. economic growth, intellectual property, innovation and entrepreneurship policy, online safety media policy and free expression).Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and manage projects and relationships in multiple countries.Ability to manage complex technical and policy issues.Excellent personal, political, analytical and organizational skills. Jerri-Lynn here: This is a sequel to a piece I crossposted earlier this week, John Helmer: Zbigniew Brzezinski, the Svengali of Jimmy Carters Presidency, Is Dead, But the Evil Lives On. Not only is it a great read, but its a useful corrective to fatuous nonsense such as this piece in todays FT by Edward Luce, Zbigniew Brzezinski and the untimely death of American statecraft, which lauds the quality of Brzezinskis strategic brain and the meritocracy of intellect [America] nurtured in the cold war. Help me. By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears The widow of Cyrus Vance, the only US Secretary of State to resign in protest against his presidents actions in a hundred years, called Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Jimmy Carters National Security Advisor and Vances rival, that awful man. Not a single official of the State Department under Vance during the Carter Administration of 1977 to 1981, thought differently. Most of them had monosyllabic terms for Brzezinski. Since Brzezinski died last Friday, not a single member of his own White House staff has made a public statement in his honour, memory or defence. The mute ones include Madeleine Albright, who owed to Brzezinski her career promotion as an academic, then White House staffer, then Secretary of State herself. Despite the disloyalty of those closest to him, and the detestation for Bzezinski of those further away, he was, and remained, Carters favourite. Between 1977 and 1981, Brzezinskis time with Carter, according to the White House logs, amounted to more than 20% of the presidents working time. Thats 12 minutes of every hour no other official came close. On Friday, shortly after Brzezinskis death was announced by his family, Carter issued a statement extolling him as a superb public servantinquisitive, innovative, and a natural choice as my national security advisor brilliant, dedicated, and loyal. I will miss him. What was this bond between them, and why does it matter now? One reason is that what they did together were the freshest American operations studied at KGB schools in Moscow by a recruit in training at the time named Vladimir Putin. This was the National Security Advisors staff during the four years of Carters term, 1977-1981. PRESIDENT CARTERS RUSSIA-HATING TEAM Pictured recently: above, Jimmy Carter. Below 1st row: Zbigniew Brzezinski (died May 2017); David Aaron; Madeleine Albright. 2nd row: Paul Henze (died July 2011); Donald Gregg; Fritz Ermarth. 3rd row: Robert Gates; Samuel Hoskinson; William Odom (died May 2008). A 451-page doctoral dissertation by Mary Sexton examining the relationship between Carter and Brzezinski identifies the evidence, including documents, witnesses, and independent reports which should have driven them apart. She fails to answer why that didnt happen. She concludes Brzezinski flattered and fawned over Carter; relentlessly conspired to undermine Vance and other rivals for Carters attention; postured, manipulated, lied to the press, and faked to the president. Sexton concluded in 2009: it is important to recognize that Jimmy Carter was ultimately responsible for the nature of his policymaking system and for the decisions made about who would frame and articulate U.S. foreign policies. She quoted Lloyd Butler, Carters appointee as the White House lawyer so no Brzezinski underling, as saying he was baffled by Carters refusal to address the troubles Brzezinski caused. I will never understand it, Butler said in 2002. He died in 2005. Neither Vance in his memoirs (he died in 2002), nor his wife Grace, nor any of Vances deputies at State, nor Carters staff at the White House, provide an answer. In research by Betty Glad, published in November 2009, she reported a few close aides met the emotional needs of the president, but the aides didnt tell Glad what they thought Carters emotional needs were. Glad acknowledged that in preparing her book she was above all indebted to Zbigniew Brzezinski who expeditiously answered my emails and was very open about his interactions with Carter. Glad concluded that Carter gave Brzezinski his complete and absolute support Brzezinski was one of the few people Carter never reprimandedAnd Carter dismissed all criticisms of Brzezinski that might come his way. Why? Carter needed and admired the strategic skills and the toughness in dealing with others that Brzezinski offered, Glad summed up, with the latters help. The need to be tough was a recurrent theme in Brzezinskis briefings and memoranda to Carter, she added. Brzezinski made Carter feel he was doing big things. Fighting the Russians (Soviets then) was, in the advice Brzezinski presented to Carter and repeated to Glad, was the biggest of the big things. Brzezinski, concluded Glad, appealed to Carters desire to do new big things and act quickly. The bafflement reported by Carter subordinates and State Department officials under Vance is part truth; part cover-up by the officials; part deceit by Carter. For the answer of what bound Carter and Brzezinski together Glad doesnt uncover, nor even hint at. This is because it was a conspiracy of proxy wars, terrorism, assassinations, coups detat, and other black operations, still classified top secret, rationalized by Brzezinski to Carter and approved by the president, as part of a grand strategy to defeat the Kremlin. These were the acting-tough tactics which convinced Carter in secret, but which the president never admitted to in public. Not then, because the actions made Carter feel he was doing new big things. Not since, because all of them have failed, with bloodshed and monumental losses for those whom the president and his strategist targeted, and collateral damage for the rest of the world, not least the US. Sure, Brzezinski was a strategic thinker, one of Sextons sources told her. But he was frequently wrong! Vances strategies have withstood the test of time. According to Sexton, her source was a public official [with] in-depth familiarity with Vances and Brzezinskis work. He agreed to be interviewedon the condition he would not be quoted on this subject. Paul Henze came to Brzezinskis staff after serving as the CIAs station chief in Ethiopia in 1969 to 1972, and then in Turkey between 1974 and 1977. Henze had been one of the plotters of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, which continues to this day. Cyprus: July 20, 1974 The Somali invasion of Ethiopia which began in July 1977, and was known as the Ogaden war until the Somalis were defeated by the Russian and Cuban-backed Ethiopian military in March 1978, was one of the schemes Henze managed, and Brzezinski persuaded Carter to approve. By the time Henzes war was defeated, he rationalized the war-fighting strategys continuing purpose in a memorandum since declassified and quoted by Sexton. Much as we want the Soviets out, Henze briefed Brzezinski and Carter, we are not going to get them out soonWe should make their stay as costly as possible and the source of fundamental strain for them. We can do this in many ways, both overtly [and] covertly The Soviets are the culprits in the Horn and we should never let them or the world forget it. Another of the Henze plots the military putsch in Turkey in September 1980 was Carters and Brzezinskis scheme too. Ankara: October 29, 1980. Henze had started in the CIA as a specialist managing assassination gangs with pretensions to anti-communist ideology. He began with the Iron Guard of Romania, and was still running the Grey Wolves of Turkey when he moved on to the Brzezinski staff. After Carters downfall, Henze spent years trying to cover up the role the Grey Wolves had played in the attempted assassination of Pope John-Paul II in May 1981. Henzes version of the plot was that the Kremlin and KGB had masterminded the scheme through the Bulgarian secret service. The KGB assessment was that Henze, Brzezinski and Carter had all been in on the plot, just as they had been in on the scheme to elect Cardinal Karol Wojtya, Archbishop of Cracow, as the Pope in October 1978. Brzezsinskis eulogy at Henzes funeral in Virginia in 2011 provided the cover story that he had engaged Henze in 1977 to assume responsibility for oversight of the radios and to coordinate more generally our efforts to prevail in the Cold War without an actual war. Paul was in his element. He mobilized his enthusiasm, his commitment, and his boundless energy not only to protect RFE [Radio Free Europe], but to develop also a broader effort to nourish the hopes of those living in the Soviet bloc, including even the Soviet Union itself, that someday they, too, would be free. For their combined record of violent failure, Brzezinski had this to say: Paul proved himself to be a ferocious bureaucratic infighter and eventually the winner though at times he was even impatient with my efforts to pursue on the Presidents behalf also some accommodation with the Soviet Union in the area of mutual arms control. But that was Paul, my fellow Cold warrior: enthusiastic, fearless, committed, principled, and relentless. A great American, an Eastern European by association, and one of the anonymous architects of the peaceful and victorious end to the Cold War. Henze was joined by other CIA men on Brzezinskis staff including Donald Gregg, Fritz Ermarth, Robert Gates and Samuel Hoskinson. They were all plotters of the putsch which overthrew the President of Pakistan, Zulfiqar ali Bhutto, in July 1977. Bhutto was replaced by Army General Zia ul-Haq, and subsequently hanged. Zia was killed in August 1988, along with the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Arnold Raphel, and General Herbert Wassom, the head of US military aid mission to Pakistan. Gregg was one of the plotters of the December 12, 1979, military putsch in South Korea. For the declassified evidence, including Greggs claim there are no smoking guns, read this. Hoskinson was engaged in Middle Eastern attack and overthrow plots, some he endorsed and assisted, and some he would have done if he judged they had a chance of success. How many of the putsches which CIA operation histories log in as successful, and how many of the unsuccessful attempts Ghana and El Salvador (1979), Bolivia, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Suriname, Upper Volta (Burkina Faso), Iran (1980) were engagements in acting tough and doing new big things which Brzezinski got the president to approve are questions Carter is shy to answer. For them, the war in Afghanistan, which they plotted with alacrity from the start of the Carter Administration, was the culminating case of what Brzezinski described in his address over Henzes corpse as the peaceful and victorious end to the Cold War. Left: the Red Army enters Afghanistan, December 1979. Right: the Red Army leaves Afghanistan, February 15, 1989. These games of liquidating others in the cause of defeating the Kremlin has invigorated Carter, even today when Carter himself is on his last legs. Drawing the Russians on to the field of battle was his and Brzezinskis aim; Afghanistan, after the Soviet military intervention began in December 1979, was their main chance. Their successors in the White House have the same chance against Russian forces on the battlefields of Syria and Ukraine. Though he has tried, Brzezinski is no longer in a position to advise them that if they dont dare, they cant win. Carter is still alive to demonstrate that if they dare, they are likely to lose. It isnt sure thats what KGB trainee Putin scribbled down during his lectures at the Andropov Red Banner Institute in 1984. Its certain he has noted it down now. Beautiful new see-through frog puts whole heart on display Treehugger Weaving the Web Communications of the ACM (MM) Ethiopia turns off internet nationwide as students sit exams Guardian (Chuck L) Around the world, environmental laws are under attack in all sorts of ways The Conversation Humans are ushering in the sixth mass extinction of life on Earth, scientists warn Independent Nine tenths of Englands floodplains not fit for purpose, study finds Guardian Police State Watch Judge Smacks NYPD For Its Gotcha Tactics In Forfeiture Public Records Lawsuit Techdirt (Chuck L). Nice to see the good guys win one once in a while. Brazil meatpacker agrees to pay $3.2 billion to settle graft probe FCPA Blog Andrew Cuomo Appoints Trump Adviser To Penn Station Task Force After Big Campaign Donations International Business Times. David Sirota continues shining light into the dark nooks and crannies of state politics. Judge rules that environmental group can challenge Sunoco over pipeline eminent domain StateImpact (martha r) CEO And President Of Premium Ticket Resale Business Charged With Engaging In A Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme Resulting In Losses Of At Least $70 Million Justice.gov (Dan K) Motorcycle Gang Busted for Hacking and Stealing Over 150 Jeep Wranglers Bleeping Computer (Chuck L) North Korea? Pentagon successfully tests ICBM defense system for first time Reuters. EM: Ah, simulated attack In related news, last night yours truly cheered a successful, first-ever +50 potion-of-warding defense test involving a simulated attack by an army of Orcs in my Moms basement. Should I send my resume to the Pentagon, do you think? China? EU and China strengthen climate ties to counter US retreat FT No reason to derail polls Bangkok Post Bangkok Post (MH) Mexicos Economy Reels from a Blast from the Past Wolf Street (EM) Our Famously Free Press New York Times public editor Liz Spayd on decision to eliminate her position Columbia Journalism Review Imperial Collapse Watch In Praise of a Transatlantic Divorce Foreign Policy. Interesting take by Stephen Walt. Inside Tehrans monument to US arrogance Al Jazeera (Phil U) Class Warfare Brexit UK Election Syraqistan 2016 Post Mortem Kill Me Now Health Care India Trump Transition New Cold War Comey preparing to testify before Senate about Trump conversations WaPo Guillotine Watch Antidote du jour: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends much of her time in Asia and is currently researching a book about textile artisans. She also writes regularly about legal, political economy, and regulatory topics for various consulting clients and publications, as well as scribbles occasional travel pieces for The National. The United States Supreme Court on Tuesday in Impression Products v Lexmark International struck down restrictions a patent holder sought to place on subsequent use of its products after they are sold. This landmark patent decision has implications for the right to repair movement. Ive written about the topic of state right to repair legislation previously in Apple Spends Big to Thwart Right to Repair in New York and Elsewhere and Waste Not, Want Not: Right to Repair Laws on Agenda in Some States. It is on the consequences the decision implies for these and other right to repair initiatives that I intend to focus in this short post rather than delve into the minutiae of patent law. (Readers interested in a more comprehensive summary of the decisions importance particularly for the doctrine of patent exhaustion might find useful this Scotusblog account, Opinion analysis: Federal Circuit loses again, as justices categorically reject enforcement of post-sale patent restrictions.) Lexmark Decision Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. authored the majority opinion, with which 6 other justices joined in full. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg concurred in part with the majority opinion, and dissented only with respect to the cross-border applicability of the decision (an issue I wont explore further here). Neil Gorsuch, the newest justice, did not participate in this decision. Lexmark makes printer cartridges, the design of which allows them to be refilled and reused. Lexmark imposed contractual conditions on buyers preventing subsequent sale or use of its cartridges, specifically, that in exchange for a discount, a buyer would agree both to use a cartridge only once and also, not to transfer the empty cartridge to anyone but Lexmark. I wont delve into details of how Lexmark sought to enforce these contractual provisions but these included embedding microchips in the cartridges. Now whereas the Court acknowledged that Lexmark may have had a legitimate claim against buyers for violating these contractual conditions by going to companies that would refill the contracts at a lower cost than would Lexmark, the company didnt try and enforce those claims. Instead, Lexmarks lawsuit targeted companies that refilled the cartridges. Since Lexmark had no contractual claim against these companies, it brought a patent action. As reported by the Wall Street Journal in Supreme Court Rules Lexmark Cant Sue Toner-Cartridge Fillers for Patent Infringement, this legal strategy seemed to provide Lexmark with advantages, Patents give their owners a 20-year monopoly over their inventions, something that can be enforced with damages and injunctions against those who infringe. In contrast, contractual damages typically are more limited and only are enforceable against a party that agrees to a contract. Or it would have had these advantages, if the Court had accepted the companys patent law arguments. Unfortunately, the Court categorically rejected them, relying on the doctrine of patent exhaustion. Put most simply, that doctrine limits the patent holders ability to control an item after it sells that item. Per the majority opinion (which does perhaps muddle the issue for non-lawyers by referring to the patentee rather than the more widely-used and understood expression, the patent holder): Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. Ireland's first female ambassador to the United States told a civic reception hosted in her honour in Clonmel that her early years spent on the Slievenamon Road in Clonmel, and her sense of connection to the "beautiful county" of Tipperary, had helped shape her as a person and a diplomat. Clonmel-born Anne Anderson was paid glowing tributes in recognition of her outstanding career at Friday night's reception at the Town Hall, where she was joined by her partner Frank Lowe, her daughter Claire, sisters Mary and Helen and her brother Robert. The gathering also included her cousins, members of the Walsh and Griffin families; and former neighbours from Slievenamon Road, the Carews and Suttons. Daughter of the late Margaret (Madge) and Tom Anderson, she was born in Clonmel in 1952. She received her early education at the Sisters of Charity School in Clonmel and when she was eight years old the family relocated, first to Kilkenny and then Dublin when her father - who had served as a psychiatric nurse at St. Luke's Hospital in Clonmel - was appointed as deputy head of the Psychiatric Hospital in Portrane. Above: At the civic reception for Anne Anderson, the Clonmel-born Irish ambassador to the United States were, from left, Joe McGrath, CEO of Tipperary County Council; Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose, County Council Cathaoirleach; Anne Anderson; Cllr. Louise McLoughlin, County Council vice-chairperson and Ger Walsh, County Council senior executive officer. Anne Anderson graduated with an arts degree in history and politics from UCD. Having completed a Diploma in Legal Studies at King's Inns she entered the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1972. Following a range of assignments at home and abroad she took up her first posting as ambassador in 1995, when she served as ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva. This was followed by spells as ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, France and the United Nations in New York. Significantly, she was the first female ambassador appointed to each of those four postings. She was appointed Ireland's 17th ambassador to the United States in almost 90 years and is the first female to hold that position, a role that she took up in August 2013. After more than 45 years in the diplomatic service, she is due to retire this summer. At Clonmel's Town Hall on Friday night, Anne Anderson said "no honour could be more meaningful" than a civic reception in your home town. She said she was moved and touched by the generosity of spirit and the humour in the tributes paid to her. She was delighted to be joined by her family and a loyal band of friends who included Marie Cross (nee Keating), who was also " a loyal daughter of Clonmel", and who had served as Irish Ambassador to the EU's Political and Security Committee. She said that even when the family had left Clonmel her father, who was originally from Roesboro, near Tipperary town, remained a Tipperaryman in "his blood and bones". When they moved to Dublin he bought The Nationalist in Eason's in O'Connell Street every week and read each page "microscopically". Ambassador Anderson said that this sense of place was very much part of the Irish psyche and she had lost count of the number of times Irish-Americans had asked her where she was from. When they moved to the United States, and to the anonymity of vast American cities, Irish emigrants wanted to keep that connection to home. Her work as ambassador to the United States over the last four years had been focused on helping to shape and advance the economic and social relationship between the countries. Investment, trade and tourism between Ireland and the United States continued to go from strength to strength. 70% of Ireland's foreign direct investment was from the United States and Irish exports to the USA had also risen in recent years. She said that tourism between the countries had also grown. A record 1.4 million American visitors came to Ireland last year and 10% of American visitors who came to Europe visited Ireland. The ambassador praised Tipperary for being "on its toes" when it came to scoping out opportunities. She praised the recent launch of its promotional and marketing strategy 'Tipperary - The Place, The Time', and she also hosted a delegation from the county that visited Washington last year. Brand reinforcement at county level was extremely important and in the tourism sector the county had a huge amount of potential yet to be realised, as Tipperary was "the undiscovered heartland of Ireland". As she prepared for her retirement in July, Anne Anderson said it was her "extremely good fortune" to have had a fascinating career, and to have served Ireland abroad in interesting places and during interesting times. County Council Cathaoirleach Siobhan Ambrose said that when the ambassador retired she would leave with an impeccable record of service to her country, and would continue to be a role model and trailblazer for young women, particularly those beginning careers in the civil service. "Internationally, where she is highly regarded, she will continue to be viewed as a hugely efficient, effective and a highly competent contributor to Irish foreign policy", she said. Cllr. Ambrose also referenced her many other achievements, which included honorary doctorates from the National University of Ireland and Fordham University. Joe McGrath, CEO of Tipperary County Council, joined in the tributes, saying that Ambassador Anderson had not alone "shattered glass ceilings but has also broken new ground for those who have succeeded her". Above - Seated: Larry Walsh, Anne Power, Anne Anderson Ambassador, Marie Walsh, Pat Walsh. Back: Bobby Walsh, Mary Walsh, Helen Walsh, Anne Walsh, Emma Walsh, Jean Walsh, Brid Walsh, Edmond Power, Eddie Power, Michael Walsh. I spoke with Prime Minister Zaev today and congratulated him on his new responsibilities. We agreed on the importance of addressing urgently needed reforms, including on good governance and the rule of law. These reforms will benefit all citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and will further advance the countrys Euro-Atlantic aspirations. NATO has an interest in a stable, democratic, and prosperous country as part of a stable Western Balkans region. As Skopje makes progress, NATO will continue to provide support, including through our NATO Liaison Office in the capital. NASA is known to perform crowd-sourcing efforts in order to discover and develop new ideas that will aid in space explorations. Recently, the agency chose to fund a satellite designed by a teenager. An Indian student, Rifath Shaarok, built what is now dubbed as the "lightest satellite" called KalamSat. The small satellite design won in an international competition and NASA agreed to launch it next month. "We designed it completely from scratch," 18-year-old Shaarook said in an interview with Business Standard. "It will have a new kind of onboard computer and eight ... built-in sensors to measure acceleration, rotation, and the magnetosphere of Earth." The lightest satellite called KalamSat was named after an Indian nuclear scientist and former official President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. KalamSat is remarkably light due to its reinforced carbon fiber polymer, which has an astonishing strength-to-weight ratio. The material is currently being used for aerospace engineering and other devices on Earth. The world's lightest satellite, KalamSat, only weighs 64 grams (0.14 lbs). It will be launched in a four-hour suborbital mission from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on June 21. However, its maiden flight will not make use of its capability as a satellite but rather to test the durability of the extremely light, 3D printed casing. "The main role of the satellite will be to demonstrate the performance of 3D printed fiber," Shaarook added. Shaarook won in the Cubes in Space competition supported by NASA. The challenge was to create a device that will fit into a 13-foot cube. The device shouldn't weigh more than 64 grams and it should be designed for space use. "It will have a new kind of onboard computer and eight indigenous built-in sensors to measure acceleration, rotation and the magnetosphere of the earth," Shaarok said. During the launch on June 21, the lightest satellite KalamSat will be online and operational for 12 minutes in space. > The first science data from Juno was released by NASA and it has revealed some of Jupiter's secret. One of the data included in the first science from Juno is an image of the planet's south pole. It's a region that's not typically explored. NASA's Juno spacecraft used its JunoCam to capture multiple images of Jupiter's south pole at an altitude of 32,000 miles (52,000 kilometers). There were cyclones present when the images were taken and can be seen as oval features in the image published by NASA. Understanding the oldest and largest planet in the Solar System is important for NASA scientists since the data can provide them with information about the formation of the universe including the Earth. Jupiter is considered a gigantic turbulent world with polar cyclones as big as Earth. It is called the "biggest and baddest" in the Solar System due to its harsh magnetic field. "We are excited to share these early discoveries, which help us better understand what makes Jupiter so fascinating," Diane Brown, Juno program executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington said in a press release. "It was a long trip to get to Jupiter, but these first results already demonstrate it was well worth the journey." Juno was launched on Aug. 5, 2011, and it reached Jupiter's orbit on July 4, 2016. This is the reason why the first science data from Juno is highly anticipated by the scientific community because it may reveal secrets of Jupiter that no one has ever observed before. The first science from Juno will be published in two papers in the journal Science and astounding 44 papers in the journal of Geophysical Research Letters. "We knew, going in, that Jupiter would throw us some curves," Scott Bolton, Juno principal investigator from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio said in a statement. "But now that we are here we are finding that Jupiter can throw the heat, as well as knuckleballs and sliders. There is so much going on here that we didn't expect that we have had to take a step back and begin to rethink of this as a whole new Jupiter." The Earth-sized swirling storms on Jupiter's poles are just the beginning of the discoveries from first science data from Juno and the JunoCam. Scientists are now looking into how the gigantic storms originate and why both poles of the planet are different from each other. California Gov. Jerry Brown is looking for allies in the fight against climate change, and he sees one in China, which he'll visit later this week. The Democratic governor hopes to build support for carbon policies that have found resistance in Washington under President Donald Trump. Brown told The Associated Press on Wednesday that California will work with governments around the world to combat climate change even if Trump rolls back domestic environmental regulations. Brown leaves Friday for his second trip to China as governor. He'll promote California's climate policies at a conference of global energy ministers and look to marshal states, provinces, cities and other non-national governments to take their own actions to reduce greenhouse gases. The construction boom in San Jose is a boon for developers but many South Bay workers say they're being left out of the prosperity. On Wednesday, some of those workers laid down their tools to carry picket signs in a protest against developers who don't hire local laborers. Labor groups, joined by community activists, say all the building taking place in downtown San Jose and other parts of the South Bay, is happening at the expense of local workers. The picketers marched in front of what they called a "non-worksite," where a banner depicted a luxury condominium high-rise called the Silvery Towers. The development is a privately funded project on private property, which means the developer is free to hire workers from any area and not have to pay the local prevailing wage. "They'd rather bring in people from out of the area and pay them substandard wages to come here and develop their project," electrician Will Smith said. "And all these people are going to do is take their money and go back home." Labor groups on hand such as the South Bay Labor Council announced they were planning a ballot initiative that would require South Bay commercial and residential developers to hire local workers and pay them what they called a "family sustainable wage." The group is pointing to a poll by EMC Research, which it paid for, that shows 76 percent of South Bay voters side with the local laborers. "We are not going to be afraid to confront the powerful when they hoard wealth for themselves and do not share in the prosperity," said Derecka Mehrens, CEO of Working Partnerships USA. The coalition said it is now drafting the initiative before it begins gathering the 22,277 signatures needed. But San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said requiring developers to use local workers and pay prevailing wages on private projects could be complicated. "The problem is the devil is in the details, and we don't know what those details are," Liccardo said. "We want to be able to study them and understand how they impact housing affordability and comparable issues." Project officials at the protest site had no comment on the issue. In the past, developers have said a local-hire policy would increase costs and make it difficult to find enough skilled workers. Flyers that warn about penalties for supporting illegal immigration have been posted in Washington, D.C., and the city's mayor is telling people to remove them. Official-looking flyers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo and the words U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement say "SANCTUARY CITY NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC NOTICE" and warn of jail time for harboring "illegal aliens." The flyers are glued to light poles and utility boxes. All over my neighborhood in SW DC today. pic.twitter.com/HU9BwpW0ZW Balkans Bohemia (@BalkansBohemia) June 1, 2017 But ICE says they did not post the flyers. The immigration enforcement notices appearing across Washington, D.C. were not issued or sanctioned by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)," a spokeswoman said. "Just like false reports of immigration checkpoints or random sweeps, notices like these are dangerous and irresponsible," the spokeswoman continued. "Any person who actively incites panic or fear of law enforcement is doing a disservice to the community, endangering public safety and the very people they claim to support and represent. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser instructed residents to tear down the flyers. "DC is a sanctuary city. Clearly the flyer is meant to scare and divide our residents. We won't stand for it. #DCValues," she wrote. Tear it down! DC is a sanctuary city. Clearly the flyer is meant to scare and divide our residents. We won't stand for it. #DCValues https://t.co/aCf9ewJ8Ir Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) June 1, 2017 D.C. police and the Department of Public Works (DPW) also have been told to take them down. "I'm having my DPW crews go out along with the police, and we're going to see how much we can tear them down as well," Bowser said. The flyer cites portions of U.S. immigration law and lists phone numbers for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection tip lines. It's not clear who posted the flyers. Bowser said the flyers are meant to scare and divide the city. "Well we know over the last year, year and a half, we've just seen this type of rhetoric that incites hate," she said. Carlos Granados of Southwest D.C. said his parents are immigrants and the flyers' message worries him. "Whoever is doing this should be ashamed of themselves, and they're causing concern for these illegal immigrants," he said. "If this was fake, it's obviously the people trying to spread hate around the neighborhood, and that's not OK," said Alexa Disch, who works in Southwest. D.C. is a proud sanctuary city that issues provisional driver's licenses to undocumented residents. Police do not ask about residency status, and in January Bowser announced the creation of a legal defense fund to help immigrants. "MPD has a longstanding policy that prohibits police officers from asking about citizenship or residency status to determine whether an individual is undocumented," a police spokeswoman said Thursday. On Friday, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) sent a letter to the FBI requesting an investigation into the flyers. The fake fliers were clearly designed to convey the impression of authenticity, and I believe they were posted in order to target and intimidate immigrants and their families living in the District," Norton wrote. "D.C. is a city that welcomes and provides sanctuary to people from all over the world, and we believe a federal investigation to determine who is responsible is fully warranted. The Takoma Park, Maryland, Police Department sent out a community advisory informing residents of the flyers and asking them to report them and take them down if they see them. Thirteen-month-old Purnell Sabky or "Nell", as his parents Sam and Taylor nicknamed him, has a tough battle ahead of him. The baby from Roslindale, Massachusetts, has a rare and fatal genetic disease called Niemann-Pick Type A. It's so rare that there are only about 1,200 cases worldwide. Nell is missing an enzyme that helps metabolize fat so all the fat builds up around his organs and eventually in his brain. The disease has caused his liver to become enlarged and be exposed out of the rib cage. In addition, Nell's spleen is larger than it should be and his stomach is shrinking. Eventually, doctors say there will be a neurological decline making him distant. Nells parents learned of the diagnosis just before Mother's Day. "I started crying just thinking about what that meant," said Nell's mother Taylor Sabky. "You can never prepare for news like that." Without treatment, doctors say it is unlikely that Nell will make it to his third birthday. But there is a glimmer of hope. Doctors say there is a life saving gene therapy treatment that could cure Nell, but there is no funding to have the advancement go forward since it is such a rare disease. "It's within reach if we take some action and there is a clear path to treatment we've been so hopeful. So motivated so inspired," said Nell's father, Sam Sabky. "Of course as parents, we want to save our son but this is even bigger than that because it can be a cure forever and everyone," Taylor Sabky added. The family needs $750,000 for Nell's gene therapy treatment. They have already raised more than $150,000 on their GoFundMe page. The family hopes to reach their goal by June 30. They said if they can't help Nell in time, they hope that they can help another family in the future. To help with Nell's gene therapy treatment, visit the family's GoFundMe page. President Donald Trump will visit Wisconsin for the second time in his presidency later this month. The visit will take place on Tues., June 13, is being billed as a jobs event, a source with knowledge of the arrangements confirms to NBC 5. President Trump will also appear at a fundraiser for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who also appeared with the president during last visit to the state earlier this year. Touting his Buy American, Hire American executive order, Trump last visited Wisconsin in April, appearing at tool manufacturer Snap-On during his visit to the state. The president also visited Wisconsin late in 2016 after his election as president, where he held a rally in the town of West Allis following his victory. Doctors working on Amtrak conductor who was critically wounded in a shooting earlier this month at a station in Naperville say they are hopefulbut Michael Case has a long road ahead of him. Case, 45, a Navy veteran from Homewood, was shot in the torso, according to Amtrak and police. The suspect, a man in his 70s from Wisconsin, fired from the window of a train, police say. The alleged shooter was found by police being restrained by passengers on the train, authorities said. Case has spent the past two weeks receiving treatment at Edward Hospitaland was on a ventilator for several days. Doctors say he is now off the ventilator and speaking with his family. He was to undergo surgery Wednesday for about six hoursone of at least three more he will need in the weeks and months to come, doctors say. Dr. David Piazza, a trauma surgeon at Edward Hospital, told reporters Case underwent what is referred to as a carwash surgery. "We go in, wash things out and put in drains closer to where we need them and possibly do some rerouting if his tissue is ready for it today," he said. "He'll have more surgery in the future." Case remains in critical but stable condition in the ICU. His wife's co-workers at the 5th Quarter Restaurant in Homewood have set up a GoFundMe page to help with his medical expenses. "Your prayers go out to them, it's gotta be tough on all of them," Steven Nemitz, the restauratn's owner, told NBC 5 earlier this month. Cases wife voiced her thanks for the support in a Facebook post shared with NBC 5. "I just want to extend my most deeply felt gratitude," the post reads. I have been truly touched by the outpouring of love, support, prayers and thoughts." Police do not yet know of a motive for the shooting and the suspect is being held in the Naperville police station. Meanwhile, questions have been raised by a witness who says she assisted passengers get to safety while employees at the train station seemed unprepared. Amtrak says it will look at the incident to see if there are lessons to be learned. There are recommended federal guidelines to keep rail passengers safe. Rail systems are urged to train for evacuation, panic prevention and communication. Metra says its part of the office was unstaffed that afternoon. The Amtrak train, called the Southwest Chief, runs from Los Angeles to Chicago and was carrying 235 passengers at the time. Per Amtrak policy, unloaded weapons are allowed in checked bags with advanced notice only. Having a loaded gun in a passenger car is considered a violation, according to an Amtrak spokesperson. Wednesday marks both the final day of the Illinois spring legislative session, as well as the states 700th day without a budget and there is no deal in sight. With lawmakers set to depart after midnight, Springfield has already seen high tensions, with protests and criticism expected to continue. Traditionally in years past, the May 31 deadline has meant last-minute meetings with the four leaders of both the Illinois House and Senate, as well as the governor, but the Capitol hasnt seen high-level summits like that in quite some time. "The situation is dire, said Republican State Sen. Karen McConnaughey, of Elgin. We've got to keep working on it, we've got to stay at the table, she continued. We've been trying to do that - the Republicans have been sitting at the table, waiting for the Democrats to come back and continue the conversation where we left off. But Democrats shared that their hesitation to negotiate centers on Gov. Bruce Rauner. "Our biggest fear is no matter what we agree to, as weve seen times in the Senate, whatever we agree to, the governor is going to try to blow it up first. If it passes, he's going to veto it," said Democratic State Rep. Greg Harris, of Chicago. Yet another Republican said that Rauner has already compromised on his core issues even the income tax increase passed by the Senate, which reportedly does not have enough votes in the House to reach his desk. "We're not cutting any spending. We're not doing pension reform. We're not doing Medicaid reform, said Barrington State Rep. Dave McSweeney, adding, The governor has been secretly negotiating a tax increase. With just hours to go, it appears as though there will be no budget deal, and if lawmakers fail to approve some form of compromise, they will then need two-thirds approval, rather than a simple majority, on any legislation passed after the end of session. Today weve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly, Rauner said during a press conference Wednesday. Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. Even before the midnight deadline, the Illinois House already preemptively approved meetings in continuous session, planning to return to Springfield on Wednesdays throughout June, with the next goal (barring any last minute Wednesday agreement) as June 30. By then, schools, particularly Chicago Public Schools, will be even more anxious to see what state funding for the fall may look like. While the final day has seen no protests, activists came to Springfield Tuesday to express their disdain over the states nearly two-yearlong budget impasse, storming the Capitol in a spectacle that ended in multiple arrests. After about a dozen protesters were removed from the House gallery for disrupting session in the afternoon, dozens gathered in front of Gov. Bruce Rauners office late into the night, refusing to leave until state police arrived. [[425408674, C]] "What do we want? Universal mental healthcare," they chanted. "When do we want it? Now." Many of those participating represented social service agencies that have not been paid during the impasse, with some taking part in a March to Springfield to send a message. "People are angry because theyre hurting, said Kristi Sanford, of activist group The Peoples Lobby. So we have people whove marched 15 days and 200 miles from Chicago to Springfield because theyve lost loved ones without health care, or they cant get the mental health care they need, or their schools are underfunded or their MAP grants have been taken away. State Capitol police issued three warnings to the protesters, who zip tied themselves together in front of Rauners office, and just after 10:30 p.m., those refusing to move were arrested and removed. Thirty-four people were taken into custody, held for about an hour and then released, authorities said, adding that they will be charged with criminal trespassing. While a budget deal remains elusive, lawmakers continued to pass other legislation Wednesday, with several lobbyists including one of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuels closest aides, Michael Sacks monitoring the action from both chambers. Two people that remained out of sight on sessions final day? Rauner and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, both figures central to the stalemate. Lawmakers adjourned Wednesday night, on the final day of the Illinois spring legislative session, once again failing to end the state's historic budget stalemate, leaving thousands of Illinois residents in a financial crisis. It's a move that not only means more votes will be needed to pass legislation going forward, but one that could also bring new money problems for tens of thousands of Illinois residents as the state continues to grapple with the longest state budget drought in modern American history. As of Thursday, the state owes $14 billion in bills, with courts ordering who gets paid as the impasse nears its two-year mark. Among those still getting paychecks are lawmakers. Today weve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly, Gov. Bruce Rauner said during a press conference Wednesday. Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. Wednesday marked the states 700th day without a budget, a day that was met with high tensions, protests and criticism in Springfield. It is reportedly the longest a state has gone without a budget deal since at least the Great Depression. State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the budget impasse has left thousands in a "crisis," even saying her office has become a "trauma center." "Those are stories about people who have lost their lives, will be losing their lives and are going without services that are vital to their subsistence in this state," she said. Mendoza said she plans to head to Federal court to ask if those who received managed care can move to the head of the line for those waiting to be paid by the state, a decision she hopes will be a "tipping point." Traditionally in years past, the May 31 deadline has meant last-minute meetings with the four leaders of both the Illinois House and Senate, as well as the governor, but the Capitol hasnt seen high-level summits like that in quite some time. "The situation is dire, said Republican State Sen. Karen McConnaughey, of Elgin. We've got to keep working on it, we've got to stay at the table, she continued. We've been trying to do that - the Republicans have been sitting at the table, waiting for the Democrats to come back and continue the conversation where we left off. But Democrats shared that their hesitation to negotiate centers on Gov. Bruce Rauner. "Our biggest fear is no matter what we agree to, as weve seen times in the Senate, whatever we agree to, the governor is going to try to blow it up first. If it passes, he's going to veto it," said Democratic State Rep. Greg Harris, of Chicago. Yet another Republican said that Rauner has already compromised on his core issues even the income tax increase passed by the Senate, which reportedly does not have enough votes in the House to reach his desk. "We're not cutting any spending. We're not doing pension reform. We're not doing Medicaid reform, said Barrington State Rep. Dave McSweeney, adding, The governor has been secretly negotiating a tax increase. The failure to approve some form of compromise by Wednesday means lawmakers will need two-thirds approval, rather than a simple majority, on any legislation passed after the end of session. "What we have here is insiders who have been in power for decades, who created the current system and refuse to change it," Rauner said. Even before the midnight deadline, the Illinois House already preemptively approved meetings in continuous session, planning to return to Springfield on Wednesdays throughout June, with the next goal set as June 30. By then, schools, particularly Chicago Public Schools, will be even more anxious to see what state funding for the fall may look like. "We're going to start to see some real pain, some real downgrades," Senate President John Cullerton said Wednesday. "We don't have any funding for schools, for higher education, we don't have a budget. It should have tonight, but it didn't." While a budget deal remains elusive, lawmakers continued to pass other legislation Wednesday, with several lobbyists including one of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuels closest aides, Michael Sacks monitoring the action from both chambers. President Donald Trump says he will announce his decision on whether to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord during a Rose Garden event Thursday afternoon. Trump promoted his announcement Wednesday night on Twitter, after a day in which U.S. allies around the world sounded alarms about the likely consequences of a U.S. withdrawal. Trump himself kept everyone in suspense, saying he was still listening to "a lot of people both ways." The White House signaled that Trump was likely to decide on exiting the global pact fulfilling one of his principal campaign pledges though top aides were divided. And the final decision may not be entirely clear-cut: Aides were still deliberating on "caveats in the language," one official said. Everyone cautioned that no decision was final until Trump announced it. The president has been known to change his thinking on major decisions and tends to seek counsel from both inside and outside advisers, many with differing agendas, until the last minute. Abandoning the pact would isolate the U.S. from a raft of international allies who spent years negotiating the 2015 agreement to fight global warming and pollution by reducing carbon emissions in nearly 200 nations. While traveling abroad last week, Trump was repeatedly pressed to stay in the deal by European leaders and the Vatican. Withdrawing would leave the United States aligned only with Russia among the world's industrialized economies. American corporate leaders have also appealed to the businessman-turned-president to stay. They include Apple, Google and Walmart. Even fossil fuel companies such as Exxon Mobil, BP and Shell say the United States should abide by the deal. Trump's predecessor Barack Obama enacted the deal without U.S. Senate ratification. A formal withdrawal would take years, experts say, a situation that led the president of the European Commission to speak dismissively of Trump on Wednesday. Trump doesn't "comprehensively understand" the terms of the accord, though European leaders tried to explain the process for withdrawing to him "in clear, simple sentences" during summit meetings last week, Jean-Claude Juncker said in Berlin. "It looks like that attempt failed," Juncker said. "This notion, 'I am Trump, I am American, America first and I am getting out,' that is not going to happen." Some of Trump's aides have been searching for a middle ground perhaps by renegotiating the terms of the agreement in an effort to thread the needle between his base of supporters who oppose the deal and those warning that a U.S. exit would deal a blow to the fight against global warming as well as to worldwide U.S. leadership. That fight has played out within Trump's administration. Trump met Wednesday with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has favored remaining in the agreement. Chief strategist Steve Bannon supports an exit, as does Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt. Trump's chief economic adviser, Gary Cohn, has discussed the possibility of changing the U.S. carbon reduction targets instead of pulling out of the deal completely. Senior adviser Jared Kushner generally thinks the deal is bad but still would like to see if emissions targets can be changed. Trump's influential daughter Ivanka Trump's preference is to stay, but she has made it a priority to establish a review process so her father would hear from all sides, said a senior administration official. Like the other officials, that person was not authorized to describe the private discussions by name and spoke only on condition of anonymity. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Wednesday in Alaska that he had "yet to read what the actual Paris Agreement is," and would have to read it before weighing in. Trump has several options, climate experts said. The emissions goals are voluntary with no real consequences for countries that fail to meet them. That means the U.S. could stay in the accord and choose not to hit its goals or stay in the pact but adjust its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. has agreed to reduce its emissions by 2025 to 26 percent to 28 percent of 2005 levels about 1.6 billion tons. "Paris more than anything is a symbol," said Nigel Purvis, who directed U.S. climate diplomacy during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations Another option, said University of California, Berkeley climate scientist Zeke Hausfather, would be for Trump to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the treaty on which the Paris accord was based, which would take only a year. News of Trump's expected decision drew swift reaction from the United Nations. The organization's main Twitter page quoted Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying, "Climate change is undeniable. Climate change is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable." Scientists say that Earth is likely to reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner if the U.S. retreats from its pledge because America contributes so much to rising temperatures. Calculations suggest withdrawal could result in emissions of up to 3 billion tons of additional carbon dioxide in the air a year enough to melt ice sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather. The Sierra Club's executive director, Michael Brune, called the expected move a "historic mistake which our grandchildren will look back on with stunned dismay at how a world leader could be so divorced from reality and morality." Trump claimed before taking office that climate change was a "hoax" created by the Chinese to hurt the U.S. economy, an assertion that stands in defiance of broad scientific consensus. He has spent his first months in office working to delay and roll back federal regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions while pledging to revive long-struggling U.S. coal mines. But Cohn, Trump's chief White House economic adviser, told reporters during the trip abroad that the president's views on climate change were "evolving" following the discussions with European leaders. Still, Cohn said that the carbon levels agreed to by the prior administration "would be highly crippling to the U.S. economic growth," and if the president had to choose between limiting carbon and economic growth, "growing our economy is going to win." Supporters of the deal say it's not an either-or choice. EDITOR'S NOTE: This article contains graphic content. A New Britain man is accused of kidnapping and drugging a teen and court documents say he and several of his friends are accused of raping her in a basement for six days. Miguel Pagan, 20, of New Britain, has been charged with trafficking a person, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, unlawful restraint, kidnapping with a firearm and two counts of risk of injury to a minor by sexual contact. Authorities are looking for seven other men believed to be involved in the sex assault. New Britain Police said they received a report of a missing teen on April 7. The 14-year-old's foster mother had contacted the girl's biological mother to say she was missing. When the girl's biological mother checked Facebook messenger, it appeared the teen hadn't been active in more than 16 hours, which was odd behavior, according to the court documents. The mother soon learned that her daughter might be with "Wookie," who was later identified as Pagan. She was then able to obtain Pagan's address and phone number through a mutual friend, police said. A friend of the girl's family assisted police in arranging for the victim to be dropped off around the area of the McDonald's parking lot in the New Britain Plaza and brought her inside Price Rite, according to the documents. Police said the family friend called Pagan and accused the 20-year-old of holding the teen against her will and raping her. The friend told police that the teen told him she was raped several times over the course of six days in Pagan's basement recording studio on Clark Street. The responding officer said police had served a narcotics search warrant at the Clark Street address two years earlier and recalled the basement a music recording studio was being built there. Police then saw Pagan posted an announcement on Facebook about a party he was throwing on April 13 and that is where officers ultimately arrested him. During an interview at the station, the suspect admitted to having sex with the minor after picking her up on the west side of the city on April 7 and he also admitted to having photos of her on his phone, according to court documents. Authorities applied for search warrants for Pagan's Facebook account and cellphone and found 13 photos of the victim dating back to April 3, indicating that he had known the girl before keeping her at his home for almost a week, according to court documents. Police found that Pagan had exchanged text messages with a friend about the victim. They also found pictures of Pagan holding a long barreled black firearm. Pagan posted a video on Snapchat with the firearm with the caption, "talking (expletive) on Facebook this is what we give 'em." The victim told police Pagan threatened to shoot her if she left or told anyone what happened. Police found messages between Pagan and a person believed to be his mother, which include the person saying they heard Pagan was putting something in girls drinks and having sex with them. The person also urged Pagan to, "use CONDOMS NO EVIDENCE," the investigation found. During an interview with police, the victim named eight men who raped her. She said Pagan had raped her several times over the course of six days and had bitten her. The victim also said Pagan used a knife while raping her and cut her stomach and neck. She had physical marks on her body that corroborated her story. On the fifth day all eight men took turns having sex with her at one time, according to the court documents. She said she made several attempts to escape but the window in the basement was too high. She said when she tried to leave, Pagan and his friends would hold her neck and arms back, the documents detail. The victim told police that Pagan had given her a "white powder" to put on her lips and teeth a few times over the six days. After she washed it down with Hennessy, she fell asleep. Police later identified the white powder as MDMA or "Molly." Pagan has pleaded not guilty, according to the online docket, and is being held on a $1 million bond. Anyone who might have information on the case is asked to call New Britain police. The City of New Haven has released its plan to revamp Union Station. As part of the city's "100 Years Forward" initiative, the city detailed its $65 million plan to renovate the historic building. "After recent news of Aetnas increasingly likely departure from Connecticut, it is now more important than ever for the state to act boldly to develop dense, vibrant urban spaces that attract workers, jobs, and investment," Mayor Toni N. Harp said. "In this plan, the City and Park New Haven are prepared to make Union Station fulfill its potential as both a gateway to the state and an iconic hub of a developing mixed-use neighborhood." The project includes a new 645-space parking garage, train station amenities, intermodal transit connectivity and critical station maintenance. The plan is to spend $21 million for necessary upgrades to the building's structural and mechanical systems, $26 million for the parking garage that will include bike and pedestrian facilities and $15 million towards Union Station's retail stores and restaurants. Perched at the crossroads of MetroNorth, Amtrak, and the new Hartford-to-Springfield line, Union Station is poised to become Connecticuts own version of Grand Central Terminal, Harp added. This city recognized the potential built into Union Station a generation ago, when the state was about to tear it down, and has since brought it all the way back to solvency and profitability. Now, New Haven is ready to commit to this project for the long term, in the best interests of the city, region, and state. The city said Union Station in New Haven has more than 700,000 Amtrack customers and more than one million Metro-North riders passing through. What to Know Two investigators, fugitive killed in shooting at a North Texas car dealership. The two investigators may have presented themselves as federal agents. The fugitive was wanted in Minnesota for failing to appear and was considered by some to be among the "most dangerous fugitives in the U.S." Cellphone video captured the moments just before two private investigators and a fugitive from Minnesota were killed in a gun battle Tuesday night when the pair tried to make an arrest inside a North Texas car dealership, police said. Gunfire erupted at about 7:10 p.m. Tuesday when two investigators from Corpus Christi, 33-year-old Gabriel Bernal and 54-year-old Fidel Garcia, tried to arrest Ramon Michael Hutchinson, 49, a wanted man out of St. Paul, Minnesota, as he sat inside an office inside the dealership, Greenville police said.[[425547144,C]] As Bernal and Garcia approached Hutchinson with guns drawn, Hutchinson tried to pull a pistol from his waistband but ended up dropping it on a desk, police said. "A scuffle ensued in the office as Hutchinson tried to pick up the weapon," police said. "Hutchinson was able to retrieve his weapon and began firing. Both Garcia and Bernal returned fire ... all three subjects suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene." Police said the three fired approximately 20 shots in just six seconds. Cellphone video of the shooting was released by the Greenville Police Department Wednesday afternoon. The video was confiscated, but it is unclear who recorded it, according to a city spokesperson. In the video, Bernal and Garcia can be seen approaching an office with guns drawn as well as the scuffle described by police. When the shooting began, the person recording the video turned and ran for cover, but the gunshots and screaming can be clearly heard. Greenville police also released 911 calls placed during the shooting, including a woman who said she was hiding in the bathroom while asking police to "please, hurry." Greenville police released 911 calls placed during a shooting inside a Nissan dealership, May 30, 2017, including a woman who said she was hiding in the bathroom while asking police to, "please, hurry." "There are three families mourning the loss of life today," said Stew Peters, a bail investigator with the private Minnesota-based company U.S. Fugitive Recovery and Extradition. "Fidel Garcia was a very dedicated, committed professional in the field of bail investigations. His relentless pursuit of hundreds of violent offenders led to the successful apprehension without incident over many years. That pursuit of justice ended tragically last night ... he will never be forgotten as a hero." Peters said Garcia and Bernal tracked Hutchinson to the dealership. He added that Hutchinson was wanted on charges that included assaulting a law enforcement officer and that law enforcement colleagues described him as one of the "most dangerous fugitives in the U.S." NBC 5 Law Enforcement Expert Don Peritz discusses the role of bounty hunters and how they operate in Texas. Greenville police, meanwhile, said Hutchinson had been sought since March by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department in Minneapolis for failing to appear on a first degree drug charge. The dealership's owner, Rick Ford, told NBC 5 Tuesday night that two men in plainclothes arrived at his dealership several hours before the shooting and identified themselves as federal agents who were waiting for someone, though they showed no badges. Greenville police released video from inside a Nissan car dealership of a violent confrontation that ended with three people dead. A customer and an "associate," Ford said, arrived after 7 p.m. and the two men then approached the man. When they tried to apprehend him, Ford said, the gunfight erupted as horrified employees and customers ducked for cover. "I've been told that the two gentlemen approached [the associate] with handcuffs and were going to try to arrest him and that's when the shooting started," Ford said. Greenville police said they were not alerted about the planned arrest beforehand. Police in Greenville confirm that three men are dead after a shooting inside the Nissan of Greenville auto dealership. The dealership owner said the business will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday as they make repairs and clean up shattered glass from the shooting. The service department will re-open Friday morning and the showroom will be open Monday. Officers from the Greenville Police Department, the Hunt County Sheriff's Office and Texas State Troopers are all investigating. Greenville police are investigating a shooting that left three people dead at a Nissan dealership Tuesday evening. NBC 5's Ashleigh Barry and Homa Bash contributed to this report. Saumya Rawat is a soon-to-be senior at Dallas' School for Science and Engineering. While most students spend their summers taking a break from studying, Saumya will be encouraging other girls to learn. "When I was in seventh grade, my parents, they enrolled me in a Java camp," Saumya recalled. "I was the only girl there." Saumya wants to change that. "I feel like we're breaking the stereotype. More girls are going into S.T.E.M., but there still aren't enough," she said. S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The disciplines have traditionally attracted more men than women. "I want to break those gender barriers," Saumya said. "This is something I want to do. I like it, I should be able to do it and do it freely. No one should be restricting me." It's a passion that Saumya turned into her school "passion project." She got a grand to offer a free three-day "IT Empowerment for Her" camp for middle school girls. "Hopefully by the end of the three-day program they will be able to make their own apps to help impact their community," Saumya said. "So that kind of exposure, we're hoping will interest them to go toward this field and to seek other opportunities and seek that support and backing to encourage them to keep going in this field." IT Empowerment for Her is offered July 25 through July 27. It is free. For more information click on this link. More: IT Empowerment for Her A sheriff says a second person has been killed in a corn mill explosion in southern Wisconsin as crews continue to search the debris for a third person still missing. Columbia County Sheriff Dennis Richards confirmed the second death at a news conference Thursday evening. Richards also said the cause of the explosion remains unknown. The names of the victims have not yet been released. Richards earlier said that 16 employees were inside the plant in the Village of Cambria when the blast occurred. Cambria Fire Chief Cody Doucette also confirmed that a smaller fire occurred in a different part of the plant on Monday. Doucette says investigators are trying to determine if there was a connection between the fires. Stepping back from a campaign promise and incurring Israeli ire, President Donald Trump acted Thursday to keep the U.S. Embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv for now instead of moving it to Jerusalem, a cautious move aimed at bolstering prospects for an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord. Trump avoided a step that threatened to inflame tensions across the Middle East and undermine a push for peace before it even started. Still, the White House insisted Trump was merely delaying, not abandoning, his oft-cited pledge to relocate the embassy. "The question is not if that move happens, but only when," said White House press secretary Sean Spicer. The praise from Palestinian and Arab leaders and the protest from Israelis showed just how far Trump has shifted from the unwavering support for Israel's policies that he expressed during the 2016 campaign. As president, Trump has proceeded cautiously, hoping to preserve his ability to serve as an effective mediator for one of the world's most intractable conflicts. The decision is a blow to Israeli hard-liners and their American backers who have long urged the United States and others to build their embassies in Jerusalem. Israel considers the holy city to be its capital and insists the city must not be divided; Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital for a future, independent state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Trump's move had damaged prospects for peace by preserving "the Palestinian fantasy that the Jewish people and the Jewish state have no connection to Jerusalem." Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz, a senior member of government, accused Trump of "a surrender" to pressure from Arab and Muslim nations. "The time has come to put an end to this farce," Steinitz told Army Radio. Palestinian leaders cheered the move and said it improved the atmosphere for future negotiations by demonstrating Trump's seriousness about the process. Hussam Zomlot, the Palestinian envoy in Washington, said the move "gives peace a chance." "We are ready to start the consultation process with the U.S. administration," he said after Trump's announcement. Trump had faced a Thursday deadline to determine how to proceed. Under a 1990s law passed by Congress, the president must move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem or the State Department loses half its funding for overseas facilities. But the president can waive the law if asserting that a waiver is in U.S. national security interests. Presidents of both parties have consistently renewed the waivers for six-month stretches. The last waiver was signed by former President Barack Obama six months ago. "For all the rhetorical flourishes, the president is conducting a very traditional approach to Arab-Israeli peacemaking," said Robert Satloff, who runs the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "From Trump, who may have ideas about breaking the mold and 'the art of the deal,' this is a very conventional traditional way of going about narrowing the two sides, bringing them back to the debate and avoiding anything that might upset one or the other side too much." Jerusalem's status is one of the most emotionally charged matters separating the Israelis and Palestinians. Each side stakes claims to a city that plays a central role in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. During his visit to Israel last month, Trump visited the Western Wall, the Jewish holy site that sits just steps from the Al-Aqsa Mosque, revered in Islam. Both are in the Old City, part of east Jerusalem. Israel has controlled the western part of Jerusalem, home to most of Israel's government institutions, since gaining independence in 1948. Two decades later, Israel captured east Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed it, though without international recognition. The long-standing U.S. position is that Jerusalem's fate must be worked out through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Trump had been lobbied heavily by Mideast leaders, notably Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah II of Jordan, to sign the waiver and prevent further instability and unrest in the region. Trump heard that message directly from Arab leaders last month when he visited Saudi Arabia at the start of his first overseas trip as president. Abdullah in particular expressed deep concern that moving the U.S. Embassy would spark unrest among his country's large Palestinian population. Government spokesman Mohammed Momani said Jordan welcomed Trump's decision and believed it sent an important message. "We see the decision as a reflection of deep understanding of the issue, and shows how much the Administration values the advice of its allies," Momani said. U.S. officials say the process of moving the embassy would take at least six months and involve major adjustments in security, office and housing space and staffing at both the existing facility in Tel Aviv and the consulate general in Jerusalem. Building a new complex in Jerusalem could take even longer. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Washington, Josef Federman and Ian Deitch in Jerusalem, and Karin Laub in Jericho, West Bank, contributed to this report. State Rep. Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving one of the lawmakers involved in a heated shouting match this week on the House floor already faces a challenger for his seat next year. "Yes, I have decided to run again," said Democrat Dorotha Ocker, a Carrollton attorney. Ocker lost the election to Rinaldi last November by just 1,048 votes out of the 59,000 cast. "I think we have a very good chance of winning," Ocker said. "I realize that by getting so close, it meant that there were a lot of people who really didn't think they were being represented by Matt Rinaldi who even crossed over to help me." On Monday, the two-term Texas House member was involved in a scuffle with Hispanic lawmakers on the House floor, after Rinaldi said he called federal immigration agents about protesters in the House chamber. "It really upset me to see him act in such a way on the House floor," Ocker said. "I was really concerned to see my representative be so disrespectful to his colleagues and disrespectful to other Texans who want to have their voices heard." About three dozen people protested Wednesday outside Rinaldi's district office in Farmers Branch, which was closed at the time. "This is the groundswell, this is the beginning," said community activist Carlos Quintanilla. "This is like a domino effect, you know, little by little. We're going to encourage people to register to vote, to vote, get a good candidate to run against him and defeat him in the next election." At least two people stood nearby to support Rinaldi. "I stand by what he did," said Ron Hansen, who supports Rinaldi. "I mean, I think there was a little tension in the air, if you will, but I certainly stand by him." NBC 5 has reached out to Rinaldi several times since Monday, but has not yet heard back from him. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sat down at The Studios at DFW for a one-on-one interview Wednesday to discuss Texas' 85th legislative session. Patrick is hopeful that property tax reform, and the Texas Privacy act, get further attention if there is a special session. The people want us to do our job, and they really don't care, in my view, if we have to stay a few extra months to do it. They don't care when we get home. They care that they can afford to live in their home and that is the property tax issue which impacts everyone, even if you live in an apartment. Property taxes are going up on the apartment owners and they pass that along through the rents, said Patrick. The House and Senate did not agree on a property tax reform bill. The Senate bill called for an automatic election that will let voters decide if a city or municipality decided to raise property taxes more than 4 percent. The House bill did not include that measure. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sat down at The Studios at DFW for a one-on-one interview Wednesday to discuss Texas' 85th legislative session. Patrick also wants to see legislation regarding bathrooms. The Senate bill that passed required Texans to use the gender that matches that on their birth certificates while in schools and public buildings. The House passed a bill that pertained to schools K-12. Patrick has said it did not do enough. The people of Texas, it is not controversial, dont want their sons and daughters showering together in the 10th grade and they dont want any man to walk into a ladies room at any time, said Patrick. There have been protests about the Senate bill throughout the session and businesses have expressed their concerns about it. Fourteen companies, including Facebook, Amazon and IBM, wrote a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott asking him not to pursue any discriminatory legislation. I don't care what some big company tells us what they want us to do in Texas. You know, we are a very pro-business state and we attract a lot of businesses. They are moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area faster than you can count, said Patrick. Tension ran very high between Patrick and Republican House Speaker Joe Straus throughout the session. Patrick said Straus didnt bring the property tax legislation that called for voter approval on property tax hikes above 4 percent to the floor and also said he didnt give House members the opportunity to vote on the Texas Privacy Act. Straus said at the end of the session, It is absurd that bathroom bills have taken on greater urgency than fixing our school finance system." Straus' communications director, Jason Embry, addressed property taxes Wednesday saying, "Schools are the biggest driver of local property taxes, and the Texas House approved a plan that would have relieved the property tax burden by increasing state funding for schools by $1.8 billion. The Lieutenant Governor and Senate supported a billion dollars less for schools, choosing instead to put that extra burden on local property taxpayers in Dallas and elsewhere." Only the governor can call a special session and only the governor chooses the topics of a special session. A special session appears likely because a routine bill to extend the life of the Texas Medical Board did not get through. The bill regulates all of the doctors in the state. All of this is happening about a year a half before the 2018 gubernatorial race. There have been questions as to whether the Patrick would challenge Abbott for the governor's mansion, but when asked about it again he reiterated previous answers. Absolutely not. I dont know how many times I can say it. I had a press conference in January where I endorsed Greg Abbott, said Patrick. President Donald Trump, in announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the landmark Paris accord to combat climate change, said, "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris." Maybe he should have chosen a different city. Pittsburghs Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, quickly tweeted that Hillary Clinton had received 80 percent of his citys vote. "As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of Paris Agreement for our people, our economy and future," Peduto wrote. Peduto is part of a global coalition of city leaders committed to mitigating climate change in cities. Last year, before a lunch to discuss what the Paris accord would mean for Pittsburgh, the city's World Affairs Council cited his experience in building a new economy and making the city a leader in green initiatives. The United States joins Syria, Nicaragua & Russia in deciding not to participate with world's Paris Agreement. It's now up to cities to lead bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017 Its Office of Sustainability notes that Pittsburgh is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the city limits and mitigate its contributions to global climate change. "We have already begun to experience the effects of climate change in Pittsburgh with colder winters, and we know Pennsylvania can expect longer and hotter summers, decreased winter snowpack and increased rainfall," the citys website says. "We need coordinated, concentrated and comprehensive carbon mitigation action now to reduce the severity of regional impacts and prepare for a low carbon economy." It will take nearly four years for the United States to withdraw from the accord intended to curb emissions responsible for climate change. Trump said the United States would begin negotiations to re-enter the agreement or to reach a new treaty with better terms for the United States. "So we're getting out, but we will start to negotiate and we will see if we can make a deal that's fair," he said. "And if we can, thats great. And if we cant, thats fine." Of the 197 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 195 signed the Paris agreement. Only Syria and Nicaragua did not, Nicaragua over concerns that it would not prevent the worsening of global warming. After Trump's announcement, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted her appreciation for Pittsburgh. "Once again @realDonaldTrump is wrong," she wrote. "#Paris & #Pittsburgh do stand together for the #ParisAgreement #Cities4Climate." Trump carried Pennsylvania in a close race -- a win driven by working class voters upset about the loss of coal and manufacturing jobs -- but in a recent poll he received poor marks on climate and the environment. A Franklin & Marshall University poll in May found that although the president gets strong support from Republicans and conservatives, just over half the state's voters gave him an "F" in climate change and the environment. Perhaps Pittsburg, Kansas, would have been a better choice for Trump's comparison. The city in Crawford County voted overwhelmingly for Trump, at 57 percent, while Hillary Clinton received 34 percent. h The ranch, as a place, idea, and way of life, flourishes at a points around the planet, but only a few locations can claim to be the home of not just a ranch, but a movie ranch. Southern California is one of those spots, a cinematic stretch that's seen hundreds of films and television shows set up productions at our horsey, atmospheric, Old-West-like movie ranches. The short of it? More lights than livestock tend to pop up at these properties, as a general rule, and more craft service tables than hay bales. Paramount Ranch is among our most celebrated movie ranches, with the ranch's recognizable Western Town having served as a sepia-toned backdrop in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," Bob Hope's "Caught in the Draft," and TV's "The Cisco Kid," just to cite a few of the starry many. The oak-lovely Agoura Hills property, which boasts a number of buildings bearing an 1800s-style mien, has clearly been around for more than a couple of decades. Make that nine decades, exactly, in 2017, which happens to be the year of the movie ranch's big 90th anniversary. To honor this real-world, reel-world spot, the National Park Service is helming an evening devoted to Paramount Ranch's history, all to honor its 90th birthday. The Sunday, June 4 to-do will include a walking tour, followed by an appearance by film historian Marc Wanamaker, followed by a photo-rich presentation on the ranch. Everything begins at 6 on June 4, but NPS invites attendees to arrive early for a picnic. Pack your own, for sure, as this isn't a food-for-sale evening. No spoilers, but the modern name of the ranch surely (and correctly) clues into the fact that Paramount Pictures was behind the property's purchase in 1927. It was Rancho Los Virgenes, once upon a time, and the amount of acreage that Paramount signed for? Some 2,700 acres. Today, Paramount Ranch sits inside the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which means that, in addition to film crews of the future using its handsome setting for a story, film fans and history fans and nature buffs alike will be able to visit, as they do now, for decades to come. Visiting info, beyond the June 4 event? Ride your pony in this direction. Other 90th birthdays in the larger Southern California area? Clearly 1927 was a year for some major dream-making 'round our stomping grounds, for the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and Highland Bowl all are marking 90th birthdays in 2017. What's your favorite Paramount Ranch flick, a film that employed the dusty, ten-gallon'd streets of the chaparral-handsome, scrubby-spectacular movie ranch? There are plenty to choose from. The U.S. Homeland Security chief said Haitian citizens living in the U.S. under the temporary humanitarian program should prepare to return to the earthquake-ravaged island nation. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly traveled to Miami Wednesday evening after his five-hour visit to Haiti, where he discussed a number of issues with Haitian leaders. Kelly talked about his trip to Port-Au-Prince during a joint press conference with Gov. Rick Scott at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. He said he talked to the recently inaugurated Haitian president about the TPS extension. After meeting with Haitian leaders yesterday and doing several media interviews, the secretary's message is quite clear. "By definition TPS is temporary," said Kelly. "They should start thinking now about what will happen in the not too distant future." Washington recently extended until January a temporary humanitarian program that has allowed tens of thousands of Haitians to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation since the 2010 quake. A final decision is expected later this year, but Kelly emphasized that Haitian immigrants should start getting their affairs in order. "I think we need to work towards setting up the 58,000 Haitian citizens who are in this country, setting them up to return home, that is the point of the TPS program," Kelly said at Thursday's press conference. He added that leaders in Haiti told him they would like to buy some time for the country to make more progress in rebuilding, but they told him they would welcome back their citizens. U.S. officials say conditions in Haiti have significantly improved since the quake. But, advocates for Haitians say conditions have not improved nearly enough for Haitians to be deported."The blatant denial of concrete evidence that shows that Haiti is in no condition to reintegrate tens of thousands of Haitian nationals who have been living abroad for many years is infuriating," FAMN - Haitian Women of Miami said in a statement released Thursday. "Secretary Kelly did not spend a sufficient amount of time in Haiti to make a fair assessment of the countrys conditions." Kelly agrees that the conditions in Haiti are rough and that the process of rebuilding the island nation is a "fragile recovery." However, he suggested the protected status will not last for long. "It will end some day, just like all TPS should end," Kelly said. The U.S. Homeland Security chief was travelling to Haiti on Wednesday for a brief visit less than two weeks after the Trump administration suggested that 58,000 Haitians in the U.S. should get ready to return home. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly was to meet privately with President Jovenel Moise and other officials on the grounds that used to house Haiti's domed National Palace before it pancaked in a devastating 2010 earthquake. A U.S. statement says they'll discuss "issues related to repatriation,'' among other topics. Washington recently extended until January a temporary humanitarian program that has allowed tens of thousands of Haitians to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation since the 2010 quake. U.S. officials say conditions in Haiti have significantly improved since the quake. But advocates for Haitians say conditions have not improved nearly enough for Haitians to be deported, and the Caribbean country's government had been seeking another 18-month extension for its nationals in the "temporary protected status'' program. A final decision is expected later this year, but a recent Homeland Security statement suggested that Haitian immigrants should start getting their affairs in order, including acquiring travel documents. Robert Maguire, a Haiti expert who is an international affairs professor at George Washington University, said he believed that Moise had very little space to maneuver on the protected status issue, especially as post-earthquake funding from a variety of sources has diminished. "If Moise pushes back on the deportation of Haitians, he may not be considered a friend of the U.S. and therefore put development assistance in jeopardy,'' he said. But Maguire added that failing to be seen publicly pushing back on mass deportations -- a sensitive topic in Haiti --"is bound to make his already weak young presidency appear even weaker.'' A number of humanitarian and development organizations working in Haiti called this week for Kelly to see Haiti's vulnerability firsthand, including the vast unregulated sprawl just outside Port-au-Prince where at least 250,000 people have settled since the quake devastated much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. A group of U.S. lawmakers who oppose deportations of the Haitians also called for Kelly to join them on a future tour of the struggling southwest region slammed by last year's Hurricane Matthew and hit hard by flooding from torrential spring rains. Kelly was only expected to visit Haiti's capital for a few hours before heading back to the U.S. "I sincerely doubt that such a cursory trip will provide Secretary Kelly with enough substantive knowledge to truly understand the conditions on the ground and properly inform his decision on whether to extend Temporary Protected Status in six months,'' said Rep. Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York. Another U.S. congresswoman, Rep. Frederica Wilson, described Kelly's visit as a "positive signal.'' But she also doubted he would get much in the way of information "to fairly and accurately assess the destruction and despair'' from the quake, an ongoing cholera epidemic and last year's hurricane. While Haiti did make advances spurred by international aid since the quake, it remains one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the world. There's growing worry that if nearly 60,000 Haitians are deported, the loss of remittances from the U.S. that sustain vulnerable families will cause suffering. "If all those people come back to Haiti there won't be any work for them and no money getting sent here. This place is struggling,'' said Napheline Dor, who is still living beneath tarp in the southwest city of Les Cayes some eight months after Matthew peeled off her shack's metal roof. A onetime Air Force serviceman turned ISIS supporter has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for supporting ISIS. Tairod Pugh, 49, was sentenced in federal court Wednesday following his March conviction of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Pugh tried to travel to Syria in 2015 to join with ISIS fighters but he was stopped in Istanbul and sent back to the U.S. where he was arrested by the FBI. "The defendant turned his back on his country, and the military he once served, to attempt to join brutally violent terrorist organization committed to the slaughter of innocent people throughout the world," said Bridget M. Rhode, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. During his trial, prosecutors pointed out his writings, including one letter to his wife voicing support for ISIS and telling her he was trying to become a martyr. Pugh had served in the Air Force as a mechanic more than 20 years ago. But officials said he became increasingly radical after the 9/11 attacks, culminating with his attempts to travel overseas in 2015. Authorities seized Pugh's laptop after his arrest and found Internet searches for "borders controlled by Islamic state," an ISIS propaganda video and ISIS execution videos. On Facebook, he advised followers "to [support] ISIS with your bodies." Pugh is one of dozens of suspects arrested for trying to travel overseas. The FBI has said it has investigations ongoing in all 50 states into suspected extremists. Pughs lawyers have promised to appeal the conviction. Judge Nicholas Garaufis is expected to hand down the sentence on the terror-related charges in Brooklyn federal court, charges which carry a maximum of up to 35 years in prison. CORRECTION (May 31, 2017, 7:15 p.m.) An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the New York judge. He is Judge Nicholas Garaufis, not Judge Nicolas Garrafus. A wrong-way crash on I-78 in New Jersey that killed an off-duty police officer happened in one of the few spots on the highway without a guardrail or physical barrier, the I-Team has discovered, raising questions about why the area was unprotected. Probably 95 percent of 78 has some sort of [barrier] that physically prevents a driver from crossing over, said Joseph Staiger, an engineer with Dynamic Traffic, LLC and an expert in New Jersey highway design and rules. Summit police officer Matthew Tarentino, a father of two with a child on the way, was heading to work Tuesday morning when a car crossed over the grassy median in Bernards Township and hit him head on. Tarentino and one person in the other car died. [A guardrail] certainly would have prevented this accident, Staiger said. But the New Jersey Department of Transportation pointed out to News 4 New York that the median doesnt meet a key specification. The NJDOT Roadway Design Manual requires median guide rail on high speed, access controlled highways, such as Interstate highways, where the median width is 60-feet or less from the inside shoulder/edge line on one side, across the median to the inside shoulder/edge line on the other. a spokesman said in a statement. The location of the crash on I-78 has a median width of approximately 80 feet, therefore median guiderail is not required, the spokesman said. Despite the NJDOT requirements, however, the I-Team found guardrails on sections of the I-78 median that are wider than 60 feet. Even though the guardrail was not technically required, Staiger said installing it would have made sense, being that there are relatively short sections where there is no physical barrier. Bernards Township Police Chief Brian Bobowicz, who responded to the crash, told the I-Team it should be a wake-up call for a guardrail to be installed. I can only hope to ask DOT to be reflective of the tragic loss of two lives in one accident, he said. I think this one accident is terrible enough to ask the DOT to take a hard second look and turn something negative into something positive use this is a catalyst for positive change and install some safety measure. What to Know The House intelligence committee said it's issuing subpoenas for Michael Flynn and President Donald Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen Taxpayers may have overpaid by as much as $1.27 billion for EpiPen anti-allergy devices over the course of a decade, a U.S. senator says A guitar that Jerry Garcia played everywhere from San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom to Egypt's Great Pyramids is headed to auction Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here. House Intelligence Committee Issues Subpoenas in Russia Probe The House intelligence committee said it is issuing subpoenas for former national security adviser Michael Flynn and President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as well as their businesses, as part of its investigation into Russian activities during last year's election. In addition to those four subpoenas, the committee has issued three others to the National Security Agency, the FBI and the CIA for information about requests that government officials made to "unmask" the identities of U.S. individuals named in classified intelligence reports, according to a congressional aide. The subpoenas were announced as the special counsel overseeing the government's investigation into possible Trump campaign ties to Russia has approved former FBI Director James Comey to testify before the Senate intelligence committee, according to a Comey associate. At a briefing, press secretary Sean Spicer said inquiries about the Russia investigation must be directed to Marc Kasowitz, another of Trump's personal attorneys. It marked the first time the White House had officially acknowledged that outside counsel had been retained. Afghans Mourn a Day After Massive Truck Bombing Kills 90 Afghans are mourning the loss of family members, friends and colleagues a day after a massive truck bomb in the capital Kabul left at least 90 people dead and more than 450 others wounded. It was one of the worst extremist attacks since the drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan in 2014. Scores of people waited in hospitals to hear about the status of family members and friends wounded in Wednesday's attack. The bomber drove into Kabul's heavily guarded diplomatic quarter during the morning rush, leaving behind a bloody chaos and destruction. Most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children, but the dead also included Afghan security guards. There has been no claim of responsibility for the Kabul attack. Leaked Birth Control Rule Would Broaden Religious Exemption Women's groups are threatening to take the Trump administration to court after a leaked, draft regulation revealed a plan to let employers opt out of providing no-cost birth control to women for religious and moral reasons. The White House refused comment, calling the 125-page document posted online by the news site Vox an "alleged draft." A government website shows that a rule on preventive services under the Affordable Care Act which includes birth control is under final review by the White House Office of Management and Budget. The share of women employees paying their own money for birth control pills has plunged to under 4 percent, from 21 percent, since contraception became a covered preventive health benefit under the Obama-era health law, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Research has shown that contraception promotes maternal health by allowing women to space out their pregnancies, among other findings. The birth control requirement also applies to dependent coverage for wives and daughters. Taxpayers May Have Overpaid by More Than $1 Billion for Mylan's EpiPen, Senator Says American taxpayers may have overpaid by as much as $1.27 billion for EpiPen anti-allergy devices over the course of a decade, a U.S. senator said. That is nearly three times the $465 million that EpiPens owner, drugmaker Mylan, last October said it agreed to pay the federal government to settle claims it overcharged the government-run Medicaid system for the devices. As CNBC reports, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said it looks like Mylan overcharged taxpayers for years by knowingly classifying the brand-name EpiPen as a generic drug, resulting in the company paying a lower rebate rate to Medicaid. A spokeswoman for Mylan had no immediate comment. Kathy Griffin Axed by CNN Over Trump Decapitation Pic Donald Trump lost his head. She lost her job. Kathy Griffin's job as co-host of CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast just became the latest casualty of the comic's ill-conceived Trump decapitation photo shoot. The network announced they were axing Griffin from its airwaves. Anderson Cooper, who has co-hosted the special with Griffin for the past decade, was one of several personalities who publicly condemned Griffin's photo. Following the backlash Griffin removed the photo from her social media account and apologized. But it was too little, too late as Griffin found herself on the receiving end of an avalanche of condemnation, including from both Trump and his wife Melania. Jerry Garcia's Wolf Guitar to Be Auctioned for Charity A guitar that Jerry Garcia played everywhere from San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom to Egypt's Great Pyramids is headed to auction. The Grateful Dead frontman's guitar named Wolf will be offered in Brooklyn. The proceeds are earmarked for the Montgomery, Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center. The guitar is being sold by devoted Deadhead Daniel Pritzker. The philanthropist, musician and film director bought it in 2002 at Guernsey's for $790,000. It's predicted that the guitar could fetch over $1 million this time around. The auctioneer says Wolf first appeared in a 1973 New York performance the Grateful Dead gave for the Hells Angels. Garcia died in 1995. Commuters now have a new way to travel between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The South Brooklyn route, the latest addition to the NYC Ferry rollout, will have boats running between Bay Ridge and Wall Street, with stops at Sunset Park, Red Hook, Atlantic Avenue and Dumbo. The first boat left at 6:31 a.m. Thursday and carried about a dozen commuters. "I am delighted to see NYC Ferrys South Brooklyn Route launch," Mayor de Blasio said in a statement. "Its another step forward as we connect what have been transit-starved waterfront communities to the wider city and making it easier for people to get to work and kids to get to schools." The new route should help alleviate pressure on existing routes, which have been plagued by significant delays and overcrowding, the city said. A lot of the people that live in Red Hook, its so hard for them to get places, Betty Haggwood said. "It's sure going to help me because I'll be able to go to Manhattan." Ferries on the new Brooklyn route will run every 30 minutes during peak hours on weekdays and Every 45 to 55 minutes on weekends Routes along the East River in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and to the Rockaways, launched in May. The Astoria ferry route is set to begin in August of this year, and a route to the Lower East Side and Soundview will arrive in 2018. So far the launch of NYC Ferry hasnt been entirely smooth sailing. On Memorial Day weekend, some lines for the ferries were over two hours long. Riders said they anticipate delays. I take it every day. Its five minutes late; its 20 minutes late; it can be sometimes 30 to 50 to an hour late, one woman said. The mayor faced questions about the ferry service on Wednesday. He said the new South Brooklyn route should bring delays down from 20 to 25 minutes to 10 to 15 minutes. De Blasio said the demand for more ferries is a good thing, as it means people are taking advantage of a service that was meant to expand transportation options and connect people in under-served areas. If we have to keep bringing in more boats to accommodate the need, thats a blessing, de Blasio said. Id love that that means more and more people are off the streets and more and more people are out of congested subways and taking advantage of the ferries. While riders have come to expect delays from the ferries, many said they still prefer them over the subway and buses, which also have their fair share of delays. Some bumps and bruises, but its there, Jay Stasi, of Dumbo, said of the ferry service. Brooklyn mom Patricia Kocsondy said the ferry is a perfect way to take her baby girl for her five-week checkup in midtown. Every now and again it will be a couple minutes late, but thats to be expected given its a boat and things are unpredictable. Its no different than the subway, Kocsondy said. New York state's highest court took up the contentious and emotional debate over physician-assisted suicide on Tuesday, hearing arguments in a case filed by terminally ill patients who want the right to request life-ending drugs from their physicians. To people who have long and so far unsuccessfully lobbied for a state law authorizing physician-assisted suicide the courts represent a promising alternative. Plaintiffs want the Court of Appeals to reverse a lower-court ruling that had dismissed the challenge and argue that existing laws against assisting a suicide shouldn't apply to those seeking merciful ends to incurable illnesses. "We don't view this as suicide," said attorney Edwin Schallert, representing the patients and other plaintiffs including physicians and an advocacy group known as End of Life Choices New York. "It's a medically and ethically appropriate treatment ... these are people who wanted to live." An attorney for the state, however, countered that assisted suicide is a question of policy that should be left to elected lawmakers. "The state doesn't discount the importance of what plaintiffs are saying here," said Deputy Solicitor General Anisha Dasgupta. "The Legislature's obligation is to take into account all of the citizens of this state." Questions from judges on the Court of Appeals touched on the distinction between physician-assisted suicide and the current ability of terminally ill patients to refuse food and water or life-sustaining care. The judges also said they understood the gravity of the question before them. "This is a very different medical treatment," Judge Michael Garcia said. A ruling is expected this summer. Legislation to permit and regulate physician-assisted suicide has been introduced but is not expected to get a vote this year. It would allow someone with a terminal illness to request life-ending medication from a physician. Two physicians would have to certify that the patient has a terminal condition and is mentally competent to make the decision. Colorado, Washington, Vermont, California, Oregon and the District of Columbia have laws allowing people to request life-ending medication from physicians. In Montana, a 2009 state Supreme Court decision shielded doctors from prosecution if they help terminally ill patients die. What to Know It was decided to divert the trains to Hoboken rather than divert Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains at Newark The Morris & Essex trains, which carry about 23,000 passengers daily, would be diverted to Hoboken while the more heavily traveled Northeast Fares will be reduced by about half for riders on the Morris & Essex line New Jersey Transit executives on Wednesday defended their decision to restrict service disruptions to one train line to accommodate Amtrak's major repair work at Penn Station this summer, as lawmakers said they would subpoena records to find out how the decision was reached. Meanwhile, NJ Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro offered a measure of consolation to riders on the Morris & Essex line, which serves more than two dozen towns in the two counties: Leave early - very early - and you may not notice a thing. The hearing by the Senate Legislative Oversight and Assembly Judiciary Committees featured representatives from the transit organizations that will handle what Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo described this month as the "summer of hell" for commuters. Amtrak plans to shut down three tracks at a time in the 21-track station for roughly two months to repair and replace aging infrastructure, work that originally was to have been accomplished over two to three years. The catalyst for the accelerated schedule was a series of significant delays, two caused by train derailments, in the last few months that affected train service up and down the corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, the backbiting continued between Amtrak, which owns and operates Penn Station and most of the tracks along the corridor, and NJ Transit, its next-biggest tenant after the Long Island Rail Road. The LIRR hasn't released its final plans for schedule alterations. Santoro accused Amtrak of not sharing information on "the level of degradation that exists right now at Penn Station," while Stephen Gardner, an Amtrak vice president, said NJ Transit's contribution to capital improvements on the corridor under a shared benefits agreement with Amtrak had dwindled from a high of about $45 million in the last decade down to nothing in recent years. Last week's announcement by Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie that the Morris & Essex trains, which carry about 23,000 passengers daily, would be diverted to Hoboken while the more heavily traveled Northeast Corridor service wouldn't be affected raised some eyebrows. State Sen. Bob Gordon and Assemblyman John McKeon, both Democrats, grilled Santoro Wednesday on the rationale behind the decision, and why legislators in the affected areas weren't notified ahead of time. Santoro said it was decided to divert the trains to Hoboken rather than divert Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains at Newark to avoid overcrowding at Newark, which also is the terminus for the Raritan Valley Line and for customers on the Port Authority Trans-Hudson line. He said a decision needed to be made to give NJ Transit time to adjust its fares at ticket machines before July passes go on sale on June 19. Fares will be reduced by about half for riders on the Morris & Essex line. "We had a decision in order to meet the timeline," Santoro said. "There was not time for hearings or public feedback." The Morris & Essex trains will run normal service into New York until 7 a.m. weekdays, Santoro said, providing an incentive for early birds. "Customers are going to have a choice: they can get up earlier and get a one-seat ride into Manhattan," he said. PATH, operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, expects to handle roughly 7,000 more passengers at Hoboken in both the morning and afternoon peak periods, and plans to add cars to its trains to accommodate. New York Waterway, a private ferry company, has about 9,000 seats available on its boats from Hoboken to two downtown Manhattan locations during peak periods, company Chairman Armand Pohan said Wednesday. There are no deals between the U.S. and Russia, the State Department said Wednesday night in response to reports that President Donald Trump was considering returning two diplomatic facilities in the U.S. to Russia, NBC News reported. In December, then-President Barack Obama closed the compounds one in Maryland and one in New York in retaliation for Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the Trump administration was considering handing back the facilities. "The U.S. and Russia have reached no agreements," said R.C. Hammond, senior communications adviser for the State Department. "The next meeting will be in June in St. Petersburg." The FBI and Congress are examining a campaign event last spring during which Donald Trump, Jeff Sessions and Jared Kushner were in a small gathering with Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak and other diplomats at Washington's Mayflower Hotel, multiple U.S. officials told NBC News. Five current and former U.S. officials told NBC News they are aware of classified intelligence suggesting there was some sort of private encounter between Trump and his aides and the Russian envoy, despite a heated denial from Sessions, according to NBC News. Kushner also denied through a spokesman that he met privately with Kislyak that day. The officials acknowledged to NBC News that the evidence does not amount to proof, and they have declined to provide details about it. "The Department of Justice appointed special counsel to assume responsibility for this matter," Department of Justice spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement. "We will allow him to do his job. It is unfortunate that anonymous sources whose credibility will never face public scrutiny are continuously trying to hinder that process by peddling false stories to the mainstream media. The facts haven't changed; the then-Senator did not have any private or side conversations with any Russian officials at the Mayflower Hotel." World leaders on Thursday reacted quickly to President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate change agreement, with former Vice President Al Gore calling the move "reckless and indefensible." Negotiated by 195 countries, the agreement is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change. While it is not a binding treaty, the agreement calls on countries to make voluntary national pledges to reduce emissions and provide periodic updates on their progress. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she regrets Trump's move to withdraw the U.S., but will keep working "to save our Earth." Germany also released a joint statement with France and Italy saying the Paris climate agreement cannot be renegotiated, despite Trump wanting to re-enter it "on better terms." A spokesman to the Secretary-General of the United Nations called Trump's decision a "major disappointment" and said it's "crucial that the United States remains a leader on environmental issues." We are deeply disappointed that the United States federal government has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 1, 2017 The U.K.'s representatives in the United Nations released a statement calling Trump's decision "tragic" that Trump "has so little regard for the long-term future country." In statements prior to Trump's official announcement, China, Germany, the U.K. and Russia all reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Accord and slowing climate change. Some top Republicans, however, supported the move. A gunman stormed a casino in the Philippine capital and torched gambling tables in the crowded space, creating a choking level of smoke that killed at least 36 people, authorities said. The gunman stuffed a backpack with casino chips before he fled but was found dead in an adjacent hotel early Friday of an apparent suicide. The bodies were found in the smoky gambling room by firefighters and all died from suffocation and smoke inhalation, Metropolitan Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said. None of the bodies had gunshot wounds. The attack sent hundreds of people fleeing into the night outside the Resorts World Manila complex and produced a claim of terrorism that police stressed had no evidence to support it. The violence unfolded as government forces were engaged in a second week of fighting against Islamic State group-aligned militants in the southern city of Marawi. "He would have shot all the people gambling there" if it had been terrorism, national police chief Ronald dela Rosa said. Authorities suspect the motive was robbery. "It's either he lost in the casino and wanted to recoup his losses or he went totally nuts," Albayalde said. Dela Rosa said security footage showed the gunman ignoring a guard who tried to question him at the entrance. He did not hurt the guard but went straight to the gambling area, dela Rosa said. The gunman stole gambling chips, shot TV screens and set gambling tables ablaze by pouring gasoline on them, dela Rosa said. It was not clear how the gunman smuggled gasoline and an assault rifle into the crowded casino, but the assailant did not fire at people he encountered. The man carried a 2 liter soda bottle and may have an extra container of gasoline as well, Albayalde said. The room was carpeted and the tables were combustible, he said, and all the bodies were found in the smoky gambling room. Investigators were going to check if the water sprinklers in the hotel worked. More than 70 people suffered mostly minor injuries in the stampede to escape. The only gunshot wound was a guard at the complex, who accidentally shot himself when the suspect entered the room, authorities said. A South Korean died of a possible heart attack suffered during the evacuation, the country's Foreign Ministry said. Ronald Romualdo, a maintenance worker at Resorts World, said he and his colleagues heard gunshots and saw people smashing the windows on the second floor and third floor to escape. "We took out a ladder to save them. We were able to save many of them," he said. "But one woman I was trying to save fell from the second floor. ... I could not carry her." He said the woman was not moving afterward, but he didn't know what happened to her. About 90 minutes after the attack began, Resorts World Manila said on its Facebook page that it was on lockdown following reports of gunfire and it was working to ensure the safety of guests and workers. The national police chief said the gunman apparently barged into a room at the 5th floor of the Maxims hotel connected to the mall and casino, laid on the bed, blanketed himself, doused himself with gasoline then set himself on fire. The bag of gambling chips worth 113 million pesos ($226,000) was found in a toilet. The suspect was English-speaking but had no identification cards. Dela Rosa described him as "white, with a mustache" and about 6 feet tall. He said the man's car at the parking lot was being examined. As news of the attack had spread, President Donald Trump offered the thoughts and prayers of the American people to the Philippines. "It is really very sad as to what's going on throughout the world with terror," he said from the White House Rose Garden. Trump said he was "closely monitoring the situation" and would continue to provide updates. The SITE monitoring service, which tracks white supremacist and jihadist activity online, said an Islamic State-linked Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi claimed "lone wolf soldiers" of the Islamic State group were responsible for the attack. An English message by the operative was distributed across several pro-IS Telegram chat groups, SITE said. According to SITE, the message says the attacker intended to burn the casino because the activities inside were haram, or forbidden by Islam. The unrest in Marawi had sparked fears that militants might attack elsewhere to divert the focus of the thousands of troops trying to quell the siege. But dela Rosa said "We cannot attribute this to terrorism without concrete evidence." Passengers had to tackle a man who tried to storm the cockpit of a Malaysia Airlines jet shortly after takeoff Wednesday night in Australia, authorities and witnesses told NBC News. Witnesses said the man was screaming, running up and down the aisle with what appeared to be an electronic device. Passengers stopped him and restrained him with seatbelts. An official for the Victoria state police said the man never entered the cockpit of Flight MH128, which landed safely back at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, Australia's second-busiest airport. The airport was closed for hours so tactical officers could sweep the plane and the airport, and the police official added there "appears to be no imminent threat to passengers, staff or public." From a recent Facebook post in April, Leighton Dorey IV appeared to be on top of the world during a ski tour in the Chamonix Mountains of France. Now, the 39-year-old man is behind bars at the Vista Detention Facility, suspected in the death of his father, Leighton Dorey III. According to San Diego County Sheriff's Department investigators, the 71-year-old man was found dead by his wife inside their home on the 17000 block of La Brisa in Rancho Santa Fe. Dorey had been strangled to death and had wounds to his head, neck and chest. "As long as I've known him, there was some stress between him and his father," said Jeff Weston, speaking of Dorey's son. He added that the stress, in part, centered on financial issues. Weston told NBC 7 he employed Leighton Dorey IV as a remote, contract coder for his Orange County company over the past four years. That contract had recently ended. He said Dorey left France where he had been living and returned to the United States to look for work. Many in the neighborhood called the elder Dorey as a friendly person. To know him was to make you feel very good, explained his friend, Roger Lindland. It wasn't that he was hilarious. Its just that he was a clean, clear thinking person and a joy to be around him and he challenged you. Lindland said Dorey did not speak about his relationship with his son. Leighton was a very thoughtful man and a decent, decent, guy. Its so shocking. Such a tragedy," Lindland added. Leighton Dorey IV was taken into custody in Riverside County Wednesday morning. He will be booked on one count of murder, deputies said. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance later this week. Local activists are investigating cases of alleged verbal and physical mistreatment at the U.S.-Mexico border including dozens of complaints from the Otay and San Ysidro port of entries. The report was developed over the last two years. It was compiled by volunteers who would randomly ask people who'd just crossed the border about their experience and how they were treated by agents. Tens of thousands of people walk or drive through the San Ysidro Port of Entry every day, making it one of the busiest ports in the world. A two-year report released by the American Friends Service Committee looked into 51 cases of alleged verbal or physical mistreatment of people at this location. Border agents tend to be more aggressive, according to Pedro Rios with the American Friends Service Committee. One woman said she was harassed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees in February 2016. She claims her arm was bruised when she was handcuffed. Officers yelled at her, she said, and forced her to kneel while they inspected her vehicle. She complained that this was painful to her, to her knees. After a long while she was eventually released, Rios said. Nothing was found. No charges were filed. Al Dolezal goes to Tijuana about twice a month. He said hes never really had a problem. In his experience, returning to San Diego is a smooth process. I think they are pretty professional, Dolezal said. Of course, officers have some bad days. Some travelers say, if you have an easy access pass, for the SENTRI or READY lane, things are a lot easier. Those who don't have such a pass may get asked more questions. Tijuana resident Sandra Molinas said shes experienced a litany of questions. "Where are you going, why are you crossing, why do you keep on going back and forth, if you are a U.S. citizen, Molinas explained. Fifty-one cases is a small percentage compared to tens of thousands of people who cross every day. Rios said people hesitate to file complaints. They felt fearful that documenting their case would bring some sort of retaliation against them, he said. They felt there wouldn't be any recourse if they did tell their case. The committee that released this report said it plans to share its findings with CBP along with its recommendations. Ralph DeSio, of CBP, released this statement to NBC 7 on behalf of the agency Thursday morning: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers are committed to treating everyone with professionalism, dignity and respect while enforcing the laws of the United States. CBP takes all allegations of mistreatment seriously, and does not tolerate actions that are not consistent with our core values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity." Read the full report here. A local eighth grader was unable to make the final rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Yash Hande attends Pacific Trails Middle School in Carmel Valley. He correctly spelled two words Wednesday in the second round of the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland but was later eliminated. Of the 291 competitors who started, only 40 will advance to the finals. On March 23, Yash qualified for the national spelling bee by winning the San Diego Union-Tribune Countywide Spelling Bee. At that spelling bee, Yash had to spell the word "sphacelated" to win. He was crowned champion after four hours of competition as 93 students tested their spelling skills. The national spelling bee is limited to students in eighth grade or below. Contestants range in age from six to 15 years old. You can see a full list of finals here. President Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, told NBC News on Tuesday that if he is issued a subpoena as part of Congressional probes into Russian interference in the U.S. election, he will testify. Earlier, Cohen said that he has received requests for information from the Senate and House intelligence committees but said he wouldn't comply. Cohen said he has received a letter requesting a list of his Russia contacts but so far no subpoena. "I have nothing to hide; I will make myself available, and I am more than happy and willing to testify. But they have to be specific," Cohen told NBC News Tuesday evening. What to Know A relative of the veteran said she reported the man missing when he didn't return from an appointment at the medical center May 15. The veterans sister said she searched the parking lot herself after the VA medical center failed multiple requests to find the man. The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs, which oversees the agency and its D.C. medical center, said it is also investigating. The Metropolitan Police Department, the D.C. medical examiner and top officials with the Washington DC VA Medical Center are investigating the discovery of the body of a military veteran in a car outside the medical center in May. The News4 I-Team learned the agency is being questioned for a delay in finding the mans body, despite multiple requests from his family to look for him. A relative of the veteran said she reported the man missing when he didn't return from an appointment at the medical center May 15. She said the mans body wasnt found until the early morning hours of May 17 and was only discovered by the mans sister. The veterans sister said she searched the parking lot herself after the VA medical center failed to find him, after multiple requests. A police report obtained by the I-Team said the veteran was found slumped over and unconscious in a vehicle at the medical centers parking lot. The large DC VA Medical Center, which sits along Irving Street near North Capitol Street in Northwest, has a large, open-air parking lot near its main entrance. Were investigating the time lag, acting medical center Director Larry Connell said. [[425738694, L]] The medical examiner is still determining the cause of death, Connell said. I met with the veterans sister that evening and expressed our condolences," Connell said. The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs, which oversees the agency and its D.C. medical center, said it is also investigating the incident. First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to this family," committee Chairman Dr. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) said. "I am absolutely outraged that a veteran who served our nation died alone, in his car, outside the DC VA Medical Center. This is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated, and its certainly no way to treat the men and women who have served. The committee asked the inspector general to investigate this incident. Our hearts are with the family members of this veteran," ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) said in a statement. "We are saddened by the manner in which he passed away and we are sickened to know that, despite being contacted by family members, the Washington, D.C. VA did not do enough to locate this veteran and inform his family. "We have requested the VA Office of Inspector General investigate this matter and our vigilant oversight of this facility and all facilities will continue to ensure all veterans are treated with the dignity they have earned and deserve. The medical center was already under scrutiny because of a scathing report released by internal investigators with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. The report said federal inspectors found the medical center suffered shortages of key supplies, some of which forced procedures to be delayed and required medical staff to borrow supplies, including bloodlines and surgical pieces, to treat patients. The inspector general report also accused the medical center of allowing dirty conditions inside 18 sterile storage areas. The report said internal investigators found expired medical equipment on site, including some used during a June 2016 patient procedure. (Investigators) identified a number of serious and troubling deficiencies at the Medical Center that place patients at unnecessary risk, the report said. Hours after the release of the report, the agency announced it would reassign longtime medical center Director Bryan Hawkins. The agency announced Connell would serve as acting director. Connell told the I-Team a large share of the problems have already been addressed. I'll admit, when I first got here, this facility was not up to my standards, Connell said. Were not 100 percent yet, but we are way better today with logistics and medical supplies for this facility, he said. In a formal statement, the agency said, Processes are now in place to ensure that providers have the appropriate supplies they need to treat our patients safely and effectively. All equipment and supplies that were subject to recall in the past 12 months have been removed from stock. This was completed approximately two weeks ago. The facility is now in normal maintenance mode to scan for equipment subject to recall. The inspector general review of the medical center complex is not yet complete. The report released in April was an interim report, alerting officials about preliminary findings in a longer review. Further reports from the inspector general are expected. Users of a popular Virginia dog park want officials to reconsider plans to shrink it by half. The Shirlington Dog Park is about 100,000 square feet, which is what dog owners and dog walkers love about it. Nelson Mendes, who takes his dog, Brady, to the dog park about twice a week, says changing the size would ruin the character. Cutting it in half just changes it completely, makes it like any other park, he said. But the Arlington County Board is considering changes to accommodate state-mandated storm water drainage. We just want to look at other solutions that arent so drastic, said Kim Houghten, owner of Wag More Dogs, one of the dog-themed businesses near the dog park. Proposals to cut the park in half or more will cause problems, she said. Youll just be pushing those same amount of people into a smaller space and more dogs into a smaller space, which actually could be quite dangerous for the dogs, she said. The Arlington County Board discussed the issue Tuesday night. How do we trade off and balance this amazing asset and this feature that so many of us love and the environmental regulations and rules that also guide the work that we do and the visions that we create, Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette said. A dog lover himself, he said he knows what the park means for the community. All board members got the message and understand what a unique and special dog park it is, he said. Its not going to go away. Does it need to get modified in some form or fashion in the end? Well wait and see what the alternatives turn out to be. The public will be allowed to offer input on updated proposals in July, and a final decision will be made next year. A Pennsylvania doctor arrested at Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington on gun charges Wednesday was ordered to get a mental evaluation and stay out of D.C. until his next hearing. Bryan Moles, 43, faces a federal charge of unlawful possession of a gun and a D.C. charge of illegally transporting a gun. Armed with an assault-style rifle and a handgun, Moles drove to D.C. after telling an acquaintance that he wanted to see the president and that he had survival supplies, multiple cellphones and enough ammunition to make his car resemble Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh "on a camping trip," according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday. The documents say Moles wanted to bring down "big pharmacy and big business medicine." Friday, at his second court appearance in as many days, Moles was allowed to stay out of jail pending his trial -- but he won't go home and can't stay in D.C. Instead, he will stay with a friend in Georgia, and be supervised by a court while there. The judge also ordered him to report to a local Veterans Administration hospital for mental evaluation and treatment. Moles also agreed to give up access to weapons at his home in Pennsylvania. Moles declined to answer most questions from reporters as he was leaving court, but when asked Thursday what he wanted to tell his family, he said that he loved them. A criminal complaint against Moles describes him as a recovering alcoholic and marijuana addict suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He served in the Navy from 1992 to 2006. Before driving to the nation's capital, Moles left voicemails for an acquaintance calling himself "a refugee intent on bringing down big pharmacy and big business medicine," the documents said. He also made mention of Olympic Park Bomber Eric Rudolph, who was convicted of perpetrating multiple acts of domestic terrorism. Authorities said a tipster contacted them about the messages and they arrested Moles. D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said in doing so, they averted a potential tragedy, though the Secret Service said agents interviewed Moles and determined he did not pose a threat. Officials described Moles as cooperative with the investigation. In Moles' hotel room, investigators found a safe with $10,000 inside, and he told authorities that he'd emptied his bank account "in order to live the life he always wanted before it was too late," according to the charging documents. He left $4.19 in his account, corresponding to the date of McVeigh's bombing of a federal building on April 19, 1995. The blast killed 168 people. Moles told investigators he once wrote a term paper on McVeigh. Shortly after Moles checked in to the Trump hotel, authorities located Moles' car, unlocked it and found an assault-style rifle and several magazines with ammunition, as well as rifle accessories and a semi-automatic pistol with six rounds of ammunition in it. Moles' Facebook page is sprinkled with comments and photos indicating support for Trump. Last week, he posted a question: "If you had to choose between a Hilton Hotel and a Trump hotel, which would you choose and why?" Someone replied, "Trump all the way. The dark side wants to disarm the public so they can ... just walk through any resistance to their fascist thought police." Moles liked the comment. Moles told police when he was arrested that he had PTSD related to his military service, and that he self-medicates with marijuana. Police found a marijuana vaping device in his hotel bathroom and smelled marijuana there, according to the criminal complaint. A longtime friend of Moles said "there is absolutely no way'' he was planning violence. Lisa DellaRatta, a nurse practitioner in Florida, said she's known him for more than 25 years and used to live with him. She said Moles "cannot be a more standup man." She said guns are prevalent in the rural area near Lake Erie where she and Moles grew up, and he's always owned them. Pennsylvania records show Moles renewed his license to practice medicine in October 2016. A spokeswoman at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system said he had been placed on administrative leave there some time before Wednesday's arrest. His hometown of Edinboro is about 350 miles from Washington. A noose was found inside the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, and U.S. Park Police are investigating. Tourists found the noose Wednesday afternoon on the floor in front of a display about the KKK inside an exhibit on segregation, the Smithsonian Institution said in a news release. "The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity -- a symbol of extreme violence for African Americans. Today's incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face," museum director Lonnie Bunch wrote in an email to staff. Park police removed the noose and closed the museum for about an hour while police investigated. "We were leaving the segregation gallery. We were walking through and then the guard came up and said, 'Everybody out! Everybody out!' So, they rushed us through, and at the time we were not aware of what was going on. We just knew we had to leave that area immediately," tourist Tracy Grant told News4. "It's very upsetting." This woman was in National African American Museum's segregation exhibit when noose was foundhttps://t.co/0IrBniS9pQ pic.twitter.com/D4z4tuvM3r Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) May 31, 2017 "It's very hard. It's very very very upsetting," "We were very emotional to begin with. This is history. This should not be happening in this day and age." "It's very hard. It's very, very, very upsetting," she said. "We were very emotional to begin with. This is history. This should not be happening in this day and age." An impromptu gathering of supporters outside the museum Thursday drew Bunch out to speak to them. "Thank you for helping us go through what is really one of the most difficult times we've had as a professional, because we know this is not just a symbol, he told them. This is about the noose symbolizes loss, pain. It symbolizes a country that we don't believe in, but your rallying around us helps us remember what a great place we can be when we come together." Visitors left red roses at the reflecting pool. "And what I love is look at the faces, Bunch told News4. It's America at its best. Unbelievably diverse. It's a group of people that help us remember what America can be." The Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, visiting the museum from Atlanta, said the discovery of the noose is a reminder that hate still exists. "Still, weve got to deal with folk trying to suggest that we're not equal to other American citizens because of our color, he said. That's tragic." But he's not sitting down. "We really need to, in protest of this, rise above it and let the people know who would try to do this that we're not going back there," he said. Staff from the National Museum of the American Indian joined the supporters. "That sort of thing is not welcome here, and we are not afraid of you," National Museum of the American Indian Director Kevin Gover said. The Museum of African American History & Culture said it has cameras in the area but didn't comment on what images it captured. The noose was found less than a week after another noose was found on the National Mall, hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Here's when nooses have recently been found in the D.C. area: -- April 27: Noose found inside University of Maryland fraternity house -- May 1: Nooses and bananas found hanging on American University campus -- May 11: Noose found hanging outside Crofton Middle School, Crofton, Maryland -- May 26: Noose found hanging outside the Hirshhorn Museum Several nooses have recently been found in the D.C. area. News4's Eun Yang has a rundown on the symbols of racist hate. Kinshasha Holman-Conwill, the African American museum's deputy director, said the mission of the museum continues. "We don't let acts of cowardice like this deter us. We are, if anything, even more vigilant and even more determined to tell this important story," she said. In its release, the Smithsonian Institution cited several similar incidents that have recently occurred across the country. "Other nooses have been found on the Duke University campus, the Port of Oakland in California, a fraternity house at the University of Maryland, a middle school in Maryland, and at a high school in Lakewood, California," it said. "All of them seem to be part of a larger wave of violence, intimidation and hate crimes." The noose was used as a symbol of racist intimidation on the campuses of American University and University of Maryland. Here's a brief look at the history of the symbol. On Thursday morning, the museum was operating as usual. A little girl who was found on 14th Street NW in Columbia Heights Wednesday night has been identified. The child was found about 10 p.m. on the 2900 block of 14th Street NW, south of Columbia Heights Metro station, D.C. police said Thursday afternoon. Shortly after 5 p.m., police said a parent or guardian had identified the child. The number of black bear sightings in the eastern part of Massachusetts is on the rise. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, or MassWildlife, says the population has jumped from 100 in the 1970s to 4,000 in current times as bears find their way well east of Interstate 495. Wildlife officials say many of the families in those communities arent used to seeing this type of wildlife and have not been educated on how to keep themselves and the bears safe. The number one concern bear biologist Dave Wattles has is that bears are seeing backyards as buffets, eating out of bird feeders and trash cans because its easier than forging. Wattles says people need to keep their yards free of food sources so bears can continue to eat in their natural habitat, Natural foods keeps them in the forest and out of our neighborhoods, said Wattles. He said bears that get too comfortable with humans could lead to potential dangerous encounters. Recently, a family of bears broke into a New Hampshire home and wildlife experts said they should be euthanized. The incident led to a large public outcry. If people dont want that to be the outcome they need to listen to us and remove these food sources. That will go long way to solving the problems, said Wattles. A Vermont fire department is celebrating the actions of a homeless man credited with rendering critical first-aid to a stranger who suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel of a tractor trailer. James Pocock, who said he has been camping near the interstate in Williston for the past month, told necn he is jobless and was recently asked to leave the friend's place where he was crashing. "It's challenging," Pocock said of homelessness, especially in this week's rainy weather. In early May, Pocock's campsite turned out to be the perfect place to be to help change the future for a total stranger. "It was kind of a divine intervention," he remembered. His intervention had the Williston Fire Department hailing him as a hero Wednesday, and Paul Bristol of Whitefield, New Hampshire calling him a friend for life. "If everybody helps as much as this guy helped me, the world would be totally different," Bristol said of Pocock's surprising entrance into his life. A few weeks back, Bristol was driving through Williston, down I-89 South, when he had a heart attack behind the wheel of his tractor trailer. He noisily scraped along the interstate's guardrail and his truck lurched before coming to a stop. Pocock raced from his nearby campsite to that big rig and found the driver unconscious. "You didn't have time to [hesitate]," Pocock recalled. Pocock said he once volunteered for a fire department in California, so knew CPR. He explained he performed chest compressions until the ambulance squad arrived to shock Bristol's heart back into rhythmreviving him. "He made a huge difference," Capt. Tim Gerry of the Williston Fire Department said of Pocock's assistance on May 4. "We're absolutely confident he played an absolutely key role in this whole outcome." Bristol spent a week in the hospital, but now appears well on his way to a full recovery, perhaps because of those critical first few minutes when the homeless man kept the trucker's blood pumping and oxygen flowing to his brain. "I think he's heaven-sent, I tell you the truth," Bristol said of Pocock. "In my situation what he's done for me I wouldn't be here unless he was." Pocock said he is now focusing on turning his own situation around, adding he would like to find work and permanent housing. Pocock is also using his unexpected time in the spotlight to urge people to learn CPR. He said anyone, anywhere could become a life-saver. "It doesn't matter what level of society you're at," Pocock said of how he helped Bristol. "It matters what you do." The Williston Fire Department encouraged people to contact the American Red Cross or their local fire departments for more information on learning CPR. A movie shot in Brockton, Massachusetts, has neighbors divided before it has even hit theaters. "We really enjoyed it," said Dottie Reid, who had her house rented out to be used in the movie "The Burning Woman". Not everyone on Burwell Street feels the same, especially the Paparella's. "It's like going to the doctor and the doctor says, 'it's not going to hurt,' and you get in there and it's really painful," said Angel Paparella. For a month, the movie, starring Sienna Miller and Aaron Paul, was shot on the quiet dead end road. One woman, who would only give her first name of "Mary," said she felt the shoot went on too long. Paparella calls that month "hell." "2:30 in the morning and looking at my clock," said Paparella, recalling the worst moment of the month. "My husband pacing back and forth because he has to get up at 5 a.m. still up." The movie's production company, Scott Free, said they had no comment when reached by phone. The woman on the other line then hung up. Reid's husband, Jack, said he had a very pleasant experience. The couple was paid to have their house used and they stayed in a nearby hotel. "They treated us excellent," said Jack Reid. "Everybody from the drivers to the interns." Even though the Paparella's were paid to have their driveway used in the movie, they said they would never do it again. A Massachusetts State Police sergeant has been suspended after he was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol in Mendon on Sunday. Sgt. Dennis Remkus was ordered suspended with pay following a duty status hearing held Wednesday at state police headquarters, state police said. He is assigned to the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing. He was arrested on Sunday night by Mendon police for allegedly operating under the influence of alcohol, according to state police. The arrest was made following a motor vehicle stop on Washington Street. He was off-duty at the time of his arrest. According to a Boston Herald database of state employee salaries, Remkus earned $111,000 in base salary in 2016. No further information was immediately available. A New Hampshire state lawmaker is facing multiple charges, including tax evasion. The state attorney general's office announced that Rep. Thomas Katsiantonis, 44, of Manchester, was arrested and charged with four counts of tax evasion, two counts of theft, and one count each of falsifying physical evidence unsworn falsification. Katsiantonis, a Democrat, is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth in monthly meals and rentals tax payments from two businesses he owned, Grand Slam Pizza and Tommy K's Restaurant and Bar. The AG's office also says Katsiantonis tried to evade business profit taxes, including those he owned during an audit of Grand Slam Pizza, and making false statements on behalf of Tommy K's liquor license renewal application. Officials say Katsiantonis could face up to 15 years in state prison on the theft charges, and up to seven years on the other felony charges. He'll be arraigned on June 15. It's unclear if he has an attorney. In a statement, New Hampshire House Speaker Shawn Jasper said while Katsiantonis is due his day in court to face the charges, "It is unfortunate that incidents such as these cast a shadow on the institution and the good things the [sic] our members have accomplished this session." Employees at an assembly line of the Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Co Ltd plant in Chengdu, Sichuan province. More European businesses reported rising earnings last year than at any other time since 2010. [Photo/China Daily] European companies are hoping that a bilateral investment treaty between China and European Union can be concluded within 12 months to sustain their robust growth momentum in China, a key European business body said on Wednesday. "The key to growing bilateral trade and investment is a successfully negotiated comprehensive agreement on investment with a strong market-opening component," said Mats Harborn, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. China and the EU completed the 13th round of BIT talks last month in Beijing. Eager to deepen their mutual trust, the Chinese government in March pledged to further open its market to European companies and treat them the same way as domestic ones, even before a formal agreement is in place. Harborn said there are expectations regarding a treaty concerning the negative list, which shows areas where investment is prohibited, with all other areas presumed to be open. "Our expectation is that China will take a leading role in globalization and free trade," Harborn said. "European businesses wish to get an offer of a negative list as soon as possible, and we would like the negative list to be as short as possible and ideally single digit." Zhang Yunling, director of international studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said the EU should accelerate the pace of easing its high-tech export restrictions on China. The chamber released its Business Confidence Survey 2017 on Wednesday, saying European companies reported that their business in China improved in 2016, with more than 50 percent of companies experiencing higher sales than the previous year. Among the respondents, information, communications technology, automobile, machinery, cosmetics, environmental protection and retail companies all reported growth in sales. More European businesses reported rising earnings than at any other time since 2010. Sectors such as travel, education, pharmaceuticals and engineering saw sharp annual increases in profits that ranged from 70 percent to 100 percent in 2016. Harborn said European companies were also hunting for the best innovation and technologies, wherever they could find it in China. In the financial and technology sectors, for example, many foreign banks had sent experts to China to learn about how to enter these areas. European companies also found that Chinese firms' strengthened performances were currently perceived as primarily related to innovative marketing strategies. However, the survey said in professional services and consumer goods, Chinese companies were also believed to have enhanced their abilities in products, service and processing innovation. This should serve as a wake-up call for European companies. "Rather than a challenge, this should be perceived as an opportunity," said Denis Depoux, co-head of Asia of business consultancy Roland Berger. Depoux said European companies could become key contributors to the innovation required from Chinese businesses to climb up the value chain. A pedestrian was injured after being struck by a car in Cambridge, Massachusetts Thursday morning. The incident happened on Vassar Street. Police say the victim was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. It's unclear if the vehicle involved stopped. Drivers are being told to expect delays on Massachusetts Avenue at Vassar Street and Main Street at Vassar Street. Cambridge and MIT police officers are at the scene with Cambridge firefighters. Cambridge fire inititally reported Thursday morning that the victim was a pedestrian. Colin fulfils wife Jo's dying wish for MPs prayer cards Colin fulfils wife Jo's dying wish for MPs prayer cards Norwich church-goer Colin Grey has fulfilled the dying wish of his wife Joanne, to produce and deliver hand-stitched prayer cards for every Member of Parliament both in The House of Commons and The House of Lords. Keith Morris reports. BEIJING -- Chang Xiaobing, former chairman of China Telecom, was sentenced to six years in prison for graft Wednesday. The sentence was handed down by the Intermediate People's Court of Baoding city in northern China's Hebei province. The court also fined Chang 500,000 yuan (around $72,850) and ordered his illicit gains to be confiscated. Chang confessed to his crimes in court. It found Chang guilty of taking advantage of his positions as a telecom official and chairman of China Unicom to seek benefits for various institutions between 1998 and 2014. In return, he accepted money and valuables worth more than 3.76 million yuan. China Unicom and China Telecom are two of China's top three telecom service providers. The court decided to be lenient as Chang pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, returned his illegal gains and offered information on other crimes. By PTI KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the Modi government for the decline in GDP growth and said her apprehensions about demonetisation had proven to be correct. There had been rampant job losses and the agriculture and the unorganised sector was in "worst shape", the chief minister said. "Right at the time demonetisation was announced by the Central government, I had voiced my concern that the country would have to face severe loss of jobs and drastic decline in productivity due to demonetisation. My apprehension is now proven to be true," she said in a tweet. "The Q4 GDP figure this fiscal has come down to 6.1%. The corresponding GDP figure in the previous fiscal was 7.9%. So, the decline is nearly 2 per cent point." "Rampant job loss has been reported across the country with the agriculture and unorganised sector in worst shape," Banerjee said. "What have the people, who pushed the country to this crisis, to say?". KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the Modi government for the decline in GDP growth and said her apprehensions about demonetisation had proven to be correct. There had been rampant job losses and the agriculture and the unorganised sector was in "worst shape", the chief minister said. "Right at the time demonetisation was announced by the Central government, I had voiced my concern that the country would have to face severe loss of jobs and drastic decline in productivity due to demonetisation. My apprehension is now proven to be true," she said in a tweet. "The Q4 GDP figure this fiscal has come down to 6.1%. The corresponding GDP figure in the previous fiscal was 7.9%. So, the decline is nearly 2 per cent point." "Rampant job loss has been reported across the country with the agriculture and unorganised sector in worst shape," Banerjee said. "What have the people, who pushed the country to this crisis, to say?". By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Anekal unit vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Party SC, ST Yuva Morcha, Harish was hacked to death by a group of armed men on the citys outskirts on Wednesday night. Police said the incident took place around 9 pm in Surya City when Harish (40) was returning home after meeting his friends at a bar and restaurant. The killers intercepted his motorcycle, threw chilli powder into his eyes and hacked him to death before fleeing the spot. Personal rivalry is suspected to be the reason behind Harishs murder. Harish had recently entered into a brawl with his relative Raju and his brothers over fishing in a tank in Anekal. He alleged that they were fishing in the pond illegally. Locals had to intervene to pacify them. Harish on Wednesday went to Rajus house and beat up Raju and his parents over the issue. Later in the evening, he went to the restaurant to have a party with his friends. It may be a case of murder to avenge humiliation, Surya City police said. Bengaluru rural SP Amit Singh said, Four teams headed by a Dy SP have been formed to crack the case. FIR has been registered against Raju, Sandeep, Karthik, Kishore and Santosh. While the prime accused Raju has been arrested, the other four are still on the run. Following the murder, Harishs family members staged a protest alleging that it was politically motivated. Traffic came to a halt on Chandapura Road for a while. BJP general secretary Shobha Karandlaje has, meanwhile, sought NIA probe into the murders of BJP workers in the State. She was speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi. Harish was elected to the post of morchas vice-president just a week back. BENGALURU: The Anekal unit vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Party SC, ST Yuva Morcha, Harish was hacked to death by a group of armed men on the citys outskirts on Wednesday night. Police said the incident took place around 9 pm in Surya City when Harish (40) was returning home after meeting his friends at a bar and restaurant. The killers intercepted his motorcycle, threw chilli powder into his eyes and hacked him to death before fleeing the spot. Personal rivalry is suspected to be the reason behind Harishs murder. Harish had recently entered into a brawl with his relative Raju and his brothers over fishing in a tank in Anekal. He alleged that they were fishing in the pond illegally. Locals had to intervene to pacify them. Harish on Wednesday went to Rajus house and beat up Raju and his parents over the issue. Later in the evening, he went to the restaurant to have a party with his friends. It may be a case of murder to avenge humiliation, Surya City police said. Bengaluru rural SP Amit Singh said, Four teams headed by a Dy SP have been formed to crack the case. FIR has been registered against Raju, Sandeep, Karthik, Kishore and Santosh. While the prime accused Raju has been arrested, the other four are still on the run. Following the murder, Harishs family members staged a protest alleging that it was politically motivated. Traffic came to a halt on Chandapura Road for a while. BJP general secretary Shobha Karandlaje has, meanwhile, sought NIA probe into the murders of BJP workers in the State. She was speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi. Harish was elected to the post of morchas vice-president just a week back. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Bengaluru is all set to get its first IKEA store. The Swedish home furnishing company has acquired a 14-acre property in the city from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) for this purpose. Once set up, it will be the companys third store in India. IKEAs first store in the country is set to open in Hyderabad early next year, followed by Mumbai. According to an official release, the store will be next to the Nagasandra Metro Station on Tumkur Road. The store will be constructed in an area of 4.5 lakh sqft to cater to more than 5 million visitors per year. Speaking to Express, BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola said they had called for a bid about 8-10 months ago for the space and Ikea had won. However, he did not divulge details about the other contenders. Each IKEA store would employ 500-700 workers directly and 1,500 people indirectly for different services. IKEA is looking for more suitable sites in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Pune and plans to open 25 stores in India by 2025, according to the company. IKEA (India) Chief Executive Officer Juvencio Maeztu said, Karnataka is a highly strategic and important market for IKEA. Along with retail stores, IKEAs purchasing team will also grow local sourcing and engage with local artisan and communities in many projects. Our first Indian sofa supplier is from Karnataka supplying to our global stores. In an official statement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, We are very happy that we will soon see an IKEA store in Bengaluru. We believe that IKEA will work as a catalyst in our development plans. The government is committed to providing necessary support to IKEA for its future expansion plans in the state. There are currently 390 IKEA stores in 46 countries with a sales volume of 34.2 billion euros, as per data provided by the company. BENGALURU: Bengaluru is all set to get its first IKEA store. The Swedish home furnishing company has acquired a 14-acre property in the city from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) for this purpose. Once set up, it will be the companys third store in India. IKEAs first store in the country is set to open in Hyderabad early next year, followed by Mumbai. According to an official release, the store will be next to the Nagasandra Metro Station on Tumkur Road. The store will be constructed in an area of 4.5 lakh sqft to cater to more than 5 million visitors per year. Speaking to Express, BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola said they had called for a bid about 8-10 months ago for the space and Ikea had won. However, he did not divulge details about the other contenders. Each IKEA store would employ 500-700 workers directly and 1,500 people indirectly for different services. IKEA is looking for more suitable sites in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Pune and plans to open 25 stores in India by 2025, according to the company. IKEA (India) Chief Executive Officer Juvencio Maeztu said, Karnataka is a highly strategic and important market for IKEA. Along with retail stores, IKEAs purchasing team will also grow local sourcing and engage with local artisan and communities in many projects. Our first Indian sofa supplier is from Karnataka supplying to our global stores. In an official statement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, We are very happy that we will soon see an IKEA store in Bengaluru. We believe that IKEA will work as a catalyst in our development plans. The government is committed to providing necessary support to IKEA for its future expansion plans in the state. There are currently 390 IKEA stores in 46 countries with a sales volume of 34.2 billion euros, as per data provided by the company. Sushmitha Ramakrishnan By Express News Service CHENNAI: T Nagar, the retail hub of the city, was abuzz even before sunrise on Wednesday after a fire broke out in the wee hours of the morning at a leading textile and jewelry retail shop, exposing dangers of poor safety precautions and planning. Such were the flames that fire service personnel could not fully douse it until the time of this report. The telephone at the T Nagar fire office rang at around 4 am. It is suspected to have started due to a short circuit in the basement of Chennai Silks, where silvers were retailed. The fire officers, who first arrived on site, noted that the staff had been trying to use extinguishers to put the fire out since about 3 am. We doused fire in some parts of the ground floor, and entered through the rear. Within minutes, we realised the fire had spread to the rest of the building, as structures started collapsing down on us, said one of the first fire officers to enter the premises. Traffic came to a standstill as rescue personnel fought flames | D SAMPATHKUMAR He added that they immediately left the building, as it was too risky and had to engage sky lifts to rescue trapped employees instead. We rescued 11 people at least. Seniors officials said 14 people were rescued in total, said the official with pride. The personnel also managed to retrieve about 25 LPG cylinders before the fire spread, which could have magnified the impact. According to the fire officer, what was a small fire in the basement blew out of proportion only after 8 am. A passer-by concurred with this. I was walking near Chennai Silks entrance in the morning and thought it was a small fire in the basement, and that they would open by 11 am, said R Ramakrishnan, a resident of T Nagar. But by 9 am, it had spread till the third floor, and fire tenders and water lorries crammed into Pinchala Subramaniam street that runs beside the building. While the basement has silvers, the ground and first floor has gold in one half and clothing in the other. All floors above are said to have only clothing, except the top floor, where the canteen is located. Workers and owners of neighbouring shops were unaware of the fire until they showed up on-site. While we empathise with Chennai Silks, all our business, too, took a dip today, said the managing director of a rival textile retail outlet. Police said residents of the locality within 100 meters of the building had been advised to evacuate the place, and the general public has been advised not to visit the spot. By 11 am, the fire spread to most parts of the building, and thick smoke billowed out of every crevice. The South Usman Road flyover outside the building was blocked, and fire fighting vehicles hosed the building down from atop the flyover. Meanwhile, fire fighters behind were using the sky lift to douse fire in several parts of the building. About 15 fire tender vehicles were trying to quell the fire from all sides. Personnel broke windows and glass panes to release locked up pressure, while some were drilling parts of the concrete wall as there werent enough windows in the building. Every now and then, loud thuds were heard from inside the building suggesting that some structures were breaking or collapsing. However, most of the activity was not visible outside as smoke engulfed the building from inside. CHENNAI: T Nagar, the retail hub of the city, was abuzz even before sunrise on Wednesday after a fire broke out in the wee hours of the morning at a leading textile and jewelry retail shop, exposing dangers of poor safety precautions and planning. Such were the flames that fire service personnel could not fully douse it until the time of this report. The telephone at the T Nagar fire office rang at around 4 am. It is suspected to have started due to a short circuit in the basement of Chennai Silks, where silvers were retailed. The fire officers, who first arrived on site, noted that the staff had been trying to use extinguishers to put the fire out since about 3 am. We doused fire in some parts of the ground floor, and entered through the rear. Within minutes, we realised the fire had spread to the rest of the building, as structures started collapsing down on us, said one of the first fire officers to enter the premises. Traffic came to a standstill as rescue personnel fought flames | D SAMPATHKUMARHe added that they immediately left the building, as it was too risky and had to engage sky lifts to rescue trapped employees instead. We rescued 11 people at least. Seniors officials said 14 people were rescued in total, said the official with pride. The personnel also managed to retrieve about 25 LPG cylinders before the fire spread, which could have magnified the impact. According to the fire officer, what was a small fire in the basement blew out of proportion only after 8 am. A passer-by concurred with this. I was walking near Chennai Silks entrance in the morning and thought it was a small fire in the basement, and that they would open by 11 am, said R Ramakrishnan, a resident of T Nagar. But by 9 am, it had spread till the third floor, and fire tenders and water lorries crammed into Pinchala Subramaniam street that runs beside the building. While the basement has silvers, the ground and first floor has gold in one half and clothing in the other. All floors above are said to have only clothing, except the top floor, where the canteen is located. Workers and owners of neighbouring shops were unaware of the fire until they showed up on-site. While we empathise with Chennai Silks, all our business, too, took a dip today, said the managing director of a rival textile retail outlet. Police said residents of the locality within 100 meters of the building had been advised to evacuate the place, and the general public has been advised not to visit the spot. By 11 am, the fire spread to most parts of the building, and thick smoke billowed out of every crevice. The South Usman Road flyover outside the building was blocked, and fire fighting vehicles hosed the building down from atop the flyover. Meanwhile, fire fighters behind were using the sky lift to douse fire in several parts of the building. About 15 fire tender vehicles were trying to quell the fire from all sides. Personnel broke windows and glass panes to release locked up pressure, while some were drilling parts of the concrete wall as there werent enough windows in the building. Every now and then, loud thuds were heard from inside the building suggesting that some structures were breaking or collapsing. However, most of the activity was not visible outside as smoke engulfed the building from inside. C Shivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: The fire at Chennai Silks in T Nagar could have been averted if the State government had implemented rules under Section 113-C of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 to regularise or grant amnesty to illegal buildings built before July 2007, according to Madras High Court-appointed Monitoring Committee member MG Devasahayam. If the rules had been implemented, the building would have been sealed under the provisions, he said. The rules for Section 113-C have been framed by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in consultation with the monitoring committee, following orders of Madras High Court after it struck down earlier rules. It is learned that 25 buildings, including the Chennai Silks building, on Usman Road in T Nagar, which are unauthorised, will fail relaxations that have been provided under Section 113-C, as none of them have complied with fire safety norms, according to CMDA sources. The entire T Nagar area was a residential zone, and a section of traders in T Nagar have sought reclassification of area, where large-scale illegal constructions are situated, to commercial zone and pass a special Government Order to legalise buildings. Interestingly, Usman Road is part of the T Nagar Smart City. Around 1,717 acres of the area was selected for development under area-based development, a component of smart city, with an estimated outlay of `878 crore. Chennai Silks was facing demolition in 2006 The Chennai Silks building was facing demolition in 2006 after a SC order, according to information available with Express. The demolition was carried out stage-by- stage, but demolished portions were re-built by the owner. It was in 2007 that an ordinance was passed by the State government, which gave a lifeline to unauthorised buildings wherein punitive actions against all unauthorised developments were suspended. This ordinance was passed by a State government committee, headed by Supreme Court judge S Mohan, to look into all aspects of development. Just when unauthorised developments were to face the axe again, the Government came up with Section 113-C, and later formed a committee under Justice Rajeshwaran, after Madras High Court struck down rules of regularising illegal buildings while upholding the amendment to the act. CHENNAI: The fire at Chennai Silks in T Nagar could have been averted if the State government had implemented rules under Section 113-C of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 to regularise or grant amnesty to illegal buildings built before July 2007, according to Madras High Court-appointed Monitoring Committee member MG Devasahayam. If the rules had been implemented, the building would have been sealed under the provisions, he said. The rules for Section 113-C have been framed by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in consultation with the monitoring committee, following orders of Madras High Court after it struck down earlier rules. It is learned that 25 buildings, including the Chennai Silks building, on Usman Road in T Nagar, which are unauthorised, will fail relaxations that have been provided under Section 113-C, as none of them have complied with fire safety norms, according to CMDA sources. The entire T Nagar area was a residential zone, and a section of traders in T Nagar have sought reclassification of area, where large-scale illegal constructions are situated, to commercial zone and pass a special Government Order to legalise buildings. Interestingly, Usman Road is part of the T Nagar Smart City. Around 1,717 acres of the area was selected for development under area-based development, a component of smart city, with an estimated outlay of `878 crore. Chennai Silks was facing demolition in 2006 The Chennai Silks building was facing demolition in 2006 after a SC order, according to information available with Express. The demolition was carried out stage-by- stage, but demolished portions were re-built by the owner. It was in 2007 that an ordinance was passed by the State government, which gave a lifeline to unauthorised buildings wherein punitive actions against all unauthorised developments were suspended. This ordinance was passed by a State government committee, headed by Supreme Court judge S Mohan, to look into all aspects of development. Just when unauthorised developments were to face the axe again, the Government came up with Section 113-C, and later formed a committee under Justice Rajeshwaran, after Madras High Court struck down rules of regularising illegal buildings while upholding the amendment to the act. By Express News Service CHENNAI: After another day of protests inside the campus, the group of IIT-M students demanding justice for R Sooraj finally managed to meet director Bhaskar Ramamurthi, who reportedly assured their demands would be met. Later in the day, a probe panel was formed with IIT-M administrative dean P Sriram as its head. Around 40 students staged a protest at the main gate of IIT Madras shouting slogans against the alleged assailant, Manish Kumar Singh, the institute and the ABVP. According to students, this was not the first time the administration remained just a mute spectator. We have CCTV footage of the hospital where Manish came and threatened Sooraj, but the administration is not allowing us to share it with the media, said Abhinav Surya, one of the protesting students. The rumour that Sooraj forced vegetarian students to eat beef is completely false. The institute security who was present in the mess was witness, said another student. Arjun Jayakumar, a resident of Pampa hostel and a research scholar in Mechanical Engineering, filed two complaints with police commissioner, claiming Manish had threatened to kill him and hang him in public. A similar complaint was made by K Swaminathan, a resident of Krishna hostel, pointing out a series of events where Manish had either threatened or assaulted other students. The complaint sought immediate inquiry. The students cited the instance where Arjun was threatened by Manish and gang during a Students Advisory Committee for organising a solidarity march against the attack on JNU students on February 24, 2016. Manish was also charged of roughing up Arjun at a Student Legislative Council meeting. The inquiry following a complaint to the dean proved him guilty, but the punishment was minimal, they alleged. Similarly, on April 13, Manish allegedly assaulted a student Abhishek for distributing pamphlets for a meeting on Ambedkar Jayanthi. There was another verbal quarrel on August 30, in the presence of the professors during a discussion on Kashmir issue. Again, when the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle released a poster in support of Ravanleela held in Chennai on October 2016, he allegedly tore the posters. Free, fair probe Here are the oral assurances IIT-M Director Bhaskar Ramamurthi gave to the students: IIT will foot Soorajs medical bill Will form a probe panel. Probe will be free and fair, but it wont be time bound All material evidences produced by both sides will be scrutinised. CCTV footage to be checked thoroughly Disciplinary action will be decided based on the enquiry committee report Whos on the panel IIT-M administrative dean P Sriram will head the enquiry commission. Two faculty members, Chief Security Officer, Chief Medical Officer, two elected representatives from students, student general secretary and hostel affairs secretary will be part of the probe committee CHENNAI: After another day of protests inside the campus, the group of IIT-M students demanding justice for R Sooraj finally managed to meet director Bhaskar Ramamurthi, who reportedly assured their demands would be met. Later in the day, a probe panel was formed with IIT-M administrative dean P Sriram as its head. Around 40 students staged a protest at the main gate of IIT Madras shouting slogans against the alleged assailant, Manish Kumar Singh, the institute and the ABVP. According to students, this was not the first time the administration remained just a mute spectator. We have CCTV footage of the hospital where Manish came and threatened Sooraj, but the administration is not allowing us to share it with the media, said Abhinav Surya, one of the protesting students. The rumour that Sooraj forced vegetarian students to eat beef is completely false. The institute security who was present in the mess was witness, said another student. Arjun Jayakumar, a resident of Pampa hostel and a research scholar in Mechanical Engineering, filed two complaints with police commissioner, claiming Manish had threatened to kill him and hang him in public. A similar complaint was made by K Swaminathan, a resident of Krishna hostel, pointing out a series of events where Manish had either threatened or assaulted other students. The complaint sought immediate inquiry. The students cited the instance where Arjun was threatened by Manish and gang during a Students Advisory Committee for organising a solidarity march against the attack on JNU students on February 24, 2016. Manish was also charged of roughing up Arjun at a Student Legislative Council meeting. The inquiry following a complaint to the dean proved him guilty, but the punishment was minimal, they alleged. Similarly, on April 13, Manish allegedly assaulted a student Abhishek for distributing pamphlets for a meeting on Ambedkar Jayanthi. There was another verbal quarrel on August 30, in the presence of the professors during a discussion on Kashmir issue. Again, when the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle released a poster in support of Ravanleela held in Chennai on October 2016, he allegedly tore the posters. Free, fair probeHere are the oral assurances IIT-M Director Bhaskar Ramamurthi gave to the students: IIT will foot Soorajs medical bill Will form a probe panel. Probe will be free and fair, but it wont be time bound All material evidences produced by both sides will be scrutinised. CCTV footage to be checked thoroughly Disciplinary action will be decided based on the enquiry committee report Whos on the panel IIT-M administrative dean P Sriram will head the enquiry commission. Two faculty members, Chief Security Officer, Chief Medical Officer, two elected representatives from students, student general secretary and hostel affairs secretary will be part of the probe committee By Express News Service CHENNAI: The row over beef fest inside IIT Madras campus, which led to the assault of a PhD scholar by a group of students, continued to simmer inside and outside the institute on Wednesday, after IIT authorities allegedly refused to accept the demands of protesting students who sought time-bound inquiry and action against the attackers. Raising slogans against fascist hooliganism, a group of around 60 students marched from the Himalaya Mess lawn to the Deans office in the morning to seek justice for A Sooraj, the scholar who was injured in the attack on Tuesday. With the discussions having failed, the protesters continued their agitation and took out a protest march. IN PICS | Fest gone awry: Hundreds protest at IIT Madras over beef ban row We met the Dean with four demands, said Abhinav Surya, one of the students. Expulsion of the attackers, filing police complaint against them, footing Soorajs medical expenses, and informing all the students the details of the issue, were the demands. Students said they were disappointed by the administrations approach, adding that only a hostel committee, which generally deals with petty issues, was asked to handle the issue. The administration made it seem like a petty issue, said Arjun Jayakumar, another student adding, The Dean was forced to talk to us, but neither did he give any assurance nor a fixed time frame for the investigation. he added. Members of RSF protesting in front of IIT-Madras against beef ban on Wednesday | Martin Louis He said they had concerns about witnesses being threatened, noting that statements have not been taken from witnesses nor were the CCTV footages inspected. We will continue protesting till the administration takes some action, he added. The students handed over a petition to the dean, highlighting that such horrifying attacks would leave a black mark on the prestigious institution. The fact that this has happened to a research scholar like Sooraj points towards the magnitude of perversion entrenched in the students who attacked him We hope the IIT Madras administration will fulfil our demands and uphold our right to life, right to dissent and our right to organise peaceful gatherings as guaranteed by the Constitution of India, the petition read. A group of alumni has also written to the institution authorities, expressing their concern over the incident. Meanwhile, around 100 students from organisations including SFI, RSF, DYFI staged protests in front of IIT against the institute and also the government for not resisting the Sangh Parivar and its member outfits. DMK working president and Leader of Opposition, MK Stalin, visited Sooraj at the hospital. Despite repeated attempts, officials from IIT, including the Director and Dean of Students, were not available for a comment on the incident and its aftermath. One incident, two narratives There are ar least two versions of the incident. But, what is certain is that it was a fallout of the Sundays beef fest held to protest the Centres rules restricting the sale of cattle for slaughter The Beef version According to Sooraj, a research scholar of Aerospace Engineering Department, and his friends, a group of eight students led by Manish Kumar Singh approached Sooraj while he was having lunch at the mess with a friend. Singh, from Ocean Engineering Department, allegedly took the lead and assaulted him, while his accomplices pinned Sooraj to his seat and held his hands so that Singh could repeatedly punch him. While Soorajs eye was badly bruised, Singh fractured his right arm. This was not the result of a fit of rage, says this section, pointing to Manishs history of similar incidents. Reporting on the incident, The Fifth Estate, the IIT-M campus paper, said: [Singh] threatened revenge on the organisers of the [beef] fest on Facebook a day before the event, so the act was quite clearly premeditated. The paper also recalled previous instances involving Manish, including once when he attacked students in a meeting of the Student Legislative Council and threatened to do the same in a panel discussion on atrocities in Kashmir. The cow version According to Manishs friends, it was a wordy quarrel that worsened due to provocation by Sooraj and friends. Manish spotted Sooraj inside the Jain mess, and asked him about being part of the beef fest and a member of the strictly vegetarian mess. In retort, Sooraj said he was a member of the mess and had every right to be there, and allegedly added that he would eat beef inside the mess itself. He said he would even make Manish eat the meat. In the midst of this quarrel, Sooraj and friends twisted Manishs right hand. In self-defence, Manish pushed Sooraj with his left hand. Not expecting this, he lost his balance and fell down, hitting his face on the corner of the bench. His friends claimed Manish had suffered a fracture on his right hand, for which he apparently requires a surgery to insert a metal plate. We are surprised how things are twisted. Manish is not affiliated to any right-wing organisation. He is a normal student with no political ambitions. Both Sooraj and Manish should have maintained restraint and had controlled their emotions, said his friend, a PhD scholar from Department of Chemistry, who claimed to be a witness to the incident. CHENNAI: The row over beef fest inside IIT Madras campus, which led to the assault of a PhD scholar by a group of students, continued to simmer inside and outside the institute on Wednesday, after IIT authorities allegedly refused to accept the demands of protesting students who sought time-bound inquiry and action against the attackers. Raising slogans against fascist hooliganism, a group of around 60 students marched from the Himalaya Mess lawn to the Deans office in the morning to seek justice for A Sooraj, the scholar who was injured in the attack on Tuesday. With the discussions having failed, the protesters continued their agitation and took out a protest march. IN PICS | Fest gone awry: Hundreds protest at IIT Madras over beef ban row We met the Dean with four demands, said Abhinav Surya, one of the students. Expulsion of the attackers, filing police complaint against them, footing Soorajs medical expenses, and informing all the students the details of the issue, were the demands. Students said they were disappointed by the administrations approach, adding that only a hostel committee, which generally deals with petty issues, was asked to handle the issue. The administration made it seem like a petty issue, said Arjun Jayakumar, another student adding, The Dean was forced to talk to us, but neither did he give any assurance nor a fixed time frame for the investigation. he added. Members of RSF protesting in front of IIT-Madras against beef ban on Wednesday | Martin LouisHe said they had concerns about witnesses being threatened, noting that statements have not been taken from witnesses nor were the CCTV footages inspected. We will continue protesting till the administration takes some action, he added. The students handed over a petition to the dean, highlighting that such horrifying attacks would leave a black mark on the prestigious institution. The fact that this has happened to a research scholar like Sooraj points towards the magnitude of perversion entrenched in the students who attacked him We hope the IIT Madras administration will fulfil our demands and uphold our right to life, right to dissent and our right to organise peaceful gatherings as guaranteed by the Constitution of India, the petition read. A group of alumni has also written to the institution authorities, expressing their concern over the incident. Meanwhile, around 100 students from organisations including SFI, RSF, DYFI staged protests in front of IIT against the institute and also the government for not resisting the Sangh Parivar and its member outfits. DMK working president and Leader of Opposition, MK Stalin, visited Sooraj at the hospital. Despite repeated attempts, officials from IIT, including the Director and Dean of Students, were not available for a comment on the incident and its aftermath. One incident, two narratives There are ar least two versions of the incident. But, what is certain is that it was a fallout of the Sundays beef fest held to protest the Centres rules restricting the sale of cattle for slaughter The Beef version According to Sooraj, a research scholar of Aerospace Engineering Department, and his friends, a group of eight students led by Manish Kumar Singh approached Sooraj while he was having lunch at the mess with a friend. Singh, from Ocean Engineering Department, allegedly took the lead and assaulted him, while his accomplices pinned Sooraj to his seat and held his hands so that Singh could repeatedly punch him. While Soorajs eye was badly bruised, Singh fractured his right arm. This was not the result of a fit of rage, says this section, pointing to Manishs history of similar incidents. Reporting on the incident, The Fifth Estate, the IIT-M campus paper, said: [Singh] threatened revenge on the organisers of the [beef] fest on Facebook a day before the event, so the act was quite clearly premeditated. The paper also recalled previous instances involving Manish, including once when he attacked students in a meeting of the Student Legislative Council and threatened to do the same in a panel discussion on atrocities in Kashmir. The cow version According to Manishs friends, it was a wordy quarrel that worsened due to provocation by Sooraj and friends. Manish spotted Sooraj inside the Jain mess, and asked him about being part of the beef fest and a member of the strictly vegetarian mess. In retort, Sooraj said he was a member of the mess and had every right to be there, and allegedly added that he would eat beef inside the mess itself. He said he would even make Manish eat the meat. In the midst of this quarrel, Sooraj and friends twisted Manishs right hand. In self-defence, Manish pushed Sooraj with his left hand. Not expecting this, he lost his balance and fell down, hitting his face on the corner of the bench. His friends claimed Manish had suffered a fracture on his right hand, for which he apparently requires a surgery to insert a metal plate. We are surprised how things are twisted. Manish is not affiliated to any right-wing organisation. He is a normal student with no political ambitions. Both Sooraj and Manish should have maintained restraint and had controlled their emotions, said his friend, a PhD scholar from Department of Chemistry, who claimed to be a witness to the incident. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has granted bail to a man accused of raping his live-in partner by intoxicating her, saying the allegation "does not inspire confidence" as the couple stayed together for a long time. Justice Ashutosh Kumar allowed the bail application of the man, who was already married, on furnishing a bond of Rs 10,000 and two sureties of a like amount. While enlarging the accused, the court clarified that if the man tries to threaten the woman or tamper with evidence, his bail could be cancelled. "The allegation does not inspire confidence, inasmuch as, admittedly, the prosecutrix (complainant) had been staying with the petitioner (accused) for a long time at different locations," the judge said. The judge also said, "Considering the nature of the accusation and the circumstances attending the case, this court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner." According to the FIR lodged in September 2016 at Badarpur police station in south Delhi, the man allegedly offered her cold drink mixed with a stupefying substance, after consuming which she became unconscious. Taking advantage of her condition, the accused raped her, the police said, adding that when the woman became conscious and tried to escape, the man threatened her with her obscene videos and photos. The alleged incident took place on September 18, 2014, the FIR said. While seeking bail the accused, through his counsel Rohit P Ranjan, denied the allegations and claimed he has been falsely implicated by the woman, with whom he was in a live-in relationship, to extort money from him. He contended that their relationship was consensual and no threat or coercion has ever been extended for obtaining her consent for physical relationship. His advocate said there was an "unexplained delay" which completely "belies the entire prosecution case". NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has granted bail to a man accused of raping his live-in partner by intoxicating her, saying the allegation "does not inspire confidence" as the couple stayed together for a long time. Justice Ashutosh Kumar allowed the bail application of the man, who was already married, on furnishing a bond of Rs 10,000 and two sureties of a like amount. While enlarging the accused, the court clarified that if the man tries to threaten the woman or tamper with evidence, his bail could be cancelled. "The allegation does not inspire confidence, inasmuch as, admittedly, the prosecutrix (complainant) had been staying with the petitioner (accused) for a long time at different locations," the judge said. The judge also said, "Considering the nature of the accusation and the circumstances attending the case, this court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner." According to the FIR lodged in September 2016 at Badarpur police station in south Delhi, the man allegedly offered her cold drink mixed with a stupefying substance, after consuming which she became unconscious. Taking advantage of her condition, the accused raped her, the police said, adding that when the woman became conscious and tried to escape, the man threatened her with her obscene videos and photos. The alleged incident took place on September 18, 2014, the FIR said. While seeking bail the accused, through his counsel Rohit P Ranjan, denied the allegations and claimed he has been falsely implicated by the woman, with whom he was in a live-in relationship, to extort money from him. He contended that their relationship was consensual and no threat or coercion has ever been extended for obtaining her consent for physical relationship. His advocate said there was an "unexplained delay" which completely "belies the entire prosecution case". By PTI NEW DELHI: A 37-year-old man was today arrested from Kolkata for his alleged involvement in a kidney racket that was busted here last week, police said. The Crime Branch also carried out searches at Batra Hospital and seized some documents in connection with the racket, a senior police officer said. Arun Das, who was arrested this evening in Kolkata, used to refer patients to his contacts in Delhi who would then arrange donors for the recipients, said the officer. Praveer Ranjan, joint commissioner of police (Crime), confirmed Das' arrest in Kolkata today. Das is a close aide of Jayant Sahoo, who was arrested along with Sulekha Panda, Anoj Patra and Birju Paswan, last week for indulging in the illegal sale and purchase of kidneys. The accused had referred a Hyderabad-based family, that was looking for a donor to Sahoo in Delhi. Das had a contact in Hyderabad who had put the family in touch with him. Das had also spoken to an MBA student from Rajasthan, who had posed as a donor to unearth the racket, last year. He had then put the student in touch with Sagoo. The Crime Branch teams are also looking for some accused in Bhubhaneswar, Hyderabad, West Bengal, who refer patients to their Delhi contacts, the officer said, adding teams were carrying out searches there. The racket was busted after the MBA student, along with a TV news channel reporter, contacted the Crime Branch officials in April. He had posed as a donor to dig deep into the racket and through spy devices provided to him by the Crime Branch recorded the entire process from his meetings with the middlemen, to his screening process at the hospital. The man underwent a screening test in front of a medical team at Batra Hospital that had cleared his interview despite him giving some wrong answers. However, the hospital denied any wrongdoing and assured cooperation in the probe. The middlemen gave the complainant a separate identity with fake ID cards, so that he could pass off as a member of the family of the recipient. The middlemen targeted helpless families, who were looking for kidney donors. They were induced and charged huge amount of money with the promise to complete necessary documentation and formalities for the smooth transplant operation. NEW DELHI: A 37-year-old man was today arrested from Kolkata for his alleged involvement in a kidney racket that was busted here last week, police said. The Crime Branch also carried out searches at Batra Hospital and seized some documents in connection with the racket, a senior police officer said. Arun Das, who was arrested this evening in Kolkata, used to refer patients to his contacts in Delhi who would then arrange donors for the recipients, said the officer. Praveer Ranjan, joint commissioner of police (Crime), confirmed Das' arrest in Kolkata today. Das is a close aide of Jayant Sahoo, who was arrested along with Sulekha Panda, Anoj Patra and Birju Paswan, last week for indulging in the illegal sale and purchase of kidneys. The accused had referred a Hyderabad-based family, that was looking for a donor to Sahoo in Delhi. Das had a contact in Hyderabad who had put the family in touch with him. Das had also spoken to an MBA student from Rajasthan, who had posed as a donor to unearth the racket, last year. He had then put the student in touch with Sagoo. The Crime Branch teams are also looking for some accused in Bhubhaneswar, Hyderabad, West Bengal, who refer patients to their Delhi contacts, the officer said, adding teams were carrying out searches there. The racket was busted after the MBA student, along with a TV news channel reporter, contacted the Crime Branch officials in April. He had posed as a donor to dig deep into the racket and through spy devices provided to him by the Crime Branch recorded the entire process from his meetings with the middlemen, to his screening process at the hospital. The man underwent a screening test in front of a medical team at Batra Hospital that had cleared his interview despite him giving some wrong answers. However, the hospital denied any wrongdoing and assured cooperation in the probe. The middlemen gave the complainant a separate identity with fake ID cards, so that he could pass off as a member of the family of the recipient. The middlemen targeted helpless families, who were looking for kidney donors. They were induced and charged huge amount of money with the promise to complete necessary documentation and formalities for the smooth transplant operation. Shibu BS By Express News Service KOCHI: The change in socio-political situations always find a place in contemporary cinema. With the prestigious Kochi Metro all set to roll out by June, Malaylam cinema too will see it starring in many films. Movie makers will make a beeline for the Metro trains to shoot songs or major sequences in their movies. In India, Bewafaa (2003) was the first film to be shot inside a Metro train. Bewafaa was shot inside Delhi Metro. Later on many popular Hindi movies including Paa, PK, DevD, Delhi-6 and Love Aaj Kal were shot inside Delhi Metro trains. In the lines of other Metros, KMRL too expects that there will be good demand from the filmmakers and ad film makers to shoot major major portions of their films inside the train. The Metro agency has already chalked out a film shooting policy for Kochi Metro. As per the policy, the shooting will be permitted inside trains and Metro stations for a fixed license fee. For videography inside the train, the producers will have to pay Rs three lakh per hour while it will be Rs two lakh per hour for filming inside the station. Similarly, a fees of Rs one lakh per hour will be levied for commercial photography inside and outside the station. To take photographs inside the train a license fee of Rs 1,50,000 per hour needs to be paid, said KMRL authorities. The makers, crew or agency which is booking the train or station will be given a maximum of 60 minutes free time to set up the equipment or camera, according to the shooting policy. In case the shooting goes beyond the permitted time, then additional charges on 2 X license fees has to be paid by the party. The additional time will be rounded off to next 15 minutes. No passenger service for the first 24 hours KMRL will not launch passenger operations on the inaugural day. The inaugural ceremony will be held on June 17 in the evening. KMRL had suggested Aluva, the first station on stretch, as the first choice among the venues opted for the inaugural function. The first days journey is reserved for students from special schools and inmates of various orphanages and old age homes. This ride is being organised in association with Social Welfare Department. During the foundation stone laying ceremony of Kochi Metro in 2012, the guests who attended the programme were issued tickets along with invitation cards. Those who have that ticket with them will be provided with an opportunity to enjoy a ride in Kochi metro. Those tickets can be exchanged at KMRL office for actual tickets. A unique launch KMRL is planning to make the inauguration of Kochi Metro an avant-garde festive event which will be unique in many ways. The agency has received the final confirmation from the Central Government regarding the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration. The agency has already mooted the name of three venues for inauguration including Aluva, Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium and Marine Drive. However, a final decision on the venue will be taken by Prime Ministers Special Protection Group (SPG). Theme-based colourful interiors The stations of Kochi Metro will have interiors based on common theme selected for all the stations- the Western Ghat. There will be 11 stations between Aluva and Palarivattam stretch. Each station will have special themes, without deviating from common theme, based on the geographic specialties of the area. For Aluva station, the abundant bounty of nature in Kerala with a special focus on Western Ghats, Periyar and other rivers will be the theme. For Pulinchodu, Ecological region, flora and fauna of Western Ghats is the theme. The hills and peaks of Western Ghats will adorn the walls of Companypadi station while snails, slugs and snakes of the mountain range is the theme for Ambattukavu station. The birds of Western Ghats is opted for Muttom station while Western Ghats mountain range will be painted in the walls of Kalamassery station. Considering the importance of Cusat in the education sector of the state, the Cusat station will have the maritime history of Kerala as its theme. The fishes of Western Ghats region is the theme for Pathadipalam station. Spices and crops of Kerala is the theme for Edappally, one of the major stations while cultural and artistic heritage of Kerala will be on display at Changampuzha Park station. The flowers of Western Ghats is the theme for Palarivattam station. KOCHI: The change in socio-political situations always find a place in contemporary cinema. With the prestigious Kochi Metro all set to roll out by June, Malaylam cinema too will see it starring in many films. Movie makers will make a beeline for the Metro trains to shoot songs or major sequences in their movies. In India, Bewafaa (2003) was the first film to be shot inside a Metro train. Bewafaa was shot inside Delhi Metro. Later on many popular Hindi movies including Paa, PK, DevD, Delhi-6 and Love Aaj Kal were shot inside Delhi Metro trains. In the lines of other Metros, KMRL too expects that there will be good demand from the filmmakers and ad film makers to shoot major major portions of their films inside the train. The Metro agency has already chalked out a film shooting policy for Kochi Metro. As per the policy, the shooting will be permitted inside trains and Metro stations for a fixed license fee. For videography inside the train, the producers will have to pay Rs three lakh per hour while it will be Rs two lakh per hour for filming inside the station. Similarly, a fees of Rs one lakh per hour will be levied for commercial photography inside and outside the station. To take photographs inside the train a license fee of Rs 1,50,000 per hour needs to be paid, said KMRL authorities. The makers, crew or agency which is booking the train or station will be given a maximum of 60 minutes free time to set up the equipment or camera, according to the shooting policy. In case the shooting goes beyond the permitted time, then additional charges on 2 X license fees has to be paid by the party. The additional time will be rounded off to next 15 minutes. No passenger service for the first 24 hours KMRL will not launch passenger operations on the inaugural day. The inaugural ceremony will be held on June 17 in the evening. KMRL had suggested Aluva, the first station on stretch, as the first choice among the venues opted for the inaugural function. The first days journey is reserved for students from special schools and inmates of various orphanages and old age homes. This ride is being organised in association with Social Welfare Department. During the foundation stone laying ceremony of Kochi Metro in 2012, the guests who attended the programme were issued tickets along with invitation cards. Those who have that ticket with them will be provided with an opportunity to enjoy a ride in Kochi metro. Those tickets can be exchanged at KMRL office for actual tickets. A unique launch KMRL is planning to make the inauguration of Kochi Metro an avant-garde festive event which will be unique in many ways. The agency has received the final confirmation from the Central Government regarding the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration. The agency has already mooted the name of three venues for inauguration including Aluva, Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium and Marine Drive. However, a final decision on the venue will be taken by Prime Ministers Special Protection Group (SPG). Theme-based colourful interiors The stations of Kochi Metro will have interiors based on common theme selected for all the stations- the Western Ghat. There will be 11 stations between Aluva and Palarivattam stretch. Each station will have special themes, without deviating from common theme, based on the geographic specialties of the area. For Aluva station, the abundant bounty of nature in Kerala with a special focus on Western Ghats, Periyar and other rivers will be the theme. For Pulinchodu, Ecological region, flora and fauna of Western Ghats is the theme. The hills and peaks of Western Ghats will adorn the walls of Companypadi station while snails, slugs and snakes of the mountain range is the theme for Ambattukavu station. The birds of Western Ghats is opted for Muttom station while Western Ghats mountain range will be painted in the walls of Kalamassery station. Considering the importance of Cusat in the education sector of the state, the Cusat station will have the maritime history of Kerala as its theme. The fishes of Western Ghats region is the theme for Pathadipalam station. Spices and crops of Kerala is the theme for Edappally, one of the major stations while cultural and artistic heritage of Kerala will be on display at Changampuzha Park station. The flowers of Western Ghats is the theme for Palarivattam station. Children from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative pose on Wednesday in Beijing for a photo with comic book hero Iron Man at an event marking International Children's Day, which falls on Thursday. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily] China was ranked as the best developing country for children in Asia, with its children experiencing the safest and happiest childhoods, according to a report released on Thursday, International Children Day. The report - Stolen Childhoods - evaluated countries with a range of indicators related to childhood, from safety to health. Norway and Slovenia topped the index while Niger ranked last. Of 172 countries, China ranked 41st overall, ahead of Vietnam (92), the Philippines (96), Myanmar (112) and India (116), according to the report by Save the Children - an international nongovernmental organization that promotes children's rights and supports children in developing countries. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the infant mortality rate in China dropped from 1.31 percent in 2010 to 0.81 percent in 2015. By last year, the vaccination rate for children under 18 years old reached 99 percent, achieving the aim set by the Outline Program for Development of Chinese Women and Children (2011-20). The number of children's welfare institutes grew from 335 in 2010 to 478 in 2015. During the same period, 130 centers for rescuing and protecting children and adolescents were built nationwide. "China performed relatively strongly across the board, boasting low rates of early marriage and teenage pregnancy," said Wang Chao, Save the Children's country director. Over the past decade, China has established a series of laws and regulations promoting the development of children, including implementing the Improving Child Nutrition Project in rural areas and strengthening the protection system for children left behind by parents who leave rural areas to find work in cities. "Given these tremendous improvements in children's well-being, it's not surprising that China ranked in the top quarter of all countries analyzed," Wang said. However, Wang said China is the biggest developing country in the world and there is still a significant difference between the well-being of children living in urban and rural parts of the country. "There is still a long way to go in improving children's survival and development compared with most developed countries," he said. Since 2010, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has launched pilot programs that provide support for child welfare directors in some residential areas to help children in need and prevent child abuse. In June last year, the State Council, China's Cabinet, released a notice to make sure that every village in the country has a children's welfare director. "Further efforts should be made to improve the service quality," said Tong Xiaojun, dean of the Research Institute of Children and Adolescents at China Youth University for Political Sciences. "Services for children need professionals, which China still lacks. The government should provide more training and specialized services," she said. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: A Meghalaya BJP leader who planned a beef celebration to mark three years of the Narendra Modi government has resigned, saying he felt out of place in a party that is against cow slaughter. Sources in the BJP said his resignation has been accepted. Bernard Marak, who belongs to the Garo tribe, has been critical of the central governments new restrictions on cattle trade. He proposed a celebration of three years of the Modi government in a traditional way by eating beef and other meat along consuing a local brew. "Eating beef is normal in Meghalaya, especially in the Garo Hills. Beef is a part of our life," he said. "I thought it would send a positive message to the Garos who are not happy with the cattle trade rules. Marak was the BJPs Tura unit president in western Meghalaya. Explaining the events leading to his exit from the party, Marak told New Indian Express, I posted details of my plan on the BJP's WhatsApp group but there was no response. So, I posted it on my Facebook page to see the reaction of people. Then, Nalin Kohli (the BJP's Meghalaya in-charge) called me and was hard on me saying that this cannot be done. I said people are hurt and we should respect their sentiments by doing something. But he was not ready to accept our tradition, culture and practice. Marak added that he had joined the BJP to fight corruption and work for the development of Garo Hills but the party did not seem to be focussed on that. "It is implementing a Hindu ideology. So, I thought I cannot go against the interests of our people and resigned, Marak stated. He said he would continue to work for the public without joining any other party. He co-founded an insurgent group Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC). Later, he surrendered to the police in 2014 and joined BJP last year. GUWAHATI: A Meghalaya BJP leader who planned a beef celebration to mark three years of the Narendra Modi government has resigned, saying he felt out of place in a party that is against cow slaughter. Sources in the BJP said his resignation has been accepted. Bernard Marak, who belongs to the Garo tribe, has been critical of the central governments new restrictions on cattle trade. He proposed a celebration of three years of the Modi government in a traditional way by eating beef and other meat along consuing a local brew. "Eating beef is normal in Meghalaya, especially in the Garo Hills. Beef is a part of our life," he said. "I thought it would send a positive message to the Garos who are not happy with the cattle trade rules. Marak was the BJPs Tura unit president in western Meghalaya. Explaining the events leading to his exit from the party, Marak told New Indian Express, I posted details of my plan on the BJP's WhatsApp group but there was no response. So, I posted it on my Facebook page to see the reaction of people. Then, Nalin Kohli (the BJP's Meghalaya in-charge) called me and was hard on me saying that this cannot be done. I said people are hurt and we should respect their sentiments by doing something. But he was not ready to accept our tradition, culture and practice. Marak added that he had joined the BJP to fight corruption and work for the development of Garo Hills but the party did not seem to be focussed on that. "It is implementing a Hindu ideology. So, I thought I cannot go against the interests of our people and resigned, Marak stated. He said he would continue to work for the public without joining any other party. He co-founded an insurgent group Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC). Later, he surrendered to the police in 2014 and joined BJP last year. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The fissures within the Bharatiya Janata Party in poll-bound Nagaland are out in the open even as differences cropped up following the alleged autocratic functioning style of the party State president Visasolie Lhoungu. A group of BJP leaders in the State alleged that Lhoungu was acting like a leader of the regional Naga Peoples Front (NPF). These leaders on Wednesday held a meeting where they reiterated the demand for Lhoungus removal. We want him removed at the earliest. After he became the State president, he had arbitrarily axed the party presidents of all 11 districts, nine State office bearers besides over 40 State executive members. He took the actions without consulting any senior leaders, a BJP leader said requesting not to be named. He (Lhoungu) is acting like a leader of NPF. Given his proximity to NPF and his actions, we often wonder if he is our president or the president of the regional party, the leader said. Lhoungu was not available for comments. Calls made to his mobile phone went unanswered. The miffed BJP leaders have decided not to allow the functioning of the party office in commercial hub Dimapur till Lhoungu is removed. Earlier, they submitted a memorandum to BJP national president Amit Shah with the demand to remove Lhoungu but there has not been any response so far. The BJP is a partner of NPF and both are constituents of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN). The DAN, which enjoys the support of all 60 members of the House, including that of eight Independent MLAs, has been in power since 2003. With 47 MLAs, the NPF calls the shots in the alliance. However, the recently-floated Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) is likely to give it a run for its money in next years Assembly elections. The DPP is perceived to be a brainchild of Lok Sabha member and three-time former chief minister Neiphiu Rio. GUWAHATI: The fissures within the Bharatiya Janata Party in poll-bound Nagaland are out in the open even as differences cropped up following the alleged autocratic functioning style of the party State president Visasolie Lhoungu. A group of BJP leaders in the State alleged that Lhoungu was acting like a leader of the regional Naga Peoples Front (NPF). These leaders on Wednesday held a meeting where they reiterated the demand for Lhoungus removal. We want him removed at the earliest. After he became the State president, he had arbitrarily axed the party presidents of all 11 districts, nine State office bearers besides over 40 State executive members. He took the actions without consulting any senior leaders, a BJP leader said requesting not to be named. He (Lhoungu) is acting like a leader of NPF. Given his proximity to NPF and his actions, we often wonder if he is our president or the president of the regional party, the leader said. Lhoungu was not available for comments. Calls made to his mobile phone went unanswered. The miffed BJP leaders have decided not to allow the functioning of the party office in commercial hub Dimapur till Lhoungu is removed. Earlier, they submitted a memorandum to BJP national president Amit Shah with the demand to remove Lhoungu but there has not been any response so far. The BJP is a partner of NPF and both are constituents of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN). The DAN, which enjoys the support of all 60 members of the House, including that of eight Independent MLAs, has been in power since 2003. With 47 MLAs, the NPF calls the shots in the alliance. However, the recently-floated Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) is likely to give it a run for its money in next years Assembly elections. The DPP is perceived to be a brainchild of Lok Sabha member and three-time former chief minister Neiphiu Rio. By ANI AGRA: It is rightly said that a mother can go to any extent when it comes to her children. The example of the same has come to light from Uttar Pradeshs Rohta region in Agra, at the same time highlighting the sorry state of education in the country. In order to pay fees for the education of her daughter and ensure her a secured future, a mother has offered to sell her kidney to anybody in need. With the help of a social organisation, Aarti Sharma uploaded a letter on social media offering her kidney to anyone who needs it across the country. Aartis four children (three daughters, one son) were studying in a CBSE school, but things turned sour when they were unable to pay the school fees, in return of which the school administration showed her children the exit door. Aartis husband was into the business of readymade clothes but saw a downfall post demonetisation. Financially hit, the family was unable to pay the school fees and thus the trouble began. The helpless mother approached the local authorities for help, who in response allegedly taunted her saying, One should make their children study according to their status. Aarti then met newly-elected Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who assured her of help, but till now it has not taken shape. People chant slogan Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, but in real sense nobody wants to do anything about it. All are corrupt and they do this only to get votes, Aarti said. The talented daughters aspire to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and want to work towards the betterment of the country, but their helplessness has hampered their growth, which could be seen on their sad faces too. AGRA: It is rightly said that a mother can go to any extent when it comes to her children. The example of the same has come to light from Uttar Pradeshs Rohta region in Agra, at the same time highlighting the sorry state of education in the country. In order to pay fees for the education of her daughter and ensure her a secured future, a mother has offered to sell her kidney to anybody in need. With the help of a social organisation, Aarti Sharma uploaded a letter on social media offering her kidney to anyone who needs it across the country. Aartis four children (three daughters, one son) were studying in a CBSE school, but things turned sour when they were unable to pay the school fees, in return of which the school administration showed her children the exit door. Aartis husband was into the business of readymade clothes but saw a downfall post demonetisation. Financially hit, the family was unable to pay the school fees and thus the trouble began. The helpless mother approached the local authorities for help, who in response allegedly taunted her saying, One should make their children study according to their status. Aarti then met newly-elected Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who assured her of help, but till now it has not taken shape. People chant slogan Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, but in real sense nobody wants to do anything about it. All are corrupt and they do this only to get votes, Aarti said. The talented daughters aspire to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and want to work towards the betterment of the country, but their helplessness has hampered their growth, which could be seen on their sad faces too. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: Farmers in Maharashtra poured their milk in the streets, dumped freshly harvested tomatoes in their fields and stopped milk and vegetable supplies to Mumbai after talks with the chief minister over loan and electricity waivers failed Thursday. Chief minister devendra Fadnavis has blamed the opposition for instigating the farmers. "Farmers are being used and instigated to be violent. Certain political parties are trying to gain an advantage from this strike. Farmers' goods are being stopped, they are not being allowed to sell their produce. Efforts are being made to pitch farmers against the police, he said. Fadnavis said he was working towards meeting some of the farmers demands and committed his government to hold further talks with the farmers. Earlier in the day, Fadnavis chaired a state-level bankers' meeting to decide the state's credit policy. He said 13 district cooperative (DCC) banks that are currently facing a cash crunch would be accepted as agents by commercial banks and provided funds so that the DCC banks can help farmers. Fadnavis also urged milk federations should pay higher prices to farmers. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ashok Chavan said his party supports the farmers' agitation. However, earlier in the day, his party colleague and the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil had tried to broker peace between the striking farmers and the state government. Fadnavis defended his goernment's treatment of the farmers' demands. He said during the rule of predecessor governments, farmers had gotten direct financial assistance of only Rs. 4500 crore while his government has handed out Rs 12000 crore. MUMBAI: Farmers in Maharashtra poured their milk in the streets, dumped freshly harvested tomatoes in their fields and stopped milk and vegetable supplies to Mumbai after talks with the chief minister over loan and electricity waivers failed Thursday. Chief minister devendra Fadnavis has blamed the opposition for instigating the farmers. "Farmers are being used and instigated to be violent. Certain political parties are trying to gain an advantage from this strike. Farmers' goods are being stopped, they are not being allowed to sell their produce. Efforts are being made to pitch farmers against the police, he said. Fadnavis said he was working towards meeting some of the farmers demands and committed his government to hold further talks with the farmers. Earlier in the day, Fadnavis chaired a state-level bankers' meeting to decide the state's credit policy. He said 13 district cooperative (DCC) banks that are currently facing a cash crunch would be accepted as agents by commercial banks and provided funds so that the DCC banks can help farmers. Fadnavis also urged milk federations should pay higher prices to farmers. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ashok Chavan said his party supports the farmers' agitation. However, earlier in the day, his party colleague and the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil had tried to broker peace between the striking farmers and the state government. Fadnavis defended his goernment's treatment of the farmers' demands. He said during the rule of predecessor governments, farmers had gotten direct financial assistance of only Rs. 4500 crore while his government has handed out Rs 12000 crore. By PTI TARAKESWAR/KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said meetings and processions will not be allowed any more at the iconic College Square in Kolkata, as it disturbed students of nearby educational institutes. Banerjee made the announcement taking note of repeated complaints of disturbance by students. "I know it (meetings, slogans, processions) creates disturbances to the students of Calcutta University, Presidency College (now university). I agree with you. Your demand is genuine. You write a letter to the city police commissioner," she told research scholars of Calcutta University, who were invited to attend an administrative meeting at Tarakeswar in Hoogly district. The research scholars had drawn her attention to regular disturbances created by meetings, processions in that area. "Political parties should think about it. I too held meetings there. But Trinamool Congress will not hold any meeting there henceforth. Everybody should follow it," she said, adding a law would be formulated to this effect. Just hours after Banerjee's announcement, Kolkata police officials said the restrictions to holding meetings and processions in and around College Square will be applicable from Monday and those who had earlier applied for programmes there will be allowed tomorrow and day after. No fresh applications from today would be entertained, they said. Opposition leaders cutting across party lines reacted sharply to Banerjee's instructions. "College Square has been a place for agitations and protests since the days of British rule in the early 19th century. Mamata Banerjee is simply trying to find an excuse to silence us. But such tactics won't bear any results," senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said, "The instruction is aother trick to stop opposition from holding protest marches." State BJP president Dilip Ghosh questioned what Banerjee was doing during the years when her own party staged protest rallies against the central government. College Square, located along the College Street, is part of Kolkata's heritage and is near various reputable and oldest educational institutions of the country such as Calcutta University, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Hindu and Hare Schools, besides the Calcutta Medical College. College Street is also known as the 'Oxford of the East' for the innumerable book shops selling old and new books and hundreds of publishers. Apart from political parties, different associations, NGOs, pressure groups also use College Square as a spot for protest. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, College Street and College Square were synonymous with the Naxalite movement as several students of Presidency College and Calcutta University joined the armed struggle. TARAKESWAR/KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said meetings and processions will not be allowed any more at the iconic College Square in Kolkata, as it disturbed students of nearby educational institutes. Banerjee made the announcement taking note of repeated complaints of disturbance by students. "I know it (meetings, slogans, processions) creates disturbances to the students of Calcutta University, Presidency College (now university). I agree with you. Your demand is genuine. You write a letter to the city police commissioner," she told research scholars of Calcutta University, who were invited to attend an administrative meeting at Tarakeswar in Hoogly district. The research scholars had drawn her attention to regular disturbances created by meetings, processions in that area. "Political parties should think about it. I too held meetings there. But Trinamool Congress will not hold any meeting there henceforth. Everybody should follow it," she said, adding a law would be formulated to this effect. Just hours after Banerjee's announcement, Kolkata police officials said the restrictions to holding meetings and processions in and around College Square will be applicable from Monday and those who had earlier applied for programmes there will be allowed tomorrow and day after. No fresh applications from today would be entertained, they said. Opposition leaders cutting across party lines reacted sharply to Banerjee's instructions. "College Square has been a place for agitations and protests since the days of British rule in the early 19th century. Mamata Banerjee is simply trying to find an excuse to silence us. But such tactics won't bear any results," senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said, "The instruction is aother trick to stop opposition from holding protest marches." State BJP president Dilip Ghosh questioned what Banerjee was doing during the years when her own party staged protest rallies against the central government. College Square, located along the College Street, is part of Kolkata's heritage and is near various reputable and oldest educational institutions of the country such as Calcutta University, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Hindu and Hare Schools, besides the Calcutta Medical College. College Street is also known as the 'Oxford of the East' for the innumerable book shops selling old and new books and hundreds of publishers. Apart from political parties, different associations, NGOs, pressure groups also use College Square as a spot for protest. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, College Street and College Square were synonymous with the Naxalite movement as several students of Presidency College and Calcutta University joined the armed struggle. By PTI JAMMU: Pakistan today violated the ceasefire by shelling mortars and opening fire on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing retaliation from Indian troops. The exchange of fire was going on when last reports came in. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 0730 hours", a Defence Spokesman said. Pakistani troops also opened fire along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 0740 hours, he said. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on", he said. On May 17, Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on May 15 and 16. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. The Pakistani Army had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. JAMMU: Pakistan today violated the ceasefire by shelling mortars and opening fire on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing retaliation from Indian troops. The exchange of fire was going on when last reports came in. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 0730 hours", a Defence Spokesman said. Pakistani troops also opened fire along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 0740 hours, he said. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on", he said. On May 17, Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on May 15 and 16. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. The Pakistani Army had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. By PTI NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee may postpone calling RBI governor Urjit Patel on the issue of demonetisation, as BJP members expressed their unavailability this month. Patel is scheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on June 8 for a second briefing on demonetisation. "BJP members including Ajay Sancheti, Nishikant Dubey and Shivkumar Udasi expressed their unavailability in June. Dubey said he is ill and will be out of the country for treatment," a source said adding Patel may be called in July. Patel had also sought exemption from the panel expressing his inability to appear on May 25, as he was busy drafting the monetary policy. The panel had already questioned Patel on January 18 on the move to ban notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. Patel is appearing before the panel after former prime minister Manmohan Singh prevailed upon the BJP MPs on the panel who were opposed to summoning the RBI Governor again. During the meeting, the members from opposition parties also raised the issue of slump in GDP growth to 6.1 per cent and blamed demonetisation for it. Opposition MPs during the meeting said that demonetisation has impacted the economy severely and worst affected are the rural areas, a source said. The members also questioned the heads of public sector banks on rising NPAs, and digitisation after demonetisation. NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee may postpone calling RBI governor Urjit Patel on the issue of demonetisation, as BJP members expressed their unavailability this month. Patel is scheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on June 8 for a second briefing on demonetisation. "BJP members including Ajay Sancheti, Nishikant Dubey and Shivkumar Udasi expressed their unavailability in June. Dubey said he is ill and will be out of the country for treatment," a source said adding Patel may be called in July. Patel had also sought exemption from the panel expressing his inability to appear on May 25, as he was busy drafting the monetary policy. The panel had already questioned Patel on January 18 on the move to ban notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. Patel is appearing before the panel after former prime minister Manmohan Singh prevailed upon the BJP MPs on the panel who were opposed to summoning the RBI Governor again. During the meeting, the members from opposition parties also raised the issue of slump in GDP growth to 6.1 per cent and blamed demonetisation for it. Opposition MPs during the meeting said that demonetisation has impacted the economy severely and worst affected are the rural areas, a source said. The members also questioned the heads of public sector banks on rising NPAs, and digitisation after demonetisation. By Express News Service BHOPAL: A heritage structure which was reportedly the genesis of the communal violence that erupted in the old Bhopal city late on Tuesday evening is not a mosque, but a heritage gate, archaeological experts claimed on Wednesday. Vehicles torched after communal tension erupted, outside the Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, on Wednesday | PTI A team of the Madhya Pradesh Archaeology Department headed by technical assistant Dr Ahmad Ali visited the government Hamidia Hospital campus and studied the heritage structure, which according to claims by the minority community was a mosque. We did a detailed examination of the structure and concluded that its not a mosque, but a heritage gate. A marble plaque at the structure justifies our conclusion, as the plaque dating back to 1919 mentions 994 people from Bhopal taking part in World War I, out of which 34 died. These people crossed through the heritage gate which turned into a commemorative gate in 1919, Ali told The New Indian Express. We visited the site twice on Wednesday and concluded that its a heritage gate which could be 200 years old. But its certainly not a mosque, said Ali. During the ongoing new building construction work at the hospital campus, the heritage structure had become fully visible. The residents of the communally-sensitive area claimed it was a mosque. Since the last three days, members of the minority community had even started offering namaz near the structure, which was opposed by members of another community. The members of the other community had subsequently announced holding a maha-arti at a temple outside the hospital campus, but officials denied them permission. Late on Tuesday, after the evening namaz, rumours were rife on social media about the heritage structure inside the hospital campus having been desecrated, after which a large number of people gathered at the spot. The other group was firm on holding the religious ritual outside the temple in the area. Subsequently there was a face-off between the groups, resulting in stone pelting and arson targeting vehicles. Late on Tuesday night, top Muslim leaders met with SP North Arvind Saxena at the police control room and decided not to allow holding prayers at the heritage structure till the end of the month of Ramzan. BHOPAL: A heritage structure which was reportedly the genesis of the communal violence that erupted in the old Bhopal city late on Tuesday evening is not a mosque, but a heritage gate, archaeological experts claimed on Wednesday. Vehicles torched after communal tension erupted, outside the Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, on Wednesday | PTIA team of the Madhya Pradesh Archaeology Department headed by technical assistant Dr Ahmad Ali visited the government Hamidia Hospital campus and studied the heritage structure, which according to claims by the minority community was a mosque. We did a detailed examination of the structure and concluded that its not a mosque, but a heritage gate. A marble plaque at the structure justifies our conclusion, as the plaque dating back to 1919 mentions 994 people from Bhopal taking part in World War I, out of which 34 died. These people crossed through the heritage gate which turned into a commemorative gate in 1919, Ali told The New Indian Express. We visited the site twice on Wednesday and concluded that its a heritage gate which could be 200 years old. But its certainly not a mosque, said Ali. During the ongoing new building construction work at the hospital campus, the heritage structure had become fully visible. The residents of the communally-sensitive area claimed it was a mosque. Since the last three days, members of the minority community had even started offering namaz near the structure, which was opposed by members of another community. The members of the other community had subsequently announced holding a maha-arti at a temple outside the hospital campus, but officials denied them permission. Late on Tuesday, after the evening namaz, rumours were rife on social media about the heritage structure inside the hospital campus having been desecrated, after which a large number of people gathered at the spot. The other group was firm on holding the religious ritual outside the temple in the area. Subsequently there was a face-off between the groups, resulting in stone pelting and arson targeting vehicles. Late on Tuesday night, top Muslim leaders met with SP North Arvind Saxena at the police control room and decided not to allow holding prayers at the heritage structure till the end of the month of Ramzan. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: A 42-year-old woman, wife of a patient from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly raped on the premises of the Shatabdi super speciality hospital in the prestigious King Georges Medical University (KGMU) by three men here late on Wednesday night. The police arrested two of the accused on Thursday while a search for the remaining culprit was on. According to sources, as the woman left her ailing husband in the neurology ward to get dinner for him late in the night, she was waylaid in the lift by the liftman who took her to the fourth floor on the pretext of making food available to her since it was late and the canteen had closed. As she reached the fourth floor with the liftman Vinay, two more persons, including security guard Shiv Kumar and a man called Santosh Kashyap, were waiting there. They pounced on her. Gagging her, all the three took turns to outrage her modesty. Escaping them, the woman rushed to Chowk police station to lodge a complaint. In her complaint, she said after the incident the accused persons threatened to kill her if she informed anyone about it. She said she had been staying on the hospital premises for quite some time to tend to her husband who recently underwent a surgery for a neurological problem. Acting on her complaint, Chowk police raided the hospital arresting Shiv Kumar and Santosh Kashyap, while launching a search for absconding liftman Vinay. The victim has been sent for medical examination. The King Georges Medical University is one of the most prestigious medical colleges in north India. Such a brazen act on its premises comes as a loud statement highlighting the prevailing law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and the ease with which anti-social elements are operating with no fear of law enforcement agencies. LUCKNOW: A 42-year-old woman, wife of a patient from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly raped on the premises of the Shatabdi super speciality hospital in the prestigious King Georges Medical University (KGMU) by three men here late on Wednesday night. The police arrested two of the accused on Thursday while a search for the remaining culprit was on. According to sources, as the woman left her ailing husband in the neurology ward to get dinner for him late in the night, she was waylaid in the lift by the liftman who took her to the fourth floor on the pretext of making food available to her since it was late and the canteen had closed. As she reached the fourth floor with the liftman Vinay, two more persons, including security guard Shiv Kumar and a man called Santosh Kashyap, were waiting there. They pounced on her. Gagging her, all the three took turns to outrage her modesty. Escaping them, the woman rushed to Chowk police station to lodge a complaint. In her complaint, she said after the incident the accused persons threatened to kill her if she informed anyone about it. She said she had been staying on the hospital premises for quite some time to tend to her husband who recently underwent a surgery for a neurological problem. Acting on her complaint, Chowk police raided the hospital arresting Shiv Kumar and Santosh Kashyap, while launching a search for absconding liftman Vinay. The victim has been sent for medical examination. The King Georges Medical University is one of the most prestigious medical colleges in north India. Such a brazen act on its premises comes as a loud statement highlighting the prevailing law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and the ease with which anti-social elements are operating with no fear of law enforcement agencies. Ye Luying's illustration of An Ode to the Goddess of Luo [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] An Ode to the Goddess of Luo is a poetic prose by Cao Zhi, a renowned poet and essayist of the Han Dynasty ( AD 25-220). The poet narrates his encounter with the astonishingly beautiful Goddess of Luo, how they fall in love with each other, and the inevitable sad ending to their romance. A series of illustrations created by post-90s illustrator Ye Luying has recently drawn people's attention to this Chinese prose. Ye is an independent illustrator and designer, who studied at the China Academy of Art and Oslo National Academy of the Arts. She has already published several picture books prior to the goddess of Luo series. "It has always been my dream to become a painter. I grew up as the only child in my family and my paintbrush was my pal," Ye said. "Painting serves as an indispensable part of my life. In some way, my work is me." "My first inspiration to recreate An Ode to the Goddess of Luo derived from my overseas experience. Being detached from my cultural upbringing and familiar surroundings provided me a unique opportunity to reflect on my cultural roots. I think that moment of revelation guided me to return to traditional Chinese literature and appreciate the beauty of it." Cao Zhi's prose is commonly known as a love story full of pathos. But from Ye's point of view, the emotions it harbors are much stronger and more complex. "An intoxicating dream ends and people will eventually face the reality. An Ode to the Goddess of Luo portrays the love within sight but beyond reach, which echoes a universal sense of loneliness. I was so touched by its slight tinge of sorrow when I first read it," Ye said. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Women and Child Development Ministry has once again sounded an alert over fake forms in the name of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', a flagship scheme of the Narendra Modi government. In a public appeal today, the ministry said certain unauthorised sites/organisations/ NGOs/individuals were distributing illegal forms in the name of cash incentive under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBPP) scheme. "The scheme has no provision for individual cash transfer component by the Government of India. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme focuses on challenging mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy in the societal system, strict enforcement of PC&PNDT Act and advancing education of the girl child. It is not a DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme," a release by the WCD ministry said. On February 16, the ministry had issued a warning to the public to remain wary of such fraud. However, reports claim that fake forms are still being sold to parents who are sending them to the ministry. It was in March this year that the ministry approached the Delhi government and the police commissioner in the matter. WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi had also written to Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Yogi Adityanath earlier this month and asked him to crack down on the miscreants. "The ministry was alerted when we started receiving a deluge of calls on the matter. The people wanted to know how they could get the money," said a senior official of the ministry. Earlier this month, the Uttar Pradesh government had sounded a statewide alert against the scam, which promised cash incentive of Rs 1-2 lakh to parents of girls in the name of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Ministry sources said thousands are likely to have fallen prey to the scam. They said the guidelines printed on the single page fake application form mentions that girls and women aged between 8 and 32 years are eligible to submit their applications under the scheme to the WCD ministry. The ministry today said in its release that it has taken up the matter with the state authorities where the illegal activity has been reported, namely Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. "The warning in this regard has been broadcast several times by the ministry in print as well as electronic media. It has been advised that no personal details should be shared in this regard and no one should subscribe to such fraudulent practice," the release said. "The general public is, therefore, once again advised not to fall prey to this fake and fraudulent information," it added. NEW DELHI: The Women and Child Development Ministry has once again sounded an alert over fake forms in the name of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', a flagship scheme of the Narendra Modi government. In a public appeal today, the ministry said certain unauthorised sites/organisations/ NGOs/individuals were distributing illegal forms in the name of cash incentive under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBPP) scheme. "The scheme has no provision for individual cash transfer component by the Government of India. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme focuses on challenging mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy in the societal system, strict enforcement of PC&PNDT Act and advancing education of the girl child. It is not a DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme," a release by the WCD ministry said. On February 16, the ministry had issued a warning to the public to remain wary of such fraud. However, reports claim that fake forms are still being sold to parents who are sending them to the ministry. It was in March this year that the ministry approached the Delhi government and the police commissioner in the matter. WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi had also written to Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Yogi Adityanath earlier this month and asked him to crack down on the miscreants. "The ministry was alerted when we started receiving a deluge of calls on the matter. The people wanted to know how they could get the money," said a senior official of the ministry. Earlier this month, the Uttar Pradesh government had sounded a statewide alert against the scam, which promised cash incentive of Rs 1-2 lakh to parents of girls in the name of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Ministry sources said thousands are likely to have fallen prey to the scam. They said the guidelines printed on the single page fake application form mentions that girls and women aged between 8 and 32 years are eligible to submit their applications under the scheme to the WCD ministry. The ministry today said in its release that it has taken up the matter with the state authorities where the illegal activity has been reported, namely Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. "The warning in this regard has been broadcast several times by the ministry in print as well as electronic media. It has been advised that no personal details should be shared in this regard and no one should subscribe to such fraudulent practice," the release said. "The general public is, therefore, once again advised not to fall prey to this fake and fraudulent information," it added. By PTI NEW DELHI: The second Scorpene-class submarine is ready for surface sea trials, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today and congratulated engineers of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) where it has been built. "Congratulations to MDL engineers as their efforts have moved the second Scorpene class submarine for surface sea trials," Jaitley tweeted. The first Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari has already undergone various trials and is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy later this year. The defence minister said the Scorpene-class submarines will significantly enhance India's naval prowess. "These Scorpene class submarines will not only add to our future naval power & strengthen defence but also make our ocean safe & secure," he said in another tweet. Six Scorpene-class submarines are being built under 'Project 75' of the Navy. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. NEW DELHI: The second Scorpene-class submarine is ready for surface sea trials, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today and congratulated engineers of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) where it has been built. "Congratulations to MDL engineers as their efforts have moved the second Scorpene class submarine for surface sea trials," Jaitley tweeted. The first Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari has already undergone various trials and is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy later this year. The defence minister said the Scorpene-class submarines will significantly enhance India's naval prowess. "These Scorpene class submarines will not only add to our future naval power & strengthen defence but also make our ocean safe & secure," he said in another tweet. Six Scorpene-class submarines are being built under 'Project 75' of the Navy. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanaths visit to Ayodhya on Wednesday is being seen in political circles as a strategic bid to revive the temple politics in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The CM expressed his governments preparedness to stand by anyone who wanted to resolve the temple issue amicably through dialogue and mutual consent. Even Supreme Court wants that, he said. While speaking at the birthday celebrations of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das who heads the VHP-backed Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in Ayodhya on Wednesday, the CM said, Main janta hoon ki aap kya jaanna chahte hain aur main aapki bhawnao ka samman karta hoon (I know what you all want to know and I respect your sentiments), he said to the cheering masses. The CM added that he appreciated many Muslim organisations which had come forward with a number of amicable solutions like relinquishing claim on the disputed site in favour of Ram Lalla. Leaders of many such organisations have met me in Lucknow expressing their willingness to renounce the claim on Janmabhoomi in favour of Hindus. Scores have met me today at Digambar Akhada also with the same sentiment, he stated. The CM had reached Faizabad early Wednesday and proceeded to Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya where he was welcomed by a large number of local BJP leaders, MLAs, MPs and religious gurus. After paying obeisance to Lord Hanuman, he proceeded to the makeshift temple of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Accompanied by Mahant Dharam Das and a few other leaders, the CM offered prayers to the deity at the makeshift temple under the tent, spending about half-an-hour at the disputed site and later proceeded to the banks of river Saryu. Mahant Dharam Das is one of the accused in the Babri mosque demolition case. The CMs touching base with Mahants and religious leaders in Ayodhya gains significance as he decided to visit the temple town just a day after the framing of criminal conspiracy charges against BJP stalwarts like L K Advani, M M Joshi, Uma Bharti, Vinay Katiyar and eight other accused by a special CBI court in the Babri mosque demolition case. Adityanath also took stock of Ram ki Paidi on the banks of Saryu and directed the tourism officials to renovate it and ensure its beautification. He also asked officials to ensure cleanliness on Saryu banks and proper light arrangements for devotees who want to take a dip in the river. LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanaths visit to Ayodhya on Wednesday is being seen in political circles as a strategic bid to revive the temple politics in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The CM expressed his governments preparedness to stand by anyone who wanted to resolve the temple issue amicably through dialogue and mutual consent. Even Supreme Court wants that, he said. While speaking at the birthday celebrations of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das who heads the VHP-backed Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in Ayodhya on Wednesday, the CM said, Main janta hoon ki aap kya jaanna chahte hain aur main aapki bhawnao ka samman karta hoon (I know what you all want to know and I respect your sentiments), he said to the cheering masses. The CM added that he appreciated many Muslim organisations which had come forward with a number of amicable solutions like relinquishing claim on the disputed site in favour of Ram Lalla. Leaders of many such organisations have met me in Lucknow expressing their willingness to renounce the claim on Janmabhoomi in favour of Hindus. Scores have met me today at Digambar Akhada also with the same sentiment, he stated. The CM had reached Faizabad early Wednesday and proceeded to Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya where he was welcomed by a large number of local BJP leaders, MLAs, MPs and religious gurus. After paying obeisance to Lord Hanuman, he proceeded to the makeshift temple of Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Accompanied by Mahant Dharam Das and a few other leaders, the CM offered prayers to the deity at the makeshift temple under the tent, spending about half-an-hour at the disputed site and later proceeded to the banks of river Saryu. Mahant Dharam Das is one of the accused in the Babri mosque demolition case. The CMs touching base with Mahants and religious leaders in Ayodhya gains significance as he decided to visit the temple town just a day after the framing of criminal conspiracy charges against BJP stalwarts like L K Advani, M M Joshi, Uma Bharti, Vinay Katiyar and eight other accused by a special CBI court in the Babri mosque demolition case. Adityanath also took stock of Ram ki Paidi on the banks of Saryu and directed the tourism officials to renovate it and ensure its beautification. He also asked officials to ensure cleanliness on Saryu banks and proper light arrangements for devotees who want to take a dip in the river. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Congress today accused the BJP-led NDA government of making a concerted effort to rewrite history saying it had stoked a fresh controversy over Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's death, and demanded its apology. "The BJP stoked conspiracy fires around Netaji's death. It took power of the RTI to reveal the government's real position," the Congress said on its twitter handle. Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said that after the BJP came to power, there had been a concerted attempt to denigrate the leaders of the freedom struggle, whether it is Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel or Mahatama Gandhi. "There has been a concerted, orchestrated effort by the BJP to rewrite the history. The BJP and RSS' 'dirty tricks department' created a story about Netaji's death," he said. Kumar accused the Modi government of spreading "lies" and said "people have kept spreading this untruth, disinformation should apologise to the people of this country". "Today, there is the limit of lack of shame where the government of the day gives an RTI reply saying that Netaji died in a plane crash. This is in reply to RTI by the government," he said Bose died in an aircrash in 1945, the government has said, putting to an end a controversy that refuses to be buried about the freedom fighter having survived the accident. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a reply to an RTI application from a Kolkata resident that the government had come to this conclusion after considering the reports of various committees that probed the death of Bose, who, many believed, had not perished in the crash. NEW DELHI: The Congress today accused the BJP-led NDA government of making a concerted effort to rewrite history saying it had stoked a fresh controversy over Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's death, and demanded its apology. "The BJP stoked conspiracy fires around Netaji's death. It took power of the RTI to reveal the government's real position," the Congress said on its twitter handle. Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said that after the BJP came to power, there had been a concerted attempt to denigrate the leaders of the freedom struggle, whether it is Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel or Mahatama Gandhi. "There has been a concerted, orchestrated effort by the BJP to rewrite the history. The BJP and RSS' 'dirty tricks department' created a story about Netaji's death," he said. Kumar accused the Modi government of spreading "lies" and said "people have kept spreading this untruth, disinformation should apologise to the people of this country". "Today, there is the limit of lack of shame where the government of the day gives an RTI reply saying that Netaji died in a plane crash. This is in reply to RTI by the government," he said Bose died in an aircrash in 1945, the government has said, putting to an end a controversy that refuses to be buried about the freedom fighter having survived the accident. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a reply to an RTI application from a Kolkata resident that the government had come to this conclusion after considering the reports of various committees that probed the death of Bose, who, many believed, had not perished in the crash. Panamas former dictator Manuel Noriega passed away on Monday at 83. Noriega who was on the CIAs payroll was later ousted by US troops CIA informant Noriega became the de facto leader of Panama by promoting himself to general of the armed forces in 1983. For ten years, he had a complex relationship with the US. He shifted from cooperative ally and informant for American drug and intelligence agencies to shady adversary, according to the New York Times Teddy bears as paratroopers He started selling secrets to political enemies of the US and also started tipping off drug cartels. Noriegas life was quirkyhe brandished machetes while making speeches and liked to display his teddy bears dressed as paratroopers, the Times adds. Although America knew of Noriegas two-facedness, US officials maintained influence in Panama through the strongman, at a time when the Left was rising in Central America US invades Panama But Noriega was getting out of control. His regime started attacking political opponents. In 1988, Noriega was indicted in Miami and Tampa on drug trafficking and money-laundering charges. In Dec 1989, Panamanian troops shot and killed an unarmed American soldier in Panama City. The troops wounded and arrested two other US soldiers. This was it. America invaded Panama From dictator to federal prisoner 41586 Noriega eventually surrendered and was tried in 1991. He became the first foreign head of state to be convicted in a US court and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. After he was extradited to Panama in 2011, Noriega was dealing with many health issues. The former dictator later apologised to his country for his own actions and his regimes offences Panamas former dictator Manuel Noriega passed away on Monday at 83. Noriega who was on the CIAs payroll was later ousted by US troops CIA informant Noriega became the de facto leader of Panama by promoting himself to general of the armed forces in 1983. For ten years, he had a complex relationship with the US. He shifted from cooperative ally and informant for American drug and intelligence agencies to shady adversary, according to the New York Times Teddy bears as paratroopers He started selling secrets to political enemies of the US and also started tipping off drug cartels. Noriegas life was quirkyhe brandished machetes while making speeches and liked to display his teddy bears dressed as paratroopers, the Times adds. Although America knew of Noriegas two-facedness, US officials maintained influence in Panama through the strongman, at a time when the Left was rising in Central America US invades Panama But Noriega was getting out of control. His regime started attacking political opponents. In 1988, Noriega was indicted in Miami and Tampa on drug trafficking and money-laundering charges. In Dec 1989, Panamanian troops shot and killed an unarmed American soldier in Panama City. The troops wounded and arrested two other US soldiers. This was it. America invaded Panama From dictator to federal prisoner 41586 Noriega eventually surrendered and was tried in 1991. He became the first foreign head of state to be convicted in a US court and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. After he was extradited to Panama in 2011, Noriega was dealing with many health issues. The former dictator later apologised to his country for his own actions and his regimes offences By Express News Service VISAKHAPATNAM: A 21-year-old Naval Sailor Vikash Yadav is believed to have committed suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon while he was on sentry duty at INS Rana at Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Vizag city in the early hours on Thursday. Other sailors on the ship heard a gun shot and rushed to find Vikash lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately rushed to INHS Kalyani where the doctors declared him brought dead. Sources said that the unmarried naval sailor, a native of Bhind in Madhya Pradesh, was working in the electrical mechanical power class-1 of the ship. The Malkapuram police have registered a case and investigation is on to ascertain the reasons behind his taking the extreme step. VISAKHAPATNAM: A 21-year-old Naval Sailor Vikash Yadav is believed to have committed suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon while he was on sentry duty at INS Rana at Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Vizag city in the early hours on Thursday. Other sailors on the ship heard a gun shot and rushed to find Vikash lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately rushed to INHS Kalyani where the doctors declared him brought dead. Sources said that the unmarried naval sailor, a native of Bhind in Madhya Pradesh, was working in the electrical mechanical power class-1 of the ship. The Malkapuram police have registered a case and investigation is on to ascertain the reasons behind his taking the extreme step. By ANI BENGALURU: Home Minister G Parameshwar on Thursday tendered his resignation in accordance with instructions from the Congress party high command. The resignation came following the decision by the high command that he must be left free to fully focus on his job as KPCC president ahead of the 2018 Assembly election. Parameshwar met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday afternoon and submitted his resignation. He is set to concentrate fully on party affairs. The resignation comes as part of the rejig that the Congress high command has effected in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, with the induction of former minister S R Patil as the second working president along with Dinesh Gundurao. The party has also decided to accommodate Energy minister D K Shivakumar as chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee. Submitting the resignation, Parameshwar said he would live up to the expectations of the party leadership as KPCC chief, with the co-operation of the party rank and file. BENGALURU: Home Minister G Parameshwar on Thursday tendered his resignation in accordance with instructions from the Congress party high command. The resignation came following the decision by the high command that he must be left free to fully focus on his job as KPCC president ahead of the 2018 Assembly election. Parameshwar met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday afternoon and submitted his resignation. He is set to concentrate fully on party affairs. The resignation comes as part of the rejig that the Congress high command has effected in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, with the induction of former minister S R Patil as the second working president along with Dinesh Gundurao. The party has also decided to accommodate Energy minister D K Shivakumar as chairman of the Congress Campaign Committee. Submitting the resignation, Parameshwar said he would live up to the expectations of the party leadership as KPCC chief, with the co-operation of the party rank and file. By Express News Service KOCHI:The Kerala High Court on Wednesday said there was absolutely no ban on slaughtering cattle. The court observed the Centres new Rules only restricted the sale of cattle from animal markets for the purpose of slaughter. There is no ban on slaughtering and selling or eating beef, the court said. The HC observed the Rules did not stop a person from selling cattle for slaughter outside animal markets. Cant the sale and slaughter be done at home or on rooftops? asked the HC Division Bench while dismissing as withdrawn a public interest petition filed by Youth Congress general secretary T G Sunil. In his plea, Sunil said the Centres notification was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intruded into the life and personal liberty of an individual. The petitioner submitted the Rule was an infringement on the right to food of a person but the court rebuffed the argument asking how the restriction of cattle sale affected a persons right to eat. The Bench also made it clear that it could not intervene taking into consideration an indirect impact of the order. There will not be any tension if people read the Rules. Being a public figure, the petitioner should take the Rules to public, the court observed. The petitioner said the preservation, protection and improvement of stock, prevention of animal diseases and veterinary training and practice came under the State list and only the state has the power to make any regulations on cattle. Meanwhile, the Advocate General, appearing on behalf of the state government, produced the Madras High Courts order staying the Centres Rule. The Bench expressed surprise over the Madras HCs order, issued on Tuesday. Kerala to convene CMs meet Determined to take on the Modi Government for imposing restrictions on the sale of cattle, the Kerala Government on Wednesday decided to convene a meeting of all Chief Ministers in the country. The Cabinet also decided to legally challenge the notification. A special Assembly session will be convened to finalise the course of action. KOCHI:The Kerala High Court on Wednesday said there was absolutely no ban on slaughtering cattle. The court observed the Centres new Rules only restricted the sale of cattle from animal markets for the purpose of slaughter. There is no ban on slaughtering and selling or eating beef, the court said. The HC observed the Rules did not stop a person from selling cattle for slaughter outside animal markets. Cant the sale and slaughter be done at home or on rooftops? asked the HC Division Bench while dismissing as withdrawn a public interest petition filed by Youth Congress general secretary T G Sunil. In his plea, Sunil said the Centres notification was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intruded into the life and personal liberty of an individual. The petitioner submitted the Rule was an infringement on the right to food of a person but the court rebuffed the argument asking how the restriction of cattle sale affected a persons right to eat. The Bench also made it clear that it could not intervene taking into consideration an indirect impact of the order. There will not be any tension if people read the Rules. Being a public figure, the petitioner should take the Rules to public, the court observed. The petitioner said the preservation, protection and improvement of stock, prevention of animal diseases and veterinary training and practice came under the State list and only the state has the power to make any regulations on cattle. Meanwhile, the Advocate General, appearing on behalf of the state government, produced the Madras High Courts order staying the Centres Rule. The Bench expressed surprise over the Madras HCs order, issued on Tuesday. Kerala to convene CMs meet Determined to take on the Modi Government for imposing restrictions on the sale of cattle, the Kerala Government on Wednesday decided to convene a meeting of all Chief Ministers in the country. The Cabinet also decided to legally challenge the notification. A special Assembly session will be convened to finalise the course of action. By Express News Service KANNUR: Police have arrested eight Youth Congress activists, including Rijil Makkutty, its suspended Kannur parliamentary constituency president, for slaughtering a calf in full public view in Kannur town in protest against the Centre's notification banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter. The Kannur City Police initially registered a case against the Youth Congress workers under section 120 (A) (slaughters any animal or cleans any carcass or grooms any animal in a public place causing annoyance or inconvenience to the public) of Kerala Police Act. However investigators later added section 428 (Mischief by killing or maiming animal) of Indian Penal Code. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP. The arrested were later released on bail. The slaughter of a one-and-a-half year old calf took place in the presence of state and district Youth Congress leaders at Thazhetheru last Saturday. After slaughtering the animal in an open vehicle, the Youth Congress workers also distributed the meat free of cost to the public. The mode of protest employed by the Youth Congress workers in Kerala led to widespread condemnation, including from within the Congress. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi termed the incident "thoughtless and barbaric" and said it was "unacceptable" to him and the party. Three leaders including Rijil Makkutty, State general secretary Joshi Kandathil and local Youth Congress leader Sharafuddin have since been suspended by the Youth Congress national leadership. KANNUR: Police have arrested eight Youth Congress activists, including Rijil Makkutty, its suspended Kannur parliamentary constituency president, for slaughtering a calf in full public view in Kannur town in protest against the Centre's notification banning sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter. The Kannur City Police initially registered a case against the Youth Congress workers under section 120 (A) (slaughters any animal or cleans any carcass or grooms any animal in a public place causing annoyance or inconvenience to the public) of Kerala Police Act. However investigators later added section 428 (Mischief by killing or maiming animal) of Indian Penal Code. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP. The arrested were later released on bail. The slaughter of a one-and-a-half year old calf took place in the presence of state and district Youth Congress leaders at Thazhetheru last Saturday. After slaughtering the animal in an open vehicle, the Youth Congress workers also distributed the meat free of cost to the public. The mode of protest employed by the Youth Congress workers in Kerala led to widespread condemnation, including from within the Congress. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi termed the incident "thoughtless and barbaric" and said it was "unacceptable" to him and the party. Three leaders including Rijil Makkutty, State general secretary Joshi Kandathil and local Youth Congress leader Sharafuddin have since been suspended by the Youth Congress national leadership. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) on Wednesday gave in principle approval to an investment proposal for steel fabrication unit and recommended another proposal to the High Level Clearance Authority for consideration. The meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi approved the proposal of Richbird Drinking Water Private Ltd to set up a structural steel fabrication unit at Kalunga in Panposh of Sundargarh district with an investment of `53 crore. The proposed unit will have facilities for fabrication of ducting and miscellaneous items of general steel fabrication with an installed capacity of 12,000 tonne per annum. The company would use the mild steel and stainless steel channel, plate and angles as its raw materials. Around 19 acres of land needed for the unit have already been identified at Kalunga. The water requirement is around 10 cum per day for drinking and general use. It will create employment opportunities for 185 persons, official sources said. The meeting discussed the proposal of GAIL (India) Ltd for supply of natural gas to major industrial hubs and city gas distribution for Cuttack and Bhubaneswar with a total investment of `4,276 crore. The company will have its natural gas pipeline in the districts of Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Khordha. It requires around 51 acres of land in various locations for sectional valve, pigging station, dispatch/receiving terminals, city gas stations and pipe line. The project has employment potential for 1,141 persons.After examining different dimensions of the project, the SLSWCA recommended it to the HLCA for consideration. BHUBANESWAR: The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) on Wednesday gave in principle approval to an investment proposal for steel fabrication unit and recommended another proposal to the High Level Clearance Authority for consideration. The meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi approved the proposal of Richbird Drinking Water Private Ltd to set up a structural steel fabrication unit at Kalunga in Panposh of Sundargarh district with an investment of `53 crore. The proposed unit will have facilities for fabrication of ducting and miscellaneous items of general steel fabrication with an installed capacity of 12,000 tonne per annum. The company would use the mild steel and stainless steel channel, plate and angles as its raw materials. Around 19 acres of land needed for the unit have already been identified at Kalunga. The water requirement is around 10 cum per day for drinking and general use. It will create employment opportunities for 185 persons, official sources said. The meeting discussed the proposal of GAIL (India) Ltd for supply of natural gas to major industrial hubs and city gas distribution for Cuttack and Bhubaneswar with a total investment of `4,276 crore. The company will have its natural gas pipeline in the districts of Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Khordha. It requires around 51 acres of land in various locations for sectional valve, pigging station, dispatch/receiving terminals, city gas stations and pipe line. The project has employment potential for 1,141 persons.After examining different dimensions of the project, the SLSWCA recommended it to the HLCA for consideration. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) attends a welcome ceremony held by German chancellor Angela Merkel before an annual meeting between Chinese and German heads of government in Berlin, Germany, May 31, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] BERLIN - Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called on Germany to help China-developed large passenger plane C919 get an airworthiness certificate from the European Union. Li made the call during his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. He is on an official visit to Germany for an annual meeting between the two heads of government, a mechanism that has been in place since 2004. The twin-engine C919 made a maiden flight on May 5 in Shanghai with five crew members on board but no passengers. The success makes China the fourth jumbo jet producer after the United States, Western Europe and Russia. With a standard range of 4,075 km, the narrow-body jet is comparable with updated Airbus 320 and Boeing's new generation 737 planes, signaling the country's entry into the global aviation market. China has taken pride in developing the homegrown jumbo jet, regarding it as a symbol of national strength. In 2007, the State Council approved plans to develop a large passenger jet. In November 2015, the first C919 jet rolled off the assembly line. More than 200,000 technicians worked on the project. A total of 23 foreign and domestic customers, including China's national carrier Air China, had placed orders for 570 aircraft as of May 5, according to COMAC, the manufacturer. COMAC has to seek airworthiness certificates from domestic and foreign aviation safety regulators before making its first deliveries slated for around 2019. Airworthiness is the measure of an aircraft's suitability for safe flight. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Protest against alleged discrepancies in evaluation of CBSE Class XII answer sheets intensified on Wednesday even as two senior officials of the Board arrived at Bhubaneswar to probe the matter following a direction from Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar. Chaos prevailed at the regional office of CBSE as agitating students shouted slogans when Deputy Director DK Goyal and Examination Controller KK Choudhary from New Delhi entered the office for verification of answer-sheets and other documents. The CBSE officials were, however, mum over alleged anomalies during evaluation. The agitation escalated after a number of affected students from Chhattisgarh and West Bengal joined the protest started by their Odisha counterparts. They demanded action against erring officials for playing with lives of thousands of students. They also submitted applications for rechecking and securing copy of answer sheets. Several students from the neighbouring States said, they were contemplating to join the Odisha Abhibhabaka Mahasangha and file petition in the High Court. What has left many students surprised is that they have scored single digit number in all subjects. Safalata Basantia from Jeypore in Koraput district was awestruck when she saw her mark-sheet. She has scored only 3 in Mathematics, 4 in Physics and 5 in Biology. The same student who got 53 in English said she never performed so badly to secure single digit mark. Her father Dilip Kumar Basantia has been running from pillar to post to submit his application for rechecking of answer-sheets. Rabindra Nayak of Barasat in Kolkata decided to join the protest after he was informed that Odisha Chief Minister has demanded a thorough investigation. Nayaks daughter Chinmayee has scored 72 per cent with good scores in all subjects but she secured only 4 in Mathematics and got a compartmental. I had expected at least 65 marks in Maths, she said. Odisha Abhibhabaka Mahasangha president Sudarsan Das said, at least 6,000 students in Odisha and over 20,000 students in other three States under Bhubaneswar region of CBSE have been affected by the irregularity and faulty implementation of mark modulation policy. Students wing of BJD and Congress also staged agitation against CBSE authorities. They shouted slogans and blocked Sahid Nagar main road. Student Congress leaders demanded Javdekars resignation over the issue. While the probing officers chose to avoid the media, CBSE Assistant Secretary Jagabandhu Pradhan said the matter was being carefully examined. There will be no re-evaluation of answer-sheets. Only rechecking, re-totalling and scrutiny can be done for students who apply for it. Efforts are on to complete the process within 15 days, said Pradhan. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had sought the intervention of Javadekar after complaints against CBSE authorities started pouring in from several parts of the State for faulty evaluation of answer sheets. BHUBANESWAR: Protest against alleged discrepancies in evaluation of CBSE Class XII answer sheets intensified on Wednesday even as two senior officials of the Board arrived at Bhubaneswar to probe the matter following a direction from Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar. Chaos prevailed at the regional office of CBSE as agitating students shouted slogans when Deputy Director DK Goyal and Examination Controller KK Choudhary from New Delhi entered the office for verification of answer-sheets and other documents. The CBSE officials were, however, mum over alleged anomalies during evaluation. The agitation escalated after a number of affected students from Chhattisgarh and West Bengal joined the protest started by their Odisha counterparts. They demanded action against erring officials for playing with lives of thousands of students. They also submitted applications for rechecking and securing copy of answer sheets. Several students from the neighbouring States said, they were contemplating to join the Odisha Abhibhabaka Mahasangha and file petition in the High Court. What has left many students surprised is that they have scored single digit number in all subjects. Safalata Basantia from Jeypore in Koraput district was awestruck when she saw her mark-sheet. She has scored only 3 in Mathematics, 4 in Physics and 5 in Biology. The same student who got 53 in English said she never performed so badly to secure single digit mark. Her father Dilip Kumar Basantia has been running from pillar to post to submit his application for rechecking of answer-sheets. Rabindra Nayak of Barasat in Kolkata decided to join the protest after he was informed that Odisha Chief Minister has demanded a thorough investigation. Nayaks daughter Chinmayee has scored 72 per cent with good scores in all subjects but she secured only 4 in Mathematics and got a compartmental. I had expected at least 65 marks in Maths, she said. Odisha Abhibhabaka Mahasangha president Sudarsan Das said, at least 6,000 students in Odisha and over 20,000 students in other three States under Bhubaneswar region of CBSE have been affected by the irregularity and faulty implementation of mark modulation policy. Students wing of BJD and Congress also staged agitation against CBSE authorities. They shouted slogans and blocked Sahid Nagar main road. Student Congress leaders demanded Javdekars resignation over the issue. While the probing officers chose to avoid the media, CBSE Assistant Secretary Jagabandhu Pradhan said the matter was being carefully examined. There will be no re-evaluation of answer-sheets. Only rechecking, re-totalling and scrutiny can be done for students who apply for it. Efforts are on to complete the process within 15 days, said Pradhan. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had sought the intervention of Javadekar after complaints against CBSE authorities started pouring in from several parts of the State for faulty evaluation of answer sheets. By IANS KABUL: One person was killed and five others were injured on Thursday after a car bomb went off outside the airport in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city, police said. Thursday's incident comes a day after a truck packed with explosives blew up in Kabul's diplomatic zone killing 80 people and injuring over 300 others. "The victim was a soldier and the injured included four civilians," the official told Xinhua news agency. He said an investigation is underway. The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for Wednesday's bloodbath. KABUL: One person was killed and five others were injured on Thursday after a car bomb went off outside the airport in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city, police said. Thursday's incident comes a day after a truck packed with explosives blew up in Kabul's diplomatic zone killing 80 people and injuring over 300 others. "The victim was a soldier and the injured included four civilians," the official told Xinhua news agency. He said an investigation is underway. The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for Wednesday's bloodbath. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government today earned the ire of a Supreme Court judge who likened it to 'Sicilian Mafia' after a lawmaker of the ruling PML-N made "threatening remarks" against judges and the investigators probing graft allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Senator Nehal Hashmi in a speech threatened those creating trouble for the family of Sharif who is facing a high-level probe for alleged syphoning off money to buy properties in London. "Listen! You ask the son of Nawaz Sharif to submit his account detail. Who are you to ask him his account details? We are the workers of Nawaz Sharif. We will make an example of those who hold us accountable," Hashmi told an audience this week in the short video clip. It has been interpreted as direct threat to judges and a team of investigators probing Sharif and his sons. The court yesterday took suo moto notice of the threat and today held its hearing. The three-member panel headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan expressed strong displeasure at the "threatening remarks" used by the lawmaker and directed him submit a written response by June 5. Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, a member of the bench, said the incumbent government was acting like "the Sicilian Mafia, which would threaten judges". The court also observed that a systematic campaign was being run by the government against judges of the apex court and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT). It also appointed Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali as prosecutor and directed him to collect material related to the case. The court rejected a plea by Ali seeking a ban on talk shows about Panama case and JIT probing Sharif's family. PML-N has distanced itself from Hashmi's remarks and issued him a show cause notice for the outburst. He has also resigned from Senate after facing criticism. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government today earned the ire of a Supreme Court judge who likened it to 'Sicilian Mafia' after a lawmaker of the ruling PML-N made "threatening remarks" against judges and the investigators probing graft allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Senator Nehal Hashmi in a speech threatened those creating trouble for the family of Sharif who is facing a high-level probe for alleged syphoning off money to buy properties in London. "Listen! You ask the son of Nawaz Sharif to submit his account detail. Who are you to ask him his account details? We are the workers of Nawaz Sharif. We will make an example of those who hold us accountable," Hashmi told an audience this week in the short video clip. It has been interpreted as direct threat to judges and a team of investigators probing Sharif and his sons. The court yesterday took suo moto notice of the threat and today held its hearing. The three-member panel headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan expressed strong displeasure at the "threatening remarks" used by the lawmaker and directed him submit a written response by June 5. Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, a member of the bench, said the incumbent government was acting like "the Sicilian Mafia, which would threaten judges". The court also observed that a systematic campaign was being run by the government against judges of the apex court and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT). It also appointed Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali as prosecutor and directed him to collect material related to the case. The court rejected a plea by Ali seeking a ban on talk shows about Panama case and JIT probing Sharif's family. PML-N has distanced itself from Hashmi's remarks and issued him a show cause notice for the outburst. He has also resigned from Senate after facing criticism. By PTI BEIJING: India and Pakistans admission as full members to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the political and security groupings summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced today, while hoping that they would strictly follow its charter. The SCO, founded in 2001, is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence - sharing, counter- terrorism operations in Central Asia, and the first-ever expansion of the group comes at a time Indo-Pak tensions are high and relations between Beijing and New Delhi are beset with strains over the $50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Beijing also has not shown any signs to relent on its stand to block Indias admission into Nuclear Suppliers Group, (NSG) and the UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan as full members would help improve their bilateral relations. Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO, Hua told a media briefing here. She confirmed that the lengthy process of their admission into the group, which took years until China gave its nod, was over and the two countries would become full members at the groupings summit to be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 8-9. Besides Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif are expected to be present at the summit. Speculation is also rife that Modi and Sharif may also meet on the sidelines of the summit. The member states of the SCO are accelerating the MOU procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well, Hua said. We hope India and Pakistan as the full members at the Astana summit (on June 8-9). We also expect the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries, Hua told reporters. Founded in Shanghai in 1996, the group at present comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It mostly acts as a China-dominated security group specially focussing on Central Asia. India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the grouping. In the 2015 summit in Ufa in Russia, the group had formally adopted a resolution which started the procedure to admit India and Pakistan into the SCO. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Obligations to join the organisation in last years summit in Tashkent. Russia has pushed for Indias membership into the grouping in the last few years while China backed the entry of its ally Pakistan. The SCO becomes one platform for the leaders of the three countries to meet. India and China are already members of BRICS, (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The 9th BRICS summit would be held in Chinese city Xiamen in September this year. SCO focussed its attention in combating terrorism in Central Asia and specially at the borders of Xinjiang, Chinas Uygur Muslim province where Beijing is battling against separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Now the member states of the SCO are accelerating the legal process on the MOU implementation. Everything is going on smoothly. Now the SCO will complete the first membership expansion since its establishment. It will become regional organisation with largest coverage involving the biggest population with the admission of India and Pakistan, Hua said. The population of China and India, worlds most populous countries, will help to make it an international grouping covering largest population. The China-led SCO comprising six member states focuses mostly on security related issues like counter terrorism cooperation in Central Asia. It comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. Hua said in the UFA summit of the SCO in 2015, the member countries of the SCO had launched the process to accept the membership of India and Pakistan. BEIJING: India and Pakistans admission as full members to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the political and security groupings summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced today, while hoping that they would strictly follow its charter. The SCO, founded in 2001, is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence - sharing, counter- terrorism operations in Central Asia, and the first-ever expansion of the group comes at a time Indo-Pak tensions are high and relations between Beijing and New Delhi are beset with strains over the $50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Beijing also has not shown any signs to relent on its stand to block Indias admission into Nuclear Suppliers Group, (NSG) and the UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan as full members would help improve their bilateral relations. Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO, Hua told a media briefing here. She confirmed that the lengthy process of their admission into the group, which took years until China gave its nod, was over and the two countries would become full members at the groupings summit to be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 8-9. Besides Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif are expected to be present at the summit. Speculation is also rife that Modi and Sharif may also meet on the sidelines of the summit. The member states of the SCO are accelerating the MOU procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well, Hua said. We hope India and Pakistan as the full members at the Astana summit (on June 8-9). We also expect the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries, Hua told reporters. Founded in Shanghai in 1996, the group at present comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It mostly acts as a China-dominated security group specially focussing on Central Asia. India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the grouping. In the 2015 summit in Ufa in Russia, the group had formally adopted a resolution which started the procedure to admit India and Pakistan into the SCO. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Obligations to join the organisation in last years summit in Tashkent. Russia has pushed for Indias membership into the grouping in the last few years while China backed the entry of its ally Pakistan. The SCO becomes one platform for the leaders of the three countries to meet. India and China are already members of BRICS, (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The 9th BRICS summit would be held in Chinese city Xiamen in September this year. SCO focussed its attention in combating terrorism in Central Asia and specially at the borders of Xinjiang, Chinas Uygur Muslim province where Beijing is battling against separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Now the member states of the SCO are accelerating the legal process on the MOU implementation. Everything is going on smoothly. Now the SCO will complete the first membership expansion since its establishment. It will become regional organisation with largest coverage involving the biggest population with the admission of India and Pakistan, Hua said. The population of China and India, worlds most populous countries, will help to make it an international grouping covering largest population. The China-led SCO comprising six member states focuses mostly on security related issues like counter terrorism cooperation in Central Asia. It comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. Hua said in the UFA summit of the SCO in 2015, the member countries of the SCO had launched the process to accept the membership of India and Pakistan. By PTI ST PETERSBURG: India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, "the most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people." "I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations," the Russian president told Modi. "As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO," he said. "I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it," Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. "Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO)" where India's membership will be confirmed, he told Modi. Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putin's hometown as Prime Minister. "India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues," he said. Modi thanked Putin for his "active role" in getting India SCO membership. "I thank you for all the initiatives taken," he said. Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. "Normally, in international relations there are ups and downs. But history is witness, there have been no ups and downs in Indo-Russia relations. We have always moved forward," Modi said. Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of Sarvajan Sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), he added. ST PETERSBURG: India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said today as he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, "the most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people." "I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations," the Russian president told Modi. "As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO," he said. "I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it," Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. "Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO)" where India's membership will be confirmed, he told Modi. Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putin's hometown as Prime Minister. "India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues," he said. Modi thanked Putin for his "active role" in getting India SCO membership. "I thank you for all the initiatives taken," he said. Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. "Normally, in international relations there are ups and downs. But history is witness, there have been no ups and downs in Indo-Russia relations. We have always moved forward," Modi said. Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of Sarvajan Sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), he added. By PTI MELBOUNRE: A Malaysia Airlines plane was forced to return to the airport here after a mentally-ill passenger threatened to detonate a bomb and tried to enter the cockpit. The 25-year-old man, believed to be an Australian citizen, was subdued by the crew and passengers who tied him up with belts. The Kuala Lumpur-bound flight MH 128 was forced to return and make an emergency landing 30 minutes after it took off from Tullamarine Airport late last night. The man was arrested by airport security after the plane landed and is now in police custody. "We believe that the actions of the passengers and crew were heroic," Victoria Police Superintendent Tony Langdon was qouted as saying. "They managed to calm the situation, allow the aircraft to return safely and we can't commend them highly enough." Langdon said the incident was not terror-related and the man was known to police due to his history of mental illness. He said the man was carrying an electronic device that police quickly realised was not a bomb. "He had a piece of equipment which, for all intents and purposes is something that everybody would be carrying around on a daily basis." Former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli, who was a passenger on the flight, said the man screamed, "I've got a bomb and I'm going to f***ing blow the plane up," before flight attendants and other passengers tackled and restrained him. The Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency said that in air traffic control audio posted online, a male voice can be heard saying: "We have a passenger trying to enter the cockpit." About three minutes later the same male voice can be heard saying the passenger "claiming to have an explosive device, tried to enter the cockpit, (and) has been overpowered by passengers." "However we'd like to land and have the device checked," the voice said. Malaysia Airlines in a statement said the aircraft turned back "after the operating Captain was alerted by a cabin crew of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit". "Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft 'hijacked'," it said. "MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41 pm (local time). Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident," it said. MELBOUNRE: A Malaysia Airlines plane was forced to return to the airport here after a mentally-ill passenger threatened to detonate a bomb and tried to enter the cockpit. The 25-year-old man, believed to be an Australian citizen, was subdued by the crew and passengers who tied him up with belts. The Kuala Lumpur-bound flight MH 128 was forced to return and make an emergency landing 30 minutes after it took off from Tullamarine Airport late last night. The man was arrested by airport security after the plane landed and is now in police custody. "We believe that the actions of the passengers and crew were heroic," Victoria Police Superintendent Tony Langdon was qouted as saying. "They managed to calm the situation, allow the aircraft to return safely and we can't commend them highly enough." Langdon said the incident was not terror-related and the man was known to police due to his history of mental illness. He said the man was carrying an electronic device that police quickly realised was not a bomb. "He had a piece of equipment which, for all intents and purposes is something that everybody would be carrying around on a daily basis." Former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli, who was a passenger on the flight, said the man screamed, "I've got a bomb and I'm going to f***ing blow the plane up," before flight attendants and other passengers tackled and restrained him. The Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency said that in air traffic control audio posted online, a male voice can be heard saying: "We have a passenger trying to enter the cockpit." About three minutes later the same male voice can be heard saying the passenger "claiming to have an explosive device, tried to enter the cockpit, (and) has been overpowered by passengers." "However we'd like to land and have the device checked," the voice said. Malaysia Airlines in a statement said the aircraft turned back "after the operating Captain was alerted by a cabin crew of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit". "Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft 'hijacked'," it said. "MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41 pm (local time). Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident," it said. By PTI ST.PETERSBURG: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invited Russian companies to partner Indian firms in setting up manufacturing facilities to make high-tech defence equipment in India. Addressing CEOs of the two countries after the annual bilateral summit here, Modi said India had last month approved a policy to allow local private companies to work with foreign players to manufacture defence equipment in a bid to cut reliance on imports. "India is sixth biggest manufacturer in the world and we want to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent," he said. The government, he said, has approved a strategic partnership in defence between Indian and foreign companies. "I invite Russian companies to join Indian companies in setting up manufacturing base taking advantage of the new policy," he said. The policy allows the entry of private companies into the manufacture of submarines, fighter aircraft and armoured vehicles through foreign partnerships. Modi, who wants to reverse India's dependence on imports by building a local manufacturing industry, asked Russian firms to "come work with Indian companies" in defence. The just approved policy allows Indian companies to partner with global defence majors "to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains." With Russian President Putin by his side, Modi said the 70-year old Indo-Russian relations are based on trust. "Relations have broadened and stood the test of time," he said adding Russia has stood by India at international forums. Trade, commerce, innovation and engineering are of immense importance in this era, Modi said, adding companies from Russia should explore the opportunities in India and collaborate with the industry. "Defence is a key area where India and Russia can cooperate. I appreciate President Putin's role in enhancing India-Russia ties," Modi said. ST.PETERSBURG: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invited Russian companies to partner Indian firms in setting up manufacturing facilities to make high-tech defence equipment in India. Addressing CEOs of the two countries after the annual bilateral summit here, Modi said India had last month approved a policy to allow local private companies to work with foreign players to manufacture defence equipment in a bid to cut reliance on imports. "India is sixth biggest manufacturer in the world and we want to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent," he said. The government, he said, has approved a strategic partnership in defence between Indian and foreign companies. "I invite Russian companies to join Indian companies in setting up manufacturing base taking advantage of the new policy," he said. The policy allows the entry of private companies into the manufacture of submarines, fighter aircraft and armoured vehicles through foreign partnerships. Modi, who wants to reverse India's dependence on imports by building a local manufacturing industry, asked Russian firms to "come work with Indian companies" in defence. The just approved policy allows Indian companies to partner with global defence majors "to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains." With Russian President Putin by his side, Modi said the 70-year old Indo-Russian relations are based on trust. "Relations have broadened and stood the test of time," he said adding Russia has stood by India at international forums. Trade, commerce, innovation and engineering are of immense importance in this era, Modi said, adding companies from Russia should explore the opportunities in India and collaborate with the industry. "Defence is a key area where India and Russia can cooperate. I appreciate President Putin's role in enhancing India-Russia ties," Modi said. By PTI KATHMANDU: Nepal's political parties have failed to meet a seven-day deadline to pick a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister, prompting President Bidya Devi Bhandari to issue another appeal to them today to initiate the process quickly. According to Article 298 (3) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister shall be elected by a majority of all the members of the Legislature-Parliament, if parties fail to pick a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister within a week. The president issued the call as per Article 298 (3) of the Constitution after the seven-day deadline given to form a consensus government ended today without any result, the Office of the President said. Last week, President Bhandari had issued a call to the parties to form a consensus government within a week to choose a new Prime Minister on the basis of political understanding as per Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. President Bhandari initiated the Constitutional process to form the new government after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' resigned on May 24 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. Prachanda resigned as per a deal reached in July-August last year with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister. The deal was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018. Prachanda is the only Communist leader to become the Prime Minister of Nepal 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, he 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 was to hold office till local polls were 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. KATHMANDU: Nepal's political parties have failed to meet a seven-day deadline to pick a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister, prompting President Bidya Devi Bhandari to issue another appeal to them today to initiate the process quickly. According to Article 298 (3) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister shall be elected by a majority of all the members of the Legislature-Parliament, if parties fail to pick a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister within a week. The president issued the call as per Article 298 (3) of the Constitution after the seven-day deadline given to form a consensus government ended today without any result, the Office of the President said. Last week, President Bhandari had issued a call to the parties to form a consensus government within a week to choose a new Prime Minister on the basis of political understanding as per Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. President Bhandari initiated the Constitutional process to form the new government after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' resigned on May 24 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. Prachanda resigned as per a deal reached in July-August last year with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister. The deal was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018. Prachanda is the only Communist leader to become the Prime Minister of Nepal 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, he 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 was to hold office till local polls were 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. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's powerful army plans to shift its General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to Islamabad and is ready to kick off construction on the ambitious project, according to a media report today. The decision was disclosed by an official of the Capital Development Authority during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) subcommittee, Dawn reported. The plan to shift the GHQ was shelved around October 2008 to 2009, at the instructions of then army chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, due to financial constraints, the paper said. An audit report said the CDA had acquired 870 acres in D-11 and E-10 for GHQ at a rate of Rs 1,159 per square yard, but allotted the land to GHQ at a subsidised rate of Rs 200 per sq yd. The report said the subsidised allotment "resulted into loss to the authority amounting to Rs 4,034 million". A PAC subcommittee headed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed asked whether work on the site had begun, and in response CDA Member Estate Khushal Khan said: "They have revived the plan and are about to kick off construction activities." The audit pointed out that the CDA Directorate of Land went into a package deal to acquire land for GHQ, Islamic University in H-10 and for a residential sector in D-12, and allotted the affected villagers double plots. However, when the authority told the committee the land was procured mainly for GHQ, the committee took a lenient stance and settled the audit para accordingly, the report said. In 2009, six terrorists wearing Army uniforms launched a brazen assault on the General Headquarters, sparking an hour- long battle. Pakistani troops repelled the assault; six soldiers and four terrorists were killed during the fighting. Pakistans powerful military has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's powerful army plans to shift its General Headquarters (GHQ) from Rawalpindi to Islamabad and is ready to kick off construction on the ambitious project, according to a media report today. The decision was disclosed by an official of the Capital Development Authority during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) subcommittee, Dawn reported. The plan to shift the GHQ was shelved around October 2008 to 2009, at the instructions of then army chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, due to financial constraints, the paper said. An audit report said the CDA had acquired 870 acres in D-11 and E-10 for GHQ at a rate of Rs 1,159 per square yard, but allotted the land to GHQ at a subsidised rate of Rs 200 per sq yd. The report said the subsidised allotment "resulted into loss to the authority amounting to Rs 4,034 million". A PAC subcommittee headed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed asked whether work on the site had begun, and in response CDA Member Estate Khushal Khan said: "They have revived the plan and are about to kick off construction activities." The audit pointed out that the CDA Directorate of Land went into a package deal to acquire land for GHQ, Islamic University in H-10 and for a residential sector in D-12, and allotted the affected villagers double plots. However, when the authority told the committee the land was procured mainly for GHQ, the committee took a lenient stance and settled the audit para accordingly, the report said. In 2009, six terrorists wearing Army uniforms launched a brazen assault on the General Headquarters, sparking an hour- long battle. Pakistani troops repelled the assault; six soldiers and four terrorists were killed during the fighting. Pakistans powerful military has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today strongly rejected as "baseless" the Afghan allegations that the Taliban-linked militants with the help of Pakistani spy agency ISI carried out the bombing in Kabul that killed at least 90 people. "The accusatory approach is unhelpful towards efforts to peace," Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Nafees Zakaria said during the weekly media briefing. The Afghan intelligence service, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), said early findings showed the Haqqani network with the assistance of the ISI carried out the attack yesterday in Kabul, the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since 2001. "These terrorists once again proved they don't represent any religion and they only carry out such coward attacks to please their Pakistani masters which is against all Islamic and human rights principals," the NDS said in a statement. The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. Zakaria said Pakistan suffered due to terrorism and has the highest stakes in Afghan peace and stability. "Our commitment to peace in Afghanistan is based on sincerity and is beyond any doubt," he added. Zakaria said that it was highly disappointing that certain elements in Afghanistan were damaging relations between the two neighbours. He accused India of escalating tension on the border and committing ceasefire violations in order to divert attention from the Kashmir dispute. "We intend to undertake concerted efforts to mobilize international community, particularly the UN, to take up the issue" of violence in Kashmir, he said. The spokesperson said peace, stability and development will remain elusive in the region without the resolution of the outstanding dispute between Pakistan and India. He said the world community should play its due role in resolution of Kashmir issue in line with the UNSC resolutions. The spokesperson said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a regional connectivity project which will link the Central Asian states, South Asia and the Middle East and it was not against any other country. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today strongly rejected as "baseless" the Afghan allegations that the Taliban-linked militants with the help of Pakistani spy agency ISI carried out the bombing in Kabul that killed at least 90 people. "The accusatory approach is unhelpful towards efforts to peace," Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Nafees Zakaria said during the weekly media briefing. The Afghan intelligence service, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), said early findings showed the Haqqani network with the assistance of the ISI carried out the attack yesterday in Kabul, the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since 2001. "These terrorists once again proved they don't represent any religion and they only carry out such coward attacks to please their Pakistani masters which is against all Islamic and human rights principals," the NDS said in a statement. The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. Zakaria said Pakistan suffered due to terrorism and has the highest stakes in Afghan peace and stability. "Our commitment to peace in Afghanistan is based on sincerity and is beyond any doubt," he added. Zakaria said that it was highly disappointing that certain elements in Afghanistan were damaging relations between the two neighbours. He accused India of escalating tension on the border and committing ceasefire violations in order to divert attention from the Kashmir dispute. "We intend to undertake concerted efforts to mobilize international community, particularly the UN, to take up the issue" of violence in Kashmir, he said. The spokesperson said peace, stability and development will remain elusive in the region without the resolution of the outstanding dispute between Pakistan and India. He said the world community should play its due role in resolution of Kashmir issue in line with the UNSC resolutions. The spokesperson said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a regional connectivity project which will link the Central Asian states, South Asia and the Middle East and it was not against any other country. By AFP BELGRADE: Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic, who was sworn in as the country's president on Wednesday, wants to open a debate over the future of Kosovo, the breakaway province whose independence Belgrade has refused to recognise. "I will preserve Serbia's integrity but I will always accept talks with Kosovo Albanians," Vucic told lawmakers after taking his oath of office in parliament. "I want that we open an internal dialogue over Kosovo... without prejudices, while respecting our constitution" which says Kosovo is part of Serbia, he said, adding that Serbia "should get rid of a mythic approach towards Kosovo." Many Serbs consider Kosovo the cradle of their country's history, religion and culture. Its independence was declared a decade after the 1998-1999 war between ethnic Albanian Kosovo rebels and Serbian armed forces, a conflict that claimed 13,000 lives, of which 10,000 were ethnic Albanians. The Serbian forces, led by Slobodan Milosevic, were eventually ousted from the breakaway territory after a three-month NATO bombing campaign. But 100,000 to 150,000 Serbs remained in Kosovo, mainly in the northern region of Mitrovica, under supervision of NATO-led troops. Vucic, a former hardline nationalist, won the presidential election in April with a pledge to pursue Serbia's bid for EU membership, while maintaining ties with Russia. Kosovo is also hoping to join the EU, and both sides agreed in 2011 to open talks aimed at normalising ties, under the auspices of the European Union. "There should be no doubt into the European path to which we are dedicated," Vucic said. Kosovo's independence has been recognised by over 110 countries, but not by Russia nor by five EU members: Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Slovakia and Romania. BELGRADE: Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic, who was sworn in as the country's president on Wednesday, wants to open a debate over the future of Kosovo, the breakaway province whose independence Belgrade has refused to recognise. "I will preserve Serbia's integrity but I will always accept talks with Kosovo Albanians," Vucic told lawmakers after taking his oath of office in parliament. "I want that we open an internal dialogue over Kosovo... without prejudices, while respecting our constitution" which says Kosovo is part of Serbia, he said, adding that Serbia "should get rid of a mythic approach towards Kosovo." Many Serbs consider Kosovo the cradle of their country's history, religion and culture. Its independence was declared a decade after the 1998-1999 war between ethnic Albanian Kosovo rebels and Serbian armed forces, a conflict that claimed 13,000 lives, of which 10,000 were ethnic Albanians. The Serbian forces, led by Slobodan Milosevic, were eventually ousted from the breakaway territory after a three-month NATO bombing campaign. But 100,000 to 150,000 Serbs remained in Kosovo, mainly in the northern region of Mitrovica, under supervision of NATO-led troops. Vucic, a former hardline nationalist, won the presidential election in April with a pledge to pursue Serbia's bid for EU membership, while maintaining ties with Russia. Kosovo is also hoping to join the EU, and both sides agreed in 2011 to open talks aimed at normalising ties, under the auspices of the European Union. "There should be no doubt into the European path to which we are dedicated," Vucic said. Kosovo's independence has been recognised by over 110 countries, but not by Russia nor by five EU members: Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Slovakia and Romania. By Associated Press ST PETERSBURG: President Vladimir Putin insisted Thursday that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking and said Moscow will wait out the current political storm in the U.S. to forge constructive relations with President Donald Trump, whom he praised as a straightforward person with a "fresh set of eyes." The Russian leader acknowledged the possibility that some individual "patriotic" hackers could have mounted some attacks amid the current cold spell in Russia's relations with the West, but scoffed at allegations that hackers could influence the outcome of elections in the United States or Europe. Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of leading international news agencies, Putin also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in cyberattacks he didn't specify which could have been falsified in an attempt to smear Russia. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have shattered Moscow's hopes for a detente with Washington. Putin said the "Russo-phobic hysteria" makes it "somewhat inconvenient to work with one another or even to talk." "It's having an impact, and I'm afraid this is one of the goals of those who organize it are pursuing and they can fine-tune the public sentiments to their liking trying to establish an atmosphere that is going to prevent us from addressing common issues, say with regard to terrorism," the Russian leader said. Putin said Russia had been encouraged by Trump's campaign statements in which he lamented Russia-U.S. ties being at a historical low and promised to improve them. He added that Moscow still hopes to forge a constructive dialogue with Trump. Putin predicted "this will end, sooner or later," adding that "we are patient, we know how to wait and we will wait." The Russian president praised Trump as "a straightforward person, a frank person." Putin added that while some see Trump's lack of political background as a disadvantage, he sees it as beneficial because "he has a fresh set of eyes." Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the outcome of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so." He noted that Russia can work constructively with any German leader, adding that he had good ties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel despite some differences. Russian meddling was also a concern in France, with Putin publicly expressing his sympathy for President Emmanuel Macron's rivals in the campaign. Macron's aides claimed in February that Russian groups were interfering with his campaign, and a document leak hit Macron's campaign in the final hours of the French race. Moscow has strongly denied all allegations of election meddling. Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, can't sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign," he said. "No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America." Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, it was "theoretically possible" that Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. "Hackers are free people, just like artists who wake up in the morning in a good mood and start painting," he said. "The hackers are the same, they would wake up, read about something going on in interstate relations and if they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia. Russia's relations with the West have been at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis. The U.S. and the EU have slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Putin said Thursday that economic restrictions against Russia have had "zero effect." He predicted that the current strain in relations will ease, because "it's counterproductive and harmful." Touching on tensions in the Pacific, Putin said Russia's military deployments on a group of Pacific islands also claimed by Japan have been caused by concerns about the U.S. military buildup in the region. The four islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of the World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Putin said the U.S. will likely continue to build up its missile shield in the region even if North Korea agrees to curb its nuclear and missile programs, in the same way it has continued to develop missile defenses in Europe despite a deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions. ST PETERSBURG: President Vladimir Putin insisted Thursday that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking and said Moscow will wait out the current political storm in the U.S. to forge constructive relations with President Donald Trump, whom he praised as a straightforward person with a "fresh set of eyes." The Russian leader acknowledged the possibility that some individual "patriotic" hackers could have mounted some attacks amid the current cold spell in Russia's relations with the West, but scoffed at allegations that hackers could influence the outcome of elections in the United States or Europe. Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of leading international news agencies, Putin also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in cyberattacks he didn't specify which could have been falsified in an attempt to smear Russia. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." U.S. intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have shattered Moscow's hopes for a detente with Washington. Putin said the "Russo-phobic hysteria" makes it "somewhat inconvenient to work with one another or even to talk." "It's having an impact, and I'm afraid this is one of the goals of those who organize it are pursuing and they can fine-tune the public sentiments to their liking trying to establish an atmosphere that is going to prevent us from addressing common issues, say with regard to terrorism," the Russian leader said. Putin said Russia had been encouraged by Trump's campaign statements in which he lamented Russia-U.S. ties being at a historical low and promised to improve them. He added that Moscow still hopes to forge a constructive dialogue with Trump. Putin predicted "this will end, sooner or later," adding that "we are patient, we know how to wait and we will wait." The Russian president praised Trump as "a straightforward person, a frank person." Putin added that while some see Trump's lack of political background as a disadvantage, he sees it as beneficial because "he has a fresh set of eyes." Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the outcome of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so." He noted that Russia can work constructively with any German leader, adding that he had good ties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel despite some differences. Russian meddling was also a concern in France, with Putin publicly expressing his sympathy for President Emmanuel Macron's rivals in the campaign. Macron's aides claimed in February that Russian groups were interfering with his campaign, and a document leak hit Macron's campaign in the final hours of the French race. Moscow has strongly denied all allegations of election meddling. Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, can't sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign," he said. "No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America." Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, it was "theoretically possible" that Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. "Hackers are free people, just like artists who wake up in the morning in a good mood and start painting," he said. "The hackers are the same, they would wake up, read about something going on in interstate relations and if they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia. Russia's relations with the West have been at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis. The U.S. and the EU have slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Putin said Thursday that economic restrictions against Russia have had "zero effect." He predicted that the current strain in relations will ease, because "it's counterproductive and harmful." Touching on tensions in the Pacific, Putin said Russia's military deployments on a group of Pacific islands also claimed by Japan have been caused by concerns about the U.S. military buildup in the region. The four islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of the World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Putin said the U.S. will likely continue to build up its missile shield in the region even if North Korea agrees to curb its nuclear and missile programs, in the same way it has continued to develop missile defenses in Europe despite a deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions. What's next for Middletown after school regionalization fails With the most recent version of regionalization off the table Middletown is now looking at Plan B. People take pictures of female giant panda Wu Wen as she explores her new enclosure during an official unveiling ceremony at Ouwehands Zoo on Tuesday in Rhenen, the Netherlands. EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP RHENEN, Netherlands The two giant pandas living at Ouwehands Zoo enchanted hundreds of admirers in their long-awaited debut on Tuesday. Six weeks after their April 12 arrival, Wu Wen, the female, tentatively stepped outdoors after being cleared from quarantine. Nonchalant at the gaze of dozens of children, she threw herself at the first bamboo plant she saw and started to eat. "What an appetite! Will she eat up all the bamboo planted in the enclosure in one week?" one child asked. "Don't worry," his pal answered. "She has plenty of bamboo stocked in her room. This is just for fun." Xing Ya, the male, strode out of his court like an emperor inspecting his territory. He patrolled the grassland, tested a shallow rig, pawed the wooden wall and tried to climb up a tree trunk, which defied his heavy body. Abandoning the uncooperative tree, he enthroned himself on a rock to enjoy early summer sunshine. With a lofty disdain, he greeted a full circle of cameras and mobile phones marveling at him. "Both are in perfect health and have adapted well to their new home," said Zhang Hongwen, chief economist of China's State Forestry Administration. Wu Wen and Xing Ya, both three years old, will stay at Ouwehands for 15 years. Native to Southwest China, they belong to a conservation-reliant vulnerable species which number only 1,864. "I am glad to see that Wu Wen and Xing Ya are so popular in the Netherlands. Living at this wonderful residence in Chinese palace style, they are really treated as emperor and empress," Zhang said. For Martijn van Dam, Dutch State Secretary for Economic Affairs, "the Netherlands has already enclosed Wu Wen and Xing Ya in its heart". Marcel Boekhoorn, owner of Ouwehands Zoo, beamed with happiness. Following a 16-year period of consultations and preparations, the two pandas were symbolically gifted to the Netherlands during the state visit of the Dutch royal couple in October 2015. "We learned from our Chinese friends how giant pandas live and how we can protect these endangered animals. Now is the moment to share this dream with the whole of the Netherlands," Boekhoorn told guests invited to the official opening of Pandasia, the special panda complex. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Abundant sunshine. High 74F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 45F. SSE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 20 mph. The term "epidermal nevus syndrome" (ENS) is used for any of the various clinical entities which are distinctive in terms of their signs and symptoms, histopathology, and genetic composition. In most cases, they include epidermal nevi which occur along the lines of Blaschko. Other manifestations occur in the skeletal system, but more commonly in the brain and the eye. Epidermal nevus in lower eyelid margin. Imrankabirhossain/ en.wikipedia.org. Nevus sebaceous syndrome (Schimmelpenning syndrome) Also known as Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndrome or SFM syndrome, this consists of a sebaceous nevus with anomalies of the brain, the iris (forming a coloboma), and conjunctival lipodermoid. It does not appear to be hereditary in origin. In addition to sebaceous nevi, it includes: Skeletal deformities involving the trunk, face, or limbs Eye defects involving the cornea or conjunctiva, or resulting in a coloboma Brain defects which cause mental retardation, epilepsy, and shrinkage or enlargement of the brain Hypophosphatemic rickets resulting in bone disease due to vitamin D deficiency Proteus syndrome This syndrome is usually associated with a flat velvety type of epidermal nevus. It involves overgrowth of the skin, the blood vessels, fibrous connective tissue, the kidneys and lungs. Tumors may emerge later on, both malignant and benign. Both males and females are affected. The defect is probably one of the genes that regulate cell growth. CHILD syndrome This is confined almost always to females, because of its X-linked dominant inheritance which is lethal to males before birth. It appears in childhood. It comprises diffuse lateralization, ptychotropism, and microscopic verruciform xanthoma. Phakomatosis pigmentokeratotica This is apparently caused by the occurrence of two overlapping syndromes in the same individual, causing twin spots; to appear. The two distinctive spots here are the sebaceous nevus and popular nevus spilus, or speckled lentiginous nevus. The nevus spilus refers to a congenital melanocytic nevus which is flat and brown in the newborn but becomes speckled with darker brown, the speckles finally becoming popular. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The syndrome overlaps with some features of Schimmelpenning syndrome as well as with the popular nevus spilus syndrome, namely, hyperhidrosis, muscle weakness, and dysesthesias. Another variant is didymosis aplasticosebacea, which has nevus sebaceous in association with congenital aplasia of the skin. Furthermore, didymosis aplasticosebacea may occur as part of the SCALP (Sebaceous nevus, Central nervous system anomalies, Aplasia cutis, Limbal dermoid, Pigmented nevus) syndrome. Giant melanocytic nevus may also occur in this syndrome. Nevus comedonicus syndrome This involves cataract formation. It is non-hereditary. The comedone nevus consists of a clump of obstructed hair follicles leading to blackheads, often with pits. Other defects have been reported, such as: Ipsilateral cataracts Ipsi- or contralateral skeletal defects Ipsi- or contralateral neurological defects Pigmented hairy epidermal nevus syndrome This includes the Becker nevus, ipsilateral mammary hypoplasia, and scoliosis or other skeletal abnormalities. The Becker nevus is a patch of dark skin, rather like a map. Dark hair grows in the mole at puberty. It is mostly found on the shoulders or upper part of the back. In addition, the individual may have poor breast/nipple development ipsilaterally, lack of subcutaneous fatty layer, and defects of muscle and skeletal symmetry. The angora hair nevus refers to an epidermal nevus with long white soft hair, often with skeletal (facial) defects and neurological problems. Epidermal nevus with bone cysts and hypophosphatemic rickets This describes a condition in which there is a large extent of epidermal nevus in the body, usually to one side only, along with tumors of the bone, lungs, and skin. The bones may rupture, or form cysts. Bone fractures are common, causing deformity, due to the presence of bone cysts. Hypophosphatemic rickets can occur due to vitamin D deficiency and low phosphate. Tumors In addition, both benign and malignant tumors have been known to occur with epidermal nevi. It is therefore clear that the epidermal nevus syndromes are caused by the modified functioning of several genes which are defective due to the occurrence of somatic mutations in mosaic form. It is important to distinguish between the different epidermal nevus syndromes so that complications may be looked for and treated appropriately, and genetic counseling may be offered as well. References Further Reading Long before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease become apparent to patients and their families, biological changes are occurring within the brain. Amyloid plaques, which are clusters of protein fragments, along with tangles of protein known as tau, form in the brain and grow in number, eventually getting in the way of the brain's ability to function. These biological changes can be detected early in the course of Alzheimer's disease through positron emission tomography (PET) scan or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Now, a new study led by Keck Medicine of USC neuropsychologist Duke Han, PhD, associate professor of family medicine (clinical scholar) at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California suggests that cognitive tests are also able to detect early Alzheimer's in people without symptoms. "In the last decade or so, there has been a lot of work on biomarkers for early Alzheimer's disease," Han says. "There are new imaging methods that can identify neuropathological brain changes that happen early on in the course of the disease. The problem is that they are not widely available, can be invasive and are incredibly expensive. I wanted to see whether the cognitive tests I regularly use as a neuropsychologist relate to these biomarkers." Putting neuropsychological measures to the test Han and his colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 61 studies to explore whether neuropsychological tests can identify early Alzheimer's disease in adults over 50 with normal cognition. The The study also found that people with tau pathology or neurodegeneration performed worse on memory tests than people with amyloid plaques. Amyloid plaques and tau pathology were confirmed by PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today "The presumption has been that there would be no perceivable difference in how people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease perform on cognitive tests. This study contradicts that presumption," Han says. Routine cognitive screenings: A new normal? Han believes that the study results provide a solid argument for incorporating cognitive testing into routine, annual checkups for older people. "Having a baseline measure of cognition before noticing any kind of cognitive change or decline could be incredibly helpful because it's hard to diagnose early Alzheimer's disease if you don't have a frame of reference to compare to," Han said. "If people would consider getting a baseline evaluation by a qualified neuropsychologist at age 50 or 60, then it could be used as a way to track whether someone is experiencing a true decline in cognition in the future." Early detection could be a powerful tool to manage Alzheimer's, Han says, giving people precious time to try different medications or interventions that may slow the progression of the disease early on. "While there's no cure for Alzheimer's disease, the earlier you know that you're at risk for developing it, the more you can potentially do to help stave off that diagnosis in the future," Han says. "For example, exercise, cognitive activity and social activity have been shown to improve brain health." An estimated 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's, and that number could reach 16 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Repeated exposure to a common anesthesia drug early in life results in visual recognition memory impairment, which emerges after the first year of life and may persist long-term, according to a study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published online May 31 in the British Journal of Anaesthesia. Each year, approximately a million children under the age of four undergo surgery with general anesthesia, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Experimental studies in animals have shown that exposure to general anesthesia in infancy can cause loss of cells in the central nervous system and long-term impairments in neurocognitive function. Some human epidemiological studies have shown that children who undergo more than one operation under general anesthesia before they are four years old are at a greater risk of learning disability and other cognitive impairments. The Mount Sinai study is among the first to address the question of whether repeated postnatal anesthesia exposure, in and of itself, results in memory impairment in a highly translationally relevant rhesus monkey model. Rhesus monkeys at birth are at a stage of neurodevelopment that is more similar to that of human infants than are neonatal rodents; with respect to brain growth, a six-week-old rhesus monkey corresponds to a human 6 to 12 months of age. Because these kinds of controlled studies cannot be carried out in humans, it is essential to use a comparable animal model to discover if anesthesia is affecting the brain. Unlike previous research, the study was conducted in the absence of a surgical procedure, co-morbidities that may necessitate surgical intervention, or the psychological stress associated with illness. "The major strength of this study is its ability to separate anesthesia exposure from surgical procedures, which is a potential complication in the studies conducted in children," says Mark Baxter, PhD, professor in the Departments of Neuroscience and Anesthesiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Our results confirm that multiple anesthesia exposures alone result in memory impairment in a highly translational animal model. Interestingly, the anesthesia-exposed group had normal visual memory at six months of age. Visual memory impairment didn't emerge until the second year of life, corresponding roughly to the age of three to six years old in humans." Specifically, the study team exposed 10 non-human primate subjects to a common pediatric anesthetic called sevoflurane for four hours, the length of time required for a significant surgical procedure in humans. They were exposed to the anesthetic at postnatal day 7 and then again two and four weeks later, because human data indicate that repeated anesthesia results in a greater risk of cognitive disability relative to a single anesthetic exposure. Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Researchers evaluated the visual recognition memory of exposed subjects compared with that of healthy controls at 6-10 months of age, 12-18 months of age and again at 24-30 months of age using the visual paired comparison test, which measures memory by assessing preference for looking at a new image over a previously viewed one. They found the anesthesia-exposed infants displayed no memory impairment when tested at 6-10 months, but demonstrated significant memory impairment (reduced time looking at the novel image) after the first year of life compared with the control group. "Our findings are consistent with epidemiological studies that show increased risk of long-term cognitive impairments after repeated exposure to anesthesia in infancy and early childhood, but perhaps most interestingly, we found that these deficits may emerge at later developmental stages, even when memory performance is unaffected earlier in development," says Dr. Baxter. "Our goal is to continue this work to test possible interventions that can prevent long-term cognitive impairments after early anesthesia exposure." These findings are part of a larger longitudinal study, and researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Yerkes National Primate Research Center will continue to follow these study subjects behaviorally to fully characterize the length of time that cognitive and emotional changes persist and whether they resolve over time. In December 2016, the FDA placed a warning on common anesthetic/sedative drugs, including sevoflurane, for children under three years of age receiving prolonged (more than three hours) or repeated anesthesia, saying that this may cause a risk of cognitive impairment. This primate model may be used be researchers for future studies to develop a new anesthetic agent or prophylactic treatment to counteract the impact of anesthesia on behavior in children. The findings also suggest that additional work is required to identify the mechanisms by which anesthetics may cause long-term changes in central nervous system function that impact behavior. Cholesterol, a naturally occurring compound at the lung surface, has been shown to have a clear effect on the properties of this nanoscale film that covers the inside of our lungs. Cholesterol levels in this system may affect the lung's function, according to researchers at Lund University in Sweden who have published a new study on the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties. The new findings provide new insights into this vital physiological system. The zone in the lung where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place between the body and the air we inhale are called the alveoli. Now, in a joint study, researchers in chemistry and medicine at Lund University have more closely examined the thin film of proteins and fats that stabilizes and protects the alveoli. This film, known as surfactant, also affects the transport of various molecules between the air and the body's blood vessels. "Our study addresses the effect of cholesterol on the surface of the alveoli. We have obtained astonishingly clear results", says Emma Sparr, professor of chemistry at Lund University. Cholesterol constitutes a natural ingredient in the thin surfactant that covers the inside of our lungs, but it is almost completely absent from the clinical preparations used in healthcare to treat premature babies. "In very premature babies, the film on the surface of the alveoli has not had time to develop completely. Although we administer surfactant drugs, usually extracted from pig's lungs, to good effect in the acute phase, we still see pronounced long-term damage to the lungs of these extreme premature babies", says Marcus Larsson, a physician and researcher at Lund University's Faculty of Medicine. In the current study, the researchers used advanced NMR technology, or nuclear magnetic resonance, to map how cholesterol affects the molecular structure of the thin film in the alveoli. The method enabled the researchers to extract completely new molecular information and to compare the appearance of the structure with and without cholesterol. "This difference in the molecular structure of the film could be very significant to its function; both the transport of substances and the mechanical properties could be influenced by this", says Emma Sparr. She now hopes that the research study will contribute to elucidating the significance of cholesterol for the surface of the alveoli and that resulting knowledge about this bodily surface layer can support the development of new clinical methods. "The effect of cholesterol on the surface of the alveoli is very clear and could eventually be included in the clinical preparations, which makes good sense as our own bodily surfactant contains this substance in quite significant levels", says Marcus Larsson. A Canadian clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), shows that minocycline, a common acne medication, can slow the progress of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in people who have recently experienced their first symptoms. In addition to being an unexpected discovery - an acne drug benefitting a neurological disorder - the discovery is significant as it offers a safe and affordable treatment option for those with early onset MS. This discovery could impact thousands of newly diagnosed MS patients around the world. The results of the Phase 3 clinical trial were published Thursday, June 1, 2017 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial included 142 participants between the ages of 18 and 60 across 12 Canadian sites including: Vancouver, Burnaby, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, London, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin. The drug works by reducing the inflammation. In Canada, the cost of current therapies for relapsing-remitting MS typically falls in the range of $20,000 to $40,000 per year; the minocycline treatment would cost a fraction of that at about $600 per year. In the United States, MS treatment often costs about three times as much as in Canada. Researchers say the potential cost saving will be tremendous and will improve access to treatment for people with MS. Researchers and doctors are excited about the discovery, as there are no oral therapies approved in Canada for use at this very early stage of the disease. The drug itself has been around for 50 years, and it doesn't need further Health Canada approval to be used as an off label prescription for MS. "The clinical results are compelling," says HBI member Dr. Luanne Metz, the study's lead author, who is also a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the CSM and an Alberta Health Services neurologist. "Based on these findings, neurologists will be able to prescribe minocycline for people experiencing their first symptoms of demyelination if an MRI suggests the cause will likely prove to be MS." "Patients will now have yet another treatment option, one that does not require injections, monitoring lab work, or special authorization by their insurance company; provided they have adequate coverage to begin with. These processes can delay treatment initiation for three to four months whereas minocycline can be started immediately." Current care for many individuals experiencing a first clinical attack suggestive of relapsing-remitting MS involves a brain MRI at about six months to determine if MS can be confirmed or treatment with injectable medications to reduce the chance that their condition will evolve to confirm MS. "We have not cured MS, but this trial makes future treatment easy and affordable. It has global impact because there are countries where people with MS cannot be treated because of the very high cost," says V. Wee Yong, PhD, a study author from the HBI and professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Jill, 34, experienced her first sign that she could be developing MS at 27. She woke up with tingling in her hand, the numbness spread to 50 per cent of her body before she received confirmation that lesions had formed on her brain and spine. She volunteered for the two-year clinical trial and kept taking the drug after the trial ended. "Joining the trial was an easy decision and the support I received throughout the process was excellent. I believe in research. How else are we going to learn?" Jill is now symptom free and has not been diagnosed with MS. After being on the drug for six years, Jill consulted with her physician and decided to stop taking the medication. "It is an antibiotic, and I wanted to give my body a break from all medication. I may go back on minocycline at some point. It's great to have this option." The trial was funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and its affiliated Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation (MSSRF). Participants in the trial who were experiencing their first demyelinating symptoms were randomized to receive 100 mg twice daily of the oral minocycline or placebo. Over six months of treatment, there was a 27.6 per cent reduction of becoming full blown MS. (The risk was 61 per cent in the placebo group and 33.4 percent in the minocycline group.) This is similar to the effects of current therapies. "This is truly a Canadian success story in research that the MS Society of Canada and MSSRF are proud to be a part of," says Dr. Karen Lee, vice president of research at the MS Society of Canada. "These are some of the world's most experienced researchers and neurologists, who have taken an idea and brought it from bench to bedside. We are very encouraged by the results of the clinical trial and pleased that people living with MS will be provided a safe and beneficial treatment option as early in the disease as possible." This remarkable outcome for individuals experiencing demyelinating symptoms worldwide has been over 18 years in the making. Yong, a neuroscientist, initially had the idea to test the acne medicine in an animal model since minocycline has many anti-inflammatory properties that he thought could be useful in treating MS. Soon after obtaining successful research results, in studies also supported by the MS Society of Canada and MSSRF, Yong teamed up with Metz who led the transition into a pilot clinical trial, then a Phase 2, and finally the definitive Phase 3 trial. "This study highlights the benefits of evaluating existing therapies for other indications. Minocycline is an existing acne medication which is safe, and well-tolerated and it is available for immediate clinical use," says Manitoba neurologist, Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie. "Research has a profound impact on brain and mental health care. Drs. Yong and Metz have provided a remarkable example of how new brain health knowledge can be generated when the laboratory is bridged to the clinic," says HBI Director Samuel Weiss, PhD. "This is a spectacular outcome that will positively impact people's lives worldwide - and is a testament to the power of research excellence at the HBI and CSM." Source: http://cumming.ucalgary.ca/ms Bottom Line: A study of Senegalese women showed that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was more likely to develop into cervical pre-cancer in women living with human immunodeficiency virus. Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Author: Hilary K. Whitham, PhD, MPH, a research associate at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Background: While most HPV infections are cleared by the body's immune system, persistent HPV infection can lead to the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Previous research has indicated that HIV-positive women face an increased risk of HPV infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer compared with HIV-negative women. How the Study Was Conducted and Results: In order to increase understanding of the way HPV infection progresses, and to compare its progression in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women, Whitham and colleagues analyzed data from six studies conducted from 1994 to 2010 in Senegal, where HIV is endemic. They followed 1,320 women for an average of two years, testing them for HPV and cervical abnormalities approximately every four months. At each clinic visit, women were characterized as normal, HPV-positive, or HSIL (HPV-positive with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, a precancerous lesion that may progress to cervical cancer if untreated). The study showed that HIV-positive women had higher rates of acquiring HPV, and lower rates of clearing HPV infection, than HIV-negative women. Women whose immune systems were compromised by HIV were also more likely to have HPV infection progress to pre-cancer, the study indicated. For instance, HIV-positive women were 2.55 times more likely to have their HPV infection progress to HSIL than HIV-negative women. Whitham explained that as HIV ravages the body's immune system, "HPV goes unchecked, replicating quickly and developing abnormal lesions which can progress to cancer." Author Comment: The study suggests that in countries like Senegal in West Africa, where cervical cancer screening is not widely available, HIV-positive women may benefit from targeted cervical cancer prevention efforts, Whitham said. "In areas where cervical cancer screening is not widely available and HIV prevalence is high, these findings highlight that targeted screening of the high-risk HIV-positive population may provide an important step in cervical cancer prevention," Whitham said. "These results also highlight that HPV vaccination of young women prior to HIV infection is an important preventive measure." Whitham said she expects that the results of this study would be similar in women from other countries, especially other sub-Saharan African nations with high HIV rates. However, she said, further studies would be required to confirm the findings and to account for behavioral differences between populations such as smoking, birth control use, and age at first sexual activity. Limitations: Whitham said a limitation of the study is that much of the data predated the widespread use of anti-retroviral therapy, which limited the researchers' capacity to analyze the effects of those treatments on HPV progression. She added that as HIV-positive women now live longer due to anti-retroviral therapy, they may face further increased risk of cervical cancer due to additional time to acquire HPV and for pre-cancerous lesions to progress to cervical cancer. This highlights the importance of developing cervical cancer prevention strategies in areas where HIV is endemic, Whitham said. In a letter to the Editor published this Wednesday (31st May 2017), a group of Canadian researchers have disclosed how a sting of words coming from a notable doctor nearly 4 decades ago was the seed that led to a nationwide epidemic of misuse and abuse of opioid painkiller drugs such as Vicodin and OxyContin. The letter in 1980 was cited by over 600 researchers in various works of science and this was grossly inaccurate. The paper inadvertently made it seem like opioids were safer that they were initially thought to be. This convinced thousands of doctors into prescribing these drugs to patients in pain leading to opioid addition that has become a menace today. While one citation from the 1980 paper suggests that in a population with pain and with no previous history of drug abuse, there is literally no risk for addiction. One citation suggested that addiction rarely evolves in the setting of painful conditions. Opioids were thought to be safer than they are and were widely used in hospitalized patients and not just in chronic pain patients such as those with arthritis. This new study was led by Dr. David Juurlink of the University of Toronto. He feels that this 1980 letter was a key bit of literature that convinced opiate manufacturers who in turn gladly coaxed prescribers that addiction was nothing to fear and could be taken as low risk affair. He added that in 1980s the hospital databases were not adequately robust in order to support such a claim. The 1980 letter was written by Dr. Hershel Jick who was a drug specialist at Boston University Medical Center and that the time a graduate student. Jicks intention was not to perpetuate the use of these highly addictive drugs but opiate manufacturers used those words to advance their claims and meet their ends. Jick was referring to the short period use of opiates in the hospital and was not suggesting long term use. He went on to testify as a government witness in a lawsuit over the marketing of these pain relieving drugs. It was in the 90s that drugs like OxyContin came into the market and many patients took it for chronic pain and went on to develop drug dependence and addiction. The editor in their note in the journal say that readers need to be aware how the letter was heavily and uncritically cited to show that opioid addiction is a rare occurrence. The journal went on to publish a report from Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This report suggests that the researchers would in future work along with the industry in more ethical ways to develop methods to reverse and prevent overdose of these drugs and also prevent addition. They suggest new avenues of research in order to find new, non-addictive and effective drugs for chronic pain. Three workshops are planned in the next couple of months by the NIH with drug company leaders to decide upon necessary steps to stop and restrict this menace of opioid addiction. In Switzerland, more than 30,000 different substances are used on a daily basis in innumerable products - pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cleaning agents or industrial chemicals. Many of these substances find their way - via WWTPs - into surface waters, where they have adverse impacts on aquatic organisms and drinking water resources. To remove micropollutants from wastewater, around a hundred strategic selected WWTPs in Switzerland are to be upgraded in the coming years with an additional treatment step. The upgrade programme is being closely followed by scientists at Eawag and the Eawag-EPFL Ecotox Centre. As project leader Christian Stamm points out, "This provides a unique opportunity to study, more or less in real time, how aquatic ecosystems respond to a reduction in micropollutants." In the initial phase, the scientists investigated the current chemical and biological status, prior to WWTP upgrades. Stamm explains: "We also wanted to find out how micropollutants from treated wastewater affect the composition of biological communities and the function of river ecosystems. Here, there are still substantial gaps in our knowledge." Numerous micropollutants in wastewater Between 2013 and 2014, Stamm and his team carried out regular sampling in reaches upstream and downstream of 24 WWTPs and identified the substances present (Fig. 1). The analyses demonstrate that numerous micropollutants enter rivers in treated wastewater. "Particularly striking was the increase in medicines and household chemicals," says Stamm - in the case of medicines, concentrations were 30 times higher downstream than upstream of WWTPs (Fig. 2). An initial ecotoxicity risk assessment indicated that the anti-inflammatory agent diclofenac and the pesticides diazinon and diuron occur widely in biologically effective concentrations. This is also true of other substances at the regional level. Organisms downstream of WWTPs showed various symptoms of stress exerted by micropollutants. For example, gene expression associated with cellular detoxification was observed in brown trout. Gammarid populations lacked young individuals, indicating impaired reproduction or increased mortality among juveniles. The diversity of macroinvertebrates, which are sensitive to pesticides, was reduced downstream of wastewater outlets. Also present in effluents are antibiotics and resistant bacteria, which can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in receiving waters. Loss of adaptations after WWTP upgrade Algae and bacteria, which colonize the riverbed in the form of biofilms and play an important role in the food web, are also affected by wastewater discharges. Biofilms downstream of WWTPs showed a much greater tolerance towards micropollutants than those living upstream. According to Stamm: "The higher the chemical load, the higher the tolerance, which indicates a causal relationship between exposure and biological effects." Biofilms provided evidence of the early effects of a WWTP upgrade: after the introduction of the additional treatment step at the Herisau WWTP, algae in the Glatt river lost their increased tolerance to micropollutants relatively rapidly (Fig. 3). The induced expression of detoxification genes was likewise lost in brown trout living downstream. Masked effects revealed by flume system Often, the effects of micropollutants cannot be directly measured in the field because they are masked by the effects of other constituents of wastewater. So in order to disentangle the various impacts, the researchers also conducted experiments in a 16-channel flume system (Fig. 4). Using this system, they showed, for example, that while the decomposition of organic matter is inhibited by micropollutants, it is promoted by nutrients. Stamm says, "This supports our findings that, depending on the nutrient situation, leaf decomposition rates were around two thirds lower downstream than upstream of treatment plants." The statistical analysis indicates that , for example, leaf-shredding gammarid populations are decimated by insecticides. Ask Elizabeth Bowen about the intersection of homelessness and HIV/AIDS in the United States and she'll respond without hesitation, "Housing equals health." That conclusion seemed clear to Bowen, assistant professor in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, during the four years she worked in a supportive housing program in Chicago, Illinois. Now as a UB researcher she has published a study that empirically supports what she experienced on the ground. "Supportive housing, a program of rental assistance and support services, is associated with improvements in the health outcomes of previously homeless people living with HIV/AIDS," she says. "Without stable housing it's hard to achieve these good health outcomes." The study, which appears in the journal AIDS Care, relied on biometric data that predicts how effectively the body combats the virus. Prior to publishing their journal article, the team presented their preliminary findings at the 2016 International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa. Bowen and her coauthors examined two indicators of health: CD4 count, sometimes called T-cells, which show how well the immune system is working, and viral load, an indicator of the amount of virus particles in a person's blood. A person with a very low viral load may be described as having achieved viral suppression. "The percentage of participants in our study with a healthy CD4 count and viral suppression improved significantly during their time in the program," says Bowen. "The positive relationship between length of program stay and viral suppression suggests that housing stability is key to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in supportive housing maintaining or improving their health." Homelessness and HIV/AIDS overlap often in the United States, according to Bowen. Approximately one in 12 PLWHA has an unmet need for housing. And although thousands of formerly homeless or unstably housed HIV-positive people live in supportive housing, little research has examined biometric changes in their HIV health outcomes after they become housed. Bowen says a few previous studies have reported positive health outcomes for PLWHA in supportive housing, but those studies relied on small samples. A larger recent study in San Francisco reported promising findings from a single-site supportive housing program with on-site nursing care. Bowen's research analyzed a scattered-site program, where participants receive rental assistance while living in apartments of their choosing in a given community. "We're about 35 years into the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and we've reached a point medically where this is no longer a fatal diagnosis but only if PLWHA have access to health care and housing," says Bowen, an expert in health and homelessness and the study's lead author. Homeless people, due in part to certain risk behaviors, are more likely to become HIV positive than those with stable housing. In turn, those with HIV/AIDS, with its associated impact on health, employment and relationships, are more likely to become homeless than the general population. The study grew out of an opportune meeting between Bowen and representatives of Caracole, a social service agency in Cincinnati, Ohio, whose programs include a HUD-funded supportive housing model called Shelter Plus Care. Part of the challenge in studying the relationship between housing and health is how researchers can gather the required data. In this case, Caracole had the data on their program participants, who voluntarily provided reports from their medical providers at periodic intervals. That data was part of Caracole's own program evaluation process, but the agency didn't have the resources to determine the larger story that unfolded within the numbers. "I was excited about this partnership because this is exactly the kind of social work I did before becoming a researcher," says Bowen. "This study speaks to the power of these collaborations when agencies collect the information that researchers want to analyze." First Made In India Jeep Compass rolls out of company's Ranjangaon based plant. (Image: Jeep) Jeep Compass, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Indias first locally-produced sport-utility vehicle (SUV), officially rolled off the assembly line today at the companys Ranjangaon plant.The start of production sees India joining China, Brazil and Mexico as a manufacturing and export hub for the Jeep Compass, the most capable compact SUV ever. Ranjangaon will be the sole export facility for right-hand-drive (RHD) markets across the globe.Senior government officials and company leaders attended the roll-off ceremony, including Shri DevendraFadnavis, Honourable Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra; Paul Alcala, FCAs Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the APAC region, non-China; Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director of FCA India; Gurpratap Boparai, CEO of FIAPL and Shri Girish Bapat, Guardian Minister of Pune.The establishment of manufacturing operations and start of production of the Jeep Compass is an important milestone for our journey in India, said Paul Alcala. The Compass will be the first Made in India Jeep vehicle, and we are appreciative of the Governments efforts to make India a desirable manufacturing destination for multi-national organizations, such as ours. With the start of production and an investment of US$280 million in the Jeep Compass localization, we are reaffirming our commitment to Indian consumers and our long-term presence in the country.The Jeep Compass will be in full production in July and vehicles are expected to arrive in dealerships across India during the third quarter of 2017 in three variants: Sport, Longitude and Limited.Locally, the Compass will come equipped with various combinations of diesel and petrol engines paired with manual and automatic transmissions, offering customers over 50 trim configurations and value packages.By the end of 2017, the Jeep brands portfolio in India will consist of three new models. The locally-produced Jeep Compass will join the iconic Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.Shipping for RHD markets outside India will start in the last quarter of 2017.With the arrival of the Jeep Compass, India will have a new market for locally produced compact SUVs. This will also enhance the profits of the Jeep as India will be the only country from where the export of the RHD SUV to all RHD countries will take place. We will have to wait and see if India sales is at par with companys expectations. Automobile dealers based near Bengaluru's Bellandur Lake failed to get a reprieve today from the National Green Tribunal which refused to set aside their closure order. A total of 76 polluting industries around the lake were shut down by the authorities in pursuance to the green panel's order after a mound of garbage was set on fire in February this year, leading to massive pollution in the area. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the Karnataka government, Lake Authority of Bangalore, state pollution control board and Central Pollution Control Board and sought their reply on the plea of car dealers within a week. "You are making it difficult for the people to breathe and live their life. People are coming to the court saying there are deaths taking place due to the pollution. How can you do it? "You are not maintaining any record of the hazardous waste generated by you. Show us the mechanism or any document as to how you collect the waste. We are not going to do anything," the bench said. The counsel appearing for the automobile dealers told the bench that the authorities have shut down their units which were located more than 15 km away from the lake. He said they were strictly complying with all the norms and not discharging any effluent in the Bellandur lake. "The audit report by Maruti shows strict compliance by us. If any of the dealers does not comply with regulations, the dealership is instantly cancelled. We are in no way responsible for pollution in the lake. In fact, those units should be closed which have released effluents," he said. The matter was listed for next hearing on June 8. The tribunal had earlier directed authorities to ensure the closure of 76 polluting industries around Bengaluru's Bellandur lake and ordered the city's Deputy Commissioner and the authorities to ensure immediate disconnection of water and electric supply to these industries. It had also directed that housing societies and residential complexes near the lake will have STPs working within the prescribed parameters, failing which their power and water supply will be snapped too. The green panel had directed the joint inspection team comprising officials from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board and the state pollution control board to jointly inspect all sewage treatment plants (STPs) that have been installed by housing societies and residential complexes near the lake. Slamming the local civic bodies for inaction, the bench had banned dumping of any kind of municipal solid waste around the lake and announced an environment compensation of Rs five lakh on anyone found dumping waste in and around the lake. Earlier, the NGT had lashed out at the Karnataka government and its agencies responsible for the lack of maintenance of the Bellandur lake, asking them why they should not be prosecuted for negligence. It had earlier issued a notice to the Union Environment Ministry, the Karnataka government, Lake Authority of Bangalore, state pollution control board and Central Pollution Control Board in the case. On February 20, the NGT had taken cognisance on its own of media reports and photographs of the incident in which a fire broke out in the Bengaluru lake. "It is reported that there were thick clouds of smoke which severely hit traffic and people living around the lake. It is also reported that usually a pile of garbage around the lake is set on fire and there was total panic. "Undoubtedly, such emissions are bound to have an adverse impact on the environment, ecology and human health. It is a matter which requires serious investigation, remedial measures and restoration of the lake to its original wholesome status," it had said. Thick clouds of white smoke persisted for several days in the air around the Bellandur Lake after the blaze. The government, other than mulling over the closure of schools, also plans to launch a drive, again, from this month to create awareness. The situation has additionally taken a political turn with the Opposition also hitting out at ruling TRS government in Telangana, which completes three years of rule in the newly bifurcated state. Its summer vacation but 6-year-old Laxmi visits her school in Sankatonipally village in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana every day. I love to study and going to school. I cant wait for the vacations to end, she says.The new government rules, however, may prove to be a dampener to her dreams of continuing school after the holidays. Her school has only seven students and the state is planning to shut down all government schools with zero or less enrolment. The government in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh is also considering a similar plan.The move to rationalise schools may see closure of about 10,000 schools in both the states. The idea is to merge schools with zero or less enrolment with nearby schools to make them economically viable and to improve quality of education.In Andhra Pradesh, the government has already ordered rationalisation of 6,000 schools. In Telangana, the government has asked for a report from the Mandal officers on over 4,600 schools with low enrolment.But in remote villages, the nearby school might be several kilometers away. This means, rationalisation could end the dream of education for thousands of students.Last year, we had a similar order. But the parents moved to stop it. If it happens this time, what will happen to children here? The next school is 3 km away. How will children travel? asks a worried Balraju, Laxmis father.Around 50 children from this village travel to Amangal town daily to attend private schools with better facilities. Balraju, however, is one of the many parents in the district who cant afford to send their children to private schools.In nearby Shankar Konda village too, its a similar story. Around 45 children go to the Amangal private school and only eight children study in the village school.But, has the government really tried to find out why there is a low turnout in schools funded by it? The problem, many say, is with the state-run schools, thus resulting in low turnout.The government school doesnt have good teachers. If the school was good, I would send my children there, says Ravinder, a daily wage earner. He sends his eldest daughter to a private school, churning out Rs 15,000, but satisfied that she gets quality education.Its difficult for me to manage the fees, but I have no option. Had the government schools been better, I would have lesser financial burden, he adds.Travel 2 km from Shankar Koda, a similar story unfolds. With just 10 students in a government school in Dayyalabodu Thanda, the facility just adds to the already dismal picture.Around 30 students from this village go to a private school. The government has suggested Rs 300 for each student to travel to the private school, when the state-run school shuts.There is no mode of transportation. How good is that money with no mode of transportation? If they shut down the school, I will have nowhere to send my children, rues Chawli, whose daughter studies in the government school in Dayyalabodu Thanda.The government, other than mulling over the closure of schools, also plans to launch a drive, again, from this month to create awareness. Telangana government plans to conduct campaigns from June 13-20th, examine the situation and then take a final decision. The success of it, however, is highly doubtful.The Telangana government has been conducting Badi Baata or lets go to school campaign across the state to increase the enrolment in government schools. But with little success. In 2016, as per the report submitted by Education Minister in Assembly, there were 405 schools with zero enrolment. This year, despite several campaigns, the number of such schools has gone up to 460. In one year, the number of schools with enrolment of students, less than 20 students, have increased from 3,772 to 4,637. Last year, even the Supreme Court, while hearing a petition, had raised concerns about zero enrolments in government schools.Advocate Shravan Kumar points out that the government, without improving facilities, cannot convince parents to send their kids to state run schools.A court constituted team over-served this too. Parents were sending their children to English medium schools because it assured them of regular teachers, better infrastructure, transport facility, drinking water and overall a better future. Also, private schools let you enrol a kid at the age of three years, unlike government schools where the age is five years, says Kumar, who is fighting the legal battle against the governments move.Education activist, Nagati Narayana, cements his argument and says the government has failed to develop facilities and good education in government school.The situation is alarming. Earlier more children used to study in government schools but now the trend has reversed. More children are going to private schools. Estimates say there is a thriving private school business of Rs 12,500 crore. Every year we see 65,000 children shifting from government to private schools. Why is government not improving facilities in government schools and choosing the easy way out by closing them?JK Raju, who filed the petition in the Supreme Court, says, "The state government cannot violate Right to Education to a child. If governments take the decision to close schools without any logic, which eventually affects the future of thousands of children, we will challenge it further in court.Raju isnt the only one up for a fight. Protests are erupting in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and other districts in both states. In both states, there are over 12,000 teacher posts lying vacant. Teachers and student unions in both states are up in arms, angry and scared at an uncertain future.The situation has additionally taken a political turn with the Opposition also hitting out at ruling TRS government in Telangana, which completes three years of rule in the newly bifurcated state.Alleging nexus of ruling government with the private school lobby, Kalwakurthy Congress MLA Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy said, In the name of rationalisation, government is closing schools in remote areas. So, basically its the poor people who will be effected. Telangana CM KCR does not want to spend money on education. They are killing public education because of their links to private schools. We strongly oppose this move and will not let this happen.While the government sets out to change the course of the states development by vowing to groom the future generation via education, is the decision to shut schools a wise one? Many like Laxmi can only wish for their summer vacations to end as soon as possible. New Delhi: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused Pakistan of scuttling the environment that must exist for bilateral talks between the two neighbours even as he asserted that Kashmir situation is better than is being perceived. He further said that while India has taken several significant steps to ease tension, Pakistan responded by terror attacks at Pathankot, Uri and mutilating the bodies of Indian soldiers. "The Government of India has taken significant steps to ease the situation in the past... The fact that our Prime Minister dropped in at Lahore at a social function in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family, were all steps intended to ease the tension. "But each one of these have been responded by, let us say, a Pathankot or a Uri or by mutilation of two of our soldiers. And, therefore, that environment which must exist for a talk has been successfully prevented by Pakistan," Jaitley said. Addressing the media on completion of three years of the Modi government, Jaitley said the Indian Army and the BSF are "dominating" the Line of Control (LoC) irrespective of where the troubles are being created by foreign insurgents or domestic terrorists. "The security forces have been able to build up a lot of pressure on them, and the results, some of which are evident almost on a daily basis... The situation in Kashmir is better than the impression," he said. The Indian Army had last week said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting "some damage", days after two of Indian soldiers were beheaded. It had 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. Admitting that the situation in challenging in South Kashmir, he said it is normal in the rest of the state and recently the two-day meeting of the GST Council was held in Srinagar. Premier meeting with German chancellor and business leaders Chinese premier Li Keqiang arrives in Berlin for his official visit to Germany May 31st, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Berlin on Wednesday, starting a two-day visit highlighting cooperation on innovation. Li and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held the two nations' yearly prime ministers meeting that same day, with innovation high on the agenda. The two leaders also planned to attend a forum on the topic and talk with business executives from both sides. On his arrival, Li said his visit is meant to build on the Sino-German friendship, and to promote innovation while enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Gu Junli, a German studies expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "The synergy of the Made in China 2025 strategy and Germany's Industry 4.0 campaign is likely to be a major topic of the premiers' meeting. "Germany is seeking intelligent manufacturing, while China is trying to deeply integrate manufacturing with the internet, to have the power of the market improve the pattern and quality of the manufacturing industry." The nations' different approaches provide a huge opportunity for cooperation, and Li's visit is expected to expand and deepen the cooperation, he said. Gu said key areas may be renewable energy and environmental protection, which are growing pillar industries in Germany. Ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde said in an interview with Chinese media before the visit that "manufacturing industries of the two nations are highly complementary. China is a big manufacturing country, while Germany is a strong one. "A new round of industrial revolution is speeding up, gaining momentum ... which has brought an unprecedented opportunity for strategic cooperation." Shi said there are 8,000 German companies operating in China with a total investment volume of more than 60 billion euros ($67 billion), while nearly 2,000 Chinese enterprises are operating in Germany. Those companies will be a key strength in advancing cooperation, he said. Two strong nations joining hands will have an effect far beyond their boundaries, Shi said. He cited the potential for construction under the Belt and Road Initiative. That refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which aim to increase connections between Asia, Europe and other areas. He also mentioned the possibility for Beijing and Berlin to jointly influence the establishment of global standards for intelligent manufacturing. The forum during Li's visit is expected to forge new, innovative ways to cooperate in fields such as smart manufacturing, electric vehicles and innovation by young people, he said. Hubertus Troska, a member of Daimler AG's board who is responsible for China, said the trends of connectivity, autonomous driving, sharing and electric mobility are revolutionizing the auto industry, "perhaps nowhere faster than in China". "In line with China's economic development plan, we will meet both opportunities and challenges head-on with further innovations and upgraded manufacturing," he said in a written interview with China Daily. Contact the writers at lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn Zhang Yue in Berlin contributed to this story Chennai: A Chennai Silks showroom in T Nagar area of the city partially collapsed early on Thursday, more than 24 hours after the multi-storied building caught fire. Floors 2 through 7 collapsed at 3:19am following which additional fire tenders, ambulances and rescue teams were rushed to the spot. A FIR has been registered in the case which terms it an accident. The FIR was filed by Chennai Silks manager Ravindran, sources told CNN-News18. Firefighters were still struggling to douse the flames at 9:15pm on Wednesday. Thick smoke continued to billow out of the building, leading to eye irritation and breathing trouble among nearby residence. As the area was declared dangerous, other nearby shops were asked to down their shutters, IANS reported. According to the police, the fire at the Chennai Silks showroom was noticed around 5 am on Wednesday and fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The cause of the fire was said to be an electric short circuit. Narrow roads and the absence of easy approach hindered the fire service personnel's efforts to put out the flames early. After battling the fire for several hours, the fire department officials decided to break open some walls with the twin objective of dousing the fire with water and also allow smoke to escape as it prevented the fire fighters from entering the building. The stock-in-trade in the textile showroom is estimated to be worth several crore. Speaking to reporters, state Finance Minister D Jayakumar said the owners of Chennai Silks will have to bear the expenses incurred in dousing the fire. He said necessary action would be taken if there were any violation of building norms. PMK founder S Ramadoss in a statement said the violation of building norms was the main reason for the fire raging on long. Ramadoss said the fire-hit building has permission only for four floors but eight floors have been constructed. He said the 2008 fire accident in Saravana Stores another big showroom in T Nagar locality was also due to violation of building norms and demanded that the buildings that violate building norms be demolished. Now the big question how do birds copulate? A Rajasthan High Court judge shared a baffling view on the national bird peacock on Wednesday when he described both cow and peacock to be pious and stated that Peacock is a lifelong brahmachari. It never has sex with the peahen. The peahen gets pregnant after swallowing the tears of the peacock.The statement of the honourable judge brought to the fore a fact that in every culture, many animals and birds have provided a moral guidance to people since the dawn of history. Animals and other creatures of the God, including birds, have often been seen as role models. Just look at how many countries retain a bird in their national symbols, the bald eagle of the US being a prominent example.A very widespread belief that has held strong hold over the minds of people throughout history is about debilitating nature of sex and that sexual abstinence results in virtues favoured by the gods. The statement of honourable judge, therefore, only perpetrates those ancient ideas that have no scientific rationale and even a casual natural history enthusiast will find them unacceptable.Misogyny and patriarchal mindset are the bane of Indian society, however, even science can sometimes be sexist. Till recently, it was widely assumed that in birds male hormones controlled the male sexual characteristics like the beautiful train that the peacock displays during the breeding season or the elaborating mating rituals and melodious songs in many species. The truth is, however, exactly opposite. Most male characteristics in birds are determined not by the testosterone present in the males, but by the absence of oestrogen, the hormone that defines a female. That really makes female of the bird species as the special one, while male is just the default sex.Male peacocks, as also male in other bird species, do not secrete oestrogen and therefore develop male plumage like the showy train feathers of male peacock that it displays during the breeding season to attract females for copulation. In contrast, females secrete oestrogen and develop female plumage that is dramatically different in many bird species. A female that stops secreting oestrogen due to damaged reproductive organs may sometimes metamorphose into a male of the species. There are many examples of this spectacular transformation in birds.When the honourable judge made his now-famous remarks about the peacock he talked about virgin birth, which is much favoured virtue in our mythology. We may readily recall the birth of Karna in Mahabharata but there are many such instances in our ancient texts.Virgin birth is a fascinating sexual aberration. Many animals, including certain birds, can reproduce without sex, with no contribution from the male in a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. However, in birds similar to peacock where parthenogenesis has been known to occur chickens, turkeys, pigeons etc development of the embryo has always been defective. It seldom lead to a normal embryo that could survive to become a hatchling. There are no recorded cases of parthenogenesis in peacocks. Therefore, copulation between males and females is a pre-requisite for creating a normal embryo that will lead to successful hatching of peacock chicks.Males of few large birds such as swans, ducks and ostriches have a tiny penis, whereas most other birds, including the pheasants (large group of game birds that also includes peacock) and all small birds do not have it. In all these birds without penis, including in both sexes of peacock, the opening of the reproductive tract lies inside the cloaca (near the opening of the gut). The copulation comprises a quick coming together of the male and female cloaca in what is colloquially called as a cloacal kiss. In a few seconds that it takes for the male peacock to pass its sperms into the reproductive tracts of the female during this very brief sexual intercourse, there is certainly no time for her to wipe any tears of the peacocks eyes!Knowing that pair bonding and monogamy is a much celebrated virtue in our cultures, I am sure it will be interesting to know how the peacocks fare in their parental duties. The eminent ornithologist David Lack estimated that over 90 per cent of the birds are socially monogamous, an arrangement in which a male and female work together to rear offspring. However, the mating system followed by the peacock is called polygyny males have several female partners and females visit the males only to copulate. Males, after copulation, have nothing to do with the hatching of eggs or rearing of young birds all essential parental duties performed by the female singlehandedly. Our hero is, therefore, certainly not the best role model for virtues of parenthood.In olden times, superstition and fear of god ruled over logic and common sense, but science has brought our understanding of the natural world around us a long way and dispelled many myths that surrounded sex of animals and birds. Scientific ideas have taken precedence leading to logical decisions and dispelling fear and mythology with these understandings. I do hope that learned men and women of our country make an effort to understand these as well. India and Russia signed five agreements, which included one on setting up of Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu with the Russian help. (File photo) Fears that the United States will pull out of the Paris Agreement intensified as news broke on Wednesday, quoting White House sources that US President Donald Trump didnt want to honour the accord. This came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about moving towards climate-friendly, sustainable solutions to protect the environment, alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Berlin.Trump, who has publicly denied climate change and called it a hoax, tweeted after the news broke, that he would be announcing decision on Paris Accord, Thursday at 3:00 P.M [Eastern Time]The United States is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China, and India is the third. Since the Trump Presidency has been unraveling the work done by former President Barack Obama on mitigating climate change, India and China have taken the lead in staying on course towards clean energy and meeting their committed targets.According to the Climate Action Tracker (CAT), Positive developments on coal use in China and India are likely to reduce projected global carbon emissions growth by roughly two to three billion tonnes by 2030.The Paris Accord to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, help countries with adaptation and finance, had emerged from the Conference of Parties (CoP21) held in Paris in December 2015, and had been a moment of celebration when 195 countries adopted it by consensus. One of its most important targets is to limit global warming to below 2Celsius above pre-industrial levels.The United States is the largest historical contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, leaving it with the largest historical responsibility to stay on course for the Paris Accord target. Currently, the world is on a 3.6 pathway.If the US withdraws, it will be unfair towards India and the rest of the countries, said Navroz Dubash, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research. Any weakening of support of the Paris Agreement is bad news for India, as we are a vulnerable country, said Dubash, who works on climate and energy research.However, Indias transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources is not going to stop, said Aarti Khosla, a Delhi based independent consultant on climate and energy issues. Indias push towards clean energy is also not heavily dependent on multilateral aid.Both she and Dubash pointed to the falling prices of solar power and other clean energy technology, that make it commercially viable and supportive of Indias development and energy security concerns.A recent New York Times editorial, quoting the CAT data, wrote that India is now expected to obtain 40 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2022, eight years ahead of schedule and that China and Indias enthusiasm for cleaner energy arises in part from a wish to reduce the terrible air pollution that afflicts cities like Beijing and New Delhi. Khosla also said that the bids for four big power plant projects were canceled in May, as solar has become commercially feasible.Dubash, however, spoke of some national details that lie beyond broad cross-country studies, such as CATs. India is doing good, not because it wont use more coal, but because it will use less than what it would have otherwise done. Fifty gigawatt (GW) of coal-fired power plants are in the pipeline, for the countrys needs. This is less than the earlier estimated amount.However, it is more than all of South Africas system. For now, said Dubash, India should give a clear signal, by allying itself with other nations supporting the Paris Accord and work towards holding the US accountable.All eyes are on Trump now. The US could either pull out of the Accord entirely, in which case it would have to serve a three-year notice, or stay in the Accord and reduce its pledge, which would lead to many legal and political issues. Thiruvananthapuram: Three Kerala legislators are leading by example and have enrolled their children into government schools. CPM MP M B Rajesh, CPM MLA TV Rajesh and Congress MLA V T Balram have enrolled their wards in government schools. Apart from this, both MB Rajesh and Balram have also declared their children free of religion and caste by leaving column asking for religion and caste blank in the form. They said that once they become adults, the children can make those choices for themselves. All three leader took to social media to convey their decision. While Balram decided to do a livestream from the school along with his son, the other two uploaded photographs. M B Rajesh wrote on Facebook, "I am admitting my second daughter Priyadutta at government L P School at Eastyakkara in Palakkad in first standard. My elder daughter is also admitted to government school in standard eight. There are special quota for MPs in Kendriya Vidyalaya but I chose to admit them in a government school over KV as they do not teach Malayalam there. As an MP, I have given recommendation letters to many people who want to admit their children in private schools. But I have belief in public schools and initiatives taken by the government to renovate the public schools and their education are factors that motivated me to admit my children in government schools," he added. He also said added that the motivation behind his move were memories of his time as an activist in the students union when he took part in several protests to protect the public education system. "The memories of the police lathicharge and days spent in jail are also behind this decision of getting my children enrolled in government schools," he said. C Balram went live on Facebook to announce that his son Advait Manavs admission to Aricode Government LP School next to his house. He said will use funds available to him to improve all government schools in his constituency in the next four years. The basic facilities need to be improved. The state government has decided to improve the public schools and introduced schemes to bring schools to the international level but the focus is mainly for higher secondary and high schoolBut we are not waiting for that. Utilizing the MLA funds, our aim is to upgrade and focus on the the total improvement of the government schools in this assembly constituency in the next four years. T V Rajesh admitted his son to St Marys lP school. He said in Facebook post My son is admitted to the school in which I studied and am presently the PTA president." His daughter is also studying in the same school. "The president opened the meeting with President Putin by raising the concerns of the American people regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election," Tillerson told reporters after the meeting on the sidelines of the G20 in Germany. (Photo:Getty Images) Reached the historic city of St. Petersburg. Looking forward to a fruitful visit aimed at cementing India-Russia relations. pic.twitter.com/0vZTiS0euh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at St Petersburg in Russia on Wednesday night for an annual summit with President Vladimir Putin during which the two sides will sign a host of agreements, with all eyes on a deal to build with Russia's help the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant.On his arrival, Modi tweeted that he looked forward to a fruitful visit.With hours to go before the summit, Indian officials told PTI that last-minute talks were taking place to iron out details and language of the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. "The agreement remains work in progress," the source said.The reactors are being built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex, PTI reported.The two sides are expected to ink 12 agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release.The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centerpiece of the summit, the second time in eight months after their last bilateral in Goa in October 2016.If signed, the two units of the plant, with capacity to produce 1000 MW of electricity each, will significantly boost the country's nuclear power generation.The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6,780 MW.In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a General Framework Agreement on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Ministers Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle.Indias traditional ties with Russia dating back to the days of Soviet Union have been complicated by Moscows growing economic and political alliances with China and Pakistan. However, Pankaj Saran, Indias ambassador to Russia, told said Indias relations with Russia are independent of its ties with Pakistan."Our relations with Russia is on a different pedestal and we have a full agenda between us that is important to both of us. We have clear understanding of our core concerns and vital security interests," he told PTI.Modi arrived in stormy weather in St. Petersburg, the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad.The Prime Minister will begin his three-day Russia sojourn with a visit on Thursday to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for some 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War.Modi will then be received by Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian presidents official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides.On Friday, Modi will be the guest of honor at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being attended by a host of political and business leaders from around the world. Its the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the economic and business summit.Some 60 Indian CEOs are attending the summit, and India has also set up a 'Make in India' pavilion in addition to hosting roundtables and an exclusive India-Eurasia economic and business breakfast.Trade between the two nations stands at $7.8 billion, down from $10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to $30 billion in the next five years. "Russia reaffirms its strong support to India's candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council," said a vision document issued after the Modi-Putin talks. "We will continue facilitating efforts to build an open, well-balanced and inclusive security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region based on shared principles and taking into account the legitimate interests of all states, including through the development of relevant dialogue in the framework of the East Asia Summit," the vision document said. : Russia on Thursday reaffirmed its "strong support" to India's candidature for a permanent seat in the reformed UN Security Council and a membership in the Nuclear Supplier Group and other non-proliferation regimes.In the annual bilateral summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two sides resolved to enhance their cooperation at multilateral fora like the BRICS, WTO, G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as well as Russia-India-China cooperation."We believe that there is a need to reform the United Nations and in particular, the UN Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities and to respond more effectively to emerging challenges and threats.Strongly backing New Delhi's bid to the 48-member elite NSG club, Russia said it is convinced that India's participation in multilateral export control regimes will contribute to their enhancement."In this context, Russia welcomes India's application for the membership in Nuclear's Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement and reiterates its strong support for India's earliest admission to these control regimes," the declaration said.Of the four major export control regimes - the NSG, MTCR, Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement - India is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime. It has applied for an NSG membership last year, but faces stiff opposition from China.India has also recently aligned its export control list with the one similar to the Wassenaar Arrangement's list. In the summit, the two sides, in an obvious reference to China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) project, said they oppose any recourse to "unilateralism or lack of respect to sovereignty" and ignoring the core concerns and legitimate interests of the countries.Touted as Chinese President Xi Jinping's pet project, the OBOR initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe.The main reason behind India's opposition towards the policy is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a part of the OBOR. CPEC's route cuts through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).The two sides said they will work together to foster the democratisation and reform of global political, economic, financial and social institutions, for them to better accommodate the interest of all members of the international community.The two sides also resolved to further their cooperation on challenging issues like restoration of pace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, settlement of the Syrian crisis, achievement of national reconciliation in Afghanistan. New Delhi: Ignoring the laugh riot over it on social media, former Rajasthan High Court judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma has quoted the Puranas to try and justify his much-ridiculed claim that peacocks are celibate. You can consult any scientist or those involved in animal husbandry. More importantly, it is written in our holy books that peacock is a brahmachari, Sharma told CNN-News18 anchor Zakka Jacob in an interview on Thursday. When asked for the scientific basis of his statement, he said, Its written in Brahma Purana, which is thousands of years old. When pointed out that puranas are a part of mythology and not a scientific journal, Justice Sharma responded: Science comes below mythology. Justice Sharma had first made the "brahmachari peacock" claim on Wednesday, the day he retired, while justifying his order recommending that the cow should be made the national animal. Asking the anchor to read his 139-page judgment which advised central government to make cow the national animal, Sharma said his judgement has been confirmed by the Supreme Court. He, however, was quick to add that making cow the national animal was only a suggestion and it was not binding on the central government. When asked for a rationale behind this, he said, Cow milk has several benefits. If we dont get milk, how will we survive? And what do other countries know about our culture of milk, mawa and milk-based sweets like kheer? Justice Sharma said cow milk was also needed for Abhishek of the statues of Hindu gods in temples. Thousands of litres of milk goes to worship of gods only, he said. We cant stop people from doing so. So, rather than stopping them, we must produce more milk. How can we hurt their sentiments? And why shouldnt there be Abhishek? He said not only cow milk but cow urine and cow dung were also very beneficial. On a question around the beef ban debate, Justice Sharma said, I am not a political man. I cannot reply on beef. A Rajasthan High Court judge on Wednesday said the peacock was the national bird of India because it was celibate and the peahens reproduced after swallowing the tears of the male. Within minutes after the judges interview was aired on CNN-News18, one of the most searched items on Google was How do peacocks have sex?Peacock is a Bramhachari and it does not have sex with a peahen. The peahen gets pregnant drinking the tears of the peacock. Even Lord Krishna carried the feather of a peacock on his head, Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma had said.When a peacock fans its feathers and walks around strutting his stuff, the Rajasthan HC judge thought it was a pretty sight. Sure, we did too. Only that the sight was one that reportedly gave Darwin a headache. But the genius that the man was, he soon realized that the very sight of those feathers made peahens weak in their knees. The peacock and his plumage were the birds signal to his mate. Or any peahen who would consider him beautiful enough for her time.Sorry, dear judge, you clearly got it wrong. Not only do peacocks mate, but they are also the biggest playboys on this planet. If this study is to be believed , peacocks think of other females even when they are mating! Peahens, on the other hand, always want to mate with the most dominant male. Sex is always on their minds and they are not shedding tears over it.Now, we have some rare proof of peacocks mating. RHENEN, NetherlandsThe two giant pandas living at Ouwehands Zoo enchanted hundreds of admirers in their long-awaited debut on Tuesday. People take pictures of female giant panda Wu Wen as she explores her new enclosure during an official unveiling ceremony at Ouwehands Zoo on Tuesday in Rhenen, the Netherlands. Six weeks after their April 12 arrival, Wu Wen, the female, tentatively stepped outdoors after being cleared from quarantine. Nonchalant at the gaze of dozens of children, she threw herself at the first bamboo plant she saw and started to eat. "What an appetite! Will she eat up all the bamboo planted in the enclosure in one week?" one child asked. "Don't worry," his pal answered. "She has plenty of bamboo stocked in her room. This is just for fun." Xing Ya, the male, strode out of his court like an emperor inspecting his territory. He patrolled the grassland, tested a shallow rig, pawed the wooden wall and tried to climb up a tree trunk, which defied his heavy body. Abandoning the uncooperative tree, he enthroned himself on a rock to enjoy early summer sunshine. With a lofty disdain, he greeted a full circle of cameras and mobile phones marveling at him. "Both are in perfect health and have adapted well to their new home," said Zhang Hongwen, chief economist of China's State Forestry Administration. Wu Wen and Xing Ya, both three years old, will stay at Ouwehands for 15 years. Native to Southwest China, they belong to a conservation-reliant vulnerable species which number only 1,864. "I am glad to see that Wu Wen and Xing Ya are so popular in the Netherlands. Living at this wonderful residence in Chinese palace style, they are really treated as emperor and empress," Zhang said. For Martijn van Dam, Dutch State Secretary for Economic Affairs, "the Netherlands has already enclosed Wu Wen and Xing Ya in its heart". Marcel Boekhoorn, owner of Ouwehands Zoo, beamed with happiness. Following a 16-year period of consultations and preparations, the two pandas were symbolically gifted to the Netherlands during the state visit of the Dutch royal couple in October 2015. "We learned from our Chinese friends how giant pandas live and how we can protect these endangered animals. Now is the moment to share this dream with the whole of the Netherlands," Boekhoorn told guests invited to the official opening of Pandasia, the special panda complex. New Delhi: Two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed on Thursday in an encounter with security forces in Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3:30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. The militants were said to be holed up in a house in Sopore. During the searches, the militants, believed to be two in number, opened fire on the forces, triggering the gunbattle, he said. Contact was established with terrorists at 02:45am and the encounter ended at 6:45am. Director General of Police S P Vaid said the slain terrorists were locals who belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen and were behind an attack on a police party. On Wednesday, a grenade attack was carried out on a police deployment party in Sopore town in which four policemen were injured," Vaid said. The description of assailants and CCTV footage helped in identifying and arresting two persons, including one who had hurled the grenade at the police party, the DGP said. He said during interrogation, the arrested persons provided information about the hideout of the militants at whose behest they had carried out the attack. It was a joint operation by Army's Rashtriya Rifles troops and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Over a million votes later, here's a little sneak peek at our No. 1 on the #MaximHot100! Stick around for more ;)#MaximIndia #DPForMaxim pic.twitter.com/Ut9EPpDvKM Maxim India (@MaximIndia) May 31, 2017 After wowing everyone with her elegant yet chic looks at the recently concluded Cannes International Film Festival, Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone looks sizzling on the June/July special issue of Maxim India. The actress who has been voted as the hottest woman of the year, looked stunning in the hot photoshoot for the International Men's magazine.The actress who has left millions in awe of her beauty and stunned everyone with her glamourous and modish style statement, oozed sexiness on the magazine's cover in an all white avatar.Deepika looked sultry as she flaunted her sexy, shapely legs and well-toned body in a custom made Swapnil Shinde white high-waisted briefs and a crop jacket. Styled by Shaleena Nathani, the actress opted for Christian Louboutin classic sleek black high heels whilst her tresses were pulled back to render a wet hair look. The dash of bold red on her lips, no accessories, bronzed eyes and highlighted cheekbones only accentuated her look and made her look even sexier!On Wednesday evening, Maxim India shared a sneak peak from the magazine's photoshoot with a tweet which read, "Over a million votes later, here's a little sneak peek at our No. 1 on the #MaximHot100! Stick around for more #MaximIndia #DPForMaxim."And on Thursday afternoon, the Twitter handle shared the magazine's cover which featured the actress in a sexy avatar and totally owning the cover page with her confidence and style. Take a look.Both Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra featured on the 2017 MAXIM Hot 100 women of world list which was topped by super model Hailey Baldwin. While Baldwin featured as the Hot 100 cover girl for the international edition of the magazine, Deepika reigned on the cover of the Indian edition.Last year, actress Priyanka Chopra graced the cover of the International Men's magazine as the hottest woman of the year.On the work front, the actress will be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati. One of these pictures is very offensive but outrage is directed at the other. pic.twitter.com/UoQ1kxWaaM Shilpa Rathnam (@shilparathnam) May 30, 2017 Priyanka Chopra took selfies at the Holocaust memorial.. is this a another attention seeking stunt ??? Shouldn't have done that .. sahil (new acc ) (@DeepikasWarrior) May 31, 2017 Taking selfies at the Holocaust Memorial sounds like EXACTLY something @priyankachopra would do tbh. sparkling diamond (@sashemjay) May 31, 2017 Is it respectable for @priyankachopra to be taking selfies at the #Holocaust Memorial? pic.twitter.com/BKPpJOAsE7 Sara Muzzammil (@SaraMuzzammil) May 30, 2017 Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, has been creating waves in the West, but more so, fetching attention of her Indian fans more than ever. The actress recently received major backlash for two of her photographs - one with PM Modi wherein she was criticised for wearing a short dress for the chance meeting in Berlin and the other, a selfie taken at the Holocaust Memorial.While the first can probably be passed off as a 'common' mindset that needs to be worked upon, the second generated a serious controversy and touched the nerves of many.Priyanka visited the Holocaust Memorial, a prime attraction in the city of Berlin, with her brother Siddharth. The actress, who has been regular in updating fans about her whereabouts, took selfies at the memorial and posted them on her social media accounts. The posts in no time received severe backlash, with many calling Priyanka insensitive and tone-deaf. Many users felt it was disrespectful of them to pose at such a sombre monument.The memorial was opened in 2005 to commemorate the 3 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, who were killed by the Nazi regime in the early decades of the 20th century. It's a grid of 2,711 concrete slabs resembling coffins and is officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.However, the actress has now deleted the photographs from her Instagram and Twitter accounts.This isn't the first time Priyanka has been accused of insensitivity and has got herself mired in a cultural controversy. In 2016, the actress featured on the cover of Conde Nast Traveller's India edition wearing a "controversial" t-shirt that had the words 'immigrant', 'refugee' and 'outsider' struck out while 'traveler' shining bright. The cover went viral on social media and the actress apologised for wearing that infamous vest.On the professional front, the actress was in the city to promote her upcoming film Baywatch and has now left for London for further promotions. New song from Kabir Khan's Tubelight is out and it gives us a detailed glimpse into Bandhu and Captaan's brotherly love. The song has been composed by Pritam and sung by Kamaal Khan and Nakash Aziz. Amitabh Bhattacharya has penned the lyrics of the song. Titled Naach Meri Jaan, the song celebrates the bond of brothers, and before its release, Salman Khan teased about the 'bhaihood' on his social media accounts.The actor shared an old photograph of his with younger brother Sohail on Twitter and captioned it as, "Bandhu @SohailKhan aur Captaan ka Bhaihood ."Sohail and Salman are playing brother onscreen in Tubelight. Both have earlier worked in films like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kia and God Tussi Great Ho, but this is the first time they will be seen playing their real-life bond, onscreen.The entire song has the touch of mountains and even the music and dance steps echo the culture. There's a certain ease between the two actors that comes naturally and thus results in convincing chemistry as brothers.The film is heavily dependent on their chemistry as the story involves Salman Khan opting for every possible measure to bring his brother back from Sino-Indian War safely.The song aptly portrays the dependency and love both brothers have for each other and while the lyrics aren't the most iconic ones, they surely convey the bond.Naach Meri Jaan, might not become a chartbuster, but by the looks, it captures the soul of the film- bond of two brothers and their 'bhaihood' that defines the entire film's story.Tubelight is one of the most awaited films of the year which tells the story of a man's belief. Direct by Kabir Khan the film is all set to release on June 23rd. Mumbai: Coming out in support of Priyanka Chopra, who is facing backlash for wearing a "short" dress while meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Varun Dhawan said everyone must be proud of the actress. Priyanka, who met Modi in Berlin yesterday, uploaded a picture of hers with the PM on social media, where she was trolled for wearing a knee-length dress that showed her legs. The 34-year-old model-turned-actress was in Berlin to promote her debut Hollywood film Baywatch. "She is someone we all should be proud of in our country...she is making our country proud abroad. All this is very stupid and social media trolling is not something that needs to become a national issue," Varun said. The Main Tera Hero star was talking on the sidelines of an event here. Apparently unfazed by the trolling, the Quantico actress today posted a picture of her and her mother wearing a short dress and captioned it: "Legs for the day..." : The DMK on Wednesday came down strongly on the BJP-led central government over the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, saying a situation had arisen where "we should eat only what the prime minister desires".Leading a DMK protest here against the ban, party working president M K Stalin also warned of "another Marina revolution" (on the lines of pro-jallikattu stir) if the recent notification on the matter was not withdrawn.Accusing the Centre of coming up with such notifications to cover up its three years of "non-performance", he also questioned the "silence" of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on the issue.Recalling various promises made by the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Stalin said none of them, including ones about retrieving black money and creating jobs, had been fulfilled."So, (with) this ban, what we eat is now being restricted. A situation has come up where we should eat only what (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi desires. The civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution are being snatched. Freedom is being snatched," he claimed.He alleged that the Modi government was coming up with such notifications to divert people's attention from issues plaguing the country."Three years of BJP rule have passed. There are no schemes or achievements that benefit people. To cover that up and divert the attention of people, the BJP (government) is making such laws," he said.He wondered if the central government had "deposited at least Rs 15 if not Rs 15 lakh" in the bank account of each citizen as promised by Modi in 2014 under his efforts to retrieve the black money stashed in foreign havens.He questioned why Palaniswami had not responded although his counterparts in Kerala and West Bengal have opposed the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter.Palaniswami had on May 27 said he would comment on the Centre's ban on cattle sale after going through the notification.The DMK leader said though the BJP had given importance to cooperative federalism during the 2014 polls, it has now reduced states to "municipalities" and chief ministers to "municipal chiefs."Stalin warned that if the notification was not withdrawn, "another Marina revolution" will happen. He was apparently referring to the pro-Jalliakktu protests held by scores of volunteers in January this year, following which the banned bull taming sport was allowed to be held in Tamil Nadu by amending the relevant act.The DMK leader questioned the timing of the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter, saying it came amidst various difficulties being faced by the farmers in the country, especially in the drought-hit Tamil Nadu.He said Wednesday's protest was the "first phase" and warned of more agitations if the notification was not withdrawn. The Congress also staged a separate protest on the issue in the city with the minority wing leading it. RSS is taking the country in a dangerous direction. They are trying to impose their idea which is not good for a democratic country, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a day after the news of central government banning sale of cattle for the purpose of slaughtering was aired on national television.Vijayan, who leads the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, called for a united front against the Centre. Terming the ban unconstitutional and encroachment on the rights of the state, Vijayan asked for an audience with all chief ministers to discuss the further course of action.What right does a government have to decide what people can eat? Livelihood of thousands of people will be lost. The state will challenge this legally and not allow a ban on beef through such backdoor policies, he said.At a time when the opposition in the country has been battling for survival with the rise and rise of the Narendra Modi juggernaut, Vijayan and his strong stand on a central policy have come as a breath of fresh air.Pinarayi Vijayan is known as a strong leader in his state and now he is trying to emerge as a powerful leader outside of his comfort zone and take initiatives. The most important takeaway from this is that he has been appreciated for it. Look at the support he has from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, said J Prabhash, a political observer.Vijayan not only asked for all chief ministers to come together, but also shot a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scathingly attacking his governments ban.Meat is the primary source of protein for millions of poor and ordinary people in this country, particularly the Dalits. Such restrictions being imposed on the eve of Ramzan, would certainly appear to certain communities of our country as a direct attack on them. People of all faiths consume meat in our country, not just the minorities, wrote Vijayan.Once the prohibition comes into effect, it will not only deprive them of adequate nutrition, but also prevent the availability of raw material for the leather industry. More than 2.5 million people work in Indias leather industry and most of them are Dalits, especially those engaged in skinning the carcasses. Hence, this prohibition will severely affect our disadvantaged sections, in terms of both their lives and livelihoods," he said."The new rules should have been introduced in consultation with the states. The absence of efforts to take the states into confidence on such a drastic move with far reaching consequences is detrimental to our democracy. I am afraid it amounts to an intrusion into the rights of the states in our federal structure.""The introduction of such restrictions in a hasty manner would certainly prove to be a challenge in upholding our plurality, the essence of our nation. It would also be against the principles of secularism and federalism enshrined in our constitution, he added.Reiterating that Kerala did not need food lessons from Delhi or Nagpur, he urged the PM to repeal his order. While it remains to be seen how successful Vijayan will be in rallying the opposition states, he has definitely taken the lead.Social media has been abuzz with his staunch protest, so much so that many people from other states have asked him to be their CM. Strong backing from everyone in Kerala, including the opposition, has further upped his image as a leader.Even as BJP state president said that the national opposition was trying to create panic and had misread the rule, state opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala wrote to the chief minister asking him to call a special session of the Assembly to bring in a legislation in this regard.Chennithalas call for a special session came days after some youth members from his party, Congress, were suspended by the central leadership for their protests, which included slaughtering an ox in public, against the ban. The Cabinet also decided to call a special session of the Assembly.Beef is a sensitive issue in Kerala because it is a delicacy. Majority of the people in the state consume beef irrespective of their religion, and the fact the Vijayan has taken up their cause has strengthened their protest against the ban.It is a challenge to the diversity of the country. In Kerala, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, regardless of their faith, eat beef. If at all we stop eating it, it will be for health reasons. Religion will never be a ground. You can totally expect Kerala to rise up in protests, said Arun Krishnan, a student from Thiruvananthapuram.Another resident, Nithin Kunneparampil, said the impact on Kerala was very high because it was one of the leading states in beef consumption. The politics of cow from the North is being imposed on us. We dont consider the animal Gaumata, he rued.It clearly looks like Kerala is hitting moo point. New Delhi: AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, the nephew of V Sasikala, and his aide Mallikarjuna have been granted bail in the two leaves bribery case. The Delhi court had on Wednesday deferred the decision on the bail plea as the stenographers were on leave. Dinakaran was arrested on April 25 night following four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified Election Commission official to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol for his faction. Police had earlier said Dinakarans alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrasekar had struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK faction keep the 'two leaves' symbol. He had Rs 1.30 crore in cash in his possession when he was arrested from a five-star hotel in Delhi on April 16. Dinakaran was arrested for allegedly arranging the amount from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madhur Verma had said. Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly helping Dinakaran transfer this money from Chennai to Delhi. Dinakaran, who was appointed deputy general secretary by AIADMK chief V K Sasikala, has been isolated in his party amid moves to merge rival factions led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami and his predecessor O Panneerselvam. A powerful section of the ruling AIADMK (Amma) recently revolted against the Sasikala-Dinakaran leadership. The development came after Panneerselvam, who is leading the rival faction, demanded the ouster of Sasikala and Dinakaran as a condition for merger talks. New Delhi: Eight people, including the Kannur Youth Congress district president Rijil Makkutty, were arrested for allegedly slaughtering an ox in public. The Youth Congress activists allegedly slaughtered an ox during a protest against Centre's notification on sale of cattle for the purpose of slaughter. Rijil Makulti and the others have been booked under Section 120 (a) of Kerala Police Act, Section 3, Section 11 (1), a, d of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and IPC Sections 143,147 read with 149. However, all these sections are bailable. The Congress has already suspended the members of its youth wing who had participated in a 'beef fest' organised in Kerala. "A case has been registered under Sect 120 A of the Kerala Police Act on the basis of a complaint of Yuva Morcha activist", Kannur SP Siva Vikram had said. The offence deals with slaughtering any animal in a way that causes annoyance or inconvenience to the public and is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or with both. Despite Congresss efforts to distance itself from the incident, Makulti said he had no regrets. "We don't regret our act. This was done as part of our protest," he told a television channel on Sunday. The central governments notification has triggered a political storm in Kerala with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shooting off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the ban amounted to an "intrusion" into the rights of the states. "Absence of efforts to take the states into confidence on such a drastic move, with far reaching consequences, is detrimental to our democracy," Vijayan had said. "I am afraid it amounts to an intrusion into the rights of the state in our federal structure," he added. He had said meat was the primary source of protein for millions of the poor and ordinary people in the country, particularly Dalits. Such restrictions being imposed on the eve of Ramzan, would certainly appear to certain communities in the country as a "direct attack on them," Vijayan had said. The Centre has banned the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter, a move that is expected to hit export and trade of meat and leather. HTC a Taiwanese company just celebrated 20 years of its existence and also launched their flagship smartphone for 2017, the HTC U11. This is a smartphone that competes with the likes of Samsung Galaxy S8 and even the iPhone 7 for a price of Rs 51,999. We got our hands on the HTC U11 and here's what we think about this smartphone.HTC U11 carries forward the liquid surface design that was seen on HTC U smartphones on the U11 as well. The phone has a glass and metal finish and the exoskeleton is mostly made up of glass on this device. This makes it a very beautiful and classy looking phone. The colour options on the HTC U11 are out of this world and you might not get a phone as unique as this one in terms of design. There is just one flipside to it, due to the use of glass this phone attracts a lot of fingerprint smudges and it's impossible to have it with its clean look all the time. You will be forced to have a transparent back cover to make it appear clean all the time.Don't forget to follow our new channel on YouTube, click here The HTC U11's major USP is the way HTC designers have used the sensors on this device. You can literally squeeze this device to make it dance to your tunes. A single squeeze can be used to open the camera app and also click a photo or a selfie. Users can do a long squeeze option also lets you open Google assistant. The squeeze function can be customised to launch any app of your liking. This makes this phone an intuitive device where you really don't need two hands to operate small functions. This is HTC's first IP67 dust and water resistant phone as well. Moreover, the squeeze can also be used to pick up a call even if you have a glove on your hand.HTC has also bundled this smartphone with a U-Sonic headphones that are noise cancelling. You hardly get phones with good headphones bundled inside the box, but the U-Sonic headphone is an added bonus with the U11. Another interesting thing here to note is that the HTC U11 lacks the 3.5mm audio jack and the U-Sonic headphones use the USB Type-C for power. HTC has been considerate enough and they also bundle a USB Type-C to 3.5 mm adapter with the device if you still wish to use your own headphones.The HTC U11 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor that's backed by 4GB RAM. Now that's more than enough firepower for this smartphone to perform daily tasks. India version of the HTC U11 will get 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM on it so expect an even more powerful device in India. Performance wise the HTC U11 did not disapoint us at all. And with Samsung selling the S8 with their own Exynos processor, the HTC U11 has a clear advantage with the latest Qualcomm chipset.The camera on the HTC U11 is also way advanced than what you get on its competition. Interestingly the camera does not have a laser autofocus but an altogether new technology for HTC. It's called Ultra Speed Auto Focus and works similar to the dual-Pixel technology. There are also bigger pixels on the HTC U11's camera.It's called Ultra Speed Auto Focus and works similar to the dual-Pixel technology. There are also bigger pixels on the play with the primary camera of the HTC U11 and the images that we clicked and saw were quite impressive.The camera app also has an HDR Boost mode. This is an always on HDR mode on the camera. This basically gives you a brighter image with less noise and better colour when you are clicking low light images.For video the four mics on the phone work for sound production as the phone also uses something called acoustic focus. So, when you zoom into the video the mic focus on the protagonist that you were about to shoot. It works more like a directional mic.The rear camera of the HTC 11 has a 12 million Ultrapixel camera and a large pixel size of 1.4Qm and f 1.7 aperture, an Ultra Speed AF sensor, OIS and EIS. This device has a 6-lens system on it. There is also a high-resolution front camera. It has a 16MP, Ultra pixel low light performance camera that's also capable of clicking 150-degree wide angle selfies. It's also has a fixed focus on it. F2.0.There is a 3000 mAh battery on the HTC U11 that comes with fast charging support. The battery lasts easily a day and the battery management system on the U11 works good enough for 2017. The device runs on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat operating system from Google and the HTC skin on top is light and intuitive. The RAM management system on the U11 is also very efficient.What we didn't like on the HTC U11 is the display on it. Yes, it comes with a 3D Glass on it and also comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. But, the 5.5-inch display on the HTC U11 is highly reflective and the viewing angles on the device are not that great. It does have a pixel density of 534 ppi but it's only good enough for detailing if you look at the display from head on.The HTC U11 is a phone that's made to squeeze and enjoyed by its user. It is one of the best looking devices to come out yet in 2017 and we even like it more than the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6. If HTC will price this device sweetly in India, they have the potential to be that brand that can challenge Samsung's loyal base. For hundreds of millions of TV viewers, Downton Abbey offered an insight into the opulent life of the upper-class Crawley family as it struggled with the social and political upheavals of the early 20th century. Hugh Bonneville plays Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey Episodes of the award-winning series were watched by 160 million people in China and 25.5 million in the United States during its last season in 2015. Now,fans around the world will be able to walk through the sets and admire the costumes that they had previously only seen on TV as Downton Abbey: The Exhibition starts its world tour in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands on June 17. The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the grand stately home and give them a glimpse into the world of Lord Grantham and his family, as well as those who served them from below stairs. Visitors can check out the series' most recognizable locations, which have been recreated for the exhibition. Mock-ups include the dining room, Lady Mary's bedroom, the servants' quarters, and the kitchen. Hugh Bonneville, who played Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham,said the sets were the backdrops to some of the show's most dramatic scenes. Asked to choose his favorite, he said: "I'd say the great hall, simply because there were so many great iconic moments that occurred there, be it the Armistice the end of the First World War or seeing Lady Mary coming down the stairs in her wedding dress." The historical period drama was set in a fictional Yorkshire town with some exterior and interior scenes filmed at Highclere Castle in Newbury, southwest of London. The kitchen, servants' quarters, working areas, and some of the bedrooms were constructed and filmed at Ealing Studios in London. Many outdoor scenes were filmed in the village of Bampton, in Oxfordshire. "We were obviously blessed by fantastic location design, costumes, sound and music, everything else that all came together in one of those rare experiences that really worked, really chimed together, and that is what the audience has taken to their heart," Bonneville said. The exhibition will include more than 50 costumes from the show, worn by actors including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and Dame Maggie Smith. Since Downton Abbey was first broadcast in 2010, it has become a global phenomenon, winning Golden Globe and Emmy awards in the US and BAFTAs in the UK. The drama has been shown in more than 250 countries. Bonneville said he was shocked when he first heard how popular the show has been in China. "We knew by the time we'd been filming three or four years that people really loved it all over the world," he said. "And then to discover it was popular in China, I could not believe it. I got a letter from someone in China saying how it was a fascinating reflection of Chinese society and I couldn't believe it." While Bonneville is now busy with major films and other television series, he teased that there is a possibility that there will be a Downton Abbey film, but said it might be difficult to bring back the cast members from commitments around the world. "I know there is a lot of goodwill toward the idea, so fingers-crossed," he added. Dhaka: Bangladesh's navy was searching for 81 fishermen still missing on Thursday after more than 63 were rescued from the Bay of Bengal following a devastating cyclone which killed several people and left thousands homeless. "Still 81 fishermen are missing out of 144 fishermen. Bangladesh Naval Force have rescued 33 and Indian Naval Force rescued 30," said Mostaque Ahmed, head of the Coxs Bazar Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association. Cyclone Mora, with wind up to 135 kph (85 mph) and heavy rain, hit southeast Bangladesh around Cox's Bazaar and the border with neighbouring Myanmar on Tuesday, leaving thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees hunkered down in ruined camps. The Rohingyas have fled from their homes in northwest Myanmar to escape communal violence and Myanmar army crackdown. The Bangladeshi government has estimated that in all, there are about 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh following a new influx last October, when the Myanmar army launched an offensive in response to insurgent attacks. Authorities in Cox's Bazar and neighbouring Chittagong district evacuated 350,000 people from low-lying areas before the storm roared in from the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. "Though the fishermen were rescued, most of the boats, the main instrument for our survival are totally damaged and it is not possible to get them replaced quickly as we are not solvent," Ahmed told Reuters by phone from Cox's Bazar. "Still we are grateful to the government as now the air force with helicopters is searching the remaining missing fishermen." Cyclone Mora formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off India's southern tip, killing 202 people in recent days, authorities said. Toronto: Canada's defense minister repeated a threat to cancel the purchase of 18 fighter jets from Boeing Co because of the company's trade complaint against Canadian plane maker Bombardier. Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said Boeing's action against Bombardier is "unfounded" and not the behavior of a "trusted partner." He said on Wednesday buying the Super Hornet fighter jets "requires a trusted industry partner". Sajjan urged Boeing to withdraw the complaint in a speech. Canada's foreign minister has also threatened to block the order. "Our government - and I stress this - our government is disappointed in the action of one of our leading industry partners," he said. Chicago-based Boeing's trade complaint prompted a US Commerce Department anti-dumping investigation that could result in duties being imposed on Bombardier's new larger CSeries passenger aircraft. Boeing insists the plane receives Canadian government subsidies that give it an advantage internationally. Canada's threat is coming amid increasing trade disputes with the US Scott Day, a spokesman for Boeing, defended the company's trade action, suggesting it should not be linked to its military relationship with Canada. "It's more of a commercial issue with regard to the Bombardier case," he said. "We're going to continue working with the US Navy, providing information on the Super Hornet that will be provided to the government of Canada." Boeing petitioned the US Commerce Department and the US International Trade Commission to investigate subsidies of Montreal-based Bombardier's CSeries aircraft. Boeing says Bombardier has received more than USD 3 billion in government subsidies that let it engage in "predatory pricing." Brazil has also launched a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization over Canadian subsidies to Bombardier. Sao Paolo-based Embraer is a fierce rival of Bombardier's. The Quebec government invested US$1 billion in exchange for a 49.5 percent stake in the CSeries last year. Canada's federal government also recently provided a USD 275 million loan to Bombardier, which struggled to win orders for its new medium-size plane. But Bombardier won a 75-plane order for the CSeries from US-based Delta Air Lines in 2016. Bombardier said its planes never competed with Boeing in the sale to Delta. : Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said India has become a "major obstacle" for durable peace in South Asia and called the Kashmir issue an "unfinished" agenda of the partition.The president highlighted the issue of Kashmir and the strained bilateral relations between Pakistan and India while addressing a joint session of Parliament, Dawn reported.Terming Kashmir as an "unfinished" agenda of the partition of the subcontinent, the president said: "India has become a major obstacle for durable peace in the region"."Instead of positively responding to Pakistan's peace efforts, India sent Kulbhushan Jadhav, terrorists and other spies," he said.The Pakistan Army sentenced Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav on charges of espionage after a secret trial. Ties between India and Pakistan have been tense of late over a number of issues, including the status of Kashmir and the Jadhav issue.India has accused Pakistan of supporting militants, who infiltrate from the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir into the Valley and target Indian security forces. One such attack in 2016 killed 18 Indian soldiers and India retaliated with 'surgical strikes' on terrorist launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Washington: James Comey, who was sacked as the FBI chief by US President Donald Trump last month, will testify before a powerful Congressional committee in an open session next week, it was announcement on Thursday. Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator Mark Warner, who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced that Comey will testify before the Committee on June 8, 2017. "The hearing will begin at 10 AM in open session. The open session will be followed by a closed session at 1 PM," a media announcement said. Comey was fired as FBI Director by Trump last month. According to US media reports, Comey is likely to tell the lawmakers that he was asked by Trump not to go ahead of the FBI investigations against Michael Flynn, the former national security advisor to Trump. Meanwhile, Senators Patrick Leahy and Al Franken released a letter that they had written to Comey requesting an FBI inquiry into Attorney General Sessions' testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and his contacts with Russian officials. "Earlier this year, Attorney General Sessions provided false testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in response to our questions regarding his contacts with Russian officials," the two Senators said. "He made no attempt to correct his misleading testimony until the Washington Post revealed that, in fact, he had at least two meetings with the Russian ambassador during the 2016 presidential campaign," they said. Yet, the Attorney General never fully explained or even acknowledged the misrepresentations in his testimony, and "we remained concerned that he had still not been forthcoming about the extent of his contacts with Russian officials," the two Senators said in the statement. "On March 20, we asked then-FBI Director Comey to investigate Attorney General Sessions' false testimony and any additional contacts he may have had with Russian officials, including reports that he may have met with the Russian ambassador at a small, private Trump campaign event at the Mayflower Hotel in April 2016," they wrote. "We anticipated that Director Comey would respond to our letter by May 12," the Senators said. Director Comey was abruptly dismissed on May 9. Since then, the two Senators said, they have been in communication with the FBI concerning a response to their letter, and expect to be briefed on the matter in the near future. "We served with the Attorney General in the Senate and on the Judiciary Committee for many years. We know he would not tolerate dishonesty if he were in our shoes. If it is determined that the Attorney General still has not been truthful with Congress and the American people about his contacts with Russian officials during the campaign, he needs to resign," the two Senators said. Islamabad: Pakistan said on Thursday that it will continue to provide "diplomatic, moral and political" support to Kashmiris in their "struggle" for the right to self- determination. Pakistan's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said this while giving a statement in the Senate, the upper house of Parliament. He said "Pakistan will continue its diplomatic, moral, and political support to the people of Kashmir in their struggle for right to self-determination". Aziz said "the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and reported deaths of some Indians in the recent blast in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, which is very close to Pakistan's border, clearly shows continuing Indian presence in the neighbouring country, which is orchestrating terrorist attacks in Pakistan", Radio Pakistan reported. "This state terrorism by India is condemnable and needs to end forthwith," he said, adding that Pakistan is cognisant of the "nefarious designs of New Delhi" and is actively taking complete action in this regard. Aziz said Islamabad has effectively highlighted Indian interference in Pakistan at the international fora. He said "Indian atrocities in Kashmir are continuing unabated and have intensified" after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. "Pakistan strongly condemns Indian barbaric activities in Kashmir," Aziz added. St Petersburg: President Vladimir Putin on Thursday insisted that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking and scoffed at allegations that hackers could influence the outcome of elections in the United States or Europe. But the Russian leader admitted the possibility that some individual "patriotic" hackers could have mounted some attacks amid the current cold spell in Russia's relations with the West. Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of leading international news agencies, Putin also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in attacks he didn't specify which - could have been rigged in an attempt to smear Russia. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping President Donald Trump's election victory, and the Congressional and FBI investigations into the Trump campaign's ties with Russia have shattered Moscow's hopes for a detente with Washington. Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the out come of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so." He noted that Russia can work constructively with any German leader, adding that he had good ties with German Chancellor Angela Merkel despite some differences. Russian meddling was also a concern in France, with Putin publicly expressing his sympathy for President Emmanuel Macron's rivals in the campaign. Macron's aides claimed in February that Russian groups were interfering with his campaign, and a document leak hit Macron's campaign in the final hours of the French race. Moscow has strongly denied all allegations of election meddling. Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, can't sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign," he said. "No] hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America." Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. "If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia," he said. "Theoretically it's possible." Russia's relations with the West have been at post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis. The US and the EU have slapped Moscow with sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Putin on Thursday said that economic restrictions against Russia have had "zero effect." He predicted that the current strain in relations will ease, because "it's counterproductive and harmful." Touching on tensions in the Pacific, Putin said that Russia's military deployments on a group of Pacific islands also claimed by Japan have been caused by concerns about the US military buildup in the region. The four islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of the World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a peace treaty. Putin said the US will likely continue to build up its missile shield in the region even if North Korea agrees to curb its nuclear and missile programs, in the same way it has continued to develop missile defenses in Europe despite a deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions. Washington: US President Donald Trump on Thursday backed the U.S. House Intelligence Committee's efforts to investigate actions by U.S. security and other officials under previous president Barack Obama, inserting himself into a political feud over its latest subpoenas in the Russia probe. "The big story is the 'unmasking and surveillance' of people that took place during the Obama Administration," Trump said in a tweet, one day after the committee's Republican chairman subpoenaed the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency. Democrats shot back, accusing Trump, a Republican, of diverting attention from the ongoing scandal that has now hangs over his young presidency and criticizing committee Chairman Devin Nunes' subpoenas. On Wednesday, Nunes asked the agencies for details of any requests made by two top Obama administration aides and the former Central Intelligence Agency director to "unmask" Trump campaign advisers inadvertently picked up in top-secret foreign communications intercepts, according to congressional sources. Another congressional source, who also requested anonymity, said Democrats were "informed and consulted" about the subpoenas ahead of time, but some committee aides said they were not. In April, Nunes recused himself from leading the panel's investigation into suspected Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election following a secret visit he paid to White House officials, but retains subpoena power. A senior committee aide said Wednesday's subpoenas were not part of the Russia probe. Representative Jim Himes, a Democrat on the House Intelligence panel, replied to Trump's tweet, calling it a "pathetic distraction." Ed Markey, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: "Nunes is too close to the Trump White House." Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, a House Foreign Relations Committee member, also questioned Nunes' actions in a separate CNN interview. Americans' names picked up in foreign communications intercepts must be concealed unless senior officials request them to be disclosed for intelligence or law enforcement purposes. Any such requests undergo rigorous legal reviews, and U.S. officials have said all such requests under Obama, a Democrat, were conducted properly. PUTIN DENIAL In a separate statement on Wednesday, Republican Representative Mike Conaway and Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, who are leading the committee's Russia probe, announced subpoenas for Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as well as their firms. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied leading efforts to interfere in last year's U.S. election, and on Thursday said some Russians might have acted on their own but not with their government's involvement. Trump has denied any collusion between Russia and his campaign and has repeatedly questioned the U.S. intelligence finding that Putin led an operation that included computer hacking, fake news and propaganda intended to swing the election in his favor over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. On Wednesday, Clinton said she suspected Trump's campaign guided Russian efforts. The president's tweet also comes after White House spokesman Sean Spicer on Wednesday directed any queries about the Russia investigations to Trump's outside counsel, Marc Kasowitz. The House Intelligence Committee's investigation is one of several congressional probes into Russia, along with one by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also, the U.S. Department of Justice recently appointed a special counsel. Former FBI Director James Comey, whom Trump fired last month, could testify as early as next week and planned to confirm the president's pressure to drop the agency's investigation into Flynn, according to CNN. The Guardian newspaper on Thursday said leading Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage was a "person of interest" in the FBI probe but has not been accused of wrongdoing. Farage, a Trump supporter and former leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party, said he had no Russia connections. Separately, the Washington Post reported that the Trump administration was moving toward returning two Russian compounds in the United States to Moscow. The Maryland and New York compounds were seized under the Obama administration in December as part of a larger action over what the former president said was Russian involvement in hacking political groups in the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. Russian officials had pledged to wait for Trump to take office before reacting but last month said they might retaliate. "We will be environmentally friendly, but we're not going to put our businesses out of work... We're going to grow rapidly," he said. In a fiery press address, President Trump emphasised he "represented the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris", a departure from the usual image of the United States being the leader of the free world. "The nations that remain in the Paris agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack," Obama said. : The United States President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the US was withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord due to the "draconian financial and economic burdens" the agreement imposed on the US.He said the accord was not tough on India and China, and alleged that the deal was negotiated "poorly" by the Obama administration and signed out of desperation."As of today, the US will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris accord," he said in an address at the White House.He said the deal gives advantages to countries like India and China. India makes its participation on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries. Paris accord is very unfair at the highest level to the United States. The current India will be allowed to double its coal production and so does China, the President alleged.Trump said the US will begin negotiations to re-enter the Paris Agreement "on terms that are fair to the US."However, Trump's denial of global warming and calling Climate Change a "hoax" received a cold shoulder from as many as 61 Mayors, "representing 36 million Americans", according to CNN.Some U.S. states, including California, Washington and New York, have vowed to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and continue engaging in the international climate agreement process.As per another report on CNN, the decision amounts to a rebuttal of the worldwide effort to pressure Trump to remain a part of the agreement, which 195 nations signed onto.Many foreign leaders, business executives and even his own daughter lobbied heavily for him to remain a part of the deal.However, he ultimately lost out to conservatives who claimed Paris Climate Accord was bad for the US."The vacuum that would be created has to be filled, and Europe has aspirations for a natural leadership in this whole process," the report quoted European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as saying.Donald Trump's decision - one of his poll promises - makes the United States walk out of the accord and join the world's only two non-participant countries, Syria and Nicaragua.Former President Barack Obama, one of the principal architects of the much-touted accord, expressed dismay over President Trump's decision."But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet weve got," Obama added.(With inputs from agencies) Amazon Is First Company to Lose $1T in Market Value The reason four kids in Ohio woke up to find their parents dead: Brian and Courtney Halye not only injected cocaine, they injected cocaine laced with a tranquilizer so potent it's used on elephants and rhinos. The Montgomery County coroner has concluded that the Halyes used cocaine mixed with carfentanil, a lethal derivative of fentanyl, reports People. The coroner can't say whether the couple knew the cocaine was tainted, only that they injected a fatal dose. The story first made headlines in March not only because their four children, ages 9 to 13, found them on their bedroom floor but because Brian Halye, 36, was a pilot for Spirit Airlines who had flown just a week prior to his death. The Dayton Daily News notes that the deaths are consistent with a pattern of overdoses in which people combine opioids such as fentanyl and its derivatives with cocaine or other drugs. Carfentanil is particularly potent: 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 1,000 times more powerful than morphine. Last month, the medical examiner in Ohio's Cuyahoga County told a Senate subcommittee that he believed drug dealers were secretly lacing cocaine with fentanyl to increase addiction in the black community, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It's not clear when Brian Halye had his last drug test as a pilot. (These 10 states have the biggest drug problems.) Wonder Woman is expected to have a massive opening weekend, but not in Lebanon: The country has officially banned the superhero movie because star Gal Gadot is an Israeli who carried out mandatory military service, the New York Times reports. Lebanon is officially at war with Israel and boycotts the country's products, though previous Gadot films including Fast and Furious movies and Batman vs. Superman, in which she first appears as Wonder Woman, were allowed to appear in Lebanese cinemas. The move came after a formal request from Lebanon's Ministry of Economy and Trade, the BBC reports. The ban wasn't announced until hours before the movie was scheduled to premiere in Lebanon, where it had been promoted for weeks, the Guardian reports. The move came after pressure from the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel-Lebanon, which called Wonder Woman the "Israeli soldier film" and publicized a 2014 Instagram post from Gadot in which she sent prayers to Israeli Defense Forces troops "who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas." Gadot, 32, served as an IDF combat trainer for two years starting when she was 20. (Read more Gal Gadot stories.) Hillary Clinton spoke with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at Recode's CodeCon on Wednesday, and she did not hold back. In Vox's view, she spared her campaign but heaped plenty of blame on others, including Russia, the media, and the DNC. "I get the nomination, I'm now the nominee of the Democratic Party," she explained. "I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party," she says, emphasizing the word "nothing." Asked Mossberg, "What do you mean, nothing?" She continued, "I mean, it was bankrupt; it was on the verge of insolvency; its data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money into it, the DNC, to keep it going." Donald Trump, on the other hand, did nothing himself related to data, she said, but inherited a $100 million "tried-and-true, effective" data foundation from the RNC. More: "I take responsibility for every decision I made, but that's not why I lost," Clinton said, per CNBC. "I was the victim of a very broad assumption that I was going to win." But that's not all. Politico reports she made the case, as she has done in the past, that former FBI Director James Comey's letter to Congress was part of her undoing. "The overriding issue that affected the election that I had any control overbecause I had no control over the Russianswas the way the use of my email account was turned into the greatest scandal since Lord knows when. This was the biggest 'nothing burger' ever." And yet the media covered it "like it was Pearl Harbor," she said. As for the Russians, "If you look at Facebook, the vast majority of the news items posted were fake. They were connected toas we now knowthe 1,000 Russian agents who were involved in delivering those messages. They were connected to the bots that are just out of control." Vox points out that much of that statement is based on unconfirmed reports. Speaking of the Russians, "I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians," Clinton quipped about President Trump's "covfefe" tweet, reports Politico. "Youve got all kinds of stuff happening. Why? To divert attention. Its like 'covfefe'trending worldwide. Maybe for a minute you'll forget the latest accusations about them conspiring with Russia or their trillion-dollar mathematical mistake in their budget or depriving 23 million people of health care." Mossberg asked Clinton why, if she knew she was going to run, she took on paid speaking engagements from Goldman Sachs. She shot back, "Why do you have Goldman Sachs here?" Replied Swisher, "Cause they pay us." Said Clinton, "They paid me." (Read more Election 2016 stories.) A three-judge panel says it "might not have imposed" a life sentence on Ross Ulbricht, who ran a drug-peddling website on the dark web, but that's no reason to overturn it. The appellate court on Wednesday found Ulbricht's sentence of life in prison without parole for drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy was warranted given the volume of drugs sold on the Silk Road and Ulbricht's willingness to pay "large sums of money to have individuals who threatened his enterprise murdered," though no murders actually occurred, reports Wired. The ruling brings to an end a two-year fight by Ulbricht to reduce his sentence, which defense lawyers called "demonstrably unreasonable" for non-violent crimes, per USA Today. Ulbricht, who used the pseudonym Dread Pirate Roberts, argued that his laptop and Facebook and Google accounts were searched illegally, per Newsweek, and that two corrupt Secret Service agents involved in the investigationShaun Bridges was later found to have stolen $800,000 in Bitcoin from Silk Road, while Carl Mark Force was convicted of trying to extort Ulbrichtcould have planted evidence against him. However, the judges found each search carried a legal warrant and said Ulbricht presented no evidence that the investigation "was tainted in some way by the misconduct of Bridges or Force." They concluded: "Although we might not have imposed the same sentence ourselves," it is not "substantively unreasonable." (There's more to the dark web than drugs.) President Trump moved on from the "covfefe" confusion Wednesday to have what he describes as a very successful meeting with Vietnam's prime minister. After White House talks with Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Trump hailed more than a dozen new deals worth a total of around $8 billion, including sales of General Electric and Caterpillar equipment to Vietnam, reports Reuters. Vietnam "just made a very large order in the United Statesand we appreciate thatfor many billions of dollars, which means jobs for the United States and great, great equipment for Vietnam," Trump said. Phuc and Trump also discussed the transfer of a Coast Guard cutter to Vietnam. Vietnam considered Trump's withdrawal of the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact to be a major economic setback, though trade experts tell the Wall Street Journal that Phuc, who wants to reduce his country's reliance on China, now hopes to replace the TPP with a bilateral US trade deal. The New York Times notes that as with other recent meetings with authoritarian leaders, Trump didn't publicly address human rights concerns, but press secretary Sean Spicer noted the president likes to bring issues like that up privately. After the meeting, Phuc told reporters that the US and Vietnam had "undergone significant upheavals in history, but today we have been able to become comprehensive partners." (Read more Vietnam stories.) A guitar that Jerry Garcia played everywhere from San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom to Egypt's Great Pyramids fetched over $1.9 million at an auction Wednesday night. The Grateful Dead frontman's guitarnamed Wolfwas sold at the Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley, restaurant, and music venue. The proceeds are earmarked for the Southern Poverty Law Center, based in Montgomery, Ala. The guitar was owned by devoted Deadhead Daniel Pritzker, a philanthropist, musician, and film director who bought the instrument in 2002 for $790,000, the AP reports. "I've been a fan of The Dead since I was a kid, and playing this iconic guitar over the past 15 years has been a privilege," says Pritzker. "But the time is right for Wolf to do some good." SPLC President Richard Cohen says the organization is grateful Pritzker "is willing to part with this piece of music history to support the SPLC's mission fighting hate and bigotry." The auctioneer says Wolf first appeared in a 1973 New York performance the Grateful Dead gave for the Hells Angels. The instrument bears a devilish looking, cartoon-like image of a wolf's face. The 1977 film The Grateful Dead Movie was directed by Garcia and features extensive footage of the instrument. (Read more Jerry Garcia stories.) The Trump administration might let Russian officials return to two properties on US soil they were forced to vacate under President Obama, reports the Washington Post. In December, Obama evicted them from the compounds in Maryland and New York amid allegations that Russia interfered in the US election. He asserted they were used for "intelligence-related purposes." Russia, which has owned the properties for decades, insists they were seized illegally. Last month, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson floated the idea of allowing the Russians to return, though negotiations were still underway. "The US and Russia have reached no agreements," says a State Department official, per NBC News. "The next meeting will be in June in St. Petersburg." One possibility is that the Russians will be able to return, but with greater restrictions. For example, the properties would no longer have diplomatic protection, meaning US law enforcement could enter them. The US had at one point considered a swap of sorts: The Russians could return if Moscow allowed the US to move ahead with the construction of a new consulate in St. Petersburg, per the Post, but that appears to be off the table. (Read more Trump administration stories.) US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping to seal President Trump's election victory, but Vladimir Putin insisted Thursday that the Russian state has never engaged in hackingand scoffed at allegations that hackers could influence the outcome of US elections. Speaking at a meeting with senior editors of leading international news agencies, Putin also alleged that some evidence pointing at Russian hackers' participation in attackshe didn't specify whichcould have been rigged in an attempt to smear Russia, reports the AP. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." Asked if Russian hackers could try to shape the outcome of German parliamentary elections later this year, Putin said: "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so." Putin argued that hackers, wherever they come from, can't sway election outcomes because the public mood cannot be manipulated that easily. "I'm deeply convinced that ... no hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia, or America," he said. Putin added that while the Russian state has never been involved in hacking, Russia-West tensions could have prompted some individuals to launch cyberattacks. "If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia," he said. "Theoretically it's possible." (Read more Vladimir Putin stories.) As we all headed back to work after the Memorial Day weekend, little did we know that our options for purchasing germanium diodes, walkie-talkies, and electrolytic capacitors were starting to cruelly be yanked away. RadioShack has shuttered more than 1,000 of its storefronts since the holiday weekend and says it will have only 72 company-owned locations by Thursday, though USA Today was given a list that showed just 70, mostly in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. There will still be 500 or so dealer-owned stores that carry RadioShack-branded products. It's an anticlimactic fadeaway for a chain that used to be one of the most well-known and ubiquitous electronics retailers in the countryit once boasted more than 7,000 storesand it was done in by online shopping, filing for bankruptcy twice within a two-year span, per USA Today. Fortune laments the online "carnage" that played out on Twitter as RadioShack offered a massive liquidation sale over the weekend, in which it opted for "unadulterated bleakness" as it tried to answer a question spurred by today's social media: "How do you toast a brand's final days when the world is watching?" Tweets included photos of empty store display equipment now up for purchase, as well as products with hugely slashed prices and "grab-bag" events. "This could be your last chance to shop at #radioshack. See if a location near you is closing forever!" read one of the store's posts. A press release offered a similarly poignant announcement: "Many nostalgic items will be up for auction over the next 30 days." (So much for Nick Cannon helping transform the retailer into the "must visit electronics destination.") The Guardian is floating the name of UK politician Nigel Farage as a figure in the FBI's Russia investigation. The newspaper reports that Faragewho was a big backer of Brexit, as well as a supporter of then-candidate Donald Trumpis a "person of interest" in the agency's investigation. But the report quickly points out that Farage himself isn't accused of wrongdoing. So why the scrutiny? Because of his contacts with some principal players, including Julian Assange (whose WikiLeaks group published a trove of emails from the Clinton campaign) and Trump associates such as Roger Stone and Steve Bannon. He has also expressed deep admiration for Vladimir Putin, notes Politico. "One of the things the intelligence investigators have been looking at is points of contact and persons involved," one source tells the Guardian. "If you triangulate Russia, WikiLeaks, Assange, and Trump associates, the person who comes up with the most hits is Nigel Farage." And what does Farage, who stepped down as leader of the UK Independence Party in the wake of the Brexit vote, say to all this? "In response to the Guardian article, it has taken me a long time to finish reading because I am laughing so much," he says in a statement, per the BBC. "This hysterical attempt to associate me with the Putin regime is a result of the liberal elite being unable to accept Brexit and the election of President Trump." (Read more Nigel Farage stories.) If authorities in Florida demand the passcode for your iPhone, giving them the incorrect one will net you 180 days in jail. But claiming you forgot? That's apparently a get-out-of-jail-free card. Christopher Wheeler is suspected of abusing his daughter, and detectives believe his phone contains images of her injuries, the Miami Herald reports. Wheeler was sentenced to 180 days in jail Tuesday despite swearing he already gave police his passcode. The passcode he gave didn't work. Another Florida judge on Tuesday accepted Wesley Victor's excuse that he couldn't remember his phone's passcode 10 months after his arrest, ruling there was no way to prove whether he did or didn't remember it. Victor is accused of using stolen sex videos to extort a Snapchat celebrity. Courts in Floridaand around the countryare struggling with the issue of law enforcement's access to protected devices. Last year, a trial judge in Florida ruled that being forced to give up a phone's passcode violates a suspect's Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, Reason reports. A state appeals court rejected that argument, stating a phone's passcode and its contents are different things. "This is definitely a question that is percolating in the lower courts and will eventually make its way up to the Supreme Court," an attorney specializing in technology tells CNN. Until that time, there will be no "clear answers" on the issue. (To unlock a dead man's phone, police turn to 3D printing.) PM Modi arrives in Russia, to hold bilateral summit with Vladimir Putin St Petersburg : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here from Spain on Wednesday on the third leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe. On Thursday, Modi will hold the 18th India-Russia annual bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The next day, he will attend, for the first time, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. From Russia, Modi will leave for France on the fourth and final leg of his tour and hold his first meeting with newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Earlier on Wednesday, Modi held talks with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy in Madrid following which seven agreements in different areas were signed between the two sides. Germany was the first port of call of Modi's European tour. Japan launches rocket with Michibiki 2 communications satellite to improve the global positioning system. (Rep. Image) Tokyo : Japan on Thursday launched a new satellite to improve the global positioning system's (GPS) accuracy and establish an efficient communication system in the event of natural disasters. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched the latest version of the H-IIA rocket with the Michibiki 2 communications satellite on board from the Tanegashima Island space centre in Kagoshima prefecture at 9.17 a.m. Michibiki 2 is Japan's second Quasi-Zenith satellite, which is a device designed to improve global navigation and augment signals emitted by the US GPS, Efe news reported. The first Michibiki satellite was launched in September 2010. JAXA plans to launch two more by March 2018. Once the system installation is completed, smartphone users and automotive navigation systems will receive more accurate map information. The Japanese government also plans to use these satellites to establish a network to improve communication efficiency when traditional networks stop functioning due to natural disasters. The objective is to avoid a situation similar to what occurred after the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, which left some 29,000 mobile phones and over 1.9 million landline phones disconnected, hindering search and rescue operations. Japan plans to start testing the system in 2018 and launch another five satellites between 2018 and 2023, including the two set to be launched in 2018. The system will enable smartphones of people affected by natural disasters to communicate with the security forces, firefighters, hospitals or the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) through text messages. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Occasional snow showers. High 18F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 10F. Winds light and variable. New Delhi: The Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) will hold a key meeting on Thursday to finalise the new allowance structure for the central government employees, ending the suspense. The suggested modifications will be screened in the meeting. A decision on the review report submitted by Committee on Allowances led by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa will be taken in the meeting. Last week, the Cabinet Secretary had assured that on June 1, the E-CoS will positively discuss the Lavasa Commitee report. Later, the report will be submitted to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who will present it before the Union Cabinet. The Lavasa Committee recommendations suggest changes in allowance structure of central government employees that has been proposed by the 7th Central Pay Commission. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is one of the crucial topics that will be discussed during this meeting. According to the recommendations by the Commission, the HRA rates should be reduced to 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent depending upon the pay and position of the employees. Also, It had suggested to revise HRA rates 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent in case the DA crosses 50 per cent. It had advised that the HRA should be further raised to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent if DA crosses 100 per cent. ALSO READ | Haryana government to give benefits of 7th pay commission, says CM Manohar Lal Khattar The central government employees are demanding HRA to be at 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent of their basic pay. "HRA rates have never been decreased by any of the previous pay commissions if they have not been increased," noted a central government employee union official. The Pay Commission had recommended scrapping of 52 out of 196 allowances and suggested that 36 allowances should be subsumed under other existing allowances. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day after an assault on sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra in the assembly, the BJP accused the Arvind Kejriwal government on Thursday of "silencing and coercing" those trying to expose its corruption in the public domain. "Yesterday's assault on Kapil Mishra and the firing on a whistleblower who had alleged a scam in the Public Works Department (PWD) had exposed the "criminal face" of the Kejriwal government, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said. Two unidentified people had opened fire at the car of Rahul Sharma who had alleged a PWD "scam" involving a relative of chief minister Kejriwal in Greater Noida. He escaped unhurt. Read | Kapil Mishra's 'medical scam' allegations: Trouble for Kejriwal as ACB conducts searches at 3 places in Delhi "These two incidents have revealed a new face of Arvind Kejriwal and his government - this criminal face of Kejriwal has saddened people who believed in him," Tiwari told reporters. Demanding that police provide security to both Mishra and Sharma, he said anyone exposing corruption in the Kejriwal government faced danger. "Now I also link the recent attack on my North Avenue residence with attacks on Mishra and Sharma, since I have been raising corruption of Kejriwal government and bringing out new things," he said. Tiwari also demanded the "sacking" of Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain who is facing allegations of owning benami properties. Read | Manoj Tiwari demands Kejriwal's resignation from Delhi CMs post, thanks Kapil Mishra for exposing him "Jain has lost all moral right to hold the post of a minister. The way the chief minister is avoiding to take any action against him, it is getting clear that there is a nexus among the two," he alleged. New Delhi: A 23-year-old woman was shot dead by unidentified person in the parking lot of her residential society in sector 62 of Noida. Anjali Rathour, an engineer by profession was found dead in Shatabdi Vihar society in Noida's sector 62 on Wednesday morning. The Noida police reached the spot after recieving information about the incident and sent the body for post-mortem. Anjali was a resident of Haryana's Yamunanagar and was working in a mobile phone compnay located in sector 63. The police have informed Anjali's parents and started the probe to nab her killer. Also Read: Navy sailor commits suicide on INS Rana in Visakhapatnam The incidents of murder and rape in Uttar Pradesh have seen a surge in the new Yogi Adityanath govt and safety of women in the state has become a serious concern for the govt. New Delhi: Amritsars Anmol Sher Singh Bedi has secured the second rank in civil services examination 2016 held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). With Karnatakas Nadini KR as the topper, the 23-year-old Bedi has become the male topper of the prestigious all-India competition. An elated Sarbjit Singh Bedi, father of 23-year-old Anmol, told media at his residence in Green Avenue area in Amritsar that it was the first attempt of his son, who has remained topper throughout his academic carrier. My son, born and brought up in Amritsar, studied at the local Spring Dale School and then earned his engineering degree in Computer Science. He was always keen on appearing in UPSC examination, said Bedi, a teacher at Guru Nanak Dev University in Jalandhar. Anmol is the topper among male candidates and has graduated in engineering from BITS, Pilani. Nandini KR, who hails from Karnataka, has topped the prestigious civil services examination for 2016. As many as 11,35,943 candidates had applied for this examination, out of which 4,59,659 candidates actually appeared. A total of 15,452 candidates qualified for the mains examination held in December, 2016. Of these, 2,961 candidates qualified for the personality test or interview conducted in March-May. (With Inputs from PTI) #mce_temp_url#Read | UPSC results 2016: I always wanted to be an IAS officer, says Nandini K R New Delhi: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced MSBSHSE Class 12th Result 2017 after which the admission process for degree colleges associated with the Mumbai university is all set to begin. Students seeking admission in a degree college [except autonomous institutes] this year will have to register on the University of Mumbai portal before applying to colleges. Students applying for UG Courses will have to go through a mandatory pre-admission registration from June 1 to June 16. However, students will have to buy admission forms from colleges before registering. Students will also have to attach their online registration forms while submitting their forms at different colleges. Also Read: SSC CHSL Tier I Results 2017 declared at ssc.nic.in: Check your score card here Steps to register online: -Visit university site- Mumbai University Pre-admission Online Registration 2017-18 will open on the screen -Register on the online portal by providing username and password on a registered email and mobile number -Log in with the user name and password. Fill the application form -Upload the photo and signature. -Fill complete profile such as personal details, contact, correspondence details, reservation & educational details correctly. -Submit the application form and get a print out and confirmation code -Select the first year course. Then, select the affiliated colleges running the course. Last, select the required documents to be attached with application form. -Take a print out of the submitted pre-registration application form. It is mandatory Important dates to Remember: Sale of Forms : From May 31 to June 15 Online link to remain open from June 1 to June 16 Submission from June 16 to June 22 (till 4pm) Important Note First merit list : June 22, (5pm) Verification of documents: June 23 Payment of fees: June 27 and June 28 (Up to 4.30pm) (On working days) Second Merit List : June 28 (5pm) Verification of documents: June 29 Payment of fees: June 30 and July 1 (Up to 4.30pm) Third and final Merit List: July 1 (5pm) Verification of Documents: July 3 Payment of fees: July 4 and July 5 (Up to 5pm) Also Read: Mahesh Babus Spyder Trailer Released; Taran Adarsh shares glimpse of AR Murugadoss's film on Twitter Mumbai: Coming out in support of Priyanka Chopra, who is facing backlash for wearing a "short" dress while meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Varun Dhawan said everyone must be proud of the actress. A Priyanka, who met Modi in Berlin, uploaded apicture of hers with the PM on social media, where she was trolled for wearing a knee-length dress that showed her legs. Was such a lovely coincidence to be in #berlinYY at the same time as the Prime Minister. Thank you @narendramodi Sir for taking the time from your packed schedule to meet me this morning. YY A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 30, 2017 at 1:04am PDT The 34-year-old model-turned-actress was in Berlin to promote her debut Hollywood film "Baywatch". "She is someone we all should be proud of in ourcountry...she is making our country proud abroad. All this is very stupid and social media trolling is not something that needs to become a national issue," Varun said. The "Main Tera Hero" star was talking on the sidelines of an event. Apparently unfazed by the trolling, the "Quantico"actress today posted a picture of her and her mother wearing ashort dress and captioned it: "Legs for the day..."A Legs for days.... #itsthegenes with @madhuchopra nights out in #Berlin #beingbaywatch A post shared by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 30, 2017 at 4:23pm PDT For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Former UP chief minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would attend Lalu Prasad's proposed rally on August 27 in Patna. He further added that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati would also be present there. Speculations have been rife that arch rivals SP and BSP may form an alliance due to the BJPs meteoric rise in Uttar Pradesh. "I will be present at Lalu Prasadji's Bihar rally on 27 August and Mayawati will also be there. If there is any announcement (regarding future alliance) it will be made there," Akhilesh said when asked about the speculations that SP and BSP will come together. However, the BSP has still not confirmed Mayawati presence in the rally. ALSO READ: BJP has insulted traders in Uttar Pradesh: Akhilesh Yadav RJD chief Lalu Yadav has invited various top opposition leaders to his partys rally. If an alliance between both the rival parties does come to fruition, it will assume significance as the UP civic bodies elections are scheduled for June and would be followed by the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha by-polls. READ: UP govt remains mute spectator on law and order situation, says Akhilesh Yadav On the question of Congress, Akhilesh said his party's alliance was unbreakable and that they, along with other like-minded parties, would closely work to expose the BJP. "Rahul Gandhi is with me and will always be with me," he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday admonished police and paramilitary officials for not being conscious about the upkeep of their uniform as he witnessed that a few personnel and officials were present sans their caps and undone shoe laces at an official event. Delivering his speech at the annual investiture ceremony of the Border Security Force, he said the officials should always be particular about their uniform as it is the symbol of their status (rutbaa) and pride. The minister said he noticed only a handful of those in uniform were donning their caps when everyone was standing in respect of the BSF song that was being played, just before he awarded gallantry and service medals to the Border Security Force personnel. The minister went a step further and said he noticed that the shoe laces of an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer, whom he decorated with a medal, were loosely tied and undone. You would say that a home minister is concerned about the shoe laces... but since my early days I have liked to see things that are kept neat and tidy and I also keep myself that way, he said. You (policemen) should be conscious about the uniform you don, he said. Also Read | Kashmir, Kashmiris, Kashmiriyat all belong to India: Home Minister Rajnath Singh Later, after the medal ceremony got over, Singh also interrupted a BSF officer who in his vote of thanks speech said it was kind of the minister to have graced the event. It is not kindness but it is my duty to come here, the minister said. Singh, during an event of the Civil Services Day in April here, had similarly pulled up bureaucrats and asked them to be punctual after the event got delayed by a few minutes. Also Read: Rajnath Singh launches mobile app for paramilitary forces' grievance redressal For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bengaluru: A BJP leader was allegedly murdered by a group of men on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Harish (40), BJP's SC/ST Yuva Morcha Anekal unit's vice-president. Police officials said the incident happened late on Wednesday when Harish was returning home after meeting friends at a bar and restaurant. The assailants intercepted his motor cycle and threw chilli powder into his eyes before hacking him to death. Police suspect that personal rivalry may be the cause for the murder. Search is on for the assailants, police Harish's family and friends have expressed suspicion that he might have been killed by opponents unable to accept his political growth. Alleging law and order has completely failed under? Siddaramaiah government's four years rule, BJP state President BS Yeddyurappa said such attacks on BJP activists have been increasing. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Panaji: Attacking Narendra Modi government on its third anniversary, the Congress on Thursday affirmed that the situation at the countrys borders is alarming as 172 terror attacks took place in the last three years and scores of soldiers and civilians lost their lives. Stating that the national security is in danger and the internal security too is under threat, the Congress accused the Modi government of boasting about their three years in office against such backdrop. Modi government just completed three years in office but the state of affairs of our national security is bad. The government has failed tremendously on every front. They are going gaga over their rule of three years, but the fact is our national security is in danger, AICC secretary Amit Deshmukh told reporters here. There are incidents such as Dinanagar, Udhampur, Pathankot, Srinagar, Pampore, Akhnoor and the list is long. However, the government does not seems to be?looking into its failure, but is busy tom-tomming their three-year rule, he said. The Congress leader said the situation at the borders is alarming and the internal security is also under threat. Also Read | BJP using cow slaughter, Ram temple as vote bank politics: Congress As many as 172 terror attacks took place in the last three years. 12 major terror attacks have taken place in the last 21 months alone. A total of 578 jawans martyred and 877 civilians were killed in the last three years, he claimed. According to Deshmukh, a total of 203 jawans martyred in Jammu and Kashmir alone, whereas Pakistan is indulged in ceasefire violations on 1,343 occasions in J&K. He said the demand of armed forces for defence capital budget has been drastically reduced by over Rs 8,000 crore. Because of our international polices, jawans are humiliated and martyred, the Congress leader said. Also Read: Congress to hold day-long protest on eve of Modi govts third anniversary For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : India and Russia on Thursday signed five major agreements including agreement on units 5, 6 of Kudankulam Nuclear Plant in St.Petersburg of Russia. While addressing media persons, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Russia have adopted St. Petersburg declaration which will not only improve their ties but also be a benchmark of global stability. He said India and Russia cooperation has grown extensively and he and President Putin reviewed on all range of ties and discussed how to deepen it. India&Russia cooperation has grown extensively.Pres Putin & I reviewed full range of our ties & how to deepen them: PM Modi in St Petersburg ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 He also welcomed Russias unconditional support on cross-border terrorism. Cross border terrorism par Russia ke unconditional samarthan ka Bharat abhinandan karta hai: PM Modi in St Petersburg pic.twitter.com/cBxnmAx6bq ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 The Prime Minister said he has invited private sector to play an active role in Russia and India to strengthen economic ties. Invite private sector in Russia and India to play an even more active role in strengthening economic ties: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/cbm4rYocAx ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 India and Russia mark 70 years of strong ties in a wide range of areas, the Prime Minister said. Also Read | PM Modi in Russia: President Vladimir Putin says India to formally become SCO member within a week Modi said , Our ties in the area of defence are very strong. Here is the joint statement declaration- #WATCH Live from Russia: PM Modi and Russian Pres Vladmir Putin issue joint statement in St.Petersburg https://t.co/rBIQ0N6rzg ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 SAINT-PETERSBURG DECLARATION BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA: A VISION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY We, the leaders of India and Russia, in the year that marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, note that the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership is a unique relationship of mutual trust between two great powers. Our relationship covers all areas of cooperation, including in the spheres of political relations, security, trade and economy, military and technical field, energy, scientific, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and foreign policy, and helps promote national interests of both countries, and contributes to the establishment of a more peaceful and just world order. Our bilateral relations are based on deep mutual understanding and respect, similar priorities in economic and social development, as well as in foreign policy. We favor the same approaches to ensuring peace and security and shaping a global architecture that reflects cultural and civilizational diversity and at the same time strengthens unity of humankind. India-Russia relations have stood the test of time and have been immune to external influences. Russia unwaveringly supported India in its struggle for independence and helped it to achieve self-sufficiency. In August 1971, our countries signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, which outlined fundamental principles of mutual relations such as respect for each other's sovereignty and interests, good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence. Two decades later, in January 1993, India and Russia reaffirmed the inviolability of those provisions in the new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of India and the Russian Federation of October 3, 2000, took the bilateral relations to a new level characterized by coordinated approaches towards ensuring international peace and security, addressing major global and regional issues, as well as close cooperation in economic, cultural, educational and other areas. This partnership was further elevated to the level of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership on 21 December 2010. Advancing the comprehensive development of the Indian-Russian relations is an absolute priority of the foreign policy of both States. We will continue to widen our scope of cooperation by launching large-scale initiatives in different spheres and enhance and enrich our bilateral agenda so as to make it more result-oriented. The economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector. We will strive to build an Energy Bridge between our States and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency. India and Russia note that wider use of natural gas, an economically efficient and environmentally friendly fuel, which has become an integral part of the global energy market, is highly significant for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will assist in fulfilling the provisions of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as well as achieving sustainable economic growth. Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to Indias energy security and energizing broader scientific and technological cooperation. With concerted efforts on both sides, there has been a series of steady and demonstrable achievements in our civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulam site and transforming it into one of Indias largest energy hubs. We welcome the conclusion of the General Framework Agreement and Credit Protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. We will work towards the implementation of the Strategic Vision for Strengthening Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy signed between the two countries on December 11, 2014. The future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with Government of Indias Make in India initiative. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the Programme of Action for Localization in India signed on 24 December 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations. We are interested in launching joint projects on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Arctic shelf of the Russian Federation. We will develop joint strategies to harness the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of deep sea exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources, polymetallic nodules, and other marine resources utilizing strengths in the field of maritime research and training to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. We welcome cooperation among energy companies of both States in modernizing the existing power stations and building new ones in the territory of India. We will endeavour to develop joint projects in each others countries through sharing of technologies, experience of working in different terrains and climatic conditions, and use of energy efficient technologies for creation and propagation of cleaner, climate friendly and affordable energy resources. Our major economic objectives include expanding trade and investment and diversification of trade in goods and services, in particular increasing the share of high-technology products in bilateral trade, fostering industrial cooperation, improving the environment for entrepreneurship and investments and developing cooperation in banking and financial matters between the two countries. As the next stage of our strategic partnership, we will extend our bilateral technical, economic and scientific cooperation to third countries by undertaking joint development projects in mutually agreed sectors. We will coordinate our efforts to promote settlements of Indian-Russian trade in national currencies to reduce dependence of our bilateral trade on other currencies. We will jointly encourage our business communities to use the existing workable schemes and mechanisms for settlements in national currencies elaborated by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Russia. We will coordinate our positions in order to develop a credit rating industry that is transparent for the market participants and independent from political conjuncture. In this sense we support work aimed at exploring the opportunities of harmonization of our legislation in the area of credit ratings, as well as the recognition of ratings of our local credit rating agencies. We acknowledge the importance of developing economic cooperation at the regional level. We will facilitate an early commencement of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Republic of India. We appreciate the compelling logic of regional connectivity for peace, progress and prosperity. We believe that connectivity must be strengthened It should be based on dialogue and consent of all parties concerned with due respect to sovereignty. The Russian and Indian Sides being guided by the principles of transparency, sustainability and responsibility, reiterate their commitment to build effective infrastructure for the International North South Transport Corridor and implementation of the Green Corridor. We take note of the fact that both States are committed to building knowledge based economies, on the basis of latest scientific advances and innovation. We will broaden cooperation in designing, developing, manufacturing and bringing to foreign markets high-technology products and strengthen scientific collaboration in areas such as space technology, aviation, new materials, agriculture, information and communication technologies, medicine, pharmaceuticals, robotics, nanotechnology, supercomputing technologies, artificial intelligence and material sciences. We welcome the establishment of the High Level Committee on Cooperation in High Technologies between the two countries. We will work together to step up joint efforts aimed at modernizing infrastructure, explore ways to jointly respond to urbanization challenges, address issues related to ensuring food security, preserving water and forest resources, and share experience in carrying out economic reforms and national programs for the development of small and medium enterprises and in skill development. We will work together to further develop the potential for cooperation in the diamond industry with an objective to take full advantage of existing strengths and resources of both our countries in this area. We will also intensify our joint efforts to counter undisclosed synthetic stones entering diamond market and to support the development of generic marketing programmes for diamonds. Recognizing the strength of Russia in shipbuilding, river navigation and desalination technologies, we will work together to develop joint projects through transfer of technology and experience sharing for developing inland waterways, river embankments, ports and cargo containers towards effective utilization of extensive river systems in India. We will work together in development of high speed railways, dedicated freight corridors, and application of newer technologies for efficient rail transport through joint development and sharing of technologies, and training of personnel to benefit from each others competences in the railroad sector. We will work together to improve market access for agriculture and food commodities in each others country and develop joint strategies through research & development for utilization of existing potential in the agriculture and food processing sector covering an entire spectrum of activities from farming, harvesting, production, processing to marketing strategies. We will work together to explore joint projects for effective use of natural resources in each others country through application of existing technologies and development and sharing of newer technologies for search in the field of mining & metallurgy for affordable and climate friendly utilization of natural resources. We note that India will become the third largest aviation market by 2020 and in this connection, recognize that the Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Government of India provides an opportunity for strengthening cooperation in joint production and setting up of joint ventures in India in the field of aviation manufacturing to serve the demand created and for export to third countries. Our bilateral defense cooperation is built on strong mutual trust. Russia exports its modern military technologies to India. We will upgrade and intensify this cooperation, through joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of military hardware and military spares, with increasing reliance on the adoption and sharing of future technologies, in compliance with the obligations of the sides under the existing agreements on military-technical cooperation. We will work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation. We will continue holding regular joint land and sea military exercises, and training in each others military institutions. This year will see the first ever Tri-services exercise INDRA2017. We see ample opportunities for bilateral cooperation in space research, with a view to using relevant technologies for the benefit of society. We will continue joint work to prevent and respond to natural disasters. We intend to enhance and actively promote greater cooperation between our regions and states, with a particular emphasis on the Far East region of Russia. India and Russia regard the establishment of the multi-polar global order in international relations as a reflection of natural and inevitable process of evolution of interstate relations in the 21st century. In this regard, we will enhance collaboration to democratize the system of international relations based on the principles of the rule of law and the central role of the United Nations coordination of world politics. We believe that there is a need to reform the United Nations and in particular, the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities and to respond more effectively to emerging challenges and threats. Russia reaffirms its strong support to Indias candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council. We will support the advancement of a positive unifying global agenda, effectively engage in international efforts to strengthen peace and ensure global and regional stability and security, confront challenges and threats, and actively promote just and coordinated approaches to crisis resolution. We will work to foster the democratization and reform of global political, economic, financial and social institutions, for them to better accommodate the interests of all members of the international community. We oppose any recourse to unilateralism or lack of respect to sovereignty, ignoring the core concerns and legitimate interests of the countries. In particular, we do not accept the unilateral use of political and economic sanctions as a means of exerting pressure. We intend to further build up fruitful cooperation within BRICS, which, as a result of our joint efforts, enhances consistently its authoritative and influential role in global affairs. We will continue to develop cooperation within other multilateral forums and organizations, including the WTO, G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as Russia-India-China cooperation. India's full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will considerably enhance the Organization's capabilities to ensure peace and stability, achieve economic development and prosperity in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as improve the Organization's international standing. We will continue facilitating efforts to build an open, well-balanced and inclusive security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region based on shared principles and taking into account the legitimate interests of all States of the region, including through the development of relevant dialogue in the framework of the East Asia Summit. We will further coordinate our positions on the challenging issues of restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, settlement of the Syrian crisis, achievement of national reconciliation in Afghanistan, including in the agreed framework of the Moscow dialogue, using the laid down principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, while encouraging the countries to lead the change from within. India and Russia have a shared commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Russia is convinced that India's participation in multilateral export control regimes will contribute to their enhancement. In this context, Russia welcomes India's applications for the membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement and reiterates its strong support for India's earliest admission to these export control regimes. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons. Together, we will continue efforts to combat international terrorism, which poses a great threat to maintenance of peace and security. We are convinced that the unprecedented spread of this threat requires decisive collective response on part of the entire global community, without double standards and selectivity, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. We urge all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists. We call for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the global counter-terrorism normative and legal framework to combat this scourge. Sharing common approaches to providing security in the use of information and communication technologies, we intend to keep working together for developing universal rules, standards and principles of responsible behaviour of the States in this context, on the basis of democratization and a model representing multi-stakeholderism with primacy of the State, in global internet governance. We recognize the necessity to activate bilateral interaction in this sphere on the basis of the Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies. Taking into account the profound mutual interest, sympathy and respect between the peoples of India and Russia, we will contribute to further developing bilateral contacts in the sphere of culture and sports, including by organizing annual festivals and exchanges. We welcome the organizing of events in different cities in both countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia in 2017-18. Bilateral cooperation in the sphere of education offers great opportunities. We will work to strengthen cooperation in the field of education through promoting direct contacts among universities and academic institutions and providing assistance to students from the two countries. Our Bilateral cooperation in the sphere of Science & Technology offers great opportunities. We are committed to work together to address global challenges like Climate change, Environmental protection, Clean energy, Cyber security, Affordable health care, Marine biology etc through scientific discoveries and to explore priority areas of common interest. We are working together to create networks of knowledge centers, connectivity of minds and scientific corridors to augment innovation led technology development for societal development. We intend to further foster development of tourism and people-to-people contacts, including by easing the visa regime. We are confident that India and Russia will continue to remain a role model for harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership and strong friendship between two states. Building on the shared vision of development of bilateral relations, we will succeed in further realizing the immense potential of India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership for the benefit of our States and international community as a whole. St Petersburg, The Russian Federation 01 June 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Giving a befitting reply to Pakistan, India Army on Thursday launched fire assault claiming lives of five Pakistani soldiers and left six others injured, according to sources. Earlier in the day, Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire along LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts. The soldiers also opened heavy mortar shelling. Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh was summoned by Pakistan foreign office over alleged LOC firing on Thursday. Pakistan also said that at least three people were injured when Indian forces resorted to"unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control. According to an army statement, Indian troops opened fire at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC on Thursday morning. Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh summoned by Pakistan foreign office over alleged LOC firing ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Three people were injured when Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing, it said. Pakistani troops were effectively engaging Indian positions and responding to the fire, the statement said. Also Read: Army will give adequate response to ceasefire violations by Pakistan, says Arun Jaitley The two sides regularly accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement in which civilians are killed and injured. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: One civil GREF labour was martyred, while another GREF driver and a Head Constable of BSF were injured when Pakistani Army violated ceasefire along Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday morning. Earlier there were reports that there at least 4 people injured in the firing. "Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of Small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0720 hours along the Line of Control (LC) in Naushera sector and at 0740 hours in Krishana Ghani sector," an official statement said. The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively. The firing is presently on. More details are awaited. According to the latest update, at least 4 people have been injured as a result of Pak firing. J&K: Ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army along LoC in Naushera & Krishna Ghati sector. The firing is presently on. pic.twitter.com/PptUDhBWh3 ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 3 injured in Indian firing along LoC, says Pak On the other hand, Pakistan has alleged that at least three people were injured when Indian forces resorted to unprovoked firing across the Line of Control. According to an army statement, Indian troops opened fire at Battal, Jandrot and Hotspring sectors at the LoC this morning. Three people were injured when Indian troops resorted to unprovoked firing, it said. Pakistani troops were effectively engaging Indian positions and responding to the fire, the statement said. The two sides regularly accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement in which civilians are killed and injured. Pakistan last week said that a 60-year-old woman was killed when an Indian shell landed on her house and exploded in Naali village of Bhimber district. Earlier in the wee hours of the morning, two militants who were holed up in a house at Sopore in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district were killed in an encounter with security forces. An Army official said operations are still continuing in the area. Security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3:30 AM after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the two militants opened fire on the forces, triggering the gun-battle, he said. Read | North Kashmir: Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police kill 2 militants after 4 hours long encounter For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : The CBI on Thursday grilled Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain in connection with its probe into allegations of money laundering against him. He arrived at the agency headquarters around 11 in the morning and was questioned for over eight hours by its sleuths, CBI sources said. Jain, who holds several portfolios in the Arvind Kejriwal government, refused to speak to media waiting outside the headquarters. The CBI sources said the agency might soon convert the preliminary enquiry into a regular case as it was not convinced by the arguments put forth by Jain. The agency had registered a preliminary enquiry against Jain in connection with allegations of money laundering. It was alleged that Jain was involved in money laundering to the tune of Rs 4.63 crore while being a public servant during 2015-16 through Prayas Info Solutions Private Limited, Akinchan Developers Private Limited and Managalyatan Projects Private Limited, the CBI sources said. Jain had dismissed the allegations after the Enforcement Directorate last month attached properties linked to him in the matter. Also Read: Satyendar Jain files criminal defamation cases against Kapil Mishra, BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa A preliminary enquiry is the first step by the CBI to gather information about the allegations. If the agency is convinced that there exists prima facie material in the matter, it may register a regular case against the accused. The allegations against Jain also include purported money laundering to the tune of Rs 11.78 crore during 2010-12 through these companies and Indometal Impex Pvt Limited. Also Read: There is a limit to lying, I wasn't present at CM's residence on May 5, says Satyendar Jain on Kapil Mishra's allegations For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A 21-year-old junior sailor allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon when he was on duty aboard Indian warship INS Rana in Visakhapatnam, Navy officials said. The deceased Vilas Yadav, resident of Bhind in Madhya Pradesh, committed suicide early this morning at the Indian warship INS Rana stationed at the Naval dockyard. He was working at the electrical wing of the ship. Vilas was immediately rushed to a local naval hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead, Navy sources said. His family and local police have been informed of this unfortunate incident, they said, adding a board of inquiry is being ordered to investigate into the incident. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Saint Petersburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks on Thursday on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as Prime Minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow in St Petersburg. "Normally, international relations see ups and downs but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs," the prime minister said and thanked the Russian President for playing crucial role in getting India Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) membership. In relations there are ups and downs but India and Russia have not seen ups and down in their relations: PM Modi in meeting with Pres Putin pic.twitter.com/HyWi4rlBit ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Modi mentioned to Putin about his visit to the cemetery where he paid homage to the victims of the World War II. "You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred," Modi told Putin. Read | PM Modi-Russian prez Putin meet: Officials working overtime to iron out nuclear pact details Putin's brother was killed 70 years ago in the siege of Leningrad during the World War II. He thanked Modi for visiting the war memorial, saying such places have special place in Russian people's heart. The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. Read | India, Russia agree that sponsors of terrorism must be combated within framework of International law: Indian Ambassador to Russia For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Hyderabad: Advising Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out opposition parties, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday said the former must build a consensus on a candidate for the forthcoming presidential election. Usually, the prime minister initiates discussion to evolve unanimity for elections of the president and vice president of India because the two posts are non-political constitutional positions, he said. So we are waiting for the prime minister to initiate a discussion. If he does not want to do it, we would like to remind him that (former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee had initiated a discussion and APJ Abdul Kalam was elected as almost a unanimous candidate for the post of president (in 2002), he said at a press conference. Therefore, this initiative should come from the ruling party, the Rajya Sabha MP said. He said if there was such an initiative from the prime minister, the opposition parties would discuss the issue and arrive at a consensus. Replying to a query, the AICC general secretary said the Congress does not oppose ban on cow slaughter. However, he was quick to add that the issue falls in the domain of states and the Centre cannot dictate what people should eat. He said the definition of beef has to be clearly articulated. This is basically a state subject. First of all, beef has to be defined. Today, the buffalo meat is also included in the definition of beef. No one objects to buffaloes being slaughtered for consumption or export. Also Read: Digvijaya Singh booked for controversial 'ISIS' tweets targeting Telangana Police But yes, Hindu sentiments are there about the slaughter of cow. But in a democracy, the government cannot impose its will on people and dictate their food habits, Singh said. He said in the past several Congress-ruled states had banned cow slaughter. On the land scam unearthed recently in Telangana, the Congress veteran demanded a CBI probe. Though action has been taken against a few officials, many others have not been touched, he added. Also Read | Presidential poll: Digvijaya Singh cautions opposition parties against a Modi vs all situation For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted the valley has witnessed drop to a large extent in infiltration by militants from Pakistan after India conducted surgical strikes on the terror hubs across the Line of Control. Addressing a gathering of central police and paramilitary personnel during a BSF investiture ceremony here, the home minister also asked security personnel to be cautious against using and forwarding unverified social media content. There used to be infiltration by militants from Pakistan. But I can say after surgical strikes, incidents of infiltration have come down to a large extent. I compliment both the army and the BSF for ensuring border security, Singh said. The strikes were conducted by the army at terror launch pads across the LoC in September last year. He said the forces, especially the Border Security Force (BSF), should stay more alert against the cross-border smuggling of fake Indian currency notes and drugs. Speaking about dangers of the social media, the minister said the enemy is spreading rumours and false information using tools like Facebook and Whatsapp. It is seen that the personnel and officers use and put such information or videos on their Facebook page or Whatsapp. You should not forward such items, unless it is authentic and in the interest of the country as you not only protect our borders but also the countrys unity and integrity, he said. The home minister added the government was working to fully deploy a Comprehensive and Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to secure the frontiers by using radars, lasers, camera and other command and control devices. Also Read: Family of each martyred paramilitary jawan will get Rs 1 crore aid, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh We are trying to secure our borders effectively...by putting a three-tier system which will be like deploying a border guarding force (like BSF), an intelligence network and police presence behind this. This is being integrated on our borders in a fast mode, he said. Calling the BSF as Indias First Wall of Defence, he said that in the last few years the border guarding force has come out of the shadows of the army and registered its independent identity at the borders (Indo-Pak). Earlier, the BSFs valour used to go along with that of the army but in the last few years you have done exceptional work, Singh said. The home minister reiterated that it is his desire that the family of every jawan, who lays down his or her life in the line of duty, of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) must get a minimum compensation of Rs 1 crore. I urge all the DGs (Directors General) of the CAPFs to inform me of any such case where the family is not able to get the minimum of Rs 1 crore aid. I will try all that I can to ensure that this amount is provided to the families, Singh said. Also Read: Home Minister Rajnath Singh along with top security brass review situation in Kashmir He added his ministry has launched a special web portal in this context and that many people have come forward to contribute to the families of the slain jawans and officers. The minister also talked about launching of special apps (mobile applications) for the personnel of these forces to register and get resolution for their grievances. While every jawan or officer should get their grievances resolved through the established forum that you have in your respective forces, all such cases that come to the home ministry will be reviewed by me at least once a month, he said. Singh said he had a special attraction towards the army and uniformed forces since his early days, but god destined him to be at this place (as a politician and home minister). For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A deadly suicide truck bomb attack on Wednesday in Kabuls diplomatic quarter had killed nearly 90 people apart from wounding more than 300 hundreds. Afghanistans intelligence agency blamed the Taliban-allied Haqqani Network with direct help from Pakistans Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). The Haqqani Network is an Afghan insurgent terror outfit based in Pakistan's Waziristan and has carried out many high-profile attacks on US forces, high ranking Afghan officials and foreigners in Afghanistan. The network has ties with Taliban and Al Qaeda and the US considers it a major threat to Afghanistan's stability. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani slammed the as a war crime. Bloodied corpses littered the scene and a huge cloud of smoke rose from the highly-fortified area which houses foreign embassies, after the explosion tore a massive crater in the ground and blew out windows several miles away. No group has so far claimed the powerful blast, which officials said was caused by 1,500 kilogrammes of explosives hidden inside a sewage tanker, in what appeared to be a major intelligence failure. Rescue workers were digging bodies from the site hours after the explosion, many of them disfigured and charred, as anguished residents searched for missing relatives. They were going to their work like any other day and now they are lost, a young Afghan man said of his missing uncle and cousins, sobbing quietly outside Kabuls Emergency hospital. ALSO READ: Two explosions heard in eastern part of Jakarta in Indonesia; ten injured I have searched in three hospitals and havent found them.The attack, just days into the holy fasting month of Ramadan, underscores spiralling insecurity in Afghanistan, where the NATO-backed military, beset by soaring casualties and desertions, is struggling to beat back insurgents. In this powerful attack 90 people have been killed and 400 wounded, including many women and children, said the governments media centre, with health officials warning the toll could climb further.Eleven American citizens working as contractors in Kabul were among the wounded, a senior US official said. The Talibancurrently in the midst of their annual spring offensivedenied they were involved, while strongly condemning the blast. The insurgent group rarely claims responsibility for attacks that kill large numbers of civilians. READ: Explosion in Afghanistan's religious school kills 8 children, chief cleric The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for several recent bombings in the Afghan capital, including a powerful blast targeting a NATO convoy that killed eight people earlier this month. The sound of the bomb, which went off near Kabuls busy Zanbaq Square, reverberated across the Afghan capital, with residents comparing it to an earthquake. Most victims appear to be civilians. The vigilance and courage of Afghan security forces prevented the VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) from gaining entry to the Green Zone, but the explosion caused civilian casualties, NATO said in a statement. The BBC said its Afghan driver Mohammed Nazir was killed and four of its journalists wounded. Local TV channel Tolo TV also tweeted that a staff member, Aziz Navin, was killed.The explosion damaged several embassies in the area, which houses diplomatic and government buildings and is a maze of concrete blast walls, vehicle barriers and armed security guards. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the despicable attack killed an Afghan guard from the German embassy, and added that some employees had been injured, though he did not give further details.He said the bomb had gone off in the immediate vicinity of the German embassy. France, India, Turkey, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Bulgaria similarly reported damage to their embassies, including shattered windows, as the blast drew an avalanche of international condemnation. The White House issued a scathing statement condemning the atrocious attack.That this attack would occur during the holy month of Ramadan underscores the senseless and barbaric nature of this attack, a White House spokesman said. Amnesty International said the bombing shows that the conflict in Afghanistan is dangerously widening in a way that should alarm the international community. Germany was forced to postpone a scheduled deportation flight of rejected Afghan asylum-seekers in the wake of the attack. The European nation has drawn criticism for sending back Afghans to an increasingly dangerous country.Wednesdays blast was the latest in a string of attacks in Kabul. The province surrounding the capital had the highest number of casualties in the country in the first three months of 2017 due to multiple attacks in the city, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Afghan troops are backed by US and NATO forces, and the White House is considering sending thousands more soldiers to break the deadlock in the battle against the Taliban. US troops in Afghanistan number about 8,400 now, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies. They mainly serve in an advisory capacitya far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. With PTI inputs For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Gunshots and explosions were heard at a casino resort in Philippineas capital Manila late on Thursday night. The Resort World area was in A a lockdown following the attack. The attack came days after Philippineas Army attacked Mindanao Islandas Marawi City which is considered a stronghold of Islamic militants. "Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown followingreports of gunfire from unidentified men," the company said on its Twitter account.A Resorts World Manila is currently on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men. a Resorts World Manila (@rwmanila) June 1, 2017 Just minute after the attack, Islamic state claimed the responsibility for the attack apparently in response to governmentas action against the rebels in the southern part of the country. Police, firetrucks and SWAT teams have surrounded the area. The authorities are trying to evacuate people from the spot.A Police,firetrucks& SWAT team in area.Resorts World Manila on lockdown following reports of gunfire from unidentified men: Philippines media a ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 The eyewitnesses said that they have been asked to stay indoors and the security in nearby areas have been enhanced.A Resorts World Manila area on lockdown after reports of gunfire, explosions pic.twitter.com/uAxbx4auFh https://t.co/tsum44IB4M a RT (@RT_com) June 1, 2017 For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. St Petersburg: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said India will formally become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) within a week. His remark comes during meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is in Russia for the annual bilateral summit. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, the most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people. I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations, the Russian president told Modi. As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO, he said. I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it, Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO) where Indias membership will be confirmed, he told Modi. PM Modi also remembered the sacrifices made by Russian people especially by President Putin's brother pic.twitter.com/TATq5hbxiD ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Reciprocating the warm welcome, Modi said that he was privileged to have been able to visit Putins hometown as Prime Minister. India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues, he said. Modi thanked Putin for his active role in getting India SCO membership. I thank you for all the initiatives taken, he said. Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. Also Read: PM Modi invites Spanish firms to invest in India Normally, in international relations there are ups and downs. But history is witness, there have been no ups and downs in Indo-Russia relations. We have always moved forward, Modi said. In relations there are ups and downs but India and Russia have not seen ups and down in their relations: PM Modi in meeting with Pres Putin pic.twitter.com/HyWi4rlBit ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Not just on bilateral issues, but even on international issues India and Russia have cooperated keeping the objective of Sarvajan Sukhaia, bahujan sukhay (for the welfare, happiness of all), he added. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: According to Cellphone security experts, President Donald Trump, who blasted Hillary Clinton for using a personal email server, might be a walking magnet for eavesdropping and malware. The condition can emerge if Trump uses an unsecured phone to chat with foreign leaders, say experts. Former and current US officials tell The Associated Press that Trump has been handing out his cellphone number to counterparts around the world. He has urged the leaders of Canada and Mexico to call him on his cellphone and also exchanged numbers with the president of France. When former President Barack Obama wanted to continue using his Blackberry, US security officials gave him a modified one that permitted him to stay in touch with senior White House staffers and a small group of personal friends. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two leaders are expected to sign a host of agreements, with all eyes on a deal to build with Russia's help the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant. On his arrival in St Petersburg on Wednesday night (IST), PM Modi tweeted, "Reached the historic city of St. Petersburg. Looking forward to a fruitful visit aimed at cementing India-Russia relations." On Thursday, PM Modi first paid homage at Piskarovskoye Cemetery at 10:20 AM. Russia: PM Narendra Modi pays homage at Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery in St. Petersburg. pic.twitter.com/99WVlITJYv ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Russia: PM Narendra Modi pays homage at Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery in St. Petersburg. pic.twitter.com/jSrAnw8zUR ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Later he will attend a restricted meeting with President Putin, which be followed by working lunch. At around 4 PM, local time, PM Modi will participate in CEOs forum and then will proceed to ink agreements with Russia and release press statements. At the end of the day, President Putin will honour PM Modi with a private dinner at 7 PM. The two sides are expected to ink 12 agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a vision statement that the two leaders will release. Read | Modi's four-nation tour: India, Spain sign 7 agreements during PM's visit The focus, however, will be on the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The reactors are being built by Indias Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russias Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centrepiece of the summit, the second time in eight months after their last bilateral in Goa in October 2016. If signed, the two units of the plant, with the capacity to produce 1000 MW of electricity each, will significantly boost the countrys nuclear power generation. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. Zdravstvuyte Rossiya! PM @narendramodi reaches St Petersburg to attend 18th India-Russia Annual Summit and participate in SPIEF 2017 pic.twitter.com/gSoS8u1ZM7 Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) May 31, 2017 Reached the historic city of St. Petersburg. Looking forward to a fruitful visit aimed at cementing India-Russia relations. pic.twitter.com/0vZTiS0euh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2017 In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a General Framework Agreement on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. There is a lot of mutual trust and personal chemistry between the two leaders that has developed over the last three years, Pankaj Saran, India's ambassador to Russia, told PTI. At the summit on Thursday, the leaders will take stock of the current relationship and discuss a blueprint for a vision of the future, he said. India's traditional ties with Russia dating back to the days of Soviet Union have been complicated by Moscow's growing economic and political alliances with China and Pakistan. However, Saran said India's relations with Russia are independent of its ties with Pakistan. Our relations with Russia is on a different pedestal and we have a full agenda between us that is important to both of us. We have clear understanding of our core concerns and vital security interests, he said, hours before Modi was to arrive from Spain. Read | PM Modi-Russian prez Putin meet: Officials working overtime to iron out nuclear pact details Russia: PM Narendra Modi meets people outside the hotel in Saint Petersburg pic.twitter.com/H5RFEjbq5N ANI (@ANI_news) May 31, 2017 #WATCH Russia: PM Narendra Modi meets people outside hotel in Saint Petersburg pic.twitter.com/WdX00WPmuF ANI (@ANI_news) May 31, 2017 For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. As North Korean missile threat grows, battlefield lasers are closer to reality In yet another provocation, North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Monday the third one this month and ninth this year which landed dangerously close to Japan, ahead of a key U.S. anti-missile defense test that many hope will be the first successful trial in more than a year. But as the North continues to develop longer-range intercontinental ballistic missiles and the nuclear warheads it hopes to place atop such missiles some day soon, the Pentagon is speeding development of a futuristic next-generation anti-missile weapon that could soon be ready for the battlefield: Lasers. Past efforts by the Pentagon to develop airborne lasers mounted inside specially-built 747 aircraft, which were to be used against incoming ICBMs in their terminal phases failed, with the Defense Department abandoning the project some years ago. A follow-up effort is now underway to revitalize it, given the advances in laser technology. But before that becomes a reality, the Pentagon sees a much more workable option: Mounting lasers on smaller vehicles and even warships that can knock out drones, missiles, radars and other weapons systems. (RELATED: North Korea just made a huge breakthrough in its nuclear program heres why you should be worried) As reported by Stars & Stripes, the U.S. Army recently conducted field testing of Stryker-mounted lasers during an exercise at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in April, which were used to destroy toy-like drones. Soldiers used a Mobile Expeditionary High Energy Laser to shoot down an 18-by-10-inch drone at about 650 yards, according to a statement from the Army. Its nothing too complicated but you have to learn how to operate each system and get used to the controls which is exactly like a video game controller, said Spc. Brandon Sallaway, a forward observer with the 4th Infantry Division, who tested the system and who had not fired a laser prior to the field exercise. As Stars & Stripes noted further: The drone-killing laser was relatively low energy only 5 kilowatts but the Army has tested much more powerful weapons. A 30-kilowatt truck-mounted High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator shot down dozens of mortar rounds and several drones in November 2013 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Also, Defense Department researchers are seeking to mount newer, ever-evolving and more powerful solid-state lasers on everything from AC-130U gunships to fighter planes. (RELATED: Air Forces Sixth Generation Fighter To Be Equipped With Lasers) Since those successes and earlier ones dating back to 2009 researchers have made substantial advances in laser weaponry and technology, according to Bob Roszkowski, a developer who works on air dominance projects and unmanned systems at Lockheeds reclusive Skunk Works facility. Were really on the cusp of seeing the introduction of lasers in future systems, he said. The U.S. Navy is also getting in on the laser weapon revolution. As NationalSecurity.news reported in August 2016, Navy laser weapon developers have mounted a prototype 30 kw laser system aboard the USS Ponce, which has begun testing the system. However, experts say that much more power in the hundreds of kilowatts will be needed before laser systems can down missiles, though that remains a distinct goal of developers. Thats why were pursuing the technology in terms of trying to mature, not just the technology, but drive the size and weight down and we can start to think operationally about what that means, Vice Adm. James Syring, director of the Missile Defense Agency, told Defense One last year. Its not a hope. This is what were doing. I view this [as] highly important for the future, he added. The Army plans to double power output to 60 kilowatts over the next 18 months. Lasers generate their beams via fiber optic cables like those used by telecoms, explained Robert Afzal, a senior fellow for laser systems at Lockheed. We demonstrated that we could combine [a] large number of theses fiber lasers and link them to a weapons system, he said. Building a system that can down ICBMs in flight is years away, say experts. But the development trend of miniaturizing systems while bolstering power and reducing power consumption is key. Stay up to date on our military at NationalSecurity.news. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: Military.com FoxtrotAlpha.com NationalSecurity.news Submit a correction >> This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Connecticut has its share of famous burgers, but Thrillist's new list of the best 100 burgers in the country highlights a small restaurant in Meriden called Ted's Restaurant. Ted's has been around since 1959, and has been passed down through the family ever since. "The Everything Burger" from Ted's comes in at number 74 on the list. Steamed Bacon Cheeseburger from Ted's Restaurant in Meriden, CT #ctfoodlovers Courtesy of @rissaann_ A post shared by Connecticut Food Lovers (@ctfoodlovers) on Jul 14, 2015 at 8:26am PDT A post shared by Thrillist Burger Quest (@thrillistburgerquest) on May 30, 2017 at 10:25am PDT "On its face, a steamed cheeseburger kind of seems like a bad idea. You can't get a sear, you cook all the meat the same temperature, it sounds weird when you say it, etc. But sitting on a barstool at the counter of this tiny joint in a little pocket of central Connecticut and biting into the glory of Ted's cheeseburger made me a true believer," writes Thrillist's National Burger Critic. Ted's Restaurant owner Bill Foreman said they get a lot of doubt about steamed burgers. A post shared by Ted's Steamed Trailer (@tedssteamedtrailer) on Mar 10, 2017 at 6:38am PST "When [customers] hear the word 'steamed cheeseburger' they look at it with a skeptical eye, but once we get them to try it, most people love it," he said. The famous Louis' Lunch in New Haven, which claims to have invented the burger, also steams its patties, but Foreman said there's no competition there. "They are a unique burger; they have different ways of cooking it. It's more of an honor that we both get on lists together," Foreman said. Foreman says making lists like this one often results in an uptick in customers; he has also seen an increase in a younger crowd. "We get a foodie crowd," Foreman said. "I would say we are getting more millennial customers; they tend to find places like us more because they have more access through technology. More people are coming in that know our history, which is nice." But there are always the regulars who have been coming in for yearswhether they are 20 years old or 80 years old, Foreman said. Roxbury, New Milford and Litchfield experienced heavy rain and some hail Wednesday evening following a tornado warning for towns along with New York-Connecticut line. At 7:16 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was recorded near Hopewell Junction, N.Y., according to the National Weather Service. The storm was moving east at 30 mph when it was initially recorded. A tornado warning was issued for areas in western Connecticut. When the warning expired at 7:45 p.m., the National Weather Service indicated that the storm was below severe limits and could no longer produce a tornado. The storm was over New Milford at 7:44 p.m., moving east at 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service. A dispatcher at the New Milford Police Department said there was heavy rain in the area just before 8 p.m. Its raining like crazy here right now, the dispatcher said at 7:59 p.m. Roxbury was hit with some hail around 8 p.m., according to a dispatcher for Connecticut State Police Troop A in Southbury. But there was no rain or hail to be found in Southbury as of 8:01 p.m., the state police dispatcher said. Southern Litchfield County was issued a severe thunderstorm warning that expired at 8:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Connecticut State Police Troop L, in Litchfield, was not hit hard by the storm, according to a dispatcher around 8:20 p.m. Its raining hard, the Troop L dispatcher said. But there have been no trees down, no damages in our area. Danbury experienced a downpour and dispatch supervisor for the Danbury Police Department around 9:25 p.m. said the area saw no storm damage. Every business needs a way to secure payments, but with so many choices in financial services for online businesses, its an intimidating decision for new entrepreneurs to make. Not only do you have to consider the technical and logistical hurdles of setting up a new payment gateway, youll also have to think about convenience for your customers and, perhaps most importantly, that gateway's security. Related: 25 Payment Tools for Small Businesses, Freelancers and Startups Why are payment gateways important? In case you arent familiar, a payment gateway is a merchant service used as a third party to authorize credit card transactions. Essentially, when you capture a customers credit card information, youll send it to a payment gateway. It will then forward the information to the acquiring bank, and finally to the issuing credit card company. The credit card company will then relay back a response that informs the vendor whether credit is available. If so, the transaction goes through. Payment gateways may also have proactive features, such as fraud detection, and may be issued through banks as an added service. Main considerations You shouldnt go with the first payment gateway you happen across. Instead, you should take your time, and pay careful attention to these considerations: 1. Modern or classic First, youll need to decide whether you want a classic payment gateway setup or a modern one. Classic payment gateways require you to apply for a direct merchant account. However, modern payment gateways allow you to use their services without one. In general, modern payment gateways are easier to set up, but have higher fees and may send your customers offsite to make a payment, which has the potential to reduce conversions. PayPal is a good example of a modern payment gateway, while Authorize.net is an example of a classic gateway. 2. Encryption standards Next, youll need to consider the encryption standards of the payment gateway youre using. This company will be handling your customers sensitive payment data, and if theres even a slight breach, it could reflect poorly on your companys reputation. Payment gateways like EBizCharge often advertise their encryption standards. One of these standards, tokenization, removes card data entirely, adding another level of security. Additionally, more secure gateways lower risk and are able to achieve lower processing costs as a result. With native, seamless integrations into other platforms (including accounting, ERP and ecommerce systems such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, SAP, NetSuite, Magento and WooCommerce), payment acceptance is more secure and more automated. This also greatly reduces the chance of human error and offers greater reporting visibility. Related: 8 Companies Making Payment Handling Easy 3. Compatibility Some payment gateways are easier to integrate than others, though most payment gateways strive for compatibility with as many technological systems as possible to maximize their user bases. However, you may have unique needs or requests, such as linking your payment gateway to your invoicing software or another financial data management platform you use. 4. Speed Different payment gateways offer different speeds, as well. If youre looking to maximize the average user experience and complete transactions as fast as possible, youll want a processor that can secure credit card authorization in a matter of seconds. You may also consider how quickly these payment providers can secure the money for your account, as transactions often take two to three days to fully complete --and getting that payment a day earlier could be important for your startup. MyGate is an example of a payment gateway known for its speed. 5. Reporting features Depending on your business, you may require a gateway with thorough reporting features. For example, you may wish to review all transaction activity, or specifically review any chargebacks you may have gotten. You may want a detailed analysis of any fees youve incurred while using the platform, or need to review your commissions (if youre a reseller). Different gateways offer different formats and types of reports, so try them out before committing. 6. Fraud detection and other security features Some payment gateways, like CyberSource, specialize in fraud detection. Theyll help you proactively identify suspicious activity before it gets any further in the payment process. If you plan on handling large volumes, this is especially important for you. 7. Invoicing capabilities Depending on what systems youre already using, it could be in your best interest to secure a payment gateway with built-in invoicing capabilities. This would help you streamline your payment process, and may reduce your reliance on other platforms. 8. UI and usability Your financial team will need to log into your payment gateway at least occasionally to review fees, chargebacks, transactions and other high-level data. When they do, youll want them to have the best possible user experience. Some platforms are better designed than others, and are more intuitive to learn. However, since different people have different preferences, the only way to evaluate this is to try the platforms for yourself. 9. Costs and fees Finally, youll need to consider the costs and fees associated with each payment gateway. Some may have better features, but will also come with an accompanying greater cost. Some platforms offer zero setup costs and zero monthly payments, but may have higher fees for things like chargebacks. Others will offer a flat monthly fee, with no additional fees for other types of transactions. Your choice depends on your budget and how you expect your business to perform. Related: 8 Companies Making Payment Handling Easy Theres no perfect payment gateway out there, so youll need to find the best fit for your specific business. For some entrepreneurs, security may be the biggest priority. For others, it may be the cost. Make sure to review multiple options before you land on a final contender, and if youre stuck, ask your peers and mentors for advice (and details on any past experiences theyve had). Related: Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Mayors then will board special Fathers of Confederation train departing Central Station to take them to Ottawa for FCM meeting MONTREAL, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) and Tree Canada Wednesday will announce a major investment in Montreal's tree canopy in honour of Montreal's 375th and Canada's 150th anniversaries. The announcement will take place during a luncheon with local mayors and community leaders at CN's Montreal headquarters. Special Announcement: Where: CN corporate headquarters 935 de La Gauchetiere Street West When: 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 31 What: Announcement of CN tree canopy investment during luncheon Photo opportunity: Following the luncheon and announcement, several mayors will board a special Fathers of Confederation train departing Central Station in downtown Montreal to take them to the annual meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Ottawa. Where: CN corporate headquarters (935 de La Gauchetiere Street West) to Central Station When: approximately 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 31 Photo opportunity : CN and Tree Canada will plant a special tree Wednesday in honour of Canada's 150th birthday and Montreal's 375th anniversary. Where: Place du Canada Near Sir John A MacDonald Statute (just west of CN headquarters) When: Noon, Wednesday, May 31 CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America. CN Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries -- serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca. SOURCE CN For further information: Media: Patrick Waldron, Senior Manager, Media Relations, (514) 399-8803; Investment Community: Paul Butcher, Vice-President, Investor Relations, (514) 399-0052 Related Links http://www.cn.ca Non-stop routes being introduced from Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal MONTREAL, June 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada got its summer off to an early start with the launch today of two new international routes from Vancouver to Nagoya and Frankfurt, marking the beginning of the airline's summer season. In total, the airline plans to launch 11 new international non-stop routes this summer from Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. "Nothing says summer like winging off to an exciting foreign destination, and Air Canada is pleased to offer its customers more options than ever this year. Through our ongoing international expansion, we are adding 11 new routes touching three continents beginning this summer. This includes exciting destinations in Asia such as Mumbai, Taipei and Nagoya; new cities in Europe, including Berlin, Marseille and Reykjavik; and our second city in Africa, Algiers," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. The 11 new international services will be operated from Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, either by Air Canada mainline, using Boeing 787-8/9 or Airbus A330-300 aircraft, or by Air Canada Rouge, flying Boeing 767-300ER or A319-100 aircraft. Two routes, Vancouver-Taipei and Toronto-Mumbai, will continue to operate year-round while the others are available for the summer season. These international additions to Air Canada's network follow on new transborder routes started this year from Vancouver to Boston, Denver and Dallas; from Toronto to Savannah, San Antonio, and Memphis and Montreal to Dallas; and, later this month, from Montreal to Washington Dulles. The new international routes starting for summer 2017 include: FROM VANCOUVER Destination Start Date Aircraft Type Frequency Frankfurt June 1, 2017 Boeing 787-8 (mainline) Daily (seasonal) Nagoya June 1, 2017 Boeing 767-300ER (Rouge) Four-weekly (seasonal) Taipei June 8, 2017 Boeing 787-9 (mainline) Daily (year-round) London-Gatwick June 8, 2017 Boeing 767-300ER (Rouge) Three-weekly (seasonal) FROM TORONTO Destination Start Date Aircraft Type Frequency Berlin June 3, 2017 Boeing 767-300ER (Rouge) Four-weekly (seasonal) Reykjavik June 21, 2017 Airbus A319-100 (Rouge) Four-weekly (seasonal) Mumbai July 1, 2017 Boeing 787-9 (mainline) Four-weekly (year-round) FROM MONTREAL Destination Start Date Aircraft Type Frequency Marseille June 9, 2017 Boeing 767-300ER (Rouge) Three-weekly (seasonal) Tel Aviv June 22, 2017 Airbus A330-300 (mainline) Twice-weekly (seasonal) Reykjavik June 23, 2017 Airbus A319-100 (Rouge) Three-weekly (seasonal) Algiers July 1, 2017 Boeing 767-300ER (Rouge) Four-weekly (seasonal) About Air Canada Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 63 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 93 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 191 countries. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook. SOURCE Air Canada For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montreal), [email protected], 514 422-5788; Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), [email protected], 416 263-5576; Angela Mah (Vancouver), [email protected], 604 270-5741; Internet: aircanada.com Related Links www.aircanada.com Company Reports Q1 EBITDA of over $3,600,000 USD /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES./ PARKER, CO, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - Assure Holdings Corp. The "Company" (TSXV: IOM), announces today the release of its Q1 2017 Financial Results. The Company's quarterly Financial Statements and MD&A can be found at www.sedar.com. Assure Holdings Corp. reports: Record Quarterly Revenue of over $3,914,000 USD , , Record EBITDA of over $3,612,000 USD , and , and Plans to expand into additional States. Preston Parsons, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Company said of the announcement, "We couldn't be happier with our first quarter results. This has been a very busy year to date for the Company. In the past ten days we have completed our Qualifying Transaction, commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, and now we have released our first Quarter results which we are very proud of. Our team has done an amazing job executing in 2017 and I want to personally thank everyone involved that helped contribute to these Q1 results." Highlights of the Financial Results Include (Reported in USD) Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Operating Revenue $3,914,790 $0 Income from Equity Method Investments $905,798 $331,814 EBITDA $3,612,094 $321,439 Net Income $3,212,797 $321,439 Basic EPS $.13 $.04 Fully diluted EPS $.12 $.04 The Company currently provides Neuromonitoring services exclusively in the State of Colorado. As previously announced, the Company has begun the process of expanding the Company's platform in regions outside of Colorado. It is anticipated that continued expansion in Colorado, coupled with the deployment of the Assure platform into additional states, will result in increased growth throughout 2017 and beyond. Mr. Parsons also commented that, "Our team has been exceedingly busy in Q1 and Q2 with completing the Qualifying Transaction. The fact that we have also been able to grow the business substantially during these busy times speaks volumes to not only the commercial acceptance of the Assure Platform, but also to the dedication of our team. Perhaps even more impressive is that historically Q1 and Q2 are slower periods within the fiscal and calendar year. I'm optimistic that the hard work that is being done today will result in continued strong performance as we continue to expand." The Company also notes that due to the Qualifying Transaction there have been increased expenses in 2017, some of which are non-recurring. Additionally, Assure has experienced collections that are above the Company's forecasts which have positively impacted Q1 financial results. About Assure Holdings Corp. Assure Holdings Corp. is a Colorado based company, incorporated in the State of Nevada, that works with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons to provide a turnkey suite of services that support intraoperative neuromonitoring activities during invasive surgeries. Assure: (i) employs its own staff of technologists and uses its own state of the art monitoring equipment, (ii) handles 100% of intraoperative neuromonitoring scheduling and setup, and (iii) bills for all technical services provided. While Assure focuses primarily on supporting spinal surgeries, plans are in place to support other classes of medicine that rely on the standard of care that intraoperative neuromonitoring provides. 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. The securities of the Corporation 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 absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results, developments, performance or achievements that Assure anticipates or expects may or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking information. Such information may involve, but is not limited to, comments with respect to strategies, expectations, planned operations and future actions of the Corporation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" (or other variations of the forgoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Assure, as applicable, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to Assure, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third party sources, and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs regarding future growth, results of operations, future capital (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof) and expenditures. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE Assure Holdings Corp. For further information: Matthew Willer, President, Assure Holdings Corp., Tel: (720) 287-3093, Email: [email protected], Website: www.assureIOM.com OTTAWA, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The Bank of Canada today began circulating the $10 commemorative bank note that celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Canadians can now obtain this special note at financial institutions. Only 40 million notes are being issuedroughly one for every Canadian. Governor Stephen S. Poloz was among the first to spend a commemorative note at a store in downtown Ottawa this morning. "This bank note reflects the pride we feel about our country's accomplishments and the hope we have for our future," said Governor Poloz. "But it also underpins the confidence Canadians can have in their bank notes. The new security features of this $10 note make it the most secure Canadian bank note to date." The new security features include a colour-shifting image of an arch found in the Memorial Chamber on Parliament Hill, as well as three-dimensional maple leaves. Like the security features of all polymer bank notes, they are easy to verify and difficult to counterfeit. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, said she hoped the bank note would inspire Canadians. "This year, Canadians will have the opportunity to reflect on our history and celebrate our heritage. With this note to commemorate 150 years of Confederation, we are reminded of our strengths: our rich diversity and our enduring hope for a brighter tomorrow," she said. The Canada 150 bank note celebrates Canada's history, land and culture, as the country marks this important milestone. Four Canadians who played significant roles in the country's parliamentary history are portrayed on the front of the note: Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister; Sir George-Etienne Cartier, a principal architect of Canadian federalism; Agnes Macphail, the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons; and James Gladstone, or Akay-na-muka (his Blackfoot name), Canada's first senator of First Nations origin. The design also incorporates other cultural elements: a reproduction of the artwork Owl's Bouquet by world-renowned Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak and the distinctive arrow sash pattern, an important symbol of the Metis nation that also pays homage to the French-Canadian voyageurs of the 18th century. The reverse of the note features the rugged splendour of Canada's lands and landscapes: the Lions/Twin Sisters (Western Canada), a wheat field (Prairie provinces), the Canadian Shield (Central Canada), Cape Bonavista (Eastern Canada) and the northern lights (Northern Canada). Beginning today, the commemorative bank note will be available over the counter at financial institutions across the country. While the commemorative $10 note does not replace the current Polymer series $10 note, which continues to circulate, it is of equal value and can be used in transactions. Notes to Editors: As announced in December, human rights and freedoms icon Viola Desmond will be featured on a new, regularly circulating $10 note expected in late 2018. This will mark another historic first: Desmond will become the first Canadian woman to be featured on a regularly circulating bank note. will be featured on a new, regularly circulating note expected in late 2018. This will mark another historic first: Desmond will become the first Canadian woman to be featured on a regularly circulating bank note. Visit our website to find out more about each element featured on the $10 commemorative bank note. commemorative bank note. View videos about the commemorative bank note and its security features. Download photos from the Bank of Canada's Flickr gallery. Flickr gallery. Learn about the public consultation the Bank undertook to inform the visual content and design of this commemorative bank note. This is only the fourth time that the Bank of Canada has issued a commemorative note. The first, issued in 1935, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of King George V; the second, issued in 1967, marked the centennial of Confederation; and the third, issued in 2015, honoured the historic reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who became the longest-reigning sovereign in Canada's modern era. has issued a commemorative note. The first, issued in 1935, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of King George V; the second, issued in 1967, marked the centennial of Confederation; and the third, issued in 2015, honoured the historic reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who became the longest-reigning sovereign in modern era. Find out more about our Principles for Bank Note Design. Consult the Bank of Canada's bank notes web pages. bank notes web pages. Contact Media Relations for B-roll, available upon request. SOURCE Bank of Canada For further information: Media Relations, 613-782-8782 Related Links http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca 30 Canadian families win early bird prizes in #RESP150 Contest MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - To mark Canada's 150th year and encourage more parents to build their child's future with a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), Knowledge First Financial launched the #RESP 150 Contest. Everyone who opens an RESP with Knowledge First Financial between February 6 and July 31, 2017 is automatically entered to win one of 150 prizes with a total value of $45,000 including: 5 grand prizes of travel gift cards, worth $5,000 each each 20 technology 'choice of prize,' worth $500 each each 25 VIA Rail gift cards, worth $200 each Rail gift cards, worth each 100 'choice of prize' gift cards, worth $50 each #RESP150 Contest Early Bird Draw Debbie Chomica of Brandon, Manitoba recently opened an RESP with Knowledge First Financial was selected as the winner of the early bird grand prize a travel gift card with $5,000. Now she and her family are going places! A total of 30 early bird prizes were awarded including: One of five grand prizes of travel gift cards worth $5,000 each each Four of 20 technology "choice of prize" valued at $500 each each Five of 25 VIA Rail Gift Card prizes worth $200 each Rail Gift Card prizes worth each 20 of 100 merchant gift card "choice of prize" valued at $50 each Follow us on Facebook to learn the names of all our early bird winners! More #RESP 150 Contest prizes to be won! A Knowledge First Financial RESP will take your child places. It's a great way to save for your child's education and build a brighter future for your child. Now is a perfect time to get started -- open an RESP with Knowledge First Financial before July 31, 2017 and be automatically entered to win. Click here for more details. https://www.facebook.com/KnowledgeFirstRESPS/ About Knowledge First Financial Canadian families have relied on education savings plans offered by Knowledge First Financial for more than 50 years. Today, the company manages $3.62 billion in assets on behalf of more than 250,000 customers. Since 1965, payments from the plans have reached $3.6 billion and the Knowledge First Foundation has further enhanced Education Assistance Payments to students by nearly $50 million. Knowledge First Financial Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Foundation and is the investment fund manager, administrator and distributor of Registered Education Savings Plans. Knowledge First Foundation is a not-for-profit Canadian corporation with no share capital. The Foundation is therefore able to reinvest excess revenues in initiatives that support student success. SOURCE Knowledge First Financial Inc. For further information: Suzanne Martyn-Jones, Vice-President, Marketing and Customer Communications, Knowledge First Financial Inc., Tel: 905-270-8777, ext. 4247, [email protected] Related Links www.knowledgefirstfinancial.ca Mayors of Montreal, Ottawa join Players on board enroute to Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual meeting MONTREAL, May 31, 2017 /CNW/ - A special Fathers of Confederation train celebrating Canada's 150th birthday and Montreal's 375th anniversary will depart from Montreal Wednesday afternoon with Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, and other mayors attending this week's annual general meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Ottawa. The mayors will be joined on board the trip to Ottawa by the Confederation Players, a Prince Edward Island-based troupe of costumed, young, bilingual Canadian actors trained to reenact the Fathers and Ladies of Confederation. "We are bringing the Confederation Players to Ottawa as part of CN's Canada 150th and Montreal 375th celebrations," said Sean Finn, executive vice-president of corporate services at CN. "The railway helped unite our country and to this day plays an important role in its prosperity. We are proud to host the Confederation Players as we celebrate the great history of Montreal and Canada." The train consisting of four historic passenger cars will depart Montreal's Central Station and travel through the city's neighbourhoods of Griffintown, Pointe Ste. Charles, Ville St. Pierre and Lachine, on to Dorval, Pointe Claire, Beaconsfield, Ile-Perrot and Pincourt in Quebec, and Alexandria, Maxville, Casselman and Carlsbad Springs in Ontario before arriving in Ottawa. CN is a true backbone of the economy whose team of approximately 25,000 railroaders transports more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network of approximately 20,000 route-miles spanning Canada and mid-America. CN Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information about CN, visit the company's website at www.cn.ca. SOURCE CN For further information: Media: Patrick Waldron, Senior Manager, Media Relations, (514) 399-8803; Investors: Paul Butcher, Vice-President, Investor Relations, (514) 399-0052 Related Links http://www.cn.ca OttawaGatineau will host a full weekend of Canada Day activities and performances for Canada 150 OTTAWA, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Get ready to celebrate Canada Day like never before! Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, revealed details of the three-day-long Canada Day festivities taking place in Canada's Capital Region. From June 30 to July 2, an array of incredible activities and performances will take place at three official sites: Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History and Major's Hill Park. Parliament Hill will feature artists like Alessia Cara, Walk Off The Earth, Cirque du Soleil, Louis-Jean Cormier, Marie-Mai, Dean Brody, Serena Ryder, Kelly Bado, Kinnie Starr, Lisa LeBlanc, Gordon Lightfoot, Mike Tompkins, Patrick Watson and Laurence Nerbonne, as well as appearances by performers like Buffy Sainte-Marie and a host of other special guests. Artists including Raine Maida, Chantal Kreviazuk, Mother Mother, Laurence Nerbonne and David R. Maracle will be featured at Major's Hill Park, and the Canadian Museum of History's stage will host The Lost Fingers and The Souljazz Orchestra. Canada Day celebrations in Canada's Capital Region are made possible thanks to the support of national sponsor Chicken Farmers of Canada and official sponsors President's Choice, Manulife and Tim Hortons, along with the invaluable help of over 500 dedicated volunteers. Quotes "Get ready to experience Canada Day like never before with unforgettable festivities to celebrate Canada 150. Visitors from across the country and all around the world will be pouring into Canada's capital region to ring in this spectacular anniversary bash with friends and family. I invite everyone to join in and celebrate the past, present and future of our incredible country!" The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage Quick Facts Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill on July 1 will run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and feature ceremonial events, performances, activities and more. On July 2, Parliament Hill will also be the host to a WE Day Canada event from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities will take place in Major's Hill Park from June 30 to July 2. They will feature a variety of activities for people of all ages and an exciting showcase of talent on the Park's stage. Family-friendly programming will be offered at the Canadian Museum of History from June 30 to July 2, including displays, games, inflatable structures, a silent DJ dance party and musical performances. At 11 p.m. on July 1, an impressive 20-minute 17-second pyromusical fireworks show will light up the sky over OttawaGatineau. As the official broadcaster of Canada Day activities across the country, CBC/Radio-Canada will present a lineup of special programming and coverage on a number of platforms. This will include a live broadcast of parts of the day show on CBC News Network, ICI RDI and other platforms. The evening show, including the fireworks, will be televised on CBC and Radio-Canada networks and streamed live on CBC.ca and Radio-Canada.ca. Related Products Volunteer for Canada Day https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2017/05/seeking_volunteersforcanadadaycelebrationsincanadascapitalregion.html Twelve Days of Celebrations for Our Country's Birthday! https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2017/05/twelve_days_of_celebrationsforourcountrysbirthday.html Associated Links Canada Day http://canada.ca/canada-day SOURCE Canadian Heritage For further information: (media only): Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected] Related Links http://www.pch.gc.ca MONTREAL, June 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank of Canada (the "Bank") (NA) announces today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada ("OSFI") have approved the Bank's new normal course issuer bid to purchase for cancellation up to 6,000,000 common shares, through the facilities of the TSX, representing approximately 1.76% of its issued and outstanding common shares. The normal course issuer bid will begin on June 5, 2017 and will end no later than June 4, 2018. The purchases will be made through the facilities of the TSX (and any other exchange or alternative trading system in Canada). The Bank will pay the market price for the common shares at the time of acquisition and the purchases will be made in accordance with the TSX Company Manual and applicable regulatory requirements. Common shares may also be repurchased through other means permitted by the TSX and applicable securities laws, including by private agreements or share repurchase programs pursuant to issuer bid exemption orders issued by securities regulatory authorities. Any purchase made under an exemption order issued by a securities regulatory authority will be at a discount to the prevailing market price. National Bank Financial Inc. has been retained to act as designated broker to repurchase shares pursuant to the normal course issuer bid under automatic share purchase plans established periodically. Each plan would define a prearranged set of criteria which the Bank would not vary. The Bank will only make purchases under the bid after consulting with OSFI. The actual number of common shares which may be purchased, and the timing of any such purchases, will be determined by the Bank. The common shares acquired pursuant to the normal course issuer bid will be cancelled. There were 341,517,603 common shares of the Bank issued and outstanding as at May 23, 2017. Under the normal course issuer bid which ended on May 10, 2016, the Bank did not purchase any common shares. The average daily trading volume (the "ADTV") of the Bank's common shares over the last six completed calendar months, calculated in accordance with the rules of the TSX, was 1,243,722. Under the rules of the TSX, the Bank is entitled to repurchase during the same trading day up to 25% of the ADTV of its common shares, being 310,930 (other than purchases made pursuant to the block purchase exception). The normal course issuer bid will provide the Bank with additional flexibility to manage capital and generate value for shareholders. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain forward-looking statements. These statements are inherently subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond the control of the Bank, including, obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, changes in general economic and market conditions and amendments to, and interpretations of, risk-based capital guidelines. Except as required by law, the Bank does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, by it or on its behalf. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is presented for the purpose of interpreting the information contained herein and may not be appropriate for other purpose. About National Bank of Canada With $239 billion in assets as at April 30, 2017, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has more than 21,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE National Bank of Canada For further information: Linda Boulanger, Vice-President, Investor Relations, National Bank of Canada, Tel.: 514-394-0296; Claude Breton, Vice-President, Public Affairs, National Bank of Canada, Tel.: 514-394-8644 Related Links https://www.nbc.ca OTTAWA, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - United Nations experts are urging the Canadian government to step up efforts to prevent and remedy human rights abuse by corporations. "Rights without effective remedies do not mean much in practice," warned members of the UN's working group on business and human rights in a statement issued today at the close of a 10-day fact-finding mission to Canada. Among a slate of recommendations, they urged the government to strengthen access to remedy in Canada for people and communities affected by Canadian businesses worldwide. "The UN focused on Canada's extractive sector and drew attention to the frequency of reported attacks on human rights defenders including harassment, criminalization and killings in relation to Canadian projects," said Jean Symes of Inter Pares. "This report echoes what UN committees have been saying for years: that Canada must do more to fulfill its human rights duties in relation to Canadian business activity abroad," said Emily Dwyer, coordinator of the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA). The coalition of civil society organizations has long campaigned for the creation of an ombudsperson to investigate abuses linked to Canadian mining, oil and gas companies overseas. Such an ombudsperson could fill the significant gap that exists between existing mediation mechanisms and the courts, say the UN experts in their report. They recommend that the office be independent and well-resourced, with the power to investigate allegations and issue enforceable orders. "The government must pay heed to the working group's clear message: the time for talk is over; the time for action is now," says Karyn Keenan, director of Above Ground. About the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability The Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) works to ensure that Canadian mining, oil and gas companies respect human rights and the environment overseas. Formed in 2005, the CNCA brings together 30 Canadian environmental, human rights, faith-based, labour and solidarity groups. SOURCE Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability (CNCA) For further information: Emily Dwyer, Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability, (819) 592-6657 (cell), [email protected] What are the commitments made by 184 countries related to the Paris Agreement on the environment ? Developed countries have offered absolute economy-wide emissions targets (the United States, for instance, had pledged to reduce its emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025). If fully implemented, the submitted INDCs for 2025 and 2030 are projected to lead to a warming of around 2.7C by 2100 reflecting a 0.4C improvement on the situation in December 2014, where only announcements for 2030 and pledges for 2020 were available. Compared to the 3.6C by 2100 warming that is projected to result from current policies the INDCs submitted lower warming by about 0.9C There is still a large emissions gap in 2025 and, to stay below 2C, the gap is 11-13 GtCO2e. What is the difference between fully meeting the promises versus business as usual ? Full promises met 53-56 billion ton of CO2 per year in 2030 versus no projection with no agreement 58 to 61 billion tons of CO2. For 1.5C the 2025 gap is 14-16 GtCO2e and would therefore require significant improvement in the level of mitigation ambition. With current INDCs, the emissions gap is set to grow rapidly towards 2030. There is a major risk that if current INDCs are locked in for 2030 and not reviewed and strengthened every five years, starting in 2020, that achievement of the 1.5C goal called for by all the most vulnerable countries may be locked out, and achievement of the 2C goal fundamentally threatened. The EU plan is to greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030, against a 1990 baseline. The EU says this is in line with an existing EU objective to cut emissions by 80-95% in 2050 against 1990 levels. It also says the target is consistent with the need for at least halving global emissions by 2050 compared to 1990. Germanys total energy consumption rose by 1.6 percent in 2016 compared to 2015, according to AG Energiebilanzen (AGEB). Colder weather, 2016s leap day, a growing economy and population growth outweighed any energy savings. German energy-related CO emissions rose almost 1 percent in 2016, despite a fall in coal use and the ongoing expansion of renewable energy sources. The latest data underpins many experts view that Germany was unlikely to meet the target of reducing primary energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020 compared to 2008 levels. Applying AGEBs estimates, energy consumption in 2016 is 6.6 percent lower than in 2008. Primary energy consumption is also crucial to determining Germanys CO emissions. The country of the Energiewende, the dual move to phase-out nuclear power and cut carbon emissions, has made great strides in increasing the share of renewables in power generation, but CO2 emissions have remained stubbornly high, making it increasingly unlikely Germany will reach its target of cutting emissions 40 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. In order to meet its 2025 Paris Agreement commitmentor NDCof reducing emissions by 2628% below 2005 levels, the USA would have had to implement both the Clean Power Plan and the Obama Administrations full Climate Action Plan. Current US policies, including the Clean Power Plan, would only reduce emissions to 10% below 2005 levels by 2025. If the Clean Power Plan is stopped, emissions in 2025 are likely to be even higher, at 7% below 2005 levels, halting the downward trend of the last decade. The emissions levels between business as usual and the Clean Power Plan and the Obama Administrations Climate Action plan are virtually identical up to 2022. Europe, USA and Japan all had weak promises relative to the 2 degree warming and those promises if kept would not meet the target. Those promises were already on track to fall short by a lot. The US climate policies from Obama were going to be about 20% of the emissions gains from the boosts in natural gas usage that displaced coal usage. Nuclear energy facilities avoided 554 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2016 across the U.S. If the US increased nuclear energy production by 50% then they would match the fully implemented impact of the Clean Power Plan and the Obama Administrations full Climate Action Plan. China is implementing significant policies to address climate change, most recently aiming to restrict coal consumption, which may well have already peaked, based on recent estimates. This is because China is finally making progress to reduce its massive air pollution problem. A new study released by the Manhattan Institute last week criticized the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) for their flawed analysis of the Clean Power Plan (CPP). * The EPAS cost-benefit analysis of the CPP is fallacious; * The EPA drastically underestimated the costs of the CPP; and * The CPP will have NO measurable impact on world climate. CPP lacked basic logic in that it compares estimates of world economic benefits to U.S. only costs. The EPA ignored the broader impacts on the U.S. economy including potential reductions in future U.S. GDP growth from higher energy costs. Also being ignored by the EPA was the impact of changes in future U.S. economic growth on the world economy. The study cites an EPA-sponsored climate model showing that the CPP will have an estimated impact of less than 0.01 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. The EPA estimated CPP would cost $9 billion per year and the Climate action plan about $4 billion per year. Others have estimated costs that up to five times higher. Venezuela pledges to reduce emissions by at least 20% compared to business-as-usual levels by 2030, conditional upon developed countries fulfilling commitments on finance, technology transfer and capacity building. We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. Ethiopia has shut internet access until at least June 8 to stop cheats from posting high school exam papers on social media, a government official said on Thursday.Hundreds of thousands of students will take the tests throughout the country. The Grade 10 exams began yesterday and will end tomorrow.The Grade 12 tests will begin from June 5 and end on June 8.Last year, exam papers were widely posted online, prompting the government to reschedule the tests, which are the main public exams for 16- and 18-year-olds to secure places at university and on vocational courses.The shutdown is aimed at preventing a repeat of leaks that occurred last year, Mohammed Seid, public relations director of Ethiopias Office for Government Communications Affairs, told Reuters.We are being proactive. We want our students to concentrate and be free of the psychological pressure and distractions that this brings.Mohammed did not give a precise date regarding when the shutdown would be lifted, but added it would last throughout the exam period.He said only access to social media outlets was cut off and that services such as airline bookings and banking requiring internet access remained intact.A Reuters witness confirmed that WiFi and cellular internet access has been cut off. Access at embassies and international organisations remained intact.It is not the first time that Addis Ababa has pulled the plug on the internet. At the height of protests in late 2015 and 2016, Ethiopia imposed a blanket ban for weeks before disrupting only social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter.At that time, rights group Amnesty International slammed the disruption as an intent on stifling expression and free exchange of information.Critics say Ethiopia, an important Horn of Africa ally of the West sandwiched between volatile Somalia and Sudan, often clamps down on freedoms under the guise of national security. The government denies the accusations. A man in Florida, United States accused of hitting and scratching his young daughter has been jailed for almost six months for not providing police with a lock code to access his iPhone.Christopher Wheeler was adamant that the code he gave to law enforcement officers was correct, but the iPhones lock screen did not yield.The Florida court judge presiding over the case, who previously found Wheeler, 41, guilty of contempt of court, demanded that he turn over the correct four-digit number sequence, but Wheeler argued: I swear, under oath, Ive given [the detectives] the password.The iPhone in question is presumed to hold potential evidence of the injuries Wheeler is accused of inflicting on his daughter.Despite receiving a search warrant for the smartphone, however, any possible photos were unable to be used in the case due to the passcode barrier.Wheeler, who was arrested in March, was eventually jailed for 180 days, although according to the Miami Herald he will be released if he relinquishes the correct passcode.Apples notoriously secure iOS software has proved to be a significant hurdle in a number of court cases and police investigations over the years. The most high-profile case led to a bitter legal stand-off between the FBI and the Cupertino giant after the iPhone-maker refused to allow backdoor entry into the San Bernardino shooter Syed Farooks smartphone.The Islamic State-inspired terrorists iPhone 5C was eventually cracked. The hacking tools origin is still unknown.Reported by IBTimes The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said Indonesia has indicated its interest in increasing its purchase of crude oil from Nigeria.The NNPC in a statement signed by Mr Ndu Ughamadu NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs division in Abuja on Tuesday disclosed that Indonesia currently purchases about 90,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Nigeria.According to the statement this is in addition to about 140,000 barrels per day from Saudi Arabia to supplement its 900,000 barrels per day production.Speaking during a visit to the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Mr. Maikanti Baru, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Harry Purwanto also stated that his country looked forward to lifting crude oil directly from Nigeria, rather than through a third-party as was currently the case.He said that the President of the country, Joko Widodo, had instructed Indonesia National Oil Company, Pertamina, to direct its attention to Nigeria in its quest to meet the countrys surging energy needs.He added that a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on possible areas of co-operation between Nigeria and Indonesia was in the works.The NNPC said the call by the ambassador signifies the prospects of soaring Nigerias market share in Asian emerging economies which include China and India, having lost grounds in crude oil sales in the United State of America due to advances in shale oil exploration in recent years.Responding Baru, said the NNPC was interested in working with Indonesia on its initiative to replace firewood and kerosene with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as primary domestic fuel for cooking.He noted that the NNPC was aware of the huge success of the kerosene substitution programme in Indonesia and would like a collaboration to help Nigeria achieve a similar feat.He added that the NNPC would also like to partner with Indonesia in the area of bio-fuels production to diversify the nations energy mix and meet its energy needs.He challenged Indonesia to consider participating in the forthcoming bid round in order to realize its aspiration of maintaining a presence in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. 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 ... Mr Dario Morosini, the Special Envoy for Human Rights of the Australian Prime Minster, has expressed his countrys commitment to support Nigerias quest to tackle insecurity and fight against corruption.A statement by the Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Dr Clement Aduku, on Thursday in Abuja quoted Morosini as saying this when he visited the ministry.The Special Envoy was received by the Ministrys Permanent Secretary, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye.Morosini said his country would lend a helping hand to the Nigerian government in its efforts to diversify the economy.He said that he was in Nigeria as part of his countrys efforts to galvanise support for a strong global commitment toward sustaining the human rights of all citizens.The envoy conveyed his governments commendation over the rescue of the Chibok girls, which he described as a testament of governments commitment to ensuring the preservation of the rights of its citizens.The permanent secretary had earlier in his comment pledged Nigerias unflinching commitment to ensuring that the rights of all its citizens were protected.Enikanolaye informed the special envoy of the readiness of the Federal Government to collaborate with the Australian government to achieve its three main priorities of security, economic diversification, good-governance and anti-corruption.He also pledged the support of Nigeria for Australias bid for election to the UN Human Rights Council from 2018 to 2020. Taipei, June 1 (CNA) The wife of Lee Ming-che (), a Taiwanese human rights advocate who has been detained in China since March 19, on Thursday said she is not hiring a Chinese lawyer because China is ruled by men, not by law, and what she needs is the aid of legal consultants in Taiwan or other civilized countries. A murderous gang, known as Badoo has struck again in Ikorodu, Lagos, killing a family of five, including a pregnant woman. A murderous gang, known as Badoo has struck again in Ikorodu, Lagos, killing a family of five, including a pregnant woman.There is outrage in the community as angry youths are set to expose sponsors of the gang.The Police are already on the trail of the killers.The gang has been terrorizing residents of Ikorodu and environs with many people killed.The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, recently ordered the Divisional Police Officers in Ikorodu to fish out the cult group wreaking havoc in the community.Condemning the Badoo killings, Owoseni declared that all DPOs in Ikorodu should use all resources within their disposals to fish out Badoo cult group that has been causing havoc in the community. I am giving you all 48 hours to decongest your cells. Nobody should be detained more than 48 hours. I will conduct checks on the cells.The Police Commissioner also warned that the era of impunity and corruption among cops was gone. He appealed to his subordinates to come for transfer if they would not want to play by the rules in the state.I am tired of hearing about shooting or killing of innocent persons. No one has the right to take another mans life. It is only God that has the right to take life.It is your responsibility as a DPO to know those who are collecting bribe under you. If you refuse to stop them, they will stop you from being a DPO.It is embarrassing to see policemen collecting bribes and chasing yahoo yahoo boys for a DPO. I would not cover any DPO. I will expose you. Just leave Lagos before I get to your station. I cannot share out of your misconduct. I will give your photographs and details to journalists to expose you.I am shocked to hear that some Area Commanders and DPOs are on the pay rolls of fraudsters. I am investigating. Just pray that I dont get you. Just know that you are causing pains for taxpayers if you are intimidating them and collecting bribe from criminals.It is a curse to build a house with the money. The building would collapse on your head. Some of you even take people to the bank to collect money. If you train your children with the money, they wont be useful to you.If those who were in the force before us bastardized it, we would not have the opportunity to be enlisted in the police. I am tired of pleading with police victims because you are doing what you are not supposed to do. Remember, one day, you are going to die and give account to your creator.Go back to your areas of jurisdiction and warn your men against brutality, indiscriminate use of handcuffs on pregnant women, elders and persons with disability.Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) should take note. I will not tolerate any act of indiscipline.Learn a lesson from DPO Ijeshatedo, who shot dead a fashion designer. He is in our custody and we are compiling charges against him. He would soon be arraigned in court, Owoseni said. The clamour for the rebirth of the defunct Biafra Republic received another deadly blow on Thursday as another ethnic group has distanced i... The clamour for the rebirth of the defunct Biafra Republic received another deadly blow on Thursday as another ethnic group has distanced itself from the agitation. The South-South Progressive Coalition has therefore warned the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to stop including the Niger Delta region in their fraudulent activities. This is coming barely 24 hours after the Idoma National Forum also distanced itself from the claim by the secessionist groups that the Idoma community was part of the Biafra territory. President-General of SSPC, Amuna Success said the group has learnt on good authority that those funding IPOB/MASSOB are highly placed politicians and businessmen who have choice property and investment in the same Nigeria they want to secede from. According to him, Much as we were alarmed that this avenue for ventilating deep seated ethnic frustration was being hijacked by desperate thugs, we continued to maintain a measured silence because we thought it unfair to stifle the spirit of our Ndigbo brothers even when we were well aware from the onset of their delusionary quest. Delusionary, because in the south-south we have seen our share of how genuine agitation for improved quality of life can be hijacked by common criminals, used to threaten the country, and ultimately enrich themselves both at the expense of the struggle and of the populace. Our experience in this case includes the collective agitation for resource control, responsible attitude towards the environment in the course of oil exploration, and empowerment of the local population to get employment in the industries that operate in the fatherland. Today, all we have to show for the agitation are the self-appointed militant generals and traditional rulers who became rich from the blood the rest of us shed in the hope of securing a better deal for our homeland. If anything came of these struggles we do not feel the benefit. SSPC said they even if the south-south should excise itself from Nigeria today it would only, amplify other other differences whereby we then begin to thin as Kalabari, Urhobo, Itshekiri, Ijaw, Ikwere, Anang, Efik and the dozens other ethnic dematerialization we are structured into. We are therefore alarmed that the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), not satisfied with sabotaging their regions economy and punishing their own poor people, are drawing up maps of their phantom Biafra Republic in which they included the South-South. Nothing can be sicker than this. It is delusion taken too far and one that must be addressed immediately lest it graduates into madness. The group leader added that the Niger Delta was never part of Biafra before it became defunct, stressing that the parts that were coerced into the failed project were victim of occupation by Biafran militants. The defeat of that failed enterprise was possible with the cooperation of the modern day south-south that allowed federal troops safe passage. We want MASSOB and IPOB to know that if anything has changed it is the fact that the people of the south-south will not for one minute entertain aligning with separatists against their better judgment that shows a united Nigeria is the right thing to pursue. Anyone that is banking on the resources of the Niger Delta for a new country should have a rethink. Our warning is that the Niger Delta people will not allow anyone to steal their oil under the guise of secession from Nigeria. The five Igbo states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo put together do not amount to half of the landmass of the south-south; if these thugs have their way there would be massive exodus into the region and it would be a matter of time before they use their cunning to come up with some contraption to appropriate out land after hijacking our resources. Under the current arrangement our right to our land is not under threat. Why would we walk into a trap with our eyes opened? Founder of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has proven that the Biafra contraption is not above fraud and is nothing but a scheme set up to line the pockets of the movements leaders. This has proven by the sale of fake Biafran passports to youths, some of who are languishing in jail for immigration offences when they tried using the false documents only to get arrested. We hereby warn the Biafra agitators to stay away from the Niger Delta. They should desist from mentioning the South-South whenever they are lying to themselves. Our region is not going with them, the group warned. Atletico Madrid will be unable to sign new players until January 2018 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday upheld ... Atletico Madrid will be unable to sign new players until January 2018 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday upheld their transfer ban.Atletico and city rivals Real Madrid were barred from registering new players for two transfer windows in January 2016 for irregularities in the signing of foreign players under 18.This ruling is unfair and causes an irreparable damage to our club, Atletico said in a statement. The Federal Government says it is still reconciling the details of the 2017 budget passed by the National Assembly. The Federal Government says it is still reconciling the details of the 2017 budget passed by the National Assembly.The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this on Wednesday while briefing State House reporters after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.The minister was responding to a question on when the 2017 Appropriation Bill would be assented to.He said: "On the issue of budget, it is being reconciled, and we are all coordinating with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning."The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, told State House reporters today that the 2017 budget was not scheduled for assent on Thursday.The presidential aide stressed that consultations and engagements were still ongoing."Further to several enquiries regarding action on the 2017 Appropriation Bill by the executive, be please informed that assent to same is not yet scheduled as consultations and engagements are ongoing. Be please so informed," Enang said.Osinbajo's spokesman, Laolu Akande, neither answered phone calls nor replied a text message our correspondent sent to him seeking to know whether his boss would sign the budget on Thursday as reported by some online media.Our correspondent reports that Osinbajo is scheduled to travel to Calabar, Cross River State Capital, Thursday for an official engagement. In a short contribution titled Biafra Without Our Consent? which appears to have gone viral on social media, the celebrated and respected... In a short contribution titled Biafra Without Our Consent? which appears to have gone viral on social media, the celebrated and respected thespian Miss Kate Henshaw wrote as follows: I think the current generation of Biafrans are the most funny people I have ever seen. How dare you sit in your home or offices and draw your Biafra map and include places like Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, etc as part of your empire? Did you consult them? Did you seek their opinions? You are forcing people to join a country whose commander in chief you have already anointed- Nnamdi Kanu; whose currency you have already decided- Biafra Pounds; whose official religion you have already adopted- Judaism; whose God you have already chosen- Chukwu Abiama? Do you not realize that you are doing to those people the same thing you accuse the British and Nigeria of doing to you? For carving my state into your Biafra and renaming it without my permission and consultation, I have a moral duty to stand against you with everything I have. I am not standing against you because I do not want your freedom; I stand against you because I love mine too. I dont stand against you because you dont have a right to your country; I stand against you because I have the same right. I stand against you because your map is an insult to me and my freedom to choose were I belong. Be warned! Since she has not publicly denied it I assume that this beautiful and talented actress really is the author of these words. That being the case my response is as follows. Miss Henshaw and those that think like her are being disingenuous and unduly hostile to Nnamdi Kanu and the concept and spirit of Biafra. She has made a point that appears to be valid but that point is based on a false premise. That premise is that the southern minorities would be compelled or obliged to be part of Biafra without their consent. This is false. It is not true. The truth is that each of the bordering ethnic nationalities, and even the Igbo themselves, must and will have their own referendum before going anywhere. It is entirely up to them what they do and where they go. They cannot and will not be forced to go with Biafra if they choose not to do so. And neither can they be forced to remain in Nigeria if they choose to leave. Everything that is done must and will be based on the free and fair expression of the will of the people. That is the basic point that needs to be grasped and clearly understood. Miss Henshaws fear is therefore baseless. Yet we cannot leave it there. We must consider the wider issues that her concerns have raised. We must learn to be clear-headed and strategic in our thinking and actions. We must know what we wish to achieve and we must learn from history. The cost of petty bickering, division, undue rivalry, pettiness and age-old suspicions amongst the southern ethnic minorities and southerners generally is extremely high. It has cost us virtually everything and it has stripped us naked and bare before our enemies and adversaries. Someone is fighting for the freedom of his people and you lend your voice to rubbishing that person and that cause? That cannot be right and neither is it reasonable or fair. The sooner that we southerners get it into our skulls that there must be unity between us the better. Without that unity we are nothing and we shall continue to fail and falter. Yours truly has attacked and joined issues with the Igbo in a series of literary debates and articles in the past perhaps more than anyone else but now I know better. Now I know that historical and intellectual debate is one thing and political expediency and pragmatism is another. Now I know that we are fighting a collective cause and that we have a collective adversary and oppressor who seeks to destroy and devour us all. Now I know that when my Igbo or southern neighbours house is burning, even if we are barely on speaking terms, it is in my own interest to help him to put it out before that fire spreads to mine. Now I know that the handshake across the Niger that the late and great Ikemba, Colonel Emeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, the former Head of State of Biafra, once spoke about is the only way forward. Now I know that whether we like to admit it or not Igbo and Yoruba co-operation, understanding and unity is a fundamental pre-requisite to the freedom and emancipation of the entire south. Now I know that the more I attack my Igbo brothers the more I weaken myself, my Yoruba people and the south generally from the incessant and relentless attacks, humiliation and indignities that we collectively receive from the ruling core Muslim Hausa-Fulani north. Now I know that what fuels and feeds northern hegemony and subjugation more than anything else are the petty rivalries and divisions between the southern ethnic nationalities. And it has made us utterly powerless and hopelessly weak. The end-result is that we have all been turned into pliant and cowardly slaves. This has been the case since 1960 and it will continue into eternity if we dont sit up, grow up and set aside our many mutual suspicions and differences. The Biafrans are simply asking for their own country and for an affirmative referendum to give it legitimacy. No-one can be made to join Biafra against his or her will or by force. It appears to me that this is obvious. In any case did Miss Henshaw or her forefathers give their consent to becoming a Nigerian in 1914 when the amalglamation took place? Where is her sense of outrage about that? Did she warn the British or the north about that and did she promise to attempt to fight them because of it? Were we not all just herded into Nigeria like cattle at the time? Were those of us from the south not just lumped together with a north that the British described as our poor husband whilst we were described as their rich wife? Have we not been raped, sodomised, cheated, battered and butchered by that poor husband ever since? Have we not been turned into second class citizens and slaves in our own country? Has Miss Henshaw protested about that and has she expressed her outrage and warned our collective oppressors as well? Does she not feel a sense of revulsion and outrage about that? Or is her outrage and warning reserved only for her fellow southerners? The people of Biafra are fighting for the self-determination of their own Igbo people and anyone or any other group that wishes to join them. Is that a crime? Would you seek to deny them that right and instead join sides with their oppressors and keep them in Nigeria by the usage of state-sponsored terror, guile, deceit and tyranny? I do not accept the notion that the Biafrans seek to compel anyone or any group of people to leave Nigeria with them if they do not wish to do so. That would be unacceptable and it is not their intention. Unlike Nigeria, being part of or joining Biafra is not by compulsion but rather a matter of choice. And that choice can only be made in a free and fair referendum. If you do not wish to be part of Biafra and leave Nigeria then dont join them and instead stay in Lugards happy contraption. That is your right and your prerogative. Yet the truth is that with or without you the Biafrans will achieve their objectives and realise their dreams and aspirations as long as it is Gods will and the desire of the Igbo people. Whatever you and your people choose to do, either to go with Biafra or stay in Nigeria, do not allow yourself to be used by the retrogressive core north, the primitive forces of oppression and the asinine peddlers of lies, ignorance and falsehood to destroy someone elses yearning for freedom from oppression and aspiration for liberty. I say this because such an aspiration, yearning and quest is not only noble and pure but also deeply courageous. It is an aspiration that we should mirror and admire and not attempt to rubbish or belittle. This is all the more so because it has been paid for by the blood and suffering of many that have been killed over the last 50 years for daring to voice it, including many young people and many children. If Miss Henshaws Efik ethnic group had suffered just 10 per cent of what the Igbo have been subjected to since 1966 they would have agitated to leave Nigeria long ago or perhaps been driven into extinction by now. That is the bitter truth. Finally let me say this: whether anyone likes it or not Nnamdi Kanu symbolises the Biafran struggle today. He has earned it by the suffering he has endured, by the immense courage that he has displayed and by the gargantuan risks that he has taken. He has energised his people and inspired and brought hope to millions of Igbo youth all over the world. He has given them back their pride and self-respect which is something that no other leader has managed to do since the end of the civil war. This is a beautiful thing and I wonder why anyone that lays claim to being enlightened or educated would attempt to besmirch or denigrate him? Why try and demean him or discredit and belittle the views that he and his followers hold so dear? Whether anyone likes it or not the truth is that Nnamdi Kanu speaks for millions. And many other ethnic nationalist groups in the south and Middle Belt have precisely the same aspirations and dreams of emancipation and freedom that he espouses, enunciates, epitomises and holds so dear. The challenge that they are faced with is that, unlike the Igbo, they have yet to produce a leader like Nnamdi Kanu that can unite and rally them together under one banner and lead them to the promised land. The House of Representatives on Wednesday has expressed concerns that five years after funds had been released for solar energy project ... The House of Representatives on Wednesday has expressed concerns that five years after funds had been released for solar energy project in two North-Eastern states, the project has yet to commence.The House had expressed concerns over the disbursement of the $200m Clean Technology Trust Fund meant for the funding of solar energy project in the North-East zone.The concern was sequel to a motion by Rep. Shehu Musa (Bauchi-APC).Moving the motion, Musa noted that sometime in May 2012, the CTF Trust Fund Committee nominated Nigeria among Phase II beneficiary countries.He said the CTF Trust Fund Committee allocated $250m to finance its investment plan for renewable and clean energy with low carbon growth.Musa further said that out of the $250m, $200m was approved in the investment plan to finance the development of a 100MW grid-connected solar power plan.According to the lawmaker, the 100MW is a renewable energy sector in Bauchi.He said the grid-connected project included two other states in the North-East, based on feasibility study and Federal Government support for initiatives in the development of the North-East.Musa, who did not mention the two states, however, expressed concerns that five years after the approval and subsequent release of the funds, the project had yet to commence.According to him, CTF funding initiative in Nigeria is intended to help overcome the financing and market barriers for low-carbon investments.He said it was also aimed at supporting the deployment and application of clean energy and energy efficiency solutions in various industries, homes and service centres.The CTF is one of the two multi-donor Trust Funds within the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs).It is meant to promote scaled-up financing for demonstration, deployment and transfer of low-carbon technologies with significant potential for long-term greenhouse gas emissions saving, he said.Towards this end on Wednesday, the House mandated its Committee on Environment and Habitat to liaise with the ministers of Environment and Finance on the status report of the disbursement of fund for the project.It also urged that the report should include evidence of disbursement of the funds.The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.The House, therefore, mandated its committee to report findings within three weeks for further legislative action. (NAN) Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) Wednesday aimed a salvo at some of the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, lamenting th... Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) Wednesday aimed a salvo at some of the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, lamenting that such appointments have done harm than good to Nigerians.The lawmaker stated this while giving his remarks at the 2017 Nigeria Democracy Day Lecture organized by the Save Democracy Group Africa (SDG-Africa) in Abuja.The lecture which attracted eminent personalities drawn from politics, academia, civil society organizations and women advocacy groups, focused on the ills bedeviling the Nigerian state and strategies for tackling them to entrench a culture of patriotism and nationalism. Melaye lamented the appointment into government of people without the requisite experience, noting that the development is largely to blame for some of the ills recorded in the first two years of Buhari administration.Democracy is defined as a government of the people, by the people and for the people but what we had in the time of Jonathan was greedocracy, which is the government of the greedy, by the greedy and for the greedy. Today, we have criminocracy-a government of the criminals, by the criminals and for the criminals. Wrong appointment led to the emergence of the former (suspended) Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF who became a grasscutter, he said, adding that when you appoint a man who has no experience in civil administration as SGF, he is bound to misbehave.To sustain the nations democracy, Melaye urged Nigerians to note that a legitimate clash of interest exists between the legislature and the executive arm and as such, the National Assembly should be allowed the liberty to carry on with its statutory duty without hindrance.There is no where an auditor and the man who runs an organization are friends. Theres something wrong when the two are seen taking tea together, he argued. He further noted that those calling for the restructuring of the Nigerian state are right, adding that we must discuss and agree to be Nigerians. We have not discussed and we have not agreed.The only way in the opinion of the lawmaker to curtail agitation for secession is for Nigerians to trust their leaders, saying for this happen, leaders must lead by examples. Generators should only been used at emergency centres like hospitals and mortuaries so that when there is no light in Karmo (a suburb of Abuja), there will be no light also at the villa, he said. Melaye summed up his contribution by advocating for the removal of immunity clause from the nations constitution while urging government to take care of hunger and unemployment to put a stop to agitation for the break-up of the nations by some marginalized ethnic nationalities.Earlier in his keynote address titled, Sustainable Democracy and the National Question, Barrister Mike Ozekhome, SAN urged leaders not to take the unity of the country for granted even as he argued that agitation for secession is a right recognized by international law and the United Nations.He said, To sustain democracy, we must not take Nigeria unity for granted. Let us go back to fiscal federalism through devolution of power to the federating units. On his part, guest lecturer and former Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Yaqub condemned the nations variant of democracy, lamenting that close to two decades after the military relinquished power, democracy is yet to take root in the land. Theres no democracy in Nigeria but civil rule.The political parties are mere electoral machines, existing for the sole purpose of conducting elections, he said, adding that a return to regionalism is the way out of the economic squeeze most states are grappling with today. Present at the lecture were Senator Babafemi Ojudu who represented the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Femi Kila, Chief Chukwuemeka Eziefe (ex-Anambra State governor), Muhammed Abba Gana (former Minister, Federal Capital Territory), and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Naaba. A House of Representatives member, Garba Durbunde, who was abducted early Tuesday has regained freedom. A House of Representatives member, Garba Durbunde, who was abducted early Tuesday has regained freedom.The spokesperson of the House, Abdulrazak Namdas, confirmed this development to NE on Wednesday evening.He said the lawmaker has been released and since reunited with his family.He has been released unhurt and is with his family, Mr. Namdas said.When asked if any ransom was paid before he was released, Mr. Namdas said,I learnt he wasnt the actual target so he was released without any ransom.Mr. Durbunde, who represents Sumaila/Takai federal constituency, was kidnapped early Tuesday along Kaduna- Jere road on his way to Kano from Abuja. One Captain Chris Ndukwe Oshuoha has been killed by Sea pirates. Details surrounding his death are still sketchy; however, according ... One Captain Chris Ndukwe Oshuoha has been killed by Sea pirates. Details surrounding his death are still sketchy; however, according to friends and family, he was reportedly captured by the pirates while on duty at sea and murdered. He left behind a wife, Florence Anthony Oshuoha and a 2-year-old daughter. Nigerian refugees in Cameroon have accused the Federal Government of neglect, saying they were not getting enough food. Nigerian refugees in Cameroon have accused the Federal Government of neglect, saying they were not getting enough food.A representative of the over 200,000 Nigerians displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency called on the government to quicken the process for their return to their home communities in Banki, Pulka and other towns so they could put back the pieces of their lives.A video of the victims at Minawao Camp, Cameroon was shown at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.The footage was recorded when the agency visited the camp during its tripartite mission on the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.A woman who addressed the UNHCR officials during the visit complained that the FG had abandoned them to starve in Northern Cameroon.We are hungry, we dont get enough food to eat; Nigeria has forgotten us here, we wish to come back home even if they would not give us food. We prefer to be back on Nigerian soil without food, she said in Hausa.The UNHCR report said that over 200,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon cannot return to their communities because the conditions were not conducive.The UNHCR Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Antonio Calendula who presented the findings said the refugees were willing to come back, noting that they were not happy with their dependency on the UN agencies for their needs.The agency, however, recommended that advocacy should continue to stop ad hoc return by the refugees.The refugees are not happy depending on humanitarian assistance, they want to come back. Nigeria should improve reception conditions in anticipation of returns by the refugees, the UNHCR representative said.The UN agency chief said there was a need to strengthen information exchange between Nigeria and Cameroon.Cahandula stated that the World Food Programme was doing its best in prioritising Nigerian refugees over Central African Republic refugees whose food rations had been reduced by 50 per cent due to low budget. The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to disintegrate.He said the diversity of the country was the reason why other countries have respect for Nigeria.Osinbajo, who was on a two-day official visit to Cross River State, said this on Thursday during a courtesy call on the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.He reiterated the fact that the country was better together than apart.Cross River State is so much an intriguing part of Nigeria and every part needs the other. We are greater together than apart. When people speak of Nigeria, it is because of its diversity. Unity is absolutely important because God wants us to be united, Osinbajo said.He said the country has been able to manage its diversity so far, pointing out that crisis of any kind was not a solution to the problems of the country.According to him, the Federal Government was doing everything possible to accommodate every Nigerian, noting that President Buharis government will continue to work assiduously for the interest and development of all sections of the country.Osinbajo pledged the support of the federal government to the construction of the super highway by the state government, stressing that the initiative would enhance economic and social development of the state.Responding the Obong of Calabar, while appreciating the visit of the Acting President, pleaded that the traditional institution be given constitutional powers.According to him, the traditional institution had been the foundation of government.Meanwhile, the Acting President has performed the ground breaking ceremony of Ayade Industrial Park as well as unveiling the Calabar Rice Factory and the Garment Factory, which he described as a bold attempt by the Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade to develop the state. An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Usman Zakari, Wednesday gave graphic details of how the former Petr... Zakari is the EFCC second witness in the on going trial of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore and former Minister for National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, who are standing trial in the alleged N450 million fraud.Belgore and Sulaiman are being tried before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on an amended five counts.According to the amended charge, on or about March 27, 2015, Alison-Madueke was accused of conspiring with Belgore and Sulaiman to directly take possession of the sum of N450 million, which they reasonably ought to have known to be part of proceeds of unlawful act.The two defendants were equally said to have taken the said funds in cash, which exceeded the amount authorized by law, without going through any financial institution.They were also accused of paying a sum to the tune of N50 million to one Sheriff Shagaya, without going through financial institutions.The alleged offence according to the EFCC are contrary to sections 18 (a)15 (2) (d), 1 (a), 16 (d) and punishable under sections 15 (3) and 4, 16 (2) (b), and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.At the resumed trial of the two defendants, the witness while being led-in-evidence by the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, said the former Petroleum Minister used three oil companies namely: Auctus Integrated Investiment Limited, Nothernbelt Oil and Gas Limited, and Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, and two individuals, Leon Laitan Adesanya and an aide of the former minister, to launder $115 million.Zakari said by the authority of the former petroleum minister, the three companies laundered $17.884 million USD, $16 million USD, $9.5 million USD, while Adesanya laundered $1.150 million and $25.776 million.The witness told the court that the money were taken to the bank in suite cases.The witness also told the court how the former minister had a meeting with the managing director of a bank on how the money should be changed to Naira, and distributed to the 36 States of the country and the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), during 2015 general election.However, the matter was brought to a halt at the instance of the prosecutor, Mr. Oyedepo, who asked the court for adjournment, on the ground that he needed to meet a witness who will be testify in another criminal matter at a Lagos High Court tomorrow.The presiding judge, Justice Aikawa adjourned the matter till June 8, for continuation of trial. Contrary to the announcement by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka on Tuesday, that the Students Uni... Contrary to the announcement by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka on Tuesday, that the Students Union of the institution has been proscribed indefinitely, the Students Union President of the university, Comrade Aderemi Ojo has said that the union remains intact. Ojo made this declaration while addressing a joint press conference organized by the unions executive council and the Students Representative Council of the institution on Thursday in Ibadan. Ojo who was flanked by Secretary of the union, Comrade Uchechukwu Augustine and Speaker of the SRC Comrade Ibrahim Asiwaju said it was wrong for the Vice Chancellor to make such statement without Senate approval which he said was against the university regulations. He said that the union was not a cube of sugar which can be dissolved anyhow. He added that it was unfortunate that the university is waging an already lost battle against his government which has just spent 24 days in office. We are yet to receive any letter to that effect, our union is not a cube of sugar which can just be dissolved anyhow. You know all over the world, you deal with documents, we are yet to receive any document to that effect. Ojo in his five-page address said contrary to insinuation that he verbally embarrassed the VC, the only time he spoke during his inauguration was when he was called to read his speech, and that he did not even mention anything like VC. My administration, the patriotic intelligencia was sworn into office on May 8. 2017, just 24 days ago. At the said swearing in ceremony, our plans and visions for the union were intelligently highlighted in my inaugural speech, full text of which were well circulated and can be easily retrieved from several news platforms that published it. Gentlemen of the press, contrary to the widely circulated but falsely concocted story of the much respected VC that I insulted him at the inauguration, the only time I spoke at the said event was to deliver my speech and no part either directly mentioned the VC or implied insulted him, his personality of his office. It is, therefore, both laughable and ridiculous to hear that the sole reason supposedly offered by the management for the purported suspension of the union after 24 days in office was that the President supposedly insulted the Honourable Vice Chancellor. Ojo while speaking against unlawful victimization of students by the institution, its agents and the police both on and off campus informed that it was wrong for the institution to have claimed that the union directed students to act contrary to the institutions regulations. It has also been suggested, quite wrongly by the university that the union directed students to act contrary to university regulations. However, it is right to affirm that we have only followed the laws made by the university itself and nothing else. For instance, the direction of the SU for all students in the hostels to use hot plates in the Kitchenettes which the management generously built was made on the foundation of the laws for the same is provided for in Chapter 6 of the Students Information Handbook written and circulated by the university itself and also the ethics governing the halls of residence on campus. The union was only advising students to the law abiding and thus help the management keep the law it has magnanimously drafted. He informed that the union took several steps to prevail on the management to heed to the appeals of the union but to no avail, saying the Mondays protest was peaceful and earlier approved by the congress of the union. The generality of students of UI are law abiding, peaceful but conscious A students union congress was summoned on 27th May 2017at the congress, it was resolved among others that the students identity card which is a standing levy in the fees of every student must be received before examinations commence. It was on this basis that the generality of students in a peaceful manner organized ourselves and proceeded on a peaceful protest on Democracy Day, May 29, 2017. Not one person was flogged, no shop was looted, no stone was thrown, no bottle broke, in fact the students marched with our hands in the air. Let it be known at this juncture that the university echelon was well intimated of the proposed protest, and even the VC had requested a night before that the protest be delayed so he could address the congress and concede to our demands. Myself and the Speaker intentionally stalled at the congress, awaiting the presence of the VC but we waited in vain as he did not pick his call again when dialed several times. He said it was unfortunate that the university could announce their suspension without any formal document to that effect. It was a complete shock when the VC on Democracy Day undemocratically, solely and autocratically against university regulations and without any senate approval proceeded to announce at a broadcast on Diamond FM, the school radio that the school was being shut down. We have learnt that the approval for that action was granted a day after! That is obviously unheard of in sane societies. The Students Union President, however, after accusations and dispel of some claims on behalf of the union made 9-point-demand from the university management. He called for the immediate release of the Students Union Building and all properties of the SU that have been wrongly seized. One of the most beautiful things I appreciate about humans is the memory. I remember vividly, as a six or seven-year-old boy, my stepmother (now late) taking me to a white garment church (Cele as they are popularly known) at Iyana Ipaja, then a suburb of Lagos. The Olusho (or Pastor in charge) saw vision that I was a wizard or witch which if something was not done urgently, the witch in me would destroy the family and a lot of people. I remembered the flogging on my tiny body that day in graphic details today. Even when my father came back, he had to ban her from taking me to any church again on seeing how well the witch in me was flogged out. Till today, I am still scared of anyone who tells me s/he a white garment church. That is the power of human memory.Another thing I have come to realise about the human memory is that it selects what it wants to remember. Despite my experience with Cele people, (I dont ordinarily ask people about their religious beliefs), I have had friends whom I later knew attend white garment churches. Some have worked so intimately with me that their attending Cele doesnt seem to matter to me again. Why do I still remember an incident that happened in the late 1980s? After all, we are all victims of history!On May 30, 2017, the memory of the Nigerian Civil War came alive again, understandably, from the South-Eastern (the worst hit during the war) geo-political zone of the country. The part that we should not forget is that according to Chido Onumah, We Are All Biafrans. But rather that say we all are Biafrans, I will say we all are victims of history. But How? Why? Where?In 1953, Action Group (AG), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo went to the London Constitutional Conference with two political demands: First, the question of whether Lagos should be part of the Western Region; and second, the question of the right of a region to secede from the Federation be included in the Nigerian Constitution.Let us forget about the first question for now. Only recently did I read Professor Kalu Ezra's classic, Constitutional Developments in Nigeria. The foremost authority on Nigerian Constitutional Developments writes:"Before the [1954] Conference got underway, the Colonial Secretary, Oliver Lyttelton, produced a cigar sent to the Conference by Sir Winston Churchill, then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Government, and said that he did not propose to smoke it unless the Conference was in trouble. Remembering the extreme and undiplomatic challenges of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the Colonial Secretary and the latter's stern warning reply to him, it was not surprising that rumours were afloat to the effect that a British man-of-war was standing alert near the Coast of Lagos to take charge of the situation, should the Action Group rank and file be goaded into taking the law into their hands over the Lagos issue."The Action Group delegation did not raise the question of the position of Lagos again at the Lagos Conference. But it did, however, DEMAND THAT THE RIGHT OF A REGION TO SECEDE FROM THE FEDERATION TO BE PROVIDED IN THE CONSTITUTION. But the Conference, clearly influenced by Dr. Azikiwe's scholarly exposition on the dangers of which received the strong backing of the Chairman, the Colonial Secretary, objected that any secession clause should be written into the amended Constitution." (page 189, My Emphasis).Now, had the right of any region to secede from the federation been granted in 1954, there are high possibilities that the ugly developments in the mid-1960s would never have happened. We all must accept responsibility for this!To show that we all are victims and all have blood on our hands, I recount some developments of historical significance in Nigeria.The January 15, 1966, we are told, was not an "Igbo coup" even though it was led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu (Anioma by tribe from Delta state) but somehow, we should believe the July 29, 1966 Coup is an "Hausa coup" even though it was led by Yakubu Gowon (Angas by tribe from Plateau state). Let us not forget that another "Hausa Coup" removed Gowon exactly nine years after in 1975.We are to forget that the Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and his NCNC teamed up with "oppressors Hausa-Fulani" NPC not only in 1959, they also teamed up to send political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to jail in 1962. The coalition to weaken the Western Region was perfected with the creation of the Mid-Western Region while at the same time the AG was calling the creation of Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR), Ilorin/Kabba and Middle Belt provinces which fell on deaf ears. Nowhere did Awo complain of "marginalisation of Yorubas" despite the hell he went through in the hands of this formidable coalition. No one recalls Yorubas calling for the head of Igbos for such shabby treatments meted out on the politician!In parenthesis, Chief Awolowo warned the actors in the coalition of the consequences of their actions especially when they declared a State of Emergency in the Western Region in 1962. Little did they realise it will shape events that will come later in 1966 and 1967.The same pattern repeated itself in 1979. Let us not forget that Zik led his NPP to congratulate Alhaji Sheu Shagari (from Sokoto) after the most controversial election in Nigerian history. The party even joined the Shagari government (at least till 1981). No one called Igbos betrayers for this. Even when the Yoruba-dominated UPN was boldly rejecting fraudulent election results in Ondo and Oyo states in 1983, Hausa-Fulani dominated NPN stole Anambra (Zik's home state), yet he led his NPP once again to congratulate Shagari's NPN all to spite Awo. Again, no one called Igbos betrayers!We should also not forget that ex-Biafran hero, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, on his return to Nigeria in 1982, about two decades after the war, joined and contested for the Nigerian Senate under the Hausa-Fulani dominated NPN in 1983. He lost, and somehow, we are to forget that.In 1993, a certain Arthur Nzeribe was used by the military government to scuttle the presidential election was by Chief MKO Abiola (an Egba man from Ogun State), Igbos were never tagged by Yorubas for this unfortunate incident as betrayers or bad people. It wasn't the case of "Yoruba betrayal by Igbos". Everyone condemned only Nzeribe, not Igbos. I doubt if there was anything the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu could have done to change that!Let's not forget the main arrowheads of the elongation of Abacha's tenure were the Iwuanyawus, Ojo Maduekes, Daniel Kanus (the YEAA man), Onyeka Onwenus and the likes were Igbos supporting a Kanuri man's ambition. Yes, there were Yorubas too, like Sunny Ade, Shina Peters, Lamidi Adedibu and business mogul, Alao Arisekola, but no one called it an Igbo or Yoruba agenda!Apart from core PDP supporters in the South West, and I mean the Fayoses, Gbenga Daniels, Alao Akalas etc, that supported the Obasanjo's infamous third term, it was vehemently rejected in the South West. But in South-South and South-East, governors were trying to outdo each other to be seen to be supporting the Obasanjo's agenda. In fact, in the heat of the debate over the constitutionality of Obasanjos ambition, Professor Joe Irukwu-led Ohaneze Ndigbo, endorsed President Obasanjos ambition to contest for a third term. We should, for the sake of history, not forget to say it was the Senate, under Senator Ken Nnamani, that save the nation from Obasanjos brigandage!My point is for people to tackle whoever offends or offended them, not his tribe or where he came from. A bad man gives his tribe a bad name even though the tribe contains a host of angels.I will end this piece with a quote from Frantz Fanon, in his book, The Wretched of the Earth, where he writes:"The collective struggle presupposes collective responsibility at the base and collegiate responsibility at the top. Yes; everybody will have to be compromised in the fight for the common good. No one has clean hands; there are no innocents and no onlookers. We all have dirty hands; we are all soiling them in the swamps of our country and in the terrifying emptiness of our brains. Every onlooker is either a coward or a traitor."On Fanons note, we are all victims of our history. So, no one is innocent or guilty! Former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media, Reno Omokri, has advised people of the South East to erase the not... Former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media, Reno Omokri, has advised people of the South East to erase the notion that Yorubas are cowards. He said they should work with them if they want to be politically relevant in Nigeria. In a post on his Facebook page, the United States, US-based pastor gave instances where two men, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice President under the Military administration of Muhammadu Buhari, Tunde Idiagbon returned to the country to face almost certain death when they had the option of asylum. The former Presidential aide also noted that the South West remained the most educated region of Nigeria. The post reads, Why do NdiIgbo still believe the false stereotype that the omo Oduduwa (Yoruba) are cowards? In the history of Nigeria, only two men have returned to Nigeria to face almost certain death even when they had the option of a very comfortable political asylum abroad. Both of them are Yoruba. In 1985, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida toppled the Buhari regime while Major General Tunde Idiagbon (mixed Yoruba/Fulani) was at Mecca yet Idiagbon returned. In 1995, Olusegun Obasanjo (pure Owu Yoruba) was accused of planning a coup by the blood thirsty tyrant, Abacha (if you dont like the truthful description of Abacha you can go and join him where he is) while he was away in Copenhagen. He returned to face almost certain death. I admired Ojukwu, but I was disappointed that he fled. I wish he remained. I also admired Azikiwe, but Awolowo would NEVER abandon his people as Azikiwe did when he defected to the federal side during the civil war. Awolowo was in prison because of his people and he could have been released had he compromised his beliefs but he stoutly refused. That is courage not cowardice. I have been in direct communication with Gowon whom I admire but he did not return after he was accused of being behind the Dimka coup. Obasanjo and Idiagbon are probably the bravest Nigerians ever. They are certainly braver than Murtala Mohammed who was safely in London waiting for Joseph Garba and co to topple Gowon. The stereotype of Yorubas as cowards is false. Every ethnicity has cowards and brave men. As we celebrate #BiafraAt50, I hope the Yoruba and Igbo can find common ground and unite as Southern Nigerias two main ethnic nationalities otherwise the South will continue to be politically disadvantaged even when it is the most educationally advantaged part of Nigeria. BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP -- Four inmates attacked a corrections officer last week at a New Jersey youth prison, dragged him from his desk and stomped him, the officers' union said Thursday. Senior Corrections Officer Allan Birch was "savagely attacked" May 25 at the Juvenile Medium Security Facility, run by the state's Juvenile Justice Commission, PBA Local 105 President Brian Renshaw said in a statement. Juvenile Justice Commission spokeswoman Sharon Lauchaire confirmed the an incident took place and said it was quelled quickly and remains under investigation. Renshaw described Birch suffering a significant beating. He said Birch was sitting at an officer's station when four inmates simultaneously punched, kicked and stomped him multiple times in the head and abdomen and dragged him from behind. Birch managed to break free and attempted to open a door, but the inmates dragged him again and continued the attack, Renshaw said. Backup officers arrived, restrained the inmates and called for off-site medical treatment for the officer, who suffered head trauma. "Our juvenile justice officers risk limb and life every day while maintaining the peace in dangerous correctional facilities," Renshaw said. The PBA president said the attack on Birch is another example of the need for passage of the Sick Leave Injury bill, which would bring corrections officers in line with police officers and pay them in full while recovering from serious on-duty injury. Gov. Chris Christie conditionally vetoed the bill last month, but sent it back with recommendations, which the Senate has since passed and sent to the governor's desk. "While recovering, Officer Birch and others injured in the line of duty should have access to full compensation and benefits while out of work on medical leave," Renshaw said Thursday. Under current law, an officer injured by an inmate only receives a percentage of their pay in the form of workers' compensation. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. CINNAMINSON -- Students from Camden Catholic High School celebrated their 2017 prom on Wednesday night as they arrived in style at the The Merion in Cinnaminson. NJ Advance Media was there to capture images of some of the students as they arrived for the celebration. Check back at nj.com/southjerseyproms for other local high school prom coverage from schools in South Jersey. And be sure to check out our complete prom coverage at nj.com/prom. BUY THESE PHOTOS Are you one of the people pictured at this prom? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? When viewing the images on a desktop computer, look for a link in the photo caption to purchase the picture. You'll have the ability to order prints in a variety of sizes, or products like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs and more. SHARE YOUR PROM PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Let's see your prom photos. Post your pictures on Twitter and Instagram with #njprom. We'll retweet and repost our favorites on Twitter @njdotcom and Instagram @njdotcompix. Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @photogthawk. Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @photoglori. Find NJ.com on Facebook. BRIDGETON -- A Vineland police officer will not be facing any charges following his involvement in the shooting of Richard Bard Jr. because his action was legally justified, authorities said Thursday. The announcement was made by Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae Thursday afternoon following the conclusion of her office's investigation into the case. Bard, 31, of Bridgeton, was shot and killed around 1 a.m. April 17, 2016 at the corner of South East Avenue and Montrose Street in Vineland by a Vineland officer. Authorities say Bard fired on the officer -- who authorities declined to identify -- narrowly missing him, and the officer retired fire, fatally wounding him. "Based upon legal principles involving the use of force in self-defense and the use of force by law enforcement, the prosecutor's office evaluated the facts and determined that the police use of force under the New Jersey Code for Criminal Justice was lawful and justified," the prosecutor's office said in a statement. The prosecutor's office interviewed witnesses at the scene, which included police officer and citizens. Webb-McRae also said they studied forensic evidence ad documents about the incident. 2 men indicted for murder, robbery of Millville man The incident stemmed from a 911 call that came into the Vineland Police dispatch about two black males who were robbing and assaulting a Hispanic male. Bard allegedly pistol-whipped the man in the face and head. Bard allegedly stole a cell phone and a $115 money order, authorities said. When the friends of the robbery victim began chasing Bard with their truck, he allegedly fired shots at them and continued to run. When police arrived at the scene, they told the two men running from the robbery scene to stop. However, according to the report, the men did not stop. One officer ran after the second suspect, and one officer ran after Bard. The prosecutor said her office's investigation found that the officer who was chasing Bard said that Bard appeared to "be using his right hand to secure something in his right side waistband." The officer reportedly yelled "Gun" and began to duck. Bard allegedly fired the first shot, almost hitting the officer in the head. The officer returned fire twice and struck Bard. Bard fired one more shot at the officer. When attending to Bard, the officer said "Why did you shoot at me? You shot at me man." Bard was shot in the thigh. He was taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland where he later died. Protests led by the family of Bard Jr. ensued, asking for justice in the shooting death. Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews. Find NJ.com on Facebook. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP -- An overturned dump truck has closed Schooleys Mountain Road in Washington Township on Thursday, police said. Washington Township Police Lt. Douglas Compton said the road remains closed as of noon and there's no time yet for it to be reopened. Compton said the truck was hauling asphalt when it overturned. No one was injured in the crash and only the dump truck was involved in the crash, he said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Washington Township police. Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Shruthika Padhy of Cherry Hill outlasted more than 200 other students and reached the final rounds of the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Shruthika, 11, a sixth grader at Rosa International Middle School, is making her second straight appearance in the bee finals. She correctly spelled defibrillator, a machine that delivers an electric shock to keep a heart beating, in the second round to remain in competition. She is the only student from New Jersey in the finals. Of the nine contestants from the state, six spelled both words correctly in Wednesday's competition. But the final students were chosen not only from their oral spelling abilities on Wednesday but from the earlier written spelling and vocabulary tests they also took as part of the competition. Overall, 188 of the 291 spellers got both words right, though just 40 made the finals. Shruthika has a chance to do what only one other New Jersey resident has done in the bee's 90 years: win. Katharine Close of Spring Lake, a 13-year-old, came in first in 2006 after correctly spelling ursprache, a language reconstructed from later languages. Asha Chauhan, 13, of Elmwood Park, an eighth grader at Elmwood Park Memorial Middle School, began the second round by spelling scrupulosity correctly. The word refers to an excessive concern about moral or religious issues. But her final score was too low to make the finals. While Asha said she was disappointed, her father, Hari Lal, said he was "really proud" of his daughter to get as far as she did in her first bee. Here's how the others did: -- Anmol Bhatia, 12, of Green Brook, a sixth grader at Green Brook Middle School, spelled stevia, a sweetener, correctly. -- Alexandria Ciurlino, 13, of Egg Harbor Township, a seventh grader at St. Vincent de Paul Regional School in Mays Landing, spelled complicit, which means involved with others in an illegal action. -- Tanay Nandan, 10, of Short Hills, a fourth grader at Hartshorn Elementary School, correctly spelled liquefaction, where an earthquake causes soil to lose strength and stiffness. -- Christopher Serrao, 11, of Whitehouse Station, a fifth grader at Holland Brook School in Whitehouse Station, correctly spelled napoleon, referring to the pastry and not the French leader. Word trend alert! Shout out to our history buffs..."Napoleon" followed by "Bonapartism" #spellingbee pic.twitter.com/s4CHHw2naZ Scripps National Spelling Bee (@ScrippsBee) May 31, 2017 His sister, Danielle, competed in the bee last year. "I'm so happy to see him following in my footsteps," she said. Christopher has three more years of eligibility and he said he was planning on competing next year. "What goes unnoticed is all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes," said their father, Dominic. "I told them this is like getting to the Super Bowl. Getting there is an achievement in itself." Near the end of the round, Naomi Castellanos, 11, of North Bergen, misspelled cinquain, a poem of five lines. The sixth grader at Franklin Elementary School in North Bergen had won the the 58th annual Jersey Journal-Hudson County Spelling Bee. Two students didn't make it out of the first round: -- Ishaan Akula, 10, of Morganville, a fifth grader at Frank Defino Central Elementary School in North Marlboro, who misspelled kakapo, a New Zealand parrot. -- Julian Connaughton from Shohola, Pa., making his second bee appearance, who misspelled sirenomelus, a rare deformity in which the legs are fused together. He is a 13-year-old seventh grader at Delaware Valley Middle School who was sponsored by the Tri-State Spelling Bee Committee in Montague. The winner receives an engraved trophy, a $40,000 cash prize, a $2,500 U.S. savings bond, and an Encyclopaedia Britannica reference library. In addition, there are trips to New York City to interviewed on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" and to Hollywood to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live." Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. -- A county in Long Island has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle lawsuits over a crash between a police car and an SUV during Superstorm Sandy that left a New Jersey student dead, according to a report. Vishwaja Muppa, a 21-year-old Edison woman and student at Stony Brook University, was killed in the crash. The settlement also included three women riding in the vehicle with Muppa who say they suffered injuries from the crash, some of which were permanent, , according to a report by Newsday.com. The settlement was approved by Suffolk County on Tuesday after $3 million was authorized by the legislature to pay part of the settlement, the report said. According to a report by The Associated Press, police said the storm had knocked out the traffic light and that the officer didn't have his emergency lights on. It is unclear how much the survivors of the crash and the estate of Muppa will receive under the settlement. At around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2012, Muppa was riding in the backseat of a 2002 Toyota Highlander traveling north on Route 112 when it collided with a marked police car at an intersection darkened due to a power outage from the storm, previous reports said. The police car -- which was being driven by Suffolk County Police Officer Rene Garcia -- was heading west on Route 347, coming from a storm-related call at the time, according to officials in a previous report. Muppa was pronounced dead at the scene. The three other women in the SUV, as well as Garcia, were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook. A New Jersey Transit bus en route to New York City became temporarily disabled as it approached the Lincoln Tunnel on Thursday morning. The No. 320 bus from Secaucus had to stop in the XBL (exclusive bus lane) due to a problem with a door, NJ Transit spokesman Jim Smith said. Port Authority police made a temporary fix to the door and the bus was able to continue on at about 8:30 a.m. The bus was only delayed for about 10 minutes, Smith said. A second bus got a flat tire on the New Jersey Turnpike on Thursday morning, NJ Transit said. The No. 115, which travels from the Avenel section of Woodbridge through Rahway, Linden and Elizabeth before heading toward New York City, had to pull off near exit 16E. Passengers were delayed about 10-15 minutes before being transferred to another bus, Smith said. It will take commuters about 45 minutes to reach the tunnel from exit 16E on the New Jersey Turnpike as of 8:30 a.m. according to 511nj.org, the state Department of Transportation's traffic website. On Wednesday, a bus broke down in the center tube, causing heavy delays along Route 495 and back to the Turnpike. EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to reflect new information. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.comFollow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The one-time dominant electronics retailer RadioShack is in the final stages of closing more than 1,000 stores, leaving just 70 opened across the country. Just three brick-and-mortar stores will remain open in New Jersey, including in Kearny, Toms River and West Orange. The company will keep those 70 stores in operation across the U.S. as it migrates sales operations to its website. The closures will not impact the company's 500 "dealer stores" around the country, according to a statement from the company. The company held a massive liquidation sale over the holiday weekend, saying in the statement, "before we close the stores for good." At its height, RadioShack -- which opened in Boston in 1921 -- operated more than 7,300 stores, generating billions in revenue. But the company was unable to adapt to the ever-changing landscape in electronic retail over the years and filed for bankruptcy multiple times. In March, the company shuttered 200 stores after filing for bankruptcy for the second time in two years. In the statement, the company said, "We cannot thank you, the RadioShack family, enough for sharing in the journey throughout the years. We have heard countless stories and truly appreciate the millions of employees and customers that have made RadioShack their neighborhood convenience electronics store for the past century." Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook. TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday gave a full-throttled attack against the person that polls show is the most likely to replace him, blasting Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Phil Murphy as a "joke," a "fraud" and man who "bought" his party's nomination. The governor, speaking at a public event in Trenton, assailed Murphy for his recent pledge to spend no more than $13.8 million and take public matching funds in the general election if he wins the party's nomination on Tuesday. Murphy, a former U.S. ambassador to Germany and Democratic fundraiser who earned tens of millions before that as a Goldman Sachs banking executive, already poured more than $16 million of his personal fortune into his campaign. But by saying plans to use public matching funds in the general election, his spending in the general election will be limited by law. Christie, who used public matching funds for his 2009 run and in the general election in 2013, called it an empty promise. "It's a fraud. He's a fraud," Christie said. The governor said New Jerseyans could "take it to the bank" that millions more will pour into the race if whoever the GOP opponent makes it to the general election, including frontrunners Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset) or Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, close the gap. "Right now he's up by double digits in the polls, that I've seen, right?" Christie said. "Let me tell you something, if that gets to single digits, you and I can have whatever bet you want to have about whether a third party group with anonymous donors will show up with tens of millions of dollars with attack ads against Guadagno or Ciattarelli." Christie added: "This promise is meaningless." Murphy is ahead of his Democratic rivals by double digits, recent polls show. And at this point, he's the favorite to clinch the 2017 race against either of his likely GOP rivals. Christie, who's at historic low approval ratings in other polls, continued his assault against his likely successor by attacking the man he ran against in 2009. "He's no different from the guy over there," Christie said, pointing to a portrait of former Gov. Jon Corzine hanging on the wall. "The only difference between Phil Murphy and Jon Corzine is that Phil Murphy doesn't have a beard -- that's the only difference between the two of them," he said. "They both bought the nomination, they both have no experience." Then, Christie backtracked, admitting Corzine was a U.S. senator before he was governor. When a reporter asked if Murphy's time as U.S. ambassador counted as experience, Christie shot back: "Seriously? You want to go through the list of people who have been ambassador? How'd he get the ambassadorship?" "He bought it. That's who gets to be ambassadors," he said. "He became a serious candidate for governor cause he wrote checks to every man, woman and child who mattered in the Democratic Party to buy their support," Christie said. "I mean, come on." A spokeswoman for Murphy brushed aside Christie's remarks. "The last person who should be giving anyone advice on ethics in government is Chris Christie, who is apparently too toxic even for Donald Trump to touch," Murphy's chief strategist, Julie Roginsky, said. Murphy's Democratic rivals -- including former U.S. treasury official Jim Johnson, state Sen. Raymond Lesniak and Assemblyman John Wisniewski -- have lobbed similar criticism at Murphy. His opponents claimed he used his money to gain influence among the state's Democratic leaders whose support is crucial to winning the party's nomination for governor. Murphy has been endorsed by all 21 county Democratic Party chairs in the state. Murphy, along with his wife, Tammy, donated at least $1.15 million to state and local Democratic organizations and candidates since 2001. More than 40 percent of that money -- about $466,000 -- was donated over the past three years, a period during which Murphy took steps toward launching his campaign. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook. TRENTON -- A state Assembly panel voted Thursday to raise the age for tobacco product purchases in New Jersey from 19 to 21, a move that will cost the state nearly $16 million in tax revenue. The 7-3 vote of the Assembly Appropriations Committee sends the bill to the full Assembly -- the last stop before it gets to Gov. Chris Christie's desk. The Republican governor vetoed the same measure in January 2016, however. Karen Blumenfeld, executive director of Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy, or GASP, said the money the state would lose on tobacco tax revenue would eventually be made up by the reduction in tobacco-related illnesses like cancer and emphysema among state employees and Medicaid recipients. The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services estimated the state would lose $4.5 million to $12 million in the first year of implementation, and $5.6 million to $15.7 million the following year in tax revenue. The amount of losses would diminish by 4 percent a year as more people quit smoking. Federal data suggest there are 440,000 19- and 20-year-old smokers in New Jersey. The taxes on a pack of cigarettes are $2.70. The Senate approved the bill last year. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Jim Johnson has Jack Antonoff. Phil Murphy has Jon Bon Jovi. Both Johnson and Murphy, who will face off Tuesday in the Democratic primary for the party's nomination to succeed Chris Christie as New Jersey's governor, got support from a prominent New Jersey rock star this week -- each from a different generation. On Tuesday night, Johnson's campaign released a video featuring Antonoff -- the guitarist for pop-rock group Fun and the leader of alternative rockers Bleachers -- endorsing the former U.S. Treasury official. "I believe he will give New Jersey back to the people, that he will not discriminate against race, class, or religion," Antonoff, a native of Bergen County, says in the clip. "I believe that he will create the New Jersey that I grew up in, and know and love so much." The video was filmed by Antonoff's longtime girlfriend, actress and writer Lena Dunham, the creator of the HBO show "Girls." The next day, Bon Jovi played a four-song acoustic set for about 150 people at a private fundraiser at a Morristown hotel for Murphy, the former U.S. ambassador to Germany who is the front-runner for the Democratic nod. The Sayreville native's setlist included "Livin' On a Prayer" and a cover of "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles. Also at the event: Oscar-winning actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. Bon Jovi has appeared with Murphy at a number of events over the years. The two are neighbors in Middletown. Two oysters hitch a ride on a crab; it looks like this: report The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts. 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 Authorities have placed an inmate of the Council Bluffs Residential Correctional Facility on escape status after he failed to return the facility. Jonathan M. Clausell, 32, failed to report back to the facility Thursday afternoon, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections. He was placed on escape status at 3 p.m. Clausell was serving time from 2008 and 2009 convictions of second-degree robbery out of Union County, assault while participating in a felony and first-degree theft in Montgomery County and voluntary absence in Pottawattamie County, the state corrections department said. Clausell is described as a black male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on May 23, 2017. Anyone with information on Clausells whereabouts should contact the local police. The Council Bluffs City Council Wednesday night moved closer to changing city code, allowing residents to shoot off fireworks during the Independence Day and New Years holiday seasons. During the special meeting, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance that will amend city code to allow residents to shoot off fireworks from noon to 11 p.m. on July 2 to 4 and from noon on Dec. 31 through 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. A second, similar ordinance was unanimously approved that deals with the citys noise control code. The council also unanimously approved a resolution setting the fees for inspections of fireworks sales sites. The council will vote on the second reading of the ordinance at its next regular meeting on June 12. The council will likely waive the third reading. I think the current ordinance banning all use would be unenforceable, Councilman Al Ringgenberg said during the meeting, saying there needs to be a way to balance residents right to peace and quiet with the liberty afforded in the change of state law. In early May, then-Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law a bill that legalizes the sale of most consumer fireworks, ending an almost 80-year ban. The law allows sales between June 1 and July 8 as well as from Dec. 10 to Jan. 3 from licensed shops. Temporary firework stands will be allowed June 13 to July 8. The council held the special meeting a day before sales started to get the codes on the books. Cities across Iowa still await administrative rules on the law from the state. After discussion on the matter from Council Bluffs Fire Chief Justin James, Council Bluffs Police Chief Tim Carmody and others, the council included additional provisions in the ordinance. The fireworks ordinance requires users to set off the fireworks on their own property or property where they have permission to set them off, while also barring their use at bars. Users must set off fireworks at least 75 feet from homes and other structures. The ordinance restricts the use of fireworks by anyone younger than 18 years old. With adult supervision, children 5 and older can use Class III fireworks, which include snaps, snakes and sparklers. The Iowa State Fire Marshals Office is in charge of licensing distributors, but the office has asked local departments to inspect sites because of a lack of manpower to cover the entire state. Fire department officials will work with companies and conduct two inspections the first before fireworks are on site, with the company providing information on setup and other factors. The second inspection will be to check that the company followed through on their plan. During the City Council meeting, Mike Ware, owner of Gretna, Nebraska-based, Hometown Fireworks, suggested the city ask vendors to hand out a safety sheet to customers. Ware said his company will open one fireworks sales tent in Council Bluffs. Last week, Vince Bellino, manager of Bellino Fireworks in Papillion, Nebraska, told the Nonpareil the company plans to open three temporary tent sales locations in Council Bluffs this year. During the meeting, James said he thinks the use of fireworks should remain illegal in the city. We have laws to protect people from other people, James said. And I think we should keep them. I think we can enforce the code. The majority of the council members and Mayor Matt Walsh lamented the state Legislatures action on the new law, which passed with little time for municipalities to study the law and put zoning and other ordinances in place. Councilman Nate Watson, participating at the meeting via cellphone, said he disagreed with how the Legislature handled the issue, but noted that since firework possession and purchase will be legal, residents will think they can shoot them off in the city. That makes sense, he said. But I dont like the position weve been put in. Storms should roll into the area early today and then again late Friday in southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska. The warmest day this week looks to be Friday, according to the National Weather Service office in Valley, Nebraska. The Council Bluffs-Omaha metro area forecast calls for partly sunny skies today and a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 p.m., with a high around 80. There is a 20 percent chance of showers tonight, with thunderstorms before 2 a.m. with a low around 65, the weather service said. Right now, were not in line for any severe weather, said Ryan McPike, a KMTV meteorologist, adding that some parts of the region could see strong thunderstorms. Mostly sunny skies return Friday, when a high in the mid- to upper 80s is expected. Friday night brings a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. and a low around 65. In the metro area, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday and Saturday night. Expect a high around 85 and an overnight low around 60, the weather service said. McPike said the metro area could receive 0.64 inches of rainfall through Sunday, with heavier amounts to the south. Next week, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday should be dry and mostly sunny with highs in the mid-70s to the lower 80s. The Bald & the Brave Challenge returns this month for the fifth and final time. The event will be June 10 in the 100 block of West Broadway. This years activities will include a Fundraising Challenge through June 10, the traditional Hair Challenge from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and the Strength Challenge, which will be a tug-of-war, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Spirit of Courage Charitable Patient Care Fund at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. The fund assists Jennie Edmundson cancer patients who need help paying for treatment, medications, transportation, supplies and other needs. As in the past, four teams of public servants will compete in the fundraising and hair challenges: the Council Bluffs Police Department, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Public Works Department and City staff. Besides competing at the event, teams are selling raffle tickets for travel vouchers, and citizens can donate $5 in honor or in memory of a loved one, said Tara Slevin, vice president of development and volunteer services at Jennie Edmundson. Dedication cards will be posted in the Jennie Edmundson cafeteria and businesses in the 100 Block. Donors can pick which of the four city teams will get credit for raising the money. In addition, the Public Works Department team will hold its third annual Wheels of Courage Car Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24 at Quaker Steak & Lube, 3320 Mid-America Drive. When it comes to hair, well, its up in the air, said Sgt. Ted Roberts of the Council Bluffs Police Department. The challenge involves guests getting their hair cut or shaved off by Niki Roberts (his wife) or one of her staff members from Creative Edge Salon and donating it to one of the four teams. (Participants are not required to get their heads shaved.) The Police Department won (the hair contest) the first two years, and Public Works has taken that over the last two years, he said. Theyve been doing a great job. The Police, Fire and Public Works Departments will battle it out in the Strength Challenge, but a separate tournament will be held for tug-of-war teams from the public, Slevin said. In the past, the Fire Department has dominated the Strength Challenge, but that could change this year, Ted Roberts said. Previous contests have included pulling a 20-ton fire truck, holding a dodgeball tournament and competing in human foosball. Were going to try to put a tough team out there thats for sure, he said. Itd be nice to end it the right way. In 2014, representatives from each of the four teams were locked up in the Historical Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail for 48 hours in sort of an endurance challenge. Both Roberts and Slevin hate to see the event end, but other demands have taken their toll, Roberts said. Wed like to keep it going, but with so many fundraisers that the city does, its just too much, he said. The Bald & the Brave is the fourth or fifth fundraiser the Police Department is involved with every year. Slevin credited Roberts with hatching the idea for the event. Its something that came up as kind of a crazy idea, Roberts said. When we first started it, it was a one-year event. But it went so well organizers decided to do it again the next year. After the second year, we set a goal of trying to reach $100,000 and I think were going to make that this year, Roberts said. Said Slevin, Thats even $100,000 net. Its rewarding to know that the money will go to help cancer patients get what they need, Roberts said. Although it is bittersweet to see the event reaching its target and coming to an end, it has been a good fundraiser and opportunity for growth, Slevin said. Honestly, it has been a lot of fun to be involved with, she said. The opportunity for me to get to know dozens of people who work for (the city) has been great. We have a lot of amazing people who live in this city who are committed not only to their jobs but also to the community in which they live and work, Slevin continued. I think its also been a good opportunity for people from Jennie to get involved. She said she hoped people would turn out and make the events last hurrah a good one. Teams of four are invited to register for the community tug-of-war tournament. The fee is $50 per foursome, and registration forms can be printed out at jehfoundation.org. The registration deadline is Monday, June 5. Raffle tickets are available for a $1,000 travel voucher for $10 each or for a $3,000 travel voucher for $50 each and may be purchased by calling the volunteer services office at 712-396-6040. For more information, contact Chriss Lilleskov at chriss.lilleskov@nmhs.org or call 712-396-6040. Registration for Wheels of Courage is $20 per car. Registrations, sponsorships and T-shirts can be purchased at jehfoundation.org. Register by June 9 to receive a free T-shirt. An Omaha man pleaded guilty in Pottawattamie County Court Wednesday to flipping off then attempting to elude an Iowa State Patrol trooper into Nebraska last August. Terry Bates, 43, faced a reduced set of charges in return for his guilty plea. In court, he said he saw the patrolman following him but decided to continue driving while intoxicated to his home in Omaha. Bates was given a suspended sentence of five years in jail and two years of probation, which will be transferred to Nebraska. Bates was already sentenced for driving while intoxicated in Nebraska. According to authorities, a trooper saw Bates riding a motorcycle northbound on Interstate 29 near the 57-mile marker on Aug. 25, 2016. As the male approached, he gave me a hand gesture with his middle finger then continued to accelerate, the trooper said in the report. Bates was traveling 100 mph in a 65 mph zone, the trooper said. As he pursued Bates with his lights and siren on, Bates traveled westbound onto Interstate 680 and crossed the Nebraska state line. The trooper terminated the pursuit but continued to follow Bates, who slowed down and began to obey all traffic laws. Eventually, Bates and the trooper reached a residence near North 37th Street and Fontanelle Boulevard. The two spoke while waiting for Omaha police, who arrested Bates and charged him with operating while intoxicated. In court, Bates said he has since attended a substance abuse treatment program and is employed full-time while attending addiction meetings. He said he has been sober since his arrest. A Council Bluffs man arrested Tuesday faces a charge of third-degree sexual abuse after he allegedly had sex with a 13-year-old girl, police said. Police arrested Zachary Cox, 18, after officers were called to Ninth Street and Avenue I at 6:41 p.m. According to authorities, Cox immediately told the officer that he had sex with, the girl. The girl is currently safe with family members, police said. Cox is being held on $20,000 bond at the Pottawattamie County Jail. The Council Bluffs Police Department has asked the public to be on the lookout for a man connected to a sex ring case in Arkansas who may be in the area. Cory Bryant Oxford is accused of rape and was last seen in the Council Bluffs area, police said. Police said Oxford is considered armed and dangerous. If spotted, the public is advised not to make contact with Oxford and to call 911. Those with information related to the case can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 712-328-STOP (7867). Republican Jon Jacobsen and Democrat Ray Stevens will square off in the Iowa House District 22 special election later this month. Jacobsen and Stevens won their respective nominating conventions Tuesday night. The candidates enter the special election scheduled for June 27. District 22 includes the majority of Pottawattamie County, including the eastern portion of Council Bluffs. The seat is open after the death of longtime legislator Greg Forristall. Stevens works at the Council Bluffs Water Works and worked as a supervisor at Griffin Pipe before that. Hes also worked as a professor at Iowa Western Community College in the past. Pottawattamie County Democratic Party Chair Linda Nelson said Stevens was the only person to put his name forward at the nominating convention. Democrats have not run a candidate in the district since 2006. Jacobsen is senior trust officer and vice president at Security National Bank in Council Bluffs. Jacobsen is a long-time, active member of the Pottawattamie County Republican Central Committee, served as moderator for senate and congressional debates, and been a chairman, delegate and parliamentarian for Pottawattamie County Republican conventions. Jacobsen also co-hosted a political radio program on KMA for three years before the show ended this spring. At the Republican nominating convention, Jacobsen defeated Carol Forristall, Greggs widow. Jacobsen earned 77.89 percent of the vote, while Forristall earned 22.11. Party Chairman Jeff Jorgensen explained the vote was weighted based on factors including how each precinct voted in the most recent election. According to the Iowa Secretary of States Office, there are 10,959 registered Republicans in the district, with 5,032 registered Democrats, 100 registered Libertarians and 7,565 registered without a party. DES MOINES Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will be the headliner at an unofficial inaugural event this week that raises money for the Republican Party, a strategic move that highlights the GOPs focus on the upcoming midterm election and Reynolds anticipated gubernatorial run. The Republican Party of Iowa is footing the bill for what its calling an Inaugural Celebration for Reynolds, who was sworn in May 24. A ticket to the Friday night event at a downtown Des Moines hotel will cost $75. Iowa GOP spokesman Carlos Cruz said more than 1,000 people are expected to attend. He emphasized the occasion is not a formal inaugural event, but a fundraiser thats comparable to the partys Lincoln Dinner that features presidential hopefuls. Its a celebration, not a ball, he said in an email, referencing the typical description of festivities after an Iowa governor wins an election and is sworn in. Reynolds is finishing Gov. Terry Branstads term that would have ended January 2019. He stepped down recently to be U.S. ambassador to China. Tim Albrecht, a Reynolds spokesman, said the new governor will not have an inaugural ball. There is nothing in Iowa Code or the state Constitution that instructs how inaugural activities must be organized. It typically involves a committee of private individuals who raise contributions to host a ceremony and ticketed ball. Leftover money has previously been given to charity. It hasnt historically been directed to a political party, though nothing prohibits that, either. Jim Larew, an Iowa City attorney who was former Democratic Gov. Chet Culvers legal counsel and chief of staff, said the GOP approach is unusual. Rather than to have a public event that celebrates the access of all Iowans to the office of the new governor, theyve converted it into what may appear to others to be the starting point in the next campaign cycle, he said. Craig Robinson, a former political director for the Iowa GOP, said Republicans are in a unique position to raise money at a time when theyre trying to keep congressional seats and maintain majorities in the state House and Senate. Its going to be interesting to see how much money they can raise at an event like this, because its really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to somewhat cash in on the transition of going from one governor to another without an election, he said. When Reynolds and Branstad were elected and re-elected as a pair in 2010 and 2014, they used the Branstad-Reynolds Scholarship Fund to pay for inaugural events. The private foundation, which would use some money for college scholarships, required annual disclosure of the names of anyone who gave $5,000 or more. The Iowa GOP discloses contributions to the Federal Election Commission, though the filings will not specify how the money will be used. The money can go toward candidates. Reynolds and Acting Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg are widely expected to run on a gubernatorial ticket in 2018, though Cruz pointed out the party wont formally back a candidate until after the primary next year. Reynolds has already raised more than $1 million for a campaign. Rachel Paine Caufield, an associate professor of political science at Drake University, said besides being a fundraiser, the inaugural event helps Reynolds by projecting her strength at a time when at least a half-dozen Democrats are considering running for governor, and Republican Ron Corbett, the mayor of Cedar Rapids, is considering seeking the office. In her mind, its about showing her strength to Democratic challengers, Caufield said of Reynolds. Its also about showing her strength to her party opponents. Shes trying to preemptively signal that shes in a good position to win. Corbett, who plans to announce a decision by mid-June, said while the GOP-backed inaugural event is an appropriate way to celebrate Reynolds swearing in, Iowans dont want to see an appointment process for Reynolds going forward. They want an election process, and thats what the primary and primaries are all about, he said. Setting the state budget is no easy feat, and a few areas have a tendency to exhaust what little space there is for discussion and compromise in the Legislature. The appropriation for K-12 schools tends to be a sticking point, one that tends to turn partisan quickly, in part because it makes up a large portion of the states discretionary spending. Talk to school officials, as The Nonpareil regularly does, and they will explain the many needs of our states public schools and why the meager increases to state funding are inadequate. Talk to lawmakers, as we also regularly do, and theyll explain the various conflicting interests including the key issue, that to invest more in public spending would require bringing in more in tax dollars, something theres little appetite for, even among those who would like to see more investment in K-12 schools. So we would happily concede that school funding is hard, with few obvious answers and often little room for compromise. A recent investigation by IowaWatch and Iowa Public Radio, however, which appeared in Wednesdays Nonpareil, along with our own reporting over the past few years, shows a need to do something different in the way Iowa funds public schools. The states current system is one that favors the consolidating of school districts where small, rural districts often have to be very creative to survive, with a year or two of mismanagement or declining enrollment enough to spell the end for the district. Farragut had its school district dissolved by the state which, from a historical standpoint, was unprecedented and several other districts have gone before a state budget board to plead for more time and more resources. Money usually isnt the main problem for these districts its the legal authority to spend that money. Schools are not allowed to spend more than a prescribed amount, based on a formula that is driven by enrollment, on their general operation costs, which includes teachers salaries and the cost of transporting students. Two inequities seem apparent in the way schools budgets are constrained by this spending cap. One is that rural schools have higher busing costs. Students in those districts live farther away, so more qualify for busing and the routes which have a legal maximum ride time serve far fewer students than in the city. Another is that the district cost per pupil, a big component of the funding formula, varies between school districts, so a student in one district may be worth more or less funding than they would be in another district. Lawmakers must find a way to fix both these inequalities. It would not cost the state to exempt transportation costs from the spending cap, allowing local taxes to cover the difference. The state could also set one uniform per-pupil rate for all districts. Peace Lutheran Church will be hosting Vacation Bible School from June 12-15. The four mornings, 9-11:30 a.m., will be filled with faith, fun and friendship. Families with children preschool through fifth grade are asked to register by Monday, June 5. Peace Lutheran is 1 miles east of Walmart, just off (south) U.S. Highway 30 on County Road 26. Registrations are taken on the church website, www.peacelutheranfremontne.com, or by emailing Diane at marks14@midlands.net. For more information, call the church at 402-727-7273 or Peg at 402-727-5856. Queensland and Melbourne Storm centre Will Chambers has been fined $1,550 by the NRL judiciary over a high tackle in Wednesday night's State of Origin I. Chambers was slapped with a grade one careless high tackle charge for his challenge on NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce in the 50th minute of Queensland's 28-4 loss at Suncorp Stadium. Chambers is free to play in the Storm's clash with Newcastle on Friday night. Queensland utility Michael Morgan was also cited for a grade one dangerous throw on Blues forward David Klemmer, but will escape a suspension after entering an early guilty plea. The base penalty for a grade one dangerous throw is 100 points, with Morgan's charge reduced to 75 points due to his clean record in the past. Blues stun Maroons in record Origin rout Quickest half we've ever played: Cronk Queensland won't panic: Walters Queensland v NSW: Five key points Origin I: NSW player ratings Origin I: Queensland player ratings NSW fight back to win under-20s Origin The National Wildlife Federation brings nature to life in the pages of our publications, inspiring people of all ages and reading levels to develop a deeper relationship with our natural world. To learn more about receiving magazines from the National Wildlife Federation, please visit our subscription page. For information about rights and permissions, visit our Permissions page or contact permissions@nwf.org. If you've recently enjoyed an oversized Mission-style burrito at a Chipotle Mexican Grill in Northwest Indiana, you may have had your credit card information stolen. The Denver-based fast-casual restaurant chain revealed hackers stole credit card information from six Region restaurants. Your credit card information may be compromised if you ate at the following Chipotle locations on these dates: Highland restaurant at 10343 Indianapolis Blvd. from March 27 through April 18 Merrillville restaurant at 1948 Southlake Mall from March 28 through April 18 Michigan City restaurant at 5218 S. Franklin St. from March 27 through April 18 Munster restaurant at 8201 Calumet Ave. from March 26 through April 18 Portage restaurant at 6040 U.S. 6 from March 27 through April 8 Valparaiso restaurant at 2505 LaPorte Ave. from March 26 through April 8 Hackers breached point-of-sale devices at Chipotle restaurants nationwide, using malware to obtain card numbers, expiration dates and internal verification codes from the magnetic strip of cards used to make payments. "It is always advisable to remain vigilant to the possibility of fraud by reviewing your payment card statements for any unauthorized activity," Chipotle said in a letter to customers. "You should immediately report any unauthorized charges to your card issuer because payment card rules generally provide that cardholders are not responsible for unauthorized charges reported in a timely manner. The phone number to call is usually on the back of your payment card. Please see the section that follows this notice for additional steps you may take." Police are investigating, and Chipotle said it's working with cyber security firms to improve security. It has made banks aware so they can heighten their monitoring. Chipotle is encouraging customers to review account statements for any payments they don't recognize and obtain free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com to see if their identity was stolen. "If you believe you are the victim of identity theft or have reason to believe your personal information has been misused, you should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Attorney Generals office in your state," Chipotle said in the letter. "You should also contact your local law enforcement authorities and file a police report. Obtain a copy of the police report in case you are asked to provide copies to creditors to correct your records." Such data breaches have become common in recent years, afflicting national retailers like Target, Kmart, Home Depot and Vera Bradley. Anyone with questions can call Chipotle at 888-738-0534 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. One would think Jeffrey Baumgartner would have jumped at the chance to portray artist Mark Rothko in Michigan Citys Dunes Summer Theatres production of Red. A thesp with more than three decades on stage and behind the scenes, Baumgartner is also a painter whose works depict landscapes and marine scapes seen firsthand throughout the country. More than a year ago, Baumgartner moved to Michigan City from Chicago to concentrate primarily on his painting when he was approached by Dunes Summer Theatre. I wanted to be a painter full time, so when they said hey, come back as an actor, I said no! Its too much time, Baumgartner recalled. But Red appealed to me. I didnt know the play, and it made a very fresh impression on first reading. Opening today and kicking off Dunes Summer Theatres 2017 summer season, Red is a look at the life of Rothko, an acclaimed Russian born, American-based 20th century abstract expressionist painter. In the late '50s, Rothko was commissioned to create new works for the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City, but struggles with the work and with his assistant, Ken. Red was penned by acclaimed screenwriter and playwright John Logan, whose credits include 2000s Oscar winning Gladiator, 2004s Oscar nominated The Aviator and the just-released Alien: Covenant. Red made its stage debut in London before making its way to Broadway a year later, where it took home a Tony Award for Best Play. It asks what is art and, specific to this play, what is red? Baumgartner said of the play. I think its enjoyable and its entertaining, but its a thinking play. Its also a really fascinating portrait of a major abstract painter, and the audience is invited into his process. Baumgartner, who has performed in the past with acclaimed ensembles such as The Goodman Theatre Company and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, plays Rothko in Dunes Summer Theatres Red and is joined onstage by Peter Newman as Ken. Newman has appeared on small screen shows such as House of Lies and Pretend Time with Nick Swardson and films such as Conflict of Interest and Step Up All In. We have the same process, Baumgartner said of himself and his co-star. So much of it is moment-to-moment, discovery, trying to explore and not trying to make decisions that might be cerebral. The dynamic (between the actors) is a nice match, a nice fit. The pair will paint a 7 by 7 canvas during each Red performance. A season kickoff celebration is scheduled at 6 p.m. Saturday, which will include, along with the performance of the play, food, drink and an art auction. Next up for Dunes Summer Theatre is a production of the comedy I Hate Hamlet, scheduled to open June 22 and will see Baumgartner and Newman returning to the stage together. VALPARAISO A Portage man wanted on an active felony drug warrant had second thoughts about turning himself in to police Thursday, according to a news release from the Porter County Sheriff's Office. Justin Antecki, 25, of Portage, had his mother drive him to the Porter County Sheriff's Office at about 12:40 p.m. Thursday so he could turn himself in, police said. When they arrived, Antecki "refused to get out of the car for his mother," according to the release. As the mother went into the station to report he was there, Antecki fled on foot, police said. Antecki was seen on recorded parking lot cameras running westbound towards Ind. 49, police said. The Valparaiso Police Department, along with Porter County sheriff's deputies and K-9 officers Cpl Brian Gill and Jared Underhill, saturated the area and set up a perimeter in an attempt to locate him. Antecki was found at about 2:10 p.m. near a farm building just east of Sturdy Road and south of Martinal Road. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Porter County jail. ST. JOHN Lake Central Schools officials finally got approval from the town's Board of Zoning Appeals for a new sign at the entrance to the high school, but not without a few conditions. The town allows signs up to 30 square feet in size, but the total of the top sign with the school name and logo and of the electronic message sign below it was more than 100 square feet. It also was just over 21-feet high, more than twice the 10-foot height allowed by the town ordinances. The town also prohibits flashing and flowing message signs. The original design submitted two years ago called for a solid wall sign with the two signs adjacent to each other. The BZA rejected it as a safety hazard because it would block the view of drivers exiting the school. By placing one on top of the other with a space below and between them, it provided a better view of traffic on U.S 41. The new configuration also allowed the sign to be placed 11 feet farther from U.S. 41 to allow even more visibility. Lake Central Superintendent Larry Veracco said the plan was to have the messages scroll as is done with the sign at Kolling Elementary. The message sign would be used from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. That's two hours more than the three elementary school signs because the high school has activities going on later in the evening. The messages would be in color but, rather than flashing, the messages would fade in and out every six second and no animation or video would be used. BZA member Paul Panczuk wanted the conditions to stipulate the fading in and out of the messages, saying the flashing messages are a distraction to drivers. Veracco said the size was comparable to signs on several other large retailers in the area and was consistent with the size of the high school campus. Residents disagree on need for sign Several residents from Kelly Court next to the high school objected to the sign, saying the electronic sign would be a distraction, especially for young drivers "who don't need anything distracting them." Don Farris said the sign didn't need to be so large because the school already has huge lettering identifying it. Carolyn Nowacki said the school only needed a small directional sign. Former school board member John DeVries said the school recently had 13 activities going on that nobody knew about because of the inability to publicize them as is done at some of the other schools. "This community needs that sign," DeVries said. "We've complied with all the requests, and it's time this issue was put to bed and the sign put up." Another resident said the sign will help people driving on the dangerous U.S. 41 find the school more easily so they can get in the proper lane to turn. Councilman Christian Jorgensen, R-2nd, said, "The high school is like a unicorn because it is unique, and it deserves to be looked at differently based on its uniqueness in the community." The sign, and its conditions, were approved unanimously by the board, but the school district also needed a variance for the total signage, including the name of the school on the building, and a separate variance for several directional signs on the campus that exceeded the 6-foot height limit. The phrase, "Buy American," gets used so often, it has become cliche in our economic dialog. Thankfully, we have state and Region congressional delegates with a penchant for putting worthy worn phrases into actual practice. During a visit last week to Indiana University Northwest in Gary, U.S. House Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., and U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., vowed to push for "Buy American" clauses in any infrastructure bills that come before Congress. That should instill faith in Region industry and laborers, particularly in the steel mills, that these two members of Indiana's congressional leadership are unified behind a key element of Northwest Indiana's economy. Visclosky, in particular, has been a crusader for implementing fair international trade practices that battle manipulations of steel prices by foreign steelmakers. The congressman also is pushing for federal funding that would help make South Shore Line commuter rail improvements and extensions a reality for bolstering our Region's economy. Those projects will require new steel rails for both extending the line from Hammond to Dyer and double-tracking a section of the existing rail for faster commutes. A "Buy American" clause can and should be placed on that project and others like it to make them a benefit for domestic steelmakers and their workers as well. Brett S. Smith, of the American Iron and Steel Institute, joined Visclosky and Donnelly in the IUN roundtable discussion last week. Smith expressed concern about the layoffs of 14,000 U.S. steel industry workers within the past two years. We're no stranger to that reality in Northwest Indiana. Visclosky and Donnelly should be commended for doing their part to put American steelworkers back to work via government infrastructure projects. The rest of Congress should follow suit. "Buy American" is a worn phrase we all should rally behind with fresh enthusiasm. Long lines, construction and delayed flights aren't the only nuisances at La Guardia Airport these days. You can add swarms of mosquitoes to the list. "We're experiencing so many mosquitoes in all of the stores, even in the bathrooms. Even in the food court. It's just been a lot of them," said airport employee Angelica Gomez. "They're all around the airport. Like when the weather started getting warm they just started coming out," said airport employee Lenny Sanders. Our cameras caught the pests on the ceiling of Terminal B. LaGuardia Gateway Partners, which operates the terminal, blames the problem on the close proximity to Flushing Bay and the particularly rainy spring we've had. They say they have taken steps to fumigate key terminal areas along with adding bug zappers and remove standing water. The operators say they will "continue to adopt mosquito mitigation practices through summer time, and as long as they are needed." "I'm definitely glad they're doing something about it because there's too many of them," said Sanders. "They're actually listening to us because we're here every single day and the fact that there are so many mosquitoes," said Gomez. However, officials from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene say there's no reason to be concerned. The citywide mosquito surveillance systems have not recorded an abnormal amount of mosquitoes at this point in the season. Workers hope the problem is taken care of soon and planes are the only thing flying around the airport. A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 claimed the life of a 15-year-old Wednesday afternoon near Tuskegee. The teen was from Montgomery, but her name was not shared in a Thursday morning press statement. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred at 4:07 p.m. Wednesday, Alabama State Troopers reported. The 15-year-old was killed when the Chrysler Pacifica she was a passenger in was struck by a 2003 Nissan Frontier driven by Daniel Wade Edwards, 52, of Gallion, Troopers said. The Chrysler then struck a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder. The teen was not using a seatbelt. The driver of the Chrysler and another passenger were injured in the collision. The crash occurred on I-85 at the 32-mile marker, outside of Tuskegee. Nothing further was available early Thursday as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate. We fitted a set of the Toyo Open Country C/T tires on a 2014 Toyota Tundra 44 on what can be fairly described as true jack of all trades Southern California truck that tackles everything from hauling and loading a fishing boat in Newport Beach harbor to exploring the coastline and off-road terrain of Baja California, Mexico, to venturing up to the local mountains for snowboarding trips. The owner demands a great deal of his truck, and the tires are his trucks direct connection to the ground. Whether that ground is pavement, silt, mud or snow, he depends on the truck, and its tires, to make sure he gets to and from each destination unscathed. The new Open Country C/T features what Toyo describes as a chip-resistant compound, as the natural rubber blend is designed to resist cutting, chipping and stone drilling but still remain flexible enough to provide great traction in cold weather. The C/T features an all-terrain tread pattern for off-road operation but is engineered to still offer a relatively quiet ride on the highway. The Toyo Open Country C/T is looking to offer that all-around performance that every off-road enthusiast wants out of an all-terrain, and yet the key purpose of this tire is to provide true all-season performance. If you dont believe me then maybe the cold-weather capability of the C/T is best reinforced with its 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, a symbol that most all-terrains on the market dont offer. Toyo even takes winter performance on the C/T a step further by offering the option to install #15 studs on the tire for additional snow and ice traction if needed. Stop me if youve heard this one before: the Toyo Open Country C/T is aimed at truck and SUV owners looking for an all-around tire with great on and off-road performance. This could be the marketing description for just about any off-road tire hitting the market these days, but the C/T isnt simply an all-terrain tire aimed at highway and off-road use its also designed to be an all-weather tire that is quiet on the highway but can still confidently tackle, dirt, gravel, mud and snow. Does it Deliver? Over the course of a few months we learned a great deal about what the C/T brings to the table. For starters, its road performance is great. The traction of the tire never wavered in wet or dry road conditions, and even with thousands of miles on the clock the tread hardly looks worse for the wear we expect to see 40,000-50,000 miles out of the tire, which is impressive for something aimed and multiple uses and features a fairly aggressive tread design. The C/T does have a little more road noise than a traditional road or moderate all-terrain tire, but in our opinion the light hum is still reasonable considering its high-void design for improved off-road traction. Speaking of getting off the pavement, on muddy roads the tire doesnt struggle to find traction, as the tread clears out debris nicely. We didnt go mudding in deep 3- to 4-foot slop, but on weathered muddy roads the tires do not disappoint. We also are pleasantly surprised at the performance of the stone ejectors. Even on gravel roads, we found the tires didnt gather much rock accumulation, as the stone ejectors built into the in the tread cavities actually work in ridding the tire of rocks trying to hitch a ride. Theres nothing worse than getting back on the highway and flinging rocks out of the tread for following five miles. We noticed very little rock retention overall. As for our test tire itself, our 275/65R18 features an E-load rating, meaning it offers what is comparable to a 10-ply sidewall design. The tire offers the proper stiffness to safely and comfortably pull a hefty load (in our case, a boat and trailer up and down the coast), but it also offers enough sidewall toughness for airing down for improved traction in off-road settings. More sidewall reinforcement is certainly preferred when the pavement ends for protecting against pokes and punctures, but having too much rigidity can mean a stiff ride on the highway. The C/T finds a nice balance between the two. As for the tread pattern itself, Toyo uses what it calls a medium-void pattern on the C/T thats typical with an all-terrain tire. The outer edge of the tread features dual-angle shoulder blocks that provide additional bite for traction off, something we noticed in both the dirt and snow. In person, wed say the tire is actually a little more on the aggressive end of the spectrum. We wouldnt go as far as calling this a hybrid between an all-terrain and a mud-terrain (see the Toyo R/T for that), but more and more were seeing tires aimed at on- and off-road performance, and although the C/T is technically hailed as a commercial tire it certainly leans toward the aggressive end of the spectrum. After a few trips up to the local mountains, its clear the Toyo Open Country C/Ts deep sipes (those small lines designed in each piece of tread) help provide that additional flex for improved traction in sloppy and soft snow conditions. Sure, part of that is the tire compound Toyo uses, but the sipes, and the flexibility they add to the tread itself, also allow flexibility of the tire in these conditions. Agricultural News Dairy Month Kicks Off June with 'Undeniably Dairy' Campaign Connecting Consumers with Farmers Starting today, dairy farmers nationwide invite consumers and lovers of dairy products to join them, in celebration of Dairy Month throughout June. Susan Allen of DairyMax joined Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays in studios recently to talk about this year's celebration and the special efforts being made to promote all dairy products, from the household staples to the foods we love but often forget we would be without, if not for the work of dairy farmers. You can listen to their entire conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of this story. "June is a great time to focus on the dairy farmer, dairy farm families and the hard work they do - really 365 days a year, not just in June," Allen said. "And also, focus on those great products that they give us, too, milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream- but also things like pizza and your favorite latte with lots of milk in it." Without our family farms across the country, many of our favorite foods would not be possible, says Allen. She continues, that although dairy is in front of us nearly every single day, people often forget about how reliant we are on dairy products. Today, especially, many consumers truly don't really know much about the dairy products they consume, how they are produced, or the people that produce it. "Even though there are dairy farms in all 50 stated and everybody in the country lives probably as close as 100 miles to a dairy farm," Allen said, "most people haven't been on a farm." To better reach consumers, the dairy industry has launched a new campaign to help educate the public and connect them with the farmers that keep their refrigerators stocked. "There's a brand-new campaign called Undeniably Dairy," Allen confirmed, offering a website consumers can visit to learn more. "You can go there and see videos and learn stories, get great recipes your kids might like. It's kind of like walking through the barn with a dairy farmer and hearing what they do every day." Allen and the entire dairy industry hope this campaign will illustrate to their consumers how much they have to offer and why they enjoy doing it. "It's a lot of hard work," Allen concluded. "But they do it because they love it and they're good at it." Allen will join Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays for his weekly In the Field segment on KWTV News9 in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday morning at 6:40 a.m. In the meantime, click or tap below to listen to their off-camera conversation, right now. Listen to Hays and Allen speak off-camera about Dairy Month's celebration, by clicking the tab below WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady NSI Top Agricultural News Nikko Jenkins was given a death sentence Tuesday for each of the four people he executed. But that doesnt mean hes anywhere near deaths doorstep. Far from it, in fact. Consider: No one has been executed in Nebraska in 20 years. And in the past 58 years, more death row inmates have died of natural causes (six) than from capital punishment (three). The state currently is working to obtain the lethal-injection drugs needed to carry out an execution. That could take considerable time. Ten death row dwellers are in line in front of Jenkins all have been waiting at least seven years. In fact, Jenkins falls in line far behind three other Omaha defendants. Roy Ellis, a convicted sex offender who kidnapped and killed 12-year-old Amber Harris, has been on death row for eight years. Arthur Lee Gales, who killed 7-year-old Lamar Chandler and 13-year-old Latara Chandler, has been on death row for 16 years. And 59-year-old Carey Dean Moore, who killed Omaha fathers and cabdrivers Reuel Van Ness and Maynard Helgeland in 1979, has been on death row for 37 years. Add in this: All death penalty cases are automatically appealed. End result: Jenkins day of reckoning, if it comes, is nowhere nigh. That fact was not lost on the families of the four Omahans Jenkins killed during his 10-day spree. Michael-Ryan Kruger, widower of Andrea Kruger, said he is bewildered as to what to tell his children, especially his two daughters, now 5 and 7, about the case against the man who killed their mom. Im glad he got the maximum punishment, Kruger said. But what does a death sentence really mean? Does that mean five years, 10 years, 15 years? That (timeline) might be swift compared to where the process actually is. Right now, I dont think Nebraska even has the means to carry it out. It appears it does not. Asked Wednesday if prison officials have acquired lethal injection drugs, Corrections Department spokeswoman Cara Wilwerding said in an email, the department continues to work on obtaining the substances needed to carry out death penalty sentences. Earlier this year, corrections officials changed the lethal injection protocol with the intention of making executions easier. The former injection procedure, for example, required officials to give the inmate three drugs in a strict sequence. Under the new protocol, officials have the flexibility to use a single drug. In February, Corrections Director Scott Frakes said he had just started the process of trying to find supplies of lethal drugs, but he offered no timetable. Obtaining suitable drugs has proved difficult in most states, including Nebraska. Pharmaceutical companies dont want their medications associated with state-sanctioned executions, and federal regulations have made it increasingly difficult to import certain drugs no longer made domestically. Some states that have been able to carry out executions in recent years have obtained their drugs from independent compounding pharmacies, leading to predictions that Nebraska will try to do the same. Most states carrying out executions also have laws that allow officials to hide the identities of suppliers from the public. Nebraska lawmakers briefly debated a similar proposal this year but did not take a vote on it. The picture isnt much clearer in court, as the U.S. justice system continues to scrutinize the legal process leading up to a death declaration. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Florida case calls into question whether defendants have a constitutional right to choose to have a jury, rather than three judges, decide their ultimate punishment. In turn, two Nebraska death row inmates, Jeffrey Hessler and John Lotter, have filed appeals, saying Nebraskas process is similar to the one declared unconstitutional in Florida. (Prosecutors argue that Nebraskas process has significant differences and should be upheld.) Whatever the lower courts decide, Lotters and Hesslers challenges almost certainly will lead to additional appeals. Interestingly, Jenkins may have less standing to try to claim that he should have been allowed to have a jury decide his fate. Jenkins, who pleaded no contest to the murders, not only waived his right to a jury trial, he waived his right to have a jury decide aggravating factors against him. That might make it hard for him to argue that he should have been able to have a jury, instead of judges, decide whether he received a death sentence. That said, Jenkins will be able to raise a slew of appellate issues, such as whether he should have been allowed to represent himself or plead no contest to the murder charges. The initial appeal typically takes a year or two. It is often followed by a motion for postconviction relief an appellate process that scrutinizes an attorneys work on the case. Then comes a battery of appeals challenging the death penalty itself. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said hes confident that Jenkins conviction will stand. Hes less assured about the prospects of imposing the death penalty anytime soon. Just last fall, Kleine called Nebraskas death penalty a mess and said state officials have been inept at carrying out the death penalty. After securing Jenkins death sentence Tuesday, Kleine said simply: Weve done our job. Now its up to the state to do theirs. BERLIN (AP) World leaders pledged Thursday to keep up the fight against global warming as U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was pulling out of the Paris climate accord. The European Union's top climate change official said Trump's decision to leave the Paris accord made it "a sad day for the global community." The EU climate action commissioner, Miguel Arias Canete, said in a statement that the bloc "deeply regrets the unilateral decision by the Trump administration" but vowed "the world can continue to count on Europe for global leadership." Canete also predicted that the EU would seek new alliances from the world's largest economies to the most vulnerable island states, as well as U.S. businesses and individuals supportive of the accord. Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni said on Twitter that Italy will keep its commitments for reducing emissions, renewable energy and sustainable development. Norway's largest pension fund with 53 billion euro ($59.5 billion) in assets under its management said it would also continue to invest in renewable energy despite the American president's decision, saying in a statement that "Donald Trump is jumping off a train that has already left the station." Chief executive Odd Arild Grefstad cited the growth of renewable energy in U.S. states such as Texas, New York and California as signs that "the world has started the transition from fossil to a renewable economy." The U.S. Conference of Mayors said it strongly opposed Trump's action and vowed that American mayors would continue efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, the group's vice president, said withdrawal from the agreement was "shortsighted" and called climate change a grave threat to coastal communities, the nation and the world. He said that if unchecked, sea-level rise caused by climate change could mean that New Orleans and other coastal cities "will cease to exist." Former Vice President Al Gore called Trump's decision "a reckless and indefensible action" and said the move "undermines America's standing in the world." Before Trump announced his decision Thursday afternoon, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told reporters during a visit to Berlin that fighting global warming was a "global consensus" and an "international responsibility." Without mentioning the U.S. specifically, Li said that "China in recent years has stayed true to its commitment" and pointed out that his was one of the first countries to ratify the 2015 Paris Agreement. Germany's Angela Merkel, who in the past has been dubbed the "climate chancellor" for her efforts to fight global warming, said her country would "continue to fulfill our obligations under the Paris climate agreement as part of the European framework." Other European leaders issued more explicit appeals to the U.S. government not to abandon international measures against climate change. "Please don't change the (political) climate for the worse," European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted. Five Nordic countries wrote a last-minute letter to Trump, saying the Paris accord was a commitment "to our children." "We must reduce global warming," the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said in a short, joint missive. "The effects are already visible in all parts of our planet. It is of crucial importance that all parties stick to the Paris Agreement." Abandoning the pact isolates the U.S. from a raft of international allies who spent years negotiating the 2015 agreement to fight global warming and pollution by reducing carbon emissions. While traveling abroad last week, Trump was repeatedly pressed to stay in the deal by European leaders and Pope Francis. Withdrawing would leave the United States as one of just three countries outside the agreement. The other two are Syria and Nicaragua. Russia joined the chorus speaking out for the climate accord. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said Russia "thinks highly" of the accords and sees no alternative to it. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that its implementation will not be as effective "without the key signatories." During a trip to Europe this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India's commitment to fighting climate change and said it would be a "crime" to spoil the environment for future generations. Scientists say Earth is likely to reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner if the U.S. retreats from its pledge because America contributes so much to rising temperatures. Calculations suggest withdrawal could release up to 3 billion additional tons of carbon dioxide a year enough to melt ice sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather. More and more, it seems, intolerance of thought has become a major problem where it should least exist: on the campuses of Americas colleges and universities. Match that with a general misunderstanding of the First Amendment, and the result is an intolerable atmosphere that aims at the very heart of higher education in our democratic republic. An instructive example is the recent ill treatment of conservative author Ann Coulter at one of the nations premier schools, the University of California, Berkeley. University officials first rejected a planned speech by Coulter on the grounds of safety. When a storm of protest ensued, they backed off and offered a compromise that ultimately suited no one. Coulter walked away, leaving the schools iconic image as the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s badly tarnished. To disenfranchise a person who has been invited to present ideas simply because those ideas are disagreeable to some, or even to a majority, has no place in the college agenda as long as hate or the promotion of illegal activity are not the speakers object. Any attempt to disrupt a legitimate political discourse should be met with the harshest discipline. Someone should explain that to those who run Middlebury College of Vermont, a private school with (until now) a sterling reputation for excellence and freedom of expression. Middlebury College authorities dismissed a violent disruption of a speech by conservative author Charles Murray by 100 to 150 students with a slap on the wrist for 67 of them. It was an almost embarrassing example of the sentence not matching the crime. Murray, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, was invited by a conservative group to speak at Middlebury last March. Another group of students objected strenuously on grounds that he had written The Bell Curve, a 1994 book that they consider racist because it linked socioeconomic status with race and intelligence. Their answer to Murrays presence when he showed up was to shout him down when he tried to speak. When he moved to another room for the talk, the protesters pulled fire alarms in the hallway. When he finished his speech, several masked persons appeared and began pushing and shoving him. A faculty member who was interviewing Murray was attacked and suffered a concussion when her hair was grabbed and her neck twisted. After the faculty member and Murray got into a car, the protesters rocked it and jumped on the hood. Last week the college finally acted. The students implicated, far from the actual number that participated in the disruption, received punishments ranging from probation to something called official college discipline, which amounts to a note being put in their file. Wow! They are scarred for life. Missing, of course, was dismissal from the college or any other significant discipline for what the college admitted was a clear violation of its rules. Not enough time before graduation, they said. The schools president, Laurie Patton, apologized publicly to Murray and promised the protesters would be held accountable. Obviously, Middlebury doesnt understand its obligations in preserving free speech or the principles of nonviolent protest or, even more frightening, the First Amendment, which protects such speech from clearly illegal attack no matter how odious it may be to some. Was Murray spouting extremely provocative fighting words, which the Supreme Court has designated as on the cusp of protected speech? Was he shouting fire in a crowded theater or inciting to riot or overthrow the government by violence? Certainly not, although the illegal use of the fire alarms by the protesters is undoubtedly a criminal act that could produce terrible consequences. Murray called the punishment a farce. He told reporters the disciplinary actions are a statement to students that if you shut down a lecture, nothing will happen to you. The Middlebury Police Department issued a statement saying that no one would be arrested from the attack on the faculty member or damage to the car because it was too dark to identify the culprits. Middlebury should be ashamed of itself. And its vapid excuses for not making lasting examples of these students whose concept of college freedom is so obviously twisted. Whether they understand it or not, their conduct stems from the same root as hanging nooses on doorknobs or painting anti-Semitic symbols on walls. Nebraskans in 2016 restored the death penalty. Why would we possibly need an appeal before executing Nikko Jenkins (Sentenced to death, May 31 World-Herald)? Maybe too many lawyers are looking to waste taxpayer dollars. And if he needs a set of false teeth while waiting for execution, guess who gets to pay? Is it any wonder the penal system is in such a mess? Lets get busy and change some laws with common sense in mind. Max Hopkins, Omaha National Pay The letter written by S C Maheshwari General Secretary of Bharat Pensioners Samaj states, " while expressing its gratitude to Govt. of India for the benevolent decision on the VII Central Pay Commission recommendations on the revision of Pension based on the Notional Pay' on last pay drawn basis. DR not implemented The 7th Pay Commission's recommendations as well as benefit of revised Dearness Relief' have not been implemented in respect of Pensioners retired from the Central Government autonomous bodies under various Central Ministries of Govt of India undertakings and Public Sector undertakings who are eligible to received Pension under CCS(Pension)Rules from the Govt. of India. Kindly order the early revision of Pension with Dearness Relief at the revised rates. CGHS benefits The Commission has recommended the extension of CGHS benefits to Postal Pensioners as well as takeover of remaining Postal Dispensaries. The Commission also recommended the introduction of comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme for the Central Government employees and pensioners. These recommendations remain unimplemented so far. The excessive revision of CGHS subscription is causing hardships to the Pensioners. The Hon'ble Minister may kindly order the examination of these issues and order remedial mesasures at his earliest convenience. AIIMS, MBBS entrance exam paper leaked, probe on India oi-Vicky By Vicky This years the question papers of the entrance exam for the MBBS course of the AIIMS has been leaked, claimed the whistleblower who had exposed the Vyapam scam. Anand Rai said that following the question paper being leaked the premier medical institute had been set up to probe the matter. Rai, in a series of tweets, posted images of question papers of the entrance examination which was held across the country on May 28. He said that he had received the question paper screenshots from a source who claimed these were leaked from M C Saxena College in Lucknow when the online test was on. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said it has constituted a committee to inquire into the matter and it is in contact with the investigation agencies for necessary action once the facts are ascertained. "The Aiims takes these reports very seriously and has constituted a committee to inquire into the matter. The committee shall look into the matter immediately and submit a report at the earliest," the institute said in a statement. It said, the AIIMA administration is also in contact with the government investigation agencies in this regard. "Immediate and further necessary action shall be taken once the facts are ascertained," the statement said. Rai also tagged the Prime Minister's Office in his tweet and sought a CBI enquiry into the issue. The AIIMS online entrance test was held in two shifts, he said, adding that the screenshots clearly prove that the question papers were leaked while the examination was going on. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 6:05 [IST] Arunachal PCC president challenges Centre to implement cow slaughter ban in state India oi-Gulam Rabbani Itanagar, June 1: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Takam Sanjoy on Thursday accused the Centre and state government of dictatorial paths on the issue of what to eat and what not, what to wear and what not. He challenged the Bharatiya-led National Democratic Alliance government to implement the ban on cow slaughter in Arunachal Pradesh. "Putting a blanket ban on cow slaughter by present BJP-led NDA Govt in the Centre clearly reflected its Hindutva agenda, but would lead to disappearance of cows, the so-called Gomata of the Hindus, with time," Sanjoy told ANI He added that a few BJP leader including Minister of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and former governor J P Rajkhowa had compared cow with Mithun, which insulted the age-old culture, rituals and tradition of Arunachal tribals. He demanded that these persons should explain how a cow can be equated with Mithun. Sanjoy said that tribal community in the state mostly eat meat and are supplied by mostly non-tribal traders, adding that the trade provides sustained livelihood to a mass section of people across the tribal state and a ban would hit the tribals hard and have far reaching consequences. Sanjoy also said that the ban move by the Centre was opposed by the large section in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal, which reflects the move as being an anti-people and direct violation of human rights, adding that the move also disturbs and displaces the man-animal equation. Earlier in May, the sale of cattle for slaughter was banned by the Central government. As per the new regulation, sale of cattle is allowed among farmland owners across India. On May 25, the first central regulation for cow protection in the name of animal welfare was notified. The notification is significant in the wake of rising cases of violence against cow-traders. Cow slaughter is banned in states except in most parts of north-east India and Kerala. The special section for cattle has been notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. Under this section, it is said, "Take an undertaking that the animals are bought for agriculture purposes and not for slaughter." It further states that cattle bought cannot be resold within six months impinging the business of cow traders. Cattle can be sold only to a person having documents to prove he is an 'agriculturist', the rule says. Further, it also states that young and unfit animals cannot be sold. What the rules state: Further, the rules which run into 8 pages state that setting of animal markets within 50 km of an international border and 25 km from a state border is banned. Taking animal outside the state will require special approval of the state government nominee. No animal market will now be able to run without the approval of district animal market committee to be headed by a magistrate and having two representatives of government-approved animal welfare groups. The rules are expected to take at least 3 months to implement. There is a lot of paperwork involved in it and the cow traders across the country need to be educated about the same. Further, the rules say that after buying a cow the trader will have to make 5 copies of proof of sale and submit them at the local revenue office, the local veterinary doctor in the district of the purchaser, animal market committee, apart from one each for seller and buyer. It also makes it mandatory veterinary inspector to certify proper loading and unloading of animals to ensure they are not cramped inside trucks. The inspector can mark any animal unfit for sale. The rule that makes it mandatory for the owner of the animal to bear the cost of its upkeep in a shelter. If the owner is unable to pay, it should be recovered as land arrears, the rule says. The cost will be specified by the state government every year on April 1. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 12:59 [IST] Assams pride: Son of truck driver secures 2nd position in Class 10 board exam India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Guwahati, June 1: In Assam, where most of the government-run schools in small towns and villages are still reeling under bad infrastructure and lack of teachers, teenager Nurul Hoque proves that if one is determined and studies hard then nothing could come in the way of success. Nurul, a student of government-run Raghunath Choudhury HS School in Mukalmua, a small town in western Assam's Nalbari district, secured second position in the Class 10 examination, the results of which were declared by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam on Wednesday. Unfortunately, Nurul missed the top position by just one mark. He scored 588 out of a total 600 marks. The topper, Parthapratim Bhuyan of Jatiya Vidyalaya in Tihu, also in Nalbari district, scored 589 marks. Nurul's story is especially inspiring as the youngster has faced several hardships, including financial, to fulfill his dreams. Nurul's father, Mustafa Ali, drives a second-hand truck, ferrying goods from one part of the state to another, to earn bread and butter for his family. "He has made us proud. He has been thoroughly sincere in his studies and we knew he will do wonders," a joyous Mustafa said. It is not just Nurul, Mustafa's two other children, both daughters, are pursuing graduation and post-graduation in humanities. Nurul said it was because of his family and teachers he managed to score such high marks. "It was due to the love, blessings and guidance of my parents, sisters and teachers that I could achieve it. But my job is half done as I have to do well in class 12 as well. I will think of a career after that," he said. A proud Sudarshan Pathak, principal of Nurul's school, said, "It was Nurul's hard work that paid off. He has brought glory to our school after 13 years. Two of our students were among toppers in 1997 and 2004". OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 8:19 [IST] Bihars poor board result dilemma: Student who failed in Physics, chemistry, cracked IIT test India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Patna, June 1: The Bihar board examination result is hogging the limelight for all the wrong reasons, once again. This year, only a total of 35 per cent students managed to clear their Class 12 exams (in all the streams--science, arts and commerce) conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board. The exam results were announced on Tuesday. According to officials because of strict anti-cheating measures taken by the board, the pass percentage has come down drastically this year. BSEB chairperson Anand Kishor said online submission of examination forms, strict conduct, bar coding of answer sheets and finally computerised tabulation left no room for unfair practices and it could be the reason behind the dismal performance of the students. Bihar is notorious for students resorting to cheating to clear their exams. Back in 2015, board exams in Bihar attracted international attention as family and friends of examinees were seen scaling the walls of examination halls to help their wards. In 2016, the toppers in science and arts streams were stripped off their coveted positions after it came to light that they adopted unfair practices to achieve glory in exams. However, poor pass percentage has not gone down well with the students' community. A day after the Class 12 board exam results were announced, those who failed protested in front of the BSEB office in Patna on Wednesday. The protesters shouted slogans against the Nitish Kumar government. Students like Mohammed Ibrahim said that they were stunned by their marks. Ibrahim, who had cleared the tough Indian Institute of Technology main exam, failed in physics and chemistry in the board exams. "I had cleared IIT main test securing 89 marks," Ibrahim told The Telegraph. "Based on the mains score I had also appeared in the JEE Advanced and was planning to appear for mains counselling. But now all my hope for studying engineering at IITs or National Institutes of Technology has been shattered." Now, the failed candidates are demanding re-evaluation of their answer sheets to correct the "wrongdoing" of the "negligent" teachers and board members. The CM on his part said that examinees who were dissatisfied with their results will get a chance to re-evaluate their answer sheets and an action plan will be prepared to improve the quality of education in the state. "Answer sheets of students who feel their papers have not been evaluated properly, or they got less marks in the examination despite writing better, will be re-evaluated. They have the right to re-evaluation and such provisions are there. Answer sheets of such students will be re-evaluated if they apply for it," Nitish said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 9:37 [IST] Probe ordered after Sunny Leone's pic on candidate's admit card for Karnataka govt exam India's heaviest rocket's payload enhanced by up to 450 kg Comedian Vir Das event cancelled in Bengaluru after complaint by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti BJP member murdered in Bengaluru's Anekal India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar A BJP member was allegedly murdered by unknown assailants on Thursday morning near Anekal in Bengaluru. The deceased is identified as, Harish, local dalit leader of BJP. Harish, BJP block SC/ST cell vice-president, was riding bike when assailants waylaid him near Ramsagar gate and attacked with deadly weapons. Superintendent of Police Amit Singh, DySP Umesh reached the spot soon after the incident, the investigation is underway. This is the second murder of dalit BJP leader in the last two months. Earlier, a dalit leader Kithaganhalli Vasu also murdered in Anekal. A BJP councillor, Kithaganhalli Vasu, was hacked to death by unidentified assailants. He was a contender for a BJP ticket from Anekal assembly constituency. (Details awaited) OneIndia News CBI questions AAP Minister Satyendar Jain in money laundering case India oi-Anusha Officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation questioned AAP leader and Delhi minister Satyandar Jain on Thursday. Jain was questioned in a money laundering case, the investigation of which the CBI initiated in April this year. Delhi's health minister is suspected of converting black money between 2010 and 2012 and once again between 2015 and 2016 using shell companies based and Kolkata-based data operators. Jain was suspected of being involved in the laundering of Rs 4.63 crore while being a public servant during 2015-16. The conversion is said to have happened through three companies, Prayas Info Solutions Private Limited, Akichand Developers Private Limited and Managalyatan Projects Private Limited. In 2010 and 2012 he is said to have laundered Rs 11.78 through the three companies and another under the name of Indometal Impex Private Limited. A close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain was already on the CBI's radar for two other cases. Jain's involvement in the appointment of his daughter Soumya Jain as an adviser to the Delhi government's health department and another case related to appointment of his officer-on-special duty (OSD) Dr Nikunj Aggarwal was being monitored. Officials from the CBI suspected that the money was given in cash by Jain through his employees and associates to the data entry operators functioning out of Kolkata for providing accommodation entries in his favour. The entry operators routed the black money in the accounts of Prayas and other three companies. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 18:18 [IST] Cong blames AAP for throwing Kapil Mishra out of Delhi Assembly India oi-Gulam Rabbani New Delhi, June 1: Reacting to the Aam Aadmi Party MLAs act in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday afternoon where sacked minister Kapil Mishra was thrown out of the Assembly, the Congress on Thursday asserted that the incident had damaged the sanctity of the House. P L Punia of the Congress party had condemned the incident and said the sanctity of the house was damaged after the incident and regretted that the AAP leaders should not have done like that, adding that the incident was highly condemnable. Similarly, another Congress leader Tom Vadakkan urged for the security of Mishra who had turned a rebel to the Kejriwal government. "Kapil Mishra has become a whistleblower for the AAP government. I would say that he should be given security because AAP will create a situation where Mishra is silenced," said Vadakkan told ANI. On May 31, The Aam Aadmi Party leaders in the Assembly created a ruckus when the ousted minister demanded to speak in the Assembly session and was thrown out of the House. According to the video that was released by the ANI, it showed that some AAP MLAs allegedly caught hold of Kapil Mishra and marshalled out after a scuffle with party leaders. Later the minister alleged that he was demanding to speak in the Assembly and was not allowed to speak. He added that everyone saw how the leaders suppressed his voice and thrown him out of the Assembly. Mishra alleged said that Kejriwal was laughing at him when he was punched and thrashed by the party leaders, adding that he was beaten up upon the direction of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Mishra was removed as Delhi's Water Minister on March 6 in a sudden move and was later suspended from the AAP. He then said he saw Kejriwal taking Rs 2 crore from Health Minister Satyendra Jain. On May 14, in a dramatic press conference that ended with him fainting, Kapil Mishra accused CM Arvind Kejriwal of money laundering and dared him to resign. While addressing Mishra said that Kejriwal and those close to him were involved in converting black money to white. For three continuous years, black money was converted into white and spent on foreign trips. Mishra alleged that the police were trying to forcibly take him to hospital based on fake reports given by doctors, just a day before he was planning to make another expose. He also said that the report of his health is faked by the doctors, who were directly reporting to health minister Satyendra Jain, even as a team of doctors from Ram Manohar Lohia hospital examined Mishra and said his vitals, including blood pressure and sugar level, were normal. Also, Mishra said that Kejriwal hid funds from Election Commission, income tax department and people. He further alleges that AAP has not given clear details of it's funding to the I-T and EC, says there is bogus entry in the accounts Mishra said that he submit all these evidence to the CBI and demand a probe into AAP's political funding At the end of the press conference, Mishra dared Kejriwal to resign by evening or he will drag Kejriwal with his collar and put him in Tihar Jail. However, immediately after his press conference on revelations on AAP 's finances ended, Mishra who has been on the 5th day of hunger strike fell unconscious and was later taken to the hospital. Earlier, Mishra, took to Twitter to post a picture of several documents and said that "through these documents, the truth will be revealed". OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 10:57 [IST] Delhi AQI remains 'very poor' but parts of NCR breathe better DigiLocker users can now store Ayushman Bharat health records: Here's how to do it Delhi: Unidentified persons open fire at car of Rahul Sharma, who alleged PWD scam India oi-Madhuri Unidentified persons on Wednesday opened fire at car of Rahul Sharma, whistleblower of PWD scam involving Delhi CM's relative in Greater Noida. #WATCH: Unidentified persons opened fire at car of Rahul Sharma, whistleblower of PWD scam involving Delhi CM's relative(Greater Noida,31/5) pic.twitter.com/1PeoBHlyLv ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 According to Sharma, a resident of Gaur City in Greater Noida, as he and his cousin were travelling towards Ghaziabad around 12 noon, two persons on a motorcycle overtook their car near Gaur International School & tried to shoot at him. However, locals raised alarm and he was escaped unhurt. As they were wearing helmets, I could not see their faces," said Sharma. Sharma had earlier submitted a complaint to the ACB alleging that he was getting threats since he had raked up the issue of the PWD "scam". OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 10:47 [IST] EC bribery case: TTV Dinakaran granted bail India oi-Anusha The Tis Hazari court in Delhi granted bail to TTV Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjuna in the Election Commission bribery case. Bail has been granted on conditions of a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and two sureties of the like amount. Both accused have been asked to surrender their passports. The court also ordered that the duo appear before investigating offici als as and when asked to. Dinakaran's bail plea that came up for hearing on Wednesday was adjourned after the court said that a stenographer was not available. TTV Dinakaran and his aide Mallikarjuna were arrested in April by the Delhi crime branch police. The duo was charged with attempting to bribe election commission officials in the AIADMK symbol row to gain a favourable verdict. After spending close to two months in Delhi's Tihar jail, Dinakaran has been granted bail by the court. The Delhi Crime Branch police had also arrested Sukesh Chandrasekhar, alleged to be the middleman in the case. While Sukesh continues to be in custody, Dinakaran and his aide have been granted bail. On Monday, the court had extended the judicial custody of TTV Dinakaran till June 12 however, a bail application that he had moved has brought the AIADMK leader and Sasikala Natarajan's nephew some respite. Dinakaran was arrested by Delhi Crime Branch police after four days of questioning. Dinakaran was issued summons after Sukesh Chandrasekhar was arrested in the case. Two hawala operators have also been apprehended in the case. All accused face charges of attempting to bribe Election Commission officials in the AIADMK two leaves symbol case and transferring money through illegal channels from Chennai to Delhi. Dinakaran's bail is expected to make matters worse for the AIADMK merger that had already hit a roadblock. Two factions of the AIADMK were in the process of stitching the party together but the same had come to an abrupt end. Dinakaran's bail is likely to deepen the crisis between the two factions and create further rift in the party. OneIndia News 2 terrorists killed by Indian Army in Sopore encounter India oi-Vicky By Vicky Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that broke out between security forces and militants in Nathi Pora area of Sopore in Kashmir. 2 militants were suspected to be present in the area. With the killing of the two terrorists, the Army has now launched a search and combing operation. The encounter comes barely a week after Sabzar Bhatt, Burhan Wani's successor was gunned down and six other militants were killed in a separate incident. The Army has vowed to wipe out all militants by the onset of the winter. At least 4,000 Army personnel have been moved into Kashmir. A hit-list of 12 most dangerous terrorists too was prepared and operations are on to hunt them down, Army sources tell OneIndia. The Army feels that unless the militancy is wiped out, there can be no peace in the Valley. OneIndia News Tuesday is now No Meeting Day in Haryana and officers to be with people on Friday 30 per cent down: How Haryana aced the decrease in stubble burning Haryana Cabinet approves extension of Metro rail from Delhi to Sonepat India oi-PTI Chandigarh, Jun 1: The Haryana Cabinet on Thursday approved the extension of Metro Rail from Narela in Delhi to Kundli in Sonepat district. The project will be financed by the state and Central governments, with Haryana providing 80 per cent of the funds, and the Centre taking care of the rest. This was the funding pattern adopted for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) extension to Gurugram, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh in Haryana. The state government will contribute Rs 968.20 crore as its share, an official spokesman said. The 4.86-km long extension will have three stations -- Narela Sector 5, Kundli and Nathupur. All the three stations will be elevated. The construction for the Narela-Kundli extension is proposed to start in April 2018 and end by March 2022. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, also approved the revised funding pattern of Metro projects in the state. Under this, 50 per cent of funds for DMRC projects in Haryana will be contributed by the Haryana Infrastructure Development Board, 20 per cent by the Haryana Urban Development Authority, 18 per cent by state government and 12 per cent by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the spokesman said. The state government also notified a revised Transit Oriented Development Policy, which prescribes parameters for creating TOD as a means of densification of corridors along Mass Rapid Transit System projects, and also as a source of generating revenue for financing the MRTS projects. The fee or charges collected under this policy will be kept under a separate head in the Infrastructure Development Fund and will be exclusively utilised for implementation of MRTS projects. The Cabinet also approved the proposal that bus fares beyond Rs 15 be charged in multiples of five. Tickets below Rs 15 will be of Rs 5, Rs 7, Rs 10 and Rs 12, depending on the distance. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 16:09 [IST] India retaliates: Kills 6 Pakistani soldiers India oi-Vicky By Vicky The Indian Army has gunned down 6 Pakistani soldiers. The Indian soldiers were retaliating after Pakistan opened fire first. The incident took place at the Bhimbal and Bhattal sector. A few hours of this incident, J P Singh, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner by summoned by the Pakistan foreign office over the firing at the Line of Control. The incident took place as a major discussion on the improvement of logistics, mobilisation and security review along the LoC had taken place. The Army Chief General Bipin Rawat held a meeting earlier today at Srinagar with all the 7 commanders including the Director General of Military Operations. The meeting was regarding the situation in Kashmir and also along the Indo-Pak border. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 16:29 [IST] India to be 3rd largest buyer of passenger planes with an order of 1080 India oi-Prabhpreet By Prabhpreet As the government pushes ahead to develop the country's air travel industry with increasing impetus on the domestic market and a focus on the non-conventional routes between smaller cities, the airlines seem to be playing their part. The industry is set to order over a thousand new aircraft which would make India the third largest buyer of commercial planes in the world. Such a big order will leave the country only behind the US and China. The orders for aircraft by the airline companies in India is set to touch the 1,080 mark, which would take the ratio of the number of planes ordered for everyone already in service to 2.2, according to a report released by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a Sydney-based aviation think-tank. At present, it is estimated that there are around 480 aircraft in the country with a total of 880 planes on order. And most of these orders are reported to be placed by low-cost carrier companies such as IndiGo and SpiceJet. And this figure is expected to cross the 1000 mark as full-service carriers such as Jet Airways and Vistara are to set to order more aircraft in the coming weeks. This will mean that for every plane already in use another 2.2 planes have been placed on order. Such a ratio would be the highest of all major aviation markets in the world. Though the growing numbers of aircraft in service would be considered a positive, it also brings concerns with it. Out of the expected 1,080 on order, only 400 are expected to arrive within the next 5 years and the other 700 are scheduled to be delivered in the next 10. This though excludes those orders which are yet to be placed and equipment which are to be taken on lease. Do Indian airports have enough infrastructure? "Aircraft induction on this scale will require massive infrastructure development, skilled resources and aircraft financing at a pace that has not been seen before in India," mentioned the CAPA report. And according to the report, such challenges related to the infrastructure could make the growth of the industry tougher as well as lead to fall in operating standards and network economics. "Parking bays and runway slots will become increasingly scarce over the next few years, especially at metro airports. Signs of congestion are already emerging at Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi and the situation will become more acute unless airports are able to construct 400 parking bays and enhance airside capacity within five years. Otherwise, airlines will face challenges in implementing their base and network plans," the report added. As per reports, while in March this year, India became the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, with its domestic air passenger traffic reaching 100 million, which was behind only the US (719 million) and China (436 million). This though was not matched by the growth in its infrastructure. The financial year ending March this year saw Mumbai airport beat London's Gatwick to become the world's busiest airport with a single runway. Safety risks Safety is also being considered a major challenge that such high growth would bring as the many news reports of near-collisions being reported, point out. "The projected industry growth rates will heighten safety risks due to the regulator being overstretched. Institutional strengthening of the DGCA is a national interest issue. If unaddressed, another downgrade by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration, US's civil aviation regulator) cannot be ruled out. India's regulator, the DGCA, will struggle to provide adequate regulatory oversight for the projected size of the market," said the report. It also added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is already under-resourced and short of expertise to meet current requirements. "The increase in airprox incidents (when two aircraft are within 30 seconds of colliding with each other) in the last 12 months is a concern. In addition, it will be stretched by the entry of new operators and equipment as a result of the launch of the Regional Connectivity Scheme. If oversight capabilities are left unaddressed, another FAA downgrade to Category 2 is not out of the question," the report has also noted. And the situation of the pilots is also a concern with companies trying to hire each other's pilots a growing reality. In order to counter this, the DGCA is expected to increase the notice period for pilots to exit from six to 12 months. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 10:44 [IST] Iceland's ultra-low fare transatlantic airline, WOW air celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special offer: one-way fares of $55 to eleven European cities from three of its American destinations. The discounted flights will be available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA). This announcement is yet another step in WOW air's promise to offer the cheapest flights to and from Iceland and across the Atlantic with a smile. In January, the airline became the first to offer transatlantic flights for as low as $69. For a limited time, $55 tickets will be available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Amsterdam (AMS), Copenhagen (CPH), Dublin (DUB), London (LGW) and Berlin (SXF). From Miami, $55 tickets will be available to Bristol (BRS), Brussels (BRU), Dublin (DUB), Edinburgh (EDI), Dusseldorf (DUS), Copenhagen (CPH), Frankfurt (FRA) and Cork (ORK). WOW air's California routes are serviced by three new Airbus A330 aircrafts, the first wide-body jets in the WOW air fleet. The airline operates the youngest fleet in Iceland with the lowest emission. Launched in November 2011, WOW air now connects 32 destinations across the U.S. and Europe with the Icelandic capital. In 2016 WOW air flew with 1,668,773 passengers in total, which is an increase of 130% from 2015. Fares go on sale today and will be offered for flights between June 11, 2017 and June 28, 2017. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel June 11th to June 28th. The offer applies for 200 seats on selected flights, only when booked on a return trip. 2 non-local labourers shot at by terrorist in J&K's Anantnag FM Nirmala Sitharaman hints at possibility of Centre considering restoration of state status to J&K In J&K, 14,000 dropouts find their way back to schools J&K: LeT module busted in Bandipora, 5 arrested India oi-Vikas By Vikas The Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday busted a Lashkar-e-Taiba module in Bandipora. Reports say that five over the ground workers of the militant group were also arrested. On May 13, a terror module of the Lashkar-e-Taiba was busted in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. Five persons were arrested and a cache of weapons were also seized. In February this year, Jammu and Kashmir police busted a module of Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit and arrested a militant along with nine others who were 'influencing' young and innocent boys in Baramulla district. In April, the Delhi Police special cell and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) busted an ISIS-inspired terror module spanning five states. Three persons were arrested then. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 19:10 [IST] Action by Indian Army at Nowshera was to prevent Kashmir unrest 2.0 J&K: Pakistan opens heavy fire in Nowshera, Indian Army retaliates India oi-Madhuri Pakistan Army on Thursday initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics & mortars along the Line of Control in Nowshera & KG sectors of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, since early morning. The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly & effectively. The firing is presently on.However, there were no reports of any casualties. Earlier on May 28, an Army porter was killed and another injured as Pakistan Army on Sunday violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control and fired at them in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector. "Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Keran sector Saturday by resorting to unprovoked firing, resulting in death of one army porter and injuries to another," an Army official was quoted as saying. Pakistan violated the ceasefire more than 1,345 times during the last three years. OneIndia News Two of 8 cheetahs released in acclimatisation enclosure at MP's Kuno National Park: Official Two cheetahs make their first kill at Kuno National Park Journalist shot dead in Madhya Pradesh India oi-Gulam Rabbani Bhopal, June 1: A journalist was shot dead at his office in Madhya Pradesh' Pipliyamandi busy market on Wednesday night. His family members alleged that it was a murder carried out by liquor mafia which he exposed recently. Kamlesh Jain, 42, a journalist in Pipliyamandi was alone in his office at Lovely Chouraha filing stories for the Indore-based Hindi daily when two suspects came on a motorcycle, shot him twice at close range and fled the scene. The Pipliyamandi police said that it was incident took place in the town. Kamlesh's killing yet again proves the difficulties journalists face in India. Jain's death led to a spontaneous protest with traders raising slogans against the police. Based on the information, DIG Avinash Sharma rushed to Pipliyamandi. Manish Jain, the brother of Kamlesh Jain said that his brother had a quarrel with some people involved in illegal liquor trade near a railway crossing where they threatened to kill him four days ago. He added that Kamlesh did lodge a complaint at the local police station but no action was taken. According to sources, Kamlesh had informed local police about some local restaurant owners who were selling alcohol illegally, which led to one one of their vehicles loaded with liquor was seized by police. Anil Singh Thakur, Pipliyamandi town in-charge did not confirm the motive and said the investigation underway in multiple angles. However, DIG Avinash Sharma said that suspects had been identified and they will be arrested soon. DIG denied that Kamlesh had lodged a complaint alleging a threat to life and said that the police were aware of the quarrel at the railway crossing, and a Dial-100 team reached the spot after receiving a call from the journalist, but the other party fled the spot by then. Police sources revealed that three suspects were held identified as Jaswant Sondhiya, Jeetu and Banti all hailing from Bhanchekheri in Pipliyamandi but none of them has charged yet. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 13:22 [IST] Kejriwal government's Rs 300 cr. medicine scam: Delhi police search govt offices India oi-Vicky By Vicky The Delhi police have launched a major search operation in government offices of the Delhi government following allegations of a medicine scam worth Rs 300 crore. The cops were acting on the allegations made by Kapil Mishra, the sacked water minister of Delhi. Mishra had alleged that Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain had misappropriated health funds to the tune of Rs 300 crore. He said that three big scams were perpetrated in the health sector by the Aam Aadmi Party government, including one of more than Rs 300 crore in the procurement of medicines. The Kejriwal government improperly procured medicines, overpaid for ambulances, and violated rules in transfers and appointments too, Mishra had said. The sacked water minister of Delhi said Jain did not allow hospitals to buy medicines and instead handed over the task to a central procurement authority. The government bought medicines worth crores of rupees six months in advance, even when hospitals said they don't need them. Three godowns were built to store the medicines, which have been wasted," said Mishra He claimed that such medicines have since expired and hospitals have started running out of stock. He also raised doubts over the purchase of 100 ambulances in the national capital. Mishra said that the 100 ambulance bought by the government for Rs 23 lakh each were supposed to be fireproof, but four caught fire within the first few days of running. "Some are now not even in use," he also said. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 10:26 [IST] What if Owaisi had? Muslim users on Twitter blast Kejriwal for asking for Hindu God images on currency notes Kejriwal threaten or attack those who expose him, alleges Mishra India oi-Gulam Rabbani New Delhi, June 1: Adding the two incidents, where in one incident attack on Rahul Sharma, a whistleblower in Public Work Department scam, who had filed the first corruption case against the Bhansali family and in another incident where ousted Aam Aadmi Party leader was marshalled out of the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday, the party leader turned rebel Kapil Mishra said that the AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal threatens or attacks those who tries to expose him. "Rahul Sharma exposed the case of the Bansal family. On Wednesday, he was being attacked. A FIR has been registered. I think whoever is trying to expose Arvind Kejriwal's corruption, that person is being threatened or attacked." Mishra told ANI. He claimed that the information he has proves that Kejriwal has a connection with enemies of the country as well like Naxals and requested security agencies to look into the matter. "According to the information I have, Arvind Kejriwal is linked with the rivals of the country as well even Naxals. I request all the security agencies to look into the matter at the earliest. Rahul Sharma should get proper security and protection," Mishra told ANI. Unidentified persons on Wednesday opened fire at the car of Rahul Sharma, the whistleblower of PWD scam involving Delhi CM's relative in Greater Noida. According to Sharma, a resident of Gaur City in Greater Noida, as he and his cousin were travelling towards Ghaziabad around 12 noon, two persons on a motorcycle overtook their car near Gaur International School & tried to shoot at him. However, locals raised alarm and he was escaped unhurt. As they were wearing helmets, I could not see their faces," said Sharma. Sharma had earlier submitted a complaint to the ACB alleging that he was getting threats since he had raked up the issue of the PWD 'scam'. On the other hand, Greater Noida 3, Circle Officer Rakesh Kumar said that Sharma did not name anyone in his complaint, adding that there were no injuries as it was a misfire. Reacting to the incident, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shyam Jaju said that Kejriwal-led government is killing and insulting the democracy of India. "Those who have exposed the Delhi Government and brought them into the public domain were now being attacked. The wayKapil Mishra was attacked in the assembly was not good. Rahul Jain who exposed the PWD scam yesterday this all shows that how Delhi government is killing and insulting the democracy of India. The credibility of Delhi Government is decreasing day by day," Jaju told ANI. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 12:04 [IST] 'If I have nominated even one person using authority, I'll resign': Kerala governor on VC row Kerala govt intends to replace Governor as Chancellor of universities through ordinance DGP Kerala orders FIR against The Kerala Story after TN journalist forwards complaint to CM Kerala amends Kalamandalam deemed varsity rules to remove Governor as its Chancellor Kerala police arrests 8 Youth Congress workers over ox killing India oi-Madhuri Kerala police on Thursday arrested 8 Youth Congress workers including former IYC Kannur Parliament constituency committee Rijil Makutty for killing an ox. Makutty, Josey Kandathil and K Sharafuddin slaughtered a calf in Kannur last weekend in protest against Centre's decision to impose new restrictions on the trade of cattle meant for slaughter, triggering nationwide outrage. A video was circulated of a group of men slaughtering the animal and then distributing its meat in the state's Kannur district. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the act, calling it "thoughtless and barbaric." OneIndia News Louis Berger case: Non-bailable warrant against former Goa CM Digambar Kamat India oi-Anusha A court in Panaji has issued a non-bailable warrant against former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in the Japan International Cooperation Agency case. Neither the former Chief Minister nor his counsel appeared before the judge in the principal magistrate court on Thursday when the case came up for hearing. Judge Irshad Aga issued a NBW adjourning the case. The Japan International Cooperation Agency is part of the probe in the Louis Berger bribery case where the US-based firm in 2015 admitted to having bribed Indian officials to get two major water developmental projects in Goa and Guwahati. One of the projects that the US-firm bribed to get was a Rs 1,031-crore project, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency. The then Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat had approved the project. Louis Berger got the consultancy for the project for augmenting water supply in South Goa and laying sewerage lines in the state's major cities in 2009. The enforcement directorate in March this year had attached properties worth Rs 1.20 crore belonging to Digambar Kamat in connection with the case. Kamat however, had denied links to the case and claimed that he was being framed. JICA director and Louis Berger's former vice president were arrested earlier in the matter. It was alleged that a sum of USD 976,000 was taken as bribe to grant this contract. The scam came to light when the firm admitted having violated US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and agreed to pay a penalty of 17 million dollars to resolve the case. MLA Churchill Alemao whose properties were also attached was jailed for over two months for his involvement in the scam while the Crime Branch was tracking the money trail that leads to Kamat and him. OneIndia News 'Two-finger test' should be banned in matrimonial dispute cases too, says Maharashtra doctor Maharashtra farmers on indefinite strike over loan waiver India oi-Deepika By Deepika Mumbai, June 1: Farmers from several villages across Maharashtra are on an indefinite strike from today to seek loan waiver from the government. Apart from loan waiver, the farmers are also demanding the scrapping of ban on sale of animals for slaughter. Stray incidents of violence were reported from some parts including Nashik, Satara and Pune where aggressive farmers emptied tankers of several tonnes of fresh milk being transported to the cities and destroyed stocks of fresh vegetables being taken to the markets. In another incident near Satara, the driver of a milk tanker was roughed up by some farmers and prevented from proceeding to his destination. Stones were also pelted at some police vehicles near Nashik. Maharashtra: Farmers go on indefinite strike after talks with CM over waiving of loans failed;spilled milk on highway in Ahmednagar district pic.twitter.com/qj18baAfK4 ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 The strike was called from Wednesday midnight protesting against various issues including their demand of a loan waiver. This is probably the first time farmers have resorted to a strike and Agriculture Produce Market Committees across the state are likely to remain empty from Thursday. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis held a three-hour-long meeting the delegation of the farmers on Tuesday, however, they were not convinced and decided to go ahead with the strike. In the first phase, the farmers will stop sending their produce to the markets unless farm loans are waived off and a Minimum Support Price is guaranteed. Seeing the response, they will intensify their agitation in the second phase. According to the sources, the supply of milk, vegetables and fruits is likely to be affected in Mumbai and other parts of the state. Meanwhile, the farmers have organised morchas in Beed, Latur, Parbhani, Marathwada region, Amarawati, Buldhana in Vidarbha, Daund, Sangli, Kolhapur, Nagar in western Maharashtra, Nasik in Northern Maharashtra among other parts of Maharashtra. OneIndia News (with agency inputs) Meghalaya to host beef party to celebrate 3 yrs of Modi govt India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Shillong, June 1: The divide within the Bharatiya Janata Party over the issue of beef ban is growing every day in the Northeast India, especially in Meghalaya. Several leaders of the saffron party in Meghalaya have openly expressed their reservations over the Centre's latest restrictions on sale of cattle for slaughter that is likely to bring a blanket ban on beef across the country. The anger is so much palpable within the BJP in Meghalaya that a leader of the saffron party is planning to host a beef party to mark three years of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. On May 26, the BJP-led NDA government completed three years of rule at the Centre. "Garo Hills BJP to organise bitchi-beef party to celebrate three years of Modi Government," Bachu Chambugong Marak, president of the BJP's North Garo Hills district, posted on his Facebook page. Bitchi is the Garo term for rice beer. Because of his comments, Marak is likely to be sacked from the BJP as indicated by party in-charge of Meghalaya, Nalin S Kohli. Marak told The Telegraph, "We will organise the beef party because beef is our traditional food. We, the Garo people, cannot live without eating beef." "We will automatically quit the party if the leadership cannot solve the issue. But if the party can solve the problem, we will remain in the party. There will be no support for the party in the Garo hills if it bans beef," Marak added. As protest over beef is brewing within the saffron party, the BJP is now thinking to make a U-turn on its latest ruling to avoid electoral disaster in states like Meghalaya which is slated for assembly elections in 2018. "The question of having a law on cow slaughter is to be decided by the state and not the Centre. Every state government that decides to have a law or not have a law has to keep in mind the local habits. In the Northeast, people eat beef, so the governments will have to bear that in mind," Kohli said in a press conference on Wednesday. Asked about the Mark's Facebook post, Kohli said, "The district president... is going to be sacked. If he wants to leave the party, we will welcome it." In fact, a leader of the BJP in Meghalaya on Tuesday threatened to quit the party if the Modi government refused to repeal the new cattle trade rules. "Most party leaders in Meghalaya are not happy with the new rules which are directly affecting the socio-economic status of the people," BJP vice president John Antonius Lyngdoh told IANS. Lyngdoh said the party members went into a huddle on Monday and discussed the issue in depth. "We cannot accept the new rules on cattle trade and slaughter. We cannot go against our food behaviour besides putting the economic interest of those people dealing in cattle trade and slaughter in jeopardy," the former food and civil supplies minister said. He added, "It will be difficult for the candidates to campaign as the electorate won't back a party which goes against the interests of the people." While states like Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal--where opposition parties are at the helm of affairs--opposed the latest cattle sale and slaughter rules, in Meghalaya the dissent is mostly expressed by the BJP members. Morever, beef festivals in several parts of Kerala, Chennai and Bengaluru have caused irritation to the ring wing groups, it would be interesting to see how the BJP is going to stop a beef festival by one of its own in Meghalaya. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 6:34 [IST] Monsoon 2017: Here is the weather forecast for June 2 India oi-Madhuri As predicted, many states including Karnataka welcomed Pre-Monsoon season in the country. Bengaluru and parts of coastal areas have been witnessing continues rainfall and thundershowers. Bengaluru: Bangaloreans will witness normal pace monsoon between June 1 to 3 and at the same time it will also cover Northeast India including Guwahati. While in Hyderabad there is no respite from the prickly heat. Delhi: The month of May remained mostly dry and hot for Hyderabad. The hot and humid weather of Hyderabad has been prevailing in the city from last 3-4 days. The capital Delhi is also enjoying pre-monsoon season. Hyderabad: According to Skymet weather, the dry weather in Hyderabad is expected to prevail over the state capital for another 2-3 days. From June 5-6, monsoon will reach Telangana including Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. Mumbai: As per weathermen, light Pre-Monsoon rainfall is expected to continue over Mumbai for the next 2 to 3 days. The average rainfall throughout the month amounts to 12.5 mm while the city has so far only received a mere 3.6 mm of rainfall. Chennai: Meanwhile, in Chennai, the city has remained dry. There is no trace of rain. Chennaites need to wait for more time since the monsoon is expected tohit between June 5 and 8. The Indian Meteorological Department has announced that the Southwest monsoon is likely to hit the city by June 5, two days ahead of its scheduled arrival. By the first week of July and by July 15, monsoon will cover entire country. OneIndia News With almost 200 participants, Brussels successfully hosted European Association Summit 2017. With a 30% increase in interest compared with the previous edition, the summit has become a reference point when it comes to gatherings of representatives from international associations. This years event has a new formula offering three plenary sessions and 20 themed sessions staggered over an event lasting two full days. After an introduction concerning an innovative change vector presented by the Chairman of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Jean-Paul Philippot, visitors took part in workshops on different themes. Meeting in the Square, the associations also became more informed on fields such as finance, surveys, campaigns, strategy or management of partnerships, owing to experts from international associations and partners coming from different sectors. The conference ended by addressing the issue of cooperation for a stable European future owing to an exchange between the European Unions think tank and international associations. There great recognition has been expressed for work carried out over these last few years in debates on the environment, climate and other social issues. The European Association Summit was also an opportunity for visit.brussels to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the visit.brussels Association Bureau, whose aim is to assist international associations in their activities in Brussels owing to a unique point of contact. The Chairman for the 2017 publication of the event, Mr. Mohamed Mezghani of the International Public Transport Union, has emphasized the events great quality owing to almost 35 speakers present and the very active involvement of participants coming from all orbits. The next edition of EAS will unfold at the beginning of March 2018. Photo credit: PCMA Draupadi Murmu or Gehlot The names of Murmu and Gehlot are being proposed by the BJP to consolidate its backward vote bank. At a recent BJP-RSS meet, the the latter said that the name of a dalit or tribal leader must be considered. While a majority are in favour of Draupadi Murmu taking over as the next President of India, the BJP are also contemplating selecting Gehlot. The BJP feels that since Murmu is a dalit tribal leader, the opposition may find it hard to counter their choice. She hails from Odisha and this would also ensure that the BJD would not oppose her candidature. BJP wants backward candidate The BJP is also thinking of fielding Gehlot a backward leader. The Union Social Justice minister's name had cropped up during several discussions that the BJP held. These are two candidates that the opposition would find it hard to say no to many in the BJP believe. The opposition on the other hand has proposed the name of former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi. The opposition also has said that it would not oppose Pranab Mukherjee getting a second term, but also added that they would not be the ones to propose the name first. Who is Draupadi Murmu? She is currently the Governor of Jharkhand. Her career in politics spans over 2 decades. She will be the first tribal to be the President of India. She is the daughter of late Biranchi Narayan Tudu. Hailing from Odisha, she was also a former minister in the government there. Draupadi Murmu was awarded the best MLA of the year award by the Odisha Legislative Assembly. In 2007 Droupadi Murmu was awarded 'Nilakantha Award. She was elected as a councillor in 1997 and went on to become the vice-chairperson of the Rairangpur NAC. She was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly, Rairangpur, Odisha and then went on to become Minister of State. Between 2002 and 2009, she remained the National Executive Member of the ST Morcha, BJP. Who is Tarun Chand Gehlot? Thawar Chand Gehlot born on 18 May 1948 is the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment in the Union Government led by Narendra Modi. He is a member of the Rajya Sabha representing the state of Madhya Pradesh. He formerly represented Shajapur in the lower house of Indian Parliament, Lok Sabha from 1996 to 2009. He is a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and general secretary of the party. Gopal Krishna Gandhi The opposition has been suggesting the name of Gopal Krishna Gandhi. Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. He was the governor of West Bengal between 2004 and 2009. It may be recalled that after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India, he had written an open letter. Born April 22 1946, he is an Indian civil servant and a diplomat. As a former member of the Indian Administrative Service he has also served as the secretary to the President of India. He was also high commissioner to South Africa and Sri Lanka. No Aadhaar? No midday meal for students in UP schools India oi-Madhuri Students of government-run primary schools in Uttar Pradesh, will now not be provided with midday meal after June 30 if they do not have an Aadhaar card. This comes after after the Union Human Resource Development Ministry in a gazette notification on February 28 had mandated Aadhaar for the midday meal scheme and asked UP schools to make a list of students who possess the cards. However, the direction has left schools puzzled as the schools were closed during the summer vacation and was reopened on June 1. And those officials who are handling the midday meal scheme said that its difficult to follow the direction and coordinate since the schools were reopened after the vacations. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government had asked basic shiksha adhikaris to get the Aadhaar cards made for school students by June 30, failing of which supply of midday meals to the students will be stopped. The direction from the State government comes three months after the Union Human Resource Development Ministry made Aadhaar cards mandatory for midday meals and asked UP schools to make a list of students who possess the cards. In Meerut district, statistics reveal that out of a total of 1.73 lakh students in 1,561 schools, only 85,000 students regularly attend school. Out of these, some 28,900 students have Aadhaar cards, according to officials. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 10:52 [IST] Human rights of people of Xinjiang should be respected and guaranteed: India Proposal to privatise Air India unilateral: Employees union India pti-PTI New Delhi, June 1: The Air India employees union on Thursday called the government's proposal to privatise the national carrier unilateral and arbitrary and threatened to launch a campaign to oppose the move. The government's plan to withdraw its stakes in Air India will be contrary to all its previous assurances, including in Parliament, the Air Corporations Employees' Union said. "We are shocked and surprised to know from media reports that the government is on the verge of taking a unilateral and arbitrary decision to privatise Air India," said an ACEU press statement. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had last week pitched for Air India's divestment saying it has a market share of 14 per cent whereas its debt is Rs 50,000 crore. Following this, the civil aviation ministry said it was looking at all possible alternatives to make the airline viable. ACEU, a registered trade union, comprises a majority of ground staff of Air India as well as its cabin crew. According to the union, Air India, which had been making profits till 2007, turned into a loss-making entity due to the "bungling and disastrous experiments by successive governments". The management and employees of the state-owned carrier must not be held responsible for its financial mess, it said. Air India has been in the red since the merger with Indian Airlines. However, it posted an operational profit of Rs 105 crore on account of low fuel prices and increased passenger numbers in 2015-16. Air India has been surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bail- out package spread over 10 years announced by the Manmohan Singh government in 2012. The union says it is planning to launch a campaign to demand that the government drop its proposal and has also called for forming a platform of all stakeholders. Discussions on disinvestment of Air India have gathered pace at a time when the CBI has registered three FIRs and a preliminary enquiry to go into the controversial decisions made by the erstwhile UPA government with regard to Air India, including surrender of profitable routes to favour private airlines, its merger with Indian Airlines and purchase of 111 aircraft. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 16:12 [IST] SIT probing IAS officer Anurag Tewari's death reaches Bengaluru India oi-Anusha Officers of the special investigation team who are probing the death of IAS officer Anurag Tewari arrived in Bengaluru. A team of policemen from Uttar Pradesh visited Anurag Tewari's office in the Food and Civil Supplies department on Thursday. While the Uttar Pradesh government declared that the case would be referred to the CBI, no such transfer has come about so far. With the investigation in Uttar Pradesh going nowhere, the SIT has visited Bengaluru to collect details of Anurag's activities days before his death. The team is expected to question Anurag's colleagues and principal secretary of the department over an allegation of a scam that the slain officer was to expose, as cited by his family. Anurag was posted to Bengaluru recently and was away on a training program. In the last few messages that he had sent to his family members, Anurag Tewari had said that the situation in Bengaluru was not very good. He had even asked his brother to postpone their parent's scheduled visit to the city citing political-bureaucrat tussle. The Yogi Adityanath government had formed a special investigation team following requests for a speedy probe in the case. Anurag Tewari's family raised suspicion over his death after the post mortem report remained inconclusive. While the cause of death had been established as asphyxia, the reason for the same was not established by the panel of doctors who conducted the autopsy. Forensic experts added to the anger around Anurag's death after raising suspicion of possible murder. Three police personnel attached to the Dial 100 facility were suspended in the case after it was found that they had delayed in reaching the spot. On the day Anurag Tewari was found dead, the control room is said to have received a call at around 5.23 AM but response team reached the spot only by 6.10 AM. Three policemen were suspended for dereliction of duty. The family alleged that the Uttar Pradesh police had already botched up the investigations and requested that a central agency probe the case. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 16:51 [IST] Sushma assures medical visa to ailing infant, Pakistan father says 'Jai Hind' India oi-Anusha Overwhelmed by the support he received not just by Indians but also by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, a Pakistani citizen hailed India through his tweets. Ken Sid, an engineer from Lahore can't thank Sushma Swaraj enough for assuring a medical visa to his infant son who suffers from a heart ailment. The Pakistani man said 'Jai Hind' to express his gratitude for the love and support he received and above all the assurance of a medical visa for his two and a half-month-old son. No. The child will not suffer. Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa. pic.twitter.com/4ADWkFV6Ht https://t.co/OLVO3OiYMB Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 31, 2017 On May 24, Ken took to Twitter to post a picture of his son Rohaan and claimed that the infant needed medical treatment. He even demanded answers from Pakistan's Sartaj Aziz and India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj. The tweet soon went viral with dozens of Indians requesting a visa to save the child's life. The thread showed how beyond the tensions between the two countries, humanity was still alive. Dear friends a pakistani infant suffering frm heart disease needs immediate treatment in India .Plz help 2 reach this 2 @SushmaSwaraj ma'am. pic.twitter.com/Gg975nSPDC RAVI KUMAR (@RaviBerro) May 22, 2017 Sushma Swaraj was tagged on many tweets that poured in support of the Pakistani father and his struggle to save his infant son. Swaraj who stepped in assured that the child would not suffer and that India would provide a medical visa for treatment. The father was directed to contact the Indian high Commission. Maam i cant express my feeling. i am so thankful to you for what you have done for me and my son. I really appreciate govt of india.jay hind Ken Sid (@KenSid2) May 31, 2017 The overjoyed father hailed India for the support and assurance. Thanks to the efforts of Indians who put behind differences to save a child and the assurance of external affairs minister, an infant from Lahore in Pakistan now has a chance at life. OneIndia News Sushma steps in to rescue Mumbai man in Mozambique India oi-Madhuri External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj came to rescue of a Mumbai man who was stuck in Mozambique. High Commission has established contact with Mr Anand and trying to resolve the issue. India in Mozambique (@IndiainMoz) May 31, 2017 Anand Krishna Singh, who currently works in Africa was allegedly accused of theft and beaten up at gunpoint by his employer. This didn't end here, his passport and other documents was also taken away by the employer. Singh was also not paid for almost nine months. Singh who originally hails from Udupi district in Karnataka had shifted with his family to Andheri in 1999. His sister Anita Suvarna wrote and tweeted to the authorities, tagging Swaraj. Swaraj immdieately responded to the tweet and asked the ambassy to contact her. "High Commission has established contact with Anand (Krishna Singh) and trying to resolve the issue." The youth is expected to return to Mumbai on Friday. OneIndia News UPSC Civil Services 2016 topper, Nandini calls it a dream come true India oi-Vicky By Vicky It was a proud moment for K R Nandini of Kolar in Karnataka who topped in the UPSC Civil Services 2016 final exams, the results of which were declared on Wednesday. It is a very happy and proud moment for me, she said. Nandini who hails from Kolar is a civil engineering graduate from the MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bangalore. This is a very happy moment for me, I have realised my dream," Nandini told ANI. In her last attempt, she had made the grade for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). "It is like a dream come true. I always wanted to be an IAS officer," said. I put in a lot of effort. After getting selected in the IRS in 2014, I had taken the exam again in 2015 but could not crack it. I took the test again and topped it. It is a wonderful experience," she also said. Nandini is from the OBC category. The government in a statement said Nandini had qualified with Kannada literature as her optional subject. Nandini is currently undergoing training at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics in Faridabad. OneIndia News Want to know how peafowls have sex? US expert tells truth, debunks judges brahmachari theory This video of Peacock flying leaves you mesmerised Watch: Video of Peacock bidding adieu to long time partner after its death goes viral What did the peacock in no mood tell the peahen? I hate tears Pushpa India oi-Madhuri Rajasthan High Court judge Mahesh Chandra Sharma who on Wednesday suggested to make cow as a national animal presented his unique theory and said that since peacock is a brahmachari (celibate) its a national bird. He made the remark to back his observation that cows should replace the tiger as the national animal because it's also holy. Jutice Sharma's version on the mating habits of peafowls has it that peahens become pregnant by swallowing the tears of the peacock. "Peacock was made the national bird of India because it is Brahmachari. Cow is pious like peacock. Peahen doesn't need to have sex to get pregnant. It just swallows tears of the peacock," he said. However, with reference to his verdict, Twitterati exploded with reactions. Some of the best ones are here: What does the peacock say to the peahen when he is not in the mood? Pushpa, I hate tears" #RajasthanJudge #bramhacharipeacock T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) May 31, 2017 When a peacock cries, he is actually having an orgasm. Samosaji (@ek_samosa_dena) May 31, 2017 Shukr hai he didn't sing https://t.co/FEfuuIdNS9 FarraGau CowFefe (@YearOfRat) May 31, 2017 Peacock: Let's have sex Peahen: Dude, we're just good friends Peacock cries, peahen gets pregnant https://t.co/pKN5A43u5l Rahul Roushan (@rahulroushan) May 31, 2017 Sir, I have better things to do than to 'see peacock do sex'. Thanks. https://t.co/qt9ZQGIYhz Zakka Jacob (@Zakka_Jacob) May 31, 2017 this is the natural reproduction system of the peacock Not from tears, at Bandipur #meatingpeacock #RajasthanJudge #bramhacharipeacock pic.twitter.com/KUzWrF4SMI Dr Shivanand meranal (@drshivanandmm) June 1, 2017 Met a girl last night and we drank my tears all night long by god Tanmay Bhat (@thetanmay) May 31, 2017 i learnt two things today. One, is a new word #Covfefe . second, that peahen gets pregnant drinking tears of d #peacock. Feeling enriched. Prince Thomas (@pmt_sojourner) May 31, 2017 Peahen gets pregnant by swallowing tears of peacock, says a high court judge - making me shed tears for the quality of our judiciary The Bad Doctor (@DOCTORATLARGE) May 31, 2017 OneIndia News Will cow replace tiger as Indias national animal? Well, nation only once saw such a change India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, June 1: The ongoing social, political and economic turmoil over cow (gau mata) is one of India's most vexed issues, probably next only to the crisis looming large in Jammu and Kashmir. The current debate over cow revolves around various controversial and equally confusing facts. First, the slaughter of cow for the purpose of meat and other industries, primarily leather. Since cow is closely associated with the Hindu religion and is considered sacred, there is almost a blanket ban on slaughter of the animal across the country, except for Kerala and most parts of the Northeast India. Unlike cow, such a large-scale ban on slaughter of other cattle like buffalos and bulls are not pan-India. However, as soon as the ministry of environment recently imposed various restrictions on sale of cattle, including cows, buffaloes and camels, at animal markets across India, experts say such "harsh" rules won't allow sell and thus slaughter of any cattle. The second battle surrounding the cow is the rise in violence in the name of protection of the "holy" animal carried out by gau rakshaks or cow vigilantes. The third point regarding cow which the nation is passionately debating about (especially our news studios in Delhi) is whether it should be made the national animal or not? Of late, several well-known personalities, including controversial spiritual leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim had asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare cow as the national animal. On Wednesday, when a Rajasthan High Court judge, Mahesh Chandra Sharma, on his last day at work, recommended the Centre to make cow the national animal, the topic once again came under spotlight. However, if we look back, India only once changed its national animal from lion to tiger. Back in 1970s, the then PM Indira Gandhi changed the national animal from lion to tiger on ground that tigers were found all over India and lions were restricted only to Gujarat. The experts took the decision to give tiger the coveted position of being the national animal as it needed to be protected. Thus, the then government also launched Project Tiger. Now, do we need to change India's national animal once again to cow to protect the animal population (although latest livestock census shows rise in cow population) or provide better care to the animal or just to pacify the majority? It's a call the Modi government has to take soon. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 12:42 [IST] UP elections 2014 & 2017: Looking at vote-shares of BJP and its opponents Will launch Samajwadi Secular Front on July 6: Shivpal India pti-PTI Lucknow, May 31: Sidelined Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav said on Wednesday that he would launch an outfit named Samajwadi Secular Front, which will be headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav on July 6, to bring the party on the right track. Shivpal, who has been at odds with nephew and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, however made it clear that he was forming just a front and not a political party. "We will constitute the Samajwadi Secular Front on July 6 to bring the SP on the right track. We will formally announce it at a meeting in Lucknow", Shivpal told reporters in Lucknow. "SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav will be the national president of the front and I would be its convenor," Shivpal said. He said that "those sidelined in the party will be associated with the front while talks will also be held with other parties in order to make the SP strong." "First of all, the family and then the Samajwadi family will be united and this will be possible under the leadership of Netaji Mulayam. I want to ensure that Netajis honour is upheld", he said. Asked about BJP governments decision for a probe in the river front project initiated during the SP regime, when he was a minister, Shivpal said, "There were no discrepancies when I was the minister. I dont know what happened later". PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 10:55 [IST] Turkeys flag carrier Turkish Airlines took delivery of its 30th Boeing 777-300ER that welcomed with a traditional water salute at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The 777-300ER arrival, the latest addition to the European carriers growing fleet of more than 100 Boeing airplanes, also comes into prominence as a highly significant delivery for the carrier as it is the first aircraft to feature seats by Turkish Seats Industries (TSI), a complete Turkish brand through a close collaboration with Boeing. TSI, the first locally aircraft seat producer in Turkey, which is a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Assan Hanil, aims to play a key role in the global aircraft seat market with its innovative, lightweight, quality products. While consistently investing in its overall services, Turkish Airlines has always put special emphasis to further built in its infrastructure investments which also make a major contribution to further progress of Turkish Aviation Industry. Three years ago, we partnered in a significant initiative to pioneer another first in Turkish Civil Aviation. By establishing Turkish Seat Industry (TSI), in collaboration with Assan Hanil, we took a more active role in the industry through logistical support. And now were taking the delivery of the first aircraft equipped with those locally produced seats designed by TSI, an installation manufactured in Turkey that conforms to all international standards. With adding this 30th Boeing 777-300ER to our ever expanding fleet, we look forward to TSI to become a leading brand across the industry, and be a substantial part of our aircrafts in the near future. said M. Ilker Ayc, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines. Commenting this delivery, Can Sasmaz, General Manager of TSI, said; TSI have completed the delivery of economy class seats for a Turkish Airlines B777 aircraft which is registered as TC-JLK and with a MSN number 60402, where TSI have completed the design, certification and production of the seats earlier than Boeings prediction. As TSI, we are honoured and proud to be an important part of Turkish Aviation History and supply seats to iconic Boeing B777 aircraft, in addition to gain the Turkey national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines confidence in supporting the airlines aircraft, to note the airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleet currently in operation worldwide. Turkish Airlines has been a long-standing and key partner for Boeing and we are proud of their confidence and trust in Boeings technology and industry-leading airplanes such as the 777, said Marty Bentrott, Vice President for Sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. This delivery is especially significant since it is the first to feature seats by Turkish Seat Industries (TSI). We look forward to further developing and strengthening our relationship with Turkish Airlines and the Turkish Aviation Industry. Turkish Airlines and Boeing share a long history that goes back to 1945, with the arrival of the airlines first DC-3/C-47 airliners. Turkish Airlines entered the jet age in the late 1960s, when the airline began operating DC-9, DC-10 and Boeing 707 airplanes. Over the years, the Turkish carrier has also flown the Boeing 727, 757, MD-80 and the most modern 737 and 777 airplanes. Boeings backlog with Turkish Airlines includes two 777 Freighters and 75 737 MAXs. With just Rs 1,000 as monthly pension, plight of retired HMT employees needs to be heard India oi-Vicky By Vicky The retired employees of the Hindustan Machine Tools are in distress. The retired employees who are now senior citizens of the country say that they have been deprived of their arrears since 1992 and the 1997 scale for over 15 years now. Many had approached the Kerala High Court seeking justice. In a 2014 order the HC had said that it is of the view that the Government of India should consider the plight of the retired workers of the HMT. The government must see if any relief can be extended to them, since they had worked for long years. In the above view of the matter, the Union of India is directed to take up, consider and pass reasoned orders within 3 months, the HC had said in 2014. The retired employees say that the HC order has not been put into effect as of now. There have been several meetings that they had held with Union Ministers Sadananda Gowda and Ananth Kumar, but there has been no solution. They allege that the due to the carelessness of the HMT management the retired employees have been put to a lot of hardship. Further the carelessness of the government has put them to further hardship. The employees of the HMT both former and present have now made an appeal to the Prime Minister and President of India seeking to redress their grievances. They say that the scales of 1997 were revised for employees from February 28 2014 instead of January 1 1997. This was a ploy by the department of heavy industries. In the bargain their efforts of 3 decades went down the drain they say. They further say that with the 1997 pay scale not being introduced, it has grossly affected their pension. They get hardly anything between Rs 1,000 to 2,000 per month as pension. This has led them to live in poor conditions despite them putting in so much of hard work. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 12:38 [IST] First India-Afghanistan air cargo to be operational from June 15 International pti-PTI Kabul, June 1: The first cargo flight of the Afghanistan-India air corridor to take Afghan goods to India will leave Kabul for New Delhi on June 15, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace on Thursday. The Afghanistan-India air corridor plan has entered implementation phase, a project which was initiated by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani last year, Pajhwok news agency reported. The project entered operationalisation stage on Wednesday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the CEOs of Ariana Airlines and Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries in the presence of Ajmal Ahmady, senior economic advisor to the President of Afghanistan and other officials. Ariana CEO Captain Nadir Omar announced the dates for the first two cargo flights to New Delhi. According to Omar the first flight will depart Kabul for New Delhi on June 15 while the second flight will depart from Kandahar on June 20. The air corridor programme, which is funded by the Afghanistan government, will help the private sector export their goods to India by air under an incentivised programme. The plan, initially announced during the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in December last year by the principals of the two countries, is intended to further improve bilateral ties through developing sustainable trade linkages. The current volume of trade between the two countries stands at roughly $350 million, and the governments of the two countries intend to increase this to $1 billion in the coming 3 years. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 16:45 [IST] 'Girl from Germany' claimed to be behind Telegram group of IS sympathisers International oi-Prabhpreet By Prabhpreet The fact that terrorist organisations use social media platforms to not only share their messages and claim responsibility for various attacks but also to recruit people from across countries, is well known to authorities. But with little control over widespread applications that can be used through the massive outreach that the Internet provides, there is only so much that agencies of different countries can do. And now it has come to light that the online application, Telegraph, is allegedly used by a German woman known by her group name of Nau Lee on this app, as a medium of communication between Islamic State (IS) sympathisers from around the globe. According to reports, Amzad Khan, a 37-year-old Indian, who is an IS suspect, was motivated by her through this application. Khan was arrested by Saudi Arabian authorities last year in September and was deported to India in April. The National Investigation Agency is reported to be currently trying to verify the statement given by him that the 'girl from Germany' was the admin of the Telegram group that he was a part of. And around 20 people from different countries such as Maldives, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany and India are also alleged to be members of a group named Nau Lee on the web application, according to officials as per a report in HT, a national daily. Telegram is like other social media applications such as WhatsApp and has now emerged as a favourite online tool used by IS terrorists and sympathisers as it is an encrypted messaging service. The report also mentions that the India investigative agency could also choose to approach law-enforcement agencies of different countries which have been mentioned in statements related to the group. The paper also quoted an official familiar with the investigation as having said that Khan's "claims have to be ascertained before our investigators can decide an action plan." Khan is reported to have said in in his statement that he was also an active member of other social media sites such as Twitter on which he operated using a handle using an alias, Ayan Khan Salafi. And he was added to the Telegraph group after he started following a person on Twitter, allegedly from Maldives, around August or September in 2015. But he has claimed that he does not remember the name this user. And as per reports, it was a Telegram address through which he was able to contact suspected IS operative Mohammad Masiuddin alias Musa of West Bengal, who is the lone Indian to be interrogated by US's FBI for links with IS, after he was arrested last year. The NIA had accused Masiuddin of waving IS flags in Srinagar in May last year. Masiuddin is also alleged to have added Khan to another Telegram group filled with IS sympathisers. But according to him, he was unable to follow their communication as most of it was conducted in Bangla. Khan is also accused of being in contact with Yusuf-al-Hindi, a Syria-based ID recruiter. It has been alleged that though he wanted to go to the Syria, he was held back following his romance with a medical student from Uttar Pradesh. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 12:54 [IST] PM Modi and Russian President Putin Putin, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in St Petersburg today, said, "A special nature of trust and friendship exists in the relations between the two countries and its people." Modi said both nations believe in the benefit and happiness of all. "In relations there are ups and downs but India and Russia have not seen ups and down in their relations," Modi said. Modi also remembered the sacrifices made by Russian people especially by President Putin's brother. In relations there are ups and downs but India and Russia have not seen ups and down in their relations: PM Modi in meeting with Pres Putin pic.twitter.com/HyWi4rlBit ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 Both leaders held discussion on range of issues Prime Minister Modi and President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as Prime Minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow in St Petersburg. Paying homage to heroic defenders and immortal soldiers. PM @narendramodi lays wreath at the Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery pic.twitter.com/1BzbzekEok Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) June 1, 2017 Modi visits Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery Modi mentioned to Putin about his visit to the cemetery this morning where he paid homage to the victims of the World War II. "You are a leader whose family has given sacrifices. Your brother was martyred," Modi told Putin. Putin's brother was killed 70 years ago in the siege of Leningrad during the World War II. He thanked Modi for visiting the war memorial, saying such places have special place in Russian people's heart. Modi laying wreath at war memorial The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide- ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. Is Rs 340,000,000 Pakistan's annual budget to fund unrest in the Valley? International oi-Vicky By Vicky Is Rs 340,000,000 the annual budget that the Pakistan army has allocated for funding trouble in Kashmir? An Intelligence Bureau report states that the Pakistan army has allocated 5 per cent of its annual budge for the Kashmir battle. Out of the total national budget of Pakistan which is 42 billion US dollars, the Pakistan army was allocated 6.8 million US dollars. Out of this Pakistan has allocated 5 per cent for the Kashmir battle which amounts to 340,000,000. Intelligence Bureau officials say that a major chunk of the funding for the Kashmir battle comes from the Pakistan army. It is the army which wants to keep the Valley on the boil. The spending ranges on a variety of things. The army sponsors three major terrorist groups in the Valley- The Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and the Jaish-e-Mohammad. The entire expenditure for the three terror groups is borne by the Pakistan army. In addition to this a large chunk of the money is also sent out to the Separatists of the Valley who keep the state on the boil. During the probe by the NIA, it was found that the Separatists had received huge chunks of cash from the Pakistan army to keep the Valley on the boil. A lot of the money was deposited in benami accounts while the other chunk came in through hawala routes. The NIA which had filed a preliminary enquiry into the funding for Separatists will now file an FIR to further the probe. The NIA has already questioned scores of people in the Valley who have been getting funds from Pakistan. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 8:37 [IST] ISI ensued bomb making was child's play for me: Yasin Bhatkal International oi-Vicky By Vicky Yasin Bhatkal the former boss of the Indian Mujahideen was adept in handling military grade explosives such as the TNT, C3 and C4. Apart from this he was a master at preparing bombs using the very easily available ammonium nitrate. He mastered the art of bomb making during the various ISI sponsored sessions that he attended at Karachi, Pakistan. The ISI trained me so well that making a bomb had become child's play for me, Bhatkal revealed during his interrogation. He was one of the best bomb makers for the Indian Mujahideen and his arrest in 2013 saw the outfit fall like a pack of cards. He made these revelations when he was questioned by the Ahmedabad police. He was interrogated for his role in the July 2008 Ahmedabad blasts that killed 50 people. A boat shaped IED: Bhatkal spoke about the several training camps that he had attended in Karachi. I was specifically trained in making an IED device which was shaped like a boat. The shape is very crucial and this particular bomb could hurl the splinters at a larger range he explained. He said that his travel to Karachi had been arranged by the ISI. They always told me to reach Dubai first before I travelled to Karchi. The journey back to India was also through the same route, he said. He said that he was spotted first in Dubai by the IM leadership. He was in Dubai on business and was picked up by the radicalisation unit of the IM which was headed by Riyaz and Iqbal Bhatkal. On my arrival at Karachi, I was received by Amir Reza Khan. From here I was taken to the secret training camp in Karachi. There were a bunch of ISI officials who were present. They gave us a presentation and then the training began, he also explained to the police. Crucial time: With Riyaz and Iqbal away in Pakistan, the ISI wanted someone to further the operations in India. He said that the IM leadership trained him with the help of the ISI. They wanted an expert bomb-maker. They put me through a grueling session. They told me that their training was so good that bomb making would become child's play for me. I was also trained in target practise. I was also given an amount of Rs 4 lakh to take back to India and set up a training workshop for the other members of the IM, Yasin also said. I was also told that I should set up an arms unit in Uttar Pradesh. This would facilitate more acts of terror, Bhatkal also said. The web of terror: Serial blasts in Ahmedabad, July 2008, in which around 50 persons were killed Three blasts in Mumbai in July 2011 at Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and Kabutarkhana, which killed around 20 persons. Surat bomb blast case. German Bakery blasts which killed 17. Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad blasts in which 19 were killed in February 2013. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 1, 2017, 8:09 [IST] At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats US tightens visa rules: Asks for social media handles, 15 yrs of bio information International oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar The new visa application launched by The United States administration has become more stringent as it asks for social media handles for the last five years and biographical information going back 15 years. The new rules were approved on May 23 by the Office of Management and Budget despite criticism from educationists and academic groups during a public comment period. Reuters reported that under the new procedures, consular officials can request all prior passport numbers, five years' worth of social media handles, email addresses and phone numbers and 15 years of biographical information including addresses, employment and travel history: http://bit.ly/2qBSrpv President Donald Trump has vowed to increase national security and border protections, proposing to give more money to the military and make Mexico pay to build a wall along the southern U.S. border. A U.S. appeals court has refused to reinstate Trump's temporary travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority nations- Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. OneIndia News Sky News 10 Nov 2022 Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukrainians to "be restrained" and cautious following the Russian order to withdraw troops from the.. by Graham Pierrepoint Donald Trump is probably the most famous Twitter user on the planet right now a social media network once having hosted the likes of Stephen Fry and Lady Gaga as their most popular followers, the US President has been using his account alongside his work as Commander in Chief. Its a fairly odd insight, regularly, into the day to day life of the President and while many find his tweets to be largely commentary on various issues and how he is perceived in the media, he does sometimes let out an occasional surprise that gets leapt upon by all and sundry. Covfefe a term which has gone viral within the space of just a few hours appeared at the end of one such Trump tweet, occurring after midnight from the White House on Tuesday. Its a term which has no inherent meaning but its context is key. Trumps whole tweet reads Despite the constant negative press covfefe a bizarrely truncated statement which appeared to have initially intended to run on to defend his Presidency against media reporting. However, the nonsensical word that appears to stop the tweet mid flow has taken on a life of its own in the media either showing that the world really has gone mad, or that it is a clever form of fighting back against Trump. Many have speculated that the appearance of covfefe suggested that the President was interrupted during his message, entering and sending gibberish by mistake. The tweet in question appears to have since been deleted, however, thousands of people took screenshots and quickly circulated images leading many question, given the timing of the statement, whether or not Trump fell asleep while sending the message. Regardless of the truth and with Trump having recognized the rise of the meme in a knowing statement later on in the day on Monday the speed at which the gibberish has taken on meme status is something of a phenomenon. Either it is testament to how quickly news catches fire in 2017, or it shows just how quickly Trumps words spread and how many people are willing to make fun out of his tweets in the process. Some media outlets are going as far as to call covfefe a new official word lets not go that far just yet but as memes go, this one rolled out very quickly indeed. by Graham Pierrepoint Anyone remotely interested in UK politics will likely know that theres a fairly big snap election coming up on Friday, June 8th and it will decide whether or not Prime Minister Theresa May and the Conservative Party will hold onto government until 2022 at least or if Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party, amongst a sea of other contenders, will challenge their supremacy. Its long been thought that the Conservatives were looking at a landslide this time around but after a number of policy u-turns and unpopular decisions made by May and the Conservatives over the past few weeks, Labour have managed to tighten the gap in the polls. For a man who has been battling the mass media and even his own party for the good part of nearly two years, it appears that Corbyn may finally have seized upon the chance to threaten the governments majority in the UK. While it is still largely thought that Corbyns largely left-wing manifesto may alienate much of the electorate, his most recent public appearances have been hailed by those he intends to speak to the most and, this week, he pulled a rather surprise trick out of the bag when he announced that he would be attending a BBC Party leaders debate on prime time TV a debate that Theresa May had backed out of previously, and that Corbyn had only changed his mind on hours before. Its been claimed as a brave move and one that has surprised just about everyone at the time of writing, Corbyn is yet to head out on stage but he will likely lock horns with Amber Rudd MP representing in Mays absence and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron MP. Mays response to Corbyns decision came as she advised she would be continuing to canvass and meet people up and down the country as opposed to taking part in the televised debate. Corbyns popularity appears to be picking up at a very late stage in the election, and it is thought that anything short of the majority Theresa May was aiming for will be considered a failure for the Conservatives. Can Labour pull off an upset and give the governing party a shock? Its shaping up to be a very exciting election run, and it will all come to a head on Friday, June 8th. In this past election, like many before it, the left used the specter of The Klan and Old Jim Crow in order to motivate black people to vote... 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Rumble 31 Oct 2022 Today on The Last 24 we'll be covering Bill C-27 a proposed bill that you didn't even know about and why it.. Gothamist 30 Oct 2020 New Mets owner Steve Cohen and perpetual Mets mascot Mr. Met The Mets now have the richest owner in all of baseball. [.. Newsy 06 Nov 2022 Watch VideoEnvoys from around the globe gathered Sunday in the Egyptian seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for talks on tackling.. You cant make a perfectly accurate map, as Jorge Luis Borges so succinctly told us, without making it the exact same size and shape as the land it portrays. But given the utter uselessness of such an enormous piece of paper (which so frustrated the citizens of the imaginary empire in Borges story that, not without some pitilessness, they tossed theirs into the desert), no mapmaker would ever want to. A more compact map is a more useful one; unfortunately, a more compact map is also, by its very nature, a less accurate one. New York The same rule applies to maps of all kinds, and especially to transit maps, quite possibly the most useful specialized maps we consult today. They show us how to navigate cities, and yet their clean, bold lines, sometimes turning but never wavering, hardly represent those cities subject as they are to variations in terrain and density, as well as centuries of unplannably organic growth with geographical faithfulness. One cant help but wonder just how each urban transit map, some of them beloved works of design, strikes the usefulness-faithfulness balance. London Living in Seoul, Ive grown used to the citys standard subway map. I thus get a kick out of scrutinizing the more geographically accurate one, which overlays the train lines onto an existing map of the city, posted on some station platforms. It reveals the truth that some lines are shorter than they look on the standard map, some are much longer, and none cut quite as clean a path through the city as they seem to. At Twisted Sifter youll find a GIF gallery of 15 standard subway maps that morph into more geographically faithful equivalents, a vivid demonstration of just how much transit map designers need to twist, squeeze, and simplify an urban landscape to produce something legible at a glance. Tokyo All of those animations, just five of which you see in this post, come from the subreddit Data Is Beautiful, a realm populated by enthusiasts of the visual display of quantitative information enthusiasts so enthusiastic that many of them create innovative data visualizations like these by themselves. According to their creations, subway maps, like that of New York Citys venerable system, do relatively little to distort the city; others, like Tokyos, look nearly unrecognizable when made to conform to geography. Austin Even the maps of new and incomplete transit networks do a number on the real shape and direction of their paths: the map of Austin, Texas Capital MetroRail, for instance, straightens a somewhat zig-zaggy northeast-southwest track into a single horizontal line. It may take a few generations before Austins system develops into one extensive and complex enough to inspire one of the great transit maps (the ranks, for example, of The Wonderground Map of London Town). But I wouldnt count out the possibility: the more fully cities realize their public-transit potential, the more opportunity opens up for the advancement of the subway mapmakers art. See all 15 of the subway GIFs at Twisted Sifter. Related Content: A Wonderful Archive of Historic Transit Maps: Expressive Art Meets Precise Graphic Design Designer Massimo Vignelli Revisits and Defends His Iconic 1972 New York City Subway Map The Wonderground Map of London Town, the Iconic 1914 Map That Saved the Worlds First Subway System Bauhaus Artist Laszlo Moholy-Nagy Designs an Avant-Garde Map to Help People Get Over the Fear of Flying (1936) Why Making Accurate World Maps Is Mathematically Impossible Based in Seoul, Colin Marshall writes and broadcasts on cities and culture. Hes at work on a book about Los Angeles, A Los Angeles Primer, the video series The City in Cinema, the crowdfunded journalism project Where Is the City of the Future?, and the Los Angeles Review of Books Korea Blog. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook. Image Recognition Market to Register Substantial Expansion by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3210 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3210 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Image recognition is a technique for acquiring, processing, scrutinize, and sympathizing images. It gathers high-dimensional data from the real world in order to generate numerical or symbolic information. Image recognition uses disentangling of representational information from image data using replica created with the help of geometry, physics, statistics, and learning theory.A sample of this report is available upon request @Image recognition (biometric-based recognition) technique has emerged as the most promising alternative of card based recognition for identifying individuals in recent past. Image recognition is used for verification (one to one matching) and identification (one to many matching) of individuals.Image recognition technologies include identification based on physiological distinctiveness of the people such as facial patterns recognition, fingerprints recognition, hand geometry recognition, hand veins pattern recognition, finger geometry recognition, palm recognition, iris recognition, retina recognition, and voice recognition. Image recognition also identify the behavioral uniqueness of the individuals such as gait, signature and keystroke dynamicsThe recognition based on passwords and PINs are trailing in popularity mainly due to the fact that they are hard to remember and cannot be stolen, duplicated by the intruders. Moreover the risk associated with misplacing of cards, tokens, keys and the like is also lend a hand in wide acceptance of image recognition as an alternative of traditional access control systems.On the basis of technology the global image recognition market can be broadly categories in five different market variants namely, optical character recognition (Ocr), pattern and gradient matching, object recognition, barcode/Qr code recognition and facial recognition.On the basis of the different component use in the image recognition equipment the overall market can be broadly categorized in three segments namely, hardware, software, and services.Based on the end user application the image recognition market can be further categories in eight different classes namely, government and defense, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing or industrial, consumer goods and retail, information technology and telecommunications, transport and logistics and others.The growing use of face recognition technology in smart phones, tablets and personal computer owing to the advancement in size and accuracy is propelling the market for face recognition technology. Moreover increasing governmental budget towards homeland security and defense is further driving the market in developing countries such as India, China, and Russia. Increasing use of facial recognition access system over card based access system in industries and residence is providing new market opportunities for the facial recognition technology.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @North America is the largest market for facial recognition in the world. It is then followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The U.S. is the largest market for facial recognition in the North America. Chinese and Japanese are the major user of image recognition technology in Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is one of the rapid growing markets of image recognition where the market is growing in double digit. High threat prospective from terrorist attack couples with trend towards e-governance is contributing to the high growth rate in this region.Some of the major companies operating in global image recognition market include, Catchoom, Honeywell, LTU Technologies, Panasonic Corporation, Toshiba, Hitachi Ltd, Itraff Technology, NEC Corporation, Qualcomm Technologies, and Wikitude GmbhAbout 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 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Professional Survey Report 2017 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1094641&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-lte-base-station-enodeb-market-professional-survey-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com This report studies LTE Base Station (eNodeB) 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.Request For Report Sample @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringNokiaEricssonHuawei TechnologiesAlcatel LucentMotorola SolutionsSamsungAT&TJuni GlobalChina MobileCiscoCommScopeKTZTEAirspanQualcomm TechnologiesTekelec CommunicationsVodafoneVerizonTelia CompanyTelenorNEC CorporationPowerwave TechnologiesDatang MobileNew Postcom EquipmentBy types, the market can be split intoMachine RoomSignal Processing EquipmentTransmitting and Receiving AntennaGPSOtherBy Application, the market can be split intoResidential and SOHOEnterpriseOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaDownload full Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)1.1 Definition and Specifications of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)1.1.1 Definition of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)1.1.2 Specifications of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)1.2 Classification of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)1.2.1 Machine Room1.2.2 Signal Processing Equipment1.2.3 Transmitting and Receiving Antenna1.2.4 GPS1.2.5 Other1.3 Applications of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)1.3.1 Residential and SOHO1.3.2 Enterprise1.3.3 Other1.4 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 LTE Base Station (eNodeB)2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)2.4 Industry Chain Structure of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of LTE Base Station (eNodeB)3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales Price4.4.2 2016 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Analysis5.1.1 North America LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Share Analysis5.2 China LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Analysis5.2.1 China LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Overview5.2.2 China 2012-2017E LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2012-2017E LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2016 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2012-2017E LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2012-2017E LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2016 LTE Base Station (eNodeB) Market Share AnalysisQYReseachReports.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.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Computer Aided Detection System 2017 Global Market Key Players Hologic, Inc., EDDA Technology, Inc., Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, iCAD, Inc., GE Healthcare Analysis and Forecast to 2021 Computer Aided Detection System Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/615621-global-computer-aided-detection-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/615621-global-computer-aided-detection-forecast-to-2021 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=615621 www.wiseguyreports.com Computer Aided Detection System SWOT Analysis And Forecast 2021Computer Aided Detection System schemes are computer systems aiming at providing second opinions to physicians to aid in diagnoses. These systems compute outputs based on information from diverse sources, primarily from medical images captured using various methods. Computer Aided Detection System has become the most active field of research in medical imaging. Further, That CAD systems provide consistent interpretations of medical images to improve the precision of a diagnosis.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Computer Aided Detection System in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request For Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversHologic, Inc.EDDA Technology, Inc.Siemens HealthcarePhilips HealthcareiCAD, Inc.GE HealthcareToshiba Medical SystemsMcKesson CorporationAgfa-Gevaert N.V.Merge Healthcare, Inc.Riverain TechnologiesMedian technologiesNeusoftMarket 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, Middle East and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversX-Ray?ImagingComputed?TomographyUltrasound?ImagingMagnetic?Resonance?ImagingNuclear?Medicine?ImagingMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoBreast cancerLung cancerColorectal cancerLiver cancerBoner cancerNeurologicalComplete Report Details @There are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Computer Aided Detection System market.Chapter 1, to describe Computer Aided Detection System Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Computer Aided Detection System, with sales, revenue, and price of Computer Aided Detection System, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Computer Aided Detection System, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, Computer Aided Detection System market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe Computer Aided Detection System sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.Table Of ContentsGlobal Computer Aided Detection System Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 20211 Market Overview1.1 Computer Aided Detection System Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 X-Ray?Imaging1.2.2 Computed?Tomography1.2.3 Ultrasound?Imaging1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Breast cancer1.3.2 Lung cancer1.3.3 Colorectal cancer1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA1.4.1.2 Canada1.4.1.3 Mexico1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany1.4.2.2 France1.4.2.3 UK1.4.2.4 Russia1.4.2.5 Italy1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China1.4.3.2 Japan1.4.3.3 Korea1.4.3.4 India1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil1.4.4.2 Egypt1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia1.4.4.4 South Africa1.4.4.5 Nigeria1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Hologic, Inc.2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Hologic, Inc. Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.2 EDDA Technology, Inc.2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 EDDA Technology, Inc. Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.3 Siemens Healthcare2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Siemens Healthcare Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.4 Philips Healthcare2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Philips Healthcare Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.5 iCAD, Inc.2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 iCAD, Inc. Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.6 GE Healthcare2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 GE Healthcare Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.7 Toshiba Medical Systems2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Toshiba Medical Systems Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.8 McKesson Corporation2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 McKesson Corporation Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.9 Agfa-Gevaert N.V.2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.10 Merge Healthcare, Inc.2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Merge Healthcare, Inc. Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.11 Riverain Technologies2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Riverain Technologies Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.12 Median technologies2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 Median technologies Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share2.13 Neusoft2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Computer Aided Detection System Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 Neusoft Computer Aided Detection System Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share3 Global Computer Aided Detection System Market Competition, by Manufacturer3.1 Global Computer Aided Detection System Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer3.2 Global Computer Aided Detection System Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer3.3 Market Concentration Rate3.3.1 Top 3 Computer Aided Detection System Manufacturer Market Share3.3.2 Top 6 Computer Aided Detection System Manufacturer Market Share3.4 Market Competition TrendContinued.Buy This Report @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.Address:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Vitamin Ingredients 2017 Global Key Players Adisseo France, Amway, BASF, Royal DSM, DuPont Danisco Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1327554-global-vitamin-ingredients-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1327554-global-vitamin-ingredients-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1327554 https://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-guy-research-consultants-pvt-ltd-?trk=biz-companies-cym Vitamin Ingredients Market 2017Report Details:Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Vitamin Ingredients Market Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.In this report, the global Vitamin Ingredients 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 is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Vitamin Ingredients in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaRequest for Sample Report @Global Vitamin Ingredients market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAdisseo FranceAmwayArcher Daniels MidlandBASFDuPont DaniscoLonza GroupRoyal DSMAIE PharmaceuticalsAland (Jiangsu) NutraceuticalAtlantic Essential ProductsBactolac PharmaceuticalBluebonnet NutritionOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KOn 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 Vitamin Ingredients for each application, includingPharmaceuticalsFood and BeveragesAnimal FeedCosmeticsComplete Report Details @Some Key Points from Table of Content:Global Vitamin Ingredients Market Research Report 20171 Vitamin Ingredients Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Vitamin Ingredients1.2 Vitamin Ingredients Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Vitamin Ingredients Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Vitamin Ingredients Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Vitamin A1.2.4 Vitamin B1.2.5 Vitamin C1.2.6 Vitamin D1.2.7 Vitamin E1.2.8 Vitamin K1.3 Global Vitamin Ingredients Segment by Application1.3.1 Vitamin Ingredients Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Pharmaceuticals1.3.3 Food and Beverages1.3.4 Animal Feed1.3.5 Cosmetics1.4 Global Vitamin Ingredients Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Vitamin Ingredients Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Vitamin Ingredients (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Vitamin Ingredients Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)..7 Global Vitamin Ingredients Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Adisseo France7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Adisseo France Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Amway7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Amway Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Archer Daniels Midland7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Archer Daniels Midland Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 BASF7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 BASF Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 DuPont Danisco7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 DuPont Danisco Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Lonza Group7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Lonza Group Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Royal DSM7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Royal DSM Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 AIE Pharmaceuticals7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 AIE Pharmaceuticals Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Aland (Jiangsu) Nutraceutical7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Aland (Jiangsu) Nutraceutical Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Atlantic Essential Products7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Vitamin Ingredients Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Atlantic Essential Products Vitamin Ingredients Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business OverviewBuy this report @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTSales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Follow on LinkedIn @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Special Education Software Market Research Report Forecast 2017 to 2025 https://goo.gl/apqho3 https://goo.gl/hpfeg4 https://goo.gl/OcFuVO https://www.researchnreports.com/healthcare-it/Global--Special-Education-Software-Market-Research-Report-Forecast-2017-to-2022-66140 www.researchnreports.com Global Special Education Software Market Research Report Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.This report gives an ordered and thorough appreciation of Special Education Software showcase. With correct data covering each key some portion of the present market, this report offers existing data of driving makers. Appreciation of the monetary circumstance by consistence of correct chronicled data concerning each and every segment for the gage time allotment is said. Driving factors impacting the improvement of the market in a positive and negative perspective is reviewed and surveyed and expected in the report in detail. Brisk points of view and logical investigations from various industry masters help make the report all the more genuine.Download sample pages of this report:Special Education Software Showcase has been considered similar to all parameters, for instance, applications, sorts, things and various other. Each and every data provoking improvement or fall of the individual parts have been cleared up. Entire stock system with respect to market is mulled over all around and is passed on in the most extensive way possible. The reasons there will be a growing example to this market are considered and are elucidated. 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An aggregate SWOT examination including improvement odds of this market is done to help settle on particularly instructed advertise decision.For more inquiry before buy:The survey demonstrates an evaluation of the segments that are depended upon to stifle or bolster the progress of the overall market. The overall Special Education Software grandstand has been investigated inside and out on the start of key criteria, for instance, end customer, application, thing, development, and territory. An examination has been given in the report of the key land parts and their offer and position in the market. The surveyed wage and volume improvement of the overall feature has in like manner been offered in the report.Ruling patterns in Special Education Software advertise have been underlined in this report. Valuation of different angles that are required to affect the development of this market in a helpful or ruinous way is examined. Deliberate examination of market portions and guess period is expounded to help give an itemized thought. Every year inside the specified conjecture time frame I compactly considered as far as create and local and in addition worldwide market nearness.Complete Report Available at:About 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:Research N Reports10916, Gold Point, Dr,Houston, TX,Pin - 77064(Sales Manager),+1-888-631-6977sales@researchnreports.com Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market 2017 Global Key Players Biotronik, Boston Scientific Corporation, CAS Medical Systems, CONTEC MEDICAL, Dragerwerk, GE Healthcare Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1327108-global-remote-patient-monitoring-devices-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1327108-global-remote-patient-monitoring-devices-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1327108 www.wiseguyreports.com Remote Patient Monitoring DevicesReport Details:This report focused on global and regional market, major manufacturers, as well as the segment market details on different classifications and applications.Major Key PlayersBiotronikBoston Scientific CorporationCAS Medical SystemsCONTEC MEDICALDragerwerkGE HealthcareGuangdong Biolight MeditechMedtronicMindray MedicalNihon KohdenPhilips HealthcareSpacelabs HealthcareClick here for sample report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoVital Sign MonitorsBlood Pressure MonitorPulse OximetersHeart Rate Monitor (ECG)Temperature MonitorRespiratory Rate MonitorBrain Monitor (EEG)OthersOn 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 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices for each application, includingCancer TreatmentCardiovascular Diseases TreatmentDiabetes TreatmentSleep Disorder TreatmentWeight Management and Fitness MonitoringSome Major Points from Table of content:Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Research Report 20171 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices1.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Vital Sign Monitors1.2.4 Blood Pressure Monitor1.2.5 Pulse Oximeters1.2.6 Heart Rate Monitor (ECG)1.2.7 Temperature Monitor1.2.8 Respiratory Rate Monitor1.2.9 Brain Monitor (EEG)1.2.10 Others1.3 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Segment by Application1.3.1 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Cancer Treatment1.3.3 Cardiovascular Diseases Treatment1.3.4 Diabetes Treatment1.3.5 Sleep Disorder Treatment1.3.6 Weight Management and Fitness Monitoring1.4 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)For Detailed Reading Please visit @7 Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Biotronik7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Biotronik Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Boston Scientific Corporation7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Boston Scientific Corporation Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 CAS Medical Systems7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 CAS Medical Systems Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 CONTEC MEDICAL7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 CONTEC MEDICAL Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Dragerwerk7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Dragerwerk Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 GE Healthcare7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 GE Healthcare Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Guangdong Biolight Meditech7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Guangdong Biolight Meditech Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Medtronic7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Medtronic Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Mindray Medical7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Mindray Medical Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Nihon Kohden7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Nihon Kohden Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview...ContinuedBuy now @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing 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(DFA)ParmalatDean Foods CompanyGroupe Lactalis SAFonterra Group Cooperative LimitedKraft FoodsMeiji Dairies Corp.Megmilk Snow BrandOrganic ValleySanCorFrieslandCampinaUnileverOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLiquid MilkMilk PowderCheeseButterYogurtIce CreamOn 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 Organic Dairy Products for each application, includingChildrenAdultThe AgedComplete Report Details @Some Key Points from Table of Content:Global Organic Dairy Products Market Research Report 20171 Organic Dairy Products Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Organic Dairy Products1.2 Organic Dairy Products Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Organic Dairy Products Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Organic Dairy Products Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Liquid Milk1.2.4 Milk Powder1.2.5 Cheese1.2.6 Butter1.2.7 Yogurt1.2.8 Ice Cream1.3 Global Organic Dairy Products Segment by Application1.3.1 Organic Dairy Products Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Children1.3.3 Adult1.3.4 The Aged1.4 Global Organic Dairy Products Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Organic Dairy Products Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Organic Dairy Products (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Organic Dairy Products Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)7 Global Organic Dairy Products Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 AMUL7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 AMUL Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Danone7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Danone Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Arla Foods UK Plc.7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Arla Foods UK Plc. Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA)7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA) Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Parmalat7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Parmalat Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Dean Foods Company7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Dean Foods Company Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Groupe Lactalis SA7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Groupe Lactalis SA Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Kraft Foods7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Kraft Foods Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Meiji Dairies Corp.7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Organic Dairy Products Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Meiji Dairies Corp. Organic Dairy Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinue.Buy this report @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTSales@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.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Global Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017 Global Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017 https://www.qyresearcheurope.com/goods-570752.html http://www.qyresearchglobal.com/ This report studies Breast Implants 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, coveringAllerganMentor WorldwideArion LaboratoriesCEREPLASEstablishment LabsGC AestheticsGROUPE SEBBINGuangzhou WanheHans BiomedPOLYTECH HealthSientraSilimedBy types, the market can be split intoSilicone Gel Breast ImplantsSaline-filled Breast ImplantsBy Application, the market can be split intoHospitalCosmetic SurgeryOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaAsk a complete & professional report sample, please send message to tinaning@qyresearch.com or visit atTable of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Breast Implants2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Breast Implants3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Breast Implants4 Global Breast Implants Overall Market Overview5 Breast Implants Regional Market Analysis6 Global 2012-2017E Breast Implants Segment Market Analysis (by Type)7 Global 2012-2017E Breast Implants Segment Market Analysis (by Application)8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Breast Implants9 Development Trend of Analysis of Breast Implants Market10 Breast Implants Marketing Type Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Breast ImplantsRelated Reports:Global Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017Europe Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017China Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017India Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017USA Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017Japan Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017South Korea Breast Implants Market Professional Survey Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchTina| Sales ManagersEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com Tel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch focus on Market Survey and ResearchQYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District Global Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research Report qyresearch http://qyresearcheurope.com/ http://qyresearchglobal.com/ SummaryThe Global Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) market analysis is provided for the international market including competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (America, Europe and China), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)4 Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) by Regions and Manufacturers5 Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) by Regions and Manufacturers6 Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) by Regions and Applications7 Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)9 Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)10 Industry Chain Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)11 Development Trend of Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)12 New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA)13 Conclusion of the Global Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Report:China Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research ReportJapan Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research ReportUnited States Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research ReportEurope Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) Industry 2017 Market Research ReportThank you for reading the eassy.If you are interested in it or have any questions,please contact me.QYRESEARCH CO., LTDJosephine Luo - QYResearch Report Global SalesEmail: josephine@qyresearch.comWeb:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District Guangzhou City Guangdong Province 510610 China Industrial Lubricant Market to Maintain Healthy Growth by 2021 http://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1000152 http://www.researchtrades.com/discount/1000152 http://www.researchtrades.com/report/global-industrial-lubricant-market-outlook-2016-2021 http://www.researchtrades.com A lubricant is a substance introduced to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, transporting foreign particles, or heating or cooling the surfaces. The property of reducing friction is known as lubricity. In addition to industrial applications, lubricants are used for many other purposes. Other uses include cooking (oils and fats in use in frying pans, in baking to prevent food sticking), bio-medical applications on humans (e.g. lubricants for artificial joints), ultrasound examination, medical examinations, and the use of personal lubricant for sexual purposes.Get sample copy@This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Industrial Lubricant from 2011-2015 and provides extensive market forecasts 2016-2021 by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Industrial Lubricant market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Industrial Lubricant, 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.GCC?s report, Global Industrial Lubricant Market Outlook 2016-2021, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Industrial Lubricant 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 Industrial Lubricant market are Shell (Netherlands), Exxon Mobil (USA), Chevron (USA), TOTAL (France), BP (UK), Fuchs (Germany), CNPC (China), SINOPEC (China), among others.Request discount for this report@Table of Contents:Part 1. Exclusive SummaryPart 2. Methodology2.1 Research Methodology2.2 Geographic Scope2.3 Years ConsideredPart 3. Introduction3.1 Definition3.2 Supply Chain Structure3.2.1 Raw Material Supply3.2.2 Traders & Distributors3.2.3 Key Customers3.3 Manufacture3.3.1 Manufacturing Process3.3.2 Production CostPart 4. Market Landscape4.1 Global Industrial Lubricant Market Size (Volume) 2011-20164.1.1 Overview4.1.2 Global Industrial Lubricant Production4.1.3 Top 10 Industrial Lubricant Companies (Volume Share)4.2 Global Industrial Lubricant Market Size (Value) 2011-20164.2.1 Overview4.2.2 Global Industrial Lubricant Production Value4.2.3 Top 10 Industrial Lubricant Companies (Revenue Share)Part 5. Segmentation by Products5.1 Type 15.2 Type 25.3 Type 3View this report@About us:Research Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights.Contact Us:Address:Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +91 7507349866Skype ID: researchtradesconWeb: Global Storefront Glass Market 2017 - Sisecam Group, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, Guardian Industries Corporation, Asahi Glass Storefront Glass https://goo.gl/vZDvsY https://goo.gl/RSzrEk https://www.bigmarketresearch.com The Storefront Glass Market 2017 examines the performance of the Storefront Glass market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Storefront Glass market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Storefront Glass market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Storefront Glass Market 2017 report includes Storefront Glass industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Storefront Glass Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Storefront Glass Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Storefront Glass Market 2017:Sisecam GroupCompagnie de Saint-GobainGuardian Industries CorporationAsahi GlassNippon Sheet GlassPromat InternationalPPG IndustriesTubeliteAlcoaC.R. LaurenceStorefront Glass Market Analysis: By ProductClear GlassSafety/Laminated GlassInsulated GlassTempered GlassOthersStorefront Glass Market Analysis: By ApplicationCommercialInstitutionsResidentialOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Storefront Glass manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Storefront Glass report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Storefront Glass industry, Storefront Glass industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Storefront Glass Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Storefront Glass 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 Storefront Glass market revenue worldwide.Finally, Storefront Glass market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About US:Big Market Research uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim. With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.Contact US:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect : +1-971-202-1575Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb: Business Jets Market Set For Expansive Growth By 2022 http://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1094421 http://www.researchtrades.com/checkout/1094421 http://www.researchtrades.com/report/global-business-jets-market-research-report-2017 http://www.researchtrades.com In this report, the global Business Jets 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.Global Business Jets market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingBombardierGulfstream AerospaceCessna Aircraft CompanyEmbraerDassault AviationAirbus GroupBoeing CompanyHonda Aircraft CompanyTextron AviationAmjet AviationGet sample copy@Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Business Jets in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaBuy a copy of Global Business Jets Market for single user price $ 2900@On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoVery Light JetsLight JetsMid-size JetsSuper Mid-size JetsLarge JetsOn 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 Business Jets for each application, includingPublic BodiesGovernment OfficialsArmed ForcesOtherKey elements for this report:1 Business Jets Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Business Jets1.2 Business Jets Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Business Jets Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Business Jets Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Very Light Jets1.2.4 Light Jets1.2.5 Mid-size Jets1.2.6 Super Mid-size Jets1.2.7 Large Jets1.2.4 Type II1.2.4 Type II1.3 Global Business Jets Segment by Application1.3.1 Business Jets Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Public Bodies1.3.3 Government Officials1.3.4 Armed Forces1.3.5 Other2 Global Business Jets Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Business Jets Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Business Jets Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Business Jets Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Business Jets Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Business Jets Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Business Jets Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Business Jets Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Business Jets Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Business Jets Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionView this report@About us:Research Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights.Contact Us:Address: Flat No.10, Wing C, S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +91 7507349866Skype ID: researchtradesconWeb: Europe's ICT Spends In Insurance Sector - Future Perspective To 2021 https://goo.gl/ZAfjNo https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/europes-ict-spends-in-insurance-sector-future-perspective-to-2019-market https://goo.gl/XxfbFC https://www.bigmarketresearch.com SummaryEurope's ICT Spends in Insurance Sector - Future Perspective to 2019; is an exhaustive research report outlaying future perspectives of ICT project spends in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom). The report provides year on year opportunity spends value within the Insurance sector; split across BPO Services, Cloud Services, Enterprise Communications Services, IT Hardware, IT Services, and Software categories and further at segment levels for the period 2016 to 2019.Request For Sample Report:Key FindingsEurope's ICT Spends in Insurance Sector - Future Perspective to 2019; report is a comprehensive outlook built using Kable's extensive market research covering spends across ICT markets in Europe. The statistics within the report provides a top-level overview and detailed insights into the operating environment of the Technology and Insurance sector in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom).Kable has considered buying behavior / ICT spends across hardware, software, services, communications and staff. It acts as an essential tool for companies active across the ICT market and for new players considering entering the market; ensuring right business decision making.Browse Complete Report:*This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2 working days (excluding weekends) of the purchase.Synopsis"Europe's ICT Spends in Insurance Sector - Future Perspective to 2019" provides the readers with potential spends value on ICT within Insurance sector of Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom) during the period 2016 through to 2019In particular, it provides information of potential spends by individual countries for the following categories at segment level:- BPO Services- Cloud Services- Enterprise Communications Services- IT Hardware- IT Services- SoftwareAsk for Discount on Report:ReasonsToBuy- Understand the opportunities for ICT market in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom) Insurance sector and how it is set to change in future.- Make effective business decisions by recognizing the opportunities within each of the core areas of ICT sector- Realign your sales initiatives by understanding the current strategic objectives of the Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom) ICT Sector.- Enhance your market segmentation with detailed breakdown of opportunities within selected technology categories.With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.With the window of opportunity getting open and shut at a speed of light, it has become very important to survive in the market and only the fittest and competent enough can do so. So, we try and provide with latest changes in the market that can suit your needs and help you take decision accordingly.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect : +1-971-202-1575Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb: Radio Frequency Beauty Equipment Market expand at a robust CAGR of 15.3% During 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1147 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1147 www.futuremarketinsights.com Growing scepticism over invasive cosmetic procedures is diverting consumers towards radio frequency beauty treatments that deliver quick results through non-surgical equipment.Soaring demand for radio frequency beauty equipment is growing on account of higher acceptance of emerging technologies that act as effective alternatives to conventional methods. Global production of radio frequency beauty equipment is anticipated to skyrocket since their demand has been ascending rampantly in both developed and developing markets. In North America, top-grossing industries such as fashion, film and television continue to necessitate the use of complex beauty equipment and devices for enhancing the consumers semblance. According to a recent study conducted by Future Market Insights, the radio frequency beauty equipment revenues in North America will account for over 35% revenue share of the market throughout the forecast period.Request For Sample@Future Market Insights report titled Radio Frequency Beauty Equipment Market: Global Industry Analysis & Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026 estimates that the global market for radio frequency beauty equipment, currently valued at US$ 154.6 million, will expand at a robust CAGR of 15.3% and garner US$ 643.9 million in revenues over the forecast period of 2016-2026. The report predicts that the radio frequency beauty equipment market in the Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will expand at the highest CAGR of 20.4%, while Japan will gain revenues worth US$ 40 million by the end of 2026.Competitive LandscapeCatering to the rising demand for non-invasive beauty treatments, several medical device manufacturers have instated production of radio frequency beauty equipment on a large scale. Rectifying equipment-related complications arising during treatment procedures and reducing the volatile costs of manufacturing remains a top priority for key players in the global radio frequency beauty equipment market.Cynosure Inc. and Lumenis are among the leading players collectively accounting for three-fourth revenue share of the global market. Strategic acquisitions and product launch are some common business strategies for Syneron Medical Ltd., Alma Lasers, and Valeant Pharmaceutical International, Inc. Other prominent players participating in the growth of the global radio frequency beauty equipment market include Cymedics, IBRAMED, Guangzhou Beautylife Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., and Dermeo.Send An Enquiry@Surging Demand for Portable Radio Frequency Beauty EquipmentA market share analysis on different types of products table top devices, trolley mounted devices and portable devices has estimated that trolley mounted devices will attain the highest value share of the global market for radio frequency beauty equipment through 2026. Nevertheless, trolley mounted radio frequency equipment is anticipated to incur a considerable dip over the forecast period and account for 49% of the market by 2026 end, which will be nearly 6% lesser than the present value share of the segment. While the value share of table top devices in the global market wont be severely affected throughout the projection tenure, the demand for portable devices, on the other hand, is expected to soar at an impressive pace. By the end of 2026, revenues procured from global sales of portable radio frequency beauty devices are projected to surpass over US$ 135 million, registering increment at fastest CAGR of 19.1%.Key Research Findings on Global Radio Frequency Beauty Equipment MarketScars attained from invasive cosmetic surgeries are compelling consumers towards non-invasive procedures performed with radio frequency beauty equipmentSkin treatment & body contouring two prominent applications for radio frequency beauty equipment, will account for nearly 90% value share of the global market by 2026Based on technologies, equipment incorporating a combination of IPL and RF technologies will garner more demand, while the dominant segment of bipolar RF technology will rake in nearly US$ 200 million in revenue by the end of the forecast periodCompared to home care settings, beauty care centres will go on to be the largest end-users of radio frequency beauty equipment in 2016 and beyondSerious complications arising from extensive exposure to radio frequency beauty equipment is raising concerns among market participants and end-users.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: Global Microfluidics Market likely to witness a robust CAGR of 14.4% over 20162026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-398 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-398 www.futuremarketinsights.com Applications of microfluidics in drug delivery and diagnostics will continue to fuel the market for microfluidics over the next few years. The US$ 2.9 Bn microfluidics market will possibly cross US$ 11 Bn by the end of 2026. North America is expected to contribute over US$ 3 Bn to the total revenues in 2026. The collective share of North America and Asia Pacific will be over 40%, states Future Market Insights in a recently published market report outlook, titled Microfluidics Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026.The report by Future Market Insights analyses the global market for microfluidics over a 10-year forecast period, 2016-2026. The market is likely to witness a robust CAGR of 14.4% over the assessed period.Ask For Report Sample @Key Insights: Market DynamicsIncreasing discretionary funding from national labs for R&D in the developed regions will remain a primary factor driving the growth of market through 2026.Improving healthcare infrastructure and wide availability of affordable microfluidic devices or kits are also foreseen to boost the market growth in near future, especially in developing countries.Expansion of drug delivery sector will favour the market growth in near future.Consistent advancements in the fields of genomics and proteomics are also expected to benefit the sales of microfluidics-based devices and kits.Dynamic collaborations between key market players and active involvement of government entities will collectively foster the market through 2026.Key Insights: SegmentsCeramics will remain dominant material typeBased on material, ceramics will continue to be the most sought after material for microfluidic device or kit manufacturing. Ceramics segment is expected to remain dominance, accounting for over 42% market value share in 2026, followed by glass, polymer, and silicon. While ceramics is likely to witness the fastest growth, polymer segment is anticipated to exhibit a significant CAGR of over 15% over 2016-2026, driven by PVC.Ask For More Information @POCT will be dominant application segmentBy application, POCT (point of care testing) segment is projected to retain dominance through 2026, accounting for over 33% share in terms of revenues. Clinical diagnostics and analytical testing will remain the next major segments in the global microfluidics market.In-vitro diagnostics industry will hold maximum revenue shareOn the basis of industry, in-vitro diagnostics, life science research, and pharmaceuticals are likely to be the key segments. In-vitro diagnostics segment is estimated to hold a share of over 35% in the total market revenues. The fastest growing segment will be in-vitro diagnosis.APEJ will be the most lucrative regional marketGeographically, North America, followed by Western Europe are expected to remain the dominant regions for microfluidics, capturing respective market value share of over 26% and over 21% share by 2026 end. Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) will possibly represent the most lucrative market, expanding at a significant CAGR of over 14% throughout the forecast period. This growth is attributed to growing use of microfluidics devices and kits for in-vitro diagnostics. North America and Western Europe will also exhibit significant growth rates over 2016-2026.Key Insights: Leading Market PlayersSome of the most prominent players in the global microfluidics market, include Agilent Technologies, PerkinElmer Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Qiagen NV, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Fluidigm Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.Almost all the leading companies serve point of care testing application and survive the competition with an individual differentiating strategy. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and Abbott Laboratories, through active engagement in agreements and collaborations with leading regional companies, highlight a growing trend of strategic mergers and acquisitions among the top companies.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.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: Snore-Ceasing Equipment Market Projected to be Supported by Significant by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/snore-ceasing-equipment-market.asp http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5582 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5582 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Snoring is generally regarded as a first sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Although common among many adults, snoring is considered unhealthy on the long run as it leads to deprived oxygenation state during sleep and is found to be the major factor in increasing cardiac atherosclerosis, stroke and even natural death. Besides these obstructive sleep apnea is regarded as a big threat to the overall health to a person as it results in a number of other conditions like insomnia, lethargy, daytime sleepiness, weakened immunity, blood pressure hypertension, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal reflux disease, hypoxia, nerve damage, decreased motor and memory function, and many more.To get the view of full report @Snoring can be as a result of many factors itself, some of them being: obesity, alcohol or other sedative, muscular degeneration as a result of old age or muscular dystrophy, obstruction of nasal cavity by the tongue/tonsil/oral plate, etc to name a few. Snoring is generally found to increase with age and is reportedly more common among men. Globally around 1/3 to populations, depending upon the demographic region, are known to have snoring problems. In Philippines, folktales have been made around middle aged and older men suddenly dying in their sleep, which is often blamed on the local spirits that supposedly takes random souls away.A sample of this report is available upon request @In many regions snoring is considered a pandemic among the genetic pool, patients and medical practitioners therefore prefer snore ceasing equipments as an easier alternative to surgical procedures. Nasal strips and nose clips (nasal expiratory positive airway pressure), lubricating sprays, mandibular advancement splints, Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), variable positive airway pressure (VPAP), infra red snore sensor, etc to name a few are some of the most commonly used snore cessation equipments or devices. The type of snoring aid depends upon the condition persisting and the cause of snoring pattern. Snoring as a result of the tonsils and adenoid regions are often solved by mandibular splints, whereas those caused by nasal cavity collapse are often cured by the application of nasal strips or nasal dilators. Sleep apnea pillows and recliners are also shown to decrease overall snoring among adults and are often used in conjunction with other snoring aids. Automatic PAP machines are used in chronic patients who reject surgery as an option and are highly effective in soothing muscles near the oral and nasal cavity. Many of these devices employ steam or positive air pressure via a nasal tube that allow for greater air flow from the nasal cavity.A majority of sales for sleep apnea and snoring devices lie majorly in the western nations of the North American and European region as well as Australia and New Zealand. The overall snoring cessation market by volume and revenue lies majorly in the region of North America and Europe, Asia Pacific region is expected to grow in the near future with increased awareness and rising standard of living. The rest of the world region is expected to maintain its growth as public awareness of snoring and its side effects are limited and are often not regarded as life threatening. he middle eastern region in RoW, is however expected to see growth in the near future as availability of nasal and mouth aids to stop snoring are made available readily.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Companies that manufacture or market such products include: Omnisleep solutions, British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association, SnoreDoc, NOSnores, etc to name a few.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 Photographic Lenses Market 2017 - Canon, Nikon, Sony, Tamron, Pentax, Sigma https://goo.gl/T9DxOj https://market.biz/report/global-photographic-lenses-market-2017/96090/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Photographic Lenses Market 2017 examines the performance of the Photographic Lenses market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Photographic Lenses market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Photographic Lenses market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Photographic Lenses Market 2017 report includes Photographic Lenses industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Photographic Lenses Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Photographic Lenses Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Photographic Lenses Market 2017:1 Canon2 Nikon3 Sony4 Tamron5 Pentax6 Sigma7 Olympus8 Tokina9 Fujifilm10 Samsung11 PanasonicPhotographic Lenses Market Analysis: By ProductLong LensMacro LensSpecial-purpose LensOtherPhotographic Lenses Market Analysis: By ApplicationCamera ManufacturerPhotographersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Photographic Lenses manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Photographic Lenses report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Photographic Lenses industry, Photographic Lenses industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Photographic Lenses Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Photographic Lenses 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 Photographic Lenses market revenue worldwide.Finally, Photographic Lenses 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Bioabsorbable Vascular Stents Market, Industry Analysis, Research Report 2024 Global Market Insights, Inc. https://www.gminsights.com/request-toc/upcoming/1643 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/bioabsorbable-vascular-stents-market https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1643 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/guidewires-market-report https://www.gminsights.com https://gminsights.wordpress.com Global Bioabsorbable Vascular Stents Market is strongly driven by escalating growth in geriatric population, rising incidences of cardiac ailments, coronary & peripheral artery diseases, and increasing number of obese people. Furthermore, promising product pipelines and rising technological advancements will boost the business growth.Bioabsorbable Vascular Stents Market size is expected to witness lucrative growth in the period 2017-2024.Bioabsorbable vascular stents can be disintegrated by human body without external intervention. Hence, they eliminate the need for post-treatment involvements and prevent inflammation leading to stent restenosis and thrombosis. Bioabsorbable stents avoid stent-in-stent procedures and cut the need for dual antiplatelet therapies; thus, increasing the demand for bioabsorbable stents.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @However, slow adoption rate of stents in disease management, inadequate reimbursement policies, stringent regulatory scenario, and the presence of substitutes will hamper the market growth.Based on the material type, the market is segmented into polymer-based and metal-based bioabsorbable stents. The polymer-based stents market is set to witness a higher growth than metallic bioabsorbable stents due to its comparative advantages over metallic type.By application type, the market is segmented into coronary and peripheral artery stent. The coronary artery stents hold a major market share and are expected to continue their dominance in the coming years owing to the healthcare industrys objective to reduce deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. Preferences of cardiologists toward coronary intervention procedures are expected to make significant revenue from this segment during the forecast period.The rising incidence of peripheral artery disease propels the demand for peripheral stents. Escalating geriatric population is another factor responsible for the rise in demand for peripheral stents. The development of imaging techniques improved the surgeries involving the placement of peripheral vascular stents and owing to this, there will be an anticipated increase in stenting procedures. However, high price and low awareness of the peripheral stents among the general population about peripheral vascular diseases are expected to hamper the revenue growth.By end use, the type of bioabsorbable vascular stents market is segmented into hospitals and cardiac centers. The factors that result in a higher market value of hospital segment is the advanced medical infrastructure and trained professionals to cater to the needs of people, which are not usually seen in cardiac centers and small clinics. The hospital segment dominated the market during 2016 in terms of revenue and will continue to lead until the end of 2021.Browse key industry insights from the report, Bioabsorbable Vascular Stents Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Growth Potential, Competitive Market Growth & Forecast, 2017 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:North America region dominates the global bioabsorbable stents market. Technological advancements and increased awareness about the treatment of coronary ailments in bioabsorbable stents support the growth of this market. The U.S. represents the largest market for bioabsorbable stents; however, due to the stringent regulatory scenario of the FDA, only one product (Abbott Absorb) is available in the U.S. However, many products are in the clinical pipeline and in the developmental phase, which is an indicator of bright future of this market.Europe holds the second largest revenue share. Increasing aging population, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and the strong healthcare infrastructure are the major driving factors. Regions such as Germany, France, and the UK are some of the early adopters of advanced technology, therefore, the adoption of bioabsorbable vascular stents in these countries should be high resulting in the high growth of this market in coming years.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @APAC bioabsorbable vascular stents market is poised to witness high growth rate in coming years. Increasing public awareness about various coronary and peripheral artery diseases in the region will primarily generate the demand for stents. Japan, South Korea, Australia, China, and India are poised to experience high growth rate. Favorable government policies are expected to create a broader customer base in countries, such as India, where stents prices are capped at 40% lesser than the companys set prices. Moreover, approval of new stents in Asia will also augment the market growth. Recently, Meril Life Sciences bioresorbable vascular scaffold got the official government approval to market the stent. Asia Pacific region is likely to be the fastest growing region due to opportunities for growth, rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and entering of new investors in the interventional cardiology market.Saudi Arabia and South Africa dominates the Middle East and Africa bioabsorbable vascular stents market. Increasing initiatives by the public and private sectors in South Africa along with the introduction of new stent products will fuel the bioabsorbable stents market growth in coming years.Some of the key vendors in global bioabsorbable stents market are Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific Corporation, Biosensors International Group, Ltd., BIOTRONIK SE & Co., KG, Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., and Kyoto Medical Planning Co., Ltd.Browse Related Reports:Guidewires Market Size by Product (Coronary, Peripheral, Neurovascular, Urology), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Spain, India, China, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Application Growth Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2023About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: South Asia Geosynthetics Market will expand at volume CAGR of 12.6%, 2027 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-as-3849 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-as-3849 www.futuremarketinsights.com The geosynthetics market has been witnessing a phenomenal growth over the past few years. Above-average GDP growth in the developing South Asian economies such as Vietnam, India, and Indonesia has resulted in an exponential growth of construction activities, which in turn is fuelling the demand for geosynthetics across these regions. Moreover, the geosynthetics market is becoming competition-intensive, owing to the presence of a large number of manufacturers.Key players in the South Asia geosynthetics market include Enviro Geosynthetics Pvt. Ltd., Global Synthetics Pty Ltd, NAUE GmbH & Co. KG, Polyfabrics Australasia Pty Ltd, Tensar International Corporation, Geofabrics Australasia Pty Ltd, HUESKER Synthetic GmbH, GSE Environmental, Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., and Koninklijke Ten Cate NV.Ask For Report Sample @India Continues to Remain the Most Lucrative Country for Geosynthetics in South AsiaFuture Market Insights (FMI), in its report titled, Geosynthetics Market: South Asia Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027 projects the global geosynthetics market to expand at an impressive double-digit CAGR of 12.6% during the forecast period in terms of volume. FMI estimates that sales of geosynthetics will surpass 1700 Mn m in South Asia by 2027. India is expected to be the most lucrative country in South Asia geosynthetics market, followed by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). India is expected to account for more than 700 Mn m sales of geosynthetics by 2027.Polypropylene Remains the Most Sought-After Geosynthetic MaterialBy product type, geotextile is likely to continue its dominance over the South Asia geosynthetics market, expanding at a volume CAGR of 13.9%. Geomembrane, another prominent product type, is expected to reach 274.3 Mn m by the end of the forecast period.Polypropylene remained the most lucrative material in the South Asia geosynthetics market, and is expected to remain so during the forecast period. This segment is anticipated to account for 55.5% market volume share by 2027.Separation continues to be the leading primary function for geosynthetics, whereas containment primary function is estimated to witness fastest volume growth at 14% CAGR during the forecast period.Demand for geosynthetics from road construction sector is expected to remain robust during the forecast period. Future Market Insights estimates demand from this segment to surpass 900 Mn m by 2027. In addition, dams, riverbanks & waterworks will remain the second largest application segment in the South Asia geosynthetics market during the forecast period.Emphasis on Increasing Mining Capacity to Fuel the Demand for Geosynthetics in South AsiaGeosynthetic materials find widespread adoption in road development projects, mainly utilised for subgrade separation & stabilisation, filtration & drainage facility, base reinforcement, along with an overlay stress absorption & reinforcement. The application of geosynthetics in railway lines facilitates improved stress propagation and provides better stability. Applications in these sectors will continue to fuel the demand for geosynthetics in South Asia.Ask For More Information @Geosynthetic materials are also witnessing robust demand from the mining industry. Emphasis on increasing mining capacity and related productivity has compelled miners in propagating deep mining. Moreover, water containment or waterproofing applications utilise geosynthetic materials, particularly geomembranes, for avoiding water absorption by forming a layer. These factors are influencing the growth of the South Asia geosynthetics market.Several governments are focusing on investing significantly in the development of road and rail infrastructure in the South Asian region, which in turn is expected to fuel the demand for geosynthetics in this region during the forecast period. In contrast, requirement of high-cost specialised equipment, lack of skilled personnel, absence of awareness on the long-term benefits of geosynthetics among contractors and construction companies is expected to restrain market growth.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.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: Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Forecast Report To 2022 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/391187 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-geothermal-heat-pump-ghp-systems-market-research-report-2017 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/391187 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/391187 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com The Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems 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 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market research report @Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCarrier Corp., NEURA AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Trane Inc., EarthLinked Technologies Inc., Enertech Global LLC, Geothermal Heat Pumps Inc., Heat Controller, OCHSNER Warmepumpen GmbH, Spectrum Manufacturing LLC, WaterFurnace Renewable Energy Inc, Energy Star.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSurface Water Heat Pump, Hybrid Heat Pump, Other.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 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems for each application, includingOffice Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Restaurants, Shopping Malls, Residentials.The report on Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems 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 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems 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 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market.Detailed TOC and Charts & Tables of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market Research Report available @The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems 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 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems 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 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems 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:-1 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems1.2 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Surface Water Heat Pump1.2.4 Hybrid Heat Pump1.2.5 Other1.3 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Segment by Application1.3.1 Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Office Buildings1.3.3 Schools1.3.4 Hospitals1.3.5 Restaurants1.3.6 Shopping Malls1.3.7 Residentials1.4 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)4 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)Enquiry before Buying @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:Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-Follow Us:LinkedIn | Twitter| Facebook Global Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market 2017 - Amcor Limited, Bemis Company, Ampac Holding, Sonoco Products https://goo.gl/qpXmG2 https://market.biz/report/global-pillow-bags-flexible-packaging-market-2017/96093/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market 2017 examines the performance of the Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market 2017 report includes Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market 2017:1 Amcor Limited2 Bemis Company3 Ampac Holding4 Sonoco Products5 Constantia Flexibles6 Janco Inc7 Winpak Limited8 Multivac9 Dupont10 Albea11 Essel Propack12 Huhtamaki13 Sealed Air Corp14 Mondi Group15 Coveris Holdings16 Clondalkin Group HoldingsPillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market Analysis: By ProductPlasticPaperFoilOtherPillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market Analysis: By ApplicationCosmetic & Personal CareFood & BeveragePharmaceuticalsIndustrialConsumer GoodsOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging industry, Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging 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 Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging market revenue worldwide.Finally, Pillow Bags Flexible Packaging 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Global Coconut Flour Market set to expand at a CAGR of 6.6%, 2027 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2479 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2479 www.futuremarketinsights.com Key excerpts from Future Market Insights latest report on the global coconut flour market projects that by the end of 2026, around 850.8 Thousand Tonnes of coconut flour is expected to be consumed across the globe. Increasing awareness amongst consumers about health benefits of coconut flour is expected to fuel its demand over the next couple of years. Moreover, coconut flour is gluten-free, making it consumable for those who are allergic to wheat or are sensitive to other similar gluten-based substances. Coconut flour has emerged as a good alternative for wheat flour. In recent past coconut flour has also seen a surge in its sales, owing to the rising demand for functional flour.In terms of production, China is the leading producer of Coconut Flour followed by Poland, Germany, Chile and Austria. Production of coconut flour in Ukraine has also spiralled in last 3 years. Meanwhile, the Western Europe region holds the top position in terms of consumption followed by North America. Most European consumers value quality and prefer natural products that are healthy and carry no side effects, hence the demand for healthy food products such as coconut flour is significantly high in this region. In North America, the U.S. is a major importer of coconut flour and accounts for a sizeable share of the market.Ask For Report Sample @The FMI report titled Coconut Flour Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012 2016 and Opportunity Assessment 2017 2027 reveals that the global coconut flour market is set to expand at a CAGR of 6.6% to reach a valuation of 725.5 Mn by the end of forecast period. In 2017 and beyond, the market is expected to be governed by a number of trends, which include:Soaring popularity of coconut flour tortillas in several parts of the world. From an exotic food item, coconut flour tortillas are now turning into mainstream pantry food.In countries such as Japan and the U.S., people are trying to developing new products using coconut flour as a key ingredient. Tortilla chips made with coconut flour has been a great success and well appreciated by food lovers.Coconut flour is being increasingly used in manufacturing the nutritional bars, chocolate fillings, and other baking products such as pizza base, and bread.Growing demand for coconut flour based food products in the emerging countries such as China and India.Increased availability of coconut flour, owing to setting up of organised retail structures in both developed and developing regions.Ask For More Information @Celebs Coconut Corporation, Nutrisure Ltd., Nutiva, Inc, Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods, Primex Coco Products Inc., The Coconut Company, Connecticut Coconut Company, Van Amerongen & Son., Healthy Traditions and Smith Naturals are some of leading manufacturers of coconut flour profiled in the FMI report.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: Global Plant Health Improvement Agents Market 2017 - The Mosaic Company, Yara International, Plant Health Care https://goo.gl/38cmWX https://market.biz/report/global-plant-health-improvement-agents-phia-market-2017/96095/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Plant Health Improvement Agents Market 2017 examines the performance of the Plant Health Improvement Agents market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Plant Health Improvement Agents market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Plant Health Improvement Agents market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Plant Health Improvement Agents Market 2017 report includes Plant Health Improvement Agents industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Plant Health Improvement Agents Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Plant Health Improvement Agents Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Plant Health Improvement Agents Market 2017:1 Agrium Inc2 ICL Fertilizers3 The Mosaic Company4 Yara International5 Plant Health CarePlant Health Improvement Agents Market Analysis: By ProductSynthetic Fertilizers (Nitrogen-based Nutrients)Micronutrients (Chelates)Plant Growth RegulatorsPlant Health Improvement Agents Market Analysis: By ApplicationCropsTreesOther PlantAt the beginning, the report covers the top Plant Health Improvement Agents manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Plant Health Improvement Agents report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plant Health Improvement Agents industry, Plant Health Improvement Agents industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Plant Health Improvement Agents Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Plant Health Improvement Agents 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 Plant Health Improvement Agents market revenue worldwide.Finally, Plant Health Improvement Agents 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Global Plastic Colorant Market 2017 - Huntsman, Pidilite, Sensient Technologies, PolyOne https://goo.gl/4lhmy2 https://market.biz/report/global-plastic-colorant-market-2017/96096/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Plastic Colorant Market 2017 examines the performance of the Plastic Colorant market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Plastic Colorant market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Plastic Colorant market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Plastic Colorant Market 2017 report includes Plastic Colorant industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Plastic Colorant Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Plastic Colorant Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Plastic Colorant Market 2017:1 RTP Company2 Chr. Hansen Holding3 BASF4 Huntsman5 Pidilite6 Sensient Technologies7 agson Colorchem8 PolyOne9 Penn Color10 Clariant11 LanxessPlastic Colorant Market Analysis: By ProductInorganic PigmentsOrganic PigmentsDyePlastic Colorant Market Analysis: By ApplicationPlasticTextilePersonal CarePaints & CoatingsOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Plastic Colorant manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Plastic Colorant report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plastic Colorant industry, Plastic Colorant industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Plastic Colorant Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Plastic Colorant 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 Plastic Colorant market revenue worldwide.Finally, Plastic Colorant 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Global Plastic Lubricants Market 2017 - Shell Plc, Sinopec Corporation, Fuchs Petrolub SE, BP Plc, Petronas https://goo.gl/fuKvh4 https://market.biz/report/global-plastic-lubricants-grease-market-2017/96097/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Plastic Lubricants Market 2017 examines the performance of the Plastic Lubricants market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Plastic Lubricants market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Plastic Lubricants report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plastic Lubricants industry, Plastic Lubricants industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. 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We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Airborne ISR Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 4% by 2021 Airborne ISR Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1334 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/airborne-isr-market-1334 Market Synopsis of Airborne ISR Market:The global Airborne ISR market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4% during 2016-2021. This growth is driven due to growing demand of unmanned aerial vehicle, investments on ISR payloads, and procurement of multirole UAV remote sensors.The need for UAV remote sensors emerged from the changes in military security missions, such as, shift to Net-centric warfare (NCW), increasing Low intensity conflicts (LIC), need for persistence, and reduced tolerance to casualties.The Americas is the dominant player with 55% of the market share and is likely to be the leading region in the forecast period. Whereas, with the growing defense spending and procurement of airborne systems, APAC region will grow significantly at a CAGR of around 9% during the forecast period.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Airborne ISR Market: BAE Systems L-3 Communication Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman UTC Aerospace Systems Boeing General Dynamics Raytheon Rockwell Collins ThalesStudy Objectives of Airborne ISR 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 Airborne ISR Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyse the Global Airborne ISR Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by systems and purpose. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Airborne ISR Market.Brief Toc:1. Introduction1.1 Report Description1.2 Research Objective2. Executive Summary2.1 Key Findings / Highlights2.1.1 Investment Opportunities2.1.2 Market Startegies2.1.3 Latest Developments3. Scope of the Study3.1 Markets Covered3.2 Years Considered For the Study (2016-2021)3.2 Geographic Scope3.3 Key Stakeholders4. Assumptions and Limitations5. Research Methodology5.1 Primary Research5.2 Secondary Research5.3 Econometric and Forecasting ModelContinueAccess Report Details @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 Plastic Optic Fiber Market 2017 - Fuji Film, Jiang Daisheng, Luvantix, Mitsubishi Rayon https://goo.gl/vHJfZo https://market.biz/report/global-plastic-optic-fiber-market-2017/96098/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Plastic Optic Fiber Market 2017 examines the performance of the Plastic Optic Fiber market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Plastic Optic Fiber market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Plastic Optic Fiber report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plastic Optic Fiber industry, Plastic Optic Fiber industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. 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We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Global Poly Lactic Acid Market 2017 - BASF, Danimer Scientific, Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology https://goo.gl/l6uDch https://market.biz/report/global-poly-lactic-acid-market-2017/96099/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Poly Lactic Acid Market 2017 examines the performance of the Poly Lactic Acid market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Poly Lactic Acid market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Size, Analysis, Industry Demand, Growth and Forecast Report To 2017 Outdoor Lighting Systems https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/391191 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-outdoor-lighting-systems-market-research-report-2017 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/391191 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/391191 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com The Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Outdoor Lighting Systems 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 Outdoor Lighting Systems Market research report @Global Outdoor Lighting Systems market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAcuity, Cree, GE Lighting, Genesys, OSRAM, Philips, OEO Energy Solutions, Echelon, Flashnet, Greenvity, Huawei, Illuminating Concepts, Johnson Controls, Legrand/Wattstopper, Sensity, Sensus, Sierra Wireless, Silver Spring Networks, Telensa.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoIncandescent, Halogen, Light-Emitting Plasma, OthersOn 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 Outdoor Lighting Systems for each application, includingHighways and Roadways, City Parks and Public Areas, Commercial Site Lighting, Parking Lots, University and College Campuses, Others.The report on Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Outdoor Lighting Systems 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 Outdoor Lighting Systems 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 Outdoor Lighting Systems Market.Detailed TOC and Charts & Tables of Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Research Report available @The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the Outdoor Lighting Systems 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 Outdoor Lighting Systems 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 Outdoor Lighting Systems 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:-1 Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Outdoor Lighting Systems1.2 Outdoor Lighting Systems Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Incandescent1.2.4 Halogen1.2.5 Light-Emitting Plasma1.2.6 Others1.3 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Segment by Application1.3.1 Outdoor Lighting Systems Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Highways and Roadways1.3.3 City Parks and Public Areas1.3.4 Commercial Site Lighting1.3.5 Parking Lots1.3.6 University and College Campuses1.3.7 Others1.4 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Outdoor Lighting Systems (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Outdoor Lighting Systems Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Outdoor Lighting Systems Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Outdoor Lighting Systems Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionEnquiry before Buying @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:Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-Follow Us:LinkedIn | Twitter| Facebook Global Polyethylene Pipes Market 2017 - Chevron Phillips Chemical, Peak Pipe Systems, Dow Chemical Company https://goo.gl/ZVgdZx https://market.biz/report/global-polyethylene-pe-pipes-market-2017/96100/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Polyethylene Pipes Market 2017 examines the performance of the Polyethylene Pipes market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Polyethylene Pipes market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Polyethylene Pipes market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Polyethylene Pipes Market 2017 report includes Polyethylene Pipes industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Polyethylene Pipes Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Polyethylene Pipes Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Polyethylene Pipes Market 2017:1 JM Eagle2 Chevron Phillips Chemical3 Peak Pipe Systems4 Dow Chemical Company5 WL Plastics6 GPS PE Pipe Systems7 System Group8 Wavin9 Pipelife10 Advanced Drainage Systems11 Marley Pipe Systems12 Polypipe13 Dura-Line14 Hsiung Yeu Enterprise15 Blue Diamond Industries16 Sekisui Chemical17 Nan Ya Plastics18 Tessenderlo Group19 Vinidex Pty20 Plastic Industries21 Cromford Pipe22 Sangir Plastics23 Shree Darshan Pipes24 China Lesso Group25 Weixing New Materials26 Fujian Newchoice Pipe27 Cangzhou Mingzhu Plastic28 Ginde Plastic Pipe Industry29 Kangtai Pipe Industry30 Junxing Pipe IndustryPolyethylene Pipes Market Analysis: By ProductHDPE (High-density polyethylene) PipeMDPE (Medium -density polyethylene) PipeLDPE (Low-density polyethylene) PipePolyethylene Pipes Market Analysis: By ApplicationWater SupplyOil and GasSewage SystemsAgricultural ApplicationsOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Polyethylene Pipes manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Polyethylene Pipes report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Polyethylene Pipes industry, Polyethylene Pipes industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Polyethylene Pipes Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Polyethylene Pipes 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 Polyethylene Pipes market revenue worldwide.Finally, Polyethylene Pipes 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Global Polyimide Tape Market 2017 - Nitto Denko, Kapton Tapes, Cisco, Boston, Polyonics, Can-Do National Tape https://goo.gl/FCFj7b https://market.biz/report/global-polyimide-tape-kapton-tape-market-2017/96101/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Polyimide Tape Market 2017 examines the performance of the Polyimide Tape market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Polyimide Tape market state and the competitive landscape globally. 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It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Polyimide Tape report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Polyimide Tape industry, Polyimide Tape industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Polyimide Tape Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Polyimide Tape 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 Polyimide Tape market revenue worldwide.Finally, Polyimide Tape 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Aerospace Composites Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/2552 http://www.mrrse.com/aerospace-composites-market https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrrse https://twitter.com/MRRSEmrrse Presently, the aerospace sector is quite attracted towards lightweight composite materials. This is seen as one of the several factors which are enhancing the global aerospace composites market. In order to acquire precise detailing, a fresh research report titled as Aerospace Composites Market- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016-2024 has been added to the vast database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). The readers can access estimates and forecasts linked to the aerospace composites market at the global, regional, and country levels. The research also offers forecast between 2016 and 2024 on the basis of volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) keeping 2015 as the base year.Request For Sample Report:Aerospace composites find applications in the aviation industry due to their prime chemical and mechanical properties. The commonly used composite materials in the aerospace industry are carbon fiber composites which are preferred due to its high fuel efficiency along with low carbon emission.In the initial section of the report, the readers can access details regarding the market scope and market size. Moreover, a precise analysis related to market overview which covers product overview, market indicators as well as key industry developments, have been carefully enclosed in the research study. Later, the focus on the report shifts towards market dynamics, under which the market drivers and restraints are highlighted. According to the research, increasing air passenger traffic, growing number of low-cost carriers and emerging economies are expected to boost the market.In the next section, market segmentation based on product type is offered in the report which includes carbon fiber composites, glass fiber composites, aramid fiber composites and others. Moreover, on the basis of applications which covers: Commercial & Business Aircrafts Military Helicopters SpaceLooking forward to the geographical segregation, the market for aerospace composites is divided into prime regions which include North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.Browse Full Report with TOC :The report concludes with detailed competitive outlook which includes market share and profiles of top players operating in the global market. The key players mentioned in the report include Hexcel Corporation, Cytec Solvay Group, Koninklijke TenCate, BASF SE, Toray Industries Inc. and SGL-The Carbon Company. The segment covering company profiles comprises of attributes such as company overview, brand overview, number of employees, key competitors, business strategies, business overview, financial overview, recent/key developments and acquisitions.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 States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comFollow Us on LinkedIn-Follow Us On Twitter- Global Polymer Stabilizers Market 2017 - Ampacet Corporation, ADEKA, Chromaflo, PQ Corporation https://goo.gl/nF8Des https://market.biz/report/global-polymer-stabilizers-market-2017/96103/ https://market.biz http://ereports.market/ https://market.biz/reports/ The Polymer Stabilizers Market 2017 examines the performance of the Polymer Stabilizers market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Polymer Stabilizers market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Polymer Stabilizers market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Polymer Stabilizers Market 2017 report includes Polymer Stabilizers industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Polymer Stabilizers Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Polymer Stabilizers Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Polymer Stabilizers Market 2017:1 Addivant2 Cytec Solvay Group3 Ampacet Corporation4 ADEKA5 Chromaflo6 PQ Corporation7 Dover ChemicalPolymer Stabilizers Market Analysis: By ProductAntioxidantsHindered Amine Light StabilizersUV AbsorberAntiozonantOrganosulfur CompoundsPolymer Stabilizers Market Analysis: By ApplicationWindow ProfilesPipesCable DuctsOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Polymer Stabilizers manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Polymer Stabilizers report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Polymer Stabilizers industry, Polymer Stabilizers industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Polymer Stabilizers Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Polymer Stabilizers 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 Polymer Stabilizers market revenue worldwide.Finally, Polymer Stabilizers 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 businesses.James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Maharashtra, IndiaTel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Market Research Reports-Latest Reports- Commercial Aircraft Aftermarkets Parts Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 6% by 2021 Commercial Aircraft Aftermarket Parts Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1382 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/commercial-aircraft-aftermarket-parts-market-1382 Market Synopsis of Commercial Aircraft Aftermarket Parts Market:The global Commercial Aircraft Aftermarkets Parts market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during 2016-2021. The key driving factors is the availability of the aircraft aftermarket parts on e-platforms, growing fleet size, and availability of cost effective PMA parts from MRO providers.As per the MRFR analysis, factors restraining the market growth are strong opposition from OEMs, delay in customs clearance for aircraft spare parts and high import duties on value-added taxes for aircraft spare parts.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Commercial Aircraft Aftermarket Parts Market: Eaton General electric Honeywell International Rockwell Collins BE aerospace BF Goodrich Meggitt Parker-Hannifin Pratt& WhitneyStudy Objectives of Commercial Aircraft Aftermarket Parts 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 Commercial Aircraft Aftermarket Parts market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyse the aircraft aftermarket parts Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by parts and aircraft types. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Aircraft Aftermarket Parts Market.Brief TOC:1. Introduction1.1 Report Description1.2 Research Objective2. Executive Summary2.1 Key Findings / Highlights2.1.1 Investment Opportunities2.1.2 Market Startegies2.1.3 Latest Developments3. Scope of the Study3.1 Markets Covered3.2 Years Considered For the Study (2016-2021)3.2 Geographic Scope3.3 Key Stakeholders4. Assumptions and Limitations5. Research Methodology5.1 Primary Research5.2 Secondary Research5.3 Econometric and Forecasting ModelContinueAccess Report Details @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 Research Offers 10-Year Forecast on Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2278 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2278 www.futuremarketinsights.com Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: OverviewNonylphenol ethoxylates are group of chemicals belonging to the family of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. They are colourless or light orange coloured and in the form of waxy solid or oily liquids. Nonylphenol ethoxylates act as non-ionic surfactants and are unreactive and stable at normal temperature. It reduces the surface tension of liquids and helps The products containing nonylphenol ethoxylates are used in various applications such as paper and pulp manufacturing, textile processing, machine degreasers, fiber scouring etc. Dow Chemical Corporation, a leading chemicals manufacturer based in U.S. produces and distributed nonylphenol ethoxylates based surfactants by the brand name TERGITOL NP series. The nonylphenol ethoxylates in this series is in solid or liquid form depending on the temperature conditions in which it is used and its molecular weight. Clariant, the global chemicals manufacturer based in Switzerland, manufactures and distributes nonylphenol ethoxylate by the trade name Arkopal N series. The products available in this series varies by form and are used as wetting agents in coatings and paints, adhesives, emulsifiers, dispersing agents etc.Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: Drivers and RestraintsNonylphenol ethoxylates are used in wide range of applications such as paints and coatings, detergent product formulations, pulp and paper manufacturing etc., which is the major driver for the growth of global nonylphenol ethoxylates market. This chemical acts as detergent, wetting agent, emulsifier and dispersing agent. They are also used in consumer products such as detergents and cosmetic products. There is a rise in consumer demand for personal care products with enhanced benefits, which is expected to drive the consumption of nonylphenol ethoxylates. In the surfactant market, the demand for synthetic surfactants is on the rise, as compared to natural surfactants.Request For Report Sample@The nonylphenol ethoxylates takes longer time for degradation as compared to other surfactants and also it is proven to be harmful to aquatic species. In many countries the use of nonyphenol ethoxlates in textile manufacturing and processing is banned due to its toxic properties. These facts are expected to hamper the growth of global nonylphenol ethoxylates market.Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: SegmentationOn the basis of application, the global nonylphenol ethoxylates market can be segmented as follows:-Institutional and Industrial CleaningDomestic CleaningLeather and Textile ProcessingPaper and Pulp ManufacturingCosmetic ProductsAgrochemicalsNonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global nonylphenol ethoxylates market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). APEJ holds major share in global nonyphenol ethoxylates market. The rising industrialisation and urbanisation is expected to propel the growth of nonylphenol ethoxylates market in the region. The rising disposable income and improved lifestyle boosted the growth of industries such as detergents and soaps and personal care, which are the end-use industries for nonylphenol ethoxylates. North America accounts for significant share in the nonylphenol ethoxylates market. The growing market of home care products in this region is anticipated to increase the consumption of nonylphenol ethoxylates. Western Europe is expected to project moderate CAGR over the forecast period due to the mature surfactant industry in the region. Latin America and MEA regions are expected to register high CAGR over the forecast period due to the growth of end-use industries in these regions.Request For TOC@Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global nonylphenol ethoxylates market are as follows:The Dow Chemical CompanyKH ChemicalsHuntsman International LLC.Stepan CompanyClariantDover Chemical CorporationIndia Glycols LimitedPCC SEIsfahan CopolymerABOUT 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 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Research Report 2017 - Corning, Greiner Bio-One, Narang Medical, Baidefu http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1109639&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-in-vitro-diagnostics-packaging-market-research-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report provides a detailed assessment of the drivers impacting the global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market, along with the restraints and opportunities presently affecting its overall growth. These factors help determine the different trends prevailing in the market. The study provides a comprehensive analysis on the market growth throughout the forecast period in terms of revenue, across various geographies. It comprises an executive summary, which offers a snapshot of the In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market and comprehensive information on various segments and sub-segments. The information presented in the report is gathered from various sources using the latest and relevant methodologies.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The report provides in-depth analysis and forecast of the In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market on a regional as well as global level. In this report, the different applications have been studied based on their market size, general attractiveness, and growth rate. Segment-wise comparison, market share analysis, and market attractive analysis for all regions covered in the study have also been presented in a manner that is easy to read and interpret. The report includes key developments and their impact on the global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market. Aspects such as market share, infrastructure facilities, line growth, segment growth, and future outlook are covered in the report.The systematic analysis of the global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market will help new entrants develop effective strategies for sustainable expansion. The report serves as a key tool for companies looking to survive and thrive in the global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market. The study offers an informative outline of company profiles, product portfolios, mergers, research activities, and growth strategies. A SWOT analysis is conducted to identify key drivers, trends, threats, and opportunities that are likely to influence the In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging market during the forecast period.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Research Report 20171 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging1.2 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Bottles and Vials1.2.4 Tubes1.2.5 Petri Dishes1.2.6 Other1.3 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Segment by Application1.3.1 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospitals1.3.3 Clinics1.3.4 Other1.4 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global In-vitro Diagnostics Packaging Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)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 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Research Report 2017 - Eaton Corporation Plc, GE Healthcare, Parker Hannifin http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1109625&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-pharmaceutical-filtration-products-market-research-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.## is a comprehensive analysis of the global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products and includes in-depth insights into key dynamics, current and emerging trends, and competitive landscape. The research is based on analysis of vast volumes of data from several secondary and primary research and mirrors the inputs of numerous industry leaders. The study covers the market share and size of various segments along with the region-wise break-up of key statistics. It provides an incisive analysis of the key drivers and challenges, emerging trends and opportunities, and the strategic dynamics in various regions. It elaborates on these key elements to arrive at evidence-based findings. The study insights include major classifications of products, end-use industries, manufacturing technologies, and industry chain overview.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @The report takes a closer look at the recent mergers and acquisition expected to create exciting opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Filtration Products. In addition, major partnerships and collaborations by leading players are enumerated and their impact on the competitive dynamics is evaluated in the study. The findings enable a number of new and emerging players to devise strategies to get a better foothold in the Pharmaceutical Filtration Products market. The strategies adopted by top players to consolidate their revenue in major regions are also covered in the study. The findings are indispensable in identifying emerging opportunities and lucrative growth avenues in various regions. The analysis guides the formulation of proactive investment policies for various market participants.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Research Report 20171 Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Pharmaceutical Filtration Products1.2 Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Membrane Filters1.2.4 Filter Holder1.2.5 Pre-filters and Depth Media1.2.6 Cartridges and Capsules1.2.7 Single-use Systems1.2.8 Others1.3 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Segment by Application1.3.1 Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Final Product Processing1.3.3 Raw Material Filtration1.3.4 Cell Separation1.3.5 Air & Water Purification1.4 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Pharmaceutical Filtration Products (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Pharmaceutical Filtration Products Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)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 Global Crane Market Share, Size, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2025 http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-crane-lorries-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-crane-lorries-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/eu-crane-lorries-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/germany-crane-lorries-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/france-crane-lorries-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/ www.indexbox.co.uk IndexBox has just published a new report World: Crane Lorries - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025". (This report has been designed to provide a detailed analysis of the global crane market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term projections, as well as developments in production, trade, consumption and prices. The report also includes a comparative analysis of the leading consuming countries, revealing opportunities opened for producers and exporters across the globe. The forecast outlines market prospects to 2025.Countries coverage: Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the largest consuming and producing countries (United States, China, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Italy, Russian Federation, India, Canada, Australia, Republic of Korea, Spain, Mexico, Indonesia, Netherlands, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Sweden, Nigeria, Poland, Belgium, Argentina, Norway, Austria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Denmark, South Africa, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore, Egypt, Philippines, Finland, Chile, Ireland, Pakistan, Greece, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Czech Republic, Qatar, Peru, Romania, Vietnam).Product coverage: Crane lorries.Data coverage:- Crane market size and volume;- Crane market trends and prospects;- Global crane production and its dynamics;- Per capita consumption;- Breakdown of production by region and country;- Medium term outlook;- Crane trade (exports/imports);- Prices for crane;- Profiles of the main manufacturers.The report will help you:- Get a bigger picture of the market;- Rewire your business around market trends;- Devise your marketing strategy;- Operate with increased effectiveness.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 KEY FINDINGS2.2 MARKET TRENDS3. MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 20254. PRODUCTION4.1 PRODUCTION IN 2007-20154.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY5. IMPORTS5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-20155.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY6. EXPORTS6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-20156.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY7. COUNTRY PROFILES8. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERSDownload a free sample of the report now!Browse Related Reports:EU: Crane Lorries - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025Germany: Crane Lorries - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025France: Crane Lorries - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world.You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.We collect this data from hundreds of highly reliable sources, verify it and carry out market analysis, uncovering new business opportunities and empowering you with actionable insights.The structure of our reports is intuitive and clear. We do our best to allow you to make strategic decisions and take immediate action. If you want to go further and be a step ahead of the market, just tell us your goals and we will tailor a report to your needs.With IndexBox, simply take the data from our Box and think outside it.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QWWebsite: Graphene Industry New Business Opportunities, Emerging Trends, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2987 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/graphene-market-2987 Graphene Market is expected to witness a significant growth of USD ~ 811.40 million by 2023 with CAGR of ~43.0 % between 2016 and 2023Market ScenarioThe demand of graphene from its various applications such as electronics, energy, and composite materials is continuously displaying a rising trend. The US is the leading market for graphene in the North America region as well as world followed by Canada and Mexico. The growth of grapheme in this region is mainly due to the widespread activities implemented by major well-known players along with numerous cross-industry partnerships for the expansion of graphene and its possible industrial applications. The graphene market is going through a remarkable period in this region. The number of suppliers has increased, which is further resulting in the production volume.Request a Sample Report @Region Analysis As compared to other regions, the graphene market in APAC region is predictable to witness significantly healthy growth, with rate relatively closer to that of the European region. In APAC region, the China, Japan, India, and South Korea are predicted to drive the growth of graphene market. Across Europe, countries including Germany, France and the U.K. are expected to drive the growth of graphene market. The U.K dominated the market share in 2016 and is predictable to continue its dominance over the forecast period from 2016 to 2023. However, France and Germany is predictable to grow at a significantly faster rate in the European region. Graphene market in Middle East and Africa has a relatively slighter growth of the global graphene market. Within Middle East and Africa countries including UAE, South Africa and Saudi are driving the growth. Demand for energy, automobile and aerospace industry is owing to the growth in the Middle East.Key Players CVD Equipment Corporation (US) Vorbeck Materials (US) Graphene NanoChem (UK) XG Sciences, Inc. (US) Angstron Materials, Inc.(US) Graphene Laboratories, Inc. (US) BGT Materials Limited, Ltd (UK) Graphenea Inc. (US) Grafoid Inc (North America) Haydale Limited (UK)Segment AnalysisThe global graphene market has been segmented into types and end use industries. On the basis of types, the market has been divided into graphene oxide (GO), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), few layer graphene (FLG), mono-layer & bi-layer graphene, and others (3D graphene foams, pristine graphene). Among the all types graphene oxide graphene dominated the market in 2016. The features of graphene oxide graphene such as transparency, tensile strength, high elasticity, efficient conductivity, and low cost of production make it an ideal graphene type among major end user industry such as pharmaceutical, bio-sensing, Solar cells, Low permeability material, electronics, and nanofiltration.Full Report Graphene Market @Region GeographicAmericas North America US CanadaEurope Western Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of Western Europe Eastern EuropeAsia Pacific Asia China India Japan South Korea Rest of AsiaAbout 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.Market Research Future Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312 Global Bag On Valve Technology Market Analysis, Trend, Growth, Size, Share and Forecast 2016 2024 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=918675 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=918675 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Bag On Valve Technology Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.The report begins with an overview of the global bag on valve technology market, evaluating market performance in terms of revenue and volume, followed by TMRs analysis of key trends, drivers, and restraints witnessed in the global market. Impact analysis of the key growth drivers and restraints based on the weighted average model is also included in the report.This Transparency Market Research report examines the global bag on valve technology market for the forecast period 2016-2024. The primary objective of the report is to identify opportunities in the market and present updates as well as insights pertaining to various segments of the global bag on valve technology market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Bag on Valve Technology Market: Research MethodologyTo compute the market size, in-depth secondary research is done. Data points such as regional splits and market split by material type, distribution network and primary usage as well as qualitative inputs from primary respondents have been assimilated to arrive at appropriate market estimates. The report comprises the forecast of the global revenue generated by the sales of bag on valve Technology market.TMR triangulates the data via different analysis based on supply side, demand side as well as the dynamics of bag on valve technology market.TMR not only conduct forecasts in terms of value, but also evaluate the market on the basis of essential parameters, such as Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth. This helps providers to recognize the future opportunities as well predictability of the market. In order to understand and assess opportunities in this market, the report is categorically divided into six key sections on the basis of product type, valve type, container type, capacity type, application type and region. The report analyses the global bag on valve technology market in terms of value (US$ Mn) and volume (Mn Units).Global Bag on Valve Technology Market: SegmentationAnother vital feature of this report is the analysis of the bag on valve technology market by region, product type, valve type, container type, capacity type and application type and the corresponding revenue forecast in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical in assessing the level of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve as well as to identify potential resources from a sales perspective of the global liquid packaging market.To understand key segments in terms of their growth and performance in the bag on valve technology market the analysts have developed a market attractiveness index. The resulting index should help providers identify existing market opportunities in the global bag on valve technology market.Global Bag on Valve Technology Market: Competitive LandscapeIn the final section of the report, bag on valve technology market competitive landscape is included to provide a dashboard view of companies that manufacture and provide services of bag on valve technology market. The report contains company profiles of some of the key players in the global bag on valve technology market.Product type assessed in the report are:- Aerosol B.O.V.- Standard B.O.V- Non-Spray/low pressure B.O.VValve type assessed in the report are:- Male Valve- Female ValveContainer type assessed in the report are:- Aluminum- Tin Plate- Steel- PlasticCapacity type assessed in the report are:- Below 30ml- 30ml 100ml- 100ml 275ml- 275ml 500ml- Above 500mlApplication type assessed in the report are:- Cosmetics & Personal Care- Pharmaceuticals- Home Care- Food & Beverages- Automotive & IndustrialRegions assessed in the report are:- North America- Latin America- Europe- Asia Pacific (APAC)- Middle East & Africa (MEA)Key market players featured in this report are:- Coster Tecnologie Speciali S.p.A.,- AptarGroup, Inc.,- LINDAL Group Holding GmbH,- Precision Valve Corporation,- KOH-I-NOOR Mlada Vozice a.s,- Summit Packaging System, Inc.,- Exal Corporation,- Chicago Aerosol LLC,- TOYO & DEUTSCHE AEROSOL GMBH- Shanghai Golden Aerosol Co., Ltd.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 Point-of-care Diagnostics Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=918672 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=918672 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Point-of-care Diagnostics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.Point-of-care diagnostics is carried out in the clinics, home or near patient locations for testing of a sample from a patient in order to facilitate a prompt clinical decision regarding patient management. The report on point-of-care diagnostic market, analyzes the current and future prospects of the market. The report consists of an executive summary that provides information about the products, its segments and sub-segments, along with a market snapshot and comparative analysis by geography, in terms of revenue %, for 2015.Global Point-of-Diagnostics Market: Drivers and RestraintsA detailed overview of market dynamics, including the drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the point-of-care diagnostic market, along with porters analysis, value chain analysis, of the global market, has been provided in this report. Market revenue and volume analysis for all the above mentioned segments, and their sub segments has been provided for the forecast period of 2016-2024, considering 2015 as the base year, and 2014 as the historical year, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR %), for the forecast period of 2016-2024. Market share estimations were based on in-depth analysis and study of products, and their features, prices etc. Pricing analysis, for every region has been provided considering the average selling prices (ASP), of products, in these regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @This report provides in-depth analysis of the point-of-care diagnostic market. The stakeholders for this report include companies involved in the manufacturing of Point-of-care Diagnostics. Executive summary section is included snapshot on stakeholders in this report, which summarizes the market size, trends and competition in different regions. Market players and Market share analysis is analyzed to signify percentage share of the major players operating in the point-of-care diagnostic market. Furthermore, the report includes market attractiveness analysis by geography that depicts the most attractive and significant region in the global market in 2015.Global Point-of-Diagnostics Market: Research MethodologyThe research methodology is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research includes information collected via e-mails, and telephonic interviews of key opinion leaders (KOL), and forms the bulk of our research. Secondary research includes information collected from various sources, by study of company websites, annual reports, stock analysis presentations, press releases, and various national and international databases.Global Point-of-Diagnostics Market: SegmentationBased on product type, the point-of-care diagnostic market has been segmented into Lateral flow assay test, Flow- through test, Solid phase assay test, Agglutination assay test. Based on applications, the point-of-care diagnostic are segmented into Infectious Disease test, Cholesterol monitoring, Substance abuse test, Fertility & Pregnancy test, Blood Glucose Test. Based on end users, the market is segmented as hospitals, clinics, homecare settings and diagnostic centers.Global Point-of-Diagnostics Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The regions are further segmented into major countries which include, U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific, Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa. The report also comprises list of major players in the market, their SWOT analysis, market share of these players in the Point-of-care Diagnostic market, key business strategies, product portfolios, and recent developments. Key market players profiled in this report include, Alere Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Becton, Dickinson & Company, F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and Trinity Biotech among others.The Point-of-care Diagnostic market has been segmented as follows:Point-of-care Diagnostics Market, by Product Type- Lateral flow assay test- Flow- through test- Solid phase assay test- Agglutination assay testPoint-of-care Diagnostics Market, by Application- Infectious Disease Test- Cholesterol monitoring- Substance abuse Test- Fertility & Pregnancy Test- Blood Glucose TestPoint-of-care Diagnostics Market, by End Users- Hospitals- Clinics- Homecare Settings- Diagnostic CentersPoint-of-care Diagnostics Market, by Geography- North America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- U.K.- Germany- France- Italy- Spain- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- Japan- India- Australia- Rest of Asia Pacific- Latin America- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of Latin America- Middle East & Africa- South Africa- Saudi Arabia- Rest of Middle East & AfricaMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Global Unified Communication As A Service Market To Grow At A CAGR Of 25.32% During The Period 2017-2021 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1027848 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1027848 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Unified Communication as a Service Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.UCaaS is a cloud-based deployment model of unified communications (UC) technology such as enterprise audio and video conferencing, hosted VoIP, and cloud private branch exchange (PBX). UCaaS is implemented in enterprises to communicate and collaborate globally in a cloud-based ICT ecosystem.Technavios analysts forecast the global unified communication as a service market to grow at a CAGR of 25.32% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global unified communication as a service market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Unified Communication as a Service Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors8x8AT&TGoogleMicrosoftVerizon Enterprise SolutionsOther prominent vendorsAvayaBTCisco SystemsFuzeWest Unified Communications ServicesMitelPanTerra NetworksPolycomRingCentralShoreTelStar2StarTata CommunicationsTelefnicaTelstraVonageMarket driverIncreased requirement to comply with regulatory and compliance norms.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeSystem integration and interoperability issues.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendGrowing momentum of cloud brokerage services.For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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 Commercial Satellite Imaging Market To Grow At A CAGR Of 11.21% During The Period 2017-2021 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1027844 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1027844 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Commercial Satellite Imaging Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.A satellite is an artificial object placed manually into the orbit to serve various purposes such as navigation, collection of weather information, civilian and Earth observation (EO), and research. These are computer-controlled systems that can perform tasks such as thermal control, telemetry, power generation, attitude control, and orbit control. The data collected by satellites is used for applications such as agriculture, management of water resources, urban development, mineral prospecting, environment protection, forestry, border and maritime security, drought and flood forecasting, ocean resources and disaster management. As of 2015, 4,256 satellites moved along the earth's orbit, out of which, 1,419 were operational.Technavios analysts forecast the global commercial satellite imaging market to grow at a CAGR of 11.21% during the period 2017-2021.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global commercial satellite imaging market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report provides a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities for regions such as the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Commercial Satellite Imaging 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 vendorsDigitalGlobeDMCiiImageSat InternationalPlanet LabsOther prominent vendorsDeimos Imaging (UrtheCast)e-GEOS (an Adjacent Satellite Interference /Telespazio company)Geosys Enterprise SolutionsSatellogicTerra Bella (Google)Market driverUse of satellite imaging in geological research.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeCost associated with satellite launch.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendAdvanced satellite imaging applications.For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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 @ GaN Power Devices Market Report Based on Device, Industry Vertical and Region by AMR GaN Power Devices https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/gallium-nitride-GaN-power-device-market According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled; GaN Power Devices Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022," the global GaN power devices market was valued at $16 million in 2015, and is projected to reach $273 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 49.8% from 2016 to 2022. The GaN power modules segment contributed over 45% of the share among other GaN power devices in 2015.In power electronics, a power device is a semiconductor device that is used as a switch or rectifier; for instance, a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). The power devices, which use gallium nitride (GaN) as the semiconductor material, are known as GaN power devices. GaN power devices diminish the overall energy loss of the system. Unlike the conventional transistors that need larger chip area to decrease on-resistance, GaN devices offer compact sizes and hence, provide high-speed switching and size contraction of the overall system.Access Full Summary at:Factors that assist the market growth include decline in prices, better performance as compared to silicon carbide (SiC) devices, rise in demand for GaN devices for wireless charging, increase in adoption of GaN devices in electric vehicles, and growth in requirement of GaN devices in commercial RF applications. However, lack of availability of GaN material restrains the market growth. Government initiatives for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and smart grid are anticipated to provide numerous opportunities for market growth during the forecast period.In 2015, GaN power modules contributed over 45% share in the market, and is expected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period, owing to the vast demand of power modules that run on high voltage with the priority of minimum current loss. Moreover, North America region is the major revenue contributor, owing to large IT & Telecommunication industry, rise in sale of consumer electronic products, and increase in demand for electric vehicles utilizing power devices for energy transaction on wide scale.IT & telecommunication segment dominated the overall market with nearly 30% share in GaN power devices market in 2015. This high share attributed by the ability of GaN power devices to be used for high voltage as well as low voltage switches in DC-DC converters, which are incorporated in power supplies for equipment used for data communications systems, servers, and other devices. The swift rise in sale of consumer electronic equipment globally drive the need for GaN power devices market.Key Findings of the GaN Power Devices Market:1. In terms of revenue, GaN power modules held the maximum market share,and are expected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period.2. GaN power ICs are expected to grow at the higher CAGR during the forecastperiod.3. In 2015, the IT & telecommunications industry vertical held nearly one-third market share, which was the highest among all the industry verticals.4. North America is expected to continue dominating the market in the future. 5. In 2015, the region accounted for over 45% share globally.In 2015, North America accounted for nearly half of the GaN power devices market, and is expected to retain its dominant position, owing to the presence of well-established telecommunication industry, rise in demand of electric vehicles, and increase in sale of consumer electronic devices.The major companies profiled in the report include Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC), GaN Systems, On Semiconductors, Panasonic Corporation, VisIC, Texas Instruments Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Fujitsu Limited, Infineon Technologies AG, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Pankaj Kumar5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com Global Smart Speakers Market Analysis 2016-2022: Key Findings, Regional Analysis, Key Players Profiles and Future Prospects Global Smart Speakers Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2286 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/smart-speakers-market-2286 Market Highlights:The key drivers contributing to the growth of the global Smart Speakers Market are rise in number of smart homes, increasing wireless streaming of audio content, speakers run on batteries, high durability, hassle free maintenance and high preference for wireless technology. The restraining factors towards the growth of the market are range, power and compatibility. The increase in number of smart homes driving the global smart speakers market.Smart Speakers is type of speakers which is equipped with advance communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC and can be operated from any smart device such as smartphone, laptop and tablets. These speakers are similar in nature with a traditional speaker but provide different benefits which traditional speakers are not able to provideThe global Smart Speakers Market is expected to reach at USD 9 billion with ~36% of compound annual growth rate.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 25 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Smart Speakers Market -Forecast to 2022.Major Key Players: Beats Electronics (U.S.) Bose Corporation (U.S.) Samsung Electronics Limited (Korea) Harman (U.S.) LG Electronics (South Korea) Altec Lansing (U.S.) Avnera Corporation (U.S.) Panasonic (Japan) D&M Holdings, Inc (Japan) Sharp Corporation (Japan)Request a Sample Report @Study Objectives of Global Smart Speakers Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global smart speakers market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global smart speakers market based porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by product type, technology, application and region. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.Intended Audience: Smart Speakers Manufacturers Smart Speakers Distributors Research/Consultancy firms Vendors from various verticals such as Bose, Harman, Samsung among others OEMs Semiconductor Manufacturers StakeholdersSegments:The Global Smart Speakers Market has been segmented on the basis of product type, connectivity, application and region. By product type, the market has been bifurcated into single-speakers, double-speakers and multi-speaker. On the basis of connectivity, the market has been segmented into- Wi-Fi enabled speakers, Bluetooth enabled speakers, NFC enabled speakers among others. On the basis of application, the market includes- personal use and commercial use.Regional Analysis:North America is dominating the market of smart speakers in where U.S. accounted for the largest market share due to various factors such as rise in smart homes market, high per capita income, changing lifestyle and high preference for wireless technology in the region. For instance, Amazon Echo smart speakers outpaced other speakers in the U.S. due to changing lifestyle and increasing disposable income.Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea are growing at a fast pace majorly due to high demand for consumer electronics, high growth rate of the countries and the advancement in the IT industry. According to MRFR analysis, the consumption of smart electronics has increased in these countries over the last few years and companies have been investing billions of dollars into research & development sectors which are driving the growth of the global smart speakers market.Access Report Details @Market Research Analysis:The global smart speakers market is expected to grow significantly. In North America, U.S. is estimated to account for the largest market share majorly due to rise in smart homes, high per capita income, changing lifestyle and technological advancement. Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea are growing at a fast pace majorly due to high demand for consumer electronic products and rise in GDP. The Asian countries are expected to grow fast over the forecast period.U.S. accounts for the largest market share in North America, majorly due to increase in number of smart homes, rising disposable income, changing lifestyle and government policies. Also, Asian countries such as Japan and Korea are expected to grow at a fast pace, majorly due to advancement in the IT industry and investments in research & development sector.Table of Contents1. Executive Summary2. Research Methodology2.1 Scope of The Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market Size Estimation2.4 Forecast ModelContinued.List of TablesTable 1 Global Smart Speakers Market, By Product TypeTable 2 Global Smart Speakers Market, By ApplicationTable 3 Global Smart Speakers Market, By ConnectivityContinued.List of FiguresFigure 1 Research TypeFigure 2 Global Smart Speakers Market: By Product Type (%)Figure 3 Global Smart Speakers Market: By Application (%)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 MBR Membrane Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2017 MBR Membrane https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/391225 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-mbr-membrane-market-research-report-2017 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/391225 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/391225 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com The Global MBR Membrane Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the MBR Membrane 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 MBR Membrane Market research report @Global MBR Membrane market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingGE Water, Siemens Water Technologies, Asahi Kasei Chemical, KUBOTA Membrane Ltd., Koch Membrane Systems, Inc., Toray Chemistry, Inc., Mitsubishi Rayon Co.,LTD., Memstar, Nitto Denko, TOYOBO, Norit X-Flow, Biwater., Berghof., Novasep Orelis, Ultra-Flo., HUBER SE, OriginWater.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoTubular Membrane, Hollow Fiber Membrane, Flat Membrane.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 MBR Membrane for each application, includingMunicipal Services, Chemical Industry, Landfill Leachate Treatment, Other.The report on Global MBR Membrane Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the MBR Membrane 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 MBR Membrane 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 MBR Membrane Market.Detailed TOC and Charts & Tables of MBR Membrane Market Research Report available @The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the MBR Membrane 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 MBR Membrane 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 MBR Membrane 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:-1 MBR Membrane Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of MBR Membrane1.2 MBR Membrane Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global MBR Membrane Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global MBR Membrane Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Tubular Membrane1.2.4 Hollow Fiber Membrane1.2.5 Flat Membrane1.3 Global MBR Membrane Segment by Application1.3.1 MBR Membrane Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Municipal Services1.3.3 Chemical Industry1.3.4 Landfill Leachate Treatment1.3.5 Other1.4 Global MBR Membrane Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global MBR Membrane Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of MBR Membrane (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global MBR Membrane Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global MBR Membrane Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Enquiry before Buying @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:Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-Follow Us:LinkedIn | Twitter| Facebook Refrigerated Vehicles Market to Undertake Strapping Growth During 2015-2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/refrigerated-vehicles-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3595 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Refrigerated vehicles are used for transportation of vulnerable food, pharmaceutical and healthcare products. The increasing population and consumer spending on food products has surged their production globally. Among food products, dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables require cold storage and transportation for their sustainability. The increasing global warming has been emerging as a matter of great concern for the food producers globally which is reducing the shelf life of these products in non-refrigerated conditions. Most of the pharmaceutical and healthcare products need protection from heat and light to maintain their chemical and biological formulation. All these concerns have been driving the refrigerated vehicles market globally and are expected to increase in terms of growth rate during 2014-2020.Get access to full summary @:Refrigerated vehicles include a large types of vehicles used in several transportation requirements based on loading requirement. Some of their types include refrigerated vans, refrigerated trucks, refrigerated trailers, refrigerated railcars, refrigerated ships, refrigerated transport by air, refrigerated containers, atmosphere controlled containers, intermodal refrigerated containers, insulated containers, integral reefer containers and multimodal temperature containers. The increasing consumer awareness about fresh products is one of the important factors which have been escalating the demand for refrigerated vehicles globally.The developing and underdeveloped countries have an underdeveloped cold-supply chain infrastructure which leads to destruction of a large quantity of food products every year. This also increases warehousing charges of the food manufacturers and the distributors as they have to maintain local distribution points in the area of demand. The growing population and increasing per capita income in these countries is boosting the demand for food products which is further creating demands for the refrigerated vehicles in these countries. The dairy product consumption in Asia Pacific countries have also been increasing to a great extent in recent times. The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries have also been growing at a rapid pace in these developing countries which is creating demand for the refrigerated vehicles in this domain as well. The shortage of skilled labor and unstable fuel prices are the key hurdles for the refrigerated vehicles market. The companies operating in the refrigerated vehicles market are improving the fuel efficiency and noise reduction of these vehicles.There have been several technology development and introduction in the recent times by the refrigerated vehicle manufacturers. They include CorroGuard and ThermGuard by Great Dane, Strip door solution for refrigerated trucks by R.O.M, GRIPTM by RTE, LED based indicator by Carrier, economical cold plates by Johnson, reefer monitoring system by PAR, reefer-trak sentry solutions by Star-Trak, Secureseal system by OEM Group, new alternator by Robert Bosch and Fleetview by Terion.A sample of this report is available upon request @Among regions, North America dominated global sales of refrigerated vehicles market, followed by Europe. There are a large number of market players in the refrigerated vehicles market which are operating in a particular country or globally through their subsidiaries. The global refrigerated vehicles market is fragmented however; it is increasingly advancing towards consolidation with a number of companies engaged in merger and acquisition activities.The key market players include Great Dane Trailers, Ingersol Rand Company Limited, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, Schmitz Cargobull, R.O.M., Thermo King, Carrier Transicold, Johnson, PAR, Star-Trak, GE, OEM Group, Robert Bosch, Terion, Northgate Plc and Fraikin Limited.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: United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021 Market Research Reports http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=879694&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/united-states-eu-japan-china-india-and-southeast-asia-bus-rapid-transit-systems-market-size-status-and-forecast-2021.htm Qyresearchreports include new market research report "United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.This market intelligence report is a highly descriptive analysis of the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia market for Bus Rapid Transit Systems. The report, for a better understanding of its readers, segments the market based on various criteria, including geography, end users, type, and application. It performs a methodical examination of the current and historic scenario to predict how the demand and supply charts would look in the forthcoming years.The industry chain structure of the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems market is also explained in detail. It takes into account the data pertaining to the existing production capacities along with industry and government policies that impact them and the extent to which they are utilized. The cost and revenue structure analysis of prominent participants serves as an important tool to derive the overall revenue generation of the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems market.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @There are various tools meticulously analyzed in the research report. One of them is SWOT analysis, which is vital in comprehending the competitive landscape of the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems market. The report performs a detailed profiling of key players in the market and provides insights into the products and/or services offered by them. It also sheds light on the latest developments and business strategies of these players. It offers some invaluable recommendations by industrial experts, which can be helpful to both existing and emerging players in forming growth strategies. Analysts have made sure to do an in-depth analysis of the United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems market to reinforce the primary intention of the report, which is to provide its readers with means to have a better understanding of the market.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Bus Rapid Transit Systems1.1 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Overview1.1.1 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems 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 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market by Type1.3.1 Bus1.3.2 Bus Station1.4 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Application 11.4.2 Application 21.4.3 Application 3Browse full table of contents and data tables of Report @2 Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Novasbus3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 ITDP3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 MAN Corporation3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 ZF3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.4.5 Recent Developments12 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Dynamics12.1 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Opportunities12.2 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Challenge and Risk12.2.1 Competition from Opponents12.2.2 Downside Risks of Economy12.3 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Constraints and Threat12.3.1 Threat from Substitute12.3.2 Government Policy12.3.3 Technology Risks12.4 Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Driving Force12.4.1 Growing Demand from Emerging Markets12.4.2 Potential Application13 Market Effect Factors Analysis13.1 Technology Progress/Risk13.1.1 Substitutes13.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry13.2 Consumer Needs Trend/Customer Preference13.3 External Environmental Change13.3.1 Economic Fluctuations13.3.2 Other Risk FactorsList of Tables and FiguresFigure Bus Rapid Transit Systems Product ScopeFigure Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size (2011-2016)Table Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Share by Regions in 2015Figure United States Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure EU Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Japan Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure China Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure India Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Southeast Asia Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Size and Growth Rate by Regions (2011-2016)Figure Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Share by Type in 2015Figure Bus Market Size (Value) and Growth Rate (2011-2016)Figure Bus Station Market Size (Value) and Growth Rate (2011-2016)Figure Global Bus Rapid Transit Systems Market Share by Application in 2015QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States Blood Bank Information Systems Market Analysis- Size, Share, Growth, Forecast, Segment, Application Analysis To 2022 Blood Bank Information Systems https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/391260 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-blood-bank-information-systems-market-research-report-2017-d-86 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/391260 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/391260 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com The Global Blood Bank Information Systems Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Blood Bank Information Systems 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 Blood Bank Information Systems Market research report @Global Blood Bank Information Systems market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingRoper Industries, Haemonetics, Cerner Corporation, McKesson, Mak-System, Integrated Medical Systems, Mediware, Compugroup, SCC Soft Computer, Zhongde Gaoye, Blood Bank Computer Systems, Jinfeng Yitong, Fengde, IT Synergistics, Psyche Systems.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBlood Donor Management Module, Blood Bank Transfusion Service Module, Other.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 Blood Bank Information Systems for each application, includingBlood Station, Hospital.The report on Global Blood Bank Information Systems Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Blood Bank Information Systems 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 Blood Bank Information Systems 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 Blood Bank Information Systems Market.Detailed TOC and Charts & Tables of Blood Bank Information Systems Market Research Report available @The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the Blood Bank Information Systems 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 Blood Bank Information Systems 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 Blood Bank Information Systems 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:-1 Blood Bank Information Systems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Blood Bank Information Systems1.2 Blood Bank Information Systems Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Blood Donor Management Module1.2.4 Blood Bank Transfusion Service Module1.2.5 Other1.3 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Segment by Application1.3.1 Blood Bank Information Systems Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Blood Station1.3.3 Hospital1.4 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Blood Bank Information Systems (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Blood Bank Information Systems Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Enquiry before Buying @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:Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-Follow Us:LinkedIn | Twitter| Facebook Global Market Study on Adaptive Content Publishing Industry Trends, Strategies, And Forecasts, Worldwide 2016 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/736825 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/736825 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ The Report Global Adaptive Content Publishing Industry 2016 Market Research Report provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"The Global Adaptive Content Publishing Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Adaptive Content Publishing industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions and classifications. The Adaptive Content Publishing market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product specification, price, cost, revenue and contact information.With 134 the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.View Report @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Basic Information of Adaptive Content Publishing1.1.1 Definition of Adaptive Content Publishing1.1.2 Classifications of Adaptive Content Publishing1.1.2.1 Technical Courses1.1.2.2 Non-technical Courses1.1.3 Applications of Adaptive Content Publishing1.1.4 Characteristics of Adaptive Content Publishing1.2 Development Overview of Adaptive Content Publishing1.3 Enter Barriers Analysis of Adaptive Content Publishing2 Adaptive Content Publishing International and China Market Analysis2.1 Adaptive Content Publishing Industry International Market Analysis2.1.1 Adaptive Content Publishing International Market Development History2.1.2 Adaptive Content Publishing Competitive Landscape Analysis2.1.3 Adaptive Content Publishing International Main Countries Development Status2.1.4 Adaptive Content Publishing International Market Development Trend2.2 Adaptive Content Publishing Industry China Market Analysis2.2.1 Adaptive Content Publishing China Market Development History2.2.2 Adaptive Content Publishing Competitive Landscape Analysis2.2.3 Adaptive Content Publishing China Main Regions Development Status2.2.4 Adaptive Content Publishing China Market Development Trend2.3 Adaptive Content Publishing International and China Market Comparison Analysis3 Environment Analysis of Adaptive Content Publishing3.1 International Economy Analysis3.2 China Economy Analysis3.3 Policy Analysis of Adaptive Content Publishing3.4 News Analysis of Adaptive Content Publishing4 Analysis of Revenue by Classifications4.1 Global Revenue of Adaptive Content Publishing by Classifications 2011-20164.2 Global Revenue Growth Rate of Adaptive Content Publishing by Classifications 2011-20164.3 Adaptive Content Publishing Revenue by Classifications5 Analysis of Revenue by Regions and Applications5.1 Global Revenue of Adaptive Content Publishing by Regions 2011-20165.2 2011-2016 USA Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Adaptive Content Publishing5.3 2011-2016 Europe Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Adaptive Content Publishing5.4 2011-2016 Japan Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Adaptive Content Publishing5.5 2011-2016 China Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Adaptive Content Publishing6 Analysis of Adaptive Content Publishing Revenue Market Status 2011-20166.1 Revenue of Adaptive Content Publishing 2011-20166.2 Revenue Market Share Analysis of Adaptive Content Publishing 2011-20166.3 Revenue Overview of Adaptive Content Publishing 2011-20166.4 Gross Margin of Adaptive Content Publishing 2011-2016About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Offshore Support Vessel Market to Record Sturdy Growth by 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/offshore-support-vessel-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11302 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11302 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Offshore Support Vessel Market: OverviewOffshore Support Vessels are the ships that are designed to transport liquid cargo, stores, materials and equipment and personnel to offshore oil platform that functions deep in the oceans. These vessels include services such as drilling rigs, offshore pipe laying, and oil production platforms utilized in exploration and production activities. These vessels undertake variety of tasks in the supply chain.Get access to full summary @:Offshore Support Vessels are fundamental components for oil & gas industry. There are many types of offshore support vessel that have different properties and functions as per the type of operation. The Asia-Pacific regions such as China, Australia, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia require more volume of offshore support vessels. As a result, it provides a great opportunity to the manufacturers of offshore support vesselsGlobal Offshore Support Vessel Market: SegmentationGlobal Offshore Support Vessel market is segmented into type and region. The global Offshore Support Vessel market can be segmented on the basis of types such as Anchor Handling Towing and Supply (AHTS) vessels, Platform Supply Vessels (PSV), Diving Support Vessels, Remote Operating Vessels (ROV) Support, Multi-Purpose Service Vessel (MPSV), Cable & Pipe Laying Vessels, Standby and Rescue Vessel, Seismic Survey Vessels, Well Stimulation Vessel, Fast Supply Intervention Vessels (FSIV). Region wise, global Offshore Support Vessel market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA).Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global offshore support vessel market is projected to witness a significant growth in terms of CAGR from 2015 to 2025. North America region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecasted period. Middle East is expected to be one of the leading market for offshore support vessels for the coming years. According to FMI forecasts, the market in Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: DriversOffshore Support Vessel Market is being driven by rising offshore exploration and production activities. Moreover, increasing capital expenditure on offshore oil exploration will also lead to offshore developments. Offshore Support Vessel Market is expected to grow at a higher rate for the forecast period supported by increasing demand of oil & gas.The drivers for this market are increased demand for offshore rig, marine logistics, & others. All these factors together drive the Offshore Support Vessel market during the forecast period.Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: RestraintsCertain restraints that are hampering the growth of global offshore support vessel market to some extent include high maintenance and replacement cost, regulations and environmental effects.Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: Competitive LandscapeKey players in the global offshore support vessel market focus on Developments, investments, expansion, mergers & acquisition, agreements and contracts, new technologies developments, in order to expand their reach and penetrate into the market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Offshore Support Vessel Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified in the global Offshore Support Vessel market are Edison Chouest Offshore, Abdon Callais Offshore, Havila Shipping ASA, Farstad Shipping ASA, Gulfmark Offshore Inc., Bourbon Offshore Marine services, Island Offshore Management AS, & others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems Market to Develop Rapidly by 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/combined-heat-and-Power-systems-market.asp www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11998 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Cogeneration (also known as combined heat and power systems (CHP)) is a cluster of technologies primarily used for the concurrent generation of electricity and useful heat. This combined generation of heat and electricity is much more effective than separate generation of electricity and useful heat in a way that CHP systems offers improved energy efficiency, reduced managing cost, low CO2 emission and others. Growing data center capacity as business operate more processes, handle complex analytics with increasing storage requirements for customer data and employing rich media. Handling of such large data requires continuous supply of reliable power making cogeneration systems of primary importance. Efficiency level for cogeneration systems can reach up to 80 % against separate generation of heat and electricity which provides combined efficiency of 40-50 %. CHP systems for data centers are gaining traction in the market as using such plants as source of data center power leads to energy efficient and substantial cost reduction benefits. However, another technology commercially available for powering data centers includes fuel cells. Although CHP systems are less efficient than fuel cells but requires lesser fuel to generate the same amount of power and has a win when its ability to supply chilled water is factored. Some of the major benefits offered utilizing CHP systems for data centers are limited reliance over external power supply, increased energy efficiency, low site carbon emission and others.Get access to full summary @:Global CHP System market for Data Centre: Market DynamicsRegions with high electricity cost are readily adopting CHP systems primarily to save on their energy cost to provide base load power and using such systems to provide absorption cooling for the facility. Moreover, government initiatives to install CHP systems in data center facilities due to low CO2 emissions is also expected to increase its adoption rate thereby increasing the adoption of CHP system in data centers.Low economic life of data center IT equipment results in consumer reluctance towards adoption of CHP systems for data centers since these systems have equipment life of around 10-15 years in comparison to economic life of IT equipment which is only 2-3 years.Global CHP System market for Data Centre: SegmentationThe global CHP system market for data center can be segmented on the basis of data center types, facility size, installation type and region. By Data center types the market can be segmented into Telecoms, ISPs (internet Service Provider), CoLos (Co-located server hosting facilities), server farms, corporate data centers, university/ national laboratory and others. Based on facility the market can be segmented into less than 200 sq.ft, 200-700 sq.ft, 700-1,200 sq.ft, 1,200-6,000 sq.ft and more than 6,000 sq.ft. Based on installation type global cogeneration systems market for data center can be segmented into newly installed systems and retrofit systems. By region global CHP system market for data centers can be segmented into seven key regions namely North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East and Africa and Japan.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global CHP System market for Data Centre: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified across CHP system market for data center includes ENER-G, Korea Electric Power Corporation, National Grid plc, Exelon Corporation, NextEra Energy, Inc., Chubu Electric Power Company, American Electric Power Company, Inc. and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experienceanalytics, 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: At a CAGR of 12% Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem : Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts To 2030 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/804872 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/804872 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report The Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Given the increasing prevalence of expensive household goods, cars and consumer electronics, insurance has become an unavoidable and often necessary cost in modern life. Mobile phones, and smartphones in particular are no exception to this trend.Most major wireless carriers, insurance specialists, device OEMs, retailers and even banks now offer insurance plans that cover theft, loss, malfunctions and damage of mobile phones. Many policies now also integrate enhanced technical support and additional protection features such as data backup facilities, allowing users to securely backup their phone data online.SNS Research estimates that the global mobile phone insurance market is expected to account for nearly $20 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% over the next four years, eventually accounting for over $30 Billion in revenue by the end of 2020.The "Mobile Phone Insurance Ecosystem: 2016 2030 Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts" report presents an in-depth assessment of the mobile phone insurance ecosystem including market drivers, challenges, opportunities, value chain, future roadmap, case studies, ecosystem player profiles and strategies. The report also presents market size forecasts from 2016 through to 2030. The forecasts are segmented for 5 regional and 25 country level markets.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:SNS Research estimates that the global mobile phone insurance market is expected to account for nearly $20 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016.The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 12% over the next four years, eventually accounting for over $30 Billion in revenue by the end of 2020.In an effort to boost the uptake of mobile phone insurance, wireless carriers and insurance providers have extensively enhanced their insurance offerings with the addition of location tracking, data protection/recovery features and integrated technical support.The success of mobile phone insurance plans has driven several wireless carriers, such as NTT DoCoMo and Orange, to invest in the sales of other insurance products through mobile phones and their retail outlets.New insurance models are also beginning to emerge, such as London-based So-Sures social insurance for mobile phones, which allows customers to get up to 80% of their money back, if they and their friends dont claim.Device OEMs are beginning to invest in tailored plans to suit the specific requirements of certain regional markets. A good example is Xiaomis Mi Protect plan in India, which covers accidental and liquid damage, for as little as $7 per year.Topics Covered:The report covers the following topics:Mobile phone insurance ecosystemMarket drivers and barriersInsurance policy structure, distribution channels and key trendsCase studies of mobile phone insurance initiativesIndustry roadmap and value chainProfiles and strategies of over 40 leading ecosystem playersStrategic recommendations for ecosystem playersMarket analysis and forecasts from 2016 till 2030View Report @Forecast Segmentation:Market forecasts are provided for the following regional and country level submarkets:Regional SegmentationAsia PacificEuropeLatin & Central AmericaMiddle East & AfricaNorth AmericaCountry Level SegmentationArgentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, UK & USAKey Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:How big is the mobile phone insurance opportunity?What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?How is the ecosystem evolving by region?What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?Which countries will see the highest percentage of growth?Who are the key market players and what are their strategies?What risks are typically covered in mobile phone insurance offerings?How can insurance plans help wireless carriers in reducing churn?What strategies should wireless carriers, device OEMs and insurance providers adopt to remain competitive?Countries covered:ArgentinaAustraliaBrazilCanadaChinaColombiaFranceGermanyHong KongIndiaIsraelItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandRussiaSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSpainTaiwanUKUSAList of Companies Mentioned:The following companies and organizations have been reviewed, discussed or mentioned in the report:A WirelessAIG (American International Group)Allianz InsuranceAllianz SE GroupAmerica MovilAmTrust International UnderwritersAonAppalachian WirelessAppleAssurantAsurionAT&TAT&T MobilityAvivaAXABarclaysBest BuyBouygues TelecomBrightstar CorporationBT GroupCellebriteChubbCWS (Connected World Services Distributions)Diamond WirelessDixons CarphoneDT (Deutsche Telekom)EEeSecuritelFonesureFortegraGeek SquadGoCareGroupamaHollard GroupHSBCInhance TechnologyiQmetrixLiberty Mutual Insurance GroupLifestyle Services GroupLookoutMarkerstudyMicrosoftMobi PCSMobile Rhino (Stuckey & Company)MTNNIA (New India Assurance)Nippon Life InsuranceNokiaNQ MobileNTT DoCoMoOptusOrangePier Insurance Managed ServicesProtectCELLSafewareSalt MobileSamsung ElectronicsSFRSingtel GroupSoftBank CorporationSo-SureSpark New ZealandSPBSprint CorporationSquareTradeSun CorporationSupercover InsuranceSwisscomTelefonica GroupTelefonica InsuranceTelstraT-Mobile USATokio MarineVerizon CommunicationsVerizon WirelessV-Key SolutionsVodacomVodafone GroupAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Artificial Intelligence (AI) market to Grow at 50.51% CAGR to 2021: Analysis of Key Players, Trends, Drivers, & Challenges https://marketsizeforecasters.com/enquire-for-discount/42955/?utm_source=opr-SK https://marketsizeforecasters.com/get-sample/42955/?utm_source=opr-SK https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-artificial-intelligence-ai-market https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-enterprise-content-management-systems-market/?utm_source=RR-SK http://marketsizeforecasters.com/ https://marketsizeforecasters.com/news Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) market 2017-2021 Market Research Report was a professional and depth research report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) market that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) market, the main region including (United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India, Korea, Southeast Asia).About Artificial Intelligence (AI) marketAI technologies assist human beings in deliberating, deducing, analyzing, and inventing new technologies that can ensure the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 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To calculate the market size, the report considers the retail selling price considered as the average selling price for the product.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas, APAC, EMEAResearch report, Global Artificial Intelligence 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.Request a sample copy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) market Research Report @Key vendors - Amazon Web Services, IBM, Siemens, Omron Adept TechnologiesOther prominent vendors AIBrain, Anki, Apple, Banjo, CloudMinds, Facebook, Google, iCarbonX, Intel, Jibo, Microsoft, Next IT, NVIDIAMarket driverGrowing adoption of deep learning technologyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeChallenges in developing AI technologiesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendGrowing popularity of swarm AI technologyFor 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?Find out more @Related Reports: -Global Enterprise Content Management Systems Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022This report studies the global Enterprise Content Management Systems market, analyzes and researches the Enterprise Content Management Systems development status and forecast in United States, EU, Jap...About Us: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: Power Generation Technology Market by Type, Technology, Product, Application, Regional Analysis and Forecast to 2022 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001814930/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-power-generation-technology-market-research-report-2017 http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001814930/buy/2900 ReportsWeb.com added Global Power Generation Technology Market Research Report 2017 to its vast collection of research Database. The report is spread across 103 pages and supported by 8 company leaders.The Global Power Generation Technology Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Power Generation Technology Market. 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Firstly, Power Generation Technology Market On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Diesel Gensets, Dual-Fuel Gensets, Natural Gas Gensets, Turbines and Microturbines. 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 Power Generation Technology for each application, including Government Agencies, Industry, Agriculture and Other.View more details about this report @Few points from Table of Contents1 Power Generation Technology Market Overview2 Global Power Generation Technology Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Power Generation Technology Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Power Generation Technology Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Power Generation Technology Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 United States Power Generation Technology Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 EU Power Generation Technology Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Power Generation Technology Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Power Generation Technology Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 South Korea Power Generation Technology Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 Taiwan Power Generation Technology Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Power Generation Technology Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Power Generation Technology Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Power Generation Technology Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Power Generation Technology Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Power Generation Technology Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Power Generation Technology Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Power Generation Technology Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Power Generation Technology Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Power Generation Technology Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Caterpillar7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Power Generation Technology Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Caterpillar Power Generation Technology Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Cummins7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Power Generation Technology Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Cummins Power Generation Technology Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Generac7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Power Generation Technology Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Generac Power Generation Technology Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Power Generation Technology Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Power Generation Technology Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionBuy a copy of complete 103 pages report @ReportsWeb.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 Electric Propulsion System Market by Manufacturers Aerospace Corporation, SITAEL, Bellatrix Aerospace, Busek Co. Inc., Accion Systems Inc. https://marketsizeforecasters.com/get-sample/72204/?utm_source=OPR-SP https://marketsizeforecasters.com/enquire-for-discount/72204/?utm_source=OPR-SP https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-electric-propulsion-system-market https://marketsizeforecasters.com/north-america-electric-propulsion-system-market/?utm_source=RR-SP http://marketsizeforecasters.com/ https://marketsizeforecasters.com/news Global Electric Propulsion System Industry Report offers market overview, segmentation by types, application, countries, key manufactures, cost analysis, industrial chain, sourcing strategy, downstream buyers, marketing strategy analysis, distributors/traders, factors affecting market, forecast and other important information for key insight."Electric Propulsion (EP) is a class of space propulsion which makes use of electrical power to accelerate a propellant by different possible electrical and/or magnetic means. An electrically powered spacecraft propulsion system uses electrical energy to change the velocity of a spacecraft. Most of these kinds of spacecraft propulsion systems work by electrically expelling propellant at high speed."Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Electric Propulsion System in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request a Sample Copy of Global Electric Propulsion System Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, Global Electric Propulsion System Market report covers such as Aerospace Corporation, SITAEL, Bellatrix Aerospace, Busek Co. Inc., Accion Systems 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, covers such as Gridded Ion Engine (GIE), Hall Effect Thruster (HET), High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster (HEMPT), Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT), OtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Nano Satellite & MicrosatelliteEnquire about this report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Electric Propulsion System market.Chapter 1, to describe Electric Propulsion System Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Electric Propulsion System, with sales, revenue, and price of Electric Propulsion System, 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 Electric Propulsion System Market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Electric Propulsion System, 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 Electric Propulsion System Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Electric Propulsion System market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Electric Propulsion System sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more information about Global Electric Propulsion System Market Report @Related Reports: -North America Electric Propulsion System Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022"Electric Propulsion (EP) is a class of space propulsion which makes use of electrical power to accelerate a propellant by different possible electrical and/or magnetic means. An electrically powered spacecraft propulsion system uses electrical energy to change the velocity of a spacecraft. Most of these kinds of spacecraft propulsion systems work by electrically expelling propellant at high speed."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:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter Research report explores the global Awnings Fabric Market Size 2017 to 2022 https://marketsizeforecasters.com/get-sample/72156/?utm_source=OPR-AN https://marketsizeforecasters.com/enquire-for-discount/72156/?utm_source=OPR-AN https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-awnings-fabric-market https://marketsizeforecasters.com/world-ciprofloxacin-hcl-market/?utm_source=RR-AN http://marketsizeforecasters.com/ https://marketsizeforecasters.com/news Market Size Forecasters released a new research report of 124 pages on title Global Awnings Fabric Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, forecast to 2022 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. 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Organizations are now focusing to training themselves against threats protection to their properties. Demand for better security, energy saving solutions and improved lifestyles is driving the smart elevator market.Complete report is available atThe report aims to provide an overview of global smart elevator market with detailed market segmentation by solution, application and geography. The global smart elevator market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. Emerging economies and speedy growth in infrastructure with utilization of smart elevators in new projects is anticipated to influence the demand in the near future.Request sample copy is available atThe objectives of this report is as follows:- To provide overview of the global smart elevator market- To analyze and forecast the global smart elevator market on the basis of solution and application- To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall smart elevator market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries- To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend- To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions- To profiles key smart elevator players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesInquire before buying atSome of the leading players in smart elevator market are Fujitec Co., Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Hyundai Elevator Co., Ltd., Kone Corporation, Mitshubishi Electric Corporation, Motion Control Engineering, Inc., OTIS Elevator Company , Schindler Group, Thyssenkrupp AG, and Toshiba Elevators and Building Systems CorporationAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one-stop industry research provider of actionable solutions. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are specialist in industries such as Technology, Media, and Telecommunication.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Global Proteins in Oncology Market Industry Analysis,Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2023 MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/2001 http://www.mrrse.com/proteins-oncology-market https://plus.google.com/u/0/109558601025749677847/posts https://www.linkedin.com/company/mrrse https://twitter.com/MRRSEmrrse Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has recently added a new research report to its ever-expanding collection of market intelligence on its global industry verticals involved with Proteins in Global Oncology Market. This latest report is titled as Proteins in Oncology Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 2023. It is an in-depth dissection of facts, figures and factors pertaining to this industry.Request Sample Report :As per the key findings of the report, cancer is one of the major causes of death across the globe and finding cure or control for cancer is one of the primary goals of governments, companies and researchers globally. Oncology is the branch of medical studies that deals with cancer treatment and research. The focus of this report is a new treatment method for the usage of proteins as recombinant drugs. Though, surgical procedures and radiation therapies are somewhat effective at curing primary tumors, but they are not successful in detecting tumor cells, making treatment of cancer very complex. Some proteins, on the other hand can be used for diagnostic purposes. There are several research institutes and universities working to identify unique proteins that can play an important role in cancer treatment.This report on proteins in global oncology market offers an all-inclusive evaluation of this market. It includes an in-depth insight into historical data with a market forecast during the period of 2016 2023. The predictions included in the report have been calculated using proven research methodologies and assumptions. The research report also serves as a repository of investigation for every facet of this industry. The report has been compiled through exhaustive primary research (surveys, interviews and observations of industry analysts) and secondary research (trade journals, company reports, industry body databases and other paid sources). It also provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry insiders and market participants across different factors in the industrial value chain mechanism. A thorough analysis of current trends in the parent market, regulations, macro- and micro-economic indicators and mandates is covered within the purview of the study.The proteins in global oncology market have been segregated based on geographical regions and protein type. Major protein types include the following segments:Recombinant Non-Glycosylated ProteinsRecombinant Glycosylated ProteinsRecombinant PeptidesGeographically, North America and Europe dominates the global proteins oncology market thanks to the very strict regulatory policies of clearing the products. However, Asia Pacific countries like China and India are estimated to be one of the fastest growing regions.The key companies contributing to the global proteins oncology market are Actavis Inc., Biocon Ltd., Celltrion Inc., Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hospira Inc., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Merck, Mylan Inc., Sandoz, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Roche Holding Ltd. and Wockhardt Ltd. Details such as market shares and strategies of these companies are included in the report.Browse Full Report with TOC :Market 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.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comGoogle+:Linked in:Twitter: Heres a Premium Report Global Wireless Gateway Router Market with the projected CAGR XX % During the Forecast Period 2017-2022 Research N Reports https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=77882 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=77882 https://www.researchnreports.com/healthcare-it/Global-Wireless-Gateway-Router-Market-2017-77882 Global Wireless Gateway Router Market Research Report 2017Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.The latest intelligence on the Wireless Gateway Router market is available in the Global Wireless Gateway Router Market Research report. This report is a culmination of the key events from last decade to present day, and helps to formulate the best strategy catered to both established market players and new entrants.The report also elaborates on the opportunities the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America offer. Furthermore, the cost of raw materials in these nations is low, while the availability is high. This has turned the heads of several major international companies to the emerging countries of Asia Pacific.For sample PDF pages click here at:A major chunk of the report talks about the technologies that are and will influence the growth of the Wireless Gateway Router market. Forecasts for these technology sectors are presented in the report. Integration is the key to advancement in technology in the global Wireless Gateway Router market. Companies that offers the latest integrated technologies at an affordable cost are expected to thrive in the Wireless Gateway Router market. 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This will help clients to gain a competitive edge in the Wireless Gateway Router market.The research study further offers a detailed overview of the competitive landscape of the global Wireless Gateway Router market and throws light on the key players operating in it.The key players have been highlighted on the basis of various business strategies and the marketing tactics. This helps provide a strong understanding of the overall market. In addition, the financial overview, recent developments, SWOT analysis, product portfolio, and mergers and acquisitions in the market have been discussed in depth.Complete report available at :About 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 Low-Alcohol Beverages Market 2017 Top Players - Carlsberg, Constellation Brands, The Smirnoff, Sapporo, Bell's Brewery http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/56938/request-sample https://goo.gl/7Qmi5U www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com The Low-Alcohol Beverages market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Low-Alcohol Beverages market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.Download Free Sample Report @To begin with, the report defines the Low-Alcohol Beverages market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.Global Low-Alcohol Beverages market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer,Covering Top PlayersAnheuser-Busch InBevCarlsbergConstellation BrandsBacardi LimitedA. Le CoqAsahi Premium BeveragesNew Belgium Brewing CompanyNew Planet BeerRed Truck BeerSamuel AdamsSapporoSierra Nevada BrewingThe SmirnoffVitis IndustriesBell's BreweryBlakes Hard CiderBlue Moon Brewing CompanyHeinekenHp Bulmer LimitedJack's Hard CiderLakefront BreweryAbita Brewing CompanyZiegenbock Brewing CompanyAccess Full Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLow-Alcohol BeerLow-Alcohol WineLow-Alcohol RTDLow-Alcohol CiderLow-Alcohol SpiritsOtherOn 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 Low-Alcohol Beverages for each application, includingSupermarkets and HypermarketsIndependent RetailersSpecialist RetailersOnline RetailersOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.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.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Global Gold Nanowires Market 2017 Top Players - Nanopartz, Novarials, Metrohm India, Alfa, Mogreat Materials http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/56967/request-sample https://goo.gl/UgPaZZ www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com The Gold Nanowires market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Gold Nanowires market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.Download Free Sample Report @To begin with, the report defines the Gold Nanowires market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.Global Gold Nanowires market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer,Covering Top PlayersNanopartzNovarialsMetrohm IndiaAlfaMogreat MaterialsCymit QuimicaAccess Full Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOil PhaseWater/Amine PhaseWater PhaseOn 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 Gold Nanowires for each application, includingBiological MedicineResearchOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.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.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Global Epoxy Resin Industrial Coating Sales Market 2017 Top Players - Teknos, Sika, Henkel, BASF, Nippon Paints, DAW http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/56750/request-sample https://goo.gl/oTL1Nz www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com The Epoxy Resin Industrial Coating Sales market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Epoxy Resin Industrial Coating Sales market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.Download Free Sample Report @Global Epoxy Resin Industrial Coating market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Epoxy Resin Industrial Coating sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player,Covering Top PlayersBASFHenkelAkzo NobelNippon PaintsPPG IndustriesSikaTeknosWacker ChemieBeckersDAWHeliosAtlanaHempel Marine PaintsJotunMeffertOstendorfTikurillaAccess Full Report @On 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 intoSolvent TypeWaterborne TypeNon Solvent TypeOn 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 Epoxy Resin Industrial Coating for each application, includingAerospaceAutomobileMarinePackagingHome AppliancesOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.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.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Machine Safety System, Market Reserch report Forecasts upto 2022. https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/products/machine-safety-system-market-forecasts-from-2017-to-2022 https://goo.gl/RtPVdc Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces publication of a new report: Machine Safety System Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022.This research report segments the Machine Safety System Market by Product (PLCS, Safety Sensors, Controllers and Relay), Application (Material Handling, Packaging, Robotics and Assembly among others), Geography (Americas, North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific). The report provides in-depth and most accurately anticipated forecasts in a quantitative manner.Some of the major Machine Safety System companies covered in the report are Honeywell International, Rockwell Automation, ABB Ltd, Emerson Electric, Siemens AG, Ametek, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi Electric Co and Eaton.Sample request or complete report can be purchased through the link below:The report can be purchased through the link:This 90 pages report contains a wide range of figures and data tables for the forecasted period based on the segmentations listed above.Brief TOC is as below: Market Dynamics Segmentationo By Product PLCS Safety SensorsControllers Relay Otherso By Application Material Handling Packaging Robotics Otherso By Geography Americas North America South America Europe Middle East and Africa Europe Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Competitive Intelligence Profiles of key companiesAbout Knowledge Sourcing IntelligenceKnowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needsKnowledge Sourcing IntelligenceAscent Business CenterH-38, Sector 63NOIDA, IndiaContact: +1-866-714-4587 Near Vision Devices Market Market Set For A Potential Growth During 2016-2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/near-vision-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=16253 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Near vision devices are implantable devices used for near vision correction in patients who didnt had cataract surgery. The device blocks unfocused light rays from entering the eye to improve patients near vision. These devices resemble the contact lenses and are made from hydrogel material. The device is implanted on a cornea of one eye to improve near vision in patients with presbyopia. Many of the surgeons use a laser to make a lappet on a cornea in order to implant near vision device. Presbyopia occurs in people aged between 40 to 50 years that results in difficulty with near vision. The growing prevalence of presbyopia has propelled the use of near vision devices owing to the ease of usage and effectiveness compared to cataract surgery. According to Medscape, around 14% of people of 80 million presbyopia patients develops from emmetropic presbyopia.Obtain Report Details @Currently, there are only two near vision devices are approved by FDA i.e. Raindrop Near Vision Inlay and KAMRA inlay. AcuFocus manufactured Kamra Inlay was the first implantable near vision device approved by FDA in April 2015. Now the devices are commercially available in around 50 countries across the globe. Similar, ReVision Optics manufactured Raindrop Near Vision Inlay was approved in June 2016 and is commercially available in the U.S. Apart from these two; there are many vision care products manufacturers looking forward to develop implantable near vision devices. For example, Presbia PLC, an Ireland-based manufacturer has designed innovative corneal inlay i.e. flexivue microlens for the correction of presbyopia. The specialty of this devices is that it can be removed and replaced with a higher or lower power according to requirement. The devices did not receive FDA approval; however, it received CE mark for commercialization in European countries.The growth of the global near vision devices market is driven by increasing geriatric population prone to ophthalmic disease, growing prevalence of presbyopia and technological advancement in the healthcare industry. Similarly, sedentary lifestyle and increased usage of computer, television viewing would contribute towards the growth of near vision devices globally. Moreover, with the increase in the disposable income levels and health consciousness among the general population, the adoption of near vision device is expected the boost in the near future. Despite several advantages, the devices have few drawback such as, it cannot be used by patients with severe dry eye and active eye infection, the use of devices can lead to a risk of eye infection and inflammation, and can cause a decrease in distance vision.The global near vision devices market can be segmented based on end user and geography:By End User:HospitalsOphthalmic ClinicsBy Geography:North AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificMEAFill The Form To Gain Deeper Insights On This Market @Geographically, North America occupies the substantially larger market share, which is followed by Europe. The high attentiveness level in this region will lead the increasing adoption of implantable near vision devices. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one of 5 American use reading glasses, which depicts the huge need for implantable near vision devices in North America. Moreover, it has been estimated that around 2.1 billion people are expected to suffer from an eye disease known as presbyopic by 2020. However, in the case of emerging economies, affordability has become a restraining factor for implantable near vision devices in, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Similarly, increase in disposable income, rising aging population, and growing awareness level are some of the key factors driving the global implantable near vision devices market. The Asian market is expected to witness entry of the higher number of new players compared to those in developed regions. Some of the top players in the global near vision devices market are AcuFocus, Presbia PLC, ReVision Optics, etc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Lithium Iodide Market 2017 Top Players - American Elements, Albemarle, Leverton Lithium, Samrat Pharmachem http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/56774/request-sample https://goo.gl/poHze5 www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com The Lithium Iodide market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Lithium Iodide market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.Download Free Sample Report @This report studies Lithium Iodide in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Asia (Ex. China), focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer,Covering ManufacturersAlbemarleAmerican ElementsLeverton LithiumShanghai China LithiumTriveni ChemicalsHUIZHI LithiumSamrat PharmachemNanjing TaiyeHubei ChushengweiShanghai Oujin LithiumShanghai LitoooMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Lithium Iodide in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaAsia (Ex. China)OtherAccess Full Report @Split by Product Types, with production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoLithium Iodide TrihydrateLithium Iodide AnhydrousSplit by Application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Lithium Iodide in each application, can be divided intoChemicalPharmaceuticalsElectrolyteOtherAbout 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.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Spray Dried Food Global Market, By Product & Data Validation, 2016 Analysis and Forecast 2022 ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/spray-dried-food-global-market-outlook-2016-2022 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001792609/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001792609/buying High demand from the dairy industry, rising demand for ready-to-eat snack foods coupled, growing opportunities in bakery industry, snacks industry, and confectionery are some of the key factors influencing the market growth. However, factors such as maintenance issues of the machinery and cleaning costs & competition from other types of techniques are hindering the market growth.For more information about this report:Amongst Type, dairy products segment is anticipated to acquire the largest market share. Moreover, fruits and vegetable segments are likely to have a significant growth during the forecast period. This is due to the rising demand for seasonal fruits and vegetables. North America has registered the significant growth in the global market. The growth in this region can be attributed to increasing demand for spray dried food products. In addition, North America will continue its dominance followed by Asia Pacific and Europe.Some of the key players in the market include WATSON-INC., Van Drunen Farms, Unilever, The Food Source International Inc. Sunspray Food Ingredients (Pty) Ltd. RB Foods, Nestle, mevive international food ingredients, MERCER FOODS, Kraft Foods Inc, Green Rootz, General Mills Inc., Drytech Industries, Delecto Foods Pvt Ltd, Asahi Group and Ajinomoto Co. Inc.Types Covered:-Fruit-Dairy Products-Vegetable-Fish, Meat & Sea Food-Spices and Seasonings-Beverage-Other TypesApplications Covered:-Bakery Products-Infant Formulas-Snacks-Confectionery-Other ApplicationsRequest Sample Copy atEnd Users Covered:-Specialist Retailers-Supermarkets and Hypermarkets-Independent Retailers-Other End UsersRegions Covered:-North America-US-Canada-Mexico-Europe-Germany-France-Italy-UK -Spain -Rest of Europe-Asia Pacific-Japan -China -India -Australia -New Zealand -Rest of Asia Pacific-Rest of the World-Middle East-Brazil-Argentina-South Africa-EgyptCompany Profiling10.1 WATSON-INC.10.2 Van Drunen Farms10.3 Unilever10.4 The Food Source International Inc.10.5 Sunspray Food Ingredients (Pty) Ltd.10.6 RB Foods10.7 Nestle10.8 mevive international food ingredients10.9 MERCER FOODS10.10 Kraft Foods Inc10.11 Green Rootz10.12 General Mills Inc.10.13 Drytech Industries10.14 Delecto Foods Pvt Ltd10.15 Asahi Group10.16 Ajinomoto Co. Inc.Inquire before Buying 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 Compressor Rental Market : Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends 2017 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=665 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=665 https://www.tmrresearch.com/compressor-rental-market Global Compressor Rental Market: OverviewCompressors are devices that convert mechanical energy into pneumatic energy by using compressed air and gas. As this compressed air or gas is released, a considerable amount of energy is trapped, so as to utilize it for a variety of purposes, such as air transfer, cleaning, and pneumatic device activation. As the rate of urbanization and industrial activities increases, the market for compressor rentals will advance rapidly.The report provides key information about the market trends, opportunities, growth drivers and challenges, along with aspects such as market size, supply and demand ratio, and detailed market segmentation. The leading market players are analyzed in terms of their market shares, product portfolios, and business strategies.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Compressor Rental Market: Drivers and RestraintsWith the development of designs of compressors, more efficiency has been attained so as to meet the demands of various end-users. Some of the compressors being portable, are extensively used in industrial and domestic activities, benefitting the growth of the global compressor rentals market. Technological advancement in the field of compressors is expected to boost the adoption rate of compressors. One example is that of air compressors. Traditional air compressors are run at full speed, and have to be stopped when they reach the right pressure. Then, the compressed air is stored to allow pressure hysteresis. As this is a wasteful practice, technological upgrades in air compressors have been carried out to control speed, thereby saving energy, and contributing toward market growth. Air compressors facilitate transfer of air in several industries such as chemical plants, oil extraction, food and beverage, automobiles, and transport. This is expected to expand the global market for compressor rentals.On the other hand, factors such as high maintenance costs and the contamination of air caused by oil lubrication are expected to limit growth. Also, oil-free compressors can be noisy, and thus can restrict demand for them.Global Compressor Rental Market: Key SegmentsThe market can be segmented based on end user, technology, types, and geography. On the basis of their design and function, compressors can be divided into centrifugal compressors and positive displacement compressors. In terms of end user, the market for compressor rentals was dominated by the construction segment. The construction segment gained prominence because the execution of construction and building activities such as blasting, piling, spraying, and operating pneumatic tools require portable air compressors.Request TOC of the Report @Oil-free air compressors have been growing popular recently as they supply non-contaminated air. The portable air compressors, on account of the convenience they offer, are high in demand in off-site operations. The key end-user segments for air compressors can be industrial, commercial, and residential. Industrial air compressors are similar to commercial air compressors; only they are more powerful and bigger in size and volume. Commercial level air compressors are not very portable when compared to residential ones, but they are certainly more powerful. They can run for a long time without a refill. On the residential level, air compressors are used to spray paint, fill air in balloons, balls, and tires. These functions are generally conducted with electric air compressors, which are ideal for domestic purposes. As the demand for air compressors in all these sectors increases, the compressor rental market is slated to present significant opportunities.Global Compressor Rental Market: Regional OutlookAccording to geography, the key segments can be Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, Europe, and EMEA. The region of Asia Pacific has been exhibiting substantial growth, thanks to the presence of a number of capital-intensive companies that are inclined towards renting compressors instead of buying them. Large- scale construction projects in the countries of Asia Pacific, such as China, Thailand, and India, will further fuel market growth.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Compressor Rental Market: Vendor LandscapeSome of the key players operating in the global compressor rental market include Caterpillar Inc., Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Aggreko plc, and United Rentals, Inc. One key development in the competitive landscape is the launch of new GA VSD+ oil-injected, compact, rotary screw compressors by Atlas Copco in 2013. These air compressors are designed to cut energy consumption to half the amount required by traditional compressors of similar type. The leading companies in the global compressor rental market have been emphasizing on better product offerings through increased investments in R&D activities.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 researh 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 Oral Anti-diabetes Drugs Market: Upcoming Demands and Growth Analysis Oral Anti-diabetes Drugs Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/oral-anti-diabetes-drugs-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23162 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot effectively use the produced insulin or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach and releases hormones into the digestive system. Diabetes is categorized by increased levels of blood glucose, which can cause severe damage to blood vessels, heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.Diabetes is also called hyperglycemia or raised blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the blood sugar level in body. Continuous increase in blood sugar leads to diabetes. Uncontrollable diabetes can damage the nervous system and other body systems.Diabetes is of two types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, arises when the immune system misguidedly attacks and kills the beta cells of the pancreas. In type 1 diabetes, little or no insulin is released into the body, owing to this sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. Type 1 diabetes is rare, and only 10% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. It commonly occurs in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes arises when the body cannot appropriately use the insulin that is released or does not make enough insulin. As a consequence, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. About 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.This report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Oral Anti-diabetes Drugs Market:Increasing obese population and changing lifestyle are the factors projected to boost market growth. Advancements in technologies and reimbursement for medicines are anticipated to fuel the growth of the oral anti-diabetes drug market in the next few years. Moreover, rising incidence of diabetes is expected to increase demand for oral anti-diabetes drugs. However, ongoing research on diabetic treatment and high market potential are expected to create opportunities in the oral anti-diabetes market in the near future.In terms of region, the global oral anti-diabetes drugs market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the global oral anti-diabetes drugs market, followed by Europe, owing to the introduction of new products and presence of favorable government initiatives for oral anti-diabetes drugs in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the near future attributed to increase geriatric population in the region.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Oral Anti-diabetes Drugs Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Major players operating in the global oral anti-diabetes drugs market are Eli Lilly, Abbott, Biocon, Sanofi, Sunpharma, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, Piramal Healthcare, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer Healthcare, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd, and Pfizer. Increasing competition among key players is expected to drive the global oral anti-diabetes drugs market during the forecast period.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Alternative Fuel Vehicles Market - Raising Awareness among Consumers Key to Market Growth http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/alternative-fuel-vehicles-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5549 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Vehicles using conventional fuelshas been predominantly used all over the globe. Apart from being expensive, these fuels are major cause of environmental hazards. Some of the major countries such as US and Italy are now focusing on the other form of fuels. The primary reason behind this shift is to reduce the import dependency on foreign countries, which is burdening the economy. The recent price fluctuations in fuels have affected the major world economies. Hence to avoid any adverse effect the countries are focusing on reducing the usage of conventional fuel especially crude oil. These factors have accelerated the growth in alternative fuels market.The alternative fuel is fast replacing the conventional fuels in transportation, chemical, agricultural and industrial sector. The transportation section consist of many companies offering vehicle altered to suit alternative fuels. The alternative fuel vehicle can be divided on the basis of fuel used such as biodiesel, biomass, propane, electricity, hydrogen, non-fossil methane, non-fossil natural gas, and ethane among others. On the end user basis this market can be segmented as government vehicles, private fleets, industrial transportation and domestic users vehicle. The government vehicles and the private fleets have the largest share in the alternative fuel vehicles market.Obtain Report Details @Alternative fuel vehicles are majorly dependent on the fuel used for their performance and distinct advantages. Propane is widely used alternative fuel that has been an effective vehicle fuel for decades. The electricity based vehicle provides an attractive prospect by offering easilychargeable and noiseless urban transportation. It comes in three types as all-electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Biodiesel is a domestically produced renewable fuel. Its physical properties are similar to petroleum diesel. However they provide a cleaner alternative through less emissions. Ethanol made from corn and other plant materials is used with gasoline for vehicles. Hydrogen is not a very widely known alternative, but can be one of the least emission causing fuels. The alternative fuel vehicles market has slow growth, but is projected to pick up pace in the coming years as the natural gas and other alternative fuels reserves are being produced in abundant. The availability of fuel locally and the corresponding efficiency of engines provides a major advantage for the consumer. However the high cost of fuel, less availability of charging station and lack of awareness act as the major hindrance in the growth of alternative fuel vehicles.North American region is the most attractive market for alternative fuel vehicle. The various regulation by US government to control the emissions and import of fuels has proved advantageous for the alternative fuels. The government of many countries such as US, China and Italy are providing the alternative fuel vehicles buyers various incentives to boost the sale. Asian manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai are among the pioneer companies in this market. Among the European countries, Italy has the major share in the sale of alternative fuel vehicles. The government and privately fleet vehicles are being converted to switch to alternative fuel at accelerated rate.Fill The Form For An Exclusive Sample Of This Report @Most of the vehicle manufacturers are offering alternative fuel based vehicles today. Some of the major players in this market are Ford Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover Limited, Toyota Motor Corporation,Hyundai Motor Company, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Shell International B.V., BYD Company Limited, Daimler AG, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors, among others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Market Worth US$ 186 Bn Globally by 2020 End http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11260 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/active-pharmaceutical-ingredient-market/toc www.persistencemarketresearch.com According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Market the global active pharmaceutical ingredient market was valued at US$ 127 Bn in 2014 and is estimated to reach US$ 186 Bn by 2020 at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2015 to 2020.Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) refers to a therapeutically active ingredient or substance combination used in manufacturing a drug product. Production of active pharmaceutical ingredients is a highly sophisticated and technically demanding process. The global active pharmaceutical ingredient market is surging due to the increased demand for pharmaceutical drugs, which in turn is driven by aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological and infectious diseases among others. Further, fragmented nature of the pharmaceutical supplies market, brings a smaller profit share to each player.The global active pharmaceutical ingredient market encompasses geographies such as North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World. North America accounted for the largest segment in the global active pharmaceutical ingredients market in 2014 due to fact that North America is the leading consumer of APIs and API exporters consider North America as the most lucrative market. India and China are the major suppliers of APIs to North America due to low production and labor costs. Moreover, biologics have become one of the top-selling drugs in North America. Thus, the expected market entry of biosimilars with flexible regulatory process would boost the API market in North America. The API market in the U.S. displays high level of competition, with mergers and collaborations between various key players such as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sandoz (Novartis AG), Mylan, Inc., and Allergen plc.Additionally, demand for biological APIs is high in the region, as technological developments in the pharmaceutical industry are paving the way for newer biotechnology drugs. These expansion strategies intensify the competition between the global players, which is a result of expected high growth in the API market.Asia Pacific ranks second due to the factors such as availability of low cost production facilities and cheap labor in countries such as India and China. The cost difference ranges from 30% to 60% if the drugs are manufactured in China or India compared to other countries. Hence, China and India are expected to witness significant growth in the near future due to increase in production capacities and presence of large number of global and domestic players... Thus, Asia-Pacific is the most competitive market in API and the competition is expected to intensify between India and China, as these are the most attractive destinations for pharmaceutical manufacturing.In Europe pharmacists are offered incentives for substituting branded drugs with generic versions, which contributes to the growth of the API market in the region. Regulations also play a vital role in the API market, as the law disallows development of generic APIs in Europe until patent expiry. However, the governments of various countries in Europe have started supporting the manufacture of generic drugs post the financial crisis. Patent expirations of major blockbuster drugs in Europe during the forecast period would fuel the growth of the API market in the near future.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Demand for generic drugs is increasing not only in developed countries, but also in developing and underdeveloped countries in South America and Africa. Brazils health authority Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA) allows the procurement or manufacturing of APIs only for companies registered with ANVISA. Moreover, foreign companies find it difficult to enter the generics market in Brazil, as nearly 80% of the market is controlled by the four local companies namely, EMS, Medley, Eurofarma and Ache/Biosintetica. According to reports published by Mexicos National Association of Drug Manufacturers (ANAFAM), in 2013 86% of drugs used in Mexico were produced domestically to help curtail rising healthcare costs. Other factors boosting the API market growth in developing regions are cost-efficient manufacturing, large patient pool, rising demand for generic drugs, and improvement in the healthcare infrastructure. For the same reasons, the API market in South America is developing steadily and is likely to witness significant growth during the forecast period.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: Construction Repaint Market Deep Research Study with Forecast by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=689 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=689 https://www.tmrresearch.com/construction-repaint-market Global Construction Repaint Market: OverviewConstruction repaints are paints used in residential buildings, commercial, and institutional establishments for the purpose of maintenance works, making repairs, and carrying out renovation. They typically consist of varnishes, emulsions, and enamels. The paints are primarily waterborne or solvent-borne formulations. The large number of buildings and constructions across the globe that need renovation and repairs have necessitated the demand for these repaints and kept the construction repaint market fast emerging.The construction repaints market can be segmented on the basis of resin type, formulation, application, and region. Major resin types that have applications as repaints are acrylic, epoxy, alkyd, polyurethane, and epoxy. Key regions witnessing the growth of the construction repaint market are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.Waterborne paints being water soluble are widely used as construction repaints. Acrylic paint, a resin type and having waterborne formulations, occupies a prominent share in the construction repaint market. Acrylic paints are available as emulsions, lacquers, powders, and enamels and are easy to maintain. Being cost-effective and having low volatile organic compounds (VOC), they are preferred over other construction repaints. Stringent environmental regulations related to emission norms of volatile organic compounds laid down by the governments in various countries have led to a significant demand for these construction repaints.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The research report provides a comprehensive insight into the manufacturing processes, current and emerging trends, and the advances in specialty chemicals. The study analyzes the key market dynamics and assesses their impact on the demand for the major types of construction repaints across the globe. Prepared with the help of insights from various industry leaders and market experts, the report evaluates the development of upstream raw material value chain, downstream client survey, and supply chain network, along with their impact on competitive dynamics. The insights help stakeholders track the key trends and enable players to devise impactful strategies to gain a stronghold in the construction repaint market.Global Construction Repaint Market: Drivers and RestraintsWorn-off paint coatings in a large number of commercial and residential buildings and the damage of paints in various construction structures over time are the key factors driving the demand for construction repaints. Coupled with this, the rising demand for various repair and maintenance activities in the construction sector is anticipated to boost the growth of the construction repaint market. The demand for paints in different end-use industries such oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, and pharmaceutical is expected to stimulate the demand for construction repaints for various applications.Request TOC of the Report @In contrast, volatility in the raw materials prices due to fluctuating crude oil prices and growing popularity of glass buildings are crucial factors expected to hinder the growth of the construction repaints market. The application of durable paints, which has slowed down the decay of paints in buildings, is likely to impede the growth of the construction repaint market to some extent. In addition, the high cost involved in the manufacturing of paints having high performance characteristics is expected to hinder the growth of the market in some regions. However, the demand for bio-based paint materials driven by stringent environmental regulations by various governments in developed and developing regions is anticipated to create promising growth opportunities for players in the construction repaint market.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Construction Repaint Market: Region-wise OutlookThe Asia Pacific region is estimated to contribute a major share in the construction repaint industry. The growth in the region is driven by the construction of residential and commercial buildings in countries such as China, Japan, and India, which has spurred the demand for cost-effective construction repaints. Growth of non-residential constructions due to increased urbanization in these countries and the rise in infrastructural spending have stimulated the demand for construction repaints in Asia Pacific. Companies vying for a significant share in these regions need to evaluate the market dynamics and the key development trends to devise business strategies.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 researh 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 Surge in Number of Complex Surgeries in North America Bolsters Demand for Blood Collection Tubes Blood Collection Tubes Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-blood-collection-tubes-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=8689 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Growing concerns about spread of infectious diseases through donated blood has surged the demand for blood and blood products. Blood collection tube is a disinfected glass or plastic tube with a closure that is evacuated to create a vacuum inside the tube enabling the draw of a predetermined volume of liquid. The tubes are most commonly used to collect blood samples, but can also be used as urine collection tubes and as serum separator tubes. The research report on the blood collection tubes market provides detailed analysis of the North American market and helps in understanding the driving forces responsible for the growth of these tubes. With the increase in aging population and prevalence of diseases, there is an increase in the blood testing in the developed regions such as North America. Moreover, increasing government initiatives and rise in the number of surgical procedures in North America are the factors driving the demand for blood collection tubes. Demand for blood is continuously rising with patients undergoing advanced surgeries that require blood transfusions. In order to support patients, countries are expanding their healthcare coverage so that maximum number of people can avail of required treatment. While there are opportunities in the market for developing cell therapies, the cost of blood handling equipment is a major disadvantage.This 61 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Blood Collection Tubes Market. Unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The North America blood collection tubes market is segmented by tube type and by geography. The market by tube type includes serum separating tubes, plasma separating tubes, EDTA tubes, heparin tubes, rapid serum tubes and other tubes. The serum separating tubes account for considerable share of the market followed by EDTA tubes and others. Geographically, the market has been studied and estimated for North America region including the U.S. and Canada. The serum separating tubes segment dominated the market due to higher number of serum samples collected and used for various diagnostic applications. However, the rapid serum tubes market is expected to grow at a higher rate due to advanced technology and increase in work efficiency offered by the product.The market overview section of the report demonstrates major market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities that influence the current and future status of the industry. The market overview section includes market attractiveness analysis, by geography, to provide a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in North America blood collection tubes market. This section of the report also includes the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the competitive landscape. The market has a bright outlook for implementing new blood collection techniques, screening tests and implementation of automation in the process of collection of blood. These factors are expected to create a significant demand for blood collection tubes across the globe. However, stringent regulatory guidelines and healthcare policies also influence the growth of the market. Manufacturers are coming up with new, improved and safe technologies for blood collection. Moreover, developed markets such as North America are expected to grow due to increased level of awareness, government support and advancements in blood collection technologies.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Blood Collection Tubes Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Market share analysis is also provided in the market overview section of the report for 2014 in terms of value (%). The report also provides important recommendations for market players and new entrants. These recommendations would enable existing market players to expand their market shares and help new companies to establish their presence in the blood collection tubes market across North America. The report concludes with the company profiles section, which includes key information about major players in the market such as financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.Major players in this market are Becton, Dickinson & Company (U.S.), Greiner Group AG (Austria), Sarstedt AG & Co. (Germany), QIAGEN N.V. (Germany), Terumo Corporation (Japan) and FL Medical srl (Italy).About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Hearing Aids Market to Exceed US$ 1,179.2 Mn by 2024-end http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4414 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/hearing-aids-market/toc www.persistencemarketresearch.com According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled Hearing Aids Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 20162024, the global hearing aids market was valued at US$ 7,800.0 Mn in 2015 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 3.9% from 20162024, to reach US$ 10.91 Bn by 2024.Hearing aids are used for the treatment of profound hearing loss. Disabling hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 40 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear in adults and a hearing loss greater than 30 dB in the better hearing ear in children. Hearing loss is one of the six leading global diseases. Approximately one-third of people over 65 years of age are affected by hearing loss. The prevalence in this age group is greatest in South Asia, Asia Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa. According to the U.S. National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS), 12 out of every 1,000 Americans suffering from hearing loss belong to the age group of below 18 years. An increasing prevalence of hearing loss among the population is likely to boost the demand for hearing aids globally and further fuel the growth of the global hearing aids market. Moreover, rapidly increasing usage rates of digital hearing aid technology and patient awareness levels are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period (2016 2024).Market dynamicsThe global hearing aids market is mainly driven by factors such as gradual increase in disposable income, increase in GDP, and increase in global geriatric population. However, factors such as poor reimbursement policies and lack of infrastructure will hinder the growth of the global hearing aids market in the coming eight years.Market forecastThe global hearing aids market is segmented on the basis of Product (Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids, Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIE) Hearing Aids, In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids, In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids, Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids; Technology (Conventional Hearing Aids, Digital Hearing Aids); End User (Audiology Clinics, ENT Clinics, Online Stores); and Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa). The Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids segment is estimated to be the highest contributor to the global hearing aids market in terms of value share by 2016 end, followed by the Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIE) Hearing Aids segment. These segments are anticipated to register CAGRs of 3.3% and 3.6% respectively over the forecast period. The Digital Hearing Aids segment is expected to be the fastest growing and most attractive segment over the forecast period and is expected to create incremental opportunity of US$ 2,759.8 Mn between 2016 and 2024. The Audiology Clinics segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period.On the basis of region, the North America hearing aids market is expected to account for the highest market value share in the global hearing aids market by 2024 end, followed by the Europe hearing aids market. The Europe hearing aids market is estimated to account for 28.0% revenue share by the end of 2016.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The report profiles some of the top companies operating in the global hearing aids market. Key players featured in the report are Sonova, William Demant Holdings A/S, GN ReSound, Amplifon S.p.A., Cochlear Ltd., Starkey Hearing Technologies Inc., Widex A/S, and Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Leading market players are focusing on developing innovative products through robust R&D initiatives to expand their product portfolio and are adopting advanced technologies to provide better solutions to patients. Some companies are also entering into strategic collaborations with other leading market players to develop innovative products and expand their geographical presence.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: Platelet Rich Plasma Market Research Report by Geographical Analysis and Forecast to 2023 Platelet Rich Plasma Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/asia-pacific-platelet-rich-plasma-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=8707 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific considering various macro as well as microeconomic factors such as regulations, applications of platelet rich plasma, and advantages and disadvantages of type of platelet rich plasma, and cost. The report studies the platelet rich plasma market from four perspectives: type of platelet rich plasma, origin of platelet rich plasma, application of platelet rich plasma, and country wise market.Based on the type of platelet rich plasma, the market in Asia Pacific has been segmented into pure platelet rich plasma, leucocytes and platelet rich plasma, and platelet rich fibrin. Based on origin, the market has been segmented into autologous platelet rich plasma, allogeneic platelet rich plasma, and homologous platelet rich plasma. In terms of the application of platelet rich plasma, the market has been segmented into orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery, general surgery, neurosurgery, and other surgeries. In terms of country, the market has been studied for eleven major geographies: Australia, the Philippines, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Additionally, each segment of the platelet rich plasma market has been further subdivided into national markets.This 128 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Platelet Rich Plasma Market. Unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The market size for each of the segments and sub-segments mentioned above is provided in US$ Mn considering 2013 and 2014 as base years and forecast from 2015 to 2023. The forecast model considers various factors such as number of surgeries, health care expenditure of the country, advantages of the individual segment, penetration of platelet rich plasma therapy in the country, the cost of platelet rich plasma in various countries, and government regulations. The research methodology is a blend of primary as well as secondary market research, where market estimates based on desk research are further refined considering inputs from expert interviews.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Platelet Rich Plasma Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:This report on the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific also provides qualitative information on major players in the market. It also includes details on current regulatory policies for platelet rich plasma and devices. Major factors driving and restraining the platelet rich plasma market are also discussed in the report, while opportunities from the future perspective are also mentioned. Furthermore, the platelet rich plasma market report provides value chain analysis for comprehensive analysis. Porters Five Forces Analysis will provide the idea of bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants in platelet rich plasma market, threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry in platelet rich plasma market. Additionally, market share analysis of the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific provides detailed information on current competitive landscape of the market. Market attractiveness analysis provides information on most attractive countries for platelet rich plasma.Finally, the report profiles major players in the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific including Harvest Technology, Arthrex, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes, AdiStem Ltd., Cesca Therapeutics, Inc., Exactech, Inc., and Rmedica Co. Ltd. Each of the companies is profiled for parameters such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. The report on the platelet rich plasma market estimation and forecast comprises 128 slides and 68 graphs.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: LATAM Adalimumab Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023 LATAM Adalimumab Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latam-adalimumab-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=8716 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ This report on LATAM Adalimumab market analyzes the current and future prospects of the adalimumab sales pertaining to Latin American countries. The stakeholders of this report include companies engaged in production and commercialization of adalimumab biosimilars across the globe. This report encompasses an elaborate executive summary, with a market snapshot that provides overall information of major market segments and sub-segments included in the study scope. This section also provides the overall information and data analysis of the LATAM Adalimumab market with respect to the leading market segments based on, application and major Latin American countries.This 61 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the LATAM Adalimumab Market. Unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The LATAM Adalimumab market has been segmented on the basis of application, and Latin American countries. The application segment has been further segmented into rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis and others. The LATAM adalimumab country segment has been further categorized into Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Rest of LATAM. The market for each of these segment has been analyzed on the basis of adalimumab prescription for various disorders and regulatory scenario with respect to biologic drugs in respective countries. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2013 and 2023 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2015 to 2023 are provided for all the segments, considering 2014 as the base year.The market overview section of this report explores market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities that have predominant impact on the LATAM adalimumab market presently and could influence the market in future as well. The market attractiveness analysis has been provided in the market overview section in order to elucidate the intensity of competition in the market in different LATAM countries. Furthermore, pipeline analysis of the adalimumab biosimilar molecules in Phase III stage have been provided in market overview section. The market estimations for pipeline molecules are provided assuming the positive entry of these molecules in the market which will have an impact on the sustainability of the companies operating in this market. All these factors would help the market players to take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their positions and expand their shares in the LATAM market.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the LATAM Adalimumab Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:The LATAM adalimumab analysis with respect to major LATAM countries provides the landscape for the production and marketing of adalimumab biosimilars with the introduction of favorable reimbursement policies, research expertise which paves a path for the local and foreign investments in these countries. The report also profiles major players in the adalimumab market on the basis of various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Some of the major players profiled in this report include AbbVie, Inc., Amgen, Inc., Mylan N.V., Novartis AG, Pfizer, 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.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: Blood Culture Test Market 2017 Research In-Depth Analysis, Applications, Forecasts To 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=2543 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=2543 https://www.tmrresearch.com/blood-culture-test-market Global Blood Culture Test Market: OverviewBlood culture tests are conducted when a healthcare provider suspects that a patient might suffer from blood infection. Blood infection poses a high risk for serious complications including a condition called sepsis, whereby the pathogens which cause infection in our bloodstream interfere with our bodys defenses and arrest the proper functioning of our immune systems. These pathogens create toxins that harm our organs as well. As a result, blood culture tests are leveraged to determine which bacteria or other organism has been leading to blood infection and how to combat it efficiently.Global Blood Culture Test Market: Key TrendsBecause the risk of developing a blood infection rises considerably when a person is suffering from conditions such as cancer, diabetes, HIV or AIDS, or an autoimmune disease, the rising incidence of these chronic conditions has been one of the most significant catalysts of the global blood culture tests market. The increasing number of surgeries, prosthetic heart valve replacements, and growing acceptance of immunosuppressive therapy have also been influencing the growth of the global blood culture test market in a positive way. Blood cultures are also being drawn from infants and newborns with fever who might have an infection.Request Sample Copy of the Report @However, the potential side effects associated with blood culture such as excessive bleeding, hematoma (bleeding under the skin), infection, and fainting can act as a stumbling block to the expansion of the global blood culture test market.Global Blood Culture Test Market: Market PotentialSeveral research and development projects are being undertaken by scientists, universities, and researchers. For example, in May 2017, a novel device for drawing blood was found to be capable of reducing contamination of cultures by a study conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The study included 904 participant patients from the emergency department, along with 1,808 blood cultures. SteriPath, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device is designed by Magnolia Medical Technologies. It potentially cuts down the use of antibiotics, simultaneously reducing health care costs, finds the study.Another testing instrument, the PhenoTest BC Kit received FDA approval in February 2017. The device is presently being used at the University Hospital of Augusta. The new test method enables patients who are diagnosed with bloodstream infection to receive treatment nearly two days sooner. The test can provide crucial information not only pertaining to the organisms responsible for the bloodstream infection but also regarding to which antibiotics the organism might respond to. The development of such innovative products can enhance the adoption of blood culture tests on a global scale, leveling up the overall market revenue.Request TOC of the Report @Global Blood Culture Test Market: Regional OutlookBased on geography, the global blood culture test market can be segmented into Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America. The blood culture test market in North America is currently at the headmost place owing to the existence of several large market players including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Becton, and bioMerieux SA. Europe is anticipated to witness substantial demand for blood culture tests due to high development of healthcare infrastructure in countries such as France, the U.K., and Germany.Asia Pacific is likely to surpass all other regions in terms of growth rate during the forthcoming period, triggered by an alarming rise in infectious diseases. Government initiatives at ramping up the healthcare infrastructure are also boosting the blood culture test market in the region.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Blood Culture Test Market: Competitive LandscapeAbbott, Danaher Corporation, bioMerieux SA, Dickinson and Company, Alere, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Luminex Corporation, Becton, Bruker Corporation, and Roche Diagnostics are some leading players operating in the global blood culture test market.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 Gynecological Devices Market Research Report Forecast to 2023 Gynecological Devices Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/gynecological-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=613 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Cooper Surgical, Boston Scientific Corporation, and Olympus Corporation the three biggest names in gynecological devices, held a collective share of 25.5% in revenue, in 2014, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new study. Although a majority of the market is shared by regional players and new entrants, it does not imply that these players have it easy.According to Transparency Market Research, all gynecological devices players are currently facing the issue of going through a very slow regulatory approval process. Additionally, FDA approval fees are constantly on the rise, making it increasingly difficult for regional new entrants to apply for it. Complicating this matter further is the stagnant state of venture capitalists in gynecological devices. Their low presence has left new entrants struggling to procure feasible venture capital.However, all players alike can still look forward to high rate of innovations in gynecological devices. Moreover, the number of patients approaching gynecology for diagnostics and counselling are increasing rapidly, showing a growth in the number of gynecological disease. All players need to focus their efforts on regions where these diseases are most prevalent.This 85 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Gynecological Devices Market. Unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The need for minimally invasive surgical devices has existed for a long time now, but only in the recent decades have we actually been able to come close to achieving this, explains a TMR analyst. Thanks to modern achievements in technology and materials, a large number of healthcare fields including gynecology have at their disposal a wide array of minimally invasive surgical devices, he added.Owing to the technological advancements, surgical gynecological devices have earned the status of highest grossing product segment.The advent of minimally invasive surgery in gynecology is undoubtedly the biggest improvement this field has witnessed in recent times including the introduction of the single port laparoscopic surgery and the Da Vinci robotic platform, the analyst said. Yet there are several other improvements that are expected to shine for their players and providers, he added. These include the increasing use of robotic surgery and 3D imaging solutions.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Gynecological Devices Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market:Meanwhile, gynecological diagnostic imaging devices as a products segment is showing the fastest growth rate. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2014 to 2023. This segment has shown major improvements in lighting technology, making these devices highly efficient in early detection and prevention of diseases.In terms of gynecological chairs, medical professionals are showing a higher preference towards adjustable-height chairs, both manual and motorized. Players therefore need to shift their focus on manufacturing similar products and move away from the conventional rigid gynecological chairs.The global gynecological devices market is expected to cross US$22 bn by 2023, after being valued at US$14.9 bn in 2014. A major chunk of this revenue is being contributed by the product segment of surgical devices, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.4% between 2015 and 2023.A wide array of gynecological surgical devices, including fluid management systems, hysteroscopes, colposcopes, and sterilization and contraceptive devices are in high demand all over the world and especially in developing economies, enabling their players to make their foray in newer regions and emerging markets.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Burn Care Market Detailed Analysis and Forecast by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=785 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=785 https://www.tmrresearch.com/burn-care-market Global Burn Care Market: OverviewThe global burn care market is expected to witness healthy growth in the next few years, thanks to the growing awareness among consumers. The rising cases and the technological advancements in this field are estimated to accelerate the growth of the overall market in the near future. The research study further offers a comprehensive analysis of the global market and throws light on the key factors supplementing the markets growth. The key segmentation, latest trends, and the competitive scenario of the global burn care market have been discussed in the research report.Global Burn Care Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe rising number of cases of burn injuries across the globe is considered as one of the key reasons anticipated to fuel the growth of the global burn care market throughout the forecast period. In addition, the increasing awareness among patients regarding the effective medicines and products available for burn care and the rising healthcare expenditure are some of the other aspects expected to supplement the growth of the overall market in the next few years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @On the flip side, the high cost of products and the increasing cost of burn care treatments are projected to restrict the growth of the global burn care market in the next few years. Nevertheless, the rising demand for skin grafts and substitutes and advancements in the burn acre products are estimated to accelerate the growth of the market in the near future. Moreover, the untapped opportunities in several developing markets are expected to offer growth prospects to key players operating in the global burn care market.Global Burn Care Market: Region-wise OutlookThe research study further offers a detailed analysis of the key regional segments of the global burn care market. Some of these segments are Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World. The estimated growth rate and share of each segment have been included in the research study in order to offer a strong understanding to readers and market players. According to the research study, North America is likely to register a progressive growth rate throughout the forecast period and maintain its leading position. The high growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing use of advanced dressings and the growing demand for biologics.Request TOC of the Report @Furthermore, North America is expected to be followed by Europe and Asia Pacific in the next few years. The rising awareness regarding the availability of effective burn care products and treatments among consumers, especially in emerging economies is estimated to fuel the overall growth of the burn care market in the near future. Moreover, the rising contribution from India, China, and Japan is predicted to accelerate the growth of the Asia Pacific burn care market in the forecast period.Key Players Mentioned in the Research Report are:The research study offers a clear picture of the competitive landscape of the global burn care market. The leading players operating in the market have been listed, along with their profiles to guide the new entrants of the global burn care market. In addition, the product portfolio, business strategies, financial overview, SWOT analysis, and the recent developments have been highlighted in the scope of the research study.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Some of the leading players mentioned in the research study are Deroyal Industries, Inc., Medtronic, Derma Sciences, Inc., Coloplast A/S, Convatec Healthcare B S.A.R.L., Molnlycke Health Care, Smith & Nephew PLC, Hollister, Inc., 3M, and Acelity L.P. Inc. These players are focusing on new product development in order to offer effective solutions to consumers. Technological developments in the healthcare field are further anticipated to encourage the growth of the global burn care market and attract the participation of new players across the globeAbout 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 researh 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 Piezoelectric Sensor Market - Influential Factors Determining The Trajectory Of The Market. http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/piezoelectric-sensor-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=19985 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Piezoelectric Sensor is a sensor based on piezoelectric effect which means the energy is being transformed between mechanical and electrical forms. Piezo meaning pressure in Greek, which when applied to the polarized crystal, results in a mechanical deformation, finally turns into an electrical charge. In simple terms, the crystals of quartz in a piezoelectric sensor generate a charge due to the pressure applied. At times, it has been acknowledged that there is an electrical insulation resistance that is quite large to make the charge drop down to a zero. The charge mode pressure sensor has a voltage amplifier and the leakage caused is fixed by a capacitance and resistance values along with low noise cable and external source voltage amplifier. The Curie brothers in 1880 found various piezoelectric properties in the left over ceramic and plastic materials. These materials often reflect many electrical side-effects due to the numerous piezoelectric properties due to changes in temperature and radiation. The normal voltage of a piezoelectric sensor can depend from microvolts to hundreds of volts, with simultaneous variations in the signal conditioning circuitry. The uses of a piezoelectric sensor varies from measuring pressure, acceleration, temperature to strain or force, finally converting it into an electrical charge.Obtain Report Details @The piezoelectric market can be segmented on the basis of material, product and application. The material segmentation can be further classified into Piezoelectric Crystals, Piezoelectric Ceramics, Piezoelectric Polymer and Piezoelectric Composites. The product segment of the piezoelectric market can depend on the basis Piezoelectric Sensors, Piezoelectric Actuators, Piezoelectric Motors, Piezoelectric Transducers, Piezoelectric Generators and others. The piezoelectric sensor can be used in applications such as industrial & manufacturing, automotive, medical, information & communication, consumer goods and many others.The market for piezoceramics have been forecasted to account for a higher share in the market of piezoelectric materials. PZT is the commonly used piezoelectric ceramic material and can be utilized in many applications. The factors driving the piezoelectric market is the increasing demand for piezoelectric materials such as the piezoelectric ceramic, polymer or other composite devices. Moreover, there has been an emerging applications of piezoelectric devices and has been supported by funds from the government and investors. In addition, there has been an increase in demand for piezoelectric generators and other energy harvesting devices. The piezoelectric devices have also been in demand in the automotive segment also. Nevertheless, there has been a couple of restraints pulling the piezoelectric market. The high cost of these components and their further investment in R&D. Simultaneously, there have been certain legal restrictive measures regarding the piezoelectric sensor market. This sensor market has indefinitely made advancements in the different actuators and motors market with investors very keen to utilize this technology.The piezoelectric market is geographically available in all the major continents such as the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. The pizoelcetric sensor market is expected to grow in the forecasted period especially in the North American region, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The Asia-Pacific region has developing countries that are dominating the technological advancements on a quicker manner. Counties like Japan and China have been reported to have adopted the piezoelectric materials and devices for various applications use. Owing to this, the adoption of this sensor market will rise in other major continents as well.Fill The Form For An Exclusive Sample Of This Report @The companies that have been reported to manufacture these piezoelectric sensors are- APC International Ltd., Exelis, Inc., Morgan Advanced Materials, Piezosystem Jena GmbH, Ceramtec GmbH, Piezo Solutions, Piezo Systems, Inc., Piezomechanik GmbH, Us Eurotek, Inc , MAD City Labs, Inc.. and Physik Instrument ear few among so many others. These companies have contributing to the sensor market and have successfully utilized their technology to utilize the piezoelectricity.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 global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Predictive Genetic Testing & Consumer/Wellness Genomics Market Trends and Forecast up to 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/predictive-genetic-testing-consumerwellness-genomics-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=24473 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The type of genetic testing which is employed to diagnose or predict the gene mutation or genetic changes linked to a disease is called predictive genetic testing. It is usually used in a symptomatic person to check future risks. The branch of genomics concerned with the sequencing and interpretation of the individual is called consumer genomics, while the one which predicts the genetic factors contributing to healthy living is called wellness genomics. This type of testing enables a person to make good lifestyle changes and choices.Obtain Report Details:The rising health care awareness and shifting population preference toward a healthy lifestyle have led to the expansion of the market for predictive genetics testing & consumer/wellness genomics. Factors such as the rising attention of the government and other private regulatory bodies toward public health care, increased effectiveness & quality of genetic testing, prevalence of chronic diseases & genetic diseases such as Parkinsons & cystic fibrosis are expected to drive the global predictive genetics testing & consumer genomics market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the rising need to understand ones family history is propelling the global market as well. However, stringent regulatory rules and ethics for the approval of genetic testing could limit the markets development through 2025.In terms of test type, the global predictive genetics testing & consumer/wellness genomics market can be categorized into the predictive testing, consumer genomics, and wellness genomics segments. Predictive testing can be further divided into the genetic susceptibility testing, predictive diagnostic, and population screening sub-segments. On the basis of application, the global market can be split into the following groups: cancer screening, cardiovascular screening, musculoskeletal screening, diabetic screening, Parkinsons / Alzheimer disease screening, and others.Geographically, the global predictive genetics testing & consumer/wellness genomics market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America held a major market share, followed by Europe. The dominance of North America can be ascribed to to factors such as its well-established health care infrastructure, high awareness level, prevalence of chronic diseases, and high adoption of new technologies. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a significant rate due to the growing population, rise in disposable income, increasing demand for genetic testing, prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, and mounting government intervention in the development of health care infrastructure. Also, the market in this region has been observed to be targeted by multiple established players, as countries such as China and India are projected to be favorable markets for new entrants in the wellness genomics sector.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Most players in the predictive genetics testing & consumer/wellness genomics market are focused on developing technologically advanced and cost-efficient services in order to offer comfortable, easy, and quicker testing solutions to customers. To gain a significant position in the global predictive genetics testing & consumer/wellness genomics market, these companies adopt various policies including strategic alliances, forward & backward integration, new product development, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance, several pharmaceutical industries are entering into partnerships with genomic companies, diagnostic laboratories, and government organizations. Intermountain Healthcare and Syapse announced a collaboration in May 2014, which enables oncologists to access different technologies related to cancer genomics.Key players operating in the global predictive genetics testing & consumer/wellness genomics market include ARUP Laboratories, Genesis Genetics, Pathway Genomics, Color Genomics Inc., BGI, and Myriad Genetics, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.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: Cell Cycle Analysis Market Studies Research 2017 Detailed Analysis of Restrain and Growth Factors https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=539 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=539 https://www.tmrresearch.com/cell-cycle-analysis-market Global Cell Cycle Analysis Market: SynopsisCell Cycle analysis is a highly demanded method for the evaluation of cells in the diverse phases of cell cycle. The determination of cellular response to a variety of drugs and biological stimulations is one of the trending elements prevailing in the global cell cycle analysis market. Most of the methods used during the analysis of cell cycle are based on florescence assays. Dominating sectors such as clinical diagnosis and biomedical research are observed to extensively employ cell cycle analysis.For a better understanding of the global cell cycle analysis market, the segmentation pattern could follow as based on parameters such as method, application, product, and end user. The geographical segmentation of the global market helps to find the most lucrative regions and the rising demand of different segments in different geographies.The report presented here can be tailor-made by our adept analysts as per the requirements of the buyers. All research publications compiled by TMR Research provide a comprehensive examination of the market in discussion based on volume and value. Additionally, the market share of each leading player is carefully analyzed to chart the competitive landscape, also considering other decisive aspects.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Cell Cycle Analysis Market: TrendsWith a secure growth rate, the international cell cycle analysis market is foretold to rise with the help of the support from government and corporate sectors for cell-based researches. The prevalence of menacing diseases has augmented the demand for cell cycle analysis in the global market. Increasing incidence of cancer and greater pervasiveness of chronic genetic disorders are good examples of the aforementioned growth driver. Likewise, the existence of the healthcare industry since several years, supported by tangible growth, has made its contribution for the sustenance of the market.Howbeit, the expensive prices of automated instruments could apply brakes to the progress of the global cell cycle analysis market. Besides this, it is infeasible for small research groups to bear the maintenance cost of advanced cell cycle analysis instruments. Nonetheless, the perpetual technological developments in this sector have pushed the market growth to a significant high. The rising awareness and adoption of cell cycle analysis instruments on a global platform are also expected to make up for the cutbacks in the market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Cell Cycle Analysis Market: SegmentationOne of the most important types of segmentation of the world cell cycle analysis market is based on application. Amongst the primary application segments of the global market, research is anticipated to register a higher CAGR and emerge as a prominent segment. Much of the demand for this segment is expected to rise from the growing corporate and government support aimed toward the betterment of cell-based assays. Other markets that fall under the application segmentation could be therapeutics and diagnosis.The markets under the consumable segmentation by product are analyzed to ride on the unabating increase in the cases of genetic diseases globally. Some of the key consumable segments could be reagents and kits and assays.The global cell cycle analysis market is also segmented as per type of method, out of which cytometry is predicted to register a commanding growth. Other salient segments of this classification could be microscopy, cell counting, and cell imaging.The end-user market for world cell cycle analysis market is foretold to count its growth on the elevating occurrences of genetic and cancer related diseases. Pharmaceutical contract research organizations (CROs) and biotechnology companies, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, and academics and research institutions could be the vital segments listed under the end-user category.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global Cell Cycle Analysis Market: GeographyOwing to the surging focus on Asia Pacific coupled with the increasing awareness about self-monitoring, the region is prophesied to grow at a faster pace. Another chief factor that is adding to the advancement of the Asia Pacific market includes the heavy investments made by major international companies. India, Japan, and China could be the most demanding countries of the Asia Pacific region.Amongst the other regions, North America has always secured its leading position in the global cell cycle analysis market by accounting for a larger share. In terms of market share, Europe could be following North America on the back of its major driving factors.Global Cell Cycle Analysis Market: CompetitionWith the help of a strong sales network, avant-garde manufacturing facilities, and robust distribution system, the prominent players in the world cell cycle analysis market are anticipated to take charge. Some of these players are Agilent Technologies, Inc., GE Healthcare, Merck KGAA, Miltenyi Biotech, Affymetrix, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., Danaher Corporation, Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Olympus Corporation, and Dickinson and Company.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 researh 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 Waste to Energy (WTE) Market 2017 Top Manufacturers Sanfeng Covanta, China Everbright, Tianjin Teda, Grandblue, Shanghai Environmental, Shenzhen Energy https://marketsizeforecasters.com/get-sample/72209/?utm_source=OPR-SP https://marketsizeforecasters.com/enquire-for-discount/72209/?utm_source=OPR-SP https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-waste-to-energy-wte-market https://marketsizeforecasters.com/north-america-waste-to-energy-wte-market/?utm_source=RR-SP http://marketsizeforecasters.com/ https://marketsizeforecasters.com/news Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Industry Report offers market overview, segmentation by types, application, countries, key manufactures, cost analysis, industrial chain, sourcing strategy, downstream buyers, marketing strategy analysis, distributors/traders, factors affecting market, forecast and other important information for key insight.WTE (Waste-to-Energy) or energy-from-waste (EfW) is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of waste. WTE is a form of energy recovery. Most WTE processes produce electricity and/or heat directly through combustion, or produce a combustible fuel commodity, such as methane, methanol, ethanol or synthetic fuels.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Waste to Energy (WTE) 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 a Sample Copy of Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Market report covers such as Sanfeng Covanta, China Everbright, Tianjin Teda, Grandblue, Shanghai Environmental, Shenzhen Energy.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, covers such as Thermal Technologies & Biochemical ReactionsMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Application 1 & Application 2Enquire about this report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Waste to Energy (WTE) market.Chapter 1, to describe Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Waste to Energy (WTE), with sales, revenue, and price of Waste to Energy (WTE), 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 Waste to Energy (WTE) Market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Waste to Energy (WTE), 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 Waste to Energy (WTE) Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Waste to Energy (WTE) market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Waste to Energy (WTE) sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.List of Tables and FiguresFigure Waste to Energy (WTE) PictureTable Product Specifications of Waste to Energy (WTE)Figure Global Sales Market Share of Waste to Energy (WTE) by Types in 2016Table Waste to Energy (WTE) Types for Major ManufacturersFigure Thermal Technologies PictureFigure Biochemical Reactions PictureTable Waste to Energy (WTE) Sales Market Share by Applications in 2016Figure Application 1 PictureFigure Application 2 PictureFigure USA Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Canada Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Mexico Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Germany Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure France Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure UK Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Russia Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Italy Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure China Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Korea Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Waste to Energy (WTE) Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)For more information about Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Report @Related Reports: -North America Waste to Energy (WTE) Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Scope of the Report: This report focuses on the Waste to Energy (WTE) in North America market, especially in United States, Canada and Mexico. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.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:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter Latex Medical Disposables Market: Business Challenges, Emerging Technologies & Competitive Landscape http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/latex-medical-disposables-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=16109 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Latex Medical Disposables Market: SnapshotLatex medical disposables such as latex gloves are used during surgeries and check-ups. The demand for latex medical disposables is therefore quite high among doctors, surgeons, and dentists across the globe. Primarily, there are two types of latex gloves available in the market. These are powdered and non-powdered latex gloves. The non-powdered gloves might witness relatively more demand when compared with powdered gloves, as powdered gloves were found to be hindering the healing process of patients.The market might encounter obstacles owing to the prevalence of latex allergies that induce several healthcare professionals to use non-latex products instead. Moreover, with the intensifying competition, the market players might have to bring down the prices of their products. As a result, sluggish growth in revenue might restrict the growth of the global market for latex medical disposables. However, the impact of these restraints will be negated by the emergence of novel technologies.This 163 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the latex medical disposables market. Browse through 24 data tables and 53 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The global market for latex medical disposables was pegged at US$4.1bn in 2015, and is expected to rise up to achieve US$6.4bn by the end of 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 4.9%.Rising Demand from Countries in Asia Pacific to Accelerate GrowthBased on geography, the global latex medical disposables market has been segmented into Europe, Asia pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and North America. The global latex medical disposables market is presently dominated by North America, which accounted for a 33% share of the global market during 2016, with Europe close-by at its heels. The increasing concerns about safety, growing awareness about health and the spread of contagious diseases, and increasing measures for preventing the spread of these diseases are some of the major factors driving the the market in Europe and North America.Asia Pacific is also slated for substantial growth during the forecast period, expanding at a promising CAGR of 5.8% between 2016 and 2024. The countries in Asia Pacific such as India, Japan, Singapore, China, Australia, and Thailand are likely to represent a significant portion of the global market for latex medical disposables over the coming years. The growth of these regions can be attributed to the growing awareness about the safety of patients and healthcare professionals, rising per capita incomes of people, increasing healthcare expenditures of governments, and flourishing medical and pharmaceutical sectors in these regions.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving latex medical disposables market during 2016 - 2024:Latex Gloves Emerge as Dominant Product SegmentBy product, the global market for latex medical disposables has been segmented into latex, foley catheters, latex gloves, urine bags, latex probe covers, and others. Hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers, and others are the key segments by end user. Of these, latex gloves have been witnessing increasing demand over the past few years. As a result, these products have been dominating the global market. In terms of revenue, this product segment accounted for nearly 60.4% of the global market for latex medical disposables during 2015. Latex gloves might continue to hold the foremost position as these gloves are an easy and effective way of protecting the hands of patients and healthcare providers from the risk of infection.By end user, the hospitals segment dominated the global market for latex medical disposables in terms of revenue during 2015. The increasing number of surgical procedures and check-ups in hospitals, coupled with establishment of new clinics and hospitals is responsible for the dominance of this segment. This segment is slated to contribute 28.7% to the global market for latex medical disposables by the end of 2024. The diagnostic centers segment might hold the second-most position over the forecast period.Some of the major companies operating in the global market for latex medical disposables are Hartalega Holdings Bhd., Supermax Corporation Berhad, B. Braun Melsungen, C.R. Bard, Ansell, Top Glove Corporation, Dynarex Corporation, and Medtronic plc.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: Ventricular Assist Device Market 2016 - Industry Perspective and Comprehensive Analysis 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-ventricular-assist-device-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=16508 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ North America Ventricular Assist Device Market: SnapshotThe market for ventricular assist devices (VAD) in North America has exhibited an excellent rate of growth and the rate of adoption of these devices continues to remain strong. Several factors are responsible for the rising demand for ventricular assist devices in the region, with the chief ones being the rising rate of incidence of cardiovascular diseases and the vast pool of patients awaiting donor hearts for transplant.It is estimated that advance heart failure affects nearly 2.3% of the total population of North America and is a major socioeconomic burden. The rise in the regions geriatric population, which is a demographic more susceptible to heart failures, the rising population of smokers, strong focus on R&D activities aimed at the development of more effective devices, and favorable government initiatives are also driving the market for ventricular assist devices in the region.Obtain Report Details:Transparency Market Research states that the market will exhibit a promising 9.20% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024, rising from a valuation of US$0.49 bn in 2015 to US$1.07 bn by 2024.LVADs to Continue Amass Maximum Share in North America VAD MarketThe key ventricular assist devices in the North America market include bi-ventricular assist devices (Bi-VADs), left ventricular assist devices (LAVDs), right ventricular assist devices (RVADs), and total artificial hearts (TAHs).Of these, the segment of left ventricular assist devices has been witnessing a relatively higher demand for ventricular assistance in the North America market. The trend is expected to remain strong over the next few years, with the segment expected to exhibit a promising 9.6% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. The segment of total artificial hearts is also expected to exhibit growth at a promising pace over the said period as technological advances allow the development of products with excellent operational capability. The increasing availability of such products is leading to their increased use as a bridge to transplant and in destination therapy.Increased R&D Activities and Awareness to Help U.S. Retain DominanceFrom a geographical perspective, the ventricular assist devices market has been examined for the U.S. and Canada. Of these, the U.S. accounted for over 80% of the overall market in 2015 and is expected to continue to account an equally significant share over the next few years as well. The U.S. market is expected to retain its dominance owing to the presence of some of the North America and global markets leading companies, a significant rise in new research and development activities, and increased patient awareness about the variety of products available in the market to effectively manage a number of heart disease.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:The Canada market presently accounts for a relatively meagre share in the North America ventricular assist devices market but is expected to witness growth at a steady pace in the next few years. The rising rate of incidence of cardiovascular diseases and a favorable reimbursement picture are expected to fuel the market for ventricular assist devices in the country in the next few years. Moreover, the market in Canada is also expected to benefit from the low intensity of competition in the vendor landscape, which makes the country a promising investment ground for companies aspiring to enter into the field of ventricular assist devices.The highly competitive market for ventricular assist devices in North America features vendors such as Abiomed, Berlin Heart GmbH, Sunshine Heart Inc., St. Jude Medical, SynCardia Systems LLC, and Heart Ware International Inc. To gain a larger share in the market, companies have relied upon strategies such as product innovation and strategic alliances with new vendors and companies with technological prowess.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: Photopheresis Products Market Expected Advancements & Global Industry Analysis 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/photopheresis-products-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=14771 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The global market for photopheresis products features an exceedingly consolidated competitive landscape, with the top three players accounting for over 95% of the market in 2015, observes Transparency Market Research in a recent report. These three companies, namely Mallinckrodt, Macopharma, and Med Tech solutions GmbH, stay competitive by investing in the development of new kits/devices capable of overcoming issues in existing products. Development of smaller, lighter, and faster devices tops the list of priority of these companies.Companies are also attempting to educate and train healthcare practitioners and the masses with the view of spreading awareness about ECP therapy and its benefits. A recent instance of this is Mallinckrodts Therakos Institute. The company is educating patients, nurses, and technicians through clinical education and training related to the photopheresis operating modules and their benefits.This 133 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the photopheresis products market. Browse through 24 data tables and 78 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:North America to Continue to Gain Massive Portion of the PieTransparency Market Research (TMR) states that the market will exhibit a 5.9% CAGR from 2016 through 2024. As a result, the market will rise to US$371.1 mn by 2024 from US$223.1 mn in 2015. In terms of product type, the segment of closed system photopheresis products accounted for over 80% of the overall market in 2015 and is expected to remain the dominant segment over the forecast period as well. North America, with over 52% of the global photopheresis products market in 2015, will continue to command a prominent position in the global market over the forecast period as well.Government Reimbursements to Act as Strong Driving ForceSafer and effective treatment by using photopheresis technique is expected to be one of the potential drivers of the photopheresis products market during the forecast period. Most of the methods currently used for treating conditions such as graft-versus-host and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma lead to certain side effects. The promise of better safety and efficacy of the extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) therapy has led to the rising preference of healthcare practitioners to this technique over other drug treatments.Government bodies are also increasingly encouraging patients to undergo ECP therapy to treat a variety of diseases in the form of reimbursements for the therapy. The favorable reimbursement policies and the resultant coverage of medical expenses under government-supported refunds is encouraging patients to undergo ECP therapy to treat various disease conditions.Furthermore, there has been a significant rise in the global population with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin. According to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, the rate of incidence of CTL is nearly 1500 new cases per year in the U.S. and prevalence of continues to rise in the country as well as across the globe. Although several types of therapies are used to treat CTL, ECP is being increasingly considered the first line of therapy for treating CTL.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving photopheresis products market during 2016 - 2024:High Costs and Lengthy Treatments to Limit AdoptionDespite being reimbursed by the government in several regions across the globe, the cost of ECP therapy is significantly high. Moreover, the therapy takes longer time to perform and treat than many other popular treatments. It is estimated that on an average, the ECP therapy requires nearly two to three hours at a stretch for the treatment to complete for various disease. Also, the patient is required to undergo the treatment once every two weeks for a year. The cost of per treatment is around US$8000 per treatment.On a whole, the time and money invested to complete the treatment is immense. This factor may make the treatment less attractive for many patients and may compel healthcare practitioners to switch to other low-cost and less time consuming treatments, restraining the overall growth prospects of the global photopheresis products market. The lack of enough ECP therapy centers across many developed and developing countries is also a key challenge for the market.This review of the market is based on a recent market research report published by Transparency Market Research, titled Photopheresis Products Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.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: HPV Testing Market - Detailed Analysis and Forecast by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=284 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=284 https://www.tmrresearch.com/hpv-testing-market Global HPV Testing Market: SnapshotHPV, short for the human papilloma virus, refers to a group of over 150 viruses that several negative changes within a human body. They are called the papilloma virus due to the fact that several viruses from this group are known to cause warts or papillomas, which are a form of non-cancerous tumor. At the same time, some of the types of HPV are far more serious as they have been linked to cancers, especially cancers of the cervix. One of the key characteristics of the human papilloma virus is that they can only survive within a specific type of cell: the squamous epithelial cell, which can be located on the skins surface and especially within moist surfaces such as the mucosal surfaces. A part of the HPV group falls under the low-risk genital HPV type, which is known to cause low-risk issues such as warts in specific locations. The high-risk genital HPV types are known to cause cancer in both men and women. They cause changes on a cellular level which can lead to pre-cancers, following into cancers over time. HPV has no key symptoms that can be used to identify it, with the exception of specific types of warts caused by some members of the virus group.Global HPV Testing Market: OverviewThe rising prevalence of cervical and vaginal cancer is the cardinal factor driving the global HPV testing market. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that every year 16 out of every 100,000 women are likely to be detected with cervical cancer. Globally, it is identified as the third-most commonly occurring cancer and the mortality rate due to this cancer is also quite high. HPV test helps in the screening and early detection of cervical cancer.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The research report sheds light on various important parameters including dynamics and competitive landscape of the global HPV testing market. For an extensive understanding, it segments the market on the basis of applications, end users, and geography. It analyses each segment in terms of both revenue and volume. It profiles key players in the market along with their revenue generation, latest developments, business strategies, and contact information.Global HPV Testing Market: Drivers and RestraintsGovernments are increasingly introducing programs that are promoting awareness regarding cervical cancer screening programs, which in turn is providing a significant push to the HPV testing market. Other than awareness programs, governments are also pouring funds into the research and development of screening kits and devices, which is working in favor of the growth of the market.Despite the initiatives and funding, the continuously changing regulatory guidelines for cervical cancer screening are hampering the growth of the market. Moreover, the lack of favorable reimbursement scenario in several countries is limiting the market from realizing its utmost potential. On the other hand, technological advancements are creating immense growth opportunities for the market.Request TOC of the Report @Global HPV Testing Market: Geographical SegmentationThe regional markets studied in the report are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America will account for a large share in the market throughout the forecast period. The demand for HPV testing in the region will rise against the backdrop of growing incidence of cervical cancers. The growth of the region is also supplemented by conducive federal policies that are encouraging the uptake of screening programs for cervical cancers. Moreover, the introduction of innovative technologies for improving patient care and diagnosis is providing a fillip to the growth of the region.Asia Pacific is likely to emerge as a promising market during the same period owing to the increasing prevalence of communicable diseases, particularly in developing countries such as India. The rising number of government programs that are spreading awareness regarding benefits of early cancer screening is contributing to the growth of the market.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global HPV Testing Market: Competitive LandscapeSeveral players in the global HPV testing market are increasingly investing in the research and development of advanced and innovative test kits and devices. Partnerships and collaborations are among go-to strategies of key players to consolidate their presence in the market. Some of the key players in the market are Abbott Laboratories, Hologic, Inc., Becton and Dickinson, bioMerieux SA, CytoCore Inc., Qiagen, Inc., Roche Molecular Diagnostics, DiaMex GmBH, Merck & Co., Genomica S.A.U., DAAN Gene Co., and Ventana Medical Systems Inc.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 researh 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 Global Activated Bleaching Clay Market 2017- W Clay Industries, Oil-Dri , Amcol(Bensan) , S&B Industrial Minerals, AMC (UK) Limited Global Activated Bleaching Clay Market 2017 http://bit.ly/2rtddaa https://market.biz/report/global-activated-bleaching-clay-market-2017/95804/ https://market.biz/ http://firstnewshawk.com/ The Global Activated Bleaching Clay Market 2017 examines the performance of the Activated Bleaching Clay market. It enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Activated Bleaching Clay market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Activated Bleaching Clay market. Potential in the present as well as the future prospects. It examines various angles in detail.The Global Activated Bleaching Clay Market 2017 report includes Activated Bleaching Clay. It also includes industry volume, market Share, market Trends.Report shows the Activated Bleaching Clay Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis.It consist of manufacturing capacity, Activated Bleaching Clay Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Activated Bleaching Clay Market 2017:1 Clariant2 Taiko Group3 BASF4 APL(Amcol,Ashapura Group)5 Musim Mas6 W Clay Industries7 Oil-Dri8 Amcol(Bensan)9 S&B Industrial Minerals?10 AMC (UK) Limited11 20 Nano12 U.G.A. Group13 MCC14 PT Tunasinti Bhaktimakmur15 Baiyue16 Tianyu Group17 Guangxi Longan18 Hangzhou YongshengActivated Bleaching Clay Market Analysis: By ProductEdible Oil & FatsMineral Oil & LubricantsActivated Bleaching Clay Market Analysis: By ApplicationThe Wet TechnologyThe Dry TechnologyThe Vapour-phase TechnologyOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Activated Bleaching Clay manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Activated Bleaching Clay report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details.It shows the value chain analysis of Activated Bleaching Clay industry, Activated Bleaching Clay industry rules and policies. Also circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Activated Bleaching Clay Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Activated Bleaching Clay 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 Activated Bleaching Clay market revenue worldwide.Finally, Activated Bleaching Clay market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News- Dental Lasers Market to Grow at 10.71% CAGR to 2021: Analysis of Key Players, Trends, Drivers, & Challenges https://marketsizeforecasters.com/enquire-for-discount/60457 https://marketsizeforecasters.com/get-sample/60466/?utm_source=OPR-NL https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-dental-lasers-market https://marketsizeforecasters.com/global-and-chinese-dental-lasers-industry-2017-market http://marketsizeforecasters.com/ https://marketsizeforecasters.com/news The Report analysts forecast the global Dental Lasers market to grow at a CAGR of 10.71% during the period 2017-2021.An Dental Lasers allows a user to run a single or thousands of applications from a single server on a single copy of the operating system. Containers have features including security, compliance, and scalability. Containers enable agile development and microservice architectures. Microservice architectures enable businesses to develop and roll out new digital offerings faster with the support of the agile development methodology.The Global Dental Lasers Market 2017-2021 report is available at a discount of USD 1000 on listed prices and for a limited time only get your discount atThe market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas, APAC, EMEAGlobal Dental Lasers 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 A.R.C. Laser, Biolase, Danaher, Dentsply Sirona, GigaalaserOther prominent vendors AMD LASERS, CAO Group, Convergent Dental, Den-Mat Holdings, elexxion, Fotona, IPG PhotonicsRequest a sample copy of Global Dental Lasers Market Research Report @Market driver - Increase in prevalence of orthodontic and periodontal diseases, For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge - High cost of equipment and procedures, For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend - Advances in laser technology, For a full, detailed list, view our reportBrowse full table of contents and data tables For Global Dental Lasers Market Report @Related Reports: -Global and Chinese Dental Lasers Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportThe 'Global and Chinese Dental Lasers Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Dental Lasers industry with a focus on the Chinese market.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:News:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter Pregnancy Pillow Market has a potential to grow at a CAGR of 7% by 2023 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2999 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pregnancy-pillow-market-2999 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2999 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/urinary-incontinence-market Market HighlightsThe global pregnancy pillow market is growing at an average rate and is expected show the similar trend during forecast period. The global pregnancy pillow market has been evaluated as average growing market but is expected to show the high potential growth in coming years. Demand for these pregnancy pillows is quite high in developed countries like the U.S. but very low in other developing countries. Hence the major market players are focusing more on these developed markets.Pregnancy Pillow market Players: Leachco (US), My Best Friend (US), Pharmedoc (US), Naomi Homes (US), Boppy (US), Todays Mom (US).Request a Sample Report @Leachco, being the major market player in the global pregnancy pillow market with its product Snoogle. The company operates majorly in the U.S. with the tie ups with major online and offline retailers. The manufacturer have tie ups with more than 30 online local and national retailers and also with more than 8 offline retail stores in US selling its product throughout the world. Most sold products include the Leachco BackNBelly Contoured Body Pillow. It is proved to be one of the best body pillow by the number of sales and positive reviews from customers.Boppy, is another major market player. The companys product price ranges from $13 to $100. The company provides wedge pillow, bump support pillow, slipcover and multiuse pillow in their product range. The company has tie ups with some of the major online and offline retailers including amazon, Walmart, Kmart etc. the company majorly sells its product through offline market retailers in North America and in other places through online retailers. The company promotes its product majorly through various social events and charity in newborn and baby programs such as Denver healths foundations Newborn program etc.My best friend, is also one of the major company in the market with the U.S. as a base area. The company had patented wrap around design, which are being sold in around 35 countries. The company has tie ups with many of the major retailers and online portals and also had their own stores in some places in Europe.Some of the other companies includes Todays Mom and others which are also contributing large market share of global pregnancy pillow market. These companies are currently focusing on developed regions with minimum efforts were made to sell their products in other areas.Test the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 80 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Global Pregnancy Pillow Market Research Report Forecast to 2023Access Report Details @Segmentation:The Global Pregnancy Pillow Market is segmented on the basis of type or shape of pillows, and materials. Based on the type or shape of the pillow, the market has been segmented as C shaped, J shaped, U shaped and others, other types comprises of low selling types such as wedge and full length etc. U shaped pillow is the most common form used by the pregnant ladies and hence commands the maximum market share in 2016 and is anticipated to show similar growth during the forecasted period. Based on materials, the market has been segmented into hypoallergenic fillings, memory foam, organic fillings and others. Memory foam as being the soft and more comfortable commands the maximum market share in 2016 the only factor restricting the market growth for such material is the cost. Further on the basis of end users the market has been segmented as hospitals, maternity homes or clinics, household and others. Pregnancy pillows are more commonly used in homes by the pregnant women during late pregnancy to support bump and hence household commands the maximum market share while hospitals and maternity homes are expected to show significant growth in the coming years.Make an Enquiry @Brief TOC1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope Of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations1.2.2.1 Assumptions1.2.2.2 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process:2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research:3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor AnalysisContinued..Browse Related ReportUrinary Incontinence market information, by types (Urge incontinence, Stress Incontinence, Overflow incontinence, Functional incontinence) by devices (Electrical Stimulation Devices, Foley Catheters, Antimicrobial Foley Catheters, Urethral Bulking Agents) - Forecast to 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Global Cryptococcosis Treatment Market 2017- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen Biotech, Johnson & Johnson https://goo.gl/nwElrC http://qyresearch.us/report/global-cryptococcosis-treatment-market-2017/ http://qyresearch.us/ http://askthereporter24.com/ The Cryptococcosis Treatment Market 2017 examines the performance of the Cryptococcosis Treatment market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Cryptococcosis Treatment market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Cryptococcosis Treatment market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Cryptococcosis Treatment Market 2017 report includes Cryptococcosis Treatment industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Cryptococcosis Treatment Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Cryptococcosis Treatment Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Cryptococcosis Treatment Market 2017:1 Bristol-Myers Squibb2 Janssen Biotech3 Johnson & Johnson4 Abbott Laboratories5 Novartis AG6 Pfizer7 Valeant Pharmaceuticals8 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals9 Sigmapharm LaboratoriesCryptococcosis Treatment Market Analysis: By ProductAmphotericin BFlucytosineFluconazoleCryptococcosis Treatment Market Analysis: By ApplicationHospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesDrug StoreOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Cryptococcosis Treatment manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Cryptococcosis Treatment report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Cryptococcosis Treatment industry, Cryptococcosis Treatment industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Cryptococcosis Treatment Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Cryptococcosis Treatment 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 Cryptococcosis Treatment market revenue worldwide.Finally, Cryptococcosis Treatment market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News- Global Crystal Bracelet Market 2017- TJC, TIFFANY, Ernest Jones, TraxNYC https://goo.gl/FueBL3 http://qyresearch.us/report/global-crystal-bracelet-market-2017/ http://qyresearch.us/ http://askthereporter24.com/ The Crystal Bracelet Market 2017 examines the performance of the Crystal Bracelet market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Crystal Bracelet market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Crystal Bracelet market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Crystal Bracelet Market 2017 report includes Crystal Bracelet industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Crystal Bracelet Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Crystal Bracelet Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Crystal Bracelet Market 2017:1 TJC2 TIFFANY3 Ernest Jones4 TraxNYC5 Wanderlust Life6 Stauer7 Juniker Jewelry8 GLAMIRA9 The Irish Jewelry10 West & Co. JewelersCrystal Bracelet Market Analysis: By ProductCrystal & Diamond BraceletCrystal & Gold BraceletCrystal & Silver BraceletOthersCrystal Bracelet Market Analysis: By ApplicationDecorationCollectionOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Crystal Bracelet manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Crystal Bracelet report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Crystal Bracelet industry, Crystal Bracelet industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Crystal Bracelet Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Crystal Bracelet 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 Crystal Bracelet market revenue worldwide.Finally, Crystal Bracelet market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News- Global Cryogenic Refrigerator Market 2017- Thermo, Sanyo(Panasonic) , Eppendorf, Nuaire, IlShin https://goo.gl/0QjcFF http://qyresearch.us/report/global-cryogenic-refrigerator-market-2017/ http://qyresearch.us/ http://askthereporter24.com/ The Cryogenic Refrigerator Market 2017 examines the performance of the Cryogenic Refrigerator market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Cryogenic Refrigerator market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Cryogenic Refrigerator market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Cryogenic Refrigerator Market 2017 report includes Cryogenic Refrigerator industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Cryogenic Refrigerator Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Cryogenic Refrigerator Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Cryogenic Refrigerator Market 2017:1 Thermo2 Sanyo(Panasonic)3 Eppendorf4 Nuaire5 IlShin6 Binder7 Froilabo8 Arctiko9 Daihan10 GFL11 Esco Global12 VWR13 Azbil Telstar14 Operon15 Haier16 Zhongke Meiling17 MetInfo18 AucmaCryogenic Refrigerator Market Analysis: By ProductCryogenic Refrigerator Market Analysis: By ApplicationAt the beginning, the report covers the top Cryogenic Refrigerator manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Cryogenic Refrigerator report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Cryogenic Refrigerator industry, Cryogenic Refrigerator industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Cryogenic Refrigerator Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Cryogenic Refrigerator 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 Cryogenic Refrigerator market revenue worldwide.Finally, Cryogenic Refrigerator market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.QY Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.QY Market Research is the terminal where all industrial, commercial and profitmaking venture will get the best research reports of the market in all sectors like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, food and beverages etc. We provide you the important and necessary information to identify and analyze the need of market and the market size.read more-S no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns, Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Telephone Numbers:+1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Email ID: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest Market News- Global District Cooling Market: Increased Consumption of Building Energy for Heating and Cooling Requirements to Fuel Demand, Says TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/district-cooling-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=22277 The global district cooling market is predominantly run by regional players due to the high preference for local products among consumers, finds a new study by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The leading participants in this market are focusing aggressively on product innovation and advancements, which is likely to increase the competition within the market over the next few years.Aecon Group Inc., Enwave Energy Corp, Veolia, Engie, Keppel, Singapore District Cooling Pte Ltd., Emirates District Cooling LLC, Qatar Cool, and Frio Brasil Refrigeracao Ltda are some of the leading players in the global district cooling market, states the report.Obtain Report Details @:As per the Research Report, the global market for district cooling is likely to expand at a 5.10% CAGR during the period from 2015 to 2024, surging from a value of US$11.1 bn in 2015 to US$17.3 bn by the end of the forecast period. The commercial sector has emerged as the leading application area of district cooling and is expected to remain so thanks to the swift rise in the commercial sector across the world. The increasing focus on energy saving and the burgeoning demand for BREEAM and LEED-certified buildings are also expected to fuel the usage district cooling in this sector over the forecast period.Middle East and Africa to Acquire Dominance, Surpassing North America by 2024The report also analyzes the worldwide market for district cooling on the basis of its geographical reach. According to the study, the Middle East and Africa, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Europe are the key regional markets for district cooling across the world. In 2015, North America surfaced as the most prominent regional market for district cooling with a share of nearly 48% in the overall market.Though this regional market is likely to witness significant growth over the forecast period, thanks to the increasing levels of temperature, rising incentives for the adoption of renewable resources of energy, and the efficient usage of energy resources, the market in the Middle East and Africa is likely to surpass the former by 2024 due to the high potential for DC development, supported by its hot climatic conditions.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:Apart from this, the growing adoption of technology to reduce carbon emissions, rise in district cooling installation and industrial activities are also anticipated to boost the Middle East district cooling market over the next few years. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are likely to surface as the key domestic markets for district cooling in the Middle East and Africa, states the research report.Rise in Urbanization to Boost Demand for District CoolingThe significant rise in the real estate sector, globally, thanks to increasing urbanization, particularly in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa, has the most prominent impact on the demand for district cooling across the world, states the author of the study. The soaring consumption of building energy for heating and cooling requirements and the increasing construction of high rise buildings in North America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa, fueled by the growing population, worldwide, are expected to raise the need for mechanical means of air conditioning and energy consumption, which eventually is anticipated to reflect on the sales of district cooling machinery substantially in the near future.Apart from this, the peak electricity demand and the rising greenhouse gas emissions are also projected to increase the demand for district cooling services as a sustainable energy solution over the next few years, boosting the growth of this market significantly. However, the high initial costs incurred in district cooling projects may hamper the progress of this market to some extent in the years to come, notes the study.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 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market Report 2017 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1046572&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/asia-pacific-disposable-rubber-gloves-market-report-2017.htm Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Disposable Rubber Gloves sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingAnsell Occupational HealthcareCOMASECDOU YEEHo Cheng EnterpriseLakeland IndustriesMAPA ProfessionnelPortwest ClothingSempermedSHOWASumirubber MalaysiaEnquiry For Discount Visit @Table of ContentsAsia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market Report 20171 Disposable Rubber Gloves Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Disposable Rubber Gloves1.2 Classification of Disposable Rubber Gloves by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Resistance Acid And Alkali Rubber Gloves1.2.4 Electrical Insulating Rubber Gloves1.2.5 Radiation Protection Rubber Gloves1.2.6 Other1.3 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Car Manufacturing Industry1.3.3 Battery Manufacturing Industry1.3.4 Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Industry1.3.5 Aircraft Assembly Industry1.3.6 Food Processing Industry1.4 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market by Region1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves 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 Disposable Rubber Gloves (2012-2022)1.5.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Browse Complete Report with TOC @2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Disposable Rubber Gloves (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.3 Japan Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Market Share by Application5 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves Sales Volume and Market Share by Type5.3 South Korea Disposable Rubber Gloves 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 Emeging Evolution : India Water Purifier Industry - Market Development, Analysis and Overview 2017 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=938720 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=938720 Albany, New York, June 1, 2017:India water purifier market report provides analysis for the period 20142024, wherein the period from 2016 to 2024 is the forecast and 2015 is the base year. The report covers all the major trends and technologies playing influential role in India water purifier markets growth over the forecast period. It also highlights the drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to impact markets growth during the said period. The study provides a complete perspective on the India water purifier markets evolution throughout the above mentioned forecast period in terms of revenue (in US$ Mn).India Water Purifier Market: Drivers and TrendsThe market overview section of the report demonstrates the market dynamics such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities that influence the current nature and future status of this market, key indicators and trends. An attractiveness analysis has also been provided for every segment in the report, in order to give a thorough understanding of the overall scenario for India water purifier market. Moreover, the report provides an overview of the various strategies adopted by key players present in the market. Key market indicators included in the report provide significance of the factors which are capable of changing the market scenario. These indicators are expected to define the market position during the forecast period.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @India Water Purifier Market: SegmentationThe report segments the market into various technologies namely gravity purifier, Ro Purifier, UV Purifier, sediment purifier and water softener. The end user segments considered include industrial, commercial and household whereas the accessories segment includes faucet mount, water dispenser pitcher filter, shower filter and under sink filter. Thus, the report provides in-depth segment analysis of the India water purifier market, thereby providing valuable insights at the macro as well as micro levelsIndia Water Purifier Market: Research MethodologyThe comprehensive water purifier market estimates are the result of our in-depth secondary research, primary interviews, and in-house expert panel reviews. These market estimates have been analyzed by taking into account the impact of different political, social, economic, technological, and legal factors along with the current market dynamics affecting the India water purifier markets growth.This report provides all the essential information required to understand the key developments in water purifier market in India, growth trend of each segment and companies strategies to efficiently compete in the market. Also, the report provides insights related to Indian government initiative in regards to water purification and its impact on the market. Furthermore, Porters Five Forces analysis explains the factors which are currently affecting the water purifier market in India. This report also provides the value chain analysis for the India water purifier market which explains the participants of the value chain.India Water Purifier Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report also highlights the competitive landscape of the India water purifier market, thereby positioning all the major players according to their presence in India and recent key developments initiated by them in water purifier market.Eureka Forbes, Kent RO System, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Livepure Private Ltd., Ion exchange, Whirlpool India Ltd. Hi-Tech RO Systems, Essel Nasaka, Godrej Industries Ltd., Panasonic India Pvt. Ltd., Tata Chemicals Ltd. ,Brita GmbH and Kaz USA, Inc. are some of the major players operating within the India water purifier market profiled in this study. Details such as financials, SWOT analysis, business strategies, recent developments, and other such strategic information pertaining to these players have been duly provided as part of company profiling.India Water Purifier MarketBy TechnologyGravity PurifierRO PurifierUV PurifierSediment PurifierWater SoftenerMake an Enquiry of this report @By AccessoriesFaucet MountWater DispenserPitcher FilterShower FilterUnder Sink FilterBy End-UserIndustrialCommercialHouseholdResearchMoz 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 Technological Advancements & Growth Opportunities Of IoT Sensors In Global Market By Type, By Application And Others During 2015 - 2023 Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=667897 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=667897 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Technological Advancements & Growth Opportunities Of IoT Sensors In Global Market By Type, By Application And Others During 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.Internet of Things (IoT) is a network that is embedded with sensors, electronics, network connectivity, and software enabling physical objects to gather and exchange data. As IoT rises into dominance, sensors are playing a pivotal role for measuring the physical quality of objects and enumerating it into a value, which can be read by another device or user. IoT devices are equipped with sensors which are capable of registering changes in pressure, temperature, motion, light, and sound. In the physical world, more and more objects can now communicate with each other through embedded IoT sensors, actuators, and tags. The global IoT sensors market has been segmented on the basis of types, application and geography. In addition, an exhaustive cross sectional analysis of the global IoT sensors market across four broad regions has been covered under the scope of the study.A surge in demand for IoT sensors in the automotive industry and the booming Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market are strongly driving the growth of the IoT sensors market. Furthermore, increase in demand for consumer electronics and growing demand for smart devices is boosting the market growth. Smart devices account for a considerable portion of consumer electronics. Thus, increasing global sales of consumer electronics is fueling growth of the IoT sensors market. While smartphones and related products are already used to a large extent, smart electricity, gas and water meters are expected to witness rising demand over the next few years. The conjoint effect of all these trends and drivers is thus set to bolster the growth of the global IoT sensors market during the forecast period.Stringent government regulations and policies across the globe are encouraging the development of smart cities and this is offering a potential growth opportunity to the global IoT sensors market. IoT sensors would be used in smart cities in smart meters, smart grids, intelligent traffic management systems, and smart parking among others. Further, technological advancements in the medical industry are set to offer a substantial opportunity for the growth of the IoT sensors market. The deployment of healthcare devices using IoT sensors could transform the healthcare industry by focusing on better patient care, lowering costs, and increasing efficiency. The IoT sensors market has huge opportunity and scope in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Rest of the world (RoW). Emergence of new players in the developing markets such as China, Japan, India, Australia, Russia, and Brazil coupled with the adoption of better and advanced technologies has led to the increase in competitiveness in the market.The competitive profiling of the key players in the global IoT sensors market across four broad geographic regions is included in the study. These include different business strategies adopted by the leading players and their recent developments as in the field of IoT sensors. The market attractive analysis of the major application areas has been provided in the report, in order to offer a deep insight of global IoT sensors market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics that is inclusive of market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included in the purview of the report. Market dynamics are the distinctive factors which impact the market growth, thereby helping to understand the ongoing trends of the global market. Therefore, the report provides the forecast of the global market for the period from 2015 to 2023, along with offering an inclusive study of the IoT sensors market.Some of the major players in the IoT sensors market are: Infineon Technologies (Germany), STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland), IBM (U.S.), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Ericsson (Sweden), InvenSense Inc. (U.S.), Libelium (Spain), ARM Holdings Plc. (U.K.) and Digi International Inc. (U.S.) among others.The global IoT Sensors market has been segmented into:Global Sensors Market, by TypesAccelerometersGyroscopesMagnetometersPressure SensorsTemperature SensorsLight SensorsOthersGlobal IoT Sensors Market, by End-Use Industry:Consumer ElectronicsHealthcareAutomotiveIndustrialBuilding AutomationRetailOthersGlobal IoT Sensors Market, by Geography: The market is broadly segmented on the basis of geography into:North AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeU.K.GermanyFranceMake 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 @ EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Acetylene Black Conductor Market Report 2017 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1098911&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/emea-europe-middle-east-and-africa-acetylene-black-conductor-market-report-2017.htm EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Acetylene Black Conductor sales volume (K MT), price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSoltexVulchemCabot CorporationSun PetroONYXEnquiry For Discount Visit @On 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 intoPowderSolidOn 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 Acetylene Black Conductor for each application, includingElectronicsAutomotiveAerospaceTable of ContentsEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Acetylene Black Conductor Market Report 20171 Acetylene Black Conductor Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Acetylene Black Conductor1.2 Classification of Acetylene Black Conductor1.2.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Powder1.2.4 Solid1.3 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-20221.3.2 Electronics1.3.3 Automotive1.3.4 Aerospace1.3.5 Others1.4 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Market by Region1.4.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor 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 Acetylene Black Conductor (2012-2022)1.5.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Browse Complete Report with TOC @2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers2.1.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Market Share of Major Players (2012-2017)2.1.2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Share by Players (2012-2017)2.1.3 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sale Price by Players (2012-2017)2.2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor (Volume and Value) by Type/Product Category2.2.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.3 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sale Price by Type (2012-2017)2.3 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor (Volume) by Application2.4 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.3 EMEA Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Price by Region (2012-2017)3 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application3.1 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.2 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Type3.3 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Application3.4 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries3.4.1 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.2 Europe Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.3 Germany Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.4 France Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.5 UK Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.6 Russia Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.7 Italy Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.8 Benelux Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application4.1 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.2 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Type4.3 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Application4.4 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries4.4.1 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.2 Middle East Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.4 Israel Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.5 UAE Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.6 Iran Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application5.1 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.2 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Type5.3 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Market Share by Application5.4 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries5.4.1 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)5.4.2 Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)5.4.3 South Africa Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.4 Nigeria Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.5 Egypt Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.4.6 Algeria Acetylene Black Conductor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States Surfactants Market Driven by Rising Demand for Personal Care Products, Industrial Cleaners,By 2023 Surfactants Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/surfactants-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1500 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://marketresearchreports2017.blogspot.in The global surfactants market is fragmented to a considerable degree and features several players with a significant share. Some of the leading players in the global surfactants market are BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Galaxy Surfactants Limited, Huntsman Corporation, Clariant International Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, P&G Chemicals, Lonza Group Ltd., and Akzo Nobel NV. The steady urbanization across the world is likely to ensure steady demand from several of the leading application segments of the global surfactants market, leading to the market retaining its fragmented competitive landscape in the coming years. Region-specific players could also make a significant market on the global surfactants market in the coming years, as the demand dynamics of the surfactants market are often region-specific.According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global surfactants market is expected to reach a valuation of US$28.8 bn by 2023. The market is likely to exhibit a steady 4.20% CAGR between 2015 and 2023.Browse Market Research Report @Anionic Surfactants to Retain Dominance in Global Surfactants MarketThe global surfactants market is bifurcated into the major segments of cationic and anionic surfactants on the basis of product type. Of these, anionic surfactants are expected to be the dominant segment in the global surfactants market in the coming years. Anionic surfactants find large-scale use in industrial detergents and cleaners, which has been a key factor in their rising demand. Nevertheless, cationic surfactants are also likely to witness steady demand over the coming years, leading to the product breakdown of the global surfactants market remaining largely unchanged over the forecast period. Non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants are likely to occupy a relatively minor position in the global surfactants market in the coming years.Geographically, the global surfactants market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. Of these, Asia Pacific is expected to retain its current position as the leading regional contributor to the global surfactants market in the coming years. The rising demand for surfactants from emerging countries such as India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand is a key factor driving the Asia Pacific surfactants market.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Nevertheless, The North America surfactants market is also likely to make steady progress over the coming years. The firmly established presence of several leading players in the global surfactants industry in North America is a key factor responsible for the strong growth prospects of the regions surfactants market. Consistent demand from the industrial sector is likely to help the North America surfactants markets growth over the forecast period. Apart from these two leaders, Latin America and the Middle East are also likely to make a considerable contribution to the global surfactants markets growth in the coming years thanks to the rapid urbanization in several countries in these regions.Rising Demand for Personal Care Products Crucial for Global Surfactants MarketThe global surfactants market is driven primarily by the booming global personal care products sector. Consumers across the world are becoming increasingly conscious about their appearance as well as persona hygiene, leading to rising demand for a variety of personal care products. The demand for skin care and hair care products has also been driven by the rising pollution levels across the world, which is likely to remain a key factor indirectly linked to the global surfactants market. The rapid urbanization in developing economies has also boosted the demand for household detergents, which already hold a leading share in the surfactants market in developed regions. As a result, household detergents are likely to remain the leading application segment of the global surfactants market.On the other hand, the global surfactants market could face a significant roadblock in the form of the steady shift in regulatory frameworks. Some surfactants have been shown to have an adverse effect on human health as well as the environment, which could restrict their demand in regions with strict regulatory frameworks concerning the use of solvent-based detergents.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: Global Gas Meters Market: Growing Usage of Natural Gas as Primary Energy Source to Boost Growth, finds TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/gas-meters-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2090 Most of the companies in the global market for gas meters operate at regional level. Led by Elster Group GmbH, Itron Inc., and Dandong Dongfa Co. Ltd., this market demonstrates a highly competitive nature, states a new study by Transparency Market Research (TMR). In 2015, these three companies collectively accounted for 33.4% of the overall market.These gas meters manufacturers are striving to improve in regional and the global markets and are aggressively focusing on product innovation. Analysts at TMR expect the degree of competition within this market to remain high over the next few years.Obtain Report Details @:According to the research report, the global market for gas meters presented an opportunity worth US$2.3 bn in 2015. Increasing at a CAGR of 8.10% during the period from 2016 to 2024, the market is likely to reach a value of US$4.7 bn by the end of the forecast period. The demand for diaphragm gas meters is higher than other products and is expected to remain so over the years to come, states the market study.gas meters marketIncreasing Industrialization to Boost Asia Pacific Gas Meters MarketThe report also presents a regional analysis of the worldwide market for gas meters. As per the report, Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa are the prime regional markets for gas meters across the world. Among these, Asia Pacific has acquired the leading position in the overall market and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period, thanks to the increasing industrialization in this region. China, Japan, Australia, India, and the ASEAN countries have surfaced as the leading domestic markets for gas meters in Asia Pacific. The rising consumption of natural gas in Asia Pacific is projected to propel this regional market substantially in the years to come.Europe is also expected to witness healthy growth in the demand for gas meters over the next few years on account of the rising enforcement of stringent regulations regarding the usage of smart meters and the increasing uptake of natural gas as primary fuel. The U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and Russia are expected to lead the Europe market for gas meters, states the report.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:Increasing Enforcement of Favorable Regulations to Propel Global Gas Meters MarketThe growing usage of natural gas as a primary energy source is the key factor behind the growth of the global gas meters market, states the author of this report. With natural gas replacing crude oil in a number of applications, its consumption across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors has increased tremendously, which is reflecting on the growth of this market greatly.On the flip side, the incompetence of gas meters in managing large data volumes generated from smart gas meters, high initial and switching costs, and the rising uptake of hybrid metering systems may restrict the rise of this market to some extent over the forthcoming years. However, the rising enforcement of favorable regulations and laws regarding adoption of smart meters is anticipated to boost this market considerably in the years to come, notes the study.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 Growth of Home Textiles and Furnishings Market in Global Industry : Trends and Application 2017 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=234721 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=234721 Albany, New York, June 1, 2017: The report titled Global Home Textiles and Furnishings Market: Trends and Opportunities (2014-2019) analyzes the consumption pattern of the global home textiles and furnishings market, with a focus on its segments including: curtains, textile floorings and towels. The global market along with markets of the US, Europe, India, China and Turkey are assessed in the report. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are presented in this report. The three major players in the industry, Welspun India Ltd, Dorel Industries Inc. and Springs Global are profiled, along with their key financials and strategies for growth.Countries CoverageThe USEuropeIndiaChinaTurkeyCompany CoverageWelspun India LtdSprings GlobalDorel Industries LtdGet PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Executive SummaryHome textiles and furnishing sector forms a significant portion of overall textile industry. The sector offers a wide range of bedspreads, furnishing fabrics, curtains, rugs, carpets, placemats, cushion covers, table covers, linen, kitchen accessories, made-ups, bed spreads, bath linen, and other home furnishings accessories. Over the past 5 years, consumption of home textile and furnishings witnessed consistent growth driven by factors like rising consumer spending on home renovation, accelerating investments on infrastructure, demand from Asian markets like India, China, Korea and Indonesia. Product innovation and development has allowed retailers and manufactures to widen the market, using new technologies and advanced marketing approaches.The USA and Europe dominate the home furnishing market as largest consumers, while countries like India, China and Pakistan feature amongst key suppliers. Curtains constitute the largest sub segment of home textiles followed by textile floorings, bed linen, towels and table, toilet & kitchen linen. Major fabrics being used include cotton, organic- cotton, polyester, silk, poly- cotton, poly silk, natural fibers like bamboos, viscose-silk.Make an Enquiry of this report @Retail sales of home furnishings are expected to maintain relatively consistent growth in coming years. Economic recovery is expected to reduce the unemployment rate, generate GDP growth and strengthen the housing market, all of which will boost sales of home furnishings products. Moreover, emergence of E-commerce in home furnishings market is scaling new heights, and with increasing number shopping websites the market is also experiencing growth. Key issues in the market include rising raw material prices, strict legislative requirements and high competition.ResearchMoz 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 The new ZESTRON website is online! The new ZESTRON website is online (Copyright ZESTRON) www.zestron.com With this relaunch we offer a complete mobile responsive site, focused more on its multimedia features including a variety of new videos and increased visibility of our virtual tours across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The virtual tours of our seven globally linked technical centers can be particularly helpful for those who like to inform themselves on the available cleaning and analytical equipment prior to visiting and conducting trials", says Mark Cherubin, Head of Marketing / Product Management."We also updated our ZESTRON Academy section and made our workshop program fully accessible online. Customers can now view and register for any of the available training programs such as technical workshops, online seminars and customized training", adds Mark Cherubin. For further assistance on our cleaning products, services or learning opportunities, users will find contact information of our experienced team of process engineers easily accessible on each page."Please visitHeadquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, ZESTRON a business division of Dr. O.K. Wack Chemie GmbH, is the globally leading provider of high precision cleaning products, services and comprehensive solutions in the electronics industry. With seven technical centers worldwide, cleaning trials can be replicated to the processes conducted on customer sites.It is ZESTRONs philosophy to develop cleaning products that are innovative and unprecedented in the industry, thereby ensuring that our customers always remain one step ahead. More than 20% of ZESTRONs staff is dedicated to our extensive research and development programs, with more than 10% of profit reinvested in this sector. As the innovation leader, we are fully committed to providing the most cost-effective and environmentally sound solutions while meeting all other aspects of cleanliness, reliability and safety requirements.Franz WutzZESTRON Europe...a business division of Dr. O.K. Wack Chemie GmbHBunsenstrae 685053 Ingolstadt, GermanyTel: +49 0841 635-176Fax: +49 0841 635-40Email: franz.wutz@zestron.com Aromatherapy Market: Essential Oils Will Continue to Rule Consumer Preferences Owing to Their Therapeutic Benefits: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026 MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/2971 http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/2971 http://www.mrrse.com/aromatherapy-market http://www.mrrse.com/ Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Aromatherapy Market: Essential Oils Will Continue to Rule Consumer Preferences Owing to Their Therapeutic Benefits: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026. The consumables segment is anticipated to witness significant growth in the next decade attributed to the high efficiency and therapeutic grade of essential oils when inhaled directly or applied topically.Request For Sample Report@Consumables segment anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast periodThe segment dominated the global aromatherapy market in revenue terms in 2015 and the growing trend of essential oils adoption in topical applications is projected to continue throughout the forecast period. The consumables segment accounted for more than 80% value share in 2015 and is likely to continue its growth through 2026, reaching a value of over US$ 4,000 Mn by the end of 2026. Consumables is projected to remain the dominant segment with a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. This segment is estimated to create absolute $ opportunity of more than US$ 250 Mn in 2017 over 2016.The popularity of essential oils is creating robust development in the consumables segment of the global aromatherapy marketThere are various factors driving the growth of the consumables segment in the global aromatherapy market. For instance, a large pool of the patient population opting for essential oils and carrier oils for aromatherapy massages is expected to boost the growth of the consumables segment during the forecast period. Increasing sales of essential oils for home usage is a major factor responsible for boosting the revenue of the consumables segment in the global aromatherapy market over the forecast period. Preference for topical application and direct inhalation of essential oils is another factor contributing to the revenue growth of the consumables segment over the forecast period. Many essential oils have their therapeutic properties of boosting the immune system, combating cold, allergies and breathing disorders, promoting sound sleep and relaxing ambience at home. These qualities of essential oils are boosting the growth of the consumables segment.Make an Enquiry@Risks associated with an excessive use of essential oils is likely to impact the growth of the consumables segmentStringent approval for new essential oils is posing noteworthy difficulties to market development as manufacturers need to specify the indication for which the essential oil can been used. For instance, manufacturers have to mention whether the particular essential oil falls under therapeutic grade or cosmetic grade. Furthermore, some essential oils have restricted applications. These are limiting the development of the consumables segment of the global aromatherapy market. Lack of proper guidelines and misclassification of essential oils is likely to limit the growth of the consumables segment in developing regions. For example, Cineole essential oil can cause symptoms of poisoning if administered above the recommended dose for an extended duration. Its overdose symptoms include epigastric burning, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscular weakness, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of suffocation. Such risks associated with essential oils may hamper the growth of the consumables segment.Consumables segment is anticipated to be the most lucrative segment in the Western Europe aromatherapy market during the period of assessmentThe consumables segment is expected to be the most attractive segment in the North America aromatherapy market over the forecast period. U.S. is the largest market for consumables, especially essential oils. The segment is witnessing the introduction of new oils, which are imported from various countries to cater to the increasing demand for essential oils across the North America region. New products are frequently being launched by leading domestic players, which makes the consumables segment more competitive in North America. An increasing awareness of the benefits of different essential oils is driving the growth of the consumables segment in the Latin America region. There is a rise in demand for wellness products and therapies in Western Europe owing to increasing disposable income and this is driving the demand for consumables in the region. The APEJ region is likely to witness an interesting trend that is creating a positive impact on the consumables segment of the global aromatherapy market. An increasing number of women in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia are more inclined to buy essential oils for their home usage and this factor is expected to boost the growth of the consumables segment in the APEJ aromatherapy 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: Processed Meat Market - GCC Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/2141 http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/2141 http://www.mrrse.com/gcc-processed-meat-market http://www.mrrse.com/ Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Processed Meat Market - GCC Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024. Processed meat is popular across the world and its consumption varies from region to region. New flavors and convenient products are boosting the processed meat market globally.Request For Sample Report@The GCC processed meat market has been segmented by meat type, product type, package type, and region. In terms of meat type, the market has been segmented into lamb, beef, and poultry. In terms of product type, the processed meat market has been segmented into: chilled processed meat, frozen processed meat and others. Under the chilled processed meat segment, the market is further categorized into burgers, nuggets, and others. Others segment includes kebab, and meat balls among others. Frozen processed meat is further segregated into hot dogs, mortadella, salami and others. The others processed meat segment includes shelf stable meat products. In terms of packaging type, the processed meat market has been segmented into: retail package and bulk package.The research report on the GCC processed meat market offers detailed analysis of the processed meat products market in Qatar and rest of GCC and helps to understand the driving forces behind the popularity of this market. Under the scope of the report, detailed analysis of major segments and sub-segments of processed meat market for the Qatar and rest of GCC are provided for the historical years (2010-2014) and the next eight years (2016-2024). Moreover, the report includes in-depth analysis of the drivers, restraints, market trends, and future outlook of the industry. The strategies for stakeholders to succeed in the business have been comprehensively assessed in the report. It also provides an understanding of volume (million kg) and value (USD million) of processed meat consumption across GCC. The study highlights the current and future market trends, historical market (2010 to 2015), and provides forecast from 2016 to 2024.In terms of meat type, poultry accounts for the largest market share across GCC. Frozen processed meat, especially poultry led in terms of growth in 2015 and is expected to maintain its leading position over the forecast period. In general, poultry consumption in Saudi Arabia is on the rise. Burgers, franks, nuggets, salami, and hot dogs are favorite lunch items amongst the growing young population. They are conveniently stored and easily prepared when needed. Thus, the market of processed meat is expected to grow over the forecast period.Make an Enquiry@In terms of product type, frozen processed meat type occupied the largest market share in the overall GCC processed meat market both in terms of revenue and volume in 2015. Processed meat sales are expected to be driven by frozen variants across all the countries in GCC. Chilled processed meat, on the other hand, does not enjoy the same variety, and these products also have a shorter life. For the processed meat market, the target segment is mainly foreign workers, who want to add some protein to their meals without spending too much money and time. Frozen processed meat product such as hot dogs, salami based packaged food products are very much popular among the younger generation across GCC. Another factor which is helping the processed meat market to grow in GCC countries mainly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE is the busy life style of people over the years.By country, the market has been segmented into Qatar and rest of GCC. This report helps distributors, suppliers and manufacturers to formulate strategies based on understanding of the trends in this market. Among the overall meat type segment, poultry is analyzed to be the most attractive segment for the processed meat market due to increasing health awareness among consumers in Qatar. Across the GCC, consumers are shifting from the consumption of red meat to poultry, as cholesterol content of red meat is high as compared to poultry. Growing popularity of processed meat based food products among the younger generation, and rising demand for organic food products, among others, are the major factors driving the processed meat market across GCC.The leading brands which have the maximum market share in processed meat market across GCC include National Food Co. (Americana Meat), Al Islami Foods, Sunbulah Group, BRF S.A., Tyson Foods, Cargill Inc., Gulf Food Industries and Almunajem among others.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: Hidden Security Camera Market Trends and 2022 Forecast Reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/global-hidden-security-camera-market-research-report-2017 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001787889/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW0001787889/buy/2900 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001787889/discount Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Hidden Security Camera in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast) , coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanGlobal Hidden Security Camera market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingTitathinkToughstyWiseupFor more information about this report atOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoTiny Hidden CamerasRemote View CamerasOutdoor CamerasOtherOn 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 Hidden Security Camera for each application, includingPersonal UseDetectiveSecurityOtherRequest a sample copy atTable of Content1 Hidden Security Camera Market Overview2 Global Hidden Security Camera Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Hidden Security Camera Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Hidden Security Camera Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Hidden Security Camera Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 United States Hidden Security Camera Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 EU Hidden Security Camera Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Hidden Security Camera Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Hidden Security Camera Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 South Korea Hidden Security Camera Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 Taiwan Hidden Security Camera Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Hidden Security Camera Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Hidden Security Camera Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Hidden Security Camera Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Hidden Security Camera Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Hidden Security Camera Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Hidden Security Camera Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Hidden Security Camera Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Hidden Security Camera Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Hidden Security Camera Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Titathink7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Hidden Security Camera Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Titathink Hidden Security Camera Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Toughsty7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Hidden Security Camera Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Toughsty Hidden Security Camera Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Wiseup7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Hidden Security Camera Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Wiseup Hidden Security Camera Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Hidden Security Camera Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Hidden Security Camera 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 San Gabriel Valley Customers Give Air-Tro 100% Satisfaction Rating https://www.airtro.com/ In a recent survey of 161 Energy Network customers who relied on Air-Tro Heating and Air Conditioning to install home upgrades and air conditioning improvements, 100% of the customers stated they were satisfied with the work done on their homes by Air-Tro. The Energy Network, a joint effort of Southern California Edison, the Gas Co. and Los Angeles County, offers up to $3,000 in rebates to homeowners who upgrade their homes to cut energy use and reduce utility bills.Only contractors qualified to participate in Energy Upgrade California, a statewide conservation program, can participate in Energy Network rebates. Air-Tro has been an Energy Upgrade contractor since the program's inception four years ago, and is a leading provider of Energy Network rebates to Los Angeles County residents. Air- Tro is an award-winning HVAC contractor located in the San Gabriel Valley, and has been selected as the Pasadena Star News Reader's Choice for air conditioning in each of the past six years.California has led the nation in efforts to reduce energy use. Energy Upgrade focuses on home improvements such as sealed ductwork, better insulation and more modern and efficient furnaces and air conditioners. If you have questions about participating in the Energy Network rebate program, or want to learn more about efficient home comfort systems, contact Air-Tro at (626) 357-3535 or visit their website at###Air-tro Inc., provides air conditioning and heating services in and around Pasaena, California.Air-Tro Inc., 1630 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 - 2019 MRRSE http://www.mrrse.com/sample/1043 http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/1043 http://www.mrrse.com/europe-commercial-refrigeration-equipment-market http://www.mrrse.com/ Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market (Food Service, Food & Beverage retail, Food & Beverage distribution, Food & Beverage production and Others) - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 - 2019. This research report provides analytical insights on the Europe commercial refrigeration equipment market with focus on regions such as United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Scandinavia, and rest of Europe.Request For Sample Report@It covers commercial refrigeration equipments used in food and beverage production, food and beverage retail and distribution, and others. The study gives market evaluation in terms of revenue and volume and forecast for the period 2013 to 2019. Different parameters considered while segmenting the market are product, geography and application type. The report includes Porters five forces analysis of commercial refrigeration equipment market and the market attractiveness analysis, which highlight emerging market segments and competitive scenario across the different levels of the supply chain.The market overview section of the report emphasizes on the market dynamics and trends, which include the drivers, restraints and opportunities and influence the current nature and future growth of the market. The detailed porters five forces analysis helps the market competitors to formulate their business strategies at every stage of their business. Moreover, the market estimates have been analyzed by keeping in mind the several factors which affect the market including but not limited to technological, economical, social, environmental and legal. Impact factors such as market attractiveness analysis has also been explained in this section of the report, in order to give a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in the European commercial refrigeration market.The emergence of new retail networks and expansion of existing stores which include hotels, cafes, and supermarkets in Europe has led to increase in number of people who dine out and purchase frozen food items. This increased trade of frozen food items has led to surge in demand for refrigeration equipment across the commercial sector. Moreover, use of refrigeration equipment in horticulture, processes, and sea food exports across the globe are some of the key factors supporting the growth of this market.However, after the European debt crisis and economic slump, expansion of retail sectorand investment in new outlets has provided necessary momentum leading to revival of the commercial refrigeration equipment market growth. Thus, demand for both new products as well as replacement of obsolete products is identified as two different types of demand trends, which are expected to support the market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, solar powered commercial refrigeration systems (CRS) which plays a vital part in avoiding energy crisis opens up new avenues for exploration. Remote monitored commercial equipment which offers benefits such monitoring the system 24/7 for alerts such refrigerant leak detection, high liquid levels and high system pressure help to reduce energy consumption, maintenance and overall operating cost. Owing to these advantages remote-monitored commercial refrigeration equipment along with solar powered CRS are seen as high potential markets in the long run.Make an Enquiry@The Europe commercial refrigeration equipment market, based on the type of product, is segmented in to transportation refrigeration equipment, refrigerators & freezers, beverage refrigeration, other equipment, and parts. These different product types find their applications in food service, food & beverage retail, food & beverage distribution, unorganized (Mom n pop stores), food & beverage production, and other applications. In terms of geographical distribution, the European commercial refrigeration market has been classified into countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Scandinavia, and rest of Europe This section includes market estimates and forecast for the commercial refrigeration equipment market for each segment in terms of USD million.Major players have been profiled with focus on competitive details such as company and financial overview, business strategies, and their recent developments. The players are focused on developing refrigeration equipment which will help in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and minimizing energy consumption. Thus, manufacturers are switching to green refrigerants such as CO2, ammonia and water vapor for development of commercial refrigeration equipment. Some of the market participants profiled in this report include Viessmann Group (Norpe Group), Frigoglass, ISA s.r.l., Hoshizaki International, Inc., Hussmann Corporation (Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC), York (Johnson Controls), Metalfrio Solutions, Inc., Interlevin Refrigeration Ltd, Epta S.p.a., Hubbard Products Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Plc, Dover Corporation (Hill Phoenix), Carrier (UTC), and Illinois Tool Works Inc. among others.The report analyzes the Europe commercial refrigeration equipment market in terms of revenue (USD million) and volume (thousand units) for each segment for the period 2011 to 2019, along with the CAGR for the forecast period: 2013 to 2019.Europe Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market Segmentation:Europe Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, by Product:Transportation refrigeration equipmentRefrigerators & freezersBeverage refrigerationOther equipmentPartsEurope Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, by Applications:Food serviceFood & beverage retailFood & beverage distributionFood & beverage productionOthersEurope Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, by Geography:United KingdomGermanyItalyFranceScandinaviaRest of EuropeBrowse 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: Small Wind Power Market Expected to Reach $8,874 Million, Globally, by 2022 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/982 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/small-wind-power-market According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Small Wind Power Market by Type, Installation Type and Application - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022," the small wind power market was valued at $3,805 million in 2015 and is projected to reach $8,874 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2016 to 2022. The on-grid segment held more than three-fourths of the total market in 2015.Request Sample Report at:Small wind turbines comprises a wide range of wind turbines ranging from micro turbines to residential turbines and mini turbines. The wind turbines used in these end use applications have power ratings ranging from a few watts to thousand watts. A small wind turbine is used for microgeneration of electricity, as compared to large commercial wind turbines with higher individual power output. Wind turbines can be classified into two basic types generally determined by the way the turbine spins. Small wind turbines that rotate across a horizontal axis are most widely used whereas the vertical axis wind turbines are less frequently preferred.At present, the global small wind power market witnesses vivid opportunities due to increase in adoption of renewable sources of energy. Renewable energy is sustainable, cost-effective, and non-polluting source of energy as it is obtained from sources such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydro. Moreover, increased usage of renewable energy is one of several promising strategies for reducing emissions of pollutants and for hedging against the volatility of fossil fuel prices. Moreover, increase in demand for efficient electricity in unconnected areas is another major factor that accelerates the growth of the global market. In addition, increase in use of small wind power for miniature industrial purposes is anticipated to tender promising opportunities in the global small wind power market.Access Full Summary at:Small wind power is expected to register the highest growth in commercial applications owing to rise in use of small wind turbines in hospitals, hotels, and schools. Furthermore, increase in inclination of consumers toward the deployment of renewable sources of energy is another major aspect that drives the commercial application segment. Small wind power possesses advantages such as higher operating reliability, longer equipment life cycle, energy saving, and maintenance cost reduction.Horizontal axis wind turbine segment accounted for around three-fourths share, in terms of volume, in 2015. In response to the perennial modifications in the wind industry, efficient wind power solutions are currently in demand across the globe. Thus, increase in requirement of high-tech small wind power solutions and rise in adoption of renewable energy sources fuel the demand for small wind power across the globe.Key Findings of the Small Wind Power Market: In terms of value, the off-grid segment is projected to be the fastest growing segment during the analysis period. Asia-Pacific is projected to maintain its lead position throughout 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of 12.1%, in terms of volume. Commercial application segment occupied for around half of the total market in 2015. China occupied for more than half of the total Asia-Pacific small wind power market in 2015. In terms of value, Spain is expected to grow at the fastest rate and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2016 to 2022In 2015, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA collectively accounted for around half of the total small wind power market, in terms of volume, and are expected to continue this trend due to increase in infrastructural development, specifically in China, India, Brazil, and other developing economies. Moreover, rise in urban population with increased per capita disposable incomes and increase in adoption of environment friendly sources of energy are the major aspects that boost the growth of the small wind power market in the Asia-Pacific region.The major companies profiled in the report include Northern Power Systems Inc., Bergey Wind Power Co., Kingspan Group Plc., Xzeres Wind Corp., Unitron Energy, Sun and Wind Renewables Private Limited, Fortis Wind Energy, Aeolos Wind Energy Co. Ltd., Qingdao Windwings Wind Turbine Co. Ltd., and Greenergy Technology Co.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Contact:Rahul Thakur5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: + 44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: + 852-301-84916India (Pune): +91 20 66346060Fax: +1?855?550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.com Transformer Oil Market - Global Industry Analysis Size Share Growth Trends and Forecast 2024 | Research Report http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/transformer-oil-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=23894 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Transformer Oil Market: SnapshotThanks to the increasing need for power across the world, the global transformer oil market has been witnessing a high growth rate. The rising distribution of oil filled transformers in developing nations, such as China and India, where the focus of the governments is to expand the power infrastructure is also boosting this market substantially.This 168 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Transformer Oil Market. Browse through 24 data tables and 64 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market.Going forward, the augmenting demand for transformer oil in developed regions, such as North America and Europe, where the existing power infrastructure is anticipated to be overhauled, is likely to propel this market over the next few years. However, the advent of smart transformers and dry type transformers may restrict this market to registering a steady growth in the years to come. In 2015, the overall opportunity in the global transformer oil market was US$1.99 bn in 2015 and is anticipated to reach US$3.26 bn by 2024, rising at a CAGR of 5.70% between 2016 and 2024.Demand for Mineral Oil to Remain HighMineral oil, silicone-based oil, and bio-based oil are the main products available in the global market. Among these, the demand for mineral oil is higher and trend is expected to remain so over the next few years. However, the demand for bio-based oil is likely to increase at a significant rate in the near future.Based on the application, the global market for transformer oil is categorized into power transformers and distribution transformers. The demand for transformer oil has been higher from distribution transformers due to the fact that distribution transformers outnumber power transformer by large. This scenario is likely to remain so over the next few years, thanks to the initiatives of various governments to expand the power infrastructure, especially in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.Power transformers are also projected to report a significant uptake of transformer oil in the years to come while others application areas, such as switchgears, circuit boards, and high voltage capacitors are expected to are anticipated to hold an insignificant share in the worldwide market for transformer oil.Asia Pacific to Retain Lead in Global Transformer Oil MarketGeographically, the worldwide market for transformer oil is segmented into the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. Asia Pacific dominated the global market in 2015 with a share of more than 43%. Thanks to the increasing focus of the governments in Asian countries, such as China, India, and Korea, on the advancement of the power infrastructure in these nations, the Asia Pacific market for transformer oil is likely to retain its dominance over the next few years.In developed regions, such as North America and Europe, the market for transformer oil is in its maturity, so the growth is expected to be sluggish. Over the coming years, these regional markets are expected to be driven by the refurbishment of the present power infrastructure. Especially, the market in Europe is projected to be driven by the development of offshore wind farms for power generation.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Transformer Oil Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @ExxonMobil Corp., China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Nynas AB, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Dow Corning Corp., Apar Industries Ltd., Cargill Inc., Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P., Gulf Oil Middle East Ltd., Engen Petroleum Ltd., Electrical Oil Services Ltd., Ergon Inc., and San Joaquin Refining Co. Inc. are the key vendors of transformer oil across the world.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: Solar Ingot Wafer Market - Global Industry Analysis 2024 | Research Report http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/solar-ingot-wafer-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=17735 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Solar Ingot Wafer Industry: OverviewA solar ingot is a piece of pure material which is generally a metal that is molded into shape which is suitable for further processing. Ingots basically require another procedure for shaping such as hot or cold working, milling, and cutting to manufacture a useful end product. Semiconductor and non-metallic materials which are prepared in a bulk form, are also known as ingots, especially when they cast by methods which are mold based.Browse Market Research Report @A wafer is also referred to as a substrate or slice of semiconductor material, for instance, crystalline silicon, which is used in electronics for the purpose of fabrication of the integrated circuits. It is mainly used in a photovoltaic for water-based, conventional solar cells. These wafers serve as substrates for microelectronic devices which is built over and in the wafer and also undergoes several microfabrication processes such as photolithographic patterning, deposition of materials, etching, ion implantation or doping. At the end, the specific microcircuits are thus separated and packaged.A solar or photovoltaic cell is referred to an electrical device that changes solar energy directly into electricity. This process is implemented through photovoltaic effect, which is basically a chemical and physical phenomenon. Solar cells are the foundation blocks of solar panels. Solar cells have distinguished components such as ingots and wafers. They help in the primary manufacturing of solar cells and thus solar panels.The research report is a complete inspection of the growth trajectory based on the historical, current, and future prospects of the global solar ingot wafer market. It provides an assessment of the dynamics that are anticipated to impact the growth of the market and the predominant trends have also been stated in the study. The study also presents a diverse viewpoint on the competitive landscape of the market through the value chain and Porters five forces analysis. The publication mentions the research and development projects, mergers and acquisitions, details on collaborations and licensing. The report delves into the marketing strategies, products, and shares of the key players operating in the global solar ingot wafer market.Global Solar Ingot Wafer Industry: Trends and OpportunitiesThe global solar ingot wafer industry is primarily propelled by the incessant rise in the demand for electricity due to the rise in population and urbanization across the globe. With the governments promoting and supporting the employment of renewable energy resources for the production of energy, the demand for solar ingot wafer is expected to intensify over the coming years. Furthermore, the governments are also focusing on providing tax benefits and subsidies for the effective utilization of barren land for setting up solar power plants. The global market for solar ingot wafer is also expected to be benefitted by the robust industrialization in several emerging economies and the comparatively low maintenance and operating cost of solar power plants.However, the market is expected to be negatively impacted by the economic downturn in many countries. For instance, in Europe, the government has cut down the budget of solar projects due to the economic meltdown. Moreover, the low energy producing capacity of solar power plants and relatively high harnessing cost is likely to impact the market growth.Global Solar Ingot Wafer Industry: Regional OutlookRegionally, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. North America and Europe are expected to emerge as potential markets for the manufacturers of solar ingot wafer. Initiatives by governments of countries in Asia Pacific is also likely to bode well for the market growth in the region.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Solar Ingot Wafer Industry. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the companies operating in the market are Green Energy Technology, Sornid Hi-Tech, Trinasolar, Dahai New Energy, Comtec Solar, Eversol, Topoint, Maharishi Solar, Photowatt, and CNPV.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: Nanostructured Coatings Market - Global Industry Analysis 2025 | Research Report http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/nanostructured-coatings-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=24044 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Nanostructured coatings are nanotechnology-based coatings formed through the usage of nanocomposites and structured materials. These structured materials build a consistent network of molecules on the surface to be coated. Nanostructured coatings possess various characteristics such as high lubricity, ductility, abrasion resistance, hardness, and transparency. These coatings also possess low density, elastic modulus, and low thermal conductivity. Nanostructured coatings are widely used in various industries such as building & construction, automotive, aerospace & aviation, oil & gas, medical, textile, consumer electronics, and marine. These coatings are used for hydraulic fracturing and as corrosion and scaling chemical inhibitors in the oil & gas industry due to their self-healing property. Nanostructured coatings are also employed used as functional coatings for the prevention of ice accretion in aircraft parts.Browse Market Research Report @These coatings are also used as anti-fouling protective coatings for offshore marine structures. Nanostructured coatings are employed as sustainable coatings. They provide high UV protection and enhance durability while maintaining breathability in textiles and apparel. These coatings are used as waterproofing materials in consumer electronics. Furthermore, nanostructured coatings are employed to control infection in the medical industry. These coatings are also used as high hardness coatings in medical implants. Nanostructured coatings are used in antireflection glazing, passive cooling surface, and thermochromic smart windows in the building & construction industry.Based on form, the nanostructured coatings market can be segmented into anti-microbial, anti-fingerprint, anti-fouling, easy to clean, and self-cleaning nanostructured coatings. The anti-fingerprint segment is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period. This is ascribed primarily to its extensive usage in electronic gadgets and automotive applications. Furthermore, demand for anti-microbial nanostructured coatings is anticipated to rise moderately in medical and building & construction industries owing to the differentiating properties of these coatings, which are being extensively used in patient care facilities. Market share of easy to clean and self-cleaning nanostructured coatings segments is projected to increase during the forecast period due to the rise in usage of these coatings in marine, electronics, and automotive applications.Nanotechnology plays an important role in developing innovative nanostructured coatings. Rise in requirement of protective coatings and increase in awareness about reduction of solvent content are some of the primary factors driving the nanostructured coatings market. New functionalities, transparency, and high-quality performance play a vital role in the coatings industry. Nanostructured coatings meet these requirements and offer various benefits such as high protection against UV, fire, heat, ice, pollutants, bacteria, and corrosion. Increase in prices of raw materials and high production costs are some of the factors hampering market growth. Additionally, optimization of properties by maintaining tolerance, interfacial adhesion, and other non-mechanical properties are the key challenges for manufacturers. However, technological advancement in nanotechnology further enhances the growth opportunities for nanostructured coatings in various applications. For example, in 2016, Aquashield Technologies, a nanotechnology firm, developed a nanocoating product line of ultra-thin protective coatings, which provide protection against pollution and UV radiation.Geographically, the global market for nanostructured coatings can be segregated into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America are expected to dominate the nanostructured coatings market during the forecast period due to the increase in requirement of these coatings in health care and building & construction applications. Increase in demand for nanostructured coatings in the automotive sector in the U.S. is also boosting market growth.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Nanostructured Coatings Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Rise in concern for escalating crude oil prices and implementation of stringent regulations over VOC emission in the paints & coatings industry are compelling countries in Europe to adopt nanostructured coatings. This is further augmenting the nanostructured coatings market. Growth in various end-use industries in Asia Pacific is also projected to open up new avenues for the nanostructured coatings market. Furthermore, strong government support for nanotechnology in China, India, and Japan coupled with initiatives of a large number of multinational companies toward development of products and processes based on nanoparticles are augmenting the demand for nanostructured coatings in Asia Pacific.Major players operating in the nanostructured coatings market are Aquashield Technologies, Advanced Nanotechnology Lab, Forge Nano, Nano Activated Coatings, Inc. Nanofilm Ltd, and Nanophase Technologies Corporation.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: Spatial Light Modulator Market is expected to grow at USD 553 Million by 2022 with expected CAGR of 15% https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1721 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/spatial-light-modulator-market SLM or Spatial Light Modulator is a component which imposes spatially varying modulation on beam of a light. Overhead projector in the institutes and organizations are the best example of a Spatial Light Modulator. Some factors which are driving the market of spatial light modulator are growing economy and expansion of organizations as well as implementation of advance technology in education sector. Technological advancement in the field of information technology is also one of the factor supporting the market. Global Spatial Light Modulator Market has been valued at US ~$215 million in the year 2015 which is expected to grow at US ~$553 million by the end of forecast period with expected CAGR of ~15%.Request a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players for Spatial Light Modulator Market: American Electric Power (U.S.), Texas Instruments Inc. (U.S.), Jenoptik AG (Germany) Laser 2000 (UK) Ltd (UK), Forth Dimension Displays (UK), Santec Corporation (U.S.), PerkinElmer, Inc., (U.S.), Holoeye Photonics AG (Germany), Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan), Meadowlark Optics, Inc (U.S.) among others.Study Objectives of Spatial Light Modulator Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Spatial Light Modulator Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Spatial Light Modulator market based on various factors- supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, by applications 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 Spatial Light Modulator MarketBrowse Full Report Details @Intended Audience OEMs Technology Service Providers Investors in Technology and IT Government OEM Technology Solution ProvidersSegments:Market Research Future has segmented the Spatial Light Modulator into Types and Applications. Types of SLM includes- Optically Addressed SLM and Electrically Addressed SLM whereas the applications of SLM has been identified as Optical, Display, Holographic among others.Regional Analysis of Spatial Light Modulator Market:Currently, Asia-Pacific accounts for largest market share due to the growing economy of countries and strong manufacturing presence in China and Japan. North America stands as second biggest market closely followed by Europe.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Spatial Light Modulator Market Research Report- Forecast 2022 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Forging Market - Global Industry Analysis 2025 | Research Report http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/forging-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23687 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Forging refers to the manufacturing process where compressive forces are applied to hot molten metal to mold it into desired shape and size. The compressive forces applied include hammering, pressing, squeezing, rolling, and other operations. Forging can create innumerable shapes and sizes with enhanced properties as compared to the process of assembling and casting. Currently, forging is most commonly performed utilizing hammering tools or forging presses that are powered by electricity, compressed air, and hydraulic energy. Forging is preferably suited to other metal working procedures since it is a more cost efficient, durable, and faster. The beating and hammering action of forging deforms the shape of the metal, which results in an unbroken flow of granules of the metal. This helps the metal to retain its strength and eliminates porosity. Furthermore, once the process of forging is complete, products from the forged metals can be manufactured at a relatively faster speed and lower cost.Browse Market Research Report @Environmentally acceptable, functionally effective, and affordable technologies are needed that are anticipated to integrate pollution prevention into the entire metal forging process. Therefore, the forging market of the future is estimated to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. One of the simplest forging operation is upsetting, which is carried out by compressing the metal between two flat parallel plates. The process can be developed into more operations with the application of dies from this simple operation. This is the main reason why currently forged products are preferred. This leads to increase in the production of forged products and hence, every day new forging industries are entering in the market.Forged metals are extensively employed in the automotive, aerospace, defense, factory automation, and industrial equipment sectors due to their high strength, reliability, and economic viability. Therefore, expansion of these sectors is anticipated to increase the demand for forged metals and drive the market. The automobile industry is a key driver of demand in the forging industry. 65% of the forged metals are utilized by the automotive sector. Capital intensive industrial sector, globalization, and investments in large and small forging sectors are projected to further drive the market.Increasing cost of forging quality steel, high energy consumption, inefficient economies of scale, less partnership between R&D units and material manufacturers and forging units are key factors that are likely to create hindrance in the expansion of the market.The global forging market can be segmented into type of forging processes, type of forging, and geography. In terms of forging processes, the market can be segmented into impression die forging, cold forging, open-die forging, and seamless rolled ring forging. In terms of forging type, the global forging market can be segmented into smith forging, drop forging, press forging, and machine forging.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Forging Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Smith forging is the earliest form of forging operation which is done by hammering manually. Drop forging involves repeated hammering of the metal. Some of the products obtained in drop forging are crank shafts, wrenches, and connecting rods. Furthermore, press forging involves squeezing by applying hydraulic pressure. Moreover, machine forging is done on horizontal forging machines.In terms of geography, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America. Asia Pacific is expected to hold significant share of the market due to the presence of a strong industrial base and a consistently expanding and evolving automotive sector. North America is likely hold the second largest market followed by Europe.Some of the leading players operating in the global forging market are, Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Japan), Alcoa (The U.S), Bharat Forge (India), ThyssenKrupp (Germany), ATI Ladish, LlC. (The U.S.), HHI Forging LlC. (The U.S.), American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings (The U.S.), and Happy Forgings Ltd. (India).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: China Managed DNS Services Market is expected to reach USD 16.19 Million by 2027 with a CAGR of 12.34% https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/3011 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/china-managed-dns-services-market-3011 The managed DNS services Market statistical report, published by Market Research Future contains succinct information on the managed DNS services market. The various factors driving the managed DNS services market are evolution of converged cloud infrastructure, low cost of cloud infrastructure deployment, and high investment by E-commerce industries.Request a copy of Sample Report @The growing mobile data services and growing data center requirement is propagating the data service market in the region, which is developing market for managed DNS in the China. The presence of industry players such as VeriSign Inc., Akamai technologies, Rackspace, and Neustar are making strong market for managed DNS services and networking in the region. Growing investment by players and increasing number of collaborations and expansion in countries such as India, Singapore, China and South Korea are thriving the market growth.China Managed DNS Services Market is expected to reach USD 16.19 Million by 2027 with a CAGR of 12.34%Browse Full Report Details@Table of Contents1. Info graphics Information1.1 CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, 2015 VS 2027 (USD Million)2. Introduction3. CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, Market DataList of TablesTable 1 CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, 2015-2027 (USD Million)List of FiguresFigure 1 CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, 2015-2027, (USD Million)ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from China Managed DNS Services Market Outlook-Forecast to 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Europe Peroxyacetic Acid Market Outlook and Foresight to 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/2945 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/europe-peroxyacetic-acid-market-2945 In the global peroxyacetic acid market, Europe region holds the largest market in terms of value whereas rank second in terms of volume. European market for peroxyacetic acid is growing at a rapid pace due to the established economies such as Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy and others.Request a copy of Sample Report @European peroxyacetic market has seen a remarkable growth over the past few years. The major factors that have fuelled the demand in Europe peroxyacetic acid market are growing preference of preservative food, increasing demand of hygienic food, growing demand for purified water and others. Moreover, EU commission has approved the usage of peroxyacetic acid for six different uses such as human hygiene disinfectants, veterinary hygiene disinfectants, food and feed disinfectants, drinking water disinfectants, preservatives for products during storage and among others. However, these driving factors have fuelled the demand of peroxyacetic acid. Hence, the manufacturers have increased the production capacity to meet the current as well as future demand.Europe has coved the market share of around 29% in terms of value in 2015. This market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.21%. Additionally, European peroxyacetic acid market is a very dynamic market and is expected to witness a high growth in coming five years. The demand of peroxyacetic acid is expected to be determined by growing food demand, rising population and rising preference for clean water. Furthermore, increasing demand for packaged food has also boosted the demand of peroxyacetic acid. Moreover, citing the demand and potentials of peroxyacetic acid, the governments of various countries are also providing funds and grants for developing new and advanced technology for peroxyacetic acid. However, fluctuating raw material prices and lack of product knowledge are some factors which can hinder the growth of the market up to some extent.Browse Full Report Details @Market Research future through this report aims to provide understanding of the Europe peroxyacetic acid market and also assists identification of ongoing trends along with anticipated growth during the forecasted period. For this report, extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight of the market performance. Various industry experts and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) were contacted and interviewed to get an idea of Europe market.List of TablesTable 1 Europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by country (usd million)Table 2 Europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by country (kt)Table 3 Europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (usd million)Table 4 Europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 5 Europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 6 Europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)Table 7 Germany: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (usd million)Table 8 Germany: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 9 Germany: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 10 Germany: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)Table 11 United Kingdom: peroxyacetic acid market, by types (usd million)Table 12 United Kingdom: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 13 United Kingdom: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 14 United Kingdom: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)Table 15 France: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (usd million)Table 16 France: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 17 France: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 18 France: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)Table 19 Spain: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (usd million)Table 20 Spain: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 21 Spain: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 22 Spain: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)Table 23 Italy: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (usd million)Table 24 Italy: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 25 Italy: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 26 Italy: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)Table 27 rest of europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (usd million)Table 28 rest of europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by type (kt)Table 29 rest of europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (usd million)Table 30 rest of europe: peroxyacetic acid market, by application (kt)List of figuresFigure 1 Europe market share for peroxyacetic acid, by country in 2015 (% share)ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Europe Peroxyacetic Acid Market Forecast to 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Large-scale LNG Terminals Market SWOT Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecasts To 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/largescale-lng-terminals-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=8668 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=8668 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com This research study analyzes the market for large-scale LNG terminals in terms of throughput (MMTPA). The large-scale LNG terminals market has been segmented on the basis of technology and geography. The regional segment has been further divided into 12 sub-segments that comprise seven countries which are major players in the global large-scale LNG terminals market. For the research, 2014 has been taken as the base year while all forecasts have been given for the 20152023 period. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional as well as country-specific level for the 20142023 period. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the large-scale LNG terminals business. The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the global large-scale LNG terminals market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive industry analysis of the global large-scale LNG terminals market with the help of Porters Five Forces model. This analysis helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the structure and profitability of the global large-scale LNG terminals market. The forces analyzed are the bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.This 113 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Large-scale LNG Terminals market Browse through 6 data tables and 38 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market.The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the large-scale LNG terminals business globally. There are currently numerous drivers for the large-scale LNG terminals market. One of the most prominent drivers is preference of LNG as an alternative fuel source by large long haul vehicle fleet owners. Apart from this, increasing consumption of LNG due to environmental benefits over other fuels is expected to increase the demand for large-scale LNG terminals in the near future. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the large-scale LNG terminals market on the basis of geography. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market in different regions.The large-scale LNG terminals market was further segmented on the basis of technology into liquefaction and regasification. Both the technology segments were further sub-divided on the basis of site into onshore and offshore. The large-scale LNG terminals market was analyzed across five geographies: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, and Middle East & Africa. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the large-scale LNG terminals market. Key market participants in the large-scale LNG terminals market include Linde AG, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Santos Limited, Chevron Corporation, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Statoil ASA, ConocoPhillips Company, Gasum Oy, Rosneft, and Nippon Gas Co. Ltd. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Large-scale LNG Terminals market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Large-scale LNG Terminals Market: By TechnologyLiquefactionOnshoreOffshoreRegasificationOnshoreOffshoreLarge-scale LNG Terminals Market: By RegionNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaAsia PacificIndonesiaRest of Asia PacificEuropeRussiaSpainRest of EuropeSouth AmericaPeruRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaQatarNigeriaRest of Middle East & AfricaRequest 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: China Managed DNS Services Market Outlook-Forecast to 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/3011 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/china-managed-dns-services-market-3011 Https://Www.Marketresearchfuture.Com MarketResearchFuture.com add new report of China Managed DNS Services Market Outlook-Forecast to 2027 it contains Company information, geographical data and Market AnalysisThe managed DNS services Market statistical report, published by Market Research Future contains succinct information on the managed DNS services market. The various factors driving the managed DNS services market are evolution of converged cloud infrastructure, low cost of cloud infrastructure deployment, and high investment by E-commerce industries.Get a sample report atThe growing mobile data services and growing data center requirement is propagating the data service market in the region, which is developing market for managed DNS in the China. The presence of industry players such as VeriSign Inc., Akamai technologies, Rackspace, and Neustar are making strong market for managed DNS services and networking in the region. Growing investment by players and increasing number of collaborations and expansion in countries such as India, Singapore, China and South Korea are thriving the market growth.China Managed DNS Services Market is expected to reach USD 16.19 Million by 2027 with a CAGR of 12.34%Browse complete report atTable of Contents1. Info graphics Information1.1 CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, 2015 VS 2027 (USD Million)2. Introduction3. CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, Market DataList of TablesTable 1 CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, 2015-2027 (USD Million) ..5List of FiguresFigure 1 CHINA Managed DNS Services Market, 2015-2027, (USD Million) ..6At 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 AnandMarket Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: Akash.Anand@Marketresearchfuture.ComWeb: APAC Electric Steering market Type Segment Outlook-Forecast to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/3013 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/apac-electric-steering-market-3013 Https://Www.Marketresearchfuture.Com MarketResearchFuture.com add new report of APAC Electric Steering market Type Segment Outlook-Forecast to 2022 it contains Company information, geographical data and Market AnalysisThe Asia-Pacific Electric Steering Market Regional Outlook (2015-2021) statistical report, published by Market Research Future contains succinct information on Asia-Pacific electric steering market, segmented by type (C-EPS, P-EPS, R-EPS, and others). Largest production of vehicles, increasing population, improving per capita income, and improving living standards are the major drivers of Asia-Pacific electric steering market. However the increasing demand from the market is the restraints that could hinder the growth of this market. The report provides information on Asia-Pacific electric steering market and forecast from 2015 to 2021.Get a sample report atC-EPS in Asia-Pacific electric steering market accounted for market size of USD 2,753.8 Million in 2015 with 8.11% CAGRTABLE OF CONTENTS1. Infographic Summary1.1 Asia-Pacific Electric Steering market size, by type, 2015-2021, (in USD Million)2. Introduction3. Global Market DataLIST OF TABLESAISA-PACIFIC: Electric Steering Market, by type, 2015-2021 (USD million) ..4LIST OF FIGURESAISA-PACIFIC: Electric Steering Market, by type, 2015-2021 (USD million)..4Browse complete report atAt 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 AnandMarket Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: Akash.Anand@Marketresearchfuture.ComWeb: Brazil Electric Steering market Type Segment Outlook-Forecast to 2021 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/3015 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/brazil-electric-steering-market-3015 Https://Www.Marketresearchfuture.Com MarketResearchFuture.com add new report of Brazil Electric Steering market Type Segment Outlook-Forecast to 2021 it contains Company information, geographical data and Market AnalysisThe Brazil Electric Steering Market Regional Outlook (2015-2021) statistical report, published by Market Research Future contains succinct information on Brazil electric steering market, segmented by type (C-EPS, P-EPS, R-EPS, and others). Government initiatives and increase in investment are the major drivers of Brazil electric steering market. However higher cost of servicing & replacement and fall in economic growth are the restraints that could hinder the growth of this market. The report provides information on Brazil electric steering market and forecast from 2015 to 2021.Get a sample report atC-EPS in Brazil electric steering market accounted for market size of USD 267.8 Million in 2015 with 4.21% CAGRTABLE OF CONTENTS1. Infographic Summary1.1 Brazil Electric Steering market size, by type, 2015-2021, (in USD Million)2. Introduction3. Global Market DataLIST OF TABLESBRAZIL: Electric Steering Market, by type, 2015-2021 (USD million) ..4LIST OF FIGURESBRAZIL: Electric Steering Market, by type, 2015-2021 (USD million) ..4Browse complete report atAt 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 AnandMarket Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: Akash.Anand@Marketresearchfuture.ComWeb: Steel Flat Rolled Products Systems - Global Industry Analysis 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/steel-flat-rolled-products-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23705 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://depthresearchreport.blogspot.in/ A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global Steel Flat Rolled Products Market. The study, titled Steel Flat Rolled Products Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025, is available for sale on the firms website.Steel flat rolled products are made of steel and these products have flat surfaces instead of grooved faces. These products include cold rolled coil, hot rolled coils, slab, coated steel products among others. With the help of melting, steel flat rolled products are manufactured and these products have their extensive applications in automotive, construction, packaging and heavy machinery industries. Zinc coating is applied with steel to prevent it from any kind of corrosion. Steel flat rolled product market witness growing demand in coming years.With the rising population base coupled with increasing disposable income, global steel flat rolled product market experience growing demand overtime. Emerging economies such as China, India and South Korea have witnessed significant economic growth rate and that high growth rate is translated into infrastructural development.Browse Market Research Report @With the growing base of infrastructure, demand for steel flat rolled products is likely to increase overtime. Industrialization based economic growth has been a growth strategy for many economies including advanced and emerging economies. Higher concentration of industries in these economies spur the demand for steel flat rolled products thus projecting higher growth trajectory for this market. Real estate industry is a booming sector in these economies and use of steel flat rolled products in residential and non-residential buildings accelerate the growth prospect of this market during the forecast period.Steel is an expensive material and this factor limits its uses. Hence, contractors switch their preference from steel flat rolled products to other type of products. Moreover, when steel is exposed to environment, this can lead to corrosion and that adversely impacts the life time of these steel products. These factors limit the use of steel in construction industry thus hindering the market prospect of this products in coming years.With the rising vehicular population, market for steel flat rolled products is expected to witness growing market share overtime. Coated steel have increasing application for making the structural parts of cars and these type of products primarily serves the purpose of corrosion resistance. Cold rolled coils have extensive application in car body parts and in these cases corrosion resistance is not primary objective; rather maintaining certain level of strength to weight ratio is the prerequisite. Hence, cold-rolled steel have their maximum application in seat belt components and auto transmission components. Hence, growing market share of automotive industry in advanced and emerging economies is triggering the growth prospect of steel flat rolled products market during the forecast period.Steel flat rolled products market is segmented on the basis of end users industry and the segments are construction, infrastructure and transport, consumer goods, packaging, automobile and defense. Construction segment held the largest market share in recent days. Steel flat rolled products are generally used in residential and commercial buildings as roofing, walling and ceiling materials. With the rising manufacturing of residential and non-residential buildings, market for steel flat rolled products is expected to follow steep growth rate during the forecast period.On the basis of geographic locations, global steel flat rolled products market is segmented into five regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. North America and Europe held considerable market share in steel flat rolled product market as these regions have higher concentration of industries including real estate sector. Key automobile manufactures belong to these regions thus increasing the use of steel products as auto parts. However, Asia Pacific is the fastest growing segment as this region consists of emerging economies such as China, India which have their increasing share on construction, renewable energy sources and automotive sectors.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Steel Flat Rolled Products market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Some of the key market players are POSCO, United States Steel, ArcelorMittal, JFE Steel, Shanghai Baosteel Group and 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.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)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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit : Wood Activated Carbon Market SWOT Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecasts To 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/wood-activated-carbon-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4011 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Wood activated carbon is manufactured by the steam activation process of wood products such as saw dust, wood chips, and wood flour. Activated carbon derived from wood has high porosity and defined internal structure. Furthermore, good mechanical strength and density are other important attributes of wood activated carbon. Thus, wood activated carbon is widely used as an adsorbent to treat polluted water and air.The report analyzes the wood activated carbon market on the global, regional, and in major countries. The study provides forecast from 2016 to 2024 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn).This 131 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Wood Activated Carbon market Browse through 11 data tables and 89 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market.The study offers a widespread view of the wood activated carbon market by dividing it into key application segments such as removal of impurities, gas adsorption, decolorization, and others. Application segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends of the market demand. The global wood activated carbon market is further segmented in terms of key geographical regions. The regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for wood activated carbon in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The report includes country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, China, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, as well as ASEAN and GCC regions are included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and their respective countries.The report encompasses detailed value chain analysis that provides an expansive view of the market. The analysis further provides detailed information about value addition at each stage of the value chain. The report covers major drivers and restraints of the global wood activated carbon market along with their influence on demand during the forecast period. Additionally, it includes the study of opportunities in the wood activated carbon market at the global level.The report comprises Porters Five Forces Model to estimate the degree of competition in the global wood activated carbon market. The report also comprises qualitative description on market attractiveness analysis in two sub-sections. The first sub-section consists of applications of wood activated carbon that are analyzed based on their attractiveness, growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors. The second sub-section provides market attractiveness by analyzing key countries of each geographical region. The report also includes price trend analysis of raw materials such as saw dust, wood flour, wood pellets, and other pretreatment chemicals required during the manufacture of wood activated carbon.Secondary research sources that have been typically referred to include, but are 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 assemble 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 the validation and reinforcement of our secondary research findings. Primary research further aided in improving the overall expertise and market understanding of the analysis team.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 Cabot Corporation, Calgon Carbon Corporation, Carbo Tech AC GmbH, Carbon Activated Corporation, CECA SA, Donau Chemie AG, Fujian Zhixing Activated Carbon Co, Ltd., Ingevity Corporation, Kuraray Chemical Corporation Ltd., Osaka Gas Chemicals Co. Ltd., Oxbow Activated Carbon LLC, and Zhejiang Xingda Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. Company profiles include fundamental pointers such as company overview, number of employees, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Wood Activated Carbon market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.This report segments the global wood activated carbon market as follows:Wood Activated Carbon Market - Application AnalysisGas adsorptionRemoval of impuritiesDecolorizationOthers (Including recovery of organic solvents, etc.)Wood Activated Carbon Market - Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.ItalySpainBelgiumRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanASEANRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & Africa (MEA)GCCSouth AfricaRest 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: Global Surgical Sutures Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 Segments By Type, Application, Regions http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1078454 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis-details/global-surgical-sutures-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022 Global Surgical Sutures Market: OverviewSurgical sutures or stitches are materials used to close a wound after a surgery or an injury. They are used to improve and speed the healing process. A suturing technique generally requires a needle in order to accomplish the process. Sutures have been and are the indispensable part of surgical procedures in almost all medical specialties. Surgical sutures are available in various sizes and configurations and are economical. Absorbable and non-absorbable are the two main types of sutures available in the market. The use of sutures depends on the bodys ability to absorb and degrade the suture material over time.Absorbable sutures were introduced into the market some 40 years ago and were earlier made of biological materials such as catgut. Today synthetic absorbable sutures available in the market are made of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polydioxanone and caprolactone. The report consists of an executive summary that provides information about the products, its segments along with a market snapshot and comparative analysis by geography, in terms of revenue %, for 2016.Request To Get The Sample Copy Of This report :Global Surgical Sutures Market: Scope and Research MethodologyA detailed overview of market dynamics, including the drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the surgical Sutures market, along with porters analysis, value chain analysis, of the global market, has been provided in this report. Market revenue analysis for all the above mentioned segments has been provided for the forecast period of 2017-2025, considering 2016 as the base year, and 2015 as the historical year, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR %), for the forecast period of 2017-2025. Market share estimations were based on in-depth analysis and study of products, and their features etc.This report provides in-depth analysis of the surgical sutures market. The stakeholders for this report include companies involved in the manufacturing of surgical sutures. Executive summary section is included snapshot on stakeholders in this report, which summarizes the market size, trends and competition in different regions. Market players and Market share analysis is analyzed to signify percentage share of the major players operating in the surgical sutures market. Furthermore, the report includes market attractiveness analysis by geography that depicts the most attractive and significant region in the global market in 2016.The research methodology is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research includes information collected via e-mails, and telephonic interviews of key opinion leaders (KOL), and forms the bulk of our research. Secondary research includes information collected from various sources, by study of company websites, annual reports, stock analysis presentations, press releases, and various national and international databases.View More Details :Global Surgical Sutures Market: Segmentation AnalysisBased on product type, the surgical sutures market has been segmented into absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures. Absorbable sutures segment is growing at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2017 to 2025 due to it several advantages and application. Based on application, the surgical sutures are segmented into general surgeries, gynecological surgeries, cardiovascular surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, and other surgeries. The gynecological surgeries segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR from 2017 to 2025. Based on end users, the market is segmented as hospitals, specialty clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers.Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The regions are further segmented into major countries which include, U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific, Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa.Global Surgical Sutures Market: Competitive InsightsThe report also comprises list of major players in the market, their SWOT analysis, market share of these players in the Surgical Sutures market, key business strategies, product portfolios, and recent developments. Key market players profiled in this report include, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Medtronic plc, Teleflex Incorporated, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew plc, Acelity L.P. Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., ConMed Corporation, and Integra LifeSciences Corporation.The global surgical sutures market has been segmented as follows:Global Surgical Sutures Market, by ProductAbsorbable SuturesNatural SuturesSynthetic SuturesNon-Absorbable SuturesNylon SuturesPoly Propelene SuturesStainless Steel SuturesGlobal Surgical Sutures Market, by ApplicationGeneral SurgeriesGynecological SurgeriesCardiovascular SurgeriesOrthopedic SurgeriesOther SurgeriesGlobal Surgical Sutures Market, by End-usersHospitalsSpecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgery CentersGlobal Surgical Sutures Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeU.K.GermanyFranceSpainItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanAustraliaRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaMarketResearchReports.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 Turkey Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2022 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/454896-future-of-the-turkey-defense-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-nowformat=1&report=454896 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/454896-future-of-the-turkey-defense-industry-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/454896-future-of-the-turkey-defense-industry-market HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 134 pages on title 'Future of the Turkey Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North America, Europe, APAC, Africa and important players such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Otokar ..................SummaryThe Future of Turkey 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.Request a sample report @SynopsisThis report offers detailed analysis of Turkey defense industry with market size forecasts covering the next five years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for the industry, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following -- Turkey defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of Turkey defense industry during 2018-2022, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the countrys expenditure and modernization patterns- Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country- Porters Five Force analysis of Turkey defense industry: analysis of the market characteristics by determining the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitution, intensity of rivalry, and barriers to entry- Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the countrys imports and exports over the last five years- Market opportunities: details of the top five defense investment opportunities over the next 10 years- Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of Turkey defense industry. It provides an overview of key players, together with insights such as key alliances, strategic initiatives, and a brief financial analysisBuy this report @Scope- Turkish defense expenditure stands at US$10.6 billion in 2017, and registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.49% during the historic period. The countrys strained relationship with Greece, persistent threats from the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), active participation in peacekeeping missions, and the reduction in foreign dependency for military equipment procurement drove defense expenditure during the historic period.. As a percentage of GDP, the countrys defense expenditure will average 1.3% over the forecast period compared to an average of 1.4% recorded during the historic period.- The capital expenditure allocation, which stood at an average of 26.1% during the historic period, is projected to slightly decrease to an average of 24.1% over the forecast period. This is primarily due to the procurement of advanced defense equipment and a focus on increasing the capabilities of the countrys indigenous defense industry. Various procurements that are expected to fuel the growth of capital spending over the forecast period include multi-role aircraft, missile defense systems, corvettes, and main battle tanks (MBTs). Consequently, the remaining budget will be allocated to revenue expenditure, which constitutes personnel salaries, development programs for military personnel, and training.- The MoD is expected to invest in fighters and Multi-role aircraft, Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and frigates.Reasons to buy- This report will give the user confidence to make the correct business decisions based on a detailed analysis of Turkey 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 Turkey defense industry covering sections including demand drivers, Porters Five Forces Analysis, Key Trends and Growth Stimulators, and latest industry contractsCompanies Mentioned in the ReportHowaldtswerke-Deutsche WerftLockheed MartinBAE SystemsOtokarRoketsanMakina ve Kimya Endustrisi KurumuAselsanTurkish Aerospace IndustriesHavelsanTusas Engine Industries (TEI)FNSS Defense Systems Company and Istanbul ShipyardMake an enquiry before buying this Report @Table of Contents1. Introduction 91.1. What is this Report About 91.2. Definitions 91.3. Summary Methodology 111.4. About Strategic Defence Intelligence 122. Executive Summary 133. Market Attractiveness and Emerging Opportunities 153.1. Current Market Conditions 163.1.1. Primary threat perception 163.1.2. Military doctrine and strategy 183.1.3. Military fleet size 203.1.4. Procurement Programs 243.1.4.1. Ongoing procurement programs 243.1.4.2. Future procurement programs 253.1.5. Social, political and economic environment and support for defense projects 263.1.6. Political and strategic alliances 273.2. Defense Market Size Historical and Forecast 283.2.1. Turkey defense expenditure expected to grow during the forecast period 283.2.2. Turkish defense expenditure to rise over the forecast period 303.2.3. Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP is expected to decline over the forecast period 323.3. Analysis of Defense Budget Allocation 343.3.1. Share of capital expenditure to increase over the forecast period 343.3.2. Capital expenditure to increase over the forecast period 363.3.3. Per capita defense expenditure to rise over the forecast period 383.4. Homeland Security Market Size and Forecast 393.4.1. Homeland security (HLS) expenditure expected to grow over the forecast period 393.4.2. Threats driving homeland security expenditure 413.4.3. Turkey faces a high level of terrorist threat 423.4.4. Turkey faces high level of threat from foreign terrorist organizations 433.4.5. Turkey has a terrorism index score of 6.7 453.5. Benchmarking with Key Global Markets 463.5.1. Turkish defense expenditure expected to remain low compared to leading spenders 463.5.2. The countrys defense budget is high compared to its regional countries 483.5.3. Turkey defense expenditure as a percentage of GDP is expected to decrease 493.6. Market Opportunities: Key Trends and Growth Stimulators 503.6.1. Multi-role aircraft 503.6.2. Main battle tanks (MBTs) 513.6.3. Naval vessels - frigates 524. Defense Procurement Market Dynamics 534.1. Import Market Dynamics 544.1.1. Defense imports expected to decrease over the forecast period 544.1.2. The US was the primary supplier of arms to Turkey 554.1.3. Aircraft were the major imported military hardware during 2012-2016 564.2. Export Market Dynamics 574.2.1. Turkey aims to increase defense exports over the forecast period 574.2.2. Turkmenistan emerged as the largest importer of Turkish defense equipment during the period 2012-2016 584.2.3. Naval vessels accounted for the majority of defense exports during 2012-2016 59View Detailed Table of Content @HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:CRAIG FRANCIS (PR & Marketing Manager)info@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218 Plywood Market by Countries, Type Application and Manufacturers UPM, SVEZA, Georgia-Pacific Forecast to 2022 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/219845-global-plywood-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/219845-global-plywood-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-nowformat=1&report=219845 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/219845-global-plywood-market-1 HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 124 pages on title 'Global Plywood Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022' with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes North America, Europe, APAC, Africa and important players such as UPM, SVEZA, Georgia-Pacific ..................SummaryPlywood is a sheet material manufactured from thin layers or ""plies"" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. Plywood has been one of the most recognized and trusted wood building products for decades. Manufactured from thin sheets of cross-laminated veneer and bonded under heat and pressure with strong adhesives, plywood panels have superior dimensional stability and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and are highly resistant to impacts, chemicals, and changes in environmental temperature and humidity.Request a sample report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Plywood 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 coversUPMSVEZAGeorgia-PacificSamkotimberWest FraserGreenply IndustriesBoise CascadeRimbunan HijauSamlingSyktyvkar plywood millPlum Creek Timber CompanySwanson GroupPotlatch CorporationRoseburgDemidovo plywood millColumbia Forest ProductsPenghongXingangDeHuaShengyangHappy GroupHunan FuxiangKing CoconutFenglingJinqiuLuliGuangzhou WeizhengGanliMarket 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, coversSoftwood plywoodHardwood plywoodTropical plywoodAircraft plywoodDecorative plywood (overlaid plywood)Flexible plywoodMarine plywoodOther typesMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoFurniture industryInterior decorationEngineering and constructionOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Plywood market.Chapter 1, to describe Plywood Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Plywood, with sales, revenue, and price of Plywood, 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 Plywood, 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, Plywood market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Plywood sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceGet Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Plywood Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Softwood plywood1.2.2 Hardwood plywood1.2.3 Tropical plywood1.2.4 Aircraft plywood1.2.5 Decorative plywood (overlaid plywood)1.2.6 Flexible plywood1.2.7 Marine plywood1.2.8 Other types1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Furniture industry1.3.2 Interior decoration1.3.3 Engineering and construction1.3.4 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 ForceBuy this report @2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 UPM2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 UPM Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 SVEZA2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 SVEZA Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Georgia-Pacific2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Georgia-Pacific Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Samkotimber2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Samkotimber Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 West Fraser2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 West Fraser Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Greenply Industries2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Greenply Industries Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Boise Cascade2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 Boise Cascade Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 Rimbunan Hijau2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Rimbunan Hijau Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Samling2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Samling Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Syktyvkar plywood mill2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Syktyvkar plywood mill Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 Plum Creek Timber Company2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Plum Creek Timber Company Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 Swanson Group2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 Swanson Group Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 Potlatch Corporation2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 Potlatch Corporation Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 Roseburg2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 Roseburg Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 Demidovo plywood mill2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 Demidovo plywood mill Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.16 Columbia Forest Products2.16.1 Business Overview2.16.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.16.2.1 Type 12.16.2.2 Type 22.16.3 Columbia Forest Products Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.17 Penghong2.17.1 Business Overview2.17.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.17.2.1 Type 12.17.2.2 Type 22.17.3 Penghong Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.18 Xingang2.18.1 Business Overview2.18.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.18.2.1 Type 12.18.2.2 Type 22.18.3 Xingang Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.19 DeHua2.19.1 Business Overview2.19.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.19.2.1 Type 12.19.2.2 Type 22.19.3 DeHua Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.20 Shengyang2.20.1 Business Overview2.20.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.20.2.1 Type 12.20.2.2 Type 22.20.3 Shengyang Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.21 Happy Group2.21.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.21.2.1 Type 12.21.2.2 Type 22.21.3 Happy Group Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.22 Hunan Fuxiang2.22.1 Business Overview2.22.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.22.2.1 Type 12.22.2.2 Type 22.22.3 Hunan Fuxiang Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.23 King Coconut2.23.1 Business Overview2.23.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.23.2.1 Type 12.23.2.2 Type 22.23.3 King Coconut Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.24 Fengling2.24.1 Business Overview2.24.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.24.2.1 Type 12.24.2.2 Type 22.24.3 Fengling Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.25 Jinqiu2.25.1 Business Overview2.25.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.25.2.1 Type 12.25.2.2 Type 22.25.3 Jinqiu Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.26 Luli2.26.1 Business Overview2.26.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.26.2.1 Type 12.26.2.2 Type 22.26.3 Luli Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.27 Guangzhou Weizheng2.27.1 Business Overview2.27.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.27.2.1 Type 12.27.2.2 Type 22.27.3 Guangzhou Weizheng Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.28 Ganli2.28.1 Business Overview2.28.2 Plywood Type and Applications2.28.2.1 Type 12.28.2.2 Type 22.28.3 Ganli Plywood Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact Us:CRAIG FRANCIS (PR & Marketing Manager)sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218 SaaS Based HRM Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, And Forecast 2017 - 2025 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1099667 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis-details/global-saas-based-hrm-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022 Europe SaaS HRM Market: OverviewThis report on the SaaS based HRM market provides analysis for the period 20152025, wherein 2016 is the base year and the period from 2017 to 2025 is the forecast period. Data for 2015 has been included as historical information. The report covers market dynamics including drivers, restraints opportunities, and trends expected to influence the Europe SaaS based HRM market growth during the said period. Trends that are playing a major role in the driving the Europe SaaS based HRM market have also been covered in the study. The study provides a comprehensive analysis on market growth throughout the forecast period from 2017 to 2025 in terms of revenue (value) estimates (in US$ Mn), across different countries.Software as a service (SaaS) based human resource management (HRM) alludes to the HR software carry out in cloud computing environment. SaaS based HRM solution enables to control and manage aspects of HR actions to maintain entirely employees details from the date of joining to the date of retirement. Moreover, SaaS based HRM solution incorporate HR activities such as directory management, application tracking, time & attendance management, electronic forms processing and others for instance payroll management and leave management. SaaS based HRM solution enables to develop the productivity of HR staff by providing self-service web interfaces.Request For Sample Copy :Europe SaaS HRM Market: Segmentation AnalysisThe Europe SaaS based HRM has been segmented on the basis of enterprise size, solution and industry. Based on enterprise size, the market has been further classified into small and medium enterprise and large enterprise. By solution, the market is further classified into Time and Attendance Management, HR and Payroll, Workforce Management, Integrated Solutions, Others (Scheduling, Hiring, etc.). By industry, the market is further classified into Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Healthcare, IT and Telecom, Manufacturing, Others (Government, Logistics, etc.).Geographically, the report classifies the Europe SaaS based market into Germany, France, The U.K., Italy, The Netherlands, Scandinavia, Poland, and Rest of Europe. Countries are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. Furthermore, the study also includes quantitative analysis of the competitive scenario for country wise.Europe SaaS HRM Market: Research MethodologiesThe report also includes key industry developments in the SaaS based HRM. Porter Five Force analysis is also included in the report. Ecosystem analysis which identifies the process of distribution between SaaS vendors and end users in the SaaS based HRM is also covered in the report. The report also covers segment wise, market attractiveness analysis and market share analysis, comparison matrix, market positioning of the companies for all countries covered in the scope of study. This report shows market attractiveness analysis for all the segments and for all the countries in the scope of study which identifies and compares segments market attractiveness on the basis of CAGR and market share index.View More Details :The report also includes competition landscape which include competition matrix, market share analysis of major players in the Europe SaaS based HRM based on their 2016 revenues. Competition matrix benchmarks leading players on the basis of their capabilities and potential to grow. Factors including market position, offerings are attributed to companys capabilities. Factors including top line growth, market share, segment growth, infrastructure facilities and future outlook are attributed to companys potential to grow. This section also identifies and includes various recent developments carried out by the leading players.Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:The key players of SaaS based HRM market have been profiled with a focus on competitive details such as company and financial overview, business strategies, and their recent developments. The company profile of major players that have been incorporated in this report include as The Sage Group plc, IBM Corporation, ADP, LLC, SAP (SuccessFactor, Inc.), Oracle (Taleo Corporation), Rexx systems GmbH, SD Worx, Perbit Software GmbH, Jobvite Inc., Persis GmbH,.The Europe SaaS based HRM is segmented as below:Europe SaaS based HRM, By Enterprise SizeSmall and Medium EnterpriseLarge EnterpriseEurope SaaS based HRM, By SolutionTime and Attendance ManagementHR and PayrollWorkforce ManagementIntegrated SolutionsOthers (Scheduling, Hiring, etc.)Europe SaaS based HRM, By IndustryBanking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)HealthcareIT and TelecomManufacturingOthers (Government, Logistics, etc.)Europe SaaS based HRM, By CountryGermanyFranceThe UKItalyThe NetherlandsScandinaviaPolandRest of EuropeMarketResearchReports.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 UV Transilluminators Market: Key Trends and Forecast Research Report 2024 UV Transilluminators Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/uv-transilluminators-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23447 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Ultraviolet transilluminators provide gleaming illumination of transparent materials which are placed on the area which needs to be filtered. Some of the key characteristics of the Ultraviolet transilluminators are providing sparkling back illumination on transparent material. The ultraviolet transiliminator is uniquely designed with focus in ultraviolet uniformity and intensity. Further, this ultraviolet transiliminator is designed to detect dyed double stranded nucleic acids. The ultraviolet transilluminators has high sensitivity and are capable of detecting double stranded nucleic acids which are labeled with fluorescent dyes such as acridine orange and ethidium bromide. Further, single stranded nucleic acids could also be detected with lesser excitation 302 nm ultraviolet wavelength which is more sensitive to nucleic acid visualization.Ultraviolet transilluminators finds application in molecular biology labs for studying RNA (or DNA) which are separated by electrophoresis with a help of an agarose gel. Immediately after the electrophoresis takes place, the agarose gel is stained with fluorescent dye which helps in binding the nucleic acid. This stained gel is then exposed to UVB light source which provides the DNA / dye fluoresces to become visible. Researchers take up these processes whenever there is a need for taking a sample.This techniques applied by researchers for purifying DNA segment, PCR products, quantifying DNA and verifying integrity after the extraction is completed. Thus the above mentioned applications are expected to drive the ultraviolet transilluminators over the next few years. A key factor which is restraining the ultraviolet transilluminators market is the high cost of the device and thus it is not feasible for small scale industry to implement this device. Further application of ultraviolet transilluminators in the microscopy is a key opportunity for the ultraviolet transilluminators market in the near future. Ultraviolet transilluminators are still not widely used in the microscopy sector. This untapped sector is a key opportunity for the ultraviolet transilluminators market over the near future.Obtain Report Details @The Ultraviolet transilluminators by application has been segmented into microscopy, medicine, dentistry and others. The medicine segment is further sub segmented into hydrocele, pneumothorax (collapsed lungs) and hydrocephalus. The medicine segment led the ultraviolet transilluminators market in 2016 and is expected to grow at a stable rate over the next few years.Geographically the ultraviolet transilluminators market could be broadly segmented into North America, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. North America led the ultraviolet transilluminators market globally and is expected to be the largest contributor in the market over the next few years. Growth in demand for latest digital ultraviolet transilluminators in North America as digital ultraviolet transilluminators are more safer and easier to operate, these are some of the factors driving the ultraviolet transilluminators market in North America. Europe is expected to follow North America in the ultraviolet transilluminators market over the next few years.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the UV Transilluminators Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Further, growth in demand for personalized medicine in North America is expected to drive the demand for ultraviolet transilluminators. High rate of investment in research and development for innovation and development of a wide range of technology, product and services is expected to drive the demand for ultraviolet transilluminators in this region. Further, the ultraviolet transilluminators market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. There is significant concentration of investment made especially from the government sector in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector. Further entry of new players in the region is expected to drive the ultraviolet transilluminators market over the next few years.Some of the key players operating in the ultraviolet transilluminators market include Bio Imaging Systems (NeveYamin, Israel), Cleaver Scientific Ltd. (United Kingdom), Maestrogen (Taiwan), FOTODYNE Incorporated (Hong Kong, Japan), VWR International LLC (Pennsylvania, U.S.), Spectronics Corporation (New York, U.S), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Massachusetts, U.S.) and UVP LLC (California, U.S.) among 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: NMR Magnets Marke: Brand Analysis and Forecast upto 2025 NMR Magnets Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/nmr-magnets-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23594 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is an analytical chemistry technique in which there are nuclei in a magnetic field and it re-emit electromagnetic radiation. The theory behind NMR comes from the spin of a nucleus that can generate magnetic field without any external magnetic field so that the nuclear spins are random in direction. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is theoretically a powerful complex analytical tool. It is used for research to determine the content and purity of the sample. There are varieties of NMR techniques that are available and are used to acquire the desired results. In addition, Nuclear magnetic resonance is used in advanced medical imaging technique like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). NMR is also used in vivo phosphorus NMR spectroscopy in which the chemical shift is used to provide an indication.On the basis of type Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) market has been segmented into resonance frequency and nuclei. By resonance frequency the market can be further segregated into sub-100 MHz, 300-400 MHz, 500 MHz, 600 MHz, 700-750MHz, 800-850 MHz and others. The global Nuclear Magnetic Resonance market can be categorized based on nuclei into 1H, 2H, 31P, 23 Na, 14N, 13C and 19F.Obtain Report Details @.The global market for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance market is expected to witness a progressive growth in the coming years. The increasing demand from the pharmaceutical sector is one of the key factors that is driving the growth of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) market. In addition, the rising number of application in institutions is expected to generate a promising opportunities for market players in the global Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in the forecast period. However, the problem is to set up the small scale reaction in NMR lab because experience shows that experiment condition cannot be mimicked. The need for skilled professionals to operate this highly sophisticated system and the high cost of instruments are the factors that hinder the growth of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) market. Moreover, significant capital investment is required to purchase new systems due to which many customers are focusing on upgrading their existing equipment. Nevertheless, the technological developments and innovations is expected to fuel the growth of this market.The global Nuclear Magnetic Resonance market is segmented on the basis of end user and geography. On the basis of end user, the global Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) market is segmented into oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical among others. The pharmaceutical segment leads the market and is expected to have a promising growth in the coming years. The development in NMR magnets is attributable to the growing demand for these across various industries including oil and gas and academics. In academics, the NMR magnets are used in organic chemistry lab extensively for structure elucidation. European agencies have proactively funded NMR technology development and invested in the build out of academic core research facilities.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the NMR Magnets Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@The global Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) magnets market is further categorized based on geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Europe held the largest market share in terms of revenue, followed by North America. Western Europe comprises the biggest market owing to its strong country specific funding. In Asia Pacific region Japan leads the market but China is growing at a greater rate than Japan owing to the high growth in this region that have improved the investment scenario and also the collaboration of key players with the complimentary companies.The key vendors in the global Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) magnets market are Bruker (The United States), Jeol (Japan), Thermo Fisher (The United States), Nanalysis (Canada), Shanghai Huantong (Shanghai), Oxford Instruments (United Kingdom) and Agilent Technologies (The United States) 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.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Crowd Analytics Market to reach $1,531 Million, Globally, by 2022 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2186 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2186 Crowd Analytics Market Report, According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Crowd Analytics Market by Solution, Deployment Model, Application, and End User: Global Opportunity and Forecast, 2014-2022, projects that the crowd analytics market was valued at $331 million in 2015, and is projected to reach at $1,531 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 24.9% from 2016 to 2022. Retail and other industries segments are expected to exhibit healthy growth rate during the forecast period, owing to high demand for customer engagement through behavioral modeling and predictive analysis.Get a PDF Brochure of this report:Crowd Analytics Market Segment Review:The global crowd analytics market is segmented based on solution, deployment model, application, industry vertical, and geography. On the basis of solution, it is bifurcated into software and services. Considering deployment model, it is divided into on-premise and cloud models. The applications areas of the industry are safety & security, crowd flow management, mobility & tracking, and others (campaign planning and customer engagement). Based on the end user, it is categorized into transportation, retail, hospitality & tourism, and others (government, marketing agency, and finance). The market is analyzed based on four regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.North America to dominate the Market:North America was the largest market in crowd analytics industry in 2015, owing to healthy economic growth, ongoing commercialization, and increase in ICT expenditures by the government on various projects including, home land security, tourism, and other people management programs. In addition, there is a growth in adoption of crowd analytics solutions in Europe due to upsurge in urban population and increase in footfalls of customers at retail malls. The trend of strong adoption of analytics software in North America and Europe have accelerated the growth of the crowd analytics market.Based on the geography, the market is segmented into four major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. North America was the highest revenue contributor in 2015, and accounted for around 37.5% share of the overall crowd analytics market. The Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 27.4% during the forecast period, owing to upsurge in need of public management and crowd control in large retail malls and airport gateways.The report features a competitive scenario of the crowd analytics industry and provides comprehensive analysis of key growth strategies adopted by major players. Key players profiled in the study are AGT International GmbH, Crowd Dynamics International, Crowd Vision Limited, Geodan Next, Mira, NEC Corporation, Nokia Corporation, Savannah Simulations AG, Spigit, Inc., and Walkbase. All these players are involved in competitive strategies including software innovation, business expansion, and partnership to augment the growth of the global crowd analytics market.Make an Inquiry for this report:Key Findings of the Crowd Analytics MarketThe cloud deployment model segment accounted for the highest share in the market in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 25.6%.North America generated the highest revenue in 2015, and valued at $124 million.Asia-Pacific dominated the market in terms of growth during the forecast period.The U.S. was leading in terms of crowd analytics market, in 2015. In addition, Canada, UK, Germany, China, Australia, and the other emerging markets are anticipated to provide significant opportunities for major players.About Us:Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Contact:Pune ( India )Office No.102D & E,2nd Floor,A-3 Building E space IT park ,Pune Nagar Road,Pune 411014.Tel: +91 20 66346060help@alliedmarketresearch.com Non-Volatile Memory Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast upto 2025 Non-Volatile Memory Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/non-volatile-memory-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23585 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Non-volatile memory or storage is a specific type of computer memory that can retrieve information even when the power is switched off. This is a secondary storage that has the capability to hold data even when the power is turned off. This kind of memory does not need to be periodically refreshed having the capability of long-term consistent storage. Certain examples of non-volatile memory includes computer storage devices such as hard disk drives, optical discs and flash memory among others.Non-volatile memory or NVM is often included in any normal design for aiding in fault identification along with rectification of fault signals through the history. This kind of memory also allows the computer to keep track of the time and other system settings resulting in growing demand for this market globally. The global non-volatile memory market has been segmented on the basis of type, application and geography. The global market for non-volatile memory on the basis of type has been segmented into mechanically addressed systems and electrically addressed systems among others. Different application areas that has been considered under the scope of this report includes consumer electronics, automotive & transportation, industrial, energy & power, agricultural, military & aerospace and healthcare among others.Global non-volatile memory market on the basis of geography has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.Obtain Report Details @It is the capability of this memory to retain information even when the power source is switched off that forms a major driver to push the growth of this market globally. Along with this, it is also the ease of storage that further drives the growth of this market. Non-volatile memory also allows computer hardware to be upgradeable allowing the developers scope of adjusting new technologies. This kind of memory allows the data to be stored permanently and is generally stored for read-only purpose that cant be changed or removed. Considering all these drivers there are a few restraints that poses challenges for the market growth and negatively impacts it as well. The high costs associated with application of non-volatile memory has negative effects on the market growth. In addition to this, it is also the relatively slow speed associated with non-volatile memory that also pose challenges in this market. With all these drivers and restraints taken into consideration there is also a huge scope of opportunities for this market in coming years. Non-volatile memory technologies such as phase-change RAM (PCRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM) and magnetic RAM (MRAM) enables memory chips that requires low-energy, have more density and latency being relatively closer to current DRAM chips that may provide various scope of opportunities in the coming years.Geographically, it is Asia Pacific that forms one of the major region contributing to the overall growth along with being one of the fastest growing regions globally. Japan, China, and South Korea among others are some of the key countries contributing to the overall growth of this market. Growing internet penetration along with rise in consumer electronics has been some of the major drivers that has pushed the demand for this market. North America followed by Europe has been some other major regions contributing to the overall growth of this market. Advancement along with growing demand for IoT or internet of things technology has been some major factors to positively drive the demand for this market in these regions.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Non-Volatile Memory Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Some of the key players operating in the global non-volatile memory market include Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (South Korea), Micron Technology Corporation (The U.S.), Adesto Technologies (The U.S.), Crossbar Inc. (The U.S.), Sandisk Corporation (The U.S.), Viking Technology (The U.S.), SK Hynix, Inc. (South Korea), Intel Corporation (The U.S.) and Fujitsu Ltd. (Japan) 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.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Polarization Rotator Market: Industry Analysis, Opportunity Assessment and Forecast upto 2025 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/polarization-rotator-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=22853 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com A polarization rotator is an ocular device that has the ability to rotate the polarization axis of a rectilinearly polarized light ray or beam into an angle of choice. These devices can be created on the basis of Faraday Effect, total internal reflection or on birefringence. Polarization rotators have found extensive uses in contemporary optics as laser beams are usually linearly polarized and rotating the polarization is necessary to meet the growing demand. Polarization rotators works on the principle of Optical activity, which occurs naturally to quartz crystal as well as other materials that show enantiomorphism properties. The phenomenon is triggered by crystal lattice structure of the material, which lacks mirror-like symmetry owing to the orientation of the helicoidal chains of SiO4. Based on chain rotation route, there is left and right quartz which rotates polarization counter-clockwise or clockwise correspondingly. Polarization rotators are usually c-cut so that the rotation of polarization take place independently of the components rotation around axis, thereby making the component alignment-insensitive. The solitary obligation that remains is that the incident beam should necessarily be perpendicular to rotators slit. The device can be used as a replacement for waveplate, to be used along with the narrow band lasers.Polarization rotators are widely used in variety of industries. With the advent of technology especially in the fields of astronomy, electronics, and communication and radar applications, the use of polarization rotators will increase at a substantial pace over the course of the market share. All radio transmitting and receiving antennas are intrinsically polarized, special use of which is mode in radar. Vertical polarization is most often used when it is desired to radiate a radio signal in all directions such as widely distributed mobile units. Increase in demand for communication devices as well as electronics products will augment the global polarization rotator market.Obtain Report Details @The market for polarization rotator can be segmented on the basis of type, orientation, application, and geography. By aperture size the market is divided into industrial grade polarization rotator, scientific grade polarization rotator, and custom polarization rotator. Scientific grade polarization rotator accounted for the maximum share of the market owing to their wide usage in various applications such as interferometry and metrology among others. By orientation the market is classified into 45o and 90o. Among these the 90o owing to its extensive usage in laptops, computers and cameras. When a 90o twisted cell is placed between crossed polarizers, the orientation can be utilized as a shutter as well. On the basis of application, the market can be segregated into astronomy, communication and radar, material science, navigation, and others. The communication and radar application segment held the maximum market share of the global polarization radar market. Satellite communication as well as AM and FM uses polarization for effective communication. Increase in demand for communication systems will drive the overall polarization rotator market in the coming years.In terms of geography, the polarization rotator market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Currently, the North America market accounted for the maximum share in the global market. The U.S. was responsible for a significant market share due to the presence of many prominent players operating in the industry. Moreover, technological as well as astronomical advancements in the region has propelled the overall market for polarization rotator market and is likely to drive the market during the forecast period.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Polarization Rotator Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@The key players in the global polarization rotator market are Arcoptix S.A (Switzerland), Meadowlark Optics, Inc. (U.S.), Newport Corporation (U.S.), and UAB ALTECHNA (Lithuania). Some of the other players operating in the market are LC-Tec Displays AB (Sweden), Oz Optics Ltd. (Canada), Keysight Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), and Valuetronics International, Inc. (U.S.).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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Know in Detail about the China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer Market analysis, forecasts, and Overview and market development https://goo.gl/E5EHDS https://goo.gl/CHkP5w https://goo.gl/XWtKtX https://www.researchnreports.com/machinery-equipment/China-Automatic-Blood-Grouping-Analyzer--Market-Research-Report-Forecast-2016-2021-54411 www.researchnreports.com China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer Market Research Report Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.The China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer market from the perspective of all its current trends that are influencing it is important to understand in order to obtain the most rounded solution for business strategies in it. These trends are geographical, socioeconomic, economic, consumer, political, cultural, and their overall effect on client or consumer preferences will have a major data in how this market will form itself in the following years to come. Dynamics and the way they impact the China market have been studied in absolute precise details in the report. The ultimate goal for the dissemination of this information is to create a detailed descriptive analysis of how these trends could potentially affect the future of the China market within the reports forecast period.Download sample pages of this report:This report on China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer market is a detailed research study that helps provides answers and pertinent questions with respect to the emerging trends and growth opportunities in this particular industry. It helps identify each of the prominent barriers to growth, apart from identifying the trends within various application segments of the China market for China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer. Collecting historical and recent data from various authentic resources, and depending on all the factors and trends, the report presents a figurative estimate of the future market condition, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR).For more inquiry before buy:This report studies the China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer market, analyzes and researches the development status and forecast in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America. Various key players are discussed in details and a well-informed idea of their popularity and strategies is mentioned.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 China Automatic Blood Grouping Analyzer 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.Ask For Discount:A competitive analysis of this China market has also been presented, wherein key market players have been thoroughly reviewed to determine the markets grading. The major players upgrading the China market for the growth of consumers is mentioned in this study. This research report gives a clear image of the China market to the customers so that it can help them understand this market.Complete Report Available at:About 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 China 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:Research N Reports10916, Gold Point, Dr,Houston, TX,Pin - 77064(Sales Manager),+1-888-631-6977sales@researchnreports.com TV White Space Spectrum Market by Product & Data Validation, Analysis and Forecast 2022 Reportsweb http://www.reportsweb.com/tv-white-space-spectrum-global-market-outlook-2016-2022 http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001565122/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW0001565122/buying According to Publisher, the Global TV White Space Spectrum Market is accounted for $1.12 million in 2015 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 75.3% to reach $57.11 million by 2022. Factors such as increasing regulations, development in TVWS technology and urban connectivity are driving the market growth. However, the non commercialised standards and regulations may hamper market growth. Delivering unused TV band frequencies will provide opportunity for the market growth.Rural Internet access segment is witnessed to be the largest share of the End User market during the forecast period. The portable white space devices segment is accounted for the highest growth due to availability of smartphones, tablets and laptops. North America commanded the market due to the widespread use of TVWS spectrum technology in varied infrastructures.For more information @Some of the key players in global TV White Space Spectrum market are Adaptrum, Inc., Alphabet Inc., (Google), Aviacomm Inc., ATDI S.A., KTS Wireless, Keybridge LLC, Meld Technology Inc, Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc., Metric Systems Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Shared Spectrum Company, Spectrum Bridge, Inc. and Telcordia Technologies, Inc. (Iconectiv).Software and Services Covered:- Software- ServiceDevices Covered:- Portable TV White Space Devices- Fixed TV White Space DevicesComponents Covered:- Antennas- Cables- Power Supplies- Backhaul and Services- RadiosEnd Users Covered:- Emergency and Public Safety- Smart Grid Networks- Urban Connectivity- Rural Internet Access (Rural Broadband)- Transportation and Logistics- Vehicle Broadband Access- IoT & M2MRanges Covered:- Medium Range- Long Range- Very Long RangeRequest Sample CopyRegions Covered:- North Americao USo Canadao Mexico- Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe- Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific- Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao Egypt12 Company Profiling12.1 Adaptrum, Inc.12.2 Alphabet Inc. (Google)12.3 Aviacomm Inc.12.4 ATDI S.A.12.5 KTS Wireless12.6 Keybridge LLC12.7 Meld Technology Inc.12.8 Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc.12.9 Metric Systems Corporation12.10 Microsoft Corporation12.11 Shared Spectrum Company12.12 Spectrum Bridge, Inc.12.13 Telcordia Technologies, Inc. (Iconectiv)Make an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 Custom Primer Generation Service Market Research Report: Analysis and Forecast up to 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/custom-primer-generation-service-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20570 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Primer is a small strand of DNA or RNA used in DNA synthesis as a preliminary point. The size of primers is generally not more than 30 nucleotides and these exactly match the end and beginning of the DNA section to be amplified. The primers adhere at the beginning and endpoint of DNA template, where DNA polymerase muddles and initiates the production of the new DNA strand.The temperature, at which half of DNA molecule types form a stable double helix and remaining half are detached to solitary strand molecule, is called melting temperature of primer, generally between about 55 C and 65 C. Melting temperature is required to increase the length of primer and the temperature is decreased to stop or limit the length. Primers that are too small would adhere at numerous places on a lengthy DNA template, and results in non-specific copies. The primer sequence should be unique in nature to avoid the possibility of mishybridization to a similar sequence nearby. The ideal primer should not adhere to other primer and to themselves strongly, as internal loop could hamper the annealing with the template DNA. Custom primers are widely used for sequencing libraries.The custom primer generation service market has been segmented based on type of service, application, and end-user. In terms of type of service, the market has been categorized into primer design service and primer synthesis or sequencing. The one-stop custom qPCR primer design service is designed to save money, time, and efforts by avoiding failure or complication in qPCR experiments. For a successful qPCR, a pair of good designed primers is one of the main requirements. The primer sequencing services segment comprises two types: tube sequencing and plate sequencing. Plate sequencing are of two types: short sequencing plates and ready to load plates.View Report-In terms of application, the custom primer generation service market has been segmented into research, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The research segment has been categorized into PCR, qPCR, DNA sequencing, gene synthesis, and other research applications. The therapeutics segment has been sub-segmented into DNA/antisense oligos, RNA, nucleic acid aptamers, and immunotherapy. Increasing applications of custom primers in library preparations, nucleic acid array-based technologies, genomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), nucleic acid-base detections, diagnostics, cell cultures, human identity testing, therapeutics, cloning, and synthetic biology and genetic engineering are likely to propel the custom prime generation service market.In terms of end-user, the custom primer generation service market has been segmented into academic research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and others. The diagnostics segment is expected to expand at a high CAGR owing to rising adoption of novel technologies and services in the segment. The academic research institutes segment is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period due to rising research activities globally.In terms of region, the custom primer generation service market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to account for the major share of the global custom primer generation service market owing to increasing awareness about the applications of synthetic genes in the region. Additionally, increasing funding from public and private sector organizations for research is anticipated to boost the custom primer generation service market. Asia Pacific is the most progressive region for the custom primer generation service market due to product availability and research and development funding in the region.Major factors boosting the growth of this market include rising demand for synthesized primer generation, increasing R&D expenses by pharmaceutical companies, and growing government participation in development of genomics.Major players in the custom primer generation service market are Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Eurofins Genomics, Bioautomation Corporation, General Electric Company, Integrated DNA Technologies, and Eurogentec S.A. Increasing competition among key players in the custom primer generation services market is likely to fuel the growth of the market during forecast period.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, 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)Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Custom Primer Generation Service Market during 2016- 2024About 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: Compressor Rental Market : Market Trends and Key Developments Compressor Rental Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/compressor-rental-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23672 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The compressor rental market is expected to develop steadily over the forecast period owing to the recovery of the mining equipment market. Rising demand for modified rental air solutions to meet the needs of the industry is likely to drive the market over the forecast period, along with the growing usage of customized air compressor rental systems in the medical, construction, and oil & gas end-user industries. Demand for compressor rental services in the chemical industry for transporting liquid under pressure has accelerated over the years.The rapid development of this industry in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa is anticipated to propel the compressor rental market over the forecast period. The untapped market of Latin America is also projected to exhibit potential due to the rising number of mining equipment manufacturers in the region. Introduction of new-age compressors involves the usage of differentiated speed technology with an energy-efficient operational nature. The variable speed drive technology is energy-efficient compared to fixed speed air compressors. Despite the decline in the investments in mining and the need for it in Europe and North America, the industry is estimated to regain its prominence to cater to the compressor rental market over the next few years.Stimulation of the mining equipment market will play a key role in driving the growth trajectories of the global compressor rental market. Compressed rental find its usage in the mining industry raise boring, scaling, tire filling, refuge station air, workshop service air and pneumatic conveying among other functions. Therefore growth in mining activities will fuel the demand for compressed rental and drive the market.Obtain Report Details @The market has been bifurcated by type into the reciprocating and rotary screw segments. The latter accounted for a major market share in 2016 and is predicted to regain its position over the forecast period. Rotary screws are widely used as a power tool in the construction industry as also used in the oil & gas sector specifically in oil rigs to extract crude oil. Based on end-user industry, the compressor rental market is segregated into the mining, manufacturing, chemicals, and oil & gas categories. The chemical industry constituted a dominant market share in 2016 and is expected to retain its position over the next few years. Compressor rentals are often employed in aeration tanks, pressurizing tanks, and culture vessels for molding plastics and spot cooling. Air compressors are mostly employed in the automatic control systems in the chemicals industry. The rapid growth of the chemical industry in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa is anticipated to drive the compressor rental market over the forecast period.Geographically, the market can be distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific held the dominant share in the compressor rental market in 2016 and is predicted to maintain its position during the forecast period. The rising infrastructure and industrialization in Asia Pacific offers multiple opportunities for the use of air compressors. Increasing demand for compressors in the construction industry is a crucial driver of the compressor rental market in this region, apart from the burgeoning construction industry in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. North America and Europe are mature markets for compressor rentals and predicted to expand at a decent pace over the next few years owing to the well-established end-user industries in these regions. Latin America is projected to advance rapidly due to the prevalent mining and construction industry, dominated by Brazil. Middle East & Africa is an emerging market projected to constitute a considerable market share in the near future.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Compressor Rental Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Key players operating in the compressor rental market include Caterpillar, Atlas Copco, Aggreko, Sunbelt Rentals, United Rentals, and Hertz Equipment. Others are AirParts Compressores, ACME Fab-Con, Cramco, Ramirent, and Ar Brasil Compressores Blueline Rental.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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: 2.5D IC Packaging Market: Comprehensive Analysis and Future Estimations 2025 2.5D IC Packaging Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/25d-ic-packaging-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=23648 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com In the manufacturing process of electronics, integrated circuit (IC) packaging is one of the major stages of semiconductor device fabrication in which the small blocks of semiconducting material is encapsulated in a supporting case that prevents physical corrosion and damage. The market is segmented into by application which includes LED, sensors and MEMS, logic, optoelectronics and imaging, memory, among others. The market, by region is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and South America.Lower cost, low power consumption, high speed signal processing and small form factors are some of the prime reasons behind the growing application of 2.5D packaging in smartphone and memory chips. Additionally, high thermal performance is another major feature which is fueling the market for 2.5D integrated circuit packaging globally. In order to increase the efficiency and to cut down the power consumption up to 50%, the usage of 2.5D IC packaging technique is increasing in different processing units which include central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU). Moreover, application of 2.5D IC packaging technique also reduces latency of different networking equipment.Obtain Report Details @Furthermore, it also helps in interconnection with low power consumption and higher bandwidth. Increasing proliferation of minimization of devices, heterogeneous integration and high I/O density are some the prime factors influencing the growth of 2.5D IC packaging market globally. It is cost effective technique and flexible to integrate in any semiconductor and networking devices. High end communication devices, RF wireless modules, LED packages, portable computers, power amplifiers, and other wearable gadgets among others are some of the key application areas of 2.5D IC packaging market. With the rising research and development activities of 2.5D packaging technologies has enabled different ways of producing advanced packages for the advanced devices. Increasing technological advancement in the field of semiconductor fabrication is one of the fueling factors for the market for 2.5D IC packaging. 2.5D IC packaging enable integration of multiple different chips into a system at lower cost. Furthermore, 2.5D IC packaging refers to stacking chips side by side horizontally on the silicon interposer. Design complexity, tool readiness, heat dissipation and potential yield loss may be considered as some of the restraining factor which may inhibit the growth of the 2.5D IC packaging market. However, increasing application of 2.5D IC packaging in high end research laboratory equipment, satellite communication devices and advanced medical devices are some of the opportunities for the market.In 2016, North America accounted for the largest market share in terms of revenue for the 2.5D IC (integrated circuit) packaging market, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The U.S. is leading the market for 2.5D IC packaging across North America. In Asia Pacific, China held the largest market share in terms of revenue across Asia Pacific, followed by Japan, South Korea. Germany, Italy, the U.K. and France among others are influencing the positive growth in the 2.5D IC packaging market. Brazil and Argentina are anticipated to contribute positive development over the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. In Middle East and Africa, there has been considerable advancement, miniaturization and development in the sector of electronics and other industries is stimulating the demand for 2.5D IC packaging market.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the 2.5D IC Packaging Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited (Taiwan), Palomar Technologies (The U.S.), Amkor Technology, Inc. (The U.S.), Texas Instruments Inc. (The U.S.), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (The U.S.), Micron Technology, Inc. (The U.S.), Maxim Integrated (The U.S.), Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (Taiwan), API Technologies Corporation (The U.S.), Tektronix, Inc. (The U.S.), Toshiba Corporation (Japan) and Intel Corporation (The U.S.) are some of the key players operating in the 2.5D IC packaging market globally. Merger and acquisition and long term and short business alliances with raw material suppliers and component distributers are some of the major strategies abide by the companies in the 2.5D IC (Integrated Circuit) packaging market globally.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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) Devices Market: Present Scenario and the Growth Prospects Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) Devices Market www.transparencymarketresearch.com/bulk-acoustic-wave-dev www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag www.transparencymarketresearch.com Over past few decades, there have been many investments aimed at the development and commercialization of bulk acoustic wave devices. These devices are being used extensively in the telecommunication industries, defense, consumer electronics, and military sectors. Bulk acoustic wave devices are basically used for applications that need high frequency filters. Owing to an increase in the replacement of the conventionally used surface acoustic wave principle with bulk acoustic wave, especially in mobile application, the global bulk acoustic wave devices market is flourishing. Several advantages are associated with bulk acoustic wave devices over surface acoustic wave devices and they are: Enhanced efficiency, ability to operate above 2.4 GHz, and more compactness. In addition to all these benefits, a drop in the price of these devices, on account of extensive R&D is also boosting their adoption.The report segments the global bulk acoustic wave devices market on the basis of device, end use industry, and geography. It studies the main factors having an impact on the market and this includes factors driving the growth and factors hampering the growth of the bulk acoustic wave devices market. In addition to this, key opportunities in the market as well as latest trends in the bulk acoustic wave devices industry have also been given, making this research report a valuable resource for making profitable business decisions regarding investment in this market.Obtain Report Details @...Some of the factors boosting the global bulk acoustic wave devices market are their increasing use in the automotive industry, in microwave devices, and in 4G technology for smart phones, Big automobile companies such as Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and Toyota are investing extensively in the research and development with the motto of developing products that integrate smart devices. Bulk acoustic wave devices are being used and will also be useful in the future so that devices inside vehicles can remain connected and users can get enhanced driving experience. Thus, the trend of connected vehicles will assure a growth for the global bulk acoustic wave devices market. Moreover, the integration of bulk acoustic wave devices with active integrated circuits is expected to create key growth opportunities in the market worldwide.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) Devices Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@...On the basis of geography, the global bulk acoustic wave device market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Of these, Asia Pacific followed by North America led in the bulk acoustic wave device market. The flourishing automotive and consumer electronics markets are behind the high growth of the market in Asia Pacific. On the other hand, it is the aerospace and defense sectors which are creating a heightened demand for bulk acoustic wave devices in North America and driving the market in the region. The leading factor boosting the growth of the market in Europe is the high demand for these devices in wireless sensing in harsh environments. Moreover, Europe is the base for some of the largest automotive companies, which is also behind the growth of the European bulk acoustic wave devices market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Spatial Light Modulator Market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast upto 2025 Spatial Light Modulator Market www.transparencymarketresearch.com/spatial-light-modulato www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag www.transparencymarketresearch.com A SLM (Spatial Light Modulator) is a reflective or transmissive device that is primarily used for spatially modulating the phase, polarization or amplitude of a light wave in two dimensions. The mechanism of modulation refers to an intermediate step between addressing a spatial light modulator with an input signal and altering the beam of incident light. The working principle of a spatial light modulator is majorly based on the uses of either microelectromechanical system (MEMS) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology. The utilization of liquid crystal (LC) materials in a spatial light modulator is dependent on their electrical and optical anisotropy. The spatial light modulator market is anticipated to witness a robust growth during the forecast period owing to rapid adoption of advanced technology such as utilization of projectors and hologram in education sectors across the globe.For the purpose of providing a comprehensive and precise analysis of the market, the spatial light modulator market has been segmented based on application, resolution, type and geography. Based on the type of input signals that is majorly used to control the optical property of a spatial light modulator, the market has been classified into optically addressed SLM and electrically addressed SLM. Again, on the basis of resolution, the spatial light modulator market has been bifurcated into less than or equal to 1024*768 pixel resolution and more than 1024*768 pixel resolution. On the other hand, spatial light modulator also finds its application in optical correlator, beam shaping, holographic data storage, projection system and optical crossbar switch among others. In addition, detailed market analysis regarding current market condition along with future trend of all the above mentioned application, resolution and type of spatial light modulator across different regions including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle-East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America is also provided in this report.Obtain Report Details @...Rapid technological advancements taking place in the field of information and communication technology in order to achieve higher bandwidth is the most important factor anticipated to trigger the market growth of spatial light modulator during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. Increasing demand for higher bandwidth and long distance data transmission is the primary factor anticipated to trigger the need of dynamic channel equalization with minimal loss of signal power in order to provide total wavelength flexibility at every network node. The rising adoption of holographic displays across different industries is also expected to drive the demand of the spatial light modulator in the near future.However, in spite of so many factors driving the market, lack of awareness coupled with complex usage is one of the most important restraining factor anticipated to restrain the market growth of spatial light modulator during the forecast period.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Spatial Light Modulator Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@...Based on resolution type, the spatial light modulator having less than or equal to 1024*768 pixel resolution held the largest market share in 2016. On the other hand, spatial light modulator having more than 1024*768 pixel resolution is anticipated to hold dominating market share by 2025. Launching of higher resolution pixel spatial light modulator by various major players is the most important factor behind this segments growth.Again, among the different applications in which spatial light modulator are used, beam shaping application is anticipated to drive the market of spatial light modulator throughout the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. Rapid utilization of beam shaping techniques across various industrial sectors is the most important factor behind this segments dominance.Geographically, Asia Pacific region generated the highest revenue in the spatial light modulator market across different regions in 2016 and is predicted to witness the most promising growth in the coming years. The market of Asia Pacific region is majorly driven by the Japan, South Korea and China owing to wide concentration of spatial light modulator manufacturers coupled with rising demand for various beam shaping and projection 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Terminal Automation Systems Market: Comprehensive Analysis and Future Estimations 2025 Terminal Automation Systems Market www.transparencymarketresearch.com/terminal-automation-sy www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag www.transparencymarketresearch.com Terminal automation systems are a combination of hardware and software, which are utilized for enhanced safety of various types of terminals. A terminal generally refers to storage facilities of products such as oil, gas, and chemicals among others. It can also refer to the distribution centers, from where the products are sent to the point of sales (POS) locations. Oil terminals are usually located near the refineries or in close proximity of docks, from where petroleum products can be discharged by the marine tankers. Similarly, terminals for chemicals and petrochemicals are also utilized for safe and efficient storage of chemicals, prior to transportation to its desired destinations. Additionally, terminals are also utilized for effective distribution of stored products, via different modes of transportations, such as roadways, railways and marine.Hence, the important roles played by terminals has rendered the need for effective monitoring and heightened security of these terminals. Terminal automation systems aids monitoring and safety of these terminals. In general, terminal automation system aids in coordination of operations, such as receipt, reconciliation, storage and distribution of products, prevention of fraud, raising alarms for untoward events and ensuring overall safety of the terminal among others. It consists of various sub systems and covers a wide variety of hardware and software solutions. Terminal automation systems require relatively less real-time process control and can offer superior transactional capabilities.Terminal automation systems market is primarily being driven by the higher level of safety and security provided by these systems. The oil & gas industry, coupled with the chemical industry, is slowly recovering from the recent downturn faced for the past few years.Obtain Report Details @...This has been boosting the demand for terminal automation systems offering higher safety, effective management and efficient distribution of these products, as the demand for petroleum products continue to grow at a fast pace globally. Additionally, the demand for terminal automation systems is being further boosted by the recent upgrading of Greenfield terminal infrastructure across the globe. Such upgrading has increased the application of various components of terminal automation systems. Furthermore, the growing regulatory stringency, pertaining to environmental concerns and public health hazards, has been further boosting the demand for terminal automation systems. However, factors such as extended timelines for regulatory approvals and relatively slow recovering process of the chemical industry have been restraining the growth of the terminal automation systems market. The recent growth in interest for shale gas and growing exploration of shale gas can offer unique growth opportunities for the terminal automation systems market globally.The terminal automation systems market, on the basis of architecture, has been segmented into hardware and software. On the basis of hardware, the market has been further segmented into sensors, networking components, programmable logic controller (PLC), access control systems, and others. Others segment includes flow meters, valves, actuators, weigh scale etc. Several vendors offer proprietary software solutions, such as PLC interface and real-time host interface among others, for these systems. Based on end-use industry, the market for terminal automation systems has been segmented into oil & gas, chemicals and others. Oil & gas was the largest segment in 2016, owing to the presence of large number of terminals and growing automation of such terminals globally. The global market for terminal automation systems, by region, has been segmented into five major regions. They are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South America and Middle-East & Africa (MEA).Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Terminal Automation Systems Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market@...The major companies of the terminal automation systems market globally are Schneider Electric SE (France), Emerson Electric, Co. (The U.S.), ABB, Ltd. (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Honeywell International, Inc. (The U.S.), TechnipFMC Plc (The U.K), Rockwell Automation Inc. (The U.S.), Larsen & Toubro, Ltd. (India), Implico GmbH (Germany) and General Electric, Co. (The U.S.) among various other companies.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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Malaysia Medical Tourism Market Research Report: Trends & Opportunities with Forecast 2024 Malaysia Medical Tourism Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/malaysia-medical-tourism-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=20159 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Malaysia Medical Tourism Market: OverviewIn terms of revenue, the Malaysia medical tourism market is expected to register a CAGR of 30.5% during the forecast period, 20162024. The primary objective of the report is to offer insights on the market dynamics that can influence growth of the Malaysia medical tourism market over the forecast period. Insights on key trends, drivers, restraints, value forecasts and opportunities for companies operating in the Malaysia medical tourism market are presented in the report.Malaysia Medical Tourism Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe Malaysia medical tourism market is expected to witness significant growth rate in terms of value owing to high quality treatment at low cost, strong health care infrastructure, low language barrier and increasing government initiatives for medical tourism contributes to growth of the Malaysia medical tourism market. Moreover, excellent recuperation facilities and transportation are creating high potential growth opportunities for players operating in the Malaysia medical tourism market. Revenue from the medical tourism market in Malaysia is expected to expand at the relatively higher CAGR due to rising number of medical travelers to Malaysia and introduction of advanced treatment facilities in Malaysia. To understand and assess opportunities in this market, the report offers market forecast on the basis of medical procedure types carried in Malaysia. The report provides analysis of the Malaysia medical tourism market in terms of market value (US$ Mn) and volume (In number of procedures).The Malaysia medical tourism market is segmented on the basis of procedure type:Cardio (Internal medicine)Cardiothoracic SurgeryOncologyFertility treatments (IVF)Orthopedic treatmentDental treatmentOphthalmologyAesthetics / Cosmetic SurgeryNeurologyRegenerative Therapy (Stem cells)Medical check ups (Health screening)OthersThe report begins with the market definition, followed by definitions of the different procedure types and subsequent sub segments. The market dynamics section includes TMRs analysis on key trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities and macro-economic factors influencing the growth of the Malaysia medical tourism market.This exhaustive report includes 24 data tables and 20 figures to give readers a 360 view of the Medical Tourism Market. Browse through this 105-page report to know what factors will shape the market during the period 2016-2024Malaysia Medical Tourism Market: Scope of the ReportNext, the report analyses the market on the basis of regions and presents forecast in terms of value for the next 10 years. In addition, we have considered Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth to understand the predictability of the market and identify growth opportunities for companies operating in the Malaysia medical tourism market. Another key feature of this report is the analysis of key segments in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. This is usually overlooked, while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical for assessing the level of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify potential resources from a sales and delivery perspective for services offered by medical tourism in Malaysia. To understand key segments in terms of their growth and performance in the Malaysia medical tourism market, Transparency market research has developed a market attractiveness index. The resulting index would help providers identify existing market opportunities.?Malaysia Medical Tourism Market: Competitive ScenarioIn the final section of the report, a competitive landscape has been included to provide a dashboard view of key companies operating in the Malaysia medical tourism market. This section is primarily designed to provide clients with an objective and detailed comparative assessment of key providers specific to a market segment in the Malaysia medical tourism market and the potential players. However, this section also includes market strategies and SWOT analysis of the main players operational in the Malaysia medical tourism market.Detailed profiles of players operating in Malaysia medical tourism market are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long- and short-term strategies. Key players included in this report are KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Pantai Holdings Berhad, Prince Court Medical Centre, Dentalpro Group, Sunway Medical Centre, IJN Health Institute, Island Hospital, LohGuanLye Specialists Centre, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Tropicana Medical Centre., among others.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Medical Tourism Market during 2016- 2024About 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: Melvin "Pete" Mark Jr., a prominent Portland real estate executive, collector and philanthropist, has died. He was 91. Mark was chairman of the Melvin Mark Cos., a commercial real estate firm that manages more than 3.1 million square feet of office space. He was a tireless booster of his adopted city, and helped revitalize downtown Portland in the 1980s and 1990s. Mark became managing partner of the company in 1965 when his father, Melvin Mark Sr., died. In 1971, the company developed its first major downtown property, the 11-story Crown Plaza building at the corner of the Southwest First Avenue and Clay Street. The 222,871-square-foot structure, now home to The Oregonian/OregonLive, is still owned by the Melvin Mark Cos. In subsequent years, the company built the KPTV headquarters in inner Southeast Portland and developed office parks in suburban Washington County. In 1999, Mark became chairman of the company, passing the torch to his son, Jim Mark. Last decade, the company redeveloped the old Greyhound Bus Station an eyesore in the center of downtown into a new Hilton Executive Tower and parking garage. In 2013, it bought the former Yamhill Marketplace building downtown for $4.5 million and launched a $10 million renovation, converting it to "creative" office space. Mark helped lead the effort that transformed an anonymous parking lot into Pioneer Courthouse Square. Mark "shaped our community with grace, good humor and a belief that Portland could be a world-class city, defined not just by a beautiful skyline but by its public spaces and wonderful people," said Dan Lavey, chair of the Pioneer Courthouse Square board of trustees. The company's Portland holdings also include a 10-story structure that had to be evacuated last month when cracks emerged in its facade. The Fifth Avenue Building houses eBay and Oregon Health & Science University offices, as well as a 24-Hour Fitness and Kindercare Day Care Center. Mark moved to Portland in 1951, the same year he married Mary Kridel. The couple raised three children and enjoyed 57 years of marriage before her death in 2008. He was a lifelong student of history. He was raised in New York City and Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and he attended the University of Virginia, established by Thomas Jefferson. His father collected first-edition books. "I was always surrounded by it," he told The Oregonian in 2013. For his birthday in 1962, his mother-in-law gave him a letter written by President Theodore Roosevelt. It cost $32, but sparked what turned into a decades-long quest for presidential treasures. "I pick colorful presidents," Mark said in the 2013 interview. "Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, JFK, Truman -- those who had exciting administrations." Many of his pieces have been displayed at the Oregon Historical Society, including as part of the current exhibit, "High Hopes: The Journey of John F. Kennedy." Mark was known for his sunny outlook. He once advised his son, Jim, to lighten up. "He told me, 'You're not smiling enough. You don't look like you're enjoying yourself.' "I got to work with my Dad and be a partner all these years, it was such a privilege. The guy was just never pessimistic." "Although not native Oregonians, Pete and Mary Mark fell in love with our state from the time they moved here," said friend Gerry Frank, a longtime columnist for The Oregonian/OregonLive. "They were both very generous with their time and resources in making our state a great place for residents and visitors, especially with the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon History Center." The Marks played an instrumental role in the art museum's turnaround after difficult financial times. Mark served on the art museum board for years and assisted the museum's purchase and renovation of the former Masonic Lodge located just north of the museum. The building is now named in the couple's honor. Bob Ames, a former bank president in Portland turned real estate investor, said he met Mark nearly 50 years ago, when he was a young manager at First National Bank. "I regard Pete Mark as being one of the true gentlemen of the Portland business world," he said. "He was one of the last great independent real estate investors truly committed to Portland." Survivors include his son, Jim Mark, of Portland; daughters, Linda Andrews of Portland and Cindy Murphy of Bend; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. -- Jeff Manning A man and woman who were spotted drinking at a hydroelectric station in Estacada fired a gun toward a nearby road, led county deputies on a 16-minute chase in a Car2Go rental Mercedes sedan and then crashed, authorities said Thursday. Francisco Ortiz Jr., 22, and Chelsea Carillo Grey, 19, were injured in the May 23 rollover crash along Oregon 224 and were taken to a hospital, but expected to recover, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Neither was arrested and the county district attorney's office is planning to present the case to a grand jury to consider charges, the sheriff's office said. As of noon Thursday, no charges related to the case had been filed, records show. A PGE employee called 911 around 10:50 p.m. May 23 and reported seeing two people drinking beer outside the Portland General Electric station along Southeast Faraday Road, looking inside a building and shooting toward Oregon 224, the sheriff's office said. They left in the Mercedes as deputies arrived, authorities said. At one point during the chase, someone inside the Mercedes threw what was later determined to be pieces of a pistol out the window, the sheriff's office said. A police dog later found it in grass along 224. The chase continued until the Mercedes veered off the road and flipped onto its top. No one else was injured. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey The Oregonian/OregonLive's coverage of the 41-day standoff in Burns won the grand prize for news reporting in the Associated Press Media Editors Awards 2017 national competition. The 2016 coverage of the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon took top honors for the midsize newspaper category. The won for its coverage of the deaths of five policemen in the large newspaper category. The of Minnesota won for small newspapers for its coverage of a mall stabbing involving a Somali teen. APME judges named The Oregonian/OregonLive's coverage winner of the grand prize winner for all size categories. "Toxic Armories," the groundbreaking series about lead tainted National Guard armories across the nation won honorable mention for The Oregonian/OregonLive in the public service category. The project was reported by investigative reporter Rob Davis. "Burned," a project that examined how missteps contributed to the devastating spread of an Oregon wildfire, took honorable mention in the storytelling category. The stories were written by staff writers Laura Gunderson and Ted Sickinger. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive By Joe Nocera The laptop ban is coming. Can anyone doubt it? The latest signal came on "Fox News Sunday," when Chris Wallace interviewed President Donald Trump's secretary of homeland security, John Kelly. "Are you going to ban laptops in the cabins on all international flights into and out of the U.S.?" Wallace asked. "I might," Kelly replied, flashing the small, satisfied smile of a man who enjoys his power. "There are numerous threats against aviation," because terrorists are obsessed with blowing up airplanes filled with "U.S. folks." Asked for a timetable, Kelly just said: "We are going to raise the bar, generally speaking, for aviation security. It'll be much higher than it is now." Already, the Trump administration has imposed a laptop ban on flights arriving from 10 airports in eight Middle Eastern countries. Not only must laptops be put in checked baggage on those flights, so must any computing device larger than a cell phone. Next, Washington is expected to broaden the ban to include flights arriving from Europe. And, as Kelly implied in his interview with Wallace, eventually the laptop ban is likely to be imposed on outgoing flights as well. Although the Department of Homeland Security refuses to specify why the ban is necessary - it's classified intel, you know - intelligence sources have told The New York Times and others that Islamic State jihadists now have explosives that can be hidden inside laptop batteries, and that can't be detected by the X-ray machines deployed by the Transportation Security Administration at passenger security checkpoints. Apparently, the government's view - though, again, no one is saying - is that it's more difficult for terrorists to set off a laptop bomb in the cargo hold than one in the cabin, where they can manually detonate it. Plus, the theory goes, a laptop bomb in the cargo hold would need to be rigged with a timer, which could be more easily be detected by scanners. Even putting aside the most obvious flaw in this logic - that checked bags are scanned randomly rather than comprehensively - the proposed laptop ban has so many problems, and raises so many questions, that it is hard to know where to start. Why does Homeland Security assume that laptop bombs will be smuggled only onto international flights, not domestic ones? Why can't it just insist that people go through airport security with their laptops turned on, so agents can see they are computers, not bombs? If people don't have possession of their laptops, won't laptop theft from checked bags become a problem? Will travelers who are part of the $17-a-year TSA pre-check program be exempt - and if so, won't that exacerbate the unseemly divide between haves and have-nots on flights? Will business travelers revolt? Passengers "won't accept the delays and confusion this rule will cause as it's rolled out," the security expert Bruce Schneier noted recently. "Unhappy passengers fly less." Joe Brancatelli, who runs Joe Sent Me, a website for business travelers, says that the disruption to global business will cost the airlines billions. But there is one question that looms above all the others, or at least it should. Will a laptop ban actually increase the odds of an airplane full of passengers exploding - not because of terrorism but because of the lithium-ion batteries that power modern computers? Although this can't be said with 100 percent certainly, the answer appears to be: yes. Lithium-ion batteries are not benign devices; that's well known among computer engineers and aviation experts. The liquid inside the batteries is flammable, and a short circuit can cause a fire. On rare occasion, the short circuit is the result of faulty design, as with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 that was ultimately banned from flights and recalled by the company. But sometimes it happens because a device is jostled or overheats. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 160 "incidents" involving lithium-ion batteries in cargo holds since 1991. In 2010 and again in 2011, cargo planes carrying pallets of the batteries caught fire and crashed, killing the crew members aboard. And in January, 2016, the F.A.A. issued a warning about transporting batteries in the cargo hold, noting that "a lithium battery fire could lead to a catastrophic explosion." When a battery in the passenger cabin spews smoke or bursts into flame - it happened Tuesday on a JetBlue flight and it's happened some 19 other times over the last five years, according to Christine Negroni, Forbes's aviation blogger - it is quickly noticed and extinguished. But a fire in the cargo hold won't be noticed, and experts say that the heat from such a fire quickly grows too high to be extinguished by the fire containment equipment in the hold. That's why the United States Postal Service stopped shipping products with lithium batteries overseas. It is why Federal Express classifies lithium-ion batteries as "dangerous goods" and imposed strict rules about how they must be packaged. It is why the Air Line Pilots Association has called for "comprehensive regulation governing cargo shipments of lithium batteries." When I made some inquiries about why the F.A.A. wasn't raising holy hell about Kelly's laptop ban, giving its warnings about the dangers of the batteries, I was told that transporting lithium batteries in bulk creates a different scenario than shipping laptops and iPads in checked luggage. But the agency is also going to be conducting tests to gauge the potential danger a laptop ban might pose. Those tests are now in the planning stages. Given the pace at which the government moves - as well as the need to get this right - the work is unlikely to be done soon. But consider: On a flight with, say, 200 passengers, there could be as many as 400 lithium-ion batteries in the cargo hold. Yes, they're not packed together. But if one burst into flames in a suitcase, it is not hard to envision the flame spreading, and one battery after another exploding. And what if another manufacturer comes out with a faulty product, as Samsung did, after the ban is in place? It would dramatically raise the odds of a disaster. When I asked Schneier whether he thought as I do that the odds of a crash caused by a battery fire in the cargo hold was higher than a terrorist attack using a laptop bomb, he replied that there was "simply no way to make the numerical comparison." But, he added, "My intuition matches yours." In his blog, Schneier calls the laptop ban "security theater," which he describes as "security measures that make people feel more secure without doing anything to actually improve their security." At the very least, you would think that Kelly and Homeland Security would stop to consult other branches of government about the danger they will create by insisting on putting devices with lithium ion batteries in the cargo hold. After all, it doesn't really matter if you're killed by a terrorist or by a battery explosion resulting from a government mandate. You're dead either way. (c) 2017, Bloomberg View Joe Nocera is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is the former editorial director of Fortune. By David Ignatius MOSCOW -- When Russian officials and analysts here talk about the U.S. investigation of their alleged hacking of the 2016 campaign, two themes predominate: They're flattered that their country is seen as such a powerful threat, and also amazed that America is so preoccupied with the scandal. This is the official line, to be sure, but it was also expressed by several critics of the regime I interviewed this week. People can't quite believe the sudden reversal of fortunes: Russia is back as a global force, after decades of humiliation. And America, so long the dominant superpower, is now divided, disoriented and, to Russian eyes, in retreat. For the Kremlin version, here's how Sergei Karaganov, the head of Russia's Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, describes his reaction to the investigation: "It's a mixture of disgust and sympathy. Disgust because 99 percent of that is lies or a concoction, maybe 100 percent. As for sympathy, it's a desperate picture when a great democracy is killing itself, committing collective suicide." There's an undisguised tone of schadenfreude here, even as officials talk about American overreaction. "I would have been proud and happy if the authorities of my country would have used some hackers to penetrate [your system], and showed that you're living in a crystal palace and should not interfere in the affairs of others," says Karaganov, who's an informal Kremlin adviser in addition to running the think tank. Russian President Vladimir Putin wins either way, argues Andrei Kolesnikov, an independent analyst who's a senior associate with the Carnegie Moscow Center. "If we did meddle in your elections, we show our might. If we didn't, we're pure." A similar assessment of the win-win dynamic for Putin comes from Andrei Soldatov, one of Moscow's best investigative reporters and the author of many exposes about Russian intelligence. "What did Russia get [from the hacking] in terms of foreign policy? Almost nothing, except that Russia looks powerful," he tells me. "That's why Putin is so popular. He gives people an identity: Once again, we're a superpower." What surprises Russians is how quickly the American-led order has been coming apart since the election of Donald Trump. Russian officials loathed Hillary Clinton and favored Trump. But it's unlikely that, even in the darkest corridors of the Kremlin, Putin's advisers imagined that Trump would be so disruptive, or the reaction to him so volatile. Russians have grown up being intimidated by America; they didn't imagine it was so fragile. "We think Washington has gone crazy," says Andranik Migranyan, a former Russian government official who has taught politics in the U.S. "The American story was always one of self-sufficiency. Now, we see a sense of vulnerability." He sees Trump's election as a "paradigm shift" for an America that was much more polarized and overstretched than the elites realized. Now, in his view, it's payback time. You might expect that Russians would feel embarrassed by the charge that they tried to subvert U.S. and European campaigns, but it's the opposite. Migranyan explains: "You are assuring us that Putin is all-powerful, that he can do anything he wants -- fix elections, change Europe, do anything." The official media here are sardonic about each day's revelations in the U.S. media and Congress. When Sen. John McCain said this week that Russia was more dangerous than the Islamic State, a Russian news site responded: "Somebody give this gentleman a sedative." When a story broke that day about White House adviser Jared Kushner's problems, the same site headlined: "Once again, those Russians!" Basically, they think it's funny. Trump is a familiar sort of political figure to Russians -- big, affable, boorish, a bit like Boris Yeltsin. "I wouldn't love him to run in Russia," Karaganov says of Trump, "but if your system couldn't provide better, why not?" He describes Trump as "unbelievably brave" in challenging U.S. political orthodoxy, including his calls for better relations with Russia. Trump's chief virtue for the Kremlin is that he turned back Clinton, who embodied the aggressive, pro-democracy, interventionist policies that Russia viewed as a mortal threat. "We saw them as absolutely 100 percent dangerous," Karaganov says. "My advice to the government if she wins was: Put your nuclear forces on alert, so they would know." Putin is hosting a celebration of Russia's new power this week, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a Davos-like gathering. It's not a victory parade, but it might as well be. For Putin and his allies, America's vaunted "liberal international order" is dissolving. "That order we did not like, and we are doing away with it," boasts Karaganov. David Ignatius' email address is davidignatiuswashpost.com. (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group I am a liberal Portlander and am, as are so many of us, dismayed and frightened by the seemingly growing forces of exclusionism and bigotry. That said, censorship is not the answer. Many in Birmingham were, no doubt, dismayed and frightened by the growing forces of the civil rights movement. Many in North Carolina are, no doubt, dismayed and frightened by the growing forces of gay rights and transgender. Who are we to determine that welcoming diversity applies only to some? Who are we to determine that free speech applies only to some? I appreciate that public safety is a serious concern, but would you pay a constitutional price for it? I would not. I urge you to find a less Faustian strategy for guarding public safety. Lowrey R. Brown, Northwest Portland WASHINGTON -- So what if, in his speech last week to NATO, Donald Trump didn't explicitly reaffirm the provision that an attack on one is an attack on all? What's the big deal? Didn't he affirm a general commitment to NATO during his visit? Hadn't he earlier sent his vice president and secretaries of state and defense to pledge allegiance to Article 5? And anyway, who believes that the United States would really go to war with Russia -- and risk nuclear annihilation -- over Estonia? Ah, but that's precisely the point. It is because deterrence is so delicate, so problematic, so literally unbelievable that it is not to be trifled with. And why for an American president to gratuitously undermine what little credibility deterrence already has, by ostentatiously refusing to recommit to Article 5, is so shocking. Deterrence is inherently a barely believable bluff. Even at the height of the Cold War, when highly resolute presidents, such as Eisenhower and Kennedy, threatened Russia with "massive retaliation" (i.e., all-out nuclear war), would we really have sacrificed New York for Berlin? No one knew for sure. Not Eisenhower, not Kennedy, not the Soviets, not anyone. Yet that very uncertainty was enough to stay the hand of any aggressor and keep the peace of the world for 70 years. Deterrence does not depend on 100 percent certainty that the other guy will go to war if you cross a red line. Given the stakes, merely a chance of that happening can be enough. For 70 years, it (BEG ITAL)was(END ITAL) enough. Leaders therefore do everything they can to bolster it. Install tripwires, for example. During the Cold War, we stationed troops in Germany to face the massive tank armies of Soviet Russia. Today we have 28,000 troops in South Korea, 12,000 near the demilitarized zone. Why? Not to repel invasion. They couldn't. They're not strong enough. To put it very coldly, they're there to die. They're a deliberate message to the enemy that if you invade our ally, you will have to kill a lot of Americans first. Which will galvanize us into full-scale war against you. Tripwires are risky, dangerous and cynical. Yet we resort to them because parchment promises are problematic and tripwires imply automaticity. We do what we can to strengthen deterrence. Rhetorically as well. Which is why presidents from Truman on have regularly and powerfully reaffirmed our deterrent pledge to NATO. Until Trump. His omission was all the more damaging because of his personal history. This is a man chronically disdainful of NATO. He campaigned on its obsolescence. His inaugural address denounced American allies as cunning parasites living off American wealth and generosity. One of Trump's top outside advisers, Newt Gingrich, says that "Estonia is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg," as if Russian designs on the Baltic states are not at all unreasonable. Moreover, Trump devoted much of that very same speech, the highlight of his first presidential trip to NATO, to berating the allies for not paying their fair share. Nothing particularly wrong with that, or new -- half a century ago Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield was so offended by NATO free riding that he called for major reductions of U.S. troops in Europe. That's an American perennial. But if you're going to berate, at least reassure as well. Especially given rising Russian threats and aggression. Especially given that Trump's speech was teed up precisely for such reassurance. An administration official had spread the word that he would use the speech to endorse Article 5. And it was delivered at a ceremony honoring the first and only invocation of Article 5 -- ironically enough, by the allies in support of America after 9/11. And yet Trump deliberately, defiantly refused to simply say it: (BEG ITAL)America will always honor its commitment under Article 5(END ITAL). It's not that, had Trump said the magic words, everyone would have 100 percent confidence we would strike back if Russia were to infiltrate little green men into Estonia, as it did in Crimea. But Trump's refusal to utter those words does lower whatever probability Vladimir Putin might attach to America responding with any seriousness to Russian aggression against a NATO ally. Angela Merkel said Sunday (without mentioning his name) that after Trump's visit it is clear that Europe can no longer rely on others. It's not that yesterday Europe could fully rely -- and today it cannot rely at all. It's simply that the American deterrent has been weakened. And deterrence weakened is an invitation to instability, miscalculation, provocation and worse. And for what? Charles Krauthammer's email address is letterscharleskrauthammer.com. (c) 2017, The Washington Post Writers Group A 76-year-old Woodburn woman was killed Wednesday evening when she crashed her car into an Amtrak train in Marion County, sheriff's deputies said. Natalia Molodih collided with the train when she drove over the tracks in her Chevrolet truck at about 7 p.m., Marion County sheriff's spokesman Lt. Chris Baldridge said. Molodih was apparently crossing the tracks where they intersect with a private driveway near Oregon 99E and Blackberry Lane Northeast. The intersection is controlled by a stop sign. Deputies do not know why she drove onto the train tracks but believe the crash isn't "anything more than a tragic accident," Baldridge said. The train was headed from Seattle to Eugene and had 48 passengers. One train passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The Oregonian/OregonLive SALEM -- Lawmakers on Wednesday unveiled a multi-billion-dollar package to pay for traffic-busting projects, earthquake retrofitting, public transit expansions and more through tax and fee increases. The 10-year plan comes as legislators are trying for the second time in two years to pass a money-raising package to improve Oregon's crumbling infrastructure. But negotiations are already in jeopardy of failing over the same political rift that killed talks last time around: the state's clean fuels law. Officials have warned for years that roads and bridges will continue to deteriorate and cause traffic jams -- and leave Oregon vulnerable to a devastating earthquake -- without new funds. Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield, in the Senate chamber. Political leaders agree. Gov. Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, and House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, have said achieving a transportation deal is among their top priorities for the 2017 lawmaking session. Wednesday's 298-page bill is the culmination of months of public hearings, private meetings and bill drafting by 14 select lawmakers and their staffs. "It feels good to have something out there for people to shoot at," said Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Eugene, who is co-chairman of the special transportation committee. The package lists tax and fee increases, including: >> Statewide gas tax increase from 30 cents to 44 cents >> Vehicle registration fee increases, with higher fees for fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicles >> A 0.1 percent employer payroll tax to pay for public transit projects >> A 3 percent tax on new bicycle sales >> A 0.75 percent tax on new and used vehicle sales >> A 9-cent gas tax and $15 vehicle registration fee in the Portland metro area The state would also be instructed to seek federal permission to install tolls on Interstate 205 and Interstate 5 at the Washington border. The plan also lists specific projects, including: >> $338 million for adding lanes to I-5 through the Rose Quarter >> $152 million for I-205 Abernethy Bridge improvements >> $188 million for widening I-205 >> $98 million for adding lanes to Oregon Route 217 >> Dozens of smaller projects statewide In response to this year's devastating winter weather, the bill also calls for Portland, Salem and Eugene to salt and plow key roads after more than 2 inches of snowfall. In coming days, the transportation plan will be discussed at a series of public hearings and undergo revisions based on input from legislators and lobbyists. Even with time to refine the proposal, its passage is not certain. Democrats hold majorities in the House and Senate, but don't have the supermajorities needed to raise taxes without Republicans. That means every tax-raising plan will need bipartisan support. A dividing line has persisted between some Democrats and Republicans over Oregon's low-carbon fuel standard, or "clean fuels" law, which has been wedged into transportation negotiations since the last try at a package, in 2015. Disagreement over the law played a part in failed negotiations at the time. Republican leaders wanted to repeal the clean fuels law then, saying it makes gas more expensive. But now they want only to modify the law, which is designed to make oil distributors lower the carbon content of fuels sold in Oregon. They want to make fuel pump receipts show the cost-per-gallon of the law, and find another way to cap its costs. Senators involved with crafting the transportation plan say members of both parties in the Senate support modifying the clean fuels law to pass a transportation plan in that chamber. But not so among House Democrats, they and lobbyists say. In an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive last week, Kotek said changing the clean fuels law could cause some House Democrats to oppose the transportation plan. "It would be a shame to make that part of the transportation discussion again," Kotek said. In 2015, nearly 20 House Democrats threatened to tank the transportation plan over the law. It's unclear if Democrats' position has changed now that Republicans have eased their calls for repeal of the clean fuels provision in favor of modifying it. Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, in the Senate chamber. Sen. Brian Boquist, a Dallas Republican involved with crafting this year's transportation plan, said the rift over clean fuels has weighed "heavily" on transportation talks. Boquist said he and Beyer will try to meet with House Democratic leadership to iron out their differences. Beyer said he's more optimistic about the chances of passing a transportation plan this year than in 2015. For his part, Boquist has been blunt about how negotiations have progressed, saying last week that they were chaotic. Even if lawmakers pass a transportation plan, voters may still be able to throw out parts increasing taxes and fees if they are referred to the ballot. -- Gordon R. Friedman 503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman The week ahead, David Douglas High School Principal John Bier knew, would not be easy. The teenage girls threatened on the MAX train last week both attend David Douglas High School. They and their classmates would struggle in the aftermath. The girls, one who was wearing a hijab, were riding the train east toward Hollywood Transit Center last Friday when a known extremist began yelling racial slurs at them. Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, was later arrested and is accused of killing two men and seriously injuring another after the three intervened. "This hits home with so many of our communities," Bier told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Wednesday. "It's been a difficult few days. It struck our staff and our student body pretty hard. An event like this can really trigger something." The East Portland high school is one of the poorest and most diverse in Oregon. The school's 3,000 students speak roughly 50 different languages at home. It's the kind of school where young Muslims gather daily in the library to pray. Many came to Portland from refugee camps and war-torn countries. Others have experienced trauma, Bier said. The 16- and 17-year-old girls need time and community support to heal, David Douglas Superintendent Ken Richardson said in a letter to the school community. But the trauma, Richardson said, is not theirs alone. "This incident, as well as a rising tide of divisive rhetoric about immigration, race and religion, has sent ripples of fear and anxiety through our community," Richardson wrote in the letter sent to parents in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Somali. In a video posted this weekend, one of the girls thanked those who supported her. "The best thing you guys can help us out with," Destinee Mangum said, "is just giving me and my family time to process everything and for me to cope with what happened and to actually heal from this and get over this somehow." Bier said he sent an email to the school's 170 teachers explaining what happened to the two students. He told teachers to look for signs of other students who may experience anxiety or trauma in the days to come. The school's head counselor sent out a detailed email explaining what to look for, Bier said. "I told the teachers, 'Keep doing the work that you're doing, care about kids. Don't be afraid to talk to them about their emotions and what they're feeling," Bier said. "I think actions speak louder than words, so we're working with kids harder than we ever have before." The school brought in additional counselors to help the seven who work regular shifts. Richardson urged families to pull together in the coming days. "Our students and staff value and celebrate our diversity and are a true bright spot in our community," he wrote. "Please join me in not allowing this event to define who we are as a community and instead to reassure, support and love our students and your children. Not only can we teach our students about tolerance, but we can also learn from them." -- Casey Parks 503-221-8271 cparks@oregonian.com; @caseyparks Read Richardson's letter: Dear David Douglas Community, Last Friday, a senseless act of violent hatred claimed the lives of two men and seriously wounded a third on a MAX train in East Portland. These men did nothing but stand up to defend two young women who were being verbally assaulted in a bigoted attack against their race and religion. The two young women are David Douglas High School students. The David Douglas School District will be forever grateful to Rick Best, Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Micah Fletcher for shielding our students complete strangers to them from this hate-filled assault. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to the families of Mr. Best and Mr. Namkai-Meche, and our wishes for a speedy recovery go to Mr. Fletcher. Though they did not live in our District, their heroic actions that day will forever remain in our hearts and a part of our David Douglas Scots family. We are in contact with our two students and their families and are offering all the resources we can to help them through this trauma. They will need time and the love and support of our community to heal. But the trauma is not theirs alone. This incident, as well as a rising tide of divisive rhetoric about immigration, race and religion, has sent ripples of fear and anxiety through our community. We want our families and their students to know that our schools, our classrooms and hallways and our outdoor places of play are safe for you. We have zero tolerance for any discriminatory or harassing behavior, both by Board Policy and Resolution. Any such behavior toward anyone in our schools will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. We have communicated with staff to be extra aware not only of harassing behavior, but of students who are experiencing anxiety or who just want a safe adult to talk to. Our counseling staff has been provided additional resources to better help them help our students. Our School District is a beautiful, diverse community that has a positive impact and supports our students every day. Our students and staff value and celebrate our diversity and are a true bright spot in our community. Please join me in not allowing this event to define who we are as a community and instead to reassure, support and love our students and your children. Not only can we teach our students about tolerance, but we can also learn from them. I am hopeful that our entire community can learn from our students to come together as one, not in anger or divisiveness, but in compassion and empathy for each other, regardless of our differences. Together, in all of our wonderful variety, we will Learn, Grow and Thrive. Ken Richardson, Superintendent David Douglas School District A Portland man admitted Thursday to shooting an 8-year-old girl during a fit of road rage while driving along Interstate 84 last December. Joshua Constantine, 32, pleaded guilty in Multnomah County Circuit Court to third-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. He elected to have his sentencing delayed to Tuesday to spend more time with his family, he said. Additional counts of attempted first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless driving were dropped as part of a plea agreement. Constantine has agreed to a five-year prison sentence, said defense attorney Michael Rees. He has been out of jail since posting bail in January. The girl, who was traveling with her mother and three other people, was shot in the ankle on Dec. 20. She was the only one hit. Police said Constantine last year was swerving in and out of traffic, tailgating and forcing other cars to veer off I-84 in Portland. The girl's mother drove alongside Constantine's blue van to look at his license plate while an adult passenger took cellphone video. Constantine fired one shot into the car. The girl's mother drove the 8-year-old to a hospital for treatment. A total of nine shell casings from two different guns were among the items seized by police from the van, court documents show. A jail report said Constantine has since undergone addiction treatment and mental health counseling, and has been on GPS and alcohol monitoring. When Judge Stephen Bushong asked Constantine for his plea, Constantine turned to Rees and asked, "How do I plea?" Then after a moment of silence, Constantine turned back to face the judge and said, "Guilty." Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero said she was under the impression Constantine would be sentenced to prison that day and asked the judge to ensure the terms of his release, such as not being allowed to drive, remain in place. After the hearing, Constantine said he was sorry for shooting the girl and said he was glad she was able to recover and no one else was seriously hurt. She and her family weren't in court. Constantine said he was "driving poorly" last year and drew his gun because he felt he was being attacked. "The escalation was my fault. I panicked and did something stupid," he said. Constantine has no prior criminal record. "He's sick in his heart about what he's done," Rees said. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler urged those planning to participate in Sunday's demonstrations to "exercise common sense" and "reject violence" after federal officials announced Wednesday that they will not revoke the permit for a pro-Trump free speech rally set to take place across from City Hall Sunday. Wheeler had asked federal officials to revoke the permit in a Facebook post Monday following the double murder of two heroes protecting teens from racist and islamophobic vitriol on the MAX. He said the demonstration would "only exacerbate a difficult situation." The request drew criticism from free speech advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union and local conservative leaders. The federal Government Services Administration announced Wednesday that they would not revoke the permit for Sunday's demonstration because it was lawfully obtained. The agency oversees the Terry Schrunk Plaza property across from Portland City Hall, where the rally is set to take place. Wheeler said in a statement Wednesday that he respects federal officials' decision, but remains "concerned about the safety of Portlanders, both in and around the protest." Several protests have organized in opposition to Sunday's pro-Trump free speech rally. About 1,000 people indicated on Facebook that they plan to attend an event sponsored by more than 30 immigrant rights, mental health and religious groups. The coalition, Portland Stands United Against Hate, has planned a demonstration opposing the pro-Trump rally. Nico Judd, coalition organizer and a member of the Portland International Socialist Organization, said the city approved a permit for the event on Wednesday, promising a presence from the Portland Police Bureau. Police officials did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Police told her they plan to close Southwest Fourth Avenue, between City Hall and the plaza. Judd said she thinks the mayor contributed to a"culture of fear" in the city by attempting to shut down the Trump rally. A group of Portland-area labor union leaders and activists also plan to "stop" the pro-Trump rally Sunday. Portland Labor Against the Fascists group launched last week, denounced the fatal stabbings of two men on the MAX Friday afternoon. In a press release, the group called suspect Jeremy Christian a "Muslim-hating Nazi," noting he had attended a rally in East Portland hosted by the same organizers of Sunday's rally. "We're all pretty sick and tired of the bigotry and attacks," organizer Ashley Jackson said. Jackson said the group plans to have speakers and a large presence. When asked about the mayor's calls for non-violence, Jackson said "we can't rely on the city or the government to stop these people." Trump rally organizer Joey Gibson told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Tuesday that he has "nothing to do with Jeremy Christian." Gibson said organizers asked Christian to leave after he yelled racial epithets and "Die Muslims!" and threatened Gibson at the April rally. "Jeremy Christian hated me," Gibson said. Gibson said he has arranged for unofficial private security, some of whom will have permits to carry concealed hand-guns and some of whom are separately affiliated with militia groups. James Buchal, chair of the Multnomah County Republican Party told The Oregonian/OregonLive Tuesday that his party is considering using alternative methods to keep people safe. He told The Guardian Monday that his group is looking at using militia groups like the Oath Keepers, an anti-government group, and the Three Percenters, a group that pledges armed resistance against efforts to restrict gun ownership. Neither will be at the rally in an official capacity, Gibson said, but he acknowledged that some of the private security officials are separately affiliated with the groups. The private security will be tasked with keeping the pro-Trump rally participants from becoming violent or getting provoked, Gibson said. They will not make citizen arrests. About 50 people indicated on Facebook that they plan to join the labor group Sunday, while more than 350 on Facebook said they planned to attend the pro-Trump rally as of Wednesday afternoon. Wheeler urged Sunday demonstrators to help keep the peace. "There will be local and federal law enforcement on the ground to ensure everyone has the right to express their beliefs and to protect everyone's safety," Wheeler said. "I urge everyone participating to reject violence. Our city has seen enough." Gibson insists his message is about freedom and love. "I'm going to talk about freedom, and I'm going to talk about God, and I'm going to talk about love, no matter what it takes.," Gibson said. Gibson said a rally for President Donald Trump in San Jose during the presidential campaign inspired him to speak out. He watched a girl in a Trump jersey get eggs thrown at her, he said. "That was the second I believed I needed to get involved," Gibson said. Gibson's goal, he said, is to bring the conservative movement to the streets. "There has never been anything like this where libertarians and conservatives are hitting the streets," Gibson said. "I think that's what people are thirsty for." --Jessica Floum 503-221-8306 @cityhallwatch --Janaki Chadha 503-221-8165 @janakichadha Portland's Archbishop asked Oregonians to pray for the victims in last week's and urged them to "take actions working towards peace." In a statement released Sunday, archbishop Rev. Alexander Sample said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the attacks. Three men were stabbed last Friday after they confronted a man who was yelling racist and anti-Muslim remarks at two teen girls on the MAX. Police and witnesses said that Jeremy Christian, 35, killed , 23, and , 53. A third man, 21-year-old , survived the attack. Best's funeral is set for Monday, June 5 at 10 a.m. at the Christ the King Church in Milwaukie, according to the Catholic Sentinel. This is the archbishop's entire statement: "Dear faithful of the Archdiocese of Portland and all persons of good will, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the violent tragedy that took place in Portland on Friday. My heart goes out to all those effected by what happened, and I ask the faithful in western Oregon and all people to join me in taking some spiritual and practical actions in working towards peace and respect for those who make up this wonderful and diverse community. Pray for the victims and their families. Our profound gratitude is owed to those who bravely stepped forward to protect the young women who were being vehemently harassed. Pray for those who may now feel unsafe in moving freely about a city that truly welcomes people of all cultures, faith traditions and walks of life. Pray for those whose hearts and minds may be hardened to the love of God and act out in such violent and hateful ways. I encourage all of us to work with local citizens, government officials and faith-based agencies such as our own Catholic Charities to welcome all people to this amazing and vibrant community. It is only through these Christ-like actions that we can truly make a real and tangible change to this continuing and growing disregard for the dignity of every human person. The peace of Christ be with you all, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample" The Oregonian/OregonLive The comments on this story have been turned off. You can comment here. A bill sponsored by State Rep. Gary Glenn to protect gun rights for Michigan National Guard members received unanimous, bipartisan support from the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Tuesday. National Guardsmen, including full and part-time personnel, who hold a Concealed Pistol License would be permitted to carry their personally owned concealed pistol while on the premises of a National Guard armory or recruiting office under the legislation. Mid Michigan Community College recently hosted two 8th Grade Girls Luncheons for more than 200 students from Gladwin, Beaverton, Clare and Farwell. Students enjoyed lunch and heard from MMCC President Christine Hammond and Professor of Physical Science Laura Vosepka. New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone. Since Hollywood loves a nostalgic reboot, its no surprise that the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is setting sail once again, six years after 2011s On Stranger Tides. For this film, subtitled Dead Men Tell No Tales, Disney has hired a lesser-known filmmaking duo to re-animate the series a pair of Norwegian filmmakers, Joachim Rnning and Espen Sandberg, who helmed the 2012 oceanic adventure film Kon-Tiki. What theyve delivered is a cookie-cutter Pirates movie that faithfully follows the formula. Dead Men Tell No Tales is a strictly color-by-numbers affair. Watching it feels like reading a recipe attempting to replicate what made these films appealing in the first place. Mix one swaggering, slurring, Johnny Depp, one headstrong young lass in a cleavage-baring corset, and one noble, handsome upstart. Fold in a waterlogged supernatural villain, then haphazardly sprinkle a daring heist, an execution escape, and several nautical battles. Finish with a supremely outlandish denouement. The story laid on top of that concerns young sailor Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), determined to free his father, Will (Orlando Bloom), from a watery cursed existence. Henry believes the notorious Jack Sparrow (Depp) will help him find the trident of Poseidon to break the curse. Its a wonder anyone thinks Sparrow can do anything in his rum-sodden state, but Turner links up with the soggy old pirate and a young woman, imprisoned for witchcraft (read: science), Carina (Kaya Scodelario), who claims to have the Map No Man Can Read, a diary of astronomical instructions that she believes will lead them to the trident. They just have to escape Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), a Spanish captain doomed to a ghostly existence by Sparrow. Hes been working out his frustrations pillaging Captain Barbosas (Geoffrey Rush) fleet, making his way to Sparrow. Carina leads this whole brigade with her map to the stars. Despite following her, no one actually believes that she knows shes talking about. Its frustrating, but also gratifying, when she is eventually able to prove herself right ultimately, this is a film about men not believing women when they speak. As charming buffoon Sparrow, Depp has always been able to walk the line between hero and damsel in distress, but one cant help but think that his performance here works only because of the groundwork laid in prior Pirates pictures. Rnning and Sandberg have a faculty for dry-land action sequences, full of Buster Keaton-style feats of physics. A bank vault robbery references a similar stunt from Fast Five. But their ocean-bound action leaves something to be desired. Ghost ships loom out of the night fog, unfurling and attacking like a giant centipede filled with half-faced warriors. The geography and timelines are muddled and confusing; all is lost in a grayish CGI blur. Dead Men Tell No Tales suggests that there still may be oceans of Pirates of The Caribbean story to discover perhaps a prequel but there are no new treasures to be found in this installment, which is dragged down by the anchor of a prescribed franchise blueprint. IOWA FALLS | A 6-year-old boy was struck and injured by a semi tractor-trailer just after school let out Wednesday. The Iowa Falls boy, who was unnamed, was taken by ambulance to Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls and later airlifted to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, according to the Iowa State Patrol report. The name of the child was not being released pending the conclusion of the accident investigation, according to the report. According to the State Patrol, Douglas Minteer, 31, Eldora, was driving a 2013 Peterbilt semi south on Oak Street near Pierce Street at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday when the child was struck by the rear tires of Minteer's vehicle. Minteer was uninjured and there was no damage to the semi. The Iowa State Patrol was assisted in the accident investigation by Iowa Falls Police, the Hardin County Sheriff's Office, Iowa Falls Fire and the Hardin County E-Squad. Amie Steffeneicher, Waterloo Courier BLOOMINGTON Twin City educators are reluctantly preparing for a third year of shrinking reserves as the deadline for a state budget passed Wednesday. Here we thought we might have to rely on our reserves for a couple years, but now were staring down the potential for a third year, said Barry Reilly, superintendent of Bloomington District 87. Thats unprecedented. Its not anything enviable. The state government is in a lot of punch lines for people who dont live in the state and thats sad, he added. Meanwhile, Illinois State University spokesman Eric Jome said, I hate to say we're getting used to it, but it's not surprising this date has come and gone without a budget. While primary and secondary schools and higher education have been funded to a large extent by separate legislation and stopgap measures during the previous two years of the impasse, there is no guarantee that will happen this year. The budget impasse is causing not only an erosion of state money for universities; it is an erosion of confidence in the state of Illinois, said Jome, director of ISU media relations. Reilly said the state owes District 87 $1.5 million, mainly in unpaid categorical payments for the districts education fund. A third year without a budget will create challenges for districts, said Reilly, even those of us with good reserve funds. Funds will start to erode to the point where we have to start looking at serious reductions, he said. Both District 87 and McLean County Unit 5 officials said they have already committed to staffing levels for the 2017-18 school year, so positions wont be cut. Any optimism Ive had is beginning to fade. I really hoped the dire needs of the state would outweigh partisan politics happening, but that doesnt seem to be the case, said Reilly. McLean County Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel visited Springfield on Wednesday with a group of 50 Illinois superintendents to urge legislators to pass a budget. Being the last day (of the scheduled legislative session), we hoped they heard the message of what happens when you dont receive payments and you only have a certain number of days left in funding reserves, said Daniel. He said the state owes Unit 5 $8.1 million in payments, mainly for the education and transportation funds. Well keep our doors open as long as we possibly can, but $8.1 million takes a large amount from our cash reserves, said Daniel. Well have to look for ways to raise additional funding through working cash and bonds." One proposal would provide funding for the remainder of fiscal 2017, which ends June 30, that would bring higher education to the same funding it had in fiscal 2015 the last time the state had a full-year budget. That proposal also would provide funding for fiscal 2018 at 90 percent of the fiscal 2015 level. For Illinois State University that would mean an appropriation of $65 million for the next fiscal year. So far, ISU has an appropriation of $38.2 million for the current fiscal year, compared to $72.2 million in FY 2015. Jonahan Lackland, ISU director of state governmental relations, said: If it's a 10 percent reduction, that's better than nothing. We're still pushing for full funding. Jome said ISU is in good shape because of conscientious planning, even before the impasse. Confidence remains high at Illinois State, he said. We continue to do our job. Although ISU has not resorted to furloughs or layoffs, as a few universities have, more than 120 non-faculty jobs have been eliminated or left vacant. This is not the kind of 'normal' we want to be operating under, said Jome. In a new short film for Alexia Elkaim's new denim brand Miaou, Travis Scott and Parisian cool-girl group the Gucci Gang got together to cavort around Paris. The Gucci Gang is made up of four Parisian teens - Angelina 16, Crystal 15, Thais 17, and Annabelle, 17. Elkaim says she chose them for their unique sense of style. "The Gucci Gang girls are great because they represent strength of mind, individuality and of course good style," Elkaim told Dazed. "Angelina is hilarious and moody just like me. My cancer twin. Thais is a damn good time, Crystal is an observer of life, wise beyond her years, and Annabelle is the sweetest thing!" Elkaim reached out to Scott's team to use one of his songs, but ended up getting the artist himself for the collaboration. After shooting around Paris during the day, Angelina said, "Some of us went to a club nearby with him, but if I had to take him out I would probably take him to a cheap bar where I often go with my friends, not like all fancy places he must go to all the time." Annabelle admitted, "To be honest, I went home straight after this because I had exams the next day!" [h/t Dazed] According to a new report today we learn that Sony has given priority to Apple, Huawei, Oppo and Vivo for CMOS image sensor (CIS) capacity. Sony is shipping CIS to the top-3 China-based smartphone vendors for their high-end devices, while Apple remains its largest client, said the sources. With Apple's iPhone 7 Plus with its dual lens camera being a smash hit, being able to secure supply for image sensors is a must for Apple and Sony delivers. A Digitimes report notes that Sony's limited availability has prompted other smartphone companies, such as Asustek Computer and HTC, to source CIS from other suppliers including OmniVision and Samsung, the sources indicated. Samsung is supplying CIS mainly for its own smartphones. OmniVision is focusing more on the entry-level and mid-range smartphone segment whereas Sony specializes in CIS for mid- to high-end smartphones. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. Patna: The administration's early story that the low rate of success in the BSEB in which only around 35% of the students passed was the direct result of the government's ongoing attempt to curb cheating in the test centers and eliminate corruption in the education department came crumbling down on Wednesday when an alarmed Chief Minister directed officials to hold 'compartmental' exams without much delay so more students could pass the test in their second attempt. {gallery}newsimages2017/may/053117{/gallery}Nitish Kumar, after hurriedly convening a meeting with Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) chairperson Anand Kishore and Bihar Education Minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary, directed them to announce date for the compartmental exam allowing failing students to re-take the test in not one, but two subjects that they had failed to secure passing marks. If they think there has been error in evaluating their papers then it is their right to demand scrutiny. I have asked the board to hold compartmental exams without undue delay so students are given a second chance to pass the test," he said. Earlier before today's massive protest in Patna in which several students were injured in a police lathi-charge, the administration was painting this narrative that the low success rate in the 2017 BSEB exams was the result of the government's steadfastness to check cheating in tests and getting rid of corrupt officials like Kishore's predecessor Lalkeshwar Rai. Meanwhile, a massive protest by failed students and their wards went awry outside the BSEB office on Buddha Marg in Patna. Demanding re-evaluation of their test papers and sacking of erring officials, hundreds of students pelted stones at the law-enforcement officials. Situation was made further worse when supporters of Pappu Yadav, the MP from Madhepura and the leader of the Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), joined the protest by engaging in vandalism and taking aim at passing-by vehicles. This prompted a police lathi-charge in which dozens of protestors were hurt. Police also arrested at least half a dozen students for disturbing peace and assaulting police officers with objects like bricks and bottles. The poor result in the BSEB exam was also attributed to two suicides in the state and another death due to shock that sent warning signals to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who realized that something had to be done to placate the angry students and their parents. As reported, out of nearly 12.40 lakh students, only 32 percent could pass the test. This in contrast to last year's result when 62 percent of 11.5 lakh students were declared successful. The BSEB will take application for re-evaluation between June 3 and 12 and compartmental exam will be held in the first week of July, officials said. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. The The Rev. Jason L. Bryant writes: I saw this pay phone in an old school in McDowell County, West Virginia. The school was being used to house church mission groups who came to work in the area. This area is deeply impoverished due to the downfall of the coal industry. The phone actually worked and the mission group I took was fascinated by it. The younger ones because theyd never seen one and the older folks because it had been so long since theyd seen one. The irony of its being in usable condition is that the cell service in that area was so poor it was easier to plunk in a quarter than to hunt for a signal. Another part of West Virginia, the National Radio Quiet Zone, is also known for its lack of cell phone signal. But in that area the void is intentional. On account of federal and state laws, including the West Virginia Radio Astronomy Zoning Act, the area relies on landline telephone and even a beautiful old Airlight style phone booth for its communication needs. Read and see more at NPR.org. Iran's Top Sunni Cleric Urges President Rouhani to Appoint Religious Minorities to Cabinet 06/01/17 Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran The leader of Iran's Sunni population, Molavi Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi, told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) that Sunnis should be invited to participate in the second-term government of newly re-elected President Hassan Rouhani. Molavi Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi (L) with President Hassan Rouhani "Through interviews and articles, Mr. Rouhani has been made aware of the demands of ethnic and religious minorities, especially Sunnis," said Molavi Abdolhamid, the Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, the capital of the Sunni-dominated Sistan-Baluchistan Province. "Now that the elections have been held with great excitement and he has received a high number of votes, Mr. Rouhani should implement the law and end discrimination so that competent individuals from ethnic and religious minorities could be properly utilized in government," added Molavi Abdolhamid, who endorsed Rouhani. "This would make a great impact on national solidarity and security." Rouhani, a centrist cleric, achieved a first-round victory on May 19, 2017. According to Jalal Jalalizadeh, a former Sunni member of Iran's Parliament from Sanadaj (2000-04), the capital of Kurdistan Province, there is no legal justification for blocking the appointment of Sunnis to the government. "There's no law or regulation denying Sunnis from taking any top posts in the Islamic Republic of Iran. With the exception of the president, who according to the Constitution must be Shia, the law does not ban Sunnis from any other position," he said. "However, it is the unwritten laws that prevent Sunnis from being appointed to top posts in government or as ambassadors," added Jalalizadeh. "The president should be brave and fearless in defending the rights of minorities who voted for him." "In the beginning of the (1979) revolution we had a Sunni governor general," continued Jalalizadeh. "But four decades later we only have one Sunni as deputy minister and one Sunni ambassador." "Sunnis have been voting for reformists since 1997," he added. "Even though their rights continue to be denied, Sunnis have always voted for reformist candidates hoping for justice. We hope this time Mr. Rouhani will not deny the rights of Sunnis and appoint them as ministers and governors." Deputy Oil Minister Emad Hosseini was the only Sunni serving in a senior position in Rouhani's first government. Saleh Adibi, Iran's current ambassador to Vietnam and Cambodia, was the only Sunni in the diplomatic corps. "If Mr. Rouhani cannot defend the rights of those who supported him, he should not have become a candidate in the first place," the former MP told CHRI. "More than six million Sunnis voted for Mr. Rouhani in this election. That's a quarter of his votes. Taking basic political and ethical norms into consideration, a quarter of the cabinet should be filled with Sunnis. Now, that's not what we are asking, but he should at least appoint one Sunni minister." "The world did not turn upside down when a Sunni was appointed deputy minister for the first time," he said. According to Article 115 of the Constitution, the president must be a Shia. However, Article 12 states: "The official religion of Iran is Islam and the (Shia) Twelver Ja'fari school, and this principle will remain eternally immutable. Other Islamic schools, including the Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali, and Zaydi are to be accorded full respect, and their followers are free to act in accordance with their own jurisprudence in performing their religious rites. These schools enjoy official status in matters pertaining to religious education, affairs of personal status (marriage, divorce, inheritance, and wills) and related litigation in courts of law. In regions of the country where Muslims following any one of these schools of fiqh constitute the majority, local regulations, within the bounds of the jurisdiction of local councils, are to be in accordance with the respective school of fiqh, without infringing upon the rights of the followers of other schools." In October 2016, the Sunni block in Parliament asked Rouhani to consider Sunnis for his next cabinet reshuffle. "In the (2013 presidential) election, 80 percent of the country's Sunnis, including Kurds, Turks and Baluchis, voted for your slogans and programs in support of utilizing good Sunnis in the cabinet and in key government positions," said the block in a statement. In an August 2013 sermon, immediately following Rouhani's first presidential election, Molavi Abdolhamid discussed efforts by Sunni dignitaries aimed at convincing Rouhani to incorporate at least two Sunnis into his cabinet. "However, Mr. Rouhani's close advisers believed any Sunni ministerial appointment would be opposed by Parliament," added the Sunni cleric. "Nevertheless, we said Mr. Rouhani should go ahead and introduce a Sunni minister and vigorously defend him in Parliament. Then, if he was turned down, the guilt would be on Parliament." The Trump Effect on EU-Iran Relations 05/31/17 by Eldar Mamedov (source: LobeLog) Front page of UK's Daily Mirror, January 30, 2017 The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament has called today to uphold the nuclear agreement between Iran and the UN Security Council members plus Germany as "an important success of international and notably EU diplomacy." It also called on the EU to "continue applying pressure on the US to fully deliver on the practical implementation" of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The relevant clause was tabled by the foreign affairs spokesperson of the Green group, German lawmaker Barbara Lochbihler, to the EP recommendation to the Council of the EU on the bloc's priorities for the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly. It was backed, apart from the Greens, by the Social Democrats, liberals, and the far left. This coalition prevailed against the opposition of the conservatives, who agreed only to keep the part of the amendment that called to uphold the JCPOA, but voted against the second part related to the pressure on Washington. Many American experts warned President Trump that his relentless hostility to Iran and the JCPOA, despite Iran's certified compliance with the agreement, is likely to isolate Washington more than Tehran. In particular, they pointed to the commitment to the deal by the European partners of the United States, as long as Iran continues to abide by it, as has been the case. Tuesday's vote in the EP's Foreign Affairs committee proved Trump's critics right. And it can be only a beginning. Although the adopted language still has to survive the full floor debate and vote-and, in any case, is not binding for the EU's executive and the member states-sends a number of strong political signals after Trump's visits to the Middle East and Europe. First, the EP puts the onus of the implementation of the JCPOA on the US, not Iran. That an EU body should reckon that yesterday's "rogue state" is more reliable in upholding the international rule of law than a longstanding trans-Atlantic ally is in itself an extraordinary indictment of Trump's foreign policy. Second, by refusing to follow the US in taking a pro-Saudi, anti-Iranian side in Middle Eastern geopolitical power struggles, the EU shows its strategic autonomy and offers an alternative vision for the region: one where legitimate interests of all sides should be accommodated in a system of collective security. Trump's bizarre embrace of the Saudi regime raised not a few eyebrows in Europe. The EP has recently and repeatedly criticized Saudi Arabia for human rights abuses, the war in Yemen and the promotion of the ultra-conservative Wahhabi creed, the extreme interpretation of which provides ideological ammunition to groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. Although the Islamic Republic of Iran is by no means an exemplar of respect for human rights, the sight of Iranians voting in elections, however imperfect, and handing a decisive victory to a moderate candidate advocating openness towards the West, has generated considerable good will in Europe. The vote in the EP's committee thus becomes also a way to repudiate Trump's demonization of Iran. Third, Trump's gratuitous attempts to offend the Europeans by scolding them on defense spending, insulting Germans, shoving the prime minister of an allied state, and refusing to unambiguously commit the US to the principle of collective defense enshrined in Article 5 of NATO prompted an unprecedentedly bold rebuke from Europe's most powerful politician: German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Her talk of the need for the Europeans, in the wake of the Brexit vote and Trump's presidential win, to take their defense seriously is not merely an attempt to score political points before the German elections later this year. It's a sober warning about the damage done to trans-Atlantic relations by Trump and the need for the EU to increase its self-reliance in security matters. In this context, it becomes easier for the EU to distance itself from Trump's extreme anti-Iranian position. Trump's dismissive attitude to the European allies has no doubt swayed some Euro MPs to vote the way they did when in other circumstances they would probably not endorse the language on "pressure." Such language is usually reserved for countries like Russia or Iran, but not the US. This article reflects the personal views of the author and not necessarily the opinions of the European Parliament. About the Author Eldar Mamedov has degrees from the University of Latvia and the Diplomatic School in Madrid, Spain. He has worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and as a diplomat in Latvian embassies in Washington D.C. and Madrid. Since 2007, Mamedov has served as a political adviser for the social-democrats in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) and is in charge of the delegation for inter-parliamentary relations between the EP and Iran. Sardar-e Jangal gas field in Caspian Sea could bring Iran high-tech 05/31/17 By Mahnaz Abdi, Tehran Times Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, was mainly a center of fishing activities and also a marine transportation hub by the middle of the past century. But discovery of the first oil and gas reserves in the world's largest lake in the late 1940s added to its strategic and geopolitical significance. Iran's Sardar-e Jangal gas field map source: IranOilGas Such discoveries encouraged Iran, a major producer of oil and gas in the world, to put the spotlight on conducting exploration activities in the southern Caspian region along the northern borders of the country. While extraction of oil and gas from the Caspian deposits requires high technology and huge investment as it needs deepwater drilling, it seems to create an opportunity for Iran to achieve such know-how. In 2002, Iran discovered a gas field in 700 meters water depth off the shore of the northern province of Gilan in the Caspian Sea and named it Sardar-e Jangal. The field contains total proven reserve of around 50 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Some 10 years later, exploration operation of Amir Kabir semi-submersible drilling rig (the largest offshore structure of the country with a weight of 14,700 tons) in the field led to discovery of an oil layer in 728 meters water depth in Sardar-e Jangal. The field is estimated to hold two billion barrels of quality crude that is toxic hydrogen sulfide free. Some 25% of the deposit is thought to be recoverable. Iran completed the drilling of the first exploration well of the field in 2012. In November 2014 the production tests were carried out successfully in the second well which was 3,500 meters deep. The tests, including pressure and temperature data, oil and gas recovery rate and other production parameters, were performed to make sure about recovery from the field. With some deposits discovered and some exploration activities conducted, the country is now seeking technical assistance from the outside to expand its deepwater operations in the Caspian Sea. 'IPC to put Sardar-e Jangal on tender' Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said last June that oil recovery from the Caspian Sea is on the agenda but it needs special equipment and experience to extract oil from deep waters. Production of oil in the Caspian Sea is not a priority for Iran but Sardar-e Jangal field has been introduced to investors within the framework of IPC (Iran's new model of oil contracts, known as integrated petroleum contract). Mahmoud Khaqani, an international energy expert, told the Tehran Times in a telephone interview on Tuesday: "The Caspian Sea is among the regions where the cost of oil and gas production is very high. Major multinational companies are enjoying and also developing the technology for reducing production costs in such areas. It is what Iran lacks; therefore, the oil minister's approach that production in the Caspian Sea, which requires such high cost, is not a necessity for the country at the moment seems right." But at the same time, the Caspian Sea is an opportunity for the Iranian technology, the analyst also underscored. 'New chapter in oil industry' The former OPEC governor Mohammad-Ali Khatibi, who has also served as the National Iranian Oil Company's director for international affairs, believes that the development of Sardar-e Jangal could be very important for the country. "Development of this field could open a new chapter in our oil activities in the Caspian Sea, because we have not had any serious and important activity over there so far, as our main job has been mainly exploration, and if we go on developing this field it could be a start for our serious work in that region," he told the Tehran Times in a telephone interview on Monday. "Anyway, we have been waiting many years for something important to occur there," he added. Last May, Farhang Khatibi, who at the time was the acting managing director of Khazar Exploration and Production Company, which is in charge of exploration, development and production operations in the Caspian region, said that the groundwork has been laid for the development of Sardar-e Jangal oilfield based on IPC. He said the post-sanctions era paved the way for boosting relations with foreign companies and several foreign corporations have declared interest to invest in the Sardar-e Jangal project. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the government desires to achieve big things for Ghanaians. Addressing a gathering at EU Ambassador William Hanna's residence on an occassion of the "Joint Business Cocktail Reception of the European Business Organisation (EBO) Ghana/Delegation of European Union to Ghana", Dr. Bawumia noted that the government will help the "private sector lead in creating jobs, and we want to do it now. You will no doubt see this urgency in the way the new government, in barely five months, have approached many issues and taken decisions on major things that have been on a Ferris wheel to nowhere for a long time". Full speech below: ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. MAHAMUDU BAWUMIA VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA ON THE OCCASION OF THE Joint Business Cocktail Reception of the European Business Organisation (EBO) Ghana/Delegation of European Union to Ghana EU Ambassadors Residence Your Excellency Mr William Hanna, Ambassador of the European Union in Ghana, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors of EU Member States, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament, Mr Olivier Van Parys, President of the European Business Organisation in Ghana, Representatives of the European and Ghanaian Private Sector, The Media, I have just seen the former Foreign Affairs Minister Hannah Tetteh here,I like to acknowledge your presence, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for hosting me this evening. I wish the European Business Organisation in Ghana a very happy second anniversary. I want to add my voice and that of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to that of Ambassador Hannas and say that we value opportunities such as these for the private sectors of our respective countries to meet, dialogue, create partnerships, and hopefully make a few deals before the evening is over. I will also indicate that we are indeed appreciative of the support Ghana has received over the years from the European Union, and also the roles businesses from the Union have played in the development of our economy, and in creating jobs. We should do more between ourselves looking going into the future. Your Excellency, I am pleased to note that the make-up of exports from the EU into Ghana has largely been machinery and transport equipment, while the EU imports mainly agricultural products from Ghana. We will like to see more manufacturing equipment come in as we seek to ramp up the productive capacities of our industries, and in due course hopefully equipment will start to go out from Ghana. Between 2010 and 2016, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows from the European Union into Ghana was in the region of US$2.7 Billion. I note the increased share of oil imports from Ghana into the EU, which in 2014 constituted about 42% of all imports from Ghana. With the coming into force of the European Partnership Agreement (EPA), Ghana expects to have access to EU markets with more diversified portfolio of products. We want to move beyond just agricultural products and oil. We want products from our light manufacturing industries, non-traditional exports, human talents (in the shape of outsourced Business Process Services) to have access to the EU market. Your Excellencies, I will like to draw our attention to three, shall we say big ideas, that we hope will drive our future relationships First, as indicated by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, our President, Ghana is in a hurry. If anything, the results of the last election, and the overwhelming mandate from Ghanaians is a clear indicator that our people are tired of the one-step-forward, and two-steps-backwards. We want to do and achieve big things for our people. We want to help the private sector lead in creating jobs, and we want to do it now. You will no doubt see this urgency in the way the new government, in barely five months, have approached many issues and taken decisions on major things that have been on a Ferris wheel to nowhere for a long time. Secondly, as stated by our President, we want to build a Ghana Beyond Aid. There is no doubt that the support of the international community, the European Union included, has been a strong pillar in how we have sustained investments in especially socio-economic projects, and that we look forward to mutually beneficial relationships in the future. But we want to engage more in the area of trade and investments that will help us create wealth, keep our citizens gainfully employed in meaningful jobs that enable them live dignified lives. We want to leverage and add value to our natural resources, and our human talents, to engage the rest of the world in exchange for premium returns. Lastly, Your Excellency, on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we want to assure members of the European Business Organisation (EBO) in Ghana that Ghana is Open For Business. Ours is a centre-right, pro-business government, and we believe that the private sector represents a powerful ally in creating economic value and jobs. The major policy decisions that we espoused when campaigning, many of which we have started implementing as part of our commitments in our 2017 budget, are all aimed at creating an economic and business environment that will allow the private sector invest, expand, be profitable, while also creating jobs and opportunities for our people. We have implemented, and will continue to implement policies that will enable us achieve macroeconomic stability. We are returning the country's economy back unto a path of fiscal consolidation. We want to expand the private sector to operate in a predictable business environment. We also want to reduce bureaucracy and the red tape that all too often stifle investments and the flow of business and transactions. We want to have a wider tax base and therefore a much fairer tax burden on people and businesses. As you have seen in our budget ,we have given meaning to the policy of moving away from a focus on taxation to a focus on production and the tax reliefs that came to businesses in the 2017 budget emphasised this point . We want new industries to come on stream and to be more widely dispersed across the country. We want infrastructure development to be more localised, with communities having a direct input into the prioritization of projects and in the area of infrastructure, we want to get more private sector involvement in the provision of infrastructure and less resort to more borrowing in that direction. Many private sector projects,if properly structured will see a lot of interest from the private sector especially in the area of infrastructure and this is a deliberate policy decision that we have made to focus on the private sector in the area of infrastructure investment and also in that same context maintain macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability. Your Excellency, we want to do all these in a hurry so we can create a Ghana that is open for business and that is beyond aid. And we look forward to having the European Business Organisation in Ghana and the European Union as worthy partners in this journey. Once again I thank you for the invitation and wish you a successful evening. Thank You very much for your attention. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana Home Loans (GHL) the leading mortgage service provider in Ghana has held its maiden Real Estate Club (REC) summit for tertiary students from the various GHL Real Estate Clubs nationwide. GHL has the club set in six major tertiary Institutions -University of Ghana Legon (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ashesi University, University of Professional Studies (UPS) and University of Cape Coast (UCC) as well as the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) opportunities in the real estate industry for young individuals. Educating students about Real Estate Industry through forums, presentations, property tours and exhibition, job opportunities in the real estate Industry and the provision of network of professionals were some of the key issues she addressed. She also disclosed that Ghana Home Loans has disbursed over $180 mm to some 3,000 households across the country making GHL the leader in the residential mortgage finance market with over 50% share of loans outstanding. The summit which was opened by Sylvia Adobea Adadey the Business Development Manager of Ghana Home Loans was under the theme, Driving the Real Estate Club and the housing industry forward. Sylvia said GHL Real Estate Club was established in October 2010 to fill a void by increasing awareness of career development and investment. Another speaker at the summit was Dansoaa Siaw-Misa, Sales Manager of Appolonia who presented a paper on Appolonias vision to provide world class infrastructure within a master planned and self-sustaining community case study Appolonia. She pointed out that a mixed- use urban development which comprise light industrial facilities, residential properties, retail and commercial centres as well as schools, healthcare and other social infrastructure is the way forward. Digital marketing manager of Devtraco estates Fidel Amoah, Speaking on Investing in real estate in Ghana, explained that real estate investment presents one with zero risk as the physical property will still be available (with property insurance cover) should the unexpected happen. One could rent out or be able to release equity through a mortgage finance firm like Ghana Home Loans to fund a business etc. The Summit ended with a site tour to Appolonia city and a presentation of certificates. He also added that People in the low end bracket of the housing Industry market are forced to translate their housing purchase demand in the market into accommodation rental in the middle income bracket, thus over the years the demand for house purchase and rental has accumulated a deficit of about 1,700,000 units plus an annual demand of about 150,000 units with just an average supply 40,000 units per year. He therefore advised that with all these facts it is definitely worth the risk to invest in real estate in Ghana. The REC summit is in line with GHLs vision to provide a networking platform for the students from the various tertiary institutions and also to create a platform for the students to learn more about the housing industry. Representatives from member institutions were given a chance to speak on their expectations on joining the Real Estate Club and their challenges and recommendations. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video SWALEDALE | A Cedar Rapids-area woman clocked driving 93 mph on Interstate 35 near Swaledale with cocaine in her vehicle faces criminal charges, officials say. Johnny Hargrove, 42, of Marion, was charged with felony possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, felony drug tax-stamp violation and a misdemeanor speeding citation. A Cerro Gordo County sheriff's deputy stopped Hargrove's vehicle around 1 a.m. The stop was in the southbound lanes near mile marker 185, which is 8 miles south of Clear Lake and about 2 miles north of Swaledale. The deputy allegedly found about 20 grams of cocaine between two seats. "Miss Hargrove admitted to being an addict and that she knew they were taking a trip to get drugs," the criminal complaint stated. Hargrove was being held on $50,000 bond Thursday at the Cerro Gordo County Jail, according to jail records. Molly Montag Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Otiko Afisah Djaba has called on the nation to respect the rights of children in the country and the world at large. As the world celebrates "International Children's Day" today, Thursday, June 1, 2017, the Minister in accordance with its mandate to protect and promote the rights of children has developed policies to protect children in Ghana. The policies namely the "Justice for Children Policy" and "Child and Family Welfare Policy" will herald a reformed child protection system in the country which is aligned with national and international principles. "60 years on, Ghana has come a long way in achieving these goals. In terms of education, a lot has been done to make education accessible to all especially the girl child. Though the standards of education vary across the country, the government has taken steps to improve the educational experience with the introduction of Free Basic Education and the School Feeding Programme. The Free SHS programme is also set to be implemented in September of this year and it is aimed at easing the burden on parents so as to encourage them to educate their children to enable them compete with the best in the world", a statement signed by the Minister read. Read full statement below: STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS DAY 2017 The International Childrens Day is celebrated every year on June 1 and it affords us as a society, the chance to pause and reflect on how well we are doing in protecting and providing for our children. As a nation focused on sustainable development, there is the need to attach importance to the rights of children including their right to life, health, education and protection from violence and discrimination. 60 years on, Ghana has come a long way in achieving these goals. In terms of education, a lot has been done to make education accessible to all especially the girl child. Though the standards of education vary across the country, the government has taken steps to improve the educational experience with the introduction of Free Basic Education and the School Feeding Programme. The Free SHS programme is also set to be implemented in September of this year and it is aimed at easing the burden on parents so as to encourage them to educate their children to enable them compete with the best in the world. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with its mandate to protect and promote the rights of children has developed two policies; the Justice for Children Policy to protect children who come into contact with the law; and the Child and Family Welfare Policy, a landmark document heralding a reformed child protection system in Ghana which is fully aligned with National and International principles. In our efforts to protect children, the Ministry rescued 21 children from South Africa last year who had been illegally taken out of the country and were being engaged in forced labour. At home, several street children were rounded up and efforts have been made to unite them with their families and reintegrate them into society. The National Strategic Framework on ending Child Marriages was launched last year and a Plan to implement the Framework was also launched earlier this month. On average, 1 in 5 girls in Ghana is married before her 18th birthday however for girls living in the three northern regions of Ghana, it increases to 1 out of 3 girls. It is generally agreed that education is one of the major tools in bridging the inequality gap but sadly most of these girls have their education truncated by their marriages. This is a dire situation that needs our full and immediate attention as a nation. We need to ensure that girls have equal access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts. As a Minister and as a mother, I am deeply concerned about the future of our children especially those living in extremely poor households with no access to quality education and healthcare and I remain committed to reaching out to these children. So as we mark the International Childrens Day, let us be mindful of the impact our actions today have on the future of our children. We need to leave them a Ghana devoid of the social and economic inequalities we see today. Let us all join hands to create effective systems which protect the interests of our children so they grow up unencumbered with the prevalent evils of todays society. Signed Hon. Otiko Afisah Djaba Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned Ghanaians against the administration of instant justice on people by the public. The former President advised the public to hand over suspects and culprits of crimes and violence to the appropriate institutions of law to allow the country's laws to take its full course on them. He made this remark when he paid a visit to the family of the late Military Captain, Maxwell Mahama, at Burma camp earlier Thursday, June 1, 2017. Former President John Mahama expressed disgust over the murder of the late Military Captain, saying "this is a tragedy that nobody expects at a time like this. Maxwell was a very fine officer, very respected in the Army and he had a very bright career ahead of him. And unfortunately, I mean, to die this way is totally unacceptable. The Military, an institution, that sacrifice a lot to defend us and for those who are to defend us to become the victims, you know, of ourselves for us to inflict death on them is unacceptable completely. And I want to express my condolences to his family, to the Ghana Army Ghana Armed Forces for this loss of such a fine officer. Im a part of this family. Maxwell is my nephew and I feel very sad at what has happened. He called on the Police Service to ensure that the perpetrators face prosecution to serve as deterrent to the other Ghanaians "but if the perpetrators get away with this, then the impunity will continue. And the question I ask myself is how many more innocent people havent died through this kind of barbaric gestures? Its never been our culture to kill humans in this wicked way and I believe that everything should be done to stamp it out. If even the person is an armed robber, he doesnt deserve to die like this. Hand him over to the law and let the law deal with him. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video There has been very positive response by Ghanaians to the appeal for funds to build a new mother and baby unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, following two fundraising events in Accra and Kumasi, by the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo- Addo. Accounts verified by Deloitte and Touche as at 31st May 2017, indicate that organizations and individuals have donated an amount of GHs 6,170,686.23, with an outstanding amount of cash pledges of GHs1, 489,500.00 yet to be redeemed. Additionally, in- kind pledges and donations including cement, electrical cables, windows, pipes, baby cots, hospital beds and incubators have been made. The new mother and baby unit is in direct response to severe congestion in the current maternity unit, which has inadequate space and medical equipment to cope with the volume of births, surgeries and neonatal care at KATH, leading to high volumes of avoidable death of babies and mothers. According to authorities at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, most of the deaths are attributed to higher than normal infections and cross-contamination due to lack of space and equipment. Lack of hygiene is also a factor as the space is so little, that there is no practical way to clean the wards due to overcrowding. The new baby unit a 1,500 square metre one storey building with the capacity to take five times the current number, will solve the current capacity of KATH and give it additional capacity to grow over the next 5 years while they wait for the completion of a 43 year old uncompleted building by the government. The urgency of the situation demanded that we build a new unit as an immediate solution while we wait for the government to complete the old building, which would take about two years, by conservative estimates. The longer we wait the more babies and mothers we lose. The current situation of averaging the loss of 4 babies a day is simply unacceptable, the First Lady Mrs Akufo- Addo explained. Whilst expressing her gratitude for the positive response, the First Lady is encouraging Ghanaians to continue to donate, noting that the minimum amount needed is GHs 10,000,000 for the KATH project, while additional funds will be needed for similar projects, her office intends to execute in the health sector, across the country. The KATH mother and baby unit fundraising drive is a collaboration between The Rebecca Foundation and Multimedia Group. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Four out of the five prime suspects arrested in connection with the lynching of a Captain of the Ghana Army have been sent to the Central Regional Police Headquarters in Cape Coast. The fifth suspect who sustained bullet wounds during a struggle with the lynched Captain Maxwell Mahama is also at the hospital. They were exposed to the media by the police at the Regional Headquarters of the Police in Cape Coast as part of the investigations. Video Below- Source: adomonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested a 41-year-old woman who contracted a man to kill her business partner in Kumasi. The suspect, Joyce Antwi, who is a trader and a resident Buokrom Estate, and her intended victim are business partners who trade in plywood at Akwatia Line, a suburb of Kumasi. Joyce, in October 2015, collected an amount of GHS99,000 from the victim to fund her business with a promise to pay back. The victim in April 2017 approached the suspect and gave her a June 2017 deadline to settle the amount. According to police, the victim wanted to invest the money in her business since life was becoming difficult for her. The suspect agreed to pay back the money by the stated deadline. On Tuesday, 23rd May, 2017, the suspect approached the complainant and contracted him to murder the victim for a fee of GHS5000. The complaint agreed to the offer and was given a part payment of GHS2500, promising to provide the balance after the job was executed. On Friday 26th May, 2017, Joyce picked the complainant to the residence of the victim at Buokrom Estate since her husband and children were not present at that time. The complainant then alerted the police who on Saturday 27th May, 2017 went to the victim's residence and asked her to invite the suspect over. The suspect was arrested two hours later when she showed up. Addressing a news conference, Ashanti regional police commander DCOP Ken Yeboah said Joyce confessed in her caution statement of contracting the complainant to commit the act. He said the suspect is in police custody assisting in investigations and will soon be prosecuted. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The two men discharged by the Accra High Court in connection with the death of J.B Danquah-Adu, were Thursday dragged back to the Accra Central District Court. Daniel Asiedu and Vincent Bosso have been charged with murder and abetment of murder respectively, Graphic Online's Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson reports. At their appearance in court Thursday morning, Asiedu told the court that he had been denied access to his lawyer and wanted to go home. The prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police , Mr George Amegah denied Asiedu's accusation , informing the court that Asiedu was always giving access to his lawyer. The prosecutor further pleaded with the court to remand the two because investigations were still ongoing. The court, presided over by Ms Efua G Sackey, remanded the two men and adjourned the case to June 15, 2017 Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Akufo-Addo says he will ensure justice is appropriately served and the murderers of the late Capt. Maxwell Mahama are brought to book. According to the President, he's asked the law enforcement agencies to ensure the rule of law works, hence not to spare any person complicit in the murder of the deceased. "We have to have a country where the rule of law works. I've been fighting for that all of my life and now that I'm in the chair, I've to make sure that there's meaning to it," he said. Audio below- Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, May 30, ended the third phase of his tour of the ECOWAS countries with a days working visit to the Republic of Niger. At a meeting with Nigerien President, His Excellency Issoufou Mahamadou, the two leaders pledged to strengthen the ties of co-operation that exist between their two countries, and hold this year in Ghana, for the first time in 31 years, a Permanent Joint Commission on Co-operation to serve as the legal framework to address their trade and investment concerns. Expressing concern about the low volumes of trade between the two countries, President Akufo-Addo stressed the critical importance the regional market of ECOWAS represents to the development of West Africa, as the region, whose population is set to hit 500 million in 20 years, represents a genuine market with immense opportunities for trade, enterprise and ingenuity. To this end, the President urged his Nigerien counterpart to help in the advocacy for the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), which is expected to eliminate the impediments and challenges associated with the free movement of goods, persons and services in the region. With ECOWAS having assigned to Ghana and Niger the task of seeing to the introduction of a common currency in West Africa, the ECO, President Akufo-Addo noted that the different currencies in the region have become an impediment to free trade, and thus, the need to expedite action on the introduction of the single currency. Additionally, President Akufo-Addo noted that a Common Agricultural Policy, the West African Power Pool, and a Common Tariff regime, amongst others, are examples of good policies which should put into effect in West Africa and just not remain on the books of ECOWAS. With the modernisation and diversification of Ghanaian agriculture being one of the priorities of the Akufo-Addo government, President Akufo-Addo proposed the strengthening of co-operation between Ghana and Niger in the area of agriculture, especially as 40% of Nigers GDP is from agriculture. President Akufo-Addo also indicated Ghanas preparedness to share with Niger her experiences gained in the management of its oil and gas resources, since its discovery in 2007, as well as the measures taken to ensure the prudent and effective use of the proceeds from their sale. He noted that Ghana is well-placed to share with Niger the dos and donts in the effective management of oil and gas revenues. The co-ordination of the mutual exploitation of the resources of the two countries, i.e. iron ore, gold and petroleum, President Akufo-Addo noted, must be explored to the benefits of the peoples of the respective countries. He also urged the addition of value to these resources, as this would aid in creation of jobs and wealth for the peoples of the two countries. Touching on the fight against terrorism, President Akufo-Addo assured President Mahamadou Issoufou that in Nana Akufo-Addo and in his government, the people of Niger have a strong and steadfast friend. He expressed the appreciation of the peoples of West Africa for the sacrifices the Nigerien people, who are in the frontline of the fight against terrorism, are making to guarantee the peace and security not just of their own country, but the region as a whole. To this end, he reiterated Ghanas commitment to standing beside you in that fight and want you to know that whatever, within our modest means, we can do to promote the success of that struggle, you can count on us. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A sixteen-year-old girl in the United States hacked an Uber driver to death with a machete and knife she stole from a shop, a Chicago court heard today. Eliza Wasni was captured on CCTV footage in a Wal-Mart in the nearby town of Skokie stealing the machete and knife, before hailing an Uber driven by 34-year-old Grant Nelson. Minutes into the ride, the court heard, Wasni allegedly stabbed the man repeatedly. Grant Nelson, far left (Source: Facebook) Nelson was able to stop the car in nearby village of Lincolnwood, where he knocked on the door of a unit block, shouting Help me, help me. Im going to die, according to Assistant State Attorney Michelle Cunningham. After residents called emergency services, police found Nelson lying on the grass adjacent to the unit block in a pool of his blood, bleeding from multiple stab wounds in his arms, side, head and chest. He was able to provide a description of the suspect before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he died of his wounds. Police were able to determine that Eliza was the name of Nelsons last passenger via his Uber app. Wasni has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder. Judge Michael Hood described the crime as extremely violent. Authorities have not alleged or raised a motive for the attack, but in media interviews Nelsons family has suggested that it was entirely random. Uber told BuzzFeed that they are cooperating with police. We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our partners, a spokesperson for Uber said in a statement. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Source: News.com.au. Photo: Facebook. Trans sportswriter and Australian Defence Force member Cate McGregor has provided probably the most reasonable and moving response to the very heated debate currently surrounding Margaret Court and her appallingly homophobic views. Speaking to ABCs The Drum tonight, McGregor suggested that by piling on to Court, the LGBTQI community and their allies were making a martyr of her, calling it a strategic mistake. However, she also had some powerful words in response to Courts comments on trans issues, calling her remarks about parents of trans children nonsense. I know a lot of families with young kids who are grappling with gender issues. Those kids are loved to bits. Those parents only want two things. They want their child to be happy, and primarily they want them to not kill themselves. Her measured response, which covers Courts hypocrisy in suggesting that the gay community grooms children for sex (Coming from a Christian clergywoman in the current climate, if anyones forfeited their moral authority in this domain it has to be the Australian Christian churches), whether her name should be stripped from the Arena (Airbrushing a great player out of Australias sporting history by removing her name from that arena would be a mistake) and the importance of maintaining dignity and moral fibre in the face of bigotry, struck a chord with viewers. Good comment; this is @ABCthedrum at its best. Providing a voice to the 2% and an extremely clear erudite voice at that. Love it. #TheDrum https://t.co/q9QOb1dtsR David Jobling (@DJobling) June 1, 2017 Cate McGregor blew me away tonight. This response to Margaret Court was remarkable. https://t.co/xaMjL75keU Julia Baird (@bairdjulia) June 1, 2017 @CateMc3273 spoke wonderfully on #thedrum tonight. I hope you heard her. Mally (@MallyKernow) June 1, 2017 I disagree with Cate McGregor on many issues, but that speech then was amazing. #thedrum Kathryn Skidmore (@kathy_skidmore1) June 1, 2017 Watch the full segment below. Its well worth your time. Our lives are difficult enough. Heres @CateMc3273s full response to #MargaretCourt as a Christian, transperson & sport lover #TheDrum pic.twitter.com/Xl0evv3DPj ABC The Drum (@ABCthedrum) June 1, 2017 Source & image: The Drum. MASON CITY | Carlos O'Kelly's in Mason City closed suddenly Wednesday and will not reopen. District General Manager Paul Sgontz said the restaurant was unable to come to a new leasing agreement with the owners. "We'd been in negotiations for a number of months and couldn't come to an agreement," Sgontz said. The lease was scheduled to end in June, he said. According to Cerro Gordo County records, the property at 3331 Fourth St. S.W. is owned USRP Funding 2001 L.P. An address listed with the company's filing with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office returns to Cole Capital of Phoenix, Arizona. The company's website says it collects rent from "some of the biggest corporations in America" and passes it on as income to investors. "Nobody that's ever been here," Sgontz said. The popular Tex-Mex cantina has operated in Mason City since early 1997. "It's been a good run here for 20 years ... a lot of fond memories," Sgontz said. "It's unfortunate that it's all of a sudden." Sgontz said the company is doing everything they can for the employees. The restaurant employed about 25 workers. "We want to leave on a good note," Sgontz said. Gift cards will still be honored at any other Carlos O'Kelly's location. The first Carlos OKellys opened in 1981 in Marion, near Cedar Rapids. There are six Iowa locations in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Iowa City, Marion and Waterloo. Carlos OKellys also operates locations in Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Virginia. Melbourne start up superstar frank body are responsible for bringing you delightful smelling scrubs to make sure your body is a-ok all year round. Known for shaking up social media marketing, their brand speaks directly and frankly to their audience. The team is on the hunt for a Customer Relations Manager (MELB) to help them build rapport with their audience. As Customer Relations Manager, youll primarily be interacting with customers and answering all inquiries, as well as meeting with the customer service and community management teams. You should have great customer service, froth over Insta and be familiar with online email and e-commerce platforms. If youre keen to get your hands dirty (in coffee scrub), apply now. REDDS CUPS are synonymous with parties, and they have a Junior Operations & Sales Marketing Role (SYD) open so you can party with them! REDDS CUPS introduced the iconic red cup to Australia in 2010 and have since expanded with 14 unique products, a digital publication The Cut and Redds FX which houses their event and content creation agency. In this role, youll be working with the team 3 days a week (with the potential to move full time) directing the operations of the business and dealing with the supply of all red cups. Youll be responsible for processing daily orders, implementing sales and marketing strategies and working with customer service and logistics for the e-commerce store. If you have a business/marking background, ability to conceive and implement sales strategies and strong organisational skills get involved here. Are you a finance wizard who is confident in your ability to organise and get stuff done? If so, Code Camp is looking to hire you! Code Camp is a fast growing startup with a mission to ensure every kid in Australia has the opportunity to learn to code and be inspired to be the creators of the future. Theyre looking for a Finance & Accounts Assistant (SYD) to join their team in Woolloomooloo for 2-3 days a week ongoing. Reporting directly to one of the co-founders, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience in a fast-paced startup environment. The successful candidate will have an eye for detail and strong knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft office. Want to get around it, you can do that here! TL;DR you can take a look at these gun roles below. All about that luxe life? Become is looking for a Graphic Designer (SYD). Get on it. Think Souvlaki is love, Souvlaki is life? Become a Marketing Coordinator (SYD) for Zeus Street Greek here. Big on bevs? Volunteer at the Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival (GC). Yessss. Keen on content creation? The Office of Senator Richard Di Natale needs a Videographer & Content Producer (MELB). Apply now. Dont let your dream job slip you by Love your work! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and get yourself signed up to our Daily Job Alerts. Attention, Game of Thrones nerds: Harvard is about to start a class based around the fantasy classic, if you can somehow a) get yourself there and b) get in. According to a report in TIME, the introductory course called The Real Game of Thrones: From Modern Myths to Medieval Models will look at George R.R. Martins unfinished series, HBOs almost-finished show, and the medieval world of Eurasia from c. 400 to 1500 CE. Professor Sean Gilsdorf told the mag that itll go deep on a set of archetypal characters at the heart of Game of Thrones the king, the good wife, the second son, the adventurer, and so on with distinct analogues in medieval history, literature, religion, and legend. And look hes really, really trying to sell this thing to a modern day audience. Game of Thrones does dramatise nicely some fundamental things going on in medieval courts, he said. Tensions between a queen and the younger women who marry their sons are some Real Housewives of 10th-century Germany kind of stuff, where you see these women going after each other. The reading list is likely to include the German epic Nibelungenlied (whose vindictive queen character is reminiscent of Cersei Lannister), the legendary Irish prose epic Tain bo Cuailnge, also known as The Cattle Raid of Cooley (about a war over a magical bull) and the accounts 10th Century Islamic traveller Ibn Fadlan, whose most notable works include detailed accounts of the Volga Vikings. The other professor leading this charge, Racha Kirakosian (an assistant lecturer in German in the Study of Religion), is really hoping that the introductory course will act a gateway drug recruitment tool for medieval studies and humanities courses in general. Shockingly, those courses have seen something of a drop in enrolments, which is *SHOCKING*. Truly baffling stuff. The only people doing this Game of Thrones course are therefore likely to be cashed-up nerds, i.e. the worst kind of people. Damn. Photo: HBO. Ah, Pauline Hanson doesnt seem like she can catch a break, can she? All those things One Nation inexplicably did seem to be coming back to haunt her. Todays scoop as reported by The Daily Telegraph is that Pauline received thousands of dollars of One Nation donations into her own personal bank account. Said account was advertised on the One Nation website alongside the partys official bank account for three years, before being deleted about two months ago. Hanson has not disclosed what these donations, which amounted to more than $2500 at the time of the July 2016 election, were actually used for. Its unknown if she received any money after that point. Former One Nation treasurer Ian Nelson says he was aware of the account but was unable to monitor it. The account is in the name of Pauline Lee Hanson, and is registered to a bank branch in East Maitland, NSW, whereas One Nation is registered in Queensland. Hanson part-owns a former pub there. The donations were registered through the Australian Electoral Commission, but no expenditures were. One Nation adviser James Ashby told the Tele that everything is above board: All money donated to Pauline Hansons One Nation has been recorded and reported in accordance with the AEC and (Electoral Commission Queensland) guidelines. Since the appointment of (party treasurer) Greg Smith in August of 2016, a number of former One Nation accounts have been shut down, with records provided to relevant electoral bodies. Ashby is currently subject to initial probes from Queensland authorities about a recording which he allegedly made comments suggesting that the party and its members could make money out of the state elections. He has denied any wrongdoing. Pauline herself is under investigation from the AEC over the allegedly undisclosed donation of a light aircraft for use in the election campaign. Whichever way you look at it One Nation is copping some serious heat. Source: Daily Telegraph. Photo: Getty Images. There is no genre of news story more invigorating than the neighbour dispute gone out of control. Nothing is more inspiring than a story about a fencing dispute which elevated right up to an attempted murder. Todays exciting entry comes with the added bonus of being set entirely on a one kilometre wide island off Pittwater in Sydneys northern beaches. Scotland Island is a tiny municipality inhabited by approximately 1000 residents, and can only be accessed via boat. You can see it in the top left of this image: Now, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, Judge Judith Gibson has alerted the states Police Commissioner of rising tensions on the island between two neighbours, which she claims have escalated out of all proportion. The long-running legal feud is between Nader Mohareb and his neighbours Matthew and Annette Palmer, which all spawned from a 2014 defamation case lodged by Mr Mohareb over a Facebook post Mr Palmer allegedly made regarding anonymous posters of Mr Moharebs King Charles spaniels. The dog is pictured here: Source: Facebook. This one case has led to numerous others including one about a deleted Facebook apology and increased hostilities on the tiny island. Because its such a small island, and everyone shares public facilities like the roads and ferry, Judge Gibson stated that the police might need to be involved to ensure that this dispute doesnt cause dramas for everyone else. She asked whether police might stick their necks in to ensure that the residents of Scotland Island can use public facilities such as the roads, car park and ferry without impediment. She also said she was pretty concerned about Mr Moharebs statements that these disputes are a matter of life and death for him. Judge Gibson acknowledged that the situation is simply not getting any better on its own, and that the whole island is affected by it. This litigation is not resolving anything; the situation is simply getting worse. Island is a small, isolated community of families with children who all have to use the same public facilities for travel and activities outside the home. A spokesperson for the SMH told the SMH that theyre across it: Police are aware of the judges comments and will work with community members on Scotland Island to help resolve any potential conflict. For the record as in all good neighbourly disputes the judge also stated that both men are largely to blame for the unbelievable escalation in hostility, and the mere fact she has reported it to the literal top police officer in the state is not actually a suggestion that either party is more to blame. Beautiful. You can see the embers of basically an entire island-wide dispute every time your old man got furious about the damn neighbours and their ridiculous bloody assertions regarding the exact position of the boundary in relation to the two properties. Source: Sydney Morning Herald. Photo: Passengers aboard the Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur flight subject to an attempted hijacking late last night have given more details on the incident, and have raised concerns about the speed of the law enforcement response. After a 25-year-old man was apprehended by passengers when he attempted to enter the cabin with a suspicious device, Malaysian Airlines Flight 128 was safely landed back in Melbourne. #MH128 guy drunk. In plastic cuffs. Looks like the SWAT team was despatched to the flight @MAS pic.twitter.com/FL5TqTEGR3 saroki (@saroki19) May 31, 2017 Some of those onboard claim that they were left without adequate information during the police response, and that authorities neglected to update passengers on the situation. Speaking to The Herald Sun, passenger Selena Brown said it took over an hour for police to arrive at the plane, despite initially being told theyd be onboard in ten minutes. It was really disappointing, because we werent updated all the time, Brown said. We could see police from the plane, but they werent coming on to the plane and we didnt know why. In a video taken before the mans removal, Andrew Leoncelli said theres a giant black object on this plane, a crazy guy wants to blow it up, who was subdued, but the police are sitting four kilometres away, havent moved in 25 minutes. This is an absolute joke. Seriously, help us. Passengers Stan and Pam Young said they sat there for another hour and a half before response teams conducted their operation on the grounded plane, and that there was no communication. They literally left us waiting and wondering. Earlier, one passenger took to Instagram about the ordeal, writing they had been waiting in the plane for an hour and that the bomb may go off any time. When police took to the plane, it was determined the device was not a threat. Victoria Police Superintendent Tony Langdon declined to discuss the intricacies of their immediate response, citing operational concerns. Australian Federal Police Superintendent Martin Goode elaborated, saying Victoria Police needed to make sure that all contingencies were covered. Thankfully, nobody was injured during the incident, and passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur have begun to board new flights. Passengers on the earlier KL-bound flight starting process of getting on their next flight. Getting processed at tix desk @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/kuhgTW03BR Therese Allaoui (@tajournalist) June 1, 2017 Source: The Herald Sun / Sydney Morning Herald / news.com.au. Photo: @saroki19 / Twitter. Imagine remembering that thing you really had to get done, a solid 34 years after the fact. Think about it real hard, and you might just come close to the wave of emotion some poor Australia Post worker must have felt upon discovering an unsent radio competition entry from 1986. Then, imagine their relief when that entry finally reached its destination, only for its sender to win the bloody thing. Thats essentially whats just happened in the fine city of Perth, after radio station 96FM randomly received the old-arse entry in the post. After putting out the call for its original sender, one Robyn Auld, they actually tracked her down. It turns out Robyn now Robyn Liebeck, thank you very much lives on a farm out in regional WA, but a rellie heard the stations appeal and figured theyd give her a buzz. Robyns kids got in touch with 96FM to confirm her deets. The station invited her down to discuss the tale of the instantly-legendary Brownes Dairi Choc Rock Contest entry, and in a move as sweet as we imagine Dairi Choc must have been, they surprised her with a cool $2,000 the apparent monetary equivalent of the 96 records touted as the original competitions top prize. Hell, even Natalie Sarich-Dayton, a rep from Brownes Dairy, was on deck to hand over the goods. After all of this, we hope that letter-sorter, wherever they may be, reaches some kind of closure. Source and photo: Supplied. The vice-chancellor of Sydney University, Dr Michael Spence, has attacked St Pauls College which has been at the centre of a number of sex-related scandals for harbouring a deep contempt for women. Though the colleges at the University of Sydney have been subject to bucketloads of scrutiny for alleged mistreatment of women and a sexually debasing culture of hazing, Spences comments are specifically referring to the blowback from a Facebook post which compared women to harpooned whales and used the phrase Happy slaying. St Pauls warden Ivan Head issued an initial response, also via the colleges Facebook, that some suggested lacked a bit of conviction or willingness to address systemic issues it pointed to the fact that derogatory comments may resurface just when you need your best CV to work for you before saying that the primary message driving this has to be respect for women: now-always. Here is the original post, as it appeared on the Facebook page: A newer version of the post excluding this message excludes the above messaging. Dr Spences letter went much further in response to both the original post and Heads statement, arguing that a deep contempt for women was a profound issue in the life of the College, going to its very licence to operate. Its not the first time Spence has suggested that a colleges licence to operate is on the line. I have today written to the Warden of St Pauls pointing out that the Colleges response fails to address the deep cultural problems evident in the life of his college, Dr Spence continues in his letter. He pointed to the number of likes on the original post as indicative of a deeper issue: The fact that almost 100 people liked this particular Facebook post indicates that a deep contempt for women is not just something that marks the behaviour of an isolated student, but a core feature of the shared culture of the men of the College. St Pauls is the only college sitting out of the university-wide cultural review led by former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick. They argued that they were conducting their own review of campus life and had the right to refuse to participate as a self-governing institution. The University has repeatedly threatened to disaffiliate with colleges which do not address this situation. At the time, Spence was unyielding in his criticism mostly from the perspective of the damage to USyds reputation: These stories have been a thorn in our flesh. I do not want to see any more of them. The Chancellor and I have invited the heads of college councils to meet with Ms Broderick to see how we can address concerns that have been legitimately raised. I am sure they will co-operate. This was back in November, responding to allegations of sexual shaming of women within colleges. Seems that little progress has been made in rectifying these cultural issues. Source: Sydney Morning Herald. Photo: University of Sydney. Karl Stefanovic is having a hell of a week in terms of letting his employers know what he thinks of their content. A few days ago he absolutely cracked it with the media circus surrounding Schapelle Corbys extradition to Australia, asserting that everyone in the media was made to look like idiots as a result of the coverage. Today, old Karlos has gone and thrown his hands up one more time for the week, this time at the ridiculousness of a filed yarn about a certain on-going royal (or, yknow, royal-adjacent) visit. Pippa Middleton and her husband quietly slipped into the country for a honeymoon with her husband James Matthews. The ensuing media coverage has thus far produced bizarrely constructed stories about a ride on a water taxi and the royal relatives choice of attire. This morning, The Today Show filed the exclusive scoop update of Matthews idly wandering around a hotel balcony in Sydney, with a camera crew and a reporter dispatched to cover the story as it continued to unfold. Karlos, having none of it, sarcastically praised the clearly breaking and very important news, bursting into fits of laughter as co-host Lisa Wilkinson and newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys both struggled to contain themselves. Very much enjoying Karls self-appointed new role as the Media Watch of breakfast TV, truth be told. Source: YouTube. Jason Momoa, that bloke who played Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, is one big ol hunk o spunk. mmm-a-hellooooo But that aint news. What is news, though, is the fact that the 37-year-old Hawaiian actor has been busy filming DCs Aquaman on the Gold Coast. And although his schedule is no doubt packed to the rafters, hes managed to fit in doing the Haka as well as freakishly-impressive inverted rock climbing. A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on May 31, 2017 at 5:24am PDT Momoa regularly updates his Insta with pics and vids of him rock climbing, and his latest upload is as impressive as ever: Project. On the @soill 45 wall @chris_sharma @normontesmvj Silverback on crimps ouch. Tzaaatttttt???????????? Aloha j A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on May 31, 2017 at 5:43am PDT Hes defying gravity. Hes topless. Hes wearing gold slippers. He even finishes off his climb with a spin landing. Such muscle! Many strength! Source: @prideofgypsies / Instagram. Photo: @prideofhypsies / Instagram. BELMOND - Norbert 'Norb' L. Speth, 95, of Belmond, IA, died, peacefully on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital-Belmond, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Monday, June 5, 2017, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Belmond. Monsignor John Hemann will be officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7 PM at the Andrews Funeral Home, 516 1st Street S.E., Belmond and will continue one hour prior to the services at church Monday. There will be a Parish Rosary on Monday at the funeral home at 4:15 PM and a Christian Wake Service at 4:45 PM Monday. Burial with full military honors will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery-Alma Center, Wisconsin. Arrangements are being handled by Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, IA. Hillary Clinton came prepared with more than one zinger about the mystery word of the day: Covfefe. At Recode's Code Conference on Wednesday, one of the moderators brought up covfefe -- a word that took on a life of its own after Trump tweeted a few minutes after midnight: "Despite the constant negative press covfefe." (The tweet has since been deleted). "I thought it was a hidden message to the Russians," Clinton said, to laughter from the audience. (At the crack of dawn on Wednesday, Trump had tweeted: "Who can figure out the true meaning of 'covfefe' ??? Enjoy!") Clinton didn't stop there. Later in the event, when an audience member again mentioned covfefe, Clinton mocked White House spokesman Sean Spicer's explanation from earlier in the day. Spicer had said that only Trump and a small number of people knew the meaning of the word. "Ah, the small group explanation," Clinton said. "You don't have a high enough classification to know what covfefe means." But at the conclusion of the interview, covfefe was suddenly no laughing matter. Clinton, who lost on Election Day to Trump and believes she would have won had it not been for Russian interference, said the current president and his allies are constantly trying to create diversions. "It's to avert attention. It's like covfefe. Trending! Worldwide! Maybe for a minute you'll forget the latest accusation about them transpiring with Russia," she said. "It's the circus, right? It's what a classic authoritarian does." FILE - In this Nov. 29, 2016 file photo, Lawrence O'Donnell attends the 12th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York. MSNBC says it has completed a deal to keep Lawrence OAoDonnell in its prime time lineup. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) Mark Farrant poses for a photo in Toronto, Saturday, February 25, 2017. Former jurors and the NDP appealed to the federal government on Tuesday to create national supports for Canadians required to serve on juries. Farrant, who developed post-traumatic stress disorder after serving on a jury in 2014, said he is advocating for assistance to ensure other people do not face the same struggles. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Galit Rodan ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Officials on Friday posthumously honored more than a dozen members of a largely Alaska Native citizen militia who protected the U.S. territory from the threat of Japanese invasion during World War II, bringing closure to their families for a service that went unrecognized for decades. Gov. Bill Walker and state veterans affairs officials presented Army discharge papers to the relatives of 16 deceased members of the Alaska Territorial Guard during a ceremony ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The event was an emotional time for Rebecca Czyz, the niece of militia member... GOP remains on top in Northern Michigan but Democrats made some inroads Tuesday The election showed that while the Republican Party still dominates Northern Michigan, there were some results that should give Democrats some hope. President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris climate accord Thursday, a major step that fulfills a campaign promise while seriously dampening global efforts to curb global warming. Oil prices rise Thursday after big draw in U.S. stockpiles LONDON Petroleumworld 06 01 2017 Oil prices rose on Thursday, rallying from three-week lows after industry data showed a big draw in U.S. crude stocks, suggesting that the world's largest oil market could be tightening faster than expected. Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up 40 cents at $51.16 a barrel by 0940 GMT (5:40 a.m. ET), while U.S. light crude CLc1 gained 40 cents to $48.72. Both crude benchmarks fell by about 3 percent to three-week lows on Wednesday after news that an increase in Libyan oil production helped to boost monthly OPEC crude output in May, the first monthly rise this year. [OPEC/O] But industry data on U.S. oil inventories from the American Petroleum Institute (API) late on Wednesday helped the market to pare those losses. API figures showed that U.S. crude inventories fell by 8.7 million barrels to 513.2 million in the week to May 26, compared with analyst expectations for a decrease of only 2.5 million barrels. [API/S] "This was well ahead of forecasts," said Stephen Brennock, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates. "(It) is helping the oil market regain some ground this morning." The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) was due to report its official figures for U.S. stockpiles at 1500 GMT on Thursday and investors were waiting to see if the API figures were confirmed. The U.S. inventories data provided some relief after a week of negative news on the global supply-demand balance. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers including Russia are trying to restrict output to drain stockpiles that are close to record highs in many parts of the world. But U.S. crude production is rising fast as new technology helps to extract shale oil, making the United States more self-sufficient in energy. President Donald Trump has vowed to provide extra support for U.S. oil production and is widely expected to pull the United States out of a landmark global climate accord. Trump has said he will announce later on Thursday a decision on whether to keep the United States in the global pact to fight climate change. A source close to the matter has said he is preparing to withdraw from the Paris agreement. Phillip Futures' investment analyst Jonathan Chanes said that a U.S. withdrawal would signal Trump's intention to further roll back emission regulations. "That would favor the use and demand of fossil fuels, thus giving a much-needed boost to oil prices"," Chanes said. ExxonMobil to convince shareholders on climate-report vote HOUSTON/BOSTON Petroleumworld 06 01 2017 Exxon Mobil Corp has stepped up efforts to persuade investors to vote against climate-related proposals at Wednesday's annual meeting with a campaign of calling, writing and lobbying shareholders in person. The world's largest publicly traded oil company opposes a proposal requiring it to report on the risks to its business from new technologies and global climate change policies, insisting it already provides the information. Last year, the same proposal was backed by 38.1 percent of shares voted. The stakes are higher this year. The business-impact issue is central to lawsuits by two state attorneys general alleging Exxon soft-peddled the risks to consumers and shareholders. Wall Street support of similar measures also has convinced energy companies including Occidental Petroleum to address the Paris climate accord's goal of keeping global temperature increases under 2-degrees Celsius. If the proposal garners less than last year's 38 percent support, it could endorse Exxon's view which is that its current reporting is appropriate, said Rob Schuwerk, senior counsel for environmental think tank Carbon Tracker Initiative. But if support this year exceeds 50 percent, the oil company likely would do more to explain potential business impacts from having to meet the Paris agreement's temperature goal. A result in between the two, he said, would be the "the hazy middle" that would still show growing investor interest in climate issues. Exxon took a conciliatory approach in a letter to investors on Tuesday. Vice President Jeff Woodbury wrote that on many of the shareholder proposals "the corporation agrees with the underlying objective - we just have a different view on the best means to achieve it." Prior shareholder letters insisted the proposals were misguided or ignored the company's efforts to spell out its position that even in world intent on limited temperature rises, it would still need more oil. Anne Sheehan, head of corporate governance at California State Teachers' Retirement System, which backs the additional climate reporting, said Exxon's letter suggests the voting is at least very close and may be going against the company. "You're not going to do an eleventh-hour shareholder communication if everything was going swimmingly," she said in an interview. In addition to the vote on the climate-impact report, Exxon holders will consider proposals to shift spending to dividends and buybacks from oil exploration and on a proposal to require a report on its efforts to restrict emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas. Exxon opposes all these proposals and has actively lobbied shareholders. This campaign "is a lot more intense than normal," said one investor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I think they're pulling out all the stops." BILLBOARDS AND RALLIES Climate campaigners are also active. They have organized rallies and held media briefings. In Dallas, where the meeting takes place, they have put up billboards and signs seeking to sway votes. Any change likely will be driven by institutional holders shifting their positions. Big investors including State Street Corp and BlackRock Inc, which together hold about 9 percent of Exxon shares, recently have made clear they are now giving more attention to climate issues. Bob Litterman, chairman of the risk committee at asset-management firm Kepos Capital LP and who holds derivatives betting that oil companies will underperform the S&P 500 index, said no matter the outcome of the vote on Wednesday, pressures on Exxon to spell out the potential impact of a global warming on the value of its energy assets will only grow. "Whether it's shareholders or attorneys general or the passage of time, they're going to have to become honest about the potential for their assets to be stranded," or become uneconomic to pursue, said Litterman. Venezuela's Odebrecht stalled multi-million dollar projects in decay CAICARA DEL ORINOCO, Venezuela Petroleumworld 06 01 2017 In the hot and humid town of Caicara, in the heart of Venezuela, some 20 piers jutting out of the vast Orinoco river gather mildew and rust. Brazilian construction company Odebrecht was meant to build an 11-km (seven-mile) bridge in the town - the longest in the South American country - in 2011 but the project ground to a halt a year ago. Now, a handful of workers do basic maintenance work. The bridge, meant to link the towns of Caicara and Cabruta, is just one of several abandoned Odebrecht projects deteriorating under the Caribbean sun and dogged by corruption allegations. Odebrecht has left at least 23 multi-million dollar projects unfinished or stalled in Venezuela, according to company and government documents, interviews with over two dozens workers, and site visits. Late last year, Latin America's largest engineering company admitted to paying hundreds of millions of dollars of bribes in 12 mostly Latin American countries in exchange for contracts. The unfolding scandal has already led to the downfall of high-ranking officials across the region. On Thursday, Brazil's attorney general will share information from plea bargain deals by dozens of Odebrecht executives with relevant countries. According to a leniency agreement with U.S. authorities, which was made public in December, Odebrecht and its representatives paid some $98 million in bribes to officials and intermediaries in Venezuela between 2006 and 2015 - the highest amount outside Brazil. CASH-STRAPPED Yet many of the company's projects in Venezuela ground to a halt even before the Odebrecht scandal exploded, likely due to lack of payment from the cash-strapped socialist government, sources said. "All the state's projects are paralyzed, not only Odebrecht's," said Wilmer Nolasco, a lawyer and president of Venezuela's largest construction union, speaking in an office in Caracas adorned with a statue of late leftist leader Hugo Chavez. Odebrecht's stalled projects include the Caicara project, one other huge bridge, subway lines, a train to link dormitory towns with Caracas, hillside cable cars, an agricultural project, an overhaul of the country's main airport, and a hydroelectric dam. Nolasco, whose powerful SUTIC union works on several of Odebrecht's projects, says that in some cases the Salvador, Brazil-based company stopped receiving payments two years ago and subsequently pulled the plug on building. "The state hasn't paid Odebrecht," said Nolasco, citing meetings in which Odebrecht asked the government to pay. Odebrecht representatives in Venezuela and Brazil did not respond to requests for comment, neither did Venezuela's public works and communications ministries. Odebrecht has not formally left Venezuela, nor has the government of Nicolas Maduro canceled its contracts. But Odebrecht's projects are under the protection of the National Guard and other government personnel, according to a Reuters witness, and company logos have been erased from the gates of their camps. Maduro in February vowed his administration would finish the projects, though none of them have been reactivated. As a consequence, some 200,000 jobs have been lost, according to union estimates. Some of the works will also have to be redone partially because of flooding or because the cement has oxidized, project engineers told Reuters. "This is basically lost," said one worker, pointing to a pile of materials for the construction of line 2 of the Los Teques subway near Caracas, already six years behind schedule. Some 20 workers scour the tunnels to drain water that threatens to flood them. RISKY FRIENDSHIP Odebrecht arrived in Venezuela in 1992 to build a mall in the oil hub of Maracaibo near the Colombian border. It grew steadily but it was not until 2003, with the election of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil, that it began a string of mega-projects in Venezuela. After 2003, Odebrecht won 32 projects worth some $40 billion in Venezuela, according to official numbers. Brazilian rivals Queiroz Galvao, Camargo Correa and Andrade Gutierrez received a total of eight. Even when Ecuador's former leftist president Rafael Correa kicked out Odebrecht in 2008, accusing it of a scam after a hydroelectric dam it built had severe problems, Chavez publicly defended the company. "Odebrecht is a friendly company and in Venezuela it's behaved itself extraordinarily well," Chavez said at the time. While Odebrecht largely completed its works on time until 2007, it then began to delay completion dates, according to government and company records and interviews with engineers that worked on the projects and with Odebrecht personnel. Anti-corruption campaigners accuse Odebrecht and complicit state officials of prioritizing personal gain. "Seeing the quantity of unfinished works and the privileges this company was given, we suppose it was better to receive bribes than to see the works through," said Mercedes de Freitas, local head of anti-corruption campaign group Transparency International. The majority of projects also ended up costing several times their initial price, according to documents on the projects seen by Reuters and speeches by officials. One part of the Caracas hillside gondola system cost $262 million, five times that of a similar project in the Colombian city of Medellin, though the Venezuelan line is shorter and flatter. The construction of a bridge over Lake Maracaibo in the west of the country is only 17 percent completed but has cost three times the original budget, according to the documents and speeches. OPPOSITION INVESTIGATES Odebrecht and its petrochemical unit Braskem in late December agreed to pay at least $3.5 billion, the largest penalty ever in a foreign bribery case, after pleading guilty in a U.S. federal court in Brooklyn. In mid-February, Venezuela's state prosecutor's office raided the headquarters of Odebrecht in Caracas. It has not given details of what it found. The opposition-led National Assembly in February began an investigation into possible embezzlement of some $16 billion in negotiations between the Venezuelan government and Odebrecht, according to preliminary inquiries. The report says six Odebrecht projects were subject to overpricing, commissions, bribes, and poor planning, and also ran over budget. That was just the tip of the iceberg, the head of the congressional comptroller's commission, Juan Guaido, told Reuters. "Venezuelans paid seven times more to contract Odebrecht," said Guaido, basing his estimate on preliminary investigations by his team. Guaido said the majority of Odebrecht's 32 projects were directly assigned, via binational agreements, instead of public tenders as in other Latin American countries. Elections in U.S., Mexico an incentivize to speed up NAFTA talks -Mexico minister MEXICO CITY Petroleumworld 06 01 2017 Mexico's Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said on Wednesday there are "incentives" to wrap up the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by the end of the year due to upcoming elections in the United States and Mexico. "The incentives of the U.S. and Mexican electoral calendars encourage us both to try to finish (the renegotiation) by the end of 2017," Guajardo told Reuters. U.S. mid-term elections and the Mexican presidential vote are slated for 2018. "This doesn't mean that we'll set a date to finish ... It doesn't mean that we have an agreement to do so," said Guajardo. Mexico sends the vast majority of its exports north to the United States, and local officials view the trilateral treaty as a lynchpin of their economy. "Without coming to an agreement we'll try to work in that direction," he added. Separately on Wednesday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the best window to complete the renegotiation of NAFTA is by early January, well before Mexico's presidential elections and U.S. congressional elections. 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. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine speaks during a press conference at the Attorney Generals office in Columbus, Ohio. Read more The state of Ohio has sued five drug manufacturers of prescription opioid painkillers, accusing them of overstating the drugs' benefits and playing down the addictive qualities. The lawsuit accuses Endo International in Malvern; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in Petah Tikva, Israel and North Wales, Montgomery County; Purdue Pharma in Stamford, Conn.; Allergan PLC in Parsippany-Troy Hills, N.J.; and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson & Johnson company in Beerse, Belgium with helping fuel the opioid crisis by spending millions of dollars marketing and promoting such drugs as OxyContin, Vicodin, Fentanyl, and Percocet. More than 50,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016, including prescription painkillers, opioids, and heroin, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Teva said in an e-mailed statement that the company "is committed to the appropriate promotion and use of opioids" and has "programs in place that educate prescribers, pharmacists, and patients to the responsible and safe use of these products. We are committed to working with the health care community, regulators, and public officials to collaboratively find solutions." Endo declined to comment, saying "it is our company policy not to comment on current/ongoing litigation." Iroko Pharmaceuticals LLC, which laid off about 30 people last September, sent out pink slips last week to 122 more full- and part-time employees. The Philadelphia specialty drug maker recently filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry stating that 14 positions had been eliminated at its headquarters at the Navy Yard, along with 108 sales staff who work from home or in the field. The layoffs were effective May 23. Iroko currently employs 19 people and has three contracted employees at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia. The pharmaceutical company has a lease for all four floors at 150 Rouse Blvd. But the company uses only two floors and subleases one of the floors to Liberty Property Trust and the GBS Group. The recent layoffs included mid-level managers in facilities, program management, sales operations, and data management planning. "Right now, we're really focusing on developing our products," Iroko spokesman Rand Walton said. "We're looking at how we can best provide service to our patients and making sure that we've got the right mix of marketing," he said. "We are reidentifying how we can best reach our patients. That was the primary reason for the reduction in staff." Iroko makes three non-opioid pain medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The products include Vivlodex, Tivorbex, and Zorvolex. Iroko uses a technology that reduces the particle size of its pain medications so they dissolve faster and are effective at lower doses, the company said. One of Iroko's products Zorvolex, which treats mild to moderate acute pain and osteoarthritis pain faces pending generic competition. The company said in December that the Food and Drug Administration had approved Lupin Pharmaceuticals' generic version of Zorvolex in 18-milligram and 35-milligram capsules. Iroko chairman Osagie Imasogie told the Inquirer in September that although the company was laying off about 30 corporate and administrative staff, it would add 90 people to the sales force. "There are some cards and it's very painful that we had to drop in order to pick up some that would be more aligned with our more immediate revenue drivers," he said. The layoffs come as insurers and other medical service providers have become increasingly cost-conscious, Imasogie said. In many cases, consumers and health providers are choosing generics over prescription drugs. In addition, more cost-conscious customers are opting for over-the-counter pain medicines such as Advil and Aleve. "Is there pressure on price? Of course there is," Imasogie said. As prices per item are forced down, Iroko and other pharmaceutical companies need to sell a larger quantity to protect the bottom line. I've never been a big fan of that tired sentiment about something good coming from something bad. Yeah sometimes. Never often enough. But maybe, just maybe, some good will come from Councilman David Oh's being stabbed Wednesday night during an attempted robbery outside his Southwest Philly home. First things first. What happened to Oh is horrible. I am very sorry for Oh, who underwent surgery after being stabbed once in the left flank between his chest and waist, and his family, including the members who found him in a pool of blood. I wish him a full recovery from his injuries and, more long-term, from the lingering effects of trauma from violence that unfortunately he and his family are no strangers to. In 1958, his cousin was beaten to death in West Philadelphia. But despite all the attention his stabbing is getting, despite all the headlines and follow-ups and tweets from city organizations and colleagues holding him in their thoughts and prayers, Oh is just another victim in an ever-growing line of mostly nameless, faceless victims of violence in this city. Just a little over an hour after Oh was stabbed, two people died in a triple shooting in North Philly. One man was 24, the other, 17. Whatever the circumstances, I haven't seen anyone sending out thoughts and prayers to those families. If I sound angry or bitter about this, I promise you I'm mostly not. This is just how things are. Reality. It's the hierarchy of hurt that I wrote about last week when the abduction and assault of two black boys was barely a blip on our collective radar. It happens everywhere. Some person with a title or fame is affected by (insert illness/incident), and suddenly whatever issue that's been ignored or neglected or meh'd becomes a priority. Almost as soon as news of Oh's stabbing went public, people were asking what we were going to do about the violence in the city. I don't blame them, Oh's a Council person; by all accounts a nice guy, notwithstanding his Annie Oakley moment. And anyone who cares about the violence in Philadelphia knows you have to take your opportunities where you can get them. But really, what are we going to do? Maybe what we should have been doing before a 2-year-old was shot two weeks ago, or when nine people were shot while dancing in the street a day later, or when a 14-year-old was shot and killed on Monday, or when the next no-name person gets hurt or killed make violence a priority. We need to do anything. Everything. Whatever antiviolence strategies Police Commissioner Richard Ross is learning at the big city police chief conference he's attending in Nevada. Ross told reporters he was glad Oh was OK, adding: "It speaks volumes to the fact that we've got to work together with all our community members and all our partners to drive down crime." Councilman Alan Domb said something similar: "Crime is awful for everybody, not just a Council person, but this just hits home." Philadelphia is home. So, back to the good that can come from bad. Let's not let this moment pass. Not to push Oh too early, but how great would it be if he, and the rest of us, takes this moment and leads a real, sustained fight against violence call it Ohs Violence Initiative and keep the focus on it in the same way so many are focused on his stabbing right now. Hopefully he's feeling better by June 15 so he can join me and others on the steps of Art Museum to stand up against violence that affects everyone in Philadelphia. Consider this a personal invitation, councilman. The invite extends to Mayor Kenney and all the city agencies and leaders who have sent their thoughts and prayers for their colleague. And to all of you out there. There is a city full of victims who need our thoughts and prayers, and action. When Pennsylvania State University announced this spring that it was reducing the number and size of parties that fraternities could host each semester, Ed Sidwell, secretary of a Penn State fraternity alumni association, wondered what took so long. "We've been fighting for the last six or seven years to get some of the restrictions that Penn State is now imposing," said Sidwell, a retired salesman from Bellefonte, Pa., who belongs to Sigma Nu. His group, the Lion Fraternity Alumni Association, also provided input to a university task force on Greek life in 2015 and became frustrated when action was not taken, he said. "Some of the parties were absolutely out of hand, and the fraternities themselves lost control," he said. "The crowds would just ram the doors and barge right on through. Then you would have 1,200 people in a house that should only have 200." But he said one thing his members do not favor is the university's decision to roll back recruitment to second semester of freshman year and the possibility of delaying it until sophomore year. "Some of the fraternities probably will not be able to survive that," he said. Sidwell said that many upperclassmen move out of fraternity houses and that if recruitment were delayed, that could mean too few students to fill the vacancies in the houses and result in financial problems. But fewer parties, he said, would be welcomed. On the books, each fraternity and sorority could host up to 45 parties per semester before Penn State reduced the limit to 10. It was one of several steps the school took in response to the death of sophomore Tim Piazza, who died after a Beta Theta Pi pledge night party, where, a grand jury report says, he was forced to consume large amounts of alcohol and later fell down stairs. Sidwell said his association, which includes representatives of more than 20 Penn State fraternities, was bracing for the possibility that the university will ban alcohol permanently at events held by the school's 83 fraternities and sororities. The university instituted a moratorium for the rest of the spring semester after Piazza's death. The board of trustees has scheduled a meeting for Friday to discuss and announce more changes to the Greek system. University officials have been mum on the changes they will propose. Alumni, locally and nationally, are working with the university's student-run Interfraternity Council on proposals to improve Greek life at the university, Sidwell said. Jim Edwards, president of the Lion Fraternity Alumni Association, declined to be interviewed, saying, "We are in the middle of some very critical work" and "have a tight deadline." Heather Kirk, chief communications officer for the North-American Interfraternity Conference, which also is helping, said last week the proposals were not ready for release. Sidwell said that few fraternities he estimates 10 percent were responsible for the current problems, and that those guided by alumni who live in the State College area have done better. Since 2015, there have been 170 chapter conduct cases among the university's fraternities, Penn State has said. More than 40 percent of them were for infractions such as unregistered socials, use of glass bottles, failure to use wristbands, and lack of signs for exits or other areas in the fraternity house. The remaining citations run the gamut from serving minors, noise violations and multiple points of alcohol distribution to a lack of event monitors and two hazing violations, the school said. Penn State permanently banned Beta Theta Pi after Piazza's death, citing hazing, forced drinking and other illegal activity. Eighteen Beta Theta Pi members were charged in Piazza's death with offenses that include involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, hazing, and reckless endangerment. Piazza died of a non-recoverable brain injury, ruptured spleen, and collapsed lung. No one called for emergency help for nearly 12 hours after he fell down the stairs on Feb. 2. The grand jury faulted Penn State's Greek community for nurturing "an environment so permissive of excessive drinking and hazing that it emboldened its members to repeatedly act with reckless disregard to human life." In another high-profile case, the university in 2015 revoked Kappa Delta Rho fraternity's recognition for three years, citing hazing, underage drinking, and sexual harassment. James Vivenzio, a former member, is suing the university, alleging that it failed to act on his reports of hazing. Vivenzio's lawyer, Aaron Friewald, last week hailed a court ruling that allowed Vivenzio to proceed with fraud claims against the university and the Interfraternity Council. "When you put this together with what the grand jury said about the environment and the culture, I think it's a big deal," Friewald said. Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers said: "In every instance when Penn State is alerted to any allegations of hazing, the university takes immediate action to investigate and impose sanctions." Vivenzio maintained in his lawsuit that as a Kappa Delta Rho pledge in 2012, he was force-fed buckets of liquor mixed with urine, vomit, and hot sauce; made to guzzle hard alcohol until he vomited; burned on the chest with a cigarette; and beaten by a fraternity member after he failed to participate in a ritual. Three new art installations at Eastern State Penitentiary, now on exhibit with 11 others that have been shown there before, make especially poignant use of their assigned space in former solitary-confinement cells. Jared Scott Owens, who was once incarcerated and learned about art while in prison, has constructed and painted a life-size model of an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus and placed it in the center of a cell. Sepulture is accompanied by an audio recording of Owens explaining the meaning of his work it's a symbolic burial of a formerly incarcerated person and his path to art, helped along by his diligent reading of art magazines. A cut-paper silhouette portrait of the formerly incarcerated activist Hakim Ali is projected on the far wall of another cell in Hakim's Tale, an installation by Erik Ruin and Gelsey Bell. As Ali describes the experience of solitary confinement to Ruin and Bell in an audio recording played within the cell, his portrait increases and diminishes in size with the corresponding emotion of his words. Piotr Szyhalski and Richard Shelton's Unconquerable Soul, one of the more sophisticated installations to have come to Eastern State in some time, features an overhead video monitor positioned over a cell's rectangular skylight, displaying moving views of the penitentiary and its surrounding Fairmount neighborhood made with a drone. In an audio recording that accompanies the video, prisoners of various nationalities read their own poems in their native languages. It offers a literal and spiritual evocation of the outside world, the main beacon of a future for the incarcerated. The 2017 Eastern State art-exhibition season opened May 5 and runs through Nov. 30 at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 215-236-3300 or www.EasternState.org. Funhouse vibe at ICA The peculiarly humorous paintings and sculptures by Ginny Casey and Jessi Reaves now on exhibit at the Institute of Contemporary Art, in the second-floor Edna S. Tuttleman Gallery, are so uncannily in step with each other you're more likely to feel as though you've entered the reinstallation of a reclusive collector's living room than a two-person exhibition. And who might that collector with such rarefied taste be? Hmmm in my imagination, John Waters or Pee-wee Herman. In fact, this marvelously droll exhibition was dreamed up by the ICA's 2015-17 Whitney-Lauder Curatorial Fellow, Charlotte Ickes. Casey and Reaves did not know each other before Ickes put them together, although both graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design Casey in 1981 with an M.F.A., and Reaves in 1986 with a B.F.A. But Casey's awkwardly composed paintings of curious scenes that could have populated a surrealist film (Jean Cocteau's The Blood of a Poet comes to mind) and Reaves' abject sculptural send-ups of furniture and domestic objects seem to have sprung from a shared appreciation of things being slightly "off." People are mostly absent from both artists' works, but their presence is implied. Casey's painting Droopy Vase, for example, has a green-blue vase in its foreground shaped like a paunchy human. Next to it, resting on a table, is a disembodied hand. Behind the hand is another blue vase that looks as though it's communicating with its droopy counterpart. In the upper left, a blue sculpture of a head appears to be weighing in on this mysterious tableau, in the manner of Gauguin's self-portraits in his Tahitian paintings. In Casey's Blue Table, a curvaceous cerulean blue table has been cut nearly in half by an ultramarine-blue saw that's been left there by someone, stuck in place. An elegant white upholstered chair in the upper right appears to have witnessed this brutal assault. Reaves, who studied painting as well as sculpture and who once worked part-time as an upholsterer, creates her sculptures, several of which are also included in the 2017 Whitney Biennial (closing June 11), using found furniture parts and materials. The finished forms suggest do-it-yourself, homespun versions of chairs, tables, shelves, and other furniture. Her Kragel's Nap Chair, a play on reclining chairs by Marcel Breuer and Le Corbusier (and possibly others) is a wonder concocted from a found steel frame, rattan, enamel, polyurethane foam, cotton, plastic, glass, and hardware. Reaves' Mutant Butterfly Chair, constructed from plywood, leather, plastic, hardware, wood, sawdust, and wood glue, is a tormented-looking version of the classic Hardoy "butterfly" chair. Initially, I wasn't sure I liked the living room/show room-style trope for this show. Its multiple juxtapositions of Casey's paintings with Reaves' sculptures seemed a too-obvious effort to connect the dots. But the fun and the wit won me over. Through Aug. 8 at Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 215-898-7108 or www.icaphila.org. Last call for "Anahata" Just a short time left for John Singletary's ambitious Anahata/I Forgive You project at James Oliver Gallery, a musically enhanced photographic narrative of interactions between gods and demons. Singletary, a Philadelphia fine-art photographer and multimedia artist, photographed the images in a black-box studio in a Victorian house in Germantown, collaborating with composer Matt Hollenberg. For the show's opening, he enlisted a team of dancers, set technicians, choreographers, costume designers, makeup artists, and theater performers to bring the photos' story to "life." The performance now plays in a repeat loop on a computer screen. James Oliver's usually well-lighted loft space has been shrouded in black fabric, all the better to experience Singletary's LED-illuminated photographs. Through June 9 at James Oliver Gallery, 723 Chestnut St., 4th floor, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday. 267-918-7432 or www.jamesolivergallery.com. Doughnut Day started in 1938 in Chicago to honor the women in the Salvation Army who served along the front lines during WWI and WWII, giving soldiers free coffee and doughnuts. Read more Friday is National Doughnut Day, which means free pastries. And here's a bit of a history lesson to go along with it. First the free part. Locally, Krispe Kreme will pass out one free doughnut while supplies last at participating locations. Dunkin' Donuts is offering a free classic with any beverage purchase. Participating Cumberland Farms and Duck Donuts stores also have specials. And now the history lesson. The unofficial holiday, usually celebrated on the first Friday in June, originated in 1938 in Chicago to honor the women in the Salvation Army who served along the front lines during World War I giving soldiers free coffee and doughnuts. They were known as "Doughnut Girls" or "Doughnut Lassies." In 1917, about 250 volunteers from the Salvation Army were sent to France to provide spiritual and emotional support for U.S. troops. Two enterprising volunteers Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance found a workaround to the limited resources and rough conditions and began frying the dough in soldiers' helmets. There were able to make seven at a time. The tradition of distributing the doughnuts continued during World War II according to the Salvation Army. These days, the Salvation Army commemorates the day by raising awareness for its programs including providing shelter, food, early childhood education, after-school programs, and alcohol and substance-abuse rehabilitation. Dr. Hooman Noorchashm takes one final look at his wife, Dr. Amy Reed, before closing her casket to begin the funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Read more Amy Reed, who exposed the dangers of a medical device blamed for hastening her own death, was eulogized Thursday as a devoted wife and mother, a gifted physician, and a metaphorical slayer of dragons. Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Center City to mourn the 44-year-old mother of six, who died May 24 of a rare uterine cancer. Reed and her husband, cardiac surgeon Hooman Noorchashm, fought to ban the tissue-slicing surgical tool, called a power morcellator, that was used during her hysterectomy, performed in Boston in 2013. It spread her then-undetected malignancy, worsening her prognosis. The Yardley couple's crusade has drastically curtailed use of the device, which helped gynecologists perform hysterectomies using minimally-invasive methods. Noorchashm began a poetic tribute to his wife Thursday in a barely audible voice, choking back tears, but built to a passionate crescendo as he talked about her struggles. "Now, here, rests this saint on the altar this Georgina whose battle with earthly disease and establishment corruption brought her death premature, unjust, and raw!" he said. "But is this really death? This Georgina of ours, can she really die? I say, No! She is alive and burns bright with the angels and saints who save us every day." Minutes later, the Rev. Daniel Ruff the Philadelphia priest who baptized Noorchashm when he became a Roman Catholic after his marriage explained the "Georgina" allusion for those who didn't know: As Reed battled her aggressive cancer and became an "evangelist" warning about the hazards of morcellation, she came to identify with St. George, the dragon-slayer of legend. "In a joking way, friends started calling her Georgina," Ruff said. He ended his sermon: "Georgina of Yardley, pray for us." Emily Gordon, a University of Pennsylvania anesthesiologist who trained alongside Reed at that medical center, recalled how they unwound after long days in the intensive care unit by discussing their cases, sitting on a cafeteria bench so decrepit that it was always available to them. "If she were here she would ask us, 'What's next?' " Gordon said. "As time goes on and our pain recedes, hopefully we can live with as much curiosity, tenacity, tenderness, and ferocious loyalty as our friend Amy." The nave of the cathedral, the principal church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was filled by the mourners, including many schoolmates of the couple's children, ages 4 to 15. The two oldest children, Joseph and Nadia, read passages from the Bible during the Funeral Mass. Joseph's reading from Revelation, about a dragon depicted as the devil, may be the source of the legend of St. George, Ruff said. The funeral attendees included many professionals from Penn, where Dr. Reed and her husband earned their medical degrees and doctorates in immunology, and from Boston, where the couple were working when she underwent the hysterectomy at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Her cancerous tumor was mistaken for benign fibroid because, as the couple belatedly learned, preoperative tests cannot reliably detect the malignancy. She was informed that a morcellator was used only after routine lab analysis of her uterine tissue revealed the cancer. As a result of the couple's efforts, most hospitals, insurers, and even the leading manufacturer have abandoned power morcellators. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now warns against morcellation in almost all cases. Hundreds of women or their families have come forward to say they were harmed by the device. Several women also wrote directly to Reed to say they refused power morcellation after reading about her, and turned out to have sarcomas that were removed intact. JoAnn Trainer, Reed's mother, said, "Amy pushed us to become our best selves. She led by example. The love she extended to all of us has changed us forever." After the Mass, a funeral procession went to Newtown Cemetery, where Reed was buried. Her husband had petitioned unsuccessfully for permission to bury her at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. President Donald Trump speaks about the U.S. role in the Paris climate change accord, Thursday, June 1, 2017, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Read more Environmentalists, government officials, and businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey were reacting even before President Trump finished his speech Thursday stating that the United States would immediately begin pulling out of the Paris climate agreement. Trump said he planned to renegotiate the accord, "but until then, we're out of the agreement." France, Germany, and Italy, however, issued a joint statement saying there would be no renegotiation. Gov. Wolf issued a statement decrying the pullout when news of the administration's plans started trickling out before the speech, as Trump aides started notifying key allies. "We cannot ignore the scientific evidence and economic significance of climate change, and put our economy and population at risk," Wolf said. He and 11 other Democratic governors wrote to Trump in May asking that the U.S. not pull out of the Paris pact. U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R., Pa.) said pulling out puts America's role as a global leader at risk. Meehan is a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, which has 40 members. "The Paris Agreement isn't perfect. But by abandoning it, America is relinquishing that seat at the table," Meehan said. "It calls into question our commitment to protecting and preserving the environment. And it forfeits our ability to drive countries like China and India to reduce their carbon footprint and compete on a level playing field. Ultimately, this disappointing decision diminishes America's leadership role on the world stage." U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) called Trump's decision a "double-barreled blow" to jobs in Pennsylvania, as well as to the state's environment. "By pulling out of an agreement to combat climate change, President Trump has put Pennsylvania workers at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for clean energy jobs," Casey said. "Foreign countries will now take the lead in growing an industry that produces jobs with family-sustaining incomes." Mayor Kenney said that the city is already seeing effects of climate change. "President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement goes against the interests of Philadelphians," Kenney said. "My administration is now committed to upholding at the local level the very same commitment made by the United States in the Paris climate agreement to reduce carbon emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025. This will ensure that we're well on our way to meeting Philadelphia's current long-term goal of reducing the city's emissions 80 percent by 2050." Franco Montalto, a Drexel University professor and a director of the Urban Climate Change Research Network, said Trump might lose the chance to be a global leader. "Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has decided to ignore the scientific consensus concerning the risks that greenhouse gas emissions pose to life on earth," Montalto said. "He has also brushed aside the moral arguments for action to reduce these risks, as have been articulated recently by the pope and many other religious leaders." Many businesses and government officials supported remaining in the accord also for diplomatic reasons, saying that the U.S. departure would let China take a leadership role. Companies including Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, and Dow Chemical had urged the president to not pull out. Energy giants Exxon and Conoco also support the Paris deal. Pittsburgh's mayor objected when Trump said: "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris." Mayor Bill Peduto tweeted that Pittsburgh citizens voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton and said the city would follow the Paris agreements even if the federal government withdraws. Environmental organizations, not surprisingly, greeted Trump's announcement with dismay. "Trump removing us from the historic Paris climate agreement is clearly siding with Big Oil for short-term gain," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. "What he is doing is a long-term sell-out for the environment and public health to take care of corporate polluters." And David Masur, PennEnvironment's director, called the decision "embarrassing." "When the nations of the world joined in the Paris accord, we all finally stood as one to begin to address the climate crisis," Masur said. "This embarrassing decision says to the world that the United States the nation most responsible for global warming feels no responsibility for cutting pollution, and pretends to prioritize the economy over the well-being of the world." But the president's decision has supporters. U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus (R., Pa.), who represents western counties, said the accord was never "a legitimate deal." "It was never submitted to the Senate for ratification because the Senate would never have ratified it," Rothfus said. "The Paris agreement is not about climate. It is about control. It certainly is not about growth; it is about redistribution. We have a moral responsibility to create a much healthier economy that will increase jobs and increase wages. " Tea Party Patriots president Jenny Beth Martin agreed. "Tea Party Patriots thanks President Donald Trump for continuing to keep the promises he made during the campaign by announcing the United States will withdraw from the Paris accord, which is a drag on our economy and a bad deal for American workers," Martin said. To improve urinary flow in men with enlarged prostates, Philadelphia urologist Bruce Sloane implants special sutures such as the one shown here, encased in plastic for display purposes. Read more As he drove on the New Jersey Turnpike, Doug Hikade's biggest concern was never the traffic or the tolls, but the next rest stop. "I'd be frantic," recalled the Mount Laurel resident, 74. Like most men his age, Hikade suffered from the squeeze of an enlarged prostate. Unable to completely empty his bladder, he needed to go far more often, sometimes half a dozen times a night. Not anymore. Hikade is among thousands who have had a quick office procedure in which a urologist inserts tiny sutures that pull aside the two halves of the enlarged gland almost like curtains on a stage allowing for improved urinary flow. "It is total relief," he said. The procedure, called a prostatic urethral lift, does not improve flow as much as surgery, in which a physician cuts away some of the inside of the prostate to allow better flow. But the lift procedure and recovery are much quicker, with no hospital stay and fewer complications. And patients who get the sutures can always come back for surgery later. Bruce Sloane, Hikade's urologist, said he was doubtful of the sutures at first until he saw the research data and watched another physician demonstrate the technique. He now has implanted the UroLift sutures in several dozen patients, and said he likes it because it does not involve destroying any tissue. "If I can preserve a guy and keep him whole, I like that," said Sloane, who practices in Center City. Another initial skeptic, urologist Steven A. Kaplan of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, now performs the procedure, as well, though he remains unsure how long the improvement will last. In May, researchers said that improvements in peak urinary flow have lasted so far for five years, in a study funded by device maker NeoTract Inc., of Pleasanton, Calif. But one in 10 patients ended up needing surgery anyway. With the UroLift sutures, quick recovery is among the biggest pluses, said Kaplan, director of the Men's Health Program at the Mount Sinai Health System, in New York. "They can go to work the next day," he said. A common problem Benign prostatic hyperplasia benign meaning no cancer is present strikes up to half of men by age 50. By age 70, close to 80 percent have symptoms from an enlarged prostate, said urologist Sloane. Insurers generally want medication to be tried first, but the drugs do not always work, and can cause dizziness or other side effects. Both concerns side effects and lack of effectiveness motivated Paul Diamantis to come to Sloane's office for the lift procedure in May. The Haddon Heights resident, 62, had no problems with daytime urination but had to get up to use the bathroom several times a night, he said. He lay back in a reclining chair in Sloane's office, and rolled to one side so Sloane could inject a numbing agent in his prostate, going through the rectum. Then Diamantis rolled onto his back, and Sloane injected another numbing agent into the urethra. The physician then told Diamantis he would insert a cystoscope into his penis, through the urethra, until it reached the inside of the prostate. The thin black tube would serve as a sheath for the device that delivered the sutures. Diamantis seemed a bit apprehensive, pressing his lips together in response. "Now I want you to relax," Sloane said. "You'll feel it a little bit, but not much." In went the scope, followed by the delivery device a long, silvery rod with a trigger handle on one end. Click! Sloane squeezed the trigger to secure the first suture, which unfolded into a T-shape on one end, hugging the outside of the prostate like a miniature version of those molly bolts that are driven through drywall. The doctor adjusted the device slightly, then squeezed the trigger again, cutting the other end of the suture to the right length and securing it inside the urethra. The scope was fitted with a small internal camera, allowing Sloane to monitor his progress on the screen of a nearby laptop. Diamantis got four sutures, two on each side of the walnut-sized gland. Some patients get five or six. His entire office visit lasted about an hour, but he was back on his feet in minutes. "It wasn't bad at all," Diamantis said. Taking action before bladder is shot The device got its start more than a decade ago, in a biomedical business incubator in California. Three engineers, Ted Lamson, Joshua Makower, and Joseph Catanese III, spent months interviewing patients and physicians, learning that many were dissatisfied with current treatments for enlarged prostates. They developed UroLift after experimenting in cadavers, and founded NeoTract in 2004. The first patients were treated in Australia by the end of 2005. Initial clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not come until 2013, but now more than half of the 30,000 patients treated to date are in this country, said chief executive officer Dave Amerson. Insurers generally reimburse about $5,000 for the procedure. Medicare covers it, though some private insurers do not. Lamson worked with heart valves for his doctorate in biomedical engineering at Pennsylvania State University, a good preparation for his work today. Faulty valves can make the heart work too hard over the long term, and the muscle becomes baggy and weak the condition known as heart failure. Ditto for the bladder, if it has to strain to force urine through a channel that is surrounded by an enlarged prostate. "The bladder has to work a lot harder," Lamson said. "It is getting worse and worse." Sloane agreed, saying it was an argument for not waiting too long to take action. "The bladder can regain contractility as long as it's not too far gone," the urologist said. "Once the bladder is shot, you can't bring it back." In the days following Diamantis' procedure, as with most patients, he experienced more frequent urination, not less, as his bladder adjusted to the unrestricted flow. Sloane said a significant improvement after four weeks is common. Hikade, who had his procedure in August 2016, was so happy that he talked a neighbor into getting it, and that man has since recommended it to someone else. And those trips on the turnpike? "You don't worry about the next rest area," Hikade said. "It's peace of mind now." A Main Line lawyer has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $400,000 in settlement funds from nine clients, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday. Gregory G. Stagliano, 61, of Radnor Township, has been charged with multiple counts of theft, theft of services, receiving stolen property, and related crimes. Stagliano surrendered to authorities Thursday morning, according to the District Attorney's Office. He was remanded to the Delaware County jail after not posting bail, according to public records. Efforts to reach Stagliano's attorney were not immediately successful. According to the District Attorney's Office, investigators received information from the Disciplinary Board of the state Supreme Court notifying them that Stagliano, a Media-based personal injury lawyer, took settlement money owed to his clients. An investigation found that he spent it to "fund his own lavish lifestyle" and pay debts. He also used the funds to pay taxes on properties he owns in Delaware County, the District Attorney's Office said. In one case, a client who had been in a February 2014 car accident received a settlement of $65,000. The checks were made out to both the client and Stagliano, and were deposited in Stagliano's Interest on Lawyers Trust Account. After the victim received only $7,500, she tried to contact Stagliano more than 30 times about the remaining funds. "I wish you to cease your continued harassing communications in this regard and if you do not, we will go about it in a different way," Stagliano reportedly told the woman, according to the District Attorney's Office. "Today's arrest of Mr. Stagliano should send a clear message that no one is above the law," District Attorney John J. Whelan said. Photos by Tom Kelly IV Philadelphia Police Crime Scene Investigators as well as member of the FBI Evidence Response Team, gather evidence at the scene of a police involved shooting in the 200 block of E. Montana Street in the East Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, Monday July 22, 2013. According to police, two fugitives [] Read more A 32-year-old man was fatally wounded in a street shooting late Thursday afternoon in North Philadelphia. Police on Friday identified the slain man as Anthony Lewis. Police said the gunfire erupted just before 4:40 p.m. at 24th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, about a block from where Lewis lived. Officers on foot patrol about a block away heard the gunshots and found him suffering from numerous bullet wounds to his neck, chest, back, and arms, Chief Inspector Scott Small said. Police rushed Lewis to Hahnemann University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m. Police recovered nine spent shell casings at the scene. Investigators were checking surveillance cameras in the area for any footage showing the assailant, Small said. No arrests had been made as of Friday. The motive for the killing wasn't known, police said. City Councilman David Oh is recuperating at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia after being stabbed near his home in an attempted robbery. He is pictured with wife Heesun, son Daniel and daughter Sarah. Read more City Councilman David Oh is recovering after having been stabbed in the back Wednesday night in an attempted street robbery outside his home in Southwest Philadelphia, as police continue to seek the assailant. The councilman's office said in a statement Thursday morning that Oh had "a successful surgery overnight" and would "remain at the hospital to monitor his recovery but expected to fully heal and return home soon." Lt. John Walker of Southwest Detectives said the 57-year-old Oh was stabbed once in the left flank between his chest and waist while on the 5800 block of Thomas Avenue on the western edge of the city's Kingsessing section about 9:45 p.m. The assailant, whom Walker described as an African American man in his mid-20s with a scruffy beard, approached Oh as he was taking some bags out of his Chevrolet Equinox sports-utility vehicle and said something to Oh that the councilman couldn't understand. Oh tried to engage the man in conversation, Walker said, but his attacker replied: "Give me the keys." Oh had "no idea it was going to be a robbery attempt," Walker said. Police on Thursday morning were still looking for the attacker. There was no immediate indication Oh's position on City Council played a role in the crime. Neighbors and Oh's wife, Heesun, came out to find the councilman on the ground lying in a pool of blood and called police, Walker said. Medics rushed Oh to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in critical but stable condition. He was "alert" and able to briefly speak with police before being taken to surgery, Walker said. Officials said Oh underwent exploratory surgery to make sure there was no damage to vital organs. "The Councilman thanks the medical staff, his Council and City colleagues, and the community for their prayers and support, and he looks forward to getting back to City Hall to serve Philadelphia," the statement from his office said. Detectives were searching the area for surveillance video and interviewing potential witnesses. The alleged assailant, described as wearing a dark shirt with white lettering and dark pants, was last seen running westbound on Thomas Avenue towards Cobbs Creek Parkway, Walker said. He did not take Oh's keys or other personal belongings. Council President Darrell L. Clarke and other city officials rushed to the hospital to check on their colleague. "David's a tough guy. He'll be OK," Clarke told reporters waiting outside the hospital. "It's a case of, [at] any point, any time, it doesn't matter who it is, random violence strikes again," he said. In an earlier statement, Clarke said: "David is a valued colleague with a young, beautiful family. We ask all Philadelphians to keep Councilman Oh and his family in your thoughts and prayers." Mayor Kenney, who is traveling in Iceland, said in a statement sent by city spokeswoman Lauren Hitt: "We are all praying for Councilman Oh's quick recovery and thinking of his family during this difficult time. Whenever violence happens on our streets it is a terrible tragedy. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call 911." Kenney later reiterated that message on Twitter. Police Commissioner Richard Ross received news of the stabbing while attending a conference in Nevada where big city police chiefs were talking about strategies to reduce violence. "We're glad [Oh] is going to be OK," Ross said, but he added that the incident "speaks volumes to the fact that we've got to work together with all our community members and all our partners" to drive down crime. "We obviously still have a lot of work to do," he said. Councilman Allan Domb heard the news about his colleague late Wednesday. "Crime is awful for everybody, not just a councilperson but this just hits home," Domb said. "He was probably out working as a councilman and he's coming home at 10 at night people just have to have more regard for each other than they do. It's out of control." Matthew Pershe, a legislative aide for the councilman, said Oh had just arrived home from a meeting with small-business leaders when he was attacked. Pershe and other staff members were gathered at the hospital early Thursday. Other council members and elected officials from the area also voiced concern. Oh, an at-large councilman since 2011, was the first Asian-American elected to political office in Philadelphia. A Republican, he is the only military veteran (Army National Guard) currently on City Council. He grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and his family has lived in the neighborhood, one filled with three-story homes with tidy front yards, since 1953. He and his wife have four children, Hannah, Joshua, Daniel, and Sarah. The councilman's stabbing is not the Oh family's first encounter with violence. In 1958, his cousin, a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, was beaten to death in the Powelton section of West Philadelphia by a group of juvenile boys while he was mailing a letter to his parents. The killing of In-Ho Oh made national news and highlighted tensions between Penn and its West Philadelphia community. According to the councilman's website, In-Ho Oh's parents requested leniency for the boys and started a fund to help educate and rehabilitate them. Last year, the 3600 block of Hamilton Street was renamed In-Ho Oh Memorial Way in his honor. Staff writers Tricia L. Nadolny and Emily Babay contributed to this report. Two people were killed in a triple shooting overnight in North Philadelphia, including a 17-year-old who became the second teenager killed by gunfire in Philadelphia this week. When officers arrived at the scene near 13th and Rush Streets shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, they found two men, ages 24 and 17, gunned down in the street, police said. The older victim, identified Thursday as Dominique Gainey, of the city's Kensington section, suffered several gunshot wounds to his left side and right leg. He was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:37 p.m. The teen, identified as Irell Williams, of Nicetown, died at Temple at 2:02 a.m. He had been shot in his shoulder and back, police said. A third victim, a 20-year-old man who was shot in his arm, was taken in a private vehicle to Temple University Hospital. He was listed in stable condition Thursday. Officers found multiple shell casings just feet from the victims' bodies, indicating they were shot at close range, Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters. Investigators don't know the motive for the shooting or which of the three victims, if any, was the intended targeted. No arrests have been made. Two suspects were seen fleeing from the scene on bicycles. Further descriptions of the assailants were not available. The shooting marked the second time this week that a teenager was shot to death. On Monday night, a Kensington shooting left a 14-year-old boy dead and a 16-year-old wounded. A 27-year-old Bucks County man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for producing child pornography with a toddler, authorities said. Norman Ridgeway, of Croydon, forced a 3-year-old child to participate in explicit sexual activities that he digitally recorded and then sold online, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The gender of the toddler was not revealed. Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen called Ridgeway's crimes "an abomination." "We are pleased with today's outcome, and we remain dedicated to working on behalf of the victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation to prosecute and incarcerate for lengthy periods of time those who exploit the most vulnerable members of our community," Lappen said in a news release. Ridgeway pleaded guilty in February to producing child pornography, transporting child pornography, and possessing child pornography from January 2015 to March 24, 2016. Pryce Johnson, 2, was shot and wounded while on his Kensington porch on Friday, May 19, 2017. Read more A total of $25,000 in rewards is being offered in a shooting two weeks ago in Kensington that left a 2-year-old boy and his father wounded. The Philadelphia Mayor's Office is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, police announced Thursday. Separately, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 previously announced that it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to just an arrest in the double shooting. It was about 9:15 p.m. May 19 when two gunmen on BMX-type bikes rode down the 3300 block of Malta Street, then fired at a rowhouse where the 25-year-old father was sitting while the toddler was playing on the porch. Just before firing their guns, one man yelled out: "This is our block." The toddler, Pryce Johnson, was shot twice once in his right wrist and once in his right buttock, his mother, Donata Johnson, 25, has said. Both of the wounds were in-and-out. He has since been released from St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. The father was shot once in his right knee and was taken after the shooting to Temple University Hospital in stable condition. After the shooting, the gunmen pedaled away and turned right onto Westmoreland Street, then left onto Potter Street. Police last week released video of the two men riding away on Potter. They were described as black men in their 20s. One was about 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, with his hair in braids and a black shirt. He also had a duffel or book bag on him. The second was about 5-foot-11 and was wearing a light-colored shirt. Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call the East Detective Division at 215-686-3243 or 911. It has been a tough week for giraffes in the region but there's also a bright spot. Hodari, a giraffe at the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, New Jersey, has died from dental-surgery complications, the zoo said Wednesday. The announcement follows the Sunday death of another giraffe at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Three weeks ago, a Turtle Back Zoo veterinarian noticed that the 18-foot-tall, 11-year-old Masai giraffe was having trouble with its teeth. At the time, Hodari tolerated the anesthesia for an examination. In another procedure to correct the issue, the animal experienced complications, NJ.com reported. "We believed this would give Hodari a better quality of life, improve his overall health and allow him to continue to thrive at Turtle Back Zoo. We knew there were risks when putting an animal of Hodari's size under anesthesia, but we also knew repairing his teeth would be more beneficial for him," veterinarian Dr. Jon Bergmann wrote in a statement, the news outlet reported. Ernie, a 6-year-old Masai giraffe at the Lehigh Valley Zoo died after injuring his neck. He was brought to the zoo from the Kansas City Zoo in Missouri, along with his father, 16-year-old Murphy, as part of a $3.8 million expansion of the Schnecksville zoo's African animals exhibit. In brighter news, the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown announced Tuesday that it has two new giraffes. Gerald came to Montgomery County from the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls, S.D., while Mokolo came from the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, N.D. The Masai giraffes are typically found in southern Kenya and Tanzania. They are the largest subspecies of giraffes and the tallest land mammals. As a species, giraffes are listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of their decline in population, from about 155,000 in the 1980s to fewer than 100,000 now. A cardboard cutout of U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo stands in for him at town hall for his constituents in Egg Harbor City May 31, 2017. At the microphone is Tamar Sherer, of Long Beach Township, who organized the meeting. Read more EGG HARBOR CITY, N.J. No one inside Teamsters Local 331's hall was surprised that, not counting the cardboard replica that had been set up, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo was missing from a town hall meeting put on by constituents Wednesday night. LoBiondo, a Republican from South Jersey's Second Congressional District, has made it clear on many occasions that while he will meet with groups of constituents in his office, return calls, or respond on social media, he will not do a town hall. No YouTube moments, he said. Further, he told organizers, he was traveling this week on a classified CIA trip as part of his duties on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. LoBiondo is chairman of the House CIA Subcommittee. Undeterred, about 75 constituents representing various groups from a district that stretches from Southern Ocean County to Salem County held the 90-minute town hall without him. It was the second such event in his district that LoBiondo has passed on. They looked the cardboard replica in the eye and spoke about health care, tax returns, climate change, defense spending, Planned Parenthood. and, in a common theme, their desire that LoBiondo take a more vocal role in the national debate during a Trump presidency that they consider an emergency. "When are you going to speak up and say, 'Enough is enough'?" said Rosa Borenstein of Barnegat. "I'm asking you, LoBiondo," said Ruth Shropshire of Vineland. "When are you going to tell the president to stop using hateful rhetoric? You mean to tell me if somebody has dark skin, they can be attacked and it's OK? What's your answer, LoBiondo?" "It's time to put country ahead of party," said Rick Goldberg of Galloway. "We have a gentleman who, in one week, undermined an alliance we've been working on for 65 years. This is just unacceptable. I think we need you to go to the White House and ask some serious questions." They held up green (yes) and red (no) cards to respond to questions. There were green cards for "Do you personally think Trump is guilty of obstruction of justice?" and red cards for "Do you support pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord?" There were green cards for "Who'd like to see Mr. Trump's tax returns?" LoBiondo, 71, who has been in Congress since 1995, was one of 20 Republican congressmen to vote against the health-care bill that narrowly passed the House on May 4, an action that pleased many of his constituents on the left but led to some flak from the right. John Carlson of Egg Harbor Township said LoBiondo had said to him, explaining his opposition to attending the town hall meetings, "Do you know what goes on at these things?" "Yes, Frank, I do," Carlson said. "This meeting has been respectful and polite. But I want you to know, I'm mad as hell. I'm sick of the way this country's going. I'm sick of you contributing to it. You've got to end it, you've got to resist it, you've got to do it now." Tamar Sherer of North Beach, Long Beach Island, a retired executive with JPMorgan Chase, said that despite LoBiondo's vote, she was worried about his future role in Congress during a Trump presidency. "I personally asked him if he thought it was important that he take more of a leadership role, be more visible," she said. "He told us a long time ago about not wanting to hold town halls. I think a town-hall venue is democracy." Alison Arne of Buena Vista Township was one of several who urged LoBiondo to support continued funding of Planned Parenthood. Recounting her experience going to a clinic while pregnant, she said abortion information was one of three options discussed there. "My daughter will be attending kindergarten in the fall," she said. Organizers and speakers stressed that they were all constituents and not paid protesters. Many had met with LoBiondo during office meetings. The Progressive Coalition for NJ-2 livestreamed the event, and organizers said they would deliver a video of the event to LoBiondo's office and hoped for responses to the questions raised. The full video will also be posted on BlueJersey.com, organizers said. The coalition is also working to support a challenge to LoBiondo, who has won every re-election with relative ease. LoBiondo spokesman Jason Galanes said no staff of the congressman's attended the event. Family snapshot of Penn student In-Ho Oh, who was murdered by a gang in West Philadelphia in 1958. He was the cousin of current Philadelphia Councilman David Oh, who was stabbed outside his home in West Philadelphia late Wednesday. Read more David Oh's family knows the violence possible on Philadelphia's streets. They knew it far before the councilman was stabbed outside his home Wednesday night. In 1958, Oh's cousin was killed by a gang of young men who beat him to death at 36th and Hamilton Streets. In Ho Oh, a 26-year-old graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, was walking to a mailbox across the street from his home to send a letter to his parents in South Korea. There was no clear motive. Police said the boys had been denied entrance to a neighborhood dance, some because they didn't have the 65 cents for admission. They might have been looking for money. They might have just been looking to make trouble, an official said the next day. The incident became national news, because of the brutality of the crime but more because of what came after. In Ho Oh's parents, devout Christians, sent a letter from South Korea asking the courts for leniency. They started a fund to pay for the "religious, educational, vocational and social guidance of the boys when they are released." "We thank God that He has given us a plan whereby our sorrow is being turned into Christian purpose," the parents wrote. "It is our hope that we may somehow be instrumental to the salvation of the souls and in giving life to the human nature of the murderers." The murder happened before David Oh was born but has been a constant presence in his life. Last year, the councilman said a photo of his handsome, neatly groomed cousin, along with the letter from the man's parents, hung in his living room throughout his childhood. David Oh said his parents often pointed to the picture when he or his siblings would break a rule or get a bad grade, raising up the cousin as an example for him and his siblings to aspire to. "As long as I can remember, there was In Ho Oh," the councilman said. Yet he said his parents rarely spoke of the particulars of his cousin's death. In Ho Oh was living with the councilman's parents at the time of the slaying, and they were left traumatized, according to an article published shortly after the murder in the Reporter, a national news magazine. Wanting to leave the neighborhood where the crime happened, the couple moved for a short time into the home of the director of the local Red Cross. "Even here," the director told the Reporter, "on the top floor, with my family all around them and police outside, they were filled with fear. I could hear Mrs. Oh pacing the floor of her room at 4 in the morning, night after night." The crime highlighted tensions between Penn and the West Philadelphia community around it, and sparked outrage from many city residents who wanted none of the leniency sought by In Ho Oh's parents. There were protests, and in one case about 600 residents of the neighborhood where the murder happened confronted the then-police commissioner, according to a 2005 accounting by the Daily Pennsylvanian. A historian described it to the newspaper as being a pivotal moment for the university that forced school officials to become more engaged with and invested in the surrounding neighborhoods. Then-Mayor Richardson Dilworth, under pressure from the public for a swift response, called for understanding, speaking of the lack of services provided by the government for troubled youth and of the deep poverty many of the teens, who were black, were raised in. "I just do not think that we can emphasize enough that man's inhumanity to man simply results in increased violence and evil," he said, according to the Reporter. At the funeral, the mayor wept, then stood alone at the closed casket after the service had ended. He later set up a scholarship fund for a Korean student to attend Penn, donating the first $100 himself. Nine people between the ages of 15 and 19 were ultimately charged with taking part in the murder, according to news coverage from the time. One was sentenced to death, three to life sentences, and the rest to prison terms. David Oh said the family's request for leniency was not taken seriously by the courts. "The city wanted to make an example," he said. Years later, the councilman said his cousin's death and his family's response to it left him with a deep belief in the power of forgiveness, something he spoke of on the Council floor last year when he introduced a resolution to rename the block where the murder happened In Ho Oh Memorial Way. "The critical thing for me that applies to us today is this: forgiveness," he said. "It's a challenge for me. It's a struggle for me. It's not easy to do, I understand, but I think that forgiveness is a very important part of healing our city." By dawn Thursday, 500 people had lined up on the sidewalk outside the Project HOME apartments on Fairmount Avenue. They had raced from work shifts and forgone sleep in a shelter bed or on a friend's couch to wait through the night for the thing they needed most: a home. Word had spread through social workers and shelter staffers and friends of friends: on Thursday morning at 8, Project HOME would start accepting qualified applicants for its newest affordable-housing units on North Broad Street on a first-come, first-served basis. There were 88 apartments available. The line started forming Wednesday morning. The sun rose the next day on hundreds who had spent the night on the street for a chance at a single-occupancy apartment. Few on Fairmount could afford to be last in line. Kameshia Graham had arrived at 10 a.m. Wednesday and was first in line. A former dental assistant, she said she became homeless two years ago in the throes of a mental-health crisis, and moved from the South Bronx to Newark to the Center for Hope, a shelter across the street at Broad and Fairmount. "I'm getting the help I need here," she said. Her next step is living independently again, she said. Down the block, Michael Bowser, 62, a retired chef, said he'd been sleeping at friends' houses for two years after an addiction to drugs and alcohol and a series of illnesses had rendered him homeless. "It's just frustrating," he said. "Nothing's stable." His girlfriend Kim Jackson, who lives at the Francis House of Peace, another Project HOME building, had spent the night with him in line. She remembered waiting in a similar line two years ago. So did Wesley Mitchell, 54, another Francis House resident. On Thursday, he donned a bright orange "volunteer" T-shirt and walked up and down the sidewalk, answering questions, soothing the anxious, quelling arguments, and shaking hands with old friends. "I got here at 4 a.m." on the morning applications were due, Mitchell recalled of his time on the line in 2015. "And I was, like, 30-something in line." This time, the 30th person in line had showed up at 4 p.m. the day before. "We got on the bus together and all came down like we were going on vacation," said Bonita Leonard, laughing with a group of women who had come from the same shelter. She had lived on the street for 35 years, she said, and inside for five months. Now she has a job at a Forman Mills store in West Philadelphia, and is looking to move from the shelter. "I'm just praying it works out," Leonard said. She and her friends, watching the growing crowds, were worried they had wasted their time. Project HOME staff carried clipboards down the line, asking those waiting if they were registered to vote, or if they wanted to send a letter to their representative in Congress about the need for affordable housing. Funding for the newest apartments at 2415 N. Broad St., a mix of public and private money, is secure. But President Trump's proposed $6 billion in cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development has Project HOME concerned about funding for future projects. And the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which gets about 94 percent of its funding from HUD, is subsidizing rent at the new building. Cuts to HUD are "exactly the opposite of what is needed" amid a national homelessness crisis, said Liz Hersch, the director of the city's Office of Homeless Services. "On any given day, we have almost 6,200 people who are in temporary housing in emergency shelters, or transitional housing, or who are doubled up, or couch surfing. Those you see on the street are probably 10 percent" of the city's homeless population. "The tip of the iceberg." Advocates rankled, too, at HUD Secretary Ben Carson, who grew up impoverished, and who last week characterized poverty as "a state of mind." "Before, politicians would say, 'We understand there's a crisis but we're doing the best we can,'" said Sister Mary Scullion, Project HOME's founder. "The whole tone is changing. It's just frightening." By 8 a.m. on Fairmount, organizers had to split the line into two large segments to avoid blocking streets and a nearby day-care center. Staffers set up at folding tables in the lobby as Graham, who had been waiting for 22 hours, walked through the doors. Someone snapped a picture of her, smiling with her application in hand. Another staffer consoled a crying woman who had made a mistake on her application. "They can help you out over there," she said, pointing to another set of folding tables. A round of interviews, to be conducted throughout the summer, awaits the applicants. They'll find out in September if they've been approved for a spot, Scullion said. "We'll easily have a thousand applications in by the end of Thursday," she said, "and thousands more after it.' An 18-year-old senior at Pennridge High School has filed a sexual-discrimination suit against the school district and two administrators, alleging they did not protect her from harassment by a classmate who she says raped her at a nearby restaurant. The incident occurred on Dec. 17, 2014, when she was a sophomore, in the parking lot of the Country Place restaurant in Perkasie, according to the suit filed Wednesday on her behalf by the National Women's Law Center in federal court in Philadelphia. After she reported it to police and school officials, her alleged assailant and some of his friends sent threatening texts, shoved her in the hallway, and cursed at her, the suit said. It is the second law center suit filed against the Pennridge School District alleging that administrators ignored pleas for help with harassment. In January, former student Modupe Williams contended in a suit that she was subjected to racial and sexual slurs, received harassing phone calls, and was tormented in and out of school. Administrators were aware of the episodes, she said, but didn't act. The district is seeking to have that case dismissed. Law center attorney Alexandra Brodsky said that after Williams' case received publicity, several other Pennridge students or alumni came forward to say something similar had happened to them. More lawsuits may be forthcoming, she said. "We are particularly troubled by a pattern and policy of telling students, if you were raped or otherwise harassed off campus, it's not our problem, it is their problem," Brodsky said of district officials. "The courts have said just going to school with someone who has harassed or assaulted you creates a hostile environment." Superintendent Jacqueline A. Rattigan declined to comment, citing pending litigation. Both suits contend that the district violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex and race discrimination in education. In the latest case, the student said that for two years, she and her mother begged school administrators, including Rattigan and principal Gina DeBona, for intervention. They contend that school officials did not investigate the alleged assault, for which no criminal charges were filed, or discipline students for the in-school harassment, according to the suit. Instead, school officials suggested that the student, who had excellent grades and was active in school activities, attend an alternative school, the suit says. After having difficulty making it through full days of school, Goodwin spent the last month of her sophomore year working from home, and left in April of her junior year to attend a cyber school, returning to the high school for her senior year. Her education suffered as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder and the school's failure to make her feel safe, with her grade-point average dropping from 3.9 to 3.2, she said. The school initially agreed to her request that she not be assigned the same classes as her alleged assailant, she said, but she ended up in a study hall and lunch room with him. The alleged assailant and the companions she accused of sending threatening texts graduated last year were not in school for her senior year, but two of the companions joined the military and came back to campus for recruiting events, which triggered her PTSD, she said. One will also be attending this Friday's senior prom, which she is attending. "With PTSD, knowing that they're in the area near me, I can't focus, I feel as if I'm in danger," she said. "When I found out they were there, even though they were not speaking to me or in the vicinity, it still made me feel that I was unsafe." She said the experience has shaped her choice of careers. While she originally wanted to be a teacher, she now plans to major in social work and psychology. "After all this that happened to me, I realized that teenage girls and students in high school have a much harder time going about life than I realized," she said. "It helped me understand I needed a person to be there for me, and I didn't have that. My hope is to be someone who can assist students in need." Bill Cosby speaks to the media as he leaves Allegheny County Courthouse after the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault trial in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (Nate Smallwood/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review via AP, Pool) Read more A psychologist can testify at Bill Cosby's trial that his accuser's yearlong delay in reporting the incident to police is typical of sex-assault victims, a judge ruled Thursday. Cosby's lawyers had asked Judge Steven T. O'Neill to block Veronique Valliere from testifying in the trial, set to begin next week in Norristown. O'Neill ruled that the testimony would be permitted as long as Valliere qualified as an expert witness. The ruling was one of several issues under consideration during the final pretrial hearing Thursday. "We are ready to start this case on Monday," O'Neill said at the end of the day, much of which unfolded in a room closed to reporters and the public. Cosby, 79, is charged with aggravated indecent assault for allegedly drugging and molesting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his home in Cheltenham in 2004. He was not in court Thursday. Cosby's lawyers asked O'Neill to exclude Valliere because Pennsylvania law did not permit expert testimony at sexual-assault trials until 2012, about eight years after Constand claims she was attacked. We're dealing with a scenario in which there has been a delayed prosecutorial action," said Angela Agrusa, one of Cosby's lawyers. Prosecutors argued that defense lawyers simply did not want jurors to hear that some of Constand's behaviors after the alleged assault such as continuing to stay in touch with Cosby and waiting a year before contacting police are not signs that she lacks credibility. "These are typical behaviors of a sex-assault victim," Assistant District Attorney Kristen Feden said. "They don't want an expert to testify to that." O'Neill ruled that it was appropriate to retroactively apply the 2012 law. The judge also appeared likely to permit Timothy Rohrig, a toxicologist, to testify about the impact of Quaaludes on people who take them. Constand alleges that Cosby gave her pills that made her woozy and unable to move or consent. Prosecutors say it is not clear whether those pills were Quaaludes, the once-popular party drug. Cosby initially told Constand they were herbal pills, and later told her mother it was Benadryl, according to police reports, But prosecutors will also present Cosby's own 2005 deposition testimony, in which he admitted obtaining Quaaludes in years past to seduce women. Given that evidence, O'Neill said, it may be appropriate for jurors to hear explanations about Quaaludes such as, "What is it? What's its name? What's it do? What's its effects?" Agrusa suggested that Quaaludes were not manufactured anymore by the time of the alleged assault against Constand. But District Attorney Kevin R. Steele countered that Montgomery County had a large drug case in 2002 involving the illegal sale of Quaaludes. Cosby's lawyers also asked O'Neill on Thursday to refrain from referring to Constand as "the victim" during the trial, instead referring to her as a complainant or simply using her name. O'Neill said he would call her "the alleged victim," and said he would not place limitations on how lawyers could refer to her during their own arguments. O'Neill said he would hear arguments and make other motions Thursday in his chambers, so that new issues not already made public or covered by the media would remain private. He said he was concerned that jurors, selected in Pittsburgh last week but not yet under oath or sequestration, could see news coverage of the case. "I am at this stage only concerned with a fair and impartial trial," he said. Jurors are scheduled to be bused from Pittsburgh to Montgomery County on Sunday for the trial. They will stay at an undisclosed hotel. Reporters who follow and attempt to contact jurors during the trial, O'Neill warned Thursday, would face "serious repercussions." Lee Kaplan, front in yellow, and Daniel Stoltzfus, back in yellow, are led to a preliminary hearing Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, outside Bucks County Magisterial District Judge John I. Waltmans courtroom in Feasterville, Pa. Read more On the second day of Lee Kaplan's sexual-abuse trial, a girl took the stand to describe summers swimming in Kaplan's backyard pool, learning history from documentaries, tending to the chickens, picking fruit from trees and having sex with the man 37 years her senior beginning when she was 10 or 11. "Did you know why Mr. Kaplan was having sex with you?" she was asked Thursday by a prosecutor. "Because I'm his wife," the now-15-year-old answered. "How did you know you were his wife?" "Because he told me." Over two days, a parade of witnesses have described the extraordinary hold Kaplan had over the once-Amish Stoltzfus family, centered on God, education, and marriage to the underage daughters. The 15-year-old who testified first Thursday is one of six sisters whom Kaplan is charged with sexually assaulting while housing them and five others in his Feasterville home over a period of years. Kaplan, 52, was arrested last June after police discovered 11 girls living in his home, including two he fathered with the oldest daughter. Kaplan considered the sisters his "wives" and allegedly told police at least one had been "gifted" to him by her parents. As each of them, all wearing baggy homemade flowered dresses, with wan faces and long hair, testified about being taken to Kaplan's room at prepubescent ages for sexual acts, Kaplan remained quiet, often twisting his beard with his left hand and occasionally twitching his shoulders, neck, and head. His gray hair and beard, though cut shorter, were prominent above his black suit and blue tie. Members of the jury listened stoically to their accounts. Thursday's testimony at the trial before Bucks County Court Judge Jeffrey L. Finley came the day after new details were disclosed in court about the complex relationship between the family of Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus and Kaplan, In April, the girls' mother pleaded guilty to child endangerment. Their father pleaded no contest to the same charge. Now ages 9 to 19, the six girls said that they love Kaplan, that they had liked their living arrangement, and that they did not want to talk about their sexual relations with him. On Thursday afternoon, their older brother testified about his suspicions about Kaplan, who offered them the "life that my parents were looking for" as they abandoned the Amish faith, a life they had been unable to find until Kaplan appeared, telling them he communicated with God. The younger girls said they had initially lied to detectives after Kaplan was arrested because their older sisters told them not to tell. The older sisters said the relationships were no one's business; the 15-year-old said she never told anyone about the sex because she thought it would be unfaithful to the man she knew as her husband. They told authorities in October about having sex with Kaplan, after their mother, wearing a device that recorded the conversation for prosecutors, urged them to tell the truth. The 15-year-old said that while living with Kaplan, she felt she could not refuse if he asked her to do something. "I feel like I trust him well enough that if he told me to do something, it would be for the better," said the girl. She and four of her younger sisters each took the stand Thursday. The oldest testified Wednesday. Each described a similar scenario: Kaplan would take one of them into his bedroom, close or lock the door, pull up the girl's dress, and engage in sexual contact. The 18-year-old described intercourse, as did the 15-year-old and the 14-year-old. The 11-year-old described anal contact without penetration. The 9-year-old described anal sex. For each, it began between the ages of 7 and 11. The 18-year-old was the daughter promised to Kaplan by her parents; the rest were not explicitly given to him as wives, Savilla Stoltzfus said Wednesday. She was the first to sleep in Kaplan's room in the family's home, at age 7. She was 14 when he consummated their "marriage" and said she believed sex was an expression of his affection. She and her older sister were the first to move to Kaplan's house. "Mostly it was his idea, but we liked it, because our parents were kind of struggling at the time, so it worked out for everybody," she said. "I was very happy where we were," she added later. Kaplan had also told them not to tell anyone about their sexual encounters, each said. In general, he did not talk after having sex, said the 9-year-old, who was about 7 the first time Kaplan had sex with her. The only time they spoke, she remembered, was once when she said something afterward about "how far China was away." The 14-year-old said Kaplan asked her if she wanted to be his wife before the first time they had sex, which occurred when she was 10. She said that she did not know what was going to happen before he had sex with her, and that it hurt, but she was "glad to be his wife." His legal wife, Virginia Kaplan, 58, testified that she left her husband in 2009 because he was spending all his time in Lancaster County, but that Kaplan had refused to sign divorce papers. Sometimes, she said, Kaplan would stay with the Stoltzfuses for weeks or months. "He was gone all the time. I was by myself," she said. Kaplan's attorney, Ryan Hyde, has argued that Kaplan was taken advantage of by an opportunistic Stoltzfus couple, who needed money and child care. He said after court on Thursday that five of the girls came forward with accusations against him only after "sitting in a room in the DA's Office," alleging that they did it to get their mother a deal to get out of prison. "This isn't necessarily about Lee and sex, this is about the Stoltzfuses and money," Hyde said. Also on Thursday, the girls' older brother said Kaplan prophesied that the family would have success they would win the lottery, he said God told him and convinced them that his interpretations of their dreams were coming from God. He offered them "a life that my parents were looking for" as they abandoned the Amish faith. "He seemed knowledgeable, a man of God, just what I wanted to be," said the brother, now 22, who said he later changed his mind about Kaplan. He said that when one of his brothers questioned Kaplan's plan to marry the second-oldest sister, Kaplan became angry and "told him not to dare question what God had put together." That was the last time someone in the family questioned him, the 22-year-old testified. He said Kaplan threw away or burned the family's storybooks and novels, and had the father rip out the letters of Paul from their Bibles. He told them that his wife would die soon and that he would then marry one of the strippers at a strip club he frequented, and to whom he said he ministered. Kaplan also told the couple that their youngest son was the reincarnation of an earlier son whom Daniel Stolzfus had killed in a forklift accident, the brother said. None of the children was allowed to socialize with their peers because Kaplan said young children attract evil spirits, the brother said. When a younger sister told the brother who testified that Kaplan had sexual contact with her, he typed out a letter to his father. For telling her brother, the girl was confined to her room for weeks. After that, and after the father learned that his son had been researching cults online, he destroyed the boy's computer. The son eventually left the Stoltzfus home and provided information to the district attorney after Kaplan's arrest. "I do not want to carry the secret all my life knowing I could've done something about it," he said. "Doing what's right is important." Never mind what you've heard about the backlash against globalization. We live in a world that still prizes that great symbol of global culture: the city skyline. Newly minted skylines have been rising at a furious rate in places where none ever existed before. One of the most famous, Shanghai's Pudong, went from a swampy island to a dense, Manhattan-style agglomeration of towers in a mere 25 years and has become the template for other cities aspiring to make their mark in the global economy. With the completion of the 730-foot FMC tower later this month, that will now include Philadelphia. It's hard to think of Philadelphia playing in the same league as upstart megacities like Shanghai, Jakarta, or Dubai. Center City's skyline evolved over many decades and is the product of a 20th-century sensibility. And yet, in just 15 years, we have produced our own mini-Pudong on the west bank of the Schuylkill with an assertive trio of glass skyscrapers, FMC, Evo, and Cira. Developed by Brandywine Realty Trust and designed (mostly) by Pelli Clarke Pelli, none of the three can claim to be the tallest in Philadelphia, a title that will go to Norman Foster's 1,121-foot Comcast tower when it opens sometime next year. None are particularly groundbreaking as architecture, either, although the designs are all skillful. But collectively, the trio is powerfully transformative. Together, they shift Philadelphia's business district from Center City to the university area. Their presence is the clearest evidence yet that the city has cast its future with the new research-driven economy of meds, eds, and tech. Creating a new skyline from scratch was not Brandywine's original intention. Its CEO, Jerry Sweeney, didn't acquire the land for the Cira tower until 2000. At the time, Brandywine was a suburban office-park developer whose main interest was in establishing a toehold in the city. Then in 2007, two years after Cira opened, the company made a deal with the University of Pennsylvania for two blocks of waterfront property between 30th Street Station and Walnut Street. In the ensuing decade, Brandywine had produced a mini-neighborhood that includes offices, apartments, a hotel, restaurants, a small grocery, and the elevated Cira Green park. Later this year, it plans to insert a scaled-down version of the Reading Terminal Market on the ground floor of its underused Cira parking garage on 30th Street. Close to a thousand people now live in the district, and several thousand more commute in each day to work. Still, the Cira district isn't a neighborhood in the way that, say, Fishtown is. The forest of skyscrapers materialized out of nothing, on land once occupied by slaughterhouses and stone yards, and long cut off from the city by a tangle of highways, railroads, and off ramps. The reason the development holds together as well as it does is because the designs adhere to a single idea. All the towers are treated as gigantic faceted crystals, sheathed in taut blue glass. Though the original Cira juts its faceted prow out toward Center City, FMC's facet cleaves inward, as though the facade were split by lightning. At the 28th floor, where the building shifts from offices to apartments, the tower narrows significantly, following its faceted incline. Evo, an 850-bed student dorm, was designed by Erdy McHenry, but the tower plays along with Pelli's themes. Though its blue glass skin is more animated, with metal panels thrown into the mix, its sloping roofline riffs on Cira's. Evo dips down to the east while Cira angles up to the west. You almost forget the three towers are scattered across four city blocks, with the old post office (now the IRS) and a parking garage separating them like the dashes of Morse code. If those blue glass forms seem familiar, it's because you've seen variations elsewhere. Pelli has designed dozens of faceted towers in cities around the world. Everything about its Cira designs, from their slick bluish facades, to their curated amenities, is part of the uniform of global capitalism. Like other skylines created out of whole cloth, the Cira towers look dazzling when viewed from afar (try the Schuylkill Boardwalk), but the development is more problematic when you have to interact with the buildings as a pedestrian at street level. After 12 years, the original Cira tower remains a moated island whose only pedestrian connection to the surrounding city is a skybridge to the train station. Neither Brandywine nor the city has made any attempt to improve the crossing at Arch Street, and, consequently, there has been zero economic spin-off. Brandywine and its architects have done better with FMC and Evo. Their sites, perched above Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and the I-76 Expressway, have always felt like a no-man's-land between downtown and the universities. The towers' frontages on Walnut and Chestnut Streets help pull the area back into Center City's orbit. The FMC's ground floor, in particular, promises to suture the two sides of the river back together. Pelli's lead designer, Mark Shoemaker, sliced off the tower's corners, showcasing its elegant glass lobby and a restaurant space. The gesture, which Shoemaker likens to lifting the hem of a skirt, creates two intimate plazas that offer surprisingly serene refuges from Walnut Street's speeding traffic. The streetscape also includes an elaborately faceted arcade that runs under the building's hem. Its underside is paneled with wooden wainscoting that unfolds like origami from inside the lobby and warms up the ground floor. The lobby and passageway are the fanciest piece of architectural footwork in the whole Cira complex. The arcade is such an interesting space that it should actually make people enjoy walking down this part of Walnut Street. Most people will probably head to the cafe-restaurant on the west corner, which is being run by New York's Michelin-starred Rebelle and will be open all day. But the east corner's plaza is an equally pleasant place to sit and offers a mesmerizing overlook of Center City and the passing trains. Where Cira falls down on the job, oddly enough, is along 30th Street. Despite a continuous series of ground-floor uses, Brandywine has done nothing to unify or soften the streetscape no trees, no common design elements. "It's not enough to put shops in the storefronts," observed Janice Woodcock, who was city planner when the Cira district was conceived. More of concern is that lack of public improvements around the Cira district. Given what it took to build this new neighborhood from scratch, there has been surprisingly little investment in infrastructure that would calm traffic and make the area more welcoming to pedestrians. If money were no object, extending a cap over the Amtrak opening would dramatically transform this side of the Schuylkill into a real waterfront promenade. But even if that expensive project is beyond reach, the hostile Schuylkill Avenue speedway could be greatly improved by narrowing the roadway and widening the sidewalks. Walnut and Arch Streets need the same treatment. At night, when colored lights dance across the facades of the city's new, 21st-century skyline, Philadelphia really does appear to be a world city. The Cira district is an enormous accomplishment. But there is much more work to be done to make sure this emerging skyline really belongs in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania State Police troopers and a search dog executed a search warrant at the parish office of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Chadds Ford on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Police said it was part of a criminal probe. Read more A day after parish staff found illegal drugs in a package addressed to the recently reassigned pastor of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Chadds Ford, state police on Wednesday executed a search warrant at the offices of the Delaware County church and said they were in the early stages of a criminal investigation. Troopers were seen searching facilities around 11 a.m. as lay employees stood in a parking lot that separated the St. Cornelius Parish Life Center from the grade school affiliated with the church. Both buildings are on a sprawling campus along the Chester County border. The search followed the discovery Tuesday by church office staff of drugs in a package that was addressed to the pastor most recently assigned to the parish, Msgr. Gregory Parlante, according to Ken Gavin, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Parlante had left his job there in recent days and was on personal leave due to health problems. Administrative staff uncovered the package during the course of normal duties, Gavin wrote in an email. "It was believed to contain illegal drugs," he added. Gavin did not specify what type of drugs they were, but added that "both the parish and the archdiocese are cooperating fully with law enforcement in the course of their active investigation." State Police Capt. Bruce Williams said police secured the search warrant after receiving a call about suspected criminal activity at the parish. He would not say who was under investigation. Parishioners learned on the weekend of May 20-21 that Parlante had decided "his health issues would not permit him to return as pastor," Gavin said. That same weekend, the archdiocese announced that Parlante was taking a leave of absence. Gavin did not specify the condition from which the pastor was suffering. In a farewell published Sunday in the church's most recent bulletin, Parlante explained that he had just celebrated 35 years as an ordained priest but had not "totally recovered" from a "near-death illness." He said he had asked Archbishop Charles J. Chaput to accept his resignation as pastor "so that I can totally devote my time to becoming well." The Hughes County Commission made the right decision on Monday when it put a six-month moratorium on wind-farm development. "Green" energy sounds great in theory, and there's no harm in exploring our options for generating electricity, but there are many questions remaining when it comes to wind power. And we're not talking about just dollars and cents here. One of the biggest costs to a wind farm is its footprint. Wind farms need to be spread over many square miles in order to be effective. The turbines themselves need at least 1,000 feet of standoff from roads and houses, too. That amounts to a pretty big footprint that generates a comparatively small amount of electricity. While it's true that the vast majority of the land within the wind farm can be used for growing crops or raising livestock, there still will be many acres taken out of production by access roads and the towers themselves. It's a pretty good bet that not all the neighboring landowner's want to be surrounded by a bunch of giant wind turbines. Judging by how much opposition other recently proposed wind-farm projects have seen, it wouldn't be surprising to see at least a few folks come out against the Hughes County project. In some places, wind farm plans have driven a wedge between communities. It'd be a shame if that happened here. Connected to a wind farm's footprint is its impact on the natural world. While wind farms don't emit greenhouse gasses once they've been built, they do cause some harm to the environment. Most notable is their impact on birds. A study published in 2013 in the journal Biological Conservation estimated that between 140,000 and 328,000 birds are killed by wind turbines each year. Central South Dakota is a migration corridor for many bird species, some of which already are declining in number. Then there's the wind itself. Even in South Dakota, it's pretty fickle. That's a big reason why wind turbines generate only about 5 percent of U.S. electricity while accounting for about 8 percent of the country's capacity to generate electricity. The Hughes County Commission isn't necessarily worried about these issues. Its members want to make sure they've got a solid, workable set of ordinances on the books. Taking the time to make sure the county's rules are up to snuff is the right idea. It's not like South Dakota is going to get less windy anytime soon. This editorial appeared in the May 16 edition of the Capital Journal of Pierre, South Dakota. Two detectives in Cherry Hill were hospitalized Wednesday morning after they were exposed to an unknown substance while attending to an overdose victim, authorities said. The incident happened on the 200 block of Heritage Road around 9 a.m., when officers from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office and Cherry Hill Police Department inspected the victim's body. One member from each unit were exposed to the substance. Their names were not released. Both detectives were treated at the scene, and were taken to Cooper University Hospital for observation. Both were later released. Earlier this month, a police officer in East Liverpool, Ohio, accidentally overdosed on the powerful opioid fentanyl after handling a small amount with his bare hands during a traffic stop. The type of substance the two detectives were exposed to Wednesday was not immediately known. By Leischen Stelter, American Military University Police officers around the country understand they are an important element in the fight against terrorism. But what does that entail? How can an officer identify potential terrorist activity and what signs show a person may have been radicalized? What questions should officers ask to better understand a persons level of radicalization? During the 2nd annual Gulf Coast INLETS seminar in New Orleans, Brig Barker, who spent 20 years as a counterterrorism agent with the FBI and is considered an expert on the Jihadist mindset, gave a presentation called Homegrown Violent Extremists: Counterterrorism Strategies for Law Enforcement. During this session, he discussed some of the signs of radicalization. Often an officer can get a sense of how radical a person is during a field interrogation (FI) or an actual formal interview. While no single action or discussion means a person has been radicalized, the combination of several factors should make officers suspicious. 10 Signs of Radicalization Barker highlighted 10 points that can help an officer determine a persons level of radicalization. As a caveat, these factors should be considered in totalityone indicator alone will not provide the full story as to how radical one may be. 1. Religiosity: Does religion dictate this persons life? Do they unerringly go to mosque five times a day? Do they have a scar on their forehead from contacting their head on the ground during prayers? Such overzealous commitment may be a sign of radicalization. 2. Fixation on Islamic theology: Do they always want to talk about Islamic theology? Are they hyper-focused on the nuances of the teachings and following them literally? Officers should build rapport with individuals and play the student to learn how enmeshed the person is in this theology. 3. Black and white belief system: Do they uphold a strict belief system with no room for interpretation? Often radical believers see the world in black and white without room for gray. 4. Shedding of Western ways: Are they suddenly growing their beard out? Stopped wearing Western-style clothes? Have they stopped sleeping on a bed and sleep only on the floor? The more radical someone becomes, the more they may be shedding Western ways. Barker calls this the Haram corridor. 5. Language of Jihad: Officers should listen carefully to the words that only radicals would use. Those who are radicalized are often so immersed in reading theology that they cant help but use the same language. If someone is moderate, they generally wont use the language of these teachings. 6. Apathy: Has this person started disregarding other aspects of their life? Are they often late for work? Are they intently focused on seeing religious meanings in everything? Have they developed new vices? 7. Mentorship: In Barkers experience, individuals dont become radicalized all on their own. There is generally someone walking them down the path toward radicalization. While people love to blame the Internet for radicalizing people, said Barker, theres always a person guiding him in that direction. 8. Physical appearance: Has his appearance recently changed? Is he growing his beard out without allowing his moustache to fall below his upper lip? Is he wearing his pants above his ankles? While appearance alone doesnt mean he has been radicalized, it should be considered in totality as part of the overall investigation. 9. Propaganda: What books and materials is he consuming? If a person is moderate, they are not consuming some of the propaganda mentioned in the section above. 10. Travel history: Has the person gone to Yemen or Morocco to study Arabic? Such travels may mean they want to better understand the teachings from more radical scholars in the Middle East. While most of these points focus on the radicalization of men, Barker emphasized that police shouldnt discount the radicalization of women. Weve seen an uptick in ISIS recruiting women, so dont rule out the female side of this, he said. They fall prey to the same propaganda and are being mentored by other radical females. 10 Questions to Ask a Suspected Radical Barker estimates he has interviewed more than 500 Jihadists during his FBI career. In his experience, someone who is radical cannot help but spew the propaganda theyre consuming. Officers can get a better sense of how radical someone is by asking them questions such as: 1. Help me understand, what is the actual definition of Kafir (infidel)? 2. What is your opinion about the United States involvement in Afghanistan/Palestine? 3. What do you believe would bring peace to the current world situation? 4. Which group (i.e. ISIS, Muslim Brotherhood, etc.) knows the truth about Islam? 5. If there was one Islamic scholar who had it right, who would that be? 6. Can you explain what a caliphate actually is? 7. You seem like a man of action not just words, what can law enforcement do to better understanding Islam? 8. I heard this term "Tawheed" (monotheism), what does that actually mean? 9. Anwar al-Awlaki seemed like a charismatic leader, what is your opinion of him? 10. In your opinion, do you believe the U.S. should get involved in Iraq and Syria? If officers identify someone whom they suspect may be radicalized, Barker said they should contact the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) with as much detail as possible. Then, police should be diligent in seeking to collaborate with the JTTF because local police understand the territory and the community better than the federal agencies. Further Training on Extremism Since his retirement from the FBI in 2016, Barker remains passionate about combating terrorism. He founded the company Red Rock Global Security Group, which develops tools to help law enforcement disrupt terrorist attacks. If officers better understand what to look for in the field, then theyre not operating in the dark, he said. Barker also remains active in the field. Hes teaching a webinar for law enforcement, Understanding the Jihadist Mindset: Pre-Attack Flags and Indicators of Islamic Extremism on Wednesday, June 14th from 1-2pm (ET). Sign up to attend this webinar. He also co-wrote an innovative training program that uses virtual-reality technology to train police on how to identify signs of radicalization. The training is called DIRT, Digital Immersion Reality Training, and the first training session, The Path to Radicalization, is being launched at the Mid-Atlantic INLETS seminar on June 19-23 in Annapolis, Maryland. To learn more, please contact [email protected]. Deangela Eaton faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer in the shooting of a Chicago officer. (Photo: Cook County Sheriff) A 25-year-old woman who shot a Chicago Police officer in the heart area of his bullet resistant vest had warned the officer and his partner they did not want to mess with her moments before she opened fire, prosecutors said at a hearing for Deangela Eaton on Tuesday. The two officers were wearing plainclothes with body armor and in unmarked SUV around 2:30 p.m. May 12 when they spotted Eaton making what appeared to be a drug deal in West Garfield Park. The officer in the passenger seat climbed out of the SUV and called out to Eaton, who was walking away. Eaton said she was not going to speak with him, and they didnt want to mess with her, Assistant States Attorney Joe Carlson said. The officer chased Eaton as she ran, clutching a pistol on her left side; the second officer drove alongside them in the SUV. She reportedly fired at one of the officers striking him in the heart area of the vest. The officers returned fire. Eaton was shot in the leg, shoulder and abdomen, and required surgery at Stroger Hospital. The officers found a jammed 9mm pistol more than 25 feet from where Eaton collapsed, the prosecutor said. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print During an interview with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on The Last Word, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) revealed that he sent a letter to the FBI after he found out about Jeff Sessions unreported contact with Russian ambassador. Video: Breaking on @TheLastWord: Sen. Al Franken reveals he had sent a letter to the FBI re: Jeff Sessions' reported 3rd meeting w/ Amb. Kislyak. pic.twitter.com/dOgBwrQSHI Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 1, 2017 Franken said, In fact, Sen. Leahy whose also on the Judiciary Committee and I sent a private letter to then CIA Director Comey, sorry, FBI Director Comey asking him and the FBI to investigate whether, in fact, Sessions had met other times with Russians including this meeting were talking about in The Mayflower. Sen. Franken confirmed when asked that he knew about the meeting in The Mayflower when he sent that letter to the FBI. He said, It had been characterized one way, but we had some concerns that that wasnt the case. Franken has been a problem for Jeff Sessions since the confirmation hearings. Sen. Franken said during the MSNBC interview that he isnt some master 3D chess player who anticipates his opponents moves in advances, but something about Sessions answers set off enough alarm bells for Franken and Sen. Patrick Leahy to send a private letter to FBI asking them to investigate Sessions meetings with the Russians. Whether Franken wants to admit it or not, it appears that he is a big part of the reason why Jeff Sessions is under investigation. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) is warning that if Attorney General Jeff Sessions did have more meetings with the Russian ambassador that he didnt disclose, then Sessions committed big time perjury. Lieu tweeted: If Sessions-Kislyak story is true, it shows Sessions didn't just commit perjury, he committed big time perjury. Why is he still in office? https://t.co/tlt2bI97NA Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 1, 2017 CNN reported, Congressional investigators are examining whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions had an additional private meeting with Russias ambassador during the presidential campaign, according to Republican and Democratic Hill sources and intelligence officials briefed on the investigation. If the CNN report is correct, then Sessions failed to disclose at least three meetings with the Russian ambassador during his confirmation hearings. Jeff Sessions is currently under federal investigation for his role in the Russia scandal, but the Attorney General who never should have been confirmed could also be facing perjury charges if he perjured himself during his confirmation hearing. At some point, anyone with an ounce of common sense realizes that Sessions didnt accidentally forget to disclose the meetings with Russias ambassador. He lied, and Senate Republicans happily turned a blind eye to Sessions Russia lies and confirmed him to be the Attorney General. The role that Congressional Republicans have played in empowering figures in this scandal and aiding the cover-up means that they will be accountable when the facts come to light. If Jeff Sessions goes down, hell take every Senate Republican who voted to confirm him with him. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print As the Russia scandal and cover-up continue to drown this White House, CNN is now reporting that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is under investigation for yet another meeting he may have had with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. According to the report, Congressional investigators are looking into another possible meeting that took place in April 2016 in the middle of the campaign between Sessions and the Russian official. More from the report: Congressional investigators are examining whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions had an additional private meeting with Russias ambassador during the presidential campaign, according to Republican and Democratic Hill sources and intelligence officials briefed on the investigation. Investigators on the Hill are requesting additional information, including schedules from Sessions, a source with knowledge tells CNN. They are focusing on whether such a meeting took place April 27, 2016, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, where then-candidate Donald Trump was delivering his first major foreign policy address. Prior to the speech, then-Sen. Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended a small VIP reception with organizers, diplomats and others. In addition to congressional investigators, the FBI is seeking to determine the extent of interactions the Trump campaign team may have had with Russias ambassador during the event as part of its broader counterintelligence investigation of Russian interference in the election. The FBI is looking into whether there was an additional private meeting at the Mayflower the same day, sources said. The report comes months after Sessions found himself in hot water over two meetings he lied about taking with Russian officials during the campaign. It was quickly uncovered that Sessions did, in fact, have a pair of meetings with Kislyak during the campaign. When Sessions was pressed on the whether there were any other meetings with Russian officials that he failed to disclose, the attorney general essentially said, Nope. I dont believe so you know, we meet a lot of people I dont believe so, Sessions said in March, according to CNN. If he had a third meeting with Kislyak last year, as the new reporting suggests, it would be not the first or second time the attorney general lied about his with meetings Russian officials it would be the third. For the nations top law enforcement officer, this type of behavior lying about his meetings with a foreign state at a time when said foreign state was interfering in a U.S. presidential election is unacceptable, and raises even more questions about why so many people around Trump are bending over backwards to conceal their contacts with Russia. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In another present for Vladimir Putin and the Russians, the Trump administration is now planning give back two American-based compounds to Russia the first sign that the White House is planning to ease punishments imposed on the Russians for their meddling in last years election. The news comes as the administration continues to get buried under the weight of an investigation into a slew of connections between key figures in Trumps orbit and Russian officials. More from The Washington Post: The Trump administration is moving toward handing back to Russia two diplomatic compounds, near New York City and on Marylands Eastern Shore, from which its officials were ejected in late December as punishment for Moscows interference in the 2016 presidential election. President Barack Obama said Dec. 29 that the compounds were being used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes, and gave Russia 24 hours to vacate them. Separately, Obama expelled from the United States what he said were 35 Russian intelligence operatives. Lets break this down. Former President Barack Obama slapped these punishments on Russia in December specifically because Moscow was meddling in the United States election in order to help Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. Yet, before we even know if the Russians were colluding with the Trump campaign to help him win the White House, the administration is already lifting some of them less than six months later. Meanwhile, many former and current Trump officials, including the presidents own son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are under investigation for their ties to the Russians. Just tonight, in fact, it was reported that Jeff Sessions is being investigated for a third undisclosed meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Regardless of the motivations behind the latest Trump move, its clear the Russians are getting exactly what they had hoped for by helping this president win the White House in 2016. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The stock market slowly realizes that the tax cuts Trump promised arent coming anytime soon, while his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Change agreement has given stocks more reason to drop. All three major indexes are currently down after it was widely reported that Donald Trump intends to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate agreement. Bloomberg tweeted: Solar stocks fall on reports the U.S. may exit the Paris agreement https://t.co/24wqyZdU7d pic.twitter.com/zt9jU3oTRd Bloomberg (@business) May 31, 2017 CNBC included this quote in their report on the state of the market that sums up the impact of the Trump agenda: The longer the [Trump] agenda drags out, the more it will have a negative impact on the market, said Jeff Carbone, managing partner of Cornerstone Financial Partners. Environmental groups are also hammering Trumps decision. The Sierra Club said in a statement, Donald Trump has made a historic mistake which our grandchildren will look back on with stunned dismay at how a world leader could be so divorced from reality and morality. Trump has abandoned the standard of American leadership, turned his back on the what the public and the market demand, and shamelessly disregarded the safety of our families just to let the fossil fuel industry eek out a few more dollars in profits. This is a decision that will cede Americas role internationally to nations like China and India, which will benefit handsomely from embracing the booming clean energy economy while Trump seeks to drive our country back into the 19th century. Friends of the Earth U.S. President Erich Pica said in a statement provided to PolticusUSA, Donald Trump is on a mission to sacrifice our planet to the fossil fuel industry. By pulling out of the Paris Agreement, Trump will make the United States the worlds foremost climate villain. The rest of the world must move forward aggressively without the worlds leading historical contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Friends of the Earth U.S. calls on all nations to assert heavy economic and diplomatic pressure to compel the Trump Administration to take serious climate action to protect people and the planet. The fact that environmental and business leaders are agreeing that Trumps agenda is bad for the country is proof that as President, Trump is doing the exact opposite of making America great. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Aside from Donald Trumps incoherent midnight tweet, his administrations plan to slash birth control coverage for millions of American women, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the presidents ties to Russia, the news with the most far-reaching consequences was the reporting on Wednesday that the president is likely to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord a historic, 195-nation agreement reached in 2015 to foster a global effort to fight climate change. According to a report from The Hill, though, the leak from the administration that Trump will pull the U.S. out of the deal has trigger chaos and infighting inside the White House and even some indications that the president could back down. More from the report: An initial story in Axios, attributed to two sources close to the decision, was immediately contradicted by other administration sources who said Trump was leaning toward pulling out of the deal but has made no final decision. One unnamed official told the Associated Press there may be caveats in Trumps language withdrawing from the deal. Some sources close to the White House suggested those talking to Axios were opponents of the Paris deal, like chief strategist Stephen Bannon, who were seeking to box the president in by making it more difficult to not exit the deal. Others speculated the leak came from those who want to remain in the pact, such as senior advisers Jared Kushner or Gary Cohn, in an attempt to whip up opposition to leaving it. In other words, the left hand of the Trump administration has no idea what its right hand is doing even as Trump appears to be on the verge of making his final decision on the deal. Not even those who work with the president know what the ultimate decision will be, despite the news today that Trump plans to pull out of the agreement but that could be good news for those who believe the U.S. should remain in the accord. The fact that the backlash to the news has been swift and widespread and even some in the administration appear to be pushing Trump to stay in the deal could signal that Trump may surprise the world and back away or at least walk back his pledge to cancel the agreement. But Americans who care about climate change shouldnt get their hopes up. This is a president who has claimed global warming is a Chinese-manufactured hoax, after all. If Trump does, in fact, pull the U.S. out of the pact, the United States will join the only two other non-signatories in rejecting the landmark agreement: Syria and Nicaragua. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Al Franken stated for the first time that he sent a letter to the FBI asking them to investigate Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Now, we have two of the letters. Here is Frankens letter: Franken told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell, In fact, Sen. Leahy whose also on the Judiciary Committee and I sent a private letter to then-CIA Director Comey, sorry, FBI Director Comey asking him and the FBI to investigate whether, in fact, Sessions had met other times with Russians including this meeting were talking about in The Mayflower. Franken has written to the FBI three times, and in the letters, he calls Sessions testimony false. Sen. Franken, it appears, believes that the Attorney General of The United States committed perjury. The head of the Department of Justice is accused of lying under oath by a United States Senator. These facts shouldnt be swept under the rug. In the many threads of Trumps Russia scandal, the role of Jeff Sessions has been underreported. Along as Sessions heading the DOJ, it will be impossible for investigations to remain untainted. Jeff Sessions has got to go, and Sen. Al Franken is doing everything he can to get to the bottom of the Attorney Generals lies. Eleven soldiers were killed and seven others injured in what the Philippines government has described as a "friendly fire incident" in Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao. Government forces are battling ISIS-linked militants for control of the city, displacing at least 70,000 residents and leaving 140 people dead. According to CNN Philippines, on Wednesday two jets were conducting strikes against members of the Maute group, which has pledged allegiance to ISIS, when one struck members of the 55th Infantry Battalion. "The first plane dropped the ordnance accurately, but the second one missed. It hit our troops ... there must be some mistake there," said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Air strikes will not be halted over the incident, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Thursday, adding they were needed to neutralize Maute snipers. Also speaking Thursday, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said those behind the violence in Marawi were "purely ISIS." He added that Isnilon Hapilon, the designated ISIS emir for Southeast Asia, was a "student of history" and had planned the latest rebellion for a long time. No end in sight Martial law has been declared for the entire island of Mindanao, where fighting is ongoing. Earlier this week, officials said government forces were in near complete control of Marawi, but rooting out the last pockets of resistance seems to be taking longer than first expected. "Recalcitrant remnants of the Maute-ISIS refuse to heed the call of government to give up their arms and continued their resistance while holed in fortified buildings and structures," the AFP's Padilla said. "They are employing hostile sniper fires and IEDs (improvised explosive device) against everyone -- from government security forces, to relief and rescue workers, to civilians -- who get in the way of their fanatical desire to dismember Marawi from the Philippines and establish it as an ISIS province in this part of Asia." CNN Philippines reported Thursday that 100 militants had been killed since the fighting broke out on May 23. As of Wednesday, 19 civilians and 21 security forces had died, according to state media. At least 5,000 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) -- a separatist militant organization that has signed a peace treaty with Manila -- are positioned around Marawi ready to assist government forces, CNN Philippines reported Wednesday. Duterte suggested last week he would be open to tapping the former rebel group, along with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for support against ISIS. "If this martial law lasts and you want to help us fight for the republic ... I will use you as soldiers, with the same pay, privileges, and I will build houses for you," he said. Child fighters The Philippines Justice Department has issued warrants for more than 100 members of the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization, both of which are believed to be involved in the fighting in Marawi. Militants entered the city after a failed government operation to arrest Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has succeeded in uniting several disparate Islamist groups in the region under the ISIS banner. Philippines officials said he was likely still in the city, pointing to the ferocity of ongoing resistance from the Maute fighters. According to CNN Philippines, some of those fighters are boys as young as 16 or 14. Refugees from Marawi have spoken of seeing child soldiers, and previous ISIS propaganda about the region showed children and young teenagers wearing black bandanas and taking part in training exercises. There are also foreign fighters in the city, Defense Secretary Lorenzana said Thursday that eight foreigners had been identified among militants killed by government forces. "There were two from Saudi Arabia, two from Malaysia, two from Indonesia, one from Yemen and one from Chechnya," he said. "We don't have any record of them coming through the proper channel, through the airports. There's only one way, maybe coming from Indonesia or from Malaysia." ISIS-linked groups are known to be operational in the semi-lawless border areas between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. CNN's Steve George contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called Trumps decision to take the US out of the Paris climate agreement an abdication of American leadership, and an international disgrace. In a statement given to PoliticusUSA, Sen. Sanders said: President Trumps decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement is an abdication of American leadership and an international disgrace. At this moment, when climate change is already causing devastating harm around the world, we do not have the moral right to turn our backs on efforts to preserve this planet for future generations. The United States must play a leading role in the global campaign to stop climate change and transition rapidly away from fossil fuels to renewable and more efficient sources of energy. We must do this with or without the support of Donald Trump and the fossil fuel industry. Sen. Sanders nailed it. The Paris climate agreement is about US leadership. What Trump is doing by withdrawing the United States from the agreement is telling the world that America is no longer going to lead. The damage that Trump is doing with these kinds of actions will not be undone easily after he leaves office. Trump is destroying a perception of American leadership that has been built over the course of seven decades. What Trump is doing is a disgrace, because it represents a lowering of the United States of America. Donald Trump isnt a president to be worked with. He is an obstacle that the rest of the nation has to work around. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print President Obama released a statement after Trump withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement that showed America what real vision and leadership look like. In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, former President Obama said: A year and a half ago, the world came together in Paris around the first-ever global agreement to set the world on a low-carbon course and protect the world we leave to our children. It was steady, principled American leadership on the world stage that made that achievement possible. It was bold American ambition that encouraged dozens of other nations to set their sights higher as well. And what made that leadership and ambition possible was Americas private innovation and public investment in growing industries like wind and solar industries that created some of the fastest new streams of good-paying jobs in recent years, and contributed to the longest streak of job creation in our history. Simply put, the private sector already chose a low-carbon future. And for the nations that committed themselves to that future, the Paris Agreement opened the floodgates for businesses, scientists, and engineers to unleash high-tech, low-carbon investment and innovation on an unprecedented scale. The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created. I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this Administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; Im confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet weve got. It would be nice, but not true to say that this is a policy discussion between two individuals with different views. It would be nice, but it wouldnt be true. What former President Obama did with his statement was a destruction of the gibberish that Donald Trump is trying to use as his basis for withdrawing the US from the Paris climate change agreement. Obama remains a visionary who is looking forward towards Americas future, while Trump is the old man trying to fight against progress. Obama was correct. The private sector has already chosen there are 65,000-70,000 jobs in coal. There are 350,000 American jobs in wind and solar energy production. Barack Obama is still leading the country and providing a vision of the best America possible that should be embraced by states, cities, and businesses all across the United States. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print President Donald Trump is personally under FBI investigation for an undisclosed meeting that he, Jared Kushner and Jeff Sessions had with the Russian ambassador at a campaign event in 2016. NBC News reported, Five current and former U.S. officials said they are aware of classified intelligence suggesting there was some sort of private encounter between Trump and his aides and the Russian envoy, despite a heated denial from Sessions, who has already come under fire for failing to disclose two separate contacts with Kislyak. Kushner also denied through a spokesman that he met privately with Kislyak that day. The encounter occurred at the Mayflower Hotel, and it has drawn the scrutiny of both the FBI and Congressional investigators. The fact that Trump can be directly and personally connection to potential collusion with Russia explains why the President is doing is doing everything that he can to interfere with and slow down the investigations. If Trump was a participant in the meeting with Russia, he was no plausible deniability. The President will be directly and personally involved in the scandal. It will mean that Trumps statements that he had nothing to do with Russia were lies. The campaign didnt limit their involvement to accepting help from Russia. The Republican nominee himself may have been personally colluding with a hostile foreign power to undermine US democracy. The FBI investigation of Trump makes a case for a potential obstruction of justice charge against this president even stronger. Soros sends message to Hungary's Orban Todays European Union needs both salvation and radical reinvention, but there is still hope, Hungarian-born financier George Soros said in an op-ed in opinion website Project Syndicate on Thursday. He has also addressed the campaign Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban is conducting against him. Europe and the euro Todays European Union needs both salvation and radical reinvention. Saving the EU must take precedence, because Europe is in existential danger," Soros said in an op-ed titled Standing up for Europe .The opinion piece is available in ten languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Czech. The Hungarian version was published by hvg.hu Soros believes the existential danger the EU faces is partly external.The Union is surrounded by powers that are hostile to what it stands for - Vladimir Putins Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogans Turkey, Abdel Fattah el-Sisis Egypt, and the America that Donald Trump would create if he could." The EU is governed by treaties that, following the financial crisis of 2008, became largely irrelevant to conditions prevailing in the eurozone. Even the simplest innovations necessary to make the single currency sustainable could be introduced only by intergovernmental arrangements outside the existing treaties. And, as the functioning of European institutions became increasingly complicated, the EU itself gradually became dysfunctional in some ways. In his view, Whereas the EU was originally meant to be a voluntary association of like-minded states that were willing to surrender part of their sovereignty for the common good, after the 2008 financial crisis, the eurozone was transformed into an arrangement "whereby creditor countries dictated terms to debtor countries that couldnt meet their obligations. By dictating austerity, the creditors made it practically impossible for the debtors to grow their way out of their liabilities." If the EU carries on with business as usual, there is little hope for improvement. That is why the Union needs to be radically reinvented," Soros said. it would clearly distinguish between the EU and the eurozone; it would recognize that the eurozone is governed by outdated treaties, and that its governance cannot be altered because treaty change is impossible. He is convinced that Brexit will be immensely damaging to both sides", therefore the EU should approach the Brexit negotiations in a constructive spirit, recognizing the unpredictability of the future."Soros thinks the talks are bound to last longer than the two years allotted to them. He thinks five years is more likely, and negotiating the separation with Britain will divert the EUs attention from its own existential crisis.It would require EU-wide recognition that- and thus a lose-lose proposition. By contrast, making the EU attractive again would give people, particularly the younger generations, hope for a better future."Soros said such a Europe would differ from the current arrangement in two key respects: The EU has become an organization in which the eurozone constitutes the inner core and the other members are relegated to an inferior position. This must change. The euros many unresolved problems must not be allowed to destroy the EU." Soros believes thatthat allows member states a wider variety of democratic choices would have a far-reaching beneficial effect." As it stands, member states want to reassert their sovereignty, rather than surrendering more of it. But if cooperation produced positive results, attitudes might improve and objectives pursued by coalitions of the willing might attract universal participation. Three areas Message to Orban it is not enough to rely on the rule of law to defend open societies; you must also stand up for what you believe; democracy cant be imposed from the outside; it needs to be achieved and defended by the people themselves." Related article Hungary willing to start talks over CEU with New York State 31/05/2017 3:37pm Soros warns that meaningful progress is indispensable in three areas: territorial disintegration, exemplified by Brexit; the refugee crisis; and the lack of adequate economic growth. On all three issues, Europe starts from a very low base of cooperation," he said.Soros added he is encouraged by the spontaneous, grassroots initiatives - most supported mainly by young people - that we see nowadays."He mentioned the Pulse of Europe" movement, which started in Frankfurt in November and spread to some 120 cities across the continent; the Best for Britain" movement in the UK; and the resistance to the ruling Law and Justice Party in Poland, and to Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz party in Hungary.The resistance in Hungary must be as surprising to Orban as it is to me. Orban has sought to frame his policies as a personal conflict with me, making me the target of his governments unrelenting propaganda campaign.He casts himself as the defender of Hungarian sovereignty and me as a currency speculator who uses his money to flood Europe with illegal immigrants as part of some vague but nefarious plot.But the truth is that I am the proud founder of Central European University, which, after 26 years, has come to rank among the worlds top 50 universities in many of the social sciences. By endowing CEU, I have enabled it to defend its academic freedom from outside interference, whether by the Hungarian government or anyone else (including its founder)."Soros said the two lessons he has learned from this experience is thatSoros is confident that the determined defense of academic freedom and freedom of association by CEU and his foundations grantees will eventually set in motion Europes slow-moving wheels of justice."I admire the courageous way Hungarians have resisted the deception and corruption of the mafia state Orban has established, and I am encouraged by the European institutions energetic response to the challenges emanating from Poland and Hungary. While the path ahead is perilous, I can clearly see in such struggles the prospect of the EUs revival," Soros concluded. Two family members of former Hampton County banker Russell Laffitte testified Nov. 9 they never suspected their relative could have played a role in Alex Murdaughs efforts to steal from clients until a cascade of investigations revealed how the now-disbarred attorney did it. Read moreRussell Laffitte's sister-in-law testifies Alex Murdaugh investigation revealed bank's role Founded in 2008, Lift Bridge is already one of Minnesotas elder breweries, thanks to a boom in the craft beer industry in recent years. The Stillwater brewery is known for their flagship Farm Girl saison and pours many more beers across the state and even more in their taproom just north of Minnesota Highway 36. Their taproom is a small, comfortable room that connects to the brewhouse in the back part of their industrial building. As a pre-Taproom Bill brewery, Lift Bridge first opened their building as just a production facility and added on, connecting their lumberyard-themed taproom in a tasteful way that keeps visitors connected to the source while offering a relaxation space that doesnt require a safety goggles and earplugs. With hardwood, picnic tables, and the spaciousness that comes with an industrial setting, its a nice getaway that sticks to the basics. The street facing wall of windows provides natural lighting, and the front yard patio is a nice touch for nice weather and crowded weekends. On a recent visit, Lift Bridge was pouring 14 different beers. Farm Girl, Hop Dish IPA, Getaway Pilsner and The Warden stout are all above average staples, with the summer seasonal Mango Blonde also on tap, alongside a mix of their big winter beer holdouts and several specialty beers theyve released for restaurants. Those beers are only available at the restaurants and the brewery, making a sampler of rare beers in a wide range of styles. In a brief rundown, The Warden is a milk stout that counters the lactose sugar with a bitter coffee finish thats balanced for any stout fan. Speaking of coffee and stout, their late winter seasonal Irish Coffee Stout has a rich coffee presence combined with a high alcohol beer to deliver a big punch. In contrast, Mango Blonde is in cans this year. This beer has an unmistakable blast of mango on first taste, but that sweetness tempers as you sip and it becomes a refreshing fruity beer with a mild (as far as mango goes) sweetness atop a soothing blonde-style ale. ADVERTISEMENT Their best-known beer is Farm Girl saison. Inspired by traditional Belgian farmhouse ales, its a light body beer that crisp and refreshing, but with a sweet note of banana, a touch of clove and a mild but notable spice that turns the semi-sweet beer dry at the very finish. Farm Girl and additional Lift Bridge beers can be found around Rochester, including at Kathys Pub, The Tap House, Cowboy Jacks, The Doggery and more. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSX-V:BSR) (Bluestone or the Company) is pleased to announce that further to the Companys press releases dated January 11, 2017, February 7, 2017, February 28, 2017 and April 20, 2017, the Company has closed the acquisition of the Cerro Blanco Project and the Mita Geothermal Project located in Guatemala from Goldcorp Inc. (Goldcorp), effective May 31, 2017. Concurrent with the closing, the proceeds of the previously completed $80 million private placement financing were released from escrow. In addition to the Cerro Blanco and Mita Projects, Bluestone has acquired a right of first refusal with respect to the purchase of certain assets and equipment at Goldcorps Marlin mine, also located in Guatemala. As part of the transaction consideration, Bluestone paid Goldcorp a USD$2 million non-refundable deposit to be applied against future purchases of Marlin assets. Bluestone has also acquired access to Goldcorps geological exploration database for Guatemala. For further details regarding the transaction, refer to the Companys AIF effective May 12, 2017 which is available on Sedar.com. John Robins, Chairman and Interim CEO, stated: Todays closing of the acquisition of the Cerro Blanco Gold Project and the Mita Geothermal Project from Goldcorp transforms Bluestone into a leading development stage gold company focused on the prompt advancement of one of the world's highest grade undeveloped gold projects that is fully permitted for production. We look forward to integrating the Cerro Blanco team and workforce within the Bluestone team and also look forward to developing the Cerro Blanco project in cooperation with our local community partners and government stakeholders. Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, Goldcorp received approximately USD$20 million in cash (which includes the USD$2 million non-refundable deposit for the Marlin assets), a 1% net smelter return royalty on production, the right to receive 3,099,160 common shares of Bluestone (which will represent 4.9% of Bluestones issued and outstanding common shares), and 258,805 common share purchase warrants. Goldcorp will also receive an additional USD$15 million in cash within 6 months of the commencement of commercial production at Cerro Blanco. Following closing, Bluestone has approximately CAD$49 million in working capital which will be allocated towards the exploration and development of the Companys assets in Guatemala. Upon conversion of the previously issued subscription receipts and convertible notes into common shares, Bluestone will have 63,248,163 common shares and 5,281,739 share purchase warrants outstanding. Lorito Holdings S.a.r.l. and Zebra Holdings and Investments S.a.r.l., two companies controlled by a trust settled by the late Adolf H. Lundin will hold 19,867,000 common shares representing approximately 31.4% in aggregate of the outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, CD Capital Natural Resources Fund III L.P. will hold 10,666,333 common shares representing approximately 16.9% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. About Bluestone Resources Inc.: Bluestone owns a 100% interest in the Cerro Blanco Gold and Mita Geothermal Projects located 160 km southeast of Guatemala City in Guatemala. Cerro Blanco is one of the world's highest grade undeveloped gold projects that is fully permitted for production. The Cerro Blanco Project economics as disclosed in the Company's press release dated February 7, 2017 announcing the results of its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and updated mineral resource estimate for Cerro Blanco indicate a rapid pay-back, high margin, underground mining project with robust economics in the current gold price environment. At a gold price of US$1,250/oz, the Cerro Blanco base case estimate generates an after-tax net present value at a 5% discount rate of US$317 million and an internal rate of return of 43.9%. The proposed mine is expected to operate over a nine year mine-life with total gold and silver production of approximately 952,000 ounces and 3,141,000 ounces, respectively. Initial capital expenditures to fund construction and commissioning is estimated at US$170.8 million. The all-in sustaining cash costs (as defined per World Gold Council guidelines, less corporate general and administration costs) is estimated to be US$490 per ounce of gold produced. Cautionary Language The PEA is preliminary in nature, 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, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The scientific and technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed by John Robins, CEO of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. On behalf of the Board Bluestone Resources Inc. John Robins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer For further information, contact: John Robins at (604) 657-6226 Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forward-looking statements", and "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, which include the Company's expectations about future performance based on current results and expected cash costs and are based on the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, which may prove to be incorrect. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which, may cause the Company's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projects of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: liabilities inherent in mine development and production; geological risks, the financial markets generally and the results of the due diligence investigations to be conducted by the Company. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipate in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibilities for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MANTORVILLE An area man received a stayed prison sentence after authorities say he physically assaulted a woman, attempted to sexually assault her, then asked if she wanted him to kill her. Dallas Russell Bennerotte, 33, of Dodge Center, was charged in February with one count each of first-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, terroristic threats and domestic assault by strangulation, all felonies. He pleaded guilty in March to the second-degree assault charge; in exchange for the plea, the remaining counts were dismissed. Bennerotte was sentenced Wednesday in Dodge County District Court to 36 months in prison, stayed for seven years, and to 180 days in jail, with credit for 104 days already served. In addition, he must attend a sex offender program, undergo psychiatric evaluation/treatment and anger management and will be placed on electronic home monitoring for six months after his release from jail. ADVERTISEMENT The case began Feb. 11, when Dodge County Sheriff's deputies responded to a rural address for a report of a domestic assault. The caller said there'd been a physical altercation and Bennerotte was outside the home with a gun, threatening to kill himself and promising to provoke responding law enforcement officers to shoot him, the complaint says. Bennerotte sped away in his truck when the first officer arrived; the pickup was found soon after, parked in Wasioja Cemetery with its headlights off. When told to get out of the truck, Bennerotte started the truck and drove to the front gate of the cemetery, where other squad cars were waiting. He was taken into custody there; a 45-caliber handgun was found on the passenger seat. The gun had a full magazine, with a round in the chamber. The victim said she was asleep on the couch when Bennerotte grabbed her by the hair and got on top of her, the complaint says, then ripped her shirt and bra. He allegedly strangled her and told her he'd make her pass out, then sexually assault her. The woman struggled with Bennerotte, at one point kicking him in the groin in an attempt to make him let her go. He hit her across the face several times, court documents say, then got her onto the floor, ripped her underwear and tried to get her pants off. The victim said Bennerotte eventually just gave up, got the gun and went outside. While holding the gun, he reportedly asked if she wanted him to shoot her first. President Trump says he hasnt made up his mind on withdrawing from the UNs Paris climate agreement. Lets hope he isnt vacillating, as this should be one of his easiest decisions. Reports that Trump is planning on withdrawing have the Europeans in a tizzy: The European Commission president on Wednesday said that it was the duty of Europe to stand up to the U.S. if President Donald Trump decides to pull his country out of the Paris climate change accord. Jean-Claude Juncker said that the Americans cant just get out of the agreement, adding that it takes three to four years to pull out. Really? Just watch us, Jean-Claude. He is referring to this provision of the Paris agreement: 1. At any time after three years from the date on which this Agreement has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from this Agreement by giving written notification to the Depositary. 2. Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date of receipt by the Depositary of the notification of withdrawal, or on such later date as may be specified in the notification of withdrawal. But the agreement has no legal force. If we withdraw from the agreement, we will withdraw from those paragraphs. Juncker went on to say that the Group of Seven leaders tried to explain this in clear simple sentences to Mr. Trump at a recent summit in Italy. He said that even though it looks like that attempt failed the law is the law. But the Paris agreement is not a law; not in the United States, anyway. Note that Juncker and many of his fellow Europeans believe that Barack Obama signed away a portion of the sovereignty of the United States by entering into an executive agreement. That may be their desire, but it is not the law here in the U.S. What, after all, is the Paris agreement? It is the usual gaseous European double-talk. These are the most important provisions of the document, found in Article 4. Despite their vagueness, they are among the clearest provisions in the document: 1. In order to achieve the long-term temperature goal set out in Article 2, Parties aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, recognizing that peaking will take longer for developing country Parties, and to undertake rapid reductions thereafter in accordance with best available science, so as to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century, on the basis of equity, and in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty. 2. Each Party shall prepare, communicate and maintain successive nationally determined contributions that it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions. 3. Each Partys successive nationally determined contribution will represent a progression beyond the Partys then current nationally determined contribution and reflect its highest possible ambition, reflecting its common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. 4. Developed country Parties should continue taking the lead by undertaking economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets. Developing country Parties should continue enhancing their mitigation efforts, and are encouraged to move over time towards economy-wide emission reduction or limitation targets in the light of different national circumstances. Sorry, Jean-Claude, that isnt a law. That is a statement by some countries that they are hoping to nip off some cash from the others. The U.S. is, of course, among the others. The Paris agreement is almost unbelievably stupid. This is one of my favorite provisions; it conveys a sense of how pathetic the entire effort is: 5. Parties acknowledge that adaptation action should follow a country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory and fully transparent approach, taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems, and should be based on and guided by the best available science and, as appropriate, traditional knowledge, knowledge of indigenous peoples and local knowledge systems, with a view to integrating adaptation into relevant socioeconomic and environmental policies and actions, where appropriate. According to Jean-Claude Juncker, this is a law. Good luck with that. Since the Paris agreement doesnt pretend to obligate anyone to do anything in particular, it can best be viewed as an effort by the global climate lobby to guarantee that lavishly-funded sinecures, punctuated by vacations in desirable locations like Paris, will be available for many years to come. It would be wonderfully symbolic for President Trump to put this nonsense out of its misery. Juncker continues to talk tough, but it is all bluster: Juncker said: If the U.S. president pulls out of the Paris agreement, and he will in the next days or hours, then it is Europes duty to say that that is not how it works. Actually, Jean-Claude, the U.S. is still a sovereign nation, and that is exactly how it works when you only have an executive agreement. The Europeans are still trying to peddle the green economy myth: [European Parliament President Antonio Tajani] suggested that Washingtons withdrawal should be a signal for Europe to step up its efforts and reap the benefits. Our climate action strategy represents an opportunity to attract investment, innovation and develop new green technologies, he said. We have got the talent and the will to make this possible in all sectors. Right. Just ask the Germans how green energy has worked out for them. No one has ever explained how producing energy inefficiently can possibly benefit anyone, other than the green rent-seekers with political influence who make millions at the expense of taxpayers and electricity ratepayers. The worldwide green movement is almost unbelievably corrupt. If President Trump calls it out for what it is, it will be a signal achievement of his administration. To those who have it in for our president, its obvious what to make of it President Trumps bluster and ignorance have alienated one of Americas most important allies and, in the words of the Washington Post, sent tremors through Washingtons core postwar alliances. But is the war of words really Trumps fault? I dont think so. One issue of contention is Germanys unwillingness to meet its financial commitment to NATO. Trump is entirely right to insist that Germany do so. One can understand if a struggling country in Eastern Europe, say, comes up a little short of its obligation. But for an economic powerhouse like Germany to come up short is unconscionable. A second issue centers on President Trumps unwillingness to go along with the Paris climate change agreement. Though the administration apparently has not made a final decision, Trump failed to embrace Paris and theres a good chance he will reject the agreement. Trump has every right to reject. President Obama declined to submit the agreement for Senate ratification because he knew he lacked the votes. Thus, its not a treaty, and the president can pull out at will. Merkel supports the agreement and naturally is disappointed that Trump apparently does not. But a good faith disagreement about the merits of a climate change agreement shouldnt be enough to undermine a longstanding agreement aimed at preserving the security of Europe. Merkel seems to be pouting. Moreover, Trump has good reasons to want American to be free from Paris, as he promised we would be during the presidential campaign. Richard Epstein presents some of these reasons here. A third issue of contention is trade. In a tweet that has prompted strong criticism, Trump said: 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. I should note that this tweet followed Merkels petulant statement over the weekend that, going forward, Europe will need to rely on itself rather than its friends. Europe should, indeed, rely mostly on itself. However, the implication that the U.S. no longer can be counted on was a shot at Trump. The president fired back. As for the substance of Trumps trade comment, it has merit. Support comes from the Washington Post, of all places. Our trade deficit with Germany is, in fact, massive. Germany maintained a $69 billion trade surplus with the U.S. in 2016 reflecting $49.4 billion in U.S. exports to Germany and $114.2 billion imports from Germany. Moreover, the Posts Ana Swanson finds merit in the view that questionable policies the Germany government has promoted during years of economic unrest on the continent have contributed to the trade deficit. She notes that the Obama administration chided Germany for a fiscal policy that suppresses consumer demand, thus discouraging imports. Moreover, Germany takes advantage of the fact that the euro is valued far less than any Germany currency would likely be on its own, says Swanson. Its natural that Merkel wants to keep German defense spending low, maintain its trade advantages, and have the U.S. embrace a climate change treaty she likes but that, in the view of many including Trump, is disadvantageous to America. But she has no valid complaint when Trump pushes back. Merkel probably understands this. Why, then, is she at loggerheads with Trump? Perhaps she simply detests the man, as so many European (and American) elitists do. Or maybe its for domestic consumption. Merkels popularity in Germany isnt what it once was in part because of her extravagant refugee policy. Picking a fight with Trump makes her look tough and gives vent to what likely is the predominant view of the American president in Germany. Its fine, within limits, for Merkel to play to her audience. But Americans shouldnt be fooled into believing that Germany has legitimate and important grievances against Trump. The National Association of Scholars (NAS) presents a photo essay on a black only commencement exercise at Brown University. Known as blackalaureate, the event was held at a Providence hotel the day before actual commencement. Graduating African-American students were inducted into something called Onyx, an organization that celebrates the transition from Black student to Black Alumni. During the real commencement, all the black and other students of color (except Asians) marched at the front of the processional, with the white students behind. According to NASs reporter, since 1979 Browns black students have been showcased at the front of the procession. Now, however, the lead group has expanded to include Native Americans and other students of color. This apparently does not include Asian or Asian American students, who were dispersed throughout the procession. I found this line from the NAS photo essay interesting Keynote speaker Lisa Gelobter 91 was met with stony silence when she spoke of her transgender nephews right to use the bathroom corresponding with his chosen gender identity. Perhaps Browns racial diversity is producing ideological diversity after all, at least on one issue. NAS is conducting a research project on neo-segregation on campus. Self-segregation by black students undercuts to a significant degree the diversity rationale for race-based admission preferences. The less black students interact with their white counterparts, the less benefit white students accrue from the presence of blacks though I suppose, in theory, whites might gain some insight from the fact that blacks want little to do with them. However, the real question when it comes to neo-segregation is not so much what happens during commencement as what occurs on a daily basis. I look forward to the findings of NASs research. I actually didnt do justice to Hillary Clintons laundry list of blame for her loss to President Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Not even close. Fox News is using an excellent graphic that extracts the items that can be gleaned from the full transcript of her remarks at the 2017 Recode Conference yesterday. I cant find the graphic online. Our friend Shannen Coffin, however, provides an almost completely reliable list over at NROs Corner. I trust readers can identify the jokes Shannen mischievously inserts into his list, but this may be a case where you need a scorecard. Here is Shannens list: 1) Russia 2) Jim Comey 3) Misogyny 4) Fake News 5) WikiLeaks 6) Scott Walker 7) Wisconsin 8) Voter Suppression 9) The DNC 10) The widespread perception that she would win 11) Supporters who didnt vote 12) The Media 13) Mikey, the Life Cereal kid 14) Facebook 15) Citizens United 16) Plagues of Locusts 17) Anthony Weiner 18) The New York Times 19) Bills dog ate her election 20) Bernie Sanders 21) Her campaign staff 22) Racism 23) Critics who fear her 24) Weaponized information 24 1/2) None of the following: a) Email servers b) Failing to campaign in Wisconsin c) Paid Wall Street Speeches d) Basket of Deplorables e) Hillary Clinton Interested readers can go to the tape here Nollywood actors, Jim Iyke, Joseph Benjamin, Robert Peters, and a host of other A-list personalities are featuring in the new season of Princess Halliday Show on Mnet. Shot in the United States, guests of the show have included political figures, business leaders, global players, popular stars and ordinary people who have done something extraordinary. The 2017 season of Princess Halliday show is directed by Mr. Peters. The Princess Halliday Show is an Empower Africa Initiative that showcases people who have demonstrated positivity against all the odds. Princess Halliday, a straight-talking Royalty and empathic lady with a warm sense of humour, has the ability to immediately put her guests at ease. In her company they talk freely, especially about difficult experiences they have encountered. Through the provision of a platform for her guests to tell their stories, Princess Halliday inspires and educates the world. The show has proven to be a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration and life-affirming stories, said Princess Halliday. The mission of Empower Africa Initiative is to positively enhance the mindset of the world by showcasing and engaging people, communities, while empowering to lead, innovate, and serve authentically. EAI builds the self-esteem and self-worth of people by changing their outlook on life, broadening horizons and providing tools for self-empowerment and efficacy. EAI advances the world by inspiring, preparing, empowering and connecting leaders to drive change, she added. The show is picked up by MNET to broadcast across 48 African countries with exclusivity for two years. Share this: Twitter Facebook CLEARWATER, Fla., May 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, May 24th, over 100 guests gathered for the May Charity Coalition luncheon in the Church of Scientologys Fort Harrison Crystal Ballroom. Guests were treated to a 5-star meal and an afternoon of inspiration on how greater coordination between like-minded charities help improve the community. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5309458-1169-4375-8f1e-4ae08e0798a2 Mr. Dylan Pires, the Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater, opened the event and welcomed the guests to the Fort Harrison. Mr. Pires stated the Charity Coalitions purpose is to provide a networking event where like-minded non-profit leaders and activists can gather, share resources and partner on community projects. Accomplished actress and humanitarian Kelly Preston addressed the guests on the importance of volunteering within the community. Ms. Preston gave an example of her own volunteer work with the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a non-profit watchdog organization that investigates psychiatric abuses in the field of mental health. Pastor Mary Rieves also spoke about her non-profit, TAG-IN: Teaching Another Generation in Need. She told of their mission to inspire youth that are confident in who they are in order to help other youth in their schools, communities, and around the world. They aim to train the next generation to be bold and courageous while learning how to function effectively in society. Mr. Pires closed the event by encouraging each of the representatives from the different charities to work together to achieve their objectives of a better community and a more courageous youth. For more information on holding an event for your non-profit organization in the Fort Harrison, please contact Dylan at (727) 467-6860 or dylanpires@churchofscientology.net. About the Fort Harrison: Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home for many community events and charitable organizations. The Fort Harrison's current owner, the Church of Scientology, has hosted over 500 community events there since a top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard, and incorporated in 1954. To learn more, visit www.scientology.org. As the world marks this years World No Tobacco Day, Nigerias Health Minister, Isaac Adewole, has announced nine regulations in the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act that would be implemented by the federal government. The National Tobacco Control Act was signed into law in 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The theme for this years event, Tobacco: A Threat to Development, aims at highlighting the link between tobacco use and development as well as show that tobacco control can break the cycle of poverty, contribute to ending hunger, promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth, and combat climate change. Ahead of this years celebration, the World Health Organization revealed that tobacco kills over seven million people annually, and is an increasing risk factor in non-communicable (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancers and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease. Earlier Mr. Adewole, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, had told PREMIUM TIMES that the implementation of the tobacco control Act had been slow because the draft Regulations need the National Assembly approval. Below are the regulations listed by the minister to be implemented: 1. Prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to and by anyone below age 18. 2. Ban of sale of cigarettes in single sticks; cigarettes must be sold in packs of 20 sticks only. 3. Smokeless tobacco shall be sold in a minimum of a pack of 30 grammes. 4. Ban of sale or offer for sale or distribution of tobacco or tobacco products through mail, internet, or other online devices. 5. Prohibition of interference of tobacco industry in public health and related issues. 6. Prohibition of smoking in anywhere on the premises of a child care facility, educational facility, and healthcare facility. Other prohibited for smoking include playgrounds, amusement parks, plazas, public parks, stadia, public transport, restaurants bar, and other public gathering spaces. 7. Prosecution of owner or manager of any of the places listed above who permits, encourages or fails to stop smoking in the above listed places. 8. Prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship of any kind. 9. Compliance with specified standards for content. Share this: Twitter Facebook A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out one of the charges brought against the alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombing, Charles Okah. Justice Gabriel Kolawole said he was dismissing the charge because evidence cited in court did not prove that President Goodluck Jonathan, who was at Eagle Square, the target of the blast, was intimidated by the attack. He said the evidence before him failed to prove that Mr. Jonathan was sneaked out of Eagle Square, venue of the 50th anniversary celebration of Nigerias independence. Mr. Kolawole said the evidence did not prove a case of treason as contained in count one of the charge. He also said the evidence cited by the prosecution failed to prove that governors who attended a meeting on March 15, 2010 in Warri, Delta State, where another blast occured, were also intimidated. He however dismissed a no-case submission filed by Mr. Okah and other defendants. Mr. Okah now faces only terrorism charge. Share this: Twitter Facebook The prosecution counsel in the ongoing trial of Charles Okah, alleged mastermind of the October 1, 2010 bomb blast, has explained the reason for the dismissal of treason charges against the defendants. Speaking during an interview with journalists at the end of the trial on Thursday, the counsel, Alex Izinyon, said the court interpreted the prosecutions pattern of handling the matter to mean that it lacked evidence against the accused. There were two separate charges filed. One bothered on treason while the other bothered on terrorism. When I was assigned to the case, both of them were supposed to be going on at the same time. We decided to follow one of the two, because we cannot pursue two rats at a time. All our witnesses were brought based on the terrorism charge. Thats what prompted the ruling on the no-case submission today. It does appear as if we have not started the case involving treason. That does not mean that we cannot go back to the matter. It is left for the office of the Attorney General. If they decide to focus on the other charge, Mr. Izinyon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said. Mr. Okah and the second defendant, Obi Nwabueze, are accused of masterminding the March 15, 2010 bombing in Warri, Delta State, as well as another bomb explosion on October 1, that same year at the Eagle Square in Abuja. They were also charged with treasonable offence bordering on alleged threats to the lives of former President Goodluck Jonathan and governors who held a meeting in Delta State. Messrs. Okah and Nwabueze had asked the court to strike out the charges against them, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, in a lengthy ruling delivered in three hours, on Thursday dismissed the treason charges against the defendants. Mr. Kolawole said he was dismissing the charge because evidence cited in court did not prove that President Goodluck Jonathan, who was at Eagle Square, the target of the blast, was intimidated by the attack. He said the evidence before him failed to prove that Mr. Jonathan was sneaked out of Eagle Square, venue of the 50th anniversary celebration of Nigerias independence. He said the evidence did not prove a case of treason as contained in count one of the charge. He also said the evidence cited by the prosecution failed to prove that governors who attended a meeting on March 15, 2010 in Warri, Delta State, where another blast occurred, were also intimidated. The judge, however, said the allegation of terrorism brought against the defendants could not be dismissed as the prosecution had succeeded in linking the accused with the offence of collection of funds to aid terrorism. Mr. Kolawole noted that according to law, a person found guilty of aiding and abetting terrorism is liable to a sentence for life. He, therefore, called on the defence to give reasons why the court should not accept the evidence brought forth by the prosecution. Mr. Kolawole explained that his reason for postponing the ruling, earlier scheduled to be delivered on May 16, was to attend to the burial of his late brother. He adjourned the case to July 5 for the defence to open its case. Share this: Twitter Facebook There was chaos at the Redeemer Excellent Men Housing Foundation, Pyakassa Lugbe, a suburb of Abuja, as residents of the estate were prevented from going about their various businesses on Thursday by the management of the estate. The management of the estate locked the gates to force the residents to pay a controversial police security fee. Many of the residents had refused paying the fee saying they do not see the effect of the service as they are still being robbed. The management of the estate has been a source of controversy to residents who have been asking for accountability and transparency in the handling of its affairs. One of the residents, Meyanga Oguche, said residents have suffered extortion and harassment by the management of the estate. The height of the harassment was what was done today as I got to the gate with my wife and children to take them to school only for me to get to the estate gate and find it locked, Mr. Oguche said. They even had to engage my wife in a fight to deter us from unlocking the gate to leave. He said residents had been responsible for organising the security in the estate using local vigilante and the police. But when we suspected discrepancies in the deals with the police, we agreed at the meeting that we should stop paying money into the associations account for policemen and use just the vigilantes. I see no reason why they should come out and enforce the payment for something that we organised and we say we are not doing again. Mr. Oguche explained further that presently, there are about 60 residents in the estate and they are asking the residents to pay N3,000 each as police security fee as they claim to be paying N140,000 to the two police used on night patrol of the estate. Mr. Oguche said even though he was an executive member of the residents association, he was not aware of the N140,000 payment to the police especially as meetings of the resident association have been suspended. Another resident who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, Prosper Abu, said he also had to fight with the estate managers to leave the estate on Thursday morning. We are having issues in our estate and this issue has really lingered, he said. They are treating us as slaves, and it is unfortunate that some of us affected cannot speak up because they are afraid. He gave similar reasons as Mr. Oguche for refusing to pay the police charge. I for one, I am not paying for the police charge because it is a vigilante that we have organised that we are paying for, he said. They are working with a resident member who I think is a retired police officer and I wont be surprised if they arrest me this evening and start harassing me because that is their style of intimidating and keeping people quiet. The residents complained that previous fees for infrastructure upgrade paid by residents were misappropriated by the management with no infrastructure like roads and drainages to show. They said they believe any other payment made will also be misappropriated. A member of the estates management who locked the gate, Sunday Adeagbo, in a phone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, confirmed that the gate was truly locked to prevent people who had not paid their security fee from going for their daily activities. He said the action would still be repeated as the management is trying to force the residents to pay the police security fee. We are getting the security fee and they are aware that they should pay security fee, he said. We are enforcing it at the gate that you show your payment and you go. The estate manager added that we are collecting security fee as we have been using our cars to carry the police to transport them down to the estate to secure the place. Mr. Adeagbo argued that the estates management needs the fees to provide assistance to the police. We have to mobilise the police and transport them to our estate; we want to get vehicles for our police since the Nigerian government cannot get vehicles for them and we have to use this to mobilize and get the money to secure the estate he added. The police, however, denied that they receive payment for such services. The Abuja police spokesperson, Usen Omorodion, in a telephone interview said an estate can apply for police presence with a genuine reason to help secure their environment if they have security challenges. He, however, said there is no basis for payment for police presence as the service is meant to be free. Share this: Twitter Facebook A Nigerian soldier on peacekeeping mission with the African UnionUnited Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, UNAMID, was on Wednesday reported killed by an unidentified group in a carjacking incident in Nyala, South Darfur State in Sudan. The identity of the soldier was not immediately disclosed. Reacting to the incident in a statement on Thursday, UNAMID condemned the attack, stressing that it was a violation of international law. The Mission said it has reported the incident to the relevant Sudanese authorities and demanded that the Government of Sudan swiftly apprehends the perpetrators and bring them to justice. UNAMID also sent messages of condolences to the family of the late peacekeeper, his colleagues, and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook Adam Oladetan, 32, a Nigerian national, is languishing in a Kolkata prison in India after serving his jail term, because he has not been able to pay for his repatriation to Nigeria. Mr. Oladetan still has to raise N74, 000 ($235) to complete the N220, 000 ($700) needed for his repatriation. PREMIUM TIMES learned that the man, who served time at the Presidency Correctional Home in Kolkata, completed his sentence on April 9, but is still being held at the prison because he could not raise the money required to fly him back to Nigeria. According to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, CHRI, one of the conditions of his release from prison was that he should raise the fund needed to repatriate him to Nigeria. After a fund-raising appeal by CHRI, friends of Mr. Oladetan were able to raise $465 which still falls short of the $700 required to pay his air fare back to Nigeria. Mr. Oladetan will continue to be incarcerated in the prison despite being set free about a month ago. Though the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi verified his nationality and subsequently issued him an Emergency Travel Certificate, which would enable him fly to Nigeria, the commission, however, is unable to pay for the travel tickets required to send him back home. When contacted, an official of the Nigerian High Commission in India said they were closed for the day. It is sad to hear that Adam cannot come home because raising money for that is a condition for his release! I wonder how a detained man is expected to raise money for his repatriation, said a source involved in fund-raising, who asked not to be identified. Share this: Twitter Facebook A tour operator has offered Nigerian Muslims a cheaper package for the 2017 Hajj, with fares lower than what the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has approved for state pilgrim Boards. The commission had announced fares for many states at the ongoing state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare boards, agencies and commissions meeting at NAHCON headquarters in Abuja. Nasarawa pilgrims for instance are to pay N1,544,894.16 for this years hajj, while Niger pilgrims are expected to pay N1,525,483.30, Kaduna, N1,535,503.68, Kano, N1,537,859.97, Adamawa, N1,530,101.08 and Yobe N1,520,101.18. The packages include $800 Basic Travel Allowance, BTA. An official of the commission, however, said the packages exclude hadaya (sacrificial ram) fees, which has been fixed at N38, 000 for this years exercise. But, HASHA Travel and Tour, one of NAHCONs approved tour operators, is offering N1.250 million fare with 500 US dollars pocket money, according to the firms flyers in circulation. The date of departure from Abuja with an Ethiopian Airline to Medina is August 22, while the return date is September 8 via Jedda. The fare however does not include feeding. Yasir Nabingo, a sales representative of HASHA, told PREMIUM TIMES the fare was meant to secure future patronage. The accommodation for our pilgrims close to haram in Madina will be at ALIMA Hotel, while that of Madina will be at Alkunuzi in Makkah, he said. Baba Mohammed Chairman of the HASHA Travel and Tour, while explaining the low fare by the tour travel agency to our reporter on Thursday, said pilgrims also have an option of collecting $300 to go for medical screening at Saudi German hospital. The fare is exactly N1.250 million and a pilgrim has an option of collecting $300 and go for medical screening at Saudi German at a cost of $200 instead of the Hospital rate of $250. Secondly, the package is just for two weeks, this brings down the cost of hotel unlike the states that will be there for about four weeks. Thirdly, the cost of flight tickets is about $1,000 which is lower than the states Air fare. Again, no feeding except in Mina and Arafat amongst other things that made their cost to be lower than that of NAHCON, the chairman added. Many intending pilgrims who spoke to our reporter said they will prefer to perform the exercise through their various state boards despite the higher fare. The travel tour fare is reasonable, but it does not cover all the package that includes feeding, Hadaya and accommodation for four weeks and free medical care, Abubakar Musa, an intending pilgrim in Kaduna, said. Another intending pilgrim, Salamatu Sani, however said she would opt for the travel tour package that guaranteed her travel for two weeks because of the nature of her job. EDITORS NOTE: An earlier version of this report incorrectly attributed the comment by Baba Mohammed of HASHA Travel and Tour to Abdullahi Mukhtar, the head of NAHCON. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nigerian Navy says it is investigating the cause of Tuesdays deadly clash between its personnel and police in Calabar, Cross River State. Naval personnel attacked and killed at least three police officers and set a police station alight in Calabar after a brawl between a naval officer a police traffic officer. The director of information, Nigerian Navy, Suleman Dahun, a naval captain, on Wednesday, said investigation was ongoing. He said normalcy had since returned to Calabar after the clash. He said the service would do everything humanly possible to avert future occurrence of such ugly clash. Mr. Dahun told the News Agency of Nigeria that everything had been resolved, and normalcy had also returned. The brawl started at the Akim neighbourhood around 4p.m. on Tuesday. By 8p.m., it had developed into a deadly fighting, with naval officers attacking a police divisional headquarters, killing three officers and injuring others after setting the facility alight. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Federal Government will establish special schools for women who abandoned school to get married, Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has said. All women that married at early age will have the opportunity to continue with their education from their husbands houses. The schools will be in two categories so as to avoid problems emanating from the establishment of the schools. The first category is for those who started their schooling but due to one reason or the other dropped out. The other category is for the Adult Literacy classes that will be established in all local governments to assist women attain certain literacy level. In the Adult literacy schools, the women will also be empowered with skills training during their lessons. The women will be trained how to make soap, local soft drink, candle, pomade, cake, local hair dressing, tailoring and other small businesses. the minister told newsmen on Thursday in Katsina. Mrs. Alhassan appealed to religious and traditional leaders to continue supporting ongoing efforts to boost the enrolment of the girl-child into schools nationwide. She said that the education of female children was very important as such the leaders should encourage parents to send them to school. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook An Ikeja High Court has granted an embattled Judge of the Federal High Court, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, and Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, both facing trial over alleged corruption, permission to travel abroad. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 26, Mrs. Ofili-Ajumogobia and Mr. Oblas defence counsel, in separate applications, had requested the release of the duos international passports, to enable them seek medical treatment overseas. Mrs. Ofili-Ajumogobia, in a 17-paragraph affidavit in support of her application, claimed to be suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension, palpitations, and stress-related issues. Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had opposed the applications, stating that it was a ploy to stall the trial, noting that their alleged illnesses could be treated in Nigeria. Justice Hakeem Oshodi, in a ruling on Thursday, ordered the release of their international passports which had been in the custody of the court, as part of their bail conditions. Mr. Oshodi also noted that the EFCC did not provide proof that the alleged illnesses of the defendants could be treated in Nigeria. The prosecution failed to give evidence why the applicants sicknesses cannot be treated in Nigeria. Also how the prosecutor came to the decision that the defendants would jump bail is best known to him. I believe that the first defendant, as a Federal High Court Judge, has a lot to lose if she considers the idea of jumping bail. The Chief Registrar is hereby ordered to release the international passport of the first defendant to enable her travel abroad between June 7 and June 13, 2017. The first defendant must return the passport to the Chief Registrar on or before July 1, 2017, Mr. Oshodi said. Granting Mr. Obla permission to travel to Houston, Texas, in the U.S. for medical treatment, Justice Oshodi noted that the SANs passport must be returned to the court on July 4. The second defendant is also granted leave to travel for medical treatment and must also return his passport to the Chief Registrar on July 4, he said. After the ruling, Charles Musa, lawyer, testified as the 10th prosecution witness for the anti-graft agency. The EFFC alleged that Mr. Musa, a classmate and friend of the judge, drafted the deed of agreement of Nigel and Colive Ltd, a company linked by the anti-graft agency to Ofili-Ajumogobia with another company, County and City Bricks Ltd. According to the EFCC, the account of Nigel and Colive Ltd, was allegedly used to launder funds illegally by Ofili-Ajumogobia during her tenure as a judge. Mr. Musa, who was being led in evidence by Mr. Oyedepo, denied signing or drafting the deed of agreement between the two companies. I sent her an email about the terms of agreement between the companies and she did not get back to me again, Mr. Musa said. Mrs. Ofili-Ajumogobia and Mr. Obla, a former prosecutor of the EFCC, are jointly charged on two-counts of perverting the course of justice. Mr. Obla is facing an additional two-count charge of offering gratification in the sum of N5 million to Mrs. Ofili-Ajumogobia, a public official, while serving as a judge. Mrs. Ofili-Ajumogobia faces a 26-count charge bordering on unlawful enrichment, taking property by a public officer, corruption by a public officer, forgery and giving false information to an official of the EFCC. Both denied all the charges. The case was adjourned until July 6 for continuation of trial. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Pune, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qualitia, the leader in script-less test automation, has announced that it now offers support for test automation of mobile applications. With its easy-to-use, unified interface, Qualitias new release allows manual testers and business users to automate their test cases for mobile applications and achieve faster time to market. Mobile, undoubtedly, is a very big part of the current as well as the future digital world. Increasingly, enterprises are moving several parts of their existing processes for their employees, customers, and partners, to mobile apps. This movement towards the mobility has brought a different and more complex set of challenges for testers. Over the last few years, Qualitia has helped several global enterprises achieve tremendous cost and time-saving in their test automation initiatives. It was time to take the next step and now we are extremely proud to release the fast, easy, and reliable mobile functional test automation platform which can be used by automation engineers, manual testers, as well as the business users. With Qualitia, quick and reliable automated mobile testing is now a reality, said Ashutosh Saitwal, President & CSO at Qualitia Software. Qualitias mobile test automation offers out-of-the-box integration with popular DevOps tools such as Bamboo, Jenkins, and TeamCity. Qualitia also provides seamless integration with Sauce Labs, which is one of the popular cloud-based testing platforms. The latest release offers full support for Android and iOS devices with various form factors, multiple operating system versions to test native, hybrid and web applications. It also offers direct out-of-the-box support for complex test cases. We were very cautious about maintaining Qualitias unified experience even for the mobile test automation. The initial feedback from the beta users is extremely encouraging, says Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director and CEO, Qualitia Software. While ensuring the intuitive and easy automation for hybrid applications, this release ensures a solid backend technology. Qualitia is designed to think like a QA expert. It offers a broad technology and platform coverage for test execution with the ability of parallel execution across platforms including Cloud. Qualitia makes it very easy to create mix mode test cases for handling complex real-life use cases, says Amaresh Shirsat, CTO, Qualitia Software. To know more about the latest release, visit http://www.qualitiasoft.com/ About Qualitia Qualitia is a pioneer in scriptless functional test automation. Qualitia has enabled businesses to transform the way software functional testing is done, by significantly optimizing cost and effort to make Go Live decisions with high confidence. With Qualitia, large enterprises are successfully driving Shift Left agenda in Agile & DevOps environment. Qualitia is appreciated by Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Ovum and many leading analysts for it's innovative approach to software test automation. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olabode George, on Thursday faulted calls by some politicians on President Mohammed Buhari to resign over his ill-health. Mr. George faulted the calls while speaking with some journalists in Lagos, describing them as wrong and inflammatory. He said it was inhumane of anyone to pressure the president to step down from office just because he was having some health challenges. He said it was only the president and his managers who could decide when he was incapacitated, adding those making the calls are taking politics too far. He said though he had always been in different camps with the president, he was always praying for his quick recovery, urging all Nigerians, irrespective of political allegiance, to do the same. You see, I dont support the call by some people that the president should resign because of his health. Even though I have always been on different camps with the president, I do not think it is right for anybody to have evil thoughts towards him. He is ill and we can only wish him good health and pray for him; calling him to resign because of this is getting beyond politics. He is a human being and only God knows the appointed time for everyone. The holy book says we should always pray for people in authority; I think the president deserves everyones prayers, not comments that could even outrage some people and create unnecessary tension, he said According to the former military administrator of Ondo State, Nigeria is experiencing some challenges which require everyone to join hands to overcome. He said the predilection of some people to make inflammatory comments along ethnic and religious sentiments would escalate the tension in the land. While saying people have the right to speak up against marginalisation by the Nigerian state, he such agitations should not be fashioned in a way that suggested secession. Mr. George said as a stateman who had an unwavering belief in the non-negotiability of the unity of Nigeria, he would never support the disintegration of the country. He decried the falling nationalism and patriotism among Nigerians, which he said was making people identify more with tribes and religion rather than the country. The PDP chieftain said it was unfortunate that the good idea of restructuring was being given all sorts of colourations to suit ethnic and regional sentiments. He said the only form of restructuring that he would support is the one that would make the centre unattractive and empower states to develop faster. Mr. George said it made no sense to have all the resources at the centre while states came cap in hand all the time for federal allocation. People talk of restructuring to mean let everyone go on his way, let the country break and all of that. That to me is not the idea of restructuring. The restructuring that was approved at the last national conference, which I think is the right thing, is to make the centre less strong and make the states stronger. A restructuring that will empower the states to control resources and give like 30per cent to the centre. That is the restructuring we are talking about. The form that will accelerate the development of the states, which in turn will fast track national development, he said. On the crisis in the PDP, Mr. George said the party was having some challenges at the moment, but expressed the optimism that the party would overcome its problems and come back stronger. He said people saying that PDP would die were missing the point as the party was laid on a very strong foundation that could last for so long. George explained that the PDP was created for the unity and prosperity of the nation by its founding fathers and its national spread would make it stand the test of time. He dismissed rumours that he would soon dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying he would rather quit politics instead of going to APC. The PDP chieftain expressed disappointment over the defection of some party members at the trying period, saying their action meant they were not committed in the first place. I am disappointed at those leaving this party at this time. As for me, I would rather quit than defect. Whoever is saying I plan to defect to APC is lying. I am not a chameleon. I do my things straight. I can never go to APC, he said. Mr. George said the crisis in the party had put it in quagmire as it prepared for July 22council polls in Lagos. He said he hoped the fate that befell the party at the Benue State council polls where APC had an easy win as a result of infighting in PDP would not occur in Lagos polls. According to him, the party is earnestly waiting for the Supreme Court judgement on Ali Sherriff and Ahmed Makarfi case, as it is important for its future. He said his commendation of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos was borne out of the acknowledgement of his successes in infrastructural development in the state. Mr. George, however, said the PDP would give him a good run for his money in 2019, as it would present a seasoned candidate who would outperform him. He said it was worth it to celebrate Lagos at 50, but said visionary leadership and commitment was required to push the state to an enviable level of development within the next 50years. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that it was studying the report of a special panel that investigated allegations of human rights abuses against the army. The panel headed by a retired major general, A.T. Jibrin, submitted its report to the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday at the army headquarters in Abuja. Speaking on the report, Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, said the army would take appropriate action on all the recommendations after studying the report. The panel was set up by the army on March 8 in the aftermath of an Amnesty International report which indicted the army of extra-judicial killings including those of Biafra protesters in the south-east, Boko Haram suspects in the north-east, and Shiites in Kaduna in December 2015. The army, however, indicated the panel would not investigate the globally condemned Shiite killings of over 340 people, when it asked the panel not to probe or revisit cases of abuse that had been investigated by state governments or the National Human Rights Commission. The Kaduna State Government last year investigated the Shiite killings that led to the death of at least 347 Shiite members who were accused of blocking a road that was to be used by Mr. Buratai. Although the Kaduna panel recommended the prosecution of the army officials involved in the killing, the state government dropped that recommendation in its white paper released on the investigation. Nobody is, therefore, being prosecuted for the killings. Share this: Twitter Facebook At least 44 people, including Nigerians, have died of thirst after their truck broke down in the Sahara Desert in northern Niger as they attempted to reach Europe. Nigerien news website, Sahelien, reported Tuesday that the victims were Nigerians and Ghanaians and were trying to enter Europe via Libya in North Africa. Three babies, two minor children and 17 women are among the victims, the website reported. It was unclear when their vehicle broke down or when the 44 travellers perished, but the BBC reported that the incident was confirmed by the Red Cross in Niger. Six survivors were able to make it to a nearby town on foot. They are currently being cared for at a migrant centre in Dirkou, the Sahelien reported. Efforts were underway by Nigerien authorities to visit the scene and evacuate the bodies. It was not immediately clear if the Nigerian government had been informed about the incident. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a foreign affairs aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, did not immediately respond to PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments about the development Thursday night. Hundreds of Nigerians die every year trying to cross into Europe via North Africa. Share this: Twitter Facebook An executive bill for a law to prohibit open grazing in Taraba on Wednesday passed second reading in the State House of Assembly. The Majority Leader of the House, Joseph Kunini, who led the debate, commended Governor Darius Ishaku for initiating the bill titled Anti Open Grazing and Ranching Establishment Bill 2017. According to him, the bill, when passed and signed into law, will help solve the incessant herdsmen-farmers clashes and check the activities of cattle rustlers in the state. In his contribution, Habila Anderifun, member representing Ussa Constituency, said that when passed, the bill would also raise the standard of cattle rearing in the state, in line with global best practices. The best practice the world over in cattle rearing is ranching. I was in Kenya recently with the Speaker on a state delegation and we studied their ranching system where herders and farmers are coexisting peacefully. We need to pass this bill to address the frequent clashes associated with cattle grazing in our state. With the progress this bill has made today, I can now sleep with my two eyes closed, he said. In his remarks, the Speaker, Abel Diah, thanked members for their honest contributions to the bill. Mr. Diah announced the constitution of a seven-member committee to organise public hearing on the bill across the three senatorial zones of the state. The committee, which has three weeks to submit its report, has Mark Useni as Chairman, while Ibrahim Nahawe, Charles Maijankai, Gambo Mubarak, Douglas Ndatse, Muhammed Abdulkarim and John Kizito Bonzena are members. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Students and teachers of two junior secondary schools in Abuja on Wednesday expressed delight over the launch of book clubs in their schools. The schools, in Life Camp and Karshi, were gifted with several items including television sets and books to mark the launch. A reading competition was also conducted for the both schools during the launch organised by the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria, LRCN, in partnership with Bratim Training Limited. I feel excited to win. I didnt know it was this big, that I will win something by coming here. I feel a sense of satisfaction because I read a book once in a week. I want to be an engineer, Pius Okegbu, a 13-year-old student of JSS Karshi who was among the winners of the reading competition said. Master Okegbu further advised that reading should be made an important subject taught in schools just like mathematics and English. Another student, Catherine Audu, wants the libraries to be stocked with more books. Those old books in the library are no longer interesting, she said. Victoria Aneke, the principal of JSS Life Camp, said the launch of the reading clubs is a welcomed development. Im really impressed. The students also did well in the competition where students read and summarise books and in turn train their colleagues. She further encouraged parents and guardians to buy books for their wards and also give them time to read as well as monitor their reading culture. The parents should do their own part at home while the teachers do theirs in school and everything will work out fine. Another teacher said that the basic problem with reading in schools is because most teachers teach alphabets instead of phonetics which deals with the pronunciation of words. In his remarks, the CEO of Bratim Training Limited, Tejan Ibrahim, said, the reading culture has diminished and is nowhere close to good. The libraries get dry and dry due to the level of interest students exhibits towards it. Parents and teachers also did not recognise the change in times which makes the academic world a function of the technological world. Technology has changed not only the business and scientific world but has also cut across all that has to do with humanity and its home which includes our schools (academic world). Something has to be done in cognisance to these challenges and the trends in our time which stands both as a tool of building and of destruction. We cannot sit back and see the future fade away; we cant continue lamenting the standard of education and reading habit and yet do nothing about it. This is the rationale behind the partnership between Bratim Nigeria and Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN). The two partners- LRCN and Bratim had previously launched book clubs in schools in Jabi and Gwarimpa. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Federal Capital Territory Administration has disbursed N2 billion to the six Area Councils in the FCT and other parties as its share of statutory allocation for the month of April. FCT Permanent Secretary, Babatope Ajakaiye, made the disclosure on Tuesday in his office at Area 11, Garki, Abuja during the Joint Area Councils Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, a statement by Tony Odey, his press, secretary, said. The figure shows that the April allocation was higher than last months allocation by N80 million. The breakdown of the allocation shows that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) got the highest share of N169 million while Gwagwalada received N165 million and Kwali got N143 million. Similarly, Kuje Area Council received N142 million; Abaji N141 million and Bwari got N136 million. Statutory deductions from the release includes: Primary School Teachers salaries which gulped N998 million and 15% Pension Funds equivalent to N95 million. Others are 1% Training Funds which got N19 million; and 10% Employer Pension Contribution of N73 million. The Chairman of Kwali Area Council who is also the Chairman of ALGON, Shazin Joseph, described the allocation as balanced and equitable. He also commended FCT Administration for not taking a kobo from the allocations of the Area Councils. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Police have arrested three armed robbery suspects in Abuja. Samaila Ibrahim, Abubakar Haruna and Yahaya Isah were apprehended on Wednesday morning in an unspecified address along Rugger Road, Wuye. The FCT Police Command spokesperson, Usen Omorodion, said the police swooped on the suspects a few minutes of being alerted of their activities at Rugger Road. They were arrested in possession of a toy pistol, wrapped substance suspected to be Indian hemp, and charms (purportedly used by them to rob and torment innocent people of the area), he added. According to Mr. Omorodion, the commissioner of police has directed all area commanders, divisional police officers and heads of departments in the command to intensify efforts to make sure the FCT is crime free. Share this: Twitter Facebook The police in Abuja have arrested two notorious solar panel thieves that have been operating in the metropolis. Solomon Kwaghmgulu and Mohammed Haruna were arrested on Thursday morning along AYA Bridge, Abacha road, Abuja. The Abuja police spokesperson, Usen Omorodion, in a statement said the anti-car theft squad received a tip from a member of the public that the suspects were leaving the scene of operation with the solar panels. Officers moved swiftly to the scene and found the suspects with the stolen solar items. They have made confessional statements to the crime and assisting the police in the investigations. The FCT police command is determined to checkmate unwholesome activities of vandals and other crimes, he added. According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, commended members of the public for partnering with the police in giving timely information that led to the arrest of the culprits. Share this: Twitter Facebook The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a bill seeking the establishment of South East Development Commission. The House rejected the second reading of the bill after it was put to a voice vote by the speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara. Chukwuka Onyema (Anambra-PDP), sponsor of the bill, had argued that the bill sought to tackle poverty and ecological problems confronting the South East part of the country. He said the bill also sought to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the development, restructure and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructure in the region. Contributing to the debate, the House Minority Leader, Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP), said the bill would address most of the issues affecting the region. This country cannot continue with the situation where we come to Abuja every month to share money. I think every zone deserves such commission because it will make everybody look inward. This nation needs to be restructured, we cannot continue the way we are going, Mr. Ogor said. Sani Abdul (Bauchi-APC) said the agitation to create the commission was as a result of the governments inability to address the socio-economic challenges in the country. We should look at it holistically in order not to have problems. We are worried, however, because the timing of the bill with the agitation for Biafra is suspicious, Mr. Abdul said. Some lawmakers while opposing the bill, said the timing of was not appropriate. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP) said some of the South-East states were already captured in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the creation of a South East Commission will be too much. Sani Zorro (Jigawa-APC) said not much consultation was done to ensure the success of the bill. I wont be comfortable that at the end of the day we leave here with acrimony. In view of the debate we have had so far, I am of the view that the sponsors and supporters of this bill should make further consultations, Mr. Zoro said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook A Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere in Ekiti State, has called on Governor Ayodele Fayose to focus on resolving the problems facing his people rather than attacking President Muhammadu Buhari. The group also called on the governor to find solution to the lingering fuel shortage in the state due to his dispute with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN. The groups statement on Wednesday, signed by its chairman, Yemi Alade, and Publicity Secretary, Biodun Akin-Fasae, said Ekiti people should embark on fervent prayers for God to intervene in the ongoing fuel crisis that had paralysed economic activities in the state. The statement which was titled, God, Heal Our Land, lamented the scarcity of fuel unleashed on the citizenry by the governors face-off with petrol marketers. It noted that the crisis could have been resolved by dialogue instead of resorting to strong arm tactics including the destruction of some filling stations by suspected thugs. It is shameful that Ekiti has become a butt of uncanny jokes and fast sliding to be a pariah among other states in Nigeria despite its God-given endowments, the statement read. Currently the economic activities of the state has run berserk due to executive misapplication of strategic management of human and business relationship. Now, no one is sure of what happens next because of the misunderstanding between government and fuel marketers which has now degenerated into chaos. And this has been going on for two full weeks now and unfortunately, government is feeling comfortable and justifying its strategy by pulling down several of the fuel stations for flimsy excuse which not a few have interpreted as mere political vendetta and mere braggadocio on the part of the government. Our suggestion is that impunity to destroy economic livelihood of people should stop because we believe that no fuel marketer approved for himself the construction of any filling station. Government did. And if government would now change its mind, then a process of discussion and negotiation should be put in place rather than just breaking of the extant laws. This is what is called executive recklessness and this is very unacceptable. We wonder the whereabouts of Governor Ayo Fayose during the celebration of Democracy Day, a national activity. He was conspicuously absent from Ekiti for days only to resurface to abuse President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to resign because of ill-health. The group also noted that Mr. Fayose degraded his office by his statement on the veracity of the Chibok girls release. Our governor is now a parrot who must talk at all times in and out of season; we believe that Mr. Governor should devote more time to think on how to move Ekiti forward instead of focusing and dissipating his energy on irrelevant issues, Afenifere said. Afenifere also wish to sympathize with Ekiti workers that none of whom has received any salary this year, some since October 2016. And yet the governor feels unconcerned so far he can dole out a thousand Naira and a cup of rice to the famished workers in the name of his stomach infrastructure, which many have described as a fraud. Share this: Twitter Facebook English Estonian AS Tallinna Vesis Annual General Meeting of Shareholders was held on Thursday, 1st of June 2017 from 09:00-9:54 at the Tallink Spa&Conference Hotel conference room Galaxy. 14,719,829 votes, i.e. 73.6% of the Companys 20 million votes were represented at the meeting. THE AGENDA OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 1. Approval of the 2016 Annual Report RESOLUTION: with 14,712,079 votes in favour ( i.e. 99.95% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to approve the 2016 Annual Report. 2. Distribution of profit RESOLUTION: with 14,714,749 votes in favour (i.e. 99.97% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to approve the profit distribution proposal. The net profit of the Company in 2016 is 18,390,000 (eighteen million three hundred and ninety thousand) euros. To distribute EUR 10,800,600 (ten million eight hundred thousand and six hundred) euros of AS Tallinna Vesis retained earnings of 51,384,000 (fifty one million three hundred and eighty four thousand) euros as of 31.12.2016, incl. from the net profit 18,390,000 (eighteen million three hundred and ninety thousand) euros for the year 2016, as dividends, of which 0.54 (zero point fifty four) euros per share shall be paid to the owners of the A-shares and 600 (six hundred) euros per share shall be paid to the owner of the B-share. Remaining retained earnings will remain undistributed and allocations from the net profit will not be made to the reserve capital. Based on the dividend proposal made by the Management Board, the Council proposes to the general meeting to decide to pay the dividends out to the shareholders on 26th June 2017 and to determine the list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends on the basis of the share ledger as at 23.59 on 16th June 2017. 3. Recalling Mr. Mart Magi from the Supervisory Council of AS Tallinna Vesi RESOLUTION: with 14,683,636 votes in favour (i.e. 99.75% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to recall Mr. Mart Magi from the Supervisory Council of AS Tallinna Vesi. 4. Extension of the term of a Supervisory Council member and election of a new Supervisory Council member RESOLUTION 1: with 14,681,946 votes in favour (i.e. 99.74% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to extend Mr. Allar Joks term as a Supervisory Council member of AS Tallinna Vesi retrospectively from the expiry of his term on 29.05.2017 and proactively as from the date of the adoption of this resolution for a new statutory term. RESOLUTION 2: with 14,582,564 votes in favour (i.e. 99.07% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to elect Priit Rohumaa as a Supervisory Council member of AS Tallinna Vesi from 01.06.2017. 5. Election of the auditor RESOLUTION: with 14,682,736 votes in favour (i.e. 99.75% of all votes represented at the Annual General Meeting) to appoint AS PriceWaterhouseCoopers as the auditor and Mr. Ago Vilu as the lead auditor for the financial year of 2017. To pay the fee to the auditor as per contract to be entered into. 6. CEO update CEO update can be found here. The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, who is a former governor of Ekiti State, has asked a state High Court to restrain the judicial commission of inquiry set up by his successor, Governor Ayodele Fayose, from investigating him over allegations of fraud and diversion of public funds. The commission was recently set up by the governor at the instance of the Ekiti State House of Assembly. It was charged with probing the administration of Mr. Fayemi, including the financial transactions and loans obtained by the administration, as well as the administration of funds of the states Universal Basic Education Board. The assembly said it reached the conclusion to direct the governor to probe his predecessor, following Mr. Fayemis refusal to appear before the House to explain what he knew about alleged diversion of funds. The house said it relied on Section 129 of the 1999 Constitution, when on March 22, 2016 and February 7 it ordered Mr. Fayemi to appear before it and clear his name over the allegations. While inaugurating the commission, Mr. Fayose denied the allegation of witch-hunt, saying that it was set in line with the provisions of the law. Mr. Fayemi had earlier sought the protection of the court when the Ekiti State House of Assembly summoned him to answer questions on the use of SUBEB funds. However, a statement made available to journalists on Thursday by Mr. Fayemis media adviser, Olayinka Oyebode, said the minister filed a motion before the court to challenged the competence of the commission. The minister, in the suit number HAD/57/2017, filed by his counsel, Rafiu Balogun, is asking the court to restrain the state governor, the states attorney-general and members of the judicial commission of inquiry from taking any step, following the pendency of two cases on the planned probe in courts of competent jurisdiction. Also joined in the suit are the Ekiti State House of Assembly and Speaker of the House of Assembly. Mr. Fayemi is also seeking a declaration that the motion and subsequent resolution of the State House of Assembly directing the governor (first defendant) to set up the commission to investigate or probe his administration were unlawful, illegal and ought to be declared null and void. This, he said, was in view of the fact the resolution was passed during the pendency of a case involving him and the State House of Assembly and its speaker, which touched on the legality of the summons and powers of the Assembly to conduct any investigation or direct any other person or body to do so without strict compliance with the tenets of the 1999 Constitution. Mr. Fayemi also submitted that the State House of Assembly acted in flagrant contravention of the principle of separation of powers and had committed a fundamental breach of the Standing Order of the House of Assembly and doctrine of subjudice by revisiting the issue of investigation of his administration and passing a resolution for the setting up of a judicial commission of enquiries with terms and reference that would prejudice the outcome of the case between him and the House of Assembly and its speaker. He is also seeking a declaration that the House of Assembly cannot exercise its power under Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, to direct Ekiti State Governor to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate his administration while the House had earlier conducted its investigation and submitted its report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urging the anti- graft body to further conduct discreet investigation and prosecute him and some officials of his administration. His prayers further read: That the setting up of the panel after the conclusion of its investigation by the House of Assembly to allegations of financial malpractices and the submission of same to the EFCC would amount to oppression, double jeopardy and a clear abuse of legislative power. A declaration that the House of Assembly cannot exercise its constitutional right to direct or cause the Governor of Ekiti State to constitute a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate the plaintiff when the conditions precedent for the exercise of such powers, as enshrined in the constitution, have not been fulfilled by the Assembly. Mr. Fayemi also faulted the constitution of the judicial commission saying that the chairman, secretary and other members of the commission could not be apolitical, neutral or unbiased because of their affinity with the governor of Ekiti state, which therefore put the independence and impartiality of the panel into serious distrust. He also wants the court to nullify the resolution of the State House of Assembly of May 10 directing the governor to constitute the panel of inquiry. He urged the court to grant an order dissolving the commission and an award of N500 million as general damages to be paid by the first, third and fourth respondents (i.e.the Governor, Ekiti State House of Assembly and the Speaker of the Assembly) for the embarrassment , odium and public ridicule the purported resolution of the House had caused him. Aside this, Fayemi is also seeking from the court, a perpetual injunction restraining the House of Assembly from passing similar resolution and the Governor from constituting another judicial commission of inquiry or administrative panel as the issues relating to the finances of his administration had been submitted to the EFCC and pending before two courts of competent jurisdiction for adjudication. The former governor, in the supporting affidavit he personally deposed to, said he knew that the resolution of the House summoning him to appear before it and subsequent resolution of the House to issue a bench warrant of arrest against him were done in bad faith. It was a calculated attempt to embarrass me and undermine the effect of my libel suit pending before the Federal Capital territory High Court in Abuja, he said. There is no way justice can be done with the crop of personalities in the Commission of Enquiry and the right to fair hearing cannot be guaranteed in the way and manner the commission was constituted. I have a reason to believe that the Chairman of the Commission, a retired judge has an axe to grind with me on account of not acceding to his ambition to be appointed as Chief Judge of Ekiti State during my tenure as governor. This is in addition to his clear partisanship and overt support for the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP). I know that the secretary to the commission is the incumbent Director of Public Prosecution, Ekiti State. He was appointed and elevated to that position by Governor Fayose. The Counsel to the Commission, Mr S.B.J Bamise is also a state counsel, who no doubt, cannot be fair nor be trusted to be unbiased. He is under the control of Attorney-General, Ekiti State. I strongly believe that the sanctity of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man ought to be guarded jealously and this will be achieved only if the purported commission of enquiry, constituted when there are pending cases related to the matters, is dissolved by the order of this honourable court in the interest of rule of law and strict adherence to the age long principle of separation of powers. Share this: Twitter Facebook Members of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Osun State Chapter, marched on the streets of Osogbo, the state capital on Thursday, to protest the state governments payment of half salaries. They also decried the state of healthcare in the state, saying it was witnessing a total collapse. The chairman of the Osun State NMA, Tokunbo Olajumoke, while speaking during the protest, said the state of health infrastructure was responsible for the death of a former senator, Isiaka Adeleke. He said the nearest government health facility to Mr. Adelekes residence had no equipment that could have aided his resuscitation, hence he died before he could be rushed to hospital at the state capital. Mr. Olajumoke, who spoke at the popular Olaiya Junction, said Mr. Adeleke died of cardiac arrest, even though a state-named coroner inquest concluded that the politician died of drug overdose administered by an unqualified medical personnel. He warned that the health system in the state could collapse completely in the next three months if nothing was done urgently. Mr. Olajumoke said despite claims by the state government to have spent N10 billion on the health sector, government hospitals could only boast of paracetamol. He said the payment of half salary had persisted for 16 months without any hope of resolution. The NMA chairman stated further that, despite payment of half salary, the state government had found it convenient to make full tax deductions. The Commissioner for Health, Rafiu Kusamotu, appealed to the medical personnel to be patient, assuring that steps would be taken by his ministry to address the issues raised accordingly. Mr. Kusamotu the government needed some time to allow the newly-constituted cabinet settle down. He said the management and distribution of drugs, which was hitherto supervised by the local governments, would henceforth be handled by the state ministry of health for efficiency. Share this: Twitter Facebook Nineteen of the states public and private colleges and universities have signed agreements to help revitalize Atlantic City, Camden, Newark, Paterson and Trenton. The New Jersey Coalition of Anchor Institutions is the result of two years of planning to address challenges and engage residents in transforming their communities. The fate of our colleges and universities is inextricably linked with the communities that surround them, said Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks. We share one common future, and we need to positively and powerfully reinforce the public mission of New Jerseys colleges and universities to work together to enhance the quality of life for our citizens, communities and state. Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College are the colleges committed to working in Atlantic City. Atlantic Cape already has a campus in Atlantic City, and Stockton is building one at the Albany Avenue entrance to the city. Stockton, Atlantic Cape sign partnership for A.C. campuses GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Stockton Universitys new Atlantic City Campus is not built yet, but col Stockton and Atlantic Cape in December signed an agreement to share hospitality programs in the city. President Barbara Gaba signed the declaration of commitment Tuesday on behalf of Atlantic Cape. Brian Jackson, chief operating officer for Stocktons Atlantic City Campus, signed on behalf of President Harvey Kesselman. Stocktons commitment to the city is palpable not only through the bricks and mortar already visible at the Chelsea neighborhood building site, but also through the academic programming and partnerships under construction as well, said a statement from Assistant Provost Michelle McDonald, who attended the signing as part of the universitys team. To succeed, the Atlantic City Gateway Project must be a collaboration between Stockton, its sister institutions, and its community as together we are so much more powerful than we are individually. Kesselman issued a statement that said their commitment to Atlantic City is steadfast and they look forward to being a partner in the renaissance of Atlantic City. Stocktons Center for Community Engagement has been working with the public schools and civic groups in the city. Christie calls Gateway project a turning point for Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY Gov. Chris Christie said at a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday the new Gatew More than 50 academic and community leaders attended the event at the Educational Testing Service headquarters in Princeton. Nancy Cantor, chancellor of the Rutgers-Newark campus, said all of the colleges are anchor institutions in their communities and must live up to their potential. Hendricks said she believes what the group is starting in New Jersey can be a national and international model. PITTSBURGH, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TeraRecon (www.terarecon.com), a leader in advanced visualization and enterprise medical image viewing solutions, today announced the acquisition of machine learning company, McCoy Medical Technologies, (www.mccoymed.com), at the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicines Annual Meeting (SIIM17) in Pittsburgh, PA. Initially called WIA Corporation, a new company has been formed to provide simplified access to artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with a focus on integrations that connect the work of individual end users, machine learning researchers, open source organizations and diagnostic imaging companies. The companys products include a developer platform and a vendor neutral API interface for integration partners designed to streamline the distribution and hospital implementation of evidence-based practices and trained machine learning algorithms. The McCoy platform allows users anywhere to access cloud-based algorithms without requiring access to the algorithm code or training data to protect PHI and developer intellectual property. As part of the transaction completed earlier this week, the new independent company retains the McCoy Medical advisory board, including three world-leading imaging informatics experts and serial entrepreneurs: Dr. Eliot Siegel, Dr. Paul Chang and Dr. Khan Siddiqui. Dr. Siegel shared, This decade has seen a proliferation of extremely impressive applications leveraging machine learning, especially for computer vision. Today, there is a real need for simpler, standards-based channels to socialize, access and apply these technologies. The TeraRecon and McCoy venture holds great potential to be among the first to develop and commercialize their offerings in the form of a truly open platform community. This kind of approach is exactly what is needed for the amazing innovations in AI to achieve widespread utilization. Jeff Sorenson, TeraRecon President and CEO, said The new companys platform is open to everyone, from individual physician-inventors, to research institutions, and the worlds largest PACS vendors alike. Together, this new company becomes a catalyst to join the various AI communities together. He continued, Our goal is to incubate and accelerate a new kind of AI platform that allows a proven algorithm to be productized in 20 minutes. Misha Herscu, McCoy CEO, commented, This transaction results in a company with a unique combination of technology, healthcare-specific expertise and commercial reach. We look forward to meeting with potential collaborators and partners at SIIM17 and introducing these new possibilities. The acquisition is aligned with the main interests of the SIIM17 conference attendees. The keynote address, titled Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Medical Imagings Next Frontier, focuses on the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the medical imaging industry and the many uses of AI in healthcare. Visit WIA Corporation and TeraRecon June 1st-3rd during SIIM17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Booth #603, as well as at the Society of Vascular Surgerys 2017 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California at Booth #510. About McCoy Medical Technologies (www.mccoymed.com) McCoy Medical Technologies provides a developer platform and API interface for algorithm developers, partners and end users. McCoy facilitates the streamlined distribution and hospital implementation of evidence-based practices and trained machine learning algorithms via a vendor neutral distribution platform. The McCoy platform allows users anywhere to access cloud-based algorithms without requiring access to the algorithm code or training data to protect PHI and developer intellectual property. McCoy assists research institutions and emerging AI companies in the translational and commercialization processes, starting with rapid deployment via a scalable, secure, cloud-based infrastructure. McCoy also works with distribution partners, including TeraRecon, to make algorithms on the platform available to a very wide footprint of hospitals and, ultimately, to physicians. Press Inquiries: US: 1-413-320-6636 | info@mccoymed.com About TeraRecon (www.terarecon.com) TeraRecon is the largest independent, vendor neutral medical image viewing solution provider with a focus on advanced image processing innovation. TeraRecons solutions advance the accessibility, performance, clinical functionality and medical imaging workflow throughout many areas of the healthcare ecosystem. The company provides world class advanced visualization 3D post-processing tools, as well as a spectrum of enterprise medical image viewing, diagnostic interpretation, image sharing, cloud, interoperability and collaboration solutions. TeraRecon is a privately held company with its world headquarters in Foster City, California with major offices in Frankfurt, Germany; Tokyo, Japan; Acton, MA, and Durham, NC. Press Inquiries: US: 1-650-372-1100 | info@terarecon.com Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties trail the state in providing center-based child-care options for infants and toddlers who may need care, according to a new report. It makes the whole looking for child care process all that more stressful. Working parents need a variety of options to enable them to feel comfortable leaving their child, said Diane Dellano, a policy analyst for Advocates for Children of New Jersey, which produced the report. The report, No Room for Babies: Center-based Infant-Toddler Child Care in Short Supply, finds only 13.9 percent of the need for infant and toddler care in Ocean County is met, while Cape May County had 17.2 percent. In Atlantic County, 18.4 percent of the need for child care is met. Dellano, one of the studys authors, said the lack of licensed child care is partially due to the cost and burdensome requirements for the facilities, including a one-to-four rule for infants to caregivers. She said while the state provides a subsidy to centers for parents who cannot afford child care, it has not been raised in nearly a decade. So child-care centers are expected to provide the same level of care for the same prices that were available in 2008, Dellano said. She said for an infant, the child-care subsidy per child is about $160 per week, or $4 per hour per child. Its just become so expensive for parents that they struggle to be able to afford it. And centers, while they try to accommodate families with subsidies, they also cant lose money, and they want to provide high-quality care, Dellano said. Shirley Hayes, of Egg Harbor Township, owns and operates three daycare facilities in Atlantic County. Her business, Giggles and Scribbles, has locations in Northfield and Egg Harbor and Galloway townships. Hayes, who has a background in social work, said she got into child care in 2011 after seeing a need in the community. I didnt intend to start with one and end up with a few. I really just started with a small center and saw we had a waiting list all the time, Hayes said. While she thinks there is adequate child care in this area, she believes there is a lack of quality care. Hayes said as a courtesy to parents, she charges a flat rate for care, instead of an inflated price for infant care. She said she works with parents often to help cover the costs. Hayes said day-care centers face additional challenges because free preschool programs for toddlers in some areas, such as Atlantic City, drive away business. I was considering a fourth location in Atlantic City until they broke ground and brought in the Gateway school there. So thats free pre-K, so obviously well lose the business, she said. According to the study, the lack of care options disproportionally affects more rural or urban communities. In Pleasantville, only 9 percent of the need was met by the three licensed centers. In Fairfield Township, there were no facilities to meet the need. In addition, care for parents who do shift work typical in the hospitality industry require facilities to accommodate odd hours, making access to child care even more strained, Dellano said. She said ACNJ would like to see subsidies raised, a child-care tax credit implemented and incentives for child-care centers to maintain quality programs. Dellano said its also important for the business community to get involved. Having the accessibility of the child care in your own community, or where your workplace is, really helps to make a more productive workforce, she said. Were hoping that employers and corporations and the business community take a look at this report as well and realize the impact the lack of child care can have on our economy. From a young age we were exposed to tragedy. From terrorist attacks such as 9/11 to school shootings such as Sandy Hook to deadly diseases such as Ebola, and yet.we made it. We did not let these events define us. We did not let it strike fear into our hearts or give up hope. Instead, we rose and held our head high and chased our dreams. HOUSTON, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LINN Energy, Inc. (OTCQB:LNGG) (LINN or the Company) today announces closing on the sale of its assets in the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline in Wyoming (the Jonah Sale). The Company also announces it has fully repaid and retired its LIBOR +750 Term Loan due 2021 and amended its Revolving Credit Agreement effective May 31, 2017. In addition, the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) has authorized a share repurchase program effective May 31, 2017. Asset Sales Update On May 31, 2017, the Company closed on the previously announced Jonah Sale for a contract price of $581.5 million and after customary closing adjustments and transaction costs, the Company received net cash proceeds of approximately $561 million. During 2017, the Company has announced sale agreements with contract prices totaling $916 million. Pro forma for the closing of these transactions, LINN expects to extinguish all remaining outstanding borrowings under the Companys Revolving Credit Agreement. Credit Amendment Concurrently with the closing of the Jonah Sale, the Company entered into the First Amendment and Consent to its Credit Agreement, which among other things: Repaid and retired the LIBOR +750 Term Loan due 2021 and removed the non-conforming borrowing base resulting in a fully conforming Revolving Credit Facility with an initial borrowing base of $1 billion Permitted the disposition or contribution of certain assets in exchange for equity interests, subject to certain restrictions Permitted share repurchases and payments of dividends in an amount up to $75 million for the next 12 months without limitation and subject to a leverage and liquidity test thereafter Amended certain asset sale and exchange covenants to provide for greater flexibility Specified the borrowing base reduction to be attributed to each of the Companys announced non-core asset sales Moved the first scheduled borrowing base redetermination up from April 2018 to October 2017 Amended the leverage ratio covenant to provide for a maximum of 4x beginning September 2017 through maturity (previously ranged from 6.75x to 4.50x) Added a current ratio test requiring the Company to maintain a ratio of current assets (including undrawn capacity) to current liabilities of no less than 1:1 beginning September 2017 Initial Share Repurchase Program The Board has authorized an initial share repurchase program of up to $75 million of the Companys outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (shares). The Company may purchase shares from time to time on the open market or in negotiated purchases. The timing and amounts of any such repurchases of shares will be at the discretion of management and the Board, subject to market conditions and certain other factors, and will be in accordance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements, including restrictions contained in the Companys Revolving Credit Agreement. The repurchase plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be discontinued at any time. We have made tremendous progress in a very short period of time. Since our emergence from bankruptcy at the end of February, we have successfully executed on our capital program, entered into multiple agreements to sell non-core assets and expect to extinguish all of our outstanding debt after closing on those transactions. In addition, we have amended our credit agreement and the Board has authorized an initial share repurchase program. These moves significantly increase our financial flexibility as we continue to transform LINN into a growth oriented company. At current prices, we believe our equity is undervalued in the market given, among other things, the success of our non-core asset divestitures, our large position in the core of the SCOOP / STACK / Merge, the related Chisholm Trail midstream business and our other remaining high quality growth assets. We will continue to work closely with our Board to evaluate strategic ways to further increase shareholder value, said Mark E. Ellis, President and Chief Executive Officer. ABOUT LINN ENERGY LINN Energy, Inc. was formed in February 2017 as the reorganized successor to LINN Energy, LLC. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the Companys core focus is the upstream and midstream development of the SCOOP / STACK / Merge in Oklahoma. Additionally, the Company is pursuing emerging horizontal opportunities in the Mid-Continent, Rockies, North Louisiana and East Texas while continuing to add value by efficiently operating and applying new technology to a diverse set of long-life producing assets. More information about LINN Energy is available at www.linnenergy.com. CONTACT: Thomas Belsha, Vice President Investor Relations & Corporate Development LINN Energy, Inc. (281) 840-4110 ir@linnenergy.com Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations made by the Company which reflect managements experience, estimates and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and anticipated future developments. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These include risks relating to financial performance and results, ability to improve our financial results and profitability following emergence from bankruptcy, ability to list our common stock on an established securities market, availability of sufficient cash flow to execute our business plan, ability to execute planned asset sales, continued low or further declining commodity prices and demand for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, ability to hedge future production, ability to replace reserves and efficiently develop current reserves, the regulatory environment and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please read Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other public filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events. LEONARDTOWN, Md., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To encourage shelter pet adoption, Breton Veterinary Hospital is a sponsor for the Animal Relief Fund's (ARF) Dog Days of Summer Adopt-a-thon and Beach Party, June 4, in Solomons, MD. The event will be at the Tiki Bar at 85 Charles Street. People who adopt pets will receive a $40 voucher for a Home Again microchip including registration at Breton Veterinary Hospital. ARF's event features contests and games, a doggie kissing booth, raffles, and live music. Adoptive pet owners will also receive a free drink from the Tiki Bar. Whether through abandonment or becoming lost without ID, about 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA estimates that figure splits almost evenly between dogs and cats. It adds that about 670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats are euthanized annually. "Microchipping helps save the lives of pets that end up in shelters," says Breton Veterinary Hospital owner Dr. Lynn Fenwick. If a pet wanders from home, gets lost during a storm, or is stolen, it may lose ID tags. Without the tags or identity information accessed via an implanted microchip, stray pets may end up in a shelter. A microchip is a tiny glass tube about the size of a grain of rice and contains a radio transmitter and a digital chip, which together are referred to as an RFID (radio frequency ID) sensor. A veterinarian injects the capsule into the loose skin between a pet's shoulder blades. The microchip stores a number that leads to identity listings and owner contact information in databases of microchip registries. Veterinarians and shelter workers use handheld scanners to check strays for microchips. Once they have a pet's microchip number, they can match it to numbers recorded in the databases where owners registered their pet's information. However, if no tags or microchip exist, a pet usually is placed for adoption. By participating in Animal Relief Fund's Dog Days of Summer Adopt-a-thon, we're helping these potential furry family members connect with forever homes, explains Dr. Fenwick. Local animal lovers are invited to attend this event, even if theyre not looking to adopt a pet at this time. This beach party, which benefits the Animal Relief Fund and is hosted by the Tiki Bar, takes place from 12-5 p.m. on June 4. The festivities will be rescheduled for the following week if it rains. About Breton Veterinary Hospital This Leonardtown veterinary clinic provides comprehensive animal care, from wellness visits to emergency care. Its open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday from 8 AM to 2 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. For more information, call (301) 475-7808. Visit http://bretonvet.com/ for additional information on its available veterinary services. CHICAGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 10th Magnitude, the leading Microsoft Azure services firm in the U.S., today announced it has won the 2017 Microsoft Hybrid Cloud and Infrastructure Platform Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. "We are honored to be recognized by Microsoft for the work we've done for our customers to support their successful design, deployment and on-going use of Microsoft's cloud technology," said Alex Brown, CEO of 10th Magnitude. "This award is a wonderful recognition of the success our customers have experienced as they transform using Azure." Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2,800 entrants from 115 countries worldwide. 10th Magnitude was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services as the Hybrid Cloud and Infrastructure Platform Partner. The Hybrid Cloud and Infrastructure Platform Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner that has excelled in delivering value to enterprise customers through Microsoft's datacenter technologies. "We are honored to recognize 10th Magnitude as the 2017 Microsoft Hybrid Cloud and Infrastructure Platform Partner of the Year," said Ron Huddleston, corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Corp. "10th Magnitude is a prime example of the expertise and innovation we see in our Microsoft partner community to deliver transformative solutions." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. About 10th Magnitude 10th Magnitude helps businesses transform with innovative, cloud-based solutions that harness the power of Microsoft Azure. The company combines elements from multiple deep cloud competencies, as well as the most efficient and innovative technology tools and platforms to help clients become more agile, more customer-focused and more operationally efficient. A Microsoft Gold Cloud Platform Partner, 10th Magnitude is headquartered in Chicago with offices around the U.S. and customers worldwide. Contact Kelly McClure VP of Marketing 10th Magnitude [email protected] 773.430.3830 SOURCE 10th Magnitude Related Links http://www.10thmagnitude.com DENVER, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 1st Reverse Mortgage USA, a division of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, Inc., today announced the expansion of its National Homebuilder and Developer Sales Team by appointing HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) industry professional Tim Harder to head up a sales effort expressly dedicated to the national and regional builder and developer communities. Harder is Vice President of Business Development at 1st Reverse Mortgage USA. He will serve as the sales team manager responsible for growing business-to-business (B2B) relationships with homebuilders and developers. His expanded role dovetails well as he will continue to manage the 1st Reverse sales team responsible for sales enablement, development and training of reverse mortgages and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) for Purchase with over 250 Cherry Creek Mortgage Company Loan Specialists. "Because of our expertise with reverse mortgage products, we are in the perfect position to help homebuilders and developers engage with the greatest number of senior homebuyers," said Dale Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications, 1st Reverse Mortgage USA. "Sales-savvy homebuilders and developers are wise to keep in mind 25% of all home buyers are age 60 or above. The HECM for Purchase (H4P) product expands the opportunities for builders to reach a broader prospective customer base,"said Jones. "And no one knows H4P better than our team." Tim Harder has nearly two decades of mortgage banking sales experience, driving sales growth with builders, developers, banks, credit unions and loan officers. He is the past President of the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association. "As we continue to implement our strategic plan, our goal is to offer targeted services and products for our customer and partner segments as well as Cherry Creek Mortgage Company Loan Specialists," said Jones."Tim will provide the leadership necessary to grow the National Homebuilder and Developer Sales Team. We are excited to partner with homebuilders and developers across the U.S. to educate seniors about the benefits of the HECM product." To learn more about the HECM for Purchase, contact Tim Harder at [email protected] or (303) 854-3030. About 1st Reverse Mortgage USA is a national, full-service mortgage company that provides origination and servicing through retail, wholesale, bank, credit union and correspondent divisions. 1st Reverse Mortgage USA has carved a unique niche in the marketplace by combining the best of traditional mortgage lending with the innovation and expertise of a mortgage bank. The company, a division of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, Inc. includes over 60 retail branches across the country with over 250 experienced and knowledgeable Mortgage Loan Specialists, ready to serve our clients and their needs. 1st Reverse Mortgage USA and 1st Mortgage Solutions USA offer a diverse set of products including Reverse Mortgages, HECM for Purchase, FHA Loans, VA Loans, USDA Loans and Conventional Loans. The company has direct endorsement authority from HUD, Fannie Mae (FNMA), Ginnie Mae (GNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Visit www.1stmortgage.com or call (877) 217-0166. Contact: Lisa Bauer [email protected]. Related Images image1.jpg image2.png SOURCE 1st Reverse Mortgage USA Related Links http://www.1stmortgage.com WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Journalists from Pakistan and Syria whose work exposed extremism and inhumanity in their countries are winners of the 2017 Knight International Journalism Award, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) announced. The award recognizes stellar reporting that has made a major impact. The recipients are Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a Karachi-based journalist and filmmaker whose reports led to legislative changes in Pakistan, and Karam al-Masri, a Syrian photojournalist and videographer who persisted in covering the siege of Aleppo through a near-total blackout of news from the city. "At great personal risk, Obaid-Chinoy and al-Masri faced terrorism head on, getting behind the scenes to chronicle untold abuses," said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. The award is supported by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which funds ICFJ's Knight International Journalism Fellowships. The fellowships promote a global culture of news innovation. "These reporters exemplify journalism excellence, telling stories that advance change and revealing truths that would not be uncovered, but for their efforts," said Jennifer Preston, Knight Foundation vice president for journalism. Obaid-Chinoy's documentaries, which have won two Oscars, tackle abuse of women and children. Her "Frontline" documentary, "Children of the Taliban," told of Pakistani boys who were groomed in Taliban schools to carry out attacks against civilians. "Saving Face" focused on acid attacks on women. The film prompted Pakistan's most populous province to process these cases through anti-terrorism courts to ensure speedier justice. "A Girl in the River" explored an attempted "honor killing" of a young woman who married someone her family did not choose. The film drew attention to a loophole that allowed these murders to go unpunished. Pakistan's Parliament then passed a law criminalizing honor killings. Karam al-Masri captured heartbreaking images of his country despite tremendous hardship and abuse. When the Syrian war began in 2011, al-Masri was a law student in Aleppo. He began taking photos on his phone of anti-regime demonstrations. Soon, he bought a professional camera to better capture the conflict. In 2013, he became a freelance photographer for the Agence France-Presse. His ethics, news judgment and commitment quickly turned him from a talented citizen journalist into a trusted professional. His images of wounded or orphaned children prompted outrage and offers of financial assistance from around the world. He continued his reporting even after his mother was killed in a bomb attack and he was held for six months by ISIS. As the conflict grew worse, he became one of the only sources of news from Aleppo. The winners will be honored on November 9 at ICFJ's Awards Dinner in Washington, DC. SOURCE International Center for Journalists Related Links http://www.icfj.org The breeze GO is designed for today's active families who bring their baby on everyday adventures. Whether it's a vacation, a weekend picnic at a friend's house, or a quick trip to grandma's, the breeze GO offers a convenient and safe sleep solution. "The breeze GO is a simpler version of our classic breeze," says 4moms CEO and co-founder Rob Daley. "We know traditional playards are a hassle to set up, so we're giving our consumers another option to make set-up extremely easy. " The breeze GO comes in a modern grey color, and includes a mattress and a convenient travel bag. Unlike the classic breeze playard, it does not include a bassinet, and has a slightly smaller footprint. A waterproof playard sheet is available and sold separately for $39.99. The breeze GO will retail for $199.99 and is available exclusively at buybuy BABY and on 4moms.com starting in June 2017. About 4moms 4moms is a consumer technology company that leverages robotics, technology and innovative design to disrupt and redefine existing industries. The company has transformed the baby gear industry with products like the 4moms mamaRoo infant seat that replicates the bouncing and swaying motions parents make when soothing their babies, the 4moms breeze playard that opens or closes in one simple step, and the 4moms self-installing car seat, which correctly installs itself by auto-leveling and auto-tensioning. The company, founded in 2005 and based in Pittsburgh, Penn. currently sells its products at buybuy BABY, Amazon, Target, and Babies R Us. For more information, visit 4moms.com. SOURCE 4moms Related Links https://www.4moms.com HUNTSVILLE, Ontario, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- An 8-year-old Canadian "kidpreneur" has launched a small business making one-of-a-kind, handmade step stools for children. Owen's bench company (www.thenicebenchco.com) uses sustainable-source wood and non-toxic milk paint. The company donates a portion of the proceeds to help families affected by childhood cancer a cause close to his heart. Nontoxic & Sustainable Step Stools for Kids; Donates for Childhood Cancer Causes The wood comes to The Nice Bench Co in air-dried rough-hewn planks harvested from a neighbour's private sustainable forest in Novar, Ontario, Canada. Owen's dad cuts the planks to size before Owen planes, routers and assembles with a drill, screws and glue. The detail-oriented young CEO then glues wooden plugs to cover each of the screw holes. Each "nice bench", as Owen calls them, is then sanded and finished with biodegradable, zero VOC milk paint. Canadian manufacturer Homestead House Paint Co. generously donates some of the milk paint for Owen's kidpreneur enterprise. Owen gives each bench another careful sanding before sealing with Homestead House Paint Co.'s hemp oil or bees wax, resulting in an attractive patina. The standard colour palette was selected by Owen and his mother, who oversees production and quality. Owen's older brother Caden gives the final lookover before signing off. The inspiration for the benches came when Owen built and painted a bench for his little sister, Anikka. His grandparents and auntie loved Anikka's new bench so much, that Owen was fueled to make more. He built twelve with scrap wood on Christmas Day! Those first bench prototypes were a little rough-looking, but the idea was born. The ever-creative CEO produces a solid-colour "Happy" line, a distressed "Wild" line and The Nice Bench Company's finest work, the "Curious" line of custom stripe creations. "Happy", "Wild" and "Curious" can all be used to describe Owen and his entrepreneurial spirit. The Nice Bench Co. was launched April 2017 on Facebook. The first sale was celebrated twenty days later. Since then, he has run out of his wood plank stock, twice. He has been able to donate $150.00 in gas cards to The Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC), helping to offset travel expenses for Northern families traveling to and from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. When questioned about goals, the young CEO replied, "I want to be on the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' and start a charity to help children with cancer". Owen even threatened to give his little sister lice if she didn't let him watch the Ellen Show. When asked what he will do if he gets too many orders, Owen's answer is: "I don't know"...with a sparkle of hope in his eyes. About The Nice Bench Co. Kidpreneur Owen is the founder of The Nice Bench Co. based in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. For every "bench" (as Owen coins them, aka kids' step stool) sold, Owen donates $10 toward childhood cancer a cause very close to heart & home. Designed and built using sustainable wood sourced from Novar, Ontario, Canada. Painted with Canadian, biodegradable, Zero VOC milk paint without vinyl resins. Sealed with food-safe, chemical-free, biodegradeable, Zero VOC Canadian beeswax & Carnauba wax blend. Owen's benches are handmade and a one-of-a-kind 100% Product of Canada. Childhood cancer research is severely underfunded, with only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget spent on children's cancer research in the U.S., and just 3% in Canada. Owen hopes he can help change those stats and bring greater awareness to childhood cancer. Contact: [email protected] |www.thenicebenchco.com Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg image4.jpg SOURCE The Nice Bench Co. Related Links https://thenicebenchco.com CHICAGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AAE17 set a new record as more than 4,300 members, guests and exhibitors attended the American Association of Endodontists' annual meeting in New Orleans, April 26-29. Cutting-edge 3-D surgery was one of the many highlights as Dr. Syngcuk Kim from the Department of Endodontics at Penn Dental Medicine performed microscopic surgery on two patients "behind the curtains" while the audience viewed the procedure with 3-D glasses, seeing the treatments just as Dr. Kim did. More than 100 other educational courses covered a wide range of endodontic topics, including surgical and nonsurgical endodontics, pulp fiction, saving the natural dentition and practice management. AAE 2016-2017 President Dr. Linda G. Levin addresses AAE17 attendees at the President's Breakfast. AAE 2016-2017 President Dr. Linda G. Levin discusses the politics of the day with Mary Matalin and James Carville at the AAE17 General Session. "I wanted to make sure that AAE17 provided a highly scientific, evidence-based program," said AAE 2016-2017 President Dr. Linda G. Levin. "Thanks to the hard work of the planning committee and track organizers, we achived that, and attendees came away from the annual meeting with a wealth of new information to enhance their practices and improve patient care." The meeting also included the installation of new leadership for the Boards of the AAE, Foundation for Endodontics and American Board of Endodontics, the largest endodontic exhibit hall and several special events. The Foundation for Endodontics exceeded its annual goal, raising more than $1.485 million in its 2016-2017 fundraising campaign which culminated at AAE17. Attendees also raised $3,000 for the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic & Assistance Foundation. At the annual President's Breakfast, Dr. Levin called on members to take back control of the specialty from various special interests. She told the audience that the AAE's new strategic plan will support those efforts through three overarching goals: the public valuing their natural teeth and seeking endodontists for their care; the dental profession valuing endodontists as partners with advanced expertise; and recognition of the AAE and its members as the global leaders in advocating the value and quality of endodontics. Dr. Garry L. Myers echoed his predecessor's comments in his first remarks as AAE President. "We need to continue to increase our efforts to educate the general public, including our general dentist colleagues, about who we are and about the quality treatment we can and do provide to our patients," said Dr. Myers. "As Dr. Levin has repeatedly stated over the past year, the only dental association who will truly advocate for specialty endodontic care is none other than this association and we need to make ourselves heard." AAE17 included keynote speakers and New Orleans' residents James Carville and Mary Matalin, who sat down with Dr. Levin to discuss their wide-range of opinions on the current political climate. In addition, 90 new Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics were pinned during the Louis I. Grossman Ceremony and the Edgar D. Coolidge Awards Brunch was a time to recognize the 2017 recipients of the Association's highest honors and awards. About the American Association of Endodontists The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago., represents more than 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at www.aae.org. For high resolution images, please email [email protected]. Contact: Jennifer Gibson 312-266-7255 [email protected] SOURCE American Association of Endodontists Related Links http://www.aae.org DETROIT, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) (NYSE: AXL) has appointed Tolga Oal Senior Vice President AAM Corporate, the company announced today. Oal will continue to hold the role of President AAM North America, leading the regional business and manufacturing activities for AAM's largest Driveline business unit. "Tolga has been instrumental in strengthening AAM's North American business," said David C. Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "He continues to play a key role in enhancing customer relationships while delivering on AAM's commitment of world-class quality and operational excellence." Oal joined AAM in September 2015. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Global Electronics for TRW. During his career, Oal held various manufacturing and management positions of increasing responsibility within TRW for Global Electronics, including director of Operations and as director of Finance. Oal also held various leadership positions in engineering, sales, purchasing, and finance at Siemens VDO Automotive/Continental. Oal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Process Engineering from Bosporus University, Istanbul, Turkey, and a Masters in International Business and Finance from the University of Florida in Gainesville. About AAM AAM (NYSE: AXL) is a premier, global leader in design, engineering, validation and manufacturing of driveline, metal forming, powertrain, and casting technologies for automotive, commercial and industrial markets. Headquartered in Detroit, AAM has over 25,000 associates operating at more than 90 facilities in 17 countries to support our customers on global and regional platforms with a focus on quality, operational excellence and technology leadership. To learn more, visit www.aam.com. Media Contact: Andrea Knapp (313) 758-2730 [email protected] SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Related Links http://www.aam.com LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products, announced that its chief financial officer, Neal Fenwick, will present at Barclays High Yield & Syndicated Loan Conference in Colorado Springs, CO on Thursday, June 8, at 8:50 a.m. MDT. The presentation webcast will be available within the Investor Relations section of the company's Internet website (www.accobrands.com). ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products. Our widely recognized brands include Artline, AT-A-GLANCE, Derwent, Esselte, Five Star, GBC, Hilroy, Kensington, Leitz, Mead, Quartet, Rapid, Rexel, Swingline, Tilibra, Wilson Jones, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands can be found at www.accobrands.com. For further information: Jennifer Rice Investor Relations (847) 796-4320 Rich Nelson Media Relations (847) 796-4059 SOURCE ACCO Brands Corporation Related Links http://accobrands.com SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Netherlands-based retailer Action has selected the SAP SuccessFactors HCM Suite to support its business growth by simplifying its human resources (HR) function. Using one common, scalable platform, Action can efficiently manage HR processes, including recruitment and onboarding across six countries, and deliver an exemplary HR experience to all employees. "We are navigating the digital transformation during a period of hugely accelerated company growth with at present more than 35,000 employees across six countries," said Jens Burgers, IT director, Action. "We recognize that the experience we provide our employees, from recruitment to how we train, motivate and incentivize them, is absolutely central to our ongoing business success. SAP SuccessFactors solutions provide us with the localization capabilities and the ability to scale that we need to operate in multiple markets." Action is the leading European nonfood discounter with more than 900 stores in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Luxemburg. In 2016, Action opened 197 new stores. This rate of expansion has required significant investment in systems to transform the business for which HR is a central element alongside its finance, logistics and warehousing systems, all of which run on the SAP HANA platform. "Action has demonstrated its commitment to employees' development which will support sustainable business growth," said Robert Enslin, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE and president of Cloud Business Group, SAP. "It's about taking that step from using technology to manage talent to really engaging individuals and promoting a strong culture of putting people first." With 10 data centers around the world including one in the Netherlands and two in Germany SAP SuccessFactors solutions are enabling customers to comply with local and regional regulations. The full SAP SuccessFactors HCM Suite will be implemented with SAP partner Launch, who will facilitate localization and deployment. The project will begin in six countries and expand to four additional markets over the following months. "While we have benefited from SAP innovation for over a decade, we were keen to look thoroughly at the human capital management market as a whole and evaluate all the competing solutions," said Burgers. "We chose SAP SuccessFactors solutions for their ability to manage a flexible and changing workforce and reduce complexity while effectively engaging and developing employees across different geographies and cultures." Action is one of the most recent retailers to choose SAP SuccessFactors solutions to put people first and help them succeed. As more companies look to transform HR to meet the demands of an increasingly global and digital workforce, they are embracing leading SAP SuccessFactors solutions to help optimize HR processes and enhance the employee experience. For more information, visit the Web site for SAP SuccessFactors solutions or the SAP News Center. Follow SAP SuccessFactors solutions on Twitter at @SuccessFactors and SAP at @sapnews. About SAP As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 350,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com. Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. 2017 SAP SE. All rights reserved. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices. For customers interested in learning more about SAP products: Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24 United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727) For more information, press only: Geraldine Lim, SAP, +1 (415) 418-0945, [email protected], PDT SAP News Center press room; [email protected] Tim Scarfe, LEWIS Communications, +1 (510) 399-9032, [email protected], PDT SOURCE SAP SE Related Links http://www.sap.com CARMIEL, Israel, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE MKT:PLX) (TASE:PLX), announced today that a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been approved by the FDA. Approval of the sNDA allows the Company to convert its manufacturing facility in Carmiel, Israel, from a single dedicated product facility to a multi-product facility. The facilitys current capacity can serve all of the Companys current and expected commercial and clinical needs. The Company believes that conversion of the facility to a multi-product facility will serve the Companys production needs for the anticipated commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX-102) for the treatment of Fabry disease together with the current and expected significant increase in the manufacturing of taliglucerase alfa, mainly due to the increased activities in Brazil. The Company expects that the conversion will allow the Company to realize potentially significant operational savings as it progresses towards the anticipated commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa. We have been producing drug substance for our clinical trials of pegunigalsidase alfa in our facility and have already upgraded our manufacturing facility to become a multi-product facility to support the potential manufacturing of both pegunigalsidase alfa and taliglucerase alfa in a commercial scale, said Moshe Manor, Protalixs President and Chief Executive Officer. Given the unique aspects of our ProCellEx protein expression system, the conversion of the facilities did not entail substantial additional capital expenditures and will allow us to use our capital resources more efficiently in the commercial production of pegunigalsidase alfa, if approved. We are excited to have reached this milestone in our progression towards the commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa alongside the expected increase in activities in Brazil. About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx. Protalixs unique expression system presents a proprietary method for developing recombinant proteins in a cost-effective, industrial-scale manner. Protalixs first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights. Protalixs development pipeline includes the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX-102), a modified version of the recombinant human alpha-GAL-A protein for the treatment of Fabry disease; PRX-106, an orally delivered anti-inflammatory treatment; alidornase alfa (PRX-110), a chemically modified DNase I for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis; and others. Forward-Looking Statements To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, plan and intend and other words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause material differences include, among others: failure or delay in the commencement or completion of our preclinical and clinical trials which may be caused by several factors, including: slower than expected rates of patient recruitment; unforeseen safety issues; determination of dosing issues; lack of effectiveness during clinical trials; inability to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; inability or unwillingness of medical investigators and institutional review boards to follow our clinical protocols; and lack of sufficient funding to finance clinical trials; the risk that the results of the clinical trials of our product candidates will not support our claims of safety or efficacy, that our product candidates will not have the desired effects or will be associated with undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics; risks related to the amount and sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents; risks related to the successful conclusion of our negotiations with the Brazilian Ministry of Health regarding the purchase of alfataliglicerase, and our commercialization efforts for alfataliglicerase in Brazil generally; risks relating to our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our convertible notes or any other indebtedness; risks relating to the compliance by Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz with its purchase obligations and related milestones under our supply and technology transfer agreement; our dependence on performance by third party providers of services and supplies, including without limitation, clinical trial services; delays in our preparation and filing of applications for regulatory approval; delays in the approval or potential rejection of any applications we file with the FDA or other health regulatory authorities, and other risks relating to the review process; the inherent risks and uncertainties in developing drug platforms and products of the type we are developing; the impact of development of competing therapies and/or technologies by other companies and institutions; potential product liability risks, and risks of securing adequate levels of product liability and other necessary insurance coverage; and other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are valid only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update this information, except as may be required by law. SOUTH BEND, Ind., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Martijn Cremers, Professor of Finance at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, noted for co-introducing the concept of Active Share, has announced that ActiveShare.info has been updated, and now contains data measuring active management and fees for U.S. equity funds through year-end 2016. ActiveShare.info is a free web resource that helps advisors and investors identify true active management and better understand its costs as part of their due diligence efforts. While high Active Share doesn't guarantee outperformance, empirical evidence from earlier academic studies showed that having a higher Active Share improves a fund's opportunity to beat its benchmark. Low Active Share funds have, historically, substantially underperformed their benchmarks. ActiveShare.info helps advisors and investors quickly find the Active Share component of any U.S. equity mutual fund's portfolio which shows the proportion of the fund holdings that differs from the benchmark holdings and compare as many as four different funds. There is no charge to use the site. Using the fund name or ticker, site visitors can use ActiveShare.info to get the following information: Current and historical Active Share data The fund's holdings duration, which measures the length of time the stocks have been in the portfolio a measure of manager patience The fund's "active fee," which rescales a fund's expenses for its active portion, so that investors can consider the manager's hurdle rate to earn back the fees through the portfolio's active component alone "With the addition of data through year-end 2016, ActiveShare.info provides transparency for advisors and investors to make more informed decisions about which mutual funds to invest in. It allows comparisons of funds over the period of 2011 through Dec. 31, 2016 to analyze whether a fund that calls itself 'actively managed' is actually earning its fee," said Dr. Cremers. Many U.S. fund portfolios are not highly differentiated from their benchmarks. Truly active asset managers have an Active Share above 80% or 90%. However, only about 30% of assets in mutual funds are currently in funds with an Active Share of at least 80%, and only about 10% in funds with an Active Share of at least 90%, according to Dr. Cremers. "With ActiveShare.Info, investors, their financial advisors and the entire asset management industry can get a comprehensive look at which managers are truly active, and which ones are not," said Steven M. Graziano, president of Touchstone Investments. "The fund information provided clearly shows that all active funds are not alike. We believe it is important to consider a manager's process, the way portfolios are constructed and the cost per unit of 'activeness' to determine if a manager is truly active and can provide a different and positive experience relative to passive investing." Active Share measures the fraction of a fund's portfolio, based on position weights, that differs from its benchmark index. Active Share is not a performance measurement. A high level of Active Share does not assure outperformance of a fund relative to its benchmark index. There are no assurances that any strategy or investment approach will meet its objectives. About ActiveShare.info ActiveShare.info is maintained and copyrighted by Martijn Cremers, Bernard J. Hank Professor of Finance at the Mendoza College of Business of the University of Notre Dame. The content, for informational purposes only, is given on a best-effort basis and without charge. Professor Cremers would like to acknowledge Touchstone Investments for its support throughout the development of this site. Professor Cremers serves as an external, independent consultant for Touchstone Securities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. Touchstone Funds are distributed through Touchstone Securities, Inc. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. The prospectus and the summary prospectus contain this and other information about the Fund. To obtain a prospectus or a summary prospectus, contact your financial advisor or download and/or request one at TouchstoneInvestments.com/literature-center or call Touchstone at 800.638.8194. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing. Media Contact: Patty Buchanan JConnelly 973.567.9415 [email protected] SOURCE ActiveShare.info Related Links https://activeshare.info FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded a five-year, $61 million contract to CSRA Inc. (NYSE: CSRA) for support of its global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Mission. The contract allows CSRA to continue its twenty year legacy providing support to the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force on this critically important ISR-enabling capability. "For over twenty years, CSRA has provided critical services in support of ISR and the U.S. Air Force," said Executive Vice President Ken Deutsch, head of CSRA's Defense Group. "We're proud to continue this legacy and ensure their mission is completed with excellence and superior technology." The contract will allow CSRA to provide engineering, systems integration, operational scheduling services, solutions, and budget & resources support to HQ United States Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR and the Air Combat Command Directorate of Plans and Programs. The period of performance for this effort, known as FIRE, is 5 years and will be performed at the Pentagon, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hanscom AFB, two other Continental United States locations, and two overseas locations. About CSRA Inc. CSRA (NYSE: CSRA) solves our nation's hardest mission problems as a bridge from mission and enterprise IT to Next Gen, from government to technology partners, and from agency to agency. CSRA is tomorrow's thinking, today. For our customers, our partners, and ultimately, all the people our mission touches, CSRA is realizing the promise of technology to change the world through next-generation thinking and meaningful results. CSRA is driving towards achieving sustainable, industry-leading organic growth across federal and state/local markets through customer intimacy, rapid innovation and outcome-based experience. CSRA has over 18,000 employees and is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. To learn more about CSRA, visit www.csra.com. Think Next. Now. Forward-looking Statements All statements in this press release and in all future press releases that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent CSRA's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, including statements about the total value realized by CSRA under the contract, the actual duration of and services delivered under the contract, the effects of the contract on our business and our ability to enhance mission capabilities of our customers. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of CSRA. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements. For a written description of these factors, see the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in CSRA's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updating information in subsequent SEC filings. CSRA disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of subsequent event or otherwise. SOURCE CSRA Inc. Related Links http://www.csra.com EAST GREENWICH, R.I., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Truck drivers and gas cylinder fillers who are members of Teamsters Local 251 went on strike yesterday morning against Airgas USA, following Airgas' refusal to consider the workers' proposals for affordable healthcare and secure retirement during contract negotiations. The workers supply gas to many Rhode Island entities including: Rhode Island Hospital; Roger Williams Medical Center; Memorial Hospital, Miriam Hospital; Newport Hospital; the Veterans Administration facilities in Providence and Bristol; the Air National Guard; Naval Base Newport; Raytheon; Fuji Film; and Electric Boat. Airgas and its subsidiaries are America's largest distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases. Airgas' parent corporation Air Liquide [EPA: AI], based in France, is the world's largest distributor of such gases and is a Forbes Global 2000 company. The workers organized their union with Local 251 in 2012 and are bargaining for a new contract. Their first contract with Airgas expired in April of this year. As he walked the line yesterday morning, Airgas shop steward Carlos Salgado said, "We work hard to help Airgas and Air Liquide earn huge profits. Air Liquide earned $20 billion last year, of which $2 billion was pure profit." Salgado continued, "In contract negotiations, we asked for a defined benefit pension plan so that we can count on a secure retirement. We also want to join the high-quality, affordable healthcare plan that union workers at Airgas' competitors have. Airgas refused to consider our proposals, so we are on strike to show the company that we are demanding a fair return on our work." "Airgas' disrespect of its Teamster workers will have severe consequences. Teamsters in New England will use the full weight of our 55,000 members to assist Airgas members at Local 251 and any other local to ensure they are treated fairly and with respect," emphasized Sean O'Brien, Teamsters International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council 10 in New England. On May 9, Airgas sent a letter to employees a letter that violates federal labor law, which bans companies from negotiating directly with workers about their union contract. "It is shocking that in addition to refusing to consider basic proposals that help its loyal employees and their families, Airgas decided to violate federal labor law that's meant to protect workers' rights," said Matthew Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251. Taibi continued, "Teamsters Local 251 filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. Airgas' letter mischaracterized negotiations and is an attempt to bargain directly with workers, which is illegal. Our Airgas members were outraged over this behavior." Representatives from other Teamsters local unions that also represent Airgas workers throughout New England have been at the bargaining table with Local 251. "We're all in this together," said Bob Sayer, Local 251 Business Agent for the Airgas workers. "In the Union, our credo is that old axiom: 'An injury to one is an injury to all.'" "It's about dignity and respect in the workplace. That's why we are walking this picket line," added Salgado. Contact: Matthew Taibi, (401) 434-0454 SOURCE Teamsters Local 251 ATLANTA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstar Surety, Inc. is pleased to announce a partnership with the Small Business Administration Bond Guarantee Program. Allstar Surety is representing QBE North America, writing bonds nationwide, through the SBA program. Jeff Booth, Chief Underwriting Officer of Allstar Surety comments, "Allstar Surety is excited to have the opportunity to offer additional bonding resources to our agents through such well-respected organizations as QBE and the SBA." Allstar Surety strives to provide our agents and their clients with a dynamic array of bonding options. David Brett, President of Allstar Financial Group said, "Allstar Surety is pleased to expand our Surety footprint with QBE by offering our retail network partners additional products for the contractors they serve." This new partnership will allow agents access to the SBA bond program without having to be formally appointed with the SBA. Allstar Financial Group partners with entities, such as the SBA and QBE to offer comprehensive products that will allow our underwriters flexibility to meet the bonding needs of agents. Matt Curran, SVP of QBE's North America Surety line said "We are pleased to partner with Allstar and the SBA. Through the SBA Program and this partnership, we are able to provide bonding for small and emerging contractors, who would normally be unable to qualify for traditional bond products." Peter C. Gibbs, Acting Director for the US Small Business Administration, Office of Surety Guarantees stated "The US Small Business Administration, Office of Surety Guarantees is excited to partner with QBE and Allstar in its Surety Bond Guarantee Program. We are confident that small and emerging contractors will benefit from QBE and Allstar's proven track record of success and SBA's continued commitment to assisting small businesses." About Allstar Surety Allstar Surety is a division of Allstar Financial Group, an Atlanta based holding company with multiple specialty MGA's across the country. Allstar has eight surety offices nationwide to fully service our agents by providing timely surety solutions. Additional information can be found at www.allstarsuretybonds.com. About QBE QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, one of the largest insurers and reinsurers worldwide. QBE NA reported Gross Written Premiums in 2016 of $4.6 billion. QBE Insurance Group's 2016 results can be found at www.qbena.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 37 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. The actual terms and coverage for all lines of business is subject to the language of the policies as issued. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's. Additional information can be found at www.qbena.com, or follow QBE North America on Twitter. SOURCE Allstar Surety Related Links http://www.allstarsuretybonds.com LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Businessplancity.com is the first budget business plan website in America offering aspiring entrepreneurs, businesses, corporate clients and various other clients an affordable business plan writing service. Their discount service offers well-priced business plans to their prospective clients who have been hitherto weighed down by the current exorbitant market pricing of business plans. Expensive doesn't always mean the best. The keywords are quality and affordability. $99 Business Plans Business Plan City is the disruption that the multimillion dollar business plan writing industry has been waiting for with pricing starting as low as $99, there is definitely hope for their clients to have significant savings when ordering a business plan. A recent market analysis conducted by Businessplancity.com found that most online business plan services currently in the market are above the reach of the small business community and aspiring entrepreneurs, which is why they decided to launch a service for quality, low-cost overall business plans. The launch is expected to trigger a price war among competing websites offering similar services. The entry of Business Plan City into the industry comes on the heels of a wave of entrepreneurship currently being experienced globally. As C.S. Lewis said: "You're never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." About BusinessPlanCity.com BusinessPlanCity.com offers top-rated quality business plans that set out their client's business future objectives and strategies for achieving them. They offer the best business plan consulting, custom business plans, marketing plans, business plan writing and review, business plan analysis, business plan templates and various other services to support aspiring and current business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate clients and students. BusinessPlanCity.com provides their clients with an executive summary, which is a snapshot of their business plan as a whole and touches on their company profile and goals. Media Contact Ben Willis 949-229-2578 Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg Related Links $99 Business plans Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os12lP8wJPU SOURCE Businessplancity.com SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- App Annie, the most trusted mobile app data and insights company, is pleased to announce the finalists for The Annies. The Annies are a brand new awards program that highlights and celebrates mobile app visionaries who demonstrate exceptional growth, industry impact and success. Winners will be announced at App Annie's Capptivate industry event June 4 and 5, 2017, in San Francisco. Each winner will receive a trophy to commemorate their honor, a digital badge and will be featured in a press release announcing the winners. The following are the five award categories and the finalists in each: Fan Favorite : WhatsApp, Spotify, Pandora, Pinterest, Bitmoji : WhatsApp, Spotify, Pandora, Pinterest, Bitmoji Transformation Through Mobile: ESPN, The Weather Channel, Walmart, Starbucks USA , Chase Mobile , Chase Mobile Breakout Growth: Signal Private Messenger, UberEATS, Marco Polo Video Walkie Talkie, HOOKED, Chick-fil-A One Most App Store Revenue: Games: Pokemon GO, Game of War, Mobile Strike Apps Excluding Games: HBO NOW, Pandora, Netflix Most Capptivating App: Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Pandora "We wanted to recognize the apps that have changed the face of business and have led the way for others to do the same in their industries," says Bertrand Schmitt, CEO and co-founder of App Annie. "As the app industry matures, so do the metrics of success, and we want to showcase the pioneers who have set the bar in their respective categories. Each winner has shaped the direction of the mobile economy, and we're excited to announce them." Methodology The finalists are determined by a quantitative analysis based on App Annie data. The rankings are computed using multiple metrics including: downloads, revenue and usage overlaid with growth metrics including year-over-year changes and overall industry influence. About Capptivate Capptivate, App Annie's premier industry event, gathers the top mobile app professionals to discuss the transformative app market. Attendees will include mobile industry leaders, as well as companies looking to learn best practices and successful strategies to elevate their mobile initiatives. About App Annie App Annie delivers the most trusted app data and insights for your business to succeed in the global app economy. Over 800,000 registered members rely on App Annie to better understand the app market, their businesses and the opportunities around them. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with 450 employees across 15 global offices. App Annie has received $157 million in financing, including from investors such as Sequoia Capital, Institutional Venture Partners, IDG Capital Partners, e.ventures, Greenspring Associates, and Greycroft Partners. Learn more at www.appannie.com or follow us on [email protected]. SOURCE App Annie Related Links http://www.appannie.com State of the Populations report shows potential for low Atlantic salmon returns this year ST. ANDREWS, NB, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Final population estimates for North American Atlantic salmon show returns in 2016 were lower than the year before and may indicate further declines in 2017. As a result, ASF is urging anglers and indigenous groups to exercise caution by practicing live release or allowing more fish to pass upriver. This conclusion is based on data from Canada, Quebec, the United States, and Greenland. It comes just ahead of next week's meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) in Varberg, Sweden. Delegates from the European Union and five national governments, including Canada and the United States, will discuss measures to protect the species. ASF's State of the Populations report found total estimated North American returns for 2016, including large salmon and grilse, was 533,500 individuals, a 27 per cent decrease from 2015. Grilse, which are Atlantic salmon that return to spawn after only one year at sea, saw the greatest decrease, 31 per cent lower than 2015. This situation triggered a special meeting in Newfoundland and Labrador and was a factor in the decision to continue mandatory live release for anglers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Similarly, Greenland reported a significant decline in the number of Atlantic salmon taken last year. The government of Greenland reported a harvest of 27 tonnes (8,400 salmon) in 2016 compared to 57 tonnes (17,700 salmon) in 2015. The quota in 2016 was set at 32 tonnes because the 2015 catch exceeded Greenland's 45 tonne quota. The quota for 2017 will once again be 45 tonnes. The drop in 2016 grilse returns combined with low numbers at Greenland may have implications for the return of large, two sea-winter salmon on 2017. "Last year's grilse and this year's two sea-winter fish went to sea at the same time," said ASF President Bill Taylor. "With grilse returns down sharply and quota left unfilled in Greenland, it suggests this year class has struggled to survive." The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) has reviewed the same data and is warning against any mixed stock fishery, or in-river harvest of large salmon where conservation limits are not being reached. ICES is a network of more than 5,000 scientists that provides unbiased fisheries advice to 20 member countries including Canada. "We hope we're wrong about large salmon returns this year, but in light of this information anglers, people in St-Pierre and Miquelon, and indigenous groups should take steps to maximize salmon survival this year," said Taylor. Overall, anglers and indigenous groups in Canada harvested 135 tonnes of Atlantic salmon in 2016, equal to approximately 46,000 grilse and 12,000 large salmon. Recreational anglers killed 69 tonnes (36,355 grilse and 1,823 large salmon), while aboriginal groups harvested an estimated 64-tonnes (approximately 10,000 grilse and 9,600 large salmon). Some recreational and aboriginal harvest takes place on rivers that are not meeting conservation requirements. In the United States, numbers remain critically low. A total of 636 Atlantic salmon were counted in all American rivers last year, equal to only three per cent of the spawning fish required to meet conservation limits. Atlantic salmon are protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and angling is completely closed. Rivers in Eastern Cape Breton, the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, and the Bay of Fundy fared better on average than the United States, but extirpation remains a possibility if aggressive conservation and recovery actions are not taken to reverse the decline. Because Atlantic salmon from most North American rivers migrate to the same areas, mixed stock fisheries that target salmon on their ocean feeding grounds at Greenland and the Faroe Islands, and fisheries that intercept returning salmon at St-Pierre and Miquelon and Labrador, can have a disproportionate effect on depressed populations like those in the United States. ASF's Icelandic partner, the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF), has secured a long-term conservation agreement with Faroese fishermen that suspends their harvest of Atlantic salmon. ASF and NASF continue to seek a similar deal with Greenland fishermen, renewing an agreement that was in place between 1992-1993 and 2002-2011 which reduced the harvest of Atlantic salmon to low, subsistence levels. In return for catching fewer salmon, ASF and NASF use private funds to compensate fishermen fairly and support alternative economic activities. These conservation agreements have saved tens of thousands of large salmon and have a direct effect on populations in North American rivers. "Every person who angles, harvests salmon, spends time on a river, or just values nature has a role to play in Atlantic salmon conservation. Governments must do more to limit the number of Atlantic salmon that are killed every year and we hope the officials at next week's NASCO meetings in Sweden make this a priority." said Bill Taylor. See State of the Populations backgrounder for detailed information on the status of all North American Atlantic salmon populations: http://asf.ca/asf-urges-caution-for-2017-ahead-of-international-salmon-ta.html The Atlantic Salmon Federation was founded in 1948 with the goal of conserving and restoring wild Atlantic salmon stocks throughout the North Atlantic. Our federation includes provincial and state councils, and affiliate groups throughout Eastern Canada and New England, representing thousands of members and volunteers. SOURCE Atlantic Salmon Federation Related Links http://www.asf.ca CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM Watson Health (NYSE: IBM) and its collaborators today unveiled data that will be presented at ASCO 2017, demonstrating the clinical utility of Watson for Oncology trained by Memorial Sloan Kettering as well as Watson for Clinical Trial Matching (CTM). IBM also announced the latest updates on adoption of Watson oncology offerings, which are now live or being implemented at dozens of hospitals and health organizations in Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.S. And, Watson for Oncology was released to support physician's treatment of prostate cancer. Watson Heath Heroes: Meet TJ The tumor board at Jupiter Medical Center in Florida reviews new cancer cases and treatment options with the help of Watson for Oncology Five ASCO studies on Watson oncology offerings were unveiled today: Watson for Clinical Trials Matching cut the time required to screen patients for clinical trial eligibility by 78% in a technology feasibility study with Highlands Oncology Group and Novartis. During a 16-week pilot, data from 2,620 lung and breast cancer patients were processed by the CTM system. Using natural language processing capabilities, CTM read the clinical trial protocols provided by Novartis and evaluated data from patient records and doctors notes against the protocols' inclusion and exclusion criteria to automatically exclude ineligible patients - 94% of patients overall. This reduced clinical trial screening time from 1 hour and 50 minutes to 24 minutes. in a technology feasibility study with Highlands Oncology Group and Novartis. During a 16-week pilot, data from 2,620 lung and breast cancer patients were processed by the CTM system. Using natural language processing capabilities, CTM read the clinical trial protocols provided by Novartis and evaluated data from patient records and doctors notes against the protocols' inclusion and exclusion criteria to automatically exclude ineligible patients - 94% of patients overall. This reduced clinical trial screening time from 1 hour and 50 minutes to 24 minutes. Watson for Oncology achieved a concordance rate of 96% for lung, 81% for colon and 93% for rectal cancer cases compared to recommendations from the multi-disciplinary tumor board in a study at Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Bangalore, India . compared to recommendations from the multi-disciplinary tumor board in a study at Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre in . Watson for Oncology achieved a concordance rate of 83% for multiple cancer types compared to recommendations from oncologists in a study at Bumrungrad International Hospital, a multispecialty hospital in Bangkok, Thailand . compared to recommendations from oncologists in a study at Bumrungrad International Hospital, a multispecialty hospital in . Watson for Oncology achieved a concordance rate of 73% for high risk colon cancer cases when compared to the tumor board from Gachon University Gil Medical Centre in Incheon, South Korea . when compared to the tumor board from Gachon University Gil Medical Centre in Incheon, . In a qualitative study, oncologists in Mexico found Watson for Oncology to be useful to help them identify potential treatment options for their patients, particularly in clinics that lack subspecialist expertise, and for training medical students and residents. "These studies demonstrate that Watson technologies are doing what we expect them to do: helping physicians augment their own experience and expertise to deliver evidence-based care," said Andrew Norden, MD, MPH, MBA, deputy chief health officer for oncology and genomics, IBM Watson Health. "As adoption of the technology grows globally, we are building on a growing body of data and evidence showing the value of Watson in cancer care." Today, IBM also announced that Watson for Oncology is now available to support the multi-disciplinary care of prostate cancer patients. In Watson for Oncology's ongoing training with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, Watson has now been trained and released to help support physicians in their treatment of breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, ovarian, gastric and prostate cancers. By the end of the year, the technology will be available to support at least 12 cancer types, representing 80 percent of the global incidence of cancer. "We are proud of MSK's role training Watson for Oncology, and putting an evidence-based, cognitive, clinical decision support tool in the hands of physicians around the world," said Mark G. Kris, MD, the William and Joy Ruane Chair in Thoracic Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering. "By coupling the power of Watson with the knowledge MSK physicians have gleaned from decades of experience treating cancers, we can help physicians probe the subtleties of each person's illness, better understand the ever-growing body of oncology data, and make evidence-based treatment decisions." A Growing Body of Evidence for Watson Data on Watson at ASCO 2017 builds on earlier studies that have documented the evolution of the technology and demonstrated that Watson can support treatment decisions and research breakthroughs. For example: A 2016 study found Watson for Oncology matched the recommendations of Manipal's multi-disciplinary tumor board in 90% of breast cancer cases. A 2016 ASCO study at the Victoria Comprehensive Cancer Center in Australia examined Watson's natural language processing capabilities. examined Watson's natural language processing capabilities. A 2015 ASCO study examined the recommendations of Watson for Oncology on historical patient cases at MSK. A 2014 ASCO study demonstrated that Watson for Oncology was able to achieve up to 100% precision in matching MSK training data. A 2014 Baylor College of Medicine study found Watson for Drug Discovery helped identify 6 new proteins to target in p53 cancer research in a matter of weeks. study found Watson for Drug Discovery helped identify 6 new proteins to target in p53 cancer research in a matter of weeks. A 2015 study found Watson for Genomics helped clinicians analyze whole genome sequencing and uncover actionable insights in minutes. Watson Adoption to Support Oncology Care Today IBM announced 9 new adopters of Watson oncology offerings, which are now being used or implemented at more than 55 hospitals and health organizations around the globe. Doctors in India, China, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Bangladesh, Spain, Slovakia, Poland, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Canada and the U.S. are now using or currently implementing the system to provide information to augment their decision making. Stories from early adopters reveal how Watson can provide hope and greater confidence in treatment decisions. The latest Watson for Oncology users include Icon Group in Australia, Grupo Angeles Servicios de Salud in Mexico, Mae de Deus in Brazil, Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center in South Korea, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center in South Korea, Pusan National University Hospital in South Korea and Svet zdravia in Slovakia and Poland. IBM has also signed a new channel partnership with RITES Solutions to bring Watson for Oncology to hospitals in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Eastern India. "Watson for Oncology is one example of the key technologies that will help clinicians harness the increasing amounts of data that is becoming available as both medicine and treatment become more personalized for each individual patient," said Nan Chen, the Senior Director of Research & Development and Clinical Data at Bumrungrad International Hospital. "As we treat more than half a million from over 190 countries each year, these technologies are increasingly important to provide the level of care that our patients have come to expect. One example of this is at the BIH owned Mongolian UB Songdo Hospital where general doctors routinely care for cancer patients in the absence of clinical oncology specialists. These doctors can now confidently rely on Watson for Oncology for helping them select treatment options that are supported by the high concordance rates observed." Watson for Oncology is trained by oncologists at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and is a cognitive computing system that uses natural language processing to ingest patient data in structured and unstructured formats. The system provides physicians with treatment options for their consideration that are derived from established guidelines, the medical literature, and training from patient cases. "Artificial Intelligence is coming of age in healthcare as technology suppliers, like IBM, make progress in the democratization of this technology," said Cynthia Burghard, research director IDC Health Insights. "The application of AI will be a major disruptor in healthcare and move the industry closer to its goal of value-based health." In addition, at ASCO 2017 data will be presented from IBM Research and Truven Health Analytics, part of the IBM Watson Health business. IBM Health Corps Tackles Chemo Supply Chain in Africa IBM's oncology expertise was put to work recently for a pro bono IBM Health Corps consulting initiative to address chemotherapy shortages in sub Saharan Africa, helping health officials obtain more trusted medicine at lower costs. IBM's experts designed software called ChemoQuant, which will help planners and procurement personnel at ministries of health to make more precise chemotherapy forecasts, check medicine inventories, pinpoint available suppliers, determine costs, and place medicine orders that can qualify for volume pricing discounts. About IBM Watson Health Watson is the first commercially available cognitive computing capability representing a new era in computing. The system, delivered through the cloud, analyzes high volumes of data, understands complex questions posed in natural language, and proposes evidence-based answers. Watson continuously learns, gaining in value and knowledge over time, from previous interactions. In April 2015, the company launched IBM Watson Health and the Watson Health Core cloud platform (now Watson Platform for Health). The new unit will help improve the ability of doctors, researchers and insurers to innovate by surfacing insights from the massive amount of personal health data being created and shared daily. The Watson Platform for Health can mask patient identities and allow for information to be shared and combined with a dynamic and constantly growing aggregated view of clinical, research and social health data. For more information on IBM Watson, visit: ibm.com/watson. For more information on IBM Watson Health, visit: ibm.com/watsonhealth. Christine Douglass IBM Media Relations 415-535-4479 [email protected] SOURCE IBM Watson Health Related Links https://www.ibm.com/watson (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 78 market data tables and 56 figures spread through 117 pages and in-depth TOC on "Automotive Films Market - Global Forecast to 2022" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-films-market-144449362.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The ability of these films to provide protection against harmful sun rays and increase the privacy of vehicles is one the major driver for the growth of automotive films market. Furthermore, the growing demand for passenger cars and improving living standard in emerging countries such as China and Indonesia are also fueling the demand for automotive films. In addition to this, the growing demand for mobile advertisements is also one of the major factors expected to drive the market. Request for Sample PDF of Report @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=144449362 Based on film type, the window films segment is projected to be the largest segment of the market during the forecast period. Based on films type, the window films segment is projected to be the largest segment of the automotive films market during the forecast period. These films are installed on large scale on vehicles as these films block 80-85% of the sun rays, which helps in reducing the temperature inside of the vehicle and lowers the cost of energy. It also increases the fuel efficiency by reducing the load on the engine. In addition, window films enhance the safety of vehicles by preventing the glass from shattering during accidents. The passenger cars segment of the market is projected to witness the highest growth from 2016 to 2021. The passenger cars segment is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Increasing demand for paint protection films to protect exterior parts of the vehicle such as hood, fenders, and bumpers and to enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle are the factors boosting the demand for automotive films from this segment. In addition, the need of privacy and personalization will also boost the growth of this segment during the forecast period. Several companies manufacturing automotive films are carrying out research & development activities to improve the properties of these automotive films. The Asia-Pacific automotive films market is projected to witness the highest growth from 2017 to 2022. The Asia-Pacific automotive films market is projected to witness the highest growth in the coming years, owing to factors such as increasing demand for vehicles and growing urbanization in the region. China, Japan, Australia, and South Korea are some of the key countries in the region that are contributing significantly to the growth of the automotive films market in Asia-Pacific. Make an Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=144449362 Some of the key players in the Automotive Films Market are 3M Company (U.S.), Eastman Chemical Company (U.S.), Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.), Lintec Corporation (Japan), and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (France). New product development was the major growth strategy adopted by market players between 2012 and 2017 to meet the demand for automotive films in emerging economies. Browse Related Reports: Automotive Adhesives Market by Resin Type (Polyurethane, Epoxy, Acrylic, Silicone, SMP, Polyamide), Application (Body-in-White, Paint Shop, Powertrain, Assembly), Vehicle Type (Buses, Trucks, LCV), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-adhesive-market-36961165.html Subscribe Reports from Chemicals & Materials Domain http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Rohan MarketsandMarkets 701 Pike Street Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Tel: 1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- California is closer to enacting major reforms in the dialysis industry that would improve patient care for 66,000 people and staffing at 562 dialysis clinics under legislation passed by the California Senate. "In my dialysis clinic, the workers are often stretched thin and that scares me if my blood pressure was to drop and they couldn't get to me in time," said Marianette Smith, a dialysis patient from Sacramento, Calif. "I would feel a lot safer knowing that there are more trained staff on call at all times caring for me and other patients, and enough time for us to recover from our treatments and the workers to clean and maintain the equipment properly." SB 349, The Dialysis Patient Safety Act, now heads to the California Assembly for consideration. SB 349 calls for annual inspections of dialysis clinics, safer staffing levels and more recovery time for patients. In California, dialysis clinics are inspected on average only once every five to six years, whereas nursing homes in the state must be inspected every year, and even restaurants receive annual inspections. The legislation mandates 45 minutes between patients to allow more time for them to recover and for staff to sanitize the equipment. Infections are the second leading cause of death for dialysis patients. Last week, dialysis corporation DaVita fired a 16-year employee less than one day after he gave a moving speech at the California State Capitol in support of the legislation. DaVita fired patient care technician Emerson Padua via a phone call for alleged policy violations and three other employees at the same clinic in Moreno Valley, Calif. Padua's firing follows recent negative publicity for DaVita, coming less than 10 days after HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" broadcast a scathing segment about the company and the dialysis industry, which has been viewed more than 4.5 million times on YouTube. The two largest dialysis corporations DaVita and Fresenius made $2.9 billion in profits from their dialysis operations in the United States in 2015, but workers say the companies are not spending enough to improve patient care or provide adequate staffing in their clinics. Dialysis workers have reported situations where they must monitor and care for ten or more patients at the same time for hours on end, raising concerns when multiple patients are at risk of falling blood pressure, fainting, having some other complication or just needing to use the restroom. Eight states already have minimum staffing levels in dialysis clinics: Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. California would become the first state to enact such changes through legislation, whereas the other states did it through agency rulemaking. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure who must have their blood removed, cleaned, and put back into their bodies. A typical treatment lasts three to four hours, and must be conducted three days a week for the rest of the patient's life. Dialysis workers in California have been uniting in a union, SEIU-UHW, for safer working conditions and stronger worker and patient protections. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.morethannumbers.org. SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is one of the largest unions of hospital workers in the western United States with 90,000 members. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org. CONTACT: Sean Wherley, (323) 893-6831 [email protected] SOURCE SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West Related Links http://www.seiu-uhw.org IOWA CITY, Iowa, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McDonald Optical is celebrating 61 years in business with a large sale, a designer eyewear trunk show, and plenty of excitement. Iowa City residents who wear glasses are in for a big savings discount. Patrons will receive 30% off complete pairs of prescription and non-prescription glasses and sunglasses from June 6 - 12, 2017. Patients are encouraged to have their prescription updated if its been a year or longer since their last exam, but eyewear and sunglasses are available to those with no need for vision correction as well. McDonald Optical provides eye exams in addition to their full suite of Iowa City optometry, optical, and eye care services. Opened in 1956 by Al McDonald, the optometry center has helped countless generations of Iowa City residents with all of their vision needs. Reid McDonald, Als grandson and third-generation owner of the practice, couldnt be more thrilled. We have a long legacy of helping people in our community with their sight needs, he explains. Sixty-one years is a really long time. And we really just want to pass our gratitude on to those who helped get us here. There will also be a trunk show with the latest eyewear trends from ProDesign. The Danish fashion-forward company is known for its comfortable and lightweight frames for men, women, and children. There will be just about something for everyone, says Annette Nickel, O.D. We are quite excited to have them on hand for the celebration. Many of our patients are big fans of the ProDesign brand, continues Matthew Houck, O.D. They are quite comfortable and it really made sense for us to have the company join us in our celebration event. It is just another way for us to offer our patients high-quality eyewear designs. The sale happens from June 6th to June 12th and regular optometry appointments will be available with both eye doctors. The ProDesign trunk show takes place from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 8th at the Sycamore location and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, June 9th at the downtown location. For more information about the anniversary event, contact McDonald Optical at http://mcdonaldoptical.com/. About McDonald Optical For over six decades, McDonald Optical has helped residents of Iowa City with their complete vision needs. Services range from basic vision exams to contact lens fittings to vision therapy and preventative care. To schedule an appointment, contact the downtown Iowa City location at (319) 337-4995 or the Sycamore location at (319) 337-3737. SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Biocom, the association representing the California life science industry, today announced the appointment of Steve A. Kay, Ph.D., D.SC., Director of Convergent Bioscience at the University of Southern California and Lesley Stolz, Ph. D., head of JLABS California, to its board of directors. "Life science in California is moving faster than ever, and nobody understands that better than Dr. Kay and Dr. Stolz, who each work at organizations at the precipice of life science innovation in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, respectively," said Joe Panetta, President and CEO of Biocom. "Dr. Kay and Dr. Stolz are welcomed to the board as influential life science leaders who will allow Biocom and our growing list of programs to more accurately represent the needs of our California members." As the Provost Professor of Neurology, Biomedical Engineering and Biological Sciences and the Director of the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, Dr. Kay leads a large interdisciplinary research hub that merges medicine, engineering and the sciences with the goal of accelerating the discovery of novel therapeutics and diagnostics. In addition, Dr. Kay runs a highly active research lab investigating the molecular basis of circadian rhythms and their relation to disease in humans and also agricultural biotechnology. He was briefly president of Scripps Research Institute before returning to USC in 2016. Dr. Kay earned his bachelor's degree from University of Bristol, UK. Dr. Stolz, Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation | JLABS, California, fosters Johnson & Johnson's external R&D engine and supports the innovation community by leading the JLABS business on the West Coast. She has 20 years of business and corporate development experience working for companies that have been both technology platform and therapeutics focused. Previously, she was Senior Director of Transactions negotiating partnering deals for Johnson & Johnson Innovation at the California Innovation Center. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson Innovation, she held executive positions with BioTime, Inc., Sutro Biopharma, Inc., and Sunesis Pharmaceuticals where she was responsible for corporate strategy, fundraising and all aspects of partnering. Dr. Stolz received her Ph.D. in chemistry and conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. About Biocom Biocom is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California's life science sector. We work on behalf of more than 900 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs, and create robust value-driven purchasing programs. Founded in 1995 in San Diego, Biocom provides the strongest public voice to research institutions and companies that fuel the local and state-wide economy. Our goal is simple: to help our members produce novel solutions that improve the human condition. In addition to its San Diego headquarters, Biocom operates a core office serving the Los Angeles market, satellite offices in Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, and has a continuous staff presence in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento. Our broad membership benefits apply to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, genomics and diagnostics companies of all sizes, as well as to research universities and institutes, clinical research organizations, investors and service providers. For more information on Biocom, please visit our website at www.biocom.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@BIOCOMCA). SOURCE Biocom Related Links http://www.biocom.org "MedPAC plays a crucial role in advising Congress on Medicare issues. I am pleased to announce these latest appointments and want to thank the many strong candidates who applied this year," Dodaro said. Safran is an expert in performance measurement and in the design of provider payment models that use performance measurement and innovative incentive structures to deliver better health outcomes, improved quality, and reduced cost. She has been instrumental in developing and growing Blue Cross' Alternative Quality Contract (AQC), the largest commercial payment reform initiative in the country. The AQC was a model for Medicare's Pioneer and Next Generation ACO payment arrangements and has influenced the national dialog around payment reform. "It is an honor to be chosen for this important post. I'm excited to serve, particularly at this pivotal time in our country's history with respect to Medicare payment reform," Safran said. "I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to consider how Medicare can apply innovative payment and measurement methodologies that can significantly improve quality, outcomes, and affordability for Medicare beneficiaries nationwide." The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are working toward having 50 percent of traditional fee-for-service Medicare providers in value-based contracts by 2018. In addition to her expertise in measurement systems for value-based payment models, Safran has an extensive academic background and continues to contribute to the scientific literature in this area. Early in her career she worked for the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), a former Congressional office that researched policy issues related to health and technology. About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We're the trusted health plan for more than 25,000 Massachusetts employers and are committed to working with others in a spirit of shared responsibility to make quality health care affordable. Consistent with our corporate promise to always put our 2.8 million members first, we're rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Related Links http://www.bluecrossma.com/ CHICAGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brilliant, an award-winning search, staffing and management resources firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology, was named one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2017 by the National Association for Business Resources. This is the fourth consecutive year the firm has received the recognition. Each year companies throughout Chicago compete to be named one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. Only companies that distinguish themselves as having the most innovative and thoughtful human resources approach can be bestowed this honor. "We are proud to be recognized for our employee engagement initiatives four years in a row," says Brilliant CEO Jim Wong. "Since our inception in 2009, we have strived to offer an innovative, empowering and safe work environment for our team members." President Jeff Mariola adds, "Our mission is to make people's lives better and that starts with our own colleagues. We believe that our culture and people are our competitive advantage and winning this award four years in a row validates that." Key measures evaluated include Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance and the Best of the Best Small Business, Medium Business and Large Business. More than 600 companies participated in the competition. Brilliant and 162 other organizations were selected. On July 17, 2017, all winning companies will be honored during a luncheon and awards ceremony at the Chicago Marriott Southwest in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Brilliant team members will be in attendance to receive the award. For more information, visit www.brilliantfs.com. About Brilliant | Connecting People and Opportunities Brilliant is an award-winning search, staffing and management resources firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology for the greater Chicago and south Florida labor markets. The firm represents high-quality accounting, finance and information technology talent and works closely with hiring companies within industries such as manufacturing, distribution, health care, professional services, retail, legal, technology, real estate, nonprofit organizations, software and hospitality. Many of Brilliant's team members include former hiring managers, and accounting and finance professionals, from the Big 4 accounting firms, as well as other leading professionals in the industry. Since its inception in 2009, Brilliant has been recognized on many prestigious lists including America's Best Recruiting Firms by Forbes, the No. 1 Fastest-Growing Company by Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50, the No. 2 Fastest-Growing Staffing Firm in the United States by Staffing Industry Analystsnot to mention Inavero's Best of Staffing Talent for North America, Best Places to Work South Florida, Inc. 5000, 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work Forand more. For more information about Brilliant, visit www.brilliantfs.com, call 312.582.1800 or follow @BrilliantFS on social media. About the Best and Brightest Programs The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For is a program of the National Association For Business Resources that provides the business community with the opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their best practices and demonstrate why they are an ideal place for employees to work. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole. It is presented annually in several markets including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houston, Milwaukee, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, and Nationally. Nominations are now being accepted. Visit www.101bestandbrightest.com to obtain an application. Media Contact: Laurie Canning, Brilliant, 312.582.1812 [email protected] SOURCE Brilliant(TM) Related Links http://www.brilliantfs.com DENVER, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Buildshop Inc., creators of software that helps home construction pros bid, plan, and manage home building and remodeling projects, today announced the launch of its Professional Construction and Field Service management software. For field service professionals, Buildshop offers affordable software for service companies of all types with features including dispatch, invoice, inventory, documents, photos, timesheet, vehicle tracking, mapping and more. Buildshop connects contractors to homeowner, helping them showcase their business, network and collaborate with other professionals, and organize and manage their projects without the hassle of manual records, laborious spreadsheets, or cumbersome forms. Homeowners are spending record amounts of time and money on home improvement projects in recent years. Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projects annual growth in home improvement and repair will continue to increase in 2017, with growth surpassing eight percent by the second quarter of 2017. Whether buoyed by a healthy economy or inspired by the latest home improvement series on HGTV, more homeowners than ever are looking for the right contractor to help them achieve the remodel or custom home of their dreams. Buildshop connects contractors to homeowner, helping them showcase their business, network and collaborate with other professionals, and organize and manage their projects without the hassle of manual records, laborious spreadsheets, or cumbersome forms. For field service professionals, Buildshop offers affordable software for service companies of all types with features including dispatch, invoice, inventory, documents, photos, timesheet, vehicle tracking, mapping and more. In addition, Buildshop is the only software on the market that connects builders, trade, and field service professionals with each other, with built in networking capabilities that help support more meaningful and robust collaboration. Find subcontractors, solicit additional advice or services from industry peers, and coordinate joint projects. Buildshop offers a suite of centralized tools, accessible on a variety of web and mobile platforms that allow professionals to network and control their projects from anywhere. Get started with a free basic account, and upgrade to a full account for 1/3 the cost of leading competitors. Unlike other software that charge per number of projects, leaving contractors constantly deleting bids and proposals to make room for new ones, Buildshop offers unlimited projects, for unlimited subs and clients, at just $49.99/month per 2-user package. That means contractors can bid on as many projects as they like, with records of plans, estimates, and communications all centralized in one place. And when they win the bid, Buildshop is there with all the tools they need to manage, organize, and track the project to completion. Premium Features, More Value For Builders, Designers, Remodelers, Commercial Contractors, and Trade Professionals Buildshop offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage, bid, and plan projects including: Attractive and accessible dashboard with comprehensive project overview and quick summaries Schedules, and to do lists to help manage every task and every timeline Easy organization for project ideas, sketches, and plans create and organize image galleries, create lists, manage architectural plans Budgeting tools and expense trackers to forecast, log, and control spending, with purchase orders and invoicing tools built in and easy integration with QuickBooks and Xero Search and connect with other pros and subcontractors, get and compare quotes Manage contacts and bids Easy customer messaging and file sharing, automatically organized by project, company, and topic Selection tools to allow customer's easy overview of any customizable options offered including services and material. Order tracking and change notification, with notification and approval coordination with customers through mobile, tablet, or computer Share drawings, plans and documents with clients and subcontractors with easy to use annotation tools and drag and drop features and cloud access Team management tools including timesheets and project logs Manage vehicles, map routes, and track fuel Reports and warranty templates Marketing and targeting tools to help reach potential customers For a full list of features and comparison of different Buildshop Software packages, visit https://buildshop.com/plans-and-pricing/ About Buildshop Inc. Buildshop delivers a comprehensive and easy to use project management tools that help make remodeling and home building a breeze. With software designed for homeowners, professionals, and field service companies, Buildshop offers software options that fit every budget and every need. Buildshop works to make building and remodeling easy for everyone involved, guiding homeowners through the process and helping professional track, manage, and communicate with customers in the easiest way. For more information, visit https://buildshop.com. Media contact: Lisa Wang, [email protected], 1-888-317-4687 ext. 703 SOURCE Buildshop Inc. Related Links https://buildshop.com WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned hate incidents targeting the African-American community in the Washington, D.C., area. [MEDIA NOTE: CAIR today also urged President Trump not to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. SEE: https://tinyurl.com/CAIRParisAccord ] A noose, a symbol often used by racists to intimidate African-Americans, was found Wednesday at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Another noose was recently found hanging from a tree at the Hirshhorn Museum. SEE: Noose Found at Exhibit in African American Smithsonian Museum https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/noose-found-at-exhibit-in-african-american-smithsonian-museum/2017/05/31/ce0eccf6-464e-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html Our ugly racism's newest artifact: the noose left at the African American Museum https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/our-ugly-racisms-newest-artifact-the-noose-left-at-the-african-american-museum/2017/06/01/fc0cdc98-46b6-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html In Frederick County Maryland, law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident in which a racial slur was spray-painted on an African-American man's car over the weekend. The car's owner found the words "Die [N-word]" spray-painted on his vehicle. SEE: Sheriff's Deputies Investigating Hate Crime in Ballenger Creek Area https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/crime_and_justice/sheriff-s-deputies-investigating-hate-crime-in-ballenger-creek-area/article_06d9541b-6cf4-58f7-8420-ef2457202008.html "These hate incidents are symptomatic of the increasing level of bigotry witnessed nationwide targeting African-Americans, Muslims, immigrants, and other minority groups," said CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Dr. Zainab Chaudry. "It will take strong and sustained action by our nation's leaders to reverse this troubling trend." She noted that CAIR recently condemned the suspected bias-motivated murder of Bowie State University student, Richard Collins III, at the University of Maryland. SEE: CAIR Condemns Murder of Maryland College Student by Suspect with White Supremacist Links https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14341-cair-condemns-murder-of-maryland-college-student-by-suspect-with-white-supremacist-links.html Chaudry said CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in hate incidents targeting American Muslims and other minority groups since the November 8 election. SEE: CAIR Asks Feds to Probe Allegedly Bias-Motivated Arson at Texas Muslim-Owned Business https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14364-cair-asks-feds-to-probe-allegedly-bias-motivated-arson-at-texas-muslim-owned-business.html Last month, CAIR released a report showing a 57 percent increase in anti-Muslim incidents in 2016 over the previous year. This spike in anti-Muslim incidents was accompanied by a 44 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes during the same period. SEE: New CAIR Report Shows More than 50 Percent Spike in Anti-Muslim Incidents https://www.cair.com/press-center/14322-new-cair-report-shows-more-than-50-percent-spike-in-anti-muslim-incidents.html The Washington-based civil rights and advocacy organization urges community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/report CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. La mision de CAIR es mejorar la comprension del Islam, fomentar el dialogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprension mutua. CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Dr. Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected] SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Related Links http://www.cair.com CALI, Colombia, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cargill has acquired Colombian-based Pollos El Bucanero S.A. (Bucanero Chicken), one of Colombia's leading producers of chicken and processed meats products. The acquisition marks Cargill's first introduction of its global protein business into Colombia. Pollos El Bucanero has more than 30 years of experience and its products are the preferred choice of food service companies and retailers in multiple regions of Colombia. The company works with more than 170 farms across the country to deliver high-quality protein options to its customers. Jorge Ivan Duque will serve as general manager of Cargill's Pollos Bucanero business. He has spent the past 12 years working in the poultry sector in Central America and Colombia. Pollos El Bucanero will operate as part of Cargill Protein Latin America, which includes businesses in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. "Cargill is starting a new stage in Colombia, under the Bucanero brand, which is recognized and preferred by millions of customers across the country," said Duque. "Just like Cargill, this is a family business. We are confident that this will be a smooth integration and will lead to numerous benefits for our employees, customers and communities." "We are thrilled to expand our operations in Latin America by bringing our protein business to Colombia," said Xavier Vargas, president of Cargill Protein Latin America. "As we enter this market, we bring the experience gained from working in protein across four continents for more than 50 years. This global presence, and our extensive work in other regions of Latin America, provides us a wealth of expertise in quality standards and an understanding of cultural taste differences. We look forward to delivering on the preferences of Colombian consumers and enriching their protein options." Bucanero has 5,000 employees, which will bring the number that Cargill employs in Latin America to 35,000 across approximately 200 sites in 14 countries. About Cargill Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and 150 years of experience. We have 150,000 employees in 70 countries who are committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and work. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center . SOURCE Cargill Related Links http://www.cargill.com LAS VEGAS, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A top-rated criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas announces the launch of a new website and phone number. Carl E.G. Arnold was forced to migrate from his original web address, cegalaw.com to www.cegacriminallaw.com when a marketing company stole the law firm's web address. The well-known litigator urges prospective clients to use the new web address while searching for information about the firm's practice. Cega Criminal Law "Our criminal law firm has had to start over with a new marketing company, including the launch of a brand new streamlined website," said Mr. Arnold, Founder of CEGALAW. "It's unfortunate because future clients may end up finding the wrong information online, and not receive the timely service they need. We would like people to know that we are available for free consultations, and we may be contacted through our authentic website or by our actual phone number at 702-358-1138." With the hiring of a new website design and marketing firm, CEGALAW now possesses an attractive and easy-to-navigate website for its current and potential clients, which is mobile friendly. The phone number can be easily dialed through the new site, or an inquiry form may be filled out by clicking on the free consultation tab. Clients and their family members can discover through the new website how the premier criminal law firm can help defendants in cases such as criminal law, DUI, felonies, traffic tickets, narcotic offences, and misdemeanors. Boasting professionalism, CEGALAW's team serves its clients with aggressive advocacy, which creates favorable results. Attorneys at CEGALAW foster long-term relationships with their clients, and are dedicated to standing by them for life, working with them even long after the completion of a trial. They are available to offer assistance in any matter, by providing counsel and answering questions. About CEGALAW: Las Vegas-based criminal law firm, CEGALAW, provides aggressive defense services. The firm was founded by criminal defense attorney, Carl E.G. Arnold, who is well known and respected in the state of Nevada. In 2016, he was named a Top 10 Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Las Vegas by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and a Top 100 Trial Attorney in the Nation by the National Trial Lawyers. To learn more about Mr. Arnold's extensive experience, visit: https://www.cegacriminallaw.com/about/ Contact: Carl Arnold 702-358-1138 [email protected] SOURCE Cega Criminal Law Related Links http://www.cegacriminallaw.com MONROE, La., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) today announced that upon closing of the CenturyLink Level 3 acquisition, Jeff Storey, currently president and CEO of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT), will join CenturyLink as its president and chief operating officer. As previously announced, after the closing Glen F. Post III will remain CEO of CenturyLink. It is expected that Storey will succeed Post as CEO of CenturyLink effective Jan. 1, 2019 and that Post will then become executive chairman of the company's board of directors. The two companies continue to expect to close the transaction by Sept. 30, 2017. "Throughout our company's evolution, we have focused on investment, growth and value creation. I am pleased that our collective work has put us at the forefront of the digital world. As we move into this next phase of our growth, I am confident in the strength of our position, the scope of our opportunity and Jeff's ability to lead our company forward first as president and COO and then as CEO," Post said. "Transitions like this are bittersweet, but I am confident this is the right time to begin to take this next step into our future. At CenturyLink, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented people in our industry. Their leadership, dedication, loyalty and tireless efforts have been and will continue to be the key to our success. I look forward to joining forces with Jeff and the talented employees from Level 3 as we pursue the exciting opportunities that lie ahead." "Jeff has been an excellent leader for Level 3 and shares our excitement about the future of our business and the importance of world-class customer experience to our success," Post said. "Just as important, Jeff shares my focus on continuing to invest in our network, products and services to meet our customers' needs. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jeff to shape the future of the combined company." "Glen has done an exceptional job leading CenturyLink over the last 25 years, steadily transforming the company to become a leading international communications provider," Storey said. "I strongly believe in the combination of the two companies and I am very excited to become part of the CenturyLink management team after the transaction closes. I look forward to continuing to work with Glen to drive a successful integration, an outstanding customer experience and growth in shareholder value. The opportunities ahead of us are exciting and I am committed to building on this impressive foundation." In addition to Storey, Post's direct reports following the closing of the acquisition will be: Stacey Goff, executive vice president, general counsel and chief administrative officer Sunit Patel, executive vice president, chief financial officer Scott Trezise, executive vice president, human resources CenturyLink also announced that Harvey P. Perry, vice chairman of the board of CenturyLink, has been appointed chairman of the board, effective immediately. He replaces William A. Owens, who retired from the board on May 24, 2017. W. Bruce Hanks, a member of the CenturyLink board of directors, has been named vice chairman, also effective immediately. As previously announced, Storey is one of four Level 3 board members who will join the CenturyLink board at closing. "Glen joined what would become today's CenturyLink in 1976, working for our founder, Clarke M. Williams. Throughout his 40-year career, Glen's leadership and vision have transformed CenturyLink into one of the world's leading providers of advanced communications services. Along the way, CenturyLink has created tremendous shareholder value through significant organic growth and successful transactions such as Pacific Telecom, Embarq, Qwest and now Level 3. This leadership succession plan enables Glen to create a smooth transition of the CEO role to Jeff and to continue to have a significant role in the company's future as executive chairman of the board. On behalf of the entire board, I thank Glen for all he has done and will continue to do for CenturyLink. We look forward to working with him and Jeff to realize what we believe is a bright future for the combined company," Perry said. CenturyLink's headquarters will remain in Monroe, La. About CenturyLink CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications and IT services company focused on connecting its customers to the power of the digital world. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, big data analytics, managed security services, hosting, cloud, and IT consulting services. The company provides broadband, voice, video, advanced data and managed network services over a robust 265,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 360,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information. Forward Looking Statements Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this communication, including statements regarding the expected timing and benefits of the proposed transaction, such as efficiencies, cost savings, enhanced revenues, growth potential, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as "will," "estimates," "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "projects," "plans," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "seeks" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements, and the assumptions upon which they are based, (i) are not guarantees of future results, (ii) are inherently speculative and (iii) are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied in those statements if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: the ability of the parties to timely and successfully receive the required approvals for the combination from regulatory agencies free of conditions materially adverse to the parties; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the proposed transaction cannot be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the possibility that costs, difficulties or disruptions related to the integration of Level 3's operations with those of CenturyLink will be greater than expected; the ability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel, including reaching or maintaining mutually acceptable employment arrangements with the executives named above; the effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers, including lower demand for CenturyLink's legacy offerings; the effects of new, emerging or competing technologies, including those that could make the combined company's products less desirable or obsolete; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry, including the outcome of regulatory or judicial proceedings relating to intercarrier compensation, interconnection obligations, access charges, universal service, broadband deployment, data protection and net neutrality; adverse changes in CenturyLink's or the combined company's access to credit markets on favorable terms, whether caused by changes in its financial position, lower debt credit ratings, unstable markets or otherwise; the combined company's ability to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry, and changes in the composition of its markets and product mix; possible changes in the demand for, or pricing of, the combined company's products and services, including the combined company's ability to effectively respond to increased demand for high-speed broadband service; changes in the operating plans, capital allocation plans or corporate strategies of the combined company, whether based on changes in market conditions, changes in the cash flows or financial position of the combined company, or otherwise; the combined company's ability to successfully maintain the quality and profitability of its existing product and service offerings and to introduce new offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; the adverse impact on the combined company's business and network from possible equipment failures, service outages, security breaches or similar events impacting its network; the combined company's ability to maintain favorable relations with key business partners, suppliers, vendors, landlords and financial institutions; the ability of the combined company to utilize net operating losses in amounts projected; changes in the future cash requirements of the combined company; and other risk factors and cautionary statements as detailed from time to time in each of CenturyLink's and Level 3's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Due to these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the proposed combination or any other transaction described above will in fact be completed in the manner described or at all. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on the proposed combination or the combined company. You should not place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Unless legally required, CenturyLink and Level 3 undertake no obligation and each expressly disclaim any such obligation, to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed events or otherwise. Additional Information In connection with the proposed combination, CenturyLink filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC (Registration Statement No. 333-215121) which was declared effective by the SEC on February 13, 2017. CenturyLink and Level 3 have filed a joint proxy statement/prospectus and will file other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with the SEC. CenturyLink and Level 3 began mailing the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective security holders on or about February 13, 2017. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, dated as of February 13, 2017, contains important information about CenturyLink, Level 3, the proposed combination and related matters. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED COMBINATION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and the filings that are incorporated by reference in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about CenturyLink and Level 3, free of charge, at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders may also obtain these documents free of charge by directing a request to CenturyLink, 100 CenturyLink Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71203, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or to Level 3, 1025 Eldorado Boulevard, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, Attention: Investor Relations. SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc. Related Links http://www.centurylink.com SAN GABRIEL, California, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) ('CIIX' or the 'Company'), the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors, announces that it will attend the 6th Annual SeeThru Equity Microcap Investor Conference taking place today at 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY. SeeThru Equity has been providing impactful, high-quality research on underfollowed small-cap and microcap equities since 2011, and the firm is well-known for its unbiased equity research. As this much anticipated event does every year, the 2017 SeeThru Equity Microcap Investor Conference will offer the exclusive opportunity for investors to discover publicly traded companies with market capitalizations less than $1 billion. "SeeThru Equity gave CIIX a target price of $2.05 one year ago," says Warren Wang, Founder and CEO of CIIX. He further added, "Recently, the firm increased CIIX's price target to $3.75, reflecting huge growth potential based on our legal medical cannabis initiatives. In addition, SeeThru Equity also gave CIIX a forecast for revenue from its hemp business, projecting the revenue could grow from $0.7 million in FY2017 to reach 8-digit sales by FY2020E, with continued growth thereafter. CIIX is in the early stages of penetrating the world's legal medical cannabis market; however, increased market opportunity paired with our demonstrated insight of investing in the medical cannabis industry will enable the Company to capitalize on a unique approach to broad medical cannabis industry growth. We sincerely encourage you to come to our booth at the SeeThru Equity Microcap Investor Conference to learn more about CIIX and the incredible opportunities that await." About ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX) Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com endeavors to be an innovative company providing: (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) advertising and public relation related support services; and (c) retail and online sales of hemp-based products and other health related products. For more information visit ChineseInvestors.com Subscribe and watch our video commentaries: https://www.youtube.com/user/Chinesefncom Follow us on Twitter for real-time Company updates: https://twitter.com/ChineseFNEnglsh Like us on Facebook to receive live feeds: https://www.facebook.com/Chinesefncom Add us on WeChat: Chinesefn or download iPhone iOS App: Chinesefn 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. Contact: ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. 227 W. Valley Blvd, #208 A San Gabriel, CA 91776 Investor Relations: Alan Klitenic +1-214-636-2548 Corporate Communications: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York http://www.NetworkNewsWire.com +1-212-418-1217 Office [email protected] SOURCE ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chris Skinner, named one of Wall Street Journal's Top 40 Fintech Influencers, will kick off the Fintech portion as the keynote speaker of Plug and Play's Summer Summit. He will provide insight into the future financial world, covering topics such as apps, artificial intelligence, cloud mobile, blockchain and their impact on creating a whole new world of value exchange. This is followed by 20 fintech startup presentations in front of an audience of corporations and venture capitalists. "We're excited to hear from Chris Skinner and 20+ startups that are impacting identity, compliance, security, and more. These companies have poured efforts day in and day out for the past few months so we are excited to see the fruits of their hard work," said Scott Robinson, Founder and VP of Plug and Play Fintech. Plug and Play's Summer Summit is the culmination of nine of their accelerator programs, featuring 175 startup pitches. The event is organized into three consecutive days and segmented by industry topic: June 6 Insurtech Health & Wellness Fintech June 7 Food & Beverage New Materials & Packaging Brand & Retail June 8 Mobility Travel & Hospitality Internet of Things Demo tables and a networking session will conclude each day of the summit, bringing together the corporations who built the ecosystem and the entrepreneurs who are disrupting and changing it. "Our partnership with Plug and Play has been a phenomenal success so far. Plug and Play's impressive, value-driven ecosystem has already provided us with tremendous exposure to some of the largest enterprises around the world, which in turn, has translated into tangible results for Vizru. We are excited to participate at the demo day where we will have the opportunity to showcase Vizru," said Ramesh Mahalingam, Founder and CEO at Vizru, Inc. To register for the Summer Summit, please visit: http://bit.ly/summersummit17 Media passes are available. For more information about the Plug and Play Fintech ecosystem including special offers for the summit, contact Ashlene Ramadan: [email protected] About Plug and Play Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. We connect startups to corporations and invest in over 150 companies every year. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in 22 locations globally giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 6,000 startups and 180 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. We provide active investments with 200 leading Silicon Valley VCs, and host more than 365 networking events per year. Companies in our community have raised over $6 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club, PayPal, SoundHound, and Zoosk. For more information, visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com SOURCE Plug and Play Related Links http://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barfresh Food Group, Inc. (OTCQB:BRFH), a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of frozen, ready-to-blend beverages, announced today that Riccardo Delle Coste, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and Joe Tesoriero, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will be presenting at the 7th Annual LD Micro Invitational Conference, to be held June 6-7, 2017, at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The Barfresh investor presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 2:00 pm PT. The presentation will be webcast live and archived at www.barfresh.com. Visitors to the website should select the "Investor tab and navigate to the Presentations section to access the webcast. About Barfresh Food Group Barfresh Food Group, Inc. (OTCQB:BRFH) is a developer, manufacturer and distributor of ready-to-blend beverages, including smoothies, shakes and frappes, primarily for restaurant chains and the foodservice industry. The company's proprietary, patented system uses portion-controlled pre-packaged beverage ingredients that deliver freshly made frozen beverages that are quick, cost efficient, better for you and without waste. PepsiCo North America Beverages, a division of PepsiCo, Inc., is the exclusive sales representative in North America within the food service channel for Barfresh's full line of beverages. Barfresh has an exclusive distribution partnership with the leading food distributor in North America. For more information, please visit www.barfresh.com. BELLEVUE, Wash., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer officially underway and the school year coming to a close, Expedia.com wants to help travelers score big on their summer getaways by announcing some of the biggest savings for the 2017 travel season. For those looking to blend relaxation with a cultural experience, Expedia analysts uncovered destinations spanning from the picturesque beaches of Latin America to the bustling cities of Asia as some of the top spots for savings this summer. This year, Expedia commissioned the Travel Abroad Survey1 and the Summer Travel Outlook2 to learn more about how Americans are planning their summer getaways this season. Through these studies, Expedia uncovered that price, things to do, and weather are the most important factors Americans take into consideration when booking a trip abroad, ranking beaches and urban cities as their most desired settings. "Summer brings with it the itch to escape our routines and relax, so it's no surprise that nearly 40 percent of Americans are planning to take a vacation according to our Summer Travel Outlook2," says Sarah Gavin, vice president of global communications, Expedia.com. "We're seeing incredible deals this summer on airfare and packages to destinations all over the world, so even for budget-conscious travelers the perfect summer getaway is very accessible this year." Summer Savings in Latin America and Asia Just because summer is officially underway doesn't mean it's too late to score deals on summer getaways. Compared to the same period last year, Expedia data analysts found it's less expensive to fly from the United States to Latin American and Asian destinations this summer, making now the ideal time to book3. Latin America Anguilla around 15% cheaper around 15% cheaper Paraguay around 15% cheaper around 15% cheaper La Paz, Bolivia around 15% cheaper around 15% cheaper Mexico City, Mexico around 10% cheaper around 10% cheaper Puerta Vallarta, Mexico around 10% cheaper Asia Shenzhen, China around 45% cheaper around 45% cheaper Hefei, China more than 40% cheaper more than 40% cheaper Qingdao, China more than 35% cheaper more than 35% cheaper Bacolod, Philippines around 30% cheaper around 30% cheaper Dumaguete, Philippines around 30% cheaper around 30% cheaper Goa, India around 30% cheaper around 30% cheaper Sapporo, Japan around 30% cheaper around 30% cheaper Zhengzhou, China around 30% cheaper around 30% cheaper Changsha, China around 25% cheaper around 25% cheaper Guiyang, China around 20% cheaper Package Deals Offer Summer Travelers Even More Savings Booking travel as a package isn't just convenient, it also generates an average savings of nearly $600 per booking. This summer a family of four traveling from the U.S. can save more than $1,000 on a trip to Mexico just by booking their flight and hotel at the exact same time. These are some of the best savings on packages for travel to Latin America and Asia during the June August 2017 travel window3: Japan more than 45% savings more than 45% savings Mexico around 25% savings around 25% savings Bahamas around 25% savings around 25% savings Brazil more than 20% savings more than 20% savings Hong Kong around 10% savings around 10% savings South Korea around 10% savings around 10% savings Thailand around 10% savings around 10% savings China more than 5% savings more than 5% savings India more than 5% savings For those looking to really maximize their summer budgets, Expedia travelers can save an extra 10 percent or more on over 70,000 hotels and nearly 10,000 activities worldwide with Member Pricing3. Simply signing in or signing up to become an Expedia+ Rewards member will instantly unlock these exclusive deals. With the Expedia+ Rewards program, travelers can earn points on all their travel needs and redeem those points for savings on hotels, flights, and packages. As part of the rewards program, booking once allows members to save on every future booking. Any points earned are applied at checkout to the amount desired you choose the discount you want on the next trip! Plus, travelers can double dip by earning both Expedia+ Rewards points and airline miles with most participating frequent flier programs. In addition, members who book through the Expedia App earn double points on every trip. Know When to Book to Find the Lowest Fares Expedia and Airlines Reporting Corporation found that booking airfare on a weekend more than 21 days in advance generally results in locking in the lowest ticket prices, meaning an affordable summer escape could be just weeks away. For more information on summer travel planning, and ways to save, visit https://viewfinder.expedia.com/. About Expedia.com Expedia.com is one of the world's largest full service travel sites, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (https://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of top vacation destinations, cheap tickets, hotel deals, car rentals, destination weddings, cruise deals and in-destination activities, attractions, services and travel apps. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com customers can get the best rates available online for all types of travel. Expedia, Expedia.com, Expedia+, Find Yours, Vacation Deprivation and the Airplane logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners 2017 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50. Web site: https://www.expedia.com/ 1Expedia.com conducted the Travel Abroad Survey using Google Consumer Surveys, a Google service that enables polling of a demographically representative sample of Americans online. The study was conducted from April 19-24, and included responses from 1001 American adults. 2Expedia.com commissioned the Summer Travel Outlook using Google Consumer Surveys, a Google service that enables polling of a demographically representative sample of Americans online. The study was conducted from March 23-25, and included responses from 1,012 American adults. 3All data is based on Q1 2017 booking window with June August 2017 travel window vs. Q1 2016 booking window with June August 2016 travel window. Package data from Oct 1 2016 March 31 2017 booking window for June August 2017 travel window. SOURCE Expedia.com Related Links http://www.expedia.com COSTA MESA, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (OTC: CETY) announced today that it has established a new CETY Europe Sales and Service Center in Silea (Treviso), Italy. The service center will include a 24/7 Call Center, support Field Service Personnel, including remote access to the Waste Heat Generators and inventory spare parts to support the currently commissioned 65 Clean Cycle installations in Europe. The service center will also provide support services for new European sales. CETY has identified substantial unmet market needs in many European countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Belarus and the Czech Republic. The CETY Europe Sales and Service Center will be the warranty and service hub for CETY's Clean Cycle Heat Recovery Solutions (HRS) Waste Heat Generators. CETY purchased the patented HRS technology from General Electric in 2015. The HRS System captures waste heat from a variety of sources such as Reciprocating Engines, Turbines, landfills, composting operations, water, or steam processes, and converts it into reliable electricity without requiring additional manpower, fuel or emissions. The CETY Europe Sales and Service Center will be well suited to handle any warranty and/or service issues. Jamie Burrows, Director of Operations of CETY stated, "It was imperative for us to have a service center close to our customers, to increase our efficiency and response time and reduce shipping time and associated costs by maintaining a managed inventory in Europe." "Our service center in Italy is a key part of our plan for our expansion into the substantial European incentive markets, and is expected to accelerate market absorption of our products and services, while improving customer service to our existing customer base," added Kam Mahdi, CEO of CETY. CETY Europe Sales and Service Center Via Alzaia sul Sile, 26/D 31057 Silea (Treviso) Italy Tel. & Fax. 0422 1627652 Email: [email protected] About Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (CETY) Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. designs, builds, and markets clean energy products focused on energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable technologies. The Company's principal product is the Clean Cycle generator, offered by CETY's Clean Energy HRS, or Heat Recovery Solutions, subsidiary, www.heatrecoverysolutions.com. The Clean Cycle captures waste heat from a variety of sources and turns it into electricity that can used or sold back to the grid. CETY's proven, reliable technology allows municipal, commercial, and industrial users with heat sources, such as from industrial processes or energy production, to boost their overall energy efficiency with no additional fuel, no pollutants, and little ongoing maintenance. CETY's engineering and manufacturing resources support the Heat Recovery Solutions business, as well as CETY's other technologies. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, CETY's common stock is currently traded on the Pink OTC Market under the symbol CETY. For more information, visit www.cetyinc.com or www.heatrecoverysolutions.com. This 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, as amended. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and contingencies include, but are not limited to those relating to: changes in general economic and market conditions; future technology performance; market acceptance and adoption of CETY's products and competitive products; the acquisition and integration of business assets and operations, technologies, or companies; and other risk factors as outlined in CETY's periodic reports, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of the date on which such statements were made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statements that may become untrue because of subsequent events. Contact: Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. Kam Mahdi, CEO 949-273-4990 x814 [email protected] or: Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. John Bennett, CFO 949-273-4990 x807 [email protected] SOURCE Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. Related Links http://www.cetyinc.com DALLAS, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- President Trump's decision to remove the US from the Paris Climate Agreement is a disappointment and an imminent threat to our shared planet. In leaving, this decision ignores science, removes standards that will protect public and environmental health, jeopardizes hundreds of thousands of renewable energy jobs, and puts at risk our national and global security. We have a collective moral responsibility to leave future generations with a planet that is clean, healthy, and sustainable. This is why Clearview Energy will continue giving consumers the ability to power their homes with renewable energy sources, slowing the pace of climate change, while doing our part to help everyone live more green. Frank McGovern President, Clearview Energy About Clearview Energy Clearview Energy is a leading retailer of 100% green energy, serving consumers across the United States. We offer consumers energy choice without compromise - helping them reduce their carbon footprint while protecting the environment. The company has been on the Dallas Business Journal's 100 fastest growing companies list for the past 5 years, ranking as high as #3. Since inception, Clearview Energy has received an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau for superior customer service. It is certified as a Diverse Business Enterprise with over 600 employees and sub-contractors across the US. For more information, visit www.clearviewenergy.com. Press Contact: Kai Stansberry 213-761-0159 [email protected] SOURCE Clearview Energy Related Links http://www.clearviewenergy.com MONTREAL, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - COLO-D, the second-largest data center solution provider in Canada and the largest in Quebec, is pleased to announce the commissioning of its second stateoftheart facility. The COLO-D2 data center, located in the Greater Montreal Area, has 35 MW of available power and over 180,000 square feet of space. Also, in the first quarter of 2017, COLO-D signed significant agreements with two prominent corporations, ultimately representing a total IT power usage exceeding 12 MWs. Together, those two new clients represent, by far, the biggest data-capacity increase in recent years in Canada's data center marketplace. This demonstration of trust by major clients reinforces COLOD's leadership in the Canadian data center industry. "These clients have chosen COLO-D as their colocation provider due to our extensive expertise in the design and operation of data centers for large enterprise," says Patrick David, President and Chief Executive Officer of COLOD. "We are preferred because of our hyper connected facilities and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our clientele." Data centers powered by renewable energy COLO-D has strategically located its two facilities in the Greater Montreal Area to take advantage of a reliable, renewable and clean source of energy: hydroelectricity. With hydropower, COLO-D can help forward-looking organizations meet carbon reduction targets. In addition, COLO-D benefits from the third-lowest electricity rates in North America and a favorable climate, resulting in highly competitive data center solutions for its clients. Hyperconnectivity In terms of network interconnections, cloud connectivity and content sharing, COLO-D offers high-tech solutions that exceeds the expectations of large corporations. As a neutral colocation operator, COLO-D works in partnership with some of the largest players in the telecommunications industry; present in its Meet-Me-Rooms, to provide state-of-the-art connectivity with national and international backbone networks. The COLO-D ecosystem features diverse, low-latency and high-capacity connectivity with telecom hubs, giving large enterprise the option to develop high-performance hybrid cloud solutions. About COLO-D COLO-D is a North American leader in providing enterprise data center solutions powered by renewable energy. COLO-D operates two next-generation data centers in Canada, totaling 55 MW of power and more than 300,000 square feet of space. COLO-D is the second-largest data center provider in Canada and the largest in Quebec. The company offers custom data center solutions and colocation services that meet the everchanging technological needs of large enterprises, including cloud providers, high-tech organizations, financial institutions and government agencies. colod.com SOURCE COLO-D LONDON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Core Security has been named a finalist in the SC Awards 2017 Europe for outstanding industry leadership in information security. Core Security 2017 Vulnerability Management Submission is recognized in the Best Vulnerability Management Solution category, which acknowledges superior services and solutions that help customers address the most pressing cyber-security threats. Core Vulnerability Insight is unique in its ability to provide Attack Path Simulation, which not only highlights the most important vulnerabilities in an organization, but also exposes how attackers pivot and can move laterally once they are inside the network. "We are delighted to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Core Security as an Excellence Award finalist," said Tony Morbin, Editor in chief, SC Media UK. "The security risks and challenges facing private and public sector companies these days are constant and complex. Core Security stands out among those facing this challenge head-on, fending off the many potentially devastating attacks. "Data breaches that compromise people's data and tarnish company reputations are causing mounting headlines across the globe. This is why it is more important than ever to recognize Europe's vast army defenders that stand out as exemplars of excellence, working largely unseen to protect our data." The SC Awards Europe, are the information security industry's most prominent recognition. Winners in the Threat Solution categories are decided by an expert panel of judges, hand-picked by SC Media UK's editorial team for their breadth of knowledge and experience in the information security industry. The awards honor both the cyber-security professionals working in the trenches, and the products and services that help protect today's corporate world from a myriad of ever-changing threats. The winners will be announced at the SC Magazine Awards Europe ceremony to be held in London on Tuesday June 6th. Winners of this year's SC Awards Europe will be announced at a gala dinner and award ceremony on Tuesday 6 June at Old Billingsgate in central London. This is one of the most anticipated IT security events of the year and promises a great celebration as well as invaluable networking opportunities with some of the top corporate IT professionals in the country. To attend the awards, please visit scawardseurope.com for more information. About SC Media UK SC Media UK provides IT security professionals with in-depth and unbiased information through timely news, comprehensive analysis, cutting-edge features, contributions from thought leaders and the best, most extensive collection of product reviews in the business. By offering a consolidated view of IT security through independent product tests and well-researched editorial content that provides the contextual backdrop for how these IT security tools will address larger demands put on businesses today, SC Media UK enables IT security pros to make the right security decisions for their companies. Besides the Guide editions and daily website, the brand's portfolio includes the SC Congress and Expo series (London, New York, Chicago, Toronto), SC Awards, Roundtables, Webinars and SC Newswire. About Core Security Corporation Core Security provides market-leading, threat-aware, identity, access and vulnerability management solutions that provide actionable intelligence and context needed to manage security risks across the enterprise. Solutions include multi-factor authentication, provisioning, Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), Identity and Access Intelligence (IAI), and Vulnerability Management (VM). The combination of these solutions provides context and shared intelligence through analytics, giving customers a more comprehensive view of their security posture so they can make better security remediation decisions and maintain compliance. Core Security is headquartered in the USA with offices and operations in South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. To learn more, contact Core Security at (678) 304-4500 or [email protected]. Media Contact Kari Walker ZAG Communications for Core Security +1.703.928.9996 [email protected] SOURCE Core Security Related Links http://www.courion.com Andrew McGarrity, CEO of Thrivist, commented, "Our entire team at Thrivist is incredibly eager to begin our new partnership with Ingram Content Group. We know that our combined technical and service teams are positioned to greatly assist schools, districts and education associations with our suite of integrated products and solutions." "It was a highly rewarding experience to assist Andrew and Thrivist in its early stage growth, financing and ultimate partnership with Ingram," Managing Partner of Crimson Ventures and Thrivist Board Member Rob Walker said. Key advisors for Thrivist in this transaction included Crimson Ventures, FUEL for Good, Waterford Tax and the Emerging Companies Group of Baker, Donelson-Nashville. Key partners for Thrivist included Pilgrim Consulting Group, SiteMason, Bank of Nashville and RANDA Solutions. About Crimson Ventures: Crimson Ventures, via predecessor companies, began operations in 1993 and is a management consulting and opportunistic angel investing company with more than 20 years of experience assisting companies at key inflection points such as hyper-growth, capital raising, M&A transactions, business exits, turn-arounds and more. In addition to Thrivist, Crimson Ventures maintains ownership positions in Sovereign Sportsman Solutions, Hilburn Investment Co., Residential Investment Advisors, GlideSlope Partners (formerly Compass EMP Funds), Transformational Warehousing & Logistics, and others. Additional information is available at www.CrimsonVenturesLLC.com. About Thrivist: For K-12 schools implementing blended and digital learning strategies, Thrivist is a learning and analytics platform that enables schools to develop, deliver and manage online learning and leverage learning analytics to correlate learning activities with student performance. The company's software is offered via a Software as a Service model and is being used in more than 25 school districts today. Additional information is available at www.Thrivist.com. SOURCE Crimson Ventures Related Links http://www.CrimsonVenturesLLC.com BOSTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest enterprise survey from Strategy Analytics, Enterprise Mobility 2017 - Adoption and Trends, enterprises in the U.S., UK, France and Germany are continuing to recognize the importance of mobility as part of their overall business strategy. Implementation levels of mobile app strategies show that companies have moved fast to embrace mobile and incorporate it into their business. Strategy Analytics interviewed 1,200 IT decision makers across 9 vertical markets in the U.S., UK, France, and Germany in the first quarter of 2017. Click here for the report https://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/enterprise/mobile-workforce/reports/report-detail/enterprise-mobility-2017---adoption-and-trends Key findings include: The enterprise employee base is continuing showing high levels of mobility: Employees are continuing using an increasing array of business devices i.e. smartphones, tablets, business apps and IoT apps. Total IT budgets, including enterprise mobility, are set to increase in the next 5 years among SMBs and Large Enterprises: 30% of enterprises spent 5-10% on IT in 2016, and almost 12% spent 10% or more on IT in 2016. This demonstrates that organizations understand the continuing importance of mobility to their business and are willing to invest in hardware, software and services. 29% of survey companies reported above 50% of corporate-liable smartphones are unlocked devices. These unlocked devices may struggle with GDPR regulation over the next few years if no proper mobile security or EMM solutions are being installed. Enterprise mobility management (EMM) is the top tool businesses use to manage business data on personal-liable devices. Security concern outweighs action as nearly 1/3 still do not manage corporate data on PL devices. The opportunity of adding mobile security tools and EMM solutions are large. Corporate-liable dominates in EU countries due to imminent GDPR implementation and low EMM, secure container and active-sync penetration. BYOD also proven to be not cost effective among companies in the EU. "Overall, enterprises in the US, UK, France and Germany look at mobile as an integral part of digital transformation and depend on it to extend access to information, improve process efficiency, increase employee productivity and lower operational cost," said Gina Luk, Principal Analyst of Mobile Workforce Strategies. "Concerns about security and backup and recovery are pressing issues to F.I.R.E. (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate), public sector, and professional services industries. IT & software vendors must take the lead in providing corporations with the appropriate levels of embedded security," added Andrew Brown, Executive Director of Enterprise Research at Strategy Analytics. About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com Contact: Gina Luk, +44(0) 1908 423 632, [email protected] Contact: Andrew Brown, +44(0) 1908 423 630, [email protected] SOURCE Strategy Analytics Related Links http://www.strategyanalytics.com ANKENY, Iowa, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dairy Iowa, a partnership between individuals and organizations invested in Iowa's dairy industry, will hold its annual June Dairy Month event June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heartland Agribition Center in Independence. The meeting's keynote speaker is Kevin Murphy of Food Chain Communications, addressing the challenges faced by the dairy community from misinformation and extremist attitudes, and how to respond. The day's events are concurrent with a youth communications workshop presented by Midwest Dairy. All Iowa dairy youth enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. The program includes a panel of dairy farmers sharing their labor-saving and value-added efforts, as well as roundtable discussions among many of the groups who work on behalf of dairy throughout Iowa. In addition to Midwest Dairy and the Iowa State Dairy Association, participants will include the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Northeast Iowa Community College, the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa State University. In addition, the meeting will host the presentation of the annual Ralph Keeling Awards given to individuals dedicated to Iowa's dairy legacy, and scholarships presented by Midwest Dairy Association and the Iowa State Dairy Association. Those wishing to attend may visit IowaDairy.org for more information, or may contact Mitch Schulte at [email protected] or 319-775-3451. Midwest Dairy Association represents 7,400 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to increase dairy sales, foster innovation and inspire consumer confidence in dairy products and practices. Midwest Dairy is funded by checkoff dollars from dairy farmers in a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com. Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at Midwest Dairy. SOURCE Midwest Dairy Association Related Links http://www.midwestdairy.com INDIANAPOLIS, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today that Derica Rice, executive vice president global services and chief financial officer, will retire at the end of December 2017 after 27 years of service with the company. Rice is also a member of Lilly's executive committee. "On behalf of our shareholders, our board, our executive team and the company, I want to thank Derica for his leadership as our CFO over the past eleven years," said David A. Ricks, Lilly's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Derica has been a core part of Lilly's turnaround, our innovation strategy and our consistent ability to set and then meet targets and commitments. His personal integrity and commitment to our company has been unwavering." "Derica helped navigate the YZ period, served as a trusted advisor to three CEOs, left a lasting impact on Lilly talent across the globe and transformed our global services delivery organization," said Ricks. "The entire Lilly family would like to thank Derica and wish him the very best in his next set of endeavors." Rice joined Lilly in 1990, holding numerous roles in finance and operations throughout his career. He was promoted to his current role in May 2006 after serving as Lilly's vice president and controller. Rice also has served as Lilly's general manager in the United Kingdom, executive director and chief financial officer of European operations and chief financial officer for the company's operations in Canada. Rice earned his MBA from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the General Motors Institute. "It's been a true calling to work at Lilly, helping people live longer, healthier lives. I can't think of a more noble pursuit than that," said Rice. "It's been a wonderful ride and I'm grateful for the opportunity." Lilly is considering internal and external candidates to succeed Rice. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and www.lilly.com/newsroom/social-channels. C-LLY This press release contains forward-looking statements about leadership changes within Lilly's human pharmaceutical business and reflects Lilly's current beliefs. There are risks and uncertainties related to leadership changes, including with regard to identifying a successor to Mr. Rice and the timing of these changes. For discussion of important risks and uncertainties, please see Lilly's latest Forms 10-Q and 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements. Refer to: Kelley Murphy; [email protected]; 317-701-4007 SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company ROCKLEDGE, Fla., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. (OTC Pink:KGKG), a hemp lifestyle brand of exclusivity and status, has announced that they will be developing an all new CBD infused line of energy waters, which will expand their energy beverage product lineup that already includes their popular hemp infused energy drinks. The company will be producing multiple flavors that will appeal to a vast consumer market. These flavors include Tropical Coconut, Georgia Peach, Kiwi-Strawberry, and Watermelon. Kona Gold has also recently expanded their warehouse space by adding an additional 1600 square feet. The additional warehouse space will be used to house inventory of their current and future products. "We are very excited to be announcing that the company is in the process of developing an amazing new product, an all-new CBD infused energy water that will be available in several delicious flavors," stated Robert Clark, CEO of Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. We could have simply created great tasting flavored CBD waters, but we are an energy beverage company, so naturally we are taking our product development to the next level by adding energy to our CBD infused flavored waters! Not many companies are doing that. Kona Gold will use their existing distribution partners and retail locations to effectively launch their new CBD infused flavored energy waters into the market once they become available in the second half of 2017. The company will make announcements as production nears and launch dates are set. For more information regarding Kona Gold Solutions, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/konagoldhemp https://twitter.com/konagoldhemp https://www.instagram.com/konagoldhemp/ http://www.konagoldhemp.com Kona Gold Solutions, Inc.: Kona Gold Solutions, Inc. has created Kona Gold LLC, a Delaware Corporation, which has developed a premier Hemp Infused Energy Drink, Energy shots, and Apparel; please visit the Companys new website to view updates and new products at www.konagoldhemp.com. The Company announced it has moved its Corporate Headquarters to Rockledge, FL. Konas new warehouse and office space gives the Company the space needed to expand rapidly. Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. A new EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES campaign PSA, voiced by Mario Batali, highlights the importance of people's food choices this June, and underlines the power of life-saving HIV/AIDS medication that costs just 30 cents a day in sub-Saharan Africa. "It's a beautiful thing when food not only brings people together, but does so in a way that means real impact on the AIDS fight. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of so many of my heroes in the culinary industry we're taking the campaign all across the country. So whether you're eating, drinking or joining the emoji food fight on Twitter, your choices really do count this June," says Mario Batali. Deborah Dugan, CEO of (RED), commented: "It's so inspiring to see the culinary community wrap its arms and apron strings around a fight as important as this. We're enormously grateful to Mario and every one of our EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES supporters for making it easy for everyone, everywhere, to become a key ingredient in the fight to end AIDS." Throughout June, consumers can look forward to the following activations that make purchasing popular foods lobster rolls to pizza, salad to waffles and more! -- into choices that #86AIDS. Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza - Grab a signature (RED) Vine Pizza and an ice-cold Coca-Cola drink, and $1 will be donated to the Global Fund, up to $50,000 . The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match the donations made by Blaze. Grab a signature (RED) Vine Pizza and an ice-cold Coca-Cola drink, and will be donated to the Global Fund, up to . The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match the donations made by Blaze. Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is generously supporting the AIDS fight this June with a $100,000 donation to support the work of The Global Fund. Jimmy John's will also promote EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES and create awareness through a special '(RED)' Snapchat filter at their 2700+ locations in the United States . is generously supporting the AIDS fight this June with a donation to support the work of The Global Fund. will also promote EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES and create awareness through a special '(RED)' Snapchat filter at their 2700+ locations in . Building on the success of the Jonathan Adler designed (ANDAZ) RED Suite at Andaz West Hollywood, the Andaz brand is continuing its support of (RED) in the month of June by going (RED) for breakfast at Andaz hotels ( Maui , West Hollywood , Savannah, Scottsdale, Napa, and both 5th Avenue and Wall Street in New York ). For every person who dines in a participating Andaz restaurant for breakfast, the hotel will donate $1 and offer each diner the opportunity to match the donation to double the impact. Each participating hotel will also offer a special signature breakfast item that triggers a $3 donation. Suite at Andaz West Hollywood, the Andaz brand is continuing its support of (RED) in the month of June by going (RED) for breakfast at Andaz hotels ( , , Savannah, Scottsdale, Napa, and both 5th Avenue and Wall Street in ). For every person who dines in a participating Andaz restaurant for breakfast, the hotel will donate and offer each diner the opportunity to match the donation to double the impact. Each participating hotel will also offer a special signature breakfast item that triggers a donation. Hedley & Bennett has collaborated with longstanding (RED) Chef Ambassador, Dominique Ansel , recently named the World's Best Pastry Chef by the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards, to create a limited-edition custom apron available for order only during the month of June on HedleyandBennett.com. has collaborated with longstanding (RED) Chef Ambassador, , recently named the World's Best Pastry Chef by the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards, to create a limited-edition custom apron available for order only during the month of June on HedleyandBennett.com. The Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group restaurants including OTTO, La Sirena and Del Posto in New York , as well as Tarry Lodge, Pizzeria Mozza and others across the U.S will offer special (RED) menu items during June. restaurants including OTTO, La Sirena and in , as well as Tarry Lodge, Pizzeria Mozza and others across the U.S will offer special (RED) menu items during June. Luke's Lobster is turning their iconic lobster roll '(RED)' in June! At all 24 Luke's Lobster locations guests will be given the option to add a $1 donation to fight AIDS to their check. For every dollar donated, Luke's Lobster will also donate $1 , up to $3,000 . is turning their iconic lobster roll '(RED)' in June! At all 24 Luke's Lobster locations guests will be given the option to add a donation to fight AIDS to their check. For every dollar donated, Luke's Lobster will also donate , up to . Max Brenner will add two (RED) menu items to their brunch offerings a strawberry sugar waffle, topped with Max Brenner's velvety white chocolate sauce, freshly whipped cream and milk chocolate chunks, and the (RED) mimosa. will add two (RED) menu items to their brunch offerings a strawberry sugar waffle, topped with velvety white chocolate sauce, freshly whipped cream and milk chocolate chunks, and the (RED) mimosa. The Palm - Visit any location for the signature (RED) menu item, a 35 Day Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In New York 20 oz. Strip Steak ($59) Visit any location for the signature (RED) menu item, a 35 Day Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In New York 20 oz. Strip Steak The Cheesecake Factory and (RED) partner, Coca-Cola, are joining forces to feature their iconic Ultimate (RED) Velvet Cheesecake & ice-cold Coca-Cola on menus to raise awareness, in addition to a $20,000 donation to fight AIDS. and (RED) partner, Coca-Cola, are joining forces to feature their iconic Ultimate (RED) Velvet Cheesecake & ice-cold Coca-Cola on menus to raise awareness, in addition to a donation to fight AIDS. Seamore's During June, Seamore's will offer diners a special signature (RED) salad, made with watermelon, tomato, jalapeno, and ricotta During June, Seamore's will offer diners a special signature (RED) salad, made with watermelon, tomato, jalapeno, and ricotta Lou Malnati's Pizza is offering a special "Spreading Hearts Box" during June, nationwide. The box includes a heart shaped pizza and a heart shaped chocolate chip cookie, as well as two tiny pewter hearts for the recipient. Home cooks can also EAT (RED) this June, with limited edition (HELLOFRESH)RED meal kits with exclusive easy-to-follow recipes created by (RED) Chef Ambassadors Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray and Carla Hall. For every new subscriber who orders a (HELLOFRESH)RED meal kit at www.hellofresh.com/eatRED using code HELLORED, HelloFresh will offer a $20 discount off the first box and make a $20 donation to fight AIDS. Customers can select one (RED) recipe, plus two others, as part of their weekly HelloFresh delivery. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match every donation by HelloFresh, up to $500,000. All customers will have an opportunity to donate directly via the HelloFresh website. New this year, the first-ever EAT (RED) FOOD & FILM FEST!, presented by Bank of America, will take place in the evening of June 20 in New York's Bryant Park. Mario Batali, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Ina Garten, Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese and The Beatrice's Angie Mar have collaborated in creating the ultimate evening picnic, giving food fans the opportunity to savor their dishes. Ticketed guests will also enjoy an outdoor screening of Sleepless in Seattle, (BELVEDERE)RED summer cocktails, Birra Moretti beer and wine by Josh Cellars. A limited number of tickets are available at ticketmaster.com/EatRED for $100, with 100% of the ticket price going to fight AIDS with (RED). Thanks to dollar matching by Bank of America and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, every ticket purchased will generate $600 to fight AIDS. Additionally, (RED) and Bonnaroo are teaming-up with legendary James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef and author, Hugh Acheson for an unforgettable (RED) Supper @ Bonnaroo on June 8. Raising money for the Global Fund, the family-style festival dinner takes place as the first night of Bonnaroo 2017 swings into action. Guests will enjoy Hugh's special three course (RED) menu, with tickets priced at $75, and 100% of the ticket price going to fight AIDS. Starting June 1, a new EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES Facebook Messenger bot will give food fans zip code-based details of where to EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES during June, GIFs and sharable food puns. On June 5, the #REDFoodFight is coming back, giving people the opportunity to tweet food emojis at friends, using #REDFoodFight for a food fight in the name of EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES. "(RED) is great at coming up with smart, innovative ways for people to support the AIDS fight. The disease has had a devastating impact over 35 years, and though we've made huge progress, campaigns like EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES help to remind everyone that we need to keep our feet on the gas to end it for good," said Marijke Wijnroks, Interim Executive Director of the Global Fund. About (RED) (RED) was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world's most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, GAP, MCM, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks and Telcel. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Andaz, Fatboy USA, Fully, Girl Skateboards, Le Creuset, mophie, S'well, and Vespa. To date, (RED) has generated more than $465 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 90 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services. EAT (RED) Media Kit & Assets PRESS CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE (RED) Related Links http://red.org RICHMOND, Va., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) is proud to recognize the 88 high school seniors from Virginia who this spring have completed the ECMC Scholars Program, qualifying each of them for up to $6,000 in scholarships for postsecondary education. These students attended nine high schools throughout Virginia and will be attending colleges across the state in the fall, including Radford University, Richard Bland College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University, Longwood University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and many others. "College is a major financial investment for most families, which is why ECMC created the Scholars Programto help ensure students who make the investment in their higher education are successful in that effort," said Paula Craw, ECMC vice president of student success and outreach. "In recognition of their hard work and completion of the program, the aid they receive will help defray the cost of attendance for students at any college, university or technical school they choose." For the past two years, these students have participated in the ECMC Scholars Program, a rigorous two-year mentoring program that allows select students to access up to $4,000 in scholarships their first year of college and, pending completion of all requirements, qualify for an additional $2,000 for their second year. Unlike a traditional academic scholarship, these students weren't selected solely for their academic merit or test scoresinstead, they were chosen for their potential. Working with an ECMC Scholars advisor, they've spent their junior and senior years building social and study skills and actively preparing for success in college. "With much persistence and assurance, it is my hope that the students find the fortitude to stay the course as they enter college. While obstacles will distract, deter and cause them to question their plan, hopefully, and with continued counsel from ECMC, they will become the person they want to be," said Olaniyi Lucas, ECMC Scholars advisor in Virginia. "I have seen great strides from all of the Scholars with whom I have worked. They have demonstrated a commitment to preparing themselves for the next step in their educational careers, and I'm excited to see where that journey takes them." Since 2005, ECMC has provided $7.6 million to nearly 1,500 ECMC Scholars students in Virginia aloneon average, 100 students per year from ten high schools across the state. Over the past 13 years, ECMC has provided more than $15 million in financial aid to 5,080 students in Virginia, Oregon and Connecticut. ECMC has committed to supporting an additional 470 students with nearly $3 million in scholarships through 2019. About ECMC Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to help students succeed. ECMC works to lower student loan default rates; sponsors college access and success initiatives, and financial literacy programs; and provides resources to support student loan borrowers to successfully repay their loans. Visit www.ecmc.org for more information. SOURCE ECMC Related Links http://www.ecmc.org READING, Mass., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eliassen Group, a leading technology consulting, staffing, and training firm, has been named one of Inc. magazine's Best Workplaces for 2017, the publication's second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. Hitting newsstands today in the June 2017 issue, and as part of a prominent inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just over 200 winning companies. Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Nebraska, Inc.'s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says it's more than good pay and good perks it's also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes the two work together. "The fact that we have been named to Inc.'s Best Workplaces for a second consecutive year provides further evidence that we are succeeding in our goal of truly understanding and supporting the personal and professional needs of each employee so that we can deliver exceptional service and commitment to our customers, to our internal stakeholders, and to the communities in which we live and work," said David MacKeen, Eliassen Group's CEO. "We are extremely proud of the workplace culture we have cultivated and continue to evolve." The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees' responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies don't view their employers as sugar daddies. They aren't mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. "By introducing an employee survey into this year's Best Workplaces selection process, we've really raised the bar. Companies that don't score at the very top of their peer group don't make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, that's not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves," says Eric Schurenberg, Inc.'s president and editor in chief. About Eliassen Group Eliassen Group is a technology consulting and staffing company offering services to clients nationwide, with divisions and practices focusing on IT Staffing, Agile Consulting and Staffing, Creative Services, Biometrics and Data Solutions, Life Sciences, Government Services and Workforce Management. Eliassen Group has been driving the success of our clients, consultants and employees since 1989. For nearly 30 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation by uniting talented people and quality solutions with successful companies to help them attain their business objectives. Our solution oriented approach to understanding your needs ensures that we identify and represent the best possible talent available in the market, personally selected and matched to your requirements by our highly-tenured, extraordinarily capable recruitment services team. Eliassen Group is headquartered in Reading, MA. For more information, go to http://www.eliassen.com or call 1-800-354-2773. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Age's "The A-List" in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit www.quantumworkplace.com. Contact: Sandra Callahan [email protected] SOURCE Eliassen Group Related Links http://www.eliassen.com BALTIMORE, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Elixirgen Scientific can make global Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Muscular Dystrophy research faster and better. The Baltimore biotech company today released three lab kits using Sendai Virus (SeV) technology that will help scientists create cholinergic neurons, dopaminergic neurons, and skeletal muscle cells in only one week. These kits are a part of the Quick-Tissue Series a revolutionary new way to generate human cells, tissues, and organs. The Quick-Tissue Series kits' potent cocktails of transcription factors transform researchers' stem cells of choice into high-quality tissues in a scalable, speedy manner. The Quick-Tissue Series SeV kits are fastest at producing their tissues among all currently published protocols, are cost-effective for researchers, and do not tamper with the stem cells' genomes. Past medical research has been conducted in modified cells that attempted to model diseases or in animal models of human diseases. Although much has been achieved through these methods, actual patient cells converted to the tissue involved in the disease are a much more accurate subject to study. Researchers using the Quick-Neuron Cholinergic SeV kit could make drug discovery for Alzheimer's disease faster and more precise, while the Quick-Neuron Dopaminergic SeV kit could do the same for Parkinson's disease, and the Quick-Muscle Skeletal SeV kit could similarly enhance Muscular Dystrophy research. In addition to disease research applications, Elixirgen Scientific has been exploring the possibility of using the Quick-Tissue Series kits to accelerate 3-D Bioprinting, organ transplantation, and chemical safety testing as well. The new Quick-Tissue Series kits (Quick-Neuron Cholinergic SeV, Quick-Neuron Dopaminergic SeV kit, Quick-Neuron Dopaminergic kit, and Quick-Muscle Skeletal SeV) are available for purchase at Elixirgen Scientific's website (ElixirgenScientific.com), which also hosts the technical information behind the products. About Elixirgen Scientific: Elixirgen Scientific, launched in 2016, is a Baltimore-based biotechnology company focused on stem cell related technology. The company's mission is to make stem cell innovation available to everyone. Elixirgen Scientific is now providing reagents and kits at an affordable price to help make research and other laboratory work more efficient. CONTACT: Akihiro Ko, 443-869-5420, [email protected] SOURCE Elixirgen Scientific Related Links https://elixirgenscientific.com TRUMBULL, Conn., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ElderCheck Now, which is available for FREE for Apple Watch and iPhone on the Apple App Store helps to put caregivers at ease by allowing them to check-in with a loved one and receive important information with it's simple, two button interface. Developer FallCall Solutions, LLC announced today the launch of their "My Story" contest, which allows anyone an opportunity to enter to win a $500 debit gift card by downloading their FREE app and sharing their story. Enter to Win a $500 Debit Gift Card With ElderCheck Now for Apple Watch and iPhone in My Story Contest "We want to give back to our growing community," stated Shea Gregg MD, Connecticut Physician and President of FallCall Solutions. "Users continue to download our app daily and we are beyond excited to share their stories, but also provide a 'Thank You'." ElderCheck Now provides assurance to family and caregivers as today's seniors are becoming more and more active. By pressing either "I'm OK" or "Call Me" on ElderCheck Now's simple interface, the app will collect the most recent heart rate and GPS location and transmit the information back to a caregiver using Apple Healthkit technology through their Apple Watch. To enter, an elder and a caregiver simply have to download ElderCheck Now for free onto their mobile devices from the Apple App Store, pair and use the app with each other, and then submit both a written story and photo of their experience via email ([email protected]) or online (www.elderchecknow.com). *Entries must be received between June 1, 2017 until the company's 2-year anniversary date: July 15, 2017 and will be judged based on uniqueness, creativity of use and impact on the entrant. "Being a caregiver can be one of the most challenging roles a person can take on," says Dr. Kristin Gregg, co-founder. "Technology can help through the added peace of mind of an electronic relationship with their loved one. For active elders, having the ability to contact family following the press of a single button can be important and potentially life saving. As physicians who care for this population daily, we can't wait to hear the stories that people will tell after using this unique platform." Distinguished judges include: Gary Calligas: Publisher and Radio Personality, www.bestoftimesnews.com Executive director of North American Mature Publishers Association Erik Panu: Advisor, Corporate Vice President, Cadence Design Systems Board of Directors, FallCall Solutions FallCall Solutions, LLC, a physician-founded company, develops telemonitoring software for the Apple ecosystem that simplifies communications between elders, caregivers and care providers. In addition to ElderCheck Now, their upcoming app is FallCall Now: "smart" fall detection for Apple Watch and iPhone. *Full contest rules online at: www.elderchecknow.com. "Apple Inc." is in no way sponsoring, endorsing, or participating in this contest. Apple, Apple Watch and iPhone and are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Healthkit is a trademark of Apple, Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. FallCall Solutions, LLC www.fallcall.com www.elderchecknow.com Media Contact: Eric Pontbriand FallCall Solutions, LLC [email protected] 860.309.7682 SOURCE FallCall Solutions, LLC Related Links http://www.fallcall.com BOCA RATON, Fla., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Companies that try to "do good" are likely to find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is bad for their bottom lines, according to a new study from Florida Atlantic University's College of Business. "We found that emphasizing Corporate Social Responsibility is not good for shareholders," said David Javakhadze, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance, who investigated the relationship between CSR and efficiency with which firms allocate their capital resources. "If you're an investor you should think twice before you invest in those firms that emphasize CSR." For the purpose of the study, CSR is defined as strategies that appear to foster some social good, including programs that benefit community engagement, diversity, the environment, human rights and employee relations. The study, published in the Journal of Corporate Finance, found that focusing on CSR strategies imposes costs on firms in the form of foregone investment opportunities that in the long run leads to losses for their shareholders. In his empirical analyses using a large sample of firms for the period 1992 to 2014, Javakhadze found that CSR reduces a firm's overall performance and investment efficiency. Investment should follow growth opportunities, he explained, and CSR distorts this relationship because it diverts a firm's resources from its core practices. That distortion is lower in firms where the CEO's compensation is tied to the stock price or in firms that are rich in resources. "It's not only about money; it's about time," said Javakhadze, who co-authored the paper with doctoral student Avishek Bhandari. "If I'm a CEO I should be focusing on finding growth opportunities. If instead I spend my time and my energy to find CSR initiatives it diverts my time and my energy to something else, not focusing on building shareholder wealth." While companies around the world have adopted CSR strategies, it hasn't always been popular. As the economist Milton Friedman said of CSR back in 1970, "a corporation's responsibility is to make as much money for the stockholders as possible." "If you invest in socially responsible activities then you won't have enough resources to invest in more profitable projects, which is not good," Javakhadze said. "It might be good for society. It might be good for managers. But it is not good for shareholders." SOURCE Florida Atlantic University College of Business Related Links http://fau.edu AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Faurecia was one of 500 companies named on Forbes' annual "Top Employers in America" list. Employers that made the list were based on the results of an independent survey conducted among 30,000 American employees working at large companies and institutions with a headcount of 5,000 or more. Costco Wholesale topped the list, which also included names like Google, REI and JetBlue Airways. Forbes worked with online statistics provider Statista to determine how likely employees at the companies surveyed were to recommend their employer to others. The resulting list comprised 500 employers across 25 industriesincluding corporate giants, universities and government agencieswhere employees felt "right at home" at the office. Employing approximately 10,000 people in the United States, Faurecia joined automotive OEMsamong them Ford Motor Company, GM, FCA and Teslaas well as suppliersZF Group, Magna International and Tennecoon Forbes' list. "Unemployment is at its lowest in a long time, and companies are vying to recruit, retain and develop top talent," said Chris Rau, vice president of human resources for Faurecia North America. "We've been actively working to create a company culture that allows us to compete against companies like Google and Facebook, so that our employees are proud to call Faurecia 'home'and we're honored Forbes has recognized us for these efforts." Faurecia was also named a 2016 Top Employer in the U.S. by the Top Employers Institute. Since its creation in 1997, Faurecia has become a leading global supplier of automotive parts and a preferred partner to automakers throughout the world. To learn more about opportunities at Faurecia, visit http://careers.faurecia.com. About Faurecia Faurecia is one of the world's largest automotive equipment suppliers, with three key Business Groups: Seating, Interiors and Clean Mobility. In 2016, the Group posted total sales of $20.7 billion. On December 31, 2016, Faurecia employed 100,000 people in 34 countries at 330 sites and 30 R&D centers. Faurecia is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris stock exchange and trades in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market. For more information, visit www.faurecia.com In North America, Faurecia had sales of $5.78 billion in 2016 and employed approximately 20,000 people at 47 locations in Canada, Mexico and the United States. SOURCE Faurecia Related Links http://www.faurecia.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline, has completed installation of over 4,000 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags throughout its entire fleet of 15 aircraft. One of the first of the Oceanian airlines to utilise RFID, Fiji Airways has taken a keen interest in being an early adopter of customer-centric tech since rebranding in 2013. EAM RFID Solutions EAM RFID Solutions Fiji Airways is integrating RFID to improve in-cabin inspections for onboard emergency equipment such as life vests, life rafts, oxygen bottles, fire extinguishers, extension seat belts, earmuffs, flashlights, survival kits as well as oxygen generators across the A330, B737, ATR, and Twin Otter fleet. Mr. Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways' Managing Director and CEO stated, "As an airline, we seek to innovate and to pass that on to our customers. By utilising EAM's RFID technology, we can inspect hundreds of items on each plane within minutes, enhancing internal efficiencies and decreasing ground time. These enhancements allow us to continue our relentless focus on safety and operational excellence. EAM RFID Solutions is a natural fit for our needs in this regard." The Dubai office of EAM RFID Solutions, a division of EAM Worldwide, is leading the Fiji Airways implementation. "Fiji Airways has been an existing client of EAM Worldwide's safety and survival equipment for years, so we are able to work closely to create a tailor-made solution based on their requirements and procedures," stated Marco Andreacchio, Senior Project Manager at EAM RFID Solutions. Fiji Airways has been using EAM Worldwide life vests for over 10 years. EAM Worldwide is one of the first to embed RFID tags, leading the market with in-vest implementation since 2009. To continue with the RFID program, Fiji Airways and EAM RFID Solutions intend to deploy a wider Cyber Physical System (CPS) by tagging other items (including seat covers) and seeking to advance opportunities with additional system integration with Engineering maintenance system AMOS. About Fiji Airways Founded in 1951, Fiji Airways Group comprises of Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline and its subsidiaries: Fiji Link, its domestic and regional carrier, Pacific Call Comm Ltd, and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link serve 69 destinations in 15 countries (including code-share). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 64 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 1300 employees, and earns revenues of over FJD$815 million (USD $390m). Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in June 2013. Visit www.fijiairways.com for more information. About EAM RFID Solutions EAM RFID Solutions is one of the world's leading RFID solution providers for airlines, aircraft operators, and MRO facilities. EAM RFID Solutions (a division of EAM Worldwide) offers an affordable end-to-end suite of software and business solutions specifically designed for tracking aircraft parts across the aviation supply chain. With a feature-rich web platform, EAM RFID Solutions' application boasts a flexible, dynamic, and user-friendly experience. EAM RFID Solutions has a customized approach to each client, which is underpinned by all-inclusive support, training, and a continuous improvement ethos. Media Contact - Agency Kasey Hayes Native Collaboration Partner [email protected] Media Contact - Internal Marco Andreacchio EAM RFID Solutions Senior Project Manager [email protected] SOURCE EAM RFID Solutions HENDERSON, Nev., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Online immigration software company FileRight .com , in conjunction with FWD.us and Welcome.us, is proud to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and announce its support of the national #IStandWithImmigrants (ISWI) campaign. June marks the fourth annual Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM) in which communities will unite to celebrate our country's immigrant heritage. Supporters will connect through both local events and social media experiences to share stories of individuals, families and communities who have contributed to the unique social fabric of our country. IHM will also mark the launch of the #IStandWithImmigrants (ISWI) campaign, a year-long initiative that encourages Americans to take pride in their immigrant heritage, while also providing an avenue for allies to stand in solidarity with their immigrant employees, colleagues, neighbors and friends. "Immigrant Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the immigrant experience and the men and women including my parents who came to the United States in search of a better life," said Cesare Alessandrini, FileRight.com's Founder & CEO. "At FileRight.com, we are proud to support Immigrant Heritage Month, Welcome.us and the mission of FWD.us to stand with immigrants and fix our broken immigration system." Created by technology experts and immigration attorneys, FileRight.com is an online software service that simplifies the immigration paperwork process to assist immigrants through a procedure that is prone to very costly human errors. It is a digital solution similar to TurboTax that takes complicated legal scenarios, complex forms, and confusing government documentation and makes it much easier for people to properly complete and submit applications on their own. As part of its pledge to stand with immigrants, FileRight .com is sponsoring and participating in Nevada's 2017 Immigrant Heritage Month Dedication Ceremony + Cultural Showcase, June 10 from 6 - 9 p.m. at 333 S. 6th St., 203, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The event will be a celebration of heritage, culture and diversity featuring local artists, faith, business and community leaders, elected officials, and diverse immigrant-serving organizations. Attendees will enjoy great food, activities, cultural performances, an art gallery and car show. For more information, please visit fileright.com/IHM or facebook.com/fileright. About FileRight.com FileRight.com is an online software company dedicated to setting immigrants on the path of success by focusing on one thing: getting immigration paperwork filed right. FileRight.com's software (available in English or Spanish) guides applicants through the process step-by-step and checks for errors or problematic entries along the way. Popular application filing packages also include an immigration lawyer consultation and a review of applications prior to filing. FileRight.com offers 24/7 support and a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Learn more at www.FileRight.com. SOURCE FileRight.com Related Links http://www.fileright.com FRISCO, Texas, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elite Group, Inc. (OTC:ELTZ) would like to address shareholders on several key developments and changes that have recently occurred within the corporation. First and foremost, in March the company officially changed its name on OTC Markets from Elite Books, Inc. to Elite Group, Inc. This move was motivated by a change in direction of the corporation towards the Oil and Gas sector. Secondly, realizing the usefulness of social media, the company has contracted a service to disseminate news and information to shareholders via Twitter and Facebook. Once this service is up and running we will put out a news release encouraging shareholders to follow and like these pages and to check them frequently for information. Additionally, the company has contracted The Olibri Group of Tampa Florida to perform Investor Relations duties. As of this release any shareholder wishing to get information about Elite Group is encouraged to call or email The Olibri Group. Their contact information will be at the end of this release. Lastly, the company is pleased to announce that we are in the final stages of negotiations for the purchase of several Oil and Gas related acquisitions. We are working day and night to complete the purchase, and expect that it will be completed in the near term. Elite Group CEO Terrence Tecco said, We realize that our communication with shareholders has not been to the standards we like, and have put into place a plan to deliver information on a more regular basis. We are moving in the right direction, into a space where monumental growth can be achieved with the right plan. The company wishes to thank our current shareholders for their continued support and welcome all new shareholders that choose to invest in Elite Group, Inc. Safe Harbor Act Notice: Statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company and its management. Such statements reflect management's current views, are based on certain assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events, or performance may differ materially from the above forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, and will be dependent upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the company's ability to obtain additional financing and the demand for the company's products. Any investment in the company would be extremely speculative and involve a high degree of risk and should not be pursued unless the investor could afford to lose their entire investment. Before investing, please review this filing, all past public filings with the SEC, all current Pinksheets.com filings and consult a registered broker dealer or contact the financial industry regulatory authority ("FINRA") for more information regarding locating a qualified party to assist in making an investment decision. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Factors that may impact the company's success are more fully disclosed in the company's most recent public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," "will," and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. PHILADELPHIA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reinvestment Fund today announced the creation of a $10 million Pay for Success (PFS) Fund to support PFS transactions in the United States. QBE Insurance Group, one of the world's top 20 general insurance and reinsurance companies, plans to invest $7 million in the fund. Living Cities, a collective of the world's largest foundations and financial institutions, plans to invest $2 million. Reinvestment Fund will invest $1 million from its core loan fund, which is supported by more than 850 impact investors. Reinvestment Fund will also manage and administer the fund. PFS is an innovative financing mechanism that aligns private investment with promising policy interventions and high impact social services, while offsetting the financial risk if the programs do not achieve the desired results. "We are excited to launch this fund with some of the most experienced PFS investors in this still nascent field in the United States," said Don Hinkle-Brown, President and CEO of Reinvestment Fund. "The PFS Fund offers an innovative organized capital source that will bring efficiency to these transactions by reducing costs and speeding deal execution." The PFS Fund will support the scaling of promising policy interventions, and is likely to grow as it is proven effective. This first of its kind PFS financing mechanism is an important opportunity to align private investment, public policy innovation and high-impact social services. The PFS Fund will support transactions across a range of policy areas, including but not limited to social services, health care, housing, and education. "Investing in the first Pay for Success fund in the United States is an important step in QBE's ongoing commitment to the development and institutionalization of this market. Since 2014, QBE has invested in PFS and social impact bonds in the US, Australia, UK and Canada. We believe this financing mechanism has an important role to play in directing capital to what works, while aiming to make a financial return as well as a difference to communities," said Gary Brader, Chief Investment Officer for QBE Insurance Group. "This investment fits nicely with our Premiums4Good initiative, whereby we undertake to invest a portion of selected customer premiums into assets which are socially or environmentally beneficial." To date, most PFS transactions have been supported by a range of niche investors, and a small number of institutional investors, placing capital because of interest in a specific policy area or a geography. This has made it hard for investors to develop broad expertise in the field and has led to challenges in underwriting, structuring, and closing, which have delayed and added costs to transactions. The PFS Fund will be a dedicated vehicle engaged specifically in the work of investing in PFS transactions, and as such will be able to carry forward lessons learned across multiple transactions. "Having invested in a number of Pay for Success projects to date, Living Cities has seen the power of the PFS model in driving higher-performing programs, more impactful investments, more innovative government processes, and continuous improvement amongst project partnersall while maintaining a shared focus on outcomes that will measurably improve people's lives," said Ben Hecht, President & CEO, Living Cities. "The PFS Fund is a major step toward accelerating the evolution of the PFS market. We are excited that this vehicle will promote greater opportunity to continue learning about the role of private capital in addressing some of our country's greatest challenges." The PFS Fund will focus on small cap transactions, in which a $2-$4 million senior loan from the PFS Fund would represent all or a majority of the senior debt to that transaction. These investments will always ensure a direct link between investment success (return of principal and achievement of desired return) and policy success or social impact. The PFS Fund will only meet its investment goals if key social impacts are achieved. Indeed, the connection between financial return and social impact is inherently intertwined in PFS transactions - more so than in almost any other kind of impact investment. About Reinvestment Fund Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in low-income communities and one of the most experienced PFS lenders in the United States. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better accesscreating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives. Reinvestment Fund has participated in four PFS transactions to date. Learn more at reinvestment.com. SOURCE Reinvestment Fund Related Links http://reinvestment.com ATLANTA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FormFree today announced the appointment of senior software developer Douglas Brewer to the role of director of enterprise architecture. Brewer, who first joined FormFree in 2014, will be responsible for managing the retention and growth of FormFree's software development team, overseeing enterprise software design and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of software updates. An experienced architect of custom software, web-based user interfaces and APIs, Brewer specializes in signal processing, machine learning and other enabling technologies that rely on advanced algorithms and mathematical models to analyze data. Prior to joining FormFree, Brewer loaned his programming expertise to companies in diverse industries ranging from manufacturing to e-commerce to traffic control and spent five years as co-owner of BlackBox Software. He earned his bachelor's degree and doctorate, both in computer science, from the University of Georgia. "Doug has been the powerhouse behind FormFree's technology assets as we've built out game-changing solutions for our customers," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "His commitment to quality, creativity and leadership has been integral to the innovations we've brought to market as well as those still under development." FormFree's flagship product, AccountChek, is an automated asset verification app that streamlines the loan underwriting process for both borrowers and lenders, reducing the time it takes to close loans and resulting in higher borrower satisfaction. "Thanks to its founders' vision, leading FormFree development team has been a gratifying professional challenge and opportunity," said Brewer. "It is not every day that you have a chance to change the world." About FormFree Leading lenders trust FormFree's automated verification solutions that streamline the loan origination process and provide better intelligence on borrowers' ability to repay. FormFree's flagship app, AccountChek, eliminates the hassle of collecting paper statements from borrowers by using direct-access data untouched by human hands to consolidate, analyze and verify assets. AccountChek securely delivers automated asset verification data and on-demand reports to more than 350 leading U.S. lenders. A HousingWire TECH100 company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit http://www.formfree.com/. *LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0522s2p-formfree-300dpi.jpg This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE FormFree Related Links http://www.formfree.com Several top defense contractors bid on the U.S. Army Mission Command contract, it was Systematic Inc.'s SitaWare Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product that beat the competition, readily meeting the requirements and capabilities of the U.S. Army Mission Command. SitaWare is a software product suite providing reliable situational awareness at all levels of command in mounted and dismounted environments. Troops on the ground can easily access information, as well as coordinate and cooperate with other U.S. forces and coalition partners. "This award is a testament to our team's commitment and dedication to providing the highest level of products and services to clients abroad, and solidifies our role as a significant provider of IT services and solutions for the Department of Defense," said Systematic Inc. President and retired U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres. "We look forward to providing our Soldiers and Army with robust warfighting capabilities to improve future command control. " The SitaWare Headquarters solution enhances situational awareness, security and cooperation with other forces. Combined with SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge, SitaWare Headquarters provides collaborative military planning and picture management. "We're excited about the capabilities that SitaWare provides, especially as it relates to meeting coalition interoperability requirements. It also provides the core framework that other Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) application developers can rapidly integrate with," said Lieutenant Colonel Shane Taylor, the lead developer for CPCE infrastructure from the Army's PEO C3T. About Systematic Inc. Systematic Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and has offices in Centreville, Virginia. It supplies software products and services to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and Homeland Security on some of the nation's most sensitive programs. SOURCE Systematic Inc. Related Links http://www.systematicinc.com SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GenomeDx Biosciences, a leader in the field of urologic cancer genomics, today announced that it will present results from two studies featuring the company's Decipher Genomics Resource Information Database (Decipher GRID) and Decipher Prostate Cancer Classifier tests at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting to be held June 2nd to 6th in Chicago, IL. Oral Abstract Session: Title: Development and validation of a novel clinical-genomic risk group classification for prostate cancer incorporating genomic and clinicopathologic risk Abstract No: 5000 Date: Saturday, June 3, 2017 Location: Hall B1 (1:15 p.m. to 1:27 p.m. CDT) Presenter: Daniel Spratt, M.D., University of Michigan Poster Session: Title: Association of loss of tumor suppressor ZFP36 with lethal prostate cancer Abstract No: 5062 Date: Monday, June 5, 2017 Poster Session: Hall A (1:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. CDT) Presenter: Christopher Sweeney, MBBS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute About Decipher GRID and Cancer Classifier Tests GenomeDx's Decipher Genomics Resource Information Database (GRID) contains genomic profiles of thousands of tumors from patients with urological cancers, and is believed by GenomeDx to be the largest shared genomic expression database in urologic cancer as well as one of the world's largest global RNA expression databases using cloud-based analytics. GRID is a platform for interactive research collaboration, and may enable more rapid discovery, development, commercialization and adoption of new genomic solutions for key clinical questions in cancer treatment. Derived from GRID, GenomeDx's Decipher Prostate and Bladder Cancer Classifier tests are commercially available genomic tests that provide a genomic assessment of tumor aggressiveness for individual patients. Decipher Biopsy is indicated for men with localized prostate cancer at diagnosis, Decipher Post-Op is indicated for men after prostate removal surgery and Decipher Bladder is indicated for patients being considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to bladder removal surgery. The Decipher tests are used by physicians to stratify patients into more accurate risk groups than determined by traditional diagnostic tools and to better determine which patients may be more likely to benefit from additional treatment. Each tumor analyzed with a Decipher test adds new data points to the GRID database, which is compiled into a Decipher GRID Profile that may reveal additional biological characteristics of the tumor for ongoing research purposes. Going beyond risk stratification, Decipher and GRID makes accessible genetic information for researchers to potentially better predict responses to therapy and more precisely guide treatment. More information is available at www.deciphertest.com and www.deciphergrid.com About GenomeDx Biosciences GenomeDx has reimagined the use of genomics as a platform for mass collaboration to improve treatment and outcomes of people with cancer. GenomeDx has built Decipher GRID, a large and fast-growing genomics database in urologic cancer that provides a foundation for open and interactive research collaboration and knowledge creation. Using Decipher GRID and machine learning to analyze vast amounts of genomic data, GenomeDx develops and commercializes proprietary clinical tests that are intended to provide more accurate and useful diagnostic information than traditional diagnostic tools or existing genomic tests. GenomeDx's Decipher Biopsy, Decipher Post-Op and Decipher Bladder are commercially available urologic cancer genomic tests that provide an assessment of tumor aggressiveness based on a patient's unique genomic profile. GenomeDx is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and operates a clinical laboratory in San Diego, California. Learn more at www.GenomeDx.com SOURCE GenomeDx Biosciences Related Links https://genomedx.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE: GET.CN) (OTCQB: GLNNF) (CSE: GET.WT), (FKT: GJT) is pleased to announce that Glance Pay, its mobile payment solution for merchants, has signed with one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, The Donnelly Group. The Donnelly Group is an award-winning hospitality company, operating in both Vancouver and Toronto. "The Donnelly Group understands what instills our competitive advantages and mobile payments, well done, is simply a demand of the times. We are excited to partner with Glance Pay and provide a mobile payment solution," says Reid Ogdon, VP Operations, The Donnelly Group. "When you look at popular culture today, The Donnelly Group sets the stage for innovation and a remarkable foresight to give guests an incredible experience at each of their venues. Leading the industry, with over eighteen years in business, Glance Pay is extremely proud to work with The Donnelly Group and speak to their core values of providing guests with a superior product, service, design and community with a collaborative approach. The Glance Pay solution aligns with these important ideals," says Desmond Griffin, CEO, Glance. About The Donnelly Group The Donnelly Group is an award winning and diversified hospitality company, operating in both Vancouver and Toronto, with continued expansion plans to grow in the coming months. The Donnelly Group establishments include Vancouver's Cinema Public House, The Lamplighter Public House, Library Square Public House, Tavern, The Bimini Public House, The Blackbird Public House, The Butcher & Bullock, The New Oxford, The Three Brits, The Railway Stage & Beer Cafe, Clough Club, Granville Room, Royal Dinette and six Barber & Co locations, along with Belfast Love and Gift Shop in Toronto. The ethos of the company is to inspire modern pub culture - be true to yourself and your neighbourhood; the people will follow. 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 app, large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. 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. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to Glance's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For more information about Glance, please go to Glance Technologies' website For more information, contact: Christina Rao Vice President, Investor Relations +1-(604)-723-7480 [email protected] SOURCE Glance Technologies Inc. AKRON, Ohio, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GOJO, the leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions, will share interactive presentations that highlight "Innovation You Can Touch" and feature new PURELL Healthcare Surface Disinfectant and GOJO SMARTLINK Service Alerts at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)'s 44th Annual Conference. GOJO will also preview new dispensing technologies and soap and hand sanitizer formulations, which will be launched later in 2017. GOJO will once again begin this year's conference with the GOJO Interactive Breakfast Symposium, It's Time to Move On: Why We Need to Stop Relying on Direct Observation and Embrace Automated Hand Hygiene Monitoring as the New Gold Standard, on Wed., June 14th, from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the Portland Convention Center. The keynote speakers for this event are: Emily Landon , MD, assistant professor of medicine, specializing in infectious diseases and global health, and medical director for the infection control program, University of Chicago , MD, assistant professor of medicine, specializing in infectious diseases and global health, and medical director for the infection control program, Colin Furness , MISt, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of knowledge management and information management, University of Toronto's Faculty of Information Both speakers will share perspective and innovative strategies that address how healthcare facilities can transition from direct observation to electronic hand hygiene monitoring to improve and sustain compliance. Breakfast will be provided, and 2.0 CE credits are available for those that attend. Innovations GOJO will be presenting at this year's conference include: PURELL Healthcare Surface Disinfectant The PURELL brand, trusted by hospitals and healthcare facilities for decades, has introduced its new surface disinfecting sprays into the healthcare market. PURELL Healthcare Surface Disinfectant kills 22 organisms in 30 seconds including MRSA, VRE and Norovirus. This product, which is fragrance free, also offers: Powerful Peace of Mind: No precautionary statements; no handwashing required Ease of Use: Patented one-step disinfectant and cleaner Multi-Surface Performance: Proven performance across most hard and soft surfaces EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) Certified: Performs well and contains ingredients that meet strict safety criteria for both human health and the environment GOJO SMARTLINK Service Alerts and GOJO SMARTLINK Hand Hygiene Solutions GOJO SMARTLINK Service Alerts is an Internet of Things solution designed to provide a healthcare facility's staff with real-time monitoring of refill status, battery life, communication and dispenser status for GOJO dispensers. This new GOJO technology also predicts when a dispenser will need to be refilled via web portal, email or mobile device. The SMARTLINK Service Alerts product is the newest addition to the GOJO SMARTLINK solution. Other components include the GOJO SMARTLINK Activity Monitoring System, GOJO SMARTLINK Integrated Technology, GOJO SMARTLINK Clinician-Based Support and the GOJO SMARTLINK Observation System. PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Single Use Packets A new and uniquely convenient package provides PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer in a single, efficacious application when and where you need it. This sanitary sealed hand hygiene solution is ideal for workers who are on the move, and simple for patients to use to help stop the spread of germs. To register for the GOJO Symposium and for more information about GOJO, which is exhibiting at Booth 826, at the APIC 2017 Annual Conference go to http://tradeshows.gojo.com/Home.aspx About GOJO GOJO, the inventors of PURELL Hand Sanitizer, is the leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings. The broad GOJO product portfolio includes hand cleaning, handwashing, hand sanitizing, skin care formulas and surface sprays under the GOJO, PURELL and PROVON brand names. GOJO formulations use the latest advances in the science of skin care and sustainability. GOJO is known for state-of-the-art dispensing technology, engineered with attention to design, sustainability and functionality. GOJO programs promote healthy behaviors for hygiene, skin care and compliance in critical environments. GOJO is a privately held, family-owned corporation headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with operations in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Canada and Brazil. SOURCE GOJO Related Links http://www.gojo.com THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Digi-Key Electronics today announced its future plans to create over 1,000 new jobs and build a 1,000,000 square foot building expansion to continue to serve its customers globally. The new facility will be located adjacent to its current headquarters in Thief River Falls. Huge cost and competitive hurdles needed to be overcome compared to other location options, but "The State of Minnesota and local Thief River Falls and Pennington County leaders took decisive action to support our growth," according to Dave Doherty, Digi-Key's President and Chief Operating Officer. Local Representative and Assistant House Majority Leader Dan Fabian along with Representative Deb Kiel and Senators Mark Johnson and David Tomassoni, worked with legislative leaders including House of Representatives Speaker Kurt Daudt; Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk; House Tax Chair Greg Davids; House Jobs Growth and Energy Affordability and Finance Chair Pat Garofalo; Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka; Senate Tax Chair Roger Chamberlain; and Senate Deputy Majority Leader and Jobs Chair Jeremy Miller to pass an important legislative solution to help Digi-Key. Kevin McKinnon, Deputy Secretary at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, on behalf of Governor Mark Dayton, helped craft the initial legislative solution. Governor Dayton said, "I am extremely grateful to Digi-Key for its commitment to Minnesota and the Thief River Falls community. I congratulate Digi-Key on its planned expansion, which will create over 1,000 new jobs in Thief River Falls. Digi-Key is truly a fantastic success story." The economic return for the state of Minnesota will be approximately $184 million in NEW annual state revenue, or almost $2 billion over 10 years generated by Digi-Key's expansion in addition to the 1,000+ new jobs that will be created in Thief River Falls. The project will not impact the current tax base. Brian Holmer, Mayor of Thief River Falls, stated, "Our community worked hard to ensure Digi-Key's project will be located here because as Digi-Key expands its global reach, it creates good jobs in Greater Minnesota." "We want to extend a huge 'thank you' to state legislators, community leaders, and countless others who have helped us achieve this milestone in our expansion project," said Rick Trontvet, Digi-Key Vice President of Administration and Human Resources. "We are excited for the opportunity to continue serving our community and state by bringing more investment and more jobs to Northwest Minnesota." About Digi-Key Electronics Digi-Key Electronics, based in Thief River Falls, Minn., is a global, full-service distributor of both prototype/design and production quantities of electronic components, offering more than five million products from over 650 quality name-brand manufacturers. With over 1.3 million products in stock and an impressive selection of online resources, Digi-Key is committed to stocking the broadest range of electronic components in the industry and providing the best service possible to its customers. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering is available at www.digikey.com. Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics Kayla Krosschell PR & Marketing Communications Specialist 1.800.338.4105 x1098 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics Related Links http://www.digikey.com CHICAGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, today released a new white paper titled "How We Should Talk about Safety Culture: Rewriting the Conversation," in conjunction with National Safety Month in June. Published on The Safety Record SM by Grainger, the white paper introduces a new model that defines safety culture as an outcome of what management says about safety and what workers see, rather than a starting point that regulates safety practices. With the outcome model as a guide, safety leaders can be more proactive recognizing safety improvements as an economic and competitive opportunity as opposed to viewing safety as a cost or threat and taking a day-to-day reactive approach. "National Safety Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the importance for businesses to continuously look at and improve their safety practices," said Travis Kruse, Grainger Senior Director of Safety Services and Solutions. "Through this white paper, we want to help safety leaders reframe the conversation with their stakeholders around building a strong safety culture and how it can influence the overall effectiveness of their operations while preventing workplace accidents." Launched in October, The Safety Record by Grainger is an online resource center for customers to stay current on trends in worker and facility safety. The free-of-charge website provides workplace safety managers with information needed to help keep their employees and facilities safe and minimize the opportunities for injuries or fines from violations. Grainger is a leader in safety services and solutions, offering high-quality products, technical support and training to help customers keep their people safe and maintain compliance. In 2016, safety and security products represented nearly 20 percent of Grainger sales. For more articles and insights on facility and worker safety, visit http://safety.grainger.com. About Grainger W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2016 sales of $10.1 billion, is North America's leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products (MRO), with operations also in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Follow Grainger on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to Grainger's Media Room to receive the latest news. SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc. Related Links http://www.grainger.com TSX: GPR NYSE MKT: GPL VANCOUVER, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - GREAT PANTHER SILVER LIMITED (TSX: GPR; NYSE MKT: GPL) ("Great Panther"; the "Company") announces that it has successfully completed the commissioning phase of the refurbished processing plant at its Topia Mine in Durango. The plant, including the new handling facilities for dry stack tailings, is now operating at planned capacity. The Company is continuing to deposit dry tailings at the existing Phase I Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF") while it works on a resolution for an outstanding permitting condition. The Mexican Environmental Authority (SEMARNAT) has denied the request for the Change in Use of Soils permit required for the Phase II TSF, until this condition is met. The Company believes it can resolve this over the next few weeks and transition to the new TSF without interruption, but cannot provide complete assurance. Discussions to date with the authorities and other interests have been positive and are continuing. "We are pleased with the operation of the plant and progress to date on the permitting front," stated Robert Archer, President & CEO. "We have had extensive discussions with all stakeholders regarding the permitting requirements and we are optimistic this will be favourably resolved in the coming weeks. We still expect to be able to process all of the ore stockpiled during the shutdown through the balance of 2017. Furthermore, the higher ore grades of the stockpiled ore put us in good position to meet our 2017 production guidance." Run of mine ore is now being processed along with the stockpiled ore. Due to the improved grade control at the mines, the silver grade of ore milled year-to-date, through the commissioning phase, has increased by approximately 18% over 2016 levels. Further production details will be provided in the quarterly update in early July. The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert F. Brown, P. Eng., who is the Qualified Person (QP) for the Topia Mine under the meaning of NI 43-101. Aspects relating to mining and metallurgy are overseen by Ali Soltani, Chief Operating Officer for Great Panther. ABOUT GREAT PANTHER Great Panther Silver Limited is a primary silver mining and exploration company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange trading under the symbol GPR, and on the NYSE MKT trading under the symbol GPL. Great Panther's current activities are focused on the mining of precious metals from its two wholly-owned operating mines in Mexico: the Guanajuato Mine Complex, which includes the San Ignacio Mine; and the Topia Mine in Durango. In addition, the Company has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Coricancha Mine Complex in the central Andes of Peru and is pursuing additional mining opportunities in the Americas. Robert Archer President & CEO CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (together, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to be materially different. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to meet its production guidance, expectations of a resolution to a permitting condition and the ability to transition to the new tailings facility without interruption of processing. These involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to be materially different. These include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to potential political risks involving the Company's operations in a foreign jurisdiction, uncertainty of production cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, physical risks inherent in mining operations, currency fluctuations, fluctuations in the price of silver, gold and base metals, exploration results being indicative of future production of its properties, permitting risks, and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's most recently filed Annual Information Form and Material Change Reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedar.com and reports on Form 40-F and Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. SOURCE Great Panther Silver Limited Related Links http://www.greatpanther.com Cincinnati, Ohio, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the organization continues to expand its personalized learning and competency education work, KnowledgeWorks has hired Michael DiMaggio as vice president for strategic partnerships and development, the organization announced today. DiMaggio, who started his career as a special education and social sciences teacher, has nearly 25 years of experience in the education sector. Most recently, he served as director of the strategic partnership group for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in Washington, D.C. As KnowledgeWorks vice president for strategic partnerships and development, DiMaggio will help the organization build and support strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations and other groups. He will also manage all fundraising and grant coordination activity. KnowledgeWorks has been a dedicated partner to multiple organizations that I have worked with throughout my career, DiMaggio said. With this passionate and dedicated team, I look forward to bringing together investors, communities and education leaders to create innovative, learner-centered environments through competency education and early college high schools. Through this work, KnowledgeWorks will be able to better support school districts in the move to competency education and early college high schools. We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our team, KnowledgeWorks President and CEO Judy Peppler said. He is committed to bettering the education world for all students, and his experience speaks for itself. He has demonstrated the ability to think creatively, develop relationships and anticipate the future needs of an organization. With Michael on board, KnowledgeWorks will be able to better support our partner schools and districts as they move toward highly personalized learning environments. Before his most recent position with CCSSO, DiMaggio worked with New Tech Network as director of outreach and expansion, NEA Foundation as director of development, CCSSO as director of strategic partnerships and development and senior program associate, and the National Association of Partners in Education as the Institute for Urban Education Partnerships director. He started his career at Bellflower Unified School District in California as a teacher and curriculum case manager for middle and secondary school students with learning disabilities. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his commitment to every students success. His ability to build effective partnerships continually supports student learning across the country. Currently, DiMaggio also serves as a board member and steering committee member with multiple organizations, including The Buck Institute for Education board member and South by Southwest Education Advisory Board Member. Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14cd5ec9-c41c-428a-9903-80c5715b0100 LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (NYSE:GBX) and Tokyo-based MUL today completed agreements to expand their existing commercial relationship in North America consistent with the parties' Memorandum of Understanding announced in April. MUL intends to grow its portfolio from 5,000 railcars to a total of 25,000 railcars over the next four years. As part of these growth plans, MUL has entered a multi-year purchase commitment for 6,000 newly-manufactured railcars from Greenbrier, with deliveries commencing during the fourth calendar quarter of 2017 and continuing through 2020. Further, MUL will obtain all its newly-manufactured railcars exclusively from Greenbrier through 2023. In addition to the new equipment ordered, over the next several years, MUL will supplement its portfolio growth through a combination of lease syndications and used equipment originated and owned by Greenbrier. The combined value of these transactions exceeds $1 billion. The parties have also formed MUL Greenbrier Management Services, LLC, a new railcar management services entity owned 50% by each company that will solely manage all railcars in the MUL fleet. Greenbrier will receive continuing fee income related to the ongoing railcar asset management services provided for the MUL fleet. "Greenbrier is pleased to extend its business relationship with MUL with these recently signed agreements and the formation of MUL Greenbrier Management Services. This expanded relationship with MUL demonstrates our earned reputation of providing tailored solutions to our customers. We take pride in the series of transactions we have completed with our friends at MUL and look forward to our continuing work together," said William A. Furman, Chairman and CEO. MUL President & CEO Tadashi Shiraishi said, "MUL has set an ambitious target to increase MUL's market share to a level that places it among North America's top 8 leading operating lessors of railcars. We value Greenbrier's ability to build high-quality freight railcars and assist MUL with high-value railcar management services to support MUL's rapidly expanding fleet." About Greenbrier Greenbrier (www.gbrx.com), headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading international supplier of equipment and services to freight rail transportation markets. Greenbrier designs, builds and markets freight railcars in North America, Latin America and Europe. We also build and market marine barges in North America. We manufacture freight railcars in Brazil through a strategic partnership in which we hold a majority interest and produce rail castings through a separate Brazilian partnership. Greenbrier also has a majority stake in Greenbrier-Astra Rail, an end-to-end, Europe-based freight railcar manufacturing, engineering and repair business. Through our European manufacturing operations, we deliver U.S.-designed tank cars to Saudi Arabia. We are a leading provider of wheel services, parts, leasing and other services to the railroad and related transportation industries in North America and a supplier of freight railcar repair, refurbishment and retrofitting services in North America through a joint venture partnership with Watco Companies, LLC. Through other joint ventures, we produce rail castings, tank heads and other railcar components. Greenbrier owns a lease fleet of over 8,000 railcars and performs management services for over 266,000 railcars. About MUL Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited (MUL) is a prominent global leasing company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. MUL, incorporated in April 1971, focuses on leasing, installment sales, various types of financing, and international business. MUL's principal shareholders are Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. MUL is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Nagoya Stock Exchange. As one of the industry's leading companies, MUL's business extends beyond conventional leasing and finance, with the company offering a wide variety of services including eco-and energy-related services, real estate, medical and long-term care services, overseas market-entry support, used equipment trading business and global asset business. "SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including any statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. Greenbrier uses words such as "anticipates," "believes," "forecast," "potential," "goal," "contemplates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "hopes," "seeks," "estimates," "strategy," "could," "would," "should," "likely," "will," "may," "can," "designed to," "future," "foreseeable future" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, reported backlog and awards that are not indicative of Greenbrier's financial results; uncertainty or changes in the credit markets and financial services industry; high levels of indebtedness and compliance with the terms of Greenbrier's indebtedness; write-downs of goodwill, intangibles and other assets in future periods; sufficient availability of borrowing capacity; fluctuations in demand for newly manufactured railcars or failure to obtain orders as anticipated in developing forecasts; loss of one or more significant customers; customer payment defaults or related issues; policies and priorities of the federal government regarding international trade and infrastructure; sovereign risk to contracts, exchange rates or property rights; actual future costs and the availability of materials and a trained workforce; failure to design or manufacture new products or technologies or to achieve certification or market acceptance of new products or technologies; steel or specialty component price fluctuations and availability and scrap surcharges; changes in product mix and the mix between segments; labor disputes, energy shortages or operating difficulties that might disrupt manufacturing operations or the flow of cargo; production difficulties and product delivery delays as a result of, among other matters, costs or inefficiencies associated with expansion, start-up, or changing of production lines or changes in production rates, changing technologies, transfer of production between facilities or non-performance of alliance partners, subcontractors or suppliers; ability to obtain suitable contracts for the sale of leased equipment and risks related to car hire and residual values; integration of current or future acquisitions and establishment of joint ventures; succession planning; discovery of defects in railcars or services resulting in increased warranty costs or litigation; physical damage or product or service liability claims that exceed Greenbrier's insurance coverage; train derailments or other accidents or claims that could subject Greenbrier to legal claims; actions or inactions by various regulatory agencies including potential environmental remediation obligations or changing tank car or other railcar or railroad regulation; and issues arising from investigations of whistleblower complaints; all as may be discussed in more detail under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Forward Looking Statements" in Greenbrier's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 and Greenbrier's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2017, and Greenbrier's other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's opinions only as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by law, Greenbrier does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX) Related Links http://www.gbrx.com PHILADELPHIA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Audrey Evans is a world-renowned oncologist whose career has spanned more than 60 years. As the co-founder of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House (1974), the first Ronald McDonald House in the world that led to the creation of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the co-founder of St. James School (2011), a faith-based middle school for under-resources youth, her efforts have impacted the lives of millions across the world. Now at 92-years-old, her legacy is being celebrated by the awe-inspiring new digital series, Modern Hero, which features groundbreaking women who are making a difference in their careers and in the world. Dr. Audrey Evans, 92, named MODERN HERO Susan Campbell, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, nominated Dr. Evans as her Modern Hero for her unparalleled work in the fields of medicine and philanthropy. "Dr. Evans is an extraordinary woman," commented Campbell. "I find her to be an inspiration and someone that not only has given back to her community, but has truly impacted the world and has a legacy." In 1971 Dr. Evans developed the revolutionary Evans Staging System, which analyzes cancer progression to determine the best treatment plans for kids battling Neuroblastoma, one of the most common solid tumors in childhood cancer. She's been credited for decreasing mortality rates by 50% for Neuroblastoma patients, earning her the moniker the Mother of Neuroblastoma. Susan continues, "And it's not a legacy that's just in one area, and I think that's what makes it so unique." That legacy includes more than 360 Ronald McDonald Houses in 63 countries that have served more than seven million families. At 92-years-young, Dr. Evans has no sign of slowing down. Whether she's fundraising for organizations she cares about or participating in other philanthropic efforts, Dr Evans wants to be remembered for one thing - "Audrey Evans: A woman who cared." Journalist and Modern Hero host, Julia Fisher Farbman added, "Dr. Evans epitomizes Modern Hero in every way. Our team is elated that her story on Facebook has garnered nearly a half million views and thousands of shares in just a few short days, with no sign of slowing down." She continued, "All I can say is, thank you Dr. Evans, for being an inspiration and a Modern Hero to so many." Her Story on Modern Hero: http://bit.ly/2r24afW Modern Hero: Modern Hero is a new digital series that celebrates incredible women who are defying the odds, shattering glass ceilings, and making a difference in their careers and in the world. These women are educators, businesswomen, nonprofit leaders, media personalities, and everyone in between, proving that role models come from all walks of life. The series takes an interactive approach by having the audience AND the women featured nominate their Modern Heroes, many of whom are then interviewed by journalist, Julia Fisher Farbman. The goal is to inspire young girls and women to dream big and not let gender norms hold them back from success. To nominate someone as a Modern Hero, email: [email protected] Series Website: www.facebook.com/modernherotv www.readysetproductions.com/modernherotv Audrey Evans Bio: Audrey Evans was born in York, England in 1925, and knew from the time she was five-years-old that she wanted to be a doctor. Despite contracting tuberculosis in high school and being quarantined in the hospital for a year, Evans still graduated and was accepted to the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Throughout her studies and residencies she was often outnumbered by her male counterparts, but that didn't stop Evans from skyrocketing to the top of her peer group with her undeniable ability to relate to patients, parents, and medical staff alike. After stints at Boston Children's Hospital, Johns Hopkins, Royal Infirmary Teaching Hospital, and the Hematology-Oncology unit at University of Chicago, she ultimately found her home in Philadelphia when she was recruited by former United States Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, to be the first Chief of Pediatric Oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia [CHOP]. She later founded The Children's Cancer Center and spent the remaining 20 years of her medical career at CHOP. Her career has been filled with major milestones, including developing the Evans Staging System in 1971, which analyzes cancer progression to determine the best treatment plans for kids battling Neuroblastoma, one of the most common solid tumors in childhood cancer. For her vast work in the field, she's been credited for decreasing mortality rates by 50% for Neuroblastoma patients, earning herself the moniker of The Mother of Neuroblastoma. In 1974 Dr. Evans and Jimmy Murray, the former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, co-founded the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the first in the world, which led to the creation of Ronald McDonald House Charities [RMHC] to provide lodging, resources and care to children and families in need. Since opening, Ronald McDonald House Charities now span more than 63 countries, have more than 360 locations worldwide, and have served over seven million families and counting. Ronald McDonald House Charities have also opened camps, hospitality rooms in hospital wings, and are launching Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, which are mobile medical units serving communities that don't yet have Ronald McDonald House programs. After an unrivaled medical career that spanned six decades, Dr. Evans briefly retired in 2009 at the age of 84. Her retirement only lasted two short years, and in 2011 she co-founded the St. James School that aims to break to cycle of poverty through providing under-resourced youth with an extended school year. At 92-years-old she shows no sign of slowing down, and is determined to help the lives of children and families everywhere. Ronald McDonald House Charities: In 1974 Dr. Audrey Evans and Jimmy Murray, the former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, co-founded the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the first in the world, which led to the creation of Ronald McDonald House Charities [RMHC] to provide lodging, resources and care to children and families in need. Since opening, RMHC now spans more than 63 countries, has more than 360 locations, and has served over seven million families. The organization also opened camps, hospitality rooms in hospital wings, and are launching Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, which are mobile medical units serving communities that don't yet have Ronald McDonald House programs. Website: www.rmhc.org St. James School St. James School is a faith-based Philadelphia middle school in the Episcopal tradition, committed to educating traditionally under-resourced students in a nurturing environment. The school is a community that provides a challenging academic program and encourages the development of the moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative gifts in its students. Website: www.stjamesphila.org Press Inquiries: Irene McNulty [email protected] 610.234.0092 Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg image4.jpg Related Links Ready Set Production MODERN HERO STORIES SOURCE MODERN HERO DENVER, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GroundFloor Media (GFM), an award-winning communications firm focused on public relations and crisis & issues management, has been named one of Inc. magazine's Best Workplaces for 2017. Hitting newsstands today, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies that have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just over 200 winning companies. Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Neb., Inc.'s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says it's more than good pay and good perks it's also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor and leadership that makes the two work together. "Our company culture is based on creating an environment that allows our team members to have a work-life blend," said Ramonna Robinson, president of GFM. "We work really hard, and we genuinely enjoy both the work we do and the people we work with. At the same time, we encourage our team members to pursue their passions outside of the office, because nourishing those passions benefits each individual AND the entire team." The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees' responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have a minimum of 10 employees and be U.S.-based, privately held and independent that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies don't view their employers as sugar daddies. They aren't mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fad be it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. GFM has also found that trust is an absolutely crucial ingredient. One of the cornerstones at GFM is trusting team members to work when and where they choose, knowing they will get the job done and do it right. This allows them to volunteer at their children's school, head up to the mountains early on a Friday to avoid traffic or simply get their hair cut during the week without having to impede on valuable evening or weekend time. "By introducing an employee survey into this year's Best Workplaces selection process, we've really raised the bar. Companies that don't score at the very top of their peer group don't make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, that's not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves," said Eric Schurenberg, Inc.'s president and editor-in-chief. About GroundFloor Media Founded in 2001, GroundFloor Media (GFM) is an award-winning communications firm, focused on public relations and crisis & issues management. The agency works with clients running the gamut in terms of size and industry, including Children's Hospital Colorado, the Colorado Department of Human Services, Earth Balance, MAD Greens, Noble Energy, Quiznos and Tennyson Center for Children. GFM has been recognized four times by OUTSIDE magazine as one of the top five Best Places to Work in America. In addition, GFM was named a Certified B Corporation in 2016 by the global nonprofit B Lab . The certification recognizes companies meeting the highest global standards for corporate transparency, accountability, and social and environmental performance. In 2015, GFM established the Get Grounded Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) that provides community grants for innovative or entrepreneurial programs within an existing, qualified nonprofit that directly supports the healthy development of at-risk or neglected youth in the Denver Metro area. GFM's sister agency, CenterTable, helps clients create direct and measurable connections with their target audiences through social media, digital advertising, website design and development, SEO, video production, creative campaigns and content development. Headquartered in Denver, the two agencies have more than 35 team members throughout the U.S., with global reach across 50 countries through membership in PROI, the industry's largest partnership of independent market-leading agencies. For more information about GFM and CenterTable, visit www.groundfloormedia.com or www.MeetAtCT.com and get to know the agencies via their blog, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Age's "The A-List" in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit www.quantumworkplace.com. Media Contact: Amanda Brannum GroundFloor Media 303.865.8143 [email protected] SOURCE GroundFloor Media Related Links http://www.groundfloormedia.com ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. ("Hannon Armstrong," or the "Company") (NYSE: HASI), a leading investor in sustainable infrastructure markets, including energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced today its quarterly dividend and the appointment of Daniel K. McMahon, Executive Vice President, to head Portfolio Management. Quarterly Dividend The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share of common stock payable on July 13, 2017, to stockholders of record on July 6, 2017. Based upon the Company's common stock closing price of $21.91 per share on May 31, 2017, the dividend represents an annualized yield of 6.0%. Appointment of Executive Vice President Portfolio Management The Company also announced that Daniel K. McMahon will head the Company's Portfolio Management team as well as serve as a full-time member of the Company's Investment Committee. "Having served in both origination and structuring, and on the investment committee, Dan will be able to bring an executive focus to managing our diversified $1.9 billion Portfolio of over 155 transactions," said Chairman, President & CEO Jeffrey Eckel. "His knowledge of our assets and our customers will allow us to identify opportunities to add value to our customers and our Portfolio." In conjunction with this change, Nathaniel J. Rose will have responsibility for origination and structure activities with the title Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. The Investment Committee will consist of Jeffrey Eckel, our Chairman, President & CEO, Brendan Herron, our CFO, and Dan McMahon. Mr. McMahon, CFA, 45, has been with the Company and its Predecessor since 2000 in a variety of roles, and has served us as an executive vice president since 2015. He has played a role in analyzing, negotiating and structuring several billion dollars of transactions. Mr. McMahon previously worked with T. Rowe Price from 1997 to 2000. Mr. McMahon received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego in 1993, and is a CFA charter holder. He holds Series 24, 63 and 79 securities licenses. About Hannon Armstrong Hannon Armstrong (NYSE: HASI) invests in sustainable infrastructure markets, including energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Company focuses on providing preferred or senior level capital to established sponsors and high credit quality obligors for assets that generate long-term, recurring and predictable cash flows. The Company is based in Annapolis, MD. Forward Looking Statements Some of the information in this press release contains forward-looking statements and 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. When used in this press release, words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," "target," or similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such statements. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include those discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as in other reports that we file with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, assumptions and expectations as of the date of this press release. We disclaim any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements reflecting new estimates, events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Contact: Investor/Media Relations Phone: 410-571-6189 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. Related Links http://www.hannonarmstrong.com WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Heal, which has delivered over 23,000 doctor house calls throughout California, is launching in the Washington D.C. area as the first major market in its national expansion strategy. The nation's leading on-demand doctor house call service will be available on June 1st. Patients in most of D.C. and parts of Northern Virginia will now have instant access to an unhurried, highly-qualified doctor, in-home or at their office, at an affordable cost. "The doctor's office is dead. No longer is great medicine tied to bureaucracy or buildings. Quality care is available at your home, on-demand," said Nick Desai, CEO and co-founder of Heal. "With each new market, we're closer to making affordable, high-quality healthcare a reality for all Americans." Doctors in the home have the potential to transform healthcare through better outcomes and reduced costs. In fact, according to Truven Health Analytics, 71 percent of ER visits are avoidable and unnecessary. In Heal's first 23,000 patient visits, the company has driven over $6.3 million in healthcare cost savings, diagnosed 1,100 previously unknown issues and significantly reduced unnecessary trips to the ER by 62 percent for its patients, while also reducing unnecessary prescriptions, tests, and referrals. "House calls are more than convenient, they're better medicine for the patient and the doctor. Patients feel comfortable with unhurried doctors who can understand the patient in their home environment. This leads to more precise medical care and more satisfaction, especially for the doctors," continued Dr. Renee Dua, Chief Medical Officer at Heal. "All of this is possible when you change the environment from a hurried doctor's office to a patient's home. Patients can be relaxed and be more honest while doctors can see actual medications as well as the home environment enabling them to practice more personal, more effective medical care." As Heal expands to the Washington, D.C. area, it welcomes Dr. Kari Scantlebury, MD/MPH, as its first east coast Medical Director. Dr. Scantlebury, who is dual board certified in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services, practices at Inova Fairfax Hospital and has served victims of the Haiti earthquake in 2010 with EMEDEX International to care for victims in Port-au-Prince. "What I love about Heal is it gives doctors the ability to slow down and reconnect with patients," said Dr. Scantlebury. "More intimate relationships between patients and doctors yield better healthcare, more rewarding time in the field, and superior communication that's not possible in an office or hospital environment." Heal doctors typically arrive within two hours, on-demand, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week through appointments made through the company website, by phone or via the smart phone app. Heal is covered by most insurance plans in California, and will soon accept insurance from providers within the D.C. area. In the interim, patients still benefit from affordable, cash pay visits that never cost more than $99. This is significantly less than ER visits and many doctor's office visits. ABOUT HEAL: Heal is bringing technology innovation to re-humanize the practice of medicine in a way that is fulfilling for doctors and patients alike. We believe in making healthcare a more personal and convenient experience by creating a more efficient doctor's office in your home, that inevitably improves healthcare outcomes. Through the touch of an app or a click on our site, a highly-vetted, qualified medical doctor will arrive at your door, twelve hours a day, 365 days a year. Heal is in-network with all major PPO insurance companies in California, as well as Medicare, and will soon be in-network with insurers across the country. Heal investors include Fidelity ContraFund, Thomas Tull, Jim Breyer, the Ellison Family, Lionel Richie, Dr. Paul Jacobs, and others. For more information, please visit http://www.heal.com/. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. PRESS CONTACT: Nicole Rodrigues NRPR Group 650-815-5069 [email protected] SOURCE Heal Related Links http://www.heal.com DETROIT, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors' sustainability approach enables the company to serve its customers and shareholders, increase operational efficiency, mitigate risk and improve the communities where it does business. GM summarizes its impact in its annual sustainability report at gmsustainability.com. The report outlines company aspirations, from mobility for everyone to advancing zero-emissions vehicles. Below are some near-term results. 1. Innovating toward a lower-carbon future. GM produced 11 vehicle models around the world with some form of electrification, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which gets an EPA-estimated 238 miles on a charge. Lightweighting helped improve customers' fuel efficiency, with 10 vehicles losing a total of 3,600 pounds. The company's Maven car-sharing service, now in 17 cities, features 100 Bolt EVs capable of covering 250,000 all-electric miles a month. 2. Testing autonomous electric vehicles. GM drove more than 50 autonomous Bolt EV cars in San Francisco; Scottsdale, Arizona; and metro Detroit. The company believes autonomous vehicles will help reduce traffic fatalities and make transportation available to elderly people and people with disabilities. 3. Making advanced safety technologies standard. The company offers 61 global models with forward collision alert, 58 with lane departure warning and 40 with side blind zone alert. More than half of the Chevrolet vehicles sold this year will feature GM's Teen Driver system, which encourages safe driving. 4. Building a clean-energy economy. GM used 199.8 megawatts of renewable energy in 2016, surpassing its 125MW commitment four years early. The company saves $5 million a year from these efforts. GM is working toward sourcing all electrical power for 350 facilities in 59 countries with renewable energy by 2050. Efficient manufacturing progress included reducing energy and carbon intensity by 16 percent and water intensity by 12 percent since 2010. 5. Driving toward zero waste. The company added 23 new landfill-free facilities last year. With 152 such sites worldwide, the company exceeded its 2020 landfill-free target. GM champions the Materials Marketplace, a reuse network where businesses can use a software program to buy one another's scrap. The company reduced total waste by 27 percent since 2010. 6. Serving and improving communities. GM employees contributed 110,000 hours of volunteering with 148 nonprofits in 2016. Each of the company's 171 manufacturing plants engaged in an environmental outreach activity last year. 7. Transforming the auto industry through talent. GM filled a STEM position every 26 minutes last year. U.S. veterans made up more than 5 percent of new hires in 2016 and GM provides free training to all veterans through its Service Technical College. GM also committed to fair and equitable pay by signing the White House Equal Pay Pledge and offers internships to relaunch the technical careers of caretakers and parents who took a leave from the workplace. 8. Committing to greater transparency. GM is making its corporate policies publicly available as part of the sustainability report, including those focused on integrity, employee and supply chain conduct, conflict minerals, environment and human rights. About General Motors General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com SOURCE General Motors Related Links http://media.gm.com NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) will present Thomas P. Sculco, M.D., surgeon-in-chief emeritus, with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hospital's 34th Annual Tribute Dinner. This year, the gala will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Maria Bartiromo, anchor and global markets editor at Fox Business News, will host the black tie event, with Mario J. Gabelli, chief investment officer of Gabelli Funds, as an underwriter. "For four decades, Dr. Sculco has demonstrated a relentless commitment to advancing the field of orthopedics and has played an important role in positioning HSS as the world's leader in unmatched musculoskeletal care," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO at HSS. "His efforts to improve the success and longevity of implants are benefitting patients around the world." Dr. Sculco, who has performed more than 20,000 hip and knee replacements, recently founded the Complex Joint Reconstruction Center. The center provides diagnosis and treatment for the most challenging cases in joint reconstruction and conducts research on implant failure. "Dr. Sculco is a pioneer of less invasive surgical techniques including the design of instruments," said Todd Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief at HSS. "He has dedicated his career to providing superior patient outcomes in hip and knee replacement and we are honored to call him one of our own." "As surgeon-in-chief, Dr. Sculco seamlessly assumed this important leadership role at full speed while continuing his impressive and successful medical practice," said Michael Brooks, HSS Board of Trustee member and patient. "He truly has given his life to the Hospital. Dr. Sculco is an extraordinary surgeon whose calm and confident demeanor inspires confidence and trust in his patients. I experienced this first-hand when he replaced both of my knees a decade ago." Thomas P. Sculco, MD Dr. Sculco is an orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, who joined the hospital staff in 1977. He served as surgeon-in-chief from 2003 through 2014. Dr. Sculco is internationally recognized as a leader in total hip and knee replacement, having pioneered minimally invasive surgical techniques. He completed his residency at HSS after earning his medical degree at Columbia University. Dr. Sculco has been awarded the Otto Aufranc and Charnley Award from the Hip Society, as well as the Arthritis Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005 he received the Gold Medal Award for Clinical Medicine from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in 2013 he was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor, First Class, for Science and Art. He is the author of over 350 papers, 84 chapters, three books on orthopedic surgery and the surgical treatment of arthritis and has presented over 750 papers. Dr. Sculco is active in international and national medical associations and founded both the International Society of Orthopaedic Centers and the VA Orthopaedic Society and was a founding member of the Knee Society, where he now serves as president. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Arthritis Foundation and presently serves on the Board of Directors of Carnegie Hall. Additionally, he's a Board Member of OREF (Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation) and the Robert Gladden Society and is currently President of the New York Medical Surgical Society. The event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner to follow at 7:30 p.m. Guests will include leaders from the worlds of business, health, finance, media, sports, the arts and government. For more information, please visit https://www.hss.edu/2017gala.asp. About Hospital for Special Surgery Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics and No. 2 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2016-2017), and is the first hospital in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center four consecutive times. HSS has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. HSS is an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and as such all Hospital for Special Surgery medical staff are faculty of Weill Cornell. The hospital's research division is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Hospital for Special Surgery is located in New York City and online at www.hss.edu. SOURCE Hospital for Special Surgery Related Links http://www.hss.edu HUANGLING, China, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hailed as China's most beautiful countryside, Huangling celebrated the country's Dragon Boat Festival with a series of unique Huizhou traditional performances to honor the region's culture, history and folk customs. To present a comprehensive, unique Dragon Boat Festival experience to visitors, the people of Huangling organized events such as drawing the character wang (or "king") on children's foreheads with realgar wine to exorcise evil spirits, sewing silk scent bags filled with garlic and mugwort to repel diseases, and performing the ancient Hui-style tiao zhong kui dance for good blessings. The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, came about as a way to commemorate the life and death of poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), a loyal minister in the ancient state of Chu who committed ritual suicide in protest of the corruption of the era. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the lunar calendar. The Dragon Boat Festival is also called the 'Health Festival' in Huizhou region because locals would incorporate rituals to drive away the plagues and diseases that normally arrive with the humid summer weather. Every local household places mugwort on their door and hang strings of garlic under their roof while sprinkling realgar wine in damp corners to kill germs; it's an ancient tradition that is meant to bring about health and prosperity. The locals would also burn strong-scented pine cones and sweet gum fruits picked from the mountains to repel mosquitoes and bugs. In most places across China, zongzi, or sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, is the staple dish for the holiday. But in Huangling, locals get together with family members to prepare qigao, an airy and fluffy steamed rice cake served with savory toppings like shrimp, pork and bean curd sheets. "The town's rich history and cultural heritage are treasures passed on from one generation to another; to visitors from urban areas they are reminiscent of a bygone era," said Cao Jinzhong, executive vice president of Wuyuan Rural Culture Development Co., Ltd. About Huangling Located in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, China, the quaint and elegant village, Huangling, has preserved and maintained its ancient Hui-style architecture and offers an authentic Chinese countryside travel experience. The unique view of shaiqiu can only be found in Huangling, where baskets of colorful harvest bask in the sunshine. SOURCE Wuyuan Rural Culture Development Co., Ltd. CHICAGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fastweb (www.fastweb.com), the leading website for scholarship and financial aid information and a member of the Monster network, supports the LGBT community during LGBT Pride Month. June is a month of celebration for the LGBT community as its supporters hold events in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City on June 28, 1969. Historians consider this date to be the initiation of the LGBT movement. A collection of important scholarships, fellowships and internships for college bound and existing college students involved in the community and interested in advancing LGBT rights has been compiled in Fastweb's new resource, LGBTQ Community Scholarships & Internships. Applications for these undergraduate and graduate opportunities are being accepted now and for academic focused scholarships for students majoring psychology, public policy, fine arts and other areas. Additionally, internship opportunities are available at organizations concentrating on communications, political science, government affairs. The Fastweb scholarship directory of LGBTQ scholarship opportunities is another strong resource students can utilize while looking for ways to pay for school. Helpful online resources that support all students seeking opportunities to help fund their education are available online and always at no charge at Fastweb.com. About Fastweb: Fastweb, a top site in the Monster Worldwide network, is the nation's recognized leader in helping students pay for school, by providing scholarship and financial aid information, as well as information on jobs and internships. As the oldest and most popular free online scholarship matching service, one out of three college-bound seniors use the site and more than 50 million users have benefitted from Fastweb's information and services. Fastweb lets students create personalized profiles that can be matched against its expansive databases of colleges and scholarships. To learn more about Fastweb, visit www.fastweb.com and follow Fastweb on social media for the latest on paying for school all year long: Twitter (at @PayingForSchool); Facebook; Pinterest; Google+. About Monster Worldwide: Monster Worldwide, Inc. is a global leader in connecting people to jobs, wherever they are. For more than 20 years, Monster has helped people improve their lives with better jobs, and employers find the best talent. Today, the company offers services in more than 40 countries, providing some of the broadest, most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment and talent management capabilities. Monster continues its pioneering work of transforming the recruiting industry with advanced technology using intelligent digital, social and mobile solutions, including our flagship website monster.com and a vast array of products and services. For more information, visit monster.com/about. SOURCE Fastweb The event dramatically exceeded expectations by attracting more than 7,500 professionalsrepresenting the full pharmaceutical supply chain and specialty chemicals industryto a sold-out trade show floor with more than 630 exhibitors and a robust conference program including more than 40 sessions. CPhI North America and InformEx were designed to cater to the needs of the North American pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals markets. Nearly 70% of attendees were from North America, and the event's global participation included representation from 98 countries. Conference Programs Deliver Industry Education and Insights In addition to the compelling exhibition floor, the three-day event featured more than 58 industry experts at the CPhI Connect and InformEx Connect conference programs. The programming, powered by industry leaders the American Chemical Society, SOCMA, and the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, significantly furthered understanding of some of the industries' most pressing challenges. Topics covered included strategies for increasing pharmaceutical R&D efficiency, ways to improve pharmaceutical quality, how to accelerate the specialty chemicals value chain, new and evolving regulations, advances in pharmaceutical manufacturing techniques, and much more. "The Connect Conferences were enlightening for both the CPhI and InformEx delegates. One of the greatest sources of value was facilitating the education and networking between the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries, and allowing delegates to learn about areas of the industries they might not have been as familiar with," shared Joseph Marks, Brand Director of CPhI North America and InformEx. "These new understandings will be highly productive sources of innovation." Highlights from the Exhibition Floor The sold-out exposition floor hosted more than 630 solution providers and was specifically designed to facilitate a more intimate and efficient experience for the entire pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals value chain by allowing attendees to customize their experiences. Exhibition floor zones included: InformEx : Facilitated the building a global network of customers, suppliers, and colleagues in the fine and specialty chemicals industries. : Facilitated the building a global network of customers, suppliers, and colleagues in the fine and specialty chemicals industries. CPhI : The Manufacturing Ingredients zone consisted of active product ingredients (API) and excipient leaders. : The Manufacturing Ingredients zone consisted of active product ingredients (API) and excipient leaders. FDF : The Finished Drug Products zone featured leading small and large molecule CDMO/CMOs. : The Finished Drug Products zone featured leading small and large molecule CDMO/CMOs. iCSE : The Drug Development zone highlighted world-class CROs and other organizations serving drug developers. : The Drug Development zone highlighted world-class CROs and other organizations serving drug developers. InnoPack: The Packaging zone showcased the latest in packaging innovation. Numerous special on-floor features also contributed to attendees' positive experiences: Destination Innovation The pulse of CPhI North America and InformEx could be found at Destination: Innovation. This special area featured innovative products and services, educational programming, networking opportunities and more to generate new knowledge, ideas, and connections. The pulse of CPhI North America and InformEx could be found at Destination: Innovation. This special area featured innovative products and services, educational programming, networking opportunities and more to generate new knowledge, ideas, and connections. Show Floor Education Visitors were invited to hear the latest insights directly from thought leaders during 18 Insight Briefings and 30 Exhibitor Showcase presentations. These in-depth seminars focused on technical and business topics as well as the leading solution providers' new technologies and techniques. Visitors were invited to hear the latest insights directly from thought leaders during 18 Insight Briefings and 30 Exhibitor Showcase presentations. These in-depth seminars focused on technical and business topics as well as the leading solution providers' new technologies and techniques. Supplier Finder Supplier Finder kiosks were located on the show floor allowing attendees to leverage CPhI Online to identify needed products and solutions. CPhI Online is the most complete products and solutions search engine in the industry and includes more than 680,000 products from more than 7,300 suppliers. Supplier Finder kiosks were located on the show floor allowing attendees to leverage CPhI Online to identify needed products and solutions. CPhI Online is the most complete products and solutions search engine in the industry and includes more than 680,000 products from more than 7,300 suppliers. Celebrating Innovation Right in the middle of the exposition, the Innovation & Product Gallery highlighted intriguing new products and technologies, with interactive touch-screen displays allowing attendees to discover more. The Power of Networking CPhI North America and InformEx attribute the impressive attendance to the brands' reputation as a meeting ground for businesses to facilitate networking and collaboration. More than 2,460 meetings were arranged using BOND, the events' exclusive meeting service, which allowed buyers and sellers at the same point of the value chain to match, schedule a meeting time, and conduct business. The three days of face-to-face meetings and discussions provided a critical boost for the entire industry to create partnerships, do business and close deals. The opening night reception was held at the stunning Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where attendees enjoyed the beautiful spring weather and strolled the galleries while enjoying conversation, food, and drink. There was not an empty seat at the Women in Leadership Forum breakfast, where both women and men gathered to network and discuss career management for women in science and how science-based organizations benefit from women in leadership positions. "When women work collectively on a challenge, skill sets multiply," observed forum participant Amy Ethier, scientist, Topical Formulations & Dermatology, BASF. "We deliver powerful change and accomplishments when we work together." Dedication to Improving Lives While serving the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries is gratifying, CPhI North America and InformEx are also truly dedicated to improving our world and our communities. This year's philanthropic efforts showed both global and local thinking. Over $10,000 Raised for Mercy Ships Mercy Ships is an international organization bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor. Onboard its hospital ships the organization has performed medical services and procedures, valued at more than $1.3 billion , for more than 2.56 million of the world's most impoverished people since its founding in 1978. Mercy Ships has completed more than 589 port visits in 57 nations to date. UBM was exceptionally honored, on behalf of the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries, to bring to this very worthy cause to the event. Mercy Ships is an international organization bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor. Onboard its hospital ships the organization has performed medical services and procedures, valued at more than , for more than 2.56 million of the world's most impoverished people since its founding in 1978. Mercy Ships has completed more than 589 port visits in 57 nations to date. UBM was exceptionally honored, on behalf of the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries, to bring to this very worthy cause to the event. Philadelphia Pharmacy Mural Art In partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Pharmacy, attendees were invited to contribute to a new mural for the landmark pharmacy that has served the local community for more than 30 years. The new mural, to be completed this year, will honor local heritage, lift up the community's next generation, and attract more business to the pharmacy and the surrounding area. Visitors and exhibitors alike were proud to contribute to this worthwhile cause and to take a few minutes to get creative. Mark Your Calendar for CPhI North America and InformEx 2018 The epicenter for pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals innovation will return in 2018. Mark your calendars for April 24 to 26, 2018. The event will again be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. If you are interested in learning more about how your organization can get involved, visit cphinorthamerica.com or informex.com. About CPhI CPhI drives growth and innovation at every step of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, from drug discovery to finished dosage. Through exhibitions, conferences, and online communities, CPhI brings together more than 100,000 pharmaceutical professionals each year to network, identify business opportunities, and expand the global market. CPhI hosts events across Europe, Asia, and, now, North America, and co-locates with ICSE for contract services; P-MEC for machinery, equipment, and technology; InnoPack for pharmaceutical packaging; and BioPh for biopharma. CPhI provides an online buyer and supplier directory at CPhI-Online.com. About InformEx InformEx is the must-attend industry conference and trade show for the fine and specialty chemical industry. For more than 30 years, InformEx has brought more than 2,500 decision-makers and thought leaders together with new suppliers, solutions, and approaches. It is the premier event for buyers and sellers to create profitable relationships, expand partnerships, and network with key industry players. InformEx 2017 will be held adjacent to the inaugural edition of CPhI North America, tremendously expanding InformEx's reach within and exposure to the full pharmaceutical value chain. In addition, InformEx is the leading event for professionals within the broader energy, food, cosmetics, and agrochemicals fields, as well as other strategic verticals within the specialty chemical industry. About UBM plc UBM plc is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. In an increasingly digital world, the value of connecting on a meaningful, human level has never been more important. At UBM, our deep knowledge and passion for the industry sectors we serve allow us to create valuable experiences where people can succeed. At our events people build relationships, close deals and grow their businesses. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors from fashion to pharmaceutical ingredients. These global networks, skilled, passionate people and market-leading events provide exciting opportunities for business people to achieve their ambitions. For more information, go to www.ubm.com; for UBM corporate news, follow us on Twitter at @UBM, UBM Plc LinkedIn SOURCE CPhI The Annual General Meeting in Marine Harvest ASA was held on 1 June. Attached please find an office translation of the minutes from the meeting. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Information Builders, a leader in business intelligence (BI) and analytics, information integrity, and integration solutions, today announced that the company has been honored once again for exceptional customer service. Information Builders has been named a Gold winner in the Annual 2017 Customer Sales and Service (CSS) World Awards for "Innovation in Customer Service," as well as a Silver winner in the 12th Annual IT World Awards in the "IT Customer Service Department of the Year" category. Tweet This: [email protected] earns top honors for #customerservice innovation & excellence in two 2017 @svusawards programs: http://ow.ly/nblD30ccwbp Customers have come to expect best-in-class service from Information Builders, in addition to proven technology that remains at the forefront of the BI and analytics market. As part of its customer service strategy, the company developed and added a number of targeted Information Centers (ICs) to its repertoire last year. The content-rich portals enable customers to independently search for information about products, projects, and technology to help them resolve smaller, day-to-day issues without having to file a help ticket. Customers are empowered to get the help they need quickly and via an avenue of their choice. Information Builders' customer service team is able to focus more time on being problem solvers versus troubleshooters, and assist customers in deriving maximum benefits from the company's solutions. These latest award wins reflect this type of ongoing customer service innovation. This year's CSS World Awards win marks Information Builders' third consecutive year of recognition by the program. These awards are distinguished by active participation from a broad spectrum of industry voices, encompassing the world's best in Sales and Service or Contact Center individuals, teams, departments, and achievements. The Network Products Guide's Annual IT World Awards are the world's premier information technology awards honoring achievements and recognitions in every facet of the IT industry. This is Information Builders' second consecutive Silver distinction for IT Customer Service Department of the Year. Information Builders will be acknowledged for both of these achievements in San Francisco on Monday, June 26, 2017 during the annual SVUS (Silicon Valley United States) Red Carpet Awards Ceremony Dinner. Gerald Cohen, president and CEO, Information Builders, said: "This latest recognition from the two SVUS Awards programs comes directly on the heels of four 2017 Stevie Awards wins for customer service. We couldn't be prouder of our incredible team, which is not only committed to providing an exceptional experience for our customers, but also truly delivering on that promise every day." To learn more about the CSS World Awards, visit cssworldawards.com. For more information about Network Product Guide's Annual IT World Awards, visit networkproductsguide.com. About Information Builders Information Builders provides solutions for business intelligence (BI), analytics, data integration, and data quality that help drive performance improvements, innovation, and value. Through one set of powerful products, we enable organizations to serve everyone analysts, non-technical users, even partners, customers, and citizens with better data and analytics. Our dedication to customer success is unmatched with thousands of organizations relying on us as their trusted partner. Founded in 1975, Information Builders is headquartered in New York, NY, with global offices, and remains one of the largest independent, privately held companies in the industry. Visit us at informationbuilders.com, follow us on Twitter at @infobldrs, like us on Facebook, and visit our LinkedIn page. Press Contacts Kathleen Moran Information Builders (917) 339-6313 [email protected] Kate Finigan LEWIS (781) 761-4500 [email protected] SOURCE Information Builders Related Links http://www.informationbuilders.com Higginbotham is ranked by revenue as the largest independent insurance broker based in Texas. The firm operates two offices in Houston with 150 insurance, risk management and employee benefit professionals providing a single source solution to businesses and individuals. "We have groups within our commercial insurance practice that specialize in a range of industries," said Dudley Ray, a managing partner for Higginbotham in Houston. "So companies in business sectors that have distinctive risks can rely on Higginbotham for expertise in their field as well as broad insurance and financial services. Kyle's understanding of real estate and manufacturing operations is a welcome complement to our industry programs." Schielack was most recently a vice president at a private insurance agency in Houston where he achieved record revenue growth. He is a 2008 Texas A&M University Mays Business School graduate and a licensed Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Risk Manager. Schielack serves with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Calf Scramble Committee, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program and as a Class Agent for Texas A&M Class of '08. He also established Live Oak Professionals, a group of young executives committed to professional development. He is a member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church with his wife and daughters, ages 1 month and 2 years. About Higginbotham Higginbotham is a single source for insurance and financial services that brokers business insurance, employee benefits, retirement plans, executive benefits, life insurance and home/auto insurance from more than 250 regional and national carriers. It supplements coverage with in-house risk management and benefit plan administration services. The firm was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, with 26 additional offices statewide serving domestic and international customers. Higginbotham ranks by revenue as the nation's 31st largest independent insurance brokerage firm, making it the largest Texas-based broker (Business Insurance, July 2016). Visit www.higginbotham.net for more information. SOURCE Higginbotham Related Links http://www.higginbotham.net NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) today announced that Paul G. Richardson, MD, the R.J. Corman Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Program Leader / Director of Clinical Research at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is the recipient of the 15th annual Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award. The IMF honors an outstanding physician annually with the award, named for its first recipient, the world-renowned myeloma expert Dr. Robert A. Kyle. The Kyle award will be formally presented at a ceremony during the organization's annual International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Summit in Madrid from June 1921. The IMWG summit draws more than 100 top blood cancer specialists from around the world each year to collaborate and push ahead research to find a cure for multiple myeloma. "Receiving the Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award is the greatest honor," said Dr. Richardson. "It means so much to me for so many reasons, not least, Dr. Kyle is considered the foremost leader in the field, and to receive this recognition from Bob and the Awards Committee of the IMF is both truly inspiring and very humbling." Kyle Award honorees are individuals whose work in the field of myeloma has resulted in significant advances in research, treatment, and care of myeloma patients around the world. "We applaud Dr. Richardson's accomplishments and important contributions to improving the lives of myeloma patients," said IMF President and Co-Founder Susie Novis Durie. "Dr. Richardson's work perfectly reflects the words of Dr. William Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic, who challenged the nature of patient care nearly a century ago, when he said 'The needs of the patient are the only needs to be considered,'" added IMF Chairman Dr. Brian Durie. Dr. Richardson received his medical degree from the Medical College of St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London. He completed fellowships in hematology/oncology and medical oncology at Tufts University School of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) before joining the DFCI staff as an attending physician in1994. He currently holds leadership positions in several professional bodies and has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the Journal of Oncology, The Oncologist, Clinical Cancer Research, and the British Journal of Hematology. He chairs the Multiple Myeloma Committee for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. Dr. Richardson's honors include several Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Partners in Excellence Awards; the Brigham and Women's Hospital Teaching Scholars Award; the Tisch Outstanding Achievement Award for Clinical Research; and DFCI's George Canellos Award for Excellence in Clinical Research and Patient Care. For his contributions in hematology and oncology, and in particular myeloma, he was awarded an honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in 2009, was a co-recipient of the prestigious Warren Alpert Foundation Prize in 2012, and received the Ernest Beutler Prize at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology. He most recently received the COMy Prize for global contributions in Multiple Myeloma Research at the annual meeting held in Paris last year. Dr. Richardson has published more than 320 original articles, and over 200 reviews, chapters, and editorials in leading peer-reviewed journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Blood, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Leukemia, Clinical Cancer Research, and British Journal of Haematology. His primary research interest is in novel therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma, and he has been a leader in the clinical development of bortezomib, lenalidomide, panobinostat, elotuzumab, daratumumab, and pomalidomide. Currently, he leads multiple efforts studying the use of combination therapies in relapsed and refractory myeloma, an area of primary interest to him, and he has pioneered the development of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (so-called RVD), which is now one of the most widely used combinations nationwide in the upfront treatment of myeloma patients in the US, as well as elsewhere. Receiving the Kyle Award, said Dr. Richardson, "reflects the privilege of working with my phenomenal team, and, the greatest privilege of all, to have made a meaningful difference in the care of our patients. I therefore am truly honored to receive this award and deeply grateful for all that it means." ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the largest foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation's reach extends to more than 450,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. The IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned InfoLine, and in 2001, established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. In 2012, the IMF launched the Black Swan Research Initiative, a groundbreaking research project aimed at curing myeloma. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org. Follow the IMF on Twitter @IMFmyeloma. MEDIA CONTACTS: Debra Gendel, (310) 710-1903, [email protected] Sapna Kumar, (818) 487-7455, [email protected] SOURCE International Myeloma Foundation Interstate's dedicated team proactively identifies opportunities to optimize hotels' profitability and asset values by working closely with ownership groups, providing personalized asset management services, and specialized financial reporting services through IHR1 - Interstate's business intelligence platform. The development team possesses significant experience in Asia - including China - and in the U.S., with a deep understanding of Asian owners' needs and preferences. The team specializes in providing services for owners which includes deal sourcing, acquisition due diligence, financing and brand selection to hotel management services. Additionally, Interstate's owner-focused Asia practice team includes a dedicated bilingual, California-based team that is fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Cantonese. Interstate's Asia Investment Group includes Jackie Lee, vice president of development and acquisitions and Tina Chang, vice president of asset management, and is led by Don Li, head of Asia investment group. With Interstate for three years, Li has cultivated strong relationships with Asian capital partners and assists foreign owners with U.S. and European hotel acquisitions, brand evaluations, site selection, developing repositioning strategies, and renovations. Before joining Interstate three years ago, Li served as CEO of Swiss International Hotels & Resorts (China) where he led an elite team to develop the next generation of luxury hotels characterized by Swiss quality and efficiency in greater China. Jackie Lee joined the group to assist Li with development efforts after having worked in Shanghai for Interstate China for five years. As part of the Asia Investment Group, Lee assists both foreign and U.S. owners manage all aspects of the hotel development process, including acquisition, brand selection, renovations and ongoing management of their assets in order to meet their financial performance objectives. Tina Chang, a recent addition to the team, brings extensive corporate accounting, finance and asset management knowledge from her previous role as Director of Hotel Accounting at Sunstone Hotel Investors. Chang is responsible for maximizing hotel owners' investments by overseeing hotel operations as an in-house asset manager for the Asia Investment Portfolio. She works closely with ownership groups, brands and Interstate's operations team to proactively identify opportunities to optimize hotels' profitability and asset values. "Interstate is uniquely qualified to add exceptional value and service for Asian owners seeking to invest in the U.S. and Europe," said Leslie Ng, chief investment officer for Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "Our success and growth in this niche segment is due to our talent, experience and resources that drive results for Asian hotel investors." For more information about Interstate Hotels & Resorts' Asia practice, please contact Don Li, head of Asia investment group, at (949) 783-2508 or [email protected]. About Interstate Hotels & Resorts Interstate Hotels & Resorts is the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company, operating branded full- and select-service hotels and resorts, convention centers and independent hotels worldwide. Interstate Hotels & Resorts' portfolio of 446 hotels with 82,065 rooms including signed hotels under development or construction spans 10 countries. For more information, please visit www.interstatehotels.com. Connect with Interstate at www.linkedin.com/company/interstate-hotels-resorts, www.facebook.com/InterstateHotels and www.interstatehotels.com/careers. For More Media Information: Kerri Crannis/ Bonnie Olsen The Zimmerman Agency 850.668.2222 [email protected] SOURCE Interstate Hotels & Resorts Related Links http://www.interstatehotels.com ATLANTA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of each of the Invesco closed-end funds listed below today declared the following dividends. EX-DATE 6/12/17 RECORD DATE 6/14/17 REINVEST DATE 6/30/17 PAYABLE DATE 6/30/17 Name of Closed-End Management Investment Company Ticker Monthly Dividend Amount Per Share Change From Prior Distribution Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II VKI $0.0547 - Invesco Bond Fund VBF $0.0690 - Invesco California Value Municipal Income Trust VCV $0.0535 - Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund VTA $0.0710 - Invesco High Income 2023 Target Term Fund IHIT $0.0500 - Invesco High Income Trust II VLT $0.08401 - Invesco Municipal Income Opportunities Trust OIA $0.0344 - Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust VMO $0.0639 - Invesco Municipal Trust VKQ $0.0614 - Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust VPV $0.0521 - Invesco Quality Municipal Income Trust IQI $0.05461 - Invesco Senior Income Trust VVR $0.02051 -0.0030 Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals VGM $0.0636 - Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals VTN $0.0571 - Invesco Value Municipal Income Trust IIM $0.0620 - 1 A portion of this distribution is estimated to be from a return of principal rather than net income. The Section 19 notice referenced below provides more information and can be found on the Invesco website at www.invesco.com. Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year will report distributions for federal income tax purposes. The Fund's annual report to shareholders will include information regarding the tax character of Fund distributions for the fiscal year. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of all distributions in 2017 will be made after the end of the year. In order to comply with the requirements of Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, each Fund will provide its shareholders of record on the record date with a Section 19 Notice disclosing the sources of its dividend payment when a distribution includes anything other than net investment income. The Section 19 Notice is not provided for tax reporting purposes but for informational purposes only. If applicable, this Section 19 Notice information can be found on the Funds' website at www.invesco.com The amount of dividends paid by each fund may vary from time to time. Past amounts of dividends are no guarantee of future dividend payment amounts. Investing involves risk and it is possible to lose money on any investment in the funds. For more information, call 1-800-341-2929. About Invesco Ltd. Invesco Ltd. is a leading independent global investment management firm, dedicated to helping investors worldwide achieve their financial objectives. By delivering the combined power of our distinctive investment management capabilities, Invesco provides a wide range of investment strategies and vehicles to our clients around the world. Operating in more than 20 countries, the firm is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IVZ. Additional information is available at www.invesco.com. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the U.S. distributor for Invesco Ltd.'s retail products. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. Note: There is no assurance that a closed-end fund will achieve its investment objective. Shares are bought on the secondary market and may trade at a discount or premium to NAV. Regular brokerage commissions apply. NOT FDIC INSURED l MAY LOSE VALUE l NO BANK GUARANTEE Invesco SOURCE Invesco Ltd. Related Links http://www.invesco.com LOS ANGELES and JOHANNESBURG, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestCloud Inc., a global FinTech firm, has been appointed by Anchor Private Clients, the private client division of JSE-listed Anchor Group, to provide digital client communication and client reporting solutions. This latest global success for US-headquartered InvestCloud in Africa builds on recent new customer contracts signed in Europe and Asia. Johannesburg-headquartered Anchor Private Clients specializes in personalized investment management and advice for private clients across South Africa and internationally. Its parent company Anchor Group manages 48 billion rand ($3.6 billion) of assets under management. The wealth manager will be using the InvestCloud Blue suite of financial apps, which provides the firm with automated client communications capabilities along with consolidated reporting, portfolio management, CRM and sales support. Brendan Gace, head of Anchor Private Clients, said: "The need to provide digital services is very real. Not only does it help to enhance customer service, it allows us to streamline internal operations and processes meaning our managers can do more for our clients. There are many options to take, but we were impressed with InvestCloud's easily customizable digital platform. It means we didn't have to invest significant time and resources in building our own system, yet the result is exactly how we want it to be." Since establishing its first international office in the UK in 2016, InvestCloud has been selected as the digital platform of choice for wealth managers and financial institutions across Europe and APAC, including a recent contract with Singapore's largest robo-advisor, WeInvest. John Wise, co-founder and CEO of InvestCloud, said: "The need for wealth managers to digitalize is not limited to a particular geography. Like the spread of social media, it is a global need. But with the majority of wealth managers limiting client communications to phone, email and traditional reports, many are still well behind the curve. "Our rapid international expansion over the past 12 months demonstrates that the industry is waking up. Digital provides an essential differentiator that can help guarantee customer loyalty for traditional players and the new wave of start-ups alike. This is an increasingly pressing issue as wealth transfers between generations and the 'mass affluent' look for new ways to manage their wealth, enabling financial mobility." Anchor Private Clients will also be able to use the InvestCloud Digital Warehouse. The firm's unique Digital Warehouse can pull together millions of pieces of content from news and social media to market data and information on investments to ensure its data provides a single version of the integrated truth for its clients. Through the FinTech firm's unique Programs Writing Programs (PWP) technology, Anchor can roll out updates to the InvestCloud Digital Platform almost instantly. PWP allows each platform to be completely unique to the user's precise requirements, meaning no two digital experiences are the same, respecting investor clients' individuality. PWP allows one designer or business analyst to do the work of more than 50 programmers. About InvestCloud Inc. Headquartered in Los Angeles with a global presence, InvestCloud develops first-class, financial digital solutions, pre-integrated into the cloud. By empowering investors and managers with a single version of the integrated truth through its unique digital platform, InvestCloud creates beautifully designed client experiences and intuitive operations solutions using an ever-expanding library of digital modular apps. The result? Powerful products for individual investors and institutions alike, assembled on-demand to meet clients' specific needs. Today the InvestCloud platform supports over $1.7 trillion of assets across 670 diverse clients from wealth managers, institutional investors & institutional asset managers to family offices, asset services companies, financial platforms & banks. For more information, visit www.investcloud.com. SOURCE InvestCloud Inc. Related Links http://www.investcloud.com ATLANTA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jack Cooper Enterprises, Inc. ("JCEI") and Jack Cooper Holdings Corp. ("JCHC" and, together with JCEI, the "Company") announced today that the Company has reached an agreement in principle with an ad hoc group (the "Ad Hoc Group") of holders of the JCHC 9.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the "JCHC Notes") on the terms of a consensual restructuring transaction. The Ad Hoc Group holds 74.45% of the JCHC Notes and 14.63% of the JCEI 10.50%/11.25% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2019 (the "JCEI Notes" and together with the JCHC Notes, the "Existing Notes"). The Ad Hoc Group is also working together with other noteholders that together with the Ad Hoc Group hold 86.26% of the JCHC Notes and 42.16% of the JCEI Notes. The parties have agreed that the Company will amend the terms of the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Existing JCEI Offer") to purchase any and all of the JCEI Notes and exchange offer (the "Existing JCHC Offer" and together with the Existing JCEI Offer, the "Existing Offers") for any and all of the JCHC Notes for cash and warrants to purchase shares of non-voting common stock of JCEI described in the offer to purchase and offering memorandum (as amended, the "Offering Memorandum") to provide for the following: Amended JCHC Offer . Eligible Holders of JCHC Notes that tender their JCHC Notes and are Consenting Holders (as defined below) will receive: . Eligible Holders of JCHC Notes that tender their JCHC Notes and are Consenting Holders (as defined below) will receive: $550 in cash for each $1,000 of JCHC Notes tendered (which includes a $50 Consent and Forbearance Payment), and in cash for each of JCHC Notes tendered (which includes a Consent and Forbearance Payment), and warrants to purchase non-voting common stock of JCEI (which in the aggregate, assuming full participation in the Amended JCHC Offer, will equal 10% of the common equity of JCEI on a fully-diluted basis and after giving effect to any additional equity issued in connection with obtaining financing to fund the transactions) (the "Amended JCHC Offer"). Amended JCEI Offer . Eligible Holders of JCEI Notes that tender their JCEI Notes and are Consenting Holders will continue to receive $150 in cash for each $1,000 of JCEI Notes tendered (which includes a $11.50 Consent and Forbearance Payment) (the "Amended JCEI Offer" and together with the Amended JCHC Offer, the "Amended Offers"). Subject to agreement upon mutually acceptable definitive documentation, each member of the Ad Hoc Group has agreed in principle to tender their Existing Notes pursuant to the terms of the Amended Offers, deliver their applicable Consents (as defined in the Offering Memorandum) in the Consent Solicitation (as defined in the Offering Memorandum) and vote in favor of a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the "Prepackaged Plan") that would be implemented if the revised minimum tender conditions described below are not satisfied. The parties also intend to negotiate and enter into a mutually acceptable form of restructuring support agreement (the "Restructuring Support Agreement"), pursuant to which they will agree to support and take all actions necessary to consummate the Amended Offers and/or the Prepackaged Plan. The Company also announced a fourth extension of the Existing Offers. The Existing Offers are now scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, June 12, 2017, unless further extended or earlier terminated in accordance with the Offering Memorandum. The Company intends to distribute an amended and restated Offering Memorandum to Eligible Holders containing the terms of the Amended Offers as promptly as practicable. As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2017, 51.37% of the JCEI Notes had been validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Existing JCEI Offer. However, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 30, 2017, 0.00% of the Existing JCHC Notes had been validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Existing JCHC Offer. The withdrawal deadlines for the Offers have not been extended, but will be extended in connection with the Amended Offers when the amended and restated Offering Memorandum is distributed to Eligible Holders. Pursuant to the Amended Offers, only Eligible Holders that validly tender their Existing Notes, deliver their Consents in the Consent Solicitation, vote in favor of the Plan and deliver signed joinders to the Restructuring Support Agreement (such holders, "Consenting Holders") will receive the applicable Consent and Forbearance Payment. The Total Consideration for any Non-Consenting Holders in the Amended Offers will be reduced by the amount of the Consent and Forbearance Payment (the reductions for which will be $50 for the Amended JCHC Offer and $11.50 for the Amended JCEI Offer). The Amended Offers will be conditioned, among other things, upon a minimum tender condition of 98% in the Amended JCEI Offer and 98% in the Amended JCHC Offer (collectively, the "Minimum Threshold"). If the Minimum Threshold is not satisfied, but the Company receives the requisite approvals for the Prepackaged Plan, the Company will file a case under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to effectuate the Amended Offers. The Prepackaged Plan will compromise only the rights of the holders of Existing Notes, the requisite holders of which have consented to the Prepackaged Plan. All other creditors of the Company are expected to be paid in the ordinary course of business. There can be no assurance that the Company will consummate the Amended Offers as contemplated by the agreement in principle with the Ad Hoc Group described in this press release. The Amended Offers will also continue to be subject to the financing conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to exchange any of the Existing Notes. The Existing Offers are being made pursuant to the offering documents, including the Offering Memorandum and the related consent and letter of transmittal that JCEI and JCHC have distributed to eligible holders of the Existing Notes, as amended by the Company's press releases dated May 1, 2017, May 15, 2017, May 22, 2017 and this press release. The Existing Offers are not being made to holders of the Existing Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or other laws of such jurisdiction. The terms of the Existing Offers will not be deemed to include the terms of the Amended Offers until the amended and restated Offering Memorandum has been distributed to Eligible Holders. None of the Company, its agents or their respective affiliates is making any recommendation as to whether or not holders should exchange all or any portion of their Existing Notes in the Offers or deliver consents in the Consent Solicitations. About the Company The Company is a specialty transportation and other logistics provider and the largest over-the-road finished vehicle logistics company in North America. The Company provides premium asset-heavy and asset-light based solutions to the global new and previously-owned vehicle markets, specializing in finished vehicle transportation and other logistics services for major automotive original equipment manufacturers and for fleet ownership companies, remarketers, dealers and auctions. The Company is a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise by The Women's Business Enterprise Council ("WBENC"). The Company does not expect the consummation of the Amend Offers to impact its certification by the WBENC. Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this news release which describe the Company's intentions, expectations, beliefs or predictions may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by, or including the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," or similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release are statements about the expected terms and timing of the Amended Offers. The Company cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. The Company does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ from the results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among other things the risks described under the caption "Risk Factors" in JCHC's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016. SOURCE Jack Cooper Enterprises, Inc. NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kentaro Sonoura will address the AJC Global Forum 2017, which will take place June 4-6, in Washington, D.C. The AJC Global Forum is the advocacy organization's signature annual event, bringing together more than 2,500 participants from across the United States and 70 countries around the world. "We are honored that Minister Sonoura will make a special trip to Washington to share his perspective on regional and global challenges, and deliver a message to AJC from Prime Minister Abe," said AJC CEO David Harris, who, together with an AJC delegation, last met with the prime minister in Tokyo in October 2016. AJC has been actively engaged with Japan through its pioneering Asia Pacific Institute (API), the first of its kind in the Jewish world, which is today chaired by Jeffrey Stone and directed by Shira Loewenberg. "We have been traveling to Japan regularly since 1988 because Japan is a democratic powerhouse in Asia, an essential ally and partner of the United States, an increasingly close friend of Israel, and an anchor of stability in a vital part of the world," said Harris. "Our engagement with Japan, and with Japanese representatives around the world, continues to widen and deepen." Other world leaders confirmed to address the AJC Global Forum include: U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades Romanian President Klaus Iohannis Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , via video from Jerusalem , in conversation with five AJC young leaders , via video from , in conversation with five AJC young leaders Israeli Minister of Public Security and Strategic Affairs Gilad Erdan Organization of American States Secretary-General Luis Almagro AJC, founded in 1906 and with headquarters in New York, maintains 22 regional offices across the United States; 10 overseas posts, including one in Tokyo; and 34 international association agreements with Jewish communities. SOURCE American Jewish Committee Related Links http://www.ajc.org ATLANTA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Job Creators Network commended the withdrawal of U.S. participation in the Paris Climate Treaty, highlighting the positive impact the move will have on small businesses, jobs, and wages. Because the treaty required the U.S. to reduce emissions by between 26 percent and 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, it would have forced small businesses to use far more expensive forms of energy, which is already a major cost for many small businesses. This burden would have reduced their ability to expand, create jobs, and increase wages. In Europe, where energy is highly regulated, electricity costs are roughly triple that of the U.S. In Germany, where energy is especially heavily regulated, electricity has become "a luxury good" according to a major national paper. The regulations associated with the Paris Climate Treaty would have only added to the $83,000 regulatory burden facing the average small business, according to a new National Small Business Association survey. Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot and The Job Creators Network, released the following statement: Today's decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Treaty is a major win for the 85 million Americans whose livelihoods depend on small businesses. By avoiding the self-inflicted wound associated with kneecapping this country's energy industry, the president has kept electricity costs reasonable for all businesses. Exiting this treaty is also a victory for all Americans, who will avoid having their limited disposable income diverted to pay for the priorities of a global elite. The move frees the U.S. from an unfair deal that would have allowed China and India to build coal plants at America's expense. By withdrawing from this destructive treaty, the president has put Americans first. To schedule an interview, contact Jackson Shedelbower at [email protected]torsNetwork.com or (470) 223-7356. The Job Creators Network (JCN) is the voice of Main Street and holds politicians accountable to job creators and workers alike. For more information, please visit www.JobCreatorsNetwork.com. SOURCE Job Creators Network (JCN) Related Links http://www.JobCreatorsNetwork.com BOSTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The five John Hancock closed-end funds listed below declared their quarterly distributions today as follows: Declaration Date: June 1, 2017 Ex Date: June 8, 2017 Record Date: June 12, 2017 Payment Date: June 30, 2017 Ticker Fund Name Distribution Per Share Change From Previous Distribution Market Price as of 5/31/2017 Annualized Current Distribution Rate at Market HEQ Hedged Equity & Income Fund $0.3760 - $17.20 8.74% JHI Investors Trust $0.3209 $(0.0016) $17.67 7.26% JHS Income Securities Trust $0.2002 $0.0023 $14.61 5.48% HTY Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund $0.2200 - $10.00 8.80% BTO Financial Opportunities Fund $0.3701 - $33.62 4.40% John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Financial Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") declared its quarterly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "BTO Plan"). Under the BTO Plan, the Fund makes quarterly distributions in a fixed amount of $0.3701 per share, which will be paid quarterly until further notice. Distributions under the BTO Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital. The BTO Plan intends to fund each distribution, to the extent possible, in a tax-advantaged manner through the realization of long-term capital gains where the distribution amount exceeds net investment income. The Fund will seek to realize capital gains for this purpose in a manner which the advisor and subadvisor believe is consistent with prudent portfolio management and the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular quarterly distributions. The Board may amend the terms of the BTO Plan or terminate the BTO Plan at any time. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Hedged Equity & Income Fund (the "Fund") declared its quarterly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "HEQ Plan"). Under the HEQ Plan, the Fund makes quarterly distributions in a fixed amount of $0.3760 per share, which will be paid quarterly until further notice. Distributions under the HEQ Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital. The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular quarterly distributions. The Board may amend the terms of the HEQ Plan or terminate the HEQ Plan at any time. A portion of a Fund's current distribution may include sources other than net investment income, including a return of capital. Investors should understand that a return of capital is not a distribution from income or gains of a Fund. As required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice with the estimated components of the distribution will be mailed to shareholders at the time of payment if it does not consist solely of net investment income. At this time, one or more of the Funds anticipates that the notice accompanying the current distribution will include an estimate of return of capital. Such notice will also be posted to the Funds' website at www.jhinvestments.com . The notice should not be used to prepare tax returns as the estimates indicated in the notice may differ from the ultimate federal income tax characterization of distributions. After the end of each calendar year, investors will be sent a Form 1099-DIV informing them how to report distributions received during that year for federal income tax purposes. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. About John Hancock Investments John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $140 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017 across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans. About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$1 trillion (US$754 billion) as of March 31, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com. The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com. SOURCE John Hancock Investments Related Links http://www.jhinvestments.com SAN DIEGO, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Paul Barth, founder and CEO of Podium Data (www.podiumdata.com), will discuss data governance best practices for large enterprises that are implementing a big data marketplace at the upcoming Data Governance & Information Quality Conference (DGIQ), June 12-16, in San Diego. Presenting at the largest event dedicated entirely to data governance and information quality, Dr. Barth will participate in two sessions on Tuesday, June 13. In both sessions, data lake failures due to lack of governance is explored - a crisis that plagues most big data initiatives that chose speed and business agility ahead of regulatory requirements. Dr. Barth will demonstrate how organizations can remedy this scenario and deliver best practices in data governance while preserving business agility and security. At 10:15 am Pacific, Barth will be part of a panel titled From Wild West to Law and Order: Data Governance in the New Era of Big Data and Data Lakes that also includes data experts from the financial services industry. At 12:15 pm Pacific, Barth will present The Well Governed Data Marketplace: How Podium Is Helping Companies Build Data Marketplaces with Enterprise-Grade Data Governance and Security. Audience members will learn how organizations are using Podium Datas platform to create a secure self-service data marketplace that rapidly brings order and increased collaboration to their big data initiatives. The conference will take place at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, in San Diego, California. Dr. Paul Barth has spent decades developing advanced data and analytics solutions for Fortune 100 companies and is a recognized thought-leader on business-driven data strategies and best practices. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT, and an M.S. from Yale University. About Podium Data, Inc. Podium Data is radically simplifying and accelerating the way companies manage, prepare and deliver business-ready data the lifeblood of the modern enterprise. The Podium Data Marketplace is a turnkey big data management platform that goes beyond data lakes to give business analysts self-service, on-demand access to trusted data while ensuring quality and control. This revolutionary approach accelerates delivery by more than twenty-five times while reducing costs by 40 percent. A growing list of Fortune 1000 enterprises is already using the Podium Data Marketplace to deliver a wide range of analytics projects like never before. More information is available at www.podiumdata.com and on Twitter at @PodiumData. ALAMO, Tenn., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. in the Circuit Courtroom, second floor, Crockett County Courthouse, Alamo, Tennessee, the Crockett County NAACP Branch, and the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), Montgomery, Alabama, will hold an admission-free, public ceremony, remembering Joseph H. Boxley, and dedicating soil from his lynching site for permanent display in EJI's Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration, in Montgomery. Joseph H. Boxley, the African-American teenage son of Jesse Boxley and wife Jennie Johnson Boxley who was accused of assaulting a white woman, was removed by a mob from the Crockett County jail in Alamo, May 29, 1929, and lynched just west of the Coxville community, on the north side of what is now Tennessee Highway 152. The lynching was widely reported locally and nationally, including the May 30 edition of the New York Times, and the June 10 issue of Time magazine. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to place a small portion of the soil collected from the lynching site into the urn that will be permanently displayed in EJI's Museum. EJI's goal is to collect and display soil from every lynching site in the United States. Speakers will include keynoter District Attorney Garry G. Brown of Alamo; Bill Carey, Tennessee historian, author and founder of Tennessee History for Kids, Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, State Senator Ed Jackson, and State Representatives Craig Fitzhugh and Johnnie Turner. The ceremony, approximately one hour in length, will include brief remarks by a Boxley family member, and an Equal Justice Initiative staffer, a scripture, prayers, an interpretative dance, and a song. Free copies of Equal Justice Initiative's publications, including the critically acclaimed Lynching In America, will be available. An educational exhibit documents the lynching, with copies of contemporary newspaper accounts including the New York Times, photographs of the lynched teen, and a Boxley family history and photos. For more information, contact Jim Emison, [email protected], 731-696-2434, Alamo, Tennessee 38001. SOURCE Crockett County NAACP WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We are in the midst of our nation's deadliest drug epidemic ever and it is hitting older Americans particularly hard, reports AARP. In this multi-story special report titled "The Opioid Menace," AARP Bulletin reveals that almost one-third of all Medicare patients nearly 12 million people were prescribed opioid painkillers in 2015, drugs that can become addictive in as few as five days. That same year, 2.7 million Americans over age 50 abused painkillers and nearly 14,000 people age 45-plus died from an overdose. AARP Bulletin June 2017 Cover The report explores how older generations have become the new dealers, selling their prescriptions to raise needed cash. And it details the extraordinary increase in grandparents having to raise their grandchildren due to the opioid addictions of their children. The special report also includes searing profiles of older opioid addicts; explores the U.S. regions that are most affected by the opioid epidemic; ranks the 18 approved prescription opioids based on their potency; and gives clear advice on what you can do to help bring an end to our nation's deadliest epidemic ever. Other stories in the June issue: 12 Best Tricks of Super Savers For some people, finding new ways to save money can be more entertaining than spending it. In this month's issue, AARP seeks out ingenious saving tricks that actually work. Simple tactics like 'The Lincoln Logger' and 'The Coupon Coup' offer easy steps to saving thousands a year. An Interview with Celebrated Comedy Writer, Actor and Director Carl Reiner This month's issue features an exclusive interview with 95-year-old comedy legend Carl Reiner discussing his secret to a long-lasting successful career. And how for his new documentary, "If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast," Reiner tracked down celebrated people in their 90s and beyond to show how the twilight years can be among life's happiest and most rewarding. Scam Alert: An Owner's Manual for Finding an Honest Mechanic Auto repair complaints consistently rank among the top consumer grievances, so it's not a surprise that some people get taken for a ride by an untrustworthy mechanic. In the June Bulletin, AARP reveals the warning signs of unnecessary and overpriced service by mercenary mechanics, so you can finally put an end to car repair rip-offs. Lessons from Dad That Last a Lifetime Just in time for Father's Day, Esquire writer-at-large Charles P. Pierce reminisces about his late father who passed away from Alzheimer's disease. In a touching piece, he shares the life lessons he learned from his father, even if he didn't know he was learning them at the time. Five Surprising Reasons You're Up at 4 a.m. For the 70 million Americans who suffer from insomnia, nighttime can be endless and exhausting. If you're a chronic insomniac, you've read all the tips and advice on how to get a good night's sleep, like turning off your electronics, keeping the bedroom dark and cool, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed. In this month's issue, AARP explores five alternative reasons why you might not be sleeping through the night and how you can fix them to get that much needed rest. Learn more at http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/. Interviews with AARP experts are available upon request. About AARP Bulletin AARP Bulletin is the definitive news source for AARP's members. The Bulletin reaches more than 30 million readers through each of its ten print editions annually, with additional news and in-depth coverage online. AARP Bulletin delivers the story behind the key issues confronting Americans 50 and older, including health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, work, personal finance, and AARP state and national news. The consumer-oriented news publication has become a must-read for congressional lawmakers and Washington opinion leaders, and it provides AARP members with pertinent information they need to know. Learn more at http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/. 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 CINCINNATI, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) will host conference call with investors on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10 a.m. (ET) to discuss financial results for the first quarter 2017. The presentation will be broadcast online at ir.kroger.com. Click on "Quarterly Results" to access the event. An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available at approximately 1 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, June 15, 2017. Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable. SOURCE The Kroger Co. Related Links http://www.kroger.com "We know everyone appreciates a good breakfast," says Alice Crowder, Vice President of Marketing at Krystal. "Our $3.99 offer makes it easy to start the day off right by enjoying a hearty, truly Southern classic breakfast for an extraordinary value." In addition to the 3 Egg Plate Breakfast, Krystal's breakfast menu contains a variety of hearty and cravable menu items, including the Chik Biscuit and other breakfast biscuits, toast sandwiches featuring eggs with choice breakfast meats, the unique steamed-bun Sunriser, Scrambler Breakfast Bowls and the Sausage Gravy Biscuit Plate. "We're dedicated to meeting that Krystal craving for all meals breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night," continued Crowder. "Whether looking for a full meal or a snack to make it to that next meal, Krystal has you covered." The $3.99 3 Egg Plate Breakfast offer runs through June 25. About The Krystal Company Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at more than 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal's Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.Krystal.com or http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal. Peyton Sadler 305-631-2283 [email protected] SOURCE The Krystal Company Related Links http://www.krystal.com Mr. Gordon provides creditors, debtors and other parties-in-interest with strategic counseling through bankruptcy and restructuring processes in litigation and out-of-court workouts. He handles complex and high-profile corporate and municipal matters, including having served as special restructuring counsel to the Detroit Retirement Systems in the City of Detroit Chapter 9 bankruptcy case. "Bob's experience representing large public and private entities in complex matters is an asset to the firm," said Terrence J. Truax, managing partner of Jenner & Block. "His addition further strengthens our bankruptcy and restructuring practice and the deep experience we can make available to our clients." In addition to his key role in the Detroit bankruptcy proceedings, Mr. Gordon has worked on cases and restructurings arising out of several industries, including automotive, real estate, gaming, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, aviation and telecommunications, among others. He represents companies, creditors' committees, pension systems, secured and unsecured creditors, distressed asset purchasers, lessors, trustees and liquidating agents. Mr. Gordon also represents clients in various other transactional and litigation matters involving bankruptcy and related commercial issues. "Bob provides insight and informed guidance to parties experiencing insolvency issues and distressed situations," said Joseph P. Gromacki, chair of Jenner & Block's firmwide Corporate Department. "He has extensive knowledge of bankruptcy law and how it can affect corporations and municipalities, which is extremely valuable to clients seeking restructuring counsel." Mr. Gordon has also served as a federal court-appointed receiver in a Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement action involving an international Ponzi scheme. Richard Levin, co-chair of the firm's Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice, said, "Bob has proven himself in numerous distress and restructuring situations, especially in one of his most challenging assignmentssecuring the pensions of Detroit's retirees through the Grand Bargain in the City of Detroit municipal bankruptcy case." "His experience and his creative, hands-on approach to protecting his clients and crafting solutions will enhance our strong municipal and general commercial restructuring practice and our ability to serve our clients in complex distress matters," added Catherine L. Steege, co-chair of the practice. Mr. Gordon is a frequent speaker on issues relating to municipal bankruptciesand their effect on pension systems in particularamong other topics. Since 2010, he has been recognized every year by The Best Lawyers in America in the bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights law categories. The American Board of Certification has certified Mr. Gordon as a specialist in business bankruptcy. He joins the firm from Clark Hill PLC. "Joining Jenner & Block's team of highly regarded lawyers is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to helping expand the firm's strong bankruptcy and restructuring capabilities," said Mr. Gordon. "I've worked alongside the firm's lawyers before and look forward to working with them again to achieve the best possible results for our clients." Mr. Gordon is licensed to practice in Michigan, Illinois and New York. He earned both his J.D. and his B.A. at the University of Michigan. ABOUT JENNER & BLOCK'S RESTRUCTURING AND BANKRUPTCY PRACTICE Lawyers in Jenner & Block's Restructuring and Bankruptcy Practice handle a wide range of matters in high-profile and complex corporate and municipal reorganizations and related litigation across the United States. The firm also has experience in bankruptcy cases involving financial fraud, corporate malfeasance and mass torts. We represent public and private companies in bankruptcy proceedings, out-of-court restructurings, debt for equity exchanges, "internal" reorganizations, and distressed asset purchases and sales. Our lawyers frequently represent investors, lenders, creditors or equity holders in bankruptcy cases, out-of-court restructuring transactions or workouts, and provide advice on credit issues, derivatives, structured finance and other sophisticated financial instruments, as well as other insolvency-related issues. ABOUT JENNER & BLOCK Jenner & Block (www.jenner.com) is a law firm with global reach, with more than 500 lawyers and offices in Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC. The firm is known for its prominent and successful litigation practice and experience handling sophisticated and high-profile corporate transactions. Firm clients include Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, financial services institutions, emerging companies and venture capital and private equity investors. In 2016, The American Lawyer named Jenner & Block to the A-List, which recognizes the top 20 US law firms. The American Lawyer also recognized the firm as the #1 pro bono firm in the United States six of the past nine years; the firm has been ranked among the top 10 in this category every year since 1990. SOURCE Jenner & Block Related Links http://www.jenner.com Rahman's presentation will focus on the use of light to enhance circadian health. The talk will encompass research work ranging from circadian lighting developed for the International Space Station to clinical work at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We are honored to have Dr. Rahman speak at the inaugural Lighting for Health and Wellbeing Conference. His expertise is well-known, providing attendees with a unique and insightful presentation on how light scientifically affects the body and mind to impact overall health," said Christine Shaw, Event Director and Senior Vice President of PennWell's LED & Lighting Network. Rahman is a neuroscientist who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Toronto, and a Masters of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Medicine. Currently Rahman works as an instructor at Harvard Medical School, an associate neuroscientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and in postdoctoral research for both organizations. Rahman's research interests are in sleep and circadian neurophysiology. He has studied how the spectral, duration and pattern characteristics of light modulate behavioral, endocrine and molecular outputs that are under the control of the biological clock. In addition to Rahman, the Lighting for Health and Wellbeing Conference program has announced an exceptional lineup of experts representing research labs, lighting manufacturers currently building products designed to influence human health and wellbeing, and lighting designers/specifiers that are working on such projects. Featured speakers include Mr. Jamie Zeitzer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Stanford University and Mr. Robert Karlicek, Ph.D. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and director of the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications. Zeitzer will present research into light sources that remove blue energy from the spectral power distribution, as well as data from recent tests showing how subjects responded to such light sources compared to standard LED-based lighting and to conventional light sources. Karlicek will discuss evidence-based lighting design. For a full list of speakers, click here. About PennWell Corporation PennWell Corporation is a privately held and highly diversified business-to-business media and information company that provides quality content and integrated marketing solutions for the following industries: Oil and gas, electric power generation and delivery, hydropower, renewable energy, water and wastewater treatment, waste management, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, optoelectronics, fiber-optics, aerospace and avionics, LEDs and lighting, fire and emergency services, public safety, and dental. PennWell publishes over 130 print and online magazines and newsletters, conducts 60 conferences and exhibitions on six continents, and has an extensive offering of books, maps, websites, research and database services. In addition to PennWell's headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Company has major offices in Nashua, New Hampshire; London, England; Houston, Texas; San Diego and Mountain View, California; Fairlawn, New Jersey; Moscow, Russia; and Hong Kong, China. For additional information about PennWell Corporation, visit www.pennwell.com. Contact: Wendy Lissau, Marketing Director PennWell Corporation Email: [email protected] Phone: 918.831.9793 SOURCE PennWells LED & Lighting Network Related Links http://www.pennwell.com SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Seasoned lawyer, educator and ethics advisor Carole Buckner has joined Procopio as Deputy General Counsel. Carole will be providing legal guidance to Procopio's more than 160 attorneys, working out of its downtown San Diego headquarters and reporting to General Counsel and Partner Robert Russell. "Solid and reliable general counsel support is critical for the success of a growing full-service law firm like Procopio," said Tom Turner, Procopio's Managing Partner. "We have been spoiled for many years by having one of the very best in the business in Bob Russell. As Bob nears retirement, we are very fortunate to have someone of Carole's immense capabilities to transition into the role. Carole is a renowned legal ethics expert with significant experience advising attorneys and law firms in many areas of the law." Most recently Dean of the St. Francis School of Law based in Newport Beach, California, Carole has more than fifteen years of legal experience in business litigation and fifteen years as a legal educator. Her legal practice focuses on legal ethics, professional responsibility, and the law of lawyering, including advising lawyers and rendering opinions. Carole is the current Co-Chair of the Orange County Bar Association Professionalism & Ethics Committee, contributing editor of the Ethically Speaking column in O.C. Lawyer Magazine, and served seven years on the Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee of the L.A. County Bar Association. Carole also served on the California State Bar's Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (COPRAC), and currently serves on the Committee on Mandatory Fee Arbitration for the State Bar of California. Earlier in her legal career, Carole also spent more than three years as a federal prosecutor handling white-collar criminal prosecutions for the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General throughout the Central District of California. She has a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from the University of California's Hastings College of Law. About Procopio Procopio is a full-service business and litigation law firm committed to thoughtful problem solving and improving your bottom line. With more than 160 attorneys based in San Diego, Silicon Valley, Phoenix, Austin and Los Angeles, we're passionate about knowing your business and helping you grow and protect it for the long term. Procopio has the flexible infrastructure to support both small to mid-sized companies and large multinationals at every stage of the business life cycle. Our global reach across Asia and Latin America further expands our international partnerships and cross-border capabilities. At Procopio, we are focused on what is important to you providing smart, innovative and practical solutions in a cost-effective manner to help your business thrive. Learn more at Procopio.com. Media Contact: Patrick Ross Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications Phone: 619.906.5740 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Procopio LLP Related Links http://www.procopio.com RESTON, Va., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a global science and technology company, has been included on the annual Healthcare Informatics 100 list. This feature is a compilation of the top health IT companies based on health IT revenues from the most recent fiscal year. Leidos, which ranked nine on the list, provides services and solutions to commercial and government clients in information technology, biomedical research, and public health. From conducting groundbreaking research to fight diseases such as cancer and AIDS, to implementing and optimizing electronic health records, Leidos provides solutions focused on improving patient care and reducing cost. The company provides a broad range of capabilities for hospitals and health systems and also develops and supports large-scale technology programs for every U.S. federal agency focused on health, including the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services. "Our brilliant scientists and technical experts use their vast experience to keep us on the forefront of healthcare technology so we can devise the most innovative solutions for our customers," said Leidos Health President Jon Scholl. "Our presence on this list emphasizes the importance of the work we do, not only for the company, but to improve the health of people around the world." About Leidos Leidos is a global science and technology solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SOURCE Leidos Related Links http://www.leidos.com LONDON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 93 countries recorded improvements in peace in the last year, while 68 deteriorated US political turbulence led to North America deteriorating more than any other region in the world in terms of its peacefulness deteriorating more than any other region in the world in terms of its peacefulness Several European countries recorded a deterioration in Positive Peace levels coinciding with populist political parties gaining significant electoral traction The global economic impact of violence totalled $14.3 trillion or 12.6% of world GDP, and is far greater in less peaceful countries, costing the equivalent of 37% of GDP in the world's 10 least peaceful countries or 12.6% of world GDP, and is far greater in less peaceful countries, costing the equivalent of 37% of GDP in the world's 10 least peaceful countries Iceland topped the list as the world's most peaceful country, followed by New Zealand and Portugal , which replaced Denmark and Austria topped the list as the world's most peaceful country, followed by and , which replaced and Syria ranked the least peaceful country for the fifth consecutive year - Afghanistan , Iraq , South Sudan and Yemen complete the bottom five ranked the least peaceful country for the fifth consecutive year - , , and complete the bottom five Despite overall improvements, the number of countries experiencing record number of deaths from terrorism jumped to an historic high of 23, including Denmark , Sweden , France , and Turkey The world became a more peaceful place in 2017, according to figures released today in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI). Since last year 93 countries recorded higher levels of peace while 68 deteriorated, resulting in an improvement in world peace. The improvement was mainly driven by lower levels of state-sponsored terror - extra-judicial killings and torture - and the prior withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan by all but four of the 50 countries that provided military assistance. The 11th edition of the index, published by international think-tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) , captures the impact of political polarisation in the US stemming from the divisive 2016 Presidential Elections. Despite improvements in Canada, the growing intensity of internal conflict, increases in terrorism and higher perceptions of criminality saw the US fall 11 places to 114th, resulting in North America recording the largest drop of any region. Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of the IEP commented: "While the true extent of the significant political polarity in the US will take years to be fully realised, its disruptive influence is already evident. Underlying conditions of increasing inequality, rising perceptions of corruption, and declining falling press freedoms have all contributed to this deterioration in the US, leading to the overall decline in peace in the North America region." The report also analyses the rise of populism through the lens of Positive Peace - a measure of the attitudes, structures and institutions that sustain peace. The sharp increase in support for populist parties in the past decade closely corresponds with deteriorations in Positive Peace, with some of the largest falls recorded in Italy, France and Spain. Steve Killelea continued: "The increasing role of populist parties in mainstream European politics is reflected against a backdrop of deteriorating Positive Peace, specifically in terms of persistent challenges to the free flow of information, levels of corruption and acceptance of the rights of others. Without addressing these underlying drivers of peace it will not be possible to build more peaceful societies." Despite the global number of deaths from terrorism decreasing by 10% between 2014 and 2015, the number of countries witnessing historically high levels of terrorism hit an all-time high in this year's report at 23, including Denmark, Sweden, France, and Turkey. Europe was significantly impacted, with major attacks in Nice seeing France fall five places in the overall ranking to 51st. The impact of other attacks such as in Brussels and London were also evident, although the more recent attack in Manchester has yet to be reflected in the figures. Overall, the most significant increases in deaths from terrorism were in OECD countries, which have collectively experienced a 900% increase between 2007 and 2016. The IEP estimates the global impact of violence to have been 12.6% of world GDP in 2016 or $14.3 trillion. While still staggeringly high at $1,953 for every person in the world, this represents a slight (3%) decrease from 2015 and the first reduction since 2011 - the year that corresponds with the start of the Syrian war. On average, violent conflict accounts for 37% of GDP in the ten least peaceful countries, compared to only 3% for the ten most peaceful. Syria remains the least peaceful country for the fifth year running, having fallen 64 places since the index began - the largest decline of the past decade. Iceland maintained its position as the world's most peaceful country, a title it has held onto since 2008, while New Zealand and Portugal replace Denmark and Austria in second and third position. Portugal's notable climb to third in the overall rankings was driven by a steady recovery from its fiscal crisis, resulting in overall greater internal stability for the country that was ranked 16th less than five years ago. Steve Killelea concluded "Although this year's uptick is reassuring, the world is still mired with conflict in the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, refugee flows and terrorism in Europe. When combined with the increasing level of peace inequality, whereby the least peaceful countries are moving further apart from the most peaceful, the resulting scenario is one in which further improvements in peace are not guaranteed." REGIONAL RANKING + HIGHLIGHTS Six of the nine regions became more peaceful with the greatest improvements recorded in South America. Europe held onto its position as the most peaceful region, while the MENA region remains the most violent. Countries in Europe make up eight out of the top ten ranks, making it the world's most peaceful region, despite record levels of terrorism in a number of countries. Progress has been driven in part by a steady economic recovery which has bolstered scores for indicators such as likelihood of violent demonstrations. Poland witnessed the greatest deterioration as public protests resulting from political tensions escalated. More broadly, southeast Europe experienced widespread decline as an increasingly prominent nationalist rhetoric led to a deterioration in relations with neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia . In the UK, the political uncertainty generated by the Brexit vote had little impact following the appointment of the new prime minister, which acted as a stabilising counterbalance. The overall GPI score for North America fell in 2016 but its place as the second most peaceful region remained. The US experienced a significant decline, which contrasts with Canada's improvement bringing it to 8th position in the GPI. The level of external conflict and weapons export indicators played a significant part in Canada's improvement, despite rises in incarceration rates and terrorism impact. Most countries in the Asia-Pacific region experienced improvements in their overall scores, with New Zealand , Japan and Australia amongst the most peaceful globally and the Philippines and North Korea remaining among the least peaceful. The subsidence of political volatility in Cambodia last year meant it made more progress than any other country in the region. South America had the largest regional improvement in this year's index, surpassing Central America and the Caribbean as the fourth most peaceful region, spearheaded by progress in Guyana and Argentina . Chile , ranked 24th in the Index is the region's most peaceful country, while Colombia , despite the ratification of the peace accord between the government and the FARC, remains the region's least peaceful country. Central America and the Caribbean fell one place since last year, with five of the 12 countries in the region experiencing deteriorations in peace. The region's most turbulent country, Mexico , saw the most substantial decline as a consequence of deteriorating relations with the US, while Costa Rica , 34 in the overall GPI, was the region's top performer, despite a slight deterioration. Sub-Saharan Africa's average score fell this year with the most notable deterioration in Ethiopia . The government-imposed six-month state of emergency was reflected in indicators of domestic conflict, resulting from rising ethnic tensions and widespread violence stemming from public protest. The Central African Republic recorded the biggest improvement in the region and globally, as the country continues to emerge from a wave of inter-communal violence. Meanwhile Sierra Leone and Guinea , which have recovered from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, also registered improvements in their overall level of peace. Most countries in Russia and Eurasia recorded improvements in the 2017 GPI, but the region retains the third-worst regional score. Moldova , Kazakhstan and Georgia are the most peaceful countries in the region, and despite slight improvements in overall peacefulness, Azerbaijan , Russia and Ukraine are the three least peaceful. South Asia hosts some countries as peaceful as Bhutan (ranked 13th overall), yet also some of the least peaceful countries in the world such as Pakistan (152nd) and Afghanistan (162nd). The scores for Sri Lanka and Pakistan improved this year, while the only deteriorations (although moderate) were registered in Nepal and Afghanistan . In Nepal , a high level of political instability is partly to blame for the slow progress in rebuilding efforts after the devastating earthquake of 2015, while Afghanistan's overall score deteriorated for the sixth successive year as overall hostility continued to increase. MENA witnessed a further deterioration in its overall score in 2017, with regional instability exacerbated by the intense rivalry between Shia Iran and the Sunni Arab Gulf monarchies, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront. That said, almost half the countries have bucked the overall negative trend in the region by achieving an improvement in their overall score. Morocco continues to benefit from a broader degree of political and social stability, while tensions between Qatar and some fellow Gulf Arab states have eased. Iran's overall score has also improved following a high turnout in elections in early 2016 which is reflected in a reduction in political instability and the likelihood of violent demonstrations. For more information, go to http://www.visionofhumanity.org. NOTES TO EDITORS GPI report, video, and interactive maps are available at: http://www.visionofhumanity.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlobPeaceIndex (#GPI2017) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/globalpeaceindex About the Global Peace Index (GPI) This is the 11th edition of the GPI: the world's leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It gauges on-going domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and the degree of militarisation in 163 countries and territories by taking into account 23 indicators. About the Institute for Economics and Peace IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has offices in Sydney, New York, The Hague and Mexico City. Global Contacts Hill + Knowlton Strategies: Metin Parlak [email protected] +44(0)20-7413-3338 Amanda Parmer [email protected] +44(0)20-7413-3218 SOURCE Institute for Economics and Peace WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Carolina business leader Louis DeJoy and his wife Aldona Wos are providing over $50,000 in scholarship funding to enable college students in North Carolina to attend summer academic internship programs organized by The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) and held in Washington, D.C. The students will intern with government agencies, media outlets, businesses and nonprofit organizations, while attending classes accredited by George Mason University. In addition to these scholarships, DeJoy and Wos are providing nearly $10,000 in scholarship funding to enable an Estonian student to attend this same program in Washington. Wos served as ambassador to Estonia from 2004 to 2006. DeJoy is the former chairman and chief executive officer of New Breed Logistics, a major employer in the Triad region, which he merged with XPO Logistics in 2014. He now serves on the board of XPO Logistics and is currently the president of Greensboro-based LDJ Global Strategies. This year, 10 students attending North Carolina colleges and universities have been selected to benefit from the scholarships Victoria Allred (East Carolina), Justin Cole (UNC Chapel Hill), John Foulkes (UNC Chapel Hill), Neariah Mandisa (UNC Charlotte), Kathryn Manning (Garner-Webb), Sary Martinez-Mendoza (Elon), Martiatu Okonfua (Elon), Connor Torossian (Elon), Nathan Osborn (Wake Forest) and Phillip Yurchenko (Wake Forest). Over the past 12 years, DeJoy and Wos have provided scholarship assistance to more than 80 North Carolina and Estonian students. Louis DeJoy said, "We have a need for leaders of integrity in North Carolina and in Washington, leaders who have the commitment to the core principles that have created economic prosperity and human flourishing. The programs of TFAS develop leaders who make a difference on the campus, in the state capital and at the highest levels of our federal government. We're pleased to support these students." Roger Ream, president of The Fund for American Studies, said, "These generous scholarships will give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in our nation's capital, along with the chance to learn more about the institutions of American government. In a very real and concrete way, these scholarships change lives and help develop the future leaders of North Carolina." Elon University student Connor Torossian, who will be interning on Capitol Hill in the office of Rep. Peter King, said, "I am ecstatic to be given this opportunity to spend my time in Washington, D.C. this summer. The experience and connections will have a lasting impact on my career." Another student, Justin Cole from UNC, will be interning with the Justice Department this summer and said, "I am so grateful for this scholarship. This is really the opportunity of a lifetime." In addition to their internships and classes at George Mason University, students will attend site briefings, guest lectures, professional development seminars and other networking events. Almost 600 college students from across the U.S. and around the world will be participating in programs sponsored by The Fund for American Studies this summer. The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is a nonprofit, educational organization that hosts eight academic internship programs for undergraduate and law students in Washington, D.C. and four international academic programs in Europe, Hong Kong and South America. Founded in 1967, TFAS is now celebrating 50 years of educating leaders for a free society. For more information on TFAS programs, visit www.DCinternships.org or www.TFASinternational.org. For general information about TFAS, visit www.TFAS.org. SOURCE The Fund for American Studies Related Links http://www.TFAS.org Icelandic English Marel announces the appointment of Folkert Bolger to the position of Executive Vice President Global Supply Chain, as of today, June 1, 2017. Folkert will become member of Marels Executive Team and report directly to Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO of Marel. Folkert succeeds Paul van Warmerdam who is leaving the company. Folkert Bolger has since March 1, 2017 been leading Marels global procurement organization as Chief Procurement Officer. In his new role he will be responsible for global manufacturing, procurement and logistics to support the further growth and value creation of Marel. Folkert is 51 years old and has extensive global managerial experience in supply, procurement and operational positions. Before joining Marel he was the Vice President of Operations and Procurement at Bang & Olufsen (Denmark) and has as well held various management positions at Philips and Siemens-VDO in Asia, Central Europe and Europe. He lives with his wife and three children close to Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO of Marel: I want to sincerely thank Paul van Warmerdam for his service and valuable contribution to Marel in past years. We are delighted that Folkert Bolger has agreed to expand his role and lead our global supply chain going forward. I wish him success in his new role and welcome him to the Executive Team. IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported May U.S. sales of 26,047 vehicles, representing a decrease of 7.9 percent versus May of last year. Year-to-date sales through May are up 0.1 percent versus last year, with 119,282 vehicles sold. Key May sales notes: The Mazda CX-5 posted its best-ever May, with 11,819 vehicles sold, marking an increase of 18.9 percent year-over-year (YOY). This number includes a mix of remaining 2016.5 models and the all-new 2017 CX-5, which went on sale at the end of March. Momentum around the Mazda MX-5 continues, with the roadster posting a YOY increase of 22.6 percent in the month of May. Total sales, which includes both the MX-5 soft top and MX-5 RF, reached 1,226 vehicles sold in the month of May. Sales of the seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 rose 221.8 percent YOY with 1,982 vehicles sold in the month of May. Total sales of Mazda's CX crossover SUV line, including the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9, were up 26.5 percent YOY with 15,338 vehicles sold in the month of May. Among CX buyers, Mazda customers continue to choose the AWD option, with 61 percent of CX-line vehicles sold in May being equipped with i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported May sales of 4,209 vehicles, up 15 percent versus May of last year. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through more than 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom. Month-To-Date Year-To-Date May May % % MTD May May % % YTD 2017 2016 Change DSR 2017 2016 Change DSR Mazda2 - - N/A N/A - 3 (100.0)% (100.0)% Mazda3 6,775 10,103 (32.9)% (35.6)% 33,361 42,958 (22.3)% (23.6)% Mazda5 - 37 (100.0)% (100.0)% 6 296 (98.0)% (98.0)% Mazda6 2,708 5,018 (46.0)% (48.2)% 15,649 19,230 (18.6)% (19.9)% MX-5 Miata 1,226 1,000 22.6% 17.7% 5,927 4,495 31.9% 29.8% CX-3 1,537 1,570 (2.1)% (6.0)% 6,398 7,991 (19.9)% (21.2)% CX-5 11,819 9,942 18.9% 14.1% 47,527 42,375 12.2% 10.4% CX-9 1,982 616 221.8% 208.9% 10,414 1,777 486.0% 476.7% Total Vehicles CARS 10,709 16,158 (33.7)% (36.4)% 54,943 66,982 (18.0)% (19.3)% TRUCKS 15,338 12,128 26.5% 21.4% 64,339 52,143 23.4% 21.4% TOTAL 26,047 28,286 (7.9)% (11.6)% 119,282 119,124 0.1% (1.5)% Selling Days 25 24 126 124 SOURCE Mazda North American Operations Related Links http://www.mazdausa.com NEW YORK, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlights l The global medical beds market is projected to reach USD 3.41 billion by 2022 from USD 2.59 billion in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (20172022). l On the basis of application, the medical beds market is segmented into two categories intensive care and non-intensive care. l The intensive care segment is expected to account for the largest share of the medical beds market. The increasing number of bariatric patients requiring intensive care is the major factor for the growth of this segment. l The hospitals segment is expected to account for the largest share of the medical beds market in 2017. l New product launches was the dominant strategy adopted by key industry participants to increase their market share and cater to unmet needs. The global medical beds market is projected to reach USD 3.41 billion by 2022 from USD 2.59 billion in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2017-2022). The increasing investments in healthcare infrastructural development, technological innovations in ICU beds, increasing number of beds in private hospitals, and increasing volume of chronic care patients are expected to drive the growth of the medical beds market in the coming years. On the other hand, the declining number of beds in public hospitals may limit market growth to a certain extent. In this report, the global medical beds market is segmented On the basis of type, application, end user, usage, and region. On the basis of application, the medical beds market is segmented into two categories- intensive care and non-intensive care. The intensive care segment is expected to account for the largest share of the medical beds market. The increasing number of bariatric patients requiring intensive care is the major factor for the growth of this segment. Based on usage, the medical beds market is segmented into major four segments-acute care beds, psychiatric and bariatric care beds, long-term care beds, and other beds (maternity and rehabilitative beds). The acute care beds segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2017. Increasing number of geriatric population requiring acute care beds is the major factor attributing to the growth of this market. On the basis of end user, the medical beds market is segmented into home care settings, hospitals, and elderly care facilities. The hospitals segment is expected to account for the largest share of the medical beds market in 2017. However, the home care settings segment is expected to have the fastest growth rate in the forecast period. This can be attributed to increasing government support to decrease the length of stay of patients inside hospitals. On the basis of type, medical beds market is divided into manual beds, semi-electric beds, and electric beds. The electric beds segment is expected to dominate the medical beds market in 2017. The large share as well as the high growth of this segment can primarily be attributed to the growing number of patients requiring bariatric care as well as the rising geriatric population across the globe. On the basis of region, the medical beds market North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and the Rest of the World (RoW). APAC is estimated to be the fastest-growing market for medical beds. This is due to the increasing geriatric population and increasing patient volume requiring chronic care in the APAC region. Other factors affecting the growth include rising elderly population, increasing obesity and overweight population, and increasing healthcare spending. New product launches was the dominant strategy adopted by key industry participants to increase their market share and cater to unmet needs. Research Coverage: From an insight perspective, this research report focuses on qualitative data, market size, and growth of various segments and subsegments, competitive landscape, and company profiles. The qualitative data covers various levels of industry analysis such as market dynamics (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges), winning imperatives, and burning issues. The report also offers market sizes and data on the growth of various segments of the industry. It focuses on emerging and high-growth segments, high-growth regions, and initiatives of governments. The competitive landscape covers growth strategies adopted by industry players in the last three years. The company profiles comprise basic views on key players in the medical beds market and the product portfolios, developments, and strategies adopted by market players to maintain and increase their market shares in the near future. The above-mentioned market research data, current market size, and forecast of future trends will help key players and new entrants to make the necessary decisions regarding product offerings, geographical focus, change in approach, R&D investments for innovations in products and technologies, and levels of output in order to remain successful. Reasons to buy this report: From an insight perspective, this research report focuses on various levels of analysis-industry analysis (industry trends) and company profiles, which together comprise and discuss the basic views on the competitive landscape; emerging and high-growth segments of the medical beds market; high-growth regions; and market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. The report provides insights on the following pointers: - Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on products offered by the top players in the medical beds market - Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the medical beds market - Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets-the report analyzes the markets for medical beds across various regions - Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, and recent developments in the medical beds market - Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market ranking, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players in the medical beds market Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04911695/Medical-Bed-Market-by-Usage-Acute-Care-Long-Term-Care-Psychiatric-Care-Maternity-Application-Intensive-Care-Non-Intensive-Type-Electric-Beds-Semi-Electric-Bed-Manual-Bed-End-User-Hospital-Home-Care-Elderly-Care-Global-Forecast-to.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com TOKYO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bespoke Inc. today announced that Holiday Inn is the first major hotel chain in Japan to adopt the latest artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot concierge, Bebot. Now, hotel guests who check in to Holiday Inn Osaka Namba will be serviced by Bebot. The news follows after hospitality giants such as Hilton and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas embraced the use of AI to improve guest experiences. Meet Bebot, Japan's First AI Chatbot for Hotels, Now Available at Holiday Inn Osaka Namba Bebot works through the combination of exclusive databases and the AI engine built by Bespoke Inc. It provides guests with personal assistance such as booking restaurants, personalized recommendations for activities, and answering questions about hotel facilities and services. Hotels can not only improve in-stay experiences for guests by learning about them through informal chat log, but also save on personnel by automating responses to frequently asked questions in the chatbot. This way, hotels can simply focus on enabling the amazing hotel experiences. Bebot is an AI-powered chatbot that acts as a hotel concierge. It is designed to empower guests through instant, real-time assistance such as exclusive recommendations for both popular and little-known sights in the area, answering questions only hotel staff would know about, or even making restaurant bookings. Avoiding the stress of language barrier is just one of the benefits. All communication is done on chat application that guests already have on their smartphones, such as Facebook Messenger there is no need to download an additional app or switch between multiple browser windows to learn one piece of information. Bebot is like a never-resting friendly staff of the hotel that establishes relationships with the guests through a casual conversational platform. This opens access to otherwise unavailable or difficult-to-gain information for example, the casual request of guest feedback, or access to guest information (e.g., what they do outside the hotel). With such a communications route, hotels can increase efficiency, save on personnel, and focus on enhancing guest experiences. The more guests use Bebot, the better it becomes at adapting to the guests' needs. However, whenever Bebot cannot answer, AI changes to human support for a seamless conversation experience. After launching in early 2017 in historic hotels of Aomori prefecture, Hotel Jogakura and Tsuta Onsen, guests have casually chatted to Bebot about their day or even sent pictures. "We designed Bebot to act as a hotel concierge, but such positive interactions exceeded our expectations," says Akemi Tsunagawa, Bespoke Inc. founder and CEO. Among others, Bebot helped plan short trips to nearby area, booked restaurants for the guests and requested feedback about the hotel. With ample replies on hotel experiences from hotel guests or how the guests chose their accommodations, the hotels focused on improving the services or learning how to better promote their business to foreign guests. "Our TripAdvisor ranking improved 6 places in 3 weeks now we are in top 10. With the feedback, we made our restaurant environment more English-friendly and discovered new marketing avenues. We are very pleased with Bebot," says Tomohiro Tanno, owner of the hotels in Aomori. On a practical level, Bebot is easy to customize for any size hotel in any location through its intuitive administrative interface. The customization process is made simple by using Bespoke Inc.'s databases minimizing the initiation period for hotels to as little as one hour. The customization portal also enables marketing opportunities for hotels by prioritizing affiliated restaurants, shops or tours in Bebot. Currently, Bebot is available on Facebook Messenger, a platform with over 1 billion active monthly users. However, Bespoke Inc. is preparing to expand to other platforms and languages soon. About Bespoke Inc. Tokyo-based Bespoke Inc. is dedicated to enabling amazing local experiences to hotel guests through data and artificial intelligence. Bespoke Inc. has been hand-selected as one of the five companies into the third phase of the IBM BlueHub Incubation program that strives to support Japan's long-term growth and competitiveness. Current products include Bebot, the AI concierge, and LEVART travel community with users from over 100 countries. About Holiday Inn Osaka Namba Holiday Inn Osaka Namba is a branch of leading American hotel brand Holiday Inn, and a subsidiary of InterContinental Hotels Group with over 2,600 active hotels worldwide. Bespoke Inc. Overview Founder: Akemi Tsunagawa Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan Founded: October 2015 URL: http://www.be-spoke.io For media queries, please contact: Maya Takahashi at [email protected] Related Images image1.png image2.png image3.png image4.png Related Links Bespoke Inc. Bebot - AI Chatbot for Hotels Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESa6asi96ic SOURCE Bespoke Inc. Related Links http://www.be-spoke.io An innovator within the children's clothing space, Monica + Andy launched in 2014 and has experienced an accelerated amount of growth in a short time via the brand's website, as well as the Chicago retail location and a small amount of pop-ups to boost visibility. Priding itself on listening to its customers, which consist of both parents and non-mom gift givers, opening additional retail locations will expand the brand's reach to existing, and new brand fans who will be able to experience Monica + Andy first-hand. "We are excited to be opening our next retail store and expand our physical presence in a key market like New York City," said Monica Royer, Founder of Monica + Andy. "Through our ecommerce platform we were able to use data and insights collected to enhance our customer experiences in-store, like our personalized Layette program, and keeps us at the forefront of experiential retail." All Monica + Andy items are made with the best fabrics available, and are lead, phthalate and flame-retardant free. The new retail location will carry the brand's full product line including its signature bodysuits, one-pieces, blankets, hats and more, as well as offer a variety of in-store experiences for moms and their little ones, including classes with Ramblin Dan, a pop-up shop with Classic Kids photography (June 19-23) and much more to come! For more information on Monica + Andy and the products available, please visit www.MonicaandAndy.com. About Monica + Andy Monica + Andy is a digitally native, organic baby and children's brand that strives to make things better for parents and babies. Their thoughtfulness and care can be found in every design, stitch and detail. Inspired by the birth of her daughter, first-time mom Monica Royer created Monica + Andy in 2014 to deliver softer organic fabrics, better-designed clothing and blankets, and a seamless, easy shopping experience for parents. With superior customer service, a build-your-own baby Layette, hassle-free gifting options like the Cuddle Box, and same-day delivery in select cities, Monica + Andy is the choice of informed parents and gifters who expect the best. The brand's commitment to thoughtfulness extends to their in-store workshops and classes that include sleep clinics for new parents, and music and art classes for babies. Monica + Andy was named "Best Kid's Clothing Line" by PopSugar, and Royer has been featured on CS Magazine's "Trendsetters of the Year" list and Crain's Chicago Business "40 Under 40" list. Royer's passion for helping and inspiring other female entrepreneurs is top-of-mind in everything she does. For more information, please visit www.MonicaandAndy.com, as well as Monica + Andy on Facebook and Instagram. SOURCE Monica + Andy Related Links http://www.MonicaandAndy.com "I am thrilled that Orin is joining our faculty," said Andrew Guzman, dean of USC Gould. "I have followed his work for years, and hold him in the highest regard. Our faculty and students will greatly benefit from Orin becoming part of our intellectual community." A gifted litigator and renowned legal scholar, Kerr formerly worked as a Justice Department attorney in the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. A specialist in internet surveillance and computer crime law, he recently was one of the pro bono lawyers for a defendant sued by Facebook and previously defended MySpace "cyberbully" Lori Drew. He is also a celebrated teacher: The George Washington Law School Class of 2009 awarded him the law school's teaching award. "I'm looking forward to joining the USC community," said Kerr. "I was impressed by the law school's collegiality and scholarly tradition. It seems like a great place to be." Kerr was appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts to serve on the Advisory Committee for the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure in 2013 and the Judicial Conference's committee two years later to review the Criminal Justice Act. In 2012, he was appointed to a position as a scholar-in-residence at the Library of Congress; the two-year part-time position focused on information technology, privacy, and criminal justice. A prolific writer and respected scholar, Kerr was the number one most cited U.S. law professor in criminal law and criminal procedure from 2009-13, according to the Leiter Rankings. Kerr clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and Judge Leonard I. Garth of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He served U.S. Senator John Cornyn of the Senate Judiciary Committee as Special Counsel for Supreme Court Nominations during the confirmations of both Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Kerr graduated from Princeton University and received his master's degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He earned his law degree from Harvard University, where he was executive editor of the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy. In addition to Kerr, USC Gould has recruited two other accomplished legal scholars, Franita Tolson of Florida State University and Michael Simkovic of Seton Hall University, who will join the faculty this month. Tolson's research focuses on election law, constitutional law, legal history and employment discrimination, while Simkovic's scholarship is in law and finance, with a particular emphasis on credit markets, financial regulation, and taxation. Contact: Gilien Silsby, USC Gould School of Law News Service, (213) 740-9690 (office) (213) 500-8673 (cell) or [email protected] SOURCE USC Gould School of Law Related Links http://www.LAW.USC.EDU COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide added a new option to its menu of funds today with the launch of its Nationwide Loomis All Cap Growth Fund. The Fund offers the opportunity to invest with a manager that has the flexibility to pursue prime opportunities regardless of market capitalization. The new fund will be subadvised by Boston-based Loomis, Sayles & Company, founded in 1926 and which currently oversees $250 billion in assets, and be managed by Aziz Hamzaogullari, head of the growth equities strategy team at Loomis Sayles. "We look forward to working with Aziz and his team at Loomis Sayles, a company that is well respected and has a long and impressive history of creating returns for shareholders," said Chris Graham, Chief Investment Officer of Nationwide Funds. "Aziz's high-conviction all cap domestic growth approach to investing in companies which exhibit sustainable secular growth has consistently generated alpha for institutional investors. By partnering with Nationwide, this approach will now be made available to retail investors as well." The Nationwide Loomis All Cap Growth Fund (Class A: NWZLX; Class R6: NWZMX; Institutional Service Class: NWZNX) maintains an objective to seek long-term growth and may invest across sectors, industries and market capitalization. The portfolio management team seeks high-quality companies trading at a significant discount to intrinsic value that exhibit sustainable competitive advantages, long-term structural growth drivers, attractive cash flow returns on invested capital and management teams focused on creating long-term value for shareholders. The Fund's portfolio structure is different in that it has the flexibility to add names of any market capitalization in an attempt to exploit optimal opportunities in growth. "We're pleased to partner with Nationwide on this new fund and provide investors with another option to maintain a diversified portfolio and assist in their efforts to take a consistent, long-term approach to investing," said Hamzaogullari. This is the second fund launched by Nationwide this year. In January the Nationwide International Small Cap Fund commenced operations, which offers investors the opportunity to diversify their international equity exposure with the objective of providing long-term capital growth. As a strategic partner to advisors, Nationwide provides a full family of subadvised mutual funds designed to help meet the unique investment goals and risk tolerances of investors. Nationwide currently manages 115 funds with approximately $62 billion in assets, excluding fund of funds. Investors interested in learning more about Nationwide's mutual funds should contact their financial professional or click here. Financial professionals interested in learning more should call the Nationwide Funds Group sales desk at 877-877-5083, option 3, or visit the website. About Nationwide Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. About Loomis Sayles Since 1926, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. has served the investment needs of institutional and mutual fund clients. As performance-driven investors seeking exceptional opportunities, Loomis Sayles employs actively managed disciplines that combine fundamental research, systematic risk assessment and experienced portfolio management. This rich tradition has earned Loomis Sayles the trust and respect of clients worldwide, for whom it manages over $250 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017. For more information, please visit www.LoomisSayles.com. This material is not a recommendation to buy, sell, hold or roll over any asset, adopt an investment strategy, retain a specific investment manager or use a particular account type. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition, or particular needs of any specific person. Investors should work with their financial professional to discuss their specific situation. Call 800-848-0920 to request a summary prospectus and/or a prospectus, or download prospectuses at nationwide.com/mutualfunds. These prospectuses outline investment objectives, risks, fees, charges and expenses, and other information that you should read and consider carefully before investing. Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Share price, principal value, and return will vary, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved. The Nationwide Loomis All Cap Growth Fund is subject to the risks of investing in equity securities (including small and mid-sized companies). The Fund also is subject to the risks of investing in foreign securities (which are volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities). Growth funds may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Funds that invest in a relatively small number of securities may be subject to greater volatility than a more diversified investment. Please refer to the most recent prospectus for a more detailed explanation of the Fund's principal risks. The Nationwide International Small Cap Fund is subject to the risks of investing in equity securities (including small companies). The Fund also is subject to the risks of investing in foreign securities (currency fluctuations, political risks, differences in accounting and limited availability of information, all of which are magnified in emerging markets). The Fund may invest in more-aggressive investments such as derivatives (many of which create investment leverage and illiquidity, and are highly volatile). The Fund uses both a growth style and a value style of investing, and may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Please refer to the most recent prospectus for a more detailed explanation of the Fund's principal risks. Nationwide Funds distributed by Nationwide Fund Distributors LLC (NFD), member FINRA, Columbus, OH. NFD is not affiliated with any subadviser contracted by Nationwide Fund Advisors (NFA), with the exception of Nationwide Asset Management, LLC (NWAM). Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (NISC), member FINRA. Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 2017 MFN-0167AO Contact: Jeff Whetzel (614) 249-6354 [email protected] SOURCE Nationwide Related Links http://www.nationwide.com TORONTO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Navantis today announced it has won the 2017 Microsoft Cloud for Global Good Technology for Good Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. "It is a terrific achievement to be recognized for our work with the Canadian Red Cross to build an Emergency Management Information System that allows the Red Cross to quickly respond to disasters across Canada," said Andy Papadopoulos, CEO of Navantis. "This win is a testament to our team's passion in helping clients adopt integrated cloud technologies that make a difference in people's lives as the industry migrates toward a cloud-first environment." Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2,800 entrants from 115 countries worldwide. Navantis was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in the Cloud for Global Good - Technology for Good award category. The award recognizes a partner creating and deploying a cutting-edge cloud technology solution for a non-governmental organization (NGO)/nonprofit. The partner that wins this award is helping to empower nonprofit organizations with Microsoft technology in ways that help them to be more efficient and/or more effective at driving their missions. "The outstanding innovation and expertise the Microsoft partner community continues to provide is demonstrated by this year's award winners," said Ron Huddleston, corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Corp. "We applaud Navantis on winning the 2017 Microsoft Cloud for Global Good Technology for Good Partner of the Year award." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. About Navantis: Navantis Inc., now a Datavail company, focuses on application development, support and systems integration across the Microsoft Dynamics CRM, SharePoint and .NET services suites. We are now over 850 people strong. The Datavail investment will enable us to continue to expand the services we offer our customers and support our mission to help our customers grow their businesses by aligning their technology solutions to their long-term business goals. For more information, visit Navantis.com. About Datavail: Datavail is a specialized IT services company focused on Data Management with solutions in BI/DW, analytics, database administration, custom application development, and enterprise applications. We provide both professional and managed services delivered via our global delivery model, focused on Microsoft, Oracle and other leading technologies. With more than 850 employees in four countries, Datavail offers deep technical expertise in a flexible, agile engagement model that focuses on customer success. Founded in 2007, Datavail is based in Broomfield, Colorado and supports enterprise clients located worldwide. For more information, visit www.datavail.com. Cindy Scarborough Marketing Director Navantis 647-317-3850 [email protected] Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information visit http://www.webwire.com. SOURCE Navantis Related Links http://Navantis.com PHOENIX, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Naya Energy, a global technology leader in demand reduction founded and headquartered in Arizona, today announced it was selected as one of ten finalists in the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) Spring 2017 round of the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), a bi-annual business plan competition. "Arizona has become a national leader of entrepreneurship and technological advances," said Ketan C. Patel, CEO of Naya Energy. "The Arizona Innovation Challenge exemplifies how the State of Arizona and the Arizona Commerce Authority continue to support the development of innovative companies in Arizona. We are honored that Naya Energy has been selected as a finalist for the ACA's 2017 Spring Innovation Challenge and congratulate the other nine finalists on their selection." With real-time, device-level monitoring of electricity usage, Naya Energy enables commercial customers to receive actionable insights based on their telemetry data, enabling property owners to increase their net operating income (NOI) by lowering energy costs. "Naya was founded on the principle that knowledge can empower organizations to take control of the impact energy has on their business," explained Patel. "Our commercial customers see the impact of intelligent energy analytics as a critical part of any demand-reduction strategy." The ACA will name its Spring 2017 AIC awardees in early June. About Naya Energy A global technology expert specializing in demand reduction, Naya Energy focuses on using state-of-the-art energy analytics to help clients implement energy savings that are cost-effective and improve efficiencies. For more information visit http://nayaenergy.com. SOURCE Naya Energy Related Links http://www.nayaenergy.com IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Neudesic, a nationally recognized business and technology consulting firm, today announced it has won the 2017 Microsoft Cloud Apps Global Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of client solutions based on Microsoft cloud technology. "Digital and cloud are the new equalizers, transforming the way companies are built, work and create value," said Tim Marshall, Neudesic's chief technology officer. "This award represents a clear recognition of our ability to align the talent required to deliver and manage world-class business and technology solutions that help our clients thrive in a cloud-first, data-driven world." Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2,800 entrants from 115 countries worldwide. Neudesic was recognized as the winning Global Partner of the Year for providing outstanding Cloud App solutions; an award that recognizes successful design, development and deployment of applications based on the Azure Application Platform. In April 2017, Neudesic announced that it was selected by Allrecipes.com for cloud innovation, migration to Microsoft Azure, and managed services to better serve content and recommendations to 80 million home cooks. Neudesic deployed an Azure Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) environment reducing operational costs while providing resiliency, scalability and new access to cognitive services. "Our work with Allrecipes.com is just one example of how we innovate with passion and purpose to help our clients position their businesses for new growth opportunities through cloud transformation," added Marshall. "Our ecosystem of innovative partners is the cornerstone to delivering transformative solutions to our mutual customers" said Ron Huddleston corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Corp. "We are pleased to recognize Neudesic for being selected as the Winner of the 2017 Microsoft Cloud Apps award." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. "Neudesic and Microsoft are two organizations with a common affinity for taking a cloud-first approach to digital evolution," said Mark Jones, Neudesic's chief marketing officer. "At a time of rapid change in the marketplace, this recognition reaffirms the success of our strategic Microsoft alignment and our mutual commitment to bringing bold ideas and innovations to our clients and their customers." About Neudesic Neudesic is the trusted technology partner in business innovation, delivering impactful business results to clients through digital modernization and evolution. Our consultants bring business and technology expertise together, offering a wide range of cloud and data-driven solutions, including: custom application development, comprehensive managed services, and business software products. Founded in 2002, Neudesic is a privately held company headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information, or to consult with Neudesic to explore enterprise digital evolution, visit www.neudesic.com. Media Contact Mike Rossi Senior Marketing Manager Neudesic 949-754-4553 [email protected] Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Neudesic Related Links http://www.neudesic.com LONG GROVE, Ill., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BenefitVision, a national leader in benefit communication, enrollment and technology, continues to see its enrollment resources grow in anticipation of substantial increases in fall enrollment demands. Iris Rodriguez has joined BVI-PR, the San Juan, Puerto Rico Enrollment Center supporting BenefitVision. Iris has a background in marketing and analysis of insurance, as well as creating benefit enrollment campaigns. Fluent in Spanish, Iris adds her substantial enrollment experience to the team's management. BenefitVision Previously Iris has worked as an enrollment manager for Oswald Companies in Cleveland, OH. That position entailed launching different enrollment campaigns to engage all employees in their benefit decisions. John Resor, President of BenefitVision, noted, "Iris is a proven tactical leader with strong business acumen, technological savvy, and international experience gained through solid education and work assignments in different industries and markets. I could not be more enthusiastic about how she can add to our management team." Prior to that, Iris' career began on Wall Street. She spent more than ten years working in insurance and financial services. Iris is originally from Puerto Rico, so she is a great asset to help strengthen the San Juan office. Based on her previous work experience, she has had the chance to travel to many places around the world, including Europe, South America and Asia. Her cultural affinity allows her to apply new and innovative ideas to the unique challenges presented when managing a bilingual benefits staff. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University as well as an M.B.A. from the IESE Business School located in Barcelona, Spain. While at IESE, Iris participated in the last fully bilingual section of the international management program. About BenefitVision Founded in 1994, BenefitVision offers a full range of employee benefit enrollment, administration, and communication services. The company's primary focus is centered on effective communication of plan benefits, features, and choices to employees. BenefitVision offers fully customizable programs that help employers control rising health care costs while retaining satisfied employees. BenefitVision delivers its services through offices in Los Angeles, an Enrollment Center in Harrisburg, PA, and now through BVI-PR located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Media Contact: [email protected] Related Images image1.png image2.png SOURCE BenefitVision Related Links https://www.benefitvision.com Belleville, Illinois, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The national average wait time is just 17 days shy of 600 days, an all-time high for claimants waiting in the immense Social Security disability hearing backlog, according to Allsup, which has released its latest state ranking of the hearing backlog. Allsup is the nations premier disability representation company and has helped more than 275,000 people to receive their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Nationwide, more than 1.1 million people are waiting an average 583 days for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), according to Social Security Administration (SSA) quarterly data. Were almost halfway through the year, which means most of these individuals waiting are certainly not going to receive their hearing in 2017, and probably not in 2018, said Mike Stein, Allsup assistant vice president. We are representing many individuals who still havent received a hearing date since filing their appeal in the fall of 2015. States making up the top 10 with the most people stuck in the SSDI hearing backlog are: California, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. Almost 50 percent of U.S. hearing offices now report waits of 600-plus days, including 14 offices whose times exceed 700 days affecting 111,296 claimants. In comparison, only 3 hearing offices had waits over 600 days at fiscal year-end 2015. The ranking is based on the latest data provided by the SSA through April 28, 2017. Find the state-by-state ranking on Allsup.com: https://www.allsup.com/media/files/stateby-state-backlog-2017.pdf Congress recently designated $90 million in its federal budget for the SSA to address the disability hearing backlog. Efforts to address the backlog include hiring additional ALJs and other staff. Apply For SSDI With Expert Help To Avoid The Disability Hearing Backlog One way individuals can improve their likelihood of avoiding the SSDI hearing backlog is to apply for disability benefits with help from a knowledgeable representative. Stein said getting help with the initial application can mean the difference between getting benefits in a matter of months instead of a matter of years. Through our online tool, empower by Allsup, we work to ensure the most critical and accurate information is provided to the Social Security disability examiners, who decide the initial claims, he explained. You can avoid the long wait for a hearing if you can apply for SSDI and get your benefits with your initial application. empower by Allsup combines an SSDI assessment for eligibility and Social Security disability application support, along with return-to-work guidance for those who may medically recover. Allsup has a 50 percent success rate at the application level, compared to the national average of 33 percent. With empower by Allsup, people with disabilities can learn their likelihood of being eligible for SSDI benefits in about 15 minutes. Individuals also can start their online application with Allsup as their representative and benefit from Allsups SSDI expertise, user-friendly videos, and customer support online. They also can receive help to return to work with Allsup Employment Services by using the Ticket to Work program when they medically stabilize. To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must have paid FICA payroll taxes, generally worked five of the past 10 years, and have a severe work-disrupting illness or injury expected to last at least 12 months or is terminal. Applicants also must be under full retirement age (65-67). Find more information about filing your Social Security disability application on Allsup.com. ABOUT ALLSUP Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, return to work, exchange plan and Medicare services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Learn more at Allsup.com and @Allsup. # # # HARRISON, Maine, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- E-Commerce 4 Internet Marketers has built upon its success, and relaunched an improved support program for 3dcart shopping cart users. Users now not only have the option to receive full e-commerce merchant support from the "3dcart Support Program for High-Risk Merchants" program, but can also benefit from E-Commerce 4 Internet Marketers chargeback mitigation services. With the increased popularity of 3dcart as a solid e-commerce platform, E-Commerce 4 Internet Marketers' new program was developed to aid users, both current and new, with all aspects of payment processing through the system. Over the past year it became obvious that many high-risk users could benefit from not only accessing payment processors and gateways, but reducing fraud and chargebacks in the process. The program still has a strong emphasis on providing high-risk merchants assistance with payment gateway integration, merchant account acquisition, product and service placement, and high-risk account aids, but expands the fraud tools to include fully integrated, chargeback mitigation programs that can prevent many chargebacks before they occur, and when the do occur, take over the task of responding to them. Some of the high-risk businesses that are currently using 3dcart and could benefit the most from this new, expanded program include those selling nutritional supplement products, recurring billing programs, and even "free trial" models. 3dcart is an e-commerce platform that offers businesses a top tier cart solution with a wide variety of features, themes and includes simple integration for high-risk payment gateways and merchant accounts. With quality technical support and no additional transaction fees, it offers great out of the box functionality with most payment gateways and merchant accounts. Full details on the program and what areas are covered can be found at: https://ecommerce4im.com/support-program-high-risk-merchants-using-3dcart/ About E-Commerce 4 Internet Marketers: E-Commerce 4 Internet Marketers is an Internet marketing service provider with the goal of making it easier for clients to the sell their products on the Internet, particularly for those in high-risk verticals. With over 25 years of experience, the worldwide company specializes in credit card processing, web marketing, web hosting, SSL certificates, online marketing advice and helpful tools. E-commerce 4 Internet Marketers is a merchant services partner that clients can trust to look out for their best interest. For more information, visit http://ecommerce4im.com or call Paul Davies at (800) 570-1347. SOURCE E-Commerce 4 Internet Marketers Related Links http://ecommerce4im.com NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wipro Digital, the digital business unit of Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), today released a new study that indicates leadership within digital transformation may be in crisis. Half of senior executives polled across companies feel that their company is not successfully executing against 50% of their strategies. The study surveyed 400 senior-level U.S. executives about the digital transformation strategies within their organizations. The report's findings also show that while 91 percent of executives are aligned on what digital transformation means, only 4 percent realize half of their digital investment in under one year with the majority of respondents saying it has taken their company 2-3 years to see at least half of these investments come to fruition. "Digital transformation efforts are coming up short on intended ROI, in part because digital transformation is as much a leadership issue as it is a strategy, technology, culture, and talent issue," says Rajan Kohli, Senior Vice President and Global Head, Wipro Digital. "Real digital transformation occurs when courageous leaders align goals in practice as well as theory, manage opportunity more than risk, and prioritize the future vs. retrofit the present." Key study findings identify leadership issues as a key factor in the widespread stall in digital transformation efforts: Companies are aligned on what digital transformation means in theory, but not in practice : 91 percent of executives believe their company is aligned on the definition of digital transformation - yet 1 in 4 executives note that a key obstacle to success in their strategies was a lack of alignment on what digital transformation actually means. Lack of a clear transformation strategy was similarly cited by 35 percent of executives as a key barrier to achieving its full digital potential. Underlying doubts among leaders: Nearly 1 in 5 senior executives admit that they secretly believe that digital transformation projects in their company are a waste of time. Leadership mindset & skills challenges : CEOs, CTOs and CIOs are almost equally likely to serve as the primary driver for digital transformation strategies, and they are at least twice as likely to do so more than any other senior executive yet mindset and skill challenges, such as resistance to introducing new ways of working (39 percent), and feeling overwhelmed by digital complexity (40 percent), were cited as the top two leading obstacles preventing a company from achieving its full digital potential. Focus on back-end benefits vs. product innovation and growth : Back-end departments such as Operations and IT are by far the leading beneficiaries of digital transformation strategies, and combined with Procurement and Finance, are cited by 60 percent of executives as reaping the benefits. Far less likely to benefit are departments such as Product Development (15 percent), Marketing (13 percent), and Sales (10 percent). IT investment by executive versus ownership : CMOs are spending more than ever on IT yet they are the least likely of any senior executive (2 percent) to drive digital transformation strategies. Chief Digital Officers fare little better in driving just 12 percent. Findings correlate with the fact that nearly 1 in 4 executives say that a key obstacle to success is that their company's structure hasn't changed to reflect digital imperatives. Methodology In May 2017, Wipro Digital commissioned an online survey of 400 senior-level executives in the United States with more than 100 employees. About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have a dedicated workforce of over 170,000, serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. Wipro Digital, the digital business unit of Wipro, collaborates and iterates with clients to deliver customer-centered digital transformation. Working at the intersection of strategy, design and technology, we derive insight, shape interaction, drive integration and unlock innovation for our clients. We apply Customer Journey Engineering to create extraordinary experiences for global brands, businesses and their customers at scale. Learn more at wiprodigital.com or @WiproDigital. Media Contact: Brianna Mulligan Ruder Finn +1 (203) 246-1304 [email protected] Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, 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 our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain 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, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property, and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We 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. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. SOURCE Wipro Limited Related Links http://wiprodigital.com DALLAS, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. (USOTC: USMJ) today announced an online, on-demand presentation to be available on the Company's website next Tuesday, May 6th. The purpose of the presentation is to present updates to the Company's business plan and plan to build $2 million in annual revenue. The updates stem from the impending acquisition of the controlling interest in USMJ by American Cannabis Innovations Conglomerated ("ACI"). The acquisition is anticipated to be finalized prior to the update presentation. The presentation will include additional details on the preliminary updates to USMJ's cannabis point of sale system transaction with Alternet Sytems (USOTC: ALYI) announced yesterday. The presentation will also include updates to USMJ's ongoing business relationship with Puration, Inc. (USOTC: PURA). USMJ Market Capitalization Improvements Summary - No Reverse or Forward Split The common stock of USMJ will remain traded on the OTC Markets with no forward or reverse split taking place in conjunction with the ACI transaction. ACI expects the potential for market capitalizations of USMJ to improve by transitioning the Company toward better investment structures, with better terms, that are altogether better suited to the current and more mature stage of development. For instance, USMJ recently announced a substantial convertible debt elimination in conjunction with the pending ACI transaction. ACI Business Plan ACI is a private equity backed rollup founded to combine a variety of leading young cannabis companies with complimentary offerings and synergistic operations. USMJ and PURA are the first of five acquisitions in the cannabis sector ACI has planned for the near future. ACI is seeking to acquire early stage, undervalued businesses with intellectual properties validated by market tests, and commercial or consumer sales. ACI expects to improve the operating efficiency of acquired assets by streaming redundant functions and leveraging complimentary functions. Learn More About USMJ: growusmj.com Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. North American Cannabis Holdings Contact: Steven Rash Phone: +1-972-528-0162 Email: [email protected] SOURCE North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A small North Carolina charity is gaining global attention for its free programs designed to build self-esteem and empower medically fragile, special needs, and disadvantaged children. Featured in dozens of media including American Way Magazine and TEDx Talks, Indo Jax Surf Charities will be the subject of a one-hour special on the Oprah Winfrey Network in August 2017. Indo Jax Visually Impaired Surf Camp - Courtesy of Jesse Stephenson Jaylen Stanley with instructor Jack Viorel of Indo Jax Surf Charities - Courtesy of Jesse Stephenson Indo Jax Surf Charities uses the ocean as a classroom and surfing as a learning tool. "We believe the ocean has unique healing properties with an ever-changing, unpredictable environment," said founder, Jack Viorel. "Getting into the ocean and learning to surf, especially special needs children, is a life-long lesson about stepping out of your comfort zone, into unpredictability, and removing limitations. Everything in life has a bit of fear. We teach the kids that it's okay to be afraid." "Our programs build higher self-confidence and teach a system children can apply to any situation or hurdle in the future," said Viorel. "They leave with a formula to be more successful, conquer more challenges, and the ability to deal with fear." "I encourage anybody thinking about it to go for it," said Eric Stanley, parent of 11-year old Jaylen, who is unable to see and is courageously battling Juvenile Batten disease. "Jack and his team are great. They're very patient and know how to work with kids. A parent does not have to worry they are one-on-one with the children, working with them and watching all the time." With programs in North Carolina, California, Nicaragua and India, the Indo Jax schedule includes camps specifically formatted for autism, visual impairment, childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, Boys and Girls Clubs, Children of Belarus, the Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw, inclusion camps, and special needs camps. Indo Jax Surf Charities began when Jack Viorel was a first-grade teacher at Saint Mary's Elementary in Wilmington, NC. "The school provided a program for kids born with AIDS," said Viorel. "I thought about taking them surfing, believing this would be good for their self-esteem and physical issues. The program coordinator talked me into running three camps that summer." "Prior to surf camp, many of the children with AIDS had stopped taking their medication, knew they were dying, had skin issues, were ostracized, and had low self-esteem," said Viorel. "By the end of the summer, I knew we were on to something big. The children started to open up, their skin issues improved, many of them went back on their medication, they wanted to surf again and be healthy enough to do it, and started talking about future plans." With this success, Viorel retired from his 20-year teaching career and has spent a decade honing and expanding his charity for special needs children. In 2017, Indo Jax Surf Charities will serve and assist about 1,000 children, at no charge. "We take on the responsibility of raising the money," said Viorel. "Most families with medically fragile, special needs, or at-risk children are struggling to make ends meet." The surf camp program is funded by contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and corporate sponsors. "United Health Care has supported the program for three years, The Jordan Spieth Foundation came onboard last year, and this year Live Oak Bank joined the team," said Viorel. "Blockade Runner Beach Resort is a solid supporter." The Hero Effect, co-hosted by former Super Bowl Champion Donald Driver and actress/advocate Emily Wilson, will feature Indo Jax Surf Charities on the Oprah Winfrey Network on Saturday, August 12, at 10 AM. A premiere showing will be held in Wrightsville Beach on Thursday, August 10, at Blockade Runner Beach Resort. "They've donated the ballroom and we're going to have a big showing," said Viorel. "This is very exciting for us." Click here for Surf Camp Information and Reservations Click here for Accommodations Click for Media photos and press material Contact: Jack Viorel, director Indo Jax Surf Charities [email protected] 910-274-3565 Robert B Butler Communications | PR www.NCPressRelease.org www.RBButler.com The Hero Effect: https://www.heroeffect.com/ Batten disease: http://bdsra.org/ http://beyondbatten.org/ Permission granted for redistribution and republishing SOURCE Indo Jax Surf Charities SOMERVILLE, Mass., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Noteflight, the world's first and best online music notation software, now includes over 1,000 digital musical scores in its educational offering, Noteflight Learn. Every teacher and student using Noteflight Learn receives hundreds of included scores, featuring: theory worksheets, scale exercises, sight-reading examples, chorales, and more. In addition, teachers can purchase digital content libraries of published musical scores for their band, choir, orchestra, piano, guitar, or pop ensembles. Noteflight, a Hal Leonard Company View Noteflight Learn content libraries at: https://www.noteflight.com/libraries. All content library scores are digital Noteflight notation files, and can be adapted, recorded, or used for assessments inside a Noteflight Learn site. This allows educators to teach music using the most popular musical content, and students can learn and interact with their music in a safe, online environment, using any web-enabled device. "Combining the power of Noteflight's software with Hal Leonard's popular content is a win for both students and teachers," said John Mlynczak, Vice President of Noteflight. "We are providing the ideal solution for learning to create and perform music in a world powered by the Internet." Noteflight will continue to add digital scores to Noteflight Learn, expanding the teaching and learning experience for both educators and students. About Noteflight Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Somerville, MA, Noteflight, LLC is dedicated to reinventing the way people create, share and use written music. Noteflight allows users to edit, display, playback and share music notation in a web browser, on any device. Noteflight has an active online community of over 2,500,000 music enthusiasts. Its website hosts millions of user-created musical scores, both public and private. Noteflight addresses both individual music-makers and music educators at all levels with its family of products, available by online subscription. Noteflight also licenses its technology to industry leaders to manage scalable cloud-based repositories of sheet music that can be delivered to any device. For more information, visit www.noteflight.com. About Hal Leonard Corporation Founded in 1947, Hal Leonard Corporation is the world's largest music print publisher and digital content provider, producing educational publications, songbooks, sheet music, reference books, DVDs, magazines, eBooks, digital sheet music, apps and more. The company is also a major distributor of music technology products, selling and marketing the most popular software, hard goods and accessories available today, to musicians and recording enthusiasts around the world. In its more than 200,000 available publications and products, Hal Leonard represents many of the world's best-known and most-respected publishers, artists, songwriters, arrangers and manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, and also has domestic offices in Winona, MN; New Jersey; and Boston, and offices abroad in Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.halleonard.com. Media Contact: John Mlynczak 617-466-9578 [email protected] Related Links Noteflight Learn Noteflight Learn Content Libraries SOURCE Noteflight, a Hal Leonard Company Related Links http://www.noteflight.com LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakwood Worldwide, the global leader in corporate housing and serviced apartment solutions, is pleased to welcome seasoned HR executive Craig Simmons as senior vice president (SVP) and chief human resources officer (CHRO) for the global organization. Simmons will report directly to Chris Ahearn, CEO, Oakwood Worldwide. "I am pleased to have someone as talented and as experienced as Craig join the senior leadership team," said Ahearn. "Craig will play an essential role as we start a new era of global growth. He will be a key member of my executive committee, a strong leader for our global HR organization and a strategic business partner for our leadership team. He brings with him a diverse background in HR, organizational development, consulting and legal experience, all of which make him a great addition to Oakwood Worldwide." Simmons has more than 25 years' experience and was most recently CHRO for American Apparel. In that role he implemented company-wide strategic initiatives, provided guidance and mentoring to a world-class HR team and led the organization through challenging change initiatives. He has been an HR leader for the Screen Actors Guild Pension & Health Plans, Catholic Healthcare West, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Nestle and has had his own consulting company. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law, his master's degree from Georgetown University and his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. View all Oakwood Worldwide press releases online. About Oakwood Worldwide Oakwood Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mapletree Investments, is the premier provider of corporate housing and serviced apartment solutions through its well-known brands, Oakwood, ExecuStay and Insurance Housing Solutions. With a presence in all 50 United States and more than 95 countries, the award-winning company provides move-in-ready furnished accommodations to meet the needs of global organizations, individual business travelers, insurance clients and leisure travelers alike. Oakwood Worldwide was founded in and continues to base its corporate headquarters in Los Angeles and operates regional headquarters in London, Phoenix and Singapore. For more information, please visit OakwoodWorldwide.com. MEDIA Contact: Pam Krebs Direct: 1.310.444.2552 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Oakwood Worldwide Related Links https://www.oakwoodworldwide.com - Launching Research on Fusion of AI & Brain Science to Help Humans, Machines Evolve in Society KYOTO and WAKO, Japan, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OMRON Corporation and the RIKEN research institute set up RIKEN BSI-Omron Collaboration Center (hereinafter RBOmC) within the RIKEN Brain Science Institute (hereinafter RIKEN BSI) on June 1, 2017. The center will conduct research based on a fusion of brain science and artificial intelligence (AI) to help humans and machines evolve together in society. The research project is aimed at developing next-generation technologies fusing brain science and AI by elucidating the relationship between brain activity and people's physical conditions such as physical health and cognition as well as that between brain activity and people's mental conditions such as emotions and will. OMRON and RIKEN signed an agreement on cooperation for deepening industrial collaboration and established a RIKEN-Omron collaboration committee with the goal of addressing further social challenges. The two entities are determined to strengthen their comprehensive collaboration and consider research projects that will contribute to creating a better society. OMRON has long followed its founder Kazuma Tateishi's philosophy of leaving what machines can do to machines and allowing people to enjoy activities in more creative fields. Based on this philosophy, OMRON has contributed to creating a better society since its founding by supplying human-oriented automation technologies. In recent years, the human-machine relationship has undergone drastic changes as a result of technological innovation such as IoT, AI and robotics. OMRON believes that the human-machine relationship has three stages -- "substituting," "cooperation" and "integration," and developed technologies with the goal of achieving a world in which machines can inspire people's abilities and creativity and people can get along with machines. The newly established RBOmC will combine "brain science" and "AI based on brain science" that RIKEN accumulated, and OMRON's core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think." With this synergy, we aim to develop next-generation technologies that will ensure that people flourish with machines, further advance brain science and address social issues. Overview of RBOmC Director: Tomoki Fukai (Senior Team Leader, Laboratory for Neural Circuit Theory, RIKEN Brain Science Institute) Location: 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama Prefecture Period: June 1, 2017 - March 31, 2022 No. of members: seven from OMRON, 18 from RIKEN (including those who also hold other posts) Next-generation technologies RBOmC is striving to develop: Technology allowing machines to understand individuals' conditions and characteristics. characteristics. Technology allowing machines to provide feedback to people depending on individuals' conditions and characteristics. individuals' conditions and characteristics. Technology allowing machines to control other machines in an optimal way depending on individuals' conditions and characteristics. Expected examples of applying research outcome: Manufacturing: Application of research outcome to technology that will help make up for a shortage of skilled technicians and improve productivity by shortening the time required for less experienced workers to acquire skills. make up for a shortage of skilled technicians and improve productivity by shortening the time required for less experienced workers to acquire skills. Healthcare: Application of research outcome to early discovery of dementia and depression and treatments of patients. and depression and treatments of patients. Mobility: Application of research outcome to reductions in the number of car accidents caused by drivers, such as by preventing drowsiness, as well as to technology of automated driving. Overview of comprehensive collaboration Purpose: Effectively and efficiently promoting OMRON-RIKEN collaboration. Period: June 1, 2017 - March 31, 2018 (The period can be extended depending on agreement between the two parties.) About OMRON Corporation OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of Sensing & Control + Think. OMRON's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to automotive electronic components, social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Established in 1933, OMRON has over 36,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in more than 110 countries and regions. In the field of industrial automation, OMRON supports manufacturing innovation by providing advanced automation technologies and products, as well as through extensive customer support, to help create a better society. For further information, please visit OMRON's website at: http://www.omron.com/ About the RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI) The RIKEN Brain Science Institute was founded in October 1997. The institute has gathered excellent researchers from Japan and overseas and been conducting comprehensive research as Japan's key research facility on brain science. Since its founding, RIKEN BSI has produced excellent research results and developed human resources, earning an international reputation as one of the world's best brain science research facilities. RIKEN BSI engages in interdisciplinary and collaborative research ranging from microscopic-level molecular mechanism, neuron cells, neural circuits and macroscopic-level phenomena such as cognition, memory and learning systems. Moreover, it conducts research on individual organisms, behaviors and social phenomena including language acquisition, brain and computation through theories and experiments by taking advantage of its knowledge in medicine, biology, physics, engineering, information science, mathematical science, psychology and other fields. About RIKEN Cluster for Industry Partnership (CIP) The RIKEN Cluster for Industry Partnership (CIP) takes advantage of its comprehensive ability and intellectual property to understand scientific and technological needs in society, help strengthen its collaborations with the industrial world and effectively and efficiently develop innovative technologies, through its project development and information dissemination activities. As part of its mission, CIP has launched the "Baton Zone" program, under which companies and RIKEN closely collaborate throughout research and development processes -- from basic research to practical research. RIKEN also has offered various other systems to jointly conduct research with the industrial world. SOURCE OMRON Corporation, RIKEN Related Links http://www.omron.com/ CALGARY, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (Oncolytics or the Company) (TSX:ONC) (OTCQX:ONCYF) today announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering. Oncolytics sold 16,445,000 units (Units) (including Units issued pursuant to the exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to the underwriters) at a purchase price of $0.70 per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately $11.5 million (the Offering). The net proceeds of the Offering were approximately $10.6 million, after deducting the underwriting commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by Oncolytics. Oncolytics expects to use the net proceeds from the Offering for, among other things, expanding partnering activities, execution of the clinical development program for metastatic breast cancer and general corporate purposes. A prospectus supplement and accompanying final base shelf prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering has been filed on SEDAR. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying final base shelf prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Canaccord Genuity, Attention: Syndication - Canaccord Genuity Corp., P.O. Box 516, 161 Bay Street, Suite 3000, Toronto, ON, M5J 2S1. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying final base shelf prospectus will also be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act) or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person absent such registration or an applicable exemption to such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted, including, but not limited to, the United States. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a biotechnology company developing REOLYSIN, an immuno-oncology viral-agent, as a potential treatment for a variety of tumor types. The compound induces selective tumor lysis and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype through innate and adaptive immune responses to treat a variety of cancers. Oncolytics' clinical development program emphasizes three pillars: chemotherapy combinations to trigger selective tumor lysis; immuno-therapy combinations to produce adaptive immune responses; and immune modulator (IMiD) combinations to facilitate innate immune responses. Oncolytics is currently planning its first registration study in breast cancer, as well as studies in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and IMID/targeted therapies in solid and hematological malignancies. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. This press 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. Forward-looking statements, including the expected use of proceeds from the Offering, the Company's expectations related to the Phase 2 clinical trial in prostate cancer and the Phase 1b trial in pancreatic cancers, future trials in these indications, and the Company's belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN as a cancer therapeutic, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN as a cancer treatment, the tolerability of REOLYSIN outside a controlled test, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize REOLYSIN, uncertainties related to the research, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, changes in technology, general changes to the economic environment and uncertainties related to the regulatory process. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors should consider statements that include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "should", or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Related Links www.oncolytics.ca SEATTLE, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Outreach, the leading sales engagement platform, today announced it has been named one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for 2017, the publication's second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. Live today on Inc.com, the exclusive online feature highlights the full catalogue of honorees. The list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just over 200 winning companies. Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Nebraska, Inc.'s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. Inc. magazine says it's more than good pay and good perks it's also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes the two work together. "Outreach's company culture is based on a set principles that have directly attributed to the tremendous success and excellence we've realized over the past two years, including grit, honesty, perseverance, dedication, and putting the customer's needs first," said Manny Medina, CEO and co-founder of Outreach. "This award is a testament to the values we've engrained into our core DNA something we've managed to maintain and continuously refine despite growing from a team of six to 170 since 2015 and we're honored to be recognized in a category fundamental to the continued growth and momentum of Outreach." The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees' responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies don't view their employers as sugar daddies. They aren't mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. Carving a name for one's self and becoming a part of something both innovative and meaningful encourages dedication to the company, the product they're integral to, and the customers they help serve. "By introducing an employee survey into this year's Best Workplaces selection process, we've really raised the bar. Companies that don't score at the very top of their peer group don't make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, that's not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves." About Outreach Outreach, the leading sales engagement platform, automates and prioritizes customer touch points throughout the sales process, resulting in increased productivity for sales teams. Thousands of customers rely on Outreach to transform the sales process, drive collaboration between sales and marketing, and deliver higher revenue per sales rep. Outreach is a privately held company based in Seattle, Washington. To learn more, please visit www.outreach.io. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Age's "The A-List" in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. Media Contact: Barokas PR for Outreach Laura Davis [email protected] (206) 456-9633 SOURCE Outreach Related Links http://www.outreach.io TIME: 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Opening ceremony begins (Saturday, June 17) 8:01 p.m. 16 mile walk begins (Saturday, June 17) 5:15 a.m. Closing ceremony begins (Sunday, June 18) WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Plaza 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW Washington, D.C. 20002 WALK ROUTE: Highlights include: Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, Capitol Reflecting Pool, U.S. Capitol, U.S. Navy Memorial, The White House, Union Station, Farragut Square Park, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown. ATTENDEES: People who have lost someone to suicide, who have attempted suicide, and those who want to prevent suicide. RSVP: Please email [email protected] if you would like to register to attend this event. Requests for media accreditation will be denied if applicants cannot establish they are professional journalists. AFSP will not be responsible for journalists' travel costs and/or other expenses. AUDIO/VISUAL: A mult box will be available on site for journalists upon request. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Related Links http://www.afsp.org NEW YORK, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (AXIM Biotech) (OTC:AXIM), a world leader in cannabinoid research and development, today announced that George Anastassov, MD, DDS, MBA and Chief Executive Officer of AXIM, will present at the SeeThruEquity Microcap Investor Conference in New York City on June 1, 2017 at 11:30am ET. Management will also be holding 1x1 meetings with investors at the Conference. SeeThruEquity hosts investor conferences for publicly traded companies with market capitalizations less than $1 billion to connect potential investors and researchers with top US small-midcap companies. AXIMs presentation will be available at the corporate website. About AXIM AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (AXIM) focuses on the research, development and production of cannabis-based pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic products. Our flagship products include CanChew, a CBD-based controlled release chewing gum, CanChew+ containing 50 mg of CBD undergoing clinical trials in patients with IBS and MedChew Rx, a combination CBD/THC gum that is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. We prioritize the well-being of our customers while embracing a solid fiscal strategy. For more information, please visit AXIMBiotech.com. About SeeThruEquity Since its founding in 2011, SeeThruEquity has been committed to its core mission: providing impactful, high quality research on underfollowed smallcap and microcap equities. SeeThruEquity has pioneered an innovative business model for equity research that is not paid for and is unbiased. SeeThruEquity is the host of acclaimed investor conferences that are the ultimate event for publicly traded companies with market capitalizations less than $1 billion. SeeThruEquity is approved to contribute its research reports and estimates to Thomson One Analytics (First Call), the leading estimates platform on Wall Street, as well as Capital IQ and FactSet. SeeThruEquity maintains one of the industrys most extensive databases of opt-in institutional and high net worth investors. The firm is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. For more information visit www.seethruequity.com. FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined 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. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Axim Biotechnologies, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. LEGAL DISCLOSURE AXIM Biotechnologies does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Patron Spirits will celebrate the versatility of tequila this summer by shaking up the way we enjoy seasonal cocktails. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Patron will pedal (literally) into local concerts, culinary events and festivals across the U.S. with its nuanced "Patron the Summer" cocktail experience. This uniquely designed bar-on-wheels will allow consumers to engage with a highly customized touch-screen interface that will help serve up Patron cocktails, perfectly tailored to their tastes. Across the Atlantic, a specially designed "Patron the summer" airstream will travel the length and breadth of the U.K, delivering Patron summer cocktails crafted by celebrated local bartenders in each town. In advance of this summer's tour, Patron conducted extensive research that analyzed consumer behavior in 100 different markets across the world. Using insights gathered from FourSquare and social media listening tools, the team identified patterns around the most commonly ordered drinks. From there, they crafted 30 new tequila cocktails using a range of Patron expressions - all of them perfected to match the preferences of the respective markets where Patron will visit this the summer. Each cocktail has a story about its inspiration, how it evolved, and the data behind it. The cocktails will be available at each festival and for home-bartenders online via PatrontheSummer.com. "The thirst for handcrafted, ultra premium tequila is thriving across the globe," said Lee Applbaum, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Patron Spirits. "While many summer cocktails are traditionally created with white spirits such as vodka or rum, tequila has a versatile flavor profile that enhances those cocktails in a new way. Consumers and bartenders alike are broadening their appreciation for the agave flavor of tequila and mixing cocktails that are different and reflective of their own backgrounds and taste preferences. This summer, we took a close look at local cocktails and why they are so beloved by their communities, putting our Patron spin on them around the globe." The "Patron the Summer" experience will come to life at local festivals around the country, blending each region's heritage with the latest in on-site cocktail technology. At each event, guests will be greeted with Patron's custom, interactive touchscreen ordering system and by answering a series of questions in the form of a "Quizlet," the interface will help them determine their perfect drink. Bartenders will then guide guests to an interactive GIF booth where they can capture their summer moments and share recipes via social media and email as well. For enthusiasts who cannot attend one of this summer's events, Patron is making it easy to engage and learn new cocktail recipes at home. The Patron Bot-Tender, a chatbot bartender service available via PatronTequila.com, Facebook Messenger and Twitter direct message, will connect users with the cocktail prowess and expert recommendations of Patron's own Managers of Trade Education & Mixology: David Alan and Stephen Halpin. Users will be able to converse with the Bot-Tender and receive custom summer cocktail recommendations depending on their environment and taste preference at any given moment. Each event and at-home integration is an extension of the Patron Cocktail Lab, a feature on Patron's website. Patron Cocktail Lab is a library of hundreds of different recipes developed by Patron's in-house team as well as bartenders around the world. Thanks to an interactive interface, Patron Cocktail Lab tailors recommendations to each visitor to the site. Consumers 21 and over can visit Patron Cocktail Lab and find recipes for new and classic cocktails, and everything in between. For more details on how you can "Patron the Summer" and where you can find Patron throughout the country, please visit PatronTequila.com. Click here to download high-res images of the interactive experience. About Patron Tequila From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, Patron tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though Patron has grown to become one of the most-recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information about Patron tequilas and liqueurs, please visit www.patrontequila.com. SOURCE Patron Tequila Related Links http://www.patrontequila.com SALT LAKE CITY and AMSTERDAM, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) and Navican, an Intermountain Healthcare company, today signed an agreement to deploy a precision health informatics solution that will allow hospitals and health systems worldwide to access the sophisticated services of Intermountain's successful precision medicine program in a "turn-key" manner. The new services, that will be made available through Navican, are aimed at improving outcomes for late stage cancer patients and will offer specialized programs with expert guidance for both oncologists and patients. The new solution will leverage Navican's TheraMap Precision Cancer Care services and Philips IntelliSpace Genomics platform that integrates large-scale genomic analysis with extensive contextual clinical patient data and that is built to implement precision medicine programs at the point of care. The Philips platform seamlessly integrates Illumina's next-generation sequencing technologies. "Despite major technological advances in tumor sequencing capabilities and laboratories, gaps remain between these advanced diagnostics and actually getting patients onto the appropriate therapeutic paths," says Lincoln Nadauld, MD, PhD, executive director of Intermountain Precision Genomics. "Through this joint approach we are bringing together the latest technologies with the aim to provide community hospitals and treatment centers worldwide with the opportunity to implement Intermountain's best practice in precision medicine into their everyday care practices." Nationally leading precision cancer genomics program Intermountain Healthcare - a Utah-based, Integrated Delivery Network comprising of 22 hospitals and 185 clinics provides a nationally leading precision cancer genomics program through its Intermountain Precision Genomics laboratory. The genetic makeup of each patient's cancer is analyzed. Then a team of skilled molecular tumor specialists and specialized treatment navigators is employed to review each test and determine how to most effectively treat that cancer case. This team approach gives oncologists the information and support they need to prepare a customized, targeted treatment plan for each patient. Nearly 80% of the patients treated at Intermountain Precision Genomics have been connected to targeted drug therapies, which can help lengthen survival in advanced cancer patients without increasing costs. "Through Navican this approach and all services, including continuous remote access to Intermountain's tumor specialists and treatment navigators, are offered to community hospitals, independent hospital networks and other Integrated Delivery Networks," says Ingo Chakravarty, CEO of Navican. "Patients are based in the community, across the United States and around the world, so should precision medicine, being accessible to all, not just a few." To this end, Navican will use Philips IntelliSpace Genomics, a comprehensive precision medicine platform built to support the implementation and scaling of informatics-heavy precision medicine programs. Resulting from more than a decade of research and development with clinical partners, it offers integrated workflows with advanced analytic capabilities and clinical decision support by unifying the whole patient picture, and streamlines collaboration across hospitals to support pathologists, oncologists, and researchers. The platform integrates N-of-One's interpretation capabilities and extensive knowledge-bases providing ready access to a vast amount of available reference literature, guidelines, and evidence further enhancing the platform's clinical trial matching tools. "Together with Navican we aim to provide a seamless end-to-end solution using the latest technologies available," says Louis Culot, General Manager Philips Genomics. "Hospitals and health systems will be able to send their patient samples to Navican, for advanced molecular analysis, interpretation and guidance by Intermountain. At the same time they will have access to Intermountain's advanced services while genome informatics and data flow are fully implemented through Philips IntelliSpace Genomics, and can be further integrated with local EMR and lab systems." The "turnkey" precision medicine solution will first be made available within the Intermountain Healthcare network. Availability to other hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide is expected second half of 2017. The solution will be presented at Philips booth #5107 and Intermountain' s booth #3123 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO) taking place 2 6 June in Chicago U.S. More information: Joost Maltha Philips Group Press Office Tel.: +31 6 10 55 8116 E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @JoostMaltha Daron Cowley Intermountain Healthcare Tel.: +1-801-442-2834 E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @intermountain About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2016 sales of EUR 17.4 billion and employs approximately 70,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. About Navican NAVICAN, an Intermountain Healthcare company, offers Precision Cancer Care to transform and advance cancer care for patients everywhere that advanced therapies are available. Navican offers expert therapy recommendations and experienced navigators to help patients and their caregivers get the precision therapy they need as soon as possible. Navican uses TheraMap, a comprehensive end-to-end service to help oncologists and patients harness the power of precision medicine to improve outcomes and reduce cost. Developed through years of experience and clinical best practices of Intermountain Healthcare, TheraMap combines state-of-the-art next generation sequencing technology, clinical expertise and a molecular tumor board to provide a treatment recommendation. For more information, please visit us at www.navican.com SOURCE Royal Philips ATLANTA, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the start of operations of the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (Plant Vogtle). Plant Vogtle Units 1 & 2, which began operation in 1987 and 1989 respectively, are capable of generating a total of 2,430 megawatts enough energy to reliably power more than 500,000 Georgia homes and businesses simultaneously. Approximately 20 percent of Georgia Power's electricity in 2016 was produced by nuclear generation and Georgians across the state have benefitted from the investments made in Plant Vogtle and the state's other nuclear power plant, Plant Hatch. Available to meet customer demand 24 hours a day, Plant Vogtle has kept energy flowing in Georgia over the past 30 years while: Producing more than 526 million megawatt total hours of emission-free electricity. of emission-free electricity. Preventing millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions from power generation. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), Georgia's nuclear plants prevent more than 23 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. "As we mark this incredible milestone for Plant Vogtle and its team, we remain focused on supporting our communities and ensuring that we have the most flexible and diverse generation mix in place to serve our customers today and for decades to come," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "A diverse fuel mix, including nuclear, is essential to maintaining a reliable and affordable energy infrastructure that attracts new investment, supports economic growth and creates jobs. Working with the Georgia Public Service Commission through the established Integrated Resource Planning process, we are making the right long-term investments and producing a competitive and sustainable energy environment in our state." In addition to power production for the state's electric customers, Plant Vogtle's community impact over the last 30 years includes: Stimulation of economic growth in the region through contributions of nearly $500 million in local tax revenues. in local tax revenues. More than 900 high-quality, permanent jobs for East Georgia with more than $1 billion in total wages for employees . for with more than . A focus on community involvement with plant employees donating at least 20,000 hours of community service to various causes and employee and corporate contributions of more than $4.5 million to United Way of the Central Savannah River Area. About Plant Vogtle Plant Vogtle sits on a 3,200-acre site along the Savannah River, in Burke County near Waynesboro, Georgia. The plant is operated by Southern Nuclear and jointly owned by Georgia Power (45.7 percent), Oglethorpe Power (30 percent), MEAG Power (22.7 percent) and Dalton Utilities (1.6 percent). In June 2009, Plant Vogtle's operating license was extended for 20 years. Construction of two new nuclear units at the site (Vogtle 3 & 4) is currently underway. The plant is located in a rural area that supports diverse wildlife and, with management programs that enhance habitat for species such as bluebirds, wood ducks and wild turkey, Plant Vogtle has been a certified Wildlife Habitat Council site since 1993. The plant also currently maintains a Safe Harbor Agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the red cockaded woodpecker, a federal endangered species. About Georgia Power Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power). About Southern Nuclear Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is a leader among the nation's nuclear energy facility operators and an innovator in advanced nuclear technologies. Southern Nuclear is an essential part of Southern Company's energy portfolio, and its importance will continue to grow as America transitions to a low-carbon energy future. While the company produces clean, safe and reliable nuclear energy, it's also an economic engine powered by quality jobs and community service. Southern Nuclear operates a total of six units for Alabama Power and Georgia Power at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala.; the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Ga.; and the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Ga. Southern Nuclear is the licensee of two new nuclear units currently under construction at Plant Vogtle that are among the first nuclear units being constructed in the United States in more than 30 years. Southern Nuclear received numerous accolades in 2016 for leadership in the advancement of nuclear energy including the Special Achievement Award by the United States Nuclear Infrastructure Council and the Presidential Citation by the American Nuclear Society. Southern Nuclear also received two of the Nuclear Energy Institute's Top Innovative Practice awards and special recognition for achieving excellence in research and performance. Southern Nuclear's Plant Hatch received the ANS Operations & Power Division's Utility Achievement Award for plant improvements that resulted in a record-setting refueling outage duration. The company's headquarters is in Birmingham, Ala. Twitter: @SouthernNuclear; Facebook: facebook.com/southernnuclear; www.southernnuclear.com. SOURCE Georgia Power Related Links http://www.georgiapower.com NEWARK, N.J., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) today filed for a modest increase in residential gas bills that would take effect this fall. If approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, this would be the first gas supply rate increase in nine years. While the proposed gas rates would take effect this fall, bills for PSE&G's residential electric customers are dropping 2.5 percent today just in time for summer. The lower bills are the result of the Basic Generation Service auction held in February for customers who receive their electric supply from PSE&G. The typical customer who uses 750 kilowatt-hours per summer month and 7,200 kilowatt-hours annually will pay $4 less per summer month, or $32 less per year. Under the gas supply filing made today, a residential gas heating customer who uses 165 therms in a winter month and 1,010 therms annually would pay about $5 or 3.6 percent more in a winter month. This same customer would pay about $31 more per year. "We work hard to keep our bills as stable as possible for customers," said Jorge Cardenas, vice president of asset management and centralized services. "By efficiently managing our gas supply contracts and purchases, we have kept our increase as small as possible." Even with the modest increase, residential gas bills are still 50 percent lower than they were in 2008. Under the proposal, the rate residential customers pay will increase to 37 cents from 34 cents per therm. "While the cost of natural gas is still historically low when compared to a decade ago, costs for the 2017-2018 period have increased," Cardenas said. "Overall gas prices are higher due to decreased production levels, as compared to last year. The costs for gas from the Marcellus shale region also are higher due to an increase in demand as a result of several pipeline expansions that are now accessing the Marcellus region as a supply source." Cardenas added, "During the past nine years, PSE&G has provided significant savings to our customers as the cost of natural gas has steadily dropped. As a result, even with the proposed modest increase, the typical customer will pay about $824 less per year than they did in 2008 in addition to monthly bill credits that have been implemented in the last few years." PSE&G makes no profit on the sale of natural gas, passing along what it pays to its customers. If the price of natural gas increases, the BPU allows the state's natural gas utilities, including PSE&G, to recover those costs. Conversely, reductions in the gas supply price may be implemented at any time if market conditions warrant. PSE&G Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. Visit PSEG at: www.pseg.com PSEG on Facebook PSEG on Twitter PSEG on LinkedIn PSEG blog, Energize! Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this communication about our and our subsidiaries' future performance, including, without limitation, future revenues, earnings, strategies, prospects, consequences and all other statements that are not purely historical, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "should," "hypothetical," "potential," "forecast," "project," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements made by us herein are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and available on our website: http://investor.pseg.com/sec-filings. All of the forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by these cautionary statements and we cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by management will be realized or even if realized, will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements in making any investment decision. Forward-looking statements made in this communication apply only as of the date hereof. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements from time to time, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even in light of new information or future events, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws. From time to time, PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power release important information via postings on their corporate website at http://investor.pseg.com . Investors and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the corporate website to review new postings. The "Email Alerts" link at http://investor.pseg.com may be used to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and/or Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. SOURCE PSE&G Related Links http://www.pseg.com OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- QTS Realty Trust (NYSE: QTS), an international provider of data center, cloud and managed hosting services, has further strengthened its industry-leading compliance program with the new European Union (EU) Privacy Shield certification and annual PCI DSS certification which expanded to include eight new QTS locations. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a worldwide information security standard governing payment card account data protection. QTS' certification allows customers to control and minimize fraud risks and reduce the ability to compromise sensitive information. The QTS data centers that have achieved the PCI certification standard include: Atlanta-Metro, Atlanta-Suwanee, Chicago, Dallas - Irving, Dulles the Vault, Jersey City, Miami, Overland park, Piscataway, Richmond, Sacramento and Santa Clara. The EU Privacy Shield was designed by the United States Department of Commerce and the European Commission to provide companies with a mechanism to comply with EU data protection requirements. With this certification, QTS will provide its customers and the products delivered to them the data protections required by the European Union data protection authorities. "Achieving and maintaining PCI, EU Privacy Shield and other compliance standards is of paramount importance to QTS and our customers who rely on us to keep their data safe and maintain our systems in line with current standards," said Oliver Schmidt, Chief Audit Executive QTS. "We are proud that QTS has a compliance program in place that ensures our ability to meet the data safety needs of our customers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific." QTS' flexible, integrated approach to compliance allows the company to simultaneously solution for multiple compliance standards to provide one of the most comprehensive solutions among data center providers. With a dedicated, in-house compliance team, QTS has created a clear definition of responsibility which allows customers to leverage QTS' compliant products and services. About QTS QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: QTS) is a leading provider of secure, compliant data center, hybrid cloud and managed services. QTS features the nation's only fully integrated technology services platform providing flexible, scalable solutions for the federal government, financial services, healthcare and high tech industries. QTS owns, operates or manages more than 5 million square feet of data center space and supports more than 1,100 customers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. In addition, QTS' Critical Facilities Management (CFM) provides increased efficiency and greater performance for third-party data center owners and operators. For more information, please visit www.qtsdatacenters.com, call toll-free 877.QTS.DATA or follow us on Twitter @DataCenters_QTS. Media Contact: Sharon Goldmacher communications 21 for QTS 404.814.1330 [email protected] SOURCE QTS Realty Trust, Inc. Related Links http://www.qtsdatacenters.com DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Friday, June 2nd 2017, Red Arena will host the "Wine Up" Party to commence its annual fundraiser, RED Arena Round Up. The "Wine Up" Party will feature wine tasting, "get it now" options for the silent auction, live music, BBQ plates and a Kendra Scott pop-up shop! All proceeds benefit RED Arena and its mission to empower individuals of all abilities through horses. "The 'Wine Up' party is a fun way to kick off our biggest weekend of the year," said Jennifer Young, Founder and Executive Director of Red Arena. "It is our chance to celebrate with the community and introduce new folks to RED Arena." Every year the "Wine Up" party has grown and this year's event features over 50 sponsors. The "Wine Up" party is also the final push to vote for the RED Arena Horse of the year, which honors the fan favorite therapy horse. Admission is $15.00 at the door and benefits RED Arena. For more information about the "Wine Up" party and RED Arena Round Up please visit the RED Arena Round up website at: http://www.redarena.org/2017-round-up.html Or, to place your vote for horse of the year please visit: http://www.horseoftheyear.org/ "Wine Up" Party Schedule Friday, June 2nd: 5:00pm-8:00pm- Kendra Scott Pop Up Shop, wine Tasting by Westcave Cellars Winery and "buy it now" options for the silent auction. 7:00pm-10:00pm- Live music by Beatles cover band, the Eggmen Admission is $15.00 at the door and the event will also have wine, beer and $5.00 BBQ plates all benefiting Red Arena and its rider programs. ABOUT RED ARENA For more information about this event, please contact: Jennifer Tully at 310-403-0125, [email protected] or visit our website at www.REDArena.org and click on the RED Arena Round-Up tab. RED Arena is a 501c3, non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapies. RED Arena offers services to support children, adults, families and military veterans RED Arena provides a variety of services such as: facilities for equine-assisted therapy and activities to people with disabilities, opportunities for gaining social, recreational and life skills, as well as providing sanctuary and rehabilitation for abused and neglected horses. RED Arena currently serves riders who participate in physical, occupational, speech and mental health therapy sessions while on horseback and through interaction and care of the horses. RED Arena also offers a free program for students who are blind and visually impaired to gain hands on experience and training in the horse industry. SOURCE RED Arena Related Links http://www.redarena.org LONDON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eugen Trinka, Mar Carreno, European Neurological Review, 2017;12(1):17-23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/ENR.2017.12.01.17 (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/515766/Touch_Medical_Logo.jpg ) Published recently in European Neurological Review the peer-reviewed journal from touchNEUROLOGY, Eugen Trinka and Mar Carreno summarize the five important elements of optimal epilepsy management: rational treatment selection, efficacy, off-target effects, adherence and interactions and dosing issues. Perampanel (2-[2-oxo-1-phenyl-5-pyridin-2-yl-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl]benzonitrile; E2007) is the first potent, selective, orally-active non-competitive alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Results from randomised controlled trials and real-world studies of refractory epilepsy populations treated with perampanel showed effective frequency reduction for both focal-onset seizures (without and with secondary generalisation) and for primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Perampanel therapeutic doses have been calculated to only inhibit a fraction of AMPA receptors, thereby to enable sufficient seizure control without substantial impairment of neurological function. Further investigation in special subpopulations of people with epilepsy, including the elderly and people with learning disability or psychiatric comorbidities, is warranted. With an average long half-life of 105 hours, perampanel may be more forgiving in circumstances of suboptimal adherence. Perampanel is not a strong inducer or inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes, and dose adjustment is not always required for the elderly or for those with mild renal impairment. The full peer-reviewed, open-access article is available here: https://doi.org/10.17925/ENR.2017.12.01.17 Disclosure: Professor Eugen Trinka is a paid consultant for UCB, Eisai, Bial, Medtronic, EVER Neuro Pharma, Biogen-Idec, Sanofi-Genzyme, Shire, Marinus, Takeda, Newbridge and Sunovion. Professor Trinka has received research funding (directly, or to institution) from GlaxoSmithKline, Biogen-Idec, Eisai, Novartis, Red Bull, Bayer, and UCB Pharma Ltd, and speaker's honoraria from GlaxoSmithKline, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eisai, Bial, UCB Pharma Ltd, Sanofi-Genzyme, Shire and Sanofi-Aventis. He is the chief executive officer of Neuroconsult GmbH and has been awarded grants from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), Osterreichische Nationalbank, European Union. Dr Mar Carreno has received advisory board or speaker's honoraria from Shire, Bial, Eisai, Esteve, and UCB Pharma Ltd and has received research grants from Bial and Eisai. There were no publication fees associated with the publication of this article. touchNEUROLOGY (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishes European Neurological Review, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of neurology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals. www.touchNEUROLOGY.com Touch Medical Media is a trading name of Touch Digital Media Limited, a private limited company registered in England and Wales at The White House Mill Road, Goring, Reading, England, RG8 9DD with registered number 08197142. For inquires please contact: Christina Mackins: Crabtree, PhD, CMPP - Managing Editor [email protected] Leading the Debate on the Advances in Healthcare SOURCE touchNEUROLOGY DUBLIN, Ohio, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions today introduced 2017 Oncology Insights, the first in a series of research reports to provide perspective on key issues for specialty care providers, biopharma companies and other healthcare stakeholders. The report documents how oncologists view critical issues impacting their practices, including the transition to value-based reimbursement, use of real-world evidence to make treatment decisions and the role of pharmaceutical companies in providing patient support services. "Oncology care has never been more complex, with a variety of issues creating both challenges and opportunities for those working to advance cancer care," said Joe DePinto, president of Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions. "As a leading provider of solutions to the specialty care industry, it is our hope that this research helps promote informed discussions among healthcare stakeholders that lead to better solutions." 2017 Oncology Insights was released in conjunction with the 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The findings are based on three oncology summits conducted by Specialty Solutions earlier this year. In total, the summits brought together more than 170 oncologists from across the United States, including a diverse mix of community and hospital-based practices, to explore topics critical to their practices. Key findings include: Oncologists lack confidence that the new reimbursement models for Medicare patients under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) will improve quality of care and reduce costs. Nearly nine out of 10 participating oncologists are not confident that MACRA will help improve patient outcomes and the total cost of care in the long run. Nearly nine out of 10 participating oncologists are not confident that MACRA will help improve patient outcomes and the total cost of care in the long run. While data from clinical trials remains the primary information source for making treatment decisions, participating oncologists indicated a strong interest in real-world evidence (RWE) and patient-reported outcomes (PRO). For instance, about three out of four participants agree that RWE is necessary to inform treatment decisions due to the limitations of clinical trials. For instance, about three out of four participants agree that RWE is necessary to inform treatment decisions due to the limitations of clinical trials. Patient support programs should be improved and pharmaceutical companies should play a key role. The majority of participants, more than 86 percent, said pharmaceutical companies should play a larger role in patient support programs. In addition, only 8 percent said patient education and adherence programs offered by manufacturers are "essential, fairly common, easy to use and effective." The report also includes viewpoints from three Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions experts: Chadi Nabhan, MD, chief medical officer; Jennifer Fillman; vice president and general manager; and Jonathan Kish, PhD, health economics and outcomes research director. Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions plans to issue similar reports using data from future research summits. Learn more and request a copy of the Oncology Insights report at www.cardinalhealth.com/oncologyinsights. For media: to request an advance copy of the report, please contact Courtney Tobin at (614) 553-3539 or [email protected]. About Cardinal Health Cardinal Health, Inc. is a global, integrated healthcare services and products company, providing customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories and physician offices worldwide. The company provides clinically proven medical products and pharmaceuticals and cost-effective solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency from hospital to home. Cardinal Health connects patients, providers, payers, pharmacists and manufacturers for integrated care coordination and better patient management. As a distributor, Cardinal Health helps ensure pharmacists, and the consumers they serve, have access to medications they need while working to help prevent prescription drug diversion; therefore, along with its education partners, Cardinal Health created Generation Rx, a national program to help prevent the misuse of prescription medications. Backed by nearly 100 years of experience, with more than 40,000 employees in nearly 60 countries, Cardinal Health ranks among the top 25 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit cardinalhealth.com, follow @CardinalHealth on Twitter and connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/ company/cardinal-health. SOURCE Cardinal Health Related Links http://www.cardinalhealth.com SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ridecell, Inc., the leading global carsharing and ridesharing platform provider, is providing the technology infrastructure for GIG Car Share, a new mobility service launched by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. GIG Car Share is an innovative one-way carsharing service and is the first of its kind in the San Francisco Bay Area. Launched recently in Oakland and Berkeley, Gig enables people to find a nearby car, get in, and godemonstrating the auto club's ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of a new generation of drivers. The collaboration on the Gig service expands Ridecell's customer portfolio and further affirms its leadership in the new mobility space. Gig's new fleet of all-hybrid sedans offer room for five passengers, cargo space, and even a bike rack for the active consumer. Ridecell's end-to-end integration elegantly handles registering new customers to the service in just a few minutes including driver record verification, payment processing, demand-supply balancing and promotions. "With the Ridecell collaboration on Gig, our pioneering platform will reach new markets. Thanks to our established expertise in carsharing, ridesharing and other new mobility services, Ridecell is uniquely equipped to help launch innovative transportation offerings," said Aarjav Trivedi, founder and CEO of Ridecell. "We are thrilled to be the technology platform for GIG Car Share and look forward to the service's expansion in the coming months." About Ridecell Headquartered in San Francisco, Ridecell is on a mission to change the way people move from point A to point B. Our intelligent software platform runs new mobility services, such as carsharing, ridesharing, and new innovative transportation offerings such as autonomous vehicle fleets. End-to-end integration and automation accelerate time to market, enabling Ridecell customers to launch mobility services quickly, operate efficiently, and scale revenues as business grows. Founded in 2009, Ridecell has already processed over 20 million rides and has a team of more than 70 professionals in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company now powers 20 mobility offerings including new mobility solutions for AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah, BMW, UC Berkeley, UCSF, 3M, and SouthWest Transit. 2017 Ridecell is a registered trademark of Ridecell, Inc. Other brand names may be trademarks of their respective owner(s). Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Ridecell Media Contact: Kacey Heller [email protected] 415.277.4917 SOURCE Ridecell Related Links https://www.ridecell.com/ WAYNE, Pa., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Judge Group, a leading global provider of professional services, is proud to announce the company received Agile-1s Gold Award for supplier excellence in the large business category. The award was presented to Michael Tedesco, Executive Vice President of Sales, at Agile-1s fifth annual Customer Forum and Supplier Excellence Summit held at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL on May 24, 2017. To deliver the award-winning workforce management solutions that Agile-1 is known for, our team relies on our supplier partners like The Judge Group for access to high-quality talent in a wide range of skill sets and geographies, said Peter Carvalho, President of Agile-1. We are proud to recognize their consistent hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Jaideep Majumdar, Associate Vice President of Agile-1, is enthusiastic about the on-going partnerships Agile-1 has built with their suppliers. Through our unique supplier management program, Agile-1 strives to connect, build, and foster strong relationships with our suppliers. By doing so, we have created a high-performing supply base that is able to support our client programs while incentivizing other suppliers to expand their services with other Agile-1 programs, both domestic and global. Recognizing our Best of the Best suppliers is just one more way Agile-1 is able to deliver a competitive, value based, total supply chain solution to our clients. Judge partnered with Agile-1 to offer a customized service delivery model to their MSP clientele. Judge takes great pride in delivering quality, providing value, and driving retention in each and every program we support through Agile-1. Judge is being recognized for the fourth straight year, having previously won Agile-1s Silver award for supplier excellence in 2014 and the Platinum award in the large business category in each of the following years. We are proud to once again receive this award and be recognized by Agile-1, said Brian Anderson, President of The Judge Group. Agile-1 is a leader in the industry and a valued partner of Judge. We are very excited to continue working with them to provide top quality candidates and best-in-class customer service to their clients. The Judge Group, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, is located at 151 South Warner Road, Suite 100, Wayne, PA 19087. The office can be reached at 1-800-650-0035. To learn more visit www.judge.com. About The Judge Group The Judge Group is a leading professional services firm specializing in talent, technology, and learning solutions. Our services are successfully delivered through a network of more than 35 offices in the United States, Canada, China, and India. The Judge Group serves more than 40 Fortune 100 companies and is responsible for the placement of more than 5,000 professionals annually across a wide range of industries. Working at the crossroads of people and transformative technologies, The Judge Group delivers innovative business solutions powered by top talent to help organizations reach their strategic goals and realize opportunities now and in the future. About Agile-1 Agile-1 solves workforce challenges by combining innovative technologies and programs with experienced industry professionals to deliver a suite of total workforce solutions. We maximize the value of your workforce by decreasing liability and overhead. Workforce challenges. Solved. FORT MILL, S.C., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global industrial and automotive supplier Schaeffler is once again expanding its award-winning manufacturing apprenticeship program in the United States. Schaeffler is preparing to award journeyman tool & die certification to the first group of apprentices to complete the company's rigorous three-and-a-half-year training program at its Fort Mill, S.C., location. Schaeffler Americas CEO Bruce Warmbold underscored the importance of apprenticeship programs to Schaeffler's long-term growth, "Highly qualified employees are the most important pillar for the future success of Schaeffler in the U.S. Our awardwinning apprenticeship programs are among the most important training investments we can make in our workforce to ensure that success." "Schaeffler continues to invest in the people of South Carolina, and for that we are extremely grateful," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. "The development of a future workforce is critical to sustaining economic growth. With this expanded apprenticeship program, Schaeffler is showing its commitment to training South Carolinians for future jobs, and we're excited for the opportunities that this initiative will create for the people of our state." As a family-owned company, the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based manufacturer of bearings and precision components is committed to the continuing education of its employees. Recognizing early on that the key to its manufacturing success in the U.S. is a well-trained workforce, Schaeffler has been offering apprenticeship programs in the United States for 37 years. In March of this year, the company's award-winning apprenticeship programs were highlighted at the White House when Schaeffler Group CEO Klaus Rosenfeld joined President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a roundtable discussion on vocational training programs and continuing education in the United States. In his remarks at the conclusion of the White House meeting, Mr. Rosenfeld reinforced the company's commitment to vocational training, "As a global family business, providing our employees with vocational training and continuing education opportunities is a tradition that we have always held in the highest regard. We look forward to continuing this tradition, in particular with regard to the significant changes that our industry is facing and the need to combine mechanics, electronics and systems know-how. This is not only our social responsibility as an employer, but also our way to ensure long-term competitiveness." Launched in early 2014, Schaeffler's Fort Mill apprenticeship curriculum builds upon the success of similar vocational training programs the company has offered in Wooster, Ohio, since 1980, and in Cheraw, S.C., since 1988. These comprehensive three-and-ahalf-year programs are modeled after the German practice of combining on-the-job training with classes at a vocational school. The success of these programs is evidenced by the more than 500 graduates now working at various Schaeffler sites. The Fort Mill apprentice program is comprised of two main components: academic/shop theory taken at York Technical College in nearby Rock Hill, S.C., and on-the-job training at one of three manufacturing locations on Schaeffler's Fort Mill campus. The three-anda-half-year program encompasses 7,000 hours of training divided between vocational and on-the-job learning environments. Apprentices learn the trades of Skilled Setup Operator, Industrial Maintenance and Tool & Die Maker, enabling them to become an internal source for Schaeffler to fill key jobs involving new products and technologies. Upon completion of the Fort Mill program, graduating apprentices receive an associate's degree in either Machine Tool Technology (Tool & Die) or Industrial Maintenance from York Technical College as well as an Apprenticeship Certificate/Journeyman's Card from the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, graduating apprentices are given a guaranteed two-year job assignment with Schaeffler. Top graduates are also encouraged to continue their studies toward an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in engineering, thereby enabling the company to bolster its engineering talent. "The Schaeffler Group is a world leader not only in their market, but also in workforce development," said York Technical College President Dr. Greg Rutherford. "York Technical College is proud to be Schaeffler's regional partner in support of apprenticeships and in providing employee development opportunities. Our respective organizations' combined efforts to create innovative pathways and partnerships for our students and Schaeffler's workforce needs have produced results that have been a tremendous benefit for all involved." Schaeffler's Fort Mill campus currently has 14 apprentices studying toward their associate's degree, while 11 others are completing their on-the-job training. Three of the apprentices from the latter group are preparing to receive their Journeyman Tool & Die certification this summer. In just the past ten years, Schaeffler has invested over $35 million in its U.S. apprenticeship programs at its facilities in South Carolina and Ohio, during which time the company has graduated 216 apprentices. Ohio recently recognized the Schaeffler Group for having the state's largest registered manufacturing apprenticeship program: Schaeffler's Wooster facility alone produces the most apprentices of all of the Buckeye State's manufacturing programs. On a broader level, Schaeffler was named "National Business of the Year" in 2014 by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, after being nominated by the State of South Carolina in recognition of its apprenticeship programs. To learn more about job opportunities and apprenticeship programs with Schaeffler, visit the company's careers page online. About Schaeffler The Schaeffler Group is a global automotive and industrial supplier. Premium quality, outstanding technology, and exceptionally innovative spirit form the basis for the continued success of the company. By delivering high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications, the Schaeffler Group is already shaping "Mobility for tomorrow" to a significant degree. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.3 billion in 2016. With around 86,600 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world's largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies. SOURCE Schaeffler FORT MILL, S.C., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Schaeffler Group USA Inc., a global manufacturer of precision components for the industrial and automotive sectors whose South Carolina roots stretch back to the 1960s, today celebrated the grand opening of its expanded manufacturing plant and new administrative building in Fort Mill, S.C. The project resulted in the creation of over 100 South Carolina jobs. For almost 50 years, Schaeffler has demonstrated its strong commitment to the Palmetto State through dramatic investments and expansion projects totaling over $1 billion and counting. The grand opening celebration featured over 100 invited guests and dignitaries, including The Honorable Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina; H.E. Dr. Peter Wittig, Germany's Ambassador to the United States; the owners of the Schaeffler Group, Mrs. Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann and Mr. Georg F. W. Schaeffler, as well as Mr. Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. "Schaeffler is excited to celebrate another milestone in our five-decade partnership with the State of South Carolina," said Schaeffler America CEO Bruce Warmbold. "The increased production capacity in our Fort Mill 1 plant enables our company to offer more job opportunities for residents of the Palmetto State as well as more high-tech solutions to our automotive and industrial customers. Schaeffler is grateful to Governor Henry McMaster and the State of South Carolina for their continuing support of Schaeffler's operations as we work to help shape Mobility for tomorrow." "South Carolina's manufacturing industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, and we have fantastic companies like Schaeffer to thank for that," said Governor McMaster. "Each time a company like this one commits to our state and invests in our people, it shows that our State is a great place to be doing business. Today's celebration is just one of many that we know the partnership between Schaeffer and South Carolina will produce in the years to come." Schaeffler Group USA Inc.'s latest $36.5 million capital investment, which generated approximately 105 additional jobs, resulted in the construction of a new administrative office building, the expansion of one of two factories located on the company's Fort Mill campus, and a reworked plant entrance to accommodate the growth and increase in traffic. The factory expansion, which creates almost 35,000 sq. ft. of additional manufacturing space in the company's Fort Mill 1 Plant, increases capacity in stamping, heat treatment and assembly for thrust bearings used in 8-, 9- and 10--speed automatic transmissions. Meanwhile, the brand-new administrative building encompasses over 64,000 sq. ft. of office space, including state-of-the-art workstations, a multimedia conference center for regional meetings, and a full-service employee cafeteria. The York County expansion is part of a $164 million capital investment in Schaeffler's South Carolina operations which include facilities in Spartanburg County and Chesterfield County that was announced back in January 2015. Collectively, the investments are expected to create more than 440 new jobs in the Palmetto State. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Schaeffler is a worldwide manufacturer of high precision components and systems for the automotive industry as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for 60 industrial sectors. With approximately 86,600 employees in 50 countries around the world, the firm truly possesses a global footprint. Schaeffler's Americas operations, headquartered in Fort Mill, are responsible for the engineering, production, sales and marketing of three major product brands LuK, INA and FAG. In the U.S. alone, Schaeffler employs approximately 6,000 people at eight factories and three technology centers spread throughout South Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan and Connecticut. The company's award-winning apprenticeship programs, which it has offered in the U.S. for over 35 years, were highlighted in a White House roundtable discussion on vocational training programs and continuing education in the United States with President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. To learn more about job opportunities and apprenticeship programs with Schaeffler, visit the company's careers page online. For more information on Schaeffler Group USA Inc., please visit www.schaeffler.us. About Schaeffler The Schaeffler Group is a global automotive and industrial supplier. Premium quality, outstanding technology, and exceptionally innovative spirit form the basis for the continued success of the company. By delivering high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications, the Schaeffler Group is already shaping "Mobility for tomorrow" to a significant degree. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.3 billion in 2016. With around 86,600 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world's largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies. SOURCE Schaeffler Related Links http://www.schaeffler.us SAN FRANCISCO and SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Scope AR, creator of the first-ever true augmented reality (AR) smart instructions and live support video calling solutions, today announced significant updates to its live support video calling platform, Remote AR, at Augmented World Expo (AWE). Leveraging Wikitude's latest AR image recognition and tracking technology, the next-generation of Remote AR becomes the first remote assistance application to make markerless tracking possible from the software side versus from built-in hardware in specific devices. On supported devices, users will be able to get the expert support and instructional information they need by simply pointing their device's camera at a piece of equipment to have annotations stick in place without requiring the use of a 2D image (marker). "Markerless tracking is one of the major hurdles AR has been facing before becoming more accessible for enterprise and industrial use. We're excited to collaborate with the leading innovator for markerless tracking, Wikitude, to bring this to life for our users," said Scott Montgomerie, CEO and co-founder of Scope AR. "With Remote AR's latest updates, users can have the benefits of markerless tracking on standard devices, making it even easier to implement AR for their specific uses." Remote AR delivers the unprecedented ability to save time and money, as well as improve knowledge transfer and retention by combining AR with live video streaming, voice, 3D animation, screen sharing, whiteboarding and world-locked annotations. Doing so simulates the effectiveness of having an expert on-site guiding a worker step by step on what to do. Whether a technician needs live support for troubleshooting a problem or conducting maintenance or assembly procedures, Remote AR empowers them to get the knowledge they need, when they need it. "When using AR tools, markerless tracking is a critical part of ensuring that users can be fully integrated with the workspace around them without having to break the workflow process," said Martin Herdina, Wikitude CEO. "We're excited to integrate with an industry leader like Scope AR to help them deliver markerless tracking to their users from the software side so customers can use their device of choice." Scope AR is also announcing support for Tango, Google's AR computing platform. With support for Tango, users can now take advantage of the platform's inherent real-world mapping and ability to have AR annotations "stick" to where they are placed for instances when moving around a workspace or the need to come back to previous notations in a session are required. Scope AR will be demonstrating the new markerless tracking feature on Remote AR, as well as the latest version of the company's content authoring platform, WorkLink (which recently launched on Microsoft HoloLens), during AWE 2017 at booth #218. The next-generation of Remote AR will be available for most Android devices, with broader availability rolling out in the coming weeks. More information can be found at: http://www.scopear.com/products/remote-ar/ About Scope AR Augmented reality (AR) company Scope AR is the creator of the first-ever true AR smart instructions and live support video calling solutions WorkLink and Remote AR, as well as the new heavy industry focused CAT LIVESHARE. The company provides the industry's most comprehensive set of tools to allow users to access or become their own experts, learning to assemble, repair or troubleshoot problems wherever they are. Whether training, performing complex fieldwork or remote tasks, or any number of assisted activities across vertical industries including industrial equipment manufacturing, aerospace, construction, utilities, oil and gas, automotive, consumer applications and more, Scope AR provides robust solutions for in-field support and performance tracking. The company's partners and users include Caterpillar, AstraZeneca, Lockheed Martin and Clicksoftware among others. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in San Francisco with offices in Edmonton, Canada. For more information go to www.scopear.com. Media Contact: Brittany Edwards Carve Communications for Scope AR Email: [email protected] Phone: 210-382-2165 SOURCE Scope AR Related Links http://scopear.com With its small ships and award-winning onboard luxury rivaling any resort, Seabourn is the perfect way to explore America's Last Frontier. The intimate size and maneuverability of Seabourn Sojourn - which accommodates 458 guests, all in spacious suites - assures a privileged waterfront view that is virtually unmatched and where larger cruise ships cannot access. "Like our guests, we've been counting down to this season. We're going to offer an Alaska experience with no compromises - an ultra-luxury hospitality environment combined with adventurous off-ship experiences," said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. "Our return to Alaska offers a unique opportunity for Seabourn to do what it does best: share the highlights of an extraordinary destination, from postcard-perfect mountains and glaciers, to picturesque frontier towns, to onshore experiences and guided tours today's luxury traveler seeks." Seabourn's Alaska voyages include calls to rarely visited locations such as Alert Bay and Klemtu, a town of fewer than 500 people belonging to the Kitasoo Native Band and where guests will enjoy an exclusive cultural experience. Access towering forests along the Inland Passage and the sights and sounds of thunderous glaciers and the graceful breaching of humpback whales in the Kenai Fjords. Guests can explore cities and towns including the state capital of Juneau, colorful Ketchikan, and historical Sitka, whose Tlingit roots go back 10,000 years. Seabourn Sojourn will also offer four sailings to remote Glacier Bay National Park as part of its 11-day cruises. With no roads leading into the park, air and water are the only ways to explore Glacier Bay, one of the world's largest international protected areas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In certain areas such as Misty Fjords and the hauntingly beautiful Tracy Arm, guests will be able to explore wildlife-rich waterways, forested mountain vistas and lacy waterfalls up close via Ventures by Seabourn, an innovative optional program of Zodiac and kayak excursions led by Seabourn Sojourn's expedition team of naturalists, science, wildlife and historical experts. The same expedition team will be on hand on deck, pointing out, interpreting and enhancing desirable locations. In addition, each of the new 11-, 12- and 14-day cruises will include complimentary Seabourn all-weather jackets; inspiring Seabourn Conversations with special onboard guest speakers; opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and shore; and a "Caviar on the Ice" deck party and other special deck events. Seabourn Sojourn's season in Alaska launches with the 11-day Ultimate Alaskan Sojourn, departing from Vancouver, B.C., on Jun. 1, 2017. For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com. A dedicated shore excursion call center is available for guests at 1-800-984-3225. Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Notes to Editors: Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world's top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for: Intimate ships with no more than 300 suites Unique itineraries visiting must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot follow Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing our guests Spacious all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views - many with verandas Gourmet dining experiences as fine as the best restaurants anywhere Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured with lunch and dinner Seabourn is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia and fathom. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL andNYSE: CUK). It has formed a partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to help protect World Heritage sites. Click to Tweet: [email protected] returns to Alaska for the first time in 15 years and introduces unique itineraries to showcase the best of the Great Land. SOURCE Seabourn Related Links http://www.seabourn.com The announcement follows news that current and longtime executive, James "Smokey" Hughes will be retiring as chief operating officer in July. As COO of Bar Louie, Wehner will be responsible for leading operations for all Bar Louie company locations. As an award-winning collection of neighborhood bars with a lively, social atmosphere, Bar Louie has more than 125 locations in 29 states throughout the United States. Each location has its own local flavor, where patrons can linger, socialize and enjoy custom drinks, local craft beer and wineas well as specialty burgers, shareable snacks and signature entrees. "Tony is an accomplished operations leader with a proven history of success," said Bar Louie chief executive officer, John Neitzel. "We are very fortunate to have his experience and talents as part of our team." "I'm elated to join a brand that has such momentum and unique positioning in the industry," Wehner said. "This is my opportunity to help Bar Louie sustain growth, while protecting its one-of-a-kind culture. I'm a longtime fan and feel honored to be part of the Bar Louie family." About Bar Louie Founded in downtown Chicago in 1990, and headquartered in Addison, Texas, Bar Louie is an award-winning collection of neighborhood bars with a lively, social atmosphere. With more than 125 locations across the United States, Bar Louie is growing through both franchise and corporate openings. Known for its signature handcrafted martinis and cocktails, Bar Louie also features a scratch menu of shareable plates, burgers, and sandwiches served every day until close. For more information on Bar Louie, visit www.barlouie.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Bar Louie, go to www.barlouie.com/franchise. Media Contacts Aaron Blank or Traci Paulk The Fearey Group for Bar Louie [email protected] (206) 343-1543 SOURCE BL Restaurant Operations, LLC Related Links http://www.barlouie.com This year, MM&M honored the Top 10 Innovation Catalysts in the biopharma and health-tech industries, which highlights exceptional leaders in medical marketing who have helped health-tech innovators connect with the larger worlds of pharma and healthcare. Kelly Simpson-Angelini, a leading disruptive innovator and inspiring mentor, is honored by this prestigious designation. Kelly Simpson-Angelini is passionate about shaping brighter healthcare futures and challenges those in the industry to look at global datasets, health policies, and health shifts, and think about the future of healthcare differently as we enter into the next decade. Kelly Simpson-Angelini leads Simpson Healthcare Executives in driving disruptive innovation forward in our industry. She supports Simpson Healthcare Executives' biopharmaceutical clients to share the scientific stories of the diseases they touch and therapies they discover for all in need. About Medical Marketing and Media (MM&M): Medical Marketing and Media (MM&M), the media brand of record for medical marketing, was founded in 1966 and is published by Haymarket Media Group. Every year, MM&M hosts the 2017 Transforming Healthcare Conference and publishes an exclusive list honoring the Top 40 Healthcare Transformers in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.mmm-online.com/. About Simpson Healthcare Executives, LLC: Simpson Healthcare Executives is located in Old Lyme, CT, and is a global leader in biopharmaceutical scientific communications, dedicated to driving therapeutic innovations forward. Since 1998, Simpson Healthcare supports our clients in sharing the scientific stories of the diseases they touch and the therapies they discover for all in need. For more information, please visit: www.simpsonhealthcare.com. SOURCE Simpson Healthcare Executives LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 non-profit organizations nationwide are receiving a donation from Slickdeals, the largest consumer-driven deal sharing platform. The winners of the 2016 Slickdeals Gives Back charitable program, led by three animal rescue organizations, were announced today, along with the continuation of the program into 2017. Slickdeals launched the program as an opportunity to connect its community of 10 million users with charitable organizations and their supporters across the country. "This program is a way for our users to support a variety of amazing causes simply by using Slickdeals the way they would every other day of the week," said Josh Meyers, Chief Executive Officer, Slickdeals. "It's very rewarding for us to help these non-profits make a difference with the help of our own community, while also being able to introduce Slickdeals to a new audience of users. We're excited to continue to expand the program in 2017." Slickdeals users had the option to select an organization to support from a list of more than 100. Non-profits in the program focus on a wide variety of issues, ranging from health, mental health, child abuse prevention and domestic and international orphan welfare; to pet, animal and environmental protection groups, among many others. The first place winner for 2016 is All About Animals Rescue, an animal rescue based in Arizona. With Slickdeals' donation of more than $31,000, they will be able to save 320 animals, purchase a transport vehicle, continue their mission of saving animals that need the most help, and build a long-awaited facility. To date, they have rescued over 9,000 animals and placed them in loving homes. Colorado-based Pandas International, a non-profit whose mission is to ensure the preservation and propagation of the endangered Giant Panda, was awarded the second place prize. And, third place was awarded to Second Chance Pet Adoptions, a no-kill rescue organization based in North Carolina whose mission is to champion homeless cats and dogs in their quest to find their forever homes, while promoting responsible pet ownership. When users first go to Slickdeals Gives Back, they are asked to select their favorite charitable organization from a list of eligible, participating organizations. Once a user has selected an organization, by simply clicking through on deals and coupons on the Slickdeals site, a user helps a charity. The 2017 Slickdeals Gives Back program is in full swing and new organizations who are interested in joining and furthering their financial goals are currently being accepted. Through Slickdeals Gives Back, Slickdeals will donate to participating, eligible charitable organizations. Interested organizations can learn more at https://slickdeals.net/giving/. About Slickdeals: Slickdeals is the leading online deal community, where 10 million users interact to share the most up-to-date information on online shopping deals and coupons. With the help of its community, Slickdeals has saved members over $4 billion by providing its users a forum for communication and various shopping tools such as its free Android or iOS apps. Slickdeals consistently ranks in the Top 100 most visited sites in the U.S. per Alexa. SOURCE Slickdeals Related Links http://www.slickdeals.net GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chapman University has been recognized by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) with a Loyal E. Horton Dining Award. The awards celebrate excellence in culinary innovation, menus, presentation and event-planning. The University earned a bronze in the Residential Dining Concepts category for its recently remodeled Randall Dining Commons resident dining facility. The dining program at Chapman University is managed by campus dining partner Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services. Remodeled in 2016, Randall Dining Commons is an LEED-certified facility focusing on efficiency, wellness and sustainability. Integrating Sodexo-developed stations, including Simple Servings and Mindful, Chapman University dining provides students with meals that maximize nutrition while minimizing waste. The modern design makes students feel welcomed and encourages them to unwind with fun elements, such as an indoor rock climbing wall. The remodel also allowed for expanded seating options, including a new 100-seat outdoor dining area that enables students to enjoy the mild California climate. More than 75 colleges and universities across North America submitted NACUFS award entries in six categories. A team of six NACUFS judges examined each entry carefully and selected top candidates in each category. "The entries submitted by the various NACUFS institutions showcase some of the best trends and ideas in college and university dining service programs across the country," said Dawn Hearne of Hendrix College, Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards chair. Each year's winning contest entries are displayed at the NACUFS national conference, and award winners are publically recognized at a luncheon culminating with the announcement of the Grand Prize winners. About Sodexo Sodexo USA is an American business that is part of a global Fortune 500 company with a presence in 80 countries. Delivering more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities, and improve quality of life, Sodexo is a leading provider of sustainable, integrated facilities management and food service operations. It employs 123,000 Americans at 12,500 sites across the country and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional U.S. jobs through its annual purchases of $9.2 billion in goods and services from small and large American businesses. In support of local communities across the U.S., the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed close to $30 million over the past 20 years to help feed children in America impacted by hunger. Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights. SOURCE Sodexo Related Links http://www.sodexoUSA.com CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Source4Teachers, a leading national provider of educational managed service solutions for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school districts, announced today that it has added ten new school districts for the 2017-2018 school year. "This is a testament to the hard work our substitutes and other staff are putting in each and every day," said Kendley Davenport, chief executive officer at Source4Teachers. "Without their dedication to maintaining continuity for students and making sure that every student has a qualified, capable adult in their classroom, we wouldn't be seeing this level of growth." With the new additions, Source4Teachers is now on pace to fill more than 1.8 million substitute teachers and support staff absences for their 290 education partners across nine states next year. The organization recruits, screens, trains, hires, places, and manages applicants looking to serve as substitutes in school districts, schools and learning centers. Source4Teachers' new partners for 2017-2018 include: New Milford School District Litchfield County, CT School District Brooks County School District Brooks County, GA School District Thomasville City Schools Thomas County, GA City Schools Fairfield Township Schools Cumberland County, NJ Schools High Bridge School District Hunterdon County, NJ School District West Long Branch Public Schools Monmouth County, NJ Public Schools South River Public Schools Middlesex County, NJ Public Schools Providence School District Providence County, RI School District Clover School District York County, SC Hanover Area School District Luzerne County, PA For each of their partners, Source4Teachers introduces SAMS, a proprietary online management system which records absences and secures substitutes. When contracts are initiated, an implementation team is deployed to conduct trainings at each individual school with the entire teacher population. As a result, absences are then logged into SAMS, providing real-time data for administrators to track their annual substitute budgets. "It's becoming increasingly challenging for administrators to manage substitutes on their own," Mr. Davenport said. "We're able to not only handle the recruitment and training, but also the real-time placement of staff members. That's a real benefit to our partners because it means one less thing to worry about." Today's announcement comes after a string of recent milestones which indicate extraordinary momentum. Last August, Source4Teachers moved into the nation's top ten fastest-growing staffing firms for the first time, placing seventh on the Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) 2016 List. In November, Mr. Davenport was named a recipient of the 2017 Future 50 Awards by Philadelphia SmartCEO, an honor which recognizes Greater Philadelphia's 50 fastest-growing mid-sized companies as demonstrated by a combined three-year average of revenue and employee growth. Most recently, Source4Teachers was named to Forbes Magazine's Best Large Employers 2017 list. "I'm thrilled by our trajectory," Mr. Davenport said. "As we continue to reach more classrooms, we continue to sharpen our systems and processes to make things more streamlined for our partners. They've come to rely on us for an important task, and we're honored to be charged with the responsibility." Recognized with several awards for its entrepreneurial vision and growth, Source4Teachers has become a national leader in the educational services space. They are two-time recipients of the Philadelphia Business Journal's South Jersey Entrepreneur Award and have received the Best Place to Work Award from both the Philadelphia Business Journal and South Jersey Biz magazine. About Source4Teachers: Established in 2000, Source4Teachers is a leading provider of educational managed solutions. They recruit, hire, train, place and manage qualified substitute teachers, substitute paraprofessionals and educational support staff throughout the U.S. Each day, the organization fills more than 10,000 daily and long-term school vacancies for more than 290 partners serving one million students. For more information, call (877) 983-2244 or visit Source4Teachers.com. SOURCE Source4Teachers Related Links http://www.Source4Teachers.com "These new gates, additional border screening capacity, and the arts and flavor of South Florida will be a hit with hundreds of thousands of Southwest's local Customers who prefer our all-in friendliness and value," said Kelly. "In offering access to the network of America's largest carrier 1 , we also bring Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood a bolder shade of blue, where two bags fly free for everyone, where no one pays a change fee*, with purposed policies rooted in the spirit of no surprises." *Southwest does not charge any passenger for a first or second checked bag, weight and size limitations apply, and never levies a fee simply to change travel plans, though fare differences could apply. Beginning Nov. 5, 2017, fly nonstop daily from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos for as low as $59 one-way (This fare is offered at Southwest.com in celebration of new nonstop service for purchase today through 11:59 p.m. on June 8, 2017, Eastern Daylight Time, for travel from Nov. 5, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018. Travel is blacked out Nov. 18, Dec. 16 and 21-22, 2017. Please see complete fare rules, terms and conditions.) Southwest is readying a multi-national celebration to unfold around the first flights Sunday, June 4 to Grand Cayman, Belize, Montego Bay, and Cancun. The carrier is partnering with Lilly Pulitzer, the Palm Beach-born resort wear brand for a fun surprise for Customers on each of the inaugural flights. "As we enter the height of summer travel season, we're all about celebrating the best days of vacation in favorite Lilly styles and we're proud to once again team up with Southwest to start the vacation before the plane even leaves the gate," said Michelle Kelly, CEO of Lilly Pulitzer. Visit swamedia.com for maps, community and service facts, and imagery of the new facility reflecting Southwest's 20-plus year investment in South Florida. The carrier's full schedule of service through Jan. 7, 2018, is available for booking at Southwest.com. 1 Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier as measured by the number of originating domestic passengers boarded. TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR LISTED FARE Service will be offered contingent upon requisite governmental approvals. Purchase June 1-8, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Travel is valid Nov. 5, 2017, through Jan. 7, 2018. Sale fare to international destination is blacked out Nov. 18, Dec. 16 & Dec. 21-27, 2017. Fare is valid only on nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale (Miami Area) to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Rapid Rewards Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available on one-way Wanna Get Away fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines combinable fares yet if combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Sale fares may be available on other days of week, but that's not guaranteed. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines, as long as reservations are canceled at least ten minutes prior to scheduled departure. Failure to cancel at least ten minutes prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require an upgrade to the Anytime fare depending on Tier status. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies only to published, scheduled service. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 54,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and eight additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to both Grand Cayman and Cincinnati begins June 4, 2017; and service to Turks and Caicos begins Nov. 5, 2017, subject to requisite government approvals. Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives. From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com. Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Related Links http://www.southwest.com SMITHFIELD, Va., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce that Paul Kafer, vice president of engineering, has been named the 2017 Operations Executive of the Year by MEAT+POULTRY magazine. The annual award is presented to an industry professional who demonstrates dedication to pursuing operational excellence and providing leadership to others while delivering innovative solutions. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04b8dc66-6ab2-4b76-9bbd-1721534c44dd Pauls innovative approach to his job throughout his career and his ability to successfully lead teams to accomplish goals and complete major projects make him the ideal recipient of MEAT+POULTRYs Operations Executive Award for 2017, said Joel Crews, editor for MEAT+POUTRY. Each year, we interview hundreds of executives looking for the movers and shakers in this industry. This year, Pauls name was always a topic of conversation, and for that reason were proud to recognize him and his entire team at Smithfield. The award recognizes Kafer for his expansive contributions to the meat and poultry processing industry, including his role in establishing a state-of-the-art plant for Shuanghui Development in Zhengzhou, China, which opened last year. Kafers leadership in implementing advanced technologies such as automation and augmented reality also stood out to this years award selection committee. I am honored to receive this award and stand among the many before me who have dedicated their careers to create more efficient and safe facilities for the future, said Kafer. This award reflects Smithfields company-wide commitment to operational excellence and innovation. Id also like to give a special thank you to my entire team for their continued hard work and dedication. In his role with Smithfield, Kafer leads a team of engineers and provides technical expertise to improve process and plant design, refrigeration, utilities, automation and controls, construction management, and infrastructure. He also provides direction to various teams, reviews capital projects and oversees a broad range of special projects including pilot line testing, facility renovations and new construction. Kafer earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Clarkson University and a master of business administration degree in industrial management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He joined Smithfield Foods in 1998 through Smithfields acquisition of North Side Foods. Joel Crews, editor for MEAT+POULTRY, recently presented the award to Kafer during a visit to Smithfields headquarters in Smithfield, Virginia. Kafer will be formally recognized as the award winner in the July issue of MEAT+POULTRY magazine. About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. SEATTLE, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- StormCon is pleased to announce that Dominique Lueckenhoff, Acting Director, Water Protection Division, USEPA Region 3, and Mami Hara, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Public Utilities, will open this year's conference in Bellevue, Washington. Dominique Lueckenhoff and Mami Hara will speak on Tuesday, August 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and should be a truly memorable StormCon Opening General Session. Keynote Speaker Dominique Lueckenhoff Acting Director, Water Protection Division, USEPA Region 3 Dominique Lueckenhoff has over 25 years of multi-programmatic experience and award-winning programs with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She is Acting Director of the EPA Region 3 Water Protection Division, directing the Mid-Atlantic region's second largest programmatic organization, addressing clean water and safe drinking water needs through cooperative work with five states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) and the District of Columbia. In this capacity, she directs the administration and management of all division activities, including funding and oversight, water and wastewater infrastructure funding and sustainability, and more recently, innovative, public-private partnerships for improved watershed protection and water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to protect public health and the environment, while strengthening local economies in a region with seven of the nation's largest rivers and estuaries, including the Chesapeake Bay. Keynote Speaker Mami Hara General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Public Utilities The Seattle Public Utilities has three lines of business. They include solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses, and drinking water for the 1.3 million regional customers both in Seattle and the 26 municipalities and special water districts also served by SPU. Mami is an executive and planner committed to advancing equitable and sustainable cities and regions through collaboration and strategic investment. In her public sector and private practice roles, Mami has guided planning and implementation of award-winning green infrastructure, sustainability, economic development, and waterfront programs across the United States. Mami has degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University and has been an advisor to several environmental, philanthropic, planning and design advocacy organizations. She has taught at PennDesign, Temple School of Architecture and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT. She most currently developed a peer-to-peer network for cities and utilities advancing green infrastructure programs to promote research, innovation and implementation of green infrastructure Please click here for a pdf of the complete 2017 Conference Program. StormCon August 27-31, 2017 Meydenbauer Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Hotel Bellevue, Washington About Forester Media / StormCon Forester Media produces StormCon and publishes books and award-winning trade magazines, including Stormwater and Erosion Control. CONTACT: Scott Nania 805-682-1300 x136 [email protected] SOURCE StormCon Related Links http://www.stormcon.com/ WORCESTER, Mass., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This month, key education stakeholders from 15 African countries met at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to explore global best practices and develop strategies to improve math and science opportunities for their students, calling STEM education the "critical lynchpin in a country's ability to contribute and compete in the global economy." Representatives from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo and Zanzibar participated in the two-week conference, the first Mathematics and Science for Sub-Saharan Africa Conference (MS4SSA), collaboratively co-organized by The World Bank, WPI and the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The event, which included a two-day conference followed by an eight-day workshop, brought together over 150 development partners, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency; and STEM education experts from India, China, Africa and the United States together with the African educational leaders. The conference highlighted the cross-cultural importance of project-based learning and social constructivism in the development of active learning methods that enable all students to learn and apply science and mathematics. The subsequent eight-day train-the-trainer workshop included hands-on training modules on the use of CTL's Progressive Science Initiative (PSI) and Progressive Mathematics Initiative (PMI) modules on physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics, as well as WPI modules in materials science and engineering, robotics, and project-based learning. Wole Soboyejo, dean of engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at WPI, said that one of the goals of the conference was to demystify science and technology for African students, and to encourage these students to feel like "they can do it." "The conference offered the opportunity to present a new approach that could be transformative in the lives of young Africans," says Soboyejo. Referencing the "youth bulge" in Africa, in which 70 percent of African residents are under 30 years old, Soboyejo says a better education boosts individual student learning immediately, and has greater impact on the global level, where more skilled workers create a competitive workforce. "There are a lot of young folks who have to be engaged," he says. "Electronic access to good information is critical. Then it's about how you creatively use that information." Soboyejo also said that WPI's project-based curriculum, along with the CTL's PSI and PMI modules, creates a new teaching and learning paradigm for African schools. "A problem-solving approach used in materials science helps students," he says. "A diversion from the way things have always been done leads to great things." Bob Goodman, Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning, reflected on the delegates' shared vision: "We are tremendously inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with an esteemed group of educational leaders from throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, along with the World Bank and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, to share our preliminary successes in customizing PSI and PMI to address the unique needs of The Gambia's students and teachers." Vice President of the Africa Region, World Bank, Makhtar Diop, welcomed the initiative. "Science and technology are a priority for the Africa strategy of the World Bank. This initiative will help countries in Africa leapfrog as they improve students' learning in and understanding of mathematics and science." Lynne Sherburne-Benz, Senior Regional Adviser, Africa Region World Bank, highlighted the importance of the regional dimension of the initiative. "The MS4SSA collaboration aims specifically to utilize and build African expertise institutions, so that it can help other African institutions improve their capacity to improve teaching of mathematics and science in schools across the continent. The World Bank has successfully supported a number of regional initiatives, and we want this one to grow and expand rapidly." The participating African delegates expressed their excitement about the modules, and indicated their strong desire to return to their countries to train other trainers on the use of the CTL and WPI modules, which have the potential to stimulate the next generation of Africans to pursue STEM fields and build a highly skilled workforce. Several delegates noted that demonstrations, including one highlighting inexpensive ways to introduce robotics curriculum into the classroom, were particularly inspiring, as the hands-on excitement of robotics is highly engaging for young students. The final two days of the workshop included African delegates' reflections on potential strategies for the roll out of implementation plans the countries had developed during the workshop. About The World Bank With 189 member countries, staff from more 170 countries, and offices in over 130 locations, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries. The World Bank is one of the largest external education financiers for developing countries, managing a portfolio of $14 billion, with operations in 76 countries as of June 2015. About Worcester Polytechnic Institute Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 40 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. About CTL The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower teachers to lead change so that all children have access to a high quality education. CTL believes the best way to improve education is to invest in teachers by creating changes that make their work less isolated, simpler, more effective, and less stressful. This belief has propelled CTL to an unparalleled track record in rapidly increasing the supply of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers and advancing student STEM attainment. The New Jersey Education Association created the organization in 2007; and its support and participation continues today. Learn more at: https://njctl.org CONTACT: Jen Gherardi, 1-646-7842697, [email protected] SOURCE The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning Related Links http://njctl.org The Gold Nugget Awards recognizes outstanding planning and design in community and home design, green-built housing, site planning, specialty housing, commercial, retail, and mixed-use categories. Winners this year were chosen from over 600 entries from around the world. SVA's 2017 Gold Nugget Merit Award-winning projects include: Potter's Lane - Best Affordable Housing Community (30 to 60 du/acre), Attached Residential Housing Project of the Year Costa Mesa High School Performing Arts Center Best Educational Project South Campus Plaza at San Diego State University - Best Campus Housing (Faculty or Student Residential - Institutional use) Faculty & Staff Workforce Housing at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo - Best On the Boards Site Plan - 737 Ferndale - Best Renovated or Restored Single House - Jordan Downs (in collaboration with Mithun | Solomon) Judges Special Award of Excellence The Gold Nugget Grand Award winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, and will emerge from the Merit Awards in each of their categories. Robert Simons, AIA, President of SVA Architects, states, "We'd like to thank the Gold Nugget judges for recognizing SVA. It serves as an affirmation that we are achieving our goal to create healthier, more vibrant communities to live, work, learn, and play." 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 OLATHE, Kan., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Terracon is pleased to announce its acquisition of Earth Exploration Inc. (EEI). This expansion significantly enhances Terracon's presence in the Upper Midwest by establishing offices in the states of Indiana and Michigan. Founded in 1990, EEI offers a wide range of comprehensive services including geotechnical, materials, construction, exploration, laboratory, and associated capabilities from its headquarters in Indianapolis and office in Niles, Mich. With a staff of engineers and scientists with unique expertise in site exploration and geotechnical engineering, EEI has contributed to countless industrial, commercial, educational, and governmental projects. "Expansion of our geographic coverage in the Upper Midwest strengthens the capabilities and resources we bring to clients locally and nationally," said Swaminathan Srinivasan, P.E., president of Terracon. "EEI's capabilities align consistently with Terracon, allowing us to seamlessly increase our regional presence and broaden our client base." The company and its 60 employees will continue to serve clients locally as Earth Exploration Inc., A Terracon Company. EEI's reputation as a quality services provider is demonstrated by its prequalification with the state transportation agencies in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. EEI has also established significant long-term relationships with several universities in Indiana and within the state's larger communities of Evansville, Terre Haute, Lafayette, South Bend, and the area just north of Louisville, Ky. "We are incredibly proud of the valuable relationships we have built over the years and that our tradition of providing a high level of service to clients has allowed us to come to this place of opportunity," said Richard Olson, P.E., principal and president of EEI. "With the support of Terracon's national network, we are able to offer greater resources for our employees and clients." The acquisition is supported by Terracon's existing Cincinnati and Louisville offices. EEI is Terracon's sixth acquisition since 2016. Terracon is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm with more than 4,000 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 140 offices with services available in all 50 states. Terracon currently ranks 30th on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, visit www.terracon.com. SOURCE Terracon Related Links http://www.terracon.com HOUSTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Texas Children's Hospital announced plans to expand their expert pediatric and maternal care services into Austin, Texas. The organization plans to open an initial pediatric urgent care clinic in spring 2018. This will mark the first Texas Children's location in the Austin area, with plans to open three additional pediatric urgent care clinics, as well as 18 primary care pediatric practices, three pediatric specialty care locations and two maternal-fetal medicine practices across the city over the next five years. "We are constantly evaluating new opportunities, and working to advance our mission to provide all children and women with the specialized care Texas Children's delivers," said Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children's. "We see this as an extension of our mission, to expand care and access to even more children and women in Texas. We are dedicated to providing families with the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Adding pediatric-focused urgent care, primary care and specialty care, as well as maternal-fetal medicine options in Austin will help us to serve the state of Texas even more successfully." Texas Children's aspires to collaborate with the many established pediatric and OB/GYN providers in the region to help support the growing Austin market. Texas Children's Pediatrics will build on its 20 plus years of experience working with community pediatricians and will partner with existing pediatric primary care practices in the region. "We are being thoughtful in our approach to the services we plan to bring to the Austin community," said Michelle Riley-Brown, executive vice president at Texas Children's. "Our goal is to elevate the level of care provided to children and women throughout the state by supplementing and adding value to the great health care options already available to Austin-area families." Children are not simply tiny adults. Their medical care, as well as the tools and equipment used, should be designed specifically to meet their needs. This is why it is important children are seen and treated by the experts trained to care for them. Slated to open in 2018, the first Texas Children's Urgent Care location will provide high quality, efficient and affordable pediatric-focused care after hours and on weekends in a convenient location. "We believe this will be a great benefit for the entire community. We plan to work with local pediatricians to give them a place to send their patients when their offices are closed and provide them with timely communication so they have the relevant information they need when their patients return to their office. We are creating a place pediatricians and caregivers can feel confident sending their children knowing they will be well cared for by experts specially trained in pediatrics," said Kay Tittle, president of Texas Children's Pediatrics and Urgent Care. About Texas Children's Hospital Texas Children's Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO for children; has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country, Texas Children's Pediatrics; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that's channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens. Contact: Jenn Jacome 832-824-2679 [email protected] SOURCE Texas Children's Hospital Related Links http://www.texaschildrens.org More than 200 participants, including influential higher education and industry leaders, entrepreneurs and policy-makers around the globe, gather in Hong Kong for the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Innovation & Impact Summit. Co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and THE, the Summit inspires participants with a series of thought-provoking panel discussions on best practices and case studies to empower universities' economic and social impact through innovative research and teaching. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518686/PolyU_THE_Summit.jpg ) The Summit, a key celebratory event of PolyU's 80th anniversary held from 31 May to 2 June, also features inspiring keynote speeches from pioneers in world-renowned organisations and enterprises in the innovation and technology sector. In his welcoming remarks today (1 June), Professor Timothy W. Tong, PolyU President, said, "I am pleased to note that PolyU has recently been identified by THE as one of the 'up-and-coming international powerhouses' or 'technology challengers' which have innovation at the core of their strategy, strong industry links and research that excels in technological areas. PolyU looks forward to joining hands with more powerhouses of knowledge around the world to empower universities' economic and social impact, shaping a better future for all." Also addressing the Summit welcoming session today are The Hon. Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR; and Mr Phil Baty, Editorial Director, Global Rankings, THE. The Summit was inaugurated by the keynote address of high-profile technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr Charles Chen Yidan. Mr Chen is core founder of Tencent Holdings Limited, which brought, among other innovative products and services, the social media channel WeChat to more than 846 million people. As the founder of Yidan Prize, which offers research projects huge awards to enhance global education, Mr Chen offered his insights into "leveraging innovation for scalable changes in education around the world" to the Summit participants. Thought-provoking discussions among education leaders Throughout the two-day programme, influential higher education figures engage in a series of thought-provoking panel discussions. They include leaders of renowned institutions from Australia, England, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Spain, the United States, and many others. PolyU shares how our inter-disciplinary approach in pursuing new knowledge and collaboration with top industry partners and organisations to address societal needs. Other world-class innovators and entrepreneurs delivering keynote addresses include: Dr Hermann Hauser, co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners; Dr Candace Johnson, founder/co-founder SES, Loral-Teleport Europe, Europe Online, VATM, GTWN, OWNSAT, Success Europe; and Mr Greg Simon, former executive director, White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force. Participants gain insights into how universities innovate to address the grand challenges and breed new ideas. In an era in which universities play an expanding role in achieving social progress, they also inspire each other on how to translate research into business and turn ideas into impact. For details, please visit the official website: https://goo.gl/kedVru Press Contact Ms Denise Wong Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs Office, PolyU Telephone :+(852)-3400-2131/9842-6002 E-mail : [email protected] SOURCE The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Born in Germany, Lange, an art director with an extensive background in aviation design, moved to America in the 1950s and started working for US military illustrating flying manuals. He then went to the US Army Ballistic Missile Agency (AMBA) before heading the Future Projects Section at NASA, where he worked on spacecraft designs. While preparing to leave NASA, Lange met science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, who in 1965 introduced him to film director Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick, who insisted on complete realism for the sets, spacesuits and spaceships needed for a project he and Clarke were collaborating on called Journey to the Stars, enlisted Lange for his design team. The eventual film would soon be renamed 2001: A Space Odyssey, and its design team, including Lange, received Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction. "There are many reasons why 2001: A Space Odyssey is such a classic, but in many ways it all starts with Lange's work," says Theron Kabrich, who along with Jim Hartley founded and serves as director of the SFAE. "One of most important aspects of 2001 and Lange's artwork is that it represented blueprints for the future, and a lot of what was predicted became real. The fact that Lange was a draftsman who could draw these inventions that could seem tangible gave them an integrity you don't get with most science fiction. Lange's mission, set forth by Kubrick, was to create scientifically based concepts and designs that would render to the viewer that the idea of space travel wasn't some far-flung fantasy it was an entirely plausible possibility. Lange started work on the project in New York in 1965, and having sketched the film's spacecrafts within a period of six months, moved with his family to England where he continued work on the film for the next two years. So realistic were Lange's designs that when US astronauts paid a visit to the film's production studio in Borehamwood, England, they dubbed the enterprise "NASA East." "Lange's illustrations were very detailed, and so were the finished works," says Kabrich. "You might not notice every aspect of the spaceship when you watch the film, but Kubrick and Lange made sure all the minute details, every button that could be pushed, were in there. It was important to them that every little element was specific, functional and real." The 2001 File is a fascinating guided tour of Lange's thought and design process that led to the realization of the iconic film. Among its hundreds of sketches, drawings and illustrations, from early concepts to the final designs, are many of the central elements that figured in 2001: A Space Odyssey, including: The Orion III Spaceplane the craft that took commercial passengers from Earth to orbit. Space Station 5 this gigantic wheel-spaced craft rotated to create artificial gravity in order to acclimate passengers to space. Among its earthly conveniences were a Hilton Hotel, Howard Johnson's restaurant, lounge areas, photo booths and department store shopping. Aries 1B Lunar Landing Shuttle this is the craft that took officials from Space Station 5 to the Moonbase in Clavius Crater on the Moon (where a Monolith had been discovered). Clavius Moonbase ground plans, landing platforms, Lunar Docking Vehicles, the Tycho Cave Site and research base and other Lunar vehicles. The Monolith the key element in the film's narrative. Lange's designs for the Monoliths began as different geometric shapes that developed into a pyramid design, which was built to scale on the set. Ultimately, it was replaced by the final concept a simple yet imposing 12-foot high flat black rectangle. The Discovery Interplanetary Spaceship the ship that housed the team of astronauts (along with the infamous HAL 9000 computer) on their secret mission to Jupiter. The craft featured a gravity-simulator centrifuge, a pod bay with several pods, a control deck and the computer's memory center. Space Suits with Helmets integral to the authenticity of all astronaut scenes, these designs drew heavily on Lange's time at NASA. "Lange's illustrations are stunning to look at, and as you take them in you realize that they represent a kind of guided dreaming," says Kabrich. "2001 came at a very important period of time America was working on going to the moon, and the film made space exploration seem imminent. Kubrick, Clarke and Lange didn't put it so far out into the future that we couldn't feel it. It's pretty remarkable to look at Lange's work from 50 years ago and see that so much of what he predicted is now part of our everyday life." The first edition of the book, "The 2001 File: Harry Lange and the Design of the Landmark Science Fiction Film", sold out in less than three months to stellar reviews. San Francisco Art Exchange is the sole gallery authorized to sell The 2001 File. Founded in 1983 by Theron Kabrich and Jim Hartley, San Francisco Art Exchange LLC (AE) has represented historic pop culture artworks created by over 200 of the world's most accomplished and significant artists and photographers. Recognized as market pioneers and premier purveyors of original pop iconography, SFAE has held over 100 major curated exhibitions highlighting music, film, cultural movements, historic figures and social issues. SFAE has sold original artwork of iconic album covers by the Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, among many others. The gallery has also concluded landmark sales of rare photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Martin Luther King, Jr., Johnny Cash and Muhammad Ali, just to name a few. In addition, SFAE has represented treasured music and movie-related artifacts from private and celebrity archives such as the Playboy Collection and the Brown Derby Collection, among others. At its downtown San Francisco gallery, SFAE has hosted live events by everyone from music superstars Brian Wilson and Graham Nash to civil rights legend Clarence Jones and Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm. The gallery's most recent project was the sale of a rare portfolio of photographs of President John F. Kennedy celebrating the centennial of his birth in cooperation with the Kennedy Foundation, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting the foundation. For sales and inquiries, please contact San Francisco Art Exchange [email protected] or call 415-441-8840. For more information: http://www.sfae.com/ SOURCE San Francisco Art Exchange Related Links http://www.sfae.com/ According to a 2017 study by Wakefield Market Research, 93 percent of New Yorkers believe that if even 10 percent of people living in the city were kinder, it would transform the city. They're on the right track, as the same research report found that 89 percent of New Yorkers report having done something kind for a stranger in just the past 24 hours such as: holding a door open for them (64%), giving them directions (40%), or giving them a compliment (35%). The Kindness Card intends to create a social movement for change that encourages and celebrates moments of kindness by giving New Yorkers the power to improve their day, their communities, and their city with simple acts of kindness that connect us to each other. How The Kindness Card Works: Starting today, approximately 5,000 Kindness Cards are being released throughout New York's five boroughs. Any recipient of a card must pass it to a fellow New Yorker, inspiring a chain reaction of kindness throughout the city. New Yorkers are encouraged to reward a stranger, or friend, for acts small and large: helping someone cross the street, holding a door, paying it forward, giving directions, etc. With each pass, The Kindness Card is reloaded with $10 that can be redeemed for a gift card online or donated to a local charity before it should be passed on to the next deserving person. The Kindness Card's online activation platform also encourages recipients to share stories as a way to inspire others and illustrate the multiple places throughout the city where kindness was found. The success of this experiment is in the hands of each participant, who has the power to pass kindness on by engaging in the act of physically handing off the card to another New Yorker, and so on. Giving the card also encourages interaction amongst strangers, acknowledges others' good deeds and helps give back to this movement. But, you don't need a Kindness Card to actively participate in the movement. Change comes from within, and each of us has the power to take action and make an impact for a kinder New York. For more information on The Kindness Card, and to participate in the social experiment, visit www.kindnesscard.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. About The Kindness Card The Kindness Card Experiment is a social movement for change that draws attention to the power people have to improve themselves, their communities, and their city with simple acts of kindness that connect us to each other. This initiative celebrates positive acts of kindness via a social experiment circulating 5,000 physical cards (representative of kindness) across the five boroughs of New York City for 30 days, to see just how much kindness the community can spread together. The goal is to encourage interaction spanning the city streets, and bringing awareness behind just how kind of a place NYC actually is. #KindnessIsHere SOURCE The Kindness Card Related Links http://www.kindnesscard.com/ SHENZHEN, China, May 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldway Immigration Group ("Worldway") initiated the first "U.S. Immigration Month in China" in June 2015, which created a new chapter for the joint celebration of China and the United States over the U.S. Immigration Month; In June 2016, Worldway celebrated "The Second U.S. Immigration Month" across seven cities in China. As June is around the corner, China ushers in "The Third U.S. Immigration Month". Worldway Immigration Group has invited numerous experts from various industries and will host many high-end overseas investment summits while providing theme based events, such as interactive salons, policy interpretation and analysis and thank-you dinners for investors. 2017 Overseas Investment Summit, being the highlight of the third U.S. Immigration Month, will be held in Beijing on June 17th and Shanghai on the 18th. Over a thousand distinguished guests including Chinese and foreign government officials, economists from China and abroad, renowned entrepreneurs, top-tier investment experts, well-known financial-tax specialists and authorities of the immigration circles will gather together at this grand event. Heavy weights from different fields will take the opportunity to communicate and discuss the overseas investment topics face-to-face, provide valuable suggestions and point out the right direction for Chinese investors regarding their overseas investments in 2017. Last month, Worldway Immigration Group held a series of grand events in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Hong Kong and Macao to celebrate its "11th Anniversary of Successful Promotion of US Investment Immigration", which aroused great attention and received sincere congratulations from various media, the immigration industry and investment sector. As of 2017, Worldway Immigration Group has been engaged in investment immigration for 20 consecutive years. Adhering to the idea of service-oriented and integrity management for the past 20 years, Worldway has selected each project cautiously and provided the clients with professional services, with successful cases all over the world. Worldway Immigration Group has obtained numerous praises and honours within the industry and is recognized by the investors. It has won over 100 awards issued by various government sectors, the investment immigration industry and media outlets. With innumerable achievements and accomplishments, Worldway has become the industry benchmark, as well as a leading institution in the investment immigration industry. Ranked in the Top 500 Asia Brands and leading institution in the industry, Worldway will continue to collaborate with U.S. partners to provide investors with more premium EB-5 projects as well as comprehensive, thorough and intimate services, and to take the lead in the future development of the immigration industry. SOURCE Worldway (Beijing) Immigration Services Co., Ltd. Johnstown, PA, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) has been awarded an $879,000 task order under the U.S. General Services Administrations One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) contract vehicle to provide National Weapons Detection Training Program (NWDTP) Instructors for Federal Protective Service (FPS) National Academy. These instructors provide critical training to law enforcement personnel and Protective Security Officers to ensure the safety of federal buildings, their occupants, and visitors. These security professionals are the first line of defense for the roughly 9,000 federal facilities across the nation, said Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC President and Chief Executive Officer. Our team, including our highly experienced and qualified instructors, will provide the education and training needed to accurately assess situations and provide protection within the critical mission response window. This work will be accomplished at the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) headquarters in Glynco, Georgia. FLETC is the primary provider of basic and advanced law enforcement training to federal law enforcement agencies, as well as a significant contributor to advanced training for state, local, and international law enforcement officers and agents. CTC has a long and rich history of providing education and training solutions to a wide variety of clients within the Department of Defense, as well as many federal, state, and local clients, said Bob Kubler, Senior Director, Readiness & Training, CTC. In this contract, the NWDTP instructors will provide training in security screening operations using equipment such as x-ray screening machines, walk-through and handheld metal detectors, as well as behavioral recognition to identify indicators of suspicious behavior. CTC is partnering with its affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corporation, and ScaVet Technologies, LLC, to complete this work. This is the first task order awarded to CTC on this multibillion dollar, multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This task order has a 12-month base period and an optional 12-month period, worth an additional $894,000. Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. Together with our affiliates, Enterprise Ventures Corporation and CTC Foundation, we leverage research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full lifecycle solutions. To best serve our clients needs, we offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype and build. We support our clients core mission objectives with customized solutions and strive to exceed expectations. For more information about CTC, visit www.ctc.com. Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/469eaa3d-7963-462d-954e-96bfb22361d2 ORANGE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The makers of the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand today announced that the nation's first-ever guacamole-themed lounge, officially known as The Guac Stop, will be coming to the Windy City June 14-18 at Navy Pier. With 79 percent of U.S. households purchasing guacamole according to MegaMex Internal Research, The Guac Stop will make avo-loving dreams come true, spreading guacamole love as well as the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand's Live Wholly mentality to Chicagoland residents. "The Guac Stop is designed to give guacamole lovers, brand fans and anyone looking for fun an opportunity to sample WHOLLY GUACAMOLE foods as well as experience what it means to Live Wholly," said Terrill W. Bacon, senior brand manager of MegaMex Foods. "Sometimes we all need to slow down and appreciate life's special moments, and enjoying guacamole and chips with friends is a great way to do it!" To showcase the versatility of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE foods, The Guac Stop will feature a customizable guacamole bar, including all the fixings to create a limited-edition "Chicago dog"-style guacamole featuring pickles, tomatoes, onions, peppers and celery salt. Visitors will also have the chance to sample a variety of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE offerings, including newer product innovations, like Layered Dips, and enjoy a hands-on experience that celebrates real food made with simple ingredients. While guacamole is the main attraction, it's certainly not the only thing on the menu. In addition to customizing personal guac creations, people will be invited to participate in a series of ongoing "happenings" ranging from WERQ fitness classesan addictive cardio dance class; avocado facial treatments by Spa in Your Space; avocado-themed painting sessions with Bottle & Bottega; guacamole trivia led by Geeks Who Drink; live music from Mack Sterr & Mark Dennison; giveaways and more. These daily "happenings" will spotlight five key WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand values of Well Being, Connections, Real Food, Personal Style and Feeling Good. All events (including the guacamole tastings) are free and open to the public, but space is limited, according to Bacon. "And no, guacamole doesn't cost extra at The Guac Stop," he adds. "We just want to share the goodness." To learn more about WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products and what it means to Live Wholly, be sure to check out The Guac Stop or visit www.eatwholly.com/guac-stop. About the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand The WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand is a brand of MegaMex Foods, one of the largest manufacturers of pre-prepared Mexican food across the country. A global leader in food safety, quality and innovation, the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand uses High Pressure Processing (HPP) to create Wholly products. In addition, each product is made with hand-scooped Hass avocados and is gluten free and kosher certified. All WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products are available nationwide in the produce or deli section of grocery stores. For more information, visit www.eatwholly.com/guac-stop. SOURCE WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Related Links http://www.eatwholly.com ORANGE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The makers of the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand today announced the nation's first-ever guacamole-themed lounge, officially known as The Guac Stop. With 79 percent of U.S. households purchasing guacamole according to MegaMex Internal Research, The Guac Stop will make avo-loving dreams come true, spreading guacamole love and the brand's Live Wholly mentality in key cities in the U.S. from June through August. The cities slated for the national tour include Chicago (June 14-18), Atlanta (June 27-July 2), Philadelphia (July 12-16), Los Angeles (July 27-31) and Seattle (August 9-13). "The Guac Stop is designed to give guacamole lovers, brand fans and anyone looking for fun an opportunity to sample WHOLLY GUACAMOLE foods as well as experience what it means to Live Wholly," said Terrill W. Bacon, senior brand manager of MegaMex Foods. "Sometimes we all need to slow down and appreciate life's special moments, and enjoying guacamole and chips with friends is a great way to do it!" To showcase the versatility of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE foods, The Guac Stop will feature a customizable guacamole bar, offering a diverse array of locally-inspired ingredients/toppings to create a custom guac offering per city. Visitors will have the chance to sample a variety of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE offerings, including newer product innovations, like the Layered Dips, and enjoy a hands-on experience that celebrates real food made with simple ingredients. While guacamole is the main attraction, it's certainly not the only thing on the menu. In addition to customizing personal guac creations, people will be invited to participate in a series of ongoing "happenings" ranging from iPhone photo workshops to fitness classes that will be led by local experts. Daily "happenings" will spotlight five key WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand values of Well Being, Connections, Real Food, Personal Style and Feeling Good. All events (including the guacamole tastings) are free and open to the public, but space is limited, according to Bacon. "And no, guacamole doesn't cost extra at The Guac Stop," he adds. "We just want to share the goodness." To learn more about WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products and what it means to Live Wholly, be sure to check out The Guac Stop nearest you or visit www.eatwholly.com/guac-stop. About the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand The WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand is a brand of MegaMex Foods, one of the largest manufacturers of pre-prepared Mexican food across the country. A global leader in food safety, quality and innovation, the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand uses High Pressure Processing (HPP) to create Wholly products. In addition, each product is made with hand-scooped Hass avocados and is gluten free and kosher certified. All WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products are available nationwide in the produce or deli section of grocery stores. For more information, visit www.eatwholly.com/guac-stop. SOURCE WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Related Links https://www.eatwholly.com SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health has selected SAP SuccessFactors solutions to help transform and simplify its HR processes on an integrated, intuitive platform. Thomas Jefferson University, a leading health sciences university and innovative health system in Philadelphia, chose the SAP SuccessFactors Talent solutions to extend a best-in-class HR experience to all 30,000 employees and to connect the total workforce better through collaboration tools and advanced learning initiatives. "As an organization at the forefront of modern healthcare and higher education, it's critical we empower our staff to fulfill their passions and deliver the highest quality education and patient care," said Jeffrey Stevens, chief human resources officer, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. "We needed a modern HR solution that provides the learning and collaboration tools to elevate the employee experience and ultimately the patient experience. After an extensive evaluation, it was a clear choice to go with SAP SuccessFactors solutions to provide the best support and development opportunities for our staff, which will help unlock their true potential and ensure the highest standard of care for our patients." With a long history of providing leadership in healthcare and education, Thomas Jefferson University required integrated, next-generation talent solutions to unify disparate HR tools and processes. The university selected the SAP SuccessFactors Learning, SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals and SAP SuccessFactors Succession & Development solutions. It chose the solutions over competing cloud solutions in order to help provide the entire workforce with world-class learning and development programs and engage and motivate all employees to continue progressing in their careers. The university also chose the SAP Jam collaboration platform to enhance communication, collaboration and informal learning. "The patient experience is central to any organization in the healthcare industry, with the level of care provided being completely dependent on employees," said Robert Enslin, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE and president of Cloud Business Group, SAP. "Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health has always put its patients first, and a key part of that has been enabling employees across the organization to deliver innovative healthcare and medical education. With SAP SuccessFactors solutions, the university will be able to provide simple, beautiful, mobile and social solutions that help maximize each employee's unique potential so they stay engaged and motivated to provide the best patient care." Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health is one of the latest companies to select SAP SuccessFactors solutions to put people first and help them succeed. As more companies look to transform HR to meet the demands of an increasingly global and digital workforce, they are embracing leading SAP SuccessFactors solutions to help optimize HR processes and enhance the employee experience. For more information, visit the Web site for SAP SuccessFactors solutions or the SAP News Center. Follow SAP SuccessFactors solutions on Twitter at @SuccessFactors and SAP at @sapnews. About SAP As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 350,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com. Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. 2017 SAP SE. All rights reserved. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices. For customers interested in learning more about SAP products: Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24 United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727) For more information, press only: Geraldine Lim, SAP, +1 (415) 418-0945, [email protected], PDT SAP News Center press room; [email protected] Tim Scarfe, LEWIS Communications, +1 (510) 399-9032, [email protected], PDT SOURCE SAP SE Related Links http://www.sap.com WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From modern technology making interpersonal relationships rather impersonal to the rise of employee bullying and cultural disrespect, more and more business environments have entered what many believe to be an era of toxicity. In fact, a recent survey by the organization Civility in America reports that 95 percent of respondents are saying that incivility has become a real problem, with another 74 percent saying it's gotten worse in recent years. To draw attention to the prevalence of uncivilized behavior in the workplace and to focus on real solutions to these growing challenges, The Protocol School of Washington is designating its annual "National Business Etiquette Week" with a theme of "Toxic Workplaces: How to Resurrect Civility in Business." "We're at a real tipping point when it comes to rude and disrespectful behavior among working colleagues. It is time to return to a more civilized way of doing business," said Pamela Eyring, president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington. "From overcoming poor communication skills to eradicating cross-cultural ignorance and insensitivity, the business world needs to make a concerted effort to recreate a culture of mutual respect among coworkers." To that end, Eyring says that National Business Etiquette Week (June 4-10) will focus on ways to reinstate civility, decorum and respect in offices around the globe. "As we look at ways to end toxic behaviors in the workplace, we will also address how we can all become 'champions of civility'," said Eyring. "At The Protocol School of Washington, we want to teach and remind people how to respect the cultural differences of others but also to be mindful of annoying behaviors and ineffective communications that result in toxic workplaces." Eyring says PSOW is also looking for tips, ideas and suggestions from the general public on how to reinstate civility in the workplace. Submissions can be made through videos, whiteboards, social media, PowerPoint presentations, essayswith the selected winner given a complimentary tuition to one of PSOW's Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant Courses. To enter, please review the full set of rules at www.psow.edu THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON (PSOW): Founded in 1988, PSOW is the only nationally accredited business etiquette and international protocol school in the country. Known for its expert trainers who come out of The White House, Disney Institute, The Hague, corporate America, the military and academia, PSOW has trained over 4,000 people from 80 countries including Bulgaria; China; Canada; the U. K.; the U.A.E.; Ghana; India; Saudi Arabia; Switzerland, and those in the Caribbean. Contact: Robbie Robertson 803-917-9585 [email protected] SOURCE The Protocol School of Washington Related Links http://www.psow.edu SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Trianni, Inc. ("TRIANNI") announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the General Hospital Corporation (Massachusetts General Hospital) for The Trianni Mouse, a best-in-class monoclonal antibody discovery platform, in support of HIV vaccine research. The research led by Daniel Lingwood at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, will test methods to transduce antibody responses in universal HIV vaccine design. "Trianni is delighted to partner with Dr. Lingwood," stated Dr. David Meininger, Trianni's Chief Business Officer. "We are certain that the complete human antibody repertoire found in The Trianni Mouse, makes it the best platform for use in Dr. Lingwood's HIV vaccine research." No financial details were disclosed. About Trianni, Inc. Trianni, Inc. is a privately held biotech company specializing in antibody discovery technology. TRIANNI's lead technology, The Trianni Mouse, is a powerful, next-generation platform enabling efficient generation of fully-human monoclonal antibodies. TRIANNI's transgenic platform leverages a novel approach to design made possible by advances in DNA synthesis and genomic modification technology making it a best-in-class therapeutic antibody discovery platform. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Additional information about TRIANNI is available through its corporate website, www.trianni.com. Contact- Trianni, Inc. David Meininger Chief Business Officer 1.866.674.9314 [email protected] Mandy Boyd Director of Marketing 1.415.231.0256 [o] 1.866.674.9314 [email protected] SOURCE Trianni, Inc. Related Links http://www.trianni.com OMAHA, Neb., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rob Knight, chief financial officer of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), will address the following investor conferences in June: Deutsche Bank 2017 Global Industrials & Materials Summit Chicago June 7, 2017 , at 9:20 a.m. CT , at View presentation and listen to live Internet webcast at www.up.com/investor Alternatively, the audio portion can be accessed directly through the following webcast link Citi 2017 Industrials Conference Boston June 14, 2017 , at 8:45 a.m. ET , at View presentation and listen to live Internet webcast at www.up.com/investor Alternatively, the audio portion can be accessed directly through the following webcast link Replays of the audio webcasts will be available shortly after the conclusion of the live events on Union Pacific's Investors website. ABOUT UNION PACIFIC Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. In the past 10 years, 2007-2016, Union Pacific invested approximately $34 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. www.up.com www.facebook.com/unionpacific www.twitter.com/unionpacific SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation Related Links http://www.up.com "This year's Building America Report illustrates our contributions toward a sustainable economy by delivering value to our employees, customers, communities and shareholders," said Scott Moore, senior vice president - Corporate Relations. "As we report our progress, Union Pacific continues enhancing efforts to transport the country's goods by rail in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner." The Building America Report used the Global Reporting Initiative's global sustainability reporting standards as a guide to report Union Pacific's most material social responsibility issues. Key accomplishments outlined in Union Pacific's 2016 Building America Report include: The best annual employee safety performance in its 154-year history. Increased rail safety awareness through a digital campaign, reaching more than 32 million people. An "A" rating on the Carbon Disclosure Project's (CDP) Climate Change Survey and inclusion in CDP's S&P Climate Disclosure Leadership Index. Acquiring 160 locomotives meeting the Environmental Protection Agency's stringent Tier 4 emissions standards, which reduce particulate emissions by as much as 91 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by as much as 90 percent, compared to locomotives built prior to EPA standards. Emissions reductions from fuel saving initiatives and volume reductions. Hiring 4 percent more women into its Operating Management Trainee program and continued efforts to attract women to Union Pacific. This marks the eighth year Union Pacific reports its sustainability business practices and goals. More information about Union Pacific and access to the entire 2016 Building America Report are available at up.com. ABOUT UNION PACIFIC Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. In the last 10 years, 2007-2016, Union Pacific invested approximately $34 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. www.up.com www.facebook.com/unionpacific www.twitter.com/unionpacific SOURCE Union Pacific Related Links http://www.up.com BALTIMORE and GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Maryland (UM) Ventures announced today that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has granted worldwide, exclusive licensing rights for a new vaccine technology to Serenta Biotechnology, LLC, a Gaithersburg, MD-based startup. The license is based on technology co-owned by UMB and Northern Arizona University and is the basis for a multivalent vaccine against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial strain often resistant to antibiotics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 80 percent of all microbial infections are chronic and others have estimated that chronic infections result in over 500,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. One of the most prevalent causes of chronic, persistent bacterial infections is Staphylococcus aureus, due in part to its ability to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms. During 2006, more than 1.2 million Americans contracted methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections that required hospitalization, according to epidemiological studies published in the American Journal of Infection Control.1 In addition, more than 100,000 of hospitalized patients did not survive. Furthermore, these numbers do not include non-hospitalized infected patients with MRSA or those patients with methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains. Today, there is no single antibiotic effective against all S. aureus strains. These infections result in high morbidity and mortality rates and impose a huge economic burden on the healthcare industry. "Without clinical innovations, we may see a return to the pre-antibiotic era where S. aureus bacteremia resulted in a 90 percent death rate," said Mark Shirtliff, PhD, lead inventor, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Serenta Biotechnology, and Professor in the UM Schools of Dentistry and Medicine. "Serenta's collaboration with the University of Maryland has been instrumental in advancing our vision of commercializing a methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) vaccine." The licensed technology is a multivalent vaccine consisting of four specific antigens expressed when the organism exists within a biofilm, and one antigen expressed when S. aureus is in its free-floating form. In a mouse model of bone implant infection, the vaccine prevents MRSA infection following challenge; that result has not been achieved by any other vaccine to date. Using an antigen discovery platform in collaboration with UMB, Serenta plans to develop a pipeline of vaccines toward other harmful pathogens, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. "We're excited to work on an intelligent new approach to vaccine development that may save lives," said Florian Schodel, MD, PhD, co-founder and chairman of Serenta. "This approach is unique in that it stems from observations on bacterial lifestyle in the host, not just reverse genetics, recombinant antigens and individual bacteria in the test tube. We believe this will result in the development of novel means to prevent and possibly treat MRSA and MSSA infections." "Serenta has committed to addressing a critical area of unmet medical need worldwide," said Phil Robilotto, DO, MBA, Chief Commercialization Officer for UM Ventures, Baltimore. "This is a strong, experienced management team and we look forward to seeing the Company advance this very important technology quickly towards clinical trials." About Serenta Biotechnology Serenta Biotechnology, LLC (Serenta) is a Maryland-based company focused on the development of vaccines against chronic infections. Serenta Biotechnology has developed a novel discovery platform to identify antigens that are produced by microbial populations in chronic infections. Serenta pairs expertise in basic science, vaccine discovery, clinical trials, and biotechnology leadership to bring new vaccines from the bench to clinical trials and beyond. With its unique partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the company will maximize its commercialization potential by combining public infrastructure and technology with world leaders in private industry. About UM Ventures UM Ventures is an initiative to channel the tremendous technical resources and research expertise of the University of Maryland, engaging partners in industry and social ventures to expand real world impact. By encouraging students and faculty, and by providing expert advice and business services, more discoveries will reach the market. By engaging directly with external partners, UM Ventures brings new investment, expanded markets and more start-up ventures. Visit http://umventures.org/ to learn more. Jarvis, W.R., Schlosser, J., Chinn, R.Y., Tweeten, S. & Jackson, M. National prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in inpatients at US health care facilities, 2006. American Journal of Infection Control 35, 631-637 (2007). SOURCE UM Ventures Related Links http://umventures.org WASHINGTON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the delay of SpaceX's eleventh commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station to Saturday, June 3, two NASA commercial provider cargo ships now will pass each other in orbit to provide services to the space station. Loaded with almost 6,000 pounds of science research, crew supplies and hardware in support of Expedition 52 and 53 crew members, Dragon now is scheduled to launch at 5:07 p.m. EDT June 3 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Coverage will begin at 4:30 p.m. on NASA Television and the agency's website. Dragon's new launch date will enable the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo spacecraft to depart the station Sunday, June 4. Expedition 52 Flight Engineers Jack Fischer and Peggy Whitson of NASA will be at the controls of the Canadarm2 robotic arm to release Cygnus at 9:10 a.m. NASA TV coverage of the spacecraft's departure will begin at 8:30 a.m. Cygnus will remain in orbit for a week in support of the SAFFIRE experiment and the deployment of four small Nanoracks satellites before Orbital ATK flight controllers command it to deorbit Sunday, June 11. It will burn up harmlessly in the Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. As Cygnus departs, Dragon will close in on the station for its capture by Fischer and Whitson Monday, June 5. Using the Canadarm2 robotic arm, they will grapple the SpaceX cargo spacecraft at 10 a.m. NASA TV coverage will begin at 8:30 a.m. Get breaking news, images and features from the station on Instagram and Twitter at: https://instagram.com/iss and https://www.twitter.com/Space_Station SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov DENVER, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver-based cross-border payments company bridge21 just announced wider US banking support. In total, bridge21 now supports 56 banks and credit unions, more than three times as many as before. The move opens the door for more customers to experience record-breaking exchange rates. Last week alone, the Bridge Rate was consistently 10% or more below mid-market rates. bridge21's CEO, Will Madden, shared: "Last week we consistently offered 14% better than mid-market rates for large amounts. That's incredible. No one else does that." Some of the new banking support includes Bank of America, Citibank, Chase, Fidelity, Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, SunTrust Bank, TD Bank, US Bank, USAA, Wells Fargo and many more. Since its launch of the US-to-Mexico corridor, bridge21 integrated with BitGo Instant to expedite turnaround time on transactions. The bridge21 site can also be viewed in English or Spanish. Those interested in seeing the Bridge Rate in action can check out popular remittance rate listing sites like CompareRemit.com to see how bridge21 customers frequently get a much better deal. On average, bridge21 provides a savings of about 5% over the competition. This means a customer sending $500 a week could save around $1,450 a year using bridge21, and if they wait for better-than-market rates, it can be a lot more. It's worth a few minutes of time to sign up at bridge21.io if you send money to Mexico. As bridge21 recognizes that not everyone is in a position to send funds from the US to Mexico, this emerging cross-border payments company recently launched an Ambassadors Program to incentivize individuals with friends and colleagues sending money from the US to Mexico to get in on the top rates. Ambassadors are rewarded with a gift of $50 USD for every new paying referred customer who sends any number of transactions equal to $200 or more through the platform. With the mission of Money without Borders, bridge21 services anyone with a US bank account who would like to send money to a recipient with a Mexican bank account. The Bridge Rate is calculated by the price of Bitcoin in the sending and receiving countries. Press Inquiries: [email protected] +1 303-800-4282 Related Images image1.png image2.jpg image3.png image4.jpg Related Links bridge21.io SOURCE bridge21 Related Links https://bridge21.io Johnstown, PA, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- E2 Technologies, LLC (E2T), a joint venture between the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), has been awarded a $2.4 million task order under an Air Force Research Laboratory contract designed to improve the U.S. Air Forces energy efficiency and independence. Under this task order, CTC will investigate, install, and document infrastructure upgrades to improve Air Force installation energy resiliency. This is the 25th task order that E2T has executed under this $99 million contract; we continue to provide the Air Force with valuable expertise in research, testing, and transition of new energy and environmental technologies, said Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC President and Chief Executive Officer. Our partnership with UDRI offers considerable experience and capabilities with regard to both the energy and environmental technologies and the requirements of the Air Force and other branches of the Department of Defense (DoD). This particular task order focuses on how to best sustain long-term operations at critical locations in the event of power failure, whether due to malicious or weather-related causes. First we will evaluate the current utility infrastructure and installation requirements; then we will select and install novel infrastructure, which could facilitate incorporation of renewable energy sources, fuel cells, energy storage, etc.; and finally we will document our work so that it can be leveraged elsewhere in the Air Force and throughout the DoD, said Mark Ray, CTC Director, Operational Energy and Water. This task order, which runs from March 2017 to March 2019, will involve the work of 18 employees, notably electrical engineers, including utility experts. Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. Together with our affiliates, Enterprise Ventures Corporation and CTC Foundation, we leverage research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full lifecycle solutions. To best serve our clients needs, we offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype and build. We support our clients core mission objectives with customized solutions and strive to exceed expectations. For more information about CTC, visit www.ctc.com. Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52a5d5fe-05a1-48db-adcf-8c7cc8d37822 PITTSBURGH, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard released the following statement after President Trump announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. "President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is an inexcusable blow to the U.S. economy. The agreement is ambitious, nonbinding and transparent, and it stands as a landmark global achievement in the fight against climate change. "For many years, the United States has been a leader in innovation and technology to combat climate change. Withdrawing from this non-binding agreement further cedes our strength in this sector to China, and signals to domestic innovators and manufacturers that the United States will not support them. "Our union, through our partnerships in the BlueGreen Alliance, has been a leader in ensuring that jobs are good for workers and good for the environment. Today's announcement is a threat to innovative, green jobs in the United States. Americans do not have to choose between good jobs and a clean environment. The USW has long believed that America can have both. Most American industries already meet the requirements of previous international climate agreements. "Climate change is a critical concern across the globe. The diplomatic and trade impacts of withdrawing will be felt for many years, as the United States joins the only two other countries who are not part of the agreementSyria and Nicaragua. "The Administration made this choice despite the overwhelming evidence of the impacts of climate change and the near universal support for the agreement by labor, environmental, and business leaders. "President Trump should immediately reverse his decision to protect the planet and jobs for workers in the United States." The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies. For more information: http://www.usw.org/ CONTACT: Holly Hart (202) 778-4384 [email protected] SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW) Related Links http://www.usw.org DETROIT, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lanny J. Davis, attorney for Versata Software, Inc. accused former Ford, CEO Mark Fields of misleading investors during its May 11 "virtual" shareholders meeting by concealing material risks to the company involving Versata's billion-dollar federal law suit against Ford. Davis said it appears Fields withheld information from shareholders that could affect Ford's stock value and perhaps even impact future Ford's sales and product development. "We understand Ford has no backup software if it suffers an injunction from its use of copy-cat product development technology that Versata alleges was stolen," Davis said. "This should be alarming to shareholders. This means that Ford's production capabilities and sales could be significantly disrupted, imperiling profits." Davis said Ford touts itself as a technology company, but failed to tell shareholders it stole Versata's valuable technology rather than inventing it, according to the suit. Davis asked: "Who in the high-tech community would consider working for a company that copies rather than innovates?" Davis also challenged Ford Vice President Elena Ford, who served on a senior oversight technology development committee, to explain her role in the alleged secret plan to steal Versata's technology. She is known to have told one Ford manager while the copy-cat program was secretly being developed, "we don't want to let Versata have us over a barrel." Davis said this suggests, "why pay for it when you can steal it?" Davis added this is similar to when Ford recently made Arconic share its aluminum steel-bonding patent with a major competitor, according to Arconic's largest investor. "There seems to be a pattern here regarding Ford and new technology steal it or bully technology vendors, rather than working as partners," Davis said. "At the very least, shareholders deserve transparency from Ford about possible material risks to the company from this pattern of conduct by management." For more information please go to www.truthaboutford.com This is in reference to case number 15-10628, Ford Motor Company v. Versata Software, Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. About Versata Software, Inc. With a global presence covering 45 countries, Versata Software, Inc. and its affiliates solve the most complex business problems for the world's largest organizations. Versata's family of companies includes a number of leading enterprise solution providers, including Versata, Inc., Instance, Inc., Artemis International Solutions Corporation, Genzyme Corporation, Clear Technology, Inc., Everest Software, Tenfold Corporation, Cora Software, Inc., Evolutionary Technologies, Inc., and Alter Point, Inc. Versata distinguishes itself in the software industry by focusing on customer priorities as driven by value delivered. Versata's market-leading Customer Success Program ensures customer involvement in product decisions and business priorities and provides twice-yearly opportunities for customers to score Versata's performance against commitments. Versata's world-class engineering capability ensures substantive and valuable product releases, thereby ensuring customer success. Versata's relentless focus on customer priorities, coupled with an unmatched global engineering capability, provides Versata customers continuous innovation and repeatable value propositions. For more information, visit www.versata.com . Contact: Eleanor McManus [email protected] (202) 460-1451 cell SOURCE Versata Software Related Links http://www.versata.com Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) who conducted the study recommend follow-up investigations to further evaluate the device. The study appeared online ahead of the printed version in the journal Pediatric Emergency Care. "This is the first study to compare a vibrating cold device to topical lidocaine in reducing the pain and distress experienced by children during IV insertion," said study leader Debra A. Potts, RN, MSN, CPEN, nurse manager in the emergency medicine department at CHOP. "This is important because hospitalized children experience IV insertion as a very painful and stressful event, and they can have post-traumatic stress symptoms if their pain is not adequately controlled." The study team compared results in 251 children, four to 18 years old, treated at the CHOP emergency department. All the patients were accompanied by a parent or guardian; none was in severe trauma but all required an IV. The researchers randomized the patients into two groups, one receiving topical lidocaine, the other receiving the vibrating cold device (VCD). The VCD was battery-powered and reusable. Based on the children's self-reports of pain and anxiety, there were no significant differences between the VCD group and the lidocaine group. Caregivers and nurses also expressed high levels of satisfaction with both methods of pain control during IV insertion. Potts added that the shorter time of onset for the VCD compared to that of lidocaine could be a distinct advantage in a busy emergency department setting, "We anticipate that using this device would enable nurses to insert an IV with little pain for the child at least 30 minutes sooner than using topical lidocaine." However, she added that follow-up studies with larger numbers of patients need to be carried out to further evaluate the device. The Stefan Maar Memorial Fund and the Center for Pediatric Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice supported this study. Debra Ann Potts et al, "A Vibrating Cold Device to Reduce Pain in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial," Pediatric Emergency Care. 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001041 About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 535-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu. Contact: Joey McCool Ryan Phone: (267) 426.6070 [email protected] SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Related Links http://www.chop.edu SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Gary and Mary West Health Institute, a nonprofit applied medical research organization dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place, announced today Michael Schatzlein, MD, has been named to its board of directors. The Gary and Mary West Health Institute, a nonprofit applied medical research organization dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place, announced today Michael Schatzlein, MD, has been named to its board of directors. A surgeon-turned hospital administrator, Dr. Schatzlein has a long and distinguished career caring for patients and leading large healthcare systems including Ascension Healthcare, the largest not-for-profit health system in the U.S. A surgeon-turned hospital administrator, Dr. Schatzlein has a long and distinguished career caring for patients and leading large healthcare systems including Ascension Healthcare, the largest not-for-profit health system in the U.S., where he was senior vice president until he stepped down from the position in 2016 to pursue other interests. "We are honored and privileged to welcome Dr. Schatzlein to our board of directors," said Shelley Lyford, president and CEO of the West Health Institute. "He is a proven healthcare leader who brings valuable insights on the medical, dental and social needs of seniors for comprehensive systems of care that can improve outcomes and lower costs." Dr. Schatzlein also serves as board chairman of the Center for Medical Interoperability, a nonprofit cooperative health system research and development lab established with grants from the Gary and Mary West Foundation. "Having spent most of my life working in hospitals as both a surgeon and administrator, I'm very aware of the unique medical and social needs of seniors and the value of generating evidence to advance new models of care," said Dr. Schatzlein. "The West Health Institute can help fill important gaps in research that have delayed new comprehensive care solutions in support of successful aging. I'm excited about our future work together." Dr. Schatzlein was a cardiothoracic surgeon for nearly 15 years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he performed the area's first heart transplant in 1985. He began a career in healthcare administration in 1994, serving in various positions at Lutheran Health in Fort Wayne. He helped take Lutheran Hospital from a standalone hospital to northern Indiana's largest health system, where he was appointed CEO in 2007. Dr. Schatzlein earned his bachelor's and medical degrees from Indiana University and trained in surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, and in thoracic surgery at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has a Master's in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion. About the Gary and Mary West Health Institute and West Health Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health includes the nonprofit and nonpartisan Gary and Mary West Health Institute and Gary and Mary West Foundation in San Diego, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C. These organizations are working together toward a shared mission dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence. For more information, visit westhealth.org and follow @westhealth. SOURCE Gary and Mary West Health Institute Related Links http://www.westhealth.org IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Western State College of Law at Argosy University, the oldest law school in Orange County, California, is pleased to announce that 67 percent of its graduates taking the State Bar of California's Committee of Bar Examiners exam for the first time in February 2017 were successful. "We are proud that our graduates have outperformed the state average for first-time test takers from ABA-approved law schools," says Allen Easley, dean of the law school. "Our graduates have demonstrated the value of their legal education at Western State and their commitment to the future of the profession." In all, 45 percent of the first-time exam takers from California American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools succeeded. The exam results tie the school for second place among the 13 ABA-approved law schools in the state with more than 10 people taking the exam for the first time. Western State has produced more than 11,000 graduates, many of whom serve across California and around the country as respected judges, teachers, politicians, government administrators and practicing legal professionals. The three-day bar examination is administered twice a year, in February and July. The exam consists of three sections: a multiple-choice Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), six essay questions and two performance tests that are designed to assess an applicant's ability to apply general legal knowledge to practical tasks. If the Western State College of Law graduates who passed the February 2017 California exam satisfy other requirements for admission, they will become members of the State Bar of California. About Western State College of Law Programs, credential levels, technology and scheduling options are subject to change. Western State College of Law at Argosy University, 1 Banting, Irvine, CA 92618-3601 2017 Western State College of Law. Our email address is [email protected]. See wsuprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info. SOURCE Western State College of Law CHICAGO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In tandem with its longstanding goal of becoming the leading global information platform for foodservice and retail industries, Winsight, LLC has entered the $669 billion grocery segment with the acquisition of Grocery Headquarters. An established media brand in the retail food industry, the acquisition of Grocery Headquarters rounds out Winsight's food and beverage portfolio and adds a robust layer of clout to its B2B media portfolio, which includes publications, events, market research and information. "This investment is essential to achieving our goal of becoming the global information platform for foodservice and retail industries," said Ward Downing, President of Winsight Media. "Grocery is the largest channel for food retail in the United States," Downing continued, "and with more consumers choosing retailers for their foodservice occasions, the lines between segments continue to blur, making the acquisition of a grocery trade publication a perfect fit for our current portfolio." In preparation for its entry into the market, Winsight has hired a stellar team of seasoned supermarket industry B2B professionals, including Jeff Friedman, who will direct the overall brand, and Meg Major, who will lead the editorial content operations. Most recently with Progressive Grocer, Friedman and Major are joined at Winsight by their former PG colleagues Janet Blaney and Shari Levenson. "I'm thrilled to join Winsight to lead the B2B grocery platform, which will offer comprehensive intelligence and unparalleled touch points to our customers through our existing brands: CSP, Convenience Store Products, Restaurant Business, FoodService Director and Technomic," noted Friedman, EVP of grocery. Friedman, Major, Blaney and Levenson join the content and sales leaders at Winsight Media, which currently includes Sarah Lockyer, Chris Keating and Richard Price, all of whom had senior leadership roles at Supermarket News. "In the coming months, we will reinvent Grocery Headquarters with a complete redesign of the print magazine, website and related digital offerings, alongside a significant refresh of a more robust content strategy focused on compelling and engaging industry insights, analysis and commentary, in-depth profiles, research-based insights and comprehensive category features," affirmed Major. Winsight's commitment to providing relevant, useful information in award-winning print and digital products will be apparent in the reinvention of Grocery Headquarters. "Winsight's design and editorial teams are unmatched in the industry, and the same style and content will be applied to the company's newest brand to ensure its customers receive a high-quality Winsight product," added Friedman. "Our team is proud of the success we've achieved, and we believe our company is well positioned for future growth in this new industry," noted Downing. Winsight, LLC is a business-to-business media, event, data and information company specializing in the convenience-retailing, restaurant and noncommercial foodservice industries. Winsight has an extensive media portfolio with leading publications, including CSP, Restaurant Business, Foodservice Director, and now Grocery Headquarters as of June 2017. Winsight media offers a suite of digital products, including websites, e-newsletters, webinars, video, apps and custom marketing solutions. The Winsight Events group produces exclusive, large-scale executive-level conferences, including Restaurant Leadership, FARE, Outlook Leadership, Convenience Retailing University, FSTEC, Restaurant Trends & Directions and MenuDirections. Winsight also owns Technomic Inc., the leading provider of market information and advisory services to the food industry. For more information on Winsight and its brands, go to www.winsightmedia.com or www.technomic.com. CONTACT Sheila Charapata Marketing Director Winsight, LLC 312-940-1970 [email protected] SOURCE Winsight, LLC Related Links www.WinsightMedia.com WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Miracles In Sight (MIS), one of the largest eye banks in the world headquartered in Winston-Salem, is proud to play a key role in one of the first ever successful PDEK (Pre-Descemet Endothelial Keratoplasty) surgeries done in the United States. PDEK is a new procedure that Dr. Alan Carlson and Dr. Ashiyana Nariani performed at Duke Eye Center last week. Miracles In Sight provided the donated ocular tissue for the surgery, and prepared the graft for transplantation. After two years of research, innovation, and collaboration between Miracles In Sight Eye Bank, Duke and the founder of PDEK, Dr. Amar Agarwal, corneal transplantation has transitioned from the wetlab to the eye bank to the operating room. May 25, 2017, marked a major milestone, with successful PDEK graft transplantation at the Duke Eye Center by Dr. Carlson and Dr. Nariani, with graft preparation performed by the Miracles In Sight Eye Bank. "The day we transplanted a PDEK graft successfully at the Duke Eye Center was the epitome of my time here at Duke," Dr. Nariani says. "It was the day when we embarked on the transition from older forms of corneal transplantation to one that has the potential to utilize young donor cells while maintaining thin grafts, thereby enhancing optical clarity." "I believe that Miracles In Sight, by offering this exquisitely prepared donor PDEK tissue, is bringing in an era of a new and elevated standard for eye banking in the U.S.," Dr. Carlson says. The PDEK procedure involves injecting an air bubble into a donated cornea. The air bubble isolates the cornea's endothelium, Descemet's membrane, and the newly described Dua's Layer, creating a graft that is roughly 35 micrometers in thickness. "Two procedures DSAEK and DMEK are currently the most widely performed types of endothelial keratoplasty procedures," explains Isaac Perry, Director of Clinical Services at Miracles In Sight. "The current feedback from surgeons is that PDEK combines some of the advantages of each type of procedure, and may offer better outcomes for their patients." Perry adds, "We've worked tirelessly on perfecting this preparation technique for a year and a half. To see such a positive outcome and success is truly rewarding." Each year, MIS sponsors a cornea fellow at Duke. Dr. Nariani was last year's fellow, and culminated her fellowship with the PDEK transplant. "I am proud of the work done by Duke Eye Center and the Miracles In Sight Eye Bank," Dr. Nariani says. "Special thanks to Dr. Agarwal for helping us make the transition here in the United States." Currently, MIS provides corneas for more than 3,600 transplants each year. MIS has been providing eye banking services since 1951. In its more than 65-year history, the organization has developed well-known processes that ensure quality corneal tissue is delivered in a timely way to surgeons. As part of its mission, MIS provides extensive training and support opportunities for physicians and their staff, including scholarships for qualified surgeons to attend advanced industry training seminars, onsite training of physicians' office staff, and financial support for academic training at University hospitals in North and South Carolina. Miracles In Sight also hopes the successful surgery serves as a call to action for more people to become organ, eye and tissue donors. Our mission is to support the restoration, preservation and enhancement of sight through transplant, research, education and innovation. For more information about Miracles In Sight, the donation process and how you can become a donor, please visit www.miraclesinsight.org About Miracles In Sight Miracles In Sight (formerly the North Carolina Eye Bank), based in Winston-Salem, NC, USA is one of the largest eye banks in the world. The mission of Miracles In Sight is to recover, process and distribute ocular tissue for the restoration of sight through corneal transplantation and related medical therapy and research. A significant part of this mission is stewardship focused on training and educating the medical community and supporting partners and organizations around the world. Bob Russ Director of Communications and Human Resources Miracles In Sight O: 336.765.0932, x1400 [email protected] Meg McDonald Public Relations Director The Reuben Rink Co. O: 336.397.5407 C: 704.575.7149 [email protected] SOURCE Miracles In Sight Related Links http://www.miraclesinsight.org Warriors and their families toured the South Florida castle Ed Leedskalnin spent more than 28 years carving by hand. It is still a mystery how a 100-pound man moved and reshaped more than 1,100 tons of limestone without electricity and water. That intrigue is what prompted Becky's family to reconnect during the day trip. "It was huge," she said. "It's hard to find something everyone wants to do. We had a great time, and I think the family is more open to doing other things now. It's a day I won't ever forget." WWP events like this support the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Connecting with fellow service members in the community minimizes isolation and creates a support structure that can greatly benefit the healing process. The 2016 WWP Annual Warrior Survey highlights the importance of connection at WWP outreach events. These settings accommodate physical injuries and social anxieties and support the long-term recoveries of warriors. Being around other military families provided Army veteran Jean Oriental with a welcomed feeling of comfort. "I like being around other warriors because they have my back and understand the experience of service," he said. "These kinds of events can be tough when you deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. But I was very relaxed. It took my mind off of the things I am coping with. That's why I will always look for Wounded Warrior Project events like these. How one man built that entire castle is amazing. Everyone learned something interesting, so it was a perfect day." To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/, and click on multimedia. About Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us. SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project Related Links http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of WOW air's fifth anniversary, Iceland's ultra-low fare transatlantic airline will offer $55 one-way fares to eleven European cities from three of its American destinations. The discounted flights will be available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA). The fares can be purchased starting today at www.wowair.us. This announcement is yet another step in WOW air's promise to offer the cheapest flights to and from Iceland and across the Atlantic with a smile. In January, the airline became the first to offer transatlantic flights for as low as $69. "We want to celebrate our anniversary and share our great success by offering the best prices ever seen," said Skuli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air. For a limited time, $55 tickets will be available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Amsterdam (AMS), Copenhagen (CPH), Dublin (DUB), London (LGW) and Berlin (SXF). From Miami, $55 tickets will be available to Bristol (BRS), Brussels (BRU), Dublin (DUB), Edinburgh (EDI), Dusseldorf (DUS), Copenhagen (CPH), Frankfurt (FRA) and Cork (ORK). WOW air's California routes are serviced by three new Airbus A330 aircrafts, the first wide-body jets in the WOW air fleet. The airline operates the youngest fleet in Iceland with the lowest emission. Launched in November 2011, WOW air now connects 32 destinations across the U.S. and Europe with the Icelandic capital. In 2016 WOW air flew with 1,668,773 passengers in total, which is an increase of 130% from 2015. Fares go on sale today and will be offered for flights between June 11, 2017 and June 28, 2017. *San Francisco (SFO) to AMS, CPH, DUB, LGW, SXF via Iceland. Based on lowest one-way WOW Basic fare booked on www.wowair.us. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel June 11th to June 28th. The offer applies for 200 seats on selected flights, only when booked on a return trip. *Los Angeles (LAX) to AMS, CPH, DUB, LGW, SXF via Iceland. Based on lowest one-way WOW Basic fare booked on www.wowair.us. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel June 19th to June 28th. The offer applies for 150 seats on selected flights, only when booked on a return trip. *Miami (MIA) to BRS, BRU, CPH, DUB, DUS, EDI, FRA, ORK via Iceland. Based on lowest one-way WOW Basic fare booked on www.wowair.us. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel June 18th to June 28th. The offer applies for 100 seats on selected flights, only when booked on a return trip. About WOW air WOW air offers the lowest fares, a modern fleet with the lowest emissions and the biggest smile; this is the WOW air promise to its valuable customers. As of spring 2017, the airline services 32 destinations across Europe and North America including Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen. Established in November 2011 by Icelandic entrepreneur Skuli Mogensen, the purple airline flies with Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Airbus A330 models. WOW air boasts one of the world's youngest fleet, with an average aircraft age of just 2.5 years. WOW air was ranked as the 7th best low-cost airline in Europe at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards and was the youngest airline in the top ten. For additional information and bookings please visit https://wowair.us/. Contact: Anna Romano [email protected] 310 854 8296 WOW air corporate Svana Fridriksdottir VP Communications [email protected] 354 695 9359 SOURCE WOW air Related Links http://www.wowair.us LARAMIE, Wyo., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyoming technology start-up LogiLube, LLC has added former Siemens Wind Energy Research & Development Director Andrew (Andy) Paliszewski to its Strategic Advisory Board. Paliszewski spent 14 years at Siemens Energy Inc. (https://goo.gl/VW0sRt) in key roles serving the wind, steam and gas turbine products division. He was the founder and leader of the U.S.based Wind Turbine Research & Development effort for Siemens and led Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) efforts with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to test and develop longer and lighter wind turbine blades. Andy had a 5-year stint serving in a leading role on the American Wind Energy Association's Research & Development Committee and the NREL Wind Program Industry Advisory Board. In his new role with LogiLube, Andy will provide strategic guidance for the development, testing and commercial launch of the company's SmartGear intelligent wind turbine gearbox technology platform. To learn more about Andy and SmartGear visit LogiLube's website at https://lnkd.in/eUGF2Mu. "We look forward to Andy's fresh perspective and wind industry knowledge," said LogiLube President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Gillette. "His robust experience in the wind energy sector will be particularly valuable as we expand our Big Data analytics technology platform to include wind energy." Mr. Paliszewski is a Certified Navy Nuclear Power Plant Engineer, holds an MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and a B.S. in Industrial Operations Engineering (IOE) from the University of Michigan. About LogiLube LogiLube, LLC is a Laramie, Wyoming-based technology company focused on predictive data analytic solutions for the wind, oil and gas industries. LogiLube's patented technology identifies imminent failures in oil and gas equipment and provides real-time condition monitoring data online from anywhere around the globe. This data allows companies to manage potential problems, increase equipment uptime and revenue. SmartGear monitors the most critical component of revenue generation wind turbine drive trains. LogiLube's smart solutions covers every critical factor to uptime reliability including real-time reporting of fluid conditions, automated oil sampling, vibration condition and lubricant consumption monitoring combined with fleet-wide data analytics. SmartOil is a machine-mounted, real-time oil condition monitoring system designed to increase valuable equipment uptime and overall reliability. SmartLab is a physical oil sample management program that when combined with SmartOil provides an end-to-end solution that ensures samples are reliably taken, tracked, and analyzed with results uploaded to cloud servers, typically within 24 hours or less, reporting actionable intelligence. For more information, visit http://www.logilube.com/. 3821 Beech Street, Laramie, Wyoming 82070 (307) 314-2700 logilube.com Press Contact: Sharon Fain Email: [email protected] Phone: (307) 286-2167 SOURCE LogiLube, LLC Related Links http://www.logilube.com Johnstown, PA, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) has invested an additional $1.2 million in new additive manufacturing equipment at its Johnstown, Pennsylvania, facility. The new equipment includes a VRC Metal Systems Gen III Max Cold Spray system and an AMBIT Hybrid Additive Manufacturing multi-task system (installed in a HAAS VF 11 multi-axis machine tool). With these additions, CTC is now able to offer clients three metal processes: cold spray, hybrid additive manufacturing, and powder bed fusion-laser. These processes can also be merged to provide customized solutions. We are applying our 30-year history in metals and metal processing to be an all-encompassing service provider for additive manufacturing solutions, said CTC President and Chief Executive Officer, Edward J. Sheehan, Jr. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is growing exponentially in the U.S., and we have the in-house expertise to continue to deliver outstanding metal-based solutions in this emerging arena. This purchase follows a previous $800,000 investment in additive manufacturing equipment. Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing Equipment One of the companys new machines is the VRC Metal Systems Gen III Max for cold spray technology. The Gen III Max consumes a small three-foot by five-foot area and is on wheels, enabling versatility and easy mobility for production, repair, or in-the-field applications, said Ken Sabo, Senior Director, Additive Manufacturing and Materials at CTC. It can be manually or robotically operated, making it the system of choice for many repair and obsolescence applications. Cold spray is a solid-state process that deposits metal powder with temperatures below the material melting point through the use of a supersonic nozzle and pressurized/heated inert gas. CTC can use cold spray to repair expensive and hard-to-acquire components on structures such as military aircraft, vehicles, and even submarines that would otherwise be scrapped, Sabo said. Sabo explained that additive manufacturing allows engineers to make one or two parts in a cost-effective manner. Previously, cost-effective parts production had to be done in mass quantities. Similarly, he said, aging military parts that are worn or damaged can be repaired or replaced in an affordable, effective manner using additive manufacturing. CTC designed many parts for the U.S. military over the past three decades, so we are well positioned to assist our military clients with new and used parts. Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Equipment Another of the companys new machines is the AMBIT multi-task system developed by Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies. Using hybrid additive manufacturing, CTC is capable of repairing damaged or worn parts and surfaces, Sabo explained. CTC engineers will use the hybrid machine to employ a cladding process and build new geometry before switching to a milling operation to finish the part. While hybrid repair is a significant benefit to manufacturers, adding geometry or features to an existing part can also yield significant cost savings when applied correctly, Sabo said. At CTC, the AMBIT system is paired with a HAAS VF-11 five axis milling machine. The working envelope is approximately 120 x 40 x 30 for large part repair or feature addition. Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Equipment CTC has been offering powder bed fusion-laser solutions for more than two years. The company purchased an all-in-one SLM 280HL 3D printer after an extensive research process. With the SLM Solutions printer, CTC creates metal parts using various materials including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium and others. Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. Together with our affiliates, Enterprise Ventures Corporation and CTC Foundation, we leverage research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full lifecycle solutions. To best serve our clients needs, we offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype and build. We support our clients core mission objectives with customized solutions and strive to exceed expectations. For more information about CTC, visit www.ctc.com. Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e87c487-cc49-46da-b43f-5ce5035f958e Yogome is an innovative digital education platform with a collection of games for kids ages 6-11 endorsed by the Play2Prevent Lab at Yale University. 95% of its subscribers come from the United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia, and has a presence in more than 50 countries. The funding brings Yogome's total funding to $10 million raised to date. Founded by Mexicans Manolo Diaz and Alberto Colin, Yogome is the first 100% Mexican startup that raises a Series A round outside the fintech industry and the largest round for an EdTech company in Mexico. "As an entrepreneur, you look for investors that fall in love with your vision from day 1, and that is what we saw in Michael and Seaya's team since the start. Our objective is to become a global leader, and we are innovating every day in order to achieve that goal. We are in a high-growth space, and we are convinced that with the investment of Seaya Ventures, a global fund with a track record of scaling businesses, we have the key elements that we need to reach our goals." said Manolo Diaz. The funds obtained from this round will allow Yogome to reach 1 million subscribers and to continue its geographical expansion to China, Korea and Japan. Michael Kleindl, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Seaya Ventures, now a member of Yogome's Board, said: "Manolo Diaz and his team have built a superb platform for kids edutainment. Yogome has positioned itself to become a global leader in this fast-growing market worldwide. We are extremely happy to have the opportunity to join Manolo and Yogome on this great challenge and look forward to supporting the company with our operational expertise in fast growing, internationally expanding businesses." Yogome - Yogome creates learning experiences through a fun and engaging game-based curriculum as well as captivating characters. More than 1,000 mini games and six different apps comprise Yogome's personalized learning platform certified by Yale's Play2Prevent Lab. New content is added to the platform every month in eight different subjects for grades kindergarten through fifth, available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese. Based in Mexico and the United States, Yogome develops its products for users in 50 different countries and is committed to helping all children learn and prepare for their future. Website: www.yogome.com Seaya Ventures - SEAYA VENTURES is a Spanish venture fund, founded in Madrid in 2013, that invests in early and growth stage Internet and technology-enabled businesses in Spain and Latin America. With more than 140M assets under management and offices in Madrid and Mexico City, Seaya transforms early and growth stage companies into category leaders at every level, helping them with their international expansion and creating lasting value. Seaya Ventures has invested in 15 companies so far: Ticketea, Restaurantes.com, Plenummedia, SinDelantal Mexico, Cabify, Comparaguru, Clintu, Percentil, Miora, Pippa&Jean, Spotahome, Hundredrooms, Glovo, Clicars and Yogome. Website: www.seayaventures.com SOURCE Yogome, Inc Related Links http://www.yogome.com LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yoobi, an innovative school, home and office supplies company that gives back, joined GoFundMe, the world's largest social fundraising platform, today at a school-wide donation event at the Arts in Action Elementary School in Los Angeles. The donation, which kicked off with an assembly featuring Yoobi's Chief Giving Officer Justin Wolff, Arts in Action Elementary School Principal Elysa Vargas and GoFundMe's Head of Education Kevin Madsen, is the culmination of the "We Love Teachers" fundraising contest launched during Teacher Appreciation Week. The contest's winner Ms. Jade Aposhian is a 1st grade teacher at Arts in Action Elementary who raised $590 during her campaign. "We are thrilled to be honoring Ms. Aposhian as the winner of the 'We Love Teachers' contest today," said Justin Wolff, Yoobi's Chief Giving Officer. "Ms. Aposhian's commitment to her students and persistent drive to improve her teaching is a model for all of us. Thanks to her dedication and hard work the kids of Arts in Action Elementary will have enough school supplies to finish the school and start next year on a high note. We thank GoFundMe for partnering with us to support hardworking teachers, like Ms. Aposhian, who help shape the future for so many kids." Through its partnership with the Kids In Need Foundation (KINF), Yoobi donated "Classroom Packs" boxes filled with essential school supplies to more than 400 students across the school. Each Classroom Pack includes hundreds of core learning tools enough for a class of up to 30 students and consists of pencils, glue sticks, erasers, rulers, folders, crayons, colored pencils, markers and more. "We firmly believe that all teachers should have the tools necessary to provide quality education to their students," said Rob Solomon, CEO of GoFundMe. "We're glad we had this chance to partner with Yoobi to reward dedicated educators like Ms. Aposhian and help provide resources to classrooms across the country. We encourage GoFundMe's community of donors to continue to support all of our hardworking teachers across the country who educate and inspire our kids." In early May, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week, Yoobi and GoFundMe launched a $100,000 "We Love Teachers" fundraising contest, a national initiative to support K-12 teachers. As part of the initiative and in an effort to further reduce teachers' out-of-pocket spending, GoFundMe will donate $1,000 to 100 GoFundMes created by and for K-12 teachers. Studies show that when kids have access to basic learning tools, their test scores, attendance and classroom behavior improve significantly. According to a recent study by KINF, when kids come to school with adequate school supplies, teachers found: 82% increase in classroom participation 60% increase in homework completion 94% increase in classroom preparedness 71% increase in student attendance 76% increase in student interest in learning "I thank Yoobi and GoFundMe for their generous donation to our students and teachers at Arts in Action Elementary," said Principal Elysa Vargas. "Their generosity is providing more than 400 of our kids with the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom and finish the school year strong." For more information about Yoobi, visit: www.yoobi.com About Yoobi: Founded in 2014, Yoobi is an innovative school, home and office supplies company that operates on a "One for you, One for me" model for every Yoobi item purchased, Yoobi donates an item to a U.S. classroom in need. Classrooms are defined by Yoobi's non-profit partner Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) as K-5 classrooms in schools where 70 percent or more of its students qualify for free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program. To date, Yoobi has impacted nearly 2.5 million kids, donating over 32 million school supplies. About GoFundMe: Launched in 2010, GoFundMe is the world's largest social fundraising platform, with over $3 billion raised so far. With a community of more than 25 million donors, GoFundMe is changing the way the world gives. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. SOURCE GoFundMe Related Links http://www.gofundme.com Atlanta, GA, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlanta, GA - Students are not the only ones who received an end-of-the-year report card last week. The Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) released a legislative report card on their website, which assigns grades A-F to individual lawmakers based on their support of school choice policies in the most recent legislative session. GCO launched a campaign at the end of 2016 to ensure that parents have all the facts about education savings accounts (ESAs) and can become advocates in their communities, and the report card is one more piece of the campaign. Working with the Georgia Parents Alliance, they are bringing together a diverse coalition of inner-city parents, military parents, homeschoolers and parents of children with disabilities - all of whom would be able to improve their childrens educational choices if they had access to an ESA. The report card is based on a point system associated with each school choice bill Senators and Representatives had the opportunity to support during the 2017 session. The State House had the opportunity to vote five times in support of choice options, while the Senate voted six times. The Georgia House of Representatives proved to be significantly more friendly to the idea of giving parents more choice in education. The House, led by Speaker David Ralston received an A grade compared to the Senate, led by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, which received an overall grade of D. Thirty-three lawmakers made the "honor roll" for sponsoring or co-sponsoring legislation that would expand educational choice for Georgia families. Grades did not fall among party lines, as some Democrats received A+ grades and some Republicans received an F. This was the first year in almost a decade that stand-alone private school choice legislation made it to the House and Senate floors for a full vote. "Many legislators say they support school choice, especially during campaign season. But the true test of whether a lawmaker wants to truly empower parents with the options and resources to secure the best education for their child is not what they say, but how they vote when given the opportunity," said Eric Cochling, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Georgia Center for Opportunity. "While 2017 was a good year for modest expansion of high-quality public charter schools, it was disheartening to see so many lawmakers, especially in the State Senate, refuse to give students who may be floundering in their traditional schools the immediate access to the education they need. The education of our children is the most important issue for our future, and until every student is excelling, every option should be on the table. School choice should be a priority, not a platitude, for those leading our state." Georgia Center for Opportunity is an independent, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to increasing opportunity and improving the quality of life for all Georgians. We research solutions to societys most pressing challenges, promote those solutions to policymakers and the public and help innovative social enterprises deliver results on the ground. -30- Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d79da511-b4ea-43d0-bf45-4330682c5130 NEW YORK, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Video marketing technology company Eyeview announced today that Tom St. John, a former Criteo executive, has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Media. St. Johns more than 12 years of experience in digital marketing, building teams, software solutions, and tier-one publisher relationships will help Eyeview build best-in-class media supply and campaign management capabilities. With the expansion of video consumption, Eyeview is delivering on the long-awaited promise of 1-to-1 video, marrying the engagement and appeal of television quality video advertising with precision targeting and personalised creative to drive sales. Eyeview has developed a highly scalable cloud based video technology that gives brands the ability to deliver thousands of creative variations tailored to reach specific target audiences, on any screen for the highest return on ad spend. St. John most recently was Vice President, Publisher Development and Platforms at Criteo where he spearheaded the North American supply relationships for major exchange and publisher partnerships, including direct advertising integrations with tier-one publishers. The opportunity to join the team and build market leadership in outcome-based video marketing, a unique differentiator in the adtech space, was very attractive to me. We all know video is booming and the team at Eyeview impressed me, said Tom St. John. For me, what is most exciting is that Eyeview has built a market leading position, proving that one-to-one video marketing across devices, including Facebook and addressable television, is not only achievable, but can be measured to prove sales outcomes, said St. John. As an industry were at a key inflection point across video advertising, and todays marketers must prove a measured return in sales on every dollar they spend, said Brian Pozesky, Chief Client officer, Eyeview. Tom understands this coming from Criteo, an industry leader in performance marketing. To learn more about Eyeview, visit https://www.eyeviewdigital.com. About Eyeview Eyeview is a video marketing technology company and the industry leader in outcome-based video marketing. Eyeview delivers superior return on investment through 1-to-1 video. Through proprietary VideoIQ technology, Eyeview easily leverages brand, product and consumer data to create and deliver 1-to-1 video ads to every consumer and ultimately drive sales. VideoIQ provides an elemental knowledge of video variables that powers a results-driven decisioning engine, capable of making billions of decisions each day, delivering the most relevant message to every consumer across television, desktop, mobile and Facebook. Eyeview serves the nations top brands, including P&G, Walgreens, Lowes, Honda, BMW and Priceline. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Taormina (Italy), May 27 : US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he would take a final decision on whether his country would back the Paris agreement to reduce global carbon emissions in the coming week. Trump was attending the G7 summit in the Italian island town of Taormina, where leaders of the world's seven largest economies were gathered for talks on topics such as terrorism, climate change and migration. "I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!" announced the US President on his Twitter account. The US has been hesitant to give its backing to the Paris agreement amid shifting policies in Trump's administration, Efe news reported. Meanwhile, the other G7 nations, Canada, France, Germany, Italy Japan and Britain, as well as the Presidents of the European Council and Commission got behind the measure. A joint statement, issued as the Taormina summit came to a close, said: "The US 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 participated in the G7 summit during his first overseas trip since taking over the reins at the White House. His trip was closely watched by political observers looking for clues on future US relations with the wider world. His international tour took him to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine, the Vatican, Belgium and Italy. Although failing to find immediate common ground on a G7 approach to climate change, the US did give backing to statements opposing protectionist economic policies and supported further sanctions on Russia should they be deemed necessary. Further international sanctions on Russia for its role in the unrest in eastern Ukraine were cast in doubt as Trump arrived at the helm in Washington amid what appeared to be a softening US approach towards Moscow, said the report. Mumbai, May 28 : The principal shooting of superstar Rajinikanth's next Tamil outing "Kaala Karikaalan" commenced here on Sunday. "Rajinikanth sir has also joined the sets. He left to Mumbai last evening from Chennai. This will be a week-long schedule where the makers will shoot some general scenes that require Mumbai as the backdrop," a source from the film's unit told IANS. The schedule will take place in Chennai where the makers have built a huge replica of Dharavi slum of Mumbai. "On a budget of nearly Rs 5 crore, a set of Dharavi slum has been recreated for the film. Major portion of the film will be shot here," the source added. Rajinikanth is rumoured to be playing a gangster again after "Kabali". Actress Huma Qureshi is said to be playing the leading lady, while Anjali Patil and Sakshi Aggarwal will be seen in key roles. Produced by Dhanush, the film has music by Santhosh Narayanan. New Delhi, May 27 : Three members of a gang, who would lure bikers by putting on the guise of loose women at night and rob them, have been arrested, police said here on Saturday. "Posing as prostitutes, two-three members of the gang would stand along the road at night and when bikers stopped, they would rob them," a senior police officer told IANS. "They used to not just rob people stopping their vehicles but also thrashed anyone resisting them," he added. The gang used to operate in Wazirabad-Khajuri Khas Chowk stretch and Yamuna Pushta road, in north-east Delhi. "Police has worked out 12 cases (after their arrest) and has recovered six mobile phones and a motorcycle," Deputy Commissioner of Police A.K. Singla said. The arrested have been identified as Vinay, 22, Abhishek, 23, and Arjun, 19 -- all residents of Delhi. On Friday, the accused were trying to sell stolen mobile phones in Shastri Park area when police noticed them. When the accused realised that policemen were watching them, they tried to flee the spot on a motorcycle, but they were arrested after a long chase. Police said that the accused had admitted to have carried out about a dozen robberies in the area. Police are on the hunt for five more members of the gang. Srinagar, May 28 : Muhammad Yasin Malik, chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was arrested by the police here on Sunday. Malik was arrested from his uptown Maisuma locality home. "He has been shifted to the central jail," a police official said. On Saturday, Malik visited Ratsuna village in Tral where he met the family members of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat and Faizan Ahmad who were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Saimoh village. Sabzar Bhat had succeeded Burhan Wani as Hizbul's commander in the valley after Wani was killed in a security operation on July 8, 2016, in Anantnag. New Delhi : In a nearly half-century career, both in a band and solo, his distinctive voice, inspired lyrics and energetic guitar work went to make Gregg Allman a musical legend as pioneer and practitioner of 'Southern Rock' - which brought together rock and roll with traditional blues, jazz, country music and other forms to create a unique and unforgettable sound. "Music is my life's blood. I love music, I love to play good music, and I love to play music for people who appreciate it. And when it's all said and done, I'll go to my grave and my brother will greet me, saying, 'Nice work, little brother-you did all right'. I must have said this a million times, but if I died today, I have had me a blast," noted Allman, who died on Saturday, in his autobiography "My Cross to Bear" (2012). It was a long, arduous and frequently heart-breaking journey but Allman, who began his musical career by delivering newspapers to earn enough to buy a guitar, faced it with fortitude. As he said in one of his best-known songs: "Well, I've got to run to keep from hidin',/And I'm bound to keep on ridin'/And I've got one more silver dollar,/But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no,/Not gonna let 'em catch the Midnight Rider.." Born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 8, 1947, Gregory LeNoir Allman was two when his army officer father was killed by a man he had offered a lift. His mother, who sought to become a certified public accountant, had to put him and his elder brother Duane (born 1945) in a hostel as she had to live on campus. Allman long thought his mother was abandoning them before realising she had chosen a better option than an orphanage. The brothers had no particular inclination for music but Allman cited two influences that inspired him - a concert he and his brother attended in Nashville in 1960 and a mentally-challenged neighbour who taught him to play the guitar. Meanwhile, the family had moved to Florida and it was here that the brothers formed their first real band 'The Escorts'. This soon became the 'Allman Joys' and then the 'Hour Glass' - as which they even recorded two studio albums but didn't like them very much and chafed at the record label's onerous conditions. It all changed in 1969 when the Allman Brothers Band came up. Allman, on vocals and keyboard, as well in charge of songwriting) was complemented by Duane Allman (slide guitar and lead guitar), Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, songwriting), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks and Jai 'Jaimoe' Johanson (on drums). Showcasing what would be later categorised Southern Rock (though most of them didn't like the name), their live shows were known for their jam band-style improvisation and inspired instrumentals. Their first two studio albums were not very successful but the band hit big time with the third - the live "At Fillmore East" (1971) with tracks like "Statesboro Blues", "Midnight Rider", "Whipping Post" among others. But then Duane Allman, who was a mainstay, died in a motorcycle accident in October 1971 and while Allman, who was quite affected, and the others decided to go on. Then Oakley died in an accident near the same spot next year. While new members were drafted and work began on their fifth - "Brothers and Sisters", Allman also began a solo album. "Brothers and Sisters" went to make them one of most famous and successful bands of the 1970s, but growing disagreements, drug and liquor usage and bad blood when Allman (who was then married to Cher in a short-lived union) testified against their manager in a drug case, saw the group disband in 1976. Re-uniting in 1978, they went on till 1982 when they again broke up at lack of success, had a brief coming together in 1986, and then again in 1989 till final parting of ways in 2014. While Allman went on to have a successful solo career in 1980s complemented by some acting in the 1990s, it was hampered by his liquor addiction till the time he became determined to quit the habit after being unable to attend the event of the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1985, and succeeded. Health problems however persisted - hepatitis C in 2007, a liver transplant in 2010 and ultimately liver cancer claimed him, but Allman went on performing till the last. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in ) New Delhi, May 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched for yoga, appealing to families to post pictures of their three generations performing the exercises together on the third International Yoga Day on June 21. He also asked them to upload the pictures on 'Narendra Modi App' or 'MyGov' to give the occasion a new dimension. "Grandparents, parents and children should together perform yoga and also upload their photos. It will be such a pleasant blend of yesterday, today and tomorrow -- lending a new dimension to yoga," Modi said in his 'Mann ki Baat' radio address. "These pictures will be a guarantee of a brighter tomorrow." Modi expressed his gratitude to the person who sent him this suggestion. "I feel that as our 'Selfie with Daughter' campaign proved to be a very inspiring experience, this campaign of posting pictures of three generations performing yoga together will evoke curiosity across the nation as well as the world." Modi urged people to spread awareness about the coming yoga event. "We are still left with about three weeks for the International Yoga Day. Start practicing from today itself. From June 1, I will post something or the other about yoga on Twitter and continue to do so till June 21. I will share with you. You too kindly spread the message of yoga and connect people with it," he said. The Prime Minister said this, in a way, is a movement for preventive healthcare. He invited people to connect with the occasion, saying "in a very short time, the festival got worldwide recognition as the World Yoga Day and is connecting people." "At a time when separatist forces are raising their ugly heads, this has been India's great contribution to the world. We have successfully connected the whole world through yoga. Like yoga connects the body, mind, heart, and soul, similarly it is connecting the world now." "Because of lifestyle, because of a mad race to achieve success, and because of increasing responsibilities, leading a stress-free life has become very difficult... this situation is coming up even at a comparatively younger age. Yoga is a guarantee of wellness and fitness both. Yoga is not merely an exercise," he said. Modi said that he sent letters to all governments and all world leaders about the Yoga Day two days ago. Remembering his last year's announcements on yoga competitions and awards, he said: "we shall gradually advance in that direction." HOUSTON, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. (PINK SHEETS:PRRY), provider of green chemistries for the Oil & Gas and Water Industries, announced today that it has received very positive results from a pilot test conducted in the Permian Basin of West Texas on oil field flow lines. Keywood Solutions, a PetroLuxus dealer in West Texas, was invited by a large independent Oil & Gas Producer, with a Market Capitalization of over $5 Billion, to participate in a pilot test with various chemical companies to address the costly problem of constantly plugging flow lines from the well head to the collection tanks. The plugging of flow lines is due to the grade of oil and temperatures. When oil flow lines plug, oil production stops and requires a costly Hot Oil treatment to clear the lines and bring the production back on line. Keywood Solutions treated the pilot flow lines with PetroLuxus over the course of 90-days. The results realized on the flow lines after the PetroLuxus treatment were: Flow lines never plugged, hence production was never stopped. NO costly Hot Oil treatments were required. Transmission pressures dropped from 155 PSI to 60 PSI. The pumper/gauger that supervised the pilot testing commented, You boys and your PetroLuxus have been able to do what 3 major petrochemical companies have not been able to do - keep the lines from plugging. The drop in transmission pressures is almost unheard of and will be a huge cost savings. Keywood Solutions has expanded and broadened its pilot testing of PetroLuxus for this large independent which includes downhole treatments. Keywood anticipates this testing to be completed within 90 days. About Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. is the developer, manufacturer and marketer of the earth friendly products of the PetroLuxus Technology Platform which currently include the PetroLuxus family of products for the Oil & Gas Industry and nontoxic AquaLuxus WC treatment for the Water Industry. For more information visit: Prry.net Safe Harbor Statement Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements in this presentation that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from new products in development are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements may not occur. Additional risks and uncertainties are set forth in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company's Quarterly Report for the Third quarter ended September 30, 2015. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company's plans or expectations. Seoul, May 29 : South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday asked for understanding from people and opposition lawmakers over the controversy surrounding the Prime Minister-nominee. The President also called on his secretaries to come up with detailed personnel standards that can meet expectations of people. Moon named Lee Nak-yon, South Jeolla province Governor, the Prime Minister on May 10, just a day after winning a sweeping victory in the presidential election, Xinhua news agency reported. In the course of a parliamentary confirmation hearing, allegations were made that Lee's wife falsely registered her address decades ago. The Prime Minister is required to get a green light from the National Assembly to take office. Other cabinet posts are not subject to the parliamentary approval though they are required to undergo a hearing. The ruling Democratic Party sought in vain to gain a parliamentary approval for Lee's nomination amid objections from opposition lawmakers. Moon's chief of staff Im Jong-seok offered an apology last week, but the opposition parties demanded a direct apology from the President as the nomination broke Moon's campaign pledges. On his campaign trail, Moon pledged to exclude anyone who is involved in the five major wrongdoings from the public posts. The five misdeeds include fake resident registration, draft dodging, tax evasion, paper plagiarism and speculative investment in real estate. Two other nominees as the Foreign Minister and the anti-trust watchdog chief were suspected of false address registration, causing objections from the rival parties. During a meeting with senior secretaries, Moon said the controversy was caused due to the absence of a transition committee, which led to skipping of the process of drawing up a detailed standard for personnel affairs. After the President's comments were made public, the centrist People's Party said it would cooperate from a wide perspective to help approve the appointment of the Prime Minister-nominee through the parliament. Lee was widely expected to come into office in the near future as the centrist party has 40 lawmakers in the 299-seat parliament. The Democratic Party controls 120 seats in the assembly, while the main opposition Liberty Korea Party has 107 seats. The approval requires at least half of the 299 votes in favour. New Delhi, May 29 : Army Chief Bipin Rawat's remarks defending the use of human shield in Kashmir evoked on Monday strong reaction from opposition parties but a CPI-M MP drew flak for doubting the "capability" of the General. Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, however, defended Rawat and said he "totally agreed" with his statements and that the army should take any possible action as is the demand of the situation. The opposition parties criticized the Army Chief's statement that his men were fighting a "dirty war" which needed "innovative methods" to combat it. They said he should refrain from making political statements on internal matters. Defending Major Leetul Gogoi for using a Kashmiri youth as human shield from stone-pelters, Rawat said India was fighting a "dirty proxy war" in Kashmir which is played in a "dirty way". Communist Party of India leader D. Raja said it was "unfortunate" that the Army Chief had become a subject matter of a political controversy. "Why is the army chief talking about the Kashmir situation," Raja told IANS. "It is not a law and order or a security issue; it is not an issue where the army can find a solution. "The other day, Rajnath Singh admitted that Kashmir is ours and Kashmiris are ours. It is for the political leadership to address the Kashmir situation," he added. About Rawat's remarks, CPI-M leader Mohammed Salim said it was not the "voice" of the Indian Army which he had been hearing since his childhood. "This is not the voice which we can defend as Indians," Salim said. But Salim himself came under attack when he said that if the Indian Army chief had termed the use of human shield as innovative, then "his capacity and understanding of the Indian society and his definition of innovativeness were questionable". Janata Dal-United leader K.C. Tyagi said he disagreed with Mohammed Salim's views. But he also asked General Rawat to "refrain from making political statements on internal matters". He said that while it was fine if the army did not engage with separatist organisations like the Hurriyat, it should not shy away from establishing a dialogue with the people of Kashmir. "His (Rawat's) statements may be challenging to the Hurriat, the ISIS or the infiltrators, but they should not seem to be challenging the people of Kashmir," he told IANS. Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said the "Kashmir problem" could not be seen "singularly from the prism of law and order" but required continuous dialogue and a "human touch" with the disconnected youth. "When young students in their teenage years become stone-pelters, then the problem is much larger than branding them as potential threats. "Ultimately we need to recognise that they are the citizens of India and they have a right to be heard. And it is the responsibility of both state and central governments to ensure that it happens," Jha told IANS. Coming to the defence of General Rawat, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said: "I totally agree with the Indian Army chief's statement that the dirty war in Jammu and Kashmir calls for innovation. "To improve the situation in Kashmir, one should take any action that is needed as per the demand of the situation. That is what the Army chief said and I support him," he added. Los Angeles, May 30 : Actress Angelina Jolie, who is in the midst of a divorce from actor Brad Pitt, says she "would give anything" to have her late mother Marcheline Bertrand by her side during this time. Jolie says she talks to her in her mind. Jolie announced her split from Pitt in September 2016. She says now it is difficult for her to navigate life without her mother, who passed away in 2007 from cancer at the age of 56, reports dailymail.co.uk. "I would give anything for her to be with me at this time. I've needed her," Jolie told Elle France magazine. "I talk to her often in my mind and try to think what she might say and how she might guide me," she added. Jolie is sad that her mother missed out on being a grandmother to her six children -- Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne. "She would have thrived as a grandmother. I know how much she would have contributed to their lives and I am sad they will miss out on that," she said. Chennai, May 31 : Actress Sakshi Aggarwal, who has landed a key role in superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming Tamil actioner "Kaala", believes it's a golden opportunity to prove herself in a big film. "Being part of such a big project means a lot to me. It's like a boon. Though I play a brief role, I'm thrilled about this film because it has given me an opportunity to prove myself as an actress, not just as a heroine," Sakshi told IANS. "I have reached a point in my career where the size of the role doesn't matter. What really matters is if I'm making any difference to the project through my character," she said. While she remains tight-lipped about her character, she is looking forward to share screen space with superstar. "I met him at the photo-shoot. As a fan, I was awestruck and I will cherish this first meeting," she said, adding that her portion will be shot here and in Mumbai as well. Being directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film's shooting is currently underway in Mumbai where the team will shoot non-stop for 40 days. The film marks the reunion of Ranjith and Rajinikanth after last year's "Kabali". Also starring Huma Qureshi, Anjali Patil and Samuthirakani, "Kaala" is being produced by Dhanush. Kolkata, May 31 : In a bid to check the arbitrary fee hike and huge donations imposed by a section of private schools, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced the formation of a self regulatory committee that would decide the fee structure. "A Self Regulatory Committee would be formed to decide the school fees. Secretary, School Education, Director General of Police, and city Police Commissioner would be a part of the committee," Banerjee said during a meeting with representatives of private educational institutions. She also named eight renowned private schools in the city that would represent the committee along with two archbishops and representatives from all the districts. "The committee would hold meetings at regular intervals, check the balance sheets and decide the school fees with a rational attitude. They would also keep a check to ensure there is no misuse of money in the name of donations," she said. Referring to several complaints received at her office, Banerjee said a handful of city-based private schools are engaged in malpractice in the name of taking donations. "I have received report that in three or four schools in the city, a malpractice is going on. The students who are able to provide lump sum donations are allowed to attend special classes. This has to stop. "Merit cannot be judged by money. There are many students who are meritorious but do not have money. How would people arrange for such huge amounts? Everyone has to spend within a budget," she added. Madrid, May 31 : Concluding his engagements in Spain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left here for Russia on the third leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe. "PM @narendramodi winds up a successful visit to Spain, departs for St Petersburg, Russia," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal baglay tweeted. On Thursday, Modi will hold the 18th India-Russia annual bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The next day, the Prime Minister will attend for the first time the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. From Russia, he will leave for France on the fourth and final leg of his tour and hold his first meeting with newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron. Earlier on Wednesday, Modi held talks with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy following which seven agreements in different areas were signed between the two sides. The Prime Minister also held a round-table interaction with CEOs of Spanish business and industry and invited them to take part in India's India's flagship development programmes. Modi arrived in Madrid from Germany on Tuesday. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Spain in nearly 30 years since Rajiv Gandhi came here in 1988. Washington, May 31 : US President Donald Trump is expected to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, officials said on Wednesday. The US leader refused to reaffirm his country's commitment to the accord at a G7 summit in Italy last week. He said he would make up his mind after returning to the US. The decision would be a significant foreign policy break with nearly every other nation on earth and a major reversal of the Obama administration's efforts on climate change, CNN reported. Former President Barack Obama and a host of other countries signed the climate change agreement in 2015, which aims to reduce global carbon emissions. On Tuesday, Trump met a key voice advocating for withdrawal, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt. He was set to meet Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who supports remaining in the deal, said the report. A formal announcement is expected at some point this week -- Trump tweeted on Wednesday: "I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Senior US officials familiar with his plans, said the move could change until Trump makes his decision public. The administration's decision comes after months of internal debate and speculation about what Trump, who campaigned on leaving the deal, would do once he took office. The White House was initially slated to make a final decision on the climate accord earlier this month, but delayed the decision until the last week's G7 meeting in Sicily. At the summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters the climate debate was "controversial" and that the leaders of the other G7 nations -- France, Japan, Canada, Britain and Italy -- all urged Trump to remain a part of the 2015 agreement. Aides to Trump said he was listening with an open mind to the other leaders' arguments about Paris, but had yet to decide whether to withdraw the US from the pact. Steve Bannon, Trump's chief strategist and the former head of Breitbart, had pressed Trump to stick with his campaign promise and leave the deal. But Trump's daughter Ivanka pressed aides to look at the full picture when considering what withdrawal could mean. Trump's son-in-law and top aide, Jared Kushner, was said to be neutral on the deal. Tillerson and Energy Secretary Rick Perry had both advised against leaving the deal, sources said. Accra, May 31 : Ghana's First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has launched the "Reducing Malaria and Malnutrition in Priority Populations" (ReMMap) initiative to address the menace in the country. "The launch of the initiative set the stage for the mobilisation of the needed resources and partnerships to build a healthy Ghana, where children would be adequately nourished" Akufo-Addo said. Launching the drive, Akufo-Addo said malaria and malnutrition were two of the critical conditions that have had a negative influence on "our vulnerable population for years", according to the report on Tuesday. She said that these conditions led to the "untimely death of children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups. Calling these conditions preventable, the First Lady said: "It is not acceptable that in this day and age, Ghana should lose any child or pregnant woman to malaria or under-nutrition." She said that despite significant gains made in the control of malaria in recent times, the burden malaria and malnutrition placed on the national economy was still enormous. Akufo-Addo said the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) concept would be a key in addressing malnutrition and malaria since it had the ability to reach many malnourished children through household follow ups and coordination with community health volunteers. She urged all stakeholders to commit to scale-up effective malaria prevention activities, treatment interventions, invest in breastfeeding and child nutrition. The First Lady also called on the private sector to partner the government to produce more food supply, insecticide treated bed nets and "to help beat both malaria and malnutrition." Mumbai, May 31 : Over half a million farmers across Maharashtra on Wednesday said that they plan to launch an indefinite strike starting midnight after talks with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on various issues, including the long-pending demand of a loan waiver, collapsed. "With the farmers going on strike, major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur could face shortages of essentials fruits, vegetables, milk and food grains in the coming days," said Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader and MP Raju Shetti. "Farmers are committing suicides all over the state... The government is insensitive to their plight. We have no options but to launch the strike.. After a fortnight we will intensify it," Shetti told IANS. Late on Tuesday, representatives of the Kisan Kranti Morcha (KMM) a state-level coordination committee of various farmers organisations, met Fadnavis, but failed to get any concrete commitments, he added. Shetti said the strike is "a loss of face for Prime Minister Narendra Modi" who had assured to resolve farmers issues during the 2014 election, and "a failure of the state BJP". The government however said it is still hopeful of working out a last-minute solution. "We are discussing all the issues with farmers' leaders. We are sympathetic to their demands. I am certain we will hammer out an amicable solution and resolve the issues," Minister of State for Agriculture Sadabhau Khot told media persons. A group of around 200 farmers of Puntamba village in Ahmednagar district were the first to announce the strike from June 1, and many others followed suit. The farmers' demands include complete waiver of farm loans, free electricity, appropriate remunerative prices for their produce, grant for irrigation and higher price for milk and implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan Committee recommendations. The Fadnavis government had been under severe fire from not only the opposition parties - Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party - but also its own allies - the Shiv Sena and the Shetti-led SSS. In a massive show of strength on Tuesday, Shetti completed his long march from Pune to Mumbai and met Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao to apprise him of the crises gripping farmlands. "We have already held meetings with Governor Rao and Chief Minister Fadnavis on our long-pending issues and urged an immediate solution," Shetti added. He warned that with monsoon setting in, the sowing season would begin within the next fortnight, which would be affected if the government failed to fulfil the farmers' demands. "One cropping season may go which will hit agricultural supplies in the long run. We shall intensify the agitation by resorting to road blocks to stop trucks carrying agro-products from plying in the state," Shetti said. Meanwhile the state Congress reacted sharply to a statement by a BJP state spokesperson purportedly saying that strike "would make no difference to the government". Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the ruling BJP has been continuously "abusing" the farmers and it signifies the party's end is approaching. "The BJP's end is near in the state and the country. Very soon farmers all over India will also show they don't need the BJP," he said. Thiruvananthapuram, May 31 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday termed the new central law on cattle trade and slaughter as an infringement on the rights of the state government and has called for a special cabinet meeting on Thursday to discuss various measures, including the possibility of convening a meeting of all chief ministers to discuss the issue. The move comes as the Kerala High Court on Wednesday observed that there was nothing in the new central law on cattle trade and slaughter that takes away the rights of people with regard to eating beef. Addressing reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting here, Vijayan said that the move by the Centre is nothing but infringing on the rights of the state government. "The Centre through new laws is trying to wriggle into the rights of the state government. This is a clear violation of democratic principles and will not be allowed," said Vijayan. Among the other aspects that will come up before the cabinet on Thursday include the possibility of holding a special session of the Kerala Assembly and also calling a meeting of all the chief minister's in the country. Incidentally Vijayan on Monday wrote a strong letter to his counterparts across the country on the new Central law, which he said was a covert attempt to usurp the powers of the state legislature under the guise of a Central Act. He urged on the need to stand together and oppose this anti-federal, anti democratic and anti-secular move as it may mark the beginning of a series of similar measures aimed at destroying the federal democratic fabric and secular culture of our country. In a statement issued later, Vijayan said that already there are rules with regard to slaughter of animals that are meant to be consumed as food items. "The law that came out in 2001 clearly stipulates that such animals when killed should be done without causing pain, and this is being followed strictly," said Vijayan. He stated that the new rules includes that cattle should not be sold for other than agricultural purposes, a ban on sale of cattle for a period of six months, cattle should not be sold to slaughter houses, which are totally against the law and not acceptable. "If this is implemented this is going to directly affect the livelihood of five lakh people in Kerala who are engaged in this line of business. Every year 15 lakh cattle arrive in the state and the meat market accounts for Rs 6,552 crore with a quantity of around 2.5 lakh tonnes," said Vijayan. CHICAGO, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONU is bringing a completely modern solution for improving e-commerce to the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE). IRCE is where companies expect to find vendors with the latest technology trends in e-commerce. ONUs unique 3D product visuals are setting the new standard. A video accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fd2e0d0-3e91-4798-93c2-e10ba15c29cc To stand out online, products must look real. 91% of online shoppers also want them to rotate, zoom and spin according to Adobe. Innovative companies want these differentiating features to be part of their online strategy. But flat images dont look like the real thing, and clunky product photography behaves poorly. A difficult experience can make customers actively angry towards the brand, according to a Gallup poll. ONU is software that creates 3D visuals of products that are photorealistic, interactive and customizable. Any size or type of item, from a shoe to a car, scales and fits any screen size responsively. This simple experience increases emotional engagement and brand loyalty, which in turn delivers more conversions. The two most important factors are image quality and load times. ONU delivers both, says Jack Docal, Digital Strategist for Xenith Helmets, a company that was an early adopter of ONUs platform. ONU has several key features that address important aspects of e-commerce, including: 3D real-time rendering for powerful interactive features like zoom, rotations and animations Photorealism with an exceptionally high level of product detail Industry-leading product customizer - which generates a higher willingness to pay. Change colors and materials, add text and logos, or swap components, all in real-time. Guided tours help customers understand product features Easily embed ONU on any website with a few simple lines of code Works with leading platforms like Shopify, Magento, Woocommerce, Netsuite and more The ability to move into virtual or augmented reality for marketing, sales promotions or trade shows Other features of ONU include a robust backend, data analytics and a mobile app. ONU also uses Amazon Web Services CloudFront for storage. CloudFront meets the highest standards. Their reliability means ONUs 3D scenes are always available on your website - thereby avoiding any customer frustrations. Online retail is ultra-competitive. Companies are constantly searching for ways to enhance their eCommerce presence and stand out. Our 3D visualization platform is the most effective and powerful way to do this. It is simply a must have for any manufacturer selling consumer products online, said Sam Sesti, President of ONU. ONU is a software company at the forefront of 3D visualization. ONU One is the 3D asset platform for delivery to devices. Products are optimized for web, mobile and in virtual and augmented realities. Since 2014, ONU One is the choice of innovators. ONUs clients include top manufacturers of machinery, sporting goods, electronics and apparel. For more information, visit irce.onu1.com. St Petersburg, May 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here from Spain on Wednesday on the third leg of his six-day, four-nation tour of Europe. On Thursday, Modi will hold the 18th India-Russia annual bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The next day, he will attend, for the first time, the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. From Russia, Modi will leave for France on the fourth and final leg of his tour and hold his first meeting with newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Earlier on Wednesday, Modi held talks with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy in Madrid following which seven agreements in different areas were signed between the two sides. Germany was the first port of call of Modi's European tour. Washington, June 1 : A man with an assault rifle and automatic pistol in his car has been arrested at US President Donald Trump's namesake hotel here, averting a "potential disaster", officials said. "I was very concerned about this circumstance and I believe the officers and our federal partners, and in particular the tipster, averted a potential disaster here in our nation's capital," District of Columbia police chief Peter Newsham said at a press conference on Wednesday, Efe news reported. Police officers acted after receiving a call from a tipster, who said that the man -- identified as Pennsylvania physician Bryan Moles -- was driving to the Trump hotel with an assault rifle and ammunition. Police intercepted Moles and saw a Bushmaster AR-15 assault rifle in plain view inside his vehicle, later finding a Glock 23 pistol in the glove compartment along with, reportedly, about 90 rounds of ammunition. According to the authorities, Moles, 43, is an emergency room physician living in Ediboro, Pennsylvania. Police arrested him in his hotel room and charged him with possessing weapons without a license and unregistered ammunition. Newsham confirmed that the tip had come from a Pennsylvania security agency, which warned that Moles had made threatening statements, although he did not provide any further details. The Trump International Hotel is located on heavily-travelled Pennsylvania Avenue. Trump inaugurated the hotel last year when he was a Republican candidate for the White House, just a few days before the November election, in which he defeated his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. New Delhi, June 1 : In the run-up to the International Yoga Day on June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in a series of tweets appreciated the practice of yoga, calling it an "integrating" force. "Yoga is integrating the world. Come, become a yogi in the movement to make yoga popular and create a better and healthier society," Modi said. He said that he will keep sharing different aspects related to yoga over the next three weeks. "On June 21, the world will come together to mark the third Yoga Day. Let us all make this occasion a memorable one," he said. New Delhi, June 1 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has offered help to a person in Pakistan who highlighted his infant's health condition on the social media. Sushma Swaraj said late on Wednesday night that India would offer a medical visa after Ken Sid posted a picture of his ailing child on Twitter with the message: "Why my bud suffers for medical treatment!! Any answers (Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs) Sir Sartaaj Azeez (sic) or Ma'am Sushma?? In response, Sushma Swaraj tweeted: "No. The child will not suffer. Please contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa." Ken Sid's Twitter profile describes himself as a civil engineer, who works as a project manager in Forman Christian College, Lahore. "Love to design execute and built. Don't have time for politics," the profile reads. Sushma Swaraj's gesture comes days after she helped rescue through the Indian mission in Islamabad an Indian woman who was forced to marry a Pakistani. Washington, June 1 : A US Air Force veteran convicted for providing material support and trying to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group has been sentenced to 35 years in prison, the media reported. Tairod Pugh was convicted by a federal jury in 2016, according to the US Justice Department. "The defendant turned his back on his country, and the military he once served, to attempt to join a brutally violent terrorist organisation committed to the slaughter of innocent people throughout the world," CNN quoted Acting US Attorney Bridget Rohde as saying while handing the sentence on Wednesday. Prosecutors allege that investigators discovered a letter on Pugh's desktop computer saying he wanted to "use the talents and skills given to me by Allah to establish and defend the Islamic State" and a chart of crossing points between Turkey and Syria, where IS controls some territory. Pugh, a convert to Islam, served in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990, according to the Justice Department. Prosecutors presented evidence at the trial that Pugh travelled from Egypt to Turkey in an attempt to cross into Syria to join the IS. Pugh was trained in installing and maintaining aircraft engines, and navigation and weapons systems. New Delhi : Since coming to power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced one green energy initiative after the other. One by one, however, these have turned out to be red herrings that have succeeded only in drawing attention away from technologies that can deliver the required non-fossil fuel energy. His first commitment, to set up 100,000 MW of solar power generating capacity by 2022, has got off to a slow start: 2,133 MW of generating capacity was added in 2015, and a little under 4,000 MW in 2016. Around 10,000 MW is now under construction and will come on stream by the end of next year. That will still leave another 84,000 MW to be constructed in the next four years. The first two large plants have an "availability" of only 19-20 per cent, in other words they can only be run for about 1,700 hours a year, or less than five hours a day. Thus even 250,000 MW of power installed in photovoltaic plants will generate no more electricity than 60,000 MW generated by conventional power plants today. They will thus meet only 10 per cent of the additional power the country will need by 2030. But the Indian government is about to chase another, even larger, red herring -- in a 90-page report prepared with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) titled "Transformative Mobility Solutions for India". The outcome of a multi-stakeholder workshop in February, led by Niti Aayog and RMI, the report urges the government to make a radical transformation towards a transportation system geared completely around electric vehicles. The report proposes a 15-year plan for making the shift which will begin by limiting the registration of conventional vehicles through public lotteries, and complement that with a preferential registration for electric vehicles. To kick-start the shift, the report suggests an initial bulk procurement of electric vehicles, building standardised, swappable batteries for two- and three-wheelers to bring down their cost and having favourable tariff structures for charging cars. The idea is futuristic and may get accepted because it will fit in with Modi's flamboyant style of decision-making. RMI and Niti Aayog have sweetened the pill by claiming it will reduce annual GHG emissions by one billion tonnes. A few moments' reflection, however, reveals its gaping flaws. The number of privately owned motorised vehicles rose from 29 million in 2002 to 160 million in 2013. This figure will rise to over 500 million by 2030. This immediately raises the question, "Where will the electricity they consume come from?" A few hundred thousand electric cars spread all over the country can have their batteries charged without unduly increasing the load on the existing power stations. So this will genuinely help to lower emissions. But when 350 million vehicles have to be charged every day, not only an entire expensive, nation-wide recharging infrastructure will have to be built, but the power these vehicles will consume will have to be generated first. Given the limited capacity of solar PV power to meet this demand and the minuscule contribution of nuclear power in the energy mix, nearly all of this will have to come from coal, which generates far more greenhouse gases per unit of usable energy than petrol, diesel or CNG. That is when the second law of thermodynamics will come into play. Even with supercritical temperatures and pressures of steam to drive the generators, the conversion efficiency of heat into electricity is no higher than 42 per cent. There will be further losses in converting AC into DC current and in overcoming the inertia of moving parts as electrical energy is turned into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle. All in all, therefore, at least three times as much fossil fuel energy will have to be consumed as the energy saved by switching from oil and gas to electric cars. Also, an intricate transport fuel distribution and storage system will become redundant, causing substantial losses to the distributors. Add to this the losses that the highly developed auto components companies will have to endure, and the outcome is obvious. Since India is no longer a closed economy and no other country is contemplating such radical auto surgery, many, if not most, of them will shift their factories to Thailand. The number of charging stations that will have to be created is mind boggling. In 2014 there were 51,780 petrol pumps. Another 35,600 were projected to be added by the end of this year. At the current rate of growth this figure is likely to treble to 250,000 by 2030, and the majority will have to be in small towns and along highways, where there is no reliable power supply today. If these stations are also to meet the demand of charging electric vehicles, during power cuts and low voltage periods the owners will have to set up generators. These will run on diesel, contributing still more greenhouse gases. Finally there is the question of price. The Mahindra group is selling the e20, a design bought from Chetan Maini, the pioneer manufacturer of electric vehicles in India, for Rs 700,000 ($10,850). Toyota is planning to sell its model 3 in the US for $35,000 (Rs 22 lakh) just marginally less than the price of a Mercedes. The report seems to be aware of these problems. That is why it has tried to sweeten the pill by pointing to the fact that in addition to lowering carbon emissions by one billion tonnes a year, the shift will also save $60 billion in foreign exchange due to less oil having to be imported. This inducement only works if electric vehicles are a real alternative to conventional vehicles in India. As Tesla's decision to bypass India shows, this is not currently the case. There is, though, an alternative fuel which could make this a reality: Methanol. Methanol has all the qualities of ethanol, but without the limitation of supply that ethanol faces. It is a clean burning, very high flame speed fuel that was the prescribed fuel in all major automobile races in the world from 1965 till 2008, when it was joined by ethanol. Best of all, while ethanol has so far only been produced in large quantities from food crops, methanol can be produced from any biomass, from municipal solid waste to every manner of crop residue. Since transport fuels made from biomass emit the same amount of carbon dioxide when consumed as the biomass absorbed from the air, it is completely carbon-neutral. It too will save pretty nearly all of the foreign exchange that India spends on imported crude oil. Finally, since the crop residues -- leaves, stalks and roots -- will be as valuable as the crop itself, it will double farm incomes across the entire country -- one of the aims of the Prime Minister. Not only are the synthetic fuels produced by this route less costly than those obtained by refining crude oil, so long as the price of crude oil remains around, or above $60 a barrel, switching to them requires no change either in the design of automobile engines or the energy infrastructure of a country. The social cost of switching to biomass-based fuels is zero. Unfortunately, in chasing the gleaming chimera of the electric car transformation the global market economy is chasing yet another red herring while the technologies that could actually help avert catastrophic climate change are being ignored. (In arrangement with thethirdpole.net. Prem Shankar Jha is a veteran journalist based in New Delhi. Views expressed are those of thethirdpole.net. Feedback at information@thethirdpole.net) Washington, June 1 : Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that if President Donald Trump follows through on pulling the US out of the Paris climate-change agreement, he would "have no choice" but to stop advising the White House, the media reported. Musk's line in the sand is the latest sign of tension between Silicon Valley and Trump just as his administration attempts to attract tech executives to the White House for a sweeping, high-profile summit on June 19, Politico news reported. "Don't know which way Paris will go, but I've done all I can to advise directly to POTUS (President of the US), through others in the White House and via councils, that we remain," Musk tweeted on Wednesday. Musk followed up with a tweet saying, "Will have no choice but to depart councils" if Trump pulls out of the Paris deal backed by nearly 200 other countries. Trump is expected to withdraw the US from the climate agreement on Thursday. Other major tech companies, including Apple, Facebook, Google and Salesforce, have put their names to a full-page ad that will run on Thursday in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, calling on Trump to "advance US interests by remaining a full partner in this vital global effort". The ad ran earlier this month but has been renewed because of the news of Trump's thinking on the Paris deal, reports Politico. Musk's warning carries particular weight because he's become one of the Trump White House's go-to tech industry executives. He has taken part in the so-called President's Strategic and Policy Forum. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick stepped down from that group in February after a public backlash. At the time, Musk decided to stay involved, saying, "I believe at this time that engaging on critical issues will on balance serve the greater good." Panaji, June 1 : A court on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for failing to appear in a case involving a multi-crore-rupee sewerage scam. Kamat, who headed the Congress-led alliance government during 2007-2012, failed to appear before the North Goa District and Sessions Court on two previous occasions, despite summons being issued to him. Kamat, along with former Chief Minister Churchill Alemao and other government officials, has been accused of allegedly accepting a $976,630 bribe in 2010 from officials of the US-based Louis Berger consultancy firm to secure implementation rights of a multi-billion-dollar water and sewerage project in the state worth Rs 1,031 crore funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Top officials linked to the JICA project as well as senior Louis Berger employees have been arrested along with Alemao. Kamat has been charged with criminal conspiracy. The FIR was first filed after Louis Berger headquarters in the US, discovered during its internal audit that bribes had been paid to elected representatives and government officials in Goa for securing contracts. Islamabad, June 1 : Pakistan opposition parties burst into jeering and chanting slogans against the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during President Mamnoon Hussain's address to a joint session of Parliament's two houses on Thursday. The President, however, continued his address to the joint session, marking the fifth and last session of the current Parliament, amid the protest by the opposition. During his address, the President highlighted the achievements of the government in diverse sectors, including war against terrorism, law and order, economic challenges, power generation and agriculture. The speech was broadcast live. Besides members of the Senate, the National Assembly, all governors and chief ministers, the services chiefs also attended the Parliament session. The opposition, chanting "Go Nawaz Go" and "traitor", staged a walkout from Parliament. Talking to media outside the Parliament building, Leader of Opposition Khursheed Shah criticised the President's speech, saying he did not address the issues of national importance, including corruption. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on the President at the President's House in Islamabad, where both discussed matters related to country's internal and external security situation. The Prime Minister briefed President Mamnoon about the details of meeting of cabinet's National Security Committee held on Wednesday. New Delhi, June 1 : The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has decided to implement mandatory biometric system to register the attendance of private security guards at the premier hospital, said an official on Thursday. The decision was taken following the absence of several security guards from duty and many found in inebriated condition on several occasions while on duty. "We have already issued the order and the biometric attendance system for the security guards will be started soon. There is a need for transparency and accountability of the guards while on duty," a senior official, unwilling to be quoted, told IANS. AIIMS currently has over 1,400 private security guards deployed at the hospital. The hospital pays Rs 2.5 crore every year to Security and Intelligence Services (SIS) and Bombay Intelligence Security (BIS) -- both private security providers-- to ensure security on the AIIMS campus. AIIMS is a 2,400-bed hospital that records over 10,000 new patients every day. HUDSON, N.Y., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launches today bound for the International Space Station, they will be joined by 40 special mice, bred specifically for this mission by Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in genetically engineered mouse models and associated services. The project is a collaboration between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), BioServe, and NASA. For this mission, named Rodent Research-5, the Taconic mice support research lead by Dr. Chia Soo, professor of surgery at UCLA Schools of Dentistry, Engineering and Medicine. The study leverages the molecule NELL-1, a protein produced by the human body that is critical for normal bone growth and development. On June 1, 40 mice treated with NELL-1 will be launched to the International Space Station to test whether the presence of the molecule impedes the typical bone loss associated with microgravity. Reduced gravity in space accelerates the natural process of bone loss. The live mice will return to earth to undergo further evaluation by Dr. Soos team after their time in microgravity. The team hopes to use findings to develop therapies that prevent bone loss, and further grow and strengthen bone in humans. Taconic Biosciences history with the space program dates back to 1985, when the first Taconic mice went into space. More recently, we have supported rodent research missions with CASIS where rodents spent extended periods of time on the International Space Station. This helped scientists develop the initial understanding of the effects of microgravity on bone loss and muscle wasting, shared Dr. Gretchen Kusek, scientific program manager with Taconic. As managers of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, we are constantly working with researchers to break down barriers and unlock discoveries not possible through earth-based experimentation, said CASIS director of operations Ken Shields. Rodent research on the space station has the capacity to assist in novel understanding of bone density loss and muscle wasting, which could lead to enhanced drug development for us here on our planet. Taconic Biosciences has proven to be an invaluable collaborator in this important research and we look forward to working together on many future ISS National Laboratory missions. Taconic is a fully-licensed provider of rodent model generation services and has twenty years of model design experience. Taconics unique capability of providing a seamless transition from model design to breeding and colony management, offers customers a complete solution. These scientific services include acquiring or generating, importing, licensing, breeding, testing, preparing, and distributing genetically engineered models to any location worldwide as well as into space. To learn more about Taconic's custom model generation, please call 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, or +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email info@taconic.com. About Taconic Biosciences, Inc. Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic helps biotechnology companies and institutions acquire, custom generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, precision research mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world. New Delhi, June 1 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said an action plan under the non-performing assets (NPAs) ordinance relating to bad debts of banks was expected in the next few days in order to tackle the top 40-50 defaulters. "Reserve Bank of India (RBI) earlier under its rules was making efforts. Now, in the next few days, the action plan under the ordinance ... there maybe active work under it in next few days," Jaitley said at a media conference here on the completion of the NDA's three years in office. "There are no NPAs in Mudra (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) loans. NPAs are only for 40-50 big accounts," he added. On being asked if the government may write-off some of these bad loans, the Finance Minister said this was the prerogative of the bank under commercial prudence. "When an account becomes non-performing, once the resolution process is on, it is on banking considerations. What banks decide on commercial prudence is within the domain and rights of the banks," he said. The government earlier this month passed the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, that has allowed more power to the RBI to tackle the NPAs' issue. It has been empowered to issue directions to commercial banks to initiate insolvency proceedings for recovering bad loans. The NPAs, or bad loans, of state-run banks at the end of last September rose to Rs 6.3 lakh crore (almost $100 billion), as compared to Rs 5.5 lakh crore at the end of June 2016. The RBI had said it is working on a framework to facilitate an "objective and consistent" decision-making process for cases that may be referenced for resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. The apex bank has sought information on the current status of the large stressed assets from the banks. The RBI would also be constituting a committee comprising of majority of its independent board members to advise it in this matter. St Petersburg, June 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin headed the 18th India-Russia annual bilateral summit that got underway here on Thursday. "Intensifying the Spl & Privileged Strategic Partner'p. PM @narendramodi & Prez Putin @KkremlinRussia_E review entire gamut of bilateral coop'n," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted. Trade and economic reforms are likely to be the areas of focus during the discussions. Despite efforts to take bilateral trade to $10 billion, the figure has been hovering around $7 billion for various reasons. After the talks, Modi and Putin will be addressing a CEOs' forum. On Friday, Modi will for the first time attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a business event. The Prime Minister arrived here on Wednesday evening on the third leg of his four-nation European tour. From here he will go to France on the fourth and final leg of his tour and meet newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron for the first time. Before going to Russia, Modi visited Germany and Spain. Cardiff, June 1 : Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is not fretting over allegations that he defrauded the Spanish tax authorities of A15 million ($16.8 million), the star player has said. "I am very relaxed about it ... the truth is (I am) very, very relaxed. I know that these things can be resolved with the best decisions. So I am good. I can say from the depth of my heart, looking straight into the camera," Ronaldo, who will look to guide Real to a record Champions League win over Juventus on Saturday, was quoted as saying by ESPNFC on Wednesday. "When you do things well you can go to bed feeling relaxed. And I sleep well always, always. So I am good, and only thinking about the Champions League final," he added. No team has ever retained the elusive trophy and if defending champions Real do beat Juventus, they will become the first team to do so. Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, Ronaldo said his only focus was Saturday's Champions League final. Ronaldo though refused to blame the media. "I would not say badly treated, I would not put them all in the same bag. When they say things without knowing the truth, things that are not true, that annoys me. I could spend my whole life denying things," he said. Ronaldo, according to Spanish prosecutors, should face charges for avoiding the payment of taxes due on image rights income between 2011 and 2014. The union head at the tax authority claims the former Manchester United player could face jail time for deliberate evasion. New Delhi, June 1 : The CPI-M has urged the Modi government to immediately withdraw the "obnoxious" new cattle rules which it said were "a vicious attack on the right of choice of food and the livelihood of millions" of people. An editorial in the CPI-M journal "People's Democracy" said the May 25 amendment to the rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act would affect millions of farmers, cattle traders and butchers. As per this notification called Regulation on Livestock Markets Rules, 2017, a ban has been imposed on the sale of cattle for slaughter all across India. Cattle is defined as bulls, cows, bullocks, buffaloes, steers, heifers, calves and camels. Farmers who now take cattle to a cattle market for sale for slaughter will be liable for prosecution. By including buffaloes, their slaughter is also being illegalized, which is not against the law in most states, the editorial pointed out. "Through this blanket ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter, the Hindutvawadis want to stop a large section of people, particularly minorities and Dalits, from eating beef, which is a cheap source of protein and nutrition," it said. The editorial said the farmers would be the worst hit. "They will be unable to sell their unproductive cows, buffaloes or bullocks in the market. This will deprive them of the much needed money to buy new animals and will also compel them to abandon their old cattle which will become strays. "The beef-export industry worth Rs 26,685 crore will be badly hit, so also, the leather industry." The Communist Party of India-Marxist said that by smuggling in these rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the central government had encroached on the powers of the states. "This latest onslaught on food choice of citizens comes in the background of the systematic efforts being made to ban beef including buffalo meat, unleash cow vigilantes on minorities and those engaged in cattle trade. "What cannot be done, i.e. ban on slaughter of cattle legally at the national level, is sought to be done now in a surreptitious manner. "The Modi government should immediately withdraw the obnoxious parts of the notification." the editorial said. Gurugram, June 1 : President Pranab Mukherjee will visit Daula village in Gurugram on Friday to lay foundation stones for a government school and a driving institute. A senior official told IANS that the President will land by helicopter at Sohna stadium at 11.30 a.m. and head to Daula village. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy along with Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh will receive the President at the stadium. Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki will also be present. Daula is one of the five villages that was adopted by President for development. The President has adopted 100 villages (80 in Gurgaon and 20 in Mewat) to be developed as model villages. New Delhi, June 1 : The CBI on Thursday questioned Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain in connection with a money laundering probe initiated against him for allegedly turning black money into white during 2010-12 and 2015-16 using his companies and Kolkata-based data entry operators. Jain was questioned at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in south Delhi's Lodhi Road area. "Jain appeared before the investigating officer around 11 a.m following summons issued to him in connection with a money laundering inquiry," a CBI official told IANS. The CBI in April launched the probe against Jain and registered a preliminary inquiry against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who is known to be close to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The agency registered the preliminary inquiry against Jain based on the evidences it had collected against him in connection with money laundering totalling Rs 4.63 crore in 2015-16. He is accused of being involved in the crime through Kolkata-based companies Prayas Info Pvt Ltd, Akichand Developers and Mangalyatan Project Pvt Ltd. Jain is also accused of purported money laundering totalling Rs 11.78 crore in 2010-12 through these companies and Delhi-based Indo-Metal Index Pvt Ltd. It was alleged that the money was given in cash by Jain through his employees and public associates to Kolkata-based entry operators and shell companies Thereafter, the entry operators routed the black money in the form of investment in shares of Prayas Info Pvt Ltd, Akichand Developers, Mangalyatan Project Pvt Ltd and Indo-Metal Index Pvt Ltd -- all controlled by Jain, the CBI official said. "The shares were bought at a premium of 60 times the unit price." Jain had technically resigned from the directorship of the companies in view of the 2013 Delhi assembly election, the official said, adding the money received back in the form of investment in shares was used by him for purchasing agriculture land worth Rs 27.69 crore in Delhi in the name of companies controlled by him. It was also alleged that Jain used his power as minister to get the agricultural land declared as residential land by the Delhi government in order to gain huge financial benefits, the official added. The matter was referred to the CBI by the Income Tax Department against the new Benami Transactions Prohibitions Act. The IT Department in September 2016 summoned Jain for his alleged links with the firms which were under scanner over allegations of hawala transactions of nearly Rs 17 crore. Jain had earlier said he made investments in these companies as an investor four years back but had withdrawn himself from those since 2013 and that he had done nothing wrong. IT officials also found records of certain financial transactions connected to Jain after their counterparts in Kolkata searched a firm in connection with tax evasion and alleged illegal financial remittances. Shillong, June 1 : The Congress on Thursday accused the Modi government of destroying the secular fabric of India through its "3Ds model". "In three years of the BJP government, the government has come up with 3Ds - divide, destroy and distract. The model seeks to divide people on food, religion and language," Congress spokesman and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi told journalists here. "The cow politics has led to incidents of assault and lynching in public and people, including, students who eat beef are being beaten up instead providing two crore jobs to the youth as promised by the Prime Minister," he added. Gogoi described the new rule, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Market) Rules, 2017, as part the BJP's cow politics, which has affected cattle traders and led to a rise in cow vigilantism. He said: "They care more about big corporate than farmers. People suffered a lot during the demonetisation period especially small traders but the government distracts people's mind and hide its failures by spending public money on advertisements." Bengaluru, June 1 : Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara resigned on Thursday to continue as the ruling Congress' state unit president and lead the party in the next state legislative assembly elections, due by May 2018. "As directed by the party's high command, I have resigned from the cabinet to continue as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and prepare for the state assembly elections by next May," Parameshwara told reporters here. The party high command comprising President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday directed Parameshwara to resign as minister and devote his time and energy to brace the party for the elections. "I thank Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for asking me to continue as KPCC president and steer the party under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's leadership for the elections than being a minister," pointed out Parameshwara. A member of the State Legislative Council (MLC) since July 1, 2014, the 65-year-old Dalit leader joined the cabinet on October 30, 2015 and continued to head the party's state unit even after his six-year tenure ended in October 2016. "They (Sonia and Rahul) preferred me to continuing as the KPCC president than being a minister in the cabinet. We have taken up the upcoming elections seriously, as the whole country is watching Karnataka, the only southern state where the Congress is in power," asserted Parameshwara. All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi declared in New Delhi on Wednesday that the party would contest the next elections to the 225-member assembly under Siddaramaiah's leadership. A former minister in the previous Congress government (1999-2004), Parameshwara was elected KPCC president in October 2010 and contested in the 2013 assembly elections from the Koratagere assembly segment in Tumakuru district but lost to Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) nominee Sudhakra Lal. Tumakuru is about 70km from Bengaluru. "Though I was home minister for 19 months, I abolished the orderly system in the police department, recruited 23,000 constables and promoted 12,000 of them during my tenure," recalled Parameshwara. The high command also appointed party lawmaker S.R. Patil as the party's state unit working president and state Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar as chairman of the poll campaign committee. "The objective of these appointments is on par with the party's policy of inclusiveness. Congress wants to give an opportunity to all communities. The idea is to fight the ensuing elections to retain power again," added Parameshwara. St. Petersburg, June 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday termed late Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin as a "great friend" of India and announced that a road in New Delhi has been named after him. "A street in Delhi today (Thursday) has been named after Ambassador Kadakin, who was a great friend of India," Modi said while addressing a joint press event with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that Kadakin was a "glorious son of Russia and a great friend of India" and hailed his contribution to the India-Russia ties. Kadakin died in Delhi on January 26 this year after a brief illness. Serving as Russia's Ambassador to India since 2009 in his second stint, he was credited with playing a significant role in promotion of relations between the two countries. New Delhi, June 1 : Seven persons have been arrested and six guns and 34.25 kg ganja (marijuana) seized during a 19-hour special patrolling here, police said. Police conduced the patrolling from 4.00 a.m to 11.00 p.m in Seemapuri area of Shahdara in east Delhi on May 30 to keep a check on crime. "Police arrested two arms and drugs suppliers and recovered 34.25 kg of ganja, two automatic pistols, four live cartridges, a Polo car and Rs 50,000 in cash," Deputy Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said. The accused have been identified as Azim Qureshi of Uttar Pradesh and Feroz of Dehi. "During interrogation, accused Azim revealed that he is a drug peddler and has been involved in the supply of ganja for the past three years," Prasad said. Police said that the accused used to keep weapons with them to terrorise people to maintain their supremacy in the area. They used to purchase ganja for Rs 5,500 a kg and split it into 300 small packets and sold each for Rs 50, police said. CHICAGO, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASCO 2017 -- AntiCancer PDOX, Inc. announced today that it has reached its original Series A financing target and appointed its Board of Directors. AntiCancer PDOX is leveraging its life-saving PDOX mouse modeling technique to assist genetic researchers, pharmaceutical companies and academic laboratories as they undertake new drug discoveries for aggressive cancers. Photo available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75eed5b5-f48b-462c-814e-eddfe16f1a2b Our financing will enable us to continue to provide outstanding PDOX-based laboratory research and to expand our pre-clinical offerings to the worlds leading pharmaceutical and research organizations, said Peter Ellman, CEO of AntiCancer PDOX. The AntiCancer PDOX Board features world-renowned physicians and scientists from the UCLA and UCSD oncology departments along with some of Southern Californias most successful healthcare entrepreneurs and business minds. AntiCancer PDOX will debut its suite of pre-clinical oncology services at ASCO 2017, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, to be held June 2-6 at McCormick Place. The company will showcase the services in Booth #6026. THE PDOX TECHNIQUE All AntiCancer PDOX pre-clinical research services utilize PDOX. PDOX stands for Patient Derived Orthotopic Xenografts. It is based on a technique called Surgical Orthotopic Implantation, in which the patients tumor is surgically implanted in the corresponding location in the mouse the orthotopic or correct location. Studies show that PDOX provides the closest tumor behavior to the patient and is the only technique that reliably metastasizes. This makes PDOX the most clinically relevant PDX solution available. The PDOX process enables the concurrent testing of multiple drugs in multiple mice against metastasis, which is the lethal aspect of cancers, as well as against the primary tumor. This increases the accuracy, effectiveness and timeliness of treatment of the patients cancer. By transplanting growing tumors from mouse to mouse, AntiCancer PDOX also enables cancer patients to immortalize and cryo-preserve their tumors for future research. ABOUT ANTICANCER PDOX AntiCancer PDOX, Inc. was formed in 2016 as a spinout of AntiCancer, Inc. It is a specialized medical oncology diagnostic and translational science company, dedicated to bringing the PDOX precision medicine technology which targets aggressive cancers from the research laboratory to clinical practice. The company is now delivering customized contract services for in vivo drug evaluation, including developing cancer models, design of individual protocols, and execution of entire research programs. More than 600 drug discovery projects have already utilized the PDOX technique in contract research. In more than 500 peer-reviewed studies, PDOX has demonstrated an 80% success rate of tumor growth and approximately a three-month median interval to treatment recommendation. Injectable subcutaneous and orthotopic PDX solutions currently on the market offer less than a 50% success rate and more than six months to treatment, with models that do not enable metastasis. Kolkata, June 1 : In a fresh assault on the Narendra Modi government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the centre was planning to keep buffaloes out of the purview of its cattle slaughter ban order in the interest of "some people close to the BJP" involved in the meat trade. Addressing a public meeting in Tarakeshwar of Hooghly district, she also held the BJP responsible for cow vigilantism. "Now the centre is planning to allow slaughter of buffaloes. They are allowing it because some of their party men are close to those involved in the buffalo meat trade. So to protect these people, they are planning to exempt buffalo from the cattle slaughter ban list," she said. Banerjee charged the BJP with efforts to control "even people's food habits". "Who are they to decide what people will eat? Who are they to control people's dressing habits?" she asked. Washington, June 2 : Governor Jerry Brown of US' California state vowed on Thursday to resist President Donald Trump's withdrawal from Paris agreement on climate change. "California will resist this misguided and insane course of action," Xinhua quoted Brown as saying. "Trump is AWOL but California is on the field, ready for battle," Brown added. AWOL stands for Absent Without Official Leave, a term in the US military, meaning away from military duties without permission. Currently the sixth-largest economy in the world, California has advanced its nation-leading climate goals while also growing the economy, Brown noted. He added that in the last seven years, California has created 2.3 million new jobs, outpacing most of the US, cut its unemployment rate in half, eliminated a $27 billion budget deficit and has seen its credit rating rise to the highest in more than a decade. "Donald Trump has absolutely chosen the wrong course. He's wrong on the facts. America's economy is boosted by following the Paris Agreement. He's wrong on the science. Totally wrong," said Brown. Brown has been working to broaden collaboration among subnational leaders, under what is known as the Under2 MOU, a memorandum of understanding signed or endorsed by 170 jurisdictions around the world to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Representing 33 countries and six continents, the Under2 Coalition claims to represent more than 1.18 billion people and $27.5 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to 16 per cent of the global population and 37 per cent of the global economy. Brown is scheduled to start on Friday a travel to China to strengthen the Golden state's climate, clean energy and economic ties with the nation. Las Vegas, NV, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center today issued a news story for public release about a Kingman, Arizona patient account of unusual wound healing. The case involves Virginia Nixon, 72 who was transferred to Sunrise Hospitals Emergency Department (ED) in early January 2017 with grim odds for survival. That is because in addition to being severely septic and barely conscious, her inflamed, blistering right leg carried a deep and infected wound. It seemed her only hope would be amputation. As part of the hospitals advanced wound care protocol, a nurse in the ED collected an image of the wound and uploaded it to the electronic health system. Three hours later, when Nancy Estocado, program supervisor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, arrived at work, the photograph caught her trained eyes. She immediately suspected Nixon had necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria. She called the Advanced Wound Care Team, a first of its kind, to the ED. During the early days of Nixons 111-day stay, a multi-disciplinary team would wage war against a disease only one person in one thousand could survive. For religious reasons, surgery was not an option for Virginia Nixon. For four months, teamwork stayed Virginias death sentence from flesh-eating disease and other acute medical conditions. Key points in the video news release include: How the Advanced Wound Care Team which includes Medical Director Neri Blanco, MD and a host of nurses and therapists on the front lines of wound healing - leveraged communication and teamwork to save their patients limb. How a game-changing clinical tool invented by Sunrise Hospitals own Wound Care Team supervisor, Nancy Estocado, called NE1 held the key to Virginia Nixons survival. Why Virginia Nixon would not give up the fight to regain her quality of life. Media may view the VNR here. B-roll, soundbites and storyline are available upon request. ### About Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center: As Nevadas largest acute care facility and Level II Trauma Center, Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center offers high quality, patient-centered healthcare to the residents of Southern Nevada, its surrounding region, and the millions of visitors that come to Las Vegas. The Heart Center at Sunrise offers the most advanced cardiac care and features an Accredited Chest Pain Center. The Nevada Neurosciences Institute the regions most comprehensive Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center provides world-class care for stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. The Breast Center at Sunrise Hospital is the only NAPBC Accredited Breast Center in Southern Nevada. Located on the same campus is Sunrise Childrens Hospital, Nevadas largest, most comprehensive childrens hospital. For more information on Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, visit sunrisehospital.com, follow on Twitter @SunriseLasVegas and facebook.com/SunriseHospital. Attachments: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76ff5601-9323-4e6f-908e-f3f9976d41b4 Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5f07f99-9496-46e1-82a7-f55d53956f5b Nimblify Inc., a clinical trials technology company, helped announce the winners of the MAGI Award for Excellence in Site Payments at MAGI's Clinical Research Conference on May 22, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA. Nimblify partnered with MAGI to perform an analysis on the state of the industry as it relates to site payments and to honor and recognize sponsors and CROs that pay sites promptly. Site customers of Nimblifys parent company, Forte Research Systems, contributed data for hundreds of studies across 142 sponsors and CROs with nearly 32,000 payment records. Dr. Wendy Tate, Director of Data Analytics at Nimblify, curated and analyzed the data to identify trends and averages in timeliness of payments made to sites. Nimblify Founder & CEO, Shree Kalluri, presented the awards to the sponsors in attendance during the opening of the conference. Here are the sponsors recognized for the inaugural awards: Winner, Fastest in 2016: Sunovion Winner, Most Consistent Over Time: Eisai Runner-Up, Most Consistent Over Time: AstraZeneca "AstraZeneca is very excited to have been recognized as a runner-up in the MAGI Award for Excellence in Site Payments. Timely payments to our investigator sites is really important to us and were constantly looking for opportunities to improve. My congratulations to the AstraZeneca US team!" said Doug Schantz, Executive Director, Clinical Operations of AstraZeneca. MAGI and Nimblify also recognized study sponsors, Amgen and AbbVie, with honorable mentions for paying sites within a median average of under 90 days consistently over the last several years. Additionally, the following sponsors paid sites in under 90 days in 2016: Sunovion, Tenax Therapeutics, Amgen, Indivior Inc., Lannett Company, Inc., Pfizer, Eisai Inc., Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Electrochemical Oxygen Concepts, Inc., Gilead Sciences, LEO Pharma, AbbVie, Boston Scientific Corporation, AtriCure, Inc., and Novo Nordisk A/S. Other sponsors might also meet this standard as the database expands to support a broader analysis. Norman M. Goldfarb, MAGI Chairman, said, Many clinical research sites cannot afford to finance the cost of conducting clinical studies for the monthsoften many monthsthat it takes to collect payment from most study sponsors and CROs. With this award, we recognize the sponsors that pay the quickest. When sites choose which studies to conduct, they will now know which sponsors they can count on to pay promptly. Additionally, Laura Hilty, Vice President of Product Management at Nimblify shared the results of the analysis on the state of the industry at MAGI on Tuesday, May 23 during the presentation, Sponsor Payments to Sites: How Long Does it Really Take? Slow and late payments can be devastating to sites and to the study as a whole. This new data on payment collection timelines has helped establish a baseline to motivate both parties to start having conversations on how they can improve the process. More information about the rationale and methodology behind the award is available at http://www.firstclinical.com/journal/2017/1706_Award.pdf. For more information, please contact Nimblify. About Nimblify Nimblify, Inc. is a clinical trials technology company dedicated to improving trial outcomes by connecting stakeholders in clinical research in innovative ways. Nimblify created Participant Payments, a patient-centric payment system, and hosts Site Benchmarks, a free award-winning metrics and comparative analytics tool for sites. Nimblify also collaboratively and continuously develops Research Insights, a cloud-based analytics platform with actionable information, and hosts the Nimblify Marketplace, which provides business operations solutions for sites to save time, reduce costs and ensure quality. Spun out of Forte Research Systems in August 2015, Nimblify is a privately held company and is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. About MAGI Model Agreements & Guidelines International (MAGI) is streamlining clinical research by standardizing best practices for clinical operations, business and regulatory compliance. Our 10,000+ members represent most of the major players in the industry. For more information, contact Norman M. Goldfarb, Chairman, at 1.650.465.0119 or ngoldfarb(at)magiworld(dot)org. Colorado Springs ranked as the most affordable Front Range city with average two bedroom rent prices at $1,031. TurboTenant, a rapidly growing technology startup company, recently conducted a study spanning major cities across the Front Range to determine the most affordable and attractive options. The five cities selected have at least 150,000 residents and were chosen based upon average rent for two bedroom homes paired with the livability of each location. The study included information about the cities amenities, accessibility, and tips for renting in the area. The top five cities that made the list include Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Colorado Springs and were picked using data blending, market research, and rental pricing software. Colorado Springs ranked as the most affordable Front Range city with average two bedroom rent prices at $1,031 with a 4 percent increase in cost over the past 36 months. The city has a walkability score of 35, transit score of 18, and a bike score of 46. The full article and other city statistics can be viewed on TurboTenants blog at http://bit.ly/2qekabi. About TurboTenant (https://www.turbotenant.com/): TurboTenant helps independent landlords improve the investment performance of their properties by offering them online tools that previously were only available to large property management companies. These features include online rental applications, tenant credit and background reports, property listings and automated marketing, and online rent payments. All of TurboTenants features are free for landlords. Kevin Hyde (left) and Jason Moss (right) The GaManufacturingJobs.com website will be a huge help to the manufacturers across the state. The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is pleased to announce the creation of an online Job Board that will assist manufacturers in finding potential employees that have an interest in careers in the manufacturing community. The open positions will span all categories from engineering, production, warehousing, and logistics to needs in HR, finance, and executive level management. This resource can be found online at (GaManufacturingJobs.com, GeorgiaManufacturingJobs.com, GaMfgJobs.com). The GaManufacturingJobs.com website was pre-launched on May 15th to a select group of GMA members who have already loaded a variety of open positions. This base of job opportunities is expected to expand rapidly as the promotion of the site spreads across the manufacturing community. It will be promoted throughout Georgia via press releases, advertising, and social media channels. As we travel around the state touring manufacturing facilities, we hear a recurring concern in finding qualified candidates to fill the open positions they have, said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. Manufacturers are experiencing a shortage of candidates who are ready, willing and able to work in the manufacturing industry. The GaManufacturingJobs.com website is less than half the price of other job boards and is specifically designed to help manufacturers attract the top talent across the state. Manufacturers can post a standard 30-day job listing for $97 and Georgia Manufacturing Alliance members receive a 50% discount. Job seekers can post their resumes publicly for all employers to see or they can store their resume in a private mode to be sent only when applying for a specific job. The GaManufacturingJobs.com website will be a huge help to the manufacturers across the state, said Kevin Hyde, Director of Manufacturing at MTI Baths in Sugar Hill, GA. We have over 250 employees on site and when we found out the Georgia Manufacturing Job Board was available, we immediately posted job openings that we need to fill immediately. About the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance: The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA) is a membership-based industry organization founded in 2008 to support Georgias manufacturing community. GMA provides monthly plant tours, educational sessions, tradeshows, and unique networking opportunities designed to help make profitable business connections for its members. The Georgia Manufacturing Directory, Georgia Manufacturing Summit, Georgia Manufacturing Calendar, are additional resources produced by GMA. To learn more about the organization, membership, and upcoming events, please call 770-338-0051 or visit their website http://www.GeorgiaManufacturingAlliance.com . CEO & Founder of Brandetize, Eric Berman, with Client and Co-Creator of The Chicken Soup for the Soul Series, Jack Canfield Brandetize, the digital marketing team behind Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield, and Phil Towns successful online marketing announced earlier this year they are going to host a live, 5-day workshop on-site at their San Diego headquarters. The Brandetize Live Academy Workshop will include experts from every area of digital marketing to reveal cutting-edge techniques, strategies, and tactics that are proven to grow companies into multi-million dollar brands. The curriculum will include content marketing and copywriting, social media, paid advertising, affiliate marketing, search engine optimization, web design, email marketing, CRO, customer service, and more. Designed for entrepreneurs, marketers, business owners, authors and speakers, the goal of Brandetize Live Academy is to equip individuals looking to master digital marketing, grow their online following, and ultimately increase their bottom line with the tools they need without the hassle or expenses of hiring a digital agency or consultants. Unlike other marketing workshops, participants will receive customized training pertaining to their particular business goals. Brandetize marketing experts will help individuals create an extensive playbook, blueprints, and marketing materials they can immediately implement after the workshop. We want to help as many people as possible, but we cant partner with everyone, states Eric Berman, CEO of Brandetize. So we decided to teach the strategies and tactics we use every day in a condensed, easy-to-learn workshop course. Were giving everyone one-on-one access to the same team behind some of the biggest names out there. There is no doubt people will find this information valuable to their business, no matter how big or small. Over the past 10 years, Brandetize has partnered with some of the biggest brands to help market and monetize their business. They take a fully-integrated approach to marketing and sales, focusing on growing your audience and, ultimately, your profits across a variety of mediums. Brandetize started off managing personal development and success expert, Brian Tracys digital marketing over 10 years ago. Soon after, the team added Founder of Rule #1 Investing, Phil Town, as well as author of The Success Principles and co-creator of The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Jack Canfield, as business partners, handling all aspects of marketing, sales, and technology. The 5-Day interactive workshop is limited to only 10 companies who have a desire to build their brand and increase their revenue, and are vetted through an application process. To learn more about the workshop and to apply, visit: http://brandetize.com/live-digital-marketing-workshop/. About Brandetize Brandetize is a team of digital marketing experts headquartered in San Diego, CA that serves as a partner for brands and entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach and monetize their business. For over 10 years, the team has managed and partnered with successful brands across a wide variety of industries, including Brian Tracy International, Jack Canfield Training Group, and Rule #1 Investing. To learn more about Brandetize and its services, visit brandetize.com. Planning that big summer or holiday family vacation? Skip the internet research and call the kids instead. HomeAway, the world leader in vacation rentals, and FamilyFun magazine announced today the findings of their 2017 Kidpinion Travel Survey and found that when it comes to trip planning, kids wield tremendous power. Eighty-seven percent of parents surveyed in the US said their kids play a role in vacation planning, and 13 percent said their kids actually make the final decision. This one-of-a-kind travel survey asks hundreds of parents and kids from across the country about their family vacation planning and habits: who calls the shots, where to go, whom to travel with and what type of accommodation to stay in. Among the surveys key findings: Experiences matter more than materials things. 43 percent of kid respondents said they would prefer to go on vacation rather than receive a physical gift for their next birthday (38 percent). 46 percent of kids said seeing a new place or trying new things is their favorite part of vacationing. Peer pressure persuades when it comes to vacations...in a good way. The number-one influence on kids is their friends (37 percent), besting celebrities, Instagram, TV and movies. From palm trees to poolside retreats, kids and parents have the same vacation vision. Given the choice, 36 percent of parents and about the same percentage of kids (38 percent) would choose to stay at a vacation rental over any other type of accommodation. That makes sense because more than half (63 percent) of the adults said having enough beds for everyone is a priority, and kids ranked having their own room as their No. 2 priority in vacation stay amenities (18 percent). Both parents and kids ranked a private island, castle and treehouse as their top three choices among unique places to stay. 77 percent of parents said a pool is important to them. Similarly, a pool was kids highest ranking vacation amenity (36 percent). Kids want to branch out along the family tree...but Fido reigns supreme. Nearly one-third of kids would include their pet (32 percent), their cousins (32 percent) or their grandparents (29 percent) on their ideal family vacation. Over half (54 percent) would also like to invite friends. People always ask adults their opinion, but whats really cool about including kids in the research is that we found making memories is just as important to them as it is to their parents, said Melanie Fish, HomeAways family travel expert. Young people value experiences over stuff, and families are planning vacations together. Vacations are where new family legends are born, and when kids are involved in the planning from the beginning, you lay the groundwork for memories that will last a lifetime, said Elizabeth Shaw, FamilyFuns editor-in-chief. For parents and kids looking to plan their next vacation, whether in a treehouse, castle or more traditional vacation rental, visit http://www.homeaway.com. Survey Methodology YouGov, on behalf of HomeAway and FamilyFun magazine, conducted an online survey of 555 kids (ages six to 18) and their parents based in the U.S., respondents had a household income of $50K + and had all previously been on a family holiday. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Fieldwork was undertaken in April, 2017. ### About FamilyFun Magazine Reaching an audience of more than 4.6 million, FamilyFun magazine gives parents ideas and inspiration needed to create unforgettable family moments. Part of Meredith Corporations Parents Network of brands, FamilyFun is a trusted expert on family cooking, vacations, celebrations, play, creative projects, and learning the full spectrum of fun that enriches the precious time families share. Written for parents with children 3 to 12, FamilyFun is unique in the marketplace, delivering real ideas for and from real families. About HomeAway HomeAwaybased in Austin, Texasis the world leader in vacation rentals with sites representing more than 1.2 million online bookable vacation rental homes in 190 countries, and is a part of the Expedia, Inc. family of brands. Through HomeAway, owners and property managers offer an extensive selection of vacation homes that provide travelers with memorable experiences and benefits, including more room to relax and added privacy, for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodations. The company also makes it easy for vacation rental owners and property managers to advertise their properties and manage bookings online. The HomeAway portfolio includes the leading vacation rental websites HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, and VacationRentals.com in the United States; HomeAway.co.uk and OwnersDirect.co.uk in the United Kingdom; HomeAway.de in Germany; Abritel.fr and Homelidays.com in France; HomeAway.es and Toprural.es in Spain; AlugueTemporada.com.br in Brazil; HomeAway.com.au and Stayz.com.au in Australia; Bookabach.co.nz in New Zealand; and Asia Pacific short-term rental site, travelmob.com. The company also operates BedandBreakfast.com, the most comprehensive global site for finding bed-and-breakfast properties, providing travelers with another source for unique lodging alternatives to chain hotels. For more information about HomeAway, please visit http://www.homeaway.com. 2017 HomeAway. All rights reserved. HomeAway and the HomeAway logo are trademarks of HomeAway. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. YASH Technologies, a leading application, and infrastructure management services organization, today announced that it had completed the implementation of an analytics dashboard for BeavEx Incorporateds customer visibility portal, leveraging the latest data analytics techniques. Atlanta headquartered BeavEx Incorporated is the leading provider of same-day local delivery service across the US. Eric Kierstead, CIO at BeavEx Incorporated, stated, Providing an interactive analytics dashboard is an important milestone in our quest to continually improve our online customer experience. YASH worked collaboratively with us in architecting, visualizing, and building these dashboards. Its a first in final mile logistics, a real game changer. The BeavEx customer visibility portal provides business critical information to its customers in real time. In its quest to provide market leading insights to its customers, BeavEx decided to incorporate a business KPI driven strategic analytics dashboard into their portal. YASH Technologies business analytics consulting team worked closely with BeavExs technology team to architect a solution that would meet current and future needs, while fostering continuous innovation. The solution involved extracting information using YASHs metadata driven ETL framework, building an analytical logistics data store on SQL Server 2016, and implementing/integrating Microsoft Power BI Embedded. Commenting on the successful implementation, Tushar Srivastava, Director Southeast Regional Business Unit, YASH Technologies, said, We are happy to partner with BeavEx in their key business initiative to deepen customer intimacy. Combining our domain and technology expertise, we architected and implemented a scalable and sophisticated data analytics solution inline with BeavExs requirements. We look forward to continue co-innovating with them. About BeavEx Incorporated BeavEx Incorporated, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading national, non-asset based provider of local route-based, same-day delivery and logistics services. Their services include picking up and delivering mission critical packages for financial services, pharmaceutical, retail/distribution, clinical lab and critical parts customers across the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.beavex.com About YASH Technologies YASH Technologies focuses on enabling its customers to succeed and drive IT Business Transformation. As a leading technology service and outsourcing partner for large and fast growing global customers, the company leverages technology and flexible business models to enable innovation and business value throughout its customers enterprise. YASH customer centric engagement and managed services delivery framework integrate specialized domain and consulting capabilities with proprietary methodologies and solution offerings to provision application, infrastructure and end-user focused Right-Sourcing services. Headquartered in the U.S, with delivery and sales centers globally, YASH serves its customers across six continents. YASH is a SEI CMMI (Level 3) and an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization. For more information about YASH Technologies, please visit http://www.yash.com or email info(at)yash(dot)com Since the Blavatnik Awards were established, so many of our Laureates and Finalists have continued to make groundbreaking discoveries and become leaders in their respective fields. The Blavatnik Family Foundation and the New York Academy of Sciences today announced the Finalists for the 2017 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists. From a pool of 308 nominees the most promising scientific researchers aged 42 years and younger at Americas top academic and research institutions the 30 Finalists will now compete for the largest unrestricted awards of their kind for early career scientists and engineers. Ultimately, three winners will be selected based on their extraordinary accomplishments and their promise for the future. The full list of 2017 National Finalists and brief summaries of their work can be found on the Blavatnik Awards website: http://blavatnikawards.org/honorees/national-finalists/ Since the Blavatnik Awards were established, so many of our Laureates and Finalists have continued to make groundbreaking discoveries and become leaders in their respective fields, said Len Blavatnik, Founder and Chairman of Access Industries, head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and an Academy Board Governor. Indeed, in the last year alone, four former Blavatnik awardees were named members of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. Previous honorees have gone on to drive on-the-ground efforts against infectious diseases like Zika and Ebola, discover new exoplanets and observe gravitational waves, and be recognized with other high honors including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the Breakthrough Prize. Just imagine how hard it would be for Americas leading universities and national laboratories to choose the single most promising young researcher in each of these fields, said Ellis Rubinstein, President and CEO of the Academy and Chair of the Science Advisory Council. So identifying the 30 Finalists not to mention the eventual winners is, for our renowned judges, as challenging as naming Nobel Prize winners. Said Blavatnik: We look forward to learning of the directions that the pioneering work of the 2017 National Finalists will take in the coming years. I want to especially thank our advisors and judges, who themselves include 8 Nobel Laureates, 17 National Medal of Science recipients, and 36 National Academy of Sciences members, for their devotion and judgment. The annual Blavatnik Awards, established in 2007 by the Blavatnik Family Foundation and administered by the New York Academy of Sciences, recognize exceptional young researchers who will drive the next generation of innovation by answering todays most complex and intriguing scientific questions. The Awards program has expanded significantly since it launched 10 years ago with prizes for young scientists in the greater New York region. With this years addition of the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the United Kingdom and in Israel, there are now regional, national and international Blavatnik young scientist honors. The international awards were launched in the same year that the Academy celebrates its 200th anniversary. 2017: A Year of Diverse Research Directions The development of extraordinary new technologies for genome editing, optogenetics (the use of light to control living cells) and the rapid creation of peptides (small chains of amino acids) for therapeutic compounds are just a few examples of the cutting edge research being conducted by the 2017 National Finalists in Life Sciences. They are also working on energy conversion in bacterial nanowires (tendrils extending from bacteria that conduct electricity) and the biomechanics of tissue morphogenesis (a biological process that shapes organs); uncovering fundamental mechanisms governing gene expression and regulation; and combining unique computational approaches to study the evolution of infectious disease transmission, cancer dynamics, and genomes. The 2017 National Finalists in Chemistry are performing revolutionary research including the development of a novel methodology to create biodegradable materials that have been integral to developing new limb-sparing surgical techniques; synthesis and application of functional nanomaterials; RNA-based drug discovery; creating novel imaging techniques by repurposing the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system; developing assays to probe the toxicity of nanoparticles in physiological and ecological systems; synthesis and application of macromolecules (molecules composed of hundreds of thousands of atoms) in regenerative medicine; and elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which microbiota (an ecological community of various microorganisms found in all multicellular organisms) can influence their host. Uncovering the origins of the Earth and growth of planets and solving the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter are just two of the fascinating areas of focus for the 2017 National Finalists in Physical Sciences & Engineering. The Finalists are also creating technologies that revolutionize electronics and energy storage; developing the science of social and information networks; exploring novel methods to grow, analyze and manipulate nanomaterials; and engineering metamaterials (materials that have properties not found in nature) that interact with electromagnetic and sound waves in unusual ways. The National Laureates and Finalists will be honored at an annual awards ceremony on September 25, 2017, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. On July 17 and 18, 2017, the Academy and the Blavatnik Family Foundation will host the fourth annual Blavatnik Science Symposium featuring research of the 2017 National Finalists and Blavatnik Awards honorees from previous years. The event will also include members of the Blavatnik Awards National Jury and Scientific Advisory Council, as well as other scientific luminaries. To follow the progress of the Blavatnik Awards, please visit the Awards website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@BlavatnikAwards). For media requests, please contact Dennis Tartaglia (dtartaglia(at)tartagliacommunications.com; 732-545-1848). ### About the Blavatnik Family Foundation The Blavatnik Family Foundation is an active supporter of leading educational, scientific, cultural, and charitable institutions in the United States, Europe, and throughout the world. The Foundation is headed by Len Blavatnik, an American industrialist and philanthropist. Mr. Blavatnik is the founder and Chairman of Access Industries, a privately-held U.S. industrial group with global interests in natural resources and chemicals, media and telecommunications, real estate, technology, and e-commerce. For more detailed information, please visit: http://www.accessindustries.com. About the New York Academy of Sciences The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been driving innovative solutions to societys challenges by advancing scientific research, education, and policy. With more than 20,000 Members in 100 countries, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. Please visit us online at http://www.nyas.org and follow us on Twitter at @NYASciences. When BathWraps first opened its doors for business 20 years ago, it set out on a mission to transform peoples homes. It started with the realization that consumers were constantly searching for simple solutions to replace outdated or damaged bathroom wetspace. Recognizing that demand for its one-day transformation services was only continuing to climb, even during the housing market crash when many companies suffered, BathWrapsoriginally Liners Directhas since leveraged its position as a recession-proof expert acrylic manufacturer to cater to customers needs. Now, with its two decades of professional experience and innovation, paired with an exciting new partnership with Jacuzzi, BathWraps is perfectly poised for its strongest year yet. After going by BathWraps by Liners Direct for the last five years, the brand decided to drop its original Liners Direct name completely to make room for a massive rebrand focused on manufacturing and installing custom showers and bathtubs. To better direct its rebranding, BathWraps did extensive research with its dealer and customer networkincluding those who opted not to buy their products. Using that feedback as fuel, the brand redesigned its image and boosted its digital footprint between July of 2016 and January of 2017. Updating our branding and finding new ways to acquire new partnerships with dealers nationwide has been a natural next step for our brand. Because our internal business had already evolved to stay ahead of the latest industry trends, we wanted to accurately represent ourselves externally to both our customers and our dealers, said Dave Azer, director of marketing for BathWraps. To say that this reimaging has been a success would be an understatement. Theres been a significant spike in activity in the first quarter of 2017 alone, and were eager to leverage our new brand positioning to further our development efforts in the months and years ahead. Moving into the second quarter of 2017 and beyond, BathWraps is focused on expanding its network of local dealers. Right now, the brand works with more than 120 independent business owners who typically operate within other segments of the one-day installation home improvement industry, including window, siding and sunroom companies and contractors. And theres no upfront cost or agreement required for dealersBathWraps instead provides them with the opportunity to add this service to their existing businesses as another revenue stream that fits seamlessly within their current business model. Teaming up with BathWraps gives dealers the ability to become an exclusive supplier of its products in a specific territory, allowing them to offer their customers 100 percent virgin durable acrylic thats available in a wide range of colors, with the option to add accessories to complete a bathrooms transformation. That commitment to quality then extends to the brands lifetime guarantee that covers the product for the life of a clients house. By partnering with BathWraps, these dealers also gain access to a support team that guides them through the brands products and services. The brand boasts the best dealer support system in the industry, and gives its partners access to an in-home sales app designed to determine the best product for every individual client. Every installer is also factory-certified and kept up to date on the latest trends through ongoing training and marketing support, with BathWraps oftentimes accompanying its dealers on their first installation to ensure that it goes well. BathWraps is currently engaged in successful relationships with major dealers and contractors across the country, yet there is still a high demand for BathWraps products in communities across the U.S. Now, the brand is looking to build on its strong foundation by expanding even further into key states in 2017 including New York, Mississippi, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota and Washington. We pride ourselves on partnering exclusively with outstanding quality dealers, and were looking forward to expanding our reach in the months ahead with contractors who pride themselves on the same quality of work as BathWraps provides, said Eileen King, senior marketing manager of BathWraps. The BathWraps brand now features additional products too, and were excited to show more dealers how we can help them expand their businesses and boost their bottom lines. One of those new products comes from BathWraps new partnership with Jacuzzi, enabling the brand to distribute walk-in bathtubs made by the original inventor of the popular hydromassage bathtub. The strategic partnership stands out to prospective dealers and home improvement-centric business owners who are looking for new ways to diversify their portfolios and tap into an additional revenue stream. Theres no doubt that this is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the BathWraps brand. From our new partnership with the nationally recognized Jacuzzi brand to our ongoing efforts to grow in new communities, weve once again found ourselves on the cutting edge of the custom bath and shower manufacturing industries, said Jeff Conner, owner of BathWraps. Were looking forward to working with more dealers to bring the best possible products and services to customers and business owners across the country. Our number one priority remains helping customers transform their homes, and were confident that these new initiatives will allow us to do this on a larger scale. About BathWraps: Backed by 20 years of experience transforming peoples homes, BathWraps is a leading force in the bathtub and shower manufacturing industries. Originally founded as Liners Direct in 1997, the brand creates and installs custom fixtures that are long lasting, easy to maintain, safe to use and simple to install. Its commitment to quality and innovation in the segment stand out among consumers and dealers alike, fueling BathWraps ongoing expansion initiatives. With a network of 120-plus dealers currently operating across the country, the brand plans to continue growing in key communities across the country throughout 2017. For more information on BathWraps services and to inquire about becoming a dealer, please visit https://www.bathwraps.com/. mins Integrated Marketing Campaigns of the Year Awards honors outstanding initiatives by publishers, agencies, and media brands. Entrants can submit workwhether in marketing, advertising, or public relationsacross different vertical markets. The early deadline to enter this program is Thursday, June 15 with a final deadline of Thursday, June 22. More Information Integrated Marketing Campaigns Will Be Recognized in the Following Categories: Alcoholic Beverages Apparel and Accessories Automotive Beauty and Cosmetics Drugs and Remedies Food and Beverage Finance, Insurance and Real Estate General Retail Home and Household Products Technology Telecom Travel and Transportation Special Recognition Categories Include: Best Overall Experiential Campaign Best Overall Mobile Campaign Best Overall Social Media Campaign Bootstrap Budget Buster (Small Budget, Big Results) WOW! Award (Best Overall Campaign) Year Over Year Award (Generated Largest YOY Growth) For more information, visit http://www.minonline.com/campaigns-of-the-year-awards-2017/. For questions about mins Integrated Marketing Campaigns of the Year Awards, contact Zoe Silverman at zsilverman(at)accessintel(dot)com or 301-354-1662. For sponsorship information, contact Tania Babiuk at tbabiuk(at)accessintel(dot)com or 203-899-8498. About min: As magazine media evolves at a breakneck pace, min continues to be a trusted, one-stop resource for the mass-consumer magazine media industry. For more than 70 years, min has been serving its community with unparalleled content, events and awards programs that spotlight successes and innovations within the community and the wonderful teams behind them. YUBA CITY, Calif., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- River Valley Community Bank (OTC Markets:RVVY) headquartered in Yuba City, California announced the retirement of Axel Karlshoej from its Board of Directors. Mr. Karlshoej has served on the Banks Board since it was formed in June, 2006. Filling the position to be vacated by Mr. Karlshoej, the Bank also announced the appointment of Lawrence Raber to its Board of Directors. Both changes are effective June 1, 2017. Mr. Raber is a retired Partner with Crowe Horwath LLP where he recently concluded his 40 year career providing audit and advisory services to clients in the Banking industry. Steve Danna, Chairman, commented, On behalf of our Board and management team, we thank Axel for his outstanding service to the Bank over the past eleven years. His knowledge, insight, and engagement have had a very positive impact on our Banks development, and his contributions are very much appreciated by the Board. While we have been very fortunate to have Axel serve on our Board, we are equally fortunate to have someone with Larrys professional experience joining our Board. We have had the pleasure of working with Larry over the past ten years, where we have developed a strong relationship and respect for his knowledge and expertise. Now as a member of our Board of Directors, Larrys knowledge of the banking industry will be especially important in supporting our ongoing growth, Danna concluded. Axel Karlshoej commented, Its been very satisfying to see this Bank grow as it has over the past 11 years, and it has been a pleasure being a part of this team. While I am retiring from the Board, I look forward to continuing my support for the Banks continued growth, and Im confident that Larrys addition to the Board will help take the Bank to the next level. River Valley Community Bank is rated "5-Star Superior" by Bauer Financial and has an A rating from DepositAccounts.com. The Bank serves its customer base through its offices located at: 1629 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City, CA 426 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA The Bank offers a full suite of competitive products, services, and banking technology. For more information please visit our website at: www.myrvcb.com or contact John M. Jelavich at 530-821-2469. Forward Looking Statements: This document may contain comments and information that constitute forwardlooking statements. Forwardlooking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forwardlooking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Bank does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forwardlooking statements are made. This year, we are reinvesting in our equipment to support growth in all of our markets. Placon, a leading North American plastic packaging company, is expanding production capacity to meet growing customer demands. Placon has a long history of working side-by-side with our customers to provide innovative packaging solutions, said Dan Mohs, Placons Chairman and CEO. We are very proud of the Placon team as they have worked so diligently to serve our existing and prospective customers. This year, we are reinvesting in our equipment to support growth in all of our markets. Placon has added four additional production lines in recent months and has plans to add at least four more in the months ahead. Additionally, Placon is hiring up to 130 employees over the course of the year to support strategic growth. Committed to environmentally responsible plastics, Placon will continue to focus on innovation and sustainability throughout its additional capacity growth. Placon is leading the industry with a closed-loop process of reusing post-consumer recycled PET bottles and thermoforms onsite. Our commitment to sustainability will remain a top priority through our future growth plans, said Mohs. These capacity investments will expand Placons operational depth and flexibility, keeping the focus on the needs and demands of our customers now and into the future, said Jeff Lucash, Vice President of Sales. Mohs added, Our vision is to be the first choice packaging partner for innovative design, collaboration and customer service. Plans are already underway for an additional production facility to broaden our strategic footprint and better serve our customer base. We will continue to provide our customers better product differentiation, protection and accessibility, and are committed to future growth and sustainability. ABOUT PLACON For over 50 years, Placon has been a leading designer and manufacturer of custom and stock plastic packaging, producing innovative retail packaging, quality thermoformed and injection molded food packaging, and protective packaging for medical devices. Placon has manufacturing operations in Madison, WI; West Springfield, MA; Elkhart, IN; and Plymouth, MN, and is currently ranked 17 in Plastics News 2016 Thermoformers Ranking. Placon delivers packaging breakthroughs that inspire better engagement between people and products. For more information, visit http://www.placon.com. CannaCon Boston Cannabis B2B Trade Show CannaCon, the nations preeminent cannabis industry convention, is gearing up for its biggest and best event to date. CannaCon 2017 Boston will be hosted over three days, from July 13th - 15th in Bostons historic Back Bay district at the Hynes Convention Center. As a marketplace for cannabis-related education, innovative products, and businesses, the three-day conference provides an ideal platform for businesses and consumers. Anyone interested in the business of cannabisfrom cannabis industry neophytes to seasoned industry professionalswill find plenty of learning and networking opportunities at CannaCon Boston. The schedule is jam-packed with a diverse group of speakers and events. Were excited for CannaCon Boston, our most exciting and fun event to date, said Bob Smart, founder of CannaCon. While adult-useor recreationalcannabis is legal in Massachusetts, CannaCon is serious about the business of cannabis. Were a cannabis convention without the cannabis. And, our goal is to bring together the best and the brightest of the industry for three days of immersive learning and networking. Attendees Can Choose One of Three Pathways Seminars are organized around three key points of focus or pathways: Growers: Growers and cultivators can learn the basics of plant production and yield management with acknowledged industry leaders, or dive deep and get granular with seminars on topics like the practical use of microbes in cannabis cultivation. Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs can learn about specific productssuch as the explosively growing field of topical creams and oilsor take a step back and learn about higher-order business and marketing concepts. Researchers: Scientists will find plenty of food for thought, whether its sharing in the wealth of new cannabis research now becoming available or exploring specific topics such as safety testing, 3rd-party certification and more. Conference Highlights One of the most-anticipated events, the InCannaVest Investor Pitch Boston 2017, makes its CannaCon debut on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, from 2:45pm EST - 3:45pm EST. A Modeled on the popular reality show, its a chance for cannabis entrepreneurs to meet venture capitalists and pitch their cannabis-centric products and services. CannaCon Boston will also concurrently host two events with Clover Leaf University: Open a Cannabis Business Workshop: Thursday, July 13th, 2017, 11:00am EST - 6:00pm EST. CLUs one-day course will teach attendees everything they need to know about joining Americas fastest growing industry. The cost $299, and attendees can register at Clover Leaf University. CannaCon Clover Leaf University Job Fair: Saturday, July 15th, 2017, 11:00am EST - 6:00pm EST. Job seekers can register for free online at Clover Leaf University. Other seminar highlights include: Using Microbes to Enhance Productivity, presented by Colin Bell Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Law, presented by Jody Lehrer Cannabis Topicals: How to Make your Own, presented by Laura Beohner Commercial Growing and Breeding, presented by Colin Gordon Testing / 3rd Party Certification, presented by Alec Dixon Free Weed! Growing Your Own Marijuana in the Era of Plant Limits, presented by Danny Danko Manipulating Your Plant for Maximum Yield, presented by Ellen Brown To learn more event details and reasons why you should attend this years 3-day long interactive gathering of like-minded cannabis professionals and peers, visit Why Attend CannaCon Boston? To register, please visit http://cannacon.org/events/boston-ma/ To view the full list of seminars, please visit http://cannacon.org/seminars-boston/ Media can register for a press pass here: http://cannacon.org/press-media/ About Cannacon Conference CannaCon is dedicated to creating and strengthening lifelong partnerships within the emerging cannabis industry. It is our mission to provide a global venue for Cannabis Businesses, entrepreneurs, Investors, and community partners to showcase industry products, people and innovations; to cultivate business values within the cannabis industry through education and responsible community involvement. As our third-party administrator, NES Financial is an important contributor to investor confidence. NES Financial announced today that it has been selected by Golden Opportunity Regional Center to provide its institutional quality EB-5 administration solution for the Regional Centers latest project, Grover Beach Resort, in Grover Beach, California. Grover Beach Resort, a Public-Private Partnership between Pacifica Companies, in coordination with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and the City of Grover Beach, is slated to be an ocean adjacent 144-room boutique hotel with a full-range of upscale-resort amenities. Development of the project is being led by Pacifica Companies, a leading developer of hospitality properties across 22 states in the United States. As our third-party administrator, NES Financial is an important contributor to investor confidence, said Emma Chen, Golden Opportunity Regional Centers Project Manager of China Commerce. A great example of this is their Investor Portal and the kind of financial information and transparency it provides our investors. The demand for third-party administration as a best practice in EB-5 continues to increase, reflecting the overall trend in Private Equity, said Reid Thomas, NES Financial Executive Vice President. Our EB-5 administration solutions efficiently handle the complex capital accounting and process administration of an EB-5 project from start to finish, with the highest level of compliance, security, and transparency. Designed to help raise capital faster, reduce risk, and ensure success for issuers and investors, the comprehensive NES Financial EB-5 Administration Solution will provide industry-leading escrow administration for the projects $12.5 million EB-5 capital raise. About NES Financial NES Financial is a Silicon Valley financial technology (FinTech) company providing technology-enabled solutions and services for the efficient back and middle office administration of complex financial transactions. Serving private equity, commercial real estate, and Fortune 1000 clientele, we offer industry-leading fund administration, loan servicing, specialized EB-5 administration, and 1031 tax deferred exchange services. Our unwavering commitment to data security, operational redundancy, and compliance reporting is evidenced by 11 consecutive years of successful independent audits of our technology, processes, and financial controls. Today, NES Financial services over 190 funds, administers over $75B of 1031 transactions annually, and has worked with over 550 EB-5 projects. For more information, visit NES Financial. About Golden Opportunity Regional Center Golden Opportunity Regional Center (RCW1209050631) is an approved Regional Center created by Pacifica Companies to sponsor development projects in California. The regional center has a 100% I-526 approval track record. Golden Opportunity Regional Center is completely owned by Pacifica Companies, a 39-year old US based real estate company with assets under management of over $3.5 billion. As a commercial finance company, we are excited to assist businesses that support the expanding Houston community. When a Texas bank required additional years in business before approving a line of credit, they approached Republic Business Credit to provide working capital funding for their Houston based temporary staffing client. The bank strengthened their client relationship by providing treasury management services. Republic structured a facility within five business days for the client to meet their growing payroll needs. The clients growing weekly payroll required a flexible and covenant free solution that leveraged their receivables to bridge the time gap in receiving payment from their end customers. The rapid growth of the client and the associated costs needed additional staff, increased employee screenings, workers compensation insurance and other unplanned fixed expenses required additional support. Republic structured a cashflow driven term loan facility to smooth out the clients liquidity while expanding their business. Republic provided the minority-owned business a $5,000,000 receivable purchase line of credit with a supplemental over-advance facility. This enabled the business to achieve a triple digit growth in their first quarter with Republic. Staffing and service firms provide essential workers across light industrial, transportation, clerical and other administration related professionals where firms do not have enough full-time employees, said Robert Meyers, Chief Commercial Officer of Republic. As a commercial finance company, we are excited to assist businesses that support the expanding Houston community. Our strong relationships with bankers and other community based centers of influence trust us to provide scaleable working capital facilities. Republic Business Credit supports banks across the United States to create value, strengthen relationships and provide complementary services to successful growing businesses. Dr. Philip Miller of New York City has been selected by Castle Connolly to be featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors cover issue of June 2017. Castle Connolly uses an extensive nominee process to determine the most prominent doctors based on credentials such as board certifications, medical education, training and professional achievements. Dr. Miller is honored to be featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors cover issue and invites you to review the upcoming highly-anticipated edition. Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Miller is also listed by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the top doctors and has ranked in 15 specialties, including facelift, rhinoplasty, cosmetic surgery of the face and chin, lip enhancements and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Miller's work has also been featured in Social the Lifestyle Magazine, Yahoo! Beauty and more. The ongoing flood of media attention is inspired by Dr.Miller's devotion to providing each patient with natural-looking results that generate a collective sense of well-being. Dr. Miller's believes that replenishing or restoring both inner and outer beauty provides each person with a significant level of satisfaction and harmony. Dr. Miller has a successful history and serves patients across a vast array of skin types, ethnicities and ages. Dr. Miller's secret list of male and female patients includes models, actors and social elites, and he provides aesthetically-pleasing and youthful results for some of New York's most prominent citizens. An ongoing stream of new clients regularly visit Dr. Miller for a consultation following the recommendations of satisfied friends, family or coworkers. Dr. Miller is also highly respected for his creation and use of The Natralook Process, which removes the common anxiety and perplexity associated with electing to complete a cosmetic treatment. The Natralook Process is focused on creating a unified vision between the patient and Dr. Miller before any further steps are taken. Dr. Miller describes the process this way, Exploring your facial plastic surgery options should be an exciting and stress-free experience and life changing opportunity, not an anxiety producing venture. The process of inquiry, evaluation, recommendation, commitment, procedure, and recovery are as important as the results obtained. Dr. Miller prides himself on helping the creative process glide forward as he seeks to achieve outstanding, natural-looking and harmonious results that accentuate the eyes and lips. He exclusively performs facial plastic surgery, and although the majority of his patients are women, he is experiencing a steady increase in male patients. Dr. Miller states, The social stigma that existed in the past regarding cosmetic surgery decreased dramatically over the last five years. Many men are now feeling more comfortable seeking treatments to help them maintain their appearance. Dr. Miller firmly believes that everyone should give back to their community, and he gives back by using his abilities to restore and beautify those who are hurting. Dr. Miller donates his expertise to victims who have suffered from the effects of domestic violence through The American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery Face to Face Program. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be part of the healing process for these victims. If I can use my expertise to make their lives a little better, then its completely worth every minute I can spend with them. Dr. Miller has over twenty years of experience and is honored to be recognized in the upcoming Castle Connolly Top Doctors June release in New York Magazine. Dr. Philip Miller, MD, FACS specializes exclusively in facial plastic surgery in New York City. Call Dr. Miller at (212) 750-7100, or request a consultation appointment online HERE. Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie All our faith traditions, at their core, are about building just societies and freeing people from oppression. We must be about the work of bringing people together, not building walls to keep one another apart. Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie, Director of the Center for Peace and Spirituality at Pacific University, calls attention to the intersection of faith and public policy in his keynote address at "Working Upstream: What Can We Do to Prevent Homelessness?" -- Saffron Strand's 8th Annual Homeless Workforce Conference, June 12-13 at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The Conference provides vital knowledge, skills, and support for those who help vulnerable populations. It attracts social workers, health care providers, employment specialists, and other professionals as well as civic leaders and Bay Area citizens concerned about the rising tide of chronic homelessness, especially among the young who have so much to lose. Richmond is at the epicenter of homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area. Conventional solutions are under increasing budget pressure and cannot meet the need to get people off the streets and back to work. The Homeless Workforce Conference generates innovative solutions, with the 2017 Conference focusing upstream to help those at risk to find stable housing, re-enter the workforce, and sustain employment for the long term. Dr. Currie provides a critical ethical, moral, and spiritual perspective to the work of helping the most vulnerable among us. Dr. Curries career covers the waterfront of homeless issues, including housing, violence, and lack of health care. He is a former board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington, D.C. He writes a personal blog on religion and social issues, which the Los Angeles Times has cited for top-tier editorial writing. He also writes regularly for The Huffington Post and his media appearances include ABC's World News Tonight with mentions or quotes in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek, and National Public Radio. Saffron Strand's 2017 Conference includes other notable authors, experts, and researchers in diverse fields: Experts on California's new housing legislation -- SB 1069 (Accessory Dwelling Units) and AB 2406 (Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) -- which makes it much easier for individual homeowners and those in need of housing to help each other Leading homelessness researchers Robin Petering (USC), Amanda Yoshioka-Maxwell (USC), Dr. Don Schweitzer (Pacific University) Youth track with experts at helping at-risk youth, including Martin Rafferty, formerly homeless, now one of Oregon's most innovative youth development leaders Interactive workshops to support front line workers and improve social service, health care, and employment services for vulnerable populations Exhibits of service providers and innovative solutions, including the "Home It" -- a prefabricated, secure, and sound-proof housing structure for installation outdoors or indoors (8x10-foot unit on display) Conference details: http://www.saffronstrand.org/2017-homeless-workforce-conference/. Registration: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1677060 Saffron Strand, Inc. is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based, membership organization whose mission is to get homeless people and those at risk of homelessness off the streets and back to work. Those who join Saffron Strand become members of an intentional community dedicated to getting all members back to work. Members help run the organization, including our national annual Homeless Workforce Conferences that provide specialized employment services training for professionals and others who help vulnerable populations. For more about Saffron Strand, visit http://SaffronStrand.org or contact Yvonne Nair, CEO -- email yvonne(at)saffronstrand(dot)org or tel. 510.691.7026 Don't miss the Panel of Pioneers This Summit will shine light on one of the pillars of the fourth industrial revolution, deep learning. It will also bring together industry professionals and science researchers working on data-driven innovation. The international event will be held in Montreal 10 & 11 October, the Silicon Valley of Deep Learning for its 15th edition with partners including Intel, Maluuba, La Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and support from IVADO, National Research Council Canada, British Consulate-General Montreal, and Tourisme Montreal. REWORK are excited to announce the attendance of Yoshua Bengio, Yann LeCun, and Geoffrey Hinton who will be appearing on the Panel of Pioneers to share their expertise as the founders of the deep learning revolution. The trio have previously been referred to as the Canadian Mafia, whilst they called themselves, in jest, the deep learning conspiracy. As one of the most cited Canadian computer scientists, Yoshua Bengio will explore his research ambition of understanding principles of learning that yield intelligence. Geoffrey Hinton, currently an Engineering Fellow at Google, ws one of the pioneering researchers who was able to present the use of generalised back propagation algorithm for training multi-layer neural nets. Yann LeCun has been director of research at Facebook since 2013 and has received much acclaim for his pioneering work in computer visions and machine learning. Experts have suggested that deep learning could soon be the backbone of many tech projects that we use every day, and the work of the trio is the foundation for the next frontier in AI. Yves Lalumiere, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montreal said: We are proud to be hosting the REWORK Deep Learning Summit in Montreal for the first time this October. Our city is home to one of the worlds most prestigious groups of deep learning researchers in the world, as well as several leading start-ups in the field of AI and machine learning, such as Element AI. Together with REWORK, we are looking forward to shaping to future of AI and deep learning. IVADO is thrilled to partner with the REWORK Deep Learning Summit, said Gilles Savard, CEO. This Summit will shine light on one of the pillars of the fourth industrial revolution, deep learning. It will also bring together industry professionals and science researchers working on data-driven innovation, a shared goal with IVADOs mission. Hugo Larochelle, Research Scientist at Google has also endorsed the event. Hes "excited that REWORK will be organizing for the first time a summit on deep learning here in Montreal. The event promises to be a great opportunity for researchers and businesses to connect and plant the seeds for more business opportunities powered by deep learning and AI, here in Montreal. The Panel of Pioneers will be joined by leading minds in AI, including Roland Memisevic, Chief Scientist, Twenty Billion Neurons; Maithili Mavinkurve, Founder & COO, Sightline Innovation; Aaron Courville, Assistant Professor, University of Montreal, Raquel Urtasun, Associate Professor, University of Toronto and many more. Dont miss out: Super Early Bird tickets are available until Friday 2nd of June, and there are limited spaces left. Register now to hear from Bengio, Hinton and LeCun and confirm your place: Track 1 - Research Advancements and Track 2 - Business Applications. Cant make it to Montreal? Cant attend? You can register for post-event access to receive the slides, presentation videos and interviews from the summit. Summit attendees will also gain access. Any questions? Get in touch: Media enquiries: Yazmin, yhow(at)re-work(dot)co Ticket queries & event info: Katie, kpollitt(at)re-work(dot)co About REWORK REWORK is an all-female run events organising company that brings together breakthrough technology, cutting-edge science and entrepreneurship shaping the future of business and society. We showcase the opportunities of exponentially accelerating technologies to positively disrupt industry and society. A Florida murder case has reaffirmed the reliability of probabilistic genotyping generally, and the use of STRmix software in particular. State of Florida v. Dwayne Cummings (12th Judicial Circuit in and for Manatee County, FL, Case No. 2016-CF-239) in which the defendant was charged with two counts of first degree murder, as well as one count each of armed kidnapping and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon also affirms that going forward, Florida will use the Daubert Standard to assess whether an experts scientific testimony is based on scientifically valid methods and can be properly applied to the facts at issue. Unlike the previously used Frye Standard, which relies on pure opinion testimony, Daubert considers whether the scientific theory or technique in question has been tested; has been subjected to peer review and publication; and has attracted widespread acceptance within the scientific community. Daubert also considers the techniques known or potential error rate, as well as the existence and maintenance of standards controlling its operation. In the Cummings case, Floridas 12th Judicial Circuit Court ruled that both probabilistic genotyping and STRmix a sophisticated forensic software used by trained, experienced DNA experts to resolve mixed DNA profiles previously thought unresolvable have been subjected to significant peer review and publication. In its decision, the court noted, The evidence before the court more than adequately convinces it that [probabilistic genotyping and STRmix] have been accepted by peer review, as well as obtained general acceptance in the relevant community Perhaps that is why nearly half of all forensic laboratories in the United States have purchased licenses to use the STRmix software. Relying on mixture samples taken from a vehicle involved in the Cummings case, the States expert witness, Rachel Oefelein of DNA Labs International, used STRmix to determine that there was extremely strong support to conclude that Cummings and three unknown persons had contributed to the mixed DNA profile. The court concluded, Probabilistic genotyping is testable. As Ms. Oefeleins testimony made clear, testing the same sample can produce replicable results. Conceding that retesting the samples would likely produce a slightly different result, the court found that the difference will be minimal. The key here is that the results will be consistent and reproducible. The Florida case comes on the heels of the FBIs recent validation of STRmix for use on mixtures of up to five persons, as well as across a wide range of templates and mixture ratios. The validation concluded that STRmix is sufficiently robust for implementation in forensic laboratories, offering numerous advantages over historical methods of DNA profile analysis and greater statistical power for estimating evidentiary weight, all of which can be used reliably in human identification testing. John Buckleton and Jo-Anne Bright of the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), in collaboration with Duncan Taylor from Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA), developed STRmix. Using standard, well-established statistical methods, STRmix builds up a picture of the DNA genotypes that, when added together, best explains the observed mixed DNA profile. STRmix then enables users to compare the results against a person or persons of interest and calculate a statistic, or likelihood ratio, of the strength of the match. Eighteen labs in the U.S. are now using STRmix, while another 55 U.S. labs are at various stages of installation, validation, and training. STRmix is also being used by numerous local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL) and the California Department of Justice. To date, there have been at least seven successful admissibility hearings for STRmix in the U.S., while DNA evidence interpreted with STRmix has been successfully used in more than 65 other court cases. Internationally, STRmix has been used in casework since 2012, and has been used to interpret DNA evidence in thousands of cases. It is currently in use in labs in Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Canada. For more information about STRmix visit http://www.esr.cri.nz/ or http://strmix.esr.cri.nz/. Spectrum Brands Renew the Blue employee day of service. We are excited to engage all four of our U.S. headquarters locations for this day of service, said Spectrum Brands Division Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer Daniel Hutter. Today, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPB), the parent company of market-leading brands such as Rayovac, Remington, Kwikset, Cutter, Natures Miracle, George Foreman, and Armor All, take to their local communities in Dayton, OH; Lake Forest, CA; Middleton, WI; and St. Louis, MO for a company day of service focused on water stewardship. The day of service event, Renew the Blue, aims to build on Spectrum Brands work in south-central Wisconsin and increase awareness about how caring for the land through actions such as litter cleanup, planting trees, and removing invasive plants, can help protect the quality of nearby bodies of water, the communities around them, and the wildlife that call them home. We are excited to engage all four of our U.S. headquarters locations for this day of service, said Spectrum Brands Division Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer Daniel Hutter. Together, we are realizing this years volunteer goal of More People, More Places, More Impact. The companys passion for water improvement is rooted in its partnership with the Clean Lakes Alliance, a Madison, Wisconsin-based nonprofit devoted to improving the water quality of the lakes, streams, and wetlands of the Yahara watershed. As a Sustaining Founder of Clean Lakes Alliance, Spectrum Brands has put a larger emphasis on protecting water quality in the Madison area for the last six years. Spectrum Brands is the largest corporate partner of Clean Lakes Alliance, but their involvement goes way beyond financial support, said Clean Lakes Alliance Executive Director James Tye. Over 100 employees volunteer their time each year towards projects that help make our lakes cleaner and clearer for our community. This is the second national employee day of service for Spectrum Brands, with a focus on water quality and stewardship. To strengthen the impact and educational value of the day, Spectrum Brands has partnered with NEEF (National Environmental Education Foundation). A leader in lifelong environmental education, NEEF will be on the ground at three volunteer sites to provide educational take-away materials and a series of family-friendly activity guides focused on water stewardship for Spectrum Brands employees. We believe that private sector companies, like Spectrum Brands, can play a valuable role in environmental education through employee engagement, said Diane Wood, President of NEEF. We commend Spectrum Brands for embracing water stewardship in their communities and extending the lesson beyond one day of service by providing employees with actions they can take to protect and conserve water at home. Each locations event will have a different focus and project related to protecting water quality. Clean Lakes Alliance, which has hosted Spectrum Brands volunteer events in the greater Madison, WI area for the past four years, will again host the company headquarters day of service, with a focus on removing invasive plants from Pheasant Branch Creek a major tributary to Lake Mendota and the Yahara watershed and Bock Forest. Employees in Dayton, OH will be tending to newly planted trees at the Five Rivers MetroParks Shiloh Woods Conservation Area. Lake Forest, CA employees will be trimming native shrubs in a sensitive habitat restoration area of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. In St. Louis, MO, employees will volunteer at Gateway Greenings Urban Farm where they will be weeding, planting, harvesting vegetables, and tending to crops. To extend the impact of its day of service, Spectrum Brands has committed $2,500 sponsorships for each community partner to support volunteerism and water stewardship activities. Sponsorship administration will be provided by NEEF. Spectrum Brands operates with a commitment to the environment, sustainability, and corporate responsibility and plans to involve employees throughout the year in environmental education and community engagement. St. Luke's Health logo Standardizing communication across the organization is integral to our mission of improving the health of people in the communities we serve. Voalte, the leader in healthcare communication technology and No. 1 Secure Communications Platform as ranked by KLAS, today announced an enterprise-wide agreement to deploy Voalte Platform for care team collaboration at St. Lukes Health System, an Idaho-based eight-hospital system. We chose Voalte as our clinical communication provider based on the companys extensive experience with large, multi-site smartphone deployments and its track record in the marketplace, said Doug Lyon, IT Director of Unified Communications at St. Lukes Health System. Standardizing communication across the organization is integral to our mission of improving the health of people in the communities we serve. The Voalte Platform implementation includes Voalte One running on the Apple iPhone for nurses at the point of care, Voalte Me for physicians and others using personal smartphones inside and outside the hospital, and Voalte Messenger for unit coordinators and other desk-based staff. Voalte Platform replaces older methods of communication, and enables instant connections between care teams and resources across the health system via a unified smartphone directory. We are looking forward to helping St. Lukes in its strategic initiative to better meet patients needs, improve outcomes and lower costs, said Trey Lauderdale, Voalte Founder and CEO. With one comprehensive care team communication solution connecting the caregiver staff across all of St. Lukes hospitals and providing instant access to important information, physicians, nurses and staff can focus more on patient care and patient safety, rather than searching for the person or information they need. About St. Lukes Health System St. Lukes is Idahos only Idaho-based, not-for-profit health system, with local physicians and boards who further the organizations mission To improve the health of people in the communities we serve. St. Lukes is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care, with prestigious awards and designations reflecting the exceptional care that's synonymous with the St. Lukes name. About Voalte Voalte develops smartphone solutions that simplify caregiver communication. Ranked number-one and named 2017 Category Leader in the Best in KLAS: Software & Services report for the Secure Communications Platform segment, Voalte is the only company to offer a comprehensive Mobile Communication Strategy that enables care teams inside and outside the hospital to access and exchange information securely. Founded in 2008, Voalte is a privately held company based in Sarasota, Florida. Voalte solutions are now available to more than 132,000 caregivers throughout the United States. For more information, visit voalte.com or follow @Voalte on Twitter. Terry Ahearn and Stuart Bartow have joined the Silicon Valley office of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP to lead the firms growing Intellectual Property practice group in Northern California. Ahearn and Bartow previously worked together at two other national firms where they handled major patent litigations across the United States, including numerous trials in key jurisdictions in California, Delaware, Nevada and at the International Trade Commission. They join forces again at Lewis Roca, bolstering an already-deep roster of 70 intellectual property attorneys, patent agents and technical specialists across the firms 10 offices. Terry and Stuart bring leadership to our Silicon Valley office for continued growth in Northern California and beyond, said the firms Managing Partner Kenneth Van Winkle Jr. These additions align well with our strategic plan which focuses on building our services in the key areas of intellectual property and technology. With the addition of Terry and Stuart, and in view of the Supreme Courts recent decision in TC Heartland, our firm is even more strongly positioned to represent companies in patent litigation throughout California and across the entire U.S., added Intellectual Property Practice Group Co-Leader Art Hasan. Terry and Stuart go the distance for their clients. As litigators, they are battle-tested in numerous hard-fought intellectual property matters. Their trial experience and tech know-how provides clients, especially in Silicon Valley, immense value, said Intellectual Property Practice Group Co-Leader Emily Bayton. Were delighted to have them on the team. Ahearn is an experienced trial lawyer and litigator who represents clients in intellectual property and other complex commercial disputes related to science and technology. He has participated in all phases of litigation, including numerous trials and arbitrations. He was named an IP Star by Managing IP three years in a row, and he regularly writes and lectures about managing complex litigation. He received his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and his B.A. from Fordham University. Bartow is an experienced litigator and registered patent attorney with a background in computer engineering and neuroscience. He represents clients in intellectual property matters before U.S. federal courts, the PTO, the ITC and other tribunals, with an emphasis on complex patent and trade secret disputes concerning electronics and computer technology. He holds two bachelor of science degrees from the University of Maryland, a master of science degree from Columbia University and a law degree from Georgetown. Lewis Roca is a law firm that offers compelling value and efficiency, said Ahearn. Our legal and technical expertise combined with our ability to offer flexible billing arrangements makes us a formidable practice group. We are very excited to be part of the firms growth here in Silicon Valley. The level of technical and scientific expertise among the firms intellectual property group is exceptional and was a huge draw for me, added Bartow. Combined with the firms unique geographic footprint, Terry and I believe we can deliver outstanding value on this platform. The arrival of Ahearn and Bartow follows the recent addition of life sciences and biotechnology attorney Holly Logue who they join in the firms Silicon Valley office. Logues practice focuses on strategic intellectual property counseling. About Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP is an Am Law 200 commercial law firm for handling complex matters in litigation, intellectual property, business transactions, gaming, government relations and other practice areas. Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie offices are located in Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Irvine, Phoenix, Reno, Silicon Valley and Tucson. For more information, visit lrrc.com. For every 10,000 births in Uganda, there are 592 infant and 204 maternal deaths. In comparison, there are 59 infant and four maternal deaths for every 10,000 births in the United States. Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA), a non-profit organization, focuses on the needs of impoverished women in Africa. MPA recently launched a program in Uganda to decrease perinatal and maternal deaths. For every 10,000 births in Uganda, there are 592 infant and 204 maternal deaths. In comparison, there are 59 infant and four maternal deaths for every 10,000 births in the United States. Many of these perinatal and maternal deaths in Uganda are caused by obstructed labor, said Sharlene Teefey, MD, Professor of Radiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri and MPA board member. If a woman survives obstructed labor, an obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening created between the vagina and bladder or rectum, often develops causing the woman to leak urine or stool. Such women are often ostracized from their villages and have no place to go. According to Dr. Teefey, one of the World Health Organizations Millennium Development Goals is decreasing the number of maternal and perinatal deaths. To achieve this goal, women need access to good quality antenatal care and skilled midwives. In several areas in Uganda, traditional birth attendants often deliver babies but have no professional training. In Masaka, Uganda, where the MPA program is centered, level three village health centers are staffed with skilled midwives who offer antenatal care and teaching to pregnant village women. However, the pregnant women often do not come for antenatal care or delivery due to costs, transportation, greater trust in the traditional birth attendant, and distance to travel to the village health center. To that end, Dr. Teefey, in concert with MPA, is introducing a program in 2017 to teach midwives at village health centers in Masaka, Uganda how to use ultrasound machines and identify women at high risk for complications at delivery. Joining the effort was Mindray, a leading developer of ultrasound technology. The MPA program is designed to decrease perinatal-maternal mortality in two ways. First, midwives will be trained to use ultrasound to identify women at high risk for complications at the time of delivery (abnormal fetal lie, twins or placenta previa). Such patients will then be referred to the local hospital MPA works with at the appropriate time for delivery or cesarean section. Second, ultrasound will be integrated into the antenatal visits. Early reports from the three village health centers that currently have ultrasound machines have shown a significant increase in the number of women coming in for antenatal care. Masaka Diocese Bishop Kaggwa joined the midwives to present certificates at the end of the first course, which was conducted in January. After the group training in Kitovu, the ultrasound systems were delivered to three village health centers. Time was spent observing the midwives scanning pregnant women at each of the village health centers. The midwives quickly became adept at operating the ultrasound systems and interpreting the images. Mindray generously donated the three ultrasound systems, one to each of the village health centers, said Dr. Teefey. This donation of user-friendly Mindray systems with high quality images helped to make this program all possible. We are very grateful to Mindray for donating these systems and helping us successfully launch our project. Dr. Teefey and MPA hope to expand the program to other level three village health centers in the Masaka Diocese and continue training midwives in the use of ultrasound. MPA has partnered with Kitovu Hospital, which serves the Diocese, to provide oversight and communication with the village health center midwives. About Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA) In 1975 Antoinette Toni Temporiti, CPPS, MSW, PhD, joined the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in OFallon, MO. In 2003 while on an eight month sabbatical, Sr. Temporiti traveled throughout Africa from Cairo to Cape Town. During the evenings, she would sit and share stories with the local village women. The story that Sr. Temporiti could not forget was the women asking her how do you decide each day which child to feed. In November 2006, Sr. Temporiti decided to start a non-profit organization, Microfinancing Partners in Africa after attending a conference led by Mohammed Unus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for pioneering the concept of microcredit. Since then, MPA has started numerous microfinancing projects to empower those living in extreme poverty to lift themselves up with dignity through access to services and education. Sr. Temporiti has been honored with numerous awards over the years. For further information, visit http://www.microfinancingafrica.org. About Mindray Mindray is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices worldwide. Its global headquarters are located in Shenzhen, China, North American headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey, a technology innovation center (formerly ZONARE) in Silicon Valley, California and multiple sales offices in major international markets. From the main manufacturing and engineering base in China, the company supplies, through a worldwide distribution network, a broad range of products across three primary business segments, which include patient monitoring and life support, in-vitro diagnostics and medical imaging systems. For more information, please visit http://www.mindray.com # # # Improved Performance Strategies (IPS), LLC (Powered by TRAZER) is a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the Department of Defense Wounded Warrior Games, being held in Chicago from 30 June 8 July. Our revolutionary patented technology offers specialized, interactive testing and training programs for Concussion Management, Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Fall Prevention, and injury prevention. IPS will be demonstrating TRAZERs technology and how it can aid with Wounded Warrior assessment and recovery for TBI, orthopaedic recovery and orientation and training for those requiring the aid of prosthetic devices. It provides healthcare providers, clinicians, Wounded Warriors and their caregivers with standardized, objective, and actionable data. TRAZER tracks a user's balance, reaction time, speed, acceleration and deceleration by using a high-powered optical camera that tracks 25 points on the body while the patient responds to random visual cues and moves in specific directions. By doing so, patients recover faster and stronger than conventional rehabilitation methods, facilitating a return to independent living. Patients will benefit immensely from the multifaceted uses of TRAZER. TRAZERs Virtual Simulator provides unparalleled opportunity for objectively assessing and documenting patient progress, improving patient outcomes, and increasing patient compliance. About Trazer: Our TRAZER technology employs computer-based simulation to create an accurate analog of the functional challenges of sports, work, leisure and daily living activities. This allows quantification of core physical and physiologic performance measures such as; reaction time, acceleration, speed, power, endurance, optimum movement posture, jump height, cardiovascular efficiency, caloric expenditure, and distance traveled. TRAZER is available in three different applications: concussion management, orthopaedics, and senior health and fall prevention. Click here to learn more. Safe Nest is Nevadas largest and most comprehensive non-profit agency devoted solely to domestic violence issues One of our greatest feats in the playroom is seeing a toddler cry for 20 minutes straight for their mother the first day and going straight to the building blocks a week later. Brenda Marquez, a local Clark County resident and an employee at Kosters Cash Loans, became a passionate advocate for the victims of domestic violence at just 10 years old. My fifth grade teacher put together a play and dinner for the children from Safe Nest, recalled Marquez, and it was then that I conveyed the idea of volunteering once I was old enough. True to her word, Marquez will be celebrating her seventh anniversary as a volunteer for Safe Nest come this August. Safe Nest is a Clark County organization that provides confidential shelter, counseling, advocacy and prevention services for children and partners affected by domestic violence. In 2016, Marquez put in over 100 hours at the institution, something she truly considers a blessing. In her professional life, Marquez and her fellow employees also help individuals get through tough periods. Kosters Cash Loans provides short-term personal loans as well as financial advice that can help people deal with unexpected circumstances or close the distance to make ends meet. Safe Nest can similarly help domestic violence victims obtain food, clothing and other basic necessities, but Marquez asserted that the most important thing the shelter provides is a sense of normality. When a family comes to the shelter, they are coming for help, but in receiving that help they leave behind everything they knew, she explained. A child leaves behind their bed, their toys, and their friends. As a result of the trauma inflicted upon them and being outside their comfort zone, children will often behave in abnormal but understandable ways when they come to Safe Nest. Some may shut down, and others may do the exact opposite: act out and rebel. In either case, volunteers like Marquez are there to help children adjust. They will watch them on the playground, help organize fun activities, facilitate snacks and reading times, give them someone to talk to and just generally help the kids feel like they can enjoy themselves and thrive. It is difficult to understand what a child is going through after a trauma, and so as a volunteer my main focus is to remind them that they are children. Marquez noted that children staying at the shelter may just see a new playground, but what they do not see as clearly are the vital social skills they develop once outside their vulnerable situation. Learning to share and take turns with the other children can help them feel more trusting in others as they take themselves out of the defensive or introverted modes often assumed by abuse victims. One of our greatest feats in the playroom is seeing a toddler cry for 20 minutes straight for their mother the first day and going straight to the building blocks a week later. Moments like these keep Marquez returning to Safe Nest to provide assistance, love and support as often as she can. By working closely with these children, she can provide them with positive experiences and a positive example. At the end of the day, Safe Nest and its volunteers are there to give children guidance and reassurance that everything will be ok and that their new home is only temporary, said Marquez, things that truly matter when your world feels turned upside down. About Safe Nest Established in 1977, Safe Nest is Nevadas largest and most comprehensive non-profit agency devoted solely to domestic violence issues. Serving approximately 43,000 people annually, Safe Nests programs include 24-hour confidential shelter, 24-hour hotline and protection order services, counseling, advocacy, court assistance, and prevention education. For more information, please call 702-877-0133. About Kosters Finance Kosters Finance is a personal loan agency that firmly believes in helping people to avoid money traps and stay within a budget. They take a lot of pride in providing quick, worry-free Las Vegas cash loans to their valued customers as well as helping them to avoid future financial bumps in the road. With 13 locations across Las Vegas, Henderson and Clark County, help is never far away. Our conference seeks to identify a consensus of policy solutions that will help address the pent-up demand for housing throughout our county and the Golden State. The Building Industry Association Baldy View Chapter (BIA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and California Building Industry Association (CBIA) will host the Fourth Annual Housing Policy Conference at the Ontario Doubletree from 9:30 a.m., to 1 p.m. on June 2. California Housing Community Development (HCD) Director Ben Metcalf will provide keynote remarks and discuss a recent HCD report that estimates Californias decade long housing shortage remains at approximately 100,000 homes annually. The quality of life throughout San Bernardino County is in serious jeopardy due to a chronic housing shortage which continues to increase the costs of rent, shuts the door on aspiring first-time homebuyers and moves more middle class families into poverty, said BIA CEO Carlos Rodriguez. Our conference seeks to identify a consensus of policy solutions that will help address the pent-up demand for housing throughout our county and the Golden State. The conference will also feature U.S. Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-31st Dist.) and Norma Torres (D-35th Dist.) in a special Federal Policy Overview panel moderated by NAHB Vice President of Government Affairs Lake Coulson. CBIA Chair Jeff Pemstein, Vice-Chair Michael Battaglia, Randall Lewis, Lewis Management Corp. and Mark Torres, Lennar Homes will also participate on a state/local panel discussion. The status quo is simply unacceptable when we consider that San Bernardino County needs 78,983 more affordable units to meet its shortfall - up by 15,000 from 2015, said Rodriguez. We have a moral obligation to address the growing workforce housing demand in our region and our conference will outline policy solutions for our elected leaders to consider. Conference attendees will also benefit from a collaboration between BIA and the American Institute for Architecture Inland California Chapter (AIA). We are pleased to announce a new partnership with AIA, said BIA President Ali Sahabi, Optimum Group. As part of our efforts to forge new relationships and partnerships with other professional trade associations, this years Housing Policy Conference is eligible for three hours of AIA HSW Continuing Education credits Attendees may register online at http://www.biabuild.com/housing-policy-conference or on site the day of the event. Ohio-based custom homebuilder, Wayne Homes, received several awards from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio Marketing and Merchandising Excellence (MAME) Awards. Our design ideas and marketing initiatives have continued to grow. The effort weve put into the blog and print ads with our agencies is making an impact on a personal approach to attracting customers. Ohio-based custom homebuilder, Wayne Homes, received several awards from the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio Marketing and Merchandising Excellence (MAME) Awards. The winners of the 2017 MAME Awards were announced at a banquet on Friday, May 12 in Columbus, Ohio. Team members from the Delaware and Newark model centers attended the event. Wayne Homes was awarded Best Builder New Home Design up to $250,000 for the Montgomery floorplan displayed in Newark. The company also won awards for Best Blog Experience and Best Print Ad. It was an exciting evening and there was a great sense of pride among the team for the Best New Home Design, Jen Collinsworth, Vice President of Sales, said. Our design ideas and marketing initiatives have continued to grow. The effort weve put into the blog and print ads with our agencies is making an impact on a personal approach to attracting customers. Angie McKinney, a Delaware Model Center New Home Consultant, was recognized during the awards banquet and won the Rookie of the Year award. I was surprised and excited to receive the Rookie of the Year award, McKinney said. I have loved working with the Delaware team and have been fortunate to be a part of building our customer's dream homes! I really enjoy helping customers find and customize the perfect plan to meet their needs. New Home Consultant Julie Baumker from the Delaware Model Center and New Home Consultants Sue Crow, Sandee Barrick, Tonya Harding and Vicci Patterson from the Newark Model Center were also acknowledged with Sales Citation awards. The MAME Awards honor the top achievers in the new home industry. Sales and marketing award winners cross all BIA membership ranks and include realtors, interior designers, architects, landscapers, suppliers, remodelers, builders and more. For more information about Wayne Homes and the Columbus area model centers, please visit WayneHomes.com. About Wayne Homes Wayne Homes is a custom home builder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer more than 40 fully customizable floorplans and a team dedicated to providing the best experience in the home building industry. For more information, Ask Julie, our online sales team, by Live Chat or call us at (866) 253-6807. A new report from the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas examines the association between out-of-school suspensions and student test scores. The findings and conclusions presented in the working paper, however, lack validity on multiple grounds. Understanding a Vicious Cycle: Do Out-of-School Suspensions Impact Student Test Scores? was reviewed by Brea L. Perry of Indiana University and Daniel Losen of the University of California Los Angeles. Using dynamic and multilevel regression modeling of six years of student discipline records from all K-12 public schools in Arkansas, the paper purports to estimate a causal relationship between exclusionary discipline and academic performance. It concludes, in contrast to prior work, that the number of days of suspension a student receives has a very modest positive relationship to math and language arts test scores. The reviewers explain that the effects of out-of-school suspension are not measured in the academic year in which suspensions occurred, but instead are measured at least a full academic year later. In other words, the study design does not adequately capture lost instructional time, deterioration of student-teacher relationships, psychological distress, and other immediate consequences of suspension that would logically affect academic performance in the same academic year. Instead, the analyses only consider the delayed effect of suspension, without accounting for suspensions occurring more recently. The findings also have weak face validity in light of the weight of evidence suggesting that exclusionary discipline and school absences have adverse effects on key outcomes such as test scores, GPA, grade retention, and dropping out including research conducted using the Arkansas dataset by a member of this same research team, examining grade retention. For these and other reasons, the reviewers caution that this paper should not be used to guide disciplinary policy and practice. Find the review by Brea L. Perry and Daniel Losen at: http://nepc.colorado.edu/thinktank/review-discipline Find Understanding a Vicious Cycle: Do Out-of-School Suspensions Impact Student Test Scores? by Kaitlin P. Anderson, Gary W. Ritter, & Gema Zamarro, published by The University of Arkansas, Department of Education Reform, at: http://www.uaedreform.org/downloads/2017/03/understanding-a-vicious-cycle-do-out-of-school-suspensions-impact-student-test-scores.pdf Find Documents: Press Release: nepc.info/node/8671 NEPC Review: nepc.colorado.edu/thinktank/review-discipline Report Reviewed: http://www.uaedreform.org/downloads/2017/03/understanding-a-vicious-cycle-do-out-of-school-suspensions-impact-student-test-scores.pdf The National Education Policy Center (NEPC) Think Twice Think Tank Review Project (http://thinktankreview.org) provides the public, policymakers, and the press with timely, academically sound reviews of selected publications. The project is made possible in part by support provided by the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice: http://www.greatlakescenter.org The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, produces and disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions. Visit us at: http://nepc.colorado.edu Route4Me, Inc., a comprehensive Dynamic Route Optimization platform that uses big data, data science, and machine learning to optimize multi-driver / multi-destination routes, today announced the availability of Route4Me on the Geotab Marketplace, a go-to source for top organizations requiring an open IoT fleet management platform. Route4Me provides Geotab customers with dynamic route sequencing and optimization software integrated with Geotabs real-time vehicle tracking platform. Key features of the Route4Me and Geotab platform integration are: Mobile App - companies can send routes directly from Route4Me to the drivers Route4Me mobile app and benefit from proof-of-delivery, signature capture, and voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation. High-Speed Real-Time Dynamic Route Optimization which automatically creates multi-driver, multi-depot routes, accounting for variables such as predictive traffic, predictive weather, dynamic orders, dynamic dispatch, recurring routes, multiple customer time windows, volumetric and capacitated planning, and load sequencing. Interactive Customer Alerting and Portal end-users can see the location of an inbound Geotab-enabled vehicle on their smartphone, as well as receive alerts by SMS, Email, and Voice call notifying them of inbound or scheduled driver visits, while interacting with the system to cancel or delay visits without human intervention. Visualize and Analyze Route Performance Route4Me uses Geotab vehicle tracking data to reveal on a map, in real-time, how vehicles and drivers actually drive their routes compared to how the optimized routes were planned. Route deviations, late arrivals, time window violations, and other alerts are tracked, displayed, and trended using dashboards and reports. Geotab and Route4Me have brought together two powerful solutions that drive value to help SMB through Enterprise level businesses, such as last-mile delivery companies, field-service, field-marketing, and field-sales organizations to get the combined benefit of real-time telematics and dynamic route optimization. Geotabs high-precision GPS tracking enables customers to stay synchronized, ensuring that the optimal dispatch sequence is safely and automatically accessible, said Dan Khasis, CEO, Route4Me. Furthermore, Geotabs rich OBD data coupled with Route4Mes predictive analytics solution enables businesses to take action and optimize results. Route4Me equips Geotab customers with an intuitive route optimization software solution that they can quickly and easily utilize, says Neil Cawse, CEO, Geotab. This integration lets businesses improve customer satisfaction while simultaneously increasing the number of customer visits per route, lowering mileage and drive time. Together, this leads to increased productivity and profitability of their business. The Geotab Marketplace is a robust complement to the MyGeotab platform that provides customers with an extensive ecosystem of valuable business-focused applications and add-ons. Utilized by companies with fleets large and small, the Marketplace offers key applications to more than 14,000 Geotab customers and is on track to feature over 200 third-party applications by the end of the year, further solidifying the companys leadership in commercial telematics. To learn more about the Geotab Marketplace and its complement to MyGeotab, please visit http://www.geotab.com/marketplace. About Route4Me Route4Me has over 5,000 customers in 100 countries. Route4Mes mobile Android and iPhone apps have been downloaded over 1 million times since 2009. The apps synchronize routes, enable two-way communication with drivers, offer turn-by-turn directions, delivery confirmation, and more. Behind the scenes, Route4Mes operational optimization platform combines high-performance algorithms with data science, machine learning, and big data to plan, optimize, and analyze routes of almost any size in real-time. To learn more, please visit http://www.route4me.com About Geotab Geotab is a global leader in telematics, providing open platform fleet management solutions to businesses of all sizes. Geotab's intuitive, full-featured solutions help businesses better manage their drivers and vehicles by extracting accurate and actionable intelligence from real-time and historical trips data. With more than 900 million data points collected by Geotab devices and delivered to the platform per day, Geotab helps companies access actionable business intelligence and benchmarking data to improve productivity, optimize fleets through the reduction of fuel consumption, enhance driver safety, and achieve stronger compliance to regulatory changes. The company's products are represented and sold worldwide through its Authorized Geotab Resellers. To learn more, please visit http://www.geotab.com. INCA-RSVP volunteers Tiara Blue and Wanda Gray collect Thompson Tee's donation of 1,000 deodorants on May 19, 2017. As a kid, sweat marks can cripple your confidence. Its impossible to focus on school when youre worried whether other kids can see your sweat marks or smell you. On May 19, Thompson Tee, a California-based undershirt brand, donated 1,000 sticks of Arm & Hammer Essentials Fresh Deodorant to middle and high schools in Johnston County, Oklahoma. After reading one Oklahoma womans story about being too poor to afford deodorant growing up, Thompson Tee co-founders Billy Thompson and Randy Choi reached out to help. THE NEED FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN POVERTY-RIDDEN COMMUNITIES For many underserved youth, attending school is a stark reminder of life below the poverty line. Most impoverished American families struggle to afford personal hygiene products, a study by Feeding America found. In communities like Johnson County, Oklahoma, 27.19 percent of children live below the federal poverty level, and parents must forgo hygiene products to afford essentials like food and housing. In her article on NonDoc, Oklahoma native Tiara Blue recalls the humiliation of going through school with underarm sweat marks and odor. Without access to deodorant, sweat stains left her shirts clearly darkened, and classmates often commented on the smell. Out of desperation, Blue stole swipes of a friends deodorant to cover up the stench. Now, a professor at Murray State College, Blue is shocked and disheartened that thousands of Oklahoma children still cannot afford deodorant. When Thompson and Choi came across Blues story, her message struck a chord. They related to the insecurity associated with sweat marks and odor and couldnt imagine going through puberty without deodorant. Thompson has suffered from axillary hyperhidrosis (the medical condition for excessive underarm sweating) since puberty. Choi also has cranial hyperhidrosis and underwent invasive surgery that worsened his condition. The two even developed a patented sweat proof undershirt, Thompson Tee, to save others from embarrassing sweat marks and stains. As a kid, sweat marks can cripple your confidence, which is critical to healthy development, Thompson said. Its impossible to focus on school when youre worried whether other kids can see your sweat marks or smell you. In her article, Blue refers to this type of childhood stress as cognitive noise. Puberty is hard enough without being poor, Blue writes. Right now, just as for the past two-plus decades, cognitive noise is limiting the potential of children with intelligence, talent and ambition. JOINING FORCES TO DONATE AND DELIVER DEODORANT After connecting with Thompson and Choi, Blue contacted Wanda Gray, project director at INCA-RSVP a nonprofit organization serving southern Oklahoma communities. INCA-RSVP had recently launched a Dont Sweat It program to provide hygiene bundles to all Johnson County middle and high schools before the start of school in August. The packages include deodorant, soap, shampoo and conditioner. To support the cause, Thompson Tee donated 1,000 sticks of Arm & Hammer Essentials deodorant. In Johnson County alone, 1,398 students receive free or reduced lunches and likely cannot afford basic hygiene products. Gray estimates the donation of 1,000 deodorants will cover the needs of every school in Johnson County. Purchasing 1,000 deodorants was more difficult than expected, however. Many vendors impose order caps or tack on massive shipping fees for large orders. To get around these fees, Thompson placed 10 orders of 100 sticks of deodorant from Walmart.com. The deodorants arrived at a local Johnson County Walmart on May 19, where Gray and other INCA-RSVP volunteers collected them to include in the hygiene bundles. In many ways, growing up without access to deodorant resembles the stress and embarrassment people with excessive sweating face. For most kids and teens, deodorant covers up body odor and reduces the appearance of sweat. But for those who suffer from excessive underarm sweating, these solutions cannot hold up against extreme perspiration. If this donation helps just one kid walk a little taller and worry a little less at school, its worth it, Thompson said. Were excited about this partnership and look forward to expanding our donation efforts in the future. ABOUT THOMPSON TEE Made in the USA, Thompson Tee manufactures affordable sweat proof undershirts for men and women to help preserve their clothes and confidence. The proprietary shirt design combines the style and comfort of high-quality undershirts with patented Hydro-Shield sweat proof technology to offer guaranteed sweat protection. For more information, visit: https://www.thompsontee.com One of Europes hottest artists, Lariss, is unveiling a brand new US Mix of her chart-topping single Dale Papi in North America via Radikal Records on Friday, June 2nd. Lariss arrived on the music in 2014 scene with the release of her debut single Dale Papi, which was produced by Sergiu Musteata and written with two of Romanias top producers David Ciente and Shift. The single quickly rose to the Top 5 on the Romanian Music Charts. Shazam listed Dale Papi as the Most Favorite Song in Romania and it quickly reached the Top 10 Sales Chart in Greece. Lariss hot music video for her Single became an overnight viral sensation on YouTube around the world. The Dale Papi video was directed by Khaled Mokhtar, best known for his work with international Hit artists including Alexandra Stan (Cherry Pop), Inna (Be My Lover), and Antonia (Marabou), has generated more than fifty-four million views on YouTube to date. Watch the official music video for Dale Papi on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xLk9j4bfsis For her US debut the stunning and super-talented Lariss is teaming up with iconic US Hip-Hop artist K7, best known for his Hit single Come Baby Come which reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the UK Singles Chart, to add a fresh new touch on her hot Latin single. Dale Papi is the perfect song for the summer, mixing elements of Latin Pop, Hip-Hop, and Electronic Dance Music. The single is sure to be heating up dance floors all summer long. Lariss Dale Papi (feat. K7) will be available for digital purchase on Amazon, Bandcamp, Google Play, and iTunes on Friday, June 2nd. It will also be available to stream on Spotify. ### About Radikal Records: Established in 1990, and based just outside of NYC, Radikal Records is one of the United States leading independent record labels. In business for more than 25 years, they are focused on marketing, promoting, and distributing artists not only to audiences in the USA, but also on a global basis to partners world-wide. Artists included on their roster over the years include: Kristian Nairn, DJs From Mars, Tony Moran, Salt Ashes, 2 Unlimited, N-Trance, Zombie Nation, ATB, Yello, Scooter, Schiller, Blank & Jones, Cosmic Gate, Sinead OConnor, Ayah Marar, and many others. For more information visit: http://www.radikal.com Lia Gore, MD Children benefit from this drug and so far, it's very safe In 2002, the FDA approved the drug imatinib as a first-line therapy for adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) caused by the fusion gene BCR-ABL, known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The approval dramatically extended the lives of patients with the condition and, in many ways, ushered in the era of molecularly-targeted treatments against cancer. Now worldwide phase II clinical trial results presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2017 show the promise of the second-generation drug dasatinib, also aimed at BCR-ABL fusion in CML, in a new population, namely pediatric patients. Of 113 pediatric patients studied, 75 percent of patients who had previously failed or did not tolerate imatinib saw progression-free survival 48 months after starting treatment with dasatinib. Of newly diagnosed patients those who were previously untreated more than 90 percent saw progression-free survival at 48 months of treatment. Chronic myeloid leukemia makes up about 5 percent of all childhood leukemias, resulting in about 150 cases per year in the United States. Despite the fact that there is a common molecular driver BCR-ABL -- for this disease in adults and in children, the manifestation in children is different. Pediatric patients tend to have more aggressive disease, says Lia Gore, MD, co-director of the Hematological Malignancies Program at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, pediatric oncologist at Childrens Hospital Colorado, and the studys senior author. In addition to the ability of dasatinib to control the condition, Gore and colleagues were interested in the speed of its effects, showing major cytogenic response (a term describing the dramatic reduction of oncogenic BCR-ABL protein in the bone marrow) within 3 months for more than 50 percent of patients who had previously failed imatinib, and complete cytogenic response within 6 months for 64 percent of newly diagnosed patients. At the time the study was designed, cytogenic response were defined as critical endpoints, Gore states, although today the ability to attain molecular remissions is the most clinically important: Molecular remissions were outstanding as well, Gore says, and the molecular data will be presented later this month at the European Hematology Association meeting and in our final manuscript of the study. What we saw from the patients we enrolled at Childrens Hospital Colorado and around the world, is that patients had great disease control, minimal toxicities and were really able to move into normal activities, a normal daily life. One of our long-term patients is in college now and is studying to go on to nursing school as a result of her experience, Gore says. Gore points out that because most cancers including CML are more common in adults, it takes fewer collaborating centers to enroll enough adult patients in clinical trials to draw meaningful conclusions about the effects of new treatments. On the other hand, because pediatric cancers are less common no single center, or perhaps not even a dozen centers, would see enough patients to test many of the newest medicines. The current trial is the largest prospective trial of pediatric patients with CML, offered at 80 medical centers in 18 countries. This is a perfect example of collaboration in the community of cancer research and points the way toward a new model of testing medicines against rare conditions, Gore says. Ongoing clinical trials hope to evaluate whether treatment with dasatinib and later generation drugs aimed at BCR-ABL fusion oncogenes will be used throughout a patients life to control cancer as an ongoing, chronic condition, or whether these drugs can be safely discontinued after reaching some endpoint of disease control. We used to think that everybody with CML had to have treatment for life. But we dont know that now. A new generation of trials is evaluating whether some patients may successfully discontinue therapy, both in pediatric and in adult CML, and if so, who those patients are. We would ideally learn how to predict who can successfully discontinue and who needs to remain on treatment so that we are treating the right patients for the right length of time to optimize their chances for the best quality life, Gore says. For now, Gore says the current study shows that "children benefit from this drug and so far, its very safe." Gore will present these trial results Monday, June 5 in an Oral Abstract Session from 8:00am-11:00am at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. Catherine E. Goldhaber I am thrilled to join the preeminent toxic tort defense firm in the United States. Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP (HPTY), a national litigation firm, is pleased to announce Catherine E. Goldhaber has joined the firm as partner-in-charge of HPTYs Chicago office. Goldhaber brings more than 15 years of experience defending claims related to product liability, exposure to toxic substances and transportation-related injuries. Goldhaber joins a group of more than 100 attorneys that defend clients in toxic tort litigation as national coordinating counsel and trial counsel. The group boasts over 500 years of combined trial experience, including taking over 400 cases to verdict as lead counsel and taking the lead or participating in over 10,000 fact and expert witness depositions. I am thrilled to join the preeminent toxic tort defense firm in the United States, said Goldhaber. The team has more experience and depth than any other toxic tort firm in the country, which will allow me to effectively counsel clients in avoiding litigation and managing existing risks by leveraging HPTYs ability to be trial ready in all states. Goldhaber handles matters directly in Illinois and Michigan and manages multi-state litigation as national coordinating counsel and trial counsel. She advises clients in Medicare Secondary Payer issues, particularly as issues arise throughout discovery and in resolution of claims. Prior to joining HPTY, Goldhaber was a shareholder at national litigation firm based in Chicago and served as Chair of their Pro Bono and Public Service Committee from 2011 to 2016. Before entering private practice, she served as an Assistant State's Attorney for Cook County, Illinois. Goldhaber received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 1995 and her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1999. Daniel A. Pollyea, MD, MS Theres a disconnect between what can be done, what should be done, and what is being done. Guidelines by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend testing for seven known genetic changes in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A study presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2017 shows that only 67 percent of 259 evaluated patients received any genetic testing. Of the 173 patients that received any genetic testing, only 9 percent received all seven of the NCCN-recommended genetic tests. We now know a tremendous amount about the genetic underpinnings of the disease. We can test for these genetic changes in the clinic to see whats making a patients disease tick. And often there are targeted therapies that can be matched with these genetic changes. But theres a disconnect between what can be done, what should be done, and what is being done, says Daniel A. Pollyea, MD, MS, investigator at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, clinical director of Leukemia Services at the CU School of Medicine, and the studys lead author. For example, FLT3 is a commonly mutated gene with several drugs in clinical development to specifically target this mutation. But this drug can only be used once genetic testing pinpoints the patients likely to benefit, namely those with FLT3 activation. Additional targeted treatments for AML are in development, such as Pollyeas own work with the drugs AG-120 and AG-221, which target the 15-20 percent of AML harboring mutations in the genes IDH1 and IDH2. Previously, the majority of data describing rates of genetic testing in AML patients have come from clinical trials, where adherence to guidelines is, as expected, very high. The current study hoped to evaluate adherence to genetic testing guidelines in AML treated outside clinical trials, in academic medical centers and in community settings. The data comes from the new, unique resource of the CONNECT MDS/AML Disease Registry, which collects treatment and outcome statistics from 86 sites distributed across the United States. Current results reflect data gathered from 2013 to 2016. Overall, rates of patients receiving any genetic testing were higher in patients treated at academic medical centers than those treated at community clinics (76 percent versus 62 percent); higher in patients younger than 65 years old than in older patients (83 percent versus 60 percent); and higher in patients with non-Medicare insurance than in patients with Medicare (74 percent versus 61 percent). Basically, were not seeing adherence to these guidelines. Its still a big challenge for a lot of institutions, Pollyea says. He points out that often a major barrier to genetic testing in AML (and many other cancers) is the willingness of insurance companies to pay for testing. He also suggests that with adherence to these guidelines so low, perhaps the guidelines themselves need adjustment, though, I think the guidelines are pretty solid and, in my opinion, I would say they dont go far enough in recommending genetic testing, he says. The major accomplishment of the current study may be setting a baseline against which future data can be measured. Were in our infancy with this testing, and even earlier than infancy in seeing how were doing on testing. But now with this registry we at least have the infrastructure available to ask these kinds of questions, Pollyea says. As known genetic drivers of AML are successfully paired with targeted treatments and more of both are discovered, genetic testing is likely to become an even more essential component of clinical care. Now with an understanding of the current state of genetic testing in AML, Pollyea and colleagues will be able to evaluate changes in these data as diagnostic, prognostic and treatment options evolve. Ed shares our customer-first focus and commitment to providing innovative solutions that help companies meet their technology needs and achieve their business goals. Evocative, LLC, a leading provider of secure Internet infrastructure solutions, today announced that Ed Buck has joined the company as Vice President of Technology and Service Delivery. Mr. Bucks executive responsibilities include the design, delivery, maintenance, operations and support of Evocatives full suite of data center services. We are thrilled to welcome Ed to Evocative. He shares our customer-first focus, commitment to being a trusted partner to our clients, and providing innovative solutions that help companies meet their technology needs and achieve their business goals, said Arman Khalili, Evocative CEO. Ed and I have worked closely together over the past twelve years and I know that his wealth of experience in data center and Internet infrastructure technology will be a key component in Evocatives future growth. Evocative has a long history and outstanding reputation for delivering custom Internet infrastructure solutions that enable enterprises in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area to run their businesses on their terms, said Ed Buck, Evocative VP of Technology and Service Delivery. I am happy to join the exceptional team of professionals at Evocative and to be able to build on that history. Prior to joining Evocative, Mr. Buck was Vice President of Services at San Francisco-based data center provider UnitedLayer, where he led the Operations and Engineering teams for many years. He was also the founder of ASPextra, a company focused on providing scalable and highly available managed hosting solutions where he built a network and service delivery Internet infrastructure comprised of multiple, geographically dispersed data centers serving clients in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Buck also held management positions at Oracle where he was deeply involved in the evaluation, acquisition and implementation of Internet and commerce technologies that shaped much of the Internet ecosystem in its early years. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Evocative operates secure, high availability data centers in the heart of Silicon Valley. The companys fully customizable data center services include colocation, hybrid IT, managed private cloud, dedicated hosting, and network and security services. About Evocative Evocative is a North American company and an owner and operator of secure, compliant, highly available data centers. We are the trusted guardians of our clients Internet infrastructure. To tour an Evocative data center or receive additional information on data center services, please visit http://www.evocative.com. Florida is an excellent state for those looking to invest in Rent Estate and Jacksonville is at the top of the list, shared Renters Warehouse CEO Kevin Ortner. Renters Warehouse, one of the largest and highest reviewed property management companies in America, is announcing yet another office opening in Florida, this time in Jacksonville. Doors to the Jacksonville office officially opened on May 1st, 2017 with Market Leader Debra Pappas at the helm. She anticipates over 200 doors under management by June. Were very excited to grow our team and welcome local Rent Estate Advisors to help us service one of Floridas largest markets, said Pappas. The local rental scene is booming thanks to many factors including beautiful weather, coastal views and beaches, and the all-around salt life Jacksonville is known for. Its also home to two large military bases, with many members of the military choosing to rent before they build or buy a home in the area. Jacksonville is also home to one of the top three A rated school districts in the state. Jacksonville truly has it all and its exactly why people are moving here in droves, said Pappas. In addition to its amazing school systems, Jacksonville is ranked fourth in the country for areas where income is rising faster than rental prices, fueling its Renter Nation. Its also exhibiting a strong growth rate, rising from the ashes of the recession and making it incredibly attractive to single-family investors. Florida is an excellent state for those looking to invest in Rent Estate and Jacksonville is at the top of the list, shared Renters Warehouse CEO Kevin Ortner. Were excited to add Jacksonville to our national footprint and to now be servicing Northeastern Florida, in addition to the south. Renters Warehouse currently has offices in Miami and Tampa, Florida. Renters Warehouse Jacksonville is now hiring Rent Estate Advisors. Learn more by visiting http://renterswarehouse.com/careers. Renters Warehouse exists to help homeowners and investors create wealth and financial freedom through Rent Estate. To learn more about Rent Estate, visit http://www.rentestaterevolution.com and order your copy of Rent Estate Revolution, Renters Warehouses cornerstone book for the masses authored by Kevin Ortner and with foreword Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, Phd., Economic Policy Advisor to President Ronald Reagan. -30- About Renters Warehouse Renters Warehouse is one of the fastest growing and highest reviewed residential property management companies in America. Backed by growth equity investor and majority stakeholder Northern Pacific Group, and under the leadership of President and CEO Kevin Ortner, Renters Warehouse now manages more than $3 billion in residential real estate, servicing 13,000+ investors across 19,000+ residential homes over 42 markets and 25 states. NPG Managing Partner Scott Honour, who in 1999 was a founder of YapStone, a leading online rental property payment service provider, serves as Chairman. Renters Warehouse expertly serves everyday single-property homeowners as well as real estate investors. In 2015, the company officially trademarked the term Rent Estate to redefine the entire SFR (Single Family Rental) industry as more traditional real estate gives way to this new lucrative asset. Through their dedicated Portfolio Services Division led by Chief Investment Officer Anthony Cazazian, the company also brings professional, scalable and efficient single property management solutions to investment portfolios with both centralized services and local market expertise and staff. Not only has Renters Warehouse received the prestigious honor of being included on the Inc. 500 | 5000 list of fastest-growing privately held companies in America seven consecutive years in a row, it was also named one of the Best Places to Work in Minnesota (where they are headquartered) by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The company was also honored as a best place to work in Arizona (a centralized corporate services center) by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2013 and 2014, and achieved a spot on the prestigious 2016 Top Companies to Work for in AZ list. Nationwide, Renters Warehouse has been honored as one of America's "Best Places to Work" in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 by Outside Magazine. Recognized as pioneers in real estate, business management and innovation, Renters Warehouse has been awarded 22 Business Stevie Awards both internationally and stateside. In 2017, Renters Warehouse received an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) after meeting the BBBs eight Standards of Trust and earning BBB Accreditation. In 2016, Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) offering a wide array of services including operational risk assessments, assigned its MOR RV2 residential-vendor ranking to Renters Warehouse as a residential property manager, indicating that the company demonstrates proficiency in managing key areas of operational risk. In 2017, Renters Warehouse published its first book - Rent Estate Revolution. Authored by CEO Kevin Ortner, the book shares the Renters Warehouse philosophy and business expertise around single-family rentals and the power of Rent Estate to drive long-term wealth creation, retirement security and financial freedom for the everyday person. Sign up for updates now at: http://www.rentestaterevolution.com. Media Inquiries / Interviews: Crystal Richard Public Relations crystal(at)renterswarehouse.com From Left to Right: Dr. David L. Reich, President and CEO of The Mount Sinai Hospital; Dr. Dennis Charney, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Dr. Kenneth L. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Mount Sinai Health System took another step forward today in their 18-month-old alliance with the official opening of their Fetal Medicine Program and the affiliation of the Mount Sinai Childrens Heart Center with the Cardiac Center at CHOP. Officials from both hospitals participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony held today at the new facility at The Mount Sinai Hospitals Annenberg Building. The Fetal Medicine Program will offer access to an unprecedented scope of services. This program provides mothers carrying fetuses at risk for or identified with possible anomalies a one-stop experience that includes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and consultation. Specifically, in a single-day visit, the patient will undergo state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, which may include ultrasound, echocardiography, and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and then meet with a team of Mount Sinai and CHOP experts to discuss the presumptive diagnosis and options for treatment. All diagnostic testing will be performed at The Mount Sinai Hospital; images will be read by specialists in fetal radiology at CHOP and Mount Sinai in coordination with Mount Sinai maternal fetal medicine specialists using telemedicine video links. Once the diagnostics are reviewed, and depending on the presumptive diagnosis, a conference with each patient and her family may include a maternal fetal medicine specialist, pediatric cardiologist, pediatric surgeon, geneticist, and other relevant pediatric subspecialists. CHOP subspecialists will participate in these family meetings by video conferencing. The program is the only one in New York City offering such convenience and level of services. The new affiliation of the Mount Sinai Childrens Heart Center and the CHOP Cardiac Center brings to New York access to unparalleled expertise and resources from one of the nations leading pediatric cardiac centers. The affiliation includes the Fetal Heart Program, which aims to diagnose congenital heart disease as early as 12-14 weeks gestation utilizing fetal echocardiography. The results of the fetal imaging can then allow the clinical care team, comprising providers at Mount Sinai and CHOP collaborating via telemedicine technology, to develop an optimal plan for care. The Childrens Heart Center at Mount Sinai Hospitaloverseen by the Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgeryprovides a continuum of care from fetal through adult life, and will now have access to the expertise of CHOPs Cardiac Center in areas such as pediatric cardiac intensive care and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. The Childrens Heart Center offers exceptional pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgical services, including echocardiography, exercise testing, Holter monitoring, interventional cardiology and angiography, and cardiovascular genetics. The Mount Sinai and CHOP teams can provide joint expertise at all points of treatment through direct consultation and use of telehealth technology. The alliance between Mount Sinai and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia was announced in the fall of 2015, and includes three services: fetal medicine, pediatric cardiac care, and pediatric oncology. This collaboration is intended to give patients and their families access to the most advanced diagnostics and treatments delivered by Mount Sinai and CHOP experts close to home at select Mount Sinai locations. Mount Sinai is pleased to collaborate with CHOP, a world-renowned institution, to ensure excellent patient care," said Kenneth L. Davis, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. "Our goal is to offer the highest quality maternal, fetal, and pediatric care to patientsespecially those with complex needsacross a large health system and a fast-growing ambulatory care network. And together, we will be uniquely positioned to recruit and retain the best faculty in the region." CHOP is pleased to mark this milestone in the relationship between two health care institutions that are totally dedicated to caring for the health of children and their families, said Madeline Bell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. The alliance with the Mount Sinai Health System continues to evolve and reflects both a shared vision to better serve families in the New York region and a mutual professional respect and admiration between our organizations, Bell said. About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient servicesfrom community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care. The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is in the Honor Roll of best hospitals in America, ranked No. 15 nationally in the 2016-2017 Best Hospitals issue of U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital is also ranked as one of the nations top 20 hospitals in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Ear, Nose & Throat, and is in the top 50 in four other specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 10 nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. Mount Sinais Kravis Childrens Hospital is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Children's Hospitals." For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. About The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nations first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Childrens Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu. ### "Ultimately, Sema4 will help transform how diseases are predicted, diagnosed, treated, and prevented, said Dr. Schadt, CEO of Sema4 as well as Dean for Precision Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai The Mount Sinai Health System today announced that it has spun out several genetic testing and data sciences components from its Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and the Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology into a for-profit company, Sema4. Sema4 will be led by Eric Schadt, PhD, a pioneer in big data and systems biology and founding Director of the Icahn Institute. Dr. Schadt and his team at Sema4 will build on the success of the Mount Sinai Genetic Testing Laboratory and will continue to collaborate closely with the Mount Sinai Health System. Sema4 (pronounced \se-m-for\ semaphore) aims to revolutionize clinical diagnostics by combining comprehensive screening and diagnostic testing, predictive modeling, cutting-edge technologies, and open-access data. We will incorporate patient informationincluding genetic, environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, and device datato model the complexity of disease and wellness and to generate more personalized, precise, and real-time insights for our patients. Ultimately, Sema4 will help transform how diseases are predicted, diagnosed, treated, and prevented, said Dr. Schadt, CEO of Sema4 as well as Dean for Precision Medicine and the Jean C. and James W. Crystal Professor of Genomics at the Icahn School of Medicine. Sema4 combines more than 160 years of experience within Mount Sinai, including cutting-edge clinical expertise, world-class academic research, and pioneering information science. Sema4 will continue to offer high-quality genetic testing developed through years of research and patient interaction at Mount Sinai Health System. This includes its market-leading offering, Sema4 Expanded Carrier Screen (formerly NextStep), which tests for 281 genetic diseases by using six different testing technologies to provide a more meaningful result for patients. The Sema4 diagnostics menu will be quickly expanded to include an enhanced non-invasive prenatal test, newborn screening, and oncology testing. Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, commented: The launch of Sema4 is a natural extension of Mount Sinais vision to unlock and apply discoveries, clinical testing, and data-powered approaches that will drive greater health. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Sema4 team and to rapidly deploying the tools they develop throughout the Mount Sinai Health System. Spinning out of Mount Sinai will allow Sema4 to raise the capital it needs to dramatically scale its genetic testing business and data sciences capabilities in order to collect and analyze significantly more data, and to build and implement platforms that enable patients and providers to fully make use of its analyses and diagnostic interpretations for clinical decision-making. As it expands, Sema4 will actively engage patients and physicians across the country with products that will transform molecular diagnostics through information-rich offerings and promote longer-term relationship with and knowledge about ones health. Sema4 will also build new digital platforms to engage patients and empower them to take control of their longitudinal health data, while facilitating analysis of the data to improve well-being. Sema4 is committed to being the first to create such platforms and expand the availability of digital health, enabling aggregation across all institutions and putting the patient first in that journey so that that they can benefit the most from that data. During our time at Mount Sinai, the team now launching Sema4 has been committed to enabling patients to take charge of their data and be active participants in choosing a healthier life. We have spent years proving the value of multiscale biology and are eager to scale this at the national level, said Dr. Schadt. We will break down silos by openly sharing our information platform, network models, and data with the biomedical community, academic medical centers, and nonprofit researchers around the world. Providing broad access to data, rather than hoarding it or restricting its use, is a proven path to accelerating new discoveries and drastically improving patient care. Our efforts are designed to empower the patient to take their own data and share it with whomever they want during their lifetime. Mount Sinai has made a substantial investment in Sema4 and in the future of genetic research, diagnostics, and next-generation treatments. By creating Sema4, we can bring this tremendous expertise to a national audience and use what we learn from the broader population to help us deliver better care to our Mount Sinai patients, shaping health care for decades to come, said Kenneth L. Davis, MD, President and CEO of the Mount Sinai Health System. Sema4 will have a staff of more than 300, including scientists, doctors, engineers, clinicians, genetic counselors, and business leaders. Spearheading our diagnostic operations are Lisa Edelmann, PhD, Sema4s Chief Diagnostics Officer and long-time Executive Director of the Mount Sinai Genetic Testing Laboratory in New York City, and Todd Arnold, PhD, Managing Director of the Branford, Connecticut, laboratory. About Sema4 Sema4 is an interdisciplinary health information company that is committed to providing open access to data and creating practical tools that help patients, clinicians, and researchers better predict health trajectories. Formerly the Mount Sinai Genetic Testing Lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Sema4 is constructing a more comprehensive picture of health by combining a wealth of clinical experience that informs the answers that patients and providers are seeking, the world-class academic research that illuminates new directions, and the pioneering information science that puts all the pieces together. And we are sharing the data so each patients journey helps everyone complete the greater picture. For more information, please visit sema4genomics.com and connect with Sema4 on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient servicesfrom community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care. The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is in the Honor Roll of best hospitals in America, ranked No. 15 nationally in the 2016-2017 Best Hospitals issue of U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital is also ranked as one of the nations top 20 hospitals in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Ear, Nose & Throat, and is in the top 50 in four other specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 10 nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. Mount Sinais Kravis Childrens Hospital is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Children's Hospitals." For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Monica Steffeck, Clickstop's Vice President of Talent Enrichment The innovation and hard work that went into the creation is something we admire and are excited to see happening in our own state. A consumer-friendly solar car built by Iowa State University (ISU) students is making its way around the state this month, and Clickstop is among its planned stops. PrISUm, ISUs solar car team, is comprised of 120 students who will unveil the organizations latest project June 2 on the universitys campus in Ames. The car, called Penumbra, will visit all of Iowas 99 counties in June as part of an annual outreach to showcase the fully sustainable vehicle, as well as promote renewable energy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The tours official hashtag is #SunRun99. Penumbra is scheduled to arrive at Clickstop around 1:30 p.m. June 21. During this time, everyone is welcome to check out this vehicle and even go for a quick spin, said Smeet Mistry, PrISUms tour contact. PrISUms 2017 version of the solar car took two years to design and manufacture. The name Penumbra, by definition the edge of a shadow, symbolizes the teams shift in focus from competition and race-based vehicles to a more practical, everyday car, Mistry said. Made to change the paradigm of transportation, the solar-assisted electric vehicle has several features found in many present-day motor vehicles, including four seats, Bluetooth audio and wireless charging for cell phones, according to Mistry. Instead of gasoline or diesel fuel, Penumbra is powered by the sun, which recharges the onboard batteries as the vehicle is driven. Completely charged, Penumbra delivers up to 200 miles. On a sunny day, a constant speed of 40 mph can be achieved without using energy from the batteries. Clickstop is very excited to be a stop on the #SunRun99 tour, said Monica Steffeck, Clickstops vice president of talent enrichment. The innovation and hard work that went into the creation is something we admire and are excited to see happening in our own state. Donations and sponsorships the vast majority from sources outside the university have largely covered the nearly $700,000 cost of Penumbra. Support has come in the form of cash, material and labor devoted toward the project. About $250,000 was needed for the car alone, with the rest allocated to outreach efforts, competition fees, shipment to a race and other related expenses. The total figure also reflects summed donation values including software licenses. Following #SunRun99, Penumbra will be flown to Australia to compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which has occurred every two years since 1987. The October event is a 3,000-kilometer (about 1,864 miles) endurance adventure through rugged outback terrain. Visit http://www.prisum.org for more information. ### About Clickstop, Inc. Clickstop is a multi-brand merchant based in Urbana, Iowa. Its focus on great workplace culture has landed the company multiple work environment-focused awards including two first-place achievements as the Coolest Place to Work, along with being named one of Iowas Top Workplaces by The Des Moines Register for four consecutive years. Clickstop serves diverse markets that include the moving and cargo control industry, energy-efficient insulation products, fasteners and home organizing solutions. For more information, visit Clickstop.com. Everything You Need to Know about the Great American Summer Picnic Picnics have a special place in Americans' hearts and minds. Bob Evans is bringing that special picnic feeling to everyone this Summer: no park necessary. Known for its iconic comfort food, Bob Evans is rolling out a new Summer picnic menu chock-full of summers brightest flavors. Just in time for Summer, Bob Evans commissioned a national survey to delve deeper into Americans' love of picnics. According to the new Bob Evans survey, picnics are beloved because of the people involved rather than where they take place. The survey of 2,503 Americans found that picnics are about more than just food; 86% of respondents loved to picnic because it provided an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. In addition, it turns out that, while being outside was considered an important part of picnicking, more than 58% of respondents had staged an indoor picnic in the last year, showing that anywhere can be a perfect place for a picnic if you have good food and great company. Thats why Bob Evans is bringing picnics and that wonderful feeling of connectedness to locations near everyone! The family-style restaurant is opening up hundreds of thousands of picnic blanket locations across the US thanks to the new Summer picnic menu and promotion. Now, there is a Bob Evans location wherever guests can lay a blanket or spread a table cloth. You take care of the company; Bob Evans will handle the food. The Summer Picnic menu is available both in restaurant and as a Picnic to go but only for a limited time. Starting this May, guests can enjoy new, fresh picnic menu items that elicit fond warm-weather memories, including delicious Herb Roasted Chicken, specialty sides, and scrumptious Lemonade Bread, along with other family favorites only available for the Summer, like Strawberry Supreme Pie and Chicken Salad Sliders. Picnics have a special place in American's hearts and minds. Wherever our guests choose to enjoy Bob Evans food, our new picnic menu creates a memorable experience that helps families and friends connect while enjoying delicious Summer food, said Sara Bittorf, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer of Bob Evans. Bob Evans Summer picnic menu includes: Herb Roasted Chicken: Marinated roasted chicken seasoned with garden herbs, topped with a citrus garden herb sauce and garnished with a fresh cut lemon Tomato Cucumber Salad: Ripe fresh cut tomatoes, crisp diced cucumbers, and sweet yellow onions tossed in a champagne vinaigrette Homestyle Chicken Tenders: Bob Evans white meat chicken tenders seasoned to perfection and fried to order Summer Herb Corn: Sweet corn with diced fresh red and green peppers finished with a citrus garden herb sauce Summer Chicken Salad Plate: White meat chicken salad topped with honey roasted pecans, served with grapes, fresh cut melon, bananas, pineapples and strawberries Summer Chicken Sliders: White meat chicken salad mixed with grapes and celery on fresh baked signature Bob Evans dinners rolls Strawberry Supreme Pie: Rich cream cheese filling topped with a layer of fresh strawberries and finished with whipped topping Lemonade Bread: Bob Evans lemonade bread is a twist on a traditional lemon pound cake glazed with lemonade icing Strawberry French Toast Bake: Fresh strawberry topping on our French Toast Bake. Served with fresh cut fruit and choice of breakfast meat In addition, Bob Evans is launching The Pop-Up Picnic Tour in cities around Ohio - Bob Evans home state - to help everyone enjoy the magic of Summer picnics with good food, friends and family. Gingham is not required but definitely recommended. Events details: June 7th Columbus Commons 160 South High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 June 15th Public Square Cleveland, Ohio 44114 For more information, including tips for a perfect picnic or to order your Picnic Family Meal to go visit http://www.BobEvans.com/picnic. About Bob Evans Restaurants Bob Evans Restaurants is a chain of family style restaurants founded and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, which owns and operates 523 family restaurants in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States. Bob Evans believed in treating strangers like friends and friends like family; and those principles are alive today at every Bob Evans Restaurant. As a private company owned by Golden Gate Capital, Bob Evans Restaurants is focused on providing quality food and hospitality to every guest at every meal, each and every day. For more information about Bob Evans Restaurants, visit http://www.bobevans.com. Survey Methodology The 2017 Bob Evans Restaurants survey was conducted from May 25 - 26, 2017, using the Research Now online opt-in consumer panel. At the time of the survey, the 2,503 participants had to reside in the 50 states or District of Columbia and be at least 18 years of age or older. Age data was weighted to more accurately reflect the U.S. adult population based on U.S. Census data. Nadine Sykora -- HeyNadine.com Millennials are looking to go out and experience the world they see all over Instagram and Snapchat Success oftentimes arrives when you least expect it. Just ask Nadine Sykora, travel vlogger and YouTube celebrity whose namesake website, HeyNadine.com, has become an internet sensation. What began as a fun way to share her post-college travel experiences before getting a real job, HeyNadine.com is now one of the most watched travel vlogs on YouTube. ExpertFlyer.com recently went One-on-One with Nadine to get her thoughts about the travel industry and how her viewers, consisting mostly of millennials, are influencing ways the travel industry is communicating and marketing to this new breed of traveler. Numbering more than 75 million, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that millennials have now surpassed baby boomers as the nations largest living generation, a potential boon to the travel industry if it can adjust to the changing needs of a new generation of travelers. Millennials are looking to go out and experience the world they see all over Instagram and Snapchat, Nadine Sykora explains. Many are traveling the world solo for a lot of reasons and are looking for group tours where they can meet others their own age that are also traveling alone. The industry has started leaning in to this trend with a growing number of tour companies offering age-specific group tours for millennial solo travelers. Sykora believes that millennials are not particularly interested in the large, mega resort, all-inclusive opportunities. They want that unique experience thats off the beaten path, which means sharing economy options like Airbnb, HomeAway, house sharing, and couch surfing will continue to grow in popularity. We want something cool we can brag about to our friends back home and earn that all important social clout. Chris Lopinto, president and co-founder of Expertflyer.com concurs. Millennials are the engine that drives social media and technology and they want immediate access to reviews, videos, photos, and other information before making a decision about their next destination. The travel industry needs to utilize these marketing tools in ways they never have before in order to attract young travelers. As is the case with any young generation, energy and a desire to explore is plentiful, but discretionary spending is not. Sykora says that millennials need to take a different tact when deciding where to travel next and this new approach can save them hundreds, if not thousands, without placing a damper on their adventures. Typical travelers start their planning by identifying a destination and then trying to find cheap flights, says Sykora. I recommend somewhat of a reverse tactic. Flying cheap is all about flexibility. Start your planning by searching Skyscanner or Google Flights for the dates you wish to travel, but leave the destination open to everywhere. This will open up a whole new world of affordable possibilities and some of the great deal destinations you find may even be on your bucket list. To watch the full interview with Nadine Sykora, visit ExpertFlyers blog. About HeyNadine.com Nadine Sykora is one of the top travel influencers and travel videographers on Youtube where she has made over 800+ videos gaining over 40 million+ views. Over the last 7 years she has traveled to over 50 countries including all around her home country of Canada. She has worked on dozens of video campaigns for brands, tourism boards and companies around the world. She has spoke on expert travel & business panels at the Canadian Media Producers Association, Playlist Live, VidCon and Buffer Festival, and was a keynote speaker at the 2016 Women in Travel Summit. She has appeared in Forbes, the Observer, Mashable, USA Today, CNN, BBC, Lonely Planet, BuzzFeed, Matador Network, Yahoo Travel and The Huffington Post. In December 2014 she was invited as one of the Top 130 of the most inuential travel bloggers and digital media outlets to the White House to attend the White House Travel Blogger Summit on Study Abroad and Global Citizenship. Nadines passion for travel is contagious and she loves to share her experiences and travel expertise via social media, photography, and through her videos. About ExpertFlyer.com Each month, ExpertFlyer's One-on-One blog goes face-to-face with the travel industry's leading decision makers to discuss and address topics relevant to many of today's business and frequent travelers. ExpertFlyer.com was conceived and created by an eclectic team consisting of a veteran elite tier frequent flyer, an airline captain and corporate travel manager, and information technology professionals to deliver a 24/7 real time powerful air travel information service. The company provides its subscribers and corporate travel managers alike with a complete, concise and efficient way to access the ever-changing details of worldwide air travel information. For more information, please visit expertflyer.com. Stuck in the middle seat again? Download the free Seat Alerts app from ExpertFlyer and get the window or aisle seat without hassle or frustration. Professor Timothy W. Tong, PolyU President PolyU looks forward to joining hands with more powerhouses of knowledge around the world to empower universities economic and social impact, shaping a better future for all. More than 200 participants, including influential higher education and industry leaders, entrepreneurs and policy-makers around the globe, gather in Hong Kong for the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Innovation & Impact Summit. Co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and THE, the Summit inspires participants with a series of thought-provoking panel discussions on best practices and case studies to empower universities economic and social impact through innovative research and teaching. The Summit, a key celebratory event of PolyUs 80th anniversary held from 31 May to 2 June, also features inspiring keynote speeches from pioneers in world-renowned organisations and enterprises in the innovation and technology sector. In his welcoming remarks today (1 June), Professor Timothy W. Tong, PolyU President, said, I am pleased to note that PolyU has recently been identified by THE as one of the up-and-coming international powerhouses or technology challengers which have innovation at the core of their strategy, strong industry links and research that excels in technological areas. PolyU looks forward to joining hands with more powerhouses of knowledge around the world to empower universities economic and social impact, shaping a better future for all. Also addressing the Summit welcoming session today are The Hon. Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR; and Mr Phil Baty, Editorial Director, Global Rankings, THE. The Summit was inaugurated by the keynote address of high-profile technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr Charles Chen Yidan. Mr Chen is core founder of Tencent Holdings Limited, which brought, among other innovative products and services, the social media channel WeChat to more than 846 million people. As the founder of Yidan Prize, which offers research projects huge awards to enhance global education, Mr Chen offered his insights into leveraging innovation for scalable changes in education around the world to the Summit participants. Thought-provoking discussions among education leaders Throughout the two-day programme, influential higher education figures engage in a series of thought-provoking panel discussions. They include leaders of renowned institutions from Australia, England, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Spain, the United States, and many others. PolyU shares how our inter-disciplinary approach in pursuing new knowledge and collaboration with top industry partners and organisations to address societal needs. Other world-class innovators and entrepreneurs delivering keynote addresses include: Dr Hermann Hauser, co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners; Dr Candace Johnson, founder/co-founder SES, Loral-Teleport Europe, Europe Online, VATM, GTWN, OWNSAT, Success Europe; and Mr Greg Simon, former executive director, White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force. Participants gain insights into how universities innovate to address the grand challenges and breed new ideas. In an era in which universities play an expanding role in achieving social progress, they also inspire each other on how to translate research into business and turn ideas into impact. For details, please visit the official website: https://goo.gl/kedVru I had to venture completely off grid to get these shots, sometimes disappearing into pristine wilderness for days at a time so I could capture the unseen wonder of America with nothing but 42 lbs. of camera gear on my back. Military-man-turned-critically-acclaimed-photographer, Frank Lee Ruggles, released Chasing Light: An Exploration of the American Landscape today. Published by Four Winds Trading, the 256-page hardcover coffee table book is a collection of stunning photography featuring 64 of America's natural wonders in rarely seen and hard-to-reach places. As the Official Eminent Photographer for the United States National Park Service from 2007 - 2011 (a position once held by Ansel Adams), Ruggles was granted unparalleled access to highly-remote locations to photograph national parks during his off-duty hours. Also a former U.S. Paratrooper and member of the legendary 82nd Airborne division, Ruggles used his army skills to capture over 80,000 images for the Park Service Historic Photograph Collection during his four-year assignment. Chasing Light features his favorite images from this personal collection. "Chasing Light reveals parts of our country that no one ever gets to see, like the view atop of George Washington's head on Mt. Rushmore or photos from deep inside the heart of Death Valley that I took during a 79-mile solo backpacking trip," said Ruggles. "I had to venture completely off grid to get these shots, sometimes disappearing into pristine wilderness for days at a time so I could capture the unseen wonder of America with nothing but 42 lbs. of camera gear on my back." As one of only a handful of photographers who have been given the honor of Eminent Photographer for the National Parks Service, Ruggles was allowed exclusive access to go in the backcountry of national parks to capture his own images of the true essence of the areas. Also serving as the first-ever Artist Ambassador for the National Parks Trust, Ruggles is dedicating a portion of the proceeds of the book to National Parks Trust to support its Kids-to-Parks program. "Protecting our national parks and lands has always been very important to me, but when I was putting together this book, it became a personal crusade of mine to use my photographs to reach future conservationists," said Ruggles. "For years I have been watching as my friend Frank Ruggles chases the light in National Parks all over the country - it is delightful to watch how his passion and sensibility have come together to grace the pages of this beautiful book," said Cristina Mittermier, an award-winning National Geographic Photographer. "His images, like silent ambassadors of everything that is sacred and beautiful in America, will hopefully inspire a new generation to cherish and protect these bastions of hope." Ruggles friend and US Astronaut, photographer, author, and host of TV's "Child Genius, Leland Melvin, added, Photographing Earth from the International Space Station, 240 miles above our planet, fundamentally changed me. The stunning imagery taken in Chasing Light is a beautiful and uplifting reflection of what I saw from the Cosmos. Simply breathtaking." Chasing Light: An Exploration of the American Landscape ($49.95) is available for purchase online at http://www.frankruggleschasinglight.com. Frank Ruggles will complete a book signing tour this summer at various national parks throughout the country, including Yosemite National Park (June 14-15), Yellowstone (June 25-27), Mesa Verde (July 1-3), Glen Canyon (July 18), and Grand Tetons (Aug 18-20), which will also be a celebration of the first total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. in 38 years. Additional book signings are being scheduled daily. Follow Ruggles adventures and learn more about the book on Instagram and Facebook at @frankruggleschasinglight. About Four Winds Trading Since 2006, Four Winds Trading has provided media products, including music, video, books, audio books, posters, maps, and other products to numerous retail outlets such as National Parks gift shops. With thousands of products covering a wide array of subjects from the natural world, to aviation, and to history, the Colorado-based company tailors the best product combination that matches the destination theme. For more information, visit http://www.fourwinds-trading.com. About Frank Lee Ruggles Frank Lee Ruggles served four years as a U.S. Army Paratrooper, was a First Sergeant in the Virginia State Guard as a Military Police Officer, and parachuted with the 82nd Airborne division into Panama. He was the official Eminent Photographer for the National Park Service from 2007-2011. Ruggles is also the Artist Ambassador for the National Park Trust. His photographic works can be seen in galleries and public buildings across the country, and he is currently in production of a television series where he will take viewers through his favorite National Parks and share how he uses his army skills to get the ultimate shots. For more information, visit http://frankleeruggles.photoshelter.com/index. G&L Scientific I am absolutely delighted and very excited to be returning to the Regulatory Affairs market. Its a service area that we know very wellwe have a deep understanding of client expectations and how to meet them. G&L Scientific Inc, a company founded by Peter Griffin and Stephen Loughrey, who together built Pharmalink Consulting into the leading, independent Regulatory Affairs specialist, today announced their intention to once more provide Regulatory Affairs services to life-science clients. G&L Scientific, launched after the sale of Pharmalink to Genpact in 2014, has been working in the Clinical Research sector, and has expanded into every major geography to become one of the most admired scientific consulting organizations. The addition of Regulatory Affairs to its offering solidifies and strengthens G&Ls position in the marketplace. Of the return to Regulatory Affairs, G&Ls Chairman Peter Griffin (who founded Pharmalink with his wife Una Loughrey) said, I am absolutely delighted and very excited to be returning to the Regulatory Affairs market. Its a service area that we know very wellwe have a deep understanding of client expectations and how to meet them. Stephen Loughrey, CEO of G&L, added, G&L Scientific has developed and expanded on the straightforward principle of great people backed by great customer care. This will continue to be our guiding philosophy as we re-enter the Regulatory Affairs market. Regardless of client size and need, were confident we can provide an industry-leading service. About G&L Scientific G&L Scientific provides consulting, staffing and support services for Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs. With teams of experts based at officesin Europe and the US, as well as a pool of 2,500 consultants in over 100 countries, G&L has people at the right level and in the right location to support clients on a global basis. For more information, contact: Millburn, NJ hello.millburn(at)gandlscientific(dot)com tel: +1 973 232 0811 Marlow, UK hello.marlow(at)gandlscientific(dot)com tel: +44 1628 400686 Dublin, Ireland hello.dublin(at)gandlscientific(dot)com tel: +353 1 66 41 445 or visit http://www.gandlscientific.com SAE International continues to elevate this leading technical forum to new levels, bringing together forward-thinking engineers in our industry." - Orlando Carvalho, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin, Aeronautics Orlando Carvalho, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin, Aeronautics, will open the SAE 2017 AeroTech Congress & Exhibition with a keynote address on September 26, 2017. The AeroTech Congress & ExhibitionSAE Internationals biennial gathering of over 2,000 professionals representing commercial, military, general aviation and unmanned aircraft organizationswill be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, TX, September 26-28, 2017. Executive Leadership will be provided by the Lockheed Martin Corporation. No stranger to the aerospace industry, Carvalho currently oversees Lockheed Martins Aeronautics business area, a 22,000-employee enterprise that generated $17.8 billion in sales in 2016. In his 37 years with Lockheed Martin, Carvalho has held several integral leadership positions, and has been credited with establishing and building the Spanish Navys F-100 Combat System programLockheed Martins first significant entry into the European naval combat system market. I am thrilled pleased to deliver the keynote at AeroTech Congress & Exhibition, an event which will provide attendees with an unrivaled opportunity to connect with professionals across a wide industry spectrum, remarked Carvalho. SAE International continues to elevate this leading technical forum to new levels, bringing together forward-thinking engineers in our industry. With three impactful days of influential keynote presentations, dynamic discussions, networking events and a robust showcase of interactive exhibits, technological advancements and product innovations, AeroTech is an event unmatched in the industry, where attendees can gain insight and develop relationships with peers and fellow leaders in aerospace. For more information about Orlando Carvalho or to register for SAE 2017 AeroTech Congress & Exhibition visit: sae.org/aerotech About SAE International SAE International is a global association committed to being the ultimate knowledge source for the engineering profession. By uniting over 127,000 engineers and technical experts, we drive knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of industries. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including programs like A World in Motion and the Collegiate Design Series. For more information: http://www.sae.org. The Spyder X80 is high performing, reliable, and the only processor built from the ground up to support 4K at 60Hz on every channel Today Christie, an acknowledged leader in multi-window processing, introduced an all new processor in the Spyder lineup with the Christie Spyder X80. Delivering four times the pixel management capacity than anything available on the market, the new Spyder X80 is the solution for todays higher image resolutions and is the only video processor capable of handling 4K at a 60Hz refresh rate on a single channel. Setting a new benchmark for the creation of spectacular, unique visual experiences, the new Spyder X80 will be on exhibit in the Christie booth 2553 during InfoComm 2017 in Orlando, Florida June 14 - 16. We asked Spyder X20 users what was important to them in a next generation processor. With their input we engineered the most powerful processing machine on the planet, said Clark Williams, executive vice president, Content Management & Processing, Christie. The Spyder X80 is high performing, reliable, and the only processor built from the ground up to support 4K at 60Hz on every channel. Weve introduced the next generation Spyder as the tool trusted by professionals for the most demanding applications, including rental staging and large scale experiences, added Williams, The Christie Spyder X80 is an instrumental piece in realizing a pixels everywhere vision and stands alone at the forefront as a solution for applications that require managing a massive volume of pixels from source to display with the highest level of performance, flexibility, and functionality available. The new Christie Spyder X80 multi-screen windowing processor offers many capabilities for rental staging and large scale experiences that help make display walls easy to set up and manage, while incorporating the latest standards and connectors, including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, and 12G HDSDI. Christie Spyder X80 solves both the large and small display canvas needs of today, with enough power to solve display needs of the foreseeable future. The new Christie Spyder X80 offers an array of innovative features and benefits: Massive display canvas support - A modular configuration supporting up to 24 inputs and 16 outputs, with all connections capable of displaying 4K at 60/50Hz, customers benefit from 4K support for narrow pixel pitch LED, tiled video walls, plus complex, multi-display projection environments Card chassis based design allows customers to match input and output needs with room to change and upgrade in the future All source content can be displayed freely across multiple types of displays including displays configured in portrait mode with Spyders ability to rotate outputs individually Single channel 4K support on every channel - Christie Spyder X80 supports 4K at 60Hz at 8/10/12 bit processing on a single cable, plus 4K at 120Hz on dual or quad cables Super low latency - Continuing in the Spyder tradition, 80 megapixels and 4K at 60Hz support has super low latency impact 24/7 operation - Proprietary hardware processor allows 24/7 operation for the most demanding and critical applications Scalable and flexible - With industry leading scaling and format conversion, customers can mix and match multiple SD, HD, 4K, and stereoscopic video formats without compromising the creativity to flexibly arrange and manipulate content while maintaining original picture quality Christie Spyder Studio client software (GUI) - Advancing Spyders reputation for show control, from simple presets to complex frame accurate timelines, Spyder Studio has the flexibility and functionality required for the most demanding live environment From June 14 to 16, 2017, Christie Spyder X80 will be on display in the Christie booth #2553 at the Orlando Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. About Christie Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual and audio technologies company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the worlds most advanced projectors, complete system displays, and cinema audio solutions; Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images, accompanied by awe-inspiring sound. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com. Walker Sands listed as a Best Workplace 2017 by Inc. magazine Ninety-five percent of Walker Sands employees agree that the organizations senior leaders value people as their most important resource. Walker Sands, an integrated public relations and digital marketing firm for B2B technology companies, has been named one of Inc. magazines Best Workplaces for 2017, the publications second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. Hitting newsstands today in the June 2017 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just over 200 winning companies. Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Nebraska, Inc.s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. When surveyed by Inc. magazine, the top word used by Walker Sands employees to describe the companys work environment was, supportive. Ninety-five percent of Walker Sands employees agree that the organizations senior leaders value people as their most important resource. What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says its more than good pay and good perks its also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes the two work together. This recognition from Inc. shows our company core values of, Learn, Support and Do, are present in every facet of our work, said Mike Santoro, president of Walker Sands. Maintaining a strong culture in a growing agency isnt easy and Im so proud of how much weve accomplished together as an organization, keeping true to our roots. As our business scales, it has remained our utmost priority to maintain our supportive company culture and scrappy, entrepreneurial spirit that we have since we launched this business in 2001. The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies dont view their employers as sugar daddies. They arent mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. Supporting professional development and career growth opportunities for every individual ensures employees stay motivated and inspired by their work. This includes fostering a culture that works for all employees. By introducing an employee survey into this years Best Workplaces selection process, weve really raised the bar, state the editors at Inc. magazine. Companies that dont score at the very top of their peer group dont make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, thats not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves. To learn more about Walker Sands unique company culture and why you should join its team, visit: http://careers.walkersands.com/working-at-walker-sands About Walker Sands Walker Sands is a public relations and digital marketing agency for business-to-business technology companies. With an integrated approach to their suite of services, Walker Sands helps clients build brand awareness, enhance credibility and drive new business. Walker Sands is a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree and regular recipient of some of the industrys most prestigious awards from organizations including PRSA, Holmes Report and PR News. Walker Sands was founded in 2001 and has offices in Chicago and San Francisco. To learn more, visit http://www.walkersands.com. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Ages The A-List in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit http://www.quantumworkplace.com. Salt Lake Community College officials were joined by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (far left) in accepting an Envision Utah award for SLCC Promise. Salt Lake Community College, during an event at the State Capitol, received Envision Utahs Your Utah, Your Future award for SLCC Promise, a unique program that helps qualifying students at SLCC pay for their college education. Envision Utah also recognized the Utah Aerospace Pathways program, of which SLCC is a partner. The Envision Utah award for Promise recognizes steps SLCC has taken to advance quality growth principles in Utah and to improve the lives of its residents. SLCC Promise helps eligible, full-time students pay for their education by covering the cost of tuition and fees when federal grants fall short. SLCC Promise has helped about 700 students, exceeding 1,000 awards worth approximately $800,000 in value since the program started last year. To be eligible for SLCC Promise funds, students first must exhaust other sources of financial aid, including federal Pell grants, VA chapter benefits, scholarships and other tuition waivers. With requirements to develop an academic plan in collaboration with an academic advisor, maintain a 2.0 GPA and attend full time, SLCC Promise is providing a pathway for students to succeed and complete their degrees at SLCC. For more information, visit http://www.slcc.edu/promise. Since 2015, the Aerospace Pathways program has been providing Utah students the opportunity to graduate high school with a certificate in aerospace manufacturing and begin a career in that field. The first semester of the program takes place in high schools while the second semester is held at SLCC and Davis Applied Technology College. Students also participate in paid internships during their senior year of high school. Upon completion of the program and after passing pre-employment requirements, students can work for program industry partners such as Boeing, Harris, Hexcel, Hill Air Force Base, Janicki or Orbital ATK. Jobs at these employers are considered to provide family-sustaining wages and, in some cases, include tuition reimbursement programs for continued education after working for the company for at least one year. Envision Utah is a nonprofit neutral facilitator that brings together residents, elected officials, developers, conservationists, business leaders and other interested parties to make informed decisions about how Utah should grow. Salt Lake Community College is an accredited, student-focused, comprehensive community college meeting the diverse needs of the Salt Lake community. Home to more than 60,000 students each year, the College is Utahs leading provider of workforce development programs. SLCC is also the largest supplier of transfer students to Utahs four-year institutions and a perennial Top 10 college nationally for total associate degrees awarded. The College is the sole provider of applied technology courses in the Salt Lake area, with multiple locations, an eCampus, and nearly 1,000 continuing education sites located throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Personal attention from an excellent faculty is paramount at the College, which maintains an average class size of 20. Inc. Best Workplaces 2017 I believe it is thanks to our talented team that we can achieve our vision of reinventing education for the next 100 years Study.com has been named one of Inc. magazines 50 Best Workplaces for 2017, the publications second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. Inc. Magazines June 2017 issue hits newsstands today. The issue spotlights the 50 Best Workplaces for 2017, a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Study.com was recognized as a top 50 company. What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says its more than good pay and good perks its also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes the two work together. We are truly honored to be recognized by both Inc. magazine and our own employees for our strong culture and workplace engagement, said Adrian Ridner, CEO and Co-founder of Study.com. We have worked hard to create a culture of learning and purpose that empowers each team member to take risks, grow professionally and make a real impact in the community. I believe it is thanks to our talented team that we can achieve our vision of reinventing education for the next 100 years." The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies dont view their employers as sugar daddies. They arent mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. By introducing an employee survey into this years Best Workplaces selection process, weve really raised the bar. Companies that dont score at the very top of their peer group dont make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, thats not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves, says Eric Schurenberg, Inc.s President and Editor In Chief. About Study.com Study.com is the simplest, most efficient way to learn online. Over 25 million students a month use our online courses and study tools to master any subject. Study.com helps students in kindergarten through college excel academically and professionals can gain the skills they need in the workplace. The animated videos bring concepts to life and provide an easy, low-cost way to improve grades, earn college credit, and close skill gaps. Study.com was founded in 2002 and is a privately-held company located in Mountain View, California. For more information, visit http://study.com. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Ages The A-List in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/. The 2017 Chambers USA Guide includes seven attorneys and five practices from the Boston office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Firmwide, more than 175 attorneys are included in the guide. Additionally, Greenberg Traurigs Real Estate Practice received the Chambers USA Award for Excellence in Real Estate during a ceremony last night in New York City. This is the 11th consecutive year the team has been recognized at the awards, also winning in 2010 and 2013. In the USA Guide, attorneys and practice areas are ranked by placement in bands, with Band 1 being the highest placement. Attorneys can also be designated as a Star Individual, Eminent Practitioner, Senior Statesman, Up and Coming, Star Associate, or Associate to Watch by market and practice. Greenberg Traurigs Boston Banking & Finance Group was highly rated (Band 2), and the Boston offices Corporate/M&A, Energy, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment and Real Estate Groups were noted as Recognised Practitioners, indicating that the lawyers in these practice groups handle notable matters and/or were recommended. Additionally, Boston attorneys receiving individual rankings include: Jean M. DeLuca Banking & Finance: Public Finance Edward S. Hershfield Real Estate Justin F. Keith Labor & Employment, Up & Coming Gregory K. Lawrence Nationwide, Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation) Terence P. McCourt Labor & Employment Benjamin McGuire Banking & Finance: Public Finance, Up & Coming Christopher H. Milton Real Estate According to its website, Chambers and Partners, UK-based publisher of annual guides in several global markets, selects attorneys and practice areas for inclusion based on thousands of interviews with practicing lawyers and clients around the world. For a complete listing of rankings, client and peer commentary, and editorial summaries by Chambers researches and editors, please click here. About Greenberg Traurigs Boston Office Established in 1999, Greenberg Traurigs Boston office is home to nearly 70 attorneys practicing in the areas of corporate, emerging technology, governmental affairs, intellectual property, labor and employment, life sciences and medical technology, litigation, public finance, and real estate. An important contributor to the firm's international platform, the Boston office includes a team of nationally recognized attorneys with both public and private sector experience. The team offers clients the value of decades of legal experience and hands-on knowledge of the local business community, supported by the firm's vast network of global resources. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. Hands down, the people at Dom & Tom are what make our agency an Inc. Best Workplace. Dom & Tom has been named one of Inc. magazines Best Workplaces for 2017, the publications second annual ranking in the fast-growing private company sector. Hitting newsstands today in the June 2017 issue, and as part of a prominent inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of private American companies who have created exceptional workplaces through vibrant cultures, deep employee engagement, and stellar benefits. Out of thousands of applicants, Inc. singled out just over 200 winning companies. Built in partnership with employee engagement and work culture experts Quantum Workplace of Omaha, Nebraska, Inc.s Best Workplaces list is a magnifying glass on how innovative companies can truly raise the bar in hiring and retaining the best talent. What does it take to become a company that workers want to be part of? Inc. magazine says its more than good pay and good perks its also about having a clear purpose, a sense of humor, and leadership that makes the two work together. Hands down, the people at Dom & Tom are what make our agency an Inc. Best Workplace. You have to make your employees a priority because they are not just employees; they are part of a team and to build great products you have to have a rock solid team. At Dom & Tom, our team is a family that works hard, respects one another and are truly friends, said twin Co-Founders, Dom and Tom Tancredi. The 2017 Inc. Best Workplaces Awards assessed applicants on the basis of benefits offered and employees responses to a unique, 30-question survey fielded by each of the applying companies. Responses were evaluated by the research team at Quantum Workplace. For its results to qualify, each company had to achieve a statistically significant response rate based on employee count. Survey scores account for employer size to level the playing field between small and large businesses. All companies had to have minimum of 10 employees and to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent that is, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. While researching the entries, Inc. and Quantum saw distinct themes develop: Strong company cultures breed stunning individual and team performance. Workers at the best companies dont view their employers as sugar daddies. They arent mesmerized by whatever giveaways seem to be the latest fadbe it gourmet lunches or beer fridges. When employees feel valued by their organization, they are far more likely to be engaged. This single factor proved to be one of the largest drivers of employee engagement. By introducing an employee survey into this years Best Workplaces selection process, weve really raised the bar. Companies that dont score at the very top of their peer group dont make the cut. So, our hats are off to the winners. They all excelled at engaging their workers, making them feel appreciated, and aligning them behind a mission. And remember, thats not just our opinion: The employees told us that themselves. About Dom & Tom Dom & Tom is an end-to-end digital product development agency focused on emerging technologies. From startups to enterprise solutions the apps we produce for our clients support their strategic initiatives first and foremost through open collaboration, forward-thinking user experience, engaging design, and cross-platform development for both web and mobile. Dom & Tom has launched 400+ web projects and 120 native mobile applications with teams located in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit http://www.domandtom.com. About Inc. Media Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Winner of Advertising Ages The A-List in January 2015, and the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 40,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com. About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit http://www.quantumworkplace.com. The annual Educational Institute, hosted by Excelsior Colleges School of Nursing and Albany Medical Center, is scheduled for Friday, June 2, 2017, 8 a.m. 3:30 p.m. EDT in Albany, New York. The event will be livestreamed online. Lessons from the Field: Innovations in Veteran Education, Transitions, and Care will focus on innovative strategies in supporting veteran nursing education and veterans transition into the nursing workforce. Nursing educators, health care organization staff members, and medical professionals will have the opportunity to learn about successful education strategies and trends impacting health care systems. The 2017 Educational Institute is free and open for online registration. Please visit eduinstitute2017.eventbrite.com to register. This year's keynote speaker will be Donna Lake, PhD, RN, NEA-BC. Dr. Lake is a Retired Colonel, Air Force and Clinical Associate Professor, East Carolina University College of Nursing. The Educational Institute has been funded by a three-year, $1 million-dollar grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). "We are delighted our colleagues are joining us to disseminate their innovative work. We believe the nursing community will be inspired to learn about what they might do to support veteran education," said Dr. Barbara Pieper, associate dean of the Excelsior College School of Nursing. For registration and additional event information, visit nurses.excelsior.edu/institute. ### Excelsior College Excelsior College is a regionally accredited, nonprofit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The College contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are - academically and geographically - removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu. Neal Analytics today announced it has won the 2017 Microsoft Global Partner of the Year Award in Business Analytics. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. We are honored to be recognized by Microsoft in the mission-critical domain of Business Analytics, said Dylan Dias, CEO, Neal Analytics. Over the past six years, we have worked closely with Microsoft to create impactful business and technology outcomes for our customers. We look forward to continuing our leadership position in the Digital Transformation wave that is sweeping across every industry today. Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2,800 entrants from 115 countries worldwide. Neal Analytics was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Business Analytics. The Business Analytics Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner who has delivered an outstanding solution leveraging Microsofts Advanced Analytics, Big Data, and Business Intelligence capabilities. Neal Analytics winning solution SKU Max Inventory Optimization empowers customers to more actively manage their product offerings, identifying the best products for each shelf to maximize sales/inventory turns. This helps Neal & Microsofts customers make better, faster strategic business decisions that lead to increased margin in the Consumer Goods, Retail, Manufacturing, Distribution, and MRO industries. The solution enables key personas (e.g. Merchandising Managers, Category Managers, Buyers, Inventory Planners, Production Planners) to achieve success in their day-to-day activities with a robust analytical tool that supplements their experience and instinct. The tool was developed using leading data and analytics capabilities on the Microsoft Azure Cloud that are part of the Cortana Intelligence Suite. Technologies used include Azure Data Factory (for data management), HDInsight, SQL Data Warehouse, Azure Data Lake (for big data), Machine Learning (for machine learning), and Power BI (for visualization). Our ecosystem of innovative partners is the cornerstone to delivering transformative solutions to our mutual customers, said Ron Huddleston corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Corp. We are pleased to recognize Neal Analytics for being selected as Winner of the 2017 Microsoft Global Partner of the Year Business Analytics award. The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions during the past year. About Neal Analytics Neal Analytics helps companies turn data into a valuable asset and a competitive advantage. From data warehouses and dashboards to Big Data and Advanced Analytics, Neal Analytics has the skills and experience to deliver extremely profitable results for their clients. As the premier Advanced Analytics partner to Microsoft, Neal Analytics helps businesses overcome obstacles and drive Digital Transformation impact with their data. Neal has unique reach among Fortune-50 clients and the ability to make a difference when solving the toughest business and technology problems. Neal Analytics expert consultants bring a host of Data Science, Business Intelligence, Cognitive Services, practical AI, Data Management, and IOT skillsets to bear to solve unique business problems for their clients. Neals machine learning and data engineering expertise enables engagement with real-time sensor data, historical structured and unstructured data, ERP data, and any other firm data to drive margin increases and profitable analytics projects. About SKU Max Neal Analytics SKU Max Inventory Management solution helps customers increase margin and top-line sales across a portfolio of products by pulling ERP data, performing machine learning, and sharing a series of insightful dashboards. These dashboards are broadly distributed to both corporate planners / buyers and field personnel who use these dashboards to make store-specific assortment, warehouse stocking, channel, and product decisions that result in increased margin and revenue based on Neals proprietary algorithms. For additional information: David Brown davidb(at)nealanalytics(dot)com 425-283-6842 Shelly Kamran shelly(at)nealanalytics(dot)com 206-286-9200 For more info on SKU Max Inventory Management Solution Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. By providing a visual and increasingly automated way to drive the success of IT projects, Storyteller 2.2 helps to fill a gap by not only ensuring business-IT alignment, but priming the pump for Agile and DevOps best practices. Blueprint Software, a leading provider of Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) solutions, today announced the latest release of Storyteller, its planning solution for large-scale agile transformation. Blueprints Storyteller features new capabilities that enable enterprises in highly regulated industries such as banking, finance, healthcare and pharma to automate upfront planning activities, align business goals with IT, and support digital transformation. As regulated enterprises seek to increase speed and drive innovation, they also must comply with complex regulations; modernize legacy applications; and scale Agile and DevOps best practices. These factors constrain development and impose risk. The latest version of Storyteller introduces greater automation before code commit, and enhances enterprise collaboration across a broad range of users, of any skill, throughout an organization. The new capabilities include: Baselines: Manages and measures the progress of products and projects. Users can automatically create permanent, formal records of system states. Walkthrough: Visually represents an applications user experience, through process modeling and mock-ups. This enhances collaboration between business and IT and provides a common understanding of what is being built. We work closely with our customers to gain insights into the top challenges they face along their journey to transformation, says Ruth Zive, vice president of marketing at Blueprint. By providing a visual and increasingly automated way to drive the success of IT projects, Storyteller helps to fill a gap by not only ensuring business-IT alignment, but priming the pump for Agile and DevOps best practices. Storyteller launched in June of 2016 and is being used by dozens of enterprises throughout North America, Europe, and EMEA. It is the only solution on the market that automates user story and acceptance criteria creation, and recently received an honorable mention by Gartner in its Agile planning magic quadrant. Demo A demo of Storyteller 2.2 will be held on June 14th 2017 at 12:00 pm ET. Register here. About Blueprint Blueprint provides industry-leading solutions that accelerate and de-risk the digital transformation of large organizations. With our products - Blueprint Storyteller for Agile, Blueprint Automate for DevOps and Blueprint RegTech for Compliance - organizations receive greater business value from IT, faster and more frequently, while dramatically increasing the efficiency and confidence of compliance. For more information visit http://www.blueprintsys.com. Renters can report their Cozy rent payments to Experian RentBureau Because its become increasingly challenging for many people to build their credit histories, were proud to be working with Experian to give the more than one-quarter-of-a-million people whove signed up to pay rent through Cozy the chance to do that." Cozy, the online property management platform that makes renting easier for everyone, today announced a collaboration with Experian to help renters build their credit histories by paying their rent. For the first time, renters can choose to have Cozy report their rent payments to Experians RentBureau. Positive rental payments reported to RentBureau are then added to Experian credit reports. Cozys new feature will allow renters who use the platform, and who rent from independent landlords and property managers, to build their credit histories simply by making rent payments. Because its become increasingly challenging for many people to build their credit histories, were proud to be working with Experian to give the more than one-quarter-of-a-million people whove signed up to pay rent through Cozy the chance to do just that, said Gino Zahnd, CEO of Cozy. Landlords can continue to rely on Cozy to receive rent in a secure, timely manner, without the hassle of driving to the bank or physically collecting paper checks, while renters can impact their financial health just by making those rent payments. Renters can choose to report all payments theyve ever made through Cozy, which can build their past credit histories. Helping renters report their rent payments is part of our mission to bring peace of mind to landlords, property managers and renters, Zahnd said. The new rent-reporting feature is part of an ongoing relationship between Cozy and Experian, the global leader in consumer and business credit reporting. In 2013, the two companies collaborated to create a new Application Program Interface (API) that allows landlords and property managers to request soft credit inquiries from prospective renters as part of the tenant screening process. Those soft inquiries dont impact credit scores and lending decisions, which ultimately benefits landlords and renters. Helping people build their credit history has been a top priority for Experian, and with this collaboration with Cozy, theres a way for more renters to make their rental payments really count," said Erik Brue, vice president, Experians RentBureau. Credit plays an integral role in millions of peoples lives, and through our relationship with Cozy, were expanding the ways consumers can build their credit history. About Cozy Cozy is the industry-leading service for independent landlords, property managers and renters. Simple rent payments, online rental applications and secure tenant screening make Cozy the best way for landlords and renters to interact through the entire rental lifecycle. Cozy was founded in March 2012 in San Francisco, and is located in Portland, Oregon. Cozy is available in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. To learn more about Cozy, please visit http://www.cozy.co. About Experian Experian is the worlds leading global information services company. During lifes big moments from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime. We have more than 16,000 people operating across 37 countries and every day were investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. Learn more at http://www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group. Press contact: Lucy Burningham Editorial Director, Cozy press(at)cozy(dot)co 866-297-0399, Ext. 501 When it comes to natural stone products, we are proud to meet the growing and changing demands of our customers. Offering top quality natural thin stone veneers is just one way we stay at the forefront of our industry, says Drew Culbreth. Culbreth Stone proudly announces their recent expansion to a premier 17,500 square-foot facility. The facility will be able to house their latest investment in state-of-the-art sawing equipment, which is used to create natural thin stone veneers out of irregular Tennessee fieldstone and Tennessee flagstone. These natural thin sawn veneers are quickly becoming a product of high demand for suppliers, builders and contractors who want to provide the authentic beauty and durability of real stone while still taking advantage of the easy installation and cost-efficiency of fake stone. Culbreth Stone ships their natural stone products directly from their Tennessee and Oklahoma quarry to contractors, distributors and wholesalers across the nation. They are known for superior customer service, first-rate shipping and top quality products. With their recent expansion and equipment advancement, they are able to meet a distinct, modern-day demand in the industry. This product is not limited to just stone masons, anyone can install this easy to use product. Traditional natural stone can be heavy, labor-intensive, and it requires talented artistry and precision to lay correctly. Culbreth Stone, however, uses its high-tech sawing equipment to produce natural thin stone veneers, which offers an easy to install solution without resorting to fake stone. When it comes to natural stone products, we are proud to have the ability to meet the growing and changing demands of our customers. Offering top quality natural thin stone veneers is just one way we stay at the forefront of our industry, says Drew Culbreth of Culbreth Stone. Thin Stone Veneers are 100% natural and are just as easy to install as the fake stone options available. The advanced sawing equipment is able to create a finished product design that only has to be mortared on with minimal reshaping. Thin sawn veneers can be used on a variety of applicable surfaces, including home siding, fireplaces and more. It is durable and able to resist chipping and scratching better than manufactured stone products. Each natural stone veneer also has its own unique, aesthetically pleasing pattern. For these reasons, they are considered one of the most cost effective and fastest growing natural stone options in the industry More About Culbreth Stone: Culbreth Stone proudly ships nationwide to wholesalers, resellers, contractors and other flagstone professionals who want to create top quality, beautiful solutions in natural stone for their homes, businesses or outdoor hardscapes. Their entire selection of stone products are beautiful, 100% natural stone and sourced directly from their Tennessee quarry. Culbreth Stone offers wholesale prices in truckload quantities to customers throughout the country. Products include expansive options in flagstone, fieldstone, thin stone veneers, ashlar, and boulders. To learn more about ordering natural thin stone veneers or other natural stone products from Culbreth Stone, visit http://www.culbrethstone.com or call (423) 930-8249. Prepared by Find Local Company New Life Hiking Spa Six great weight loss retreats for 2017 have been selected by SpaFinder Wellness 365 in anticipation of the upcoming summer vacation season. The six destination spas chosen were at various price points and various locations around the country. The idea for each retreat remains the same: providing exercise, healthy food, nutrition classes and bodywork to create an environment for weight loss and lasting change. The six weight loss retreats chosen, location and nightly price point are listed below. The nightly price reflects a week-long stay in a private room for a solo traveler. In most cases, these prices are all-inclusive and price can vary with a longer stay. Canyon Ranch Tucson, Vegas & Massachusettes - $1,100 - $1,800 per night Pritikin Longevity Center Miami - $650 per night New Life Hiking Spa Vermont - $250 per night Shane Diet & Fitness Resort New York - $380 per night Movara Fitness Resort Utah - $350 per night Every May since 1978, New Life Hiking Spa has run a hiking spa and wellness retreat in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Over the past 40 summers, it has grown from 12 guests to one of the top-rated destination spas in North America. Guests from all over the world flock to New Life Hiking Spa every spring through fall for this affordable getaway. New Life combines world-class hiking with three freshly prepared meals a day, one massage for each three-night stay, fitness classes, and a private room in a Vermont ski-country inspired inn. New Life Hiking Spa is currently the titleholder of the # 1 Destination Spa in America Award by Travel + Leisure Magazine. In addition, it was listed as one of the Top Four Weight Loss Spas by Health Magazine in 2008. SpaFinder awarded New Life Hiking Spa a record six Wellness Travel Awards in the categories of Affordability/Budget, Fitness/Weight Loss, Best for Men, Healthy Cuisine, Outdoor Adventure and Yoga last year. To celebrate the 40th summer in Vermont, New Life Hiking Spa is offering a special 21 day wellness retreat, at a savings of $400. The regular price for a stay this long would be $5,000. However, the package is being offered at $4,600 and includes: 21 nights accommodations in a private room with a private bath 21 expert guided hikes (three levels offered each day) 63 freshly prepared meals (calorie controlled) All fitness classes (hiking is in the morning, fitness classes in the afternoon) 7 massages Outdoor games Nutrition Lectures Nightly Activities More information can be found on the New Life Hiking Spa website at http://www.newlifehikingspa.com. Reservations can be made on the web or by calling 802-353-2954. About New Life Hiking Spa Founded in Vermont in 1978 by spa industry pioneer, Jimmy LeSage, M.S., New Life Hiking Spa is the country's longest running affordable destination spa and wellness retreat. New Life Hiking Spa offers a 21 night extended retreat, an 11-night weight loss retreat, a 5-10 night jump start vacation and a 2-4 night mini-wellness getaway. New Life Hiking Spa's focus for the past four decades has been using the mountains instead of a treadmill and getting back to nature for a path to wellness. New Life runs their program in Vermont consecutively from mid-May through October and in Nicaragua during select dates during winter months. Sources familiar with the investigation told The Guardian that Farage had attracted the FBI's interest because of his connections with Trump's presidential campaign team and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whom he visited in March. WikiLeaks published several hacked emails last year that supporters of Hillary Clinton say damaged her presidential bid. Assange is suspected to have cooperated with Russia through third parties to obtain the emails, an allegation he has repeatedly denied. Farage told the Press Association on Thursday afternoon that he was "extremely doubtful" he could be a person of interest in the FBI's investigation. Shortly after, he denounced the report on Twitter as "a hysterical attempt to associate me with the Putin regime." Business Insider reported in March that UKIP under Farage's leadership had long-standing links to Assange, and The Observer last month suggested Farage could have provided a "back channel" that allowed Trump's campaign to communicate with Assange. The Observer reported: "In October, Roger Stone, a Republican strategist whose links to Russia are currently under investigation by the FBI, told a local CBS reporter about 'a back-channel communication with Assange, because we have a good mutual friend that friend travels back and forth from the United States to London and we talk.' Asked directly by The Observer if Nigel Farage was that friend, his spokesman said: 'Definitely not.'" Farage's spokesman told The Guardian: "Nigel has never been to Russia, let alone worked with their authorities." The spokesman did not respond when asked about whether Farage was aware of the FBI investigation. Farage is also closely associated Trump's campaign team, particularly with White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who was the campaign's chief executive. Farage became the first UK politician to visit Trump after his election victory in November. The former UKIP leader has also made regular appearances on Russia's state-owned broadcaster, Russia Today. My government has moved quickly to address the energy supply constraints by tackling the financial challenges of the sector as well as define a policy framework that will encourage private sector investment. We will very soon issue a 2.5 billion dollars energy sector bond to retire the legacy debt in the energy sector and create space for increase investment in the sector, he said.The president also said he was optimistic of the ECG Private Sector Participation with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) as it would further strengthen the efficiency of power supply in the country. The 23-year-old rise to fame began with his video freestyle series Wicked Skengman, on YouTube. The Grime star grew up in Thornton Heath, south London and attended Harris Academy in South Norwood where he received six A* GCSES. In an online video, the Stormzys mother was overwhelmed when her son presented her a brand new bag. That is my prayer for today ooh.Father in heaven. How I am going to carry this bag. Which car is mine., his mom said in the video. Multi-awarding musicians including Adele and Katy Perry declared their love for the grime artist. Ed Sheeran also urged his fans on Twitter to buy Stormzy's album. READ ALSO: Video Ayew brothers jam to Mr Eazi song en route to Black Stars training The incident happened not once but twice. In the first theft on Friday night, the robbers broke in and stole boxes containing 30,000 condoms. But that was not enough, as the thieves returned on Saturday morning and rammed a vehicle through a delivery door. This time round, they took away boxes containing $15,000 worth of sex toys. READ ALSO: Woman marries train station after being in love with it for 36 years A representative of the company, Davor Solvo had a sense of humor about the thefts. He told CNN that whoever took the condoms and sex toys probably did not grab them "for testing purposes." The incidents were captured on surveillance video, which has since been given to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! The 50-year-old businesswoman said her husband refused to make love to her. My husband, who built a five-bedroom duplex in Lagos, abandoned me alone in the house and travelled to Abuja for greener pastures. But even whenever he comes home, he would refuse to sleep with me. He will enter his room and lock it from the inside. I will knock severally but he will not open and after some days, he will travel again. It is unfortunate, I have wasted my years with him, without a child. I am 50-years-old now, where do I start from? she said. The petitioner said that whenever her husband returns from Abuja, he would not come home and always refused to pick her calls. Whenever I call him, he always told me that he will call back, which he never did. On two occasions when I travelled to Abuja to look for him, I was able to locate where he is working but he refused to take me to his house. It was later I heard that he had married another woman in Abuja who had children for him. the estranged wife further said. Helen said she discovered, after their marriage, that her husband had three wives with children, without her knowledge. He had wives and children without my knowledge. When I wanted to quit the marriage, he begged me and I accepted his plea but not quite long again, he impregnated another woman. I dont know why he does not want me to have a child but he has children with other women. She also accused her husband of stealing her N500,000 when she took her brother to India for a kidney transplant. I kept N500,000 in my wardrobe so that I can have something to spend when I return. But when I came back, my husband had stolen the money. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the petitioner returned the N120.00 dowry back to the respondent, through the court. However, Otike in his defence, denied stealing his wifes N500,000, claiming that he used the money for prayers. When my wife took her brother abroad for the kidney transplant, I used part of the money to settle the pastors that were praying for the success of the transplant. I also used part of the money for transportation to churches for prayers, he said. The respondent said he stopped making love to his wife when he heard that her mother was behind his predicaments. My mother told me that my mother-in-law was responsible for my downfall and I believed because my health and businesses were booming until I married her. When my mother-in-law was invited to say what she knows about my businesses and health, she refused to come. Because of that, I stopped any intimacy with her and that also made me abandon her in my house and I relocated to Abuja to start a new life. The respondent urged the court not to grant his wifes wish for dissolution because he was still in love with her. The Court President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, while delivering the judgment, said the petitioner was adamant, despite all mediation from the court and family intervention. Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union, in spite of the claim by Otike that he still loved his wife. The court pronounced the marriage between Mrs Helen Otike and Mr Godwin Otike dissolved today. Both parties, henceforth cease to be husband and wife. The woman said this while responding to a divorce suit filed by her husband whom she accused of cheating on her. I came home unannounced and I caught my husband making love to a girl; he jumped up when he noticed my presence. I also saw him with a woman in a hotel near our house when I went to buy food. He begged me not to expose him because of his position in the church and I kept it a secret, she said. The respondent said her husband was always jealous and had often accused her of dating every man he saw her with. My husband stopped me from working claiming men are dating me, she said. The mother of four said that what used to cause their frequent fights was his penchant for buying things for the children of his first wife and ignoring her own. She begged the court not to grant her husbands wish for the dissolution of the marriage, claiming that she was still in love with him. Her husband, Joseph, had approached the court seeking to end his 11-year-old marriage over his wifes alleged infidelity. My wife is cheating on me, she receives calls from men at odd hours, he said. The petitioner accused his wife of going out and returning at will. My wife abandoned me and the children for one year for an unknown destination; she came back and left for another seven months. She was always going to parties and spending days before coming back, the estranged husband said. The 47-year-old businessman said that his wifes son from another father, in company with a gang, attacked him in his church with cutlass, rods and other dangerous weapons. My step-son that I trained came to my church with his gang in order to beat me up because I beat his mother, he said. He urged the court to terminate the marriage, saying he was no longer in love with his wife. A letter was signed this afternoon to that effect by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development. Sources say the DCE is being investigated for some comments he made following the murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama. Adam Mahama was the victim of mob justice by a group of residents in a town in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region. He was lynched by residents on suspicion of being an armed robber while he was jogging. The DCE shortly after the incident indicated that Captain Mahama was the head of a military detachment in the area which is protecting a group of Chinese nationals illegally mining gold in the Upper Wassa Forest. There is a large number of military personnel protecting the Chinese that the lynched soldier is alleged to be part of it, in fact he is said to be the leaderam shocked they are not briefing you very well but rather claiming they are here to fight galamseyers, he said on Accra-based Adom FM. At a meeting with the soldiers at Burma Camp in Accra, most of the soldiers were visibly irritated. They expressed their readiness to draw their pint of blood following the death of one of their own. One angry soldier said We are the last resort in this country. If we allow ourselves to be beaten this way as a Christian, by what Jesus said in Matthew 26 verse 52: he who draws the sword must die by the sword. This soldier was supported by a Muslim counterpart with verses from the Quran. This was followed by cheers and applause from the soldiers present. The soldiers said they were growing impatient with the pace of the police investigation, which has so far seen seven suspects arrested for their alleged roles in the murder. They asked why the military police could not take over the investigation and subsequent prosecution of the matter. We have military police. It is not in every instance that we allow the civilian police to be telling us about evidence. You have seen something clearly and you are telling me about evidence. What more evidence do you want from this? The Ghana Armed Forces has the military police. We can handle our things. It is not everything that you take to the civil police. Some of the soldiers also called for a total boycott and discontinuation of all anti-lumbering and anti galamsey operations currently being run by the Army. I will suggest we leave the work for the police to also carry out so that we come back to our barracks, on soldier noted. READ ALSO: JJ Rawlings speaks following murder of soldier However, the CDS reemphasised the stance of Former President, J.J Rawlings and President Nana Akufo-Addo for them not to engage in any reprisal attacks. Even though this is a cruel act, cool heads must prevail. A statement like this coming from a former member of the Ghana Armed Forces and a former head of state and a former commander in chief needs to be examined and listened to very carefully. We will pursue the perpetrators with all the might of the State to its logical conclusion to ensure that justice is done, he said. Dr Bawumia disclosed this when he called on the family at Burma Camp in Accra on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. He also assured of the states support for the funeral and the welfare of the late Captains family. For the family, we want to assure you that we are going to be with you through thick and thin going forward. We will see to it that he gets a befitting burial and do what very is necessary for the family and the children who are left behind, Dr. Bawumia said. Ghanaians on Tuesday woke up to the sad news of the murder of a soldier, Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, sending shock waves across the country. Adam Mahama was the victim of mob justice by a group of residents in a town in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region. He was lynched to death by residents on suspicion of being an armed robber while he was jogging. Four prime suspects arrested in connection with the incident have been sent to the Central Regional Police Headquarters in Cape Coast. He has also called on Ghanaians to desist from reading politics into the lynching of the late soldier. Mahama who is uncle to the deceased, paid a visit to the family house of Captain Maxwell A. Mahama in Accra on Thursday, June 1 as he shared words of condolence with the wife. "As a family, we will do our bit to console our daughter; his wife, and well also do our bit to look after his children and bring them up," he said. Mahama described the incident as unacceptable and very sad, and condemned persons involved in the gruesome act. He said "I believe that government and the security agencies will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book. If we are able to find out who did it and probably prosecute them and apply the penalty, I believe that it will serve as a deterrent to people who engage in mob justice." "If this happens, then Maxwells death would not be in vain. But if the perpetrators get away with it, then the impunity will continue and the question I ask myself is how many more innocent people have not died through this kind of barbaric justice.? It has never been our culture to kill humans in this wicked way. I believe that everything should be done to stamp it out." Meanwhile, seven persons suspected to be involved in the murder of the captain have been remanded in police custody. The seven were arraigned Thursday morning at a Cape Coast Magistrate Court where police prosecutors, led by ASP Avornyo, prayed the court to remand the accused persons to reappear on Monday June 19 as thorough investigations into the gruesome murder continue. I havent seen an animal being killed like that for years. People surround an animal and they throw stones at it until it dies." READ ALSO: Pistol of lynched soldier retrieved [Even] In the animal kingdom, you wouldnt see animals gathering on another animal to kill it. Lions will gather on another lion to kill, goats will assemble on another to kill, I havent seen anything like that, he grieved. Speaking on Accra-based Joy FM, the father of deceased said even if his son was guilty of all the accusations levelled against him, lynching was not the best option. I know the people of Denkyira Obuasi go to church, some are Muslims and yet human beings can do this to somebody you haven't caught red handed doing something." "And yet you wont listen to all that he says and let some reasoning come into your head in the name of God and this is what you do to an innocent boy who is serving his nation." I cant imagine the pain and suffering that this boy went through innocently for nothing. The way he suffered to death, he added. After the lynching of Captain Maxwell Mahama, many have asked why he did not open fire when the residents started attacking him. His father said that his son would under no circumstances cause the death of another person. He said the late soldier believed in dialogue, adding, This boy cannot even kill a fly with a gun. He was the best mask man in weapons, but I tell you he cannot kill a fly. He wouldnt do it because he is so gentle, so sober, so caring. I can assure you that this boy will never point a gun at a human being and press the trigger, he stressed, adding that he would have been shocked if his son shot anyone. He described his son as his companion, confidant and much more. He was the only one in the world I shared ideas with, on our domestic issues, it is me and him. He brings me ideas on the way forward, likewise, there is nothing about his domestic and personal matters he doesnt discuss with me. He said the wife of the deceased is heartbroken. He explained that the couple kept in touch at all times and this is making it difficult for the wife. READ ALSO: Suspect gives chilling details about the murder of Captain Mahama He said his sons dream of becoming a lecturer at the University of Ghana has been shattered by the culprits of the act. He said he was hopeful the perpetrators of the crime are brought to book but appealed that "my son's lynching should be the last that we human beings will do against a person we suspect to have committed a crime." Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Lawrence Amesu whiles condemning the gruesome murder of the soldier said, the security agencies must not sideline the rights of the suspected murderers. Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Ultimate FM, he said "Our laws are clear, identify the culprits involved in this unfortunate development, they must be questioned and interrogated. But in the process of investigation, it should be done with due diligence. "The laws are clear on issues of the presumption of innocence. The accused persons must be deemed innocent until proven guilty by the court of competent jurisdiction." READ ALSO: Suspect gives chilling details about the murder of Captain Mahama He entreated the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to remain calm as investigations go on. "As human rights organization, we are much devastated about the increasing spate of lawlessness in the country. And we all need to do something urgently to curb it. It is one of the bad years in Ghana's history. This was the year in which so many bad things happened at the same time. The year recorded more accidents than perhaps any other year. Fire outbreaks, murder, armed robbery, rape and many more unpleasant events happened. READ MORE: Here are the faces of suspected killers of Captain Mahama At this point, one can only be thankful to have survived such a tragic months still feeling optimistic about future prospects. So in light of this truth here's a list of some heartbreaking things that occurred during the last 5 months. Fire outbreaks Fire outbreaks occur all the time, but the multiple fire outbreaks in Ghana in 2017 leave much to be desired. The fire outbreaks caused considerable damage to life and properties. Groupe Nduom, is counting its losses after the offices four of its subsidiary companies, GN Bank, Gold Coast Securities, Amansan TV and Business Television Africa were ravaged by fire. According to reports, the fire begun on Saturday evening May 20, after smoke was seen coming from the building which also houses the headquarters of the GN Bank and an AmansanTelevision Station Office. The fire has also affected offices of the Immigration service which is close to the hotel at Ridge avenue. The Kumasi Central Market has become a fire friendly zone as fire outbreak destroyed shops, stalls and goods worth several thousands of Ghana cedis. Several shoppers and traders are trapped in the market as personnel from the National Fire Service arrived at the scene to fight the fire. The fire outbreak happened Monday afternoon on April 10, 2017. Some aggrieved residents at Somanya in the Eastern Region have clashed with Police officers in the area over the arrest of the leader who organised a demonstration against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The irate youth burned the police car in the process. Kintampo Waterfalls disaster At least 18 people on Sunday, March 19 in the Brong Ahafo Region died at the Kintampo Waterfalls. The deceased are believed to be Geography students of Wenchi Methodist Senior High School, who were there on an excursion. Others are students from the University of Energy and Natural Resources. Reports indicate that the accident occurred at about 4.30pm on Sunday, when a huge tree run off the top of the water fall, descending on the dozens of revelers who were swimming beneath the fall. Road accidents Statistics released by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) indicates that 708 persons died from 4,049 road accidents as of April this year. Out of the figure, 3,983 persons sustained various degrees of injury with 1,199 pedestrian knockdowns involving 6,468 vehicles and 1,289 motorbikes. In the Eastern region, at least 15 people are feared dead in a fatal accident involving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus. The accident happened at Okanta near Nsawam in the Eastern Region. Nine people met their untimely death in a gory accident that occurred at Biadan, near Berekum in the Brong Ahafo Region. The accident is reported to have happened where mourners coming from a funeral had the fatal crash at Wamahinso in the Asutifi North District. Gas explosions Though there are varying reports as to the cause of the Trade Fair explosion at La in Accra, most will agree that the gas explosion which occurred at the Louis Gas filling station was the worst disaster to have occurred over the last 5 months. With the official death toll at 6, with dozens of people sustaining injuries, not to mention the amount of property loss, this gas explosion without a doubt, will be remember for years to come. At Takoradi in the Western Region, a gas explosion occurred on Tuesday,May 9, 2017 and injured over 100 people. READ MORE: Gas explosion injures over 30 people The victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment. On May, 17, 2017, another gas explosion happened at Tamale in the Northern region resulting in the death of one person with scores injured. Capt. Mahamas gruesome murder shocks nation The nation was shocked by the gruesome murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama when video clips of the barbaric act went viral. Captain Mahama, who was heading a military detachment near Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region, met his untimely death last Monday when some residents of the area accused him of being an armed robber and lynched him. The officer was on operational duties at the Alaska C&G Mining Company at Amenase Forest, near Diaso in the Central Region. He was said to be jogging when some residents accused him of being part of a robbery gang that stormed Denkyira-Obuasi the previous day. Students death Students and authorities of the University of Ghana woke up to the horrific scene of a final year female student lying in a pool of blood after allegedly jumping to her death. Jennifer Nyarko, a Consumer Science student, allegedly jumped from the fourth floor of her Akuafo Hall Annex A room 407 and was found by porters Wednesday dawn with severe head injuries. It is unclear what may have caused her to jump or fall from that height but some students say she has been moody and kept a lot to herself lately. According to reports, she was with her roommates last night but at dawn Wednesday, they were alerted to check to see if every member of the room was there. Besides Jennifer Nyarko, other students have also committed suicide over the 5 months period. A 16-year-old Junior High School (JHS) pupil, identified as Barbra Asante has committed suicide at Akyem Osiem in the Eastern region. She attends the Child of Hope Preparatory School at Akyem Osiem. READ MORE: Legon student falls from 4th floor to death The body of Barbara was found hanging in the Kitchen of her parents at Akyem Tafo on Tuesday, March 7, after she had gone missing. A male student of the Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua, in the Eastern Region has been killed after a tree fell on him in the school. CAMBRIDGE The second televised debate of the 2017 UK general election took place last night, where the main opposition leaders did battle in a one and a half hour long debate televised on BBC One. The Prime Minister Theresa May refused to take part in the debate. However, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn today announced that he would join his other opposition rivals. Scroll down for all the updates and analysis from the debate and 'spin room' in Cambridge. 22:02 ADAM PAYNE'S SNAP VERDICT Our Political Editor Adam Bienkov picked Plaid's Leanne Wood as the winner. What about Political Reporter Adam Payne? "Just like in the ITV debate in Salford a few weeks ago, I thought Caroline Lucas and Leanne Wood had very good nights. They both dealt the Conservatives some bruising lines throughout the evening. Corbyn had a decent evening and received some large rounds of applause for his attacks on austerity. However, I thought he struggled to provide a coherent answer on the question of free movement and immigration, which is one of the issues of the Brexit debate. Rudd held her own for the most part but was unable to effectively explain away Theresa May's absence. The prime minister's no show hung over the debate from first minute to last." 21:54 HOW THE PARTY SPINNERS ARE REACTING Here's the latest from Business Insider's Adam Payne who is currently in the green room talking to politicians and press officers. " 21:52 TOP POLLSTER: THE DEBATE WON'T IMPACT THE POLLS YouGov's Joe Twynam just told us that he saw "nothing in the debate" that will have a major impact on public opinion. 21:50 ADAM BIENKOV'S SNAP VERDICT Business Insider Political Editor Adam Bienkov gives his verdict on tonight's debate. 1. Theresa May's non-appearance looks like a mistake The conventional wisdom in Westminster at the start of the election campaign was that Theresa May was wise to skip televised election debates because her party's apparently unassailable lead in the opinion polls meant there was simply no need for her to risk taking part. One month on, and with some projections suggesting she could actually lose seats in this election, and that conventional wisdom now doesn't look so sharp. Tonight May, and her understudy in Amber Rudd, came under repeated attack from her rivals for her failure to show. If there is any message that comes out clearly from tonight's event it will be that. 2. Jeremy Corbyn has sharpened his appeal but he has weaknesses The Labour leader got a number of big rounds of applause tonight, particularly for his populist attacks on the government's record. However, he also came under repeated attack from his rivals, particularly for his position on Brexit and freedom of movement. He failed to close those attacks down. Corbyn also fell back on his habit of snapping "can you let me finish" at his opponents. It wasn't a good look. 3. Leanne Wood was the star of the show If there is one big winner tonight it was Plaid Cymru's leader Leanne Wood. She was sharp, likeable and had some of the best lines of the night. Her attack on UKIP's Paul Nuttall for his refusal to pay any Brexit bill drew particular admiration, even from her rivals. Her performance tonight should boost Plaid's hopes in this election. 21:00 "YOU ARE NOT WORTH THERESA MAY'S TIME, DON'T GIVE HER YOURS" Farron delivers one hell of a line to close proceedings. "Bake Off is on BBC2 at nine o'clock," he says. "You are not worth Theresa May's time, don't give her yours" And that's your lot! Business Insider Political Editor Adam Bienkov will take over while I gather the gossip from the green room. 20:49 THE PANEL ROUNDS UP ON ABSENT MAY Predictably, the leaders on the panel take in turn to take swipes at Theresa May, who chose not to show up tonight. Lucas says leadership is about "turning up" and defending your record. Farron agrees. "How dare Theresa May!" he says. He adds that he's determined to "build a country" that is fit the next generation. "Not so much the Iron Lady, more like the U-turn queen," Robertson says about May. Ouch. 20:45 NUTTALL: "WE SHOULD PUT BRITAIN FIRST" Asked on how he'd deal with US President Trump who reportedly plans to pull America out of the Paris climate change agreement the UKIP leader says "h 20:39 "ARE HAMAS STILL YOUR FRIENDS?" A row erupts on stage on how to deal with terrorism. Corbyn says he is apalled by the language Nuttall is using to describe Britain's muslim population. "Are Hamas still your friends?" Nuttall yells back at the Labour leader. 20:36 PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE? Farron and Corbyn take questions from the studio audience in Cambridge. 20:35 WHY ARE THE TORIES SELLING ARMS TO SAUDI ARABIA? Lucas and Nuttall form a short-lived alliance to question Rudd on why the government is still selling arms to Saudi Arabia despite Saudi money going to British mosques where people are being radicalised. 20:33 PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO CALL TERRORIST ATTACKS FOR WHAT THEY ARE UKIP leader Nuttall says the Manchester attack was an example of "Islamist extremism" but the rest of the leaders of the panel are afraid to admit it. 20:30 RUDD CRITICISES CORBYN'S VOTING RECORD ON TERROR LEGISLATION The Home Secretary says it's "chilling" that the Labour leader has voted against numerous pieces of anti-terror legislation since being in parliament. Corbyn points out that both Theresa May and Brexit Secretary David Davis have voted against this sort of legislation and says he voted against these laws as "there should be judicial oversight". 20:22 FARRON: "THE NHS IS PERSONAL TO ME, NOT POLITICAL" Lib Dem leader Farron says the NHS has played a big part in his life and fears it is suffering greatly as a result of Conservative cuts. Here is a Lib Dem spinner watching on nervously: 20:19 RUDD DODGES QUESTIONS ON CONTENTIOUS POLICIES Both Corbyn and Robertson challenge Rudd to confirm whether a Tory government would guarantee the triple lock to pensions and protect the winter fuel allowance. The Home Secretary refuses to make these guarantees. 20:16 HOUSE OF CARDS MOCKS THERESA MAY A new series of Netflix political drama House Of Cards came out earlier this week. They brains behind the hit series have a message for Prime Minister May... 20:08 ANGUS ROBERTSON SAYS LABOUR IS "APING" IMMIGRATION POLICIES OF UKIP Ouch. Robertson says he never thought he'd see the day that Labour adopts the immigration policies of UKIP. He adds that Corbyn should advocate the free movement of people, not seek to scrap it. 20:03 ANGUS ROBERTSON: "THIS DEBATE DEMEANS US" The SNP's spokesperson for the evening says the debate currently being had by the party leaders about migration should "shame and demean" them. He then attacks the Tory government for not guaranteeing the residence rights of EU nationals currently living in Britain. Lucas says the strains felt by public services is a result of austerity, not inward migration. 19:57 FARRON ACCUSES NUTTALL OF "DEMONISING IMMIGRANTS" Strong stuff from the Lib Dem leader. He says the abuse of ethnic minorities since the Manchester terrorist attack is partially a result of politicians like Nuttall demonising immigrants. 19:51 CORBYN ASKS RUDD: "HAVE YOU BEEN TO A FOOD BANK?" Corbyn goes on the offensive against Rudd. The Labour leader asks the Home Secretary if she has ever visited a food bank or seen homeless people sleeping behind train stations. 19:47 HOW WILL LEADERS CARE FOR WORKING PEOPLE? Corbyn and Rudd clash over welfare cuts to the disabled. Rudd says governments don't have a "money tree" and need to make sensible decisions. Corbyn points out that the Tories have taken welfare payments away from the disabled. SNP's Robertson says governments "have choices" about what economic policies they implement. He calls for an end the austerity and says the Tories have chosen to support "those who are wealthiest in society". Green Party leader Lucas says it's "down right insulting" for Rudd to suggest this government is looking after the country's most vulnerable people. 19:40 OPENING STATEMENTS Leanne Wood says May's "campaign of soundbites is falling apart" and that she's "afraid" to defend her record. Green Party leader Caroline Lucas says this election is an opportunity for Brits to secure a "new kind of politics". Amber Rudd says the only question to consider is who the public wants in number 10: Jeremy Corbyn with his "money-tree" or Theresa May who has a "clear plan". Corbyn says this election is a chance to create a Britain "for the many, not the few" and says five more years of Conservative rule will be anything but "strong and stable". UKIP's Paul Nuttall says his party "will always put the interests of British people first". SNP's leader in Westminster Angus Robertson says Scotland "now more than ever" needs a strong voice against harmful Tory cuts. And finally, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron says Theresa May isn't at the debate tonight as she could be busy valuing your house in order to pay for social care. 19:29 HERE WE GO... Strap yourselves in. 19:25 LEANNE WOOD TO KICK US OFF Here is your running order for tonight's proceedings. Plaid's Leanne Wood who had an impressive showing at the ITV debate in Manchester will be kicking off the opening statements. May's Tory understudy Amber Rudd will be having the final word of the evening. 19:19 CORBYN FEELING CONFIDENT Just over 10 minutes to go until we get underway and Labour leader Corbyn is feeling confident. He originally planned to abstain any debates that Prime Minister May wouldn't be partaking in but has changed his mind at the eleventh hour. He is feeling relaxed and confident ahead of tonight's debate, a source close to him tells me. 19:14 DON'T EXPECT A PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE TONIGHT The "progressive alliance" parties i.e Labour, Lib Dems and Greens will all be represented on stage tonight. But don't expect Green Party leader Caroline Lucas or Lib Dem leader Tim Farron to give Jeremy Corbyn an easy ride. The word coming out of the Lib Dem camp is that Farron will attack Corbyn over Brexit and the Labour leader's decision to instruct all of his MPs to vote in favour of triggering Article 50. 19:12 GOOD EVENING! Business Insider Political Reporter Adam Payne here in the green room ahead of the BBC leaders' debate. Cuban told Democrats to "call his bluff" and "put him on the spot" in response to Trump's comments on Thursday that he would be open to renegotiating the agreement and getting "a deal that's fair." The owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and star of ABC's "Shark Tank" said Democrats must call for "immediate meetings" with Trump to figure out how to "get back in" the climate pact. Here's Cuban's tweetstorm after Trump's announcement: Several prominent business leaders, such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, had pressed Trump to stay in the climate deal. After Trump's announcement, Musk said he would step down from the two White House advisory councils he sits on. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! While the decision should galvanize his base, it goes against what some of the largest American companies and many in the rest of the world were hoping for. The Paris Agreement, which 195 nations signed in December 2015, set the global goal to keep the planet from warming by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, a threshold that scientists say could keep the planet from launching into a tailspin of irreversible consequences like unpredictable superstorms and crippling heat waves. "I don't want anything to get in our way," Trump said on Thursday. "The US will withdraw from the Paris climate accord, but begin negotiations to reenter either the Paris accord or a really entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers." But the president said he would be willing to renegotiate and rejoin the agreement. "We're getting out, but we will start to negotiate, and we will see if we can make a deal that's fair," Trump said. "If we can, that's great. And if we can't, that's fine." China, India, and the European Union have doubled down on their support of the deal and said they would lead the world in fighting climate change if the US wouldn't. Experts have said the US's exiting the accord could lead to a weakened agreement, either via other countries leaving or not honestly reporting their carbon emissions. Trump's desire to put "America First" by withdrawing could be seen in the rest of the world as the US turning its back on the international community. International condemnation Trump insisted that pulling out of the agreement wouldn't derail America's environmental progress. "The United States under the Trump administration will continue to be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly country on earth. We'll be the cleanest. We'll have the cleanest air. We're going to have the cleanest water," Trump said Thursday. "We are going to be environmentally friendly, but we're not going to put our businesses out of work, and we're not going to lose our jobs. We're going to grow." Scientists say the US's weakening response to climate change could damage global efforts to combat the problem. While the US is the second-largest emitter of carbon, after China, it has contributed the most to emissions over time, accounting for about a third of the excess and warming carbon in the atmosphere today. Elliot Diringer, the executive vice president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, a nonpartisan climate-focused think tank, told Business Insider he wasn't too worried about other countries abandoning the agreement and was confident most would remain committed to climate action. "I don't think they'd want to expose themselves to the sort of international condemnation the US is likely to face," said Diringer, who has attended nearly every United Nations climate conference since the first in Kyoto two decades ago. "But I do worry that a US withdrawal will have a corrosive effect on global ambition, in the sense that countries will not be as zealous in meeting their targets and put forward less ambitious targets when the next round is due in 2020." The next time the US wants the rest of the world to support one of its priorities, experts say, other countries may not want to help. US "credibility and leverage on other foreign-policy issues would take a huge hit," said Mark Tercek, the president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. "The nations of the world rightfully expect US policy to be foresighted and steadfast," he wrote in a blog post. "Trump has an important opportunity to show the world that the promises of the United States are durable, especially with respect to a universal threat as serious as climate change." What happens next? Beyond signing the overall agreement, each country also submitted a climate-action plan for how it would adopt clean energy and phase out fossil fuels. This allowed each nation to individualize and edit their commitments, adding flexibility to the Paris Agreement so it could bend without breaking. The US's plan, which the Obama administration submitted in March 2015, set the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% to 28% by 2025. The baseline level this reduction is measured against is 2005, when the US emitted 6,132 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Because of the way the agreement was designed, it will take years for the US to fully exit it. According to its rules, the earliest Trump could give written notice of the US's withdrawal would be November 2019, and the US wouldn't officially exit it until November 4, 2020 the day after the next presidential election. Obama agreed to the Paris accord through executive action, but the Senate approved in the treaty that was the UN's basis for the Paris Agreement in 1992, when George H.W. Bush was president. Exiting that treaty would take a year, but it would likely require Senate approval. Trump didn't indicate that he wanted to abandon the overall treaty. Obama also pledged $3 billion to help developing nations deal with the worst of climate change's effects, $1 billion of which it has already sent to poorer countries. Trump is canceling that promise, on Thursday calling them "draconian financial and economic burdens." An unstoppable market Globally, renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower made up only about 11% of the energy used in 2016. Supporters of clean energy may see that as a depressing number, but companies see it as an untapped business opportunity. Investments in renewable energy surpassed those in fossil fuels in both 2015 and 2016, and analysts expect that trend to continue until carbon-burning energies like gas, coal, and oil are eventually phased out. Some of the largest American companies urged Trump not to exit the Paris deal, arguing that doing so would hurt their bottom line. Leaving would not only increase uncertainty and risk, the companies say, but make them less competitive worldwide. Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and Salesforce are just some of the major companies that asked Trump to keep the status quo in a letter that appeared in full-page ads in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal last month. "As businesses concerned with the well-being of our customers, our investors, our communities, and our suppliers, we are strengthening our climate resilience, and we are investing in innovative technologies that can help achieve a clean energy transition," the letter read. "For this transition to succeed, however, governments must lead as well." The fossil-fuel companies ExxonMobil, Shell, PG&E, and ConocoPhillips even have expressed their support for the deal, saying it allows the US a seat at the table for oil negotiations. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, on Wednesday said he would have "no choice" but to leave the two presidential advisory councils he sits on if Trump canceled the Paris Agreement. After Trump made his announcement, Musk followed through. " "Accepting those warm cardboard boxes at my front door is second nature to me, but I will always love ordering pizza because of the way eight slices of something so ordinary are able to evoke feelings of independence, consolidation, and joy," Williams wrote. Earlier in May, Williams tweeted about her achievement, with screen shots of her essay, her letter of admission, and an email from a pizza-loving Yale admissions officer. "I laughed so hard on your pizza essay. I kept thinking that you are the kind of person that I would love to be best friends with," an admissions officer wrote to Williams. "I want you to know that every part of your application stood out in our process and we are thrilled to be able to offer you a spot at Yale." according to its website, making it one of the most difficult colleges to get into in the US. Williams is turning down Yale's invitation to join the class of 2021 and plans to attend Auburn University in the fall, allowing the Tennessee teen to stay in the South and avoid chilly New Haven, Connecticut winters. Papa John's was quick to congratulate Williams on her achievement. The Paris agreement was intended to slow climate change by setting limits on carbon emissions and has been widely embraced by the business community. The tech industry in particular has supported the Paris Agreement, and many of the big tech companies are currently transitioning their giant, energy-guzzling data centers to using completely renewable energy. After Trump announced his decision on Thursday afternoon, the pushback from the tech industry was swift. Some executives were more measured than others in expressing their dismay, but the tech industry's biggest voices all made it clear that they viewed Trump's move as a grave mistake. Google CEO Sundar Pichai A Google representative also said that Google is on track to use 100% renewable energy for its global operations this year. Apple CEO Tim Cook Cook sent a strongly worded email to employees on Thursday. It was obtained by Business Insider and is reproduced below: Team, I know many of you share my disappointment with the White Houses decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement. I spoke with President Trump on Tuesday and tried to persuade him to keep the U.S. in the agreement. But it wasnt enough. Climate change is real and we all share a responsibility to fight it. I want to reassure you that todays developments will have no impact on Apples efforts to protect the environment. We power nearly all of our operations with renewable energy, which we believe is an example of something thats good for our planet and makes good business sense as well. We will keep working toward the ambitious goals of a closed-loop supply chain, and to eventually stop mining new materials altogether. Of course, were going to keep working with our suppliers to help them do more to power their businesses with clean energy. And we will keep challenging ourselves to do even more. Knowing the good work that we and countless others around the world are doing, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about our planets future. Our mission has always been to leave the world better than we found it. We will never waver, because we know that future generations depend on us. Your work is as important today as it has ever been. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference every single day. Tim Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey Lisa Jackson, Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives Jackson was previously the EPA Administrator under the Obama administration. An Apple representative said Apple's facilities are 100 percent renewable in 24 countries, and 96 percent of the electricity we use globally comes from renewable sources. Apple CEO Tim Cook hasn't said anything yet, but he reportedly called the White House to urge them not to pull out of the agreement. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Microsoft President Brad Smith In a statement published on LinkedIn, Smith wrote: Today, the White House announced its intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Over 190 countries, from China to India to the EU, have signed the agreement and committed to taking actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Microsoft believes that climate change is an urgent issue that demands global action. We have a longstanding commitment to sustainability, which includes operating 100 percent carbon neutral and setting goals to increase the amount of green energy to power our operations. We all live on a small planet and every nation needs to work with others to protect it. Weve been a steadfast supporter of the Paris Agreement, from encouraging nations to come to an agreement in 2015 to urging the U.S. to ratify the agreement in 2016. In the past few months, Microsoft has actively engaged the Trump Administration on the business case for remaining in the Paris Agreement. Weve sent letters to and held meeting on this topic with senior officials in the State Department and the White House. And in the past month, weve joined with other American business leaders to take out full-page ads in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and New York Post, urging the Administration to keep the United States in the Paris Agreement. We believe that continued U.S. participation benefits U.S. businesses and the economy in important and multiple ways. A global framework strengthens competitiveness for American businesses. It creates new markets for innovative clean technologies, from green power to smart grids to cloud-enabled solutions. And by strengthening global action over time, the Agreement reduces future climate damage to people and organizations around the world. We are disappointed with todays decision by the White House to withdraw the United States from the landmark, globally supported Paris Agreement on climate change. We remain steadfastly committed to the sustainability, carbon and energy goals that we have set as a company and to the Paris Agreements ultimate success. Our experience shows us that these investments and innovations are good for our planet, our company, our customers and the economy. Box CEO Aaron Levie Tesla CEO Elon Musk Uber Head of Transportation Policy and Research Andrew Salzberg Amazon An Amazon representative provided Business Insider with this statement: Elon Musk is on the verge of shutting down Twitter operations in Africa as he lays off all but 1 of its Ghanaian staff The move was consistent with Trump's recent statements on climate change though at one point, it appears he was concerned about the issue. Trump's history of commenting on climate change mostly begins in 2009, when he signed a full page ad in the New York Times directed at President Obama, urging him to take action on climate change. Unless someone else signed his name for him, or he signed without reading the letter, it is safe to assume at that time Donald Trump believed in manmade climate change and its dangers. According to Grist, which broke the news, "None of the signers that Grist interviewed this week could recall who had organized the letter or knew who had asked Trump to sign." It's unclear how big of a role President Trump had in the letter. But things soon changed. A hoax In November 2011, Trump insisted on Twitter that global warming wasn't real because it was snowing in New York City in October, a theme that has come up in his Twitter history many times over the years. His first couple of tweets on climate change in 2012 criticized President Obama for spending billions of dollars on the issue, and the World Bank for "tying poverty to 'climate change'." In 2013 President Trump moved on to comment on the popularity of referring to the issue as "climate change" instead of "global warming." Then he came out with this statement in November 2012: In fact, Trump has connected China and climate change quite a few times in his Twitter history. In April of 2013 he said: "The Chinese talk of climate change and carbon footprint but don't clean up their factories-but they sell us the equipment to clean up ours!" In December of the same year, he tweeted "We should be focusing on beautiful, clean air & not on wasteful & very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bullsh-t! China & others are hurting our air." Twice on December 6th, 2013, Trump declared global warming an "expensivehoax." This stance stands up pretty well to Trump's declaration on Thursday that the Paris Agreement "is less about climate, and more about the rest of the world gaining economic advantage over the United States." Trump sarcastically tweeted about record setting low-temperatures across the US in December of 2013, saying it "must be global warming, I mean climate change!" He may not have realized the record-setting cold temperatures directly supports the climate change theory (climate change can lead to temperature swings in both directions). In February 2014 he reiterated his annoyance with the so-called name change from global warming to climate change (In reality, global warming refers to the Earth warming, while climate change refers to changes in climate patterns.) As of February 2015, President Trump seemed to still believe this, according to his tweet: "Among the lowest temperatures EVER in much of the United States. Ice caps at record size. Changed name from GLOBAL WARMING to CLIMATE CHANGE." In May 2014, he linked global warming to nuclear weapons it wasn't the only time he brought this topicup, either: In 2015 he dedicated a few tweets to criticizingObama for focusing on climate change while "ISIS and Ebola spread like wildfire." 2016 campaign At the first presidential debate on September 26, 2016, Hillary Clinton brought up how her perspective on climate change differs from Trump's. Here's how the exchange unfolded: CLINTON: Some country is going to be the clean- energy superpower of the 21st century. Donald thinks that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. I think it's real. TRUMP: I did not. I did not. I do not say that. CLINTON: I think science is real. TRUMP: I do not say that. As manynewsorganizationspointedout after the debate, Trump tweeted in 2012 that "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive." In response to a question about his views on climate change on ScienceDebate in September, 2016, Trump implied that the US shouldn't waste "financial resources" on climate change and should instead use them to ensure the world has clean water, eliminate diseases like malaria, increase food production, or develop alternative energy sources. "There is still much that needs to be investigated in the field of 'climate change,'" he said. "We must decide on how best to proceed so that we can make lives better, safer and more prosperous." President Trump But then, in 2016, President Trump had a series of meetings with environmentalists, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Business Insider asked the CEO of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, Terry Tamminen, who was at the meeting, what that was like. Tamminen and DiCaprio presented Trump with multiple job-saving scenarios that the Paris Agreement could support. "When we talked to him about the benefits to the economy of clean energy... in the US and energy efficiency and the various measures to tackle climate change, he was all in favor of those because they were good for the economy as well as the environment, and that's when he then said he would have an open mind about the Paris Agreement," Tamminen said. While Trump may have had an open mind in December 2016, he ultimately chose to leave the agreement on June 1, 2017. In his speech, Trump said that "the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord ... but begin negotiations to reenter either the Paris accord or an really entirely new transaction, on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers." In a briefing with reporters after Trump's speech, White House officials refused to answer if Trump believed in the overwhelming scientific consensus that humans are causing climate change. He was formerly the Business and Creative Director of an advertising agency called 141 Worldwide, one of the biggest advertising agencies in Nigeria with branches in many countries. While at 141, his team worked on several campaigns for brands including Etisalat, British American Tobacco, Tom Tom, First Bank and Multichoice. Before he joined 141, he worked with Prima Garnet Ogilvy for five years and close to 20 years at MC&A Saatchi & Saatchi. He shocked the world when he left 141 Worldwide to start his own advertising agency X3M (Extreme) Ideas. The model who made her runway debut for Fendi also chose sheer floral pieces paired with the edgy hair and sunnies for the editorial. She was discovered by Few Models and few months later was signed to IMG Worldwide. "Elizabeth Ayodele's life has since changed into a roller coaster ride after kicking off her modeling career in Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week walking for storied brands such as Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Mui Mui and being photographed by renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino for Vogue India" Richard Akuson of 'A Nasty Boy' shares about the model. "In recent years, there has been an unprecedented emergence of Nigerian models in the international modeling industry with many of them gaining success, Elizabeth in a way, represents the best of this crop as a young model who has not just taken the industry by storm but has done so in spite of her 5.8 height. Besides her, only Kate Moss has gone this far with that height in the cut-throat industry. Elizabeth not only walked Miu Miu but also Fendi and opened the Yves Saint Laurent AW18 show in Paris - an honour reserved for super models - in her first season. It really doesn't get better than that. She continues to book campaigns and gigs one after the other as she peddles her way into carving a name for her self. For this reason, we couldn't have made a better choice of a Nigerian model to cover this issue than her." Akuson shares on choosing the international model as the cover girl for the 2nd ever edition. Elizabeth Ayodele was shot by 19-year old photographer Asamaige Ogaga. Credits: Photographer: Asamaige Ogaga (@asamaiige) Cover Star: Elizabeth Ayodele (_liztte) Creative Director/Stylist: Tokyo James (@tokyojamess) Editing: Adesoji Favor (@_soj__) Design: Zamani Istifanus (xamanijnr) Publication: A Nasty Boy (@anastyboy_) Akindele, who resides at No. 46, Anike Ibikunle St., off Moson, Ipaja-Ayobo, a Lagos suburb, is facing a three -count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, told the court that the accused committed the offences with some others still at large between March 1 and April 7 at No. 9, Folorunsho St., Oshodi, Lagos. Perezi alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained N305, 000 from the complainant, one Ifeoma Ojiogu, to help cure an ailment she was suffering from. The accused collected the money from the complainant and promised to help her cure her ailment by giving her some drugs which he never did, he said. Perezi alleged that the accused also induced the complainant with an unknown substance and had carnal knowledge of her, without her consent. The offence contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 carries a three-year imprisonment on conviction. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Chief Magistrate, O.A. Layinka, granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. Layinka said the sureties should be gainfully employed and they should show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Lamont went missing on Tuesday, May 30, 2017. Right now the South African police are looking for her. She was last seen leaving her home on Tuesday. She was wearing a black skirt, boots and jersey. Loretta Lamont was on her way to Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg. She never made it back. "Yes, my aunt went missing. She had an operation on her leg in March and the bandages have to be changed once a week. She went to Helen Joseph Hospital for her check up and never returned. We have opened a missing person's case with the police" a family rep Vidian Ghanie told Linda Ikeji blog. "We have been searching for her since Tuesday. We have checked hospitals, police stations, and other family members but our last options will be mortuaries. I never expected something like this to happen to us" she further said. The number of cases of missing women in South Africa have steadily dominated headlines within the last couple of months. In a statement issued by the state police public relations officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, it was revealed that the commercial sex workers, identified as Kudirat Raji alias Angela and Esther Basiru, stabbed the deceased with a broken bottle during a misunderstanding. LIB reports that the deceased had engaged Kudirat's services on the night of the tragic incident, and she had agreed to pass the night with him after agreeing on a price. The deceased, however, reneged on their agreement and this quickly led to an argument. The statement read in part: The victim was supervising an ongoing construction work on his property and so he spent the night at the hotel. He contracted Kudirat Raji to pass the night with him on an agreed amount but reneged on their agreement. His refusal to pay the agreed amount led to a hot argument between them. "While the argument was going on, Esther Basiru, a friend to Angela broke a bottle and injured the deceaseds friend who was at the scene. Angela used the broken part of the bottle to stab the deceased on the armpit thereby cutting one of his nerves, consequent upon which he bled to death. "The manager of the hotel alerted the police at Ifo and the DPO, CSP Anthony Haruna led his men to the scene and arrested the two suspects. ALSO READ: Prostitutes attack each other over male customer The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered the transfer of the case to Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for discrete investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects. The men are Samuel Ezeala, 25, Ibrahim Umar, 22, Ibrahim Shilu 23 and Zadine Yahaya, 24. They were arraigned on charges of joint-act and inciting disturbances at a public peace. The Prosecutor, Fedelix Ogubwe, told court that one Abubakar Umar of the Chiefs Palace in Garki, Abuja reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on May 29. Ogubwe said the defendants and 16 other men now at large were found at Apo Roundabout, Abuja using sticks, cutlasses and iron in beating one another. He said that the action caused a breach of public peace, adding that the offence contravened Sections 97 and 114 of the Penal Code. The accused men, however, pleaded guilty but Umar pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N20, 000 each with one surety each in like sum. The accused was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, wilful and unlawful damage, attempted murder and belonging to an unlawful society. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Magistrate Mr A.T. Elias refused the accused bail but ruled that the matter be taken to a higher court and that the bail should be perfected there also. The prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Omisakin, had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 18 at about 3.00 a.m., at No. 1, Miabi St., Ajegunle. She said that Ezeigwen, who belonged to the Eiye confraternity, had attempted to murder Victoria Eriogun and her seven children by setting ablaze the two-room apartment they occupied, while they were sleeping. The offences contravened Sections 41, 230, 341 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Yesterday, Monday, May 29, 2017, MMM held a Democracy Day green party show in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the party, which held at the Millennium Park, was opened to members of the group and non-members alike. Mr Seyi Bello, the President of Abuja Guiders Forum of the MMM-Nigeria said the gesture was part of solidarity by the group for Nigerias 18-years of uninterrupted democracy. This party is put together to celebrate our Democracy Day and since Nigerias flag is green-white-green, we decided to call it green party as a mark of solidarity." Seyi Bello also explained that over three million Nigerians were members of the group. He explained that contrary to some peoples opinion about the scheme, it was a community of people providing financial help to each other on the principle of reciprocity and benevolence. Despite MMM freezing operations in November 2016, Nigerians are still patronising the Ponzi scheme. Unlike before when people were open about their participation, Nigerians have decided to keep quiet about their involvement with the scheme. No matter how low key MMM investors want to be, the Ponzi scheme still makes headlines. In May 2017, News Agency of Nigeria reported that a 21-year-old trader, Chukwuebuka Ezengwu, allegedly staked N286,600 sent to him by customers into the Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) scheme. He was later arraigned but denied the charges. The legal woes of MMM's agents did not stop there. In April 2017, two alleged MMM agents Debora Fojo and Musa Garba appeared before a Malumfashi Chief Magistrates Court in Katsina State for breach of trust and cheating. The two were accused of collecting N429,000 to invest in an online business called MMM. Country Category Manager, Mr. Olumide Aniyikaiye in a remark at the celebration enjoined the 2,000 school children who pledged to healthy and nutritional living to consume milk daily. Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, represented by Mrs. Kehinde Hazoume at the event highlighted the benefits of milk and commended Dano for bringing school children together for the World Milk Day Celebration. "I appreciate TG Arla for a job well done. It provides an opportunity to focus attention on milk. "Milk is beneficial to the human body. It is essential for the well-being and physical development of every child." Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, represented by Mrs. Oyinlola Adejare championed milk as an important component of childrens meal. Mrs. Ambode said, "Milk has always been an important nutritional component of a childs food. Setting aside a day since 2001 to celebrate is a great idea. "Milk stands apart as it boosts the power of childrens brain and enhances their physical development." Speaking further, Mrs. Ambode praised Dano for its numerous CSR initiatives and programmes with emphasis on its strong schools and Dano cares Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) campaigns. "For many years, TG Arla, producers of Dano milk has occupied the front seat in that industry making and distributing Dano to millions of Nigerian children across the length and breadth of the country. "Your strong schools programme aimed at improving the health and nutritional lifestyle of 10million children by 2020 is impressive. "Your generosity to the IDP through your Dano cares campaign is equally commendable." President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Dr. Bartholomew Brai while giving an address at the event showered praises on Dano for taking a bold step by partnering with NSN and contributing to the well-being of Nigerian children. Dr. Brai said, We are glad with this strategic partnership with TG Arla, manufacturers of Dano milk. This partnership is part of our resolution to associate with individuals and brands taking significant steps to help get rid of malnutrition of Nigeria. As a nation willing to curb malnutrition, lets cultivate the habit of milk drinking. "A glass of milk everyday makes that significant difference. We are proud to associate with Dano on this malnutrition campaign as it is a brand that is contributing positively to the well-being of children in Nigeria. Assistant Category Manager, Ms. Rosette Agbor while appreciating guests and stakeholders who graced the occasion said Dano would continue to provide Nigerian mothers and other Nigerians with healthy, nutritional and affordable range of Milk products, capable of boosting the mental and physical wellbeing for the young and old. The World Milk Day, a significant day created by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is celebrated annually on June 1. It was created in 2001 by FAO to raise awareness for milk as a global food for healthy living. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said this in a statement in Abuja to commemorate the 2017 World No Tobacco Day held annually on May 31. The event is held to raise awareness on the dangers associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The theme for this years event is Tobacco a threat to development. According to Moeti, globally, tobacco kills more than seven million people every year; with over 80 per cent from low and middle income countries. She said on the average, tobacco users lose 15 years of their life; making its use one of the leading preventable risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, among others. In the African Region, about 146, 000 adults aged 30 years and above die every year from tobacco-related diseases. For the African Region, the cost of healthcare from tobacco smoking is 3.5 per cent of total health expenditure each year, imposing a heavy economic burden on national economies through increased healthcare costs. Tobacco use worsens health inequalities and exacerbates poverty, as the poorest people spend less on essentials such as food, education and healthcare, Moeti said. She urged individuals to help make a sustainable, tobacco-free world either by never using tobacco products or quitting the habit to protect their health and that of people exposed to smoking, including children. She called for the introduction of stiff policy to control illicit trade in tobacco, adding that this would help to reduce tobacco use and its health and economic consequence. According to Moeti, tobacco control is one of the most effective means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by 2030. Moeti noted that the aim of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development was to ensure no one is left behind. The African regional director said tobacco also impacted the environment as well through tobacco smoke, litter, fires and deforestation leading to climate change. She maintained that the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco (WHO FCTC) was still the worlds most powerful tool to tackle tobaccos negative impact on development. Moeti advocated for an increase in tobacco taxes and prices as an effective way to reduce demand for tobacco through reduction in its affordability. She said the revenue generated for governments could be used to finance universal health coverage, health promotion as well as other development programmes. News, analysis, and archives on the grassroots in Haiti. Nouvel, analiz, ak achiv sou baz yo an AYITI. Noticias, analisis y archivos sobre el pueblo de Haiti. The Executive Director of the privately-owned station, Mr Nawani Aboki, made the appeal in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Thursday. NAN reports that the station was demolished by the Nasarawa State Government on May 20 over alleged violation of land approval laws and constitution of health hazards to residents living near it. Aboki said that the decision to seek a rebuilding/appeal fund for the station was made after an inventory was taken on the broadcast equipment affected by the demolition. He said that it cost about N61 million to build the station. The executive director appealed to Nigerians to donate to the rebuilding fund tagged Save Breeze 99.9 FM Rebuilding Fund, through a Diamond savings account number 0091236101. I want to thank all those who are working tirelessly to funds for the rebuilding of Breeze 99.9 FM." I want to use this opportunity to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid by contributing the little they have to save the station." The worth of the structure has not been quantified; we are not talking of the shock suffered by the management and staff of the station." We lost equipment worth N61 million to the bulldozers. However, if we start from somewhere, we can achieve something, he told NAN. Aboki said that no amount was too small to donate. With the support of Nigerians, we can overcome. We are also soliciting support for land and buildings, he said. The executive director also said that the management had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) to take a decisive action over the role played by some policemen during the demolition. Melaye told Daily Post that the President has been appointing unqualified people into office. He said this while speaking at the 2017 Nigeria Democracy Day Lecture put together by the Save Democracy Group Africa (SDG-Africa) in Abuja. Melaye also said that Buharis wrong appointments are the reason there has not been any visible progress in the country for two years. The Senator said Democracy is defined as a government of the people, by the people and for the people but what we had in the time of Jonathan was greedocracy, which is the government of the greedy, by the greedy and for the greedy. Today, we have criminocracy-a government of the criminals, by the criminals and for the criminals. ALSO READ: Dino Melaye escapes assassination attempt on his life Wrong appointment led to the emergence of the former (suspended) Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF who became a grasscutter. When you appoint a man who has no experience in civil administration as SGF, he is bound to misbehave. The Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Abubakar Amuda-Kannike (Kwara-APC), while leading debate on it, said that it sought to ensure that Nigerians conducted themselves orderly in public places. Amuda-Kannike said that it was normal practice for some Nigerians to shunt or distort queues and go unpunished. He expressed worry that recent events had shown that Nigeria was on the verge of losing its cherished sense of nationalism, cultural identity and hospitality. The bill underscores the need to re-awaken a derailed national culture by proposing disciplinary measures to guide Nigerians in their daily behaviours. In our society today, out of total disregard for other persons, who strive to do the right thing by conducting themselves orderly in public places, a large number of Nigerians distort queues and go unpunished. The bill if passed shall provide a starting point of value and cultural re-orientation in Nigeria, the lawmaker said. He expressed optimism that the bill if passed, future generations would have a more sane society that would help to shape morals, principles and respect for each other in addition to adequate awareness on what constitute nationhood. He decried the prevailing level of corruption, indiscipline, disrespect to elders and the rule of law in the country. The bill underscores the need to re-awaken the derailed national culture by proposing disciplinary measures to guide Nigerians in their daily behaviours. Any nation that is not organised cannot have rapid growth. We should be seen as organised people from point of entry but we have accepted that anything goes. Every school should have civic education in its curriculum to instil patriotism and orderliness in the country, Amuda-Kannike said. Contributing, Rep. Sam Onuigbo (Abia-PDP) said that the bill would also ensure orderliness, equity, fairness and justice in the distribution of services in the country. It will be nice for us to be seen as orderly people from the point of entry into the country, Onuigbo said. Rep. Ayo Omidiran (Osun-APC) said by being orderly in all our activities, we will be transmitting good behavioural pattern to generations and this will promote a better society. The House rejected the second reading of the bill after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the House, Mr Yakubu Dogara. Leading the debate during plenary, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema (Anambra-PDP) said that the bill sought to tackle the menace of poverty and ecological problems confronting the South East part of the country. He said that the bill also sought to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the development, restructure and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructure in the region. Contributing to the debate, the House Minority Leader, Rep. Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP), said the bill would address most of the issues affecting the region. This country cannot continue with the situation where we come to Abuja every month to share money. I think every zone deserves such commission because it will make everybody look inward. This nation needs to be restructured, we cannot continue the way we are going, Ogor said. Also speaking, Rep. Sani Abdul (Bauchi-APC) said that the agitation to create the commission was as a result of governments inability to address the socio-economic challenges in the country. We should look at it holistically in order not to have problems. We are worried, however, because the timing of the bill with the agitation for Biafra is suspicious, Abdul said. However, some lawmakers while opposing the bill, said the timing of was not appropriate. Rep. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP) said that some of the South-East states were already captured in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the creation of a South East Commission will be too much. Here is why. Governor Fayose on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 advised President Muhammadu Buhari for health reasons. Typical Fayose. The Ekiti state governor said Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was not as powerful as many had thought. He (Buhari) can do us the great help by resigning, Fayose said. His absence allows others to suppress and oppress others and that means he is allowing others to suppress their fellow human beings. There are many governments in one and they are clueless. We need an active president going by our numerous challenges. How long will Nigerians wait for an incapacitated President? We cannot wait again for somebody to hold us to ransom. I dont have any bad blood against Buhari. Osinbajo has no powers without the president. He owes us the duty to tell us the state of his health. Reacting to Fayoses comments, Afenifere in a statement by Yemi Alade, entitled advised the governor to focus on the challenges facing Ekiti state. The group noted that Governor Fayose was absent at the celebration of this years democracy day. Governor Fayose was described as a parrot by the group for talking at all times, in and out of season. The statement reads: It is shameful that Ekiti has become a butt of uncanny jokes and fast sliding to be a pariah among other states in Nigeria despite its God-given endowments. We wonder the whereabouts of Governor Ayo Fayose during the celebration of Democracy Day, a national activity. He was conspicuously absent from Ekiti for days only to resurface to abuse President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to resign because of ill-health. Our governor is now a parrot who must talk at all times in and out of season; we believe that Mr. Governor should devote more time to think on how to move Ekiti forward instead of focusing and dissipating his energy on irrelevant issues. Afenifere also wish to sympathize with Ekiti workers that none of whom has received any salary this year, some since October 2016. And yet the governor feels unconcerned so far he can dole out a thousand naira and a cup of rice to the famished workers in the name of his stomach infrastructure, which many have described as a fraud. Currently the economic activities of the state has run berserk due to executive misapplication of strategic management of human and business relationship. Now, no one is sure of what happens next because of the misunderstanding between government and fuel marketers which has now degenerated into chaos. And this has been going on for two full weeks now and unfortunately, government is feeling comfortable and justifying its strategy by pulling down several of the fuel stations for flimsy excuse which not a few have interpreted as mere political vendetta and mere braggadocio on the part of the government. People attending religious functions should be conscious of happenings around them. They must all be watchful and observe their environment, the Commissioner, Alhaji Muazu Zubairu, said in Minna. He gave the advice in an interview with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN). Zubairu said that the security challenges facing the country would be minimised if people were more alert, saying that more security consciousness at public functions would forestall many unpleasant occurrences. He said that extra security measures had been taken to guarantee the safety of lives and property during and after the Ramadan period, but declined further details. We dont want to be taken unawares; we have adopted proactive security measures to deal with any unforeseen circumstances, he said. The police officer urged Niger residents to use the Holy month to pray for peace, progress and economic development of Nigeria. The group cautioned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to stop including the Niger Delta region in their fraudulent activities. President of the group, Amuna Success alleged that IPOB and MASSOB were being funded by highly placed politicians and businessmen who have choice property and investment in the same Nigeria they want to secede from. His words: Much as we were alarmed that this avenue for ventilating deep seated ethnic frustration was being hijacked by desperate thugs, we continued to maintain a measured silence because we thought it unfair to stifle the spirit of our Ndigbo brothers even when we were well aware from the onset of their delusional quest. Delusional, because in the south-south we have seen our share of how genuine agitation for improved quality of life can be hijacked by common criminals, used to threaten the country, and ultimately enrich themselves both at the expense of the struggle and of the populace. ALSO READ: Nnamdi Kanu is not the messiah for Biafra Our experience in this case include the collective agitation for resource control, responsible attitude towards the environment in the course of oil exploration, and empowerment of the local population to get employment in the industries that operate in the fatherland. Today, all we have to show for the agitation are the self-appointed militant generals and traditional rulers who became rich from the blood the rest of us shed in the hope of securing a better deal for our homeland. If anything came of these struggles we do not feel the benefit. Success said they even if the south-south should excise itself from Nigeria today it would only, amplify other other differences whereby we then begin to thin as Kalabari, Urhobo, Itshekiri, Ijaw, Ikwere, Anang, Efik and the dozens other ethnic dematerialization we are structured into. We are therefore alarmed that the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), not satisfied with sabotaging their region's economy and punishing their own poor people, are drawing up maps of their phantom Biafra Republic in which they included the South-South. Nothing can be sicker than this. It is delusion taken too far and one that must be addressed immediately lest it graduates into madness. The defeat of that failed enterprise was possible with the cooperation of the modern day south-south that allowed federal troops safe passage. We want MASSOB and IPOB to know that if anything has changed it is the fact that the people of the south-south will not for one minute entertain aligning with separatists against their better judgment that shows a united Nigeria is the right thing to pursue. Anyone that is banking on the resources of the Niger Delta for a new country should have a rethink. Our warning is that the Niger Delta people will not allow anyone to steal their oil under the guise of secession from Nigeria. The five Igbo states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo put together do not amount to half of the landmass of the south-south; if these thugs have their way there would be massive exodus into the region and it would be a matter of time before they use their cunning to come up with some contraption to appropriate out land after hijacking our resources. Under the current arrangement our right to our land is not under threat. Why would we walk into a trap with our eyes opened? Founder of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has proven that the Biafra contraption is not above fraud and is nothing but a scheme set up to line the pockets of the movement's leaders. This has proven by the sale of fake Biafran passports to youths, some of who are languishing in jail for immigration offences when they tried using the false documents only to get arrested. We hereby warn the Biafra agitators to stay away from the Niger Delta. They should desist from mentioning the South-South whenever they are lying to themselves. Our region is not going with them, the group warned. Dogara disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) who paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja. We have done it for the Tertiary institutions and the Judiciary, so nothing should stop us from taking the bull by the horns. They say that wine gets better with age. It was the same consideration that motivated us to raise that of university lecturers,raised that of judges. So this is something we can pursue. Thankfully, it doesnt require constitutional amendment, it is something we can achieve by amending the existing law. That is the responsibility of the parliament and we assure you that we will do something about that so that the benefit that comes with experience and wisdom will not be lost, he said Dogara said that the welfare and working condition of teachers must also be upgraded to enable Nigerian citizens compete with the global world and produce citizens that can achieve development that the country seeks. If we dont have people who will sacrifice their time and energy to impact knowledge on our children, then like I said, we have lost the future. This government which is a government of change must be prepared to change the narrative by ensuring that teachers are motivated and the condition in which they work are conducive at all levels, so that they can deliver on their professional calling, he said. The speaker also advised the union to channel their request for salaries of teachers to be handed over to state governments or paid from first-line charge from the federation account through the Universal Basic Education Commission to the Constitution Review of the House of Representatives for consideration. Comrade Alogba Olukoya, the National President of NUT,said the union preferred that payment of teachers salaries be handed over to State governments. He also canvassed for an increase in the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years. The teachers union also demanded that teachers salaries be paid from first-line charge from the federation account through the Universal Basic Education Commission. We want the responsibilities of paying the salaries of Teachers be handed over to State Governments in which case the salaries component of the revenue allocation of the Local Governments will have to be transferred to the states and restructure the fiscal allocation of our national resources in favour of the states to guarantee uninterrupted and unfettered primary education in Nigeria. We teachers of Nigeria in primary and secondary schools do seek and demand that our retirement age be raised to 65 years to increase the teacher retention rate in our schools. Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, said this when he led a delegation to the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to know their achievements and challenges, in continuation of his Meet the affiliate Tour. According to him, we condemn in very strong terms the current bill to remove all our military and other law enforcement agencies from the contributory pension scheme. He added that this would lead to the entire collapse of the pension scheme, adding that because presently even with the core civil service, we have a liability of over N6 billion. This was a figure that was harmonised between the Senate, House of Representative, Minister of Finance, organised Labour and then the Minister of Budget and Planning. The liability as of today of earn allowance of workers and pensioners including deductions stood at over 600 billion, so it is wrong if this bill is allowed to pass through, he said Wabba said that if the military and the law enforcement agencies were removed from the contributory pension it would allow the resources to come from the central coffers. He noted that if this was done, it was obvious that the entire contributory pension scheme would then collapse. The NLC President, however, said that people assume that over 73 per cent of the entire pension funds which stood at over 6 trillion was already being borrowed through Federal Government Bond and Treasury Bills. He said that with the new development if the pending bill was allowed to go through there would be a major shock in the economy, therefore, the entire pension contributory scheme would surely collapse. According to him, it will be in the interest of the entire workers if the House of Representatives take honourable look at the issue. I do not think that they know the implication, but we have studied it because presently the pension arrangement is that 60 per cent of the contributions are from the private sector employees, only 40 per cent are from the Federal Government or public employees. Presently only 10 states had keyed into the contributory pension scheme that are actually funding, therefore, you can see the very precarious situation that is in place. This bill certainly at this point in time is not desirable and organised labour has called for withdrawal of this bill, because it will collapse the entire contributory pension system, he added. Wabba, however, commended the House of Representatives for the proposed bill for the regular review of the minimum wage at least every five years. He noted that the review of the minimum every five years was actually in the collective bargaining system when the minimum wage was signed into law in 2011. He added that it was mutually agreed that after every five years there should be a review but this was not captured in the law. We want to commend the progressive stand of the house in making this provision in the law, because this is also what applied in many economics, he said. ALSO READ:NLC threatens to strike if salaries are not increased Wabba while commending NUGLE members for their support, called for greater synergy. He said that the NLC would put up strategies in handing the challenges faced by the union. The labour leader added that NLC would organised quarterly activities to strengthen its affiliates. Speaking, Mr Ibrahim Khaleed, NUGLE President said that the union was facing a lot of challenges, which includes the refusal of Akwa Ibom state government to pay check up dues. Director-general of the Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Sule Kazaure stated this when he received a delegation from the National Youth Service of Sierra Leone and the Sierra-Leonean Ministry of Youths on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, in Abuja. Kazaure said the NYSC would share with the organisation the strategies it had put in place over the years which has enabled the scheme to succeed in all areas of its endeavour. The NYSC though continues to count successes in all areas, he said. It has not had it smooth. The scheme continues to face challenges even though we always make the effort to address them as they come. Currently the scheme mobilises over 300,000 corps members yearly and that is a challenge for us because this number increases every year. We always have to contend with availability of facilities to cater for this increasing number, added. Dr Sheku Kamara, the Sierra Leone Presidential Adviser on Youth, who led the delegation, said the government was eternally indebted to Nigeria for supporting it in times of war and peace. Kamara noted that Nigeria was by the side of Sierra Leone when it struggled with the Ebola crisis, adding that it is also coming to its assistance now in the development of its national youth service. He said the team was visiting the NYSC to see what examples and lessons can be learnt and possibly implement back in the country. We are here to learn from the 44 years of the existence of the NYSC, Kamara said. We are here to see what lessons we can learn and take back with us. Our main aim of visiting is to get a study tour to find out from you what have been your challenges, successes and what we should do to make our youth service stronger and gain success within a short time. We have researched a lot from countries that have voluntary youth service after graduation from the university and I am proud to say that Nigeria emerged the best example in Africa. The governor gave the assurance after he inspected facilities and progress of work at the Plant at Auchi, Etsako-West Local Government Area of the state on Thursday. Obaseki said that with the progress of work and facilities on ground, the plant could be test run on June 10, after which full production would begin. He said that about 100 to 120 direct and indirect workers would be employed by the plant when it became fully operational. I am quite impressed with the progress of work here because if you compared the situation now to what we met about two and half months ago, when we came here first, you can see that there is a significant difference. We have been able to get the technical partners under the Federal Governments fertilizer programme to start work here and they have made some investment to revamp the plant. The equipment have been tested and manufacturers were brought to fix the faulty parts. They are also constructing a new line to meet up with the specification of the federal government fertilizer programme, he said. The governor said that security had been beefed up at the location, while the office complex had been fixed, to ensure a proper take-off for the facility. He said that plans were being made with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to draw a dedicated 33KVA line to the plant, while a standby 500 KVA generating set had been refurbished as an alternative source of power for the plant. He added that plans were also being made with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to increase power supply to the blending plant and other mining facilities in the locality. In his remarks, the general manager of the Technical Company managing the fertilizer plant, Mr Ayodele Ejaoye, said that the blending plant had a capacity to produce about 55.000 metric tons of fertilizer annually. Ejaoye said that the company intended to start commercial fertilizer production from June 20, this year. The governor made the call at Ihevbe community, Owan-East Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday during the inspection of a failed portion of the Ilhevbe-Afuze road. Obaseki attributed the collapse of the road to the blockage of the drainage system around the Ihevbe axis of the road. He, therefore, directed the council officials at Afuze, headquarters of the local government to put up a barricade on the failed road portion, to avoid accidents. He said that the cost of fixing the road would be deducted from the councils account for failing to carry out basic sanitation responsibilities, including clearing the drains. Obaseki also inspected progress of the rehabilitation work at Okagboro and Ogbuje-Uzeba roads all in Owan-West Local Government. He had earlier inspected the progress of work at the 4.5-km Agebde town road and the 25-km Agbede-Awain road in Estako West Local Government. Obaseki said that the Agbede-Awain project was a new road designed to create access and open up the large expanse of land for agricultural purposes. He said that lots of investors were willing to take advantage of the fertile land in the area for agricultural activities, hence his administrations determination to fast track the project. Osinbajo said this while performing the ground-breaking ceremony of Ayade Industrial Park, Calabar, as part of his two-day working visit to the state. He described the park as an industrial hub in Nigeria and Africa. It tells us of what the future holds for the people of this state. It is really going to be a major industrial hub in Africa, he said. The acting president later performed the ground-breaking ceremony of Cross River Rice City Project and inaugurated the Calabar Garment Factory, all situated inside the park. Speaking, Gov. Ayade said his vision was to make the state the destination for investment in Africa. He solicited the support of the Federal Government in his quest to develop the state through numerous on-going projects. The acting President had earlier on arrival, visited the Palace of Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo-Abasi Otu, where he called for peaceful co-existence among different ethnic nationalities in the country. He said that for Nigeria to make progress, there was need for unity among Nigerians. He said: Unity is very important. All of us should show love to one another, this will make us stronger. Responding, Obong, thanked the acting president for finding time to visit his palace and described the visit as historic. He called on Nigerian Leaders to always prioritize the welfare of the people irrespective of their political affiliations. The Obong advocated the involvement of traditional institutions in the governance of the country due to their closeness to the people at the grassroots. The traditional institutions are closer to the people and they know better what the people need; therefore, I suggest that the traditional institutions should be more involved in government, he said. Chairman of the House Committee, Petroleum Upstream, Rep. Victor Nwokolo (Delta-PDP), stated this on Thursday, while speaking to journalists at the sideline of a workshop organised by the committee for House members on the bill. Nwokolo said that the lower chamber of the National Assembly would begin the consideration of the bill in a few days and that it would be given accelerated hearing. He explained that the bill recently passed by the Senate was only one-third of the entirety of the document before the national assembly. According to the lawmaker, the committee decided to organise the workshop to bring the lawmakers up-to-date on what the house has done in respect of the PIB in the past. He said, The bill has gone through first reading and by next week, it will go through second reading and will be given accelerated attention that it requires. It is true, like you said, it has been passed in the Senate, but what the Senate has done, they have only taken a fraction of it, only one-third of it; what is referred to as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) is what they have passed. But, in the case of the House of Representatives, we are taking it holistically. Like you read in the newspapers, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and Ijaw National Congress (INC) say that they do not agree with what the Senate has done, because the issue of host communities has not been addressed. If you are also following the proceedings in the House of Representatives, you will agree with me that we are taking it holistically, because we have dealt with the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB). We have also gone through the fiscal and the host community bill, so we are taking it holistically, so that no section of it will be left out. Nwokolo explained that the house resolved to treating the bill holistically in consideration of what had happened and what was obtainable in other parts of the globe where petroleum was a natural resource. He listed Alaska, Mexico and Venezuela as some of the countries the house used as case study, where host communities were all stakeholders. He said, Coming home here, look at the case of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG), have you ever heard that NLNG is being shut down for a day? The basic reason is because they have taken care of the host community; this is what we want to address. The essence of this workshop is to broaden members knowledge for them to go home to begin to think; this contentious issue of host community, is it going to be restricted to oil-producing communities? When you are talking about mineral resources today, it is not only petroleum we are talking about. By the grace of God, the government is trying to give a drive towards other mineral resources like coal that you find in Plateau, Kogi and other areas. ALSO READ: Senate finally pass Petroleum Industry Governance Bill So, when you talk about host communities, it is going to be applicable to all parts of the country so that it will not be seen as empowering only Niger Delta region or oil-producing communities again. We thank God that you journalists are here in your numbers; you will help us to pass the information to Nigerians, because they have a different view when you are talking about host communities. So, what we are doing here today is to refresh members so that by the time we start discussing the bill, it will move faster than we expect. This is because it has been three or four weeks since it went through the first reading, he said. Onyia, who is in-charge of the Anglican Church of Ascension, Enugu, made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Enugu. The cleric was speaking against the backdrop of rising spate of divorce and single parenting. He said that the church was against divorce, adding that children needed training from both parents to be socially balanced. The cleric blamed increasing misbehaviour among children on divorce and other forms of abandonment. Marriage is ordained by God from the beginning." At the core of all family relationships is the union between a man and his wife. The man and woman must become one flesh." As the fruit of this union, the children belong as much to the man as to the woman." Both parents share equal responsibility in terms of training, providing emotional balance, healthcare and general provision especially in an era where both the man and his wife are working or doing businesses, he said. Mrs Rosemary Otikpa, the Coordinator of TRCN in Anambra, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Awka. NAN reports that May 31 was given as deadline by the council for teachers to register. This exercise is not to witch-hunt teachers rather, it is for them to be paid according to their qualifications as is being done in developed countries." Although we dont have unqualified teachers in the state, all we are saying is that when all of them have filled the form, then, the salary scale will be clearer." All the teachers will be going home with what they duly deserve based on their qualification, she said. Otikpa said that initially, private school teachers in the state were reluctant in participating, until they were informed of the need to do so. Most owners of private schools make the money but, ironically, pay their teachers peanuts." With this measure in place, they will be compelled to pay teachers standardised salaries, this made most of the private schools teachers to register, she said. According to a report by Punch, Usani made this known on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Usani said the Federal Government has uncovered some shady deals by some of the contractors noting that while some made away with the money paid them without appearing on the sites of the projects, others managed to implement 12 per cent of the projects they were paid for. He said the discoveries were contained in a report of an investigation carried out by the ministry on all contracts awarded and projects carried out by the ministry from 2009 to 2015 under the administration of late Umaru YarAdua and Goodluck Jonathan. From this amount, projects execution rate has been at 12 per cent with an average completion rate of a project standing at five years. The impact rate is eight per cent, he said. Continuing, he said: With this, it means all those who have accessed government resources for one purpose or another must be compelled to make adequate use of same, otherwise they will face the recommendation that goes with such violations. That is our position concerning that report and we have received councils approval for that." Usani said the report revealed that over N423bn had been expended in the region by the ministry alone, adding that the amount did not include the sums expended by other intervention agencies. Sixty per cent cost has been paid out to contractors with 12 per cent completion rate. Sixty per cent of the amount of money appropriated which is N700bn, 60 per cent of that constitutes N423bn. To find that such money has been spent in that region with the kind of work we see, shows that there is something tangibly and obviously wrong with how procurement had been carried out in the ministry. The number of projects awarded was 427 and there is no uniform action by each of the contractors. So, the measure of action to be taken to address the shortfall of our expectations or commitment to contractual agreements will be the determinant of what will be done. Those that require sanctions will be sanctioned. The sanctions may not be uniform. It will be according to the measure of liabilities held by each of the contractors. Some will be compelled to return to site. Some, of course, should be made to refund money, those who we have seen by their actions displaying criminal intent by collecting money and not appearing at sites at all. The report is not just all about punishing people. There are also those who have performed well and are commended and the report recommended that they should be encouraged to carry on in their contractual commitments. The report has also recommended that sanction will be taken against officers. There are rules. I dont know if they will amount to purge, he said. Speaking at the private screening of the anticipated "Isoken" movie, Doyle said that for as long as storytelling exists, there would be old and young people in the same story. "I believe that there's a conspiracy of pitting the old against the young and vice versa, and there's really no need for that, because I also came into the industry and met people in it," the actor said. "I don't know any story that you're going to tell that isn't trans generational. There has got to be a father and young people." "As long as storytelling exists, there would be old people, there would be young people in the same story." "So, there's no need for conflict in this. What has Jade brought to the table? - because Jade belongs to a particular generation. "I have heard the term 'New Nollywood.' Thank God for New Nollywood or Nollywood 2.0. If it helps the marketing, it's all good. "But the truth is 2.0 met 1.0. If there's no 1.0, there would never be a 2.0. So I'm even looking forward to 4.0, and if I'm around, I will work with 4.0." Jade Osiberu who directed the movie added that the term 'New Nollywood' and 'Nollywood 2.0" is propagated by individuals, who aren't part of the Nigerian film industry. "Isoken"stars Patrick Doyleas Isoken's father. The movie also stars Joseph Benjamin, Funke Akindele, Lydia Forson, Ayoola, Bolanle Olukanni, Marc Rhys, Abimbola Craig, Damilola Attoh, Tina Mba among others. The APC leaders are making it difficult for the governor to do his work; they keep distracting him with very petty issues, Muhammed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lokoja. According to him, people, who are not relevant to the system, are the ones distracting Bello from focusing on the concerns of the poor. He accused unnamed national assembly members of fabricating lies against the governor, saying that such accusations were meant to make him lose focus. We have read some of these accusations and found that there is no truth in them. The Governor has done well in the area of health and agriculture and deserves an applause, he said. The youth leader rejected suggestions that the governor should be impeached over the double voters registration announced by INEC on Monday. The issue of double registration has been cleared by the electoral body. It said it had canceled one registration and therefore voided one card. That should settle it, he said. He urged the Kogi House of Assembly to ignore such calls. There'll be patchy periods that you'll need to navigate with understanding, teamwork and an unwavering commitment. For partners in long-distance relationships, these things would be required in extra measure as these are the special kind of problems you'll likely be facing in the relationship: How to keep the intimacy in a long distance relationship [Credit Sohbethattixx] Pulse Nigeria 1. Frustration The frustration is strong when you go long spells without seeing the one you love and it is especially worse at periods when you feel the relentless urge for sex and you have to suffer through suppressing it. "Long distance relationship sucks if you (the parties) are sexually active. "It sucks when you are horny, and when I mean horny, the kind of horny that needs a quick fix and a d**k and there is nothing you can do about it. "You are subjected to phone sex, that's if you all do it and your fingers while phone sexing." says Remi, a Lawyer in Lagos whose boyfriend is far away in Abuja. 2. Insecurity You'll also fear what your partner might be up to where he or she is. And if you allow this get the better of you, it won't be long before paranoia swallows you up and blows up your relationship to pieces. ece-auto-gen 3. The effort is enormous Every relationship requires serious work and effort to remain alive. But this is more so for long distance relationships. Communication and contact becomes especially increased as this is the only line that literally connects you. 4. Temptation to cheat Never will the urge to cheat and be with other people be as strong as when you have to stay for long periods without seeing the love of your life. The temptation is achingly severe and it takes extra effort to not lapse into infidelity. "Long distance relationships tempt one to cheat, but try as much as possible not to fall into that," Remi further says. "It's very hard to stay faithful, quite tempting since no one is watching. And you have guys all over you. "It takes a strong will and determined mind not to cheat on your partner." she adds. You don't have to date women who are dependent on you It is not your duty to care for anyone's needs in a relationship [Credit - iStock] iStock 5. You might be disappointed The thing about long distance relationships is that you could find yourself living in a bubble where things are just fine because you are not seeing each other in the flesh. Distance cocoons you away from reality until you close the distance between you and that partner and you actually see and come to terms with how they really are. After Christy in Nigeria had effortlessly been in a blissful relationship with her boyfriend for seven years, he returns from the USA and things just went down the hill from the moment they set eyes on each other. "Things just went sour from that moment. "We had silly, meaningless fights till I could not bear it anymore," she says. As expected, Donald Trump has released a statement. Unfortunately, it has very little to do with the month and what it represents for Muslims. Rather than talking about what Ramadan really means, he chooses to focus on terrorism. However, it's important to note that it actually started well, before things went downhill. He wrote, "On behalf of the American people, I would like to wish all Muslims a joyful Ramadan. During this month of fasting from dawn to dusk, many Muslims in America and around the world will find meaning and inspiration in acts of charity and meditation that strengthen our communities. At its core, the spirit of Ramadan strengthens awareness of our shared obligation to reject violence, to pursue peace, and to give to those in need who are suffering from poverty or conflict." It takes a turn for the worse when Trump says, "This year, the holiday begins as the world mourns the innocent victims of barbaric terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom and Egypt, acts of depravity that are directly contrary to the spirit of Ramadan. Such acts only steel our resolve to defeat the terrorists and their perverted ideology." Terrorism, rather than Ramadan, is further emphasised here. "On my recent visit to Saudi Arabia, I had the honor of meeting with the leaders of more than 50 Muslim nations. There, in the land of the two holiest sites in the Muslim world, we gathered to deliver together an emphatic message of partnership for the sake of peace, security, and prosperity for our countries and for the world. I reiterate my message delivered in Riyadh: America will always stand with our partners against terrorism and the ideology that fuels it. During this month of Ramadan, let us be resolved to spare no measure so that we may ensure that future generations will be free of this scourge and able to worship and commune in peace." The statement ends with this, "I extend my best wishes to Muslims everywhere for a blessed month as you observe the Ramadan traditions of charity, fasting, and prayer. May God bless you and your families." This is clearly unlike his predecessor, Barack Obama's Ramadan statement. Let's look at his 2016 statement. As another new moon heralds the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to Muslims across the United States and around the world," was the opening statement. He goes on to write, "As Muslim Americans celebrate the holy month, I am reminded that we are one American family. I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights. I stand committed to safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans no matter their religion or appearance. I stand in celebration of our common humanity and dedication to peace and justice for all." Obama shows a good grasp of what Ramadan means when he says, "For many, this month is an opportunity to focus on reflection and spiritual growth, forgiveness, patience and resilience, compassion for those less fortunate, and unity across communities. Each lesson is profound on its own, and taken together forms a harmonious whole. Its also a time of year that brings some of the best dishes to the table across the world as families and neighbors gather for iftar." The statement ends with this, "As I have done throughout my presidency, I look forward to opening the doors of the White House to Muslim Americans during this special occasion this year for an Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan. I can think of no better way to mark my Administrations last celebration of Ramadan as President than to honor the contributions of Muslims in America and across the world for Eid. Ramadan Kareem." The state Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Bala Sakaba, made the announcement in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday. He said that the fare was approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Sakaba explained that all intending pilgrims are to receive 800 US dollars as Basic Travelling Allowance, adding that no provision was made for minimum and maximum hajj fares as practised in the past. Already prospective pilgrims from the state have made deposits of between N1 million to the agency." We have given pilgrims up to next week as deadline to pay the balance of the fare as stipulated by NAHCON, he said. He explained that defaulters risk forfeiting their chance to make the trip because NAHCON has also fixed deadline for remittance of the fare. The chairman also commended the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for the prompt issuance of national identity number to the intending pilgrims. Without the identity number no pilgrim will be allowed to go to Saudi Arabia for 2017 hajj in line with the Saudi Arabian Authority, he said. The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, stated this when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Dutse on Thursday. The Jigawa state executive council has approved the purchase of 1,650 tons of grains at N243 million for distribution to the less-privileged in the state. This is part of the state governments efforts to assist the less-privileged in the month of Ramadan, Ibrahim said. He said the council also approved the construction of primary health centers in 30 towns of the state at N584 million. Ibrahim said the council approved the release of N150 million counterpart fund for the procurement of food meant for malnourished children. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Jigawa government had during the 2016 Ramadan fasting, distributed 32,000 tons of assorted grains for free to needy persons across the state. ALSO READ:Sokoto Govt to spend N751m on orphans According to Gov. Muhammad Badaru, his administration cancelled the celebration of one year anniversary then due to economic hardship. Badaru said government diverted the money to purchase the grains and distribute it to the needy to ease their conditions. At least 108 people were slaughtered and 76 injured during the attack by several hundred fighters on Bangassou on May 13, according to the Central African Red Cross and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The attackers "threw severed hands and feet at us", said Djamil, a Bangassou resident who has now sought refuge in a camp near the cathedral of the southeastern town on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. MINUSCA, the UN mission in the CAR, said the raiders were members of the anti-balaka militias. These largely Christian forces emerged to take on former rebels of the mainly Muslim Seleka alliance, with the two sides engaged in horrific revenge attacks. During the attack on Bangassou, several hundred people holed up in a mosque. "MINUSCA told us to take shelter in the mosque and that's what we did," Djamil says. "Then the UN troops abandoned us." "Given the number of the attackers, the UN soldiers had to fall back," a source close to the UN mission confirmed. After UN troops left "As soon as the UN troops left, a wave of anti-balaka rushed up to the mosque, yelling and brandishing machetes and home-made guns," said the bishop of Bangassou, Juan-Jose Aguirre."I tried to talk with them, but they finished by shooting a friend who wanted to protect me." "They saw the imam come out. They shot him. He fell to his knees, mortally wounded." the bishop said. "When I came back, I found him like that and I carried him off to lay him down with dignity. The anti-balaka shouted at me not to touch him." "They were drugged, drunk and uncontrollable," a humanitarian worker recalled. Terrified by the flare-up of violence, residents of Bangassou are digging in or fleeing. Only a few shops remain open on the central market and streets are deserted. On Sunday, "armed elements taken for anti-balaka banned humanitarian workers from undertaking a mission in the area," MINUSCA said on Monday. "Moreover, the armed elements kidnapped a woman and five children before killing them in the bush," the statement said. 'Woman buried alive' Last Wednesday, the supposed anti-balaka fighters "abducted two women being treated in hospital. One of the women was killed on the spot while the other was buried alive," according to MINUSCA. Confronted with the escalation of violence, humanitarian teams now fear "new large-scale attacks on the town", an aid worker told AFP, asking not to be named. Clashes between the Seleka, officially disbanded in September 2013, and the anti-balaka degenerated that year into ethnic and religious massacres that targeted mainly civilians. Military intervention by France in Operation Sangaris followed by the deployment of UN troops reduced the number of atrocities, but armed bands still run wild in parts of the deeply poor country. "This hunting down of Muslims, the looting of their shops, their houses ... It is revenge against the Seleka," the bishop said. "In people's minds, the Muslims of Bangassou are allies of the ex-Seleka." Late in April, some 481,000 people were refugees in neighbouring countries, while half a million were internally displaced in the CAR, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The identity of the anti-balaka fighters remains unclear. "The people who have massacred us are unknown," said Ali, a displaced trader. In the mineral-rich region fights to control resources such as diamonds, gold and timber frequently take place between rival gangs, but civilians are still in the front line. "These young people are idle," the bishop said. "I've been meeting them since the month of February, because this is my diocese, to ask them to leave schools alone, particularly." At the heart of his bishopric lies another displaced persons camp, this one for Christians. Its report -- which documents cases of gang rape, sexual slavery, the torching of entire villages and possibly genocide -- was prepared for a new court that is being set up in the capital Bangui to judge the crimes. In a separate report the UN said surging violence has killed hundreds and forced around 88,000 people to flee their homes since the beginning of the month, bringing the number of internally displaced people in CAR to over 500,000. The country has been struggling to recover from a three-year civil war between Muslim and Christian militias that started in 2013. The UN said it noted "serious violence against people on the basis of their religion, ethnicity or perceived support for armed groups" and said the court should consider investigating some of the incidents further as possible genocide. "As long as impunity reigns, this terrible trajectory - with each armed group committing appalling acts of violence - may continue," said the head of the UN's MINUSCA forces in the country, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga. A special prosecutor and four judges have been appointed to the new "special criminal court" -- two from Central Africa, one from Burkina Faso and one French national, the first time CAR's justice system will prosecute crimes under international law. "We know some people are getting anxious about this report," said Andrew Gilmour, the UN's Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. "We are talking of those who committed some of the most appalling violations, who are now aware that their actions were observed," he added. "Naturally they are nervous that justice will catch up with them." CAR descended into bloodshed in March 2013 following the overthrow of leader Francois Bozize by Seleka rebels, which triggered the country's worst crisis since its independence from France in 1960. Sectarian bloodletting has pitted factions of the Christian anti-Balaka militia against the mainly Muslim ex-Seleka rebels, with the violence largely targeting civilians. Dujarric, in a statement on his website, said: "Both leaders have accepted his invitation. The secretary general looks forward to welcoming the leaders, together with his special adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide," on June 4. A UN drive to hold a crunch Cyprus peace conference in Geneva collapsed last week, leaving the future of two years of talks on reunifying the island in limbo. Eide has since travelled to Athens and Ankara to try to rescue the peace process. It was agreed that talks on Cyprus could go no further and only an international conference involving the three guarantors of the island's sovereignty -- Britain, Greece and Turkey -- could achieve real progress. A previous conference involving the guarantor powers in Geneva in January failed to agree on a post-peace security strategy. The UN-backed talks seek to reunite Cyprus under a federal roof. Anastasiades and Akinci remain at loggerheads over core issues such as power sharing, territorial adjustments, security arrangements and property rights. Anastasiades, who heads the island's internationally recognised government, faces re-election in February, a factor complicating the talks process. The government's drive to explore for offshore oil and gas has also clouded the negotiations, with Ankara calling for it to be halted until a settlement has been reached. The two sides have been engaged in fragile peace talks since May 2015 that observers see as the best chance in years to reunify the island. Much of the progress until now has been based on the strong personal rapport between Anastasiades and Akinci, leader of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. But in recent months there has been a negative climate of blame and mistrust. The eastern Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece. Montalti, 36, hopes one day his new, sustainable material could even replace plastic, made from diminishing fossil fuels and difficult to recycle. "I started working with fungi as part of my design practice a few years ago," he told AFP, saying he was seeking a "different vision" on the benefits of humans engaging "with species, which are usually disregarded, such as fungal organisms." His prime material is mycelium, the white, organic and underground part of a mushroom composed of a network of tiny threads. At first invisible to the human eye, the network can become so dense that it grows into a visible, furry mass. "Mycelium is a very interesting product because it is able to break down all leaves for instance, or all kinds of products that we don't use anymore," said Ilja Dekker, technician at the world's only microbe museum, Micropia, in Amsterdam. This means it can be used to make different products. "It can be used to build all types of things like vases, things that we can put inside our houses. But also to build our houses, as a building material to actually make a house," she said. Micropia, an interactive museum housed next to Artis, Amsterdam's zoo, is hosting a small permanent exhibition of Montalti's work as part of its mission to highlight how useful microbes are. Cooking fungi His concept of "growing design" allows objects to grow naturally with no external shaping, cutting or sculpting, much as plants do in the wild. Placed into moulds made from wood, clay, plastic or plaster, the mushroom is left to gorge on organic matter like wood chips, straw, hay or linen. "They feed on such plant matter and while degrading it, they also extend their microscopic filamentous threads and they create this very interconnected network of threads which works as a binding glue, you could say as a natural glue," said Montalti. At some point the process has to be halted otherwise the ravenous fungi would just continue to grow, completely breaking down the organic matter. So the mould is placed into a low-heat oven, which, in effect, cooks the fungus inside. The fungi culture is "fully deactivated" leaving behind an "inert material, but still fully natural and fully compostable," he said. In this way, in 10 days a sand-coloured vase was created, or a whitish, rough chair which took 20 days to make. "Every object is unique," said Montalti, highlighting how the kind of fungus used, the organic food source or environmental conditions can all change the object's look, colour and feel. Natural resources At the start of his research Montalti had been looking at using fungi to help break down materials, such as to stop pollution. But it was when he "stumbled" upon the creation of a new material that he took a different turn. Depending on what kind of fungi is used, the material it produces can be stiff or elastic, porous to water, brittle or resistant to heat. The shoe industry is interested now in his work, hoping to replace traditional rubbers for instance. There is also interest in it as "victimless leather," which involves finding materials that resemble traditional animal leather but "do not involve any killing". "The ecological aspect and the ecological responsibility is rather paramount" to the whole project, Montalti said. Trump, in a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, said U.S. would either seek re-negotiation or remain withdrawn from the agreement that went into effect on Nov. 4, 2016. Trump had promised to make his decision known this week on the Paris Climate Agreement, which as at May 2017, 195 members of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, had signed and 147 had ratified. The United State under Trump will continue to be the cleanest and the most environment-friendly country on the planet. To fulfil my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord but begin negotiations to re-enter our way into Paris Accord. Or in really entirely new transaction or terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people and its tax payers. So, we are getting out but we will start to negotiate and we would see if we could make a deal that is fair and if we can, thats great and if cant, thats fine. As President, I can put no other consideration before the wellbeing of the American citizens. The Paris Climate Accord is simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States. For the exclusive benefits of other countries, leaving American workers, who I love, and tax payers to observe the cost in terms of job loss, low wages, shattered factories and vastly diminish economic production. Thus, as of today, the United States would cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris Accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country. This includes ending the implementation of the nationally determined contributions and very importantly, the Green Climate Fund, which is costing the United States a vast fortune," he said. According to him, compliant with the terms of the Paris Accord and the onerous energy restriction that is placed on the U.S. could cost America as much as 2.7 million job loss by 2025. Trump explained that he would immediately work with democratic governments to immediately get together and re-negotiate the Paris deal. But until we do that, America remains out of the agreement. He said We will remain the leader of the world. The U.S. remains the cleanest country in the world, but we will not remain in the agreement at the expense of our citizens and our country. He said the agreement was unfair to the U.S., adding it sought to cripple the U.S. and empower China, India and other developed countries, and called for a deal that is equitable. ROCK ISLAND Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 25 has launched a new initiative promoting the benefits of hiring Quad-Cities workers for projects. The "Quad City Built. Quad City Strong." campaign focuses on the region's loss of money when out-of-area workers are used in construction projects. Bill Allison, business agent for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 25, compared the campaign to recent "buy local" promotions by retailers. "When out-of-town workers are routinely used to complete building projects, it hurts our community," said Mr. Allison. "Yes, those out-of-town workers may pay for a hotel room or eat out a few times," he said. "But when they leave their wages leave with them." Local 25 was formed more than 119 years ago. According to the union, its members provide 70 percent of all plumbing, HVAC and pipefitting in the Quad-Cities area. Mr. Allison said Local 25 members must complete a five-year apprenticeship and continue education throughout their careers. He said they also are more likely to get the job done right the first time because this is "where they live, work, shop, eat and play" and raise their families. As a culture, we tend to focus on 'right now.' But we really need to shift the focus to long-term solutions," Mr. Allison said. "Local labor may not always be the cheapest bid. But any initial construction costs can be offset by the long-term benefits to the overall health of the community, Exelon has committed to using local workers at its Quad Cities Generating Station near Cordova, according to a news release from Local 25. The news release estimated Exelon's use of 1,600 skilled local workers for annual maintenance has a $5-6 million impact on the local economy. "At the Quad Cities Generating Station, we rely on the skills of Local 25 members to ensure the quality of work performed here is to the highest industry standards," said Bill Stoermer, the plants communications manager. "We recognize that when these members work at our nuclear power plant, they are well-trained and qualified to provide us the quality and workmanship that we expect for sustainable operation of our plant," he said. "We are proud to use Local 25 members at this facility." For more details, visit lu25.org. ADAMSTOWN, Pa. (AP) If home is where you hang your hat, Kangol is struggling to afford its pricey new U.S. digs. When the famous hat brand worn by celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt and Gwen Stefani moved into a Pennsylvania factory last year from China, executives with the Bollman Hat Co. billed it as an effort to create U.S. manufacturing jobs. But as labor costs went up, profits went down. Way down. The 149-year-old company behind Kangol says it's losing money on every kangaroo-logo cap knitted at its factory in Adamstown, 60 miles west of Philadelphia. "It has been certainly a bigger challenge than what we could've ever dreamed," said Don Rongione, Bollman's fedora-wearing president and CEO. The nation's oldest hatmaker expects a relatively quick turnaround once U.S. workers get better at making the popular Kangol caps. But Bollman's early struggles with Kangol illustrate why the labor-intensive garment industry left the United States in the first place. Employment is down 85 percent since 1990 the biggest decline of any manufacturing sector as cost-cutting apparel companies shifted production to Asia in search of cheaper labor. Bollman spends about $11 an hour per worker in Pennsylvania vs. $2.60 in China. So why move? In an industry where trends come and go quickly, "it's incredibly important to incorporate speed into the delivery of the product," Rongione said. Other apparel companies are also trying to be more nimble. U.S. apparel production has increased 50 percent since 2009, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association, as some footwear and clothing makers decided to accept higher labor costs in exchange for greater inventory control and proximity to U.S. customers. Last year, for the first time in decades, the number of manufacturing jobs created by U.S. companies that moved operations back to the nation and by foreign companies investing in America exceeded the number of jobs lost by companies moving overseas, according to the Reshoring Initiative, a nonprofit set up to bring factory jobs back to the United States. Yet the U.S. garment industry's production gains also show why President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to return manufacturing jobs to the U.S. could prove difficult. Increased automation is making it cheaper to sew and knit in the U.S. but requires fewer workers. So, even as apparel makers crank out more U.S.-made shirts and shoes, the industry is losing more jobs than it's creating. Employment stood at more than 131,000 workers last year, down from a high of 1.4 million in 1973. Moreover, more than 97 percent of America's wardrobe still comes from abroad. "It's not going to be what it once was," said Steven Frumkin, of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. "We're never going to employ as many people because of efficiencies and equipment." MOLINE City officials on Wednesday extended the closure of River Drive from 23rd Street to 55th Street because of minor Mississippi River flooding. On Tuesday, River Drive in Moline was closed from 41st Street to 55th Street. City officials on Wednesday said motorists still will have access to businesses at 23rd, 34th, 41st and 55th streets. At 3 p.m. Wednesday, the Mississippi River at Rock Island was just shy of its expected 17.1-foot crest. Flood stage is 15 feet. This week's crest was the highest since July 4, 2014. Down river near Illinois City, the Mississippi was at 16.65 feet at 3 p.m. Wednesday with an anticipated crest of 16.9 feet forecast for late Thursday. Flood stage at Illinois City is 15 feet. The Rock River on Wednesday remained under the 12-foot flood levels at both Moline and Joslin. Ive visited most of the Midwestern states. Each has provided me with a distinct memory. Fortunately, I still remember most of them. -- Ohio. In the 1960s I sat at the counter of an Ohio truck stop and overheard a woman with a New York accent ordering dessert. It was a clash of cultures: New York Lady: Do you have coffee ice cream? Ohio Waitress: Coffee and ice cream? Lady: No, just coffee ice cream. Waitress: You mean coffee with ice cream in it? Lady: Coffee-flavored ice cream. Waitress: Ice cream thats flavored like coffee? Like the way strawberry ice cream is flavored like strawberries? Lady: Exactly. Waitress: Marge, come over here -- youre not going to believe what I just heard. -- Indiana. Whenever my wife and I cross the state line, I break into a vocal rendition of Back Home Again in Indiana. Ive been doing this for 24 years. Shell miss me when Im gone. -- Iowa. When you live in Illinois, Iowa sounds like heaven, all the corn and pigs without the government. Still, Im stuck with the memory of a hellish 15 hours sweating in a train stalled outside of Oceola. Trains may be the most economical form of travel but in Iowa, a train gets about zero miles per hour. -- Michigan. All I remember from my long ago visit to Ann Arbor is seeing signs for Ypsilanti. I still dont know what it meant. Im familiar with the signs of seborrhea -- itchiness and flaking of the scalp -- and my boot camp instructors told us about the signs of gonorrhea. But if you see signs for Ypsilanti, I dont know whether you should call a doctor or a speech therapist. -- Minnesota. While driving in western Wisconsin, my wife suggested crossing the Mississippi River so I could say Id been to Minnesota. Im not sure we actually did this. I suspect that being able to say youve been to Minnesota is not a particularly striking event. -- Missouri. Like most Easterners, I grew up thinking Missouri was in the Deep South. I once got into an argument about this in an airport bar. I told the bartender Missouri was on the Gulf of Mexico. He said it was in the Midwest. What do you know? I barked. This is particularly embarrassing because the airport was in St. Louis. -- Nebraska. I drove across the entire state saying I will never in my life find myself anywhere flatter than Nebraska. -- Kansas. I was wrong. When I reached Kansas all I could see was the horizon and, beyond that, outer space. If Id been in Dorothys shoes, I would have thought twice about clicking my heels together. -- Wisconsin. Touring Milwaukee with a team of Navy recruiting officers, I was disappointed to find that tours of the Schlitz brewery had been canceled. This was probably a good thing. Schlitz wasnt just the beer that made Milwaukee famous. It was the beer that made me talk back to lieutenants. -- North and South Dakota. I havent been to the Dakotas yet. You have to be consumed with a burning desire to see these states, and my desire hasnt even started smoking yet. -- Illinois. I live here, of course, so every day brings new memories. At the age of 68 I need a constant supply of new memories because the old ones wear out. Sometimes it takes me until noon to remember the name of the woman who sleeps on the other side of my bed. Celebrating Our Service Members Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day, when we honor and show gratitude to all members of our Armed Forces those currently serving, those who... Transit Equity Starts With QueensLink For decades Queens has seen a disinvestment in the necessary transit infrastructure the borough needs to promote equity and sustainability. Most of the time, transformative... G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now! The problem is compounded by the fact that rail is competing with other employers and industries which often seem more appealing to potential candidates. To be blunt, rail, together with civil and mechanical engineering, is often regarded as an old smoke-stack industry especially in countries which do not have high-profile high-speed networks which have helped to change attitudes to rail. Rail is also seen as unattractive because of its unsocial working hours and its traditional working practices, some jobs may involve getting your hands dirty, and there does not appear to be a clear career path, especially from train operating jobs to managerial positions. While progress is being made to broaden the appeal of the rail industry, clearly a lot more needs to be done, and there is no quick fix. Organisations need to adopt long-term recruitment strategies which start with schoolchildren in order to sow the seeds for a career in rail and by explaining what courses they should select at university or technical college which would steer them into disciplines that are suitable for a railway career. But you need to start with young children, as Mr Mark Lomas, head of equality, diversity and inclusion with HS2, Britain, pointed out during a presentation at last months Railtex exhibition: By the age of eight, children have already decided what their career preferences are, he told delegates. Organisations also need to think through their entire recruitment process to ensure that their appeal is as broad as possible, and that they are not excluding large chunks of the population. Rail is regarded by many women as a male-dominated industry unsuited to female candidates, which is intimidating. As our feature on women in rail (June 2017) demonstrates, women still only account for a small proportion of the rail industrys workforce. A joint survey by two European railway associations, CER and EIM, and the European Transport Federation (ETF) shows that while the proportion of female employees in eight comparable European railways grew from 17.25% in 2010 to 19.5% in 2013, it actually peaked at 19.8% in 2014 and declined slightly to 19.7% a year later. But even the best performing European railways are not doing markedly better with Norway and Poland on 30%, Germany 23% and France 20%. The challenge for freight-only railways is even greater. For example, only 8% of Canadian Nationals employees were women in 2015. There is also a disparity between different railway jobs. Out of the 19 railways surveyed, women accounted for 16% of engineers, 21% of traffic management staff, 17.2% of managers, just 2% of locomotive drivers, but 32% of onboard personnel. Apart from the persistent pay gap between men and women, which needs to be addressed, removing rigid working practices which favour men would make rail a far more attractive career choice for women. There needs to be far more flexibility in terms of working hours, with the option to work from home wherever possible. Where shift working is required, long-term planning is needed so that staff can plan child care well in advance. There are other sectors of the employment market which railways and many other industries largely ignore: people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and even people who not necessarily have the right academic qualifications but possess other qualities which may be more relevant to the job on offer. For example, there is little point in providing braille signs in offices if blind or visually-impaired people cannot apply for a job with your organisation because your website is not designed with disabled people in mind. Disabled people are able to use special tools that convert website pages into large text for reading by people with poor eyesight, audio for blind people to hear and follow the content via speakers, braille for deaf/blind people to read with their fingers, and text-only versions for people with slow internet. This obviates the need to provide large-text or special versions of your website, as the users computer converts content into the desired format, providing that the websites pages have been created correctly. Website designers need to use standard HTML code, provide text descriptions for images, captions for video and use HTML structural elements such as headings in a logical manner. None of this should alter the websites appearance, but it does mean that these special tools or assistive technologies work properly. The HS2 website has been built to comply with these standards. Lomas says HS2 has also piloted a new recruitment process called blind auditing which does not require candidates to submit an application form or CV. The results are stunning in getting women, black or disabled people to apply for jobs with us, he said. Rail will do itself a disservice if it continues to cut itself off from large numbers of potential employees simply because recruitment processes and terms of employment are too rigid and outdated: time for a rethink and for more flexibility. The Metropolitan Rail Freight Council has released a multi-faceted action plan designed to expand rail freight in and around New York City. The Council said the plan is a guiding document dedicated to growing rail freight capacity and volumes, investing in and preserving rail freight infrastructure, creating quality jobs, promoting environmental sustainability, creating an infrastructure bank, and ensuring a more resilient freight supply chain for the New York City metropolitan area. It said a combination of worn-out infrastructure and regulatory challenges has led to overreliance on trucking instead of rail to move goods around the region, resulting in increased traffic congestion, pollution, and expensive infrastructure maintenance. The plan outlines projects including infrastructure enhancements to boost the use of rail to move freight. The Council is chaired by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), and is co-managed by New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Members include the New York City Mayors Office, New York City Department of Transportation, and New York City Emergency Management. Member railroads include CSX, Norfolk Southern, New York New Jersey Rail, New York & Atlantic Railway, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad. It is critically important, said Nadler, to the future of New York City and the Metropolitan region to be able to move more goods by rail, with an expected increase of at least 37 percent in freight being transported to, from and through this region over the next 20 yearsbeyond the capacity of our roadwaysdoing nothing is unacceptable and is tantamount to putting a lid on economic development. [W]e have created an open forum where rail stakeholders meet and identify and resolve problems, report on progress, and increase cooperation between all rail stakeholders, both private entities and public agencies. Primary goals of the Action Plan: Economic Development: Grow the number of jobs in the region by increasing competitiveness by making rail shipping a more attractive option; Capacity: Increase the amount of freight that rail can move over the network to support current and future demand; Connectivity: Optimize the freight network to increase fluidity and efficiency across the supply chain; Safety: Ensure the safety and security of pedestrians, private vehicles, and passengers; Sustainability: Minimize the environmental impacts of goods transported by rail-served businesses; Resiliency: The ability for the freight transportation network to rebound from an unexpected disruption, and limit the impact of extreme weather events through hazard mitigation. Intermodal traffic in the Port of New York and New Jersey grew by 22% percent between 2013 and 2015, outperforming the national growth rate of 7%. The Council pointed to investments by the Port Authority and City of New York in Sunset Park, Brooklyns Southern Gateway, aiding a resurgence in rail freight volume. The car float operation operated by New York New Jersey Rail moves freight cars across New York Harbor between Greenville, N.J. and Brooklyn. Click here to read the complete action plan. MOSCOW, June 1 (RAPSI) Prosecutor Maria Semenenko on Thursday asked jurors to deliver a guilty verdict for five defendants in the case on murder of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, RAPSI reports from the Moscow District Military Court. According to the prosecutor, their guilt in the murder has been proven. Boris Nemtsov, 55, a prominent opposition politician, who held a number of high-ranking posts in the Russian Government in the 1990s and in the 2000s joined the opposition, was shot down in the center of Moscow as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin on the night of February 28, 2015. Five men, Zaur Dadayev, brothers Anzor and Shadid Gubashev, Khamzat Bakhayev have been charged along with Tamerlan Eskerkhanov with contract murder and illegal acquisition, carrying and keeping of weapons. Ruslan Mukhudinov, a former officer in Chechen Interior Ministry, is believed to be the mastermind of the murder. He was placed on the international wanted list in November 2015. Beslan Shavanov, who allegedly was also implicated in the crime, reportedly killed himself when police tried to arrest him. Investigators believe that the conspirators in the murder had thoroughly prepared to commit this crime: they studied Nemtsovs schedule, spied upon him, prepared suitable weapons, vehicles and communication equipment. On the day of the murder, 28 February, after following Nemtsov from his home, at about 11.31 p.m. Dadayev, having received a signal from Anzor Gubashev and Shavanov that the situation was suitable for the murder, shot Nemtsov at least six times, according to investigation. Criminal prosecution of Shavanov was dismissed because of his death. Investigation into Mukhudinov is underway. Moscow court detains one more defendant in large-scale bribery case MOSCOW, June 1 (RAPSI) The Basmanny District Court of Moscow has detained one more defendant in a criminal case of Dmitry Zakharchenko, Russian anti-corruption official charged with receiving a large-scale bribe, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday. Viktor Kluzhenkov is charged with mediation in bribe-taking. The court found that he had never officially worked anywhere. The defendant denies guilt and claims that he does not know Zakharchenko. According to investigator, Kluzhenkov worked as a driver for a family of the Federal Security Services (FSB) employee Dmitry Senin. However, Kluzhenkovs defense noted that the defendant worked for Senins family from 2015 while the alleged crime was committed in 2014. The case documents read that General-Major of the police Aleksey Laushkin was interrogated as part of investigation into the criminal case against Kluzhenkov. Laushkin is a former head of the National Guards Directorate for the Moscow Region. The defendant denies that he knows Laushkin as well. Russian anti-corruption official, Dmitry Zakharchenko, was arrested on September 8, 2016. During searches at the apartment belonging to Zakharchenkos sister law enforcement officers found around nine billion rubles (about $155 million). Zakharchenko himself denies any relation to seized funds. Zakharchenko was charged with receiving a 7 million-ruble ($107,600) bribe from an unknown source. He has also been charged with abuse of office and hindering the conduct of preliminary investigation. On March 2, it was revealed that he is charged with two more instances of corruption crimes. According to case papers, the father of Dmitry Zakharchenko, Viktor, is charged with being an accessory to embezzlement. His father also pleads not guilty to embezzlement. People wanting to respond to an application by ride-sharing company Lyft to begin operations in Montana may attend a meeting at the Public Service Commission's office in Helena on Monday. In recent months, Lyft has been advertising online to hire drivers in the Billings area, although the company has not announced which Montana cities are in its expansion plans. If approved, Lyft's license would go into effect immediately and the company would be allowed to start offering rides right away, according to a release from the commission. Uber, another ride-sharing company, is already operating in parts of the state. The commission approved Uber's license on a 4-1 vote in 2015. While Uber's application a year and a half ago was not contested, Lyft's is being protested by Carrie Pintar, the owner of Amazing Taxi in Livingston. The hearing is at 9 a.m. at the commission's office in Helena, 1701 Prospect Ave. It will also be broadcast online at http://psc.mt.gov/video.asp The 2015 Legislature passed a law allowing ride-sharing services to operate in Montana as long as they met insurance, bonding and security criteria. Prior to that law, a new taxi service had to show that it wouldn't harm competitors before being allowed to start operations. Several taxi companies opposed the law. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Newton School first-grader wins state contest for her drawing on what makes her school ideal. Recorder Staff/Joshua Solomon GREENFIELD Entering Newton School in November as a first-grader with little English experience, Mariya Stytsenko was already a voracious reader and a meticulous drawer. When she settled into Mickey Warrens class, making friends with her new classmates and learning the rhythms of the school day, Mariya started to shine. When she first came here she was a little timid and (learning) where her place was, Warren said. When she figured it out she just took off, reading up a storm and writing amazing not only as a first-grader but also as a second English language learner. Now on a Friday May morning in the schools gymnasium for its monthly all school meeting, Mariya received a round of applause from the packed gym. Mariya, who came over to the States from Kazakhstan and is a Russian-native speaker, was honored for winning the 11th annual My Ideal School contest sponsored by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. She and 10 others will head to Boston Wednesday to be acknowledged for their artwork, winning contest with about 2,500 entrants and one will be selected for the top prize, which in addition to a $5,000 gift, it will be the cover art for the authoritys annual report. Last years contest also honored a Newton School student, Savannah Glenn. The contest challenged first-graders statewide to draw what makes their school so great and further what can make it ideal. Mariya had a few ideas for her Greenfield school. It will be better if Newton School will be made of rainbows, Mariya said. And dinosaurs. Mariya, who was joined by her mother, Anzhelika and her baby sister Friday morning, explained how she enjoys drawing, painting, reading and recess. I want to be an artist, Mariya said about her career ambitions. She first found out about the award in her classroom. Warren said when Mariya found out she told her that she wanted to cry because she was so happy. The next day one of her best friends in class wrote a letter to her, congratulating her. Then Mariya wrote a letter back to thank her. Shes been a treasure since she came to our classroom, Warren said. You can reach Joshua Solomon at: jsolomon@recorder.com 413-772-0261, ext. 264 Jonathan Diamond of the Recovery Theater talks to the Opioid Task Force at its town meeting in Shelburne Falls Recorder Staff/Joshua Solomon SHELBURNE FALLS Standing in front of a group gathered at the Senior Center for an Opioid Task Force community meeting, Eric Fahey talked about how he dropped out of school at the age of 16 and later battled addiction. It is in that life that Fahey learned to repair things. He became sober in November of 1989. Shortly thereafter the carpenter by trade was asked to help out with a theater program. You grow up in a situation where you have to figure out how to survive you become a fixer, Fahey said. Unfortunately thats what addicts bring to the table. It is at that theater program where he eventually turned to performing to help him manage his recovery. Once you have that experience of doing that, Fahey said about acting. It is all about the continuing support of building self esteem and self worth. Now 28 years sober Fahey has helped the community in Greenfield turn to theater as a means to help them with their recovery too. A couple years ago he formed the Mustard Seed Theater at The RECOVER Project, a two hour, self-produced production that invited people in the community to sing and perform spoken word among other acts. I was really blessed that I was able to stay sober and part of that experience was in my third year of sobriety, getting involved in theater. At the second of four town meetings the Opioid Task Force is holding, members of the community gathered to share stories of how the task force can continue to fight the ever-present opioid epidemic. Last week in Deerfield some of the conversation was focused on the potential strengths in medically assisted treatment, like with suboxone or methadone. Once again a panel of representatives from the region were present, including Northwest District Attorney David Sullivan, Baystate Franklin Medical Center President Cindy Russo, Register Probate and co-founder of the task force John Merrigan and Greenfield Community College President Bob Pura, among others. Both Fahey and, to his surprise, another advocate for theater to help fight the epidemic came forward Tuesday evening. Jonathan Diamond, the founder of the Recovery Theater, spoke about his project that helps young people with a range of issues including addiction, anxiety and depression. Diamond, also the co-founder of Hilltown Youth Theater, has helped students from across the county feel comfortable in their own skin in various seasonal programs. With young adults, substance abuse doesnt come in neat, little categories and boxes, Diamond said. It comes with trauma and addiction. The program combines theater with trapeze arts too. Arlie Hart, who leads the trapeze part of the program, discussed his own journey: from a household of alcoholics to a builder of trapeze to a teacher of it to kids battling various mental health and addiction issues. If you teach someone to fly on the flying trapeze, Hart said. You learn that you can do something when youre afraid and you can make a choice and function even when youre afraid. Hart added: Recovery just doesnt start and stop; recovery is a process. Its continuous. We have to work as a community from the perspective that funding and support and education has to be continuous. We cant just throw money at a program and say ok, this is going to be it. Next meeting The next Opioid Task Force town meeting will be June 1 at Athol Hospital. President Thomas Evans is leaving Carroll College for a position in Texas, according to a statement released Thursday. Evans became the 16th president of Carroll in June 2012. He will leave Carroll College on July 31 and move to San Antonio, Texas, to be president of the University of the Incarnate Word, the largest Catholic university in Texas. The Carroll College Board of Trustees will begin the search for an interim president immediately, the statement said. Its been a genuine honor and a privilege to serve Carroll College for the past five years, Evans said in a letter he wrote to the college community. What we have accomplished together is incredible. Carroll College has been ranked as the No. 1 regional college in the West by U.S. News and World Report for six consecutive years. The college is planning to expand to offer a masters degree program beginning in 2018. During his time at Carroll, Evans developed a five-year strategic plan and led a campaign to encourage donors to support the Hunthausen Activity Center, All Saints Chapel and the Simperman Learning Commons at the Corette Library. Under Evans leadership, Carroll has added four apartment buildings, a research lab, the FLEX theatre and renovations to St. Charles Hall. Evans created a study abroad and intellectual exchange program with a donation from Gustavo Artaza, the president and CEO of International Students Abroad. That program has allowed students to study in South Korea, Japan, France, Spain, Chile and Morocco. Donors have contributed $43.5 million to the college while Evans was president. "We've achieved highs in all kinds of fundraising and support. That was tied to the vision of a campus master plan or an academic vision," he said. "I think our supporters really got behind that." Evans said he took the position at the University of the Incarnate Word to be closer to his family in Texas. Its a bit of a coming home, he said. Evans will be overseeing a student body of about 11,000 students with programs not offered at Carroll. The University of the Incarnate Word has professional and doctorate programs like physical therapy and a medical school. Its a large and complex institution and very exciting and innovative, he said. That said, its very hard to leave Carroll College. Its a fabulous institution with remarkable people. With all of his accomplishments at Carroll, Evans said hes not worried about who will follow as president. I think its healthy as president to understand youre a custodian of a position of a certain role to leave it in a better place than when you arrived, he said. I feel very good about having accomplished that. I have the same goal at the University of the Incarnate Word. Prior to serving at Carroll, Evans was an associate vice president for professional education and global initiatives at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Store will directly employ 500-700 people, half of them women, and create 1,500 jobs indirectly Swedish retail giant IKEA has acquired a fourteen-acre plot on the outskirts of north Bengaluru to set up its third store in the country, which will potentially employ over 2,000 workers in the city. "Karnataka is a highly strategic and important market for IKEA. Along with retail stores, IKEA's purchasing team will also grow local sourcing and engage with local artisan and communities in many projects," said Juvencio Maeztu, chief executive of IKEA India, in a statement. The land, acquired from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, is near the Nagasandra metro station, in line with IKEA's plan of customers using public transport to get to its stores. The store in Bengaluru will be the third for IKEA in the country after those in Hyderabad and Mumbai. The store in Bengaluru will create employment opportunities for 500-700 people directly, half of which will be women, and another 1,500 jobs indirectly. IKEA says it will span 450,000 square feet and is expected to have more than five million visitors per year. The company did not disclose investment numbers. "IKEA will bring best business practices, many employment opportunities, infrastructure development and contribute to the growth of the retail sector in the state. We believe IKEA will work as a catalyst in our development plans," said Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Swedish retailer plans to open 25 stores in India by 2025 across all major Indian metros and then even more in Tier-II cities. Recently, Maeztu told Business Standard that IKEA has no plans to become an e-retailer, and will only facilitate online orders in cities where it opens its megastores. While the land in Bengaluru has been acquired, IKEA has not disclosed when its store will open its doors to customers in the city. The first store in Hyderabad is expected to open by December this year, and the Mumbai one early next year. The company is also looking for land to set up stores in Delhi-NCR and Chennai. NCR is National Capital Region. Apart from selling in India, IKEA also plans to double its sourcing from the country to ^600 million by 2020. It said Karnataka could play a key role in its global supply chain. Photograph: Reuters Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is targeting the commissioning of the project by 2023-24 Come September, the Narendra Modi government will take the first step to make bullet train a reality in India, with help from Japan. Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe are likely to take part in the bhoomi poojan and foundation stone laying ceremony of the Rs 97,636-crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor project. This train will be based on Japanese high-speed technology called Shinkansen, known for its safety and comfort. The high-speed train would cover the 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in two hours, from seven hours now. Though such traditions are followed while starting major projects in India, this could be for the first time that a global leader will be participating in one such event. A bhoomi poojan and foundation stone laying ceremony will be in September. However, the date is yet to be confirmed, said a source close to the development. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is targeting the commissioning of the project by 2023-24. In February 2016, a special purpose vehicle - National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd was formed to implement the elevated Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor project. The Japanese government has agreed to provide a loan of up to 81 per cent of the project cost at 0.1 per cent per annum, to be repaid in 50 years with a 15-year moratorium. The project was sanctioned with 50 per cent equity participation by the railway ministry and 25 per cent each by the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The originating station in Mumbai would be at the Bandra Kurla Complex. There would be 12 stations on the route. The Indian Railways has been working on a multi-pronged strategy for running of high-speed trains (with speeds of 300 kmph) and semi-high-speed trains (with speeds of 160-200 kmph). In addition to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, five more corridors are being explored; Delhi-Mumbai, Mumbai-Chennai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Nagpur and Mumbai-Nagpur corridors. Trains on these corridors will cross 300 kmph. Photograph: Reuters 'The Aam Aadmi's prophet is out of touch with both the city and his own flock,' says Sunil Sethi. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com After more than 40 years of living in the same house in a south Delhi neighbourhood, I recently moved to a temporary flat a few blocks away. Close by the old house stands a magnificent 16th century Lodi dynasty mosque, badly neglected by the Archaeological Survey; next to it a large municipal school. Both are plagued by a humongous garbage dump that also services the colony next door where, ironically, reside some of the country's most influential legal luminaries. Years of protests have failed in regular clearance of mountains of refuse where cows and other strays forage freely. It is a fearful health hazard for hundreds of schoolchildren who cross it daily. The garbage dump near my new home is smaller, but ruled by street dogs so vicious that they hunt and howl like packs of wolves all night. They put the fear of God in thieves and homeowners alike. This bleak dystopian scenario in garbage disposal and waste management is visible throughout the city; come the monsoon, epidemics of dengue, malaria and fevers will stretch hospitals and mohalla clinics beyond breaking point. Researchers like Bhanu Joshi and Eesha Kunduri of the Centre for Policy Research who conducted recent fieldwork in the working-class resettlement colony of Mongolpuri in northwest Delhi report accumulation of filth as a major governance failure. 'Aap gandagi to dekh hi rahen hain, (You can see the filth everywhere),' said respondents, now aspiring to middle class standards, to Ms Kunduri's questionnaire. The BJP has been entrenched in Delhi's three municipalities for a decade, and in the recent municipal election, the Aam Aadmi Party was thrashed, with the BJP sweeping 181 of the 272 seats for a third term. (AAP was down to 48.) Unlike its triumph in the assembly election two years ago, there was hardly a broom in sight during the campaign; AAP's 'Jharoo King' Arvind Kejriwal received desultory attention from voters. Chronic civic ills like garbage disposal, and cash-strapped services like hospitals, are managed by the municipal corporations. In addition to the capital's multiplicity of power centres, the BJP-AAP political logjam at the top means that 'Swachh Bharat' will leave India's capital untouched. The BJP's recent success can be ascribed to one main reason: Arvind Kejriwal's incredible loss of image and collateral downgrade of AAP's reputation. In addition to Narendra Modi's rise as a pan-Indian leader, the BJP fielded new faces in virtually all constituencies. AAP, on the other hand, has consistently lost its moral compass and moorings. Many of its ragtag tribe have been exposed as a bunch of cheats, crooks, wife-beaters and wheeler-dealers. Since 2015 more than a dozen of its 67 MLAs and ministers have faced dismissals, arrests and jail terms. Former law ministers Jitendra Singh Tomar (fake educational degree) and Somnath Bharti (domestic violence and setting his dog called Don to bite his pregnant wife) have served terms in Tihar; MLAs like Amanatullah Khan, Dinesh Mohaniya and Prakash Jarwal were arrested on charges of molestation and sexual harassment; others have been accused of land grab, assault, abetting suicide, desecrating the Quran, inflaming caste rivalries, among other allegations. The scandal currently convulsing the party concerns Kapil Mishra (former water minister just as the city is gripped by acute water scarcity) accusing the chief minister of taking a cash bribe of Rs 2 crore, money laundering, fixing land deals for his late brother-in-law and taking cuts on amenities like water tankers and retiling of footbridges. Mr Mishra may be slyly put up by political rivals, but the irony is inescapable: The crusader who made his name and fame as purging national politics of corruption is now taking a direct hit. How does that make AAP different from any other party? In one respect Delhi is a capital unlike others. Many of its past rulers have been long-term residents of the city with an acute awareness of its complex structures of ownership and administration, and a finger on the pulse of competing interests and a restive population. From Indira Gandhi to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, key appointments, of lieutenant governor and top administrators, were in the prime minister's gift. Mrs Gandhi (and later Rajiv and Sonia) attended art exhibitions and L K Advani could be spotted browsing in bookshops. Even an outsider-turned-insider like P V Narasimha Rao had a wide range of non-political acquaintances and interests. Files pertaining to tree-cutting on the Ridge or cultural appointments went up to the PMO or home ministry. Mayors were (and remain) powerless figureheads, but corporators were manageable. Grace-and-favour offerings, including the thankfully abolished habit of subsidised government housing to media favourites, were commonplace. In short, many of these figures behaved like benevolent monarchs with the common touch. Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh don't have old or deep roots in Delhi. Most unaccountable of all is 'Raja' Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi's prophet, who is out of touch with both the city and his own flock. The protection of individual security and privacy is critical to building safe online systems, say Mitchell Baker and Ankit Gadgil. 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. This isnt some dystopian future, this is happening in India right now. The government of India is pushing relentlessly to roll out a national biometric identity database called Aadhaar, which it wants Indias billion-plus population to use for virtually all transactions and interactions with government services. The Indian Supreme Court has directed that Aadhaar is only legal if its voluntary and restricted to a limited number of schemes. Seemingly disregarding this directive, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has made verification through Aadhaar mandatory for a wide range of government services, including vital subsidies that some of Indias poorest citizens rely on to survive. Vital subsidies arent voluntary. Even worse, the government of India is selling access to this database to private companies to use and combine with other datasets as they wish. This would allow companies to have access to some of your most intimate details and create detailed profiles of you, in ways you cant necessarily see or control. The government can also share user data in the interest of national security, a term that remains dangerously undefined. There are little to no protections on how Aadhaar data is used, and certainly no meaningful user consent. Individual privacy and security cannot be adequately protected and users cannot have trust in systems when they do not have transparency or a choice in how their private information will be used. This is all possible because India currently does not have any comprehensive national law protecting personal security through privacy. Indias attorney general has recently cast doubt on whether a right to privacy exists in arguments before the Supreme Court, and has not addressed how individual citizens can enjoy personal security without privacy. We have long argued that enacting a comprehensive privacy and data protection law should be a national policy priority for India. While it is encouraging to see the attorney general also indicate to the Supreme Court in a separate case that the government of India intends to develop a privacy and data protection law by Diwali, it is not at all clear that the draft law the government will put forward will contain the robust protections needed to ensure the security and privacy of individuals in India. At the same time, the government of India is still exploiting this vacuum in legal protections by continuing to push ahead with a massive initiative that systematically threatens individuals security and privacy. The world is looking to India to be a leader on internet policy, but it is unclear if Prime Minister Modis government will seize this opportunity and responsibility for India to take its place as a global leader in protecting individual security and privacy. The protection of individual security and privacy is critical to building safe online systems. It is the lifeblood of the online ecosystem, without which online efforts such as Aadhaar and Digital India are likely to fail or become deeply dangerous. One of Mozillas founding principles is the idea that security and privacy on the internet are fundamental and must not be treated as optional. This core value underlines and guides all of Mozillas work on online privacy and security issues-including our product development and design decisions and policies, and our public policy and advocacy work. The Mozilla Community in India has also long sought to empower Indians to protect their privacy themselves including through national campaigns with privacy tips and tools. Yet, we also need the government to do its part to protect individual security and privacy. The Mozilla Community in India has further been active in promoting the use, development, and adoption of open source software. Aadhaar fails here as well. The government of India has sought to soften the image of Aadhaar by wrapping it in the veneer of open source. It refers to the Aadhaar API as an Open API and its corporate partners as volunteers. As executive chairwoman and one of the leading contributors to Mozilla, one of the largest open source projects in the world, let us be unequivocally clear: Theres nothing open about this. The development was not open, the source code is not open, and companies that pay to get a licence to access this biometric identity database are not volunteers. Moreover, requiring Indians to use Aadhaar to access so many services dangerously intensifies the already worrying trend toward centralisation of the internet. This is disappointing given the government of Indias previous championing of open source technologies and the open internet. Prime Minister Modi and the government of India should pause the further roll out of Aadhaar until a strong, comprehensive law protecting individual security and privacy is passed. We further urge a thorough and open public process around these much-needed protections, Indias privacy law should not be passed in a rushed manner in the dead of night as the original Aadhaar Act was. As an additional act of openness and transparency and to enable an informed debate, the government of India should make Aadhaar actually open source rather than use the language of open source for an initiative that has little if anything open about it. We hope India will take this opportunity to be a beacon to the world on how citizens should be protected. (Baker is executive chairwoman of Mozilla and Gadgil is a Mozilla community member based in Pune) All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Amma) faction leader T T V Dinakaran, arrested for his alleged involved in the Election Commission bribery case, was on Thursday granted bail by a special court on the ground that the poll officials who were to be lured for getting divided AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol, have not been identified. Besides Dinakaran, Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry also allowed the bail application of his close aide Mallikarjuna, and directed the duo not to influence or tamper with the evidence or contact the witnesses. They were arrested on the night of April 25. The court asked them to furnish a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and two sureties of like amount and not to leave the country without its prior permission. They shall also surrender their passport and join the investigation whenever called upon to do so, it said. Regarding Dinakaran, the court said, "He is no more required for custodial interrogation. The CD containing alleged voices of applicant (Dinakaran) and co-accused (Mallikarjuna) has already been seized. "The mobile phone of applicant has also been seized and no other incriminating material remains to be recovered from him." The judge said there is no apprehension of the accused absconding or fleeing from justice as he is the deputy general secretary of the AIADMK faction and has deep roots in the society. Moreover, the EC officials who were to be lured by giving inducement to commit an illegal act have not been identified, the court said. It said that without commenting on the merits, it was a fit case for release of the accused on bail. On the allegation in the FIR that Dinakaran was the alleged conspirator, the court said the material that has been collected leads to an inference that there was a conspiracy but this offence cannot be deemed to be established on mere suspicion or inference and it has to be proved by cogent and acceptable evidence during trial. It also said the admissibility of a confessional statement against an accused was a matter to be considered at the time of trial. Dinakaran, who had filed the bail plea through advocate Naveen Malhotra, had sought the relief on the ground that there was no reason to keep him in custody and no public servant was made an accused in the case, though he was booked on graft charges. His plea was opposed by prosecutor Balbir Singh who had said he had conspired with others to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process through corrupt means and practices. Mallikarjuna had sought bail, saying that no recovery was made at his instance and he had joined the investigation even though no summons were issued to him by the police. His bail application was also opposed by the police. An alleged middleman in the case Sukesh Chandrashekar and suspected hawala operator Nathu Singh are in judicial custody till June 12. Another accused Lalit Kumar, who was also alleged to be a hawala operator, is in judicial custody till June 5. The court has listed the bail pleas of Nathu Singh and Lalit Kumar for hearing on June 2 and 3 respectively. The court had on May 22 dismissed the bail plea of Chandrashekar, saying it was not appropriate to grant him bail at this stage as it was a serious crime and he could tamper with the evidence. Earlier, the police had sought the consent of Dinakaran and Chandrashekar for taking voice samples but both of them had refused. Dhinakaran was arrested by Delhi Police Crime Branch in New Delhi on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe unidentified EC officials to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol. His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported in the media. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who was elected from the constituency. The EC had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after two factions of the party -- one led by Dinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam -- staked claim to it. Dinakaran has been accused of allegedly arranging the money from undisclosed sources and getting it transferred from Chennai to Delhi through illegal channels. Mallikarjuna was arrested for allegedly facilitating a Rs 50-crore deal between Dinakaran and Chandrashekar. Last updated on: May 31, 2017 23:05 IST IMAGE: Nandini K R. Photograph: ANI Nandini K R, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service, has topped the prestigious civil services examination, the result of which was declared on Wednesday by the Union Public Service Commission. Nandini, 26, is at present undergoing training at the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics in Faridabad. Anmol Sher Singh Bedi is the topper among male candidates securing overall second rank. He is an engineering graduate in computer science from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. The top 25 candidates comprise 18 men and 7 women. Nandini said being an IAS officer was always her dream. "It is like a dream come true. I always wanted to be an IAS officer," she told PTI. This was her fourth attempt. She had got 849th rank in the 2014 civil services exam and was allotted the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise). Nandini belongs to the Other Backward Class category. Holding a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) degree from the M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, her optional subject was Kannada literature. A total of 1,099 candidates (846 men and 253 women), including 500 in General category, 347 belonging to Other Backward Class, 163 from Scheduled Caste and 89 from Scheduled Tribe, have been recommended for appointment to various central government services, the UPSC said. They include 44 physically handicapped candidates (22 orthopedically handicapped; seven visually challenged and 15 hearing impaired). There are 220 other candidates in the waiting list. A total of 1,209 vacancies were notified by the government, which were to be filled through the civil services examination 2016. IMAGE: Anmol Sher Singh Bedi, who secured 2nd rank, with his family. Photograph: ANI The civil services examination is conducted by the UPSC annually in three stages-- preliminary, main and interview-- to select candidates for the elite Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. The civil services preliminary examination, 2016 was conducted on August 7, 2016. As many as 11,35,943 candidates had applied for this examination, out of which 4,59,659 candidates actually appeared. A total of 15,452 candidates qualified for the mains examination held in December, 2016. Of these, 2,961 candidates qualified for the personality test or interview conducted in March-May. Educational qualification-wise, the top 25 candidates comprise candidates belonging to engineering; sciences; economics and forestry background graduating from premier institutions of the country such as IITs, NIT, BITS Pilani, Delhi University, Anna University etc. Optional subjects of the top 25 candidates in the examination ranged from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Economics, Electronic Engineering, Geography, History, Mathematics, Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, Psychology and Kannada and Telugu Literature. Nandini said she wants to contribute to the country's education sector. Nandini hails from Kolar (known for gold mining) in Karnataka. "I put in a lot of effort. After getting selected in the IRS in 2014, I had taken the exam again in 2015 but could not crack it. I took the test again and topped it. It is a wonderful experience," she says. Kashmiri man from remote village stands 10th If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again -- these words that always moved Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat came true for the Kashmir forest officer who scored the 10th position in the civil services. "Words can hardly describe my feelings. I feel on top of the world today," Bhat, an Indian Forest Officer at present based in Lucknow, told PTI over the phone. Bhat, who had appeared for the examination four times, would have in November this year crossed 32 -- the cutoff age for appearing for the elite services. "I believed in this quote -- Try, try, try again. I have been trying from 2010," Bhat said, his voice choking with emotion. Bhat, who belongs to the remote border district of Handwara in North Kashmir, completed his schooling and college from Srinagar before studying Veterinary Sciences in Jammu. The product of a government college, he cleared the Kashmir Administrative Services and later the Indian Forest Services. "However, my aim was the IAS and now I am sure that I will get my home cadre," Bhat said. "I have had to sacrifice every comfort to achieve my goal," Bhat, who has three brothers and a sister, added. His father, who was also a KAS officer, was 'elated' by his son's success. "He is longing to see me back in my home state so that I can serve my people," Bhat said. The father in him credits his success to his seven-month-old daughter, Mariam. "After she was born in September, I cleared my preliminaries. And since then there has been no looking back," he said. As the news of Bhat's success spread, congratulatory messages were flashed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. "It is encouraging to see that youths from militancy-hit areas are appearing and emerging as toppers in the civil services," Singh told PTI. In his message, Omar said Bhat had made the state proud and hoped that 'all the dreams of the son of the soil' would be fulfilled. Girl from Naxal-hit area gets 99th rank Namrata Jain, who hails from Naxal-affected Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, qualified the civil services examination with 99th rank. 'Elated to learn Namrata Jain from Dantewada clinched 99th rank in UPSC exams! Maybe someday she'll become the district's collector,' Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said in a tweet. Dantewada district comes under the state's Bastar region, considered as den of the Naxals. These eight images prove that we live in a wonderfully weird world! Vishnu Limbachiya, a hair artist, styles the hair of a man while wearing a blindfold at a park in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters A goat climbs on Kylie Kennedy during a yoga class with eight students and five goats at Jenness Farm in Nottingham, New Hampshire, US. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters People coloured by powder play with water during the Holi festival in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, near Barcelona, Spain. Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters People take part in a pillow fight during a flash mob in Kiev, Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters Boys use their face and tongue to move a coin from their forehead into their mouth while participating in a parlour game during a religious festival honouring patron saint Santa Rita de Cascia in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Photograph: Romeo Ranoco/Reuters A man blows smoke into a soap bubble at Gorky park in Moscow, Russia. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Participants dressed in historical clothing ride high-wheel bicycles during a bicycle ballet event at Schloss Karlsruhe palace during the 2017 International Veteran Cycle Association rally to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the bicycle in Karlsruhe, Germany. Photograph: Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images A woman enjoys her coffee as she feeds a rabbit at a rabbit cafe in Bangkok, Thailand. Photograph: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters The two countries also asked all nations to stop cross-border movement of terrorists and asserted that a decisive collective response from the international community without 'double standards and selectivity' was required to combat the threat of terrorism. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin issue a joint statement after a summit in St Petersburg on Thursday. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter India and Russia on Thursday concluded a much-awaited pact for setting up the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant with Moscow's help in Tamil Nadu after overcoming initial hurdles to finalise the strategic deal. The General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant are seen as a major outcome of the annual summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'We welcome the conclusion of the the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant,' said a vision document issued after the Modi-Putin talks. The reactors will be built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled 'A vision for the 21st Century' said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an 'energy bridge'. The two countries also asked all nations to stop cross-border movement of terrorists and asserted that a decisive collective response from the international community without 'double standards and selectivity' was required to combat the threat of terrorism. 'We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons,' the two countries said in the joint declaration. The two countries asserted that they will continue efforts to combat international terrorism, which poses a great threat to the maintenance of peace and security. 'We are convinced that the unprecedented spread of this threat requires decisive collective response on part of the entire global community, without double standards and selectivity, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter,' the declaration said. India and Russia urged all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and 'stop cross-border movement of terrorists'. "We call for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen the global counter-terrorism normative and legal framework to combat this scourge," the statement said. The strong pitch against terrorism comes after prime minister Modi also raised the issue of combating the menace with the leadership in Germany and Spain. It comes just a day after India and Spain stressed that there should be 'zero tolerance' to terrorism and called on the international community to end 'selective or partial' approaches in combating the menace. It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. 'We will strive to build an 'energy bridge' between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency,' it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India's 'Make In India' initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the 'Programme of Action for Localisation in India' signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said that there has been a 'steady and demonstrable' achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of India's largest energy hubs. 'Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation,' as per the document. Russia extends support for India's NSG bid, UNSC seat Russia reaffirmed its 'strong support' to India's candidature for a permanent seat in the reformed United Nations Security Council and a membership in the Nuclear Supplier Group and other non-proliferation regimes. The two sides resolved to enhance their cooperation at multilateral fora like the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), World Trade Organisation, G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as well as Russia-India-China cooperation. 'We believe that there is a need to reform the United Nations and in particular, the UN Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities and to respond more effectively to emerging challenges and threats. 'Russia reaffirms its strong support to India's candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council," said the vision document. Strongly backing New Delhi's bid to the 48-member elite NSG club, Russia said it is convinced that India's participation in multilateral export control regimes will contribute to their enhancement. 'In this context, Russia welcomes India's application for the membership in Nuclear's Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement and reiterates its strong support for India's earliest admission to these control regimes,' the declaration said. Of the four major export control regimes -- the NSG, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement -- India is a member of the MTCR. It has applied for an NSG membership last year, but faces stiff opposition from China. India has also recently aligned its export control list with the one similar to the Wassenaar Arrangement's list. In the summit, the two sides, in an obvious reference to China's One Belt One Road project, said they oppose any recourse to 'unilateralism or lack of respect to sovereignty' and ignoring the core concerns and legitimate interests of the countries. The two sides said they will work together to foster the democratisation and reform of global political, economic, financial and social institutions, for them to better accommodate the interest of all members of the international community. 'We will continue facilitating efforts to build an open, well-balanced and inclusive security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region based on shared principles and taking into account the legitimate interests of all states, including through the development of relevant dialogue in the framework of the East Asia Summit,' the vision document said. The two sides also resolved to further their cooperation on challenging issues like restoration of pace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, settlement of the Syrian crisis, achievement of national reconciliation in Afghanistan. Sharing common approaches to providing security in the use of information and communication technologies, India and Russia also vowed to keep working together for developing universal rules, standards and principles of responsible behaviour of the states in this context, on the basis of democratisation and a model representing multi-stakeholderism with primacy of the state, in global Internet governance. 'We recognise the necessity to activate bilateral interaction in this sphere on the basis of the Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies,' the statement said. The two countries asserted that they are confident that they will continue to remain a role model for harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership and strong friendship between two states. 'Building on the shared vision of development of bilateral relations, we will succeed in further realising the immense potential of India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership for the benefit of our states and international community as a whole,' the statement said. India and Russia also decided to 'upgrade and intensify' bilateral defence cooperation through joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of key military hardware and equipment. 'We will upgrade and intensify this (military) cooperation, through joint manufacture, co-production and co-development of military hardware and military spares, with increasing reliance on the adoption and sharing of future technologies, in compliance with the obligations of the sides under the existing agreements on military-technical cooperation,' the vision document said. The two countries said bilateral defence cooperation is built on strong mutual trust and it will grow further. 'We will work towards a qualitatively higher level of military-to-military cooperation. We will continue holding regular joint land and sea military exercise, and training in each others' military institutions,' the document said. The two countries will hold first ever tri-services exercise 'Indra' later this year. Russia has been one of India's key major suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country. Modi invites Russian companies to invest in defence, other sectors Prime Minister Modi invited Russian companies to partner Indian firms in setting up manufacturing facilities to make high-tech defence equipment in India. Addressing CEOs of the two countries after the annual bilateral summit in St Petersburg, Modi said India had last month approved a policy to allow local private companies to work with foreign players to manufacture defence equipment in a bid to cut reliance on imports. "India is sixth biggest manufacturer in the world and we want to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent," he said. The government, he said, has approved a strategic partnership in defence between Indian and foreign companies. "I invite Russian companies to join Indian companies in setting up manufacturing base taking advantage of the new policy," he said. The policy allows the entry of private companies into the manufacture of submarines, fighter aircraft and armoured vehicles through foreign partnerships. Modi, who wants to reverse India's dependence on imports by building a local manufacturing industry, asked Russian firms to 'come work with Indian companies' in defence. The just approved policy allows Indian companies to partner with global defence majors 'to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains'. With Russian President Putin by his side, Modi said the 70-year old Indo-Russian relations are based on trust. "Relations have broadened and stood the test of time," he said adding Russia has stood by India at international forums. Trade, commerce, innovation and engineering are of immense importance in this era, Modi said, adding companies from Russia should explore the opportunities in India and collaborate with the industry. "Defence is a key area where India and Russia can cooperate. I appreciate President Putin's role in enhancing India-Russia ties," Modi said. In the joint declaration, Modi and Putin also said that India and Russia will expand their bilateral economic cooperation to third countries with joint development projects in various sectors and also set up aviation manufacturing ventures for local and global markets. The two countries will cooperate for growth of diamond industry while countering entry of fake stones in this market. Besides, joint projects will be undertaken in high-speed railways, inland waterways, ports and agriculture sectors. 'We are interested in launching joint projects on exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Arctic shelf of the Russian Federation. 'We will develop joint strategies to harness the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of deep sea exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources, polymetallic nodules and other marine resources...' the declaration said. The two leaders welcomed cooperation among energy companies from the two countries for modernising of existing power stations and building of new ones in India. They also called for developing joint projects in the area of clean energy. The major economic objectives include expanding trade and investment and diversification of trade in goods and services, including in banking and financial matters, the declaration said, while calling for settlement of India-Russian trade in national currencies to reduce dependence of bilateral trade on other currencies. '... we will extend our bilateral technical, economic and scientific cooperation to third countries by undertaking joint development projects in mutually agreed sectors,' it said. Stressing on the importance of developing economic cooperation at regional level, the two leaders said they will facilitate an early commencement of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and India. The Eurasian Economic Union includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. India and Russia also agreed to broaden their cooperation in high-technology products, aviation, agriculture, IT, pharma, robotics and artificial intelligence, among others. 'We will work together to further develop the potential for cooperation in the diamond industry...We will also intensify our joint efforts to counter undisclosed synthetic stones entering diamond market and to support the development of generic marketing programmes for diamonds,' the two leaders said. India and Russia will also work together to improve market access for agriculture and food commodities, while joint projects would be explored for effective use of natural resources. Expecting India to become the world's third largest aviation market by 2020, the two leaders said there is an opportunity for strengthening cooperation in joint production and setting up of joint ventures in India in the field of aviation manufacturing to serve the local demand and for exports to third countries. This assumes significance in the wake of India promoting regional air connectivity in a big way. 'We will work together to step up joint efforts aimed at modernising infrastructure, explore ways to jointly respond to urbanisation challenges, address issues related to ensuring food security, preserving water and forest resources...' the declaration said. The two leaders also said the two countries will share experience in carrying out economic reforms and national programmes for the development of SMEs and in skill development. President Trump recently signed an executive order instructing Secretary Ryan Zinke to review dozens of national monuments with an eye towards either shrinking the monuments or eliminating them altogether. The order involves all monuments designated in the last 21 years that are larger than 100,000 acres or those that Zinke decides were designated without enough local input. Designated in 2001, the 377,000-acre Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is subject to this review. Established the same year, Pompeys Pillar National Monument could also be scrutinized. Flanking Trump and Zinke at the signing was a delegation from Utah: Gov. Gary Herbert, Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Rob Bishop none of whom have been shy about expressing their contempt for national monuments and their desire to sell off public lands. Using the same overheated rhetoric these politicians use to smear monuments, public lands and public land managers, Trump made it clear he was signing the order at the behest of his Utah allies an affront to the 77 percent of Montanans and 80 percent of Westerners who, according to a 2017 Colorado College poll, support existing national monuments. With this order, anti-public land extremism rooted in Utah now casts its shadow over Montana, threatening our outdoor way of life, our public lands and the business owners and ranchers whose livelihoods depend on those lands. It also threatens our culture, history and outdoor heritage the parts of our national and regional identity that monuments are designated to protect. Trumps order comes at a time when Utahs lawmakers and others, including Sen. Steve Daines, are pushing legislation to gut the Antiquities Act. A central pillar of Theodore Roosevelts legacy, this 1906 law gives U.S. presidents the authority to designate monuments that is, to set aside and safeguard public lands with outstanding natural, cultural, historical and scientific value to the people of this country. Over the past 110 years, 16 presidents eight Democrats and eight Republicans have used the Antiquities Act to designate 157 national monuments. In the two years leading up to the designation of the Upper Missouri River Breaks in 2001, a series of local meetings occurred across Montana. They involved the secretary of the Interior, Montanas governor and congressional delegation, and the Bureau of Land Management. Polls and comments showed then, as they do now, that a majority of Montanans think the Missouri Breaks deserved to be protected. Its designation as a monument provides that protection while also allowing cattle grazing and maintaining the valid mining claims and oil and gas leases that existed at the time of designation. To this day, even opponents of the monument acknowledge that the designation has had no effect whatsoever on private property. Protection of this vast landscape ensures that future generations will enjoy the same opportunity we now have to experience some of the best big-game hunting in the world; to view teepee rings, rock art and other artifacts that go back thousands of years; and to camp and hike in the same riverside spots that Lewis and Clark did in 1802. Like Pompeys Pillar, which memorializes a place on the Yellowstone River where Captain William Clark etched his name, the Missouri Breaks and other monuments allow us to physically connect with our history and participate in our outdoor heritage in perpetuity. Montanas three monuments, including the Little Bighorn Battlefield, are places that tell the story of where we come from and of who we are as Native Americans, as European Americans, as Montanans. Join us in urging Secretary Zinke to stand up for our cultural heritage and leave our national monuments alone. Hugo Tureck is a public lands rancher and president of Friends of the Missouri Breaks; Susan Barrow is a board member of Friends of Pompeys Pillar; and Shane Doyle is an educator, Crow tribal member and supporter of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Thursday. All Photographs: @MEAphotogallery/Flickr They both are strong leaders with cult-like following. But when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vladimir Putin he stuck a very personal chord when he recalled how the Russian President's brother was among several family members who had laid down their lives for the country. Meeting 64-year-old Putin for the second time in eight months, Modi in his opening remarks mentioned his visit to the Piskariovskoye Cemetery where over five lakh victims of World War II and the 900-day siege of Leningrad are buried. "I had an opportunity to visit (the cemetery) and pay homage to those who laid down their lives for Russia," 66-year-old Modi said. Looking at Putin, he said, 'you are a political leader whose family has made sacrifices' for the glory of Russia. "Your brother was martyred," he said, referring to Putin's brother Viktor who died more than 70 years ago during the siege of Leningrad. IMAGE: In the morning, the prime minister paid a visit to Piskarovskoye Memorial Cemetery in St Petersburg where over five lakh victims of World War II and the Siege of Leningrad are buried. According to an account Putin gave to Russkiy Pioner magazine in 2008, his father had six brothers -- five of whom were killed during the 1941-1944 war, along with some of his mother's relatives. During the two-year-four-month siege, Leningrad -- which was renamed Saint Petersburg, its original name, in 1991 -- water and power supplies were cut off, and disease was rife as a Nazi Germany blockade stopped essential humanitarian supplies, including food, from entering the city. Putin had told the magazine how his emaciated mother was carried out of a crumbling building on a stretcher close to death, after two-year-old Viktor, died from diphtheria and starvation, following months of siege and violent war. Putin's other brother, Albert, was born in the 1930s but died in infancy. Putin, who was born in 1952, seven years after the siege ended in 1944, thanked Modi for visiting the cemetery. "I would like to thank you specially for visiting Piskariovskoye," he said. "Places like these have special significance for the Russian people. Thank you." Putin is known for rarely showing his emotions but he appeared moved when Modi mentioned the sacrifices made by his family. IMAGE: Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. Modi and Putin held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties. At the beginning of their restricted meeting, Modi told Putin he was happy to be able to visit his hometown as prime minister. This is for the first time Indo-Russia summit in Russia was happening outside Moscow. "Normally, international relations see ups and downs but history is witness Indo-Russia relations have not seen any ups and downs," the prime minister said and thanked the Russian president for playing crucial role in getting India Shanghai Cooperation Organisation membership. "India, Russia friendship is very old, deep and based on trust. India and Russia have always been together on international issues," he said. "I thank you for all the initiatives taken," Modi said. Putin said India will become a full-fledged member of the SCO in a week. Welcoming Modi, Putin said, "The most important thing is the trust and friendship in our relationship between our countries and our people." "I am glad to have this opportunity to meet you and discuss the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and international relations," the Russian president told Modi. IMAGE: Mentioning his visit to Piskarovskoye Memorial Cemetry, Modi told Putin that 'you are a political leader whose family has made sacrifices' for the glory of Russia. "As far as our international cooperation goes, one thing I would like to point out, in one week, India is becoming full fledged member of the SCO," he said. "I would like to remind that process was launched in 2015 in Ufa, Russia. Russia has always supported this and given full assistance to it," Putin said. The SCO is a political, economic, and military bloc founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 'Very soon, in one week, we are going to meet in Kazakhstan (for SCO)' where India's membership will be confirmed, he told Modi. Putin noted that this year Russia and India mark the 70th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations. The two sides are expected to sign 12 agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a 'vision statement' that the two leaders will release. They are likely to ink a deal to build the last two units of India's largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday. Photograph: Dmitri Lovetsky/Pool/Reuters President Vladimir Putin asserted on Thursday that Russia's 'trust-based' relations with India -- which he described as one of its 'closest friends' -- will not be diluted by Moscow's growing ties with Pakistan and other countries. During an interaction, Putin told PTI that there is no other country in the world that Russia has 'deep cooperation' in delicate areas such as missiles, and it benefits from cooperation with India. But at the same time, Putin sidestepped a question on Kashmir, and said 'it is up to you' to assess whether Pakistan is fuelling terrorism in the Indian state. "But no matter where the threat comes, it is unacceptable and we will always support India in its fight against terrorism," he added. Putin further said that just because Russia has a 'special relationship' with India, it does not mean India should be restricted in having contacts with other 'partnering countries. This is ridiculous'. "We do not have any tight (military) relations with Pakistan. The US, do you have (close relations)?," he said, speaking through an interpreter. "And for sure our relations with Pakistan have no impact on trade between India and Russia." Sitting around a rectangular table with a select group of global news agency editors, the 64-year-old Russian leader took questions one by one on subjects related not only of interest to the editors' countries but also of wider global concerns such as Syria, US President Donald Trump and the future of an emerging multi-polar world. "India is a huge country of more than 1 billion population. Russia is also a huge country. Both Russia and India have a lot of context and mutual interests. We are respectful toward all Indian interests," he said, citing the deep defence relations between the two countries. "I don't think we should push figures here in our military cooperation because it has an unprecedented level in its volume and quality. (But) there is no other country in the world that we have such deep cooperation in delicate areas such as missiles, and we benefit with cooperation with India. And this results from our trust-based relations with India," he said. He did not elaborate, but this was a clear reference to the Russia's long willingness to share high-end defence technology including missile technology with India, which most other countries restrict. On a question if Russia will use its influence to get Pakistan to stop terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "We will always support India in its fight against terrorism. I believe Pakistan is taking immense steps to stabilise the situation in the country." He noted that India and Russia, as part of their summit, are 'having a frank dialogue on all these threats. India for us is one of our closest friends. We not only understand each other but also support each other'. The interaction was held at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling complex of grand buildings filled with 18th century paintings, porcelain, lawns, waterways and pavilions overlooking the Gulf of Finland. 'Russia has never been involved in election hacking' Putin rejected suggestions that elections anywhere could be manipulated by hackers, and denied that his government had ever done it or would do so. He, however, conceded that some 'patriotic' individuals could have carried out cyber attacks in the West to pay back for what he said was its 'Russo-phobic hysteria'. "If they have patriotic leanings, they may try to add their contribution to the fight against those who speak badly about Russia," he said during an exclusive interaction with editors of international news agencies. "Theoretically it's possible." But he quickly distanced himself from suggestions that the Russian state was involved in election hacking. "We never engaged in that on a state level, and have no intention of doing so," he said when asked if Russian hackers could try to influence the German parliamentary elections later this year. Russian hacking of elections has been at the centre of a controversy since the US elections that gave Donald Trump the presidency. United States intelligence agencies accuse Russia of hacking into Democratic Party emails, helping Trump win against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Putin said that in any case hackers cannot possibly sway election outcomes because the electorate is not so easily manipulated. "I'm deeply convinced that no hackers can radically influence another country's election campaign. No hackers can influence election campaigns in any country of Europe, Asia or America," he said. He said it's also possible that Russia could have been framed by hackers from other countries. "I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack," Putin said. "Modern technologies allow that to be done quite easily." At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed and six others injured in retaliatory firing by Indian Army in the Bhimber and Battal sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. As per sources, the Indian Army was responding to unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army. Earlier in the day, the Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera and Krishna Ghati sectors, to which the Indian Army posts retaliated strongly. A General Engineering Reserve Force labourer was killed while two others including a Border Security Force jawan were injured in the shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts. One civil GREF labourer was martyred, and one GREF driver injured in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. One Head Constable of BSF received splinter injury in Krishnagati sector. He is out of danger, Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 0730 hours (7.30 am), he said. Pakistani troops also opened fire and shelled posts along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district at 07.40 am, he said. The reports said there had been firing along the LoC in Balnoi and Mankote sectors too. The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on, he said. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday held a meeting in Jammu and Kashmir and discussed issues of logistics improvement, mobilisation and security review along the LoC. Pak says civilian killed in 'Indian firing', summons deputy high commissioner Pakistan summoned India's deputy high commissioner in Islamabad and 'condemned the unprovoked' ceasefire violation by India along the Line of Control that killed two civilians and injured five others. Foreign Office said in a statement that India resorted to firing in Battal, Jandrot and Kotli sectors. "The Director General (South Asia & SAARC), Dr. MohammadFaisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, J PSingh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces on June 1," it said. One person was killed and four others injured in Battalsector, while one person was killed and another injured in Kotli sector. The Foreign Office said the 'deliberate targeting' ofcivilians is contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws. "The Director General urged the Indian side to respectthe 2003 ceasefire understanding; investigate this and otherincidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forcesto respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintainpeace on the LoC," it said. With inputs from ANI. BUTTE The new bird deterrent Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield tested on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Berkeley Pit may have already hit a deterrent of its own U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has expressed reservations about the technology. With the exception of USFWS, the overall response to the VRAD (Vortex Ring Avian Deterrent) demonstration was positive Wednesday. The VRAD sent loud booms, with percussive sounds echoing and bouncing off the Berkeley Pits walls after each launch of oxygen and gas Wednesday morning. When shot, the vortex ring of air travels thousands of yards at a speed of 200 mph. The companies organized the demonstration for local media, the agencies and a few members of the bird advisory council formed to help the companies figure out a better plan to keep migratory birds off the Berkeley Pit. The company, Flock Free, which built the VRAD, set it off several times Wednesday morning. At a potential cost of $100,000, MR and Atlantic Richfield are open to considering purchasing the machine, which looks like a very large cannon. MR spokesperson Mike McGivern said that if the companies buy the VRAD, it would be not be used every day but as a last-resort measure to try to prevent another situation where thousands of snow geese land, and then perish, in the Berkeley Pit. On the night of November 28, 2016, thousands of snow geese flew into the pit, unable to find another resting spot, and landed on the toxic water. Thousands flew away, but between 3,000 to 4,000 perished from drinking the water. The toxicology report indicated that the birds died from a combination of both the sulfuric acid and the heavy metals in the pits water. The companies responsible for the pit immediately began considering new technologies to try to keep such an event from happening again. The VRAD is only one of many such technologies already in play or under consideration. Montana Tech biology professor Stella Capoccia, head of the bird advisory council, said the council would have to evaluate the VRAD during their next meeting, but at first glance, she said she was impressed. Montana Department of Environmental Quality Berkeley Pit project manager Darryl Reed said MDEQ defers to the Environmental Protection Agency but MDEQ is open to looking at new technology. This may be one of many layers of protection that gets used, Reed said. The EPA was unable to attend the demonstration, but EPAs Helena-based Community Involvement Coordinator Robert Moler said, via email, that EPA would analyze and discuss the VRAD demonstration. He added that the overall goal is to come up with long-term strategies to protect the birds and prevent them from landing on the pit. USFWS Toxicologist Karen Nelson, also based out of the Helena office, attended the demonstration but declined to comment to The Montana Standard. Nelson referred The Standard to a USFWS Denver, Colorado, spokesperson, Ryan Moehring, who said, via email, that USFWS "has unanswered questions about the effectiveness of" the VRAD. Moehring said USFWS is concerned the machine has "the potential to injure birds rather than haze them." But VRAD project manager Steve Rehberg said the machine is already hazing birds off pistachio and blueberry crops in California. Rehberg said a cannon shooting compressed oxygen and gas would likely be safer than shooting high-powered rifles at the birds, which is the current "last resort" method of getting the birds off the pit when they land in large numbers. Rehberg said the VRAD has hit lots of birds but theyre never close enough to the muzzle to hurt them. It was not immediately clear how the VRAD could be deployed on agricultural crops in California to haze birds but not be considered safe for birds at the Berkeley Pit. Moehring was unable to answer that question by press time. Others expressed satisfaction with the VRAD. Butte-Silver Bow County Commissioner John Sorich, who represents the Greeley neighborhood, sat in his car on Continental Drive to see how loud the blast would be to MRs most immediate neighbors. Sorich said he could hear the blast and some of the echo, but he didnt think it was all that bad. Sorich likened the noise to the sound of a firework going off on the Fourth of July. Sorich said the sound wasnt as loud as MRs blasting, which occurs a few afternoons a week. Sorich said that, so far, he has not received any complaints from constituents concerned about the noise. A couple, Bill and Karen Dykstra, traveling from Washington state, were standing on the Berkeley Pit viewing stand when several blasts went off. Bill called the blasts impressive. Karen called it a bonus that we got to see this. The VRAD sends a ring of oxygen and gas out of the cannon across the Berkeley Pit. The VRAD was originally designed to help agricultural producers during hail storms. It was later redesigned to keep birds off high-value crops, such as the pistachio and blueberry fields in California where it is already in use. If it does become part of the arsenal MR and Atlantic Richfield use to keep birds off the pits water, the company behind the VRAD, Flock Free, would have to redesign the machine so it would be more flexible. The current machine cannot be moved around, but McGivern said MR would want to be able to pivot and tilt the cannon to shoot up into the air to try to deter the birds from landing in the first place. Rehberg said such adjustments could be made. Kazakhstan: Religious censorship, sharing faiths ban? Publisher Forum 18 Publication Date 31 May 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Kazakhstan: Religious censorship, sharing faiths ban?, 31 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592fff654.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. All religious literature would be subject to censorship, sharing beliefs would be banned, adults wanting to study faith abroad would have to notify Religious Affairs officials, and 500 adult citizens in one location would be required to apply for registration if parliament adopts Religion Law amendments. Qatar: Activist at risk of torture after deportation to Saudi Arabia Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 30 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Qatar: Activist at risk of torture after deportation to Saudi Arabia, 30 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593000c04.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 government of Saudi Arabia must immediately release the imprisoned Saudi Arabian human rights activist Mohammad al-Otaibi, who is at serious risk of torture, said Amnesty International. On the night of 24 May, the persecuted activist was en route to Norway, where he had been granted refugee status, when Qatari authorities arrested him in Doha airport and deported him back to Saudi Arabia. "Forcibly returning Mohammad al-Otaibi to Saudi Arabia under the guise of judicial cooperation, where he risks torture and an unfair trial, is a shameful and inhuman act on the part of the Qatari authorities and a blatant violation of international law. Mohammad al-Otaibi is not a criminal but simply a peaceful activist defending human rights who should not be on trial in the first place," said Lynn Maalouf, Director of Research at Amnesty International in the Middle East. "He is a prisoner of conscience. The Saudi Arabian authorities must release him immediately and unconditionally and put an end to their relentless crackdown on human rights defenders." Amnesty International had previously called on Qatari authorities not to buckle to Saudi Arabian demands to forcibly return Mohammad al-Otaibi. Mohammad al-Otaibi arrived in Qatar in February 2017, after the Saudi Arabian authorities lifted a travel ban against him for a previous conviction stemming from his human rights work. While in Doha, he was granted asylum in Norway. On the night of 24 May, Mohammad al-Otaibi and his wife made their way to Doha airport to fly to Oslo, but were surprised when he was arrested there instead. Following his detention, Qatari officials told his wife that they would allow Mohammad to call her. When Mohammad's brother went to State Security in Doha the following day, he was told that Mohammad was being held there, and that he should come back in three days. On the morning of 28 May, Mohammad's wife called State Security who informed her that Mohammad had been deported to Saudi Arabia. After checking his record of travel via his national ID on an online portal, she found out that he had left Qatar to Saudi Arabia via the Salwa border on 25 May at 03:03am, just hours after his detention at the airport. "Now that Mohammad al-Otaibi's fate has been all but sealed, the Norwegian government must do everything within their power to pressure the Saudi Arabian authorities to release him and allow him to travel to Norway as planned. Saudi Arabia has an appalling record of holding flagrantly unfair trials, torturing and forcing "confessions" out of people. Mohammad al-Otaibi is in serious danger," said Lynn Maalouf. Background Under international law, the principle of non-refoulement prohibits states from transferring individuals to a place where they would be at risk of serious human rights violations. Qatar has also ratified the UN Convention against Torture which prohibits states from extraditing, expelling or returning any person to a country where they face a substantial risk of being tortured. Mohammad al-Otaibi's current trial started on 30 October 2016 and he faces a long list of charges that include posting tweets deemed "offensive to the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia], the ruler and Arab countries", setting up an independent organization without authorization, giving interviews to the media and "inciting international organizations against the Kingdom". Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Iran: Desecrating mass grave site would destroy crucial forensic evidence Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 June 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Iran: Desecrating mass grave site would destroy crucial forensic evidence, 1 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593001854.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 desecration of a mass grave site in Ahvaz, southern Iran that contains the remains of at least 44 people who were extrajudicially executed would destroy vital forensic evidence and scupper opportunities for justice for the mass prisoner killings that took place across the country in 1988, said Amnesty International and Justice for Iran. Photo and video evidence obtained by the NGO Justice for Iran and reviewed by Amnesty International shows bulldozers working on a construction project directly alongside the mass grave site at Ahvaz, as well as piles of dirt and construction debris surrounding the grave. Although the Iranian authorities have made no official announcements about Ahvaz, families learned through a construction worker that the plan is to ultimately raze the concrete block marking the grave site and build over the area. "By attempting to destroy the mass grave in Ahvaz, the Iranian authorities appear to be embarking on a sinister and deliberate effort to destroy crucial evidence of their past crimes and deprive the families of the victims of the 1988 mass prisoner killings of their right to truth, justice and reparation. This is a shocking assault on justice that must be stopped immediately," said Magdalena Mughrabi Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa. "For years the authorities have inflicted unbearable suffering on the families of the victims of the 1988 extrajudicial executions. They have denied them the right to give their loved ones a dignified burial and forced them to walk through piles of rubbish to visit their dead. Now they are planning to destroy their final resting place and trying to obliterate their memory from history," Shadi Sadr, the Executive Director of Justice for Iran. Mass graves are crime scenes that require professional forensic expertise to undertake exhumations and ensure preservation of evidence and accurate identification of bodies. By desecrating the site, the authorities will be destroying vital evidence that could one day be used to shed light on the number and identity of those killed in state custody. The Ahvaz mass grave is located on a barren piece of land 3km east of Behesht Abad Cemetery. It is believed to contain the bodies of dozens of people who were among several thousand political prisoners killed in a wave of extrajudicial executions across Iran in the summer of 1988. The prisoners were rounded up and forcibly disappeared before being killed in secret. Their bodies were then dumped into freshly dug trenches overnight. In Ahvaz, the authorities poured concrete over the mass grave immediately after the burial, apparently to prevent family members from digging up the ground and recovering the bodies of their loved ones. Recently, in mid-May, a construction worker told one family member who visited the site that the work under way to widen the road running alongside the mass grave site would bring it very close to the site and the next phase of works would raze the concrete structure completely to clear the area for a "green space" or a commercial development. "Instead of trying to erase the memory of those killed and obstruct justice, the Iranian authorities must ensure that the mass gravesites of the 1988 mass killings are preserved and protected until proper, independent investigations can be carried out. Families have the right to know what happened to their loved ones and bury them in dignity," said Magdalena Mughrabi. This is not the only mass grave from the mass killings of 1988 at risk of destruction. Justice for Iran has learned of apparent efforts to tamper with another site in the north-eastern city of Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province, where up to 170 political prisoners are believed to be buried. Bereaved families who visited the site on the edge of Mashhad's Behesht Reza Cemetery for Iranian New Year in March 2017 discovered that the previously flat area had been covered with soil to create a raised mound over the grave. Although the reasons for this remain unclear, it raises similar concerns that the authorities are attempting to eliminate all trace of their mass extrajudicial killings. Over the past three decades, the authorities' disrespectful treatment of the victims' remains has compounded the suffering of bereaved family members. The authorities regularly insult the dead and torment their families by referring to mass graves as la'nat abad (the damned land) and have repeatedly told families that their loved ones were "outlaws" who did not deserve a proper burial or tombstone. Families are forbidden from holding commemorative gatherings or decorating the mass gravesites with memorial messages. Background The mass extrajudicial executions of political prisoners in 1988, known as the "prison massacres" began shortly after an unsuccessful armed incursion by the Iraq-based People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) in July that year. Political prisoners from across the country were rounded up and held incommunicado, with no news of them heard for months afterwards. Reports circulated among relatives that prisoners were being executed in groups and buried in unmarked or mass graves. Families were verbally told their relatives had been killed but the bodies were not returned and most locations of burial sites were not disclosed. The vast majority of those killed had already spent years in prison, often for peacefully exercising their rights by distributing newspapers and leaflets, taking part in peaceful anti-government demonstrations, or having real or perceived affiliations with various political opposition groups. Some had already completed their sentences but had not been released because they refused to "repent". To date, no Iranian officials have been investigated and brought to justice for the extrajudicial executions. Some of the alleged perpetrators continue to hold political office or other influential positions, including in the judiciary. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International DR Congo: UN Should Investigate Kasai Violence Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, DR Congo: UN Should Investigate Kasai Violence, 1 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593002784.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 Human Rights Council should urgently establish a commission of inquiry into the situation in the central Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a coalition of 262 Congolese and 9 international nongovernmental organizations said today. The 35th session of the Human Rights Council begins June 6, 2017, in Geneva. "The violence in the Kasai region has caused immense suffering, with Congolese authorities unable or unwilling to stop the carnage or hold those responsible for the abuses to account," said Ida Sawyer, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "An independent, international investigation is needed to document the abuses, identify those responsible, and help ensure justice for the victims." Between 500 and 1,000 people have been killed in the Kasai region since large-scale violence between the Congolese army and the Kamuina Nsapu movement broke out in August 2016, according to the UN. Human rights activists and UN monitors have had difficulties reaching parts of the region, so the actual number of dead may be significantly higher. Congolese army soldiers have used excessive force in violation of international law, killing scores of suspected Kamuina Nsapu members and sympathizers, including large numbers of women and children. Members of the group, armed largely with sticks and other crude weapons, have recruited children and carried out targeted attacks on the government, killing police officers, soldiers, and local officials. Over 1.3 million people in the region have been displaced from their homes in recent months, including over 23,500 who fled to neighboring Angola. Two members of the UN Group of Experts on Congo, Zaida Catalan, a Swede and Chilean, as well as Michael J. Sharp, an American, were killed in March 2017, while investigating widespread human rights abuses in the region. It remains unclear who was responsible. The four Congolese who had accompanied them - their interpreter, Betu Tshintela, and three motorbike drivers - are still missing. UN investigators have confirmed the existence of at least 42 mass graves in the greater Kasai region since August 2016. On March 8, 2017, the UN high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, called for the creation of a commission of inquiry to investigate violence in the Kasais. Congolese officials then pledged to carry out their own investigation, and on March 22, agreed to support from the UN and African Union (AU). This investigation has not moved forward in a transparent or credible way, and the UN and AU have not been able to effectively collaborate with the Congolese investigators or support the Congolese investigation, the organizations said. On April 19, the high commissioner said that meaningful steps by the Congolese government "to ensure that there is a prompt, transparent, independent investigation to establish the facts and circumstances of alleged human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by all parties, and other abuses of justice" had been "lacking." "Given widespread army violations, alleged involvement by top officials, and past interference in sensitive cases, the Congolese judiciary's ability to credibly investigate the violence is in serious doubt," said Georges Kapiamba, president of the Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ). "An independent, international inquiry is necessary to get to the bottom of what's really happening in the Kasais and who is responsible." The conflict in the Kasai region is purportedly about customary control over local chieftaincies, but there are also clear ties to national political dynamics, with the Congolese army backing the leadership of people seen to be loyal to President Joseph Kabila and his political coalition, and some of the Kamuina Nsapu groups supporting people seen to be closer to the opposition. Violence escalated after state security forces killed Kamuina Nsapu, the apparent heir to the throne of a chieftaincy in the Tshimbulu area, in August 2016. Since his death, the group named after him has grown into more of a popular movement than an organized armed group with clear command structures. Some Kamuina Nsapu members have directed their demands toward the national political crisis, calling for Kabila to step down. His constitutionally mandated two-term limit ended on December 19. In recent months, Kamuina Nsapu factions and other armed groups have proliferated, with some of the groups fighting each other. Local politicians have reportedly sought to manipulate ethnic tensions in the region, encouraging militias from certain ethnic groups to attack people from other ethnic groups. "The Human Rights Council's engagement now is critical to help protect civilians from further violence, and to press for accountability for serious violations and abuses both by the Congolese army and armed groups," said Paul Nsapu, deputy secretary-general of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). "A strong message is needed to show that these crimes won't go unpunished." For a complete list of the 262 Congolese and 9 international nongovernmental organizations calling for the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish a commission of inquiry into the situation in the central Kasai region, please visit: https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/news_attachments/signatories_dr_congo_kasai_press_release_-_june_1_2017.pdf Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch EU/Greece: Pressure to Minimize Numbers of Migrants Identified As 'Vulnerable' Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, EU/Greece: Pressure to Minimize Numbers of Migrants Identified As 'Vulnerable', 1 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593004624.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. People with disabilities and other at-risk groups go unidentified on the Greek islands as the European Union inappropriately presses Greek authorities and medical aid organizations to reduce the number of asylum seekers identified as "vulnerable," Human Rights Watch said today. The EU, and the Greek government, now prefer to contain all asylum seekers on the Greek islands. Before the new policy, asylum seekers identified as "vulnerable" were allowed to be transferred to the mainland to have their cases handled there. During a visit to Greece from May 16 to 20 2017, Human Rights Watch met with representatives from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the European Commission, the Greek Asylum Service (GAS), local and international aid and medical organizations, lawyers, volunteers, and asylum seekers. Many of those interviewed by Human Rights Watch described indirect political pressure, in the form of multiple communiques, to reduce the number of "vulnerable" asylum seekers and other migrants trapped on Greek islands, including people with disabilities, victims of torture, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. "The European Union has hit another low in its efforts to deter new refugees and minimize obligations to ones already within its borders," said Emina Cerimovic, disability rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The EU should be promoting the protection of asylum seekers, including those among them who may be particularly at risk, not unjustly pressuring the Greek authorities and medical actors to overlook them." According to aid organizations interviewed by Human Rights Watch, and unofficial notes from the protection working group meeting organized on March 14, 2017, in Athens, obtained by Human Rights Watch, a representative of GAS claimed there are too many people being identified as "vulnerable" and that the practice of referring them to the mainland and excluding them from the accelerated admissibility procedures is not sustainable. Under Greek law, people identified as "vulnerable," require special protection, including access to services and exemption from the accelerated admissibility process under the EU-Turkey deal, which was intended to send most asylum seekers back to Turkey. They are entitled to be given priority in the regular Greek asylum system and, until recently, were transferred to the mainland, where they could have easier access to services. An EU official in Athens told Human Rights Watch that up to half of all asylum seekers on the islands who received a first instance decision meaning a decision at the first level of the asylum process they applied to on their asylum claims since the EU-Turkey deal came into force on March 20, 2016, have been identified as "vulnerable." He said that the number of asylum seekers identified as "vulnerable" is higher than it should be, but did not express an opinion as to what an "acceptable" number of vulnerable refugees would be or why. The official said that, in his opinion, the situation results from an allegedly broad definition of "vulnerability" under Greek law, and he alleged some nongovernmental organizations doing the assessments deliberately used an overly broad interpretation. The official, however, could not provide examples of how "vulnerability" criteria had been applied in an overly broad manner, or identify refugees who were considered vulnerable and should not have been. He also had no data on how many refugees identified as "vulnerable" had disabilities. According to a representative of an international aid organization, the European Commission sent a letter to the Greek Ministry of Migration saying there was a need to further restrict the vulnerability criteria. As a result, the Greek Ministry of Health has been asked to provide a more precise and narrow definition of "medical vulnerabilities," according to the source. The EU official and a representative of GAS confirmed to Human Rights Watch that Greek authorities are developing new guidelines to define and apply the vulnerability criteria. The March progress report on the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement says that the Greek Reception and Identification Service, together with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), "are working on defining some of the vulnerability categories and developing a Standard Medical Assessment Template for the processing of vulnerable persons." The EU official in Athens also told Human Rights Watch that, in his opinion, recognizing a high number of people as vulnerable and moving them from islands to the mainland could act as an incentive for other "vulnerable" people to make the crossings. "We do not want to end up in a situation where vulnerable people will risk their lives to come to Europe," the official added. He concluded that people who are identified as "vulnerable" might be returned to Turkey in the future, "the fact that someone is vulnerable doesn't mean that they cannot be returned to Turkey depending on their individual case." Human Rights Watch found that the experience of medical nongovernmental organizations assisting asylum seekers on the front line differed from what the EU official described. Stathis Poularakis, advocacy officer with Doctors of the World (MDM), an international medical nongovernmental organization that provides initial medical assessment of asylum seekers and other migrants arriving on the Greek island of Lesbos, told Human Rights Watch: "We cannot close our eyes. Most of these people have experienced trauma and loss and are vulnerable." He said that some people's vulnerability, including victims of torture and sexual or gender-based violence, is not immediately apparent. This makes it difficult to assess it properly in challenging conditions like the ones that prevail in Greek hotspots, following the EU-Turkey deal. In contrast to the EU official's claim of too many asylum seekers being deemed "vulnerable," a representative of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders, MSF) told Human Rights Watch that, in fact, MSF is providing treatment on the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos to a high number of people who have not been identified as "vulnerable" despite meeting the criteria, including victims of torture and people with disabilities that are not readily apparent. "The system overlooks these people, either because of lack of training or rushed procedures," he said. MSF also said that the procedures used by the Greek authorities have made it increasingly difficult to register vulnerable people. "People with disabilities and victims of torture and gender-based violence are at highest at risk of going unidentified due to the new pressure to reduce the numbers," an MSF representative told Human Rights Watch. As of May, a new procedure requires that a person's vulnerability be assessed within two to three days of their arrival on the islands. But representatives of MDM, MSF, and two lawyers providing legal advice on Lesbos told Human Rights Watch that it is almost impossible in such a short period to identify victims of torture, survivors of gender-based violence, or people with disabilities such as mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities, if their vulnerability is not visible or otherwise readily apparent. "You can't have a proper assessment in two or three days," Poularakis from MDM said. An MSF representative explained, "Most people are traumatized upon arrival and are not provided with an opportunity to build the trust and reveal their stories in such a short time." "The EU seems to consider asylum seekers as mere numbers, ignoring the harsh reality of their experience", Cerimovic said. "It's an inconvenient truth that many asylum seekers, in particular people with disabilities, are at risk when they arrive and the EU's focus should be on protecting them, not rushing to return them to Turkey." Background and EU Obligations to Asylum Seekers with Disabilities In January, Human Rights Watch published its findings that people with disabilities were not being properly identified in the refugee reception system in Greece and did not have equal access to humanitarian assistance. In a report published in March, Human Rights Watch found similar failure to identify other at-risk groups, such as victims of torture. In a briefing at the European Parliament in March, Nujeen Mustafa, a young woman with a disability who fled the Syrian war, called on the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Assistance to ensure that aid reaches all refugees, including people with disabilities: "All of us, and especially people with disabilities, deserve much better." The EU-Turkey deal would return most asylum seekers from the Greek islands to Turkey under the flawed assumption that Turkey is a safe country for asylum seekers. The deal has left 12,873 asylum seekers bottle-necked in deplorable and volatile conditions on Greek islands since it went into effect on March 20, 2016. Thousands of asylum seekers are enduring extremely harsh conditions in overcrowded facilities, while their protection claims are being processed. In an Action Plan published in December 2016, the European Commission recommended tougher measures aimed at increasing the number of returns to Turkey, including ending exemptions for vulnerable groups and people eligible for family reunification from the requirement to remain on the islands and go through the fast-track admissibility process that could more likely result in a return to Turkey. The commission also recommended expanding detention on the islands and curbing appeal rights. According to unofficial notes from the protection working group meeting on March 14, 2017, in Athens, obtained by Human Rights Watch, a representative of the Greek Asylum Service said that people with mental health conditions, including PTSD, and victims of torture would not be transferred to the mainland "since their condition is not life-threatening." Under Greek law, nine categories of people, including pregnant women, children, victims of torture, survivors of sexual or gender-based violence, and people with disabilities are considered "vulnerable" or at-risk. Under the law, they require special protection, including access to services and exemption from the accelerated admissibility process under the EU-Turkey deal, which was intended to send most asylum seekers back to Turkey. They are entitled to be given priority in the regular Greek asylum system and until recently, were transferred to the mainland, where they could have easier access to services. The Greek Reception and Identification Service, supported by medical nongovernmental organizations, is responsible for identifying and registering people in "vulnerable" groups upon their arrival. According to MSF and two lawyers interviewed by Human Rights Watch, it has become increasingly difficult to re-assess and register people with mental health conditions or victims of torture and/or gender-based violence as "vulnerable." "The Greek authorities are legally obliged to take into consideration and re-assess the vulnerability throughout the procedure, but we are witnessing that is not the case despite medical certificates that we provide asserting their medical condition," a representative explained. Pressure to exclude people with disabilities from being categorized as "vulnerable" individuals goes against the EU's commitments under the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. It also undermines the principles of the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in aid programming and policy, and to ensure people with disabilities' access to aid and needed services. The charter was adopted at the Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on May 23, 2016. In line with the commitments made under the charter, the EU should immediately cease any pressure to reduce the number of people identified as vulnerable, Human Rights Watch said. The EU should issue clear guidance to field staff for identifying and registering people at-risk, including people with disabilities that are not readily identifiable. The Greek Reception and Identification Services and officials conducting asylum procedures should be trained to identify and respond appropriately to the needs of people with disabilities, victims of torture, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and other "vulnerabilities" and to ensure access to services throughout the process. People with disabilities and other at-risk groups should be included and consulted in these efforts. Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch DECATUR Macon County and Decatur have long supported live music. The staff at Rock Springs Nature Center will continue the tradition with a summer concert series. The shows will expand the music program with the hope of encouraging families to listen in a natural setting. This is a good avenue to continue on our daily mission of getting people outside, said Richie Wolf, Rock Springs Nature Center manager. Six bands have been scheduled to play the free Sunday evening shows from 7 to 8 p.m. Blue grass, country and folk bands, all from Central Illinois, will perform on the west deck of the nature center. The first band to perform will be Cactus Ranch on Sunday, June 4. The band has been a regular act during Rock Springs' monthly Bluegrass Music Jam. Wolf wanted to kick it off the series with a band associated with the center. They have a following and really pack the house every month, Wolf said. There are usually 90 to 100 people. The others Deep Hollow, Chickadee Sermon, River Ramblers, Thing-Ma Jug and Amy Benton have performed throughout the state in popular country and folk venues. The acts will perform rain or shine. If it is bad weather, we'll just move it inside the nature center, Wolf said. The bands provide their own sound systems. However, Wolf said the shows will be calm and mellow. It is low-key music with a chance to enjoy nature, he said. Visitors are allowed to bring food and nonalcoholic beverages. If the concert series proves successful, organizers my invite food vendors to join the event. But this year we are starting out simple, Wolf said. Although this is the first year for Rock Springs Summer Concert Series, outdoor music shows are not new for the conservation district. Along with the monthly Bluegrass Jam, Rock Springs also hosts the Dulcimer Club twice a month. Wolf said the summer concerts are an opportunity to relax as the weekend winds down. And it is only an hour," he said. Unless there are some standing ovations, which is known to happen. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Because some may consider the walk from the main parking lot to the deck a bit of a hike, the side parking lot is open for dropping off. Bug spray wouldn't be a bad idea, too, Wolf said. India: Lack of Army Justice Could Provoke New Crimes Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 31 May 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, India: Lack of Army Justice Could Provoke New Crimes, 31 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5930053a4.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 Indian army's rewarding of an officer for actions that included serious human rights violations undermines accountability and the stature of the military, Human Rights Watch said today. On May 22, 2017, Maj. Nitin Leetul Gogoi was commended for evacuating security personnel and election staff who were threatened by a mob in Jammu and Kashmir, in which he used a bystander unlawfully as a "human shield." Several senior government officials including the attorney general, the army chief, and the defense minister have publicly expressed support for Major Gogoi's actions. "Soldiers have a difficult task in Kashmir and should be rewarded for saving lives, but not by deliberately placing others at risk and violating their rights," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Support by senior army and government officials for a lawless action merely fans the flames of future lawlessness by security forces and protesters." Since July 2016, clashes between state security forces and violent protesters demanding secession and an end to security force abuses have killed over 100 people and injured thousands, including protesters, bystanders, and members of security forces. Gogoi told the media that on April 9, during an assembly by-election, an anti-government mob in Budgam district surrounded a polling place, threw stones, and threatened to set the building ablaze. Gogoi and his team took 26-year-old Farooq Ahmad Dar into custody, tied him to the hood of their military vehicle, and drove to the polling place to evacuate surrounded security personnel and election staff. Then for five hours, Gogoi drove around with Dar tied to the jeep, with a sheet of paper stuck to his chest with a warning to "stone-pelters," passing through 17 villages over 28 kilometers, according to news reports. Dar, who had defied a boycott call by militants to cast his vote that morning, said he was still traumatized by the experience. Gogoi defended his actions, claiming that he saved lives by not using live ammunition to disperse the mob. The Indian army's mistreatment of Dar violates his right to liberty and security and the prohibition against "torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Troops deployed to restore order in Jammu and Kashmir should abide by the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Public outrage over the army's treatment of Dar prompted the army to announce an inquiry into the incident. However, rewarding Gogoi for his actions while the inquiry is ongoing indicates that genuine accountability is unlikely, Human Rights Watch said. Gogoi was commended for his "presence of mind and initiative to prevent bloodshed." Various senior officials, in praising Gogoi, discounted or disregarded the unlawful aspects of his actions, Human Rights Watch said. India's army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, praised Gogoi for being "innovative." "People are throwing stones at us, people are throwing petrol bombs at us," General Rawat was quoted in the media as saying. "If my men ask me what do we do, should I say, just wait and die? I will come with a nice coffin with a national flag and I will send your bodies home with honor. Is it what I am supposed to tell them as chief? I have to maintain the morale of my troops who are operating there." The defense minister, Arun Jaitley said, "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 on what they should do under these circumstances." Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said Gogoi acted under "exceptional circumstances," and that "he wanted to save the lives." Support for Gogoi's actions from India's attorney general, Mukul Rohatgi, is especially damaging to the rule of law and to the prospect of ensuring the prosecution of security force personnel for human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said. Rohatgi has a crucial role in ensuring justice because soldiers deployed in Jammu and Kashmir operate under effective immunity provided by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a draconian law that has been widely criticized. At the United Nations Human Rights Council during India's third Universal Periodic Review in May, Rohatgi denied that India's security forces were committing abuses. To dispel concerns over AFSPA, Rohatgi referred to a July 2016 Supreme Court interim order, which said that the law did not provide blanket immunity to security personnel for killings or offenses. However, a month earlier he had filed a petition for the Supreme Court to review its earlier order, contending that "action taken during [military] operations cannot be put to judicial scrutiny." The Supreme Court dismissed the petition. Jammu and Kashmir have experienced violence since the late 1980s, when armed groups, many based in and supported by Pakistan, started targeting Hindus, politicians and other civilians, and security personnel. Over the next two decades, both the armed groups and security officials have been responsible for numerous serious human rights abuses. Violence ebbed after the September 2001 attacks on the United States, which led to US pressure on Pakistan to end support to the militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir. "Successive Indian governments have resisted international scrutiny of the Kashmir situation by reassuring concerned governments that steps have been taken to curb human rights violations," Ganguly said. "Public praise by senior officials for an act of outrageous cruelty should put to rest any belief that the government is serious about holding security force personnel to account for serious abuses." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch 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. Lengthy jail sentences for two dissidents upheld as crackdown continues Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 29 May 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Lengthy jail sentences for two dissidents upheld as crackdown continues, 29 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593015234.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. Vietnam must end the ongoing crackdown on dissidents, repeal its repressive laws, and immediately release all political prisoners, FIDH and its member organization Vietnam Committee on Human Rights (VCHR) said today. FIDH and VCHR's call followed the latest case of imprisonment of government critics to lengthy jail terms. On 26 May 2017, the Court of Appeals in Hanoi upheld a lower court's conviction of Tran Anh Kim and Le Thanh Tung for conducting "activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration" under Article 79 of the Criminal Code and sentenced them to 13 and 12 years in prison and five and four years' house arrest respectively. On 16 December 2016, a court in Thai Binh Province jailed Tran Anh Kim and Le Thanh Tung for attempting to form a pro-democracy organization that authorities claimed was planning a coup to overthrow the government. Both Tran Anh Kim and Le Thanh Tung are former army soldiers and long-time human rights advocates who have been repeatedly targeted by the authorities for their pro-democracy activities. In December 2011, Le Thanh Tung was arrested on charges of "conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" under Article 88 of the Criminal Code. Tung was released in June 2015, five months ahead of the completion of his jail sentence. Tung has been arrested more than a dozen times for his human rights activism. Prior to his latest incarceration, Tran Anh Kim was released from prison in September 2016 after serving a five-and-a-half-year prison term under Article 79 of the Criminal Code. Kim has been a persistent government critic and has been jailed several times for his activism. Vietnamese authorities have repeatedly used legislation inconsistent with Vietnam's obligations under international law to suppress the right to freedom of opinion and expression and to detain government critics. [1] Vietnam holds about 130 political prisoners. Footnotes [1] In addition to Articles 79 and 88, other clauses of the Criminal Code that are inconsistent with Vietnam's obligations under international law include: Article 80 ('spying'); Article 87 ('undermining national solidarity, sowing divisions between religious and non-religious people'); and Article 258 ('abusing democratic freedoms to harm the interests of the state'). Turkish journalist imprisoned in Turkey after refoulement from Greece with other asylum seekers Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 30 May 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Turkish journalist imprisoned in Turkey after refoulement from Greece with other asylum seekers, 30 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593015e14.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. An unofficial refoulement from Greece to Turkey took place along the Evros River on May 24th. This time, it concerns Turkish citizens seeking asylum in Greece, among them Murat Capan, who was a journalist for the magazine Nokta, and is now imprisoned in Turkey where he was previously sentenced for 22,5 years. The Hellenic League for Human Rights has received allegations concerning the refoulement of Turkish asylum seekers in Evros. The unofficial refoulements from Greece to Turkey of persons that are possibly entitled to international protection, not only have not been terminated, but on the contrary seem to be conducted in concert with Turkish authorities violating even the notion of the rule of law. A recent incident shows the true dimensions of this practice. According to the information that we have received: Murat Capan was a journalist for the magazineNokta. He was prosecuted and finally sentenced in absentia to 22,5 years in prison for participation in a terrorist group and attempting to overthrow the constitution. He crossed the river Evros to the Greek side at 06:00 in the morning on May 24th, 2017, along with two of his friends. They reached Didymoteicho where they were picked up by police officers and lead to the police station. There they asked to apply for asylum. In the police station there was also a Turkish family with three children that had crossed Evros. After a while they were told they would be transferred to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and were put in a white unmarked van. After a while the van met with another car and they were lead to a field. A group of five masked gunmen, dressed in camo, lead them to the river without saying a single word. The Turkish nationals saw that there was an inflatable boat waiting there and they repeated their demand to apply for asylum. Their hands were bound and they were all put on the boat which crossed to the opposite shore withtwo of the masked gunmen, near an outpost of the Turkish army, where they were abandoned. After a while, they were found by Turkish police officers. Murat Capan is already in prison, with everything this entails. The family is likewise in detention. The refoulement to the Turkish authorities of people that are in danger of severe violations of their most basic human rights, if it has indeed taken place, is a blatant violation of international law and it is clear it was not the initiative of the local police force. We demand the immediate investigation of the incident and concrete answers from the relevant ministers concerning the policy that is in effect at the borders. The Hellenic League for Human Rights has already sent an official notice to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees demanding the investigation of the incident. South Korea: Supreme Court upholds three years' prison sentence for trade unionist Han Sang-gyun Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 1 June 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, South Korea: Supreme Court upholds three years' prison sentence for trade unionist Han Sang-gyun, 1 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593016ae4.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 Korean authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Korean Confederation of Trade Union (KCTU) President Mr. Han Sang-gyun, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (an FIDH-OMCT partnership) said today. On May 31, 2017, South Korea's Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeals' conviction of Mr. Han Sang-gyun and sentenced him to three years in prison in connection with a demonstration organised by KCTU in November 2015. "Han Sang-gyun is being detained for the peaceful exercise of his rights. The decision of the Supreme Court is extremely disappointing all the more as it disregards South Korea's obligations under international law and an Opinion recently adopted by a group of UN experts", the Observatory said. On April 25, 2017, the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) found that Mr. Han Sang-gyun's deprivation of liberty was arbitrary as it resulted from the exercise of his right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The WGAD called on the South Korean authorities to immediately release Mr. Han, and award him "compensation and other reparations" for the deprivation of liberty to which he has been subjected. On July 4, 2016, Mr. Han Sang-gyun was sentenced to five years in prison and fined 500,000 Won (approximately 400 Euros) in connection with a demonstration organized by KCTU against proposed labour reforms in Seoul on November 14, 2015. During the rally, police used excessive force to disperse demonstrators. Authorities had previously issued arrest warrants against Han for his participation in peaceful demonstrations that had taken place in April and May 2015 to express solidarity with the victims of the Sewol Ferry disaster in April 2014. On December 13, 2016, a Court of Appeals reduced Mr. Han's sentence to three years in prison. "The South Korean Government must implement UN WGAD's Opinion and end Han Sang-gyun's arbitrary detention. The failure to release Han Sang-gyun is a missed opportunity for President Moon Jae-in to burnish his human rights credentials", the Observatory concluded. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (the Observatory) was created in 1997 by FIDH and OMCT. The objective of this programme is to prevent or remedy situations of repression against human rights defenders. FIDH and OMCT are both members of ProtectDefenders.eu, the European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism implemented by international civil society. Egypt: Elimination of civil society signed into law by President Sisi Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 31 May 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Egypt: Elimination of civil society signed into law by President Sisi, 31 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5930171e4.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. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi officially ratified the repressive NGO law that Egyptian Parliament approved in November 2016. The law handcuffs NGOs with regulations and strangles their funding mechanisms, essentially eliminating civil society in Egypt, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (an OMCT-FIDH partnership) said today. Introduced under the guise of national security, the implementation of this new legislation attempts to eradicate the human rights movement as a whole. On May 30, 2017, Egypt's draconian NGO law was published in the Official Gazette after ratification by President Sisi over six months after it was approved by Parliament, despite global criticism and condemnation. NGOs will now have one year to register with the, yet to be formed, National Authority for the Regulation of Non-Governmental Foreign Organizations. No representatives from civil society will serve on the organization, instead it will be composed of representatives from the Defense Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Justice Ministry, the General Intelligence Directorate, the Administrative Control Authority, the International Cooperation Ministry, and the Money Laundering Unit. Under the law, NGOs will be only allowed to engage in activities that conform to national development plans while non-compliance will be met with jail terms of up to five years. Human rights work is banned under this law; similarly NGOs may not conduct work that harms "national security", "law and order", "public morals", or "public health", terms that are subject to the discretionary interpretation of government agencies. Increasing global concern is the new prohibition banning NGOs from calling for supporting or financing terrorist organizations or violence. This signals future intentions to associate NGOs with terror organizations, therefore stigmatizing their efforts and providing the government lenity to impose harsher restrictions and punishments under Egypt's counterterrorism legal framework. "The implementation of this law eliminates civil society in Egypt. Egyptian authorities have insinuated these restrictions under the veil of security; a veil which has become a shroud over Egyptian civil society. The eradication of NGOs leaves hundreds of thousands of Egyptians without support and services. Egypt's censored and restrictive approach to 'safety' will leave thousands in danger", declared Gerald Staberock, OMCT Secretary General. Additions to the November 2016 law attack NGO funding mechanisms, leaving them without adequate means to continue their work. NGOs must receive advanced approval for all funding they acquire and report all funding to the government. Further, any funding totaling over 10'000 EGP (approx. 510 EUR) must be received via wire transfer from a bank subject to Egypt's Central Bank auditing or through a paper check (Article 23). This new version of the law now into force further attacks the partnering capabilities of NGOs. No Government entities may enter into agreements with foreign NGOs for civil society work without approval from a council comprised of security agencies (Article 59). Further, the Government may now cancel the licenses of foreign NGOs, "for reasons pertaining to threats to the national security or public safety or undermining public order or according to the principle of Reciprocity" (Article 68). "Attacking the autonomy, funding and partnerships of Egyptian NGOs is a systematic approach to eliminate and isolate them from their global partners. This creates a dangerous vacuum in light of the economic crisis, food and medical shortages plaguing Egypt. Not only does this law jeopardize the fundamental human rights of all citizens but also the stability of the entire country", concluded Dimitris Christopoulos, President of FIDH. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (the Observatory) was created in 1997 by FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT). The objective of this programme is to intervene to prevent or remedy situations of repression against human rights defenders. FIDH and OMCT are both members of ProtectDefenders.eu, the European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism implemented by international civil society. Kenya: Threats to Media Ahead of August Polls Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 30 May 2017 Cite as Article 19, Kenya: Threats to Media Ahead of August Polls, 30 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593018f04.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. ARTICLE 19 is concerned by the unprecedented situation of restrictions on freedom of the press and the free flow of information in Egypt, following the announcement by the Egyptian state-run news agency, Mena, on 24 May 2017 that the Egyptian authorities had blocked 21 news websites. The blocking included Egyptian news websites known for criticizing authorities such as Mada Masr, and the websites of foreign outlets such as Al Jazeera, Huffpost Arabi and Al Sharq TV. "Recent blocking measures indicate a continuing and serious deterioration of media freedoms and reflect a decline in human rights in general in Egypt, where the authorities have so far ignoredthe warnings of local and international human rights organizations," said Saloua Ghazouani, director of ARTICLE 19 Middle East and North Africa. "The blocking measures are further evidence that the authorities tolerate only the voices that support the regime and are silent about its serious human rights abuses," stated Ghazouani. The blocking measures violate the Egyptian Constitution of 2014 and also Egypt's international obligations as a signatory of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 70 of the Egyptian Constitution states that "Freedom of the press, printing and paper, visual, audio and electronic publication is guaranteed." Article 71 states that "It is prohibited to censor, confiscate, suspend or shut down Egyptian newspapers and media outlets in any way." In recent years, Egypt's rankings in the World Press Freedom Index, prepared by Reporters Without Borders, have been steadily deteriorating. In 2017, Egypt is on the "blacklist" of countries where the situation for freedom of expression is "very dangerous," with journalists jailed or detained for long periods. In 2017, Egypt ranked 161 out of the 180 countries included in the report, down from 159 in 2016 to 158 in 2015. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Egyptian authorities to restore access to the 21 news websites and ensure access to information through a free and independent media for all in Egypt. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Azerbaijan: Afgan Mukhtarli abducted in Georgia and detained on smuggling and trespassing charges Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 1 June 2017 Cite as Article 19, Azerbaijan: Afgan Mukhtarli abducted in Georgia and detained on smuggling and trespassing charges, 1 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/593019774.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. ARTICLE 19 condemns the sentencing of freelance investigative journalist Afgan Mukhtarli to three months in pre-trial detention by an Azerbaijani court and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. Mukhtarli, who has been living in exile in Tbilisi with his wife and daughter since January 2015 following harassment by the Azerbaijani authorities, was reported missing in Georgia on the evening of 29 May. At 6pm yesterday evening Mukhtarli's lawyer, Neymat Kerimli, reported that he had been taken to the headquarters of Azerbaijan's State Border Service in Baku. The Georgian authorities have opened an investigation into Mukhtarli's "illegal detention". "The charges brought by the Azerbaijani authorities against Mukhtarli are completely groundless, representing a clear attempt to silence him for his critical reporting" said Katie Morris, Head of Europe and Central Asia at ARTICLE 19. "It is particularly worrying that he was abducted from Georgia, where he was legally resident: it is essential that the Georgian authorities guarantee the protection of Azerbaijani dissidents residing in the country." On 29 May, Mukhtarli was returning home in Tbilisi following a meal with a friend when he disappeared. His wife, Leyla Mustafaeva, also a journalist, said that her husband called her when he was approaching the house but never arrived. Mustafaeva contacted the Georgian police who instigated a nationwide search for Mukhtarli, she continued to try to call him on his mobile phone, however towards 7pm it appeared no longer to be working. On the evening of 30 May, Mukhtarli made a short phone call to his lawyer, Neymat Kerimli, to tell him that he was in police custody in Baku. Elchin Sadigov, another lawyer working on Mukhtarli's case, went to meet with the journalist at the headquarters of the State Border Service in Baku where he was being held. Sadigov told Meydan TV, a critical TV channel operating in exile from Berlin, that Mukhtarli's face was bruised that that he believed one of his ribs was broken. Mukhtarli told Kerimli and Sadigov that on the evening of 29 May he had been forced into a car in Tbilisi, hooded and beaten, and taken to the Georgian border with Azerbaijan. Before crossing the border, 10,000 Euros were placed in Mukhtarli's pocket and he was taken to a closed border pass zone and photographed to make it look like he was trespassing there, according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch. On arrival in Baku he was charged under Article 318.1 ("illegal border crossing") and Article 206.1 ("smuggling") of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code. Today, following a closed hearing at the Investigative Unit of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan an additional charge under Article 315.2 ("violence against police authority") was raised against him. The Azerbaijani authorities also claim that he was in possession of 10,000 Euros discovered during a police search. He has been sentenced to three months' pre-trial detention. Mukhtarli is well known for his reporting critical of the Azerbaijani authorities. He fled Azerbaijan with his family in 2014 after receiving threats over his investigative reports on corruption in the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry and according to the Committee to Protect Journalists had been investigating the assets of Azerbaijan's first family held in Georgia in recent months. Since his arrival in Tbilisi, Mukhtarli has been open in his criticism of the persecution of Azerbaijani activists and journalists in exile in Georgia, many of which were accused of being members of an "anti-Azerbaijani cell" in the country in an article published recently by pro-regime website Haqqin.az. Following the publication of the Haqqin.az article on 4 May, a number of those individuals mentioned have been arrested or detained and in an Open Democracy article last week, Mukhtarli is quoted as being concerned that other political dissidents in Tbilisi could meet the same fate. Both Mukhtarli and his wife had noticed individuals following them in recent weeks and had received photos of their daily activities left on their doorstep. "Mukhtarli's detention is the latest of a series of arrests of human rights defenders, activists and journalists in Azerbaijan," said Katie Morris. "The fact that Mukhtarli was abducted on Georgian territory and forcibly removed to face charges in Azerbaijan represents an extremely worrying evolution of this trend and all circumstances of this case should be fully investigated." ARTICLE 19 is extremely concerned that Mukhtarli's abduction represents an escalation in the threat to Azerbaijani human rights defenders in exile in Tbilisi and urges the Georgian government to take urgent steps to ensure their protection. Background Since April 2016, the Azerbaijani authorities have launched a new wave of harassment against the few independent media outlets and journalists still left in the country and Azerbaijan is now ranked 162 out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' '2017 World Press Freedom Index' and rated 'Not Free' in Freedom House's 'Freedom of the Press 2017' report. Detentions of government critics, including journalists and human rights defenders, continued throughout 2016 and 2017, as Azerbaijani authorities used a range of false, politically motivated criminal charges to make arrests. Mehman Huseynov, a journalist well known for his work on government corruption, and chairman of the country's leading freedom of expression group, Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety, was sentenced on 6 March 2017 to two years in jail on defamation charges. The lawsuit was brought by the chief of police in Baku's Nasimi District after Huseynov publicly spoke out about his torture by district officers in January 2017. Huseynov was immediately taken into custody directly from the courtroom. Like Mukhtarli, fearing similar arrest, a number of independent journalists and human rights defenders have fled abroad. However, the Azerbaijani authorities have continued to persecute them abroad, including by harassing family members. Shortly after giving a speech at the European Parliament on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan on 6 February 2017, Emin Milli, head of Meydan TV, reported to German Police receiving threats of physical violence from the Azerbaijani authorities. On 22 February 2017 the brother, Dadashov Khanlar, and nephew, Zeynalov Sabuhi, of Netherlands-based blogger, Ordukhan Teymurkhan, known for his criticism of the Aliyevs, were sentenced to 30 days detention on entirely bogus charges of disobeying police orders. However, Mukhtarli's abduction represents an escalation in the Azerbaijani government's targeting of individuals in exile. ARTICLE 19 reiterates its call to the Azerbaijani government to withdraw the charges made against Mukhtarli and release him unconditionally with immediate effect. The Azerbaijani authorities should also refrain from further harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, and immediately and unconditionally release all others held in the country on false, politically-motivated charges. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Georgian authorities to fully investigate the circumstances of Afgan Mukhtarli's abduction on Georgian territory, and to take immediate steps to protect the rights of other journalists and human rights defenders in exile in the country. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 DECATUR The man a Decatur police officer shot during a chase had a loaded 9 mm handgun at the time, Decatur law enforcement said Thursday. Police identified the man as Donald L. Redmon, 33, of Decatur, and the officer as Detective Jeffrey Hockaday. Redmon was wounded in the lower back during a chase following a traffic stop in the 800 block of South Webster Street on Wednesday afternoon, police said. Hockaday fired three times, ending the perceived threat, Deputy Chief Jason Walker said in a statement. Hockaday has worked for the police department for 17 years. Decatur police have said they are not discussing the incident because the shooting is the subject of an independent investigation by the Illinois State Police to determine if it was justified. Redmon, who police said was a passenger in the vehicle, as of Thursday was recovering at HSHS St. Marys Hospital. Walker previously said he underwent surgery. Police arrested 29-year-old Dallas C. Vorties, of Decatur, the driver of the car, on a preliminary charge of armed violence. Police also found cocaine in the vehicle, according to an affidavit obtained by the Herald & Review on Thursday. Bond for Vorties was set at $200,000. The Macon County State's Attorney's Office is reviewing the case. It was not immediately clear whether the men had lawyers. The incident began at 1:14 p.m. Wednesday when two Decatur detectives saw a white Nissan car with Illinois license plates traveling south in the 600 block of South Webster Street, police said. The detectives said the vehicle appeared to be traveling over the speed limit and failed to make a complete stop on Webster at Cantrell Street. Detectives were conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle on Webster Court west of Webster Street when Vorties and the passenger fled on foot, and the detectives chased them, police said. According to the affidavit, Vorties was seen removing a black semiautomatic handgun in the yard of a residence in the 600 block of East Cantrell. A detective took Vorties to the ground and handcuffed him. A black 9 mm pistol was found under Vorties' chest with a live round in the chamber and live rounds in the seated magazine, the affidavit said. Police found 26 bags of suspected "crack-based cocaine" in the vehicle, affording to the affidavit. The substance later tested posted for the presence of cocaine. The Illinois State Police is handling the investigation and Hockaday is on administrative duties with pay, which are standard procedures when a police officer is involved in a shooting. Police have said his car was equipped with an in-car camera. In his initial statement, Walker identified the race of Redmon, who is black, and Hockaday, who is white. Later responding to emailed questions, police said they no comment on why they had provided the race of the men. The incident comes 11 months after Decatur police officer Andrew Wittmer shot a man who authorities said had a knife and BB gun. The state's attorney's office ruled the shooting was justified. In the shooting Wednesday, officials with the group Area Leaders Educators Response Team urged community members to wait for the investigation to conclude before coming to conclusions. The group was formed by the Decatur Police Department and local NAACP branch following the officer-involved shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, that sparked days of protests. The Rev. Anthony Fluker, a member of the team, said he was pleased with the amount and timeliness of information being released. Walker had updated him with information Wednesday night and Thursday, he said. Fluker was not aware of any vigils or other events being planned related to the shooting. Team members so far had not heard any negative responses from the community, he said. Its pretty calm right now, he said. SPRINGFIELD The lack of trust between Illinois' Republican governor and its legislature led by Democrats reached a full-throated roar Wednesday as the House speaker acknowledged a midnight deadline to end the longest state budget drought in modern American history would be missed, triggering a rule requiring even more votes for later approval and a gubernatorial scolding for "dereliction." Speaker Michael Madigan, of Chicago, announced there would be no House floor vote on budget measures previously approved by full Senate. Rep. Greg Harris, the Democrats' budget negotiator, said lawmakers would take testimony at public hearings about how to reach a fiscal pact for the first time since Gov. Bruce Rauner took office in 2015. It's the longest a state has gone without a budget deal since at least the Great Depression. "This is a dereliction of duty on the part of the majority in the General Assembly," Rauner told reporters Wednesday. "We need to fight for our taxpayers, make sure they're protected; bring down our property tax burden, it's the highest in America; and most importantly, grow more jobs in the state of Illinois." He denounced the Democrats' plan for "sham hearings" to drum up "phony headlines." The fiscal year starts July 1, but beginning Thursday, a three-fifths supermajority rather than simple majority is required for budget approval. One accomplishment was the approval of a plan to revamp the state's 20-year-old school funding formula. State senators endorsed the measure 35-22 late Wednesday after the House OK'd it. No district would receive less money than they currently do under the plan. Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill is sponsoring the proposal. He says it would end the inequity of Illinois' current model. The state has the nation's largest spending gap between poor and wealthy districts. State lawmakers also approved a plan to increase Illinois' minimum wage to $15 over five years. The Senate voted 30-23 Wednesday evening, a day after the House backed it. But the session mostly ended Wednesday night as it began with a stalemate on the budget. The budget plan at hand, borne of months of bipartisan Senate negotiations, called for spending $37.3 billion fueled by $5.4 billion in tax increases. But Madigan said his members got skittish after watching a fickle Rauner during the Senate talks, allegedly often changing his mind on individual parts and pulling GOP members off votes while maintaining he was hands-off. "Some of our people are concerned, having observed how the governor worked with the Senate Democrats, where he would negotiate, then back away, negotiate, back away," Madigan said. "They just don't have a high level of confidence in the way the governor has conducted himself." State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said Democrats are to blame for advancing a spending plan that "fails to pay off a single penny of the states unpaid bills" and a school funding bill that sends "70 percent of funds to the Chicago Public School system." Sadly, that is what we in downstate Illinois have come to expect from Chicago Democrats. And the people wonder why we cant get a budget," he said in a statement. Another, more-distant but politically crucial, deadline looms: the November 2018 election. Rauner has refused to say whether he'll seek a second term, although his campaign paid for a two-day swing around the state in April to shore up support for his agenda. Rauner was asked how that differed from the planned Democrats' traveling he dismisses as a "sham." "When I go to communicate to the people of Illinois the status of how broken our system is and what we need to do to get a balanced budget, that's an essential part of what I do," Rauner said. "Hearings about a budget, taking public testimony about a budget, now? ... That's not real change. We should be negotiating real terms." Rauner has blamed Democrats for failing to address the pro-business "structural changes" he seeks, such as cost-cutting restrictions on workers' compensation. Legislative Republicans have insisted a 32 percent increase in the personal income tax rate, from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, be a part of taxpayer parity with the adoption of a local property tax freeze. Both chambers have approved workers' comp changes and the Senate adopted a two-year freeze on property taxes. But Rauner says neither goes far enough. J.B. Pritzker of Chicago, a businessman seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, issued a stinging rebuke of Rauner. "Bruce Rauner has held Illinois hostage to force his radical and deeply misguided agenda on our state," said Pritzker, adding that families and services would "continue to suffer untold damage" while Rauner "works to shift blame at every turn." Another Democratic hopeful, Evanston Sen. Daniel Biss, told reporters Rauner and Madigan must purify their toxic relationship with face-to-face meetings to hammer out a deal. "If they're not able to, it's yet more evidence that they both need to go," said Biss, a suggestion Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said made no sense because House Democrats have worked collaboratively to try to compromise. Businessman Chris Kennedy and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar are also among the Democratic candidates for Rauner's job. The Responsible Budget Coalition of social service and anti-poverty groups echoed Rauner's upbraiding of lawmakers as derelict, saying seniors will continue to lose delivered meals and in-home care, services for the mentally ill will shrink further, and domestic violence and sexual abuse victims will find help lacking. "The providers of these services have exhausted their funding options, including their reserves, lines of credit and grants from angel donors," a coalition statement read. "Most have received no state payments since last fall. They simply cannot survive." Rauner said Democrats should be embarrassed as they leave Springfield for their home districts. "Please, members of the General Assembly in the majority," he said, "do not travel around the state holding sham hearings about a balanced budget." Eastlake, CO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/01/2017 --Hyper Dog Media, a metro Denver area Search Engine Optimization and website analytics company, announced the success of its third annual SearchCon SEO Conference, held last month in Breckenridge, Colorado. The two-day conference brought together regional SEO experts, digital professionals, and thought leaders to discuss topics including internet and content marketing, social media, conversion optimization and digital strategy. "The ever-changing SEO and digital marketing landscape is more than any one person - or even agency - can keep track of. And advanced conferences are hard to come by," said Jim Kreinbrink, President of Hyper Dog Media. "SearchCon is a community of digital marketing professionals, sharing their best insights and actionable tips." SearchCon presented an impressive lineup of Colorado's most talented and influential SEO experts. The 2017 speakers were: Garret Acott, CEO, Tempered LLC Greg Ahern, Founder, Ometrics Chuck Aikens, Founder & CEO, Volume Nine Richard Allen, CEO, Airways360 Todd Barrs, VP of Ecommerce and Marketing, Photobucket Sean Bucher, Director of Search Experience, Internet Honey BJ Enoch, Vice President, SocialSEO Christina Griggs, CFO, Inflow Keith Hagen, Director of Conversion Services, Inflow Jack Jostes, President + CEO, Ramblin Jackson Jim Kreinbrink, President, Hyper Dog Media Cindy Krum, Chief Executive Officer, MobileMoxie, LLC Matt Lacuesta, Sr. SEO Manager at The Integer Group Cade Lee, President, SEO Hog Heather Lutze, Search Engine Marketing Speaker Laurie Macomber, Owner, Blue Skies Marketing Tracy Malone, Owner, CoWebOp Marketing Nick Neels, Head of Local Search, Location3 Media David Oppenheim, Director of E-Commerce & SEO Specialist, Doculynx Rick Ramos, SEO Consultant Steve Riegel, Director, Digital Marketing Solutions, Merkle Jonathan Sackheim, Founder, Grounds for Promotion Vladimir Shlyahovoy, Web Developer, SurveyGizmo Monica Valdez, Senior Director of Ecommerce, Gray Line Worldwide During the two days of dynamic discussion, More than 70 attendees discovered industry secrets and gained a new cache of knowledge about the latest in SEO and digital marketing. This year's VIP sponsors were: - Choozle - Colorado SEO - Hyper Dog Media - Inflow - Volume Nine For more information about SearchCon, please visit http://www.searchcon.events. Follow us on Twitter (@searchconSEO #SearchCon) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/searchcon). About Hyper Dog Media Hyper Dog Media is a professional search engine optimization agency located in Louisville, Colorado. They help small, medium and large organizations in the Denver, Colorado metro area achieve increased search ranking and targeted website traffic. Hyper Dog Media is on the cutting edge of search engine optimization, mixing innovative new strategies with tried-and-true best practices. For more information on Hyper Dog Media services, please visit us online at www.hyperdogmedia.com; on Facebook @hyperdogmedia or on Twitter @DenverSEO. Media Contact: Jim Kreinbrink President, Hyper Dog Media 720-489-3790 jim@hyperdogmedia.com Seattle, WA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/01/2017 --Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, is threatening to leave Donald Trump's advisory council if the White House decides to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Musk is currently advising on three White House economic advisory councils and as been seen as the voice of reason in a very tumultuous presidential administration. When Trump first took office, he vowed to rollback almost all of the Obama's energy regulations, which he believed were holding back American energy companies from thriving and being profitable. Since taking the office, he has been good on his word and has been seriously considering withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Currently, every nation except for Syria and Nicaragua are part of the accord. The accord is an active agreement that calls for the cooperation of the world's nations to help end the fossil fuel era and to focus on limiting global warming. Today, Musk utilized Twitter to speak out about his feelings about Trump bailing on the Paris accord. Another Twitter user asked Musk what he would do if Trump pulled the United States out of the deal, Musk said he would "have no choice but to depart [the] councils in that case." There is no word from the White House about Trump's decision. He took to Twitter to say that he would make a decision in the next few days. However, reports have started to surface that he was leaning in the direction of pulling the United States out of the Paris accord. Musk currently is serving on Trump's manufacturing jobs council, his strategic and policy forum, and his infrastructure council. Musk has been facing backlash over his decision to serve on Trump's councils. He has continually defended his role on the councils stating that he is able to provide differing views from the president's other advisors. Musk was not the only major CEO to urge Trump to uphold the agreement. Other CEO's are speaking out through the media urging Trump to think of the future of the planet. Musk used Twitter again to tweet earlier today that he has "done all [he] can to advise directly to [Trump]." About Elon Musk Elon Musk is the founder, CEO and lead designer at Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), where he oversees the development and manufacturing of advanced rockets and spacecraft for missions to and beyond Earth orbit. Elon is also the co-founder, CEO and product architect of Tesla, which makes electric cars, giant batteries and solar products. He is the co-founder and chairman of OpenAI, a nonprofit research company working to build safe artificial intelligence and ensure that AI's benefits are as widely and evenly distributed as possible. Previously, Elon co-founded and sold PayPal, the world's leading Internet payment system, and Zip2, one of the first internet maps and directions services, which helped bring major publishers, including the New York Times and Hearst, online. From 2-7 to sectional champs, Monrovia has one question: 'Why not us?' The message to the community from the Area Leaders Educators Response Team following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday was clear: Stay calm. We agree. The team was announced by the Decatur Police Department and NAACP branch in June 2015, after high-profile incidents involving police in Ferguson, Missouri, and other cities sparked violent protests. The recovery both physically and emotionally is still underway. For the Decatur team, the idea is to deploy community members when similar incidents happen and have them address rumors and concerns. Its a smart and proactive approach, favoring conversation and understanding versus reacting. In the case of the Wednesday shooting, ALERT members mobilized almost immediately after the incident, in which a 33-year-old man was wounded in the back during a police chase on South Webster Street. Details are very scarce, and thats on purpose. Because its an officer-involved shooting, the Illinois State Police are now investigating whether it was justified. Thats standard procedure in such cases, as is not naming the officer or suspects until later. What police have said is that it started as a traffic stop, two men ran, there was gunfire and two handguns were found. There are plenty of unanswered questions, and that can be difficult to swallow or even rationalize. The void of specifics has trigged a wave of allegation and speculation online, something ALERT members pointed to Wednesday. With social media, misinformation spreads very fast and we have to be ready, the Rev. Anthony Fluker said. Thats important to acknowledge as the investigation gets underway. All sides the officer, the suspects and the community need an impartial view of what happened and whether the shooting was necessary. As Deputy Chief Jason Walker said during a press conference, the goal is a fair, accurate and independent investigation. We agree. We as a community need to let the inquiry play out. We need patience. Note all articles are independently researched and written by myself. However, if you buy via one of the links it may be an affiliate and I may earn a small commission. If you love your vintage sportswear, you will probably be all over this 1970s Adidas OG tracksuit. Adidas is celebrating 50 years of classic tracksuits and as part of those celebrations, is reissuing some of its finest moments as very limited edition reissues. Each one numbered (from a run of 2000) and an exact copy of the vintage item in question. So following on from the Beckenbauer tracksuit comes this mid-1970s gem in navy and orange. The colours alone should tell you the era. Made in Japan, it has all the original trims and finishes, a tencel and cotton blend fabric, branded YKK zips, jodhpur-style ankle cuffs, drawcord waistband and felt logo patches. Its also sold in bespoke branded packaging, which is obviously one for the collectors. Lots of sizes, with all priced at 199. Find out more at the End Clothing website Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen has yet again warned of war and chaos should his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) lose commune elections on Sunday, prompting the countrys opposition leader to slam him for trying to upend the democratic process. In a message posted to his Facebook account late on Wednesday, Hun Sen questioned whether Cambodians want to try a taste of war and family separation, after sharing an anecdote about his experience during the murderous Khmer Rouge regime that ruled the country from 1975 to 1979. The prime minister said his memory had been stirred by a photo of his son Hun Manet in the arms of the boys cousin taken 38 years ago, after the Khmer Rouge were ousted by a Vietnamese-led invasion, and was saddened to think of how the country might again face a devastating conflict after years of healing. This photo gave me a chance of reflection to compare progress made by the people and the nation from the most difficult time in the aftermath of the collapse of the [Khmer Rouge leader] Pol Pot regime and this present moment, he said. For me, it meant a million tear drops for a woman who was separated from her husband, and once I returned to meet my wife and son, my sad son referred to me as uncle. As one can see [from the photo], he preferred his cousin carry and feed him instead of letting me come near him. Since then, Hun Manet and millions of other Cambodian children have blossomed under the leadership of the CPP, Hun Sen said, questioning why anyone might entertain the idea of putting a different government in power. Does anyone want to try a taste of war and family separation anymorethis is the theme for the upcoming election, a choice between war and peace, he said. I reaffirm that so long as there are any insults, incitements or coloring [of the ruling party], the source of war and chaos in Cambodia will always exist. Cambodia's 2015 election law forbids officials and civil servants from making public threats, but a spokesman for the National Election Committee (NEC) claimed to be unaware of Hun Sens statement and said it was unclear if the electoral body would investigate. Please wait until I report the matter to NEC and see if it will make any decision, he told RFAs Khmer Service. As for now, I dont know. Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly 32 years under the CPP, has warned repeatedly that opposition victories in local elections on June 4 and in parliamentary polls in 2018 will bring war to the country. Hang Puthea had previously said the NEC would investigate the prime ministers threats if a complaint is filed by a political party. Hun Sens Facebook post came the same day that the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)a group of former and serving Southeast Asian lawmakersissued a statement expressing concerns about the repeated threats of violence made by high-ranking members of the ruling party and calling for an end to intimidation. Response to threat Speaking to RFA on Thursday, opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) spokesperson Yim Sovann said he had no interest in responding to Hun Sens warning, adding that he would leave the issue for the countrys voters to address on June 4. But CNRP President Kem Sokha told supporters at a campaign rally in Kandal provinces Khsach Kandal district on Thursday that those who warn of war, should they lose a ballot, are seek to undermine the electoral process. Power [should] change through ballots, not bullets and war, he said. Those who consider war are non-democrats. Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC) executive director Sam Kuntheamy told RFA that the election law does not stipulate a punishment for individuals who issue campaign threats, and while the most likely course of action would be to deliver a warning or summon the offender for clarification, neither is likely to happen in this case. The NEC probably dares not do thatneither issuing any notification to nor summoning the person concerned for clarification, he said. Ministry warning Also on Thursday, Cambodias Ministry of Interior announced that it plans to take action against any nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) espousing views deemed biased towards the opposition. Spokesperson Khieu Sopheak said a working group has been monitoring the activities of a number of organizations that had failed to uphold their statutes of association regarding neutrality filed with the ministry, adding that they may face prosecution in accordance with the law. We request all organizations to strictly uphold their roles as NGOs, as development partners of the government and the nation, in all areas or institutions, either for progress of democracy or human rights, he said. [They] should not be serving the political platform of the opposition party or upholding any political parties. Khieu Sopheak specifically mentioned a recent statement by the Situation Room group of NGOsincluding the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL), Licadho, and Adhoccriticizing a warning from defense minister Tea Banh that the army will smash the teeth of anyone protesting a CPP election win. Any group found to be violating the principles of neutrality as stipulated in Article 24 of the Law on Associations and NGOs may be subject to legal action, he said, including a ministry shutdown of the organization under the same laws Article 30. NGOs respond NGOs countered Thursday by saying they are working to empower Cambodias citizens, not in support of any political party. Our past statements are part of our efforts at urging officials to serve the interests of the citizens and to remain independent, said Tim Malay, head of the Cambodian Youth Networka member group of the Situation Room. ADHOC spokesperson Sam Chankea told RFA he was not surprised by the Ministry of Interiors warning. The ministry has issued several reminders to organizations and associations that dare to criticize or express their opinionsthis is a normal practice by Cambodias government, he said. In the 26 years since ADHOC was founded, the organization has never shown bias toward any political party We simply monitor violations of political and human rights, and we have never provided support or assistance to any party. Political observers expect the CNRPone of 12 political parties competing for 1,646 commune council seatsto give the CPP a run for its money in this weekends commune elections, which many see as a bellwether for general elections scheduled for 2018. Reported by Savi Khorn and Sel San for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. China's draconian new cybersecurity law, which came into effect on, is more likely to curb the free flow of online information, particularly about breaking news stories, than to protect the country's 730 million internet users, commentators told RFA. The legislation, adopted by the National People's Congress last November, aims to "monitor, defend and handle cybersecurity risks and threats originating from within the country or overseas sources." But while the official media have focused on its provisions for cyberattacks and leaking of personal data, associated regulations also aim to end the role played by social media in keeping people informed about events in their own country. "The government's cybersecurity law isn't really aimed at protecting ordinary people; it's aimed at protecting the state," former TV journalist Zhu Xinxin told RFA. "This legislation is all aimed at setting limits on freedom of expression and communication, and at taking away the general public's right to be informed." Under the new law, websites, forums, blogs and social media platforms including messaging apps are required to apply for an internet news providers' license before they are allowed to transmit or post any news not already produced by tightly controlled state media. Tweets about breaking news from the scene of an event would fall into that category, so service providers would be obliged to delete them regardless of their content under the new blanket ban. "This is the crux of the cybersecurity law," online activist Xiucai Jianghu told RFA. "Before, if you retweeted news items or tweeted about a breaking news story ... you wouldn't be breaking the law." "Now all of that ... including tweeting about the darker side of the government's actions, fast-breaking news and mass incidents, is illegal," he said. Chilling effect Current affairs commentator Jiang Chun said the new rules will likely have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in China, already severely limited. "I'm sure it will stop the more timid people from sending out a post," Jiang said. "But ultimately, when you have a government that has such concentrated power, it's going to do whatever it wants, anyway." The law also provides for the country's leaders to temporarily take control of the internet in response to incidents that "threaten public security." Internet service providers will be forced to help police and other security agencies to investigate crimes and safeguard national security, which includes providing customer information when required. The law includes provisions to "protect key information infrastructure from attack, intrusion, disturbance and damage." Shanghai netizen Ma Yalian said such controls over public expression go far beyond what is needed to ensure public order, however. "Now they have this law, they can say that they are proceeding according to law, and there are all kinds of laws now aimed at curbing public freedom of expression online," Ma said. "Previously, the authorities had no real answer to [online public opinion], so they've come up with this as a way of dealing with it ... of course it's better for them if it comes out ahead of the 19th Party Congress [later this year]," she said. 'Too draconian' From , only state-owned enterprises will be allowed to run online news and editorial services, under related regulations, which will also transfer full powers to regulate online news to the Cyberspace Administration from China's cabinet, the State Council, it said. The regulations apply to "news reports about public affairs such as politics, economy, military and diplomacy, as well as comments and reports on emergencies, and news services include publishing, forwarding and broadcasting news." According to Xiucai Jianghu: "They are now able to control online speech whenever they choose." "Anything that doesn't suit the government won't be allowed to spread online, because they will be able to say it is in breach of national security," he said. "This law is too draconian." The law also seeks to punish online crime and "safeguard the order and security of cyberspace," and state media have warned that the actions of individual users and organizations won't be allowed to damage "national security, interests or honor." "Online activities that attempt to overthrow the socialist system, split the nation, undermine national unity, advocate terrorism and extremism are all prohibited," according to Xinhua news agency. The law also targets anyone considered to be "inciting ethnic hatred, discrimination and spreading violence and obscene information." State security and ethnic hatred charges have repeatedly been used to jail peaceful critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in recent years, including ethnic Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti, Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo and veteran political journalist Gao Yu. Reported by Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Siu-san, Wen Yuqing and Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. THUMBS DOWN! To the Illinois legislature. Again. Recounting their irresponsibility, their ineptitude, and their historic inability to complete a budget, a task that is their primary duty, is too repetitive. To be one the wrong end of a national joke is enough. To be among those who will suffer because of the legislators is worse. They should hang their heads in shame, although they probably couldn't even agree to do that. THUMBS UP! To Jake Blackburn. The Garfield Montessori School student went to the third round in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He was among 300 spellers in the national competition. THUMBS UP! To the #ILGive effort. Not-for-profit organizations benefited from the 24-hour online drive earlier this week, including 25 organizations in Decatur. The spring effort was a first, and launched with style. Not-for-profit organizations need and are thankful for every bit of help they can get. THUMBS DOWN! To the Graceland Cemetery flag thieves. The commemorative flags are part of a collection of more than 100 donated flags presented to Graceland for display and which are only flown the weekend of Memorial Day. Each stolen flag had the name of the veteran associated with it written on the edge of the fabric in permanent ink. The cemetery is installing cameras to deter theft. But the point is, that move should not be required at all. This crime is nothing more than blatant and pathetic vandalism. THUMBS UP! To gaining a piece of history. Sometime this year, a piece of the Rosa Parks Collection will be shipped to Decatur's African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois from the Library of Congress for permanent display. The collection was purchased by Decatur philanthropist Howard Buffett for $4.5 million from the Rosa Parks estate in 2014. The collection, which includes more than a thousand items, is currently on loan to the Library of Congress. Museum board member Rich Hansen reached out with the request, which was granted. THUMBS UP! To Mary King. The 41-year veteran teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes has retired. She was present when the school first opened and she was a second-grader. Principal Chris Uptmor said, She's somebody that's going to be very difficult to replace. THUMBS DOWN! To the vile photograph for which comedian Kathy Griffin posed. The tasteless photo (which doesn't need to be described, because it's easily found) crosses every barrier of decency and respectful discourse possible. We endorse freedom of expression. Griffin's right was not suppressed. Nor is she immune from the consequences of her actions. The backlash against Griffin is appropriate and solidifies the line of what society finds unacceptable. Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hunan on moved ahead with the case against detained rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong, bringing formal subversion charges against him, his lawyer. Jiang's relatives in Hunan's provincial capital Changsha received verbal notification from the city's police department on that he has been formally arrested on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power." The prominent rights lawyer has been held under residential surveillance at an unknown location since last November, and the authorities say he has fired defense lawyers hired by his family. "His status has been switched to that of formal arrest now," Tan Chenshou, who was hired by Jiang's family to defend him, told RFA. "This was approved by the state prosecutor, but the investigations are still continuing in this case, which is still with the police." "I think they are doing what they did with [fellow detained rights lawyer] Xie Yang and ... dragging this out to the maximum extent possible." He said the circumstances suggest that police have been unable to get Jiang to "confess" to the charges against him. "It looks as if Jiang Tianyong is probably refusing to confess, to judge from this," Tan said. No crime to confess to Jiang's U.S.-based wife Jin Bianling said her husband hasn't committed any crime to confess to. "Jiang Tianyong has worked tirelessly on behalf of vulnerable groups, and to save lawyers detained since , and now he has been detained," Jin said. "He is totally innocent, and [he] has certainly been the victim of serious torture." "I am extremely concerned about his personal safety, and fear that his life could be in danger," she said. Meanwhile, fellow rights attorney Chen Jinxue said Jiang was likely forced into accepting a government-appointed lawyer. "Jiang Tianyong's ... relatives have issued a statement saying that they don't recognize his order to fire his lawyers," Chen said. "This is because it was made when Jiang wasn't free, and there is a likelihood that he was subjected to torture." "So it isn't valid, and his family will continue to instruct Tan Chenshou as his defense lawyer, and continue to apply for a meeting," he said. Jiang's detention came after he visited the wife of Changsha-based detained rights lawyer Xie Yang in a bid to help the family with the case. But he 'disappeared' soon after trying to board a train back to his Beijing home. Bleak outlook for rights lawyers More than 300 human rights lawyers, law firm staff and associated activists were detained, questioned, placed under surveillance or travel bans, or had their immediate loved ones targeted by police, according to the Hong Kong-based Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group (CHRLCG). The group said in an annual report issued on that the outlook remains bleak for the profession, blaming a nationwide clampdown by the administration of President Xi Jinping on freedom of expression. "Human rights lawyers had another challenging and difficult year in 2016 and the outlook is bleak," the report said. "The Xi Jinping administrations emphasis on state security and ideology and the arbitrary use of legal apparatus to rein in civil freedoms bode ill for human rights lawyers." It said the ruling Chinese Communist Party has stepped up a "smear campaign" against lawyers and rights activists, accusing them of colluding with "hostile overseas forces" to try to bring down the government. "State media and pro-Beijing Hong Kong media have many times paraded lawyers and activists detained in the ... crackdown on television confessing to their supposed guilt, before they even went on trial," it said. Government guidelines requiring lawyers to show their support for the Communist Party and toe the party line have severely limited the profession's ability to do its job, CHRLCG said. "These measures have wide-ranging and long-lasting negative impacts," it said. But it said public interest lawyers in China have continued to take on politically sensitive cases that involve some element of official wrongdoing. "Chinas rights lawyers are refusing to be intimidated ... and continue to fight for their rights," the report said, calling on the international community to step up pressure on Beijing over the crackdown. Reported by Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ng Yik-tung and Sing Man for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Travelers wait for their flights at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, capital of North Korea, April 17, 2017. North Koreas security agency is increasingly hacking into foreign travelers mobile phones, laptops, and cameras and buying used computers in bulk from other countries to acquire foreign technology and secret data, sources inside the country said. Visitors traveling to North Korea for leisure or on business better check their mobile phones or computers with experts as soon as they go back home, a senior officer with North Koreas Ministry of State Security near the border with China told RFAs Korean Service. A North Korean executive at a computer service center near the countrys border with China said professional computer and phone hacking agents from the Ministry of State Security are at every airport customs post and in every hotel where foreign travelers stay. North Korean agents are collecting data from foreigners mobile phones, computers, and cameras through both legal and illegal means, sources said. Foreign visitors in North Korea are required to leave their mobile phones at customs, ports of entry, or airport inspection offices during their stays in the isolated country, which exposes them to inspection and hacking by ministry agents, they said. Though laptops and cameras are returned to their owners after inspection at customs posts, agents have been disguising themselves as tour guides and hotel managers so they can access travelers digital devices when they are left unattended in their rooms or on tour buses. The agents can unlock and hack into the devices in only 20 minutes, sources said. The Ministry of State Security has intentionally infected foreign travelers mobile phones, computers, and cameras with malware since 2013 so that it can attack or penetrate computer networks and major organizations in particular countries, they said. Because of the dangers of malware penetration, foreign travelers who visit North Korea should have their digital devices checked and debugged by qualified technicians upon their return, sources advised. Any installed malware can infect other digital devices, they said. The sources also said that North Korea has been buying used computers from China in bulk and restoring the original data on them. Technicians format the machines after they extract useful data and provide the computers to North Korean elementary and middle-school computer labs. The Ministry of State Security, which reports directly to leader Kim Jong Un, is known for its brutality and human rights abuses, experts say. Other cyberattacks The North Korean regime has stepped up its hacking activities in recent years, targeting banks worldwide to steal money to fund its nuclear weapons and missile programs, according to security experts. South Korea blamed the North for attacking computer systems at its banks and broadcasters in 2013, and the United States pointed the finger at Pyongyang for allegedly hacking into film company Sony Pictures the following year. But in the latter case, some cybersecurity experts voiced suspicions that a disgruntled company employee was involved, the Los Angeles Times reported in December 2014. Major cybersecurity firms have said software used in the WannaCry malware worm that wreaked havoc in computer systems around the world in May bore a resemblance to previous attacks linked to North Korea. The malware attack infected about 230,000 computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in digital currency. Reported by Sung-hui Moon for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Myanmars army and police have opened an investigation into the brutal deaths of three ethnic Kachin men found murdered in the countrys turbulent northern Kachin state in late May after they had been detained by government troops, village and police officials said on Thursday. The bodies of Nhkum Gam Awng, 31, Maran Brang Seng, 22, and Labya Naw Hkum, 27, were discovered on May 28, three days after soldiers from infantry unit 319 took them into custody while the trio was returning to an internally displaced persons camp after gathering firewood near Hka Pra Yang village, said Peter Bautnaw, the administrator of Mai Kaung village where the camp is situated. We are still working on finding witnesses who know well what happened, said Zaw Lwin Oo, a police officer in Mansi township, where Mai Kaung village is located. Camp residents found the bodies bearing gunshot and knife wounds and signs of torture about four miles from Mai Kaung village, site of a military post. The place where they were found is unsafe, and police dont usually go there, Kachin state police chief Tun Oo told RFAs Myanmar Service in an earlier report, adding that landmines have reportedly been scattered through the area during decades of war. But because of what has happened, we were able to go there with the help of local people who know their way around the area, he said, adding that authorities were conducting autopsies on the bodies. The three who were killed had been detained with two others, who were released and returned to their camp after briefly being held, according to a May 30 report by Agence France-Press. The camp houses thousands of people displaced by fighting between ethnic separatist fighters and government troops in the region. Rights groups have accused both government troops and ethnic rebel soldiers of human rights violations in Myanmars conflict zones, including kidnapping, torturing, and killing civilians, and forcing them to work as laborers. On May 22, thousands of ethnic Lisu protested in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin state, against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) for indiscriminately arresting and killing civilians and extorting money from them. The investigation comes on the heels of the second round of nationwide peace talks among the government, Myanmars ethnic armed groups, and the military. The negotiations led by de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyi ended on Monday without the parties reaching a major agreement. Reported by Kyaw Myo Min for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Authorities in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region have extended a recently introduced ban on extreme Islamic names for ethnic Uyghur babies to include anyone up to the age of 16, according to official sources and residents, and the order may soon include Uyghurs of all ages. According to a recent posting on WeChat by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regions Public Security Bureau, Order No. 4425 requires all Uyghur parents to change the names of children under 16 years of age, if they are among those listed in a region-wide ban uncovered by RFAs Uyghur Service. In April, official sources told RFA that overly religious namessuch as Islam, Quran, Mecca, Jihad, Imam, Saddam, Hajj, and Medinawere banned under the ruling Chinese Communist Party's Naming Rules For Ethnic Minorities, and that any babies registered with such names would be barred from the hukou household registration system that gives access to health care and education. A police officer in Hotan (in Chinese, Hetian) prefecture recently confirmed to RFA that his station in Hotan citys Elchi district was ordered last month to complete name changes of Uyghurs aged 16 and younger by June 1, but said that due to technical issues the deadline may be extended to July 1. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said 15 names cannot be used, including Arafat, and that parents should bring both their own and their childrens household registration papers to the police station to make the change. We are changing only the names of minors under 16, he said. The ones 16 and above have not been ordered to change yet, due to the difficulty of changing their ID cards and drivers licenses, so we do not have any directive on changing their names. According to the officer, students who have completed primary school must also change the names on their graduation certificates, meaning they must visit both their local police station and education department. He acknowledged that the name change process is difficult, as many parents have been the target of a crackdown on what Beijing calls religious extremism in Xinjiang, with authorities conducting regular strike hard campaigns including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people. Basically, the village cadres are assisting the minors to change their names, because some of their parents are either in jail or detention, he said. The officer said that many Uyghur parents had given their children extremist names when Beijings policies in the region were lenient, but at the moment, since they cannot use those names, they are simply changing them. The locals have no objections, he added. An official from Hotan prefectures Qaraqash (Moyu) county government also told RFA his office had recently received an order to change banned names for Uyghur children. There are around seven names and the order specified that the name change should be done for free, said the official, who also asked to remain unnamed. For example, they have to change names like Arafat. My colleagues sons name was Arafat and he was made to change it. He is a Xinjiang Medical University student. The official did not specify the age of the young man. A teacher in Hotan city also confirmed the name ban, but said that none of the Uyghur students at her school had radical names. There are some students named after their grandparentssuch as Ayshem, Tohti and Mahmutand most have more popular namessuch as Ilnur and Dilnurso we didnt hear much about the name ban here, she said. Judging names Sources in Hotan had previously detailed to RFA a list of banned names in 2015, but an employee who answered the phone at a police station in the regional capital Urumqi suggested in April that the ban had since been rolled out region-wide. The employee said at the time that names with a strong religious flavor, such as Jihad or those with connotations of holy war or of splittism [Xinjiang independence] were no longer allowed. Other rules on what constituted an extremist name seemed arbitrary, at best. Names of Islamic scholars could be regarded as promoting terror and evil cults, Yultuzaya reference to the star and moon symbol of the Islamic faithis pagan, and Mecca would be a bit over-the-top, the employee said, adding that he didnt think Saddam would be acceptable either. Just stick to the party line, and you'll be fine, he told RFA. [People with banned names] won't be able to get a household registration, so they will find out from the hukou office when the time comes. A second source told RFA at the time that the safest names for Uyghurs are those that are considered more mainstream by the Chinese Communist Party, such as Memet. Invasion of privacy Dolkun Isa, general secretary of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress exile group, strongly condemned the Chinese government for forcibly changing the names of Uyghur children under the age of 16. This demonstrates how far and wide the Chinese government violates the fundamental human rights of the Uyghur people and invades the very privacy of their lives, he told RFA. Clearly, Uyghur parents are being stripped of the right to name their own children. Isa noted that in every culture, baby names are carefully selectedoften with the input of the extended familyand said Uyghur families should not be denied that right. China should be ashamed of forcing Uyghur parents to change the names of their children under any circumstances, he said. While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009. Reported by Mihray Abdilim for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Mamatjan Juma. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Artsakhs Ministry of Defense has refuted a statement issued by Baku alleging that Azerbaijani forces had destroyed an Armenian command observation post along the Line of Contact. The ministry says the allegation is the latest salvo in Azerbaijans disinformation campaign. A struggle occurred before a Virginia State Police special agent was fatally shot last Friday night, according to a search warrant and an eyewitness. The driver of the vehicle that suspect Travis Ball was in before Special Agent Michael T. Walter was shot told police that there had been a scuffle between Ball and the special agent and then he saw a gun in Balls hand near the agents head, according to a search warrant obtained by NBC 12. A person who witnessed the shooting corroborated the account, telling a Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter that Ball tussled with police before the single shot was fired. The individual did not want to be identified for fear of retribution. State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller would not comment on the reports of a struggle, but she did correct several misstatements by police in the case. The silver Chevy Cobalt, in which Ball was a passenger, was initially said to have caught the attention of Walter and his partner, Richmond police officer Chris Duane, because it was parked facing the wrong direction in the 1900 block of Redd Street, where Ball was living with his girlfriend, who now faces eviction. Geller said Thursday that the car was parked correctly. Geller also said it was minutes, not seconds, as first reported by police, between the time the officers approached the vehicle Duane on the drivers side, Walter on the passenger side and the gunshot. The inaccurate details were first reported at a news conference about 11 p.m. Friday night, approximately 2 hours after the shooting. Geller cited the hectic scene and the need to quickly address the news media, and the public, as police were still searching for Ball. It wasnt until questions were prompted Thursday after a Times-Dispatch reporter spoke with a witness, whose account was confirmed by an online video filmed moments after the shooting, that state police confirmed the mistake. The search warrant, which was filed in Richmond Circuit Court late Thursday afternoon, and the witnesss account prompted yet more questions about the timeline of events. The Cobalt was parked, and both Ball and the driver were seated inside, when Walter and Duane pulled in from behind in a marked Richmond police vehicle. Geller maintained Thursday that it was a consensual encounter but would not elaborate further. It was probably more like a couple of minutes, Geller said of the timeline. Guns, ammunition, spent cartridge casings and law enforcement equipment were among items recovered from the car, according to the search warrant. Geller confirmed that the murder weapon a gun possessed by Ball, a convicted felon was recovered. It was not Walters gun. Walter, 45, a father of three and a coach at a youth wrestling club in Powhatan County, was shot in the head, according to the state medical examiner. The law enforcement veteran died early Saturday morning at VCU Medical Center. Police arrested Ball on Saturday morning at his sisters home in Heathsville, the county seat of Northumberland County. Ball, 27, had been living with a girlfriend at the Redd Street apartment in Mosby Court. He was not on the lease, and his criminal history would have barred him from residency, according to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Richmond PD has also had numerous contacts with Ball at the Redd Street home, the search warrant read. The housing authority is in the process of evicting Balls girlfriend. No one answered when reporters knocked on her door Thursday. She admitted that she had the guy in the house, so we are taking action to evict her, RRHA Director T.K. Somanath said Thursday. Theres no ifs, ands or buts. That will do it. Thats the lease enforcement. Its against the housing authoritys policies for people not on a lease to live on RRHA property, Somanath said. Somanath declined to identify the woman except to say that she is a resident of Mosby Court and lives there with her five children. They all know if they do it, theyre going to get evicted, he said. Maybe theyre thinking nobody is going to find out. But even the neighbors have been telling her to get rid of this guy. Responding to a Hetq article that Kotayk provincial authorities had failed to remove garbage from the road leading to the village of Dzoraghbyur, Armenias Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development has written that the trash has been disposed of, sending photos to confirm the claim. Authorities have also informed local police to monitor the situation. Adversaria. Dominion. Toxicologist. One by one, more than 250 students stood on the stage in Washington to attempt to spell whatever word was thrown their way. Tejas Muthusamy, a Henrico County eighth-grader, was well-acquainted with the environment, having advanced to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for four consecutive years. Muthusamy was named one of the top 40 spellers out of 291 on Wednesday evening and will compete on Thursday after he correctly spelled buffoonery, a word that means the practices of a clown or clownish person, in the third round. I kind of expected (to move on) just because at that point I already knew that my score was high enough, Muthusamy said. Nevertheless, he said he was thankful for advancing and attaining the next step toward his ultimate goal on his fourth visit to the final rounds of the competition. My goal this year is to win it, said Muthusamy. I think getting one step closer is really gratifying. Earlier in the morning, he had conquered the second preliminary round after spelling the word filipendulous, which means suspended by or strung upon a thread. I felt a little bit nervous today onstage, the spelling bee veteran said. I think tomorrow Ill feel a little more comfortable. He has advanced to the Scripps competition for four straight years after defeating other champions from local schools in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Regional Spelling Bee. He finished in the top 10 in the national competition in 2014 and 2015. The four-time Henrico County Public Schools spelling champion amassed a number of local accolades in reaching the national stage for the final time, besting competition from the county districts 46 elementary and 12 middle schools. Moody Middle Schools principal, Paul Llewellyn, traveled to the competition to watch Muthusamy and witnessed his success Wednesday. Moody Middle School is a school filled with many wonderfully talented and gifted students, and Tejas certainly epitomizes the best of the best, Llewellyn said. He is very goal-oriented and works extremely hard to achieve those goals, while remaining grounded as a kind and caring young man. With this being his fourth time in the finals, he has exceeded all expectations. The principal added: What Tejas has accomplished is amazing, and its been a pleasure and an honor to have worked with and supported him and his family. Only students in the eighth grade or lower are eligible to participate in the national competition. The winner of the national spelling bee receives $42,500 in cash prizes, an engraved trophy, a complete Merriam-Webster reference collection and $400 worth of works from Encyclopedia Britannica. The winner also receives two all-expense-paid trips to appear on Live with Kelly and Ryan in New York City and Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Hollywood, Calif. Muthusamy said part of his strategy is to just enjoy the final moments he has competing. After tomorrow, Ill be done probably forever, and its been such a huge, huge part of my life, he said. Im just going to do my best to think through every word. ... I just enjoy being onstage and enjoy getting words to spell. Part one of the finals begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday and can be viewed on ESPN2. The second part of the finals will air on ESPN on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. (NOTE: This story was originally published in June 2017 and revised in September 2019.) When a tropical storm develops in the Atlantic Ocean, it will get one of these 126 names depending on the year and the order it forms. During the height of hurricane season, it's fairly common have more than one storm churning at a time. Sometimes there are several active at once. Having a short, memorable way to distinguish the systems makes it easier to communicate the forecast. How the naming list works: The very first naming schemes in the late 1940s and early 1950s used a military phonetic alphabet for labeling storms. From 1953 to 1978, tropical systems in the Atlantic were only given female names chosen by U.S. forecasters. By the late 1960s, women's organizations spoke out against having exclusively female names attached to disasters, but it took about a decade for the policy to change. In 1979, the National Hurricane Center started naming Atlantic storms with the current system of six rotating lists containing 21 alternating male and female names. There are separate lists and names for hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific, and elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The Atlantic list includes English, Spanish and French names to reflect the languages that are most common across North America, Central America and the Caribbean islands. They are not named for individuals. There aren't any names assigned for the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z. Names starting with those letters are scarce, and they usually aren't necessary. The average Atlantic season has 12 named tropical storms, so many of the names toward the end of these lists have only been used once or twice in the last four decades. Most of the names starting with V and W haven't been needed at all. It's quite rare to have a hurricane season with more than 21 storms. In that case, storms are named after letters of the Greek alphabet. The first and only time that has happened was the extremely active 2005 season, when all 21 names were exhausted and Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Zeta were called into use. We'll never see another Hurricane Katrina, Andrew, Isabel or Harvey again, because names associated with high-impact storms are retired by a committee of the World Meteorological Organization during an annual spring meeting. Matthew and Otto were stricken because of the damage those hurricanes caused in the 2016 season, and will be replaced with Martin and Owen in 2022. After the devastating 2017 season, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate were discarded in favor of Harold, Idalia, Margot and Nigel. The worst storms of 2018, Florence and Michael, will never appear again either. In 2024, we'll see Francine and Milton on the list instead. Scroll down to see if your name is on the list, and when it might come up again. 2019 (Storm descriptions as of Sept. 9, 2019) Andrea - subtropical storm in May Barry - hurricane that struck Louisiana in July Chantal - tropical storm in August Dorian - formed in August, struck the Bahamas, the Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada in September Erin - tropical storm in August Fernand - tropical storm in September Gabrielle - tropical storm in September Humberto Imelda (replaces Ingrid from 2013) Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy 2020 Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gonzalo Hanna Isaias Josephine Kyle Laura Marco Nana Omar Paulette Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred 2021 Ana Bill Claudette Danny Elisa (replaces Erika from 2015) Fred Grace Henri Ida Julian (replaces Joaquin from 2015) Kate Larry Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter Rose Sam Teresa Victor Wanda 2022 Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl Fiona Gaston Hermine Ian Julia Karl Lisa Martin (replaces Matthew from 2016) Nicole Owen (replaces Otto from 2016) Paula Richard Shary Tobias Virginie Walter 2023 Arlene Bret Cindy Don Emily Franklin Gert Harold (replaces Harvey from 2017) Idalia (replaces Irma from 2017) Jose Katia Lee Margot (replaces Maria from 2017) Nigel (replaces Nate from 2017) Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney 2024 Alberto Beryl Chris Debby Ernesto Francine (replaces Florence from 2018) Gordon Helene Isaac Joyce Kirk Leslie Milton (replaces Michael from 2018) Nadine Oscar Patty Rafael Sara Tony Valerie William Retired names (in alphabetical order with the year they occurred) Agnes (1972) Alicia (1983) Allen (1980) Allison (2001) Andrew (1992) Anita (1977) Audrey (1957) Betsy (1965) Beulah (1967) Bob (1991) Camille (1969) Carla (1961) Carmen (1974) Carol (1954) Celia (1970) Cesar (1996) Charley (2004) Cleo (1964) Connie (1955) David (1979) Dean (2007) Dennis (2005) Diana (1990) Diane (1955) Donna (1960) Dora (1964) Edna (1954, but removed after another use in 1968) Elena (1985) Eloise (1975) Erika (2015) Fabian (2003) Felix (2007) Fifi (1974) Flora (1963) Florence (2018) Floyd (1999) Fran (1996) Frances (2004) Frederic (1979) Georges (1998) Gilbert (1988) Gloria (1985) Greta (1978) Gustav (2008) Harvey (2017) Hattie (1961) Hazel (1954) Hilda (1964) Hortense (1996) Hugo (1989) Igor (2010) Ike (2008) Inez (1966) Ingrid (2013) Ione (1955) Irene (2011) Iris (2001) Irma (2017) Isabel (2003) Isidore (2002) Ivan (2004) Janet (1955) Jeanne (2004) Joan (1988) Joaquin (2015) Juan (2003) Katrina (2005) Keith (2000) Klaus (1990) Lenny (1999) Lili (2002) Luis (1995) Maria (2017) Marilyn (1995) Matthew (2016) Michael (2018) Michelle (2001) Mitch (1998) Nate (2017) Noel (2007) Opal (1995) Otto (2016) Paloma (2008) Rita (2005) Roxanne (1995) Sandy (2012) Stan (2005) Tomas (2010) Wilma (2005) While the Armenian government talks about developing tourism, many of the countrys hidden natural wonders are threatened by official neglect and commercial abuse. Take Lake Gomk, in Armenias Vayots Dzor. Gevorg Gasparyan visited the lake on May 30 and found what can only be described as a dying body of water. Its no longer a beautiful lake. You can no longer access it. There are boulders strewn about. Some are in the lake, Gasparyan told Hetq. The Armenian government granted a company called Benson the right to use the lake to raise fish. The permit states that the company must not damage the lakes ecosystem. Armen Vardanyan, spokesman for Armenias environment ministry says he doesnt know if the company is fish farming in the lake. Hes waiting for a report from local environmental inspectors now on site. Benson company owner Karen Aslanyan told Hetq that the lakes surface hasnt decreased by one millimeter and that all reports to the contrary are lies. Environmentalists went up to the lake today and were convinced. Im engaged in fish farming. Why would I want the lake to dry up? says Aslanyan, adding that hes raising trout in the lake. As for the boulders and debris spotted by Gasparyan, Aslanyan says theyre in an area outside the lake which collapsed. The boulders were installed to prevent further erosion, he claims. Top photo: Lake Gomk (2013) Photos: Gevorg Gasparyan A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Lets go back several weeks and examine a recent flap involving the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. It concerns some permits for two hugely controversial natural gas pipelines, which would begin in West Virginia and stretch hundreds of miles across most of the commonwealth. One, which would pass through the Roanoke region, is the Mountain Valley Pipeline, sought by EQT Corp., NextEra Energy and some other partners. The other, north of Roanoke, is the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Dominion, Virginias dominant electric utility, is the outfit seeking that one. Both projects will cross hundreds of streams and wetlands. That requires plans to minimize damage to those waterways. Which brings us to two permit options DEQ has to certify that streams and wetlands will be protected. One is a general Virginia Water Protection permit that merely calls for basic environmental protections. The second individual certification looks at each wetland, stream crossing, etc., separately, to determine specific requirements. Early in April, a DEQ spokesman unambiguously and in writing told my colleague Duncan Adams that the agency would require individual certification for crossings by both pipelines. It was big news. Pipeline opponents hailed the decision. Individual certification is the most stringent and transparent level of environmental scrutiny. It also poses the most hassle for the pipeline builders. Last week, Adams posed further questions about the permitting process, and thats when DEQ flipped like a tiddlywink. The agency said it would not require individual certification of stream crossings. Rather, regulators will go with a general permit. That presents less hassle for pipeline companies. What gives? DEQ blamed a miscommunication between the agencys technical staff and public affairs office. But DEQs answer as to why it waited more than six weeks to correct the record was feeble at best. Golly, if Adams hadnt asked the question, all of us still might be in the dark. Miscommunication is nothing new. It happens even to top professionals. For example, consider the many and varied justifications offered by White House staffers and President Donald Trump for the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Their explanations and his directly contradicted each other. If screw-ups like that can happen in the White House, its quite plausible an innocent miscommunication about the water permits could have happened at DEQ. And nobody at the agency noticed multiple 100-percent wrong media reports about water-quality permits for the stream crossings. On the other hand, its not the only possible explanation for what transpired. Theres another one thats a bit more cynical: Under pressure by a political heavyweight, someone at DEQ changed the type of permit that would be required. Last week, James Golden, DEQs director of operations, specifically dismissed such a notion. But for kicks, lets sketch out a speculative scenario about how that could have occurred. Just suppose someone at Dominion was perusing newspapers back in April and was stunned to read that DEQ would require an individual certification process for each stream crossed by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. And that after the individual picked up his or her eyeballs from the floor, he or she grabbed a phone. Suppose they called someone in the Dominion-friendly, pipeline-friendly administration of Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Imagine how that conversation could have gone. Are you friggin kidding me? Holy mother of hydrocarbons! We have to do water-quality certification on every pissant stream that pipeline will cross? Do you know how many crossings there are? Do you realize almost every other puddle in Virginia is considered a wetland? Do you understand the implications? Are you out of your mind? Do you know that last year in New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation denied certification for a pipeline under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and that was two years after FERC approved the thing? And by the way, do you know how much money Dominion gives politicians in Richmond? No other company comes even close, buster! Mind you, the conversation most likely didnt go like that. But people are wondering what exactly is going on. In an interview with Adams, pipeline foe Rick Webb of the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition questioned whether the utility wants the public to understand the impact of the project before it wins approval. A Dominion spokesman declined to comment on Webbs remarks. Dominion is the company that in 2015 persuaded Virginia lawmakers to stop the State Corporation Commission from ordering refunds to overcharged electric customers. One SCC commissioner opined that it could cost ratepayers more than $1 billion they otherwise would have been paid. That was a nice windfall for the company. Theres such deep suspicion of Dominions influence in Richmond that state Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax, said hes going to sponsor a 2018 bill outlawing campaign contributions from regulated public utilities. Thats targeted at Dominion. In the meantime, other General Assembly candidates are pledging on the stump that they wont accept political donations from the utility. Theyve turned it into a campaign issue to hint theyre not bought and paid for. And so it seems at least possible that Dominions influence played a role in DEQs miscommunication. Or, maybe it was all just a simple error, like the agency said. Which do you believe is more likely? RICHMOND Richmond police officer Chris Duane said he was literally and physically shoulder-to-shoulder with Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael Walter when they approached a car occupied by two men Friday night in Mosby Court. Within moments, a shot rang out that took Mikes life, Duane told several hundred people who gathered to honor Walters memory in a vigil outside the state police academy in Chesterfield County. And I know the only reason Im here right now being able to talk to you guys is because Mike was the one who took the shot not me. So literally his last act on earth ... was selflessness, and it was the essence of everything that was him, and the essence of everything hes done in service, Duane said in his first public remarks since Walter, 45, was fatally shot while conducting a joint investigative and patrol operation with Duane in the public housing community in Richmonds East End. Police said Walter was felled by a single shot when Walter and Duane walked up to the car to initiate a conversation in the 1900 block of Redd Street. The car drew their attention because it was parked on the wrong side of street. Travis A. Ball, 27, who police identified as a passenger in the car and was captured at a home in Northumberland County on Saturday, was arrested on a charge of malicious wounding, as well as firearm counts. State police have said other charges are pending. In an unexpected appearance Wednesday night, and to the surprise of those on hand, Duane was invited by Col. Steven Flaherty, superintendent of state police, to deliver a few comments. I dont think theres anything I can say about Mike that hasnt been said over and over and over, Duane said of the Marine Corps veteran, father of three and mentor of youth who founded a nonprofit wrestling organization for disadvantaged kids in Powhatan County. And that illustrates just what kind of guy he was and how much he meant to the law enforcement community and the Powhatan community and, most of all, to his family. Today is World Milk Day. Launched in 2001 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, its intent is to recognize milk as a global food. Dairy farmers, children, allied industry professionals, and our dairy publication staff are all raising a glass of milk to celebrate this special day. Regardless if it is whole, low-fat, skim, or flavored, an ice-cold glass of milk quenches a thirst. Just this past weekend Takuma Sato drank two-percent milk to celebrate his victory in the Indianapolis 500 Race. World Milk Day kicks off June Dairy Month promotions and coincides with Dairy Management Incs recent release of the Undeniably Dairy campaign. This DMI program promotes all dairy products and the joy they bring to people. Its a theme that we can endorse and certainly support. Read more about this national promotion in the recent blog, Undeniably Dairy. Share an image of that glass of milk and your healthy smile today. Dont forget to tag it #WorldMilkDay and #UndeniablyDairy on your social media channels. Cheers! Learn more about World Milk Days international exposure visit www.worldmilkday2017.com and check out the United Nations webpage with events and history. The author is the online media manager and is responsible for the website, webinars, and social media. A graduate of Modesto Junior College and Fresno State, she was raised on a California dairy and frequently blogs on youth programs and consumer issues. An error occurred while processing your request. The page you are looking for on this website is unavailable, has moved, or does not exist. Please visit collinsaerospace.com to find the product or service you are looking for. Multiple crews are responding. At least hree medical helicopter flights were sent to the scene. There are several injuries officials have not released the exact number. The incident has been classified as a mass casualty incident. It was unclear how many workers were inside the plant at the time of the explosion. The American Red Cross is on scene assisting victims. Experts appreciated that there is no danger to the public at this time, and no need for evacuation. Didion Milling President Riley Didion said We are praying for our team. Theres a lot we dont know right now. Our prayers are with everyone. Numerous fire crews raced to the scene. Officials did not released any additional information, but did say there would be a news briefing sometime Thursday. RTA Officials from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), along with community leaders, broke ground on a new $7.5-million station. The new station will be built on the same site of the current station at 2820 East 34th St. Called Campus Station due to its location nea the Tri-C Metro Campus, the station will serve the red, green and blue train lines as well as bus routes 15, 19 and 76. Panzica Construction was awarded a $6 million contract for the project in April. In addition to Panzica, 12 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises will share 15 percent of the work, totaling about $902,259. When completed in late 2018, RTA says the Campus Station will be ADA-compliant. It is expected to be a major boost to the Campus District and the Opportunity Corridor. Instead of escalators and elevators, the new station will feature an extended-ramp design. Factory Purchasing Managers' survey data from the UK is due on Thursday, headlining a busy day for the European economic news. At 1.45 am ET, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs is slated to issue Switzerland's GDP data. The is forecast to grow 0.5 percent sequentially in the first quarter. At 2.00 am ET, UK Nationwide house prices are due. Economists forecast house prices to rise 2.4 percent year-on-year in May following a 2.6 percent rise in April. In the meantime, Finland's GDP data is due. Gross domestic product is forecast to grow 1 percent sequentially in the first quarter. At 3.00 am ET, PMI reports are due from Norway, Hungary and Poland. Also, Hungarian Central Statistical Office releases final foreign trade data. At 3.15 am ET, the Federal Statistical Office publishes retail sales for April. Sales had increased 2.1 percent in March. At 3.45 am ET, Italy's PMI data is due. The factory PMI is seen at 56.0 in May versus 56.2 in April. Thereafter final PMI reports are due from France and Germany. At 4.00 am ET, IHS Markit releases Eurozone final PMI data. The score is expected to match the flash estimate of 57.0 in May. At 4.30 am ET, the UK CIPS/Markit manufacturing PMI is due. The index is forecast to fall to 56.5 in May from 57.3 in April. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Commodity currencies such as the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars weakened against their major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday, after data showed that the manufacturing sector in China swung to contraction in May. Data from Caixin showed that the manufacturing sector in China swung to contraction in May with a manufacturing PMI score of 49.6. That missed forecasts for a score of 50.1 and was down from 50.3 in April. In other economic news, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the new capital expenditure in Australia was up a seasonally adjusted 0.3 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, coming in at A$27.969 billion. That missed expectations for a gain of 0.5 percent following the 2.1 percent contraction in the three months prior. Also, the total value of retail sales in Australia was up a seasonally adjusted 1.0 percent on month in April, coming in at A$25.891 billion. That beat forecasts for an increase of 0.3 percent following the upwardly revised 0.2 percent contraction in March. Data from the Australian Industry Group showed that the Australian manufacturing sector continued to expand in May, although at a slower pace, with a Performance of Manufacturing Index score of 54.8. That's down sharply from 59.2 in April. Data from Statistics New Zealand showed that New Zealand's terms of trade surged 5.1 percent on quarter in the first three months of 2017, marking the highest reading since 1973. The headline figure beat forecasts for an increase of 3.9 percent following the 5.7 percent gain in the three months prior. Export prices for goods rose 8.0 percent, and import prices for goods rose 2.7 percent. Data from the Quotable Value showed that house prices in New Zealand increased further in May, though at the slowest pace in two years. Residential property prices climbed 9.7 percent year-over-year in May, slower than the 11.1 percent spike in April. Meanwhile, investors are cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump said he will announce on Thursday his decision on whether the U.S. will pull out of the historic Paris climate accord. Crude oil futures tumbled Wednesday amid renewed doubts over OPEC's supply quota plan. In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar fell to a 2-week low of 81.91 against the yen and nearly a 1-year low of 1.5227 against the euro, from yesterday's closing quotes of 82.29 and 1.5128, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 80.00 against the yen and 1.53 against the euro. Against the U.S., the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the aussie dropped to more than a 2-week low of 0.7385, nearly a 4-month low of 1.0447 and nearly a 2-month low of 0.9975 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7429, 1.0488 and 1.0032, respectively. The aussie may test support near 0.72 against the greenback, 1.03 against the kiwi and 0.98 against the loonie. The NZ dollar fell to a 6-day low of 1.5930 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.5876. The kiwi may test support near the 1.62 region. Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the kiwi dropped to 2-day lows of 0.7062 and 78.30 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7082 and 78.43, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 0.69 against the greenback and 76.00 against the yen. The Canadian dollar fell to 1.3510 against the U.S. dollar and 82.10 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.3498 and 82.01, respectively. If the loonie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.37 against the greenback and 80.00 against the yen. Against the euro, the loonie edged down to 1.5191 from yesterday's closing value of 1.5177. On the downside, 1.53 is seen as the next support level for the loonie. Looking ahead, PMI reports from major European economies for May and Swiss retail sales data for April are due to be released later in the day. At 5:45 am ET, member of the Supervisory Board (ECB representative) Pentti Hakkarainen is scheduled to participate at the CIRSF annual international conference in Portugal, Lisbon. In the New York session, Canada and U.S. manufacturing PMI for May, U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended May 27, U.S. ADP private sector jobs data for May, U.S. construction spending for April and U.S. crude oil inventories data are slated for release. At 8:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Board Governor Jerome Powell is expected to speak on Normalization of Monetary Policy to the Economic Club of New York. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Deere & Company (DE) announced a definitive agreement to acquire the Wirtgen Group, a privately-held manufacturer of road construction equipment. The purchase price for the equity is 4.357 billion euros in an all-cash transaction. The total transaction value is approximately 4.6 billion euros, including the assumption of net debt and other consideration. Deere & Company expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings per share and currently expects to fund the acquisition from a combination of cash and new equipment operations debt financing. Headquartered in Germany, the Wirtgen Group has five premium brands across the entire road construction sector spanning milling, processing, mixing, paving, compaction and rehabilitation. The Wirtgen Group has a global footprint with approximately 8,000 employees and sells products in more than 100 countries through a large network of company-owned and independent dealers. The Wirtgen Group had sales of 2.6 billion euros in the year ending December 31, 2016. The companies expect to close the transaction in the first quarter of Deere's 2018 fiscal year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Butch Vig appeared at Coney Island Studios in Madison on Wednesday afternoon to promote the upcoming Between the Waves music conference and festival in Madison. By SA Commercial Prop News From left to right: Peter Levett, Managing Director Old Mutual Property, Mark Johnston, Managing Director Murray and Roberts (Western Cape), Stephan Claassen, Provincial Chairman FNB Western Cape The principal building contract for what will be Cape Towns tallest CBD building, the Portside co-development by FirstRand Bank and Mutual, has been awarded to Murray and Roberts. Representatives of FirstRand and Old Mutual Property signed the agreement appointing Murray and Roberts for the R1,6 billion project in Cape Town on 13 February 2012. FirstRand CEO, Sizwe Nxasana, says Portside is an extension of the groups commitment to investing in the development of Cape Town and the region, providing sustainable economic stimulus and creating much-needed jobs. In terms of a co-development and ownership agreement concluded last year, half the landmark tower, with 32 floors, will house the provincial headquarters for the three divisions of FirstRand Bank - FNB, RMB and Wesbank. The remaining 25 000m of AAA premium grade office space will be available for leasing through Old Mutual Property from the first quarter of 2014. Occupying the city block between Buitengracht, Hans Strijdom, Bree and Mechau streets, in the emerging financial district on the Foreshore, Portside will also have 1 200m of banking and retail area with easy access from all sides on the ground level. Peter Levett, Managing Director of Old Mutual Property, says Portside illustrates the long term nature of property investment. The site assembly by Old Mutual Property took place in two transactions nearly 20 years apart. First the Brian Porter property in Bree Street was bought on a sale and leaseback basis in the mid 80s and then the balance of the block from the City of Cape Town in 2007. Levett says the visual, environmental and social impact of Portside was key to the design process. The design had to provide Old Mutual and FirstRand with two distinct business addresses in the city. Moreover, the location in a central city urban conservation area meant the design needed to be highly sensitive to the historical and environmental character of its surroundings. Designed jointly by DHK and Louis Karol Architects, Portside will capitalise on views of Table Mountain and the bay. All floors have spectacular all round views as the tower sits on top of a parking podium for 1 450 cars. The project team plans to submit the building for formal green star rating to the Green Building Council of South Africa, says Stephan Claassen, Provincial Chairman FNB Western Cape. We intend making Portside a benchmark of environmental sustainability in terms of both construction and building management processes, and have worked closely with the architects to ensure that it serves to raise the standards of green design, indoor environmental quality, and the reduction of energy, water consumption, waste production and management production and negative carbon emissions for tall buildings. By SA Commercial Prop News The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Langa Sun Resorts Hotel to build three new hotels in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg at a total cost of R1.5 billion. The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) has adopted two major projects that are set to revolutionise the livelihoods of its members and industry. The alliance, which represents an estimated 60,000-70,00O taxi operators in SA, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Langa Sun Resorts Hotel to build three new hotels in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg at a total cost of R1.5 billion. Taxi operators will, through their trust fund, own 90% of the new hotels, while the Langa chief executive Mandla Nxumalo will keep the balance. NTA general secretary Alpheus Mlalazi said the capital would be raised from its structures over the 28-month period. Construction on the Durban hotel is scheduled around February next year. "We want to acquire assets that we would use as collateral where ever we borrow money for the benefit of the members. Secondly, members will benefit directly from the hotel operations," he said. In another development, NTA has adopted a franchising model, which seeks to turn around most people's image of the taxi industry. "[Taxi] operators are unable to maintain their vehicles properly because of affordability problems. These include things such as high cost fuel, tyres and spare parts. We want to ring fence all those through a franchise that would be owned by the taxi industry. NTA taxi operators and affiliates will own the bulk of the franchise at 85% and 10%, respectively, while 5% will go to potential investors. The alliance also blasted Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele, calling for his resignation over alleged incompetence. "The industry, which transports between 65% and 70% of the commuting public in the country, remains unsubsidised, whereas other modes of transport are," Mlalazi said. He added that the taxi registration process, which sought to eliminate turf wars along routes, had now stalled. By SA Commercial Prop News The South African listed property sector has started to experience tougher conditions especially weaker economic growth, says Ortneil Kutama, SA Commercial Prop News Media Director. Its getting harder for listed property companies to repeat their former successes in the current South African landscape, according to Ortneil Kutama, SA Commercial Prop News Media Director. The South African listed property sector has started to experience tougher conditions especially weaker economic growth. The South African economy is expected to grow at most 1% this year. Retail sales are weak and some malls are set to struggle. The large super regionals may be able to manage difficult economic conditions and an underspending consumer but many malls and convenience centres are under pressure. A number of Property Funds have released results so far and while they may have generally met market expectations, the results have not been strong. Stanlibs head of listed property funds, Keillen Ndlovu says he expects dividend pay-outs to ease which has already begun. ALSO READ: Industrial Sector the top performer in SA Property Market So far companies like Redefine Properties and Dipula Income Fund have achieved steady but not necessarily staggering income pay-out growth. Double digit growth is something of the past. Stanlibs listed property team expects average income growth to be about 7.5% for 2017 overall. Nevertheless, the likes of Equites Property Fund have impressed with its 14% dividend growth in its recent financial results. This is a specialised industrial property fund which has benefitted from owning assets in SA and the UK with blue chip tenants signed to long term leases. Fayyaz Mottiar, the head of listed property at Absa Asset Management says investing well in property stocks in 2017 requires very careful stock picking. This is as opposed to buying the actual South African Listed Property Index (Sapy). The Sapy has struggled so far this year. ALSO READ: SA Listed Property Growth Has Taken a Dive Catalyst Fund Managers say that the Sapy has achieved a 1.88% return in the first four months of 2017. Meanwhile equities achieved a return of 7.56%. Cash also outdid listed property, managing a 2.44%. Bonds achieved a 3.94% return. Investors need to pick stocks that are focussed on a market with a strong presence on the ground and who understand their markets. Many of the stocks which are set to soar may be offshore based. This is because SAs economy is currently fundamentally weak. The rand remains volatile and weak and investors may be better suited to funds which can bring them euro or us dollar returns, even if these returns are around 1% and 2%. Investec Australia Property Fund (IAPF) also offers an interesting proposition, paying returns in Australian dollars. IAPF has been a consistent performer since listing on the JSE about three-and-a-half years ago, benefiting from the Investec groups asset management structures in the country. IAPF grew its dividends 6.2% in Australian dollars during its financial year to March, according to its latest financial results. "The funds performance is driven by the successful implementation of the strategy of acquiring properties with strong underlying fundamentals while also identifying opportunities to enhance yield and add value through active asset management," CEO Graeme Katz says. Katz believes it is difficult to replicate IAPFs success. "The fund has built a valuable platform that would be very difficult to replicate given the continued flow of offshore capital into Australia and the current levels of direct asset pricing," he says. Ron Klipin of Cratos Wealth agrees that IAPF is an exciting investment prospect. He says the company is expanding in the best growing parts of Australia. Investec Property Fund itself (IPF) seems to be set for a better future than its recent past now that it has bedded down major acquisitions that were made in the past two years. The company announced a final dividend of 66.74c per share for the six months ended March, taking the full-year dividend to 127.65c per share. This represented full-year growth of 2.4% in its dividend payout for the year to March, slightly ahead of expectations. In difficult economic times for SA, it appears that focussed, reliable dividend payers stand out in SA. Also, property companies with a strong focus on one market abroad and scale are set to shine more than the funds which are trying to make their mark in too many geographies without strong enough teams on the ground, concludes Kutama. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Salina Veterans Day Parade planned for this weekend Interim Healthcare and Hospice, a home health and hospice provider in Salina, has organized a Veterans Day parade for this weekend. Republican lawmakers in the state Assembly and Senate are circulating a bill that would extend the opening hours of wineries in Wisconsin. The bill would extend winery hours from 9 p.m. until midnight "in order to further facilitate the ability of wineries to hold events such as a wedding," according to the proposal. The bill would still allow local governments to restrict wineries' closing hours by ordinance. Dear Editor, I find it very disturbing to hear your hospital management just now found out about this after 19 years. Wow. Its a very concerning situation. Ive read on this newspaper that a lot of our people went to college and came out as doctors after four years of studies with a decree in medicine; to me you just went thru pre-med. You then have to go through another 4 to 6 years to study to be a doctor. On the top of that, intern for another 2 to 3 years at a hospital before you become a real DOCTOR. Maybe I am wrong so correct me if I am please but thats my understanding on how to become a doctor. I am not a doctor but Im surrounded by people in the medical profession. As for this Chinese doctor, well you have to research his background, education and former employer. Well, at least you took care of the problem before it gets worst. Have a good day Samoa. Galuega The memoirs of Tuilaepa Neoti Fatialofa Auelua Lupesolai Galumalemana Lolofie Aiono Dr. Sailele Malieleagoi was officially launched yesterday. The book fittingly called Palemia is now available from Samoa Stationery And Books outlets in Samoa and overseas. Held at Taumeasina Island Resort, the launch was well attended by government officials, guests and his family. The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and the Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese, were present. The book tells how a boy from an isolated village grew up to become the Prime Minister of Samoa. It follows his journey from Lepa to Apia, Wellington, Brussels, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, London, New York and many other international destinations, always returning to Lepa and the FaaSamoa that shaped him. The Books co-Author, Dr. Peter Swain, helped compile the memoirs. He said his time with Prime Minister Tuilaepa has taught him so much about Samoa. Samoas culture is oral, however we have attempted to capture on paper Tuilaepas voice as he tells his story. Dr. Swain said Tuilaepa recalled his fathers advice on becoming a matai (chief). At the end of the sofai, when it was just me and my dad, Malielegaoi Veni he said to me now that you are a matai, listen to me very carefully son, you must learn the full elements that makes a chief a chief. You should first of all learn to joke. Learn to joke and engage in humor, debate and exchange. If you are able to do that, you will become the most influential speaker in the house of Chiefs, because you will entertain. According to Dr. Swain, the second part is being able to learn how to deliver a suitable Samoan speech, Samoan style. The third part of being a Samoan chief is to know the genealogy, the gafa, between your village and other villages. In that way you have weapon with you that you can use to silence any opposing speaker. Dr. Swain said throughout his long career, Tuilaepa followed his fathers advice. He said when reading the Palemia, it is clear that Tuilaepa has been very mindful of maintaining his political base through his tautua and by connecting and balancing the affairs of the state with the affairs of his village, taking the people with him. Maintaining this balance, has kept him grounded in the faasamoa and connected to his community ensuring that his decision making and leadership remains relevant to village life. Publisher Fergus Barrowman of Victoria University Press said the decision to print the Palemia was an easy one. I found it absolutely riveting reading of a great story and the wonderful generous and enlightening account of recent Samoan culture and politics. According to Barrowman when the book was given to higher officials for review and approval, the initial response was that it would take some time. That was not the case, it took a couple of days and Barrowman was told to publish the memoir. So the publishing has been very easy especially with the assistance of Peter Swain who is the editor and co-writer of this book. He has shown a wonderful understanding of how to serve the voice of the narrative and how to put Tuilaepa first and to bring forth his wonderful personal story and the strong vibrant voice. The memoir was reviewed by Tuiloma Neroni Slade. This is a book of anticipation, a book of events, events of defining consequence in the light of Samoa, he said. For some, perhaps even a book of revelation, but this memoir is a political state craft in the moment of supremacy and it is a proclamation on deeds and achievements. He said the book has the Prime Ministers personal account, and viewing of the causes of the event of momentous of political significance shaping the direction and the management of the modern development of the country. In the past few days, the Samoa Observer has carried a broad outline of the memoir and from it, I think general indication has been given of what the reader might expect. The realities of nation building under a largely untested constitution, the shifts and turns in political leadership, party politics, opposition politics, the maneuvering and the intrigues. The personalities of note, political assassination, the public servants strike seen as a defying moment, the national economy at its modernization, the response to critics, natural disasters, multitude of challenges and the accomplishments. There is much here [book] that will generate interest and fascination and perhaps for some, fortitude in reading of matters past or matters which might have been left in the past. Tuiloma also made it clear that he was not giving a sales speech and refrained from touching the specifics of details. What we have in this memoir are the insides and the reflections of a man who has been at the very center of policy making and governance for an extended period of time. The perspectives are idiosyncratic and offered from a range of elevated vantage points as member of parliament since 1981; having lead a senior government bureaucrat for a number of years, view points from the position of senior government posting. The first from 1982 following his long years of tutelage under the honorable Tofilau Efi the political grand master that we all know. and the personal reading of all this, as the prime minister since 1989. There is much in this treasury of intimate engagement first hand knowledge and experience from which to draw. Tuilaepa thanked Dr. Swain for his work. Dr. Peter Swain saw me on a courtesy visit and in the course of our conversation, he casually suggested that it would be a great idea to write a memoir of my leadership experiences for posterity and that he would help do it. My initial reaction was one of uncertainty. Memoirs are usually written at a time when most of the characters involved are either dead or have lost their memory. As you will find out, many of characters in the book, are still very much alive, very active and still kicking. He said he eventually gave the go ahead, but I was still unsure whether Peter will honor his commitment as three other candidates have made similar bids before Peter but have never seen me again. Without Peter we would never have a launch this morning. He said in the complex world of Samoan politics, many inspiring politicians have often seen him for advice about their future potential careers in politics. One I can recall told me that he was farmer and he was married, and his wife and three young children were living in New Zealand. He has decided to come back to Samoa to pursue his luck at the next general election, where he would stand as a candidate from his village. My advice for him was to go back to New Zealand and take care of his wife and his kids. I told him, when your children are grown up, and have completed their education and you are near 70 years old, then you can afford to be irresponsible and stupid and come back and run for politics. The book was sold at the launching for $70. S.S.A.B organised the event. A Good Samaritan who wishes not to be named has offered Simati money to help his family. Last week Simati featured in the Village Voice in desperate need of help. See story Father desperate for help He had sold Taula bottles for $7 and used it to buy two loaves of bread and spent three tala on sugar. Simati and his wife earn 35 tala a week maintaining a businessmans land at Vaitele. In order to try and get by each day, I walk around and gather Taula and Taxi bottles to earn a little money. The father had said they were desperate for help. Not only do we hardly have any money, my wife has special needs, he said. Right now, she is very hard to care for and look after. We also need money for her appointments and medical bills. The worst part is none of his four children are currently going to school. We cant afford that right now and I dont know when we will. We might have to wait until I get a job that pays well then save before we put them into school. This is why I really need help, he said. This touched the anonymous helpers heart and he presented the 200 tala cheque. This family deserves to be helped, he said. This money is nothing but to at least buy the kids something nice to eat. When presented with the cheque Simati was not only thankful but a very happy father. I do not know who this man is and perhaps we will never meet on this side of heaven, he said. But as a parent who needs help, I want to say, Thank you to this man and to all of the wonderful people who are like him. It warms my heart that our family is loved and that this upstanding man is helping a very vulnerable poor family. Honestly this is the first time Ive held an amount of money as big as this. Thank you is not enough for the help we have received. And with that cheque, the first thing Simati said he was going to buy was a sack of rice for his children. They have been telling me that they were tired of eating only taro and bananas every day, so thank you again for your help. Simati will also be presented with some food and clothes for the kids from other good Samaritans who have contacted the Samoa Observer. Its official. The government has ceded the administration of Samoa College to the Samoa College Old Pupils Association (S.C.O.P.A). The transfer took place yesterday during a ceremony held at the schools all attended by past and present students of the school. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was present. He congratulated the Association for their vision and the drive to persevere with it. The Chairman of S.C.O.P.A, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, said that while the handover was a proud moment, he acknowledges that the road ahead will not be easy. Its not that easy, he said. We all know that there are challenges along the way but we can not accomplish anything if we dont work together. When everybody performs their role, success will be achieved, he said. I honestly believe where there is unity there is strength. Samoa College was officially opened on 2nd October 1953 by Charles E Beeby, the New Zealand Minister of Education, at the time. Back in the days Samoa College considered the main college in the country. The early college and curriculum was modelled on secondary schools in New Zealand, reflecting the countrys colonial history. The college was officially opened Samoas education system is historically associated with New Zealand. Prior to the official opening of Samoa College, a system of Accelerated learning was developed in 1949 for selected pupils with top marks in exams from around the country. These pupils would make up the core of the new college. The accelerated pupils went to school at a fale in Malifa near the capital Apia and later moved to the new school once it was opened. Former students include writer Albert Wendt who became the school principal during 1969 - 1973. His tenure saw the broadening of the curriculum to include arts subjects. Since Samoa College opened its gates fifty years ago, more than 10,000 students have passed through them into the world, empowered with the Knowledge to Serve, according to the school motto. Reverend Siolo Tauati led the service in prayer. The formalities were followed by a small celebration. The Lions Club of Apia has welcomed its newest member. They were inducted on Tuesday night at Rokos Restaurant, the official meeting place of the club each month. The new members are Mark Schreckenberg, Moana Schreckenberg, Taualai Fonoti, Timoci Naivukedrau, Moeysha Sua and Jenny Baker Laban. The Lions Club International is the worlds largest and most active Charity Club in the world and celebrates 100 years this year with over 1.4 million members in in 210 countries. Its mission statement is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Their vision statement is to be the global leader in community and humanitarian service. The Apia Lions Club currently is in its 53rd year of service with 28 members. Current projects are for suicide awareness programmes and promoting smoke-free initiatives. For more information about our club or you are interested to join, please email [email protected] or call 7772252. Or you can visit www.lionsclubs.org So there you have it. Another glorious celebration is done and dusted. Yesterday arrived quickly and like a breeze, we sit here today with nothing but plenty of photos on our smart phones and memories to share. Everyone will have their stories to tell. From the young ones to the oldest of them all, this nation celebrated her 55th Independence Day with much pride, plenty of passion and the fanfare we are used to seeing on days like this. Looking at what unfolded in front of the government building, what a marvelous occasion it was. Dare I say that apart from the fact Mulinuu is the historical home of the independence, having it on Beach Road in front of the government building makes perfect sense. Something that should perhaps be considered in moving forward. With the thousands of people in attendance, there was one thing that cannot be denied. We are a nationalistic lot. Yes we may have different views, beliefs and we might disagree on a few issues now and then but when it comes to matters that are close to the heart, such as the celebration of our ancestors fight to gain independence, we all share the same passion, vigour and pride. Indeed, such showing of pride in ourselves; culture and country was strongly evident. At the crack of dawn, thousands had gathered to take their place in the highlight of all independence celebrations, the march past. The marchers ranged from babies, children to seniors many of them having made the trip there at 5am. Decked out in their different colours, they represented Samoa of the past, today and what this country would look like in the future. For many people, it was a wonderful opportunity to reacquaint with old friends and believe it or not some family members. For some, it was an opportunity to fly the flag once more for their old school or a group they once belonged with pride. But the celebration was not confined to Beach Road. There were mini celebrations right across the country with reunions of sorts organised here and there. Families gathered, church groups united and so forth. Whats most wonderful about these celebrations is that they are held in such remarkably peaceful conditions. While countries near and far are torn asunder by strife and wars, there is absolutely no doubt that here in Samoa there is much to celebrate. We say this because with all our problems, as a nation we have come a long way. Indeed despite our faults, we still enjoy a very peaceful existence, something many people around the world can only dream of. Which is why we should be deeply grateful every day we wake up to smell the fresh flowers and the aroma of life and every time we get to celebrate independence. We shouldnt take it for granted. Indeed, there is plenty of life in Samoa for us to enjoy. Not only have we such beautiful and tranquil environment to enjoy, our survival does not need to depend on anyone else. I guess you can say our destiny is in our own hands. We are not only blessed to live on such fertile soil, we enjoy a peaceful country relatively sheltered from bloody wars, strife and troubles of our neighbours near and far. Whats more, our culture of respect, love, va fealoai, and our Christian values provide the pillars upon which we stand as a nation. They are unique and they set us apart from the rest of the world. When it comes to education, we can hold our own against the rest of the world. More and more Samoans have graduated from tertiary institutions all over the world with some of the most prestigious qualifications in the world. And we dont need to tell you about our sporting achievements. They are written everywhere for the world to see. These are things to be proud of. Speaking of sporting achievements, Samoa is tonight hosting a first in terms of rugby. Not only that it is the first Super rugby game on these shores, it will also be the first match to be played under the lights when it kicks off at 8.30. The Auckland Blues and Queensland Reds clash has added another dimension to this years celebration. The fact that so many of the players with Samoan connections are taking the park tonight is exciting and should make for a very interesting game. A number of these players are All Blacks, Wallabies and Manu Samoa stars. It doesnt get any bigger than this for Samoa. While many more quality players especially from the Blues are being rested for the Lions, tonights match up should be a cracker and well worth a trip to the Apia Park. Historically, the Blues should have the home advantage given Samoas long association with the Auckland team and the players involved. But dont bank too much on that. The Reds have been in Samoa for a week and their willingness to engage with locals and visit schools have won them many new fans who will likely to change their colours for tonight. Still, whatever colour you prefer, we know one thing for sure. It doesnt get any better than sitting at Apia Park and watching all those players like Quade Cooper whom most of us would love to hate run out and play before us. What a way to continue our Independence celebrations, we can hardly wait! The first independence celebration in front of the government building at Matagialalua received a pass mark yesterday from thousands in attendance. Not only that the location made sense logistically, it was on time and it was not like some celebrations of the past, which took forever. The commemoration of Samoas 55th Flag Day was a glorious occasion celebrated under equally magnificent conditions. The sun shone brightly as Samoans of all ages and from different walks of lives congregate for the occasion. Many of them including young students had gathered on Beach Road as early as 4am to line up for the parade. By day break, the street was a cocktail of different colours. It was a sight to behold. In front of the government building, the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, embraced the occasion. Today is Independence Day, he said. Today we have come together to remember our forbears who fought so hard to reclaim our Independence. His Highness Tui Atua, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi welcomed the distinguished guests prior to the actual ceremony. Among them was New Zealands Prime Minister, Bill English, his wife Dr. Mary English, the Ulu Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Siopili Perez and Taase Perez; American Samoa Governor, Lolo Matalasi and First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga, and diplomatic corps. The raising of the flag was carried out by the Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II. A 21-gun salute was performed by the firing of cannons. During his special address, His Highness Tui Atua referred to the custom of our forbears that when a special moment was forthcoming, they would revert to modes of prayer, fasting and dream dialogues for insight. I want to share with you the insights and perspectives gained through my prayers, fasting and dream dialogues in preparation for today, he said. We come together to remember their dreams and hopes, and to reflect on how far we have come. If we were to ask, why did they seek to reclaim our Independence? The short answer would be: Because Independence is our tofi. Tofi refers to our inheritance and heritage. It speaks about identity and self-hood. Tofi literally means to apportion. It is connected to the concepts matafaioi and faamatafai, which refer to a responsibility for using a portion or portions of land specifically for planting and harvesting food crops. These terms recognise that land is a key part of our tofi and using it wisely is hard work (read His Highness Tui Atuas address in full). The Wisconsin Tavern League, Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association and the Wisconsin Wine and Spirits Institute are proposing to narrow the law that regulates taverns, wineries and distilleries and create Office of Alcohol Beverages Enforcement to crack down on wineries and craft brewers who may violate the terms of their license, according to a draft of the plan obtained by the Cap Times Thursday. A draft of the plan was given to the Cap Times by Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin which says it got it from legislative staff. The Samoan national womens football team think the extra time they have spent in New Caledonia will put them in good shape for the OFC Nations Cup. Their campaign begins today at 11am Samoan time, when they take on reigning Pacific Games champions Papua New Guinea at Stade Yoshida, Kone. Coach Nicola Demaine said the Samoan team were first to arrive. Weve had three trainings now, and the most time to get used to the conditions. The girls have had plenty of time together too, the travel has been good for bonding. Demaine said the focus has mostly been internal, but they have also previewed the particular challenges Papua New Guinea will bring. They had a warm up game while we were travelling, and I recognise a few names in the team. The intensity of how they play, It will definitely be tough but its also a big opportunity. Traditionally at these tournaments all the island teams just improve as they go through it, so well catch them before that. New cap and vice-captain Matalena Daniells is nervous but excited ahead of the match. Ive played Under-20s before, so have played with a couple of the girls from that. Daniells grew up in Australia and plays for the Moreton Bay club in Queensland. Despite being born there she is eligible to play for Samoa through her mother Daniells joined the national team for their camp in Samoa last week, meeting most of her teammates for the first time. Theyre all so easy to get along with, its been great. We are really gelling together, training has been pretty good Daniells takes her leadership role in the team seriously. As vice-captain its my job to lead by example. A right back for her club side, Demaine said her qualities are needed by the national team in midfield. We dont use the term defensive midfielder. Its a responsibility for one midfielder to think about defending if transition looks likely. Demaine thinks Samoa are good enough to make a semi-final at least. Our vision for the programme is Samoa on the podium, thats what were aiming towards. Amplyx Pharmaceuticals has raised $40.5 million in venture capital investment, the antifungal drug developer said Wednesday. Amplyx is preparing to launch a Phase 1 clinical trial of APX001, which belongs to a new class of antifungals, next year. Its to be used to treat life-threatening infections. Amplyx was founded in 2006 as a spinoff of Stanford University; it moved to San Diego two years later. The funding will support a Phase 2 trial of the drug in candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis and rare molds. The round was led by RiverVest Venture Partners, and included New Enterprise Associates, BioMed Ventures and individual investors. Advertisement Along with the financing, Amplyx has brought on three biomedical veterans to lead the company. They are Mike Grey, president and CEO; Ciara Kennedy, chief operating officer, and Susan Dube, vice president of business development and administration. All three previously worked at Lumena Pharmaceuticals, which was snapped up last year by Shire Pharmaceuticals shortly after Lumena filed for an initial public offering. Interest in developing anti-infectives rose after Congress passed and President Obama signed a law called the GAIN Act in 2012 extending by five years the exclusivity period of such drugs for use against life-endangering infections. In San Diego, Trius Therapeutics developed an antibiotic, tedizolid, approved last year to treat bacterial skin infections. By the time approval was granted, Trius had been purchased by Lexington, Mass-based Cubist. And last December, Cubist was purchased by drug giant Merck for $8.4 billion. Another San Diego company developing an antifungal drug is Cidara Therapeutics, whose CEO, Jeff Stein, also headed Trius. Grey said the companies differ in their approach. Cidaras lead product is a new drug in the echinocandin class of antifungals, given intravenously. Cidaras drug has a longer half-life than existing echinocandins, allowing it to be infused less frequently. Amplyxs drug can be given both orally and in an intravenous formulation, Grey said. This allows patients with life-threatening infections, perhaps unable to take drugs by mouth, to immediately receive an infusion that acts systemically. Recovering patients can then be given the oral formulation to take when they leave the hospital. The company is based at JLABS, Johnson & Johnsons life science incubator in La Jolla. It can be reached at amplyx.com. Its a dirty job but somebodys got to do it. And when it comes to the expensive, claustrophobic and sometimes dangerous work of inspecting natural gas and oil pipelines, that somebody is a robot. We can make sure that these critical elements of energy infrastructure operate more safely, more reliably, more economically, said Edward Petit de Mange, the managing director at the San Diego hub of Diakont, an international high-tech engineering and manufacturing company with offices in Russia, Italy and North America. Advertisement According to the federal government, more than 2.6 million miles of pipelines supply the nations energy needs. But aging and deteriorating pipelines pose substantial risks. In Northern California, a natural gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in San Bruno in September 2010. Data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration reports that since 2010, an average of about 200 crude oil spills a year are reported. While most of the leaks are small, its been estimated that 8.9 million gallons have been spilled during that time frame. When a natural gas pipeline fails its usually much more violent, but when a hazardous liquid pipeline fails its a lot messier from an environmental standpoint, said Petit de Mange. For years, energy companies and utilities inspected their pipelines by using techniques such as hydro-testing sending pressurized water to test a lines strength or by simply digging into the ground and performing spot inspections. But pipeline owners often did not have a good idea how sturdy a pipeline actually was or how close it teetered on failure. From its location in an unassuming office park near Kearny Mesa, Diakont is one of the few companies that uses robots that actually enter natural gas and liquid-fuel pipelines to inspect for wear, tear and corrosion. Called the Remotely Operated Diagnostic Inspection System (RODIS), the contraption slightly resembles the robot from the movie Wall-E. Diakont, a San Diego company, uses robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. On the left, Billy Lehma, data management and Chandler Carpenter, engineer, check data from one robot. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Crawling through the pipeline via a horizontal set of traction wheels, the RODIS makes its way past any bumps or bends in the line. At the same time, two arms trace the circumference of the pipeline, measuring its thickness and structural integrity by using ultrasonic sensors that act like sonar devices that bounce high-frequency signals through the line. A cable connects the robot to an operator, commonly stationed in a truck a safe distance from the pipeline, who monitors the sensor data. The pipelines integrity is determined by sound pulses, lasers and video that check for defects such as cracking. A typical inspection covers about a quarter-mile in one day. It doesnt go really fast, said Petit de Mange. Our key is we get very accurate, very complete data. How much does a typical robot pipeline project cost? Citing contractual provisions, Petit de Mange would not offer specifics. Were in the hundreds of thousands (of dollars), usually for a project, he said. Essentially, companies are paying for the certainty that a robot-inspected pipeline provides. Pipelines are assets that operators keep in the ground for a long time and they make money when the product is flowing through them, Petit de Mange said. So when you have downtime, or worse yet, a failure of that pipeline that can be in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. So being able to perform inspections and get really valid data to ensure the pipeline is in good condition, that can save utility companies a lot of money. Diakonts work extends beyond California. In the summer of 2015, Diakont inspected two natural gas pipelines that run underneath the Hudson River, between New Jersey to New York City. Petit de Mange said while the Hudson River project was completed in about a week, the planning process took close to two years. The inspection showed the lines were in excellent shape. Last month, Diakont was one of 114 companies that received a California Competes Tax Credit, created by Gov. Jerry Browns office, aimed at helping businesses grow and stay in the Golden State. Diakonts award came to $250,000 and the company, whose San Diego home for the last six years employs 33 people, will use the tax credit to bolster its efforts to nearly double its workforce and invest $6.8 million in the next four years. And the company is poised to move robot inspections into the fuel tank storage area. Like pipelines, large fuel storage tanks containing products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel require inspections. But the floors of the tanks are hard to access and operators often have no choice but to drain them, taking them out of service for six to eight weeks. Its a very complex process to clean out all that flammable sludge out of the tank, said Petit de Mange of the process that can range from hundreds of thousands to low millions of dollars, not to mention the inherent danger of putting inspectors into potentially volatile areas. Diakont plans to roll out a robot called the Stingray that will inspect the floor of tanks containing fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Diakont recently developed a robot it calls the Stingray, that works on the same principle the RODIS tool uses in pipelines. Without having to take out any fuel, the Stingray is placed in the tank and conducts its inspection as it moves along the floor, with sensors sending signals back to an operator. Data is collected to determine the integrity of the fuel tank. This is super-exciting for us because this is a brand new kind of market were breaking into, said Petit de Mange. Diakont is seeking regulatory certification for the Stingray equipment and hopes to launch its robotic fuel tank inspections this fall. 1 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipeline robot testing. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipeline robot testing. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. On the left Billy Lehma, data management and Chandler Carpenter, engineer. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Tank robot called the Stingray. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Tank robot called the Stingrays warning sticker. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Tank robot called the Stingray. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Edward Petit de Mange, Managing Director Advance Technology Division. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipeline robot testing. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipeline robot testing software gives result of the pipeline status. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipeline robot testing. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 13 San Diego, California, USA, May 30th, 2017: | Diakont, a San Diego company, is making a name for itself by using robots to inspect oil and natural gas pipelines. Pipeline robot testing. Close up of the censor. | Alejandro Tamayo The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski ALSO Public hearings on tap for SDG&E pipeline proposal CPUC rejects North-South pipeline Pipeline bill sails through Congress At $79.3 million, the Atmosphere housing complex is one of the most expensive subsidized housing projects in downtown San Diego. The 12-story downtown building has 205 apartments with a price tag of $386,000 per unit. Thats about $166,500 more than the average cost to buy a San Diego County apartment, said Marcus & Millichaps latest multifamily research report. Monthly rent at Atmosphere will range from $525 to $1,250 for families or individuals who earn $17,000 to $48,000 a year. Advertisement Atmosphere is a perfect example, ladies and gentlemen, of what we need to build all over San Diego in every single neighborhood across the city, said Mayor Kevin Faulconer at the opening ceremony Wednesday on the buildings rooftop terrace. Atmosphere developer Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation cut off applications at 1,000 for the complex, and then families and individuals were chosen via a lottery. Fifty-one apartments are set aside for the recently homeless. Wakeland CEO Ken Sauder said the per unit cost of the 218,000-square-foot complex ensures a 55-year lifespan and the steel-frame building includes three floors of underground parking for residents who need transportation for work. He said a lot of the people living in the building are service workers who will be close to downtown jobs, and it is also close to services for the recently homeless. He said costs for subsidized housing are higher downtown than other parts of the county, but many residents dont have the luxury of living far from their jobs. This is where they can live near their work, Sauder said. When you look at affordable housing, it needs to be kind of everywhere, including downtown. He said the costs include money to make sure the building is well maintained and for effective tenant screening. Atmosphere is in a pricey neighborhood where the average asking rent per unit is $1,859, said real estate tracker CoStar. The complex was financed by a variety of sources: $44 million in low-income housing tax credits; $11.6 million loan from city redevelopment agency Civic San Diego; $3.1 million in state infill funding programs; $3.5 million through the state Mental Health Services Act (from San Diego County); $3 million from the San Diego Housing Commission, $1.7 million in deferred fees; a $8.7 million bank loan, and other smaller sources. Each tenant pays rent, in varying amounts, with federal Section 8 housing vouchers. The project was in development for 10 years. Construction began in March 2015 and finished in April shortly before residents began moving in. It was designed by Joseph Wong Design Associates, a San Diego-based firm that designed the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel and the upcoming 279-unit Pacific Heights apartment building downtown. There is no limit to how long a resident can stay. As long as residents stay income-qualified, they could hypothetically rent at Atmosphere until their death. An incentive to get a better job may not change their income qualification in San Diegos high-priced rental market, Sauder said. I would imagine they could get quite a few promotions and still qualify for our project, he said. Im not in the business of trying to motivate people. If somebody is a service worker and they are very happy with their job and able to raise their family and afford it, that is something that works. For many new residents, Atmosphere represents a new start after years of struggle. The Atmosphere subsidized housing building in downtown San Diego on Wednesday (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) Vikki Lozano, 61, and her husband, Ted, 72, lost everything in the Great Recession. The couple had owned five retail locations that specialized in window coverings and interior design, at one point designing comedian Eddie Murphys Sacramento area home. When the housing bubble burst, they found their business going under, they lost their El Dorado Hills home and went through almost all of their savings in a matter of months. When the economy dropped no one could afford window coverings anymore, Vikki Lozano said. It was such a luxury. The Lozanos moved to San Diego County to be close to their son and get their lives back on track. A lot of health problems followed Parkinsons disease for Ted Lozano (he just had brain surgery last week) and two heart tumors for Vikki Lozano. Meanwhile, they moved from apartment to apartment, unable to keep up with rent increases. Vikki Lozano eventually persuaded her husband to apply for housing assistance, picturing it would be a dump. I dont care if its bad, she recalled saying. I want to be able to eat. To say the least, the Lozanos are thrilled with their 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment in Atmosphere. They have a balcony that faces the Symphony Towers and San Diego Union-Tribune buildings, sheet vinyl flooring that looks like hardwood and is easy to clean, and enough room for their 9-year-old dog, a Maltese and poodle mix named Linus. Their rent is $1,100 a month. The building comes with plenty of resources to help residents, including a computer lab, communal kitchen, rooftop deck, courtyard, laundry facilities and a childrens play area. Services will include after school programs for children, as well as job readiness and computer classes for adults. Other recent subsidized housing developments downtown have had similar price tags. The 17-story Celadon complex that opened in May 2015 cost $76 million ($304,000 per unit) for 250 apartments. The 6-story Cedar Gateway Apartments that opened in March 2012 cost $33 million ($507,692 per unit) for 65 apartments. The 6-story Alpha Square development opened in January 2016 and cost $47.6 million ($234,483 per unit) for 203 apartments. The kitchen of a studio apartment at the Atmosphere community of 205 subsidized apartments (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) Business phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar ALSO The vanishing San Diego single-family home Walmarts secret weapon in its ongoing battle with Amazon may be something it already has in abundance: store employees. Thursday the big-box retailer said it has begun piloting an atypical package delivery system that relies on store employees to drop off area customers online orders as they commute home. The e-commerce initiative is meant to speed up online order delivery windows while reducing costs, e-commerce chief Marc Lore said in a blog post. The pilot has been running for around a month at two stores in New Jersey and one in Arkansas. Advertisement Described as a test, Walmart is letting staffers choose to make deliveries on their trip home from work if they want to. Heres how it works: At the end of a regular shift, an associate picks up packages from the stores backroom, loads them into his or her car, gets directions through their phone and heads back toward home, making stops along the way. Employees are, of course, paid for their time, though the company did not disclose specifics. They can also indicate any package size or weight restrictions, and decide how many deliveries theyre willing to make per day. We also allocate packages based on minimizing the collective distance they need to travel off of their commute to make a delivery, Lore said. The idea is to solve for whats called last-mile logistics in industry parlance, as the last mile from a retailers warehouse to a customers residence is often the most expensive leg of the distribution chain. In the U.S., Walmarts 4,700 stores and 1 million associates are within 10 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population, the company said. So by reallocating existing resources meaning employees Walmart theorizes it can save on courier costs and then pass those savings onto customers. The decision, however, could prove controversial for a company that has been criticized in the past for its labor practices, said Krista Garcia, a retail analyst with eMarketer. It kind of makes Walmart look desperate, she added. (The company) is couching it in language that makes it sound like this is a great thing, but Im not sure this translates to the average consumer. Of concern are a number of variables, including how employees moonlighting as drivers are vetted and paid, and whether customers can accept that their neighborhood Walmart cashier may know where they live. Garcia said that shipment tracking could also prove to be a wrinkle for Walmart, as online shoppers have grown accustomed to knowing where their packages are at any given time. Still, Lore seems convinced that the new delivery program marries Walmarts brick-and-mortar strengths with its growing online prowess courtesy of Lores company Jet.com, which Walmart bought last year for $3 billion in a way thats ultimately good for customers. Business jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin Its no overstatement to call the newly opened Napizza eatery in Encinitas a labor of love. In fact, you could say the same for the companys last two locations as well. Giulia Colmignoli who co-founded the Roman-style pizzeria chain five years ago with her husband, Christopher Antinucci gave birth to baby boys within days or weeks of opening their last two outlets in 2014 and 2015. Now shes pregnant with their third child, a daughter, who will arrive in early August. I would just say that she works very well under stress when shes pregnant, said Antinucci, 33. Advertisement The Solana Beach couple were born and raised in Rome where they met in grade school, then lost touch in their mid-teens. Colmignoli went to college in England and Antinucci moved to the U.S. at age 19 to study finance at the University of San Diego. When Atinucci was visiting Italy in 2004, they ran into each other and fell in love. She moved to San Diego and they later married. In 2012 with the help of a pizzaiolo, or master pizza-maker, from Italy they opened their first Napizza outlet on India Street in Little Italy. A second location opened in 4S Ranch in July 2014, just days after they welcomed their first son, Giulio. And a third location followed in Hillcrest in June 2015, a few months before son Claudio was born. Napizza co-founders Giulia Colmignoli and Christopher Antinucci of Solana Beach. (Pam Kragen/San Diego U-T) Napizza a Roman slang word for slice of pizza has flourished because its believed to be the only pizza company in San Diego serving authentic Roman-style city pizza. Roman pizza is served by the slice (al taglio) from large rectangular pans and it has more fresh vegetables and less cheese than American varieties. But the main difference is the low-yeast dough, which rises for 72 hours, making for a dough thats wet, and a crust thats light, crispy and filled with air bubbles. Because of the crusts high moisture content, it takes 15 minutes to cook in a 650-degree oven (rather than the standard 3-4 minutes for bready American pizza). Italian expatriates make up a sizable portion of Napizza customers, but for those who dont understand the pizzas unique properties, an entire wall of the 2-week-old Encinitas store is devoted to recipes and diagrams of the three-day process that creates a crust thats light and easy to digest. Under the direction of 4-year master pizzaiolo Alessio Poli, the stores now serve up to 13 varieties of pizza every day, including a few gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Large rectangular slices sell for $3.50 to $5.75. Some varieties are traditional Roman classics, like the top-selling Truffle Porcini variety, made with mushrooms and truffle pate. Some are all-American, like the Pepperoni and BBQ Chicken pizzas. And a few others are a blend of both cultures, like the Bapo, an Italian white pizza with sliced potatoes and rosemary thats been California-ized with sliced avocados and bacon. The restaurant also sells salads, focaccia, vegan soups and Italian desserts, plus beer and wine. All meats are hormone- and antiobiotic-free and non-GMO, the flour is organic, the eggs are cage-free and the fish is sustainably farmed. Beginning next week, the company will introduce online ordering as well as a take-and-bake service. All of the restaurants pizzas are par-baked, meaning theyre cooked to 80 percent doneness, then allowed to rest and dehydrate slightly. Once a customer orders a slice, its crisped up in a high-temperature oven. With the new service, the par-baked slices can now be packaged for home-crisping at 450 degrees. The Encinitas store offers free delivery, even to cellphone customers on the local beaches, via an electric bicycle with a heated delivery case on the back. The company has grown to 70 employees, including a handful of cousins and siblings from Italy. Colmignoli, 36, said the biggest changes at Napizza in recent years havent been in the kitchen but in the corporate culture. Two years ago, the stores were experiencing 120 percent employee turnover each year. She said the mostly Millennial workforce wasnt motivated by money, so she and Antinucci launched their Live Culture Foundation to improve the workplace experience. Employee turnover has since dropped to 25 percent a year, thanks to programs like employee retreats, yoga days, company-paid education programs, employee-led fun and cause committees, community outreach efforts, paid paternity leave and vacation benefits after three years. Although Antinucci said they plan to open another Napizza location later this year, theyre not planning another expansion on the home front. Well definitely open more stores, Antinucci said, but were done having kids after this. Napizza Hours: Opens at 10:30 a.m. daily Location: 615 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas Phone: (760) 452-2340 Online: na-pizza.com ___________________________ pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com The third word in Art of Elans name means vigor and spirit. The innovative chamber-music organization will bring its characteristic enthusiasm to the last two programs of its 10th season. Beginning tonight, Art of Elans ensemble-in-residence, NOW, will perform onstage with Malashock Dance at the Lyceum Theatre downtown. On June 17, Art of Elan will officially celebrate its landmark anniversary with a concert by the Myriad Trio, which includes flutist Demarre McGill, who co-founded Art of Elan with executive director and violinist Kate Hatmaker. It will be held at Qualcomm Hall, followed by a reception for the artists and all concert attendees. Advertisement Part of Art of Elans mission is to present exceptional chamber-music concerts to the general public, with an emphasis on reaching diverse audiences. In its first decade, it has commissioned 15 new works, hosted its second ensemble-in-residence and created a Director of Community Engagement position. The main point is to bring what were passionate about to a wider audience. Through music, we can find common ground, Hatmaker said. We want to engage people who dont look the same and figure out how to serve our diverse community in the best ways. We can be nimble and tap into our shared humanity. In the next 10 years, well be extending our community engagement efforts. In addition to working with such nonprofits as A Reason To Survive (ARTS) in National City and Lux Art Institute in Encinitas, Art of Elan collaborated with Malashock Dance in 2014. John Malashock, the troupes founder, is choreographing the pieces for this weekend. Theres a thrill to working with live music, he said. Its incredibly motivating. Its different than recorded music because theres a responsiveness that goes back and forth. The dancers and musicians feed off of each others energy. NOW, which is in its second year of residency at Art of Elan, has a combination of instruments unusual in chamber music: flute, clarinet, double bass, piano and electric guitar. Several composers for the evening of dance are affiliated with New Yorks highly regarded New Amsterdam Records. Judd Greenstein composed two pieces, including a world premiere. Mark Dancigers, NOWs guitarist, also contributed a composition. Art of Elans 10th anniversary concert by the Myriad Trio will feature the world premiere of Avner Dormans Variations on a Simple Theme. The Myriad Trios performers are flutist McGill, harpist Julie Smith and violist Che-Yen Chen. The June 17th event is not a gala, Hatmaker said. This is a celebration. Its a bigger hall and we have a VIP party beforehand and a big reception afterwards. People are already buying tickets and sponsoring $10 tickets for students. We want to pack the place. Art of Elan belongs to all of us. This event should be emblematic of that and reflect who we are: a grassroots organization trying to connect to as many different kinds of people as possible. Working with a variety of organizations is one vital way of creating a diverse audience. In the next ten years, our community engagement efforts are expanding, Hatmaker said. We will be doing projects with our friends and partners in Tijuana. Well do more projects in North County and up into Los Angeles. Already, Art of Elan has forged partnerships in and out of San Diego. Its ensemble-in-residence, NOW, is based in New York, as is New Amsterdam Records. Brooklynite Judd Greenstein, who composed the newly commissioned Jewish Pope, which will have its world premiere at Minor Fall/Major Lift, is the founder of New Amsterdam. The evening will also highlight Change, another of his compositions. They are quite different from each other, said Malashock, who choreographed another Greenstein piece in 2014. I love working with Judds music. `Change is so fun and lively. It feels like one of the most exciting (dances) Ive created. In addition to Greenstein and NOWs Dancigers, the other composers are David Crowell and Patrick Burke. This grouping of composers is writing music in an absolutely fresh and unique style that is incredibly appealing. Some people are scared off by new music. What is wonderful about New Amsterdam is that the composers defy genre. Although clearly considered contemporary classical music, it doesnt sound like what we usually think of classical music. Though it seems that Art of Elan and Malashock Dance is an ideal match, its taken three years for a second round. We both have our various other programming, Malashock explained. Kate and I agreed that the 2014 project was an incredibly successful collaboration. We talked about doing it again fairly soon after. A project like this needs a good amount of lead time, so its not surprising it took us a while. I wouldnt mind working with Art of Elan every year! Getting the word out, locally and beyond Neither of Art of Elans two ensembles-in-residence is based here. Formosa Quartet, which has strong San Diego ties, completed its two-year stint last year. NOW, based in New York is midway in its tenure. Hatmaker pointed out that both groups have recorded works commissioned by Art of Elan and performed them on their national and global tours. When they mention Art of Elan, she noted, it spreads the word about the organization and San Diego. Part of keeping classical music relevant is to support emerging talent, Hatmaker explained. These two groups are at the top of their artistic game, but they are young, nonprofit groups. They have a hard time getting support. Commissioning is very expensive. So its a beautiful situation when they can partner with those willing to commission works. Its great to be able to have this caliber of music in San Diego. It helps get the word out about who we are as an organization, as well as the community we live in. Both Formosa Quartet and NOW Ensemble do a lot of community engagement and advancing the art form of classical music. Thats what attracted us to these ensembles. While fostering out-of-state partnerships, Art of Elan continues to focus on local outreach. Last summer, it named Jory Herman to the newly created the position of Director of Community Engagement. A bassist with the San Diego Symphony, Herman has performed with Art of Elan for several years. In conjunction with the National City nonprofit, ARTS, Herman headed Young Artists in Harmony, a 10-week residency in South Bay that gives young musicians the opportunity to be mentored by professional musicians. The June 17th event celebrates Art of Elans many accomplishments, but Hatmaker and her colleagues wont be resting on their laurels. There is always more work to do. This is the most critical time for the arts, she said. Im 39 years old and theres never been a more critical time to show why the arts are transformative. We need to serve that purpose going forward. Minor Fall/Major Lift: NOW Ensemble and Malashock Dance When: 8 p.m., tonight and Friday; 4 p.m., 8:45 p.m., Saturday Where: Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown Tickets: $35 to $45 (discounts available) Phone: (619) 692-2081 or (619) 260-1622 Online: artofelan.org or malashockdance.org Art of Elan 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 17 (9 p.m. reception) Where: Qualcomm Hall, 5775 Morehouse Drive, Sorrento Valley Tickets: $35 to $45 (discounts available) Phone: (619) 692-2081 Online: artofelan.org Wood is a freelance writer. Negroni Week Bars everywhere are mixing Negroni cocktails to raise money for charities around the globe. Negroni Week, presented by Imbibe Magazine and Campari, was launched in 2013 to celebrate the Negroni cocktail, with proceeds benefiting various charities of each bars choice. From Monday through Sunday, June 11, the following San Diego bars will participate in Negroni week by pouring their signature Negroni for a good cause: Craft & Commerce (charity: Pit Bull & Rescue San Diego) is pouring a Jungle Boulevardier, made with Campari, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Plantation Pineapple Rum, Hamilton Pot Still Black Rum and garnished with orange zest. 675 W. Beech St., San Diego, (619) 269-2202 or craft-commerce.com Cucina Urbana and Cucina Enoteca (charity: Baja Dog Rescue) is offering the King Crimson (at Urbana), made with Nolets Gin, Cynar and Aperol; Enoteca will serve a Sparkling Blood Orange Negroni, made with Blood Orange Juice, Campari, gin, sweet vermouth and Prosecco. Cucina Urbana, 505 Laurel St., San Diego, (619) 239-2222; Cucina Enoteca, 2730 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, (858) 704-4500 or urbankitchengroup.com Advertisement LeRoys Kitchen & Lounge (charity: One More Wave) is serving a Oaxacan Negroni, made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Campari, Carpano Antica and grapefruit bitters. 1015 Orange Ave, Coronado. (619) 437-6087 or leroyskitchenandlounge.com Officine Buona Forchetta (charity: Crave McKinley Elementary School Art Program) will offer guests a Peppegroni, made with Campari, Antica Formula Carpano, St. George Dry Rye, St. George Bruto Americano and garnished with red and green bell pepper. 2865 Sims Road, San Diego. 2865 Sims Road, San Diego. (619) 548-5770 or officinebuonaforchetta.com Polite Provisions (charity: No Kid Hungry) will treat guests to a five-cocktail menu, including Smoked Negroni Swizzle, made with mezcal, Campari, falernum (a sweet syrup), honey syrup and lemon juice. 4696 30th St., San Diego, (619) 677-3784 or politeprovisions.com Stake Chophouse & Bar (charity: One More Wave) is serving a Bro-Vardier, made with James Pepper Rye, Cynar, Carpano Antica and Gran Classico. 1309 Orange Ave, Coronado. (619) 522-0077 or stakechophouse.com Mess Hall Bar (charity: No Kid Hungry) is offering a Negroni Santo, made with St. George Botanivore Gin, St. George Brunto Americano, Carpano Antica and Campari. Liberty Public Market, Liberty Station, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego. (619) 487-9346 or libertypublicmarket.com Soda & Swine (charity: No Kid Hungry) will pour a Fancy-a-roni, made with Spring 44 Mountain Gin, Gancia Americano, Mariol Vermut and lemon juice. 2750 Dewey Road, No. 104, San Diego. (619) 501-9989 or sodaandswine.com Summer menus Cafe 222 is ladling up a hearty bowl of homemade chili as its featured dish for the month of June. The Southern-style dish is made with ground chicken, pork and beef, and can be purchased by cup or bowl. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 222 Island Ave., San Diego. (619) 236-9902 or cafe222.com Cucina Sorella chef de cuisine Daniel Wolinksy has added new dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients and the warmer weather. New dishes include octopus a la plancha, made with grape, soppressata (Italian dry salami), radicchio, yogurt and mint chimichurri (an uncooked sauce); tagliatelle (pasta in long ribbons), made with pistachio pesto, pea, celery, mint and lime; and grilled bavette steak (or flap steak), made with oyster and enoki mushrooms, romaine, pantaleo (goats milk cheese), rosemary croutons and Caesar dressing. 4055 Adams Ave., San Diego. (619) 281-4014 or urbankitchengroup.com Ambrogio15 has debuted a new brunch menu influenced by the Milano culture of founders Giacomo Pizzigoni, Andrea Burrone and Luca Salvi. The menu features Scrocchiarella Nutella e Banana (a crunchy focaccia bread filled with Nutella and banana topped with homemade whipped cream and served with maple syrup); Pizza Prosciutto Cotto e Uovo (pizza and ham topped with mozzarella, imported prosciutto cotto and a sunny side up egg); and Mini Calzone Salsiccia e Uovo (mini calzone filled with San Marzano tomato DOP, mozzarella, imported Italian sausage and egg). Libations include bottomless mimosas, Bellini and Rossini cocktails, craft beers and small batch, biodynamic wines. Noon to 3 p.m. weekends. 926 Turquoise St., Suite H, San Diego. (858) 291-8650 or ambrogio15.com Bleu Boheme chef/owner Ken Irvine has unveiled a new crop of seasonal dishes. Diners will find a new dish every Thursday that includes fresh produce such as rhubarb, baby artichokes, peas, fava beans and artichokes. Entree selections such as pork bone-in ribeye steak, sea scallops, duck confit and pan-seared Jidori chicken breast will be offered. 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego. (619) 255-4167 or bleuboheme.com Coastline is celebrating summer with new a new seasonal menu with dishes such as chilled gazpacho, made with heirloom tomatoes; watermelon salad, mixed with jicama (an edible root), cotija (Hispanic-style cheese) and jalapeno; a special Day Boat Catch of the minute thats grilled and served with arugula, citrus and almonds; and Baja bass tostada with pineapple, guajillo salsa and crema. Favorites like pozole blanco with pork belly, choice of tacos, as well as other bites, bubbles and beers will be served. LAuberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. 858-793-6460 or laubergedelmar.com Openings Restaurateur David Spatafore of Blue Bridge Hospitality has launched Liberty Public Farmers Market in Point Loma. The year-round market features 17 California certified farmers, 30 specialty food vendors, 20 artisans and live music. A chef dinner series, pop-up tastings and culinary demonstrations are planned. The market is open from 2 to 7 p.m. every Thursday in the Arts District, across the street from Liberty Public Market, between Sims Road and Decatur Court. libertypublicmarket.com Napizza has rolled out the welcome mat with its fourth location in downtown Encinitas. The eatery seats 48 and features an interior design of white brick, reclaimed wood and sleek black steel. The menu offers pizza combinations like the classic margherita, truffle porcini or gluten-free chefs selections of the day as well as a build-your-own salad bar, or menu favorites like the Superfood Me, made with spring mix, kale, quinoa, walnuts, organic avocado, blue lake beans, sprouts and apples, tossed with a basil lemon dressing. 615 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. na-pizza.com Pokewan has opened a second location in Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Along with the build-your-own bowls, guests can order signature poke bowls created by executive chef/owner James Pyo. Selections include the Pokewan Original, made with spicy albacore and topped with cilantro, sweet onion, rice popcorn, black sesame seeds, red radish, masago, scallion, chef James special blend and spicy ginger sauce; and the Maui Wowie Bowl, made with extra spicy tuna and served on cucumber noodles, topped with mango salsa, avocado, edamame, beets, sweet onions, furikake (dry Japanese seasoning), scallions, micro shiso (garnish), chef James special blend and mango habanero sauce. Finish off your meal with a Dole Whip, a pineapple-flavored frozen treat. 12925 El Camino Real, No. AA4, San Diego. (858) 847-2881 or pokewan.com New location Dark Horse Coffee Roasters and Devils Dozen Donuts have joined forces to bring java lovers and doughnut fanatics the best of both worlds: specially brewed coffee and tasty pastries, like tres leches and the classic old fashioned. 2001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. (619) 780-0914 or devils-dozen.com Closing, but reopening Bracero Cocina de Raiz is saying adios to patrons Saturday. Luis Pena, co-owner of Bracero, invites the community at large for an evening of toasts, good food and give-aways. Be sure to order a meal on the iconic hand plate. Its yours to take home while supplies last. Reservations are highly recommended. The eatery is scheduled to reopen Tuesday under the new name, Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro. (619) 756-7864 or bracerococina.com Food & Wine Videos carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com Two of the United States 10 nuclear aircraft carriers participated in a show of force in the Sea of Japan this week. The Navy released photos today of the San Diego-based aircraft carrier Carl Vinson and the San Diego ships Lake Champlain and Wayne E. Meyer doing exercises with the carrier Ronald Reagan, which is based in Yokosuka, Japan. All together, 10 U.S. warships sailed together with two ships from the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force in a photo dated June 1 from the Sea of Japan. Advertisement Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day This photo exercise comes amid high tensions after North Korea has conducted several missile tests in recent months, including one on Monday that landed off the western coast of Japan. The Navy said the operations are just routine training with Japan. The Vinson is in the middle of a rather eventful deployment. In April, President Donald Trump told Fox News that an armada was being redirected to the Korean peninsula as a warning against North Koreas increasing military activity. It was understood that he meant the Vinson and its strike group, as U.S. Pacific Command officials also said publicly that the carrier was leaving Singapore and heading toward Korea. Those announcements turned into whats now an infamous gaffe, as the carrier group was instead next sighted by the media going the opposite way. It was on its way to Australia for some pre-planned events with the Australian government. Military Videos On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal jen.steele@sduniontribune.com Facebook: U-T Military Twitter: @jensteeley The director of two area military cemeteries is set to speak June 5 at the Veterans Association of North County Resource Center in Oceanside. Rex A. Kern, director of the National Cemeteries at Ft. Rosecrans and Miramar, will speak at a meeting of the Interfaith Community Services/Veterans Association of North County Veterans Advisory Committee, along with Patrick Prieb, director of the San Diego Regional VA Office. The Veterans Advisory Committee brings together local government officials, nonprofits that work with veterans, military service members and their families and volunteer service groups to benefit veterans and military service members. Advertisement The meeting will also discuss the national cemeterys new online pre-registration link for veterans. The meeting is noon to 1 p.m. at 1617 Mission Ave., Oceanside. Meeting co-chairmen are Air Force veteran Carter Crewe, and Army veteran John Stryker Meyer. Call (619) 892-5983 or e-mail idahoonezero@sbcglobal.net. A campaign to document mistreatment and abuse by Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry in San Diego turned up 51 complaints, including allegations of verbal, physical and sexual harassment, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Friends Service Committee. The majority of the people who complained 94 percent said they were victimized by derogatory, rude or discriminatory comments from a border or immigration officer, while 27 percent reported physical force was used against them. Most of the alleged mistreatment occurred at the San Ysidro Port of Entry the busiest land crossing in the Western Hemisphere while other incidents were reported at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and other crossings. Advertisement While the campaign focused primarily on CBP interactions, a few people wanted to include experiences with Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reporting negative run-ins in the Arizona desert and even a New York airport. Most of the 51 interactions took place from 2015 through this year, although a few people reported bad experiences as early as 1985. The number of complaints is very small compared to the volume of traffic through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, with 13.9 million vehicle crossings and 6.9 million pedestrian crossings in fiscal 2016. This is a small percentage, Pedro Rios, the groups director of the U.S.-Mexico Border Program in San Diego, acknowledged. We dont know the real number of people whove experienced mistreatment, he said, adding that it has affected probably hundreds, if not thousands, of people. In a statement released Thursday in response to the report, CBP said: U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers are committed to treating everyone with professionalism, dignity and respect while enforcing the laws of the United States. CBP takes all allegations of mistreatment seriously, and does not tolerate actions that are not consistent with our core values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. The agency said if Rios group shares with CBP any of the complaints in the report, they will be followed up on. It also said that travelers who believe they have been mistreated at airports, train stations or border crossings can file a complaint with the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program or the CBP Information Center. The American Friends Service Committee said it has filed administrative complaints to federal oversight agencies for eight of the alleged victims of abuse. The committee is a nonprofit Quaker organization dedicated to social justice, peace and humanitarian issues. It launched the campaign that led to this report in May 2016. The group solicited peoples complaints through newspaper ads, social media videos, and by posting volunteers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on two occasions informing border crossers of their rights and how to register complaints of abuse. Civil society interacting with CBP agents are vulnerable to agents who take advantage of their position of power and mistreat, attack, harm and humiliate the people who encounter them, the report said. Rios said he has heard of examples of border officers behaving even more aggressively under the Trump administration, which has made wiping out illegal immigration and shoring up border security a priority. According to the report: 42 percent of complainants or 21 people were U.S. citizens, while 40 percent were Mexican. 23 percent reported sexual harassment, including a man who said he was searched inappropriately by a CBP officer who grabbed his genitals and told him to take out what you have in your huevos. 16 people, apart from the 51, reported seeking asylum at the San Ysidro crossing but were turned away by CBP, possibly violating international agreements. Examples of physical force include one mans allegation that his hands were handcuffed to the legs of a chair, forcing his 6-foot-tall frame to double over painfully, and a 60-year-old woman who was handcuffed and detained while her car and body were searched, leaving her arm bruised a day later. In its statement, CBP said the agency adheres to international laws and conventions when it is dealing with asylum seekers and that has not changed since President Donald Trump took office in January. As an agency, CBP adheres to law and policy on processing asylum claims and does not tolerate abuse of these policies, the statement said. The nonprofits report includes a list of recommendations for the agencys officers, including emotional intelligence training, enhanced Spanish-language training, periodic mental health evaluations and a standardized procedure to inform people how to submit complaints. But the No. 1 recommendation, Rios said, is for CBP officers to join the local law enforcement trend of body-worn cameras, to increase accountability and transparency in their interactions with the public. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis UPDATES: 11:20 a.m., June 1, 2017: This article was updated with a response from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This article was originally published at 5:40 p.m. on May 31, 2017. During a recent expedition to Guadalupe Island off the coast of Baja California, a research vessel did something rare: It captured video footage of elusive Cuviers beaked whales. On Thursday, the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society released video taken by drone of five of the beaked whales, including a mother and her calf. The nonprofit organization had undertaken the expedition with UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a Mexican scientist. These aerial images provide valuable glimpses of the species behavior, such as how the whales turn their heads to communicate with one another, according to researchers on the expedition. Advertisement The encounter was documented in May, during a two-week scientific voyage to study the whales using acoustic equipment that records the animals echo-location clicks. Mexican scientist Gustavo Cardenas and Jennifer Trickey, a researcher with Scripps, are using the devices to track populations and behaviors of the elusive cetaceans. The Guadalupe Island is a Mexican reserve known for drawing great white sharks, but the recent video suggests it could also be a breeding ground for the whales, according to the researchers. What most people dont know is that in addition to a large number of sharks, we can also find the rarely seen Cuviers beaked whales here, Cardenas said in a statement. There was a total of 24 sightings of the whales during Sea Shepherds latest trip, including two pairs of mothers and their calves. One of 20 species of beaked whales, the Cuviers group boasts an extreme diving capability, descending to depths of nearly 10,000 feet for up to two hours. An average adult is 18 feet long, weighs about 2.7 tons and needs only a few minutes on the surface to catch its breath. Their exceptional diving ability makes them hard to study in comparison to most whales,which surface every 20 minutes or so, Trickey said in a statement. There is no population estimate for the whale species, but it has been found in nearly every part of the globe outside of the polar regions. The whales tend to inhabit waters more than 3,300 feet deep. The little thats known about Cuviers beaked whales has mostly come from studying the animals after they become stranded. Conservation groups, such as Sea Shepherd, have expressed concern about the disorienting impacts of human-generated noise, such as sonar, on the whales. Twitter: @jemersmith Phone: (619) 293-2234 Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com Even though President Donald Trumps executive order to block refugees from entering the U.S. has been held up by courts, the number of arrivals in San Diego County each month is running lower than it did under former President Barack Obama. In April, 84 newly arrived refugees resettled in San Diego County, according to data from the U.S. State Department. Thats down from 157 in April 2016. March numbers were also down, with 48 arrivals in the county compared to 194 in March 2016. Advertisement For the two months overall, that makes for a 62 percent decrease in refugee arrivals. The largest group of Aprils new arrivals are from Iraq. Somali refugees were the second largest group and Congolese refugees were the third largest. Those who work with refugees in the county dont know what to expect in future months, according to Etleva Bejko, director of refugee and immigration services at Jewish Family Service in San Diego. Its really been trying on everybody involved, Bejko said via phone. She said refugee resettlement agencies are having a hard time planning staffing, programming and other resources since many of those decisions depend on how many people the agency helps and what countries those refugees are from. She said overseas processing centers have not resumed normal levels of operation to vet refugees for potential resettlement in the U.S. since the executive orders were blocked in court. Some refugees who were ready to come to the U.S., she said, have started the process over because their background checks or medical screenings expired. Agencies dont know what will happen as cases over the executive order move through the courts, she said. There are so many unknowns in this process, Bejko said. Trump issued two executive orders, one in January and a second in March, that temporarily stopped the refugee resettlement program and lowered the annual cap that the U.S. would take to 50,000 from 110,000. A court decision in March blocked those parts of Trumps order. They had been in effect since January, though other parts of the executive orders were more quickly halted by courts. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in the Trump administrations attempt to appeal the decision about two weeks ago. The judges have not yet announced their decision. In the meantime, those who work with refugees in San Diego are gearing up for a World Refugee Day Celebration on June 17. Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence Follow me on Facebook for live updates about immigration news kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter The American Civil Liberties Union says that conditions the city of Vista has placed on protesters who assemble near Rep. Darrell Issas district office violate free speech rights and must be removed. Stipulations on a permit granted to Ellen Montanari for weekly protests with hundreds of people violate the First Amendment by dictating where they can assemble, and how they can deliver their message, the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties said. By organizing a protest on a public sidewalk, Ms. Montanari is engaging in political speech that is guaranteed the highest level of protection, said David Loy, the legal director the local chapter of the ACLU. Advertisement Vistas spokeswoman said the city attorney had not seen the letter and could not comment. The city previously said that the conditions on the permit were added for safety concerns and in response to complaints. The city requires permits for events with more than 50 people. As protests continue, restrictions tighten Several hundred protest Issas health care vote Issa appears on rooftop as hundreds protest outside his Vista office For months Montanari has organized protests outside Issas office every Tuesday morning. The events generally last for an hour, sometimes follow a theme (this weeks was Youre Toast) and have been attended by as many as 800 people. Montanari applied for a permit that was initially valid through April 25, but was later extended to May 31, but came with a series of new conditions. Montanari requested that the permit be extended, once again, through the end of the summer, but received the citys approval to continue her protests through June 30. The conditions that the city placed on Montanari in exchange for that permit, Loy said, are illegal. The First Amendment protects the right of speakers not the government to decide where and how to speak on a public sidewalk, unless the government meets the strict test for restricting speech in a public forum, which is not the case here, Loy wrote in a letter addressed to the Vista city attorney. Loy said the conditions the city placed on Montanaris permit illegally bans people from protesting on the sidewalk next to the district office on Thibodo Road (protesters, in response, moved farther away). Other requirements, including clauses that make Montanari personally financially responsible for the behavior of other people protesting and a prohibition against using amplified sound, are also unconstitutional, he said. In my opinion, nothing is more American than political protest, Montanari said in a statement. Weve worked cooperatively with the city of Vista and law enforcement, but we will not back down from defending the First Amendment. Issa, a nine-term congressman, won re-election to the House last year by 1,621 votes, defeating Democrat Doug Applegate in the closest race in the country. Democrats see his district, which spans northern coastal San Diego County and southern Orange County, as one they can pick up in 2018, while the GOP is trying to maintain its long hold on the district. While the two major political parties are tuned in, various organizations have staged protests outside of Issas and other Republican legislators district offices. Republicans have a voter registration advantage in the district, but voters have supported Democrats running for president before, including Barack Obama for president in 2008 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 It was 21 years ago that San Diego County took a new approach to combating methamphetamine. At the time, clandestine labs in hotel rooms, canyons and homes were still pumping out batches of the drug, and the county was trying to shed its unofficial reputation as the meth capital of the world. Policy makers, law enforcement, medical professionals and others formed a countywide strike force that today numbers 70 organizations. A newspaper headline in 1996 trumpeted its ambitious goal: All-out war to combat meth peril, drive aims to rid area of its dubious top rank. Advertisement For a while, the focused effort to shut down meth labs and arrest the operators seemed to be making a difference. With less of the drug on the streets, local meth-related deaths declined, as did treatment admissions and meth arrests. But the strike forces latest report card, unveiled last month, offered bad news across the board: the most meth-related deaths ever reported in a year, and spikes in meth arrests and meth-related medical treatment in local ERs. Its mission remains the same but the problem has changed. With the shutdown of domestic production, Mexican cartels have been flooding the U.S. with cheap, pure methamphetamine, say two founding members of the task force. When we started out, it was a whole different scene, recalled Angela Goldberg, who works as the groups facilitator. There were labs being seized once a week, there were explosions There was a crisis over locally produced meth. Users back then were largely white, blue-collar residents, some affiliated with motorcycle gangs. Meth users today cant be pigeonholed so easily: Theyre from all parts of San Diego County, from all walks of life. I would say it was really a subculture in the East County in the late 1990s and it has gotten much more widespread, Goldberg said. Weve had an occasional lawyer, doctor, pharmacist, housewife, military (who are users). A lot are in construction. County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs, who spearheaded the creation of the strike force, said the elimination of meth labs in the county and no longer being known as a meth capital are big successes. She blamed outside forces for hurting the countys efforts, including Mexican cartels and state laws that relax punishments for some drug offenses. Moving forward, the strike force hopes to reach users through social media and even a YouTube channel. Goldberg said people may be facing meth fatigue because the county has been fighting it so long. It is a new way to engage people, Goldberg said. People need information, but they also need hope. karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com San Diego police chased a stolen sedan down Interstate 8 to Mission Valley early Thursday, then arrested the driver when he tried to hide near a car dealership. A passenger also was arrested after the driver pulled over on the freeway, police said. Officers noticed the 1991 Lexus heading west on I-8 near Lake Murray Drive shortly before 3 a.m. A check on its license plate showed it had been reported stolen, Officer Josh Hodge said. Advertisement He said the officers used their patrol car lights and siren to get the driver to stop. The Lexus kept going, not over the speed limit, until stopping on the center divider before the Mission Center Road exit. The driver got out of the car and ran across eastbound freeway lanes to a row of car dealerships on Camino del Rio South. He was found and arrested near the Buick and BMW car lots, police said. A passenger who stayed in the Lexus was taken into custody as well. No information about the driver or passenger was available. Building suspense about America's role in the world, President Donald Trump plans to announce whether the U.S. would stay in the global Paris climate pact. The White House signaled withdrawal was likely, and AP sources Thursday afternoon say President Trump has decided to withdraw from the landmark agreement. Read more. The campaign for Doug Applegate, a Democrat who plans to challenge Republican Rep. Darrell Issa in 2018, says a former political consultant failed to report large media buys on disclosure forms during Applegates unsuccessful run last year. The campaign offered the explanation in a letter on Tuesday to the Federal Election Commission. Both expenditures $211,868 on Oct. 27 and $93,629 on Oct. 3 were paid to The New Media Firm in Washington, D.C. The campaign disclosed the payments and other smaller expenses in amended financial reports filed with the FEC in March. The media buys account for most of an unexplained $376,408 overnight reduction in the campaigns coffers between Nov. 28 and Nov. 29 a drop-off first reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune and then questioned by the FEC. Advertisement In February, Applegates campaign manager, Robert Dempsey, told the Union-Tribune that the campaigns compliance consultant during the 2016 election was not meeting its needs. It replaced its consultant in December. Dempsey did not name the consultant. According to the campaigns letter Tuesday, it became clear that the previous vendor had not been reconciling its reports to the bank statements, as was its responsibility. The trouble with the consultant didnt end when the campaign hired a new treasurer in December, delaying and complicating the campaigns attempt to correct erroneous reports, the letter said. The committee repeatedly asked its previous vendor to provide the new vendor with access to the campaign finance database software, but the previous vendor did not provide the requested access until February 2017, the letter said. Accordingly, before it filed the post-general report, the new vendor had to re-create the committees reporting database from scratch from the committees banking and other records, all in short order. In the process, some additional disbursements were inadvertently omitted from the post-general report. The majority of this was due to a $211,868.00 disbursement to New Media on October 27. The letter went on to say the campaign has since corrected erroneous disclosures to the FEC, and revised its internal procedures to require that its reports are reconciled both by its compliance consultant and by committee staff prior to filing. The campaign did not name in the letter either of the compliance consultants it mentioned. Dempsey confirmed in response to the Union-Tribunes questions Wednesday that the campaigns compliance consultant during the 2016 election was Gary Crummitt, of the political reporting firm Crummitt & Associates in Long Beach. Crummitt signed a pre-primary disclosure report instead of Applegate, who was the treasurer of record, in July, prompting the FECs first request for additional information from Applegate. Crummitt did not immediately respond Wednesday to the Union-Tribunes requests for comment. Applegates campaign hired a new treasurer, Jennifer May, late last year, according to a report filed with the FEC on Dec. 28. May helped the campaign conduct a line-by-line review of its finances and amend reports to correct errors. The campaign notified the FEC on Tuesday of another change in its organization, listing Jane Leiderman as its new treasurer. Leiderman was listed as chief executive officer for the political consulting firm Leiderman & Associates, Inc., in Encino, according to records filed with the California Secretary of State in December. Dempsey, Applegates campaign manager, said Wednesday that the campaign hired a new treasurer to make a fresh start. Plus, Leiderman has the benefit of being California-based. Were grateful for the opportunity to put everything behind us, Dempsey said. Weve got everything wrapped up and were ready to focus solely on holding Darrell Issa accountable and winning his seat in 2018. Since Jan. 1, 2015, the FEC has issued Applegates campaign nine letters addressing concerns including mathematical errors, identification of contributors, failure to adequately describe expenditures and discrepancies in accounting for loans Applegate made to the campaign. The campaign missed deadlines for responses to five of the FECs letters. The response on Tuesday was filed on its due date, May 30. Issas campaign received four such inquiries during the same time period, and responded promptly to each, according to the Union-Tribunes review of FEC records. Applegates campaign has conducted an internal audit and filed seven amended reports since the Union-Tribune began asking about its accounting in February. The amended reports disclosed for the first time the media buys plus 11 payments totaling $28,147 to reimburse Applegate for expenses he paid on the campaigns behalf, including office rent and media consulting. The campaign also made numerous smaller adjustments in both spending and receipts, the reports show. Other adjustments corrected reporting errors, mathematical mistakes, and other issues the FEC identified in its requests for information. Experts in election law have said the campaigns reporting problems were extensive, but not necessarily alarming given Applegates novice status as a candidate for federal office and the closeness of the race. As of Wednesday, the FEC had not taken enforcement action against Applegates campaign. Both Applegate and Issa raised and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in the final weeks leading up to Election Day in November, FEC reports show. Applegate, a Democrat and retired Marine colonel from San Clemente, is no longer the only prominent Democrat proposing to run in 2018 for the seat held by Issa, a nine-term incumbent from Vista. In the first three months of this year, reports for the candidates show Applegates campaign has raised $117,081, according to FEC records. Levin raised $283,458 in the same reporting period. Issas campaign raised $367,073. Previously morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com Neighbors are on edge and police are investigating after a dog disappeared from the same Oceanside home where two huskies were tortured in April. Investigators dont believe the missing dog, Lala, just ran off from the home on Carino way. We are actively investigating this case and strongly believe it is related to the previous incidents, said Oceanside police Lt. Valencia Saadat. Advertisement The prior family moved out immediately after their dogs, Cocayo and Estrella, were injured April 28 at the home off Peyri Drive east of Douglas Way. One of the dogs had her eye gouged out and the other was forced to drink a caustic liquid. The canines have since recovered. A new family recently moved into the same house, and within days one of their two dogs was missing. The 30-pound, black and brown golden retriever mix was last seen Tuesday about 5:30 p.m., said Elsa Gaytan, who knows the family and is a close friend of the husky owners. Gaytan said that the dogs were seen outside the yard at least three times that day while the residents were at work. Someone kept letting them out, Gaytan said. She said one neighbor found the animals, escorted them back into the yard, made sure they could not exit and latched the gate. But they got out again and Lala has not been seen since. Gaytan said the family checked all the local shelters but she has not turned up. Residents are worried and angry, she said. We are aware of the concerns of the neighborhood, and are doing what we can to identify the suspect as well as solve these crimes, Saadat said. Many people believe the person responsible is a neighbor. What we believe and what can be proven are two separate things, Saadat said. Prior residents of the home, including the owners of the huskies, have had trouble before, police said. Cacayo and Estrella had been let out of their yard and suffered prior attacks. The owners had already asked to be let out of their lease due to the harassment, and they moved out the day of the last attack. They also reported to police that their tires had been slashed several times. Other people who live there also reported tire slashing and one former renter was said to have come home one day and found a man digging in her backyard. Gaytan said the family that recently moved in was aware of the husky incident but circumstances surrounding their move did not allow them to find another place. Reached by phone, the dogs owner said she did not want to talk about the case and said, instead, that the family was leaving it up to police. In the meantime, the search is on for Lala. San Diego Animal Advocates has offered a reward of $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oceanside Police tip line at (760) 435-4730. Related: Oceanside familys two dogs tortured one had its eye gouged out, both forced to drink poison Dogs maimed and tortured in brutal attack back with their family Reward doubled in attack of Oceanside huskies 619-293-1710 debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com twitter.com/Debbi_Baker Donald Trumps first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy and Belgium got mixed to scathing reviews from American journalists, who often depicted the president as a bull in a china shop. But even though international media have often caricatured or, if you prefer, accurately described Trump as the ultimate ugly American, he got a wider range of reviews abroad for his globe-trotting than he received back home. This is how the presidents trip was perceived around the world. Related: Why Trumps beef with Angela Merkel, Germany escalated Advertisement Trumps first stop in Riyadh won so-so reviews from a Japanese editorial writer and jeers from two Australian columnists. In a Japan Times editorial, the president was praised for giving a speech in which he backed away from campaign rhetoric that characterized Islam as a faith that hates the West. Yet Trump was criticized for emphasizing that his administration would not lecture partners of the United States about how to run their countries, a repudiation of the long-standing U.S. commitment to the promotion of democracy and human rights. Australian columnist Paul McGeough offered a similar gripe in his analysis for the Sunday Age, a Melbourne newspaper: And by abandoning even a pretense of fealty to the human rights of people in the region, Trump defaulted to a military-only response to terrorism, thereby empowering corrupt and calcified autocracies to use their mostly U.S.-supplied and trained security apparatuses to brutally suppress minorities and stamp out political opposition. Writing in the Canberra Times, columnist Paul Malone saw Trumps remarks as an opportunity to throw major shade not just at the president but at America: For a moment I was perplexed when I heard that U.S. President Donald Trump had told Saudi King Salman that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia shared the same values. Then it dawned on me: Both support capital punishment, although the Saudis prefer head chopping and the Americans offer a choice of lethal injection or the electric chair; the Saudis are misogynist and Donald Trump likes to ...grab women; the Saudis dont have a democracy and Donald Trump is in power with the support of only one-quarter of the U.S. electorate; and the Saudis and Trump oppose immigration but want poor people to employ, exploit and if necessary execute. ... A large number of people in both countries have a fanatical belief in God or Allah. (Ive always thought it a blessing that in the white settlement of North America and Australia we got the convicts and they got the pilgrims.) Related: What do President Trump and Pope Francis really think of each other? Trump got his best reception in Israel. This is from a Haaretz newspaper analysis by Chemi Shalev: In the short space of three days, Trump carried out a semi-revolution. He placed himself and the United States at the head of the anti-Iranian Sunni coalition, cashing in on hundreds of billions of Saudi dollars in return. He positioned himself as Mr. Tough on Terror, a strength made timelier by the terrible terror attack against Manchester teens during his visit. And he won over an edgy and apprehensive Israeli public, consigning Barack Obama in the eyes of many Israelis to the rogues gallery of U.S. presidents ... . Trumps triumphs ... stood in stark contrast to his deteriorating situation in Washington. ... Its as if there is a Dr. Donald when hes abroad who turns into a Mr. Hyde when hes in the Oval Office. Perhaps theres a dybbuk that has invaded his body that is scared of leaving American shores. An editorial in The Jerusalem Post offered similar praise: Trump is remarkably focused on the goal of bringing together Israelis and Palestinians and resolving once and for all a conflict that has received the attention of every U.S. president in recent history. And when Trump talks of peace he is taken seriously. When Barack Obama or John Kerry invested time, energy and clout in bringing together Israelis and Palestinians they were said to be naive, messianic and dangerous to Israels security. Yet when the same optimism is expressed by Trump, the Saudis, the Egyptians, the Jordanians, the Palestinians and Israel keep an open mind. Trumps blunt talk about the suicide bomber who killed 22 people leaving an Ariana Grande concert last week in Britain won raves from Molly Kiniry, a columnist for The Telegraph of London: His may not be the Queens English, but Donald Trump spoke well this week. ... Following the horrific attacks in Manchester, the president offered his thoughts at a press conference in Bethlehem; it is worth quoting him in part: I wont call them monsters because they would like that term. They would think that was a great name. I will call them losers from now on. And well have more of them. But theyre losers, just remember that. He went on to pledge that he would obliterate the wicked ideology behind the attack. How refreshing it is to have a president who can connect on a human level to human tragedy, who does not sound like a robot reading a State Department memo when addressing the press after a terrorist attack. No-drama Obama was cool and funny, but also unwilling to emote when the moment called for it. He seemed physically incapable of stringing the words fundamentalist, Islamist and extremism into a single sentence, preferring instead to offer pronouncements on tolerance, and exhortations to love our neighbors. As his trip wrapped up, Trumps pointed criticism of NATO allies for failing to increase their military spending and his refusal to explicitly say the United States remained committed to coming to the defense of NATO members under attack dominated headlines around the world. After German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that this meant Europe could no longer rely on America, Speigel Online the English-language version of Der Spiegel, an influential German newspaper saw huge portents for international relations: On the eve of Trumps trip to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Europe, heads of state and government around the world were eager to put on a veneer of harmony. That effort, though, is over and Merkel is one significant reason why. Since Trumps victory last November, many see the German chancellor as the leader of the free world and her appearance on Sunday was a sharp break with the careful Trump-related rhetoric she had thus far employed. To be sure, she reminded him in her congratulatory message after he won the election of the values that form the basis for the trans-Atlantic relationship, but she had nevertheless consistently sought to emphasize commonalities rather than divisions. Merkels comments on Sunday are a turning point because she cast doubt on past convictions and provided a clear indication that she is losing hope that she can ever work constructively together with Trump. But Merkels remarks also drew fire in a British newspaper for equating a possibly anomalous president with America in general. This is from Financial Times columnist Gideon Rachman: First, it is a mistake to allow four months of the Trump presidency to throw into doubt a trans-Atlantic alliance that has kept the peace in Europe for 70 years. It may come to that. But it is also possible that Mr. Trump is an aberration and will soon be out of office. ... Given that Germany has been free-riding on American military spending, it is a little cheeky to blame the U.S. for being an unreliable ally. London-based The Guardian columnist Natalie Nougayredes comments were more typical of European reaction: Merkels words about Europe no longer being able to depend completely on others, and now holding its fate in its own hands, rang as a logical conclusion to a dismaying three days of Trumpian diplomacy. ... There is no clear answer as to whether Europe can make itself great again, but Trump has made the question very vivid. Our values are our strongest survival weapon against enemies, the Slovak president Andrej Kiska rightly said as Trump was preparing to fly home. And after a tense meeting with Trump in Brussels, the European council president, Donald Tusk, warned: The greatest task today is the consolidation of the free world around values, not just interests. Trumps self-assessment? Speaking in Italy before he flew back, the president said, I think we hit a home run. How would you score Trumps trip? Let me know. Reed is the deputy editor of the editorial and opinion section. Twitter: @chrisreed99. Email: chris.reed@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion ALSO 3 ways Trumps withdrawal from Paris climate accord would be a mistake 3 big reasons Trump may pull U.S. from Paris climate accord How Trumps Ramadan message compares to ones from Bush, Obama The California Assembly is currently considering SB 17 thats being deceptively sold under the label of drug pricing transparency. As the CEOs of San Diego-based bioscience companies committed to delivering affordable, cutting-edge treatments to patients, we feel compelled to warn our representatives that this bill is a red herring. If enacted, it wont lower the price of drugs, but it will drain investment in new medicines and make it more difficult to deliver breakthrough therapies to patients. The term transparency typically describes legislation that gives consumers information they can use to make informed decisions. SB 17 is not that kind of bill. Here, transparency refers to the governments effort to force drug innovators to disclose proprietary information and confidential business records that no other private industry must share. Doing so will undercut the competition and deal-making that constrain drug costs. Real transparency legislation would help patients get the information they need to make thoughtful choices on health insurance enrollment. It would help patients understand what medicines are covered by their plans and what kind of cost-sharing is required. Real transparency would examine the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), for they determine what patients pay out of pocket, not drug innovators. Advertisement SB 17 is predicated on the notion that the biopharmaceutical industry exaggerates its commitment to research and development. However, claims that drug innovators spend more on marketing than on R&D have been widely discredited. They are derived by counting as marketing all sorts of routine administrative expenses and including only a few Big Pharma companies at the end of the drug distribution chain. These formulations fail to count the $70 billion in R&D from the 4,000 smaller U.S. biopharma companies that make up the heart of the life sciences ecosystem and generate 65 percent of all new drugs. San Diegans may not realize it, but most life sciences companies shutter before earning a single dollar in sales. Ninety percent of biopharmaceutical companies dont earn any profit, and 90 percent of all new drug programs in the development pipeline do not gain government approval. Drug pricing determinations reflect not just the development cost of one particular drug that makes it to market, but the imperative to attract risky investment to finance expensive therapies that never do. Forcing drug innovators to itemize their input costs for the development of a particular drug will chill investment while doing nothing to constrain prices. SB 17 seeks to treat the biopharmaceutical industry like a public utility, where prices are regulated on a cost-plus basis. This would be a huge red flag for investors. When politicians spook biotech investors, it hits small emerging companies the hardest. Last year, biotech IPOs and follow-on offerings were down by more than 50 percent, largely due to the political uncertainty created by the barrage of political attacks on life sciences companies. The innovators being punished most severely for the drug pricing controversy are the entrepreneurs who dont yet have drugs to price. SB 17 also includes a mandate for bioscience companies to provide advanced notification of even modest price increases. Mandatory 90-day warnings on future price hikes will give wholesalers, hospitals, pharmacies, large provider networks and buying groups ample time to hoard as much product as possible before the increase takes effect. Sudden spikes in demand are extremely difficult for biopharmaceutical manufacturers to manage since complex biologic medications take time to manufacture. This scenario could lead to drug shortages. San Diegos life sciences cluster is one of the strongest in the nation. Weve earned an international reputation as the genomics capital of the world. Employment in San Diego Countys life science industry has increased by 20 percent over the past five years. We have 1,255 life science establishments that employ nearly 50,000 San Diegans. Our elected officials must not take this growth for granted, for it is dependent upon our ability to attract investment. If enacted, SB 17 would threaten our regions economic and scientific progress. Patients throughout our city have legitimate concerns about access to affordable drugs, but SB 17 does not address them. It is the wrong prescription for California. We still have time to come up with a holistic solution that doesnt impede investment or thwart commercialization of lifesaving therapies that patients across the world are counting on us to deliver. Mento is CEO of Conatus Pharmaceuticals. Pascoe is CEO of Apricus Biosciences. Last month, the Congressional Budget Office announced that the American Health Care Act, also known as Trumpcare, is projected to increase the number of people without health insurance by 14 million next year and by 23 million in 2026. In other words, more people would lose their insurance under Trumpcare than the approximately 20 million who gained it under the Affordable Care Act. In part, Trumpcare eliminates insurance subsidies funded by a 3.8 percent tax on investment income and, starting in 2023, a 0.9 percent payroll tax which equates to about $765 billion of tax cuts for the wealthy and very wealthy over the next decade. According to the Tax Policy Center, the top 1 percent of earners would get 40 percent of the cuts, while the top 20 percent of earners would get 64 percent of the cuts. Related: Advertisement Darrell Issa: Why Obamacare relief is so urgently needed Mike Levin: Trumpcare little more than tax cut for rich Doug Applegate: Time for U.S. to put people before profit Mark Wyland: Issa vote an attempt to rescue failing Obamacare On May 4, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, cast one of the final votes for Trumpcare and did so without knowledge of any CBO facts, which had yet to be released. Before his vote, despite the opposition to and unpopularity of Trumpcare within his district, Issa kept us in the dark even telling a reporter, None of your business. Trumpcare is everyones business. Its a dangerous tax cut for the wealthy masquerading as health care reform. Issa, the richest member of Congress with a net worth approaching $800 million, personally would save millions of dollars in taxes. The biggest losers under Trumpcare would be the most vulnerable, as well as those just short of turning 65. Insurance premiums are estimated to rise 850 percent for poor, elderly people over the next decade if Trumpcare becomes law. For example, the CBO said a 64-year-old making $26,700 a year, who now pays $1,700 a year for health insurance, would see his or her annual premium increase to $16,100. The numbers are equally stunning in Issas district. Analysis from the California Health Care Foundation suggests that 36,400 residents here would lose coverage under Trumpcare, including 3,800 children. These are people with pre-existing conditions who wont be able to afford policies when they are caught in high risk pools with skyrocketing premiums. What do we do instead? In the near term, I believe we must work to repair and strengthen the ACA. President Trumps wanton neglect of existing law is unconscionable. Indeed, Trumps own attempts to sabotage the ACA have made insurers nervous and unable to plan for the future. Many ideas to improve the current law must be explored, including the implementation of public option early Medicare coverage within health insurance marketplaces, and the hiring of new full-time federal enrollment assisters to help Americans enroll. Ultimately, I believe that we must work toward Medicare-for-all. If I have the honor to serve in Congress, I will passionately defend Medicare and Medicaid, ensure young people can stay on their family health insurance plan, prevent discrimination against Americans with pre-existing conditions, and ensure veterans swiftly get the care and benefits they have earned. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little. In March, at his first town hall meeting in seven years, Issa implied that quality health care is a lifestyle choice. For his deciding vote on Trumpcare, we have a choice to pay him back at the ballot box next year. Levin is running for Californias 49th Congressional District seat. The San Juan Capistrano resident works in the field of clean energy, sustainable power generation and transportation. The American Academy of Pediatrics and a long list of sleep experts say starting school days early takes a harsh toll on teens. The research is clear that adolescents who get enough sleep have a reduced risk of being overweight or suffering depression, are less likely to be involved in automobile accidents, and have better grades, higher standardized test scores and an overall better quality of life, pediatrician Judith Owens wrote in 2014. Studies have shown that delaying early school start times is one key factor that can help adolescents get the sleep they need to grow and learn. Given this history, its welcome news that the state Senate passed legislation from Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge, on Tuesday that would prevent middle and high schools in California from starting class before 8:30 a.m. Advertisement Less welcome? Senate approval came on a near party-line vote, with minority Republicans dismissing what sleep experts say and depicting the proposal as akin to coddling students. And the powerful California Teachers Association still opposes the bill, alas, so it may not survive. If approved by the Assembly and signed by the governor, the measure would take full effect in 2020, leaving ample time to work out logistics if agreement can come on protecting students health. Later school starts are an idea whose time has come. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion In February 1941, Henry R. Luce, editor and publisher of Time and Life magazines, wrote a striking editorial in Life magazine. It began by lamenting what he saw as Americans pessimism: As we look out at the rest of the world we are confused; we dont know what to do, Luce wrote. As we look toward the future our own future and the future of other nations we are filled with foreboding. Luce went on to exhort President Franklin D. Roosevelt and all Americans to get past this pessimism, to outgrow their isolationist impulses and to enter World War II and rescue Nazi-besieged Europe. Luce argued that the United States should accept wholeheartedly our duty and our opportunity as the most powerful and vital nation in the world and in consequence to exert upon the world the full impact of our influence. Ten months later, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. did enter the war. Less than four years after that, America led the allied nations to victory and cemented a world order dominated by the U.S. Advertisement The prescient headline of Luces editorial was The American century. The phrase came to be historical shorthand for how the United States held sway over the 20th century. There is no reason to believe the 21st century cant be a better American century. But the pessimism and foreboding that President Trump feels when he looks out at the rest of the world evident in his constant assertions that America is perpetually victimized by other nations may someday be seen as the key to ushering in the Chinese century. His decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accords, his hostility toward NATO and his loathing of trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership make it possible to envision a world in which Beijing replaces Washington as the worlds hub of power. Certainly this is the hope of Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. Its why Beijing has assiduously wooed the rest of the world with foreign aid, diplomacy, trade incentives, cultural and educational programs, and more. In his 2007 book, Charm Offensive: How Chinas Soft Power Is Transforming the World, Council on Foreign Relations scholar Joshua Kurlantzick envisioned a future in which China became the only nation outside the Soviet Union to rival the United States in international influence. This charm offensive continues this week at the China-European Union summit meeting in Brussels. Beijings emissaries emphasized their commitment to the Paris accord and their belief in the value of multilateral agreements and the confidence that other nations could have that China would behave in predictable ways. This last argument is made very calculatedly. In the Trump era, it is difficult to have such confidence in America. The most powerful and vital nation in the world doesnt want to lead creating an opening that China has long been preparing to fill. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion It didnt take long after multiple reports emerged Wednesday saying President Donald Trump might pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement for California Democrats to criticize the possibility. The agreement was reached in 2015 when President Barack Obama signed the U.S. on to a pledge, shared by 195 countries in all, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Will Trump renege on the deal? During the presidential election, he said he would cancel U.S. involvement, and on Wednesday he said hed announce his administrations decision on the accord over the next few days. So of course politicians and Americans in general began expressing opinions of their own. RELATED: 3 big reasons Trump may pull U.S. from Paris climate accord Three ways Trump's withdrawal from Paris climate accord would be a mistake To no ones surprise, that list includes many of Californias leading Democrats, who havent exactly been keeping their feelings about Trump to themselves. Gov. Jerry Brown and company were particularly aggressive on Wednesday in addressing a topic for which California has become known as a world leader. Gov. Jerry Brown In an interview with Politico, Brown called Trumps potential withdrawal outrageous. This current departure from reality in Washington will be very short-lived, that I promise you, Brown said. Ive spoken with Republicans here in the (California) legislature, and theyre beginning to get very serious about climate action, so the momentum is all the other way. And I think Trump, paradoxically, is giving climate denial such a bad name that hes actually building the very movement that he is [purporting] to undermine. Brown said the rest of the world is against Trump. The rest of the world is against him, he said. California is against him. New York is against him. We are for sensible, scientifically based climate action. And this is unfortunate, even tragic, but we will overcome it. The governor also did an interview with The Los Angeles Times and called Trumps possible move tragic. "Here we are, in 2017, going backwards," Brown said. "It cannot stand, it's 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." U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-San Francisco, sent out a series of tweets. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-San Francisco, was even more pointed. She also invoked the sentiment of a 7-year-old. California Senate leader Kevin de Leon Senate leader Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, also invoked the children. San Diego leaders Reps. Scott Peters and Susan Davis , both of San Diego, made appeals for the economy and the environment. Did we miss any other tweets from California politicians, Democratic or Republican? Let us know. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin ALSO 3 big reasons Trump may pull U.S. from Paris climate accord 3 ways Trump's withdrawal from Paris climate accord would be a mistake Disgust over a graphic image showing Kathy Griffin holding a prop of President Donald Trump s severed head continued Wednesday with CNN announcing that the comedian would not host its popular New Years Eve program anymore despite Griffins public apology for the stunt. Is America now ready to forgive Griffin and move on? Forgiveness seemed like a tall order on Tuesday when images of Griffin holding a fake bloody head of Trump shocked everyone from conservatives to liberals as CNN colleagues distanced themselves from her actions. The president on Wednesday said on Twitter that Griffin should be ashamed of herself and that his 11-year-old son, Barron, had been particularly disturbed. The image also appeared to have caught the attention of the Secret Service which, while not addressing it directly, said it regularly monitors social media to evaluate threats. The consequences for Griffin didnt stop there. On Tuesday, toilet stool maker Squatty Potty also severed ties with Griffin as their product spokesperson. In a statement, the company said her choice to express those views violently was done in poor taste. By early Wednesday morning and after repeated calls for CNN to cut ties with Griffin, the network announced its decision to end its relationship with Griffin who for many years had co-hosted a New Years Eve program alongside host Anderson Cooper . Whereas Bill OReillys scandal drove away dozens of advertisers from his Fox News Channel show in April, CNN avoided a bigger fallout by addressing the controversy immediately. As of Wednesday, ADT Security Services appeared to be the only advertiser to make a statement by pulling ads from CNN. Also unlike OReilly, Griffin publicly apologized amid an onslaught of criticism and arguments that her stunt went too far. She deleted tweets that appeared to show her defiance to the criticism, saying OBVIOUSLY, I do not condone ANY violence by my fans or others to anyone, ever! Im merely mocking the Mocker in Chief. For the record, Griffin did not act alone here. She worked with photographer Tyler Shields who on Twitter posed the question: Can you go to jail for making an artistic statement??? Asking for a friend @kathygriffin The reaction to Griffins video apology shows Americans are divided about this. On Wednesday, some people continued to condemn her while others defended her. Others were ready to move on to the next internet flare-up. Griffins comedy tour, which has upcoming appearances in California, New York and New Jersey, appears to continue as scheduled despite a flood of calls on her Facebook Page for people to boycott them. Update: A northern California area venue where Griffin was scheduled to appear for a comedy tour said Wednesday it had cancelled the event and would refund tickets. In a Facebook post, The Center for the Arts said that due to recent actions for which she has publicly apologized, we have received hundreds of angry and threatening emails and phone calls including threats to the Vets Hall building and our community. Will this controversy continue? 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. ALSO Watch Bill O'Reilly's 10 most notorious TV moments It's official: Bill O'Reilly is done at Fox News Ad boycott of Bill O'Reilly's show triggers debate on media impact UPDATES: Thursday, June 1 at 11:55 a.m.: This article was updated with a statement from one of the venues that cancelled one of Griffins appearances for her tour. This article was originally published on Wednesday, May 31, at 5:15 p.m. Why did Hillary Clinton lose the 2016 presidential election? Let her count the ways. "I take responsibility for every decision I made, but that's not why I lost, Clinton said Wednesday at a technology conference in Silicon Valley where she pointed a lot of fingers, including one at the Democratic National Committee. I get the nomination. So Im now the nominee of the Democratic Party, Clinton told the audience. I inherit nothing from the Democratic Party. I mean it was bankrupt, it was on the verge of insolvency, its data was mediocre to poor, nonexistent, wrong. I had to inject money into it the DNC to keep it going. Related: Clinton aides deny Titanic-like woes documented in new book, 'Shattered' The remarks the latest in a series of public speaking engagements in which she has blamed WikiLeaks , the Russians, The New York Times and sexism for her presidential election loss to Donald Trump did not go unnoticed by members of her own party. Political strategists inside and outside the party including the DNCs chief data officer, Andrew Therriault, who deleted a set of critical tweets took issue with Clintons remarks and defended the DNC and its data. Clinton won the popular vote by 3 million votes, but Donald Trump won the decisive electoral college vote. Her latest remarks continue a series of recent public statements where she has spoken candidly about the last election and the damaging factors that contributed to her loss, something she expects to elaborate on in an upcoming book. In addition to blaming leaks of her campaign emails to WikiLeaks, Russian hackers, Clinton blamed the New York Times for its coverage of the email scandal, which she said they covered it like it was Pearl Harbor. Related: Hillary Clinton can't stop talking about Donald Trump In earlier remarks about the election at an event last month, Clinton cited a letter former FBI Director James Comey had written to Congress to announced the re-opening of an investigation into her emails as secretary of state as one item that derailed her presidential bid. I was on the way to winning until the combination of Jim Comeys letter on Oct. 28th and Russian WikiLeaks raised doubts in the minds of people who were inclined to vote for me but got scared off, Clinton said. There was a lot of funny business going on. Clintons blame tour has ruffled some feathers. On one hand, some wonder why she (or Trump) cannot stop talking about an election that happened about seven months ago, and on the other, her remarks appear to be giving new ammunition to her critics, including Trump. Clintons new book will be published by Simon & Schuster and is set for release on Sept. 26, the Associated Press reported. Is it time for Clinton and Trump and the rest of us to stop talking about the 2016 election? Or are you looking forward to reading her book? 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. The cliche The whole world is watching may never be more true this year than it was on Thursday when President Donald Trump followed through on his campaign pledge to cancel U.S. involvement in the Paris climate agreement. Pretty much every country on Earth except Syria and Nicaragua is on board with the 2015 agreement with the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally. President Barack Obama agreed to the U.S. cutting its emissions by 26 to 28 percent (compared to its level in 2005) by 2025. Ahead of the decision, some prominent Republican senators, administration officials and other Americans (including Trump supporters) called for Trump to leave the agreement. But outside the U.S., international corporations and world leaders pressured him to stick with it. France, Germany and Italy After Trumps announcement on Thursday, leaders of France, Germany and Italy released a joint statement saying the agreement cannot be renegotiated. Canada England Prime Minister Theresa May gave one of the most neutral responses to Trumps big decision so far. It is up to the President of the United States to decide what position the United States is going to take on this matter, but we retain our commitment to the Paris agreement, she said at a campaign event this week. However British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told Sky News that he will continue to lobby the US at all levels to continue to take climate change extremely seriously and to show the leadership that America has shown in the past." Sweden Belgium Scotland Denmark Russia On Thursday, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin said that Russia thinks highly of the Paris agreement. China In a meeting with Merkel in Germany on Thursday, Premier Li Keqiang of China said China will continue to uphold its commitments to the Paris climate agreement. He also called it an international responsibility. The European Union European Council President Donald Tusk may have made the most direct appeal to Trump on Twitter ahead of his announcement. Many current and past U.S. political leaders chimed in as the decision was announced as well. Former President Barack Obama President Obama released a statement shortly after Trumps announcement saying the U.S. joins a small handful of nations that reject the future. Former President Bill Clinton Former Secretary of State John Kerry Former Secretary of State John Kerry, who famously signed the agreement in 2015 with his granddaughter on his lap, released a statement saying Trumps decision isolates the United States after we had united the world. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz California Gov. Jerry Brown Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin ALSO Editorial: Trump's Paris climate accord withdrawal worst decision of his life 3 big ways Trump quitting Paris accord could be a huge mistake Dave Harbour, owner of Harbour Farm & Vineyard in Ramona, is sponsoring a portion of car number 61, which will be purposefully crashing into other cars in support of the Burn Institutes 27th Annual Fire & Safety Expo and Firefighter Demolition Derby. The derby is scheduled for June 3, the first Saturday of the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the Del Mar Arena. Harbour sponsored the right rear panel on the colorful 2005 Crown Victoria that Miramar Firefighter Jeff Yeager is looking forward to driving during this popular standing-room-only event. Its the first time Yeager will drive in the derby, but hes been involved in the pits and with building of the cars for years. Harbours support helped raise the minimum $15,000 to cover the costs of purchasing and retrofitting a car to derby driver safety standards. They both hope their car will survive the crashing and metal-smashing to be the last one moving, raising funds for what they agree is a worthy cause. The Burn Institute uses the proceeds from the event for its fire safety efforts, including its Camp Beyond the Scars held at Ramonas Oakbridge Camp. The annual camp provides a week of self-esteem building skills, fun, and fellowship for approximately 50 burn-injured children between the ages of 8 and 17. Come out and cheer on the firefighters as they smash for cash, said Harbour, inviting Ramonans to add to the deafening exuberance as local firefighters compete during the two heart-pounding derbies, with the preliminary heat starting at 2 p.m., followed by the finals at 5:30. In addition to the Firefighter Demolition Derby, this years event will include live firefighting demonstrations, a fire and burn prevention pavilion, safety demonstrations, a firefighter obstacle course for children, live music, and much more, all kicking off at 10 a.m. The schedule is available at www.burninstitute.org under events. Admission is free with your fair ticket, and Albertsons/Vons will be sponsoring $5 Fair Days for that Saturday, June 3, (also June 2 and June 7), with tickets only available at their stores. This years fair opens June 2 and runs through July 4, with the theme Where the West is Fun. The fair will be closed Mondays (except July 3), and the first three Tuesdays. Regular admission at the fairgrounds is $18 for adults (ages 13 to 61), $11 for seniors (62 and older) and children (6 to 12), and free for ages 5 and younger. Check www.sdfair.com for season passes, discounted group rates, military discounts, times, and a full schedule of events. Is it OK to be violent if they deserve it? Or are there other choices? What happened to walking away when your adversary is simply asking a question? Although his campaign initially lied, newly elected Republican Congressman Greg Gianforte finally admitted he was wrong when he attacked reporter Ben Jacobs in a choke-slam, breaking his glasses and sending him to the hospital for X-rays, for simply asking a question about the COBs report on the healthcare bill. The police supported the reporters account by charging Gianforte with assault. The incident was caught on audio tape and a Fox reporter substantiated the reporters claims. Unfortunately, most of Montana had already voted through mail-in ballots. So how does Gianfortes choices affect us here in District 50? Well, based on last weeks LA Times article, Congressional Representative Duncan Hunter told reporters, Its not appropriate behavior, unless the reporter deserved it, according to a tweet posted by the Associated Press Mary Clare Jlonick. Unless he deserved it. Is this the message we want to endorse? How many of us have heard this excuse? Replace he with she and the lowbrow excuse for violence becomes all too familiar to women, parents whose daughters are abused by husbands or boyfriends, and children who grew up in violent homes. All too often kids experience physically bullying because, apparently, they deserved it. Unless under physical attack, why not just walk away? Mr. Hunter represents our district. He needs to endorse appropriate, non-violent behavior, not give credence to a violent choice of action. Is our democracy eroding into a totalitarian regime that vilifies the press and resorts to beating them up because those in power dont like the questions? Perhaps, after all, the president has tweeted, the media is the enemy of the people. However, the Russian fake news is valid when used to his advantage. So perhaps Duncan Hunter is just following in line with the current administration. Of course Mr. Hunter has made it clear numerous times in interviews that he really doesnt seem all that interested in opposing views. We are just noise to him. Well Mr. Hunter, by all means, play your favorite We Are the Champions all you want, but remember that your title as Representative means that you do need to listen to ALL of your constituents who pay your salary. Hopefully we can have representation that can be a role model to our children and respects our sacred free press. Susan Conrad is a Ramona resident. A boy was shot in the abdomen by a crossbow bolt Monday after he and another boy were throwing rocks at a passing car in Linda Vista, San Diego police said. A passenger in a black Toyota RAV4 pulled out a crossbow and fired one bolt before driving away around 2:15 p.m. on Linda Vista Road near Mesa College Drive, said police Officer Dino Delimitros. The two people in the car were described as Latino males and most likely juveniles. Ages were not released for the boys who had been throwing rocks. Advertisement The boy who was shot was taken to Rady Childrens Hospital and suffered injuries that were not considered life threatening, Delimitros said. A former Portage inmate was sentenced Wednesday for assaulting a correctional officer in February 2016. Larry Harris, 39, formerly of Milwaukee, appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court for a hearing lasting just over five minutes resulting in little appreciable difference for Harris. Harris was originally charged in May 2016 for an incident that February in which he was accused of approaching a correctional officer in the day room at 8 a.m. and suddenly and without provocation began punching the officer in the head, then kicking the officer after he had been on the floor. The officer reportedly was able to get back up while Harris took a fighting stance. Officers arrived and subdued Harris, who was subsequently transferred to Waupun Correctional Institution. In court on Wednesday, Harris entered a plea of no contest to a single count of misdemeanor battery and he was sentenced to nine months to be tacked onto the end of his current prison sentence. Of course, this is an agreed-upon sentence, said Judge Alan White, but I hope that this doesnt occur in the future because what you would be doing is just adding penalty to the time you will already serve. You understand that? Yes, your honor. Its certainly not going to do you any good to stay there. Harris is serving a life sentence for a 1996 conviction for first-degree homicide in Milwaukee County with no eligibility for parole, according to online Wisconsin Department of Corrections records. Harris also has no mandatory release or extended supervision date. Our Local Program Impact GSK's generous funding allows Save the Children to respond immediately to any crisis affecting U.S. children at scale, or in communities where Save the Children works. It also supports the continued strengthening of Save the Childrens staff capacity and operational systems, the prepositioning of supplies, as well as continued critical relationships with external partners to improve Save the Childrens ability to respond to U.S. disasters and maximize impact for children in times of need. While we cannot predict when or how many disasters will occur, the specific duration and frequency of disaster response programs varies to match the scope and scale of impact. Save the Children focuses our services in immediate relief through distribution of child-focused goods like diapers, hygiene kits, cribs, and school supplies and developmental toys. We provide emergency grants and supplies to early education and community organizations serving children so they can reopen as quickly as possible and children can return to their normal routine. We help children and caregivers cope, recover and prepare for future disasters through social-emotional and resilience trainings and capacity building. Save the Children prioritizes the most at-risk children and works in partnership with state and local agencies to ensure our interventions are tailored to best meet the needs of communities we work in. We target children who experience inequality or discrimination and at-risk children and their families when disaster strikes a community. While in many instances disaster relief efforts are focused in the highest populated most media visible areas, we ensure our efforts also extend into areas that are otherwise forgotten, as these areas are often resource poor before a disaster and they need extra support to recover in the aftermath. Most of our interventions focus on children ages 0-12, their families, caregivers and the services that support their education, development and wellbeing. Dongguan, Guangdong -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/31/2017 -- Good news for those who are looking for a reliable source for buying the garment interlining fabrics and embroidery interfacing fabrics they need. The China-based company, Dongguan Rosawell Interfacing Fabrics Co. Ltd., says they have specialized in making these items including the fusible interlining fabrics and have been offering them since many years. The company points out that they are located in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China, a place known as "the factory of the world". They add that they mainly supply interfacing fabric, fusible interfacing, fusible interlining, woven and non woven interlining, water soluble stabilizer, embroidery stabilizer, polyester felt, hot melt adhesive film and double sided interfacing, etc. The company further says that their customers are concentrated in the Middle-East countries such as Saudi Arabia and Dubai, Pakistan, Israel, countries in the African Continent like Nigeria and Algeria, Egypt, Central and South American countries like Brazil and Guatemala and many other countries in Asia. The company emphatically asserts that the satisfaction of their customers is their responsibility. They urge new customers to place their trial orders with them so they can establish a long-standing friendship and cooperation with them. Customers can rest assured that they will get high quality prices at competitive factory prices. About Interfacing Fabrics Co. Ltd. The China-based company, Dongguan Rosawell Interfacing Fabrics Co. Ltd., says they have specialized in making garment interlining fabrics and embroidery interfacing fabrics and have been offering them since many years. The company is located in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China, a place known as "the factory of the world". They offer these items at competitive factory prices. For Media Contact: Company name: DONGGUAN ROSAWELL INTERFACING FABRICS CO., LTD Contact: Ms. Rosa (sales manager) Tel: 0086-0769-22022018 E-mail: rosa@interfacingfabric.com Address: 9th Floor, No.80 Hongfu Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China http://www.fusibleinterfacing.com/ West Bountiful, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/01/2017 -- 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 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. West Bountiful, UTAH General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Declares New Geneology Support Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Women of Early Plymouth: Governor William Bradford reported that the Pilgrims were worried that the "weak bodies of women" would not be able to withstand the rigors of a trans-Atlantic voyage and the construction of a colony. Prior to the Mayflower, very few English women had made the voyage across the ocean. Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colony arrived in Virginia in 1587, and amongst those 120 colonists there were 17 women: a baby girl, Virginia Dare, was born after arrival. When re-supply ships came from England, they could not relocate the people. The colony had mysteriously disappeared, and was never seen again. The Jamestown Colony was founded in 1607, but relatively few women had yet made the voyage and taken up residence there. The Pilgrim husband, as head of the household, had an important and difficult decision to make. Building a colony would be hard on a woman's "weaker body." It might be safer and healthier to leave her behind, and have her come later once the houses were built, and the general safety and successfulness of the colony were better established. But that could be several years. Could he live several years without his wife? How strong was his wife anyway, could she really handle it? Was it right to put your wife's life in danger in this manner? As the Mayflower left England for America, there were 18 adult women on-board. Three of them, Elizabeth Hopkins, Susanna White, and Mary Allerton, were actually in their last trimester of a pregnancy. All the adult women on the Mayflower were married; there were no single women--although there were a few teenage girls nearing marriageable age. While no women would die during the Mayflower's voyage, life after arrival proved extremely difficult. In fact, 78% of the women would die the first winter, a far higher percentage than for men or children. Dorothy Bradford was the first woman to die, and the only woman who died in the month of December. While many of the men, including her husband, were out exploring on Cape Cod, she accidentally fell off the Mayflower into the bitter cold waters of Provincetown Harbor. Most of the women's death dates were not recorded, but we do know that Rose Standish died on January 29, Mary Allerton died on February 25, and Elizabeth Winslow died on March 24. Most of the women died in February and March. The extremely high mortality rate among women is probably explainable by the fact the men were out in the fresh air, felling trees, building structures and drinking fresh New England water; while the women were confined to the damp, filthy and crowded quarters offered by the Mayflower, where disease would have spread much more quickly. The two-month voyage was long enough; the women, however, remained living on the ship for an additional four months while the men built storehouses and living quarters on shore. Many of the sick were no doubt cared for on-board the ship by the women, increasing their exposure to colds and pneumonias. William Mullins died on February 21, apparently on-board the Mayflower since his will was witnessed by the ship's captain and ship's surgeon. His wife Alice and son Joseph had not yet died, but it wasn't too long before they did, orphaning their teenage daughter Priscilla in the New World. Only five women survived the first winter. One of the five survivors, Mrs. Katherine Carver, died in May of a "broken heart," her husband John having died of sunstroke a month earlier. Weak bodies or not, by the time of the famous "Thanksgiving," there were only four women left to care for the Colony's fifty surviving men and children. The four women were Eleanor Billington, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Brewster, and Susanna (White) Winslow. http://mayflowerhistory.com/women 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 West Jordan, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/01/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley. http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/ Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles. Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region. Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child. Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children. BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins. FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604. SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England. CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles. CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth. DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269 Contact Adam Green! c: 801-809-7766 e: g3president@comcast.net The Mayflower was hired in London, and sailed from London to Southampton in July 1620 to begin loading food and supplies for the voyage--much of which was purchased at Southampton. The Pilgrims were mostly still living in the city of Leiden, in the Netherlands. They hired a ship called the Speedwell to take them from Delfshaven, the Netherlands, to Southampton, England, to meet up with the Mayflower. The two ships planned to sail together to Northern Virginia. The Speedwell departed Delfthaven on July 22, and arrived at Southampton, where they found the Mayflower waiting for them. The Speedwell had been leaking on her voyage from the Netherlands to England, though, so they spent the next week patching her up. On August 5, the two ships finally set sail for America. But the Speedwell began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs, arriving there about August 12. The Speedwell was patched up again, and the two ships again set sail for America about August 21. After the two ships had sailed about 300 miles out to sea, the Speedwell again began to leak. Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, and their inability to fix the Speedwell so that it could be sea-worthy, they returned to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the Speedwell behind. The Mayflower would go to America alone. The cargo on the Speedwell was transferred over to the Mayflower; some of the passengers were so tired and disappointed with all the problems that they quit and went home. Others crammed themselves onto the already very crowded Mayflower. Finally, on September 6, the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, and headed for America. By the time the Pilgrims had left England, they had already been living onboard the ships for nearly a month and a half. The voyage itself across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 days, from their departure on September 6, until Cape Cod was sighted on 9 November 1620. The first half of the voyage went fairly smoothly, the only major problem was sea-sickness. But by October, they began encountering a number of Atlantic storms that made the voyage treacherous. Several times, the wind was so strong they had to just drift where the weather took them; it was not safe to use the ship's sails. The Pilgrims intended to land in Northern Virginia, which at the time included the region as far north as the Hudson River in the modern State of New York. The Hudson River, in fact, was their originally intended destination. They had received good reports on this region while in the Netherlands. All things considered, the Mayflower was almost right on target, missing the Hudson River by just a few degrees. As the Mayflower approached land, the crew spotted Cape Cod just as the sun rose on November 9. The Pilgrims decided to head south, to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York, where they intended to make their plantation. However, as the Mayflower headed south, it encountered some very rough seas, and nearly shipwrecked. The Pilgrims then decided, rather than risk another attempt to go south they would just stay and explore Cape Cod. They turned back north, rounded the tip, and anchored in what is now Provincetown Harbor. The Pilgrims would spend the next month and a half exploring Cape Cod, trying to decide where they would build their plantation. On December 25, 1620, they had finally decided upon Plymouth, and began construction of their first buildings. The End of the Mayflower: "Mayflower's End," by Mike Haywood. The Mayflower returned to England from Plymouth Colony, arriving back on 9 May 1621. Christopher Jones took the ship out on a trading voyage to Rochelle, France, in October 1621, returning with a cargo of Bay salt. Christopher Jones, master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, died and was buried at Rotherhithe, co. Surrey, England, on 5 March 1621/2. No further record of the Mayflower is found until May 1624, when it was appraised for the purposes of probate and was described as being in ruins. The ship was almost certainly sold off as scrap. The claim, first originating from J. Rendel Harris' book The Finding of the Mayflower (1920), that the Mayflower ended up as a barn in Jordans, England, is now widely discredited as being a figment of an overzealous imagination on the tercentenary anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage, combined with a tainted oral history. None of the evidence has withstood subsequent investigation. Regardless of the lack of evidence for its authenticity, it has been featured in National Geographic on several occasions and is a tourist destination. It is important to realize that in 1624, when the ship was scrapped, it was not at all famous, and nobody would have thought twice about letting it rot away. West Jordan, UT General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Introduces New Geneology Resource Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen 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 Astronomers have discovered a super-Earth exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf star Gliese 625. Gliese 625, also known as GJ 625, G 202-48 and HIP 80459, is a quiet M2V-type star located in the constellation Draco, approximately 21 light-years from Earth. Its low activity combined with its long rotation period, of more than 70 days, makes Gliese 625 a very interesting candidate to search for rocky planets. The newly-discovered planet, Gliese 625b, has a mass of no less than 2.8 times that of Earth, making it a so-called super-Earth. Alejandro Suarez Mascareno, an astronomer at Geneva Observatory and the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, and co-authors made the discovery using observations of Gliese 625 collected by the HARPS-N spectrograph at the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, a 3.6-m telescope located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. Gliese 625b does fall within its parent stars habitable zone. The planet orbits Gliese 625 once every 14.6 days at a distance of only 0.078 AU. Gliese 625b is a small super-Earth at the inner edge of the habitable zone of its star, Mascareno and his colleagues said. We find that the planet might potentially host liquid water depending on its atmospheric condition. Using a basic estimation of the equilibrium temperature, and a correction using the greenhouse calculated to estimate the surface temperature, we estimate a mean surface temperature of 171 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius, or 350 degrees Kelvin) and Earth-like greenhouse effect. The presence of one or more extra planets around Gliese 625 cannot yet be ruled out at longer orbital periods, but finding them will not be easy, they added. The discovery will be published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics (arXiv.org preprint). _____ A. Suarez Mascareno et al. 2017. HADES RV Programme with HARPS-N at TNG: V. A super-Earth on the inner edge of the habitable zone of the nearby M-dwarf GJ 625. Astronomy & Astrophysics, submitted for publication; arXiv: 1705.06537 Versatile superstructures composed of nanoparticles have recently been prepared using various disassembly methods. However, little information is known on how the structural disassembly influences the catalytic performance of the materials. Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, and elsewhere have had their research address this issue published in the journal Nature Communications. The team, led by UNSW researchers Prof. Rose Amal, Dr. Hamid Arandiyan and Dr. Jason Scott, has developed a novel method that allows them to engineer crystals with a large fraction of reactive facets. An ordered mesostructured La 0.6 Sr 0.4 MnO 3 (LSMO) perovskite catalyst was disassembled using a unique fragmentation strategy, whereby the newly-exposed [001] reactive faces at each fracture were more reactive towards methane oxidation than the regular, i.e. before disassembly, the authors explained. It is of significant interest to use methane as an alternative fuel to coal and oil due to its high hydrogen to carbon ratio which provides comparatively lower greenhouse gas emissions, they said. Catalytic methane oxidation is often employed to stabilize lean flames at relatively low temperatures as compared to non-catalytic combustion, thus preventing the formation of noxious nitrogen oxides. Precious metals for example, Pd and Pt supported on Al 2 O 3 are well studied and used as commercial catalysts for complete methane oxidation at low temperatures. However, the associated high cost and poor thermal stability of the catalytic elements persist as major challenges. Using perovskite-type catalysts to replace noble metal supported catalysts for methane oxidation has attracted recent attention due to their excellent thermal stability. In their Nature Communications paper, the scientists describe a simple fragmentation method to synthesize a novel 3D hexapod mesostructured LSMO perovskite. On fragmenting 3D ordered macroporous (3DOM) structures in a controlled manner, via a process that has been likened to retrosynthesis, hexapod-shaped building blocks possessing newly exposed active crystal facets were harvested, they said. Powerful characterization techniques were coupled with theoretical calculations to define the manner by which the improved configuration promotes the methane combustion reaction. The new [110] reactive facets exposed at the weak fracture points of the 3DOM structure provide additional surface area as well as introduce surfaces possessing a reduced energy barrier for hydrogen abstraction from the methane (CH 4 * -> CH 3 * + H*) compared to the regular 3DOM [001] nonreactive facets. We believe the design philosophy and the preparation strategy for 3D LSMO provides an original pathway towards engineering high-efficiency catalysts, they added. The fragmentation technique can be extended to the controlled preparation and stabilization of other nanomaterials with broad applications, for this reason, it is of great significance. The approach demonstrates feasibility, mesoporous material field is eager for more and more researchers from other fields to explore attractive applications, said study first author Yuan Wang, a PhD student at UNSW. There is still ample room for improvement on hierarchically ordered perovskite catalysts designed to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations by oxidizing methane emissions and therefore improve cost-effectiveness, Dr. Arandiyan added. _____ Yuan Wang et al. 2017. The controlled disassembly of mesostructured perovskites as an avenue to fabricating high performance nanohybrid catalysts. Nature Communications 8, article number: 15553; doi: 10.1038/ncomms15553 This article is based on text provided by the University of New South Wales. Scientists discovered that the melting of the Arctic permafrost could emit massive amounts of nitrous oxide also known as the "laughing gas" in the atmosphere. It is theorized that the discharge could contribute and speed up the warming of the planet Earth. The findings of the discovery were printed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study was led by researchers from Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The scientists estimated that nitrous oxide emissions might have covered nearly one-fourth of the whole Arctic, according to ABC. Carolina Voigt, the Ph.D. candidate from the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland and the lead author of the study, explained that usually nitrous oxide emissions from Arctic soils were theorized to be negligible due to the low nitrogen content or the production rate is rather low due to the cold climate. In the study, the scientists examined 16 peatlands in Finnish Lapland. Each peatland was a plot of land over permafrost that is about 80 by 10 centimeters. Some of them were covered by lichen, plants and others were bare. The team took core samples and gauged that amount of nitrous oxide using the sensors. They found that the plots that were covered in plants or water did not have many gas emissions. On the other hand, the bare plots ejected much of the gas similar in the rainforest. This is about five times as much as normal, according to Phys.org. The team also discovered that the surface with no vegetation heightens the nitrous oxide emissions from the melting peat. On the other hand, the wetter the peat, the less nitrous oxide is emitted. Ms. Voigt said that the plants take up nitrogen from the surface soil so they lessen the nitrogen pool that is available for N2O production in the soil profile. Thus, plants are efficient at lessening N2O emissions. Therefore, she said that the future N2O emissions in the Arctic probably will depend largely on how vegetation and moisture conditions will develop in the future. Fuegos, I initially thought, needed to pick an identity. Was it a Latin steakhouse? A vegan restaurant? A tapas place? Trying to be all three wasnt wise. At least that was my impression going in. But what I found after a recent visit is that Fuegos is one of the best brunch spots in town. Best in terms of food, atmosphere and service. The meal started off comically when we were each handed two giant menus with Spanish titles: a brunch menu, a vegan menu, and two smaller sheets with the restaurants specialty cocktail and beer lists. We passed on the $12 bottomless mimosas, and stuck to coffee, which was from Colectivo and brewed strong and rich. When the bill came, we were surprised to find it was only $2 for a bottomless cup. Everyone in my party was also struck by how good our food was. Migas ($10) here was served in the form of a round frittata with corn tortillas incorporated into the scrambled-egg cake, instead of like a scramble served with tortillas to stuff it in. Inside was a winning combination of Mexican Chihuahua cheese, roasted peppers and chorizo. It was topped with more cheese and wonderful, homemade pico de gallo. My friends tortilla Espanola ($10), described as a baked omelet of potatoes, onions, spinach, chorizo and queso manchego, a Spanish sheeps-milk cheese, looked nearly identical to the migas and tasted very similar. Both were nicely seasoned. Another companion ordered pancake con platano y nuez ($9), which had fried bananas, whipped cream, rum pecan syrup and strawberries. It looked and tasted incredible, the cakes light and fluffy. She was delighted, and found it hard not to polish off the whole stack. All three of our dishes were listed under the griddle and pan section. The brunch menu also includes a wide variety of tapas, soups, salads, burgers and steaks. Alligator chorizo is featured in both a tapas and a burger. The 11-year-old at our table just asked for two fried eggs ($4) over medium and was pleased with the outcome. When the subject of Fuegos came up days later, she called her meal amazing, explaining the eggs were made exactly the way I wanted without me having to tell them. They were sunny side up, without being runny and gross. We also ordered tostones ($8) for the table from the vegan menu, and were served large chunks of fried plantains with a stunning mango sauce that had garlic, cilantro, horseradish and Vegenaise a vegan, eggless mayonnaise the restaurant orders through the nearby Willy Street Co-op. For dessert, our waiter brought over a plate with four options. From it, we chose the dos chocolate cake ($5), which had two round layers, one chocolate and one white chocolate, with whipped cream in between and chocolate sauce on the plate. Everyone liked it because it was not overly sweet or rich. Not only was the food impressive, but the room is well-appointed with banquettes that have wood accents and cheerful pillows between them, plus comfortable leather chairs. The restaurant is divided into different sections, which makes each area more intimate. The way Fuegos stuffs apricot-colored cloth napkins into the water glasses at each place setting gives it an elegant feel. Make sure to visit the washrooms, where the blue glass sinks in both the ladies and mens rooms with their mother-of-pearl-like sheen have become a conversation piece. When we showed up at 10:30 on a Saturday, one of my friends assumed the restaurant was closed before we went in, because the tables were empty. By noon, when we left, there were a few other parties eating. It made for a calm, peaceful morning, but had me concerned for the owners. Fuegos defines itself in many ways, but really needs to also promote itself as a brunch place. Eldorados going to have some competition once the word gets out, one of my friends said, referencing our usual brunch spot, two blocks up Williamson Street. Oscar Villarreal, who helped open Fuegos which means fire or flames in late April with family members and is its executive chef, did his restaurant training at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Earlier this year, Villarreal told me one of the reasons he was opening Fuegos was to help his family heal after a pair of tragedies in 2013 and 2014, when he lost two of his sons. One was killed during an altercation with a police officer. The other died in a car crash. Fuegos with its excellent food, impeccable service and beautiful space, honors both men. What a tribute. All three Wisconsin competitors in the Scripps National Spelling Bee were eliminated during preliminary rounds Wednesday. Martius Bautista, 13, and Kieran McKinney, 12, both successfully spelled their words during the two oral rounds. But neither garnered enough points on written tests to continue on to Thursdays final rounds. For 13-year-old Hanna Ghouse, a flubbed McMansion spelling took her out of the nationwide competition. The spellers had a chance to gain six points from two oral rounds Wednesday, which would be added to up to 30 points earned from written tests taken Tuesday. Bautista a seventh-grader at Edgewood Campus School who traveled to National Harbor, Md., for his third national competition earned 28 points in all, just shy of the 29 points needed to make it to the finals. Bautista conquered sacellum, a small monumental chapel in a church, and spelled pageantry successfully. For McKinney, a sixth-grader at Coulee Christian School in West Salem, aardwolf, a striped hyena-like mammal, wasnt a challenge, nor was schemery, a crafty action intended to accomplish some end. After succeeding with syllabus in the first round, Ghouse, a seventh-grader at the Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum, left the competition on McMansion, a large, modern house considered over-sized or unoriginal, after spelling it macmansion. During the Badger State Spelling Bee on March 25, Bautista took first place, Ghouse second and McKinney third. The national preliminaries had 71 students misspell words, leaving 188 competitors to be whittled down based on written tests. For Thursdays final rounds, which start at 9 a.m. and air on ESPN 2, 40 competitors will continue to try to become the top speller. A second part of the finals is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today It would be easy to dismiss the Madison student who feels oppressed attending a school named after a slave-holding president given that the student was born some 135 years after slavery ended, lives in a state where slavery was never legal and has access to multiple channels for addressing any actual, present-day oppression she might be experiencing. But Ive always been a little suspicious of those who would go to the mat for a name others find offensive. Its just a name, after all. Whether they were called the Cleveland Indians or the Cleveland Funky Chickens, they were still bound to lose the seventh game of the World Series to the (now) World Champion Chicago Cubs to cite just one excellent example. The biggest downside to holding present-day historical names up to the harsh light of 20-20 hindsight are some really big bills for new signage. Then there are Madisons streets, which provide many tributes intentional or not to sinners of the past. Of the 12 presidents who owned slaves at some point in their lives, 11 have surnames that are the same as the names of 18 Madison streets. Of course, changing the name of a high school before changing the name of the city it shares a name with and calls home is a bit cart-before-the-horseish. So I went to those modern-day repositories of all wisdom, Facebook and Twitter, to crowd-source some possible replacements for the city of Madisons name. Among the suggestions were FightinBobistan, Marxison, La Follette, Sanityville and Emerald City. I found myself partial to Dejope and other references to the areas native American past. Speaking of native Americans, theres a long history of efforts to change mascots and team names they find offensive. And in recent years, new names were assigned to Yale and Georgetown university buildings that had been named after people on the wrong side of racial history. The effort to change Madison Memorials name is not without precedent, in other words. Last week, the districts response to the students online petition to change the name of Madison Memorial (1,485 signatures and counting) was effectively a pat on the head. Its important that students can identify concerns and share their perspectives, said district spokeswoman Rachel Strauch-Nelson. This week, Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham and School Board members did not respond to emails asking what they thought of the idea. Strauch-Nelson said the schools principal is working with students to figure out next steps. Whatever its merits, changing Madison Memorials name would probably be a huge public-relations headache and distraction from the day-to-day business of, you know, educating kids which doesnt mean the student doesnt deserve a straight, up-or-down answer. Among the things teenagers feel most oppressed by is not being taken seriously. The National Science Foundations Directorate of Engineering recently awarded a $1 million grant to the College of Menominee Nation and UW-Madison to further collaborate in engineering education and research, campus officials said Thursday. The funding, which comes from NSFs Tribal College and Universities Program, will help the two entities reduce the obstacles to obtaining an education in engineering, said Ian Robertson, dean of the UW-Madison College of Engineering. The funding provides us a unique opportunity to engage the American Indian community in Wisconsin and provide a pathway to careers in science and engineering for people traditionally underrepresented in those fields, Robertson said in a statement. First grant in 2010 The grant builds on a first grant established in 2010, which helped the College of Menominee Nation build lab facilities and develop course transfer agreements with UW-Madison, officials said. It will also support initiatives to augment the American Indian community at UW-Madison by encouraging mentorships between UW-Madison students and students who transferred to UW-Madison from the College of Menominee Nation, which currently has about 20 students in its pre-engineering program. In fall 2016, the grant helped fund an event that brought John Herrington to both campuses. Herrington is the first enrolled member of an American Indian tribe (Chickasaw) to fly in space. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. On its first year as an independent business British Steel has announced a turnaround of 126million. The company celebrated its first birthday today with an announcement of the turnaround and has also reported a 47million profit. As well as the profit announcement, the company has also offered five per cent in shares to its 3,000 strong workforce. Paul McBean, Scunthorpe Multi-Union Chair, said: "Exactly one year ago I hailed our employees for making the launch possible. Today I praise them for giving us a fantastic platform upon which to build. "It's not been easy but Britain needs a thriving steel industry. That's what we're intending on delivering on and that's what the new government must support because today's news isn't mission accomplished." The reported profits of 47million for the 12 months ending March 31, 2017, is the company's best performance in a decade. The profits come despite an increase of 44 per cent in raw material costs. British Steel Executive Chairman, Roland Junk, said that the transformation has been remarkable and that it is down to the people of the company that have led the change. "They are the reason that we can today reveal the best financial performance in the long products business since 2007 and they are the reason I have great optimism for the future of British Steel." British Steel CEO, Peter Bernscher, said that the turnaround is "just the beginning." "To guarantee our future as a sustainable business for decades to come we must now seize and capitalise on the opportunities that have been created," he said. He added that "maximising and growing" British Steel's steel making capability will be key for the companies future growth. While the challenges the UK steel industry has faced over the last decade have not gone away, we continually respond to the market and stay flexible in an effort to overcome them," he said. The company has also announced that it has completed a deal for a 50 per cent stake in the Redcar Bulk Terminal from Tata Steel. The deal comes as part of the original purchase of the Long Products Europe business. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. BACK-in-profit British Steel has delivered a first birthday present for its 3,000 employees in Scunthorpe by announcing they will share its first-year gains. The owners at Greybull Capital have today (Thursday, June 1) revealed employees will be given a five per cent stake in the business amounting to one million shares every year. The announcement comes as British Steel is set to declare its first-year trading results in Scunthorpe at 10.15am today. British Steel was relaunched on June 1 last year after the completion of the sale of Tata Steels Long Products Europe business to Greybull Capital an investment firm and turnaround specialist. The first birthday present was hailed by Paul McBean, the chairman of the works multi-union committee, as fantastic. Mr McBean said: We warmly welcome this move by Greybull Capital to reward employees with a stake in the business that runs through their veins. They have helped transform the company and it is fantastic to see they will share in the success we are starting to see. The workforce has helped transform the company, with their sacrifices and hard work, and it is only right that they all get to share in its success. Reversing the fortunes of the former loss-making Tata Steel Long Products business meant the towns steelmen and women scrapping previous long-standing bonus agreements, switching pension providers and taking a year-long three per cent cut in pay. Greybulls four partners, who bought the business for a nominal 1, have helped in the turn-around by investing 39 million in the first year of trading. British Steels managing director Paul Martin said: Every one of our employees has contributed to the turn-around of this business. They are the foundation of our recent achievements and just as importantly they are critical to our future. Linking this scheme to the future sustainability of British Steel makes perfect sense and while we have a considerable way to go I know we have the people to help us achieve our long-term vision. At this stage the monetary value of the shares to be given to workers is not known. But British Steel insist they will always equate to five per cent of the overall equity of the company. Employees who have been in the business since before June last year will receive their share of the allocation this month. Agency workers, contractors, apprentices and employees on fixed term contracts will not be included. The British Steel share scheme is to be managed by the financial advisory firm of KPMG UK. Partner Chris Barnes hailed the scheme as a very positive initiative for the steel industry and very accessible. British Steel chiefs have already pledged the three per cent cut in wages will be paid back this year. But it is not known if the deal will also include a wage increase following a pay freeze last year. Mr McBean said: We are in discussions with the company around pay, which are ongoing at the moment. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Broughton rider Gary Johnson said there is still the potential to go quicker, despite an encouraging start to qualifying at the Isle of Man TT. Johnson and the other riders have had to wait to get on their bikes after the first two qualifying sessions, on Saturday and Monday, were cancelled due to bad weather on the mountain course. But they were able to get their first run out on Tuesday and Johnson made an encouraging start, as he was third fastest in the Supersport class on his Triumph machine and ninth-quickest in the Superbike category on his Suzuki. But the rider were again frustrated on Wednesday when the riders could only manage one lap before practice was called to a halt. But with limited practice it leaves the possibility that the Superbike race scheduled for Saturday could be run on Sunday to allow riders more time to practice with their machines. Overall Johnson was pleased with his performances but said there is plenty more to come with two more practices to come before the first Superbike race on Saturday. We were third quickest in the Supersport, which shows the work we have done had paid off and the bike is looking strong," Johnson told the Telegraph. There are still issues with the Suzuki but we will keep working on its power and delivery. I am pleased with them but there is still work to do. I didn't push too hard and I did get held up but the potential is there to still go quicker. Tuesday was only the first night so we are not going to get too carried away. Conditions weren't ideal but it was good to get out and have a look around." Johnson is running his own team this year and expected teething issues with his Suzuki, but is still pleased with how he performed on it. He finished ninth quickest in the Superbike practice with a best lap of 122.085mph with multiple-TT winners Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop at the top of the timing charts. Dan Kneen was third and Louth' Peter Hickman fourth. When it comes to the bigger bikes there are still some gremlins but we were up on Wednesday morning working through those," Johnson said. When you jump on a brand new bike you know there will be issues but there are riders with a lot of bigger teams and who have more money and time who are behind me but I do need more practice on the bigger bikes. I was pleased with how it went for the first night. We are looking at our strengths and we need to play to those." Veteran Michael Rutter led the way in the Superstock class with a lap of 124.117mph ahead of Bruce Anstey and Conor Cummins, with Rutter also quickest on his Paton lightweight machine, with Johnson due to get out in those classes later in the week. Kirmington's Guy Martin, on his return to the mountain course, recorded a 120.018mph lap for the Honda team. We have more newsletters Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to FREE email alerts from scunthorpetelegraph - Daily Nominations are now open for this years North Lincolnshire Community Champion Awards. From today (Thursday, June 1), individuals or groups can be put forward in 23 categories. The awards, run by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with the Scunthorpe Telegraph, recognise the dedication and commitment of volunteers, community figures, groups and organisations across the region. This years awards will be held at The Baths Hall, in Scunthorpe, on Thursday, November 23. Organisers are now calling for nominations to be made to ensure people and groups across the area get the recognition they deserve. This could be for the time they have dedicated to volunteering, their contribution towards the health and wellbeing of the community or to recognise personal achievement in sport, the arts or overcoming barriers. It could also be for their work in the local community or for being a true inspiration to others. Councillor John Briggs, deputy mayor of North Lincolnshire, said: Now in its sixth year, the Community Champion Awards recognise the wonderful achievements and inspiring stories from people in North Lincolnshire. The awards make sure that those who deserve it are recognised for their selfless acts, bravery and determination. Each year it is truly heartwarming to discover all the great things people do in North Lincolnshire and we want to make sure they are rewarded. If you know an individual or group that deserves a Community Champion Award, make sure you nominate them. Whether it is a personal achievement, inspiration to others, the work they have done in their community or volunteering their services for a good cause, we want to hear from you. See categories and how to nominate below: Volunteer category Young Volunteer of the Year Adult Male Volunteer of the Year Adult Female Volunteer of the Year Achievement category Anti-Bullying Champion Personal Courage Sports Achiever of the Year Young Sports Achiever of the Year Young Arts Heritage Achiever of the Year Adult Arts Heritage of the Year Outstanding Achievement Young Outstanding Achievement Adult Community category Community Champion of the Year Outstanding Contribution to a Safer Community Outstanding Contribution to a Learning Community Outstanding Contribution to a Stronger Community Community Contribution to Crime Reduction Community Project of the Year Community Sports Team of the Year Inspiration category Young Carer of the Year Adult Carer of the Year Services to School Governance Act of Bravery Award Lifetime Achievement Award winners will receive a trophy and a certificate, with certificates also to be presented to runners-up. Nominations can be made online at northlincs.gov.uk/champion Alternatively, contact the councils community recreation team on 01724 297270 or e-mailing community.recreation@northlincs.gov.uk for a nomination form. The closing date for nominations is September 30. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Would-be Tarzans and Janes could be enjoying swinging times early next year at Normanby Hall Country Park after plans for a Go Ape adventure park were officially tabled. An application has been made to the leaseholders at North Lincolnshire Council to build two high ropes adventure courses on the 300-acre estate. The investment by the Suffolk-based firm of Adventure Forest Ltd, if given approval, would create 26 full-time and part-time jobs. The Go Ape development would cover around seven acres of woodland and be open from 8am until 9pm from February to December. The planners have been told participants would have to be at least 10 years old, at least 1.4 metres tall and accompanied by a participating adult aged over 18 years. There will also be a tree top junior course open to children aged under six years, providing they are supervised by an adult. The adult course is to be made up of a training area and four further activity sites. Participants, fitted with climbing harnesses, are trained beforehand by instructors. The course lasts about an hour and a maximum of 14 people would be allowed to start every half an hour. Up to seven trees at Normanby Hall would have to be felled to make way for the development and branches removed from others to allow platforms to be built on them. The construction would take place outside of the bird-nesting season. The proposals have been developed in close co-operation with the park owner Sir Reginald Sheffield and consultations have been held with villagers in nearby Normanby, most of whom were said to be broadly supportive. Go Ape has been operating in the UK for 15 years and to date, has catered for more than seven million adventurers. The companys business development manager Frances Buck said: We have submitted plans for an exciting course at Normanby Hall for Gorillas and Baboons and if were successful, we hope to be swinging through the trees next Easter. The two courses that weve submitted plans for are suitable for adults and children. We have many sites across the UK from remote mountain locations to London parks and hope to be looking forward to welcoming adventurers to Normanby Hall. The possibility of siting a Go Ape centre at Normanby Hall was first revealed in March, when the council confirmed it was in talks with the adventure company. At the time, Councillor Carl Sherwood, the authoritys cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said having a Go Ape would be a major coup and would massively complement Normanby Hall country Park and put North Lincolnshire on the map. The merged company will now control 62 vessels, mainly suezmaxes and aframaxes. In this deal, TNK will pay for each share of TIL (excluding the 11%, owned by Teekay Corp) with 3.3 Teekay Tankers shares. With 88.886 million new shares issued, worth approximately $170m and TNK taking on roughly $350m of TILs debt, the deal is worth roughly $530m. What ingredients, exactly, are swirling around in these waters, which only recently saw a shares for shares combination in the product tanker sector with Scorpio Tankers and Navig8s products entity and a battle for shares in crude owner DHT? Across the markets, tanker stocks saw improved fortunes in 2015, as low oil prices drew more cargoes to the water. TILs shares, were valued in excess of NOK 100 throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2015, but slumped in 2016 to below NOK 40 per share. In recent months, they have traded in a band between NOK 40 and NOK 50 per share. On a management call discussing the merger, it was revealed that TIL actually drove the timing of the deal- initiating a competitive bidding process for the company. Of TILs 18 vessels, its fleet list shows only four units to be covered in period employment - with all coming off within a years time. The companies calculations peg the Teekay Tankers acquisition price as representing a 21% premium in the share price. And why now? TIL, launched in 2014 at NOK 70 per share, as an asset acquisition platform, shortly before the unanticipated demand driven boom, had in opportunity to recover some of that it missed out on as the boom evaporated in 2016. With recent output cuts announced by oil producers, at a time of still high inventories to be drawn down, the near-term outlook for tanker stocks is tepid, at best. Against this backdrop, consolidation (however defined) is seen as a salve for the wounds inflicted by continued sub-optimal utilisation of vessels- pegged at around 86% in the Teekay Tanker presentation on the deal down from headier levels near 90% in 2015. The executives on the management call referred to efficiencies a number of times. There are also more subtle motivations here. Kevin Mackay, Teekay Tankers president and ceo, on the management call, talked positioning for opportunities in advance of an anticipated market turnaround in 2018 amidst longer haul shipments and decreased fleet supply growth. He briefly mentioned the availability of more vessels being available to serve Teekays lightering business in the US Gulf- which is participating in the growth of US oil exports, with a big part of the long haul trade growth being Atlantic Basin to Asia. With decreased leverage and increased liquidity post merger, the balance sheet is in a better position to support borrowing (if needed) to pursue the next big deal. Look for more fireworks as opportunities are pursued, by Teekay Tankers, and by other players, similarly fattened up by consolidation who are arguably in a better position to raise capital than their smaller rivals. The latest trade data from China certainly did nothing to lift the bearish sentiment with the official Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) indicated a growth of 51.2 in May, beating economists estimates. However, this level is similar to the Aprils which was a six-month low, suggesting that the Chinese economy has slowed down over the months. Next, the Caixin and Markit PMI hit an 11-month low to 49.6 in May, down 0.7 from 50.3 in April, indicating that Chinas private manufacturing sector is still in contraction mode. Capes came under significant pressure this week, as Far Eastern holidays and the physical market gave no signs of life, said a FIS FFA broker based in Asia. The miners were absent from the market for the C5 route while sellers took the opportunity to lean on the market with no real resistance from the bid side, the broker added. Capesize spot rates began the week fairly weak at $11,709 on Monday before tumbling down by $656 or 5.6% to $11,053 on Wednesday. The market inactivity has also spread to Panamax spot rates which first started the week at $6,795 then slumped to $6,658 by mid-week, down by $137. We witnessed further declines across the curve today on panamax paper with the lack of activity off the underlying and the sell off on capes further fueling the bearish tone. the broker added. Likewise, the supramax and handysize market were in a downward trend just like their larger counterparts. Spot rates for supramax opened the week at $8,342 before closing at $8,105 on Wednesday, down $237, while handysizes slipped by $213 to $6,620. Once again with the physical outlook still deteriorating we saw sellers having to chase a thin buy side as prompts remained under pressure, said an FIS supramax broker. Further out we saw some marginal losses but ultimately support remains just off last done. Demand for steel, iron ore and coal has been lacklustre for a while, leading to even weaker freight market with the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) barely recovered from the slump off the 1,000 mark last week. By Wednesday, the BDI had fallen to 878 in a long slide since the index peaked at 1,294 in April 2017. With most economic indicators pointing to hard landing in the longer term, the situation could take a turn for a better with a new impetus of demand according to Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group who cited Chinas One Belt, One Road as one of these demand drivers. If you look at Chinese imports of iron ore, its almost a straight line, continuing to go up, he said, adding, If the One Belt, One Road program proceeds, therell be continuing demand. Gov. Scott Walkers proposal to self-insure state employees would save $17 million less than previously thought, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau reported Wednesday. The nonpartisan agencys report, which said the move would save $65 million over two years, not $82 million, dealt another blow to the proposal, which legislative Republicans have already rejected. Walker tried to revive the plan last week, saying workers would face 10 percent premium increases next year under the current group health insurance plan system. The fiscal bureau also said the states health insurance reserves last year were $18.4 million more than the maximum and $68.8 million more than the minimum allowed under a 2011 policy. The $144.4 million in reserves equaled 28.6 percent of claims, above the thresholds of 15 percent to 25 percent. The Republican leaders of the Joint Finance Committee highlighted the findings Wednesday as reasons they are rejecting the governors self-insurance plan. They called for a legislative audit of the state worker health insurance program. If they have all this growth (in reserves), why didnt they give the money back to the consumer? said Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills. They kept the money themselves. Were concerned about that. Mark Lamkins, spokesman for the state Department of Employee Trust Funds, said the Group Insurance Board didnt withdraw reserves last year because the state negotiated low premium increases for this year and was preparing to begin self-insurance in 2018. Under self-insurance, which is used by many large employers, the state would take on the risk for medical claims for 250,000 state and local government workers, and family members, instead of paying premiums to 17 HMOs, which currently accept the risk. Many of the HMOs, including Dean Health Plan, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Physicians Plus and Unity Health Insurance in Dane County, are owned by regional health care systems around the state. Some could lose business under the proposal. Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said moving to self-insurance remains the best option to save the most taxpayer dollars. Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel said last week that self-insurance would save $103 million in the upcoming two-year budget. That amount included a consultants estimate of about $60 million in savings, plus $22 million in savings from avoiding an Affordable Care Act fee. It also included $21 million in savings based on the consultants projection of a 10.4 percent increase in group health insurance premiums. Walkers original budget projected a 7 percent increase. The fiscal bureau put the base savings at $47 million over two years and the Affordable Care Act savings at $18 million, because the administration used an inflated figure in calculating the savings. A different consultant previously hired by the state said self-insurance could save $20 million a year or cost up to $100 million a year. The fiscal bureau also noted that state worker premiums have gone up an average of 3.7 percent a year over the past nine years, including two years in which changes to state employee benefits reduced premiums. Excluding those years, the average annual premium increase was 5.3 percent. The average preliminary premium increase over the past nine years has been 7.6 percent. But the administration has been able to negotiate tens of millions of dollars in savings to knock the final increase down to 3.7 percent, according to the fiscal bureau. Phil Dougherty, senior executive officer for the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans, which opposes self-insurance, said the administrations 10.4 percent projected increase in premiums is based on the states assumptions and not health plan bids, which arent due until June 30. The only way the state can be certain of its costs or savings is to fix its payments with a fully insured benefit program, Dougherty said. If the Legislature rejects self-insurance, it would have to come up with $60 million in savings in other areas to balance the budget. Walker had tied those savings to increased funding for K-12 education, which Republican lawmakers have said they want to preserve. Budget committee co-chairman Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said his goal is to direct the administration to find similar savings in group health insurance plan design changes. Darling said the Group Insurance Board will need greater oversight going forward. TPCIL owns and operates a 1,320-megawatt thermal power plant in SPSR Nellore district in Indias Andhra Pradesh state. TPCIL is supplying electricity to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states while MOLs ocean shipping services will support the project by providing a stable supply of coal. MOL continually takes a proactive stance in providing, safe, reliable, and efficient transport of resources and energy to India and emerging countries in Asia, where the company anticipates strong growth in demand, MOL stated. The owners of a prominent bed-and-breakfast hope to convert the historic former governors residence in the Mansion Hill neighborhood to a small hotel with cafe and event space. Bob Klebba and David Waugh, owners of the Mendota Lake House B&B, 704 E. Gorham St., are proposing to convert the Knapp House, 130 E. Gilman St., built in 1855, to an eight-room hotel that would renovate but preserve the look and feel of the two-story residence. The 4,832-square-foot building, purchased by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1950 after the governors residence was relocated to Maple Bluff, was most recently used for graduate student housing as the Knapp Graduate Center. The universitys program has been reorganized and moved to campus, and the structure has been vacant for four years. Weve been looking at this property for two years, Klebba said, noting that he and Waugh recently were awarded a bid to purchase the residence. Were looking forward to renovating the building and getting it up to date. It is a city landmark and listed on the state and national registers of historic places. It is one of the most important historic buildings in the state, said Ald. Ledell Zellers, 2nd District, who represents the area. Theyve shown themselves to be good stewards of historic resources and good proprieters of the B&B they have in the historic house. It seems to be theres going to be great enthusiasm for the proposal. The hotel-cafe usage produces the cash flow to bring the structure into the 21st century and means to make the building public so people can enjoy the grand spaces that it has inside, Klebba said. Klebba and Waugh will make informational presentations to the citys Landmarks Commission on Monday and Urban Design Commission on Wednesday. The plan would require a rezoning and multiple other approvals, but the duo hope to open the building in May 2018. The building, built with Victorian design and Italianate influences, is made of sandstone from a Madison quarry. Klebba and Waugh intend to use seven existing bedrooms on the second floor with an eighth, accessible bedroom on the first floor, according to an informational memo to the city. They plan to update existing bathrooms, add five additional bathrooms for hotel guests, and two additional restrooms to accommodate events. Other remodeling would change the kitchen space for a cafe business, adding accessible access on the west side of the building, and restoring a historic porch. The cafe space would be in the buildings dining room, behind a parlor and living room. The cafe would serve non-alcoholic beverages and local bakery items from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. In the summer months, cafe patrons could enjoy a wrap-around porch on the south corner of the building. The landscaping would respect the historic use of the deep lot to Lake Mendota. Klebba and Waugh would create a patio area near the house to be used for entertaining and events. They would host outdoor events with no amplified sound no more than three days a week, lasting no later than 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. In summer months, they hope to provide public sunsets on the governors terrace with local musicians and beer and wine service from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday nights. Zellers said she gets noise complaints about The Edgewater hotel and that amplified sound at the Klebba-Waugh establishment would be an issue. She said the pair are taking steps to address potential parking challenges. None of the key architectural features of the mansion would be changed, the Klebba-Waugh memo says. The kitchen-service area on the first floor would be remodeled, but the dining room, parlor and living room would be restored to original use. A grand staircase would be preserved. Some modest changes would be made upstairs to accommodate bathrooms. The residence is steeped in history. It was, for example, once owned by wealthy lumberman J.G. Thorp, and his daughter, Sara, was married to world-renowned Norwegian violinist Ole Bull in the parlor in 1870. Klebba and Waugh, who operate the Mendota Lake House B&B in the historic William and Dora Collins house, are collaborating with the Wisconsin State Historical Society to decorate the mansion as a house museum, celebrating the birth of the Wisconsin Idea. The structure was built by Julius T. White, a prominent businessman and legislator, and his wife, Catherine, and was known as the White House. It was home to elites until 1833, when it was purchased by then-Gov. Jeremiah Rusk, who lived there for two years. Rusk then sold it to the state as a permanent executive residence, and all governors between 1885 and 1949 lived there. UW-Madison bought it for $60,000 in 1950. Press Release May 31, 2017 Senate adjourns sine die; Pimentel lauds productive session The Senate today adjourned sine die and officially ended the First Regular Session of the 17th Congress, which have been marked by the passage of a number of landmark bills on public services, health and justice reforms. The Senate approved on Tuesday, a day before it adjourned, a package of bills including the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (SBN 1468), Teaching Supplies Allowance Act of 2017 (SBN 812), Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act of 2017 (SBN 1454), Sagip Saka Bill (SBN 1281), "Tulong-Trabaho" Bill (SBN 1431), and a bill extending the validity of professional and non-professional drivers to five years (SBN 1449). Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said it had been an eventful session for the Senate, and thanked his colleagues, along with officials and employees of the Upper Chamber, for their hard work "on what we have accomplished thus far." "We celebrated our 100th anniversary during this session. Throughout our session, we were guided in our efforts by the 11-point agenda we agreed upon to form the majority. In addition to that is the general expression of support for President Duterte's agenda for change," he said. Pimentel noted that since the 17th Congress began last July 25, 2016, senators had filed 1,499 bills which are now in various stages of legislation. "It has not only been an eventful session, it has been a productive session as well," he said. Pimentel said that four bills in the 17th Congress have already been signed into law, foremost of which was the 2017 General Appropriations Act (RA 10924). "As Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III always reminds us, the most important law of each year is the budget. This is the 2017 Budget for Change. In this budget, we shared the nation's blessings with all our countrymen in the form of novel ideas like the free tuition in State Universities and Colleges, free irrigation for farmers, free health insurance coverage for all, and well distributed strategic infrastructure works, among others," he said. Six more landmark bills passed by the Senate had already been submitted to Malacanang for President Duterte's signature, including three public services bills: the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (SBN 1277), which would provide free internet access in public places and government offices; Philippine Passport Act (SBN 1365), which would extend the validity of Philippine passports to 10 years; and the bill that strengthens the Anti- Hospital Deposit Law (SBN 1353), which would impose higher penalties on hospitals that refuse to administer treatment to emergency patients. Also in the same list were the Free Higher Education for All Act (SBN 1304), which would provide for full tuition subsidies to students in state universities and colleges; and the amendments to the Revised Penal Code (SBN 14), which sought to adjust the amounts under the 87-year old Revised Penal Code to prevent cruel and excessive punishment, and the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (SBN 1468), which would expand the coverage of the AMLA to include casinos. The Senate had also earlier ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the bill extending the validity of driver's licenses to five years (SBN 1449). In addition, Pimentel said that the Senate had passed 33 more bills on third and final reading. A number of these bills focused on improving and expanding government services to various sectors, such as the Sagip Saka Bill (SBN 1281), the "Tulong-Trabaho" Bill (SBN 1431), the Telecommuting Act of 2017 (SBN 1363), the Philippine Innovation Act (SBN 1355). They also included measures on improving the country's health services such as the Mental Health Act of 2017(SBN 1354) and the Expanded Maternity Leave Act of 2017 (SBN 1305). Also passed by the Senate were bills aimed at improving the country's justice such as the bill amending the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 (SBN 1239). The Senate also adopted 51 resolutions out of 399 proposed resolutions that have been filed. The resolutions included the accession of the Senate to treaties such as the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the RP-Japan Agreement on Social Security, and the landmark Paris Agreement. The Senate leader credited the whole institution for the achievements made during the First Regular Session, and said that "without the full and complete support and efforts of the entire Senate family, there would not have been any achievement to report." "We may have this Majority-Minority division, but in actuality, we are one big family," he said. "Because of your efforts, our beloved institution would stand proud before the President when he gives his State of the Nation Address, knowing we have done our job well," he added. He cited a Social Weathers Station survey released earlier this month which showed that the Senate received the highest satisfaction rating among the top four institutions in the country - along with the Cabinet, the Supreme Court and the House of Representatives. Pimentel said that while the Senate had achieved much in the First Regular Session, "our work is not yet done." "Forty-six bills remain pending on Second Reading, while 1,251 bills remain pending in our committees, awaiting public hearings," he said. Pimentel said he had absolutely no doubt that the Senate could accomplish all its tasks when they return for the 2nd Regular Session in July. 'When we return refreshed and re-energized, we will be better equipped to work on the Charter Change and the long-awaited shift to federalism," he said. "Together, we will build a Senate that is independent, responsible, and responsive. A Senate that is a pillar of democracy and the pride of the Filipino people," he said. "Every bill we pass, every resolution we adopt, every hearing we conduct, we move closer to a Philippine society which is just and fair, which saves and shares, which is scientific and objective, which is peaceful and democratic, which is educated and healthy, and which is, most of all, happy and free, with overflowing love of God and country," Pimentel concluded. Sen. Bam: Implement law, prioritize children in Lanao del Sur Sen. Bam Aquino called on concerned government agencies to implement a law that prioritizes the welfare and safety of children during conflicts and disasters amid the ongoing clash between government troops and the Maute group in Marawi City. The senator was referring to the Republic Act 10821 or the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act. He was the co-author of the measure during his time as chairman of Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress. "Ang pinaka-kawawa talaga sa mga sakuna at labanan ay ang mga bata. We passed this law to ensure they are protected," said Sen. Bam. "May mga batang nawawalan ng tahanan at may mga nakakasaksi sa karahasan. Alagaan natin sila, tiyakin na sila'y ligtas at ibigay ang lahat ng kanilang pangangailangan," he added. Sen. Bam said the Department of Social Welfare and Development is mandated by law to enforce an emergency program for children during disasters and conflicts. "We must ensure that this law is fully implemented as it prioritizes the children during these times of armed conflict," Sen. Bam stressed. Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after the United Nations Children's Fund reported that a child was killed while 50,000 have been displaced in the Marawi conflict. Republic Act 10821 provides utmost priority to children during and after every disaster as they are the most vulnerable and are worst affected during disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flash floods and areas of armed conflicts like Marawi City. It also establishes child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development. It mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children and local government units to integrate the said program in their development and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) plans and budget. "The law also provides for immediately heightened comprehensive measures by DSWD and the AFP to protect women and children from sexual violence and abuse in the affected areas," said Sen. Bam. Press Release June 1, 2017 De Lima dismayed over Senate refusal to convene joint session Sen. Leila M. de Lima today expressed her disappointment over the Senate leadership's refusal to convene Congress in a joint session to tackle President Duterte's Proclamation No. 216 putting Mindanao under the state of Martial Law. De Lima, one of the signatories of Senate Resolution (SR) No. 390 calling for a joint session of Congress, said she believes that the Senate majority bloc's decision not to convene both chambers of Congress is a failure of our democracy. "Both Houses of Congress have to convene with the implementation of Martial Law. We have to remember that convening both Chambers does not automatically mean we are going to revoke it. The assembly is meant to review the merits of the executive action on the need to implement military rule," she said. "Our democracy is at stake here. Refusing to let Congress convene is failing the democracy that put us here in the first place. If we let the President do whatever he wants and declare Martial Law in Mindanao, I would not be surprised if one day we wake up with the entire country under military rule," she added. De Lima has earlier signed SR No. 390 seeking to convene Congress in joint session to deliberate on Proclamation No. 216 declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao. However, SR No. 390 was rejected when the Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 388 affirming Proclamation No. 216, convinced that there is "no compelling reason" to revoke it due to the existence of rebellion in the region. With other minority bloc senators, De Lima said Congress has the "sacred duty and peremptory obligation" to seek information surrounding the proclamation, assess its factual basis, and if warranted, revoke it. In a separate statement she issued while in detention in Camp Crame, De Lima also reiterated that Martial Law should not be the solution to the Marawi siege, as this will create more problems. "History has made it clear: Martial Law is not the solution to subversion, rebellion or terrorism. This has resulted in the increase of rebels, abuse of power, and violence," she said in the vernacular. "It is disturbing for Martial Law to be used once again, especially under the leadership of a President who is ready to ignore Congress and Supreme Court to get his way, using force and violence for justice, killing 9,000 Filipinos," she added. For De Lima, the Senate must be reminded of its constitutional duty, and that refusing to follow the mandate is a violation of the Constitution, and ignoring such obligations is a disservice to the people who voted them as their representatives in the Upper Chamber. Press Release June 1, 2017 Legarda Urges Inventory of Resources, Funding for Philippine Rise Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the need to conduct an inventory of marine resources in the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), emphasizing that this would give the country a clearer view of the importance of this undersea feature and what interventions are necessary to preserve, protect and sustainably manage these resources. Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, also said that relevant government agencies must ensure that funding requirements for the exploration and protection of the Philippine Rise are included in the proposed 2018 budget. "Based on initial explorations, 100 percent coral cover was observed in several sites and the area brings bright promises in terms of energy, mineral and other biological marine resources. This means there are opportunities to tap the area as food and energy resource, but it should be done in a sustainable manner. For now, an inventory would help us determine the next steps that we should take immediately," she stressed. Legarda said that for 2017, there is an appropriation of Php38 million for assessment and baseline activities in the Philippine Rise. For 2018, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is proposing Php60 million for the Philippine Rise. The amount of Php30 million will be for geologic and offshore mapping under the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the other Php30 million for scientific expedition and management of coastal habitat under the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). The Senator noted that in the recent expedition to the Philippine Rise led by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol, it was estimated that the government would need an initial budget amounting to five billion pesos to start efforts to protect the undersea feature, which has an area approximately 24 million hectares in size. "All government agencies concerned in the protection of the Philippine Rise should include initial programs and respective funding needs in their proposed budget for 2018. Meanwhile, the current Php38 million budget for assessment and baseline activities should be fully utilized within the year," Legarda said. In 2011, Legarda was part of the Philippine delegation that met with the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in New York regarding the country's territorial claim over the Philippine Rise. In 2012, the CLCS ruled that under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Benham Rise is located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Press Release June 1, 2017 Transcript of Ambush Interview of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III On the proposed tax reform bill SPKP: Reform the compensation income tax bracket rates. Kailangan na po yun kasi lahat ng compensation income earners ay magkikita na po dun sa highest bracket. Even the richest man in the Philippines kasama na niya si middle class income earner dun sa highest bracket. So its now time to reform that. Ang binabantayan lang natin for example ay yung excise taxes like sa diesel. Kailangan din na nagttake advantage na even yung mga mayayaman sa low tax on the diesel. So kailangan na pong iupdate yung mga tax. The key here is to calibrate not to shock the entire system na ang laking jump nung cost or nung price of diesel. Luxury goods, okay na pong i-tax yun. If you can afford so much luxury, you should pay your dues to this government which allowed you to enjoy luxury goods. Q: Ano yung rate ng excise tax that is acceptable? SPKP: Paguusapan pa po yun basta the proposal is six pesos per liter. But there are proposals na you can achieve the six pesos by three, two, one. Three muna then two plus one so six din ang total nun. There are many strategies in tax law which we could implement. On the hope that Congress will carry the Department of Finance's proposed tax reform bill SPKP: That is the hope. That is what they want because that is what they submitted. If you submit something to Congress, you hope that is one passed. But of course they are also realistic, we have a system, give and take. Dumadaan sa proceso yun and that the will of the representatives of the people. You accept the will of the representatives of the people. On the affected industries once the proposed tax reform bill is approved SPKP: Hindi lang BPO. Maraming mga current exemptions which we are lifting or erasing. So marami ring umaangal. But you know, if you want a modern country, a modern society, a fairer society, we really have to have funds to improve our society. May angal talaga. Pag may change talaga, you are enjoying the certain benefit and that is being withdrawn. You will expect that there will be complaints. If they see that this is necessary and put to good use, of course reasonable. It will not kill your business or kill your industry then we believe that we can find an acceptable solution. Press Release June 1, 2017 Senate pays respect to former Senator Kalaw Incumbent and former senators paid tribute to the late Senator Evangelina "Eva" Estrada Kalaw in solemn necrological rites Thursday, June 1, 2017. Kalaw passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017, at the age of 96. Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III presented Senate Resolution No. 399, expressing the Senate's sympathy and condolences to the family of the former senator. The resolution said that Kalaw "was a fighter for freedom and democracy," and that she was the first woman Senator to be re-elected when she served in the Seventh Congress until the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972. Pimentel lauded Kalaw for her social advocacy, which he said was not limited to women's rights. According to Pimentel, Kalaw championed "any group of people who were oppressed or did not received their just due from society." He said Kalaw worked with organizations that sought to help children in conflict with the law, special children, those with tuberculosis and worked with organizations that helped the development of youth and the community. "I last saw her during the Senate's 100th year celebration, interacting with people, having dinner, accompanied by wine. I was happy to see her enjoying her time with the Senate family," Pimentel said in his eulogy. Freedom fighter, accomplished lawmaker According to Pimentel, Kalaw was one of the major voices against the dictatorial regime for which she was imprisoned twice for false charges. He said she worked with the opposition in preparing for the return of Ninoy Aquino. After his assassination, she became active in organizing the massive protests to the dictatorship. "Even before Martial Law was declared in 1972, she was already active in opposition to President Marcos. She hosted meetings of opposition stalwarts like Ninoy Aquino and Jovy Salonga in her house. She was injured in the Plaza Miranda blast. After the People Power Revolution, she served as the Chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, where she continued her service to our people in Taiwan," Pimentel said. During her stint at the Senate, Pimentel said Kalaw served as chairman of the Committee on Games, Amusement, and Tourism and the Committee on National Minorities, where she pushed for the creation of a single government office to handle national policy for tourism. "Senator Estrada-Kalaw pushed for RA 5146, converting the Social Welfare Administration into the Department of Social Work, which is now called Department of Social Welfare and Development. She was also instrumental in the passage of salary increases for public school teachers through RA 5158, the creation of Local School Boards through RA 5447, the Barrio High School Charter through RA 6054, the Educational Financing Act or RA 6728, and the inclusion of the president of student councils in the Board of Regents of all state colleges and universities," he said. "Truly, hers was a life well-lived. And by her choice, it was well-lived in the service of the Filipino people," Pimentel said. "She may have been born in a different era, but the values of integrity, respect for the rule of law, and dedicated service to the people that she believed in and practiced remain as relevant as ever. Tita Eva, we are here to continue your causes," he added. 'An inspiration' For former Senator Eddie Illarde, who served with Kalaw together during the 7th Congress and was with her during the Plaza Miranda bombing, the lady senator was a "model public servant, beautiful in mind and in spirit, sincere in her ardent desire to dedicate her life in the service of our people." "She was our muse, a term which she hated when we were together campaigning. She was our older sister. She was our mentor, our team leader. She was an inspiration in our quest for political victory. She was one of the boys, with much courage in fighting for what is right, for the good of our country and our people," he recalled. Former Senator Rene Saguisag, who was with Kalaw as part of the anti-Marcos opposition during martial law, said that though Kalaw had passed away, she will continue to be "admired and adored by a grateful nation." "All I can say is that we need the likes of Senator Eva today, who will be asking the 'foolish' questions of today: "Where is the invasion?," "Who are the invaders?," "Where is the rebellion?," "Who are the rebels?" Unfortunately, what we see now are echoes, not voices. She was a voice in our time," he said. A relative of Kalaw, former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta said she admired the late senator for "her grit and her fearless self -- always unafraid to speak her mind out," and her dedication to help Filipinos even after she left public service. "She was still the same woman, gusty, with grit, helping the marginalized people like brilliant students who do not have the wherewithal to continue their learning, involving herself to better the lives of those she served, giving inspiration to those who needed it, and making sure that freedom and democracy will never be again set aside," Oreta said. Senator Risa Hontiveros lauded Kalaw as "a pioneering woman of the Senate, a shining light, not only for women in the country, but for all of us," and said that there are no words for what the country has lost. "I grieve not only because a long and distinguished life has left us, I grieve because she brings a piece of our history and our memory with her," Hontiveros said. Senator Gringo Honasan II, who first met the lady senator when he graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1971, said that as a public servant, Kalaw was "ideologically and politically blind, reaching out and finding common cause across the imaginary partisan political divide." "She eloquently spoke by clear example, decisive action, and reflective silence, driven by rational and responsible choices that motivated her to demand that any government, must above all, protect life, liberty and property," he said. Passionate learner, social worker According to the resolution, Kalaw was "a passionate learner and social worker" who obtained her degree in education from the University of the Philippines, and pursued post-graduate studies in social work. She shared her knowledge by teaching at the Far Eastern University, National Teachers College, and Centro Escolar University, the resolution added. She founded and chaired, among others, the Samahang Filipina, the first national grassroots organization of women that sought greater female participation in government and brought about her election as the third woman senator in 1965. She also founded and became the first President of Philippine Jayceerettes. Kalaw was a recipient of the "Outstanding Volunteer Social Worker" from then-President Jose P. Laurel. She was also an awardee of the 6th Mahatma Gandhi Freedom Award, given by the College of William and Mary in the United States. The award is given to "outstanding scholars or public figures who, by personal example, have given meaning and substance to freedom". Despite their reputation for a warm and sunny outlook, Californians feel downright gloomy about the state of national politics and regional housing affordability, according to a statewide survey released Wednesday. Theyre downcast about the direction of the nation, disapprove of the president and Congress, worry that someone they know will be deported, fear immigration law changes will hurt the California economy and believe that Russia tried to influence the presidential election. Theres lots to worry about if youre a Californian. said Mark Baldassare, president and CEO of the Public Policy Institute of California, an independent, nonpartisan research group that conducted the poll of 1,707 adult residents from May 12 to 22. Baldassare said the mood of the states populace has darkened noticeably since January. Compared to how Californians were feeling at the beginning of the year, there is a lot more negativity, a lot more pessimism, he said. Even about the economy, despite a lot of good news about the economy and jobs. The negativity, not coincidentally, coincides with the first four months of the Trump administration and the Republican Congress. Nearly two-thirds, or 65 percent, of those polled worry that the nation is headed the wrong way. Just 27 percent said they approve of the job Trump has done, and 26 percent endorse the work of Congress. The sense of gloominess extends to the economy. Half of those surveyed fret that bad economic times lie ahead. Just 39 percent expect a good economy. Nearly 6 in 10 Californians 58 percent believe that the Russian government tried to influence the outcome of the presidential election. And almost half 47 percent think that members of Trumps campaign staff knowingly cooperated with the Russians. Thats leading to a concern about leadership, Baldassare said. Just 38 percent believe Congress will conduct a fair investigation into Russias role in the election. Californians also shared a dark view of the presidents immigration policies, saying they feared it would hurt the state and affect them personally. Nearly half 49 percent said increased immigration enforcement would hurt businesses, jobs and the state economy. About a quarter 24 percent said it would have a positive impact. More than half said they worry a lot (30 percent) or some (21 percent) that someone they know could be deported. Nearly half, or 48 percent, said they would support a statewide sanctuary law limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. Forty-two percent said theyd oppose it and 10 percent said they didnt know. It shows what an important part of California immigrants are, Baldassare said. It also shows that people recognize the benefits of immigrants the personal impact and on the economy. 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. Despite their grim view of national politics, or perhaps because of it, Californians showed support for their state leaders. Fifty-two percent approved of Gov. Jerry Brown and 46 percent backed the Legislature, 38 disapproved and 15 percent said they didnt know. But the survey found growing concern about housing affordability, and not just in the Bay Area. Six in 10 statewide said housing costs in their region were a big problem, though results varied widely by region. In the Bay Area, 26 percent said housing put a significant strain on their budgets. A majority of those polled statewide 70 percent said they would support a bond measure to support affordable housing. Right now, people feel positive toward the leadership in Sacramento, Baldassare said. The hope is they will provide some of the solutions and make up for some of the deficiencies they see in Washington. The polls margin of error was plus or minus 3.2 percentage points. The Legislatures budget committee on Wednesday voted to reduce the popular Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine to four issues a year but didnt go along with Gov. Scott Walkers plan to end publication. Leaders of the Joint Finance Committee said the panels Republican majority would accept Walkers controversial proposal to eliminate the forestry tax and his plan to allow another round of higher state park fees. The committee began meeting at mid-afternoon to vote on a raft of Walkers budget proposals, including several related to the Department of Natural Resources. Committee leaders Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, and Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, told reporters before the session started that their caucus would reject Walkers plan to end the popular, subscriber-supported magazine. In a party-line vote with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats against, the magazine was reduced by two issues per year and the DNR communications director was designated as magazine editor. Democratic members pointed out that the director was a political appointee of the governor, and they suggested the magazines content could become tinged by politics. Democrats noted that a former magazine editor reported being pressured to soften coverage related to climate change and endangered species after Walker took office in 2011. Its too bad this magazine got in the crossfire between science and certain politicians, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, said reducing the number of issues would help DNR employees who sometimes write for the magazine to focus on more important matters. We dont want the magazines publication to be a distraction from the core mission of the DNR, Loudenbeck said. Subscriptions increased after Walkers proposal was announced and lawmakers from both parties have said they have heard opposition from their constituents. The magazine currently publishes six times a year. It operates without direct tax funding or advertising. Its revenue comes from about 85,000 subscribers and occasional paid informational inserts from state DNR programs. Parks fees would rise The committee majority voted to cut 10 parks positions, allow DNR to increase nightly camping fees by $10 and daily parks admissions by $5 while maintaining current annual fee levels. The nightly fee for electrical hookup in a campsite would increase to $15 from the current $10 at five popular parks. Walker proposed allowing the DNR to set higher state parks admission and camping fees for the most popular parks. Walkers plan called for up to $10 more for admission and $10 per night. The increase would come on top of 2015 admissions increases of $5 at some parks and camping fee increases as high as $10 per night at popular sites with electrical service. Two years ago, Walker and the Legislature withdrew tax support and raised fees, leaving a $1.4 million annual budget hole. DNR officials said last year parks revenue exceeded spending as attendance rose. Democrats warned that low gas prices and good weather contributed to recent high attendance, but if those factors change the park system could be in trouble, especially in its efforts to renovate and repair aging buildings, trails and equipment. Continued fee increases could eventually price families out and undermine a park system that helps drive the states tourism industry, Democratic committee members said. The committee voted to raise the statutory cap on electrified campsites in the park system. Currently, 30 percent are allowed to have electricity. Under the committee plan the proportion would reach 35 percent. Forestry tax cut The panel postponed a vote on Walkers controversial plan to eliminate the forestry tax Wednesday but Nygren and Darling said Republicans would approve the governors proposal despite complaints from conservationists and forestry interests. The committee plans to consider several tax issues together at a later date, Nygren said. Democrats said they would oppose the plan to eliminate the portion of state property tax that pays to preserve forests. The tax nets about 17 cents per $1,000 of property value for about $83 million in state revenue annually, which helps acquire and preserve state forestland. Walker wants to simplify property tax bills and fund state forestry programs with general fund tax dollars. Conservative groups such as Americans for Prosperity have been mobilizing public support for eliminating the tax, but opponents worry that it would mean forestry programs would need to compete against schools, roads and other budget areas funded by general purpose tax revenue. Conservationists and lumber industry representatives appointed by the governor to the state Council on Forestry issued a statement last week opposing the move. Wisconsins Managed Forest Law Program is the envy of landowners and forest product consumers throughout the nation, the council said. This funding gives Wisconsin the opportunity to support forestry without creating a shortfall elsewhere in the budget. The forestry tax would cost the owner of a $160,000 median-valued home $55 over the next two years. The Republican Party of Wisconsin applauded the decision. Governor Walker and Republican leaders in the Legislature are fighting to put taxpayers first and let hard-working Wisconsin families keep more of their own money, said party executive director Mark Morgan said in a statement. In other action the committee voted 12-4 to transfer responsibility for cleaning up dead deer along highways from the DNR to the Department of Transportation. The DNR contracted for about $550,000 to remove about 18,000 carcasses in 2016. The Joint Finance Committee will send its revised version of Walkers budget bill to the Assembly and Senate. The spending and taxation plan covers the two-year period that begins July 1. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SACRAMENTO Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday called on states to forge an alliance to support the Paris climate deal following reports that President Trump plans to withdraw the United States from the landmark international accord. Although individual states cannot sign the Paris agreement, Brown said state leaders should step up to demonstrate the nations support if Trump pulls out of the coordinated response to global warming. This doesnt look so good, Brown told The Chronicle on Wednesday, just days before he heads to China to meet with climate leaders. I cant believe that in the face of science, (Trump) can say black is white. The California Democrats reaction came hours after a White House official said the president is expected to pull out of the deal. The president later tweeted that he will announce his decision on the Paris accord during a Rose Garden event Thursday afternoon. The Paris accord is a 2015 U.N. agreement made among nearly 200 nations that committed each country to lowering greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the effects of climate change. The deal was seen as a historic breakthrough when it was signed after decades of international efforts fell short. Under the Paris accord, President Barack Obama pledged that the United States would strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 28 percent below its 2005 levels by 2025. Obama also pledged $3 billion to help poorer countries reduce their emissions. The United States is the worlds second largest emitter of carbon, after China, so its commitment was crucial. Both countries submitted their carbon-reduction plans under the Paris accord on Sept. 3, in a show of unity. China, Brown said, is leading the way on climate-change policies after taking over the solar and wind-power industries. America, wake up. You arent going to get gas guzzlers no matter what Donald Trump says, Brown said. You arent going to get coal to increase, no matter what Donald Trump says in West Virginia. We have to get with the program. And the program is renewable energy, decarbonizing, and research and development in a way that makes America more sustainable, not less. Brown has emerged as a leader in the fight against climate change by urging local governments throughout the world to agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 to 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. In all, 170 governments in 33 countries have joined the so-called Under2 Coalition, which sets more ambitious goals than the Paris accord. In addition, several nations, including Sweden, Mexico, France and the United Kingdom have endorsed the effort. The governor leaves this week for China to attend an international climate summit. He is scheduled to visit Chengdu, Nanjing and Beijing to push climate and clean-energy policies. Brown said that a Trump move to pull the U.S. out of the Paris accord would galvanize activists and push California to double down on its own climate strategies. Its a very big deal, Brown said. Its imperative that other parts of America take action. We cant take action alone. The presidents desire to exit the voluntary agreement is not surprising; he pledged to do so during his campaign. Republicans in the U.S. Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, sent a letter to Trump urging him to live up to his campaign promise and exit the climate accord. Senate Democrats sent Trump a letter saying such an exit would hurt Americas credibility, while West Coast members of the House of Representatives called on Brown and governors from Oregon and Washington to push for the core tenets of the Paris Agreement. We strongly disagree with President Trumps decision to abdicate Americas leadership role, allowing other nations to lead on clean energy and job creation, the lawmakers, including Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, wrote to the three governors. 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. The U.N. Twitter account quoted Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying Climate change is undeniable. Climate change is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable. California needs to step in to fill the void of American leadership if the president is going to give up on fighting climate change, said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, whose bills to increase rooftop solar and expand energy storage both cleared the state Senate on Wednesday. Another bill, SB100 by state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, would require California to receive all of its power from renewable sources by 2045. It, too, passed the state Senate on Wednesday. When it comes to our clean air and climate change, we are not backing down, de Leon said in a statement calling SB100 the most ambitious target in the world to expand clean energy. Now more than ever, it is critical that we double down on climate leadership as we learn that the President intends to withdraw from the Paris agreement, de Leon said. Trumps potential withdrawal comes after a recent visit overseas, where he met with Pope Francis, a strong advocate in the fight against climate change. Vatican officials urged Trump not to leave the Paris climate accord. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez Three South San Francisco police officers opened fire and killed a 59-year-old man last month after he ignored commands to drop a shotgun and fired once at the officers, officials said Thursday. The names of the officers involved in the fatal shooting of John Eno have not been released, said Sgt. Ken Chetcuti of the South San Francisco Police Department. It was not immediately clear why the officers names have not been made public. The incident unfolded about 11:50 p.m. on May 23 when officers answered a 911 call of a disturbance involving a man holding a shotgun and standing outside his home on the 3700 block of Cork Place, Chetcuti said. When confronted, Eno refused to drop the weapon despite repeated commands to do so, Chetcuti added. Eno, instead, fired once at the officers and three of them returned fire, defending their own lives, Chetcuti said. One officer was wearing a body camera at the time of the incident. The footage was not released due to the ongoing investigation, police said. Update 3 South San Francisco police officers cleared in fatal shooting The officers have been put on paid administrative leave standard protocol following officer involved shootings. The San Mateo County district attorneys office is investigating the incident, but has yet to release a report on whether the deadly force taken by the officers was justified, said Karen Guidotti, the chief deputy district attorney. We just look at the entire incident to determine whether any criminal act is committed, Guidotti said. 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. The South San Francisco Police Department has had six officer-involved shooting in the last ten years. Prior to Enos death, the last fatal shooting involving South San Francisco police was on June 5, 2012 when an officer shot and killed 15-year-old Derrick Louis Gaines. The district attorneys office concluded in an August 2012 report that Officer Joshua Cabillos use of deadly force was justified because the teenager was armed with a gun that was later determined to be inoperable. The department had two officer-involved shootings in 2016, neither of them were fatal. Neighborhood names in San Francisco, like the neighborhoods themselves, take all forms. Some are obvious, such as Fishermans Wharf. Some take their cue from street names, be it the Haight or the Castro. The origin of Dogpatch is anyones guess. And then there are the ones that double as a branding exercise like the East Cut. If the phrase conjures up a blank on your mental map, no wonder: Its the freshly coined name for Rincon Hill and the blocks surrounding the future Transbay Transit Center. Its best known to outsiders for glassy towers that crowd the Bay Bridge, but community boosters want to make a case that theres more to the 20-block landscape than commute gridlock and construction cranes. This is a neighborhood with lots of history, and lots of history that still is here, said Andrew Robinson, executive director of what was known until May 19 as the Greater Rincon Hill Community Benefit District. Its a 21st century idea of what a neighborhood should be, mixing old and new and a variety of uses. Robinsons organization is funded by tax assessments on property owners within the area roughly bounded by Interstate 80 and Second, Mission and Spear streets. This years $2.5 million budget primarily covers sidewalk maintenance, graffiti removal and community guides who, among other roles, attempt to steer homeless people toward social services. Theres also money available for marketing which in this case involved spending $68,000 to concoct an identity and a look that, theoretically, will become synonymous with the district as a whole. Like much of todays city, the made-up moniker strives to be edgy and authentic at once. History buffs will catch the reference to when Rincon Hill was bisected in 1869 to make Second Street a flat thoroughfare connecting downtown and the commercial waterfront. Theres a quest for cool as well: to identify this a place with constant motion and evolution, serendipitous encounters, unanticipated inspiration, according to the district website. With the name comes a logo of three horizontal bars connected to form an abstract E. One represents Rincon Hill. Another represents what planners call the Transbay District. In the middle is Folsom Street, which the city plans to upgrade with wide sidewalks and landscaping to humanize the towers on either side. People are moving here because of the cosmopolitan nature of this area, Robinson said. They want to live in a well-planned neighborhood where you can step outside your high-rise and be surrounded by transit options. The new name was unveiled at a May gathering in still-unleased retail space at Solaire, a 32-story high-rise at Fremont and Folsom streets. Several hundred people browsed E-inspired artworks, evidence that neighborhood residents are looking for nearby places to go on a Friday night. And the number of residents is growing: The 6,000 or so apartments and condominiums within the Transbay and Rincon Hill planning districts, nearly all built within the past decade, will be joined by at least 2,000 more. Roughly 25 percent of the units are reserved for low-income residents. Theres also the transit center-to-be, which should open next spring as a travel hub and neighborhood marker topped by a 5.4-acre park. That space will be maintained by the community benefits district, with park guides wearing outfits emblazoned with the angular E. Then why not apply Transbay to the area at large, much as the Union Square retail district is synonymous with the plaza at its core? Or emphasize geography and stick with Rincon Hill, since destinations like Telegraph Hill demonstrate that topography and identity can be synonymous? Nobody really knows where Rincon Hill is, or what it is, Robinson suggested a bit sheepishly. As for the tower-sprouting blocks north of Folsom, we werent interested in having this neighborhood named Transbay. That suggests transit, the flux in and out, instead of a place to linger. Not every resident is convinced. I dont know why they want to rebrand Rincon Hill, which is real and historic and accurate, said Lauri Mashoian, who lives with her family on First Street in a restored industrial building. San Francisco has seen its share of ill-fated efforts to slap a new name on an old part of town. There even was a short-lived bid by real estate types to dub the blocks near Dolores Park the Trans-Mission, before the Mission became a destination in itself. More successful was the coining of SoMa, for the terrain south of Market Street. It was concocted in the 1980s, when takeoffs on New Yorks SoHo for South of Houston Street, but itself a takeoff on Londons Soho were all the rage. So has South Beach, the Miami-flavored name given by redevelopment planners in the 1970s to the then-barren blocks to the south of Rincon Hill. When Mashoian was told the origin story of the name East Cut an act of engineering on the would-be districts west boundary she shook her head. 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. Simple is better, Mashoian said. If you have to explain something, maybe its not right. Place is a weekly column by John King, The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron Whats in a name? Time will tell if the East Cut catches on or fades. If it is a Tendernob or a Twitterloin. Because if anything is certain in San Francisco, other than the obscene cost of housing, its that neighborhood boundaries are in the eyes of the beholder. Or real estate agent. Or anyone else with a strong opinion. The San Francisco Association of Realtors has a list of 89 neighborhoods and updates the boundaries every few years. But you wont find Rincon Hill or Transbay the new towers are divided between South Beach and Yerba Buena, the latter a name hatched in the early 1960s to make a bulldozer-heavy redevelopment district seem rooted and cuddly. Also missing: La Lengua a name cooked up by such social media opinionators as Burrito Justice to add cachet to a low-slung stretch of Mission Street between Bernal Heights and the Mission. The beauty of La Lengua is that its a sign of affection, from people who live there. Just as residents in the east end of the Panhandle, which is part of the associations Haight-Ashbury hood, have dubbed their terrain DMV Heights in honor of the you-know-what nearby. But when theres hope that a new name might boost real estate prices, all bets are off. In 2013, the website Curbed took notice of an advertisement pitching a house in the trendy South East Mission Area (SEMA) a subset of SoMa that never stuck, thankfully. As for Lower Pacific Heights, the name barely existed before the 1970s; now, judging by the marketing efforts of some brokers, youd think it stretches south past Brisbane. John King This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The forces that are transforming Rincon Hill - and enlarging the definition of what life in San Francisco can be - show themselves in two extremes at the corner of First and Fremont streets. One is on the skyline, where the concrete bones of a 45-story tower climb at the pace of more than a floor each week. The other is on the ground, where Brian Heil and his wife Annmarie moved from Florida into a seven-story building called Rincon Green, with 326 apartments cradled against the Bay Bridge and a gated park along the street. Both scenes suggest that there's room in the Bay Area for a high-density neighborhood designed for residents who prefer views and convenience to the village-like charms of a Glen Park or Marina. This vision for Rincon Hill has been in the works since the 1980s, but all signs indicate that the plans are finally bearing fruit. "I don't feel isolated at all," Heil said of his location next to a Bay Bridge off-ramp, three blocks uphill from the Embarcadero. "You don't exactly walk out your door to a restaurant, but the amenities will follow." This landscape is far different than the Rincon Hill of 1958, when The Chronicle began that year's series of articles on city hills by visiting a summit "cut and graded, lopped off and leveled." Reporter David Perlman wandered amid "immense warehouses" where you might find "a hint of the past in a decaying frame building." The photograph with the article showed a wall of freeway ramps along Folsom Street connecting the Bay Bridge to the then-new Embarcadero Freeway and, in the process, severing Rincon Hill from its neighbors. Series of blows This wall was another blow to a hill that in the first decades after the Gold Rush stood tall as wealthy San Francisco's address of choice. Then the slopes were whittled back to make room for the growing port. The Bay Bridge landed on the summit in 1936 and flattened it once and for all. The new set of towers will restore Rincon Hill's prominence, at least figuratively. Four towers and two mid-rise buildings are under construction, with three more likely to break ground within the next year. Five others opened from 2004 to 2008. When the dust settles, the blocks between the Bay Bridge, the Embarcadero, and Folsom and Essex streets could hold roughly 5,000 housing units. The peak is marked by One Rincon, a sleek shaft of aluminum and glass that opened in 2008 and stacks 376 condos in a 55-story perch 590 feet tall at the end of First Street. Compare this with its predecessor, a clock tower from 1955 that was 183 feet tall and bore the logo of Union Oil and then Bank of America. A different view When the bank put the land up for sale in 2002, local developers saw a remote block choked by bridge traffic. San Diego-based developer Michael Kriozere of Urban West Associates visited the top of the clock tower and saw views of startling clarity, unobstructed on all sides. Another point in Rincon's favor by then was that the Embarcadero Freeway had been torn down in 1990, followed by the ramps a few years later. This made the hill less isolated - and with office towers beginning to rise along Mission Street and with plans for a new Transbay Transit Center in the works, less remote. He secured the site and approached the city's Planning Department with a proposal for a pair of 31- and 26-story high-rises. The response was the last thing a veteran developer expects to hear. "They said, would you consider making your building much taller, to make it more dramatic?" Kriozere recalls. "I couldn't get 'yes' out of my mouth fast enough." The towers grew to 55 and 45 stories and were approved in 2005. The taller sibling broke ground that year. 2 theories at work There are two planning theories at work on Rincon Hill. One is that San Francisco should encourage new housing near jobs and the closer the better. There's an environmental payoff - people who walk to work aren't driving their cars. And there's a political upside if a housing boom downtown takes pressure off older neighborhoods. The other is that, to quote the city's Urban Design Plan, "tall, slender buildings at the tops of hills ... accentuate the form of the hills." Geography aside, it's an approach in line with Chicago or New York, two American cities where high-rise life is part of the urban fabric. Plenty of San Franciscans were skeptical, especially as developers showed little interest after Rincon Hill's height limits first were raised in 1985. The changes of the past decade suggest there may be a place for high-rise downtown districts after all. Not only are new buildings taking shape, they're filling up. Rincon Green opened in December and all 326 apartments were leased by May. Studios as small as 455 square feet start at $2,186 a month. Two-bedroom apartments with a parking space go for more than $3,800. Upside, downside Tenants get a privately maintained park, in-home washer-dryers, a rooftop deck with a grill and an oversized whirlpool hot tub. But the only nearby shopping is a convenience store. The park's ambiance includes a line of bridge-bound cars backed up along Harrison Street most afternoons. The Heils measure convenience in other ways: the scenic walk to the Ferry Building and AT&T Park; the straight shot to Silicon Valley from the adjacent freeway. 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. "I'm from suburbia," Brian points out. "Walk two blocks, and all you saw was another house." As more towers rise, veterans of such neighborhoods in other cities say, shops and restaurants will follow. Storefronts at the base of towers will fill in. The aged buildings between them will attract new types of tenants. Hundreds of new units "In the beginning, an area like this struggles, but once all is in place, it thrives," argues Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. He designed Infinity, the clover-shaped glass towers at Spear and Folsom streets. It holds 650 units and is the largest Rincon project to date. The Miami firm also designed Infinity's sequel: Lumina, 35- and 40-story towers that broke ground last month and will add another 655 units along Folsom. Both projects were approved in 2004; Infinity opened in 2008. Fort-Brescia shrugs off the delay and the empty lots that still pockmark the gentle slope. "In a history of a city, that is nothing. It just requires a little bit of patience," he says. "If you only look at the past, never the future, a city shuts itself down." An enthusiast Kriozere agrees - even though the 2008 recession delayed the second phase of One Rincon and caused his firm Urban West to lose control of the site where the second tower is rising. He's the day-to-day developer, but Principal Real Estate Investors is the owner and will reap the presumed awards. "You want to build when things are lousy and open when things are good. The first phase, we got things turned around," Kriozere says. In retrospect, would he have stuck with his more modest plan from 2003, a project that could have been built all at once? Not a chance. "I always wanted to do something like this," Kriozere said, sitting in One Rincon's lobby, the heavy glass deflecting the noise from the nearby bridge. "I just was too timid to ask for it." An insured homeowner whose home has been badly damaged is entitled to coverage for the cost of repairs, even if those far exceed the propertys market value, a state appeals court has ruled. Reversing a Contra Costa County judges decision, the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco said a Richmond woman whose home was damaged by a kitchen fire in 2011 should receive $320,549, the repair cost minus depreciation, rather than the $75,000 market-value coverage her insurer paid. More broadly, the court said a 2004 state law, prompted by numerous insurance disputes over damage caused by Southern California wildfires, allows homeowners to recover repair costs even when their insurance policies are drafted more restrictively. Coverage is limited to fair-market value only if a home has been destroyed or damaged beyond repair, the court said. Courts have recognized that homes may have values to an owner that are distinct from economic worth, such as familiarity, comfort and the memories they invoke, Justice Therese Stewart said in the 3-0 ruling, issued Friday. For that reason, she said, lawmakers could have decided that owners whose homes had been damaged but not destroyed should have the option of repairing their homes and remaining in the homes and neighborhoods they had chosen. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and the consumer organization United Policyholders filed arguments supporting the Richmond homeowner, Marlene Garnes. Garnes lawyer, Dylan Schaffer, said Wednesday the ruling was important for its interpretation of the 2004 law. The Legislature wants people to stay in their houses and repair them, Schaffer said in contrast to auto insurance, which covers no more than the value of a damaged car. Unless the building is leveled to the ground, youve got to pay what it would cost the homeowner to fix the building. A lawyer for the insurer, the California Fair Plan Association, could not be reached for comment. The association, a group of insurance companies commissioned by the Legislature in 1968 to cover homes in high-risk areas, could appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court. The Courts decision prevents (the association) from forcing residents in lower income and other economically challenged neighborhoods to move or live in a damaged home instead of repairing it after a fire, said Jones in a statement. Schaffer said Garnes, who has lived in the home since childhood, has scraped up funding for enough repair work to let her stay in the house while seeking full coverage in the courts. Defending its decision to pay only the $75,000 market value, the insurance association cited language in its policy that said it would cover only the actual cash value if the repair or replacement costs were higher. But regardless of the policy language, the court said, state law draws a distinction between total loss of a property, to be reimbursed by its market value, and partial loss, covered by repair costs minus depreciation. Garnes home was damaged, not destroyed, Stewart said. An insurer may not circumvent the law by employing contrary contract terms. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Planned Parenthood plans to close locations in Richmond, Pittsburg and Vacaville, as the womens health organization struggles to collect payment for services for Medi-Cal patients, officials at the nonprofit said. The three health centers will shut down June 30, said Miriam Gerace, communications director for Planned Parenthood of Northern California. It is part of a wave of closures that is also affecting Iowa, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, where a combined 10 facilities will shutter by the end of June. Were continually looking for ways to streamline and find efficiencies, Gerace said. This is part of that effort. This was done in a careful, deliberate way to ensure our long-term stability. The California closures were reported earlier by the Sacramento Bee. Planned Parenthood has for years been targeted by conservatives who say the federal government should not financially support health organizations that provide abortions, even if federal dollars are not used for abortion services. In May, the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act the Republican plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act which would prohibit federal dollars from going to Planned Parenthood for one year, though the bill has not yet been taken up by the Senate. Planned Parenthood says 98 percent of the services it provides to patients in the region are pregnancy tests, contraception, sex education, cancer screenings, and testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The 2 percent that consists of abortions is funded by the state, not federal Medicaid dollars. Gerace said the local closures are largely due to low reimbursement rates in California for providers that serve Medi-Cal patients. About 87 percent of Planned Parenthood patients in California are on Medi-Cal, the states Medicaid insurance program for the poor. Planned Parenthood, like other Medicaid providers, gets reimbursed by the federal and state government for providing services, and each state has its own reimbursement rates. Californias are among the lowest. Medi-Cal reimbursement rates for physician fees are 81 percent of the national average, according to data compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Only three states Michigan, New Jersey and Rhode Island have lower rates. We rely on robust state funding, Gerace said. But for many years our reimbursement rate for providing services to uninsured and public-insured people has been very, very low. Its difficult to continue to maintain the high level of care with (those) reimbursement rates. We want elected officials to know we need the rates to go up in order to continue to provide these services. California voters approved a ballot proposition in November, Proposition 56, that enacted a $2 tax on every pack of cigarettes, and part of the money is to go to health programs. Planned Parenthood is urging state lawmakers, who reduced Medi-Cal physician reimbursement rates by 10 percent in 2011, to set aside $50 million in the state budget from the tobacco tax to go toward the womens health organization. Despite broad public support in the Bay Area several San Francisco restaurants held fundraisers for the organization in January, for example contributions and private grants make up only a fraction of the groups revenue. After the closures, Planned Parenthood Northern California, which covers an area spanning from San Francisco east through Contra Costa County and north to the Oregon border, will operate 20 centers. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, which operates 33 clinics from Santa Cruz County east to Reno, including 11 in Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, is not planning any closures, a spokeswoman said. In total, Planned Parenthood operates 115 health centers in California and serves about 850,000 patients each year in the state. Gerace encouraged those who would go to the Vacaville location to visit the Fairfield center, and those who would go to the central Richmond and Pittsburg locations to visit the remaining Richmond center or one in El Cerrito. We care deeply about our patients and want to keep seeing them, Gerace said. Were encouraging them to visit us at the other locations. I think its really sad because this is a low-income area where people dont always have the transportation or means to get around, said Gina Tooley, 34, a barista who goes to the soon-to-be closed health center in Richmond on Marina Way for annual checkups and screenings. Tooley, who lives in Richmond, can walk to that location. She says she will have to take three buses to get to the other Richmond location on Hilltop Mall Road. Erica Saavedra, 32, of Richmond, said she had been coming to the Richmond location since it opened several years ago for annual checkups and contraception. It really sucks because this is where clinics are more needed, she said. A lot of people around here don't have health insurance and need help. Saavedra, who has coverage through Medi-Cal, said the Hilltop location was farther away and is usually busier, so the wait to be seen is longer. Gerace said there were some staff reductions but declined to say how many. Some staff were relocated to work at other Planned Parenthood health centers, she said. Planned Parenthood announced this month that it will close four of its 12 clinics in Iowa on June 30, after Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a budget that prohibited public funds from going to family planning services at health organizations that provide abortions. The move is expected to result in a $2 million funding cut to Planned Parenthood. In Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, Planned Parenthood officials have said the closures are part of an effort to make operations more efficient. Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat__Ho Vallejo police shot a 20-year-old man multiple times in Martinez on Wednesday night when he attempted to evade arrest and escape by ramming into a patrol car, officials said. The suspect, Kevin DeCarlo, who had a felony warrant out for his arrest, was seriously wounded in the confrontation the second officer-involved shooting by the Vallejo Police Department in 2017, officials said. Vallejo police had been searching for DeCarlo, who managed to evade arrest twice in the past week when officers thought they had him cornered, officials said. On Wednesday, police received a tip that DeCarlo was at a home in the 4000 block of Ellis Road in Martinez, officials said. Officers surrounded the house about 11:30 p.m., and DeCarlo tried to get away again by ramming into an officers vehicle, officials said. Officers perceived DeCarlos actions as a deadly threat and fired multiple shots as he tried to drive away, police said. It was not immediately clear how many officers fired shots at DeCarlo. DeCarlo sustained several wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he was in serious condition, police said. One Vallejo police officer had minor injuries and was treated at a hospital and released, police said. The shooting came after DeCarlo avoided arrest twice in the past week, the last time on Saturday when he got away after ramming a police car in Vallejo and then fled on foot, police said. Two days earlier, police tried to stop DeCarlo in Vallejo when they saw him driving in a severely reckless manner, police said. After DeCarlo escaped the first time, police secured an arrest warrant for felony charges of evading arrest with a bail amount of $100,000. Wednesdays shooting is being investigated by the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office, the Contra Costa County district attorneys office and the Vallejo Police Department which is standard protocol. The shooting was the second involving Vallejo police this year. On Jan. 23, a police officer fatally shot a 21-year-old man who was in a fight with a 250-pound teenager after a drunken fracas broke out at a house party, officials said. Family members identified the man as Angel Ramos, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani Red-checkered tablecloths covered slightly wobbly cocktail tables in a re-created dungeon deep below the shops of Fishermans Wharf. Atop each table sat a camping lantern and a tube of surprisingly foul hand sanitizer. On the far side of the dark room, against a wall of faux stones, was a table arranged with a coffee urn, a hot-water urn and a plastic jug of water. My friend Blair, having waited an hour and 45 minutes for the experience, mused, I thought I got to play with rats. The Rat Cafe, at the San Francisco Dungeon, is advertised as an immersive pop-up experience where guests would be surrounded by rats while seated with pastries. The two-day cafe, scheduled for June 1 and June 8, is intended to promote both the touristy Dungeon and Rattie Ratz, a Bay Area nonprofit that promotes domestic rats as pets. Entry to the pop-up Rat Cafe costs $49.99 and includes a (usually $20) ticket to the San Francisco Dungeon. Along with a number of other media outlets, I attended the Rat Cafe press preview. You might have caught me in the background of KRONs newscast on the subject, looking haggard. As a former rat owner and good friend of mine, Blair tagged along. Before I lament my Rat Cafe experience, its important to note that at the press preview, we took the one-hour dungeon tour before entering the Rat Cafe. Those who attend the cafe this June will visit the pop-up first and then go on the tour. I scare easily, and the San Francisco Dungeon is, at least for a wimp like me, a full-on fright fest. I found it pretty fun after I stopped screaming. Following the dungeon tour, which explores spooky San Francisco history from the Gold Rush through 1915, we had to wait around in the dungeons gift shop. Expectations were high. After all, the promotional materials really up-sold this experience as a charming cafe environment with rats crawling all over us. In fact, a press release quotes Matthew Clarkson, a regional head of marketing for the dungeons parent company, as saying, Drinking coffee while a rats on the loose? Thats not for the faint of heart. We helped ourselves to paper coffee cups of water and stood at our tables. Eventually, lovely women came around and passed out cellophane-wrapped cinnamon buns. Boudin Bakery, the home of San Francisco sourdough, sat ignored across the street. Still, who cares about the self-serve coffee or the airplane pastries. We were soon to be surrounded by rats! Finally, at 7:45 p.m. (our tour began at 6), two women in bright-red shirts arrived, each holding a terrified rat. The Rattie Ratz volunteers and their ambassador rats made the rounds from table to table, answering rat questions and allowing guests to pet each rat. Stephanie Cameron is the adoption coordinator for Rattie Ratz. Her shirt read, All I Care About Is Rats, And Maybe Two People, and she held a rat named Victoria, who clearly wanted to be anywhere else but in a dungeon in the heart of Fishermans Wharf. A passionate rat enthusiast, Cameron has five litter-trained rats at home. Theres really a lot of misinformation about rats, she said. According to Cameron, people have a really negative preconceived misconception of what they think a rat is. The East Bay resident held Victoria in her arms, just a few dungeon rooms away from where the attractions actors performed a theatrical autopsy on the victim of a rat-transmitted bubonic plague. So, we cant hold the rats? asked Blair, whod happily signed a release waiver in expectation of snuggling with a rodent. If theres someone here who has rat experience, Im sure that would be OK, said Cameron, a little nervous to hand Victoria off to a stranger. Cameron loves rats as much as cat people love cats and dog people love dogs. She and her fellow Rattie Ratz volunteers orchestrate two adoption events a month. The more foster homes we have, Cameron said, the more rats we can help. The rat-experienced Blair gently held Victoria. At a nearby table, the other rat urinated on a young man shooting a video for Buzzfeed. And that pretty much sums up the misrepresented Rat Cafe experience. We were not seated; we were not surrounded. But I can tell you this: When we walked back out onto Jefferson Street at dusk, I was most certainly sanitized. Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com Where do these bureaucrats and functionaries learn this routine this thing where they pretend that youre crazy if you complain about something, if you catch them either doing something wrong or enforcing an injustice? You know, the singsong delivery, with lines like, As I said to you before, sir and Youre creating a disturbance, maam, and Youre going to force me to call security. I would say there must be some central school hidden somewhere in this country, but now theres I, Daniel Blake to show that this isnt only an American phenomenon. Theyre doing it in England, too. Its about a 59-year-old construction worker who gets out of the hospital after having a heart attack. His situation is pretty straightforward. He needs government assistance until his doctors can certify that hes healthy enough to return to work. What follows is a Kafkaesque journey into government-agency hell. Its directed by Ken Loach and can be looked at in one of two of ways. This is either the story of what happens when a government stops caring about its people or its a story about how things go to hell once government gets involved at all. In any case, its about a system that seems designed to make people feel that theyre entirely worthless and should just die and decrease the surplus population. Loach is that kind of a filmmaker, a downbeat guy with a social conscience whose films deal with the hardships of working-class life. But theres something about this movie that is very easy to take. Its serious, but its not a downer, or at least it doesnt feel that one. The lift comes from the casting of a comedian, Dave Johns, in the title role. Johns doesnt make I, Daniel Blake into a laugh-a-minute or even a laugh-an-hour exercise. But he keeps things from getting unbearable with his lightness of being. He just doesnt seem cut out for tragedy. This is a temporary situation, as he sees it. Obviously, someone will soon realize that he really cant go back to work and that he needs a little help. Its just a little hiccup that he has to call heartless bureaucrats and then wait on hold listening to Muzak for upward of two hours. But soon everything will be sorted out. This is the paradox of the movie: At least half the scenes are about frustrating and even maddening situations, not only maddening to poor Daniel, but maddening to anyone who watches, as in the audience. But the actual experience of Daniel Blake is not one of frustration. In fact, the film brings a kind of satisfaction, a sense of Oh, good. Somebody is finally showing how horrible this is. Johns is terrific, the heart and soul of the movie, playing the kind of guy thats the heart and soul of any industrialized country on the planet. So this is the guy they want to throw on the garbage heap? This is the guy whose expendable? Its enough to make you want to scream, except you dont have to scream. Ken Loach does the screaming for you. Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle I, Daniel Blake Drama. Starring Dave Johns and Hayley Squires. Directed by Ken Loach. (R. 100 minutes.) Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Rebecca Dallet entered the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday, becoming the second candidate to announce plans to seek the seat currently held by conservative Justice Michael Gableman. Dallet joins Madison attorney Tim Burns as the two announced candidates for the April election. Gableman has not said whether he will seek re-election and he did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Gableman is part of a five-justice conservative majority on the seven-member court. He was first elected to the court in 2008. The election is April 3 and there will be a primary on Feb. 20 if three or more candidates enter into the race. Dallet, 47, was elected as a judge in 2008 the same year Gableman joined the Supreme Court after working 11 years as an assistant district attorney in Milwaukee County and one year as the presiding Milwaukee County court commissioner. From 1999 to 2002 she also worked a special assistant U.S. attorney. She was an adjunct professor at the Marquette University Law School from 2006 to 2008. A native of Ohio, Dallet received her law degree from Case Western University in Cleveland and is a graduate of Ohio State University. She moved to Wisconsin in the mid-1990s and currently lives in Whitefish Bay. Dallet said in a statement that she has the right experience to return independence and balance to what has become an increasingly partisan Supreme Court. Burns, 53, has no experience as a judge, a point that opponents are certain to hammer in the election. Hes also never run for office before. Burns campaign manager, Amanda Brink, said that Dallet was a more conservative candidate than Burns but did not explain why. There will be a clear contrast between her and Tim Burns, who will be talking about his progressive values throughout the campaign, Brink said. Voters deserve to know who they are voting for. Dallet made a $100 contribution to then-Gov. Jim Doyle a Democrat in 2005, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaigns online database. That is the only donation to state candidates on record. There are no records of Dallet donations for federal candidates on the Federal Election Commission website. While the race is officially nonpartisan, liberals and conservatives have backed candidates for the Supreme Court for years. Democrats were widely criticized for not fielding a candidate to challenge conservative Justice Annette Ziegler this year. If you see an otherwise distinguished-looking gentleman being ridden out of town on a rail, covered head to toe with a steaming coat of tar, that would probably be yours truly. My last column proposed, with a nod to the great 18th century Irish satirist Jonathan Swift, that San Franciscos housing crisis be solved by dumping the elderly on the streets and letting nature take its course. Many readers did not appreciate the bitter humor. In fact, they proposed that certain drastic measures be taken against me which, all in all, would make tarring and feathering seem the preferable choice. And so this is what things have come to. Todays news has become so extreme and outlandish that people have lost their sense of comic exaggeration and satire. Americans are so shell-shocked by the headlines out of Washington that they wouldnt put it past the government to round up the elderly and put them in camps. The Breaking News flash on CNN should be replaced by What Fresh Hell Is This? (with a nod to Dorothy Parker). I suppose I can take some consolation from the fact that Swift himself also came in for his share of abuse when, back in 1729, he published his Modest Proposal for relieving Irish society from the burden of its numerous poor infants. His solution involved turning the babies of the destitute into Sunday dinner for the affluent, because a young healthy child well nursed is, at a year old, a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout. He too was trying to make a larger point about societys callous disregard for the less fortunate. But the biting satire went over many peoples heads. Even more than 2 centuries later, when actor Peter OToole dared to give a reading of Swifts satirical masterpiece at a Dublin theater in 1984, it provoked an outraged walkout and newspaper headlines denouncing the essays disgusting sentiments. So much for the keen Irish wit. Im actually prouder of my last column than any other Ive written for The Chronicle, because it did get people in an uproar. Whether or not they understood it was satire, readers voiced strong opinions about how inhospitable San Francisco has become for the old, infirm, poor and eccentric. (Actually I prefer the word original.) And the story I told of 82-year-old Ramon Garcia, whos become an unwanted man in the city where hes lived for 50 years, touched many readers. Humor is funny because its true, as the saying goes. And they really are dumping old people on the streets of San Francisco to make room for the younger and more flush. Reader Nan Lorenzen got it. I always like reading riffs on Swifts proposal, the former high school English teacher wrote me. I hope you will let your readers know if you get responses that mistake your intention. Ive found that many readers dont get satire and probably would think Swift was serious about (eating) babies. Fortunately, Lorenzen added, when she taught Swift in school, her students were, well, swift enough to grasp the savage humor. If not, she wrote, the school board would have gotten calls from parents about my teaching cannibalism to their innocent offspring. Shorey Chapman also warned me about the humor deficiency among San Francisco progressives: I appreciate your irony, but I have to wonder how many will miss it. I was very active in community organizing around the issue of affordable housing for several years, and I can assure you that most other housing activists had little or no sense of humor. ... By the way, whats the problem with boiling Irish babies? More protein than potatoes, wouldnt you say? Artist Paul Mavrides was also on board with the satire. Well, you cant put the olds on ice floes anymore, he posted on my Facebook page. All the ice has almost completely melted thanks to the Global Chinese Climate Hoax. A pundit who instructed that he be identified as a local cannibal who wishes to remain anonymous wrote: Your piece is good, but its missing the part where you propose culling the herd and feasting on the flesh of the elderly. Although an old persons muscle can be gamy, if you marinate it for long enough it becomes tender and a helluva lot tastier than Soylent, which is something that many members of the tech community actually consume without the slightest sense of irony. Others got the joke, but were not amused, like activist Laura Foote Clarke, who argues for more market-rate housing to ease the shelter shortage. If only we didnt pit the young against the old, the haves against the have-nots, and instead created more of the city we love, she posted on my Facebook page. And many missed the Swiftian humor altogether. Michael McGreevy, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran, told me the column was appalling and evil. You cannot be serious. Tell me you were drinking. Why would you write such a cruel article? asked Joan Espinosa. Really, put old people out of their homes so young techies can move in? You are no spring chicken either. True. Spring chickens are much tastier. When I assured Espinosa I was kidding, she gamely replied, I figured you had to be trying to make a point. I do feel outraged by the whole housing crisis in SF. And thats the larger point here. People who are holding onto their homes by the tips of their fingers are simply in no laughing mood anymore. As Rebecca Dixon wrote me, Satire has gone out of fashion, along with irony and sarcasm. These days its all too common to hear or read such cold-hearted sentiments expressed in dead earnest. And yet even Ramon Garcia, facing eviction from his Noe Valley cottage, is capable of stinging witticisms about lifes torments. He came alive, despite his multiple infirmities, when he talked about the bloodsuckers who are ruining San Francisco. God is dead. The zombies are alive, he told me. Sometimes caustic humor is the only juice that keeps us going, even if it burns. San Francisco Chronicle columnist David Talbot appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email: dtalbot@sfchronicle.com WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is moving toward handing back to Russia two diplomatic compounds, near New York City and on Maryland's Eastern Shore, from which its officials were ejected in late December as punishment for Moscow's interference in the 2016 presidential election. Then-President Barack Obama said Dec. 29 that the compounds were being "used by Russian personnel for intelligence-related purposes," and gave Russia 24 hours to vacate them. Separately, Obama expelled from the United States what he said were 35 Russian "intelligence operatives." Early last month, the Trump administration told the Russians it would consider turning the properties back over to them if Moscow would lift its freeze, imposed in 2014 in retaliation for U.S. sanctions related to Ukraine, on construction of a new U.S. consulate on a certain parcel of land in St. Petersburg. Two days later, the U.S. position changed. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at a meeting in Washington, that the United States had dropped any linkage between the compounds and the consulate, according to several people with knowledge of the exchanges. In Moscow on Wednesday, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Russia was "taking into account the difficult internal political situation for the current administration," but retained the option to reciprocate for what he called the "expropriation" of Russian property, "if these steps are not somehow adjusted by the U.S. side," the news outlet Sputnik reported. Senior Tillerson adviser R. C. Hammond said that "the U.S. and Russia have reached no agreements." He said the next senior level meeting between the two governments, below the secretary of state level, will be in June in St. Petersburg. Before making a final decision on allowing the Russians to reoccupy the compounds, the administration is examining possible restrictions on Russian activities there, including removing the diplomatic immunity the properties previously enjoyed. Without immunity, the facilities would be treated as any other buildings in the United States and would not be barred to entry by U.S. law enforcement, according to people who spoke on the condition anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic matters. Any concessions to Moscow could prove controversial while administration and former Trump campaign officials are under congressional and special counsel investigation for alleged ties to Russia. Changes in the administration's official posture toward the compounds come as Russian media recently suggested that Kislyak, about to leave Washington after serving as ambassador since 2008, may be proposed by the Kremlin to head a new position as U.N. undersecretary general for counterterrorism. Kislyak, who met and spoke during the campaign and transition with President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trump's White House adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and others, is known to be interested in the post. His replacement as ambassador, current Deputy Foreign Minister Anatoly Antonov, was confirmed last month by the Russian Duma, or parliament. Officials in Moscow said Russian President Vladimir Putin will officially inform Trump of the new ambassador when the two meet in July, at the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. It will be Trump's first meeting with Putin as president. The U.N. General Assembly must first approve establishment of the counterterrorism slot, part of a larger U.N. reorganization and the first new post at that level for decades. Russia will almost certainly claim the slot as the only member of the five permanent members of the Security Council without one of its nationals in a senior U.N. position. Jeffrey Feltman, a former senior U.S. diplomat, is currently undersecretary-general for political affairs; comparable jobs for peacekeeping, humanitarian affairs and economic affairs are held, respectively, by nationals from France, Britain and China. Secretary General Antonio Guterres will decide who fills the new job, although both Russia and the United States are expected to make their views known. Kislyak has repeatedly rejected descriptions of him in the U.S. media as a spy. Asked whether U.S. intelligence considered him to be one, James Clapper Jr., the former director of national intelligence, told CNN Sunday that, "Given the fact that he oversees a very aggressive intelligence operation in this country - the Russians have more intelligence operatives than any other nation that is represented in this country, still even after we got rid of 35 of them - and so to suggest that he is somehow separate or oblivious to that is a bit much." The Russian compounds - a 14-acre estate on Long Island, and several buildings on secluded acreage along the Corsica River on Maryland's Eastern Shore - have been in Russian possession since the days of the Soviet Union. According to a Maryland deed in 1995, the former USSR transferred ownership of the Maryland property to the Russian Federation in 1995, for a payment of one dollar. Russia said it used the facilities, both of which had diplomatic immunity, for rest and recreation for embassy and U.N., employees, and to hold official events. But U.S. officials dating back to the Reagan administration, based on aerial and other surveillance, had long believed they were also being used for intelligence purposes. Last year, when Russian security services began harassing U.S. officials in Moscow - including slashed tires, home break-ins and, at one point tackling and throwing to the ground a U.S. embassy official entering through the front of the embassy - the Obama administration threatened to close the compounds, former Obama officials said. In meetings to protest the treatment, the Obama administration said that it would do so unless the harassment stopped, and Moscow dropped its freeze on construction of a new consulate to replace the one in St. Petersburg, considered largely unusable because of Russian spying equipment installed there. Russia had earlier blocked U.S. use of a parcel of land and construction guarantees in the city when sanctions were imposed after its military intervention in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. The threat of closing the compounds was not pursued. In late December, after U.S. intelligence said there had been election meddling, and in response to the ongoing harassment in Moscow, Obama ordered the compounds closed and diplomats expelled. "We had no intention of ever giving them back," a former senior Obama official said of the compounds. Trump, then at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, appeared to disparage the Obama administration sanctions, telling reporters, "I think we ought to get on with our lives." Surprisingly, Russia did not respond. It later emerged that Flynn, in a phone conversation with Kislyak, had advised against retaliation and indicated that U.S. policy would change under the Trump administration. 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. The Kremlin made clear that the compound issue was at the top of its bilateral agenda. Russia repeatedly denounced what it called the "seizure" of the properties as an illegal violation of diplomatic treaties. On May 8, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, Thomas Shannon, traveled to New York to meet with his Russian counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on what the State Department described as "a range of bilateral issues" and what Russia called "irritants" and "grievances." Ryabkov brought up the compounds, while Shannon raised St. Petersburg and harassment, suggesting that they deal with the operation of their diplomats and facilities in each others' countries separate from policy issues such as Syria, and proposing that they clear the decks with a compromise. Russia refused, saying that the compound issue was a hostile act that deserved no reciprocal action to resolve, and had to be dealt with before other diplomatic problems could be addressed. In an interview with Tass, Ryabkov said Moscow was alarmed that Washington "carries on working out certain issues in its traditional manner, particularly concerning Russia's diplomatic property in the states of Maryland and New York." Two days later in Washington, Tillerson told Lavrov that the United States would no longer link the compounds to the issue of St. Petersburg. Immediately after their May 10 meeting at the State Department, Tillerson escorted Lavrov and Kislyak to the Oval Office. There, they held a private meeting with Trump. The night before the president had fired FBI Director James Comey, who was then heading an FBI investigation of the Russia ties. Comey, Trump told the Russians, was a "real nut job," and his removal had "taken off" the Russia-related pressure the president was under, the New York Times reported. Later in May, the Justice Department appointed former FBI director Robert Mueller III as special counsel to oversee the federal investigation. In a news conference at the Russian Embassy after his meetings with Tillerson and Trump, Lavrov said of the compound closures, "Everyone, in particular the Trump administration, is aware that those actions were illegal." "The dialogue between Russia and the U.S. is now free from the ideology that characterized it under the Barack Obama administration," he said. - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this report. Even if he hadnt put a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger, Robert Eichens booze-fueled rampage against his estranged wife in Redwood City would have ended in death. Thats because the same second the 43-year-old put his .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in his mouth and pulled the trigger, a nearby Redwood City police officer shot Eichen in the back. The San Mateo County medical examiner concluded that either bullet wound would have been fatal, District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said Thursday, while closing the book on the March 21 episode. Through its investigation, the district attorneys office found Officer Joseph OGorman was justified in shooting Eichen, who pointed a gun at police during the tense final moments that day. The incident unfolded around 2:15 p.m. when Redwood City police got a call from Eichens 44-year-old estranged wife, who had filed a restraining order against him, officials said. She told dispatchers Eichen was armed with a handgun and was following her through a parking lot near her workplace on the 200 block of Penobscot Drive, police said. The wife became more terrified when Eichen fired a shot into the air, officials said. Thats when nearby plainclothes detectives, Officer Roman Gomez and OGorman, got the call. OGorman, who was driving, pulled over and grabbed his SWAT tactical gear and a rifle out of the trunk, while Gomez took the wheel and sped to the scene. The cops ran into a still-armed Eichen on the 300 block of Saginaw Drive and took cover behind two trees as other officers swarmed to the area, officials said. The officers yelled at Eichen to drop the gun, but he moved it around, from a low position alongside his leg, to his head, Wagstaffe said in his report to acting Redwood City Police Chief Gary Kirby. Several eyewitnesses rendered the opinion that it looked like he was trying to draw the courage to shoot himself, Wagstaffe said. As tensions continued to rise, so did the barrel of Eichens gun. Fearing his fellow officers or civilians would be shot, OGorman opened fire as the suspect raised the revolver to his mouth and pulled the trigger, Wagstaffe said. The two gunshots were so close in time that many witnesses heard only one prolonged shot, he said. 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. Eichen was pronounced dead at the scene. The county medical examiner determined Eichen died from two gunshot wounds, one to the mouth that went through the back of his head, and OGormans shot that went through his lower back and exited near his right collar bone, cutting a 45-degree wound through his torso. Eichens wife had filed a restraining order against him a month earlier. On March 9, she called police because he was drunk and preventing his wife and daughter from leaving their house. The next day police seized Eichens guns but were unaware he had his fathers Smith & Wesson revolver hidden in his backyard. Eichens blood alcohol level was .43 percent when he died, the report said. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky The process of making Californias state budget requires legislators to make many compromises. Unfortunately, one group whose needs have too often been compromised by the budget process are foster children. That cant be allowed to happen this year. Foster childrens advocacy groups are pleading with Sacramento to increase state funding for dependency attorneys. Once children enter the foster care system, nearly every decision about their lives from their medications to their possibilities for family reunification are made in court. Dependency counsel are the lawyers who represent these abused and neglected children within an impersonal and complex legal system. Like many public interest lawyers, dependency attorneys are overworked and underpaid. The difference is that the clients who suffer from these staggering caseloads are the children whose care all Californians have the responsibility to protect. Their caseloads can run as high as 300 child clients in California. A 2016 recommendation from the Judicial Council recommends a maximum caseload of 141 clients. The Judicial Council had requested a $33.1 million funding increase, and the Legislature has acknowledged that this full amount is whats actually necessary. Over the past three years, both the Assembly and the state Senate have included increases that would total $33 million over three years. The only amount to survive the budget conference process, sadly, was an $11 million increase in 2015. The Legislatures failure to pass the funding increase it knows Californias children need so badly is shameful. It cant happen again this year. The lack of high-quality legal representation can put foster children at risk, and this year theres a new reason for the Legislature to act, too. Deportations are projected to rise dramatically under President Trump, meaning the number of children in foster care could rise significantly. Introducing yet more traumatized children into an already overburdened system is a recipe for disaster. Californias legislators need to do the right thing right now. President Donald Trump is returning to Wisconsin to host a fundraiser for Gov. Scott Walker on June 13. The exact location of the fundraiser has not been announced but plans are for it to be in the southeastern part of the state. Walker is making plans to run for a third term next year and plans to officially launch the re-election campaign this summer. Im thrilled that as part of his ongoing and repeated visits across the Midwest, President Trump will be returning to Wisconsin and I appreciate him showing his support for our bold conservative reforms while hes here, Walker said in a statement provided by spokesman Joe Fadness. Wisconsin is a top 10 state for business and education, and Im ready to keep fighting for hard-working families and move our state forward with even more reform. Trump was last in Wisconsin in April when he visited Snap-on Inc. in Kenosha and signed the Buy American, Hire American executive order. Trump won Wisconsin, making him the first Republican presidential candidate to carry the state since Ronald Reagan defeated Walter Mondale in 1984. As President Trump withdraws, this state must move ahead. His decision to dump a global agreement to curb climate change heightens the critical role that California plays in meeting the planets top environmental problem. Trumps move, delivered in blunt and unapologetic terms, made it clear he has no interest in the Paris accords reached in 2015 to limit rising global temperatures. His disastrous action will undercut U.S. leadership around the world, chill a growing green economy and worsen chances to head off climatic disruption. But his choice is bringing a response. States such as California are pushing ahead with their own policies, rules and incentives to meet the climate change threat and redesign their economies. From cleaner power plants to electric cars, Sacramento is setting a pace to improve the workplace, roads and homes in the state. This message has reached major businesses that pressed the Trump White House to stick with the accord. Trump is missing these opportunities with a hidebound refusal to change. His speech hit on old-school doubts about the need to change: invoking the prospect of vanishing jobs, advantaged foreign competitors and lost American sovereignty. He heaped praise on the fading coal industry and blasted India and China for supposedly gaming the treaty for special favors. While he professed a willingness to retool the treaty, its hard to imagine a way around his hardline objections. This White House seems to be through with the subject and doesnt care what other countries think. His decision makes for a monumental political blunder, at home and abroad. His unpopularity in California cant sink much lower, but elsewhere in the country climate change worry is also a front-and-center issue. Just as repealing the Obama health plan is producing a nightmare for Republicans, so will turning the nations back on tamping down greenhouse gas emissions. Allies around the world must wonder if this White House can be trusted or is ready or willing to retain global leadership. Dumping the accord will take several years to play out officially. That means that future elections could produce a fresh direction or a change of mind by an impulsive president. For now, Trumps action hamstrings the Paris deals global reach and its goal of avoiding of a 3.6 degree Fahrenheit rise in temperatures that scientists predict will produce dangerous and irreversible climate change. Already yearly temperatures have reached historic highs, with weather swings among the harshest on record. Doing nothing, as Trump proposes, worsens the risks of an unchangeable future that is already emerging. In the face of Trumps move, its more important than ever to meet the climate change threat at the state and local level. Both the Bay Area and California have elected officials who appreciate the challenge and opportunity for leaders, in politics and business, who are willing to lead. Cap-and-trade is a threat, not a solution, to Californias leadership on climate change. It should be retired. The program should be replaced with mandatory pollution reductions at the source, the only guaranteed way to substantially reduce emissions and avoid extreme climate change. Last year, the Legislature passed SB32 to mandate a true cap on pollution, which is the states greenhouse gas reduction goal of 40 percent fewer emissions by 2030. Not only is cap-and-trade unnecessary in meeting this goal, but it also could undermine Californias ability to reach it. Cap-and-trade auctions are a market-based scheme designed to give polluters incentives and options to reduce emissions rather than simply requiring them to reduce emissions. For example, under the program, Chevrons refineries in Richmond and El Segundo (Los Angeles County) or any of the 14 other refineries in California can avoid reducing emissions by purchasing allowances to continue polluting. Not surprisingly, the oil-and-gas lobby has come out in favor of extending cap-and-trade auctions. While there is scant evidence that emissions have decreased under the cap-and-trade program, a recent study by the University of Southern California found that refiners, oil-and-gas drillers and the electric power industry increased their emissions since the program was implemented. Refineries have continued to spew out carbon and toxic pollutants that harm nearby residents on a daily basis. Californias latest assessment of climate change effects warns of a possible 10-foot sea-level rise and increasing risks of fires, extreme heat and droughts. Direct-source reductions would mandate refineries, food processors and gas-fired power plants that generate enormous amounts of greenhouse gases decrease their pollution. The California Air Resources Board is well positioned to implement direct-source reductions toward meeting the states goal of 40 percent less emissions by 2030, but this will only happen if the Legislature allows cap-and-trade to expire, which would enable CARB to solely focus on reducing pollution. Yet cap-and-trades shortcomings are being ignored by many politicians who are more enticed by the alluring side of the cap-and- trade coin: revenue. The program has created a slush fund for projects like Gov. Jerry Browns controversial high-speed rail project. Some of these pay-to-pollute monies are now being promised to heavily impacted communities to garner support. In a recent interview, California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon stated, As we move toward extending cap and trade, its very important that these communities are provided the resources they need to combat these harmful emissions. In other words, because cap-and-trade isnt designed to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants that cause health problems, new revenue must be used to help communities cope. Instead, why not mandate real reductions of these emissions as a complement to the transition to 100 percent clean energy that De Leon claims to support? The only effective way to combat pollution is to compel emitters to reduce pollution at the source. Indeed, after 20 years of failure, the South Coast Air Quality Management District last month voted to scrap its cap-and-trade program in Los Angeles County, where studies show that hundreds die each year from dirty air and thousands more get chronically sick. The Legislature should follow suit. Gov. Brown, who preaches about our climate challenge but has largely supported Big Oils policy agenda, is pushing hard to extend cap-and-trade. Brown is dangling cap-and-trade funds to coerce the Legislature to extend the program alongside the state budget. Meanwhile, several pieces of legislation, including Senate Bill 775, which sets a higher baseline allowance price and does away with any free permits, attempt to improve cap-and-trades ability to raise revenue. All fall flat on reducing pollution in California. State lawmakers now face a stark choice: They can vote against cap-and-trade and demand real pollution reduction, or they can defer to Brown and the oil-and-gas lobby. While California cant solve the climate challenge alone, the Legislature has an historic opportunity to set the proper model for the world. On Sunday, a new show will debut on Fox News hosted by San Francisco tech CEO Steve Hilton. Whaaaaat? Yes, Fox, the network that has spent the last decade mocking San Francisco values. Somewhere, Roger Ailes must be spinning in his grave. You should assume that Im as surprised as you are, Hilton told me with a smile as we chatted for an Its All Political podcast at sfchronicle.com. Hilton, a drop-in pundit on the network for the past year, isnt a stereotypical Fox host. Hes a T-shirt and loose jacket-wearing Brit, a former top adviser to conservative Prime Minister David Cameron. Balding with large blue eyes, hes more contrarian than conservative, perhaps the only tech CEO who doesnt own a cell phone, hasnt since 2012. He asks friends to call an Uber for him. Yet Sundays launch of The Next Revolution With Steve Hilton on Fox makes sense in a rapidly changing cable world where former Fox stars Megyn Kelly and Greta Von Susteren have migrated to NBC and MSNBC, respectively, Fox ratings king Bill OReilly is out of a job and Ailes, the disgraced architect of the conservative network, is dead. Michael Macor/The Chronicle At this unsettled moment, Hilton has the chance to grasp that most elusive thing in political chat these days: the middle ground. What could make his show different than most of the cable noise is that it will have a distinctly West Coast flair, in attitude as well as geography. Not only will it be recorded in Los Angeles, but it will likely reflect how Hilton, 47, has been shaped less by Beltway partisanship and more by Silicon Valleys less-partisan culture since he moved to the United States a half-dozen years ago. The Atherton resident leads Crowdpac, a nonpartisan San Francisco online hub that tries to lessen the impact of big money in politics by making it easier for people to run for office as well as give voters the ability to organize around issues. The level-the-playing-field ethos of Crowdpac the company is not affiliated with the show fits in with the theme of Hiltons Fox venture. The Next Revolution will focus on the populism that powered the campaigns of both President Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent-Vt. It will also be informed by Hiltons international experience as a domestic policy adviser at 10 Downing St. under Cameron. Hilton broke with his former boss last year when he endorsed Brexit. Hilton wants to know where this wave of political energy is coming from, where it is going and how it can be turned into what he calls positive populism, instead of just more rage at the machine. Lets turn that energy in a positive direction towards real reforms and real changes that actually improves people's lives, he said. That actually helps them get jobs that if theyre in work, helps them raise their incomes, he said. Thats why he started Crowdpac in 2014, because so many people think the whole system is owned and controlled by insiders, by big donors on the the left and the right, its all the same. The system, Hilton said, is rigged and impotent to deal with these really, really big problems that are really hurting people. I think the scale we need is revolutionary. Bernie Sanders talked about a political revolution I really related to that message. I think we need much bigger change than a few different policies here or there. said Hilton, who described his politics in his 2015 book, More Human: Designing a World Where People Come First, as a combination of Sanders, libertarian-leaning Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and GOP Ohio Gov. John Kasich. As for Trump, Hilton said its too early to grade the president on whether he has fulfilled the populist promises of his campaign. But in several months, Hilton plans to grade him first and foremost on what got him elected: The growing frustration among many working-class Americans about their wages remaining flat while the rich have gotten richer. If Trump doesnt, as promised, drain the swamp of the power of the elite, then the rage at the system is going to be even greater, Hilton said. Michael Macor/The Chronicle If the room is spinning right now for you, its OK to take a minute to lie down as we ponder the big question: Is Fox going to let Hilton riff on how the political system is rigged and invoke the name of Sanders in a positive way and possibly say something less than glowing about the Republican president? Hilton thinks so. Im going to be myself, he said, and from the beginning of his courtship with Fox, executives there told him, Were really interested in you and what you have to say and youre in the driving seat. And thats really been the case. Its been really a fantastic experience. Im bringing myself to Fox. The audience may like it, they may not like it, but thats what Im going to be doing. Others will wonder how he can work for Fox at a time when its workplace has been roiled by accusations of sexual harassment. OReilly was fired after an April New York Times report that he or the company had paid $13 million to settle five cases alleging sexual or other forms of harassment. (OReilly denied the accusations.) Less than a year before, Ailes left the company after several women alleged forms of harassment against him, which he denied. But Hilton said that has not been his experience at the network. Im the new boy and totally at the bottom of the pecking order, so I cant speak to whats gone on in the past. But I can speak to my experience, and my experience has been that it has been a totally, modern professional respectful organization. Hilton came west after his wife, Rachel Whetstone they met as young political operatives in England got a top communications job at Google. Hilton landed a teaching gig at Stanford University's Institute of Design, colloquially know as the d.school. Hilton calls it the most transformational chapter in his career. He began to see the world differently. He learned how to lead a team better, to understand and appreciate feedback, to communicate better. If he had those skills when he was in government, he said, he would have been much more effective. And now he will try TV. The least of his worries is what his liberal friends in San Francisco will think of him gigging on Fox. The social humiliation has been sort of total for years, Hilton said dryly. It was even worse when my wife worked at Uber. She was head of government relations and public relations. So there was a time when she was at Uber and I was at Fox and we literally couldnt go out. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A state bill that seeks to punish those who record attacks motivated by social media fame was passed by the Assembly Wednesday. The bill is known as "Jordan's Law" and is named after Jordan Peisner, 14, who was sucker-punched and beaten by another teen, whom he did not know, last December. Video of the attack was posted to Snapchat by a third person and went viral, and Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills) drafted the bill in hopes that it will deter these fame-seeking attack videos from happening. "This is the first bill of its kind to finally take a stand against this new, ugly epidemic of attacks committed for the purpose of gaining social media notoriety," Dababneh said in a statement following the passage by the State Assembly. "Jordan's Law will increase the consequence for an attacker who videotapes an assault and also make clear that anyone providing assistance to an attacker to film an assault will be equally liable as an aider and abettor." Jordan suffered a fractured skull, ruptured ear drum and experienced swelling and bleeding of the brain following the incident. One suspect was arrested and charged for the attack, but a civil lawsuit alleged that the teenage girl who recorded the fight did it so the group could "achieve notoriety and social media popularity," according to the Los Angeles Daily News. (The teenager denies this charge.) Dababneh said he was "horrified" by the video and hopes that the bill will deter any sort of attack for social media notoriety. "We need to make sure that our laws catch up with technology and that we send a clear message that if you commit these crimes you're gonna be charged," Dababneh told CBS13. "But also if you tape these crimes and provide a motivating factor for the attackers, you'll also be charged." The proposed Assembly bill 1542 seeks to punish those who record or "conspire with another person to record" a video of a violent felony, and adds a one-year enhancement to a sentence. The bill will not affect those who record a random crime, CBS clarified. The bill will now move on to the California State Senate for approval. Moving quickly to fill a climate leadership vacuum opened by President Trump, the governors of California, New York and Washington on Thursday announced a new alliance of states dedicated to fighting global warming and urged others to join them. The move came within hours of Trumps statement that he will pull the United States out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord and seek to renegotiate it, casting it as a threat to American jobs. An angry California Gov. Jerry Brown called Trumps decision tragic and insane, pointing out that his states economic growth has surged even as it boosts its use of renewable power and ratchets down greenhouse-gas emissions. California will resist, Brown told journalists on a conference call. Trump may well create the exact opposite of what he intended, which is an aroused citizenry and an aroused international community who will not tolerate this kind of deviant behavior from the highest office in the land. Brown and his counterparts, Jay Inslee of Washington and Andrew Cuomo of New York, announced that they would join forces in a United States Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to upholding the goals of the Paris Agreement. The three states, combined, represent more than 20 percent of the U.S. population and at least 10 percent of the countrys greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the governors. I am proud to stand with other governors as we make sure that the inaction in D.C. is met by an equal force of action from the states, Inslee said in a news release. Todays announcement by the president leaves the full responsibility of climate action on states and cities throughout our nation. Meanwhile, 27 California state senators, led by President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon, sent Brown a letter Thursday urging him to convene a climate summit with representatives of Mexico, Canada and other states and subnational governments. The summit, they wrote, would help ensure that we continue to charge ahead without forfeiting all of our historic progress to date. Brown has, for years, worked to form partnerships with other states, countries and provinces on climate policies, with mixed results. Californias cap-and-trade system for reining in greenhouse-gas emissions, for example, also includes Quebec and may soon add Ontario. But when the system was still under development in 2008, it was supposed to cover seven states and four provinces. Most dropped out over the years. Since Trumps election last fall, Brown has dramatically ramped up his efforts, positioning California as both the focal point of resistance to Trumps environmental policies and the countrys leading force for climate action. He has also emerged as a persistent environmental diplomat. Brown has badgered foreign officials to join his Under2 Coalition, a group of national and subnational governments dedicated to keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius in this century. The coalition now boasts more than 170 jurisdictions worldwide, with Canada, Mexico and Sweden among the newest members. Indeed, the timing of Trumps long-awaited announcement on the Paris accord may have played into Browns hands. The governor is scheduled to fly to China on Friday to discuss the states ongoing collaboration with that nation on climate and energy issues. He will then travel to Bonn, Germany, to attend the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Californias climate policies are considered the nations most aggressive, and could get tougher. The state Senate, for example, approved a bill Wednesday that would force California utilities to get 100 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2045. Other states have set their own targets, leading some analysts to hope that the country will continue to make progress in the coming years, despite Trumps determination to undo former President Barack Obamas federal climate policies. Thankfully, most of the decisions that really matter in this country happen at other levels, said Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute think tank. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SACRAMENTO Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday called on states to forge an alliance to support the Paris climate deal following reports that President Trump plans to withdraw the United States from the landmark international accord. Although individual states cannot sign the Paris agreement, Brown said state leaders should step up to demonstrate the nations support if Trump pulls out of the coordinated response to global warming. This doesnt look so good, Brown told The Chronicle on Wednesday, just days before he heads to China to meet with climate leaders. I cant believe that in the face of science, (Trump) can say black is white. The California Democrats reaction came hours after a White House official said the president is expected to pull out of the deal. The president later tweeted that he will announce his decision on the Paris accord during a Rose Garden event Thursday afternoon. The Paris accord is a 2015 U.N. agreement made among nearly 200 nations that committed each country to lowering greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the effects of climate change. The deal was seen as a historic breakthrough when it was signed after decades of international efforts fell short. Under the Paris accord, President Barack Obama pledged that the United States would strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 28 percent below its 2005 levels by 2025. Obama also pledged $3 billion to help poorer countries reduce their emissions. The United States is the worlds second largest emitter of carbon, after China, so its commitment was crucial. Both countries submitted their carbon-reduction plans under the Paris accord on Sept. 3, in a show of unity. China, Brown said, is leading the way on climate-change policies after taking over the solar and wind-power industries. America, wake up. You arent going to get gas guzzlers no matter what Donald Trump says, Brown said. You arent going to get coal to increase, no matter what Donald Trump says in West Virginia. We have to get with the program. And the program is renewable energy, decarbonizing, and research and development in a way that makes America more sustainable, not less. Brown has emerged as a leader in the fight against climate change by urging local governments throughout the world to agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 to 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. In all, 170 governments in 33 countries have joined the so-called Under2 Coalition, which sets more ambitious goals than the Paris accord. In addition, several nations, including Sweden, Mexico, France and the United Kingdom have endorsed the effort. The governor leaves this week for China to attend an international climate summit. He is scheduled to visit Chengdu, Nanjing and Beijing to push climate and clean-energy policies. Brown said that a Trump move to pull the U.S. out of the Paris accord would galvanize activists and push California to double down on its own climate strategies. Its a very big deal, Brown said. Its imperative that other parts of America take action. We cant take action alone. The presidents desire to exit the voluntary agreement is not surprising; he pledged to do so during his campaign. Republicans in the U.S. Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, sent a letter to Trump urging him to live up to his campaign promise and exit the climate accord. Senate Democrats sent Trump a letter saying such an exit would hurt Americas credibility, while West Coast members of the House of Representatives called on Brown and governors from Oregon and Washington to push for the core tenets of the Paris Agreement. We strongly disagree with President Trumps decision to abdicate Americas leadership role, allowing other nations to lead on clean energy and job creation, the lawmakers, including Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, wrote to the three governors. The U.N. Twitter account quoted Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying Climate change is undeniable. Climate change is unstoppable. Climate solutions provide opportunities that are unmatchable. California needs to step in to fill the void of American leadership if the president is going to give up on fighting climate change, said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, whose bills to increase rooftop solar and expand energy storage both cleared the state Senate on Wednesday. Another bill, SB100 by state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, would require California to receive all of its power from renewable sources by 2045. It, too, passed the state Senate on Wednesday. When it comes to our clean air and climate change, we are not backing down, de Leon said in a statement calling SB100 the most ambitious target in the world to expand clean energy. Now more than ever, it is critical that we double down on climate leadership as we learn that the President intends to withdraw from the Paris agreement, de Leon said. Trumps potential withdrawal comes after a recent visit overseas, where he met with Pope Francis, a strong advocate in the fight against climate change. Vatican officials urged Trump not to leave the Paris climate accord. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, facing pressure from residents tired of stepping around sidewalk tents and piles of dirty needles, said Wednesday that he would spend additional millions to deal with homelessness and make it a top budget priority in the next two years. In the $10 billion budget proposal that he will present to the Board of Supervisors on Thursday, Lee will suggest that all new funding that has not yet been spoken for about $30 million next year and $35 million the following year be spent combatting homelessness. Last year the city spread $275 million across eight departments that deal with homelessness. Most of that was spent on three broad areas: shelters and Navigation Centers that take in homeless people, their partners and even their pets, and provide services such as substance-abuse treatment and job-finding help; long-term supportive housing for formerly homeless people; and medical outreach teams that care for people who would otherwise shuttle in and out of emergency rooms. Lee hopes to expand services at a new harm reduction center at Sixth and Mission streets, which offers counseling and medical care for people with addictions and mental health issues. He is also proposing a 24-hour resource center that would provide homeless people with showers and hot meals, and he would fund a special paramedic team to intervene with people who are the subject of 911 calls more than 10 times a year. The mayors budget would also beef up a fix-it program that the city started last year to deal with such street health and safety hazards as abandoned drug paraphernalia and broken streetlights, and eyesores including graffiti and dilapidated news racks. Lee promised to focus on streets plagued by tent encampments and dirty needles. On homelessness, the city is already increasing the number of short-term shelter beds to 2,105 over the next few months, from the current 1,826. It also plans to open a shelter for homeless families in the South of Market and three new Navigation Centers, in addition to one that opened last week in the Dogpatch neighborhood. But the number of people without permanent housing still hovers at 6,700, according to the last count in 2015, and fighting the crisis is an uphill battle. The next homeless count, based on a one-night census conducted in January, is expected to be released in about two weeks. A large portion of the $65 million in new spending over the next two years would be directed at drug users, specifically those hooked on heroin and other opiates, addictions the mayor blames for long-term inability of San Francisco and many other cities to make a visible dent in the street population. Lee would tap revenue from property taxes, business and sales taxes and hotel taxes to pay for it. The budget I put forward today presents new investments to address the behavioral health issues and heartbreaking evidence of addiction we witness on our streets daily, Lee said. But let me be clear, public drug use is not acceptable. It is harmful to the people injecting drugs, it is harmful to the people witnessing the abuse, and it is harmful to the families and children who walk down our streets and see the discarded needles and (the) human cost of addiction. Jeff Kositsky, director of the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, said, Its much more difficult to quit heroin than to quit other drugs. ... When people are highly addicted, we have to work hard to get them into services. Thats the reasoning behind Lees proposal to increase funding for the harm reduction center. It provides a clean place for drug users to get off the street, where they are more susceptible to infections and overdoses. The mayors proposed resource center would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide basic comforts for up to 150 people a day. The plan for a special paramedic team, which began as a pilot last year, is designed to ease the burden on San Franciscos overwhelmed 911 dispatch center and emergency rooms. Although homelessness is a main focus of Lees budget, he is also trying to address a different sort of quality-of-life issue potholes and street repairs. His budget would spend $530 million over the next two years on street resurfacing and capital improvements, meeting the funding levels recommended in the citys 10-year capital spending plan. That money would help to fill potholes, repair city-owned stairways and tunnels, and upgrade the seawall at Mission Creek and Fishermans Wharf. Lees budget would also replace $32 million in state funds that are being cut for an in-home care program for seniors and people with disabilities, a program that provides legal representation for foster youth, and for the CalWORKS welfare program. And it sets aside $50 million to help San Franciscans who might not have health insurance should President Trump and Republicans in Congress sharply cut federal health care spending. In the next two weeks the citys budget and legislative analyst will make recommendations on the mayors budget proposal to the Board of Supervisors. Then all the citys departments will come before the board with their own proposed changes, during hearings that are likely to continue through June. The supervisors will adopt a budget in July. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan Vacaville police on Wednesday released the name of the 20-year-old man fatally shot by police after a car chase in the early hours of Memorial Day. The man is Joseph Godinez, the Solano County Coroners Office determined Tuesday. The chase that ended in Godinezs death began around 12:40 a.m. Monday, when a Vacaville police officer ran the plates of a white Honda Accord and found the car had been reported stolen in Davis, police said. The officer tailed the Honda onto eastbound Interstate 80, and when two other officers arrived, they put on their lights and sirens, but Godinez did not pull over, leading to a chase in which speeds exceeded 100 mph, according to the police account of the incident. On the Nut Tree Parkway overpass just north of Orange Drive, Godinez spun the car 180 degrees, then accelerated into an approaching police car, which careened off the roadway and down a steep embankment, police said. Godinez then drove the car head-on into another occupied police car, injuring the officer and pinning the door shut, which trapped the officer in the car, police said. The officer was hospitalized but has since been released, according to the Vacaville Police Department. Two officers shot Godinez fearing that their lives were in danger, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, police said in a statement. Suspected methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana were located in Godinezs car, the statement said. Police said Godinez was wanted by Solano County law enforcement for a probation violation, by San Francisco police in connection with an armed carjacking, kidnapping and robbery, and by Fairfield police for recklessly evading officers. However, the officers did not know Godinez was the driver of the car at the time of the pursuit and shooting, according to police. The Solano County district attorneys office is investigating the shooting. Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When a bachelor osprey nicknamed Richmond staked out a home with a view of the East Bay shoreline, he had one goal in mind: lure a mate to his love nest and have babies. He settled atop a historic crane in the city of Richmond, his namesake, and got to work, searching for a mate. As soon as his calls were answered, the Golden Gate Audubon Society set up a nest cam and Bay Area residents watched the live stream and patiently waited until Richmond and his plumed partner, nicknamed Rosie, hatched two chicks mid-May. Just three weeks after their birth and after viewers suggested hundreds of names, the little birdies officially were called Rivet and Whirley. Ospreys are colonizing the Bay Area right now, said Cindy Margulis, the executive director of the Golden Gate Audubon Society. We thought (viewers) would fall in love with the birds and that would confer obligations on us to take care of our birds and the habitat they need. Voters also took a page out of Richmonds history book when it came to the names, Margulis added. Whirley, born May 12, was named after her home, the Whirley Crane, a 75-foot high World War II maritime crane overlooking the Richmond shoreline. Rivet, born two days later on Mothers Day, is a nod to the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond. Plus the name Rivet reflects how thousands of people have become riveted to watching the nest, Margulis said. Whirley and Rivets mother arrived in Richmond in the beginning of March and was dubbed Rosie by Margulis after Rosie the Riveter. Shortly before Rosie arrived, Richmond was chirping his best pickup lines at all the female osprey flying by him. Hes calling from that nest spot, Hey baby, what do you think of my house? Is this a good place to raise kids? Margulis said. And then she shows up and shes like, I like this spot and you seem OK. When Rosie moved in, Richmond wined and dined her, so to speak, catching the best fish the bay could offer, Margulis said. It worked. And history was made once again when Whirley and Rivet were born to an audience that tuned on its computers, and Margulis said. The nest cams are still up, and the hope is that the footage of the new osprey family thats currently building out the nest and feeding the fledglings will show people the importance of keeping the bay clean. If we want to have wildlife in our midst, we need people to understand that we need to take care of our shorelines and our waterways, Margulis said. To catch the live show of the bird family, log on to http://sfbayospreys.org. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani San Francisco gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter, who has previously railed against Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop site for peddling what she calls "snake oil," is back on her popular blog to warn consumers not to consume or apply oak galls sold on Etsy. Oak galls, as KQED outlined in 2014, are essentially growths from a tree's bark that occur when a wasp (or other organism) or its larvae bring particular chemicals into contact with a tree, causing the tree to develop a protrusion that can look a bit like a fruit growing from a branch. These growths don't serve as nests for the wasps per se, but they can and do function as a sort of "nursery" for wasp larvae. It's an ideal place for wasps to mature, KQED notes, because the soft tissue that develops inside these oak galls serves as a food source for the larvae to eat as they grow. Apple has started manufacturing a long-in-the-works Siri-controlled smart speaker, according to people familiar with the matter. The Cupertino company could debut the speaker as soon as its annual developer conference in June, but the device will not be ready to ship until later in the year, the people said. The device will differ from Amazon.coms Echo and Googles Home speakers by offering virtual surround sound technology and deep integration with Apples product lineup, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss products that arent yet public. Introducing a speaker would provide a hub to automate appliances and lights via Apples HomeKit system, and establish a bulwark inside the home to lock customers more tightly into Apples network of services. The Home and Echo mostly dont support services from Apple, which can lead their users to stream music from such services as Spotify, Amazon Prime Music or Google Play rather than Apple Music. Insider trading Dublin man gets indicted Dublin resident Saleem Mohammad Khan was arrested Wednesday in connection with an insider trading scheme that involves an unnamed co-conspirator, authorities said. Khan, 53, was indicted on charges of conspiracy and seven counts of securities fraud, U.S. Attorney Brian Stretch and FBI Special Agent in Charge John Bennett said in a news release. The San Francisco grand jury indictment alleges that Khan received inside information about the financial performance of Ross Stores Inc., which then had its headquarters in Pleasanton. Khan allegedly bought and sold shares of the stock, sometimes using the brokerage accounts of other people. The indictment says that from 2009 through 2012, Khan and others generated illegal profits of more than $8.2 million from the scheme. New York Group wants Lyft probe A New York labor organization is calling for an investigation of Lyft and other ride-hailing services for allegedly cheating drivers. The Independent Drivers Guild said Wednesday that Lyft has been engaged in large-scale deception by improperly deducting more than 11 percent from drivers fares on interstate trips. In effect, the San Francisco company is stealing wages by collecting taxes and surcharges on trips out of state that should apply only to in-state trips, and then disguising those charges as administrative fees, the labor group says. Drivers have also accused Uber, Juno and other ride-hailing services of being less than up-front in their dealings with their citizen drivers. There is no merit to this allegation, Lyft spokesman Adrian Durbin said Wednesday afternoon. Our driver agreement lays out what commissions and fees apply to driving on the Lyft platform, and weve consistently abided by the agreement since entering the New York market in 2014. New York drivers found that Lyft appears to be deducting a state sales tax on out-of-state trips that should be applied only to rides that begin and end in New York, the drivers guild says. The service also appears to be improperly collecting a surcharge for the Black Car Fund on out-of-state trips. Chronicle News Services Twitter has failed to meet European standards for removing hate speech, figures published Thursday show, as pressure mounts, particularly on the Continent, for tech companies to do more to tackle such harmful material. The battle between European policymakers and tech companies over what should be permitted online has pitted freedom of speech campaigners against those who say hate speech in whatever form has no place on the Internet. In this standoff, European officials have called on Silicon Valley companies to take down at least half the hate speech from their services once they are notified, and they signed up the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Google to a voluntary code of conduct last year to combat the rising tide of harmful content. But findings by the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, show that Twitter removed hate speech from its network less than 40 percent of the time after such content had been flagged to the company. While the San Francisco company failed to meet the European standard, it has improved significantly from a study published late last year, which found that it removed a mere 19 percent of hate speech when notified. It comes as pressure mounts on Twitter, whose revenue and user figures continue to stall, to clean up its act as the company has become one of the main mechanisms for Internet trolls to spread their messages. Google and Facebook, by contrast, now comply with the regions demands to take down at least half the hate speech, upon notification, according to the study. We embarked in this process together, determined to bring about real changes for people who suffer from hatred and violence online, Vera Jourova, the European commissioner of justice, consumers and gender equality, said in a statement Wednesday before the reports publication. The code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online has delivered significant progress. In response, Twitter said it had invested in new reporting procedures to allow individuals to flag probable hate speech, and that it is striving to balance peoples right to freedom of expression with the need to police material on its network. Our work will never be done, Karen White, Twitters head of public policy in Europe, said in a statement. Google and Facebook also said they had made it easier for organizations and individuals to report hate speech, and that they are continuing to invest to tackle such material across the region and elsewhere. The European findings were based on about 2,500 potential instances of hate speech recorded by 34 nongovernmental organizations in 24 of the EUs 28 member states. These groups notified the tech companies of the possible abuse and recorded how the companies responded. The study was conducted over seven weeks through May 5. Fifty-nine percent of the material flagged by these nongovernmental groups was removed by tech companies, according to the report. Just over half the notifications were assessed by tech companies within the first 24 hours. While the European findings were greeted with praise by Jourova, policymakers in several countries have said that they will take more action against tech companies if they do not go further in tackling hate speech online. After the recent terrorist attack in Manchester, England, Theresa May, the countrys prime minister, called on tech companies to strengthen their monitoring of extremist speech online. And in Germany, lawmakers are planning legislation that could lead to fines of up to $50 million if companies do not act quickly in policing harmful material. Mark Scott is a New York Times writer. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The state Senate approved a bill Wednesday that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m., bringing California cities one step closer to a later last call. The bill, which state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, introduced in February, would allow communities to decide whether bars can serve alcohol past the current 2 a.m. cutoff. It will now move to the Assembly for a review and vote one of the last steps for the bill before it hits the governors desk. This is the furthest a call to extend nightlife hours has made it in the Legislature since Prohibition. The Let Our Communities Adjust Late Night, or Local Act, is nearly identical to two bills proposed by Wieners predecessor, Mark Leno. Lenos most recent attempt was in 2013, but that bill failed to get enough support in committee and was withdrawn. So why the momentum this time around? Wiener attributes the bipartisan support to several things: new legislators, a larger population of young people in cities like San Francisco who would take advantage of the later hours, and increased transportation options. Uber and Lyft have soared in popularity since 2013. Both ride-hailing companies are alternatives for people looking to get home after public transit lines stop running or reduce service. When I first came in the mid-1990s, getting a cab at 2 a.m. was almost impossible, and I knew a lot of people that drove but today I dont know anyone who drives when they go out, Wiener said. Jim Lazarus, senior vice president of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, which supports this bill, said the advent of Uber and Lyft should be factored into the Legislatures decision to extend bar hours. We are seeing a huge change in how people get around, he said. Youre not waiting for some infrequent owl service bus, and theres a reasonably priced alternative vehicle service from virtually every part of the city. Supporters of the bill say it will stimulate the states economy as cities that adopt later hours become more attractive to tourists. Cities with late-night bar hours beyond 2 a.m. include Chicago, Washington, New York, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, New Orleans and Atlanta. Some bars in San Francisco are already allowed to stay open until 5 a.m. but they must stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m. Jamie Zawinski, owner of DNA Lounge, a club that has struggled in recent months, said being able to extend the hours it can sell alcohol would be a boon for his business. Shawn Refoua, who has trained thousands of bartenders in San Francisco through California Academy of Bartending and Mixology, said that nearly every hardworking bartender he knows would appreciate the extra money from the additional hours. But, he said, those later hours could come with its downfalls: Its going to mess with the violence. More rowdiness, people drinking longer ... and youre going to get a lot of people staying out until 4 a.m. and then waiting for BART to open up again. Opponents say the bill puts alcohol revenue ahead of public safety. Times have changed, and people are just not as concerned about public health and safety as they were in 2013, said Michael Scippa, director of public affairs for Alcohol Justice. We have become a little more immune and numb. Both the California Police Chiefs Association and the California State Sheriffs Association strongly opposed Lenos bill in 2013, but have declined to comment on Wieners bill. But Bill Brown, president of the sheriffs association, said he would be hard pressed to see a benefit to keeping bars open later. Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Following a disastrous couple of months for United Airlines image, CEO Oscar Munoz came to San Francisco and tried to highlight the airlines historic connections with the city and its plans to add routes. In his speech to tourism officials and executives at the San Francisco Travel Associations annual luncheon, Munozs tried to keep Uniteds hold on Bay Area fliers in one of its most important markets. At San Francisco International Airport, a key hub for flights along the West Coast and to Asia, United has 300 daily departures to 100 destinations. In April, passenger David Dao, was dragged off a flight from Chicago to Louisville, Ky., by aviation police after United crew members told him to relinquish his seat for other airline workers. A police report said Dao lost his balance and fell on an armrest while arguing with officers. Video of Dao being carried off the plane, his face bloodied, created worldwide uproar, particularly among Asians and Asian Americans. United reached a private settlement with Dao later that month, but the damage to its reputation was done. San Francisco was one of the first places I came to visit (after the Dao incident) to talk with the local businesses and community, said Munoz. I know that the community felt that event more acutely more than anyone else. But we got through it together. Munoz said San Francisco is part of our family. If San Francisco is family, theres another suitor at the door: the merged Alaska Airlines and Virgin America. The combined airline is proving a formidable competitor, with plans for many new flights out of San Francisco. United announced in May that it would increase flights to 18 destinations over the summer, including Albuquerque, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Nashville, Philadelphia and Portland. In February, it said it would also add flights to Munich, Cincinnati, Detroit, Spokane, Santa Rosa and Hartford. Joe Brancatelli, a business travel consultant and former executive editor of Frequent Flyer magazine, believes interest in United among San Francisco passengers is waning after what he said was a decade of low satisfaction ratings. Dao was just the symptom of the problem, he said. San Francisco has long been the California hub for United. The fact that Alaska and Virgin have been able to chip away at its market is an indication of passengers low regard for United. At the luncheon Thursday, the travel association named United public affairs executive Melinda Yee Franklin its chairwoman for 2017-18, replacing Rodrigo Enriquez, founder of tour operator Extranomical Adventures. Franklin promised closer ties between the airline and the local tourism industry, with a focus on making sure that passengers flying in to SFO on United feel safe, secure and welcome. While United faced heat on late-night shows and on Capitol Hill over the April incident, it has fared better with shareholders, who reelected Munoz to the companys board of directors last week as shares hit an all-time high in early May. In one concession, United will not promote Munoz to chairman next year as planned, with the board appointing an independent chairman instead. Nicholas Cheng is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ncheng@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @nichocheng President Trump announced Thursday that he will withdraw the United States from participation in the Paris climate accord, weakening global efforts to combat climate change and siding with conservatives who argued that the landmark 2015 agreement was harming the economy. - NYT Syria and Nicaragua. Thats it. Just those two. Even North Korea signed, along with 194 other nations, back in 2015, and North Korea is completely insane and run by a tiny-brained, quasi-dictator man-baby with an enormous head and puny hands and oh wait. Odds are spectacularly good Trump has no idea what the Paris Climate Accord is actually all about, what it contains, why its actually important. He has proven time and again he has absolutely no grasp of policy, doesnt understand complex ideas or globally imperiling issues, cant recite a single lucid detail of any GOP agenda item, be it TrumpCare or his own disastrous budget, he blindly spews forth. Remember, the President of the United States does not like to read. He gets distracted easily, demands simplistic pie charts and one-page intelligence summaries, watches Fox & Friends at 3 a.m., all alone and raging into the void; he can barely send a tweet without multiple typos, misspellings, ALL CAPS, the grammar of a 5-year-old, all the while desperately hoping someone of genuine import and global respect will actually approve of him. They never, ever do. Trump's despicable decision to yank America from Paris (and NATO/Article 5, et al), is nothing but a moral gut-punch of the highest order, an icepick in the heart of Americas stature in the world, a quietly racist bit of Obama-bashing designed, as David Axelrod points out, mainly to appease his liberal-loathing base, given how nearly all Trumps business advisers, foreign policy experts and the CEOs of all major American industries not to mention his fellow G8 leaders, and even the pope advised, in no uncertain terms, against it. But his base is all Trumps got. And they are a vicious, small-minded lot indeed, stuck in a perpetual anti-progress, anti-education, anti-science, anti-liberal, misanthropic rage, and they gotta have their hatemeat. Germanys Angela Merkel said it straight up: Europe can no longer rely on the U.S. for help or support. She might as well have spoken for the whole of the planet: Thanks to Trump, the world can no longer count on America for much of anything cooperative, forward thinking, unifying. Our powers of diplomacy are being decimated, every minute Trump is in power. To say we're now a laughingstock doesn't go nearly far enough; we're an increasingly volatile engine of potential planetary annihilation. We now represent only moral violence, stunning incompetence, and menace. And the world is right to shun us. Is there any irony in the fact that the Paris Accord, as landmark as it was, also wasnt even all that well-regarded? Its not legally binding, not a formal treaty (because the Obama-hating GOP would never have allowed it); by many accounts, it fell far short on many far more dramatically needed points of change. But it was a vital, groundbreaking start that brought the entire world, including India and China, into a semblance of ideological harmony and shared purpose. It's a weak but far-better-than-nothing foundation upon which to build real momentum, real policy. Whats more, it provided a genuine glimmer of hope that we as a species might not be done for after all a glimmer that Trump has now, with a grunt and a dumb-guy shrug, snuffed out. (Of course, it was far from the first time). By the way? Nicaragua rejected Paris because it didnt go far enough. So it will be just the U.S. and Syria, which hasnt been able to sign on, due to a small problem known as a ruthless, genocidal civil war, as led by Assad. Excellent company indeed. Yellow Dog Productions/Getty Image A convicted scam artist was hit with felony charges stemming from an elder-abuse investigation in which prosecutors say he talked a 77-year-old San Francisco man into investing $120,000 in a bogus meat business. Milton Leclaire, 45, a former door-to-door meat salesman, was charged this week with theft from an elderly victim and six counts of grand theft stemming from a scam that occurred over a four-month period in 2013, officials said. It seems that '90s kids are experiencing a resurgence of their childhood this week: Just one day after news that cartoon favorite "Animaniacs" is making a comeback, cereal manufacturers announced that Oreo O's will be back on shelves next month. Those round bits of cookies, ahem, cereal you weren't fooling anyone, Post is set to return on June 10. Researchers are trying to find out why hundreds of leopard sharks have washed up dead on the shores of the Bay Area for 12 weeks straight. Biologists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have been collecting samples from the stranded animals and testing their tissues in labs. The department's senior fish pathologist Dr. Mark Okihiro released his preliminary findings Wednesday evening, which indicated that a common pathogen was found among the three leopard sharks necropsied so far. Since SFGATE first reported the mass die-offs, the epidemic has spread to other parts of the San Francisco Bay. Sean Van Sommeran, executive director and founder of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation, says reports of stranded marine life have tapered off somewhat in the Foster City and Redwood City areas in recent weeks, but they've spiked near Alameda and Oakland. There have also been several reports of dead sharks, rays and fish washing up on beaches near the Golden Gate Bridge. Wednesday evening, Van Sommeran received two reports of leopard shark strandings within ten minutes of each other. One was near Crissy Field in San Francisco, the other near Crab Cove in Alameda. "What's hitting the beach is likely to be just a fraction of it," Van Sommeran said. "Even the most conservative estimates at this point have to be in the thousands, considering all the parts of the coastline we can't get to." In addition to spreading geographically, Van Sommeran has seen more species being affected in recent weeks. "Last week a sevengill shark washed up near Oakland, just east of the airport. In addition, sturgeon have washed up, halibut, striped bass and flounder-type fish." The stranding of a sevengill shark is especially significant, according to Van Sommeran, because the sevengills dwell deeper than leopard sharks. If sevengills are also being sickened and killed, it could indicate the scope of the infection is larger than originally thought. Van Sommeran believes the source of the infections comes down to the city's use of tide gates in residential areas near inland waterways. To keep from flooding during the rainy season, Redwood City closes its tide gates during low tide. That way, when there are heavy rains, the extra precipitation doesn't combine with high tides to flood homes along the water. The problem is that leopard sharks come into the shallow waterways to mate and pup during the spring and summer, so they often get trapped when the tide gates close. The storm runoff that fills the waterways isn't good for sharks' health in any case, but years of drought followed by an extremely rainy season have exacerbated the damage. "During drought, stuff that would usually get washed away congeals and backs up," Van Sommeran explained in an interview. "So with the hard rain there's extra crud going into the watershed." The stagnant water in these inland waterways quickly goes foul (just like a home aquarium would if not regularly cleaned) and sickens the sharks. "The water becomes toxic and the sharks can't cope with it," Van Sommeran said. When the tide gates reopen, the rotting and decaying sharks are released back into the bay, where Van Sommeran fears they could be contaminating more animals. "It's the signature species in the San Francisco Bay," the researcher told the San Francisco Chronicle. "If they keep losing these numbers every spring when they are trying to pup, that's asking for disaster. They can't sustain these losses." While biologists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are making progress, they say more research and testing is needed before they can definitively say what is causing the mass die-offs. Every actor is bound to disappoint when playing one of the most theatrical leaders in modern history. Franklin D. Roosevelts career was a great performance that took place over the course of a lifetime. The same could be said for John F. Kennedy. These were brilliant actors who played themselves to perfection, and no actor can come close to touching them. High up in that elite category was Winston Churchill, one of the greatest speechwriters and orators of the past century, and the most unabashedly theatrical of them all. Brian Cox has the title role in Churchill, depicting 96 hours in the life of Britains wartime prime minister, and in some ways it is very good casting. He is the right age Cox is 70 playing Churchill at 70 and hes the right size. Movies and television are full of tall F. Scott Fitzgeralds and tall Martin Luther Kings, but Cox is about 5 feet 7, which was Churchills height. We think of Churchill as taller because he was often photographed either next to Joseph Stalin (5 feet 5) or with a man who was, of necessity, seated: FDR. Cox does a better than average job almost everybody bombs when playing Churchill capturing the leaders seriousness of purpose and the weight of his responsibility. He gives us Churchills irascibility, but he doesnt convey Churchills twinkle, his charm or his wit. But then, to be fair, Churchill takes place at a not-particularly-witty juncture in the prime ministers life. Indeed, the title of this film Churchill feels a bit misplaced. Not only isnt it about the totality of Churchills life, but the portion it chooses to dramatize isnt emblematic of the whole. Its unclear what might have inspired screenwriter Alex von Tunzelmann to want to depict these four days in 1944, the run-up to the June 6 Allied invasion of France, known to history as D-Day. Basically, this is the story of a man who is worried and wrong. Churchill is worried that the D-Day invasion is going to be a failure, and he is wrong in wanting to postpone it. And so we get scene after scene of Churchill making himself a big pain in the neck. He devises alternate attack plans. He makes a nuisance of himself with Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, the ranking British officer, and with Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who is leading the invasion. Then he gets it into his head that he wants to observe the battle from the deck of a ship, even though this will put him in harms way. This is a man of action who is being forced to wait and not be in charge, and he cant take it. For those interested in World War II, Churchill is a mildly entertaining footnote to history, though the sameness of the scenes begins to wear down a viewer after the first hour. But as a portrait of the man, its not only incomplete, but misleading. Churchill may have been worried and wrong in this instance, but he spent most of the 1930s worried but right about Adolf Hitler, and but for his own wartime leadership, he might have gone down in history as a modern Cassandra, who saw the ruin of his country coming but couldnt stop it. John Slattery makes a rather blithe Eisenhower, though perhaps thats just how Brits see Americans, as breezy and shallow. Miranda Richardson has the thankless role of Churchills wife, who has to put up with those cigars and mood swings. And James Purefoy is memorable in his brief appearance as King George VI (of The Kings Speech fame). His big scene, in which he ever-so-gently orders Churchill not to join the troops for the invasion, is the best in the movie. Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle Churchill Drama. Starring Brian Cox and Miranda Richardson. Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky. (PG. 98 minutes.) 1 Biden PAC: Former Vice President Joe Biden is planning to create a political action committee, the most concrete sign yet that he intends to remain active in the Democratic Party and is considering a presidential bid in 2020. The American Possibilities PAC, which Biden unveiled Thursday, offers the former vice president a platform he can use to nurture relationships with donors, travel on behalf of the party and contribute to candidates in the two governors races in November and in next years midterm elections. 2 Trump hotel arrest: A physician and Navy veteran arrested at the Trump International Hotel after police found an assault-style rifle in his car was expected to make an initial court appearance Thursday. Bryan Moles,43, of Edinboro, Pa., was arrested Wednesday on weapons charges. The Secret Service interviewed Moles and came away satisfied he was no threat to the president or anyone else they protect. Court documents say Moles told authorities he suffered from PTSD, is a recovering alcoholic and that hed drained his bank account before he Pennsylvania. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In a speech announcing U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accord Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump explained that he would explore a new agreement that is fair to America. "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris," Trump said. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto immediately responded on Twitter to say that his city stands behind the Paris agreement: "Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris agreement." Peduto fired off in a subsequent tweet: "As the Mayor or Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris agreement for our people, our economy & future." Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey also responded to Trump's remark in a series of tweets. "Earlier this year I held a town hall in Pittsburgh & the residents in attendance called for action on climate change." (See all Casey's tweets in the gallery above.) Trump's declaration strikes a major blow to worldwide efforts to combat climate change and distancing the country from many allies abroad. He said the U.S. would try to re-enter but only if it can get more favorable terms. Ending weeks of speculation, some of it fueled by Trump himself and his Cabinet members, he said, "As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the nonbinding Paris accord." Under former President Barack Obama, the U.S. had agreed under the accord to reduce polluting emissions by about 1.6 billion tons by 2025. But the targets were voluntary, meaning the U.S. and the nearly 200 other nations in the agreement could alter their commitments. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Before the daily deluge of Washington political news cycles remires us in short-term minutiae, lets examine President Trumps first foreign trip and behavior in his debut on the world stage. Despite critics self-serving hand-wringing and two weeks of bad domestic news before takeoff, Trump acted like a competent, fairly conventional traveling president. When any U.S. leader, his planes, aides, media entourage, motorcades and security forces land anywhere abroad, its like an elephant dropping in for tea and crushing the antique chairs. But look, the U.S. Embassy was not abruptly moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump didnt terminate involvement in the Paris climate accord yet. He didnt rip up former President Barack Obamas misbegotten nuclear deal with Iran. What the American did do, somehow, was collect more than 50 Sunni leaders in Riyadh to unify around a campaign against the Islamic State. In a speech with no apologies announcing America was back as an important player in that troubled region, the man who once proposed banning all Muslim immigrants said: This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects or different civilizations. This is a battle between those who seek to obliterate human life and those who seek to protect it. This is a battle between good and evil. Underlining the new administrations heightened aggressiveness, U.S. Central Command released statistics showing that from January through April, the U.S.-led coalition dropped about 50 percent more munitions on the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria than in the same period last year. Commanders have been given much greater battlefield decision-making leeway than under Obamas time-consuming, tight constraints, which often ran all the way back to the White House. Trump has dispatched more advisers and is directly arming the most effective Kurdish fighters. The strategy under Trump and Defense Secretary James Mattis, a blunt Marine general, involves encircling Islamic State forces rather than head-on assaults that allow fighters to flee. As a welcome sign of a broader regional commitment to the anti-terror struggle, Saudi Arabia has even volunteered to contribute troops to the Islamic State fight, an offer rejected outright by Obama. The Institute for the Study of War warns, however, that as the Islamic State loses strongholds, it will seek to foment terror attacks scattered as far away as Russia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Bangladesh. Even the symbolic structure of Trumps opening foreign foray was refreshing. First stops were the capitals of three major religions Riyadh, Jerusalem and the Vatican, plus meeting again with the Palestinian president in Bethlehem. Not bad for a Presbyterian. Then came NATO. Trumps rhetorical history with NATO is spotted. Perhaps as part of a deal-making strategy, a year ago he was saying the 68-year-old alliance had become obsolete, since recanted. Not recanted, however, is the presidents ongoing, outspoken insistence that 23 of the soon-to-be-29 members start living up to their unfulfilled defense-spending obligations. Trump sent Vice President Mike Pence to deliver this message days after the inauguration. Trump redelivered that message on behalf of American taxpayers in rather blunt language at a NATO ceremony in Brussels. Over the last eight years, the president declared, the United States spent more on defense than all other NATO countries combined. If all NATO members had spent just 2 percent of their GDP on defense last year, we would have had another $119 billion for our collective defense and for the financing of additional NATO reserves. Trump also wants to see NATO nations do more to combat terrorism beyond their own borders. French special operators, for instance, are training Iraqi troops on assassinating Islamic State leaders in Mosul, especially if they are French nationals who might be tempted to take the fight home. But wary of another long-term military commitment such as Afghanistan, NATO members are more likely to help with training local forces and other low-profile activities. Mattis, whos overseeing the Islamic State fight, discussed the trip on a recent Sunday show and revealed the new administrations attitude toward enemies. He was asked what has in recent years of terrorist incidents become a standard media question designed to elicit a list of scary, possibly headline-making things. What keeps you up at night? Nothing, replied the general. I keep other people awake at night. Andrew Malcolm is an author and veteran national and foreign correspondent covering politics since the 1960s. Twitter: @AHMalcolm As You Like It is typically regarded as having, in Rosalind, one of the best roles for women in all of Shakespeare, a belief borne out by the sheer numbers. She has 1,000 more lines than any of the Bards other female characters, in part because she spends much of the play disguised as a man, first to escape an unfeeling uncle and then to test a potential husband. Its not just a hefty part; its one with the wit of a trickster. For every conversational thrust, Rosalind has a ready parry, one that immediately makes folly out of any sparring partners gambit. But in California Shakespeare Theatres production of the romantic comedy, seen Wednesday, May 31, its not the heroine who stands out. Jessika D. Williams is serviceable in the role, and its refreshing to see a Rosalind who isnt dainty but vigorous. She owns the part when Rosalind gets to be lusty, tough or socially awkward, but too often with the wordplay she seems to be rising and falling in pitch and volume only to create aural variety, not because the text or her characters feeling demands it. A GOP congressman told constituents at a town hall meeting that if climate change exists, God would "take care of it." Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan was speaking to a group in Coldwater, Mich., when he made the comments about climate change, saying that he believes climate change is real, but that it is an issue for God to solve. The reaction from tech-industry leaders and California politicians to President Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Accord on climate change was swift and unfriendly. Tesla's Elon Musk found it to be the last straw and announced on Twitter that he was leaving the White House's advisory councils. The CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Salesforce led Silicon Valley's chorus of opposition to the move, which Trump justified by saying the Paris deal comes at too great a cost to American industry, and that other countries benefited at America's expense. KABUL Afghans joined in both anger and sorrow Thursday amid gutted buildings and piles of rubble in bomb-ravaged Kabul, as mourners buried the dead and officials grappled with questions over how to confront a seemingly unstoppable insurgent threat. Wednesdays truck bombing in the Afghan capitals diplomatic zone one of its most highly guarded areas claimed at least 90 lives, injured another 460 people and decimated entire blocks in one of the bloodiest single attacks to hit Afghanistan in years. Afghan Taliban insurgents denied any links to the explosion, which came during the first week in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. But Afghanistan also faces violence from other militant groups, including a branch of the Islamic State. Crews with bulldozers and backhoes worked to clear away building debris and wrecked cars in a large area around the 15-foot-deep bomb crater, sealed off by hundreds of police. Victims families began holding funerals and mourning ceremonies in mosques across the city. Relatives of those with severe injuries including extreme blast burns hovered worriedly around their hospital beds. But the dominant mood of the capital was a mix of rage and recrimination. At informal gatherings, on social media and in several small but intense public rallies, people denounced the government of President Ashraf Ghani for failing to prevent the ongoing violence and said the countrys future seemed increasingly bleak. Let us turn the silence of suffering into a national voice. We must all come together to stop terrorism from going any further and raise our voices against oppression, a young man with a bullhorn exhorted protesters gathered at the perimeter of the blast site, surrounded by watchful riot police in flak jackets and helmets. The Ghani government, distracted by internal conflicts, has struggled to fend off an aggressive push by Taliban insurgents in recent months, as well as a number of assaults claimed by the Islamic State. There are 8,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan supporting the governments war against the Taliban, and hundreds of U.S. special operations forces fighting Islamic State militants. But earlier this year, Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander here, said he needed several thousand more troops to break the stalemate. In Washington, President Trump called Ghani Thursday to express his condolences to the Afghan people. No Americans or other foreigners died in the bombing, but nine Afghan guards outside the U.S. Embassy were killed, and 11 U.S. contractors were injured, the State Department said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued a strong statement. In the face of this senseless and cowardly act, the U.S commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering, he said. The Trump administration has not yet said whether it will increase the number of U.S. forces in the country, or what its overall policy will be toward the volatile region. Pamela Constable is a Washington Post reporter. In the United States and many other parts of the world, this is a worrisome time for LGBT activists, as the pace of civil rights victories has grown uneven and reports of anti-LGBT violence and persecution surface relentlessly. In the past two months, there have been large-scale detentions of gay men in Nigeria and Bangladesh, and chilling 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. More than 70 countries continue to criminalize gays sexual activity. Taiwan is now on track to become the first territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, due to a May 24 court ruling. Worldwide, gay and lesbian couples can marry in only 22 of the worlds nearly 200 countries. No nation in Eastern Europe is among them, and there is only one in Africa: South Africa. Collectively, recent developments have changed the way some lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists are viewing the annual Pride Month events in June. Its usually a time of celebration, but this year InterPride, which helps organize Pride events worldwide, says people should participate to tell the world that they will not be silent in the face of oppression. A large-scale Equality March is planned for June 11 in Washington, D.C. Its organizers say anti-LGBT rhetoric and continuing discrimination warrant a mass mobilization. Most U.S. states still lack statewide laws banning discrimination against LGBT people. Among recent events that have alarmed LGBT and human rights activists: In Indonesia, animosity toward the LGBT community has been whipped up by antigay comments from Cabinet ministers and other public figures. In the capital, Jakarta, police detained 141 men in a May raid on a gay gym and sauna. In Bangladesh, authorities made 27 arrests in a May raid on a group of gay men at a community center near the capital, Dhaka. In Nigeria, police arrested more than 50 young men celebrating a gay wedding in April. Nigerian law bans same-sex marriage; violators can be punished by up to 14 years in prison. In Moldova, President Igor Dodon spoke out against an LGBT parade organized in the capital city, and said he did not consider himself to be president of the Eastern European countrys gays. In El Salvador, multiple killings of transgender women drew the attention of the U.N. human rights office, which urged authorities to investigate. David Crary is an Associated Press writer. 1 Sri Lanka disaster: The death toll from mudslides and floods in Sri Lanka has climbed past 200, with 96 others missing, the government said Wednesday. More than 77,000 have been displaced and more than 1,500 homes destroyed since rains began inundating the southern and western areas of the Indian Ocean island nation last Friday. Sri Lankas army, navy and air force are continuing relief and rescue efforts, supported by divers and navy personnel who have arrived from India. The United Nations, India, Australia, Japan and Pakistan are among those that have donated supplies. The United States and China also pledged relief. 2 Kenya bombing: Five Kenyan police officers died Wednesday when their armored personnel vehicle ran over an improvised bomb in an attack by claimed by the al Qaeda-linked extremist group al-Shabab. The incident brings to 17 the number of Kenyan police killed in the last three weeks in similar attacks. Somalias al-Shabab has claimed them all. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight the extremists. Kenya is part of the African Union mission in Somalia to bolster its government from al-Shababs insurgency. The first sign that something was amiss were the men in biohazard suits. On Tuesday afternoon, down in the arroyo in between the Presbyterian Urgent Care building and the parking lot for the Kids' Choice Pre-School and the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails, both located on St. Michael's Drive, several workers with the company ServiceMaster Restore shoveled up debris into large red bins. The arroyo runs underneath St. Michael's Drive and connects to a manhole behind the Christus St. Vincent hospital across the street, where the problem began. According to Jerry Tapia, manager at Santa Fe's wastewater management division, it all started last Wednesday morning after someone called the city's water division to report the blockage of the manhole located behind the hospital. The block consisted of paper products like Clorox-style wipes and articles of clothing. The water division passed along the information to its wastewater counterpart, Tapia says, and by 9:30 that morning his crew arrived to unblock the manhole. But when that happened, sewage at a second manhole across St. Michael's Drive began to overflow for 30 minutes. He estimates about 1,500 gallons of wastewater spewed into the arroyo during that time. The top of the arroyo above the site of the spill. (Anson Stevens-Bollen) Within hours, Tapia had secured $27,000 in emergency funds from the citys risk management office to contract ServiceMaster Restore for clean up services. He also notified the federal Environmental Protection Agency and one of the states water quality bureaus of the spill, which he says is standard protocol. By Thursday, according to one parent whose daughter attends the Kids' Choice Pre-School, a rotten smell was apparent in the area. Workers with ServiceMaster were there in the morning, but then took the rest of Thursday and Friday off, leaving a significant amount of mess in the arroyo. They showed up again on Monday, despite the holiday. When children returned to school yesterday, says one parent who asked to remain anonymous, yellow tape had been extended around the hill at the top of the arroyo. "We got no formal notice, just this yellow tape," the parent tells SFR. "What was so alarming today was a group of guys with biohazard suits on. And it's kinda like, whoa! What's this all about? Tapia hopes that the clean up effort will be finished no later than this Friday, over a week after the spill occurred. Despite the hazmat suits, Tapia says the bulk of the mess has been cleaned up and that it is not a direct threat to the surrounding region. "It's just not a desirable situation, because we don't want people walking around there or pets playing around in the area," he says. The wastewater division is still working to uncover the original source of blockage. At presstime, a representative from Christus St. Vincent could not confirm whether hospital facilities were at fault. Santa Fe Reporter Its going to be a much quieter Fourth of July in the neighborhoods around Ragle Park and Santa Fe High School. After years of hosting the citys Independence Day fireworks display and concerts, the event is moving to the Santa Fe Place Mall and nearby Villa Linda Park. When the Boys and Girls Club told the city in April it had decided against handling the show this year, officials had to scramble to find another group willing to take on the event that typically draws between 3,000 and 4,000 people to the parkand countless more watching from their backyards or other nearby parks. The task came with a $29,999 check from the city, but the Boys and Girls Club has said in the past that combined with parking, the massive undertaking typically netted only a few thousand dollars for the nonprofit group. On Wednesday, the City Council agreed to boost that payment by $5,000 for the Kiwanis Club. Organizers say the additional money will go toward more security for the event. The group plans to do away with the parking charge that, especially after the event was moved from the high school stadium to Ragle Park, often resulted in clogged streets in nearby neighborhoods during the holiday. For the neighborhoods, it makes a huge difference, Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales tells SFR. Having to walk through streets and having lots of high car traffic in neighborhoods, it was a lot of hardship. The mayor says homeowners generally tolerated the intrusion well, but he thinks the new location has the potential to be better. Food trucks will be stationed between the east side of the mall and the north end of the 11-acre Villa Linda Park. Crowds should still be able to wander freely and set up picnic spots, as theyve been able to do at Ragle Park. Ray Sandoval of the Santa Fe Kiwanis ClubMatt Grubs Kiwanis doesnt expect the event to be a major fundraiser. We just felt that it was part of our civic duty, Ray Sandoval of Kiwanis says of the afternoon concert that ends with Santa Fes signature July Fourth fireworks display just after dark. Its something we have a fair amount of experience doing. The Kiwanis produce the burning of Zozobra every year, an event that draws tens of thousands to the citys Fort Marcy Park. Sandoval tells SFR that experience helped inform the need for an extra $5,000 to better protect what he calls the firing zonethe spot where the mortar-type fireworks are shot into the sky. Last year, they had a pretty significant delay in the show because there were people who had made their way into the firing zone, Sandoval explains. You cannot fire if there are people in that zone, so the show had to wait. The delay resulted in more overtime for city public safety crews, so Sandoval hopes the extra cost for the city up front will wash out on the back end of the fireworks display. Access to the mall and Villa Linda Park is also much easier with nearby Rodeo, Airport and Cerrillos roads. The city hopes that, too, will help keep overtime costs lower if police are able to clear the park and mall more quickly after the fireworks. Santa Fe Fire Marshal Reynaldo Gonzales says the new site will be better in some respects and more of a challenge in others. While the parking lot between the mall and the park provides a better launchpad for the aerial pyrotechnics, the nearby arroyo will be harder for fire trucks to access. Having been out there yesterday, theres not a lot of road access. Well have to have hand crews Gonzales tells SFR outside council chambers. Its not uncommon for a small fire to spark, but were able to attend to it. Kiwanis originally hoped to use the arroyo on the southeast side of the park to launch the display, but the cost to clear brush and keep crews positioned in the right places would likely be prohibitive. By using the parking lot, they can more easily keep a 300-foot perimeter around the launchpad. Sandoval told the City Council on Wednesday that he expected to keep that cost near $6,000. That money is absorbed by the fire departmentsame thing for policein its annual overtime budget. The Santa Fe Place Mall has promised free parking on July FourthAnson Stevens-Bollen The group plans to retain the fireworks company for the show, Western Enterprises. The Oklahoma company also handles fireworks for Zozobra each September. "They're just a natural fit because of this relationship over the past years," Sandoval says. Kiwanis also has a relationship with mall management, which donated space inside the food court to let the group construct Zozobra in a more public location this year. Ultimately, Sandoval hopes that the event will feel more user friendly to the community. He thinks easier parking, bigger roads around the site, better food and the same ability to spread out a blanket and spend a holiday evening outside is a winning combination. "We really want people to get out of their cars. We're paying homage to the birth of our nation. This is a community event." Santa Fe Reporter Chinese-led angel investors Zino Ventures wants to overcome cultural and communication barriers that are clogging up the ability of start-ups to attract backing. The group of 18 migrant Chinese investors attracted attention since pooling their resources last year, setting up a $2 million fund to invest in early-stage companies. The goal is to divert more Chinese investment in New Zealand away from property and into early-stage businesses, particularly those with a view of breaking into China, says founding director David Wang. Chinese start-ups have struggled to attract local backing largely due to cultural differences and language barriers, which Wang says is something Zino hopes to break down. Before we venture into the area, no Chinese people were doing the same thing here, he said. We also help Chinese immigrant investors step out, communicate with Kiwi companies, and integrate into the local society at the same time. Forging long-standing relationships has been the norm for New Zealand firms that have successfully broken into China, with many burned when they discover its much harder to make inroads into Asias biggest economy and that simply showing up isnt enough. Wang said Zino wants to bridge that gap, overcoming the cultural clash and language barrier and provide a collegial environment where new Chinese migrants can build their New Zealand investment network. That includes learning about the domestic environment and researching local industries. New Zealand has strong innovative power, a high education level, an open environment of doing business, which can fully motivate start-ups potential, Wang said. We particularly focus on science companies that have some links with traditional industries, and we eye their future development. Zino has invested $390,000 in two businesses so far, including $250,000 in television data platform Parrot Analytics and the rest in Latipay, which acts as an online currency exchange where people can pay in Chinese yuan while merchants get paid in their local currency. (Hu Min visited New Zealand and worked at BusinessDesk as part of an Asia New Zealand Foundation exchange programme) (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 ATM - Organisational announcement: Chief Supply Chain Officer November 10th Morning Report Blis Technologies: FY23 Half Year Results TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11 NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy November 9th Morning Report The New Zealand dollar touched a fresh four-month high against its Australian counterpart after the Aussie was weighed by China's Caixin manufacturing performance index. The kiwi traded at 95.60 Australian cents at 5pm in Wellington versus 95.09 cents late yesterday. It touched 95.70, the highest since early February, during the day. The kiwi was largely unchanged against the greenback, trading at 70.75 US cents from 70.85 cents. The Aussie lost ground when the Caixin manufacturing PMI fell for a third straight month, from 50.3 to 49.6. The number was in contrast to the official manufacturing PMI, which stabilised at 51.2 in May. "That was an 11-month low and we saw the Aussie get pummeled," said Mark Johnson, senior dealer at OMF. The kiwi has lifted against the Aussie in recent session as the local economic outlook is better than the outlook in Australia. Johnson said it still has some upside, while showing strong resistance at 96.60 Australian cents . "It's very hard to pick a top. It seems to be on an upward sloping trend challenge. It has rallied for nine out of the last 10 days with a pretty rapid ascent and there's not been a pullback," he said. The kiwi was also supported when New Zealand's terms of trade rose to the highest level in about 44 years. "There is a strong positive income pulse brewing in the NZ economy, courtesy of rising export prices and relatively subdued import prices," said BNZ in a note. "A higher terms of trade is a lift in purchasing power of the nations exports; an income boost." Looking ahead, Johnson said investors will be watching for US President Donald Trump's decision on the Paris climate agreement, which he is widely expected to abandon. Otherwise, the focus will be on the US nonfarm payrolls data overnight Friday, said Johnson. The trade-weighted index slipped to 76.40 from 76.57. The kiwi fell to 62.91 euro cents from 63.41 cents and declined to 54.97 British pence from 55.28 pence. It fell to 4.8028 yuan from 4.8423 yuan and dropped to 78.50 yen from 78.62 yen. New Zealand's two-year swap rate fell 1 basis point to 2.19 and 10-year swaps fell 1 basis point to 3.16 percent. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 ATM - Organisational announcement: Chief Supply Chain Officer November 10th Morning Report Blis Technologies: FY23 Half Year Results TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11 NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy November 9th Morning Report China's Heilongjiang Binxi Cattle Industry Co won't rule out revisiting its takeover of Invercargill meat processor Blue Sky Meats now that the deal has Overseas Investment Office approval, having abandoned the bid in March when the OIO process missed a deadline. "We don't have any fixed position on what our next steps will be," Richard Thorp, chief operating officer of Binxi Cattle's local unit NZ Binxi (Oamaru) Foods, told BusinessDesk after the OIO gave the deal a greenlight this week. Binxi backed out of the $25.4 million takeover bid in March when it missed a March 20 deadline to get regulatory sign-off. "We had no OIO approval, so we couldn't proceed," said Thorp. He added that there were also some conditions in the bid that were below expectations and "it has been a very difficult year in the South Island." In March, Blue Sky chairman Scott O'Donnell told shareholders wet and cold weather triggered a material adverse change that will lead to significant poorer than expected financial performance in the 2017 financial year. "This decline in financial performance means that the material adverse change condition was not satisfied," he said at the time. This week O'Donnell told BusinessDesk he believes the OIO was simply publicly releasing its decision and he was "not aware of any other takeover decisions." Thorp said, however, it is "important for us as a business to know it (the OIO approval) is in place. We appreciate that approval." Binxi currently has a 20 percent stake in the company after lifting its shareholding in recent weeks, he said. "In our business strategy we are very happy to be at the level we are at. We have the OIO approval now. We need to be clear about our way forward and whatever we do, we will do with good and clear communication with the board at Blue Sky," he said. Binxi Cattle Group began building a stake in Blue Sky last year. It operates a vertically integrated beef business in China, owns New Zealand meat processor Lean Meats Oamaru and planned to acquire Blue Sky to grow its New Zealand Binxi business. Thorp said the company is not looking at any other New Zealand assets. Blue Sky shares are listed on the Unlisted platform and last traded at $1.85. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 ATM - Organisational announcement: Chief Supply Chain Officer November 10th Morning Report Blis Technologies: FY23 Half Year Results TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11 NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy November 9th Morning Report Vital Healthcare Property Trust bought a rehabilitation hospital and adjacent land in Sydney for A$23.5 million, continuing its expansion of healthcare properties. The Auckland-based company bought Hirondelle Private Hospital, a rehabilitation centre in the central Sydney suburb of Chatswood, and two adjacent residential sites with an option to acquire a third property for future expansion to meet forecast rising demand for rehabilitation services in the area, it said in a statement. The hospital and healthcare property developer and investor has been expanding and diversifying its portfolio since it raised $160 million in a rights issue last year. It's betting demand for its properties will grow with an ageing population and increased demand for healthcare. "The acquisition fits perfectly with Vitals strategy to continue to support the growth initiatives of its partners," said chief executive David Carr. "Furthermore it aligns with our scale and diversification strategy to enhance long-term value and underpin the delivery of sustainable distributions to investors." Hirondelle will be leased to the existing tenant Healthe Care, Australia's third-largest corporate private hospital operator, for 25 years with an initial yield of 6 percent, Vital said. The purchase was settled yesterday, it said. Vital Healthcare's shares last traded at $2.24, and have gained 11 percent this year. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 ATM - Organisational announcement: Chief Supply Chain Officer November 10th Morning Report Blis Technologies: FY23 Half Year Results TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11 NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy November 9th Morning Report Air New Zealand lifted its full-year guidance at an investor day presentation as it benefits from lower jet fuel prices and improving revenue. Based on the current market environment and jet fuel prices the company said its 2017 earnings before taxation are likely to exceed $525 million. In February it said its 2017 earnings before taxation would be in a range of $475 million to $525 million. Chief executive Christopher Luxon pointed a significant fuel benefit and increase revenues as the main reason behind the higher guidance. Earnings before taxation were $663 million in the prior period, as it benefited from a massive tourism boom and low oil prices. The company was upbeat about its domestic business and said it is confident it can continue to grow. In the long-haul business, it said as of July it will operate three services a week into Tokyos Haneda Airport and will continue to operate daily services to Tokyos Narita Airport. It will look to build scale into Houston and to increase connection opportunities via Auckland. Air New Zealand shares last traded up 3 percent at $2.955 and have gained 11.8 percent so far this year. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 ATM - Organisational announcement: Chief Supply Chain Officer November 10th Morning Report Blis Technologies: FY23 Half Year Results TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11 NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy November 9th Morning Report Small New Zealand businesses may get a leg-up from a new online start-up which seeks to overcome the barriers faced by niche exporters trying to access the Chinese market. Expat David Lo, who came to New Zealand in 1986, has set up NZ One Mall, a company with an online platform NZ1Mall.com to sell premium Kiwi products into China. Unlike major Chinese retail sites such as Tmall and JD.com, which buy products to resell them in China, NZ One Mall acts as a conduit for small and medium-sized producers to sell their wares directly through its Chinese-language website. We dont sell products, more importantly, we serve medium and small-sized suppliers in NZ, and we bridge them and Chinese consumers and are their extension in China, Lo said. We dont follow the mode of Taobao or JD.com which target thousands, and we work very closely with NZ businesses here. The website seeks to overcome a lack of scale for smaller companies whose brands might not be familiar to Chinese consumers, and which dont have the capital or channels to promote themselves in the worlds second-largest economy, he said. That includes helping local firms establish their brands in China and covers the whole supply chain including E-commerce sales, transportation, licensing and certification, customs clearance, promotion, sales channels exploration, and delivery of the products to Chinese customers. NZ One Mall, who shareholders have invested about $3.1 million, will generate revenue from transactions, website subscriptions for suppliers, and consulting services including marketing campaigns, Lo says. The company was incorporated in September 2015. The company employs eight people across Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch and five in China, where it has a 4,000-square-metre warehouse in Beijing to deliver products from New Zealand to Chinese buyers. Vaughan Meneses, NZ1Malls head of export business and relationships, said technology plays a much bigger role among Chinese consumers than in New Zealand. That changes behaviour. That changes how people shop. That changes how people think. Thats quite different from NZ, he said. The company has signed 17 suppliers, such as Miharo Honey and Kawatiri Coffee Roasting, and is talks with a seller of alpaca quilts and two others keen on exporting canned fresh air to China. NZ One Mall wants 70 suppliers signed up by the end of the first year, and 200 after five years. Lo says the major challenge is overcoming the complexity of doing business in China, ranging from logistics and shipping to clearing customs. Every single process is difficult which involves a lot of waiting and a lot of frustration, he said. (Hu Min visited New Zealand and worked at BusinessDesk as part of an Asia New Zealand Foundation exchange programme) (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: GMT - Customer demand supports strong first-half operating result EVO - Embark Education announces Special Dividend BLT - Strategy reset and revenue growth Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2022 ATM - Organisational announcement: Chief Supply Chain Officer November 10th Morning Report Blis Technologies: FY23 Half Year Results TEM - Market Abuse Regulation, Article 19, Paragraph 11 NZME updates FY22 guidance & announces new dividend policy November 9th Morning Report (Advance file photo) MTA releases express bus study About 36,000 riders travel between Staten Island and Manhattan on express buses on an average weekday now. The MTA released a study of the express bus network and proposed changes to streamline and improve overall service on Staten Island and in Manhattan. Staten Island express buses will travel directly to and from Midtown or lower Manhattan, routes will be combined and underused stops will be eliminated as part of the MTA's plans. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Outdated routes and service The express bus network was primarily developed in the 1960s and 1980s. The borough's demographics and reliance on certain routes have shifted in the decades since then and increased congestion, particularly in Manhattan, have made bus trips long and sometimes unreliable. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Current express bus routes An estimated 96 percent of existing Staten Island express bus riders only get off at stops in Downtown or Midtown. But nearly 17,000 riders use routes that serve both areas. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Lots of time in traffic Up to half of running time on some routes is spent on Manhattan streets, often directly above the faster subway network. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Route and stop changes The MTA's redesign concept for overhauling Staten Island express bus service includes two types of routes to Downtown and Midtown in Manhattan. The network redesign is comprised of 19 routes that will serve nearly all existing Staten Island express bus riders. Eleven routes will go to Midtown and eight will travel to downtown Manhattan, where riders can transfer to local buses or the subway. Don't Edit Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Downtown and Midtown routes Separating the two service areas will allow Midtown routes to travel in Brooklyn or New Jersey in case of traffic issues or accidents without changing where bus stops are located. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) New stops and routes TBD Exactly which stops will be axed or where routes will go hasn't been determined. Bus stops on Staten Island and in Manhattan will also be re-spaced but their locations haven't been determined either. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Fewer routes on Hylan The redesign is meant to also increase service frequency by simplifying the routes. Right now there's eight routes along the Hylan Boulevard corridor that operate every nine minutes during peak hours. Under the changes, there would be four routes operating every 4.5 minutes along the corridor. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) South Shore service changes Some existing Staten Island routes -- on the South Shore in particular -- are often indirect and overlap and run in opposite directions. The redesign would organize routes to increase speed and minimize turning. Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Streets served by redesigned routes Changes will affect most routes. Don't Edit Don't Edit (Staten Island Bus Study: Reimagining Express Buses) Your input wanted Over 100 Staten Islanders from across the borough participated in three public workshops the MTA conducted for the study. Staten Islanders can read about the MTA's recommendations and comment on the changes online at www.mta.info/SIExpressBus. Page Content Between Tuesday night, May 30th and Wednesday, May 31st personnel from the Fire Department rescued an elderly man from his burning home as he was trapped inside. At around 11:06 PM the Fire Department dispatch received a call for a house fire in Cole Bay at Marianne Estate. When fire officers got to the location, flames were coming out of the windows, threatening to spread to a house in close proximity. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze in one of the bedrooms, which allowed them to get the situation under control. One person was treated on the scene by ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation. Shortly after returning to the Fire Station in Cay Hill, the Fire Department was called for another fire, this time at a house on E.C. Richardson Street in Philipsburg. Upon arrival, bystanders told fire officers that there was a person inside the home. The intense flames and heat emanating from the front door and windows, made it somewhat difficult for fire personnel to immediately access the interior of the house to get to the occupant. A quick assessment of the situation showed that the bedroom could only be accessed through the living room. However, this was totally engulfed. It is for this reason firefighters had to work expeditiously in order to minimize the fire, which eventually was lowered. Although, the heat and smoke were still intense, fire officers quickly created access into the house allowing them to search for the individual. Due to their thorough investigation, one team was able to locate the person in a back room. In their effort to save the individual, he was rushed to the outside through the living room, the only exit at the time. After the person was safely taken away from the danger of the intense blaze and smoke, Basic Life Support was administered by fire personnel until the arrival of the ambulance personnel. The person was then transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for medical treatment. The Fire Department is grateful that they were able to rescue and save the individual from the ravaging fire. For the past seven (7) days, the Fire Department has been called for six (6) house and or building fires, which resulted in minimum damage due to the rapid response of fire vehicles and officers. In light of the recent fires, the Fire Department cautions everyone to continue to practice Fire Safety. This includes not leaving open flames like stoves and candles unattended. Avoid leaving phones, laptops or other electronic equipment on flammable materials such as beds and or sofa, and in case of a fire you should immediately call 919. Page Content Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on Wednesday said that St. Maarten will have presence at three very important events starting June 1. The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, supported by Cabinet members, will be present at three upcoming marketing and tourism forums to continue its annual efforts to promote St. Maarten but also keep up to date with worldwide and regional trends in the hospitality sector. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association will be holding two of its major annual events in Miami, both the Taste of the Caribbean culinary festival and competition and the Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum, commonly known as the CHIEF Conference. The event runs from June 1 to 4. CHIEF brings together the right information, the right people at the right time and by producing this event in Miami, CHTA expects many more Caribbean stakeholders to benefit from the educational sessions and invaluable peer-to-peer exchange. With three educational tracks covering a multitude of relevant topics, from the sharing economy to sustainability, and interactive round table and speed networking sessions, this is the event that St. Maarten should attend if we want to take on the issues affecting our business right now. We will seek to get together with fellow hoteliers, innovative vendors, government officials and industry experts. The Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition which also forms part of CHIEF. As you know St. Maarten always does very well at this event, having won many medals and wards over the years, which cemented our standing as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Taste of the Caribbean is the regions leading culinary competition, bringing together teams from across the region for what is both an industry and consumer event. This years Taste will also offer educational sessions for food and beverage professionals that promise to enhance individual skills. While the Director of Tourism and staff will be in Miami for CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean, I will form part of a team that will attend Caribbean Week in New York, from June 3 to June 8, the Minister said. We will join industry executives, the media, the Caribbean Diaspora, travel agents, consumers and Students converge on the city to participate in a calendar of activities that showcase the best of Caribbean tourism, she added. Caribbean week will feature a wide selection of Business, Consumer, and Private Events. Over 30 Caribbean countries showcasing their tourism and business offerings. Besides the Caribbean week events, we have arranged meetings in New York with other stakeholders that do business with St. Maarten or is seeking to do business with St. Maarten. One such meeting is with JetBlue to continue our discussions for additional airlift as well as a possible major event to be held on St. Maarten soon, she said. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Image: twitter.com/ITILTDINDIA Mumbai, June 1 (IBNS): ITI Limited, country's premier telecom company, announced the financial results for the year 2016-17 with a profit of Rs 305 crores. The Board of Directors of the company approved the results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and the audited results for the full year ended March 31, 2017 at their meeting held in Delhi. Companys total income for the year ended March 31, 2017 was 1,903 crores up from 1,674 crores for the year ended March 31, 2016. Net profit for the period before tax (after exceptional and/or extraordinary items) increased by 21% to Rs 305 crores for the year ended March 31, 2017 as against 251 crores for the previous year. As on date ITI has order book of Rs. 1600 Cr. The net profit figures for both financial year 2015-16 and 2016-17 are after taking into account grants from government of India. Further, ITIs loses have drastically come down to 56 crores in 2016-17 from 247 crores in 2015-16 without any government grants which is an incomparable organizational achievement for the company. Highlighting the companys achievement for the year 2016-17, S Gopu, Chairman & Managing Director, ITI Limited said, I am delighted with the companys financial performance along with the strategic initiatives the company has taken in last one year. This will allow us to continue to drive strong revenue growth and improved profitability in the coming years." ITI also plans to explore business opportunities in the IoT, e-Governance, ICT areas in addition to telecommunication and defence projects. ITI is committed to the Make in India and Skill India initiatives of Government of India. With the support of Government of India, ITI has upgraded the electronics manufacturing infrastructure to supplement indigenous manufacturing. The Board has approved the further issue of equity shares through follow on public offer subject to necessary approvals from the statutory authorities and shareholders for meeting SEBIs 25% minimum public shareholding compliance requirement and also to meet internal working capital requirement, added Shri Gopu. Recently ITI has bagged various orders through competitive bidding including orders from BBNL, BSNL and RailTel for supply of GPON equipment for Government of Indias flagship project BharatNet, which is providing broadband facility to over 2.5 lacs Village Panchayats in India. ITI is committed to the Prime Ministers vision of Swatch Bharath. New Delhi, Jun 1 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged people to take up yoga to help create a healthier society. The Indian Prime Minister, who is touring Russia as part of his diplomatic programme, said that he will be sharing different aspects of yoga everyday, starting from Jun 1, till Jun 21, observed as Yoga Day. "On 21st June, the world will come together to mark the 3rd #YogaDay. Let us all make this occasion a memorable one," his tweet read. On 21st June, the world will come together to mark the 3rd #YogaDay. Let us all make this occasion a memorable one. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 1, 2017 An ensuing tweet read, "Till the 21st, I will be sharing different aspects relating to Yoga and #YogaDay." Till the 21st, I will be sharing different aspects relating to Yoga and #YogaDay. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 1, 2017 Sharing a video, where the Prime Minister shared his insights on yoga, he wrote, "Yoga is integrating the world. Come, become a Yogi in the movement to make Yoga popular & create a better & healthier society. #YogaDay." Yoga is integrating the world. Come, become a Yogi in the movement to make Yoga popular & create a better & healthier society. #YogaDay pic.twitter.com/eWvA4MLaFF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 1, 2017 "Let us begin with a prayer, which is always suggested before practising Yoga. #YogaDay," a following tweet read. Regarding potential backlash, he said: "It's this thing of, 'Well, I want everyone to like me. I want everyone to like the work that I make, especially young artists.' You want people to love you, but part of that is that if you make things that are polarizing, people are gonna hate it. I think there will be a lot of people who will absolutely hate this, but again, that's the beauty of it. That's the fun of making things. Best Canadian Blog 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 About Kate Why this blog? Until this moment I have been forced to listen while media and politicians alike have told me "what Canadians think". In all that time they never once asked. This is just the voice of an ordinary Canadian yelling back at the radio - "You don't speak for me." (goes to a private mailserver in Europe) I can't answer or use every tip, but all are appreciated! Katewerk Art Support SDA I am not a registered charity. I cannot issue tax receipts. Want lies? Hire a regular consultant. Want truth? Hire an asshole. The Proper Procedure Poor Richard's Retirement Trump The Establishment Weather Shop Click to inquire about rates. Dow Jones What They Say About SDA "Smalldeadanimals doesn't speak for the people of Saskatchewan" Former Sask Premier Lorne Calvert "I got so much traffic after your post my web host asked me to buy a larger traffic allowance." Dr.Ross McKitrick Holy hell, woman. When you send someone traffic, you send someone TRAFFIC. My hosting provider thought I was being DDoSed. - Sean McCormick "The New York Times link to me yesterday [...] generated one-fifth of the traffic I normally get from a link from Small Dead Animals." Kathy Shaidle "Thank you for your link. A wave of your Canadian readers came to my blog! Really impressive." Juan Giner - INNOVATION International Media Consulting Group I got links from the Weekly Standard, Hot Air and Instapundit yesterday - but SDA was running at least equal to those in visitors clicking through to my blog. Jeff Dobbs "You may be a nasty right winger, but you're not nasty all the time!" Warren Kinsella "Go back to collecting your welfare livelihood."Michael E. Zilkowsky Intelliweather Seismic Map Comments Policy Read this Best Of SDA Hide The Decline The Bottle Genie (ClimateGate links) You Might Be A Liberal Uncrossing The Line Bob Fife: Knuckledragger A Modest Proposal (NP) Settled Science Series Y2Kyoto Series SDA: Reader Occupation Survey Brett Lamb Sheltered Workshop Flakes On A Plane All Your Weather Are Belong To Us Song Of The Sled The Raise A Flag Debacle (Now on Youtube!) (.mwv Video) Abuse Ruins Life Of Girl Trudeaupiate Kleptocrat Jeans Child Labour I Concede Small Dead Feminist Protein Hoser: THK Interview The Werewolf Extinction Dear Laura (VRWC) We Wait Blogging The Oscars Jackson Converts To Islam Just Shut The HELL Up Manipulating Condi Gay Equality Rights A Canberra bride whose dress decision went viral on Facebook earlier this week has chosen her gown for the big day. Canberra retiree Sylvia Martin, 93, visited Cooma-based retailer Birdsnest on Sunday to shop for a wedding dress for her marriage to long-time friend Frank Raymond, 88, next month. Canberra's 93-year-old bride, Sylvia Martin brought her bridesmaids along to help choose a dress for her wedding next month. Credit:Facebook/birdsnest.com.au A Facebook post by Birdsnest - showing Sylvia in four stunning dress options - was shared hundreds of times that day, with more than 5400 people worldwide 'voting' on dress options for Sylvia's big day. Birdnest has confirmed Sylvia will wear option C, the Sacha Drake Cipolla Dress, to exchange vows with Frank. But with a resounding Facebook vote for option D, the Bird Keepers Cape Dress, Sylvia left the store with that option also in hand, to wear on more casual occasions. The father of a 17-year-old boy suspended from St Edmund's College for, on the face of it, trying to organise a student strike to protest changes at the school says he fully supports his son's actions and no one is taking advantage of the teenager. Well-known Canberra lawyer Peter Romano said his son, John-Paul, had his full consent for speaking out about changes to the school crest and uniform and was not a child who needed protection. St Edmund's College student John-Paul Romano says he has been overwhelmed by the support shown to him. Credit:Karleen Minney John-Paul, who is in Year 12, has also engaged in the past with the media as a member of the Forrest Residents' Association. "He's been a long-standing member of the SRC and he is very community-minded," Mr Romano said. Guwahati, June 1 (IBNS): Assam agriculture minister Atul Bora on Thursday said that, his department has started fight against corruption and given prosecution sanction against 33 officials in past a year. While unveiled the progress report of Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board in Guwahati, the state agriculture minister said that, Sarbananda Sonowal led state government has launched special drives against corruption across the state. In past a year, the State Agricultural Marketing Board had closed 18 check gates out of 23 across the state. The board also suspended eight officials in corruption charges, Atul Bora said. The Assam minister further said that, after closing the check gates, the revenue collection of the board increased of around Rs 20 crore compared to the previous year. In 2015-17, the board collected Rs 56,32,07,855 and it was increased in 2016-17 to Rs 76,03,50,406. In past three months, the board had collected Rs 4,36,48,823, the Assam minister said. On the other hand, Palit Bora, Chairman of the State Agricultural Marketing Board said that, the board has planned to construct an Inter-state terminal market in Silchar and Guwahati. The state government had already allocated 50 bigha land for the Silchar project and we are seeking appropriate land nearby Guwahati city for the second project. After completion of the projects, price hike of the agricultural products would be reduced, Palit Bora said. The Assam agriculture minister further said that, the agriculture department will provide 1 lakh shallow tube well, 10000 solar pumps and 400 rice mills to the farmers of the state in 50 per cent subsidy during the current fiscal. The State Agricultural Marketing Board has been taken adequate measures to provide supported price to the farmers for their agricultural products. Recently, the board had purchased 17,023.55 quintal potato and 15,964.86 matric ton rice from the farmers of Assam. The state government has sanctioned Rs 150 crore to support the farmers, the Assam minister said. Vice Chairman of the marketing board Manoj Baruah and other officials also present in the function. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) A former senior executive at one of Australia's big four banks is suing for unfair dismissal, after he was sacked by Westpac for "inappropriate behaviour", lacking judgment and ineffective leadership. Wesley William Hall is seeking $600,000 in compensation from Westpac, claiming he was fired after raising serious concerns about its wealth management arm BT. Wesley "Wes" Hall, former chief operating officer of the advice unit in the BT Financial Group at Westpac. Credit: Sasha Woolley Mr Hall, 42, was terminated from his position as chief operating officer of the advice unit in the BT Financial Group in February 2016 after about a year in the role and four years at the bank. Westpac says it became aware of allegations that Mr Hall had taken or provided illegal drugs and otherwise behaved inappropriately at work-related functions. It said that, although there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the drug taking and supply allegations, Mr Hall's "behaviour at work functions had been inappropriate" and he had "failed to meet the standard expected by a person of his seniority". BHP has defended its Singapore marketing hub, where it is accused of routing profits, and says it is confident of its position in a $1 billion dispute with the Australian Taxation Office over the amount of taxes payable on the sale of Australian commodities to its Singapore marketing business. BHP's chief commercial officer Arnoud Balhuizen, who was in Melbourne on Thursday speaking at a Melbourne Mining Club function, also assured investors that demand for the company's products, including from China, was still strong. The ATO has hit BHP Billiton with amended assessments of about $660 million, but with penalties and interest charges the total liability is more than $1 billion. Beijing: He was once one of China's most powerful steel executives, buying iron ore in quantities that fuelled Australia's economic boom. But Deng Qilin, 66, will serve 15 years in prison after being convicted for corruption and bribery during his 10-year reign as chairman of Wuhan Iron and Steel, one of Australia's biggest resources customers. Former trade minister Simon Crean with former Wuhan Steel chairman Deng Qilin in 2009. Mr Deng, the former general secretary of China's Iron and Steel Association, was also fined 5 million renminbi ($992,000) by the Zhongshan People's Intermediate Court for taking advantage of his position. Chinese business magazine Caixin reported that among the allegations investigated, was that a member of Mr Deng's family had set up a trading company that won a long-term iron ore contract with an overseas miner, then on-sold it to Wuhan for a large profit. Education entrepreneur Shesh Ghale is buying the super-prominent site which forms the south-west and some say best corner of the Melbourne CBD grid. In an off-market deal which has yet to settle, the Melbourne Institute of Technology founder, who ranks as the nation's 105th richest person, is speculated to be paying some $30 million for the art nouveau building at 2-8 Spencer Street, on the corner of Flinders Street. 8 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Designed by William Pitt and built in 1913, the ornate five-storey brick building was once known as the Sir Charles Hotham Hotel, then later as the Hotham Private Hotel. On an 879 square metre block and with 2850 square metres of lettable area, the building, opposite the Yarra River, Batman Park and Southbank, is now known as an unrenovated backpacker hostel the All Nations International. The occupant has a lease that reportedly expires in 2018. Cocoa prices have soared amid signs of tighter supplies in Ivory Coast, the world's top grower, raising prospects that chocolate costs will climb. July futures jumped as much as 6.8 per cent, the most ever for the contract. Farmers in West Africa are already locking in more forward sales for next year's crop than traders were expecting, a sign that supplies from the current harvest are beginning to ebb. Farmers in West Africa are already locking in more forward sales for next year's crop than traders were expecting. Credit:AP The outlook for tighter supplies marks a shift for the market that's been suffering from a global surplus. The overhang pushed prices down 32 per cent over the past 12 months, helping to lower some retail costs for chocolate. The treats may not stay cheap for long, or at least that's what hedge funds are signalling. American taxpayers may have overpaid for Mylan's EpiPen shot by as much as $US1.27 billion ($1.71 billion) over the last decade, according to a US government report. Senator Charles Grassley, a Republican politician from Iowa, on Wednesday posted a copy of a report by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Inspector General. The report says that Mylan, by classifying the life-saving allergy shot as a generic drug rather than a brand-name product, shortchanged the Medicaid program for the poor. Of course, there are challenges for victims reporting the offence, and then going through court proceedings. That said, over the past 10 years, there have been significant changes to the way the evidence of victims in sexual offence matters is taken, and these special measures have improved the experience of victims. Data from my office show that most criminal prosecutions for sexual offences in the ACT result in convictions. Most matters that commence in the Magistrates Court are committed to the Supreme Court, a reflection of the seriousness of this type of offending. Once in the Supreme Court, the offender pleads guilty in about half of the matters. Of those matters that go to trial, most result in verdicts of guilty. The article also suggested conviction rates in ACT courts were low, but the real picture is far more positive. Conviction rates for sexual offences in the ACT are relatively robust and changes in this area have significantly improved the experience for victims. Indeed, the ACT is a leader in this area. Where a trial or hearing is heard, all sexual offence victims have a right to give evidence from a room removed from the court connected by audio-visual link. For several years now, child complainants in sexual offences are interviewed by specially trained police and the interview then becomes their evidence in chief in court. This means the child is no longer required to repeat their account of the events on numerous occasions. The rights of an accused are maintained through the right to cross-examine the child. This important special measure was recently extended to all victims of sexual offences and, indeed, all victims of violent offences, no matter their age. The ACT is only the second jurisdiction in Australia to permit part of an adult victim's evidence to be given by way of an "evidence in chief" police interview. There are other important protections in place for complainants. Unlike in times past, victims of sexual offences cannot be asked about their sexual history. Counselling notes are treated as confidential and are not available in criminal litigation. The evidence given by victims is recorded when given in court and, if there is a retrial, the recording is played, thus saving a victim from giving evidence again. At sentencing proceedings, victims of sexual offences are entitled to tender a victim impact statement in the proceedings. Victims can read out the statement from a remote room linked by audio visual facilities if they wish. There is significant support available to victims of sexual offences in the ACT. The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre operates 24 hours a day, and does not pressure victims to report matters to police. If a matter is reported, police culture in this area has changed enormously in the past few years, and police have a specialist unit to deal empathetically with victims. The image would be hilarious to contemplate if it weren't so alarming. Coalition MP Craig Kelly and fellow climate change sceptics staying up until the wee hours, ready to party. They're watching Twitter to see Donald Trump's verdict on pulling the US out of the Paris Accord. Next to Mr Kelly's couch stands a well-stocked wine cooler. "It's not confirmed yet, but have the champagne on ice," Mr Kelly told his Facebook followers on Wednesday night. US President Donald Trump refused to commit to the Paris Accord on climate change when he met G7 leaders. Credit:AP The excitement began when the US President refused to commit to the Paris Accord when meeting G7 leaders last weekend. Then he tweeted that his decision on whether to ditch it was near. A Paris Accord without America will set back global efforts to limit temperature rises and could inflame leadership tensions in the Turnbull government. In December 2015, 195 nations including Australia signed an agreement to keep global temperature rises to "well below 2 degrees" compared to pre-industrial levels. It was deliberately not a treaty in recognition that then-US president Barack Obama would not be able to secure Republican-controlled Senate approval for such an instrument. Each nation offered voluntary "nationally determined contributions" to curb greenhouse gas emissions versus business-as-normal pollution, mostly out to 2030.The agreement came into force in November 2016 when 55 nations, accounting for 55 per cent of emissions, ratified the accord. (Some 147 nations have now done so.) President Donald Trump says he will pull the US out of the Paris climate accord and seek to renegotiate the agreement. Here are some key points about his likely options and what difference they might make to climate change. According the agreement's article 28, any nation may withdraw any time after three years from the accord coming into force, that is, from at least November 2019. A faster route is available, though, if Trump removes the US from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Alternative options are to stay in Paris, which would match the wishes of a majority of people in all 50 US states, according to Yale University, not to mention other world leaders, including Pope Francis. Trump did not make clear which path he would take to exit the agreement nor what terms would attract him back, other than to say it had to be "fairer" for the US. What would a US exit mean? The US pledge is to cut 2005-level greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2025. (Australia's is a similar goal, but to be achieved five years later.) Researchers in Nature Climate Change noted the US accounts for about 18 per cent of global emissions. Taking the view that the Trump administration might last eight years and all other nations followed the US lead, some 350 billion additional tonnes of carbon dioxide would be emitted (or about 666 times Australia's current annual emissions) by 2024, leading to an extra 0.25 degrees of warming. That delay would mean, annual emissions cuts would need to accelerate from 2.4 per cent now to get to Paris' 2-degree warming limit to 4.2 per cent. The quicker rate would be "extremely challenging both economically and technically". (See chart below.) SKETCH Malcolm Roberts began Thursday's Senate estimates hearing as he has every other: probing the salaries of Canberra's top bureaucrats, in this case at the CSIRO. One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts puts questions to chief scientist Alan Finkel during a Senate estimates hearing. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "What sort of point are you trying to make?" Science Minister Arthur Sinodinos asked. "I'm not trying to make any point there," Roberts fired back. "I just want to learn." Oh, and learn we did. We learnt about conceptual penises, academic hoaxes and alleged NASA conspiracies. We traversed the ins and outs of the peer-review process and the scientific method. Perhaps more than anything else, we learnt just how far Sinodinos' patience could be tested. Shillong, June 1 (IBNS): Giving a tough time to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national leadership, Meghalaya leader of the saffron party, Bernard N Marak, announced his decision to quit over the controversy created due to his call for celebrating three years of Modi government by organising a beef party, according to media reports on Thursday. The controversy emerged as the former West Garo Hills district president of the BJP, Marak, announced that he would organise a beef party to mark the celebration of three years of Narendra Modi government at the Centre few days back. This comes at the time when the central government issued a notification banning the sale of cows and buffaloes in the animal market, which earned criticisms from oppositions. The announcement by the state leader of arranging a beef party made the BJP's central leadership uncomfortable, particularly when the opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Pinarayi Vijayan attacked the Modi government for interfering into people's choice of food. Questioning his own party, Marak on Thursday, said: "I quit the party as the BJP is trying to impose their ideology on us. What's wrong if we planned to celebrate the third anniversary in our own traditional way?" The leader who recently resigned from the party post even said to the people of the state earlier that they would bring down the prices of beef, if BJP is voted to power. Nalin Kohli, who is in-charge of the Meghalaya BJP unit, was quoted saying to Hindustan Times, "The BJP as a disciplined party will not tolerate any members who, for their personal political gains, digress from Modiji's agenda of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (with all, development for all)." Another BJP leader of the state, who is the North Garo district president, Bachu C Marak, announced on Facebook about their plans to hold a beef party with 'bitchi' (the local term for rice beer). Kohli on Wednesday said that the BJP unit in the state will take steps to oust Bachu from the party or would like to accept his resignation, though the North Garo district president is yet to resign. The Centre recently notified a Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 that said that the member secretary of an animal market committee will have to ensure that no one brings a young animal to the slaughterhouse. "The prime focus of the regulation is to protect the animals from cruelty and not to regulate the existing trade in cattle for slaughter houses. It is envisaged that welfare of cattle dealt in the market will be ensured and that only healthy animals are traded for agriculture purposes for the benefits of the farmers. The livestock markets are intended to become hubs for trade for animal for agriculture through this process and animal for slaughter will have to be bought from the farmers at the farms. The notified rules will remove the scope of illegal sale and smuggling of the cattle which is a major concern. The specific provisions apply only to animals which are bought and sold in the notified live stock markets and animals that are seized as case properties. These rules do not cover other areas," the central government said in a statement. Chief Ministers of both Kerala and West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee respectively, disapproved the order issued by the Centre and clearly stated that they won't approve the rules in their states. The Kerala CM was quoted saying: "Delhi, Nagpur can't decide what we eat." Banerjee on Monday, said: "This law is unconstitutional, undemocratic and against the federal structure. They have introduced the law in the month of Ramadan without taking the views of the state governments." "People from all religions are living happily here in Bengal. Centre can never decide what to eat and what not," she added. While Mr Albanese's portfolio is not the most high-profile policy area, the government did make a series of multibillion-dollar announcements in the most recent budget, including plans to construct Western Sydney airport and to build an inland rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane. Political allies of Mr Albanese in Labor believe he is deliberately being denied a moment in the spotlight, as asking questions of the government is a key part of Parliament's theatre. Coalition MPs have been taunting Labor in Parliament in recent weeks following an alternative budget-in-reply speech from Mr Albanese that was just different enough from Bill Shorten's and asking why the skilful tactician and former leader of the house under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard rarely asks a question. On Thursday, for example, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce urged Mr Shorten to "give the member for Grayndler [Mr Albanese] a question. You should treat him fairly. Be fairer, and give that gentleman a question. You should let that man go to that box and ask a question, but you won't." Mr Albanese also trails some lesser known colleagues on the frontbench, according to the research. The federal government expects United States President Donald Trump to walk away from the Paris climate agreement, but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his senior ministers insist Australia will not follow suit despite pressure from the Coalition backbench. Australia's chief scientist, Alan Finkel, said the exit of the US from the global accord on reducing greenhouse gas emissions was "a blow, but not fatal", while Mr Turnbull told Parliament "we are committed to the Paris agreement, and we're on track to meet our targets". "That's our commitment, affordable, reliable energy, and meeting our emissions reduction targets in accordance with the Paris treaty." Tony Blair's longtime former spin doctor, Alastair Campbell, says British politics has abandoned the middle ground and warns that the Labour Party and its supporters must fight grimly to avoid an election wipe-out at the hands of Theresa May. Mr Campbell, who helped steer "New Labour" to three successive election victories from 1997 under Mr Blair, said current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn lacked the broad appeal to win the June 8 election but the "personality cult" the Conservative Party had built around leader Ms May was overblown. "I don't find her impressive as a leader who understands the modern world," Mr Campbell told Fairfax Media in an interview from his home in London. For the first 15 or so minutes of Wonder Woman I gripped the cinema arm rests with white knuckles. What if, after waiting all this time, it's terrible, or worse, "just OK" in the way we've come to expect from DC/Warner Bros productions, and it takes us another decade before we get a new female superhero movie? Before you decry my apparent lack of faith, I had been primed for disappointment not only by years of so-so superhero movies, but by the studio system's tendency to decide that one average or poor performance by A Movie About A Woman means that all Movies About Women are box-office cyanide. Happily, Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman the first female-fronted DC Extended Universe movie, and the first superhero film directed by a woman isn't just good, it's great: a heartfelt, stirring movie that manages to be a ripping yarn, fish-out-of-water farce, romantic comedy, and anti-war film all at once. It's also a damn good action movie when it needs to be, and the graceful, awesome shots of Diana fighting are a sight to behold. If the past decade or so of Shaky Cam has left you loath to expect anything better from fight sequences, Wonder Woman will be the salve. It is, for want of a better phrase, kick-ass. Respect: that lemon tart. That zingy tang, that silky just-set custard, that crisp pastry, that mirror glaze. It's A Great Lemon Tart, in the long line of Great Lemon Tarts that stretch from the Roux brothers' famous tarte au citron to Marco Pierre White's at Harvey's to Greg Doyle at Pier in Rose Bay to the current virtuosic incarnation at St Peter in Paddington. Such classicism is not what I was expecting from the new Pulp Kitchen in Ainslie, Canberra's quintessential "leafy suburb" especially when I hear the tart was cooked by a 19-year-old pastry chef, working for a 22-year old head chef. Zingy tang with crisp pastry: Lemon tart with fresh cream. Credit:Jamila Toderas A long-standing, slightly worn-and-torn Ainslie favourite, Pulp Kitchen has long turned out decent European bistro fare at amenable prices for an older, local crowd. Then along came Gus Armstrong of restaurant eightysix, the rowdy, high-energy Braddon diner that gave Canberra dining a kick up the proverbial when it opened in 2013. He has installed a more serious, wide-open kitchen, smart pendant lighting, bentwood chairs and a young kitchen team from eightysix headed by Josh Lundy. Glasses are big, tables are black, and noise is high, and even the once-scruffy outside loos have been made presentable. So, now what? That's what I and all of Ainslie want to know. Carly Findlay, 35, Victoria Writer, disability and appearance activist. Carly Findlay: Writer, disability and appearance activist. Credit:Justin McManus "I have a skin condition called ichthyosis and it means my face is very red. I look sunburnt. My mum is black and my dad is white but I never feel either colour. I didn't always identify with having an illness or a disability. I wanted to fit in. But in the last eight to 10 years, I've met more people with disabilities and facial differences and realised that even though we don't all have the same diagnoses, we have similar experiences. If I'm in a shop, people often say, 'Oh, what happened to you?' The response I give depends on the way they've set the tone. Most of the time I'm genuinely okay with saying, 'I was born like this.' But there is an expectation that we will educate at all times and I'm not a fan of that. It gets exhausting and I want to have control over how I do that. I want to get people who look different better represented in the media. I've done this through writing my own stories, but also by including other people's stories on my blog and sharing success stories of people who look different. I did an interview on the ABC a few years ago and the journalist called me an 'appearance activist' and I just claimed it. I talk about facial diversity and positive image, but I'm not necessarily setting fire to things and being an activist in that way! Years ago I never thought anyone like me would be in the media. Anyone can be an activist. There's a bit of an expectation that you have to take part in marches and physical events, but being online is a really great way for people to be an activist from anywhere. I write a lot of my articles from my bed! With the advent of social media, if you get your name out there through writing, blogging or podcasting and make yourself known through your own platform, then you've got control over your message. What I love is that it's not just people writing about us any more. It's people like us writing for us." Mariam Veiszadeh, 32, NSW Lawyer, Muslim community advocate and Daily Life's Woman of the Year, 2016. Mariam Veiszadeh is Daily Life's 2016 Woman of the Year. Credit:Louie Douvis "I was fed up with critiquing the state of affairs from the comfort of our armchairs and then complaining about why nothing ever changes. I refuse to sit back and retire into a state of despair. When you or someone you know is subjected to Islamophobia on a regular basis, you can't simply ignore it. It is deeply personal. I felt it was incumbent on me to do whatever I could to help raise awareness about it, assist the victims of it and try and tackle it head on. I never had the luxury of approaching this as an extra-curricular activity. I've almost always worked full time and any advocacy I've engaged in has always been on top of my day job. I needed to be a voice for those who couldn't raise theirs. The values embedded within my faith and my upbringing have taught me that you must use your own relative levels of privilege to help those who have none. The personal cost of publicly advocating in an increasingly hostile environment with little or no resourcing, funding or protection, has been too much to bear, which is why I recently made the decision to transition out of my formal advocacy roles. Social media has become a double-edged sword for me. On the one hand, it's been instrumental in allowing me to take my advocacy work to the masses. And on the other hand, it's made me vulnerable to threats from those who harbour ill intentions. My life is not the same as it used to be. I now have to take rather significant security precautions. I have to worry about things that others simply take for granted. Some of the best things about being a public advocate is the ability to influence people's hearts and minds by offering them insights into the life of an everyday, Australian Muslim woman. To women who want to speak out for something they really believe in, I would say to persevere. It can be a thankless job and you will face challenges, but remember that the wrongs committed against us should never change our moral compass. Do as much or as little as you can if you do not see results immediately, rest assured that you have planted the seeds for tomorrow." Natalie Parker, 34, Northern Territory Advocate for better protection of IVF embryo donors, early childhood teacher. Natalie Parker is a advocate for better protection of IVF embryo donors, early childhood teacher. Credit:Glenn Campbell My husband and I had embryos left over from IVF and we decided to donate them. We also wanted to keep in touch with the recipient family. During mandatory counselling we met the recipient and her husband, and she said she would send us photos and even fly to Darwin for us to meet the baby. Then I didn't hear from her. In 2015, the clinic informed me the recipient had transferred two embryos that had failed and that the recipient had decided she didn't want to use the last embryo. I wondered why, because they were desperate to have a child. Lads Boys Sexual Predators In Training Gentlemen: Would you believe, I've had one of those angry feminazis on the blower all morning? Calls herself a "journalist" and a "media advocate", whatever that is. I tell you, the day they started letting women into newsrooms was the day that fine and noble industry started to die. Now it's all "sexism" this and "rape culture" that. "If anyone asks, we hold women in the deepest of regard." Credit:Andrew Quilty Rape culture! What an absurd notion! As if anyone is being taught how to rape! Sure, we might have a little chuckle over it every now and again, but that's just what men do. We all know it isn't that big a deal and that it doesn't really mean anything. It's not like we're actually going to go out and do any of those things. Well, not all of us anyway. But people are irrational, and hysterical women with a bone to pick about the camaraderie of men are especially irrational. So now I have this "journalist" breathing down my neck about some of the goings on at St Paul's and I have to say that I'm really not very pleased about it. I thought we'd sorted this nonsense out back in March when we gave a good show of disciplining young "aRgh". We all know he was just participating in the raucous and vibrant life of the college (performing these kinds of squire duties as a Fresher is one of the great traditions of St Paul's, to be dutifully repaid when one becomes a senior and is gifted a new crop of lads to hone their leadership skills on) but not everyone is sophisticated enough to understand the way things are done here. Over a banquet of tea-smoked duck and ocean trout sashimi, Senator Cory Bernardi made a sales pitch for a conservative uprising on Thursday. In attendance were prominent and former Liberal right wingers David Flint, the Howard government communications mandarin and national monarchist campaigner, John Ruddick, a former presidential candidate who recently quit the party but famously maintains a mailing list of ten thousand of its members, Tony Abbott ally and ex-adviser, Walter Villatora and recently suspended commentator and ex-MP Ross Cameron. Cory Bernardi was in Sydney to woo Liberals to his new political party. Credit:Jessica Hromas The day after he applied to register a NSW branch of his new Australian Conservatives, Senator Bernardi made it clear he expects to compete with the Liberals not just for votes but defections. "NSW is our [party's] largest state," said Senator Bernardi, who resigned from the Liberals last year. "We're already at 40 per cent of the membership of the [NSW] Liberal party. The skeletal remains of what is believed to be missing man Matthew Leveson have been exhumed from a forested burial site, bringing a decade-long search to an end. Homicide detectives carried the remains, which were placed in two large cardboard boxes, out of bushland in the Royal National Park in Sydney's south on Thursday afternoon. The remains will be taken to the morgue in Glebe where forensic examinations will likely confirm what police and Mr Leveson's family suspect. Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin said the circumstances under which the bones were found made him believe they belonged to 20-year-old Mr Leveson. Image: www.freegovtjobsindia.co.in Guwahati, June 1 (IBNS): Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed their condolences on the demise of former of Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University professor Jamini Mohan Choudhury who passed away on Thursday. He was 97. Mourning the death, Sonowal said that a scholar per excellence, the death of professor Jamini Mohan Choudhury is an irreparable loss to the State who did immensely for the promotion of higher education in the State. Stating that professor Jamini Mohan Choudhurys role in bringing Gauhati University as an institution of repute, his absence would definitely be felt in every pursuit of the university. He also sympathised with members of the bereaved family. Media Adviser to the Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami also mourned the death of professor Jamini Mohan Choudhury. In a statement today, governor Purohit said that death of Jamini Mohan Choudhury is a loss to the academic circuit of the State who contributed a lot to the growth of Gauhati University and of course to the development of higher education in Assam. His contributions to academic uplift of the society will always be remembered by posterity. Governor Purohit prayed to the almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore has condemned Australia Post's sale of the Sydney GPO, declaring the Victorian-era "masterpiece" a 19th-century equal to the city's most famous building, the Opera House. Fairfax Media has revealed that Australia Post sold one of Sydney's most historic buildings, the GPO on Martin Place, to Singaporean billionaires Robert and Phillip Ng for $150 million in March in a secretive deal, despite concerns raised in a heritage report it commissioned last year and never made public. The deal is subject to final regulatory approval and Ms Moore has urged federal authorities to keep the GPO in public hands. "I'm deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the decision to sell off the GPO," she said. "This Victorian-era architectural and artistic masterpiece the equivalent of the Sydney Opera House in 19th-century Sydney is unquestionably one of the most important heritage properties in Australia. The Director of Public Prosecutions has lodged an appeal against the acquittal of Luke Lazarus, who was last month cleared of raping a teenage girl outside a Sydney nightclub. Mr Lazarus, 25, has faced two trials after he was charged with raping the 18-year-old in 2013 behind a Kings Cross club owned by his father. A jury found him guilty of the rape and he was sentenced to at least three years' jail in 2015. Mr Lazarus served 11 months of the sentence before he successfully appealed against the conviction. Weeks after apologising for falsely swearing to have lived in her electorate for a decade, a rookie MP has watered down her retraction and revived questions about her truthfulness with a third account of her ties to her electorate. MP Felicity Wilson told Liberal preselectors for the plum seat of North Shore she had lived in the electorate for 10 years since 2005 in a statutory declaration that was also her nomination form. But she apologised amid a media storm last month after Fairfax Media revealed electoral and Liberal party records put her at addresses outside the electorate in 2005 and at points across another five years with another three unaccounted for. A chastened Ms Wilson submitted a revised statutory declaration shortly before a by-election last month and said: "I should have been more careful with my words and I've made an apology for that." The court heard Mrs McCulkin worked hard to raise her children, with little financial support from her estranged husband Billy, and the girls would have welcomed a ride in O'Dempsey's flashy car, an orange Charger. The trio was then driven to bushland near Warwick and tied up. Based on a confession Dubois made to fellow gangster Peter Hall in 1974, it is believed O'Dempsey led the 34-year-old mother away from the children and strangled her. Dubois' trial in November 2016 heard O'Dempsey raped one of the girls, although he was not tried on that charge, and asked Dubois to rape the other. "Like a coward, you did what you were told," Justice Applegarth told Dubois. "It is hard to imagine a worse case of rape. "The girls must have known their mother had been killed. They must have known, as you did, that they were to be killed." Both men were convicted at separate trials of the sisters' murders but Justice Applegarth said it was O'Dempsey who had killed them and Dubois did not raise a finger in opposition. "You murdered a defenceless woman, you are a child killer - you are beyond redemption," he told O'Dempsey. "Even if you live to be 100, I expect you will die in jail." O'Dempsey broke his silence before the sentencing, stating to the court he was "completely innocent". "I have never had the slightest reason to harm the three McCulkins in any way, nor did my co-accused," O'Dempsey said. But Justice Applegarth found O'Dempsey's protest of innocence "completely unconvincing" and said it confirmed he had a "complete absence of remorse". "You were the principal offender in each brutal killing," Justice Applegarth said. Justice Applegarth also told Dubois he could not expect to be granted parole if he remained silent. "The only issue for Dubois is whether he spends the rest of his life as the coward he was on the night of 16 January, 1974," he said. TIMELINE OF THE MCCULKIN MURDERS 1973 Feb 23: Garry "Shorty" Dubois and three other men burn down the Torino, a Fortitude Valley nightclub. No one is harmed. Whisky A-Go-Go Brisbane. March 12, 1973. Credit:Fairfax Media Mar 8: The Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub burns down, killing 15 people. James Finch and John Stuart are arrested shortly after. Both convicted of the murder of one victim in October 1973. 1974 Jan 16: Billy McCulkin sees his estranged wife Barbara McCulkin on a bus heading towards the Valley. Neighbourhood friends Janet and Juneen Gayton see "Vince and Shorty" with Mrs McCulkin at the Highgate Hill house at 6.15pm as well as an orange Charger parked out the front. Dubois drives the Charger to Peter Hall's house in Chermside. He tells Hall and friend Keith Meredith he and O'Dempsey were at the McCulkins' "on the piss" and he was going back to have sex. Vicki and Leanne go to Juneen's 10th birthday party across the street. Leanne leaves about 8.30pm and Vicki about 10.15pm. Barbara McCulkin (right) and her daughters Vicky (left) and Leanne (centre). Jan 17: It's believed Barbara and her daughters were tied up and driven to bushland near Warwick where O'Dempsey strangled the mother. The girls were both raped and killed before O'Dempsey and Dubois buried the bodies. Jan 18: Billy visits the Highgate Hill home at 6pm and finds his family has vanished. He spends hours looking for them before filing a missing persons report with police. Jan 19: Janet Gayton tells Billy she saw "Vince and Shorty" at the McCulkin's house on the 16th. Billy confronts O'Dempsey and Dubois, they initially admit they were at the house but deny it shortly after. Jan 22: O'Dempsey sells his orange Charger and moves out of his Rosalie flat. Dubois also leaves town. In late January Dubois confesses to Peter Hall that O'Dempsey killed Mrs McCulkin and made him rape one of the girls. 1980 Feb: Coroner rules Dubois and O'Dempsey be committed to stand trial for the McCulkin murders. Dubois tells his brother Paul Dubois over the phone that O'Dempsey killed Barbara because she was blackmailing him and "the kids weren't meant to be there". 1981 May 5: Charges against O'Dempsey and Dubois dropped because of insufficient evidence. 1997 O'Dempsey tells friend Warren McDonald he killed the McCulkins but "they'll never get me because they'll never find the bodies". Vincent O'Dempsey. Credit:7 News Queensland 2010 Dubois tells neighbour Trevor McGrath police suspected his involvement in the McCulkin murders but he would be OK because "they'd never find the bodies". Mr McGrath reports the conversation to police in 2014. 2011 Billy McCulkin dies. O'Dempsey shows then-fiancee Kerri Scully true crime book Shotgun and Standover detailing the McCulkins' disappearance and states he was "good for it but they'll never get me for those murders". 2014 Jan 16: Family members appeal for witnesses or anyone with any information about the McCulkins' disappearance to come forward. The Crime and Misconduct Committee holds months of coercive hearings as part of the renewed investigation. Aug 5: Police search two rural properties near Warwick and offer $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Oct 18: Dubois and O'Dempsey charged with three counts of murder, two counts of rape and deprivation of liberty. 2016 Nov 7: Dubois stands trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to three counts of murder, two counts of rape and deprivation of liberty. Nov/Dec: O'Dempsey tells a fellow remand inmate that he "dealt with" Barbara McCulkin but denies killing the children. The inmate makes notes of their conversations over the next few months, including O'Dempsey's plans to "get at" key witnesses Mr McDonald and Ms Scully. Convicted murderer Garry Dubois. Credit:7 News Nov 28: Jury convicts Dubois of raping and murdering the girls and deprivation of liberty, and finds him guilty of Mrs McCulkin's manslaughter instead of murder. Dec: The two rape charges against O'Dempsey are dropped due to lack of evidence. 2017 May 2: O'Dempsey stands trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to three counts of murder and deprivation of liberty. May 26: Jury finds O'Dempsey guilty of all charges. Loading June 1: Justice Peter Applegarth sentences O'Dempsey and Dubois to life in prison and says he expects both men to die in jail. Vincent O'Dempsey and Garry Dubois have been sentenced to life in prison for killing Queensland mother Barbara McCulkin and her two daughters Vicki, 13, and Leanne, 11, in January 1974. O'Dempsey, 78, was last month convicted by a Brisbane Supreme Court jury of three counts of murder and Dubois, 70, was found guilty in November 2016 of the sisters' rape and murders and Mrs McCulkin's manslaughter. Justice Peter Applegarth said he expected both men to die in jail. EARLIER Pressure over the crippling impact of payment times on small businesses is growing, with the Greens set to introduce legislation enforcing prompt payments. On Friday, the Greens will announce the introduction of legislation requiring payment within 30 days to small businesses where a contract is entered into between a business with $10 million or less annual turnover and a big business of $25 million or more annual turnover, or a government agency. A prompt payment is one made within 30 days unless there is a specific 'unforced' agreement operating between the small business provider and the large business or government customer. Statutory penalties will apply at 30 days past the date on which goods or services were provided, or date on which the invoice was received, whichever is later, and further penalties will apply if the invoice remains unpaid. The first is what the researchers refer to as "rusty". This is the perception that recruiters view older workers as slow and unfit, a combination that leads many to believe they're at risk of injury. This was particularly a point of view held by those who were once employed in blue-collar industries. A study led by the University of Melbourne, due to be published next week, goes some way in explaining why that's the case, at least from the perspective of those who feel employers are discriminating against them. In a series of interviews based in Sydney, the Gold Coast and Melbourne, three ageism themes emerged. It's true that unemployment is higher among younger than older adults. But there's a trend among the latter that's especially disturbing. When unemployed, they stay there much longer. Approximately three quarters of mature-age job seekers are on income support for more than a year. One unemployed older worker referred to "aches and pains" and "joints [that] aren't the best" as reasons why future bosses might think twice. Quite a few made reference to their skills, which had been made obsolete by technological advances. And then there were those who did retrain in a different field but had their job applications knocked back because employers "don't want older people ... they want young, youthful people, good-looking people." That last comment also applies to the second theme, known as "invisible". It's linked to the tendency for young employees, by virtue of a seemingly vigorous appearance, to be eye-catching. One of the interviewees reminisced about times gone by when she was in her 20s and 30s, a time when how she looked was valued as much as her work experience and qualifications. But later in life, she says, "a woman becomes invisible because we're not as attractive, physically." Another spoke about the interview experience. Typically, on arrival, you see the manager's "face drop when you walk in the room." Another adds: "They take one look at my grey hair, and just completely dismiss you." So these unemployed older workers often try to disguise their age with hair dye, expensive accessories, stylish clothes, make-up all of which are clearly tactics used mostly by older women rather than men, and not just because it's socially acceptable for them to do so but predominantly because appearance-related ageism tends to be harshest among the female gender. The third theme is labelled "threatening". It has little to do with looking old but a lot to do with simply being old. The participants in the study felt they were discriminated against because of flawed perceptions that mature-age employees resist change, challenge authority, and are less adaptable. An Australian cybersecurity startup is gaining international attention but claims Australian big business and governments are reluctant to support home-grown talent. Chris Drake, the Noosa-based founder of authentication tool CryptoPhoto, is currently in Israel where his photo-matching solution won its category at the Tel Aviv University Innovation Challenge. Noosa-based entrepreneur Chris Drake founded authentication startup CryptoPhoto. Credit:LinkedIn Mr Drake is participating in Austrade's Landing Pad program, which provides market-ready Australian startups with access to networking and investment opportunities. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott called in at the Tel Aviv landing pad last week during a visit to receive his honorary doctorate. Small Sydney tech company Qnect is in damage control after its customer data was reportedly stolen and held for ransom. The attack comes just weeks after ransomware known as WannaCry disabled over 300,000 computers and essential services worldwide. The hackers, calling themselves RavenCrew, threatened to publish the data including credit card details and email addresses online unless Bitcoin were paid by the company, according to Business Insider. Customers reportedly received SMS messages on Tuesday urging them to contact Qnect and encourage them to pay the ransom. Police believe the mastermind of an alleged fraud ring involving fake charity stalls has a history of fraud stretching back to the 1980s, has up to 18 aliases and changed his name 10 times. Christopher Ellingburg, 49, of Harcourt, allegedly operated the stalls at supermarkets across Bendigo since April, 2015, using images of terminally ill children to raise an estimated $145,650 for his personal benefit. Suspected fraudster Christopher Ellingburg. Picture: DARREN HOWE Bendigo Advertiser Credit:Bendigo Advertiser He describes himself as the "pastor" of the Grace Christian Centre of Australia, which police allege is a fraudulent charitable organisation. The stalls carried the organisation's name. Mr Ellingburg appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtain financial advantage by deception, obtain property by deception and other charges. New Delhi, June 1 (IBNS): Reacting to the controversy which erupted over the Centre's notification to ban sale of cows and buffaloes in animal market, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday clarified that the notification issued on cattle trade has nothing to do with cow slaughter rules in states, media reports. While speaking about the burning issue of cattle trading, Jaitley said: "The notification has nothing to do with the state law. This only deals with who can buy cattle from farmer's market and who can't." "Article 48 of the Indian Constitution says certain category of animals have to be protected," he added, defending the Centre's notification. The Centre recently notified a Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 that said that the member secretary of an animal market committee will have to ensure that no one brings a young animal to the slaughterhouse. "The prime focus of the regulation is to protect the animals from cruelty and not to regulate the existing trade in cattle for slaughter houses. It is envisaged that welfare of cattle dealt in the market will be ensured and that only healthy animals are traded for agriculture purposes for the benefits of the farmers. The livestock markets are intended to become hubs for trade for animal for agriculture through this process and animal for slaughter will have to be bought from the farmers at the farms. The notified rules will remove the scope of illegal sale and smuggling of the cattle which is a major concern. The specific provisions apply only to animals which are bought and sold in the notified live stock markets and animals that are seized as case properties. These rules do not cover other areas," the central government said in a statement. The notification, however, raised controversies in different parts of the country, followed by protests in Chennai. According to a report from NDTV, a group of students of IIT Madras participated in a "beef festival" in the institution premises on Sunday night protesting what they said "BJP's imposition of communal agenda on the masses." The protesting students, belonging to the Progressive Students' Union of the IIT, also discussed the Central government's recent ban on sale of cattle for slaughter at cattle markets. Chief Ministers of both Kerala and West Bengal, Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee respectively, disapproved the order issued by the Centre and clearly stated that they won't approve the rules in their states. The Kerala CM was quoted saying: "Delhi, Nagpur can't decide what we eat." Banerjee on Monday, said: "This law is unconstitutional, undemocratic and against the federal structure. They have introduced the law in the month of Ramadan without taking the views of the state governments." "People from all religions are living happily here in Bengal. Centre can never decide what to eat and what not," she added. Apart from the criticisms, some leaders of Meghalaya state unit of BJP gave tough time to the national leadership by announcing a beef party to celebrate the third anniversary of Modi government in power at the Centre. The announcement of beef party came from the former West Garo Hills district president of the BJP, Bernad N Marak, who resigned on Thursday. A teenager could have survived what proved to be his fatal bashing in a Chinatown laneway if he had been taken to hospital immediately afterwards, but his friends were told not to, a court has heard. A number of people allegedly repeatedly punched, kicked and stomped on Jeremy Hu, 19, in La Trobe Place in central Melbourne on April 15, 2016 after a fight broke out between him and another teenager over Mr Hu's girlfriend. Longxiang 'Jeremy' Hu was fatally bashed in Chinatown in April last year. The Yarra Valley Grammar School student sat with his friends in an alcove of the laneway for about an hour before they took him to a hotel, the Melbourne Magistrates Court was told on Thursday. They did not take him to hospital until 7am the next day, about 10 hours after the blows to his head. The wheels have barely left the Melbourne Airport tarmac at 11.26pm on Wednesday when the passengers and crew on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH128 realise something is wrong. As the Kuala Lumpur-bound Airbus A330 gains altitude, 25-year-old Sri Lankan national Manodh Marks allegedly unbuckles his business class seat belt and reaches for the overhead lockers. With the seatbelt lights still alight, the surrounding passengers and cabin crew look on in puzzlement and then increasing alarm as Mr Marks reaches into a backpack and takes something out. Armed with what police would later say was not an explosive device, but some kind of speaker, Mr Marks then allegedly strides down the aisle towards the cockpit and demands to speak with the captain. In a historic first, a Catholic education body has apologised to sexual abuse victims who were harmed in its schools. Edmund Rice Education Australia, which governs schools previously under the control of Christian Brothers, met with victims and made the apology at an event in Canberra on Thursday. Victim and former St Patrick's College student Peter Blenkiron at the front of St Patrick's College in Ballarat. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer St Patrick's College headmaster John Crowley joined Ballarat sexual abuse survivors Andrew Collins and Peter Blenkiron on the trip to the nation's capital for the historic apology. Speaking at the event, Mr Crowley said the apology allowed all those involved with the Christian Brothers to "acknowledge openly and honestly the full extent of what has happened". A sales manager who stole $557,000-worth of computer parts from his employer and sold them privately because he felt he wasn't being rewarded for his hard work has been jailed for three years. On 723 occasions across 3 years, Xi Chen stole computer equipment and software from his employer, LDS International, and sold it either on eBay or for cash through his own company. Chen's crimes caused the company to collapse. Credit:Glenn Mulcaster He also altered LDS's online accounting system to mask his thefts. Chen sold enough equipment between 2012 and 2015 that he and his then partner could afford to buy the Mitcham home they were renting and invest in property in Blackburn and in Melbourne's CBD. Trump's press secretary Sean Spicer said some knew what Trump meant by covfefe Credit:Bloomberg Asked if she thinks about this when seeing and reading about Trump, Cirelli noted, "I cannot not think about this". Mark Bertolini, cheif executive of Aetna, a healthcare company, takes sleep so seriously the company pays employees up to $US300 ($400) a year if they regularly sleep at least seven hours a night as shown on their tracking devices. The trick is to make sure you get enough sleep, says Arianna Huffington. Trump's latest questionable tweet, about three days after he returned from a nine-day, overseas trip, was a sign Trump could be suffering from jet lag or may have even nodded off at the keyboard, Winter says. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told reporters on Air Force One on the way to Saudi Arabia that the President didn't get much sleep on the flight. In his speech in Riyadh, Trump departed from his prepared remarks, saying "Islamic extremism" instead of the more carefully crafted phrase "radical Islamist extremism". Early on Wednesday, Twitter night owls in the US and others around the world wondered what explained the lack of a follow up post until six hours later, when the typo-tweet was deleted and replaced by one making light of his misspelling. Some of Trump's most memorable tweets have been even later at night - or earlier in the morning, depending on one's schedule. It was 2.30am September 30 when he tweeted about a former Miss Universe contestant he knew who had started campaigning with his opponent, former secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He suggested his tens of millions of Twitter followers "check out sex tape and past" and asked rhetorically if Clinton had helped her become a citizen. At 3.40am on August 7 Trump said then-Fox News host @megynkelly "really bombed tonight". He can be more civil after sunrise (in the East). At 6.40am on February 15, the media was "going crazy with their conspiracy theories and blind hatred," Trump tweeted. Last week, the Chicago Tribune started an article about Trump's first foreign trip with: "He stifles yawns. His eyes narrow. And ultimately, when he garbles part of his speech, an aide explains that President Donald Trump is 'just an exhausted guy'." "Sleep evangelist" Arianna Huffington has been using Trump as her highest profile argument for a good night's sleep since her Colby College commencement speech last May. Well-known to be liberal, Huffington is an equal-opportunity sleep critic. She has compared Trump's erratic and occasionally questionable behaviour to that of former president Bill Clinton, who also boasted about how little sleep he got when he was president. "Mood swings, fogged memories, incomprehension of a comprehensible problem and the occasional re-tweeting of Mussolini," Huffington told Colby graduates, according to an article on CentralMaine.com. "These are all symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation, according to the American Academy of Sleep, except the re-tweeting Mussolini part - that's just pure Donald Trump." Huffington, author of The Sleep Revolution, is especially critical of Trump and others who brag about sleeping little and compares sleep deprivation to being drunk. "I've never smoked a cigarette in my life," Trump told Rolling Stone in 2011. "I've never had a drink, never had a joint, never had any drugs, never even had a cup of coffee." He did confess to liking a "little caffeine", noting that "Coke or Pepsi boosts you up a little". The habit continues. In April, the Associated Press reported Trump pushed a red button that presidents have long used and a White House butler brought Trump a Coke. Jet lag like 70-year-old Trump may be experiencing "is harder on older adults", Winter says. He personally slept three to four hours a night during his medical residency, but says that took a toll on his health as he was eating poorly and not exercising, which he says could also describe Trump. "It's not that you can't, it's that you don't want to be in that situation if you're taking a spleen out -- or [if you are] the leader of the free world," Winter says. Other possibilities Winter cited for Wednesday's tweet was "micronaps" which occur when people fall asleep for short periods of time but don't realise it or inattentiveness, seeing Trump's tweet wasn't finished or immediately followed up. In her new study, Cirelli says the mice were kept awake for about seven additional hours for five days with "novel objects to keep them interested. They stay awake playing. It's not too difficult". Loading Sleep researchers have used animals to demonstrate that the neurons in the brain can take five or ten minutes or as long as an hour to get to "full wake performance", she says. "I have learned that certainly applies to me. I never send any email for at least two hours after I wake up because sometimes I make huge mistakes. That's my rule." The suicide truck bomb hit the outside of the highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul, killing scores of people. Credit:AP Kabul's vulnerability to such an attack spoke volumes to the frustrations of stabilising the country despite 15 years of US-led military intervention to thwart the Taliban, coupled with hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign aid to a population that for the most part has only known war. Security has steadily worsened since 2014 and the end of the main NATO combat mission, which at its peak involved more than 100,000 US troops and tens of thousands more from alliance partners like Australia and Britain. The current international force in Afghanistan numbers about 13,000 - about 8400 of them are American - mostly tasked with training and advising the Afghan forces. An injured man is seen after Wednesday's explosion explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan. Credit:AP The Trump administration and military commanders are debating whether to send as many as 5000 more troops to stem the government's losses. Although the main Taliban spokesman claimed the group had nothing to do with the Kabul bomb, the Afghan intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, blamed the Haqqani wing of the organisation. Over the years, the Haqqanis have made an industry of large-scale attacks on the capital, and the militant cell has become integrated in the central leadership of the Taliban. Wounded men lie in Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. Credit:AP Deputy Interior Minister General Murad Ali Murad, saidthe death toll was sure to rise as at least 463 had been wounded. Still, the general said the attacker had actually failed to get all the way to his most likely target, the Green Zone which houses the headquarters of the coalition forces as well as several foreign embassies. Security cameras showed the truck stopped by police officers who guarded the entrance to the street of the German and Indian embassies, as well as compounds for the coalition forces. The explosion on Wednesday caused extensive carnage and damage. Credit:AP But for an explosion that shattered windows within a mile, a few steps off target made little difference. For more than two hours, smoke rose from the blast site, a nice-metre crater centered on a vast circle of destruction. The German Embassy, where officials said employees had retreated deeper into the compound after an earlier warning of a threat against them, was extensively damaged, with dozens of windows blown in. "There was a big tremble, and then we heard a massive explosion," Ramin Sangar, a cameraman at a television channel near the bombing site, said as he was loaded into an ambulance. "All the windows are broken. Our studios collapsed." As security forces established a wide cordon and ambulances whizzed between hospitals and the street, dozens of people gathered on each side of the cordon, inching closer in hopes of hearing any good news about their missing. There was a heavy security presence, including forces from the U.S.-led coalition, and helicopters circled overhead. Emotions were running high, as the Afghan security forces and emergency medical workers, too, were working while fasting. Intelligence officers closely checked the paperwork of emergency workers, fearing that they might have been infiltrated by militants planning a follow-up attack. At one point, after a senior police official tried to pass the cordon with a large entourage of guards, a scuffle broke out, and the police officers and intelligence officers faced off with their weapons ready. But the situation was quickly defused. For the residents, much of the search for their loved ones shifted to the hospitals, and crowds began to grow around the city's treatment centres. More than 300 people anxiously waited outside the Emergency Hospital, one of the main trauma centres in the city. Some were weeping and wailing, while others were trying to look up names of loved ones on the lists that employees handed out. Inside the hospital, where the windows had also been shattered by the force of the blast, doctors were attending to dozens of wounded. Outside Wazir Akbar Khan hospital, the main government hospital, a white-bearded man in his 60s named Azizullah searched for news of his 22-year-old son, Abdullah, who worked at a telecommunications company near the site of the blast. "I searched all hospitals. He is nowhere," said Azizullah, who would crouch and then get up to pace. "Abdullah has two children, a wife and an old mother. What will I tell them?" In a televised address as the city was preparing to go to sleep, Ghani was resolute, calling for unity in the face of attackers who he said were receiving help from outside intelligence forces - frequent shorthand here for Pakistan's military intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, which has long maintained ties with the Haqqani network. This year that have already been massacres at a fortified army hospital and an even more fortified army base, another district fell to the Taliban as stretched security forces collapsed. The sheer force of the blast Wednesday was staggering, although it was not unprecedented. In 2015, a similar truck bombing in the Shah Shaheed neighborhood of the city also caused hundreds of casualties and left a strip of shops levelled and houses damaged in a wide radius. Other large truck bombings have targeted the offices of an elite force that provides security to senior government officials, as well as a compound for Western contractors. Most of the victims appeared to be civilians on their way to work during the morning rush hour. Among those killed were a BBC driver, Mohammed Nazir, and an information technology worker for the Afghan television channel ToloNews, Aziz Navin. Lotfullah Najafizada, the director of ToloNews, described a painful search for his colleague's remains. He and his co-workers examined seven mostly unrecognisable bodies at the military hospital before heading over to the civilian side, where the 44th body had just arrived. Washington: A political feud erupted on Wednesday over the US House Intelligence Committee's probe of suspected Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, with charges that the panel's Republican chairman subpoenaed the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency without telling Democratic members. Committee aides complained that the chairman, Representative Devin Nunes, who publicly recused himself from leading the Russia probe in April following a secret visit he paid to White House officials, failed to consult Democrats on the subpoenas. The subpoenas asked the spy agencies to provide details of any requests made by two top Obama administration aides and the former CIA director to "unmask" names of Trump campaign advisers inadvertently picked up in top-secret foreign communications intercepts, congressional sources said. The former officials named in the subpoenas were Obama national security adviser Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power and former CIA Director John Brennan. The Constitutional Committee cordially invites the entire Community of Saint Eustatius to a communal event to discuss the content of ARTICLE 73 of the Charter of the United Nations. Wherein, the inalienable rights of the People and Territory of Saint Eustatius as a 'Non Self Governing Peoples' were established in 1946, and thereafter, acknowledged and insulated by the General Assembly from any abuse by The Netherlands. Keynote Speaker for the 'Rally' is MR Denicio Brison. MR Brison will present his thesis 'Ultra Vires' outlining the manner in which the Kingdom Charter was incorporated in 1954 between The Netherlands, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. His findings were also shared with the Islands' Representatives and Community's of the former Antilles. And as such, we felt the need for the People of Saint Eustatius to also acquire this knowledge which would greatly benefit the entire Community of Saint Eustatius in this transitional period. There will also be presentations by the Island's Representatives and the NGO's from Saint Eustatius and Bonaire. After which the possibility exists for the Community to interact with the aforementioned 'Panel'. To guarantee full participation, the grounds of the 'Lions Den' will be dedicated to the 'Children' from 2:00 PM. Food and beverages are available to all participants. In earnest, we ask to share the notice above with Family and Friends and encourage them all to take part in this event. To gather the pertinent information direct from the 'Panelists', and do look forward to your participation. Sincerely, F Schmidt Mumbai, Jun 1 (IBNS): Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, when asked about the recent controversy that crept up in the social media regarding actress Priyanka Chopra's dress and exposure of her legs during a meet with PM Modi, refused to make any comment on Wednesday, media reports. While asked to react, Bachchan said: "I am neither PM, nor Priyanka Chopra. How can I answer then?" Chopra, who was on a promotional tour to Berlin for her recently released Hollywood film Baywatch, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was also present in Germany at that time. The Indian origin actor uploaded a picture with PM on both Facebook and Instagram, where she was seen to wear a knee-length white attire and sat crossing her legs. Several Facebook users reacted to the picture who found her dress "indecent" and opined that she should not have shown her legs to the PM. One female user was seen to attack the Quantico actress for her dressing sense and said: "I am totally surprised and unhappy about the dressing part of MS Chopra. She would have maintained her dress code with a purely Indian attire.. Saree.. this surely proves that MS Chopra is far away from manners and proper dress sense!!!!!!" The comment was immediately countered by another user who came out to support Chopra and said: "She's wearing clothes like that because a classy man like him doesn't focus on a woman's legs...of course unlike some of you perverts ! Kapdo seh aage badho and change your orthodox mentality. We are living in the 21st century and that dress is pretty decent at a time like this." The comments kept on flooding in the social networking site till the actress herself gave a befitting reply to all her attackers by posting a picture with her mother, where both were seen to flaunt their toned legs. In a picture posted with her mother, the desi girl commented, "Legs for days.... #itsthegenes with @madhuchopra nights out in #Berlin #beingbaywatch." Bachchan was present at the music launch of a single Phir Se, sung by Amruta Fadnavis, who happens to be the wife of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, where he was asked to react on the controversy. Chopra, a known face on American television for her role in the Quantico series, has kept her feet into Hollywood films with Baywatch. Apart from Chopra, several other actresses like Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani were also the victims of body shaming and received objectionable comments on social networking site for their dresses. Padukone once reacted to a picture carried by one media house where they highlighted her cleavage and said that she has cleavage because of her gender. Recently on Twitter, actress Disha Patani was attacked by one of her followers, for wearing a "revealing" attire. Like Padukone, Patani too reacted to the user's comment and said: "...It's easier to judge a woman on the basis of how much they cover up their skin, but it's hard to accept your own cheap mentality where you can't stop staring at those inappropriate areas which you are asking her to cover!...." Image: Instagram and Facebook. PHILIPSBURG:--- The eight competitors, head of the dance department Peggy Oulerich and Co-Director of NIA Clara Reyes traveled to France on Wednesday to compete in the Confederation National de Danse competition which featured some 4000 dance artist from around the world. Team NIA returned triumphantly on Sunday, May 28th with Gold and Silver Medals as a testament to their hard work The venue, Le Capitol en Champagne a 12,000 square meter performance space was awash with dancers in several categories, ages and disciplines of dance from Ballet to Outre style. Team NIA who arrived the day before competing, remained steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, delivered their best despite having to battle jet lag and train rides. The days started at 7:30 am and ended at midnight as the individual dance artist were scheduled throughout the long day to compete at different times and on separate performance stages. After an eventful and packed day, the dancers emerged victorious medaling as follows in choreographies from Peggy Oulerich and Clara Reyes First Place; Gold Medal Lian Borsje Second Place; Silver Medal Zoe van Zadelhoff A duet from Naomi Warsop and Jeremiah David delivered second place and they were awarded Silver medal. 2nd place and Silver Medal went to a Duet performed by Zaquel Phipps and Ray Angel Simon. Team Silver Medal went to a group dance featuring Faith Peterson, Kiara Vanterpool, Ray Angel Simon and Naomi Warsop. We are excited to know that our collective hard work paid off. And we are proud our students and their dedication to their craft This competition was especially poignant as this was the farewell performance competition for two of NIA stellar artists Lian Borsje and Zoe van Zadelhoff, both having been accepted to Dance Schools in the Netherlands and will be leaving this summer. Nia is exceedingly grateful to the NIA parents who worked tirelessly to help in the fundraising effort and of the community of sponsors whos support made this trip possible Simpson Bay:--- Customer Service Mobile Academy, CSMA opened its doors on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, with their immersed, highly anticipated partnership with the Holland House. CSMA is a new, affiliate company that falls under the auspices of Training Professionals International Firm, (TPI) the leading training and development firm that has been a trailblazer in providing accredited training and professional development services to some of the biggest companies on the island and throughout the Caribbean. On September 4 8, 2017 CSMA and the Holland House will provide diverse service industry professionals from an array of business sectors with a long-awaited opportunity. The two organizations will launch The First Annual St. Maarten Customer Service Week, hosted by and held at the Holland House. The Conference will offer attendees over 20 opportunities to receive accredited training certifications in Customer Service Excellence. The Conference Theme is, Raising The Bar in Caribbean Customer Service Excellence. The event will kick off with an evening reception on September 4 and conclude on Friday with a themed special dinner, both events will be open to the public. Dr. Gittens, President & CEO of CSMA stated in a recent press release. Customer Service Week will not exclude any business or organization on the island and surrounding islands. We are inviting everyone to attend and will offer four topics per day, starting at 9 am -6 pm. Our target audiences are employees from diverse service industries, not just Hospitality. We are confident that taxi drivers, bus drivers, salon personnel, airport employees, nail salons, hospital employees, SZV, TELEM, GEBE, Port employees, restaurant servers, bartenders, bakery staff, retail store personnel, car dealership personnel, insurance companies and tour industry staff will attend and many others. Customer Service Excellence and raising the bar in St. Maarten and the Caribbean is a high priority CSMA. Our team recognized that there was a need for a company that focused specifically on Customer Service and TPI rose to the occasion by launching the Customer Service Mobile Academy, Where we bring customer service excellence to the front door of organizations conveniently and utilizing a mobile philosophy. As a country, we must be innovative in our thinking and think of ways to educate our people nontraditionally. If organizations aspire to reach a level of excellence, CSMA gets the details, incorporates their mission and vision and deliver the training at their location throughout the Caribbean. CSMA plans on launching Customer Service Weeks throughout the Caribbean as the official leader in Customer Service Excellence. Jessie Powell, Food & Beverage Manager of the Host Hotel and Customer Service Week partner stated: Holland House is proud to be at the Helm of such an outstanding initiative proposed to us by Dr. Gittens, President, and CEO of CSMA. She has illustrated to us that her genuine concern for the island is real and we have jumped on board to utilize her expertise and that of her team, to raise the bar for our valued employees and encourage other hospitality and organizations to follow suit. For information on how to enroll for Customer Service Week, go to Academycsma.com and download the registration packet. Or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 526-2050. Cole Bay:--- From the 3rd until the 11th of June there will be an entire week dedicated to sharks at the Nature Foundation in St. Maarten. Sharks are the most misunderstood species on the planet as they are repeatedly displayed as villains and being dangerous; however, they are actually the victims of humans poaching, finning, overfishing and coastal development activities. Worldwide over 100 million sharks are killed per year; as a result, half of all shark species are threatened or endangered. It is important that we work together to ensure the survival of our shark populations, therefore the Nature Foundation is trying to bring this awareness to the public by organizing Shark Week. During this event, different activities will be organized to show the importance of sharks for our reefs, ocean, island and tourism. Sharks, as top predators, play a crucial role in maintaining balance and health within our aquatic ecosystem. Besides, they are important for tourism; many scuba divers love to see sharks, which makes a shark worth much more alive than dead. People often think that sharks eat people. This is a misunderstanding, we are not on the menu for sharks and sharks do not eat people. Occasionally shark bites do happen, however, no unprovoked attack has been ever recorded on St. Maarten. It is more likely that you get killed by a coconut falling on your head than by a shark, commented Melanie Meijer Zu-Schlochtern, Project Manager for the Nature Foundation Save our Sharks Program. St. Maarten Shark Week will start on Saturday the 3rd of June with a day of kids activities (3-6pm) and a party in the evening (8pm) at Buccaneers Beach Bar. The Foundation will organize shark related kids activities such as a shark game, movies, coloring, goodies, selfie challenge and shark face painting. People can learn all the facts about sharks, learn to recognize different shark species and why sharks are not frightening or dangerous. During the party the Foundation will also release the latest updates about the exciting shark tagging research being done on St Maarten. Tickets will be sold to a raffle to win great prices, such as a day of shark tagging, scuba diving, flow boarding, dinner and many more. Dutch celebrity and Save our Sharks ambassador Jorgen Raymann will be the special guest at the event. The Nature Foundation will be visiting primary schools during the week, bringing shark awareness to our youth. Participants can also go Scuba Diving with one of the St Maarten Dive Schools to count our friendly sharks and participate in the Kingdom Shark Count! This activity is for certified scuba divers and is organized on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of June. By participating you will contribute to the Foundations shark sighting research to monitor shark abundance in St. Maarten waters! You can register by Scuba Fun, Dive Safaris, Dive Adventures or Ocean Explorers Dive school for this event. St Maarten Shark week is part of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Save our Shark project funded by the Dutch National Postcode Lottery. US Coast Guard finds a Dinghy in the surf near Morro Bay along the Central Coast The dinghy was reported to have oars and a gas can inside, and is around 10 feet in length. The Coast Guard responded to an unmanned and adrift dinghy near the coast of Montana de Oro State Park on Monday. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center received a report at approximately 3:30 p.m, of the unmanned dinghy. Due to the Memorial Day holiday, Defense sources could not be reached for comment. But we wondered if North Korean operatives used the dinghy to infiltrate California, the most populous US State. DPRK Special Forces have used Zodiacs (the commercial name for such a rubber raft), to infiltrate South Korea in the past. Memorial Day would present a perfect opportunity with so many US military personnel on leave. The Zodiac could have been launched from a submarine that surfaced before dawn, launched the craft, then quietly resubmerged. President Donald Trump has indicated that he considers North Korea and its development of nuclear missile technology, to be the biggest threat to the US. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un apparently regards the United States, and the potential of a US invasion, as the biggest threat to his regime, which in turn causes the DPRK to develop advanced nuclear weapons. The Chinese have noted the tensions are at an historic high on the Korean Peninsula. A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Morro Bay and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Forward Operating Base Point Mugu conducted several search patterns in the area looking for any possible missing persons. The dinghy was reported to have oars and a gas can inside, and is around 10 feet in length. USCG Detail of the propellor "Incidents have occurred where several agencies and assets are responding to adrift or unsecured personal watercraft, and these accidents can impede response and search capabilities to mariners in need of actual assistance," said the Coast Guard in a press release, which did not specify North Korea as the suspected source of the abandoned dinghy. "Due to these incidents the Coast Guard advises mariners to exercise caution when inclement weather is forecasted and to ensure personal vessels are properly secured at all times. Anyone with information that may help locate the owners of the dinghy are asked to contact the Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center at (310) 521-3801," continued the Coast Guard's Los Angeles area command. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has a forward-thinking space program While the United States increasingly puts science on the back burner, the United Arab Emirates is forging ahead with an ambitious program meant to increase knowledge and economic opportunities for its citizens. Their long-term goal is to put men on Mars by 2117. No Arab state has ever launched a spacecraft, but UAE intends to launch its first space probe in 2021 to celebrate the country's golden jubilee. That probe, named Al Amal (Hope), will mark the beginning of UAE's plan to become a significant player in space exploration. Saeed al Gergawi, program director of Mars 2117, spoke at this year's Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, D. C. "We believe that we are on the cusp of a new age for exploration, a new space race that affects literally every human on earth," he said. Early images from UAE indicate plans for construction of an extensive infrastructure. Al Gergawi hopes the project will get people, and particularly young people, excited about science and interplanetary exploration. Last year, UAE made several significant moves forward in commitment toward its space effort. At the January 2016 Global Art Forum, they conducted a panel discussion on their future in space, and the significance of having Arab countries enter into the 21at century Space Race. In June 2016, UAE signed an outer space cooperative agreement with NASA. NASA reported that the agreement is "to cooperate in aeronautics research, and the exploration and use of airspace and outer space for peaceful purposes, working together in the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of humanity." NASA administrator Charles Bolden met with UAE Space Agency Chairman Khalifa Al Romaithi to discuss the possibility of putting men on Mars, and what that act would mean to the world. "The United Arab Emirates and the United States of America are long-standing allies and have deep economic, cultural and diplomatic ties," said Al Romaithi. "We at the UAE Space Agency genuinely welcome the opportunity to collaborate and work with the USA and NASA in the fields of aeronautics, space science, and the peaceful exploration of outer space toward the common goal of fostering the well-being of humankind." Al Romaithi noted the financial, scientific, and humanitarian benefits that could come from international collaboration. "We believe that working alongside international partners is the best way to accelerate the development of space technologies and the space sector within the UAE," he said, adding "The space sector serves as catalysts for economic development and diversification, creating job opportunities and enabling scientists and engineers to become leaders of an industry that can bring huge benefits to our daily lives." Claim: Plastic soda bottles left in unsuspecting residents' yards may be Drano bottle bombs. Rating: About this rating True Advertisment: "Bottle bombs" (also commonly known as "Drano bombs" or "works bombs") are not a new phenomenon; they've been a favorite of youthful pranksters for decades, as their construction requires only a few ordinary, commonly available components: plastic soda bottles, aluminum foil, and Drano (or other brand of household drain or toilet cleaner): Good morning to you all. I want to make you aware of a recent incident that occurred this morning in York Twp. This type of incident directly affects your safety as well as your children's safety. This morning, at approximately 8:00 am, I was dispatched to an address, on Bemis Rd near the Saline City Limits, for an unexploded pop bottle bomb. When I arrived, I noticed a 20 ounce pop bottle, on the ground, in the callers front yard. After I inspected it closer, I determined that it was in fact a "Works" Bomb. I was able to clear the device away from the house and once I moved it, it detonated itself within 30 seconds. After leaving that house, I checked other yards in the area during my patrols. I located a second one, just a few doors down from the first one. As I took care of the disposal/detonation, the homeowner came out and asked me what it was. When I showed her what it was, she immediately told me that she saw the bottle and that she had planned on picking it up when she got her morning paper. Like the first one, once I moved it, it detonated in short order. There was a high probability that this would have detonated in her hand/face while she carried it to the trash. A "Works" Bomb is Drain-o and Tin Foil, mixed together inside of a bottle. The chemical reaction between the Drain-o and the Tin Foil makes a volatile build up of gases and subsequently detonates the bottle with a great amount of force. Once the detonation occurs, the chemical substance that is in the bottle is actually boiling liquid. The amount of force that is generated at the time of the explosion is enough to severe fingers and also deliver 2nd and 3rd degree chemical burns to the victim. The chemicals can possibly cause blindness and the toxic fumes can be harmful. **SAFETY**SAFETY**SAFETY***..........When you are out and about in your yards, please be mindful of these devices. If your picking up your morning paper, or mowing your grass, or if you let your children out to play; whatever your activities are, please use the following precautions. 1) If you find a soda bottle or any other bottles, examine it carefully before you touch it or get near it. If it shows signs of swelling, or melting in any way, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Call 911 and let us respond to take care of it. 2) If you find a soda bottle that has any liquid in it, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Call 911 and let us respond to check it / dispose of it. Both bombs this morning appeared to be slightly swollen, with a dark colored liquid, inside of it. This liquid could have easily been mistaken for left over soda. I know that calling 911 for a soda bottle may sound silly or like a misuse of your Police protection but trust me, it is not. You do not want one of these devices detonating in your hand or your children's hands or in your pets face. We are here to incur the danger for you so that you are and your loved ones are not harmed. So please check your yard thoroughly before letting your children out to play and be mindful before you just deem that soda bottle as garbage and pick it up. In closing, please educate your children on the dangers and consequences of making these devices. It has become popular with the youth in the past few years, to do this as a prank, but there have been some changes to the law. Not only could it be deadly to the maker or the victim, but making one these devices is called, "Possession of a Substance with Explosive Capabilities". If it causes no damage, its a 15 year Felony. If it causes damage, its a 20 year Felony. If it causes physical injury, its a 25 year Felony. If it causes serious injury, the penalty can be "Up to life", and if it causes death, its Mandatory Life without the possibility of Parole. These are statutory guidelines only. These penalties are what could be imposed but it does not necessarily mean that these penalties would be imposed. In general, one need simply push some aluminum foil balls into a plastic bottle, add some Drano, and screw the cap tightly onto the bottle to create a Drano bottle bomb. The combination of the hydrogen chloride or sodium hydroxide in the fluid and the aluminum foil creates a strong chemical reaction which releases hydrogen gas; when that gas builds up to sufficient pressure, it ruptures the side of the plastic bottle, releasing the contents in an explosive burst: https://youtu.be/PRQpXMq46XA Although the force of pressure-based bottle bombs may seem small when compared to other types of explosives (such as gunpowder-based ones), any form of explosive has the potential to cause serious injury, and since bottle bombs have no conventional fuse they can be dangerously unpredictable, exploding earlier or later than their wielders expect. (Aluminum foil is typically coated with a layer of wax, so it can take up to ten minutes or so for the fluid to strip away the wax and react with the aluminum foil, enhancing the chances that a soon-to-explode bottle bomb may be picked up by an unwary passer-by.) Additionally, the caustic cleaning agents used in bottle bombs can cause severe burns when they come into contact with skin (either through spillage in the construction of the bombs or through being sprayed widely in the resulting explosions) and produce toxic fumes. The above-quoted e-mail warning about neighborhood residents discovering undetonated bottle bombs in their yards was sent out by Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputy Keith Mansell in April 2010 after he discovered two Drano bombs left in the yards of residents of York Township, Michigan. For the most part, those who concoct bottle bombs mix the ingredients, immediately set their work aside, and stand back to watch it explode within a minute or two. However, there are ways of delaying the mixture and/or reaction of the ingredients so as to cause a delayed detonation, so those who discover objects that appear to be bottle bombs should refrain from handling them and contact authorities for removal. At about the same time as Deputy Mansell's warning hit the Internet, the town of Methuen, Massachusetts, experienced a rash of similar plastic-bottle bomb placements, including two that blew apart mailboxes: A rash of homemade plastic-bottle bombs used to blow up mailboxes has prompted arson investigators and the state police fire marshal's office to offer up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone responsible for making and setting off the incendiary devices. [Methuen police arson investigator Matt] Bistany said [a plastic bottle a resident discovered sticking out the front of her mailbox] is at least the third device of its kind found in the neighborhood in the last few weeks, although in the two other cases, the bombs actually succeeded in blowing apart the mailboxes. Barry said the bombs, made up of typical household chemicals poured into plastic bottles and then sealed shut with the cap, can be very powerful. "We take these very seriously," he said. "Kids have lost their fingers and had their faces injured from these things. It's very serious." Some more cases of bottle bomb discoveries include one such item found on an Oregon elementary school playground on 18 February 2013: A chemical-based bottle bomb, mixed inside a Gatorade container, was discovered on the playground of Periwinkle Elementary School, and the Oregon State Police responded to destroy the device, according to Albany Police Department reports. A caller reported the Drano bottle bomb, which was under the covered play structure, to 911. The OSP bomb squad arrived, detonated the bottle and seized it as evidence. The bottle has been sent to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab for testing. A woman residing in Wichita, Kansas, called police on 16 February 2013 after someone detonated bottle bombs nearby: A 24-year-old woman called police after hearing several explosions [outside]. She also reported seeing three teenage males wearing dark clothing fleeing from her house. When officers arrived on the scene, they found the remnants of chemical bombs in melted two-liter pop bottles. The bomb squad was then called, according to Wichita police Sgt. Bart Brunscheen, to dispose of the contents. "This is a serious crime and anybody near it could be injured," he said. Also in February 2013, police in Beavercreek, Ohio, warned residents about a recent rash of Drano bottle bomb incidents in the community: Claim: Twenty-two missionaries (or missionary families) are about to be executed in Afghanistan. Rating: About this rating False Advertisment: Editor's note: A new variant of this prayer request circulating in the wake of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 claims that 229 Christian missionaries have been sentenced to death in that country. Appeals for prayers on behalf of 22 Christian missionary families about to be executed in Afghanistan have circulated periodically since early 2009, originally both as an e-mail forward and as a text message sent to cell phones: Please pray for 22 missionary families that are to be executed by islamists in afganistan. forward this as fast as you can so that many will pray. Pls pray 4 22 Christian Missionary families to be executed by Islamists in Afghanistan. Pls forward this msg 2 others as fast as u can so that many will pray. These messages are apparently unfounded: The same message has been making the rounds since February 2009, yet we never turned up any information from news reports or human rights groups documenting that 22 missionaries and their families were being held captive, or were (about to be) executed, in Afghanistan. That is not to say that mission work in Afghanistan is without peril. On 19 July 2007, 23 church workers from South Korea were taken hostage by the Taliban. Two of their number were executed (shot to death and abandoned by the roadside), with the remaining 21 eventually released after the South Korean government reportedly paid $20 million for their freedom. The Koreans had apparently been incautious, traveling unescorted by bus through an area of Afghanistan frequently singled out by the Taliban and highway robbers. Shaw Provides Dividend Rate Notice for Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate Class 2 Preferred Shares, Series B CALGARY, ALBERTA (Marketwired) 05/31/17 Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A) (Shaw) announced today that it has given the registered shareholders of its Cumulative Redeemable Floating Rate Class 2 Preferred Shares, Series B (the Series B Shares) notice of dividend rates. Effective June 30, 2017, the Floating Quarterly Dividend for the Series B Shares was set for the fifth Quarterly Floating Rate Period (being the period from and including June 30, 2017 to, but excluding, September 30, 2017) at 2.529%. The Floating Quarterly Dividend Rate will be reset every quarter. The Series B Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SJR.PR.B. For more information on the terms of, and risks associated with an investment in, the Series B Shares, see Shaws prospectus supplement dated May 20, 2011 which is available on sedar.com About Shaw Communications Inc. 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 Verto Analytics Triples US-Based Customer Count Amid High Demand for Consumer-Centric Measurement SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Marketwired) 06/01/17 Verto Analytics (), the worlds first consumer-centric measurement company, today announced strong customer growth and increased market momentum in the key markets of the US and UK. New customers include leading media properties, technology companies and agencies such as CNN, Kargo, Mobile Posse, among others. Due to high demand in the industry for single-source, cross-device audience measurement, the number of customers for Verto Analytics syndicated measurement services has increased by over 200 percent from April 2016 to April 2017. Because Verto Analytics measurement services are based on a single-source approach, using a methodology built from the ground up, Verto Analytics customers can track the cross-device consumers as they move across screens. Organizations are rapidly adopting Verto Analytics approach to measurement because they can see a holistic day in the life view of the consumer and understand multitasking behavior across digital services, explore new in-app metrics, and benefit from other in-depth analytics. Cross-device and multi-tasking consumers have created measurement challenges for brands and publishers that want to capture the individuals attention and understand where they are spending time. Siloed measurement approaches that report PC use separately from mobile arent meeting the needs of the industry, so our goal is to give organizations insights into how and where consumers are spending their time, said Hannu Verkasalo, CEO of Verto Analytics. Our ability to eliminate these blind spots and go beyond behavior to illustrate a day in the life view of that consumer gives our customers actionable data and stories, not just data points. Mobile Posse works with the biggest carriers and telecommunication companies. In driving new growth it is extremely powerful when we validate our industry-leading results with independent deep cross-device and mobile media metrics. Verto Analytics next-generation audience measurement service gives us deep and detailed device and media metrics that help us drive growth of our First Screen solutions in a very strategic manner, said Gregory Wester, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development at Mobile Posse Inc. Over the past six months, Verto Analytics has continued to push the envelope in product innovation and development of new metrics for measuring consumer behavior. In January, Verto Analytics Smart Poll, a unique product that combines survey research and passive cross-device metering. For the first time, brands, retailers and app publishers can compare what consumers do with what they say, helping them understanding when, why and how their audience engages with certain products and services. Companies can use the insights gained from Smart to deliver more effective campaigns to drive engagement, conversion and retention. In February, Verto Analytics that found that multitasking is on the rise among mobile consumers. Verto Analytics also found that hub apps apps that consumers rely on to conduct multiple activities and engage with services and content, much like Chinas WeChat are also emerging in the U.S. market. Based on these findings, Verto Analytics developed a new metric return rate to quantify and rank hub apps based on the rate at which consumers use them to multitask. App publishers can use the return rate metric to maximize advertising, partnership and monetization opportunities. Other notable highlights since the beginning of the year include: Received top honors from the Finnish Venture Capital Association, who Verto Analytics as one of the top three growth companies based in Finland in 2016. Hired Tero Lindberg as Head of Technology Operations. Tero has held previous senior technology roles at Arbitron, Kiosked and Nielsen. He joins Verto Analytics Finnish Center of Excellence in managing and supporting Verto Analytics larger customers across the globe. Expanded its global footprint by opening offices in Berlin and Frankfurt, joining existing offices in New York City, Helsinki, San Francisco and London. Verto Analytics research has been cited in publications such as , , , , , , and . Verto Analytics single-source measurement methodology is based on behavioral data gathered from a panel of opt-in consumers that own and use multiple devices. Verto Analytics measures from the point of consumer interaction across all platforms, media, content and devices. To learn more about Verto Analytics, visit the or the research team. Verto Analytics provides a consumer-centric audience measurement solution for monitoring the complex behavior of todays consumer on every device, app and platform they use throughout the day. Verto provides data and insights to inform marketing, competitive intelligence, media buying, and product strategy and development. Backed by EQT Ventures, Conor Venture Partners and Open Ocean Capital, Verto is a privately held global company with offices in New York City, San Francisco, London and Helsinki, Finland. Read our , follow us on , or learn more at . All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. SignalFx Successfully Completes SOC 2 Type 2 Report SAN MATEO, CA (Marketwired) 06/01/17 SignalFx, the leader in monitoring & operational intelligence for the cloud, today announced the availability of its Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 2 report. The document highlights the procedures and operating effectiveness of controls SignalFx has put in place relating to security and availability, process integrity, and privacy both of which are based on the companys deep expertise as a Software as a Service (SaaS) provider to enterprise organizations. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) established the SOC guidelines to provide an authoritative benchmark for service organizations to demonstrate implementation of proper control procedures and practices related to security and availability. This Type 2 report, produced by independent auditor Schellman & Company, details the testing of the security and availability controls used in production at SignalFx. This type of independent validation should be a critical criteria for any organization considering an enterprise deployment of a SaaS solution. Successfully completing the SOC 2 Type 2 examination demonstrates SignalFxs ongoing commitment to maintain a high level of security and availability across our service both critical requirements for our enterprise clients, said Phillip Liu, CTO and co-founder of SignalFx. This is a crucial milestone in our continued pledge that our customers can trust us with data, and helps to ensure our service is available to those who rely upon it to manage their cloud applications. This milestone is the latest in a series of announcements made by SignalFx in recent months, as the company increases its value to enterprises undergoing digital transformation. In May, SignalFx issued , featuring new alerting capabilities that empower cloud operations teams to better monitor and manage cloud infrastructure, containers, and applications. More information regarding this report is available on the . About SignalFx is a leader in monitoring & operational intelligence for the cloud. By collecting and monitoring metrics across every component in the cloud, SignalFx maximizes the productivity of cloud operations teams and ensures organizations deliver upon the business promise of digital transformation. The service is optimized for todays container and microservice based architectures, provides powerful and proactive alerting that use machine learning algorithms to dynamically adapt to changing cloud application environments, and is ready for enterprise deployment at scale. SignalFx is used by Fortune 500 enterprises across financial services, apparel, industrials, telecommunications, media, and by web-scale players like Yelp, HubSpot, Acquia, and Kayak. SignalFx is backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Charles River Ventures. Paul Ross SignalFx Jessica Jaffe Sift Communications for SignalFx (415) 497-9474 Image: www.hdwallpapersz.in Mumbai, June 1 (IBNS): In a recent interview during the promotions of her Hollywood project, Priyanka Chopra expressed her thoughts on the legendary Rapper and Hip a Hop artist Tupac Shakur. Known for his rags to riches story and a controversial death at the age of 25, Tupac still holds the position as one of the greatest rappers of all time by many publications. Many celebrities including Eminem, Mike Tyson, Ed Sheeran, etc have talked about Tupacs greatness. When our very own Desi girl was asked a few questions about Tupac in an interview, she stated that Hail Mary is her all-time favourite song by the artist. The journalist then asked her if she could ask Tupac one question what would it be. To which she responded saying that she would get down on one knee and ask him the most important question, Will you marry me? It is great to see our Indian celebrities having such fandom for Tupac Shakur. EDA pioneer Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli joins UltraSoC advisory board CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, 1 June 2017: UltraSoC, the leading developer of on-chip monitoring and analytics IP, today announced that Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, a founding-father and driving force in both commercial and technological developments in the electronics design industry, has joined the companys Strategic Advisory Board. Sangiovanni-Vincentelli brings significant experience of direct relevance to UltraSoC given its target customers and vertical market applications. In the commercial world, he was a co-founder of both industry leaders in Electronic Design Automation (EDA): Cadence Design Systems in 1983 and Synopsys in 1986. He remains on the Board of Directors at Cadence and on its Governance and Strategy Committees, in addition to having held advisor roles at companies ranging from Intel and ST microelectronics to General Motors. In academia, Professor Sangiovanni-Vincentelli has been with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley since 1976, where he currently holds the Edgar L. and Harold H. Buttner Chair of Electrical Engineering. He received the Kaufman Award for pioneering contributions to EDA and the IEEE/RSE Maxwell Medal for ground-breaking contributions that have had an exceptional impact on the development of electronics and electrical engineering or related fields. He is the author of over 880 papers, 17 books and three patents in the areas of design tools and methodologies, large scale systems, embedded systems, hybrid systems, energy efficient buildings and innovation. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, of the ACM and a Member of the National Academy of Engineering. UltraSoCs technology has a significant role to play in a broad range of electronic systems being developed now, commented Sangiovanni-Vincentelli. There are many advantages to embedding its technologies, and the potential system-wide gains of designing hardware with UltraSoC are important. The industry faces enormous challenges: security, safety and systemic complexity are just a few of these. The concept of analytics and intelligence that can be embedded in the fabric of any system is a game-changer: one that will help the industry rise to those challenges. Rupert Baines, UltraSoC CEO, commented: We are honored to welcome Alberto to our advisory board. We look forward to tapping into his experience, his technological and commercial achievements and his pre-eminence in the development of EDA. I am confident UltraSoC will benefit greatly from his wisdom and his involvement. Sangiovanni-Vincentelli joins a team of distinguished technology business leaders on the UltraSoC Advisory Board: Simon Davidmann, Vijay Dube, Guillaume dEyssautier and Professor David May. UltraSoC last week announced a successful 5M funding round and a line-up of new investors. Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli is a member of the Investment Committee at Atlante Tech, UltraSoCs lead investor in the round. UltraSoCs flagship product line is a suite of semiconductor IP that allows chip designers to integrate an intelligent analytics infrastructure into the core hardware of their devices. By monitoring and analyzing the real-world behavior of entire systems via UltraSoCs intelligent analytics embedded in the silicon, engineers can take action to reduce system power consumption, increase performance, protect against malicious intrusions, and ensure product safety. These capabilities address applications in a broad range of market sectors, from automotive and IoT products, to at-scale computing and communications infrastructure. Several new faces will take office for Macomb in state House of Representatives What does a 'Strengthen Our Schools' win mean for Penn-Harris-Madison? One of three candidates backed by a conservative-leaning group has flipped a seat on the Penn-Harris-Madison school board. Here's what we know. New York, June 1(Just Earth News): The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday elected by acclamation Foreign Minister Miroslav LajcAk of Slovakia as President of its upcoming 72nd session. Following his election at UN Headquarters in New York, Lajcak outlined as the six priorities for his tenure: people; peace and prevention; migration; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action; and human rights, which would guide his work as an overarching principle. I do believe we can do more to bring the UN closer to the world's citizen and make a real difference in their lives, he began. With a focus on quality, he pledged not to launch any initiative that would result in additional burden, particularly for smaller States. I would rather create a streamlined agenda organized in clusters. Indeed, it is a common goal to create a stronger United Nations able to meet the multitude of expectations placed upon it, he underscored. To that end, I will facilitate a constructive, informed and open interaction among Member States and with the Secretary-General. Lajcak called for greater trust between the UN and its Members, stressing that he would do his utmost to support progress on the United Nations reform agenda, which is vital to improve the efficiency and role of the General Assembly, as well as reform the Security Council into a twenty-first-century body. Immediately after leaving the General Assembly Hall, Lajcak spoke to the press. I've always believed strongly in multilateralism, with the United Nations at the very centre of it, and I want to use my mandate, when I take over from the current president, to strengthen the role of the United Nations. We live in difficult times, and therefore I believe we need the UN more than ever, and we need a strong and efficient United Nations, he said. Turning to peace and prevention, LajAak explained: As a professional diplomat, I really believe that we should invest more in preventing conflict, and thus saving human lives and also saving money. There is one important event that is already mandated for April next year, which we want to use to strengthen the importance of sustaining peace and preventing conflict. Migration is another priority, he continued. We have to deliver on the migration compact, so this will be one of the most urgent issues during the 72nd Session. The next one is to stay focused and keep the speed and attention when it comes to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and also climate change. The Assembly President-elect then added that the next priority is human rights respect for basic rights and dignity of every human being. And this is an overarching principle that must be reflected in everything we do. Congratulations abound In his remarks to the General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered his warm congratulations, saying: Foreign Minister Lajcak has always demonstrated an impressive command of all aspects of UN action and a strong commitment to the principles that govern our work. The UN chief highlighted Lajcak strong commitment to the implementation of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate change, adding that his enthusiastic leadership in relation to the Oceans Conference represent a legacy that will never be forgotten in the United Nations. Guterres also lauded current President, Peter Thomson, saying: You have guided this Assembly outstandingly well during the transition from one Secretary-General to the next and you have fully supported my efforts to sharpen our focus on prevention, achieve reform, and better serve the peoples of the world. For his part, General Assembly President Thomson offered congratulations, highlighting that his successor brings a dedicated work ethic, an unwavering commitment to multilateralism, and a wealth of experience to the role, skills, he added that will serve him, and the United Nations, well over the coming session. Thomson commented that he had been struck by Lajcak commitment to forging a United Nations fit for the 21st Century, an Organization that serves the people, one that is based on ethics and transparency, and one that promotes human rights and the rule of law. Finally, he expressed his confidence that under Minister Lajcak leadership, the United Nations will be strongly positioned to advance our global efforts to sustain peace; promote human rights; and stay the course on implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Having served as a three-term Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, along with the UN and European Union in a number of senior conflict prevention, resolution, and mediation role, Lajcak will assume the Presidency on 12 September. Made up of all the 193 Member States of the UN, the General Assembly provides a forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the UN Charter. It meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required. UN Photo/Kim Haughton Source: www.justearthnews.com Manila, Jun 1 (IBNS): A government authorised air strike gunned down at least 10 soldiers and injured eight others in Philippines, reports said. The incident took place on Wednesday in the war hit Marawi region of the Lanao del Sur province. The country's defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed remorse while breaking the news. "Yesterday we had a tragedy that involved our troops. A group of our military, Army men were hit by our own airstrike. We lost men, 10 killed and 8 wounded," the defence secretary was quoted as saying. The airstrike was authorised in an attempt to capture a top militant leader. Following an attack by an Islamic rebel group, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has declared a martial law on Mindanao island where the city of Marawi is located. image: PhilippineArmy2028/Facebook Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Showers and thunderstorms. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 72F. Winds E at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 68F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. The largest of all of the planets in the solar system, Jupiter shines brightly in the sky despite its distance. Venus is the only planet constantly brighter than the gas giant, though at times Mars will give it a run for its money. Part of this has to do with its size and composition, but the planet grows brighter and dimmer depending on its distance from Earth. How far is Jupiter from Earth? Because both planets travel in an elliptical path around the sun, Jupiter's distance from Earth is constantly changing. When the two planets are at their closest point, the distance to Jupiter is only 365 million miles (588 million kilometers). From its closest point, Jupiter shines so brightly that even Venus dims in comparison. At its farthest, the gas giant lies 601 million miles (968 million km) away. Jupiter takes 11.86 Earth-years to complete one orbit of the sun. As Earth travels around the sun, it catches up with Jupiter once every 398.9 days, causing the gas giant to appear to travel backwards in the night sky. This retrograde motion caused a number of problems to the original, sun-centric (or "Copernican") models of the solar system, whose perfect circles did not account for the apparent loop Jupiter and other planets made. It was not until Johannes Kepler determined that planets traveled in elliptical paths rather than circular ones that the problem was clarified. How far is Jupiter from the sun? The elliptical paths mean that the planets do not remain at a constant distance from the sun. At its closest, or perihelion, Jupiter lies 460 million miles (741 million km) from the star; at its farthest, or aphelion, it is 508 million miles (817 million km) away. On average, the distance to Jupiter is 484 million miles (778 million km). When two bodies orbit one another, the system has its own center of mass, which generally lies closer to the more massive object. This is the point around which both bodies rotate. Thus, although we say that planets revolve around the sun, both the sun and the planets actually revolve around the center of mass point. This means that the planets have a center of mass not only with the sun but also with each other; however, the massive sun dominates the center of mass point between, say, Earth and Mercury. In the solar system, the center of mass for most sun-planet systems (sun-Earth, sun-Venus, etc.) lies inside of our enormous star. But because Jupiter is so massive, the center of mass within the sun-Jupiter system actually lies outside of the diameter of the sun. It is the only planet whose center of mass is not located with the solar boundaries. As Jupiter orbits the sun, the giant world actually tugs on its star. Viewing similar wobbles in other stars allowed scientists to spot some of the first exoplanets. How long does it take to reach Jupiter? The time it takes a spacecraft to reach the giant planet depends on a number of things. The path of a craft often varies, as it slingshots off of planets, moons, and even the sun to gain acceleration while using less fuel. The Galileo spacecraft launched in October 1989. It took just over six years to reach the gas giant, arriving in December 1995. But the craft took a very circuitous route, traveling a distance of 2.5 billion miles. It traveled around Venus, Earth, and the asteroid Gaspra to reach Jupiter. Voyager 1, on the other hand, took only two years to reach the gas giant. Launched on September 5, 1977, Voyager 1 made its closest approach on March 5, 1979. This was because the Voyager mission was designed to take advantage of an ideal layout of the outer planets. The New Horizons mission took a more direct path after its January 19, 2006, launch. On February 28, 2007, it performed a flyby of Jupiter on its way to Pluto and other dwarf planets. The travel time to Jupiter was just over 13 months. Juno, which launched on August 5, 2011, took five years to travel to the gas giant, arriving on July 4, 2016. The European Space Agency plans to launch its JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission to Jupiter in June 2022. JUICE will rely on gravity assists from Venus and Earth to make the 7.6-year cruise to the giant planet. NASA plans to launch the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's moon Europa in the mid-2020s. Launching with the new Space Launch System, scheduled for its first launch in 2018, could cut the travel time from eight years to three. "This is one of those rare cases where time really is money," then-associate administer of NASA's Science Mission Directorate John Grunsfeld told members of Congress in July 2015. The time it took each mission to travel to the gas giant varied, and depended not only on technological leaps in propulsion systems, but also in how the planets lined up with one another. SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk said today (May 31) that he'll resign from the White House advisory councils on which he currently serves if President Donald Trump pulls the United States out of the Paris climate pact. "Don't know which way [the] Paris [pact decision] will go, but I've done all I can to advise directly to POTUS, through others in WH & via councils, that we remain," Musk said on Twitter today. When asked by another Twitter user what he'll do if the United States does indeed withdraw from the deal a decision that Trump is reportedly set to announce soon Musk tweeted, "Will have no choice but to depart councils in that case." (You can get the latest climate news from Live Science, Space.com's sister site.) See more Musk serves on Trump's manufacturing jobs council, his infrastructure council, and his strategic and policy forum, according to CNBC. The Paris Agreement is an international pact designed to help slow global warming and mitigate the worst effects of climate change around the world. The accord, which involves nearly 200 countries, took years to negotiate. Trump has voiced skepticism about climate change and the need to combat it, at one point calling human-caused global warming a hoax invented by China to undermine U.S. manufacturing prowess. But Musk, like the vast majority of climate scientists, regards climate change as a serious problem that humanity should deal with sooner rather than later. The billionaire entrepreneur has publicly stated his desire to help transition the world from polluting fossil fuels to renewable energy an effort exemplified by two of his other companies, solar-power firm SolarCity and electric-car maker Tesla. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. A new study may help reveal the nature of dark energy, the mysterious substance that is pushing the universe to expand outward. Dark energy may emerge from fluctuations in the nothingness of empty space, a new hypothesis suggests. That idea, in turn, could also explain why the cosmological constant, a mathematical constant that Albert Einstein conjured up yet famously called "the biggest blunder of his life," takes the value it does. [8 Ways You Can See Einstein's Theory of Relativity in Real Life] The new study proposed that the expansion is driven by fluctuations in the energy carried by the vacuum, or regions of space devoid of matter. The fluctuations create pressure that forces space itself to expand, making matter and energy less dense as the universe ages, said study co-author Qingdi Wang, a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. Accelerating universe Scientists call the force that pushes the universe to expand a cosmological constant (though it isn't a "force" in the strict sense). This constant is the energy density of space itself. If it is greater than zero, then Einstein's equations of relativity, which describe the structure of space-time, imply an expanding universe. In the late 1990s, measurements of distant supernovas showed that the universe was accelerating, not just expanding. Cosmologists call the energy that drives that acceleration dark energy. Whatever dark energy is, it dissipates more slowly than matter or dark matter, and doesn't clump together the way either of them do under the influence of gravity. This acceleration has been a big quandary for physicists, because it contradicts the predictions of quantum field theories, the theoretical frameworks that describe the interactions of the tiniest subatomic particles. Quantum field theories predict vacuum energies that are so large that the universe shouldn't exist at all, said Lucas Lombriser, postdoctoral fellow at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, in Scotland, who was not involved in the new study. This discrepancy is called the "old" cosmological constant problem, and physicists generally thought that once new physics was discovered, the cosmological constant would disappear; expansion would be explained in some other way. However, when scientists discovered the accelerated expansion, a new problem arose. According to theoretical calculations, the cosmological constant should be 50 to 120 orders of magnitude larger than it is, with a correspondingly large rate of expansion, Lombriser said. Essentially, the energy density of the universe (how much energy there is per unit volume) should be gigantic, and it clearly isn't. Fluctuations in empty space The new work addresses not only what dark energy is but why the rate of universal expansion has the value it does. "Everybody wants to know what dark energy is," Wang told Live Science. "I reconsidered this question more carefully," from the perspective of the universe's energy density. Wang and his colleagues assumed that modern quantum field theory was correct about the energy density being very large, but that the vacuum fluctuations, or the movements of empty space, were very large on tiny scales, near what is called the Planck length, or 1.62 10 ^ minus 35 meters. That's so small that a proton is 100 million trillion times bigger. "Every point in space is going through expansion and contraction," he said. "But it looks smooth just like a table looks smooth from far away." The vacuum fluctuations, in Wang's formulation, are like children on a swing pumping their legs. Even though nobody is pushing them, they manage to impart extra energy on the swing, making the swing go up higher than it would otherwise. This phenomenon is called parametric resonance, which basically means that some piece of the system the expansion and contraction, or the swinging of the child's legs changes with time. In this case, the density of a very tiny portion of the universe is changing, Wang said. Since the fluctuations are little bits of the universe expanding and contracting, this tiny resonance adds up on cosmological scales, he said. So the universe expands. (Expansion and contraction of space doesn't violate conservation laws, because space itself is doing the expanding). As a result of Wang's approach, there's no need for any new fields, as in some dark energy models. Instead the expansion of the universe is roughly the same as that already predicted by quantum field theory. Observations needed While Wang's idea is a good one, that doesn't mean it's the end of the story, Lombriser said. The question is whether observations of the universe bear the theory out, he said. "So far, they can argue that the vacuum contribution is in the right ballpark for what is being observed (which, if it holds up, is already a huge success)," Lombriser said in an email. "They have not yet made an accurate prediction for the exact observed value, but this is something they intend to further investigate in their future work." Other physicists are more skeptical. "On these high-energy scales, classical general relativity doesn't work any longer, but that's what they use. So, their approximation is interesting, but it's not well-justified, because in this limit, one should be using quantum gravity (a theory which we don't have)," Sabine Hossenfelder, a research fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies in Germany, told Live Science via email. "This paper is simply a first step in the process," said study co-author William Unruh, a physicist at UBC. "But I think the path is worth pursuing, as our results are suggestive." The study is published in the May 15 issue of the journal Physical Review D. Originally published on Live Science. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon spacecraft onboard, is seen shortly after being raised vertical at Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Thursday, June 1, 2017. SpaceX aims to launch a reused Dragon spacecraft for the first time Saturday (June 3), and you can watch the momentous mission live. Seated atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Dragon is slated to lift off from the historic Pad 39-A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:07p.m. EDT (2107 GMT), beginning its three-day journey to deliver cargo to the International Space Station. The launch was originally scheduled to occur Thursday (June 1), but lightning scrubbed that attempt. Watch the Dragon blast off followed by another upright rocket booster landing live here at Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX. The live webcast begins at 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT). You can also watch live coverage on NASA TV or via the SpaceX website. The last time this particular vessel flew to space was with the CRS-4 cargo mission in 2014. That mission was one of the 12 that SpaceX has agreed to fly for NASA, to deliver supplies and science experiments to the International Space Station. Thursday's flight, titled CRS-11, will be the 11th, carrying about 6,000 lbs. (2,700 kilograms) of cargo. [6 Fun Facts About SpaceX] After they undock from the space station, Dragon spacecraft have always returned to Earth by splashing down in the ocean. But never before has one of these capsules been retrieved, refurbished and reflown. SpaceXs robotic Dragon capsule is seen docked to the International Space Station shortly after arriving on Sept. 23, 2014. This same Dragon is poised to launch to the orbiting lab again on June 1, 2017. (Image credit: NASA) A look inside the SpaceX Dragon capsule and its Falcon 9 rocket. (Image credit: Karl Tate/SPACE.com) In another historic first, SpaceX launched and landed a used Falcon 9 rocket in March. With Thursday's flight, the private spaceflight company aims to move one giant leap closer to full reusability of its launch vehicles a lofty goal, but one that would help the spaceflight industry to spare the cost of continuing to build non-reusable rockets in the future. Once SpaceX has demonstrated the reusability of both its first-stage rocket booster and the Dragon capsule, the next big step is to make the second-stage rocket booster and payload fairing reusable as well, Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of flight reliability at SpaceX, said during a news conference on Wednesday (May 31). The second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket ignites after the first stage separates and returns to Earth, while the payload fairing protects the Dragon capsule from burning up in the atmosphere. [Reusable Rocket Launch Systems: How They Work (Infographic)] "I'm not sure how long it will take until we refly [payload] fairings, but I would expect us to take some time, similar to the first stage," Koenigsmann added. After the CRS-11 first stage separates, it will return to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for what will be SpaceX's fifth rocket landing on land. SpaceX has also landed six Falcon 9 rocket boosters on drone ships, having recovered a total of 10 boosters so far. Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The Boeing Company is calling the intercept test of a ground-based missile defense program that took place on Tuesday (May 30) an overwhelming success, according to company representatives who spoke during a media teleconference yesterday (May 31). Boeing is the prime contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which is designed to detect a missile in flight and use an interceptor vehicle to collide with the missile and destroy it before the missile strikes its target. For the test, a "threat representative" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched from Kwajalein Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. The GMD system detected the missile and launched an "interceptor" from Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB) in California, which then collided with and successfully destroyed the missile. This was the first-ever test of an ICBM interceptor against a "threat-representative, ICBM-class" prop missile, according to Chris Raymond, vice president and general manager for Boeing's Strategic Missile and Intelligence Systems unit. [The Most Destructive Space Weapons Concepts] North Korea has been developing an ICBM, which has placed the U.S. and other nations on alert. The Boeing representatives did not mention North Korea specifically, but Raymond referenced the importance of the GMD system when considering the "threats that we read about every day in the news." The GMD system "is America's only active defense against the threat of long-range ballistic missiles," Raymond said. "[Tuesday's] flight test was crucially important on a geopolitical scale." A interceptor for the Department of Defense Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system heads toward a mock missile during a test on May 30, 2018. (Image credit: DOD Missile Defense Agency) A complicated endeavor Tuesday's test was the first intercept test of the GMD system in three years. During that time, Boeing has been working on "reliability and performance enhancements across the [GMD] program," said Norm Tew, Boeing's GMD vice president and program director. The interceptors use an Orbital Boost Vehicle provided by the private spaceflight company Orbital ATK to launch from underground silos at Vandenberg Air Force Base or the Fort Greely U.S. army launch site in Alaska. The interceptor destroys the missile through "only the force of collision," Tew said. This process takes place "over thousands of miles" and between two objects traveling at "thousands of miles per hour." The precision required to make those two fast-moving objects collide has been compared to "hitting a bullet with a bullet," he said, but, in fact, the missiles are traveling 25 times faster than a "high-speed rifle bullet." "Accomplishing the critical task of defending the entire United States homeland against ICBMs is a complex and daunting task," Tew said. "GMD accomplishes this with assets spanning 15 different time zones on the Earth, as well as in space. It utilizes numerous radars; sensors; command and control facilities; space and terrestrial communications; and interceptors." The Boeing representatives said all primary and secondary mission objectives were accomplished during Tuesday's test. The Department of Defense plans to increase its interceptor inventory from 36 to 44 by the end of 2017, according to Boeing. "I think it goes without saying that our nation, and indeed the entire world, was watching [Tuesday]," Tew said of the test. "The [GMD] system performed flawlessly. The flight test [Tuesday] was indeed a monumentally important flight test." Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement The essence of his argument is that he doesn't want people to believe that this is just a political attack on Trump and that he wants to bring Republicans along. "If Bernie Sanders says something, people say, 'Well, you don't like Donald Trump.'" That, he adds, is why it's a good thing that former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been appointed as special counsel. "You have somebody who a lot of people respect," says Sanders. In his opinion, would the Democrats be making a mistake by focusing solely on Russia? If everything is about Russia, says Sanders, many people will say: "Hey, all of that is interesting, but you know what? I can't afford health care. I don't have a job. My kid can't afford to go to college. Why don't you pay attention to our needs?" "I think we have got to do both, and I am doing my best not to simply get involved in the Trump controversies, but to stay focused on his disastrous budget, their disastrous health-care plan, and more importantly, bring forth a progressive agenda, which can excite working people and young people all over this country," Sanders says. Trump is 'Fraud and a Liar' He goes on to talk about Trump's budget draft, which he says "provides trillions in tax breaks for the top 1 percent, while making massive cutbacks in programs for the elderly, the children, the sick and the poor." He wants to fight Trump on his health-care plan, which, according to calculations by the Congressional Budget Office, would result in 23 million people losing their health insurance by 2026. In many respects, his agenda sounds like a call for a European social welfare state, which has never before existed in theUnited States . It would include things like universal health care and a free college education. Bernie Sanders is quite familiar with a portion of Trump's voters. Many of them were also drawn to him last year, especially blue-collar voters in the Midwest, some of which ended up voting for Trump instead of Hillary Clinton after he promised them that he was going to "renegotiate" free trade agreements and rebuild American industry. When Sanders met people who couldn't decide between Trump and himself, he told them that Trump is a "fraud and a liar" and that he would not keep his promises, "which, of course, turned out to be true." Sanders also says it is a myth that Trump's voters will never abandon Trump, no matter what he does. But he believes his voters are sensitive to the fact that "this guy came in and everybody is picking on him." Sanders himself was never a member of the Democratic Party. He calls himself a socialist, a part of the political spectrum that has long been shunned in the United States. When asked how the Democrats lost the blue-collar vote to a billionaire, he has plenty to say. This is, after all, his main issue. "Over the years, the Democratic Party became a party which was heavily influenced by big money interests," he says. That explains why many blue-collar voters in the country said: "Well, Democrats talk a good game, but in reality, they are also on the side of the wealthy and powerful." When all that came together, says Sanders, many people thought: "We don't really like Trump, but we'll give him a shot." The Democrats, he says, were particularly short-sighted on one issue. "Under Obama, the economy improved, absolutely." Notwithstanding that, "there are pockets all over this country -- in the Midwest, in the South, where workers were actually worse off at the end of Obama's eight years than when he came in." Then he says bluntly: "Democrats did not pay attention to that reality. Trump did." But even though Sanders still isn't a member of the party, he has changed the Democrats through his candidacy and he believes they should take a page from his own movement. His book, "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In," came out in German this week. It is a testament of sorts to his unexpectedly successful presidential campaign. Large sections of it are devoted to his political vision, but it is also a kind of autobiography. He describes growing up in Brooklyn as a child of Jewish parents. His father's family, which came from Poland, had been murdered by the Nazis and the memory of the war and of the Holocaust, he writes, shaped developments in his own life. He describes how he began his career in the state of Vermont, where he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. Congress, then was elected mayor of Burlington thanks to a rainbow coalition of environmentalists and trade unionists. Finally, a lifelong political outsider, he found himself at the center of an anti-establishment movement last year. Is it true that he didn't even know the word "millennial," the designation for the young generation he had inspired so much? "That's true," says Sanders. And how did he manage to inspire it so much? "That is a good question, and you know what? I still don't know the answer. I honestly don't." He says that he has just read a book about Hillary Clinton called "Shattered," a relentless inside view of her election campaign. Sanders says he was surprised to read "that you needed three speechwriters to tell you why you're running for president. I don't need somebody to tell me why. If I didn't know why I was running in the first place ... You know, you've got to know what you stand for." The book describes how many people were involved in Clinton's first speech, and that until the very end, her campaign was still pondering the question of why exactly she wanted to be president. "That's pretty incredible. So, we knew from day one." He wrote his first speech himself, he says, with some editing help. Is he ruling out running for president again in 2020? "What I always say when I'm asked this question is that it is premature and that it is a question that the media focuses on too much." He must go, he says, with a friendly handshake. He's back on TV a short time later. This time, talking about the "grotesque, immoral budget," and healthcare reform. He seems upstanding, serious and angry. "Germany must continue applying pressure to ensure that disputes with alliance partners aren't carried out bilaterally, but are addressed in the NATO Council," says Roderich Kiesewetter, the foreign policy spokesman for Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. In the Konya dispute, a solution appears to be emerging. If Ankara agrees that all flights to the base be declared NATO flights, trips by German parliamentarians to Konya would not have to be individually approved by the Turkish government, Gabriel suggested in a conversation with Stoltenberg. All the alliance would have to do is inform Ankara in such instances. Behind closed doors in Brussels, the Turkish government has signaled it may consent. On the Incirlik issue, however, there have not been any steps toward reconciliation. Merkel had a 20-minute conversation with Erdogan in which she criticized the detainment of journalists and the refusal to allow members of the Bundestag to visit Incirlik. Erdogan, in turn, complained about the decision to provide asylum in Germany to Turkish officers who fled the country fearing arrest. In a hastily convened briefing held for members of the Bundestag last Friday night, high-ranking officials from the Foreign and Defense Ministries said they wanted to continue talks with Ankara. Only if no progress was made would the government vote in two weeks on whether to withdraw from Incirlik. Internally, though, officials at the ministries, and at Merkel's Chancellery, have little hope that a solution will be found with Erdogan. A 'Degraded' NATO The dispute over the German plane crews isn't the only point of contention between Erdogan and NATO. The military purges he conducted in the wake of the failed coup have also had conseqences for NATO. At least 150 of 300 Turkish officers have been forced out of their posts at NATO's official headquarters in Brussels and at its allied command headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Military attaches in embassies in European capitals from Riga to Brussels have also been purged. Internal documents from the Turkish General Command indicate that more than 270 mostly high-ranking Turkish officers have been purged by Erdogan. Even if most of the posts have since been refilled, the new officers often have a lot of catching up to do. NATO diplomats have complained that they lack foreign-language skills and Curtis Scarparotti, NATO's supreme commander, has complained openly that the purge of the Turkish military has left NATO "degraded." The problem has been exacerbated by the fact that many Turkish soldiers are deployed in sensitive areas of NATO, like the planning of airspace surveillance along the border to Russia or the top-secret defense plans of numerous NATO member states. Many alliance members are now wondering whether the new envoys from Ankara are as reliable as the old ones. Drifting Partner Concerns that NATO's eastern-most alliance partner might be drifting away are considerable, but Stoltenberg has thus far had little more to offer than simple appeals, as Austria recently experienced firsthand. The country is not a member of NATO, but it works together with other countries that are part of the alliance. Austria, for example, is one of the biggest suppliers of troop suppliers to NATO's KFOR mission in Kosovo. Five-hundred Austrian soldiers are stationed there. But as one of the first European governments to call for EU accession talks with Turkey to be cut off in the wake of human rights violations following the putsch attempt, the Austrians are now feeling Erdogan's wrath through NATO. For months, the Turks have been successfully blocking a decision on whether the alliance should continue working with Austria in the Balkans. "If the alliance must choose between Austria and Turkey," one Austrian diplomat says, "it will clearly decide in favor of Turkey." He's familiar with Stoltenberg's doctrine that "Turkey is a key country for the security of Europe." In other words, Erdogan would likely have to openly question NATO's own statutes before the alliance demanded that he fall back in line. Some European politicians had hoped that the Turkish president would adopt a more moderate political course following the April 16 constitutional referendum, but he has instead been even more imperious. His government ordered the arrest of a German translator and announced it would break off EU accession talks if Brussels doesn't adhere to the agreed-to roadmap. Does Erdogan View Europe as Enemy Power? Early on in his tenure, Erdogan pushed for reconciliation with Europe largely for tactical reasons. He hoped the Europeans could help him in his power struggle with the Turkish military. These days, though, he views the EU more as an enemy. He's insulted by the criticism coming out of Berlin, Paris and Brussels over his authoritarian governing style. And he considers Germany's decision to grant asylum to Turkish soldiers as proof that Europe secretly supported the coup attempt against him. People close to Erdogan have drawn parallels to Egypt, where the West kept is silence when the military toppled President Mohammed Mursi in 2013. Erdogan fears he could suffer the same fate. And he believes his best interests are served when he takes a hard line against Europe. Thus far, Chancellor Merkel has reacted to Ankara's muscle-flexing in the same way she has dealt with macho politicians in the past -- with demonstrative equanimity. She still thinks dialogue may be enough to get Erdogan to compromise. But what if he isn't interested in compromise? For Erdogan, the dispute with the West is a demonstration of power more than anything else. He's convinced the Europeans are reliant on Turkey and would never risk a permanent rupture. That may in part explain why opposition politicians in Turkey are increasingly pushing for the Europeans to take a firmer stance. They argue that Erdogan is only likely to back off when he sees that his behavior has consequences, says Sezgin Tanrikulu, a Turkish-German member of the Bundestag with the center-left Social Democratic Party. If, for example, Europeans stop investing in Turkey. "That's the only language Erdogan understands." In Germany, too, pressure is growing for the government to deal more firmly with the Turkish leader. After Turkey rejected her trip, Bundestag Vice President Roth, said she expects the German government to stop "zigzagging" and to provide "a clear response." The Green Party's defense spokesperson in parliament, Agnieszka Brugger, added that "after all the provocations" by Turkey, the German government has allowed itself to become a laughing stock. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD One of Connecticuts leading investors wants to make a record-breaking return to managing others money. Steven Cohen, whose Stamford-based SAC Capital Advisors reigned as one of the top-performing hedge funds until it shut down in the wake of 2013 insider-trading violations, is reportedly aiming to raise $20 billion for a new hedge fund as soon as next year when he can resume managing outside assets. The Wall Street Journal first reported the potential venture. A $20 billion fund would represent the largest-ever U.S. hedge fund launch, according to data from industry publisher Absolute Return cited by the Journal. Its size would surpass the $16 billion that SAC reportedly managed at its peak. A number of finance experts said they think Cohen could reach his goal, but doing so could mean eschewing some of the investing hallmarks of the SAC era and preparing to rejoin an industry transformed by adversity in recent years. Im not at all surprised that he is looking to raise outside money when he comes off this probationary period, said Rosalind Looby, a visiting assistant professor of finance at Fairfield University and a former hedge fund portfolio manager. Hes probably looking at the success of many people who worked for him and have been quite successful with capital raising and producing decent returns in a challenging world for hedge funds. His fundraising will be an interesting litmus test for the industry. Officials at Point72 Asset Management, the Stamford-based family office that manages Cohens personal fortune and assets of other employees, declined to comment on Cohens plans. After the federal government levied $1.8 billion in penalties linked to SACs guilty plea to the insider-trading charges, SAC was converted into Point72 in 2014. Cohen was not charged with wrongdoing, but a 2016 settlement reached with the Securities and Exchange Commission barred him from supervising third-party funds until 2018. Certain moves made by Cohen in the past two years have hinted at a desire to resume managing others funds. Reports emerged in the spring of 2016 of Cohen launching Stamford Harbor Capital a fund that he would own but not supervise that could accept outside investors. Key questions Cohens holdings under management have been estimated at about $11 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Those existing funds could put Cohen more than halfway toward meeting his $20 billion goal for the new hedge fund. As long as Steve Cohen can perform, I think a lot of people would be interested in investing with him because of his past performance history, said Namho Kang, an assistant professor of finance in the University of Connecticuts business school. Cohen would have to allay investors concerns about the insider-trading scandal, but experts said he could do so by pointing to robust oversight at Point72. Adopting new strategies such as a quantitative investing model, which relies heavily on technology and algorithms, could also create a bulwark against future clashes with regulators. Its no surprise that he would embrace this quantitative investment strategy if hes going out to raise money, Looby said. If you use a quantitative investment strategy, you cant get caught on insider trading because the model is making decisions. Even if he reaches his $20 billion target, Cohen would face a more forbidding investing environment compared with his days running SAC Capital. Hedge funds returns have perennially underperformed the results of the S&P 500 index since the 2008 financial crisis. Nor would a mammoth fund automatically guarantee an advantage over competitors. Size does not play a major role in determining the level of returns, said Kwamie Dunbar, an associate professor in the College of Business at Sacred Heart University. As I look at performance over the last couple of years, the bigger hedge funds have not outperformed the smaller hedge funds. To reach the $20 billion threshold, Cohen might have to depart from a framework under SAC that commanded some of the largest management fees and return shares in the industry. SAC reportedly charged investors as much as 3 percent annually for management and 50 percent in the sharing of trading profits. Hedge funds have underperformed the broader market for nine years, so its no surprise that there is pressure on the astronomical fees they charge, Looby said. SAC was in a different ball game, but I think it will be hard for him to charge those kinds of fees now. Compared with a one-time total of about 825, Point72 now employs about 1,100 people. About half of them are based at the firms headquarters in the citys Waterside section. He has enough resources that he could pull from the family office to build this new organization he would be creating, Dunbar said. Given the location, he would benefit from the resources and the talent pool that we have here in the area. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott B ritish Steel, sold for 1 last year, scraped through a sales crunch to deliver its first profit in 10 years today. The companys 4800 steelworkers will also be given a stake worth 5% under a new share deal. Earnings were chalked up at 47 million for the year ending March 2017 after a 79 million loss last year. Theres still a lot to be done, said executive chairman Roland Junck, who admitted the profits, which do not include heavy financing costs, were not enough. Revenue was lower at 1.2 billion, due to higher coal costs which is used in production. The Scunthorpe steelworks hit the headlines when the 2015 steel crisis (pictured) forced former owner Tata to pull back from the UK. Buyer Greybull sought to cut costs to trigger a turnaround. Junck said an entrepreneurial spirit was starting to flow through British Steel. He added changes to business tax rates and electricity costs, which are higher than rival steelmakers on the continent, could spur a quicker turnaround for British Steel. C hatter that deal-hungry SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son might set his sights on Inmarsat sent shares in the satellite communications firm rocketing today. The Japanese tech investors attempt to merge SoftBanks OneWeb business with Intelsat fell through today, with Intelsats creditors reportedly not backing the $14 billion (11 billion) deal. The eccentric Son doesnt sit still for long and the collapse of the bid for Intelsat which broadcast Neil Armstrongs moon walk soon had rumours flowing that Inmarsat would be his next target. Reports suggested that SoftBank, which last year bought ARM for 24 billion, has already been in talks with other satellite firms about merging with OneWeb. Shares in Inmarsat, which dropped out of the FTSE 100 last year after tough conditions in its maritime division, surged 44p, or 5.5%, to 844p in anticipation of a possible takeover. The London-based firm was among the top risers on the mid-cap index, vying for the top spot with Auto Trader. The second-hand car dealer raced 23.3p, or 5.6%, higher to 439.4p as Barclays upgraded to Overweight ahead of next weeks annual results. The banks analysts said investors had steered clear of the shares, wary that the used-car market might grind to a halt. There are risks in the outlook for used-car pricing, but we do not expect wide forecourt closures, they said. The markets were calmer today after yo-yoing yesterday when the FTSE 100 briefly hit new highs. The index rose 23.66 points to 7543.61 as traders continue to discount Jeremy Corbyns chances of winning the election. BT shares fell 3.4p to 306.15p after Morgan Stanley slashed its rating to Equalweight from Overweight. The investment bank suggested the telecoms giant will have to splash the cash on fibre, with new regulations coming into play next year. That increased spending might mean it does not have enough free cashflow to cover its dividend, Morgan Stanley added. Broker downgrades left shares in private healthcare group Mediclinic 28p weaker at 780.5p. Events firm Ascential, formerly Emap, dipped 2.6p to 352.3p after selling its remaining 11 UK-based magazines and trade publications for 23.5 million. A s something of a lifelong republican, I was surprised to be asked by the young royals Heads Together campaign to record one of their recent films about the importance of being open about mental health. The idea at the heart of the #oktosay campaign was to film people who had experience of mental illness talking with the person they usually opened up to when ill in my case, my partner Fiona, who has had to live with my on-off depressions and addictions, not to mention the occasional psychotic breakdown, for almost 40 years. It got a fair amount of attention, though nothing like the 25 million hits for the transatlantic Facetime chat on mental health between Prince William and Lady Gaga! It got me thinking, though I wonder if Prince William would do one of my monthly GQ interviews. So I asked, and the royals surprised me again, with a near immediate yes. It gave me an easy first question what was a nice future King like him doing with an old Leftie republican like me? The answer was our shared passion for breaking down the stigma and the taboo surrounding mental illness. The republican in me was mildly irritated when the young royals William, Kate and Harry preside jointly over Heads Together entered this space, given that it seems unfair that whatever cause they support can get massive additional attention, and with it political and fundraising clout. The mental health campaigner, though, was delighted, and a lengthy taped interview, face to face on his home turf, Kensington Palace, was a great way of finding out whether he is sincere about the cause. I believe he is. Would he stand on ceremony? He didnt. Was there any real passion behind the shy exterior? There was. And when later the photographer and his team arrived, they could not believe how relaxed he was, nor their luck that out of nowhere came his wife, the two children wanting to play with him, and the family dog Lupo. A fair part of the conversation, published in GQ today, was about the grief he experienced when his mother died, not just the searing emotional pain and his difficulty with coming to terms with it, so that only now does he really feel able to open up about it, but also his evident anger at the role of the media in her life and death, and the torture he went through in walking behind his mothers coffin, things of which I was aware at the time, when working for Tony Blair and seconded to support the Palace team planning the funeral. What son doesnt miss his mother when shes gone? As we talked in Kensington Palace, I kept thinking of my own mother, born in the same year as The Queen, 1926, and given the same Christian name, Elizabeth, but unlike The Queen no longer with us, and unlike me a fervent monarchist. She knew that I liked his mother already, given the smitten entries in my diaries, which record the times when on any meeting with her the hard-man spin doctor would melt into adolescent adoration of one of the most beautiful women on the planet. Diana was, though and to this day, two decades on, still is a huge loss to Brand Britain. As we near the 20th anniversary of her death there will be a lot of focus on her, and on her legacy. Prince William talks very movingly of what she continues to mean to him and to Harry, and although he denies it was her own struggles that led them to adopt mental health as their issue, there is no doubt that the struggles they have had in dealing with loss have given them an empathy and understanding of mental health that helps to bring it alive for people. A few weeks after the Heads Together films were released, and Prince Harry had spoken about how he had needed counselling to deal with the aftermath of his mothers death, The Sunday Times ran a story quoting anonymous sources that The Queen wished her grandsons to desist from further baring their hearts and souls. I have enough experience of Sunday newspaper stories not to be certain if there was any truth in this one. But I hope not. And if there is, I hope they ignore it, because their campaign is making a real difference, by normalising conversations about mental health. That can only be a good thing, because I know plenty of people who find mental illness hard enough but who find the stigma and taboo particularly in the workplace even harder. In taking this on, William, Kate and Harry are doing a real service to a campaign which feels like it is nearing a tipping point. They know as well as I do, and Prince William says as much, that the anti-stigma campaign cannot be a substitute for the services needed to help and support people when ill. But it is an incredibly important accompaniment, which if successful can prevent illness, and help prevent the ultimate in mental illness, suicide. Prince William has experience of dealing with the shattering effect of suicide, in his work as an air ambulance pilot. I also know he and Kate have made a private visit to the countrys only suicide sanctuary, of which I am a patron, and he was shocked to discover it is the only one of its kind. On that, and on much else besides, the interview is a remarkable read for anyone interested in him, his life and why he feels so passionately about mental health. And if he carries on like this, who knows, I might end up finally doing as my mother said, and become a monarchist. After all, I did put The Queen in my Winners book as one of the great enduring winners of our time. And Donald Trump manages to challenge anyones faith in an elected head of state every single day. Alastair Campbell is an ambassador for Time to Change, Mind, Rethink and Alcohol Concern, and patron of the Maytree Suicide Sanctuary in Finsbury Park, to whom the fee for this article will be donated. J eremy Corbyn wants us to take seriously the prospect that he could win the election. We should take him at his word and ask whether he is remotely capable of the serious business of government. The question feels more urgent now that some and we stress some polls, including that of London voters published in this paper today, suggest Theresa May might end up with a similar majority to the one she started with or even manage to lose this election. Her refusal to take part in any TV debates was another hubristic misstep. Her stand-in Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, put in a gutsy performance last night, just days after her father passed away, and has emerged as the star of an otherwise wooden Tory campaign. But it would have been sensible for Mrs May to have agreed to one seven-way debate at the start of the campaign rather than risk looking frit on the eve of the election and gifting her opponent a platform. Of course, polls have been wrong before, as they were at the last election and the referendum, but they were wrong together and in the same direction. Today the polls vary widely, from predictions of a hung parliament to a sizeable Tory majority. The main factor driving the differences is whether the pollsters think younger people, the majority of whom appear to support Mr Corbyn, will vote in greater numbers than at previous elections. That is not a matter of computer calculation but judgment and no one will know the answer until June 9. This paper believes everyone, young and old, should shoulder their responsibilities as citizens of a democracy and take part in this election. We also hope they think responsibly about the choice in front of them and consider these questions about the Labour leader. Crucial choice First, has Mr Corbyn or his colleagues demonstrated an ability to manage the British economy? The answer is patently no. The fact the shadow cabinet dont know details of their policies in interviews has been embarrassing. For experts who understand those details, the verdict has been clear: the debt and deficit would soar; businesses would be damaged; taxes on enterprise would rise; trade unions would be able to hold the country to ransom as they now hold their party hostage. It would mean fewer jobs, higher prices and lower living standards. The Labour leader may promise a fairer Britain but his policies would deliver a poorer and more unequal country. Riding high: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has enjoyed a boost in the polls / AFP/Getty Images Second, has Mr Corbyn shown he could lead the country abroad and keep it safe? Again, the answer is no. His disdain for Britains allies such as the US, his embrace of failed states such as Venezuela and Cuba, his association with the IRA and PLO, his militant pacifism, his commitment to unilateral disarmament, would pose a huge risk to our national security and a huge departure from the place in the world that Labour governments, as well as Conservative, have secured for Britain. It is those who wish there would be no more wars who create the conditions likely to generate conflict and disorder. On the central issue of Brexit, the Labour leader has been even less clear on specifics than Mrs May. Indeed, his ambivalence over our EU membership was a contributing cause of our departure. Corbyn takes lead in the polls Third, does Mr Corbyn have the temperament, work-rate and judgment to be Prime Minister? The fact that most Labour MPs dont think so hardly inspires confidence. Nor does his reliance on the likes of Diane Abbott, John McDonnell and the soft bigotry of the hard Left. The mask sometimes slips and reveals a very ugly face. Unlike many politicians, the problem with Mr Corbyn is not that hes inconsistent and U-turns too much its that he refuses to change his long-held, disturbing views about how this country should be run. Now is the time for all voters to focus on the choice before them. Anyone who cares about the long-term future of the country should have serious reservations about putting Mr Corbyn and his fellow travellers in Downing Street. M ove over Serpentine, theres a new pavilion in town. This week sees Dulwich Picture Gallery open the very first Dulwich Pavilion as part of celebrations for their 200th birthday. The winning design was created by Camberwell designers IF_DO and is bound to be the site of plenty of fun and frolics this summer. If you want to know why it's worth a trip to South London, read on for all you need to know. What is Dulwich Pavilion? Its a lush, light and airy new pavilion space on the green grounds of Dulwich Picture Gallery, created to celebrate 200 years since the gallery first opened. What can I do there? Wander around and savour the space around you, post a pic on the gram, or grab a cocktail at the Pavilions bar. There will also be themed Lates every Friday, all of which are free (but you do need to reserve a space). Lates will run from 6-10pm every Friday in June and July (except July 7). They include a botanical-themed evening with flower workshops, a tour of the gallerys permanent collection told through contemporary dance, special film screenings, discussions from curators and historians, and plenty of music. Arts picks of the week: 29th May - 4th June 1 /6 Arts picks of the week: 29th May - 4th June Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction Head to the Barbican for their massive new exhibition on science fiction in art, design, film and literature. Starting with an installation that puts visitors right into the heart of an episode of Black Mirror, explore everything from Margaret Atwoods books to 28 Days Later. June 3 - September 1, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Dulwich Pavilion Move over Serpentine, theres a new pavilion in town. Dulwich Picture Gallery are celebrating 200 years with this lovely little summer spot, which will be free to the public and host late night fun every Friday night. Camberwell architects IF_DO created the design, a light and airy space filled with mirrors which is sure to be all over Instagram for the next few months. June 2 - October 8, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Killology Gary Owens latest is a co-production with Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, where it received five star reviews. The positively Black Mirror-esque blurb for the show tells us that its about a new gaming experience where players will be rewarded for torturing victims, but wont be able to escape the consequences of doing so. Read Gary Owen's interview as part of our Play Talk series here. Until June 25, Royal Court; royalcourttheatre.com Photo by Mark Douet Block Universe This is Londons first festival focusing entirely on performance art. Its third edition focuses on nationhood, inclusivity and identity politics against a changing socio-economic landscape. Expect weird and wonderful things. May 29 - June 4, Various locations; blockuniverse.co.uk London Architecture Festival Europes biggest architecture festival returns, with hundreds of events exploring the theme of memory. Venues across London will make you stop and think about the buildings you walk amongst every day. June 1-30, across London; londonfestivalofarchitecture.org Marguerite and Armand This ballet was created by the legendary choreographer Frederick Ashton for Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, which makes it a piece of ballet history. Now you can see it performed by the best of the Royal Ballet alongside two of Ashtons much loved works. June 2-10, Royal Opera House; roh.org.uk Who designed it? Camberwell-based architects IF_DO won a competition to be able to design the pavilion. Their design, After Image, was inspired by Sir John Soanes original gallery building and features translucent mirrored screens and a mesh veil to cover the canopy-like roof. Their design was selected from a field of 75 entries, and was built in just under six months for approximately 59,000. Why is it different from the Serpentines annual summer pavilion? The gallerys deputy director, Andrew Macdonald, told The Times that they wanted it to be a different experience to the Serpentine Pavilion - something functional, something quieter too. The Serpentine Gallery has commissioned a different architect to design a summer pavilion every summer since 2000. Will there be a Dulwich Pavilion every year? Watch this space - the gallery say they want to see how the first works out, and how it is received before deciding whether it is to become a regular tradition. Dulwich Pavilion is open from June 2 to October 8. Entry is free (but there is still a charge for indoor exhibitions); dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk T he O2 is ten. Sort of: the building itself was finished 18 years ago, at the cost of 789 million, and opened on January 1, 2000 (surviving the Millennium Bug, phew) as the Millennium Dome. It had a rough ride in the press and the public weren't kind either. It closed after a year as has always been planned but with reports of maintenance costs of 1million per month, and the place empty, the Greenwich landmark was beginning to look like one of the largest architectural mishaps since Crystal Palace burned down. There were commendable moments most notably Crisis using the building as a home for the homeless during the Christmas of 2003 but it wasnt until the present deal with O2 was signed that things really started moving. On June 24, 2007, Londons largest grey tent re-opened as The O2, and success after success has followed. The Dome moniker is all but gone talk about a win for advertising and the space has hosted hundreds of bands and artists during its first decade. Being in rude health, it's little surprise they've been celebrating with a series of gigs from the likes of Celine Dion and Ed Sheeran. All in all, its been a fairly glorious 10 years. Here are some highlights for next time youre down the pub or just on the way to a gig and out of conversation. Opening night: Bon Jovi officially played the first public show at the O2 / Simone Joyner/Getty Images 1. Bon Jovi played the first show, June 24, 2007 New Jerseys second favourite rockers must have been Livin On A Prayer when they agreed to open this place would anyone really trek to this part of town? What would the acoustics be like? Would there be any decent restaurants nearby? Luckily, it all worked out, and they were back in 2010 for another first, becoming the first band to play on the arenas roof. Though Jovi played the first public show, the night before was a private launch, featuring Peter Kay, Tom Jones, Kaiser Chiefs and Basement Jaxx. 2. A Spice Girls reunion gig was the fastest selling show Today, Geri Halliwell said she was sorry for splitting up the Spice Girls, so who knows if theres another reunion on the cards? They certainly did big business back in 2007, when the O2 date of their reunion tour sold out in just 38 seconds. Big draw: Matt Bellamy of Muse performing at the O2 3. ...but the biggest draw was Muse The O2s capacity is generally considered to be 20,000, but this figure fluctuates depending on the gig: a bands chosen stage, lighting rig and special effects can all cut into the space available for the audience. Muse managed to strip things down on the Drones world tour, though, packing in more than 21,000 at an April show. Bet the tube ride home didnt feel so squashed after that. 4. The most regular performers are Take That Gazza and the boys might be known for crooning the lines I want you back, I want you back for good but it looks like its the O2 who keep asking as the band have played the arena 29 times, more than anyone else. They've single-handedly sold 385,000 tickets. Never Forget. Prince - In pictures 1 /34 Prince - In pictures Purple Rain Prince performing in 1984 Rex First UK Show Prince performing his first UK Show at The Lyceum in London in 1981 Rex Prince among men Prince onstage during the 2015 American Music Awards in Los Angeles Kevin Winter/Getty Images Super Bowl Show Prince performs during the Super Bowl Half-Time show in 2007 Evan Agostini/Getty Images Brit Awards Prince with backing bad 3rdeyegirl - Donna Grantis, Hannah Ford and Ida Neilsen - with James Corden at The Brit Awards in 2014 Rex Married man Prince and his wife Manuela Testolini backstage at the 35th Annual NAACP Image Awards held at the Universal Amphitheatre in 2004 Frank Micelotta/Getty Images Prince with his wife Mayte as they arrives at the De Beer and Versace "Diamonds are forever" charity fashion event in 1999 AFP/Getty Images Festival performance Prince performs during the second day of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2008 Chris Pizzello/AP Under a cherry moon Prince starring in a scene from the film 'Under the cherry moon' (1986) Sensational singer Prince performing on stage Ebet Roberts/Redferns Flamboyant fashion Prince at the Radio 1 Awards in 1986 Rex At The Grammy Awards Musician Prince as he presents the winner for Record of the Year during the 55th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images 21 Nights Prince announces his '21 Nights in London' gigs at a press conference at the Hospital on May 8, 2007 in London Claire Greenway/Getty Images Dynamic duet Singer Mary J. Blige (L) and recording artist Prince perform onstage during the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 22, 2012 Christopher Polk/Getty Images American Idol Musician Prince performs onstage during the American Idol Season 5 Finale in 2006 Vince Bucci/Getty Images Funk and soul Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XLI football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami IN 2007 Chris O'Meara/AP Young Prince Prince in 1987 Rex Prince with his band The New Power Generation Rex MTV Moves Prince at tHe MTV Awards in 1994, Monaco Rex On the big stage Musician Prince performing at Wembley Arena in August 14, 1986 in London David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives Music world rocked: Prince in concert at Madison Square Garden, New York Breaking new sounds Prince performs live at the Fabulous Forum on February 19, 1985 in Inglewood, California Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Sexy cool Prince in concert at Paradiso, Amserdam, Netherlands in 1981 Rex Paradiso found again Prince in concert at Paradiso, Amserdam in 2013 Rocking the look American musician Prince in concert at Earl's Court, London on 15th June 1992 Dave Benett Prince uncovered Prince performing bare chested in 1984 Rex 5. Though Prince stayed the longest His Holiness the Purple One pulled off an unbroken run of 21 nights at the O2 in August 2007 in a move that seemed audacious for a man whod mostly been out of the charts for over a decade. But proving to the world the UK still had taste, the shows were all monster hits and all sold out, and most were greeted met with critical acclaim. Michael Jackson had announced an unbroken run of 50 shows for his comeback but, sadly, died before the shows began. 6. More than 600 artists have played the O2 ...proving its a must-visit for any serious musician. Guess who: Rod Stewart rides a Central Line train on his way to the gig / Instagram/ Penny Lancaster 7. ...and some of them arrive by tube Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher, Rihanna, Jay Z, Chris Martin, Blossoms and Timbaland have all taken the humble Underground to make it to their own shows. It is cheaper than a taxi, after all. We're still keeping an eye out a celeb commuting on the Emirates Air Line. 8. Each show takes more than 1000 people to put on Its not just like Justin Bieber turns up with a guitar and says You lot, crew people, go home; Im going acoustic tonight. The O2, as seen by drones 9. More than 60 million people have visited the O2 since it opened Given people thought the Dome was destined to be an empty monument to the excesses of the 90s, it's looks like a pretty successful turnaround. 10. ...So no surprise they serve a lot of beer In 2015, when the O2 was named the world's most visited venue for the eighth year in a row, it served more than 600,000 pints of beer. Well, cheers to that, and cheers to another ten years. C elebrated Spanish chef Nieves Barragan Mohacho will give Londoners a taste of her anticipated new restaurant at a one-night pop-up. Barragan, the former executive head chef and public face of the acclaimed Barrafina restaurants, is launching a Spanish restaurant, bar and asador or grill in the autumn called Sabor with business partner Jose Etura. The new venture, on Heddon Street, will focus on classic tastes from Spain, using traditional ingredients and methods. Etura said: We want to take them on a journey through Spain, showing off the best food and dishes. The pair will take over Stevie Parles Craft restaurant in Greenwich for one night only at the London Food Month event on June 16, serving a taste of the new restaurant menu for 48. It is likely to include: Torreznos de Soria, pork belly and Tortilla Bacalao, salt cod tortilla. Tickets for the feast, including a welcome drink, cost 48, available at saborlondon.tocktix.com M exican lawyer Antonio Battaglia is set to launch a Trump toilet paper brand in his home country later this year. The product uses the slogans Softness without borders and This is the wall that, yes, we will pay for. The mock up package, above, brags that it contains puros rollos, which translates to both pure rolls and pure nonsense. Mr. Battaglia currently only has enough of the product to fill two cargo trucks, although he is hoping to generate enough interest to expand production. The unconventional loo-roll is the lawyers response to the Presidents attack on Mexican migrant workers during the campaign, which he has said really bothered him. My thinking was: we cant keep quiet right? said the newly-turned entrepreneur, who plans to donate 30 per cent of profits to organisations helping migrants enter the US. So with this insult that was made, Im going to add my grain of sand in response. Donald Trump's shakes - in pictures 1 /18 Donald Trump's shakes - in pictures North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit AFP/Getty Images North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un as they sit down for their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore AFP/Getty Images Mr Trump and Kim shake hands for the cameras before sitting down to sign a document Reuters US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un at the Capella resort on Sentosa AP Le Crunch Trump and President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands at the US ambassador's residence, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, in Brussels AFP/Getty Images The Hug Swerve Back in 2016, Hillary Clinton swerves a hug from Trump following the first presidential debate AFP/Getty Images The Comey Shimmy FBI director James Comey rejects a Donald Trump handshake in favour of a handshake The Soft Touch Theresa May shakes hands with Trump in Washington earlier this year Getty Images The Power Struggle President Donald Trump reaches to shake hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office AP Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin AFP/Getty Images US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands during a transition planning meeting in the Oval Office at the White House AFP/Getty Images Vice president-elect Mike Pence and Republican president-elect Donald Trump shake hands Getty Images President Trump has trademarks throughout the world on the brand that bears his name, and has gone after those he has seen as abusing it. He has even filed lawsuits attempting to stop other businessmen who share his name using it. He did not think, however, to trademark the particular toiletry Mr. Battaglia has his sights on. The trademark for Trump toilet paper was approved for the lawyer in 2015. I ts 1983, on my 10th birthday and as well as Union of The Snake by Duran Duran on 7-inch vinyl and a can of Impulse Suddenly Sassy body spray, Im in for an enormous treat. Im off to a fancy restaurant for a slap-up feed, as Minnie the Minx might say. Were going to the Wimpy in Carlisle for a hamburger. Perhaps even with a slice of melted cheese on top just like Arnold makes it in Happy Days. Furthermore, if me and my little brother David behave and dont show my mother up throughout the first course, we may be permitted something so magical I can hardly breathe with anticipation all day at school. A Wimpy Knickerbocker Glory. This, for the uninitiated, is a tall glass filled decadently with ice cream, lurid red sauces, squirty cream and topped cheekily with a glace cherry. Stacey Henderson in my class reckoned she had one on her ninth birthday but we all reckon shes making it up. Stacey also says her uncle is David Van Day from Dollar. What a dreamer. To put my joy for Londons food, seen every week in this magazine, in context, one must understand that the Cumbrian culinary landscape in the 1980s was a silt-shaded smorgasbord of boiled potato, Mothers Pride loaf and Findus Crispy Pancakes. Sometimes my father, who had been abroad with the Army, would make his exotic spag bol: mince stewed in Campbells condensed tomato soup. Sometimes wed have liver, which I still hate to this day, following years of being sent off on errands to the Walter Wilson butchers counter for half a pound of lambs internal organs. I grew up in a mono-cultural Protestant landscape untroubled by spice or herb. It was meat and two veg, except after the big Asda arrived in Carlisle and we bought our first trunk freezer the veg was frozen because peeling stuff was now considered a waste of time. I still adore supermarkets to this day. Jetlagged and homesick in LA, I can often be found in Trader Joes, not buying, just pushing a trolley, looking. Back at the Wimpy, that cold afternoon in October perched at our little table with immovable plastic seats welded to the walls, I have my very first taste of being a culinary trend-setter. No, I dont want the Knickerbocker Glory, I say, sensing that my 10th birthday was time for new swagger and maturity, Ill have a Brown Derby. The Derby, I know already, is a classier affair. A warm sugary doughnut, smothered in cream and drizzled in chocolate sauce. This, I know, is the kind of thing Simon Le Bon would definitely take you for after serenading you on a beach in a Save A Prayer video. Later on, high as a kite on refined sugar and trans-fats, I plan my bragging rights for tomorrow morning at Bishop Goodwin Juniors, to tell Stacey Henderson while we finish the giant mural of St Francis of Assisi made of old egg-boxes. Ive learned an important lesson today about the life-enhancing nature of food. TIBI dress, 715, Fenwick of Bond Street (020 7629 9161). MARNI earrings, 460 (020 7245 9520) (Credit: Morgane Lay & Jonny Cochrane) My anti-foodie upbringing is pretty unusual in my genre, and is no doubt why I always feel slightly different from the majority of food scene folk. The landscape is teeming with moist-eyed souls claiming to have mastered souffle at their mothers knee or tasted langoustine during family summers circumnavigating the Aegean. I am not an anti-posh foodie, far from it. Some of my best friends spend weekends eating rhubarb grown in their fathers prize-winning organic estate, and shooting grouse that are normally too overfed to run in the name of sport. But due to various complex socio-economic and social mobility trends dating back at least 100 years, which I could explain with graphs and flipboards, there are just not many food-writers around who existed during the Eighties on Mr Kipling individual apple pies, McCain oven chips and Space Dust. With David Hepworth, Danny Baker and Boy George Or, for that matter, who are the first person in their ancestral line to use chopsticks for anything other than to push up their nose and pretend to be a walrus. But Grace, youre a breath of fresh air!, TV and radio bookers say, which we all know means a bit common. On any judging panel I am a semi-passable, diversity box-ticking foil to three white men in corduroy jackets called Caspar. WTR shirt, 210; trousers, 290 (wtrlondon.com).MIU MIU earrings, 300, at matches fashion.com. Jacket, Graces own (Credit: Morgane Lay & Jonny Cochrane) Becoming a restaurant critic was really an accident. A huge, happy one, but unplanned nevertheless. I was a writer and author throughout the Nineties in London, without many practical skills other than being able to scrape a thousand words out of my head, often at a moments notice, on almost anything. During the Noughties, when I worked for The Guardian and The Mirror, I suspected I should harangue editors harder for a restaurant gig as I was always the one in a crowd who could nail exactly why that 100 we gave to a culinary hotspot in Chelsea, Tower Bridge or Soho was a rip off. Or alternatively, why that particular pub was the perfect place to propose. My ire at Momo, on Heddon Street, for kicking me off my table mid-tagine as someone from pop-group Another Level needed seating, lasted more than a decade. I could talk for an hour without pause or deviation on the phone manner of restaurant receptionists along Exmouth Market. Along the way I learned to tackle rows of knives, forks and obscure cutlery and how to sound completely trustworthy with a wine list. I still loathe consomme, offal and negronis but can do a passable fake-appreciation. I loved analysing exactly who was eating afternoon tea at The Ritz or was in the back room at Vrisaki in Wood Green. The joy of eating out is, of course, about the food, but its about everything else, too. Its about front of house, the cliques and crowds, the concept and plainly, whether during the first course, youre already planning to go back. A general rule of thumb is, if, during your starter, youve already spotted a more charmingly situated table and found yourself plotting the gang youd love to bring back here and sit in it, then its already heading for four stars. The modern restaurant critic needs to be a fast, punchy, reliable writer firstly, and a glutton or food expert somewhere after that. I say reliable. My spelling has sent many sub-editors to early retirement. Many words I use in Grace & Flavour were only recently invented that morning. Still, if you want my job, youll be out three or four times per week, rictus grinning at maitre ds who hate you. Your face will be on a photo in many London kitchens with a Hitler moustache drawn on it by the commis chef. Youll write alongside your other jobs around 52 times a year and at least 20 of them will be columns on the act of eating pasta in a tiled room. If you can fill a blank white Word document at 6am, during a bout of mild food poisoning, in the knowledge that the restaurateur spent 25,000 importing a chandelier for his bistro youre just about to push to liquidation, youre in with a chance. Grace Dent with LFM co-creative director Tom Parker Bowles and Angela Hartnett / Evening Standard / eyevine Oh and dont ever moan about it. No one cares. Quibbling about your food-critic lifestyle the weight fluctuation, the paranoia, the deadlines, the mad chefs shouting on Twitter at 2am is a bit like Candice Swaenpoel complaining that her G-string chafes while walking for Victorias Secret. You have hit the jackpot in life and that includes endless tours of restaurants, including the wine cellar, that you didnt ask for. Or staff resolutely ignoring everyone else at your table until one of your guests takes a passive-aggressive huff. Or other diners taking photos of you gob-open eating and then putting them on Instagram, tagging you then getting upset if youre not happy. Or no-reservation restaurants that are actually all reserved. Or being told every day by strangers online that I am their guiding light for recreational activities in fact they love me, will possibly get a tattoo of me then two minutes later, by someone else, that I am an atrocious, dim-witted fishwife who mistook parsley for wild garlic and should be fed to pigs. See, Im moaning. Oh, cry me a river, is the genre of expression Im met with constantly when I try to quibble about a forthcoming Tuesday-night nine-course micro-gastronomical tasting menu. I just want to eat toast in my underwear, is something I mutter a lot as I plaster on Giorgio Armani Liquid Silk over eye-bags and head out to another freshly painted room where Im literally the last person the staff want to see. I sneaked into a place in Hackney last week with flat hair, glasses and trainers, and ate without being noticed until the last course when the owner saw me en route to the loo, lost control of his knees and exclaimed loudly, Oh s***, its you. As I sat on the loo, face in hands, I could hear him through the freshly hammered-up MDF board shouting at the commis: What did she order? What did she send back? How did no one see her? VICTORIA BECKHAM dress, 1,395, at mytheresa.com. MARNI earrings, 450, at Fenwick of Bond Street (020 7629 9161) (Credit: Morgane Lay & Jonny Cochrane) Grace & Flavour has meant that leaving my house is never relaxing, but at the same time, its a lifestyle thats utterly addictive. There is a magic in sweeping into a room and hearing a bustle of thatsthatbloodygracedent youknowher. No one retires or gives up being a restaurant critic through choice. We merely waddle on, menu after menu, hoping to get away with it until a skinnier thing with better writing, who looks nicer in pictures, takes our place. George Reynolds, Frankie McCoy I see you. And Im not liking how young, clever and brilliant you are one bit. It was a long way from Wimpy to The Wolseley, but now that Im here, Ill enjoy it while it lasts. T raditional classics, innovative fusion and lots of custard tarts. Here's everything you need to know about a food-centric stay in Lisbon. Where to stay Mi casa en Lisboa Maria Ulecia is well-known for creating beautiful holiday apartments, furnished with her collection of Portuguese mid-century furniture and art, as well as her own gorgeous handmade ceramics. Her latest opening is a huge house in Graca with four B&B rooms. Breakfasts are particularly special, served with local cakes and jams and the chance to learn how to make them, plus once a week a different local chef hosts dinner for guests (a true foodie, Maria knows all the best chefs and places to eat in Lisbon). From 120 for a double room (micasaenlisboa.com) Where to shop LX Factory A set of once-derelict industrial buildings, rescued and turned into artists studios, restaurants and hipster-friendly boutiques, its easy to lose an entire day at LX Factory pronounced el-sheesh. A Vida Portuguesa You probably didnt know you needed a ceramic sardine or a bottle of local cherry liqueur, but you will once you visit this small chain of shops dedicated to reviving old Portuguese brands and products. Manteigaria Pasteis de Belems custard tarts may be more famous but I like these wobbly-centred little beauties best. Listen for a hand bell ringing this signals a fresh batch hot from the oven. Feira da Ladra Youll find everything from antique tiles to handmade lace and vintage lamps at this huge flea market, held every Tuesday and Saturday. Where to drink Rio Maravilha Rio Maravilha With views across the city, river and hundreds of metres up to Lisbons iconic red bridge, this excellent roof bar was extraordinary even before the addition of a huge, multicoloured sculpture of a woman with outstretched arms. It echoes the far bigger statue of Christ, visible on the far side of the bridge. Foxtrot Buzz to be let in to this slightly secret art deco, family-owned cocktail bar. Bartender Hugos creations are outlandish and delicious expect melted sugar, burning pine cones, smoked liquor and plenty of theatre. What to do Taking a cookery course is a brilliant way to understand a citys food culture. Two of the best are by Kiss the Cook and Cooking Lisbon; learn to make pork and clams from Alentejo or a seafood caldeirada stew, accompanied by excellent Portuguese wines to enliven the lessons. (kissthecook.pt; cookinglisbon.com) What to see Alamy Stock Photo Lisbon is incredibly pretty, especially the medieval Alfama district (right). The best way to see it is from a 100-year-old tram, clattering along the steep cobbled streets. Many facades are decorated with hand-painted tiles to learn more, visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. Where to eat Alamy Stock Photo Estrela da Bica This cool, laid-back little restaurant is in the picturesque, hilly and newly trendy Bica neighbourhood. Visit for reimagined Portuguese and Brazilian dishes with the occasional cleverly chosen ingredient from further afield, such as ceviche or ramen noodles. Restaurante Ponto Final Catch the ferry to Cacilhas on the far side of the mouth of the Tagus river and walk for 10 minutes past graffitied industrial buildings until you reach the last restaurant before the suspension bridge. Order a few traditional Portuguese fish and rice dishes, and take in one of the best and least-known views back over the water to Lisbons towers, domes and terracotta roofs. Cantinho da Paz Goa was a Portuguese colony for centuries and today there are many Goan families living in Lisbon, including the one who founded Cantinho da Paz in the 1960s. Dont miss the lightest, crunchiest samosas and coconut pickles. Cantinho Lusitano Run by a husband-and-wife team, this tiny, simple spot is a perfect place to try petiscos, the heartier Portuguese version of tapas. Try broad beans with cumin, baked octopus and garlic shrimp. Getting there TAP Portugal flies direct from London Heathrow, Gatwick and City Airport to Lisbon up to 12 times daily, from 42 one way. (0345 601 0932; flytap.com) Lisbon: Recipes from the Heart of Portugal by Rebecca Seal (Hardie Grant, 25). Photography: Steven Joyce A n Apple event is a highly anticipated, high-octane ceremony. There are big names to match the big announcements, and choreographed big reveals will travel around the world in minutes, as the reverent acolytes reach for their iPhone 7s to share the news. The next hot ticket for Apple insiders? Getting a front-row seat at WWDC 2017, the Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple will unveil software updates, and possibly shiny new gadgetry. It runs for five days next week, starting on Monday, in San Jose, California, and draws a global crowd. The capitals tech sector will be well represented: a raft of developers is poised to make the flight to the west coast, and then run with whatever CEO Tim Cook dreams up next. TODO: define component type brightcove Meet the capitals coders who are California-bound in search of Silicon Valleys next big thing. The trusted advisor Matt Writtle Gabriela Pittari, Rungway Venezuelan-born developer Gabriela Pittari now works in Camden (London is the best city for technology) and is heading to WWDC for the first time shell celebrate her 29th birthday there. Pittari is lead iOS developer for mentoring app Rungway, which lets users ask for advice on personal and professional issues, for example: Any tips on how to balance the amount of communication with my manager? Shes there to improve. Rungway works perfectly, she says. But the input of the conference will make the user interface better. Shes hoping to hear about new features within Apples coding language, Swift, which Rungway and most other apps use. The hardware is cool to have but my day-to-day is with the operating system and the instruments Apple gives coders. Birthday wish: A selfie with design deity Jony Ive. If I get to meet him, Ill hug him. If I got a picture, its going on my Instagram for sure. The master mind Matt Writtle Miguel Angel Quinones, Peak After two failed attempts it was third time lucky for Quinones, aged 33, in the WWDC ticket lottery. Hes heading out with brain-training app Peak, which has its HQ in Holborn. He finds Londons tech scene more lively than the quite small iOS community in Warsaw, where he worked for five years after growing up in Barcelona. His tip for this years conference is a potential augmented reality update. Apple could build tools for developers to build first-class AR apps, he says. At Peak were reactive. We always look at what the trend is and see how we can adapt it to our app. Apple hero: Swift creator Chris Lattner. To introduce a new primary language overnight and prompt people to go and use it was a big feat. The fast developer Matt Writtle Martin Hartt, Student at Kings College London Hartt is just 20 years old but hes already making an impact. After spending his youth playing Jak and Daxter on PS2, he became interested in game creation and started making his apps. Now a student at Kings College, hes heading to WWDC for the second year in a row after winning Apples WWDC scholarship. There hell be launching Waowi, an app hes developed with his brother Rudy, a network that encourages conversation with strangers, inviting users to record a voice note and chat live. WWDC highlight: His selfie with Apple CEO Tim Cook last year. Martin Hartt He stood there for an hour surrounded by teenagers trying to take selfies and seems like a great guy. The speed demon Matt Writtle Shaun Rutland, Hutch After launching game Smash Cops five years ago the Hutch team has grown from four staff to 60. Rutland, 42, is heading to Dub Dub Dee Cee (as he calls it) to show off latest game Race Kings, a car-based title he describes as the most complex game weve ever done. His highlight of last years WWDC was seeing Craig Federighi (Apples senior VP of software engineering) mingling with attendees. He was approachable, Rutland recalls. That sort of openness and accessibility is cool. WWDC target: New hardware announcements. Its exciting for us to see if we can get our software to utilise the latest hardware. Apple are very pro high-end 3D games. 12 years of Apple's iPhone 1 /18 12 years of Apple's iPhone Unveiled Steve Jobs with the first iPhone AFP/Getty Images iPhone The original iPhone Screen size 3.5in, rear camera 2 megapixel PA iPhone 3G Screen size 3.5in, rear camera 2 megapixel AFP/Getty Images iPhone 4 Screen size 3.5in, rear camera 5 megapixel Getty Images iPhone 5 Screen size 4in, rear camera 8 megapixel Getty Images iPhone 6 Screen size 4.7in, rear camera 8 megapixel Getty Images iPhone 7 Screen size 4.7in, rear camera 12 megapixel PA iPhone 8 Extremely similar to the iPhone 7, but with a glass wireless charging back Justin Sullivan/Getty Images iPhone X The first full-screen iPhone, ditching the thick bezels and adding FaceID ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/Getty Images iPhone XS and XS Max The upgrade to 2017's iPhone X, with a new bigger Max version and two cameras on the back NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images iPhone XR The "cheaper" iPhone with an LCD screen and only one rear camera NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images iPhone 11 The upgrade to 2018's iPhone XR, the iPhone 11 kept the LCD screen and the bright array of colours as well as the more affordable price tag Lucy Young iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max With three rear camera lenses, Apple went all in on the camera tech with the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max phones in 2019 Apple iPhone SE 2020 A surprise announcement, Apple released the follow up to iPhone SE in May 2020 with a very affordable 419 price tag Apple The multi-tasker Matt Writtle Rob Elkin, Busuu Elkin, aged 32, is off to San Jose with language-learning app Busuu, where hes hoping to hear announcements about the Apple Watch and AI that will impact his Old Street-based company. But hes not going just for WWDC he helped co-found AltConf, a free alternative conference next door, which caters to the overspill of developers unable to get WWDC passes. It started as a co-working space with a lunchtime talk. In 2013 it ramped up and became a fully-fledged conference, he says. Theres a lot of chatter about the cult of Apple, though Elkin praises the company for becoming less, well, culty in recent years. Theyre able to engage a lot more, and they listen to feedback from medium to large companies. Most treasured tech: My iPhone. It never leaves my side. The double act John Miles and Amber Vodegel, Health & Parenting Ltd This husband-and-wife duo develop apps including advice services Pregnancy+ and Baby+, and take it in turns to attend conferences and stay home on family and business duties. An overhaul to the app, planned for September, is set to bring new computer graphics and social media elements to their software. This is Miless third WWDC trip but he has never met Jony Ive, his hero. I studied industrial design too, he has one of those very impressive journeys that you look at with admiration, he says. WWDC survival tech: iPhone, and a grand total of three sets of headphones (basic earbuds, wireless AirPods, noise-cancelling Beats by Dre), and a Macbook Pro for proper work. The song star Francesca Bradley Francesca Bradley, Shazam Audio-recognition software Shazam is a true App Store icon and it has an office in Hammersmith. The iOS app has just been redesigned and Bradley, 24, hopes WWDC will bring new Swift announcements to adapt it further. The integration of apps in iMessage was something Shazam jumped straight on last year, she says. You can now Shazam straight from iMessage. This is Bradleys second WWDC and shes only a recent convert to the Steve Jobs tribe. I actually had an Android when I started at Shazam, she confesses. I got an iPhone in December its still joked about in the office today. Most-used app: Snapchat. My god-daughter loves the filters. Weve just integrated Shazam in Snapchat too. Follow Ben Travis on Twitter: @BenSTravis . Belgium gets a bit of an unfair rep not considered as cool as neighbouring France, Germany or the Netherlands, it can get easily overlooked. And yet, Bruges has been on our must-visit list for a long time. And once we realised that Belgium is so small, we could tick off three cities in one trip, we knew we had to go. My husband, Matt, and I (below) decided to spend two nights in Bruges before heading to Brussels via Ghent. Only an hour and a half from Calais by car, beautiful Bruges is a straightforward drive but we wanted to make the most of having the car, so took a detour via the coastal city of Ostend. Our trip to the seaside didn't add too much on to our journey, and less than 40 minutes later via very flat, easy roads Bruges felt like a world away. A chocolate box town, its small and easy to navigate and is instantly welcoming. We decided that the best way to really get to know Bruges was through its cuisine, so we ate and drank, seeking out little winding streets with foodie recommendations, safe in the knowledge that we would walk it all off sightseeing the next day. After all, once youre in Bruges everywhere is walkable. We wandered through the main square to a local food market that had been recommended to us. After a breakfast of waffles, naturally, we tackled the 366 steps to the top of the iconic Belfry tower, where we were rewarded with a view stretching out as far as the eye could see. We finished the day with a walk to the edge of the city to discover the only four remaining windmills, before a customary Belgian Blonde beer. We finished the day with a walk to the edge of the city to discover the only four remaining windmills, before a customary Belgian Blonde beer It was onwards to Brussels for our next stop. Our route took us via Ghent, where we were charmed by the architecture, art and historic Gravensteen castle. After a lunch by the Leie River we said goodbye to Ghent and made the 35-mile drive to Brussels. The Belgian capital is best known for moules, chocolate and the European Parliament all things we checked out. We opted for a bike tour, and despite the cobbled streets and steep hills, saw the sights and managed a frites stop in three hours. Brussels feels more energetic than Bruges and experiencing both in a short trip showed us different sides of this varied country. An evening of people watching over drinks, moules frites and locally made chocolates ended our time in the capital of Europe, and confirmed Belgium should no longer be overlooked. Along the way - Ostend Alamy This seaside town is not well known outside of Belgium, which is a shame as the miles of sandy beaches and great restaurants make it an ideal summer spot. Devastated during the Second World War, the architecture is a contrary mix, but that only adds to the overall feeling of a shared secret. On the North Sea the winds can be bracing but that makes it a perfect sailing spot as all the moored yachts can attest. While youre there - Ghent No trip to Ghent is complete without a trip to Gravensteen castle, which has been extensively restored and turned into a cultural destination complete with torture room where you can see all the weapons and torture instruments of the past and throne room. If acting out Game of Thrones is not for you then the city's design and art scene is not to be missed, particularly the Design Museum. Book with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and you can get to the Continent by car in just 35 minutes, travel in the freedom of your own car, and explore Europe at your own pace. Visit eurotunnel.com A mericans clamouring to tick Romes Colosseum and Trevi Fountain off their bucket list can now do so without reaching very deep into their pockets; Norweigan Air has announced new plans to introduce flights from the US to the Italian capital. From November, the low-cost airline will offer new routes to Romes Leonardo Da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport from three major US cities. Non-stop flights will depart from both coasts in the USA, starting with Newark Airport on November 9 this year, starting from just $189 one way, including taxes. This will be followed by non-stops from Los Angeles on November 11 and Oakland, California in early February 2018. One-way fares from the West Coast will start at $229, one-way. The top 25 cheapest city breaks in Europe 1 /33 The top 25 cheapest city breaks in Europe Bratislava, Slovakia Typical price per night: 36 Shutterstock Athens, Greece Typical price per night: 36 Milos Bicanski/Getty Images Vilnius, Lithuania Typical price per night: 35 Maciej Lulko/Flickr Istanbul, Turkey Typical price per night: 27 Chris McGrath/Getty Images Belgrade, Serbia Typical price per night: 27 Shutterstock Wrocaw, Poland Typical price per night: 32 Janek SkarzynskiFP/Getty Images Toulouse, France Typical price per night: 36.50 Rob DeGraff/Flickr Ljubljana, Slovenia Typical price per night: 36.50 Pedro Szekely/Flickr Thessaloniki, Greece Typical price per night: 28 Shutterstock Zadar, Croatia Typical price per night: 36.50 Min Zhou/Flickr Riga, Latvia Typical price per night: 36.50 AFP/Getty Images Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria Typical price per night: 33 Shutterstock Sofia, Bulgaria Typical price per night: 28 Dennis Jarvis/Flickr Tbilisi, Georgia Typical price per night: 24 Shutterstock Nantes, France Typical price per night: 38 AFP/Getty Images Palermo, Sicily Typical price per night: 36.50 Shutterstock Budapest, Hungary Typical price per night: 36 GLars Baron/Getty Images Catania, Sicily Typical price per night: 35 Carlos Bustamante Restrepo/Flickr Leipzig, Germany Typical price per night: 32.50 Shutterstock Krakow, Poland Typical price per night: 32 Jan Kucharzyk/Getty Images Zagreb, Croatia Typical price per night: 32 Shutterstock Saint Petersburg, Russia Typical price per night: 28.50 Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Bucharest, Romania Typical price per night: 28 Shutterstock Warsaw, Poland Typical price per night: 32 Shutterstock Kiev, Ukraine Typical price per night: 28.50 Marco Verch/Flickr The new routes to Rome confirm Norweigan's rapid expansion plan to become to world's biggest low-cost carrier, and marks its thirteenth destination in Europe. All flights on the new US to Rome route will be on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, widebodied aircrafts that help to keep costs - and fares - down. Travel lovers in the UK can cash in on the airlines expansion too. In April the low-cost carrier advertised flights from the UK to the Far East for less than 200, following a February announcement about 69 flights to New York. T his is the dramatic moment police pinned a man to the ground outside a mosque as officers seized a 13-inch blade and chased a stolen car. Six officers were seen trying to detain the man at the height of the struggle during the broad daylight arrest in Stoke Newington. The video shows uniformed police shouting get down and give me your arm as they accost the man and trap him on the floor beside the mosque in Cazenove Road. Sirens can be heard and officers speak into their radios as the man is arrested by police. Detained: Six officers around the man. / @999London The Met said police were called to the area on Sunday to reports of a stolen car near Stoke Newington station and chased two suspects in a car. The two men got out and continued to flee on foot. Blade: The 35cm knife which was seized by police. / Hackney MPS A 35cm knife was seized and nearby officers discovered an abandoned and damaged Mercedes car. Smashed: The damaged Mercedes recovered at the scene. / Hackney MPS Two people were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage, failing to stop and possession of an offensive weapon and take to an east London police. They have since been charged. A Met Police spokesman said: Dwane Mattison, 26, of no fixed abode was charged with dangerous driving, fail to stop, possession of an offensive weapon. He was kept in custody to appear Thames Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 30 May. Anthony Williams, 23, of Edinburgh Crescent, Waltham Cross, Herts was kept in custody to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 30 May for two non-payment of fines. A man is fighting for life in hospital after being ploughed in to by a BMW in a deliberate hit-and-run, police say. Police and paramedics were scrambled to the scene in Great North Leisure Park, near Finchley Lido Leisure Centre. The pedestrian, a man in his 20s, was rushed to an east London hospital by air ambulance in a critical condition. The car involved in the crash - a white BMW was abandoned at the scene following the incident just before 8.35pm on Wednesday. No one else was reported to be injured and no arrests have been made. A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: At this early stage, it is believed that the victim was assaulted before the car was deliberately driven at him. "Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances. Enquiries continue to trace the driver of the BMW and any other people involved in the incident. Detectives are appealing for people who witnessed the incident to come forward. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call Barnet CID via 020 8733 4125 or Tweet @MetCC. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. T wo G4S security guards were attacked and shot in a dramatic armed bank robbery in east London. A pair of gunman ambushed the security staff as they delivered cash to Nationwide building society ATM in Walthamstow in the early hours of Thursday, May 18. One of the robbers, armed with a handgun, opened fire on one security guard, repeatedly shooting him in the leg. The gunmen grabbed cash before fleeing the scene in a red Ford Fiesta which was parked in a side road for a quick getaway following the raid, at 3.25am. Paramedics rushed the injured security guard to hospital where he underwent surgery. Police said he could have died. DC Dave Crewe of the Met Polices Flying Squad which specialise in robberies, said a shocking level of violence was used. He said: The security guard is extremely lucky that he did not suffer life-threatening injuries as a result of being shot. I would urge anyone who has any information about the men who did this to come forward and talk to police and prevent them from carrying out a similar crime. Both robbers were wearing dark clothing and motorcycle helmets. Gareth Skinner, head of operational risk at G4S cash solutions team, said: "In the early hours of Thursday, May 18, two of our cash couriers were attacked while they were replenishing an ATM at a bank in Walthamstow, east London. "During the attack, one of our couriers received gunshot wounds to the leg and the other received minor injuries to the arm. "Our crews do a difficult job but have every right to be able return home unharmed at the end of a shift. "Our team is working with the police to help them apprehend the attackers as soon as possible and I would encourage anyone with information to inform the police by calling 101." Anyone who has information concerning this incident or who can identify those involved should call the incident room for Flying Squad on 020 8345 4215 or call the police non-emergency number, 101. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A low-paid and inexperienced nanny who lost her temper and shook to death a 10-month-old baby boy has been jailed for four years. Viktoria Tautz, 34, was hired for just 3.60-an-hour to look after little Joshua Paul, who was happy and playing when his mother left for work on 29 August 2014. But within 30 minutes, the baby had suffered a traumatic head injury and Tautz was heard screaming for an ambulance. She claimed to have no idea how Joshua had sustained the fatal injuries, but a jury at the Old Bailey today found her guilty of manslaughter. Sentencing her to four years in prison, Mrs Justice McGowan said: "You were not in the same position as a teenage mother, in the middle of the night, on her own, trapped in a flat with nobody to help her. Jailed: Viktoria Tautz / Met Police "You are not so young, you are in your 20s and an intelligent woman, demonstrating a level of maturity. "You have a degree of experience dealing with children and some, albeit limited, training - you were clear you had been trained how to handle a baby and you knew not to shake a baby." She said there was "no build up of pressure to a point where you simply could not cope any longer", adding: "I have no doubt it was your way of stopping him crying or making him go to sleep." Tautz, who is from Budapest in Hungary, fought back tears as the guilty verdict was delivered. The court heard she moved to the UK in 2007 with aspirations of a career looking after children, starting but failing to complete a government-backed course in health and social care. Tautz advertised her services on agency childcare.co.uk and landed her first paid role looking after Joshua in mid-June 2014. The baby had been born three months prematurely and with two holes in his heart. He weighed just 1.7kg and needed help breathing but after two months in hospital his parents, Nirmal Vijayan and Pearl Paul, were allowed to take him home to their flat in Culross Close, Haringey. Bernard Richmond QC, defending, told the court the case had "very worrying" features to it. "She was a young woman with a very limited amount of training with a baby who obviously had very difficult needs", he said. "She was not fully qualified and she ultimately her payment reflected her degree of training." He urged the judge to reduce the sentence because of the circumstances of the case, adding: "Ms Tautz should have recognised that the situation she was in was not good for her." Tautz had been given strict instructions in her care for Joshua, including not leaving the one-bedroom flat, not bathing him, or opening the door to strangers. Joshuas mother left for work at 8.40am on the day her son died, and told jurors she saw him happy and playing and enjoying his breakfast. But by 9.07am Tautz was heard screaming for help and Joshua had been fatally injured. "On that day, for whatever reason, something snapped in the defendant and for a short while she lost her temper with Joshua and assaulted him causing all those injuries, said prosecutor Zoe Johnson QC. Ms Tautz, was in sole charge of Joshua at the time of his collapse. She is charged with the manslaughter of Joshua Paul. No one is suggesting that the defendant intended to kill Joshua or even to cause him really serious harm. The prosecutions case is that the defendant dangerously and excessively shook Joshua and, therefore, she is responsible for his death. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate Joshua at the scene but he was already stiff, the court heard. He died in his parents arms at Great Ormond Street Hospital two days later. The baby had suffered severe swelling and bleeding on the brain, he had blood behind his eyes, and there was bruising to his spinal cord. Tautz, from Friern Barnet, denied manslaughter, insisting she had not lost her temper at all. She said she noticed Joshua was crying intensively and his face appeared to be swollen when she put him down for a nap. She said Joshua sudden went quiet and she noticed he was not breathing when she turned him on to his belly, believing he may be choking on something. I was absolutely scared - I didn't know what happened to him, she said, breaking down in tears in the dock. She told police she had been playing horsey with Joshua shortly before he started crying, and said he did not fall or bang his head. Joshua's parents gave evidence to a first trial which has to be aborted, and were spared the pain of giving evidence against this trial. Ms Johnson said the parents, who have since had another child, opted not to give a victim impact statement. Tautz wept as she was led away to the cells. A knife-wielding teenager who slapped a Tube worker and threatened to kill her has been jailed. Siti Awled, 19, waved a kitchen knife in the face of a member of staff at Acton Town station in a fit of rage in October last year. The worker had approached her and two friends as they jumped the barriers at the station and started swearing in front of children. But when confronted, Awled became abusive and slapped her in the face before brandishing the weapon. Awleds friends repeatedly tried to stop her from attacking the staff member, and eventually wrestled her to the ground. But that wasnt before the teenager also slapped her friend in the face for intervening. She then left the station and tossed the blade away before being arrested in a nearby street. The teenager pleaded guilty to affray, possession of an offensive weapon and two counts of common assault at Blackfriars Crown Court on May 8. Awled, of District Road, Wembley, was sentenced at the same court to 10 months imprisonment in a young offender instiution for affray on May 26. She was also handed a four-month sentence for possession of an offensive weapon and two months for each count of comment assault. DC Ross McAlpine, from the British Transport Police, said: Everyone has the right to travel and work in a safe environment without fear or intimidation. "This was a particular frightening experience for the staff who were working at the station at the time. I hope Awled takes the time to reflect upon her actions and realises that behaviour like this will never be tolerated on the rail network and police officer will always do everything they can to ensure that people are not only safe where they work and travel, but that also feel safe. A murder investigation has been launched after a prostitute was found stabbed to death in her north London flat. The woman, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene in Kilburn after police officers gained entry in the early hours of Monday, May 29. Police said the incident is being treated as suspicious after a post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds. Detectives have warned other sex workers in the capital to be "extra vigilant" as they hunt the killer. The woman last spoke to her family, who live in Italy, on May 21 and is believed to have been in the Kilburn area a day later. A concerned neighbour called police to the flat on Fernhead Road, where the victim lived alone, shortly before 1am on Monday. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall, are investigating the murder. There have been no arrests. DCI Nicola Wall said: "Whilst enquiries are on-going to establish the motive for the attack, it is considered likely that the motive is linked to the victim being a sex worker. "I would urge sex workers in the London area to be extra vigilant at this time, we are working hard to identify the attacker but we urgently require their assistance. "If you have any concerns about a recent client's behaviour, especially where threats or violence have been used do come and speak with us." Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 0208 7858244 or via Twitter @MetCC. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Measures are also in place for those wishing to report information anonymously to National Ugly Mugs (NUM) - a national organisation which provides protection for sex workers. Those wishing to make a report can do so by visiting www.uglymugs.org A woman has been arrested in east London on suspicion of torturing people during an African civil war nearly 30 years ago. The 51-year-old was held in custody over allegations relating to atrocities during the Liberian civil war between 1989 and 1993. The woman was arrested just after 7am on Thursday, Police said that searches are being carried out at two addresses in east and central London. A Met Police spokesman added: "We continue to liaise with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Crown Prosecution Service regarding this investigation." The Liberian civil war raged from 1989 when government minister Charles Taylor started an uprising in a bid to topple the government. Backed by a rebel group, the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), he gained control of large areas of the country and rose to become one of Africa's most prominent warlords. The NPFL has been accused of a wide range of human rights abuses and the large numbers of deaths during the conflict eventually led to the involvement of the UN and the Economic Community of West African States. A final peace agreement led to the election of Taylor as President of Liberia in 1997. A second civil war broke out in 1999 and Taylor was forced into exile in 2003. He was later jailed for committing war crimes in neighbouring Sierra Leone. Additional reporting by Press Association A tourist at the Tower of London has been slammed after allegedly tossing her glove towards a Queens Guard soldier in a bid to get him to move. The female holidaymaker was caught on camera being given a dressing down by a London Beefeater who told her: Hes not here for the public to make fun of. Video footage posted online by a fellow tourist captures the stand-off between the woman and the Queens Guard as the soldier refuses to move to pick up her glove. Eventually an irritated Beefeater approaches the woman and demands: Did you just throw your glove over?" He asks her: Why did you do that? The Armys here to protect the crown jewels, he is not here for the public to make fun of. The Beefeater whose job it is to guard the Tower of London continues and says: Hes a soldier, he serves his country, he deserves to be treated with a little respect. Tower of London: The video starts with the glove on the floor. / Charles C/YouTube Throwing your gloves at him isnt going to work is it really? After telling off the tourist, the Beefeater then strides over to the soldier, picks up the glove and returns it to the woman. Told off: A Beefeater approaches the woman and gives her a dressing down. / Charles C/YouTube The video was shared on website Reddit this week with many people deeming the tourist disrespectful. Not impressed: The Beefeater then climbs over the railings to retrieve the glove. / Charles C/YouTube Others praised the Beefeater for his calm chiding and his polite but firm manner. One user said: See, when Im rude Im just rude. But when British people are mean theyre nice and mean. Someone else called her unbelievably rude while another person added: The glove should be confiscated. The Queens Guard who are known for their iconic furry hats are soldiers stationed outside royal residencies including Buckingham Palace, St James Palace and the Tower of London. A ctivists have hijacked ad boards across the capital and plastered them with fake election posters mocking the Conservatives. Adverts suggesting Theresa Mays plan for Britain includes nuclear apocalypse have appeared at bus stops and on the Tube as campaigning ahead of the June 8th poll enters its final week. Posters attack senior Conservative figures as well as Mrs May. One shows a picture of health secretary Jeremy Hunt next to a slogan reading: My plan for the NHS: Let it rot. Another, spotted on the London Underground, pictures the Prime Minister holding hands with Donald Trump beside the claim: Theresa May would follow Donald Trump to the end of the world. Vote for a nuclear suicide-pact. Mock campaign: This faked advert was spotted on a Victoria line train on Thursday morning / @BAMerchant/Twitter Activists from the Special Patrol Group - which specialise in subversive advertising, or subtervising are said to be behind the campaign. But the posters are based on designs by satirical artist Darren Cullen. He told the Standard "cruel and irrational austerity policies" had inspired him to produce the posters, and added "appreciated" the effort of activists without condoning their behaviour. The 34-year-old from Lewisham said: "I couldn't say what impact it will have, I just felt like I had to do something. "The NHS cannot survive another Tory government, and this is the first time in my life where we have an option to move away from the backwards ideology of Thatcherism towards a more modern social democracy, run for the benefit of everyone - not just the super-rich." His strongly-worded attacks have gained attention on social media, with many Londoners tweeting approving messages about the campaign. The Metropolitan Police said no criminal offences had been committed. Transport for London, which manages the ad boards, said: "This is not an authorised advertising campaign. It's fly-posting and an act of vandalism. We take this extremely seriously and have directed our contractors to remove them immediately." The Conservative Party did not respond to requests for comment. Mock advertising campaigns are fairly commonplace in London. Earlier this year, a fake Navy recruitment drive urging applicants to become a suicide bomber appeared at bus stops around the city. The posters were again designed by artist Darren Cullen. And three years ago, fake adverts accusing police in London of racism were torn down in a similar incident. T he Prime Minister came under fire from an unlikely source - as well as her usual political opponents - for missing last nights TV debate. Theresa May was accused by her rivals of running away from the debate as she sent Home Secretary Amber Rudd to appear in her place. But she was also trolled by a less likely culprit: the official Twitter account of Netflixs hit US political drama House of Cards. The account posted: @theresa_may They respect you more when you show strength. Or show up, along with a GIF of star Kevin Spacey walking into the US Senate. Supporters of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn praised the trolling, sending burn emojis in response to the message. Election 2017: The highlights from the BBC leaders' debate Other people mocked Theresa May with their own tweets. J eremy Corbyn has hinted he could delay Donald Trumps controversial state visit to the UK if he wins next weeks election. The Labour leader suggested it would be more appropriate to make the American president wait several years before inviting him, as has been customary with Mr Trumps predecessors. Mr Corbyn told the Independent he was very concerned by how quickly Theresa May had extended the invitation, which includes a visit to Buckingham Palace. He said: Obviously there have to be relations with the USA. My views on Donald Trumps statements and utterances during the Presidential election are extremely well known. "There has to be a relationship with the US Government, you have to tell them what you believe." But he added other presidents had waited far longer. George Bush, second term. Reagan, second term. I think they were all second term, he said. Barack Obama visited some three years into his first term in office. Mr Trumps state visit had originally been planned to take place this summer, but the announcement of a snap election forced officials to delay it until October. An online petition was signed by nearly two million people who wanted to block the visit, sparking a debate in parliament but Mrs May has made clear it will go ahead. A n extra 50,000 London pensioners face punishing inheritance tax raids on the value of their homes under Jeremy Corbyns manifesto plans, new analysis reveals today. Labour has pledged to scrap Tory reforms that would have lifted many pensioner couples out of inheritance tax by allowing them to pass on up to 1 million, including the family homes, by 2021. This would leave the tax free allowance for couples at 650,000. Exclusive research from Savills estate agency has shown that the proposed move will drag more than 48,000 London homes owned by the over-65s back into the inheritance tax trap. Labours threat was described by one tax adviser as a kick in the teeth for ordinary Londoners who have paid for their homes and hope to pass them on tax free. Decades of price rises means that many are modest suburban homes that were never intended to be liable for a tax that was originally targeted at landed estates. Many are also in marginal seats where the grey vote could make the difference between Labour or Conservative votes. The leafy north London borough of Barnet has 4,297 homes worth between 650,000 and 1 million owned by over 65s, more than any other part of the capital. These homes would all have been exempt from inheritance tax under the Tory plans but now face 40 per cent bills on their value above the 650,000 threshold. TODO: define component type apester Other boroughs with large numbers of homes that would be heavily hit include Richmond-upon-Thames, Bromley, Wandsworth and Ealing, where Rupa Huq holds the Ealing Central and Acton seat for Labour with a majority of just 274. Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, said: A cut in the inheritance tax threshold would be most keenly felt in the affluent suburbs of London, where older homeowners are very protective of the substantial wealth which is tied up in housing. It also has the potential to eat into the inheritance of younger generations, who have become increasingly reliant on that money to get on or trade up the housing ladder. In turn, this may cause more older households to consider selling their existing home to downsize in their retirement. Gavin Barwell, Minister for London, said: Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell have made clear in their manifesto that they are planning a Family Homes Tax which will hit ordinary Londoners hard. People who have worked hard and saved all their lives will be punished if Jeremy Corbyn gets the keys to Downing Street after the election. Alex Davies, chief executive and founder of financial advisers Wealth Club, said: This is bad news. IHT is a huge worry for homeowners already in our recent survey of high net worth investors nearly a third placed policy changes and the impending General Election as one of their top concerns, with 45 per cent fearing an rise in inheritance tax. The existing legislation is complex and far from perfect but removing it is a kick in the teeth for people who have saved prudently over their lifetimes. And even without scrapping it, the overall IHT tax take is expected to rise. In total across London there are 343,284 homes valued between 650,000 and 1 million, of which 176,275 were bought by owner occupiers, of which 48,158 are aged over 65. In 2013/14, the last year for which data is available, 19,300 UK estates were liable for inheritance tax, of which 3,800 were in London and a further 4,500 in the south east. A Labour Party spokesperson said: Reversing the Conservatives 2015 inheritance tax give-away, which only benefits 4 per cent of estates, will help fund our plans to transform Britain for the many not the few, including an additional 8 billion for social care, which is in crisis after 4.6 billion of cuts by the Conservatives. N ick Clegg was today drafted in to front campaigning for Liberal Democrats for the second time in two days. The former deputy Prime Minister visited Kingston Hospital in south west London with Tim Farron to warn of the damaging exodus of skilled NHS workers from the EU because of Brexit. His intervention comes just 24 hours after he led the partys critique of the Conservative plan to axe universal free school meals for infants during a speech in target seat Vauxhall. With the latest poll average putting the party on 8.5 percent, there is speculation Mr Cleggs more frequent appearances beside Mr Farron are intended to give the party a boost in the last eight days of campaigning. Mr Clegg warned that London could lose 8,666 NHS doctors and nurses from the EU if earlier predictions EU staff will seek to leave the UK after Brexit bear out. Alongside Richmond Park candidate Sarah Olney and former Energy Secretary and Kingston & Surbiton candidate Sir Ed Davey, Mr Clegg met with doctors and nurses at Kingston who are part of a support group for EU nationals concerned at the impact of Brexit. Mr Clegg, said: London depends on doctors, nurses and other support staff from the EU, many of whom are now planning to leave the country because of the uncertainty caused by Brexit. We must guarantee their rights to stay here immediately to prevent a damaging exodus of these skilled and hard-working people, who all work tirelessly to look after us. The Liberal Democrats stand up to Theresa Mays extreme Brexit and give the people the final say, with the choice to remain in the European Union if they dont like the deal on offer. Businesswoman and pro-Remain campaigner Gina Miller today joined the Lib Dem campaign in Vauxhall today, where the party hopes to take the seat from Labours Kate Hoey, who backed Brexit. T he Prime Minister today refused to confirm whether she watched a BBC debate at which she was widely mocked by opposition parties for declining to turn up. After a campaign speech this afternoon, a reporter directly asked Theresa May: Did you actually watch last nights debate? But Mrs May used her response to praise Amber Rudd, who she sent to take part in the leaders debate in her place, saying: Well as I say, I think Amber did an excellent job in that debate. Opposition parties took advantage of Mrs Mays absence last night to accuse her of running scared. Earlier in the day Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged her to turn up, but Mrs May said she was focusing on Brexit negotiations. Speech: 'I think Amber Rudd did an excellent job' / AFP/Getty Images During the campaign speech in Teesside, the Prime Minister said Britain could look forward to a brighter future outside the EU. She said Britain would be freed from the "shackles" of Brussels and the UK could again become a "great global trading nation". Opinion polls suggest Labour is continuing to make ground with a YouGov poll for The Times cutting the Tory lead to just three points although other surveys still give them a double-digit advantage. With just a week to polling on June 8, Mrs May said voters had the opportunity to reaffirm last year's referendum vote for Brexit by backing her to carry on in Downing Street. "If they do, I am confident that we can fulfil the promise of Brexit together and build a Britain that is stronger, fairer and even more prosperous than it is today. 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 "Because the promise of Brexit is great, the opportunities before us enormous," she said. "Because if we get Brexit right, then together we can do great things. L abour has narrowed the gap with the Conservatives to a new low of three points as Jeremy Corbyns party won its highest poll result for more than three years. The latest poll by YouGov for The Times put the Conservatives on 42 per cent, down one point since the end of last week and the partys lowest rating since before Theresa May called the General Election. Labour gained three points to reach 39 per cent, while the Lib Dems were on seven per cent and Ukip on four. With just a week to go until polling day, the latest survey will cause nerves in Tory HQ. It comes a day after a controversial seat-by-seat projection by YouGov predicted the Conservatives could lose 20 seats and Labour gain 28 seats, leading to a hung Parliament. Pause for thought: Theresa May / EPA Thursdays poll shows Mrs Mays lead over Jeremy Corbyn when voters were asked who they want to be PM has also shrunk to 13 points, down from 17 at the end of last week. YouGov has consistently shown a narrower gap between the two parties than other polling companies. Latest surveys by ICM and ComRes found a Tory lead of 12, while Survation had the lead at six points. The differences in the polls are because of the way they are adjusted by different companies to predict turnout. General Election polls and projections: May 31 YouGov results suggest their team expects a higher turnout among young people, who are more likely to vote Labour. However, if their projections about young people coming out to vote are wrong, the Tories would likely win a convincing victory. In contrast, ICMs most recent poll showed a three-point lead for the Tories but was adjusted according to expectations about turnout and translated to an 11 point lead for the Conservatives. The latest YouGov poll of 1,875 adults would lead to Mrs Mays party falling 17 seats short of an overall majority and a hung parliament after June 8. T heresa May is dealt a blow today as a new poll reveals support for Jeremy Corbyn surging in London. For the first time, more voters in the capital say they think Labours leader would make a better Prime Minister than Mrs May. The Tories hopes of gaining seats in London are dashed by a huge 17-point lead opening up for Labour. Instead, they could lose seats. Mrs May came out fighting with a speech in the North-East at lunchtime. I have the determination and I have the plan, she said, calling the election the most important this country has faced in my lifetime. She added: If we get Brexit right, I am confident the future will be bright. The current standing of the parties reflects how London voted in 1997 when Tony Blair won his landslide first victory, according to the YouGov poll of 1,000 Londoners produced for Queen Mary University of London. Labour is on 50 per cent, up from 41 per cent a month ago. The Tories are on 33 per cent, down from 36 in a month. In March the parties were just three points apart, at 37/34. New blow: Prime Minister Theresa May / REUTERS Asked who would make the best Prime Minister, 37 per cent picked Mr Corbyn and 34 per cent Mrs May. A survey taken just after the manifesto launches last month had Mrs May ahead by 38 to 32. The findings are further evidence that the Tory campaign lost its way after the row over the so-called dementia tax. Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, said his party was fighting for every vote as a separate national survey this morning reduced the Tory lead to three points. Mrs May hoped to get back on track today with her speech focusing on the great national mission of Brexit, her strongest issue. She urged voters in Teesside: The brighter future we want for our country will not just happen. In London, Mr Corbyn was giving a rival vision for Brexit, saying Labour would protect the economy, jobs and living standards in negotiations with Brussels. Professor Philip Cowley, director of Queen Mary Universitys Mile End Institute, said: This wasnt part of the Conservative script for the election. They didnt expect to be looking at potential losses in London. Its also striking how the smaller parties are struggling in the capital. The combined Labour and Conservative vote in London is now higher than at any time since 1979. Mr Johnson was deployed this morning to rally Tory supporters. For me it is great that this is tightly fought, he said. It is great that people think that this is a very hotly contested election, because it is. We are fighting for every vote, because the future of our country is at stake. The former London mayor said Home Secretary Amber Rudd, whose father died on Monday, had given a heroic performance in last nights TV debate on BBC1. Mr Johnson accused the BBC of bias, saying it had been the most Left-wing studio audience the BBC has ever brought together. Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green said that unemployment would be far higher under Mr Corbyns plans for increased taxes and benefits. Surprisingly, given the fierce Conservative advertising campaign on social media to highlight Mr Corbyns record of opposing anti-terrorist laws and his links with Sinn Fein and Hamas, he and Mrs May are virtually neck-and-neck when Londoners were asked who they trust to keep the country safe from extremists. Mrs May is trusted by 42 per cent and distrusted by 46. The Labour leader, who has argued that fewer foreign wars would reduce the terrorism threat, is trusted by 41 and distrusted by 47. The fine detail of the survey reveals that Mr Corbyn is more popular with women than men. Mrs May is preferred by male voters. Mr Corbyn is strikingly unpopular with older voters, with over-65s dividing three-to-one for Mrs May and the Conservatives. But he has a clear lead among younger people and Remain voters. T he first police officer on the scene of the Manchester Arena terror attack has described how he "screamed" for his colleagues after the blast. Mark Renshaw, a PCSO for British Transport Police, spent two hours using makeshift items as stretchers as he and his emergency service colleagues tended to the dead and injured. Twenty-two people died and scores more were injured when Salman Abedi brought disaster to the city as fans left an Ariana Grande concert last Monday. Mr Renshaw, 24, told the Manchester Evening News of one girl who tapped him on the vest and asked "Can you help my mummy?", to find she had died in the attack. 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 Speaking to the paper, he said: "I heard an extremely loud explosion that literally shook me, everything shook. "I saw people running and screaming and my initial response was to go the same way they were all running, but something kicked in and I ran through the barriers up the steps and into the foyer. "It was pretty obvious what had happened. Manchester blast victim thanks stranger who came to her rescue on GMB I remember screaming down my radio to get my colleagues and first aiders here. "I was scared, but I couldn't have stood outside the station thinking, 'I'm safe here' when there were people inside who I could have been helping. I would have regretted that. I have no regrets." His comments came as police released further details about terrorist Salman Abedi - including that he had bought most of the key component parts of the suicide bomb in the few days before the attack. Many of his movements and actions in the four days after his return to the UK from Libya leading up to the May 22 atrocity were also carried out alone but detectives have not ruled out that he was part of "a wider network". T he devastated brother of a Manchester terror victim has urged people not to use the fatal bomb attack to support anti-immigration views. Dan Hett, 31, said he and his brother Martyn were second-generation immigrants whose backgrounds were "not worlds away" from that of UK-born terrorist Salman Abedi. Martyn Hett, 29, was one of 22 killed at the Manchester Arena when suicide bomber Abedi blew himself up as crowds left an Ariana Grande concert. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper more than a week on from the disaster, Dan Hett said he was touched by the genuinely Mancunian response to the last Mondays attack. He said: "I'm not a hugging person, but I have hugged every possible subset of human in the city. PR manager Martyn Hett, 29. / PA "I've hugged a biker who literally had me off my feet. "Yesterday morning I was in Sainsbury's with my youngest son, feeding him crisps, and an old lady stopped us and gave us both a cuddle. "I know that whenever something like this happens people get very sentimental about their cities. And again it's descending into cliche a little, but the reaction does really feel genuinely Mancunian. Dan Hett said he and brother Martyn, above, were second generation immigrants. He added he was frustrated about people using Manchesters tragedy for anti-immigration arguments. Half-Turkish Mr Hett said: A UK-born terrorist took out, among many other people, my UK-born Turkish brother ... In an alternate timeline, the roles could have been reversed." PR manager Martyn was days away from setting off for a trip to the US when he was killed. Superstar Mariah Carey paid tribute to Martyn, who was a massive fan of hers, through website Instagram and said his memory will be cherished forever. Ten people currently remain in custody for police questioning following a string of raids across the country. Abedi had a "relatively minor" criminal record as a teenager but was not known to police for holding extremist views. He appeared on police logs in 2012 over offences of theft, receiving stolen goods and assault, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said. However, Abedi had not featured in Prevent, the Government's voluntary counter-radicalisation scheme. Pop star Ariana Grande is holding a benefit concert for victims on Sunday with Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Coldplay. More than 2 million has been raised on a Just Giving page for the victims. Additional reporting by Press Association. T he parents of a zookeeper who was mauled to death by a tiger have paid tribute to their "very caring, generous daughter. Peter and Andrea, the parents of 34-year-old zookeeper Rosa King, said their daughters life was dedicated to her profession of caring for animals at Hamerton Zoo. She was killed at the Cambridgeshire-based zoo on Monday when a tiger entered the enclosure she was in. Police and the council have launched an investigation into her death. Her proud parents, Peter and Andrea, thanked well-wishers who have shown an "abundance of love and sympathy". They said in a statement: "Rosa was a dedicated professional when it came to her work. "She lived and breathed a vocation that meant the world to her, living her dream. Tragedy: Rosa King, who was killed on Monday. / Facebook "She had a care and understanding of her animals that was a joy and privilege to behold." Ms King's parents said she also leaves a younger brother, Mark, who, "like his parents, had nothing but love and admiration for her". They told how she was passionate about animals since she first sat on a horse at the age of two. "After that, her life was always going to be about animals," their statement continued. "She lived her life to the full and was a very caring, generous person. "She would stand up for those who couldn't stand up for themselves including the animals and campaigned and raised money for animal charities." Ms King did a skydive in 2014 to raise money for charity Animal Asia before travelling to China to visit their sanctuary for Asian Black bears, known as moon bears, her parents said. She had also recently returned from a trip to visit a rehabilitation centre for sun bears in Borneo. Her family said her whole attitude to the animal kingdom could be summed up in the statement: "When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. "I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul." The family have now asked for privacy. By Press Trust of India: Ramanathapuram(TN), Jun 1(PTI) Gold bars weighing about 16 kg and valued at around Rs 5 crore, were seized from two persons near Pamban in the district today, police said. Acting on a tip-off, DRI sleuths intercepted two persons on a bike near Pamban and confiscated 16 kgs of gold smuggled from Sri Lanka, from them, they said. advertisement The duo hailing from this district have been detained for interrogation, they added. PTI COR SSN ROH --- ENDS --- H illary Clinton has joined thousands mocking US President Donald Trump after he mistakenly posted a bizarre late-night tweet. On Tuesday, just hours after his top PR chief quit, President Trump shared a message on the social media site which simply read: Despite the constant negative press covefefe. The US leader later deleted the incomplete message but not before he was ridiculed by thousands of people around the world. On Wednesday night, his 2016 election rival and defeated candidate Hillary Clinton also joined in the joking and tweeted: People in covfefe houses shouldnt throw covfefe. It was in response to another message President Trump had posted which slammed Mrs Clinton, calling her crooked and a terrible candidate. Mrs Clintons online message was shared by more than 149,000 people with many hailing her for the witty response. President Trumps seemingly incomplete Twitter message followed the announcement that the White Houses director of communications, Michael Dubke, had resigned just three months into the job. Donald J.Trump Mr Dubkes resignation came amid suggestions the White House is set to shake up its media strategy. It is thought the US President, rather than a press representative, will begin making more direct announcements to media. A model claims she was sacked from representing car giant Hyundai at a motor show because she was having her period. Rachel Rickert, 27, has filed a complaint in the US alleging that she was shamed while working at the New York International Auto Show in April. She says she needed to change her uniform after being unable to take a lavatory break in time to change her tampon. She then received a text from her representative, Erika Seifred, telling her that the client Hyundai wanted her to take the night off because of her period situation, it is claimed. Two days later, Ms Seifred called to tell her that the South Korean manufacturer no longer wanted her to work at the show because it had heard about the incident. Ms Rickert told the BBC: I was completely puzzled. I was really upset. I started crying... I book out shows, and I miss other opportunities. So I was just like, What? This is not right! She filed a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday against Hyundai and Ms Seifreds management firm, Experiential Talent, which had hired her. The complaint is a precursor to a federal discrimination lawsuit. The complaint alleges that Ms Seifred told her she was being dismissed because Hyundai heard about Ms Rickert having her menstrual cycle and they didnt want Ms Rickert representing the company any more. Ms Rickert had spent three hours greeting guests at the Hyundai booth before being allowed to take a break. In a separate interview, Ms Rickert told the New York Post: Im not going to let someone tell me I cant have my period when I work. Its unacceptable. "Youre not a robot. You have to use the bathroom especially when youre on your period. They just act like were not human. Im not going to be ashamed or shamed of having my period. She resisted going home afterwards, as she was being paid by the hour, and went to work as normal the next day. Ms Rickert said she had appeared at 50 similar conventions. She said she had not received any of the $5,000 (3,879) she had expected to earn. Im not going to let people treat women this way, she said. Its a natural thing that we have, our periods, and its not like I want special treatment because of it. "I just want to be respected as a human and to be able to go to the restroom. And not to be considered a bad employee because I needed to use the bathroom. Hyundai Motor America said it had not yet been informed of the claim, but was looking into the allegations. We take any complaint like this seriously and will respond appropriately once we have a chance to investigate the merits of the claim, the firm said. Ms Seifred did not wish to comment. A father who tied a noose around the neck of his ex-wife and dragged her by car around a German town has been jailed for 14 years. Kader K, 28, sustained serious injuries as she was dragged over cobblestones at high speed by the VW Passat driven by Nurettin B in Hamelin. Their two-year-old son Cudi, who was sitting in the back seat, witnessed his mothers ordeal. Kader was only saved when the rope snapped outside a fast-food restaurant and passers-by rushed to her aid. She lay in a coma for weeks after the attack last November and has suffered brain damage that will require years of therapy. However, she was fit enough to appear at Hanover State Court to see her ex found guilty of attempted murder after a trial. In addition to the jail sentence, Nurettin B, 39, must pay her more than 100,000 in compensation. A US mayor has hit back after Donald Trump claimed he was elected by voters of Pittsburgh, not Paris while announcing his withdrawal from a global climate change agreement. The president said the Paris climate accord, signed by Barack Obama in 2015, was unfair and a bad deal for the US in a speech outside the White House. But Bill Peduto, mayor of Pittsburgh, was quick to respond to the Presidents comment about his city. He said: As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future. Within an hour his comment, posted on Twitter, had been shared by more than 20,000 people and liked by more than 30,000. Trump pulls US out of Paris climate change deal The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, responded: Once again @realDonaldTrump is wrong. #Paris & #Pittsburgh do stand together for the #ParisAgreement #Cities4Climate. In his speech, Mr Trump did raise the possibility of negotiating to re-enter the Paris accord or an entirely new deal on terms that were "fair" to the US. But he said of the current deal: "Not only does (it) subject our citizens to harsh economic restrictions, it fails to live up to our ideals. "This agreement is less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States. The Paris agreement, agreed under the United Nations in the French capital in December 2015, sees action by all countries to curb rising temperatures. T ickets to Ariana Grandes One Love Manchester benefit concert sold out in just six minutes. According to the events official Twitter account, the star-studded tribute show completely sold out just a few minutes after tickets went on sale on Ticketmaster at 10am on Thursday. While many fans seemed over-the-moon that they had successfully purchased the 40 tickets to Sundays concert, others complained that they had experienced technical issues after being pushed back to the beginning of the queue. Yeah there were difficulties on mobile I think. The app was up and running but there seemed to be difficulties on that too, the official account told one fan. Ticketmaster confirmed that it would not be charging its usual booking fee for the event, all proceeds of which will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund set up by Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross. All of those who attended Grandes concert on the night of the terrorist attack were offered free tickets that were made available on Wednesday night. Stars who performed with Ariana Grande at Manchester Benefit Concert 1 /14 Stars who performed with Ariana Grande at Manchester Benefit Concert Ariana Grande Getty Images Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj Getty Images Miley Cyrus Getty Images Niall Horan Getty Images Katy Perry Getty Images Justin Bieber Getty Images Usher Getty Images Chris Martin of Coldplay Getty Images Take That Getty Images Pharrell Williams Getty Images Ariana Grande Getty Images A stellar line-up, including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Niall Horan will perform at Sundays concert, which will raise money for the victims and families affected by the horrific attack last week. Twenty-two people were killed and dozens injured when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated an explosive at Grandes concert at Manchesters MEN Arena on May 22. Grande said she had been left broken by the devastating attack, but promised fans she would return to the incredibly brave city for a concert in honour of and to raise funds for the victims and their families. T housands of heartless touts have tried to blag tickets to the One Love Manchester benefit concert which is being held to raise money for those affected by last weeks terror attack. Fans who were at Ariana Grandes Manchester MEN Arena concert when the attack took place have been offered free tickets to Sundays fundraising event. But Ticketmaster has now revealed some 10,000 unscrupulous applications have been made for free tickets. A spokesperson said in a statement: We have set aside tickets for the 14,200 people who were at the Ariana Grande concert to attend One Love Manchester for free. More than 25,000 people applied for them. Sadly, over 10,000 unscrupulous applications have been made. At Ticketmaster we are doing everything we can including extending todays deadline - to ensure that tickets go to the actual fans and not the opportunists or touts who have also been applying for free tickets. TODO: define component type brightcove Tickets for the concert went on sale to the public on Thursday morning and sold out within six minutes. Online auction site eBay was forced to remove lots as touts attempted to flog the tickets at extortionate prices. An eBay spokesperson said: We dont allow the sale of any type of ticket on eBay so these will be removed automatically. All tickets for this event will most certainly be removed by the team who are doing manual sweeps to pick up any that slip through. All ticket proceeds from the benefit gig are intended to go towards the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund set up by Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross. Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Niall Horan are among the artists confirmed to perform alongside Grande at the gig on June 4 as well as Miley Cyrus, Pharrell, Coldplay, Usher and Take That among others. Stars who performed with Ariana Grande at Manchester Benefit Concert 1 /14 Stars who performed with Ariana Grande at Manchester Benefit Concert Ariana Grande Getty Images Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj Getty Images Miley Cyrus Getty Images Niall Horan Getty Images Katy Perry Getty Images Justin Bieber Getty Images Usher Getty Images Chris Martin of Coldplay Getty Images Take That Getty Images Pharrell Williams Getty Images Ariana Grande Getty Images One Love Manchester will air live on BBC One on June 4 at 6pm. C hloe Grace Moretz has said that she is appalled and angry over the marketing campaign for her new film, which appears to body-shame an animated character. The US actress, 20, has spoken out to criticise the promotional billboards for childrens film Red shoes & the 7 Dwarfs after a facing a backlash on social media. A number of high profile people, including plus-size model Tess Holliday, posted their disapproval on Twitter over posters describing a girl who has put on weight as 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, wrote Holliday earlier this week. Moretz has now responded, saying that she is just as appalled as everyone else and did not sign off on the marketing campaign. Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs - trailer 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, she wrote on Wednesday night. 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, she continued. Chloe Grace Moretz - style file 1 /58 Chloe Grace Moretz - style file April 7, 2005 At the film premiere of 'The Amityville Horror' Frederick M. Brown/Getty October 9, 2005 At the premiere of Dreamworks Pictures' 'Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story' Michael Buckner/Getty September 25, 2006 At the 'Open Season' film premiere Frederick M. Brown/ Getty March 27, 2008 At he DVD release party for 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' E. Rodriguez/Getty April 18, 2009 At the premiere of Disneynature's 'Earth' Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty July 19, 2009 At the Walt Disney Pictures' premiere for the animated feature film 'G-Force' Jason Merritt/Getty April 13, 2010 At the premiere of Lionsgate's 'Kick-Ass' Frazer Harrison/Getty July 24, 2010 At the Overture 'Let Me In' Press Conference during Comic-Con Frazer Harrison/Getty September 27, 2010 At the premiere of Overture's 'Let Me In' Frazer Harrison/Getty October 28, 2010 At a press reception for 'Kick-Ass' Koki Nagahama/Getty February 9, 2011 At the premiere of DreamWorks Pictures' 'I Am Number Four' Jason Merritt/Getty September 10, 2011 At the 'Hick' Premiere Sonia Recchia/Getty September 15, 2011 At the Calvin Klein Collection dinner in New York Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty September 25, 2011 At the 'IRIS, A Journey Through the World of Cinema' by Cirque du Soleil premiere Kevin Winter/Getty October 17, 2011 At ELLE magazine's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute John Shearer/Getty October 22, 2011 At Variety's 5th annual Power Of Youth event Jason Merritt/Getty November 13, 2011 At the 2011 Hollywood Style Awards Frederick M. Brown/Getty November 14, 2011 At the 8th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards D Dipasupil/Getty January 10, 2012 At the 2011 National Board of Review Awards gala Stephen Lovekin/Getty February 25, 2012 At the Sportmax autumn/winter 2012 show Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty April 26, 2012 At the CinemaCon awards Ethan Miller/Getty May 3, 2012 At he after party for a special screening of 'Hick' Stephen Lovekin/Getty June 12, 2012 At the 2012 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards Jason Merritt/Getty October 11, 2012 At the Chanel: The Little Black Jacket private view at Saatchi Gallery Mike Marsland/Getty January 9, 2013 At the 39th Annual People's Choice Awards Jason Kempin/Getty May 19, 2013 At the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Jason Merritt/Getty August 5, 2013 At the 'Kick-Ass 2' Photocall at Claridges Hotel Ian Gavan/Getty January 17, 2014 At the 'Laggies' premiere at Eccles Center Theatre Jason Merritt/Getty May 5, 2014 At the 'Charles James: Beyond Fashion' Met Gala Larry Busacca/Getty May 23, 2014 At the 'Clouds Of Sils Maria' photocall during Cannes Film Festival Neilson Barnard/Getty May 23, 2014 At the 'Clouds Of Sils Maria' premiere Andreas Rentz/Getty August 20, 2014 At the premiere of 'If I Stay' Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty August 24, 2014 At the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards Jason Merritt/Getty September 7, 2014 At 'The Equalizer' premiere Jason Merritt/Getty December 18, 2014 At the PEOPLE Magazine Awards Jason Merritt/Getty February 22, 2015 At the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Pascal Le Segretain/Getty March 11, 2015 At the autumn/winter 15 Louis Vuitton show in Paris Pascal Le Segretain/Getty September 15, 2015 At the spring/summer 16 Coach show in New York Brad Barket/Getty November 22, 2015 At the 2015 American Music Awards Mark Davis/Getty December 9, 2015 At the 24th annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast Jason Merritt/Getty January 14, 2016 At the '5th Wave' Premiere Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty February 16, 2016 At the autumn/winter 16 Coach show in Paris Monica Schipper/Getty May 2, 2016 At the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Met Gala Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty May 16, 2016 At the premiere of 'Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising' Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty The actual story is powerful for young women and resonated with me. I am sorry for the offense that was beyond my creative control. The films producer, Sujin Hwang, has now apologised for any offence caused and has withdrawn the campaign. Locus Corporation wishes to apologise regarding the first elements of our marketing campaign (in the form of a Cannes billboard and a trailer) which we realise has had the opposite effect from that which was intended, he said in a statement to Salon. That advertising campaign is being terminated. Hwang continued: Our film, a family comedy, carries a message designed to challenge social prejudices related to standards of physical beauty in society by emphasising the importance of inner beauty. We appreciate and are grateful for the constructive criticism of those who brought this to our attention. We sincerely regret any embarrassment or dissatisfaction this mistaken advertising has caused to any of the individual artists or companies involved with the production or future distribution of our film, none of whom had any involvement with creating or approving the now discontinued advertising campaign. G wyneth Paltrow has spoken about the pain of her divorce and how she has ruthlessly pursued success. The actress opened up about how she coped with criticism from the media and about her split from Coldplays Chris Martin. Paltrow, 44, told Net-a-Porters digital magazine The Edit: Ive had an extraordinary life, where things have happened in a huge way huge success, huge joy, huge pain, huge loss. The reason I feel happy today is because Ive milked the f*** out of every opportunity. I havent made one mistake that I havent used as a stepping stone to get somewhere else. Im ruthless when it comes to using the hard things. 'Happy': Paltrow says she's milked every opportunity / Chris Colls/courtesy of the EDIT,NET-A-PORTER She defended her wellness and luxury lifestyle brand Goop, which has been criticised for promoting 260 sex dust smoothies and pyjamas costing 225. She said: People were fine with me as an actress, but with Goop it was like, Stay in your lane. Women, in general, get a lot of pushback, especially if youre successful and attractive. Im not saying Im attractive. I mean when youre considered attractive. Extraordinary life: Paltrow opens up about her life in the spotlight / Chris Colls/courtesy of the EDIT,NET-A-PORTER The mother of two stood by the term consciously uncoupling the phrase that she and Martin used when announcing their separation in 2014. She said: People are coming around. I know its a dorky term, but its very worthwhile. Read the full interview on The Edit / Chris Colls/courtesy of the EDIT,NET-A-PORTER "Im always the person who gets shit at first, but then later people say, Hey, maybe thats a good idea, I dont mind. I wanted to turn my divorce into a positive. What if I didnt blame the other person for anything and held myself 100 per cent accountable? What if I checked my own shit at the door and put my children first? "And reminded myself about the things about my ex-husband that I love and fostered the friendship? What I put myself through to get there was the most difficult thing Ive ever done in my life. She said she takes her children Apple, 13, and Moses, 11, everywhere so that she can use them as a shield against the paparazzi and also revealed that she even occasionally eased up on her fitness and healthy eating regime. Paltrow said: I cant be on a cleanse all the time I did one for seven weeks last year and it was awful. My first meal of the day is normally lunch. I keep it light on carbs so my energy levels dont peak and valley through the day. At home, I loosen the reins: a glass of wine, maybe a baguette dripping in cheese, some fries on vacation, I eat what I want and theres no exercising either. To read the full interview with Gwyneth Paltrow, read The EDIT at www.net-a-porter.com/magazine/404/12 and/or download The EDITs free app for iPhone, iPad and Android S creenings of Wonder Woman have been scrapped in Lebanon over the films casting of Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The Lebanese government has made the decision to ban the new superhero film from all cinemas after discovering that the lead actress previously served in the Israeli Defence Force. According to Variety, the ban was put in place just a few hours before the films Lebanese premiere in Beirut and nationwide release. The official Twitter account of Lebanons Grand Cinemas chain confirmed the news on Wednesday night, writing: #WonderWoman has been banned in #Lebanon. The Ministry of Economy and Trade, which has a policy of banning Israeli exports, made a formal request to ban the film. Despite a cease fire agreement in 2006, the two nations are still officially at war and have no diplomatic relations. Wonder Woman - Trailer 2 Film distributor Tony Chacra of the company Joseph Chacra and Sons told Reuters that the decision was very frustrating" as the movie has nothing to do with Israel. Gadot has previously starred in Fast and the Furious and Batman vs Superman, neither of which were banned in the country. Wonder Woman is already receiving rave reviews from critics, with many praising its refreshing take on the superhero genre. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, May 31 (PTI) Police have arrested two persons, including a loader at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, for allegedly stealing 40 iPhones worth Rs 28 lakh. Police have recovered 28 stolen iPhone 7 worth Rs 19.5 lakh from the duo, said an official of the Delhi Police Crime Branch. The Apple phones scheduled for launch in India on April 14 arrived at the cargo complex of the IGI Airport on April 12. Later that day, they went missing, he said. advertisement On the basis of a tip-off, the two accused -- Preetam Nishad and Anurag Singh -- were arrested on May 13. Preetam used to work as a loader with Kishan Pal Transport Service at the IGI Airport cargo complex. He met Anurag Singh, who was also working there as a loader. A few months ago, Preetam lost his job but he kept his ID card with him. The duo hatched a plan to steal the items from the cargo complex. Since Anurag was still working as a loader at the complex, he identified the areas that were not covered by the CCTV cameras. He kept a close eye on the shipments arriving at the cargo complex, but he could not take the stolen articles out of the airport before finishing his shift, said the officer. On April 12, he saw a fresh shipment of iPhones and called Preetam to the cargo complex. Anurag stole four small packages containing 10 iPhones each, which Preetam took and left. Anurag joined him later after finishing his shift and they took 20 phones each. They sold the phones by telling buyers that they have been purchased from the auction of the customs department, he said. PTI SLB SMN --- ENDS --- President Ghani's order to execute Haqqani network, Taliban terrorists came a day after at least 90 people were killed and over 300 injured in a powerful bomb blast in Kabul. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's order came a day after 90 people were killed in a bomb blast in Kabul. (File Photo/PTI) By India Today Web Desk: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani ordered execution of 11 Haqqani network and Taliban terrorists today, a day after at least 90 people were killed and over 300 injured in a deadly blast which rocked Kabul's diplomatic zone. "President Ghani has just issued a decree ordering the execution of 11 Haqqani and Taliban prisoners," Kabul-based Tolo News said in a tweet. advertisement The execution order by President Ghani came within moments of Interior Ministry spokesperson Sediq Siddiqui saying that role of Pakistan's ISI and the Haqqani network has been established in Kabul explosion. Talking exclusively to India Today, Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesperson Sediq Siddiqui said role of Pakistan's ISI has been established in Kabul explosion."We have nailed Pakistan's ISI role (in Kabul blast). Afghanistan expects Pakistan to crack down on Haqqani network. The attack will surely impact ties between the two (Afghanistan, Pakistan) countries," Siddiqui told India Today. He added that Kabul expects Islamabad to act against the Haqqani network while expressing fears of more such attacks in the country. Kabul's high-security diplomatic zone was rocked by a powerful blast on Wednesday morning. The explosion occurred near the German embassy at one of the entrances to Kabul's unofficial Green Zone. ALSO READ: Pakistan's ISI behind Kabul blast which killed 90: Afghanistan govt to India Today Kabul bomb blast death toll hits 80, over 350 others injured in suicide attack near Indian embassy Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on NATO convoy in Kabul Pakistan-based terrorist groups planning to attack India and Afghanistan: US WATCH: Afghanistan blames Pakistan's ISI for Kabul blast that killed 90 --- ENDS --- TTV Dinakaran was arrested for trying to bribe Election Commission official to get AIADMK's two leaves symbol. By India Today Web Desk: A Delhi court today granted bail to AIADMK (Amma) faction leader TTV Dinakaran , who was arrested for trying to bribe Election Commission official to get the party's two leaves symbol. The Tis Hazari court granted bail to Dinakaran and his close aide Mallikarjun on personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each. The court has also asked them to surrender their passports. advertisement The Election Commission had frozen the AIADMK's symbol after two factions of the party - one led by Dinakaran's aunt Sasikala and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam - staked claim to it. Dinakaran, who was arrested by Delhi Police Crime Branch on April 25, sought bail on the ground that there was no reason to keep him in custody and no public servant was made an accused in the case though he was booked on graft charges. His bail was opposed by the police which had said that the AIADMK leader conspired with others to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process through corrupt means and practices. Dinakaran was arrested on the night of April 25 after four days of questioning for allegedly attempting to bribe unidentified Election Commission (EC) officials to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol. His faction had hoped to obtain the symbol for the bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, which was later cancelled by the EC after the alleged irregularities were reported in the media. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ: The other side of TTV Dinakaran: All you didn't know about the AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran confesses to meeting middleman in EC bribery case, assumed he was high court judge AIADMK merger done deal? OPS party chief, EPS to continue as CM; camps wait for Dinakaran's arrest --- ENDS --- SCOTTSBLUFF As one walks up the stairs to the gallery at the West Nebraska Arts Center, the first thing theyll notice is the light shining through broken glass mosaics hanging and propped in the windows, contrasting with oil paintings and pastels that also seem to have a light of their own. The show, Traveling Light, features the works of artists Cynthia Cochran of Torrington, Wyoming, and Charla Hebert of Minatare, and could not be more appropriately named. The show opens Thursday, June 1, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Wine and beer served by Rack Wine & Spirits, live music by Isaac & the Brute. Other refreshments will be served. The exhibit and reception are free and open to everyone. Traveling Light will be on display at West Nebraska Arts Center June 1 through 25. It is generously sponsored by Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment. West Nebraska Arts Center is a cultural non-profit organization committed to education, awareness, and excellence in the arts, serving the North Platte Valley Region. WNAC is located at 106 East 18th St. in Scottsbluff. Visit the Arts Centers website, www.thewnac.com, to learn more. The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported the programs of this organization through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for more information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Some students of the Aligarh Muslim University have posted a video on Twitter trashing claims that non-Muslim students here are not being served food during Ramadan. By India Today Web Desk: After reports of non-Muslim students not being fed during Ramadan at the Aligarh Muslim University created much disturbance yesterday, students have come forward to say otherwise. A Twitter user who goes by the name Aabshar and handle @scepticindian tweeted a video of a young man, who introduces himself as an AMU student, trashing the reports that the university is not serving them food. advertisement The student, who seems to be shooting the video inside his hostel room, requests media and social media users to not spread such "rumours". He then goes on to show a plate filled with food which he says was served to the students for breakfast. "Please try and spread good news [about AMU], like how so many AMU students have cleared GATE, etc." he says in Hindi. "I request people not to spread negative news. First find out the truth, then share it," he says, before ending the video with a 'Jai Shri Hari'. Since last 3 days, media has been running a propaganda to malign AMU. The reality is different, watch the video by a student pic.twitter.com/6TUmrROgo5- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 A woman can be heard speaking in the background, who moves the camera from one bowl of food to another in the "hostel canteen", saying that non-Muslim students at AMU are indeed being served food. Another video of the AMU girls hostel (Indira Gandhi Hall) where it can be seen lunch is served for students who doesn't fast. pic.twitter.com/sxiRyJRy44- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 In boys hostel usually students don't eat in the mess during Ramzan so the food is served in their room. Canteen inside AMU are always open pic.twitter.com/9NKmH5tDwn- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 Moreover it's plain lie that Dhabas and restaurant are 4 kms from university. There are Dhabas outside the gate of almost all hostel (<100m)- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 There are famous vegetarian Dhabas which are located at 500m from campus (Tanveer Mahal). Students who like vegetarian food frequent those- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 Medical college canteen is open 24x7, canteen at engineering college is open whenever the classes are on in AMU. Media is lying- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 Plz also note most exams in AMU are over, students have gone home. It's very difficult for mess to operate with so few attendance.- Aabshar (@Scepticindian) May 31, 2017 advertisement Another Twitter user, Tarique Anwer, writes that dining halls at AMU serve meals "only when there is a minimum number of students opt for lunch or breakfast," which could be a reason why the reports of food not being given erupted. Dining halls in AMU serves only when there is a minimum number of students opt for lunch or breakfast. This has nothing to do with Ramzan.- Tarique Anwer (@tanwer_m) May 30, 2017 Pic 1: Slips for students who fast. Pic 2: Slips for students who doesn't fast. pic.twitter.com/jJyLfIKro0- Tarique Anwer (@tanwer_m) May 31, 2017 NO FOOD FOR NON-MUSLIM STUDENTS IN AMU DURING RAMZAN? Earlier, ABVP and BJYM leaders had alleged that non-Muslim hostel boarders at the Aligarh Muslim University were not being provided breakfast and lunch during Ramzan. A PTI report says Vinay Varshney, a BJYM leader, alleged that by denying breakfast and lunch to non-Muslim boarders, the university authorities were "indirectly compelling them to observe fast during Ramzan". The university authorities, however, asserted that meals were being served to students "on demand" during the holy month of Ramzan, regardless of the religion they belong to. advertisement Read more at FYI: Watch: Viral anti-terrorism Ramadan video has a haunting message for terrorists Vajpayee no more, but his memories remain: Aligarh mayor's speech during former PM's birthday celebrations shocks everyone JNU students protest against VC receiving Visitor's Award; JNUSU President files online petition --- ENDS --- Disgusting is too kind of a word for the picture a comedian recently posted. It was beyond distasteful. Kathy Griffin has never been a fan of President Donald Trump and her rants in the past have been just words. The picture, her holding a mask of the President covered in what looks likes blood, goes too far. Joking about killing anyone, let alone the leader of our country, is no joke and is unacceptable. This is something you expect to see in a foreign country, by groups wanting to overthrow our great country, but not in America and not from someone in the public eye. What does this say to our young people? Freedom of speech, some may say. Yes, it is freedom of speech, but with freedom there is responsibility. You dont yell fire in a crowded room. Griffin has apologized, but the scary thing is, she thought it was OK to start with. No one, Republican or Democrat should think such an attack is all right. However, looking at social media, that hate is rampant from all sides. Back up a week and the news was of a Montana politician physically attacking a reporter. Before the foolish attack, we had students rioting on the UCLA campus in Berkley, California, because they didnt like a person, Ann Coulter, coming to speak. A place, a college, that should promote freedom of thought, instead its students tried to slam the door on anyone who might disagree with their view. That is not freedom of thought. That is childish bullying. Violence seems to have becoming the way we now operate in the land of the free. If we disagree with someone, dont like what they say, hit em, start a riot or post a violent picture promoting their death. If we get in trouble for our actions, apologize and everything will be alright. As a country, what does this say about us? Where is our moral sense of right and wrong? Some will point to our President; blame him for being so nasty during the campaign. That is a cheap excuse. Politics has always been dirty and ugly, but usually when the votes are counted, we act like adults and move on. The President and all politicians included. Where are the adults? The conservatives blame the liberals, the liberals blame the conservatives, but the blame falls on all of us. We continue to accept it, pick sides and point figures. Instead, we must demand change, not just in Washington D.C. but in ourselves. Instead of whining if we dont get our way, we need to contact our congressional representatives and demand they work across party lines. Put party second, America first. No one side will walk away as the overall winner. But photos promoting death to our leaders could carry the potential of trickling down to local politicians and anyone who is in a place of authority. As a bible believing Christian, a former preacher, I would encourage us to open up the old book once again. Lessons such as the 10 commandments, the golden rule, words from Jesus such as what you do to the least of these you do to me and pray for your enemies are still great lessons for today. Even if you throw out those lessons, change needs to take place. The ugliness we are now experiencing is wrong and we must rise above it. Congress needs to lead the way, put health care and tax reform on the back burner and find something both Republicans and Democrats can find middle ground on and get passed. Once our leaders see they can work together, then come back and address health care and tax reform. There is nothing either side can agree on, you say. That is not true. The President has called for major investment in infrastructure. Democrats and Republicans agree it needs to be done. So start there, find middle ground and get something moving forward. If we refuse to search for the middle ground, continue down the road we are presently traveling on, then our great country will fall. Rome fell from within. Our freedoms we hold so dear, paid for with the blood of so many soldiers, will disappear. We cannot continue to ignore the ugly. Hopefully, Griffins stupidity will be the climax of the ugliness. Hopefully, it will be this countrys wake up call. Somehow, we must regain the moral core that held us together as a country through the good times and bad. That moral core can bind us together again as we move forward toward, hopefully, a bright future. The 12th annual Mendocino Film Festival invites you to travel the world from the edge of your seat, with venues this year in Mendocino Village, Fort Bragg and Philo. Running from June 1st to 4th, the festival features 65 films from 23 nations. Guest curators in 2017 include Larry Laboe (from SXM and the SF Art Institute) and Pat Ferrero (filmmaker, curator and SFSU faculty). Laboe has chosen Bobby Sands: 66 Days, Delinquent, and Just Like in the Movies. Ferreros selections for this years festival are Brillo Box, Finding Kukan, The Groove is Not Trivial, and Tribal Justice. On hand will be more filmmakers than ever 30 directors, producers and editors from Hawaii to New York to screen and discuss their films. One of those in attendance is Damani Baker, who directed The House on Coco Road, about an Oakland teacher who moves her family to Grenada during the Reagan era. Writer and director Anne Makepeace presents her riveting documentary, Tribal Justice, on Native American judges.< Documentarian Robin Lung from Hawaii talks about Finding Kukan, an Oscar-winning documentary on World War II atrocities in China. Many are looking forward to the presence of Tommie Dell Smith to talk about her documentary on Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, The Groove is Not Trivial. Sean Havey plans to present The Force, an award-winning documentary about the Oakland police department and the community it serves. Of special interest is the film Mali Blues featuring global pop star Fatoumata Diawara. A musical journey to discover and preserve the countrys rich musical culture, Mali Blues introduces us to committed musicians who are fighting for unity and the freedom to express themselves through their music. All of us at Stark Insider look forward to these screenings and hope to see you at the Mendocino Film Festival! 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 President Klaus Iohannis will be paying a visit to the US between June 4 - 9 and will have an official meeting with President Donald Trump on June 9, the Presidential Administration announced. "The meeting of the two heads of state will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the prospects for deepening and expanding the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, at all relevant levels, including in the context of the 20th anniversary this year of the launch of the partnership. Thus, President Klaus Iohannis will address action priorities under the bilateral relationship and will reaffirm Romania's staunch commitment to staying a predictable, stable and trustworthy ally of the United States," the Presidential Administration's release reads. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump will meet with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on June 9 for "a working visit." On the occasion of the trip to Washington, the President of Romania will attend on June 5, as a guest of honor, the Global Forum of the prestigious American Jewish Committee (AJC), which has a more than 110-year history. AJC will bestow on President Klaus Iohannis the 'Light Unto the Nations' award, the highest distinction of the organization that is presented to heads of state or government in sign of recognition for the recipient's important international impact on peace, security, democracy, and the promotion of human values. In the awarding decision, AJC said that that President Klaus Iohannis's "leadership in strengthening his country's democracy and rule of law are hallmarks of distinction, worthy of admiration and emulation, as are his efforts to combat anti-Semitism, and deepen ties between Romania and the U.S., as well as Romania and Israel." The distinction is also in recognition of Romania's key role in NATO, the European Union, and in its bilateral links, in defending freedom and maintaining regional and global security, as well as of the achievements of its recently-concluded stewardship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), for "seeking to blaze new trails in strategies for combating anti-Semitism and promoting Holocaust education and research." The award will be presented at a special moment at the AJC Global Forum 2017 that takes place June 4 to 6, in Washington, D.C. and which will bring together more than 2,500 participants from across the United States and 70 countries around the world. The 'Light Unto the Nations' award is the highest honor AJC presents to distinguished global leaders. Among the previous recipients are German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, U.S. President Bill Clinton, other European and Latin American heads of state. President Iohannis's visit to Washington also includes a meeting with representatives of the Romanian community in the US. agerpres. Ankita Lokhande is set to make her Bollywood debut soon. By India Today Web Desk: It's been almost three years since Sushant Singh Rajput's ex-girlfriend Ankita Lokhande made her last appearance on television. For a long time, the 32-year-old actor has been looking for a perfect Bollywood break. Many years ago, her name came up for Farah Khan's Happy New Year, but the project slipped through her hands. If a report in Mid-Day is to be believed, Ankita has finally signed her first Bollywood project. She will seen in Sanjay Dutt's next titled Malang. advertisement The film, which is said to be a romantic thriller, will see Ankita in a meaty role. A source was quoted as telling the daily, "It appears her long wait to break into Bollywood has now ended. She will be seen playing a cop in Malang." Directed by Aarambhh Singh, Malang is a thriller love story. It was only a few days ago that the film was announced. This is Sanjay's second film after Bhoomi. Malang will be shot in Varanasi. ALSO READ: Have Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande put their bitter break-up behind them? ALSO READ: Has Pavitra Rishta actress Ankita Lokhande finally found love again? ALSO WATCH: Sushant Singh Rajput felt cheated at engineering college because there were no girls --- ENDS --- The European Commission has opened a formal investigation to assess whether Romania's gas transmission system operator Transgaz has been hindering gas exports from Romania to other EU member states, the Community Executyve said in a release. The Commission will investigate whether Transgaz has abused its dominant market position in breach of EU rules."The Commission is determined to ensure that consumers throughout the EU enjoy secure energy supplies at affordable prices. An integrated and competitive single European energy market is essential in this regard. We therefore need to investigate whether Transgaz has been abusing its dominant position by isolating the Romanian gas market and preventing its integration into the European gas network," said Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy.Romania is the third largest natural gas producer in the European Union (after the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and has important gas reserves, including newly discovered natural gas fields in the Black Sea. Transgaz is the sole operator of the natural gas transmission system in Romania.The Commission's antitrust investigation will focus on indications tthe Energy Union objectives, hat Transgaz has devised a strategy to restrict gas exports from Romania to other member states. This strategy may have been implemented in several ways including through the use of: interconnector transmission fees; underinvestment or delays in the building of relevant infrastructure; and un-founded technical arguments as a pretext to prevent or justify delays in exports.Transgaz's behaviour, if established, may be in breach of the EU's antitrust rules (Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) and constitute a restriction of competition and lead to a limitation in the choice of supply route. This could lead to higher prices and less secure supplies of natural gas by decreasing liquidity on wholesale gas markets in Romania. This behaviour could ultimately harm EU consumers and run counter to the Energy Union objectives of greater integration and increased security of supply in European energy markets.The opening of the formal investigation follows inspections carried out in June 2016 in Romania.The Commission will now carry out its in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. An opening of a formal investigation does not prejudge its outcome, the release said. By Nolan Pinto: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Uttar Pradesh reached Bengaluru today morning and visited the head office of the Food and Civil Supplies Department and also the Vikasa Soudha to begin the probe. They verified documents as well as questioned the staff in connection with the death of IAS officer Anurag Tewari. Mayank Tewari, the late officer's brother was also a part of the team. advertisement However, Mayank is unhappy with the pace of investigations. Speaking exclusively to India Today, he tells us that he has no faith in the SIT since they are in a dilemma whether to investigate the case further, adding "UP CM Yogi Adityanath has decided to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)." Though this decision was taken a few days after the IAS officer's death, he alleges that nothing much has happened. "I have sent mails to the government on May 25 and also on May 31, yet nobody is responding," he alleged, adding it is unfortunate that a senior IAS officer is murdered in a place represented by the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi and yet 'nobody is bothered about the investigation." ANURAG TALKED ABOUT SCAM On the possible scam his brother was investigating, he says many of his friends had informed the SIT that Anurag had spoken to them about a scam. Mayank believes only the CBI, which is well equipped than the SIT, can bring out the truth. Mayank while speaking about the connection between a scam and his brother's death, said "I am sure there is a connection from Karnataka only." Mayank plans to meet Karnataka CM as well as the chief secretary in a day or two but fears for his life. He plans to approach the police to provide him with protection, as long as he is in the city. "I do not think I am safe here and my family is extremely worried since Anurag is gone. They want at least me to be safe," he adds. Speaking about how PM Modi motivates people to be honest, he wonders why people should be honest since it only kills an individual and that he would rather suggest the opposite, "Do not be honest, otherwise you will be killed." Anurag Tewari, a native of Bahraich district was found dead near the state-run Meera Bai VIP guest house in Lucknow in the month of May. He was posted as Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Bengaluru. advertisement Also read: Was Karnataka IAS officer Anurag Tiwari murdered in Lucknow? CBI to find out Also read: Trainee IAS officer jumps into swimming pool to save woman colleague, drowns WATCH VIDEO HERE --- ENDS --- Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said the BJP government had taken enough steps to ease tension with Pakistan but Islamabad responded with cross-border terrorism to "successfuly" prevent the atmosphere needed for peace talks. By India Today Web Desk: India took all steps to ease tension with Pakistan, but the country responded by orchestrating attacks at Indian army bases in Pathankot and Uri, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who also holds the Finance portfolio, today said. "The steps intended to ease tension were responded to by a Pathankot or an Uri. The environment which must exist for talks has been successfully prevented by Pakistan," Jaitley said at a press conference in New Delhi. advertisement "I don't want to get into the strategic details, but in the past few weeks, our armed forces are dominating the LoC (Line of Control)," he said. Last year, four terrorists, who had sneaked in from across the border, had attacked the Pathankot Air Force base on the intervening night of January 1-2, claiming the lives of seven security personnel. In September 2016, 18 soldiers were killed in another terror attack on an army garrison in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. A day later on September 19, India responded to the Uri attack by mounting surgical strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in which dozens of militants were killed. Also Read: Restored credibility of economy in 3 years of Modi government: Arun Jaitley 3 years of PM Narendra Modi: Here's how NDA government performed on economic front 3 years of Modi rule: How Assam proved to be PM's lucky mascot 3 years of Modi sarkar: BJP going strong, may face weak Opposition in 2019 Lok Sabha elections 3 years of Modi government: Survey says DBT trumps Swachh Bharat Mission, MPs inaccessible 3 years of Narendra Modi govt: Job creation is at lowest, 63 per cent say unemployment not declining --- ENDS --- The good news about the long-awaited Wonder Woman is that its the best of the recent set of DC films, following the dull Man of Steel (2013) and the dark Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). The origin tale explains how Princess Diana (Gal Gadot) grew up on an island of Amazons. Her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), rules the land and her aunt, General Antiope (a convincing Robin Wright), is a fierce warrior. Despite her mothers reluctance, Diana trains with Antiope to prepare to fight Ares, god of war, who has gone into hiding after a battle with Zeus. After a particularly difficult fight session with Antiope, Diana notices a plane crash into the ocean and swims out in time to save the American pilot, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). When German soldiers follow, an impressive battle ensues between the Amazons and the army. Steve is the first man Diana has ever seen, and she is curious about his world. When he tells her about the conflict his people are fighting, the war to end all wars, she is convinced it is the work of Ares and follows Steve to London. She soon learns about evil Gen. Erich Ludendorff (Danny Huston) and the chemist (Elena Anaya) he has hired to create a deadly poison gas. Steve enlists a ragtag group (Ewen Bremner, Said Taghmaoui and Eugene Brave Rock) to help him get Diana to the front to fight Ludendorff, with the help of Sir Patrick Morgan (David Thewlis), a Brit who bankrolls the teams efforts. The films island scenes with the Amazons evoke epic sword-and-sandal movies, but when the action moves to World War I, Wonder Woman tries be too many genres at once: a military buddy adventure, a romantic drama and a special-effects-laden superhero story. Stunning Israeli actress Gadot is a convincing Amazon warrior, slamming through fight scenes wielding a sword and shield. She also conveys a sense of wonder as Diana tries to understand the fashion, politics and food of her new surroundings. Pines Trevor is confident without being too cocky, and most importantly he adds humor, an element that the recent DC films have woefully lacked. But eventually director Patty Jenkins (Monster) falls into the same pattern as Zack Snyder who helmed Man of Steele and Batman v. Superman. The hero is stuck hurling heavy objects, pausing occasionally to stare determinedly at the camera while the soundtrack blares. The slow-motion action sequences at first seem be an homage to the frames of a comic book but soon grow tiresome. Gadot proves she is worthy of Wonder Womans tiara, but the superhero deserves a great film, not one thats just better than the others. Kejriwal, who had earlier curtailed the purchasing power of medical superintendents, has now allowed them to make procurements of medicines and equipment worth Rs 50 lakh. By Priyanka Sharma: A day after Mail Today reported that the government's Central Procurement Agency (CPA) is in shambles as it has failed to supply the requisite medicines to hospitals, officials in the health department said efforts are on to strengthen the same. "The AAP government's ambitious project of centralised medicine procurement is in crisis due to lack of manpower and resources. The government is now thinking of ways to strengthen it," said a senior health ministry official. advertisement To resolve the crisis of unavailability of medicines, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has reportedly empowered medical superintendents to purchase medicines and medical equipments. Kejriwal, who had earlier curtailed the purchasing power of medical superintendents, has now allowed them to make procurements of medicines and equipment worth Rs 50 lakh. "Earlier, we were toothless tigers. The CM has now empowered medical superintendents. Now, we can make purchases till Rs 50 lakh for medicines and equipment. Earlier, we were able to make purchases till Rs 10 lakh. Now, we can even do the tendering process of medical tools in advance," said the medical superintendent of a government hospital. On the other hand, health department sources say payment of nearly Rs 15 crore to medicine vendors of Delhi government hospitals is pending for nearly a month. Sources say these payments should have been done by May 15. The delay in payment may hit supply of medicines to the hospitals. The Delhi Hospital Suppliers' Association (DHSA), an umbrella body of medicine suppliers to government hospitals in the Capital, had recently written a letter to Kejriwal complaining about pending payments. DHSA members even had a meeting with the CM and the health secretary on the issue. On Tuesday, Kejriwal reportedly directed chief secretary MM Kutty to make the payments within 15 days. ALSO READ | To address unavailability of drugs in Delhi hospitals, AAP government to strengthen procurement of medicines --- ENDS --- UPDATED at 10:40 a.m. with additional details on suspect BALLWIN A 21-year-old man was stabbed Wednesday night after he and another man confronted each other in a Ballwin road rage incident, police say. The victim was stabbed in the upper body, and police characterized the stab wound and his other injuries as minor. The stabbing was reported at about 8:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 100 block of Birchwood Drive, off of Manchester Road. The two men did not know each other, Ballwin Police Detective Scott Stephens said. The suspect, who was a passenger in the other vehicle, got away. Stephens said the victim had been heading east on Manchester when he became involved in a road rage incident with people in another vehicle. Stephens said "it wasn't the typical yelling and screaming. They were messing with each other" in traffic. He didn't elaborate. They pulled over onto Birchwood, near where the victim lives, and both got out of their vehicles. An argument escalated into a fight, and the victim was stabbed. The suspect, who was a passenger in a gray or silver Subaru SUV, got back into the vehicle, which was last seen going east on Manchester. The SUV, an older model between 2002 and 2008, had Missouri license plates. The attacker is described as a white man, 24 to 29 years old, 5-foot-7 with a slim build. Police say he may have had gauge earrings in both ears. Police released no information on the driver of the SUV. Anyone with information should call Ballwin police at 636-227-9636. CARBONDALE Close to 80 people are losing their jobs and possibly dozens more will be affected in the coming weeks on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus, according to a memo Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell shared with the campus community Wednesday. Colwell wrote that provosts, vice chancellors and others have been working diligently to identify $19 million in permanent reductions since late March, plus account for the first of 10 annual payments to reimburse funds spent this year that we did not receive due to the ongoing state budget impasse. We built much of our permanent reduction on vacant positions in order to avoid layoffs, but unfortunately, layoffs and the non-renewal of some contracts are unavoidable, Colwell wrote, in the memo. Decisions affecting members of our community are deeply painful to all of us. We will do all we can to assist those employees who are affected. Colwell wrote that the campus anticipates issuing layoff notices to 51 civil service employees. Two nontenure-track faculty were previously given notices of layoff and another 24 nontenure-track faculty members were informed their contracts would not be renewed, the memo further stated. While the nonrenewal of a contract is not technically a layoff, the result is the same for affected employees, most of whom hold those teaching positions full-time, or close to full-time, as their primary job. In addition to the 51 civil service workers likely to receive layoff notices, another close to 100 civil service employees also will receive notice that their status with the university may be affected due to the bumping process, according to the memo. In response to the newspapers request for clarification for how the bumping process works, SIU Carbondale spokeswoman Rae Goldsmith wrote, in an emailed response, that per the labor contract that covers SIUs civil service workers, individuals with seniority can bump into the position of someone with less seniority. Given that, one layoff can lead to several bumps along the line, which possibly could lead to a lower salary for an affected employee depending on what position the bump lands them in. Civil service employees provide a broad range of support services to the campus, including in such positions as nurses, accountants, office staff, food service, janitorial and maintenance, to name a few. In addition, Colwells Wednesday memo included that the appointments of two administrative professional (AP) staff are not being renewed, and some AP staff are being moved to term appointments. As it relates to nontenure-track faculty, Colwell wrote, after citing the 26 employees already notified their jobs will not be available next year, We anticipate that this number may grow as our academic leadership works to balance our budgetary challenges and instructional needs for fall. According to Bret Seferian, a director of the Illinois Education Association who works with several of SIUs unions, there were about 435 people employed this past academic year as nontenure-track faculty members a number that represents just shy of half of the total number of faculty members. It is much more difficult to eliminate the jobs of tenured and tenure-track faculty under the terms of their contract, and Colwells memo did not mention any layoffs planned for those employees. On the other hand, it is much easier, from a procedural standpoint, to eliminate the positions of nontenure-track faculty, particularly those classified as "term," meaning they have been employed there less than five years. Each May 1, Seferian explained, the term faculty members receive a letter indicating that renewal of their contract is a "yes" a "no" or a "maybe." Seferian said that 184 people received the maybe letters this time around, and that 61 were told they would be brought back next year. Goldsmith previously told the newspaper, in response to an inquiry, that those numbers are similar to last year, though she said there were 91 "yes" letters issued. Regardless, Colwells memo on Wednesday indicated that a number of employees receiving "maybe" letters may transition into more "no" letters in the weeks ahead, and Seferian said that's what many had been expecting even prior to Colwell's memo. The uncertainty is hard to deal with, said Shannon Lindsay, a nontenure-track faculty member who teaches technical writing in the School of Information Systems and Applied Technology. Lindsay, who just concluded her third year of teaching, said she received a "maybe" letter, but shes not sticking around to find out whether it turns into a "yes" or a "no." Lindsay said she and her partner he graduated this spring from his masters program are moving this summer to Portland, Maine, as she has reason to believe a job will not be available for her next year on the Carbondale campus, and believes the prospects are better for them there. Lindsay, who also serves as president of the nontenure-track faculty association, represented by the IEA, said the notification process for nontenure-track faculty is unhelpful, as most do not know whether they will have a job next semester, in some cases, until just days before the start of the semester. Not knowing whats going to happen to ones position year after year is a weird position to be in, she said. And this year, everyone is taking the uncertainty a lot harder than in more stable budget years, she said. That's to be expected in light of the state budget impasse, SIU Carbondale's planned borrowing from SIU Edwardsville's unrestricted funds to stay in the black, and announcements from administrators that tough cuts are on the horizon. Just the panic Ive seen this semester is so, so sad, Lindsay said. In his memo, Colwell further stated that the impact of further cuts on graduate assistantships is not known at this point, as course needs are still being identified, though he noted there already was a significant reduction this fiscal year. He wrote that it is anticipated that a number of other positions across campus will become vacant through attrition, in addition to the approximately 158 vacant positions that account for a $10 million salary sweep that allowed the campus to meet roughly half of its budget reduction obligation and minimize the impact on existing employees. The $19 million in cuts from state-supported operations the Carbondale campus was directed to identify by this summer followed a $21 million cut made earlier this fiscal year. Colwell wrote the cuts may also mean a loss of about 200 undergraduate student worker positions next year. Overall, we will be a different university with the loss of these colleagues and positions, but I remain confident that we can continue to fulfill our mission on behalf of our students, Colwell wrote. The research team analysed feedback from 52 individuals involved in the management of the four biosphere reserves. The result of the analysis showed that a majority of them reported an increase in new collaborative undertakings with partners connected to the reserves. The analysis also revealed that this had led to a more sustainable resource use within the reserves. Link to publication Request publication The importance of learning and collaboration Adaptive co-management has been roundly criticised for reinforcing inequalities, inefficiency and lax relations to responsibility and ownership. This study does not attempt to prove this criticism wrong, there are cases where attempts to accomplish adaptive co-management has not necessarily lead to any desirable social and/or ecological outcomes. However, during interviews with managers of the biosphere reserves, learning and collaboration stood out as two crucial aspects of adaptive co-management. Learning was identified by one manager as a process by which new undertakings could be established and support could be established by people outside of the biosphere reserve: "The local food [programme] is our first network area which seems like an odd place to start but it started around the kitchen tablewith one guy who wasnt even involved with the Biosphere board at the timestarted a small network of producers called Local Flavours and it grewthen we started working on education things with the community and with restauranteursnow its one of the biggest local food networks in the country. But there isnt two cents of government money goes into it, its all purely community. That was a good learning experience of how you can incrementally move a movement long until it becomes a household word. Similarly, new collaboration generated new exciting solutions. Said one respondent: So somebody said to somebodythe biosphere had put together what they call the BAG ladies. So it was the Biosphere Action Group, and so it was kind of a branch off of the group that was actually organizing this structured biosphere reserveit was a group of women at that time, that wanted to do more hands-on stufflike lets put some meat behind what were doing. Much to offer Plummer and his colleagues believe initiatives like these are making a difference both in terms of ecosystem management but also improvements of livelihoods. This in turn strengthens their belief that adaptive co-management has much to offer resource and environmental governance beyond biosphere reserves. While our results cannot be generalised to all cases where adaptive co-management has been applied, they support the growing interest that this management approach has received, Plummer says. Our analyses counters some of the criticisms of adaptive co-management, as well as the ability for biosphere reserves to enhance ecological elements and aspects of human wellbeing, he concludes. Video below: article authors Ryan Plummer, Julia Baird and Derek Armitage explains in detail their findings from the study. The states which have possibly registered the loudest protest against the 'beef ban' are West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and to some extent Karnataka. The BJP may gain from the beef protests. Photo for representation: PTI. By India Today Web Desk: A week after the Narendra Modi government notified new rules that ban sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter at animal markets, protests against the 'beef ban' have erupted across several parts of the country. The states which have registered the loudest protest against the 'beef ban' are West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and to some extent Karnataka. advertisement Coincidentally, these are also the big and strategic states that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under an ambitious Amit Shah is eyeing to strengthen the saffron party's pan-India presence. THE WEST BENGAL STRATEGY In West Bengal, the BJP is slowly but steadily growing into a stronger Opposition than the Congress and the Left to Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress. In the recent civic polls in the state, the BJP secured two seats each in Pujali and Raiganj municipalities. The wins, although small, are significant given that the Congress, which was ruling Raijanj municipality, secured just one seat there. With the BJP's vote share increasing in subsequent elections in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's attack on the BJP government at the Centre has become shriller. The West Bengal Chief Minister has called the rule banning sale of cattle for slaughter a "deliberate attempt to encroach on the state's powers and destroy the federal structure", and said her government would challenge it legally. According to a Times of India report, the BJP is not worried about the protests on 'beef ban' and instead has asked its leaders in the states, including West Bengal, to defend the rules and portray those opposing it as "supporting beef eaters and against the protection of the cow". ALTERNATIVE TO CONGRESS IN KERALA Like Mamata Banerjee, Kerala Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan also called the Centre's notification "against the principles of secularism and federalism enshrined in our Constitution". Kerala CM Vijayan recently wrote to the Centre slamming the new rules regarding sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets. As the beef row rages in Kerala, BJP President Amit Shah will make a three-day visit to the state starting tomorrow. The BJP chief's visit is aimed at speeding up the membership drive in Kerala in order to strengthen its booth-level management, and positioning the party as an alternative to the Congress in the state. Incidents such as the slaughter of a calf in public by Kerala Youth Congress members in Kannur, Kerala, inadvertently helps the BJP grow its influence among the voters. "The present controversy involving Congress leaders helps us in pushing it against the walls," The Hindustan Times quoted a BJP general secretary as saying. advertisement GETTING FOOTHOLD IN TAMIL NADU In Tamil Nadu - another state where the BJP wants to be an alternative to the DMK-AIADMK politics - protests on the 'beef ban' have been widespread. While the ruling AIADMK government has been silent on the issue, DMK has been leading the protests against 'beef ban' in the state. DMK leaders MK Stalin and Kanimozhi expressing solidarity with the assaulted PhD scholar. After the beef fest at IIT-Madras and a PhD scholar being allegedly beaten up, DMK's working president M K Stalin met the injured researcher. The BJP condemned the 'beef fest', and senior leader H Raja said, "What happened in IIT-Madras? JNU like situation is being brought into an institution of excellence", adding that the Centre would look into the grievances of the states. According to the Times of India report, the BJP plans to campaign against the DMK on issues of cow protection and slaughtering of the animal for food. BATTLE READY IN KARNATAKA In neighbouring Karnataka, the Siddaramaiah government is planning to challenge the Centre's notification on the ban on sale of cattle for slaughter. A Times of India report quoted Karnataka law minister T B Jayachandra as saying: "The Centre cannot introduce new rules unilaterally without considering provisions of the state's laws. The subject is on the concurrent list, and in the case of a conflict between the Centre and state, the issue can be resolved only through presidential intervention". advertisement Ahead of the Assembly election in the state next year, the 'beef ban' controversy is likely to played up in the subsequent months. Against an aggressive posturing by the BJP on the beef issue, the Congress' stand is cautious and ambivalent. After Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi condemned the slaughter of a calf by Youth Congress members in Kerala, the Karnataka government did not allow a "beef fest" by student unions in the state. A senior BJP leader, quoted by the Times of India, puts the BJP's calculation and what party thinks about the issue in perspective: Such protests will "help consolidate the majority Hindu vote in mainland India". ALSO READ: Government bans sale of cows for slaughter at cattle markets, restricts trade Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi, slams his decision on cow slaughter Beef fest at IIT-Madras: Student groups protest against attack on PhD scholar Cong-ruled Karnataka toes Rahul Gandhi's line, disallows beef fest advertisement ALSO WATCH: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to states, seeks unity in opposing beef curb --- ENDS --- Congress legislator VT Balram, who has been a vegetarian for 19 years has decided to 'beef up' the agitation against Centre by consuming the meat during the KSU celebrations that were held in Kochi recently. By Rohini Swamy: A united Opposition has been fighting the Centre's notification that bans sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter from animal markets. Congress legislator VT Balram, who has been a vegetarian for 19 years has decided to 'beef up' the agitation by consuming the meat during the KSU celebrations that were held in Kochi recently. The video has gone viral and is being circulated using the hashtag 'Inclusive India' and 'Anti Brahmanical Nationalism'. advertisement In the video VT Balaram can be heard saying goodbye to vegetarianism as he wanted to mark his protest against the decision of the union government to force food habits on people. Calling it 'Brahmanical Nationalism' Balaram said he had not consumed any sort of meat or eggs for the last 19 years. But now, since he has realised that food has also become a political tool, he wanted to do away with it by showing his solidarity. The Facebook live by VT Balaram being fed beef by Dr Mathew Kuzhnadan has gone viral. ALSO READ: Cows up for sale online after government's restrictions on selling of cattle Make cow national animal, give life imprisonment for slaughter: Rajasthan High Court tells Centre Beef fest at IIT-Madras: Student groups hold protests against attack on PhD scholar Kerala calf slaughter row: How ban on cattle sale turned into a full blown political controversy Ban on cattle sale for slaughter injustice to farmers: Pawar Cattle slaughter economy: How ban on sale of cattle for killing may affect industry, employment --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Guwahati, June 1 (PTI) Zorba and Bubbly are no ordinary canines as they are helping the security personnel in tracking poachers in three National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Assam. Aaranyaks dog squad, termed the K-9 dog squad, currently comprises two Belgium Malinois breeds but will be strengthened further with the induction of three more members later this year, the Scientific and Industrial Research organisations Secretary General Bibhab Kumar Talukdar told reporters here today. advertisement "Three more Belgium Malinois dogs are being trained and will be inducted during the winter months when it will be dry as they find it difficult to operate during the monsoon months", he added. Among the two dogs currently used for tracking poachers, one is based in Guwahati and the other in Kaziranga. "We have more than 30 success stories where the dogs have led the security personnel to the poachers or their homes and these have been found to be effective tools to deal with the grave problem of rhino poaching". The dogs were first deployed in 2011 and have since operated successfully in Kaziranga, Orang National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Talukdar added. PTI DG RG PS --- ENDS --- Ex-wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, Jemima Goldsmith has tracked down the 15-year-old record of the transfer of funds for the purchase of Bani Gala estate. In her Tweet on Thursday, Jemima said: Finally tracked down 15 yr old bank statements to prove Imran Khan money trail/ innocence in court. Finally tracked down 15 yr old bank statements to prove Imran Khan money trail/ innocence in court. Now please go after the real crooks... Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) June 1, 2017 Taking a jibe at opponents of Khan, Jemima further added: Now please go after the real crooks. Imran Khan had telephoned Jemima on Tuesday night and asked her for record of bank transactions pertaining to the purchase of land in Bani Gala. Jemima told the PTI chief that the bank through which the money was transferred has been merged with Lloyds Bank, UK. She has also contacted Lloyds Bank and assured of providing it to Khans lawyers as soon as she receives it. Earlier on Monday, Jemima expressed support for her ex-husband in the legal matter concerning his Bani Gala residence on Twitter. She declared Khans statements true on the micro-blogging website Twitter. While clarifying reports of his Bani Gala house being illegal, Imran Khan said, Paid for purchase of Bani Gala property from these earned funds remitted back to Pakistan. Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharifs son Hussain Nawaz has appeared before Joint Investigation Team (JIT), constituted to probe much-hyped Panama Leaks case, for third time at Federal Judicial Academy in Islamabad today (Thursday). During the proceeding, Hussain Nawaz said that he doesnt know what the team is interrogating here. He said the cases today are the same registered in Musharrafs era and that they have the same assets which they had before. He also complained that we are not allowed to keep lawyer with us. Hassan Nawaz will also appear before JIT, he assured. Sources privy to Federal Judicial Academy have reported that Hussain Nawaz would also hand over certain documents to the probe committee today. Hussain Nawaz had appeared before the JIT consecutively on May 29 and May 30. While talking to the media on Tuesday before departing from the academy, Nawaz claimed that the no unlawful activity would be proved against his father or the family. Senator Farhatullah Babar of the PPP on Thursday said it was becoming "apparent" that the Saudi Arabia-led military alliance, headed by former army chief Raheel Sharif, was against Iran. "We were told that the alliance is against terrorism, but it appears it is against Iran," Babar said during a Senate session. Earlier this week, the senator had placed a call-to-attention notice on the agenda for Thursday's senate session to draw the attention of the prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs to media reports that quoted Saudi authorities as saying that the alliance would not restrict its activities to terrorist organisations like the militant Islamic State (IS) group but would take also action against rebel groups posing a threat to any of its member countries on request from the country concerned. "Now that the cat is out of the bag, will the government call [Sharif] back?" Babur asked, pointing out that one of the conditions of Sharif's appointment as head of the alliance was that he could be recalled at any time. He further asked why the government had issued a no-objection certificate to Sharif before the alliance's Terms of Reference (ToRs) were finalised. "The king of Saudi Arabia has said the alliance is against Iran," Rabbani said. He wondered whether the government had disowned Sharif because the stance of the alliance towards Iran is contradictory to Pakistan's own relations with the neighbouring country. Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani reiterated Babar's questions, asking whether the government had recalled the former Army chief. "Has the government disowned Raheel Sharif?" the chairman asked, adding that the alliance's ToRs should be presented to Senate once they are unveiled. Coming to the defence of the government, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the statement made by the Saudi king was a political one. Regarding the ToRs of the alliance, Aziz said that they have not yet been finalised and neither has the purpose and jurisdiction of the alliance. He added that the ToRs on Sharifs appointment to the military coalition have also yet to be finalised. Aziz assured the senator and the Senate chairman that once finalised, the ToRs will be presented before Parliament. He also assured them that "the alliance will have no affect on Pakistan's policy," adding that it is not correct to say that that the coalition is against Iran. "The alliance is focused on [combating] terrorism. It is unfortunate that Syria, Yemen and Iran are divided along sectarian lines. The Riyadh summit may have deepened those divides," he admitted. Aziz added that the military alliance will make every effort for the unity of the Muslim world, adding that member nations will be free to opt out of any activity of the military if they chose to do so. In what appears to be a deepening rift between the PML-N government and the judiciary, the former on Thursday issued a statement expressing 'deep sorrow and regret' over remarks by a Supreme Court judge painting the government as a 'Sicilian mafia'. The government while expressing immense sorrow over the remarks termed it "against judicial traditions and code of ethics of the apex court". In a statement, a federal government spokesman said the "honourable judge, without having complete knowledge of the matter, not only levelled baseless allegations against the government, but also termed action taken by the prime minister a reaction to the contempt of court notice issued to Hashmi by the Supreme Court. Read more: Nehal Hashmi resigns as senator after threatening JIT On Wednesday, a video emerged of Nehal Hashmi in which he was seen threatening the ones "investigating the prime minister's son". The video draw an outpour of anger from various corners, prompting the PM to suspend basic party membership of Hashmi, followed by his resignation from the Senate. The controversy also moved the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar to take suo motu notice of Hashmi's outburst against the prime minister's 'enemies'. "It is very unfortunate that, during the hearing, an honourable judge called the government a 'Sicilian mafia' and the Attorney General Pakistan its representative. [The remarks] have struck a blow to the image of Pakistan and tarnished its reputation in the world. Such baseless allegations are in violation of the judges' own oath and code of conduct," the statement read. Also read: PML-N's Nehal Hashmi threatens Panama JIT members, judiciary The spokesman said the facts are not only against this, but entire record of print and electronic media shows the government expressed its extreme displeasure as soon as remarks by Hashmi came to the fore. The government also clarified that the remarks by the PML-N senator reflected his personal views, he added. A resident of Saraiya, Giridih in Jharkhand, Ganesh Kumar, is untraceable since the examination results were declared on Tuesday. By Rohit Kumar Singh: The results of the class 12 Bihar Board has once again stirred controversy as Humanities topper Ganesh Kumar is untraceable since the examination results were declared on Tuesday. A resident of Saraiya, Giridih in Jharkhand, Ganesh Kumar was a student of Ram Nandan Singh Jagdeep Narayan college in Samastipur, 250 kms from Giridih. Kumar went underground soon after the results were declared, triggering suspicion over him securing the top spot in the Bihar Board examination. advertisement India Today, on Wednesday, reached Samastipur and while investigating, managed to get the admission form of Ganesh, which he had submitted in the college while taking admission in 2015. A look at the admission forms raises several questions regarding Ganesh Kumar: Why did he take admission in a college which is 250 kms away from his home in Giridih? Ganesh mentioned his date of birth in the admission form as June 2, 1993, which means he turns 24 today. However, a class 12 student is aged between 17 and 19 hence, there is some discrepancy. There is no date of admission mentioned in the admission form despite him being a regular student. There is no mention of present address in the admission form. Though, he has mentioned his permanent address as Saraiya, Giridih in Jharkhand. "I am surprised that he has topped the Arts stream of the Bihar Board," said Jawahar Prasad, founder secretary of the college. India Today is also in possession of the intermediate marksheet of Ganesh Kumar, which is also raising questions. He secured 65 out of 70 in music (practical) and 18 out of 30 in theory. He also secured 92 marks out of 100 in Hindi. When India Today contacted Ganesh's family in Giridih, her sister Mukta said that he had left home almost four years back and did not go home all these years. "He left home four years back and during this time he never came to Giridih," said Mukta. It is notable that India Today, last year, unearthed the toppers scam and exposed how students became fake toppers after shelling out huge amount of money. This year, the Bihar School Examination Board claimed to have conducted the examination in a strict manner. This lead to the result with 64 per cent students having failed the examination. However, Ganesh being untraceable ever since has once again brought the Board results under scanner. ALSO READ | Bihar topper scam mastermind Bachcha Rai's conditional bail scrapped, to remain in jail advertisement ALSO READ | Bihar topper scam: Someone else wrote exam for Ruby, claims forensic report ALSO READ | Bihar Board topper says political science is about cooking, will undergo review exam ALSO WATCH | After Bihar topper scam, now Jharkhand students caught on camera cheating --- ENDS --- The marksheet of Class 12 or intermediate examination issued by the Bihar School Examination Board had no mention of Vishal Kumar's mathematics paper. By India Today Web Desk: A Bihar school student got the shock of his life when he saw he scored 59 marks in biology, a subject which he didn't even appear. Before he could even realise that whether it was a blessing in disguise he was in for a rude shock. The marksheet of Class 12 or intermediate examination issued by the Bihar School Examination Board had no mention of Vishal Kumar's mathematics paper. advertisement "I gave maths paper but got biology in the result," Vishal Kumar told India Today. When asked what would be his message for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said, "How can there be such a strict checking of marks that maths paper looked like biology? And they also gave me marks in practicals. It is not a matter of 1 or 2 numbers I got 59 marks in biology. That was a big surprise". He said in physics, where he wrote a 19-page-long answersheet, he got zero marks. "What kind of justice is this...tell me, what kind of checking it was," the student said. He had left biology two years ago and was preparing for maths. Like last year, this year's results too has been full of controversies in Bihar. The state education minister Ashok Choudhary has however tried to play down all controversies saying, "The board chairman has himself said the evaluation process was carried out in a proper manner ... the media is always looking to rake up something negative". Answer sheets were evaluated by competent teachers and is it not justified to question the low pass percentage this year, he added. A whopping 64 per cent of students failed the board exams this year. Several science stream students told the media that they appeared in JEE Advance, conducted for admission into IITs, but scored as low as 1, 2 or 4 in subjects like physics and maths in the board exams. Meanwhile, a large number of students, who failed the exams, protested outside the BSEB's office today, prompting the police to resort to lathicharge. Also read: Bihar: Topper scam 2.0? Student goes missing after securing highest marks Toppers scam effect: 64 per cent students fail in class 12 Bihar board exams Bihar Board Class 12 Intermediate Results 2017: Toppers from each stream Also watch: Bihar shocker: Teachers of other subjects evaluate English papers in Hajipur --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: A set of tweets kicked off a row and has already created a lot of noise. Keyur Joshi, the co-founder of MakeMyTrip.com, found himself in a mess yesterday. In 2015, #BoycottSanpdeal trended after Aamir Khan's comment about surging intolerance in India. Now, in 2017, MakeMyTrip has fallen in the same pit but not because of a celebrity but because of its co-founder. advertisement The online lynch mobs, always on a look out for a non-issue to make an issue, congregated at Twitter and started a drive to urge users to uninstall the MakeMyTrip app from their smartphones. The lynching also involved down-rating of the app on stores where it is available. And the final lynch-goal is to boycott the business. HOW IT BEGAN The latest outrage kicked off after Keyur Joshi posted two tweets. Keyur was upset over the recent regulation on the sale of cattle. "#Beefban I am a strong supporter of @narendramodi and a vegetarian for life. But I will now eat beef only in India to support freedom for food." Shortly, he followed the aforementioned tweet with another one. "#Beefban if Hinduism takes away right to choice of food, I rather not be a Hindu. @narendramodi @BJP4India cannot decide what people eat". HOW IT ESCALATED Keyur Joshi's tweets caught attention of ruckus as the right-wingers gathered to have a round of outrage. People started confirming Joshi's involvement. One Twitter user tweeted, "No reply in 6 hours would be considered affirmative," displaying how urgent it is for him to know this, for his existence to have some meaning. The company was quick in their response and said, "The views expressed by Mr.Joshi on Twitter are his personal thoughts & do not reflect the views of MMT. He is not a current employee of MMT". C'mon MMT? Is that your best shot? Of course the company's reply was found to be disappointingly unsatisfactory. "Bluffs don't work here. He is associated as 'Board Director and / or Advisor' as off now" , commented the same aforementioned user who had contacted the company to confirm Joshi's employment status. KEYUR JOSHI RETRACTS After the row grew to be huge, Joshi clarified that his opinion was limited to the addition of Buffaloes as non-tradeable animals. After he had posted the aforementioned tweets, Joshi soon pushed an apology withdrawing his comments over beef ban. Joshi then deleted his initial tweets and then deactivated his Twitter account. LET THE LYNCHING BEGIN advertisement The outrage was soon seen as "an insult to Hindu faith", This further led to calls for boycotting MakeMyTrip. The economic boycott picked up on Twitter and the focus shifted on hammering the business of the company. The row over the tweets has now led to an attack on the company. Pictures of cancellation of tickets, app uninstallation, and app rating were posted on the internet. The rating of the app has since then taken a hit and negative reviews have already started pouring in. --- ENDS --- China says it is hopeful that India, Pakistan's strained ties will be allayed a bit after their accession as members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) . By Ananth Krishnan: China said on Thursday that it hoped the formal accession next week of India and Pakistan as full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) security grouping at its annual summit on June 8 in Astana will help boost strained relations between the neighbours. "We hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the SCO charter, the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters at a regular press briefing. advertisement The group has been processing India's entry since its 2015 summit in Ufa, with the formalisation set to be announced at the June 8 summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, which will be attended by Prime Minister Modi. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will also be at the summit, although a meeting is, as of now, unlikely. SCO WILL BACK OBOR The SCO grouping, which largely focuses on security and counter-terrorism cooperation and is now looking to push Eurasian economic projects, is unlikely to want to grapple with India-Pakistan tensions despite Islamabad's continued efforts to internationalise disputes, observers said. "Surely, hardly anyone within the SCO would like to see the Kashmir issue being brought to the table. But it is no secret that Pakistan has long been insisting on its internationalisation," Boris Volkhonsky, the former deputy head of the Centre for Asia and the Middle East at the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, wrote in a May 31 article for Russia Beyond The Headlines. "With China actively building the corridor via Gilgit-Baltistan [in PoK], the issue already may have become a trilateral one. Therefore, a unified approach of the SCO members is needed in order to prevent the issue from arising on the organisation's agenda and bring it back to the bilateral consideration of India and Pakistan," he added. While the SCO has also said it would back China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative in principle, which India has expressed concerns about because of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through PoK, the group's stand is of little significance or relevance to India as the primarily security-focused grouping neither has the mechanism nor mandate to endorse specific projects or involve itself in territorial disputes. For Russian observers, India's entry is being seen as welcome in terms of making the grouping less China-dominated particularly as the security grouping begins to engage in economic initiatives. "The combined economies of Russia and India may not be as big as China's economy, but adding the political (and military) weight, the two may form a considerable counterweight to China's dominance," said Volkhonsky. "So, even with the BRICS Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) already being in operational stage, a new SCO bank with the purposes of financing projects within the organization's domain without any bias and undue preferences may well become a good idea." advertisement Also read: China welcomes reports of India rejecting Australia's request to join Malabar naval exercises Also read: China's 'Uber for trucks' eyes India's market potential Also read: China says India-Singapore South China Sea drills 'should not hurt interests of other countries' Also watch: Snubbed on Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit, China threatens to interfere in Kashmir --- ENDS --- The investigation into a fire that ravaged a Greerton house on Tuesday night is ongoing, says fire risk management officer Luke Burgess. He and other investigators were at the property for around 10 hours yesterday picking over the scene. The investigation process takes a long time its very methodical. Were still trying to work out a couple of things and confirm some facts before we come out with a determination. However, he says they do know the fire started in a bedroom. Witness statements and physical evidence supports this. Once the fire was contained on Tuesday evening, firefighters spent around five hours dampening down hot spots. The most important thing, says Luke, is that all of the occupants got out of the house successfully. Because people were home at the time of the fire, it really highlights the need for a planned evacuation procedure and working smoke alarms its the cheapest form of life insurance you can get. The importance of that early warning, combined with an organised plan of getting out of the house safely, cant be stressed enough. Luke says there are seven investigators in the Bay of Plenty/Waikato/Central Lakes area who examine scenes like this. We always make sure we have people with us. There are all sorts of hazards at a fire scene. Youve got to This year looks set to be another good one for the Rotorua district, according to the latest Infometrics quarterly economic report. The just-released report for the March 2017 quarter shows the Rotorua economy has continued to perform well. Mayor Steve Chadwick says it reinforces the need for ongoing investment in the districts infrastructure and the future planning currently underway. Rotorua is changing, growing and progressing and that has brought new challenges, increasing pressure on infrastructure like roading networks, public amenities, public facilities and housing, says Steve. Our population has passed 70,000, reversing a pre-2014 decade of decline, and weve seen considerable tourism growth. Future planning is needed to ensure the district can continue to be successful and were doing that through the refresh of our 2030 vision and development of a spatial plan that takes a long-term view and will provide a blueprint for strategic, sustainable development. We also need to future-proof our infrastructure with long-term solutions now. That will require assistance from central government and we continue to lobby for ongoing investment in our district. The Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor for Rotorua for the March 2017 quarter says the districts economy has continued to perform well recently, with strength in a range of economic indicators contributing to a provisional GDP growth estimate of 3.1 per cent in the year to March 2017. Rotoruas GDP growth compares to 3.4 per cent growth for the Bay of Plenty Region (including Rotorua) and is slightly higher than the national estimated growth of 2.9 per cent. Accommodation and food services sectors are expected to benefit from an ongoing influx of tourists with a particular boost likely when the British & Irish Lions play the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua. Confidence about the prospects for tourism is certainly illustrated by the current refurbishment of the former Zen Centre into a five-star hotel to be run by Accor, the report says. A positive outlook for forestry and associated wood product processing also bodes well for the district. Kiwifruit marketing giant Zespri won the supreme China Business Award and Exporter of the Year at the HSBC New Zealand-China Trade Association business awards on Wednesday. For more than a decade Zespri has been exporting fruit to China, but the past three seasons have seen sales volumes more than double, with sales of more than $400 million last year. Zespri chief operating officer Simon Limmer says signing e-commerce and Importer of Record agreements, along with moves to work more closely with larger, quality-focused retail customers, have been key factors to sustain that growth. Were incredibly proud of these awards and were delighted we can go back to our growers and tell them our sales strategy in China is thriving. Our forecasts this season suggest China could overtake Japan as our biggest market for kiwifruit and the potential for further growth is extraordinary but none of this could have been achieved without a lot of hard work and strong vision. While the Zespri brand is the most-recognised fruit brand in the cities where its fruit is sold, the kiwifruit marketer is expanding distribution into more tier two cities, opening a regional office in Beijing and launching regional representation in Guangzhou, Xian and Chongqing. Zespri now employs over 50 staff in China to support that growth. The company has also invested heavily in ecommerce, with China on track to become the worlds largest ecommerce market, as well as working more closely with key retailers. Last year, online distributor Fruitday became the first ecommerce retailer to buy directly from Zespri, while JD.com recently set up a flagship store for Zespri Kiwifruit to serve its 225 million consumers. Simon says becoming the Importer of Record in China had also made a huge difference to Zespris business, mirroring the model used in Japan and major European markets. It gives us more flexibility and responsiveness in China and lets us develop those connections with retailers and online consumers. Zespri is also looking into sourcing premium quality kiwifruit from China with trials in their second year in Shaanxi Province, which could provide 12-month supply to Asian markets in the NZ offseason. By supporting the Chinese kiwifruit industry and partnering with Chinese businesses and government, Zespri has made huge strides to establish a sustainable, long-term business, adds Simon. Thanks to the influx of brokers and luxury yachts brought to the city by the recent MYBA Pop-up Show, not to mention the Formula 1 in Barcelona, the starting pistol has been sounded on summer season. But exactly why is Barcelona one of this years hottest destinations? The City With 24 Michelin Star restaurants, mooring in OneOcean Port Vell - no matter the size of superyacht - brings a whole new level of opportunity to explore one of the worlds most charming and cultural cities. The amount of superyachts at this event makes it feel like Monaco, but its Barcelona, and here, its more lively and people know how to enjoy themselves! commented Felipe Massa at the recent Formula 1 in Barcelona. The architecture of Barcelona is an amphitheatre to discovery, surrounding visitors with an artistic legacy with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Park Guell or the Sagrada Familia, both designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, are renowned examples while the Gothic Quarter - combined with the luxurious shopping and dining opportunities will keep adventurers busy for days. Barcelona is probably the most exciting city in Europe and it is no surprise that it was visited last year by 32 million people, explains Nizar Taji, Sales Director of OneOcean Port Vell. It is a diverse city attracting lovers of art, cuisine, architecture, sport, theatre and music. The street parties, food revelries and larger-than-life events in Barcelona - such as The Feast of Sant Joan, El Grec Festival, the Puig Vela Classic Regatta and La Merce Festival - are examples of this diversity, and part of the celebration of life Barcelona thrives on. The Marina Last year, we had an 85% increase in the 80m category and 742% rise in yachts over 100m+, continues Nizar Taji. The sale of the 160-metre berth signifies that OneOcean Port Vell is one of the premier marinas in the Mediterranean and possibly the world. Since we announced the news of this berth sale, we have had a large increase in superyacht berth enquiries. The activity of superyachts in Barcelona has faced an incredible rise, with OneOcean Port Vell and Vilanova Grand Marina offering unparalleled accommodation for large yachts. The rise of which has led to a rejuvenation of interest across the charter spectrum, catering for those looking for a different take on the Mediterranean. Superyachts such as Eclipse and Dilbar have acted as an icon of change for the region, but the cruising grounds that surround the hub are just another excuse to be involved in the luxury uprising. The Cruising Grounds Surrounding Barcelona is a coastal adventure of incredible food, sites and sailing responsible for the regions rise to popularity. The Balearics, home to a Spanish charter revolution, is filled with exclusive beauty, rich history, exquisite dining and unforgettable nightlife across Ibiza, Formentera, Menorca and Mallorca. Using Barcelona as a hub, superyachts can also venture further down the coast to explore Spain or head to Sardinia and the Cote dAzur to continue their adventure. By Press Trust of India: Jammu, Jun 1 (PTI) A civilian was killed and four others, including a BSF jawan, were injured when the Pakistan Army targeted forward areasalong the Line of Control in Rajouri and Pooch districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting retaliation by the Indian troops. Five Pakistan soldiers were reported to have been killed whilesome others were injured in the Indian Armys retaliatory action along the Nowshera and Krishnagati sectors. advertisement The civilian who got killed in the Pakistani offensive was working as a labourer withthe General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF). Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts in four sectors with mortar bombs and firing with automatic weapons . Entire top brass of Indian Army headed by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and the sevencommanders, including all corps commanders of J-K, held a meeting inSrinagar today to review the situation. "One civil GREF labour was martyred, and one GREF driver injured in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. One head constable ofBSF suffered splinter injuries in Krishnagati sector. He is outof danger," Defence Spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. As per some reports, two more people associated with the GREF were injured. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from0730 hours today and in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from0740 hours today," he said. The reports said there has been firing along the LoC in Balnoi andMankote sectors too. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and firing is presently on," he said. The spokesman added that firingexchange was on Pakistan Army resorted to indiscriminate firing ofsmall arms, automatic weapons and 82 mm and 120 mm mortars in these sectors. The firing and shelling stopped at 0900 hours in Nowshera sector and at 1300 hours in KG sector, he said. As per the sources a mortar shell hit a vehicle of the GREF in KG sector during shelling which resulted in the death of oneGREF labourer and injuries to the others and a BSF jawan was injured ina separate firing incident. On the reports of killing of five Pakistani soldiers in retaliationby Indian army, the Defence spokesman said he had no such input. A top Army officer also said he had no such inputs. On May 17, the Pakistan Army had resorted tofiring on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri. The Pakistan Army also continued shelling on the intervening night of May 15 and 16 on forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC inthree belts of Rajouri. advertisement The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year hasaffected over 12,000 people. It had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area withmortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. On May 15, the Pakistani troops resorted to fresh ceasefire violation along the LoC in Nowshera sector since 1600 hours till latenight. Four villages in Nowshera have come under small arms fire fromacross the LOC in Nowshera. On May 14, the Pakistani Army resorted to indiscriminatefiring of small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0645 hours along the LoC in Nowshera and Manjakote sectors of Rajouri. On May 13, authorities ordered closure of 51 schools inNowshera sector and also Manjakote and Doongi zones. Two people were killed and three injured in Pakistani shelling in Nowshera sector on May 13. On May 12, the Pakistan Rangers resorted to ceasefire violation and fired onBSF men and posts along International Border (IB) in Arnia sector ofJammu district in which one BSF man was injured. On May 11 and 10, the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy shelling andfiring in Nowshera belt killing one woman and injuring two peopleincluding her husband. advertisement More than 2,694 families comprising 10,042 persons have beenaffected in shelling which lead to killing of three persons, injuries to six in Pakistani shelling on May 11, 13 and 14, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said. Besides, 65 livestockwere killed and standing crops got damaged, while nearly 45 houses suffered partial to complete damages during the period, the officer said. The district administration provided immediate relief of Rs 1lakh each to the next of kin of the dead and financial assistance tothe injured. Overall, of the 64 villages along the LoC in Rajouri, 23 were locatedin Nowshera sub-division where eight villages were badly affected andremaining 15 villages sustained minor losses, while five villages inDoongi and nine villages in Manjakote have been affected, he added. At least one incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan tookplace daily along the LoC in J-K in 2015 and 2016 inwhich 23 security personnel lost their lives. As many as 1,142 terror incidents were reported in the statebetween 2012 and 2016 in which 236 security personnel and 90 civilians were killed. Pakistan breached the truce along theLine of Control 449 times in 2016 as compared to 405 violations in2015. 23 security personnel were killed in the two-year period. PTI AB KIS --- ENDS --- advertisement Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has slammed the Modi government for failing to fulfill promises on jobs for youth and over the GDP numbers. The Amethi MP is slated to address a rally in Telangana today and is likely to attack the NDA government over its GDP numbers. By Supriya Bhardwaj: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi slammed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers. The Amethi MP tweeted, "Falling GDP. Rising unemployment. Every other issue is manufactured to distract us from this fundamental failure." During his recent visit to Saharanpur, Gandhi added that unemployment is on a rise in the country. RAHUL GANDHI TO ADDRESS TELANGANA RALLY advertisement The Congress Vice President is all set to address a rally in Telangana today wherein he is expected to attack the Central government over unemployment rate in the country. Meanwhile, Rahul's tweets have triggered a spiraling effect. Indian National Congress (INC) India tweeted, "GDP nos are out, 4% on old calculation, and 6 % on new formula." Another tweet by INC read, "India's much famed IT industry is firing people. Rising Unemployment." Latest numbers on the Economy expose the lies of the BJP Govt. First #Unemployment rises, now #GDP growth falls.- Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) June 1, 2017 2/4 The government has not been able to revive investment (as a percentage of GDP) or boost bank credit or create jobs.- P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 28, 2017 Declining growth, falling investments, and rising #unemployment are a result of BJP's focus on divisive politics & destructive economics.- Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) June 1, 2017 Congress is also planning to hold a special press meet later in the day on GDP numbers. --- ENDS --- Dalvin Jones,Valmira Haxhimusa Job seeker Dalvin Jones, 22, left, chats with Valmira Haxhimusa during a job fair in Dallas May 19. More than 180 businesses with 6,400 job opportunities will participate in the Central New York Career Fair June 6 at SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College in Onondaga, New York. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Onondaga, N.Y. -- More than 180 businesses with 6,400 jobs to fill in Central New York will participate in a "career fair" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College. Businesses will be offering on-site job interviews, and a resource room will be available for job seekers to research employment opportunities and complete online applications. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Onondaga Community College and the state Department of Labor are sponsoring the event, which is open to veterans and the general public. "For job seekers in the Central New York region, this event promises to offer a multitude of opportunities and I encourage anyone looking for a new career to sign up to attend," said state labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. The fair is free to attend, but job seekers are asked to register online at https://www.labor.ny.gov/businessservices/cny-career-expo.shtm. The arena is at 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga. Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the arena. The Labor Department will hold workshops, including one on how best to search online for work and one on job opportunities within the state Civil Service. In addition, the Veterans Administration will have staff on hand to assist veterans in enrolling in VA healthcare. Organizers said job seekers should dress professionally and bring several copies of their resumes. Below is a list of the companies participating in the event: Participating Businesses CNY Career Fair by rickmoriarty on Scribd Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump boards 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, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (Angelo Carconi / ANSA via AP) Marc Thiessen, a fellow with the American Enterprise Institute and former chief speechwriter to President George W. Bush, writes a weekly column for The Washington Post. By Marc A. Thiessen | The Washington Post President Donald Trump just returned from a foreign trip that was the single most successful eight-day stretch of his presidency. But almost as soon as he landed at Joint Base Andrews, he abandoned the approach that gave him his best week in office, and returned to the form that gave him some of his worst weeks - tweeting against "fake news writers" and opining about how "Russian officials must be laughing at the U.S." Trump needs to ask himself: What made his trip so successful? For more than a week, he did not mention James B. Comey, Russia or "fake news." Instead, he delivered a widely hailed address in Saudi Arabia where he pointed out that 95 percent of the victims of terrorism are Muslims and rallied the leaders of 50 Muslim nations to confront the terrorist threat. He brokered a massive arms deal with Saudi Arabia and forged the beginnings of a new regional alliance to confront the Islamic State and Iran. He became the first sitting American president to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem and pledged to launch a new effort to forge Israeli-Palestinian peace. He had a cordial meeting with Pope Francis and urged NATO nations to finally meet their financial commitments to the alliance. He deftly smoothed a diplomatic row with Britain over the U.S. leak of intelligence on the Manchester, England, bombing. The result? Critics were reduced to spreading false reports that he was not using his translation earpiece (actual "fake news"), criticizing his body language at photo ops and speculating about whether the first lady smacked away his hand at an arrival ceremony. They seemed small and petty while Trump was serious, substantive and -- dare we say it -- presidential. Yes, some on the left were apoplectic about Trump's refusal at the Group of Seven summit to endorse the Paris agreement on climate change. So what? They were also apoplectic when President George W. Bush withdrew from the International Criminal Court and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. If Trump is being attacked hysterically for being a conservative, rather than for his tweets, he's winning. Now that he's back, Trump needs to decide: Does he want the next four years to be like his foreign trip, or does he want to return to the morass of controversy he left behind when Air Force One took off for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? If it is the former, then the answer is simple: Keep doing what he was doing on the trip. There is no reason he has to be on foreign soil to embrace the power and grandeur of the presidency. What worked abroad can also work at home. Washington is a jungle, but as president, Trump is the king of the beasts. He needs to stop fighting with the lesser animals. One of the secrets of the presidency Trump has been slow to embrace is that the office confers a certain majesty on its occupants. There is a reason the opposing party's response to a State of the Union address invariably falls flat compared with the real thing. Trump's most successful moments -- his terrific address to Congress, his nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch for the Supreme Court, his foreign trip -- all came when he embraced the dignity of the office. His worst moments came when he did not. The lesson should be clear: Stay above the fray, ignore your critics, focus on substance, and use the presidency to promote your agenda. Go on a tour to highlight the achievements of your foreign trip. Visit defense factories that will get jobs because of your Saudi arms deal. Speak to Jewish organizations about your visit to Israel and plans to isolate Iran, defeat the Islamic State, and bolster the U.S.-Israel alliance. Barnstorm the country promoting your agenda. And never mention Comey or the Russia probe -- not in an interview, not in a tweet. Trump does not need the tactics of the campaign to succeed in the Oval Office. The presidency is more powerful than any of the tools that got him into the office. He needs to stop acting like a candidate for president and start being who he really is: president of the United States. Also in Opinion: 'Irresponsible' for US to ignore threats posed by climate change At a massive rally at the Ambedkar Stadium in Sangareddy, Rahul Gandhi attacked the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi government and CM Chandrashekhar Rao. By Ashish Pandey: On the eve of Telangana formation day, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday addressed a massive rally at the Ambedkar Stadium in Sangareddy. Rahul said the people of Telangana had asked for statehood to exercise their rights over land, water and other resources, but the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government hadn't made the right beginning to fulfil that dream. advertisement "I want to ask students and farmers whether they fought for Telangana only for one family. Have you created this state only for four people?" he asked, referring to Chief Minister and TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao. Targeting Rao directly, Rahul asked, "Only one family has been exercising all rights of MPs, MLAs and all other elected representatives. Was Telangana formed to snatch away the rights of all (the) people's representatives and give (the) entire strength to only (one) family?" Rahul recalled that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had delivered a speech from the same location in 1979, and later won the 1980 general election. Indira Gandhi provided jobs to one lakh people after winning elections from the Medak Lok Sabha constituency, he said. 'FARMERS' GRAVEYARD' The Congress VP mentioned the famous poet Makhdoom Mohiuddin and his couplets "Hayat Leke Chalo, Kainat Leke Chalo; Chalo To Zamanay Ko Saath Leke Chalo," and asked if Chief Minister Rao was taking people along. 2,855 farmers, including nearly 100 farmers from Rao's constituency, had committed suicide, Rahul said. "Have they fought for Telangana to turn this new state into (a) farmers' graveyard?" he asked. Rahul also mentioned the handcuffing of farmers in Telangana's Khammam district. "Telangana is the only state where farmers are jailed and handcuffed if they demand remunerative prices for their crops," he said. 'QUESTION MODI, KCR ON FAILURE TO PROVIDE JOBS' Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to provide two crore jobs, and that CM Rao had promised to provide one job per household. Both of them had failed to honour their promises, he added. "I request (the) youth to question both Modi and KCR on their failure to provide jobs," Rahul said. He said TRS and BJP governments should be asked to open factories to generate employment. "If they fail, the Congress party will provide an answer and we don't make false promises. We know how to deliver and will do that after returning to power," he said. 'PALATIAL HOUSE' The Congress VP said public money worth Rs 350 crore had been used for the construction of K Chandrashekhar Rao's new house - Pragathi Bhavan. advertisement No leader in the world would have such a costly house, he said. "This was your money. Not his money or his family's money. This money belonged to Telangana's farmers. It was the same money which was to be paid for fee reimbursement. The money was taken from your pocket and used for constructing KCR's palatial house," Rahul said. He released a 'chargesheet' on the failures of the TRS government in the last three years. FLORAL TRIBUTES FOR RAJIV GANDHI Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi was given a warm reception at Begumpet Airport. He later travelled to the statue of Rajiv Gandhi in Hyderabad's Somajiguda, and paid floral tributes to the former Prime Minister. ALSO READ | Telangana: Rahul Gandhi to expose Centre, TRS government's failures in Congress rally in Sangareddy ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi emulates Indira in Sangareddy. Can he repeat 1980 for Congress in 2019? ALSO WATCH | Telangana: Ugly clash between TRS, Congress workers --- ENDS --- A swift search on online marketplaces such as OLX shows that hundreds of cows are up for sale in the virtual world. By Preeti Choudhry: Hamstrung by the government's restrictions on sale of cattle, farmers and livestock traders have found greener pastures in digital India. So, a swift search on online marketplaces such as OLX shows that hundreds of cows are up for sale in the virtual world. The environment ministry decreed last week that animal markets could only trade cattle for agricultural purposes, such as ploughing and dairy production. The rule came as part of a tough new law against animal cruelty, but critics say they are aimed at placating hardline Hindu supporters of the Narendra Modi government. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday suspended the order for four weeks. advertisement Ravi Sharma from Uttar Pradesh's holy city Varanasi, which Prime Minister Modi represents in Parliament, seemed a little wary when spoken to about his online post selling a desi brown cow for Rs 75,000. He first wanted to know what this correspondent intended to do with it and what community she belonged to, categorically stating that he has no interest in selling to a certain minority group. Not far away from Varanasi, in Ghazipur, Bheem Singh is keen to get rid of three cows at the earliest. So much so that he is open to a distress sale for as much as 50 per cent less than the market price for cows. "It's too dangerous keeping cows any more. Anyone can come and beat us," he said while pushing this correspondent to close the deal over the phone. The past two years have seen a rise in vigilante attacks on Muslims and lower caste Hindus involved in the cattle trade, leading to several deaths. A group of alleged "cow protectors" thrashed two meat traders on the suspicion that they were carrying beef on May 26. Police in Rajasthan's Bhilwara arrested five people, including an alleged member of the RSS - the BJP's ideological mentor - who torched a truck last week that they thought was carrying cows for slaughter. Several state governments have appealed to the PM to repeal the order, which they say was issued without consultations with them. Some have decided to drag the Centre to court. Environment minister Harsh Vardhan had said that cattle bought and sold directly from farms would not be affected by the government's order. "The aim of the rules is only to regulate the animal market and sale of cattle in them and ensure (the) welfare of cattle" in the markets," he had said. But many commentators see the move as a blow to beef and leather exports that will leave hundreds of thousands jobless and deprive millions of Christians, Muslims and poor Hindus of a cheap source of protein. It's not that cows have not been sold on e-commerce websites before. They have been available occasionally under the pets section. But there has been a sudden surge since the BJP swept to power in Uttar Pradesh in March with priest-turned politician Yogi Adityanath taking the chief minister's post, and the rise of the gau rakshaks, or cow vigilantes. advertisement Critics say a sense of fear has been instilled in farmers and cattle owners who feel safer trading within the confines of the internet rather than an open market. ALSO READ | Ban on cattle sale for slaughter injustice to farmers: Pawar ALSO READ | Cattle slaughter economy: How ban on sale of cattle for killing may affect industry, employment --- ENDS --- Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. BJP's national spokesperson in charge of Meghalaya Nalin Kohli said that the BJP is saying it clearly that the question of having a law in a state on cow slaughter is to be decided by the state and not the Centre. By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Finding itself in the midst of a storm over the Centre's order banning the sale of cattle for slaughter, the ruling BJP has displayed flexibility. Admitting that majority of BJP leaders in Meghalaya eat beef, the party has also clarified that it was up to the state governments to decide on banning slaughter of cows. Talking to India Today on the Narendra Modi government's recent notification banning sale of cattle for slaughter, BJP's national spokesperson in charge of Meghalaya Nalin Kohli said, "The BJP is saying this clearly that the question of having a law in a state on cow slaughter is to be decided by the state and not the Centre." advertisement On BJP's stand on states, such as Northeast and southern states, where majority of the population consumes beef, Kohli said, "Every state government that decides to have a law or not have a law on cow slaughter, do so keeping in mind the local food habits of that particular state and in the Northeast every state government will keep this in account." Kohli's statement makes it clear that BJP is open to states ruled by it allowing consumption of beef and not interfering in the local food habits. It puts to rest speculations whether the BJP governments would ban beef in the northeastern and southern states where its consumption is considered normal. By taking flexible stand on beef ban, BJP has avoided a rebellion in its ranks. It has also saved itself from embarrassment as a large number of BJP leaders in the Northeast and South consume beef. BJP leaders in Meghalaya, including its state unit chief Shibun Lyngdoh, have already taken a stand that if the party comes to power in the 2018 Assembly elections, it will not ban consumption of beef. Another leader, Bernard Marak, former president of the BJP's Tura city unit in Garo Hills, had gone to the extent of promising that the price of beef would be made cheaper if the party won the state polls. He resigned from BJP today. "I have decided to quit the party because I am a Christian and Garo first... The BJP is hurting sentiments here on the beef issue. Tribal society has its own laws. The BJP is trying to push Hindutva," he said. Meghalaya has a substantial Christian population. Beef is staple for the three major tribes - Khasis, Garos and Jaintias. In May 2015, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju was quoted as saying that he eats beef and no one could stop him from doing that. He was responding to Union Minorities Affairs Minister's comment that those who wanted to eat beef could go to Pakistan. Rijiju hails from another Northeastern state - Arunachal Pradesh. Later, Rijiju clarified that he had been "misquoted". However, he still maintained that India was a secular country and food habits cannot be stopped. He said just as Hindu faith and sentiments must be respected in Hindu majority states, those of other communities be respected in their own dominant states. advertisement Sensing a trouble in its bid to expand base in other states, BJP has clearly tweaked its stand over beef ban. The party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have turned their focus on Northeast, West Bengal and Kerala. Beef consumption is considered normal in all these states. Any attempt to curb it is likely to be met with stiff resistance. ALSO READ: Congress MLA breaks vegetarian vow to support beef, says Centre forcing food habits on people Cows up for sale online after government's restrictions on selling of cattle Make cow national animal, give life imprisonment for slaughter: Rajasthan High Court tells Centre Beef fest at IIT-Madras: Student groups hold protests against attack on PhD scholar Kerala calf slaughter row: How ban on cattle sale turned into a full blown political controversy Ban on cattle sale for slaughter injustice to farmers: Pawar Cattle slaughter economy: How ban on sale of cattle for killing may affect industry, employment advertisement --- ENDS --- Microsoft executives, led by CEO Satya Nadella, introduced a series of enhancements to the companys critical data and cloud services at the kickoff of its annual Build conference on Wednesday, demonstrating new ways to expand adoption of artificial intelligence, personal digital assistants and other innovations. Nadella told conference attendees that there will be more than 25 billion intelligent devices in the world by 2020, and the role of developers will be to extend new technologies to meet that challenge. So, whether precision medicine or precision agriculture, whether its digital media or the industrial Internet, the opportunity for us as developers to have broad, deep impact on all parts of society and all parts of the economy has never been greater, he said. More than 500 million Windows 10 users now can be reached through the Windows Store, Nadella noted, as well as 100 million monthly active users of Office 365, 140 million monthly users of Cortana, and 12 million organizational entities in the Azure Active Directory including small, medium and large businesses, as well as educational institutions. Microsoft offered a preview of Azure IoT Edge, a cross-platform runtime that allows cloud functionality to be run remotely on IoT devices. The technology runs on both Windows and Linux, and it can operate on devices smaller than a Raspberry Pi. Predictive Maintenance The company demonstrated how one of its clients, Swedish cutting tool manufacturer Sandvik Coromant, is using Azure IoT Edge, along with Cortana Intelligence and Dynamics 365, to predict machine breakdowns on a factory floor more than 100 times faster than traditional models. In another demonstration, Microsoft showed how Azure Stack, Azure Functions, Cognitive Services and commodity cameras could help manage worker safety on industrial sites. Because the camera can differentiate among industrial tools and workers, it could be used in a scenario to prevent an unauthorized worker from gaining access to a jackhammer or potentially dangerous tools, for example. In another demonstration, the company showed how Microsoft Graph is used with Office 365 to create Cortana skills that are pushed across devices for example to send out a meeting reminder, or to push a low fuel warning to your cars new Harman Kordan-developed Invoke smart speaker, which is powered by Cortana. Microsoft signed new agreements with HP to develop Cortana-based devices, and with Intel to develop Cortana-based reference platforms. Microsoft also has made the Cortana skills kit available for public preview, allowing developers to build skills for Cortana and publish it to the Cortana channel of the Bot framework. Microsoft demonstrated how multiple products, including Dynamics 365, Office 365, Microsoft Graph, Microsoft Teams, and others will be integrated into Tact, a new sales experience platform that can turn any AI-connected device into an AI-powered virtual sales assistant. Microsoft introduced Azure Cosmos DB, which it says is the first globally distributed data service that allows you to horizontally scale throughput and storage anywhere, with guaranteed low latency, high availability and consistency. Users can scale hundreds of millions of requests with a single click. Microsoft announced new MySQL and PostgreSQL-managed services joining the AzureSQL database, and provided an early preview of Microsofts new database migration services. The company announced general availability of Visual Studio 2017 for Mac. It also announced general availability of Windows Server Containers support in Azure Service Fabric. Developers now can publish for Microsoft Teams, its new chat-based workspace in Office 365. The company introduced new Microsoft Graph APIs for developers, including APIs for SharePoint and Planner. Competitive Landscape Major cloud computing firms like Microsoft, Google and Amazon are pursuing different strategies to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, said Jeffrey Kaplan, managing director of ThinkStrategies. The most obvious example is the latest smart devices that each of the companies are rolling out, which combine voice recognition, AI, communications and ambient computing capabilities to provide a widening array of consumer and collaboration applications for the home and office, he told TechNewsWorld. Microsofts announcements targeted the core developer audience at the Build conference, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. Not surprisingly, Azure is particularly strong in its support for Microsofts individual and group applications, which arent high priorities for some other cloud providers, he told TechNewsWorld. Microsoft is typically ranked second behind AWS in terms of the size of its facilities and business, but there is research showing that Microsoft is gaining share against AWS, King noted. Gupshup, a bot platform provider, announced an agreement to use Microsoft Cognitive Services on Interbot, its bot-to-bot communications platform, which will be used to develop bots for Microsoft Teams, Skype, Skype for Business, Cortana and other platforms. There are a wide variety of applications for both B2B and B2C customers that will benefit from bots being able to more intelligently communicate with one another, leveraging Microsoft APIs and accessing Bings knowledge graph, said Beerud Sheth, CEO of Gupshup. For example, bots will be able to perform news and sentiment mining in real time, as well as review and recognize images and videos and trigger appropriate actions as a result, he told TechNewsWorld. Customers want Microsoft to make their jobs easier, Sheth said. They want to see advances like support for edge computing, for example, which opens up paths to new projects or business opportunities. They want to see support for emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that enhance or broaden the appeal of their work. Microsoft on Wednesday showcased a new series of mixed reality headsets from partner firms Acer, HP, Asus, Dell and Lenovo at Computex 2017. The preview marked the companys commitment to establish Windows 10 as a leading driver of mixed reality capabilities, as well as to open up the market to a wider variety of price points and consumer demographics. These devices, coming to market this holiday, use Microsofts platform to enable a single and consistent user interface, standardized inputs and a universal app platform for developers, noted Peter Han, vice president, partner devices and solutions, at Microsoft. At Microsoft Build, held earlier this month, Alex Kipman previewed Windows Mixed Reality developer kits for the new headsets from Acer and HP. The Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset Developer Edition is available for US$299, while the HP Windows Mixed Realty Developer Edition is available for $329. Both devices use inside-out tracking, which negates the need for IR emitters or external cameras. Developers can begin to code immediately with a Windows 10 Creators Update PC and a headset right out of the box. Both devices also feature 1,440 x 1,440 high-resolution liquid crystal displays, a 90-Hz display refresh rate, build-in audio and mic support, single cable with HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 for connectivity. The response has been positive, Han said. Affordable and Light Asus Windows Mixed Reality Headset Asus has added to its line of Oculus-ready ROG gaming desktops and VR-ready Vivo-PC X. The new head-mounted unit features a polygonal 3D cover panel and ergonomically adjustable strap that allows single-hand setup. The headset is designed to be powerful, HMD fast and very light with a six-degrees-of-freedom tracked motion controller. Dell, building on its VR leadership in high-end gaming, has developed an affordable gaming headset that comes in white with a weight-balanced headband for long-term comfort, a flip-flop visor for easy removal, and cable routing to free the user from wires. Dell Windows Mixed Reality Headset The device will be ready by the upcoming holiday shopping season. Lenovo later this year plans to launch an affordable mixed-reality headset with built-in sensors for inside-out tracking and simplified setup. Potential but Risky On the surface, the new Windows devices will have several advantages over the rival HTC Vive and Oculus Rift brands for the personal computer market, according to Piers Harding Rolls, director of games research at IHS Markit. For starters, the new Windows devices will come in with price points starting at less than $300 significantly cheaper than the rival devices due to the production efficiencies this new set of manufacturers can employ, he told TechNewsWorld. These new device makers also have massive go-to-market capabilities, according to Harding-Rolls, offering more exposure to VR for PC-based consumers than ever before. In addition, the inside-out tracking technology negates the need for additional sensors around a room, and the headsets can run on relatively low-powered Windows-based computers. On the flip side, there may be confusion in the marketplace among buyers who are new to VR, Harding-Rolls said. First, the name mixed reality on its own is likely to cause confusion for the consumer that is only beginning to understand virtual reality, he explained. Consumers may buy these headsets expecting to use their existing computers and think they can play the best VR games, which would be possible only with a powerful computer system, Harding-Rolls pointed out. The small amount of content currently available poses another potential pitfall for OEMs trying to build demand for these products, observed Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. It all really hinges on how much money and resources Microsoft puts behind the product, he told TechNewsWorld. Still, Microsoft may be onto something with its push for mixed-reality devices, said Ted Pollak, senior gaming analyst at Jon Peddie Research. At some point in time, the user will decide how much real or virtualized world to tune in and out of the field of view of their display, he told TechNewsWorld. Virtual and augmented reality then simply become different points on the computing spectrum. A man in Beaverton Oregon who has been fined and is under investigation by the state's board of engineers for using the word "engineer" during a debate about traffic lights, is being allowed by a federal judge to refer to himself as an engineer and to discuss traffic lights pending the board's investigation. It seems that in the opinion of the federal district court of Oregon, engineering is not a protected class of employment like being a police officer is. That is to say; one cannot be punished for impersonating an engineer. According to the Oregonian, Oregon resident Mats Jarlstrom was fined $500 by the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying last April for using the word "engineer" and claiming to be an engineer in a submitted opinion to the board. The board also barred him from using the word to describe himself. At first glance, it seems the state had justifiable cause. After all, you cannot have people running around doing engineering work who are not qualified; that would be a risk to public safety. However, putting it into the proper context does require a bit of background regarding the man. "Jarlstrom wishes to communicate about the mathematics behind traffic light timing. If he does so in Oregon, however, he will be exposed to government investigation and punishment for engaging in the unlicensed 'practice of engineering.'" Mats moved to Oregon in 1992 after immigrating from Sweden where he had worked as an engineer in the Swedish Air Force and also for Luxor Electronics. Currently, he is self-employed doing work testing and repairing audio components and testing equipment. He has never been employed as an engineer in Oregon, but the board is presumably looking into that to reinforce its case against him. The 56-year-old trained and experienced engineer was fined during a debate with public officials regarding the timing of traffic lights. Even though Jarlstrom was not practicing engineering as employment in any capacity, he was fined for merely suggesting that he knew what he was talking about. The whole thing started after a traffic camera had caught his wife running a red light and issued her a ticket. Mats began doing research and field study on the duration of traffic lights in Oregon, specifically yellow lights in Beaverton. After compiling his data, he did all the math and formulated an ideal timing for yellow lights based on his research. He presented his findings as a citizen to the Board of Engineers. It was an appeal to look into updating the traffic lights in Oregon, which are not consistent and have not been adjusted in decades despite changes in traffic and road conditions. When presenting such a study to a governing body, it only seems logical that one would include his or her qualifications for making the assessment. It just does not make sense to pose a suggestion to solve a complex problem without indicating what qualifies one to make it in the first place, and that is what Jarlstrom did. In his proposal, he stated that he was an engineer. Had he not, the pile of papers and research would have been glanced at and then thrown in the trash as something done by an unqualified citizen disgruntled about getting a traffic ticket. For the act of notifying the board that he was a trained and experienced engineer, Mats was fined $500 for practicing engineering without being registered in Oregon. Perhaps Mats should have said, "I used to be an engineer," but ask or propose that to any engineer and see how many weird looks you get. Once an engineer, always an engineer. It is not something that just goes away because you do not have a "government permission slip," as Jarlstrom's lawyers have said. The opinion of whether or not anyone should be allowed to call themselves an engineer is contentious, even within the engineering community. Mats Jarlstrom's fight for the right to use the word to describe himself is not over. For now, the court is on his side. The issue has received countless headlines and even a piece done on 60 Minutes, but the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying are still insisting that he has violated some law or regulation, which is keeping the debate hot. Are you an engineer? Do you have a license to practice your trade? Do you feel that people should not call themselves engineers unless they are legally sanctioned in the state in which they live? A Target employee may have leaked that Sony is preparing to release a gold-colored PlayStation 4 Slim. Someone claiming to work for the retailer apparently snapped a photo of a boxed Gold PS4 Slim and said that they are going on sale next week for $249. The alleged employee posted the picture to Reddit under the handle Marmaro8, but the image has since been removed from Imgur. While the removal does not confirm that Sony is indeed releasing a gold PS4, it does indicate that the poster may have been told to remove it by someone of authority. According to Geeksation, there have already been as many as four separate reports of gold PlayStations being spotted in stores. Another Redditor, Christopher_Maxim, claimed to have almost bought one of the goldenrod units at Walmart that was accidentally put on shelves early. "This Walmart put them out early. Register locked up when I tried to buy one, and the staff realized their mistake. I snagged a pic before they brought them out back." The $249 tag is distinctly seen in his picture, which corroborates Marmaro8's claim of the sales price. Back in 2015, Sony ran a promotion with Taco Bell where it gave away a gold limited edition PlayStation 4 every 10 minutes to any one who bought a Taco Bell Big Box. The company ended up giving away 6,000 of the shiny gold consoles, which also included a matching gold controller, a copy of Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and a one-year subscription to PlayStation Plus. While Sony has not announced a gold edition PlayStation 4, by all accounts, there is substantial evidence to suggest that one is coming. Furthermore, if the claims are valid, the golden consoles with go on sale next week on June 9. However, it is unknown whether the system will be available worldwide as the units have only been spotted in the U.S. so far. Even with big event films getting release dates spread throughout the year, summer is still the busiest season at the movie theater. While there are plenty of blockbusters to go enjoy, there are usually some smaller gems that slide in that deserve some love too. Baby Driver: June 28 Edgar Wright can seemingly do no wrong. From Shaun of the Dead to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Edgar has carved out a spot as one of the most beloved directors working today. However, he still hasn't had that one hit that he rightly deserves despite the quality of his films. Hopefully, that will change with the release of his newest film, Baby Driver. Starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Hamm, and Jaime Foxx, this action-comedy follows Ansel's Baby, a getaway driver employed by Spacey. After he meets and falls for Lily's Debora, a diner waitress, he looks to finally quit his life of crime. The film debuted at South By Southwest this past April to an overwhelmingly positive response, and hopefully, the word of mouth can get people to the theater to catch Wright's latest effort. Atomic Blonde: July 28 Another film that debuted at South By Southwest is David Leitch's solo-directorial debut, Atomic Blonde. Leitch had previously worked as co-director on the first John Wick with Chad Stahelski, who would go on to direct the sequel. This Charlize Theron-led action film is set in late '80s Berlin and will follow Theron's MI6 agent, Lorraine, who is sent to uncover a conspiracy looking to expose the West's intelligence operations in the city. She will be joined by James McAvoy's David, who serves as station chief in Berlin for MI6. Much like Baby Driver, Atomic Blonde received largely positive response, with the consensus calling it the female John Wick. Given how good the 2014 hit turned out, that bodes well for Atomic Blonde. It Comes At Night: June 9 Jumping back to June, there's It Comes At Night. This is the latest film to come from A24, who have quietly put together an impressive list of releases over the last few years. While A24's films aren't the biggest releases, the quality of these movies more than makes up for that. Remember, this is the studio that released Ex Machina, Room, Swiss Army Man, Moonlight, and more recently Free Fire. A24's latest effort is a horror film that follows a family in a desolate home that is separated from a world being ravaged by some mysterious force. When another family arrives looking for aid, paranoia and fear begin to overtake everyone and could cost them their humanity. All Eyez On Me: June 16 Despite being tragically cut short, Tupac Shakur carved out a spot as one of the best rappers in the history of music in his short time on this earth. His life is finally getting the big-screen treatment with the release of All Eyez on Me, which will chronicle the rapper's life from his rise to superstardom to his tragic murder. This follows in the footsteps of films such as Notorious and Straight Outta Compton, which chronicled the careers of Notorious B.I.G. and N.W.A., respectively. The release date is not an accident, either, as it was Shakur's birthday, and he would have been 46 this year. The Hitman's Bodyguard: Aug. 18 Talk about coming out of nowhere. Much like John Wick in 2014, The Hitman's Bodyguard looks like it could be the breakout hit of the summer. It will follow Ryan Reynold's titular bodyguard who is hired to protect Samuel L. Jackson's titular hitman. The only problem is that the two hate each other. The first trailer released gave moviegoers a taste of the chaos to come in this action-comedy, with Reynolds and Jackson cursing each other out continuously while fighting waves of gunmen hot on their heels. If the film is as funny as the trailers have made it look, this could be a great way to close out summer at the movies. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hailed as the breakthrough of 2015 by Science magazine, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool is already being tested in clinical trials as researchers hope to harness the technology's immense potential in treating genetic diseases. In mice studies, the technology has been successfully used to kill the HIV virus through gene editing, while also showing significant promise in snipping out certain genes that cause cancer. Chinese researchers are currently conducting the world's first CRISPR human trial, focused specifically on cancer patients. At the same time, a U.S. clinical trial is in the cards for next year. Yet the CRISPR technique still remains controversial. Although many genetic researchers advocate its numerous advantages in treating a large number of diseases, from infertility to Huntington's to hemophilia, other scientists express their concerns this ground-breaking medical technology could be abused. Now, a new study cautions the scientific community that tampering with the DNA can give rise to hundreds of unexpected consequences, causing genetic mutations that scientists cannot predict. Unwanted CRISPR Genetic Mutations The CRISPR-Cas9 technique alters parts of the genome, by removing, adding, or even changing sections of the DNA sequence. In view of this, the CRISPR technology could pave the way for more powerful gene therapies that not only expand the genome, but also delete or repair flawed genes. However, despite the fact that CRISPR can target specific stretches of DNA with accurate precision, the technique can sometimes alter unwanted parts of the genome, uncovered scientists at Columbia University Medical Center or CUMC. The researchers warn the CRISPR gene editing tool can cause the genome to undergo hundreds of unintended mutations, "including single nucleotide mutations and mutations in non-coding regions of the genome." "We feel it's critical that the scientific community consider the potential hazards of all off-target mutations caused by CRISPR," says study co-author Stephen Tsang, M.D., an associate professor of pathology and cell biology at CUMC's Institute of Genomic Medicine. Last year, his team investigated the potential of CRISPR gene editing in treating mice suffering from a type of inheritable blindness called retinitis pigmentosa. Their more recent study, published May 30 in the journal Nature Methods, reexamined the mice's genome in an attempt to identify all the occurred mutations, including those that only altered a single nucleotide. Looking For Errors: First Complete Sequencing Of The Entire Genome In the past, studies have relied on computer algorithms to pinpoint the genome areas most susceptible to off-target mutations. But now the researchers have managed to sequence the mice's entire genome to look for unpredicted mutations, such as deleted or inserted genes. According to Alexander Bassuk, the study's other co-author and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa, these algorithms were proved successful in predicting off-target mutations when scientists performed CRISPR in cells or tissues in a petri dish. Yet, until now, no one has attempted whole genome sequencing to look for all off-target effects in living animals, Bassuk explained. The new analysis revealed that, while CRISPR did correct the gene responsible for the onset of blindness in mice, it also produced DNA mutations in two of the test subjects, which the computer algorithms weren't able to predict. The team discovered the two mice "sustained more than 1,500 single-nucleotide mutations and more than 100 larger deletions and insertions," shows a CUMC news release. "Researchers who aren't using whole genome sequencing to find off-target effects may be missing potentially important mutations," emphasized Tsang, adding that "even a single nucleotide change can have a huge impact." The scientists point out that every new therapy comes with its set of potential side effects, which is why being wary of what they are is an important step in devising safer, more accurate gene editing techniques. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Unlocked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus are available today from Best Buy and Samsung. The unlocked version of the S8 will be compatible with all four major U.S. carriers. In terms of price, the S8 will cost $724.99 and the S8 Plus is one hundred dollars more expensive at $824.99. While certainly costly, the S8 comes with a lot of features that help justify that high price tag. BlackBerry KeyOne In addition to the S8, there's another Android phone that got an unlocked version today, the BlackBerry KeyOne. While not as popular as the S8, the BlackBerry does have some neat features that might appeal to some users. One of the more interesting things about it is the fact that it is one of the few smartphones to feature a physical keyboard. While that is a nice touch, it does mean that the screen will be smaller than the one found on other smartphones. There are currently two versions of the unlocked BlackBerry available. The one from Best Buy is compatible with GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile. However, the Verizon "optimized" version is currently only available through Amazon. The BlackBerry costs $549.99. Pros And Cons Of Unlocked Phones While buying an unlocked phone may cost a bit more upfront, unlocked models do have some benefits that make them worthwhile to some users. For starters, they don't come loaded with the various bloatware that the carrier models will have which saves on precious storage space. In terms of costs, they might be a bit cheaper in the long run since users won't be locked into a specific carrier which gives greater flexibility when searching for plans. Those benefits aside, unlocked phones do have some issues that shoppers should be aware of. Software updates can be hit-or-miss. In some cases, unlocked phones will get major updates before carrier models since the carriers can delay the process, but that is not always the case. For example, customers who used carrier versions of the Galaxy S7 got Android Nougat several months before it was rolled out to unlocked phones. Those on unlocked devices may also find that they have a more limited selection of apps than those who use carrier versions. For example, Netflix recently announced that it would no longer be supporting unlocked versions of Android phones due to concerns over piracy. In some instances, workarounds, such as mirrors, are available, but they are a bit more trouble than the standard apps. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. INS Sumitra reached Jetty number five at 7am at Chittagong port with 33 Bangladeshi fishermen rescued from the deep sea along with relief materials. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Indian ship, INS Sumitra, with relief materials for cyclone Mora affected people today reached Chittagong. INS Sumitra reached Jetty number five at 7am at Chittagong port with 33 Bangladeshi fishermen rescued from the deep sea along with relief materials. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harshavardhana Sringla said there are several other Indian ships ready to bring relief aid to Bangladesh. advertisement Sringla said, "We mourn the deaths due to cyclone Mora. INS Sumitra came to Chittagong with packed foods, tents, clothes and primary medical equipments. "We have kept other ships ready so that the relief materials can be distributed any time along with the needs of Bangladesh." He further said, "As friends and neighbours of Bangladesh, India is with Dhaka to deal with any adverse situation." The amount of damage due to cyclone could have been very high, but it did not happen due to the proper management of the government. The Indian diplomat has thanked the Bangladesh Navy, District Administration and the Foreign Ministry for cooperating with the relief efforts. Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zillur Rahman Chowdhury and INS Sumitra's Commanding Officer PK Sreenan attended the function. --- ENDS --- Since being instituted in March, there have been concerns about safety risks caused by travel ban on large electronics in airline cabins. After a JetBlue flight was forced to make an emergency landing, those concerns are now justified. Lithium Fire Forces Landing On Tuesday, May 30, JetBlue Flight 915 from JFK International Airport to San Francisco was forced to make an emergency landing at Gerald Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The landing was the result of a lithium fire that started in one passenger's carry-on. The device that caught fire was a portable laptop charger. The fire was put out before landing and no one on the flight was harmed. JetBlue Flt#915 f/JFK-SFO landed w/o incident here shortly after 8pm after reports of a lithium fire onboard. Airport FD responded (cont) FlyGRFord (@FlyGRFord) May 30, 2017 "On May 30, JetBlue Flight 915 from New York's JFK to San Francisco diverted to Grand Rapids, Mich., following reports of smoke emitting from a carry-on bag holding an electronic device. The flight landed safely and the aircraft was inspected by maintenance crews before customers continued on to San Francisco," JetBlue said in a statement addressing the fire. (cont) 158 people on board are all safe, no injuries and fire was out before the plane landed at GRR. FlyGRFord (@FlyGRFord) May 30, 2017 After everything was cleared up, the flight took off and arrived safely in San Francisco. Worth The Risk? While this was quickly resolved, this is not the first incident involving lithium fires. According to the FAA, there have already been 12 reported lithium fires on flights in 2017 alone. Most devices use lithium-ion batteries as the standard recharge battery. That's not to say it's completely safe, with Samsung recalling the Galaxy Note 7 last fall after a battery exploded on a Southwest Airlines flight in 2016. This most recent incident further calls into question the travel ban on large electronics. A big reason these incidents were resolved quickly was because of easy access to the fire when it's coming from a carry-on. The fire being in the cabin forces crew and passengers to deal with it quickly, preventing injury in most cases. The travel ban forces passengers to pack laptops and tablets into their check-in luggage instead of keeping them in carry-on luggage. If a fire were to break out from a device stowed in the cargo, it could go unnoticed for much longer and quickly spread. This puts more international travelers at risk since the ban targets inbound flights to the United States and the UK from several countries in the Middle East. This risk could get even higher if the travel ban does get extended to inbound flights to the United States from Europe. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Argan trees are crucial to the economy of Morocco, a lower-middle income country. These trees bear fruits whose seeds are pressed to produce argan oil, a valuable commodity that brings $6.5 million in exports. Now, a new study has shed light on the important role that tree-climbing goats in Morocco play in the propagation of Argan trees. It turns out that these acrobatic animals disperse the seeds of these trees when they spit the nuts out. Seed Dispersal Seed dispersal transports seeds away from the mother plant. Seeds that just fall under the parent plant may not get enough water, sun, or nutrients from the soil. Seed dispersal thus improves the odds of plants to survive and helps them spread out and grow in new places. Tree-Climbing Goats In arid areas of Morocco, where the argan trees grow, farmers encourage the goats to climb and eat on the trees to get the seeds that are eventually processed into argan oil. Domesticated goats that live in grassy and temperate climate do not climb trees because their food is often readily available. In hot regions with patchy grasses, though, the animals climb trees for sustenance. The seeds that the goats swallow and poop out would later sprout as trees, but this may not apply to sizable seeds such as that of the argan. Researchers of a new study said that goats do not often defecate large seeds, which made them skeptical that the argan nuts, which are about the size of the acorn, went through the same route of smaller seeds. Ruminants And Seed Dispersal Goats are ruminants, which means that they rechew their food after these are left in a specialized compartment of the stomach to ferment. The researchers decided to verify if goats regurgitated the seeds of the argan fruit during rumination, a process they suspected to be a potential dispersal mechanism for the large seeds. For their research, they fed Spanish domestic goats fruits of varying sizes. They did not have access to the argan fruit trees, but in their study, they observed that the largest seeds, which are still smaller than an argan nut, were most likely to be spat out by the animals. The smaller seeds often end up in the feces. It sometimes takes up to six days for the goats in the study to spit out swallowed seeds. The researchers then test the viability of the regurgitated seeds and discovered that more than 70 percent can still grow, which suggests that the goats spitting out seeds could actually be helping scatter the seeds that they eat. The researchers added that since the seeds remain in the goat's stomach for hours or days, they potentially release the seeds very far from the mother plant, which can benefit the Argan trees. "For plants there are well-known reproductive benefits associated with dispersing their seeds far from the maternal parent, including a greater probability of seed and seedling survival," study researcher Jose Fedriani, from the University of Lisbon in Portugal, and colleagues wrote in their study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Report from the coroner's office in Montgomery County in Ohio has confirmed that a couple who was found dead by their children at their home in March this year died due to an overdose of cocaine and carfentanil, a powerful drug used to tranquilize big animals such as elephants and rhinos. Found Dead By Their Four Children The Spirit Airlines pilot and his wife were found in their Dayton-area home by their four children who then contacted the police. The toxicology results backed up what the coroner's office previously suggested: 36-year-old Brian Halye, and his wife, 34-year-old Courtney Halye, died of an accidental drug overdose. The fatal accident happened just a week after Brian's last flight, raising concern and criticism over the random system being used to test airline pilots. Couple Injected The Drugs Autopsy indicates that both husband and wife took the drug by injection. Needle puncture marks were found on Courtney's right thigh and left wrist, while Brian was found to have a needle puncture on the right arm. Carfentanil Carfentanil is so powerful veterinarians use it to tranquilize animals as big as the elephant. Just 2 milligrams of this drug could knock out a 2,000-pound elephant. The synthetic opioid is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, the drug that killed popstar Prince in 2016. The drug significantly slows down breathing. While it is greenlighted for use in sedating animals, the drug is not approved for use by humans. It was not clear if the couple was aware that the cocaine they used contained carfentanil, but in earlier deaths linked to use of carfentanil, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said that the users may not have known that what they were taking contains the elephant sedative. The drug is believed to have come from China and may have been brought to the United States via dark websites and drug cartels. Authorities also said that Mexican labs may have also been manufacturing this drug. "We're talking about clandestinely manufactured. Somebody's making this stuff in secret laboratories," said Russ Baer of DEA. Carfentanil As Substitute For Other Opioids Investigators said that illegal traffickers have been substituting fentanyl for other opioids. Carfentanil may be sold pressed into prescription-looking drugs or mixed with heroin. In Cincinnati, Hamilton County Coroner Lakshmi Sammarco earlier gave a warning to cocaine users that their stashes may possibly be cut with heroin or fentanyl. Ohio is among the top places in the United States that are hardest hit by the drug epidemic. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Ohio has the second most number of opioid-related death in 2014. "DEA, local law enforcement and first responders have recently seen the presence of carfentanil, which has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in various parts of the country. Improper handling of carfentanil, as well as fentanyl and other fentanyl-related compounds, has deadly consequences," the DEA earlier warned. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By Press Trust of India: By Lalit K Jha Washington, Jun 1 (PTI) President Donald Trump will announce his decision on whether to withdraw from the Paris climate deal "very soon", as media reports said that a US exit was likely. Trump was responding to questions from reporters yesterday about whether he plans to withdraw the US from the landmark global agreement, a major foreign policy legacy of his predecessor Barack Obama. advertisement "Youre going to find out very soon," he said when pressed further on the withdrawal. "Im hearing from a lot of people, both ways. Both ways." Two major news outlets -- Axis and CBS News -- reported that the US President had made a decision to withdraw from the climate change agreement and the administration has been informing world leaders about it. According to US senators, leaving the climate pact would result in strengthening India and Chinas economy at the cost of America. "By succumbing to pressure from administrator Scott Pruitt and other advisors, President Trump is ceding the future to the Germans, the Chinese, the Indians, and other nations rather than having the United States continue to lead the world on clean energy solutions," said Democrat Ed Markey. Another Democratic Senator, Jeff Markley, tweeted that "An American retreat is great for the economies of China and India, and terrible for US economy." Earlier yesterday, a White House official said Trump was expected to pull out of the deal, but added that there could be "caveats." European leaders pushed Trump to stay in the Paris pact during his recent overseas trip. His advisors are divided on the move. Several Democrats have spoken out against the "misguided" step saying it could potentially damage not only the environment, but also the economy. "If President Trump decides to remove the United States from this agreement, it will weaken our standing globally - allowing other countries to adopt leading roles when it comes to our shared responsibility to protect our planet for future generations," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley. In a tweet, Trump had said he would be announcing his decision on the 2015 deal in the next few days. "I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. Make America great again!," Trump said. "Details on just how exactly the US will be withdrawing are still being worked out by a team that includes EPA administrator Scott Pruitt," CBS News reported. advertisement "A full, formal withdrawal could take up to three years to execute, unravelling one of former President Barack Obamas major achievements in office to reduce the impacts of climate change," it added. The Pruitt team is deciding on whether to initiate a full, formal withdrawal ? which could take three years ? or exit the underlying United Nations climate change treaty, which would be faster but more extreme, Axis reported. PTI LKJ BSA BSA --- ENDS --- So far, 6,891 children under two years old have been sent to emergency care wards. | Read More Rahul Sharma had claimed that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's brother-in-law Surender Kumar Bansal was involved in PWD scam. Rahul Sharma had alleged that Kejriwal's bother-in-law was involved in PWD scam. (Photo/ANI) By India Today Web Desk: Rahul Sharma, the whistleblower who had claimed that a relative of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was linked to the Public Works Department (PWD) scam, was shot at by two unidentified men in Greater Noida. Sharma escaped unhurt in the attack which took place on Wednesday (May 31). "Two boys on motorcycle overtook my car near Gaurs International School and fired at me. Locals raised an alarm and I escaped unhurt," Rahul Sharma said. advertisement "They fired at the front windshield of my car and fled from the scene immediately. I could not see their faces as they were wearing helmets," said Sharma who founder of NGO Roads Anti-Corruption Organisation. Sharma's NGO, through an RTI response, had uncovered a scam in the PWD alleging that Kejriwal's late brother-in-law Surender Kumar Bansal. Rahul Sharma had alleged that Bansal was involved in financial irregularities in the construction of a drainage system in north-west Delhi's Bakoli village. The ACB had filed three FIRs in connection with the alleged PWD scam. ALSO READ: ACB raids in Delhi after Kapil Mishra alleges Rs 300 crore medicine scam under Arvind Kejriwal government AAP vs AAP: Kapil Mishra assaulted by party MLAs inside Delhi Assembly PWD scam: Anti-Corruption Branch raids Arvind Kejriwal's brother-in-law residence, offices of promoters WATCH: Rahul Sharma, complainant in PWD scam, attacked --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: By Ammar Zaidi St Petersburg, Jun 1 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that a street in Delhi has been named after Russias former Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin, a "friend" of India, who passed away recently. Hailing Ambassador Kadakin and his contribution to the India-Russia ties, Modi said the late diplomat was a glorious son of Russia and a great friend of India. advertisement "A street in Delhi has been named after Ambassador Kadakin," Modi said addressing a joint press event with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kadakin, 67, a fluent Hindi-speaking career diplomat considered a great friend of India, died in Delhi in January this year after a brief illness. He was serving as the Russias ambassador to India since 2009 and was credited with playing a significant role in promotion of relations between the two countries. Kadakin began his diplomatic career as a Third Secretary at the Russian Embassy in India in 1972. He held the position of the Head of the Russian diplomatic mission in New Delhi from November 2009. Kadakin was born in Chisnau in then USSR on July 22,1949. He graduated with honours from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1972. PTI ZH AKK AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- Heads up to prevent injury from falls Morning walks in my neighborhood are one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I love the coolness of daybreak and the special sightings of the stag and two does that frequent our open space. I also enjoy my walk because each day at... Signs that point to the best time for retirement Ive been thinking a lot about retirement lately. One of our amazing staff members, who has been with Senior Concerns for the last 13 years, retired last month. It just doesnt seem real. I always thought of Dana as young. Certainly not the person to... Rethinking the mandatory retirement age How old is too old for working at a job? Last week a news story hit my inbox and it really got me to thinking about age and retirement. The article noted that Target Corp. abandoned its mandatory retirement age of 65 for its CEO,... Tips to promoting a healthy nights sleep for children Question: Help, please. My daughter is almost 2 years old and has been an easy child to put into her own bed. Yet in the past few weeks she is purposefully stretching out the bedtime routine longer and longer. She wants more: more stories, more... According to the revamped policy to be followed by DU from this academic year, reservation of 'persons with benchmark disabilites' as defined in the act will stand at not less than five per cent. By Arpan Rai: By adhering to the provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and introducing a change in its reservation policy, Delhi University has increased the categories for admitting students with disabilities. According to the revamped policy to be followed by DU from this academic year, reservation of 'persons with benchmark disabilites' as defined in the act will stand at not less than five per cent. advertisement The university has identified students with physical disability, locomotor disability, visual impairment, dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, hearing impairment, autism, mental illness and blood disorders like haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle disease. Aspirants suffering from leprosy, cerebral palsy, acid-attack, blindness, low vision, speech and language disability, intellectual disability, multiple sclerosis and parkinson's disease will also be covered under the provisions to be implemented from the upcoming academic session. UGC vide its letter has asked DU to implement the provisions of the act. While the move comes as a respite for parents of DU aspirants with disabilities, it has sent several parents looking for a fresh certificate attesting to their child's disability. "I live in north Delhi and my daughter faces difficulty due to her locomotive disability. A college in DU's north campus is our obvious choice. My trouble has now began because we need to go to a government hospital to get a fresh certificate which specifies my daughter's disability in accordance with the new act," said Radhika Mehra (name changed), a parent at DU's Equal Opportunity Cell. On Wednesday, 10 days after the online registration process began, of the total 1,60,131 registrations so far in DU, 770 aspirants are under 'persons with disability supernumerary' category. Admission officials have been asked to clearly state the definition of persons with benchmark disabilities as mentioned in the schedule in the form or the bulletin of information or any other notice for admission. The equal opportunity cell at DU has also provided assistance to the visually impaired students seeking admission in this year's admission process. ALSO READ | Acid attack survivors, thalassemia students to have reserved seats in DU --- ENDS --- Bryan Moles, 43, from the western Pennsylvania college town of Edinboro, was taken into custody shortly after checking into the Trump International Hotel a few blocks from the White House. A Pennsylvania man was arrested after guns were found in his vehicle. By Reuters: A Pennsylvania man was arrested at President Donald Trump's Washington hotel early on Wednesday after police acting on a tip found a rifle, pistol and ammunition in his car, a discovery they said "averted a potential disaster" in the US capital. Bryan Moles, 43, from the western Pennsylvania college town of Edinboro, was taken into custody shortly after checking into the Trump International Hotel a few blocks from the White House, Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham told a news conference. advertisement A tipster had told the Pennsylvania State Police that Moles was traveling to Washington with weapons, and the information was passed on to the Secret Service and Washington police, Newsham said. Moles was arrested without incident, after an assault-style rifle, a .40-caliber pistol and 90 rounds of ammunition for the two guns were found in his vehicle, the chief said. "I believe that the officers and our federal partners, and in particular the tipster coming forward, averted a potential disaster here in our nation's capital," Newsham said. SUSPECT'S MOTIVES UNDER INVESTIGATION Asked about reports that Moles had made threatening remarks and was a US military veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Newsham said the suspect's motives were under investigation and there was not enough information to charge Moles with making threats. He also declined to "read anything into" the fact that Moles had checked into the Trump hotel. The chief said Moles was being held on charges of carrying a handgun without a license, possession of unregistered ammunition and carrying a dangerous weapon - the latter charge stemming from the rifle found in his vehicle. The Secret Service said in a statement it also was investigating the incident but said that no one under its protection was ever at risk. Police spokeswoman Karimah Bilal had no information about an attorney for Moles. Trump's hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, housed in a landmark former US Post Office pavilion, has become a focal point for protests against the Republican president since he took office in January. Edinboro Police Chief Jeff Craft said by telephone that Moles had no criminal record in his hometown, a suburb of Erie, Pennsylvania in the northwestern corner of the state, and was not known to police. ALSO READ | Donald Trump challenges people to figure what 'covfefe' means as Twitter explodes with jokes --- ENDS --- Perhaps the final two measures that could have generated big dollars for Louisianas budget problems went by the wayside Wednesday. State Rep. Jay Morris said he would not attempt to revive a tax bill that could have raised up to $173 million per year. Meanwhile, state Rep. Rob Shadoin withdrew a measure that could have cut spending by up to $1 billion per year. Wednesdays developments confirm what legislators have been saying privately in recent weeks that the conservative, Republican-controlled House lacks the political will either to pass big spending cuts or big revenue-raising measures, in the regular sessions waning days, to address the states looming budget deficit. Neither House Bill 609 by Morris, R-Monroe, nor House Bill 236 by Shadoin, R-Ruston, would have generated serious money for the budget that lawmakers are working to pass by June 8 when the Legislature adjourns. Instead, both bills were aimed at addressing the so-called fiscal cliff that begins the following budget year, on July 1, 2018, when $1.3 billion in temporary taxes will disappear. Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, acknowledged last week that the House wont cut spending and raise taxes enough during the regular session to head off the fiscal cliff, which was a major goal before the session began. The Legislature cannot raise taxes next year, so Gov. John Bel Edwards will have to call lawmakers into a special session sometime before July 1, 2018, to avoid hitting the fiscal cliff. The measures by Morris and Shadoin would have addressed part of the fiscal cliff in advance of the special session. Morris bill sought to renew the sales tax on some 100 transactions that were previously exempt from taxation. It would apply to two cents of the state five-cent sales tax. (Local sales taxes mean that Louisianas combined local and state sales tax averages 10 percent, the highest in the country.) The House soundly defeated Morris bill last week, and it did so after exempting sales taxes on utilities used in manufacturing, at the request of the Louisiana Chemical Association. That amendment meant that the bill, had it passed, actually would have raised substantially less than the original $173 million. Morris had hoped to try again this week because he expected that Democrats, who voted against it in a parliamentary tactic, would now support it. After last weeks defeat, Barras said he had lined up the votes to pass the bill but didnt know that the Democrats would oppose it. Theres no appetite for it, Morris said in an interview Wednesday. Shadoin sought to eliminate most of the statutory dedications, which means he sought to end the practice of having state dollars automatically flow into various trust funds without having to go through the annual budget process. Shadoin and others including the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry say groups should be forced to defend their spending programs annually. Had lawmakers passed Shadoins bill, those groups would have lobbied hard to have the Legislature restore the money next year. So Shadoins bill would have undoubtedly generated far less than the upward limit of nearly $1 billion. Shadoin withdrew his bill on Wednesday in the face of certain defeat. It needed a super-majority of at least 70 votes to put it on the ballot for voters. Stephen Waguespack, LABIs president, has told groups throughout the state that legislators need to eliminate the statutory dedications, known inside the State Capitol as undedicating the funds. In an interview, Shadoin expressed surprise that LABI had failed to contact him or mount a lobbying effort to win support for his measure. There were a handful of bills to undedicate funds and members clearly know we support this policy, Waguespack said in a text. The measures offered by Morris and Shadoin were modeled on recommendations issued in January by The Task Force on Structural Changes in Budget and Tax Policy, a 13-member panel created by the Legislature last year. Louisiana task force says end tax exemptions, lower rates; legislators say not so fast A profusion of tax breaks and giveaways in Louisianas tax code means tax rates are too high Shadoin also offered several tax measures recommended by the task force that died before the House Ways and Means Committee. As I understood it, when we left here last June, we were going to tackle budget and tax reform, Shadoin said in an interview. Therefore, I ran with some bills that were suggested by independent studies, and none of them have passed. I am disappointed that we have not handled the peoples business, as I thought we would. Morris said he felt no compunction to support the task forces ideas. Some of the recommendations we take, he said. Some we dont. As legislators, we have to pay attention to what our constituents want, not what just a hand-picked group of insiders say we ought to do. Trump has pulled the US out of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. In 2001, then US President George W Bush, a Republican, had withdrawn from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. By Santosh Chaubey: As it was widely expected, US President Donald Trump has pulled the US out of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, a global climate pact to deal with emission of greenhouse gases under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 195 countries signed the agreement document in December 2015 and 147 countries have ratified it so far and the agreement came into effect on November 4, 2016, days before the US presidential election on November 8, 2016. advertisement US withdrawing from it is certainly a bad news as the country is the second largest emitter of the greenhouse gases. China, the European Union and the US account for more than half of the glbal greenhouse gas emissions, an analysis from the World Resources Institute says. And the US exit is bound to affect the norms and goals of the Paris accord even if other larger emitters including India, Russia, European Union and China has reiterated their commitment. Trump has been a vocal critic of the Paris climate deal and he had promised to cancel the deal if he became the US President. Trump and his associates would refer to the Paris deal "a bad idea" that would be detrimental for the US economy and therefore for the US jobs. During the recently held G7 Summit in Sicily, Trump behaved on the issue like he was acting unilaterally. While six G7 members, Germany, France, Italy, Britain, Japan and Canada reiterated their commitment for the 2015 Paris climate deal, Trump remained non-committal saying he needed more time to think over it. During his recent visit to European countries and to the Vatican, European leaders and Pope Francis urged him stay with the climate pact. During the G7 Summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was blunt in her criticism over Trump's stand saying the developments say the US will not stay with the climate deal. But his final decision says he had already made up his mind. It is the second occasion when the United States has walked out of a global climate deal after endorsing it and on both occasions, it was a decision by a Democrat president that was overturned by his Republican successor. In 2001, then US President George W Bush, a Republican, had withdrawn from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, that was accepted by his Democrat predecessor Bill Clinton. The agreement document was signed by former US vice-president Al Gore but could not be ratified by the US Senate. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol was also aimed at reducing emission of greenhouse gases that are chiefly responsible for global warming. Like Trump says about the Paris Accord, Bush would say the same about the Kyoto Protocol that it "would have wrecked the US economy". This time also, it is a Republican president who has overturned a decision by his Democrat predecessor Barack Obama. The Republican controlled US Senate would never ratify the deal and therefore the agreement document signed by Barack Obama is considered an executive agreement as a traditional international treaty would require ratification by the US Senate, media reports in the US said. Under the Obama curated deal, the US had agreed to cut its 2005 emission levels by 26 to 28 per cent by 2025. Since the Paris Agreement was not ratified by the US Senate, its many provisions were not binding on the US. And since it is an "executive agreement", Trump is well within his authority to withdraw from it. advertisement ALSO READ | President Donald Trump announces US' exit from Paris climate accord --- ENDS --- Gungahlin's growing population has been blamed for a series of blackouts in the past month, as some residents call for a discount on their power bill. More than 2300 customers lost power intermittently on May 8, 15, 17 and 24 in Gungahlin, Jacka, Bonner, Amaroo and Forde. Power bills are soaring in the capital. Credit:Virginia Star Then about 3000 residents in Harrison, Gungahlin, Kenny, Kinlyside and Mitchell went dark on Friday morning. ActewAGL's general manager of energy networks Stephen Devlin said two of the blackouts were caused by cable faults, one by a safety 'protection setting' tripping, and one by a third party digging into a cable. The first day of winter didn't disappoint: Canberra dropped to minus 3.6 overnight, dipping lower just before sunrise on Thursday to minus 4.2. Generally clear skies can be expected through the weekend as temperatures drop to about minus 3 at night, hovering at about 15 degrees during the day. Frost-covered leaves on the first morning of winter in Canberra. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Weatherzone senior meteorologist Brett Dutschke said Canberra can expect snow next Tuesday night, with chances of snowfall remaining until Thursday. "I doubt it's going to settle for long on the ground, if it does its probably going to be quite windy [which helps melt the snow]," Mr Dutschke said. The Catholic school body, Edmund Rice Education Australia, apologised on Thursday morning to survivors and victims of child sex abuse who were pupils at their schools, including St Edmund's college. The EREA has responsibility for over 50 schools in Australia, including ones previously governed by the Christian Brothers in Canberra. All religious organisations have a statutory exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Act. But anti-child abuse campaigner Damian De Marco said the apologies were meaningless without change. "We have had so many apologies and the Catholic church continues on with business as usual. Why don't the [EREA] stand up and speak out about fixing the problems in the Catholic church? Because they don't have the courage," Mr De Marco said. Bold-as-brass thieves are risking up to 10 years in jail to strip the former CSIRO headquarters in Limestone Avenue of its copper fittings. Cops have been called to the decommissioned office block 15 times this year after reports of "suspicious persons" at the site, an ACT Policing spokeswoman said. A police officer on the roof of the former CSIRO headquarters in Campbell on Saturday, May 27. Nearby residents told The Canberra Times people have been pillaging the decommissioned office block for copper piping with impunity, with the gates left unlocked and little on-site security. After one recent raid, residents said the fire alarms and fans were left wailing for a week. Police were at the building as recently as last Saturday, locals said. A 24-year-old man was arrested and released after police seized cash and drugs at his Gordon home. At about 6.40am on Friday, May 26 ACT police raided the home with an Australian Federal Police dog squad, locating cash and what appeared to be cocaine and MDMA. ACT Policing seized cash, cocaine and MDMA in a raid on Gordon property at about 6:40am on Friday, May 26. Police also found more cash and cocaine in a car on the property. The man was released and will be summoned to face ACT Magistrates Court for drug offences at a later date. Pre-season expectations: With one of the youngest lists in the competition and most of their star players seemingly still at the peak of their powers, having just made it to their third grand final in five years, Sydney were expected to be one of the teams to beat again in 2017. Suggestions over the summer months of an all-Sydney grand final between the Giants and the Swans were popular amongst the footy community. As AFL clubs enjoy their mid-season bye and list managers turn their attention towards 2018, we take a daily look at one club and how it has performed so far and what to expect from here. The Swans have had an unhappy season. What's gone right: It's been a tough season for last year's runners-up but they have at least managed to unearth another batch of talented youngsters. Will Hayward, Nic Newman, Oliver Florent and Lewis Melican have all shown great signs in their debut seasons and have given the Swans a glimpse of how exciting their future could be. Hayward is third on the club's goalkicking (11) while Newman is averaging 23 touches a game. Lance Franklin continues to be a spectacular shining light with an average of 18 disposals per game and 32 goals to sit third in the Coleman Medal race. He also leads the clubs for marks, contested marks, marks inside 50 and inside-50s. Franklin's main competition for this year's club champion award would be Josh Kennedy who is having a marvellous first season as captain. Kennedy is second in the league for clearances and contested possessions and also leads the Swans for disposals with a weekly average of 29. After losing their first six games of the year, the Swans rebounded impressively to win three in a row including their best effort of the year that saw them thump St Kilda by 50 points at Etihad Stadium. What's gone wrong: Plenty. Aside from their recent three-game winning streak, 2017 has been a season to forget for the Swans. For most of the year, their star players have been a shadow of their former selves with Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Kieren Jack and Kurt Tippett, in particular, failing to impact games on a consistent basis. Sydney's season started behind the eight ball with a raft of key players unavailable due to injury and personnel issues have continued to dog their campaign. In total, Jarrad McVeigh (eight games), Dane Rampe (seven), Aliir Aliir (seven), Gary Rohan (six), Tippett (five), Jack (five), Isaac Heeney (four), Tom Papley (three) and Harry Cunningham (two) have missed a combined 47 games mainly due to injury. But the issues have run deeper than just player unavailability. After years of priding themselves on being kings of the contested game, with a heavy emphasis on physicality and a "hard-at-it" philosophy, Sydney have looked as though they are a spent force with little more to give. Police storm flight MH128 after a man allegedly tried to enter the cockpit. Credit:Andrew Leoncelli "Once he's stood up and started heading toward the cockpit the blood just disappeared out of my body. I knew where this was going. "The sheer shock and dread that I felt inside was massive. No one is going to sit there. I don't remember doing it. It was just natural instinct. It was really weird." Mr Lodge on his way home to visit family and friends after moving to Australia from the UK seven months ago said he had suspicions about the man as soon as he jumped up when the cabin lights went off. "He was fumbling around and got a device out of his bag. The cabin crew were all strapped in and he ran past them so he timed it perfectly." After trying to storm the cabin the man reportedly panicked and grabbed a flight attendant by the arm. That's when Mr Lodge and a number of other men pounced. "He didn't expect it at all. It was still really dark in the cabin. We shouted 'someone speak to the captain and get this thing turned around' because we were still climbing. "It was pandemonium. We pulled his arm away from his body because we thought he had a device in his hand." Mr Lodge said there was an unspoken sense between the passengers to jump on the man "when it started to get to the point of no return". Once police stormed the plane, the man was removed within seconds, he said. "It was so relieving to get off that plane." Scotsman Robert Macdonald is hoping to get on another flight. Credit:Justin McManus 'I'd do it again' Robert Macdonald heard a commotion before helping to restrain the man with several other passengers. He said he wouldn't think twice about doing it again and dismissed claims he was a hero. The Scotsman who was visiting family in Melbourne also criticised police efforts after they took more than an hour to board the plane. "I heard an air hostess shouting 'this guy's crazy' and there was a commotion in the seat in front of me. "We pushed the guy onto the floor and cabin crew put cords on him and secured him to the ground." Mr Macdonald said the man's eye's were glazed over and he looked dazed as passengers and cabin crew pinned him to the floor. "It was just my instinct to get up and help," he said. "There were three or four guys on him already. "He was really struggling but they were big guys so he had no chance." "I'd do it again." Mr Macdonald echoed sentiments from other passengers upset with how long it took police to storm the plane. "When we got into the airport this guy was already pinned down so we thought it was going to be quick." "Instead we spent an hour and 10 minutes with a potential bomber and potential bomb onboard. What was the delay?" 'People were screaming': Selena Brown tells of her ordeal on board MH128. Credit:Justin McManus 'I could hear a kerfuffle' Fellow passenger Selena Brown said the worst part of the ordeal was waiting 90 minutes for police to board when they could see them outside. "We were only 10 minutes into the flight and I could hear a kerfuffle behind me. Next thing, a guy ran up the other side of the plane saying 'I've got bomb,'" she said. "People were screaming and then he was jumped on. There was so many people it was hard to see. Everybody was really calm after that. "We were told police would take 10 minutes but it was over an hour. I thought it was really disappointing only because we weren't updated all the time. "We could see them all outside and they weren't coming on to the plane and we didn't know why." Ms Brown praised the efforts of passengers who jumped on the man after he started shouting about having a bomb. "They are pretty big burly guys and they weren't letting him get away saying something like that," she said. "My heart went into my throat a bit but everyone was really calm. The people sitting behind him with little kids, one lady was really upset. "The passengers were brilliant. Typical thing for Australians to do, to say 'this isn't going to happen'. It was really good." Don and Judith Urwin, who were on flight MH128, talk about their experience. Credit:Justin McManus 'There's something wrong' Don and Judith Urwin were seated in row 32 of the plane, opposite the man in in question in row 31. Mrs Urwin said she suspected something was wrong when the man got out of his seat 15 minutes after take-off, as the plane was still ascending . "I just said 'there's something wrong he's out of his seat because the plane is still going up,'" she said. Mr Urwin said he didn't hear the man yelling threats or see what device he was reportedly wearing on his chest. "After about 15 minutes he opened up the luggage compartment and proceeded to run up the aisle," he said. "Apparently he put one of the hostesses in a headlock. [She] was yelling out 'stop him'. The passengers jumped on him and got him down pretty quickly. "You don't think it can happen in this country but it does." When the plane landed, heavily armed police boarded and found that the device the man had been carrying was harmless. Pam and Stan Young are escorted from the airport by security. Credit:Justin McManus 'They just left us waiting' Passengers Stan and Pam Young said there was "no communication" as they sat on the tarmac, and questioned why it took authorities so long to board the plane. "They just left us waiting and wondering. The captain said security would be there in 10 minutes but it took two hours," Mr Young said. "If there was a bomb on that plane we should have been evacuated straight away but we sat there for an hour and a half. "If security at the airport couldn't come a bit quicker than that, there's something wrong." Mrs Young said tactical police told passengers to put their heads down and look away as the man was being taken out. The couple said they weren't made aware of any potential bomb threat until they were taken off the plane and told by a policeman. The pair are on their way to a holiday in London and said they haven't slept in 24 hours. "We've lost a couple of days," Mrs Young said. Former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli was on the flight. Credit:Justin McManus 'It was huge, it was black' Another passenger, former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli, told radio station 3AW he had "never seen anything like" the device the man carried. "It was the size of a watermelon, it was huge, it was black," he said. "It had two sort of like antennae stuff coming off it, but it also looked like it had an iPhone jack in it, so it could have been just like a beatbox thing." Mr Leoncelli said the group of men hog-tied the offender and restrained him on the floor him as the plane turned back to Melbourne. "I ended up chatting to the lads who did it [detained the man], and they said they seriously did a number on him and put the hog-ties on him really tight ... basically sat on him with their feet on his back with his face into the carpet for the next 20 minutes while we turned the plane around and landed again," Mr Leoncelli said. Malaysia's deputy transport minister said the device was some kind of mobile phone charger, while Victoria Police superintendent Tony Langdon said the item was something one would "carry around on a regular basis". Superintendent Langdon said the man seemed to be suffering from a mental illness and had been acting alone. Police are not treating the incident as terror-related. Mr Irwin said he and his wife were impressed with police efforts and were not afraid of continuing their travel plans. The pair will now get on another flight to Kuala Lumpur. Loading "Life's too short," Mr Urwin said. - with Liam Mannix A former NAB financial planner has been permanently banned from the industry after pleading guilty to misappropriating $2.3 million from a client who worked as a nurse. Patrick Simon Mitchell, of Tasmania, was sentenced to eight years' jail in March after being convicted of 25 counts of stealing in the Supreme Court of Tasmania. The charges relate to money stolen through 25 separate transactions from a nurse who had accumulated the funds through inheritance and careful savings, the court heard. The funds were moved out of her account over four years, during which time Mitchell was a representative of NAB's subsidiary, MLC. By Press Trust of India: Kannur, Jun 1 (PTI) Eight Youth Congress activists were today arrested in connection with the public butchering of a calf here recently as part of their protest against the ban on sale of cattle at the animal markets for slaughter. Police had recently registered a case against the activists under Section 120A of the Kerala Police Act on a complaint from Yuva Morcha district general secretary C C Rateesh. advertisement The offence deals with the slaughter of any animal in a way that causes annoyance or inconvenience to the public and is punishable with imprisonment up to a year or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or both. Police said the arrests were made after incorporating two more sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and IPC sections 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence) in the FIR. The video of the slaughter was shared by Kerala BJP chief Kummanam Rajasekharan on Twitter, describing the act as the "peak of cruelty". Beef fests had also been held across the state by the youth wings of the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in protest against the Centres ban. The Congress party had earlier suspended three Youth Congress leaders -- Kannur parliament mandalam president Rijil Makkutti, who led the protest, Josy Kandathil and Sharafudeen -- in connection with the butchering of the calf. Makkutti was among those arrested today. The Youth Congress protest on May 27 in Kannur against the ban on sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for the purpose of slaughter hogged national headlines and triggered a public outrage for the cruelty shown by the protesters towards the calf. The meat of the calf was distributed among the people for free. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had deplored the incident and the party had directed its Kerala unit to take strong action against those involved in the act. PTI UD BN RC --- ENDS --- There is consensus across the political spectrum that immigration has been a boon for this country. Australia is often, and rightly, held up as one of the most successful multicultural communities. We have long derived huge social and economic benefits from diversity. So the recent posturing, and even dog whistling, over immigration, is disappointing and disturbing. Comments by One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson linking refugees to Islamic terrorism were this week repudiated by the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Duncan Lewis, whose view was supported by at least half a dozen terrorism experts. Similarly, proposals by the government to change the citizenship requirements seem largely political, with no proof of any tangible benefits that would be achieved. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's chest thumping makes constructive discussion almost impossible. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The Turnbull plan to ask aspiring citizens about forced marriages, genital mutilation and family violence is reminiscent of the old trick question, "When did you stop beating your wife?" These practices are illegal in this country. Changes to the citizenship questions would do nothing to address the attitudes of permanent residents. And remember, tragically, the leading preventable cause of death and illness for women aged 15 to 45 in this nation is violence by a partner or former partner. Anne Aly, a West Australian Labor MP and a counter-terrorism expert, was among several Labor MPs calling this week for the changes to be rejected, arguing there is no evidence that they would do anything to keep Australians safe. Aly and several others have also rejected the proposed requirement for a higher, university level of English. As well as being a standard not applied to the general population, this ridiculous hurdle would actively discriminate against immigrant women, who typically have lower English proficiency than their spouses. We live in times of extraordinary and abrupt change, not just in the climate. On January 17, US President Barack Obama gave $500 million to the UN's Green Climate Fund, part of the architecture of the Paris accord designed to help the poorest and hardest hit areas. Three days later he was replaced by Donald Trump, who had declared in a stunt tweet that global warming was a Chinese hoax. There was, and remains, no evidence Trump had spent even five minutes considering the science he rejected. Trump's confirmation that he will act on his pledge to pull the US out of the global climate deal a pledge that, like most people, he almost certainly never believed he would have the chance to act on is likely to have unpredictable consequences. But there will be a couple of obvious upshots. There will be calls from hard-right politicians and media cheerleaders to follow his retreat, either through complete withdrawal or a weakened response. They may have some success, here and there. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has come to the aid of Australian Security Intelligence Organisation head Duncan Lewis over his controversial statement that there was "no evidence" of a link between refugees and terrorism. Mr Dutton would not explicitly agree with Mr Lewis' remarks, but urged critics to cut the spy agency boss some slack after nearly a week of heavy criticism from the likes of Pauline Hanson, Tony Abbott, Andrew Bolt and others. "The point Mr Lewis was making, that others have made, and I've made on a number of occasions, is that we do have problems where people are indoctrinated online, where they have an impressionable young mind," Mr Dutton said on Thursday. "They can be of any background, they can come to this country on any visa. Time to wrap up. What happened? Coalition MPs were all in a lather over news US President Trump could pull out of the Paris climate change agreement ; were all in a lather over news could pull out of the ; those who dislike the agreement were thrilled; Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Australia will honour its commitment regardless of what the US decides to do; says Australia will regardless of what the decides to do; there were some very entertaining climate related exchanges in a committee hearing; and in a committee hearing; and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has backed the head of ASIO over comments about refugees and terrorism. My thanks to Alex Ellinghausen and Andrew Meares for their stupendous work and to you for reading and commenting. You can follow me on Facebook. Alex, Andrew and I will be back - with Parliament - on June 13. We hope to see you then. Until then, go well. Sorry supermarkets, but there's no such thing as artisan olives. And if your 'artisan sourdough' is baked in a factory, well, I'm just not buying it. The word has been co-opted by marketing departments keen to woo the sorts of people who will merrily pay double if something's packaged in a mason jar. Saaki makes art of the artisanal, like this bag by Olivia Dar. It's been five years since Time magazine pointed out that using the word "artisan" to describe convenience food was one big hoax. Yet our appetite continues, not just in the food space, but for anything sprinkled with this supposedly magic dust. Why? There's something grounding about the idea of the hand-made. Something simple, noble and wonderfully comprehensible. We get it. Hi Nicole, my partner and I will be moving abroad in August to take work in another country (Indonesia). We are not sure when we will be back working in Australia, but it's likely to be several years. What is the best course of action for us to at least protect and ideally grow our super during this time? We are both in our mid-30s and have a decent, but not massive, amount stored away in industry super funds. I'm concerned that as we are not adding to our super while we are abroad it will all get eroded away through fees etc. What would you suggest? Also, is it possible to add to your super account from a foreign country? Thanks. Barry, Sydney Smart move sorting this Barry - I lost all my super from part-time jobs when I moved away at age 19, before I knew about these things. Check out the Indonesian pension system, just make sure you can get your money out again. Firstly, if you have more than one super account each, now is the time to consolidate them - you don't want to be paying multiple fees and insurance premiums as these will doubly drive down your balance. Also be sure to provide your fund with an address at which you can be reached; if it falls out of contact with you, your account could be deemed lost and transferred to the Tax Office ... while this solves the fees problem, you'll earn only paltry interest. A Supreme Court judge has ordered a 64-year-old intellectually challenged serial rapist remain behind bars indefinitely but said it was "deeply troubling" she had no real option to release him. The judge also warned there might come a time when there were so many dangerous sexual offenders with high-care needs a new facility to support and supervise them would be needed. Rapist Edwin Arthur Guy will remain behind bars indefinitely. Credit:Greg Henderson Edwin Arthur Guy, 64, was jailed for 10 years in 1998 for 34 sexual offences against children. He raped one girl 16 times over the course of six years, starting when she was just nine years old. He also raped a 16-year-old. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today said it will hold an EVM hackathon on the same day - this Saturday - as the Election Commission, which has invited all the political parties to tamper with its voting machines. By India Today Web Desk: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today said it will hold an EVM hackathon on the same day - this Saturday - as the Election Commission, which has invited all the political parties to tamper with its voting machines. The AAP said it will organise its hackathon on the lines of the demonstration it had held in the Delhi Assembly last month. The party has invited people, parties and even experts from the Election Commission to the event. advertisement Explaining the purpose of its hackathon, senior AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj said, "The Election Commission never accepted our demand for a hackathon. What it is holding is only a challenge. So the AAP's tech group decided to hold our own challenge on June 3." JOIN AAP HACKATHON, BHARDWAJ DARES POLL PANEL Bhardwaj dared the experts from the poll panel to join the AAP hackathon. "We challenge the Election Commission to break into the machine at our hackathon," he said. On Saturday, the Election Commission is set to hold its EVM challenge after several opposition parties, including the AAP and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party, flagged concerns over the voting machines, particularly after Uttar Pradesh Assembly election and Delhi civic polls. The AAP, which accused the Election Commission of "running away from a no-holds barred hackathon", has said it will not participate in the Election Commission's challenge to demonstrate that its Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) can be tampered with. Also read | Election Commission rejects AAP's allegation that it backtracked from EVM hackathon challenge Also read | EVM row: Why is Election Commission running away from open hackathon, asks AAP ALSO WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- A mother-of-eight accused of murdering her toddler has admitted to using amphetamines and marijuana for the past two decades but failed to mention her alleged victim in a bid to be released from jail. Dina Colleen Bond, charged over 22-month-old Baden's alleged 2007 murder, has applied for bail this week arguing she did not know of any potential issues that may risk her safety. Baden Bond's mother, who has been charged with murder, has applied for bail. According to her bail application, Ms Bond has been in protection since being taken into police custody, but she said she did not believe she would come to harm if released. "It would be news to me that there are issues about anyone from my community wanting to harm me because of the charges," she said in a signed affidavit. Part of an aqueduct that "regularly" traps and drowns animals, is "at high risk of failure" and presents "unacceptable risks" to drinking water supply and quality, is being upgraded in a $35 million project. Problems in a 5.5 kilometre section of the ageing aqueduct in the Yarra Valley are outlined in a submission from Melbourne Water recently sent to the federal environment department. An open channel section of the Maroondah Aqueduct that will be decommissioned. Credit:Eddie Jim In it Melbourne Water says the aqueduct -which transfers water from Maroondah Dam to Sugarloaf Reservoir - has become a risk to the health and safety of workers, who have to pull animals out of the water. To upgrade the critical piece of water supply infrastructure, the water corporation is replacing the deteriorating 5.5 kilometre section of the 27 kilometre aqueduct with underground pipes in a major project now underway. It hopes to commission the new pipeline in July. He refused to appear in court on the day of his arrest. Mr Marks has been charged with offences against the Commonwealth Crime Aviation Act of 1991. The charges include recklessly endangering the safety of an aircraft, make threats or false statements and threatening to destroy, damage or endanger the safety of an aircraft or kill or injure anyone on board. The charges carry a potential penalty of 10 years. Mr Marks did not face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, due to security concerns raised by Magistrate Suzanne Cameron. Defence lawyer Tessa Dunsford told the court that Mr Marks was concerned about his safety in custody due to "his age and appearance". No bail application was made and Mr Marks will be held on remand until a hearing in August. Ms Dunsford told the court that Mr Marks had "recently been a patient of Monash Health", but it was unclear what the medical concern was. Questions have been raised over the amount of time it took police to arrest Mr Marks. Loading A passenger on the flight, Selena Brown, said "we were told police would take 10 minutes but it was over an hour." "I thought it was really disappointing only because we weren't updated all the time. We could see them all outside and they weren't coming on to the plane and we didn't know why." This is what we know so far, based on eyewitness reports, police statements and aviation data on the 'bomb threat' that forced Malaysia Airlines flight MH128's return to Melbourne Airport. Sometime on Wednesday: A 25-year-old Sri Lankan national living in Dandenong was released from a psychiatric facility. Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said the man bought a ticket for a flight to Malaysia after being released from the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. 11.11pm: The Malaysia Airlines MH 128 flight departed the gate at Melbourne Airport, moving into position on the runway. A Melbourne Airport spokesman said about 200 people were on the flight. About 11.25pm: The flight takes off, as FlightRadar24 data compiled by aviation blogger Brendan Grainger shows. More charges have been filed against the man accused of starting a fire inside a busy bank, in which 27 people were injured, including himself. Nur Islam, 22, on Thursday appeared briefly before Melbourne Magistrates Court, which heard he had been charged with extra offences over the fire at the Commonwealth Bank branch in Springvale on November 18 last year. The Springvale Commonwealth Bank branch after the fire in November. Credit:Michael Dodge Sixteen extra charges have been laid. Mr Islam now faces 108 charges, including conduct endangering life,intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury and arson. The new charges, which were laid over the past three weeks, comprise extra counts of intentionally causing injury and recklessly causing injury. Mr Islam is alleged to have doused himself and the bank in petrol from a container he was carrying, and started a fire. He suffered serious burns, while 26 people inside the bank were injured, including children. A Rohingya asylum seeker from Myanmar, Mr Islam was reportedly upset at having his Centrelink payments stopped and had been allegedly pleading with banks to give him money in the weeks before the fire. He appeared via video link on Thursday and was remanded in custody to return to court on September 19, when his lawyers and prosecutors are expected to argue whether his actions were reckless or intentional. A brain surgeon who narrowly survived a frenzied stabbing attack at a Melbourne hospital three years ago has slammed the state government for failing to protect healthcare workers in the wake of another brutal assault on a doctor. Neurosurgeon Michael Wong, who almost died when a mentally ill man stabbed him multiple times in the foyer of Western Hospital, said it was only a matter of time before a health worker was killed on duty. Dr Michael Wong almost died three years ago in a stabbing attack at Western Hospital. "This is just a ticking time bomb," he told Fairfax Media on Thursday. "Nearly the same thing that happened to me three years ago has happened again. "What needs to happen before policy makers wake up? Do we need to need to wait for someone to die or be severely disabled?" Details of the "toxic relationship" between Han's Cafe founders Ian and Tram Han have been laid bare during a Federal Court hearing into the Thai food chain's underpaying of staff. The once 20-strong restaurant chain's management company, Han Investments Pty Ltd has collapsed but 12 of the franchised cafes remain in business, with Mrs Han still earning around $20,000 a month in franchisor income. Han's Cafe mangement company fined for underpaying workers. Credit:Peta Rule The Han's met in a Thai refugee camp and built one of Perth's most successful Asian food chains in the 90s, with the couple soon becoming millionaires. But their business began to unravel in 2014 when the pair separated amid allegations Mrs Han was the victim of ongoing domestic violence, with Mr Han "fleeing" Australia in early January 2015, leaving Ms Han to manage the business and raise their two young children. "Most major cities don't feel the impact of a resources cycle. We are heavily dependent on both that and agricultural cycles. Commodity prices and droughts are major changes that affect us, but so does any flux in major industries such as wool, industry, timber. "Did the boom allow us to get to a position of maturity, and not go through another real bust period? Is there enough underlying economic activity to make it a profitable and interesting place to live?" She said each researcher that contributed to the book looked at different dimensions of the boom and how WA could stabilise things for the future, covering the connections Perth had developed as an international resource hub, who got what economic benefits from the boom, the formation of new businesses, the role of indigenous people, the meaning of suburbia and changes to the 'Great Australian Dream', and how Perth was progressing overall in its plans for transport, infrastructure, water and sustainability. We are young "We aren't aging as fast as other Australian cities," Dr Davies said. "We talk about ageing populations a lot and Perth's is still ageing, but is actually quite low on the spectrum. We attracted a lot of people in their 20s and 30s to Perth, both in terms of international and interstate migrants .... during the boom. The impact has been a lower rate of ageing. "It means we aren't facing those same issues of ageing as quickly as, say, south east Queensland. We have a lower 'dependency ratio', meaning the number of people who can work compared to the number of people who can't. People in Perth have plenty of years left in their work life that can contribute to growing the city. That young workforce can be thought of as capital, as a resource." An Australian man has died while on a hunting trip in New Zealand with his son after falling down a ravine and suffering head injuries, police say. The 66-year-old man's son tried desperately to save him but the experienced hunter died in the Fox Glacier valley, on the South Island's rugged West Coast, on Wednesday. The man was hunting in the Fox Glacier valley when he died. Police said the father and son, from NSW, had arrived in New Zealand at the weekend. On Wednesday, they were hunting near the glacier, south of Karangarua, when became separated about midday, when they were nearly 1800 metres up in the Westland Ranges. Two militants were killed after an encounter took place early on Thursday morning between security forces and militants in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. An encounter is underway between security forces and militants in Sopore. By Shuja-ul-Haq , Ashraf Wani: Two militants were killed after an encounter broke out between them and the security forces in Sopore of north Kashmir's Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday morning. The militants were holed up in a house at Sopore. Two AK-47 rifles, 5 magazines, 107 live rounds, 2 pouches, Rs 2000 cash, 2 rubber stamps and a few more items were recovered from the two terrorists. advertisement One of the militant has been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Mir of Brath Kalan and another is from Bomai village in Sopore. The operation was jointly conducted by 22RR, and three battalion of CRPF (92 Bn, 177 Bn and 179 Bn) at Mir Mohallah. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3.30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the militants, believed to be two in number, opened fire on the forces, triggering the gunbattle, he said. Two Army jawans of 22 Rashtriya Rifles have also been injured in the encounter. ALSO READ | Encounter on between militants and security forces in Kashmir ALSO WATCH | Hizbul's Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, 6 more terrorists killed in separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/06/2017 (1988 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. With the construction of new wireless broadband Internet towers in Vita, Woodridge, Sprague, Menisino, and Marchand, residents in and around those communities have a new option in their search for reliable signals and reasonable download speeds. All five fixed microwave wireless Internet towers are fully operational, with a sixth northwest of Steinbach to go live by late June, said Robbie Zetariuk, executive director of sales and marketing for NetSet Communications, the Brandon-based company behind the new infrastructure. Siting and construction costs for the 250-foot towers was completed by NetSet at a cost of $4 million. Theyre definitely living up to their commitment, said Stuartburn reeve Jim Swidersky, adding Internet service for outlying residents has vastly improved as a result of the Vita tower, located one mile west of town. When an improved technology comes to all people, its a huge benefit, he said. Residents, business owners, and educators will appreciate the improved service, Swidersky observed, adding outlying residents were previously forced to rely on dial-up Internet service. Piney reeve Wayne Anderson said the municipalitys three new towers are welcome additions. Were very happy. Right from day one weve supported them, said Anderson. I know the price is fairly good and the speed is very fast, so a lot of people will take advantage of it. NetSets goal, in keeping with the federal governments vision, is to provide minimum speeds of five to six megabits per second for downloads, and one Mbps for uploads, Zetariuk said. Each tower has a signal radius of 30 kilometres, and was constructed on private property following the signing of easements, though municipal assistance was considered in some situations, explained Zetariuk. We had offered them some RM property for the tower in Woodridge, but it wasnt suitable, said Anderson. Ideal tower sites needs to be elevated and near hydro connections, Zetariuk explained, which facilitates signal strength and maintenance access. In 2015, NetSet was awarded a federal government contract to build 16 towers in Provencher by 2017. While NetSet had previously wanted to finish the towers by April 2017, Zetariuk said a slight delay emerged in early 2016, when Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canadas renewal came with a reduction in scope. $3.8 million got left off the table, Zetariuk said, speculating complaints over a perceived unfair competitive advantage voiced by smaller local Internet service providers were a factor. As a result, only five of the planned 16 towers were constructed with federal assistance. Hurdles aside, Anderson was simply glad to see rural Internet service improving. Theyve assured us that they will make sure all the spots are covered, one way or another, he said. However, he stressed improvements in Internet service address only one of three communications problems facing rural municipalities. What we really need in the RM of Piney is cell service, he saida related problem but one requiring separate infrastructure. The provinces aging FleetNet radio network, relied on by emergency services personnel, is also in need of an upgrade. On May 5, the provincial government issued a request for proposals to replace the 26-year-old system. NOTICE OF SALE Case No.: 3:21-cv-00770-SVH BY VIRTUE of that certain Decree of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina heretofore granted in the case of ... NOTICE OF LIEN SALE Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Store # ... NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these... In recent times, there have been some prominent protests held by farmers in the country that garnered attention. Here some of them. By Shreya Biswas: Protesting farmers in Maharashtra stoked their indefinite strike against the government's inaction to help them by spilling gallons of milk and throwing away produce from goods-carrying trucks at highways. As people slam this reaction on social media, condemning the wastage, one thing is evident: it is crisis that is driving farmers to take such extreme steps. The troubles that Indian farmers face, from rain shortage to money-lending, are not new news, or rather are not news anymore. Farmers suicides have become daily news overlooked by most. Nonetheless, their crisis is still prevalent. advertisement In recent times, there have been some prominent protests held by farmers in the country that garnered much attention. Here some of them: CHHATTISGARH FARMERS CRUSH PRODUCE UNDER TRUCKS Last year in December, angry farmers in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district took to crushing their tomato produce under truck wheels to make a statement. The farmers pulled this stint after the prices of their produce hit 50 paisa/kg due to demonetisation. According to a report in Counter Currents, these farmers were forced to sell 100 kg tomatoes for a mere Rs 50. Angry farmers in Ramgarh dist in Chhattisgarh dumping tomato on highways. Getting market price of Rs 50/qntl only. pic.twitter.com/BA7fc7f1n2- Devinder Sharma (@Devinder_Sharma) December 7, 2016 THE TAMIL NADU FARMER PROTEST After Tamil Nadu saw the worst spell of northeast monsoon in 140 years last year, followed by the tussle over River Cauvery's water are the demonetisation drive, farmers in the state came to Delhi to seek an intervention from PM Nerendra Modi. The loss of crops to flood, water-shortage and money crisis led to many farmers suffering fatal heart attacks or committing suicide. Around this time, as many as 106 farmer deaths were reported within a month in Tamil Nadu. Farmers from Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli began protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since March 14, seeking a drought relief fund of Rs 40,000 crore, better support for their produce, and a loan waiver for peasants in Tamil Nadu. After over 41 days, the protest was called off till May 25. UP FARMERS SEEK PERMISSION TO COMMIT SUICIDE FROM PM Still unpaid for their dues from last year, sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat region reduced to seeking permission to kill themselves. The farmers wrote letters to PM Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath last month, asking to be allowed to commit suicide. The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) statistics showed that the outstanding on May 1 in Uttar Pradesh stood at Rs 4,135 crore. While sugarcane production in the previous season had been good, the farmers had still not received their dues, leaving them distressed. TELANGANA, ANDHRA PRADESH FARMERS BURN THEIR CROP After an overproduction of chilli produce led to a depression in prices, upset farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana chose to burning down their crops over selling them for such low prices. advertisement Last year, prices of dry chilli had gone up to Rs 12,000 per quintal, which inspired more and more of farmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to sow the crop. As a result, there was a massive overproduction of chilli, which then brought the prices down to Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 per quintal. The Centre finally intervened last month to announce that it would procure 1.22 lakh tonnes of red chilli from the two states under the Market Intervention Scheme during 2017, to make up for the losses. MAHARASHTRA FARMERS PROTEST BY SPILLING MILK ON ROAD Farmers in Maharashtra, who went on an indefinite strike last night, took their protest to a new level by emptying a milk van onto the road. This was in protest against the Maharashtra government's inaction. Reports have it that the protesting farmers are stopping goods-carrying trucks at state and national highways, and throwing away the produce in them including fruits, vegetables, and milk. The farmers in Maharashtra are protesting in demand of crop loan waiver, implementation of Swaminathan Commission report, interest-free loan, pension scheme, etc. #WATCH: Milk spilled on road in Shirdi as farmers go on indefinite strike in Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/sjVpFLBuMZ- ANI (@ANI_news) June 1, 2017 --- ENDS --- advertisement The Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat along with top commanders have reached Srinagar to review border security and logistical preparedness. By Manjeet Negi: Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, all seven Army Commanders and other senior officers are in Srinagar today to review border security and overall operational preparedness. General Bipin Rawat will interact with top commanders and all key officials on the security situation along the border and discuss operational and logistical preparedness. Earlier, the meeting was scheduled to be held in Delhi but later it was shifted to Jammu and Kashmir to reassure the nation that security forces are in complete control in the Valley, sources said. advertisement Army also wants to assure that it is committed to safeguard country's sovereignty, integrity and maintain peace in the Valley. PAKISTAN VIOLATES CEASEFIRE AHEAD OF ARMY MEET Indian Army has killed at least 18 terrorists in the past 10 days. Pakistan Army violated ceasefire in Naushera and Krishna Ghati sectors early morning today ahead of Army's review meet in Srinagar. General Bipin Rawat has asked his men to remain vigilant and thwart any cross border misadventure as the summer sets in. Indian Army has time and again said that Pakistan will face the consequences of mutilating bodies of two Indian soldiers. Also read: Those who oppose Zakir Musa will meet Sabzar's fate: Factional war erupts in Hizbul Mujahideen Also read: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts, Indian Army retaliates Also read: Congress MLA breaks vegetarian vow to support beef, says Centre forcing food habits on people --- ENDS --- Corn, sorghum faring well despite dry spell COLLEGE STATION Corn and sorghum fields around the state appear to be in good shape overall despite weeks of dry conditions, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Dr. Calvin Trostle, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Lubbock, said corn and sorghum acreage in the High Plains is down this year as many producers have decided to plant cotton. The decision to forgo corn and sorghum is based on relatively good cotton prices, the lingering threat of sugarcane aphids in sorghum and water availability. Cotton prices are around 15 cents higher per pound than last year, and so producers are feeling pretty good about switching to cotton, he said. Trostle said awareness and monitoring of sugarcane aphids has improved producers ability to fight the pest over the past three years, but many producers remain concerned about the crop. Many High Plains producers were hammered by sugarcane aphids in 2015, Trostle said. There was evidence the pest overwintered in johnsongrass around the region. In 2016, sugarcane aphid infestations reached moderate levels with some hot spots northwest of Lubbock as the pest blew into the region on southeasterly winds. As of May 30, weve not had any reports of sugarcane aphids in the High Plains, he said. We have so much information available now for producers to put into action against the pest, and it has made a difference. Our AgriLife entomologists note that you cant understate the value of early sprays as soon as the aphids approach economic thresholds. Topsoil moisture, or the lack thereof, is also a concern for corn and sorghum producers in swaths of the High Plains, Trostle said. Poor topsoil moisture could delay plantings as dryland producers wait for rain. Surface soil moisture is getting scarce in many areas, he said. There is good deep moisture, 6-inches or deeper, but a 1-inch rain would help many producers. Trostle said June is typically a wet month in the High Plains, so moisture is not a concern yet. But some producers are choosing to go with cotton because they face irrigation limits, and the plant is more drought tolerant than corn. Dr. Josh McGinty, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Corpus Christi, said its likely corn and sorghum yields will be affected by a lack of moisture this spring. Most fields were planted early due to warmer-than-usual temperatures, but timely spring rains didnt arrive to many areas. We received 3-6 inches of rain this weekend, but its too late for most fields, he said. We needed moisture in April when corn was tasseling and sorghum was in the boot stage. At that point the crop was at its peak water demand, but it was dry and it stayed dry, so yields may have dropped off. McGinty said some areas in the Coastal Bend received rain and should fare fine. Some areas received extreme weather, including hail storms in San Patricio County and high winds, up to 60-70 mph, that laid fields near Beeville flat and unlikely to be salvaged. Dr. Ronnie Schnell, AgriLife Extension agronomist, College Station, said there was also some hail and storm damage to corn and sorghum fields near Hondo and Elgin. But overall, Schnell said, corn and sorghum fields from the Coastal Bend to Central Texas looked pretty good. Corn was beginning the grain fill-stage and sorghum was getting close to flowering in Central Texas, he said. We missed rain chances for about three weeks, but most areas received a good rain, he said. There are a lot of areas that could have used rain a few weeks ago. There was some slight moisture stress, but everything looks good. Rain was in the forecast, and Schnell said there is a possibility areas that missed substantial rains from recent storms could receive moisture from those systems as they move through the state. Schnell said sorghum producers were monitoring small numbers of sugarcane aphids but there have been no major infestations reported so far. Producers will be watching the weather for temperatures and weather that is conducive to sugarcane aphid populations building. Its a complex interaction of weather, temperatures, moisture and beneficial insects that keep their numbers in check, he said. If we get hot and dry, producers will need to monitor sugarcane aphids closely. AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: CENTRAL: Good rainfall was received and led to hot, humid daytime temperatures and cooler evening temperatures. Some fields of wheat, oat and cotton were lost due to hail. Corn looked good with most early planted fields in the silking stage. Sorghum was also doing well. Harvests slowed due to wet conditions. Bermuda grass pastures should green up after the rain. First cutting uniformity and quality was expected to be poor. Steer and heifer prices were higher. Cattle in pasture were in excellent condition, and pastures were improving. Livestock were holding steady with plenty of forage and water available. Tanks were full. Counties reported good soil moisture. Overall crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were good. ROLLING PLAINS: Very hot and windy conditions allowed farmers to return to the fields after recent rains. Some counties experienced storms that brought high winds, damaging hail and heavy rains. The wheat harvest was ongoing with yield reports varying from poor to good. Sudan emerged, and planting was still taking place. Cotton planting started. Canola harvests were underway with disappointing yields reported. Hay production was at best average, with some fields yet to be cut. Pastures that received good rainfall took a turn for the better and were in good condition. COASTAL BEND: Many areas received from 1-5 inches of rain or more. Rains improved soil moisture levels. Storm conditions with wind speeds up to 90 mph were reported, along with some hail that caused losses in some row crop fields. Rain will benefit cotton, grain sorghum and rice. Cotton was squaring and blooming. Wheat and oat harvests should be completed soon. Hay fields were nearing the first cutting. Cattle remained in good condition. EAST: Rainfall around the region varied as some counties received light slow rains and other counties received heavy rains. Heavy rain in San Augustine County left between 4-8 inches. Ponds and creeks were full. Pasture and rangeland conditions were mostly fair to good with Rusk, Marion and Gregg counties reporting excellent conditions. Gregg and Upshur counties received some damaging storms. The rains brought cooler nighttime temperatures, which slowed forage growth and vegetable production. Producers were fertilizing pastures. Subsoil was adequate in most counties except Shelby, which reported short. Topsoil was adequate in most counties. Upshur and Gregg counties reported surplus topsoil conditions. Hay production was in full swing in several counties. Some producers needed to cut but could not due to wet conditions. Vegetable crops in Anderson County looked good with a variety of vegetables being harvested and sold at local farmers markets and some going to the Dallas market. Early planted corn was knee high. Watermelon harvests started with reports of a good crop. The peach crop was light due to late winter frost. Tomatoes were slow to ripen. Some cotton was in the true leaf stage with some thrip damage. Cattle were in good condition. Producers were weaning fall calves. A good crop of spring calves were on the ground in Polk County. In Anderson County, feeder calves up to 400-pounds ended mostly steady. Heavier feeder calves ended $2 to $4 per hundredweight stronger. Slaughter cows finished $3 per hundredweight higher and slaughter bulls $2 per hundredweight lower. Buyer demand was good with activity on all classes. Cattle prices in Gregg County were holding steady. Horn fly population was heavy in most herds. Wild pigs were on the move. SOUTH PLAINS: Very light, scattered rain showers occurred in some counties with amounts ranging from a trace to 0.75 of an inch. More rainfall was needed for all aspects of agriculture. Subsoil and topsoil moistures were very low. Cotton was still being planted and was slow to emerge due to cooler weather. Wheat harvest began. Corn was in the V4 to V5 stages. Cattle were in good condition. PANHANDLE: Temperatures were cool, then warmed to above average and then to more normal temperatures. Some moisture was received. More rain was needed throughout the district. Soil moisture was depleting due to hot, dry and windy conditions. Soil moisture was mostly short. Deaf Smith County producers tried to wrap up corn and cotton plantings. Grain sorghum was planted, however, most of the plantings were for dryland production only. Sorghum seed blocks were still being planted with acreage up somewhat from last year. Winter wheat was moving quickly to harvest with some fields ready. Some wheat was being grazed out, and some fields were significantly affected by rust. Soil temperatures were beginning to rise, which was helping crops emerge. Summer grass pastures were beautiful, green and growing. Beef cows with new calves were enjoying the lush pastures. The breeding season was in progress, and cow body conditions were improving every day. NORTH: Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels ranged from mostly adequate to short with a few counties reporting surplus. The first half of the reporting period brought cooler temperatures and rain amounts ranging from 0.5-1 inch. The second half of the reporting period brought warmer temperatures with high winds and no rain. Cotton and soybean pastures were sprouting. Bermuda grass pastures and meadows were thriving due to the warmer evening temperatures. Winter annual grasses were starting to turn and reach maturity and were being baled for hay. Wheat and oat harvests were underway with oats looking average to good and wheat reported as fair. Corn looked good, but moisture levels were starting to dry. Cattle looked good. FAR WEST: Temperature highs were in the 100s with lows in the 50s. Precipitation averaged 0.5 of an inch. Conditions were windy. Irrigated cotton plantings were almost complete as was the wheat harvest. Dryland cotton planting was expected to begin as soon as possible. Producers continued to feed livestock and wildlife. WEST CENTRAL: Very warm temperatures reached into the 100s. Much cooler temperatures followed with scattered showers in many areas. Rainfall helped soil moisture levels and should be good for planting. Wheat harvests were in full swing until the rain. Harvest will be delayed until fields dry. Cotton farmers were planting as fast as they could while the soil moisture was good. Recent rains helped grain sorghum and corn fields as well. Some hay cutting and baling was underway. Rangeland and pasture conditions were improving. Livestock remained in fair to good condition. Cattle continued to look good going into the summer months. Cattle markets were active, and demand was strong. The pecan crop was off to a promising start. SOUTHEAST: Livestock were in good condition. Recent rains provided much needed moisture. Rains were a little late for the earliest-planted corn, which will likely see reduced yields due to the recent dry spell. Storms caused damage, blowing down some corn and grain sorghum and causing hail damage on 400-500 acres of cotton. Pastures responded quickly to the rain. Some hay cutting and baling occurred. Overall crop conditions were good. Soil moisture levels throughout the district ranged widely from adequate to surplus, with most reports as adequate. SOUTHWEST: Some counties received rain ranging from 0.25 of an inch to an inch. Other counties continued to experience dry conditions. Warm-season forage production slowed down in counties with dry conditions. Sorghum and corn began to show stress due to dry conditions. Rain was expected and may help grass conditions. Livestock were in good condition, and spring lambing and kidding was complete. SOUTH: Hot temperatures continued throughout the district, but most counties reported receiving good, beneficial amounts of rainfall to help relieve hot and dry conditions. Rain amounts ranged from 0.3 of an inch to 5 inches. Some areas received damaging hail. Potato, table corn and green bean harvests continued. Grain corn fields were in the soft-dough stage and beginning to mature. Sorghum was in the heading stage, and cotton continued to develop and should start squaring soon. Some sorghum fields were harvested. Sugarcane aphids were identified in some sorghum fields. Producers were monitoring and addressing the pests. Wheat harvests were expected to be completed in the next 10 days. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair and should improve where rain fell but were declining in dry areas. Irrigation of crops paused in some areas due to adequate soil moisture but continued on cotton fields and improved pastures in other areas. Bermuda grass was cut for hay. Cattle body condition scores remained fair to good. Cattle market trends remained positive. Sugarcane aphids were identified in some sorghum fields in the county. Producers were monitoring and addressing that situation. The wheat harvest was expected to be completed in the next 10 days. Livestock supplemental feeding continued in some areas. -30- The College Station Police Department was investigating Thursday after a convenience store clerk reported being robbed by two armed men. Police said two black men wearing hoodies that covered their faces entered the Valero at 603 Harvey Road around 11:25 p.m. with handguns. The two men took cash from the registers and merchandise from the store and ran toward a neighboring apartment complex. Officers searched the area, but did not find the men. The clerk was not hurt. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call police at 764-3600. Under GST, commodities such as Braille paper are expected to be taxed at 12 per cent and priced at Rs 80 for a kilogram. By Arpan Rai: The biggest tax revolution since Independence will begin in India from July 1, but will the differently-abled citizens be left out in the cold? In a rate schedule decided at a meeting in Srinagar, the government's all-powerful goods and services tax (GST) council headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley has decided to impose tax ranging from 5 per cent to 18 per cent on articles used by people with disabilities. advertisement The launch of the centralised GST is aimed to cut through the red tape and corruption generated by the swathe of state taxes currently in force. The measure has been touted as the biggest reform undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform India into a business friendly destination. However, basic needs of disabled people will burn holes in their pockets if the schedule of taxing the equipment used by them becomes a reality. Under GST, commodities such as Braille paper are expected to be taxed at 12 per cent and priced at Rs 80 for a kilogram. The present price of the paper used in textbooks for the visually impaired is Rs 72 per kg and it is exempt from excise duty. Braille typewriters, electric and non-electric, are also likely to come with a GST of 18 per cent. At present, being sold for approximately Rs 34,000, they will have an additional price tag of Rs 6,120. The council's rate schedule covers items like carriages for disabled people- motorised and manual-cars for the physically handicapped, crutches, wheelchairs, walking frames, tricycles, artificial limbs, rehabilitation aids, hearing aids, Braille watches, etc. The tax to be charged on these articles ranges between five per cent and 18 per cent. Confirming the council's move to levy GST on "assistive devices for disabled", Dolly Chakraborty, joint secretary in the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, said, "We'll have to check the rate and assess the impact of imposing GST on this. The matter is still under discussion." Observers say India has at least 50-80 million differently-abled people who have to frequently fight discrimination and stigma while underdeveloped infrastructure in many parts of the country makes it difficult for them to get around. Suggesting that the move of charging GST from the disabled community is completely opposite to the ideal move, Dr Anil K Aneja, vice-president of the All India Confederation of the Blind (AICB), said, "While on one hand, the government has stressed on multiplying the production of goods for the visually impaired to make education accessible, it has now contradicted its stand by imposing a five per cent tax on Braille textbooks. Such a move is likely to make books expensive and will further make education inaccessible." advertisement The rates decided have been broadly approved by the council and are expected to be subject to further evaluation during which they can undergo some changes. "People with disability mostly have difficulty in acquiring resources," said an activist, requesting anonymity. "They either get them at subsidised prices from government institutions or from NGOs. These goods of fundamental importance are not easily available in the market and instead of coming at a lesser cost, they will now be included under the ambit of GST." Anjalee Agarwal, who suffers from muscular dystrophy and is the founder and executive director of the NGO Samarthyam for the disabled, highlighted that the move to charge GST on assistive devices will "break the back of those already burdened with expenditure to live a normal life". "Crutches and wheelchairs are not luxury items for us. These items help us in survival, for which we are spending Rs 600 - 700 every day. Disability comes at a price and imposing GST will simply worsen our situation," she said. advertisement The GST council is yet to decide rates for goods such as textiles, footwear, precious metals, etc. ALSO READ: GST will be implemented from July 1, to bring uniformity of tax laws: Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia GST FAQ: Answers to all your questions about India's biggest tax reform TV, AC to cost more, smartphones to be cheaper under GST WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Authorities say Tyler Rein Thomas, 22, was riding his motorcycle southbound on Texas Avenue around 3 a.m. Tuesday when a pickup pulled out of the Days Inn parking lot. Police say Thomas struck the bed of the truck and was thrown several feet from the motorcycle. He was wearing a helmet at the time and was treated at the scene, but he later died. Police said evidence shows Thomas was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident. The principal of Kirbyville High School fatally shot himself Tuesday afternoon, just an hour after he handed in his resignation to Superintendent Tommy Wallis, a Beaumont television station is reporting. According to KFDM-TV, Dennis Reeves was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head around 5 p.m. inside his running vehicle parked at the school. Kirbyville Police Chief Paul Brister told the station Reeves had submitted a resignation letter to Wallis around 4 p.m. KFDM reported that Wallis and the assistant superintendent were the only people on campus. School dismissed for the summer on Friday. Wallis said the meeting was called to discuss summer projects and staffing. Brister told the station Wallis saw Reeves in his truck around 5 p.m. and called police to check on him. Wallis had been the superintendent of the Bryan school district before he abruptly resigned in September. Documents released under the Texas Open Records Act show Wallis was forced to resign. He was hired by the Kirbyville district in March and started in April. The Kirbyville school board convened an emergency meeting Tuesday night. A tip from an informant led the Brazos County Sheriff's Office to Hyatt Place where they were told Bryan resident Matthew Ryan Brown, 28, stayed over night. Once shown a picture of Brown, hotel employees confirmed seeing him there, authorities said, adding later in the day that they were certain he was there but was able to get away prior to tactical teams arriving and sealing off the building. The 91-room hotel off University Drive near Red Lobster was shut down starting at 12:15 p.m., while members of the sheriff's tactical team and College Station Police Department's SWAT unit guarded the entrances. Just after 5:30 p.m., officers started flying a drone over the roof, and by 6:30 the search was completed. Most of the staff and guests of the hotel were evacuated early on, according to authorities, who said senior employees remained to aid police. Officials on Wednesday released Brown's photo to the media, saying he was wanted in connection with the death of 53-year-old Larry Goodman. Goodman was found in the driveway of a home on Wilcox Lane just after 5 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff's office said dispatchers received a call reporting an unknown problem, and Goodman's body was discovered when deputies arrived. August 2, 1929 - May 30, 2017 Calvin Woods of Hearne passed away on May 30th, 2017. A visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Hearne on Thursday, June 1st from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 2nd at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hearne. Calvin Eugene Woods was born in West Columbia, Texas, on August 2nd, 1929. His father, Calvin Otis Woods, was an oil field foreman, and his mother, Marion Root Woods, a housewife. Calvin grew up in and around El Campo, Texas, attended small country schools when he was younger, and graduated from El Campo High School. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the airborne infantry and the airborne ranger infantry, in the U.S., Korea, and Japan, from 1948 until 1952. After his military service, he worked and took advantage of the G.I. Bill to go to college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering at the University of Houston in May 1955 and began working as a practicing civil engineer. In 1957 he began his teaching career at the Colorado School of Mines and two years later continued teaching at Lamar State College of Technology. In May 1961, he received a Master of Science degree in civil engineering at the University of Colorado, and in January 1964, a PhD in civil engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He served as Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Texas at El Paso from 1964 until 1972, when he accepted a position at Texas A&M University. He served as Professor of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M from 1972 until he retired in 2000. At that time, he was granted emeritus status and continued to teach undergraduate and graduate courses at A&M until his final retirement in 2014. Calvin loved teaching. He loved being in the company of other teachers and working with the staff who supported them, but most of all, he loved students. He never lost his passion for teaching. However, in the late 1980's, he found a second vocation about which he became equally passionate. He became a part-time lay pastor in the United Methodist Church and served in that capacity for over twenty-five years. Most of that time he served as the pastor of Wheelock Methodist Church, but he was also appointed as an interim pastor to churches in Lott, Chilton, Millican, and Marquez. His association with the Wheelock Church became one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life, and he cherished the time that he spent there, the opportunity it afforded him to nourish his own faith, and the lasting friendships that he formed there. In the late 1970's, after becoming a licensed pilot and instructor, and he made the first of several trips to Africa to serve as a missionary pilot for the Presbyterian Church. As part of that mission, he flew into remote African villages to pick up villagers who were ill and transported them to hospitals. During one of his last trips to Africa, he became associated with the Wings of Caring program of the United Methodist Church. He later arranged for an African man from Zaire to come to the United States, to Hearne, in fact, where he trained the man as a pilot and instructor so that he could return to Zaire (now called Congo) and train other Africans in order to perpetuate this valuable program. In 2014, following his retirement from both teaching and preaching, after months of study, deliberation, and prayer, Calvin was converted to the Catholic faith. He was confirmed and received into full communion with the Church during the Easter Vigil of 2015 and thus ended his journey of faith as a proud parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hearne. Calvin lived a life of service. He dutifully and happily served his country, his church, his fellow man, and most importantly, God. He said many times that he didn't understand why God called him to preach because he didn't think he was very good at it but that he had to obey God's call, and he was always glad he did. During his time in the ministry, he discovered the epitaph of John Newton, the man who wrote "Amazing Grace," and he was so impressed by Newton's humility that he adopted part of that epitaph as his own. This is his testimony of faith and leaves no doubt as to how he wished to be remembered, as a disciple of Christ: Calvin Woods, a sinner, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith. He will also be remembered for his wit, his imagination, and his love of life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Dorothy Woods Miller. He is survived by his wife Sharon Woods, his son Douglas and wife Robin Woods, his son Bruce and wife Virginia Woods, his step-son Jason and wife Susan Hall, his step-daughter Tara and husband Peter Engler, his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends. For additional information, please call Memorial Funeral Home in Hearne, 979-279-3663 The Museum of the American G.I. should not be displaced I was extremely disappointed to learn the Metropolitan Planning Organization has chosen to displace the Museum of the American GI to accommodate a new road. Events are happening on our world stage as I write this that distance us even further from the historic events represented in the museum. Curriculum planners and teachers still have the same amount of time they had when I was in school more than half a century ago in which to cram much more history. All those critical wars that played a role in determining the boundaries of today's countries and ongoing strife get "a lick and a promise" in today's classroom. Our population no longer is made up entirely of people born here or who, once they got here, embraced America's history. Many newcomers have no understanding of the roots of American democracy. We have produced a nation of young adults who are ignorant of the basic facts of America's founding, when various wars occurred and what they were about. We have moved so far away from respecting military service that Memorial Day and Veterans' Day have become nothing more than a big mattress sale or a BOGO at the grocery or department store. They have lost their significance and the closest venue to restore that perspective is the Museum of the American GI -- and it may be replaced in the name of progress. It is inconceivable to me that the Metropolitan Planning Organization would consider plowing through, displacing or causing the closure of the Museum of the American GI. Surely the best and brightest in the "Research Valley" can identify another location for the road without compromising a true educational jewel dedicated to preserving our history, one that attracts visitors from far and wide. CONNIE CLEMENTS Navasota Religion should not be a part of any graduation ceremony I attended the graduation for College Station High School at Reed Arena. Greg Frashure gave an uplifting and very positive opening speech for the Class of 2017. I couldn't help but be thankful for the quality men and women placed in leadership positions guiding our young people. Then near the end of his speech he made the following statement, "... and Jesus Christ saved my soul." This saddened me. Please allow me to explain why: Our governmental structure is one of the most sophisticated in the world forged by men of extreme integrity. My family believes in fighting for those standards, including the separation of church and state. I question the motive of any persons circumventing this standard to promote ideology within a government institution, especially when it influences our nation's young people. Furthermore, weighty consideration must be given when the ideology is promoted by an authority figure. The question begs to be asked if another person or group attempted to promote ideals in our public schools that contradict Christianity how would Christians feel? I know how I felt. I am a recovering Christian fundamentalist who spent 43 years of my life submerged within that culture. I have worked diligently for 18 years to regain critical thinking while undoing programming, dogma and rhetoric that had been forced upon my adolescent and adult mind. This programming included damnation, separation from family and friends and threats of torture in hell for noncompliance. I recently have come to terms with the phrase "saved" and the rigid doctrine of salvation when I asked myself why God would command us to forgive and to love our enemies while He tortures His in eternal fire? The answer is this: "Nothing can separate us from the love of God." Nothing. Romans 8:38 BARBARA SYMONS College Station According to sources, in his meeting with Rahul, Gehlot addressed the infighting in the Gujarat unit of Congress. Shankarsinh Vaghela was summoned by the party leadership to Delhi. By India Today Web Desk: Congress will not declare its chief ministerial candidate for the 2018 Gujarat Assembly elections. This was announced by party general secretary in charge of Gujarat Ashok Gehlot after meeting vice-president Rahul Gandhi along with Gujarat unit chief Shankarsinh Vaghela in the national capital. According to sources, in his meeting with Rahul, Gehlot addressed the infighting in the Gujarat unit of Congress. Vaghela was summoned by the party leadership to Delhi. advertisement In their meeting, it was clarified that Congress will not announce CM candidate in the next year's Assembly election. The meeting of Vaghela and Gehlot with Rahul lasted 45 minutes. Vaghela apprised Rahul of the current political situation of Gujarat. He also talked about steps he wished to take in his fight against the ruling BJP. The sources said Vaghela put forth the general impression of his neglect in the party. Later, Vaghela also met Congress president Sonia Gandhi. After the meetings, Gehlot said Vaghela would remain in Congress and that he was not unhappy in the party. He said the CM would be decided after the Assembly election. The sources said Vaghela is likely to be made the chairman of the Congress' state campaign committee. Also Read: From India Today Magazine: Vaghela 'unfriends' Cong --- ENDS --- The dam already holds a capacity of 1.7 billion tonnes of mine waste, making it the largest tailings dam in Latin America and the third largest in the world. It has already been linked to local water contamination. A magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile in 2010 (the 6th largest earthquake in recorded history) caused five tailings dam failures and a loss of human life. In a paper published in 2010, engineer Michael Davies states that the failure rate for tailings dams is approximately 10 times that of water-retention dams, increasing fears of those living near El Mauro. In short, the El Mauro tailings dam is a colossal ticking time bomb. Evidence is growing of the many problems caused by tailings dams internationally, and El Mauro is a particularly well-documented example. There are serious issues involving water pollution, water supply and risk of dam collapse after an earthquake. Despite the fact that resistance to its construction has continued for well over a decade, Antofagasta are still planning to expand the dam. With an investment of $1.1 billion, Minera Los Pelambres plans to expand the mine by building two new grinding mills and a desalination plant. Through this expansion the company hopes to maintain production levels of around 400,000 tonnes of copper and 8,000 tonnes of molybdenum per year, an increase of 15% on current outputs. Although the works were scheduled for 2016, Minera Los Pelambres was forced to delay the expansion, which they have stated is due to conflict over El Mauro, where local residents in the village of Caimanes have actively opposed the dam. It is unclear what the total capacity of El Mauro is expected to reach based on the expansion plans. The power family behind Antofagasta Antofagasta is 65%-owned by the Luksic Group. The widow of the company's founder, Iris Fontbona, is the richest person in Chile and the owners, the Luksic brothers, have links with politicians across the Chilean political establishment, including Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, with whom there is an ongoing investigation of potential criminality. The Luksic Group continues to dominate the mining sector in Chile through Antofagasta Minerals and Minera Los Pelambres (60% owned by Antofagasta). The El Mauro tailings dam has been an important part of a broader appropriation of local water resources and supply for the company's mining operations. Cheap disposal of mining waste has been an important way the group have reduced costs, which has recently caught up with Antofagasta in its conflict with Glencore over waste disposal at a site on the Chile-Argentina border, called Cerro Amarrillo. In 2015, then Secretary of the President, Jorge Insunza, left his position after it emerged that a consulting company of which Insunza owns 40%, Virtus Consultores Ltda, undertook political analysis consulting work for Antofagasta Minerals between 2000 and 2014 (excluding 2009). From 1998 onwards the company also undertook consulting work for Banco de Chile, another Luksic Group holding. Insunza was Secretary of the Presidency briefly in 2015, before the connections between Virtus Consultores and Antofagasta Minerals became public. Prior to this he was President of the Mining Commission in the Chamber of Deputies. In 2015, as the incumbent Minister he also participated in negotiations which resulted in the initiation of a desalination plant by Minera Los Pelambres, ahead of the expansion of their mine. Negotiations were attended by Minera Los Pelambres, the Provincial Governor of Choapa, Patricio Trigo, representatives from the municipality of Salamanca, and representatives from residents of Los Caimanes and Salamanca. At the time of writing Insunza is the subject of ongoing investigations by the General Prosecutor's office of Complex Crime (Fiscalia de Alta Complejidad Oriente) for bribery and tax offences. Legitimised by London listing? The London Stock Exchange has long prided itself a benchmark for quality assurance amongst investors. A London listing is seen by many as an indication that a company has passed a range of practical tests and represents a sound investment. Yet after countless court rulings against Antofagasta, their London listing remains. Lucio Cuenca Berger, an engineer from the University of Santiago, Chile, director of the Latin American Observatory of Environmental Conflicts (OLCA), and member of the Board of Directors of the Latin American Observatory of Mining Conflicts (OCMAL), came to London to take the company to task at their 2017 AGM last week. Lucio stated, "Antofagasta is a major player in the aggressive expansion of large-scale mining in Chile. It makes use of the London Stock Exchange to reap the benefits of being a global company but also so that its owners, the shareholders, are far from the scrutiny of the local communities affected by its operations. "For this reason, it is very important to attend the company's AGM to hold it to account, and to call on the relevant British institutions to take responsibility for sheltering companies which violate the rights of individuals and communities." The report: 'In the Valley of the Shadow of Death? A Report on Antofagasta plc, Minera Los Pelambres and Caimanes'. The Indian Army eliminated Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat in an encounter last week, and now has 12 terrorists including two foreigners on its radar. By Ajit Kumar Dubey, Manjeet Negi: After eliminating Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Ahmed Bhat in an encounter last week, the Indian Army now has 12 terrorists including two foreigners on its radar. The Army has also got a new list of 27 Hizbul terrorists getting trained in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as pictures of the training camp were leaked on social media. Among the dozen terrorists, Army sources said the most wanted is Saddam Paddar alias Zaid who is the Hizbul district commander in Shopian and has been active since 2015. He was close to the group's former commander Burhan Wani, who was gunned down by troops last year. advertisement The other big-name militant the Army is looking to take out is Abu Dujana, who is a Pakistani and has been operating in south Kashmir since December 2014. Dujana has managed to give security forces the slip twice or thrice in the past but his cellphone was recently confiscated and provided a lot of information about his contacts and hideouts. Zakir Musa is also high on the hit list as he has been quite active in a propaganda war against the forces and has been able to evade capture by using crowd shields in recent times. Inputs also suggest Pakistan is planning to use its special ops BAT to create trouble on the LoC as there is heightened activity of the neighbouring country's special services group commandos in J&K's Poonch sector even as there are talks about deaths of four of them inside Pakistani territory. India has adopted an aggressive strategy to take on Pakistan's ceasefire violations on the border as one Pakistan Army mujahid battalion soldier was killed in cross-border fire exchange on Wednesday. According to information received by intelligence agencies, Pakistan will try and push more terrorists into the Valley in the coming days. Army headquarters sources say at present approximately 200 terrorists are lying in wait along the LoC. ALSO READ | Kashmir: Burhan Wani successor Sabzar Bhat gunned down in Tral, 8 other militants killed ALSO READ | Hizbul commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhatt was a coward in death: Indian Army ALSO WATCH | 9 Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists neutralised by Indian Army a year after outfit shared photo online --- ENDS --- Striegel steps down as football coach at Mount Pleasant after 10 years Shawn Striegel will remain as throws coach for Mount Pleasant track and field teams, but his tenure as the head football coach has come to an end. Rebel Hizbul leader Zakir Musa has warned affiliates that those going against him will meet Sabzar Bhatt's fate. By Gaurav C Sawant: A big factional war has erupted in Hizbul Mujahideen days after encounter of banned terror group poster boy Burhan Wani's successor Sabzar Bhatt. According to reports available with India Today, rebel terror leader Zakir Musa has warned affiliates that those going against him will meet Sabzar's fate. This after local terrorists refuse to accept either Riaz Naikoo or Saddam Padder as the new boss of the terror outfit in the Valley. advertisement The Musa faction's open threat to fellow terror commanders clearly points out that it was team Musa which had tipped off security forces about Sabzar Bhatt's presence in Tral region where he was gunned down by security forces last week. India Today was first to report that Indian agencies recorded multiple conversations following Sabzar's killing where Hizbul Mujahideen cadre were heard discussing if Zakir Musa betrayed Sabzar Bhatt. Hizbul bosses have now appointed tech savvy 29-year-old terrorist Riyaz Naikoo as Sabzar's replacement. Naikoo is seen as being relatively moderate and has been chosen with the hope that he can stop the Hizbul cadre from being attracted to the hardline Islamic ideology of the ISIS. Given that he is tech savvy, his bosses in Pakistan hope that like Burhan he too will be able to attract youngsters to the terror fold. ALSO READ: Was Sabzar Bhatt betrayed by boss Zakir Musa? Intel inputs suggest rift among Kashmiri terrorists Who is Zakir Musa? Why Hizbul Mujahideen distanced itself from his 'Islamic Kashmir' remark Throw stones at security forces for Islam': Burhan Wani's successor Zakir Musa urges protestors Pakistan calls Sabzar Bhat martyr, says India killing defenceless Kashmiris WATCH: Hizbul Mujahideen latest terrorist batch picture released --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Western Connecticut Health Network has explored a potential combination with New Yorks largest hospital group, according to multiple independent sources, even as the pace of hospital mergers nationally has slowed amid continuing uncertainty caused by the Trump administrations efforts to dismantle Obamacare. Rumors have centered on Northwell Health, known until 2016 as North Shore-LIJ Health System and billing itself as the largest hospital group in New York with more than 20 hospitals largely on Long Island, along with more than 550 outpatient physician practices. The nonprofit generates $11 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 62,000 people under CEO Michael Dowling. Danbury-based Western Connecticut Health Network runs Danbury Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and New Milford Hospital, generating $1.2 billion in revenue for its 2016 fiscal year ending last September. Reached Thursday by Hearst Connecticut Media, a WCHN spokeswoman said the rumor is not true and did not elaborate further. Northwell changed its name in 2016 in a nod to its geographic expansion plans beyond Long Island. The organization has left intact the historic names of the hospitals it has accumulated over the years, the nearest to western Connecticut being the tiny Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Northwell Health lists an existing strategic alliance with Yale New Haven Health, whose institutions include Bridgeport Hospital and Greenwich Hospital. The state Department of Public Health would have a final say in approving any transfer of control, along with the WCHN board of directors, which is chaired by Richard Jabara, co-founder of Meyer Jabara Hotels in Danbury. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy imposed a temporary moratorium last year on the transfer of major hospital systems to new owners as the state studied the approval process it uses to vet deals. Malloys order came on the heels of ample merger activity of late in Connecticuts health care sector, including in 2016 with Trinity Health New Englands deal for Waterburys St. Marys Health System; Yale-New Haven Health System moving for New Londons Lawrence & Memorial Hospital; and Prospect Medical rolling up Waterbury Hospital, Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital. In March, St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport denied similar insider rumors it is readying for a sale, while leaving the possibility open it may do so at a future date. The chatter at WCHN has been sufficiently audible within the ranks of the Connecticut Health Care Associates nurses union to prompt CHCA President Mary Florio to reach out to a human-resources contact at WCHN, with no details forthcoming. Florio told Hearst Connecticut Media she instructed union staff to check up on Northwells management of its own nursing cadre, and to date has heard positive reports on that front. Mergers have slowed nationally, according to Irving Levin Associates, a Norwalk-based firm that analyzes health sector merger activity. Irving Levin Associates tracked 90 hospital combinations in 2016, 12 fewer than the year before, with the slowing pace extending into the first quarter of this year. The hospital sector has been greatly affected by the uncertainty surrounding the repeal and replace efforts by the Congressional Republicans, said Lisa Phillips, editor of the Health Care M&A Report published by Irving Levin Associates, in a statement accompanying the study. Until the legislative issues are settled, mergers and acquisitions in this sector will stay soft. Strategic acquisitions between large health systems are still possible, but the majority of hospital deals in the next quarter will be driven by finances. Under CEO Dr. John Murphy, WCHN has expanded its own balance sheet since the recession, with the organization formed in the 2010 marriage of Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital, then adding Norwalk Hospital in 2014. As with Yale New Haven Health and Stamford Health System, WCHN has simultaneously been extending its network of physician practices into neighboring territories in an effort to steer more patients to its acute-care hospitals in Danbury, Norwalk and New Milford. On its website, WCHN lists an employee base numbering 4,100 people, with about 1,160 physicians on its medical staff. Dirk Perrefort contributed to this report; includes prior reporting by Keila Torres Ocasio. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESTON, Conn. When it comes to owning some of Keith Richards personal possessions, you just might get what you want. The legendary Rolling Stones guitarist and his wife, Patti Hansen, who live in Weston, are donating items from their upper East Side Manhattan apartment to benefit two nonprofits that work with autistic adults. To diehard Stones fans, however, many of the items may not be their cup of tea. None of the 73-year-old Richards guitars, wardrobe from the more than half-century of touring with the band or his trademark skull ring are in the auction. The items do include Italian, French and English furniture, decorations, Persian carpets, paintings, an English silver-plated flatware, Waterford crystal wine glasses, Flemish tapestry pillows and an Edwardian painted satinwood four poster bed. One of the more unusual is a Keith-inspired, skull-motif, china tea set. The image of a skull wearing a royal crown is displayed on dainty teacups, saucers and teapot. The auction is being handled by Stair Galleries in Hudson, N.Y. on Saturday, June 24. Previews of the items begin on June 10. According to the auction house, the high-end antiques came from the Manhattan apartment that was conceived by Patti as a European jewel box, filled with Italian, French and English furniture, decorations, and paintings. Patti worked with designer Carol Perry of Perry Associates in Connecticut to achieve the richly romantic apartment of her dreams. More Information The auction, to be held at the Stair Galleries in Hudson, N.Y., will benefit the Prospector Theater and SPHERE, which work with autistic adults. See More Collapse Family connections The couples connection to the Connecticut nonprofits SPHERE and The Prospector Theater, in Ridgefield is Hansens 24-year-old-nephew, who has received services from the organizations. The Prospector Theater pairs a first-run, commercial movie theater which trains and employs adults with disabilities. One of the films now playing at the theater is the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Richards played Jack Sparrows father in two films in the series. Mike Santini, director of development at the Prospector, said the nonprofit learned of the donation last week and we were ecstatic. The couple are not strangers to the theater, which was founded three years ago to provide jobs for the disabled. He even comes in for movies, Santini said of Keith Richards. This is something near and dear to his heart. SPHERE helps Ridgefield-area adults with disabilities find housing, education, recreation and employment. Included in the auction is a small selection of antiques and table top articles from the Weston, home where Richards and Hansen have lived since 1994. The wooded estate backs up to the Devils Den nature preserve in Weston. The couple have a number of homes including one in the Parrot Cay islet in the Turks and Caicos Islands and another in Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Another is Redlands, a country estate southwest of London that Richards has owned since the 1960s. Richards and Hansen, a model who has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, were married on Dec. 18, 1983, Richards 40th birthday. Since moving to Connecticut, the couple have lent their help to several local charities, including fundraisers at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk and the Silvermine 90th Anniversary Gala in New Canaan. In a book, The Sun & The Moon & The Rolling Stones, author Rich Cohen recalled sitting beside Keith Richards on the Rolling Stones plane to New York after a show. When the plane banked over Long Island Sound, Cohen wrote, Richards looked out the window and smiled. Thats my home down there, he said looking in the direction of Fairfield County. When I see those lights, I know Im close to everything I love. Staff writer Barry Lytton contributed to this report. If I told you that you could launch an e-commerce business this week, would you think I was crazy? Well, its true -- you can. Thanks to the internet, there is essentially nothing stopping you from creating and launching a product in less than a week. Im not just talking the talk -- Ive walked the walk. My teeth-whitening brand was brainstormed while on vacation in Hawaii and I launched it within a week of returning home. If you want to do the same, follow these eight steps and you can have an online brand up and operational in a week. 1. Identify a high-potential product. There are several things you need to consider when deciding what your product offering will be. You will want to find something that has a large global demand, high margins and can be easily warehoused and fulfilled. Google Trends, eBay Top Products and Amazon Best Sellers are all great resources to help you identify hot products. For example, fidget spinners are currently the hottest products, with new websites selling them popping up daily. The earlier you can spot a trend, the better your chance of turning it into a thriving online business. Pick something that you will be interested in, because youre going to have to invest a lot of time and energy if you plan on launching a successful e-commerce website. The more enthusiastic you are, the easier it will be. Related: How to Start a Business With (Almost) No Money 2. Lock down a manufacturer. You might have a great idea and an endless source of website traffic, but if your manufacturer cant keep up with demand, you are dead in the water. Communication is key, especially if you are contracting an overseas manufacturer that you identify through a resource like Alibaba. When I was interviewing potential manufacturers for my teeth-whitening company, I started with dozens of companies. My initial inquiry to every one asked very specific questions. If they didnt answer all of these questions in their response, I automatically crossed them off my list. In the end, I had half a dozen companies to speak with in more detail. I didnt focus on cost alone, either -- I considered communication more important. As a result, I have 100 percent confidence in the company I eventually signed on with. 3. Come up with a brand name and secure your online presence. Your brand name needs to be not only memorable and appealing to your target audience, but it also needs to be available in the form of a domain name and social media handles. I suggest going for the dot-com version always, even if you have to pay a premium for it from a domain flipper. My brands name, "Sexy Smile Kit," was available as a dot-com, as was @sexysmilekit on all the social networks we planned to use -- Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. As soon as that was confirmed, the name was finalized. If you are having a difficult time brainstorming brand names, try Shopifys business name generator tool. Related: Inspiring Quotes to Help You Get Through Your Work Day 4. Develop your website. I already had a website layout and logo concept sketched out -- I did it on the flight home from Hawaii. Then, I sent it over to one of my freelance designers as soon as I touched down and we had the entire design and layout finalized in two days. I decided to use WordPress and WooCommerce, but there are other options available. Shopify is a great choice for those who dont have the technical know-how or budget to create a custom website. Shopify has several themes that can get you up in running almost instantly with very little technical knowledge. Big Commerce and LemonStand are additional plug-and-play options. 5. Figure out your fulfillment and shipping. You need to decide if you are going to handle the order processing and fulfillment in-house, and a lot of that has to do with the type of product you are selling. Some situations will require a drop ship business model, where you act as the order taker and a third party (or the manufacturer) handles the fulfillment. If you are selling smaller items, like phone cases, then in-house fulfillment becomes much easier. To ship our teeth-whitening kits, we use ShipStation, a shipping and fulfillment solution that integrates with almost everything. We also decided to exclusively use USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate shipping for two reasons. First, it allows us to send the customer a tracking number as soon as the shipping label is created, which eliminates the order status customer service requests. Second, it gets our product to our U.S. customers in two days. While it isnt the cheapest option we could use, the customer experience is better, which is always something to consider. Related: 8 Reasons a Powerful Personal Brand Will Make You Successful 6. Establish revenue goals. You cant go into this blind -- you need to know your numbers. How much does your product cost, per unit, landed to your front door? What are your shipping costs, including all fulfillment components, such as staff, software, postage, etc.? What are your merchant processing fees? I have extremely specific revenue goals, down to daily numbers. Our product has an expiration date, so hitting goals helps to ensure we dont get stuck with unsellable inventory. Also, look for ways to cut costs, because as your sales volume increases, it can be a way to drastically increase your revenue. If you are doing a lot of volume in transactions, dont be afraid to negotiate a better rate with your processing company. Every dollar saved is money that can be allocated to your marketing and advertising, helping to further grow your business, says Benjamin Velner, CEO of Merchant Scout. 7. Design a marketing plan. You have a product and a website, now you need to figure out how you are going to put your offering in front of consumers who are likely to be interested in whatever it is that you are selling. If you want to start generating sales immediately, launch a Facebook ads campaign that also includes Instagram. You can also use influencer marketing to drive conversions as soon as you launch. While your marketing plan should also include long-term components like search engine optimization, you need to focus on generating sales and revenue right out of the gate if you want to scale quickly. Make sure you track everything -- set up your conversion pixels and goals so you know where every single sale originates from. The more data and information you have available, the more targeted your campaigns can become and the quicker you can grow. 8. Launch your online store. The most important piece of advice I can give you in regards to your e-commerce business is this: Do not wait until you think it is perfect to launch. You are going to need to constantly split-test and make changes -- its never going to be perfect. I was so eager to split-test different aspects that I launched before my first shipment of product arrived. Dont let excuses or fear get in your way -- you are never going to know if you have a viable online business unless you launch. If you fail once, dont quit. Try again -- and again. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs failed multiple times before ever experiencing a win. Related: Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Local firefighters will soon have an easier time rescuing persons trapped in burning, smoke-filled buildings. On Thursday morning, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal announced that the city of Norwalk had been awarded a $43,619 Assistance to Firefighters Grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The money will be used to buy four new thermal-imaging cameras. Firefighters use the cameras to see through darkness or smoke and search for victims, according to a statement released by the three Democratic lawmakers Thursday afternoon. This federal funding will allow the Norwalk Fire Department to replace old, dated equipment, Blumenthal said in the statement. Firefighters are constantly putting their lives on the line to save others, and the least we can do is ensure they are equipped with the most up-to-date technology and resources needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. I congratulate the Norwalk Fire Department on this new grant and thank the courageous firefighters for protecting the people of Norwalk. Earlier, Mayor Harry W. Rilling and Acting Fire Chief Gino Gatto joined Blumenthal at the Central Fire Station on Connecticut Avenue to announce the grant award. Gatto said the department plans to replace its four oldest, non-National Fire Protection Association-compliant cameras. Each is about 15 years old. These new cameras will provide a superior image quality, which will enable our firefighters to fully interpret a fire scene and make better, more informed tactical decisions, Gatto said in the statement. The Norwalk Fire Department is grateful for the awarding of this AFG grant. The city of Norwalk will see a substantial savings in this purchase. Murphy said the new cameras will help Norwalk firefighters detect the root of a fire and more easily rescue people in danger. Connecticuts firefighters deserve nothing but the best, and Ill continue to fight for them every day, he said. Himes described the grant award as a statement of our priorities. There should be no higher priority than supporting the men and women who, as first responders, are running toward danger when the rest of us are running away, Himes said in the statement. This is a well-deserved reward for Norwalk and everyone in our community is grateful for FEMAs continued support. FEMAs Assistance to Firefighter grant program has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards since 2001. rkoch@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK The Fire Department threw departing Chief Larry Reilly a five-alarm retirement party Wednesday afternoon, moving engines to the curbside to make room inside the Central Fire Station for more than 150 well-wishers. Friends, officials and firefighters from Norwalk and beyond filled the main vehicle bay to thank the firefighters chief for his 42 years service to the department and city. Reilly, whose last day on the job will be Thursday, thanked all for coming and reflected briefly on his career. Its been a great career Ive enjoyed almost all of it. Theres always a few things, you know, a few days you want to have over again, said Reilly, drawing laughter. Mostly, Im most grateful for just that every time we went on a call everybody came home. We had some people fairly seriously injured at fires I was at, but knock on wood, everybody made it home. Reilly began his career on Dec. 11, 1975, and over the years built among his co-workers a reputation as a calm and competent firefighter during the most-trying situations. Everybody always has said hes very, very calm and his decision-making is right on, because when he was a deputy chief and youre directing a fire, you have to be calm or everybody is going to start to lose it, said Assistant Fire Chief Gino Gatto, who will step in as the Norwalks acting fire chief on Friday. Of course, everybody talks about hes a historian. He knows a lot about this department that most of us dont know. Deputy Fire Chief Steven Shay, who has worked under five of Norwalks 10 fire chiefs, thanked Reilly for his historical knowledge of the department, which often proved helpful. You dont want to repeat mistakes but how do you know whats been done and whats right, whats wrong? Shay said. And thats where Larry came in. You go to him with a new idea. Most of the time he says, Yes, lets try it. Theres times when he would say, We tried that 25 years ago. On behalf of Norwalk Fire Fighters Local 830, Fire Capt. Jim Himes presented Reilly a framed photograph of fire apparatus in front of the old and new central station. Capt. Adam Markowitz assembled written accounts of firefighters work on Reillys first day on the job. The fire chief also received a book signed by department members, an official citation from the General Assembly secured by state Sen. Bob Duff, and a mounted trumpet recalling the departments past. In the old days, the chiefs used to do everything by a trumpet because they didnt have radios and walkie-talkies, Gatto said. So Steve and I thought it would be fitting to present the chief a trumpet. Speaking afterward, Reilly said firefighter safety has evolved greatly since he first started work as a firefighter. Breathing apparatus, once relatively primitive and disliked, is now state-of-the-art. Meters that detect various chemicals, bailout equipment to escape a second-floor window and greater deployment are also part of the modern Norwalk Fire Department. We send more units, more companies and more firefighters to a structure fire than we did when I started, Reilly told The Hour. Just having more people there gives you a degree of safety. Mayor Harry W. Rilling, chairman of the Norwalk Board of Fire Commissioners, presented Reilly a proclamation and symbolic key to the city and thanked him for his service. He was a true dedicated professional, somebody who really understand what it means to be a firefighter, Rilling said. The Rev. Curtis Langley, also on the fire commission, delivered the invocation. He described Reilly as a young man who heard the beat of a different drum when embarking on his career as a firefighter. Reilly was appointed acting fire chief after Fire Chief Denis McCarthy left at the end of September 2015 to head the Fairfield Fire Department. Fire commissioners later appointed him fire chief, effective Jan. 1, 2015. McCarthy was among the chiefs from surrounding towns who attended Reillys retirement celebration and congratulated him on his career. Those in attendance sat down afterward on long tables set up in the vehicle bay to eat and share stories. Asked about his future plans, Reilly said he plans to take the summer and fall off for the first time in my life. A limited time fee waiver scheme has been announced by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) today for students from north eastern states under company secretaries' foundation and executive programme. By India Today Web Desk: A limited time fee waiver scheme has been announced by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) today, for students from north eastern states under company secretaries' foundation and executive programme. About the scheme Institute president Shyam Agrawal told newsmen that under the Swavlamban-Samagra Shiksha, Samagra Vikas, students from the region can get free registration from June 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 for any of the programmes in which the entire course fee would be waived. advertisement The policy is in line with the Centre's policy for inclusive growth of all parts of the country, he added, "Through this proactive move, the institute is expecting to empower the students of the region." Representation of students from the north east in the institute is very low and if their enrollment increased, the institute would set up an examination centre in the state. Career awareness programme to be launched "We are also launching career awareness programme in various schools and colleges in the state," he added. Institute vice-president Makarand M Lele said the institute has been playing a catalytic role in promoting governance and creating awareness on various critical issues of corporate governance in the country. ICSI has set-up a study centre at Rajiv Gandhi University under the commerce department where students could go for their queries. Read: AIIMS MBBS Exam 2017: VYAPAM whistle-blower claims paper leak Read: Admissions for Post Graduation now open at pearl academy Get latest updates on exam notifications and scholarships across India and abroad here. --- ENDS --- Special Events Monday, June 5 Are You Prepared? Tax-Free Retirement Strategies, 6:30-8 p.m. Retirement social security, pensions, rental property income, capital gains, dividend and interest income may all be taxable at high rates. Topics include: If taxes increase in the future, will my chances of outliving my money be reduced?; How to prevent my taxable IRA from growing and why; What is 'The Tax Bridge and when do I cross it?; How will retirement accounts impact my heirs?. Speaker Michael Alimo (CRPC; CLU; ChFEBC) is a 30 year industry veteran and for the past 15 years as a financial service advisor has served clientele around CT & New England at USA Financial & Tax Services LLC. See librarys registration link for more details. No charge. Registration recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Thursday, June 8 World War I: From Chaos to Victory Military Operations on the Western Front from June November 1918, 7-8:30 p.m. In this 100th anniversary year of the United States entry into the Great War, Jean-Pierre Lavielle examines how the arrival of the American Expeditionary Force, and the influx of 250,000 doughboys per month starting in September 1917 changed the course of WWI. See librarys registration link for more details. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Friday, June 9 Wilton Librarys Branchville SoHo Gallery Estate Art Exhibition Reception, 6-7:30 p.m. Paula Reens was the owner of the Branchville SoHo Gallery of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield, CT which thrived through the 1980s and 90s. Wilton Library is honored to have the gallerys artworks by noted American artists such as Ben Benn (1884-1983), Jack Youngerman (b. 1926), Marvin Hayes (b. 1939; lived in Wilton 1965 -1991) and Robert Heindel (1938 - 2005), among others. The exhibition features fifty works of these and other contemporary artists. Through the generosity of Paula and Lou Reens, all proceeds from sales of the paintings will benefit Wilton Library. The works are priced to be enjoyed in peoples homes and offices. The reception is open to the public. The exhibition runs through Thursday, June 29. Calendar Tuesday, June 6 & 13 Create Book Bird Houses, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for two creative sessions (6/6 & 6/13). Paint, decoupage and produce one-of-a-kind book bird houses using classic children's books for adornment. Give as a unique gift or keep for yourself. $10 fee to offset costs, payable the first day. For adults and students in grades 7+. Limited space. Registration required. Register online or call 203-762-6342. More Information 137 Old Ridgefield Road 203-762-3950 www.wiltonlibrary.org See More Collapse Wednesday, June 7 Make Big Beautiful Flowers, 6-7:30 p.m. Work with artist Betsy Huffman to learn how to create beautiful paper flowers. Once you know the steps, you can make them any size for any occasion centerpieces, wedding picture backdrops, party decorations, and more! For ages 18+. Space limited and registration required. Register online or call 203-762-6342. Saturday, June 10 New Perspectives Film Series Life Animated, 7:30-9:30 p.m. LIFE, ANIMATED is the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. From Academy Award winning director Roger Ross Williams, the film received the Sundance Directing Award for U.S. Documentary, Audience Awards from Full Frame Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Telluride Mountainfilm, and more. Suggested donation: $5. Refreshments served. The New Perspectives Documentary series is programmed and moderated by filmmaker Megan Smith-Harris. A Q&A will follow the film. Registration highly recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Sunday, June 11 Wilton Library Associations 122nd Annual Friends of the Library Meeting, 4:30-6 p.m. A brief business meeting will include the election of our new trustees and officers, a celebration of those who are retiring from our Board of Trustees and the presentation of awards for Wilton Library's outstanding volunteer and staff person of the year. Guest speaker will be Carlos Eire, T. L. Riggs Professor of History & Religious Studies, Yale University and past president of the Society for Reformation Research. He is the author of several scholarly books, including the recently published, Reformations: The Early Modern World 1450-1650. He is also author of two memoirs, Waiting for Snow in Havana about the Cuban revolution for which he received the National Book Award, and Learning to Die in Miami exploring the exile experience. Open to the public. Registration encouraged. Register online or call 203-762-6323. Classes in Innovation Station this week Saturday, June 3: Embroider or Monogram It!, 12-2 p.m.; Sunday, June 4: Make a Teacher Gift, 2-3:30 p.m.; Monday, June 5: Bringing Your Photo Albums into the Digital Age, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Monday, June 5, 12, 19 & 26: Stitch Time for Knitters and Crocheters, 1-2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, June 6: Monogrammed Tea Towels, 6-7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 7: Embroider or Monogram a Graduation Gift, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Thursday, June 8: Experience 3D Printing, 6-7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 9: Embroider a Chefs Apron for Fathers Day, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. WILTON A Wilton man evaded capture by driving away from the sites of two separate car accidents on only three wheels, police said. Ludwig Griffin, 31, was traveling down Millstone Road around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a utility pole, police said. After receiving a concerned call from an eyewitness of the accident, police responded to the crash scene to find both the car and the driver missing with only the vehicles front left tire remaining. Police said that, though the driver fled the scene, the escape route was clearly demarcated by a trail of skid marks leading from the scene of the accident to a point nearly a half-mile away on Silver Spring Road. It was there that police located an abandoned vehicle missing one tire that had crashed into a residential mailbox. After running a check on the vehicle, police linked the car to Griffin, who police say lives two houses away from where the second accident occurred. Police believe that Griffin ditched his car following the second accident and walked home. When police arrived at Griffins house and took him in to custody, they found him to be concealing a small amount of marijuana in his pocket. Griffin was charged with evasion, failure to drive in an established lane and possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana. He was released on a promise to appear in court on June 12. ptomlinson@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1046; Twitter: @Tomlinson_PE This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WILTON Since five months of age, Sara Pollak has undergone 30 different surgeries. The Wilton High School senior was born with Apert syndrome, a rare craniofacial abnormality that affects the development of the skull, face, hands and feet. But Pollak faced such extraordinary challenges with courage, determination and a positive outlook on life. In addition to being active in the Wilton community, Pollak co-founded Cowabunga Surf Retreat, a summer camp in Surf City, N.C., for teens with Apert syndrome and other disabilities. On May 25, she was recognized at the high schools annual academic awards assembly and was presented the Whitney Sherman Memorial Award, which was created the memory of Whitney Sherman, who died at 13 from a degenerative illness in 2001. The award is usually given to one recipient, but this year was given to two. The second award was given to Alida Schefers, a senior at Wilton High School who was paralyzed from the waist down in fifth grade after contracting the life-altering illness, transverse myelitis, in August 2009. Schefers is a founding member of the high school group called Project Change, a research-based program intended to make the school environment more respectful and effective for students. This year, two candidates were so deserving of this award that the selection committee asked to present two awards, Robin Sanson, the mother of Sherman, said last Thursday. Both (were) determined to remain positive, serving as an inspiration to the rest of us. Dozens of other awards and scholarships were presented to students at the high school, commending students for their demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and personal achievement at the local and national level. Wilton High School senior Jackson Walker was named a 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of three scholars in Connecticut and 161 in the nation, overall. Eighteen students were named National Merit Commended Students, six National Merit finalists and one received a National Merit Boston University scholarship. Throughout the assembly, high school faculty and community members who presented awards emphasized the variety of talents and strengths exhibited by the student body. To conclude the ceremony, Wilton High School Principal Robert ODonnell congratulated award recipients and all 1,340 students attending the high school And one sincere thank you to the entire Wilton High School community, ODonnell said last Thursday. skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1044; @stephaniehnkim By Press Trust of India: By K J M Varma Beijing, Jun 1 (PTI) India and Pakistans admission as full members to the Beijing-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the political and security groupings summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced today. "The members states of the SCO are accelerating the MoU procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. advertisement "We hope India and Pakistan as the full members at the Astana summit (on June 8-9). We also expect the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries," Hua told reporters. The political and security grouping - headquartered in Beijing - was founded in 2001 and comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, besides China as full members. It is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence- sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. During the 2015 summit in Ufa, Russia, the SCO formally adopted a resolution starting the process to admit India and Pakistan into the organisation as full members. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Obligations to join the organisation at last years summit in Tashkent. The Chinese foreign spokesperson also hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan as full members would help improve their bilateral relations. "Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness to uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO," she said. Hua said SCO members had launched the process to accept India and Pakistan as members in 2015. "(And) now the member states of the SCO are accelerating the legal process on the MoU implementation. Everything is going on smoothly. Now the SCO will complete the first membership expansion since its establishment. It will become a regional organisation with the largest coverage," she said. The presence of China and India, the worlds most populous countries, would make SCO the organisation with the largest population coverage. PTI KJV ABH AKJ ABH --- ENDS --- UPDATE: Trump announces withdrawal from Paris climate accord, but says U.S. will begin negotiations to re-enter agreement. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the U. S. will withdraw from the Paris global climate pact, according to a White House official, congressional officials and others briefed by the White House. "He's pulling out. It's official," said Stephen Moore, an economist who worked for Trump's campaign and participated in an administration conference call. "They're going to withdraw U.S. participation in the treaty." White House talking points obtained by The Associated Press say that the Paris accord "is a BAD deal for Americans" and that the president's action would keep "his campaign promise to put American workers first." "The Accord," the document goes on to say, "was negotiated poorly by the Obama Administration and signed out of desperation." "The U.S. is already leading the world in energy production and doesn't need a bad deal that will harm American workers," it reads. The White House had signaled that withdrawal was likely, but Trump has been known to change his mind at the last minute on such major decisions. Abandoning the pact was one of Trump's principal campaign pledges, but America's allies have expressed alarm about the likely consequences. Top White House aides have been divided. Aides have been deliberating on "caveats in the language," one official said. The White House invited representatives from several groups that support withdrawing from the Paris accord, including staff from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank with close ties to the administration, and Myron Ebell, director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian think tank that gets financial support from the fossil fuel industry. Trump had several potential options. Some of his aides have been searching for a middle ground in an effort to thread the needle between his base of supporters who oppose the deal for fear it will hamper U.S. economic growth and those warning that a U.S. exit would deal a blow to the fight against global warming as well as to worldwide U.S. leadership. Under the agreement, the U.S. had agreed to reduce the country's pollution emissions to 26 percent to 28 percent of 2005 levels by 2025 about 1.6 billion tons. Countries are permitted under the treaty to change their goals and there is no punishment for missing targets. Pulling out of the agreement outright would take three-and-a-half years under the standard cooling-off period for new international treaties. Abandoning the Paris pact would isolate the U.S. from a raft of international allies who spent years negotiating the 2015 agreement to fight global warming and pollution by reducing carbon emissions in nearly 200 nations. While traveling abroad last week, Trump was repeatedly pressed to stay in the deal by European leaders and the pope. Withdrawing would leave the United States aligned only with Russia among the world's industrialized economies. American corporate leaders have also appealed to the businessman-turned-president to stay in the pact. They include Apple, Google and Walmart. Even fossil fuel companies such as Exxon Mobil, BP and Shell say the United States should abide by the deal. In a Berlin speech, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that fighting climate change is a "global consensus" and an "international responsibility." "China in recent years has stayed true to its commitment," said Li, speaking in Berlin Wednesday. Trump met Wednesday with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has favored remaining in the agreement. Chief strategist Steve Bannon supports an exit, as does Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt. Trump's chief economic adviser, Gary Cohn, has discussed the possibility of changing the U.S. carbon reduction targets instead of pulling out of the deal completely. Senior adviser Jared Kushner generally thinks the deal is bad but still would like to see if emissions targets can be changed. Trump's influential daughter Ivanka Trump's preference is to stay, but she has made it a priority to establish a review process so her father would hear from all sides, said a senior administration official. Like the other officials, that person was not authorized to describe the private discussions by name and spoke only on condition of anonymity. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Wednesday in Alaska that he had "yet to read what the actual Paris Agreement is," and would have to read it before weighing in. Scientists say Earth is likely to reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner if the U.S. retreats from its pledge because America contributes so much to rising temperatures. Calculations suggest withdrawal could result in emissions of up to 3 billion tons of additional carbon dioxide in the air a year enough to melt ice sheets faster, raise seas higher and trigger more extreme weather. ___ Associated Press writers Ken Thomas, Michael Biesecker and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed to this report. It seems every presidents budget gets the same reaction once it reaches Congress: DOA or dead on arrival. And that was exactly the response President Donald Trump received when he sent his first budget proposal to Congress last week. It landed with a thud, and was quickly pushed aside. It happened with Barack Obama and it happened with George W. Bush. Why are a presidents budget plans so quickly discarded? One reason is that the president overreaches. Obama sought to increase spending too much. For Trump, hes under fire for proposing major cuts to social programs such as Medicaid. Presidents know that Congress is going to go its own way no matter what the president proposes. So in their budgets, they are often reaching out to their political base or scoring political points, knowing what they propose will never be enacted. Another reason is that congressional members have their own priorities, and their main one is getting re-elected. So members of Congress are fiercely protective of programs important to people in their home states. Representatives and senators dont want to give up their power, which is the power of the purse strings. Unfortunately, Congress hasnt been doing its job. In 2015, Congress passed its first budget in six years and for only the second time in eight years. In actuality, the budget is a nonbinding outline. There are a dozen annual spending bills that must be passed. Often, when Congress cant agree, a spending bill is carried over from one year to the next. President Trumps budget calls for a 10 percent increase in defense spending and $2.6 billion more for border security. He also is seeking tax reductions. To cover increased military spending and tax reductions, he is proposing major cuts in social programs. In the next 10 years, the budget proposes cutting $800 billion from Medicaid and $272 billion from welfare programs, including $192 billion from food assistance. All of these measures may be too extreme. Military spending does need to be increased. With threats around the globe, more defense spending is warranted, but how much it should be increased is debatable. Also, welfare rolls grew way too much during the Obama administration. Some tightening is necessary. Trumps budget, though, may go too far. What is most disturbing are some of the measures impacting rural America. The president is proposing cutting federal crop insurance programs by $29 billion in the next decade. His plan would cap subsidies paid to farmers for crop insurance at $40,000 and would impose new means testing for crop insurance. The plan would pull the safety net out from under American agriculture at a time when the rural economy is hurting because of low commodity prices. The federal government needs to be moving toward a balanced budget and promoting greater growth in the economy. Theres no doubt that difficult choices will have to be made. However, Trumps budget needs Congress to give it a critical look. Some cuts go too far and will hurt the economy in areas where it needs to be bolstered. By Press Trust of India: By K J M Varma Beijing, Jun 1 (PTI) India and Pakistans admission as full members to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the political and security groupings summit in Kazakhstan next week, China announced today, while hoping that they would "strictly follow" its charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hoped that the admission of India and Pakistan as full members would help improve their bilateral relations. advertisement "Hope India and Pakistan strictly follow the charter of the SCO and the idea of good neighbourliness, uphold the SCO spirit, improve their relations and inject new impetus to the development of the SCO," Hua told a media briefing here. She confirmed that the lengthy process of their admission into the group, which took years until China gave its nod, was over and the two countries would become full members at the groupings summit to be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 8-9. Besides Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif are expected to be present at the summit. Speculation is also rife that Modi and Sharif may also meet on the sidelines of the summit. "The member states of the SCO are accelerating the MOU procedures with the two countries and everything is going very well," Hua said. "We hope India and Pakistan as the full members at the Astana summit (on June 8-9). We also expect the Astana summit will complete the admission procedures for the two countries," Hua told reporters. Founded in Shanghai in 1996, the group at present comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It mostly acts as a China-dominated security group specially focussing on Central Asia. India and Pakistan till now had the status of observers along with Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia in the grouping. In the 2015 summit in Ufa in Russia, the group had formally adopted a resolution which started the procedure to admit India and Pakistan into the SCO. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Obligations to join the organisation in last years summit in Tashkent. Russia has pushed for Indias membership into the grouping in the last few years while China backed the entry of its ally Pakistan. The first ever expansion of the group comes at a time Indo-Pak tensions are high and relations between Beijing and New Delhi were beset with strains over the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). advertisement Beijing also has not shown any signs to relent on its stand to block Indias admission into Nuclear Suppliers Group, (NSG) and the UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar. The SCO becomes one platform for the leaders of the three countries to meet. India and China are already members of BRICS, (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The 9th BRICS summit would be held in Chinese city Xiamen in September this year. SCO focussed its attention in combating terrorism in Central Asia and specially at the borders of Xinjiang, Chinas Uygur Muslim province where Beijing is battling against separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM). "Now the member states of the SCO are accelerating the legal process on the MOU implementation. Everything is going on smoothly. Now the SCO will complete the first membership expansion since its establishment. It will become regional organisation with largest coverage involving the biggest population" with the admission of India and Pakistan, Hua said. The population of China and India, worlds most populous countries, will help to make it an international grouping covering largest population. advertisement The China-led SCO comprising six member states focuses mostly on security related issues like counter terrorism cooperation in Central Asia. It comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. Hua said in the UFA summit of the SCO in 2015, the member countries of the SCO had launched the process to accept the membership of India and Pakistan. The SCO is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence - sharing, counter- terrorism operations in Central Asia. PTI KJV ABH ASK MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- A couple of Summer Concert Series alums will be joining forces to kickoff the 8th Annual Hillsboro Summer Concert Series on Saturday, June 3 in the Sherwood Forest Campgrounds located at 920 City Lake Road in Hillsboro, IL. Hounds, formerly known as Clockwork, will be playing their music that gained them rave reviews at their Summer Concert Series performance two years ago and they will also be playing along side Urge front man Steve Ewing for the first time right here in Hillsboro. Hounds is an Indie Rock trio who create crunchy, melodic, harmony-soaked songs that give a nod to the past while forging a new sound for the future. The St. Louis-based group has perfected their brand of acoustically-infused rock, slathered in memorable melodies and striking harmonies. Formed in 2011, Hounds has perfected their live show through consistent touring throughout the Midwest, performing at countless theaters and nightclubs. Additionally, large scale festivals such as SXSW, LouFest, Fair St. Louis, and Red Gorilla, among many others, have exposed Hounds to an ever-growing audience of supporters. Hounds has been featured in Alternative Press magazine, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and countless other publications and television outlets. They have been fortunate to have shared the stage with Chuck Berry, The Urge, Never Shout Never, Bret Michaels, Paul Banks of Interpol, Lucky Boys Confusion, and Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, among others. Hounds has received radio airplay on over 150 mainstream and college radio stations throughout the United States and Canada, and have signed television licensing agreements for their music to be featured on MTV, E!, Discovery, Speed, and Lifetime television network programming, among others. St. Louis based musician Steve Ewing is best known as the golden voice behind the seven piece powerhouse The Urge. Formed in high school back in late 80s, The Urge took their eclectic mix of punk, reggae, hip hop, ska, and sent a sonic shockwave from the Midwest that can still be felt to this day. After 4 independent label releases they were picked up by the Immortal/Epic label, home to such artists as Korn and Incubus, and released 3 albums of their own. Alternative radio stations everywhere were spinning All Washed Up, Brainless, Its Gettin Hectic, Straight to Hell, Four Letters and Two Words, Too Much Stereo, and the top ten Jump Right In featuring Nick Hexum of 311 fame. Many St. Louis natives fondly remember The Urge from their intense, face-melting shows at venues such as Mississippi Nights and local festivals like PointFest. The Urge spent much of their time touring alongside aforementioned artists Korn, Incubus and 311. Attendees are asked to park at the 4th of July pavilion and a shuttle service will be provided by Central Illinois Public Transit. Concessions will be available on site and attendees can also bring their own snacks and beverages. Concert goers are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Tent camping is available. Call Sherwood Forest at 217-532-3211 for more camping information. In case of in climate weather the concert will be held inside the Hillsboro Moose Lodge located at 411 S. Main Street. The free family friendly series is presented by Imagine Hillsboro, Care Otter, Roger Jennings, Consolidated Communications and Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes. For additional information on Hounds visit http://houndssounds.com, for more information on Steve Ewing http://www.steveewingmusic.com, and for more information on the Hillsboro Summer Concert Series visit www.facebook.com/HillsboroSummerConcertSeries. The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) and area museums hold their third Quad Cities Museum Week on June 17-25, 2017. This year the museums put the spotlight on the Quad Cities by highlighting historical figures from the area, items, inventions, and important moments in Quad Cities history. Nearly 20 museums from across the Quad Cities region join to bring this fun-filled week to the residents of and visitors to the Quad Cities. Visit www.qcmuseumweek.com for information on what each museum is offering and a printable, online event program. From tunnel tours and Buffalo Bill to the Black Box used on air flights, and automobiles manufactured in the Quad Cities, this years Museum Week puts the Quad Cities in the spotlight, said Charlotte Morrison, QCCVB vice-president of marketing & communications. Its a great opportunity to enjoy fun, exciting and interesting adventures that tell a story about the Quad Cities. Also part of the week-long event is the Museum Geocache. Geocaching is a treasure hunt and any given treasure, known as a geocache, has specific coordinates of longitude and latitude to which seekers must travel to locate the treasure. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a GPS receiver or GPS-enabled smartphone and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches," anywhere in the world. By finding some or all of the Quad Cities Museum caches, you will learn about the many great museums in the community. There will be a total of 12 museums are participating in the Geocache. All the geocaches are outside the museums. To get started on your treasure hunt during Quad Cities Museum Week, go to www.geocaching.com and see if you can collect a wooden nickel from all of the participating museums geocaches. Participating Geocache museums include the Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead, Buffalo Bill Museum, Butterworth Center, Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Deere-Wiman House, Family Museum, Figge Art Museum, German American Heritage Center, Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, Putnam Museum, and Rock Island County Historical Society. This years Museum Week participants include: Augustana College Arsenal Museum Buffalo Bill Museum Bufffalo Bill Cody Homestead Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House Colonel Davenport House Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Davenport Schools Museum Family Museum Figge Art Museum German American Heritage Center Hauberg Indian Museum/Black Hawk State Historic Site Iowa 80 Trucking Museum Karpeles Manuscript Museum Palmer Family and Chiropractic History Museum Putnam Museum & Science Center Rock Island County Historical Society Quad Cities Museum Week is presented by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. The event is designed to showcase the wealth of museums in the Quad Cities region and to create greater awareness about each museums offerings. Last year, Museum Week generated anywhere from a 5% to 50% increase in museum attendance during the event. For more information on the geocache and Quad Cities Museum Week, go to www.qcmuseumweek.com. The website includes geocache information, museum events and listings, and a downloadable, printable brochure. Discover these and many more marvels on the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. Contact the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-747-7800 or visit their website at www.visitquadcities.com. The Quad Cities is located on the Mississippi River and is made up of the riverfront cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. The area is just a 2- hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago, Illinois. It is easily accessible via I-80, I-74, I-88 and several major state highways. For the Edge Scott Air Force Base will celebrate its centennial anniversary in June of 2017. To commemorate this historic milestone, the base will host an open house and airshow featuring the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds, set for June 10-11, 2017. The land today known as Scott AFB was initially leased in June of 1917, and by September of that year, it was officially established as Scott Field. Scott AFB is the fourth oldest continuously active base in the U.S. Air Force, and the only Air Force base named in honor of an enlisted member, Corporal Frank S. Scott. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India" signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. By Press Trust of India: India and Russia today concluded a much-awaited pact for setting up the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant with Moscow's help in Tamil Nadu after overcoming initial hurdles to finalise the strategic deal. The General Framework Agreement (GFA) and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant are seen as a major outcome of the annual summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. advertisement "We welcome the conclusion of the the General Framework Agreement and Credit protocol for Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant," said a vision document issued after the Modi-Putin talks. The reactors will be built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia's Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. Each of the two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. The document titled 'A vision for the 21st Century' said economies of India and Russia complement each other in the energy sector and both countries will strive to build an "energy bridge". It said the future of Indian-Russian cooperation holds great promise across a wide spectrum covering nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear science and technology. "We will strive to build an 'energy bridge' between our states and expand bilateral relations in all areas of energy cooperation, including nuclear, hydrocarbon, hydel and renewable energy sources and in improving energy efficiency," it said. The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India's "Make In India" initiative, the declaration said. India and Russia commit themselves to earnestly implement the "Programme of Action for Localisation in India" signed on December 24, 2015, and to encourage their nuclear industries to engage closely and foster concrete collaborations, it said. The current nuclear power generation capacity of all 22 nuclear power reactors is 6780 MW. In October 2015, a joint statement between Modi and Putin promised the signing of a GFA on the nuclear units by December 2016. After an inter-ministerial group cleared the project, it was sent to the Prime Minister's Office for approval. But, sources said, the Credit Protocol, or a line of credit that Russia was to provide, proved to be a hurdle. The two countries also said that there has been a "steady and demonstrable" achievements in bilateral civil nuclear partnership, including advancing nuclear power projects at the Kudankulum site and transforming it into one of India's largest energy hubs. advertisement "Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy has emerged as one of the hallmarks of the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to India's energy security and energising broader scientific and technological cooperation," as per the document. Also Read:How PM Modi struck a personal chord with Russian President Vladimir Putin ALSO READ: Russia doesn't have tight military ties with Pakistan: Putin tells Modi --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 16:07 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a363849 1 Lifestyle London,police,Metropolitan-Police,detective,vacancy Free Londons Metropolitan Police are searching for detective constables, no experience required. From 31 May to 3 July, the force is accepting applications from London residents -- you have to have lived in London three out of the past six years -- who have a degree. After being accepted, applicants must pass the national investigators exam and must finish a development program that lasts two years. London continues to change and so do its criminals. Increasingly complex crimes such as cyber-criminality and the pressing need to protect vulnerable people mean our investigators need to develop new expertise, DCS Stephen Clayman, leader of the detective recruitment program, told The Guardian. Normally, detective-hopefuls must be uniformed beat officers before rising up the ranks, but due to a shortage of detectives, Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has been searching for ways to fix what they believe to be a national crisis. Read also: Spotify posts special job vacancy for US President Obama Clayman continued, To meet these challenges and to face future threats, the Met will need to equip its officers, present, and future, with the right skills and capabilities. We will need to ensure we are even more innovative in the way we recruit, and that we look and feel like the Londoners we serve. Met detective Tory Ion had these words of wisdom, Whatever the crime, whatever the situation, it is my job to be there for each victim. I can offer real support in a time of need, guide a victim sympathetically through the investigation process and in many cases provide a sense of closure. I would encourage anyone looking for an interesting career, where each day is different, to apply. (sul/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 07:03 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a3519c8 1 Science & Tech Twitter,#Twitter,messaging,#messaging,social-network Free Twitter is making a rare change to its interface, this time in regard to its direct messaging system. Now, you will be able to view DMs from those who you do not follow in a separate inbox, similar to Facebooks Message Request feature. In this inbox, users will be able to delete or accept inbound messages, and senders will not see if you have viewed the messages or not until youve pressed accept. Recipients will not be able to view media until the message request has been accepted, either. Read also: Twitter Lite launched in Indonesia If a message request is deleted, the sender will still be able to send you more messages in the future, unless you utilize another Twitter feature and block them. If youve opted-in to get Direct Messages from anyone, messages from people you dont follow will go into requests. https://t.co/n1qasb7JZC pic.twitter.com/HQY20T5f6t Twitter (@Twitter) May 30, 2017 This new feature will work for users whove turned on the option to receive messages from those they dont follow back. It has also been rolled out to users gradually and will appear for all, on both mobile and desktop soon. (sul/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dmytro Gorshkov (Agence France-Presse) Kiev, Ukraine Thu, June 1, 2017 12:06 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a35c958 2 Health Ukraine,doctors,baby,fertility,children,three-parent,health,#health Free A 34-year-old woman tried to have a baby for 15 years before she turned to a pioneering doctor in Ukraine and a groundbreaking but ethically disputed "three-parent" procedure. She became the mother of a healthy baby boy in January at a private clinic in Kiev using a process called pronuclear transfer that inserts the couple's genes into a donor's egg. The procedure had been previously used to treat serious genetic diseases. But doctor Valeriy Zukin become the first to use it to help two separate infertile couples have children in this way. "There are patients whom we cannot help to have their own genetically-related baby unless we use this method," the 60-year-old told AFP at his Nadiya clinic. Some two million women across the globe use in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to get pregnant every year. But Zukin's treatment targets a tiny percentage of women whose embryos suffer from a disorder called embryo arrest that can either stunt development or kill them. The difference in the method Zukin uses is that a woman's egg is first fertilised with her partner's sperm. Then its nucleus is transferred to a donor's egg that has been stripped of its own nucleus. The egg is thus almost entirely made up of genetic material from the couple -- plus a tiny amount (about 0.15 percent) from the female donor's DNA. Read also: How to increase your chances of pregnancy after 30 - Need for caution - Not everyone however shares Zukin's enthusiasm. Ukraine's conservative clerics argue that the technique breaches ethical norms. "A child can only have two parents and the presence of a third person -- and especially the DNA of a third person -- is morally unacceptable," Father Feodosiy of the dominant Ukrainian Orthodox Church told AFP. "It violates the sanctity of the marriage between woman and man." Other religions have also weighed in on the issue with the Roman Catholic Church opposing the move because it would involve the destruction of human embryos as part of the process. The Church of England has said ethical concerns have not been sufficiently addressed. Even some scientists have reservations. They warn against jumping to early conclusions about how successful the method would be if it were to be applied to the general population. "We cannot talk about its wide use yet," Larysa Tumanova, a professor at Kiev's Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, told AFP. "First, we have to monitor the newborns' health until they turn at least three," she said. Other experts point out that the "three-parent" technique -- a different form of which has also produced a baby in Mexico -- was initially being developed for those at very high risk of passing on serious genetic diseases. Read also: Reasons other than infertility that stop you getting pregnant - Line of hopeful mums - Zukin strongly defends the work at his clinic. "We explain the essence of the method to each patient," he says. "We report possible risks." And there is currently a line of hopeful mothers ready to pay the 12,000 euros ($13,100) it takes to undergo the pronuclear transfer procedure. "We have patients from Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Israel, Portugal and Brazil," he says. Zukin thinks between 10,000 and 20,000 women a year could potentially be candidates for using the method to conceive -- a figure large enough to seek out a foreign partnership that could study how best to use this technique. His health centre is now working with China's Shanghai University to determine the genetic causes of abnormalities in embryo development at an early stage. "I hope that through joint efforts, we will be able to find in a more targeted way those whom this method will help," Zukin says. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eva Aruperes (The Jakarta Post) Manado, North Sulawesi Thu, June 1, 2017 08:45 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a353420 1 National Brimob,North-Sulawesi,Marawi,Philippines,terrorism,counterterrorism,terrorist-attack,TerroristAttacks Free Hundreds of Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel from the North Sulawesi Police have been deployed to secure Indonesia-Philippine border areas in Sangihe and Talaud Islands regencies amid growing terror threats in the region. North Sulawesi Police spokesperson Ibrahim Tompo said the situation in the province was relatively safe despite concerns of growing radicalism in the region. To anticipate developments and threats following the Marawi incident, the North Sulawesi Police have launched a territorial security operation codenamed Operation Aman Nusa 3, he said. Launched on May 29, Operation Aman Nusa 3 aims to secure the waters between Indonesia and the Philippines. Tompo said Brimob personnel would carry out maritime security operations and patrols. They will also make routine visits to villages and fishing communities to detect and gather information [on potential security threats] and to monitor mass organization activities. They will also coordinate with the Densus 88 counterterrorism squad to monitor radical movements, said Tompo. He further said the Brimob personnel would focus their sea patrol activities in the working areas of the Talaud Police and Sangihe Police. The team will be equipped with patrol vessels and weapons. The Brimob personnel will be on duty for 90 days in Sangihe and Talaud. Around three months. If the situation returns to normal, they can go home earlier, but, if security threats develop, more personnel will be deployed, said North Sulawesi Police deputy chief Brig.Gen. Refdi Andri. (ebf) All ready: Mobile Brigade personnel attend a call of readiness ceremony at the North Sulawesi Police headquarters in Manado, on May 29, before their deployment for security operation Operation Aman Nusa 3. (JP/Eva Aruperes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arif Gunawan S. (JP) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 22:32 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a36a0a3 2 Business Panasonic,Puradelta-Lestari,smart-city,property,Cikarang Free PanaHome Asia Pacific Pte Ltd -- a housing company of the Panasonic Group -- has entered into an agreement with PT Puradelta Lestari to establish a joint venture company, PT PanaHome Deltamas Indonesia, with an aim of building a residential estate through a sustainable smart town concept. The smart town will be built within Kota Deltamas, an integrated industrial, commercial and residential township developed by PT Puradelta Lestari in Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java. PanaHome Deltamas will be established as a joint venture with equity interest split 51 percent to PT PanaHome Gobel Indonesia, a PanaHome consolidated subsidiary, and 49 percent to Puradelta, the Jakarta-based Puradelta wrote in a statement on Wednesday. The joint venture will pursue housing development by combining Puradeltas concept of creating a residential neighborhood proximal to business districts in the Kota Deltamas area and PanaHomes expertise in building sustainable smart towns in Japan. The total value of project development until 2026 by PanaHome Deltamas was estimated at around Rp 3 trillion. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 12:43 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a35d0fe 1 National Pancasila-Day,Pancasila,Bigotry,Jokowi,peradi,anthropologists Free The governments decision to make Pancasila Day, which falls every June 1, a national holiday could not be more appropriate. With intolerance rising and the call for the creation of a global Islamic caliphate gaining traction even at the nations state universities, those who believe the state ideologyformulated by the nations founding fathers in 1945can no longer stay silent and have begun to stand up for it. Pancasila, proposed by first president Sukarno as the national consensus that could unify millions of Indonesians regardless of their beliefs and ideologies, is essentially the belief in one God, humanity, unity, consensus and social justice. It is then simply understood as an ideology of tolerance. Against Pancasila: Female members of hard-line Islamic organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) stage a rally to promote the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Malang, East Java. (Kompas.com/File) For many, Pancasila is the final consensus and further debate over its compatibility is unnecessary. Seasoned lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, for instance, said he and his fellow advocates would take part in the effort to protect the nations unity by promoting Pancasila. Pancasila is our ultimate solution. There should be no compromise when it comes to Pancasila, he said recently. On Monday, hundreds of lawyers grouped under the Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi) pledged their support for Pancasila, which literally means five principles. As professionals, the lawyers said they bore the responsibility to protect the national ideology. There are some groups who try to disturb the national ideology of Pancasila. They want to mess around with our diversity, Peradi chairman Juniver Girsang. A meaningful dialogue is required to help the country regain the genuine values of Pancasila as a way to draw a new social contract something missing after the New Order.(JP/File) Lawyers are not the only profession feeling the need to renew their pledge of support for Pancasila. A group of Anthropologists calling themselves Anthropologist Movement for Indonesia has expressed to President Joko Jokowi Widodo that Indonesias diversity is at risk, as people who do not share Pancasila values are now becoming more assertive and dominant. Our unity in diversity is under threat. We are concerned about this situation and we want the President to know. We, anthropologists, believe that Indonesia should be a pluralist nation that respects all people no matter their religion, ethnicity and political views, the groups spokesman, Yando Zakaria, said in a meeting with Jokowi at the State Palace on the same day. Among the anthropologists attending the meeting were Meutia F. Sarwono, P.M Laksono, Amri Marzali, Iwan Meulia Pirous and Kartini Sjahrir. We have discussed the current situation in Indonesia in the past few months and we have come to the conclusion that Indonesia is under the threat of rising intolerance, Yando added. Hundreds of flower boards pleading with the Indonesian Military and the National Police to uphold Pancasila and the Constitution are seen along the sidewalks in front of the National Police headquarters on Jl. Trunojoyo in South Jakarta on Wednesday.(JP/Dhoni Setiawan) The leader of Muhammadiyahs youth wing, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, concurred with the professionals. This is not the time to challenge and contradict Pancasila. Indonesia has agreed to make Pancasila a symbol of the countrys diversity. No group should feel more superior to others, he said. The anthropologists have called on Jokowi to act fast and tough on intolerant groups. The President has said he will gebuk (clobber) intolerant groups who seek to replace or act against Pancasila values and the Constitution. The term gebuk, analysts said, showed that Jokowi had taken the threat against Pancasila seriously. However, critics said Jokowis choice of word could bring the specter of authoritarianism back to the country. During the Pancasila Day ceremony on Thursday, Jokowi emphasized that the country had no option but to realize that Pancasila was a gift God had given and all people must maintain unity and tolerance. The internetsavvy President previously released a video blog titled I am Indonesia, I am Pancasila in his attempt to reach to millennials and remind them of the importance of safeguarding the national ideology. (ary) Historical milestones in Indonesias Pancasila 1942: Indonesia formally under Japanese occupation March 1, 1945: Agency for the Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI) is founded to prepare for the nation's independence from Japan. May 28, 1945: The BPUPKI holds a meeting on state formation and ideology June 1, 1945: Sukarno gives a speech on state ideology, titled The Birth of Pancasila. June 22, 1945: Pancasila is included in the Jakarta Charter. The first verse faces criticism from non-Muslim leaders since it includes responsibility to implement sharia for its believers, which is deemed as non-inclusive. August 18, 1945: Pancasila is included in the preamble of the Constitution. The first verse now only states belief in one and only God' Sept. 30, 1965: Several army generals are kidnapped and killed. The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) is blamed for attempting a coup to replace Pancasila with communism. Oct. 1, 1965: The Army and Soeharto take control amid chaos to stabilize the nation. March 11, 1966: Supersemar letter is issued, gives authority to Soeharto to take control of the government. July 5, 1966: The PKI is disbanded and the teaching of communism is prohibited. Sept. 27, 1967: Oct. 1 is recognized as Pancasila Sanctity Day. March 27, 1968: Soeharto is given a formal mandate as president by the Peoples Consultative Assembly (MPR), official start of the New Order March 22, 1978: MPR decrees P4, nationwide indoctrination of Pancasila through educational institutions, rejects Nahdatul Ulama's faction in the state-forged United Development Party (PPP) March 9, 1983: Tap MPR No II/MPR/1983 further cements Pancasilas position as the basis of state development. June 17, 1985: Law on mass organizations passed, stipulating Pancasila as the sole basis of all mass organizations, including Islamic organizations. May 21, 1998 Soeharto resigns, marking the end of the New Order and start of the Reform Era. April 29, 1999: Official withdrawal of P4 indoctrination. June 1, 2016: Pancasila Day is recognized as a public holiday by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. May 29 to June 4, 2017: Pancasila week, themed "Saya Indonesia, Saya Pancasila (I am Indonesia, I am Pancasila). (dev) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Thu, June 1, 2017 08:12 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a35252a 1 National Jambi,National-Police,Densus-88,counterterrorism,terrorist-group,TerroristSuspect,#Densus88 Free The National Polices Densus 88 counterterrorism squad apprehended three terror suspects on Jl. Kampung Bugis, Kenali Besar, Jambi, on Monday. Led by Sr.Comr. Ketut, six Densus 88 personnel arrested a suspected terrorist in a house on Jl.Kampung Bugis on Monday afternoon. They continued their operation and arrested a married couple at a house in the same location later in the evening. The couple was taken into custody without resistance. Locals said the activities of the three suspected terrorists had aroused suspicions. They were reclusive. They had been living here for around four months. They moved from Bulian in Batanghari regency, Jambi, said a local, who identified himself as Edi, on Tuesday. He further said one of the three suspects ran a laptop service. Residents here did not know their identities. They never interacted with their neighbors, said Edi. Jambi Police chief Adj.Sr.Comr. Fauzi Dalimunthe said only one of the three suspects would be processed further. His initial is M, he said. During the raid at his house, the police confiscated several CPUs, laptops and other goods as evidence, he added. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 08:24 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a352fe2 1 National Jambi,terror-attack,TerrorAttacks,terrorism,Densus-88,counterterrorism Free An investigation by the National Polices Densus 88 counterterrorism squad has found a possible connection between M, 29, a suspected terrorist arrested during a raid in Kampung Bugis, Kenali Besar, Alam Barajo district, Jambi, on Monday, and the Tolitoli terrorist network. M is one of three people the antiterror squad arrested in Kenali Besar on Monday. M was apprehended at around 11:30 p.m. local time and was the only one processed further. Police said Densus 88 personnel also arrested on Monday another terrorist suspect identified as W, 29. The Batanghari resident was arrested in Kumpeh, Muarojambi regency. (Read also: Police arrest three suspected terrorists in Jambi) National Police spokesperson Brig.Gen.Rikwanto said on Tuesday that the two suspects were taken into custody at the Jambi Police for further questioning. Rikwanto claimed both M and W were members of a Jambi terrorist group, saying they had attended training in Kampar, Riau, with dozens of others from Medan, North Sumatra; Palembang, South Sumatra; and Pekanbaru, Riau. M had participated in bomb-making training held by the Jambi group at the home of W, with an instructor identified as A from Bogor, West Java, said Rikwanto as quoted by tribratanews.polri.go.id. He said W had once given Rp 9 million (US$ 676.08) and Rp 5 million worth of gold to the Tolitoli group to buy firearms and to carry out attacks. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 14:28 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a360681 1 National corruption,Corruption-court,KPK,Siti-Fadilah-Supari Free Corruption Eradication Commissions (KPK) prosecutors have demanded that former Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari be sentenced to six years imprisonment and a Rp 500 million (US$37,540) fine for her alleged role in a case pertaining to the procurement of medical equipment in 2005. We demand that the panel of judges declare the defendant guilty of corruption, prosecutor Ali Fikir said at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com. According to prosecutors, Siti has been proven guilty of abusing her authority in the procurement of medical equipment for the Center for Health Problems (PPMK) in anticipation of a health emergency (KLB) in 2005, causing more than Rp 6 billion in state losses. Siti is also said to have accepted bribes amounting to Rp 1.9 billion from the finance director of PT Graha Ismaya Sri Wahyuningsih in the form of 20 travelers checks. She also allegedly accepted another Rp. 1.3 billion from PT Graha Ismaya president director Masrizal Achmad Syarif in the form of 50 Mandiri travelers checks worth Rp 1.2 billion, one travelers check worth Rp 25 million and 10 travelers checks worth Rp 100 million. (dis/ary) By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with joint statement) Madrid, May 31 (PTI) India and Spain today stressed that there should be "zero tolerance" to terrorism and called on the international community to end "selective or partial" approaches in combating the menace which poses the gravest threat to international peace and stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit Spain since 1992, met the European countrys top leaders and they stressed that states and entities which encourage, support, finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and glorify terrorism should be subjected to international laws including restrictive measures. advertisement The prime minister held wide-ranging talks with President of the Spanish government Mariano Rajoy at the Moncloa Palace and invited Spanish firms to invest in India which offers "many opportunities" for them in various fields. After the talks, the two sides signed seven agreements, including pacts on transfer of sentenced persons and visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports. Five MoUs were signed between the two countries on cooperation in organ transplantation, cyber security, renewable energy, civil aviation and one between Indias Foreign Service Institute and Diplomatic Academy of Spain. The two sides also issued a joint statement in which the two leaders welcomed the recent positive developments in bilateral trade and investment partnership, buoyed by the positive economic outlook in both countries and called for stronger ties between the businesses of the two countries. Spain is the 12th largest investor in India and the seventh largest trading partner in the EU. There are more than 200 Spanish companies in India that are actively involved in road construction projects, railways, wind power, water desalination, defense and smart cities. There are more than 40 Indian companies in Spain, in the fields of technology, pharmaceuticals, automotive and energy. Two-way trade totalled USD 5.27 billion in 2016. Rajoy welcomed the efforts of India to provide a positive business environment for foreign companies and to further international investment, for which, adequate protection of investments and legal certainty are instrumental. He also emphasized the importance that Spain attaches in the coming months to solid progress on the India-EU Broad- based Trade and Investment Agreement (BITA), which may facilitate further Spanish and European investments in India. "President Rajoy and Prime Minister Modi recognized that terrorism poses the gravest threat to international peace and stability and expressed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," it said. Both leaders condemned the recent terrorist attack in Manchester and stressed that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism and that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror, the joint statement said. advertisement "The fight against terrorism is conceived to disrupt and defeat terror organizations and networks. States and entities which encourage, support, finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and glorify terrorism should be subjected to international laws including restrictive measures and strong condemnation by all law abiding members of the international community," it added. The two leaders called on the international community to end selective or partial approaches to combating terrorism and in this regard jointly called for the early finalization and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UNGA, the statement added. Modi encouraged Spanish infrastructure, tourism, energy and defense companies to invest in priority sectors in India, saying "its a great time for Spanish companies to invest in India." Spain, the summer holiday destination of Europe, in a recent government report said that the Islamic State group "has been publishing in Spanish, which means an increase in the risk of its influence on radicals living in our country". In "todays global context", Modi said, the focus of his discussion in Spain will be on the international developments. The prime minister praised the Spanish president saying under Rajoys leadership the country has undergone economic reforms "which is also the biggest priority of my government." advertisement He said railways, smart cities and infrastructure sectors were the priority areas for India and Spain has "enough skills and mastery" to contribute to Indias requirements. Modi said he is confident that his visit to Spain will give a new momentum to bilateral ties. He also thanked President Rajoy for Spain?s support for India?s membership of the MTCR. Rajoy expressed Spains continued support for Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group. Later, he paid a courtesy call to Spanish King Felipe VI at Palacio de la Zarzuela palace on the outskirts of Madrid. Prime Minister Modi also met top CEOs of leading Spanish companies and invited them to participate in initiatives like Make in India, saying immense potential awaits them in the fast-growing nation. In a roundtable interaction with leading Spanish business leaders, he said that there is immense potential for further growth of Spanish investments in India. He mentioned sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, food processing, auto, chemicals and textiles and invited Spanish participation in the Smart Cities initiative. advertisement Modi also gave a broad overview of the economic reforms undertaken in India, including the GST. He said he was personally committed to helping foreign companies set up operations in India. "We should also increase cooperation in the strategic field in areas such as cyber security, maritime cooperation and defense," he said. Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Spain since Narashima Raos trip to the country in 1992. PTI ABH ZH AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 15:42 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a36312f 1 National cyberattacks,cybersecurity Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has signed a long-awaited presidential regulation (Perpres) on the establishment of a national cyber agency. Officially named the Cyber Body and National Encryption Agency (BSSN), it is tasked with protecting the nations cyber world and boosting the economy. BSSN will be run by the Communications and Information Ministry, the Indonesia Security Incident Response team on Internet Infrastructure (ID SIRTII) and the Encryption Agency (Lemsaneg). The creation of a national cyber agency came following a number major cases of cyber attacks in the country, including the recent WannaCry ransomware attack on Dharmais Hospital, the nations largest hospital for cancer. Indonesia Cyber Security Forum (ICSF) chairman and co-founder Ardi Sutedja lauded President Jokowi for signing the regulation. He said the agency should be able to work effectively and not be hampered by excessive bureaucracy. Handling a cyber attack cannot be done through a slow bureaucratic process. It should be fast and highly intuitive and based on a prudential approach, Ardi told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. (hol) Topics : cyberattacks cybersecurity Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 10:05 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a359796 1 News Emirates,Airlines,ramadhan,Ramadhan-2017,iftar,food-and-beverage Free Known for its signature iftar service for its passengers during Ramadhan, this year Emirates is back with a special menu to accompany its passengers across all cabin classes on select Emirates flights including flights to and from the Gulf region. The special meals will also be available on Umrah-servicing flights traveling to both Jeddah and Medina during Ramadhan. Packed in an attractive Arabesque design inspired by the Middle East region, the menu features nutritious flavors from the region presented through its zaatar chicken with hummus, spinach fatayer, halloumi cheese and cucumber sandwiches. Sweet and light snacks are also included, featuring maamoul, dates and yoghurt. Frequent flyers need not worry about getting bored as the menu will be updated mid-Ramadhan. Cold meals will be served in lieu of a hot one on all flights to Jeddah and Medina, including Umrah day flights during this Holy Month. Read also: Airlines gear up to cater to fasting passengers during Ramadhan Those flying across time zones dont have to worry about missing a fasting day, as Emirates is utilizing a unique tool to calculate the correct timings for imsak (the time to commence fasting) and iftar (time to break the fast) when in-flight. The tool calculates the times using the aircraft's longitude, latitude and altitude to ensure accuracy of imsak and iftar. The captain will inform passengers when to break their fast, as this tool was developed to supplement the Ramadhan timetable and is available on every flight. The airline also offers trays of dates and water for passengers at the boarding gates to break their fast prior to boarding. Emirates flies three times per day from Jakarta and two times per day from Denpasar, Bali. There will be a second daily service between Bali and Dubai, slated to be launched on July 2, 2017. (asw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 1, 2017 13:34 1988 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a35f9ea 1 News Tourism-Ministry,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,solo,surakarta Free Another technical mentoring session (bimtek) is being held by the Tourism Ministry from May 31 to June 1 at the Sunan hotel, Surakarta, Central Java. Themed Sinkronisasi Promosi Pariwisata Pasar Asia Tenggara (Tourism Promotion Synchronization for Southeast Asian Market), the meeting invites all elements of the Tourism Pentahelix (scholars, businesspeople, community, government and media). To have overseas tourists come to Indonesia, there are plenty of overseas promotional events that need to be aligned, says I Gde Pitana, the Tourism Ministry's deputy for overseas promotion. We dont have the same perspective when it comes to promoting to the ASEAN market, the closest market from our country, Pitana adds. Read also: Toilet program for homestays kicks off in Yogyakarta tourist village There 50 participants in the meeting, including from tourism departments and government agencies in Central Java, Tourism Ministry, the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) and tourism industry practitioners from Central Java as well as several communities, says the Tourism Ministry's Southeast Asia tourism promotion assistant deputy Rizki Handayani. The technical mentoring session provides participants with the same direction and perspective on promoting tourism in Southeast Asia. It also explains the potential of tourist destinations in Central Java for the ASEAN market. Also, it is important to understand the mechanism of promoting Indonesian tourism through social media, to improve the effectiveness of tourism departments participation in events conducted by the ministrys overseas promotion department and to be knowledgeable about the development of destinations and attractions that are worthy to be promoted to the ASEAN market, explains Pitana. The overseas tourism marketing strategy for this year emphasizes hard-selling activities, especially through exhibitions and sales missions. The Ministry will hold 54 overseas events throughout the year. Out of the 54 events, 30 are exhibitions and 24 are selling missions, We also hold 30 festivals and 51 familiarization trips, says Pitana. According to statistics, 60 percent of Southeast Asian tourists opt to travel to other ASEAN areas. Handayani says currently only Malaysia and Singapore had direct flights to Central Java via airports in Semarang and Surakarta. The ministry is trying to lure tourists from Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines to visit Central Java. We are pushing for the opening of a Bangkok Surakarta flight route since Central Java is home to several volcanoes that Thailand doesn't have, says Handayani. (asw) The IAF had moved the proposal to buy 20 Hawk advanced aircraft from a British firm during the UPA regime, but it has been stuck for more than two years now. By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Indian Air Force's plan to induct 20 Hawk advanced aircraft for displaying aerobatic skills has been stuck for more than two years now over the issue of steep increase in price of the planes. The IAF had moved the proposal to buy these 20 planes from a British firm during the UPA regime as it wanted to replace the Kiran Mk 2 planes with the Hawk Advanced Jet Training jets to be equipped with smoking pots to fly with the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT). advertisement "The deal has been stuck over the price issue for more than two years now as the price demanded is way too beyond the benchmark which the Defence Ministry had set for the project," IAF sources told Mail Today here. The contract for the last batch of 57 planes was done between India and the British firm in 2010 to help in the training programmes of the Air Force and the Navy to add to the existing fleet of 66 planes bought in 2004. "Based on the contract in 2010, we had kept aside funds for the project. For example, if we take the cost of each aircraft as per the last contract to be Rs 100, we were expecting the cost of the planes in this contract to be maximum Rs 120 but it has now gone to Rs 170," the sources said. IAF sources said it would be difficult to justify such steep price hikes but it is causing delays in our plans to have new aircraft for the SKAT team which is pride of the force and country. The original aircraft manufacturers declined to comment on the issue saying they were not the prime partner in the deal and working with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the contract. Top HAL officials also declined to comment on the issue. The deal for the 20 airplanes has gone through many problems earlier also as the file related to the procurement case had mysteriously gone missing from a department under the Defence Ministry in 2014 leading to a delay of more than a year in completing the lapsed process. The old Surya Kiran team was disbanded in February 2011 after its HAL-built Surya Kiran HJT-16 Mk I and Mk II aircraft were diverted to train fighter pilots. FLIGHT CHART The IAF uses the Hawk AJTs for training its fighter pilots during their initial years in the force along with the Pilatus basic trainer aircraft. The role of Pilatus and the Indian made HTT-40 would be increased in the coming years. Due to the delays in finalising the deal, IAF has pulled out 12 Hawks as an interim measure & given it to the SKAT for continuing its national and international displays. advertisement ALSO READ | IAF to get 'eye in the sky' to snoop on Pakistani and Chinese air force --- ENDS --- Everyone loves a parade. The charming town of Northeast Harbor, near my home in Seal Harbor, Maine, hosts its own Memorial Day Parade every year, which I love - I always try to attend. It starts on Memorial Day morning at 10:30. Its a great opportunity to get reacquainted with the year-round locals and many of the summer season residents. It's also a wonderful time to visit all my favorite shops and eateries in town. Attending the parade is especially fun now that I can bring my grandchildren, Jude and Truman, along with me - they are so curious, and love learning about everything they see. It was a splendid day for us all. Enjoy these photos. At the Oscars of the wine trade more formally known as the International Wine Challenge an Aldi rose took home the silver medal. And it can be yours for just under 6. Seriously. The 13% ABV rose, which is properly called the Exquisite Collection Cotes De Provence 2016 and was honored at the worlds finest and most meticulously judged wine competition, is produced in Provence by Jules Wines. It is made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes to give it notes described as ripe summer stone fruits with generous acid palate and crisp bright finish. It has been a huge year for innovation at Aldi, Tony Baines, the joint manager director of corporate buying for Aldi, said. Weve not only expanded our sparkling range, but also introduced a brand new French initiative. Baines said that the company has been working tightly with Jean Claude Mas, a renowned winemaker, to change the expensive and intimidating perceptions around French wine. It is fantastic to see some of these products acknowledged as some of the best in the world, Baines said. Being recognised yet again for the quality of our wine is a testament to the hard work our talented buying team put in to deliver exceptional products at unbeatable prices. The Young Peoples Party is one of a host a smaller parties trying to make themselves heard in the run-up to the General Election. YPP We spoke to Mark Wadsworth, 51, ex-Ukip member and treasurer of the, about how the party came into being and what its policies are. What does the YPP stand for? The partys flagship policy is to introduce taxes on land ownership and to lower income and corporation tax to 20% for all, scrapping taxes including stamp duty, inheritance and council taxes. But its more striking policies include legalising, regulating and taxing brothel ownership, fox hunting and drugs and changing prison sentences from time served to achievements made. Rents, in particular land rent, can only arise as a result of the efforts and activities of the whole of society, Wadsworth said. Therefore those rents belong to the whole of society and that is what governments should be collecting on behalf of society. When was the party set up and where is it standing? The YPP was established in April 2012 as a result of friends talking about policy online and in the pub. It fielded three candidates in the last general election, and will do the same this time in Epping Forest, Cities of London & Westminster and the City of Durham. They range in age between 32 and 47. The group has 24 official members and a Facebook following of exactly 100 people. Wadsworth said the partys low membership is because our target audience, the people paying far too much tax and far too much rent, at the bottom of the career ladder, simply do not have enough money or time or energy left to do much political stuff in the evenings and weekends. Why the focus on young people? Wadsworth said the party decided on the name because most of the people the groups policies appealed to were young. He said older voters believe they would lose out under YPP policies because in practice most people over 50 have got their snouts in one trough or another. YPP's three candidates in the 2017 General Election, all support greatly appreciated. https://t.co/XlrM9F00Fn Young People's Party (@YPPUK) May 11, 2017 He added: Most of them would not (lose out), but having discussed our ideas with loads of people, we found that the over-50s told us we were commies and hated our ideas, and younger people quite liked them on the whole. Hence the party name we might as well come out fighting and wind up the people who are going to hate us anyway. What are the partys chances in the election? Thomas Hall, YPP Parliamentary candidate for Epping Forest (Jason Killbourn/YPP) Wadsworth said the role of his and other smaller parties is to offer an alternative and keep the Big Two honest. The party is pragmatic about its chances in this and future elections. Look at the Green Party or Ukip, they have had pretty much no electoral success, however they give people the chance to vote for something outside the mainstream, says Wadsworth. Ben Weenen, YPP parliamentary candidate for Cities of London & Westminster (Jason Killbourn/YPP) Once the big two start losing enough votes to the Greens or Ukip in marginal constituencies or losing the votes of a whole demographic, they will adapt their policies and manifestos a bit to win them back. So the Greens and Ukip have had far more influence than a simple count of MPs would suggest. Despite not being at the BBC Election Debate, Theresa May still found herself taking multiple hits from the other party leaders as they debated the topics of Brexit, public services, security and leadership. Here is a round-up of some of the more entertaining points from the seven-way live TV battle. Most embarrassing moment Amber Rudd accidentally let her poor knowledge of the rules of Monopoly slip when criticising Jeremy Corbyn over his fantasy economics. The Home Secretary said: Its as though he thinks its some sort of game, a game of Monopoly perhaps. Where you ask the Banker for the red money to buy the electrics, the green money to buy the railways, and the yellow money to buy the gas works. People on Twitter were left feeling very confused, since the colours represent the value of the money and not what can be bought with it, though some expressed their keenness to make the most of her misunderstanding of the classic board game and challenged her to a game. Fieriest moment Paul Nuttall shrieks "YOU INVITED HAMAS" at Corbyn after Corbyn calls Nuttall out for conflating Muslims with extremists #bbcdebate Shaista Aziz (@shaistaAziz) May 31, 2017 The discussion got heated between Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Ukips Paul Nuttall on the topic of terrorism and the Manchester concert attack. Nuttall argued that Muslims should do more to combat terrorism while Corbyn attacked him for singling out the community. The Labour leader said: I utterly deplore the language that Paul Nuttall uses and the subliminal attack the whole time on people of Muslim faith. But Nuttall rebuked by shouting You invited Hamas, you invited Hamas to the House of Commons, referring to when Corbyn called the members friends. Best mic drop moment 'Where's Theresa May? Look out your window, she might be out there sizing up your house.' Tim Farron has just made my day #BBCDebate Reesha Siniara (@reesha_siniara) May 31, 2017 Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron got off to a strong start with his opening statement of the debate. He said: Where do you think Theresa May is tonight? Take a look out your window, she might be out there sizing up your house to pay for social care. He also delivered a similarly dig at May in his very British closing statement that garnered a big laugh from the studio audience when he advised viewers to make a brew and watch Bake Off because you are not worth Theresa Mays time, dont give her yours. Tweet of the debate What you're missing in #BBCDebate - Shouting - Interruption - And here's another thing - NHS - Let him speak - Definite plan - Not true Jim Pickard (@PickardJE) May 31, 2017 For many, the debate went exactly as expected lots of arguing, shouting and put-downs. One tweet, from user Jim Pickard, neatly summarised the key themes and statements for those who were not watching. Biggest audience reaction The audience were very vocal when Rudd asked voters to judge (the Conservatives) on our record. She went on to list her party cutting the deficit and investing in the NHS but not before she had to pause as the audience erupted into laughter. Top performers 3 takeaways from #BBCDebate 1) Tim Farron is king of banter. 2) Amber Rudd is rubbish at Monopoly 3) Angus/Caroline seem like nice people. Tom Lane (@Time_Lane1075) May 31, 2017 Caroline Lucas and Angus Robertson appear to have been the stand-out speakers in the eyes of Twitter use. The Greens co-leader was praised for challenging Rudd about why the UK is the second biggest arms dealer in the world, while Robertson was commended for accusing Labour of aping Ukip on immigration. Leanne Wood has been low-key all night but that divorce line at Nuttall was DELICIOUS Shaun Kitchener (@ShaunKitchener) May 31, 2017 Plaid Cymrus Leanne Wood also came out of the election battle fairly unscathed, after earning particular praise for her cutting Brexit line to Nuttall when asking if would refuse to pay up if he was going through a real divorce: We all know about blokes like you. Think you're having a bad day? Well, some University of Edinburgh students woke up to an email this morning that falsely told them that they wouldn't be attending their upcoming graduation. The email was titled 'Graduation Ceremony Cancelled - No Award' and told students that they would not be completing their studies until the following year, although they may be eligible to attend the next set of graduations. The email was sent to students in the middle of the night, meaning that many students read the email this morning as they woke up. The university have issued a statement saying that the emails were sent to students as part of a 'system failure' and the graduations will be continuing as planned. An email has since been sent to students that received the initial communication explaining that this was an error. Phone lines to reach the university are busy, however, students have been advised to just totally ignore the email. They have also stated that there was 'no breach of the system and no student data has been compromised' as some students had predicted that the email was a result of hacking. The Pyramid at the End of the World continues on with the loosely linked narrative surrounding a new adversary known only as the Monks. The mysterious, meddling Monks - a seemingly omnipotent alien race who possess a simulation device of their own making, which allowed them to effectively means test the whole history of humanity on earth, and thus to identify its most potent weaknesses. Why? In order to plan something in the way of an invasion. One that, in turn, becomes the core foundation of the narrative, with which the episode kicks off.The basis of it is as follows; a giant Egyptian-style pyramid has appeared, all of a sudden, upon "the strategic intersection of the three most powerful armies on earth" and so, is conveniently situated in the midst of a potential war zone. At this point, The Doctor is called upon, in a somewhat unorthodox fashion, by the UN's Secretary General to investigate the origin of the pyramid, along with Bill and Nardole. The high-ranking UN official abruptly interrupts Bill's date with Penny - for real this time, unlike with the Pope - requesting the services of the President. He is, of course, referring to the title The Doctor had bestowed upon himself in series eight's finale, but of course, Bill doesn't know that and is unsurprisingly bewildered.Now being considered the President of the World, in times of crisis, is all well and good but what truly ails The Doctor here is not the pressure of having to save his companion's home planet from impending doom, for the umpteenth time. No. One of the most important things to keep at the forefront of your mind with this episode is the fact that The Doctor is still blind, and Bill still doesn't know. In fact, it proves to be a vital component of the episode's spectacular, nail-biting ending. All the while, intercut with the scenes at the pyramid in Turmezistan - a fictional nation first introduced in the Zygons two-parter from the previous series - we see two bacterial researchers in a lab. One who appears to be very hungover, while the other has forgotten her reading glasses. Now, with that information, we obviously sense that something dangerous is afoot, but how does it link back to the events at the pyramid? Well, that's what makes this tension-charged story really come to life. In much the same way as Extremis, the chopping and changing between locations aids the sense of mystery and intrigue that the writers are clearly aiming for, via the concept of misdirection. Though this time, its not us that it plays on so well as it does the characters in the story. One of the few times we are intentionally given a headstart against The Doctor's mind. The most interesting part of the story, from my point of view, was the way the already established key characteristics of Bill were cannily utilised. We've seen her cautiously inqusitorial side, and witnessed her take control of situations at The Doctor's behest before, but not on this sort of scale. And crucially, not without the willingness of The Doctor. Throughout the episode, the Monks dispose of various military officials due to their lack of purity in surrender. The Monks plan to take over the world proves to be one of 'ask and you shall recieve'. To that end, with the threat of catastrophe - both military and bacterial - the results of which our characters are shown a glimpse. They offer help, but only if a figure of power asks for it. And it is through an act motivated by her platonic love for The Doctor that Bill rises to that power. With the lasting prophetic words of the Monks ringing in our ears, and the final part of this loose trilogy yet to come, there is most certainly the set-up for quite a climax. As for The Pyramid at the End of the World as an episode in itself? While it can seem a little rough around the edges from time to time, it doesn't dither when delving into what it wants to say. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 1 (PTI) A delegation of Indian parliamentarian, led by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs SS Ahluwalia, visited Sweden to promote and strengthen parliamentary relations between the two nations. During their three-day tour, which concluded yesterday, the nine-member Indian delegation met Swedish Minister for Policy Coordination and Energy Ibrahim Baylan, the Speaker of the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) Urban Ahlin, and Foreign Minister Margot WallstrAm. advertisement "The visit, which concluded late last night, is expected to re-energise the existing high-level contacts between India and Sweden and further strengthen bilateral relations," a statement from Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said today. The Minister thanked the Swedish dignitaries for Swedens consistent support to Indias candidature to the expanded permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Ahluwalia further discussed the entire gamut of bilateral political and economic relations in addition to other issues of global concern. He also sought Swedish support for the global convention against international terrorism at the UN. The delegation, comprising nine MPs from various political parties, also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Sweden. PTI JTR SMJ --- ENDS --- Monkeys at the Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia, have turned to thievery as a method of gaining food via ransom, according to New Scientist. Primate researchers in the country have said that a monkey mafia reigns over the temple and that the animals jump onto tourists and steal their possessions before scampering away to await a food ransom from temple staff, as can be seen in the following video. The publication reports that the long-tailed macaques pluck glasses, hats, cameras and, in one case, wads of cash. After learning of this behaviour, which has supposedly been going on for years at Uluwatu Temple, primatologist Fany Brotcorne from the University of Liege in Belgium traveled to Bali to conduct research. Brotcorne believes that the behaviour is a learned and cultural one that has been transmitted across generations by monkeys learning from each other. Its a unique behaviour, Brotcorne said. The Uluwatu Temple is the only place in Bali where its found. Bartering and trading skills are not well known in animals. They are usually defined as exclusive to humans. She suggests that her evidence backs up the claim that the primates learned the behaviour by watching each other. The researcher also notes that after a new group of macaques moved into the area around the temple, they have begun to learn that they can barter stolen goods for food. 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The network has ties with Taliban and Al Qaeda and the US considers it a major threat to Afghanistan's stability. NDS says todays blast in #Kabul was planned by Haqqani network in Pakistan with the direct help of Pakistans intelligence agency (ISI)- TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) May 31, 2017 advertisement General John F Campbell, then Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, had said in his testimony before the US' House Armed Services Committee in February 2016 that "Haqqani Network remains the most capable threat to the US and Coalition forces". Campbell's assessment said the Haqqani Network was behind "planning and executing most high profile attacks in Kabul". Pakistan's continued patronage to the network has been testing the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan and the US has warned Pakistan to act to dismantle the Haqqani Network or it will act alone to eliminate it. The Haqqani Network's most high profile attacks include April 2008 Hamid Karzai assassination attempt, December 2009 CIA's Camp Chapman attack killing seven US agents, September 10, 2011 truck bomb explosion in Afghanistan's Wardak province that killed five Afghans and injured 77 US soldiers, September 12, 2011 attack on the US Embassy and NATO bases in Kabul, plot to assassinate Afghan President Hamid Karzai again in October 2011 and series of suicide attacks on the Afghan parliament and western embassies in Kabul's diplomatic enclave. The deadly explosion in Kabul on Wednesday morning killed over 80 and injured over 300 in one of the worst terror strikes in the war-torn South Asian country. Bomb concealed in a water-tanker exploded near Germany Embassy in Kabul around 9 AM local time in the highly fortified diplomatic enclave of Kabul that houses many embassies and the presidential palace of Afghanistan. The blast happened on a busy street with shops, supermarkets and office during peak morning hours with rush of office going people, shoppers and students and was so massive that many embassies, including Germany, Pakistan, Turkey, France, Japan, Bulgaria and UAE have reported damages. Some officials of German and Pakistani embassies have got injured and the Germany has closed its embassy in Kabul till further notice. ALSO READ | Kabul bomb blast death toll hits 80, over 350 others injured in suicide attack near Indian embassy ALSO WATCH | Huge blast near Indian embassy in Kabul, many feared killed --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: According to reports, Kapil Sharma is being honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award for his contribution to the world of arts and television. This is his second Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award. However, according to reports, Kapil won't be able to attend the ceremony due to his health. Also read: TKSS: Kapil Sharma hospitalised; show's shoot cancelled advertisement Kapil was taken to a hospital yesterday after he complained of uneasiness. Kapil's blood pressure had shot up, which was why he was feeling unwell, reported The Times of India. The comedian was supposed to shoot with actor Paresh Rawal, who was going to make an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show for promoting his upcoming flick Welcome to London, but the shoot couldn't take place after Kapil was rushed to a nearby hospital. "Yes, Kapil was feeling uneasy so he was taken to the hospital and was admitted. But there's nothing to worry. He is fine now," said Kiku Sharda. Get well soon, Kapil. --- ENDS --- The attack on BJP leader Harish comes close on the heels of the hacking of a BJP minority cell leader in his office in Bengaluru. By India Today Web Desk: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Harish was allegedly hacked to death by unidentified assailants on Wednesday night on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Police suspect family rivalry behind the murder of the BJP leader. Police have zeroed in on some suspects in the case who are currently absconding. No arrests have been made yet. Harish was a block yuva morcha member of the BJP in Karnataka. advertisement The attack on BJP leader Harish comes close on the heels of the hacking of a BJP minority cell leader in his office in Bengaluru. SIMILAR ATTACKS IN THE PAST In March, a BJP municipality member was hacked to death by unidentified assailants. Kithaganahalli Vasu of the Bomnasandra municipality was on his way to the morning walk when he was attacked by some miscreants. A land dispute was believed to be the reason behind the attack on the BJP municipality member. Last year, a senior member of the BJP's Dharwad district panchayat in Karnataka was hacked to death by unidentified men. The BJP leader was attacked with a machete when he was on his way to a gymnasium. ALSO READ: Bengaluru: BJP leader Kithaganahalli Vasu hacked to death by unidentified assailants BJP leader hacked to death in Karnataka's Dharwad Bengaluru: BJP minority cell leader hacked inside his office --- ENDS --- On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Adding more inputs) New Delhi, Jun 1 (PTI) The Congress today said the latest GDP numbers have exposed the "lies" of the BJP-led NDA government which tried to deflect public attention from its failures and needs to answer as to why the Indian economy is facing a "serious slowdown". Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi while criticising the government for the GDP decline accused it of manufacturing other issues to deflect the countrys attention from failures. advertisement "Falling GDP. Rising unemployment. Every other issue is manufactured to distract us from this fundamental failure," Gandhi tweeted. Former finance minister P Chidambaram, who had criticised the note ban and said it would lead to a fall in GDP, said he has been proved right and the government wrong as he warned that the economy will further slide if corrective steps are not taken. "I had said demonetisation will affect growth by 1-1.5 per cent. Spot on. GVA down by 1.3 per cent," he said on Twitter. "The economy began slowing down in July 2016. Demonetisation made it worse," Chidambaram said. He said "as we had predicted, the economy has taken a big hit". He claimed what the Congress has been saying has proven true. He said the economy was slowing down since the middle of 2016 and instead of taking corrective measures, the government came up with this "extraordinarily foolish measure" of demonetisation and that has set back the economy even further. "In the meanwhile, millions of people plunged into misery," he said. He said the three indicators of a vibrant economy are down - the investment to GDP ratio, credit growth and number of jobs that were created, and the government has totally failed. "The CSO has proved us correct and has proved the government wrong. I dont know how the government will go forward. How long can the government fool itself and fool the people of India... "All is not well. We are not on the right course. Investments are declining. Credit growth is negative in most sectors and there are no jobs," he said. Chidambaram said the economy is going down very rapidly and unless corrective measures are taken, it will go down even further. "We have warned the government. We are forewarning the people of India and let us see how the government responds to the CSO figures," he said referring to the Central Statistics Office. The former finance minister also said that between Q4 of 2015-16 and Q4 of 2016-17, growth declined by 3.1 per cent. Congress senior spokesperson Anand Sharma dared the government to come out with a white paper on the state of the Indian economy and the GDP numbers under the old and new methodology for the last 10 years which he claimed will "expose" the governments "false claims". advertisement "The latest numbers on the economy expose the lies of the BJP government. First unemployment rises, now GDP growth falls," he said. Sharma said the fall in GDP numbers have confirmed the worst fears that despite tall claims made by this government the Indian economy is going down and GDP growth is flat. The Congress leader said the prime minister and the finance minister have created a "false perception" that the countrys economy is growing whereas the growth is flat. "It is only the false perception created by the new series and the new methodology. The truth will be out that the economy is facing a serious slowdown. This government has much to answer. "We would like to advise them to stop making false claims to befool the people of the country any longer and should instead focus on the economy. It is not surging but a shrinking economy," he said. Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said it was a matter of serious concern that the countrys GDP was declining after each quarter. advertisement He also thanked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for not putting the blame for slowing GDP on the previous Congress government, which he claimed was doing much better with the economy. Kumar said every sector of the economy was going down, yet the "light and sound department" of BJP was out to divert public attention through its event management and claims that everything was going good in the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharma said there is a visible slowdown as all the key parameters of the economy have moved to the negative. He also said the national investment rate has come down by 7 points and the manufacturing index is in the negative. The credit offtake is the lowest in the last 63 years, he said, adding that there is underutilisation of installed capacity in the manufacturing sector. Seeking GDP numbers in the old and new series, he said the truth will be out that the Indian economy registered its highest growth during the UPA regime and since this government assumed office the growth has nosedived. PTI SKC KUN --- ENDS --- Book looks into 52 cases unsolved murders with ties to South Dakota Christine Wevik started researching cold cases in South Dakota thinking there were about 30. She found 155. A woman has allegedly been gangraped in Lucknow's King George's Medical University (KGMC) hospital. By India Today Web Desk: In yet another horrific incident, a woman has allegedly been gangraped in Lucknow's King George's Medical University (KGMC) hospital. While one accused has been arrested, two others are absconding. There has been a spurt in criminal activities in the state of late and the situation of law and order continues to be appalling. More details are awaited. advertisement Also read | Bilkis Bano gangrape case: Supreme Court refuses to grant stay on conviction of IPS officer R S Bhagora Also read | Uttar Pradesh: 4 held for murder, gangrape on Bulandshahr-Jewar highway --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: By Natasha Chaku Melbourne, Jun 1 (PTI) A Malaysia Airlines plane was forced to return to the airport here after a mentally-ill passenger threatened to detonate a bomb and tried to enter the cockpit. The 25-year-old man, believed to be an Australian citizen, was subdued by the crew and passengers who tied him up with belts. advertisement The Kuala Lumpur-bound flight MH 128 was forced to return and make an emergency landing 30 minutes after it took off from Tullamarine Airport late last night. The man was arrested by airport security after the plane landed and is now in police custody. "We believe that the actions of the passengers and crew were heroic," Victoria Police Superintendent Tony Langdon was qouted as saying. "They managed to calm the situation, allow the aircraft to return safely and we cant commend them highly enough." Langdon said the incident was not terror-related and the man was known to police due to his history of mental illness. He said the man was carrying an electronic device that police quickly realised was not a bomb. "He had a piece of equipment which, for all intents and purposes is something that everybody would be carrying around on a daily basis." Former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli, who was a passenger on the flight, said the man screamed, "Ive got a bomb and Im going to f***ing blow the plane up," before flight attendants and other passengers tackled and restrained him. The Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency said that in air traffic control audio posted online, a male voice can be heard saying: "We have a passenger trying to enter the cockpit." About three minutes later the same male voice can be heard saying the passenger "claiming to have an explosive device, tried to enter the cockpit, (and) has been overpowered by passengers." "However wed like to land and have the device checked," the voice said. Malaysia Airlines in a statement said the aircraft turned back "after the operating Captain was alerted by a cabin crew of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit". "Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft hijacked," it said. "MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41 pm (local time). Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident," it said. PTI NC BSA BSA --- ENDS --- advertisement By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs) By Natasha Chaku Melbourne, Jun 1 (PTI) A Malaysia Airlines plane, with 337 people onboard, was forced to return to the airport here when a mentally-ill Sri Lankan passenger threatened to detonate a bomb after allegedly trying to force his way into the cockpit, officials said today. The 25-year-old man was subdued by the crew and passengers who tied him up with belts. advertisement The Kuala Lumpur-bound flight MH 128, left Melbourne at 11:11pm, was forced to return and make an emergency landing 30 minutes after it took off from Tullamarine Airport late last night. The man was arrested by airport security after the plane landed and is now in police custody. "We believe that the actions of the passengers and crew were heroic," Victoria Police Superintendent Tony Langdon was qouted as saying. "They managed to calm the situation, allow the aircraft to return safely and we cant commend them highly enough," Langdon said. Photographs on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation website showed black-clad armed officers on board the plane. He said the incident was not terror-related and the man was known to the police due to his history of mental- illness. Langdon said the man was carrying an electronic device that police quickly realised was not a bomb. "He had a piece of equipment which, for all intents and purposes is something that everybody would be carrying around on a daily basis." A passenger sitting in business class, who identified himself as Andy, told Melbourne commercial radio station 3AW that the arrested man had threatened to "blow the plane up". Former AFL player Andrew Leoncelli, who was a passenger on the flight, said the man screamed, "Ive got a bomb and Im going to f***ing blow the plane up," before flight attendants and other passengers tackled and restrained him. The Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency said that in air traffic control audio posted online, a male voice can be heard saying: "We have a passenger trying to enter the cockpit." About three minutes later the same male voice can be heard saying the passenger "claiming to have an explosive device, tried to enter the cockpit, (and) has been overpowered by passengers." "However wed like to land and have the device checked," the voice said. Malaysia Airlines in a statement said the aircraft turned back "after the operating Captain was alerted by a cabin crew of a passenger attempting to enter the cockpit". advertisement "Malaysia Airlines would like to stress that at no point was the aircraft hijacked," it said. "MH128 safely landed in Melbourne airport at 11.41 pm (local time). Following the incident on MH128, the disruptive passenger has been apprehended by airport security. Malaysia Airlines together with the Australian authorities will be investigating the incident," it said. Passenger images showed several anti-terror police storming the jet, wearing a mixture of camouflage and dark Special Operations Group clothing. They were brandishing assault rifles and special night vision glasses. Malaysia Airlines said the planes passengers would be put up at hotels and offered another flight. Melbourne airport said inbound and outbound flights had been affected and advised passengers to check with their airlines. No Malaysian Airlines flights have left the airport today morning, but all eyes are on a flight scheduled to fly to Kuala Lumpur at 1:55 pm as a potential option for last nights passengers to get on their way. Flight Centre staff have confirmed the flight is a routine flight and one of the airlines two flights that leave to Kuala Lumpur each day. advertisement Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said that the man was being interviewed by police and was expected to be present in the Melbourne Magistrates Court later today. He said the man had been a voluntary patient at the psychiatric facility. In a statement, the Australian Federal Police said the man had been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft and making threats or false statements. The incident comes months after Canberra called off the search for missing flight MH370 carrying 239 passengers and crew, after a vast underwater hunt off Australias west coast failed to find the plane. PTI NC BSA KJ AKJ KJ --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: By Fakir Hassen Johannesburg, Jun 1 (PTI) South African President Jacob Zuma should quit, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has demanded, asking the embattled leader to listen "to the voice of the people". Despite calls from a host of civil society organisations, including leading religious bodies, Zuma, 75, has refused to step down until his second term of office ends in 2019. advertisement Tens of thousands of South Africans have in recent weeks staged demonstrations demanding Zumas resignation. Zuma was forced to reimburse some state money after the Constitutional Court ruled against him last year in a dispute over millions of dollars spent on his private home. "Constitutionalism and the translating of South Africas constitutional rights into a lived reality for our people are fundamental to the legacy of Nelson Mandela," the Foundation said in a statement yesterday after a meeting of its executive that includes some of South Africas most respected leaders. "Today, however, our countrys constitutional democracy is under threat and its political process in crisis," the Foundation said. The foundation set up to guard the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela said this was manifested in structural corruption which has spread throughout the economy and the public service as well as the increasing social problems in the country of violence, and the erosion of constitutional accountability by public officers in the government. "This entire situation has resulted from failures of leadership at multiple levels of government and across the range of social sectors," it said. "It is no wonder that this untenable situation has led to calls across the land for the Head of State, President Zuma, largely regarded as the author of the current malaise, to vacate the highest office of state. We urge him to listen to the voice of the people," the Foundation added. The Foundation said it supports the urgent establishment of a judicial commission of enquiry to expose state capture in all its forms. The issue has even split Zumas own African National Congress (ANC), with some of its members twice moving motions for his recall at National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of the party, but Zuma has survived both the attempts after other members rallied to his support. The powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), a partner in the ruling tripartite alliance of the ANC, has also debarred Zuma from speaking at any of its events amid huge public rallies and marches in recent months calling for Zumas removal. PTI FH KJ AKJ KJ --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Tarakeswar/Kolkata(WB), Jun 1 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said meetings and processions will not be allowed any more at the iconic College Square in Kolkata, as it disturbed students of nearby educational institutes. Banerjee made the announcement taking note of repeated complaints of disturbance by students. "I know it (meetings, slogans, processions) creates disturbances to the students of Calcutta University, Presidency College (now university). I agree with you. Your demand is genuine. You write a letter to the city police commissioner," she told research scholars of Calcutta University, who were invited to attend an administrative meeting at Tarakeswar in Hoogly district. advertisement The research scholars had drawn her attention to regular disturbances created by meetings, processions in that area. "Political parties should think about it. I too held meetings there. But Trinamool Congress will not hold any meeting there henceforth. Everybody should follow it," she said, adding a law would be formulated to this effect. Just hours after Banerjees announcement, Kolkata police officials said the restrictions to holding meetings and processions in and around College Square will be applicable from Monday and those who had earlier applied for programmes there will be allowed tomorrow and day after. No fresh applications from today would be entertained, they said. Opposition leaders cutting across party lines reacted sharply to Banerjees instructions. "College Square has been a place for agitations and protests since the days of British rule in the early 19th century. Mamata Banerjee is simply trying to find an excuse to silence us. But such tactics wont bear any results," senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said, "The instruction is aother trick to stop opposition from holding protest marches." State BJP president Dilip Ghosh questioned what Banerjee was doing during the years when her own party staged protest rallies against the central government. College Square, located along the College Street, is part of Kolkatas heritage and is near various reputable and oldest educational institutions of the country such as Calcutta University, Presidency University, Sanskrit College, Hindu and Hare Schools, besides the Calcutta Medical College. College Street is also known as the Oxford of the East for the innumerable book shops selling old and new books and hundreds of publishers. Apart from political parties, different associations, NGOs, pressure groups also use College Square as a spot for protest. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, College Street and College Square were synonymous with the Naxalite movement as several students of Presidency College and Calcutta University joined the armed struggle. PTI SUN PNT KK KIS --- ENDS --- A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Meghalaya has resigned from the party after senior party members opposed his plans to organise a "bitchi-beef party" to celebrate three years of Modi government. By Indo-Asian News Service: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Meghalaya has resigned from the party after senior party members opposed his plans to organise a "bitchi-beef party" to celebrate three years of Modi government. Bernard Marak, the district president of the BJP in West Garo Hills, alleged that the party leaders were not respecting the tradition and culture of the indigenous people. advertisement "Tribal people in the northeastern states have our own style of celebrating and feasting. In Garo Hills, a cow is slaughtered on a festive occasion. Therefore, we wanted to organise bitchi-beef party to celebrate three years of Modi government, but the party leaders are against it", Marak told IANS. "What is the point of being part of a political party that does not want to keep our Garo tradition and culture alive? They (BJP leaders) cannot dictate us on our food habits," he said. Bitchi in Garo dialect means rice beer. BEEF IS OUR TRADITIONAL FOOD: BACHU MARAK Bachu Chambugong Marak, president of BJP's North Garo Hills district, said, "We will organise the beef party because beef is our traditional food. We, the Garo people, cannot live without eating beef." However, BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli brushed aside the allegations. "The BJP has nothing against the tradition or food habits of any tribal society. They are making these statements to make political capital with the elections round the corner", he said. Bachu said, "We will automatically quit the party if the leadership cannot solve the issue. But if the party can solve the problem, we will remain in the party." "There will be no support for the party in the Garo hills if it bans beef", he added. MEGHALAYA BJP UNHAPPY WITH NEW RULES On Wednesday, several BJP leaders in the state had threatened to quit the party if the Modi government refused to repeal the new cattle trade and slaughter rules. "Most party leaders in Meghalaya are not happy with the new rules, which are directly affecting the socio-economic status of the people", BJP vice-president John Antonius Lyngdoh said. "We cannot accept the new rules on cattle trade and slaughter. We cannot go against our food behaviour, besides putting the economic interest of those people dealing in cattle trade and slaughter in jeopardy", he said. Also read | BJP shows flexibility over beef ban, says states are free to decide on slaughter of cows advertisement Also read | Cows up for sale online after government's restrictions on selling of cattle ALSO WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- She is now suing her employer for shaming and firing her. By India Today Web Desk: If you think the concept of period-shaming isn't as rampant as it was a few years ago, then please allow us to help you snap out of your oblivious bubble. Model Rachel Rickert, 27, has decided to sue automobile giant, Hyundai, for "shaming" and firing her for being on her period. What may sound pretty illogical at first, turns into something even more confounding as it progresses. advertisement According to Rachel's version, she was not allowed to take a washroom break--and thus, change her tampon--while representing Hyundai at an international auto show for three hours straight. Also Read: Woman says she got fired for being too hot; employer begs to differ The model who has participated in over 50 convention shows, subsequently ended up soiling the uniform given by the company. On informing her talent representative, Erika Seifred, about the situation and asking for a change of clothes and some time to freshen up, Rachel was--against her will--soon asked to go home and cater to her "period situation." Picture courtesy: Twitter Owing to the per-hour wage policy, Rachel wasn't keen on leaving work early, but was asked to leave for the day. As per her federal discrimination complaint filed at the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Rachel mentioned that she received a call by Seifred on April 15 informing her about being fired by Hyundai because they "heard about Ms Rickert having her menstrual cycle and they didn't want Ms Rickert representing the company anymore," New York Post reports. Also Read: This woman used period blood of nine months to paint an unborn child Rachel's complaint also had her say that not only was she asked to go home, but was also not paid for the hours she'd worked for that day. "They just act like we're not human. I'm not going to be ashamed or shamed of having my period," Rachel's complaint has her mention. While the model has taken it upon herself to fight the unfair treatment hurled at her, Hyundai Motor America told BBC that it hasn't received her complaint yet. --- ENDS --- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later today. Apart from other agreements, India and Russia are expected to sign a nuclear deal when the two leaders meet. Narendra Modi is in St Petersburg where he will meet Vladimir Putin during the annual India-Russia submit. (File Photo/PTI) By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet today for an annual summit the highlight of which is expected to be the signing of an agreement to build the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant with Moscow's help. The two countries are also expected to sign a number of other agreements in wide-ranging sectors, including in science and technology, railways, cultural exchanges and other business areas between private parties also, in addition to a "vision statement" that the two leaders will release. advertisement THE NUCLEAR DEAL The nuclear deal, if signed, would be the centrepiece of the summit, and the two units of the plant, with capacity to produce 1,000 MW of electricity each, will significantly boost India's nuclear power generation. Indian officials have told PTI that last-minute talks are taking place with Russian officials to work out the language of the agreement on a line of credit for building Unit 5 and 6 of the nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The reactors are being built by India's Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russias Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. "There is a lot of mutual trust and personal chemistry between the two leaders that has developed over the last three years," Pankaj Saran, Indias ambassador to Russia, told PTI. Also at the summit today, "the leaders will take stock of the current relationship and discuss a blueprint for a vision of the future," he said. The prime minister last night arrived in the Russian city of St Petersburg, the former capital of imperial Russia that was founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703, and was also known as Petrograd and Leningrad, on a three-day visit. Other than the annual summit, he will attend the St Petersburg International Economic Forum tomorrow. Its the first time that an Indian prime minister is attending the economic and business summit. INDIA, RUSSIA TARGET US$ 30 BILLION TRADE Trade between the two nations stands at US$ 7.8 billion, down from US$ 10 billion in 2014. The two nations are targeting to raise the trade to US$ 30 billion in the next five years. Modi will begin his Russia sojourn with a visit today to the Piskariovskoe cemetery, a memorial for some 500,000 Russians who were killed in the siege of Leningrad in World War II, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War. Modi will then be received by Putin at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling regal complex that is also the Russian presidents official residence where he hosts world leaders. After the summit, Putin will host Modi at a private dinner without any aides. advertisement Ahead of his arrival, Modi wrote an article in Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazetta in which he said India and Russia are "natural partners" in fighting terrorism and asserted that ties between the two nations have "withstood the test of time." INDIA, RUSSIA RELATIONSHIP HAS STOOD TEST OF TIME: PM MODI "We have been together in times - good and bad," he wrote. "India-Russia relations have been the one constant in a world that has changed dramatically since 1947. They have withstood the test of time, and grown from strength to strength. The resilience of our relationship is based on the fact that it rests on the principles of equality, trust and mutual benefit," Modi said. He also hailed the erstwhile Soviet Unions help to India in building its industrial base. He said both countries are opening new areas of cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications and science and technology and they have set up funds to facilitate investment in high technologies. ALSO READ: Modi-Putin summit: Officials working overtime to iron out details of nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu advertisement Germany, India made for each other: PM Narendra Modi after meeting Angela Merkel in Berlin India, Russia finalise agreement on units 5,6 at Kudankulam WATCH: Germany key trade partner for India, says Modi after meeting Angela Merkel in Berlin --- ENDS --- But the tribe has a long way to go Most passenger vehicle makers reported an uptick in sales in May, with companies that launched new models in recent months witnessing good acceleration over others. Maruti Suzuki, India's largest passenger car maker, reported mixed sales figures for May on Thursday, with domestic sales rising close to 16 per cent, but exports seeing a sharp 36 per cent dip. Driven by strong demand for its recent launches like the Vitara Brezza compact SUV and the Ignis hatchback, the company sold 130,676 units in the domestic market in May, compared with 113,162 units it sold in the year ago month. Maruti Suzuki's growth was largely led by utility vehicle sales, which rose over 66 per cent to 22,608 units. Passenger cars, on the other hand, saw sales rise nine per cent year-on-year to 95,047 units with sales of its Alto and WagonR mini cars rising 18 per cent and compact cars like the Ignis, Celerio, Baleno and Dzire seeing 10 per cent growth in sales. In contrast, sales of its Ciaz hatchback declined nine per cent to 4,724 units. Exports also dipped to 6,286 units versus 9,872 units in May last year. In contrast, US car maker Ford saw its exports from India surge 46 per cent to 16,761 units in May from 11,499 units it sold in the same month a year ago. Ford's domestic sales rose near 17 per cent to 6,742 units, versus 5,780 units it sold a year ago. Meanwhile, utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra said its total automotive sales rose three per cent to 41,895 units, compared with 40,656 units it sold in May, year ago. While its UV sales rose four per cent, sales of cars and vans were down three per cent. However, Rajan Wadhera, president, automotive sector at M&M, is more optimistic about the road ahead. Given the favourable monsoon projections and the focused investment in the rural sector, we have a robust outlook for future, which is expected to spur demand, he said. Japanese car maker Honda's local unit reported 13 per cent rise in domestic sales, helped by the new crossover WR-V, and the refreshed City sedan, which have received good market response. The company sold 11,278 units in May, up from 9,954 units, a year ago. We continue to receive strong demand for new City and Honda WR-V. The government's plan for timely rollout of GST and better monsoon forecast will aid in sales growth in coming months, said Yoichiro Ueno, president and CEO of Honda Cars India. However, its Japanese rival Toyota saw sales dip, with N. Raja, senior vice president, sales and marketing at Toyota Kirloskar, citing ambiguity surrounding the GST that made customers postpone purchase plans. Toyota Kirloskar's total domestic sales slipped 13 per cent to 10,914 units in May, versus 12,614 units it sold in the same month a year ago. Sales, including exports, were down nine per cent to 12,339 units. Raja expects the impact to continue until customers have clear understanding of the pricing under GST. IIT Madras students on Thursday demanded the medical report of Manish Kumar, who attacked PhD scholar R. Sooraj for participating in the beef fest organised at the university. Kumar got admitted to the hospital, claiming that he too was injured in the melee. The students also sought expulsion of ABVP sympathisers who assaulted Sooraj. They also submitted a petition to the IIT management, demanding the same. The PhD scholar had sustained injuries on his right eye and a fracture on his cheek bone. Stating that there is video evidence of Kumar and other ABVP sympathisers following an injured Sooraj to the campus hospital, they said, He (Kumar) was normal when he followed and this video footage shows he was not injured. If he is injured why his medical report has not been released? asked Arjun, an active member of Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle in IIT. Kumar is said to have threatened the students who accompanied him. The students asked the administration to look at CCTV footage of the campus hospital. They alleged that Kumar had also threatened another student, Justin Joseph. Sooraj is recuperating in a private hospital. He is unable to talk or open his injured right eye and the doctors suspect internal bleeding. According to hospital sources, the doctors can look into the retina only if the cheek bone fracture is attended to. Sooraj was shifted from Sankara Nethralaya eye hospital to Apollo Hospitals because of the cheek bone fracture. When DMKs M.K. Stalin called on Sooraj at the hospital on Wednesday evening to enquire about his health, Sooraj was unable to communicate well. Meanwhile, the protests have been gaining political colour with the local BJP leaders backing Kumar and his friends. BJPs H. Raja, in a statement, demanded the dismissal of the IIT Madras dean for allowing the beef fest to happen in the campus. With Kumar too in the hospital, claiming to have been injured, the IIT management is in a fix, as it cannot simply initiate action against Kumar. As the country's oldest party which was in the vanguard of the freedom struggle, the Congress has been steadily losing ground to BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been making merry at the hustings after coming to power in May 2014. The Congress has taken a drubbing in the assembly elections over the last three years. Winning the assembly elections in Punjab recently, thanks to Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, has been the only saving grace for the party in the last three years. Congress vice president and heir apparent Rahul Gandhi has failed to galvanise the slumbering giant. The party is in a shambles because of the leadership's unimaginative and lackluster approach. Compounding matters is the intense factionalism which has been the party's bane. The high command's penchant for parachuting its choice of leader in a state has been strongly resented. This led to the Congress being steadily shorn of mass leaders in the states. There has also been a steady erosion in the Congress party's vote bank of the poor, backward classes and minorities among others with regional satraps creating their own spheres of influence in the Hindi heartland and the South. The Congress now appears to be making course corrections. Rahul Gandhi announced on Wednesday (May 31) that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaih will be leading the party's campaign in the assembly elections due next year. The Congress has only itself to blame for losing Assam when a frustrated Himanta Biswa ditched the grand old party to join the BJP. He succeeded in winning the assembly elections handsomely. This was the first time the lotus party had won in Assam, considered the gateway to the Northeast. Winning the confidence of the people requires thinking out of the box for building a rapport with the masses. Rahul Gandhi and the opposition leaders have failed to make any dent on the phenomenon called Modi who has bashed on regardless steamrolling the opposition. Modi's completion of three years in office last month on May 26 has been celebrated with much fanfare all over the country. Since the later half of 2013 when Narendra Modi led the campaign as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, it became evident there was no stopping him from occupying the seat of power on the Raisina Hill in the national capital. Modi unleashed a campaign blitzkrieg, securing for the saffron brigade a majority for the first time in the Lok Sabha. The Hindi heartland voted overwhelmingly for Modi and the lotus party in the April-May 2014 general elections. He continues to enjoy the top spot in popularity ratings with no other leader reaching anywhere close to him. He has emerged as the undisputed strongman of the BJP. Compared to this, the Congress, which has ruled the country for nearly six decades, is literally in the dumps. It desperately needs to reinvent itself to catch the imagination of the people sooner than later. BJP strategists, particularly Modi and party president Amit Shah, have managed to remain several steps ahead of the opposition so far. Their runaway victory in the in the most crucial state of Uttar Pradesh has set the stage for the 2019 general elections. President Pranab Mukherjee, a Congress veteran who completes his term in Rashtrapati Bhawan next month on July 25, advised Rahul Gandhi not to be unnerved by defeat but to act decisively. The first citizen was speaking recently at the release of a bookIndia's Indira, A Centennial Tribute. He recalled what Indira Gandhi told him when the Congress was defeated in 1977: "Pranab, don't get unnerved by defeat. This is the time to act." She took decisions quickly and changed the fortunes of the part, he said and urged Rahul Gandhi to learn from his grandmother. Congress party insiders attributed the current indecisiveness to the internal power tussle in the party. Rahul Gandhi has begun consultations with state unit presidents and others from the organisation before unleashing a sweeping revamp. Some states like Gujarat have sought postponement of the organisational elections as assembly elections are due later this year. The endeavour is to end the prevailing disunity and strive for consensus based decisions. Sources expressed confidence that restructuring in the states as well as the AICC will be completed within the next few months before Rahul Gandhi hopefully takes over the reigns of Congress president from his mother Sonia Gandhi. A General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) labourer was killed while two others including a BSF jawan were injured as Pakistan today violated the ceasefire by shelling mortars and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army retaliated to the ceasefire violations. "One civil GREF labour was martyred, and one GREF driver injured in ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops. One Head Constable of BSF received splinter injury in Krishnagati sector. He is out of danger," said Defence Spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta. "Pakistan Army resorted to mortar shelling and firing on forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district from 0730 hours", he said. Pakistan troops also opened fire and shelled posts along the LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 0740 hours, he said. The reports said there has been firing along the LoC in Balnoi and Mankote sectors, too. "The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively and the firing is presently on," he said. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. On May 17, the Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on May 15 and 16. The Pakistani Army had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. The PMO has sought detailed reports on all pending projects from the secretaries of all the ministries. A meeting of concerned officials is likely to be held as follow up. By Himanshu Mishra: The Prime Minister's Office has summoned the secretaries of all the ministries with detailed reports on all incomplete projects under them. The PMO has asked the secretaries to submit status report on the pending projects. The report should be based on the status of ground work of the projects, the PMO has told the secretaries. A meeting of all concerned officials will be held to discuss the pending projects. advertisement EYES ON 2019 LOK SABHA POLLS Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be in favour of completing most of the projects by the end of September 2018. The move is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the projects launched by the Modi government should reach the ground level so that by the time the Lok Sabha elections are held in 2019, the aam aadmi knows the benefits of the schemes and programmes launched by the Centre. PM Mois is likely to build his 2019 Lok Sabha election strategy based on the completion of the projects and performance of his government. WHEN MODI SAID 'PMO RUNNING ARCHAEOLOGY DEPARTMENT Earlier in October last year, Prime Minister Modi said at a public rally in Himachal Pradesh that several projects are pending for 30 to 40 years. Addressing Parivartan rally at Mandi, PM Narendra Modi had said, "When I became the Prime Minister, I never imagined that the PMO will have to start a new department. I had to start an archaeology department." Many projects which were initiated ages ago, of which only foundation stone was laid, either remained in a state of status quo or their files were lost, Modi said. He gave the example of Nangal Dam-Talwara railway project, which was initiated in 1981 but no work had progressed. Narendra Modi said, "I asked the officials what happened to the 35-year-old project. When it was initiated the project was worth Rs 34 crore. It got delayed due to criminal negligence. We took it up and pushed for the completion of the project. Today, the cost of the project is Rs 2,100 crore." ALSO READ | PM Modi to lay foundation stone of bullet train project in September Modi-Putin summit: Officials working overtime to iron out details of nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu ALSO WATCH | All about Dhola-Sadiya bridge: How it will serve 2 lakh people while being a strategic asset --- ENDS --- Two terrorists have been killed in an early morning encounter at Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, confirmed army officials. The encounter was underway between security forces and militants holed up in a house. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Natipora area of Sopore at around 3:30 am after receiving information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. During the searches, the militants opened fire on the forces, triggering the gun-battle, he said. The official said there has been no casualty so far. Terrorists had yesterday hurled grenade at a police party near Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Sopore. As many as four police personnel were injured in the incident. It was just yesterday that normalcy returned to Kashmir valley after three days of restrictions and strike in the aftermath of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat in an encounter with security forces. Shivpal's new front An isolated Shivpal Yadav, uncle of former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and a former minister, has now finalised his decision to form a secular front. He will formally announce the front on July 6 in Lucknow. It is likely that Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav will be the president and Shivpal will be the coordinator, making it a parallel body to the present SP. The immediate goal of the front will be to take Samajwadi Party from its present chaotic condition and consolidate it, said Shivpal. It may be recalled that this front has its genesis in the fierce tug of war between uncle Shivpal and nephew Akhilesh going on for the past eight months. Akhilesh emerged as victorious this time as majority of SP cadre sided with him and Shivpal became isolated. Bheem Army dares administration Despite strict action by the Saharanpur administration and ban on internet services and social media, the Bheem army, in an open challenge to the district administration, has given a call for dalit women mahapanchyat on June 5. It may be recalled that Bheem army was accused of fanning violence in Saharanpur and adjoining areas recently. It was also being held responsible for Shabbirpur clashes in which one boy of Thakur community was killed allegedly by dalits. Between April 20 and May 23 four major caste and communal clashes rocked Saharanpur, killing two persons and injuring many. Founder of Bheem army, Chandrashekhar, who is being labeled as mastermind of these bloody clashes, has dared the police to arrest him. The police have been searching for him franticly. In a fresh video uploaded to Facebook he delivers a provocative speech and calls for holding a mahapanchayat of dalit women. Iran opens its door for Lucknow mangoes Lucknows Dussehri mangoes are internationally famous and now, Iran has opened its door for this exotic variety. The decision was taken after an inspection by Iranian experts who visited the mango belt of Malihabad on April 25 and submitted a favourable report to their country. Import of these mangoes, hitherto, was banned in Iran as there was an apprehensions regarding diseases. After the green signal from Iran, preparations are on for exporting these famous Dussehri mangoes. The first export consignment will contain 'Nawab' brand of mangoes. Indian mangoes will face tough competition from Pakistani mangoes because during the ban on Indian mangoes Iran was importing mangoes largely from Pakistan. Maharana Pratap in syllabus Though Yogi government has scrapped public holiday on Maharana Pratap Jayanti, it has directed the administration to include his biography in school syllabus. Schools run by the state government, which are affiliated with the UP board, will include a chapter named 'Haldighati' in high school syllabus. The move will be finally endorsed at a meeting of principals convened by the end of June. This new chapter will be added in 2018. Last month, the UP board included yoga in the syllabus, which will be taught from class IX to XII. It may be recalled that Yogi government had scrapped 15 public holidays given in the name of various historical and political personalities. In 1939, Bill Hewlett and David Packard founded HP in a garage in Palo Alto, California and created a humane and paternalistic management style that became the legendary 'HP Way'. Staff were personally selected by the co-founders, then treated with professional respect, so that everyone felt they were part of a family, not a hard-nosed corporation. Bill retired in 1987 and David in 1993, having built HP into a $20 billion company with close to 1 lakh employees. The HP Way withered away by the turn of the century, albeit leaving a profitable giant. I like to think, we had the Indian equivalent of HP in Infosysanother technology entity built upon ideals that extended beyond making money. N.R. Narayana Murthy and his five co-founders had similar humble roots, and the same zeal that drove Hewlett and Packard to built a company driven by innovation and a humane corporate style. The Infosys Way, if I might call it that, prevailed till 2014, by which time all the co-founders had relinquished active control of the company. Infosys's transition to successful but increasingly hard-nosed and market-driven entity has been even more swift than that of HP. The cultural trade-offs this has entailed has pained the founders, particularly Narayana Murthy, who has articulated his unease at the obscenely high pay packets of some of the top management, even as the average pay rise in the company was quite modest. Last week Narayana Murthy felt impelled to voice his unhappiness once more, this time at the way Infosys was cutting costs by large-scale firings among its staff in India, including at middle management levels, where competence and value to the company had been proved. It must have been particularly galling for the principal founder that such mass dismissals at the India end of its operations were effected even as the company, now led by a US-based, US citizen, of Indian origin, proudly announced he would be hiring 10,000 new staff in that country. A gesture that was cannily aimed at currying favour with the protectionist, crudely xenophobic new government in the US. This aim it has already achievedthe Trump administration praised this move. Infosys has said it would hire fresh American graduates and train them for the skills that the company needed to run its US-based operations. Can you see the pathetic irony here? In India, Infosys and for that matter all its competitors are able to recruit pretty much all the talents they require, such is the large pool of technical talent available here. One advertisement in an online job site seeking engineers with the most esoteric skills Python programming, Ruby on Rails, Embedded micro controller programmingdraws 100 aspirants for the online job test. That is why India is the world's favourite destination for technology companies to set up their Global Development Centres or GDC. They come here because a wide spectrum of tech talent is available here, at a cheap price. And now Infosys and a few other IT players are about to surrender this competitive advantage and hire untrained, raw American talent, pay them three times what a desi engineer costs, just so they hang on to their US contracts. And when this cost is too much to bear, what better way than to let go some of your existing workers here. Their US business has rubbed off on our so called IT bellwethers, and they have adopted the same cynical speak that Americans invented. They don't fire. They let go, they restructure, down-size, right-size. They 'realign the workforce'. They 'voluntarily separate'. And of course, none of the staff who are emailed termination notices in the hundreds are 'let go' because the company wants to replace them with local talent in America, Australia, UK, Singapore and other geographies where protectionism is in full play. No, they all failed their annual performance appraisals. Never mind that these appraisals rated them 'good' to 'outstanding' for the last six quarters. Suddenly, since March this year thousands of staff suffered a mass attack of debility that rendered them unfit for further employment. The high-handedness and cynical calculation with which most tech companies are currently 'streamlining' their operations, to retain their global business is unprecedented in the 20 year old history of the Indian IT story. But who cares? Not the Union government. IT Minister Ravishankar Prasad keeps asking: Job losses, what job losses? And he touts all the jobs that will be created under Digital India in the future. Not NASSCOM. Naive members of the media, turn to NASSCOM for a quote whenever massive job losses in India hit the headlines, not yet realising, that the organisation has become a cosy club of owners, more bothered about the bottom lines of big IT company-members rather than the fate of millions of young Indians who helped turn these companies profitable. Not state governments. With the possible exception of Tamil Nadu, the states have virtually outlawed collective action by IT sector employees, succumbing to the lobbying of largest corporate tax payers. There is only one survival routereskill. Upskill. Learn new tech trades that will make you indispensable. It is Darwin all over again: Survival of the fittest, the most skilled. A beginners guide to upskilling By Lovleen Bhatia Lovleen Bhatia is co-founder and CEO, Edureka What are some of the future-proof technologies that can help you keep your jobs?Currently, three kinds of jobs are under threat: 1. Manual testing jobs 2. Administration jobs 3. Jobs that deal with outdated technologies Automation is inevitable! Manual testing is being replaced by automation testing. You no longer need to sift through thousands of lines of code to identify bugs. The software will do it must faster and with greater efficiency. If you are a tester, it is mandatory and not an option for you to learn these tools if you still wish to continue your career as a tester. Tools like Selenium can go a long way in upgrading your testing career and secure your job for a reasonable time. In short, we must admit the fact that machines will replace humans. The only humans that will survive are the ones who operate the machines. IT administration jobs are being replaced by intelligent tools as well. Concepts like continuous monitoring and real-time fault-tolerance are fundamentally changing the way IT is being monitored and administered. This has again led to a pressing need for professionals in this area to upskill in these new technologies. An all new development methodology called DevOps is transforming the way coders, administrators and operations teams work these days and upskilling in DevOps is a great option these days. The AI and IoT opportunity With the proliferation of social data and connectivity devices, machine learning and artificial intelligence are today among the hottest technologies around. Managing and deciphering humongous amounts of data, and statistically uncovering insights from them is the most valuable thing you can do to any organisation today. Upskilling yourself in data science, programming languages like R and Python, data analytics and of course, AI and machine learning algorithms, will help secure your career. The breakneck pace of innovations in AI, Virtual Reality and Internet of Things has posed a huge challenge the need for trained personnel to effectively create and maintain these solutions. This translates to two thingsan urgent need for skilled professionals who understand data and are able to manipulate data and two, hardcore tech skills that form the backbone of innovations. Data is king While data science and programming competencies are invaluable skills to have a flourishing career in new-age tech, specific skill sets such as Tensor Flow, a software library which Google claims to provide superpowers in the world of machine learning, are emerging as game-changers. The fundamentals of VR, AI and IoT are data and how effectively you can create and leverage user-generated data. Hence, any skill that allows you to better analyse, manage and process data is your red-carpet to a better career. Of course, depending on the quantity of data, big data skills can come in handy. A robotic policeman which can help identify wanted criminals and collect evidence has joined Dubai's police force and will patrol busy areas in the city, as part of a government programme aimed at replacing some human crime-fighters with machines. If the "Robocop" experiment is successful, Dubai Police says it wants the unarmed robots to make up 25 per cent of its patrolling force by 2030. Clad in the colours of the Dubai Police uniform, the life-size robot, which can shake hands and perform a military salute, is the lighter side of a government plan to use technology to improve services and security ahead of Dubai hosting Expo 2020. "These kind of robots can work 24/7. They won't ask you for leave, sick leave or maternity leave. It can work around the clock," said Brigadier Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, director general of the Smart Services Department at Dubai Police. The first automated policeman in the Middle East, the robot on wheels is equipped with cameras and facial recognition software. It can compare faces with a police database and flag matches to headquarters. It can read vehicle licence plates and its video feed can help police watch for risks such as unattended bags in popular areas of Dubai, a financial and tourism hub. Members of the public can also talk to the robot to report a crime or communicate with it using a touch screen computer embedded in its chest. Built by Barcelona-based PAL Robotics, and programmed by Dubai Police, the cost of the robot has not been disclosed.Most people are not nervous about talking to a robot and some even seem to prefer it, Razooqi said. "We now see the new generations who are using smart devices they love to use these kind of tools. A lot of them have seen the Robocop movie and they said: you guys, you have done it." Soon, you might be able to locate the hospital closest to you, or even a specialist doctor in your area on your mobile phone. The Central Bureau of Health Intelligence and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are working on a portal and a mobile app that will help locate a hospital and a doctor within a couple of kilometres. The portal, called Bhuvan Sehat, and the app will be a first of its kind in the world, said D. Giri Babu, Head, Bhuvan Systems and Web Services, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO. "The portal will have complete information about health resources and assets in the country. Once you log on to it, you will be able to look up a doctor, or a hospital, complete with its contact details. Such an exercise has not been attempted anywhere in the world," said Babu, who is working with a team of eight scientists at the ISRO office in Hyderabad. The portal will provide single-window access to information about hospitals in both the government and the private sectorsit will give details about say, a cardiologist in your area, or even a blood bank, or a diagnostic lab closest to you. This will particularly be useful in case of an accident, or instances where say, a government hospital is in dire need of a specialist, said Babu. In the next few weeks, field workers will be uploading dataincluding pictures from the sitesand uploading extensive details such as the number of beds in a hospital and doctors' qualifications on to the portal. Currently, there's no such database that maps the private sector hospitals in India, said Babu. Deepak Goyal, Director (Statistics), Central Bureau of Health Intelligence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the portal would be ready by next year. By end of this month, the portal that is being developed under the ministry's National Health Resource Repository project, will be tested in five districts, said Goyal. These five districts have been selected randomly in Gujarat, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan. The database will be comparable in scale to the population census of India, Goyal added. Bangladesh's navy was searching for 81 fishermen still missing on Thursday after more than 63 were rescued from the Bay of Bengal following a devastating cyclone which killed several people and left thousands homeless. "Still 81 fishermen are missing out of 144 fishermen. Bangladesh Naval Force have rescued 33 and Indian Naval Force rescued 30," said Mostaque Ahmed, head of the Coxs Bazar Mechanized Fishing Boat Owners Association. Cyclone Mora, with wind up to 135 kph (85 mph) and heavy rain, hit southeast Bangladesh around Cox's Bazaar and the border with neighbouring Myanmar on Tuesday, leaving thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees hunkered down in ruined camps. The Rohingyas have fled from their homes in northwest Myanmar to escape communal violence and Myanmar army crackdown. The Bangladeshi government has estimated that in all, there are about 350,000 Rohingyas in Bangladesh following a new influx last October, when the Myanmar army launched an offensive in response to insurgent attacks. Authorities in Cox's Bazar and neighbouring Chittagong district evacuated 350,000 people from low-lying areas before the storm roared in from the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. "Though the fishermen were rescued, most of the boats, the main instrument for our survival are totally damaged and it is not possible to get them replaced quickly as we are not solvent," Ahmed told Reuters by phone from Cox's Bazar. "Still we are grateful to the government as now the air force with helicopters is searching the remaining missing fishermen." Cyclone Mora formed after monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, off India's southern tip, killing 202 people in recent days, authorities said. US President Donald Trump sought to insert himself into congressional investigations on Russia on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to hear from one of his former advisers, Carter Page, to counter testimony by directors of the FBI and CIA. Trump has been dismissive of probes by the FBI and several congressional panels into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and potential collusion with his campaign. In a series of early morning tweets, the president quoted a letter from Page, in which he asked to address the House Intelligence Committee promptly and referred to what he characterised as faulty testimony from US intelligence officials. Trump accused Democrats of blocking Page's testimony, without citing evidence but referring to an unidentified report. "So now it is reported that the Democrats, who have excoriated Carter Page about Russia, don't want him to testify. He blows away their case against him & now wants to clear his name by showing 'the false or misleading testimony by James Comey, John Brennan...' Witch Hunt!" Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to the former directors of the FBI and CIA. Trump's tweets came as his advisers are planning to establish a "war room" to combat mounting questions about communication between Russia and his campaign. The White House said on Wednesday it would not answer any more questions about the investigations, referring reporters instead to Trump's outside attorney, Marc Kasowitz. The president's penchant for tweeting could complicate White House efforts to tamp down the scandal if the messages appear to address the investigations. Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House committee, swatted back at Trump on Twitter with a reference to the president's acknowledgment to NBC that he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he fired Comey on May 9. "@POTUS, appreciate suggestion on witnesses but feel you may not have probe's interests at heart. Ex: Firing FBI Dir because of Russia probe," Schiff wrote. Democrats say Comey's dismissal was aimed at hindering the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Russia investigation. Media reported on Wednesday that Comey would confirm reports that Trump had asked him to let up in an investigation of former White House national security adviser Michael Flynn's contacts with Russia in upcoming public testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Peter Karl Edward Craig Jones, 60, first came to Kodanad from London in 1976. His father, William Jones, had bought the Kodanad tea estate a year earlier. Jones started living in Kodanad and Mysuru, with his parents, to convert, the horrible rocky region into a beautiful tea estate. He formed a partnership firm in the 1970s for better administration. In the early 1990s, when the yield was good, Jones formed a company called Kodanad Tea Estates Private Limited, to process and market the tea produced in the estate. However, trouble began in 1992. We were told that Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa liked our estate and that she wanted to buy it from us, said Jones. And we were in need of funds to settle some bank loans. So, we decided to sell a portion of the 906 acres. Then followed about two years of negotiations, during which Jones and his father met Jayalalithaa five times. All the business was then controlled by Sasikala, and then minister Sengottaiyan and his henchmen, said Jones. Though the family wanted to sell only a portion of the estate, Jones said they were forced to sell it all at Rs 7.6 crore. During the initial days, when we did not agree to sell as they wanted, we were harassed, said Jones. 150 goondas came to our premises in cars. The number plates were covered. We were harassed. As my father was a friend of the then governor M. Chenna Reddy, he phoned him. We were asked to file a police complaint. But, the policemen, after registering a case, persuaded us to give up everything and leave the estate. Now, after Jayalalithaas death, Jones says he would go the legal way to try and get his property back. Excerpts from an interview: When and why did you sell the Kodanad estate? The property was disposed of in 1994. As a family, we were looking to raise some funds and one of the options was to sell part of the estate. We never agreed to a sale and would certainly not have entertained political involvement. Were you forced to sell the property? Yes. There was pressure from many quarters for a sustained period of time. We had little option but to extract ourselves from the situation by agreeing to sell. To whom did the property belong? It belonged to the Kodanad partnership. My mother, father, four sisters and I were the partners. The company, Kodanad Tea Estate Private Limited, still exists, and you are one of the directors. How did that happen? I had set up the company, before the estate was sold, to make and sell packaged tea. The company did not own the Kodanad property. [But] as part of the estate sale, I was pressured into handing over the company to Sasikala. I am surprised I am still [listed as] a director. The partnership that owned Kodanad was changed. We retired and benamis nominated by Sasikala were incorporated. Do you have any shares in the company? I have not signed any share transfer forms, so I expect I would still be the majority shareholder, for what it is worth. Who actually owns the company? It must be dormant. I have not, from the day of the sale, had any involvement. I was told Sasikala and the others would take care of matters. What do you do now? After the sale of Kodanad, my ex-wife and I ran a successful management consultancy business in Bengaluru. Currently, I have taken over the management of a tea estate in the Nilgiris and I am back to doing what I love. What did you think of Jayalalithaa? I had enormous respect for her, as a woman and as a leader. However, the corruption, sycophancy and populism she ushered in have diminished Tamil Nadu. I fear the negative effects will haunt the state for many years. And, she certainly surrounded herself with some astounding lowlives. By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Jun 1 (PTI) Nepals political parties have failed to meet a seven-day deadline to pick a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister, prompting President Bidya Devi Bhandari to issue another appeal to them today to initiate the process quickly. According to Article 298 (3) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister shall be elected by a majority of all the members of the Legislature-Parliament, if parties fail to pick a consensus candidate for the post of Prime Minister within a week. advertisement The president issued the call as per Article 298 (3) of the Constitution after the seven-day deadline given to form a consensus government ended today without any result, the Office of the President said. Last week, President Bhandari had issued a call to the parties to form a consensus government within a week to choose a new Prime Minister on the basis of political understanding as per Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. President Bhandari initiated the Constitutional process to form the new government after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda resigned on May 24 after a brief stint of nine months, honouring a power sharing understanding with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the countrys leadership to the largest party in Parliament. Prachanda resigned as per a deal reached in July-August last year with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister. The deal was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018. Prachanda is the only Communist leader to become the Prime Minister of Nepal 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, he had chosen India as his first overseas destination rather than China. Indo-Nepal ties, which were strained during Prachandas predecessor K P Olis regime, also improved under the Maoist leaders second stint. Prachanda was to hold office till local polls were 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. advertisement 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. PTI SBP MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- Michael Kors is to close up to 125 stores over the next two years CLOSURE PLAN Fashion house Michael Kors is to close up to 125 stores over the next two years. EURO WOE Unemployment in the eurozone has fallen from 9.4 per cent to 9.3 per cent but is still more than double the 4.6 per cent rate in the UK. BANK WARNING US bank shares slid after two big lenders warned of a drop in trading turnover. JPMorgan revenues from the division were down 15 per cent in April and May. And at Bank of America, trading business fell 10 per cent to 12 per cent in the first three months of 2017. BETTING PROFITS Spread betting firm IG Group expects profits to modestly beat expectations for the year to May 31. CANCER EXPERT Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has appointed a cancer research expert Professor Nazneen Rahman, head of genetics and epidemiology at the Institute of Cancer Research, to its board. TOBACCO DEAL US tobacco giant Reynolds American said its chief executive Debra Crew will remain once its 40 billion merger with British American Tobacco goes ahead, and will report to BATs chief Nicandro Durante. MINING SALE Mining company Antofagasta has sold its 40 per cent stake in a solar park in Chile to a Latin America-focused solar platform launched in March by London private equity fund Actis. SHELL STAKE Oil giant Shell has hugely reduced its involvement in the oil sands industry in Canada by cutting its stake in the Athabasca project to 10 per cent and offloading oil sand leases. BOSS QUITS Broker NEXs finance boss Stuart Bridges has quit and will leave later this year. He has been replaced by Samantha Wren, chief commercial officer at the markets division. DESIGN ROLE Indian-focused retailer Koovs has appointed ex- Primark fashion boss Samantha Chilton as head of design. SALES DIP Fashion sales at John Lewis were down 5 per cent last week compared to last year, while home sales were down 4.8 per cent. WAREHOUSE SWOOP Woodford-backed London Metric boasted rising rental sales and earnings and revealed it had snapped up three warehouses. British Airways boss Alex Cruz is a big proponent of online networking site LinkedIn British Airways muntjac-in-the-headlights boss Alex Cruz, whose job is said to be safe following the airlines recent IT meltdown, is a big proponent of online networking site LinkedIn. His entry page is chock-a-block with boasts about his achievements and so-called skills, along with brooding studio photos of the man himself. Bearded Cruz, 50, is obsessed with social media, say colleagues. Might I advise he gives his Twitter feed a swerve for a while? Im afraid some of the customer messages being sent there yesterday were still rather fruity. BT boss Gavin Patterson got his nosebag on at West Londons searingly expensive River Cafe this week. He was spotted sharing a convivial supper with the BBCs North America editor Jon Sopel, who apparently gives Patterson occasional media training. It was Sopel who persuaded Gavster to ditch the necktie and adopt his now distinctive chest-rug-baring, Engelbert Humperdinck-style look. Noel Edmonds has cranked up the pressure on Lloyds over the HBOS fraud scandal. The former disc jockey has set up an honesty countdown clock website that tracks how much time the lender has to pay him the 73 million he wants following the collapse of his company. Noel once claimed he could make his demands reality through the bizarre practice of cosmic ordering, though perhaps his spooky powers have deserted him. Multi-millionaire businessman John Mills, 79, jet-owning founder of catalogue business JML, refused to endorse Jeremy Corbyn on Radio 4 yesterday, despite pledging 1.65 million worth of company shares to Labour in 2013. As well he might. I doubt therell be more stonking 2 million dividends, like the one arch-Eurosceptic Mills received from JML in 2014, should Jezza (God help us) be rattling the keys to Downing Street next week. Try this for creepy. Apple are running a summer camp this August for children aged between eight and 12. Over three days, campers are taught coding and generally indoctrinated into the ways of Macintosh. Apples like a weird cult, isnt it? Have you any gossip for our City diary? Email: mrdeedes@dailymail.co.uk Lloyds swoops Banking giant Lloyds has completed its acquisition of consumer credit card business MBNA from Bank of America after regulators backed the 1.9bn deal. The banking giant said MBNA, with assets of 7bn, would deliver strong financial returns and bolster its position in the UK prime credit card market. Lloyds Bank completes 1.9bn takeover of MBNA credit card business Moodys fine Credit rating agency Moodys has been fined 1.1m for failing to explain how it scored European Union institutions, by the European Securities and Markets Authority. Profits climb Profits are up at chemicals company Johnson Matthey to 493m for the year ending March 31, on the back of 12bn revenue, the company said. Skills sought Gold and silver producer Polymetal is planning to bring in several non-executive directors by 2020 in a bid to boost the boards skills. It will appoint one new director by next years annual general meeting, with more appointments over the next two years. Chief executive of World Bank Kristalina Georgieva has warned governments to buckle up Lenders backing Online lender Zopa has raised 32m before it seeks a bank licence later this year. The biggest investors were Indian finance firm Wadhawan Global Capital and City start-up supporter Northzone. Toogood appointed Investment giant Legal & General has hired former Rolls-Royce executive Rosie Toogood to run its modular housing business. Crisis alert The chief executive of the World Bank Kristalina Georgieva has warned governments to buckle up for the next string of global crises that will provide little respite for struggling economies. We are now at the point when shocks are more frequent, she said. New face Logistics group John Menzies has announced that Philipp Joeinig, formerly of Management Consulting Group and Lausanne Consulting has joined its board. Shares rose 0.4 per cent, or 3 per cent, to 713p. Sunny outlook The fall in the pound help boost profits for publishing group Haynes they are expected to be 40 per cent ahead of the previous year. bookings rise Hostel booking website Hostelworld said it expects trading for the full year to meet expectations, as bookings are up on last year. British Steel is back in the black 12 months after it was rescued for 1. The company brought back to life in June 2016 after Tata Steel sold its Scunthorpe plant and other parts of the business, made 47m profit last year. Bosses hailed a remarkable 126m turnaround after losses of 79m the previous year. Revived: British Steel delivers 47 MILLION profit a year after 1 rescue bid It was the first time the steel maker has been in profit since 2009 when the industry collapsed amid oversupply. The company is rewarding employees with a 5 per cent stake in the business and has hired 500 people since June 2016, with 50 starting this month. It has also now reversed a 3 per cent salary cut imposed on staff at the time of the takeover. Executive chairman Roland Junck, the former chief executive of ArcelorMittal, said yesterday: We have become a respectful member of the steel community. It could have gone the other way around. British Steel was reformed last year when London-based investment firm Greybull Capital bought Tata Steels long products business during the downturn for a nominal 1. Greybull agreed not to sell for at least three years. Employees agreed to a 3 per cent salary cut to help bosses as they slashed costs and changed practices to turn the firm around. British Steel was reformed when investment firm Greybull Capital bought Tata Steels products Over the last year the company, which employs 4,400 in the UK, has made 2.7m tonnes of steel slightly less than the year before. Clients included French and Italian railways as well as Crossrail in the UK. Junck, 61, said that he was targeting around 10 per cent profit on potential revenues of more than 1.4bn. The company is now investing an extra 40m this year and is considering bringing electric arc furnaces to its Scunthorpe site. However, around 70 jobs are threatened amid efforts to boost profits at its special profiles division, which makes steel for mining and other heavy industries, from sites in Skinningrove and Darlington. Some workers could move to Teesside. But redundancies are also possible. Barclays is selling a 1.6 billion stake in its African business Barclays is selling a 1.6 billion stake in its African business as it cuts ties with the continent after more than a century. The lender is set to cut its holding of regional business Barclays Africa Group Limited (BAGL) from 50.1 per cent to 28 per cent. South Africas Public Investment Corporation, a pension fund, will be the shares largest buyer and take a 7 per cent stake. Barclays wants to cut its holding to around 15 per cent so it can remove the business from its main balance sheet. Getting out of Africa is a key target for chief executive Jes Staley. His decision to leave the region behind after an association dating back to the days of empire was a sharp contrast with the global ambitions of predecessor Bob Diamond. Barclays sold an 11.9 per cent stake of BAGL in May last year. Shares in the bank rose by 0.4 per cent, or 0.8p, to 210p yesterday. A hardcore faction of investors is demanding extra cash to end a courtroom battle which could see shamed banker Fred the shred Goodwin give evidence. RBS is keen to avoid the showdown with shareholders who claim they were misled over a 12 billion fundraising drive during the financial crisis. It started settlement talks with the claimants hours before the case was due to start, and most have accepted a 200 million offer of 82p per share. But up to 4,500 savers are holding out for more and have reportedly demanded an extra 20p. RBS is understood to be in talks with this group. The court case has been bankrolled by funders including racehorse mogul Trevor Hemmings, but they have accepted the 82p deal. It means the remaining investors will need to raise 7 million for court costs to continue their fight. A 14-week civil trial had been due to start this month and would have seen appearances from Goodwin and other former bosses who drove the NatWest lender into the ground, taking the British economy with it. RBS declined to comment. By Press Trust of India: By Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Jun 1 (PTI) Pakistan government today earned the ire of a Supreme Court judge who likened it to Sicilian Mafia after a lawmaker of the ruling PML-N made "threatening remarks" against judges and the investigators probing graft allegations against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Senator Nehal Hashmi in a speech threatened those creating trouble for the family of Sharif who is facing a high-level probe for alleged syphoning off money to buy properties in London. advertisement "Listen! You ask the son of Nawaz Sharif to submit his account detail. Who are you to ask him his account details? We are the workers of Nawaz Sharif. We will make an example of those who hold us accountable," Hashmi told an audience this week in the short video clip. It has been interpreted as direct threat to judges and a team of investigators probing Sharif and his sons. The court yesterday took suo moto notice of the threat and today held its hearing. The three-member panel headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan expressed strong displeasure at the "threatening remarks" used by the lawmaker and directed him submit a written response by June 5. Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, a member of the bench, said the incumbent government was acting like "the Sicilian Mafia, which would threaten judges". The court also observed that a systematic campaign was being run by the government against judges of the apex court and the Joint Investigation Team (JIT). It also appointed Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali as prosecutor and directed him to collect material related to the case. The court rejected a plea by Ali seeking a ban on talk shows about Panama case and JIT probing Sharifs family. PML-N has distanced itself from Hashmis remarks and issued him a show cause notice for the outburst. He has also resigned from Senate after facing criticism. PTI SH MRJ AKJ MRJ --- ENDS --- MBABANE There is nothing to celebrate yet for the outgoing Ezulwini Town Board councillors regarding their war with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Phiwayinkhosi Mabuza. This is because the minister has said that he is the only one who will clear them of any wrongdoing. The determination on whether or not the councillors are cleared is a prerogative of the minister (and no other authority), after having heard them individually in addition to considering the draft report and the transcript, the minister responded after a questionnaire was sent to him by this newspaper. Mabuza also said he was justified in ordering a hearing for councillors before they vacate office. This follows an outcry from some of the Ezulwini Town Board outgoing councillors who refused to show up for a meeting where they were expected to present their own assessment of how they had worked in the more than four years they were in office. The minister is said to have summoned all the outgoing councillors to his office for a meeting on Monday report to, where they were expected to report to him how they had worked during their term which officially came to an end yesterday. Some of the councillors decided not to bother showing up for the meeting and argued that they did not understand why it was important for them to be present as they were of the view that the report from the commission of inquiry was enough to give the minister an idea of how they had carried out their duties during their term of office. According to Mabuza, all that he did was provided for in the law and there was nothing sinister about it. Justification for giving the councillors a hearing before final determination could be made on their councillorship is derived from Section 33 of the Constitution. And, such hearings also assist the minister to target any deficient organisation business systems and processes with a view to reviewing, re-designing and/or improving them, the minister said. Mabuza was not clear on whether he was going to apologise to the councillors or not, following that one of the findings of the report by the commission said that they were not guilty of having disrespecting him. You will recall that the draft report of the commission was submitted before the transcript could be completed due to time constraints. So, to get a holistic picture of what was submitted so as to enhance the findings of fact and the recommendations thereon, the draft report has had to be read and considered in conjunction with the transcript, he said. Called for comment, one of the councillors mentioned that the behaviour of the minister was shocking and that it was a sign that he had been ill-advised. If he says that he is the only one who will clear us it means that the whole commission of inquiry process was a waste of taxpayers money. What he is doing is unethical, the councillor said. Furthermore, the councillor said it did not make sense to go for a hearing before a minister unless he was conducting his own commission of inquiry. By Press Trust of India: By Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Jun 1 (PTI) Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain today an angry Opposition during his annual address to a joint session of parliament with lawmakers chanting anti- government slogans like "Go Nawaz Go" and "traitor". The Oppositions main contention is the governments refusal to broadcast the opposition?s budget speeches live on state-run PTV. advertisement From the beginning, the Opposition went all-out to disrupt the president, with some lawmakers whistling, others sloganeering, and still more thumping their desks as shouts of "Go Nawaz Go" and "traitor" rang out in Parliament. Later, the Opposition staged a walk-out. Addressing media outside parliament, Opposition leader Khursheed Shah said government was using undemocratic means to muzzle the voice of the Opposition. "The president has not addressed the key issue of corruption in his speech," he said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his brief informal chat with media said that "Opposition was holding a tamasha (show)". When asked if his government would complete its tenure of five years, he said, "Inshallah (God willing we will do)". Meanwhile, Hussain in his speech urged that the political process be above individual and parochial interest for the sake of higher objectives of national progress and prosperity. "For the progress and development of our nation, the political process should be freed from personal interests," he said. He said that it was important that all segments of the society participate in the task of national reconstruction. He said trade and investment friendly policies and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and power projects are manifestation of a commitment for welfare of the people. The president proposed that the government, the Opposition and all the political parties declare Vision-2025 as a national plan through consensus so that process of welfare of public is not hampered at any cost. He said as a result of the prudent economic policies of the government, economic indicators are healthy and this is also acknowledged by the State Bank and international economic institutions. The president said Pakistans defence production sector has performed noticeably better and it can capture the attention of the prospective buyers in the market. With the speech of the president, the fifth and final parliamentary year of the current parliament has started. The joint session was later prorogued after the speech of the president. PTI SH UZM AKJ UZM --- ENDS --- GEGE A schoolboy sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by a schoolmate in front of other fellow pupils. The 13-year-old Grade VI boy was allegedly stabbed around the waist area by a fellow pupil, after their game degenerated into violence, while both were playing around the premises at Siyendle Community Primary School, in the outskirts of Gege in the Shiselweni Region. The incident occurred on Tuesday, shortly after midday while teachers were away attending a workshop. Reports are that the victim was stabbed once around the waist area, with a flip knife following a short quarrel, while the pupils were playing in the school yard. Witnesses said the pupils were all playing outside when an altercation broke out between the two. The victim was identified as a Grade VI pupil, while his 18-year-old attacker was said to be a class ahead of him, in Grade VII. The witnesses said they saw the other boy pull out a knife before stabbing his victim, in front of astonished schoolmates. The attacker reportedly fled the scene after the incident. Several pupils are said to have crowded the injured pupil, while means were being made to alert elders in the community. Other pupils on the other hand are said to have simply ran away at the sight of blood that was oozing from the injured pupil. Police officers, who were called to the scene, discovered the boy had been stabbed once around the waist. His clothes were soaked in blood. The boy was given first aid by people who attended to the accident before he was rushed to a nearby health facility. A source said the boy was seriously injured but the wound was not life-threatening. The shocking incident was confirmed by the head teacher Steven Matsebula, who said the school was taking the matter seriously. Matsebula said the boy would undergo a disciplinary process at the school after they had consulted with their supervisors at the regional education office. It is a first of its kind incident at the school, and we were very disturbed by the occurrence. For now we will wait for police to finish their own investigation before taking any further action, he said. Matsebula said the matter was reported to the police after they were also alerted by other shaken pupils. NGCULWINI Certain chemicals were used to burn my sons face after he was murdered. These were the words of Frank Matsebula, Mduduzi Schaza Matsebulas father. Schaza is the police officer who was killed about three weeks ago. His father said the way his sons face was pitch black when they viewed his body was like it had been burnt with acid. This is the reason that he made an announcement that Schaza would have a closed casket and his friends and family could not see his body during the funeral. Frank, who is a former police officer, said he had worked in the Traffic Department and seen corpses from accidents and he also worked in the General Duty Department, where he saw corpses of people who killed themselves and bodies of people who had been dead for some time. However, he said he had never seen anything like Schazas face. I am sure that there was a chemical which was poured on my sons face. If I was the one who found him on the day he died, I would not have been able to recognise him. His teeth were out in the open and part of his nose was missing. The eyes were red and they were not in their normal position. My son died a painful death from the look of his body, Frank said. He further mentioned that he was failing to find closure in the matter because it seemed like his son died a painful death. He further has suspicions that more people could have been involved in the murder of his son. Only one suspect is currently in custody for the murder of Schaza. There were more than five people involved in the killing of my son, Frank said. He said he was happy that God made a way to show that his son had been killed and was hopeful for a positive outcome. Frank said he was quite aware that he was also living in borrowed time as those behind the murder of his son may come for him as well. MBABANE I never killed Schaza as we were goods friends. These were some of the submissions made by Lucky Obama Matsenjwa, who stands charged with the murder of police officer Mduduzi Schaza Matsebula. Matsenjwa made these submissions in his application for bail filed by his lawyer Noncedo Ndlangamandla yesterday. I humbly submit that I did not kill the deceased and I was at Ngwane Park, Ka-Shali on the day in question, submitted the accused. Matsenjwa alleged that he only went to his business premises at Fontana Bar at Ludwala and thereafter proceeded to his homestead. The accused pointed out that he had been advised that the investigators were alleging that there was a witness who recorded a statement to the effect that he (Matsenjwa) requested him to call Schaza so that he could meet up with him. He vehemently denied this and went on to describe the statement by the witness as fabrication. I never requested anyone to call the deceased on my behalf, more so because the deceased and myself were in good terms and would occasionally communicate with each other and therefore had no reason not to call him myself if I wanted to see him, contended Matsenjwa. He argued that the allegation that his motive for murdering Matsebula was to silence him since he was a witness in case where he is charged with the clearance of fingerprints records was surprising to him. Matsenjwa highlighted that he was facing 18 counts and there were about 82 witnesses to be paraded by the Crown. It baffles me, therefore, why I would choose to eliminate the deceased when he was to testify in three of the counts that I am facing, argued the accused. He stated that among the Crown witnesses, there were also police officers and members of the public, who according to their evidence, they gave him sums of money to erase fingerprints for their friends and relatives from the system. What then would I have gained from killing the deceased because he would have only assisted in possibly three counts out of the 18 dropped charges and then I would still have to face the remaining 15 charges, wondered Matsenjwa. Matsenjwa further denied to have stolen Matsebulas cellphone and his shoes. He contended that when his homestead was searched, neither of these items were found there. My humble opinion is that since the deceased left his house apparently wearing shoes and carrying a cellphone, then he was allegedly found with those items. I have no reason whatsoever to steal from anyone, submitted Matsenjwa. The accused also disputed the charge of failing to surrender his passport to the police as per one of his bail conditions when he was released on bail on the fingerprints case. He instead alleged that immediately after he was admitted to bail in the case, he surrendered his passport to the investigating officer and if his memory served him well, he surrendered it to officers from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Pakistan has violated ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts and started heavy mortar shelling. By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan has violated ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts and started heavy mortar shelling. Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0720 hours along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri district and from 0740 hours in Krishna Ghati sector in Krishna Ghati sector. advertisement The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively. The firing is presently on. Defence Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said, "The Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing and shelling on our positions on the LoC in Rajouri district's Naushera sector and Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. They are using small arms, automatics and mortars." "Our forces are effectively retaliating," Mehta added. 2 MILITANTS KILLED IN SOPORE ENCOUNTER In an encounter that took place early today morning between security forces and militants, two militants were killed in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will visit Srinagar today. He will meet the Army commanders and review the security situation. On May 17, Pakistan Army had fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote sector in Rajouri district. The Pakistan Army had shelled forward areas and civilian belts along the LoC in Rajouri district on May 15 and 16. The firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in May this year has affected over 12,000 people. The Pakistani Army had on May 13 pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Naushera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three. (WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES) Also read | High alert in Pathankot after suspicious bag found with Army uniforms Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire, kills unarmed Army porter in Keran sector ALSO WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Mark Hallum The problems in Penn Station have escalated to the point where Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued a letter to President Donald Trump requesting federal funds to bail out Amtrak, which owns the station. The move comes as the passenger railroad service attempts to overhaul the largest transit hub in the United States to end delays and cancellations. Tuesday saw further issues with tracks leading to Penn Station through an East River Tunnel when two Long Island Rail Road trains, each carrying about 1,000 passengers, became stranded for three hours due to power issues associated with the tracks. Another train was required to remove people from one of the stranded trains while the other pulled into Penn about 70 minutes late. Delays spread through the system until about 9:30 a.m. A spokesman for the LIRR said the issue was related to the tracks, under the purview of Amtrak for upkeep. Amtrak has announced that it will take six weeks over the summer to complete vital repairs to the station, cutting 20 percent of service. Amtraks need to cut service this summer has created both a short-term crisis and dramatically exposed the systems chronic problems, Cuomo said in his letter to Trump. Even if true, this will be a summer of agony as thousands of commuters would be significantly inconvenienced and alternative routes and means would be swamped. This will overload the subway system and drive many more commuters onto our highways, bridges and tunnels. Cuomo said that although the MTA has made an effort to oversee the needs of passengers who will be uprooted by the repair work, there will be no way to prepare for the transit nightmare that is coming to the nearly 600,000 daily riders flowing through Penn Station each day. As I believe the Penn Station problems may very well elude resolution, and the MTA is already beyond its limits, I will be calling on the MTA to find new ways to accelerate the long-term capital plan and on our local governments to assist in funding that plan to the extent necessary, Cuomo said. I think New York City and the other local governments now fully recognize the critical needs of the MTA and will meet their financial obligation. However, as Amtraks Penn Station is a critical component of the system and under federal control, we need your assistance. Cuomo argued that the situation facing not only the city and state but the region should be treated with the same respect offered to natural disasters. While this is not a hurricane or a flood, it will affect as many people and businesses with dire consequences. Like a natural disaster, we didnt create it, but our public offices require we address it, Cuomo said. As in most emergencies, this is not a political issue, and bipartisan officials will agree that we need immediate help. This situation effects the entire northeast region. Larry Penner is a transportation historian and advocate who worked 31 years for the USDOT Federal Transit Administration. He is doubtful that Amtrak is so strapped for cash that it would require additional funding from the federal government. He claimed the real barrier to fixing Penn Station is not with money but with workers. Its not a question of money, its a question of where Amtrak will find the workforce. Penner said. The issue no one is talking about is: Where does Amtrak get the workforce to do all this work during the summer and into the fall which has been deferred for a decade or more? He pointed out that because of union contracts and work rules, they cant have third-party contractors do the work. Penner went on to claim that the workforce issue would be the real Achilles heel of progress for Penn Station. He criticized Cuomos proposal, which was mentioned in his letter to Trump, to pull Amtrak from managing Penn Station and put the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in charge of building a world-class transportation hub that would include the construction of the Gateway Tunnel under the Hudson River from New Jersey. The Port Authority does not have enough people and money to manage the $10 billion Port Authority bus terminal on 42nd Street and the LaGuardia Airtrain, Penner said. Crying for more money from Washington, which has a $20 trillion debt and growing, makes a nice headline, but it makes no sense in my professional opinion. Sources in the Army told India Today that the firing was done in retaliation to Pakistan's constant violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control. By India Today Web Desk: India today responded to Pakistan's provocation in Poonch and Nowshera sectors in Jammu and Kashmir by killing at least five Pakistan jawans and injuring six others in Bimber and Battal sectors. Sources in the Army told India Today that the firing was done in retaliation to Pakistan's constant violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control. advertisement INDIA'S DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER SUMMONED Meanwhile, Pakistan summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh in Islamabad following Army's killing. Pakistan alleges that at least one civilian was killed and four others were injured in the Indian firing in Battal sector this morning. Senior Pakistan official Dr Mohammad Faisal, who is a Director General (SA & SAARC), said, "The deliberate targeting of civilians is indeed condemnable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws." PAKISTAN'S PROVOCATION Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0720 hours along the LoC in Naushera sector of Rajouri district and from 0740 hours in Krishna Ghati sector. Commenting on the ceasefire violation, Defence Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said, "The Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing and shelling on our positions on the LoC in Rajouri district's Naushera sector and Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. They are using small arms, automatics and mortars." INCREASING TENSION BETWEEN INDIA, PAKISTAN Tension between the two neighbouring countries has increased along the LoC since the last month. On May 1, Pakistan Army had carried out unprovoked firing, killed two Indian soldiers and mutilated their bodies along the Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir. This was followed by a major counter-terrorism operation by Indian troopers who conducted punitive strikes and destroyed many Pakistani posts which were aiding cross-border militant incursion. The Army had killed four terrorists in Naugam on May 20-21 while in Naushera sector Indian soldiers destroyed Pakistan army posts which were supporting infiltration on May 9. Also read: How Pakistan is desperately trying to push new batch of terrorists across the LoC Also read: Kashmir: India to keep pressure on Pakistan troops at the LoC WATCH VIDEO HERE --- ENDS --- Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) held a town hall meeting Tuesday night at IS 145 in Jackson Heights and discussed the future of the Democratic Party, national security under President Trump and possible impeachment. Crowley has been openly critical of Trump. He began the meeting by telling the audience that his disdain for Queens native Trump goes beyond politics. He found former Republican President George W. Bush reprehensible, but said Trumps current actions are unforgivable. It was a declaration that drew huge applause from town hall attendees. Crowley said Trumps actions have constituted a personal attack on his constituents, especially the Muslim travel ban. Evelyn Frankfurt, a member of the audience, asked Crowley about the future of the Democratic Party. She said it was evident from the presidential election that the party needed new leadership and better messaging. Crowley agreed. Messaging is incredibly important, but especially when someone is running for president, Crowley said. I think that when the book is written about the last presidential election, theyll talk about a flawed candidate who did not go to certain states, but the message was good. Moving forward, Democrats need to not only say what were against, but what were for. Crowley said that included jobs and infrastructure, a message that appeals to everyone, and investing in Middle America. Crowley and other Democrats pushed for a bipartisan infrastructure bill that he called low-hanging fruit after the election. But the president never acted on it and instead focused on replacing Obamacare. Another town hall attendee asked Crowley what Democrats can do moving forward to make their voices heard in Washington, which is run by Republicans. She said that although she participated in protests, she still felt powerless and that no one was listening. Crowley asked that Democrats not be discouraged and said the protests have been effective and need to continue. I think you underestimate the effects of what has happened in the last few months, especially after the initial march on Washington, Crowley said. These protest do have an impact, but you cant expect change to come quickly. The important thing to do is to resist. Dont underestimate your voice. Crowley said he attended a march against the Muslim ban and was encouraged by the diverse crowd expressing their opinions. Justin Warner asked Crowley why actions have not been taken to impeach president Trump when the president is a clear national security risk who, as he put it, alienates allies and cozies up to dictators like Vladimir Putin. He said Trump participates in blatant corruption, and if Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama did 1/1,000th of what Trump has done they would have been impeached immediately. Crowley responded he has been outspoken about Russian influence over the 2016 election. I have called consistently for a special prosecutor and an independent commission to be established, he said. If I say Trump is not a legitimate president, I lose a lot of support, but what I can say is we need to let the facts lead to the truth and an independent prosecutor is the way to go. He said he was happy with the selection of Robert Mueller to lead the FBI investigation into Russian ties to the Trump administration and thinks he will do an incredible job. The president needs to be fully investigated for possible obstruction and I do believe that its up to them to figure this out, Crowley said. Impeachment does not happen overnight, it takes months and months and months. There is no silver bullet in any of this. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Terri Pouymari and Henry Euler The drive to reclaim PS 130 back for the use by local children continues. This school, geographically in District 26 at 200-01 42nd Ave., is currently used by mostly District 25 students enrolled in a special program of science and technology. Meanwhile, students who live within walking distance of this school are basically shut out and are transported to other overcrowded schools in District 26. This September, grades 4 and 5 will be added to the PS 130 program. The school is currently operating over capacity. Where will they be putting these additional students? A new school, PS 376, will be opening on the former Keil property this fall. But the plan is only to start out with kindergarten classes at this huge building. The following school year, another grade will be added, and so on, until grades K through 5 are in the building during the 2022-2023 school year. Is this an efficient way to utilize this building when most elementary schools in District 26 are bursting at the seams? The solution that the Auburndale Improvement Association is suggesting is to transfer the current PS 130 program to the new school where there will be adequate room for all of the grades, K-5. Perhaps there will be room for some District 26 students to also attend the excellent program being offered. So then return PS 130 for use by the local neighborhood children who will be able to walk to their school. This will decrease enrollment in overcrowded PS 31, 159 and 162, which currently are feeder schools for those children who would normally be attending PS 130. The Auburndale Improvement Association has submitted their idea to the schools chancellor. We have been told that the idea is not viable, but no concrete reasons have been given why this plan is not viable. We have submitted hundreds of petition signatures with comments to the chancellor demanding the return of PS 130 for use by local children. Two sets went out, one in 2013 and another in 2016. Copies also went to the Superintendents of District 25 and 26 and elected officials. The answer from on high at the DOE is always no. The last response we received came from an assistant to the chancellor, who was not even aware that the school had been a District 26 school for over 50 years before it was taken over by District 25. Momentum is moving toward realization of our goal, despite the avoidance by the chancellor. All three local elected officials (Senator Avella, Assemblyman Braunstein, Councilman Vallone) have written letters supporting our goal. Community Board 11 voted unanimously to write a letter to the chancellor asking for the return of the school to local District 26 students. So has the Queens Civic Congress, the umbrella organization representing close to 100 civic and community organizations in Queens County. With all due respect, we can not understand why the superintendent of District 26 is not fighting for the return of PS 130 to District 26 when so many of the elementary schools in her district are overcrowded. The superintendent of District 25 should also be more proactive in fighting for new schools in her district where overcrowding is also commonplace. Perhaps it is just easier for them to accept the status quo. Our goal is to ensure that all children in our area have a quality education in their own neighborhood. When you see children waiting for a school bus in all kinds of weather when they could just walk a few blocks to their local school, it just doesnt make sense. Decisions are being made by people in high places, who are not in touch with the concerns of our area. We have waited for many years for the return of PS 130 to the local community. We may have to wait a little longer, but we will never give up until this outrageous inequity is corrected. Terri Pouymari, President Henry Euler, First Vice President Auburndale Improvement Association, Inc. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Naesha Rose Fired Up for a Cure is a cancer awareness picnic hosted by the FDNY that is scheduled to take place Friday at Fort Totten. The event is raising money for the American Cancer Society, FDNY Family Transport Foundation and the FDNY Foundation charities. The purpose of the fundraiser is to help those battling cancer and provide support to their caregivers. Firefighters work in hazardous conditions, said John Feal, a 9/11 first responder and activist who supports health initiatives for fellow first responders. Firefighters have a higher risk of getting cancer than the general population. Then add the aftermath and the toxins of 9/11 and its that much higher. The event couldnt have come at a more important time. On Sunday, Feals friend, Ground Zero first responder and retired Engine 40/Ladder 35 firefighter Ray Pfeifer, succumbed to his 9/11-related stage 4 cancer after an eight-year battle. Before he died, he fought for the renewal of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which provided specialized health care and monitoring for first responders, civilians at Ground Zero and volunteers nationwide who helped in the area after the fall of the Twin Towers. Pfeifer, Feal and the former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, worked tirelessly to renew the bill, which provides aid to over 70,000 people across the United States, according to Feal. Pfeifer would often go to Washington, D.C., helping to knock on the doors of different politicians while in his wheelchair. The bill was renewed on Dec. 18, 2015. Ive been driving the bus, but it was Ray Pfiefer who was telling me the directions, Feal said. We [first responders] went down there as strangers and we left as a family because of Ray. Ray didnt invent patriotism he just perfected it. I miss my friend dearly. The picnic is from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fort Totten Park on Totten Avenue on June 2. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Zach Gewelb Queens residents have the chance to witness something special this month, as the New York Pops orchestra is set to return to Forest Hills Stadium for the second performance of the venues concert season. The Pops will perform the legendary music of composer John Williams, including the iconic scores of feature films such as Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Harry Potter, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and more. Leading the Pops is conductor Steven Reineke, who said he is thrilled to have a chance to bring Williams beloved music to Forest Hills Stadium for the June 8 performance. John Williams is one of my personal idols, Reineke said. I started out wanting to be a film composer in the early 90s. Basically, I wanted to be the next John Williams. Any of these tunes, you hear them and it immediately takes you back to those specific films and scenes and characters, so its very, very special. Reineke is particularly happy to be bringing the Pops back to Queens after two successful seasons at Forest Hills Stadium. He said the venue which recently completed a major renovation is one of his favorite places to perform. My gosh, I absolutely love it. Im so thankful that its here and has been brought back to life in such a wonderful fashion, Reineke said. The acoustics are fantastic in there. Its a very special place to perform under the stars. Theyve done such a tremendous job with the venue. Forest Hills Stadium began a thorough rehabilitation in 2013 and has come back strong, hosting several popular events, including performances by Drake, the Zac Brown Band and Lil Wayne, among others. While the first few performances at the stadium were geared more toward popular music artists, the venue began searching to bring something different to Queens and settled on the New York Pops in 2015. The idea behind it was we felt that for such a great city to not have a place for orchestral music in the summer was a shame, said Mike Luba, a partner in Madison House Presents, the promoter that books and produces concerts at the venue. It was always part of the plan that we would somehow try to bring a real orchestra out here and call Forest Hills Stadium home. Luba also said he believes this kind of concert can help bring people of different generations together for a night under the stars. One of the great things of having an event like this, he said, is that we have 1,000 little kids who might be going to their first concert of any sort sitting next to 85-year-olds. Its a multi-generational event. The New York Pops has performed in front of big crowds before, and will get an additional boost in attendance through their Kids in the Balcony program renamed to Kids in the Stadium for their appearance in Forest Hills. This is one of our favorite programs with the New York Pops, Reineke said. [The] program started at our indoor home at Carnegie Hall, and over the years weve had about 37,000 kids in the balcony at Carnegie Hall attend, free of charge. And now that weve started out at Forest Hills Stadium, it gives us an even larger venue to be able to offer free tickets to underserved communities and schools, and kids who will get the opportunity to hear an orchestra, some for the very first time. Im very pleased we are able to offer that. Reineke said he hopes the program will help generate more interest in music and the arts, even if it affects just one person in the crowd. Some of these kids, it could change their lives, he said. I was one of those kids. When I had these types of opportunities when I was younger, I remember distinctly saying: thats what I want to do, and it helped shape the course of my life. So you never know who you are going to be able to touch with things like this. The concert is scheduled for Thursday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Forest Hills Stadium. Tickets and additional information can be found at fores thill sstad ium.com/ ?utm_ mediu m=web & utm_c ampai gn=mi sclin ks&am p;utm _sour ce=ar ticle _body & utm_c onten t=int ra >www.foresthills stadi um.com . Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez Hundreds of Queens residents and elected officials came out to support veterans and active armed service members at the 90th annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, widely known as the largest in the nation. The parade stretched over a mile, starting on Northern Boulevard and Jayson Avenue and ending at 245th Street in Douglaston. Mayor Bill de Blasio, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) and U.S. Reps. Grace Meng and Tom Suozzi were among the special guests at the parade. Decorated war veterans, and civic and community leaders also walked the route. Before the parade began, an interfaith service was held at Little Neck Community Church, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Monument Park. The parade featured Francis Lewis High school cheerleaders, while members of the high schools ROTC program and patriot battalion drill team marched and played music entertaining parade-goers. Kicking off the parade was Grand Marshal Colonel Terrance C. Holiday, whose major decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal; and the Air Force Achievement Medal, also with two oak leaf clusters, he also served as the commissioner of the Mayors Office of Veterans Affairs under the Bloomberg administration and the de Blasio administration until 2014. He was followed by Honorary Grand Marshal Brigadier General Edward Thomas, Jr., director of public affairs for the secretary of the Air Force in the Pentagon. Thomas Jr. is responsible for developing and executing global communication processes to build understanding and support for the Air Force. Kathryn Cross served as an Honorary Grand Marshal for her status as a Navy Gold Star Mother. Her son, Tyler Connely, was killed while serving in the Navy. Cross is involved with many veterans organizations, including the Department of Veteran Affairs Voluntary Services. Susan Seinfeld, retired Community Board 11 district manager, was named Woman of the Year for her work establishing organizations within her neighborhood with Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows). State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside) was named Man of the Year for his work in Albany, which includes passing a bill which put a limit on the increase of market values for co-ops and a law that makes a tax credit available for small businesses that hire senior citizens. Among the parade-goers were Joanne and Mary , who have both lived in Little Neck for over 40 years but did not want to give their last names. They said they have attended the parade for at least the last 35 years. I come out every year, Joanne said. Its a great parade that honors those who served our country. I live up the street and I always come with my children. I just think the spirit at this particular parade is great and they keep adding things to it every year, and a lot of people come around from all over to see it. Theres always a great variety with spirited people watching. It makes the parade more enjoyable and very diverse, as well. Joannes friend and neighbor, Mary, came to see her husband, a volunteer firefighter, take part in the parade. My husband has been a volunteer fireman for the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department for 40 years, she said. Hes driving a fire truck. The people who volunteer are very brave. Not too many people get up at 3 a.m. and run to something like that. This is a very good group of people, close-knit and community-oriented. Im here to show support. Parents and children lined up taking selfies and pictures. The rain stopped by the time the parade began at 2 p.m., but the weather remained cloudy and chilly. Parade-goers agreed it was not the perfect day for a barbecue, but still wanted to come out to show support. Whitestone, College Point, Laurelton, Rosedale, Forest Hills, Maspeth and Ridgewood also held parades, Councilman Vallone attended College Point, Whitestone and Little Neck-Douglaston Parades and thanked the organizers and volunteers at each parade. Today we can hold our heads high as we remember and honor the men and women and their families who have given everything including their lives, so that we may live free and proudly as American citizens, Vallone said As I marched in our fourth parade as Council member, I couldnt be more proud to represent this great district as once again our communities showed their respect and undying gratitude for our veterans with three local parades within 24 hours. We have always stood behind our local heroes as well as our police, firefighters and first responders, and that was clearly evident this holiday weekend. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Naeisha Rose Once a year, six out of 250,000 civil servants across the city are selected for the Sloan Public Service Awards. Three of this years recipients serve Queens. The awards, which are like the Nobel Prize for city government workers, were presented to each of the recipients at their workplaces May 25 by the Fund for the City of New York. Each received a $10,000 cash prize. The honorees were Community Library Manager Vilma Daza, who works for Queens Borough Public Library; Department of Probation NEON Center Assistant Commissioner Karen Armstrong; and Executive Director for Materials for the Arts Harriet Taub. Daza, an immigrant from Peru, provides services for 18,000 patrons at the bustling Corona Branch at 38-23 104th St, and has a staff of nine full-time employees. Being honored meant the world to her. Im very happy and excited, Daza said. I feel like a million dollars. My working for the community is to make them learn about the resources we have so they can be successful. At the library she oversees programs for children, ESL courses, adult classes, math courses, painting classes and an after-school program. One of the newer initiatives that she helped to usher in was a prenatal program. Its a six-session prenatal course, said Tamara Michael, who teaches the class. Today they talked about family planning, anatomy and physiology, mental health, labor, childhood education and body autonomy. Public Health Solutions sponsors the prenatal courses. Armstrong leads a team of 140 probation officers who are responsible for 8,000 people in Queens. The award is for her work at the Queens Adult Services NEON Center, located at 162-24 Jamaica Ave., in connecting parolees, with community organizations, local businesses and government agencies. Her efforts have led to many individuals on probation receiving early parole. I love everything that we do, Armstrong said. We get to come in every day and help people. That is all we do and keep our community safe. The married mother of two is on the clock 24 hours a day and on weekends to get clients to resources that will help sustain them and educational opportunities that will help them stay out and move out of the criminal justice system, Armstrong said. To be acknowledged for it I appreciate it. Taub presides over a 35,000-square-foot warehouse holding 2 million pounds of art material that would have ended up in a landfill. She manages a staff of 17 people and 1,000 volunteers, and provides fabric, paper, trim and office supplies for creative purposes to 4,000 arts and educational organizations. Material for the Arts is one of the citys largest providers of arts education for New York Citys schoolteachers, according to staff members. Being revered while highlighting MFTAs contributions was a privilege for Taub. Its a huge honor to be chosen, Taub said. Taub is the daughter of a florist, a former arts teacher and an environmentalist. Working at MFTA has been a dream come true for her. Who gets a job where they can combine their love of sustainability with the arts, and also arts education and equity? Taub said. If I could move that needle a little bit I have had the pleasure and honor of doing that. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry State Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) announced Thursday that he will run for the City Council in the 21st District after City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) decided against running for re-election this fall. Ferreras-Copeland first won her seat on the City Council in 2009, becoming the boroughs first Latina elected official and she went on to make history in 2014 when she became the first woman and first person of color to be named the head of the Councils powerful Finance Committee. After a great deal of thought and prayer, I have decided not to run for re-election, Ferreras-Copeland said in a statement to Politico. I have had the privilege of representing the 21st District in Queens for eight years, where Ive fought for the education of our children, the rights of women and families, and the protection of our immigrants. Ferreras-Copeland married Aaron Copeland in a 2015 wedding officiated by Mayor Bill de Blasio, but Copeland works as an aerospace engineer in Maryland. As a mother and a wife, it has become increasingly difficult to have my family divided in two locations, she said. Although this is not an easy decision, this is what makes sense for my son, for my family, and for me. Ferreras-Copeland had been considered a front-runner to replace Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan), who is term limited. There was no further comment from her office Thursday. Meanwhile, Moya vowed to build on his progressive record in Albany of standing up for immigrants rights, working families and small businesses in face of threats posed by the Trump administration. For the last seven years, I have worked tirelessly in Albany to stand up for working families in Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and across this city, Moya said in a statement. I have seen the challenges we face in providing a quality public school education to our children, encouraging the small businesses that drive economic growth in Queens, and standing up for the rights of immigrants, women and members of the LGBTQ community at a time of mass deportations, fear and Donald Trump. We see the hardworking men and women who build this great city and make it run struggle to receive the fair wages and workplace protections they need and deserve. Moya is seen as an ally of U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), head of the Queens County Democratic Party, who has had a strained relationship with Ferreras-Copeland since she went against the machine when she backed Mark-Viverito for speaker in 2014. Crowley, whose party had backed Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan) for the post, released a statement Thursday that showed no animosity towards Ferreras-Copeland. Council Member Ferreras-Copeland has been a powerhouse in the City Council, standing up for Democratic values and delivering real results for the people of Queens, Crowley said. Women leaders are crucial to the success of our country, and she has been a trailblazer who will continue to inspire young girls in our community and beyond. While Im disappointed Council Member Ferreras-Copeland will not seek re-election, I have no doubt she will continue to find ways to serve the public. Ive been proud to work with her on many issues and I thank her for her service to Queens. Bridgewater looks to become a regional nightlife hub in western PA Bridgewater bars offer patrons a nightlife experience that is unique from any other in western Pennsylvania Pakistan said Jadhav will remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the chief of army staff and later with the President. By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan today said former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, awarded death sentence by a Pakistan military court on espionage charges, will not be hanged till he has exhausted the right to seek clemency. "Irrespective of ICJ's stay, Jadhav will remain alive until he has exhausted the right to request for clemency, initially with the COAS (army chief) and later with President," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. advertisement The 46-year-old Jadhav, who India claims was kidnapped from Iran, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against Pakistan. The (International Court of Justice) ICJ had stayed the execution of Jadhav on May 18. Zakaria said India's appeal at ICJ was about Jadhav's entitlement to consular access. "It is not about whether the ICJ can act as a Court of Appeal from Pakistani legal proceedings. That is why Barrister Khawar Qureshi informed the Court that India cannot obtain from the Court what it is seeking. He also told the Court that India is using media to create false impression about the case." The spokesperson said India had failed despite reminders to provide information sought on January 23 by Islamabad on the basis of Jadhav's confession of spying and fomenting terror in Pakistan. He termed the ICJ stay on Jadhav's hanging as "nothing but usual". (Inputs from agencies) Also read: Big blow for Pakistan: Ex-ISI official admits Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran How International Court of Justice decided in India's favour in Kulbhushan Jadhav case: An explainer Also watch: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chairs high-level meeting on Kulbhushan Jadhav --- ENDS --- ALBANY -- A Stillwater man with ties to a Dutch outlaw motorcycle gang pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Thursday to selling steroids and international money laundering for the performance-enhancing drugs he acquired in the mail from Thailand. Sean Dubanowich, 43, was convicted of a federal drug felony in 2000 unrelated to steroids. He is an associate of the Satudarah motorcycle club and onetime member of the Rock Machine biker gang, according to court papers and his attorney. The stocky defendant, a weight lifter, obtained the performance-enhancing drugs from Thailand and sold them in the United States and Canada. U.S. District Court Judge Mae D'Agostino ordered Dubanowich who has traveled to the Netherlands in recent years, according to his attorney not to associate with members of the Satudarah biker club. The Dutch club's website shows it has chapters in 21 countries, including the United States where the only two chapters were listed as Central New York and Northeast New York. Dubanowich is also known as "Ivan Dubz." A person identifying himself by that name commented on the club's online comments section on Feb. 17, less than two weeks after Dubanowich was arraigned on Feb. 8. "Thank you (from) the Central NY and Northeast NY chapters," the comment stated. "we are proud and happy to be part of this family ..the United States will grow with many satudarah chapters." On Tuesday Dubanowich's lawyer, James Long, filed a letter with the judge explaining his client sustained carbon monoxide poisoning and a traumatic brain injury in a Dec. 11, 2007 fire at his former apartment on Madison Avenue in Albany. He said Dubanowich has attended outpatient services for rehabilitation, post-traumatic stress disorder and prior substance abuse. "Mr. Dubanovich is not a flight risk, nor a danger to the community," Long stated. "Mr. Dubanovich has discontinued his involvement in motorcycle clubs at the urging of U.S. Probation and is concentrating on his health issues instead." On March 21, 2008, Mayor Jerry Jennings held a ceremony to honor the firefighters who saved Dubanowich. Jenning told Dubanowich, "I'm glad you're with us today." On Thursday, a less-pleased D'Agostino ordered Dubanowich to be electrically monitored in home detention until his sentencing on Sept. 28. He faces 3 1/3 to 4 1/3 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett. Court papers filed show Dubanowich was using the U.S. Postal Service to receive bulk shipments from Thailand, as well as China, India and Turkey. Court papers show that between Jan. 1, 2015 and June 29, Dubanowich wired $105,107 to Thailand and India for packages listed as "electronics," "Christmas gifts" and "vitamins and nutritional supplies." Financial records showed Dubanowich was receiving money, typically via PayPal, from "individuals located all over the country, typically in the amount of several hundred dollars or less," according to a criminal complaint filed by a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent when Dubanowich was arrested in February. The complaint said last Oct. 18, Dubanowich was observed at a post office in Stillwater mailing 11 packages to "people from the all over the country, as well as one package destined to a United States military base overseas." Albany While the $1.7 billion PCB cleanup of the Hudson River is showing promise, federal officials also said Thursday that it could take years of additional study to know if it really worked. For now, no additional dredging is planned. That finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pleased General Electric, which paid for the six-year dredging project between Troy and Fort Edward, but angered state officials and environmental advocates who believe too many PCBs remain in the river. Under federal Superfund rules, EPA had to report on whether dredging met its goal of making fish in the river safe again for human consumption in the foreseeable future. Speaking to reporters, Acting Regional EPA Administrator Catherine McCabe said, "Based on the information and data that we have today, that answer is yes." McCabe also did not rule out the possibility that EPA could order further work by GE if subsequent studies of PCB levels warrant that, but opponents pushing for more dredging warned the likelihood of that happening is remote. EPA also reported that "as many as eight or more years" of studies of PCBs in fish will be needed before federal officials can be sure levels are declining as expected. Part of EPA's plan also relies on "monitored natural attenuation" for PCBs to reach safe limits. That means the agency will observe whether PCBs are declining naturally over time, a step which opponents said meant only hoping and waiting. "That isn't success, it's an unfinished problem," said Daniel Raichel, staff attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Currently, the best EPA can say is that river fish could be safe to eat once a week in "55 years or more,"according to the 1,000-page report. Studies done by EPA during the last year since dredging wrapped up in late 2015 are "not sufficient" to project that timetable more precisely. "This report is telling us whether the project is now working as expected," said McCabe. "This report is not an EPA decision on whether more dredging ultimately should be done." EPA oversaw the cleanup by GE, which paid to dredge about 2.65 million cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment from a 40-mile stretch of the Hudson between Fort Edward and Troy. That amounted to about 310,000 pounds of PCBs, or about 72 percent of what is now known to be in the river. That means about 120,000 pounds still remain along the bottom, including in the navigation channel of the state-owned Champlain Canal. Walter Mugdan, acting deputy regional EPA administrator, said pushing to remove more PCBs would have raised the cost of the project by as much as $500 million, while only shaving off six years from the projected timetable of when fish would again be safe to eat. GE welcomed the report as proof that no further dredging of the Hudson is needed, a position it has steadfastly maintained since work finished. The project is "functioning as intended and will be protective of human health and the environment. No additional dredging in the upper or lower Hudson is recommended," said company spokesman Mark Behan. In December, GE asked EPA to issue a "certificate of completion" for the project, which would find the company met terms of its 2002 cleanup agreement with EPA. Dredging supporters warn that step could absolve GE of further responsibility, leaving state taxpayers to deal with the costs of any additional work. EPA drew immediate fire from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos, who all said the project left behind too many PCBs that will continue to pollute the river for years to come. Seggos said EPA had "failed" the state and vowed to fight for more dredging, although he did not specify how the state might do that. He has already vowed that the state see that more dredging gets done if the federal government will not. McCabe said EPA was not "taking issue" with Seggos or blocking the state from "taking further action." "EPA cannot possibly support a finding that GE's limited dredging has been sufficient to protect New Yorkers' public health and the environment," said Schneiderman. Gillibrand said she was "disappointed that the EPA couldn't muster up the courage to do the job they set out to do and clean up the Hudson." A coalition of environmental groups, some of which were on an EPA advisory panel for the report, also criticized federal officials for ignoring a 2016 study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that claimed PCB levels in fish will remain at unsafe levels for decades to come. NOAA, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) and DEC, are responsible under Superfund law for assessing environmental damage caused by PCBs released into the river for decades by GE plants in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls in Washington County. DEC raised similar concerns with EPA late last year, particularly over elevated PCB levels in fish in the lower Hudson south of Albany. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The EPA report said PCBs in that part of the river, around Poughkeepsie, were declining less than had been expected. The report said that may be due to the tidal nature of the river there. Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, "By ignoring solid scientific evidence from New York state and its sister (federal) agencies and concluding that the Hudson River Superfund project will be protective, EPA is washing its hands of responsibility." Sullivan also urged EPA not to issue GE the completion notice. He warned such a step "could certainly let GE off the hook for any further liability, leaving New York state with a contaminated river, and taxpayers with the cost of covering any other remediation." Other environmental groups to criticize EPA included the Hudson River Fishermen's Association, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Riverkeeper, and Sierra Club. The EPA main report did not mention the NOAA and DEC fish reports, instead finding that "No other information has come to light that could call into question" the project's effectiveness. Last year, EPA had disputed the NOAA report as flawed. EPA spokeswoman Larisa Romanowski said federal officials "carefully considered NOAA's analysis and the New York state recommendations," and included the NOAA study in a seperate appendix to the main report. A federal trustee took a non-confrontational stance with EPA. "We will continue to work with EPA. With our co-trustees, the New York state DEC and NOAA, we will assess and work toward restoring the cherished natural resources of the Hudson River," said Margaret Byrne, the USFW river trustee. The report is available at www.epa.gov/hudson. EPA is taking public comments for 30 days before deciding whether any changes to the document are needed. Colonie Inside a rectangular box of a building not far from the Northway, you can step into a Himalayan salt cave. There's no descending by elevator or vehicle into the depths of a mountain. You just walk through a stylish wood door. Salt Den owner Robert Duff has attempted, with the help of a Vermont designer who does just this thing, to recreate the experience of being in a cavern filled with chunky white and amber crystals. "It's a place to detach from the world," he said. Duff has jumped on a trend in speleotherapy ("cave therapy") or halotherapy ("salt therapy"). Salt dens or salt caves have been popping up around the country, touting benefits to breathing, skin conditions and muscle aches. Leo Tonkins, founder of the Salt Therapy Association, said there are now about 300 salt therapy facilities in the country up from a dozen in 2012. They come in a variety of styles, from Zen-style rooms in fancy resort spas to rooms intended for kids to stomp around in salt crystals. Salt caves actual caves in actual salt mines have long been considered therapeutic in parts of Europe. Duff, a 50-year-old Amsterdam resident, first visited some in Austria and Switzerland, traveling to the depths of the mines in rail cars, when serving in the Navy in Germany several years ago. After a visit, he said, his breathing and thinking were both clearer. He thought the concept could be beneficial to veterans with post-traumatic stress or to people like his 84-year-old father, who suffers from asthma and other lung disorders. An article on the American Lung Association's website suggests there could be some real respiratory benefit to halotherapy. Dr. Norman Edelman, senior scientific adviser to the lung association, said the salt caves are generally free of allergy triggers and that breathing in the salt air may ease breathing by thinning mucous on the airways. There is not enough scientific evidence, however, for halotherapy to be recommended as a medical treatment. An electrician at Albany Medical Center with some Navy experience in emergency medicine, Duff has invested about $250,000 to create the Salt Den on Watervliet Shaker Road in Latham. The centerpiece of the facility is the "cave," a dimly lit room where the floor and walls are covered in 70,000 pounds of Himalayan salt. Salt is also in the air, in aerosol form, pumped in by a halogenerator. Visitors can sit on reclining chairs or right in the crystals, which when rubbed on the skin have a smoothing effect, not unlike beach sand. A typical $35 session lasts 50 minutes, with as many as 10-12 people in the room. A couple times a month, Duff's assistant, Susie Truesdale, conducts a $50 session in the cave with crystal sounds bowls, and Duff intends to add yoga classes in the cave in the future. Truesdale wanted to work for the Salt Den as soon as she heard it was opening, she said. She has visited a half-dozen or so salt caves in Florida. Electronic devices are not allowed in the cave, both because they are a distraction to deep relaxation, and because one benefit of the salt is to negate the positive ion charge of electronics, Duff said. The Salt Den also includes a red light therapy bed, which looks like a tanning bed, but emits no ultraviolet rays. Duff said the red light has positive cosmetic effects on the skin. Massage therapy is also available. Planned for the end of June is an infrared sauna, a dry sauna fueled by invisible light rays that penetrate the skin. An infrared sauna operates without steam, at a lower temperature than other dry saunas. About 500 people have found the Salt Den since its soft opening two months ago, Duff said. The facility's grand opening is scheduled for Thursday. chughes@timesunion.com 518-454-5417 @hughesclaire This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Actress Chloe Moretz is facing a Twitter storm after a plus-sized model posted a picture of Moretz's promotional poster for the her new animated take on "Snow White," claiming it is body-shaming plus-size women. The movie called "Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs features seven cursed princes on their quest to find enchanted red shoes currently in the possession of Snow White, who wears the shoes because they transform her from a petite, curvy woman into a tall, slender one. JUST HANGING OUT: Model Emily Ratajkowski shows off her bikini body in Austin Holliday posted a photo of a promotional poster to Twitter showing both "versions" of Snow White and read, 'What if Snow White was no longer beautiful and the 7 Dwarfs not so short?" Her outraged tweet got a huge response from her followers, many who agreed with Holliday's claim that it's telling "young kids being fat = ugly." American jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit, commented, "THAT MAKES ME FURIOUS! Let's take something that was already s****y and add a lil' sexism to sweeten it up!" Another commentor took the liberty of rewording the poster to say, "What if Snow White felt beautiful no matter what because people treated her as a person, not an object?" However, not everyone was completely against the idea. Some people chose to give what seemed like a marketing flub the benefit of the doubt. One user said, "I'm willing to give the film a chance, but I agree that this ad sends a negative message, and probably could have been done differently." "Really think people are being overly judgmental. Bad ad doesn't mean bad movie. The people working on the film know the script. We don't," said another commentor. The movie, according to an article on the Hollywood Reporter, is ultimately focused on showing that inner beauty is what's really important, even if the poster might be misleading. Tess is only one of the many plus-sized models working to change the beauty industry. Take a look through the gallery above to see other curvy models you should know. SARATOGA SPRINGS -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that it arrested 16 men, one Guatemalan and 15 Mexicans, near their homes in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday morning. ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls said the men, between the ages of 19 and 49, are being detained in Albany County jail for administrative immigration violations. Nine face potential felony charges for re-entry after deportation or visa fraud. Talking exclusively to India Today, Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesperson Sediq Siddiqui said role of Pakistan's ISI has been established in Kabul explosion. At least 90 people were killed and over 300 injured in a deadly blast in Kabul's diplomatic zone. (Photo/ANI) By Gaurav C Sawant: Afghanistan has blamed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the banned terror group - the Haqqani network - for Wednesday's deadly bomb blast in Kabul's diplomatic area which killed at least 90 people and injured 300 others. Talking exclusively to India Today, Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesperson Sediq Siddiqui said role of Pakistan's ISI has been established in Kabul explosion. advertisement "We have nailed Pakistan's ISI role (in Kabul blast). Afghanistan expects Pakistan to crack down on Haqqani network. The attack will surely impact ties between the two (Afghanistan, Pakistan) countries," Siddiqui told India Today. He added that Kabul expects Islamabad to act against the Haqqani network while expressing fears of more such attacks in the country. India and Pakistan both are victims of Pakistan sponsored terror, Siddiqui added. The Haqqani Network is an Afghan insurgent terror outfit based in Pakistan's Waziristan and has carried out many high-profile attacks on US forces, high ranking Afghan officials and foreigners in Afghanistan. The network has ties with Taliban and Al Qaeda and the US considers it a major threat to Afghanistan's stability. Kabul's high-security diplomatic zone was rocked by a powerful blast on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Reuters) Kabul's high-security diplomatic zone was rocked by a powerful blast on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Reuters) KABUL ATTACK Kabul's high-security diplomatic zone was rocked by a powerful blast on Wednesday morning. The explosion occurred near the German embassy at one of the entrances to Kabul's unofficial Green Zone. While the sewage tanker carrying the bomb was stopped from entering the zone, it was unclear how such a large quantity of explosives could get through the ring of checkpoints set up around Kabul to protect the capital. A huge crater ripped into the ground at the site of the blast and shattered windows in houses more than a kilometre away were testament to the power of the explosion, which was set off by a bomb concealed in the tanker. In scale, it was one of the worst such attacks since the US-led campaign to oust the Taliban in 2001 but in kind, it was only the latest in a grim series that has killed thousands of civilians over the years. (With inputs from Reuters) ALSO READ: Kabul bomb blast death toll hits 80, over 350 others injured in suicide attack near Indian embassy Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on NATO convoy in Kabul Pakistan-based terrorist groups planning to attack India and Afghanistan: US advertisement WATCH: Huge blast near Indian embassy in Kabul, many feared killed --- ENDS --- Brunswick The mix of stores, apartments and nearby houses along Route 7 is the manifestation of the town's 2.2 percent growth rate in 2016, making it the third-fastest expanding community in the Capital Region. "Our comprehensive plan, which we've been following, calls for growth along the water and sewer lines," Supervisor Phil Herrington said Monday. The latest U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for 2016 show Brunswick is growing at three times the national average of 0.7 percent. More Information Top 10 Capital Region communities for growth based on percentage of population gain from 2015 to 2016, along with their population. PLACE change Num. change 2016 poP. Malta 5.5% 727 15,892 Cohoes 2.3% 379 16,883 Brunswick 2.2% 274 12,778 Bethlehem 1.5% 506 35,324 Niskayuna 1.4% 305 22,436 Milton 1.2% 229 19,187 Stillwater 1.1% 96 8,547 Moreau 0.9% 134 15,275 Halfmoon 0.9% 204 23,898 Waterford 0.7% 60 8,496 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2016 Population Estimates See More Collapse Only Malta at 5.5 percent and Cohoes at 2.3 percent saw their population grow faster on a percentage basis in the Capital Region between 2015 and 2016. Malta's population rate was comparable to the fastest-growing cities in the country, which are concentrated in the South and West. "Our residential growth has been outstripping our commercial growth. We're working to strike a good balance," Malta Supervisor Vincent DeLucia said. Cohoes Mayor Shawn said his city's growth reflect people discovering the community and the emphasis his administration has placed on expanding residential and commercial opportunities downtown. "People are recognizing the amenities we have," Morse said. "The economic development is tremendous. We have $50 million in projects in the pipeline." But the Capital Region's population as a whole resembles much of the Northeast. It remained fairly static, with slight gains in 17 communities and declines in 39 other municipalities. Except for Cohoes, the region's population growth has been concentrated in the suburban towns. The Capital Region's top 10 municipalities met or exceeded the national average. While urban living has been an increasing draw in the region with old mills, warehouse and schools being transformed into apartments, the latest census numbers show the continued appeal of suburban and rural life. Brunswick's comprehensive plan takes advantage of the town's geographic location of having the reviving Troy urban core on its western border combined with the suburban development along the Brunswick-Troy line and in the eastern half of the town the rural area. "It's a 10-minute drive out to farms where you can still see cows, corn, horses and soybeans," said Herrington, a dairy farmer. Brunswick's population is estimated by the Census Bureau in 2016 to be 12,778. That's 7 percent greater than the count of 11,941 in 2010. Malta's 15,892 residents also want to maintain the rural character, DeLucia said. "We want to protect and maintain the rural agriculture areas we have in Malta." The Capital Region's growth center continues to be Saratoga County, where Malta, Milton, Moreau, Saratoga Springs, Stillwater, Halfmoon, Wilton and Waterford grew in 2016. In Albany County, Bethlehem and Cohoes were the only municipalities whose population was up in 2016 over 2015. The Schenectady County towns of Niskayuna and Rotterdam had larger populations in 2016. Besides Brunswick, the estimated population in the towns of Berlin, Grafton, North Greenbush and Poestenkill each grew by five or fewer people. Herrington said Brunswick's population growth has been accompanied by the shopping plazas along Route 7 that have expanded the tax base needed to pay for services. Herrington said there are still some housing projects planned, but that the town may have reached the right size. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm happy with what we have," Herrington said, however, adding, "They still want to keep coming." kcrowe@timesunion.com 518-454-5084 @KennethCrowe This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Kabul, Afghanistan A suicide attacker struck the fortified heart of the Afghan capital with a massive truck bomb Wednesday, killing 90 people, wounding 400 and raising new fears about the government's ability to protect its citizens nearly 16 years into a war with insurgents. The bomber drove into Kabul's heavily guarded diplomatic quarter during the morning rush hour, leaving behind a bloody scene of chaos and destruction in one of the worst attacks since the drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan in 2014. Most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children, said Ismail Kawasi, spokesman of the public health ministry. But the dead also included Afghan security guards at the facilities, including the U.S. Embassy, while 11 American contractors were wounded, a U.S. State Department official said. "I have been to many attacks, taken wounded people out of many blast sites, but I can say I have ever seen such a horrible attack as I saw this morning," ambulance driver Alef Ahmadzai said. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack, which came in the first week of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Taliban denied any involvement. The explosives were hidden in a tanker truck used to clean out septic systems, said Najib Danish, deputy spokesman for the interior minister. The blast gouged a crater about 15 feet deep near Zanbaq Square in the Wazir Akbar Khan district, where foreign embassies are protected by a battery of their own security personnel as well as Afghan police and National Security Forces. The nearby German Embassy was heavily damaged. Also in the area is Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry, the Presidential Palace and its intelligence and security headquarters, guarded by soldiers trained by the U.S. and its coalition partners. "The terrorists, even in the holy month of Ramadan, the month of goodness, blessing and prayer, are not stopping the killing of our innocent people," said President Ashraf Ghani. President Donald Trump spoke with Ghani after the attack, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson condemned it as a "senseless and cowardly act." "The United States stands with the government and the people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity for their country," Tillerson said in a statement. Afghanistan's war, the longest involving U.S. troops, has shown no sign of letting up, and the introduction into the battle of an Islamic State affiliate has made the country only more volatile. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Looking at Cathryn Wake's resume, her ascent to a part in one of this year's top musicals on Broadway isn't a stretch. At the top of her CV is "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," which garnered 12 Tony Award nominations this year. But there are also stints on "Glee," the popular former Fox series, and productions hosted at the Jerry Orbach Theatre and with the New York Philharmonic. She was a soloist for "Adam Guettel in Concert," a night with the famed composer and lyricist behind "A Light in the Piazza." At the bottom of her resume, in a section called "Regional," are familiar Capital Region troupes. There's the Schenectady Civic Players, where Wake played Jo in "Little Women, The Musical," and Curtain Call Theatre (Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker"). Performing in New York City was always on her radar. But she attributes her Broadway debut in "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" to her artistic experiences as a high school student in Colonie, when she was Cathryn Salamone. More Information Tune in Tony Awards When: 8 p.m., Sunday, June 11 Where: WRGB Ch. 6, CBS Info: tonyawards.com See More Collapse "Both my classical music training and my dramatic training started at Colonie Central High School. I wouldn't be on Broadway without those foundations," said Wake, 26, on a recent Tuesday as she was heading to her company's Tony Awards performance rehearsal. "Arts education in my public school training is the reason I'm doing what I'm doing." She and fellow Capital Region native Kelley Curran are involved in Broadway shows nominated for Tonys, the winners of which will be announced Sunday, June 11. Both attribute at least part of their success on the Great White Way to being raised in a region where artistic opportunities abound. Wake is an actor-musician in "The Great Comet," a musical adaptation of part of Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" that stars Josh Groban and Denee Benton. The show, Wake said, is a sung-through musical, much like "Les Miserables," and is fluid through various genres; it can be an electric pop opera in one moment, with Russian folk and rock mixed into the next. Wake joined the cast when the show went to Broadway in 2016 (it had a handful of stagings at regional theaters before then). She is a member of the ensemble, as well as a clarinet player in a roving orchestra. (She learned clarinet starting in fifth grade.) On the show's website, greatcometbroadway.com, is a promotional video for the show; about halfway through, Wake can be seen with her instrument, wearing a jacket similar to that of a circus ringleader. "I always wanted it, of course, to be on Broadway. I was also a bit of a realist at 13 and knew it was a very difficult thing," she said. "We're just all so grateful to be doing what we're doing 8 times a week." Although she participated in musicals and theater in high school, she said a lot of her regional experience came while taking general education credits at Hudson Valley Community College. She found a community of like-minded artists taking part in Spotlight Theater, Schenectady Civic Players and Curtain Call productions. "The Capital Region has a robust community theater scene unlike anything I've really experienced in other towns doing some regional theater," she said, citing companies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Growing up in Slingerlands, Curran's theater experience started in grade school in the Bethlehem Central School District. She participated in children's theater at Park Playhouse and was involved with her high school's shows. Curran gravitated towards dramatic performances, getting involved with the William Shakespeare productions put on each year by Bethlehem teacher James Yeara. "That version of storytelling and also poetry, I loved the language and the poetry," she said. "When I started realizing they were doing theater productions, that opened this world (of acting) up." On May 14, Curran made her Broadway debut playing Joanna, a paramour and main character in a revival of Noel Coward's "Present Laughter." The part is usually played by Cobie Smulders, of "How I Met Your Mother" fame, but Curran was able to cover for her when she said Smulders had a previous family engagement. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Curran knows the lines for three primary characters in the show, knowing she has to be ready to step in for another actor at the drop of a hat. "It's such a fantastic company, sort of brimming with talent," she said. "After the nominations came out, we got to the theater that night, the producers had a big, beautiful cake. It was so nice to be there as an ensemble and cast and crew and to celebrate that honor." Kevin Kline, who plays Garry opposite Smulders' character in the show, saw Curran perform in a world premiere adaptation of "Sense & Sensibility" with Bedlam, a theater company in New York City. "They just recently saw me play the leading roles in this production, and they were just coming up with auditions," Curran said of Kline and "Present Laughter" director Moritz von Stuelpnagel. "It was one of those small world moments." Though she is not nominated for a Tony Award, and said she has only once played Smulder's role in "Present Laughter" so far, Curran is no stranger to accolades. She won the 2015 Joe Callaway Award for best performance by an actress in a classic play in the city. But being involved with the Tonys at all Curran and the whole cast and crew have been invited to go to the awards show is still an honor. "It is nice to have a play like this in these very, very chaotic times. I think it's really lovely to have a play called 'Present Laughter' and have a night or an afternoon where you get to do that," she said. "You get to be in a room with these sort of extraordinary people and hopefully laugh with them. You sort of put your troubles aside and laugh." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It's an accomplishment in the fickle culinary world for any restaurant to reach its 35th year. At Cafe Capriccio, longevity is testament to owner Jim Rua's umbilical-cord connection to Italy. Private chef's table dinners draw lifeblood from frequent visits that re-ink three core beliefs: the centrality of Italian ingredients and technique, the importance of memory and ritual as it relates to food, and sempre famiglia "family always." How do I know? The man has written four cookbooks and, like William Kennedy and Jack McEneny, is a beloved son, part of Albany's legend and lore. His son, Franco, has long been part of the fold, co-running the chef's table dinners and the now-closed Capriccio Saratoga in Saratoga Springs. Early midweek, tables are filled with suits in loosened collars, and couples pouring chartreuse olive oil in familiar silence as the frustrated screeches of a small child, too tired to be contained in a booth, slip into the air utterly ignored. The unassuming basement eatery still appeals to businessmen and families alike. Capriccio's awnings are more weathered than when I first went 20 years ago. Tucked away on Grand Street, its back to recent downtown development, Capriccio has the air of a hunched old man oblivious to the changing landscape. The narrow basement foyer with its uneven walls and thread-worn carpet smells of history. Young loves' names scratched into the maple walls of the dining room, graffiti leftover from Lo Presti's, a popular restaurant in the 1960s and '70s, are patinaed now. (Rua says some guests have fessed up to their high school handiwork.) On the other side, a booth-lined bar is empty and staidly old fashioned. More Information Cafe Capriccio 49 Grand St. Albany Phone: 465-0439 Web: www.cafecapriccio.com Reservations: Recommended. Credit cards: All major. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Parking: Street. Next door state-operated parking lot is free after 5 p.m. and $5 on event nights. Disabled access: No. Grandfathered in. Attire: Casual/business casual. Prices: Antipasti, $8 to $16; pasta and risotto, $12 to $25; mains, $28 to $34; sides, $6; desserts, $4.75 to $11.50. Food: (**) The best of Capriccio featuring popular dishes, Italian classics (chicken cacciatore to puttanesca), excellent house-cured charcuterie using local Kinderhook pork, and a mix of house-made and Crisan Bakery desserts. Beverage: (***) Cocktail list, $10 to $16. Rua's tightly curated list of around 50 Italian wines: By the bottle, $27 to $126; by the glass, $8 to $12, plus a few half bottles. After dinner spirits, $7 to $38. Service: (***1/2) Excellent and knowledgeable. Interestingly, our server sat down for dinner at another table and a new waiter stepped in. Ambiance: (***) Classically casual Italian in a historic basement space. Personality: (***) Warmly furnished but showing its age. Subterranean, old Albany Italian. Overall Rating: *** See More Collapse You come here for service you can't buy or demand. Experience from 20 years on the job, confidence from top-down empowerment. Noting our expansive order, our server wasted no time in setting us straight with the unequivocal surety of mother knows best. Skip the bruschetta on our list, she says; mop the house bread in the Tuscan olive oil. She's right. We sop up as much of the vibrant, racy press as we can without drinking it straight. That's before she abruptly reroutes our confident oenophile picks. By the glass, we should choose the 2015 Barbera over the 2015 Chianti but, by the bottle, the 2009 Chianta Rufina Reserva ($49) is her recommendation. Robust, darkly pigmented and ripe with dried berries, it's a smooth, storied choice that matches her talk of terroir and the natural winery. She visited it on Rua's dime; we thank her for the steer. Franco's cured meats prosciutto, sopressata, salumi, capicola, guanciale among them are aged upwards of a year and a half in-house, and we are struck by the buttery, silky prosciutto, and rich soppressato in the Tuscan antipasto ($16). Sadly, their appearance is only a cameo and we swiftly pluck six slices from a hill of mesclun greens, Pecorino and wincingly tart quick-pickled veg. At that price, we'd expected a charcuterie plate. The menu runs through Capriccio's classics like a "best of" album. There are veal cheeks and chicken piccata, cacciatore and puttanesca. I can close my eyes and remember the squid ink dish I had in 1997, and here it still is, calamari neri. Greens and beans Passannante ($13), the heavenly garlic-fumed broth with escarole and soft cannellini beans, salted with Parmesan and housemade pancetta, is still as irresistible as a spin on a Vespa. So our eyes spring open at clonkers: saffron risotto that's grainy under tooth; the ill-advised ice cream Pisa tower swamped in a warm "figs Foster" ($8) moat that takes out the base like hot oil to a castle siege. It's also weird to be offered pumpkin-spice bread pudding in May. Italians cite the simplicity of three ingredients. But that's if you're in Italy, where a ripe tomato can bring you to tears. Otherwise, it's take seasoning and a reliable grasp of tenet No. 2: Technique. Although mascarpone, peas, basil and mint are lovely and springy for ravioli in their zippy house sauce, the triple-cream filling is curdled from high heat, and finding no sign of peas we're told "there's something inside," which leaves me humming Labi Siffre for the rest of the meal. My guest's dreary swordfish ($33) has been neutered of big fish vigor and tries to borrow lemon-cilantro pep from a toasted almond puree spooned on top. True horror is an octopus "leg" sheathed in purple, mucous-y skin. It's part of an amputee trio (a crisp duck leg and snap-skinned chicken sausage oddly, not Franco's are the other two "limbs") on crisply seared polenta with tomato jam ($34). I'm so flummoxed I take it home to dissect, watching octopus tutorials and calling up chef friends. Large octopus usually have their stretchy, slimy outer skin removed, suckers left in place (mine had mysteriously gone); left on, it's best rendered crisp, not presented as a gelatinous sleeve. I've had octopus bashed on island rocks and hung to dry in the sun, never wet and snotty like this. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Capriccio is old school, Italian and family-run, bar one change: Jim Rua is not in the kitchen. For almost a decade, head chef Nick Gulbrandsen, who trained under Rua, has handled Capriccio's menus and nightly inspirations. A team of pasta makers, Franco among them, turn out a lovely mix of rustic, thick-cut, al-dente pasta. And seeing proletarian vegetables on every diner's plate, we recalibrate our thinking and imagine we're at a family-style meal. It's a better way of understanding kitchen output. There's nothing edgy or Instagram-able here. Plates are straightforward compositions; flavors aren't always there. It's not damning with faint praise to put Capriccio's little subterranean space above the food. Well, maybe a little. I feel fondly about its history, server aprons and white tablecloths. Solid service and wine takes you places, and pasta classics cover the bases, but the leading man has exited stage left and, like "Hamilton" without Lin-Manuel Miranda, it's not the same. Prices are steep for Italian standards, and food flaws, though not life-threatening, are most certainly there. Dinner for two including three appetizers, two entrees, one dessert, coffee and a $49 bottle of wine came to $219.12 with tax and 20 percent tip. Susie Davidson Powell is a freelance writer from East Greenbush. Follow her on Twitter, @SusieDP. To comment on this review, visit the Table Hopping blog, blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Lansingburgh The former Leonard Hospital is among Troy's biggest eyesores. The building is blighted, dangerous and a drain on taxpayers. You would probably assume, then, that residents of Lansingburgh would be thrilled by a proposal that aims to redevelop the long-vacant complex and get it on the tax rolls. You would be wrong. More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse In fact, the plan by Community Builders, a developer of affordable housing, has become one of the hottest issues in the city. It has infuriated some Lansingburgh residents and has divided the Republican majority on the City Council. The debate has also illustrated how misinformation can spread like wildfire on Facebook and how damaging that misinformation can be. "This isn't Lansingburgh's proudest moment," said City Council member Mark McGrath, a Republican who supports the redevelopment plan and believes some of the opposition is fueled by discrimination against those with lower incomes and disabilities who would live there. The 6.3-acre site is at 74 New Turnpike Road on the city's northern edge, and it has long been trouble. Vandals, teenagers mostly, sometimes enter the derelict building. Fires have been set there. Police struggle to adequately patrol it. Last year, a 17-year-old girl was severely injured after falling from the building. In 2014, a woman suffered spinal injuries after falling through its roof. "Leonard Hospital has been a nightmare for the city," City Council President Carmella Mantello said just last week. Enter Community Builders. The company is proposing to demolish the building and replace it with up to 120 units of housing. Aided by state and federal tax credits for the creation of affordable housing, it would be a $20 million investment consisting of mostly one- and two-bedroom units. It would end the city's "nightmare." But the Facebook critics contend it would begin another for Lansingburgh. Citing fears of rising crime, they claim Community Builders aims to build a low-income housing project. They also claim the development would not pay taxes. Here's the truth: The project would be a mixed-income development where residents would pay a range of rents. While about a third of its units would be set aside as "supportive housing" for seniors, the disabled and victims of domestic violence, many of its residents would be employed and some would have incomes higher than Troy's median. And Community Builders would, in fact, pay property taxes on the project. Among the city's responsible politicians, there's universal agreement that the proposal would be good for the city. Troy, despite its downtown renaissance, has a declining population, according to census numbers that show a nearly one percent drop since 2010. The city needs new housing. It needs investment away from downtown. It needs to build its tax base. Plus, nobody else is stepping forward to remake the difficult and asbestos-laden Leonard Hospital site. If this proposal falls through, how many years will it be before another comes along? "The reality is that 20 years have passed since that hospital was operating and nothing has happened," said Dean Bodnar, a Republican on the City Council. "You can't just let this rotting hulk of a building that's a deathtrap just sit there." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Last week, the council voted 7-2 to sell the building to Community Builders for $1. A second vote is set for Thursday night. In between the votes on Tuesday evening some council members held a meeting in Lansingburgh to discuss the project. The gathering, which attracted more than 100 residents, was tense, angry and occasionally chaotic. Those who attended say the proposal seems to have become a focal point for Lansingburgh's long-simmering and entirely understandable frustrations with Troy's government. Some city officials were taken aback. Before the meeting, Mantello seemed supportive of the project, and she was among the seven who voted last week to move it along. After the meeting, the Republican announced she would vote against it, despite having called the vacant building a "nightmare." "It was loud and clear," Mantello told me. "The community does not want this development. They want to see something else, and they're willing to live with a blighted site." Maybe Mantello is doing what a politician should. She's listening to constituents and voting according to their desires. But the common knock against Mantello is that she lets the wind decide which way she'll vote. She follows, rather than leads. Her critics say she calculates. She wants to be mayor badly, and tells voters whatever they want to hear. Thursday's vote is expected to be close. McGrath, who represents part of Lansingburgh, says he won't change his mind. He'll vote for the sale. "It'll cost me votes, no doubt about it," he said. "I'm not going to sell my soul for votes. I'm going to do what's right. This is the only way to get that building down. The only way." cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill Priyanka Chopra took down her controversial selfies at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin after facing a huge backlash on Twitter. By India Today Web Desk: Priyanka Chopra, who was in Berlin to promote her Hollywood debut, did the usual tourist things, which included a visit to the Holocaust Memorial in the city. However, the actor taking selfies at the memorial, which is dedicated to millions of Jews who became victims of Adolf Hitler's Holocaust, and posting them online did not go down with Twitteratti. advertisement Priyanka faced severe backlash on Twitter for her "insensitive" action. The actor subsequently deleted the photos from her social media. I am fucking dead at Priyanka Chopra taking selfies at the Holocaust Memorial. What is wrong with her. pic.twitter.com/RcIgfuL5jC- - (@kajolsmonobrow) May 29, 2017 Did @priyankachopra really just take holocaust memorial selfies!?? What the actual fuck. ????????????????????. pic.twitter.com/BLEHsXNGYt- Riverdale (@RiverdaleCWFans) May 29, 2017 Taking selfies at the Holocaust Memorial sounds like EXACTLY something @priyankachopra would do tbh.- ?sparkling diamond? (@sashemjay) May 31, 2017 Earlier, Priyanka was trolled for wearing a knee-length dress and "exposing" her legs while meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the actor gave it back to the uber-conservative trolls by sharing a photo of herself and her mother Madhu Chopra flaunting their legs and captioned it "Legs for days..." On the work front, her Hollywood debut Baywatch is set to hit screens in India tomorrow. She has already signed her second Hollywood project, A Kid Like Jake, which will star Jim Parsons and Claire Danes. Speculation is rife that Priyanka is also in talks to star in the New Line comedy Isn't It Romantic opposite Rebel Wilson. ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra meets PM Modi in Berlin, some Indians find her attire disrespectful ALSO WATCH: I wanted to be seen as a modern actor, says Priyanka Chopra --- ENDS --- Newport farmer Martin Ryan has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work in agricultural journalism in this year's Zurich Farm of the Year awards. A second award went to Clonmel farmer Jack Murphy who took an award for excellence in farm safety The Zurich Farm Insurance Farming Independent Farmer of the Year Awards, now in their fourth year, recognised excellence in all areas of the Irish farming industry, aiming to shine a light on one of the most successful and important sectors within the Irish economy. Having overcome tough competition to take home top accolades, category winners on the night were presented with a cash prize of 2,500 at the special awards ceremony for their achievements. The Farmer of the Year Awards, sponsored by Zurich Insurance, featured six categories including Beef, Dairy, Tillage and Sheep. In addition, a special Grand Prix Award was taken home by Peter Hynes from Aherla, Cork, as the overall farmer for the year winner. Declan OHalloran, head of sales and agri-business for Zurich Insurance, said: "The Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate excellence across a wide range of farming categories and to reward Irelands farmers for their contribution to their communities and to society. Jack Murphy and Martin Ryan have set themselves apart in their fields and were proud to help recognise these accomplishments. I would like to congratulate them, and the other winners of the 2017 Farmer of the Year Awards, as well as each and every one of those who were shortlisted. These awards are a celebration of their successes and a showcase of some of the world-class work carried out by Irelands farming community, and its great to see them becoming an annual highlight in the farming calendar." The title sponsor for the Awards for the 4th year is Zurich Insurance, o while the category sponsors are the Health & Safety Authority, the ICMSA, the Irish Independent and Teagasc. Members of the Rural Independent Group have expressed their delight after they achieved a successful Dail vote this Thursday, June 1, on the motion they brought forward calling for immediate reform of the Fair Deal Nursing Home Support Scheme. The motion, which was carried by 51 votes to 48, represents a highly significant loss for the Government and will place increased pressure on it to urgently review the Fair Deal Scheme in line with the submissions made by various farming and self-employed organisations as well as Nursing Home Ireland. Independent TD Mattie McGrath said after the the motion was passed: "Todays vote on our motion is enormously significant not only for the farming families and self-employed who have been discriminated against due to the existing terms of the scheme, but also because it is the first time that the Government has been defeated despite the Fianna Fail party abstaining on the vote. "This demonstrates that the motion we placed before the House represented a clear pathway toward fundamental reform of the Fair Deal Scheme in line with a more just and equitable assessment method. The Tipperary TD said that farming families and the self-employed can now be absolutely assured that the Dail had mandated for a greater degree of certainty and clarity to be introduced with respect to a reduced charge on the farm / business assets which protects the future viability of the farm/business asset for future generations. The vote was also welcomed by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association, chair of rural development Seamus Sherlock. "My experience is that many farmers are suffering alone and in silence as committing to the Fair Deal scheme could eventually lead to the sale of their farm to pay for nursing home fees. This is simply too high a price to contemplate in the eyes of many farmers. In reality these men and women are putting the viability of future farming generations before their own well-being. It is the position of ICSA that this is a decision neither our ageing farmers nor their families should be forced to make. "ICSA believes that the three year cap on assessing assets that applies to family homes should also apply to farms. We also support reducing the time an asset needs to be transferred prior to entering a nursing home from five to three years. ICSA believe that reform of the Fair Deal Scheme has been long fingered for too long and we want action now. The Fair Deal needs to be fair for everyone," he said. Herald photo/Mary Hill Titusvilles Memorial Day guest speaker Ruth Fairchild, past state commander, poses with Cecil Dennis, new incoming commander of Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW, of Titusville, following the Memorial Day service held Monday in Scheide Park. [June 01, 2017] Caldera Medical and FIUGA Partner to Support Urogynecological Education, Research and Care Around the World Foundation for International Urogynecological Assistance (FIUGA) and Caldera Medical today announced their partnership to support urogynecological education, research and care around the world to reduce the suffering of women with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601005454/en/ Caldera Medical is a medical device company that develops differentiated surgical implants for the treatment of SUI and POP. "Millions of women in poverty-stricken countries are incapacitated by incontinence and/or prolapse and are not receiving the care they need," stated Bryon Merade, Chairman and CEO, Caldera Medical, adding, "teaming up with FIUGA to eliminate the suffering of women with SUI and POP will enable us to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life for women. I encourage people to show their support of FIUGA by offering a donation, https://www.statusplus.net/fiuga/donate/." "Caldera Medical is a great partner and this partnership reflects our desire to collaborate with companies that share our vision of a world where all women are free from pelvic floor problems. This partnership underscores our commitment to promote research, education and care of urogynecology conditions," said Dr. Peter Sand, President, FIUGA. FIUGA will coordinate humanitarian trips for surgeons and arrange logistics, including local transportation, accommodation, customs enforcement and safety. Caldera Medical will sponsor travel and housing expenses of FIUGA's faculty traveling on humanitarian trips. Caldera Medical aims to promote FIUGA's goal to geerate more positive support for the cause. In addition, Caldera Medical will donate surgical implants and provide reusable introducers during humanitarian trips. About Women's Health Initiative and Caldera Medical Caldera Medical launched Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to partner with leading surgeons to advance education and provide humanitarian aid while delivering care to impoverished women suffering from SUI and POP regardless of their ability to pay. The initiative specifically involves dispatching teams of surgeons to underprivileged areas to treat patients and to provide proper training to local physicians. WHI's goal is to alleviate one million women suffering from incontinence and prolapse by 2025. Caldera Medical's product lines include Desara Sling System for the treatment of SUI and Vertessa Lite for use in abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedures for the treatment of POP. Caldera Medical is a privately held company located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, visit Caldera Medical at http://www.calderawhi.com or http://www.calderamedical.com. About FIUGA FIUGA was founded and incorporated in 2013 in the United States as an independent tax-exempt charitable organization commissioned to support the charitable and academic activities of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA). The main goal of FIUGA is advancing global urogynecological knowledge and practice through education and the promotion of basic and clinical research on disorders of the female pelvic floor throughout the world. Foundation Projects The Ghana Project - Their first project was to establish a Center of Excellence in Ghana in collaboration with the Ghanaian College of Surgeons to promote education in Female Pelvic Medicine. IUGA eXchange Program - Through eXchange Programs, they improve the quality of life for women with pelvic floor problems around the world by teaching their care providers how to diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in underserved areas. Since 2005, 19 eXchange Programs have been held in 13 countries: Bahrain, Serbia, Thailand, China, the Philippines, South Africa, Mozambique, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Bolivia, Jordan, Sudan and India. Regional Symposia - Through Regional Symposia held at major teaching centers where urogynecological services are already being provided, FIUGA further promotes the advanced education of obstetricians and gynecologists, urologists and other healthcare providers to improve their skill sets and promote research in women's pelvic health. Venues have included Hong Kong, Slovenia, Argentina, California, Chile and Israel. International Fellowship - FIUGA also offers fellowships, observerships and research grants to allow for increased dissemination of urogynecological knowledge For more information, visit FIUGA at https://fiuga.statusplus.net/. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601005454/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 31, 2017] Klugo Group Signs Exclusive NetSuite Implementation Deal With Bing Lee MELBOURNE, Australia, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Klugo Group, the largest 100% NetSuite Solution Provider in APAC, announced that it has signed an exclusive NetSuite implementation contract with Bing Lee Electrics, one of the largest privately-held electrical retailers in New South Wales. Family-owned and operated, Bing Lee has 39 stores across NSW and ACT, helping customers with their Electrical and Appliances needs since 1957. "The decision to move to NetSuite was necessary to support our vision to modernise and streamline our operations," explains Phil Moujaes, General Manager. A 5 Star NetSuite Solution Provider and key implementation partner of another member of the Narta Group, Klugo was introduced to Bing Lee to assist in delivering an industry specific solution providing the operational intelligence and flexibility required to accelerate Bing Lee's growth as a leading Applinces and Consumer Electronics Retailer in Australia. "Klugo were able to demonstrate their level of industry knowledge and assist us in formalising a systems modernisation strategy of which the customer experience is central. NetSuite will allow us to be more nimble in a perpetually changing market," says Nigel Price, Head of E-Commerce. "NetSuite provides companies like Bing Lee with a pivotal omni-channel platform for flexibility and scalability, which is vital in the modern world," explains Tania Large, Business Consultant and Retail Specialist at Klugo Group. Annaliese Kloe, CEO of Klugo Group says "we are thrilled at the prospect of building a long-term partnership with Bing Lee, an iconic Australian family business. We fully support its broader modernisation project; this exciting partnership is ultimately about delivering a platform to assist Bing Lee in moving forward." With business modernisation at the forefront of the business, Bing Lee's investment in a cloud-based ERP system introduces game-changing innovations to drive business and maximise potential for the business and its customers. About Klugo Group and NetSuite Klugo Group is a leading 5 Star NetSuite Solution Provider operating in ANZ. Klugo comprehensively manages Implementation, Managed Services and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) across; Retail, Wholesale Distribution, Manufacturing and Field Service industries. NetSuite is one complete business management suite for your entire business, encompassing Financials, Customer Relationship Management, Marketing, Project, Procurement, Supply Chain, Warehouse Management, Manufacturing, Point of Sale and eCommerce. NetSuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) runs the key-back-office processes and financial business operations in the cloud. Katie Webber, Digital Communications, +61-3-9244-3542, [email protected] Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170531/1864246-1 SOURCE Klugo Group [June 01, 2017] HealthKumbh - A Perfect Branding Platform for Doctors, Clinics and Hospitals AHMEDABAD,India, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahmedabad-based doctor-turned-entrepreneur, Dr. Maulik Darji, creates an online platform 'HealthKumbh' for doctors and clinics. In today's fast-paced digital world, personal branding is the key to professional success, and doctors, clinics and hospitals are no longer an exception. People now analyze anyone, by viewing a person's social media profiles, online activities, past and present posts shared, network etc. And this same analysis is done when people look for doctors/clinics. With new trends of technology, people now judge doctors, clinics and hospitals way before they enter the door for treatment. They do this by researching about the treatments and doctors they read online. This thought motivated Dr. Maulik Darji to build the platform, HealthKumbh. HealthKumbh helps doctors, clinics, and hospitals to use the Internet effectively. It is an integrated, easy-to-use platform that saves doctors a lot of time, effort and money. Doctors and clinics can build their reputation online by using HealthKumbh. Healthcare practitioners are currently using various online mediums to reach and engage with people. Among the most commonly used mediums are Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Blogger, WordPress,Pinterest and some custom made personal websites. Each of these platforms work differently; some support photos and article sharing, others are for video sharing, and some for posting social updates. All these, when used together, are highly time consuming and they are not specific mediums for health care audiences. Many doctors and clinics have their own website that are high in maintenance and require technical know-hows. This is where HealthKumbh plays a crucial role; doctors/clinics can share all kind of health and social content, network and reach specific target audience. Healthkumbh is a place where doctors/clinics can connect to each other, as well as to general people. Moreover, they can make connections with other doctors to enhance their professional network. They can interact with the general people for solving their health-related problems. Through this platform, doctors can post and share professional insights on popular social media networks also. Dr. Maulik Darji dreamt of creating a digital platform dedicated to healthcare industry. "Dubbed to be a social media network for healthcare branding, HealthKumbh.com unites doctors, clinics and people, as it strives to create an ecosystem of a healthy society," says Dr. Maulik Darji. About HealthKumbh: HealthKumbh focuses on generating awareness among people about the practice of healthcare professionals. More than 15000 doctors, clinics and hospitals from over 10 countries and 50 cities have joined the network, and the number is growing. It is not about consulting a doctor online, it is all about knowing the doctor/clinic well before stepping in for treatment. For more details, please visit http://www.facebook.com/healthkumbh http://www.pinterest.com/healthkumbh https://www.linkedin.com/company/www-healthkumbh-com Media Contact: Dr. Maulik Darji Director MD Technovation Pvt Ltd [email protected] +91-8460006171 http://www.healthkumbh.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Inivata Highlights New Clinical Data on the InVision(TM) ctDNA Liquid Biopsy Platform in advanced NSCLC at ASCO 2017 Annual Meeting Inivata Highlights New Clinical Data on the InVision(TM) ctDNA Liquid Biopsy Platform in advanced NSCLC at ASCO 2017 Annual Meeting Study shows InVision to be more sensitive than ddPCR and detects competing resistance mutations Research Triangle Park, NC and Cambridge, UK, 1 June, 2017 -- Inivata, a global clinical cancer genomics monitoring company employing a revolutionary approach to circulating tumor DNA ('ctDNA') analysis to improve personalized healthcare in oncology, today announces new clinical data, from a collaboration with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. In this retrospective, blinded validation study in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), InVision ctDNA liquid biopsy analysis was more sensitive than droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), assessing ctDNA with high specificity and quantitative concordance. In a subset of cases, serial use of InVision was able to detect the emergence of competing resistance mutations, creating an opportunity for the study of osimertinib-based targeted therapy combinations to be monitored in patients with NSCLC. The data will be presented by Dr Nicolas Marie Guibert from Dr Geoffrey Oxnard's group at Dana-Farber Cancer Istitute in the poster session Tumor Biology on Saturday 3 June, 13:45 - 16:45: Early detection of competing resistance mutations using plasma next-generation sequencing (NGS) in patients (pts) with EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with osimertinib (Abstract No: 11529). Commenting on the data, Geoffrey Oxnard, MD, thoracic oncologist and lung cancer researcher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said, "We are excited about the potential for plasma next-generation sequencing to identify emerging resistance mutations on EGFR targeted therapy, suggesting a possible future role as a monitoring assay to help guide the treatment of resistance." Clive Morris, Chief Medical Officer of Inivata, said, "This study adds to the growing evidence supporting the excellent clinical sensitivity and specificity of our InVision ctDNA panel. Our efforts are now extending into multiple studies that will help demonstrate the clinical utility of the test in different cancer settings, including clinical monitoring." About Inivata Inivata, a clinical cancer genomics monitoring company, is employing the precision of ctDNA analysis to improve personalized healthcare in oncology. Using a simple blood test, ctDNA analysis is a new tool for oncologists to detect cancer, stratify patients, and assess individual response to treatment. Inivata's proprietary platform is based on pioneering research from the Rosenfeld Lab at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK-CI), University of Cambridge. Inivata's InVisionTM ctDNA assay provides a highly sensitive analysis of a highly-select gene panel to identify actionable mutations for oncologists to treat their patients optimally. In 2016, Inivata opened a CLIA lab in Research Triangle Park, NC and launched a large-scale, prospective clinical validation study of the Company's ctDNA analysis in lung cancer. For more information and a full listing of investors, please go to www.inivata.com. Follow us on Twitter @Inivata. Media Contacts: Consilium Strategic Communications Chris Gardner/Laura Thornton/ Rosie Phillips [email protected] +44 (0)20 3709 5700 Inivata Karen Chandler-Smith [email protected] +44 (0)7900 430235 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Manjeet Sehgal: Standing on the crutches this is Pawan Kumar Sharma, who works as a Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan teacher at Government Senior Secondary School, Machikalan in Mohali. He is the sole breadwinner of his family comprising his parents, a brother and two sisters. Non-payment of salaries from last six months has made things from bad to worse as he is not able to pay the house rent and fees of his siblings. He was compelled to borrow from friends to make the ends meet. advertisement "My father lost his job as the industrial unit in which he worked was closed. We live in a rented house and my sisters and brother are studying in college. You can imagine our condition. This is the worst period of our lives which we are facing," Pawan Kumar Sharma told India Today. Pawan Kumar Sharma is not alone. There are 10661 contractual teachers who have not been paid their salaries from last six months in Punjab. Like Pawan, Sunil Kumar is also finding it difficult to run his family comprising two daughters and wife. He was also compelled to borrow from friends to pay the fees of his daughters. He also represents the SSA/RMSA Teachers Association, Mohali and have been paying numerous visits to the Director General of Education in Mohali but just got false assurances . "The things went from bad to worse when the then government diverted funds to other heads. The state had received timely grant, but could not contribute its share (35 per cent). Now when the new government has been established, there are administrative shortcomings like the delegation of drawing and disbursing powers. We are suffering due to the lame duck administration," Sunil Kumar said. Like Sunil Kumar, Amardeep Kaur and Girishma too were hit hard by the resource crunch. They also live in rented houses and were compelled to borrow from others. "We have yet to receive salaries from December 2016 and January to June 2017.The salaries of September, October and November 2016 were paid in March 2017. We were never paid in time," says Amardeep Kaur, Baironpur, Mohali-based teacher. Another female teacher Girishma said that she is posted in a school which is located in a remote area. No transport facility is available to the school and the non-payment of salaries has made it difficult to bear the transport and other expenses. Interestingly, the Sarv Shikaha Abhiyan scheme was launched to brighten the future of school children but those entrusted the job are themselves in the dark. When the teachers are not getting their salaries in time how one can expect good results. advertisement When we spoke to the Education Minister, Punjab Aruna Chaudhary assured that the pending salaries will be released within 15 days. "We are aware of the situation. I also spoke to the Finance Minister who has assured that funds will be released within next 15 days. However, only the pending salaries will be released. Salaries for coming months may be delayed ,"Aruna Chaudhary said. The teachers working under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan are paid jointly by the state and central government. Major share of salaries comes from the central grants and state governments contribute 35 percent of the total budget. Once happiest and prosperous, Punjab government's revenue growth came to a standstill and it not only defaulted in paying the salaries but also the old-age and other pensions. Punjab has an estimated debt worth more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore. ALSO READ: Guest teachers in Delhi government schools to get salary hike --- ENDS --- [June 01, 2017] Poxel Announces Participation in Two Upcoming Investor Conferences in June POXEL S.A. (Euronext - POXEL - FR0012432516), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative treatments for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, announced today that it will be featured as a presenting company at the Jefferies 2017 Global Healthcare Conference and at the Kepler Cheuvreux Biotech Days Conference. The Jefferies Conference is being held from June 6-9th at the Grand Hyatt New York hotel in New York City, NY. The Company will present a corporate overview on Tuesday, June 6th at 4:00 pm Eastern Time in #1 Ballroom and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors. The presentation at the Jefferies conference will also be available by live webcast. To access the Jefferies webcast, please visit the following link http://wsw.com/webcast/jeff105/poxel.pa. The webcast replay will remain available for 90 days following the live presentation. The Kepler Cheuvreux Biotech Days Conference will be held from June 8-9th at the Kepler Chevreux office at 112 Avenue Kleber, 75016, Paris, France. Poxel will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors. About Poxel SA Poxel uses its development expertise in metabolism to advance a pipeline of drug candidates focused on the treatment of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. We have successfully completed a Phase 2 clinical program for our first-in-class lead product, Imeglimin, which targets mitochondrial dysfunction, in the U.S., EU and Japan. Our second program, PXL770, a direct AMPK activator, is in Phase 1 development. We intend to generate further growth through strategic partnerships and pipeline development. (Euronext: POXEL, www.poxel.com) View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170531006113/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] IH Digital named Sina Weibo's Official Agency in Southeast Asia SINGAPORE, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sina Weibo has appointed IH Digital as its official agency in Southeast Asia. The partnership allows IH Digital, Asia's 360 Digital Marketing Agency, to provide Sina Weibo advertising solutions and Weibo account verification services to businesses outside China; in the capacity of Sina Weibo's official agency. These services will be provided via IH's offices located throughout Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and The Philippines. Sina Weibo: The Chinese Twitter x Facebook hybrid With over 600 million users as of 2017, Sina Weibo is one of China's largest social media platforms where users create, share, and discover Chinese-language content. Evolving from what was initially a microblogging platform akin to Twitter, Sina Weibo has since developed into a fully-integrated platform for content aggregation and distribution -- not unlike the Chinese Facebook -- with long-form content, multi-media and video streaming features; the latter's addition securing Sina Weibo's place as the leading social media platform in China due to its unparalleled use by Chinese celebrities and KOL (key opinion leader) users. Adopted by businesses for social media marketing since 2011, Sina Weibo allows enterprises to promote their brands, products, and services to the platform's large base of Chinese social media users. Sina Weibo offers a wide variety of advertising and marketing solutions, ranging from social display ad, promoted feeds, to event-based ad and activity solutions. Reaching out to Chinese Tourists on Sina Weibo Preliminary estimates by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) show that Chinese tourist arrivals and spending in South East Asia hit record highs in 2016. Chinese tourists were the biggest spenders for the second year in a row, contributing a total of S$1.9 billion just last year alone. "Singapore experiences an influx of 250,000 Chinese tourists on a monthly basis. Lately, there has been a surge in the number of Chinese Free and Independent Travellers (FIT) using digital platforms as their main sources of travel information. We believe that attracting them via Sina Weibo is the most effective method," says Mr. George Foo, Chief Operating Officer for IH Digital. "While WeChat and Weixin (the WeChat version available to mainland Chinese -- restricted to businesses with operations in China) allow enterprises to offer highly personalized services to individual stakeholders, Sina Weibo excels for businesses seeking to drive awareness, engagement, and leads amongst Chinese consumers. In particular for businesses who do not have established operations in China, but are looking to reach Chinese consumers, Sina Weibo is the best Chinese social media platform for them to build awareness and credibility." Given that China's digital landscape is unique, Foo emphasized that businesses outside China should have a specialised team to support their advertising campaigns on Sina Weibo. "We are a multinational team. The local talents are armed with the necessary expertise to tackle both the Chinese and Southeast Asia markets. As such, we are able to support advertisers who are interested in reaching out to the Chinese outbound travellers." About IH Digital IH Digital is Asia's 360 Digital Marketing Agency with a strong presence in Southeast Asia and Greater China. IH Digital provides a strategic and synchronised 360-degree approach, focusing on creating, distributing and amplifying meaningful and consistent content to a clearly-defined audience. Founded in 2006, there are 100+ digital marketing specialists across Asia that cater to your diverse digital needs. IH Digital is currently serving as the official agency for Google, Baidu, Sina Weibo and Meituan-Dianping. www.ihdigitalchina.com Read more at: www.ihdigital.com Contact Us: [email protected] SOURCE IH Digital [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] FTSE 30 Companies Risk Violating Key GDPR Principle, According to New RiskIQ Research SAN FRANCISCO, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With one year remaining until the commencement of EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), new research by RiskIQ reveals that more than one-third of all public web pages of FTSE 30 companies capturing personally identifiable information (PII) are in danger of violating the regulation by doing so insecurely. In Poor Form: RiskIQ research shows FTSE companies lack secure data collection methods, https://safe.riskiq.com/rs/455-NHF-420/images/RiskIQ_In_Poor_Form_GDPR_infographic.png An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ffe298d-2ec5-492e-b54e-f6f9031325f4 When assessing the public websites of FTSE 30 organizations, RiskIQ found that more controls on external facing web assets, known as an organizations digital footprint, are needed in order to support requirements ahead of the fast-approaching GDPR deadline. Most data capture forms found on websites fall within the scope of GDPR as they collect personal data. The regulation emphasizes that provisions should be in place to ensure that PII is securely captured and processed. In the UK, the Information Commissioner has provided guidance that, in the case of data loss where encryption software has not been used to protect the data, regulatory action may be pursued. 1 RiskIQ research on the public facing websites of FTSE 30 organizations reveals: 99,467 live websites in total, an average of 3,315 websites per organization 13,194 pages on those sites that collect PII; an average of 440 pages per organization 34% of pages that collect PII are doing so insecurely 29% are not using encryption 3.5% are using very old, vulnerable encryption algorithms 1.5% have expired certificates Insecure collection of PII is not just a GDPR compliance violation. The loss of personal data, profit, and reputation resulting from the use of insecure orms is a legitimate concern for consumers, as well as shareholders. In addition to personal claim liability, Article 83 provides guidance on fines for GDPR faults, which start at the greater of 10m or 2% of global annual turnover for the preceding financial year-- or even double depending on the infraction. This applies to all companies actively engaging with European citizens, regardless of whether they have a physical presence in Europe. GDPR hygiene extends beyond secure collection. As part of the regulations fairness and transparency guidelines, organizations must clearly state at the point of capture how theyll be using an individuals data. Permission to use their data must be explicit and demonstrated through an action such as ticking a box, a significant departure from the opt-out process most organizations have in place today. Bob Tarzey, analyst and director, Quocirca Ltd., said, While this RiskIQ research is focused on large UK companies, the findings will be representative of all organizations. Many will already have the data security basics in place to comply with the regulations that precede GDPR. However, GDPR has many additional requirements, especially around the way data is captured and processed. These include obtaining explicit opt-in from data subjects. Before an organization can address GDPR, it needs to fully understand the extent of its online data gathering activities. With enforcement of GDPR less than a year away, the time to act is now." The challenge for large, global organizations is the sheer volume and complexity of websites and web applications that need to be accounted for, not only for security purposes but also for regulatory compliance such as GDPR. RiskIQs Digital Footprint helps organizations address this challenge by discovering and monitoring an organizations public facing digital footprint, including websites and associated pages and forms. It highlights both security and policy violation exposures in that footprint to enable security and GRC teams to reduce their attack surface and maintain compliance. Thorough knowledge of an organizations web presence is crucial to steering clear of potential GDPR repercussions, said Colin Verrall, vice president, RiskIQ EMEA. Our customers are using RiskIQ Digital Footprint to capture their full digital footprint and actively identify potential areas of non-compliance, including insecure data collection pages and forms. To view the supporting infographic, click here. To find out more about the risks of using insecure forms, read our recent blog post. To learn more about the risks of old encryption algorithms, read this blog post. About RiskIQ RiskIQ is the leader in digital threat management, providing the most comprehensive discovery, intelligence, and mitigation of threats associated with an organizations digital presence. With more than 75 percent of attacks originating outside the firewall, RiskIQ allows enterprises to gain unified insight and control over web, social, and mobile exposures. Trusted by thousands of security analysts, RiskIQs platform combines advanced internet data reconnaissance and analytics to expedite investigations, understand digital attack surfaces, assess risk, and take action to protect business, brand, and customers. Based in San Francisco, the company is backed by Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures. Visit RiskIQ.com or follow us on Twitter. Try RiskIQ Community Edition for free by visiting https://www.riskiq.com/community/ To learn more about RiskIQ, visit www.riskiq.com. 1 https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/encryption/ 2017 RiskIQ, Inc. All rights reserved. RiskIQ is a registered trademark of RiskIQ, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are property of their respective owners. Alyssa Pallotti Montner Tech PR [email protected] 203-226-9290 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] BidPal Expands Senior Leadership Team INDIANAPOLIS, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BidPal, the leading mobile fundraising platform helping nonprofits raise more money, announced key additions to the companys leadership team with the appointment of Mark McCorkle as Chief Technology Officer and Mark Ward as Chief Financial Officer. Click to Tweet. McCorkle joins BidPal after spending six years as an independent consultant filling roles from scrum master to Chief Technology Officer for a variety of start up and established tech companies, including WebLink International. Mark McCorkles success has come from helping teams make better decisions about how to build and deploy software for the long-game, ensuring teams can effectively operationalize and support what they build, said Steve Johns, BidPal CEO. Prior to his consulting roles, McCorkle worked 19 years at Ontario Systems, starting as a software engineer and then as Director of Development and Director of Project Management Office. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Ball State University. Ward brings to BidPal more than 25 years of experience with high-growth Internet,software and service businesses, where he provided the financial, strategic and operating leadership to scale growth and boost enterprise value. Ward joins BidPal from VacayStay Connect, an innovative technology-enabled service provider to the vacation rental industry, where he was CFO. He has also held senior management positions at Monster Worldwide, NextWave Media Group and Right At School. Earlier in his career, Ward executed corporate venture capital investments for Ameritech and was part of the executive team that sold FastWeb to Monster Worldwide. He started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and holds a bachelor's of business administration in accounting from the University of Notre Dame and a master's in business administration from Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management. He will be returning to his home state of Indiana after living in Chicago for 30 years. BidPal is building the best mobile software, integrated payments and tech-enabled services for the nonprofit vertical market. Mark McCorkle and Mark Ward are important additions to our already strong executive leadership team, added Johns. Were fortunate to welcome to the BidPal team these experienced, well-respected leaders with track records of successfully growing technology companies. At the end of last year, BidPal raised $6 million of new growth financing to aggressively expand its business. Since then, the company has been making strategic investments to double its product development capacity and to boost its sales and marketing efforts. About BidPal, Inc. BidPal creates mobile fundraising software that helps nonprofits engage donors and raise more money. Our cloud-based mobile and payment solutions have helped over 3,000 organizations raise more than $1 billion through 10,000 events and connect with over one million unique donors. Located in the marketing technology hub of Indianapolis, BidPal has been recognized on the Inc. 500 list of Fastest Growing Companies and has received a Techpoint MIRA award for Mobile Technology Excellence & Innovation. Connect with us on Facebook at Twitter. For information contact: Linda Muskin, 847.432.7300 [email protected] Mara Conklin, 847.816.9411 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] CGI to provide SEB with global trade transaction platform Stock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE) cgi.com/newsroom First bank headquartered in Europe to implement CGI's end-to-end trade solution STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) has signed an agreement with SEB, a leading Nordic financial services group, for the implementation and support of its CGI Trade360 solution. Through the partnership, SEB will benefit from CGI's global expertise in trade finance and emerging digital technologies, such as blockchain. Present in approximately 20 countries worldwide, SEB is a leading Nordic financial services group. In Sweden and the Baltic countries, SEB offers financial advice and a wide range of financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway and Germany, the bank's operations have a strong focus on corporate and investment banking based on a full-service offering to corpoate and institutional clients. The CGI Trade360 solution is a global cloud-based transaction platform that supports financial institutions' transformation, delivering all of the software, infrastructure and support resources necessary to power their global trade business needs. The system includes a portal for end-to-end transaction management, supporting all aspects of the clients' workflow, including regulatory compliance. CGI Trade360 has a proven track record in the North American, Asia PAC and European markets, supporting some of the largest trade banks in the world. SEB is the first bank headquartered in Europe that will implement the solution. "The greatest advantage of CGI Trade360 is that it will provide our clients with a comprehensive workflow solution. It also gives us the potential to expand our trade finance offering," said Robert Pehrson, Head of Product Management at SEB Transaction Services. "We are excited to introduce CGI Trade360 to the European market. We work with 22 out of 30 top banks globally and are an industry leader in the global trade finance area. This experience, combined with regulatory compliance capabilities, paves the way for more banks to take advantage of our leading digital trade platform," said Par Fors, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit Leader for CGI's operations in Sweden. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 70,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services, including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, and infrastructure management, as well as 150 IP-based services and solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog exceeding C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: www.cgi.com. SOURCE CGI Group Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Textron Elects Deborah Lee James to Board of Directors Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) announced that Deborah Lee James has been elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2017. James recently retired as the 23rd Secretary of the United States Air Force, a position she had held since 2013. Ms. James has 30 years of homeland and national security experience in the federal government and the private sector. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601005443/en/ Deborah Lee James has been elected to Textron Inc.'s Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2017. James recently retired as the 23rd Secretary of the United States Air Force. (Photo: Business Wire) "We are extremely fortunate and honored to welcome the Honorable Deborah James to our Board," said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. "Deborah's deep expertise in national security, government procurement, strategic planning, cybersecurity, logistics and innovation, garnered from her leadership positions at the U.S. Air Force and private industry, will gratly benefit Textron," Donnelly added. As Secretary of the Air Force, Ms. James oversaw the Air Force's annual budget of more than $139 billion. She led the Air Force in reaching key milestones in the next generation fighter (F-35) program and the refueling aircraft program (KC-46), as well as in launching important modernization programs, including a new combat rescue helicopter, long-range strategic bomber and trainer aircraft. She also ordered the development of a comprehensive cyber campaign plan and directed the overhaul of the Air Force's logistics organization and processes. Prior to her role as Secretary of the Air Force, James held various executive positions during an 11-year tenure at SAIC (News - Alert), Inc., a provider of services and solutions in the areas of defense, health, energy, infrastructure, ISR and cybersecurity to agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), foreign governments and other customers. She most recently served as Sector President, Technical and Engineering of SAIC's Government Solutions Group, a position she held from February through December of 2013. James joined SAIC in 2002 as the Director of Homeland Security within SAIC, then in 2005 became Business Unit General Manager of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Information Technology business unit. In 2010, she became SAIC's Executive Vice President for Communications and Government Affairs. Earlier in her career, James served as Professional Staff Member for the House Armed Services Committee and as the DoD Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Masters of International Affairs from Columbia University, along with honorary doctorates from Duke University, The Citadel and the College of Charleston. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information, visit: www.textron.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601005443/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Quorum Launches onQ Ransomware Edition to Quickly Recover Servers Infected with Ransomware SAN JOSE, Calif., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the wake of the worlds largest malware attack, Quorum today released onQ Ransomware Edition (onQ RE) to enable organizations to recover servers infected with ransomware quicker and more securely. onQ RE is built on the same proven technology as the flagship onQ enterprise Backup and Disaster Recovery platform, but is designed specifically to support a small number of production servers as a lightweight and affordable option for organizations that need a fast recovery solution. We have been seeing an overwhelming demand for a purpose-built ransomware recovery product due to the increasing number of ransomware attacks. The WannaCry malware hit 150 countries and infected more than 300,000 machines with hackers demanding ransom for restoring data to its victims, said Simon Pearce, Chief Executive Officer at Quorum. The new onQ Ransomware Edition is the only standalone recovery product currently available on the market that can restore servers in as fast as four minutes so companies never have to pay cybercriminals or risk losing their data. Our goal is to get organizations up and running as quickly as possible. According to a Ponemon Institute report, full and accurate backup is a critical ransomware defense. It found tat 52 percent of respondents who were affected with ransomware did not pay because they had full backup1. The recent rise in highly publicized ransomware attacks has led to thousands of organizations reviewing how they are integrating IT security with disaster recovery policies, with many looking for a lightweight Backup and Disaster Recovery solution to meet this specific challenge. onQ RE works by connecting to an organizations network and taking snapshots of production servers. These snapshots are used to create a virtual machine image that can be used in the event of a ransomware infection. At user defined intervals, new snapshots are taken, encrypted and saved to the hardware appliance. Each snapshot is automatically tested to be sure that it will function in the event of an outage. In the case of a ransomware infection, the IT team isolates the affected system to prevent the spread of the infection, then the last known good snapshot is selected from the onQ RE management console and the virtual machine copy is started up. Once fully booted, the system is now on the production network and is ready to take over for the failed server. Quorum invites companies to attend the Introducing: onQ Ransomware Edition webinar event June 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. PT for an overview and product demonstration. For additional product and pricing details, visit onQ Ransomware Edition online. About Quorum Quorum enables IT teams to provide business continuity and the fastest recovery from server downtime in the industry. The onQ product was first introduced in 2010 and has evolved into a powerful platform delivering backup, one-click instant recovery, deduplication, replication, automated recovery testing and extensible archiving, all delivered as a hardware appliance, virtual machine or as cloud based disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS). Quorum has offices in the US and the UK serving customers worldwide. Businesses of all sizes like the easy installation, flexible deployment options and fast recovery time. To learn more, visit www.quorum.com or follow on twitter @quorumlabs. 1 Ponemon Institute, The Rise of Ransomware, January 2017 Media Contact: Gina Ray [email protected] 949-370-0941 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Evident.io Announces Strategic Investment and Development Agreement with In-Q-Tel PLEASANTON, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Evident.io, the creator of the Evident Security Platform (ESP), a leading security and compliance automation platform for Public Clouds, today announced a strategic partnership agreement with and investment from In-Q-Tel, Inc. (IQT). IQT is the non-profit strategic investor that identifies and accelerates the development of innovative technologies to support the mission of the U.S. intelligence community. The partnership will advance development of technology features needed to help the IC secure its infrastructure in all AWS environments including AWS CS2 Cloud and AWS GovCloud, allowing deployment of FedRamp High compliant architectures quickly and confidently. Evident.io was founded by security and DevOps experts with the mission of helping organizations of all sizes easily manage their cloud security and address the cybersecurity needs of modern, public cloud infrastructure. The Evident Security Platform was designed to automate security processes while enforcing security and compliance policies for every possible public cloud environment, no matter how large the deployment. "The company's agentless approach helps Amazon/AWS customers ensure compliant configurations and policy settings across thousands of accounts and all AWS services and is a key requirment to effective security compliance and auditing," said George Hoyem, Managing Partner, Investments, IQT. "The ability to manage and track security compliance within a dynamic and highly elastic cloud compute environment like AWS is a capability gap that Evident.io helps satisfy for IQT partners." "We are excited to be working closely with In-Q-Tel and partner agencies to deliver an infrastructure security and compliance solution that will enable them to move confidently to the public cloud," said Justin Lundy, CTO and co-founder of Evident.io. "With continuous monitoring for infrastructure risks, agencies can achieve ATO with speed even in highly dynamic environments." About Evident.io Evident.io is the pioneer and leader in security and compliance automation for public cloud. The Evident Security Platform (ESP) enables organizations of all sizes to proactively manage cloud security risk minimizing attack surface and improving overall security posture, all from a single dashboard. ESP continuously monitors an organization's entire AWS footprint, identifying and assessing security risks, providing security staff with expert remediation guidance, and enabling painless security auditing and compliance reporting. Built on Amazon Web Services APIs, ESP is agent-less and can be deployed to even the most complex environments in minutes. Evident.io is a privately held company based in Dublin, Calif. and backed by Bain Capital Ventures, True Ventures, Venrock, and GV. For more information, please visit: www.evident.io. About In-Q-Tel IQT is the non-profit strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to U.S. government agencies that keep our nation safe. IQT was established in 1999 with a distinct mission: to identify and partner with startup companies developing innovative technologies that protect and preserve our nation's security. Visit www.iqt.org for more information. Evident.io, ESP, and the Evident.io logos are trademarks of Evident.io, Inc. in the United States. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/evidentio-announces-strategic-investment-and-development-agreement-with-in-q-tel-300466338.html SOURCE Evident.io [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] American Well Selected as U.S. HealthWorks' Telehealth Services Provider BOSTON and VALENCIA, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Well, a leading telehealth company, today announced that it has been selected by U.S. HealthWorks as the occupational health leader's telehealth services provider. U.S. HealthWorks recently announced the launch of its comprehensive telemedicine program, USHW CareConnectNOW, which leverages American Well technology. "We are excited to work with American Well to bring this new technology to our customers, and expand the scope of our occupational expertise through online visits," said Joseph T. Mallas, President & CEO of U.S. HealthWorks. "Our aim is to help patients and their employers access the occupational medicine expertise of our physicians, even during hours when most medical providers are typically unavailable or when the patient is far from a medical facility. Telemedicine enables us to do so in a way that's safe and effective for patients." For two decades U.S. HealthWorks has provided high-quality medical care to treat employees with on-the-job injuries and help them to return to work as soon as possible. The company treats more than 14,000 patients a day. With their new 24/7/365 telemedicine service, U.S. HealthWorks will be able to expand the reach of their occupational medicine expertise enabling employes to get their employees high-quality care fast, in turn increasing workplace productivity through improved employee health and well-being. "Utilizing telemedicine to extend providers, offer easier access to the right care and deliver more efficient occupational health services can dramatically improve patient outcomes," said Danielle Russella, President, Customer Solutions, American Well. "U.S. HealthWorks is recognized for being a national leader in occupational medicine. Incorporating telemedicine into their overall strategy modernizes how healthcare is delivered to patients when and where they need it most. We are humbled to partner alongside U.S. HealthWorks as they continue to keep employees healthy and happy." For more information on American Well, or to become a partner today, please visit www.americanwell.com. About U.S. HealthWorks U.S. HealthWorks, a subsidiary of Dignity Health, is one of the country's largest operators of occupational healthcare centers with 248 medical and onsite clinics in 21 states, employing more than 4,000 people, including approximately 1,200 medical providers. Our centers collectively serve more than 14,000 patients each day, providing quality medical care to help employees return to work and allow employers to effectively manage claims and reduce lost work time. U.S. HealthWorks also offers special early return-to-work, injury prevention, and ergonomics programs. About American Well American Well uses telehealth to improve people's access to quality care. Through our partnerships with the nation's largest health systems, insurers, employers, and retailers, our award-winning telehealth Exchange and our direct-to-consumer service Amwell we connect millions of Americans to the doctors they trust for live video visits. Through the power of telehealth, we help patients get the care they need in a timely fashion, and help doctors be there for their patients. We build technologies to make healthcare go where people need it most. For more on how we are changing healthcare delivery through telehealth, visit AmericanWell.com. American Well, Amwell and the Exchange are registered trademarks or trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. Media Contact: Amanda Guisbond, Director, Communications & PR [email protected] 617-204-3500 x3697 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-well-selected-as-us-healthworks-telehealth-services-provider-300467107.html SOURCE American Well [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Worldwide Clinical Trials Expert to Present on Patient Engagement at DIA 2017 Barbara Zupancic, MBA, MSc, Director, Global Patient Recruitment and Retention at Worldwide Clinical Trials (www.worldwide.com), will present at one of the life sciences industry's key events - the annual meeting of the DIA (Drug Information Association), being held June 18-21, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. With patient engagement being a hot topic across the industry with potential touchpoints throughout the life cycle of a product or portfolio, Zupancic will speak about "Driving Engagement in All Phases of Alzheimer's Disease: Creating Lasting Engagement and Achieving Trial Success" during a panel session. This 90-minute collaborative session will be chaired by Jane Myles, Head of Operational Intelligence and Innovation, Product Development Global Operations at Genentech, and will take place Monday, June 19 at 11 a.m. CT. "I'm honored to be presenting at DIA 2017," commented Zupancic. "This panel discussion presents a great opportunity for the leaders in our field to discuss recruiting patients in different stages of cognitive impairment which requires targeted outreach,engagement and retention strategies. I will be discussing best practices for developing and implementing a patient-centered approach that is focused on using the right channels and messaging for faster recruitment and lasting engagement, including how we demonstrate value and measure outcome and impact." In addition to Zupancic's presentation, experts from the Worldwide Clinical Trials team will be on-hand at the company's booth (#1316) to discuss the individual drug development challenges of attendees, as well as their needs across a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and rare diseases. For more information about Worldwide at DIA 2017, visit www.worldwide.com/DIA. The DIA annual meeting, now in its 53rd year, is the largest, longest-running event in the life sciences industry and attracts more than 7,000 global health care professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device communities from more than 51 countries. Connect with Worldwide Clinical Trials: Tweet 1: Barbara Zupancic @worldwidetrials to present on patient engagement in Alzheimer's disease at #DIA2017 on June 19 Barbara Zupancic @worldwidetrials to present on patient engagement in Alzheimer's disease at #DIA2017 on June 19 Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert): @worldwidetrials @worldwidetrials Find us on LinkedIn (News - Alert): https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldwide-clinical-trials-inc- About Worldwide Clinical Trials Worldwide Clinical Trials employs more than 1,400 professionals around the world, with offices in North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia and Asia. One of the world's leading, full-service contract research organizations (CROs), we partner with sponsors in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to deliver fully integrated clinical development and bioanalytical services, extending from first-in-human through phase IV studies. Grounded in medicine and science, we help sponsors move from discovery into clinical development and commercialization across a range of therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cardiovascular diseases, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMID) and rare diseases. For more information, visit worldwide.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601005715/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visits Sangareddy as he launches the campaign to turn around his party's fortunes before the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In doing so, Rahul follows the footstep of his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. By Prabhash K Dutta: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's decision to address a public rally at Sangareddy in Telangana and make another attempt to turn around Congress party's political fortunes has uncanny similarities with the strategy former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi adopted 38 years ago. Since 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress has not had too many moments of political success. Punjab and coalition experiment of Bihar seem to be exceptions. Puducherry does not carry much weight in national political discourse. advertisement Congress was going through a similar lean patch in nation's politics after the 1977 electoral defeat in the Lok Sabha polls. Back then Indira Gandhi shifted her focus to the south and revived the Congress party. RAHUL GANDHI'S SOUTH SOJOURN Rahul Gandhi is holding 'Telangana Praja Garjan' rally at Sangareddy today a day ahead of the formation day of the state. Telangana was carved out as a separate state from Andhra Pradesh during the UPA rule. Official inauguration took place after Narendra Modi government was sworn in at the Centre on June 2, 2014. From Telanagana Rahul Gandhi will move to Chennai, where he will attend the birthday celebration of DMK president M Karunanidhi. The event is being planned to showcase the might of the Opposition unity. Opposition leaders including CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, JD-U chief Nitish Kumar, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, TMC leade Sudeep Bandopadhyay, CPI leader D Raja and Pudducherry Chief Minister V Narayansamy will attend the function in Chennai. Rahul Gandhi will go to Andhra Pradesh from Chennai and hold public meetings on June 4. Appearing on India Today's Editors' Round Table, Congress leader Joytiraditya Scindia said that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi was working on a blueprint of future political strategy. That blueprint seems to be ready. Congress seems to have decided to seek inspiration from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. According to the blueprint, Rahul Gandhi emulates his grandmother Indira Gandhi to revive the Congress party. WHAT INDIRA DID 38 YEARS AGO After having been decimated in the 1977 general elections, the Congress picked up the threads two years later as Indira Gandhi launched a massive campaign throughout the length and breadth of the country. Indira Gandhi launched her campaign from Sangareddy, where she addressed her first political rally in December 1979. South India had been the saving grace for the Congress party in 1977, when the Janata Party swept the entire north and central India. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at a public rally. (Photo: Indian National Congress) Indira Gandhi announced that she would contest from a constituency from southern India apart from her Raebareli seat. Indira contested from Medak. Sangareddy was then part of Medak district. Indira got a foothold in the south and returned to power with resounding majority in 1980. advertisement Indira Gandhi won both her constituencies. But, she vacated Raebareli and was the Prime Minister as the Lok Sabha member from Medak. Rahul Gandhi seems to have taken a leaf out of Indira's manual quite literally. ELECTORAL EQUATIONS OF 1977 AND 2014 In 1977, the Janata Party alliance won 345 seats with nearly 52 per cent votes. Janata Party or Bharatiya Lok Dal alone won 298 seats with 43.17 per cent votes. Congress alliance won 189 seats suffering a loss of over 150 seats in the Lok Sabha. The alliance secured about 41 per cent votes. Congress won only 153 seats and 34.52 per cent votes. But three years later, when the Janata experiment failed, Indira Gandhi took Congress' tally to 353 seats with 42.69 per cent votes. The Congress alliance got 374 seats. The 1977 figures of the Janata Party alliance show similarities with those of the Bharatiya Janata Party alliance's performance in 2014 elections. The BJP, powered by a vigorous campaign by Narendra Modi, won 282 seats while the NDA got 336 seats. Both figures are comparable to the seats won by the Janata Party and the Janata alliance. advertisement However, the vote share shows different stats. While the winning coalition secured about 52 per cent vote in 1977, the NDA got about 38.5 per cent votes in 2014 with the BJP winning 31.34 per cent. But, then the Congress's vote share was over 34 per cent in 1977, where it suffered a major defeat while in 2014, it could poll only 19.5 per cent votes. CHALLENGES BEFORE RAHUL GANDHI Congress is ruling in only seven states in the country including Pudducherry and Bihar, where the party is a minor coalition partner with the Rashtriya Janata Dal of Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Janata Dal - United of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It is ruling in Meghalaya and Mizoram in the northeast India. Its government in Himachal Pradesh is said to be facing major anti-incumbency. Karnataka is the only major state in the south, where Congress is in government. Assembly elections are due in Karnataka, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh. Punjab is the only state, where the Congress is ruling and looks comfortable after handing over a resounding defeat to the Akali-BJP coalition. Despite its failing stature, the Congress seems to believe that by emulating Indira Gandhi in holding a public rally at Sangareddy, Rahul Gandhi can repeat 1980 in 2019. advertisement Indira Gandhi overcame the challenge from Morarji Desai - a politician from Gujarat. Incidentally, 38 years later, Rahul Gandhi also faces a mammoth political challenge from another politician from Gujarat - Narendra Modi. ALSO READ | To counter BJP's outreach in south India, Rahul Gandhi to visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh this week Fundamental failure: Rahul Gandhi slams NDA over GDP numbers, rise in unemployment ALSO WATCH | MAN CREATES RUCKUS OVER RAHUL GANDHI'S MEETING WITH DALITS IN SAHARANPUR --- ENDS --- [June 01, 2017] InSync Healthcare Solutions Announces Major Software Update v9.0 TAMPA, Fla., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InSync Healthcare Solutions, a leading provider of cloud-based healthcare solutions, announced today a major update for the InSync software, version 9.0. The newest update to the InSync cloud-based, fully integrated software will provide a significant aesthetic and usability overhaul for practice clients. InSync is streamlining the user experience by reducing clicks, which results in increased practice efficiency and productivity. We consistently hear from healthcare providers throughout the industry how click-heavy the healthcare IT market is in its current state, explained Roland Therriault, InSyncs President and Executive Vice President of Sales. Our goal at InSync has always been to help our clients streamline operations and increase overall practice efficiency by offering a technologically unique product that delivers a simple, easy-to-use cutomer experience. The software release is highlighted by the brand new InSync theme within the system. Enhanced for mobile compatibility, the updated theme streamlines pertinent workflows. The new theme will also include these enhanced features: Login Dashboard Scheduler (Calendar View) History Immunization Document Manager Merged Visit and Encounter Type Procedure Template (New Feature) Powered by model-view-controller (MVC) software architecture technology, the new user interface will empower faster performance and better usability. Additionally, v9.0 will also address reporting, insurance and patient demographic capabilities, including: Ability to add multiple secondary and tertiary insurances in Patient Demographics Addition of user field in Daily Charge Report Export to Excel Unapplied Credit Report Insurance unapplied credit refund info in Detailed Payment Report New Financial Summary Report To learn more about InSyncs software and services, visit InSynchcs.com About InSync Healthcare Solutions InSync Healthcare Solutions is a leading provider of cloud-based healthcare technology software, revenue cycle management services, and medical transcription services to healthcare professionals throughout the United States. The company has leveraged advanced technology, best-in-class partnerships and proven business processes to provide services and solutions that translate into better efficiency for healthcare organizations. Contact Information Courtney Vevea Director of Marketing [email protected] 973-794-8253 [June 01, 2017] FluxMotor Released: New Software Tool Delivers Fast and Accurate e-machine Performance TROY, Mich., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altair announces the release of FluxMotor, a dedicated platform focusing on the pre-design of electric rotating machines. FluxMotor is part of Altairs HyperWorks CAE Suite, which includes Flux the leading software for low frequency electromagnetic and thermal simulations. The software tool allows users to design and create machines from standard or customized parts, as well as to intuitively add windings and materials to run a selection of tests and compare machine capacity. The intuitive user-friendly interface of FluxMotor A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb9e7786-4fe7-4721-b16a-c3f775f3671e FluxMotor is an easy-to-use and efficient dedicated predesign tool, targeting desigers from all sectors related to the electric motors field, says Gregory Michaud, Electromagnetic Engineer at SoftBank Robotics, who was involved in the testing phase of the new software together with the development team. Appealing to a broad range of users such as designers and manufacturers of electrical rotating motors, the software allows motor specialists to define machines and assess their technical-economic potential within minutes. FluxMotor's efficient working environment ensures a better visualization of machine performances, enabling fast and accurate computations which can easily be connected to Flux finite element software and other tools within the HyperWorks suite for more advance studies, including multiphysics optimization capabilities. Benefits of FluxMotor software: Dynamic libraries offer standard or customized options ready to be used to compose motors. offer standard or customized options ready to be used to compose motors. Facilitated project management , allow a quick access to past studies and to manage the full range of products. , allow a quick access to past studies and to manage the full range of products. Computing methods wisely using the high power of finite element modeling. wisely using the high power of finite element modeling. Automatically driven workflow offering an efficient user-oriented environment to different level of users. Capabilities of FluxMotor: A design environment, with dedicated interface, helps motorists to finalize machine, step by step within minutes. 4 different winding modes help users to find the right winding architecture. help users to find the right winding architecture. Parts Library focuses on the visualization and choice of parts; standard libraries are available. focuses on the visualization and choice of parts; standard libraries are available. Standard parts, magnets and slots can be edited and customized for unlimited configuration. and can be edited and customized for unlimited configuration. Comprehensive and scalable material database. Automated standard and relevant tests ready to be performed. The motor catalogue environment allows easy management of motors and projects, helping the user to classify the machine and offers a quick access to past studies. We wanted to develop an easy to use software without compromising on accuracy. FluxMotor helps reduce computing time to a minimum while still maintaining accurate results, explains Fabrice Marion, Program Manager for FluxMotor at Altair. If you would like to learn more about FluxMotor, please visit the website or register for our introductory webinar on Tuesday, June 13th at 10am EDT (4pm CEST): Register here for the FluxMotor webinar. 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 2,000 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 and Africa Evelyn Gebhardt +49 6421 9684351 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Direct Agents To Present On Creative, Data, And Tech - Storytelling In The New Era Panel In Los Angeles NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Agents - a data driven digital marketing agency specializing in analytics, media and creative - will host a panel discussion on Creative, Data and Tech - Storytelling in the New Era. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, June 7th at WeWork Santa Monica, California. The panel will discuss progressive trends of the creative industry today, and how creative, tech & data emerge as fundamental elements of storytelling in this new era. Panelists will explore topics in the current trends with creative, how to optimize top performing creative campaigns, the evolution of creative in conjunction with new tech & data, and insights or predictions into the future of creative. The panel will include: Dinesh Boaz is the Creative Director/ Co-Founder at Direct Agents, a leading digital and mobile marketing agency that offers customized data-driven performance marketing solutions to help advertisers reach and acquire new customers. Boaz oversees the strategic development of the creative team at Direct Agents.Through his leadership and innovation, the company has become a leading digital agency with several Fortune 500 clients. Paul Marcum is the President of Truffle Pig, an integrated content marketing agency launched as a joint venture between WPP, DailyMail and Snapchat in 2015. Marcum brings to the venture a deep expertise in digital media having led brands, agencies and publishers to digital growth over the course of his career. Carine Carmy is the Head of Marketing at Amino Inc, a healthcare transparency company that connects everyone to better, more affordable care. Carmy is a marketer, strategist and writer passionate about simplifying the complex and bringing emerging technologies to market. Charles Huang is the Founder at Lynchpin Technologies, an ad-tech company that helps health insurance companies more effectively and dynamically deploy their assets and resources. Huang has a strong expertise in healthcare innovation, and many years of experience helping startups with business/ product strategy, development and growth. "Direct Agents is excited to host this panel and provide insights on the ever-changing creative, data and tech trends in digital marketing. There are so many exciting, useful tools available to us now, and we are looking forward to an insightful conversation with other notable digital marketing professionals in the industry," said Dinesh Boaz, Creative Director & Co-Founder at Direct Agents. Join us on June 7th to learn more about storytelling in the new era. To RSVP, please register here. ABOUT DIRECT AGENTS Direct Agents is a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in customer acquisition solutions. Our data driven approach to campaign strategy, combined with best-of-breed technology, allows us to identify and dynamically engage customers, while dramatically increasing the efficiency of marketing spend. For more information, please visit www.directagents.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/direct-agents-to-present-on-creative-data-and-tech---storytelling-in-the-new-era-panel-in-los-angeles-300466649.html SOURCE Direct Agents [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Embrace the New E-Commerce with ONU CHICAGO, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONU is bringing a completely modern solution for improving e-commerce to the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE). IRCE is where companies expect to find vendors with the latest technology trends in e-commerce. ONUs unique 3D product visuals are setting the new standard. A video accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fd2e0d0-3e91-4798-93c2-e10ba15c29cc To stand out online, products must look real. 91% of online shoppers also want them to rotate, zoom and spin according to Adobe. Innovative companies want these differentiating features to be part of their online strategy. But flat images dont look like the real thing, and clunky product photography behaves poorly. A difficult experience can make customers actively angry towards the brand, according to a Gallup poll. ONU is software that creates 3D visuals of products that are photorealistic, interactive and customizable. Any size or type of item, from a shoe to a car, scales and fits any screen size responsively. This simple experience increases emotional engagement and brand loyalty, which in turn delivers more conversions. The two most important factors are image quality and load times. ONU delivers both, says Jack Docal, Digital Strategist for Xenith Helmets, a company that was an early adopter of ONUs platform. ONU has several key features that address important aspects of e-commerce, including: 3D real-time rendering for powerful interactive features like zoom, rotations and animations Photorealism with an exceptionally high level of product detail Industry-leading product customizer - which generates a higher willingness to pay. Change colors and materials, add text and logos, or swap components, all in real-time. Guided tours help customers understand product features Easily embed ONU on any website with a few simple lines of code Works with leading platforms like Shopify, Magento, Woocommerce, Netsuite and more The ability to move into virtual or augmented reality for marketing, sales promotions or trade shows Other features of ONU include a robust backend, data analytics and a mobile app. ONU also uses Amazon Web Services CloudFront for storage. CloudFront meets the highest standards. Their reliability means ONUs 3D scenes are always available on your website - thereby avoiding any customer frustrations. Online retail is ultra-competitive. Companies are constantly searching for ways to enhance their eCommerce presence and stand out. Our 3D visualization platform is the most effective and powerful way to do this. It is simply a must have for any manufacturer selling consumer products online, said Sam Sesti, President of ONU. ONU is a software company at the forefront of 3D visualization. ONU One is the 3D asset platform for delivery to devices. Products are optimized for web, mobile and in virtual and augmented realities. Since 2014, ONU One is the choice of innovators. ONUs clients include top manufacturers of machinery, sporting goods, electronics and apparel. For more information, visit irce.onu1.com. Contact: Sam Sesti, President | [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] SAP Consulting Firm Goldfish ICT Joins the itelligence Group via Acquisition Through itelligence Benelux BIELEFELD, Germany, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- itelligence AG, the globally leading SAP consulting firm for the SME sector, is strengthening its market presence in the Benelux region sustainably. Goldfish ICT, Utrecht, and itelligence Benelux Holding are announcing today that itelligence Benelux Holding will be acquiring the shares and Goldfish ICT will join the itelligence group. Both organisations will benefit from this transaction since itelligence is broadening its market position in the Benelux countries. In turn, Goldfish ICT will get access to the global extensive SAP expertise itelligence has to offer. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518663/NorbertRotter_CEO_itelligence.jpg ) (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/518664/MichaelDorin_CFO_itelligence.jpg ) Norbert Rotter, CEO, itelligence AG: "With Goldfish, we are strengthening our presence in the economically important Benelux region, giving us access to interesting customers with growth potential, particularly from the pharmaceutical as well as the life sciences and agriculture sectors. In these market segments, the itelligence SAP portfolio will offer an enormous innovation potential for our new Benelux customers. We are looking forward to being able to call on the know-how of our Goldfish colleagues in these sectors, which we intend to make use of worldwide in future." Goldfish ICT was founded in 2000 and has developed into a full-service provider, offering process and IT consulting based on SAP solutions as well as an extensive range of managed services. Some 70 employees provide consulting services for national and international rollouts to renowned customes. Goldfish's consulting work focuses primarily on the food, agriculture, life sciences and chemical sectors. Michael Dorin, CFO at itelligence AG: "With the acquisition of Goldfish ICT, we are pursuing our strategic goal of being among the leading SAP partners in each of our most important markets. We can now expect to see significant increases in sales in attractive growth sectors in the Benelux." itelligence Benelux Holding is part of the globally operating company itelligence AG and offers international solutions, services and support in the SAP environment. This year, itelligence AG has been rewarded two SAP Pinnacle Awards in the categories 'SAP S/4HANA Partner of the Year - Small and Midsize Companies' and with 'Digital Marketing Momentum Partner of the Year'. Wim Jansen, Managing Director, itelligence Netherlands: "Goldfish and itelligence Benelux will become one of the leading SAP partners in the Netherlands with over 200 employees and an annual turnover of 40 million euros. Goldfish's excellent sector-specific know-how will also provide a basis for a more international focus on the growth sectors of food and pharmaceuticals." The founder and partners of Goldfish ICT, Rene Caubo, Frans Nieuweboer and Marcel Pothof, as well as the Goldfish ICT management and employees will continue their careers at itelligence. Rene Caubo, General Director and founder of Goldfish ICT: "Goldfish ICT is ready for the next step in its development. Many of our customers are successful and have expanded their operations outside of the local market. I am pleased that we shall be able to offer a more international perspective to these customers as well as new opportunities to our employees. Both will benefit from the dense international network and broader portfolio itelligence has to offer." About Goldfish ICT Goldfish ICT is an ambitious, medium-sized consultancy firm operating out of Western Europe. Its services range from implementation and optimization projects to application management and hosting. The company supports clients in the food & agriculture, life sciences, wholesale and professional services industries with successful track-record in both on-premise and cloud-based projects. Goldfish ICT is an SAP recognized expertise partner and value-added reseller. About itelligence itelligence is one of the leading international full-service providers of solutions in support of SAP solutions, employing more than 5,800 highly qualified employees in 24 countries. As a frequently awarded SAP partner, itelligence is an SAP Hybris Gold partner and global value-added reseller. itelligence is an SAP-certified provider of cloud services, SAP-certified provider of hosting services for SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud and an SAP platinum partner. itelligence realizes complex projects in the SAP solution-based environment worldwide. The company's services in support of SAP solutions range from consulting and licensing to application management services and hosting services to proprietary industry-specific solutions. In 2016, itelligence generated total sales of EUR 777.9 million. Media Contact: Head of Corporate Public Relations itelligence AG Silvia Dicke itelligence AG Konigsbreede 1 D-33605 Bielefeld E: [email protected] T: +49-(0)-521-91448-107 W: http://itelligencegroup.com/de/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Meet Bebot, Japan's First AI Chatbot for Hotels, Now Available at Holiday Inn Osaka Namba TOKYO, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bespoke Inc. today announced that Holiday Inn is the first major hotel chain in Japan to adopt the latest artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot concierge, Bebot. Now, hotel guests who check in to Holiday Inn Osaka Namba will be serviced by Bebot. The news follows after hospitality giants such as Hilton and the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas embraced the use of AI to improve guest experiences. Bebot works through the combination of exclusive databases and the AI engine built by Bespoke Inc. It provides guests with personal assistance such as booking restaurants, personalized recommendations for activities, and answering questions about hotel facilities and services. Hotels can not only improve in-stay experiences for guests by learning about them through informal chat log, but also save on personnel by automating responses to frequently asked questions in the chatbot. This way, hotels can simply focus on enabling the amazing hotel experiences. Bebot is an AI-powered chatbot that acts as a hotel concierge. It is designed to empower guests through instant, real-time assistance such as exclusive recommendations for both popular and little-known sights in the area, answering questions only hotel staff would know about, or even making restaurant bookings. Avoiding the stress of language barrier is just one of the benefits. All communication is done on chat application that guests already have on their smartphones, such as Facebook Messenger there is no need to download an additional app or switch between multiple browser windows to learn one piece of information. Bebot is like a never-resting friendly staff of the hotel that establishes relationships with the guests through a casual conversational platform. This opens access to otherwise unavailable or difficult-to-gain information for example, the casual request of guest feedback, or access to guest information (e.g., what they do outside the hotel). With such a communications route, hotels can increase efficiency, save on personnel, and focus on enhancing guest experienes. The more guests use Bebot, the better it becomes at adapting to the guests' needs. However, whenever Bebot cannot answer, AI changes to human support for a seamless conversation experience. After launching in early 2017 in historic hotels of Aomori prefecture, Hotel Jogakura and Tsuta Onsen, guests have casually chatted to Bebot about their day or even sent pictures. "We designed Bebot to act as a hotel concierge, but such positive interactions exceeded our expectations," says Akemi Tsunagawa, Bespoke Inc. founder and CEO. Among others, Bebot helped plan short trips to nearby area, booked restaurants for the guests and requested feedback about the hotel. With ample replies on hotel experiences from hotel guests or how the guests chose their accommodations, the hotels focused on improving the services or learning how to better promote their business to foreign guests. "Our TripAdvisor ranking improved 6 places in 3 weeks now we are in top 10. With the feedback, we made our restaurant environment more English-friendly and discovered new marketing avenues. We are very pleased with Bebot," says Tomohiro Tanno, owner of the hotels in Aomori. On a practical level, Bebot is easy to customize for any size hotel in any location through its intuitive administrative interface. The customization process is made simple by using Bespoke Inc.'s databases minimizing the initiation period for hotels to as little as one hour. The customization portal also enables marketing opportunities for hotels by prioritizing affiliated restaurants, shops or tours in Bebot. Currently, Bebot is available on Facebook Messenger, a platform with over 1 billion active monthly users. However, Bespoke Inc. is preparing to expand to other platforms and languages soon. About Bespoke Inc. Tokyo-based Bespoke Inc. is dedicated to enabling amazing local experiences to hotel guests through data and artificial intelligence. Bespoke Inc. has been hand-selected as one of the five companies into the third phase of the IBM BlueHub Incubation program that strives to support Japan's long-term growth and competitiveness. Current products include Bebot, the AI concierge, and LEVART travel community with users from over 100 countries. About Holiday Inn Osaka Namba Holiday Inn Osaka Namba is a branch of leading American hotel brand Holiday Inn, and a subsidiary of InterContinental Hotels Group with over 2,600 active hotels worldwide. Bespoke Inc. Overview Founder: Akemi Tsunagawa Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan Founded: October 2015 URL: http://www.be-spoke.io For media queries, please contact: Maya Takahashi at [email protected] Related Images image1.png image2.png image3.png image4.png Related Links Bespoke Inc. Bebot - AI Chatbot for Hotels Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESa6asi96ic To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-bebot-japans-first-ai-chatbot-for-hotels-now-available-at-holiday-inn-osaka-namba-300467255.html SOURCE Bespoke Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Survey: Nearly Half of U.S. Firms Using Internet of Things Hit By Security Breaches Nearly half of U.S. firms using an Internet of Things (IoT) network have been hit by a recent security breach, which can cost up to 13% of smaller companies' annual revenues, according to new survey data released today by strategy consulting firm Altman Vilandrie & Company. From teddy bears to cars to warehouse equipment, anything with an Internet connection can be hacked, creating serious financial and legal exposure for companies and safety concerns for workers and consumers. The survey, which polled approximately 400 IT executives across 19 industries, showed that 48 percent of firms have experienced at least one IoT security breach. The survey revealed the significant financial exposure of leaky IoT security for companies of all sizes: the cost of the breaches represented 13.4% of the total revenues for companies with revenues under $5 million annually and tens of millions of dollars for the largest firms. Nearly half of firms with annual revenues above $2 billion estimated the potential cost of one IoT breach at more than $20 million. "While traditional cybersecurity has grabbed the nation's attention, IoT security has been somewhat under the radar, even for some companies that have a lot to lose through a breach," said Altman Vilandrie & Company Director Stefan Bewley (News - Alert), who co-directed the survey. "IoT attacks expose companies to the loss of data and services and can render connected devices dangerous to customers, employees and the public at large. The potential vulnerabilities for firms of al sizes will continue to grow as more devices become Internet dependent." The data indicated that preparedness helps: companies that have not experienced a security incursion have invested 65% more on IoT security than those who have been breached. The survey also showed that IT decision-makers often chose IoT security solutions based more on provider reputation and product quality rather than focusing on cost as a primary decision driver. "We see it being critical for security providers to build a strong brand and reputation in the IoT security space. There are lots of providers developing innovative solutions, but when it comes to purchasing decisions, buyers are looking for a brand and product they trust," said Altman Vilandrie & Company Principal Ryan Dean, who co-directed the survey. "Price is a secondary concern that buyers tend to evaluate after they have narrowed their options down to a few strong security solutions." Other key findings of the survey include: Sixty-eight percent of respondents think about IoT security as a distinct category; yet only 43% have a standalone budget. Despite the fact that separate business units may have different needs, 74% of firms centralize IoT security decisions for the entire organization. After "preventing loss of control over IoT devices", traditional cybersecurity concerns such as "preventing breaches of customer information" and "preventing breaches of company data" are ranked as the next most important reasons to adopt IoT security. The Altman Vilandrie & Company survey was conducted in April 2017 and includes responses from 397 IT decision-makers that have purchased some form of IoT security solutions. Respondents represented 19 industries and companies ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations with billions of dollars in annual revenues. Topics covered in the survey included IoT use cases, IoT security adoption, challenges solved by IoT security, exposure to IoT security incidents, demand for specific functionality, spend and budgeting for IoT security, vendor selection criteria, and bundled purchasing behaviors. About Altman Vilandrie & Company Altman Vilandrie & Company is a strategy consulting group that focuses on the telecom, media, technology and investor sectors. The company's consultants are experienced in strategy, marketing, finance, M&A, technology, regulatory and operations disciplines. Based in Boston, with offices in New York City and San Francisco, Altman Vilandrie & Company enables clients to seize new opportunities, navigate mounting challenges, improve business performance, and increase investor value within complex and converging industries. Ninety percent of the boutique firm's operator clients are large- to mid-cap companies including service providers, technology and software developers, and media companies. Altman Vilandrie & Company's financial clients include many of the largest and most prominent investors in the telecom, media and technology markets. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006165/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] European University Libraries Directory 2017-18 - Research and Markets Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "European University Libraries Directory 2017-18" directory to their offering. This new edition of the European University Libraries Directory provide essential details of the central and other major libraries of European universities and, where appropriate, includes the libraries of attached institutes and research centres. Researched meticulously, this revised edition provides the most up-to-date information available and, to ensure accuracy and reliability, information is provided by the libraries and institutions concerned. - Provides extensive details of the central and other major libraries of European universities and includes the libraries of attached institutes and research centres. - Meticulously researched to provide the most up-to-date information. - Provides information on over thousands of university libraries. Contents: - Entries list full contact details, including e-mail and internet addresses, and names of chief librarians and other relevant staff. - Other invaluable information includes: area of specialisation, opening hours, the size and composition of library holdings, online subscriptions and details of the libraries own publications. - Fully indexed for easy location of universities and their libraries. For more information about this directory visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/279mv9/european View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006177/en/ InMoment Provides Brands with CX Strategy Guide from Leading Independent Research Firm As part of the company's continuing customer experience (CX) education initiative, InMoment, a leader in CX intelligence technology, is offering organizations complimentary access to "How to Build the Right CX Strategy," a compelling report from leading independent research firm Forrester (News - Alert). The report emphasizes that the responsibility for customer experience strategy lies with CX professionals. Additionally, it provides a detailed roadmap, along with real-world success stories, on how to "develop a research-based CX vision aligned with the business and translate it into a CX strategy the organization can understand and implement." To download the full report, click here. "Forrester is one of the top sources of thought leadership for all things customer experience," said InMoment SVP of CX strategy Brennan Wilkie. "As a leading CX tech innovator, InMoment recognizes the need for brands to have a strategic foundation in order for our technology - and all other components of CX initiatives - to deliver the highest possible value. We're proud to offer this Forrester report and provide brands with this important guidance." About InMoment InMoment is a leading customer experience (CX) intelligence platform, arming brands with highly-actionable customer insights to drive high-value business decisions and relationships with both customers and employees. InMoment's proprietary analytics power a full suite of Voice of Customer (VoC), Voice of Employee (VoE), Employee Engagement, and Social Reviews & Advocacy products. InMoment provides technology, strategic guidance, support, and related services to more than 350 brands across 95 countries. For more information, visit http://www.inmoment.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006186/en/ [June 01, 2017] Montecito Medical Acquires NewSouth NeuroSpine Building in Mississippi Montecito Medical Real Estate, one of the largest, privately held firms in the country devoted exclusively to medical real estate, has acquired the 56,665 square-foot NewSouth NeuroSpine Building in Flowood, Mississippi, an affluent suburb of Jackson, the state's capital. Constructed in 2007, NewSouth NeuroSpine is a Class A medical office building houses a team over 100 highly trained and experienced nurses and health care professionals. The facility focuses on four specialties: neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery, interventional pain management, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. "We are pleased to sell our medical building to Montecito Medical, they understand healthcare real estate and worked closely with us to close this complex transaction. We look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with Montecito," explained Frank S. York, III, CPA, Chief Executive Officer of NewSouth NeuroSpine. The building features 30 exam rooms, digital X-ray, MRI technology, a pain management clinic, physical therapy center equipped with a hydrotherapy pool, and a surgical center covering neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. The surgical center component of the building consists of 6,000 square feet dedicated to mbulatory pain management for outpatient epidural steroid injections and has three procedure rooms. "We worked closely with this seller for three years to get this transaction done, and it was well worth it, because it complements our investment strategy perfectly," explained Montecito CEO Chip Conk. "We are particularly excited about NewSouth NeuroSpine because it is Mississippi's leading spine surgery center, providing high quality healthcare for the entire state - we are proud to be affiliated with such a strong practice." Located less than a mile away from the building is Merit Health River Oaks Hospital, where the NewSouth spine surgeons have admitting privileges. The hospital was recently named Mississippi's leading spine surgery hospital and one of the top 5% of spine surgery hospital's nationwide. NewSouth spine surgeons performed 99.6% of the surveyed surgeries during this time. With the addition of the NewSouth NeuroSpine portfolio, Montecito Medical has acquired 35 medical office buildings since early 2015, representing more than $400 million and 1.5 million square feet. About Montecito Medical Montecito Medical is one of the nation's largest privately-held companies specializing in healthcare-related real estate acquisitions and funding the development of medical real estate. Montecito is a leading resource for both real-estate owners and healthcare providers seeking to monetize or expand their holdings. Montecito has offices in Nashville, TN, Austin, TX and Orange (News - Alert) County, CA. Since 2005, it has acquired more than $1.5 billion in medical real estate totaling over 4 million square feet in 23 states. To date, Montecito has more than $1 billion in capital available to expand holdings in its medical office portfolio throughout the United States. Its current portfolio and healthcare system relationships include UCLA, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Holston Medical Group, Carolinas Health System, Bon Secours, Maine General, EmergeOrtho and State of Franklin Healthcare Associates. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006205/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, May 31 (PTI) Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is expected to train his guns on the BJP-led government at the Centre and the TRS administration in Telangana when he addresses a public meeting near here tomorrow. The public meeting meeting will be held at Sangareddy town. Gandhi would reach Begumpet airport here in the afternoon and garland a statue of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and greet Congress workers at different places in the city before reaching Sangareddy in the evening, according to his schedule released by the state Congress. advertisement Gandhis rally, named Telangana Praja Garjana (roar of Telangana people), would boost the morale of the party rank and file in their fight against the TRS government, Telangana Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy had said earlier. The Ambedkar Stadium at Sangareddy, the venue of the meeting, holds significance. It is the same location where former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed a public meeting in 1979 and led the Congress back to power in the 1980 general elections. "Therefore, Rahul Gandhis address from the same location after 38 years would be of historic significance and of very high sentimental value," Reddy had said. The Congress leader would release a chargesheet against the "failures" of the TRS government. PTI SJR RS RSY SMN --- ENDS --- [June 01, 2017] Insight School of Kansas to Celebrate Record Number of Graduates on June 3 Insight School of Kansas (ISKS), an accredited, full-time online public school, will hold an in-person graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 3, at 2 p.m. at Spring Hill High School. Kansas students statewide in grades 7-12, as well as adult learners, attend ISKS. The school's comprehensive education approach focuses on providing students with the academic, social and emotional support needed to succeed in school and beyond. ISKS serves middle and high school students of all abilities and also provides targeted support for struggling students. Qualified students can also take college-level courses and earn high school credit at the same time through concurrent enrollment. ISKS also supports an Adult Learner Program, which gives students who are past their fifth-year cohort and have not earned a traditional high school diploma the chance to do so, no matter their age. The school-record 115 graduates in 2017 includes 82 teens and 33 adults. "Setting a new record for number of graduates this year is very exciting," said Cassie Barton, head of school at Insight School of Kansas. "This group of teen and adult graduates proves to future students that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals. The Class of 2017 is an inspiration to our school commuity." Collectively, the Class of 2017 reports it has been offered more than $138,000 in college scholarships. Students report that they will attend colleges and universities across the region, including the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, Grinnell College, University of South Dakota, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Southern Nazarene University, Newman University, Musician's Institute of Los Angeles, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University. Media is welcome at this event. Details are as follows: Insight School of Kansas Graduation Ceremony Saturday, June 3, 2017 - 2 p.m. Spring Hill High School Auditorium 19701 S. Ridgeview Road Spring Hill, KS 66083 About Insight School of Kansas Insight School of Kansas (ISKS) is an accredited, full-time online public school that serves Kansas students in grades 7-12, as well as adult learners who are past their fifth-year cohort and have not earned a traditional high school diploma. As part of the Kansas public school system, ISKS 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 K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about ISKS, visit http://ks.insightschools.net. 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/20170601006291/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] GAO Rules in Favor of Systematic Inc. for Multi-Million Dollar Army IT Contract Award CENTREVILLE, Va., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Systematic Inc. is pleased with the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) decision to reject the protest of its original award of a U.S. Army Mission Command multi-million dollar IT contract to provide an architecture framework for the Common Operating Environment. Several top defense contractors bid on the U.S. Army Mission Command contract, it was Systematic Inc.'s SitaWare Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) C41 product that beat the competition, readily meetig the requirements and capabilities of the U.S. Army Mission Command. SitaWare is a software product suite providing reliable situational awareness at all levels of command in mounted and dismounted environments. Troops on the ground can easily access information, as well as coordinate and cooperate with other U.S. forces and coalition partners. "This award is a testament to our team's commitment and dedication to providing the highest level of products and services to clients abroad, and solidifies our role as a significant provider of IT services and solutions for the Department of Defense," said Systematic Inc. President and retired U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres. "We look forward to providing our Soldiers and Army with robust warfighting capabilities to improve future command control. " The SitaWare Headquarters solution enhances situational awareness, security and cooperation with other forces. Combined with SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge, SitaWare Headquarters provides collaborative military planning and picture management. "We're excited about the capabilities that SitaWare provides, especially as it relates to meeting coalition interoperability requirements. It also provides the core framework that other Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) application developers can rapidly integrate with," said Lieutenant Colonel Shane Taylor, the lead developer for CPCE infrastructure from the Army's PEO C3T. About Systematic Inc. Systematic Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and has offices in Centreville, Virginia. It supplies software products and services to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and Homeland Security on some of the nation's most sensitive programs. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gao-rules-in-favor-of-systematic-inc-for-multi-million-dollar-army-it-contract-award-300467350.html SOURCE Systematic Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] WatchGuard Video Taps Brian Doherty to Lead Engineering Efforts ALLEN, Texas, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After an extensive search, WatchGuard Video, the market leader for law enforcement video systems and evidence-management software, has selected Brian Doherty to spearhead the company's engineering efforts as the Vice President of Engineering and Product Development. Doherty has an extensive background in complex engineering environments and was most recently the Director of Engineering for endpoint software within the Cisco Systems Unified Communications Technology Group. While with Cisco Systems, Brian and his team migrated classic on-premise endpoint software to a deployable cloud-based service. Prior to his tenure there, he led enterprise development software for Samsung within the mobile division bringing smart phoes and tablets to market. "Brian exemplifies the fearless, forward thinking leadership we have been seeking to continue WatchGuard's aggressive product development and release efforts," said Steve Coffman, President of WatchGuard Video. "The depth of his experience in amplifying the overall value of system hardware via cutting-edge enterprise software is perfectly timed with WatchGuard's growth strategy." Doherty will lead one of the industry's largest engineering groups comprised of over eighty engineers in multiple disciplines including electrical, mechanical and embedded software. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Rice University, and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. About WatchGuard Video WatchGuard Video is the technology pioneer and market leader for law enforcement video systems and evidence-management software. One-third of the agencies in the United States utilize WatchGuard's proprietary solutions to capture, manage and share digital video evidence using the most durable, reliable and highest-quality products including the 4RE in-car and VISTA body camera systems. To learn more please, visit www.watchguardvideo.com or call 1-800-605-6734. Contact: Jaime Carlin [email protected] 469-342-8974 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/watchguard-video-taps-brian-doherty-to-lead-engineering-efforts-300467351.html SOURCE WatchGuard Video [June 01, 2017] EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES 2017 Kicks Off Today NEW YORK, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES -- led by Chef Mario Batali -- brings the culinary world to the table to raise money for The Global Fund and awareness around the AIDS fight, with activations across the United States and around the world on social media. From New York to Chicago to Los Angeles, national restaurant groups and popular food brands nationwide are making it easier than ever for people to EAT (RED) throughout the entire month of June, with multiple ways to turn food and drink choices into a force to fight AIDS. A new EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES campaign PSA, voiced by Mario Batali, highlights the importance of people's food choices this June, and underlines the power of life-saving HIV/AIDS medication that costs just 30 cents a day in sub-Saharan Africa. "It's a beautiful thing when food not only brings people together, but does so in a way that means real impact on the AIDS fight. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of so many of my heroes in the culinary industry we're taking the campaign all across the country. So whether you're eating, drinking or joining the emoji food fight on Twitter, your choices really do count this June," says Mario Batali. Deborah Dugan, CEO of (RED), commented: "It's so inspiring to see the culinary community wrap its arms and apron strings around a fight as important as this. We're enormously grateful to Mario and every one of our EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES supporters for making it easy for everyone, everywhere, to become a key ingredient in the fight to end AIDS." Throughout June, consumers can look forward to the following activations that make purchasing popular foods lobster rolls to pizza, salad to waffles and more! -- into choices that #86AIDS. Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza - Grab a signature (RED) Vine Pizza and an ice-cold Coca-Cola drink, and $1 will be donated to the Global Fund, up to $50,000 . The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match the donations made by Blaze. Grab a signature (RED) Vine Pizza and an ice-cold Coca-Cola drink, and will be donated to the Global Fund, up to . The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match the donations made by Blaze. Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is generously supporting the AIDS fight this June with a $100,000 donation to support the work of The Global Fund. Jimmy John's will also promote EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES and create awareness through a special '(RED)' Snapchat filter at their 2700+ locations in the United States . is generously supporting the AIDS fight this June with a donation to support the work of The Global Fund. will also promote EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES and create awareness through a special '(RED)' Snapchat filter at their 2700+ locations in . Building on the success of the Jonathan Adler designed (ANDAZ) RED Suite at Andaz West Hollywood, the Andaz brand is continuing its support of (RED) in the month of June by going (RED) for breakfast at Andaz hotels ( Maui , West Hollywood , Savannah, Scottsdale, Napa, and both 5th Avenue and Wall Street in New York ). For every person who dines in a participating Andaz restaurant for breakfast, the hotel will donate $1 and offer each diner the opportunity to match the donation to double the impact. Each participating hotel will also offer a special signature breakfast item that triggers a $3 donation. Suite at Andaz West Hollywood, the Andaz brand is continuing its support of (RED) in the month of June by going (RED) for breakfast at Andaz hotels ( , , Savannah, Scottsdale, Napa, and both 5th Avenue and Wall Street in ). For every person who dines in a participating Andaz restaurant for breakfast, the hotel will donate and offer each diner the opportunity to match the donation to double the impact. Each participating hotel will also offer a special signature breakfast item that triggers a donation. Hedley & Bennett has collaborated with longstanding (RED) Chef Ambassador, Dominique Ansel , recently named the World's Best Pastry Chef by the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards, to create a limited-edition custom apron available for order only during the month of June on HedleyandBennett.com. has collaborated with longstanding (RED) Chef Ambassador, , recently named the World's Best Pastry Chef by the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards, to create a limited-edition custom apron available for order only during the month of June on HedleyandBennett.com. The Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group restaurants including OTTO, La Sirena and Del Posto in New York , as well as Tarry Lodge, Pizzeria Mozza and others across the U.S will offer special (RED) menu items during June. restaurants including OTTO, La Sirena and in , as well as Tarry Lodge, Pizzeria Mozza and others across the U.S will offer special (RED) menu items during June. Luke's Lobster is turning their iconic lobster roll '(RED)' in June!At all 24 Luke's Lobster locations guests will be given the option to add a $1 donation to fight AIDS to their check. For every dollar donated, Luke's Lobster will also donate $1 , up to $3,000 . is turning their iconic lobster roll '(RED)' in June!At all 24 Luke's Lobster locations guests will be given the option to add a donation to fight AIDS to their check. For every dollar donated, Luke's Lobster will also donate , up to . Max Brenner will add two (RED) menu items to their brunch offerings a strawberry sugar waffle, topped with Max Brenner's velvety white chocolate sauce, freshly whipped cream and milk chocolate chunks, and the (RED) mimosa. will add two (RED) menu items to their brunch offerings a strawberry sugar waffle, topped with velvety white chocolate sauce, freshly whipped cream and milk chocolate chunks, and the (RED) mimosa. The Palm - Visit any location for the signature (RED) menu item, a 35 Day Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In New York 20 oz. Strip Steak ($59) Visit any location for the signature (RED) menu item, a The Cheesecake Factory and (RED) partner, Coca-Cola, are joining forces to feature their iconic Ultimate (RED) Velvet Cheesecake & ice-cold Coca-Cola on menus to raise awareness, in addition to a $20,000 donation to fight AIDS. and (RED) partner, Coca-Cola, are joining forces to feature their iconic Ultimate (RED) Velvet Cheesecake & ice-cold Coca-Cola on menus to raise awareness, in addition to a donation to fight AIDS. Seamore's During June, Seamore's will offer diners a special signature (RED) salad, made with watermelon, tomato, jalapeno, and ricotta During June, Seamore's will offer diners a special signature (RED) salad, made with watermelon, tomato, jalapeno, and ricotta Lou Malnati's Pizza is offering a special "Spreading Hearts Box" during June, nationwide. The box includes a heart shaped pizza and a heart shaped chocolate chip cookie, as well as two tiny pewter hearts for the recipient. HELLOFRESH)RED meal kits with exclusive easy-to-follow recipes created by (RED) Chef Ambassadors Mario Batali , Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray and Carla Hall . For every new subscriber who orders a (HELLOFRESH)RED meal kit at www.hellofresh.com/eatRED using code HELLORED, HelloFresh will offer a $20 discount off the first box and make a $20 donation to fight AIDS. Customers can select one (RED) recipe, plus two others, as part of their weekly HelloFresh delivery. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match every donation by HelloFresh, up to $500,000 . All customers will have an opportunity to donate directly via the HelloFresh website. New this year, the first-ever EAT (RED) FOOD & FILM FEST!, presented by Bank of America, will take place in the evening of June 20 in New York's Bryant Park. Mario Batali, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Ina Garten, Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese and The Beatrice's Angie Mar have collaborated in creating the ultimate evening picnic, giving food fans the opportunity to savor their dishes. Ticketed guests will also enjoy an outdoor screening of Sleepless in Seattle, (BELVEDERE)RED summer cocktails, Birra Moretti beer and wine by Josh Cellars. A limited number of tickets are available at ticketmaster.com/EatRED for $100, with 100% of the ticket price going to fight AIDS with (RED). Thanks to dollar matching by Bank of America and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, every ticket purchased will generate $600 to fight AIDS. Additionally, (RED) and Bonnaroo are teaming-up with legendary James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef and author, Hugh Acheson for an unforgettable (RED) Supper @ Bonnaroo on June 8. Raising money for the Global Fund, the family-style festival dinner takes place as the first night of Bonnaroo 2017 swings into action. Guests will enjoy Hugh's special three course (RED) menu, with tickets priced at $75, and 100% of the ticket price going to fight AIDS. Starting June 1, a new EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES Facebook Messenger bot will give food fans zip code-based details of where to EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES during June, GIFs and sharable food puns. On June 5, the #REDFoodFight is coming back, giving people the opportunity to tweet food emojis at friends, using #REDFoodFight for a food fight in the name of EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES. "(RED) is great at coming up with smart, innovative ways for people to support the AIDS fight. The disease has had a devastating impact over 35 years, and though we've made huge progress, campaigns like EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES help to remind everyone that we need to keep our feet on the gas to end it for good," said Marijke Wijnroks, Interim Executive Director of the Global Fund. About (RED) (RED) was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world's most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, GAP, MCM, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks and Telcel. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Andaz, Fatboy USA, Fully, Girl Skateboards, Le Creuset, mophie, S'well, and Vespa. To date, (RED) has generated more than $465 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 90 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services. EAT (RED) Media Kit & Assets PRESS CONTACT: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eat-red-save-lives-2017-kicks-off-today-300467359.html SOURCE (RED) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] PLDA at the Epicenter of PCIe 4.0 Wave of Adoption with Recent PCIe Design Conference Achievements and Testing Success for PLDA's Gen4SWITCH PLDA, the industry leader in PCI (News - Alert) Express interface IP solutions, today highlighted recent PCIe 4.0 milestones, including information and feedback gleaned from its PLDA Design Days event in Shanghai, as well as its achievements from April's PCIe-SIG Compliance Workshop testing. As PCIe 4.0 nears its expected version 1.0 release, many systems are already running at PCIe 4.0 16GT/s speed and numerous projects are in the design process. This wave of adoption was underscored during the recent "PLDA Design Days - Shanghai" event, where over 100 PCIe designers and experts gathered to share PCIe 4.0 best practices and knowledge. In addition, earlier in April, the latest PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop provided the first PCIe 4.0 interop tests between systems. PLDA's Gen4SWITCH platform was a key technology enabler for interop testing at this workshop, demonstrating its use as a System and as an Endpoint card. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006349/en/ PLDA PCIe 4.0 Gen4SWITCH platform During System interop testing, the PLDA Gen4SWITCH has been the key enabler platform for PCIe 4.0 tests, enabling other members to validate their platform's link stability at PCIe 4.0 speed and/or optimize parameters like lane margining. Additional tests were performed using the PLDA Gen4SWITCH as an Endpoint card, with effective interop results at PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 4.0 x1 lane bandwidth. PLDA Gen4SWITCH was 100% successful during these tests at PCIe 4.0 speed. One of the critical interop tests was executed in conjunction with a Mellanox (News - Alert) ConnectX configured in PCIe 4.0 x16 architecture for InfiniBand 100Gbps Ethernet adapter. According to Gilad Shainer, vice president of Marketing at Mellanox Technologies, "The PCI-SIG Workshop 101 was definitely a major step before the first release of PCIe 4.0 specification. The interop tests performed with the Mellanox PCIe 4.0 x16 InfiniBand 100Gbps Ethernet adapter and PLDA Gen4SWITCH confirmed that the link was stable at PCIe 4.0 x4 speed and could optimize lane margining for the application." Arnaud Schleich, CEO of PLDA, remarked: "PCIe 4.0 architecture is expected to deliver the added speed and functionality that today's market craves and the PLDA Design Days event confirmed its already high rate of adoption. By actively participating in PCI-SIG Compliance Workshops and hosting field training events, such as Design Days, PLDA is at the forefront of PCIe 4.0 architecture deployment." More Information: For more information on PLDA's complete line of PCIe 4.0 products, including its Gen4SWITCH IP, please visit PLDA at PCI-SIG DevCon 2017 (Booth 12) or www.plda.com. For information on the PCI-SIG Developers Conference 2017, please visit https://pcisig.com/events/pci-sig-developers-conference-2017 To discuss your specific project needs, please contact PLDA at [email protected] . About PLDA PLDA has been successfully delivering PCI and PCI Express IP for more than 20 years. With over 6,200 licenses, PLDA has established a vast customer base and the world's broadest PCIe ecosystem. PLDA has maintained its leadership over four generations of PCI Express specifications, enabling customers to reduce risk and accelerate time to market for their ASIC and FPGA-based designs. PLDA provides a complete PCIe solution with its IP cores, FPGA boards for ASIC prototyping, PCIe BFM/testbench, PCIe drivers and APIs. PLDA is a global company with offices in North America (San Jose, California) and Europe (France, Italy, Bulgaria). PCI-SIG, PCI Express and PCIe are trademarks or registered trademarks of PCI-SIG. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006349/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] UC Davis Joins Initiative to Strengthen U.S. Science and Technology Workforce SAN JOSE, Calif., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Advancing Women in Technology (CAWIT) announced that the University of California, Davis, has joined the Technology Pathways Initiative (TPI), which aims to increase the number of U.S. college women graduating with computing and interdisciplinary computing degrees and pathways to digital age careers. These women are expanding and enriching the ranks of graduates with knowledge and skills to fill an estimated 1.1 million computing jobs in the U.S. by the year 2024. UC Davis will develop a new interdisciplinary major in Quantitative Biology and improve an existing interdisciplinary Cognitive Science major, making computing education more accessible to a diverse and underrepresented population of students that includes women. Belle Wei, CAWIT Board Chair: "We welcome UC Davis, renowned for its biological and neural science programs, into the alliance of universities and industry partners driving TPI forward to benefit current and future gnerations of students who will expand the frontiers of science and technology." Dr. Wei is Carolyn Guidry Chair, Engineering Education and Innovative Learning, and former Dean, College of Engineering, San Jose State University. Nina Amenta, Tim Bucher Chair and Professor of Computer Science, UC Davis: "When we make computer technology part of a degree program that includes genomics, or brain science, students see how the technology contributes right from the start, and it becomes an integral part of the learning experience. These programs will equip graduates with a broad range of skills appropriate for today's job markets." Jennifer Sinclair Curtis, Dean, UC Davis College of Engineering: "UC Davis is thrilled to be a member of the alliance of universities behind the Technology Pathways Initiative. We understand that purposeful action is required to increase the number of women in computing jobs. The interdisciplinary initiatives we undertake in partnership with CAWIT will lead to such an increase." TPI universities include San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis. TPI university pilot programs are made possible by a $3 Million commitment from TPI industry partners including Intel Corporation, KLA-Tencor Foundation, and Salesforce, which also provide mentoring and internships for participating students. cawit.org/universities cawit.org/industry-partners Founded in 2014, CAWIT is a Silicon Valley nonprofit organization providing a collaboration platform for university, industry, and government leaders to create new pathways for advancing women in technology, from campus to career. cawit.org. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uc-davis-joins-initiative-to-strengthen-us-science-and-technology-workforce-300467319.html SOURCE Center for Advancing Women in Technology [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Versata Attorney Lanny J. Davis Calls On Ford Shareholders To Demand Full Disclosure Of Ford's Alleged Theft Of Valuable Software Technology Under Former CEO Mark Fields DETROIT, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lanny J. Davis, attorney for Versata Software, Inc. accused former Ford, CEO Mark Fields of misleading investors during its May 11 "virtual" shareholders meeting by concealing material risks to the company involving Versata's billion-dollar federal law suit against Ford. Davis said it appears Fields withheld information from shareholders that could affect Ford's stock value and perhaps even impact future Ford's sales and product development. "We understand Ford has no backup software if it suffers an injunction from its use of copy-cat product development technology that Versata alleges was stolen," Davis said. "This should be alarming to shareholders. This means that Ford's production capabilities and sales could be significantly disrupted, imperiling profits." Davis said Ford touts itself as a technology company, but failed to tell shareholders it stole Versata's valuable technology rather than inventing it, according to the suit. Davis asked: "Who in the high-tech community would consider working for a company that copies rather than innovates?" Davis also challenged Ford Vice President Elena Ford, who served on a senior oversight technology development committee, to explain her role in the alleged secret plan to steal Versata's technology. She is known to have told one Ford manager while the copy-cat program was secretly being developed, "we don't want to let Versata have us over a barrel." Davis said this suggests, "why pay for it whn you can steal it?" Davis added this is similar to when Ford recently made Arconic share its aluminum steel-bonding patent with a major competitor, according to Arconic's largest investor. "There seems to be a pattern here regarding Ford and new technology steal it or bully technology vendors, rather than working as partners," Davis said. "At the very least, shareholders deserve transparency from Ford about possible material risks to the company from this pattern of conduct by management." For more information please go to www.truthaboutford.com This is in reference to case number 15-10628, Ford Motor Company v. Versata Software, Inc., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. About Versata Software, Inc. With a global presence covering 45 countries, Versata Software, Inc. and its affiliates solve the most complex business problems for the world's largest organizations. Versata's family of companies includes a number of leading enterprise solution providers, including Versata, Inc., Instance, Inc., Artemis International Solutions Corporation, Genzyme Corporation, Clear Technology, Inc., Everest Software, Tenfold Corporation, Cora Software, Inc., Evolutionary Technologies, Inc., and Alter Point, Inc. Versata distinguishes itself in the software industry by focusing on customer priorities as driven by value delivered. Versata's market-leading Customer Success Program ensures customer involvement in product decisions and business priorities and provides twice-yearly opportunities for customers to score Versata's performance against commitments. Versata's world-class engineering capability ensures substantive and valuable product releases, thereby ensuring customer success. Versata's relentless focus on customer priorities, coupled with an unmatched global engineering capability, provides Versata customers continuous innovation and repeatable value propositions. For more information, visit www.versata.com . Contact: Eleanor McManus [email protected] (202) 460-1451 cell To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/versata-attorney-lanny-j-davis-calls-on-ford-shareholders-to-demand-full-disclosure-of-fords-alleged-theft-of-valuable-software-technology-under-former-ceo-mark-fields-300467386.html SOURCE Versata Software [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Swiftsure Spatial Systems signs a letter of understanding with Babcock Canada VICTORIA, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Swiftsure Spatial Systems Inc. (SSSI) and Babcock Canada, today announced the signing of a Letter of Understanding that paves the way for a four-year comprehensive research and development roadmap. Under this agreement, the two companies will investigate the further development of an integrated Optronic Synthetic Aperture projector (OSAp). The OSAp will be employed in a Synthetic Aperture Radar prototype to overcome the issues associated with the real-time processing of high data rates from synthetic aperture systems. Synthetic aperture systems (e.g., radar, sonar, LiDAR) are used in a broad range of all-weather imagery applications including: defence, security, reconnaissance, infrastructure monitoring, terrain mapping, and ice monitoring. SSSI's technology enables real-time imaging from synthetic aperture systems. SSSI uses a combination of optronic and photonic technology to break through the barriers that have traditionally restricted the timely delivery of information. Imagery that used to take hours, days or months to deliver can now be prvided by SSSI at the speed of light, in true real-time. About SSSI Swiftsure's work on standards and interfaces that provide the "glue" to enable geospatial enterprise architectures has allowed Swiftsure to guide the movement of data from a sensor platform to the desktop or handheld device efficiently while performing value adds along the way. Organizations are drowning in data, slowing the delivery of useful information. Photonics lies at the core of our company's intellectual property. Our photonics technology processes complex signal data using light, hastening detection, recognition, and decision-making. The technology spans terrestrial, air, marine and space environments. Our goals are to enhance 24/7, all-weather, day/night, remote sensing capabilities reducing latency, minimizing the complexity of systems, and moving organizations from the digital to the optronic age. About Babcock Babcock International is a multi-sector company engaged in the marine, aviation, land and nuclear domains. Babcock employs over 35,000 skilled people worldwide who design, build, manage, operate, maintain and decommission infrastructure and assets that are vital to both our public and private sector customers. www.babcockcanada.com SOURCE Babcock Canada Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Jagged Peak to Exhibit at the 13th Annual Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition TAMPA, Fla., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jagged Peak, a subsidiary of Singapore Post Limited and a leading provider of global end-to-end eCommerce solutions is exhibiting at the 13th annual Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE), which is being held June 6 through 9 at McCormick Place West in Chicago. Jagged Peak is co-exhibiting alongside its sister company and fellow eCommerce solutions provider, TradeGlobal. The largest eCommerce trade show in the industry, IRCE brings together experts, solution providers and the retail community for networking with thousands of like-minded industry peers. This year's event features nearly 600 vendors and covers more than 250,000 square feet of space. Jagged Peak delivers innovative solutions that span the entire eCommerce spectrum, helping consumer goods companies, branded manufacturers and retailers to optimize operations, maximize profitability and create unique customer experiences. IRCE attendees are invited to visit Jagged Peak and TradeGlobal at booth 900 in order to receive: A demo of the EDGE platform, a cloud-based distributed order management solution that enables omnichannel retailing and manages the entire order lifecycle. A demo of TG Commerce, a cross-border solution that enables seamless international shopping and shipping from anywhere to anywhere. An overview of our end-to-end eCommerce services including website strategy and execution, eCommerce technology, fulfillment and logistics, digital marketing, marketplace management and customer care. A chance to win a stylish power logo laptop bag from Calvin Klein . www.irce.com. About Jagged Peak Jagged Peak, a Singapore Post company, is a leading eCommerce solutions provider with software and services that enhance the scalability and profitability of omnichannel businesses. Its full-featured eCommerce Platform (ECP) and robust Order Management System (OMS) can be deployed alone or coupled with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) to form a shop-to-ship, cloud-based software suite that integrates the entire order life cycle with visibility across business units and distribution channels. Combining this technology with customer support and IT professional services along with its FlexNet fulfillment network, Jagged Peak offers a uniquely holistic approach to eCommerce. About TradeGlobal TradeGlobal, a Singapore Post company, is a leading end-to-end eCommerce provider, delivering best-in-class solutions to the world's most recognizable fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. Unifying website development, digital marketing strategies, creative services, omnichannel order management, fulfillment, logistics and customer care across domestic and international boundaries, TradeGlobal provides the technologies and operations that empower businesses of all sizes to evolve and expand. For more information, visit www.tradeglobal.com. Media Contact: Kristine Champion Jagged Peak [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jagged-peak-to-exhibit-at-the-13th-annual-internet-retailer-conference--exhibition-300467519.html SOURCE Jagged Peak [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] IGT Completes Sale Of Double Down Interactive LLC To DoubleU Games LONDON, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE:IGT) today announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its social casino subsidiary, Double Down Interactive LLC, to an affiliate of DoubleU Games Co., Ltd. for a cash purchase price of $825 million. IGT expects to use the proceeds from the transaction primarily to reduce debt. "Today, we are also entering into a long-term game development and distribution agreement with DoubleU Games for social casino content," said Marco Sala, CEO of IGT. "This is an important development in supporting our strategy of leveraging our substantial content catalogue across multiple distribution platforms. Through this partnership with DoubleU, we will continue participating in the social casino market, as we will be collecting ongoing royalties on our casino game content." The Raine Group and Credit Suisse International are acting as financial advisors to IGT, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Cooley LLP are providing legal counsel. Deutsche Bank is acting as financial advisor to DoubleU Games, and Kim & Chang and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP are providing legal counsel. About IGT IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines an Lotteries to Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has over 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.IGT.com. About DoubleU Games DoubleU Games (KRX:192080) is one of the leading social casino gaming publishers based in Seoul, Korea. Founded in 2012, DoubleU Games is the only Asia-based social casino game operator among global top-tier players. For more information, please refer to www.doubleugames.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall", "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the possibility that the long term strategic relationship between International Game Technology PLC and DoubleU Games will not generate the royalties and other anticipated benefits on the timeline anticipated or at all as well as other factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2016 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this news release is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of International Game Technology PLC for the current or any future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of International Game Technology PLC, as applicable. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Contact: Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada (401) 392-7452 James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401) 392-7190 Simone Cantagallo, (+39) 06 51899030; for Italian media inquiries To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/igt-completes-sale-of-double-down-interactive-llc-to-doubleu-games-300467524.html SOURCE IGT [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The result of Rajasthan Pre Teacher Eligibility Test (PTET) 2017 has been declared today. The examination was conducted on May 14 for admission to BEd colleges. By India Today Web Desk: The result of Rajasthan Pre Teacher Eligibility Test (PTET) 2017 has been declared today, on June 1, by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi University, Rajasthan at 1 pm. All those candidates who had appeared for the same are required to check their respective results from the official website www.ptet2017.com The examination was conducted on May 14 for admission to BEd colleges in the State from 2 pm to 5 pm in a single session. Nearly 2.8 lakh candidates appeared for the same. Steps to check the result Log on to the official website www.ptet2017.com Click on the link 'Result Integrated- 2017' In the provided fields, enter the required details Click on submit Your result will be displayed on your screen Download the same and take a printout for future reference advertisement Now, a merit list will be prepared of the selected candidates. About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer is a prominent affiliating university in the state of Rajasthan. Established on August 1, 1987, after the bifurcation of the University of Rajasthan, the university was positioned as a university for colleges.Today, the university offers 147 programmes of learning including 1 certificate, 7 diploma, 1 advanced diploma, 23 graduate degree, 2 PG certificate, 15 PG diploma, 3 advanced PG diploma, 51 PG degree, 14 MPhil and 30 PhD programmes. Read: Odisha JEE Results 2017 declared at odishajee.com: How to check Read: Bihar Board Class 10 Exam 2017: Result likely to be declared by June 15 Get latest updates on exam notifications and scholarships across India and abroad here. --- ENDS --- [June 01, 2017] Revcontent Launches 'Truth in Media Initiative' as an Industry-First for Content Recommendation Companies to Combat Fake News Revcontent, the world's largest content recommendation network, officially launched its Truth in Media Initiative today as an industry-first for content recommendation companies to continue the fight against fake news with the inclusion of a user driven-feedback mechanism. This mechanism allows consumers to report articles they believe may be fake news directly from Revcontent widgets. This is in addition to the substantial enforcement Revcontent has always had on this front since inception. With consumer protection as the #1 goal, this control was needed to ensure users had a voice in what content appeared as they browsed the web. Entirely in the user's control, consumers have the ability to report content as Fake News and allows Revcontent algorithms to learn from that across all Revcontent widgets. "This is the first step in our Truth in Media Initiative that we're really ecited to launch. We have always been proactive in ensuring our consumers are protected with industry-leading technology that drives a powerful user experience, and now we also have an opportunity for them to report misinformation," said Richard Marques, Chief Marketing Officer at Revcontent. "The cornerstone of journalism is about a relationship between media companies and their users. As with any relationship, it needs to be built upon trust and creating a better user experience. This is very important to our company and our culture, and we are excited to be in a position to make an impact in this arena, especially in the fight against Fake News. We know that we and the entire online advertising industry needs to keep improving and making the user the first priority," said John Lemp, CEO and Founder of Revcontent. In the Truth in Media Initiative, Revcontent has several other tools in development to assist media brands and consumers both with combating problems facing the media industry. Over the next few weeks, these partnerships and innovations will be implemented across Revcontent's network that reaches 97% of U.S. households. For more information, contact [email protected]. About Revcontent: Revcontent is the world's largest content recommendation network, according to Quantcast (News - Alert), powering 250 billion content recommendations per month. Revcontent partners with the largest media brands in the world such as Forbes, Newsweek, Reuters (News - Alert), and more. Founded by John Lemp, Revcontent's headquarters lies in Sarasota, Florida with global offices including London, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Mumbai, Toronto, and more coming soon. Revcontent reaches 97% of US households, according to Quantcast, and has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post (News - Alert), Fox News, and more. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170601006612/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 01, 2017] Government of Canada Announces $1 Million for Clean Technology to Enhance Urban Rail Systems Western Innovation Initiative funding helps companies quickly move their ideas to market EDMONTON, June 1, 2017 /CNW/ - A globally-recognized Edmonton company, Willowglen Systems, will soon be able to power more efficient metro rail transit systems worldwide and contribute to job growth in the local economy, with the Government of Canada's investment of $1 million. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada released this statement today. Willowglen Systems will use the funding to commercialize and market the next generation of SCADACOM Transit ICS, its integrated control system for metro-rail applications. The system can monitor all aspects of a metro-rail network giving operators and supervisors complete situational awareness of their system in real-time, resulting in higher safety standards, reliability, and economical and environmental efficiencies. The company currently employs 60 people and is looking to increase its technical staff by over 100 additional employees as a result of this commercialization project. There is a growing global demand for safe and efficient metro rail systems. Currently, over three billion riderstravel annually on light rail, subway, and intercity rail systems monitored by Willowglen technologies. This number is projected to climb to 10 billion riders within six years. This investment is one of several successful projects to be announced under the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. The program provides $100 million in repayable contributions to small- and medium-sized companies in Western Canada. Quotes "Willowglen Systems is an excellent example of a company that has diversified its business to support a growing industry. By investing WINN funding into innovative companies such as Willowglen, the Government of Canada is helping Canadian companies compete globally while creating more high-quality jobs for Albertans." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada "The WINN funding will enable Willowglen Systems to build on the success our metro-rail solutions have enjoyed and expand our customer and brand reach into a broader global market. Our mission is to raise the bar on safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship of metro and regional rail systems worldwide. We are very proud that the technologies we will deliver today will help ensure a cleaner planet for years to come." - Wayne Karpoff, President, Willowglen Systems Additional Links Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative Willowglen Systems Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada WD Homepage WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378) TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL. SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] November 2022 is Subscriber Appreciation Month We're launching a full month of surprises to say thank you to our most loyal subscribers! Council approves rules to limit self-storage growth Future self-storage facilities in the city of Thousand Oaks will be excluded from prime commercial areas, according to a new ordinance adopted by the City Council this month. In a... Dealership does Distinguished thing SPECIAL TRIPChildren from Boys & Girls clubs in Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark, and Oxnard and Port Hueneme attended Misty Copelands Oct. 18 appearance in the Distinguished Speaker Series at... Stagecoach Inn honors veterans The Stagecoach Inn Museum is honoring those who served with a Veterans Day exhibit featuring museum volunteers who have served in the military as well as family members who have... Rajinikanth was spotted riding a motorbike on the sets of Kaala Karikaalan in Mumbai last night. By India Today Web Desk: The shoot for Rajinikanth's next film, Kaala Karikaalan, is already underway in Mumbai and fans all over the country and the world are losing their minds wondering what Kaala is all about and what Rajinikanth is up to on the movie's sets. Well, the Thalaivar was recently spotted riding a motorbike on the sets of Kaala Karikaalan. Donning what appears to be a black Pathani suit, Rajinikanth is seen riding pillion on the bike, in a Mumbai suburb. advertisement Earlier it was speculated that Rajinikanth's role in Kaala Karikaalan was inspired by the life of Mumbai-based smuggler and business Haji Mastan. After Sunder Shekhar, apparently the adopted son of Haji Mastan, sent a notice to the film's makers, the makers clarified that Kaala Karikaalan is not based on Haji Mastan's life at all. This is Rajinikanth's second film with director Pa Ranjith. The two collaborated on the 2016 blockbuster Kabali. Rajinikanth played a gangster in Kabali and he is playing a similar role in Kaala Karikaalan as well. But before Kaala Karikaalan, Rajinikanth will be seen in director Shankar's 2.0, the sequel to the 2011 film Enthiran, which also stars Akshay Kumar as the main antagonist. (All photos by Yogen Shah) ALSO READ: Anand Mahindra praises Rajinikanth, says he wants the Thar used in Kaala ALSO READ: Rajinikanth's Kaala not base don Haji Mastan, makers confirm WATCH: Rajinikanth may join politics with his own party --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: We all experience life-changing events in our lives, whether they are long or short. But do we all know how to get past them? A 36-year-old woman from Westwood, New Jersey, is showing us through her own example that you can get past anything--even brutal rape--if you have determination and hope. Picture for representation purpose: Picture courtesy: Facebook/Sandi Higgins advertisement According to a New York Times report, Sandi Higgins was raped while on a trip to India in 2009. She was in the country to make a documentary about Indian classical music. She made a stop at Mumbai, where she was going to stay with a friend, who was a member of the Hare Krishna sect. On discovering that her friend's house was infested with bed bugs, Higgins went to stay at the Hare Krishna temple's guesthouse. Also Read: Raped at 10, she now spends her life spreading awareness about sexual abuse Higgins was raped on a particular night when she ordered tea from the room service. She fell unconscious soon after having the tea, and woke up "to the sound of her own screams as a man held her down by the legs." The man hit her and fled once she started fighting back. Higgins reported the incident immediately, but was not taken very seriously by the guesthouse officials or the police. Picture for representation purpose: Picture courtesy: Facebook/Sandi Higgins In fact, she had to convince the police that she wanted to be tested. But once they took her to a hospital with inadequate amenities, Higgins backed out because she thought it was way too unsanitary. She claims that the police told the journalists later that this proved she wasn't raped at all. After this ordeal in a foreign country, Higgins returned home, where she says her family and friends were unable to acknowledge what had happened to her. Also Read: These pictures highlight exactly what you should not say to a rape victim The repurcussions must have taken a toll on her. Higgins says that she contemplated suicide in 2011. But soon after that, she took up meditation, yoga, and theatre. These creative arts helped her find "the courage to be herself again". She says that she still finds it difficult to kiss her male lead during plays, but is overcoming barriers with time. Picture for representation purpose: Picture courtesy: Facebook/Sandi Higgins "The kissing is hard for me," Higgins said in the interview. "What terrifies me more than anything else in my life? Having a healthy sexual relationship, I guess. Acting is one of those ways where you practice surrender," she added. --- ENDS --- advertisement The incident took place yesterday in the afternoon in Roshni Building, Veronica road, Bandra west where 63-year-old Nazeen Merchant stayed along with her only son Ajim. By Saurabh Vaktania: Mumbai is no longer a city for old people. In the posh locality of Bandra, a senior citizen, who was alone at home, was robbed of cash and jewellery worth several lakhs by two men. The incident took place yesterday in the afternoon in Roshni Building, Veronica road, Bandra west where 63-year-old Nazeen Merchant stayed along with her only son Ajim. advertisement Nazeen was alone at home as her son Ajim had gone to Leh Ladakh with friends, and when one of the robbers knocked on her door and told her that he had brought a car part that her son had ordered, she allowed him to enter the house. The other robber stayed outside. Once inside the house, the robber locked the door and then threw chilly powder in Nazeen's eyes before taking the locker keys from her and robbing her of cash and jewellery. When the crime branch unit 9 of Mumbai Police reached the spot, they were able to solve the case within hours and recover all the stolen goods, all because the robber had taken Ajim's name. "We first started getting the names and contacts Ajim's friends, because the accused took name. Therefore we concluded that it has to be a known person. Later we zeroed in on four friends of Ajim. We did detailed interrogations of his four friends of which one confessed to the crime. We recovered all the valuables," crime branch senior police inspector Mahesh Desai said. The crime branch arrested Ismail Nawaz Shaikh, 30, and Sameer Maula Ali Raichurkar, 32. Raichurkar, who is a friend of Ajim, stayed outside the house while the robbery was being committed by Shaikh. On further investigation, it was found that Raichurkar was in debt as he had lost a lot of money in business, and that Ajim had already given him Rs 5 lakh to help clear his debts. Also Read: Mumbai: ATM technicians caught for robbing Rs 28 lakh from machine --- ENDS --- The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a very good value because of its captivating infinity display, strong performance and long battery life for under $500. Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test . The Galaxy S8 has been around for a couple of years, but it's still a strong choice for those looking for flagship-level design and solid performance for under $500. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ boast 5.8- and 6.2-inch infinity displays, which go from edge to edge, and these handsets feature Qualcomms relatively zippy Snapdragon 835 processor for speedy performance. Were still not fans of the fingerprint sensors location. But when you add in excellent battery life and improvements to a camera that was already very good, you have two winning handsets with the Galaxy S8 and S8+. See our best phones list for all of our top picks. Galaxy S8 price and release date The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ were released in April of 2017. You can now get the Galaxy S8 starting at $499 with 64GB of storage. The larger Galaxy S8+ isn't as readily available, but it retails for about $589. However, we've seen this phone for as low as $364 on Amazon (opens in new tab). You may want to keep an eye out for Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals to see if these phones get discounted during the holiday season. Design: It feels like the future The Galaxy S8 exemplifies a nearly bezel-free phone done right. Samsung didnt just take away the bezels on this phone; it crafted a space-age work of art with a new infinity display that stretches from edge to edge. The Galaxy S8 not only has a slightly bigger screen-to-body ratio than LGs phone but also looks sleeker because of the way the Gorilla Glass curves toward the edges on the front and back. Other Android phones look like blah, flat slabs by comparison. The S8 is also thinner and narrower than the G6. The screen on the S8 is 5.8 inches, versus 6.2 inches on the S8+. But other than the difference in display size, the S8 and S8+ have the same design. Overall, we prefer the bigger screen on the S8+, but if you have small hands, youll likely find yourself repositioning the phone in your hand to reach certain buttons, including the home button, which is now a virtual button instead of a physical key. The button worked well in our testing, providing solid haptic feedback. Its flanked by the Recent Apps and Back buttons. Whats remarkable about the Galaxy S8 is how much more screen real estate it gives you compared with the S7, while still offering a compact and lightweight design. The S8s 5.8-inch screen is housed in a 5.5-ounce, 2.7-inch-wide chassis, whereas the 5.1-inch S7 weighed 5.4 ounces and had the same width. The S8 is taller, but its still easy to use with one hand. With its 6.2-inch screen, the 6.1-ounce S8+ is heftier than the 5.5-ounce, 5.5-inch S7 Edge. But the S8+ makes the iPhone 8 Plus (6.2 x 3.1 x 0.29 inches, 7.13 ounces) look positively bloated. Plus, unlike the latest iPhones, the S8 and S8+ have headphone jacks. No matter which size you choose, it wont be long before you see fingerprint smudges on the back of the phone. The smudges were especially prominent on the midnight black version of the S8 and S8+, but you can also choose the lighter orchid gray or arctic silver, which dont show smudges as easily. Swipe to scroll horizontally Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8+ Price From $499 From $589 Display (Pixels) 5.8 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED 6.2 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED Camera (Back) 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture Camera (Front) 8 MP, f/ 1.7 aperture 8 MP, f/1.7 aperture Biometric Scanning Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader CPU Snapdragon 835 Snapdragon 835 RAM 4GB 4GB Storage 64GB 64GB microSD up to 256GB up to 256GB Battery 3,000 mAh 3,500 mAh Battery Life (4G) 10:39 11:04 Size 5.9 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches Weight 5.5 ounces 6.1 ounces Colors Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Android Version 7.0 Nougat 7.0 Nougat Charging USB Type-C USB Type-C Wireless Charging WPC and PMA WPC and PMA About that fingerprint sensor We were worried that the fingerprint sensors placement right next to the camera on the back of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ might be a problem. And it was, initially. Because the sensor is fairly narrow, its difficult to target it without looking. We got used to it after a couple of days, but we still wish it were below the lens. If you dont want to reach around the S8 to unlock your phone, you can choose from a couple of other biometric options that Samsung gives you. Theres facial recognition, as well as iris scanning. Iris scanning unlocks your phone faster and even works in the dark, but it doesnt work in direct sunlight; your eyes need to be fully open, so squinting isnt an option. The facial recognition is not only slower but also had trouble in direct sunlight and doesnt work in the dark. Our advice? Use the iris scanning everywhere except in the sun, and when there is bright light, just use the fingerprint scanner. Display: The perfect screen is here Apple is bringing an OLED screen to the iPhone X, but you have to pay a grand for the privilege. Sporting a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels, both the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ turned in nearly perfect scores on our tests, offering a very bright picture, amazingly vivid colors and near-perfect color accuracy. The extra-wide 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with some apps, but overall, we like how immersive the experience is when watching video and playing games. When watching the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer, we could make out every wrinkle in Reys hands as she seemed to levitate the rocks around her with the Force, as well as every rising ring of smoke around Kylo Rens smoldering mask. As the camera panned around to the island where Luke was training Rey, it was hard not to be impressed by the golden sunshine that reflected off the water, as well as the lush, green foliage dotting the mountains. The S8 backed up our experience by reproducing a superb 183 percent of the sRGB color gamut. That blows away the LG G6s 134 percent, but the AMOLED screen on the Google Pixel scored an even higher 191 percent. (However, when you turn on Adaptive Display mode on the Galaxy S8, it can reach as high as 255 percent.) If youre looking for accurate color, the S8 can deliver that, too. In its AMOLED photo mode, the display notched a Delta-E score of 0.28 (0 is perfect). The LG G6 was closest, at 1.01, but the Pixel XL was way behind, with 5.88. Like the LG G6, the Galaxy S8s screen is HDR certified, which means you can enjoy a wider range of colors and better contrast on videos that support the standard. Amazon, Netflix and YouTube offer a growing variety of HDR-ready movies and shows. The 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with every app. For instance, in Super Mario Run, we noticed unsightly bars above and below the game. But Samsungs own apps are optimized, and you can fill the screen by pushing a button while watching YouTube and Netflix, even if the video looks a bit stretched out. Since our initial review, some users complained about a red tint appearing on their S8 screens, but Samsung has released a fix. Audio: Poppin For a small speaker, the Galaxy S8 pumps out pretty sweet sound. When we listened to Justin Timberlakes Cant Stop the Feeling, on this phone, the lyrics were clearer, and the volume was louder, than the same track on the LG G6. The latter handset sounded slightly muffled by comparison. However, you dont get stereo sound from the Galaxy S8 as you do from the HTC U Ultra. The S8's Snapdragon 835 muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market. Performance: A handheld powerhouse The Galaxy S8 goes boldly forward into a new era of speed, thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 system on a chip (at least in the U.S.; in other regions, the S8 will have Samsung's Exynos 8895 chip). The S8 also comes with a healthy 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage (twice the amount you get from base models of the LG G6 and the Google Pixel) and microSD card expansion for people who need even more space. When you put it all together, the S8's muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market, but it falls short of the iPhone 8's A11 Bionic chip. The S8 almost always feels exceedingly snappy, no matter if you're vaulting over Goombas in Super Mario Run or mowing down aliens in N.O.V.A. Legacy. We didnt experience any lag when using multiwindow mode for chatting with friends while streaming video on YouTube. If you pay close attention, you may notice that some of the transitions when switching between apps aren't 100 percent smooth, but that seems mostly cosmetic. In terms of benchmark performance, the Galaxy S8s multicore score of 6,295 in the Geekbench 4 overall performance test was more than 50 percent higher than that of its closest Android competitor, the Snapdragon 821-powered Google Pixel XL (4,146). However, the iPhone 8 scored above 10,000 on this test. The Galaxy S8's graphics power was also quite impressive, as it hit 36,508 on 3DMark's Ice Storm Unlimited test. Other Android adversaries, like the LG G6 (29,611) and the Google Pixel XL (28,182), were farther behind. But the iPhone 8 scored a much higher 64,532. New for the S8 is Samsung's Device Management tab, which is best accessed by swiping in from the Edge tab. It offers a quick look at the status of your device, including battery status, power mode (optimized, performance, game or entertainment), available storage and your current memory usage. There's even an optimization button that cleans up any lingering apps and clears your cache, which is a handy tool for people who go weeks or months without actually turning off their devices. Cameras: Better on both the front and back When we first found out that the S8's 12-megapixel rear camera is ostensibly the same as the one on last year's S7, we were a bit disappointed. But that rush of emotion was a bit premature, because under the hood, Samsung made some important software enhancements. And then you toss in a new, higher-resolution, 8-MP front cam, and you get a phone that produces noticeably better pictures no matter which shooter you're using. The most important tweak comes in the form of Samsung's new multi-image photo processing, which mimics the operation of the Google Pixel's HDR+ mode by taking multiple pictures when you press the shutter, selecting the best one, and enhancing that image with extra details and info from the remaining two pics. When we took both the S8+ and a Pixel XL out for some side-by-side testing, it was clear that Samsung's adjustments have had a pretty positive effect. At a nearby farmer's market, the S8 captured a crate full of apples with better contrast, richer colors and better details than the Pixel XL. And when I continued down the street, the S8+ topped the Pixel XL again when I snapped a pic of some flowers, this time offering better white balance than Google's phone, as evidenced by the greenish hue on the white flower's petals. But it wasn't a clean sweep for the S8+. When I really tried to push both cameras to the limit by shooting a backlit scene pointing straight at the sun, the Pixel XL stunned us with a shot featuring big, bold colors and sharp details, even though there was some serious lens flare going on. Inside, in pretty much ideal conditions, the S8+ and the Pixel XL were again neck and neck. The one difference is that the Pixel's cool color tone brought out the green in the pistachio macaroon, while the pic from the S8 sported a more neutral white balance, which led to a more pleasing overall photo. Finally, at a local bar with even less light to work with, both the Pixel XL and the Galaxy S8 impressed us with photos that were brighter than the scenes in real life. Small differences included less blown-out highlights in the S8's pic, which was countered by more detail in the darker areas of the scene in the Pixel's photo. When it comes to tweaking your photos or changing modes, Samsung has added new Snapchat-like filters that let you decorate faces with various animal masks, hats and other silly emojis. But if that doesn't strike your fancy, the camera also comes with modes for shooting panoramas, food, slow-mo and more. And as with all good camera apps, there's also a Pro mode that lets you adjust settings manually. As for selfies, the S8 and S8+ sport new 8-MP cams with a wide-angle lens, which makes it easy to snap you and all your besties at once. However, compared with the Pixel XL's 8-MP camera, the S8's selfies can sometimes be a little lacking. We compared photos shot by the S8 and the Pixel XL outside on a sunny day. The Pixel XL's photo had an extra level of sharpness and detail we didn't get from the S8+. Our face looked a little too smooth and perfect on the Samsung, to the point where we were wondering whether Beauty Mode was kicking in even when we had it set to 0. The Galaxy S8s camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and slow-mo video at up to 240 frames per second at 720p. (In comparison, the LG G6 shoots at just 60 fps in slow-mo.) To test the Galaxy S8s video quality, we shot some footage of a pond with fish swimming about in 4K. The S8s footage looked crisper and more vibrant than what the iPhone 7 Plus captured, even if the colors looked a bit oversaturated. However, when we put both phones on a mount to test image stabilization, the iPhone 7s video looked smoother; we saw a bit of stuttering in the S8s footage as we walked up a grassy hill. For a hallmark feature on a flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now. Bixby: Still a work in progress The Galaxy S8 introduces a new personal assistant, Bixby, to take on the likes of Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. And for a hallmark feature on Samsung's flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now, even after Samsung has rolled out voice controls to its virtual assistant. The main difference between Bixby and other digital assistants is that it lets you use voice commands to control your phone in lieu of tapping the screen, which can save you time and energy. You can also use Bixby to tell you the weather or look up the definition of quixotic, but its real purpose is giving you a whole new way to control your phone. For instance, you can ask Bixby to show you emails from a specific person by name, and it will slickly pull up all your conversations in just a couple seconds. That's way faster than tapping to open the email app, hitting search and then typing in that person's name. Bixby can also understand complex commands with contextual language, so you can do things like ask Bixby to post the last photo you took to Instagram and add a caption, all with one command. You can also change almost any setting on the S8 using your voice, which is often much faster than trying to dig through a modern phone's increasingly complex array of menus and tabs. Or at least, that's how things should work. The big problem is that Bixby's voice-command functionality, while now available, was pretty erratic when we tested it. Sometimes Bixby will fail to understand your language at all, while other times, Bixby will get confused and try to open the wrong app or adjust incorrect settings. But every once in a while Bixby will get everything right and you won't even be able to tell that its voice commands are still a work in progress. Currently, simple commands have the best success rate. MORE: 11 Coolest Things Bixby Voice Can Do on the Galaxy S8 As of August 22, Samsung announced that the Bixby voice command feature is now available in more than 200 countries and territories, though you'll still need to use either English or Korean to make it work. Support for additional languages, as well as more third party apps, is in the works. Then there's Bixby Vision, which leverages the S8's camera along with object recognition to identify items in the world. We found this worked pretty well when we pointed the S8 at various household items, such as shampoos, snacks and aluminum foil. It also works for books. After pointing the Galaxy S8's camera at any object, we could check prices online on Amazon. Say you're at the liquor store and want to know the rating of that wine or what food to pair it with. Bixby has also partnered with Vivino to identify that bottle and spit back information. However, at a wine store in New York, the feature was more miss than hit, as it seemed to have trouble with the bright lights. At home, however, Bixby identified three wines correctly, though we were greeted with a home server error. Bixby's other talents include the ability to set reminders and a Bixby Home tool with a card-based interface that shows you your schedule, what's trending on Facebook, the weather, news and other info. All told, Bixby is a frustrating mix of success and failures, though there is a lot of potential should Samsung work out all the kinks. Thankfully, though, you can turn to the Google Assistant, which also comes preloaded on the S8. Software: Feature-rich but accessible Running Android 7.0 Nougat, the Galaxy S8 still has a skin on top of Android, but its fairly intuitive, and Samsungs minimalist, line-drawn icons are easy to understand. We like that you dont have to tap a button to see all of your apps from the home screen; just swipe down from the middle of the screen, and then swipe left to see more apps. If you swipe down from the very top of the screen from wherever you are, youll see your notifications and Samsungs quick-settings shortcuts. Finally, swiping in from the left provides access to Edge screen shortcuts, such as a customizable list of apps, a device maintenance screen (for battery, choosing performance mode, etc.) and a Smart Select tool for selecting an area of the screen and sharing it or pinning it to the top of your display. Youll also find a ton of advanced features. The ones at the top of our list include a one-handed mode that you can activate by tapping the home button three times to shrink the screen, as well as the ability to quickly launch the camera by pressing the power key twice. At least on the T-Mobile S8 we tested, there was minimal bloatware. T-Mobile included just five of its own apps: Device Unlock, T-Mobile, T-Mobile Name ID, T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail. Accessories: Way beyond Gear VR The Galaxy S8 works with the new Gear VR for those who want to experience virtual-reality games and content, but thats not the only interesting accessory. The new DeX ($149) is a dock that lets you use the S8 and S8+ as a mini PC. The dock can connect to a full-size monitor via its HDMI port, as well as a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth. It also has an Ethernet jack and a USB port. Out of the box, the Samsung Connect app will let you access and control various Samsung-branded smart home gear. For instance, you can start your Samsung robot vacuum ($549) or peek inside your Samsung Family Hub fridge (about $2,900) to see what you need from the store while youre out. But youll get a lot more possibilities if you buy Samsung's $169 Samsung Connect Home a combination mesh Wi-Fi router and SmartThings hub that will let you control other items, such as Philips Hue lights and Netgears Arlo security camera. Samsung offers a slew of other accessories, including an LED View cover for always having the time in view, a wireless charging stand and more. Check out our roundup of the Best Galaxy S8 accessories and Galaxy S8 cases. Battery Life One concern about a phone with this much screen is how that extra real estate might impact battery life. The Galaxy S8+ has a slightly smaller battery than last years S7 Edge (3,500 mAh versus 3,600 mAh), and yet the S8+ improved almost 1 hour, to 11 hours and 4 minutes, on the Tom's Guide Battery Test (continuous web surfing on 4G LTE using T-Mobile's network). The standard Galaxy S8s 3,000-mAh battery endured for 10:39 on the same test, improving on the Galaxy S7's (8:47) time by nearly 2 hours. We obtained these results with the phones resolutions set to their max 2960 x 1440 pixels. They come with the less demanding 2220 x 1080 setting on by default. MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life Compared to the Galaxy S8+, the Pixel XL's battery life was just a bit longer, at 11:11. The iPhone 8 Plus hit 11:16, while the smaller iPhone 8 lasted 9:54. LG G6 finished way behind, with a time of just 8:39. On top of that, the S8 has battery smarts that let it learn about your usage patterns to help extend its longevity even further. And when you need to juice the phone back up, you can take advantage of the S8s fast-charging capabilities via its included USB Type-C cable or use one of Samsung's slick wireless chargers (available separately). Bottom Line Its clear that, with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung set out to create more than a phone. Its trying to build a more Apple-like ecosystem, with devices ranging from the Gear VR and the DeX dock to the new Samsung Connect app for controlling smart home gear and the Bixby assistant. Its also evident that Samsung hasnt yet reached that goal, as Bixbys voice features can be hit or miss. But even with that shortcoming, the Galaxy S8 still beats the Android competition while surpassing the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in terms of design, display quality and features. The iPhones are better, though, when it comes to sheer speed and their cameras. Some shoppers will prefer a newer Android phone in the same price range, like the $479 Pixel 3a XL, but overall the Galaxy S8 and S8+ remain good values for those who prefer Samsung handsets. Credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide; Comparisons: Samuel Rutherford/Tom's Guide. Are phone passcodes protected by the Fifth Amendment? Florida judges seem to think not, but they do have different opinions on how to punish people who don't divulge them. On a single day earlier this week, one defendant was sent to jail for allegedly refusing to reveal his passcode, while a second avoided the slammer for now after he claimed he forgot his own. (Image credit: Karn684/Shutterstock) The first case involves Christopher Wheeler, 41, a Hollywood man suspected of child abuse. Broward County Circuit Court Judge Michael Rothschild sent Wheeler to the local lockup for 180 days on Tuesday (May 30), the Miami Herald reported. Rothschild found Wheeler guilty of contempt of court after the iPhone passcode that Wheeler gave authorities didn't work. In the next county over, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Charles Johnson gave Wesley Victor, 33, a pass for "not remembering" the passcode to his own BlackBerry, which police seized as evidence in the summer of 2016. MORE: How a VPN Can Boost Your Security and Privacy Victor is part of a slightly sensational case involving sex, blackmail and C-list celebrities. Police allege that he and his girlfriend Hencha Voigt, 29, star of the E! network show "WAGS Miami," stole sex videos from Miami Beach social-media celebrity and "influencer" YesJulz (24-year-old Julieanna Goddard) and were using the raunchy reels to try to extort $18,000 out of Goddard. The sex tapes ended up online anyhow, but there's no evidence Victor or Voigt posted them. The authorities wanted to have a look at Victor's phone for evidence, but he claimed that oops! he just couldn't remember what the passcode might be. Judge Johnson accepted that explanation Tuesday, ruling that prosecutors couldn't prove Victor was lying, and declined to declare the defendant in contempt of court. "The judge made the right call," Victor's lawyer told the Herald. "Many people, including myself, cant remember passwords from a year ago." Victor's lady friend Voigt will get her chance to try the same tactic in court next week. She did give the police a passcode to her iPhone, but it apparently didn't work. That strategy clearly wasn't successful for Wheeler, who continued to insist that the passcode he gave police was correct even as Judge Rothschild sentenced him to six months in the slammer. Broward County authorities want to search Wheeler's iPhone for evidence that he did in fact hit and scratch his young daughter. Many, but not all, judges across the U.S. have ruled that a secret password or passcode is personal information protected by the Fifth Amendment, which gives defendants the right to refuse to testify against themselves. (Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents insist that persons seeking to enter the United States can be compelled to unlock their smartphones and laptops.) But a Florida appeals court ruled last year that a Sarasota defendant suspected of taking "upskirt" photos of random women in a shopping malls had to cough up his phone passcode. Prosecutors in the Wheeler and Victor/Voigt cases are citing that as precedent. The password issue will likely have to go to the U.S. Supreme Court before it's truly settled. (The Apple-vs.-FBI showdown over iPhone passcodes in 2016 isn't directly relevant to this argument, as the suspect whose phone the FBI wanted Apple to unlock was dead and had no Fifth Amendment rights.) However, there's no such ambiguity regarding fingerprints, which most courts have ruled should be considered physical evidence and hence not protected by the Fifth Amendment (or the Fourth Amendment that governs warrants, either). So if a cop asks you to unlock your phone with your fingerprint, you can't legally refuse, just as you can't refuse to provide your fingerprints when you're being booked for arrest. Microsoft revealed a handful of details about the Windows Mixed Reality HMDs from Dell, Asus, and Lenovo, that give a glimpse at the variety we can expect from Microsoft's partners. Each headset offers a different range of features and capability. Last year, Microsoft announced partnerships with five leading hardware manufacturers to bring a range of HMDs to the Windows Mixed Reality (formerly Windows Holographic) platform. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo signed on to develop HMDs to complement Microsofts push into immersive computing. Microsofts Windows Mixed Reality platform features a mixture of virtual reality and augmented reality devices and specifications. The software giant set loose parameters for its hardware partners to follow, but each OEM is free to choose components that fall within Microsofts spectrum of HMD design freedom. What that means is each Windows MR could have wildly different specifications from each other. For example; Microsoft allows for HMDs with dual 1080 x 1200 60Hz panels on the low end, and 1440 x 1440 with 90Hz or 120Hz panels on the high end. Product designers from each company will presumably mix and match features from the low-end and the high-end buckets to find a happy medium of cost and features. Microsoft plans to launch the Windows Mixed Reality platform this holiday season, so we expect to see details about the upcoming HMDs soon. In fact, we expected to see the five partner HMDs at Computex. Weve already had a chance to try Acers MR developer kit HMD (which doesnt do mixed reality), and HPs Windows Mixed Reality developer kits are available to developers in the US and Canada already. The Asus, Dell, and Lenovo kits continue to elude us, though. Microsoft didnt have the Windows Mixed Reality HMDs on hand at Computex for us to see, but the company released a blog post that gives us a glimpse of the three unreleased headsets. Microsoft revealed images of the Asus, Dell, and Lenovo Windows Mixed Reality HMDs along with a sliver of detail about each one. Microsoft said Asus is making its HMD fast, powerful, and ultra-light, which we interpret as having a high refresh rate display in a lightweight package. The powerful description could indicate that Asus is pushing for a high-end experience--perhaps with additional features, such as the pass-through cameras the Acers kit lacks. Microsofts blog post mentioned that Asus package would include tracked motion controllers to compliment the headset. Microsoft also revealed a few sparse details about Dells upcoming Windows Mixed Reality headset. The company said that Dell is building an affordable consumer headset, which will bring mixed reality experiences to a broad audience. That statement isnt specific, but we can infer that Dells headset will land closer to Microsofts low-end reference design with 1080 x 1200 60Hz LCD displays and no integrated audio equipment. Dell is focusing on user comfort in the design of its headset, though, which suggests it could include 90Hz panels. Microsoft said that Dells Windows Mixed Reality HMD features a weighted headband to help balance the headset on your head. It also includes replaceable cushions that allow you to personalize the fitment. Microsoft said the Dell HMD includes a hinge that lets you flip the screen up to see the real world around you. Microsoft didnt have a lot to say about Lenovos Windows Mixed Reality headset except to say that it would be incredibly affordable and it would feature built-in sensors that enable inside-out-tracking that lets you move around your physical space while enjoying VR experiences. The image of Lenovos Windows Mixed Reality headset tells us a little more than Microsofts blog says, though. Its clear that Lenovos MR kit is the VR HMD we saw in January at CES. Because we saw the mockup in January, we know that Lenovos HMD includes a hinge like the Dell kit, that allows you to swing the visor upwards, so you dont have to take it off to talk to someone in the room or take a sip of a drink. We also know the headband is similar to the Hololens headband, and the headset fits over a pair of glasses better than HTCs Vive and Oculuss Rift HMDs. In January, we also learned that Lenovos headset would include dual 1440 x 1440 displays, would not feature built-in headphones and that it would ship with a gamepad in the box. Microsoft has several months to finalize the Windows Mixed Reality platform in time for the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, and as such, the companys hardware partners have several months to finalize their Windows Mixed Reality devices. We reached out to Dell, Lenovo, and Asus for more details, but they declined to share more detail at this time. We expect to learn more soon. ManoMotion revealed a camera-based 3D real-time hand gesture tracking technology that lets you see your real hands in VR, AR, and MR experiences on mobile devices. ManoMotion is a 7-year-old computer vision company based in Stockholm, Sweden that specializes in solving camera-based gesture recognition. Daniel Carlman, co-founder and CEO at ManoMotion, told Toms Hardware that his company decided to track the most difficult body part first, and it's doing so with great success. ManoMotiions technology can recognize and track up to two million gestures in real time. ManoMotion sees its gesture tracking technology as a competitor to Leap Motions hand tracking technology, but ManoMotion believes it has a key advantage of Leap Motion; its technology works with any RGB camera. Leap Motion fancies itself a software company first and foremost, but ManoMotion has a point; Leap Motions technology relies on a special camera. ManoMotions technology is camera agnostic. ManoMotion developed its 3D gesture tracking technology to work on standard 2D cameras. Carlman said that his companys software could determine depth with sub-centimeter accuracy, and it recognizes 17- degrees of freedom in your hands and fingers. ManoMotion said the complex structure of the human hand offers 27-degrees of freedom. ManoMotions framework currently recognizes 2 million hand gestures in real time, and its the companys intention to improve its algorithms over time to recognize all 27-degrees of motion so the gesture list should grow substantially. ManoMotions software also recognizes dynamic gestures, such as swiping, clicking, and grabbing. ManoMotion said that its 3D hand gesture tracking software is lightweight and doesnt require much CPU, GPU, memory, or battery power to operate. ManoMotions software works well on older hardware, too. Carlman told us that ManoMotion tested its gesture tracking technology on Samsungs Galaxy S6 and the older smartphone recognized gestures with 15ms of motion to photon latency. Newer hardware should offer better performance figures. ManoMotions hand gesture technology works on Android and iOS devices. The SDK allows developers to create augmented reality experiences for smartphones with Unity. Smartphone AR experiences that feature ManoMotions gesture tracking technology can bring a digital facsimile of your real hands into the digital experience on your smartphones screen. ManoMotions technology can also be adapted for virtual reality and mixed reality use cases. Carlman said the SDK supports Googles virtual reality platforms, too. Many Google Cardboard and knock-off VR headsets offer camera pass-through. Any of those HMDs would allow the use of ManoMotions technology. Carlman said the SDK also support Googles Daydream platform, though, that support will remain dormant for the time being. Googles Daydream View headset doesnt include a hole on the faceplate for the camera, but Carlman said Google assured ManoMotion that future Daydream headsets would offer a camera option. ManoMotion also has plans to embrace Microsofts Mixed Reality platform. The lower end Microsoft MR headsets, such as Acers MR dev kits, dont include pass-through cameras, so dont expect Windows VR headsets to get ManoMotion support anytime soon, by the HoloLens is on the menu. ManoMotion said that it would have more to say about HoloLens support in the coming weeks. ManoMotion used to offer its technology on a case-by-case basis to select customers. Now, the company is offering an SDK to anyone whos interested in testing the technology. The company offers its SDK with a freemium licensing model; the software is free to use for limited personal projects and prototyping, but if you want to commercialize your product youll have to work out a licensing agreement. ManoMotion offers licensing packages on a credit system that lets you scale your license volume as needed. The ManoMotion SDK is available now from the ManoMotion website. For more information about the licensing options, you can register for the companys developer program. Update, June 1, 2017, 3:50pm PT: fixed a broken video link. triple js digital sister station Double J is as nostalgic as the rest of us for the 90s, a decade that, for many, set one of the highest standards for music in Australia and around the world. So, for a month the station is going into full-on celebration mode, and have just picked their top 50 Australian songs from the decade. So, who has taken out the prestigious #1 spot? You Am I, with their seminal hit Berlin Chair. Not a surprising pick by any stretch, although were sure plenty of people would have been pushing for Truly Madly Deeply or any number of other Aussie hits. The station has also put together their lists of 50 Most Overlooked Songs of the 90s, 50 Most Important Female Artists of the 90s and 50 Best Live Acts of the 90s, and will be counting them all down from 1pm each week from 1pm on Saturdays. In fact, itll be a full 90s takeover from Thursday through Sunday all month, with 90s-tinged J Files, Live at the Wireless, and a very special 90s themed Artist in Residence by Spiderbait frontman KRAM. It all starts up tonight with Richard Kingsmills J Files examination of the rise of grunge, with Britpop and more to follow. Myf Warhurst is even popping up for a 90s-themed quiz each Friday, so its probably just best to set the digital dial to Double J and leave it there. Head to the Double J website to count down the rest of the top 50, and all the other 90s goodies theyve got in store for us. 2016 was a big year for Spilt Milk festival, launching with a lineup that boasted huge names like Flume, Sticky Fingers and Violent Soho, but soon attracted criticism for featuring just one female artist. Neverthess, the festival had an impressive first year overall, and is back with some bigger plans in 2017, announcing that it will all be going down once again on Saturday November 25 at Canberras Commonwealth Park, with presale signup now available through the website. As Music Feeds reports, Spilt Milk is hoping to be the first festival to trial the harm-reduction measure of pill testing at this years event, with Harm Reduction Australia President Gino Vumbaca stating that he hopes to work with government to see it introduced this year. Our attention is now focused on working with Government to get them to endorse or support or whatever word they want to use our trial at an upcoming festival, which we hope will be Spilt Milk, he told the publication. Were confident that the ACT Government, once its had a chance to test all the evidence and [know] quite clearly how were going to operate, and the checks and balances and safety issues have been addressed they should be comfortable in at least trialling a pill testing program. Were not saying they should introduce it at every festival, or something that happens everywhere. Were saying a trial that happens at one festival. Well have to wait and see what happens on that front, but for now, were looking forward to seeing what sort of lineup Spilt Milk is preparing to drop on Canberra in the coming weeks.